Green is Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents Association Oakville Golf Club INFORMATION ON: • Annual General Meeting • Golf Course Naturalization • Announcements & Special Dates • Topdressing • Pumping • Symposium 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 For a free demonstration or the name of the dealer 16 $40 $640 empty table cell nearest you, call $60 $960 empty table cell $80 $1,280 1-800-228-4444. Divide the unit cost of the E-Plex by the extra daily revenue to determine the payback period. FAX (402) 474-8522. © Ransomes America Corporation 1995. All rights reserved. 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 contents Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents Association APRIL EDITION 1997 what's inside advertisers 2 EDITOR'S COMMENTS 4 VANDEN BUSSCHE by Mark Piccolo 6 NU-GROW CORP. 3 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE by Simon George 7 ONTARIO SEED COMPANY LTD. 3 GOLF HOCKEY CHALLENGE by John Taylor 7 ALBION GOLF CARS 4 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING by Alex La Belle CGCS 8 PUMPS PLUS 5 APPLICATIONS 8 ALMACK by Rick Ziegel 9 BRAEMAR BUILDING SYSTEMS LTD. 7 GOLF COURSE NATURALIZATION by Brad Peterson 9 TORO-SITEPRO 10 TOPDRESSING WITH A TWIST by Ian Bowen 10 VIGRO-PAREX 11 ANNOUNCEMENTS 13 DACONIL 2787 12 DORMANT NITROGEN 14 BLACK PHOTO CORPORATION by Rob Field 15 TOPDRESSING 14 THE SCOTTS COMPANY by Jim Moore 15 FAST FOREST INC. 16 GOLF COURSE PUMPING by Steve Wilkinson 15 NU-GROW CORPORATION 18 1997 TURFGRASS SYMPOSIUM by Rob Whitherspoon 17 BURNSIDE GOLF SERVICES 19 GTI UPDATE 19 OTTERBINE TURFCARE by Rob Whitherspoon 20 O.G.S.A 20 GREEN HORIZONS by John W. Gravett editor's comments 1997 O.G.S.A. Board of Directors ur first issue of the new year President Simon George O brings along with it a new look. To be successful in anything you do, Oakville Golf Club 905-844-5796 you need feedback to evaluate your Past President Alex La Belle CGCS Merry-Hill Golf Club progress. Please let us know how we 519-648-2304 are doing. We have some practical Vice President Ian Bowen information for you in this issue, & Golf & Meeting Chairman Oshawa Golf Club ranging from different topdressing 905-725-9511 approaches to trends in irrigation and pumping stations. Treasurer Paul Dodson CGCS There is even something for those who experienced Lionhead Golf Club burning from their dormant nitrogen application of 905-455-8400 ammonium sulphate last fall. We are always interested Secretary & GCSAA Liaison Bob Heron CGCS in the successes and innovations of golf course Beacon Hall Golf Club maintenance, and incourage our members to submit 905-841-0252 material and pictures to us for publication. We hope to Director & Bylaws Lamont Anderson start a question and answer section for the newsletter. Pointe West Golf Club We are asking members to submit questions to us via fax 519-736-5050 or mail on topics ranging from the issue of contracts, to Director & Public Relations John Gravett cultural practices, staff and labour issues, equipment, Credit Valley Golf Club 905-275-2505 image etc., to be published in the magazine. The hope is to stimulate ideas from superintendents who may have Rob Ackerman Markland Wood Golf Club first hand experience with the question, and comments 905-625-2062 are to be published in the following issue. The idea is not to create controversy but to help solve problems by Director & Golf & Meetings Keith Bartlett Thornhill Country Club using each others experiences, and besides it may be 905-889-2735 kind of fun. Membership Director Jim Flett Have a Great Year. & Newsletter Co-Editor Muskoka Lakes Golf Course 705-765-3165 Mark Piccolo Editor OGSA Director Director & Newsletter Editor Mark Piccolo Galt Country Club 519-650-1503 Director & Scholarship Jeff Burgess Green is Beautiful 1997 Weston Golf Club 416-241-5551 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. CINDI CHARTERS: OFFICE MANAGER ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS'ASSOCIATION GUELPH TURFGRASS INSTITUTE 328 VICTORIA ROAD, SOUTH Telephone: (519) 824-OGSA Fax: (519) 766-1704 Designed and Printed by City Graphics Design & Print Inc. president's message O.G.S.A. President Simon George Welcome to seminars put on by many different the 1997 golf groups who all do a great job of season. I am running their own various events. sure that we Are all these different programs are all looking necessary or can we still afford to at earlier attend everything with budget and openings this time being more of a factor these year after a days. At this time the O.G.S.A. is long but involved in meetings with the relatively C.G.S.A. to discuss the possibility immense and will be missed by all. good winter. I hope that we have all of streamlining and condensing Thank you Cindi from me had the opportunity to attend and some of these events and to personally and from all the enjoy some of the excellent continue work on the task of members of the Board both now conferences and educational increasing the image and the role of and in the past. In closing, I will say programs over the winter. I us as Golf Course Superintendents. that the O.G.S.A is indeed in very attended for the first time, the On another note, it is with sound financial well being and G.C.S.A.A. event in Las Vegas and regret that I must inform you that committed to continued growth found it to be just as great as our office manager Cindi Charters and excellence. I wish all of you a reported. has decided to leave us and retire successful season as we continue There is, it seems, many of us from the O.G.S.A. after fourteen our roll in a still thriving profession. who think that perhaps there are years. The contribution made by too many shows, conferences and Cindi over the years has been captured by team London with a golf course hockey challenge victory over Western New York. After hockey an awards party was held at the Comfort Inn in By John Taylor Niagara Falls, New York at which the players were able to feed the appetite and quench the thirst The 3RD Annual Golf Course brought on by the day's activities. Hockey Challenge was held on Special thanks to our major Wednesday, January 22, 1997 at a sponsors from Club Car, John Deere beautiful new twin pad complex at and Toro and to all our minor Niagara University in Niagara sponsors who made this day very Falls, New York. enjoyable to all the participants. The tournament was expanded Thanks also to Scott Dodson from to six teams with the addition of the Park Club in Buffalo for all his teams from London/Windsor and organizational efforts. Plans are Michigan joining the original four strenuous day which tested already underway for the 4TH teams from Western New York, endurance as much as hockey Annual Challenge to take place in Toronto, Kitchener and Niagara. A ability, team Kitchener repeated as early 1998 with expansion possibly round robin format with two champions over team Toronto in looming on the horizon. divisions was contested and after the final. The consolation prize was their right to vote. On the scholarship front, a annual general meeting motion by Jeff Burgess, was approved to increase the (AGM) Report availability of scholarships to by Alex La Belle CGCS Ontario students out of Province, who work in Ontario. The school There have been quite a few must be a Post secondary changes made as a result of the re­ institution, such as Penn State, affiliation with the Golf Course offering a recognized Turfgrass Superintendents' Association of Management Diploma or Degree. America. Some of the changes Applicants must maintain a grade included minor corrections in text point average of 3.0 or greater and and re-labeling of the classification fulfill the requirements of the categories. We owe a huge thank- application form. The criteria of you to Monte Anderson for "financial need" was dropped. spending countless hours ensuring Finally, the turnout was very that all of the i's were dotted and as an international chapter, we will disappointing (35 members) the t's crossed. Assistants are now be exempted from this requirement. considering the important topics to categorized as Class C instead of Another change approved at be discussed. Next year the AGM Class F. Only Class A members of the AGM was the re-establishment will be held in the morning with the Association may hold office. of Proxy Voting. This will ensure refreshments available. It is hoped This particular change does not that all voting members have the that having the meeting before the apply to nominees approved prior opportunity, regardless of educational sessions, instead of to the AGM. Also, a new criteria for geographic location, to exercise after a long day in the lecture halls, the composition of the Board will encourage a better attendance. requires that 50% of the board be GCSAA members. Furthermore, the Officers (i.e. President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary) must be GCSAA members. Again, Vanden Bussche this new bylaw does not apply to Irrigation & Equipment Limited members currently serving on the GOLF COURSE IRRIGATION SALES AND SERVICE Ontario Distributor of Rain Bird Golf Products Board. It is felt that the financial burden of belonging to two IRRIGATION SPECIALISTS FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS national Associations ( CGSA & GCSAA), the Ontario Association Distributors and designers of sprinkler systems to the and a local Association, may be GOLF INDUSTRY overwhelming and discriminatory MILTON to some Clubs. A letter is drafted (905) 875-4545 and will be sent to the GCSAA 1-800-263-4112 explaining our concerns with the (905) 878-4501 (fax) new requirements. It is hoped that, 4 Green is Beautiful April 1997 the spectrum for the speaking applications frequencies typically used in our industry. These areas are in the VHF (Very High Frequency) band (150 MHz to 175 MHz) and the BEAM ME UP SCOTTY! UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band Golf Course Applications for Radio Communications (450 MHz to 475 MHz). This Rick Ziegel is Golf Territory Manager considerably narrows the field! for Vanden Bussche Irrigation, the With almost a million private Rain Bird Irrigation Distributor in Ontario. dispatch users across Canada, the VHF and UHF bands are already SPACE - THE FINAL FRONTIER you are jogging through a hilly quite crowded with the VHF band area. The wavelength is the used the most. Therefore, most Golf course superintendents distance from the top of one hill to new applications fall into the UHF around the world are now the top of the next. The frequency band. "exploring a new frontier" - instant is the number of hills that you jog The distance that UHF radio communications via radio. The over in one second. Since radio waves will propogate (or travel) in proliferation of radio equipment waves travel at the speed of light, the atmosphere is related to its and the quickly decreasing costs they can travel a great distance in frequency - the higher the have made radios a viable tool on one second. frequency the shorter the distance most golf courses. Radio systems travelled. Reliably, the UHF are now available for both voice frequencies will travel a distance communications and irrigation equivalent to line-of-sight. system control. The two are closely related and the same principles BOLDLY GO WHERE NO MAN apply to both. But what are radio HAS GONE BEFORE waves? How do they work and are they best for your application? This is the first area of concern for the superintendent. Since the ALL WE WANT IS RADIO GA-GA frequencies used can only travel short distances, they may not work As the rock group Queen FREQUENCY IS MORE in your application. Long, narrow stated, it seems as though everyone IMPORTANT THAN SIZE golf courses may not be able to is in love with the idea of radios. communicate from end to end and Are they really the way of the The spectrum is divided up by courses that are very hilly can have future? Will they work with your frequencies with radio waves being trouble with the hills blocking the irrigation system? Well - that frequencies between 3 KHz (3000 radio waves. It is usually a good depends. To understand the Hertz) and 300 GHz idea to have your site tested prior applications of radio waves it is (300,000,000,000 Hertz). Since radio to purchasing any radio equipment. necessary to give a brief description waves can be assigned in 25 KHz Special antennas or "repeater" of the basics first. increments, it would seem that towers can be used in certain Radio waves are a small there is no shortage of supply! applications to improve reception. segment of the electro-magnetic In reality the radio spectrum is A "typical" golf course (low to spectrum, the same spectrum that already quite crowded. Technology moderate hills) can expect a range includes microwaves and visible costs have not yet made higher of approximately one mile with no light. The spectrum is made up of frequencies commercially viable special equipment. sine waves which have a and the lower frequencies (the ones wavelength and a frequency. The capable of long distance PAGING DOCTOR McCOY... frequency is the number of times a communications) are reserved for sine wave repeats itself in one maritime and navigational Both paging and regular two- second and is measured in Hertz (1 applications. Industry Canada, the way radio systems are available for cycle per second is one Hertz). The Federal Department responsible for use in irrigation today. Two way wavelength is the distance traveled managing the spectrum, has by one sine wave in meters. Say assigned two frequency bands of continued on page 6 Golf Course Applications for Radio Communications continued... We’re radio systems employ both a transmitter and receiver at your old wire path is not of sufficient quality, then radio growing... each end of the communication will permit communication path. Paging the upgrade without pulling systems use the same in new communication wire. frequencies and principals as regular two-way radio, but RIDERS ON THE STORM have a one-way flow of information. A signal is sent A common misconception from a central location with heard in the golf industry is no return signal sent back. that with radio Paging was originally communication, there will be developed to allow for fast "no more wire in the ground." contact with people at a low Another misconception also cost. So which works better? suggests that your irrigation We asked Jack Holt, Manager system will therefore be less of Authorization for the susceptible to lightning Toronto office of Industry damage. If fact, the Canada: not "Paging systems do receive an communication wire used on a golf course irrigation system to serve acknowledgement back from the receiver, however the error correction embedded in usually represents less than 10 % of the total wire in the ground. As well, antennas you better! paging signals make them used to send and receive the quite reliable if coverage areas radio signals can attract NU-GRO is Canada's are properly designed. Two- lightning, making radio Professional Turf Specialist way radios will always be a systems susceptible to offering: more reliable link because the lightning surges. Regardless transmitter receives an of whether you install a radio • A choice of C-I-L and NU-GRO acknowledgement from the system or a hard-wire brands receiver." communication path, proper As two-way and paging grounding techniques are • Consistent blends utilizing radio systems are both essential to reduce the quality raw materials susceptible to interference potential for damage from from outside objects such as lightning strikes. Be sure to • Experienced Technical hills and power lines, the include these costs when Support Representatives other option is to use a hard­ budgeting. wire path for your irrigation • A wide range of Specialty system. A buried wire path THE "LOGICAL" CONCLUSION... Turf Fertilizers formulated would connect your computer with S.C.U.® NITROFORM® central to the satellites. When Radio communication and NUTRALENE® installed and maintained systems for voice properly, hard wire systems communication and irrigation are a much more reliable systems can be an easily communication path than installed and cost-effective either radio option. addition to your management Does this mean that you program. Radio can be very should never use radio reliable if the proper care and communication for your planning is used. If an irrigation system? Of course upgrade is planned, look at all not, there are applications the communication options Woodstock, Ontario N4S 8P6 where radio is preferred. One available to you, have your Laval, Quebec H7S 1G3 Calgary, Alberta T2H 2S1 good example is when only site tested, and make sure that the control system is being proper grounding and WOODSTOCK, ONTARIO Telephone : (519) 456-2021 Fax: (519) 456-5002 upgraded, while maintaining installation costs are included existing pipe and sprinklers. If in the budget. identity for those live in and value golf course naturalization the natural features of a place. Change native ecosystems and we loose not only the look but the function. Would you rather live in Some whys and wherefore a vibrant world or a debilitated and by Brad Peterson simplified world? Yes, naturalization means using It is a simple enough question: why public involvement. native species of local provenance should golf course superintendents As a first principle, reduce the from local, reputable sources within even think about naturalizing their need for chemical and water inputs reason. It does not mean planting prized lands. The answer however up front through the use of invasive species such as Norway ranges from personal satisfaction to vegetation that is adapted to the maple, Scots pine and other material benefits for everyone. We rigors of climate, ware and tear and aggressive vegetation. It means will talk about native and other site conditions. In some cases opportunities to restore or protect naturalized landscapes and set native species are particularly well wildflower meadows, wetlands, aside a discussion of quite different adapted to harsh conditions. Then woodlands and associated wildlife horticultural and parkland consider reducing loading on the habitat using recognized landscapes. environment through appropriate techniques appropriate to each selection and timely application of habitat type. Traditional FIRST PRINCIPLES fertilizers and pesticides coupled engineering methods can be used There is no escaping natural law, with use of Best Management with or replaced by ecological or what we could call the first law Practices such as vegetated buffer engineering and bioengineering; of ecology that: everything is strips, storm water ponds, the use of living materials for connected to everything else. Like stabilization of streams banks, use stabilization of steep slopes and it or not, what we exact on the of native species, Integrated Pest water courses. Other environment sooner of later is Management, etc. considerations include protecting going to affect us, and everything Of primary consideration is rare and endangered species as well around us, good or bad. The most biodiversity, the total variety of as protecting or linking core natural common concerns are usually living organisms and the areas with connecting corridors water quality followed by water environment that sustains them. when appropriate. This approach quantity. Water quality refers to We should consider native might also mean removing existing nutrient and toxicity loading of biodiversity here, and the ability of invasive species in exchange for surface and ground waters as well native ecosystems to manage doing nothing or doing less, as sediment loading through themselves as complex associations allowing selected roughs, verges, unchecked erosion. Other of plants and animals. Granted our edges and hedgerows to evolve environmental concerns revolve landscapes have been altered into aster-goldenrod-grassland around the protection of radically since European meadows. And yes it is ragweed, a management of ground water settlement. But herein lies a European exotic, not native recharge areas, cold water sources, message: variety in native goldenrod that is the main culprit forest interior, wetlands, ecosystems means ability to of hay fever. connecting corridors, wildlife withstand environmental stress. It continued on page 8 habitat, and usually some degree of also means perpetuation of cultural TEL: (416) 236-1001 FAX: (416) 236-4654 A DIVISION OF C.J. MCDONALD CO. LTD. 29 ADVANCE ROAD TORONTO, ONTARIO M8Z 2S6 Over 100 Years of Growing Service BRUCE MCDONALD Tami J. Packham David J. Schmelefske A. Kent McDonald 330 Philip St., P.O. Box 144, Waterloo, Ontario Canada N2J 3Z9 Telephone: (519) 886-0557 Fax: (519) 886-0605 1-800-465-5849 bank erosion. Golf Course Naturalization How to put it all together? An environmental management master Some whys and wherefore plan will increase your efficiency continued... and effectiveness. A good plan will acknowledge the unique character TO BE NATURAL OR NOT TO BE environment, this program among of your land, capitalize on existing NATURAL other environmental programs government programs, set Still the doubters may ask; why assist golf courses achieve priorities including cost savings in even bother? Philosophically there something very valuable: social the near and long term, involve the is the idea of giving something back recognition. community and result in positive to nature after it gave us the publicity, and most notably opportunity to use the land as a THE OLD POCKET BOOK improve the ecological health of business resource. Current ethics The environmental and social your property. When all is said and lead us to believe that we have a benefits of greening a golf course done, naturalization should be fun responsibility to pass our world on should stand on principle and their and educational for those who get to the next generation in as good or own merit. Maintenance cost out and get involved. Fun that is, in better shape than what we savings can enter in but experience addition to healthy! inherited. This certainly makes suggests that this should not be the All the best in your endeavors. intuitive sense. only consideration. In the short The aesthetic of naturalized areas term it is likely that cost savings C. Brad Peterson is owner of The may take some people time to get will be spent on the environmental Land Steward, a firm that used to. This is the nature of any retrofit: doing a management plan, specializes in golf course and rural type of change. For others initiating water quality and land naturalization, environmental naturalized areas are down right quantity control measures, planting restoration and land management. interesting, attractive and well, hedgerows, stabilizing slopes, Mr. Peterson can be reached in natural. Thus the environmentally- improving wildlife and fish habitat London, Ontario at telephone friendly golf course may draw on and installing other attractive and 519 858-0102. an environmentally-conscious useful features. Thus real cost client base, something that is savings are expected to accrue in understood by marketers of the medium to long term. everything from cleaners to cars. Studies of cost savings to Audubon International has a municipalities who naturalize park program geared to certifying golf lands indicate a full range of courses who achieve recognition in financial benefits depending on environmental planning, wildlife how much land is retired from habitat management, mowing or spraying, and how member / public involvement, much is allowed for replacement integrated pest management, water management activities. This conservation and water quality includes what is spent on management. In addition to upgrading existing areas and fixing actually improving the persistent problems such as creek STEVE WILKINSON 123 Baywood Way, Wasaga Beach, Ont. LOL 2PO Tel: (705) 429-3367 Pager: (416) 554-0645 Corrie Almack, P.Ag. Fax: (705) 429-1463 Almack & Associates Box 256, Carlisle, Ontario LOR 1HO 905-689-6174 Economical Pole Frame Buildings For All Your Needs.... Building SystemsLtd. RURAL & COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS Call collect to Jack or Rick Brenzil for a Free Estimate... (905) 772-3551 (905) 388-6865 Over 30 Years Experience It's Here... The Next Generation of Central Control SitePro ■ Usable Graphics - Not just pretty pictures ■ Accurate and Precise ■ Flexible - User-definable programs ■ Quick and Easy Adjustments ■ Modular - Use only what you need ■ Optional GPS Accurate Mapping Contact the Irrigation Department at (905) 836-0988 to learn more about this exciting new product. TURF CARE Newmarket • Mississauga • Ottawa • Montreal Plus our New ScarBorougH Store topdressing with a twist practice to see if adaptations could be made. In order to bring about change, certain goals must be attained and the negative impacts eliminated. by Ian Bowen The series of maintenance practices associated with traditional topdressing methods was the Change, To make different. To alter control, smoothing or levelling starting point of our critique. Using or vary. How those very words surfaces, soil modification, and current mechanical topdressers, we hold true, over the past twenty-five winter protection. However, the felt, added to the negative impacts. years, when applied to golf course associated negative impacts of this The sand is applied too heavy, at an maintenance and it's associated eighth of an inch thickness on the practices. surface and it usually has a high Topdressing, a very common and associated moisture content. This widely utilized maintenance means that the sand must dry on practice, involves the application of the surface before it can be worked a thin layer (0.40 to 0.77 cubic in, adding to player dissatisfaction. yards/l000 square feet) of a selected Matting or brushing the sand into or prepared material to the the surface, despite performing a turfgrass cover. Over the years, the desireable task, adds to the application of various topdressing turfgrass stress through it's materials has advanced from hand abrasive nature. We also felt the application (i.e. shovels) to the labour intensity of topdressing was more commonly used, high volume another factor which could not be mechanical equipment of today. I practice: turfgrass stress, labour overlooked. In our operation, up to am sure everyone is well versed in intensity, scheduling, and four employees at a time could be the associated benefits of inconvenience to players have tied up. Equipment overhead and topdressing, including: thatch influenced me to take a lool at this repair (i.e. grinding reels and continued on page 14 In WIN comparisons, par ex buries the competition. empty table cell par ex 19-3-19 par ex 24-4-12 Scotts® 22-0-22 C.LL® 25-4-10 Mid size with with IBDU slow HD Fairway Super Fairway IBDU slow release release nitrogen fertilizer fertilizer (80% scu) nitrogen Total N 19.0% 24.0% 22.0% 25.0% % WIN* from 39.2% 45% 19.1% 0% Total N ® C.I.L is a trademark of ICI Canada Inc. ® Scotts is a trademark of O.M. Scotts & Sons Co., ® Par Ex is a trademark of IMC Global Corporation ® IBDU is a trademark of IB Chemical IMC Vigoro and IB Chemical are continually working together to develop and improve Par Ex with IBDU slow release nitrogen. Our recent introduction, new Par Ex with low dust IBDU is one example of our continuous commitment to the industry. For more information, contact vour local distributor, or call IMC Vigoro Canada. Inc. IMC Vigoro Canada Inc. 800-268-2076 Saskatchewan - Early’s 306-931-7110 Ontario - Turf Care 905-836-0988 British Columbia - Agrico 604-940-0290 Manitoba - Evenspray 204-231-0710 Quebec - Turf Care 514-421-1112 Alberta - Westgro 403-287-3988 Atlantic - Eastern Turf 902-468-8873 announcements & special dates Western Ontario Golf Superintendents Association Greater London Area Golf Superintendents May 27 Willo-Dell Country Club TBA Contact: Mark Hagen 519-641-4718 Host: Angelo Toto Green Moves June 24 Dundee Country Club Mark Brook From: Bear Creek Golf Club Host: Denis Jones To: Saw Mill Creek July 28 Brookfield Country Club Host: Henry Schmitz Nothern Ontario Golf Superintendent Association August 25 Bridgewater Country Club Host: Steve Sherwood August 26 Pro/Super/Directors Day Sept. 29 Cherry Hill Club IDYLWYLDE Golf Country Club Host: Cecil Hoekstra Oct TBA Jan. TBA Georgian Bay Superintendents Association Green Moves Brent Wickett From: Pine Park Golf Club May 27 Springwater Golf Club To: Spruce Needles Golf Club Contact: Ed Lange - 705-728-1855 Steve Campbell From: North Bay Golf CC June 17 Perry Sound Golf Country Club To: Pine Park Golf Club Contact: Jeff Alexander - 705-342-5262 July 22 Hawkridge Golf Club OGSA Events Contact: Bruce Dodson - 705-329-4553 August 19 Bonaire Golf Country Club Border Cities Tournament Contact: Randy Fielder April 28,1997 - Grosse ILe Golf & Country Club Sept. 25 Blue Mountain Golf Country Club Detroit, Mich. Contact: Jim Malley, Jay Lewis (11:30 am Crossover) 705-445-3911 Pro/Superintendents Event May 12,1997 - Glenn Abbey Ottawa Valley Turfgrass Association Host: Dean Baker TBA OVTRF President/Greens Chairman/Director Event Camelot Golf Club June 16,1997 July 28 Executive Day Park Country Club, Buffalo N.Y. Brockville Golf Country Club Host: Scott Dodson Sept 22 Fall Field Day Hylands Golf Club Summer Field Day August 25,1997 Cutten Club Host: Richard Creed ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED The 1996-97 Environmental Steward Award winners were named in three categories: private, public and resort golf courses. As a tribute to the winners, Novartis (formerly Ciba Turf and Ornamental Products and Sandoz), Rainbird's Golf Division, Jacobsen Division of Textron Inc., and Pursell Industries will donate more than $23,000.00 to The Golf Course Superintendents' Association of America (GCSAA) Foundation, which supports educational opportunities for future golf course superintendents and scientific advancements in golf course management. The Canadian winners are: Private Course Public Course Paul Dermott, CGCS Bruce Thrasher Oakdale Golf & Country Club Westwood Plateau Golf Club Downsview, Ontario Coquitlam, British Columbia experienced high rainfall and saturated soils. The process of ormant nitrogen d "hardening off" was delayed even though soil temperatures were between 46 and 50 F. The high A case study soluble salt concentration in the soil by Rob Field, Nu-Gro Sales Manager solution was able to pull water out of the hydrated plant tissue Dormancy resulting in "scorching" or burning This past November, a number Dormancy is a progressive of the tissue from the leaf tip of Golf course superintendents process which begins when plants downward. The higher the experienced tip burn following respond to lower light levels in late application rate, the more severe dormant nitrogen applications of summer. Buds that are just entering the burn. For future timing of ammonium sulfate. To understand dormancy may be stimulated to ammonium sulfate applications, why this happened, we will need to renew growth rather easily. On the soil temperatures of 45 F and below review fertilizer materials and other hand, buds that develop full should will provide a more reliable soluble salt accumulation. dormancy may require extensive guideline. treatment to break dormancy and Soluble Salt Accumulation renew growth. Good news and Bad news Dormant nitrogen is a term used Plugs of damaged turf were Turfgrasses, like other types of by turf managers to define an placed inside and exposed to plants, are damaged if soluble salts application of soluble nitrogen late spring simulation. Within a week in build up in the soil. Virtually all in the fall which will not stimulate this environment, the grass grew fertilizers contain soluble salts and vegetative growth. In late fall, the over two inches. In some cases, the have an effect on the osmotic grass plant undergoes damage grew out in the field pressure of the soil solution. In physiological changes such as during the last two weeks of order to quantify soluble salts reduced growth, increased November. To my knowledge, there originating from fertilizer carbohydrate reserves, and reduced were no incidents of plant damage tissue hydration, in a process from applications made after the materials, a fertilizer salt index has referred to as "hardening off." last week of November in most been established. The index Carbohydrates are still being regions. Superintendents can rest indicates the potential of a fertilizer produced through photosynthesis assured that the damage is not to prevent water uptake by the and are stored in the root system permanent and will grow out in the roots compared to that of an until the following spring. Dormant spring. However, the effectiveness equivalent weight of sodium nitrogen applications are applied to of these applications are nitrate, which has been assigned a enhance this process. questionable. We will not know for salt index value of 100. sure how effective the fertilizer will In November'97 some regions be until sometime in May. Salt Index values of common Fertilizers Conclusions It is not my intention to MATERIAL ANALYSIS SALT INDEX INDEX PER UNIT *N discourage the use of ammonium sulfate as a source of dormant Sodium Nitrate 16-0-0 100 6.3 nitrogen. The information Ammonium Sulfate 21-0-0 69 3.3 provided, however, should prompt Urea 46-0-0 75 1.7 each superintendent to review the IBDU 31-0-0 5 0.2 sources of fertilizer material in their Nitroform 38-0-0 10 0.3 fertility programs and their burn Muriate of Potash 0-0-60 114 1.9 potential. Consideration should be Sulfate of Potash 0-0-50 46 0.9 given to environmental factors such Organic 5 4 0.8 as soluble salt concentration of *N = nutrient irrigation water, drainage and weather conditions that can enhance the potential for burn. This Fertilizers with a high salt index have a greater burn potential than those information can be provided in with a low salt index. The rate of application must also be considered when combination by your fertilizer establishing the burn potential of fertilizers. For example; Although supplier, turf grass extension ammonium sulfate(21-0-0) has a lower salt index than urea(46-0-0) the salt specialist and industry soil effect of applied urea is lower because it contains a higher percentage of consultants. I will make the nitrogen. information used for this article available upon request. Daconil The all-season fungicide 2787 Daconil 2787 is the all-season fungicide of choice to use on greens, tees, fairways and ornamentals. Daconil’s unique WeatherStik™ formulation ensures that it Sticks and Stays between sprays to protect your turf in any season. isk biosciences ISK Biosciences Limited 148 York Street, Suite 319 London, Ontario N6A 1A9 1-800-668-0956 Disease Management Solutions rotary, broadcast spreader Topdressing with a twist calibrated accordingly. Our next step was to implement continued.... our plan into action and observe the results. Once-a-week we would bedknives) plus associated labour took some experimentation. We brush, cut, topdress, and rollour also contribute to the overall cost. found that by spreading the greens. Rolling was added to the Scheduling topdressing into busy material, one quarter inch thick, on process mainly because it was golfing calenders is another our existing concrete pad could dry already a part of our weekly problem. Demand for tee times at the sand in thirty minutes. It was program, and we believed it would most courses is high, coupled with then stored in garbage cans and only help to push the sand down high expectations for course sealed to keep dry The process and prevent the mowers from conditioning. may seem labour intensive but we picking it up. The results were After some brainstorming, we found that one person can dry and amazing! The entire process could decided that it was possible to store enough sand to topdress be completed by two staff brush the greens first, then cut them greens in about four hours, and members. First the greens were and apply a dry sand, (less than 5% perform other tasks during drying. brushed, followed by the cutting moisture content), at a lighter rate. The volume of sand dried was unit, topdressed, and then rolled. If this is done frequently, the same based on applying 0.25 cubic feet of the entire process took goals can be achieved. Brushing material per thousand square feet. approximately seven and a half the greens first proved easy enough In our case, about 36 cubic feet was hours and only those who asked to do through conversion of a set of required each week. The even knew what we had done. triplex reels over to brush reels. application of the sand was Application of a dry sand, however, achieved through the use of a Cost Cpmparison of Topdressing Methods Method A: Traditional Requirements: 1 utility vehicle and topdresser @ 4hrs x $10/hr $40.00 1 vehicle and person (brush) @ 4hrs x $10/hr $40.00 Equipment repair - Triplex mower - 3 bedknives @$35 $105.00 1 Mechanic - Change bedknives/grind, grind reels - @ 6hrs x $18/hr $102.00 $287.00 Sand costs: 0.25 cubic yards per 1000 square feet requires a total of 30.75 cubic yards of material or approximately 46 tons x $23/ton $1058.00 Method B: Broadcast Rotary Requirements: 1 person to dry sand @ 4hrs x $10/hr $40.00 1 person to apply sand @ 4hrs x $10/hr $40.00 1 person to brush greens @ 3.5hrs x 10/hr $35.00 1 person to rool greens @ 3.5hrs x $10/hr $35.00 $150.00 Sands costs: 0.25 cubic feet per 1000 square feet requires a total of 36 cubic feet of material or approximately 1 ton of material x $23/ton $23.00 The Scotts Company Dave Dick Jeff McMaster Turfgrass Specialist Turfgrass Specialist 39 Monte Vista Trail 1864 Bowler Drive STONE ROAD Brampton, Ont. L6Z 2J7 Pickering, Ont. L1V 3E4 STONE ROAD MALL. 435 STONE ROAD WEST. GUELPH. ONTARIO NIG 2X6 Fax & Phone 905-846-3319 Fax & Phone 905-839-6526 TELEPHONE; (519) 836-4851 STORE #47 Scotts Head Office 1-800-543-0006 of four hoppers on 5,000 square topdressing/fertilizer blend feet). This would be done in two application about one week apart. The aerated holes would be filled about halfway. The capacity of the Topdressing with a fertilizer blend at Puslinch Lake Country Club hopper is 22 cubic feet. The unit is By Jim Moore pulled by a gator 6x6 utility vehicle. The plan was to topdress every Puslinch Lake Country Club is because it is quite common out three weeks at the lightest rate the located beside the 401 highway west. I decided to try it as a heavy machine could put down and then west of Cambridge, Ontario. The topdressing after aerating in the fall irrigate the mix into the turf. course is over 25 years old with 14 of '96. In the past years I have of the 19 greens the same age. aerated in the third week of The idea for this procedure September using inch hollow tines. This time I used 5/8 inch tines on nine greens and inch tines on the other nine. Our greens are on the small side so it takes just one hour to aerate a green. Aerating takes three days and four people to complete with cleanup. We have a core pusher mounted on our greensmower to push all the cores off the green; this cuts cleanup time During the fourth week of in half. The fertilizer blend was an October I noticed Fusarium Patch organic 5-4-7. I wanted to stay away starting on the practise green. I came to me after topdressing with from the hot blends because we checked the greens that would be our new Metre-R-Matic 3 would be aggressively brushing in likely to get the disease first and Topdresser. We would topdress and sand on the greens. The blend found only a couple of spots. then fertilize the greens and water it would be mixed in a 90/10= 90% Because of the wet, cool weather I in before play would start. Why not sand and 10 % peat. I have been sprayed all the greens with Rovral- incorporate the fertilizer in with the using this blend for over eight Daconil mix at 3/4 rate. Two weeks topdressing mix? years. In the early years we were later the Fusarium was back and The first thing I had to find out using a straight sand taken from the twice as bad on the practise green. was wether or not it had ever been local gravel pit. Looking at the soil The other greens were clear. The done. The next thing I had to find profile I realized we have a solid practise green had not received the out was the appropriate rates. three inch sand base on top and a same treatment as the other greens. While in Vancouver at the very small black layer line before The practise green had been Canadian Turf Show, I met with the original clay loam mix. Deep topdressed with a regular 90/10 Angelo Capannelli of Hutcheson tine aerating helps control the black mix without fertilizer in the blend. I Sand and Mixes. Angelo was layer and topdressing follows. did fertilize on top after talking to Dennis Pellrene of the Topdressing would start right topdressing with a non- organic Capilano Golf Club in Vancouver after aerating, it would take two granular. By topdressing lightly and was told Capilano had been hoppers of mix to do a 5,000 square every three weeks with a using a program like this for years. foot green. The fertilizer rate would composted topdressing mix I hope Dennis was surprised that not more be 1/4 lb. of N. per 1,000 square feet to reduce pesticide use on the clubs are doing this in Ontario of green (after putting down a total greens. Fast In. Fast Out. We move trees - yours or ours. Tree spades: 60, 84 and 94 inches. We can supply almost any size and species you require. PROFESSIONAL TURF PRODUCTS Call Phil Dickie Rob Field FAST FOREST INC Ontario Sales Manager - FTP 270 Shoemaker Street Tel: (905)541-8872 Fax: (905)632-2158 Kitchener, Ontario N2E 3E1 P.O. Box 1148, Hwy. #59 S„ Woodstock, Ontario N4S 8P6 Tel: (519) 748-6610 Customer Service 1-800-268-2806 Fax: (519) 748-6626 comfortable enough to check certain items or explain symptoms. golf course pumping Often, we will advise the superintendent to try certain things before we arrive to save the golf Stations & Service course a service call. If we cannot by Steve Wilkinson of PUMPS PLUS advise how to fix the problem over the phone, then we usually have a In many ways, the pump Clayton valves to prevent the good idea of the right parts that station is the heart of the golf castings from freezing, disabling may be required to rectify the course, delivering the proper flow the control panel pump starters to problem. If we don't have them in and pressure to the turf as an prevent vandals from operating our service truck, then we can pick essential part of its existence . pumps, blowing out lines and them up along the way in order to We've all heard of breakdowns or switches with compressed air to fix the problem on site. neglect that ultimately causes the completely protect the pump There are three basic types of superintendent stress until the station in case of power and heating pumps used in the Canadian golf system is up and pumping again. failures. The main reason for the market. Centrifugal pumps were Regular pump station maintenance once very common in the industry can help reduce this stress. because of their low price, simple Regular spring and fall one impeller design and small maintenance can cost as little as space required. The biggest $300.00 per year and often problem with centrifugal pumps eliminates the emergency service was the possibility of loss of prime calls that happen on a 90+ degree resulting in their inefficiency. day during a tournament. PUMPS Submersibles are discouraged from PLUS considers its spring start-up use on golf course applications service an important aspect of because of several problems (such consistent pump operation. as lightning, compact less durable Clayton valves, which when motors, exceeding motor designed working smoothly eliminate any horsepower, servicing requires water surges that may cause pipe removal of pump and motor). The breaks, are completely cleaned, air most reliable and efficient pump is bled from pressure lines, screens used is the vertical turbine. The are cleaned, electrical connections initial price is more, but its checked, motor insulation and longevity and piece of mind will amperage tested, pressure and flow more than pay for the initial settings checked, motor oil changed expense. The vertical turbine is (if applicable), pumps and motors available in two different shaft greased properly, pumps and heat is to help keep condensation speeds, 3600 and 1800. The 1800's motors are run checking for from the winding of the motor costs about $2500.00 per pump vibrations and pump packing is when the temperature is below 0 C, more because of the increased checked. The operation of the prolonging motor and bearing life. amount of impellers required to ventilation fans is also checked to If station is not heated, make sure reach the same pressure. The 1800's ensure prevention of motor the motors have had time to fully are less susceptible to wear from overloads in hot weather. Many dry out before applying power. dirty water and are much quieter superintendents have reduced When you have purchased a than 3600 rpm. It's also a good idea jockey pump cycling by the piece of equipment, worth between to let your pump station technician installation of a "Electro-valve" kit $40,000-$70,000, it makes sense to or irrigation consultant know if you invented by PUMPS PLUS to keep it maintained in order to have dirty water when ordering a reduce bleed down of the pressure maximize its longevity. PUMPS new station as there are several tank by the relief valve. PLUS offers a training course each bearing and shaft materials The fall shut-down service year at the Turf Care Training available that are more resistant to provided by PUMPS PLUS Center. We have found it much debris as well as a choice of open or prepares your pump station for easier to diagnose problems before closed impellers. winter by draining and cleaning we arrive if the superintendent is continued page 16 Golf Course Pumping Stations & Service by Steve Wilkinson of PUMPS PLUS continued... popular. The variable speed will reflect in the price. Quality will pump station replaces the larger be remembered long after the price jockey pump with a small 2-5hp has been forgotten. We encourage maintenance pump, eliminating the VFD system as it is definitely a the pressure tank and the better control with the revised Clayton valve. The system technology, requires less regular changes the voltage and the maintenance and allows the user an frequency to the motor via a enormous amount of control and variable frequency drive to information if it is equipped with maintain a desired pressure. The an operator interface or a modem You may even want to discuss the newer frequency drives are using and software package. The user installation of an irrigation filter. an IGBT switching gate to can change the irrigation system reproduce a close to perfect sine pressure with a single entry which PUMPS PLUS has installed filters wave, which is much more reliable moves all the parameters rather and self-cleaning intake screens that range from fully manual to and easier on the motor than than adjusting all three pilots of the fully automatic and range from previous drives. Although Clayton valve settings. The VFD mechanical devices have been also provides a softer start to the $4,000-28,000. Filtration can removed, the software is the key to motors (if installed on both motors eliminate clogged pumps and a reliable VFD—much like or with a soft start) which reduces sprinklers that cost you time and comparing computers (286 vs 586). the inrush of electricity and lowers money. Several major VFD companies are the maximum amperage that your One new product that will give you the most control over your developing the 5th and 6th versions hydro rate is based on. of their software that is specifically continued on page 20 pump station is the installation of operator interface control panel developed for modification. This package allows the golf pump station. These COMPETENCE ■ SERVICE ■ INTEGRITY you the user to access the PLC (programmable logic controller) to programs are adjust pressure, timers and settings. crucial for they A very useful aspect is the section decide how fast which records your alarms with the or slow to turn time and date of the alarm to help the VFD and * Municipal & Environmental Approvals start irrigating again where the what to do in ♦ Water Supply, Development & Treatment the case of a * Sewage Collection A Treatment alarm stopped it. You can see the • Environmental Compliance Assessments number of pump starts for each fault. Without ♦ Environmental Impact Assessments these numerous ♦ Pond Design & Construction pump, have three different ways of * Stormwater Management & Drainage alternating the lead pump safeties, your • Clubhouses, Pumphouses & Equipment Barns pumps will Bridges, Cartpaths & Service Roads automatically, monitor instant • Sprinkler Head Laser Surveys flows, previous day flows and total discharge * Computer Aided Mapping & Visualization accumulating flows. No more directly into Services camping out in the pumphouse your irrigation after supper or blaming the pump system like the station for the irrigation system old manual fault. The control panel systems. Be modification is adaptable to any aware of the brand of pump station and costs control panel little more than a flow monitor that operation, standard (T) 1-800-265-9662 • (F) 519-941-8120 many golf courses are being forced features and The Burnside Group of Companies to install on their pumps by the BRANCH OFFICES Ministry. Variable speed pump options BRAMPTON NEWMARKET ORANGEVILLE OTTAWA STRATFORD stations are also becoming very available as they 905-793-9239 905-953-8967 519-941-5331 613-563-0378 519-271-5111 of Guelph and Seneca College going head-to-head with Jack 1997 turfgrass symposium Eggens as the quizmaster and Pam Charbonneau doing her best Vanna White impression. Competition 1997 Turf grass Symposium a hit was fierce, but when the dust by Rob Whitherspoon settled, the team from Seneca College claimed victory with a The tenth annual Ontario superior exhibition of fertilizer Turfgrass Symposium was an application rate calculation. The unqualified success. Held in teams from Penn State and Guelph Toronto for the second time after an were left to scratch their heads and extended run in Guelph, the hopefully recalibrate their symposium drew speakers and turf spreaders before the snow melts. managers from Ontario and around The $100 draws were held at the the world. The trade show most recent OTS Executive provided participants with a Committee meeting. John Hopkins chance to view the latest products Cindi Charters of JLH Services won the draw and services from a variety of among participants who completed suppliers. Floor traffic was heavy GTI provided an update on their their evaluation. Steve Simonato throughout the show. work. Following the sessions, a from Blue Mountain Golf & C.C. The symposium opened on a new OTS social event was held. won the prize for returning his lighthearted note as CBC Sports Although the hotel service had personality Ron MacLean trouble keeping up with the entertained a capacity crowd with a demand, the event was generally look behind the scenes of Coaches well received. Watch for an Corner. Coming on the heels of Don improved and enhanced social Rod Trainor Cherry's controversial remarks event next year. about the Graham James scandal, The second day opened with MacLean held court with stories concurrent seminars with Dr. Chris that only added to the legend of the Hall's weed control seminar and checker-coated critic. Gord Witteveen and Michael Bavier's Magic of Greenkeeping Rob Whitherspoon attracting most of the interest from superintendents. The afternoon sessions featured Dr. Mike Villani name badge. and Dr. Joe Vargas talking about Mark your calendars now for pest and disease control and Dr. OTS '98, January 6-8, 1998. The Terry Gillespie and Scott Robinson continued success of the discussing the latest tools for Symposium is dependent upon improving sun exposure on greens. input from participants. If you have On the final morning, most suggestions for speakers, contact superintendents flocked to Jack Alex La Belle, OGSA's Eggens' workshop where he representative on the OTS Superintendents enjoyed a full encouraged the audience to Executive Committee. educational program that featured practice their problem solving a diverse group of speakers. On the skills. The afternoon opened with first afternoon, Dr. Yves Desjardins the popular innovative reported on the protective cover superintendents session with Jerry study underway in Quebec. Ken Richard, Ian Chapman, Alex Mrock, head groundskeeper for the LaBelle and Paul Scenna, Jr. sharing Chicago Bears discussed the use of some of their experiences with porous ceramic materials in golf fellow superintendents. The first greens, Teri Yamada provided an collegiate challenge followed with update on the Audubon program teams from Penn State, University and a group of researchers from the Ontario as well as the GTI. It will GTI prove invaluable in educating the update many members of the general public who attend meetings and seminars in the Frost Centre. The Have a great summer! other component of the display featuring interactive It has been as busy winter at the was difficult to compete with demonstrations of turf's ability to GTI. We have had a successful colorful displays of clematis and cushion shock, absorb heat, prevent "professional development season" other flowers in full bloom, but our erosion and filter water will also be with a great Turf Managers Short exhibit was well-received by the reused for public education Course group, new seminar thousands of visitors to the Canada purposes. programs and of course, another Blooms Flower & Garden show in Mark your calendar now for the edition of the Ontario Turfgrass early March. Special thanks to the GTI-OTRF Research Field Day - Symposium. OGSA members who provided Thursday, August 21st. We are also One of the most exciting many volunteer hours to staff the tentatively planning to hold a developments this winter was the display throughout the show. public open house for the following coming together of the various A free-standing information Saturday, August 23rd. Watch your associations in the turfgrass kiosk that was used for this display, mail for future details. If you are industry to develop a display is now on permanent display in the not receiving GTI mailings, please promoting the positive lobby of the Frost Centre at the GTI. let us know and we will place you environmental aspects of turf. The Each panel of the six-sided kiosk on our mailing list. OGSA was instrumental in provides information about each of providing support for this effort. It the turfgrass associations in OTTERBINE®.... Your Water Quality Management Specialists Surface Aerators Sub-Surface Aerators Bunker Pumper Ottershield Lake Dye •Reduce the problem of •Introduce O2 into the •Removing water from •Transforms muddy water algae, aquatic weeds and pond bottom via Sub­ bunkers, excavation sites into healthy blue water. odor. Surface or Diffused Air. or swimming pools. •No stained clothes or •Introduce O2 into the pond •Perfect for shallow ponds. •280 GPM pumping rate. hands - you never touch •No visible spray pattern. •Floating, self priming Ottershield. •Available in a variety of spray patterns and sizes. portable - only 85 lbs! •Neat, clean, packets. Newmarket • Ottawa • Mississauga plus NEW Scarborough location 200 Pony Drive, Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 7B6 • Phone: (905) 836-0988 • Fax: (905) 836-0995 Golf Course Pumping Stations & Service O.G.S.A. by Steve Wilkinson of PUMPS PLUS continued... "Blooms" in March The VFD is often sold with exaggerated claims that by John W. Gravett, Public Relations Director make the fixed speed station sound like prehistoric junk and this is simply untrue. Claims of VFD eliminating The OGSA was pleased to recently participate in pipe breaks, no pressure fluctuations, fixed speed motors the Canadian Blooms Show (The Toronto Flower & drawing full amperage all the time and short term Garden Show) from March 5-9, 1997 at the Toronto payback are all questionable. Any time claims are made Congress Centre. The show featured 40 fabulous of a high energy savings with a VFD, a new irrigation gardens by Canada's top designers, contractors and system has been installed at the same time. The best growers. Interior design competitions, horticultural thing you can invest in, other than a reliable constant displays, gareden marketplace and educational pressure pump station, is the addition of a computerized sessions rounded out this well attended show. TORO or RAINBIRD irrigation system which The official attendance figures for the five-day incorporates an excellent flow management program. show was over 70,000 people! The OGSA along with This will save money by maximizing the pump station's other turfgrass visitors and in conjunction with the efficiency, reduce the water window which reduces the Guelph Turfgrass Institute, were involved in a trade amount of time the pump station is turned on. With any show booth, featuring interactive displays on the type of pumping system, if you maximize its potential benefits of turfgrass to humans and the environment. and run it less hours, it will save money. It's like buying Various OGSA award members were on hand in the a variable speed drill — it's fun to show your friends, but booth to answer a wide range of questions from the when you use it, you hold it on full speed in order to get general public. Questions were of a wide variety, not the job done as soon as possible. limited to, but included inquiries on home lawn To conclude, the pump station is an integral part of management pesticide use, golf courses and the the golf course and not easily removed or exchanged. environment, as well as questions on the golf PUMPS PLUS is an independent pump service company superintendents profession. This show proved to be that has experience in both irrigation systems and pump an excellent forum for the OGSA to promote our stations and we'd be happy to investigate all your image as golf superintendents and to lay a options whether they be maintenance, repairs, up-grades foundation for good public relations between golf or complete pump station installation to ensure you are superintendents and the general public. and continue to remain completely satisfied. Special thanks to Paul Scenna Jr. of the Donalda Club for volunteering his time at the show. The OGSA is looking forward to attending next years show and "stepping up" our commitment to NEW PRODUCT promoting ourselves as golf superintendents and environmental stewards throughout Ontario. HYDRO-SEED curling day RESULTS by Alex La Belle CGCS WITHOUT Alen Beeney, of North Halton Golf Club, hosted another curling day on March 26. It almost didn't THE COST happen. The OGSA is developing a master calender identifying all of our usual events. Unfortunately the curling day event was misplaced. Thanks to the The Establisher™ seed enhancing granule mulch. Can be applied with a drop or rotary spreader! efforts of Graydon Golf, a last minute phone blitz netted twenty enthusiastic souls who kept the day COMPACT SOD SOD OUTLET alive. Skip Richard Butler, and his team of Cara CAMBRIDGE LON DON Sheppard and John Stein, wrestled the title away (519)653-7494 (519)652-3510 Fax: (519) 653-0833 from last year's champ Dean Baker. Next year we will ONTARIO SOD be holding this event in the third week in March as HAMILTON SOD MISSISSAUGA HAMILTON opposed to the last week. We were concerned that (905) 389-1315 Fax: (905) 679-4444 early spring openings might put a damper on the situation. As always, Alan took very good care of SOD OUTLET NIAGARA REGION everyone and, for a neagre ante, a delicious meal of (905)984-8448 soup and sandwiches whetted every bodies appetite. Our Reputation is Growing. ETHICAL STANDARDS OF ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS' ASSOCIATION • To ensure that respect is accorded our profession, our Association and our individual members, these ethical standards are to be observed and practised.. • Maintain courteous relation with your employer, employees and fellow superintendents, while practising sound business and turf management. • Continue to broaden your knowledge through formal education channels and by exchanging experiences and ideas with fellow members. • Endorse products or practises only when completely satisfied through personal experience.. • Refrain from corresponding either verbally or in writing, with a Director, member or official of another club, regarding its affairs, without the prior knowledge of that club's superintendent. • Apply only for a position that is vacant, and, if possible, talk to the person who held the job last or other local superintendents. • Offer employment to another club's employee only after advising that club's superintendent. • Notify the superintendent of the club you are visiting directly, and, whenever possible, do so in advance. • Misrepresenting the Association and yourself by lending your membership card will not be condoned.. • It is the responsibility of each member to abide by these standards and to report any violations to the Board of Directors, in writing. TURF CARE Who's NEW? What's NEW? Greensmaster 3050, the lightest riding greensmower you will experience. Contour 82" Deck for Groundsmaster 3000 takes rotary mowing where it's never gone before. Talk, Listen, Ask, answer, Discuss, Debate, Learn, teach, Show, Tell, At Turf Care Visit our NEW locations in Scarborough and Mississauga 140 Milner Avenue, Unit 24 190 Britannia Road East, Unit 22 Scarborough, Ontario MIS 3R3 Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1W6 Phone: (416) 298-2101 Phone: (905) 890-6290 Fax: (416) 298-8758 Fax: (905) 890-5598 Locate us on the Web at www.turfcareproducts.ca Ottawa Branch: 2465 Stevenage Drive, Unit 110, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 3W2 Phone: (613) 736-1890 Fax: (613) 736-0159 Turf Care Products Canada Limited 200 PONY DRIVE, NEWMARKET, ONTARIO L3Y 7B6 PHONE (905) 836-0988 FAX: (905) 836-6442