MINNESOTA GOLF COURSESUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION

News & Articles

  • 29 Jun 2017 2:01 PM | John MacKenzie

    Vigilant homeowner alerts officials to large insect find in neighborhood



    St. Paul, MN: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is placing a gypsy moth-infested area in the Lowry Hill Neighborhood of Minneapolis under quarantine beginning July 1 after a neighborhood resident reported a large insect population. The quarantine will be in place until early next summer.

    The quarantined area extends from Mt. Curve Avenue on the north to Franklin Avenue West on the south, and Irving Avenue South on the west to Dupont Avenue South on the east.

    The MDA was contacted earlier this month by a resident in the neighborhood who suspected a gypsy moth infestation after he noticed caterpillars on trees. MDA staff conducted a survey and found thousands of gypsy moth caterpillars that had already started defoliating trees.

    Gypsy moths have caused millions of dollars in damage to forests in the eastern United States. The moths are common in Wisconsin and are now threatening Minnesota. If present in large numbers, gypsy moth caterpillars can defoliate large sections of urban and natural forests. They feed on over 300 different types of trees and shrubs.

    What does the temporary quarantine do?

    • The quarantine restricts the movement of trees and woody material, including firewood, out of the area. Trees may be pruned, but all branches and woody material must stay on the property (even if limbs are chipped, gypsy moth eggs are still viable). Grass clippings can be removed from the area.
    • The quarantine requires self-inspection of any equipment, household items, or vehicles that are sitting outside in the quarantined area and are being moved out of the quarantine. This includes items such as wood pallets, patio furniture, grills, and trampolines, as well as trucks, campers, and boats. Residents should look for gypsy moth egg masses which are brown, fuzzy blobs the size of a quarter. They should scrape the egg masses off the item or leave the item where it is.

    “This is one of the worst gypsy moth infestations I have seen,” said Kimberly Thielen Cremers, MDA’s Gypsy Moth Program Supervisor. “Trees and outdoor items are covered with caterpillars. We’re confident this insect came to Minneapolis through the movement of infested wood or outdoor items. This raises the importance of the quarantine. Residents can help contain this pest by not moving branches, firewood, or outdoor items out of the quarantined area.”

    To provide more information, the MDA will be hosting an open house about the quarantine for those in the area.

    Open House

    Tuesday, July 11, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

    Kenwood Community Center

    2101 W Franklin Ave.

    Minneapolis, MN 55405

    The MDA has set up gypsy moth traps throughout the area to determine the extent of the infestation. Next year the MDA plans to treat the area for gypsy moths and will then lift the quarantine. The department will provide more information this winter about the proposed treatment, which is similar to treatments done in Richfield and Minneapolis in 2016, and Minnetonka, Eden Prairie and Edina in 2011.

    For more information regarding the quarantine or gypsy moth, visit www.mda.state.mn.us/gypsymoth. If you suspect a gypsy moth infestation in your area, contact the MDA’s Arrest the Pest line at 1-888-545-6684 or arrest.the.pest@state.mn.us.


  • 28 Jun 2017 5:31 AM | John MacKenzie

    By Golfdom Staff

    ClubCorp acquired Medina Golf & Country Club, a formerly member-owned private club, in Medina, Minn. This is the first club in Minnesota for ClubCorp, expanding the company’s presence to 28 states. ClubCorp plans to spend more than $2.5 million over the first two years to reinvent the club bringing new contemporary dining and lifestyle features to the clubhouse and patio, plus improvements to the golf course, golf practice facilities and aquatics.

    “We are very excited to add Medina Golf & Country Club to our family of clubs,” said Mark Burnett, ClubCorp COO and president. “As our first club in Minnesota, and, specifically the rapidly growing Minneapolis market, Medina fits our acquisition and reinvention criteria perfectly – a beautiful family centric club, located in a growing residential community, that offers a wide range of amenities, including 18 holes of championship golf and a nine-hole par-3 where we can introduce golf to our beginners while expanding the practice opportunities for our more avid golf members.”

    “The members of Medina Golf & Country Club are thrilled to be joining the world-class portfolio of ClubCorp clubs,” said Michael Mathews, president of the club. “This transition is a win-win for our club and for ClubCorp, and most certainly for our membership. As an already thriving club, we look forward to the significant benefits, services, and investments ClubCorp will provide us to further strengthen and enrich our club and the membership experience at Medina.”

    Located 20 miles west of downtown Minneapolis, Medina Golf & Country Club offers a championship 18-hole golf course, which has been host to numerous amateur golf tournaments sponsored by the Minnesota Golf Association, including the 2013 MGA State Amateur, plus a nine-hole executive par-3 course ideal for junior golfers and beginners. Amenities also include a 45,000-square-foot clubhouse with casual and upscale dining and a Grand Ballroom overlooking the golf course, four Har-Tru clay tennis courts and large pool with a diving board, slide and zero-depth entry kids’ section with water spouts. During the snowy season, Medina offers two powder trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

    “We are excited to welcome the Medina members to our family,” added Burnett. “Thank you to the club’s board and members for their excitement and support of ClubCorp, as we celebrate our 60th year anniversary. We look forward to great things happening at the club.”



  • 21 Jun 2017 5:35 AM | John MacKenzie

    The 3M Championship is scheduled for July 31st - August 6th, 2017 and we are hoping you will be able to join us this year preparing TPC Twin Cities for the only televised Champions Tour event in the Twin Cities.

    Volunteers ensure the success of course preparations for the event while also providing a unique opportunity for the individual to participate in the setup and conditioning of a professional golf venue. We have been very fortunate to have a great response to our need for volunteers in the past and we are looking forward to another great year in 2017.  Whether you are joining us for the first time or are one the seasoned volunteers who have helped us in the past, the experience is both rewarding and fun.

    NO GOLF COURSE EXPERIENCE NECESSARY as all skill levels and shift requirements are welcome.  Volunteers will be provided uniforms, tournament access credentials, and meals. If you are receiving this letter, it is because you have participated in the past or you or someone you know has indicated you may have an interest in volunteering to help in Golf Course Maintenance. Please feel free to pass this information along with the accompanying forms to anyone in your circle of friends and colleagues who would like to volunteer as well.

    Although the deadline is July 21, 2017 to send in your information, we would appreciate hearing back from you as soon as possible.  This makes it much easier for us to order the correct number of shirts and hats and schedule meals with vendors.  We will gladly accept volunteers up to the day of the event but we cannot guarantee we will have a shirt and hat to give you.

    Thanks again and we look forward to seeing you for another exciting 3M Championship.

    More Information and to Volunteer

  • 10 Jun 2017 5:22 AM | John MacKenzie

    This residential memo was brought to the attention of the MGCSA yesterday, June 9.  A sign of times ahead?

    Due to current hot and dry weather, the City of Savage has declared a temporary watering restriction. This is effective immediately. Residents are asked to stop all outdoor irrigation and other unnecessary use of water including washing vehicles with a hose, using water to clean outdoor areas, filling swimming pools, and operating any ornamental fountains. Regular daily water usage including showering, washing clothes, flushing the toilet etc. is unaffected by this restriction.  We appreciate your cooperation. For future updates on the restriction, please go to cityofsavage.com, Facebook, and Twitter.  

    The current city water crisis could be related to the following issue:  

    Major water main break in southeast Savage

    May 9, 2017 - 3 p.m. 
    ALERT: Major water main break in southeast Savage, south of County Road 42, north of 154th St.(see highlighted area on map). Crews are on site. Intermittent water outage is expected. Once water is restored, homes in the affected area should bypass their water softener and run cold water on all faucets in the house to clear any air or brown water issues.


  • 10 Jun 2017 5:15 AM | John MacKenzie

    The Minnesota Golf License plate is made possible by a partnership between the Minnesota PGA Section Foundation and Minnesota Golf Association. All proceeds raised through license plate sales help support programs by focusing on player development and access to the game of golf in the State of Minnesota.  These programs provide instruction, education, access to equipment, and playing opportunities for youth, military, and diverse populations with an emphasis on inclusion.

    Help support the future of golf in Minnesota by purchasing your own Minnesota Golf License Plate, and spread the word to family, friends, and other avid golfers.

    Complete an Application for Special Plates (Form PS2010) and bring to your local DVS in order to obtain your Minnesota Golf License Plate.

    For costs and other information regarding the plates, visit our FAQs page.

    For information regarding the grant application process, visit our Grant Information page.


  • 12 May 2017 5:17 AM | John MacKenzie

    Water Online: The Minnesota contestant is Maxwell Vogel, Oakland Jr High School (Science Teacher – Katy Pupungatoa, Sponsored by the Central States Water Environment Association) for his project “Can a Golf Course Riparian Buffer Zone Reduce Fertilizer, Pesticide and Sediment Runoff into the Brown’s Creek Watershed?: Year One - Phase I”

    The Water Environment Federation (WEF) proudly announces that 59 high school students have been selected as the 2017 state winners of the U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize, the nation’s most prestigious youth award for a water-related science project.

    The student winners from 48 states and Puerto Rico will now compete in the national finals June 16-17 at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The exhibition and judging will take place at the Cone University Center from 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Sat., June 16 and is open to the public.

    The national winner(s) will receive $10,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Stockholm, Sweden to represent the United States at the international competition during World Water Week on August 27 to September 1. The international winner(s) will receive $15,000 presented during a royal ceremony by the prize’s Patron HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.

    The Stockholm Junior Water Prize aims to increase students’ interest in water-related issues and research and to raise awareness about global water challenges. The competition is open to projects aimed at improving of water quality, water resources management, water protection, and drinking water and wastewater treatment.

    “WEF is very proud to shine a spotlight on some of our country’s brightest high school students, who impress us all with their innovative projects that focus on protecting our precious water resources,” said WEF Executive Director Eileen O’Neill. “These students give us great confidence in the future of water science and research.

    In the U.S., WEF and its Member Associations organize the regional, state, and national competitions with support from Xylem Inc., who also sponsors the international competition. The Bjorn von Euler Innovation in Water Scholarship Award, a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by Xylem Inc., will be also awarded to the state winner who demonstrates a passion for education, spirit of creativity, and innovation.

    For more information on the Stockholm Junior Water Prize and to see the 2017 state winners:www.wef.org/resources/for-the-public/SJWP/.

    About WEF
    The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of 33,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. Since 1928, WEF and its members have protected public health and the environment. As a global water sector leader, our mission is to connect water professionals; enrich the expertise of water professionals; increase the awareness of the impact and value of water; and provide a platform for water sector innovation. For more information, visit www.wef.org.

    Student Report Phase One Here


  • 03 May 2017 1:14 PM | John MacKenzie

    Lawrence, Kan. (April 11, 2017) – Golf is a sport for a lifetime that delivers more than 2 million jobs and $69 billion in annual economic impact while contributing $3.9 billion per year for philanthropic causes -- more than all other sports combined. 

    A professionally managed golf course can demonstrate environmental stewardship and provide a place to meet exercise and fitness goals. Just walking 18 holes, for example, can burn more than 2,000 calories.

    As part of the celebration of “Earth Day” on April 22, here are 10 facts about golf, promoting the sport and the environment:

    1. Golf courses are professionally managed landscapes where environmental stewardship is important – from using water and nutrients more efficiently to implementing improved methods of erosion control.
    2. In general, the golf industry is striving to deliver firm playing surfaces that are better for everyone and improve the bottom line. More than 70 percent of golf courses report that they are keeping turfgrass drier than in the past.
    3. The golf industry is continually investing in research to identify drought-tolerant grasses and improve water conservation through best management practices.
    4. Golf courses adopt water conservation practices, reduce irrigated acreage and use innovative technologies, such as targeted irrigation systems and ground moisture measurement tools, along with weather monitoring systems, providing the science to water only when and where it is needed.
    5. Irrigated areas on golf courses have decreased by more than 14,430 acres between 2006 and 2013.
    6. Use of recycled water has increased by 32.7 percent from 2006 to 2014. Recycled water accounts for 25 percent of all water used on golf courses. 
    7. Golf courses routinely have waste and water recycling programs to reduce and reuse.
    8. More than 90 percent of a typical golf course is comprised of turfgrass, a water feature or other natural areas that prevent erosion, filter runoff, and provide for cooler temperatures when compared to urban settings.  
    9. More than 70 percent of acreage on an 18-hole golf course is considered green space that provides benefits to the ecosystem, reduces maintenance and supports wildlife habitat, including protected species. 
    10. Through governmental affairs involvement, professional education and public information, the golf industry promotes environmental responsibility as a widespread industry practice.

    Suggested Tweets
    #Golf courses: Professionally-managed landscapes prioritizing environmental stewardship. #EarthDay2017

    #Golf courses practice water conservation, reduce irrigated land & use innovative tech. #EarthDay2017

    About the USGA
    The USGA conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open, as well as 10 national amateur championships, two state team championships and international matches, attracting players and fans from more than 160 countries. Together with The R&A, the USGA governs the game worldwide, jointly administering the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, equipment standards and World Amateur Golf Rankings. The USGA’s reach is global with a working jurisdiction in the United States, its territories and Mexico, serving more than 25 million golfers and actively engaging 150 golf associations.

    The USGA is one of the world’s foremost authorities on research, development and support of sustainable golf course management practices. It serves as a primary steward for the game’s history and invests in the development of the game through the delivery of its services and its ongoing “For the Good of the Game” grants program. Additionally, the USGA’s Course Rating and Handicap systems are used on six continents in more than 50 countries.

    For more information about the USGA, visit usga.org.

    About GCSAA and the EIFG
    The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

    The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org. or find us on Facebook or Twitter.


  • 30 Mar 2017 5:52 AM | John MacKenzie

    By Sam Bauer and Dr. Brian Horgan

    The winter of 2016/17 was anything but normal and it feels like we’re getting used to saying that every spring.  An exceptionally warm November, over an inch of rainfall (and therefore ice) on Christmas, golf in mid-February, a general lack of snow cover, and temperatures more than 10 degrees below average in early-March are just a few of the ups and downs that we’ve experienced in the Twin Cities metro region this winter.  So, what does this mean for turf and golf courses, you might ask?

    Ultimately, the best winter we could have for golf course turf would be a gradual cool down in the fall, which helps to harden off grasses for winter (a process known as acclimation), followed by good insulating snow cover on frozen soils, and a gradual warm up in the spring causing de-hardening (deacclimation) of our grasses.  This winter was anything but that. Initially, we were concerned about the early accumulation of ice on turf surfaces from the late- December rain, as extended periods of ice cover can cause suffocation and a toxic buildup of gases under impermeable ice sheets; annual bluegrass is reported to die in as little as 20-30 days under ice while bentgrass will survive for much longer.  Fortunately, the mid-February thaw

    meant that a majority of the ice cover issues were behind us, but another challenge was looming. Annual bluegrass is known to initiate growth, or deacclimate, sooner in the spring than creeping bentgrass.  This has been reported by researchers at the University of Massachusetts in Dr. Michelle DaCosta’s program (see: http://usgatero.msu.edu/v13/n3-6.pdf).  The concern here, relates to a winter injury phenomenon known as crown hydration.  If annual bluegrass were to come out of dormancy during the warmup in February, it would take up water, and ultimately succumb to ice crystal formation in the crowns of plants causing most certain death.

    Read full report here.
  • 14 Mar 2017 7:44 AM | John MacKenzie

    by Taylor Danz, City Pages

    Imagine a forest filled with edible plants, berries, hazelnuts and maple trees, bordered by hiking trails. A place where you can learn to forage and harvest while enjoying a beautiful lake and natural wetlands.

    Now imagine that the forest is located on the edge of Minneapolis.

    This is what Ryan Seibold and Russ Henry are trying to create near Lake Hiawatha.

    Parts of the nearby Hiawatha Golf Course have been closed since a 2014 flood, and are expected to reopen this spring. This spurred the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board to explore options for rebuilding the course to make it more flood resistant.

    Yet these plans stalled when it was discovered that the board was pumping more groundwater from the course – and into the already-polluted Lake Hiawatha – than allowed by the state. The city was left to decide whether to keep pumping or let the former wetland reclaim its territory.

    Henry, a landscape designer who is running for a Park Board seat, says replacing the course with a food forest would turn a big problem into a big benefit.

    The restored wetland would act as a natural filter, blocking major pollutants from storm water sewers and bringing back animals and plants displaced by the course, he says.

    Put simply, a food forest is a woodland that uses native trees, shrubs and plants that are both edible and medicinal. The city would plant everything from raspberries and blackberries to maple trees and hazelnut trees, as well as shoreline plants like katniss (also known as duck potato) and medicinal herbs like echinacea.

    Intended to be low maintenance and self-maintaining once it’s established, the plants are designed to not only build soil but to attract pollinators. (Plants like milkweed are especially beneficial for bees and monarch butterflies.)

    According to Seibold, the plants would be available for people to forage and harvest as needed. The idea is to teach people to understand the connection between plants and animals, as well as learn when to harvest sustainably.

    “You’re growing the food, but you’re also growing the community around the food,” Seibold says.  There would have to be some sort of foraging training to ensure the plants are available for everyone, Henry adds.

    When he got his first job in a nursery 20 years ago, Henry says plants were just green things he couldn’t begin to tell apart. Since then, nature has opened up to him, and he would love for the kids of Minneapolis to have the same opportunity.

    By learning more about what they’re able to take from nature, Henry says that people might feel more empowered to grow food in their own yards, to embrace nature and sustainable development, and to encourage friends and neighbors to do the same.

    Seibold and Henry say they’ve been getting positive feedback. The park board has until July to decide what to do with the land, but Henry says it may have already decided to reconstruct the golf course.

    Either way, the men will continue their work.

    Seibold is working with the board to establish a fruit and nut tree orchard on the east side of the lake, and Henry is helping to coordinate a food innovation lab on March 16 in the Food Building in Northeast Minneapolis. The event will showcase ideas for ensuring better soil and water quality, as well as new harvesting techniques and agro projects. 
     


  • 27 Feb 2017 6:48 AM | John MacKenzie

    Please enjoy this video production detailing the incredible efforts and preparation required to pull off a successful 2017 Ryder Cup event held at Hazeltine National Golf Club.

    Ryder Cup Video

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