CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ptga.org Founded in 1936 VOL. 20 NO. 5 July 2014 July Meeting Elkview Country Club Host: Russell Hauenstein, GCS July takes us to scenic Elkview Country Club. Nestled between Crystal and Newton Lakes, Elkview Country Club was founded in 1919. James Johnson of the Johnson & Johnson family donated the land and the Hemleright and Niles families financed the clubhouse and course. Legendary Scottish architect Donald Ross designed the course, and the first 9 holes opened in 1923. By the 1950’s Robert Trent Jones designed the other 9 holes, completing Elkview as an 18-hole golf course. The course has 3 acres of poa greens and 20 acres of bentgrass and poa mix fairways. An effort has been made in recent years to return the course to the original Ross design with tree removal and bunker design. Currently, the course is in the second of three phases to improve bunkers, as well as, installation of drainage on all greens. The last 12 greens are scheduled to be completed this fall. Continued on page 3….. Page 2 President's Message..... Officers & Directors 2014 PRESIDENT Ray Waddell 570-903-9571 VICE PRESIDENT Patrick Knelly, Sugarloaf Golf Club 570-384-4724 TREASURER Greg Boring, Country Club of Scranton 570-587-4046 SECRETARY Patrick Healey, Scranton Canoe Club 570-378-2249 DIRECTORS Ray Waddell Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. 973-418-3468 Gino Marchetti, Glen Oak CC 570-586-5791 Corey Pries, Pocono Manor GC 570-994-8270 Chris Moran, Honesdale CC 570-253-9094 __________________________ Editor’s Notes….. CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF EDITOR Brian Bachman, Genesis Turfgrass, Inc. 484-661-6105 bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com And the grind continues on….thankfully the weather has Managing Editor been pretty cooperative so far. Most everyone is in great Melinda Wisnosky shape and the golfers are rolling through. 570-388-2167 mmel500@aol.com PAST PRESIDENT Thanks to everyone who donates pictures and info for the John Downer, Saturated Solutions 4U 570-840-0078 newsletter….it is greatly appreciated and keep them com- ing!! I hope everyone has a chance to get out and attend some meetings this year. Seeing other places and meet- ing others in this profession is extremely beneficial to your own success. PTGA Office Brian Bachman 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 Continued from page 1 Our host this month is Russell Hauenstein who has been at Elkview for 12 years and acting as superintendent since 2013. Previously Russell spent three years at last month’s host, Hones- dale C.C. Assisted by Jerry Decker, Russell enjoys his time away from the course with his wife Chrissy and two children Lance (4) and Keira (2). And like most superintendents in the Poconos, he can’t resist some hunting and fishing. I hope you take the time to get away and enjoy this classic gem of the Poconos. See you there. Page 4 Pocono Turfgrass Association 2014 Scholarships The Patterson Scholarship for Turfgrass Related Studies The Pocono Turfgrass Association is now accepting scholarship applications for the Patterson Scholarship. The dead- line for application is June 30, 2014. The following is a list of guidelines for all individuals interested in applying for the scholarship: 1. Applicant must be in his or her final year of study or a recent graduate of a two- or four-year turf related pro- gram. 2. The applicant must be a member of the Pocono Turfgrass Association, employed by a member of PTGA, or an immediate family member of a member of PTGA. 3. The applicant must submit, in writing, why he or she would like to be considered for the scholarship. The es- say should include what he or she feels their contribution to the turfgrass field will be. 4. Applicants must include a letter of endorsement from their PTGA relation with their application. The Pocono Turfgrass Association Scholarship for Non-Turf Related Studies The Pocono Turfgrass Association is now accepting applications for a non-turfgrass related field of study scholarship. The deadline for application is June 30, 2014. The following is a list of guidelines for all individuals interested in apply- ing for the scholarship: 1. Applicant must be in his or her final year of study or a recent graduate of a two- or four-year non-turf related program. 2. The applicant must be a member of the Pocono Turfgrass Association, employed by a member of PTGA, or an immediate family member of a member of PTGA. 3. The applicant must submit, in writing, why he or she would like to be considered for the scholarship. The es- say should include information pertaining to field of study, educational achievement, and future goals with respect to utilization of his or her education. 4. Applicants must include a letter of endorsement from their PTGA relation with their application. Applications should be submitted to: Patrick Knelly Sugarloaf Golf Club 18 Golf Course Road Sugarloaf, PA 18249 psk114@sugarloafgolfclub.com Page 5 The Importance of Calcium Written by a Ken Quandt, Retired Turf Professional During the spring months, superintendents and groundskeepers aerate their turf in spring to de- velop the turf’s root system before the hot and dry summer begins. Most turf managers focus on nitro- gen, phosphorous and potassium. All of these elements are important and cannot be discounted. However, summer heat can deprive turf of calcium, which many times is overlooked. What’s important about calcium? Calcium is the second highest element per- centage wise found in plant tissues. Calcium provides our bodies with stronger bones to maintain our struc- ture. It does the same for plant structure. Root and cell wall development, proper cell division, strong cell membranes, cell bonding and cell integrity are all de- pendent on calcium. Calcium deficiencies can also disrupt cell respiration and starch conversion within the plant. If the root or cell wall development is af- fected, water and nutrient uptake can be significant- ly reduced creating either a very weak, disease- prone plant or causing death. If cell integrity is affect- ed, the plant will not be able to fight off diseases. Calcium plays an essential role in the structure of the soil as well. Maintaining a balance between calcium and other nutrients, especially magnesium, potassium, and sodium, is critical. Calcium will improve Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and soil struc- ture by reducing compaction. CEC is defined as the amount of exchangeable, positively charged ions per unit of dry weight of soil. When the calcium level is not in balance, soils will become restrictive and tighter, cutting off the flow of water and air. Beneficial microbe levels will be reduced. Even if a soil is calcium rich, with abundant beneficial microbes, calcium is not very soluble or mobile. The important thing is to keep calcium readily available for the plant to uptake. Summer can make this task difficult. Heat tends to intensify the plant’s use of calcium. Greens are under stress due to heavy traffic regardless of the time of year. Newer bentgrass varieties cut at shorter mowing heights are requiring more calcium. Limestone, gypsum, dolomite, etc. are all products than can add a large amount of calcium to handle a serious imbalance quickly. Over time healthier, well developed plants, with excellent rooting will be your most important benefit of all. Don’t overlook the calcium, it could be the edge you need to get turf through the summer. Page 6 From the Archives This picture, taken in February of 1928, shows the life of a traveling salesman at the time. Notice in the write-up that he has a “special moving picture projector” to aid him in his efforts, but apparently no side window. Page 7 June Meeting Results Honesdale Country Club Better Ball of Team (Match of Cards after 4 Holes) Lee Kozsey Steve Chirip Greg Boring Paul Brandon Closest to the Pin Chris Boyle - 2’6” Bob Simons - 6’8” Longest Drive John Downer Page 9 Board Members Needed! If you are interested in joining the Board of Directors, please contact one of the Board members. Contact information can be found on Page 2 of this newsletter. 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 Anyone miss these days yet? Thanks to Carl Jaeger of Indian Mt. for submitting this photo. There was more than one superintendent out there who was clearing snow and ice off their greens not so long ago….. Chips & Putts PATRON SPONSORS AERIFICATION AND OVERSEEDING IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE Aer-Core Stephen Thompson 610-972-5933 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 William Mast 610.327.3390 Turf Equip. & Supply George Skawski 610.554.9366 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Michael Longyhore 610.390.8827 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 710.933.5801 PLANT PROTECTANTS Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 EQUIPMENT Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 Aer-Core Stephen Thompson 610-972-5933 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 William Mast 610.327.3390 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Turf Equip. & Supply Michael Longyhore 610.390.8827 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 George Skawski 610.554.9366 Syngenta Lee A. Kozsey 610.861.8174 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 SEED & SOD Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 FERTILIZER Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 TOPDRESSING / SOIL AMENDMENTS Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 GREEN AND TEE SUPPLIES Blue Ridge Peat Farms Gene Evans 570.443.9596 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 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Genesis Turfgrass Brian Bachman 484.661.6105 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Support our Sponsors - They support us! PTGA SCHEDULE POCONO ROUNDUP July 7 PTGA Golf Meeting Elkview CC PLEASE NOTE! Aug 6 PSU Field Days If you have changed your mailing Aug 15 PTGA Annual Clambake address in the past year, please email and Meeting Melinda with your updated information. Water Gap CC The 2014 Membership Directory has been Sept 16 PTGA Golf Meeting mailed out. If you did not receive one, Mt. Laurel Golf Club it is most likely because we do not have your current address. Oct PTGA Golf Meeting Great Bear CC Please keep us updated! 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.