Founded in chips » puns OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 1936 ASSOCIATION VOL. 2, NO. 2 MAR./APR. 1996 HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE GCSAA CONFERENCE AND SHOW Whether the culmination of one season or the beginning of another, the GCSAA Conference and Show surely is one of the highlights of the season for anyone in the turf industry. And this year’s extravaganza in sunny Orlando, Florida, was no exception. A record 21, 784 people registered for the event, and 693 exhibiting companies occupied almost five acres of exhibit space at the three-day trade show. GCSAA’s 67th annual event included more than 90 educational seminars, sessions and forums. In addition to all that, everyone had an opportunity to see all the latest in golf course management products at the trade show. Needless to say, to do all and see all was quite the impossible task for any one individual. Highlights from the week included: * Bruce R. Williams, CGCS from Highland Park, Illinois, was elected president of GCSAA. Paul S. McGinnis, CGCS, of Phoenix, Arizona, was elected vice-president and George E. Renault, III, CGCS, of Bethesda, Maryland, was elected as secretary/treasurer. Gary Grigg, CGCS, of Naples, Florida, will continue to serve on the board for one year as immediate past president. Re-elected as director was R. Scott Woodhead, CGCS, of Bozeman, Montana. Ken Mangum, CGCS, of Duluth, Georgia, was elected for his first term on the board from a field of six candidates. Michael Wallace, CGCS, of Simsburg, Connecticut, was re-appointed to the board. Dave Fearis, CGCS, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Tommy D. Witt, CGCS, of North Barrington, Illinois, will continue to serve as directors. * At the GCSAA Annual meeting one Article of Incorporation change and all 12 bylaws changes on the ballot were approved. Briefly, all chapters must have an Affiliation Agreement with GCSAA and dues for Class C members is now one-half of Class A and Class B members. * Lou Holtz, head football coach at the University of Notre Dame, delivered the keynote address at the opening session. Holtz diagrammed his personal philosophy for success. According to Holtz, ATTITUDE is the most important thing in the world, and he expects five things from the people who surround him. “I want to surround myself with people who take pride in making a sacrifice. I want people who can accept criticism. I want to surround myself with people who think Notre Dame is important. I want to surround myself with people who are willing to do the little things. I want to be with people who have a passion for excellence.” The attitude you have is critical to the overall success of the organization you are with. * Arthur R. Miller, Harvard Law Professor and legal editor of ABC TV’s “Good Morning America”, acted as moderator of a panel discussion at the Environmental General Session. Panelists, including superintendents, professional environmentalists, and educators engaged in an unrehearsed dialogue on g o lfs environmental challenges. At times cordial, at times combative, the discussion generally followed two themes involving the role of the superintendent: the use of pesticides in tending to a golf course; and the issue of golf course construction, and the closely related issue of community development. Golf and the environment will continue to take center stage in the coming years. * The Trade Show... Just about everyone had something new to show or had improvements to existing product lines. Too numerous to mention it all here, but, from the size of the show, the turf industry is at an all time high. * After a week of conventioneering I was glad to head back to good ‘ol PA. Despite a sore, aching back, mentally I was refreshed and excited for another year ahead. The GCSAA Conference and Show has a way of doing that. See you all in Las Vegas! PRESIDENTS E G A SM .... OFFICERS & DIRECTORS Spring has finally arrived, and with its warm sun comes a burst of TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION enthusiasm to young and old alike. Your Board of Directors has been 1996 busy through the winter months coordinating plans with the hope that we can capture some of our membership’s enthusiasm and direct it toward our Association. Turnouts at monthly meetings in 1995 were good, and a positive PRESIDENT Jeff Peters, CGCS feedback was received from members attending. We have tried to Valley Country Club schedule this year’s meetings so they are spread out geographically throughout our region. We hope this will give everyone an opportunity VICE PRESIDENT to attend at least one meeting that is in their area. Ron Garrison, CGCS Our Golf Committee has devoted itself to making each of our outings an Glen Oak Country Club enjoyable time for all levels of players and to diversifying formats to SECRETARY/TREASURER keep the memberships’ interest. Our Education Committee has planned Mike Vella an agenda that promises to be stimulating for all who attend. The Clinton C. C. combined efforts should produce a day to which everyone looks forward. I would also like to take time to thank all the Directors and their PAST PRESIDENT Hal Parr, Jr., CGCS Committees for the time they have given during the winter months Fox Hill C. C. preparing for the ‘96 Season. Let us, as an Association, show our support by becoming an ACTIVE member. It is only with your participation that DIRECTORS the Pocono Turfgrass Association can continue to grow. Kelly Kressler Southmoore Golf Course Jeff Peters, C.G.C.S Stephen Stranzl Green Acres Golf Course Jim MacLaren Pro-Lawn Products, Inc. EDITOR’S Jack Bird The Hideout, Inc. DESK. Scott Schukraft Huntsville Golf Club CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF Never did I dream this newsletter job would be so difficult, yet so rewarding. Like anything in life, the more difficult, the more rewarding. EDITOR Scott A. Schukraft It seems I am really on a roll with this issue (See Page 6). But, I am 147 Hayfield Road excited, motivated, and ready for spring and all its challenges ahead. Shavertown, PA 18708 (This spring can’t possibly be as bad as last season or this past traumatic 717-675-3800 winter — can it?) EDITORIAL COMMITTEE This has been one of the more difficult issues to put together, probably Hal Parr, Jr., CGCS because of my procrastination and frequent winter travels, but there is a Jim MacLaren lot of tidbit information. So pay close attention - and enjoy! Mike Vella Bill Lansdowne, CGCS Mark McCormick Scott A. Schukraft 1996 MEETING SITES March 19,1996 - Edgewood In the Pines July 1996 - Scranton Municipal Golf Course Host: Anthony Barletta Host: Edward Cimoch *Met Team & PTC Valentine Qualifier April 15,1996 - Southmoore Golf Course August 19,1996 - Blue Ridge Host: Kelly Kressler Host: Paul E. Weiss, Jr. May 21,1996 - Pocono Farms Country Club September 16, 1996 - Clinton Country Club Host: Gene Huelster Host: Mike Vella *Met Team & PTC Valentine Qualifier June 17,1996 - Valley Country Club October 1996 - Four Seasons Golf Club Host: Jeffrey A. Peters Hosts: Mark Sobeck / Jonathon Suitch *In 1996 the PTGA Golf Committee set two qualifying dates for the Met Team Championship and the Valentine Tournament. You must post a score at both qualifiers and attend at least three (3) PTGA meetings to qualify for either team. PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR ON THESE IMPORTANT DATES! ALLIED NEWS 1996 SPEAKER The Allied Golf Course Superintendents Association of Pennsylvania held a Board of Directors meeting on PROGRAM Wednesday, March 6, at the Elks Country Club in State College, PA. ANNOUNCED The Allied consists of the seven GCSAA Chapters in Pennsylvania. They are Philadelphia, Central, Pocono, Pittsburgh, Keystone, Northwestern and Mountain Valley with March 19 - John Chassard - Lehigh C.C. each chapter having two representatives on the Board of Directors. Hal Parr and Mark Monahan are the PTGA Dr. Don Waddington - Retired PSU representatives on the Allied Board. April 15- Neil Cleveland - Bayer Corp. A budget for 1996 was proposed and approved by the board. Each member Association will be assessed the percentage of May 21 - the budget that is equivalent to their percentage of the total Keith Happ - USGA membership in the Allied. The Pocono share of the budget is 7%, Philadelphia 23%, Central 17%, Pittsburgh 21%, June 17 - Dr. Jack Harper - Retired PSU Northwestern 13%, Keystone 7%, and Mountain Valley 11%. Fees are used to cover costs for the hospitality suite at the July 15 - Dr. Paul Heller - PSU Entomologist GCSAA Conference. A huge success this past year. The proposed bylaw amendments were reviewed and Sept. 16 - George Hamilton - PSU approved by the board. The changes will then be sent to the member associations for ratification. The primary change is October 21 - Bill Landsdowne - C.C. of Scranton that every- year the member association will elect one representative to serve on the Allied Board for a term of two MORE INFORMATION FORTHCOMING years. ON PESTICIDE CREDITS. The next Allied Board meeting is scheduled for April 10, 1996. J O H N M. B O D O C K THE CIBA LEGACY Lawn and Golf Supply Co., Inc. AWARD S p e c i a l i s t s in E q u if >m e n t a n d S u p p l i e s Fo r M a i n t e n a n c e O f t u r f PHONE: ( 6 1 0 ) 9 3 3 - 5 8 0 1 (8 0 0 ) 3 6 2 -5 6 5 0 6 4 7 NUTT R o . P .O . BOX 4 4 7 FAX: (6 1 0 )9 3 3 -8 8 9 0 PHOENIXVILLE. PA 1 9 4 6 0 The Ciba Legacy Award, administered by the GCSAA Foundation, offers educational aid to the children and grandchildren of GCSAA members. For a student to be eligible for an award, the following requirements must be met: The S c o tts C om pan y a n d S ubsidiaries 1 One or more of the applicant’s parents or grandparents must have been a GCSAA member in one of the following Fran Berdine classifications: A, B, C, Retired-A, Retired-B, or AA-Life. Executive Technical Representative 2 The student must be studying or planning to study in a field The O.M. Scott & Sons Company unrelated to golf course management. Professional Business Group 199 Warn Avenue 3 The student must be enrolled full time at an accredited ® Pine Bush, NY 12566 institution of higher learning, or in the case of high school Printed on Recycled Paper Telephone: 914/361-4105 seniors, must be accepted at such an institution for the next academic year. 4 The student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on ‘TurfSaits & Consultation a 4.0 scale. Any PTGA member who may be interested in this scholarship ANDRE 8c SON, INC. should contact Scott A. Schukraft ASAP. The application TURF KING PRODUCTS deadline is April 15, 1996. Serving The Area Since 1914 JOHN VOJICK 2 M ill S treet 717-278-1131 Work M ontrose , PA 18801 717-222-9712 Res. 7 1 7 - ? 7 A-'tr /t5 fay AgrEvo »UARIUS. IRRIGATION SUPPL Y, INC. A company ot Hoechst and NOR-AM Shaun M . Barry Sales Representative Specialty Products AgrEvo USA Company 1133 Somerset Street COMMANDER Somerset, NJ 08873 Telephone: (908) 846-8173 GOLF COURSE HEADS & CONTROL SYSTEMS P U M P IN G lAIATE D T O niU inC S T A T IO N S BARENBRUG AQUARIUS I S VOUR R E L I R B L E SOURCE JOHN FARRELL Sales Manager FOR ALL YOUR GOLF P R O D U C T N E E D S . W I T H F I U E L O C A T I O N S TO SERUE YOU. Hawthorne, N.J. 201-423-0222, S. Plainfield, N.J. 908-753-5200, GARFIELD WILLIAMSON, DIVISION Dover. N.J. 201-366-2366, Conshohocken, PA 610-941-6662, 150 Main Street, P.O. Box 99, Ogdensburg, NJ 07439 New Castle, DE 302-328-3326 phone: (800) 435-5296 • (201 ) 209-0088 • fax: (201) 209-0977 Home office phone and fax: (201) 267-8358 o o o o o o o o o o o V PH ILA D ELPIA TU RF COMPANY 4049 LAN D O VILLE ROAD, BO X 665 NEW MEMBERS... DOYLESTOW N. PA 16901-0665 TURF EQUIPMENT IR R IG A TIO N EQUIPMENT & DESIGN SERVICES The Pocono Turfgrass Association would like to V FLOW TRONEX/PSI PUMP STATIONS welcome the following new members: o V OTTERBINE AERATORS Keith J. Snyder, Class A v OFFICE# 215-345-7200 PARTS FAX# 215-345-8132 SALES TORO if Great Bear Golf & C. C. TIME SAVER# 215-348-4314 SERVICE o V Greg McElhatten, Class A Wilkes-Barre Municipal G. C. o o o s 7nc White Marsh. MD 21162 TerraBond TerraFlow (410) 335-3700 W INTERGREEN (And other related thoughts as they come to mind) For better or worse, I have elected to voice my opinion on organization, dedicated to GCSAA re-affiliation, what I suppose amounts to a state of the association editorial. dedicated to truly promoting the superintendent and his Not having much knowledge about the past history of the associates to new levels of professionalism, and most association, I have only been in the area four years, I can only importantly, a board willing to communicate and work editorialize on what I would call recent events. The past is past with each other for the betterment of each and every one anyway! of its members. Some pretty strong statements there. Can we do it? In order to survive we must do it. The I am still getting to know the people, the places, and the Golf Course Superintendents profession is not getting association, but i must say that at times I am impressed with any easier, nor will it in the years ahead. With the age what I observe. The good thing is the more people I meet, the of information upon us, communication and cooperation more impressed I become. The recent Pro-Lawn Seminar is a —the very reasons this association was formed —will good example. Dennis Watkins, Superintendent at Lords become increasingly important. We would like all our Valley and one of the speakers on the program, spoke on the members to be a part of the exciting times ahead. It is monitoring of temperatures, both air and soil, and the influence my firm belief that we will, no matter how great or how they have in the maintenance of his golf course. What really small, have something to offer. But it is up to you. struck me was the graph comparing last year’s soil Your association will only benefit you to the extent that temperatures to a previous year. For the first time, I was hit you allow it to benefit you. As Lou Holtz stated at the with the realization of how difficult a year it really was. GCSAA Conference and Show, it is all about attitude, Wow!! This gentleman is doing some top-notch, leading edge and attitude is one of the things you control. research. And he is one of our own. My immediate reaction at the conclusion of his talk was that I needed to pin him down See you all at the monthly meetings for an article in “Chips & Putts”. This is the kind of information we need to get out to our membership and maybe Scott A. Schukraft other associations, as well. This is the kind of information that will make our publication stand out among the rest. He left me wondering how many other superintendents out there are doing something unique and special that we should all The GXT-1500 Can Carry Its Own Weight know about. I have to believe Bill Landsdowne at the Country But It’s Light on Your Budget. Club of Scranton will have many good insights to offer. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am truly looking forward to his talk at our meeting in October; if for no other reason than he is one of our own speaking about something he did at his club. So what does all this have to do with a state of the association editorial? Well, I am beginning to see an association that is headed for bigger and better things. With an admittedly young and inexperienced board,myself included, we have addressed many of the difficult issues of revitalizing an organization that, for one reason or another, had fallen into some difficult times. But not to worry! I see a board that is dedicated to improvement, dedicated to an unprecedented level of MID-ATLANTIC ■ 20hp, 4 cycle gas engine ^ m i P M c w r ■ Carries 2 people plus a CORPORATION 1500 lb. payload Route ^ Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426 ■ Options available 610 489-1400 - P fl GCSAA BRIEFS.... ♦ “Par for the Course”, the GCSAA television TOM STAGER program, will return to ESPN in 1996. The show, DENNIS WAGNER which . presents a look at the FINCH TURF EQUIPMENT, INC. 404 Elm Av*. (215)661 -0390 world of golf and its beauty, was North Wal«*, PA 16454 600 76 DEERE renewed by ESPN after a successful inaugural year on America’s Total Sports V E R T I-D R A IN D E A L E R S 71 7-288-9004 Network. Twenty-five original & CONTRACTORS 8 0 0-55 4-4 863 half-hour episodes of “Par for the Course” will air FAX 71 7-28 8-9 023 weekly on Sunday mornings at 7:30. beginning March 10. GCSAA feature segments, which ran E S M G olf S u pply C o . A D IV IS IO N O F H .V . IN C . during ESPN televised golf tournaments, also will 2 0 2 W O O D W A R D HILL R D „ E D W A R D S V I L L E , P A 1 0 7 0 4 return in 1996. S P E C IA L IS T IN D E E P T INE A E R A T IO N W ILLIAM SMITH ♦ The United States Golf Association has been selected to receive the 1996 Presidents Award for Environmental Leadership from the GCSAA. The P.0. Box 418 Exeter, Rhode Island 02822 recipient is chosen by the GCSAA Board of Directors based on exceptional environmental 111 phone: 215-886-6011 fax:215-886-1203 pager: 215-540-7157 contributions to the game of golf — contributions that further exemplify the golf course TEE& 1 superintendent’s image as steward of the land. GREENSOD -IN C O R P O R A T E D - Chip Presendofer ♦ GCSAA ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB! Statistics show that 73% of GCSAA members have office computers. Many of you will be happy to know that your association will soon have a site on the World Wide Web, which will offer two distinct types of access: public and members-only. The members only section will also provide direct links to numerous other information sites on the World Wide Web. Some of the information available will be: discussion forums technical databases PARTAC GOLF COURSE PARTAC PEAT regulatory databases TOP-DRESSING CORPORATION Kelsey Park member directory Great Meadows, NJ 07838-9721 vendor directories 1 800 247-2326 - - Local (908) 637-4191 Fax (908) 637-8421 POCONO ROUNDUP GCSAA GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE POCONO One of our own, Scott Schukraft of the Huntsville Golf Club, TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION was the Net winner in the Eighth Flight. Other competitors from the Pocono Association who fared well were Ian Kuensch who Fran Berdine, a member of the Board of Directors of the New finished second Gross in the 1st flight, and Ron Garrison who York State Turfgrass Association, announced effective May 1, finished second Net in the 6th Flight. Dr. Frank Rossi, recently of the University of Wisconsin, has In the Chapter Team Competition, the Pocono Turfgrass joined the faculty of Cornell University. His position will be Association fielded a team and finished a most respectable 17th mostly turf extension with a lesser amount of his time spent on Net and 16th Gross out of 98 teams in the competition. research. Dr. Rossi is filling Dr. Norm Hummell’s position, who Competing on the Team captained by Ed Cimoch were Ron left academia to go into his own business, Hummell & Company, Garrison, Ian Kuensch, and Hal Parr. Inc. AND IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY HEARD....Lesco, Inc. The Great Bear Golf Club, located in Marshalls Creek, PA , is has signed an agreement to acquire the Pro-Lawn Division of quickly taking shape. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Design winds Agway, Inc. According to Jim, Pro-Lawn salesman its way through gently sloping, wooded land in the Pocono extraordinaire, we can continue to expect the same products and Mountains. The course is shaped and should be ready for service we have received in the past. Lesco, Inc. has now opened grassing in the spring of 1996. Great Bear will be ready for play a service center in Moscow (PA, that is!). in late 1996 or early 1997. Tom Rodden from Rolling Greens in CT has accepted the The Pocono Turfgrass Association wishes the very best to Steve superintendent’s position at Berwick Golf Club. We look Campbell, CGCS on his newest venture in New Mexico. Good forward to having Tom as a member of the PTGA! Luck Steve!!