CHIPS & PUTTS OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE Founded in POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 1936 VOL 13, NO. 2 April 2007 Country Club of the Poconos Mike Salinetti, Superintendent Marshall’s Creek, PA Country Club of the Poconos, a public course in Marshall’s Creek, will be the host of our May meeting. Host superintendent Mike Salinetti will provide a Par 70 challenge that was designed by Jim Fazio. The course encompasses just shy of 1,000 acres, and on only two occasions will you see another hole, other than the one you're playing. Wetlands were preserved by the de­ signer and incorporated into the fairways to increase the challenge of playing the course. There are no man-made ponds on the property. CCP's signature, par-four 16th hole covers 420 yards, while the tee box - elevated 150 feet above the fairway -- offers one of the most spectacular vistas you'll ever see. The 6003 yard test has a slope of 142 and a rating of 71. Mike manages his 1000 acre property with a year round crew of 4 swelling to a summer crew of 13. The course is comprised of 2 acres of greens, 2 acres of tees, and an equally small 12 acres of fairways. The fairways, greens, and tees are all a mixture of Poa Annua and Bent­ grass. Mike is a graduate of U Mass and is entering his fourth season. Chris Thomson, the assistant superintendent, has been at a CCP for a total of 8 seasons. During Mike’s tenure at Country Club of the Poconos, 6 tees have been added for length and considerable tree work has been accomplished to help improve playability. (Continued on page 3) Officers & Directors President’s Message....... 2007 By the time you receive this copy of Chips and Putts, Earth Day 2007 will have come and gone. Have you done your part to help Mother Earth? PRESIDENT The ongoing hot topic is Global Warming. Whether or not you Duane Schell, Blue Ridge Trail G. C. believe in this phenomenon, as stewards of the environment we should 570-868-8113 djschell@epix.net all do our part to protect the green space we are responsible for. As laws pertaining to pesticide and fertilizer applications, water usage, VICE PRESIDENT Darrin Larkin, Panorama Golf Course wetland protection etc. become more stringent, our budgets must 570-222-9260 reflect these changes. With the growing price of fuel, fertilizer, and TREASURER health benefits, it is difficult enough to obtain annual budget increases John Downer, Elkview C.C. yet alone ask for one to comply with new laws. As many of you 570-840-0078 already know, the job of the Superintendent is not just growing grass j_s_downer@juno.com anymore. More and more paperwork is required to stay in SECRETARY compliance with all the regulatory agencies we must deal with on a Jeff Koch, Glenmaura National C.C. 570-457-8733 daily basis. This means less time on the course and more time in the office. I guess this is a small price to pay for helping to protect our SERGEANT AT ARMS Steven Chirip, Grass Roots, Inc. environment for generations to come. Go Green! 973-418-3468 DIRECTORS Duane Schell Ray Wadell, Elmhurst CC 570-842-4705 Rick Anglemyer, Water Gap CC 570-424-6391 Editor Matthew Brown, Philadelphia Turf 215-340-5401 CHIPS & PUTTS STAFF I had made a resolution, and even discussed it at board level, to EDITOR get newsletters out on time. Well, it lasted for the first one of the year. Jim Gurzler 570-249-1450 I hadn’t anticipated changing positions, lacking a copy of publisher jim@gurzler.com 2003, or working on a newsletter while Letterman was on but thus it Managing Editor has happened. To the sponsors who support our Association next Melinda Wisnosky month, May will be out on time. June will be out on time. July... I Editorial Committee don't even want to think about July yet. The spring has been kind to some, cruel to others, and not here Jeff Koch Matt Brown soon enough for me. The Valentine’s day storm, the April snow in the north, the soaking rains in the south. Let us hope this is not a year of Past President Eric Reed, Valley C.C. extremes. A year with averages that aren't brought about by two 570-788-4277 day soakers and extreme high temps to bring the averages up is not Barley5@ptd.net needed or wanted. A summer with AM temps in the 50’s, pythium a disease for those nearer the Mason Dixon line , and a Hurricane sea­ son with 20 storms hopefully won't be a 2007 memory. Be safe, be smart, and enjoy the outdoors; it is a great place to work. If you can find it in you, donate some time to clean up around the GC. I second the president’s “Go Green!” PTGA Office Jim Gurzler R.R. 1, Box 219 Harding, PA 18643 Phone/Fax: 570-388-2167 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, Chips & Putts PATRON SPONSORS AERIFICATION AND OVERSEEDING IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 Atlantic Irrigation JoeJaskot 973.445.9418 RichGdovin 570.278.1131 Finch Services AndyJubinski 610.213.8597 Finch Services AndyJubinski 610.213.8597 Philadelphia Turf Co. George Skawski 610.554.9366 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 710.933.5801 Matt Brown 484-357-6312 PLANT PROTECTANTS EQUIPMENT Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 RichGdovin 570-278-1131 RichGdovin 570.278.1131 Finch Services AndyJubinski 610.213.8597 Finch Services AndyJubinski 610.213.8597 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704 4756 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 570.839.3399 Philadelphia Turf Co. Matt Brown 484.357.6312 Harrell’s Turf Specialty JimMacLaren 570.443.7154 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 PBI/Gordon Corp. John Patten 609.970.1546 Seeton Turf Jim Gurzler 570.249.1450 SynaTek Craig Lambert 201.874.7383 FERTILIZER Syngenta Lee A. Kozsey 610.861.8174 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 RichGdovin 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 JimMacLaren 570.443.7154 RichGdovin 570.278.1131 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 East Coast Sod & Seed Kevin Driscoll 609.760.4099 SynaTek Craig Lambert 201.874.7383 Finch Services AndyJubinski 610.213.8597 Fisher & Son Bob Seltzer 610.704.4756 Grass Roots, Inc. Steve Chirip 570.839.3399 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Harrell’s Turf Specialty JimMacLaren 570.443.7154 GREEN AND TEE SUPPLIES SynaTek Craig Lambert 201.874.7383 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 RichGdovin 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 Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Andre & Son, Inc. John Vojick 570.278.1131 SynaTek Craig Lambert 201.874.7383 RichGdovin 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 JimMacLaren 570.443.7154 Lawn & Golf Chris Butler 610.933.5801 Seeton Turf Jim Gurzler 570.249.1450 SynaTek Craig Lambert 201.874.7383 Support our Sponsors - support us! Continued from Page 1 Currently, Toll Brothers is building homes around the course, which has caused cart path re-routing. The large land tract calls for great distances between holes, resulting in 10 miles of cart paths. In addition to the cart paths, many irrigation lines also need attention during construction as they were run in the same areas as many of the cart paths. Plans are underway for bunker renovation in the near future. The course has a staggering ele­ vation change of over 600 feet which makes irrigation a challenge as both booster pumps and pressure reducers are needed to provide proper pressure. Our speaker this month will be Jeff Borger of Penn State University. Jeff will be speaking on Plant Growth Regu­ lators this month. Our meeting sponsors for this month’s meeting are Harrells Turf Spe- cialty, Jim MacLaren and Bayer Environ­ mental Science, John Wiblishauser. A note from the Golf Committee As we begin our monthly meeting schedule just a few reminders. This year we will be visiting some old favorites and some course we have not had the pleasure to play. In fairness to the clubs, please sign up early so a head count can be given to the host club. Also, it helps us with registration if we know you are coming and if you are bringing guests. There will be a $10.00 charge if you sign up the day of the meet­ ing. We have some great courses and formats for our tournaments this year. If anyone has suggestions for courses for next year and fun formats for us to play, please let us know. The complete schedule is posted on the website, which Darin Larkin has done a great job with. I hope we have a great time this year at our meetings with good weather all around. Thanks Steve Chirip The Golf Chairman at work JIM GURZLER JIMG@ Lee A. Kozsey SALES REPRESENTATIVE SEETONTURF.COM Territory Manager Turf Ornamental & Aquatics Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. syngenta 3710 Amherst Court Seeton Turf Bethlehem, PA 18020 Tel 610-861-8174 Fax 610-882-9358 • Warehouse, LLC • Mobile 215-796-0409 www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com lee.kozsey@syngenta.com 3983 MANN RD CELL: (570) 249-1450 HUNTINGDON VALLEY, PA For further assistance, contact our Customer OFFICE/FAX:(570) 788-2061 19006 Resource Center at: 866-Syngenta (866-796-4368) Dollar spot severity as influenced by nozzle type and fungicide mode of activity J.E. Kaminski Department of Plant Science University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT Dollar spot (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa) is perhaps the most chronic and problematic disease of golf course turf throughout the United States. In recent years, many turfgrass managers have reported a reduction in efficacy and length of control with regards to fungicides commonly used to manage dollar spot. Possible reasons for this reduc­ tion in control include variation in application rates and timings, differences in application techniques, and potential resistance resulting from continued use of individual fungicides. While the potential for resistance to select classes of fungicides exists, the magnitude of this factor on reduced fungicide efficacy is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of various nozzle types and fungicide mode of activity on the severity of dollar spot when chemicals are applied at low water volumes. The objectives of this study were to: 1) determine the influence of five different nozzle types on dollar spot control; and 2) elucidate any interactions between nozzle type and a contact or acropetal penetrant fungicide. Field studies were conducted at Stanley Golf Course (SGC) in the New Britain, CT in 2005 and 2006. Trials were conducted on mixed stands of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) and annual bluegrass (Poa annua) that were maintained at fairway height. All sites were subjected to cultural management practices typical of golf course fairways in southern New England. At all locations, fungicides were applied using one of five nozzle types designed to distribute varying droplet sizes. Nozzles were selected to produce droplet sizes that are extremely coarse (1/4TTJ11004; TurfJet), very coarse (All 1004; Air Induction TeeJet), coarse (TT11003; Turbo TeeJet), medium (XR11004; Extended Range TeeJet), and fine (XR11003; Extended Rrange TeeJet). All nozzle types were used to ap­ ply an acropetal penetrant (Banner MAXX; propiconazole), a contact (Daconil; chlorothalonil), and a tank mix of the two fungicides. Daconil (1.8 oz/1000ft2) and Banner MAXX (0.5 oz/1000ft2) were applied at the low recom­ mended use rate for the preventive control of dollar spot. Treatments were applied with a CO2 pressurized (40 psi) sprayer equipped with a three-nozzle boom and calibrated to deliver 44 GPA. To account for variation in output from each nozzle, walking speed was adjusted to 2.8 or 2.0 mph using a metronome (KORG USA, Inc.; Melville, NY). The goal of this study was to assess the impact of varying application methods (nozzle types) as well as two fun­ gicides with different modes of activity on dollar spot severity. Regardless of nozzle type, all fungicides reduced dol­ lar spot, when compared to the untreated control. Based on the results of this study, nozzle type and droplet size appear to heavily influence the level and length of fungicidal control. Although there were no statistical interac­ tions between fungicide and nozzle type, it appeared that contact fungicides performed better when applied us­ ing nozzles that produced a medium or fine droplet size. In addition, similar levels of control also were observed when Daconil was applied using the air induction nozzle (Al11004), which produces a very coarse water droplet. When an acropetal penetrant was applied alone and dollar spot was severe, moderate to poor disease control was exhibited from all nozzle types except Al11004. When applied as a tank mix, the fungicides generally provided better control than when applied alone, regardless of nozzle type. Continued on Page 7 April Meeting Results Silver Creek Country Club Host Andy Dumas, CGCS Forty souls ventured to Silver Creek Country Club in Heller­ town for a wonderful day of golf on the old Bethlehem Steel Unique Club site. We played the championship 18, leaving the Hill 9 for another day. Solutions Fast Water Based Matt Brown was his normal self, making change of large bills Weed Control for the 50/50 fund to help grow our scholarship pool. Thanks, Matt. Patrick Knelly and Steve Stranzl also send along their thanks and ask not to be 1099'd since they just paid their taxes. Our kick off event was a format of 6 holes each of better ball, scramble, and alternate shot. Hopefully Tom Dryer is speaking to me after my horrendous round, as he was the poor soul who drew my name as a partner. Patrick Knelly, Sugarloaf Golf Club, won the long drive contest with a drive well over 300 yards. Brett La Barre of Riverview Golf Club won the Closet to Pin. In the tournament on a match of cards, Glen Meckeekly and For your local Gordon’s® Distributor Jack Sudlesky of Elkview edged out Brian Bachman and Brett visit: pbigordon.com or call LaBarre of Riverview with 73’s. Woodstone’s Jason Barndt and John Patten at 609-970-1546 Lawn and Golf’s Chris Butler took third place with a 77. pbi/gordon corporation Thanks to Atlantic Irrigation and SynaTek for their help with An Employee Owned Company sponsoring this month’s meeting of the Pocono Turfgrass Asso­ Always Read and Follow Label Directions 00241 ciation. Thanks again to Andy Dumas and Rick Conners for agreeing to host our meeting, as well. The year is off to great start, so keep up the participation and the sharing of knowledge at these great networking opportuni­ ties. Our next meeting will be May 23 at the Country Club of the Poconos, where Jeff Borger will discuss growth regulators. Be safe. Grass Roots, Inc. P.O. Box 336 LESCO Sales Representative 570.499.1441 Cell grass roots Mount Freedom, NJ 07970 4 Middlebury Blvd. 7562 Penn Drive #160 Allentown, PA 1000 Springbrook Avenue Moosic, PA Suite 7 18106-9010 18507-1832 610.336.4953 570.451.7450 Randolph, NJ 07869 294 N 1st Street 4217 Fritch Drive Steve Chirip (973)418-3468, Mobile Stroudsburg, PA Bethlehem, PA (570) 839-3399, PA Office 18360-2517 18020-9413 Technical Sales Rep. (973) 252-6634, NJ Office 570.421.4847 610.866.6665 (973) 252-6630, NJ Fax www.lesco.com 196*49*4637 Nextel Service ♦ Technical Support ♦ Quality Products Water-Wise and Pound-Sensible Presented by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Golf course superintendents are always looking for innovative ways to minimize the amount of water used on their courses. Efficient water use on golf courses is dependent upon several factors, most notably the irrigation practices of the turf manager and performance of the irrigation system. Proper design and installation are critical for an irrigation system to perform effectively. Hydraulics, nozzle selection, control capabilities and climate all must be considered in the design process. The adjustment of pumps and regula­ tors, and the replacement of worn nozzles or other damaged components must be ongoing. Outdated systems present additional challenges as aging hardware results in major failures of pumps, controllers and mainlines, causing the loss of large areas of turf. To counter such problems, many superintendents make it a daily routine to spot standing water, repair leaks and adjust controllers - to correct areas that are too dry or too wet. Techniques to maximize irrigation efficiency include adjusting sprinkler head spacing for uniform coverage, tailoring nozzle size to the soil texture and utilizing individual sprinkler head control to ensure flexible scheduling. Turf professionals invest a great deal of time and money into superior irrigation systems to reduce the amount of wa­ ter, as well as money, spent on the course. What more can be done? Some superintendents opt to upgrade hardware or invest in a completely new system altogether, while others have decided on irrigation auditors, who help budget management costs. Applying a wetting agent ensures that water penetrates the soil. Studies show that without a wetting agent, 30 to 70 percent of applied water never reaches the root of the plant. Wetting agents reduce the surface tension of the wa­ ter being applied, reducing runoff and evaporation. Another effective irrigation practice uses a central computer controller or satellite systems to manage irrigation. The central control and satellite control systems on the market today allow superintendents to budget water and deter­ mine which areas of the course have special irrigation needs. There are even systems that can be connected to weather and soil moisture monitors. These systems only water turf when necessary. Whatever method is used, the golfer can be sure of one thing - the superintendent has dotted every "I” and crossed every “T” when it comes to resourcefully irrigating their course. For more information regarding golf course management practices, contact your local superintendent or the GCSAA at (800) 472-7878 or www.gcsaa.org Key points: □ Efficient water use on golf courses is dependent upon several factors, most notably the irrigation practices of the turf manager and performance of the irrigation system. □ Turf professionals invest a great deal of time and money into superior irrigation systems to reduce the amount of water, as well as money, spent on the course. □ Proper design and installation are critical for an irrigation system to perform effectively. □ Many superintendents make it a daily routine to spot standing water, repair leaks and adjust controllers □ A central computer controller or satellite system can be used to manage irrigation. Continued From page 4 Based on the data obtained in this study, fungicides used to control dollar spot may be more efficacious when applied using a nozzle that produces medium to fine droplet sizes or those that induce air into the droplet. Nozzles that produce larger droplet sizes, which are commonly supplied with new sprayer units, provided highly variable and often times poor control of dollar spot. An exception to the aforementioned observa­ tion occurred with the air induction nozzle. Although the air induction nozzles used in this study (Al11004) produce a water droplet that is rela­ tively large in size, each droplet contains air inclusions which alter the be­ havior compared to similar sized droplets produced from conventional flat fan nozzles. Nozzle selection is becoming an increasingly important component of any fungicide spray program for managing dollar spot and potentially many other turfgrass diseases. Thanks To John Kaminski, University of Connecticut for this information. The University of Connecticut has quite a bit more new data that I believe to be very useful. This information can be viewed in its entirety at www.turf.uconn.edu. Additionally, UConn is starting an E-newsletter that you can sign up for at http:// listserv.uconn.edu/cai-bin/wa?SUBED1=turfgrass-l&A=1. This is the same work that Dr. Fidanza of Penn State Berks worked on, so questions may also be directed to Dr. Fidanza. LAWN AND GOLF SUPPLY CO., INC. East Coast SOD & SEED Chris Butler Sales Representative Kevin Driscoll 647 Nutt Rd., PO Box 447 Phoenixville, PA 194600447 Cell: 610657-6923 609 760 4099 CELL 856 769 9555 OFFICE 609 561 5384 fax 596 Pointers Auburn Road • Pilesgrove NJ 08098 610-933-5801 Ext. 201 Fax: 610-933-8890 SynaTek www.synateksolutions.com Office & Home Phone Top Dressing White Haven 570-443-9596 Bunker Sand Fax 570-443-9590 Infield Mix The Turf Solutions People Blue Ridge Peat Farms, Inc. Craig Lambert Technical Sales Representative 261 Schoolhouse Road • Suite 4 White Haven, PA 18661-9674 Souderton. PA 18964-2416 Main Office: 888-408-5433 Home Office: 973-663-3368 Cell: 201-874-7383 • Fax: 973-663-4734 Potting Soil Gene Evans, Owner clambert@synateksolutions.com Soil Mixes Professional Engineer POCONO ROUNDUP PTGA MEETING SCHEDULE 2007 Golf Schedule NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION Wednesday May 23 CC of the Pocono's Monday June 25 Elkview Country Club Nothing to report is hard to believe! Send those an­ Tuesday July 24 Shawnee Inn and Resort nouncements to Jim@gurzler.com or your local board Monday August 27 Woodloch Springs member. Tuesday Sept. 25 Woodstone Golf Club Thanks to Andy Dumas, CGCS, Rick Conners, and the staff at Silver Creek Country Club for a fantastic day. Quick Fact: Golf courses have a cooling effect during the hot summer months. The average tem­ perature on the golf course is typically 5- 7 degrees cooler than a residential area and 7-15 degrees cooler than an urban down­ town setting! Be the first to tell me where this is for lunch at Damons! POCONO TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION R.R. BOX 219 HARDING, PA 18643 Phone: 215-345-7200 Fax: 215-345-8132 Web: www.phillyturf.com PHILADELPHIA TURF ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED. COMPANY