Green is Beautiful OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF ONTARIO SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION April Edition 1996 A Sound Investment The Ransomes® All-Electric E-Plex™ Generates Income From Earlier Tee Times Invest in the electric E-Plex™ greens mower and it E-Plex are significantly less will quietly make money for you. Because the than for conventional mowers. E-Plex is virtually noise free, you can mow at the Add the economic benefits crack of dawn, allowing for earlier tee times. The to the highest quality of extra income from additional rounds will pay for cut, superior the E-Plex in no time. And, for ongoing savings, performance maintenance and operational costs for the electric and the elimina­ tion of damage from E-PLEX PAYBACK hydraulic leaks, and your E-Plex isn’t just a greens Earlier tee times mean more rounds and more revenue! Example: 4 tee times x 4 players = 16 additional rounds each day. mower, it*s a sound investment. # Additional Greens Fees Additional Revenue Rounds Per Day Per Player Per Day 16 $40 $640 empty table cell $60 $960 empty table cell $80 $1280 Divide the unit cost of the E-Plex by the extra daily revenue to determine the payback period. 1184 PLAINS ROAD EAST BURLINGTON AREA: (905) 637-5216 BURLINGTON, ONTARIO TORONTO AREA: (905) 338-2404 L7S 1W6 ALL OTHER ONT. AREAS: 1-800-883-0761 Green is Beautiful 1996 Although every effort is made to check material for publication, the association is not responsible for material published on behalf of its contributors. All rights are reserved by the publisher and any reproduction in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. 1996 O.G.S.A. Board of Directors President Alex La Belle Merry-Hill Golf Club 519-648-2304 Past President John Taylor Twenty Valley Golf Club 905-562-4181 Vice President Simon George Oakville Golf Club "Icescaping" at Galt Counrty Club's #16 hole 905-844-5796 Treasurer Ian Bowen Oshawa Golf Club 905-725-9511 Whats Inside: Secretary Paul Dodson Lionhead Golf Club 905-455-8400 President Messaage Page 4 Roster Beach Grove Golf & Country Club Page 5 Bob Heron Beacon Hall Golf Club Golf Course Hockey Challenge Page 6 905-841-0252 Super's Top Ten Causes of Stress Page 6 Scholarships & Donations Paul White Environmental Steward Award Page 7 Mississauga Golf Club 1996 Ontario Turfgrass Sumposium Page 8 905-278-4741 Public Relations & Welcoming Alan Beeney's Annual Curling Day Meeting Page 9 Jerry Richard Craigowen Golf Club Spring Can't Come Soon Enough Page11 519-462-2910 47th Annual C.G.S.A. Turfgrass Conference Page 11 Keith Bartlett Thornhill Country Club O.G.S.A./Hutcheson Ski Day Page14 905-889-2735 Press Releases Page17 Bylaws Monte Anderson Distinguishing pink and grey snow mould diseases Page 18 Pointe West Golf Club 519-736-5050 The Re-grassing Project at Lookout Point Page21 Membership Jim Flett Muskoka Lakes Golf Course Advertisers Index: 705-765-3165 Newsletter Editor Mark Piccolo Oseco Page 5 Galt Country Club 519-650-1503 David Holmes Page 5 Nutrite Page 6 Office Manager Cindi Charters Nu-Gro Page 7 Guelph Turfgrass Institute ISK Biosciences Page10 328 Victoria Street South Guelph, Ontario N1H 6H8 Braemar Building Systems Page14 Telephone: (519) 824-OGSA Hutcheson Page15 Fax: (519) 766-1704 Green Source Page15 Turf Drain Page15 Legacy Page16 Turf Drain Page17 Pecal Page19 Plant Products Page19 Designed and Printed by City Graphics Design & Print Inc. Cover: Lookout Point Country Club/Aldo Bortolon is now. In a nutshell, our mission is to promote President's research and exchange scientific and practical Message knowledge to aid in the care of golf courses and turfgrass operations. We further seek to ally Many of us have, by ourselves with like minded associations and now, had the chance to organizations. We believe in promoting our ethical examine our courses and standards, justice, benevolence and education to breathe a sigh of relief or and for our members. We offer a limited definition utter a moan of despair. I of ethical standards in our roster. In short we cannot recall a winter that expect members to treat each other as we would like came so early and had as to be treated. We do have a say in what happens many thaws as the one just past. I'm sure there will between members and should trust in each other to be many interesting comparisons made between behave responsibly. In those cases we can convene what we expected and what we actually got. What an ethics hearing. What ocurs between a club and ever the circumstance, I'm certainly happy to be at its superintendent is out of our hands. This it again! We have had many interesting events association is not a union set up to grieve occur over the "off season". The O.T.S. was a employment injustices; perceived or otherwise. It is tremendous success, the hockey tournament treated important, therefore, that when an opportunity for everyone to an exciting shoot-out finish. The ski employment presents itself, that the individual day and curling day were loads of fun and gave ensure that all facts are obtained regarding the new many people a chance to catch up on the latest position and the circumstances which led to it's gossip. I hope many of us were able to take part in availability. Too often rumor is passed on as truth the educational events that were available over the and misunderstandings lead to alienation. We winter months. It is very important that all should realize that the best way to serve and superintendents and assistants remain updated promote this association, and ourselves, is to with regards to the latest information. It can give us earnestly do the best job we can at our courses, in an the edge we may need in responsibly managing our honorable and professional manner. courses. The golf and meetings schedule is prepared and a great round of applause should go Good luck to everyone. out to Ian Bowen and his committee. The wheels Wm. Alex La Belle C.G.C.S. have been set in motion on these events earlier than Master Superintendent we have seen in many years. Ian also has the tournament schedule set up for many years to come. Bravo!, Ian. We welcome to the board Mark Wm. Alex La Belle, superintendent of Piccolo as the new newsletter editor who has leapt Merry-Hill Golf Club, has been designated a into the job with enthusiasm and energy. Jim Flett Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) joins us as membership director with some new and by the Golf Superintendents' Association of interesting ideas. Monte Anderson, from sunny America (GCSAA). Windsor, has agreed to undertake the onerous task To become certified, a candidate must of reviewing bylaws. A fond farewell to Bruce have five years' experience as a golf course Burger, who steered us through some stormy superintendent, be employed in that capacity weather and kept the ship from running aground. and meet specific educational requirements of Thanks Bruce! college/university credit or CEU's. The There have been a few job changes around candidate must then pass a rigorous six hour the province. Some new people are getting their examination and an on-site golf course first crack at superintendency, there are some new inspection by two currently certified assistants and some lamentable departures. Each superintendents. In Alex's case Mr. Paul year we start off faced with new challenges. Our Dermott and Mr. Neil Acton inspected the association was founded in 1924. At that time the course. employment scene was very much different than it Beach Grove Golf & Country Club making. The whole family can enjoy golf, curling, The 1996 Boarder Cities Golf Tournament will swimming, and a marina on Lake St. Clair. In the be held at the Beach Grove Golf & Country Club on early years the golf course was mowed by horse April 22nd. This event traditionally launches the drawn mowers. A ghost is said to haunt the dark O.G.S.A. Golf and Meetings calender. It is time for corridors of the old tudor style clubhouse. The us to avenge last years loss to "the damm yankees" horses are gone and we're modernizing and so come out for the battle of 1812 all over again. improving our infrastructure, but we'll keep the ghost and the old charm that makes Beach Grove a unique facility providing year round enjoyment for its members. We are honored to have the opportunity to show our hospitality to the members and guests of the Ontario and Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Associations annual spring meeting. We will already have begun to celebrate our 75th anniversary. Sincerely Randel S. Hooper C.G.C.S. HISTORY: Beach Grove Golf & Country Club was founded in 1921 by a group of dedicated golfers from the Windsor area. The first president was Hiram Walker. He and his fellow directors DAVID HOLMES engaged the services of renowned Canadian golf course architect, Stanley Thompson to design the TRENCHING, GREEN SHAPING ROTO TILLING Golf course. There have been changes, but many of EXPERT TRAP CONSTRUCTION Mr. Thompson's design features remain as SMALL TREE SPADE SERVICE evidenced by photos from the 1920's. The course is Telephone (519) 669-8412 ELMIRA flat, heavily treed and requires accurate shot Golf Course Hockey Challenge by Scott E. Dodson CGCS I would like to thank all the participants, volunteers and sponsors for making this years tournament a great success and congratulations to Team Kitchener for winning the championship. Even though Team New York was not very successful on the ice, everyone had a good time and our fan support was excellent. I have stressed to the rest of my team that Canadians are very serious and passionate about the game of hockey and that we are going to have to play to a higher level in order Coach Everett Nieuwkoop to beat them. Could you imagine the trauma of one of the Canadian teams losing a game to Team New York! Well you never know it could happen. Ever believe in a (Yeah, right like the Sabres and Maple Leafs playing for the Stanley Cup!) Anyway, I will never be busy recruiting more players for our product so much you line up, and it might be interesting to note that a couple of questions that are on some Western want to write an ad? New York Country Clubs employment applications, 1. Do you play hockey? and 2. Are you any good? Gordon Witteveen, Superintendent of Well I hope everyone has a great golf season Toronto’s Board of and we will see you on the ice next winter. Trade course did - and here, word for Superintendent's Top word - is what he Ten Causes of Stress wrote about his by Tom Hilferty success with Nutrite Professional Quality 10. Owner wants you to hire nephew, who is Fertilizers. going to school to become a superintendent. 9. Spray tech thinks calibration works best by trial and error. I" have been feeding my turf with Nutrite fertilizers longer than I care to remember. 8. Mechanic believes three different cutting At times, I must confess, I have tried other products, heights is the best way to get that striped look. but 1 always come back to Nutrite! 7. Greens chairman enters you in big weed At the Board of Trade we start every season on regular growing contest. greens, and very rarely need a temporary. 6. Weekend crew turns out to be you! With Nutrite products in my arsenal, the grass is always A-l in the spring." 5. Your only friend are salepeople. 4. "Top Man" mows 45 acres of rough with mower in backlap. Gordon Witteveen, Golf Course Superintendent 3. High kryptonite levels in soil samples have The Board of Trade Country Club is recognized as one of Canada’s best maintained courses and Nutrite you feeling run down. Professional Quality Fertilizers are a part of its success. (Sorry! That's Superman Stressesl) Make Nutrite a part of your growing success. Whether you are a golf course superintendent, landscaper, grounds manager or a lawn care operator, Nutrite helps 2. Most of your membership are Paul Havery build pride and reputation - from the ground up. fans. Call today for details on the complete range of Nutrite Professional Quality Fertilizers 1. Last entry is missing spray tech's log is British Columbia Alberta Manitoba Ontario Quebec Maritimes (604)864-9044 (403)273-5352 (204)633-6205 (800)265-8865 (514)462-2555 (418)689-4759 "Round-up-greens. Ha-Ha-Ha." ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD AWARD We’re growing... Paul Dermott, CGCS, of Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Downsview, Ont. has been named winner in the Environmental Steward Award Competition. The award is sponsored by the Golf Course Superintendents' Association of America Foundation and golf industry leaders Ciba Turf and Ornamental Products, Rainbird's Golf Division, Jacobsen Division of Textron Inc. and Lebanon Turf Products. "With the high quality and significant number of entries, winning an Environmental Steward Award has become one of the top honours for a Golf Course Superintendent," said Gary Grigg, immediate Past President of GCSAA. Paul Dermott's entry represented the International Region. to serve The Environmental Steward Awards were created to recognize Golf Course Superintendents and golf courses for their work to protect and you better! enhance their local environment. Winners are recognized for overall course management excellence, outstanding programs to maximize pesticide and fertilizer efficacy, and irrigation and NU-GRO is Canada's equipment efficiency, as well as wildlife Professional Turf Specialist preservation and habitat enhancement. offering: • A choice of C-I-L and NU-GRO OAKDALE GOLF AND COUNTRY brands CLUB RECOGNIZED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE • Consistent blends utilizing quality raw materials The Oakdale G&CC has achieved designation • Experienced Technical as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" Support Representatives by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System, a program of the Audubon Society of New York State, • A wide range of Specialty and endorsed by the United States Golf Association Turf Fertilizers formulated and the Royal Canadian Golf Association. Oakdale with PROLENE™, PROFORM™ Golf and Country Club is only the second in and S.C.U.® Canada and the fifty-second golf course to receive the honor. Oakdale G&CC joined the program in 1992 and Woodstock, Ontario N4S 8P6 has shown "a strong commitment to its Laval, Quebec H7S 1G3 Calgary, Alberta T2H 2S1 environmental program. They are to be Rob Field commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary Technical Representative for wildlife on the golf course property," said Marla Telephone : (905) 541-8872 Briggs, Staff Ecologist for the Audubon Society of WOODSTOCK, ONTARIO Telephone : (519) 456-1020 Fax: (519) 456-5002 New York. 1996 Ontario Turfgrass Symposium by Pam Charbonneau, OMAFRA Turfgrass Advisor of humour. The superintendent talks this year were of particular high calibre and the credit for that goes to Bruce Burger who is the O.G.S.A.'s representative on the Ontario Turfgrass Symposium Executive Committee. There are so many staff from the Office of Open Learning behind the scenes who also deserve much of the credit for the symposiums success, Belinda Jardim and Ursula Rodrigues to name a couple. Dr. John Watson with Rhod Trainor James Watson I think it would be safe to say that the 1996 OntarioTurfgrass Symposium was the most successful symposium to date. There were a total of 1500 attendees, which included exhibitors, speakers, volunteers and staff. There were a total of 97 exhibitors and 1177 attendees. Yeulan Chen The future success of the Ontario Turfgrass Symposium rests with our ability to put together a well balanced, stimulating speaker program with dynamic speakers. Those of us on the Executive Committee rely on your association to make suggestions of what and who you want to hear at the next symposium. If you have any ideas please submit them to John Taylor of Alex Labelle, who are both representing your association on the Ontario Turfgrass Executive Committee. After all this is The previous symposia were held at the your show. Get involved! University of Guelph campus. As a result of changes to the academic calendar it was impossible for us to stay at the campus. In many ways this may have been a blessing in disguise. The venue at the Dr. Paul Rieke Regal Constellation was very well received by the symposium delegates. Many expressed their pleasure in having the event all "under one roof". In conversations with attendees at the symposium and through the evaluations it was clear to see that the attendees rated the quality of the speakers and the topics as good to excellent in the majority of cases; The best speakers were those that got their message across and added in a touch Alan Beeney's Annual Curling Day Meeting by Alex La Belle C.G.C.S The place: North Halton Golf and Country Club. projectile. At the moment of ear shattering impact The event: Alan Beeney's Annual Curling Day their arms fly into the air in joyous rapture at the Meeting on Friday March 22. realization that the ultimate gamble has paid off! The situation: Down one in the final end of the championship game. Although the final game really didn't Crouching in the hack he coolly stares down happen as described, everyone felt that way at one the sheet studying in his mind the perilous path the time or another. It was a marvelous, fun filled day rock must negotiate. It must weave its way through that brought together a bunch of curling beginners, an army of guards, to draw up to the opponent's amateurs, and veterans to gear up for the new golf rock, in his attempt to sit on the button and force a season, quickly approaching. After a week of carry over. The sweepers fidget, nervously dancing wonderful weather, that primed everyone for an from one foot to the other, unconsciously twirling early beginning to the golf season, we were their brooms in anxious anticipation. Suddenly, the dumped on with 10 to 20 cm. of heavy, wet snow. skip stands in the hack and motions a change in the This event gave us a chance to keep our spirits up position of the target. The front end look down the and exchange information regarding our thoughts ice in shocked disbelief at the boldness of the skip's on the approaching season's maintenance plans, new battle plan. A long angle raise through the new products and techniques. Any time a group of frost to drive the opponent's guard onto his own superintendents and associates get together, shop rock, sitting as third shot. Then this rock, knocking talk is a result. We can't seem to put our courses out out the first and second shot rocks, must stay inside of our minds. Not that there's anything wrong with the four foot to count two and snatch victory from that! the jaws of defeat. With a deep breath and a look of steeled determination the skip slides the rock back... upwards... and then blasts out of the hack, low to the ice guiding the rock to the hog line. The release... and the rock thunders its way down the sheet behind the furiously busy brooms of the front end. Commands screaming from either end of the sheet control the sweepers guidance of the Alan was the perfect host and the ice conditions were ideal! Thank-you Alan. Next year the event will begin at 10 a.m. to allow us a more Winning team; Dean Baker, Corrie Almac & Nigel leisurely approach to the day's different segments. Rennie with host Al Beeney You do not have to know how to curl to attend and participate! Daconil 2787 Unsurpassed disease control... Alone or in Combination. hen it comes to disease control in turf, many of Canada’s best'kept W golf courses share the same key ingredients: Daconil 2787. Daconil has become the cornerstone of disease control programs for a lot of good reasons: It provides outstanding control of the six most troublesome summer turf diseases...including dollar spot, brown patch and leaf spot...plus Daconil 2787 also works well on pink and grey snow mold. That’s confidence. Daconil gives you cost-effective disease control on tees and greens, as well as fairways. Daconil also makes a good tank mix partner with Banner® or Rovral Green® to provide a complete spray program. That’s versatility. And in over 20 years of use, there has never been a documented case of disease resistance to Daconil 2787. Not once. That’s reliability you know you can count on. With performance like this, it’s no wonder top golf superintendents never find out what their turf would look like if they didn’t use Daconil. Daconil 2787. Make it the Cornerstone of your Turf Care Program this Year. ISKbiosciences ISK Biosciences Limited 148 York Street, Suite 319 London, Ontario N6A 1A9 1-800-668-0956 ®Daconil is a registered trademark of ISK Biosciences Corporation. All other products listed are registered trademarks of their respective companies. Spring Can't Come Soon Enough! by Mark Piccolo The Grand River once again showed its power during a late February thaw, as ice jams caused Deer Ridge #16 localized flooding, forcing the river and its contents over the banks of the Deer Ridge Golf and Country Club in Kitchener, and the Galt Country Club in Cambridge. Greg Aljoe, superindentent of Deer Ridge, experienced flooding levels greater than the 100 year flood level set out by the G.R.C.A. Approximately 8 holes were under water at Deer Ridge, irrigation satellites and bridges were destroyed, but it is still too early to determine the amount of scaring and sediments left behind from the water. The Galt Country Club had dikes constructed along its 15th and 16th holes to divert the flowing Galt River holes from #16 tee ice away from the course. This has been very successful but water levels rose above the dike and ice came across. At this point in time only tee sign posts and benches have been destroyed. Only the spring thaw can reveal whats underneath. We ask that Superindentents submit photographs of unique and interesting happennings at their golf courses, with a short description to the O.G.S.A. 47th Annual C.G.S.A. Turfgrass Conference The C.G.S.A. 47th annual conference was Distinguished Award winner, Dr. Jack L. Eggens. held in Vancouver in early March. Close to 1500 Dr. Eggens was cited for his outstanding golf superintendents and assistants were in contributions to the development of turfgrass attendance. During the outstanding educational education and his support for golf superintendents portion of the conference, a number of throughout his carrer. internationally known speakers addressed the superintendents and others in attendance. Noted among them were keynote speaker Bobby Gee, Winning the Image Game; Dr. James Beard, How to Improve the Image of Turf; Dr. L. Turgeon, Turfgrass Growth Media; Dr. Lee Burpee, Positve and Negative Non-target Effects on Turfgrass Fungicides; Richard Psolla, Mis-interpretations of Soil Reports; Jim Leask, Pond Management; and James Skorulski of the U.S.G.A., Using Washed Sod. Superintendent Dave Whitell from Calgary, Alberta spoke about the facts and figures from the Country Club of the Hamptons. The C.G.S.A. also saluted it's John B. Steel O.G.S.A. BULLETIN TEL (416) 236-1001 GTI Update ALBION FAX: (416) 236-4654 GOLF CARS AND TURF EQUIPMENT A DIVISION OF C J. MCDONALD CO. LTD. 29 ADVANCE ROAD Whatis happening in 1996 at the GTI? The Research Field day is moving from a once-every- TORONTO, ONTARIO M8Z 2S6 two- years to annual event. The 1996 opportunity to tour the plots and meet the researchers is scheduled BRUCE MCDONALD for Monday, August 19th. The OGSA is holding a golf event later in the day at Galt Country Club. An earlier start to the field day may be announced to accommodate the extra travel time to get from the GTI to the golf course. One of the highlights of the GTI winter was the offering of two turf managers' short courses. An overwhelming response to the announcement of the February course resulted in the creation of an additional course in January. Both courses were filled by January. We had limited success in attempts to organize a late February seminar series for superintendents and staff. We hope to offer a Corrie Almack, P.Ag. similar program after this season at a time that conflicts less with the many conferences held in late AlmacK & Associates winter. Box 256, Carlisle, Ontario LOR 1H0 905-689-6174 The GTI Advisor, the new technical advisory bulletin published the GTI, is now in full swing. Published every two weeks from April to October, The GTI Advisor provides current seasonal information to aid in the management of landscape plantings with a special emphasis on turfgrass. Subscriptions are still available by calling (519)767- 5009. Like the preparations on a golf course, most of Over 100 Years of Growing Service the current activity at the GTI revolves around Tami J. Packham David J. Schmelefske preparation for the summer research season. A. Kent MacDonald Faculty and technical staff are planning experiments and applying for funding. Research Superintendent 330 Phillip St P.O. Box 144, Waterloo. Ontario Canada N2J 3Z9 Norman McCollum and his staff are reorganizing Telephone: (519) 886-0557 Fax; (519) 886-0605 1-800-465-5849 the equipment building after renovations were completed in late winter. The renovations will allow us to use the building for equipment and irrigation technical training programs. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions about GTI programs and services, please contact me at (519)824-4120 extension 6886 Quality Fertilizer Blends for or by fax (519)766-1704. I would also welcome the Golf Courses opportunity to attend any events regional groups are holding this year. Any opportunity to meet with Distributed by: Manufactured by: Turf Care Vigoro Canada, Inc. superintendents and discuss the research and 905-836-0988 800-268-2076 education issues that are important to them is Stephen Hewgill Daisy Moore greatly appreciated. - Rob Witherspoon, GTI Director 1996 OGSA GOLF & MEETINGS BORDER CITIES: Monday April 22,1996 Rob Field Beach Grove Golf & Country Club Technical Sales Representative P.O. Box 1148, Hwy. #59 S„ Woodstock, Ontario N4S 8P6 PRO/SUPERINTENDENT: Customer Service 1-800-268-2806 Car (905)541-8872 Friday May 10,1996 Fax (905)632-2158 Glenn Abbey Golf Club PRESIDENT/GREENS CHAIRMAN SUPERINTENDENT/DIRECTOR: Monday July 22,1996 Angus Glen Golf Club David B. Dick Jeff McMaster GTI SUMMER FIELD: The O.M. Scott & sons company The O.M. SCOtt & Sons Company 39 Monte Vista Trail 1864 Bowler Drive Monday August 19,1996 Brampton, Ontario L6Z 2J7 Pickering, Ontario L1V3E4 Galt Country Club Fax+ Telephone: (905)846-3319 Telephone: (905)839-6520 1-800-543-0006 1996 WOGSA GOLF & MEETINGS May 6,1996 FontHill Golf Club June 3,1996 Rae Murray Technical Sales - Professional Products Rockway Glen Maple Farm Supply Ltd. P.O. Box 370 Bus (905) 857-2000 July 15,1996 Bolton, Ontario L7E5T3 Mobile (416) 565-5628 Beaverdale Golf Club Fax (905)857-8215 1-800-268-4425 August TBA Twenty Valley Golf Club Sept 24,1996 Brantford Golf & Country Club RICK SERRAO cgcs CONGRADULATIONS to Turf Managers 15 -1050 Britannia Rd. Off: (905) 564-0520 Mississauga, Ontario Fax: (905) 564-0519 Short Course Scholarshipwinners L4W 4N9 Home: (905) 578-1945 Fax: (905) 578-5764 Bruce Clark and Brad Jennings O.G.S.A/Hutcheson Ski Day by Angelo Capannelli As we all anxiously await the arrival of spring, race, so, it was rescheduled for the next years ski there is a significant amount of others who don't day. The afternoon ski seemed to be fairly want the snow and all its activities to leave. exhausting as most of the skiers decided to retire On February 21st, those "significant others" early and head for the warmth and comfort of the gathered at Osler Bluff Ski Hill in Collingwood, On., ski cabin. for the annual Hutcheson?OGSA Ski Day. Back at the cabin people enjoyed a light dinner The weather report for the day was mild which consisted of sausages and hamburgers temperatures with a chance of light drizzle and the cooked on the barbeque and assorted salads. After intense fog was to dissipate as the day moved on. some coffee and a little dessert with one last "Peak" That forecast certainly didn't discourage the Steve at the Osler Bluffs, most of the guests bid a farewell Podborski's and the Alberto Tomba's of the world. and they were off. Upon arrival at the official host cabin, skiers were The snow was challenging, the food was great greeted with a generous cup of coffee and freshly and the company was excellent. Thanks to everyone baked muffins, and asked if they would like to who participated. A special thank you to the staff at participate in the annual slalom race. Hutchesons and Cindi Charters for organizing the With skis thrown over shoulders and goggles event. firmly planted on their touques, the participants made the short trek over the main lodge area to collect their ski passes and begin the day's skiing activities. It wasn't long after that, they were racing down the hills. The snow was wet and the visibility was less than favorable, but with a few adjustments (no goggles) everybody seemed to enjoy themselves. The fog lifted just in time for lunch, when everybody gathered in the "Brown Bag" for a hearty bowl of soup, a sandwich, and a warm beverage. A few stories and a full stomach and then, it was out for some afternoon skiing. Unfortunately, Osler Bluffs and the ski day organizers felt that the visibility on the hills was too poor to run the slalom Economical Pole Frame Buildings For All Your Needs.... Building Systems Ltd. RURAL & COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS Call collect to Jack or Rick Brenzil for a Free Estimate... (905) 772-3551 (905) 388-6865 Over 30 Years Experience! Introducing The Perfect Bag For Greens And Tees. For overseeding low cut areas and establishing greens and tees, no other fertilizer provides the kind of coverage and nutrient distribution that Country Club 10-18-18 does. Country Club 10-18-18 Contact: Bill Greaves P.O. Box 25113 London, Ontario N6C 6A8 Phone: (519) 685-9788 Fax: (519) 685-9502 Toll Free: 1-800-898-2138 WHY HAVE MORE THAN 600 GOLF COURSES IN CANADA CHOSEN HUTCHESON? HUTCHESON SAND AND MIXES ASK OUR CUSTOMERS... Manderley On The Green, North Grower, Ont. Superintendent - J. David Garland “This product is always the same one load after another. I have never found any stone FISHING FOR A SOLUTION or other contaminates in any of the loads.” TURF DRAIN INC. GREEN DRAINAGE “NOBODY WANTS TO GET STONES” TURF HUTCHESON sand and mixes DRAIN DRAINAGE DIVISION 8 West Street, South Huntsville, Ont. P1H 1P2 INC. Ontario (519)763-3130 1 -800-461 -5521 FAX: 705-789-1049 Now There's A Third Option... Backed Up With 30 Years of Experience. In the past, golf course superintendents generally got two bids when replacing an irrigation system. But now there's a new option, legacy with three decades of experi­ ence. Legacy has brought together the world leader in gear-drive technology and the leader in control systems and valves. This combined track record is unsurpassed tor quality products and experience. Century - Your Link to Legacy Whether you re replacing Just one head, an entire system or planning a new course call a Century golf professional. With more than 30 years of experience and an impressive list of satisfied customers. Century can show you the advantages of a third option With Legacy. 800-347-4272 Legacy Now Available from Century Rain Aid in these Major Markets Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Northern Illinois, Northern Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Ontario PRESS RELEASES OSECO WINS AGAIN - AT THE ROYAL FROM KUBOTA CANADA - BUNTON WINTER FAIR INTRODUCES THE TM2000 FIVE-GANG MID-WEIGHT MOWER For the second year in a row, an Oseco Gnome Bluegrass entry has won the coveted World Bunton's years of experience in the golf and turf Championship Pedigreed Forage Seed class, which industry are reflected in their ability to provide the is sponsored by Northrup King Seeds Ltd. right product at the right time for the marketplace. Paul Eros, Oseco Director: Sales and Marketing For more information on the Bunton TM2000, said "Winning the World Championship Award for please contact Kubota Canada Ltd. or your nearest the second year is a testament to Oseco's Kubota/Bunton Golf and Turf distributor. longstanding dedication to Turfgrass and Forage Seed excellence". OSECO INTRODUCES "SUPERSHADE GRASS SEED" Contact: Paul Eros (800) 668-5080 Nu-Gro Corporation is GROWING! The Nu-Gro Corporation, based in Woodstock, Ontario, has announced it has purchased the business of Omnicology Inc. from Hudson Industries of New Jersey. Omnicology Inc. manufactures controlled-release methylene-urea nitrogen fertilizers including Proformtm and prolemetm- which are sold world-wide. Nu-Gro is Canada's largest producer of specialty slow-release LOOKING FOR A FRESH APPROACH? turf and ornamental fertilizers including the C-I-L TURF DRAIN INC. GREEN RECONSTRUCTION brand, and is the leading producer of horticultural TURF soil products, pesticides and cat litter. The acquisition strengthens NU-Gro's position in the DRAIN RENOVATION DIVISION slow-release nitrogen market in Canada and INC. presents significant growth opportunities in the Ontario (519)763-3130 United States, Europe, and the Pacific rim. Distinguishing pink and grey snow mould diseases by Tom Hsiang We Canadians Basidiomycetes. This differs from pink snow are known for our mould which is caused by an Ascomycete fungus, great white north, and this difference is the source of some of the and because of this variation in disease control by different fungicides. beautiful The causal agent of Pink snow mould is Fusarium snowcover, we also nivale (now more accurately known as experience snow Microdochium nivale). As mentioned earlier, this is mould diseases the same pathogen which causes Fusarium patch. right across the This disease also has the same turfgrass hosts as country. In fact, grey snow mould. snow mould The conditions favouring the diseases also disease control share similarities. Both diseases develop best under probably accounts snow at -1 C to 4 C. Snow cover can be replaced by for a good half of leaves, straw mulch and greens covers for disease our fungicide use for turfgrass diseases. This article development. Other conditions that favour the two will discuss the reasons for needing to know and diseases are: snowfall on unfrozen turf that has not the actual differences between the two major snow been hardened by frost; high moisture, especially mould diseases. under melting snow or under snow on unfrozen The first important reason to know the ground; and high nitrogen, especially in fall prior to difference between snow moulds is that as we move dormancy, providing succulent tissues. away from the heavy metal protectant fungicides The major difference in conditions (e.g. Calo-clor, PMAS, Scotts Broad Spectrum favouring the development of the two snow mould Fungicide), turf managers need to be able to diseases lies with the extent of snow cover: grey properly identify diseases to target their fungicide snow mould generally requires over 3 months of applications. The newer fungicides tend to be more continous snow cover whereas pink snow mould specific and less persistent, and thus may not give requires just a few weeks. broad spectrum control against all snow mould From a distance, the symptoms of the the diseases. The fungi which cause grey snow mould two snow mould diseases are similar. On low-cut and pink snow mould belong to very different turf, there are generally round patches of diseased taxonomic groups, and thus may not be properly turf up to 25 cm across. Under very good controlled by the same fungicides. The second conditions for disease development, parts of the reason to know the difference is that the organism patches may merge and cause massive blighting. which causes pink snow mould can also cause On long cut turf, there may be general blighting Fusarium patch. If there is a heavy incidence of rather than distinct patches. Fusarium patch as you go into winter, you may Grey snow mould patches often have a expect to see many patches of pink snow mould scalded or bleached appearance ranging in size and after snowmelt. Conversely, if you have heavy often merging under severe disease conditions. infection by pink snow mould, then you may expect Greyish-white mycelium can frequently be seen on the development of Fusarium patch if cool wet the outer margin of the patch, up to several days weather persists after snow melt. after snow melt. Grey snow mould is also known as Typhula Pink snow mould patches are orange to red- Blight, Snow Scald or Winter Scald. The American brown ranging in size from 10-20 cm but often spelling of the disease is Gray Snow Mold. This overlap to form large irregular patches. White to disease is caused Typhula ishikariensis or Typhula pink mycelium can frequently be seen on outer incarnata, which can attack all cool season margin of patch up to several days after snow melt turfgrasses, particularly creeping bentgrass, annual but not as abundantly as with Grey Snow Mould. bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. The Typhula Sometimes salmon-coloured masses of spores may fungi are members of the taxonomic class Distinguishing pink and grey Plant-Prod ® snow mould diseases be found on leaf blades. As matted areas dry, leaves GREENS FERTILIZERS become pink to reddish brown margin, whereas the entire area may be reddish-brown for creeping bentgrass and perennial ryegrass. The major ...AS EASYAS 1,2,3! difference between the two, however, is the Introducing three new water soluble fertilizers presence of sclerotia of grey snow mould. Sclerotia formulated for golf course Greens & Tees. are small dark compact masses of fungal tissue that allows survival through adverse conditions. For grey snow mould, after snow melt, small swollen Plant-Prod Greens 1,2 and 3 Fertilizers offer sclerotia can be seen, as large as 1/2 cm and visible complete fertility including to the naked eye. These large ones are pinkish­ chelated micronutrients for 1,2 or 3 week periods brown to a dark-red-brown resembling small making them ideal for inclusion into your normal mouse droppings, and they darken and harden as spray program. they dry. In areas with even longer snow cover, there may be much smaller pin-head sized (1/2 mm) sclerotia that are brown to black. As the sclerotia dry up and drop into the thatch, they are no longer visible, and become dormant throughout the summer. There are no sclerotia associated with pink snow mould. When the two snow moulds appear together, grey snow mould generally causes more damage than pink snow mould. In some situations, crowns may be killed by grey snow mould whereas pink snow mould causes more of a foliar blighting. Whether or not you need to renovate depends on the extent of turf kill. The recommendation is to take a cup-cutter plug of diseased turf, place it in a plastic bag, bring it indoors, and keep under warm, well-lit conditions. If less than 50% of the crowns sprout new green tissue, then you may have to take action quickly. Plant-Prod Greens 1 Fertilizer 21-5-21 The snow mould diseases tend to return to * provides complete fertility for ONE week. the same spots where they were in previous years * well suited to low level frequent "spoon feeding" because the favourable conditions for their establishment remained in those locations. Proper Plant-Prod Greens 2 Fertilizer 20-5-30 cultural treatments may reduce the incidence and • offers equal parts of fast-acting nitrate nitrogen and severity of snow moulds even without fungicide slower release urea to TWO weeks of effectiveness. control. But the first step is to be able to properly • for use on high stress areas distinguish the two snow mould diseases. Plant-Prod Greens 3 Fertilizer 24-2-24 * 80% of the nitrogen is available as urea for THREE weeks of fertility 20 Jackson St. W., Ste. 300 Hamilton ON L8P1L2 Your source for Ohio Bunker Sand from Best Sand Corp. Your full service supplier of Stockpiled in Ontario fertilizers, pest control products & turf supplies. Call Eric Porter Plant Products Co. Ltd. George F. Pettinos (Canada) Limited 314 Orenda Rd., Brampton, Ontario, L6T 1G1 Telephone: (905) 528-7027 Fax: (905) 528-7096 (905) 793-7000 or 1-800-387-2449 FAX (905) 793-9157 What Holds Water Like A Peat But Drains Like A Sand? PROFILE Porous Ceramics is having a significant impact on the way golf courses are constructed and managed. For thirty years organics have been the only material available to improve the water and nutrient holding capacity of sand topdressing and construction mixes. However, organics accomplish this at the expense of internal drainage. PROFILE is not an organic. It is a stable porous ceramic aggregate the size of sand that contains thousands of internal and external pore spaces. These pore spaces hold water and oxygen in a 50/50 balance to help create ideal soil balances while maintaining high percolation rates. Golf Course Superintendents, research and field studies have consistently proven that PROFILE prevents and eliminates localized dry spot, PROFILE improves drainage and PROFILE improves nutrient holding capacity. Contact SHARON SMITH to find out why over 1000 Golf Courses use PROFILE and why such renowned architects such as Palmer Course Design & Gary Player Course Design are now specifying PROFILE in their projects. PLANT PRODUCTS CO. LTD. 314 Orenda Road Brampton, Ontario L6T 1G1 (905) 793-7000 or 1-800-387-2449 Fax (905) 793-9157 THE RE-GRASSING PROJECT AT LOOKOUT POINT COUNTRY CLUB OR HOW TO INTRODUCE BENTGRASS FAIRWAYS IN EIGHT EASY WEEKS BY ALDO BORTOLON, COURSE SUPERINTENDENT As course superintendent at Lookout Point in some tough corners, we made sample runs with Country Club, I knew we had fairways with a water in the new equipment during the week before predominance of Poa. The spring of 1993 was the project. We knew we had to be very careful with revolutionary for us because it made the Board of the application of the Roundup. Directors and the membership aware of our weak A few days before the application of the turf. Only they could make the decision to budget Roundup, I painted guidelines in front of the the funds to address the problem. The greens, staying six feet away. We also had to be overwhelming evidence of Poa under stress that concerned with spray drift and tracking of the spring made the problem of managing a Poa course Roundup (by the wheels of the sprayer) onto other a situation we had to rectify. areas. To prevent tracking, we doubled and sewed Certainly the politics of the situation had to be together heavy filter cloth to cover the front addressed by the Green Committee, Board of portions of the greens and aprons, using the cloth as Directors and the membership. With the Green runways to move from fairway to fairway. Chairman, I explored alternatives and worked on To make a clean edge along the outside of the the steps involved in re-grassing our fairways. The fairways, we attached a plastic shield to prevent program was approved and it became my task to drifting of the chemical into the rough. On Tuesday, undertake during the 1994 season. August 2,1994, the course was closed to golfers and Once the re-grassing project was approved, our the project was to begin, but I faced a decision. As I first step was to look at our tournament and playing drove to work there was a threat of rain and I schedule for the next year. We notified our outside wondered if I should start spraying or hold off. It tournament organizers and told them what our did rain, but after a few hours it cleared, and I said, playing conditions would be like during August "Let's go!". and September 1994. At the time we felt we would We used a blue dye in the tank mix at a 25 close the course for four days to complete the job ounces/acre rate along with a surfactant at 20 and keep all players off the fairways for four to six ounces/acre. The dye was essential, and it worked weeks after we renovated. Some internal and well, showing exactly the sprayed areas. We used external tournaments were rescheduled or Roundup at 31 litres/acre in 25 gallons of postponed. water/acre. As the day went on we had many We initiated the project in the spring of 1994. We members watching from the first tee which sits atop felt that if we were going to re-seed the fairways to the Niagara Escarpment. Most said it did not look bentgrass they should be properly contoured. We too bad, but they were looking at blue dye. What had been working with the course architect, Mr. they did not realize was that it would take at least a Thomas McBroom, so we brought his associate in week for the fairways to turn yellow, then brown, and re-contoured the fairways in early spring. and finally die. Spraying was completed the first As we started mowing fairways, we cut out the day. areas which were once rough and were now going I told my staff to stay off the fairways we to be fairways. We also let some existing fairway sprayed that day, but gave them the OK to cross at areas grow up to what would be the rough. We had 90 degrees the second day, after the Roundup dried. to be sure before spraying with Roundup that I later realized that the last fairway we sprayed had everything was alive and green for the chemical to not dried completely because the dew fell shortly work effectively. after we sprayed. The following day we crossed the We decided to contract the seeding to Gord Dol fairway thinking nothing of it, but a week later we of Dol Seeding. I met with him in the fall of 1993 noticed tire tracks streaking into the rough from the and again in the spring of 1994 to discuss the tires of some of our vehicles. Lesson One: make sure program. I decided to seed with Penncross the Roundup dries completely before the dew falls. bentgrass because I felt it had a healthy history and As Gord Dol rolled up the driveway with his a proven record. It also has a rapid germination two large seeding units, we began the second stage rate. We have a total of 24 acres of fairways and we of the project - seeding. Gord calibrated his seeder thought we would overseed in three directions at a and made test runs across portions of one fairway. l/2Ib./l,000 rate. This revealed our next problem - the discs on one We purchased a new spray attachment for our seeder could not consistently penetrate our thatch Cushman. To get the proper handling of the sprayer layer. THE RE-GRASSING PROJECT AT LOOKOUT POINT CONTINUED: Lesson Two: never underestimate your thatch perfectly, I noticed areas that were not growing. We layer. It was not that it was a thick layer, probably tried to give it more time and exercise a little no more than 5/8" but it was like old shoe leather in patience. Gord Dol was brought back to look, and some places. However, the other seeder worked he suggested we wait another week, promising to quite well. To get them both working properly we touch up any bare areas. tried extra weights, more adjustments and wet turf In fact we did do additional seeding, both with but nothing worked. Gord decided he needed to Gord Dol's equipment and with our own aerifier install new sharper cutting discs. and seeder. I was satisfied that the work was done A few hours later Gord's staff returned with the but the daily inspections continued. John Gall of St. new discs but they were no sharper than the ones George's was right - you can go crazy watching already on the machine and in fact did not fit it grass grow. In fact, I thought I was going crazy properly. A stand-up meeting on the shop floor led when it appeared we were losing our new grass. I to a decision to use our Foley reel grinder to re­ discovered a bad case of sod webworm. They were sharpen all the discs from the seeder. This took all eating the new seedlings in some areas as quickly as night and into the early morning. The discs were it came up. I decided to apply granular Diazinon put back on the seeder in the morning and with and it worked very effectively. We had never had their razor sharp edges they worked fine - the problems with fairway insects prior to this, but I thatch was no longer a problem. now believe they were in the turf and became a More tests were done, and we found that after problem with the new grass. However, the making three passes, the turf was tearing up too Diazinon did the job. much due to the weak roots. We decided to pass the Our first fertilizer was a starter, applied one slit seeders in two directions making a seed week prior to seeding. After six weeks I used a high adjustment to 3/41b/l,000 in each direction. This nitrogen fertilizer at l/21bN/l,000. Two weeks after definitely saved us time. Thursday was going well, the fertilizer application, the fairways filled in then came heavy rains late in the afternoon - an tremendously and were ready for play. We unwelcome interruption. reopened to the golfers on October 1. Friday was the day we had hoped to be Fertilizer applications to the end of the season finished, but we were still seeding. The good were as follows: 0-0-50 in early October then 31-0-0 weather held and we seeded all day, and on into (50% SCU) and 21-0-0 Ammonium Sulphate at Saturday. Nine holes were made available to the 3/41b/l,000 each in early November as my anxious golfers Saturday and the entire course was dormant. I also decided to spray PMA-10 at 1 1/4 reopened Sunday. ounce/1,000 during the third week of November Our seeding rate and calculations were right on. and another 3/4 ounce on December 26. We had so We used about 1,800 lbs. of seed in total, seeding in much rain in November, I thought we had lost some two directions. of the value of the first application. There was an added benefit to having the course The fairways had never looked better going into closed for four and a half day. We got a chance to the winter. Over the winter I was hoping we would double slit and top-dress our greens and aerate and weather well and I am sure that my Green top-dress our tees. The greens never looked better Chairman was hoping the same thing. Spring after taking them out of play for four and half days finally came, and everyone was pleased to see in early August. spotless fairways. Today, I feel we have With the seeding completed, we began watering approximately 60-70% bentgrass in our fairways. In lightly for five to 10 minutes, three to four times per the following years I think we will need to touch-up day. As the old turf started to finally turn yellow, in some areas, but I am convinced that the project then brown, the members realized what was was successful. happening. However they were quite careful about We learned a lot from others who provided lifting balls from the fairways and continued to play encouragement and facts at times when they were from a first cut that we had widened for their play. needed. Similarly we would be pleased to share our Each day I looked for seed growth. After four experience with anyone who wants to undertake a days, seed was popping, and every day after that I re-grassing project. saw increased growth. After two or three weeks, just when I thought this project was proceeding Watch for Part 2 of this article in the next issue of Green is Beautiful The Regrassing of Lookout Pointe Golf Club Your THE FUTURE IS HERE THE NEW TORO GREENSMASTER 3200 ... the standard by which all others will be measured THE PROOF IS IN THE DEMO. Don’t be disappointed. Book now! TURF CARE 200 PONY DRIVE, NEWMARKET, ONTARIO L3Y 7B6 ♦ PHONE (905) 836-0988 ♦ FAX (905) 836-6442