IGM at Widow’s Walk Golf Course Recognized for Environmental Excellence

IMMEDIATE RELEASE- December 2016

CONTACT:               Allie Smith, Program Specialist

                                     (518) 767-9051, Ext. 116

                                     allie@auduboninternational.org

Widow’s Walk Golf Course Recognized for Environmental Excellence

SCITUATE, MA – Widow’s Walk Golf Course has retained its designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program.

Participation is designed to help course personnel plan, organize, implement, and document a comprehensive environmental management program and receive recognition for their efforts. To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas including: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

"Widow’s Walk Golf Course has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property," said Tara Donadio, Director of Cooperative Sanctuary Programs at Audubon International.

Widow’s Walk Golf Course is one of 13 courses in Massachusetts and 892 courses in the world to hold the honor. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Central America, Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program. The golf course was designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 2002. After designation, courses go through a recertification process every three years.

This year the recertification process, coordinated by Ryan Cahill, Golf Course Superintendent, required a visit by a local community representative. Stephen Maguire, Professional Educator/Site Quality Evaluator at GO Turnstone, was given a tour of the course and sent his observations to Audubon International. “Widow’s Walk exceeds the Audubon Certification and is an environmental gem of the South Shore,” Maguire reported.

“We see the site visit as an important component of a course’s recertification,” stated Donadio. “It provides an objective verification of some of the more visible aspects of the course’s environmental management activities. In addition, it offers an opportunity for golf course representatives to share publicly some of the voluntary actions they have taken to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife, and natural resources around them.”

About Audubon International

Audubon International is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) environmental education organization dedicated to providing people with the education and assistance they need to practice responsible management of land, water, wildlife, and other natural resources. To meet this mission, the organization provides training, services, and a set of award-winning environmental education and certification programs for individuals, organizations, properties, new developments, and entire communities.

For more information, contact Audubon International at 120 Defreest Drive, Troy, NY 12180, 1-844-767-9051, e-mail at acsp@auduboninternational.org, or visit the website at www.auduboninternational.org.

Chris Parsons Attains GCSAA Class A Status

Chris Parsons, IGM Golf Course Superintendent at ViewPoint Golf Resort in Mesa, Arizona has achieved Class A membership status by meeting the standards established by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

GCSAA Class A status is the preferred membership class of the association, and is a standard for the golf course management profession. Class A membership is awarded to members who are currently employed as a golf course superintendent and have met specific requirements combining formal education, experience as a golf course superintendent and continuing education.

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.

Happy Veteran's Day

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."

- Elmer Davis

IGM Superintendent Achieves Great Heights

Brandon Haynes & Marcy Sherwood

On September 6th, Brandon Haynes Golf Course Superintendent for IGM at Bear Valley Springs summited Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48 states. At 14,505 feet, the peak is a prominent feature in the Sierra Nevada range.

This was Brandon's second attempt at the summit. During his previous attempt he and his climbing partners made it within two miles of the top and were forced to turn around due to inclement weather. "This year was about perfect weather for us and our successful climb" Brandon commented.

Brandon and five others in his group covered 22 miles in approximately 14 hours starting their trek at 3:00AM to reach the peak at the ideal time. "There is a section of 99 switch backs at 12,000 feet that leads to trail crest. It took us about 4 hours from the bottom of the switch backs to the summit."

Of the accomplishment, Brandon said "I am not going to lie, it was a strenuous hike and it took a lot of intestinal fortitude to make it the whole way". With his first summit of Mount Whitney under his belt Brandon plans to return to attempt the Mountaineers' route in the future.

Congratulations from the entire IGM Team!

Mill Valley Golf Links Upgrade with IGM

Mill Valley Golf Links has one of the best layouts among 18-hole courses in western Massachusetts and is thought of as a hidden gem. When owner and manager Tim Kurty read about an industry colleague’s positive experience with maintenance contractor IGM, Inc., he visited the other course and was pleased with what he saw in course improvements and problem-solving. After a meeting with IGM executives, Kurty became a client, with a contract that started July 1, 2016.

Stability, security, and solid data were on Tim Kurty’s mind when he contracted with IGM, Inc. for maintenance services for Mill Valley Golf Links in Belchertown, MA. At 62, and having become the sole owner of the 18-hole course, Kurty was looking for a partner to maintain Mill Valley on a day-to-day basis and to protect his investment. “I’m an accountant, so I need details. IGM gave me detailed valuations of tools, equipment, the irrigation system, everything. When I deal with bankers or if I ever want to sell, I need to know those numbers, and I didn’t.”

IGM Regional Manager Tyler Minamyer said, “Mill Valley is a rural site with a loyal following. The course needs a professional touch and someone to look out for Tim’s return on investment. It’s a nice partnership, and he understands how to look at the numbers.” Though the contract is new, initial steps are to implement an agronomic plan and to update the look and presentation of the golf course. This includes updating signage and accessories, as well as further developing the course’s cart paths.

Kurty said 50 percent of his decision to hire IGM was based on the relationships the company had developed with other local courses and the results they have achieved. “I didn’t want my investment to rely on one course superintendent. With IGM, I have the whole team working for me, with more resources, plus I feel like I have more input. I also have confidence in their agronomics. In this business, the wrong turf products can cause you to lose greens and that hurts you for several years.”

The other 50 percent, said Kurty, was his personal situation as sole owner of Mill Valley Golf Links. “I’m 62 and putting in a lot of hours. I felt that if I had to be away, the place would go downhill. I don’t have to worry about the grounds now. If I take a vacation, everything will be taken care of according to contract. IGM will make sure the grounds are taken care of.”

IGM’s Executive Vice-President Greg Plotner appreciates Kurty’s confidence and is pleased to add Mill Valley Golf Links to the roster of properties the company serves. “There is no greater compliment than the recommendation of a current client, and we expect to build the same type of partnership with Tim.”

IGM Signs Maintenance Contract with Lake Ashton Golf Club

A recent management change at Lake Ashton Golf Club in Lake Wales, FL, made it clear to the owners they needed some expertise to maintain the golf courses more cost-effectively.  In May, they brought in IGM, Inc., with whom they had previous experience at two other area courses. Improvements at Lake Ashton have happened quickly, and club members are pleased to see the upgrades.

When Lake Ashton Golf Club owners underwent a management change in the summer of 2015, they realized the two 18-hole courses needed additional attention. Brian Altman, Golf Operations Manager at Lake Ashton Golf Club, said, “We had such good experience with IGM at our other courses, we asked them to meet with us. We needed their agronomic expertise and the resources they could bring to us.” Lake Ashton Golf Club Vice-President Jim Lee added, “IGM’s knowledge was evident in those early meetings,” and the Club signed a maintenance contract with IGM in May, 2016.

IGM’s initial work at the courses has focused on developing a sound fertility and spray program, and implementing an improved aerification program, starting with greens and tee boxes. “IGM has been active with our membership liaison committees to communicate directly with them,” said Altman. “Members have commented positively on how maintenance issues are being addressed, and they see we’re making progress.”

Greg Plotner, IGM’s executive vice-president, noted the company retained the superintendent, David Wilson and approximately 25 other maintenance employees. “David has been at Lake Ashton since the course was constructed. We’re proud to have him on our team.” Altman added that IGM’s willingness to offer jobs to existing staff has made for a smooth transition.

Lee said the ownership group is happy to have stable cost figures and that IGM is able to work within the available budget. He added, “The most important thing is the members have already noticed changes, and the acceptance has been tremendous. That’s good for revenue.”

2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season

With June 1 the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane season, we are already facing our second storm in the South East. Record rainfall has already been recorded creating numerous challenges for Golf Course Maintenance professionals.

IGM has many years of experience in hurricane preparation and recovery. Proper planning is critical to personal safety and success in protecting assets. Visit NWS Hurricane Safety or your local state resources to help make your personal plan.

Hurricane Names for 2016

Alex

Bonnie

Colin

Danielle

Earl

Fiona

Gaston
Hermine

Ian

Julia

Karl

Lisa

Matthew

Nicole
Otto

Paula

Richard

Shary

Tobias

Virginie

Walter

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.

Enjoying Mother Nature

The thing that most of us Golf Course Superintendents have in common is the love of being outdoors. Not much better way to end the day than with this beautiful sunset captured by Mike Fontaine GCS for IGM at The Ledges in South Hadley, MA.

IGM Supports Scout in Eagle Project

Brandon & Johnathon in front of
1 of 8 owl boxes built & erected

IGM is proud of its participation in the communities that it serves. The partnership with Scouting is an important program that a number of our locations support.

Recently, Brandon Haynes and the IGM Team at Bear Valley Springs in Tehachapi, California had the opportunity to aid a Johnathon Eppler of Troop 135 in completing his Eagle Scout Project. Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America.

The project consisted of construction and installation of eight owl boxes on the golf course. IGM helped to secure approvals from the Bear Valley Springs Association as well as provided the needed construction supplies and materials.

"Our team was more than happy to help. The boxes are a great compliment to the natural habitat we work to protect and maintain. Working with Johnathon was a very enjoyable experience." Haynes explained.

For more information about Scouting, visit http://www.scouting.org/.

IGM Recaps 2015 Success on the Links

At IGM, we take pride in partnering with our customers to achieve success on and off the golf course. Our agronomic expertise yields visible results on the courses we maintain, and our business approach and economies-of-scale yield savings to our clients. Our goal is to build and maintain win-win relationships with our clients, by delivering a custom approach to their needs and consistent attention to their goals.

Just in the past year, we were privileged:

·    To manage the thaw and restoration of The Ledges Golf Club in South Hadley, Massachusetts in time for the course to host its first Connecticut Section PGA tournament after a particularly harsh winter. Click Here

·    To achieve higher water utilization efficiency and improve playing surfaces at two Caesar’s Entertainment courses in Nevada with no capital outlay. During this time, Cascata Golf Club improved its rating among Golf Digest’s America’s Top 100 Public Golf Courses. Click Here

·     To complete a re-grassing and irrigation project at Bray’s Island Plantation, while protecting the Plantation’s natural assets and minimizing disruption to players. Click Here

·     To expand our relationship with Sun Communities at Cypress Greens golf course in Lake Alfred, FL, and Southport Springs Golf & Country Club in Zephyrhills, FL. IGM is restoring the two courses’ fairways and greens to good playing conditions, after both had deteriorated under previous owners. Click Here

Follow the LINKS to read more about these projects and the comprehensive maintenance services IGM provides each customer. Call us with questions or to talk about your course’s challenges and how we might help.

Happy New Year

May the year 2016 bring for you happiness, success and be filled with peace, hope & togetherness of your family & friends... Wishing you a... HAPPY NEW YEAR!