Friday, December 9, 2011

December Anniversaries

We would like to recognize the following team members who have demonstrated their continued commitment to excellence and have reached important milestones with IGM.

10 Years
Alan Jackson - Superintendent - IGM at Polo Grounds
7 Years
Chuck Carnite - Equipment Technician - IGM at ViewPoint
3 Years
Douglas Kirkland - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Savannahs
2 Years
Pablo Tovar - Spray Technician - IGM at Mystic Dunes
Glenn Esposito - Equipment Technician - IGM at Four Lakes
1 Year
Willie Rudolph - Assistant Equipment Tech - IGM at North Palm Beach
Thanks to each of you for your efforts in making IGM the leader in the golf maintenance industry. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

December Birthdays

Members of the IGM Team with November birthdays:
  
Francis Gilbert - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Country Creek
Douglas Kirkland - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Savannahs
Robert Tramel - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Savannahs
Sean Gillen - Superintendent - IGM at Sebastian
 
We wish each of you a very Happy Birthday!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving

We would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
During this time as we look to those things that we all most thankful for, it is important not to forget the men and women of the US Armed Forces both past and present. On this day of thanks be sure to let those who have served or are serving our country know how thankful we are for them.

Friday, November 18, 2011

November Anniversaries

We would like to recognize the following team members who have demonstrated their continued commitment to excellence and have reached important milestones with IGM.
 
5 Years
David Souder - Equipment Technician - IGM  at Sandridge
 
4 Years
Robert Johnston - Equipment Technician - IGM at Country Creek
David Bair - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Heritage Greens
 
2 Years
Nicholas Masters - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Sebastian
Daniel Goulet - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Sebastian
 
Thanks to each of you for your efforts in making IGM the leader in the golf maintenance industry. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Friday, November 11, 2011

November Birthdays

Members of the IGM Team with November birthdays:
 
Martin Bojorquez - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Date Palm
Andy Fowler - Superintendent - IGM at Waynesville
Jeff Miller - Superintendent - IGM at Brays Island
Wayne Deese - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Sandridge
James Moller - Superintendent - IGM at Habitat
Aaron Warstler - Superintendent - IGM at Terraverde
 
We wish each of you a very Happy Birthday!

Friday, October 28, 2011

Congratulations Mike Dopslaff

Arrowhead Golf Course's PGA General Manager Mike Dopslaff has been named the 2011 South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year in the Public Category. This award is presented to the PGA Member that has demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf with a focus on the individuals inventory, shop display, staff, and merchandising techniques at a resort facility.

A PGA member since 1984, Mike is well known for his merchandising skills and techniques, recognized twice already as a South Florida Section Merchandiser of the Year, a Chapter Merchandiser of the Year five times, the SW Chapter Golf Professional of the Year in 2007, the SW Chapter Player of the Year for four years and more.

Congratulations Mike!

Friday, October 21, 2011

October Anniversaries

We would like to recognize the following team members who have demonstrated their continued commitment to excellence and have reached important milestones with IGM.
 
10 Years
Todd Hugill - Superintendent - IGM at Widows Walk
 
8 Years
Juan Villegas - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Mystic Dunes
 
7 Years
Donald Bookwalter Jr - Superintendent - IGM at ChampionsGate
Toua Hang - Spray Technician - IGM at ChampionsGate
 
6 Years
Aaron Warstler - Superintendent - IGM at Terraverde
Winfield Yount - Superintendent - IGM at Sandbridge
 
5 Years
Tommy Coffey - Superintendent - IGM at Grand Palms
Art Hampton - Director of Maintenance - IGM at ChampionsGate
Martin Suarez - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Silver Lakes
 
4 Years
Shane McGuire - Superintendent - IGM at North Palm Beach
Raymond Morrison - Equipment Technician - IGM at North Palm Beach
 
3 Years
Daryl Morris - Equipment Technician - IGM at Savannahs
 
2 Years
Walter Mrozek - Spray Technician - IGM at Sandridge
 
Thanks to each of you for your efforts in making IGM the leader in the golf maintenance industry. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Hall of Fame Golfer Wadkins Completes Black Jack’s Crossing at Lajitas, Texas

In his Hall of Fame Golf Career, Lanny Wadkins has reached the heights as a player, champion and architect, but until he began working on Black Jack’s Crossing in the famed West Texas outpost of Lajitas, he had never seen a site so dramatic.

Wadkins, who has played professionally for more than 30 years with dozens of victories and honors, couldn’t believe his good fortune to be able to create the Texas-sized championship layout at the newly reborn Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa.

“It’s the most spectacular site in Texas, I don’t think there’s another a site like this anywhere in the state,” he said.

After a devastating flood wiped out a previous Lajitas design, Wadkins was chosen from a host of big name architects to design the par 72 Black Jack’s Crossing, which opened October 1, and was named for famed U.S. Army General John Perishing who once roamed these parts.

The majestic Rio Grande River comes into view on the final 5 holes of the course, which is full of dramatic twists, turns and elevation drops to the fairway, with the 15th club in most people’s bag a camera to catch all the action.

“I’ve seen a lot of courses, but never one like this in Texas,” Wadkins said. “(Co-owner) Kelcy (Warren) and I went hiking in the area around Lajitas and you won’t believe some of the views we saw from the mountains.

“We had enough land to do two courses because there was so much to work with, but it was just a matter of getting all the holes to fit together for a spectacular sight.”

Wadkins, who has done highly acclaimed courses in Ohio, Michigan, South Carolina (TPC Myrtle Beach) and Texas, said he doesn’t have a specific Wadkins style, taking mainly with what the site gives him.

At the Lajitas project, he was given plenty and was able to move plenty of dirt in the mountains to get the stunningly right look.

“I like to see what’s in front of me off the tee and not have to guess where I am. With the great vision corridors at Lajitas, that wasn’t a problem.

”We have great views, great paspalum greens and great challenges.”

A Virginia native and golf star at Wake Forest University, Wadkins’ career was all about rising above and meeting challenges. He captured 21 PGA Tour titles including the PGA Championship at Pebble Beach, played on eight Ryder Cup teams and captained the 1995 U.S. Ryder Cup team.

With back trouble limiting his play on the Champions Tour, he has turned to golf architecture in a big way, along with watching his sons play golf in college and now professionally.

“I love to do courses,” Wadkins added. “I think it’s a way I can contribute and give back to golf.”

Wadkins made his first visit to Lajitas in 2008 after the West Texas floods had left an open canvas for a spectacular resort golf course. He was there in early 2009, standing on the steps of the Thirsty Goat saloon, when he got the word of his election into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Between the time he contracted to take the job and finishing Black Jack’s Crossing at Lajitas, he made between 13-15 trips to the site, meeting with Director of Golf Operations Ruffin Moore, the Lajitas staff and the construction crew, so captivated was Wadkins by the opportunity.

“I like to be hands on when I’m doing a course, but this is more time here than I’ve ever spent. This is a unique site, a unique course and one I am very proud of.”

In honor of the grand opening at Black Jack’s Crossing Golf Club, green fees at the Lanny Wadkins signature club are $90 and include golf cart rental. In conjunction with the golf course opening, Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa is featuring a special golf package rate for guests of the resort through Jan. 2, 2012.

Click here for more information on Black Jack’s Crossing, or the Lajitas Resort in Texas’s Big Bend or call 1-877-LAJITAS.


About Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa
The Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa was designed as a destination for a variety of unique and unforgettable events; including corporate retreats, group meetings, incentive trips, and weddings. Exceptional event space incorporating 6,000 square feet indoors and 15,000 square feet outdoors, Lajitas Resort offers flexibility to create an incredible event designed specifically with your group in mind.

Our unique destination; combined with exquisite amenities, first class service, luxurious accommodations, and a full range of activities designed for all interest levels, creates an unsurpassed, memorable experience for you and your guests. We hope you will allow the Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa the opportunity to host your next event among the Big Bend, one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the United States.

About Meadowbrook Golf
Meadowbrook Golf Inc. is a Florida-based, full-service golf management and development company, which owns, leases, manages and maintains golf courses nationwide. For more information, please visit www.mggi.com.

About IGM
As the nation’s leading golf course maintenance company and the agronomic subsidiary of Meadowbrook Golf, IGM contracts with golf courses and country clubs to handle all aspects of turf and grounds maintenance. From personnel to equipment issues, IGM develops maintenance programs that incorporate all the resources necessary to meet the agronomic needs of the customers’ facilities – many times at a savings compared with historical golf course maintenance costs. For more information please visit www.igminc.net.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

October Birthdays

Members of the IGM Team with October birthdays:

Nigel Hoyte - Spray Technician - IGM at Four Lakes
Juan Villegas - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Mystic Dunes
Superintendent - Alan Jackson - IGM at Polo Grounds
John Lacour - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Habitat
Travis Padgett - Crew Leader - IGM at Lake of the Woods
Walter Mrozek - Spray Technician - IGM at Sandridge
John Weathers - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Mystic Dunes


We wish each of you a very Happy Birthday!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

September Anniversaries

We would like to recognize the following team members who have demonstrated their continued commitment to excellence and have reached important milestones with IGM.
 
9 Years
Daniel Wikiera - Assist. Equipment Tech - IGM at Mystic Dunes
 
8 Years
William Sheer - Superintendent - IGM at Mystic Dunes
 
6 Years
Henry Oertel - Equipment Technician - IGM at The Ledges
 
4 Years
Edward Taylor - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Grand Palms
Brad Batchelor - Superintendent - IGM at Bear Valley Springs
Jose Benitez Macias - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Bear Valley Springs
Raul Sanchez - Crew Leader - IGM at Bear Valley Springs
 
3 Years
Michael Kuhn - Superintendent - IGM at Lake of the Woods
Roel Figueroa-Solis - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Brays Island
Wayne White - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Silver Lakes
 
2 Years
Brian Certo - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Heritage Greens
Travis Padgett - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Lake of the Woods
 
1 Year
Nathaniel Evans - Assist. Equipment Technician - IGM at Sandridge
Chris Parsons - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at ViewPoint
Taylor Prichard - Spray Technician - IGM at ViewPoint
 
Thanks to each of you for your efforts in making IGM the leader in the golf maintenance industry. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

IGM Staffer Ties Course Record

Frank Kulig has been to Death Valley and back. Literally. And tied a course record there, too.

The Ware native has returned to cooler climates, but his golf game has stayed hot. The assistant superintendent at Ledges Golf Course in South Hadley matched the course record of 9-under-par 63 there on Aug. 18. “It was one of those days when nothing could go wrong,” Kulig said. The round, which matched a score posted by Matt Scytkowski of South Hadley in 2002, included eight birdies, an eagle and one bogey.


“I’ve made two aces in my career, so I am not sure which is better,” Kulig said. Kulig birdied Nos. 2, 3 and 4 and even joked with playing partners Matt Kowal, superintendent at Ledges GC, and Marc Marinello that “here comes the course record.” “When they heard that, they were just trying to get under my skin a little bit,” Kulig said. He birdied the seventh, but gave it back with a bogey at 8. “But then the eagle on 9 did it,” Kulig said of a 30-foot putt for a 3. “Then they were with me, really cheering me on after that.”

Kulig made the turn at 5-under 31, but “cooled off” with pars at the next five holes. He missed only two fairways and hit 15 of 18 greens, getting up-and-down at Nos. 11 and 13 and missing a five-footer for par at No. 8. “I was kind of aware of what the course record was, but no one was 100 percent sure,” Kulig said. “I don’t think it was ever really posted anywhere.” Kulig then birdied his last four holes, making putts from 3, 2, 17 and 7 feet coming in. “I knew the tough one would be 17,” Kulig said. “I drove it to the right, near the trees. But I ended up making a 17-footer for birdie.” At 18, he reached the par-5 in two, but left a 30-footer for eagle about seven feet short. “My knees were knocking, all for a seven-foot birdie putt,” Kulig said. Kulig, incidentally, cut the pins that day.

“And I was in a bad mood, so I think I set them up in some tough spots,” Kulig said of the pin placements. Kulig, who didn’t take up golf until he was 16, went directly into the service after high school, before moving out to California. “I went right down to being a scratch golfer, played in and won a lot of tournaments,” Kulig said. “One year, I played 180 times.'' He worked as an assistant superintendent at Furnace Creek Golf Course in Death Valley, Calif.

“It’s the lowest course (214 feet below sea level) in the world,” Kulig said. “It’s in a national park, miles away from civilization. We’d start work there at 4 a.m. and it would already be 105 degrees. In July and August it would get to 125. It was tough to find people to work there.” Kulig tied the course record at Furnace Creek, but said his handicap has suffered since he returned to the East Coast last October.

“I haven’t played much since, and I posted a bunch of scores early on that were in the low 80s, high 70s,” Kulig said. “My lowest was a 73, so my handicap is now a 7. Playing that day here, I felt like my ol’ California self again. .” “But I have only played about 15 times this year,” he said. “I like it here. I wanted to improve in this business and I wanted to learn how everything works in a cooler climate.”

Friday, September 2, 2011

September Birthdays

Members of the IGM Team with September  birthdays:

Bobby Reyes - Superintendent - IGM at Date Palm
Christopher Monserrate - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Grand Palms
Steven Shute - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Terraverde
David Bair - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Heritage Greens
William Scheer - Superintendent - IGM at Mystic Dunes
Ryan Cahill - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Widows Walk

We wish each of you a very Happy Birthday!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Storm Before the Storm

Many on the East Coast including a number of IGM courses are bracing for the arrival Hurricane Irene. Last night as staff for IGM at Lake of the Woods near Fredericksburg, Virginia finished the last hurrricane preparations, a line of strong storms passed through the area. The course experienced a very distructive microburst falling trees and scattering limbs and debris throughout the property.

Work to clear the greens and allow access around the course took place throughout the day today however the clean-up can't be completed prior to the arrival of Irene. IGM crews will be back to work as soon as conditions are safe. Good luck and stay safe.

Friday, August 19, 2011

August Anniversaries

We would like to recognize the following team members who have demonstrated their continued commitment to excellence and have reached important milestones with IGM.
 
12 Years
Jim Moller - Superintendent - IGM at Habitat
 
6 Years
Martin Bojorquez - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Date Palm
Maurice Miyo - Superintendent - IGM at Savannahs
 
2 Years
John Samples - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at King's Point
Dallas Dupont - Equipment Technician - IGM at Sebastian
 
1 Year
Paul Pulaski - Equipment Technician - IGM at Brays Island
Angel Torres, Jr. - Assistant Equipment Tech - IGM at Mystic Dunes
 
Thanks to each of you for your efforts in making IGM the leader in the golf maintenance industry. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
 

Friday, August 12, 2011

August Birthdays

Members of the IGM Team with August birthdays:
 
Robert Lendak - Equipment Technician - IGM at Silver Lakes
Willie Rudolph - Assisant Equipement Tech - IGM at North Palm Beach
Michael Heckenstaller - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Habitat
Roger King - Equipment Technician - IGM at Waynesville
Chuck Carnite - Equipment Technician - IGM at ViewPoint
Pablo Tovar - Spray Technician - IGM at Mystic Dunes
 
We wish each of you a very Happy Birthday!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

IGM Mourns the Passing of Mr. Michael Costa

IGM mourns the passing of Mr. Michael Costa, golf course superintendent at Cahoon Plantation GC in Chesapeake, VA.

Michael Henry Costa, 42, of Camden, North Carolina, passed away Monday, August 1, 2011. Born in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late Carol and Henry Costa. Michael started his golf career at age 15 at Metacomet Country Club in East Providence, RI. He soon became the Superintendent at Chemawa Golf Club, North Attleborough, MA until he moved to Cahoon Plantation Golf Club, Chesapeake, VA.

When he was not at the golf course, Michael could be found at the Avalon Fishing Pier on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. He will be remembered as a loving husband and father who lived a personal motto of "commitment to excellence".

Survivors include his wife, Tracey Ann Costa; two children, Michael Forrest Costa and Brooke Evelyn Costa; three sisters, Laurie Cook, Karen Holtzclaw and husband Alan and Michelle Cartwright and husband Todd Mosher as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Michael's life will be celebrated in a service at 4:00 p.m., Friday, August 5, 2011 at the Great Bridge Chapel of Oman Funeral Home & Crematory, 653 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., prior to the service at the funeral home. Following the funeral service there will be a reception at Cahoon Plantation.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Michael's family and friends at this difficult time.

Friday, July 15, 2011

July Anniversaries

We would like to recognize the following team members who have demonstrated their continued commitment to excellence and have reached important milestones with IGM.

9 Years
Linda Piney - Administrative Assistant - IGM at ChampionsGate

7 Years
Robert Lendak - Equipment Technician - IGM at Silver Lakes

6 Years
Tanner Couch - Equipment Technician - IGM at ChampionsGate

4 Years
Jerry Wheelis - Equipment Technician - IGM at Lake Henry
Jason Farr - Superintendent - IGM at Lake Henry

1 Year
Jason Ellis - Superintendent - IGM at Country Creek

Thanks to each of you for your efforts in making IGM the leader in the golf maintenance industry. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Friday, July 8, 2011

July Birthdays

Members of the IGM Team with July birthdays:

Brad Batchelor - Superintendent - IGM at Bear Valley Springs
Martin Suarez - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Silver Lakes
Jason Ellis - Superintendent - IGM at Country Creek
Robert Johnston - Equipment Technician - IGM at Country Creek
Michael Davis - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at North Palm Beach
Charles Calhoun - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Sandridge
Bill Jeffrey - Superintendent - IGM at King's Point
Oscar Lopez - Irrigation Technician - IGM at ViewPoint
Daniel Elysee - Landscape Supervisor - IGM at King's Point

We wish each of you a very Happy Birthday!


Monday, July 4, 2011

Happy Independence Day



From all of us at IGM, have a Happy and Safe Independence Day.

Friday, June 24, 2011

June Anniversaries

We would like to recognize the following team members who have demonstrated their continued commitment to excellence and have reached important milestones with IGM.
 
11 Years
Brad Rook - Director of Maintenance - IGM at Silver Lakes
John Lecour - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Habitat
 
10 Years
Terry Watson - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at ChampionsGate
 
7 Years
Nickolaus White - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Silver Lakes
 
3 Years
Oscar Lopez - Irrigation Technician - IGM at ViewPoint
 
2 Years
Robert Tramel - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Savannahs
 
1 Year
David Brainard - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Silver Lakes
Brandon Haynes - Equipment Technician - IGM at Silver Lakes
Steven Shute - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Terraverde
Michael Davis - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at North Palm Beach
 
Thanks to each of you for your efforts in making IGM the leader in the golf maintenance industry. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Friday, June 17, 2011

June Birthdays

Members of the IGM Team with June birthdays:

Joe Carranza - Equipment Technician - IGM at Date Palm
Brad Rook - Director of Maintenance - IGM at Silver Lakes
Wayne White - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Silver Lakes
Chris Parsons - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at ViewPoint
Scott Brindley - Spray Technician - IGM at Widows Walk
Mike Fontaine - Superintendent - IGM at The Ledges
John Samples - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at King's Point
Dean Lindquist - Technician - IGM at Heritage Greens
Art Hampton - Director of Maintenance - IGM at ChampionsGate
Daryl Morris - Equipment Technician - IGM at Savannahs
Aaron Parker - Equipment Technician - IGM at Spessard Holland
Ken Parker - Equipment Technician - IGM at Habitat
Chris Eckart - Superintendent - IGM at Spessard Holland
Daniel Goulet - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Sebastian

We wish each of you a very Happy Birthday!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Golf Ventures Partners with Rain Bird Golf Irrigation

Golf Ventures is proud to announce a new vendor partnership with Rain Bird Golf Irrigation covering Central and South Florida.   Golf Ventures is excited to be offering Rain Bird Golf Irrigation, bringing another great product line to our customers” says Walt McMahon, Executive Vice President of Golf Ventures.

Golf Ventures will represent the Rain Bird Golf Irrigation Line with Innovative Products including the New and Exciting IC System and Rain Bird Pump Systems.   Golf Ventures will be stocking all golf products including rotors, valves, field control systems and accessories. 

Golf Ventures territory includes Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, St. Lucie, Sarasota and Volusia counties.

Through innovative product development, Rain Bird is helping sustain healthier landscapes—and a healthier planet.  Lush fairways and well-manicured greens can also be highly water-efficient.  Every Rain Bird product is a testament to that truth.  From water-saving nozzles to highly efficient pumps to leading-edge Integrated Control Technology, Rain Bird products make the most of every drop.  Using less water while keeping the world and your golf course beautiful.  Rain Bird believes in preserving beauty while conserving water.

For the past 25 years, Golf Ventures a full service distributor to the turf industry which has exclusive partnerships with Helena Chemical and Fertilizer, Jacobsen and E- Z- Go Textron, Bob-Cat,  Foley, Grigg Brothers, Kioti, Lebanon, Par Aide, Ryan, Scotts Turf Seed, Smithco, Standard, Turfco, and many more!  Golf Ventures is also proud to be the 2010 Jacobsen Dealer of the Year.

Golf Ventures leadership in the industry comes from its ability to obtain strategic partnerships with vendors, customers and the hiring of professional, highly trained personnel throughout the company. Golf Ventures philosophy is that we provide quality products at quality pricing but most of all we want the opportunity to partner with our customers to develop long term relationships and provide superior customer service.
For more information visit our website at www.golfventuresonline.com.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Happy Memorial Day


At this time of rememberance we should reflect on the freedoms we share as Americans. Those freedoms are the result of the men and women of the US Armed Forces both past and present. On this day be sure to let those who have served, are serving or families of those who have paid the highest price for our country know how thankful we are for what they do for us.

Thank you from all of us at IGM.

Have a Safe and Happy Memorial Day.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Irrigation Controller Upgrade

By Brad Rook, CGCS
IGM Golf Course Superintendent
In 1995 the irrigation system at Silver Lakes Country Club in Helendale, California was completely renovated. The system included a 5000 gpm pump station, 16” to 4” mainlines, 2” laterals, 4,000 Rainbird 700 and 750 heads as well as 88 Rainbird MSC 24 station clocks. The heads were individually wired back to the clocks but were paired up, with 3 to 4 heads per station in fairways, roughs and perimeters causing inefficient water usage.
In 2000, IGM added 3 more legs of communication wire and 74 clocks. This nearly gave us individual head control. In 2008, we were having a very hard time getting the clocks repaired because parts were hard to get. The costs were so high that it did not make sense to have them repaired any longer.
At the end of 2008, we started the first phase of upgrading the clocks to a Rainbird PAR Plus with 72 station capacity. One of the nines was completed in February of 2009. The other two nines were started in December of 2010 and were finished at the end of February 2011.   
The process included obtaining funding from the Association by preparing a thorough cost-benefit analysis. Subsequently, a presentation was made to the Board of Directors.  Detailed maps and clock assignments were then made for re-wiring the new clocks. All of the flow zones and branches were redone in order to give us more control of the system. The old clocks were taken off of the concrete pads and the new clocks were installed. In most cases, all of the wiring had to be put back into one clock where there were two. We went from 88 flow zones and 24 branches to 500 flow zones and 34 branches. Then all of the data needed to be reprogrammed in the computer.  The irrigation maps are broken down into separate holes, finalized, laminated and put into binders for the GCS, AGCS and irrigators.

Brad Rook, CGCS
Brad grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and started working on golf courses when he was in high school. He graduated from high school in 1974, has three years of college and has taken over 45 seminars from the GCSSA. He has been a member of the GCSAA since 1984 and a Certified Golf Course Superintendent since 1994. His Superintendent experience has taken him to Utah, Nevada and California at municipal, public, resort and private courses. He also has extensive construction experience including course construction and three irrigation renovations, several complete bunker renovations, cart path renovations and countless small projects.  Brad has been part of the IGM Team since June 2000. Brad and his family are very active in their church.  He and his wife Michelle have 6 children and 6 grandchildren. In his free time Brad likes to read, spend time with the family, building anything, working on houses and cross-stitching. Someday he hopes to be able to build a kit car of a 1954 Jaguar XK 140.

Friday, May 13, 2011

May Anniversaries

We would like to recognize the following team members who have demonstrated their continued commitment to excellence and have reached important milestones with IGM.

6 Years
Francis Gilbert - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Country Creek
Ryan Duffell - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Sandridge
Ryan Cahill - Assistant Superintendent - IGM Widows Walk

5 years
Dean Lindquist - Equipment Technician - IGM at Heritage Greens
John Weathers - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Mystic Dunes

1 Year
Leonardo Aguilar - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Waynesville
 
 
Thanks to each of you for your efforts in making IGM the leader in the golf maintenance industry. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Friday, May 6, 2011

May Birthdays

Members of the IGM Team with May birthdays:

Angel Torres Jr. - Assistant Equip Tech - IGM at Mystic Dunes
Donald Bookwalter Jr. - Superintendent - IGM at ChampionsGate
Roel Figueroa-Solis - Assistant Superintedent - IGM at Brays Island
Dallas Dupont - Equipment Technician - IGM at Sebastian
Larry Lehman - Crew Foreman - IGM at King's Point
Bobby Jacoby - Superintendent - IGM Highland Fairways
Maurice Miyo - Superintendent - IGM at Savannahs
Daniel Wikiera - Assistant Equip Tech - IGM at Mystic Dunes
Jose Benitez Macias - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Bear Valley Springs

We wish each of you a very Happy Birthday!

Friday, April 29, 2011

Aerification

All turf managers understand that aerification is not a popular practice among the golfing public and take no pleasure in this process either. Aerification is however absolutely necessary to maintain high quality turf. The video below contains information about the aerification process and why it is so important.

Friday, April 15, 2011

April Anniversaries

We would like to recognize the following team members who have demonstrated their continued commitment to excellence and have reached important milestones with IGM.

11 Years
Scott Brindley - Spray Technician - IGM at Widows Walk

8 Years
Wayne Deese - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Sandridge

4 Years
Jeffrey Coe - Spray Technician - IGM at ChampionsGate

3 Years
LeLand Cumming - Superintendent - IGM at Four Lakes
David Ramos - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Bear Valley Springs

2 Years
Roger King - Equipment Technician - IGM at Waynesville

1 Year
Kevin Karkiewitz - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Lake of the Woods
Matthew Kowal - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at The Ledges


Thanks to each of you for your efforts in making IGM the leader in the golf maintenance industry. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Rounds 4 Research Auction

IGM is pleased to announce our support of Rounds4Research.com, the online auction of golf rounds raising money for turfgrass research.

We are proud to participate in this program that has already invested more than $130,000 in research funding on behalf of the entire golf industry in our regions. To view the list of hundreds of courses on offer between April 10 and 17, go to http://www.rounds4research.com/

Friday, April 1, 2011

April Birthdays

Members of the IGM Team with April birthdays:

Mike Kuhn - Superintendent - IGM at Lake of the Woods
Shane McGuire - Superintendent - IGM at North Palm Beach
Raymond Morrison - Equipment Technician - IGM at North Palm Beach
Brian Aiken - Spray Technician - IGM at King's Point
Kapildeo Ramkaran - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Four Lakes
Kevin Karkiewitz - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Lake of the Woods
Leland Cumming - Superintendent - IGM at Four Lakes
Tanner Couch - Foreman - IGM at ChampionsGate
Edward Taylor - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Grand Palms
Todd Hugill - Superintendent - IGM at Widows Walk
Ryan Duffell - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Sandridge
Terry Watson - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at ChampionsGate
Anthony Huseman - Foreman - IGM at ChampionsGate
Brandon Haynes - Equipment Technician - IGM at Bear Valley Springs
David Ramos - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Bear Valley Springs
 
We wish each of you a very Happy Birthday!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Going Back to School

By Brad Batchelor
IGM Golf Course Superintendent

Completion of a college curriculum can be very challenging on its own much less doing it while working full-time as an IGM Golf Course Superintendent. Much time is required to fulfill the requirements of each class and of the job. This makes scheduling and planning very important because a Superintendent’s work is potentially sun up to sun down seven days a week and can even run well into the night if you have an irrigation problem. If the day is not planned carefully to be as efficient as possible, one runs the risk of one of the areas suffering. In addition to the physical work load, you also face the mental side. During a busy growing season or tournament prep, stress levels have a tendency to run high. Combining this with an in depth report or an up coming exam, can easily push you over the top if careful preparations and planning aren’t accomplished.

While college adds another challenge, it is very rewarding and important. Benefits from my studies are already showing up in my day-to-day responsibilities and routines. I’m currently half done with the turf curriculum and plan to be finished after the spring semester of 2012. IGM has supported my desire to further my education every step of the way. I expect my education to provide great benefits to my career and to me personally. In the end, all of the hard work is well worth it.


Brad is the Golf Course Superintendent for IGM at Bear Valley Springs where he manages Oak Tree Country Club in this upscale private community in Tehachapi, California. Growing up in the area, Brad came to the property as a seasonal employee while attending high school. Working his way up to Assistant Superintendent, a position that he held at the time IGM was awarded the maintenance contract for the property. He is currently working on an Advanced Turf Certificate from Penn State after which he plans to continue his career with IGM and gain further knowledge and experience. He still lives in Tehachapi with his fiancée Kara.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The Foundry Receives Certification in Environmental Planning

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- March 2011
CONTACT: Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist
(518) 767-9051, Ext. 116

POWHATAN, VA - The Foundry Golf Club golf course has received certification in Environmental Planning from the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses (ACSP), an international program administered by Audubon International designed to help landowners preserve and enhance the environmental quality of their property. The plan was developed by Scott Mauldin, Golf Course Superintendent, who is also recognized for his effort to plan for environmental stewardship.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses provides an advisory service to help existing golf courses develop effective conservation and wildlife enhancement programs. This worldwide effort is coordinated by Audubon International and is sponsored in part by the United States Golf Association.

"The open space of a golf course is utilized not only by golfers, but is habitat for a variety of wildlife species," explained Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist for Audubon International. "We welcome The Foundry Golf Club’s commitment to the environment and to managing the golf course with wildlife in mind."

By joining and participating in the ACSP, The Foundry Golf Club will be involved in projects that enhance habitat for wildlife and preserve natural resources for the benefit of the local community. These projects may include: placing nesting boxes for cavity-nesting birds such as bluebirds and swallows, utilizing integrated pest management techniques, conserving water, and maintaining food and cover for wildlife.

"The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program benefits both people and wildlife," said Sluiter. "It's a great way for the managers of developed properties and environmental organizations to work together to become better stewards of land and natural resources."

After the environmental plan is approved, properties in the program may apply for certification in Wildlife and Habitat Management, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, Water Quality Management, and Outreach and Education by demonstrating that they have met minimum requirements for each category. For more information on golf and the environment, visit www.golfandenvironment.org.

Audubon International is an environmental organization dedicated to educating, assisting, and inspiring millions of people from all walks of life to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife, and natural resources around them. In addition to businesses, Audubon International also provides programs for golf courses, schools, communities, and new developments. For more information, contact Audubon International, 46 Rarick Rd., Selkirk, NY 12158, USA, (518) 767-9051, e-mail them via the Internet at acsp@auduboninternational.org, or visit their website at http://www.auduboninternational.org/.

Friday, March 18, 2011

March Anniversaries

We would like to recognize the following team members who have demonstrated their continued commitment to excellence and have reached important milestones with IGM.

7 Years
Jeff Miller - Superintendent - IGM at Brays Island

4 Years
Tim Druan - Equipment Technician - IGM at Widows Walk
 
3 Years
Sean Gillen - Superintendent - IGM at Sebastian
Parker Aaron - Equipment Technician - IGM at Spessard Holland
 
2 Years
Andy Fowler - Superintendent - IGM at Waynesville
Daniel Kulpa - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Waynesville
Bill Jeffrey - Superintendent - IGM at King's Point
 
Thanks to each of you for your efforts in making IGM the leader in the golf maintenance industry. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Brays Island Irrigation System Replacement

Planning for the irrigation system replacement project at Brays Island Plantation began in October 2009 with establishment of the projects goals. The process moved forward with the system design completed by AS Altum & Associates in September 2010. Following a RFP process, Nutt Construction was selected to complete the installation. IGM has provided support and oversight throughout the process and will serve as the owner's resprentative throughout the installation. The project start date is scheduled for April 11, 2011.

The system will feature the newest technology in golf irrigation with a Rain Bird Integrated Control (IC) System and the use of High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) pipe. The overall scope of the project includes complete renovation for all eighteen holes including driving range, putting and chipping greens.

A blog has been created to not only document progress of the installation but also provide useful information that may help limit any interference the project may have on player's enjoyement of the course. If you would like more information and follow the progress of the project, please visit http://www.braysislandirrigation.blogspot.com/.

For more information on IGM and the professional golf course services offered, please contact the IGM Business Development Office at 800-413-5500 or on the web at http://www.igminc.net/.

Friday, March 11, 2011

March Birthdays

Members of the IGM Team with March birthdays:

Daniel Kulpa - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Waynesville
Tim Druan - Equipment Technician - IGM at Widows Walk
Paul Pulaski - Equipment Technician - IGM at Brays Island
Elver Escovedo - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Brays Island
Darin Pakkala - Director of Maintenance - IGM at ViewPoint
Toua Hang - Spray Technician - IGM at ChampionsGate
Brian Kinney - Superintendent - IGM at Heritage Greens
Edward Royland - Equipment Tech - IGM at Highland Fairways
David Souder - Equipment Technician - IGM at Sandridge

We wish each of you a very Happy Birthday!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Congratulations Kara Davis and Brad Batchelor

Congratulations to Kara Davis and Brad Batchelor on there recent engagement. While a specific date has not been set, the couple is planning for a November wedding. The entire IGM family wishes you many years of happiness together.


Kara is a recent graduate of Bakersfield College and is a Registered Nurse at Bakersfield Heart Hospital while Brad is the Golf Course Superintendent for IGM at Bear Valley Springs and is currently working on his turf degree from Penn State University.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Daily Journals - A Wealth of Information

By Todd Hugill
IGM Golf Course Superintendent

As part of my graduate work I completed a Capstone Project that was to utilize my classroom work, while using real scenarios to exhibit everything I had learned in the program. My project was titled: “Using a Daily Journal for the Use of Agronomic Planning and Integrated Pest Management.” In short, use the knowledge that you have accumulated over the years to plan better for the years ahead.

I was taught early on in my career that a journal is an extremely valuable tool, and began a detailed account of daily events while working as a second assistant at Hillcrest Country Club in Altoona, Wisconsin. This first journal and two subsequent journals became the subject matter for the Capstone Project. I demonstrated how these journals could be used to do the following things: time common pest infestations, ensure proper pesticide rotations, fine-tune fertilization timing and analysis, set damage thresholds for integrated pest management, and just generally reveal what works and what does not work when trying to produce consistent results. Another component was how you could in fact save money if you know what your largest problems are and how you have best handled them in the past.

This project was completed in 2001 and I am still referencing those first journals to improve the golf course each year. The Capstone Project really tied everything together and utilized all of the skills that I had learned in the field and in the classroom. The fact that I continue to keep a detailed journal for the work done at Widow’s Walk while using old journals to plan for each new season is a testament to their usefulness.


Todd Hugill received his undergrad degree in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and did his graduate work in Turfgrass Science at the University of Minnesota. He and his wife moved from Eau Claire, WI to Massachusetts in 2001 to accept a job with IGM at Widow’s Walk Golf Course in Scituate. They now live in Plymouth with their daughter Magnolia.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Golf Ventures Wins 2010 Jacobsen Dealer of the Year Award for North America

Golf Ventures was awarded the Jacobsen 2010 Dearler of the Year Award for North America. This prestigious award was presented at the Jacobsen Annual Dearler Meeting on Tuesday February 8th during GIS Show Week.

The award is based on criteria that involves not only an increase in sales but also Parts, Marketing, Service, and Support.

The award was presented to Walt McMahon, Executive Vice President of Golf Ventures. Walt has been with Golf Ventures for 17 years and in the golf industry for over 30 years.

Golf Ventures is celebrating their 25th year in business and have been a Jacobsen Dealer for 16 years.

Golf Ventures is proud of this award and thanks their customers and entire Golf Ventures Team for the support and dedication.

Friday, February 18, 2011

A Different View

By Mike Kuhn
IGM Golf Course Superintendent

After working for three years as Assistant Golf Course Superintendent with a different golf course maintenance company at Brays Island Plantation, I was informed that the contract had expired and would not be renewed. I was shocked to say the least. It was then that I learned that International Golf Maintenance had been signed on to conduct the maintenance operations. As can be expected I had many concerns. Would I still have a job and if so, what challenges would arise during the transition between the two companies? To what extent was IGM committed to providing quality golf course conditions and how were they prepared to deliver these conditions? In a very short time IGM answered these questions for me and I must say that I was more than pleasantly surprised!

The transition was smoother than I ever expected. IGM retained all the employees and the HR staff worked diligently to incorporate everyone into the new system. Upper level management spent numerous hours on site to ensure that the quality of the golf course never wavered during the transition process and a new sense of teamwork was established.

With IGM’s buying power and nationwide relationships, it was quickly realized that more resources could be used on the golf course with lesser associated costs. This was soon evident as playing conditions greatly improved. Having a large pool of talent and experience within the company allowed us to solve some historical problems at the facility. Help was and is always a quick phone call away.

Working for IGM has exceeded all of my expectations and I am proud of the services we provide for our clients on a daily basis!


Mike is the Golf Course Superintendent for IGM at Lake of the Woods in Locust Grove, Virginia. He attended Penn State University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography. He continued his education at Horry-Georgetown Technical College where he received an Associate Degree in Golf Course Management.

Friday, February 11, 2011

February Anniversaries

We would like to recognize the following team members who have demonstrated their continued commitment to excellence and have reached important milestones with IGM.

7 Years
Darin Pakkala - Superintendent - IGM at ViewPoint
 
6 Years
Mike Fontaine - Superintendent - IGM at The Ledges
Anothony Huseman - Crew Foreman - IGM at ChampionsGate
 
5 Years
Jose Tumax - Equipment Technician - IGM at Grand Palms
 
3 Years
Elizabeth Reyes - Crew Foreman - IGM at ChampionsGate
 
Thanks to each of you for your efforts in making IGM the leader in the golf maintenance industry. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Friday, February 4, 2011

February Birthdays

Members of the IGM Team with February birthdays:

Tommy Coffey - Superintendent - IGM at Grand Palms
Nicholas Masters - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Sebastian
Elizabeth Reyes - Crew Foreman - IGM at ChampionsGate
Nathaniel Evans - Assistant Mechanic - IGM at Sandridge
Jeffrey Coe - Spray Technician - IGM at ChampionsGate
Brian Certo - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Heritage Greens
Winfield Yount - Superintendent - IGM at Sandridge
Henry Oertel - Equipment Technician - IGM at The Ledges

We wish each of you a very Happy Birthday!

Friday, January 28, 2011

IGM Blog Reaches 150th Post

This represents the 150th post published on this blog. You might find it interesting that since the first post on January 12, 2009, the page has recieved over 5,000 visits and 7,500 page views. We hope you continue to find the information posted here both interesting and informative.

IGM Staff Members: Do you have a special event or a staff member accomplishment that should be recognized? An innovative idea or insight that should be shared with our other Superintendents? Want to share your Audubon and environmental stewardship success stories? Maybe just a suggestion about information that would be helpful to your operation. Then let's put it on the blog.

Please be on the lookout for information and think about things that you might like to share. Any suggestions/information can be sent to tminamyer@igminc.net. Thanks in advance for your participation!