CONNECTICUT CLIPPING5 Volume 33No. 1 Phil Neaton of the Black Hall Club 1998 Superintendent of the Year by Bob Chalifour, C G C S (ret.) hil Neaton, golf course superintendent at the Black Hall Club in Old Lyme, CT, awarded the 1998 Superintendent of the Year Award at our Winter Seminar on January 5th. Phil is pictured here (left) receiving the award from Owen Regan, Com. Rep. to the Board. Phil, a native of Albany, NY, began his golf course career at Schulyer Meadow Club. In 1982, he received a BS Degree in Turfgrass Maintenance from Cornell University. While attending school, Phil worked summers at the Westchester Country Club. After graduation, he took the assistant’s position at the Black Hall P Club under superintendent, Richard Marcks. He began his service to CAGCS in was 1990 when he was elected Social & Welfare Director. He then went on to What's inside? President's message....................... CAGCS Winter Seminar................ Anthony Caranci - GCSAA Distinguished Service Award . . Dr. Noel Jackson - USGA Green Section Award............... Grass Catcher................................ URI goes high tech....................... Superintendent neglect................. Ugly tractors................................... 2 3 4 5 8 10 13 15 serve as secretary, vice president and in 1996 he was elected president Presently, Phil is the Education Chairperson for the very successful New England Regional Turf Confer­ ence. With all of the association activity, Phil is also kept busy at the Black Hall Club where assistant superinten- February, 1999 dent, Kevin Balocca, helps keep the club in the forefront of Connecticut golf. Phil and his wife, Donna, were mar­ ried in 1984— the same year he became superintendent at Black Hall. Together with their sons, David age 13, and twins, Mike and Robby age 11, Phil is kept busy on the home front. He is active coaching several sports and pres­ ently serves as the president of the Old Lyme Little League (probably the most testing position of all). The CAGCS Superintendent of the Year Award is our association’s most treasured award and is given annually to a Class A or Life member who has been a superintendent member for at least five years, a person who has shown exemplary skills in maintain­ ing a golf facility and has devoted his or her time and effort to help benefit fellow superintendents and local and national golf associations. This award is bestowed upon the recipient by his/her peers and is deter­ mined by a mail-in ballot from all vot­ ing members. The winner of this award is not eligible for consideration again for 15 years. Editor’s note - A sweep by the Black Hall Club - Tim Gavronski, PGA Pro­ fessional, received the Connecticut Section PGA Club Pro of the year. Page 2 Connecticut Clippings February, 1999 President's message Anthony Grosso 1999 CAGCS President possibly can be. I consider it an honor to be associated with this group of individuals and the professionalism they bring to the board. I would like to bring to your atten­ tion the additional responsibilities of each and welcome all members to call upon these board members whenever necessary. If you are unable to reach them at their offices, just call the CAGCS office and our staff will be sure they get the message. s I enter into my second year as CAGCS President, — Officers — and we all enter into the last year of the twentieth century, I reflect back Brian Skelly - Vice President (Green and wonder where all the time has Book Chairperson, Liaison between gone. It seems like only yesterday that the office staff and the board, EIC Rep­ we were ushering in 1990. resentative, Web Site Committee) I am not sure what is going by Jud Smith - Secretary (Newsletter faster—the winter months or the years; Committee, Employment Referral but, as we brace ourselves to enter into Committee) the year 2000, CAGCS will continue Les Kennedy, Jr., CGCS - Treasurer to be a very progressive chapter, (Bishop Woods School Representa­ thanks to a dedicated and competent tive) Board of Directors. I can’t say enough John Napier, CGCS - Immediate about their work ethic and their will­ Past President (Employment Referral ingness to make CAGCS the best it Chairperson, Web Site Committee, Connecticut Scramble) CAGCS Board of Directors A President Anthony Grosso Vice President Brian Skelly Secretary Jud W . Smith Treasurer Les Kennedy, Jr.,CGCS Past President John Napier, CGCS Education Dennis Houle Golf John Motycka Membership W ayne C. Urban Scholarship & Research Dan Rackliffe, CGCS John LaBrie Social & W elfare Newsletter & Historian JudW . Smith Government Relations Peter R. Pierson Com. Rep to Board C ^en Regan Connecticut Clippings is an official publication of the Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents. Newsletter Editor - Bob Chalifour, CGCS (Ret) Newsletter Committee • David Basconi, Heather Garvin, Ron Holcomb, Jud W . Smith Photos - David Basconi — Directors — Dennis Houle - Education Chairper­ son (Tri-State Turf Research Founda­ tion representative) Peter Pierson - Governmental Relations (EIC President, Tri-State Turf Research Foundation representa­ tive, Invitational Committee, CAGCS Voting Delegate) John Motycka - Golf Chairperson (Monthly meeting golf tournaments, MET and New England Team Champ­ ionships, Invitational Committee) Dan Rackliffe, CGCS - S & R Chairperson (CAGCS & Memorial Scholarships, S & R Tournament) Wayne Urban - Membership Chair­ person (Tri-State Turf Research Foun­ dation representative) John LaBrie - Social & Welfare Chairperson Owen Regan, a non-voting member of the board, serves the association as Commercial Representative. Bob Chalifour, CGCS (Ret.) is beginning his second year as our Newsletter Editor and is also serving on the Web Site Committee. Along with the board, CAGCS is blessed with an outstanding office staff of Pauline Streeter and Mary Jo Kennedy. They handle everything that we and GCSAA throw at them with efficiency, while keeping us up to date in all other aspects of our business. Congratulations are in order for Peter Pierson on his re-election as President of the Environmental Industry Council (EIC), and to Timothy O ’Neill, CGCS, on his appointment as Presi­ dent of the Tri-State Turf Research Foundation. The year 1999 is shaping up to be a very busy and exciting year, starting with the GCSAA National Conference in Orlando, FL. Upon our return from Florida, we have the New England Regional Turfgrass Conference (NERTCS) scheduled for March 2, 3 & 4. In just its second year, NERTCS has been incredibly successful and is already recognized throughout the country as one of the top turf shows. March 19th brings us to the Rocky Hill Marriott for a joint USGA Regional Seminar co-sponsored by CAGCS and the CSGA. It goes to show what can happen when a group of associations pull together for the betterment of the “whole”. February, 1999 Page 3 Connecticut Clippings C AG CS W inter S em inar ennis Houle, Education stressed notifying EIC if you become Chair-person,and his com­ aware of any problem that may arise in your mittee are to be congratulated forcommunity. Control strategies for hyperodes, presenting an excellent winter seminar grubs and cut worms and proper which was informative, enlightening timing of chemical and biorational and entertaining. products were discussed as well as the In order to receive credits for pesti­ pyrethroids such as Merit, Mach 2 and cide recertification, the DEP requires a Spinosad by Dr. Stanley Swier from certain amount of technical material be the University of New Hampshire. included. Polls taken of members have Fungicide resistance has long been a shown that a wide array of varied sub­ concern in the turf industry. David jects would make for more interesting Ravel of Novartis (pictured above) seminars and optimum attendance. reviewed the strategies for combating This seminar included a mix of subject resistance and also explained which matter that would be useful to all. fungicides are at more risk in develop­ Eh*. Jim Baird from Michigan State ing fungal resistance. University gave a presentation on run­ An early riser and avid golfer, Bob off of pesticides and fertilizer. On aver­ Maxon, Meteorologist at Channel 30, age, not more than 5% left the plot NBC News, gave us the scoop on the after a simulated 2 1/2” - 3” sudden weather. Bob informed us that one of rainfall. the reasons for varying weather reports — Conclusions — is that there are “too many sources of V Choose pesticides and nutrients information”. He also admitted that predictions of three days are difficult with a low potential of runoff, V Avoid applications to saturated and five days even more difficult. Lightning detection and warning are soils, and V Buffer sensitive areas (wet lands) important and should be monitored closely by golf courses for the safety with higher heights of cut. of golfers and employees. There is some hype in weather reporting, but EIC Executive Director, Richard electrical storms are taken seriously. Tice, spoke about how the Food Bob Maxon’s great presentation was Quality Protection Act (FQPA) will followed by our own Dennis Houle affect products in the future. Dick also D Dennis Houle Education Chairperson who did a fine job of reviewing the program utilizing what he learned from Prof. William Walton’s (Connecticut State University) presentation which helped everyone whenever giving a presentation to large or small groups. Dennis followed his advice to a tee utilizing inexpensive visual aides, moving about and not standing behind a podium, and entertained us as well. Many thanks to our commercial members—Agr Evo, Glenmore Land­ scaping, Holliston Sand, Metro Milorganite, R. F. Morse & Son, Sawtelle Bros, and Turf Products who purchased vendor space. This additional income to the seminar enables us to keep the registration fee to a reasonable amount. Page 4 February, 1999 Connecticut Clippings Two northeast icons Anthony B. Caranci, Jr. 1999 Distinguished Service Award Recipient by Bob Bianco eleven years old, he had his first expo­ sure to the game of golf when he became a caddy at Louisquisset Coun­ try Club. Then at the age of thirteen, he entered into what would become his life-long career, turf maintenance. His boss, Pat Tameo, would pick Tony up from school and transport him to the golf course to begin his work. Tony would screen loam daily until dark for 250 an hour. He contin­ Anthony B. Caranci, Jr. (pictured ued his work at the golf course and above) will be awarded the GCSAA was a caddy through high school. 1999 Distinguished Service Award dur­ In whatever spare time he could find, ing the Opening Session at the Tony took up the game of golf. Of National Conference & Show in course, growing up during the depres­ Orlando FL. sion golf equipment was very expen­ CAGCS joined along with the sive to purchase. Tony would utilize Rhode Island GCS A, the New England whatever old, discarded clubs he could GCSA and numerous individuals find. throughout the country in putting When Tony entered the North Provi­ Tony’s name into nomination because dence High School, they did not have a of his honorable and faithful service golf team. In 1946, Tony initiated, spanning over five decades. organized and instituted the first golf Tony was bom on August 17, 1930, team for the high school and he com­ to a first generation Italian immigrant peted. He was appointed captain of the family. His family home was in close golf team in 1947 and 1948. While proximity to the Louisquisset Country competing on the golf team, Tony Club, a Donald Ross design con­ found the necessity for a 3-wood. New structed in 1930. clubs were expensive, and there Tony developed a fondness for the weren’t any used 3-woods available. game at an early age. When he was So Tony purchased an old driver for 250 and cut the face of the club with a hacksaw and then cut grooves across the face. He active­ D istributors, Inc. ly competed with Covering ground since 1978 this club through­ out high school. Telephone Mailing Address Business Address Upon graduating (860) 623-2987 1515 North Stone St. 1300 East St. Fax 292-1047 W. Suffield, C T 06093 Suffield, CT. 06078 in 1948, Tony be­ onnecticut GMulch gan to work full time at the Louisquis­ set Country Club under the guidance of the man that became his role model, superintendent Pat Tameo. Then in 1950 at the age of 20, Tony became superintendent at Louisquisset. This was a difficult time for him due to the fact that he was the youngest worker on the course. He continued to grow and mature as a golf course superinten­ dent Louisquisset was the first golf course in New England to develop pythium. Though it was talked about in textbooks, no one had seen it this far north. The local university doc­ tors, Dr. Troll and Dr. Howard, were thrilled to be able to see first-hand dis­ ease at work, but Tony could only measure the progress of the disease by the minute as it overtook his greens. In 1951, he was called upon to serve his country in the Korean War. He served from 1951 to October of 1953. During his absence, his father ran the golf course for him. Upon his dis­ charge from the Army, Tony returned to Louisquisset to man the helm as su­ perintendent. He continued to work at Louisquisset Country Club until 1955 when he accepted the job at the Ledgemont Country Club. Tony found his home at Ledgemont where he is still the golf course superintendent, a posi­ tion that he has held for 42 years. When Tony went to Ledgemont Country Club, the golf course was still in its infancy. The course was only six years old and its problems were starting to show up. Tony began an intense maintenance program that included the design and rebuilding of eight greens, hand mixing the root (continued on page 6) February, 1999 Page 5 Connecticut Clippings recognized for their service Dr. Noel Jackson wins 1999 USGA Green Section Award USGA Press Release Dr. Noel Jackson of Kingston, RI (pictured right) a respected teacher, researcher, and extension specialist from the University of Rhode Island, has been selected to receive the 1999 USGA Green Section Award. Given by a distinguished panel of experts, this annual honor recognizes persons for distinguished contributions to the game of golf through work with turfgrass. It will be presented to Dr. Jackson during the National Confer­ ence in show in Orlando, FL. “I’m extremely pleased, and very sur­ prised, for that matter,” Jackson said. “This is wonderful.” Dr. Jackson is the first Green Sec­ tion Award recipient to be bom, raised, and educated outside the United States. A native of Yorkshire, England, Jack­ son’s academic record includes B.S. and M.S. degrees in Agricultural 1 Botany from K ing’s College, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, U.K., and a Ph.D. degree in agronomy from the University of Durham, U.K. From 1958 to 1965, Jackson served as a distinguished turfgrass pathologist with the Sports Turf Research Institute in Bingley, England. He moved to the United States in 1965 to join the faculty of the University of Rhode Island, where he rose to the rank of Professor. Dr. Jackson is renowned for his knowledge of cool-season turfgrass diseases and for his expertise as a turf disease diagnostician. He is highly respected for his ability to provide effective and practical disease control recommendations. His academic peers admire his under­ standing of the relationship between disease and agronomic practices, and w URF ' SERVICES ^ Visitus atBooth #91 atthe NewEnglandTurfgrassShow! ^ Our laser-guided grading will fit you to a tee. • Laser-guided grading for precisely accurate tee and green construction and renovation • Bunker construction and renovation • Custom aerification services • Seedbed preparation and planting Connecticut Toll-Free: ( 800) 562-5860 77 Locust Rd, RO. Box 195 • Harwinton. CT 06791 • Phone: (860) 485-0219 • Rax: (860) 485-9946 for his exceptional knowledge of the taxonomy, biology and management of turfgrass diseases. He has authored hundreds of articles as well as co­ authoring the work, Fungal Diseases of Amenity Grasses, considered the premier reference on the subject of turfgrass diseases. Dr. Jackson is also renowned as an effective public speaker at scores of seminars held throughout the country, as well as a concerned, caring mentor to hundreds of students. One of Dr. Jackson’s advocates writes: “His vast experience and knowledge in turfgrass agronomy and pathology; his dedication to research, teaching, and extension work; his insight, sense of humor, willingness to share ideas, ability to communicate effectively, and his love for his profes­ sion make Dr. Jackson one of the most respected men in our industry.” Noel has spoken at numerous CAGCS meetings and seminars over the years. A friend of the golf course superintednet, Noel’s presentations are always knowledgeable, supportive and entertaining. He is well deserving of the USGA award. Dr. Noel Jackson is an honorary member of CAGCS. Page 6 Connecticut Clippings Tony Caranci (continued from page 4) zone, installation of miles of drainage and had the pleasure of installing two irrigation systems to bring Ledgemont to the pristine golf course that it is today. When irrigation water was in lim ited supply, Tony had the ingenuity to purchase a diesel-driven pump and placed it at a gravel pit down the road from Ledgemont. He then proceeded to pump their wash water over the natural contour of the land to the irrigation holding pond so that water would be available for the golf course. Once Tony became established as a superintendent, he repaid Pat Tameo and other veterans of the profession with untold and unabashed displays of friendship and devotion. When Pat Tameo and superintendent Steve Garabedian became incapacitated by illness, Tony would escort them to association meetings and other related functions. As a result, a once finely-tuned golf game deserted Tony; but to him, it was a small price to pay. “I was a pretty good player until I stopped playing at the summer meet­ ings. Guys like Pat and Steve needed me. There really wasn’t any choice. I also felt better all around. I loved those guys.” In 1956, Tony attended the University of Massachusetts Winter School for Turf Managers. Since that time, he has become an instrumental part of the education of future turf managers. He was called upon to teach Budgeting and Turf Management at both the University Massachusetts and University of Rhode Island, the latter where he taught for 38 years. Both universities recognized Tony— he received a letter of appreciation from the URI College of Resource Development for Turf Management students at URI and a plaque in appre­ ciation for his dedication and outstand­ ing service to the field of Turf Management at UMass. Soon after assuming his role at Ledgemont Country Club, Tony became more active in local associa­ tions. He served as President of the Rhode Island GCSA in 1957 and 1958 and the President of the GCSA of New England in 1968 and 1969. He has been a member of these associations and GCSAA for 45 years. He started an annual budget meeting for area superintendents to compare budgets and salaries. This meeting is responsible for transforming the super­ W hen It C omes to C olf Irrigation Equipment, W e H a v e A C o m p l e t e L in e . To From > a\ < 1 / I L eg a c y G o lf Irrig a tio n . C om plete product line. Proven performance. A nd a fanatical dedication to custom er service. a LEGACY“ Main Office: 243 Woodmont Rd. Milford, CT 06460 • 203-878-0658 P.I.E. SUPPLY I PIPE & IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT SUPPLY Contact: Chris Weimann Pager: 203-946-4198 m February, 1999 intendent's role to that of a pro­ fessional, and thus being compensated for such. Throughout his career, Tony always had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He would religiously at­ tend all meetings and conferences. If at any time during a conference you needed to find Tony, you would only have to look in the first row to find him listening attentively to the speakers. Dr. Lawrence Dickinson held the first conferences that he attended at the University of Massachusetts at Stockbridge Hall. While attending the con­ ferences, Tony saw a need for improvement. It was at this time that Tony, Dr. Joseph Troll and Mr. Charles Mruk were instrumental in the creation of the Massachusetts Turfgrass Council. The Council worked in conjunction with the University of Massachusetts and was responsible for the inclusion of an equipment trade show at the con­ ference to increase revenues to fund research. Tony served as its President for four years. The Massachusetts Turfgrass Council in cooperation with the Golf Course Superintendents Asso­ ciation of New England created the Lawrence Dickinson Scholarship Fund which awards scholarships to turf students. During his tenure as a golf course superintendent he has attended 44 GCSAA conferences missing one due to an operation, and 46 UMass confer­ ences missing only two due to the Korean War. Tony was a speaker at the 42nd and 58th National Conference and Trade Shows. He was a Session Chairman at the 48th Conference. Tony’s efforts for the betterment of the profession did not go unnoticed. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the RIGCSA. The Massa­ chusetts Turfgrass Conference has dedi­ cated the conference to him twice. The most recent time was on January 13, 1997, when he received the GCSA of New England Distinguished Service (Continued on page 7) February, 1999 Page 7 Connecticut Clippings Tony Caranci (continued from page 6) M E T R O M IL O R G A N IT E , INC. GOLF COURSE SUPPLIES Award for his dedication to the golf course profession. This was the last conference for the university as they have now joined other universities to host a regional conference. Ledgemont Country Club hosts an annual invita­ tional tournament in his name. Although Tony maintained a rigor­ ous schedule at the golf course, he did find time to take on many civic obli­ gations. He is a life-long member of the Pawtucket Lodge of Elks #920 and served as its President for three years. In 1958, Tony became a member of the North Providence Republican Town Committee, a position he held for 30 years. From 1959 to the present, Tony has been a member of the RI Republican State Central Com­ mittee. He served on the Executive Committee for six years, the Finance Committee for eight years and served on the Welcoming Committee for President Gerald Ford when he came to Rhode Island. In 1960, Governor Christopher DelSesto appointed Tony, Chairman of the Providence-Worcester Railroad for a six-year term. He was reappointed by Governor John Chaffee for an additional term of six years and appointed Tony to the Automobile Body Repair Shop Hearing Board in 1969. Tony was elected from District 2 as a member of the North Providence Town Council and served three terms from 1970 to 1976. He was instrumental in the creation of the Rhode Island State Police FOPA. At various meetings around the town, Tony would solicit people for membership until he had enough support. Tony served as President of the Elmhurst Lions Club from 1977 through 1980. Governor Edward DiPrete appointed Tony Chairman of the Narragansett Bay Water Quality Management Dis­ trict Commission on August 15, 1985. He maintains a Brokers Real Estate License from the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulations and is a Notary Public. Tony’s family is very active in the art of turf management. His father, Anthony, worked at Louisquisset Country Club and became superinten­ dent at Valley Country Club in Rhode Island. His brother, Tom Caranci, worked as a golf course construction foreman for golf course architect, Robert Baldock, building courses in California, Arizona, and Hawaii. Tom and his family fell in love with Hawaii, so after completing the con­ struction of Oahu Country Club, he became their superintendent. Tom stayed at Oahu until he was approach­ ing retirement age when he took a position in Palm Springs at Cathedral Canyon Country Club from which he has since retired. Tony’s nephew, Michael Caranci, is still an active superintendent working in the Califor­ nia area. Bob Bianco, the author of this article, is Tony's son-in-law and the superintendent at Pawtucket Country Club in Rhode Island. Anthony B. Caranci, Jr. is a man of many talents and abilities, and has unselfishly shared those talents and abilities with his fellow man through­ out his lifetime. It is for these reasons that CAGCS joined in the nomination of Tony as the recipient of the GCSAA 1999 distinguished Service Award. —Congratulations, Tony!— Liquid Chelated Iron with Et^YPT FARMS MICRONUTRIENTS SAND-AID "1AQUATROLS Milorganite TeeTime* Scott Apgar Joe Stahl Tim Joyce 1-888-217-1039 Fax (203) 743-0458 54 MIRY BROOK RD„ DANBURY, CT 06810 DEPEND ON US FOR FOUR SEASON SOLUTIONS P GOLF A RCOURSE TAC TOP-DRESSING AMERICA'S P R E M IU M HEAT TREATED Editor's Note — The day I visited Tony, he was busy in his office pack­ ing away years of momentos and awards that he has received. This mas­ sive project will take him well into the next century. Tony told me that he plans on playing more golf and spending some time in Florida with his wife, Millie. CAGCS wishes you and Millie a long and healthy retirement—you deserve it! TOP-DRESSINGS Timur GEOTEXTILES & TURF BLANKETS U.S. GOLF HOLE \\\ TARGETS" ))) AND MUCH MORE! Ill 800 - 247-2326 DISTRIBUTED IN CT BY: JAMES CARRIERE & SONS 914- 937-2136 VALLEY FARMS SUPPLY 860 - 651-8555 Connecticut Clippings Page 8 February, 1999 Conference March 19, 1999 Welcome new members Stephen Roberts - Class Commercial Stephen Roberts Landscape Design Kevin Jaracy - Class C Candlewood Valley Country Club * * * * * Dues & info sheets Remember that all dues received after February 1st will be assessed a late charge of 10% per month in accordance with the bylaws. It is important that all members return their information sheets to the CAGCS office. If you have had any change in your home and/or affiliation information, please make the necessary corrections. This is the information used for the membership directory. * * * * * Twenty years ago Year” by the PGA. Walter, a member of CAGCS since 1955, was instru­ mental in creating a good working har­ mony between the golf professionals and die golf course superintendent. * Daconil was listed as a restricted chemical. Steve Cadenelli, CGCS, pointed out that sooner or later all of us who are responsible for chemical applications will have to be licensed. Twenty years ago, a review of the ses­ sions and subsequent testing showed that 54% of those taking the test passed. Steve stressed the importance of not being discouraged if you missed the first time and not to wait too long to retest. The same advice goes for today—the information is still fresh in your mind and with a little more work a passing grade can be achieved. * Jim Medeiros, a CAGCS mem­ ber since 1975 and presently the super­ intendent at Wannamoisett CC in Rumford, RI, passed his certification exam entiding him to use the initials “CGCS”. * Walter Lowell, pro superinten­ dent at the Canton Public Golf Course was named “Home Professional of the * * * * * We are proud to announce that our association newsletter, Connecticut Clippings, received the "first runner-up" award in our category in the USGA Recommended Sands Root-Zone Mixes GCSAA newsletter Topdressing ~ Divot Mix Bunker Sand & Pea Stone contest. Many thanks to Dave Basconi, Heather Tiffi Road ~ Slatersville, RI 02876 Garvin, Ron Holcomb, Jud Smith, and the CAGCS members who Bob Chalifour, CGCS (Ret) (401) 766-5010 contributed articles and Consulting Agronomist Fax (401) 762-4976 information. cHoCditon cScmcl Co., Ctia. USGA Regional CAGCS has joined with the USGA and the CSGA in conducting a region­ al conference conducted joindy by the Regional Affairs Department and the Green Section. This one-day seminar will be held on March 19th at the Rocky Hill Marriott in Rocky Hill, CT, and is open to golf club committees, members, managers, golf course superintendents, public golf course officials, golf professionals and interested golfers. The seminar is designed to present current information about turfgrass management issues and other golfrelated general interest items. Program registration forms will be distributed in early February. There will be a $50 per person registration fee which includes a luncheon for each person registering in advance. On-site registration is $60 per person and will be accepted on a space available basis. Watch your mail for your registra­ tion form which will include specifics and directions. If you have any questions on the seminar, direct them to: James A. Farrell, Manager USGA Regional Affairs Northeast Region 177 Georgia Avenue North Kingstown, RI 02852 * * * * * Reminders!!! Deadline for April issue of the Clippings is March 7th. Deadline for submission of scholar­ ship applications is March 15th. It is again that time when we will be having our monthly meetings. Please remember the importance of a timely reservation. CAGCS Office Tel. Nos. 2 0 3 /3 8 7 -0 8 1 0 8 8 8 /5 6 1 -7 7 7 8 I March 2-4,1999 Rhode Island Convention Center Providence A Combined Six States Show... Show & Conference Pass Includes • Opening Reception • Admission to Trade Show • Educational Sessions • Keynote Speaker • Show Reception • Luncheon Voucher(s) Over 350 Turf Related Booths Await Y o u ... Meet professionals on the cutting edge of turf management. See the latest in equipment, products and supplies. Join fellow lawn, golf, sports, landscape, municipal and other turf industry professionals. GCSAA/ ET0 NIC S EM IN A R S : M onday, M arch 1 • 8am - 4pm Informative Presentations • Golf Course Management • Lawn/Landscape Care • Athletic Field & Municipal Turf Management • Equipment Management • Student Career Seminar Certification Credits Pesticide Applicators Recertification Credits are offered for all New England states. Keynote Speaker March 2nd Negotiating Employment Contracts and Estate Planning Doug Flutie TRADE SHOW HOURS: Quarterback fo r the Tuesday, March 2 • 4pm - 7pm Wednesday, March 3 • 10:30am - 2pm /4pm ■6pm Thursday, March 4 • 10am - 2pm E D U C A T IO N A L S E S S IO N H O U R S : Tuesday, March 2 • 9am - 4pm USGA Seminar & Keynote Speaker Wed. & Thurs., Mar. 3 & 4 • 8:30am-llam • 2pm-4pm Buffalo Bills Presented by: The New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation in cooperation with the University of Rhode Island and the University of Massachusetts fo r the benefit of the New England Golf & Green Industries. Proceeds dedicated to the support and development of turf research and education. AD INFO #818001 Watch your mail for your registration form or call ( 40 1 ) 848-0004 or visit us online at www.NERTF.org EARTH WORKS, INC. THE SOIL RESTORATION SPECIALISTS A DIVISIO N O F R.F. M O R SE & SON, INC. Earth Works is the most comprehensive service company in the Northeast. Earth Works can provide you with all the specialized services required to achieve the level of perfection demanded in today’s golf industry. N E W F O R '9 9 ! ! ! ! ! j CONVENTIONAL GREENS & FAIRWAY AERIFICATION 1 WE NOW OFFER CLEANUP & TOPDRESSING I UTILIZING: JOHN DEERE 800 GREENS AERATORS I JOHN DEERE 1500 FAIRWAY AERATORS I CUSMAN CORE HARVESTOR 1 TERRA TOPPER TOPDRESSER ♦ VERTIDRAIN™ DEEP TINE GREENS & FAIRWAY ♦ CONVENTIONAL FAIRWAY AERATION ♦ FLOYD McKAY DRILL ♦ CONVENTIONAL GREENS AERATION ♦ FLOYD McKAY DRILL & FILL ♦ DOL OVERSEEDING ♦ HYDROJET™ AERATION ♦ WATERWICK DRAINAGE ♦ FAIRWAY DETHATCHING AND CLEANUP ♦ VERTISEEDING OF GREENS ♦ BLEC RENOVATION For more information on any of Earth Works specialized services: 800 - 815-1113 CRANBERRY HIGHWAY, W. WAREHAM, MA 02576 February, 1999 Page 9 Connecticut Clippings Dogs of summer Calendar of Events March 2-4 Clinton Country Club's six-yearold chocolate lab, Kailey, has been the resident "goose chaser" since she was a pup. Kailey has become proficient at eliminating not only geese but moles, muskrats, squirrels and numerous "hot dogs" during her tenure. While having the run of the course, she has become the post popular "employee" and a favorite with the membership. Mike Decker, Superintendent CAGCS trivia contest In the five issues of the Clippings published last year, we had a trivia question. Some of the questions received a good response, but this last one received the most Out of the six members who contributed, we had four winners. A drawing was held, and John Callahan of The Cardinals won the $50 certificate for CAGCS software. The correct answers: Charlie Baskin - CC of Waterbury Paul Caswell - Greenwich CC Ken Kelliher - Manchester CC John Lynch - Woodbridge CC Tim Michaud - Bel Compo Lyle Mitchell - The Farms CC Kamig Ovian - Hop Meadow CC C. Robot Phipps - Shorehaven CC Stanley Sablak - The Farms CC Les Scheiber - Neipsic GC Thank you to all members who participated! Second Annual New England Regional Turf grass Conference &. Show Providence, RI March 9 CAGCS Monthly Meeting Hawthorne Inn, Berlin, CT March 19 USGA Regional Conference Marriott Hotel Rocky Hill, CT April 20 CAGCS Monthly Meeting Pequabuck Golf Club Peter Pierson, Superintendent May 11 CAGCS Monthly Meeting Watertown Golf Club Robert Viera, Superintendent June 22 CAGCS Monthly Meeting Grassy Hill Country Club Tim Gerzabek, Superintendent July TBA Annual Invitational Tournament August 4 CAGCS Monthly Meeting Tunxis Plantation Charles Babcock, Superintendent September 27 Wethersfield Country Club Used Equipment Sale Contact - Superintendent Alfred Bachand (860/529-9536) Shop Manager, Michael Kravontka (860/721-6212) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 1980 Arctic Cat JAG 3000 Snowmobile $500.00 1961 Lawnall Power Roller (Model ARI) 150.00 1965 Rogers Fairway Sweeper (Model 720) 400.00 1986 Terra Fairway Aerifier (Model T320A) 300.00 1987 National Power Quint II (Model AK) 3,500.00 1972 Jacobsen Greensking n (Model 62214A) NO UNITS 200.00 7. 1969 Jacobsen G-10 Tractor 600.00 8. Mise. Ransome 350D Fairway Parts 350.00 9. Mise. Toro Gang Mower Parts 50.00 10. New Toro Roughmaster 4-blade reel 25.00 CAGCS Monthly Meeting Pautipaug Country Club Anthony Grosso, Superintendent October 4 Annual S Soil Reliever Deep Tine Aerification => Core Aerification => Dol Overseeding => Verti-Seed Overseeding => Water Injection Aerification => BleCavator Cultivation “Distributor of Several Turf Specialty Products” Call 1-800-999-8873 For More Information James Favreau - V.P. & General Mgr. Jason Bassi - Sales Rep. Southern N.E. Bob Hobbs - Sales Rep. Northern N.E. Golf Technical Services, Inc. Golf Technical Services, Inc. Providing The Finest Service In The Irrigation Industry Meg grounding o f all control system components. Valve coil readings. Winterize all irrigation lines. Spring start up. Set all sprinklers and valve boxes to grade. 24 hour -7 days a week emergency service. Periodic testing o f sprinklers for rotation and auto­ matic operation. • • • Any repairs of four inch pipe and under. Required parts are billed at manufactures recommended retail pricing. Marking of wires or pipe lines in areas of construction. Comprehensive report of all repairs and findings, with recommendations. For Information and Scheduling Call Jeff Snoonian at 1-978-618-9902 February, 1999 Page 13 Connecticut Clippings Don’t neglect your golf course superintendent by Bradley S. Klein "Golfweek" architecture editor Ask any golf course superintendent and they will tell you that the hardest part of their job is dealing with inhouse politics. Growing grass, dealing with drainage, making sure there’s enough air and sunlight to keep their course in shape—these are the things they have trained for. The best univer­ sity program in turf management can­ not prepare them for all the nonsense entailed in responding to 400 bosses all of them self-styled experts and most of them accustomed to having their way. Besides reading about Poa annua grass and the percolation rates of various soils, it might be helpful to spend a semester in turf school studying Machiavelli and Carl von Clausewitz. Not that dealing with the vagaries of weather is easy, but at least in responding to Mother Nature you don’t have to negotiate along the way with someone else - or worse yet a committee. The image of the superintendent as country bumpkin greenkeeper, dressed in jeans and suspenders with little more than a few years as a farmhand for training are long gone. You might not know it from the way some mem­ bers treat their hired help, but superin­ tendents today are the most highly trained professionals in the golf business. Most of them are licensed by their states to deal with pesticides, and many of them continue their college education through ongoing seminars organized by the 18,000 member Golf Course Superintendents Association of America or its regional affiliates. With all the recent developments in golf equipment, the single most dramatic changes in how golf looks and plays have come by way of refinements in golf course maintenance. Whenever I have questions about a golf course, I go to the superintendent. The only trouble is finding them because the good ones spend a lot more time in the field than in their office taking calls. Good superinten­ dents know their courses as well as sometimes better than - their own kids. And why not, since they spend more time tending them? 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ISHMil^PRODUCTSu 173 Church Street,YalesviIle#CT 06492 (203) 269-3119 • Fax (203) 265-4941 Above Ground Fuel Storage Tanks UL 2085 Listed Connecticut Golf Courses with Convault Fuel Storage Black Hall - Old Lyme Candlewood C.C.-New Milford C.C. of New Canaan-New Cannan Country Club of Farmington-Farmington Crestwood Park-Watertown Darien C.C.-Darien Farmingbury C.C.-Wolcott Farms Country Club-Wallingford Fenwick Golf Course-Fenwick Hopmeadow C.C.-Simsbury Hunter Golf-Meriden Innis Arden-Greenwich Madison C.C.-M adison Oak Lane-Woodbridge Old Lyme C.C.-Old Lyme Pine Orchard C.C.-Branford Portland West-Portland Portland Golf Course-Portland Quarry Ridge-Portland Shuttle Meadow-Kensington Silver Springs-Ridgefield Southington C.C.-Southington T.P.C.-Cromwell The Patterson Club-Fairfield Tumblebrook -Bloomfield Watertown Golf Course-Watertown Westwood Golf Course-Farmington Woodbridge C.C.-Woodbridge Woodway C.C.-Darien The Orchard-M ilford Page 14 ip Connecticut Clippings - .... — Ejl Tee & Green And In Between W h e th e r your challenge is a deadline, a tee, a green, a fairway, a rough, or a bunker surround, we have a blend that fits your needs. Give us a call for information about our selection of products, and our unique harvesting and washing techniques. •Bluegrass-Fine Fescue •Bentgrass • Bluegrass •Washed sod • BluegrassRyegrass •Installation - INCORPORATED - 0- 401/789-8177 • 401/789-3895 (fax) PO Box 418, Exeter, RI 02822 ■m That is why it is always awkward, if not downright rude, when some thun­ derous business tycoon of a member raises hell about, well, you name it. “There’s not enough water in the ponds.” “Why can’t you get your mowers off the course earlier?” “The greens are too bumpy.” “The ground is too wet.” “The flowers need to be watered more.” “Whaddya mean I can’t take my golf cart on the fairway?” “The rakes should be inside the bunkers, not outside.” “The fescue rough looks like hay.” “What are the fairways stimping at?” Many of these concerns come from excessive expectations. In the busi­ ness, it is called “The Augusta National syndrome.” An awful lot of people expect their golf courses to look like the annual site of the Masters. Of course, they wouldn’t be willing to fund the necessary mainte­ nance budget And little do they realize that tournament venues are primed to look a certain way for one week a year and do not look that way every day. February, 1999 Don't neglect your golf course superintendent (continued from page 13) The expectations are compounded by those Florida-bound snowbirds, the ones who winter down south between Thanksgiving and April 1st and demand that their little havens look lush and plush no matter what. Superintendents under such scrutiny have virtually no job security. I know many superintendents who have been on the job a decade and still fear the wrath of a disgruntled member or clique. If the course gets highly ranked, they are told “it’s about time.” Should the golf course fall off in com­ parison to some neighboring layout, the superintendent’s head is first on the chopping block. The problem is compounded by the p ro life ratio n o f m anagem ent companies, most of them eager to cut costs. Too many of them suffer the mistaken belief that they can slash without sacrifice. Many of these firms, interested only in short-term profits, try to force out a veteran superinten­ dent and replace him or her with a lower paid newcomer just to save $20,000± a year while putting a multi-million dollar asset at risk. To be fair, there are clubs that value who and what they have. It is crucial to extend long-term contracts so that a superintendent does not feel constantly under the gun. The main reason that golf courses are over-watered, for instance, is that greenkeepers are afraid to make a mistake and “lose” an area of the course to brown-out or disease. They end up saturating the place just to cater to certain expectations about “green is better,” even if this invites other kinds of turf trouble. Beside long-term contracts, clubs can encourage and pay for their superinten­ dents to attend annual training workshops and national meetings. It would also help if superintendents were made to feel welcome teeing it up occasionally with members, or repre­ senting the club in area events. Clubs can also establish regular procedures so that complaints can be directed through a committee rater than having the superintendent respond to every complaint. A long-term master plan to guide maintenance and any renovation pro­ jects is the only way to avoid the nastier forms of in-house politicking. Perhaps most important of all is establishing an adequate budget so that the superintendent doesn’t have to cut comers. For their own part, superintendents need to maintain regular communica­ tions. Proper signage at the first and tenth tees about pesticide application or cart traffic can forestall misunder­ standing out on the course. A column in the club’s monthly newsletter, or a note directly to the members also helps, and so does simply showing up at club meetings and the occasional social function. What a pleasure it is to see a club that values its superintendent - and to see golfers acknowledging it as well. The media in general and televised golf in particular, do a lousy job of crediting the hard work most superin­ tendents do. Among the many gracious touches in Justin Leonard’s British Open championship speech in 1997 were his words praising Royal Troon’s superintendent, William McLachlan. What is the last time a winner of a major publicly thanked the golf course superintendent? Come to think of it, when was the last time your members thanked you? This article was reprinted from G olf week, August 2, 1997. Bradley Klein is the author of a new collection of golf essays, "Rough Meditations" (Sleeping Bear Press, 1/800-4872323). February, 1999 Connecticut Clippings Page 15 Ugly tractors and your golf course "just one more season...” by Tom Small, Golf Course Superintendent Abenakee Club Golf Course Superintendents Association of Maine can’t get it started, hand him a wrench pesky little warranty problem go away As a superintendent, I enjoy visiting to tighten the battery terminal and on that $15,000 mower. Maybe it’s golf courses. We all like to see how have him park it away from anything only an “intermittent problem” and our peers get the job done. It doesn’t he may ran over. Remember, he’s a matter what color the inside of the they have to haul the machine off to salesman not an equipment operator. fix it. Everyone knows it will only shop is, we all have to maintain a fleet How come “made in America” act up after the factory guy goes away, of mowers and trimmers. I always means half of the fasteners are metric look over in the darkest comer of the so they might as well take it with and the rest are standard? That’s them—probably an El Nino related shop for that unpainted ugly tractor. another reason I like old ugly tractors. occurrence. I’m drawn to it like a moth to a Hell, all you need flame. It doesn’t to keep them go­ matter what size ing is a screwdriv­ the maintenance er, pliars, and a budget is, every couple rolls of superintendent will duct tape. find a way to get So when your “just one more sea­ ready to think son” out of it. about scrapping Hard-to-find parts that ugly tractor, are alw ays in stand back and som eone's junk take a good long pile. When I need look at it—maybe a Cogswell Cog to its a machine you fix a Spacely log g ed m ore Space Sprocket, I hours on than make a few calls anything else in and can almost the bam. Listen always find what I to it ran, maybe need—even if they it even talks to stopped making This 1916 Worthington tractor with continental engine was retrieved you. Go ahead and from a fanuly farm by Kevin Splaine, assistant superintendent at the ugly tractor in Cohasse Country Club, Southbridge, MA. sharpen the reels, 1974. adjust the carb and 1 also like to see don’t tell anyone; but, go ahead and You still have work to do, so go fire trucks that once protected our com­ paint the old girl, “just one more over to that dark comer and move that munities, parked next to the irrigation season.” pallet of fertilizer off from the old ugly pond and pumping 7S0 gallons a min­ tractor and check the oil, top off the ute through the system. Editor’s Note - Was this old tractor the fuel and get to work. We are lucky to have factory trained predecessor o f today's modern light­ When your distributor drives up with mechanics dragged into our shops by weight mowers? your new shiny repaired mower and our favorite distributors to make that CAGCS thanks these patrons fo r their continued support o f our association A-OK Turf Equipment Glenmore Landscape Service Sawtelle Brothers, Inc. Articulator Dealer Coventry, RI 02816 Michael D. Comicelli (401) 826-2584 Glenn S. Moore 98 Hack Green Road Pound Ridge, NY 10576 (914) 764-4348 65 Glenn Street Lawrence, MA 01843 George Wise ~ Art deAtienza (800) 999-TURF AgrEvo USA Company Golf Technical Services, Inc. David J. Sylvester 311 Carriage Drive Kensington, CT 06037 (860) 828-8905 Irrigation Services Lawrence, MA 01843 Jeff Snoonian (800) 999-TURF 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. Greenacres Company 693 South County Trail Exeter, RI 02822 A1 La Prise (401) 884-2097 - (800) 527-3898 SODCO, INC. Dave Pijnenburg Irrigation Contractor 75 Codfish Hill Rd.3ethel, CT (203) 748-0558 Bentgrass 31ue/Rye/Fescue High Fescue & Blue/Rye blends Washing Services Matt Faherty (800/341-6900) Anderson Turf Irrigation, Inc. James Carriere & Sons, Inc. Sound Beach Services, Inc. 5 Cronk Rd., P. O. Box 7036 Plainville, CT 06062 Jesse J. Anderson, Jr. (860) 747-9911 7 Cottage St., Port Chester, NY 10573 Bill Carriere (914) 937-2136 d/b/a White Contractors Golf Course Construction & Renovation P.O.Box 484, Old Greenwhich, CT 06870 James E. Morris, Jr. (203/869-8808) The Bruedan Corporation LESCO, Inc.,Rocky River, OH 44116 T D W Designs E-Z-GO& YAMAHA GOLF, TURF & UTILITY VEHICLES Scott O. Lowe ~ Frank Savakis (800) 773-6740 (800) 321-5325 FAX (800) 673-3030 Mike Donahue (860) 668-0821 Mike Dukette (860) 684-6242 Jim Wierzbicki (860) 424-7250 Complete Design & Renovation Service Niantic, CT 06357 Tom Watson, Golf Course Architect (860) 739-7595 06801 Trap Sand - Partac Topdressing-Drainage Stone C. R. I. S. Lofts Seed Company Tee & Green Sod Golf Course Irrigation 923 Woodtick Road Wolcott, CT 06716 (203) 879-2362 2202 Hangar Place, Suite 170 Allentown, PA 18103 Kenneth Schoeller (800) 708-TURF P. O. Box 418 Exeter, RI 02822 Owen Regan ~ Dave Wallace (401) 789-8177 The Cardinals, Inc. Metro Milorganite, Inc. Terre Company of NJ, Inc. Complete Distributor of Golf Course Accessories & Maintenance Supplies John Callahan (860) 673-3699 54 Miry Brook Road Danbury, CT 06810 Joe Stahl ~ Scott Apgar (888) 217-1039/car (203) 321-0678 206 Delawanna Ave., P. O. Box 1000 Clifton, NJ 07014 Byron Johnson, Jr. (973) 473-3393 FAX (973)473-4402 Championship Turf Services Millane Nurseries, Inc. Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc. Prec. Laser Leveling/Custom Aerification Green/Tee/Bunker Const.& Renovation Michael Flowers (800) 562-5860 604 Main Street Cromwell, CT 06416 Jim Goodrich (860) 635-5500 (w.millane@ntplx.net) Golf Course Turfgrass West Suffield, CT 06093 Skip Deubel (800) 243-7582 The Chas. C. Hart Seed Co. NORTHERN Professional TurfProducts Winfield Nursery, Inc. Nursery Stock & Turf Care Products West Suffield, CT 06093 Stan Hildreth (860) 668-5225 Turf Products Corporation P.O. Box 9169, 304 Main Street Wethersfield, CT 06129-0169 R. Sibley ~ R. Holcomb ~ P. Bednarczyk (860)529-2537 & (800)326-HART 157 Moody Rd., P. O. Box 1200 Enfield, CT 06082 John Ferry ~ Mark Loper (203) 763-3581 Partac Golf Course Top-Dressing Westchester Turf Supply, Inc. Floratine Products Flymo, Douglas Rollers, Trion Lifts Dave Basconi (203) 250-TURF Great Meadows, NJ 07838 (800) 247-2326 (908) 637-4191 Bill Carriere (914) 937-2136 Joe Bid well (860) 651-8555 Servicing the Fine Turf Profession Bob Lippman, Sr. - Bob Lippman, Jr. Office (914) 248-7476 FAX (914) 248-6862 ELM R. F. Morse & Son, Inc. Walgren, the CARE of TREES D & S Golf Services Golf Construction & Renovation Bruce Moore ~ John Grib Stamford, CT 06902 (203) 316-5433 FAX (203) 316-5434 Earth Works, Inc. Custom Deep Aerification Service West Wareham, MA 02576 Patrick Lucas, CGCS (800) 815-1113 ParEx Fertilizer - Power Equipment West Wareham, MA 02576 Carl Wallace (508) 295-1553 S. B.I. Turf Services Deep & Core Aerification & Overseeding Lawrence, MA 01843 Jason Bassi (800) 999-TURF Excellence in Tree Care Hamden (203) 288-1629 Monroe (203) 268-2545 Trumbull (203) 377-4646 Winding Brook Turf Farm, Inc. 240 Griswold Road Wethersfield, CT 06109 Don Grant (860) 529-6869 or (800) 243-0232