CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION www.ptga.org Founded in 1936 VOL. 22 NO. 3 May 2016 May Meeting Reading Country Club Host: Brian Ahrens Our May meeting is a joint outing with the Central PGCSA at Reading Country Club. The Club was formed in 1922 and began construction in 1923 under the design of early American architect Alexander Findlay of Scot- land. Known as the father of American Golf, Findlay’s brush would stroke many layouts during the same era of great course design. Despite the age of the course, Reading still boasts one of Findlay’s most intact layouts. Over the years, especially mid-century, Reading was one of the premier clubs outside of Philadelphia, hosting several professional tournaments and even a Ryder Cup Challenge match in 1953. The tight fairways, rolling hills and postage stamp greens have challenged the game’s best including Snead, Middlecoff, and for- mer Reading Pro Byron Nelson. Notable locals, Chip Lutz and Betsy King, also played many of their early rounds at Reading C.C. A true “shot-makers” course, Reading measures a mere 6,162 yards from the tips, but its forced carries and lengthy par 3’s can challenge even the best golfers. A true pleasure to play for the wise golfer who stays in the fairway and below the pins, The Reading Country Club is a jewel of early American golf. Continued on Page 6…. Page 2 President's Message..... Officers & Directors 2016 It seems to be feast or famine this spring in Northeast Pennsylvania. We went from having a very warm March, a dry April, and May seems like we may need to build an arc. But at least most of PRESIDENT us are well ahead of where we’ve been the past two seasons. I, for one, Greg Boring, C.C. of Scranton have loved the early start to the season. 570-587-4046 VICE PRESIDENT Gino Marchetti, Glen Oak C.C. Last month’s meeting at Mahoning Valley was a great event. 570-586-5791 Those back nine greens are as challenging as they come. I thank TREASURER everyone who attended and give a big thank you to Brian Cross and the Patrick Healey, Scranton Canoe Club entire staff at Mahoning Valley Country Club for hosting us. 570-378-2249 SECRETARY This month we are headed to Reading C.C. for our joint Chris Moran, Honesdale C.C. 570-253-9094 meeting with the Central Association. I encourage everyone who has not attended a meeting recently to join us. I have attended a lot more DIRECTORS Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. meetings in the past two years, and it has allowed me to relax and 973-418-3468 enjoy the company of my fellow colleagues. Corey Pries, 570-994-8270 Ron Garrison, Fox Hill C.C. We hope to see you next week at Reading. 570-655-1065 Jerry Decker, Elkview C.C. 570-282-3080 Greg Boring __________________________ CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF Editor’s Notes….. EDITOR Brian Bachman, Genesis Turfgrass, Inc. 484-661-6105 bbachman@genesisturfgrassinc.com Managing Editor Melinda Wisnosky The typical Pennsylvania spring roller coaster has been quite a 570-388-2167 ride so far…..70 degree days in March, snow and 20 degree mornings mmel500@aol.com in April. Even the forsythia were confused. Thankfully it has started to even out a little in May. The first meeting of the year was a blast as Brian Cross and his crew had Mahoning Valley C.C. in great shape and the weather was about the best day this spring. Looking forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming joint meeting with Reading C.C., which is another great venue. The golf format for the day will be a Shamble. See you there! 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 Pocono Turfgrass Association 2016 Scholarships The Patterson Scholarship for Turfgrass Related Studies The Pocono Turfgrass Association is now accepting scholarship applications for the Patterson Scholar- ship. The deadline for application is June 30, 2016. The following is a list of guidelines for all individu- als 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 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 essay 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, 2016. 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 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 essay should include information pertaining to field of study, educational achievement, and fu- ture 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: Greg Boring Country Club of Scranton P. O. Box 269 Clarks Summit, PA 18411 Page 4 COURSE CARE A Spring With Four Seasons April 14, 2016 By Addison Barden, USGA agronomist, Northeast Region The wacky weather during March may have actually been good for golf courses. In early March, all signs pointed to an early, abnormally warm spring. After consecutive bitterly cold springs, an early start to the golf season was a welcomed prospect for many golf facilities. Spring also is an important time for mainte- nance staffs to perform special projects and cultural practices. These projects could have been very difficult to complete if golfer-friendly weather had persisted. However, the mix of warm and rainy days has created lulls in rounds, giving golf course superintendents uninterrupted opportunities to complete important spring work. The mixed weather this spring ended up being a fair trade-off between golfers and superintendents. This spring's variable weather has affected several seasonal agronomic issues: Annual Bluegrass Weevil (ABW): Active ABW adults have been found throughout the region. However, conditions are not yet optimum for adulticide applications in much of the Northeast Region. Continue to monitor forsythia bloom in conjunc- tion with active adult ABW sampling. When forsythia bloom is at half green and half gold and air tempera- tures are conducive for adult movement – i.e., warmer than 50 degrees Fahrenheit – adulticide applications can be made. Continued on Page 9……. Page 6 Continued from Page 1….. After receiving his B.S. of Agronomy from Penn State in 1992, Brian Ahrens spent two years at Galen Hall Golf Club before arriving at the Reading Country Club in March of 1994 as the Assistant Superintendent. Named the Interim Superintendent in August of the same year, he was promoted to the full time superintendent position in January 1995, and holds the same position today. Brian married his wife Christy in September of 1995 and over the next few years welcomed three children; Hunter, Maryn, and Tucker. Aside from the busy family life, Brian enjoys hunting, playing golf and taking in the occasional rock concert. Page 6 April Meeting Results Mahoning Valley G.C. 1st Place - Chuck DeAngelo & Jim G. 2nd Place - Lee Kozsey & Tom Wilchak 3rd Place - Greg Boring & Tom Wilchak Closest to the Pin #13 - Steve Chirip Closest to the Pin #16 - Jim Hill Closest to the Pin #4 - Ron Garrison 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). May Photo of the Month This months edition of “What’s wrong with this picture?” Ah, the joy of new employees. Good news is that he got done mowing really fast and didn’t even have to dump his buck- et!! Thanks for the picture from the guys at Glen Oak C.C. Page 9 …..Continued from page 4 Aeration: Recovery has been slow for courses that already performed putting green aeration. Despite a few warm days, soil temperatures are not warm enough for active turf growth. Unfortunately, the only catalyst for recovery will be warmer soil temperatures. Making additional fertilizer applications in an attempt to promote growth may only cause more problems once soil temperatures warm. Patience is important during unpredictable springs. Turfgrass Slow to Grow: Some cool-season turfgrasses, such as bentgrass, have been slow to emerge from winter dormancy. On the other hand, bermudagrass was actively growing as far north as Philadelphia, but growth has dramatically slowed with the return of cooler weather. Again, remain patient with turf growth until consistently warmer weather arrives. After all, it is only April. Bentgrass Injury: Because bentgrass has been slow to grow this spring, beware of overdoing normal maintenance practices such as mowing, rolling, brushing and topdressing. Bentgrass is very susceptible to wear injury at this time of year. Be aware that bentgrass discoloration due to excessive mechanical wear during prolonged periods of cool and wet weather is frequently misdiagnosed as disease. Chips & Putts PATRON SPONSORS AERIFICATION AND OVERSEEDING Aer-Core Stephen Thompson 610-972-5933 IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE William Mast 610.327.3390 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Air2G2 John Downer 570-840-0078 Turf Equip. and Supply George Skawski 610.554.9366 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Les Lear 570.903.8412 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Lawn & Golf Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 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 Air2G2 John Downer 570-840-0078 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 973.418.3468 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Lawn & Golf Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 Lawn & Golf Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 Turf Equip. & Supply George Skawski 610.554.9366 Syngenta Lee A. Kozsey 610.861.8174 Les Lear 570.903.8412 Finch Services Ted Zabrenski 484.614.6436 SEED & SOD Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 607.768.0575 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 FERTILIZER Coombs Sod Farms John Downer 570-840-0078 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 Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 Growth Products Craig Lambert 973-601-3303 Lawn & Golf Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 Plant Food Co., Inc. Tom Weinert 914.262.0111 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 Fertl Soil John Downer 570-840-0078 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 Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 John Deere Brent Wood 570.499.1441 Lawn & Golf Matthew Brown 610.933.5801 Support our Sponsors - They support us! PTGA SCHEDULE POCONO ROUNDUP May 11 Joint Meeting With Central Penn @ Reading C.C. Congratulations June 22 PTGA Meeting @ Eagle Rock We wish Shane Sullivan all the best in his new posi- July 19 Jack Frost G.C. tion as Golf Course Superintendent at Sky Top. Aug 10-11 PSU Field Days Please Note: Aug 15 PTGA Annual Meeting and Clambake The dates are still being decided for the September Glenmaura National G.C. and October meetings. The meetings will be held at Huntsville Golf Club and Blue Ridge Trail. We will September TBD let you know as soon as we have the dates settled. October TBD 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.