Mark Louder awarded Superintendent of the Year

The GCSA of Southern California hosted its annual meeting and election at Industry Hills Golf Club in the City of Industry, Calif. on November 5. Over 100 members were treated to an enjoyable day of education, golf, food and networking at the beautiful 36-hole facility and resort. 

Jason Fuertes, superintendent at Coto de Caza Golf & Raquet Club, will serve a second term as president of the association with Ron Kerley of Seabee Golf Course serving as vice president and Bob Vaughey of Rolling Hills Country Club as secretary/treasurer. Dan Pollack of Aliso Viejo Country Club was elected as a new director after serving as an Assistant Liaison in the past. Other directors include Jason Decker of Annandale Country Club, Ross Johnson of Glendora Country Club, Mike Williams of Whispering Lakes Golf Club and Affiliate Liaisons Terry La Curan of TLC Materials and Don Ebarb of SiteOne Landscape Supply. Assistant Superintendent Liaisons are Nick Dzandzara of Santa Ana Country Club, Beatriz Chavez Flores of Bel-Air Country Club and Cole Yoshida of Rolling Hills. 

Fuertes provided the group with financial updates, membership numbers and the year in review of what continues to be a strong and well-operated association under the leadership of chapter executive Molly Duvall. 

Numerous awards were presented during the day with Mark Louder of Canyon Lake Country Club garnering the top award as Superintendent of the Year. Matt Mulvaney of North Ranch Country Club was the winner for Excellence in Private Golf; Sean Moore, the newly named superintendent at Braemar Country Club, was awarded Excellence in Public Golf for his tenure at Moorpark; Nick Dzandzara of Santa Ana Country Club was awarded Assistant Superintendent of the Year; and Gren Draper of Husqvarna captured Affiliate Member of the Year. 

In addition to the meeting, elections, and awards, some great and informative education was provided to the group by Cory Angelo of Soil and Water Consulting, Dr. Matteo Serena of the USGA, Bill Blackman of SiteOne and Jody Farber of the Foley Company. Angelo spoke to the group on soil and water testing, Serena on current USGA-supported water projects, Blackman on updates to critical laws and regulations and Farber provided training on Foley grinders for the mechanics in attendance. 

Special thanks to the entire staff at Industry Hills for hosting the association.  The course conditions and service were impeccable and they called in some perfect Southern California weather!   

For more information on the GCSA of Southern California and opportunities to participate or sponsor, visit their website.