by
Jeff Jensen
| Dec 02, 2024
Budinich elected as new president, Bachman named Superintendent of the Year
The GCSA of Northern California hosted their annual meeting on November 18 at Contra Costa Country Club in Pleasant Hill, Calif. Outgoing GCSANC President Steven Spatafore hosted over 60 members and guests at the beautiful facility.
Joe Budinich of Peninsula Golf & Country Club was elected as president, Tim Powers, CGCS, of Poplar Creek as vice president, Adam Levinsohn, CGCS of Berkely Country Club secretary/treasurer, Michael Knoll of Old Del Monte as director and Patrick Tuttle of Baylands Golf Links as director. See the full list of the GCSANC Board of Directors.
Additionally, the annual meeting recognizes those in Northern California for their excellence in the turfgrass profession. The winners were as follows:
- Todd Lyijynen of Callippe Preserve was awarded the Excellence in Turfgrass for Public Facilities.
- Matt Dachowski of Lake Merced was awarded the Excellence in Turfgrass for Private Facilities.
- Jim Cully of Seed King Enterprises was awarded Affiliate of the Year for his support and volunteer efforts to the chapter.
- Bob Yeo of Spyglass Hill (recently retired) received the George Santana Distinguished Service Award for his 30 years of service to the Northern California Golf Industry.
- Jeff Jensen received the President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to golf superintendents throughout Northern California.
- Pete Bachman, CGCS, Pebble Beach Golf Resorts, was named Superintendent of the Year. Bachman is also a Past President of GCSANC.
A huge thank you to outgoing GCSANC President and Contra Costa Country Club Superintendent Steven Spatafore. I have been fortunate enough to know Steven since he was a student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and to see his growth in the profession firsthand has been remarkable. He is a great leader in the California golf industry; you will see big things from him in the future.
And lastly, a fond farewell to recently retired Bob Yeo. Bob has been a fixture on the Monterey Peninsula for decades, a respected superintendent and one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. Best of luck in retirement and enjoy your travels!
Find more information on GCSANC as well as a list of upcoming meetings and events at their website.