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Annual Meeting
Monday, November 4
Chambers Bay
Registration
Assistant Superintendents’ Meeting
Monday, November 11
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Flatstick Pub
Pioneer Square
Registration
Equipment Managers’ Meeting
Thursday, November 14
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Museum of Flight
Seattle
Registration
Annual Washington Turf & Landscape Show (WTLS)
Details forthcoming
Holiday Party
Monday, December 9
2–5 p.m.
Top Golf
Renton
Golf Course Superintendent
Moscow Elks Golf Club
Moscow, ID
Golf Course Superintendent
The Golf Club at Newcastle
Newcastle, WA
Equipment Manager
Lake Chelan Golf Course
City of Chelan, WA
Assistant Superintendent in Training
Seattle Golf Club
Seattle, WA
There’s a new Superintendent at Tahoma Valley Golf Course, and he worked his way up the ranks. Only it’s not what you would expect. By ranks, we mean the military ranks.
Meet Vince Hartney, native Pacific North Westerner, originally from Sandy Oregon. He spent 30 years in military service within the Command & Control career field. He launched armed fighters out of Portland and managed the ‘Air Picture’ for NORAD all from windowless buildings and aircraft. Vince notes, “I needed some outside hobbies, so I pursued a few sporting side trips.” Ultimately, Vince retired from the military, but like so many, found sitting at home or just pursuing hobbies wasn’t enough. “So, I started mowing greens and troubleshooting the irrigation system at Tahoma Golf Course in 2020.”
In March of this year, the opportunity to manage the course and lead the crew was offered to Vince. As the new Superintendent he inherited a 6-person crew, 4 of whom were also prior military service retirees. The other were a ski fanatic and a college student. Tahoma Valley Golf Course is in Yelm, Washington. The crew there maintains a full 18-hole course. “Being at work for us is like having a day of quality ‘guy time’. I’m the only member of my crew that doesn’t golf, but I do love some healthy grass!”
Vince is a new member of the WWGCSA, thanks to a referral from Jackie Klein of Walrath. He looks forward to reaching out to fellow members to learn more tricks of the trade, and broaden his scope of ‘guy time’ with people who love grass like him.
Archived Superintendent Spotlight Stories
June 27, 2024
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The crew at Sahalee Country Club was coming off a week, in fact more than a year, of prepping and managing their course to major championship condition as the Women’s PGA Championship was visiting their course. Overcoming exhaustion, or better yet, perhaps delaying a drop in adrenaline, Sahalee sent three crew teams who each shot 68 or better. And one bested the entire field by 4 shots after shooting a 57, 15 under par, at Mill Creek Country Club earlier this week.
The Sahalee team of Jobany Vizcarra, Jesus Vizcarra Jr., Connor O'Neill, and Miles Owre are this year’s WWGCSA Crew Champions. Traditionally, the winning team and the runner up represent the WWGCSA in this coming Fall’s Pacific Northwest Crew Championship, to be held at a course to be determined but somewhere in the Puget Sound Region. But the Sahalee team will not be able to make it, so the third place team (Gold Mountain), as the alternate, will take Sahalee’s place at the PNW Crew Championships this fall.
The Home Course crew won a tiebreaker for second place over that Gold Mountain Crew by making birdie on the 18th hole. As referenced above, both the Home Course and Gold Mountain will represent the WWGCSA at the PNW Crew Championship. Gold Mountain still finished in the money while also winning a closest to the pin prize when they stuck a tee shot to 5 ft 8 in on the 148 yard 5th hole. Sahalee’s Crew earned the other closest to the pin prize when Connor O’Neill put his tee shot 3 ft 10in from 121 yards on that heretofore mentioned 18th green. Washington National’s Nick Perry secured the Long Drive prize for his team on the par five 3rd hole.
Here are the final results from this year’s Crew Championship:
June 21, 2024
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The crew Eric Thompson, Tumwater Valley Golf and the city of Tumwater are taking on an important initiative, one that gets easier to implement they more they do it. Thompson has embarked on a mission to host a First Green event at his golf course twice a year, once in the Fall and again in the Spring. This 23/24 academic year marks the first year of what Eric Thompson hopes will be many to come. “The plan is to hold two events per year, fall and spring. The first one had approximately 60 kids and the second had 45; the kids are from the two [Tumwater] middle schools and were the 8th grade advanced math students,” Thompson says. “It looks like a lot but so many key people have bought in on the program that it makes my part easier.”
Before getting started, Thompson secured the support and participation of key people who help make the First Green event successful:
To gather support—Dr Lorie Thompson (Regional Network Director, Capital STEM Alliance), Cecily Kiester (Regional Administrator, Career Connected Learning ) Kat Santana (Capital STEM Alliance), Michelle Paul (CTE TOSA), Suzane Jones (Black Hills Middle School).
More support and connection to resources and expertise—Chuck Denney (Parks & Recreation Director, City of Tumwater), Tyler Trimble (Golf Ops Manager), Russ Olsen (PGA Associate, Golf Operations Supervisor), Todd Anderson (Recreation Coordinator, City of Tumwater), Bri Feller (Volunteer Coordinator, City of Tumwater).
Volunteers for in-the-Field Training—Larry Gilhuly (USGA Retired), Rick Michel (Pacific Golf and Turf/John Deere), Grant Gilmore (Water Resources Specialist, Habitat & Outreach City of Tumwater)(Professor at UW), Geoff Rinehart (University of Maryland Turf Management), Brandon Wilhelm (Wilbur Ellis), Jason Heye and Regan Broome (TVGC Golf Instructors and First Green).
First Green brings many benefits for multiple parties. It provides an opportunity for city governments to engage with young people about what they do, it gets the students out of the classroom and into a real world environment. Vendors of the turf management industry and the industry itself introduce students to job opportunities on golf courses. Plus, the public relations benefit to the City and the industry by connecting with the community, demonstrate what they really do and opening up lines of communication with each other is invaluable.
Thompson recognizes just getting started may seem daunting, but once tried, the next attempt becomes much easier. “There is an outline on the GCSAA site for hosting an event. I encourage my fellow Superintendents to give it a try. I would be happy to help anyone else interested in hosting one.”
helenaagri.com
Chris Concienne
509-795-9175
conciennec@helenaagri.com
pacificgolfturf.com
Michael McNeil
Main 360-568-7798
Cell 206-510-4951
turfstar.com
Shawn Frisbee
206-501-7248
Ashley Burke
206-501-7252
Alex Hedlund
360-296-8668
Cory Fadenrect
206-659-2007
tewalrath.com
Tanner Cirks
253-606-4272
wa-rock.com
Tim Carlson
253-318-6000
Sam Martinson
253-255-8631
Sean Doherty . . .
is joining TurfStar as its Vehicle Sales Territory Manager for Western Washington. Most recently, Sean served at Sand Point Country Club as its Assistant Superintendent. With 14 years in turf management, Sean has work experience from some prominent venues including Sahalee, Winged Foot and Chambers Bay.
Kevin Gomes . . .
. . . is now the Director of Agronomy at Suncadia Resorts and Tumble Creek Golf Course. Dating back to 2015, Kevin was the Superintendent at Suncadia’s Prospector Course and eventually became the Superintendent at Suncadia’s Rope Rider course as well.
4.26.24
Jackie Vaughn . . .
. . . is leaving Walrath Trucking to start her own safety compliance business effective mid-April. Jackie was with Walrath for 20+ years in a variety of roles, most recently in sales and fleet administration. Her new business will begin with the roll out of pilot safety cars to protect wide loads and others on the roadway.
Anthony Rogers . . .
. . . will be the new Superintendent for the Lawns at the Norcliffe Estate starting in January 2024. Prior to that, he was an Assistant at Aldarra and most recently worked with the City of Bellevue in the Parks and Recreation Department.
Dwayne Scott . . .
. . . effective November 14 is the new Superintendent at Mill Creek Country Club. Dwayne is leaving Inglewood Golf Club, where he served for 22 years, most notably as the Assistant Superintendent.
The family of American Lake Veterans Course Superintendent Randy Moen, experienced a tragedy on January 24th of this year when his daughter Shay lost her husband Roger Pollard. Roger leaves behind their two young children: Jojo and Tiger.
As is always the case, friends and family are asking for ways to show their support during this difficult time. Education was always very important to Roger as it was the main way he was able to touch so many lives. Shay would like that to reflect in the way her friends and family who are asking to show their support
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations be made to the JoJo & Tiger Education Fund; which will be overseen by their mother Shay Moen. The WWGCSA made a $500 donation on behalf of our membership. If you would like to make an additional donation, you may do so by following this link: https://gofund.me/cea47907 The family of American Lake Veterans Course Superintendent Randy Moen, experienced a tragedy on January 24th of this year when his daughter Shay lost her husband Roger Pollard. Roger leaves behind their two young children: Jojo and Tiger.
As is always the case, friends and family are asking for ways to show their support during this difficult time. Education was always very important to Roger as it was the main way he was able to touch so many lives. Shay would like that to reflect in the way her friends and family who are asking to show their support
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that donations be made to the JoJo & Tiger Education Fund; which will be overseen by their mother Shay Moen. The WWGCSA made a $500 donation on behalf of our membership. If you would like to make an additional donation, you may do so by following this link: https://gofund.me/cea47907
Javier Martinez . . .
. . . is the new Superintendent at Lake Limerick Country Club.
12.29.23
Matt Ricco . . .
is the new irrigation specialist at Pacific Golf & Turf. Most recently, Matt completed a major irrigation project as the Superintendent at Mill Creek Country Club
9.5.23
Max Lamas . . .
is the new Superintendent at Kitsap Golf & Country Club … Max was formerly the assistant Superintendent Aldarra Golf Club before becoming the Superintendent of Grounds at Lewis and Clark College … Brett Grogan remains with Kitsap GCC as part of Max’s team.
10.19.23
Cameron Dubos . . .
. . . has been promoted as the Assistant Superintendent at Gold Mountain Golf Complex.
12.29.23
Brian Cohrs . . .
. . . formerly Assistant Superintendent at the Golf Club at Echo Falls, has been promoted to Echo Falls Superintendent.
12.29.23
Kyle Brown . . .
. . . formerly Superintendent at the Golf Club at Echo Falls, has moved to the Golf Club at Newcastle as its Head Superintendent.
12.29.23
Jason Howerton . . .
. . . formerly Superintendent at Lake Limerick Country Club, has moved to Olympia Golf & Country Club as its Superintendent
12.29.23
Marc Mulholland . . .
. . . formerly at Sand Point Country Club, has joined the Members Club at Aldarra as its Assistant Superintendent.
12.29.22
Scott Robinson . . .
. . . as of August 15, Scott is the new Golf Course Superintendent at Chehalem Golf Course as they begin a major renovation. Prior, Scott earned his Class A status while working as the Golf Course Superintendent at Village Greens Golf Course in Port Orchard.
7.22.22
Brian Cohrs . . .
. . . is the new Golf Course Superintendent at the Golf Club at Echo Falls. Brian began in the golf industry as a seasonal worker at Echo Falls while in high school. Since then Brian was educated at the turf management program at Walla Walla Community College, and continued at Echo Falls as their spray tech while working on a business degree before becoming the Assistant Superintendent.
7.15.22
Greg Wadden . . .
. . . is the new Class A Golf Course Superintendent at Sudden Valley Golf Club in Bellingham Wa effective June 10. Greg comes to Sudden Valley GC from Nicowynd Golf Club in Surrey, B.C.
6.1.22
Steve Macejak . . .
. . . is the new Golf Course Superintendent at Allenmore Golf Course in Tacoma as of the first of April. Steve left Chambers Bay where he worked the last five years, most recently serving as Golf Course Superintendent.
12.28.21
Dave McNeil . . .
. . . will be retiring from Lane Mountain Company effective the first of the year. A member of the WWGCSA since 1987 when he developed bunker sand for Unimin, his career shifted to Reserve Silica in 2002 and Lane Mountain in 2004. Dave will remain as an ambassador for the BTR Tan Bunker Sand continuing his partnership with Lane Mountain on this blend. Dave plans to make occasional appearances and provide technical support virtually in his new capacity.
12.28.21
Max Lamas . . .
. . . has accepted the position of Director of Facility Support Services for Lewis & Clark College (Portland, OR) to begin December 6th. Max began in the turf world in 2004 as a crew member, then became a superintendent for six years right out of college. He joined Aldarra Golf Club in 2017 and leaves as its Assistant Superintendent. He plans to volunteer at the Children’s Course outside of Portland, where the WWGCSA joined the OGCSA in 2021 for their annual service project.
11.18..21
Renee Geyer . . .
. . . is the new Golf Course Superintendent at Canterwood Golf & Country Club as of the end of September. Renee earned her Associate degree in Applied Science, Turf and Turfgrass Management from The Ohio State University. She most recently was the Golf Course Superintendent at Firestone Country Club’s Fazio Course in Akron, Ohio.
11.02..21
Planet Turf . . .
. . . named Aaron Stamper as its new Regional Turfgrass Sales Specialist for the Pacific Northwest. He will be serving customers in Western Washington and Western and Central Oregon. Stamper graduated from Walla Walla Community College with a degree in Turf Management. He has over 20 years’ experience in the turfgrass industry and worked at prestigious golf courses such as Riviera Country Club, Sonoma Golf Club, and Spokane Country Club. Most recently Aaron was golf course superintendent at Skamania Lodge Golf Course in Stevenson, WA.
10.26.21
Justin Jones . . .
. . . will be joining Tom Huesgen at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club outside San Diego, CA as the club’s Assistant Superintendent. Justin worked at Broadmoor Golf Club the past six years and was most recently the golf course Superintendent there. He also recently served on the WWGCSA Board of Directors as its Secretary/Treasurer.
6.9.21
Jacob Close . . .
. . . is now with Simplot as its newest Golf Territory Manager. Jacob was most recently the Golf Course Superintendent at Sudden Valley Golf & Country Club where he served for more than 10 years.
6.2.21
Brett Grogan . . .
. . . became the Golf Course Superintendent at Kitsap Golf & Country Club in May 2021. Brett has been with Kitsap GCC for 15 years, and most recently served as its assistant greenskeeper.
6.2.21
Jeremy Galvin . . .
. . . is the new Golf Course Superintendent at Sudden Valley Golf & Country Club. Jeremy most recently was at Broadmoor Golf Club.
6.2.21
Luke Sulpizio . . .
. . . is now an Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Everett Golf and Country Club. Luke is originally from Defiance, Ohio, and a turf graduate from the University of Cincinnati. He joined the EG&CC staff when he moved to Washington State in 2014.
5.6.21
Charlie Schauwecker . . .
. . . is the new Golf Course Superintendent at Sahalee Country Club. Charlie was formerly Sahalee’s Assistant Superintendent. He is taking over for Tom Huesgen who, after more than 7 years at Sahalee, is moving on to Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club in the San Diego area.
5.4.21
Riley Hunter . . .
. . . is now the Assistant Superintendent at Washington National Golf Club. Formerly the Assistant at Lake Padden Golf Club.
Jason Krogman . . .
. . . is on his way to Wisconsin to take on the role of Project Manager at Whistling Straits in advance of this year’s Ryder Cup. Jason most recently was the Superintendent at Kitsap Golf & Country Club and a former WWGCSA Board Member.
Ryan Semtric . . .
. . . is the new Golf Course Superintendent at Skagit Golf & Country Club effective the end of March. Ryan is the immediate past President of the WWGCSA and was previously the Superintendent at Willows Run Golf Complex since 2015.
Tony Bubenas . . .
. . . has retired from the Pierce County Department of Parks and Recreation. He most recently was the Golf Course Superintendent at Lake Spanaway Golf Course, and is a former President of the Board of Directors at both the WWGCSA and the NTA.
Jeremy Roth . . .
. . . is the new Golf Superintendent at Washington National Golf Club as of the month of June. Jeremy was previously the Superintendent at Willows Run.
6.17.20
Justin Jones . . .
. . . has been promoted to the position of Superintendent at Broadmoor Golf Club as of the month of May. Justin will continue to serve with Sean McDonough who has taken on some additional roles at Broadmoor. Justin was previously the Assistant Superintendent at Broadmoor.
5.20
Steven LaMont . . .
. . . is the new Assistant Superintendent at Rainier Country Club as of late February 2020. Steven was previously the Spray Tech at Inglewood Golf Club.
2.20
Kyle Daviscourt . . .
. . . is the new Spray Tech at Inglewood Golf Club as of March 2020. Previously was part of the crew at Broadmoor Golf Club.
3.2020
Michael Snyder . . .
. . . is the new Golf Course Superintendent at the Cedars at Dungeness in Sequim as of October 14 2019. Previously, Michael was the Superintendent at Sunland Golf & Country Club, also in Sequim, for the last four years.
10.14.19
Abel Anderson . . .
. . . is the new Golf Course Superintendent at Gold Mountain Golf Club as of March 2019. Previous to this, he spent 7 years as Golf Course Superintendent at Bear Mountain Golf Club in Chelan, Washington.
8.22.19
Marcus Harness . . .
. . . is the new Golf Course Superintendent at Sand Point Country Club. Starting at the end of August, he will be replacing Craig Sampson (CGCS) who is retiring after 30 years with the club. This off-season, Sand Point will be undergoing a full course renovation as part of its Master Plan developed by architect David McLay Kidd. Marcus has worked at multiple clubs in the area, but was most recently the Golf Course Superintendent at Sahalee Country Club under Tom Huesgen, Director of Golf Course Operations.
8.20.19
Ryan Rosevear . . .
. . . is the new Superintendent at Foster Golf Links. Ryan was promoted to that position on June 3 of this year after two years of grooming for the position. Curt Chandler retired after 15 years of service. Ryan previously worked for Sam Sprague at Rainier Golf & CC as an assistant superintendent.
8.15.19
Michael Anderson . . .
. . . is the new Equipment Manager at Foster Golf Links. Michael was formerly at Chambers Bay.
8.15.19
