Blog

President’s Message November 2023

November 2, 2023

November 2, 2023 Dear PAGCS Members, It is an honor to serve the Association for a second term as President. I appreciate the trust placed in myself and the Board of Directors to lead the PAGCS. There is tremendous momentum for all of us as we approach our 100th Anniversary in 2025. Some key initiatives

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Association Awards Highest Honor

May 19, 2023

On Monday, May 8, during the PAGCS Member-Member Trophy Tournament at Coatesville Country Club, the Association proudly presented its highest honor, the Eb Steiniger Award, to Jerred Golden. [Pictured: Jerred Golden, center, flanked by current and former team members at the ceremony on May 8, Coatesville Country Club] About the Award Born in Germany in

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History of Eb Steiniger Award

May 19, 2023

All of the awardees listed here represent the “best of the best” in the golf turf management industry. Fred Byrod -1990 William H. White -1991 Joseph M. Duich -1992 Donald Waddington -1993 John C. Harper II -1994 Richard E. Valentine -1995 Charles H. Cadiz Jr., CGCS -1996 Stanley J. Zontek -1997 William Marberger -1998 John

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Jerred Golden Acceptance Speech: 5/8/2023, Eb Steiniger Award

May 19, 2023

Let me start by saying it’s such an honor to be presented with the Eb Steiniger Award. For those that have not had the pleasure of meeting Eb, he was truly a treasure. His 96 years of life was nothing short of miraculous. He served on every board or council our industry had to offer,

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Interview with Jerred Golden: Nov. 2011

May 19, 2023

PAGCS Member Jerred Golden, CGCS, to be Honored by PTC [from 2011 “Bonnie” newsletter, as interviewed by KL] On November 15, at the Penn State Golf Turf Conference, Jerred Golden (Director of Grounds, Hershey’s Mill) will receive the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council’s highest honor: The Dr. George Hamilton Distinguished Service Award. Jerred, a PAGCS past president

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PAGCS 2024 Membership Renewal Process

February 17, 2023

The PAGCS is looking forward to season 2024 and we hope you are, too.  The Association leadership team is planning an exciting calendar of events and important initiatives to address industry challenges. The PAGCS offers INDIVIDUAL memberships along with FACILITY and SPONSORSHIP Packages. PLEASE SUBMIT A RENEWAL FORM AND WE WILL SEND YOU AN INVOICE

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The Future of the Industry Needs Us!

January 3, 2023

The PAGCS is a proud partner of First Tee — Greater Philadelphia, building the future of the industry, the game, and our world. Please consider a donation if you can. Subject: 2023 Auction for Game Changers First Tee – Greater Philadelphia is a youth development organization that teaches over 40,000 kids of all privileges essential

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Breaking News: Syngenta Announces Retirements, New Team Members

November 10, 2022

Long-time Gold Sponsor Syngenta has announced the retirement of a few team members, including Michael Agnew and Lee Kozsey. Read on for excerpts from the press release and more info on the new Northeast District turf territory manager. GREENSBORO, N.C., USA, Nov. 8, 2022 — Syngenta is excited to announce several appointments across its golf,

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Meet Your Board: Mike Kachurak

October 4, 2022

WHO: Mike Kachurak, Industry Representative to the Board CAREER:  Mike is currently an ISA Certified Arborist and Client Representative for Shreiner Tree Care.  He enjoys meeting with people each day, both residential and commercial, to discuss enhancing the trees and landscapes on their properties. Mike began working on a golf course at a young age

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Election Slate for PAGCS Annual Business Meeting to be Held Oct. 10

September 24, 2022

The Golf Championship is one of the Association’s premier events and offers a great opportunity to conduct the annual business meeting, as well. Please join us for a fun day of golf competition, followed by the PAGCS Annual Meeting. On the agenda will be a presentation from Bradley Klein on the recent upgrades on the

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Let’s Advocate for the Industry!

September 1, 2022

Click Here for full details: 22_GA_PAC_Chapter challenge_FINAL_R2 Please join us in a friendly competition to advocate for the game. GCSAAPAC is the only federal political action committee dedicated to golf course management. You can contribute to GCSAAPAC one of three ways: 1. By check. Make your personal check payable to “GCSAAPAC”. Mail it to: GCSAA

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A Veterans Voice: July 20, 1970

July 21, 2022

Henry Wetzel, with beloved dog, Bill, in June of 2000 on the course at St. Davids July 20, 1970 [first installment in the #HeadingTo100 series as the PAGCS prepares to celebrate its Centennial in 2025] This is the day our plane landed at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey with a load of happy

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PAGCS To Present Highest Honor, the Eb Steiniger, at Member-Guest Event

June 7, 2022

The PAGCS is proud to announce that longtime former Board member and former Sergeant-at-Arms Jim Stauring will receive the 2022 Eb Steiniger Award, the Association’s highest honor The award will be presented at the Member-Guest on 6/27 at Green Valley Country Club. See the Events tab for registration. About Jim: Jim spent many years as

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Letter from the President 5-25-22

May 25, 2022

letter to members 5-22 Mottin or read below May 25, 2022 It is with a heavy heart that I send this letter today. There are no words during this difficult time. Tragically, the Philadelphia golf area lost a great man on Monday afternoon. Chris Chizauskie was a Project Manager with Mottin Golf Course Renovations and

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Team Matches 2022

May 24, 2022

PAGCS Net Match Play Tree 2022 (1) PAGCS Gross Match Play Tree 2022 (1) PAGCS 2022 Team Match Play Info (2)

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Meet Your Board

March 28, 2022

In the latest issue of the PAGCS newsletter, The Bonnie Greensward, we get to know Board Member Greg Eisner. CLICK HERE for the 2021 Season Wrap Issue. Director, elected 2020, Environment/Government/Public Relations Chairman Career: Greg is the Golf Course Superintendent at Fieldstone Golf Club and a Regional Director of Agronomy for Troon. He is entering

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Match Up! 2022 Team Match Registration Now Open

March 3, 2022

2022 PAGCS Team Match Play (Better Ball of Partners) CLICK HERE FOR GROSS REGISTRATION CLICK HERE FOR NET REGISTRATION CLICK HERE FOR USGA HANDICAP REGISTRATION Forming Teams: Must be a member of the PAGCS in good standing. Pick a partner for the Gross and/or Net Match Play competitions. Register for one or both competitions. To

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Member News: Todd Struse, former PAGCS President

February 25, 2022

David Todd Struse, 66, of North Wales, PA passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. The son of David and Jane Struse, Todd spent his early years between the Roxborough and Blue Bell areas. Todd attended Penn State University and was very dedicated to his 35-year career as an agronomist, working as the Golf Course

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USGA Handicap Service now available for PAGCS members

February 18, 2022

The PAGCS is pleased to announce our partnership with the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) and the creation of the PAGCS Golf Club. The PAGCS Golf Club has been established as an official allied association of the (GAP) with the ability to offer official USGA Handicap services. Now all PAGCS members classifications (A, SM, C,

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Association honors long serving Board Member Doug Rae

January 28, 2022

Doug Rae, middle, flanked by some of PAGCS’ Past Presidents, during his tribute ceremony. Pictured left to right are Jeff Edwards {’06-’07}, Derrick Wozniak {’18-’19}, Doug Rae {’20-’21}, Jon Urbanski {’14-’15}, and Tony Gustaitis {’96-’97} On Wednesday, Jan. 26, at the PAGCS Winter Education event, newly elected President Greg D’Antonio paid tribute to Doug Rae’s

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Union League to Host PGA Works Collegiate Championship

December 31, 2021

PGAWorksForm 2022 PGA Works Collegiate Championship Hosted by The Union League of Philadelphia at The Union League Golf Club at Torresdale and Union League Liberty Hill Saturday, April 30 through Wednesday, May 4. We are eager and cherish the opportunity to support the PGA in hosting the 2022 PGA Works Collegiate Championship. Furthermore, we would

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PAGCS Expands Career Services Member Benefit Program

March 25, 2021

As part of the Association’s continued efforts to increase the value of the membership and promote the professional development and career growth of our members, the free Career Services Member Benefit is expanding. All members, regardless of class, have an opportunity to avail themselves of the program’s benefits, free of charge. We hope that this

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PAGCS Highlighted

February 9, 2021

PAGCS member Alan Fitzgerald spoke recently about how the Association benefits members, gives back to the industry and builds the future of golf. CLICK HERE to see the interview. This is all part of PAGCS sponsor FMC’s Give Back program: Between March 1, 2021 and August 31, 2021 we will donate a portion of all

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2021 Membership Renewal Includes Exciting New Career Services Benefit

January 26, 2021

CLICK HERE to register for a free Career Services session, included with your 2021 PAGCS Membership. CLICK HERE to see the first in the Career Services webinars. As the Association continues to innovate, improve, and evolve, three of the goals of your Board of Directors for 2021 include the following: To increase the value of

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PA Publishes BMP

November 24, 2020

Pennsylvania’s new BMP development project, two years in the making, reached its critical final stages with the official publication of the statewide BMP document [Click Here]. The state’s latest Best Management Practices project takes its impetus from the GCSAA initiative to provide BMPs for all 50 states. The original PA state BMP was created in

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PAGCS to Offer Education Opportunity to Members

October 29, 2020

This fall, the PAGCS is partnering with the Carolinas GCSA in an online conference to satisfy members’ ongoing education needs during the coronavirus pandemic. Known as Conference Comes to You, the program will deliver 30 distinct seminars scheduled – one a day – over 30 weekdays, starting November 2. There will be a one-week break

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PGCSA/Allied Statewide Information Page

September 30, 2020

9/30/2020 PA Moves to Pass New Regulations for Fertilizers Important links SB915: Click Here 2001 Changes: Click Here 2018 Failed attempt: Click Here. One Page Summary of current initiative: Click Here. SB1149 [2013-2014]: Click Here. New Fertilizer Regulations Proposed for PA In a 49-1 vote, the PA Senate has passed SB915, which aims to regulate

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PA Moves To Pass New Regulations for Fertilizers

September 27, 2020

Important links SB915: Click Here 2001 Changes: Click Here 2018 Failed attempt: Click Here. One Page Summary of current initiative: Click Here. SB1149 [2013-2014]: Click Here. New Fertilizer Regulations Proposed for PA In a 49-1 vote, the PA Senate has passed SB915, which aims to regulate fertilizer applications and create a certification program that aligns

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PAGCS Sponsor Gives Back

July 23, 2020

PAGCS Benefits from FMC Initiative—deadline approaching to help -here’s a quick look at PAGCS Sponsor FMC’s innovative fundraiser The FMC fundraiser was an initiative driven by the FMC True Champions that was launched in fall 2019. One of the key features of the loyalty program is to support industry associations such as GCSAA chapters, We

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Valentine East Joins Statewide Effort to Monitor Weather and Water

July 6, 2020

This weather station at Valentine East will be part of the Pennsylvania Environmental Monitoring Network (PEMN). This project is led by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. — Dr. Mike Fidanza A Pennsylvania Environmental Monitoring Network (PEMN) is being created to fill information gaps on current weather and water conditions across Pennsylvania and lead to

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COVID-19 PAGCS Response & Resources Page

July 2, 2020

Click here for the new PAGCS page: Plan for Play. The PAGCS continues to monitor the situation and advocate for the industry. Information and resources will be shared as they become available. Below please find the recent information distributed. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time to any Board member or the office

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DE Governor Eases Some Restrictions, including the use of carts

May 5, 2020

Today, Delaware Governor John Carney announced some easing of statewide restrictions. Below is the full press release, and of note is that cart use [single rider only, no exceptions] will be allowed effective Friday. Push/pull cart rentals/provisions are also allowed. Governor Carney Announces Interim Steps Allowing Small Businesses to Expand their Services with Social Distancing

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50 Years Ago Today–A PAGCS Member on the Frontlines

April 29, 2020

The PAGCS turns 95 this September. We will continue to collect memories and share stories and history as we celebrate and prepare for the century mark. #Headingto100 Most of us know Henry Wetzel [fondly known as Butch]. For anyone who doesn’t, Henry, the long-time superintendent of St. Davids Golf Club, served on the Board of

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On Course in a Crisis: How One Facility is Adapting–and the opportunity at hand

April 24, 2020

Pat Michener, golf course superintendent at Bidermann Golf Club in Delaware, where golf is open for play, gives us a view on what the industry looks like currently, when both maintenance and play are allowed. Talking about golf and course maintenance in the middle of a pandemic may seem out of the realm of reality

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How One Local Turf University is Dealing with the Pandemic

April 23, 2020

We recently asked Dr. Linde, Turf Professor and Golf Coach at Delaware Valley University, to chime in on how his colleagues, students, and school are dealing with the pandemic: DelVal moved totally online after spring break. Professors were forced to abruptly change their teaching methods and students had to quickly adapt. After returning from my

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COVID-19

March 15, 2020

PAGCS COVID-19 Response Survey Thank you for your time! Click here We are asking one member at each golf course facility to please take a minute to complete this survey: https://fs8.formsite.com/pagcs/tkcu0d0bij/index.html This survey’s goal is to see how and where courses stand in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. In order to reach as many as possible, we

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Team Matches: They’re Back for 2020

March 2, 2020

Update: Registration is OPEN! Click here for Gross Team Registration Click here for Net Team Registration The 95th year of the PAGCS is full of exciting news and events, as you have seen with the roll out of the new website. In addition to the revival of the War at the Shore, we are also

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PAGCS Announces 2020 Calendar of Events

January 24, 2020

The leadership team of the PAGCS is excited to announce the 2020 Calendar, with a few new and exciting events–perfect way to celebrate turning 95. Read on, mark your calendars, and we look forward to seeing everyone soon. Don’t forget: watch your inboxes for the roll out of the new website in the coming weeks,

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Walnut Lane Golf Course, Home of The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, to Host First Green Event, Thursday, October 24, 2019

October 20, 2019

For Immediate Release: Monday, October 21, 2019 (Philadelphia) – Walnut Lane Golf Course, in partnership with TFTGP and the PAGCS, will host an innovative environmental education outreach program that uses golf courses as environmental learning labs, when Golf Course Superintendent Ben Davies welcomes over 70 9th grade students from Parkway Northeast High School for a

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Association’s Annual Meeting to Feature Eb Steiniger Award Presentation

October 18, 2019

The Philadelphia Association of Golf Course Superintendents [PAGCS] will hold its Annual Meeting on Monday, November 4, 2019, at Radley Run Country Club. In addition to the usual Association business, the PAGCS is excited to announce that the Eb Steiniger Award will be presented for the first time in four years. This award is presented

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PAGCS Crowns Golf Champions

October 9, 2019

This past Monday, the Association held its annual Golf Championship at Lookaway Golf Club–a first rate…

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“Winning Golf” hosts Applecross

September 24, 2019

Watch the Episode live or check YouTube soon: Winning Golf #11
NBC Sports Philadelphia…

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PSU Berks Valentine East Irrigation Installation: Visit, Watch, Participate

September 3, 2019

Penn State Berks – Sept 24th Event Check it out: Dr. Mike Fidanza is buying lunch. Come on out to visit, watch, learn, and/or help install an irrigation system at PSU Berks. The test plot area at PSU Berks is expanding to include a golf hole and this requires an irrigation system. Come learn best

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Cushman Hauler Demo : For Sale

July 23, 2019

Demo For Sale – 2019 Electric Cushman Hauler 800x with Lithium-Ion Battery Pack…

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50 Years Ago: Apollo and Vietnam, from the perspective of a PAGCS Member

July 20, 2019

@DelVal: 50 yrs ago today, Delaware Valley University grad Henry Wetzel, Jr. landed in Vietnam for one year of service as platoon leader and then had a long career as a golf course superintendent at St. Davids Golf Club. He’s one of the most generous Aggies we know. Thanks for serving our country, Henry! Henry:

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PAGCS Scholarships Available to Turf Students: Apply Now!

July 19, 2019

PAGCS Scholarship Application Process Now Open Through August 30: Click here The PAGCS is proud to offer scholarships to current turf students employed or previously employed by a PAGCS golf course superintendent. These scholarships are funded by the generosity of benefactors Frank T. Shuman, George E. Ley, and PAGCS members and supporters via the annual PAGCS

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Have You Met the PAGCS Sponsors?

June 30, 2019

Please be sure to thank our sponsors when you get a chance. They provide the resources so that the PAGCS can promote the golf turf industry and the professionals who work in the industry while helping us advance the goals of the Association.  

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New Event: “Bluegrass, Buffet and Baseball”

June 30, 2019

Wednesday, July 24, 2019 – “Bluegrass, Buffet and Baseball” educational and social event at FirstEnergy Stadium, Reading, PA. Education (pesticide credits awarded) – 10:00 – 11:00a.m. All you can eat lunch (cash bar) – starting at 11:00a.m. Reading Fightin Phils vs. Binghamton Rumble Ponies (Mets) game- 11:35a.m. Post game – Q and A on the

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PAGCS Earns Grant for a Third Time

June 12, 2019

In the Spring, the PAGCS applied for a GCSAA Chapter Outreach Grant to further the Association’s efforts to promote the industry and our sponsors. The GCSAA announced recently that the PAGCS was among 15 chapters awarded a grant for 2019. Click here for release. The PAGCS was awarded a grant in 2018, as well. The grant

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A First Tee Student Feature: Proof that the First Tee Program is Making a Difference

March 26, 2019

Please join us on Monday, April 15, as we celebrate and support the future of golf with the First Tee. The PAGCS partnership with the First Tee is only possible with your help and support. Click here for full details, registration, and ways to support. Before we get to the feature story below, did you know:

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PAGCS 2019 Event Calendar Now Set

February 27, 2019

Mark your calendar and save the dates–2019 is going to be a great year of special events. Check out what’s ahead: –First Tee Fundraiser: Monday, April 15, 2019, Walnut Lane Golf Course –PAGCS Scholarship Benefit and Pig Roast: Monday, May 6, 2019, Turtle Creek Golf Course –Member-Member: Monday, June 3, 2019, Llanerch Country Club –Member-Guest:

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Monarchs in the Rough: PA Superintendents Wanted!

February 4, 2019

The PAGCS has received word that the USGA is working with Audubon International to boost monarch butterfly habitats on golf courses. The goal is to get superintendents in 10 states to establish one acre of habitat on their courses. Pennsylvania is one of those states. Here is the link to a flier that details the

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