NAPA, CA.- The Golf Course Superintendents Association of Northern California (GCSANC) is pleased to announce its most recent award winners. These individuals were recognized at the GCSANC Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony at Napa Valley Country Club (Napa, CA). More than 100 golf course superintendents, affiliate members, and special guests were in attendance at the gathering hosted by GCSANC President, Vince Keats, CGCS. Awards were presented by CGCSA President Patrick "Pat" Finlen (Olympic Club), with assistance from NGCOA Board Member Bill Aragona (Boulder Creek G&CC).
Golf Course Superintendent of the Year Award
The Superintendent of the Year Award was presented to Robert "Bob" Lapic, a Class "A" Golf Course Superintendent at Orinda Country Club (Orinda, CA). This is the highest distinction that can be given to a GCSANC Member for outstanding contributions to the association and its membership. President of the Association in 2003, Lapic served on the GCSANC Board of Directors, is a member of the GCSANC Strategic Planning Committee, and past chairman of the GCSANC Ball Mark Repair Awareness Program. He’s been instrumental in forging working relationships with other allied golf groups, and has a stellar reputation as a mentor to others within the turfgrass industry.
A resident of Napa, CA, Lapic actively supports athletic programs within his community, as well as non-profit organizations that focus on researching cures for diabetes and cancer. "Bob’s natural ability to help others goes beyond our association, and our industry," stated Awards Chairman Pat Finlen. "He serves as an excellent role model for us, his peers, and well-deserves this coveted GCSANC award."
Lapic’s connection to golf started long before his days as a golf course superintendent. In 1968, he was both the Nor Cal Section High School Champion and the California State Junior Champion. In 1969 he claimed title as the Nor Cal Junior Champion. While captain of the golf team at Brigham Young University (BYU), he also earned two separate undergraduate degrees, a B.S. in Psychology, and a B.A. in English. After graduating in 1974, Lapic made a concerted attempt at PGA Tour qualifying, yet came up one shot short. He was subsequently offered a job as a golf professional at Lake Merced G&CC (Daly City, CA) followed thereafter by another assignment as a club pro at Bethpage GC (Farmingdale, NY).
His first position as a golf course superintendent was at Peninsula G&CC (San Mateo, CA), where he served from 1977-1984. Lapic then accepted the superintendent position at Boulder Creek G&CC (Boulder Creek, CA), an assignment he held from 1984-1995. During that time, he earned certification in Turf Management from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. In 1996, Lapic was offered the superintendent position at the Olympic Club- Lake Course (San Francisco, CA). Shell’s Wide World of Golf (Nicklaus/Miller) and the 1998 U.S. Open Championship were held during Lapic’s tenure there. In 1999, Lapic was hired as golf course superintendent at Orinda CC where he remains today. "When it comes to golf, I’ve played it, sold it, taught it, and caddied it, and all for the love of the game," Lapic said. "Now, as a golf course superintendent, I’m finding I carry more away from golf, than ever before. I accept this award with great appreciation to our association, my staff and the club members at Orinda Country Club."
George Santana Distinguished Service Award
Raymond "Ray" Davies, CGCS, with CourseCo, Inc., is the recipient of the George Santana Distinguished Service Award. He received the honor for his high level of professionalism while demonstrating a long-standing commitment to the GCSANC and the turfgrass industry. A certified golf course superintendent and 22-year veteran turfgrass manager, Davies joined CourseCo in 1996, and today he’s a partner and director of golf course maintenance and construction. He is also senior operations manager over five golf facilities. Davies is a graduate from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, holding a degree in Ornamental Horticulture, with a minor in Small Business Management.
Davies was president of the CGCSA from 1991-1992, twice president of the Southern California GCSA, and president of the Southern California Turfgrass Council in 1993-1994. He currently serves on the USGA Green Section Committee (14th year). Davies has conducted seminars for the GCSAA, USGA, California Association of Pest Control Advisors, Pesticide Applicators Professional Association, and the California Water Reuse Association.
Among his many industry accomplishments, Davies was named Person of the Year by Golfdom magazine in 2000. In 1997, he was recipient of the prestigious GCSAA Environmental Steward Award (Western Region) and was named the 2000 Superintendent of the Year by the GCSANC. "I enjoy working with superintendents, and I believe they have a great deal more to offer a facility than most are allowed to contribute," said Davies. "Our corporate culture at CourseCo encourages superintendents to become involved with the entire golf operation." Davies also added, "It’s been with the support of my fellow superintendents that I’m able to be involved with the GCSANC, and for that I am grateful."
Turfgrass Excellence Awards
The GCSANC Turfgrass Excellence Award was presented to two individuals who’ve proven to be exceptional within the profession. The award recognizes superintendent members-one in the private category, the other in the public category-who provide high quality playing conditions with sensitivity to environmental considerations and under local weather conditions, site constraints, facility expectations, rounds of play, and limited staff size.
Turfgrass Excellence Award-Private Category
In the private category, the Turfgrass Excellence Award was presented to Mat Dunmyer of the Sonoma Golf Club (Sonoma, CA). As golf course superintendent, he oversees a tract that provides leisure and challenge to club members as well as occasional Fairmont Hotel guests. Sonoma Golf Club also serves as the site for the Charles Schwab Cup Championship on the Champions Tour.
A native of Buffalo, NY, Dunmyer, at the age of twelve, was introduced to golf by his great-grandfather. He got his start in the business at Jacksonville G&CC (Jacksonville, FL) while attending college. After graduating from Lake City College (FL) he accepted an assistant superintendent position at Lahontan GC (Lake Tahoe, CA) under Golf Course Superintendent Mike Kosak, (now General Manager at Sonoma GC). Dunmyer then served as first assistant at Stonetree GC (Novato, CA), and in 2003, became the superintendent at Moraga CC (Moraga, CA) prior to his current assignment at Sonoma GC.
Dunmyer believes in an IPM approach to golf course maintenance. "I use organic fertilizers as a base and look at soil tests to find out what is happening, rather than just spraying a chemical to fix a problem," said Dunmyer. "It’s important to work with the particular type of soil you have, and select the right type of fertilizers, soil amendments and grass types."
He relishes the opportunity and challenges at Sonoma GC. "It is my mission and responsibility to make certain the course is in top condition year-round, and I’m committed to making it one of Northern California’s best golf experiences," Dunmyer said. "Efficiency along with a dedicated, knowledgeable team are key components to making sure the job gets done," he stated. Dunmyer also believes the successful team surrounding him has helped to make the GCSANC award experience possible.
Turfgrass Excellence-Public Category
In the public category, the recipient of the GCSANC Turfgrass Excellence Award is Class "A" Superintendent Alan Andreasen, CGCS, who oversees golf course maintenance at Los Lagos Golf Course and Rancho Del Pueblo Golf Course, both San Jose city-owned courses. A golf course superintendent for 30 years, Andreasen worked in the 1990’s at Sierra del Sol GC (California City, CA), Admiral Baker GC (San Diego, CA), Niguel CC (Laguna Nigel, CA) and Cypress GC (Los Alamitos, CA). His earlier work experience included assignments at Hacienda GC (La Habra Heights, CA), and El Toro Marine Memorial GC (Santa Ana, CA).
Andreasen holds an A.A. in Liberal Arts and a Certificate in Landscape Maintenance from Golden West College, and a Certificate in Business Management from Saddleback College. He is also a Certified Golf Course Superintendent with the GCSAA. According to Andreasen, Los Lagos GC has been certified as a golf course wildlife sanctuary through Audubon International. In addition, Andreasen and Los Lagos GC have been named overall winners of the 2005 GCSAA/Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Award. He adds this award to other environmental distinctions earned in 2003 and 2004.
According to Andreasen, receiving the GCSANC Turfgrass Excellence Award rests well only if he can share it with others, including his boss and fellow superintendent Ray Davies, CGCS, (who helped boost the honorees career at a critical juncture). "This award means a lot to me," Andreasen said, "and I share it with many others who’ve assisted me throughout my career." At the City of San Jose courses, Andreasen and his team are committed to successfully balancing the goals of habitat preservation, community recreation, and open space.
The passion for turf care maintenance is well-rooted in the Andreasen family. The award recipient’s father, Randy, was a golf course superintendent, and now, son Todd, is also in the profession.
Affiliate Merit Award
The GCSANC presented its Affiliate Merit Award to Len Tallo, sales representative with Lawson Products. A resident of Castro Valley, CA., Tallo has been a long-time affiliate member with the association and has recently served on the GCSANC board of directors. He receives this award for his contributions to the association and its members.
With over twenty-four years in maintenance product supply, Tallo serves as National Accounts Manager for Lawson Products with a territory that spans ten western states. His job allows him to interact with corporate executives and end users including golf course superintendents. "I am fortunate to be able to work in an industry that combines my passion for business and golf," stated Tallo. "To be recognized for my work by the GCSANC, is both a very humbling and exciting experience."
Contact:
E-mail: Emmypga@aol.com
Phone: (530) 666-6508
