Hole Notes November December 2017 by Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents Association

Hole Notes The Official Publication of the MGCSA

MGCSA President Erin McManus, Equal To The Task

Vol. 52, No. 10 November - December, 2017

Thank You Annual MGCSA Sponsors

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Mark Your Calendars January 3, Beer and Pretzel Social at the Northern Green, Minneapolis January 9, 2018 Northcentral Outreach, Grand View Lodge, Brainerd, MN Host Mike Bohnenstingl January 22, 2018 Shop Tours, Meadows at Mystic Lake, The Legends Club, The Wilds with lunch at Versatile Vehicles January 29, 2018 Badgerland Outreach, Eau Claire CC, WI Host, Nick Pennovich, February 7, 2018 The National, Hard Rock Café, San Antonio February 21, 2018 Northwest Outreach, Crookston, MN, Host Kristie Walker March 8, 2018 Day On The Hill

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CONTENTS

Vol. 52, No. 10 November - December, 2017

Feature Articles:

EDITOR DAVE KAZMIERCZAK, CGCS

DAVE@PRESTWICK.COMCASTBIZ.NET

President Erin McManus: Up To The Task

pages

14 - 21

Keller Golf Course Earns Statewide Award By Chris O’Brein, RWMWD Nine Smart Salting Tips

pages

22 - 25

pages

26 - 30

pages

32 - 36

pages

40 - 45

By Dave Kazmierczak CGCS

By Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

UMN Turfgrass To Lead $5.4 Million Grant By Eric Watkins, Professor UMN Delegate Kevin Clunis CGCS Brings Home Message By Leann Cooper GCSAA

Monthly Columns: Presidential Perspective

By Erin McManus

pages

6 - 7

In Bounds pages 10 - 13 By Jack MacKenzie, CGCS Within the Leather pages 56 - 59 By Dave Kazmierczak CGCS

On The Cover:

MGCSA President Erin McManus in his element and up to the task in the Czech Republic Thank you Annual Sponsors for your continued support of the MGCSA

Improving Workplace Performace in 2018 By Dr. Bob Milligan on pages 50 - 53

Great Pictorial Content: The MEGA Seminar 2017 Southern Outreach Western Outreach

pages page page

38 - 39 46 55

Too Much Salt? pages 26 - 30 Hole Notes (ISSN 108-27994) is digitally published monthly except bimonthly in November/December and January/February by the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents’ Association, 10050 204th Street North, Forest Lake, MN 55025. Jack MacKenzie CGCS publisher. Please send any address changes, articles for publication, advertising and concerns to jack@mgcsa.org. Page 5

Presidential Perspective by Erin McManus, Superintendent Medina Golf and Country Club

Looking back on 2017, reflecting on what I thought the year was going to bring and what actually happened, was very eye opening. Going into the year, I was hoping for quiet, uneventful and “normal”. Finishing up building a new shop and several on-course projects, my staff and I were looking for a quiet season to just concentrate on growing turf and managing playability of the fine turf surfaces. The Medina Board of Directors decided to relocate a pond and add a tee complex and fairway bunkers on hole 16 as per our Master Plan. Those projects were very manageable, and would still leave us most of the summer to focus on the golf course. In late January, the Board made a decision to look into ClubCorp purchasing the club and that started the crazy season of 2017. We have always worked on small projects at Medina,

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from tee leveling to drainage and irrigation fixes. In 2015/2016 we took on building a new shop and adding on-course comfort stations, in conjunction with the land development on the West and North side of the golf course. Relocating a pond was the first task on the list and, when they added the Tee Complex and Fairway bunkers without adding money to the budget, our project list for 2017 became a challenge. We utilized our staff and hired out some of the projects and were able to meet budget even with the projects being delayed for weather most of the spring. These projects, combined with the Board and Membership making the vote to have the club sold to ClubCorp, made the rest of the season very interesting. The membership agreed to sell the club and property to ClubCorp with a closing date of late June, about the time we hosted the club’s premier event, The Invitational. ClubCorp does not just manage the

club, but they actually own the whole property. The most challenging part of the summer of transition was to fire and rehire the entire staff. Lots of paperwork to make this happen and then to get everybody set up in ADP and payroll, as well as Health Insurance changes. It seemed the stack of papers wouldn’t end. The accounting aspect of the club was changed with most of the accounting done at the corporate offices in Dallas, Texas. The onproperty accounting process was up to department heads, and that meant spending a lot of time on changing accounts and then figuring our what bills the “Old Medina” was paying versus the “New Medina”. Getting the reporting done and adding the administrative duties to the already busy schedule of trying to maintain a golf course has been an adjustment. Looking back on 2017, and how it went, made me realize that if you hire good competent people, you can rely upon them to get the job done. Kurt Wacker and Nick Walters have been my assistants for the past two seasons. They have really been able to step up to the challenge on getting

the job done despite the changes and continued to make improvements throughout the season. We get into the “slow season” and it seems we stay pretty busy despite not having golfers on the course. We rolled right into tree work and fixing equipment and are not looking at slowing down very much this winter. Getting all the new systems in place and making sure everyone and everything is ready for what I hope is going to be a slow 2018, season is our main goal as we finish 2017. Recently, I was given an opportunity to travel over to the Czech Republic to enjoy some big game hunting and bird hunting. The opportunity really capped off what has been a pretty crazy 2017 and was an opportunity of a lifetime. What is the next year going to bring as far as challenges or different opportunities? I guess we will see what happens next!!! My family andI wish you a very Happy Holiday and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

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MGCSA Shop Tours Event January 22, 2018 Legends Golf, host Scott Thayer The Wilds Golf Club, host Wes Stoneback The Meadows at Mystic Lake, host Pete Nolan

Shop Tours begin at Legends Golf, then moves to The Wilds, then The Meadows at Mystic Lake and ending at Versatile Vehicles for lunch

This popular MGCSA opportunity combines both education and social networking. Bring your staff, especially your equipment managers, and tour three very different turf management centers and Versatile Vehicles too. You drive between stops.

Cost of the day is $35 per participant and includes: coffee, donuts and lunch

Legends Golf Club Tour from 8:00 - 9:15 The Wilds Golf ClubTour from 9:45 - 10:30 Meadows at Mystic Lake Tour from 10:45 - 12:00 noon Lunch and Tour at Versatile Vehicle 12:15 GCSAA CEUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Random Participation Prizes to be awarded

visit the MGCSA.org web site for more information and sign up today Page 8

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In Bounds

by Jack MacKenzie, CGCS

Following a decade of meetings, phone discussions, conference calls, writes and re-writes, really rough copies and sort of rough copies, calls for pictures, committee meetings, agency input, association dialogue and allied industry review, the MGCSA BMP Manuals are almost ready for electronic publication,

Whew! The fledgling concept of developing a BMP Water Management Plan in Minnesota began in 2009 at a MGCSA MEGA Seminar taught by Dr. Robert Carrow as he touted the importance of protecting access to precious water resources through the creation of a state approved Best Management Program. Working diligently during the offseason, Keller Superintendent, Paul

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Diegnau CGCS, and I worked upon a Minnesota program utilizing other state BMP’s and their successful implementation. We anticipated the initiative would receive a warm and quick welcome by state agencies, as it was a simple idea, “irrigation efficiency and drought management reduction in exchange for access to water.” Unfortunately, for the next few years, we experienced two challenges, the first, our onagain, off-again pursuit of the program and the second, a lack of interest at the state level due to the fractured water responsibilities each agency maintained; the DNR regulated water quantity and the MDA monitored water quality. At the time, neither group saw an opportunity to cross their authorities and develop an encompassing program of benefit to all, especially our industry.

In 2012 the drive for state golf course BMP’s took on new energy as the Board of Directors mandated a fresh start. As your then recently hired Executive Director, environmental stewardship quickly rose to importance at many levels, including state golf associations, agency and legislative branches, private groups such as the Fresh Water Society and local watersheds. Committees were formed and rough drafts produced. The process was slow as agency leaders tended to change positions frequently mandating a new “sell” to new directors. Each year the MGCSA and golf industry

took baby steps and continued to promote the great story of golf. Two years ago, through strong industry persistence, both the Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources took an interest in our quest and began to understand our issues and desire to develop BMP’s with real-world outcomes. Old materials were dusted off and evaluated for relevancy as well as ease of reproduction. At this time the GCSAA also began working on a template to facilitate the creation of state BMPs using already proven materials. The stars were aligning and it became evident that the Minnesota Golf Industry would be able to provide and promote a

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tangible product with our agencies, legislatures and more importantly, the turf management community. In 2018 your association will roll out four manuals relevant to environmental stewardship and state regulations. Although our goal of legislation to protect our access to water is not likely, the DNR has been in support of a BMP based water efficiency and drought management plan created by area golf courses with their local hydrologists for surface water users as an element of their contingency plan and thus allowing for irrigation reduction but not complete suspension. And our

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friends in the MDA have actually provided the golf industry with their own versions of BMPs for pesticide and fertilizer applications as well as bulletins touting the latest in regulatory mandates. The four manuals are: The Minnesota Golf Course Reference Handbook of Maintenance Practices This 140page document is intended to provide a background about golf course maintenance to non-professionals such as course owners, green committee chairs, city officials and state agencies. MDA Agency Best Management Practices for Turfgrass Fertilizers

and Pesticides The Minnesota Department of Agriculture partnered with the UMN and MGCSA to create turf specific BMPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s using MDA generated guidelines. MDA Agency Bulletins Specific To Golf Course Management The MDA requested and helped create a vehicle to provide a handbook of relevant materials to keep golf courses educated on important regulations. Best Management Practices (BMPs) Water Use Efficiency/ Conservation Plan for Minnesota Golf Courses This material, once approved by the DNR, should allow individual courses the development of a local irrigation management plan through partnership with their local hydrologist.

These booklets, created with the help of many superintendents, state agencies, the GCSAA and our allied state golf associations will be shared with our legislators at the 2018 Day On The Hill event as well as promoted with other organizations when relevant. It has been a monumental task and marketing the finished products until the materials are commonplace will consume time in the years ahead. However the hard work of your association and persistence in touting the great story of golf, enhancing our industry partnerships and forging relationships with our agencies and legislators has been well worth the effort. Kudos to all individuals who have supported this initiative, previous Board of Directors for their foresight and our allies in the golf industry, the University of Minnesota, MGA, MNPGA, MWCMAA and UMWGCOA.

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Equal to the Task: MGCSA President Erin McManus

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If you ask him, he will gladly show you. In fact, he might even send you the video so you can have it perpetually. The video is a short clip of Erin McManus, Superintendent Medina Country Club and MGCSA President 2017. In the video, McManus is seen fulfilling his kickoff duties for the University of Minnesota Golden Gopher football team against the University of Michigan in 1997. McManus was the Gophers kickoff specialist. Now normally, the kicker is just that- the kicker. Tackling is considered optional and even when necessary, rarely executed. McManus’ kick went straight to Anthony Thomas of Michigan. Thomas was known as “The A-Train,” for obvious reasons if you look at him, and went on to a fairly successful career as a running back in the NFL. But on this play, he was no match for the “Irish Assassin” kicking secret weapon unleashed by the Gophers

“I saw McMa

that day. McManus out-raced his teammates and de-cleated Thomas, sending him hurtling to the ground after a massive collision. The hit was impressive for any player, but extraordinary for a kicker. Now you would think there might be some gloating from McManus after the play or even some high fives from teammates but McManus just got up like it was meant to be. Well, kind of. “I saw stars,” McManus related sheepishly. “My goal at that point was to follow a white jersey to the (correct) sideline. If you watch the (video) clip, it doesn’t look like it but from my point of view it looked like the red sea parting and there’s this guy 6’-4” 240 pounds that runs a 4-3 40 (yard dash). All I could think was which way is he going to go? Then instinct took over.” McManus was 5’-9” and weighed roughly 180lbs. at the time but on this day and on that play, he was at least equal to the task. “I got run over, but he hit the

stars”

nus sa

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ground and I hit the ground, “ McManus said. “I put a hell of a hit on him.” Being equal to the task seems to be a common theme in all that McManus does and all that he has accomplished in his career and life. McManus started his road to being a superintendent early at age 12, working for his father, Tim McManus who was Superintendent at St. Croix Valley Country Club in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. He worked there through high school in the summers and worked at Trollhau-

gen Ski Hill in the winters. It was there that he met Rick Frederickson, CGCS Woodhill Country Club, while Frederickson enjoyed some skiing and after some conversations, McManus found himself working at Woodhill while he attended the University of Minnesota with one of those years serving as an intern. It wasn’t a typical college experience for McManus. He walked on as a freshman and made the football team and was a member all four years he was in school. Coupled with that time commitment, was his work at Woodhill along with the

Still moving into his “new” digs following the construction of a new turf management center earlier this year. Page 16

classes and studying that goes along with college. It’s not surprising that his college life and experiences well prepared him for the rigors of assistant superintendent and superintendent life. A trip to the GCSAA National show his senior year presented an opportunity for McManus, as Mike Valliant, Superintendent at Sonnenalp Golf Club, offered him an intern position and off to the Colorado Rockies McManus went. After one year he went to Keystone Ranch, only to wind up back at McManus is fortunate to have an exceptional Sonnenalp from 2000staff to support the operation at Medina Golf and Country Club. Second Assistant Nick Walters 2004. While he enjoyed (left) and First Assitant Kurt Wacker. his time in Colorado, two life changing events oclong haul from Cushing WI, McMacurred that brought the McManus’ nus gets a lot of questions about the back home- the passing of both of 75-mile round trip through traffic. his parents and the birth of his first child, Annabel. It was then McMa- “Why do I drive this far, because nus knew he needed to be home for my kids are growing up 300 yards his kids to be close to his In-Laws from their Grandparents,” he said. and he resides in Cushing Wiscon- “I lost both my parents in 03’ and sin to this day. With Medina being a 04’ and that’s why we moved back Page 17

product. Bunker renovation and greens drainage highlight the list of things accomplished during McManus’ tenure but perhaps the most demanding was the construction of the new turf maintenance care facility in 2015, a project that was done mostly in-house Medina Golf and Country Club’s equipment manager using member conJeff Hall keeps the iron arsenal in order. tacts and with McManus as the general here so my kids could spend time contractor. McManus drew upon his with grandma and grandpa. Why ability and experience as a Superinelse would I do it?” tendent to get the job done. Upon returning to the area, McManus found an assistant’s job working “I learned a lot of things during that for Andrew Larson at Rolling Green time, especially that it’s hard working with multiple (members) withCountry Club in 2004, which was out a solid plan. There were a lot subsequently changed to Medina Golf and Country Club soon there- of times a decision had to be made, right or wrong at that moment and after. In 2009, the Superintendent you made them the best you could. job opened up and McManus has A lot like being a superintendent, served in that capacity ever since. you need to act fast and make a decision,” McManus said. The changes have been constant Hang around McManus long at Medina but McManus has just enough, (which in reality won’t take rolled with the punches and conlong) and you are going to see that tinually produced an outstanding Page 18

clip, which goes hand in hand with his other true passion other than turf management- gun shooting, dog training and just about everything else associated with the hunting industry. To say that McManus is an avid shooter is like saying Arnold Palmer was an avid golfer. McManus literally lives for the hunt, and has become very, very good at it. He shoots all sorts of guns, after start-

ing with shotguns, he progressed to pistols and precision rifles. He is active in shooting leagues, hunts frequently and guides professionally. He also trains hunting dogs and owns five dogs currently. Thoroughly versed in the industry, McManus has tackled this hobby with the same passion he does turf management or did “the A- Train.” However surprising though, it wasn’t always this way. “I blame my wife,” McManus said of his allencompassing passion for the shooing arts. “She thought I needed something else to do when we were in Colorado and I was working too much.”

Two of Erin’s passions: dogs and hunting

McManus related that he hadn’t really done much hunting or shooting when he was younger, concentrating on sports and working unlike most who are avid hunters. He didn’t really start shooting until age 28 or so when she bought him his first Labrador Lena. It Page 19

Erin’s first passion, his family: Beside Erin his wife Corena, and daughters left to right, Lorelei, Emily and Annabel

didn’t take him long before he was hooked for life and has made the hobby into almost a second career.

You might think with the football background, the hunting instinct and even a growth of beard that is approaching ZZ-top territory, that McManus is an ultra-aggressive loudmouth type with a chip on his shoulder, but in reality it’s quite the opposite. Five minutes after meeting him it is quite apparent he is an even-keel guy that administers with a quiet confidence.

in 2012 and became the SecretaryTreasurer in 2015 and Vice-President in 2016. He has served on numerous committees even before board service with the highlights being Research from 2010-2015. During that time he worked with Roger Stewart, CGCS and together they spearheaded the U of M/MGCSA member directed research that goes on to this day. “Roger Stewart got me to run for the board, and run for the Secretary/ Treasurer’s position,” McManus said.

McManus joined the MGCSA board If that’s not enough to fill one man’s Page 20

plate there is also what really matters in Erin’s life: his wife Corena, and three daughters Annabel, 14, Emily 10 and Lorelei 6. The girls’ activities keep Erin and Corena busy, although Erin admits Corena shoulders much of the load, especially after having quit her full time job a few years ago to tackle the toughest job there is- full time homemaker. “The girls are big into 4H, Gymnastics, Ninja Camp and Girl Scouts,” he said. It’s hard keeping up with it.” Whether presiding over the board, running the show at Medina, guiding the hunt or being the dad, McManus takes it all in stride but does so with all he has. When asked, he stated simply that he has one motto with

anything he sets out to do, which should most likely be the motto for every living being on this planet. “I don’t want to suck,” he said. “If I’m going to do something I at least have to be decent at it.”

“Double down” on his favorite things Page 21

Keller Golf Course Earns Statew Watershed Conservation By Chris O’Brien,

Ecological restoration work on Maplewood’s Keller Golf Course earned Project of the Year honors from the Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts at the organizaPage 22

tion’s annual meeting held Dec. 1 in Alexandria. Staff from the RamseyWashington Metro Watershed District (RWMWD) and Course Superintendent Paul Diegnau accepted the

wide Award for

, communications coordinator RWMWD

Left, Keller Golf Course pond buffer: Each water hazard at Keller Golf Course is buffered by restored native vegetation, providing important urban habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.

with Diegnau in 2003 by providing technical and financial support to install a natural vegetative buffer around a water hazard, an innovative practice at the time. In 2012, the course underwent a $12 million dollar renovatioand was closed for two years while fairways and greens were being worked on. This provided an opportunity for a large-scale $250,000 ecological restoration project funded by RWMWD, Ramsey County and the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Paul took a chance in transforming the course and making it possibly the most environmentalaward, recognizing a 15-year partner- ly friendly course in Minnesota,â&#x20AC;? ship that has created substantial urban said Bill Bartodziej, RWMWD wildlife habitat while protecting local natural resource specialist. waters from runoff. Today, the course boasts RWMWD first began working Page 23

26 acres of high-quality restored natural areas, the most of any golf course in the Twin Cities. It is a nationally certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, and more than 110 bird species have been identified on its grounds. A mix of native prairie, wetland and woodland habitat also provides home to deer, foxes, pollinators and other wildlife. Water conservation is a top priority at Keller Golf Course. Over 75 percent of the course runoff is directed into a large infiltration basin, which reduces nutrient loading into the nearby Phalen Chain of Lakes. An on-site weather station and inground moisture sensors help to formulate dynamic watering plans for each day, which saves millions of gallons of water and reduces runoff.

The community came together

to take part in the restoration. The Ramsey County Correctional Facility brought inmate work crews to prepare the site. Next, Master Gardeners helped teach and direct 350 students from four schools in planting the buffer and prairie areas. Interpretive signage explains the conservation benefits to course patrons, and staff give tours each year to university classes, professional organizations and civic groups. “From my perspective, Keller Golf Course is setting an example for others to follow,” said Diegnau. “By exposing golfers to our natural areas and incredible pollinator habitat, I hope they see how well the game of golf can co-exist with the environment – and that opportunities abound for landscape improvements, both big and small.”

The MGCSA Board of Directors looks forward to seeing you at the Beer and Pretzel Social during the Northern Green on January 3rd in The Seasons from 5pm until 6:30 Page 24

Interpretive signs depict various conservation practices at the course, including a constructed basin that collects and filters rainwater. MAWD Project of the Year Award: Staff from Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District and others accepted the Project of the Year award Dec. 1 at the Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts annual meeting. L-R: Lindsey Provos, water quality technician; Tina Carstens, administrator; Gerald Van Amburg, award presenter and Buffalo-Red River Watershed District board chair; Bill Bartodziej, natural resources specialist; Paul Diegnau, Keller Golf Course superintendent; Matt Doneux, natural resources intern; Simba Blood, natural resources technician; Paige Ahlborg, watershed project manager; Chris Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, communications coordinator; Marj Ebensteiner, RWMWD board president; Nicole Soderholm, permit coordinator; Sage Passi, watershed education specialist.

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Nine Smart Salting Tips That Protect Minnesota Waters

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency As the first major snow of the season arrives, Minnesotans are thinking about clearing snow and ice from pavement â&#x20AC;&#x201D; sometimes with salt. We scatter an estimated 365,000 tons of salt in the metro area each year. But it only takes a teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) recommends a low-salt diet for our lakes, streams, and rivers. Much like table salt, rock saltâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s benefits are peppered with danger. Salt helps melt ice on roads and sidewalks and protects drivers and pedestrians. But when the snow melts, de-icing salt, which contains chloride, runs into nearby bodies of water and harms aquatic wildlife. Chloride accumulates in the water over time, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no feasible way to treat or remove it.

According to the UMN, up to 78 percent of salt ends up in our ground or surface waters. Your practices make an impact. Page 26

A University of Minnesota study found that about 78 percent of salt applied in the Twin Cities for winter maintenance ends up either in groundwater or local lakes and wetlands. The MPCA has found that groundwater in the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s urban areas often exceeds the state standards for chloride contamination. Forty-seven bodies of water in Minnesota have tested above the standard for chloride, 39 of which are in the Twin Cities metro area. Though no environmentally safe, effective, and inexpensive alternatives to salt are yet available, smart salting strategies can help reduce chloride pollution in state waters, while saving money and limiting salt damage to infrastructure, vehicles, and plants. Do your part by following these simple tips: â&#x20AC;˘ Shovel. The more snow and ice you remove manually, the less salt you will have to use and the more effective it can be. â&#x20AC;˘ 15 degrees (F) is too cold for salt. Most salts stop working at this temperature. Use sand instead for traction, but remember that sand does

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not melt ice. • Slow down. Drive for the conditions and make sure to give plow drivers plenty of space to do their work. Consider purchasing winter (snow) tires. • Apply less. More salt does not mean more melting. Use less than four pounds of salt per 1,000 square feet. One pound of salt is approximately a heaping 12-ounce coffee mug. Leave about a three-inch space between granules. Consider purchasing a hand-held spreader to help you apply a consistent amount. • Sweep up extra. If salt or sand is visible on dry pavement it is no

Apply less. More salt does not mean more melting. longer doing any work and will be washed away. Use this salt or sand somewhere else or throw it away. • Hire a certified Smart Salting contractor. Visit the MPCA’s salt apPage 28

plication training webpage for a list of winter maintenance professionals specifically trained in limiting salt use. • Watch a video. Produced by the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, it offers tools for environmentally friendly snow and ice removal. • Act locally. Support local and state winter maintenance crews in their efforts to reduce their salt use. • Promote smart salting. Work together with local government, businesses, schools, churches, and nonprofits to find ways to reduce salt use in your community. Learn more on the MPCA’s website. If salt or sand is visible on dry pavement it is no longer doing any work and will be washed away. Use this salt or sand somewhere else or throw it away.

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Salt pollutes. When snow and ice melts, the salt goes with it, washing into our lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater. Once in the water, there is no way to remove the chloride, and it takes only one teaspoon of road salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water. Less is more when it comes to applying salt because at high concentrations, chloride can harm the fish and plant life in our waters.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Follow these simple rules to protect our clean water There are many ways to reduce salt use while maintaining high safety standards.

Salt pollutes.

Shovel. The more snow and ice you remove manually, the When and ice melts, goes with it,it can less salt yousnow will have to use andthe thesalt more effective washing into our lakes, streams, wetlands, and be. Whether you use a shovel, snow blower, snow plow, groundwater. Once in the water, there is no to or ice scraper, get out there as early as you can andway keep remove the chloride, and it takes only one teaspoon up with the storm. You may even decide that salt isn’t of road salt to permanently pollute five gallons of needed. water. Less is more when it comes to applying salt becauseisattoo high concentrations, can harm 15 degrees cold for salt. Mostchloride salts stop workthe fish and plant life insand our waters. ing at this temperature. Use instead for traction (but note that sand does not melt ice). Slow down. Drive for the conditions and make sure to give plow drivers plenty of space to do their work. Be patient. Just because you don’t see salt on the road doesn’t mean it hasn’t been applied. These products take time to work.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

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More salt does not mean more melting. Use less than four pounds of salt per 1,000 square feet (an average parking space is about 150 square feet). One pound of salt is approximately a heaping 12-ounce coffee mug. You may consider purchasing a hand-held spreader to help you apply a consistent amount. Sweep up extra. If salt or sand is visible on dry pavement it is no longer doing any work and will be washed away. Use this salt or sand somewhere else. Visit the MPCA Chloride website for more information:

www.pca.state.mn.us/oxpg9f1

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It takes 10x more resources to remove ice than prevent ice

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Liquids are easier to pump than dry salt is to scoop

Liquid anti-icing applications prevent bonding to pavement

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Liquid anti-ice applications do not â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;plow offâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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University of Minnesota Turfgrass Program to Lead $5.4 Million Grant Eric Watkins, Professor, University of Minnesota

The Turfgrass Science Program at the University of Minnesota was recently awarded a large grant from the USDA to continue working on fine fescues. The results of this project will be of great benefit to golf course superintendents. One of the primary outcomes of this work will be new fine fescue cultivars that can be used for fairways, roughs, and no-mow areas on golf courses. In addition, we are exploring new ways to make cultivar data more accessible and useful for professional turfgrass managers. This new project builds off of a previous grant that we received in 2012. At that time, MGCSA provided a funding match of $50,000, which was used to help fund research at the University of Minnesota. We are excited that we can now continue to expand on that first project and explore new ways to improve fine fescues. We would like to express our gratitude for the many years of support the UniverPage 32

sity of Minnesota Turfgrass Science Program has received from the MGCSA. Below is a press release from the University of Minnesota with more information about this project. There’s a type of grass, called fine fescue, that needs much less water and mowing than a typical lawn grass, and only needs to be fertilized once a year. Unfortunately, just knowing that isn’t enough to get most people to put fine fescues in their yard. Eric Watkins, professor in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences, is driven to figure out why. Recently he received a $5.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to discover what is stopping homeowners from

Above: Dr Brian Horgan talking about fine fescue fairway research at TROE. Photo, Sam Bauer. Below: Research trial comparing nitrogen fertility requirements of creeping bentgrass compared to fine fescue, Photo Sam Bauer.

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using fine fescues and how new varieties can be bred to overcome those barriers. This is a multi-institution effort that is working to increase low-input turfgrass use all the way from the grass seed fields of Oregon to home lawns in the Northeast. The funding for this project is made through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, which seeks to invest in longterm solutions that address problems in the overlapping systems of production, distribution and processing, and consumers and markets. This research initiative encourages collaboration, open communication, the exchange of information, and the development of resources that accelerate application of scientific discovery and technology to help U.S. producers be more competitive in a global market. Page 34

“We’ve known for some time that fine fescues can work really well as a low-input turfgrass,” says Watkins. “We’ve been working on some of the barriers homeowners face for the last several years, and will continue to learn more about these grasses so that we can release new varieties of fine fescues that are welladapted to our climate.” To begin the project, two members of the team from Minnesota, Kristen Nelson and Chengyan Yue, will identify what might be preventing people from using fine fescues. “Is it too hard to convert an existing lawn? Is the seed too expensive or hard to find? Maybe consumers simply lack the information they need to take the next steps,” explains Watkins. Nelson and Yue’s research will help pinpoint exactly why homeowners aren’t using fine

fescues. Once these barriers are uncovered, the project will shift to identifying solutions. “For example, researchers in Oregon are going to find ways to produce fine fescue seed more efficiently, which should result in better seed availability in local stores,” says Watkins. “Pathologists in Wisconsin and New Jersey are seeking solutions to the plant diseases that affect these grasses. Breeders and geneticists in New Jersey, Utah, and Minnesota are identifying genetic

markers associated with improved low-input turf performance that can be used in breeding programs.” The final step is making the information and the new varieties available to the average homeowner. To accomplish this, computer scientists at the University of Minnesota will create new ways to obtain historical performance data for fine fescues, while Extension educators in Indiana, Minnesota, and New Jersey will develop freely-available educational resources. “Our ultimate

Below: Fine fescue compared to other cool season grasses after a 60-day drought trial.

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goal,” says Watkins, “is to ensure that consumers have the opportunity to use lower-input grasses, like the fine fescues, which should result in significantly less watering, mowing, fertilization, and pesticide applications.” The transition of more lawns to fine fescues will mean less maintenance work for homeowners, and more sustainable lawns. NIFA announced 12 new grants in August 2017, totaling $35 million for science-based solutions and new technology for the specialty crop industry. They have invested more than $400 million through the SCRI program to date. More information on this project and the others funded is available on the NIFA website. Below: SCRI update is the NTEP fine fescue fairway trial. This trial is evaluating ff performance under simulated golf cart traffic.

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Page 37 Wee One Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit association. A tribute to Wayne Otto, CGCS.

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Minnesota GCSA Delegate Kevin Clunis CGCS, Brings Home the Message from Annual Meeting Leann Cooper | Senior Manager, GCSAA Chapter Services Key Messages • Association Report -GCSAA CEO, Rhett Evans briefed delegates on the state of GCSAA. He thanked the delegates and the chapters for their incredible support of the GCSAA Disaster Relief Fund. To date, total donations raised is $150,000. Chapters have contributed over $60,000. Overall, GCSAA remains on solid financial footing. In 2017, GCSAA is projected to have $18,066,000 in revenue and $17,963,000 in expenses. The Golf Industry Show remains the largest revenue generator for GCSAA. In 2017, the GIS net revenue was $3.88 million. The association expects to have a successful show in San Antonio. GCSAA continues to put its resources to work in areas that are focused on its members – research & environmental programs, field staff, career services, and advocacy & outreach, which have collectively experienced a 60% growth in funding since 2012. • Rounds 4 Research Auction - The delegates celebrated the success of the top 5 chapter fundraisers in the 2017 R4R Auction. Chapters are encouraged to find a champion – a delegate, the president, chapter executive – someone who will spearhead the initiative in their chapter. 2018 Auction will be April 30-May 6. Chapters just need to recruit the rounds to donate – EIFG administers the rest of the program. Call or email Mischia Wright, Associate Director, EIFG at 800-472-7878 or mwright@gcsaa.org. • State BMP Implementation – The delegates received an update on GCSAA’s goal to have all 50 states with a BMP in place by 2020. GCSAA thanked the chapters that have been working diligently within in their states to make this goal a reality. Ten states have a BMP in place, with 3 more set to come online this Winter. The State BMP initiative is gaining

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steam and we expect to hit the goal by 2020. Chapters/superintendents are encouraged to contact GCSAA through their field staff for assistance or additional information. • Government Affairs Briefing – The Government Affairs team brought the delegates up-to-date on three key priorities and asked for all members to get involved in GCSAA’s advocacy efforts. They can do this by: ◦ GCSAA now has a Political Action Committee (GCSAAPAC) to support advocacy efforts on behalf of the membership. The GCSAAPAC will distribute money to Congressional champions who help advance GCSAA’s Priority Issue Agenda. Delegates and members can get involved by volunteering to sit on the PAC Board, or by contributing. ◦ Attend National Golf Day on April 24-25, 2018. Registration opens on January 1. There will be a community service project on the National Mall again, and a Congressional reception at the Capitol Visitor Center. ◦ Be a Grassroots Ambassador – GCSAA is entering the 4th year of this important program that matches a member of Congress with a GC-

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SAA professional member. GCSAA has 305 Grassroots Ambassadors. There are still districts open and in need of a volunteer. Check out the Ambassador page on gcsaa.org or contact Michael Lee, Manager, Government Affairs, for more information. January 1 also kicks off the GCSAA Advocacy Network which offers GCSAA members who are not Ambassadors the opportunity to support the association’s larger grassroots army. Watch for a survey in GCSAA This Week. • Task Group Updates – Each year, GCSAA has numerous committees and task groups that meet to help guide the association. The delegates heard from three task groups with exciting new programs. GCSAA is focused on growing its value proposition with current and potential members. GCSAA asked these task groups to help increase the value students, assistants and equipment managers get in their membership by enhancing learning and networking opportunities. ◦ Equipment Manager Task Group – the task group helped launch two new certificates in 2017. Metalworking and Fabrication; Fundamental of Turfgrass Operations. This brings the total of certificates available up to 8. The task group will continue to work towards a new Certified Golf Course Equipment Manager designation. ◦ Student Task Group – The student task group provided feedback on a new online mentoring program; suggested free student web membership (which is now a reality) and helped with a new marketing piece aimed at high school students and their parents. ◦ Assistant Superintendent Task Group – Exciting news from the task group a new Assistant Superintendent Certificate Series is getting ready to launch. These certificates are aimed at helping assistant superintendents market their expertise and knowledge, although they are available to everyone. The Agronomic and Business exams will debut by the end of 2017. The 2018 task group will further define the remaining certificate criteria for content relative to communication/leadership, and environmental management. • Election Process – The delegates learned about proposed bylaws changes that would alter the current election process. The proposed changPage 42

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es are based on feedback from past delegates to make the election process clearer and to put the control back in the hands of the members/delegates. The changes would affect the election of directors and the process to fill the seat of a Director who either resigns, or has been elected to the Secretary/Treasurer position. ◦ No proposed changes to President, Vice President or Secretary/Treasurer election process. ◦ Each open director position would be voted on one at a time. ◦ Proposed bylaw change would require an immediate vote by ballot for any vacancy that might occur due to the unexpired director’s term in the Secretary/Treasurer election. This unexpired term would be voted on after the open position(s) for director(s). ◦ A proposed change to the bylaws will also address how to fill a term due to a resignation on the Board. Currently, the President appoints a replacement. The change would be to have the President appoint a replacement until the next election. The membership would then vote on the replacement. • Governance Updates – The delegates received an update regarding proposed changes to the GCSAA Bylaws, and updates made to the GCSAA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Guidelines. ◦ Proposed Bylaws Changes – delegates heard about proposed changes to the definition and requirements of the ISM membership designation, the changes to the election process and adding references to the Chapter Delegates Meeting and dissolution of the association. These changes would require a 2/3 vote at the Annual Meeting. ◦ Code of Ethics – GCSAA revised its Code of Ethics. All items that were not legally defensible were struck. ◦ Professional Conduct Guidelines – The items that were struck from the Code of Ethics as not legally enforceable were moved to the Professional Conduct Guidelines. • Interactive Meeting - Delegates took part in small group discussions and an interactive Town Hall with the GCSAA Board of Directors. • Candidate Presentations and Breakouts – the candidates for the 2018 Page 44

GCSAA Board of Directors gave presentations and visited delegates in breakout rooms. The delegates were awarded ample time to interact and ask questions of the candidates. Those running for the 2018 GCSAA Board of Directors are: ◦ For President – Darren J. Davis, CGCS ◦ For Vice President – Rafael Barajas, CGCS ◦ For Secretary/Treasurer ▪ John R. Fulling, CGCS ▪ Mark F. Jordan, CGCS ◦ For Director (six members are on the slate for two director positions) ▪ T.A. Barker, CGCS ▪ Kevin P. Breen, CGCS ▪ Nelson J. Caron ▪ Kevin P. Sunderman ▪ Rory Van Poucke ▪ Jeff L. White, CGCS • There are two open positions for director, with Kevin P. Breen, CGCS being at the end of his two-year director term and Kevin P. Sunderman is completing a one-year appointment. • Both secretary/treasurer candidates, John R. Fulling Jr., CGCS, and Mark F. Jordan, CGCS, are in the middle of their two-year director terms, so the unsuccessful candidate for secretary/treasurer will remain on the 2018 Board of Directors for the second year of their two-year term. • Under the current election process the remaining year of the successful secretary/treasurer candidate will be filled by appointment and since Keith A. Ihms, CGCS, was appointed to fill the rest of the first year of Johnny Walker’s two-year director term, following Walker’s resignation from the board earlier this year, the second year of that director position will also be filled by appointment. • If the delegates approve the proposed bylaws changes to the election process, these two one-year terms would be voted on by the assembly at the Annual Meeting. Page 45

MGCSA Southern Outreach at Riverside T&CC Host Josh Bruellman Thank You Sponsors and Speakers

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MGCSA Finance Committee and BOD Recommend Dues Increase Effective December 15, 2018

The 2016 MGCSA Board of Directors created and approved a threeyear budget to account for an incremental increase in revenue to cover anticipated increases in expenses.

gram was presented to the general membership in 2017 with no negative reaction. The dues increases are rounded up to the nearest five-dollar increment.

Our dues increase In an effort must take to distribute effect in the the increases dues cycle across the beginning budget and December over three 15, 2018 years, the and going Board chose through to increase November event fee 2019 to pricing by make the 10 percent in plan work. 2017; advertising and sponsorships This is because our dues statements by 10 percent in 2018 and member- are automatically sent on the 15th ship dues by 10 percent in 2019, of December for the year beginning with the net effect being a stable 2.8 January 1st and ending December percent increase annually. This pro- 31st.

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In order to do this, the 2017 Board of Directors will need to get ahead of the dues increase at the January 2018 Annual Meeting to impact the 2019 Dues increase.

Membership increases will be:

MGCSA A, B and C memberships 15 dollars from $150 per year to $165 per year MGCSA D membership 15 dollars If the BOD waits to send out our from $125 to $140 per year dues statements until after the 2019 MGCSA EM membership 10 dollars Annual meeting we will actually be from $75 to $85 per year impacting the 2020 dues structure MGCSA Affiliate membership 25 and veer from the three-year plan al- dollars from $225 to $250 per year ready proposed to the membership. MGCSA Associate membership 15 dollars from $150 to $165 per year The proposed dues increase ballot MGCSA Facility membership 15 will look like this dollars from $150 to 165 per year Retired membership 10 dollars fro The MGCSA By-Laws and Finance $75 to $85 per year Committees recommend a Bylaws Retired Class A membership 10 dolChange to increase MGCSA Dues lars from $70 to $80 per year Structure beginning on December 15, 2018 for the 2019 fiscal year go- Voting yes at the Annual meeting on ing forward. January 4, 2018 indicates that you are raising the MGCSA dues structure by ten percentr.

MGCSA Annual Meeting: January 4, 2018 Minneapolis Convention Center Room 101 FG Page 49

Improving Workforce Performance in 2018 By Dr. Bob Milligan, Learning Edge

As you plan for 2018, you will likely set goals for production upon you golf course. You then make plans to meet those goals. I strongly encourage you to do the same for the learning and improvement of your workforce. In this article, we address three areas for workforce goal setting and planning: Everyday continuous improvement Improved people processes Learning and growth

skilled and productive. We typically look to off-course learning opportunities for this improvement. In addition, however, growth must occur continuously. I call this the classroom of life. The classroom of life requires us to do three things every day:

Everyday Continuous Improvement

Be observant. Continuously focus on and analyze what is happening around you to identify opportunities for improvement and to proactively respond to current or potential problems. Being observant applies both to things - your course - and people.

The increasing complexity, productivity, and competitiveness of agriculture is nothing short of amazing. Incredibly, the future will see even more of the same with greatly increased use of automation and robotics. For golf courses and all businesses to thrive, their workforce must continuously become more

Reflection. The classroom of life requires time to think and reflect. For me a prime reflection time is while I exercise. I can make plans, outline articles (the classroom of life idea came to me here), resolve issues. You must find time for reflection to succeed in the classroom of life. When is your reflecting time?

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After action reviews. Take the time after an event to individually or as a team go back and analyze what worked and could be improved and make plans for improvement. After action reviews can be for a major event, like chemical or fertilizer applications, or for smaller events, like the completion of remedial chores. Possible goals and implementation ideas for the classroom of life are: Schedule after action reviews in advance so everyone can be prepared. Additional examples could be following any chemical application, after major course golf events or weather issues, and after each employee hire/resignation.

mance management. I encourage you to view recruitment as a continuous activity rather than an event that occurs when there is a new or replacement opening. An increasingly important part of recruitment is networking; a decreasing proportion of hire occur through the traditional recruitment process.

A key component of recruiting is creating a positive image of your golf course in the community and among potential applicants. Research confirms that a large proportion of applications result from referrals from family, friends, and co-workers. Many courses are active on social media especially Course managers and staff should Facebook. Superintendents can share their ideas for improvement to also participate in agricultural orcreate a culture of continuous imganizations including FFA, 4H, and provement. Cooperative Extension. You might consider broadening yourself by Improved People Processes joining a community organization - Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis, Chamber We have many systems and proof Commerce. You can also offer an cesses for the turf management. We internship, participate in job fairs, or also need systems and processes for sponsor a scholarship at your local the workforce. At a minimum, you high school. should have processes for recruitment, for selection, and for perforIn preparation for a job opening, Page 51

you can develop a recruitment process. Remember that recruitment is marketing; you are marketing both the open position and your farm business. You can develop a message about the attributes of your venue; you can develop an inventory of potential out lets to use for your recruitment material - local paper, Craigslist, Indeed, industry posting, job posting flyer.

Perhaps the most important process you should develop is for workforce performance improvement. Just as we systematically work to improve course conditions, we should have a process to continually improve workforce performance and to improve communication with the employee. This process is referred to as a performance management system. I include three components: 1) Informal, essentially continuous, You need two processes for selecfeedback allowing employees to tion. The first is the formal intercontinue to evaluate performance. view; this process should include 2) Frequent structured meeting location, how you will determine (formal informal system) to assist in who should be included, what is the assessing performance and resetting agenda, what are the questions that performance expectations - often will be asked of all applicants, how/ monthly. who will determine the questions 3) Annual strategic meeting to unique to the open position. discuss the future - often called a STAY meeting. The second process is the sequence of events to include in selection. Learning and Growth Included could be what will be sent to applicants in advance, when is When I was at Cornell University, I a screening interview needed, and met with each of my advisees every what is included in addition to the semester to discuss their classes for actual interview - course or shop the next semester, talk about their tour, meeting with members of the progress toward graduation, and open positionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team, exit meeting address their current thinking about for questions and next steps. their career. I believe that something similar should be a part of the annuPage 52

al STAY meeting mentioned above. The discussion at the STAY meeting should identify responsibilities the employee seeks to increase or add to their job description. The knowledge and skills needed to earn the added responsibility can then be delineated.

You are continually working to improve the productivity of your cows and crops. Why should you not continually work to improve the productivity of each member of your workforce - including yourself.

A learning plan can then be developed to gain the knowledge and/or master the new skills. The plan can have many dimensions: shadowing other employees, articles and/ or books to read, online or onsite learning opportunities. Think about the growth that your employees would gain if each had a learning plan. A Final Thought

You can reach me at: 651 647-0495

The MGCSA membership would like to thank Dr. Bob Milligan for his continued support of the golf industry through timely management articles. You thought provoking articles are much appreciated. Page 53

MGCSA Shop Tours Event January 22, 2018 Legends Golf, host Scott Thayer The Wilds Golf Club, host Wes Stoneback The Meadows at Mystic Lake, host Pete Nolan

Shop Tours begin at Legends Golf, then moves to The Wilds, then The Meadows at Mystic Lake and ending at Versatile Vehicles for lunch

Cost of the day is $35 per participant and includes: coffee, donuts and lunch

visit the MGCSA.org web site for more information and sign up today Page 54

MGCSA Western Outreach at Oakdale Golf Club Host Mike Knodel Thank You Sponsors and Speakers

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Within the Leather by Dave Kazmierczak CGCS Superintendent at Prestwick Golf Club

So here we have it- my final column as editor of the MGCSA Hole Notes. For the last seven years, you have been subjected to my thoughts and whims, musings and observations about turf life and life in general. That is basically what a column is- one person’s opinion shared with the masses. While I’ve never been too sure how many “masses” there are reading the columns, I like to think there are a few of you who bother to read my drivel. So to all of you who do: thank you. Thank you for taking the time to read the magazine as it is truly a labor of love by those who work on it. That would be me, kinda, but definitely Jack MacKenzie, your MGCSA Executive Director. While he is now mandated to care about it, his affection for the rag goes way back Page 56

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to almost pre-historic times as he was the editor of it when he was still a turf-head. He will continue to keep it fresh, full of content and while maybe not cutting edge, it will at least be a solid source for you moving forward regarding the industry and the association. He will be aided by Jamie Bezanson and Jesse Trchka, co-chairs of the Communications Committee. They will be looking for guest columnists and feature writing from members for this magazine, and this is my final chance to implore you to write for this magazine. They need help to make this magazine great, as it’s only as good as the content from the very people it is trying to serve. While I have enjoyed scratching the writing itch from my younger days in life, I am ready to hand the editing duties over to another person. It is time. I may pop up every once in a while like a bad fungus with a thought or two, or when the guys are in a bind and

have nobody else to write but I am ready to be done, and I am sure you are ready for a fresh voice. But before I leave, I would like to share some inspirational thoughts for the future. You have probably heard them before, they will be full of rhetoric and cliché’s but, by God, they should all make sense and make you say to yourself: “You know what? He’s right!”

B) Time management is the most important skill you can acquire. The sooner you learn it, the better you will be in all aspects of life. Some people learn it more quickly than others, while some seemingly never do. It will never be mastered, but it must be continually strived for. There are no classes teaching time management, at least not ones that really teach you anything. Time management can only be learned through experience and intelligence. You tell me you know a good Superintendent or Sales Individual and I’ll be willing to bet I can show you a person that knows how to manage time, and has proper balance in his or her life. Continually strive to streamline your work/home life time, focus on prioritizing tasks and duties, make action plans and execute. Don’t micromanage, don’t sweat the petty stuff and above all else, put your family and their time needs ahead of the job.

A) Don’t take yourself seriously. You aren’t that important. Yes, you manage a decent number of people on a decent number of acres. You may even make important decisions for said people and the people you serve, but so does the next guy down the street, and the next guy, and the next guy. You are a grass farmer and crap shoveler with a splash of politician, chemist and army sergeant in you. You can and will eventually be replaced whether by your own hand or by somebody else’s, and the golf course will go right on being itself without you. In other words, always be humble concerning your C) Leave the golf position, it will serve you well course right where it’s throughout your career. at when you leave the

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property. Don’t bring it home with you. Whatever problems or issues or conundrums that haven’t been resolved during the day can be solved tomorrow. Thinking is working, a wise man once told me, so if you go home thinking about the job, you are in essence working constantly. You will burn out, or at the very least become consumed to the point that you become less efficient and less effective in your position. That doesn’t mean never answer your work phone or sit back in a quiet moment and reflect on the day, but if you are sitting at the dinner table, your wife and kids talking and all you can think about is what needs hand watering in the morning you had better check yourself quickly.

D) Take the time to smell the cut grass. Or the roses on #9. Or the nasty decomposing clippings in the wash pit. Whatever pumps your ‘nads, take a few minutes each day and truly take in what it is you produce and accomplish on a consistent basis. Our profession affords us something not many dotangible affirmation of our hard work. I have a guy on our crew that just works weekends. Has for the whole time I have been here pushing 20 years. He is an engineer at 3M. Let you in on a secret- the $11.00 an hour he is making ain’t the motivator. I asked him one day early on one cold, crappy spring Saturday morning why he was still doing this and he answered simply that he could get done mowing a green, look back and be filled with satisfaction of a job well done.

The MGCSA Membership extends a huge “Thank You!” to Dave for his years of support as Editor of the Hole Notes Magazine

PagePage 58

An engineer sitting in a cubicle designing whatever does not get that satisfaction. You do. Embrace it. Take a moment to revel in the expertly raked bunker, the perfectly straight lines on a golf green, the sunrise over the course. Breathe in the crisp fall air. Behold the flight of an Eagle or the playfulness of an otter, or whatever wildlife comes your way on the course. So few people get to experience all that in their jobs. It’s in front of you every day. Have you taken it for granted? Play the course. If not consistently, at least occasionally. Never lose touch with the fact that the game is why you are here, and whether you want to admit it or not, it is a part of you because it has to be.

hearing. So with that I will bid you all short goodbye. I hope you all enjoyed the magazine the past seven years, and maybe got a chuckle or two from my columns. Maybe even an extra thought or two about something. That would make all the hard work worthwhile. If you see me at a MGCSA event don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation or give an opinion about the magazine or whatever. It will probably end with “Well why don’t you write about it?” But that’s the risk you will always have to face.

I sincerely hope you all have a wonderful Holiday season, Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2018 and beyond. It has been a privilege serving E) Social media will lead to as the editor of your magazine. the demise of Western Civilization. (And the dust flew from his hat If we let it. Don’t let it. See as he slapped it on his chaps, previous months column if you then off he rode towards want more details. the sunset on his faithful steed.) Or was it his faithful F) I’m sure there are plenty computer keyboard? Well, more things to do or not do but I you get the point. think I have said about all I want to say or enough of what you might be somewhat slightly interested in

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