When I was loading a Toro GM 580-D, a 16 foot rotary, on my trailer early in my career I got some very valuable advice. DON'T EVER PUT YOUR HANDS ON A BLADE OR REEL WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING!!!! Yes, it was is a loud voice and it stuck with me. Barney McFadden, who was a Master Salesman with Toro and the Toro guy in Philly for 42 years was the voice that to this day I still hear. I was going along the side of the unit and the decks were up and for some reason I had the engine running. When I grabbed the blade to go to the back of the unit was just when Barney had walked out of the office. He explained how he still had all his fingers after years of working with equipment and DON'T EVER PUT YOUR HANDS ON A BLADE OR REEL WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING!!!!
Recently I learned a local crew member of a golf course lost part of a finger and did some major damage to his hand. He is a longtime turfer and has always been talked about by coworkers as a great worker and how meticulous he is. All I know is he was hurt and it just took one second to make that mistake of having your hand near a running reel.
We have all been there, sometimes we get to comfortable around equipment that we forget can do some serious damage when we don't respect it. Maybe on one of theses lovely frost delay mornings or the next time it rains, do some safety training. It is not always the high school or college summer help that can use that reminder.
And like I still hear Barney's voice in my head to this day....DON'T EVER PUT YOUR HANDS ON A BLADE OR REEL WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING!!!!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Big Dipper
I have told the story tons of times about how I quit chewing tobacco. I started chewing in high school and would have a dip in all day when I was working on the golf course. After I got into sales, I chewed less but still had not stopped. I even was chewing Red Man because my gums were getting so beat up. One day I saw a black spot on my gum in the mirror. I panicked and swore to God that if this would pass I would never chew again! That was about 15 years ago and I have not had a dip since.
Now I will have a cigar a couple time a year but no Skoal....
Now when I golf or I am outside working, I have always loved a pinch between the cheek and gum. So I have tried just about everything from Big League Chew (gum) to the beef jerky chew and nothing has really done it. After years of trying I finally found something that packs right, tastes similar and does not bang up your gums. It is from Oregon Mint Snuff Company! It is the best alternative I have found and would recommend it to anyone who wants to try and stop chewing tobacco.
So for those of you who just can't kick the habit, I would tell you to give this a shot.
www.mintsnuff.com
On the turf front in the Philly area has been hammered by grey leaf spot. We have had some turf loss and not many guys escaped the damage. One Superintendent put it best when he said he remembered when grey leaf spot came into the area back in the early 1990's. You have gotten through the hard part of the season.The night time temps are perfect and BAM you have turf loss....
Now today we are ending with tornado warnings...
This is definitely a year for the history books!
WJC
Now I will have a cigar a couple time a year but no Skoal....
Now when I golf or I am outside working, I have always loved a pinch between the cheek and gum. So I have tried just about everything from Big League Chew (gum) to the beef jerky chew and nothing has really done it. After years of trying I finally found something that packs right, tastes similar and does not bang up your gums. It is from Oregon Mint Snuff Company! It is the best alternative I have found and would recommend it to anyone who wants to try and stop chewing tobacco.
So for those of you who just can't kick the habit, I would tell you to give this a shot.
www.mintsnuff.com
On the turf front in the Philly area has been hammered by grey leaf spot. We have had some turf loss and not many guys escaped the damage. One Superintendent put it best when he said he remembered when grey leaf spot came into the area back in the early 1990's. You have gotten through the hard part of the season.The night time temps are perfect and BAM you have turf loss....
Now today we are ending with tornado warnings...
This is definitely a year for the history books!
WJC
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Shooting With A Long Arrow
Recently I heard Irish singer Glen Hansard on the radio, as I was flipping through the stations in my mobile office. He was doing a live concert and talking in between each song with a little explanation of what was behind it. The one song he explained "That sometimes in life you need to shoot a long arrow". He went on to talk about how at the time it might not be the easy answer or make complete sense but you need to look at life often in the long term. I thought it was a really smart way to say something I have always believed and my coworkers have heard me say that it is a marathon and not a sprint!
With the recent passing of USGA legend Stanley Zontek, those words seemed very fitting. I had over the years met Stanley on few occasions and heard him speak many times. One of the things in business people sometimes discuss is your sphere of influence. Well Stanley's might have been one of the largest in the golf industry and absolutely in the Mid-Atlantic region of the USA. His friendship and support of Superintendents in his 41 years is truly incredible. I can't count how many times I have spoken to guys who said Stanley was just in and.....What followed always was a good thing. Even in tough times he had a positive influence on so many people's lives and careers.
Here is to a life well lived!
The link below is to a really well written article by Joe Logan.
His analogy of Stanley to an Uncle is the perfect fit.
http://myphillygolf.com/
WJC
With the recent passing of USGA legend Stanley Zontek, those words seemed very fitting. I had over the years met Stanley on few occasions and heard him speak many times. One of the things in business people sometimes discuss is your sphere of influence. Well Stanley's might have been one of the largest in the golf industry and absolutely in the Mid-Atlantic region of the USA. His friendship and support of Superintendents in his 41 years is truly incredible. I can't count how many times I have spoken to guys who said Stanley was just in and.....What followed always was a good thing. Even in tough times he had a positive influence on so many people's lives and careers.
Here is to a life well lived!
The link below is to a really well written article by Joe Logan.
His analogy of Stanley to an Uncle is the perfect fit.
http://myphillygolf.com/
WJC
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Come on Frost Delays!
I spoke with a Superintendent this morning and with a laugh he said "It's been a long year....!".
The weather this year has been as always interesting. For some odd reason the humidity has been up and down pretty drastically and has really dried things out more quickly than a usual Philly summer after a rain storm. I also have heard more talk of goose grass, bermuda and crab grass on steroids.
With Labor Day weekend upon us and most people's aeration complete, I believe everybody is looking forward to some cooling temperatures and shorter days. For the most part it sounds like it has been a good year for the region. Rounds are up and no unsettling stories of turf loss. Now the next thing on the horizon is the Tier 4 emission standards that will have a big impact on the Turf Industry. I would urge you to educate yourself as much as you can. It is going to change things drastically.
This link would be a good place to start:
http://www.toro.com/en-us/customer-support/Pages/tier-4/Tier-4.aspx
On the topic of aeration, the PAGCS Aeration Days at Walnut Lane Golf Club-Home of the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia was a big success! The course is healing up quickly and looks great.
If you would like to see a video about the day take a look at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVYticBMxyI
Thanks again to all the volunteers!!!!
WJC
The weather this year has been as always interesting. For some odd reason the humidity has been up and down pretty drastically and has really dried things out more quickly than a usual Philly summer after a rain storm. I also have heard more talk of goose grass, bermuda and crab grass on steroids.
With Labor Day weekend upon us and most people's aeration complete, I believe everybody is looking forward to some cooling temperatures and shorter days. For the most part it sounds like it has been a good year for the region. Rounds are up and no unsettling stories of turf loss. Now the next thing on the horizon is the Tier 4 emission standards that will have a big impact on the Turf Industry. I would urge you to educate yourself as much as you can. It is going to change things drastically.
This link would be a good place to start:
http://www.toro.com/en-us/customer-support/Pages/tier-4/Tier-4.aspx
On the topic of aeration, the PAGCS Aeration Days at Walnut Lane Golf Club-Home of the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia was a big success! The course is healing up quickly and looks great.
If you would like to see a video about the day take a look at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVYticBMxyI
Thanks again to all the volunteers!!!!
WJC
Sunday, August 19, 2012
A Job Well Done!
The PAGCS Aeration Days at Walnut Lane GC, home to the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, has come to a close. For all those involved, It seemed that everybody was please with the outcome.
Greens/Tees/Fairways were all aerated. Even with the thunderstorms that rolled through on the first day....it all got done!
It was a very exciting thing to be a part of. Superintendent, Gary Hite , had a full house of volunteers. We even had enough bodies to go spread plugs in some of the low spots on the course.
All the volunteers were AWESOME! Some guys who really gave their time and also donated product were Jason Criss of Genesis, Mike Janzer of Plantfood, Brian Robinson of Turf Trade & Jeff Lacour of Davission Golf. Then you had guys like Steve Cataldo of ITM and Allen Jensen-Sellers of Davey Tree, who are not directly involved in the golf industry but were a big help to the project.
Really it was incredible to see the time and effort and support (all the vendors donations!)that people provided. The golf business is different from other industries. Even though clubs are in competition with each other, when someone needs a hand people step up! When I was younger and working for Mr. Valentine at Merion GC during the 1989 US Amateur, we needed to sod some areas. It was an awful summer to have to grow grass and even worse to host a USGA Championship in August in Philadelphia. I will never forget going over to McCall GC (PECO) and a group of us cutting rolls and rolls of bent grass sod from their nursery. Lou Amadio (one of the true good guys in the business) said take what you need.
I want to thank the management & ownership of Turf Equipment and Supply for believing in the importance of this event and their support to make it a success!
Here are some spots to see some photos:
http://www.facebook.com/TFTGreaterPhiladelphiaWL
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Turf-Equipment-and-Supply-Company/312039156193
Thank you to all the volunteers!!!!
Jay Parisien CGCS-Bala CC
Dave Stockmal-Paxon Hollow CC
Nick Lubold-Overbrook CC
Jason Criss-Genesis
Andy Dumas-Andre & Sons
Steve Cataldo-Intergrated Turf Managment
Allen Jensen-Sellers-Davey Tree
Jeff Lacour-Davisson Golf
Brian Robinson-Turf Trade
Selvin DeLeon-Bala CC
Dan Kellen-Bala CC
Jim Nedin-Jim Nedin Consulting
Tina Du Monceau-Turf Equipment
Andy Donelson-Turf Equipment
Brian Pardoe-Turf Equipment
Scott Keener-Turf Equipment
Matt Brown-Turf Equipment
Lou Bosco-Turf Equipment
George Glock-Turf Equipment
Brian Dallas-Turf Equipment
Dave Bookhiemer-Turf Equipment
Charles-First Tee Alumni
& The good Doctor!
WJC
Greens/Tees/Fairways were all aerated. Even with the thunderstorms that rolled through on the first day....it all got done!
It was a very exciting thing to be a part of. Superintendent, Gary Hite , had a full house of volunteers. We even had enough bodies to go spread plugs in some of the low spots on the course.
All the volunteers were AWESOME! Some guys who really gave their time and also donated product were Jason Criss of Genesis, Mike Janzer of Plantfood, Brian Robinson of Turf Trade & Jeff Lacour of Davission Golf. Then you had guys like Steve Cataldo of ITM and Allen Jensen-Sellers of Davey Tree, who are not directly involved in the golf industry but were a big help to the project.
Really it was incredible to see the time and effort and support (all the vendors donations!)that people provided. The golf business is different from other industries. Even though clubs are in competition with each other, when someone needs a hand people step up! When I was younger and working for Mr. Valentine at Merion GC during the 1989 US Amateur, we needed to sod some areas. It was an awful summer to have to grow grass and even worse to host a USGA Championship in August in Philadelphia. I will never forget going over to McCall GC (PECO) and a group of us cutting rolls and rolls of bent grass sod from their nursery. Lou Amadio (one of the true good guys in the business) said take what you need.
I want to thank the management & ownership of Turf Equipment and Supply for believing in the importance of this event and their support to make it a success!
Here are some spots to see some photos:
http://www.facebook.com/TFTGreaterPhiladelphiaWL
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Turf-Equipment-and-Supply-Company/312039156193
Thank you to all the volunteers!!!!
Jay Parisien CGCS-Bala CC
Dave Stockmal-Paxon Hollow CC
Nick Lubold-Overbrook CC
Jason Criss-Genesis
Andy Dumas-Andre & Sons
Steve Cataldo-Intergrated Turf Managment
Allen Jensen-Sellers-Davey Tree
Jeff Lacour-Davisson Golf
Brian Robinson-Turf Trade
Selvin DeLeon-Bala CC
Dan Kellen-Bala CC
Jim Nedin-Jim Nedin Consulting
Tina Du Monceau-Turf Equipment
Andy Donelson-Turf Equipment
Brian Pardoe-Turf Equipment
Scott Keener-Turf Equipment
Matt Brown-Turf Equipment
Lou Bosco-Turf Equipment
George Glock-Turf Equipment
Brian Dallas-Turf Equipment
Dave Bookhiemer-Turf Equipment
Charles-First Tee Alumni
& The good Doctor!
WJC
Monday, August 6, 2012
Is That A Light At The End Of The Tunnel?
The down side of the season is officially here in parts of the NE of the USA! Some courses have started fall aerification this week with more on the docket for next week. So where are we? The majority of courses are having major up swings in rounds. I am hearing stories of public golf killing it. Over 240 rounds on both Saturday & Sunday and 140+ rounds during the week. These are numbers I have gotten from multiple public courses. On the private side, the talk is of how beat up my tees are....which is from the big increase of rounds too. The lack of rain & heat has made it a brutal year for the Turf Manager but the club's bottom lines are looking better. The other big positive is not one horror story of turf loss in the area. Which is a big plus in a ridiculously tough year like this one.
Will there be a restart to the golf construction boom? NO but are things much brighter than where we were 4 years ago, YES! Some of the clubs that were on life support have come out of intensive care but are still in guarded condition. It will be interesting to see the level of reinvestment this fall. That will be a good indicator of the condition of the golf industry's true health.
PAGCS First Tee Aeration Event Update:
We are almost set for next weeks 2 day aeration event at Walnut Lane GC. One of the coolest things was all the vendors who stepped up and supplied all the seed/topdressing/fertilizer etc...
Many thanks to:
Mike Janzer-Plantfood
Jason Criss-Genesis
Chris Friel-Pocono Turf
Mike Susshine-Helena
Mike Warner-Fertl Soil
Tim Davisson-Davisson Golf
Bob Burd-Agrium
Volunteers for lending a hand are slowly coming in and hopefully by this time next week we will be full!
WJC
Will there be a restart to the golf construction boom? NO but are things much brighter than where we were 4 years ago, YES! Some of the clubs that were on life support have come out of intensive care but are still in guarded condition. It will be interesting to see the level of reinvestment this fall. That will be a good indicator of the condition of the golf industry's true health.
PAGCS First Tee Aeration Event Update:
We are almost set for next weeks 2 day aeration event at Walnut Lane GC. One of the coolest things was all the vendors who stepped up and supplied all the seed/topdressing/fertilizer etc...
Many thanks to:
Mike Janzer-Plantfood
Jason Criss-Genesis
Chris Friel-Pocono Turf
Mike Susshine-Helena
Mike Warner-Fertl Soil
Tim Davisson-Davisson Golf
Bob Burd-Agrium
Volunteers for lending a hand are slowly coming in and hopefully by this time next week we will be full!
WJC
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Meet Me at The First Tee
About two months ago, I got the chance to play in a fund raiser for The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia at Walnut Lane Golf Club. It is the home of The First Tee program. The former owner of Philadelphia Turf, Frank Shuman, has been a big supporter of the program and I have gotten the chance to attend some of their events as his guest in the past. At this outing, I was lucky enough to get one of the kids in the program as my playing partner. It was a really enjoyable day and got me motivated to try and get involved.
The next day I went to see Jay Parisien. Jay is the President of the Philadelphia Area Golf Course Superintendents Association and very involved with the First Tee. We started talking about what things could be done to help the program. We both had the same thought of an aeration day.
So the process started of trying to line everything up.....
Jay spoke with the Superintendent at Walnut Lane GC, Gary Hite. Gary does an incredible job on this Alexander Findlay design! The owners of Turf Equipment & Supply were all behind bringing in a fleet of demo equipment. Then came trying to round up some seed/fertilizer and topdressing.
With each call to other vendors in the business it was the same answer " How much do you need?...DONE!"
Now the request for equipment operators will be going out the start of this week through the PAGCS and our company is going to do an e-blast to our golf customers in the area too. So now it looks like we have everything in place ( Especially the lunch we are providing both days from the local cheese steak shop!). Now if the weather will cooperate.....August 14th & 15th should be something to see!
WJC
The next day I went to see Jay Parisien. Jay is the President of the Philadelphia Area Golf Course Superintendents Association and very involved with the First Tee. We started talking about what things could be done to help the program. We both had the same thought of an aeration day.
So the process started of trying to line everything up.....
Jay spoke with the Superintendent at Walnut Lane GC, Gary Hite. Gary does an incredible job on this Alexander Findlay design! The owners of Turf Equipment & Supply were all behind bringing in a fleet of demo equipment. Then came trying to round up some seed/fertilizer and topdressing.
With each call to other vendors in the business it was the same answer " How much do you need?...DONE!"
Now the request for equipment operators will be going out the start of this week through the PAGCS and our company is going to do an e-blast to our golf customers in the area too. So now it looks like we have everything in place ( Especially the lunch we are providing both days from the local cheese steak shop!). Now if the weather will cooperate.....August 14th & 15th should be something to see!
WJC
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)