TurfNet Superintendent of the Year 2009
Finalist Profile:
Dave Visocan, Chester Valley Golf Club, Malvern, Pa.
 Those who know Dave Visocan no longer are surprised by his abilities as a golf course superintendent, but they are amazed. That is saying something in the Philadelphia area.
A recent, $1.5 million fairway renovation project at The Chester Valley Golf Club in Malvern, Pa., has left many members calling playing conditions some of the best ever at the club.
The renovation, which members had rejected once before in 2004, included laser leveling and rebuilding all tee complexes, rebuilding eight greens; regrassed and/or resodded all greens with a creeping bentgrass mix (A-1, A-4 and Tyee), fairways, tees and greens surrounds; and built a new practice facility. He tirelessly answered all member questions and addressed all of their concerns - and there were many - during the duration of the project that resulted in a bump in membership.
"(He) spearheaded the complete renovation of our golf course at Chester Valley Golf Club," wrote Mike Pollock, the club's vice president and green chairman. "The success of this project enabled us to gain 60 new members and a full membership at a time when most golf clubs are struggling. Dave has won the complete confidence and admiration of our membership, green committee, board of governors and our supplier partners."
The 10-month project that began in 2008 and was completed during the winter of 2009, was wrought with challenges, not the least of which included escalating prices of materials after membership approved the project.
In fact, Stephen Connelly, the club's chairman, noted that fiscal responsibility is among Visocan's other strengths and that he constantly is seeking ways to save money without compromising quality.
After the club had approved the $1.5 million for the project, the cost of the project had escalated by $100,000, due mostly to rising fuel costs and raw materials. That meant finding $100,000 of fat to trim from the project.
Visocan, 40, identified the savings by having his crew take a more active role in the construction process and using a mix of herbicides rather than fumigate the property with basamid, saving some $70,000. He also converted the bent/Poa annua/ Poa trivialis, ryegrass fairways to a pure stand of creeping bentgrass through an aggressive herbicide, overseeding and aeration.
By the time the project was completed, not only had Visocan recouped the $100,000 difference, but it was finished an additional $48,000 under budget.
"He prepares his budget as if he were employed by a Fortune 500 company," Connelly said. "In my three years Dave has never overspent his budget and constantly evaluates the necessary tradeoffs to meet his budget commitment while delivering an excellent product."
Prior to the renovation, the club undertook a three-year tree-removal project. Visocan used his own crew to complete the project, saving the club some $250,000. And during the planning stages of the renovation, he and USGA Green Section agronomist Darin Bevard combed over other Philadelphia-area restorations to go over what tactics worked and which did not.
Although the renovation, designed by architect Jim Nagle of Forse Design Inc., has had a positive impact on how the course plays now, it has as much to do with how the property will be maintained in the years to come.
"Dave's fairway renovation plan and bunker ideas are just a few examples of how his forward thinking has positioned the club for success over the next 20 to 30 years," said assistant Greg D'Antonio. "Dave continued to think outside the box throughout the planning and carrying out of the renovation. He tried to think of all pitfalls and problems that could occur in future years. He wanted to make sure that conditions could be maintained to member standards in 2009 as well as 2029."
The Superintendent of the Year award, sponsored by Syngenta, is presented annually by TurfNet to one outstanding superintendent selected from among those nominated by club officials, course owners, members, casual golfers, or staff members.
The winner will be announced at GIS in San Diego, and will travel with a guest to Ireland for a week-long golf course tour, courtesy of Syngenta.
|
 |
