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2024 CALENDAR

APRIL

Spring Meeting
Monday, April 1
9 a.m. – Noon
Aldarra Golf Club
Featuring talks from Dan Dinelli & Mike Gastineau
Registration and Details

WWGCSA/OGCSA Joint Service Project
Wednesday, April 17
(note new date)

7 a.m. – Noon (tentative)
Volunteer to help

MAY

Fivesome
Thursday, May 9
11 a.m. Shotgun Start
Sand Point Country Club
Sponsored by:

Registration and Details

JUNE

Crew Championship
Monday, June 24

Legion Memorial Golf Course

AUGUST

Group Outing
Wednesday, August 28
1:10 p.m.

Seattle Mariners v Tampa Bay Rays

NOVEMBER

Annual Meeting
Monday, November 4
Chambers Bay
Details to come

DECEMBER

Holiday Party
Monday, December 9
2–5 p.m.

Lounge by Top Golf (Kirkland)


RECENT JOBS

Greenskeeper
Chambers Bay Golf Course
University Place, WA

Mechanic
Chambers Bay Golf Course
University Place, WA

Turf Equipment Demonstrator & Delivery Specialist
Turf Star Western
Kent, WA

Assistant Superintendent
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID

Territory Sales Manager
Turf Star Western
Seattle, WA

View More Jobs

SUPERINTENDENT SPOTLIGHT:
Vince Hartney

Meet Vince Hartney, the new Superintendent at Tahoma Valley Golf Course

Vince Hartney, Superintendent at Tahoma Valley Golf Course

There’s a new Superintendent at Tahoma Valley Golf Course, and he worked his way up the ranks. Only it’s not what you would expect. By ranks, we mean the military ranks.

Meet Vince Hartney, native Pacific North Westerner, originally from Sandy Oregon. He spent 30 years in military service within the Command & Control career field. He launched armed fighters out of Portland and managed the ‘Air Picture’ for NORAD all from windowless buildings and aircraft. Vince notes, “I needed some outside hobbies, so I pursued a few sporting side trips.” Ultimately, Vince retired from the military, but like so many, found sitting at home or just pursuing hobbies wasn’t enough. “So, I started mowing greens and troubleshooting the irrigation system at Tahoma Golf Course in 2020.”

In March of this year, the opportunity to manage the course and lead the crew was offered to Vince. As the new Superintendent he inherited a 6-person crew, 4 of whom were also prior military service retirees. The other were a ski fanatic and a college student. Tahoma Valley Golf Course is in Yelm, Washington. The crew there maintains a full 18-hole course. “Being at work for us is like having a day of quality ‘guy time’. I’m the only member of my crew that doesn’t golf, but I do love some healthy grass!”

Vince is a new member of the WWGCSA, thanks to a referral from Jackie Klein of Walrath. He looks forward to reaching out to fellow members to learn more tricks of the trade, and broaden his scope of ‘guy time’ with people who love grass like him.


Read about Vince Hartney, new Superintendent at Tahoma Valley Golf Course


Archived Superintendent Spotlight Stories


WHAT’S NEWS

Managing Our Grass During and After Harsh, Winter Cold

A number of our member Superintendents are reporting that the weather we received in Western Washington has resulted in widespread decline to golf greens. If you are experiencing some of the same after-effects, the WWGCSA Board thought it might be helpful to hear from some fellow Superintendents. Here is a sampling of what they are seeing and doing:

Common symptoms on greens that are being observed:

  • Extended decline following the deep freeze
  • General thinning of high traffic areas
  • Turf that remains off color despite cultural practices
  • Lack of growth and recovery
  • Slow or no recovery from foot traffic
  • Significant decline on shaded areas or greens

Steps that Superintendents are taking to protect turf through the remainder of the winter:

  • Eliminating or reducing mowing
  • Raising mowing heights
  • Reducing rolling in exchange for other dew removal methods
  • Using temporary greens
  • Roping off and re-directing traffic where possible
  • Needle tining or venting
  • Spoon-feeding fertilizer
  • Covering greens with blankets

We hope this helps you as you evaluate your course’s current condition, manage your course and communicate with your members.

Read more

Northwest GCSAA Members Get Together at Annual Conference and Trade Show

More than 600 members of Northwest GCSAA chapters attended the annual conference in Phoenix this year, and most of those attended the traditional party hosted by the Inland Empire, Peaks and Prairies, Idaho, Utah, Oregon and Western Washington chapters. Special thanks go out to Pacific Golf & Turf, Ridgetop Golf and Washington Rock who helped our chapter, along with common vendors of other chapters, underwrite the event at State48 Brewery in downtown Phoenix.

The hospitality event is part of a weeklong series of events which include Superintendent golf championships, management sessions, seminars on a wide range of industry related topics and the trade show on the ground floor of the Phoenix Convention Center. While education and business are the magnets of GCSAA’s annual conference, the ability to gather with peers to both socialize and exchange issues seems to always be the most valuable element of all.

Read article

Members Meet at Seattle Golf Club for Winter Meeting

Cory Isom of the USGA leads a roundtable discussion with (l to r) panelists Joel Kachmarek, Charlie Schauwecker, Sean McDonough, Josh Cheney and Josh Truan. Professor Chas Schmid of Oregon State is in the foreground (r)

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A gathering of 70 WWGCSA members at Seattle Golf Club in January heard talks from Cory Isom of the USGA and Chas Schmid from Oregon State University. Cory presented some updates on the goings on at the USGA generally, and shared some dramatic photos of how the recent deep freeze had turned some Portland-area courses into ice skating rinks. During lunch, Cory led a roundtable of Superintendents, discussing how they managed the cold temperatures and how their preparing for an everchanging legislative environment.

Professor Schmid sandwiched the roundtable discussion with two talks. The first sharing Best Management Practices for Annual Bluegrass putting greens. Then after lunch he addressed calibration techniques for backpack sprayers. If you are interested in the slides from Professor Schmid’s talks, or generally have some questions for him, he can be reached at schmchar@oregonstate.edu.

Read article

Equipment Managers and Assistant Superintendents Conduct Their Annual Gatherings

Kevin Hauschel of Turf Cloud/Husqvarna updates equipment managers on the evolution of automated/robotic equipment

During the week of November 13, the WWGCSA hosted both the annual Equipment Managers meeting (at Broadmoor Golf Club) and the Assistant Superintendents meeting (at Harvey Field in Snohomish). Each was attended by groups of more than 20 who were entertained by speakers pertinent to their current roles at their respective clubs.

The gathering at Broadmoor, host by Broadmoor’s Doug Massey, included talks from representatives from Pacific Golf & Turf, Turfstar and Husqvarna. The theme of the day was developing equipment technology, especially electronic and robotic equipment.

Videos and demonstrations of automated mowers were shown, suggesting that the technology may be ready for most courses to enable their maintenance crews to have more time to spend their energy on projects other than mowing golf course rough. This was the primary selling point: “the equipment, while it can help overcome ongoing labor shortages, also enables a crew reduce rough mowing by humans and therefore work on projects that enhance the golfers’ playing experience.” The talks were followed up a luncheon roundtable, which include that day’s speakers and the EMs who were present. The topics of the roundtable were a continuation of the day’s theme, as EMs try to assess what they need to be prepared for in the not too distant future.

Leslie Ludlow, Sahalee GM, speaking to Asst Superintendents on "what GMs look for in you"

Assistant Superintendents met at Harvey Field in Snohomish to hear from Leslie Ludlow, general manager at Sahalee, and David Phipps, the GCSAA’s Northwest Field Representative. Leslie Ludlow spoke on the topic “what to GMs look for in a Superintendent candidate?” With lots of good nuggets and attention-affirming squishy balls, her primary message was “be prepared, make sure the hiring manager sees that your prepared, and follow up.” Do your research on a prospective club, its history, its people and its current and future projects to demonstrate that you are geniunely interested in the job. Also, sell yourself the person – don’t overwhelm your interviewer with agronomy-speak. If they like you, if you come across like the type of person that would be fun to work with, and into always looking for ways to improve the performance of your crew – the hiring person will research your agronomic expertise via third parties that they trust. David Phipps presented on the tools that the GCSAA has available to Assistant Superintendents in order to provide continuing education and to advance their careers. The conversation included the benefits of BMPs, a First Green Field Trip and working toward an ASCS (Assistant Superintendent Certificate Series) certificate. After lunch, the group moved to Doodlebug Sportz Park nearby for a boisterous set of Paintball Wars. When all things were done, a discussion ensued on topics and activities for future meetings and it was agreed that in 2024 the Asst Supers meeting will be held at a Flatstick Pub in downtown Seattle and include an extensive seminar on financial planning and analysis.

Read article

WWGCSA Annual Meeting: Greg Matz Elected 2024 Board President, Ivan Gibbs Wins Superintendent Championship

The foursome of Michael Brose, Trevor Thorp, Patrick Peterson and Greg Schloch play the 17th at Chambers Bay
Highlights from the Annual Meeting:

Greg Matz (Inglewood) was unanimously elected to be 2024 WWGCSA Board President

Dwayne Scott (Mill Creek) and Jacob Close (Simplot) were re-elected to the Board (Superintendent and Affiliate categories respectively), while Matt Schuldt (Seattle GC) and Josh Truan (Gamble Sands) were elected to Superintendent positions, and Tyler Chaloupka (Sand Point) was elected to fill the Assistant Superintendent slot

The members gathered unanimously approved a change to the Association’s bylaws to create a position on the WWGCSA Board for Equipment Managers.

Bill Ackerley (WWGCSA) reported that the Association will able to push to its financial reserves above the $100k mark and fund a new $5 thousand scholarship program thanks to the 2023 operating surplus. He reminded the gathering of upcoming events over the next two months, and noted that the annual “Fall Rounds” auction will kick off next week.

Steve Kealy (Glendale) delivered special thanks to our Association’s sponsors, whose participation has enabled the Association to beef up its reserves, enhance our education opportunities and deliver the scholarship program.

Ryan Semritc (Skagit) gave a presentation on the GCSAA delegates meeting—reporting that the GCSAA has been dipping into its reserves since COVID and will have to implement a dues increase in 2024. Also, there is renewed encouragement for Superintendents to get their facility’s BMPs completed (see GCSAA BMP tool—it doesn’t take more than 15 minutes). Ryan also noted that the GCSAA is working to coordinate efforts to guide the EPA’s implementation of its settlement with the CBD. Bill Ackerley will forward more information on this via email.

Eric Thompson (Tumwater Valley) presented on a recent First Green project he held at his golf course, which included a video that the participating school district produced to promote the event.

Steve Kealy presented the first of the now Annual WWGCSA Turf Management Scholarship grants to Brandon McGinnis (WSU turf management student) and Dionicio Ortega (Sahalee CC and Walla Walla student).

Steve Kealy introduced David Phipps (GCSAA) as the 2023 recipient of the Paul Backman Distinguished Service Award, in large part due to David’s ongoing championing of the First Green program in the Northwest, with GCSAA and now internationally.

Highlights from the Superintendent Championship and the Handicap Game:

Ivan Gibbs (Leavenworth GC) scored a two-shot victory over former champion Chad Wortinger (Bear Creek) shooting a score of 75:



  1. Ivan Gibbs—75  (pictured )
  2. Chad Wortinger —77
  3. Sean Reehoorn —78
  4. Cameron Metcalfe —80
  5. Shawn Vetterick —83

6 foursomes competed in the Annual Handicap game, which was won by the foursome of Rafael Guzman, Marcus Harness, Nick Magnuson and Tyler Chaloupka. Their final tally was a 17-under par 55 in the two-best-net balls competition. For the exceptional leverage of their respective handicaps, superb ham&egg capability, and overcoming the “disappearance” of their captain Marcus Harness, the foursome won themselves gift cards from Amazon.

Read article

Heron Lakes Takes 2023 PNW Golf Course Crew Championship

Seven Golf Course crews from around the Northwest competed at Arrowhead this week

Thanks to an eagle on the 18th hole at Arrowhead Golf Club in Molalla, Oregon, the Heron Lakes golf course crew has token home the trophy for winning the 2023 PNW Golf Course Crew Championship this past week.

Seven teams competed from three different GCSAA chapters of the northwest: Oregon, Western Washington and Inland Empire.

Heron Lakes was victorious thanks to a scorecard playoff which broke a three way tie at Arrowhead’s par 71 course. Coeur d’Alene Public Course (IEGCSA) and Emerald Valley Golf & Resort found themselves tied with Heron Lakes after 18 holes with scores of 58, but their birdies on the last couldn’t top Heron Lakes, which eagled 18 from the front of the green to secure the victory. The Home Course crew from Western Washington shot 62, while Tacoma CGC was right behind them with a 63 despite the fact that a knee injury limited one of their players to play with only three clubs.

The 2024 WWGCSA Crew Championship is scheduled for June 24 at Legion Memorial. The 2024 PNW Crew Championship will be in Western Washington next year – likely at one of the two courses who qualify for the PNW tournament.

Here is the final leaderboard tally:

Played at Arrowhead Golf Club, Par 71
Heron Lakes Golf Course – 58*
Coeur d’ Alene Public Course – 58
Emerald Valley Golf & Resort – 58
The Home Course – 62
Running Y Ranch – 62
Tacoma Country & Golf Club – 63
Palouse Ridge – 69

*won in scorecard playoff with an eagle on the 18th hole

Read article

Read archived stories

WWGCSA Scholarship Program Description and Application

2023
PLATINUM SPONSORS

 

SPONSOR CONTACTS


Supplier Index
GHIN Membership Benefit

A FRIEND IS IN NEED

The family of American Lake Veterans Course Superintendent Randy Moen, experienced a tragedy on January 24th of this year when his daughter Shay lost her husband Roger Pollard. Roger leaves behind their two young children: Jojo and Tiger.

 

As is always the case, friends and family are asking for ways to show their support during this difficult time. Education was always very important to Roger as it was the main way he was able to touch so many lives. Shay would like that to reflect in the way her friends and family who are asking to show their support

 

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations be made to the JoJo & Tiger Education Fund; which will be overseen by their mother Shay Moen. The WWGCSA made a $500 donation on behalf of our membership. If you would like to make an additional donation, you may do so by following this link: https://gofund.me/cea47907 The family of American Lake Veterans Course Superintendent Randy Moen, experienced a tragedy on January 24th of this year when his daughter Shay lost her husband Roger Pollard. Roger leaves behind their two young children: Jojo and Tiger.

 

As is always the case, friends and family are asking for ways to show their support during this difficult time. Education was always very important to Roger as it was the main way he was able to touch so many lives. Shay would like that to reflect in the way her friends and family who are asking to show their support

 

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations be made to the JoJo & Tiger Education Fund; which will be overseen by their mother Shay Moen. The WWGCSA made a $500 donation on behalf of our membership. If you would like to make an additional donation, you may do so by following this link: https://gofund.me/cea47907

Read more

ON THE MOVE

Anthony Rogers . . .
. . . will be the new Superintendent for the Lawns at the Norcliffe Estate starting in January 2024. Prior to that, he was an Assistant at Aldarra and most recently worked with the City of Bellevue in the Parks and Recreation Department.

Read about Anthony

Dwayne Scott . . .
. . . effective November 14 is the new Superintendent at Mill Creek Country Club. Dwayne is leaving Inglewood Golf Club, where he served for 22 years, most notably as the Assistant Superintendent.

Read about Dwayne

Max Lamas . . .
is the new Superintendent at Kitsap Golf & Country Club … Max was formerly the assistant Superintendent Aldarra Golf Club before becoming the Superintendent of Grounds at Lewis and Clark College … Brett Grogan remains with Kitsap GCC as part of Max’s team.

Read about Max

Matt Ricco . . .
is the new irrigation specialist at Pacific Golf & Turf. Most recently, Matt completed a major irrigation project as the Superintendent at Mill Creek Country Club

Read about Matt

Javier Martinez . . .
. . . is the new Superintendent at Lake Limerick Country Club.

Read about Javier

Cameron Dubos . . .
. . . has been promoted as the Assistant Superintendent at Gold Mountain Golf Complex.

Read about Cameron

Brian Cohrs . . .
. . . formerly Assistant Superintendent at the Golf Club at Echo Falls, has been promoted to Echo Falls Superintendent.

Read about Brian

1377 Aaron Ave., NE • Bainbridge Island, WA 98110  |  206-459-1698  | Email
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Kyle Brown . . .
. . . formerly Superintendent at the Golf Club at Echo Falls, has moved to the Golf Club at Newcastle as its Head Superintendent.

Jason Howerton . . .
. . . formerly Superintendent at Lake Limerick Country Club, has moved to Olympia Golf & Country Club as its Superintendent

Marc Mulholland . . .
. . . formerly at Sand Point Country Club, has joined the Members Club at Aldarra as its Assistant Superintendent.

Scott Robinson . . .
. . .
as of August 15, Scott is the new Golf Course Superintendent at Chehalem Golf Course as they begin a major renovation. Prior, Scott earned his Class A status while working as the Golf Course Superintendent at Village Greens Golf Course in Port Orchard.

Brian Cohrs . . .
. . . is the new Golf Course Superintendent at the Golf Club at Echo Falls. Brian began in the golf industry as a seasonal worker at Echo Falls while in high school. Since then Brian was educated at the turf management program at Walla Walla Community College, and continued at Echo Falls as their spray tech while working on a business degree before becoming the Assistant Superintendent.

Greg Wadden . . .
. . . is the new Class A Golf Course Superintendent at Sudden Valley Golf Club in Bellingham Wa effective June 10. Greg comes to Sudden Valley GC from Nicowynd Golf Club in Surrey, B.C.

Steve Macejak . . .
. . . is the new Golf Course Superintendent at Allenmore Golf Course in Tacoma as of the first of April. Steve left Chambers Bay where he worked the last five years, most recently serving as Golf Course Superintendent.

Dave McNeil . . .
. . . will be retiring from Lane Mountain Company effective the first of the year. A member of the WWGCSA since 1987 when he developed bunker sand for Unimin, his career shifted to Reserve Silica in 2002 and Lane Mountain in 2004. Dave will remain as an ambassador for the BTR Tan Bunker Sand continuing his partnership with Lane Mountain on this blend. Dave plans to make occasional appearances and provide technical support virtually in his new capacity.

Max Lamas . . .
. . . has accepted the position of Director of Facility Support Services for Lewis & Clark College (Portland, OR) to begin December 6th. Max began in the turf world in 2004 as a crew member, then became a superintendent for six years right out of college. He joined Aldarra Golf Club in 2017 and leaves as its Assistant Superintendent. He plans to volunteer at the Children’s Course outside of Portland, where the WWGCSA joined the OGCSA in 2021 for their annual service project.

Renee Geyer . . .
. . . is the new Golf Course Superintendent at Canterwood Golf & Country Club as of the end of September. Renee earned her Associate degree in Applied Science, Turf and Turfgrass Management from The Ohio State University. She most recently was the Golf Course Superintendent at Firestone Country Club’s Fazio Course in Akron, Ohio.

Planet Turf . . .
. . . named Aaron Stamper as its new Regional Turfgrass Sales Specialist for the Pacific Northwest. He will be serving customers in Western Washington and Western and Central Oregon. Stamper graduated from Walla Walla Community College with a degree in Turf Management. He has over 20 years’ experience in the turfgrass industry and worked at prestigious golf courses such as Riviera Country Club, Sonoma Golf Club, and Spokane Country Club. Most recently Aaron was golf course superintendent at Skamania Lodge Golf Course in Stevenson, WA.

Justin Jones . . .
. . . will be joining Tom Huesgen at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club outside San Diego, CA as the club’s Assistant Superintendent. Justin worked at Broadmoor Golf Club the past six years and was most recently the golf course Superintendent there. He also recently served on the WWGCSA Board of Directors as its Secretary/Treasurer.

Jacob Close . . .
. . . is now with Simplot as its newest Golf Territory Manager. Jacob was most recently the Golf Course Superintendent at Sudden Valley Golf & Country Club where he served for more than 10 years.

Brett Grogan . . .
. . . became the Golf Course Superintendent at Kitsap Golf & Country Club in May 2021. Brett has been with Kitsap GCC for 15 years, and most recently served as its assistant greenskeeper.

Jeremy Galvin . . .
. . . is the new Golf Course Superintendent at Sudden Valley Golf & Country Club. Jeremy most recently was at Broadmoor Golf Club.

Luke Sulpizio . . .
. . .
is now an Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Everett Golf and Country Club.  Luke is originally from Defiance, Ohio, and a turf graduate from the University of Cincinnati.  He joined the EG&CC staff when he moved to Washington State in 2014.

Charlie Schauwecker . . .
. . . is the new Golf Course Superintendent at Sahalee Country Club. Charlie was formerly Sahalee’s Assistant Superintendent. He is taking over for Tom Huesgen who, after more than 7 years at Sahalee, is moving on to Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club in the San Diego area.

Riley Hunter . . .
. . . is now the Assistant Superintendent at Washington National Golf Club. Formerly the Assistant at Lake Padden Golf Club.

Jason Krogman . . .
. . . is on his way to Wisconsin to take on the role of Project Manager at Whistling Straits in advance of this year’s Ryder Cup.  Jason most recently was the Superintendent at Kitsap Golf & Country Club and a former WWGCSA Board Member.

Ryan Semtric . . .
  . . . is the new Golf Course Superintendent at Skagit Golf & Country Club effective the end of March. Ryan is the immediate past President of the WWGCSA and was previously the Superintendent at Willows Run Golf Complex since 2015.

Tony Bubenas . . .
. . . has retired from the Pierce County Department of Parks and Recreation. He most recently was the Golf Course Superintendent at Lake Spanaway Golf Course, and is a former President of the Board of Directors at both the WWGCSA and the NTA.

Jeremy Roth . . .
. . . is the new Golf Superintendent at Washington National Golf Club as of the month of June. Jeremy was previously the Superintendent at Willows Run.

Justin Jones . . .
 . . . has been promoted to the position of Superintendent at Broadmoor Golf Club as of the month of May. Justin will continue to serve with Sean McDonough who has taken on some additional roles at Broadmoor. Justin was previously the Assistant Superintendent at Broadmoor.

Steven LaMont . . .
 . . . is the new Assistant Superintendent at Rainier Country Club as of late February 2020. Steven was previously the Spray Tech at Inglewood Golf Club.

Kyle Daviscourt . . .
 . . . is the new Spray Tech at Inglewood Golf Club as of March 2020. Previously was part of the crew at Broadmoor Golf Club.

Michael Snyder . . .
 . . . is the new Golf Course Superintendent at the Cedars at Dungeness in Sequim as of October 14 2019. Previously, Michael was the Superintendent at Sunland Golf & Country Club, also in Sequim, for the last four years.

Abel Anderson . . .
 . . . is the new Golf Course Superintendent at Gold Mountain Golf Club as of March 2019. Previous to this, he spent 7 years as Golf Course Superintendent at Bear Mountain Golf Club in Chelan, Washington.

Marcus Harness . . .
. . . is the new Golf Course Superintendent at Sand Point Country Club. Starting at the end of August, he will be replacing Craig Sampson (CGCS) who is retiring after 30 years with the club. This off-season, Sand Point will be undergoing a full course renovation as part of its Master Plan developed by architect David McLay Kidd. Marcus has worked at multiple clubs in the area, but was most recently the Golf Course Superintendent at Sahalee Country Club under Tom Huesgen, Director of Golf Course Operations.

Ryan Rosevear . . .
. . . is the new Superintendent at Foster Golf Links. Ryan was promoted to that position on June 3 of this year after two years of grooming for the position. Curt Chandler retired after 15 years of service. Ryan previously worked for Sam Sprague at Rainier Golf & CC as an assistant superintendent.

Michael Anderson . . .
. . . is the new Equipment Manager at Foster Golf Links. Michael was formerly at Chambers Bay.