bigwave – Page 2 – Hawaii Golf Course Superintendents Association

Conference Comes to You

Hawaii GCSA Members,

We are excited to provide you with world class education this year as we partner with the Carolinas GCSA.

Below are step-by-step instructions on how to register for seminars.

Seminars begin November 2^nd and run through December 18^th from 1-3 pm EST. No classes the week of Thanksgiving.

This is an ONLINE ONLY registration process.ONLY CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

Go to www.conferencecomestoyou.org. Registration opens 9/25/20 at 10 AM EST.
Once you select a seminar, click “TAKE THIS SEMINAR”. This will take you to the cart. If you choose to take more than one seminar, click on the blue bar “BACK TO CALENDAR”.
Once you have chosen all your seminars, click “Proceed to Check-Out”.
Enter HI2020 in the discount/partner chapter code to get your member discount. Without this code classes WILL NOT discount to $40.
It is VERY IMPORTANT that you enter Hawaii GCSA under the Chapter Membership dropdown.
Add your PESTICIDE LICENSE if applicable. There is room for up to 3 license numbers.
Add your credit card information and click “PLACE ORDER”.
You will receive 2 emails with a confirmation with your username and a receipt. You may log back in with your username or email with the password you created. If you forget your password, you may reset.
You will receive reminder emails that may include important materials from your instructor in advance of your seminar.
On the day of your seminar, log into your seminar (from your account or reminder email) from a computer/laptop/mobile device that has a webcam.

Your member discount code is: HI2020

Letter from HGCSA President, Scott Main, on COVID-19

Aloha Members,

I hope this letter finds each of you healthy and in good spirits during this difficult time, an unprecedented time in our lives that has left many of us scratching our heads wondering what will come next. The current shutdowns and quarantines have caused us to change policy and procedures daily, but this is generally what we do in our business. Take a deep breath, reflect, and now is the time for us to make the best decisions we can with what information is available.

The HGCSA board has been busy over the last few days reaching out to mayors on each island regarding how to proceed with golf maintenance, given many clubs have made the decision to close. First, I would like to make sure you are communicating with your owner, stakeholders, members, or general manager regarding the best practice for your property and staff. Secondly, the response we have received from the mayors’ offices is that golf maintenance is a critical trade that can continue. They ask that we continue to follow the CDC guidelines on social distancing, limiting numbers, and continual hygiene. We need to maintain our product with limited contact and hours. I have personally talked with many of you and there are many great plans in place. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call your neighbors to compare plans and strategies.

Since the economy is slowly grinding to a halt and revenues are at an all-time low, the HGCSA Board has voted to waive dues for the 2020 year. Along with waiving dues we have voted to postpone the annual golf and seminar in Oahu scheduled for August. The timeline is unknown as to how long the COVID-19 virus will require our day-to-day operations, travel, and gatherings to be delayed. We will regroup once things have settled to plan a meeting and golf for the spring of 2021.

This is a great time for everyone to download the mobile app (Android, Iphone) that Russ has set up for members called Wild Apricot. The app will allow each member to update their profile: Company, Title, email, and address information. You will need to set up a log-in and password and then reply to an email. If you know of any member who is not getting our emails, please share the app.

Scott Main
President HGCsA

“There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.”– Malcolm X

2019 Rounds 4 Research

Dear Hawaii GCSA Members,

I hope this finds you all doing well and preparing for what promises to be another busy year throughout the islands.

I am reaching out to you on behalf of the Hawaii GCSA Board of Directors concerning the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) Rounds 4 Research program. Rounds 4 Research was started in 2012 to address funding shortages in the areas of turfgrass research, education and advocacy. To date, the auction has raised more than $782,000 nationally.

The premise of the program is simple: Golf facilities can support the effort by donating rounds of golf for two or four or “stay and play” packages and other items that will be auctioned online through a nationwide auction from April 29 – May 5.

The proceeds from the online auction are designated by the participating facilities to their local GCSA chapter (in this case, Hawaii). 80 percent goes to the chapter with the remaining 20 percent going to EIFG to assist with marketing and technical costs of running the national auction. The auction is conducted through the bidding platform biddingforgood.com. Donated items can be viewed at https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/auctionhome.action?vhost=eifg.

The Hawaii GCSA can then decide how to best spend the funds in the areas of research, education or advocacy efforts.

I’m asking all of you today to consider donating a twosome or foursome from your facility to the auction. In times of declining membership, participation and sponsorship, these additional funds can be critical to our chapter to continue providing the member services you have become accustomed to.

The donation process can be completed online and takes approximately 10 minutes. Please visit http://www.eifg.org/research/rounds-4-research/donate-a-round/online-form and complete the form.
The participating facility has the ability to restrict rounds to certain days and times as well as the option of setting your opening bid. You can send in your own certificate for the donation or the EIFG will create a certificate for you.

If you have any questions concerning Rounds 4 Research, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I appreciate your time and consideration. You will be assisting your local chapter as well as raising funds for the future of the game.

Sincerely,

Russ Dooge, CGCS
Executive Director
Hawaii GCSA

2019 Golf Industry Show in San Diego

Ninety chapters send delegates to meeting at GCSAA headquarters

From the GCSAA Website Chapter News

Two-day session provides superintendents the opportunity for learning, feedback and community

Lawrence, Kan. (Nov. 3, 2015) – More than 100 members from 90 chapters visited GCSAA headquarters last week to cover topics ranging from a final look at the revised members standards proposal, to a chance to hear from candidates nominated for the 2016 board of directors. In addition, delegates participated in constructive dialogue on association issues such as committee structure and marketing initiatives for the association’s 17,500 members.

For some of the new attendees, it was a chance to learn more about their association.

“I now have a new appreciation for how the association is run and the true value that we receive by simply getting involved,” said GCSA of New England representative Greg Cormier, a certified golf course superintendent (CGCS) and director of golf course operations at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord, Mass.

Jake Snyman, golf course superintendent at the Palmer Lakeside course at Barton Creek in Austin, Texas, was equally impressed: “I got more out of this than anything I have done in the last 12 years I have been a member,” said Snyman, a 40-year-old from South Africa who has been a superintendent at Barton Creek for three years and was in Lawrence representing the Central Texas GCSA.

Russ Dooge, CGCS, thought it was time well spent, too, even though he has been connected to GCSAA leadership as a chapter delegate annually since 1996.

Dooge, a longtime superintendent and now general manager with golf course management oversight at The Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course, traveled nearly 4,000 miles from Hawaii for the opportunity to spend 48 hours talking with fellow members and GCSAA staff.

“We talked about member standards at my first chapter delegates meeting in 1997,” recalled Dooge, a member of the Hawaii GCSA. “It is important. But what we are doing in advocacy for the profession and the golf industry as a whole is huge. That is something I can’t do, and it helps me stay in business.”

GCSAA President John O’Keefe, CGCS, gave an overview of the member standards proposal that will be presented for membership approval at the 2016 Golf Industry Show in February. That proposal, developed after more than a year of discussions with chapter delegates and other members, will slightly increase the education points needed for Class A renewal as well as modify the requirements for eligibility, which will continue to be based on a combination of formal education, experience and earned education points.

“While there was some discussion about what will qualify for service points in a strong education platform, I am pleased that we have the full backing and direction from our delegates to move forward,” said O’Keefe, director of golf courses management at Preakness Hills Country Club in Wayne, N.J. “Class A member standards are important for defining who we are, both individually and collectively. They frame a member’s professional identity.”

In addition, GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans shared with delegates a brief snapshot of their association’s priority programs, an overview of how the association has been strengthened in recent years, and a preview of plans for the 2016 Golf Industry Show in San Diego. There was also time devoted to a free-flowing Town Hall session.

Please CLICK HERE to Download the “CHAPTER DELEGATES MEETING OUTCOMES” Document

Please CLICK HERE to Download the full agenda of the 2015 Chapter Delegates Meeting

Photos of the 2014 HGCSA Golf Tournament and Seminar have been Published

CLICK HERE to view more GREAT pictures!

Extension of the Fenamiphos (Nemacur) End-Use Date has been Granted

Dear GCSAA members,

Often when I reach out to you, it is to give a status report on the association or to make you aware of a change at GCSAA. But, today I have the opportunity to share some significant news that has resulted from GCSAA’s dedication to advocating on your behalf.

Yesterday afternoon we were contacted by the EPA to let us know that GCSAA’s request for the extension of the fenamiphos (Nemacur) end-use date has been granted until Oct. 6, 2017. We have been given a three-year extension of use of existing Nemacur stocks. Nemacur is used to control the major genera of nematodes attacking turfgrass. This includes root knot, root lesion, sting, lance and ring nematodes. The EPA plans to publish a notice in the Federal Register on the extension next week. We greatly appreciate the EPA’s understanding of the needs of our industry.

Our advocacy efforts are a team effort and are making a difference for superintendents and their facilities. A large part of GCSAA’s advocacy efforts take place behind the scenes, with meetings in Washington or in statehouses around the country or in countless phone calls to stakeholders and decision makers. But it is not just GCSAA staff or the Board or the Government Relations Committee who are championing the cause. Outcomes such as this one would be impossible without an engaged membership playing a vital role.

From the August GCM-Derrick Watts and the Prince Golf Club

The scenery alone at Prince Golf Club on the Hawaiian island of Kauai makes for experiences usually seen in watercolor paintings or on the big screen.

There is a rain forest on the property. Jungle. Rivers. The waterfall that comes out of a lava tube behind the 13th green by itself is breathtaking. For director of agronomy Derrick Watts, being able to work at a location most others would call a vacation destination is quite the perk.

“It is unbelievably beautiful and an architectural marvel,” says Watts, a 14-year GCSAA member. “For those who play the course, it is more a journey than a round of golf.”

Prince GC, on Hanalei Bay in Princeville, may look familiar. More than 50 years ago, its beauty was amplifed in scenes shot on location for legendary duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s musical “South Pacifc.” If anything, the flm served as a launching point for the island being viewed as the place to be for romance and charm.

In his own way, Watts has helped make the golf experience a land of enchantment.

A player development program that was initiated 16 months ago at Prince by a combined effort from the management team has been a big hit. As of June, more than 600 people have tried the program, which consists of a six-hole pitch and putt. Each afternoon, the driving range is cleared to make way for the Mini Prince Par-3 that opens at 4 p.m. Holes on the family-friendly course range from 48 to 91 yards and include an 8-inch-diameter cup to try to increase playability and enjoyment. It takes about 30 minutes to play, allowing each guest a chance to play six, 12 or 18 holes.

HGCSA Presents the 2014 Annual Seminar

Hawaii Golf Course Superintendents Association Presents the 2014 Annual Seminar At the Prince Hotel Waikiki October 3, 2014
08:00 A.M. (Check in time: 7:30 a.m.)

Subjects:

Turfgrass Nutrient Management
Invasive Pests Of Turfgrass and Landscape Plants
USGA Items Of Interest

Presented By: Dr.Micah Woods/Dr. Zhiqiang Cheng/Larry Gilhuly

Pre-registration required. Registration & Payment are due by September 15, 2014

Certification Points for: GCSAA CEUs and Pesticide

Please CLICK HERE to register online or to download the printable registration form.

Milton Nakagawa Tribute

Milton Nakagawa passed away at the age of 63, on March 18, 2014.

Milton was born and raised in Honokaa and graduated from Honokaa High School in 1968. Immediately upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served 4 years at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Upon being discharged and with the G I bill in hand, attended the University Of Hawaii, Hilo. He graduated with a B S degree in Plant Pathology in 1978.

Milton immediately entered the Landscape business and after working at various landscape companies he landed a job at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel as assistant grounds superintendent. After a few years at Mauna Kea he transferred to the Westin Kauai as head grounds superintendent. After a few years on Kauai and at the urging of the Vice President of Mauna Kea Properties he returned to Mauna Kea to become the assistant golf course superintendent.

Milton felt the need to learn the game of golf and took many lessons to become proficient at the game and to better relate to what he was doing in maintenance and the game. He became an avid golfer playing once a week with friends. His greatest enjoyment was when he was invited by Bruce Heymanson to play 9 days of golf in Australia, playing many of Alister Mackenzie’s designed golf courses.

Milton always felt the need to increase his knowledge on turf management. He took every opportunity to participate in the many continuing education courses offered by the GCSAA and the many turf grass seminars.

In 1988, Milton assisted with the construction of the Hapuna Golf Course and became Golf Course Superintendent in 1991. In 2002, he assumed the superintendent position of both Mauna Kea and Hapuna golf course.

In 2008, Mauna Kea underwent a major renovation with Reese Jones as architect. Milton served as project coordinate overseeing the various contractors on the project. Upon completion, a major change in management occurred at the golf course and Milton left to pursue other opportunities. His only regret was not being able to see the grass grow in to maturity. He also regretted not being able to control an invasive grass that became established. He had worked so hard to control the grass and had a good handle for a control.

After 18 months Milton was approached by Mauna Kea Properties to return to the resort to manage a newly developed water company. He single handedly developed the water company from scratch supplying water to the golf course, hotel and the various development throughout the resort.

Milton fell ill early this year and was finally diagnosed with stage four Pancreatic cancer. He passed away on March 18, with family and friends at his bed side.