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.

The Foundry Receives Certification in Environmental Planning

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- March 2011

CONTACT: Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist

(518) 767-9051, Ext. 116

jsluiter@auduboninternational.org

http://www.auduboninternational.org/

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/.

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.

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/.

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!

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.

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.