chips %puns OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Founded in POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 1936 VOL. 5, NO. 7 SEPTEM BER 1999 SOIL TESTS & AMENDMENT APPLICATIONS ENSURE CORRECT pH & NUTRIENT LEVELS Soil fertility is best defined as “the soil’s ability to changing, due to clipping removal, fertilizer use, or supply nutrients for plant growth.” Within the soil the use of soil amendments. is a virtual storehouse of plant nutrients readily By conducting a soil test you also reduce the available in many forms and degrees of availability. changes of product waste. If the turfs minimal Nutrients are the essential elements necessary for nutritional needs and pH levels are not corrected, you plant growth. They exist in the soil as reduce the likelihood of wasted effort and wasted micronutrients or macronutrients. Macronutrients material. are those nutrients that are found in the dry matter of plants in concentrations of at least 1,000 parts Healthy plants, like healthy people, are per million (ppm). Micronutrients are found at better equipped to cope with detrimental levels of 100 ppm or less. forces generated by disease, turf injury, extremes in temperature and/or moisture. A Soil Test is the best way to determine the levels of these nutrients in a turf stand. Continued on Page 4 The soil test gives you the information you need to make the necessary amendments to your turf area. Balanced nutrition is a vital part of “Turf Stress Protection.” With no timely assessment of soil nutrient levels, a fertilizer program is a shot in the dark which may lead to an imbalance of soil nutrient levels. Som,e Words, of Wisdom Experts recommend you test the soil for pH, Phosphorous & Potassium levels in the following situations: it Is wot the employer who pays the w - he owly hawdles the mowey. => Prior to seed establishment. it Is the product th a t pays the wages. => Regularly, every 3-5 years in established turf. => Each year, if the turf manager is trying to correct a deficiency or alter soil pH. Beware of little expenses. => After regular use of fertilizers that contain A sm.aU leate will slwte a great ship. phosphate or potash. Soil Testing provides turf managers with the I'h- following advantages: • Raffle Winners => Utilization of existing turf nutrients. => Possible reduction of fertilizer applications. • Grain on the E3rain => Reduce chances of “surge” growth. • Clambake Golf Winners Turfgrass scientists tell us that soils are constantly OFFICERS President’s Message. & DIRECTORS Green grass? Good for you and be thankful. I hope your members are well aware of the drought restrictions that are being enforced. I would like to thank the Allied Association for going to Harrisburg on behalf of all the turf associations to clarify TURFGRASS 1999 the irrigation restrictions. Copies of their letter and the information is available ASSOCIATION through your local turf associations. PRESIDENT I would like to thank Gene Huelster, Host Superintendent and Don Weaver, Jack Bird General Manager, and the staff of Pocono Farms for accommodating the large The Hideout crowd for the annual clam bake. The response was great! Thanks. October is on the way. This means election time. Anybody wanting to run for the VICE PRESIDENT Board or any other position, please call Gene Huelster to be placed on the Gene Huelster nominating list. This meeting in October will be held at the Bethlehem Golf Club. Pocono Farms Country Club Please make all efforts to attend. Short message this month. I’ve been spending a lot of time praying for rain. See SECRETARY/TREASURER everyone at Eagle Rock on September 21. Doug Witcraft is our host superintendent. Tony Grieco, CGCS Silver Creek Country Club Jack Bird PAST PRESIDENT Ron Garrison, CGCS Fox Hill Country Club DIRECTORS Jason J. Bamdt Berwick Golf Club Darrin M. Batisky Glen Oak Country Club Jim MacLaren From the E ditor’s Desk. Turf Partners, Inc. In the last couple issues we have tried to show some of the new products that are Mark Eisele available to our profession or some that are coming on line. These articles were Country Club at Woodloch Springs meant to describe the different chemistry involved and their modes of action. By no stretch of the imagination were they meant to be a commercial for, or against, any John Downer product or manufacture. If this was construed in this sense, I apologize. Bad, bad me! Elkview Country Club Now to the drought. After seeing a plethora of golf courses and athletic fields under severe moisture stress, and then after the periods of rain we recently experienced, it is amazing to observe the resiliency of the turfgrass plant. Grassed CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF areas that looked like parched deserts a few weeks ago are now standing tall. For those of you who “played by the rules,” you are a stellar example to your profession. EDITOR Jim M acL aren Of course the drought restrictions came from the bureaucrats in our state capital who are also involved in policing other matters that pertain to our health and well­ Managing Editor, being, whether we like it or not. Recently, they were called to Eagle Rock to M elin d a W isnosky respond to a complaint about the volume of goose droppings on the beach at the R.R. 1, Box 219 lake. After accessing the situation, they directed the staff to be sure the beaches Harding, PA 19643 were cleared of all such debris prior to the public’s use. Where will it end? 570-388-2889 Fax: 570-388-2167 Jim MacLaren EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Sankey Brumley Tony Grieco, CGCS Doug Witcraft p ^ f-l 1999 M E E T IN G SITES PHILADELPHIA TURF COMPANY September 21, 1999 Eagle Rock Resort 4049 LANDISVILLE ROAD, BOX 865 Doug Witcraft DOYLESTOWN, PA 18901-0865 OFFICE 215-345-7200 FAX 215-345-8132 October 19, 1999 Bethlehem Golf Club MATTHEW W. BROWN GEORGE J. SKAWSKI, JR. Tom Wilchak Commercial Products Irrigation Products Voice Mail Voice Mail 215-340-5401 215-340-5450 TORO, Winners of the Four-Man Scramble at Pocono Farms C.C. Clam Bake 1st Place Gary Phillips, Sr. 1st FLIGHT 2nd Place Ron Garrison, CGCS ICentury Rain AidI Gary Phillips, Jr. Kelly Kressler Your Link to Legacy Golf Irrigation Systems Mark Albino Tony Grieco, CGCS Scott Schilds John Chassard 2nd FLIGHT CENTURY GOLF PROFESSIONAL ■> NJ/PA > PH IL DEMARCO » 800-642-3706 1st Place Tom Wilchak 2nd Place Pete Beblavy Lee Kozsey Dick Swell Ryan Rockovits Tom Swanson Rodger Zellner Jim Honehouse GOLF CARS INC. LEASING • SALES • SERVICE PAUL SZYMANSKI SALES 3rd FLIGHT 4180 SKYRON DRIVE 1st Place Ed Zimmerman 2nd Place Dan Tanto BUCKINGHAM, PA 18912-0247 William McCausland Eric Reed 215-340-0880 OFFICE • 215-340-1634 FAX Mike Condor Charlie Miller George Skawski D.J. Chapman Closest to the Pin #3 Charlie LaBar Closest to the Pin #8 Gary Phillips, Sr. Longest Drive Mark Albino, 336 yards Biography of Shaun Henry, Wyoming Valley C.C. Shaun grew up in Mechanicsburg, PA, where he began his career at the Silver Springs G.C. He then attended Delaware Valley College from 1994 to 1997 where he graduated on the Dean’s List with a grade point average of 3.83. During his col­ lege days he worked at Wilmington C.C. and Congressional C.C. Then he moved on to Huntingdon Valley C.C. and back to Congressional C.C. He accepted the posi­ tion of superintendent at Wyoming Valley C.C. in late 1998. Shaun enjoys hunting, skiing, snowmobiling, and other outdoor activities. His longtime girlfriend is a student at The University of PA where she is pursuing a de­ gree in Veterinary Medicine. THANK YOU! We would like to say THANK YOU to Gene Huelster, Superintendent; Adam Her­ man, Assistant; and Don Weaver, General Manager at Pocono Farms C.C. for a job CARRYALL drive r r r o w o r k . E n a well done. We had quite an enjoyable day for our clam bake. The course was su­ perb, and the feast was excellent! Continuedfrom Page 1 NITROGEN Nitrogen (N) is used in the greatest quantity by turfgrass. Nitrogen levels affect Reminder! turf color, rooting, and disease resistance. Since the late 1970’s it has been the prac­ Don’t miss a Meeting Notice tice of turf professionals to use less N in spring and apply heavier N applications in or an issue of Chips & Puttsl the fall. Too much spring nitrogen will cause summer stress due to over­ consumption of carbohydrates, according to research done by Dr. James Beard in If you have recently moved or plan on 1973. The rule of thumb now is to go easy on the nitrogen in spring and make heav­ moving, please let Melinda know so ier applications in the fall. that your mail is sent to the correct ad­ “Heavy” nitrogen applications would be anything greater than 3/4# N/M, which dress. Please give her a call at 570-388- will cause excessive shoot growth and decrease disease tolerance in the summer. 2889 or fax 570-388-2167. However, most specialists agree that applying a limited amount of N (less than 3/4#) in early spring will produce quick green-up while not producing significant negative effects over the long term. The indicator of low nitrogen in turf is an overall chlorotic appearance, appearing as a uniform yellowing of the turf stand. PHOSPHORUS Phosphorus’s (P) key role is in the storage and transfer of energy within the plant and root growth. Turf that is deficient in phosphorus will appear a “sickly green” or even have a purple tint. Turf that is well fed with phosphorus will show improved disease resistance, heat, cold, and drought tolerance. New turf, with limited root systems, require higher levels of phosphorus for healthy seedling development. Incorporate phosphorus into the upper 1 to 2 inches of soil, based on soil test rec­ ommendations before planting. Do not apply phosphorus at regular intervals to es­ tablished turf stands unless a soil test indicates there is a deficiency. Too much phos­ KOONZ Sprinkler Supply ; Inc phorus will interfere with iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) uptake by the roots. POTASSIUM Potassium (K) is involved in the formation of carbohydrates and proteins, and also has a role in photosynthesis. A plant that is deficient in potassium will be less dis­ ease resistant than turf with sufficient K levels. Potassium leaches easily from sandy soils, so turf that is grown in these soils should be “spoon fed” with small amounts of potassium on a frequent basis. MAGNESIUM Most soils contain ample amounts of magnesium (Mg). Magnesium is the center ion of the chlorophyll molecule, it enhances photosynthesis, enzyme activity and Irrig a tio n supplier to the sugar production, all essential for optimum plant development. G o lf Course S uperintendent Continued on Page 5 I Lee A. Kozsey L l_ No one know s I Senior Territory Sales Lead ad irrigation like Koonz Zeneca Professional Products 3 7 1 0 Am herst Court Bethlehem , PA 18 0 2 0 -1 3 5 6 Earthworks UNI 800 772-8486 - Natural O rganic Products no 39 Waverly Avenue, P.O. Box 55 Telephone (610 ) 8 6 1 -8 1 7 4 P.O. Box 278K • 6574 S. Delaware Drive r—- Springfield, NJ 07081 Mobile (610 ) 7 3 0 -9 1 8 5 Martins Creek, PA 18063 Fax (610 ) 8 8 2 -9 3 5 8 O A 610*250*9560 E-m ail lee kozseyOAGNAZeneca.com Voice Mail (888 ) 8 7 5 -9 9 9 0 , X 016 3 Fax: 250*7840 cz> oo ZENECA A business unit of Z E N E C A Inc. soilfirst.com Joel Simmons R a in ^ B ir d GREEN-RELEAF. GRAIN ON THE BRAIN Richard Hurley, Ph.D - - Lofts Seed\ Inc. Reprintedfrom N JTA Clippings - 1998 Anyone who watches golf on T.V. has heard commenta­ the ball may be influenced. They don’t mention that an older green tors say, “This putt is going down grain.” I’m not sure tele­ is typically made up of many patches of grass, possibly hundreds on vision audiences understand what this means. “Grain” as one green, that may show some of this grain growing in small used by T.V. analysts, is grossly overused and misunder­ patches and in random directions. stood by the golf public. The analysts also don’t mention that superinten­ I’ve spent my professional life studying dents routinely use brushes and other devices to turfgrasses and have collected, observed, bred, “Grain” .... is stand leaf blades and stems upright so this random and researched various aspects of grasses used grossly overused grain can be minimized or eliminated. on putting greens. I’ve also attended more These myths about grain are contrary to what turf than 100 professional golf events, caddied on and professionals know. I’ve discussed grain with super­ the Tour in the late 1960’s and worked on intendents and other turfgrass experts. They agree maintenance staffs in preparation for major misunderstood. that grain typically grows on greens in random di­ championships. rections. Frankly, what you hear on T.V. about “up Most of the courses being built today in cool- grain,” down grain,” “grain going east to season climates are select-greens. These state-of-the- west,” and other statements are oversimplified and in most art bentgrasses were developed to grow upright and not produce cases misleading. What the T.V. audience needs to hear grain. more of from commentators is “uphill,” “downhill”, and When the pro tour hits Florida in February and March, dormant “sidehill,” rather than grain, grain, grain! bermudagrass greens are typically winter overseeded with poa Some putting greens - - especially on older courses - - Trivialis. This provides the putting surface at many courses, includ­ may exhibit distinct patches of grasses, most ranging in size ing Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill. Although I have not observed grain from three to five feet in diameter and displaying different on the greens at Bay Hill, I turned on the television while attending colors and textures. These segregated patches of grass may a tournament there last year and the first thing I heard was “up produce an orientation of leaves and stems in a certain hori­ grain,” “down grain” and so on. zontal direction that we can call “grain.” I’ve talked to a well-known T.V. commentator about this, and he This grain may influence the direction of a putt, espe­ was very confident of this opinion that bermudagrass “grows east to cially as the ball slows near the cup. But the grain most west.” typically grows in random directions when not unduly influ­ I plan to attend the Bay Hill Classic this month (spring 1998), enced by steep slope, water drainage patterns, a strong wind and if a broadcaster wants to discuss grain, I’m game. blowing constantly in one direction or continued mowing in Some advice for commentators: Find more appropriate words, the same direction. On relatively flat putting surfaces on like “downhill” or “uphill.” You will be much easier to listen to. older courses - without these influences - grasses typically grow in random directions. Editor ’ s Note: Maybe replace T V. commentators/analysts with T.V. commentators use “grain” for all descriptions of how Johnny Miller. Continuedfrom Page 4 and even white leaves. MANGANESE CALCIUM Manganese (Mn) is a micronutrient that is used to form chlo­ Calcium (Ca) is important in root cell wall formation, cell rophyll. It also plays a role in photosynthesis. Deficient symp­ division and growth. Calcium deficient turf will turn a red­ toms are evident mainly as interveinal chlorosis which may be dish brown color. Calcium is found in liming products and confused with iron or zinc deficiencies. Also, manganese may gypsum. release iron. IRON BORON A micronutrient, Iron (Fe) helps in the production of Boron (B) enhances sugar translocation and growth of new chlorophyll. Iron is most often deficient in turfgrasses, espe­ plant tissue. cially in alkaline (high pH) soils. Iron chlorosis appears as random patches throughout the turf as pale green to yellow D iary o f a G reenskeeper SATURDAY A E R - C O R E , In c . Specialized Turfgrass Aerification Everyone in the world loves weekends, except Greenskeepers. More turf disasters occur on Saturdays and Sundays than any Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday & For Service or Demo Please Call: Fridays combined. Right off the bat four pins and a dozen 1 - 800 - 823-7267 markers are missing and the usual moronic messages are Bob Eichert Bill Rahling written in the sand traps. Why can’t they write inspirational thoughts, maybe the weather report? A neat group partied on the course last night. All imported beer, an empty Cutty Sark, and two Southern Comfort - members’ kids! One of VERT1-DRAINDEALERS 71 7-206-9004 & CONTRACTORS the part time help (college kid) came in to tell me his rotary 0OO-554-4S63 FAX 717-286-9023 wouldn’t shut off. Told him to lower it over a stump. He did. Mechanic went for parts. Nap on hammock. Green E S M G olf S upply C o . A DIVISION OF H.V. INC. chairman calls. Discussion with wife on getting an unlisted 202WOODWARD HILL RD., EDWARDSVILLE. PA 10704 phone number. Pro called, left message to call him back. SPECIALISTIN DEEP TINE AERATION WILLIAM SMITH Winners of the 1999 PTGA Raffle: MERCHANDISE Gary Phillips Ping Driver P GOLF A RCOURSE TAC PARTAC PEAT Scott Franzblau Tight Lies TOP-DRESSING C O R P O R A T IO N Kelsey Park Steve Chirip Callaway Steelhead Great Meadows, NJ 07838-9721 Charlie LaBar Ping Isopur Putter 1-800-247-2326 Keith Reinsmith Footjoy Terrains Local (908) 637-4191 Fax (908) 637-8421 AROUND OF GOLF FOR FOUR John King Silver Creek C.C. J. Ochmann Berwick C.C. Greg Kozar Glen Oak C.C. Gino Marchetti Fox Hill C.C. B a y e r® John Penchishen Pocono Farms C.C. Agriculture Division Jack Patterson Green Acres G. C. John W. Wiblishauser Garden & Professional Care John Kuchka Valley C.C. Field Sales Representative Bayer Corporation Cal lista Smith Bethlehem G. C. 318 E. Glenside Avenue Glenstde, PA 19038 Phone: 215 887-8936 Fax: 215 887-0971 Voicemail: 888 242-4200, ext, 3605 If you sold the winning ticket, be sure to notify the winner! • Layout and Design • Typesetting • Mac/IBM desktop publishing It’s every player’s responsibility... interface • Laser color separations ■ Repair ball marks • Scitex® electronic photo retouching • Full electronic prepress services ■ Replace or fill divots 31 Hill Street, P.0. Box 507 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-0507 • Foil stamping, embossing ■ Rake bunkers 570-822-8181 • Complete bindery including FAX: 570-823-3579 saddlestitch and perfect binding A message fro m your g o lf course superintendent a n d GCSAA JV ? MEETING DATES TO REMEMBER Joseph M. Duich Endowment Tournament Eastern PA Turf Conference & Trade Show Tuesday, October 5, 1999, Saucon Valley C.C. January 11-13, 2000, Valley Forge, PA 25th Annual Western PA Turfgrass Tournament Northeastern PA Turfgrass & Grounds Maintenance School Monday October 11, 1999, Fox Chapel G. C. January 27, 2000, The Woodlands, Wilkes-Barre, PA 23rd Annual Joseph Valentine Memorial Golf Tournament Western PA Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show Monday, October 18, 1999 Gulph Mills G. C. February 9-11, 2000, Monroeville, PA Penn State Golf Turf Conference November 9-11, 1999, University Park, PA SEPTEM BER M E E T IN G SITE Eagle Rock Resort September 21,1999 Eagle Rock was started as Valley of the Lakes in the 1970’s. It was a residential community with plans to have a golf VENUE FOR T H E DAY course designed by Arnold Palmer. After many years of unrest and financial disarray, it was purchased in 1996 by Double GOLF: Shotgun start at 10:00 A.M. Diamond Corporation out of Dallas Texas. Construction of the golf course was begun in 1997 using the LUNCH: At halfway house, starting at 11:00 A.M. Arnold Palmer design. The first seeding was done in late Hot Dogs, Pretzels, Birch Beer, Beer ! August and the “front nine” was opened for play on July 31, 1998. COCKTAILS 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Following that, the back nine construction was started. It & was designed by the group of Gracy, Lowery & Witcraft. The HORS d’OEUVRES course is Pennlinks greens, tees, and fairways, with the rough being all bluegrass. SPEAKER: Doug Linde, Delaware Valley College The back nine should be open in the spring of 2000. ******** DINNER: 4:00 P.M. LIMITED TO 60 GOLFERS (70 FOR DINNER) Prime Rib, Ham, Turkey, Chicken FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED! Marsala, Stuffed Shells, Cajun Catfish, Casual attire. Collared shirts and spikeless shoes. Red Bliss, Parsley Potatoes, California Carts must stay on the cart paths. Vegetables, Salad, Dessert. A Dean Snyder EGYPT FARMS President EGYPT FARMS, INC. UARIUS. P .0 Box 223 W hite Marsh, Maryland 2 1 1 6 2 Look to AQUARIUS for all Phone: 8 0 0 -8 9 9 -7 6 4 5 your golfcou rse needs: Local: Pager: 4 1 0 -3 3 5 -3 7 0 0 8 0 0 -7 0 5 -0 4 3 0 Fountains, Irrigation supplies, Fax: 4 1 0 -3 3 5 -0 1 6 4 Pump station s e tc ..... PA 1800-989-7374 NJ 1800-922-0717 POCONO RO UN DUP N E W S A N D V IE W S F R O M T H E P O C O N O T U R F G R A S S A S S O C IA T IO N IN M EM ORIAM WELCOME! V T Our condolences go out to the family of George Smith who passed away at the age of 88. He was a retired member of the We would like to welcome the following new member to our PTGA and was a superintendent at Allentown Municipal Golf Association: Club from the 1950’s to the early 1970’s. Gregory A. McElhattan, Class A, Wilkes-Barre Municipal G.C. Condolences also go out to Mike Kubasak, Jr. and his family on the death of his father, Mike Kubasak, Sr. Mike Jr. is the superintendent at Edgewood in the Pines, where his father also worked since 1988. One way to keej?peoplefrom Jumping down your tHroat is to fceej?your moutfi shut. failure is only tHe opportunity to Drought Information via the Internet: fiepin apainmore inteflipently. ww w.dep.state.pa.us POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 147 HAYFIELD ROAD POSTAGE SHAVERTOWN, PA 18708-9748 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION NAME & ADDRESS ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.