CHIPS V PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Founded in POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 1936 VOL 8, NO. 7 October/November 2002 Did You Know... If you could count the number of cricket chirps in one minute, divide by two, add nine and divide by two again, you would have the correct temperature in | Celsius degrees If a statue in a park of a I person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the On October 23, 19 brave golfers descended on the quaint village of My- person died in battle; if the ersville, MD for a day of golf at Musket Ridge. Little known was that that eve­ horse has one leg in the air, ning the Beltway Snipers would be arrested only a short mile or so from the the person died as a result golf course !! In retrospect, it was thought the duffers could have been in of wounds received in the "line-of-fire" all day !! battle; if the horse has all It was an informal gathering orchestrated by one of our former members, four legs on the ground, the Doug Witcraft, the superintendent and his assistant, Matt Kuchta. The group person died of natural from Shawnee Inn & CC was kind enough to donate their van for ease of I causes. transportation. A box lunch was provide at the beginning of the round and In every episode of "finger food" and a quarter keg followed the golfing. [Seinfeld, there is Superman The Musket Ridge GC encompasses over 150 acres of breathtaking views | somewhere. and is another gem designed by Joe Lee. With its natural beauty and to­ More than 50% of the pography, Musket Ridge will certainly become known as one of his finest I people in the world have courses, joining the ranks of Joe Lee's Doral & LaCosta. never made or received a From the firsts hole's dramatic elevated tee shot, you will realize this course phone call. will rank as one of the Free States best. Undulating greens, strategically lo­ cated visible hazards from elevated tee boxes and unique bunkering are the trademarks of this superbly conditioned golf course. The course plays 6,900 yards from the tips and is a real joy to play. As you stand on each tee, the hole is laid out before you, not only visually, but physically with hardly any blind shots. A real golfing ex­ perience. Doug ("El Bigota") has invited us back in the spring, so those of you who wish to take advantage of this "road trip" make your wishes be know. Or just go down on your own. "El Bigota" can be reached at 301-293-2174. The brave soles came from Shawnee Inn & CC, C. C. of the Poconos, Windsor Heights, Woodstone CC, Silver Creek CC, Fountain Springs CC, Bowling Green CC (Front Royal, VA), and Simplot Partners. President’s M essage ..... Officers & Directors 2003 Hello, again....First of all I would like to thank Gene Huelster for the past two years he has served as Association President. We wish him PRESIDENT RonGarrison, CGCS, Fox Hill C.C. well, with continued success at White Beeches and the New Jersey 570-655-2383 Association. Also, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tony Rgarrison@aol.com Grieco for his many years of service to the PTGA. Tony has always VICE PRESIDENT given 100% for the PTGA. Thanks, Tony. I will be in touch. Eric Reed, Valley C.C. This is my third go round as your Association President in the past few 570-788-4277 Barley5@aol.com years. I hope to pick up where we left off a few years ago. Your Board of Directors has given me the opportunity to “right the TREASURER ship" if you may, following one of the most difficult years for many of us Mark Eisele, CGCS, C. C. at Woodloch Springs 570-685-2980 in fhe turfgrass business. The weather conditions, along with two PTGA eiselemk@ltis.net Board members moving out of the region, contributed to some poorly SECRETARY attended and supported PTGA business. Jason J. Barndt, Berwick Golf Club One of the most exciting things that has happened in the past few 570-759-6480 grassman72@hotmail.com months is the addition of two new Board members, Andy Jubinski and Rich Sweeney. We welcome these two great superintendents and look DIRECTORS forward to working with them to get the PTGA kick started again. Steven Chirip, Egypt Farms, Inc. Andy and Rich will be chairpersons of our Education Committee, and 570-894-3131 the two have already begun setting up educational topics for our John Downer, Elkview C.C. monthly meetings. 570-222-9247 The monthly meeting schedule is near completion. We are still looking for two meeting sites, one for the month of April, preferably Joseph Flenry, Hideaway Hills G.C. 610-681-6000 south of l-80/Lehigh Tunnel, and one for August to host the clambake. jrcmhenry@earthlink.net If you have any interesf in hosting this year or in the years to come, Andrew Jubinski, Jr., Glenmaura National G.C. please contact Executive Secretary, Melinda Wisnosky, or any one of 570-457-8733 the PTGA Board members. Duane Schell, Blue Ridge Trail G. C. I look forward to a great year with the PTGA. Again, I will ask all of 570-868-8113 you to get more involved with the Association. djschell@epix.net On behalf of the PTGA Board of Directors, Have a Safe and Happy Richard Sweeney, CGCS, Glen Oak C.C. Holiday Season! 570-586-5791 r.j.sweeney@att.net Ron Garrison, C G C S CHIPS & PUnS STAFF EDITOR Eric Reed M a n a g in g Editor From the Editor’s Desk ..... Melinda Wisnosky Editorial C o m m itte e Jason Barndt The golf committee will be finalizing the 2003 meeting schedule this Jeff Koch month. We can then begin to contact educational speakers in Jim MacLaren January when they are accessible and willing to consider spending a PTGA Office day with the members of the Pocono Turfgrass Association. If you are RR 1, Box 219 considering hosting a meeting next year, or even in 2004, please let Harding, PA 19643 one of the board members know or leave a message with Melinda. Phone/Fax: (570] 388-2167 I began recapping the GCSAA Chapter Delegates Meeting in this issue, and will complete the recap in the next issue. Please pay attention to the issues involving your vote at the national conference, and don't hesitate to let the board know your feelings so we can cast an association vote that is representative of our membership. Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the Happy Holidays to all. 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 Eric Reed permission as long as the true context is maintained. W e would appreciate a credit line. & pA ÿl EARTHWORMS: THATCH-BUSTERS Earthworms, called the “intestines of the ( ^ problems and, if a treatment is necessary, select- earth” by Aristotle, are very important soil organ- 1 ^ / 7 ^ ing products that have the least detrimental ef- isms that aid in the decomposition of plant litter, " " / ^ feet. Products commonly used on turf areas vary such as the thatch layer, and in recycling of nu- v\ greatly in their toxicity to earthworms. Some pes­ trients. They help to break down and condition ticides can cause severe and long term reduc­ plant remnants in their gut. Their tunnels in the soil help tions in earthworm numbers. Most of the common oxygen and water to enter the soil more easily and earthworm species in Kentucky grow slowly, live for sev­ their castings (waste) enrich it. eral years, and have low reproductive rates. Conse­ Earthworms may be viewed as pests because their quently, repopulation of poisoned soil is slow. Preserva­ burrows and castings create a roughened surface. tion of earthworms is important where thatch is a prob­ Also, since earthworms are a preferred food for moles, lem. pesticides are sometimes applied in an effort to re­ Generally, the only time an insecticide application is move food so that the moles will go elsewhere. There necessary for most turf situations is to control white is no scientific evidence that elimination of earth­ grubs. An application, if needed, should be made in worms will reduce problems with moles. Earthworms about mid-August. Information on recognition, evalua­ make significant contributions to a fertile, healthy soil. tion, and treatment is available at your county exten­ Attempts to control them to reduce surface disruption sion office (ENT-10, Controlling White Grubs). can have severe consequences, especially in thatch The following toxicity information for earthworms was build up. obtained during a 3-year research project by the UK Thatch is a layer of living and dead roots, stems, and Entomology Department. organic matter that accumulates at the soil surface. Thatch accumulates when the rate of decomposition University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Depart­ is much lower than the rate of grass growth. Use of ment of Entomology. certain fertilizers or pesticides may encourage an a c­ cumulation of thafch by increasing furf growth and/or Common Name_____ Brand Name______ killing beneficial organisms, such as earthworms. Ex­ Low Toxicity 10% to 25% reduction}_____ cessive thatch reduces penetration of water and Fungicides other materials, such as fertilizer. It also encourages chlorothalonil Bravo shallow grass roots which makes turf more susceptible fenarimol Rubigan to stress and pests. A heavy build up of thatch can fosetyl-AI Aliette require expensive dethatching. Earthworms break iprodione Chipco 20619 apart the thatch and pull organic matter into the soil. Rovral They also mix large amounts of soil into the thatch mancozeb Dithane M-45 layer. This aids in a more rapid breakdown of the layer Manzate 200 by increasing microbial activity and enhances its metalaxyl Ridomil, Subdue properties for growth of turfgrass. myclobutanil Nova, Rally Earthworms are generally found in the top 12" to 18” propiconizole Banner, Tilt of the soil because this is where food is most abun­ tebuconazole Folicur dant. The worm ingests soil and organic matter which triadimefon Bayleton is swallowed and ground in the gizzard. The ejected material, castings, are used to line the burrow or are Herbicides deposited at the entrance. Earthworm activity de­ dicamba Banvel pends directly on soil moisture and temperature. They dithiopyr Dimension become active when soil thaws in the spring and isaxaben Gallery move deeper in late summer as the soil dries. pendamethalin Pre-M, Prowl, Ornamental Pesticides and Earthworms Herbicide 2 Pesticides applied to control turf diseases or insect pests may severely affect earthworms. This can be (C ontinued on p a g e 4) avoided by accurately identifying and assessing PlantStar Fertigation.. .Solutions to Grow On! PLANTSTAR, Inc.in association with CARBTROL Corp. Premium sod for golf cou rses Announce the introduction of its ADVANCED WASHWATER RECYCLE SYSTEM Chip Presendofer A T Sales Associates, Ltd. 1011 Church Road Oreland, PA 19705 Engineered system provides: • Zero pollutant discharge • Best available technology • High reliability and low maintenance Designed to integrate: •Vehicle wash • Fueling « 'i Is • Chemical mixing/sprayer storage Tel 215-886-6011 Fax 215-886-1203 Let us show you how INTEGRATED CHEMICAL Pager 800-983-3430 MANAGEMENT can work for you! 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 (Continued from page 3) Herbicide 2 Insecticides Prodiamine Kerb bendiocarb Turcam 2,4-D 2-4,D carbaryl Sevin trichlopyr Garlón ethoprop Mocap to notos Crusade, Dyfonate Insecticides phorate Thimet azadirachtin Margosan-O bifenthrin Talstar cyfluthrin Baythroid, Tempo To reduce detrimental effects: fluvalinate Mavrik > Apply pesticides only when needed; eliminate preven­ isophenphos Oftanol tive applications, especially in the spring when earth­ worms are near the soil surface Plant Growth Regulators > Select products that are least injurious to earthworms flurprimidol Cutless and do not exceed labeled rates > If possible, treat only infested areas mefluidide Embark Moderate Toxicity (26% to 50% reduction) Other Factors Excessive nitrogen applications that greatly reduce soil and Insecticides thatch ph can be detrimental to earthworms. Earthworms are gen­ chlorpynfos Dursban, Lorsban erally intolerant of acidic soils (pH<6.0). Soil samples can deter­ mine fertility needs and allow management decisions that will diazinon Diazinon, Spectracic help to maintain healthy turf and beneficial organisms. isazofos Triumph trichlorfon Proxol Severe Toxicity (51% to 75% reduction)_ Nothing Runs Like A Deere Fungicides thiophanate Fungo, Cleary-3336 methyl Topsim-M TOM BRAGO DALE ANDREW Very Severe Toxicity (76% to 100% reduction) FINCH TURF EQUIPMENT, INC. (215) 661-0390 419 Industrial Drive (800) 875-TURF Fungicide North Wales, PA 19454 Web Site: www.finchlnc.com FAX: (215) 661-9161 PARTS: (800) 78-DEERE benomyl Benlate, Tersan-1991 G CSAA CHAPTER DELEGATES MEETING RECAP The GCSAA Chapter Delegate Meeting was held conference and show = 19%, Administrative = 25%, November 1 through November 3 in Kansas City, Goals...Be image, career development, and media relations = Missouri. A total of 98 out of 102 affiliated chapters were represented. Eric Reed represented the Pocono recognized among 6.5%, member and chapter services = 7%, foundation contribution = 5%, investment loss = 5% Turfgrass Association. The following is a brief re­ the top • Dues increase is necessary to maintain current cap of the highlights of the meeting. A complete 35- page outcome is available on the GCSAA website. organizations in operational status. Last dues increases were 19% in 1997, 20% in 1990, and 21% in 1987. American golf • Increase will permit association to break even*• State of the Association operationally. Also fund growth and advance the or­ • 22,000 members in 72 countries and territories; ganization’s mission, including educational web-casting, Association staff of 120; $18 million operating budget; career development expansion, expanded employer outreach 10.000 registrants in education programs; average of 20,000 efforts, and expanded chapter leadership programs. attendees at conference and show; 730 exhibitors and • GCSAA is preparing for a fiscal year change, effective Janu­ 270.000 square feet of exhibit space at conference and show. GCSAA currently has 102 affiliated chapters, 55 student ary 1, 2004. Current bylaws state that the audit report shall be available for members at the annual meeting. This will chapters, 1,800 certified members, 22 committees and 250 not be possible with a new fiscal year. A bylaws change will committee members, and 10,000 registrants on the website. Association’s four goals are: be proposed that will allow an audit to be presented within 5 1. To enable our members to achieve career success. Av­ months of the year-end. erage tenure of a superintendent at one facility in 1995 • Consideration of a joint trade show with the National Golf was 7 years, 6 years in 1998, and 5 years in 2000. Goal Course Owners Association. Would still involve separate is to better position superintendent within their facility. conferences with possible educational overlap possibilities. 2. To be a powerful and influential advocate for the inter­ • GCSAA audit will be available on the website in the near ests of the profession and our members. Greater public future. outreach. 3. To be the recognized authority on continuing educa­ Media/Public Relations tion, information and issues related to golf course man­ • GCSAA is focusing on building awareness and understand­ agement. Being an environmental leader. ing of the profession among avid golfers, and building 4. To be a strategically positioned, dynamic and respon­ awareness and understanding of GCSAA among the trade. sive organization. Goals by 2007: Considerations for a change in location.... (more to come) • Be recognized among the top organizations in American golf; be recognized as the authoritative source of informa­ tion and education related to golf course management by GCSAA members and others in the golf industry. Be recog­ nized as leading g olfs commitment to a positive environ­ mental impact. VERTI-DRAIN & 570-602-3G 54 • To have the golf course superintendent be recognized as the ROTADAIRON 800-554-4863 DEALERS & CONTRACTORS FAX 570-602-3053 key to the economic vitality of the facility by employers, and a key to the enjoyment of the game by influential golfers. Financial Status of the Association E & M Golf S upply Co . A DIVISION OF H.V. INC. • The negative results in 2002 ($802,000 net loss) were a di­ 9 5 0 SATHERS DRIVE. PITTSTON TOWNSHIR PA 186 4 0 rect result of the poor overall economy, including weak cor­ SPECIALIST IN DEEP TINE AERATION porate earnings, causing reduced marketing budgets for our industry partners, and losses in the equity investment mar­ STEPHEN MICHAEL kets. • Revenue sources: membership dues = 22%, user fees (conference and show) = 20.6%, industry support = 54.3%, future initiative accrual = 2.4% • Expenses: Education, info, publications, and web = 37%, ¡>Ajc6 . G O L F RESULTS O F THE O C T O B E R M E E T IN G Shaun M. B arry 'Aventis Sales Representative CHIPC0 Professional Products Aventis E nvironm ental Science 1133 Rt. #27 Somerset, NJ 08873 1st Gross - Jim Carville and Bill Rahling (76 +4) 2nd Gross - Duane Schell and Hopeck (79 +7, Match of Cards) Tel. (732) 846-8173 Fax (732) 846-81 13 emai I :Shaun. Barry@aventis.com 1st Net - Tony Grieco and Steve Chirip (69 -3, Match of Cards) 2nd Net - Dennis DeSanctis and Paul (69 -3, Match of Cards) Pin Shot 0-15 Handicap - Jeff Wamlob Pin Shot 16+ Handicap - Rick Pany Thank you to our sponsors: TORO. Bob Price, Golf Course Superinfendenf Tom Brago and Finch Turf (Lunch) Tony Grieco and Aquarius irrigation (Hors d'oeuvres) TURF EQUIPM ENT MATT BROWN TELEPHONE: 215-340-5401 PAGER: 888-896-5094 Lee Kozsey Syngenta Professional Products EartHAJbrks IRRIGATION r ifM & A \ Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. N atural Organic P ro d u cts GEORGE SKAWSKI b y n g t r i l L O 3710 Amherst Court Bethlehem, PA 18020-1356 Joel Simmons TELEPHONE: 215-340-5450 Tel. 610-861-8174 Fax 610-882-9358 PAGER: 888-376-2074 Mobile 215-796-0409 PO. Box 278K www.soilfirst.com EMAIL: g.skawski@philyturf.com www.syngenta.com 6574 S. Delaware Drive Fax: 610-250-7840 Martins Creek, PA 18063 Phone: 610-250-9560 lee.kozsey@syngenta.com 800-732-TURF JO H N M. BOD OC K fisher son company, inc. Lawn and Golf Supply Co., Inc. S p e c ia l is t s I n E q u ip m e n t A n d S u p p l i e s F o r M a in t e n a n c e O f T u r f Superior Products for the Turf and Horticultural Professional Mark Reed ( 610) 282-2381 fax (6 1 0 ) 282-2392 PHONE: (610) 9335801 237 East King St. M alvern PA 19355 (800) 3 6 2 -5 65 0 FAX: (610) 9 3 3 -8 89 0 6 4 7 NUTT R d . P.O. B o x 4 4 7 P h OENIXVILLE, P a 19460 PH. 1-800-262-2127 FAX (610) 644-7791 www.fisherandson.com * Layout and Design * Typesetting It’s every player’s responsibility... * Mac/IBM desktop publishing li? interface A * Laser color separations A£ Repair ball marks * Scitex® electronic photo retouching m m s Replace or fill divots 31 Hill Street, P.O. Box 507 * Full electronic prepress services Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-0507 * Foil stamping, embossing 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 G C SA A ft* 7 Stressed Out? John Fowler II Syngenta Professional Products Dr. George W. Hamilton, Jr., Penn State University Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. syng'enta 325 Mill Pond Lane Oxford, PA 19363 The long hot dog days of summer are behind us, but many areas of Tel. 610-998-2896 Fax 610-998-2987 scorched turf remain. The dead turf reminds us of what a difficult sum­ www.syngenta.com mer it was for many golf course superintendents and their staffs. Drought, high temperatures, disease, anything that could give grass a john.fowler@syngenta.com hard time seemed to appear in the summer of 2002, and stress levels were at all time highs. Of course I'm talking about plant stress, which can lead to human stress. N o r t h e r n N u r s e r i e s , in c . Professional Turf Products Division , It seems that the causes of turf loss are somewhat misunderstood by golfers. I've spoken with several club members, green committee RT 115, Sullivan Trail Wind Gap, PA 18091 chairs, etc. this summer; and they all had a consistent theme when Phone: (610) 863-6006 /M m Fax: (610) 863-6384 talking about the loss of turf at their golf courses. The theme revolved around the golf course being attacked by a dastardly disease or ex­ Home Phone/Fax: DAN FICK (610) 562-6812 posed to prolonged drought and heat. I was shocked (not really!) that SALES REPRESENTATIVE Pager: (610) 791-8336 the demand for fast greens and tournament conditions wasn't part of their reasons for dead turf. I informed them that the main reason for so much turf loss is that too much turf is consistently stressed to provide tournament conditions every single day. As we (i.e. turfers) all know, f i j Jo h n D eere stressed turf is more susceptible to environmental and pest-related LAN D SCAPES stresses. The pursuit of perfect playing conditions day in and day out is Featuring Hunter Golf Irrigation Systems the major reason that so much turf can be lost in a single season. Pump Stations • Fountains • Landscape Lighting Controller Board Repairs and More Practically no one escaped the summer unscathed. Our industry's hidden mission statement of “ keep up with the Joneses” has forced far 800 642-3706 - too many golf courses to abandon good agronomic practices. Less core cultivation, low fertility, excessive rolling, etc., will eventually take its toll. After all, it is a living plant. This year, even the "Joneses" have lost grass, and golfers need to be reminded of that when ridiculous demands are being placed on golf course superintendents. Dead grass looks the same at big budget SEAN P. CULLEN Territory M anager clubs as it does at low budget clubs. Stress doesn’t discriminate by budget size. If you maintain grass on the “edge,” sometimes you’ll go STULL EQUIPMENT COMPANY Turf & Industrial Division 610/495-7441 over the edge. 201 W indsor Road 800/727-1024 There is no easy cure or quick fix, but we as an industry need to Pottstown, PA 19464 FAX 610/495-7510 work together to develop a consistent message that this unrealistic and consistent pursuit of perfect playing conditions is going to con­ tinue to lead us down a path of over-stressed turf, which can easily re­ Robert Seltzer Market Sales Representative vert to really dead turf. We need to become proactive and begin to educate golfers that this pursuit for perfection is agronomically incor­ 15885 Sprague Road rect and that the consequences of "living on the edge” will eventually IN E S C O Strongsville, OH 44136-1799 result in poor playing conditions (dead turf) that will lead to significant 717.865.4771 inconveniences (renovations, course closings) to players. 800.321.5325 VM 6125 Unfortunately, a lot of superintendents will probably lose their jobs 717.865.4771 Office/Fax sls2p8@lesco.com this year because they lost grass as a result of creating too much stress by doing things against their will, experience, and education. The de­ mand for perfect playing conditions has gripped our industry, and the resulting stress has begun to take its toll. And I'm not talking about plant stress. POCONO ROUNDUP NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION *7ée Sound o£'Dinectonû t&e pocouo HunfanuM would li& c to wiod yocutd cfo a "TKenny(tyiiotmao /4ud T icw