CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ptga.org Founded in 1936 VOL. 19 NO. 5 July 2013 August Meeting Country Club of Scranton Host: Greg Boring, GCS Our Annual Clambake and Scholarship Fundraiser Tournament takes us to one of Northeast PA’s truly his- toric and beautiful golf courses in the Country Club of Scranton. The club, started in 1896, was originally located in downtown Scranton on the site of Marywood University. In 1926 they moved the site to their current location with the 18 hole course being designed by Walter Travis. With an extensive membership of over 600, the 18 hole course could not meet the demands of the members; so in 1989 a new 9 holes (The Falls), were constructed un- der the architectural supervision of Michael Hurzdan. Known for its difficult, sloping greens, C.C. of Scranton has hosted many tournaments over the years. Three PA State Amateurs, a PA State Open, and the Anthracite Open, which boasted players such as Ben Ho- gan, Sam Snead, and Gene Sarazen. This year C.C. of Scranton hosted a US Open qualifier, as well, which just happened to have the highest qualifying score of any location (76). They are also slated to hold the Senior PA State Amateur this August and the State Amateur in 2015. As with most of the established courses in our area, the fairways, greens, and tees are all a poa/bent mix. The course plays to a par 72 at 7,000 yards from the tips and is protected by 62 bunkers. The 27 hole property boasts 4 acres of greens, 4 acres of tees, and 44 acres of fairways. Continued on page5…. Page 2 President's Message..... Officers & Directors 2013 John Downer PRESIDENT John Downer, Marjon GC 570-840-0078 VICE PRESIDENT Patrick Knelly, Sugarloaf Golf Club 570-384-4724 TREASURER Greg Boring, Country Club of Scranton 570-587-4046 SECRETARY Ray Wadell, Elmhurst CC 570-842-4705 DIRECTORS Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. 973-418-3468 Patrick Healey, Scranton Canoe Club 570-378-2249 Thomas Height, Country Club of Scranton 570-237-0878 Gino Marchetti, Glen Oak CC. 570-586-5791 James Gurzler, Green Valley Landscaping 570-592-2473 Corey Pries, Pocono Manor GC Editor’s Notes….. 570-994-8270 Chris Moran, Honesdale CC 570-253-9094 __________________________ CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF EDITOR Well, the relatively easy spring has led to recent hot, humid, nasty con- Brian Bachman, Genesis Turfgrass, Inc. ditions around the area….but what else can we expect in July. The 484-661-6105 courses are in great shape, and as I always say, if being a superinten- bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com dent were easy then everyone would do it. Congrats to all the fine Managing Editor superintendents and the great work they’re doing. Melinda Wisnosky 570-388-2167 mmel500@aol.com Thanks to Duane Schell at Blue Ridge Trail for this month’s picture. We Editorial Committee get to see lots of great things while working on a golf course. Darrin Larkin Matt Brown Thanks also to Corey Pries for hosting us in a very wet June. We were PAST PRESIDENT only able to play nine holes but still had a great time. Rick Anglemyer, Water Gap CC 570-424-6391 Looking forward to seeing you all at Scranton!! Brian Bachman PTGA Office 309 Terrace Avenue Harding, PA 18643 Phone/Fax: 570-388-2167 Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and/or person quoted, and may not represent the 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 would appreciate a credit line. PagePage 3 3 Research to Reality: Syngenta Accepting Soil Microbes and Turfgrass Applications for Soil microbiology is the study of the biology and function of mi- Business Institute croorganisms in soil, and their affect on soil properties and plant life. Dr. David Zuberer, Professor of Soil Microbiology at Syngenta is excited to announce for the fifth Texas A&M (College Station, TX), lists the following turfgrass soil/ year, they are inviting golf course superinten- root zone variables that influence the growth of soil microbes dents across the United States to apply for the (in no particular order): Syngenta Business Institute™, an innovative pro- fessional business development program devel- Soil Parameter Source/Desired Range oped specifically for the industry in partnership with Wake Forest University Schools of Business. • organic carbon grass clippings, stems, root exudates, organic wastes, etc. The unique, four-day program focuses on finan- • inorganic nutrients adequate N, P, K, etc. cial and human resource management, delega- • pH 6 to 8 (~near neutral optimal) tion skills, effective communications and negoti- • temperature 50 to 104 oF ation skills, managing general differences and • moisture 50% water-filled soil pores more. The program will supplement and comple- • aeration balance of air-filled and water-filled soil ment superintendents’ existing knowledge base, pores allowing more productive and efficient golf course management. Research shows that turfgrass soils are similar to agricultural or Syngenta is eager to provide a learning experi- native grassland soils in terms of microbial function, and that ence that goes well beyond the agronomic re- the turfgrass rootzone environment is favorable for the growth quirements of a superintendent’s job. The Syn- of soil microbes. In fact, after 35 years of work, Dr. Zuberer con- genta Business Institute will be held Dec. 9-12, cludes that the “best practices for managing soil microbes [in 2013, at Graylyn International Conference Cen- turfgrass ecosystems] are those that adhere to well-established ter on the campus of Wake Forest University in agronomic principles” and that “healthy turf will provide the Winston-Salem, N.C. Superintendents must fill out necessary resources for soil microbes to thrive”. an application, which includes an essay on why they believe they should be selected to attend. How can golf course turf professionals use this information? As The application is due by Tuesday, Aug. 20 and Dr. Zuberer stated, employ sound agronomic/cultural practic- can be found at www.greencastonline.com/SBI. es. Also utilize various plant and soil health products that are Only 25 superintendents will be selected to par- verified by research, in order to facilitate and maintain a soil ticipate. rootzone environmental favorable for soil microbes that exist in the thin water films or “biofilms” surrounding soil particles. Source: Zuberer, D. 2012. Soil microbes: some practical per- spectives for turfgrass systems. USGA Green Section Record 50 (15). Mike Fidanza, Ph.D., Professor of Plant and Soil Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, Berks Campus, Reading, PA; (email: fidanza@psu.edu; twitter: @MikeFidanza). Page 4 PTGA Membership Drives Thinking of becoming a Know someone who PTGA Member?? would like to be a PTGA Member?? Anyone who joins the Association (with their paid dues and approved application of course) will be able to attend any monthly meeting immediately following their membership for half price!!! (Half-price meeting excludes the Clambake ) Talk to any Board Member for additional details. June Meeting Wrap-Up Thanks to Corey Pries and his staff for hosting our June meeting. We powered through the rain and wet conditions to enjoy the afternoon. 1st Place TJ Hart, Kelly Kressler, John Chassard, Ron Garrison 2nd Place Jerry Decker, Ken Givens, Chris Butler, Ed H. Closest to the Pin TJ Hart #3 Steve Esposito #18 Long Drive Russell Hauenstein Skins John Chassard on #1 and #17 Chris Butler on #18 Page 5 Continued from page 1…. Since 2009, shortly after Greg’s arrival at Scranton, the course has undergone some major renovations and improvements. In the fall of 2009 all of the greens had new drainage installed via the XGD System. In July of 2011 the Club embarked on a major renovation project that includes the complete rebuilding of all 62 bunkers on the 18 hole course, the re-contouring of some fairways, construction of some forward tees, and the addition of 2.5 acres of tightly mowed greens surrounds/collection areas, as seen in the picture on the right. Oh, and I can’t fail to mention that Greg and his crew have also overseen the removal of more than 2,500 trees through his years there as well. Since our last visit to Scranton, the driving range has also been completely renovated. All these reno- vations have led to C.C. of Scranton now being ranked in the Top 100 Classical Golf Courses in the United States. Greg, an Ohio State grad who interned at Oakmont, has been superintendent at C.C. of Scranton since January 2008. He came to Scranton having previously worked as a superintendent at neighboring Glen Oak C.C. for a stint of 3 years. Before that, he spent 2 years as the assistant at Preakness Hills C.C. in NJ and 3 years as an assistant in Florida. As you can imagine, this sizeable property takes a sizeable staff to keep it in tip-top shape. The in season crew of 35 has 4 em- ployees with Turf degrees, including Assistants Tom Height and Jeff Wilbur, along with long time employee and now equipment man- ager Charlie Saxe. I certainly hope you have the opportunity to get away and play this course (which we will be getting the pleasure of playing the day after Greg’s 3 day Member/Guest) and catch up with some peers as the season quickly continues. As a service to our members and way to say thank you….. All PTGA members will receive their own bag tag to proudly display. Jo Please pick up your tag at the meet- Dow hn ings throughout the season. ner PT Me GA mb er Page 6 Photo of the Month We all see interesting things every day….wildlife (like bald eagles and bears), strange turf problems (like a lightning strike), an employee who stayed out too late the night before, etc. So if you have a great photo, send it to me (bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com) and share it for everyone to enjoy (or laugh at). July Photo of the Month This photo was submitted by Duane Schell from Blue Ridge Trail G.C. in Moun- taintop. You never know what you’ll see early in the morning, but on this day Duane was able to cap- ture a picture of a white fawn. It’s not truly an albi- no with brown ears, but a rare sight nonetheless. Chips & Putts PATRON SPONSORS AERIFICATION AND OVERSEEDING Aer-Core Stephen Thompson 610-972-5933 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 Michael Longyhore 610.390.8827 EQUIPMENT PLANT PROTECTANTS Aer-Core Stephen Thompson 610-972-5933 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 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Turf Equip. & Supply Michael Longyhore 610.390.8827 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 George Skawski 610.554.9366 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 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 SEED & SOD 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 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 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 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 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Profile Products LLC Dan Fick 610.562.0547 Support our Sponsors - They support us! Page 8 PTGA SCHEDULE July 29 PTGA Annual Clambake C.C. of Scranton Speaker: Dr. John Kaminski August 26 PTGA meeting @ Elmhurst C.C. Qualifier for Met Tourney Speaker: Dr. Buckley Rutgers University Sept 17 PTGA meeting @ Glenmaura National Speaker: Darin Bevard USGA Oct. 21 PTGA meeting @ Huntsville Golf Club Annual Meeting/Elections POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION R.R. 1, BOX 219 POSTAGE HARDING, PA 18643 POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 309 TERRACE AVENUE HARDING, PA 18643 NAME & ADDRESS PHONE/FAX 570-388-2167 WEBSITE: ptga.org ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.