CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS J CONNECTICUT CLIPPINGS Volume 28, No. 4 September, 1994 President’s Message Peter R. Pierson CAGCS President Spike marks Finally a solution? By John F. Streeter, CGCS Editor Labor Day 1994 has finally arrived and all too soon it will be a distant recollection of a half day to relax, maybe more than a half day for some. This Labor Day weekend was a good one weatherwise with below normal day and night temperatures. Some may refer to this upcoming period as an attitude-adjustment time. I was fortunate to attend the 63rd University of Rhode Island Field Day on August 24th and it was a fine day. What wonderful weather the URI faculty, graduate students and turf farm staff provided. As a member of the Tri-State Research Foundation, CAGCS pro­ vides part of the research dollars for some important research that is being undertaken by Dr. Noel Jackson. Additional financial support for the Tri State Research Foundation can be gen­ erated by individual clubs joining the Foundation. Please make an effort to have your club consider membership in the Tri State Research Foundation, if not in 1994, aim at joining in 1995. Your support is needed and appreciated. If I had to list five of the most aggra­ vating problems that we encounter on golf courses, spike marks would be somewhere near the top of the list We all know that the spikes that penetrate our near-perfect green surfaces are detri­ mental to the grass plant. They deliver excess wear and injury to our green sur­ faces. Most of us have greens that were built for half of the play that we are receiving now. On top of that, we are mowing at lower heights of cut and receiving what seems like months with­ out a break in golfers. If I could eliminate 50% of the wear caused by spike marks on my greens, I would not only be able to produce a better, more consistent product, but also somwhere down the line maybe save a little bit in maintenance costs. There is a recent trend now being em­ ployed by some of the top clubs in the country. To name a few, Pine Valley in New Jersey and Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio, have led the way in man­ dating that all golfers wear the “Softspike”. The Softspike is of ure­ thane material; and, to date, has been hailed a great success by the clubs who have been using them. The cost to change a pair of shoes into Softspikes is around $8 per pair. An average club of 300 members, with some simple multiplication, brings you around $2,400 to change all of the spikes over. Consideration also must be given to guests who will come to play and will need to have their shoes changed over. This may seem excessive, but think about the benefits that we, and our members, will enjoy as a result of using this new Softspike. In the September issue of Golf Course News, there is an article about these very same Softspikes. The fol­ lowing are some quotes taken from this article that I wish to include. Mark Yoder, supt. at Scioto CC in Columbus, OH, is quoted as saying: "Metal spikes ruin mower blades. The urethane spikes do no damage. Is it agronomically saving me thousands a year? No, but it sure is easier on the greens”. Golf Course News reports that a new golf course can be grown in (continued on page 2 j (continued on page 3) President's Message (continued from page 1) invited CAGCS to have a meeting at their club. Many members have volunteered their clubs in the past, and we thank you. CAGCS’s Educational Director is in charge of securing meeting sites. If you desire to host a meeting, please contact someone on the Board of Directors or contact our Executive Secretary at 387-0810 and leave a message so someone can get back to you. CAGCS is proud to announce that Michael Wallace, CGCS, from Hop Meadow Country Club has had his name placed in nomination for Director of GCSAA. CAGCS has contacted other surrounding chapers to support Mike’s bid to become a Director of GCSAA. On September 24th, I will be traveling to GCSAA Head­ quarters to attend the Chapter Relations meeting on Sep­ tember 25 and 26. The agenda for this year’s meeting will be centered on the relationship between GCSAA and its affiliated chapters. I look forward to the opportunity to visit GCSAA Headquarters and share in what should prove to be a very educational and informative meeting. I would like to take a moment to thank all of the officers and directors for their hard work during 1994. Those per­ sons new to the Board in 1994 did an outstanding job, as well as those who have had previous Board experience. I would also like to thank Pauline Streeter on behalf of all the membership for her valuable contributions and her hard work in making our association so successful. Gain central control of any existing controllers, regardless of make or manufacturer. Each COPS-Universal radio field unit has up to 42 stations per field unit. Ideal for retro-fitting parks, median strips, school grounds, and golf courses. COPS-Universal lets you change any field controller into a field satellite and manage your entire system from a central PC. COPS- Universal offers: • Communication by repeating or direct radio. (No new controllers or communication wire.) • Unlimited programs, unlimited start and run times to meet all your water management needs. • Freedom to use valves as you choose, regardless of hard-wiring constraints. For a personal demonstration, contact: Art deAtienza or J. Anderson Main Office: 243 Woodmont Road • P.O. Box 3049 • Millord CT 06460 • (203) 878-0658 P.I.E. SUPPLY CO. PIPE & IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT SUPPLY COMPANY Buckner IB' iffl The 1994 CAGCS year is quickly drawing to conclusion. The members of the Board of Directors have worked very hard this year to continue the strong and active pace set dur­ ing the past few years. Elections for officers and directors will be held at the annual meeting to be held at Old Lyme CC on November 7th. As every year comes to a close, CAGCS wishes to thank those superintendents who have gone the extra mile and CAGCS Board of Directors President & PPUC Rep. PETER R. PIERSON Pequabuck Coif Club Vice President PHILIP NEATON Black Hall Club Secretary JOHN NAPIERACZ, CGCS Stanley Coif Course Treasurer JOHN MOTYCKA Skungamaug River Coif Club Immediate Past President JOHN F. STREETER CGCS Woodbridge Country Club Education MICHAEL WALLACE, CGCS Hop Meadow Country Club Public Relations SCOTT GENNINGS, CGCS Wallingford Country Club Connecticut Clippings is an official publication of the Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents. S&R Committee HEATHER GARVIN Canton Public Golf Course Newsletter Committee John F. Streeter, CGCS, Editor Social & Welfare JUD W. SMITH Orange Hills Country Club Commercial Rep. to Board JEFFREY F. ROGERS Robert Baker Companies Photos David Basconi Golf Co-Chairpersons ANTHONY GROSSO Pautipaug Country Club JEFFREY F. ROGERS Robert Baker Companies -and- Membership BRIAN SKELLY Old Lyme Country Club - 2 - "I believe that it will have to be the golf course superintendent who brings this to the forefront of the golf industry." faster, if players wear the urethane spikes. Softspikes will do less damage and allow the turf to mature faster. John Malloy, former supt. at Wynstone GC in North Barrington, IL, who is now growing in the Jack Nicklaus-designed Bearpath Golf & CC in Eden Prairie, MN, is quoted in part as saying, “Checking his greens one day after they had absorbed about 240 rounds of play, [with all players wearing the Softspikes,] the putting conditions were identical at 3 in the afternoon as at 7 in the morning, as far as spike marks are concerned. Quality turf can be maintained better with the urethane spikes. The metal spikes create a perfect seed bed for poa annua. Soft­ spikes do not Metal spikes pull up the turfgrass runners. Softspikes do not.” So, what are the disadvantages to Softspikes? According to Malloy, "They do not last as long. They have to be changed every 20 to 30 rounds, depending on how much concrete or asphalt you walk on. They tend to be at little slippery on very steep, wet slopes.” I believe that it will have to be the golf course superintendent who brings this to the forefront of the golf industry. I, for one, will be willing to include the cost of the spike change over in my operational budget. I think we should all investi­ gate this situation, share thoughts with each other concerning the implementa­ tion, and work toward getting this off the ground. Here's a thought. At a CAGCS meeting next season, maybe our association could respike all of our attendees' shoes with the Softspike, giving us the oppor­ tunity to survey the results firsthand. Anyone having thoughts on this matter are encouraged to write a letter to the editor. These letters will be continuously updated and printed in each of the fol­ lowing issues of the Clippings. (For more information, Softspikes, Inc. is located at 5800 Farrington Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22304, tel: 800/638-0075.) 59 Dwight Street Hatfield, MA 01038 800-346-5048 We’re not just a FERTILIZER company! Your Custom Fertilizer & Grass Seed Blender Also Offers: Fairway Aeration - DOL Overseeding Custom - Fairway Application • Fertilizers (Liquid & Dry/Bag & Bulk) * Grass Seeds * Natural Base Organic Fertilizers * Erosion Materials ♦ Insecticides/Fungicides/Herbicides * Technical Assistance For More Information Contact, Paul McDonough @ 203-779-9811 or Chris Cowan @ 413-247-5687 - 3 - METRO MILORGANITE, INC. For a HEALTHY ADVANTAGE over SEASONAL PROBLEMS WE OFFER a WINNING LINE UP: Milorganite Emerald Isle. Ltd. • Pana Sea • Pana Sea Plus SAND-AID THATCH-X eat CountiyClub • FERTILIZERS • TOP DRESSINGS • BIOSTIMULANTS • SEED • PESTICIDES • GOLF COURSE ACCESSORIES Rick Apgar Scott Apgar Joe Stahl Metro Milorganite Inc. DEPEND ON US FOR FOUR SEASON SOLUTIONS (914) 666-3171 Fax (914) 666-9183 365 Adams Street, Bodford Hills, NY 10507 TumaiTmi (800) 243-7582-, CHOICE OF BENTGRASSES - Maintained at 5/32" and 1/4" - Penncross ’Providence • Pennlinks 3-Way Fairway Blend Pallets or Big Rolls Washing Service Available High Fine Fescue Mix Versatile Blue-Fescue-Rye Mix Low-Cut Blue-Rye Available Farm Inspection Welcomed Around the Z7 CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS^ Association Rooms blocked for '95 Conference & Show contact and register with Anthony Grosso no later than January 20, 1995. CAGCS has reserved a block of 25 rooms at the San Francisco Marriott (Association Headquarters) for the 1995 Conference & Show scheduled for February 20-27, 1995. The charge for single/double rooms is $143 per day. A notice has recently been mailed to all members with the registration form. If you cannot find your form, please call the CAGCS office (387- 0810). We will get another form to you and reserve a room. Deadline to reserve a room is Octo­ ber 20th. Don't miss out. The reserved rooms will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. GCSAA Golf Championship February 18-21, 1995 Any member participating in the GCSAA Golf Championship must • • • • • Rhode Island GCSA & Golf Course Managers of Cape Cod are jointly sponsoring two GCSAA one-day seminars at the Providence Marriott in Providence, RI. November 3rd "Drainage Systems" November 4th "Irrigation Scheduling Techniques GCSAA will award .7 CEUs and a certificate of achievement to partici­ pants passing an examination at the conclusion of each seminar which run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. The cost to GCSAA members is $100 per seminar. You can register by phone. Call GCSAA (913/832-4430 or 800/472- 7878). Or, contact our CAGCS office (387-0810) for a registration form. Classified For Sale or Trade: Terra 320 aerifier; excellent condition; contact Steve Rackliffe, CGCS, Willimantic CC, tel: (203)423^711. Looking to Purchase: Ryan Renovaire. Call Jud Smith, Orange Hills CC, tel: 799-0286 The MET GCSA has scheduled their annual Professional Turfgrass Field Day for October 18th at The Westchester Country Club. A seminar will coincide with the Field Day hosted by Dave Oatis, Di­ rector of the Northeast Region of USGA along with Dr. Noel Jackson, Professor of Plant Sciences from URI. The seminar for superintendents and green chairmen, as well as all interest­ ed parties, will be held between 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. For additional information, please contact Jeff Scott, Apawamis Club (914/967-2570) or Joe Stahl, Metro Milorganite (914/248-5456). S&R Tournament Monday, October 3rd Please note the change in date for the Scholarship & Research Tournament at Torrington Country Club. Consistently High Quality Competitive Prices Prompt Delivery CONNECTICUT MULCH DISTRIBUTORS, INC. KEN LINDELAND WOOD CHIPS - BARK - LANDSCAPE TIES The Robert Baker Companies Winfield Nursery Inc. Route 168 1700 Mountain Road West Suffield, CT Yard (203) 668-5225 Fax (203) 668-5802 Business Address Mailing Address 1300 East St. 1515 North Stone St. Suffield. CT. 06078 W. Suffield, CT. 06093 Telephone (203) 623-2987 Fax 292-1047 Jeff Rogers Home Phone (413) 569-5831 - 4 - Social committee produces banner year! /! EGYPT Sterilized FARMS • * WHITE MARSH, MD (410) 335-3700 Dressing Too 1-800-899-SOIL (7445) EGYPT FARMS EXCLUSIVE! All top dressing ingredienis are thorough­ ly mixed and sterilized by indirect heat in our special process. The sand particles are actually coated with a mixture of top soil and peat humus for a completely homoge­ nous mixture that will not separate during handling and spreading. Egypt Farms top dressing is formulated especially for your area to specifications recommended by leading universities and testing laboratories • Computerized blending of soil mix­ tures for a superior growing medium. • Custom on-site soil blending and testing with a portable computerized blender to meet your specifications • Bunker Sands • Mulch • Canadian Sphagnum Peat The Terre Co. (201)473-3393 Distributed by: Metro-Milorganite, Inc. (914)666-3171 Powered rotary brush and thatcher attachments for grain control and healthy turf, non-floating head design for true cutting heights, and dual powered drive rollers for straight cuts make this unit the premier walk-behind greensmower. WESCO FORD TRACTORS 27 Broad Street Norwalk, Conn. 06851 203-847-2496 family day put us in the world where everyone else is. On August 30th, CAGCS members and friends enjoyed probably the best day of the year, and that is family day at Short Beach Park. Who would have ever expected 75 degrees, cool winds, and great sunshine? That is exactly what our gift was on family day. Bob Szymanski, superintendent at Short Beach Park, made absolutely sure that CAGCS members had a great time ... and they surely did. The social committee has now planned a Halloween Party scheduled for October 28th at The Castle in Old Saybrook, CT. The Castle will sur­ prisingly be decorated and full of fun. This is surely to be one of the year's best functions. Costumes are definitely preferred. We have made special arrangements with the Comfort Inn, which is only 4 miles from The Castle. Take advan­ tage, spend the night, enjoy yourself, and put 1994 to rest. On Monday morning, the leaves will still be there. As you can see from the enclosed in­ sert of pictures, our social events have become a key ingredient. Special thanks and recognition have to be given to Art deAtienza, PIE Sup­ ply. The cruise and family day would not have been as great as they were if it were not for him. He has unselfish­ ly given of himself and his equipment, without charge, to provide music and entertainment for these events. Thank you, Art! Watch for details for the Christmas party in the Novem­ ber issue of the Clippings. - 5 - The Social Committee, chaired by Jud Smith, Orange Hills Country Club, certainly has given CAGCS members great opportunities to get together and share some fine weather and comradery. This past spring, members enjoyed a night out at the ballpark with the New Haven Ravens. We were treated to seats in the pavilion and a great menu of messy... but good... barbequed chicken, ribs and the works. Sixty-six members and guests really had a great time. Thank you to Wayne Urban for his input and help in making this event so successful. When it came time for the cruise held on July 23rd, it definitely was time to get off the golf course. The night of the cruise produced a nice light rain­ fall. For any other organization host­ ing a cruise down the Connecticut River, this would have been a disaster. However, to the amazement of the vessel crew, all in attendance were extremely greatful and full of unre­ strained high spirits because of it At the time of sailing, the rain had stopped, the engines started, the music began, and a truly great time was had by all. While our monthly meetings are great enjoyment, we are still on a golf course. The baseball game, cruise and WHITE CONTRACTORS GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION Thomas A. White James E. Morris, jr. 203-637-5251 914-234-0092 P.O. Box 484 Old Greenwich, CT 06870-0484 J A fast forward in truck design SAWTELLE BE ^THEBaWigW 1 -800-999-1 URF Bloomfield, CT 06002 Lawrence, Ma 01843 JACOBSEN TEXTRON Jacobsen Division of Textron Inc. More pictures from the Invitational held in June at the Wampanoag CC. <= Eric Johnson, Pine Orchard Yacht & CC. Dave Basconi => D & S, is rarely seen on that side of the camera. <= Mike Decker, Clinton Country Club. Steve Rackliffe, Willimantic CC, & Company. Brian Skelly, Old Lyme CC, CAGCS Member­ ship Chairperson Phil Neaton, Black Hall Club, Vice President of CAGCS. CAGCS Family Day August 30th Seventy-seven members and friends were in attendance, and we enjoyed the beach and a menu of clams on the half shell, chowder, and everything else you could imagine being served all day. All you had to do was ask. There were fami­ lies in the tot lot, on the beach, feet in the water, and play­ ing in the sand. Bob made sure there was no charge to CAGCS members who wished to play golf. Greg Bradley, Farmington Woods CC, with his wife, Sue Al Adaskaveg, Rockledge CC, with his son, Austin Art deAtienza, the music man, with Jud Smith, Chairperson Social & Welfare Committee Bob Szymanski, host of family day at Short Beach Park, with our 4 Chef for the Day" Joe Stahl, Metro Milorganite, with his son, J.J. Kevin Bengston, Indian Hill CC, with his son, Nicholas PARTAC TOP-DRESSING GOLF COURSE AMERICA'S PREMIUM TOP-DRESSINGS HEAT TREATED ((( CEOTEXTILES & TURE BLANKETS U.S. GOLF HOLE \\\ TARGETS' AND MUCH MORE! /// 800-247-2326 DISTRIBUTED IN CT BY: JAMES CARRIERE & SONS 914-937-2136 VALLEY FARMS SUPPLY 203-651-8555 CAGCS Calendar October 3rd S&R Tournament Torrington Country Club Edward Goodhouse, Supt. November 7th CAGCS Annual Meeting Old Lyme Country Club Brian Skelly, Supt. October 11th Monthly Meeting Elmridge Country Club Charles & Joseph Rustici, Supts. December TBA CAGCS Christmas Party Hosted by CAGCS "Watch for details!" October 28th Halloween Party at The Castle Old Saybrook, CT Hosted by CAGCS Deadline for Reservations is October 14th On Site With Hunter Golf Gear-Drives That Go The Distance Planning a new course or upgrading your existing system? Hunter now has a complete line of reliable golf rotors that are fully compatible with all irrigation systems, and ready to perform in the toughest conditions. Hunter’s exclusive Pure Flow filtration valve handies the dirtiest water, and our proven gear-drives deliver years of quiet, trouble-free operation. All Models Feature: ■ 3" pop-up □ Easy, through-the-top servicing H Built-in recess for yardage markers ■ Adjustable arc and full-circle ■ Check-O-Matic, Hydraulic and Electric Valve-ln-Head G-700 Electric Valve-ln-Head Authorized Hunter Golf Distributormiscou IRRIGATION - ENVIRONMENTAL (800) 225-8006 ■ (617) 461-1560 Dedham, MA Fax: (617) 461-1152 Hinder Dedicated to the Irrigation G-600 Hydraulic Valve-ln- Head Professional 1940 Diamond St. □ San Marcos, CA 92069 □ U.S.A. □ 1-619-744-5240 □ FAX: 1-619-744-7461 The Irrigalion Association CAGCS thanks these patrons for their continued support of our Association A-OK Turf Equipment Articulator Dealer Coventry, RI 02816 Michael D. Comicelli (401) 826-2584 AgrEvo (Hoechst-Noram) 3509 Silverside Road Wilmington, DE 19803 David J. Sylvester (203) 828-8905 Anderson Turf Irrigation, Inc. 5 Cronk Rd., P. O. Box 7036 Plainville, CT 06062 Jesse J. Anderson, Jr. (203) 747-9911 Atlanticlrrig. Specialties/ Supplies 70 Research Drive Stamford, CT 06906 Tim Pogue (800) 886-4774 B & P Turf Farm, Inc. Rollouts-Installations Services Windsor, CT 06095 Peter-Celina O'Meara (203) 683-0158 ~ (800) 201-8873 I Boston Irrigation Supply, Inc. Dedham, MA 02026 Hunter Golf Rotors & Valves John Ramey (617) 461-1560 Bruedan Corp, of Connecticut GOLF, TURF & UTILITY VEHICLES E-Z-GO & YAMAHA Scott O. Lowe ~ Frank Savakis (800) 773-6740 Cadwell & Jones, Inc. P. O. Box G, Buckland Station Manchester, CT 06040 John Schuller (203) 643-0644 A1 LaPrise (401) 438-5000 The Cardinals, Inc. P. O. 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Box 327 Greenfield, MA 01302 Jim Bernier (413) 772-0955 Greenacres Company Irrigation & Landscape Contractor Redding, CT Dave Pijnenburg (203) 938-8618 GridTech 294 Valley Rd., Middletown, RI Soil Improvement-Canadian Geese Control Charlie Baskin (401) 849-7920 FAX (401) 849-7937 The Chas. C. Hart Seed Co. Wethersfield, CT 06129-0169 Roy Sibley ~ Roger Barrett Ron Holcomb ~ Jim Harris (203) 529-2537 & (800) 326-HART Imperial Nurseries, Inc. 713 Pigeon Hill Road Windsor, CT 06095 Steve Fawber (800) 950-6054 Lesco, Inc. 20005 Lake Road Rocky River, OH 44116 Mike Donahue (800) 321-5325 FAX (800) 673-3030 Lofts Seed Company 68 White Cedar Drive Madison, CT 06443 Paul Bednarczyk (203) 421-4641 & (800) 526-3890 Metro Milorganite, Inc. 365 Adams Street Bedford Hills, NY 10507 Joe Stahl ~ Scott Apgar (914) 666-3171 or (203) 321-0678 R. F. Morse & Son, Inc. West Wareham, MA 02576 ParEx - KPower - Vertidrain William D. Raus (508) 295-1553 Partac Golf Course Top-Dressing Great Meadows, NJ 07838 (800)247-2326 (908)637-4191 Bill Carriere (914) 937-2136 Joe Bid well (203) 651-8555 Pro-Lawn Products, Inc. 102 Conklin Road Stafford Springs, CT 06076 Mike Dukette (203) 684-6242 Sawtelle Brothers, Inc. Lawrence, MA 01843 Bloomfield, CT 06002 Peter Moran & James Rock (800) 999-TURF The Scotts Company 14111 Scottslawn Road Marysville, OH 43041 Steve Di Vito (203) 723-5190 Shawnmark Industries, Inc. Specialty Products & Service Warwick, RI 02888 Matt Howland (24 hours a day) (401) 295-1673 Terre Company of NJ, Inc. 206 Delawanna Ave., P. O. Box 1000 Clifton, NJ 07014 Byron Johnson, Jr. (203) 748-5069 Toelles Road Sand & Gravel Co. Wallingford, CT 06492 Golf Course Sands & Topdressing Hal Kraus (203) 561-2442 Turf Products Corporation 157 Moody Rd., P. O. Box 1200 Enfield, CT 06082 John Ferry - Mark Loper (203) 763-3581 Turf Specialty, Inc. 15 Londonderry Road, Suite 3 Londonderry, NH 03053-3388 Dave Schermerhom (603) 437-0008 Westchester Turf Supply, Inc. P. O. Box 198 Lincolndale, NY 10540 Bob Lippman (914) 248-7476 FAX (914) 248-6862 White Contractors Golf Course Construction & Renovation Old Greenwich, CT 06870 James E. Morris, Jr. (203) 869-8808 Winding Brook Turf Farm, Inc. 240 Griswold Road Wethersfield, CT 06109 Donald Grant (203) 529-6869 & (800) 243-0232