Superintendents had to move fast. Back in the beginning of March, the Governor was ordering people to avoid gathering in group sizes that became smaller and smaller. Restaurants were being told to limit their offerings to To-Go orders, large companies were encouraging their employees to work from home if possible. NBC National News was describing Seattle, the metropolitan area of which was originally regarded the epicenter of the virus’s entry into the United States, as a ghost town.
In the golf world, clubhouses were closing, pro shops stopped selling, PGA Professionals stopped teaching, but the golf courses themselves remained open. Quickly, Superintendents devised creative ways to keep golf courses and their crews safe while the rest of the world was shutting down. Cups were turned upside down, or raised above ground level, or eliminated altogether; rakes and water bottles were removed. Golf carts were being sanitized from user to user, and limited in their use. Leaders at golf clubs and within industry associations were gathering their collective minds to address what golf’s response should be, as almost every other industry in our economy was being negatively impacted by orders from the government to shut off business activity—to simply stay home in order to stay healthy, in order to mitigate the spread of a difficult to imagine pandemic.
The Golf Alliance of Washington, comprised of the leadership of the Associations of Superintendents, PGA Professionals, Club Managers and the Golfers themselves walked the fine line between promoting golf as a safe and healthy activity amidst concerns of the spread of disease, and strongly advocating that golf remain open during a time of mass closure elsewhere. The tightrope between promotion and advocacy was out of respect for uncertainty amongst golf leaders, government officials and the public themselves as to whether it was right to have people walking golf courses when so many others were sheltered in place. The verdict became clear when State Parks and the Department of the Interior closed off their open spaces and trails when too many people were not treating the importance of social distancing diligently enough. Golf courses were soon to follow.
Many employees associated with golf were either laid off, furloughed or told to simply stay home. Like every other business in the state, and many around the country, paying the bills was going to become challenging, especially for public courses that didn’t have the benefit of membership dues as an ongoing stream of cash flow. Nonetheless, the continued maintenance of golf courses was deemed “essential” by the state. So, greens crews continued working. Not all crew members were retained, as some courses reduced their maintenance crew to merely meet the standard of minimum maintenance. Seasonal hiring was delayed. Others had their hours reduced as Superintendents managed to keep their entire team working, albeit with reduced hours and in staggered shifts—so as to minimize the number of non-household encounters individual crew members would have to deal with.
Still others, while perhaps violating the spirit of “essential maintenance,” kept their entire crews working full-time while taking advantage of open golf courses to complete projects that were on their to do list, but would otherwise require a much longer period of time to get completed. In addition to some long-term cost efficiencies, there was an element of safety, due to a lack of golfers, in mind as these projects were continued.
As you might expect, there are elements of irony in the circumstance of the time. Crews were happy that their jobs were not as negatively impacted as other course employees, yet wondered if those who weren’t working but still getting paid might be getting an unexpected benefit that golf crew employees missed out on. It might seem reasonable to maintain safe distancing while maintaining a course, even when doing some project work, yet there was at least one entire crew that had to quarantine itself for two weeks because a co-worker had contracted the virus. More than one Superintendent was known to comment that working on the course without having to dodge the golfers was the most carefree time he’d spent on his job. But after a while, the lack of satisfaction of seeing the crews’ efforts not enjoyed by golfers, and the uncertainty created by wondering how long the business of golf could survive with little or no revenue, led to a yearning for a return to some sort of normal.
As of May 5, golf courses are hosting golfers again, only with more restrictions than even before the courses closed in the first place. Still no food service, no pro shop help—the clubhouses are closed. Rakes are still missing. Golfers are encouraged to bring their own water and pack out their own garbage, as bottled water and garbage cans are missing from the courses for now. Perhaps the most telling restriction is limiting groups to household members plus one non-household player. For public courses, this is difficult to manage when only online transactions are advised, and tee times are being booked in advance. As a result, if you go to the website of a public course to reserve a tee time, the online system will only let you book twosomes. There are exceptions to this, as Tribal courses are subject to Federal guidelines which do not prevent the offering of foursomes. At many private courses, the twosome issue is still a challenge. Optics matter, so threesomes and foursomes, while permitted within households, are being closely monitored. For some clubs, twosomes are the only option. For others, groups of more than two are limited to mid-afternoon or later.
Superintendents are split on this issue. Perhaps not 50/50, but split nonetheless. On one side, limiting play to twosomes is deemed to unnecessarily limit revenue and enjoyment of the game without quantifiable health benefits. The counter argument is that opening golf courses is intended to be a safe outdoor option, alongside hiking and fishing, it’s not about the game or business when so many others are being deprived. Limiting play to twosomes mitigates the unwanted gathering of players in the parking lot, in the practice areas, on the tees and on the course itself.
One thing is for certain, the twosome issue has created an incredible sense of urgency for golfers seeking tee times once courses are open. Demand is outpacing supply. Courses are reporting that within just a few hours after opening phone lines on Monday the 4th they are filling up their tee sheets for the entire week of May 5 thru May 10. Private clubs are limiting how many times an individual member can play over seven days, so as to provide more opportunity to everyone. And, despite the worries that limiting to twosomes might make it financially infeasible for public courses to even open, some operators are reporting that the demand has been so high, that even with twosomes they are describing their early business as “robust.”
The opening has put some added stress on Superintendents and their crews, as they roll with the return of golfers. Many golfers have been walking courses in the wake of closures, noting how beautiful they are as crews keep them maintained without the scars of divots and cart tracks. As courses open, expectations are high that the courses will be pristine, tournament-caliber, at least for a short while. Superintendents know this expectation, and have been ramping up their crews and operations accordingly for the last week.
So what happens now? We are in Phase 1 of Governor Inslee’s four-phased approach to re-opening the state’s economy. It’s valuable to note, that of the few changes related to outdoor activities that Phase 1 relaxed, golf is the only one that contributes to an increase in economic activity. The current expectation is that this Phase will last thru the end of May, with little chance of ending sooner than May 25. The Governor says he is relying on data that he is reviewing in three-week cycles. The hope would be that every three weeks, the findings of that data improves enough to allow the state’s business activity to move on to the next Phase. The twosome issue should go away in Phase 2, as recreation will be allowed to involve up to 5 people who are not of the same household. Also, by Phase 2, Clubhouse lounges and dining rooms can reopen, limiting their capacity to 50% of normal, and providing tables to serve 5 or fewer patrons. Pro Shops can re-open, albeit with certain restrictions commensurate with other retail operations. The operation of the golf course, as it relates to minimizing touch points, will be reviewed from phase to phase as well.
But some things will be with us for the foreseeable future. An adherence to safe social distancing for certain. This will be hard, as handshakes, hugs, and even kisses are part of our social fabric. But we will be mindful of distancing nonetheless, as some of us will be more, perhaps even much more, sensitive to watching their personal space than others. And all of us, as friends and colleagues, will have to be respectful of that. The virus will not be gone. The “curve” will have flattened and be on a downward trend, but there is a real fear of a resurgence of the virus as we relax social distancing and allow larger gatherings. For that reason, the government will be asking businesses, including golf courses, to keep track of who comes and goes from their establishment. The process may seem intrusive, because relative to our norms it is intrusive, but the objective is to be better prepared if, or perhaps when, the curve turns back upward. As some of us contract the virus even as restrictions are eased, as is likely to happen; by keeping track of our encounters we can more readily test those who may be at risk faster and perhaps even quarantine them sooner—and thereby not strain our healthcare system to the extent we did during the first round of the virus.
Like many who were asked to stay on the job, when most everyone else was subject to closing, Superintendents had to be nimble and adjust the way they operated in order to keep their teams safe while continuing to keep their golf courses healthy. As we re-open, with not too much warning, Superintendents are being asked to shift gears again, to provide golfers with a quality product and experience while managing their teams and their golf course within the new norms. New modes of staffing, re-purposed equipment, and adjusted standards of operation are the norm today. The only thing we know is that Supers will be asked to move fast again. Until an effective vaccine to protect against COVID-19 comes available in abundance, the current new norm will likely not be normal for very long.
Be safe and stay healthy.
Room blocks have been reserved at the Embassy Suites in Lynwood. You can call in your reservation to 
In a close competition, their margin of victory was less than a full stroke over both Rainier Golf & Country Club and Kitsap Golf & Country Club. With a similar score, Western Equipment won the Industry Team division.
Cornelius, OR (July 02, 2018)—As of July 1, 2018, Crop Production Services’ Cornelius retail branch is rebranding as Nutrien Solutions™. The Cornelius branch is one of more than 1,500 retail locations aligning across North and South America as part of Nutrien Ltd. (Nutrien)’s international network, strengthening the company’s long-term mission to help local turf and landscape managers meet increasing demands profitably and sustainably. 
Idaho-Based J.R. Simplot Company Has Acquired Gene Editing Licensing Rights. A multinational agricultural company based in Idaho has acquired gene editing licensing rights that could one day be used to help farmers produce more crops and make grocery store offerings such as strawberries, potatoes and avocados stay fresher longer.
We have decided to discontinue the GHIN program at this point. If you want to continue to maintain your handicap through the USGA GHIN system you can join at your local club or you can call or email Shari Jacobson with the Washington State Golf Association and she will get you pointed in the right direction. She can be reached at 
Glen started at Sahalee Country Club in October of 2002, he was our Equipment Manager. Prior to joining our team, he spent 6 years at The Golf Club at Newcastle as the Equipment Manager which began during construction of the development. Before that, he was employed as the mechanic for numerous years with the City of Bellevue’s municipal golf operations. He was well-respected by his peers and friend to many through the years of hosting tournament events and attending seminars. Glen was a native to the Puget Sound area, in fact, grew up on Lake Sammamish in a cabin and attended Issaquah High School.
In February of this year we put out the notice that we were looking for a new Executive Director. We formed a search committee consisting of board, affiliates, members at large and Brian Coury; the Executive Director of the Western Washington PGA. The committee was tasked with narrowing the field from over ten applicants to three finalists. Those three finalists interviewed with the board before Bill was chosen. We feel Bill will help take our association to the next level and be an outstanding face of our organization.
Serial Number TC203AT0020372, along with custom Baby Bowie hydroseeder serial number 28131 belonging to Greenshield Systems. They were taken at 1 a.m. July 13, 2018 from Stahl Jr Hi, Puyallup.
Our host Superintendent John Alexander and his staff put on a show this year with their superb course conditions! After a beautiful day of golf at Fircrest, Steve was handed over the award presented by the WWGCSA Board, which was accompanied by some tears in the crowd. This is just the most recent award in Steve’s 30 year career as the superintendent at Glendale Golf & Country Club. Over the years he has proven to be one of the best communicators in the industry for environmental stewardship and the importance of the superintendent in the golf community at large. Steve has also played an important role in the development of the First Green Program which is dedicated to the education of youth with regard to turfgrass management and the world of agronomy. Steve provides numerous hours of community service, donating his time and talents to educate local area high school students on agronomic and environmental issues.
Turns out they ended up returning it from whence it came, as Tacoma’s team of Miguel Hernandez, Kevan Kenna, Joe Monteleone, and Richard Young beat the field by four shots after carding a 55. Three teams finished tied for second with a 59, forcing a playoff won by Suncadia over North Shore Golf Club and one of the four teams representing Sahalee.
Here is the new mission statement:
The GCSAA recently hosted the Annual Delegates meeting in Kansas City/Lawrence, Kansas in November. The GCSAA is made up of 99 chapters that has a voting delegate to represent the 18,000 plus members of the association. Most delegates arrive on Tuesday for dinner and a “State of the Association” address from Rhett Evans, CEO of GCSAA. The association is under great leadership with Rhett at the helm. Partnerships with other industry organizations continue to grow in both exposure and strength. Our association continues to endeavor to be the leader in the global golf industry as many know the dedication and time Superintendents put into their jobs and organizations.
This may be hard to read, but it’s true: 22 a day. That’s the number released by the Department of Veterans Affairs in February. 22 veterans take their own lives every single day. The fear is, the actual number may be even higher. What’s a country to do? What are we, as individuals, to do?
Nearly 65 volunteers, a collection of Golf Course Superintendents from the states of Oregon and Washington working together with Military Veterans, prepared the American Lake Veterans’ Golf Course for Spring in a large, collaborative effort on March 14th. This all- volunteer labor force provided time and equipment to aerate greens and tee boxes, while also cleaning the debris remaining on the ground from a harsher winter than normal. In less than 5 hours the course was ready for its spring rush of golfers.
Evan Johnsen of First Tee and Troy Andrew of WA Golf and the Pacific Northwest Golf Association will join our keynote speaker, Dr. Brian Horgan, at WWGCSA’s Winter Meeting to participate in a roundtable to discuss further resources that golf courses provided to their surrounding communities. The Roundtable is part of a larger program led by Dr. Horgan’s presentation addressing the Science of the Green.
“My surgery was on December 6th to remove a benign brain tumor, that was discovered after I lost my sense of smell. I went through an eight-hour procedure where they were able to remove the tumor with no complications.
Randy Moen had spent most of his adult career as a Union Sheetmetal/HVAC worker. But in 2007 he started volunteering at American Lake Veterans Golf Course. Back then, the course had only 9 holes and was having difficulty finding the resources to be maintained well. Randy reflects that that’s when “I decided to put a little more effort into the appearance of this beautiful course.” 
A collection of as many as 60 Golf Course Superintendents from the states of Oregon and Washington are gathering at the Children’s Course in Gladstone,OR to provide volunteer labor and equipment to help get the course ready for the upcoming Spring and Summer Seasons. The Service Project will be held on Thursday, March 19, between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Here was one thing we came up with the for the cup. A 4” circle of AstroTurf with a hole cut in the middle to slide down the flagstick. We set it about ½” deep in the cup so the ball can roll in, but nobody has to reach in the cup or touch the flagstick. Started on Tuesday, and a member had a hole in one on the first day! We like it better than leaving the cup 1” up to deflect balls.
Carol Rau, a Certified Professional in Human Resources with over twenty years of experience in recruiting, career coaching, résumé building, public speaking and Human Resources consulting, has accepted our invitation to be the keynote speaker to our 2020 Spring Meeting, to be held online via webinar May 14 at 11 a.m. Carol was originally scheduled to headline our Spring Meeting at Tacoma Country & Golf Club back in March, but the event was postponed amid the current COVID-19 pandemic. Her online talk will be followed by a roundtable discussion featuring WWGCSA members.
Rounds 4 Research is an excellent way to meet two objectives at once. Raised proceeds for turf management research, and support the ongoing continuing education efforts of our local chapter.
The journey to the course was full of detours and puddles. Once the players arrived, however, the rain subsided. But then, the back nine became a soaker, as the rains returned and fell steady through the end of everyone’s round. Some of the starters didn’t finish. Nonetheless, Chad Wortinger of Bear Creek stayed consistent, posting consecutive sub-40 nines to finish the WWGCSA Superintendent Golf Championship at Aldarra with a final tally of 77. He was the only player to shoot below 80. Sean Reehoorn, the host Superintendent, was a worthy challenger – while missing from the field was defending champion Mike Goldsberry of Wing Point.
More than 30 members from the WWGCSA and OGCSA met up at the Children’s Course in Gladstone, OR to lay down some new sod, DryJect the greens and clean up an overwhelming amount of debris left behind by the recent ice storm. More than 30 superintendents, crew members and industry affiliates met up on March 8 to give their time to the OGCSA-organized joint service project with their fellow WWGCSA colleagues. The two regional GCSAA chapters got together close to three years ago to commit to an annual, jointly conducted, service project to benefit worthy entities in our region.
This year the Gladstone Children’s Course, southeast of downtown Portland and just north of Interstate 205 before its southern junction with I-5, was the recipient of the Association’s labor and expertise as well as donated equipment and materials. The mission of The Children’s Course is to transform the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Located along the Willamette River, the course was redesigned in 1989 into a 9-hole, par 3 course with an adjacent practice area.
In addition to the expected tuning up of the course, specifically around and on the greens, the project took on new importance after this year’s ice storm brought down a multitude of tree branches and other debris that were cluttering the field of play. Donations of volunteer labor (WWGCSA and OGCSA members as well as six volunteers from the American Lake Veterans Course in Lakewood), sand (Marion Ag Service and Walrath), DryJect Aeration, and the transportation of needed equipment (Pacific Golf and Turf) provided the tools to get the job done in less than a full day. A local tree service had a chipper present and the local waste management company provided a yard waste dumpster in order to remove all of the debris from the ice storm.
The location of the 2022 Service Project will be somewhere in Western Washington. The WWGCSA Board will make its recommendation to the OGCSA and be responsible for the majority of the logistics, just as the OGCSA did the same at the Children’s Course. In addition to being a way of giving back to our collective communities and giving light to the world of golf course management, the annual project is an opportunity for the two associations, which share the mighty Columbia River as a border, to reconnect and stay in touch.
We are proud to announce the Washington BMPs are available for viewing, or for download, from our website! The Environmental Stewardship Guidelines articulate and document the best management practices (BMPs) specifically for Washington State golf courses. To view the document, simply 
Close to 60 WWGCSA members and colleagues gathered at Sand Point Country Club at the end of January to hear a presentation from the principals of the recent renovation of the golf course. Nick Schaan of DMK Design, Casey Kalbrener of Ridgetop Golf and Marcus Harness, Sand Point’s Superintendent each gave a presentation on the project from different perspectives.
