chips %pms OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Founded in POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 1936 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION VOL. 4, NO. 7 SEPTEMBER 1998 FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Board of Directors would like to announce to the member­ ship for your consideration, a $10 dues increase for 1999. This increase will be voted upon by the membership this fall. The intent of this increase is to fund our ongoing support of the Patterson Scholarship and local research in our industry. This money is not intended, nor will it be used, for any other operating expenses. The Board believes this increase is good for our association, and it hopes to have your support. Call for fungi Nominees are now being accepted for the 1999 Board of Direc­ Phil Colbaugh of Texas A&M Univer­ tors. Any member interested (including commercial) should sity is collecting and cataloguing the contact Jeff Peters or the PTGA office. fungi associated with fairy ring. His research will be used to develop an iden­ Assessing differential root zone mixes for putting tification data base for future research greens over time under two environmental condi­ efforts. tions - Rutgers University Colbaugh is requesting samples of Construction of putting greens with USGA-recommended root fairy ring fungi from superintendents zones has become more difficult and expensive because of the across the United States. Please send limited availability of suitable materials. The GCSAA Founda­ samples to Colbaugh at Texas A&M tion and the USGA are sponsoring a project at Rutgers University University at Dallas, Research & Educa­ to identify the best combinations of materials to reduce costs tion Center, 17360 Coir Road, Dallas, while still providing acceptable performance. The project is TX 75252,(972-231-5362. evaluating physical characteristics of sands with and without amendments. Amendments include reed sedge peat, Irish moss peat, sphagnum moss peat, Profile, Axis, zeolite, Isolite, Green- Did you know? A rotary mower schoice, Allgro and soil. Open and sheltered field plots of can fling debris three times faster creeping bentgrass allow evaluation of these amendments at rates than a bullet shot from a .357 up to 20 percent by volume. Other supporters of this project Magnum pistol. include the Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey and the New Jersey Turfgrass Association. Pennsylvania IPM Program Organization Pennsylvania’s Integrated Pest Management program strives to coordinate and promote modem approaches to pest management in the various agricultural and urban • Pesticide Availability? programs served by Penn State and other state agencies. It is a partnership between Penn State and the • The Survey Says... Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. • Suck Hill - Sack to Normal The main focus of the IPM program is facilitation of communication among college faculty, county staff, Continued Page 5 OFFICERS President's Message....... & The days of summer are winding down and with that brings crisp mornings and cool DIRECTORS nights. It was a tough year, very wet spring, untimely storms and pest problems, which were predicted to hit earlier. As I’ve mentioned a few times this year, blame it on El Nino! I promise it’s the last time I’ll say that. TURFGRASS 1998 The 1998 clambake at Blue Ridge Country Club was great! Not only because I was ASSOCIATION a scrub on the winning team, but the attendance was good and the hospitality as good PRESIDENT as ever. I tried my best with the golf prizes, filling in for vacationing golf chairman, Ron Garrison, CGCS Tom Wilchak. But heck, it was easy. I walked in and GM Terry Steinmetz informed Fox Hill Country Club me that he and Tom had set everything up and his staff would do the rest. “Get going, enjoy the day. I’ll see you in an hour and a half after this storm hits us,” he said. VICE PRESIDENT Fortunately, the storm never arrived (along with my golf game). My hat and ALL Jack Bird members’ hats should go off to the staff at Blue Ridge, their Board of Directors and The Hideout, Inc. of course Paul Weiss, Thanks, everyone. The annual raffle and donations brought in nearly $3000. Way to go everyone! SECRETARY/TREASURER The annual election meeting will be held at Fox Hill Country Club. The date has Scott A. Schukraft been changed to Tuesday, October 20. This has been moved twice, first to avoid Huntsville Golf Club conflict with the PTC Tournament at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, and the second due to an outside event brought into our club on the re-scheduled date of October 12. PAST PRESIDENT I hope this will not cause any conflict. Please try to attend and cast your vote for new Jeff Peters, CGCS board members and directors. As mentioned in prior newsletters, contact Jeff Peters Wild Pines Golf Club if you would like to be put on the ballot or have someone nominate you from the floor at the election. DIRECTORS Host clubs interested in having us for the 1999 golf season should contact one of the Stephen Stranzl board members as soon as possible to get put on the list. Green Acres Golf Course Jeff Peters, our GCSAA Chapter delegate will be attending the Chapter Delegates meeting at GCSAA headquarters September 18-20. I’m sure Jeff will have a nice Jim MacLaren report to pass on to all members when he returns. Turf Specialty, Inc. Keep giving us your comments, both positive and negative. We are still moving forward and will continue to get better with your continued support. Thomas Wilchak See you at the meetings! Bethlehem Golf Club Ronald C. Garrison, CGCS Gene Huelster Pocono Farms C.C. From the Editor’s Desk. Tony Grieco, CGCS Silver Creek C.C. Why is it that many superintendents complain about golfers who demand perfect conditions, but throw a fit when some or all pesticides are threatened to be taken away. While I believe that proper pesticide and fertilizer use on golf courses is not CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF the problem, would the elimination of pesticides, at least on a limited scale, be such a bad thing? Wouldn’t it put courses on a more even playing field? I’m not an EDITORS advocate, but personally I wouldn’t mind pesticides being limited to only Greens and Tony Grieco, CGCS/Jim MacLaren maybe Tees. I was disgusted the other week when the pro shop marked the course for 147 Hay field Road the Club Championship. Without going into great detail, they marked areas that Shavertown, PA 18708 would make some of our greatest predecessors turn over in their graves. Even the 717-675-3800 Fax: 717-675-0564 USGA agronomist who was visiting at the time shook his head in disbelief. Their E-Mail: sasgolf@epix.net excuse was that the members demand such perfection. Why are golfers so demanding? Not only do they see perfect conditions on TV, but are then given relief EDITORIAL COMMITTEE at home from the smallest blemish. Perhaps the USGA could simplify this whole Doug Bowman issue by granting relief from lies that possess less than a certain number of turf grass John Chassard plants per square inch. Well, I’ve gotten off on two separate paths, so let’s wrap this Scott Schukraft up. Should golfers be so demanding? Could we stand a little less pesticide use? Talk Jonathan Suitch amongst yourselves. I’ve got to go put up the Winter Rules sign on #1 tee. We Managing Editor, started fairway overseeding, and they say the little grooves are disruptive. Melinda Wisnosky Tony Grieco, CGCS 1998 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Monday, October 19, 1998 22nd Annual Joseph Valentine Memorial Golf Tournament. The Philadelphia Cricket Club, 415 W. Willow Grove Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118. Contact: John Chassard, Lehigh C.C., 2319 S. U GROWTH Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown, PA 18103, 610-967-4643 or P.T.C., P.O. Box 1078, Lemont, PA P roducts T o m C . W e in e r t , J r . 16851-1078, 814-863-3475 or fax 814-863-3479. Technical Sales Representative Professional Liquid Fertilizers, Micronutrients & Natural Organics Tuesday-Thursday, November 3-5, 1998 P.O. Box 1259 White Plains, NY 10602 Phone / Fax: (717) 839-2636 Penn State Golf Turf Conference, Nittany Lion Inn, State College, PA 16801. Contact: Peter GCSAA, NA A & PLCAA Main Office: (800) 648-7626 Landschoot, Dept, of Agronomy, 116 ASI Building, University Park, PA 16802, 814-863-1017 or P.T.C., P.O. Box 1078, Lemont, PA 16851-1078, 814-863-3475 or fax 814-863-3479. Tuesday-Thursday, January 5-7,1999 Eastern PA Turf Conference & Trade Show, Valley Forge Convention Center, 1200 First Ave., King of Prussia, PA. Contact: Scott Guiser, Bucks Co. Coop. Ext., Neshaminy Manor Center, Doylestown, PA. 18901, 215-345-2383 or P.T.C., P.O. Box 1078, Lemont, PA 16851-1078, 814- 863-3475 or fax 814-863-3479. rsi Natural Organic Products on P.O. Box 278K • 6574 S. Delaware Drive Martins Creek, PA 18063 6 10 *2 5 0 *9 6 5 0 CD Raffle Results! Fax: 2 50*7840 soilfirst.com Joel Sim m ons co The 1998 Raffle sponsored by the PTGA was once again a success. We sold 560 T h e S c o tts C o m p a n y j tickets, which raised a total of $2,800.00, less the cost of prizes of $866.00. That leaves u n tl S u b s id ia rie s P ro T u rf a total of $1,934.00 raised for the Scholarship and Research Fund. Fran Berdine Our thanks go out to all who sold the tickets, and also to the clubs which sponsored Executive Technical Representative The O.M. Scott & Sons Company the golf prizes. Professional Business Group 199 Warn Avenue Pine Bush. NY 12566 Telephone: 914/361-4105 The lucky winners and their prizes are: 1st Andrea O’Neill Taylor Made TI Bubble 2 2nd Tony Prudenti Adams Tight Lies 3rd Margaret Biery Adams Tight Lies 4th Jerry Katz Slazenger Putter ICentury Rain Ami 5th Fritz Sprandel Dexter Golf Shoes Your Link to Legacy Golf Irrigation Systems 6th Dave Kiery Round of Golf for Four CENTURY GOLF PROFESSIONALS NEW JERSEY/PENNSYLVANIA 7th John M. Hollick Round of Golf for Four PHIL DEMARCO * 8 0 0 -6 4 2 -3 7 0 6 VALENTINE 8 SONS * 610-525-5710 8th Stan Kooyega Round of Golf for Four 9th R. Carpenter Round of Golf for Four LEGACY” Call to d a y for an gol f . . « . c a t . on on-site co n su ltatio n . 10th Ryan Fogel Round of Golf for Four 11th Tony Prudenti Round of Golf for Four 12th J. Flamisch Round of Golf for Four 13th G. Wilchak PHILADELPIA TURF COMPANY Round of Golf for Four 4 0 4 9 LANDISVILLE ROAD, BOX 8 6 5 DOYLESTOWN, PA 1 8 9 0 1 -0 8 6 5 TURF EQUIPMENT AER-CORE, Inc. Steve Stranzl IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT & D ESIG N SERVICES FLOWTRONEX/PSI PUMP STATIONS Specialized Turfgrass Aerification Chairman, Scholarship and Research OTTERBINE AERATORS OFFICE# 215-345-7200 PARTS FAX# 215-345-8132 For Service or Demo Please Call: SALES TOKO TIME SAVER# 215-348-4314 SERVICE 1 800 823-7267 - - Bob Eichert Bill Rahling Pfi# ll EDUCATION Applications are now being accepted And the Survey Says f for Penn State’s Two-Year Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program for the class beginning in September 1999. GCSAA has recently released a summary report “Trends in Compensation and There is an application fee of $35.00 and Benefits for Golf Course Superintendents” that analyzes the trends in compensation and the deadline for applications is benefits for superintendents. The information is based on member surveys taken in December 31, 1998. Applications can be 1995 and 1998. obtained by calling 814-863-0129 or by According to the GCSAA report, the average base salary for a golf course superinten­ writing to: Golf Course Turfgrass dent has increased to $53,205 in 1998. This is a 19.5 percent increase since 1993. Half Management Program, The Pennsylvania of all superintendents today earn more than $50,000 annually; 15% earn more than State University, 456 Ag. Sciences and $75,000 annually. Industries Building, University Park, PA Certified superintendents with the highest education levels realized greater salary 16802-3507. increases than their peers. The average salary of a CGCS rose to $62,948 from $56,994 For more information contact Heather in 1995 (10.4% increase). Certified superintendents salaries average 27 percent greater Treaster, Golf Course Turfgrass than superintendents who do not have GCSAA certification. Management Program at the above Salary increases by state showed New Jersey first with an average salary increase for address and telephone number. Fax certified superintendents over the 3-year period of 51.5% or $50,247 to $76,145. number 814-865-3006, Oklahoma ranked second with 45.5% and Delaware ranked third with a 32.1% increase. hgwl@psu.edu. Pennsylvania ranked ninth with a 21.9% increase. The survey also shows an overwhelming support by employers for involvement in GCSAA. The survey shows that 96% of all employers pay GCSAA dues, 91% pay for GOLF CARS INC. seminar/trade show fees and travel, and 89% pay superintendents’ chapter dues. LEASING • SALES • SERVICE PAUL SZYMANSKI SALES Bonuses were also increased with 7% more of GCSAA members receiving a bonus 4180 SKYRON DRIVE than in 1995. Criteria is based on merit and performance on the job, profitability of the BUCKINGHAM, PA 18912-0247 215-340-0880 OFFICE • 215-340-1634 FAX overall operation and staying within budget. The average annual bonus in 1998 was $3,710, up 11% from the average bonus in 1995 of $3,353. The average number of employees directly reporting to the superintendent was reported as 15. This was comparable to the results in 1995. Assistant superintendents’ salaries have also increased from $25,053 in 1995 to $27,981 in 1998. This is a 12% increase, which is comparable with the average increase for superintendents. Copies of this survey can be obtained from Cathy Hut at 800-472-7878, Ext. 655. the industry asking for their assistance. Back to Normal... Bill Lansdowne, CGCS, at the Country Club of Scranton, who had been a good As many of you already know, the friend of Fran’s father, brought Fran maintenance building at Buck Hill Falls mowers and cup changing supplies. Al­ Golf Club in Buck Hill Falls, PA was together, 40 golf course superintendents completely destroyed by fire last March. and industry members offered their help. Fran Davitt is the golf course superinten­ The new maintenance building was fin­ dent at Buck Hill. There was more than ished in June and is 400 square feet $420,000 in damage, including equip­ larger than the original 92-year old build­ ment and course set up supplies. At the ing. The new building allows for more time of the fire the course was due to space and modem conveniences. open in less than a month. Fortunately CARRYALL DRIVE ITTOWORK. E 3 3 . for Fran and his crew, many people vol­ unteered their help, starting with Jim Life is finally returning back to normal for Fran and his crew, and they are very grateful to everyone who helped out in MacLaren, Turf Partners, Inc., who their time of need. faxed 135 superintendents and others in New law threatens pesticide availability for golf courses. committee meeting in May. in the FQPA controversy as specialty In response to the flood of (non-agricultural) pesticide users. Many communications from constituents state coalitions are also forming to (including many GCSAA members), a address regional issues related to FQPA. hearing on the EPA and FQPA was held State regulators have joined users and on June 25 in the U.S. House of manufacturers in gathering information Representatives. Among those testifying and communicating concerns to EPA before a subcommittee of the House and federal lawmakers. Through Agricultural Committee was a panel of Briefax and the government relations Every day there is more news about the pesticide users. network, GCSAA is encouraging implementation of the new pesticide GCSAA also filed comments in June chapters to send representatives to law, the Food Quality Protection Act on a proposed EPA policy to make coalition meetings. (FQPA). alternatives to organophosphates (OP’s) How you can help The law requires the EPA to consider a a higher priority in the agency’s As pesticide users, golf courses will be broader range of exposure information registration program. It is rumored that dwarfed by the food production industry in evaluating pesticide risks. Anxious to the EPA will take action to cancel many in the competition for uses that the EPA fulfill its mandate, the agency planned to OP registrations next year, although is creating with implementation of the use assumptions about use and exposure growers have voiced concerns about the new pesticide law. instead of real data, which would have lack of good alternatives. It is therefore critical that GCSAA and likely resulted in the loss of more GCSAA President George Renault, III, superintendents participate in the pesticide uses than was necessary. The CGCS, urged the agency to avoid the implementation process and speak out EPA did not respond to industry elimination of all OP’s, but that “if upon about the need for pesticide options in concerns, and GCSAA members have review of the best available scientific golf course maintenance. been participating in a grassroots effort data it is determined that certain OP For information about FQPA and to get Congress and White House product registrations will be revoked or communicating with your lawmakers, or officials to address problems with denied, superintendents will need to have to participate in one of the many new FQPA. alternatives available in order to preserve state coalitions of pesticide users Following a directive issued in April healthy turf. Action without adequate working on FQPA issues, contact the by Vice President A1 Gore to include transition will be counter-productive if it GCSAA government relations stakeholders in the process, the EPA results in the need to use less effective department at 800-472-7878, Ext. 459. formed an advisory committee to products in greater amounts which You can also find information on FQPA, provide input on implementation issues. thereby increases risk to the including an action alert issued in However, pesticide user representatives environment.” Briefax No. 33 and a directory of state on the committee report that agency On the national level, GCSAA is coalitions in the members-only officials were unwilling to conduct a working with Responsible Industry for a government relations area of the meaningful debate during the first Sound Environment (RISE) to have input GCSAA Web Site. Continued from Page 1 PA IPM Newsletter Membership List state and national government, the private sector and the general public. Good communi­ Since this is the first newsletter, we do cation promotes collaboration and cooperation and allows the program to take advantage not have a complete list of individuals. of the broad range of expertise in the system. The IPM program has established several Your assistance in identifying others means of distributing information: who would like to be on the mailing list • Developing commodity working groups which consist of faculty, county staff and would be appreciated. If you receive the others interested in IPM research and implementation. newsletter, but would prefer not to, • IPM Website at cas.psu.edu/docs/CASDEPT/IPM/index please let us know. Also, if you would • IPM e-mail listserver like to contribute any information to the • PDA IPM Advisory Committee appointed by Secretary of Agriculture that advises newsletter, please contact Kristie Auman the IPM program on policy and priorities. at 814-865-2839 or email • Developing commodity-based stakeholder groups that provide direct client input kma@psu.edu. into the IPM If you would like to be on the list, send your address to Kristie Auman at kma@psu.edu. TIME TO REFLECT... ROSTER BOOKS! R O TA D A IR O N 717-280-9004 VERTVORAJN 000-554-4863 DEALERS & C ON TRA CTO RS FAX 717-288-9023 As we wind down another season of The 1998 Roster Books will be mailed growing turf, let’s look back and reflect out with the October Meeting Notice. If E Si M G olf S upply C o. A DIVISION O F H.V. INC. on some of the problems or mishaps that anyone would like an extra book, please £ 0 2 W O O D W A R D HILL R O „ E D W A R D SVILLE. P A 1 B 7 0 4 have occurred along the way. I know contact Melinda (717-675-3800). The S P E C IA L IS T IN D E E P TINE A ER A TIO N that sometimes we just want to forget price for an extra roster book is $6.00. W ILLIAM SMITH about these types of situations. But let’s learn from them. We can incorporate these problems into next year’s educa­ tional agenda. So please call me with any ideas you may have. This year was my first year as commit­ tee chairperson, and l feel that I, along lb NOVARTIS S E A N P. C U L L E N Territory Manager C H A R L E S V. M c G IL L , JR . with the rest of the committee, worked Director of Sales and Marketing extremely hard to make the meetings STULL E Q U IP M E N T CO M P ANY well rounded and interesting. I want to Bringing you the finest in turf Turf & Industrial Division 610/495-7441 201 Windsor Road 800/724-1024 thank everyone on the committee: Steve Pottstown, PA 19464 FAX 610/495-7510 Chirip, John Vojick, Tom Wilchak and management products including: Bryan Nuss. Good job, guys. 1 would also like to thank Ron Garrison, CGCS, Barricade® for giving me the opportunity to head A D ean S nyder P re s id e n t this committee. Thanks, Ron. Primo® EGYPT I look forward to working with every­ FARMS one in the Association, so we can all Banner Maxx E g y p t F arm s , Inc. P.O. B o x 2 2 3 participate and enjoy our meetings. Sentinel® W h ite M arsh, M aryland 2 1 1 6 2 Phone: 8 0 0 -8 9 9 -7 6 4 5 See you all soon, Subdue Maxx® L ocal: 4 1 0 -3 3 5 -3 7 0 0 Pager: 8 0 0 -7 0 5 -0 4 3 0 Gene Huelster Fax: 4 1 0 -3 3 5 -0 1 6 4 John W endorf Tel 302-731-5616 Fax 302-731-5606 john.wendorf@cp.no varti s. coin 1UARIUS. IR R IG A T IO N S U P P L Y .IN C . CUSTOMER SERVICE IS Check out our website at OUR #1 PRIORITY www.cp.us.novartis.com PA 1 8 0 0 -9 8 9 -7 3 7 4 NJ 1 8 0 0 -9 2 2 -0 7 1 7 • Layout and Design • Typesetting It’s every player’s responsibility • • • • Mac/IBM desktop publishing interface • Laser color separations ■ Repair ball marks • Scitex® electronic photo retouching ° Full electronic prepress services ■ Replace or fill divots 31 New Hill Street, P.0 Box 507 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-0507 • Foil stamping, embossing ■ Rake bunkers 717-822-8181 • Complete bindery including FAX: 717-823-3579 saddlestitch and perfect binding A message fro m your g o lf course superintendent a n d G C SAA P <*7 1998 PTGA MEETING SITES September 28,1998 - Delaware Water Gap October 20,1998 - Fox Hill Country Club Host: Charles LaBar Host: Ron Garrison, CGCS October 19,1998 - Philadelphia Cricket Club 22nd Annual Valentine Memorial Golf Tournament Call John Chassard for details at 610-967-4643 MEETING NOTES....SUPERINTENDENT PROFILE This year’s Clambake at Blue Ridge Country Club was a huge success! Course conditions, food and the weather could not have been better. If you did not have a good time, it was your own fault! Thanks again to Paul Weiss and his staff, and to the clubhouse personnel for the good food and hospitality. Here are the results from the day’s activities: 1st Flight 1st T. Grieco, J. Chassard, R. Garrison, K. Kressler 58 2nd C. Phillips, G. Phillips, Jr., J. Milo, J. Rosenkrans 59 2nd Flight 1st Jim Vedomsky’s Team 66 2nd Nestor Dickert’s Team 67 3rd Flight 1st Mark Reed and Charlie McGill’s Team 72 2nd Ronald Lee’s Team 72 Closest to the Pin #3 DaveWisnosky 3’3” #15 Tony Grieco 7’ 10” #8 John Neff 5’10” #18 Jack Zwick 3’2” Congratulations to all the winners! September’s meeting will be hosted by Superintendent Charlie LaBar at Delaware Water Gap Country Club. Charlie has been in the turf industry for 18 years. He has been at Delaware Water Gap C.C. for 16 years and has been the Superintendent there for the past 7 years. His wife is Pauline and they have 5 children. He enjoys hunting and playing golf. The greens are Bent-Poa and the tees and fairways are Kentucky Bluegrass and fescue. If you enjoy scenic golf courses, don’t miss the meeting. • Many grubs have been seen. These, of course, were on POCONO ROUNDUP NON treated areas. NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • PA Golf Turf Conference is November 3-5, 1998. Make your room arrangements NOW!! • Congratulations to the Steve Taggart Family on the birth of Colin Taggart! The Pocono Turfgrass Association would like to • And Welcome Back to work Ray Masker (Sand Springs), who welcome the following new members: is also the Great Grandpa of Colin Taggart. • Skytop Lodge is in the process of MAJOR renovations: two Jeffrey Koch, Class C, Glenmaura National Golf Course new holes, driving range, and a super new lodging facility. William Misson Jr., Class C, Twin Oaks Golf Club Joseph Petorak, Class C, Glenmaura National Golf Course • Mt. Laurel is now open for business, finally! Many Alex Stoy, Class C, Pocono Farms C.C. compliments on the condition of the course. No divots and/or ball marks. Congratulations! • Gray Leaf Spot has gone CRAZY. If you were not protected Michael Bird was selected as a 1998 GCSAA Merit Scholar. and in some cases, even if you were, ryegrass fairways are being decimated. The disease has been reported as far north as Jeff Lansdowne was recently named Superintendent at Bear the Mahoning Valley (north of the Blue Mountain) and in Brook Golf Village (new construction). His new contact Greensburg, PA (north of Pittsburgh). information is Route 94, Fredon, NJ 07860; telephone number is 973-300-5775. POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 147 HAYFIELD ROAD POSTAGE SHAVERTOWN, PA 18708-9748 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION NAME & ADDRESS ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.