CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ptga.org Founded in 1936 VOL. 16 NO. 6 July 2010 Glen Brook Golf Club Stroud Township, PA Jeff Feick, G.C. Superintendent A new venue will be the site of our meeting this month . Jeff Feick and the Stroud Township will host our July meeting at Glen Brook Golf Club in Stroudsburg, PA. Originally, Glen Brook was a privately owned golf facility when it was con- structed in 1924. At some point after construction it be- came a daily fee course. Then in 2005 the township took over ownership of the property. Jeff is a Rutgers Turfgrass graduate who has been at Glenbrook since 1985. Jeff became the Assistant Superintendent in 1993 and then took over as Superintendent in 1997. His Assistant, Kevin Hart, graduated from Penn State and started with the Club in 1997. Together, they manage the course with a summer crew of 12 and a winter crew of 3. The course is a Par 72 Layout measuring 6500 yards. It has a course rating of 70.9 and a slope rating of 125. The course is comprised of 2-1/2 acres of Greens, 1-1/2 acres of Tees, and 30 acres of Fairways. There are current plans for drainage and tree-work. Jeff and Kevin are working on their Audubon Certification and have currently completed 3 sections toward the process. Back in 2005 there was a fire in the old maintenance facility which resulted in the new 30 x 72 building, which stands near the original location. The structure is completely insulated and heated, complete with all the conveniences that make for a happy crew. The clubhouse, where our meeting will be held, is an original structure to the first owner of the property. Colonel Jacob Stroud built the original stone farmhouse back before 1800 for his oldest son. The home re- mained with the Stroud family, who founded Stroudsburg, for over 100 years until the Kerr family named the home Glen Brook after the small brook running near the house. Another neat feature of the course is the Streamside Suites, a small hotel on the property which makes for a great family get away—close to home, with golf, historic Stroudsburg, and a creek for fishing. Check out their website for more information about the course and the amenities they offer at www.glenbrookgolfclub.com Page 2 President's Message..... Officers & Directors 2010 Just a quick note to say, hope everyone is staying cool! The PRESIDENT lack of water shall go without a word. With the Clambake just around Rick Anglemyer, Water Gap CC the corner, it may be tough for some of you to attend because of the 570-424-6391 thing we are not going to talk about. If you can come, you are sure to VICE PRESIDENT have a great time, as we all did last month at Glen Brook. Many John Downer, Elkview C.C. 570-840-0078 thanks to Jeff Feick and his staff, as well as the dining room crew. A big thank you to Brent Wood and John Deere Lesco for sponsoring the TREASURER lunch. Ray Wadell, Elmhurst CC 570-842-4705 That’s it for now. Hope to see you soon SECRETARY Patrick Knelly Sugarloaf Golf Club 570-384-4724 DIRECTORS Rick Anglemyer Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. 973-418-3468 Matthew Brown, Turf Equipment & Supply 888-384-8676 Greg Boring, Country Club of Scranton 570-587-4046 Thomas Height, Country Club of Scranton 570-237-0878 Gino Marchetti, Glen Oak CC. 570-586-5791 Editor’s Notes….. Patrick Healy, Scranton Canoe Club 570-378-2249 __________________________ CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF EDITOR Sorry about the tardiness, folks. As you are all well aware, the Jim Gurzler, George Schofield Co. summer has been hell and it took its toll on me, as well. 732-433-5474 jim@gurzler.com Hopefully, some of the info in here will be amusing, useful, or at Managing Editor least read by more than just myself. Melinda Wisnosky 570-388-2167 Editorial Committee Remember to send articles, photos, course updates others in Darrin Larkin the Association would be interested in seeing. These long, stressful Matt Brown periods when everyone finds it difficult to get off the course are es- Past President pecially beneficial times to share your tips, tricks, and lessons learned Darrin Larkin, Panorama Golf Course with others. 570-222-9260 Hopefully, this message finds you with strong, healthy turf and full irrigation ponds. Don’t forget to try to make your monthly meeting to hear PTGA Office about what’s going on in other parts of our area and spend a little R.R. 1, Box 219 time with someone who feels your pain—and angst—and can give Harding, PA 18643 Phone/Fax: 570-388-2167 you sympathy with appreciation for what you do. Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and/or person quoted, and may not represent the Remember — “No Matter where you go, there you are.” position of PTGA. Information contained in this publication may be used freely, in whole or in part, without special permission, as long as the true context is maintained. We Jim Gurzler would appreciate a credit line. Page Page 3 3 Page 4 Managing Golf Course Turf By Keith Happ, USGA Senior Agronomist Managing golf course turf is about managing soil moisture. It is far better to be dry and have total control over the amount of water applied to maintain turf health. Conversely, if it is wet, it is about soil drainage or just trying to dry the profile so the turf can survive the other elements that occur during the summer. In the Mid-Atlantic Region we have experienced conditions ranging from too much rain to a full- blown drought. For example, this is advance week for the USGA Women’s Open Championship at Oakmont CC. Over a seven- week period prior to the event, 10.5 inches of rain has fallen. Although Oakmont has had an abundance of rain, just east of Pittsburgh, down to and including most of the eastern half of this region, it has been very, very dry. In the central and eastern portions of the States of Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, dry conditions required intense water application to maintain turf growth. To maintain turf health, it is important to use water only where needed, and this often requires hand- held irrigation rather than indiscriminant application that affects playabil- ity and wastes water. There are several strategies to dry moist soil profiles in greens. For the most part, it is about air and evapora- tion. At Oakmont this week, the greens were aerated six days before the first practice round. This decision was made by golf course superintendent John Zimmers and supported by the Green Section staff. Small diameter (3 mm) solid tines were used, and the machine was adjusted to achieve a 3-inch depth. A tight spacing pattern was used to create as many holes as possible. The goal was to vent the soil to stimulate evaporation of excess soil moisture. Research has demonstrated that as little as a 3 mph breeze passing over the surface of the turf will produce an evaporative effect. Stimulating this effect and reducing soil moisture could mean the difference between minor turf stress and turf loss! This is a fine line, and at times there is little margin for error during harsh environmental conditions. (Note: Who said putting greens are never aerated prior to a tournament/ championship?) That’s our final message. As the near record-breaking temperatures return next week, BE CAREFUL with water, close mowing, double cutting, heavy maintenance, and topdressings. Don’t stress the turf mechanically when it is already under environmental stress. Finally, be sure to watch the 2010 USGA Women’s Open Championship from beautiful and challenging Oakmont CC. Always remember that the agronomists of the Mid-Atlantic Region are part of your agronomic support team. If you have a question or concern, especially now, give us a call or send an e-mail. Stan Zontek, (szontek@usga.org) or Darin Bevard (dbevard@usga.org) at 610-558-9066 or Keith Happ at (khapp@usga.org) at 412-341-5922. Page 5 Special Notice By Stanley Zontek,, Director The summer of 2010 is on a pace to break all temperature records in most of the Mid-Atlantic region. As of to- day, the month of June was the warmest in history for Philadelphia. The Washington, D.C. area has had forty days of 90+ degree temperatures and we are still in July. The agronomists of the Mid-Atlantic Region believe it is necessary and appropriate to send special letters to USGA member courses on “defensive maintenance and management programs” as long as these weather ex- tremes continue. Obviously, extra care must be taken to pamper the grass through this difficult weather. Equally, extra understanding from golfers can help achieve that goal. It is a common problem for everyone. If we all work together and do what is best for the grass, the summer of 2010 will one day be nothing more than just a bad memory. This letter also will be sent to golf associations and regional golf course superintendent organizations. In this way, information can be made available to all golf courses, whether or not they are USGA members (and we hope most are). The letter follows: WEATHER ALERT & TURF LOSS ADVISORY Periodically, the agronomists of the Mid-Atlantic region send letters to USGA member courses pertaining to ex- traordinary weather conditions and turf-loss-related matters. The weather experienced during the summer of 2010 has prompted this letter. Our goal is to alert golfers and turf managers alike that this extended period of heat and drought -- followed by heat, humidity and thunderstorms -- has caused and probably will continue to cause turf stress and turf loss prob- lems throughout the region. No two golf courses are alike, having different grasses, soils, course features and golfer expectations. It is important that golf course superintendents use “defensive golf course maintenance and management programs.” That is, be conservative. Pamper the grass. The turfgrass is under intense weather stress, which is compounded by an increase in disease pressure. Be more concerned about plant health than green speed!!! There is an old adage in our industry -- “slow grass is better than no grass.” This is not a joke. It needs to be taken seriously. Suggested “defensive” management programs include: • Compress spray programs. With heat, humidity and thunderstorms, fungicides do not last as long and dis- ease pressure is greater. There is no better money spent than to protect the grass from disease. • Raise mowing heights and use sharp mowers. This can help the grass survive. • Mow less…roll more. The goal is to reduce mechanical stress to the grass plant. • Switch from grooved rollers to solid rollers, and protect collars from the turning of mowers. • Spoonfeed the grass. Spray weekly with light rates of nutrients, iron (to keep the grass green), and growth regulators. Excessive grass growth depletes carbohydrates (plant food). • Air drainage. On shaded or pocketed greens, prune limbs, use fans and generally keep the air mov- ing. When you are hot, you stand in front of a fan to cool yourself. When the grass is stressed, it needs good air movement as well. Drier turf is also less prone to disease. Continued on page 6 Page 6 Continued from Page 5 • DO NOT OVER-WATER. Hand water if possible. Lightly syringe the turf with the nozzle -- never going past hori- zontal. Any mid-day watering should be focused on cooling the canopy. If you are wetting the soil, it’s too much! Remember, you can always add more water, but wet, saturated soil can damage roots, increase dis- ease and contribute to turf loss via the Wet Wilt Syndrome. If corrective watering needs to be done for dry spots, the extra water should be applied in the early morning or late in the evening. Do not over-water the grass in mid-day heat. • Surface aerate the greens. This allows the soil to breath, excess moisture to escape, and roots to regrow, thereby helping the grass to survive. In summary, be careful. This may be one of our hottest summers in decades. We all share the responsibility of keeping the turf on our golf courses as healthy as possible during this period of extreme weather. Again, be care- ful and have realistic expectations for golf course playability. The Mid-Atlantic Region agronomists are part of your agronomic support team. If you have a question or con- cern, give us a call or send an e-mail. Glen Mills office: Stan Zontek (szontek@usga.org) and Darin Bevard (dbevard@usga.org) at (610) 558-9066. Pitts- burgh office: Keith Happ (khapp@usga.org) at (412) 341-5922. Plastic Lattice to reduce stress on the collars when grass is under heat stress. Plastic lattice is great because it light weight and doesn't absorb water in the morning dew. Chips & Putts PATRON SPONSORS AERIFICATION AND OVERSEEDING Aer-Core Ryan Davidheiser 610-310-3925 IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Turf Equip. & Supply George Skawski 610.554.9366 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 710.933.5801 Matt Brown 484-357-6312 PLANT PROTECTANTS EQUIPMENT Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Aer-Core Ryan Davidheiser 610-310-3925 Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Reel Sharp Brian Grebeldinger 845-597-7738 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Turf Equip. & Supply Matt Brown 484.357.6312 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 George Skawski 610.554.9366 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Syngenta Lee A. Kozsey 610.861.8174 FERTILIZER Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 SEED & SOD Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Genesis Turfgrass Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 East Coast Sod & Seed Kevin Driscoll 609.760.4099 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 GREEN AND TEE SUPPLIES TOPDRESSING / SOIL AMENDMENTS Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Blue Ridge Peat Farms Gene Evans 570.443.9596 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Jim MacLaren 570-443-7154 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Geo. Schofield Jim Gurzler 732-433-5474 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Support our Sponsors - They support us! PTGA SCHEDULE POCONO ROUNDUP July 19 Glenbrook CC Host Jeff Feick Turfgrass Field Days Aug 16 Elmhurst CC Penn State Turfgrass Field Days Aug 11 and 12th Host Ray Waddell Joseph Valentine Research Center University Park Drive Sept 20 Pine Hills CC Contact CSCO@psu.edu for information Host Eric Duffy Rutgers Turfgrass Field Days July 27 Oct 7 Valley CC Hort Farm II Host Eric Reed, CGCS New Brunswick NJ http://www.njturfgrass.org for more information Oct 7 MetGCSA Championship The Bridge, Long Island NY POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 309 TERRACE AVENUE POSTAGE HARDING, PA 18643 POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 309 TERRACE NAME & ADDRESS AVE. HARDING, PA 18643 Phone/Fax: 570-388-2167 www.ptga.org ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.