GCSA of Southern California, Sierra Nevada GCSA and GCSA of Northern California hold elections and annual awards

Three GCSAA-affiliated chapters in the Southwest Region hosted their annual meetings in November, electing several new board members and handing out yearly awards.    

The GCSA of Southern California kicked things off as Red Hill Country Club played host in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. Ron Kerley of Wood Ranch Golf Club was elected president and Jorge Mendoza of Green River Golf Club and Jorge Morales of Alta Vista Country Club were both elected to the board of directors. Cole Yoshida of Nutrien was elected as affiliate liaison. 

Superintendent of the Year Award went to Justin DePippo of Bel-Air Country Club, Assistant Superintendent of the Year to Guillermo Pineda of Oak Creek Golf Club and The Excellence in Turfgrass Management to Kurt Desiderio at Oakmont Country Club. 

A special thanks to Red Hill Superintendent Von San Luis for hosting and having the course in immaculate shape for members and guests. 

The Sierra Nevada GCSA was next hosting their annual meeting at Whitney Oaks Golf Club in Rocklin, Calif. Billy Witt of Hidden Valley Lake Golf Club was elected president; Lonnie Dunn of William Land Golf Course was elected vice president and Guillermo Reyes of The Golf Club at Rio Vista was elected to the Board of Directors. Ryan Thornberry of California Landscape Supply was elected affiliate liaison. 

Whitney Oaks Superintendent Brad Bonino had the golf course in excellent condition and members were treated to a beautiful late fall day in Rocklin.

Lastly, the GCSA of Northern California hosted their annual meeting and awards at the Peninsula Golf & Country Club in San Mateo, Calif. Tim Powers, CGCS of Poplar Creek Golf Course, was elected president; Adam Levinsohn, CGCS of Berkeley Country Club, was elected vice president; and Brian Boyer of Cinnabar Hills Golf Club was elected secretary/treasurer. Newly elected board members include Conner Galea of Monterey Peninsula Country Club and Matt Dachowski of Lake Merced Golf Club. 

Excellence in Turfgrass Management (Public) went to Blake Herzog of Monterey Pines Golf Club; Excellence in Turfgrass Management (Private) went to Chris Dalhamer, CGCS, Monterey Peninsula Country Club; the George Santana Distinguished Service Award to Walt Barret of Green Hills Country Club; Bert Graves Affiliate Merit Award to Ryan Johnson of Sierra Pacific Turf Supply; President’s Award to Josh Lewis of Gradoville & Hertzing Management Group; and the Superintendent of the Year Award to Jeff Markow, CGCS of Cypress Point Club. 

Thank you to outgoing GCSA of Northern California President and Peninsula Golf & Country Club Superintendent Joe Budinich for playing host on a cool and rainy day in the Bay Area. 

Congrats to all the new board members and award winners in the three chapters and I look forward to working with you in the upcoming year.