Volume 43, No 2 July/August 2009
IN THIS ISSUE...
President’s Message....................2
Bob Viera......................................3
May-July Results......................4-5
CAGCS Family Day.....................5
Grasscatcher..............................6-7
Streamflow Regulations.............8
2009 Benevolent Fundraiser.......9
Room Block................................10
Water Savings.......................10-11
Course Goes ‘Green’ with Environmentally-Safe Bridges
If you don’t join the trend, you risk being
left behind by your competitors! The
past decade has been marked by a movement
towards courses being more environmentally
friendly and eco-smart.
As many golf courses across the country
have begun to clean up their acts with
earth-friendly fertilizing and pest-control
methods, a common eco-menace is
still hiding in plain sight – vehicular and
pedestrian bridges.
These seemingly docile structures traverse
rough terrain and environmentally-
sensitive areas such as wetlands,
marshes, ravines and creeks. The status
quo of traditional materials has become
dated and dangerous to our environment.
Typically built from treated lumber,
which is filled with creosote or chromated
copper arsenic, wooden bridges
leach hazardous toxins into the ground
and water, endangering the eco-system.
There are alternatives available to superintendents,
which turn 100-percent
recycled materials from consumer and
industrial waste (otherwise destined
for landfills), into building products
for bridges and boardwalks, as well as
landscaping for bulk heading and framing
walkways, cart paths, tee boxes and
steps for golf courses.
While satisfying strict environmental
codes, the recycled material holds additional
advantages over conventional
building products. “Green” bridges
withstand severe weather and flooding,
and last on average more than 50 years
with minimal wear and
tear, compared to typical
wood structures which require
maintenance every
10-15.
Eco-safe bridges and walkways
are cost-effective as
well. Materials can be obtained
for lower cost per
foot then wood and are
just as easy to install. With
the use of standard tools,
installation is quick, hassle-
free and customizable
for extreme traffic and weight
To the naked eye, environmentallysound
bridges blend in with the course’s
surroundings. The natural look remains
like new over time, requiring no painting
and staining, while the materials are impervious
to corrosion, cracking, fungus,
insect infestation, moisture decay, rotting,
rust and overall deterioration, thus
saving money on upkeep and labor.
A common fear for any superintendent
is a slip or fall on a bridge or walkway,
still wet from an early morning rain
shower. That is because wood absorbs
water, leaving a slick surface for golfers
traveling over. Plastic surfaces do
not create this common occurrence and
will save a passerby from the embarrassing
fall, an unfortunate injury, and
more important for a course operator,
potential litigation.
Golf’s recent commitment to all things
green bodes well for these new alternatives.
Green bridge for environmental
areas on golf courses.
Construction opportunities on courses
being renovated or updated are abound,
and non-wood structures have become the
‘eco-smart’ choice.
By Jim Kersteinis, CEO Axion International
July/August 2009 Connecticut Clippings Page 2
The Board of Directors decided that beginning
in 2009 our association would begin an annual
tournament for our benevolent fund in order
to raise and have funds available to help
our members and their families get through
any unforeseen challenges. Thank you to
Mark Mansur and Wintonbury Hills Golf
Course for hosting our Benevolent Fund Golf
Tournament. Unfortunately which seems to
happen more often than not this season our
event was shortened due to rain, thank you
to all who attempted to play, thank you to
all our members, guests and our commercial
members who made contributions to this
event, because of your generosity we were
able to deposit over $10,000.00 into this fund.
As we schedule our future meeting schedules
we will be looking to
our members to host
this tournament as we
hope to be able to grow
this event in the years to
come.
Please watch the mail
and check the web-site
for monthly meeting
and social event notices.
Some dates to mark on
your calendar: Family
Day at Lake Compounce
– Sunday, September
13th, sponsored by Syngenta and Melissa
Gugliotti, The Invitational at Glastonbury Hills –
Tuesday, September 15th, sponsored by Club Car,
On Course Construction and Steven Willand.
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered
their time and their facilities to host our 2009
events and again a special thank you to all our
commercial members for your time and for all
your continued donations that help keep our
events enjoyable and affordable. If you have any
interest in hosting a future event, please give
Don Beck or Mary Jo a call for more details.
Thanks
Chris P. Mauro
Fourth of July has come and gone, Labor
Day is fast approaching and with my
time running out as a member of the
CAGCS Board I sit to write one of my last
President’s letters. During my time serving
this association I have had the privilege to
meet and get to know many people and
have witnessed our association achieve
a level of professionalism that many did
not think was possible. Many of my past
letters and comments have been influenced
by my belief of the importance of family
and friends and is with that in mind that
I feel one of the most important things our
association has ever done took place last
month.
Connecticut Clippings is an official
official publication of the
Connecticut Association of Golf
Course Superintendents
Newsletter Editor
Bob Chalifour, CGCS (Ret.)
Co-Editor
Heather Garvin
Newsletter Committee
David Basconi, John Garcia,
Edward Goodhouse, Ron Holcomb,
Mike Mooney and Jud W. Smith
The Clippings is open to all
commentary.
Please send your comments to:
Bob Chalifour, Newsletter Editor,
39 First Street
Groton, CT 06340
Seated, Jason, Left to right Allessia,
Sage and Zachary Mauro
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         
     
Top Dressing Sand /
Blends
Pro Play Bunker Sand
Pro Play HD Bunker
Sand
Tee Mixes
Divot Blends
Rootzone Mixes
Bagged Products
Screened Soils /
Compost
Aggregates
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July/August 2009 Connecticut Clippings Page 3
BOB VIERA
CLASS OF 1951
Bob Viera retired golf course superintendent of
Watertown Golf Club, Watertown CT, on May 22,
2009 was inducted into Dartmouth High School
athletic Hall of Fame along with eight others.
A three-sport athlete during his career, Bob lettered
4 years in football, 4 years in basketball and 2 years
in golf.
During his senior football season, he was elected
captain and named Second Team, all Narragansett
League. During his 4 year basketball career, he
was chosen Co-Captain as a senior and averaged
16 points per game as a first team all Narragansett
League selection. He was also awarded the
prestigious Joseph Viveiros Trophy as the “most
outstanding basketball player”.
At the conclusion of his athletic career at D.H.S. he
was chosen “Athlete of the Year, 1951”
Bob continued his athletic career in the U.S. Army
participating in Unit football, basketball, and
softball.
Bob also served as President of CAGCS in 1972-73
and was the 1984 Superintendent of the Year. Bob & Betty Viera at Dartmouth High School
athletic Hall of Fame Induction.
SAND & GRAVEL
105 Brickyard Road • Farmington, CT 06032
(860) 677-1616 • Fax (860) 674-0668
www.dunningsand.com • bdunning@dunningsand.com
Certified 2mm Root Zone & Bunker Sand
Since
1917
Benjamin Dunning
President
July/August 2009 Connecticut Clippings Page 4
CAGCS APRIL GOLF RESULTS
Willow Brook Golf Course
APRIL 27, 2009
1ST GROSS – 115
Eric Morrison, Shennecossett GC
Ward Weischet, CGCS John Deer Golf
2ND GROSS – 125
James Favreau, TurfLinks
David van Leeuvan, SePRO
3RD GROSS – 126
Gary DeVaux, Topstone GC
Thomas DeVaux, Hunter GC
1ST NET – 95
John Napier, CGCS, Stanley GC
Owen Regan, A.T. Sales
2ND NET – 102
Brett Armstrong, Steven Willand
Michael Donahue, Phoenix Environmental
3RD NET – 96
Greg Moore, On Course Construction
Edward Downing, New England Specialty
Soils
Closest to the Pin, Hole #2 – 7’
Tim Gerzabek, Blackledge CC
Closest to the Pin, Hole #9 – 4’9”
David van Leeuvan, SePRO
Closest to the Pin Hole #14 – 24’
Ward Weischet, CGCS, John Deere Golf
Closest to the Line
Edward Downing, NE Specialty Soils
Longest Drive
Christopher Guilmette, Willow Brook GC
Longest Putt, Hole #3 – 9’
Tim Gerzabek, Blackledge CC
CAGCS MAY GOLF RESULTS
SCHOLARSHIP & RESEARCH
TOURNAMENT
Watertown Golf Club
MAY 18, 2009
1ST GROSS – 58
Kevin Collins, Tradition GC at Wallingford
Ward Weischet, CGCS, John Deer Golf
John LaBrie, Gillette Ridge GC
John Parmelee, Indian Springs GC
2ND GROSS – 61
Les Kennedy, Jr., CGCS, Blind Brook Club
Timothy O’Neill, CGCS, CC of Darien
Larry Pakkala, Plant Food Co.
Dave Wallace, New England Turf, Inc.
3RD GROSS – 62
Keith Angilly, Mill River CC
Walter Wozniak, Mill River CC
Tom Serino, Mill River CC
Erik Burr, Mill River CC
1ST NET – 53
Mark Osborne, Steven Willand, Inc.
Todd Olovson, Sleeping Giant GC
Scott Zwiers, Millbrook Club
Justin Gabrenas, Lake Waramaug CC
2ND NET – 54
Steven Curry, Shuttle Meadow CC
Steve Winarski, Shuttle Meadow CC
Jon Rosinsky, Shuttle Meadow CC
Mark Gombotz, Shuttle Meadow CC
3RD NET – 55
Rob Larson, Tom Irwin, Inc.
Greg Stent, Wampanoag CC
William Stevens, Glastonbury Hills CC
Garth Townley, Green Woods Country Club
Longest Drive, Hole #7
John LaBrie, Gillette Ridge GC
Longest Drive, Hole #10
Phil Matts, Patterson Club
Closest to the Pin, Hole #4 – 4’3”
Matt Topazio, guest
Closest to the Pin Hole #15 – 3’3”
Shannon Slevin, Pine Orchard Yacht & CC
CAGCS JUNE GOLF RESULTS
Shennecossett Golf Club
JUNE 24, 2009
1ST FLIGHT
1st Gross
Ward Weischet, CGCS, John Deer Golf – 70
1st Net
Eric Morrison, Shennecossett GC – 65
2nd Net
John Parmelee, Indian Springs GC – 68
3rd Net
Paul Bonini, CGCS, Watertown GC – 69
2ND FLIGHT
1st Gross
John Callahan, Cardinals, Inc. – 76
1st Net
Timothy O’Neill, CGCS, CC of Darien – 66
2nd Net
Chris Mauro, Highfield Club – 68
3rd Net
Dave Conrad, Metro Turf Specialists – 70
3RD FLIGHT
1st Gross
Jason Booth, New Haven CC – 79
1st Net
George Harris, Lake of Isles -Troon Golf – 66
2nd Net
Jeff Houde, Tom Irwin – 66
3rd Net
Steve Curry, Shuttle Meadow CC – 68
4TH FLIGHT
1st Gross
Mike Mooney, M&M Hydroseeding – 83
1st Net
Anthony Grosso, Mohegan Sun CC
at Pautipaug - 63
2nd Net
Tom Rodden, Gillette Ridge GC – 68
3rd Net
Al La Prise, Allen Seed – 71
Closest to the Pin, Hole #4 – 18’2”
Mike Decker, Clinton CC
Closest to the Pin Hole #9 – 11’2”
Heather Garvin, Chas. Hart Seed Co.
Closest to the Pin Hole #12 – 7’1”
Les Kennedy, Jr., CGCS,
The Blind Brook Club
Closest to the Pin Hole #15 – 13’3”
Sean Moran, SODCO
Closest to the Line – 1’
Ward Weischet, CGCS, John Deere Golf
Longest Drive – long
Mike Dukette, Harrell’s
Longest Putt, Hole #2
Mike Mooney, M&M Hydroseeding
Longest Putt – Hole #18 – 69’
George Harris, Lake of Isles -Troon Golf
CAGCS FAMILY DAY
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Lake Compounce
New England’s Family Theme Park
More Info: www.cagcs.com/Lake_Compounce09.
pdf
Register: www.cagcs.com/register_lakecompounce.
html
Deadline: Friday, September 4th.
July/August 2009 Connecticut Clippings Page 5
THE POND CONNECTION
Pond and Lake Management Services
Jeff J. Stahl
Cell: 203-858-4136
Office: 203-426-7055
Fax: 203-426-2078
•Aeration •Fountains •Grass Carp•Fish Stocking
64 Barnabas Road Suite 5
Newtown, Connecticut 06470
www.thepondconnection.com
July/August 2009 Connecticut Clippings Page 6
New Members
Jonathan Burke, Class A
The Hartford Golf Club
Justin Gabrenas, Class SM
Lake Waramaug Country Club
Jose Gonzalez, Class C
Highfield Country Club
Jim Howells, Commercial
Northeast Stihl Inc.
Jerry Marin, Commercial
D&S
Timothy Nadeau, Class C
Wethersfield Country Club
Congratulations
Sean & Sierra Flynn on the birth of their
daughter Erica Sydney on May 19th
weighed in at 6lbs 13ozs.
A very belated welcome to Steve Curry,
Golf Course Superintendent at Shuttle
Meadow CC.
Ryan & Monica O’Neal on the birth of their
son Liam James on June 12 and weighed in
at 8lbs 3ozs.
Condolences
To Gerald Mills on the passing of his
mother Gerturde Mills (Pollock) on May
25, 2009 at the age of 90.
Notes
Dr. Joseph Troll, Professor Emeritus, Umass
Stockbridge School has moved to Florida.
Joe & Lonnie Troll
16720 SE 78 Lillywood Ct.
The Villages FL 32162
The CAGCS Board of Directors and Members wish
you a long and healthy life in your new Florida
home. We will all miss seeing you at the NERTC.
UCONN research - looking for a
Toro greens aerator (Model 09110)
We are currently conducting some research here at
UConn whe re we utilize a modified Toro greens
aerator to simulate traffic on an athletic field. We
currently have a Toro Greens Aerator (Model 09110).
This model was manufactured from 1988 to 1996.
Replacements parts for this machine are no longer
available through Toro distributors. We would like
to determine if any superintendents might have one
of these units sitting around that they would be willing
to donate to the University for replacement parts
for our current machine. Thank you for your help.
Jason J. Henderson, Ph.D., University of Connecticut
Phone: 860-486-0189
jason.henderson@uconn.edu
If you have a used item that you wish to
buy or sell you can post it here.
- American Lincoln Model # 3366
Gas Rider Sweeper w/Cab Assembly
Replacement cost $72,000 Asking $45,000
- Crystal Welding Inc. Trailer Model TEXB-10
Replacement Cost $12,000 Asking 10,000
- John Deere Model # 2653A 72” cut Reel
Hydro 5 Blade, Liquid Cooled Diesel Engine
w/37 Hrs., Replacement Cost $24,000 Asking
$18,000
Contact Phil Tuthill 860/885-9541
CAGCS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President – Christian P. Mauro
Vice President – Kimberly J. Heyl
Secretary – Mark B. Mansur
Treasurer – John Garcia
Past President – Keith A. Angilly
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Education – Donald Beck
Golf – Eric Morrision
Membership – Sean Flynn
Scholarship & Research
Paul Bonini, CGCS
Social & Welfare – Charles Babcock
Government Relations
Scott Ramsay, CGCS
Commercial Rep to Board
Michael Donahue
Class C Rep to the Board
Neil Lajeunesse
“Yes, that’s Tiger walking over to ask us for putting advice.”
UMASS Drought Resistant Turf Study. This cover will
automaticaly cover the turf when it starts to rain.
Melissa Gugliotti, Cindy Johnson, Heather Garvin, Bob
Chalifour, Wayne Zoppo on a very cool morning at the Masters.
We have all seen the presentation of the Green Jacket following the Masters
Tournament. These are the brass buttons that are attached to it. They were made
right here in Connecticut in Waterbury, by Waterbury Company.
July/August 2009 Connecticut Clippings Page 7
July/August 2009 Connecticut Clippings Page 8
NEW DEP STREAMFLOW
REGULATIONS
ON THE HORIZON
The Connecticut Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) is proposing
changes to the minimum stream-flow
standards that may impact existing and
proposed surface-water and ground-water
withdrawals.
Public Act 05-142, enacted in 2005, directed
the DEP to develop regulations that would
expand the coverage of the stream-flow
standards to include all rivers and streams
in Connecticut, rather than just those the
DEP has stocked with fish, as was the case
previously. PA 05-142 requires that the
new standards strike a balance between
the water demands for potable, irrigation
and manufacturing and other lawful
water uses as well as public safety and the
needs of fish and wildlife that also depend
on the availability of water to sustain
healthy natural communities. The updated
standards would be phased in over a period
of 2 to 16 years to allow current users time
to adjust their operations and/or identify
additional sources.
When promulgated the new stream-flow
standards will apply to water users that
divert more that 50,000 gallons per day.
In some cases these users will be required
to decrease withdrawals during periods
of low-stream flow to comply with the
new standards. Compliance may also be
achieved through adoption of a Stream
Flow Management Plan that establishes
a binding agreement for all water users
in the watershed. As currently drafted,
withdrawals covered by an approved
DEP Water Diversion Permit would not
be subject to the new standards; however,
registered diversions and diversions with
expired permits would be subject to the
new standards.
The DEP would establish a public process
to subdivide all rivers and streams in
Connecticut into one of four classes. Each
class would represent a defined balance
between human-use and ecological-health
priorities. Class 1 waters would assign
priority to protecting ecological health. Class
4 waters would assign a greater priority to
supporting human activities. Class 2 and
Class 3 waters have intermediate balance
points between ecological and human use.
It is anticipated that withdrawals from
Class 1 or 2 waters would be subject to
more stringent controls.
The stream classification process will likely
consider such factors as the size and location
of the withdrawal or in-stream structure,
the presence of flow-sensitive aquatic life,
the location of stream gages, proximity
to waste-water discharges, designated
open-space or protected area and physical
habitat restoration potential. The proposed
stream-flow regulation will specify a
process for changing a classification
if conditions warrant. The petitioner
would need to demonstrate the change is
necessary to meet a legitimate human need
for water that cannot be satisfied without
reclassification.
Once a river or stream is classified, specific
operational requirements may be imposed
on parties who maintain structures or
withdrawals that impact or have the
potential to impact flow in the classified
watercourse. This would include groundwater
withdrawals that impact stream
flow.
The DEP has proposed a four-tiered
screening methodology for ground-water
withdrawals to evaluate compliance with
the stream-flow standards. Tier-1 is a direct
comparison between the stream-flow
standard and the permitted, registered or
proposed maximum-allowable withdrawal
rate. If the maximum withdrawal rate
exceeds the stream-flow standard, a Tier-
2 review would be implemented, which
compares the standard to the averageday
withdrawal for the peak-use month,
based on the latest five years of operation.
Failing the Tier-2 demonstration, the DEP
would move to a Tier-3 evaluation that
uses a site-specific analytical approach
to evaluate potential impact of groundJuly/
August 2009 Connecticut Clippings Page 9
water withdrawal on stream flow. The final method
for compliance determination, Tier 4, incorporates
ground-water modeling or monitoring to evaluate
the relationship between ground-water withdrawal
and stream flow.
If the Tier 4 review indicates the ground-water
withdrawal still does not meet the stream flow
standard the DEP may approve conditional
operation of the timing, duration and volume of the
withdrawal.
Currently, the DEP is redrafting the rule and
responding to input provided by water users and
other stakeholders.
Rob Good, CPG, LEP
Hydrogeologist – Principal
Leggette, Brashears & Graham, Inc.
CAGCS thanks the following
members & companies for their
support of our 2009 Benevolent
Fundraiser
ARBOR CARE INC.
CHARLES BABCOCK & FAMILY
BAYER ENVIRONMENTAL
BASF
BLUE FOX RUN GOLF COURSE
CAMERON’S CATERING, LLC
THE CARDINALS, INC.
D&S
SEAN FLYNN & FAMILY
JOHN DEERE GOLF
JOHN GALLAGHER
GREEN SOLUTIONS, LLC
GRIGG BROTHERS
CHAS C. HART SEED COMPANY
INDIAN HILL COUNTRY CLUB
JAMES CARRIERE & SONS
LES KENNEDY, Jr. CGCS & FAMILY
THE MAURO FAMILY
MILL RIVER COUNTRY CLUB
NEW ENGLAND LAWN & GOLF, LLC
NEW ENGLAND SPECIALTY SOILS
NEW ENGLAND TURF INC.
NORTHERN DESIGNS, LLC
PHOENIX ENVIRONMENTAL CARE
PLANT FOOD COMPANY
SHENNECOSSETT GOLF COURSE
SLATER FARMS/HOLLISTON SAND
JUD SMITH
SUFFIELD COUNTRY CLUB
SYNGENTA
TOM IRWIN, INC.
TURFLINKS, INC.
VALENT PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS
WARD WEISCHET, CGCS
WETHERSFIELD COUNTRY CLUB
JAMES WIERZBICKI
JONAH WELLINS
WINTONBURY HILLS COUNTRY CLUB
Have experience. Will travel.
If you’re looking for some help on your course, consider
the Stores-on-Wheels®. We can deliver agronomic
expertise, top brands and more straight to your course.
Call us at 1-800-321-5325. We can help with whatever
job you have in mind. www.JohnDeere.com/golf
9-5989
Vertis QCA
1300 19th Street, Suite 200
East Moline, IL 61244
Cyan Magenta Yellow Black 09-5989
Connecticut Clippings
July/August 2009 Connecticut Clippings Page 10
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ROOM BLOCK - 2010
GCSAA EDUCATION
CONFERENCE & GOLF
INDUSTRY SHOW
SAN DIEGO, CA
For your convenience, CAGCS has blocked
a total of 25 rooms at the Hilton San Diego
Bayfront Hotel (Association Headquarters)
for the 2010 GCSAA Education Conference
and Golf Industry Show in San Diego, CA.
If you would like to reserve a room in the
room block, please email or call the CAGCS
office and leave your name and the address
where you would like your housing form sent
to (home or business). We will then forward
to you the specially marked housing form,
which will be available by the end of August
for completion with instructions. In order to
be fair to all, they will be sent out on a firstcome,
first-served basis.
A first night’s deposit, plus room tax, is
required. The amount due at the time of
reservation is $269.21 ($239.00 plus 12.64%
tax) which can be guaranteed to a credit card
only. Further information and instructions
will be given at the time the housing form is
sent to you.
Call today to get your housing form!
Do not hesitate to reserve your room! The
earlier you plan on arriving in San Diego,
the earlier you should get your housing
form. Fewer rooms are allocated for February
6th & 7th. The full 25 rooms are available
on February 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th. If
you plan on leaving San Diego a few days
following the convention, get your housing
form early. Again, the allocations of rooms
lessen on Feb. 13th & 14th.
If you have any questions, please feel free to
call the office.
Connecticut Association of Golf Course
Superintendents, Inc
P.O. Box 3678, Woodbridge, CT 06525
Telephone: 203/387-0810
Toll Free: 888/561-7778
Fax: 203/387-7866
E-Mail Address: cagcs@cagcs.com
ON THE FAIRWAY,
NEW LESSONS IN
SAVING WATER
ATLANTA — Six years ago, when
Georgia’s state government rewrote its rules
for water use during droughts, it cut no slack
for an obvious culprit: golf courses.
With emerald fairways that glistened even in
the most blistering conditions, they were a
tempting target.
Yet golf course managers were indignant.
They argued that they were reining in water
use in dozens of ways, like planting native
grasses and auditing sprinkler spray patterns.
Instead of being penalized, they said, they
should be emulated.
It took a while, but from the South to the
arid West, their wish is coming true. Mindful
that global warming could provoke more
and longer dry spells, state governments are
increasingly consulting golf courses on water
strategies.
In Georgia, golf course managers have
emerged as go-to gurus on water conservation
for both industries and nonprofit groups.
Marriott International is applying lessons
learned at its golf course here to its resort
properties in other states. Habitat for
Humanity is landscaping front yards with
drought-tolerant plants recommended by golf
superintendents.
“Look, if you want to learn how to irrigate,
these are the guys to ask,” said Garith Grinnell,
who recently retired from the Southern
Nevada Water Authority.
Such accolades are a turnabout for a
business that is often faulted for harming the
July/August 2009 Connecticut Clippings Page 11
environment through excess use of water and
pesticides.
In Georgia, the shift in perspective came
about largely because of a crippling drought
that peaked in 2007. By that year, 97 percent
of the clubs that belonged to the Georgia Golf
Course Superintendents Association had
voluntarily adopted what are viewed as bestmanagement
practices for water use, reducing
consumption, they estimated, by 25 percent in
just three years.
Lake Lanier, Atlanta’s main source of water,
had meanwhile dropped to record low levels,
exposing muddy bottom not seen in half a
century. It dawned on state and local water
managers that golf courses might have some
useful know-how.
Golfing grounds managers “are great technical
assistance to me,” said Kathy Nguyen,
president of the Georgia Water Wise Council,
a state association of water professionals that
encourages conservation. “I can call them up
and talk to them about different technologies.”
(Georgia’s drought eased significantly this
year.)
Ms. Nguyen has relied on golf superintendents
in drafting guidelines for homeowners like
letting grass grow longer, fixing leaks in
hoses as promptly as possible and keeping
lawn mower blades razor sharp. (Grass cut
by duller blades is more frayed and requires
more water to stay healthy.)
The golf industry still draws strong criticism
from environmentalists. Turf is, after all, the
thirstiest of plants. The average American
golf course drinks up some 50 million gallons
of water a year — comparable to the yearly
usage of 1,400 people. In the West, the figures
are higher.
Yet that reality, coupled with rising water
prices, is what led to strides like irrigating golf
courses with “gray water,” or nonindustrial
wastewater that is recycled for other
purposes.
Tom Bancroft, chief scientist with the National
Audubon Society, says that for all the progress
golf has made, it remains a deeply problematic
industry. Many courses “use fertilizers that
can run off into fresh water, and many use
pesticides in lawn and grass,” Mr. Bancroft
said. (Audubon International, a separate
group, works with golf courses to encourage
wildlife preservation.)
Mark Esoda, superintendent of the Atlanta
Country Club in suburban Marietta, where
initiation fees are $85,000, acknowledges that
practices among the nation’s courses range
from indifferent to conscientious. But Mr. Esoda
maintains that he and other superintendents
have a lot to teach municipalities about
watering their ball fields and homeowners
about tending to their yards.
Zipping around the course on pine-shaded
paths, Mr. Esoda stopped abruptly near the
seventh hole. He gestured toward a patch of
newly laid turf of zoysia, a warm-weather
shade grass native to Southeast Asia and
Australia. On shady parts of the course it is
replacing fescue, a genus of cold-weather
shade grass that can live through the winter
and thus requires five months’ more watering
and mowing.
Mr. Esoda said he had also installed affordable
monitors that prevent automatic sprinklers
from activating during or right after a rain.
And when isolated dry spots appear on the
greens, he said, he sends staff members out
with watering cans rather than turning on the
sprinkler system.
Finally, Mr. Esoda has made an aesthetic
adjustment after years of savoring the green
glow of a perfect lawn. “Crispy around the
edges is O.K.,” he confided.
Water is just one area where golf courses and
environmentalists may find a rapprochement,
said Anthony L. Williams, director of grounds
at Marriott’s Stone Mountain public courses
just outside Atlanta.
As metropolitan areas sprawl outward, golf
courses may be the only large-scale green
space for miles around, offering crucial
potential habitat for migrating birds and other
wildlife.
Mr. Williams, who has a degree in local
horticulture, has been letting native grasses
take over his lawns. Off the fairways he does
not even bother to mow, and on the greens
he is maintaining grass at one-sixteenth of
an inch higher than typical courses. It makes
playing slow, he allows, but “consistent.” He
has also replaced all the flowering annuals
with perennials, which generally require less
water, choosing those that are attractive to
native wildlife.
Since he took charge of the two courses in
2005, Mr. Williams has cut water consumption
by 45 percent, he said, and witnessed the
return of some wildlife species like the redtailed
hawk.
The changes have come with a price, like the
occasional large brown spot on the fairway.
But Mr. Williams says the golfers do not
mind.
“I just stand out there on the greens and explain,
‘We are doing this so your grandchildren can
come out here and play,’ ” he said. “People
understand that.”
- The New York Times
July/August 2009 Connecticut Clippings Page 12
DryJect N.E./TurfPounders
Aerification & Drainage SVC’s
Kevin Collins (914) 525-3681 (cell)
Home Office (914) 672-6029
Servicing CT, NY & Western MA
Egypt Farms, Inc.
Sterilized Topdressing, Greensmix
Bagged Topdressing & Divot Mix
Dean Snyder
(800) 899-7645 FAX (410) 335-0164
Harrell’s
Jim Wierzbicki (860) 424-7250
Mike Dukette (860) 930-8888
Customer Service (800) 228-6656
The Chas C. Hart Seed Co.
Wethersfield, CT - Roy Sibley,
P. 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
Metro Turf Specialists
Customers, Our TOP Priority
Dave Conrad (914) 490-3698
Rob Steinman (914) 588-6593
(203) 748-4653 – metroturfspecialists.com
New England Specialty Soils
Top Dressing Sand HD Bunker Sand
Rootzone Blends, Diviot Mix
Ed Downing www.nesoils.com
(978) 230-2300 ed@nesoils.com
New England Turf, Inc
Premium Sod for Golf
Sod Installations
Dave Wallace (401) 641-0306
Arron Maher (401) 714-3402 (cell)
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
Phoenix Environmental Care
533 Elderberry Road
Noblesville, IN 46062
Michael Donahue (860) 490-1929
A-OK Turf Equipment
Articulator Dealer, Graden, TyCrop, Blec
Wiedenmann, Therrien, Baroness, sweep n fill
Michael Cornicelli (401) 826-2584
Fax (401) 826-3749www.aokturfequipment.com
Allens Seed
Seed, Fertilizer, Turf Supplies
Exeter, RI 02822
Al LaPrise
(401) 741-4444 - (800) 527-3898
Anderson Turf Irrigation, Inc.
5 Cronk Road
Plainville, CT 06062
Curtis F. Anderson
Aquatrols Corp. of America
Innovative Products for Effective
Resource Management
Kevin P. Collins, N.E. Territory Mgr.
(609) 841-2077 (cell)
Bayer Environmental Science
Fairfield County – Dave Sylvester
(860) 841-3173 – Dave’s cell phone
All other CT Counties – Brian Giblin
(508) 439-9809 – Brian’s cell phone
BISCO
Irrigation Supplies featuring Rain Bird
60 Stergis Way, Dedham MA 02026
(800) 225-8006 - MA / (888) 522-9182 - CT
J. Anderson III cell: (203) 494-5217
C.R.I.S., LLC
Golf Course Irrigation
P.O. Box 6194
Wolcott, CT 06716
Troy Carney – (203) 879-2362
The Cardinals, Inc.
Complete Distributor of Golf Course
Accessories & Turf Main tenance 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
Specialty Products Distributor For Golf & Sports Turf
Servicing Your Needs www.dgmsystems.com
Office (401) 647-0550 or (877) DGM Products
Manny (401) 524-8999 - David (401) 742-1177
D & S - Floratine - JRM
The Best Value for
Plant and Soil Strength
Jerry Martin (203) 380-9503
Dave Basconi (860) 349-1291
Plant Food Company, Inc.
The Liquid Fertilizer Experts
Larry Pakkala, CGCS (203) 505-3750
Tom Weinert (914) 262-0111
Customer Service (800) 562-1291
Sodco, Inc.
P.O. Box 2
Slocum, RI 02877
Sean Moran
(800) 341-6900 - sodco.net
Steven Willand, Inc.
Jacobsen-Club Car Car-Smithco-Turfco
Parts/Service (203) 775-5757
Mark Osborn-Brett Armstrong-John Ferrucio
www.stevenwillandinc.com
Syngenta Professional Products
Fairfield County - Dennis DeSanctis
(732) 580-5514 - dennis.desanctis@syngenta.com
All other CT Counties - Melissa Gugliotti
(860) 221-5712 - melissa.gugliotti@syngenta.com
Terre Co.
206 Delawanne Ave. Clifton NJ
(973) 473-3393 FAX (973) 473-4402
Byron Johnson
Home (203) 748-5069
Tom Irwin, Inc.
Turf Management Products
Knowledge & Experience You Can Trust
Rob Larson (508) 789-0059
Jeff Houde (203) 731-1776 office (800) 582-5959
TurfLinks, Inc.
Committed to your success!
Products, Equipment & Agronomic Services
Jim Favreau (978) 815-9810
Chris Cowan (413) 530-5040
Turf Products Corporation
157 Moody Rd., P.O. Box 1200
Enfiled, CT 06083
John Ferry - Mark Loper
(800) 243-4355
Westchester Turf Supply, Inc.
33 Years of Serving the CAGCS
Bob Lippman (914) 447-6257
Dave Lippman (914) 447-5192
Office (845) 621-5067 westturf@comcast.net
Winding Brook Turf Farm
240 Griswold Rd.
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Mike Krudwig (860) 883-0475
kruds@comcast.net
April 8, 2009 Masters - Par 3 Tournament
Scholarship & Research Tournament - Watertown Golf Club - May 18, 2009