chips % puns OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Founded in POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 1936 hill VOL. 12, NO. 7 September 2006 TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION WËÈmËmm i fL October Monthly Meeting and Annual Meeting Glen Oak Country Club Greg Boring, Golf Course Superintendent October brings us to Glen Oak Country Club in Clarks Summit, PA. This month, in addition to golf, we have our annual meeting and elections, so please try to get out and help drive our association. Greg Boring is our host superintendent. Greg came to Glen Oak in 2005. Prior to Glen Oak Country Club, Greg worked at John’s Island Club in Florida, Oakmont Country Club, The Pete Dye Club in West Virginia, and Preakness Hills in NJ. Greg is a 1999 graduate of Ohio State Uni­ versity. Gino Marchetti is the Assistant Superintendent under Greg. Gino has worked at Valley Country Club, Eagle Rock, Fieldstone Country Club and Old Westbury Golf and Country Club in Long Island. Gino earned his Bachelor's from Penn State in 2001. Since taking the reins at Glen Oak, Greg has constructed tees on the 3rd Flole. Future pro­ jects include a complete bunker renovation and re-contouring of the 7th Green. Greg has a summer crew of 17 and a winter crew of 4 to maintain the 130 acre property. There are 3 acres of greens, 2 acres of tees, and 24 acres of fairways. The course measures 6,548 yards from the tips and is a Par 72. James Harrison and his son-in-law, Ferdinand Garbin, designed Glen Oak Country Club, which was constructed in 1961. Mr. Harrison got his start with Donald Ross in the early 1920’s. He worked as a Teamster, then as a foreman. After this, he went to work with Orrin Smith before striking out on his own to plan and build his own courses. He was later joined by his son-in-law vgsi "Fred” . As a team, they worked on Battleground C.C. in NJ, Blue Ridge Country Club in Pal- merton, PA, Latrobe CC, Oakmont CC, Penn State University GC, Willowbrook C.C., President’s M essage..... Officers & Directors It is hard to believe five years have passed since the September 11, 2006 2001 tragedy. I am sure all of you remember vividly where you were when you first heard the news. I was on my way home to change clothes for our monthly meeting. That day Keith Snyder at Great Bear Golf and Country Club hosted our meeting. As I played golf on this PRESIDENT Duane Schell, Blue Ridge Trail G. C. beautiful sunny day at this great course, it was hard to imagine what 570-868-8113 was going on only an hour and a half away. I am sure all of you who djschell@epix.net were there remember this meeting very well. My thoughts and prayers VICE PRESIDENT go out to anyone who was affected by this horrific act of terrorism. Darrin Larkin, Panorama Golf Course 570-222-9260 On a much brighter note, I would like to congratulate John Bodock on his retirement. John has been a member of the PTGA since the late TREASURER John Downer, Elkview C.C. 1960’s. Thanks, John, for all your support of the Association through the 570-840-0078 years. I wish you the best of health and happiness in your retirement. j_s_downer@juno.com (And may many trophy bucks come your way.) SECRETARY The September golf meeting was hosted by Jeff Lipics at Fernwood Jeff Koch, Glenmaura National C.C. Resort. Unfortunately, I could not attend due to aerification. However, 570-457-8733 I would like to thank Jeff and his staff for hosting the meeting. It was SERGEANT AT ARMS encouraging to hear the turnout for the meeting was very good. I Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. 973-418-3468 would like to remind you the importance of pre-registering for each golf outing. I appreciate the turnout, however, out of respect for the DIRECTORS Rick Anglemyer, Water G ap CC club, please try to contact Melinda if you even think you may attend. 570-424-6391 If you send in your check and cannot attend, we will credit you for Andrew Jubinski, Finch Turf another meeting. This will only help us be more organized for our future 570-378-3043 meetings. glenturf@epix.net D u a n e Schell M atthew Brown, Philadelphia Turf 215-340-5401 CHIPS & PUnS STAFF EDITOR Jim Gurzler Editor’s Notes 570 - 499-1441 jim @ gurzler.com M a n a g in g Editor As I write this month's message, many factors have delayed the pub­ Melinda Wisnosky lication of the previous two months of the newsletter, for this the board Editorial C o m m itte e of the PTGA is profoundly sorry to our sponsors. We are striving to im­ Jeff Koch prove the publication with useful information, as well as other items to M att Brown improve enjoyment and increase readership. Those of you who have Past President mentioned items written in the newsletter, thanks. I appreciate hearing Eric Reed, Valley C.C. feed back so that I know it is being read. 570-788-4277 Barley5@ptd.net This month, I have articles about 3336 and PCNB. PCNB, Thiphanate Methyl and MSMA are currently in the review process and EPA use changes will be forthcoming. Also this month is the article on Glen Oak Country Club, site of this year's election. If you can’t make it for a day with your peers, please make it a point to attend for the elections after golf. The September meeting at Fernwood was a resounding success, many compliments were offered to Jeff Lipics and the staff for the great PTGA O ffice conditions and wonderful food. R.R. 1, Box 219 Harding, PA 18643 Phone/Fax: 570-388-2167 Jim Gurzler Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and/or 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. We would appreciate a credit line. and Sewickley Heights CC, among others in PA. Mr. Garbin also did work prior to the 1983 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club and received praise from both the members and competitors about the reworking done there. Both Mr. Harrison and Mr. Garbin later went on to become president of the ASGCA. Kurt Aaron, Meteorologist for WNEP in Scranton, will be our speaker this month. Kurt is a Dallas native and is a graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Thanks to Seeton Turf Warehouse and Grass Roots for sponsoring this month’s meeting. Hopefully, we will have another great turnout for our annual meeting at this wonderful venue. Reminder! Did you move? Change jobs? New telephone number? Please notify Melinda of any changes you may have as soon as possible. We try to keep our member information up to date, but we need you to let us know when a change has been made. Telephone/fax: 570-388-2167 E-mail: mmel500@aol.com Date: Thursday, August 17, 2006 01:55 PM From: Paul Vincelli pvincell@ukv.edu Topic: Thiophanate methyl and gray leaf spot The US Environmental Protection Agency is required by law to review pesticides originally registered before 1 Nov 1984, in order to assure that these products meet todays standards of safety and environmental protection. That process is called re-registration. The re-registration for the fungicide thiophanate methyl (the active ingredient in Cleary's 3336 Plus, Fungo, Pro­ turf Systemic Fungicide, SysTec 1998, Cavalier, Absorb TM, T-Storm, and Tee-Off) recently was completed. As a consequence of this process, product labels for thiophanate methyl underwent some significant changes, in­ cluding reductions in maximum rates for individual applications and the imposition of a maximum allowable amount per season. Some of these changes are highly relevant to gray leaf spot control and should be high­ lighted, since thiophanate methyl is one of the most effective fungicides for gray leaf spot available, and this year is shaping up to be a season of at least moderate disease pressure. With the recent label changes, the maximum allowable rate for an individual application of thiophanate methyl on fairways is now 4 oz of Cleary's 3336 50WP (or an equivalent rate of a similar product). Thiophanate methyl has performed very, very well against gray leaf spot in many tests across the country. However, in the large majority of these, it was tested at rates of 6-8 oz of Cleary’s 3336 50WP (or equivalent). There are few stud­ ies where the 4 oz rate was tested against a higher rate, and in those studies which I found, the 4.0 oz rate per­ formed as well as higher rates. While I think we need more study on this issue, this sounds hopeful. However, I believe that if I were in the middle of a raging epidemic, I might be tempted to tank-mix at least a low rate of some other fungicide, such as chlorothalonil or mancozeb, just as a precaution until more data come in. Under light to moderate pressure, the 4 oz rate is probably fine. The 2 oz rate of Cleary’s 3336 WP (or equivalent) is now the labeled rate for residential and public areas, which would include athletic fields. This rate is probably inadequate for complete control of gray leaf spot, and tank­ mixing would be recommended, at least under high disease pressure. Hang in there, folks. Autumn is not far away! Paul Vincelli Dept, of Plant Pathology University of Kentucky FROM TURFNET FORUM, A GREAT SITE FOR TIMELY, LIVELY DISCUSSION ON MANY RELEVANT TOPICS! THANKS PETER FOR THE USE OF YOUR INFORMATION. WWW.TURFNET.COM MAESTRO@TURFNET.COM FOR INFORMATION Lee Kozsey Territory Sales Representative S O B B S t r » IS t D Be B U M O 0 Syngenta Professional Products Q U I1 P P f i t i l Svngenla Crop Protection, Inc. ^ J B B1 37 10 Amherst Court Bethlehem, PA 18020-1356 Tel. 610-861-8174 K m i i* Driscoll Fax 610-882-9358 Mobile 215-796-0409 www sy nge nta.com 609 760 4099 cm. 856 769 9555 mm SOB 561 5384 m 596 Pointers Auburn Road * Pifesgrove NJ 0BQ98 let*.ki >7scy <£&sy ngent a. com & P ' a tt e PATRON SPONSORS AERIFICATION AND OVERSEEDING IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 Atlantic Irrigation Joe Jaskot Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 Atlantic Irrigation James Gurzler 570.788.2061 Lawn & Golf John Bodock 800.362.5650 Philadelphia Turf Co. George Skawski 610.554.9366 Matt Brown 484-357-6312 EQUIPMENT PLANT PROTECTANTS Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 Lawn & Golf John Bodock 800.362.5650 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Philadelphia Turf Co. Matt Brown 484.357.6312 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 570.839.3399 Harrell’s Turf Specialty Jim MacLaren 570.443.7154 Lawn & Golf John Bodock 800.362.5650 PBI/Gordon Corp. John Patten 609.970.1546 SynaTek Craig Lambert 201.874.7383 FERTILIZER Syngenta Lee A. Kozsey 610.861.8174 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 SEED & SOD Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 570.839.3399 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 Harrell’s Turf Specialty Jim Mac Laren 570.443.7154 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Lawn & Golf John Bodock 800.362.5650 East Coast Sod & Seed Kevin Driscoll 609.760.4099 SynaTek Craig Lambert 201.874.7383 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 570.839.3399 Lawn & Golf John Bodock 800.362.5650 Harrell’s Turf Specialty Jim MacLaren 570.443.7154 GREEN AND TEE SUPPLIES SynaTek Craig Lambert 201.874.7383 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 Rich Gdovin 570-278-1131 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 570.839.3399 TOPDRESSING / SOIL AMENDMENTS Lawn & Golf John Bodock 800.362.5650 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 SynaTek Craig Lambert 201.874.7383 Rich Gdovin 570.278.1131 Blue Ridge Peat Farms Gene Evans 570.443.9596 Finch Services Andy Jubinski 610.213.8597 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 570.839.3399 Harrell’s Turf Specialty Jim MacLaren 570.443.7154 Lawn & Golf John Bodock 800.362.5650 SynaTek Craig Lambert 201.874.7383 Support our Sponsors - 'They us! Lake Management Aerators Pumps and F iltration SMART Pump’ Controllers Central Control System s FREEDOM-Pad~ ATLANTIC IRRIGATION SPECIALTIES IN C . Totally Integrated Irrigation Solutions Gear-Driven RESERVOIR TO m Rotors Decoders Swing Joints ATLANTIC IRRIGATION SPECIALTIES INC. Full Service Irrigation Supplier to the Golf Industry , Huge Inventory of Products readily available for Rapid Delivery Dedicated Service Technicians On-Call 24-7 We Sell Pipe, Wire, Fittings, Valves, Valve Boxes, Swing Joints, Drainage, Pumping Equipment, Hose Reels, Lightning Detection Systems, Pond Aerators, Subsurface Greens Aeration and Sensors, Landscape Lighting and More! Multiple Locations Servicing our_ Golf Territory West Chester, PA - 610-431-6200 Springfield, N J - 973-379-9314 Wayne, N J - 973-616-4800 Farmingdale, NJ- 877-420-8873 Deer Park, N Y - 631-667-7801 N. White Plains, N Y - 800-878-8873 Bridgehampton, N Y - 631-537-1444 amford, CT- 8 0 0 - 8 8 6 - 4 7 7 4 Serving Eastern PA., NJ. and Metropolitan N.Y. www.atlanticirrigation.com From the USGA Mid Atlantic Regional Update page: More Problems To Contend With Stanley J. Zontek, Director August 14, 2006 None of us needs more problems, however, the gods of turfgrass management in the transition zone continue to surprise and challenge golfers and turf managers with new problems. The culprits are fire ants and the Hyperodes weevil. While making a Green Section Turf Advisory Service (TAS) visit to a golf course in Newport News, Virginia, I was told by a public parks administrator that they had just identified a colony of fire ants in a city park adjacent to the golf course. Not good news! This discovery means this insect has now entered Virginia in a location where it can readily spread. The golf course staff will now monitor and scout for any insect mounds and treat accordingly. Those from southern Virginia, be forewarned; if these insects have existed in Virginia before we were never aware of this fact. The bad news from Virginia continues. While making another TAS visit in Williamsburg, Virginia, three greens consisting of a nearly pure stand of Penncross creeping bentgrass suffered significant turf loss from what, at this point, potentially looks like Hyperodes weevil. The insect is in the process of being positively identified. However, from someone who has seen this insect for more than 35 years, the adult and immature weevils sure look like the Hyperodes weevil to me. Controlling the Hyperodes weevil is relatively straightforward. You need to apply surface-active insecticides to con­ trol the adult weevil before eggs are laid in the leaf sheath. Turf loss is caused as the insect larva eats its way down the stem of the grass plant. Once inside the plant, the insect is difficult to control making preventative applications to control the adult all the more important. The first step, though, is to do some scouting to ensure the insect is pre­ sent before any chemical applications are made. The best way to identify the insect is watching them crawl across wilted turf, verify the identification in any insect guide and confirm this diagnosis through state extension specialists or a USGA agronomist. The transition zone has always been recognized as being one of the most challenging regions of the country in which to grow golf course turfgrass. We now have two additional insect pests to add to our list of concerns. That’s the bad news. The good news is that there has been a welcome break in the weather. This is giving turfgrass managers the first op­ portunity in a long while to topdress, brush, broom, surface aerate, and, maybe, even take a day off. Office & Home Phone Top Dressing Qtms Roots, lite, White Haven 570-443-9596 Bunker Sand RO, Box 336 grass roots Mount Freedom, NJ Ö797Ö 4 Miáúidmry Blvd. Fax 570-443-9590 Infield Mix Sum i RmâoipK m 0 7 m Blue Ridge Peat Farms, Inc Steve Oiirip (973) 4 i 8-3468, Mobile White Haven, PA 18661-9674 (570) 839-3399. PA Office Technical Sales Rep. (973)252-6634 .NJ Office (973) 252-6630, NJ Fax Potting Soil Gene Evans, Owner Soil Mixes Professional Engineer 2006 Hurricane Names From a GCSAA News Release: • Alberto • Beryl The U.S. EPA has issued a decision making turf uses of PCNB ineligi­ • Chris ble for reregistration. If this recommendation takes effect, it means that fungicides containing PCNB will no longer be avail­ • Debby able for use to control snow mold on golf courses in the U.S. • Ernesto • Florence Earlier this week, the public policy department posted an action • Gordon alert on the home page of GCSAA Online iwww.acsaa.org) re­ • Helene lated to EPA's decision to ban the use of PCNB on golf courses. GCSAA will submit comments to EPA in support of the continued • Isaac registration and use of PCNB on golf courses. GCSAA members • Joyce are urged to submit comments to the federal docket by the Oc­ • Kirk tober 2 deadline to let EPA know that PCNB is a critical tool for • Leslie golf course professionals for the control of pink and gray snow • Michael mold, particularly in high disease pressure areas. The PCNB action alert includes background information, a link to • Nadine EPA's decision, and instructions for submitting comments to EPA. • Oscar Talking points are also available to assist members with writing • Patty their comments. Please distribute this information to your chapter • Rafael members and post a link to the action alert on your chapter's • Sandy website. Here is a direct link to the PCNB action alert: http:// • Tony www.acsaa.ora/resources/advocacv/pcnb.asp • Valerie Please let us know if you have any questions or need assistance • William with preparing your comments. Sincerely, Chava McKeel Chava Martens McKeel Senior Manager, Government Relations Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) 1421 Research Park Dr. Lawrence, KS 66049 (800) 472-7878, ext. 3619 (toll free) (785) 832-3619 (direct) (785) 832-4448 (fax) cmmckeel@gcsaa.org (e-mail) fisher son company, inc. Superior Products for the Turf & Horticultural Professional Bob Seltzer 165 North Center Street * Fredricksburg, Pa 17026 610-704-4756 * fax 717-865-4712 www.fisherandson.com Septem ber M eeting Results Fernwood Resort hosted our September monthly meeting. The day was great for golf, the course was a joy and a challenge to play. The course yielded 55 birdies and 2 eagles. The skins competition had 4 winners, two with birdies and the two eagles held up. The skins winners were the four man teams o f Darrin Larkin, Rick An- glemyer, Ray Waddell, and Jeff Lesoine on the 6th hole, Paul Brandon, Andy Jubinski, Steve Chirip, and Tom Height on the 10th, Jim Hill, Mike Orban, John Bodock, and Ed Ladamus on the 17th, Matt Brown, Greg Kozar, John Downer, and Rich Pany on 18, and Lee Kozsey, Rodger Zellner, Todd Krauss, and Bob Seltzer on the 3rd Hole. The two contests this month were a scramble and a scramble with a yellow ball. The only team to actually not lose their yellow ball was the team o f Rick Anglemyer, Ray Waddell, and Jeff Lesoine, and Darrin Larkin. The scramble winner with a score o f 60 was the team of Lee Kozsey, Bob Seltzer, Todd Krauss, and Rodger Zellner. The Skills prizes were a Closest to the Pin on the 2nd hole won by Lee Kozsey, and the long Drive on the 8th hole won by Dustin Small using his local knowledge as he is a member o f Je ffs staff. The Syngenta Ace Golf Challenge was offered, but no winner was had since the pin proved well defended and no one was able to hold the green. Andy Jubinski and John Downer were recipients of 50/50 money. Thanks go to Matt Brown for making sure everyone reached into their pockets to help grow the scholarship fund with this fundraiser. Our Speaker this month was John Maeder o f Profile products. The topic was the usefulness o f inorganic amendments to improve soil porosity with consistency and various techniques to incorporate these materials. Also discussed were the benefits and shortcoming o f the various materials commonly found and their basic physical properties. Thanks to Chuck DeAngelo o f G olf Cars Inc. for being our Sponsor this month. Please make an effort to attend the October meeting at Glen Oak Country Club for at least our election if not for the wonderful golf course that Greg Boring will undoubtedly be providing. October 9, 2006 Joseph Valentine Memorial Tournament Merion Golf Club For more info see www.paturf.org/jvTournament.htm .... to Jason Barndt, Superintendent at Woodstone November 7-9 Country Club. Penn State Golf Turf Conference .... to John Bodock on his retirement from Lawn & Nittany Lion Inn, State College, PA Golf. And welcom e to Michael Orban who will be tak­ 3rd Annual Crystal Conference in Hamburg, NJ ing John's place as salesman with Lawn & Golf. Hosted by the GCSANJ December 5-7, 2006 .... to Jeremy Jones the new superintendent at Ma­ New Jersey Turfgrass Expo honing Valley Country Club. Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, NJ Welcome to Ken Givens who joins Atlantic Irrigation For Sale: as the Northeast service technician. 3 GA-24 aerators various years all are running condi­ Best Wishes to Patrick Knelly of Sugarloaf who is get­ tion ting married on October 7. Contact Eric Reed, Valley Country Club at 570-788- 4277 POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION R.R. 1, BOX 219 POSTAGE HARDING, PA 18643 NAME & ADDRESS Phone: 2 Ì5 -3 4 5 -7 2 0 0 Fax: 215-345-8132 Web: w w w .p h illy tu rf.c o m PHILADELPHIA TURF ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED. COMPANY