Volume 40, No 4

September/October 2006

IN THIS ISSUE...
URI ALUMNAE
FIELD DAY

President’s Message....................2

Special thanks to Vickie Wallace who
did a lot of work to help make this 75th
Turfgrass Field Day a success.

2006 Invitational..........................5

Support Dollar Spot Research....3
Dr. Nat Mitowski URI..................4
Grasscatcher..............................6-7
Meeting & Invite Results.........8-9
Difficult Grass Growing...........10
UMASS Ext.’s Green School......11

September/October 2006

Connecticut Clippings

a while; Mother Nature shows us
who is really in charge!

Keith Angilly, President

The 2006 season has been a
tough one for some of us and on
a personal level I am very glad
it’s over. Our business can be a
humbling one and every once in
Connecticut Clippings is an official
publication of the Connecticut
Association of Golf Course
Superintendents
P.O. Box 3678
Woodbridge, CT 06525
Mary Jo Kennedy
Telephone 203/387-0810
Toll Free Tel: 888/561-7778
Fax: 203/387-7866
e-mail: cagcs@sbcglobal.net
Newsletter Editors
Bob Chalifour, CGCS (Ret.)
Heather Garvin
Newsletter Committee
David Basconi, John Garcia,
Edward Goodhouse, Ron Holcomb,
Mike Mooney and Jud W. Smith
Newsletter Designer
Marysia Brejwo
www.cagcs.com
The Clippings is open to all
commentary. Please send your
comments to:
Bob Chalifour, Newsletter Editor
39 First Street
Groton, CT 06340

I would like to take this opportunity
to thank Les Kennedy, CGCS for
his contributions in selling raffle
tickets for the Scholarship and
Research Tournament. It is Les’
efforts that make the S&R a yearly
financial success. While I am on
the subject, Peter Gorman, our
Class C Representative, deserves
a thank you as well, for the job
he did organizing the UCONN
tailgate. Those that attended had
a great time, and hopefully we
can continue this event next year.

Page 2

Finally, as we approach the Annual
meeting and elections, I would
like to ask all members to consider
helping out with the various
committees in your Association.
There are a few committees in
particular that involve a large
amount of work, and have duties
that could easily be shared. Golf,
Government Relations, and S&R
come immediately to mind. If you
are interested in helping out, please
contact me or Mary Jo in the main
office.
Good Luck,
Keith Angilly

September/October 2006

SEND YOUR SAMPLES
TO SUPPORT DOLLAR
SPOT RESEARCH
Funded by the New England Regional
Turfgrass Foundation, Syngenta Crop
Protection and the United States Golf
Association, researchers at the University
of Connecticut are investigating various
aspects of managing dollar spot. Research
will focus on improving fungicide
efficacy through the proper selection
of nozzle-types (see the June 2006 issue
of GCM for more information) as well
as through unconventional application
timings.
In addition to developing improved
management strategies, researchers will
seek to determine the importance and
scope of pathogen resistance to fungicides
commonly used to control dollar spot.
To participate in this component of the
project, please send dollar spot samples
from fairways and/or greens to the
University of Connecticut (dollar spot
samples submitted during the study will
not be charged a diagnostic fee).

Connecticut Clippings
UCONN Turfgrass Disease
Diagnostic Center
c/o John Kaminski
University of Connecticut
1376 Storrs Road, Unit 4067
Storrs, CT 06269
For more information on this research
project or disease diagnostic services at
UConn, please contact John Kaminski
(860.486.0162, john.kaminski@uconn.edu).

Page 3

September/October 2006

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Page 4

Dr. Nathaniel Mitowski, Plant Pathologist,
Presenting Data at URI Field Day

September/October 2006

New Members
Bryan Barrington, Class A
The Golf Club at Oxford Greens
Carl Fappiano, Class Commercial
East Haven Landscape Products
David Mihailides, Class Commercial
DGM Systems, LLC

Condolences
To the family of Paul Ladzinski Jr. who
passed away September 6. Paul was
formerly golf course superintendent at
Tashua Knolls, and Gainfield Farms.
To the family of Sherwood Moore,
CGCS. Memorial donations may be
made to the: Sherwood A. Moore Turfgrass
Research Endowment
c/o Rick Robar, Development Office
311 Stockbridge Hall
80 Campus Center Way
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003
To the famly of Terry Mulligan. Terry
was formerly golf course
superintendent at Pelham CC,
Rolling Hills and Heritage Village.

Best Wishes
Best Wishes to Janet Saterlee, now Janet
Seelhoff GCSAA on her recent marriage.
Janet is the Senior Manager of GCSAA
Chapter Services.

Connecticut Clippings

Congratulations
Peter & Sherry Pierson on the birth of two
more grandchildren, Kimberly & Shelley
Kenney’s son Peyton weighed in at 7lbs
14oz and Tad & Kelly Pierson‘s son
Graham Britton weighed in at 9lbs 14ozs.
Dennis Petruzzelli, CGCS has completed
the renewal process for maintaining his
status as a Certified golf Course Superintendent with the GCSAA. Approximately
2,000 golf course superintendents worldwide currently hold “CGCS” status.
Congratulations to the University of Connecticut School of Agriculture on celebrating their 125th year.
Mike Lodice, Superintendent at Gainfield
Farms GC, and wife Dana are proud
parents of baby girl, Gianna Capri, born
September 12th, 7 lbs., 19 3/4”.

Reminder
Please make a courtesy call ahead of time
to the golf course superintendent when
visiting another course.

GCSAA Room Block Reminder!
2007 GCSAA Education Conference &
Golf Industry Show in Anaheim, CA.
Housing forms will be available after
September 15th. Please call the office
to request one. Deadline for forms to be
returned to office is November 3rd.

Page 6

Superintendents in the News
Brian Barrington, Golf Course Superintendent at Oxford Greens in Golf Course
News
Eric Holm, CGCS Hopmeadow GC in
Golfdom

CAGCS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President – Keith A. Angilly
Vice President – Christian P. Mauro
Secretary – Kimberly J. Heyl
Treasurer – John Garcia
Past President – Wayne C. Urban
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Education – Mark B. Mansur
Golf – Sean Flynn
Membership – Bruce Morse
Scholarship & Research
Paul Bonini, CGCS
Social & Welfare – Donald Beck
Government Relations
Scott Ramsay, CGCS
Commercial Rep to Board
Peter Hull
Class C Rep to the Board
Peter Gorman

Connecticut Clippings

September/October 2006

CAGCS Awards
Annual Scholarships
The following are recipients of the 2006 CAGCS
scholarships, which are awarded annually to
immediate CAGCS family members and to employees of members who are majoring in turf
management.

Page 7

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Dr. Richard Skogley Scholarship recipient: Ashleigh C. Gauvain, daughter of Larry Gauvain.
CAGCS Scholarships were awarded to: Christopher J. Baviello, son of Anthony Baviello,
CGCS; Ryan R. Beaudry, son of Ray Beaudry;
Ryan Chalifour, son of Robert Chalifour, CGCS;
Christine Cooper, daughter Douglas Cooper;
David W. DeMur, son of William DeMur; Emily DeVaux, daughter of Gary DeVaux; Neal
Donahue, son of Michael Donahue; Laura Ann
Donovan daughter of Shawn Donovan; Veronica Fabrizio, daughter of Joseph Fabrizio, Benjamin Flowers, son of Michael Flowers; Caleb M.
Goodhouse, son of Edward Goodhouse; Katherine M. Kennedy, daughter of Les Kennedy,
Jr., CGCS; Amy Laverty, daughter of Adam Laverty; Thomas Lund, son of Peter Lund, CGCS;
Daniel Morse, son of Bruce Morse; Kevin R.
Moore, son of Glen Moore; David, Michael &
Robert Neaton, sons of Philip Neaton; Rachel &
Stephanie Pope, daughters of Brian Pope; and
Renae Wetzel, daughter of David Wetzel.
There were no Memorial Scholarships awarded
this year. The Board of Directors and members
of the Connecticut Association of Golf Course
Superintendents want to congratulate all recipients, and wish them the best in their scholastic
endeavors.

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CAGCS 2006 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
October 23, 2006

The Dr. Joseph Troll Turf Education Fundrasiser

Westchester CC, Rye , NY

Wednesday, November 1

CAGCS Annual Meeting Rock Ridge CC

Robert Welch
Host Superintendent

Friday, December 8

CAGCS Christmas Party
J. Timothy’s Taverne

September/October 2006

Connecticut Clippings

JULY MEETING GOLF RESULTS
WINTONBURY HILLS GOLF COURSE
MONDAY, JULY 24, 2006
Gross:

Net:

1st

Mike Dukette
Matthew Quinn

2nd

Mark Osborn
John Ruzsbatzky

3rd

Todd Olovson
Chris Mikita

4th

Andy Drohen
Mark Fuller

1st

Keith Kraus
Mike Decker

2nd

Ward Weischet
Shawn Donovan

3rd

Curtis Tyrell
John Callahan

4th

Page 8

2006 CAGCS INVITATIONAL GOLF RESULTS
GREAT RIVER GOLF COURSE
TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2006
1st Place Gross - 65

Highfield Country Club
Chris Mauro, Bill Murray
Terry Barber, Jim Kernan

2006 CAGCS Invitational winners Highfield Country Club
Bill Murray, Chris Mauro, Terry Barber, Jim Kernan
2nd Place Gross - 68

Aspetuck Valley Country Club
Richard Schock, Eric Cook
Dan Hassett, Jack Powers

3rd Place Gross - 58

Madison Country Club
Michael Chrzanowski, Ed Maciejak
Bill Woods, Neal Nyland

Brian Skelly
Anthony Grosso

1st Place Net - 54

The Course at Yale
Scott Ramsay, Chuck Lobdell
Peter Pulaski, John Bienecki

Closest to the pin #3

Dennis Petruzzelli 4’8”

2nd Place Net

Closest to the pin #12

Keith Angilly 1’6”

Hunter Golf Club
Thomas DeVaux, Larry Kendzior
Lester Zimmerman, Tex Kane

Closest to the line

Peter Tyrell

3rd Place Net

Long Drive

Kim Heyl

Black Hall Club
Phil Neaton, Andrew Campbell
Michael Cummins, Jeff Scull

Longest Putt #13

Les Kennedy 27’4”

Longest Putt #4

John Callahan 9’4”

Longest Drive:
Closest to the pin #6:
Closest to the pin #11:
Longest Putt:
Straightest Drive:

Andrew Campbell
Peter Grace 5’7”
John Mroz 5’8”
Patrick Aldrich 21’
Jon Colman

September/October 2006

Connecticut Clippings

SEPTEMBER MEETING GOLF RESULTS
CONNECTICUT GOLF CLUB
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2006
Superintendent/Assistant Category
Best Ball of Team
Gross:
1st
2nd

Net:
1st
2nd
3rd
4th

Other Gross:
1st
2nd

Net:
1st
2nd
3rd
4th

Tom DeGrandi/Noel Hall,
TPC at River Highlands - 77
Chris Mauro/Joe Casselli,
Highfield CC - 79

Bruce Morse/Eric Kundall,
Norwich GC - 67 (match of cards)
William Stevens/Michael Pierio,
Glastonbury Hills CC, - 67
Michael McDermott/Eric Destefano,
Twin Hills CC
Michael Reeb/Jake Green,
CC ofNew Canaan

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR COMMERCIAL
SPONSORS AT OUR SCHOLARSHIP &
RESEARCH TOURNAMENT - HOP MEADOW
COUNTRY CLUB ON OCTOBER 3RD.
GOLD SPONSORS:
Tom Irwin, Inc.
Turflinks Environmental Service
Turf Products Corp.

BASIC SPONSORS:
A T Sales Associates, Ltd.
A-OK Turf Equipment
Allen Seed, Inc
Anderson Turf Irrigation, Inc.
Atlantic Irrigation Specialists
Bayer Environmental Science

Michael Dukette, Bayer Environmental
Mark Fuller, CT GC - 77
Peter Tyrell/John Kul,
The Care of Trees -80

Rick Schock, Aspetuck Valley CC
Dennis DeSanctis, Syngenta - 64
Anthony Grosso, Pautipaug CC
Brian Pope, Turf Products - 65
Robert Welch, CT GC
Shawn Donovan, Turf Products -67
Kenneth Ainsworth, Indian Hill CC
Ward Weischet, New London CC -68

Closest to the pin #8

Les Kennedy,
The Blind Brook Club

Closest to the pin #10

John Kul, The Care of Trees

Closest to the line

Bob Welch, CT GC

Long Drive

Tim Gerzabek, Blackledge CC

Longest Putt #2

Ed Downing,
AA Will Materials

Longest Putt # 16

Mark Muhlack, Old Lyme CC

Page 9

BISCO
The Cardinals, Inc.
The Care of Trees
Championship Turf Services
Club Car, Inc.
D&S
DGM Systems, LLC
Glenmore Landscape Service
Harrell’s Turf Specialty
The Chas. C. Hart Seed Co.
Holliston Sand Company
M & M Hydroseeding
Scotts - Landmark
Shawnmark Industries, Inc.
SODCO, Inc.
Sports Club Management
Steven Willand, Inc.
Syngenta
Terre Company
Total Tree Care, Inc.
Winding Brook Turf Farm, Inc.

September/October 2006

Connecticut Clippings

Page 10

ANOTHER DIFFICULT SUMMER
FOR GROWING GRASS
John Kaminski, Ph.D.
University of Connecticut
In 2005, the life of a New England
golf course superintendent was
difficult. Much of the difficulties were
contributed to the cool wet spring
that was immediately followed by
temperatures routinely reaching 90F.
These conditions favored poor spring
root growth that left turf stands with
little chance of surviving the record
breaking summer heat. Although
temperatures were more favorable
for turfgrass growth in 2006, growing
grass proved to be just as difficult
on many golf courses throughout
the region. Based on samples sent
to UConn and visits to various golf
courses throughout New England,
it was apparent that a combination
of factors contributed to this years
declining turf.
Unlike last year in which turf simply
could not stand up to the heat, 2006 was
a year in which turfgrass pathogens
were more prevalent. Beginning as
early as March, anthracnose basal rot
was identified on several golf courses,
and controlling the pathogen this early
in the year proved difficult. Despite the
occasional outbreak of Microdochium
patch, April and May was relatively
mild period for disease activity. As
temperatures began to warm in midMay, however, several outbreaks of a
new species of Rhizoctonia appeared
simultaneously throughout states in
New England, the Mid-West and along
the West Coast. Although symptoms
of this unusual disease mimicked
cool-temperature
brown
patch
(aka, Yellow Patch), disease activity
occurred at warmer temperatures
and generally was limited to annual
bluegrass. Other diseases that made
an impressive appearance in 2006

Lack of internal drainage and high levels of organic matter often spell
trouble for golf course putting greens for a variety of reasons.
included bacterial wilt, brown patch,
dollar spot, fairy ring, Pythium blight
and root dysfunction, red thread, and
summer patch.
If dealing with a cornucopia of
diseases wasn’t enough, many golf
courses were dealing with the same
abiotic and cultural problems from
the previous year. As many of you
now know, 2005 was a litmus test
that exposed areas in need of various
cultural improvements. In particular,
the lack of internal drainage on native
soil putting greens and/or the build
up of organic matter has emerged as
one of the biggest factors in declining
turf. In the past two years, a common
denominator of poor greens has been
compacted native soil underlying
an inch or two of sand topdressing.
In addition, many of these putting
greens supported an equal thickness
of thatch or mat. Without the internal
drainage to move the water through
the profile, water bridged at the soilsand interface, resulting in poor root
growth, conditions favorable for

pathogen development, and plants
vulnerable to excessive heat. In many
cases, this intermediate phase of a
sand topdressing program is a difficult
one to get past and the true benefits of
topdressing native soil greens often
are not realized until a sand cap of
several inches is built up.
We all know that the demands to
maintain
tournament
conditions
during the heat of the season or
for an extended period of time are
unrealistic. Even preparation for a
U.S. Open begins years in advance
and the course maintained to peak
over a 4-day period. It is important to
recognize what your course can and
cannot handle throughout the season.
During the summer months, take steps
to determine the underlying cause of
weak turf and take the necessary steps
to correct the problem once conditions
become favorable for turfgrass growth.
Remember, the time to fix your golf
swing is on the practice range and not
in the middle of a round.

September/October 2006

REGISTRATIONS STILL
BEING TAKEN FOR UMASS
EXTENSION’S GREEN SCHOOL
Location: Radisson Hotel, Milford, MA
Classes start October 31st!
Green School is a comprehensive
certificate training program for Green
Industry professionals taught by UMass
Extension Educators and Faculty. This
course is designed for landscape, turf, and
other horticultural practitioners wishing
to gain an understanding of horticulture
fundamentals and strategies and their
relation to environmental quality. Green
School attendees learn about sustainable
approaches to turf and landscape
management in managed environments.
Green School’s curriculum is based on
research and emphasizes environmental
stewardship
and
integrated
pest
management (IPM).
Participants will
develop an understanding of how proper
management practices impact natural
resources such as soil and water. Participants
learn how to make environmentally
appropriate decisions related to turf and

Connecticut Clippings
plant selection, plant maintenance, pest
and nutrient management.
Choose 1 of 2 sections: Landscape Management or Turf Management. Green School
begins on October 31, 2006 and runs for 12
sessions until December 12th. Classes will
be held at the Radisson Hotel in Milford,
MA (exit 19 off Rt. 495). Each day runs
from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
For more information and a registration
form, go to: http://www.umassgreeninfo.
org/programs/green_school.html

Page 11
Alternatively, call UMass Extension’s
Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry
Program at 413-545-0895 or e-mail greens
chool@umassgreeninfo.org.

UMass Extension Landscape,
Nursery and Urban Forestry Program
French Hall
230 Stockbridge Rd.
Amherst, MA 01003
413-545-0895
www.umassgreeninfo.org

September/October 2006

Connecticut Clippings

Page 12

A-OK Turf Equipment
Articulator Dealer, Granden, TyCrop, Blec
Wiedenmann, Therrien
Conventry, RI 02816/Michael D. Cornicelli
(401) 826-2584 - Fax (401) 826-3749

Earth Works, Inc.
Custom Deep Aerification Service
West Wareham, MA 02576
Carl Wallace
(800) 815-1113

Shawnmark Industries, Inc.
Specialty Products & Service
Warwick, RI 02888
Matt Howland (24 hours a day)
(401) 295-1673 | www.shawnmark.com

Allen’s Seed, Inc.
Seed, Fertilizer, Turf Supplies
Exeter, RI 02822
Al La Prise
(401) 884-2097 - (800) 527-3898

Egypt Farms, Inc.
Sterilized Topdressing, Greensmix
Bagged Topdressing & Divot Mix
Dean Snyder
(800) 899-7645 FAX (410) 335-0164

Sodco, Inc.
P.O. Box 2 Slocum, RI 02877
Sodco.net
Sean P. Moran
(800) 341-6900

Aquatrols Corp. of America
Innovative Products for Effective
Resource Management
Kevin P. Collins, N.E. Territory Mgr.
(609) 841-2077
A. T. Sales Associates
Premium Sod for Golf Courses
Lincoln, RI 02865
Owen J. Regan
(401) 465-8066 - cell
Bartlett Tree Experts
66 Wooster Heights
Danbury, CT 06810
Matt Flanagan, Arborist/Rep.
(203) 744-1400 x 17
Bayer Environmental Science
Dave Sylvester (860) 828-8905 - Servicing
Litchfield, Middlesex & Fairfield County
Jim Santoro (508) 272-9590
Servicing Eastern Connecticut
C.R.I.S., LLC
Golf Course Irrigation
P.O. Box 6194
Wolcott, CT 06716
Chris Carney (203) 879-2362
The Cardinals, Inc.
Complete Distributor of Golf Course
Accessories & Turf Maintenance Supplies
John Callahan
(860) 673-3699
Championship Turf Services
Precision Laser Leveling
Custom Aerification-Overseeding
Sisis Turf Equipment
Michael Flowers (800) 562-5860
DGM Systems, llc
Office (401) 647-0550
David (401) 742-1177 Manny (401) 524-8999
Your New England Specialty Products
Distributor - www.dgmsystems.com
D & S - Floratine
The Best Value for
Plant and Soil Strength
Dave Basconi
(203) 250 - TURF

Glenmore Landscape Service
Glenn S. Moore
P.O. Box 890
South Salem, NY 10590
(914) 533-5554
Greenacres Company
Irrigation Contractor
Dave Pijnenburg
75 Codfish Hill Road, Bethel, CT 06801
(203) 748-0558
Harrell’s Turf Specialty
Jim Wierzbicki (860) 424-7250
Joe Stahl (203) 209-6951
Customer Service (800) 228-6656
The Chas. C. Hart Seed Co.
Wethersfield, CT | Roy Sibley,
Paul Bednarczyk, Heather Garvin
(860)529-2537 or (800)326-4278
Quality Since 1892
James Carriere & Son, Inc.
Bill Carriere (914) 937-2136
Trap Sand Partac Top Dressing
Const Mixes
Decorative Stone
Leggette, Brashears & Graham, Inc.
Professional Ground-water and
Environmental Engineering Services
Office in Shelton & Farmington
Rob Good (860) 678-0404
LESCO, Inc.
Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1882
(800) 321-5325
(856) 692-8217
Metro Turf Specialists
Customers Our top Priority
Dennis Petruzzelli, CGCS (203) 948-4941
Shawn O’Sullivan (516) 216-0731
Customer Service (203) 748-Golf (4653)

Steven Willand, Inc.
4 Production Drive
Brookfield, CT 06804
Mark Osborn - George Corgan
203-775-5757
Syngenta Professional Products
Bob Goglia
Ste#261, 1131-0 Tolland Tpke.
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 716-0315
Tee & Green Sod, Inc.
5/32 “bentgrass, 1/2 bluegrass sod
rough, tee and fairway sod; installation
Wayne Rice (401) 641-2972
Dave Wallace (401) 789-8177
Terre Co.
206 Delawanne Ave. Clifton NJ
(973) 473-3393 FAX (973) 473-4402
Byron Johnson
Home (203) 748-5069
Tom Iriwn, Inc.
Turf Management Products
Knowledge & Experience You Can Trust
Rob Larson
(508) 789-0059 - (800) 582-5959
Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc.
Golf Course Turfgrass
www.tuckahoeturf.com
Skip Deubel (860) 306-8883
Office: (800) 243-7582
Turf Products Corporation
157 Moody Rd., P.O. Box 1200
Enfield, CT 06083
John Ferry - Mark Loper
(800) 243-4355

Partac Golf Course Top-Dressing
(800) 247-2326 Fax (908) 637-8421
Bill Carriere (914) 937-2136
Joe Bidwell (860) 651-8555
Jim Wierzbicki (860) 424-7250

The Turf & Pond Connection
Joe Stahl (203) 209-6951
Jeff Stahl (203) 858-4136
Office (203) 426-7055
Depend On Us For Four Season Solutions

R. F. Morse & Sons, Inc.
ParEx Fertilizer - Power Equipment West
Wareham, MA 02576
Carl Wallace - Tom Gresh
Mike Donahue (508) 295-1553

Westchester Turf Supply, Inc. - Serving the
Golf Turf Profession for over 30 years
Bob Lippman, Jr. - Dave Lippman
Office (845) 621-5967 Fax (845) 621-7180
Email: westturf@suscom.net