chips ï puns OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Founded in POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 1936 VOLUME: 7, NUMBER: 2 APRIL 2001 CURRENT TRENDS IN FERTILITY PROGRAMS FOR GOLF COURSE PUTTING GREENS By: T.A. Nikolai, R.N.Calhoun, B.J. Horvath, K.W. Frank, and J.M. Vargas Jr. Introduction spring or tank-mixed with Primo had acceptable Spoon feeding programs have become the status turfgrass quality on most rating dates. quo for fertilization of golf course putting greens. With respect to green speed, the 0.1 lb. N/M Spoon feeding can be defined as applying small treatment had significantly faster green speeds than amounts of fertilizer at frequent intervals throughout the 1 lb. N/M Methex and 1 lb. N/M urea treatments the season. The objectives of spoon feeding programs throughout most of the study. On average, the 1 lb. N/ are to satisfy the nutritional needs of the plant by M Methex and 1 lb. N/M urea treatments were applying light, frequent applications of balanced approximately 8” slower than the 0.1 lb. N/M treatment. nutrient solutions. Additionally, spoon feeding On the four sampling occasions, significant green programs are popular because they maintain control speed differences existed between the 0.1 lb. N/M and over growth, maintain consistent green speeds, and 1 lb. N/M Methex + Primo treatments. The 0.1 lb. N/M potentially improve nutrient use efficiency. treatment was on average 5” faster than the 1 lb. N/M The current trend in putting green fertilization is to Methex + Primo treatment. There were no ditferences in spray 0.1 lb. N/M every ten days throughout the green speed between the 0.1 lb. N/M with and without growing season. This practice leads to 0.3 lb. N/M Primo. The 0.1 lb. N/M treatments that were initiated in monthly. Furthermore, if the program is initiated on the spring with either a 1 lb. N/M natural organic or 1 lb. April 1 and ends November 1, a little over 2 lb. of N/M N/M starter fertilizer yielded slower green speed will be applied annually. measurements on only two and three occasions, respectively, as compared to the 0.1 lb. N/M treatment Materials and Methods with no spring fertilizer supplement. On April 28, 2000 a study was initiated that Stimp meter measurements of 6” are commonly combined historical and current fertility practices at accepted as the minimum difference in green speed the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center at MSU. The detectable by the average golfer. For this reason green study was conducted on a Penncross creeping speed consistency for each treatment was estimated bentgrass green that was mowed with a walk behind by determining the number of times a 6” difference or mower at the bench height of 0.130 inches. Irrigation less was observed between successive measurements. was provided at 0.1" per day regardless of rain events. In our study there were three days that Stimp meter Light sand topdressing was applied every two weeks data were collected resulting in all treatments having and the plots were verticut in weeks that topdressing greater than a 6” change in green speed. It is was not applied. The eight treatments are outlined in hypothesized that rain events were the major Table 1 (see page 3). contributing factor resulting in the drop in green speed Stimp meter measurements were taken every 5 on all three of those dates. These three data sets were days starting on June 1. Turfgrass quality ratings were disregarded in determining consistency of green speed. taken throughout the study on a scale of 1 to 9 with 1 Given the criteria, the check plots had the least = poor, 6 = acceptable, and 9 = excellent quality. The variation in green speed with only two observations objectives of the study were to determine the effects varying by 6” or more. The 0.1 lb. N/M treatment of nitrogen rates and application frequency on ball roll (Continued on page 3) distance (green speed), turfgrass quality, and disease symptoms. fyfx X&a / I \4 4 4 M .% Results and Discussion The monthly 1 lb. N/M treatment consistently had acceptable turf quality ratings (> 6) while the check ♦ Roamin' Around the GCSAA plot always resulted in unacceptable turf quality. ♦ Ten Ways to Demonstrate Leadership There were no statistically significant differences in turfgrass quality between the monthly 1 lb. N/M ♦ Superintendent Profile: Kelly Kressler Methex treatments with or without Primo. ♦ Educational Committee Update The plots receiving only 0.1 lb. N/M had unacceptable turfgrass quality on all but two rating dates. However, turf plots treated with 0.1 lb. N/M that were initiated with a pound of nitrogen in the early President’s Message Here's spring and w e ’re looking for 1 to 3 inches of snow (4/16-4/17). Some of my members are calling it an onion snow, I call it ENOUGH!!! This has been one of the longest winters' that I can remember. In this month's newsletter you'll find the monthly meeting schedule sites. I must apologize, because we have not been able to finalize the meeting dates. I'll make sure we get that done as soon as possible. I feel that this year's sites look very exciting. Let's keep our PRESIDENT Gene Huelster, Pocono Farms C.C. fingers crossed for some great weather for this coming summer. 570-894-8055 turfman@ezaccess.net VICE PRESIDENT Gene Huelster Darrin M. Batisky, Glen Oak C.C. 570-586-5791 dmbatisky@hotmail.com P.S. If you ever have any suggestions for this Association, please feel free SECRETARY/TREASURER to contact me at anytime. Mark Eisele, CGCS, C. C. at Woodloch Springs 570-685-2980 eiselemk@ltis.net DIRECTORS Jason J. Barndt, Berwick G. C. From the Editor’s Desk 570-759-6480 grassman72@hotmail.com Steven Chirip, Egypt Farms, Inc. Well another Chips & Putts is upon us which means the golfing could not 570-894-3131 be too far behind. Most courses in our region opened or will be opening much John Downer, Elkview C.C. later then in previous years. I think most of us can concur that “it’s been a long 570-222-9247 winter”. Long winters mean golfers are looking and hoping to golf as soon as the snow melts. And sometimes even before all the snow has melted. It is this Eric Reed, Valley C.C. 570-788-4277 type of situation that makes all our jobs a little tougher. At Glen Oak we barley5@aol.com sustained some ice damage on one green (even after pushing snow/ice off the surface from late January on). I’m thankful that this type of damage was PAST PRESIDENT isolated to just one green (it of course was the green that is surrounded by 40- Ron Garrison, CGCS, Fox Hill C.C. 50 foot evergreen trees). Since I realized that we had some damage I contact 570-655-2383 rgarrison@golfsat.net several area superintendents to get some feed back. I also had two superintendents visit and a few others ask for digital pictures via email. Getting others involved helped me figure out the situation and formulate a plan of CHIPS & PUHS STAFF attack. It never ceases to amaze me how speaking with others about EDITOR problems helps all of us. THANKS GUYS!! As my club president told me: “if we Darrin M. Batisky didn’t have problems we wouldn’t need you”. Good luck to everyone for a successful golf season. And if I can help anyone do not hesitate to call. Managing Editor Melinda Wisnosky On pages 4 & 8 of this edition we have “Roamin’ Around the GCSAA.” Ed Editorial Committee Keil, Superintendent of Lehman GC approached me about this type of Ron Garrison, CGCS column over the winter. I thought it was a great idea to give everyone a Jeff Koch Jim MacLaren sampling of what GCSAA has to offer the industry as seen through Ed’s eyes. I Eric Reed am grateful to Ed for taking the time to write down some of his thoughts. It’s actually pretty easy and please keep in mind that we will present a $ 100 gift PTGA Office certificate from LL Bean to the person with the best original article that is RR 1, Box 219 published for the 2001 season (articles will be judged by the Editorial Harding, PA 19643 Committee). Please contact me or Melinda about submitting your thoughts or Phone/Fax: (570] 3 8 8 -2 1 6 7 ideas. I ’m looking forward to Ed’s next article. See you all at the meetings! Darrin Batisky Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author a n d /o r 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. W e would appreciate a credit line. (Continued from page 1) N o r t h e r n N u r s e r i e s , in c . P r o f e s s io n a l T u r f P r o d u c ts Dio initiated with a 1 lb. N/M starter fertilizer and the 0.1 lb. N/M treatment tank mixed with Primo resulted in the most consistent green speeds among the RT 115, S ullivan Trail tertilized plots, yielding green speed variations greater than 6” on only three W in d G a p , PA 18091 occasions. The 0.1 lb. N/M treatment initiated with a 1 lb. N/M natural organic Æ Ë Phone: (610) 863-6006 and the 1 lb. N/M Methex + Primo treatment varied by 6” or more four times. Fax: (610) 863-6384 The 0.1 lb. N/M every ten days had the most inconsistent green speed of any of H o m e P h o n e /F a x : the foliar treatments with 6 of the 14 dates resulting in green speed changes of DAN FICK (6 1 0 ) 562-6812 6” or more. The 1 lb. N/M Methex treatment and the 1 lb. N/M urea treatment SALES REPRESENTATIVE P a g er: (6 1 0 ) 791-8336 varied by 6” or more 6 and 7 times, respectively. Dollar spot data was collected twice during the study by counting the number of dollar spots per plot. No statistical significance between any of treatments occurred regarding dollar spot. We believe this was due to the large amount of variation between plots independent of treatment. However, Innovation, Integrity, a general trend existed toward less dollar spot on plots receiving less nitrogen. JJATROLS Product Research, a n d Adding Scinta ta Surfactants Conclusions A M oney Bach The 0.1 lb. N/M every ten days treatment without any additional nitrogen application in the spring produced unacceptable turfgrass quality. The 0.1 lb. N/M treatment also produced the most inconsistent green speeds of the four foliar treatments in the study. (800) 257-7797 / Fax: (856) 751-3859 /www.aquatrols.com Previous studies have suggested that increasing nitrogen decreases the occurrence of dollar spot. However, we noticed that low nitrogen plots had the least dollar spot, but we are not certain if this was a result of fertility regime or the inability to observe dollar spots because of an already thin, weak turf. Both 0.1 lb. N/M turfs that were initiated with a pound of nitrogen in the spring had acceptable quality for the majority of the season and produced consistently fast green speeds. It is worth noting that the 0.04 fl. oz./M Primo + 0.1 lb. N/M treatment also produced consistent green speed and acceptable quality ratings. Our research suggests that a spoon-feeding program should be enhanced with additional nitrogen applications in either the spring and lot the fall of each season to achieve acceptable turfgrass quality. The data suggest that the TORO. greens will not lose any noticeable speed due to supplementing with a spring feeding and that they may be more consistent for the duration of the season. TURF EQUIPMENT The complete results of this study will be published in a future issue of Golf Course Management. MATT BROWN TELEPHONE: 215-340-5401 Acknowledgments PAGER: 888-896-5094 The authors would like to thank Jon Bristol and Aaron Hathaway for their technical assistance in this study. We would also like to acknowledge The IRRIGATION Anderson’s, Novartis, Turtgrass Inc., and Turf Partners for donating materials to GEORGE SKAWSKI make this study possible. TELEPHONE: 215-340-5450 PAGER: 888-376-2074 EMAIL: g.skawski@philyturf.com Treatment Source Rate/1000 sq .ft. Interval Method 1 Methex 40-0-0 1.0 lbs. N 30 days Granular 2 Urea 46-0-0 1.0 lbs. N 30 days Granular 3 14-28-10 1.0 lbs. N April 28th Granular 4 6-2-0 1.0 lbs. N April 28th Granular 5 28-7-14 0.1 lbs. N 10 days Foliar 6 Untreated 7 28-7-14 0.01 lbs. N 10 days Foliar 8 Methex 40-0-0 1.0 lbs. N 30 days Granular _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________ k g fr ROAAAIN' AROUND THE GCSAA by - Ed Keil, Superintendent Lehman GC The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) was founded in 1926 based on a pledge to build an association to inform and educate its membership and strive for the betterment of the greenskeepers future. Today GCSAA’S mission state­ ment still reflects that commitment. The mission of the GCSAA is “To serve its members, ad­ AER-CORE, Inc. vance its profession and enrich the quality of golf and its environment.” Today the GCSAA has over 21,000 members in more than 60 countries around the world. The membership is CONTRACT SERVICES USING: made up of superintendents, golf course employees, students, educators and individuals who represent related turfgrass industries. Ninety-six percent of employers include GCSAA • Southern Green Soil Reliever dues in their superintendents’ benefit package. • TORO Fairway Aerator GCSAA History Lesson, The i9 2 0 ’s: The National Association of Greenskeepers of Amer­ • BLEC Ground Prep & Seeder ica (NAGA) was formed in 1926 by Colonel John Morley and sixty greenskeepers at the • Dakota Peat Topdresser Sylvania Country Club in Toledo, Ohio. In 1927, the first issue of The National Greenskeeper was published in Cleveland, Ohio establishing the first line of communication among golf course superintendents. Seventy-five members of the NAGA met in Chicago for the first EQUIPMENT SALES FEATURING annual meeting. The year 1928 brought an educational component to the NAGA annual • Southern Green Soil Reliever conference, with 14 turfgrass experts addressing 350 registrants. Twenty-seven exhibitors • BLEC Blecavator & Cultipack Seeder showed the latest trends in maintenance equipment. In 1929, there were 5,648 golf courses • Greensgroomer Topdressing Brush in the United States, an average increase of approximately 600 new courses per year since • Dakota Peat Topdressers 1923. The GCSAA held its 72nd International Golf Course Show and Conference in February ELEVEN YEARS IN THE in Dallas, Texas. Tommy Witt CGCS, of the Kiawah Island Club, South Carolina, was elected AERIFICATION BUSINESS President for 2001. Changes to the bylaws in the highly controversial Professional Develop­ ment Initiative (PDI) were approved, 5800 to 1924. The PDI change will provide new stan­ dards for Class A members effective July 1,2003. Existing Class A, B and C members will be • PROVEN TRACK RECORD grandfathered and therefore not required to meet all new standards. Future Class A mem­ • COMPETITIVE PRICES bers will be required to meet the following: • THOROUGHLY TRAINED ♦ a recommended level of formal education, experience and continuing education OPERATORS ♦ an appropriate state pesticide license ♦ fifty hours of continuing education and service every five years for renewal Incoming President Witt stated: “By passing the standards for Class A members, For Service or Demo Please Call: GCSAA members have made a statement to the industry that we are committed to taking 610 327-3390 - bold steps to enable us to advance our profession by improving recognition, potential higher compensation and additional job opportunities.” Bob Eichert Bill Rahling Some of the other highlights of the conference and show included: ° 2001 USGA Green Section Award to Patricia Cobb, a retired turfgrass insect specialist ° Penn State University winning the 7th annual Collegiate Turf Bowl ° GCSAA membership topped 21,000. up 58% from 1994 (13,000) o for the 6th year in a row, show attendance topped 20,000 and 727 exhibitors covered 275,000 sq. ft. of fbor space—a far cry from the first conference in 1927 (Continued on page 8) PlantStar Fertigation.. .Solutions to Grow On! Premium sod for golf courses Looking For The Answer To Chip Presendofer A T Sales Associates, Ltd. Spoon-Feeding Your Golf Course? 1011 Church Road Oreland, PA 19705 PlantStar Fertigation Has The Solution...^, W ith over 15 years experience, we know we can help. Give us a call for Tel 215-886-6011 more details on how fertigation can change the way you grow your turf! Fax 215-886-1203 Pager 800-983-3430 To learn more about PlantStar and our services, call us at: 8 0 0 * 2 7 7 * S T A R w w w .p la n tsta r.co m TEN WAYS TO DEMONSTRATE LEADERSHIP “Great champions have an enormous sense of pride. The people who excel are those who are driven to show the world — and prove to themselves — just how good they are. ” — Nancy Lopez 1. Avoid behavior that communicates that you lack selt-confidence. Body language such as minimal or intimidating eye contact, poor posture, or too many or too tew gestures will invariably harm your credibility. Take care to avoid using gestures that are jerky, sud­ den, or noisy, which may send a message that you lack confidence. 2. Be equally nice to everyone. Know and use people’s names from your newest member or golfer to the most senior, influential ones. Never pass people without making eye contact, waving, and/or speaking. 3. You are the expert, so be comfortable showcasing your talent and demonstrating your competence! “Talent is a gift. Competence isn’t. Competence is something one must do, one must work at — sometimes joyfully, always persistently- and perceptively, realizing where one’s strengths and weaknesses lie.” — Eugene G riessm an, The Achievem ent Factors 4. Think before you react. Prudently choose your response to people and situations. “Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anyone else expects of you. Never excuse yourself.” — Henry Ward Beecher 5. Volunteer for projects and demonstrate initiative by taking on additional responsibility. A phrase like this is music to your manager’s or Board’s/Committee's ears: “I’d like to tackle that one; it sounds like a great opportunity.” 6. Anticipate industry gossip; listen to it, but stay noncommittal. Don’t spend your energy trying to eliminate rumors unless they are se­ vere enough to damage your credibility. TWO-STEP Approach to Squelching Rumors and Handling Gossip: A. "Did I actually see it happen? Do I know it to be true?” B. "Is this my news to tell and is it "nice” news to repeat? Would the subject of this rumor or gossip give me permission to pass it on?” 7. Accept praise graciously and willingly simply by acknowledging it with a confident "thank you!” Apologize without qualification when necessary. Here are examples of apologies with qualifications: “I’m sorry if you heard...” or " I ’m sorry, but I do feel I was...”, "I suppose I should apologize to you” o r " ________ says that I owe you an apology” “An apology is the sign of a secure leader.” — Byrd Baggett 8. Practice the art of politeness and courtesy and, when in doubt, defer to the formal side of etiquette and protocol. 9. Strive for excellence! “Remember, excellence is not optional.” — H. Jackson Brown, Jr . , Life 's Little Treasure Book on Success 10. Believe in yourself. “If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you will never change the outcome — M ichael Jordan, For the Love of the Gam e (Crown) — Adapted from: Lisa Micunek's, Enhancing the Image of the Golf Course Superintendent and Golf Industry Professionals Part I. (The author is a GCSAA seminar instructor and the president of Accent on Success, a firm specializing in etiquette & protocol.) Pfi# 6 EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT ASSOCIATED WITH CATARACT FORMATION PARIS, FRANCE - Sunlight exposure appears to play a role in increasing the risk of cataract formation, ac- \\ cording to an article appearing in the March issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology, a member of the Journal of the American Medical Association family of journals. The researchers studied 2,584 residents of Sête in southern France to evaluate the relationship of ambient solar radiation and professional and leisure exposures to light to different types of cataracts. The researchers found high ambient solar radiation is associated with a 2.5-fold increased risk of cortical cataracts and a 4.0-fold increased risk of mixed cataracts. High ambient solar radiation also was associated with a 2.9-fold increased risk of cataract surgery. “It seems that sunlight exposure throughout a lifetime may be important to cataract formation,” the authors conclude. “These results raise the hope that simple preventive strategies, such as avoiding exposure at midday, may reduce the preva­ lence of cataracts.” According to background information cited in the study, cataract is the leading cause of blindness, accounting for 50 percent of blindness worldwide. In the United States, cataract surgery has become the most frequent surgical procedure in people 65 years or older, with an estimated cost to Medicare of $3.4 billion in 1991. This study was supported by the Institute National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France; by grants from the Foundation de France, Department of Epidemiology of Ageing, Paris, the Region Languedoc-Roussillon, Montpellier, France, the Foundation pour la Recherche Médicale, Paris, and the Association Retina-France, Toulouse; and by financial support from Rhône-Poulenc, Essilor, and the Centre de Recherche et d ’information Nutritionelles, Paris. Adapted from - URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/ll 6.htm, Doctor’s Guide; March 15, 2000 VERTI-DRAIN & 5 7 0 6 0 2 -3 0 5 4 EjjijjpJui: S im p le t ROTADAIRON DEALERS & CONTRACTORS 8 0 0 -5 5 4 -4 8 6 3 FAX 5 7 0 -6 0 2 -3 0 5 3 /Century Rain Aio I Featuring SIMPLOT TURF & HORTICULTURE E & M Golf S upply C o. SIMPLOT PARTNERS A DIVISION OF H.V. INC. Jim MacLaren 9 5 0 SATHERS DRIVE, PITTSTON TOWNSHIP PA 1 8 6 4 0 BUS 570/443-7154 FAX 570/443-7015 SALES REPRESENTATIVE MOBILE 570/650-4982 SPECIALIST IN DEEP TINE AERATION PAGER 570/978-5649 jmaclaren@simplotpartners.com Rotors • Valves • Central Control Systems STEPHEN MICHAEL 800-347-4272 Bringing Earth’s Resources to Life John Fowler JO H N M. B O D O C K E a r tH U U b r k s Syngenta Professional Products N a tu r a l O rg a n ic P ro d u c ts Lawn and Golf Supply Co., Inc. S p ec ialist s I n Eq u ip m e n t A nd S u pplies Syngenta _ _ ___ * _ _ Xi Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. 325 Mill Pond Lane Oxford, PA 19363 For Ma in t e n a n c e O f T urf Joel Simmons Tel. 610-998-2896 Fax 610-998-2987 P.O. Box 278K www.soilfirst.com www.syngenta.com 6574 S. Delaware Drive Fax: 610-250-7840 PHONE: (610) 9335801 Martins Creek, PA 18063 Phone: 610-250-9560 (800) 362-5650 647 NUTT RD. P.O. BOX 447 john.fowler@syngenta.com FAX: (610) 933-8890 PHOENIXVILLE, Pa 19460 800-732-TURF 9 Layout and Design • Typesetting It’s every player’s • Mac/IBM desktop publishing interface • Laser color separations ■ Repair ball marks • Scitex® electronic photo retouching • Full electronic prepress services ■ Replace or fill divots 31 Hill Street, P.O. Box 507 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-0507 9 Foil stamping, embossing ■ Rake bunkers 570-822-8181 9 Complete bindery including FAX: 570-823-3579 saddlestitch and perfect binding A message from your golf course superintendent and GCSAA pAÿl April Meeting Superintendent Profile ... B a y e r (JD Kelly Kressler - Southmoore Golf Course Agriculture Division John W. Wiblishauser Garden & Professional Care Through hard work and dedication, Kelly Kressler has implemented a successful manage­ Field Sales Representative Bayer Corporation ment program from the very beginning stages at the Southmoore Golf Course. This is very 318 E. Glenside Avenue evident since one of Kelly's most notable achievements is the successful grow-in of this golf Glendside, PA 19308 Phone: 215-887-8936 course in only six months. The course was seeded in the fall of 1993 and was opened the Fax: 215-887-0971 spring of 1994. The course designer is Jim Blaukovitch, a popular architect in the Lehigh Voicemail: 888 242-4200, ext. 3605 Valley and much of southeastern Pennsylvania. Southmoore is an 18-hole, public golf course located in Bath, Pennsylvania. The course yardage exceeds 6,200 yards and plays to a challenging par of 71. The turfgrass varieties throughout this layout include a rye­ Nothing Runs Like A Deere grass / bluegrass mix for fairways, ryegrass tees, and bentgrass greens. Kelly and his crew of twelve are easing into the growing season with routine maintenance duties as they deal with slow, but improving weather conditions. TOM BRAGO DALE ANDREW Mr. Kressler is no stranger to the golf course management industry. His 20 years of mainte­ nance experience on golf courses complemented by his educational background, a two- year degree from the Rutgers Turfgrass Management Program, help make him a model FINCH TURF EQUIPMENT, INC. (215) 661-0390 419 Industrial Drive (800) 875-TURF Golf Course Superintendent. Some of his other work history includes an Assistant Superin­ North Wales, PA 19454 FAX: (215) 661 -9161 tendent role at the Center Valley Golf Club under former Pocono Turfgrass Association Web Site: www.finchlnc.com PARTS: (800) 78-DEERE President, Ron Garrison. He also proved himself as a valuable employee while working as a foreman at the River Highland Golf Club in Connecticut. The role he serves as Golf Course Superintendent is preceded by another honorable posi­ tion of being a true family man. He has been married to his wife, Renee, for 10 years, and GOLF CARS INC. LEASING • SA LES • SER V ICE has two children. When Kelly does have free time away from the golf course, he always PAUL SZYMANSKI SALES includes his two sons, Cody, who is 8 years old, and Derek, who is 4 years old. He considers 4180 SKYRON DRIVE golf a leisure time activity, but truly values this time for quality family time. BUCKINGHAM, PA 18912-0247 215-340-0880 OFFICE • 215-340-1634 FAX This Berwick, Pennsylvania native has learned a tremendous amount in life and in this pro­ fession. He has initiated an all purpose philosophy of "Keeping everything in perspective, while providing conditions to best serve the customers who visit his golf club." With the suc­ cess Kelly has achieved, at both professional and family levels, it is easy to say, he will be a long-term contributor to his family and this industry. — by Jeff Koch Educational Committee Update... We’ve changed our approach to hopefully improve the attendance at the monthly golf meetings. Last year we brought in speakers that covered an array of topics in hopes to attract members. However, the turnout was bleak. This year w e ’re eliminating the educa­ tional part of the meeting so you can come out and enjoy the day with just food and golf. It’s possible there may be a short presentation, but this will help lower the cost of the meet­ ings, Steve Chirip, our new golf committee chairman, is setting up a lunch sponsorship for vendors that will provide us with a brief, show and tell, of their product. I’d like to thank Jim MacLaren for the fine job he did with the inaugural PTGA/Simplot Part­ ners winter educational meeting that was held at Split Rock Lodge back in March. For next years meeting w e’d like to revamp the agenda to provide the membership with more hands-on, practical knowledge and still provide you with obtaining pesticide credits. If you have any suggestions let me know, also we are looking for volunteers for the educational CARRYALL DRIVE IT TO W ORK. Club Car committee, so if you’re interested please contact me. Thanks, Jason Barndt P ity 2 PO CO NO RO U N D U P NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE POCONO (Continued from page 4) TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION A survey by 990 superintendents at the show provided us with the following information: ° 19% use recycled water ° 45% selected drought as the most feared weather related condition PTGA would like to welcome the following ° 60% said grubs are the most threatening pests New Members □ 41 % felt computers are the most useful personal technology ° 65% selected computerized irrigation as the top golf course technology Dennis E. DeSanctis, Student, Rutgers University ° 48% considered Tiger Woods as the most influential person in golf Dan Tanto, Class C, Valley Country Club The GCSAA will sponsor Senior PGA Tour professional Jim Colbert for the 2001 season. Colbert will have the GCSAA logo on his shirt Jeffrey Feick, Class B, Glen Brook Golf Club and bag, and will make special appearances on behalf of the GCSAA. Upon signing the agreement, Colbert stated “The Jason Witcraft, Class B, Country Club of the Poconos GCSAA is first class and has made tremendous advances for its members and the golf industry. As a player and a businessman, Jeffrey Hugaboom, Class C, The Country Club at Woodloch Springs other than myself no person is more critical to my success than Andrew Dumas, Class A, CGCS, Silver Creek Country Club the golf course superintendent.” Upon winning the SBC Senior Classic on March 11 th Colbert pulled a blank check out of his wallet, filled it out and handed it to Wayne Mills, Superintendent at Valencia (Calif.) Country Club. Spend it on the crew, Mills was told. Mills declined to disclose the amount of the check. What a nice touch on Colbert’s part. POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION c/o MELINDA WISNOSKY POSTAGE R.R. 1, BOX 219 HARDING, PA 18643 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION NAME & ADDRESS ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.