Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Life Member Bill Rohret and wife Dian honored by the Southern Nevada Chapter PGA



Bill Rohret, CGCS, a former golf course superintendent and now a spray technician at Highland Falls Golf Club in Las Vegas, Nev., and his wife, Dian, recently received the 2013 Citizens of the Year Award from the Southern Nevada Chapter PGA for their volunteer efforts with Special Olympics Nevada. 

The Citizens of the Year Award is given annually by the chapter to those who provide exemplary efforts within their community. 

Bill, a 37-year life member of GCSAA, and Dian started volunteering with Special Olympics Nevada in 2001 after their children, James and Nicole, left for college, leaving the two as empty nesters. 

“For the first time, we didn’t have our kids' school activities, practices and games, and it left a void in our lives,” Bill said.  “A friend told Dian and I about an opportunity with Special Olympics Nevada, and we have been working with the organization ever since.”

The couple, who met on the golf course and have been married for 35 years, coach a number of sports, including basketball, golf and track, to adults and children with intellectual disabilities. “Special Olympics Nevada is a terrific organization, and to see these athletes and families benefit through participation in sports is a great feeling,” said Dian. 

“I have had the opportunity to work with some great PGA professionals during my career, and to be recognized by the Southern Nevada chapter is truly humbling,” Bill said. “Working with Special Olympic athletes has changed my life, and I look forward to assisting the organization in the future.”

Bill landed his first superintendent position in 1973 at Cedar Crest Country Club in Columbus Junction, Iowa.  He became a certified golf course superintendent in 1990 and has held superintendent positions in Southern Nevada at Desert Rose Golf Club, Stallion Mountain Country Club, Angel Park Golf Club and The Legacy Golf Club. He served as president of the Iowa Golf Course Superintendents Association in 1986 and the Southern Nevada Golf Course Superintendents Association in 1989 and 1990. 

“Bill has a tremendous track record as a superintendent and has been a longtime friend to area PGA professionals. We are honored to award him and Dian for their service to Special Olympics Nevada,” said Greg Brockelman, president of the Southern Nevada Chapter PGA.

Rohret retired as a superintendent in 2012 but quickly found that the retirement lifestyle didn’t suit him. Now semi-retired, he serves as a spray tech at Highland Falls Golf Club – a position that gives him the flexibility to travel and visit his grandchildren. 

“The game of golf has been very good to me, and it’s nice to be able to mentor the younger guys on the crew and educate them on what it takes to be a successful superintendent,” he added.   

Friday, January 17, 2014

Trio of dogs represent the Southwest Region in the annual LebanonTurf Dog of the Year Contest



We are only three short weeks from the 2014 Golf Industry Show and GCSAA Education Conference and I look forward to seeing all of you in Orlando.

As you browse the show floor, please don’t forget to visit the LebanonTurf booth (#1521) to cast your ballot in the 11th Annual Dog of the Year Contest.  LebanonTurf has been supporting golf course superintendents and their chapters through the Dog Days of Golf Calendar for more than a decade.

This year’s contest features 14 finalists (chosen from a field of over 350) with a trio of canines proudly representing the Southwest Region.

Lance, a six year old border collie, patrols the grounds of Del Rio Golf & Country Club in Modesto, Calif., under the watchful eye of Class A superintendent Dave Bermudez.  Lance was brought in to remove geese from the property and did his job so well that none remain.  Lance now spends his days chasing other forms of water fowl and critters around one of the area’s premier private clubs.  According to Bermudez, Lance is adept at his job and is a quick learner except when it comes to skunks; he has been sprayed on several occasions.  

Lance - Del Rio Golf & Country Club, Modesto, Calif.

Honey and Tessa, sisters and four year old border collies, are employed at the Journey at Pechanga in Temecula, Calif.  Class A superintendent John Martinez oversees the pair and their main job is ridding the course of mud hens, whose acidic droppings damage the turf.  When Honey and Tessa first came to Pechanga three years ago, over 1,500 mud hens called the course home and now only a couple dozen dare to challenge the sisters.  The pair has quite a following and Martinez says that he often receives more questions about the dogs than the golf course.  

Honey and Tessa - Journey at Pechanga, Temecula, Calif.
 
The winner of the LebanonTurf Dog of the Year Contest will be announced in the April issue of GCM magazine. LebanonTurf will donate $3,000 to the winner's GCSAA affiliate chapter, award $500 to the winner's local Humane Society and award $500 to the dog's owner.

Make sure to visit the booth and show your support for Lance, Honey, Tessa and the Sierra Nevada and San Diego GCSA chapters that these great dogs are representing. 


Have a safe trip to Orlando and if I can be of any assistance to you during GIS, please don’t hesitate to email me at jjensen@gcsaa.org.