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President George W. Bush recently visited Novozymes’ production operations and research and development laboratories in North Carolina. During the visit, which specifically focused on the company’s cellulosic ethanol conversion technologies and commercialization efforts, the president hosted a panel discussion with the company’s president, Thomas Nagy, and Dr. Kevin Wenger, who leads the company’s R&D team. In conjunction with the company’s protein engineering facility, the R&D group reduced the enzyme cost of converting biomass into fermentable sugars for fuel ethanol production. The panel was attended by guests and more than 200 Novozymes employees.
EPA’s Office of Air has received funding and approval to update hearing protector testing and labeling regulations, it announced earlier this year. The EPA is considering standards to replace the experimenter-fit method of the previous ANSI standard, and new ratings that may include a two-number range to express the attenuation expected from proficient and inexperienced users.
As a result of this announcement, the Bacou-Dalloz Hearing Safety Group has posted the document, “What You Need To Hear,” which provides an analysis of the proposed changes, on its Web site for free downloads: www.hearingportal.com/hearingconservation/hc-reg-ame.asp.
PrideSports, manufacturer of wooden golf tees, announces its Cancer Awareness Golf Tee Program, in which it donates proceeds from golf tee sales to breast cancer and prostate cancer research. Customers of the breast cancer awareness tees will receive a one-year subscription to Golf For Women magazine, while purchasers of the prostate cancer awareness golf tees will receive 12 issues of Golf Digest electronic pocket tips.
Aquatrols has joined the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Business and earned the agency’s Resource Inventory and Environmental Planning certification. In order to become eligible for the certification, Aquatrols committed to aligning its business operations with the efficient and sustainable use of resources, especially water, the company says. A cross-departmental team of Aquatrols staff members was formed to identify activities that match the ideals of stewardship at Audubon International, the company adds.
The Club Managers Association of America has announced that E-Z-Go has made a five-year, $1 million agreement to support the association and the Club Foundation. The commitment makes the company a Platinum Partner in CMAA’s Corporate Advantage Program, a collaborative effort among CMAA, the Club Foundation and 15 corporations. Through the agreement, E-Z-Go will support select events at the CMAA World Conference on Club Management, provide funding for the Club Foundation’s Student Chapter Conference Grant, and receive exposure at CMAA events and activities.
Lesco is getting behind NASCAR this year by sponsoring J.C. Stout and the Stellar-Quest Racing Team for the 2007 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, the company recently announced. As part of the sponsorship, Stout’s #91 2007 Chevrolet Silverado will display Lesco’s logo on its upper rear quarter panels during all races entered in 2007. Those events include venues such as the Lowe’s Motor Speedway, the Michigan International Speedway and the New Hampshire International Speedway.
The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation elected its 2007 officers and trustees at its annual meeting in December. Mark Jordan, CGCS, manager of natural resources at the Westfield Group CC, has been named president; Todd Voss, superintendent at Double Eagle Club, is vice president; and Dan Walter, superintendent at Blue Ash GC, is treasurer. Officers serve one-year terms. Trustees elected to serve three-year terms are Joe Enciso, Randy Shaver and Mike Dietrich. Also serving on the board are Glen Pottenger, immediate past president; Kevin Thompson, executive director; Dr. John Street; Doug Gallant; Mark Grunkemeyer; Kim Kellogg; and Don Lawrence.
ScottsMiracle-Gro has announced plans to purchase two companies that process bluegrass seed for the commercial lawn industry. The acquisition of Seeds Inc., Tekoa, Wash., and Dye Seed Ranch Inc., Pomeroy, Wash., will occur in separate transactions. Letters of intent with both companies have been signed, the company says. Upon purchase, the company says it will maintain both companies’ operations and continue to build on established relationships built between those companies’ growers and customers.
Six PGA Tour Superstores in the southeastern United States have been equipped with chipping, pitching and putting greens courtesy of Synthetic Turf International and its Atlanta-based distributor. Part of the company’s multimillion-dollar project, the Superstores feature short game greens and chipping areas complete with bunkers in the stores. Two stores also have putter fitting and training green areas. STI has provided its nylon NP50 turf, TP100 turf and SoftLawn synthetic turf solutions.
Simplot Partners formally unveiled its new logo at the Golf Industry Show in February in Anaheim, Calif. The new company design omits the hand-shake design it included in the early ’90s, the company says. The new logo includes the company name and identifies it as a turf and horticulture company.
Lanie Griffin, GCSAA’s career services manager, spoke recently at the Tiger Woods Learning Center in Anaheim, Calif., to educate children about the superintendent profession. Griffin spoke to a group of about 60 children at the program, along with Kevin Neal, CGCS, the Class A GCSAA member at Anaheim Hills GC. The TWLC includes a golf facility but focuses on education. Other guest presenters at the TWLC Speaker’s Bureau include Tim Spearman from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law; Vencie Glenn, businessman and former San Diego Charger; and Rock Ishii, a golf ball designer for Nike.
Club Car has extended its agreement to remain the official supplier of golf cars and utility vehicles for the 2010 Ryder Cup matches at Celtic Manor in Wales. The company also will continue its status as the official sponsor and official golf car and golf utility vehicle for the PGA European Tour. Club Car has been affiliated with the Ryder Cup and the PGA European Tour since 1999.
College students preparing for careers in turf management are encouraged to apply for the 2007 Because Green Matters scholarships available through Project EverGreen. Applications must be postmarked by June 1. Two scholarships of $2,500 will be awarded to a student majoring or minoring in a field related to the green industry, including horticulture, plant sciences, botany, agronomy, plant pathology and water management. Eligibility applies to two- and four-year program students attending institutions that offer turf, landscape and golf management curriculum. Visit www.projectevergreen.com/pdf/2007ScholarshipApp.pdf for an online application.
The Irrigation Association has earned the WaterSense label for two of its certification programs. The association’s Certified Irrigation Contractor and Certified Irrigation Designer programs were the first professional certifications to earn the label, according to the EPA. Certified irrigation designers and irrigation contractors in good standing with the association are now eligible to become WaterSense partners. Those certified individuals will also be authorized to use the WaterSense logo. The WaterSense label is used to recognize professional certification programs that encourage the use of water-
efficient practices.
Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. announces it has expanded its ARC chamber product line with additional production capacity at its Winchester, Ky., facility. The full line of ARC and traditional BioDiffuser leaching chambers will be produced in the expanded facility by the end of 2008, the company says. By consolidating the entire line’s production into one facility, the company says it’s creating efficiencies in production and customer service.
The Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council announced its leadership for 2007. Elected to serve as president is Jeffrey Fry, CGCS, superintendent at Lebanon CC. The council’s vice president is Thomas Bettle of Birdsfoot GC. Michael Zedreck, CGCS at the Pittsburgh Field Club, will serve as secretary-treasurer. Immediate past president is John Chassard of Lehigh CC in Allentown. Other newly elected board members are Greg Fantuzzi, Carlisle CC, and Tony Leonard, Philadelphia Eagles.
The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association recently honored several award winners for 2006. The CGSA Toro Environmental Achievement Award was presented to Sean Kjemhus, superintendent at Stewart Creek GC in Canmore, Alberta, and a seven-year Class A GCSAA member. Kjemhus completed an environmental project that puts into practice an Environmental Management Plan and made wildlife habitat protection and water management priorities at Stewart Creek. The Gordon Witteveen Award, which recognizes the best superintendent-written article published in the association’s GreenMaster magazine, went to Dean Piller, superintendent at Cordova Bay GC in Victoria, British Columbia, and a 19-year Class A GCSAA member. Piller’s article, titled, “Soil Physical Properties: Monitoring Oxygen for Success,” was published in the magazine’s August 2006 issue. Finally, the Editor’s Article of the Year award was presented to Pam Charbonneau, turfgrass adviser of the agriculture division of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Charbonneau is a frequent contributor to GreenMaster and the GTI electronic newsletter.
Profile Products LLC announces its acquisition of DryJect LLC, which manufactures the DryJect soil aerification system. The
purchase will give Profile a more integrated portfolio of soil aeration
services. Combining DryJect’s technology and franchise service network with Profile’s agronomic knowledge, products and distribution network will offer superintendents aeration that’s more flexible in terms of timing and less disruptive to play, the company says.
People news
The Rhode Island GCSA has awarded $15,000 in scholarships for 2007 to students either pursuing a degree in turfgrass or who are sons or daughters of association members. Recipients of the RIGCSA Scholarship are: Andrew Chapman, Robert Cross, Kevin Donahue, Ashley Fox, Heather Jarbeau, Meagan Leinhauser, Kara L. Smith and Andrew Wallace. Kelly Richard was awarded the Ryan Reynolds Legacy Scholarship, and the C. Richard Skogley Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Steve Doyle.
Steven Kent has been named president and chief executive officer of EZ Environmental Solutions Corp. Previously the company’s vice president of sales and marketing, Kent has 18 years of experience in industrial and commercial waste water reclamation and recycling.
KemperSports announces Joe Wisocki IV as general manager and director of golf for Chambers Bay, a soon-to-be links golf course outside of Tacoma, Wash. In his new post, Wisocki will manage pre-opening operations and facility operations upon the course’s June debut. Wisocki has worked for more than 18 years in the golf industry. He previously worked for The Wilderness at Fortune Bay in Tower, Minn.
Horseshoe Bay Resort, Horseshoe Bay, Texas, has appointed Brian Henderson as its director of golf. Henderson will manage all golf operations and maintenance practices, personnel management, budgeting and financial reporting for all golf departments at the resort. He recently worked as director of golf for The Ritz Carlton Members Club in Sarasota, Fla.
Steve Newton has been named executive vice president of the Southern Nursery Association. Newton previously served in the Bush administration as the state executive director of the Georgia Farm Service Agency. In his new position, he will oversee $1 billion in annual federal program payments to Georgia farmers through a network of 82 local offices and 350 employees.
Profile Products LLC has hired Jeff Langner as its executive marketing assistant. Langner will work on the company’s Keep America Playing initiative and other marketing efforts. He previously worked for Creative Group Inc., a corporate meeting and event planning firm.
Stephen W. Schroeder has been named general manager for Pasadera Country Club in Monterey, Calif. Schroeder will handle the club’s overall operations including marketing and membership growth. He previously worked as general manager of Harding Park Golf Course in San Francisco.
Mark Howieson, Ph.D., has been hired as product development specialist for Becker Underwood’s horticulture and specialties business unit. Howieson will focus on creating new products and improvements on existing products.
Kelly Watson has joined the Sports Turf Research Institute as an ecological and environmental consultant. Watson previously worked as an environmental adviser in the Members Research Service at the National Assembly for Wales.
Tecumseh Power Co. has promoted several service personnel in its service division. Dean Swansborough has been promoted to general manager of Tecumseh Power International Ltd.; Paul Bechwar is now the director of the service division; Jeff Sauter will now serve as the distribution sales manager; Ken Yoho has been promoted to distribution sales manager; Ken Schoening is now the manager of distribution programs; and Matt Gartman will serve as customer service manager.
The Toro Co. has appointed Scott Cornwell as its new national sales manager for its product line of Toro Dingo compact utility
loaders. Cornwell will focus on the continued growth of the Dingo family. He previously worked as national account manager for the company’s corporate accounts group.
The National Private Club Association has named Rick Jacobson its
Golf Course Architect of the Year, recognizing his work in golf course renovation. Jacobson, who was honored at the association’s annual meeting in Anaheim in February, recently completed renovation projects on several courses in Illinois, including Sunset Ridge CC in Northfield; Bob O’Link GC in Highland Park; Glen Oak CC in Glen Ellyn; Cantigny GC in Wheaton; North Shore CC in Glenview; and
the Indian Lakes Resort’s Blackhawk Tracy Course in Bloomingdale.
Jacobson founded his own design firm in 1991 after working as part of Jack Nicklaus’ design team.
Golf course briefs
Pooler Development LLC recently chose KemperSports to manage The Timber Banks Golf Club in Lysander, N.Y. KemperSports will provide development and marketing consulting services for the 18-hole daily-fee layout and will assume its operations in 2009 when it’s scheduled to open for play. The first Nicklaus Design project in upstate New York, The Timber Banks is a par 72 with an 834-acre residential community along the Seneca River.
The rebuilt 18-hole Club de Bonmont in Ormond Beach, Fla., was unveiled to members last fall. Following the member event, Club de Bonmont hosted its Fred Funk Day, where the PGA Tour and now Champions Tour golfer played with the club’s staff professionals and visited with guests. The $20 million project for the 20-year-old Club de Bonmont, which is part of the Plantation Bay golf community, included modernizing the layout designed by architect Steve Smyers, adding on a fitness center, renovating 10 tennis courts and erecting a new turf care facility.
Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf will design 36 holes of golf at Cabo Pacifica, a 1,850-acre resort community at the northern end of Cabo San Lucas on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. The golf course design company has created five courses and 99 holes of golf in the Cabo region over the past 13 years. For his contributions to improving Cabo, Nicklaus was recently awarded the International Network of Golf’s Achievement in Golf Course Design Award.
The historic Arizona Country Club, Scottsdale, recently unveiled the results of a $20 million makeover. Renovations included adding length to the par-5 10th hole and par-4 16th hole, creating new tees on the 1st hole, upgrading bunker sand, installing a new irrigation system and refurbishing the practice area. All enhancements were designed and overseen by architect and Arizona CC member Gary Panks. Development is also under way for a new clubhouse designed by Douglas Fredrikson and set to open this spring.
In November 2006, Shingle Creek Golf Club in Orlando hosted the third annual BCC/FAMU O.C.A.C. Golf Classic, a fundraiser for the Orange County Alumni Chapters Scholarship Funds for Bethune-Cookman College and Florida A&M University. The event was expected to pull in funds similar to the previous year’s classic, which raised $35,000 and drew 140 golfers. BlueCross BlueShield signed up as a title sponsor for the event along with Rosen Hotels & Resorts. Picerne Development Corp., Coca-Cola of Orlando, Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando and Toshiba Business Solutions also served as sponsors.
The fourth course at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is in the works. Old MacDonald, named for C.B. MacDonald, who designed National Golf Links, is set to open in 2010. The new course is a Tom Doak- and Jim Urbina-designed layout. The other courses at the resort include: Bandon Dunes, designed by David Kidd; Pacific Dunes, designed by Tom Doak; and Bandon Trails, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.
Camp Creek Golf Club, Panama City Beach, Fla., and SouthWood Golf Club, Tallahassee, Fla., have been selected by Florida Golf Journal for its “The Best of Northwest Florida,” a catalog featuring the top public, resort, semi-private and private courses in the state’s Emerald Coast. The Tom Fazio-designed Camp Creek, which was recently picked to host a U.S. Open Local Qualifier, was one of two private courses included on the list. The magazine praised SouthWood, a semi-private course, for its design crafted by Fred Couples and Gene Bates.
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