Monthly Feature Hosted By:
	Matthew J. Ceplo, CGCS, at Rockland Country Club in Sparkill, N.Y

In these "green times" sustainability is a key word that we need to be focused on.  It is a perfect scenario when we can become better stewards of the environment while saving money and improving golfers’ enjoyment of the game.  It’s a “win” all around.  Concentrating budget dollars and man hours on greens, tees and fairways is one thing we all must do in this troubled economy.  At the Pasatiempo Golf Club and for Paul Chojnacky, golf course superintendent, necessity seems to be the mother of invention.  Paul has taken it to a new level and should be commended on making long range plans for the future.  The installation of a new irrigation system will immediately save water for greens, tees and fairways.  Out of play areas will not be watered saving installation costs and in the future, reduced water costs.

We started a similar program here.  The first thing we did was not mow the areas that did not receive irrigation.  They tended to be dominated with drought resistant grass anyway. So why not let them go?  In a few years we were able to expand to other areas.  Other than the complaint of an occasional lost ball, they have been well received by the membership.  These areas have also become common at area courses, because of their cost savings and environmental benefits, making the transition that much easier.  The “totally maintained look” is becoming less and less common. 

Another popular saying these days is “a crisis is a terrible thing to waste.”  The bad economy and water restrictions create a perfect opportunity to implement new programs.  As the Superintendent of Pasatiempo, Paul has made use of a perfect avenue to let everyone know his expertise and professionalism.

February's Guest:
	David Phipps, Golf Course Superintendent, Stone Creek Golf Club, Oregon City, Oregon

The work at Pasastiempo Golf Club by Paul Chojnacky, golf course superintendent, and his staff provides us with a great example of how adjusting our operations and practices can make a difference for the club’s bottom line as well as the environment.  Our work at Stone Creek Golf Club demonstrates this principal as well.

From the onset of construction at Stone Creek Golf Club we knew that water was going to be a valuable commodity.  Many would think that a golf course in Oregon would receive plenty of rain throughout the year, but within the time frame between July and October we are lucky to see an inch.  We initially planned on the effective use of our resources and limiting inputs through our design and maintenance practices.  We’ve limited our water use as well as the use of fertilizers and pesticides.  The results are that during parts of the year the turfgrass is kept drier.

Stone Creek offers distinct seasonal conditions to the golfers, which they have unanimously accepted.  The golfers love the additional bounce and can enjoy the game the way it was played 100 years ago.  As the fall rains begin, the course transitions in almost a week’s time back to green.

The money that we have saved in these areas has gone toward other golf course operations such as a fairway topdressing program which enhances the playability of the fairways in the winter and also goes toward additional staff which enables us to manage the course in top condition year around.  We are fortunate in that we were limited in water because it forced us to operate in a manner that was environmentally friendly and budget friendly from the start.