CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS^ CONNECTICUT CLIPPINGS Volume 30, No. 3 President's Message Philip Neaton CAGCS President July, 1996 Why do golf courses use pesticides? This information obtained from GCSAA's publication Greentips On April 28th, Peter Pierson and I had the honor of representing CAGCS at a reception at the Shorehaven Golf Club honoring C. Robert Phipps. For those of you who do not know him, Bob is a long-time member of CAGCS who suffered a stroke that forced him into an early retirement Peter and I presented him with a wall clock recognizing his 24 years as the superintendent at the Shorehaven Golf Club. It was very touching to hear from his friends and club officials as they highlighted Bob’s contributions to his club and community. I was proud to represent the superintendents of this state when I saw all the support our members gave Bob through their dona­ tions and attendance at this reception. Steady progress is being made toward regionalizing a New England Turf Conference. This winter, there will still be at least two shows—the Providence show will be held in early December, and the Boston show will again be in January. On May 1st, representatives from (continued on page 2) Pesticides help limit the damage that can be caused by insects, weeds and plant diseases. Insecticides, herbicides and fungicides are used very selectively to protect the health of turf, trees and other living things on the course. Fer­ tilizers provide much-needed nutrition for the course's plant life. It is very important to note that pes­ ticides and fertilizers are not used pri­ marily for aesthetic reasons. First and foremost, they are tools that help ensure a healthy playing surface for the game. Furthermore, they help to pro­ tect a valuable and ecologically impor­ tant piece of land. Golf courses are tre­ mendous economic assets as well as vital greenspaces for communities. They employ hundreds of thousands of people, enhance local economies through tax revenues and tourism, and provide many ecological benefits. For example, golf courses help to filter air pollutants and create fresh oxygen; they are excellent groundwater recharge sites; and most importantly, they are critical wildlife sanctuaries in urban and suburban areas. How does a superintendent decide when to apply a pes­ ticide? Pest problems on golf cours­ es are often relatively predictable or can be diagnosed as part of an ongoing monitoring program. Once the prob­ lem has been identified, the superinten­ dent considers the available option. These could include cultural practices (such as physically removing weeds, changing irrigation patterns or clearing underbrush around a problem area to allow more air movement) or the use of biological controls or chemical products. Once the problem is diag­ nosed and the right treatment has been selected, the superintendent waits for the ideal time to treat the problem in the most effective and environmentally sound manner available. This approach is often called ’’integrated pest manage­ ment.” What kinds of products are used? Most people are surprised to find out that the majority of the pesti­ cide products used by superintendents are identical or closely related to those used by homeowners. (continued on page 3) < July, 1996 Connecticut Clippings Page 2 PARTAC TOP-DRESSING GOLF COURSE AMERICA'S PREMIUM TOP-DRESSINGS HEAT TREATED - GEOTEXTILES & TURF 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 "Leaders are like eagles. They don't flock, you find them one at a time." —Anonymous President's Message (continued from page 1) Congratulations Ward H. Weischet, CGCS Cape Cod, Connecticut, New England, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and New England Sports Turf Associations got together to begin organizing a con­ ference to represent all of New Eng­ land. Anthony Grosso and I represented Connecticut at this first meeting. Chip Brearley (New England) and Gary Sykes (Rhode Island) were elected co-chairmen; Jim Conant (Cape Cod) was elected secretary; and Anthony Grosso (Connecticut) was elected treasurer. Each association has agreed to share the start-up costs for this event. To date, we have committed $500 each to cover board meetings and legal fees for incorporation. The total cost to run this show is estimated at $20,000 which will be shared by each associa­ tion involved. All monies invested in the show will be payed back from the profits from the first year. Ward H. Weischet, superintendent at Pilbrims Harbor GC, has been des­ ignated a Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) by GCSAA. Ward has been the superintedent of the Wallingford course since 1985 and lives in Guilford. GCSAA instituted the certification program in 1971 to recognize out­ standing and progressive superinten­ dents. More than 1,500 active GCSAA members currently hold "CGCS" status. To become certified, a candidate must have five years' experience as a golf course superintendent, be employed in that capacity and meet specific educational requirements of college credit or continuing education units. The candidate must then pass a rigorous 6-hour examination and have an on-site inspection of his course by two certified golf course superinten­ dents. Out of the 130 active Class A members in our association, only 30 carry the status of "certified". CAGCS Board of Directors President PHILIP NEATON Black Hall Club Vice President JOHN NAPIER, CGCS Stanley Golf Course Secretary ANTHONY GROSSO Pautipaug Country Club Treasurer HEATHER L GARVIN Canton Golf Course Immediate Past President & EIC Rep. PETER R. PIERSON Pequabuck Golf Club Education BRIAN SKELLY Old Lyme Country Club Golf JOHN MOTYCKA Skungamaug River Golf Club Membership SCOTT D. GENNINGS, CGCS Wallingford Country Club Public Relations Gregory Bradley Farmington Woods Country Club GREGSTENT Wampanoag Country Club Social & Welfare JUD W. SMITH Orange Hills Country Club Commercial Rept to Board ARTHUR deATIENZA P.I.E. Supply Company CAGCS Office P. O. Box 3678 Woodbridge, CT 06525 Telephone & Fax Nos. (203) 387-0810 Connecticut Clippings is an official publication of the Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents. Newsletter Editor John F. Streeter, CGCS Photos David Basconi July, 1996 Connecticut Clippings Page 3 The facts about golf course pesticides (continued from page 1) How do we know that these products aren’t harmful to humans or wildlife? Pesticide production is one of the most highly regulated industries in the United States. Before a product is registered by the EPA, it must be rigorously tested for potential human health and environmental effects. This process can take up to ten years and involve more than 120 different tests and stud­ ies. Today, manufacturers often invest up to $50 million in product safety and test­ ing before a new pesticide ever comes to the market Are golfers at risk? No. There is no scientific evidence that golfers face any chronic health risks from the pesticides used to maintain courses. Once a liquid product is applied and the turfgrass is dry or the product has been watered in, there is very little chance of exposure to golfers or others who enter the area. It is worth noting that a small percentage of people may be allergic to a particular product, just as some people are allergic to household cleaners, soaps or perfumes. Golfers with possible chemical allergies are always encouraged to contact superintendents to find out what products might be in use. If the products aren’t dangerous, why do professional appli­ cators wear protective gear? Applicators work directly with pesticides and are exposed much more often than golfers. Applicators are exposed to concen­ trated material during mixing and loading. Consider the fact that it is safe for a per­ son to have an occasional x-ray, but the technician may actually leave the room to (continued on page 6) (800)243-7582 Greens Quality Bentgrass Bent Blends for Tees and Fairways Poa Annua Free 4-Foot Wide Rolls Washed Sod ut Rye-Blue i Fine Fescue Blue-Fescue-Rye ,tion Assistance ipection V^lcomed Tee & Green & In Between AA/hether your challenge is a dead­ line, a tee, a green, a fairway, a rough, or a bunker surround, we have a blend that fits your needs. We understand the variety of problems you face because we have spent a great deal of time listening to golf course superintendents. As a result, Tee & Green Sod offers the most complete product line available to the golf course industry— even a four-foot wide washed roll! Give us a call for information about our selection of products, and our unique harvesting and washing techniques. •Bentgrass •Bluegrass •Washed sod • Bluegrass-Ryegrass •Bluegrass-Fine Fescue QUEER SO] -INCORPORATED- 401/789-8177 • 401/789-3895 (fax) • PO Box 418, Exeter, RI 02822 rnnnprtirut ClinninQS Page 4 CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF GOLF COURSE 1 SUPERINTENDENTS^ Catcher ber's responsibility to post their own scores for rounds shot between meet­ ings. Posting of those scores can be accomplished in two ways: 1. Post them at your own course or any course that is a member; or 2. Post them at our meetings. Score posting sheets will be available at all meetings. The 1996 Membership Directory has been sent out to all members. If you have not received yours, call the CAGCS office 203/ 387-0810. Congratulations to Greg and Pandora Wojick on the birth of their son, Christopher. Dear CAGCS, Room Block for 1997 Convention We will again be working with GCSAA for a room block for the 1997 Conference & Show in Las Vegas. When all details have been obtained, a memo will be sent to the membership. Some GHIN handicap information for you all! Current GHIN handicap card stickers will be available for you to pick up at all meetings. Due to the expense in­ volved, they will not be mailed. Every member should now have a GHIN card; but, in order to have a han­ dicap, you must have posted a num­ Words cannot describe how thankful I am to everybody for their support and prayers throughout my recovery. I am a very lucky man to be part of an association where you not only meet professional colleagues, but have a chance to build some great friend­ ships. I would like to thank all again for helping to inspire me to a strong and speedy recovery. Have a great year, everybody! Kevin C. Balocca CAGCS annual family day scheduled for August at the Madison Beach Club. Watch your mail for details! Welcome new members Kevin Collins - Class B Oak Lane Country Club Rod Cooper - Class C Doering Equipment Co. John Kotoski - Class A Pine Ridge Country Club Michael Marino - Class B Black Hall Club John Ruzsbatzky - Class A Country Club of Farmington Hole-in-One News Matt Howland, Shawnmark Indus­ tries, hit a hole-in-one in May at the Exeter Country Club in Exeter, RI. Matt has been golfing for seven years and this was his first hole-in- one. He performed the feat on the 195- yard 17th hole using a four iron. Congratulations, Matt! WHITE CONTRACTORS GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION A RENOVATION Thomas A. White James E. Morris, jr. 203-869-8808 914-234-0092 P.O. Box484 Old Greenwich, CT 06870-0484 Consistently High Quality Competitive Prices Prompt Delivery CONNECTICUT MULCH DISTRIBUTORS, INC. KEN LINDELAND WOOD CHIPS - BAP K — LANDSCAPE TIES Business Address 1300 East St. Suffield, CT. 06078 Mailing Address 1515 North Stone St. W. Suffield, CT. 06093 Telephone (203) 623-2987 Fax 292-1047 July, 1996 Connecticut Clippings Page 5 Monthly Meeting Golf Results The Norwich Country Club, Bruce Morse, superintendent, (pictured left) hosted our first 1996 monthly golf meeting held on April 22nd. It may be hard to remember now, but the snow was actually still falling at that time and Bruce had his hands full. While most superin­ tendents are shy and hesitant about hosting our April meeting because of unpredictable spring con­ ditions, Bruce is a veteran and has offered Norwich CC on more than one occasion. All went well and the participants enjoyed the two-person best ball shamble. The results of the day were: 1st Gross - Dennis Houle & Mike Dukette (68); 2nd Gross - John Gallagher & Larry Dodge (75) 1st Net - Paul Sabino & Jon Zuk (68); 2nd Net - Chuck Meyer & Matt Howland (70) 3rd Net - Rod Cooper & Don Doering (71); 4th Net - Heather & Dana Garvin (72). The Callaway was won by Rick DiBella and Gary DePaola (70). Longest Drive #4 - John Gallagher; Closest to Pin #9 - Mike Comicelli 4'4" Closest to Pin #15 - Dave Brownell 6' 11" Closest to line #11 - Dana Garvin 2' Longest putts on #11 and #18 were won by Peter Pierson (28-11”) and Dave Stimson (12‘ 11") respectively. On May 13th, we headed over to the New London Country Club, John Creevy, superintendent, (pictured below right). After a CAGCS business meeting, we enjoyed a presentation by Michael Wallace, CGCS, a longtime CAGCS mem­ ber and presently a GCS AA director. This meeting was the first round of the CAGCS Championship and Met Team Qualifying. First gross went to Mike Dukette, and second gross was won by Peter Pierson both shooting a 76. The net results and skill prizes were as follows: "A" Flight 1st Net - Chris Anderson 2nd Net - Eric Morrison 3rd Net - Jud Smith "B" Flight 1st Net - Dennis Carnot 2nd Net - Bruce Morse 3rd Net - Charlie Palmer "C" Flight 1st Net - Byron Johnson 2nd Net - Joe Malay 3rd Net - A1 Adaskaveg Closest to pin #3 - Heather Garvin 17 1/2"; Closest to pin #16 - Kevin Williams 16' 5" Longest Drive #5 - Chris Anderson; Closest to Line #2 - Joe Malay Longest putt #7 - Bob Chalifour 20 ft; Longest Putt #17 - Skip Deubel 16' 4". June 18th brought us to The Farms Country Club, Paul Sabino, superintendent (pictured left). This was the 2nd round of the CAGCS Championship and the qualifying round for the New England Team Championship. "A" Flight "B" Flight "C" Flight Low Gross Fran Graziano (74) Jim Staszowski (70) 1st Net John Labrie (71) 2nd Net Tim O'Neill (71) 3rd Net Eric Johnson (83) Bill Blount (69) Scott Ramsay (71) Chris Anderson (72) Byron Johnson (94) Mike Wallace (63) Matt Howland (65) Carl Wallace (66) Closest to line #17 - Anthony Grosso; Longest Drive #2 - Keith Angilly - 275 yds. Closest to Pin #8 - John Carlone 5'; Closest to Pin #16 - Greg Stent 10’ 6” Longest Putt #9 - Brian Pope 23’; Longest Putt #18 - John Labrie 24' The September issue of the Clippings will announce our CAGCS Champion together our Met and New England Teams. July, 1996 Connecticut Clippings Page 6 METRO MILORGANITE, INC. For a HEALTHY ADVANTAGE over SEASONAL PROBLEMS WE OFFER a WINNING LINE-UP The facts about golf course pesticides (continued from page 3) prevent repeated exposure. Pesticide label directions (which carry the weight of law) require that applicators take certain precautions based on the assumption that the same person will be repeatedly exposed to the same product over many years. These precautions may include the use of rubber gloves, goggles, respirators or protective clothing. Some media stories suggest that pesticides are linked to cancer. What are the facts? Most of the product testing required by EPA focuses on this question. Before a product is registered, tests are done (usually on laboratory rats) using exposure rates that are considerably higher than any exposure a golfer could ever receive. Although a recent study commissioned by GCSAA to examine cause of death among its members found some higher rates of certain cancers, researchers said no cause-and-effect relationship could be established from the data. They also said lifestyle choices (smoking, dieting, stress, etc.) were the most significant factor in the results. Do properly applied chemicals pose a threat to groundwater, lakes or streams? No. Studies consistently show that a well-managed golf course can actually improve water quality on and around the facility. Research also shows that when pesticides and fertilizers are used properly, they do not tend to seep into groundwater or run off in surface water. Modem products and practices allow superintendents to manage turfgrass so efficiently that there is little chance of harm to our precious water resources. AOVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS. INC. GOLF COURSE SUPPLIES Rick Apgar Scott Apgar Joe Stahl (914) 666-3171 Fax (914) 666-9183 365 Adams Street, Bedford Hills, NY 10507 DEPEND ON US FOR FOUR SEASON SOLUTIONS What kinds of training and education do superintendents and golf course applicators have? Golfers are often surprised to find that most superin­ tendents have college degrees in agronomy, horticulture or a related field. Because it's important to keep up-to-date with new information and technologies, the majority also attend continuing education programs offered by universities and associations like GCSAA. Superintendents are widely considered to be among the best- educated and most judicious users of pesticide products. The vast majority of superintendents are using integtrated pest management practices to ensure that both the turf and the environment stay healthy. Applicators are also trained and licensed by the state. In some states, pesticide applications can only be made after a written recommendation is made by a licensed pest control applicator. A recent study indicated that nearly 100 percent of GCSAA-member courses had at least one licensed applicator on staff (despite the fact that it isn't necessarily required in some states.) This confirms a high degree of compliance and concern about safe and proper usage of chemical tools. 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Central control irrigation systems, including the latest AAAXI NIMBUS for Windows™, coupled with PAR and MSC satellites, provide the management tools for maximum system efficiency. SIX OF THE TOP TEN CURRENT Golf Digest COURSES ARE NOW IRRIGATED BY RAIN BIRD PRODUCTS 1 -800-999-TURF Servicing New England With Turf Equipment & Supplies Since 1932 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 Eastern Land Management, Inc. Golf Course Construction Services Stamford, CT 06902 Bruce T. Moore, Sr., CCLP (800) 926-GREEN R. F. Morse & Son, Inc. West Wareham, MA 02576 ParEx - KPower - Vertidrain Carl Wallace - Chris Cowan (508) 295-1553 AgrEvo USA Company 2711 Centerville Road Wilmington, DE 19808 David J. Sylvester (860) 828-8905 Agriturf, Inc. 59 Dwight St Hatfield, MA 01038 Jim Wierzbicki (800/346-5048) Kyle Kordas (800/346-5048) ALPINE, the CARE of TREES Excellence in Tree Care Ridgefield (431-4100) Westport (222-5595) Norwalk (847-1855) Greenwich (661-8014) Darien (655-8008) Anderson Turf Irrigation, Inc. 5 Cronk Rd., P. O. Box 7036 Plainville, CT 06062 Jesse J. Anderson, Jr. (860) 747-9911 Bruedan Corp, of Connecticut E-Z-GO& YAMAHA GOLF, TURF & UTILITY VEHICLES Scott O. Lowe - Frank Savakis (800) 773-6740 The Cardinals, Inc. 166 River Road Unionville, CT 06085 John Callahan (860) 673-3699 The Chas. C. Hart Seed Co. P.O. Box 9169, 304 Main Street Wethersfield, CT 06129-0169 R. Sibley * R. Holcomb * P. Bednarczyk (860)529-2537 & (800)326-HART C. R. L S. 923 Woodtick Road Wolcott, CT 06716 Chris Carney (203) 879-2362 D & S Floratine Products, Nova Tee Flyrao, Douglas Rollers, Trion Lifts Dave Basconi (203) 250-TURF Fairway Landscapers, Inc. Golf Course Construction So. Glastonbury, CT 06073 Walter C. Vami (860) 633-1273 Glenmore Landscape Service 98 Hack Green Road Pound Ridge, NY 10576 Glenn S. Moore (914) 764-4348 Greenacres Company Dave Pijnenburg Irrigation Contractor 75 Codfish Hill Rd.bethel, CT 06801 (203) 748-0558 James Carriere & Sons, Inc. 7 Cottage St., Port Chester, NY 10573 Trap Sand - Partac Topdressing-Drainage Stone Bill Carriere (914) 937-2136 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 (203) 421-4641 (800) 708-8873 Metro Milorganite, Inc. 365 Adams Street Bedford Hills, NY 10507 Joe Stahl * Scott Apgar (203) 321-0678 or (860) 663-8048 Millane Nurseries, Inc. 604 Main Street Cromwell, CT 06416 Jim Goodrich (860) 635-5500 & (860) 526-3991 NORTHERN/to/ess/oW Turf Products Wholesale Nursery West Suffield, CT 06093 Jeff Rogers (860) 668-5225 Doering Equipment Co. 462 Grove St, Franklin, MA 02038 Rod Cooper, Don Doering, Mark Doering (508) 520-3629 & (860) 276-8188 John Deere Agrimeatal & Others Earth Works, Inc. Custom Deep Aerification Service C»d Greenwich, CT 06870 Patrick Lucas, CGCS - Eric Azars (800) 8154113 FAX (203) 698-1920 Partac Golf Course Top-Dressing Great Meadows, NJ 07838 (800) 247-2326 (908) 637-4191 BiU Carriere (914) 937-2136 Joe BidweU (203) 651-8555 Pro-Lawn Products 102 Conklin Road Stafford Springs, CT 06076 Mike Dukette (203) 684-6242 Sawtelle Brothers, Inc. 21 E. Dudley Town Road Bloomfield, CT 06002 Peter Moran-Dave Brownell-Frank Bava (800) 999-TURF The Scotts Company 26 Waite Avenue South Hadley, MA 01075 Rick Fomi (413) 534-8896 Shawnmark Industries, Inc. Specialty Products & Service Warwick, RI 02888 Matt Howland (24 hours a day) (401) 295-1673 Tee & Green Sod P. O. Box 418 Exeter, RI 02822 Owen Regan - Dave Wallace (401) 789-8177 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) 284-8552 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, Unit 3 Londonderry, NH 03053-6604 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 06870-0484 James E. Morris, Jr. (203) 869-8808