Green is Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents Association Park Country Club Host President/Greenchairman Tournament INFORMATION ON: • Weston's Green Construction • GCSAA Promotes Superintendents • Forming of an Association • GTI Update • Partner's in Action Building The Best Since 1939 BE READY! Those Beautiful Leaves That Now Adorn Our Trees Will Soon Fall Aid Leave You With A BIG Clean Up Problem HI-WAY LEAF AND LITTER VACUUMS Can Save You Thousands of Dollars In Your Annual Fall Clean Up Program • Quickly mounts to a pick-up tailgate or hitch for fast disposal of leaves, litter and debris. • 12 1/2’ long intake hose easily accesses material on sidewalks, behind shrubs, along fence lines and other hard-to-reach areas. HI-WAY’s AM23 and AM30 • 11 hp engine handles the toughest jobs with power and precision. 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Green is contents Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents Association AUGUST EDITION 1997 what's inside advertisers 2 EDITOR'S COMMENTS by Mark Piccolo 6 BRAEMAR 3 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE by Simon George 11 ONTARIO SEED COMPANY LTD. 3 COMMUNICATION TIPS 4 THE GOOD EARTH 11 ALMACK & ASSOCIATES News USA 6 TURFGRASS CONTACT 11 NU-GRO CORP. GTI Update 7 FORMATION OF ASSOCIATION 11 THE SCOTTS COMPANY Peter Lucas 7 NEWS RELEASE 11 TURF CARE PRODUCTS 8 PRESIDENT/GREENCHAIRMAN DIRECTOR/SUPERINTENDENT 15 NU-GRO CORP. EVENT 10 ANNOUNCEMENTS 17 TURF DRAIN INC. 10 10 WAYS SUPERINTENDENTS PROMOTE 18 NUTRITE 12 GREEN CONSTRUCTION by Jeff Burgess and Owen Russell 20 ISK BIOSCIENCES 15 SANCTUARY SYSTEM 16 GTI UPDATE Rob Witherspoon 16 OGSA MEMBERS GIVE RELIEF 16 NEW LOOK FOR BOARD 17 PARTNERS IN ACTION 19 I GIVE UP by Mark Piccolo editor's comments 1997 O.G.S.A. Board of Directors President Simon George Oakville Golf Club I wish to appologize for the long wait for 905-844-5796 this issue. June and July are busy months on and off the golf course and Past President Alex La Belle CGCS Merry-Hill Golf Club we all know how difficult it can be to 519-648-2304 meet deadlines during this time. I was disappointed we didn’t get any interest Vice President Ian Bowen with the “I give Up” article in our last & Golf & Meeting Chairman Oshawa Golf Club issue. We have come up with some 905-725-9511 questions for you to think over and hope to get some response. The GCSAA is a great sup­ Treasurer Paul Dodson CGCS port for our profession and we often receive items to be Lionhead Golf Club 905-455-8400 published in our newsletter. In this issue we have some news releases to help promote ourselves, and perhaps Secretary & GCSAA Liaison Bob Heron CGCS you can use for your own information. Our President Beacon Hall Golf Club Greens Chairman Event was a great success and Jeff 905-841-0252 Burgess from Weston Golf & Country Club updates us on his new green construction. The OGSA Public Director & Bylaws Lamont Anderson Pointe West Golf Club Relations Committee will update you with happenings 519-736-5050 going on. Just a reminder, if what your doing is interest­ ing, let us know we would like to publish it. Directors & Public Relations John Gravett Credit Valley Golf Club Mark Piccolo 905-275-2505 Newsletter Editor Rob Ackerman Markland Wood Golf Club 905-625-2062 Director & Golf & Meetings Keith Bartlett Thornhill Country Club 905-889-2735 Green is Beautiful 1997 Membership Director Jim Flett Although every effort is made to check material for publication, the & Newsletter Co-Editor Muskoka Lakes Golf Course association is not responsible for material published on behalf of its con­ tributors. 705-765-3165 All rights are reserved by the publisher and any reproduction in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Director & Newsletter Editor Mark Piccolo Galt Country Club 519-650-1503 Director & Scholarship Jeff Burgess Weston Golf Club 416-241-5551 Commercial Printing Full Service Copying Color/Black & White JACQUELINE D'AMATO : OFFICE MANAGER Graphics/Prepress ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS'ASSOCIATION Internet Connected GUELPH TURFGRASS INSTITUTE 328 VICTORIA ROAD, SOUTH Designed & Printed by Telephone: (519) 824-OGSA Fax: (519) 766-1704 City Graphics Design & Print Inc. OFFICE HOURS: 10A.M. - 2 P.M. Tel: (519) 623-2143 Fax: (519) 623-1113 1-800-866-0666 MONDAY - FRIDAY www.citygraphic.com email: city@citygraphic.com PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE COMMUNICATION TIPS O.G.S.A. President To be effective communicator, you must adapt to the Simon George communication style of others. Following are some tech­ The hot humid weather is cer­ niques to help you communi­ tainly with us now calling for cate with people who are: even closer attention to our Ambitious, forceful and deci­ beloved turf. I have heard of a sive: couple of pythium reports in the • Be clear, specific and brief. London area.The Board of • Stick to business. Directors has several key issues • Have support materials on the table including nomina­ well-organized. tions for Superintendent of the Year. The O.G.S.A. must submit Magnetic, ethusiastic and friendly: a name to the C.G.S.A. by August 1/97. • Provide a warm, friendly environment. Our slate of events has been very successful • Don’t deal with a lot of details (put them in writ­ again this year. Thanks again to Scott Dodson and ing). the Park Club for putting on a great day when we had • Ask “feeling” questions to draw opinions. the President Greenchairman Event. I especially enjoyed the course and was fortunate enough to Patient, rereliable and relaxed: score an ace on the 8th hole. If you would like to hear • Break the ice with a personal comment. about it just ask me. • Present your case in a nonthreatening manner. Once again I will say that we are all very fortunate to • Ask “how” questions to draw opinions. be involved in an industry so alive and challenging, we can all rise to the occasion. Conservative, perfectionist and careful: Wishing you success for the rest of the summer. • Prepare your “case” in advance. • Stick to business. • Be accurate and realistic. Best Regards, Simon George. O.G.S.A. President. i give up Mark Piccolo OGSA Director. Fax the OGSA (519) 776-1704 to respond. Many Superintendents in our area have had increas­ ing amounts of back turfgrass ataenius on their greens tees and fairways. In our area we have made 2 generations of adults already. Some find success in treating the adults with a very low rate of Diazinon(30ml/1000sqft), others perfer attacking the larvae in the soil at higher rates. Lets here from you! At this time of year, mounding around bunkers tend to burn out. Much of this is not due todrought, but to the build up of sand on the grassy slopes. What method do you use to remove sand from the slopes and how frequently do you need to do it, or is resodding the only answer? We want to know! the good earth The Good Earth - News USA aquatic life, various plant species, composting projects and GOLF COURSE “You won’t find one member of nature trails. SUPERINTENDENTS the profession who doesn’t say “The facilities not only offer recre­ their career is a challenge,” says ation, but provide an environ­ CREATE FIELD OF Paul McGinnis, certified golf mental sanctuary to numerous DREAMS course superintendent and presi­ plant and animal species,” dent of the Golf Course McGinnis says. Whether you live in a well-devel­ THE GOOD EARTH Superintendents Association of oped urban setting, a sprawling America (CGSAA). suburban tract or a small rural There was a time when a person SANCTUARY SYSTEM community, it’s likely that many of could climb the career ladder PROGRAM HELPS the people you interact with are from a maintenance crew mem­ PROTECT WILDLIFE golf enthusiasts. ber to staff assistant to superin­ HABITATS Those who enjoy the sport are tendent through on-the-job train­ aware of the key person at the ing. It’s been said that the world is our golf course when it comes to pro­ But the level of knowledge nec­ classroom. No one has taken viding maximum enjoyment of essary to manage and maintain this more to heart than the the game. A recent survey by healthy turfgrass, administer Audubon International, the Golf Golf Digest revealed that nearly large budgets and comply with Course Superintendents 50 percent of its readers indicat­ environmental, safety and Association of America (GCSAA) ed the golf course superinten­ employee regulations has made and Rain Bird. dent as the most important indi­ education paramount. The vast Based in Selkirk, N.Y., Audubon vidual at their facility. That figure majority of superintendents have International launched its surpassed combined selections two or four year degrees in either Cooperative Sanctuary System of the golf course professional, turfgrass science, agronomy or to work with private landowners course champion, club house biology. This professional back­ in implementing environmentally manager and beverage facility ground is often supplemented sound practices to preserve and personnel. with continuing education cours­ enhance natural resources. The golf course superintendent is es provided by organizations Audubon International developed the professional entrusted with such as the CGSAA. such programs for businesses, the management and mainte­ “ I think most people get into this homes, schools and golf cours­ nance of the course. It’s a profession for two reasons,” es. responsibility that has grown in McGinnis says. “No.1, many of “Though many people believe importance during the past three us grew up on a golf course that federal government agen­ decades as golfers have come to either as a worker or playing the cies and their staffs have sole demand optimal conditions for game. And No.2, superinten­ responsibility for wildlife and playing the game. dents have a love for the out­ habitat protection, it is clear that Those heightened expectations doors and environmental stew­ the majority of real property is have been largely fueled by ardship. We understand what it expanding television coverage of owned by private individuals takes to manage a facility so that professional golf events that and organizations,” says it is a benefit to the community.” highlight the nation’s top courses. Audubon International Golf courses also are becoming Also, budget limitations, unpre­ President and CEO Ron outdoor classrooms for schools, dictable weather patterns, gov­ Dodson. “Most state agencies civic groups and junior golf pro­ ernmental regulations and grams. It’s not unusual for peo­ do not have the resources to increased participation all have ple to take to the course, not in manage private lands. This is an impact on the superinten- search of birdies, but of animals, why Al launched the Audubon dents’ operations. The Good Earth - News USA continued Cooperative Sanctuary System.” or call (518) 767-9051. Contact trips for civic and education The golf course superintendent GCSAA at 1421 Research Park groups at their local course. This profession has been a leading Drive, Lawrence KS 66049, or professional is truly a community participant in the Cooperative call 1-800-472-7878 asset.” Sanctuary System through THE GOOD EARTH A recent Golf Digest survey Audubon International’s school revealed that the superintendent and golf course programs. As a FROM AZALEAS TO was the most important golf national sponsor for the Audubon ZOYSIA, GOLF COURSE course employee. Cooperative Sanctuary Program SUPERS ARE EXPERTS “I believe the public looks to the for schools, GCSAA has part­ superintendent for expertise and nered with Rain Bird to provide There is a person in your com­ leadership,” McGinnis says. “We funding and services to promote munity who can help with lawn are entrusted by golfers to pro­ awareness and participation in care troubles, give tips on com­ vide optimum playing conditions, the program. The school pro­ posting projects, provide infor­ while owners of the facilities are gram is a hands-on approach for mation on the safe application of quite cognizant that the value of community leaders, such as the fertilizers and educate youth their investment rests in our abil­ golf course superintendent, to about environmental steward­ ities to maintain and improve work with students, faculty, par­ ship. conditions. ents and the community to pro­ He or she might even be able “But we are morally and ethi­ mote environmental stewardship. to help you with your putting. cally responsible for performing By creating a sanctuary on If you’re a golfer or live near a our work in the most environ­ schools grounds, students, facul­ golf course, you already know mentally sensitive manner possi­ ty and parents are able to learn this professional as the golf ble. The golf course superinten­ first hand the techniques that course superintendent. The dent is an educated professional lead to success. To become cer­ superintendent is the person who is attuned to the environ­ tified in the program, schools responsible for the physical man­ ment. Anyone who spends time must meet established require­ agement of the facility and is with a superintendent recognizes ments in environmental educa­ equipped with science, business that golf courses are valuable tion, wildlife habitat manage­ and communication skills. An sanctuaries for numerous animal ment, waste management and overwhelming majority of these and plant species.” resource conservation. professionals grew up around the If the superintendent is regard­ People from the community, such game of golf, and therefore also ed as the most important person as golf course superintendents, understand how the game is on the golf course, just imagine provide resources, expertise and meant to be played. what he/she can do for your com­ supervision to transform school “Since the golf course superin­ munity. You may already have a facilities into a certified sanctu­ tendent deals with a variety of superintendent who is involved in ary. Projects include recycling, issues, you typically find him or a multitude of civic activities. But bird nest boxes, butterfly gardens her involved in numerous com­ if you notice a void or are in need and nature trails, among others. munity projects outside of normal of advice, give your local profes­ Along with the Audubon job responsibilities,” says Golf sional golf course superintendent Cooperative Sanctuary Program Course Superintendents a call. He or she might just be the for golf courses, sponsored by Association of America (GCSAA) best kept secret in town. the United States Golf President Paul McGinnis. For additional information Association, the school program “Many superintendents serve about the golf course superinten­ was born in 1991 to protect and as consultants to schools and dent profession or the Golf enhance the quality of the envi­ recreation departments in the Course Superintendents ronment on the school grounds. maintenance of athletic playing Association of America, write to: For additional information about fields. Others are regular guests 1421 Research Park Drive, the ACPS for schools, contact on outdoor-type radio shows or Lawrence, KS 66049, call 1 -800- Audubon International at 46 provide a periodic column in a 472-7878, or visit GCSAA online Rarick Road, Selkirk, NY 12158, newspaper. Still some hold field at www.gcsaa.org . 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. ISKbiosciences ISK Biosciences Limited 148 York Street, Suite 319 London, Ontario N6A 1A9 1-800-668-0956 Disease Management Solutions News Release formation of an association Golf Course Irrigation Equipment Catalog Released The Formatting of an Association By Century Rain Aid Peter Lucas - Bay of Quinte Country Club Once a month the members of association to become more pro­ “Irrigation Equipment for Golf Courses,” a new supplies catalog the Eastern Ontario Golf fessional in the turf care industry for golf course professionals, has Superintendents Association and become better stewards of been released by Century Rain (EOGSA) gather for nine holes of the land we control. Aid,the nation’s leading whole­ golf, a Bar-B-Q dinner and a The EOGSA area is currently sale distributor of landscape irri­ meeting. This meeting is to from Peterborough east to gation equipment. It is available share information amongst our­ Gananoque and from Lake free by calling Century at 800- 347-4272 or 248-588-2990. selves and to allow a corporate Ontario to Highway 7. These The catalog features hundreds of member to talk about their prod­ borders are not strict and anyone landscape and irrigation products ucts. There are enough golf interested in membership is form major manufacturers, courses involved and with six encouraged to join. including Lagacy Golf sprinklers, meetings a year, each course at valves and central control sys­ tems. Aqua Master Fountains this time hosts a meeting once Our next three meetings are list­ and Aerators, vista Professional every four years. With great ed below and anyone interested Outdoor Lighting Fixtures, Thor generosity from the hosting golf in participating should phone the Guard Lightning Prediction course and corporate members, host superintendent. A $5.00 devices, pump stations, drainage all of the golf, dinner and refresh­ guest fee will be charged and equipment and more. ments are covered by the yearly payable on the day of the meet­ Also useful as a reference tool, the catalog sections on repair due of $30.00 for superinten­ ing. All meetings start with parts, a pump trouble-shooting dents and staff and $100.00 for refreshments at or about noon guide, earth grounding methods corporate members. However, with nine holes of golf at and components and other golf we may find our fee structure 1:00p.m. A meeting/Bar-B-Q will course irrigation information. changes as more demands are follow the golf and the day ends “The new Century Golf Supplies catalog is designed for use by all put upon the association from its around 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. A char­ golf course professionals, includ­ members. A monthly newsletter ter will be drafted at these next ing superintendents, course is sent out as well. few meetings and an executive designers and specifiers, and will be elected. Any input is wel­ grounds crew,” said Scott The EOGSA has been around for come and appreciated. Maclntyer, vice president and some time but records have only national golf sales manager, Century Rain Aid. been kept since 1992. With a “As Century continues to open dozen corporate members and new branches, we anticipate the over twenty five golf courses now catalog will be an introduction to involved, the membership was the company for many new cus­ echoing a sentiment to organize tomers,” he said. “It illustrates the extensive lines of products avail­ and formalize our association able at each branch and the wide with a little more structure. We range of customer services would like to be recognized by offered by the Century team of the OGSA and to capitalize not golf professionals.” only on information and educa­ Century Rain Aid has opened 15 tion from the OGSA but from new locations in the past 12 months. The company now has other affiliated associations as 56 branch locations. well. We hope to grow within our president/greenschairman/ director and superintendent event Keith Bartlett OGSA Director The Ontario Golf Superintendent’s Association most prestigious golf event went south of the border for the first time and were treated to a very special day. The event was held at the Park Country Club of Buffalo hosted by Scott Dodson, CGCS formerly of the sum­ mit Club in Richmond Hill, Ontario. The golf course was designed by Colt and Allison who designed the golf course when the club moved to its present location in Williamsville, New York in the 1920’s. The many outstanding features on the golf Looking down the 18th at the Spectacular Clubhouse course were complimented by the excellent conditioning of the golf course and many improvements Scott has been able to complete since arriving in 1993. Everyone started the day with a con­ tinental breakfast on the terrace overlooking the 18th hole and fol­ lowed by food and beverages on the golf course. The windy conditions added some considerable challenge for the fine shot making that was required to post low scores. In under five hours of heated competition and grinding on the golf course the even­ tual winners of the day were from Markland Wood Country Club in Etobicoke. The winning team con­ Mr. Bernie Kieffer, Club President sisted of Mr. Robert Ackerman, Golf Mr. Scott Dodson, Golf Course Superintendent Course Superintendent, Mrs. president/greenschairman / director and superintendent event Francine Ross, Greens Director, Mr. Dan Blocka, Director and Mr. Pat Farrell, Director. Beverly Golf Club, Mr. Scott Dyker, Golf Course Superintendent and Weston Golf Club, Mr. Jeff Burgess were 2nd and 3rd respectively. As well, there were many winners of the clostest to the hole and longest drive com­ petitions. After the game, all teams enjoyed a few drinks on the terrace and analyzed their game to deter­ mine where a few strokes could have been saved. Mr. Jonathon Mr. Dan Blocka, Mr. Robert Ackerman Scott, Agronomist for the PGA Tour Mrs. Francine Ross, Mr. Pat Farrell spoke to the group on a few of his personal thoughts on the changes in the game and turf management. The OGSA is appreciative to Mr. Dean Baker of Glen Abbey for his assistance to arranging Mr. Scott’s visit. The OGSA would like to thank all teams for participating in this event and once again thank Mr. Scott Dodson, Golf Course Superintendent and Mr. Bernie Kieffer, Club President for the invi­ tation to The Park Country Club of Buffalo, Mr, Rob Stone, Clubhouse Manager and Chuck Rinegar, Golf Professional and their respective staffs were equally outstanding and Enjoying a drink on the clubhouse terrace after the made this to be a very successful game. day. announcements & special dates Western Ontario Golf Superintendents Association Greater London Area Golf Superintendents August 25 Bridgewater Country Club Aug 14 Echo Valley Golf Club Host: Steve Sherwood Sept 11 ST. Marys Golf Club Sept. 29 Cherry Hill Golf Club Oct 2 Hickory Ridge Golf Club Host: Cecil Hoekstra Contact: Mark Hagen 519-471-1400 Georgian Bay Superintendents Association Golf Superintendents Association Events August 19 Bonaire Golf and Country Club Contact: Randy Fielder Summer Field Day Sept. 25 Blue Mountain Golf and Country Club August 25,1997 Contact: Jim Malley, Jay Lewis Cutten Club (11:30 am Crossover) 705-445-3911 Host: Richard Creed Ottawa Valley Turfgrass Association Toronto Society of Golf Course Superintendents Sept 22 Fall Field Day Hylands Golf Club Sept (Date TBA) Donalda Club Nothern Ontario Golf Superintendent Association Oct (Date TBA) National Golf Club August 26 Pro/Super/Directors Day Golf Country Club Oct TBA Jan. TBA 1O Ways Superintendents Promote Usually, the superintendent isn’t thought of as the about an upcoming tournment. marketer for the goilf course. But, superintendents Invite reporters and other key contacts to play golf at can and do have a big impact in promoting the golf the course. course beyond providing premiere playing conditions. Inform golfers in advance of contruction or mainte­ Here are a few of their public relations efforts: nance practices. Then golfers can schedule guests Publish bulletins to local residents about chemical when the course is in top condition. use on the golf course, explain IMP programs and Invite school children to see what golf courses do for pesticide methodologies and other aspects of golf the environment. course management. Provide instructional posters on divot and ball mark Post GCSAA’s Greentips in the pro shop or club­ repair to the golf professional. house. The series of fact sheets provides important Contribute to the community. They speak to garden information to golfers such as golf car use, frost clubs, environmental organizations, civic and busi­ delays, recycling and pesticide use. ness groups and schools. Statistics: Fifty percent of Provide regular lawn-care tips to local newspaper. GCSAA menbers volunteer their time in nongolf com­ Write articles for publications in professional journals, munity activities and 72 percent donatre their time to such as Golf Course Management magazine. community golf events. Give reporters legitmate news, such as information Over 100 Years of Growing Service Tami J. Packham David J. Schmelefske A. Kent McDonald Corrie Almack, P.Ag. 330 Philip St., P.O. Box 144, Waterloo, Ontario Canada N2J 3Z9 Almack & Associates Telephone: (519) 886-0557 Fax: (519) 886-0605 1-800-465-5849 Box 256, Carlisle, Ontario LOR 1HO 905-689-6174 The Scotts Company PROFESSIONAL TURF PRODUCTS Dave Dick Jeff McMaster Turfgrass Specialist Turfgrass Specialist Rob Field Ontario Sales Manager - PTP 39 Monte Vista Trail 1864 Bowler Drive Tel: (905)541-8872 Fax: (905)632-2158 Brampton, Ont. L6Z 2J7 Pickering, Ont. L1V3E4 Fax & Phone 905-846-3319 Fax & Phone 905-839-6526 P.O. Box 1148, Hwy. #59 S., Woodstock, Ontario N4S 8P6 Customer Service 1-800-268-2806 Scotts Head Office 1-800-543-0006 OTTERBINE®.... Your Water Quality Management Specialists Surface Aerators Sub-Surface Aerators Bunker Bumper 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 chased a portable fan that works green construction on a generator that we can bring out as needed. This allows us to have some degree of control over the air movement around The New Green With The Old Look the new green. Through, the Jeff Burgess and Owen Russell increased air movement, we would be able to decrease the level of humidity thereby will decreasing the potential for dis­ ease that flourishes in humid sights. Drainage Drainage and airflow are very important in controlling sus­ ceptibility of disease. That is why we decided against using a grav­ el layer beneath our green. We wanted to create a green that would drain quickly. This will allow us to be in control of the water present on our new green. The Challenge remove the existing green and This means that we will have to begin the reconstruction. We pay close attention to this green At the Weston Golf and had a bulldozer come in, to as far as water is concerned. Country Club, we were faced shave the existing turf off of the However, at the same time it pro­ with the challenge of rebuilding area and we carted it away to vides us with the peace of mind one of our existing greens. One allow us to start fresh. The bull­ that we are in control. To achieve of our greatest dilemma quote dozer then shaped out the new good drainage, we cut in a her­ was to redesign the new green green with the remaining soil and ring bone pattern drainage sys­ with optimum conditions for our an additional 480 cubic yards of tem on twelve-foot centers, new bentgrass green. At the fill. The bulldozer created a dish using four-inch weeping tile and same time we had to provide a shape 16 inches deep where the pea gravel in all of the drains. green which would fit in with the new green would go. This would The drain water leads off to a rest of the golf course designed allow us to add our greens mix to catch basin in the forest adjacent by the late Willie Park who the surface of the green area. to the green. This provides us carved out the Weston Golf with the subsurface drainage. Course with a horse and plow in Air Flow Our greens mix that is 70% sand, 1920. With the services of Doug 20% soil, and 10% peat, will Carrick, we developed a design One of the problems that allow for quick surface drainage. which would fit with the rest of the existed with the site of the new The large percentage of sand golf course even though the green was the lack of air move­ allows water to move through the material we would use would be ment. The green area was sur­ profile at a substantial rate. At far more sandy than the native round by a large stand of spruce the same time, some water is soil that Willie Park used. trees. This created a problem held by the micropores within the with wind, air movement and soil and peat percentage. This humidity around the site. To rem­ enables us to keep our green The First Step edy this situation, we removed moist while allowing for any sub­ selected trees. To avoid taking stantial downfall of water to run With our design in hand, down too many trees, we pruned right through the profile. We feel and an idea in mind, we forged up some of the trees to allow for that this is a happy medium ahead. Our initial step was to more air flow. In addition we pur­ between having water available The New Green With The Old Look Jeff Burgess and Owen Russell turfgrass plants, while ensuring that there is not a surplus of water which can cause many other problems including promot­ ing disease... Important One thing that we felt was important was to order an addi­ tional load of the greens mix. This will allow us to top dress our green with the exact same mix that we established the green with. This is very important when you are trying to ensure that you do not create a layering problem on sand greens. Therefore, we will not cause our selves any headaches by using a different mix of particle sizes in our top- dressing procedures. One drawback of building a sand green, is that it does not have the nutrient-holding capaci­ ty of a soil green. Therefore, we will be required to use more fertil­ izer on this green than on the other greens on the course. It is also important that we time our fertilizer applications carefully to avoid the greater possibility of the fertilizer leaching through the profile with a hard rain washing it grow it in under our conditions lb/1000sq ft. The green itself is away before the plants can take and microenvironment rather just under 6000sq ft. them up. than taking the risk of trying to We were able to establish a fair grow transplanted turf from a dif­ amount of coverage and we put it Decision To Seed ferent soil and microenviroment. to bed for the winter with a semi­ The choice to seed also allowed permeable cover protecting it. When we planned the us to research and determine the We used a granular fungicide for reconstruction and grow in, we best suited bentgrass cultivars winter protection, however, the discussed the pros and cons of for our climate and conditions. green did not go through the win­ seeding versus sodding the new We used a professionally mixed ter as well as we would have green surface and thankfully our blend of 45% Providence, 45% hoped... members were willing to bear Pennlinks and 10% Penncross. with us and allow us to make the We felt it was important to add The Greenhouse best choice and seed the new the portion of Penncross to pro­ green as opposed to sodding it. vide some consistency with the Therefore, we had our The sod would have allowed the other greens at Weston. We ini­ work cut out for us this spring to members to play it earlier. tially seeded our green in late regain our lush stand of However, seeding allowed us to September at a rate of 1 The New Green With The Old Look Jeff Burgess and Owen Russell continued from page 13 bentgrass. As we can all recall, it was an extremely cool spring that provided us with less than opti­ mum soil temperatures for the germination of bentgrass seed. To overcome this battle with mother nature we purchased a semi-permeable cover for the entire green. This cover allowed us to create a mini greenhouse, trapping the heat from the sun in the day time, and keeping the heat in through the cool nights. Another feature that this cover provided us, was the ability to water the green with the cover on. Our results were outstanding. Within three weeks we had over 90% coverage. tant to continually supply the tur­ density and a more horizontal The Grow In fgrass with the essential nutrients growth habit. As a result, we to ensure that we did not have established a playable Our procedure for the encounter any setbacks. The putting surface. However, grow in consisted of overseeding next step was to cover the green through the support of our mem­ at a rate of 1 lb. per 1000sq ft., with the semi-permeable cover. bership, we have been given the followed by watering for 8 min­ We repeated this process for power to hold them off until we utes and rolling the entire surface three weeks until we had sub­ feel that the green is ready for the with a solid roller. This allowed us stantial coverage. stress of everyday play. It is with to provide the seeds with the their confidence and our knowl­ Mowing edge, that we are giving our new water that is required for the imbi­ bition process, the first stage of green the tender loving care and germination. The rolling created At this point we began time that it needs to become a good seed to soil contact which is mowing the green at a height of solid healthy stand of bentgrass necessary for the germination 1/4 of an inch. We cut the green that will be prepared for the rigor­ process allowing the primary root with a walking mower with a solid ous traffic of everyday play. a stable position in the soil. It was roller. This enabled us to a achieve a constant rolling of the Conclusion then necessary to apply fertilizer to provide the essential nutrients green to increase the tiller to soil for the seedling development. contact and smoothing out any In conclusion, we have We used starter fertilizers which imperfections in the surface. designed and built a green that were high in phosphorus and One of the most important prac­ fits in with the natural lay of a his­ also provided nitrogen and tices that we have instilled is to toric Toronto golf club. Although potassium. We felt it was very return the clippings to the green. it is not a textbook USGA specifi­ important to provide the high Therefore, we have avoided cations green, it is a very healthy amounts of phosphorus which using the bucket on the mower. It stand of bentgrass. We can are necessary for the develop­ is very important to return the maintain and control the amount ment of a healthy root base dur­ nutrients to the green rather than of water and nutrients that will be ing establishment. Our fertiliza­ stripping them away in the form applied to it. A great deal of time, tion schedule consisted of a rate of clippings. We are now at a planning, and consideration has of 1/3 lb. to a 1/2lb. of Nitrogen / point that we are cutting it every been invested into the rebuilding 1000sq ft. per week. This con­ second day and have gradually of Weston\rquote s tenth green sisted of both natural organic fer­ lowered the height to 3/16 of an and the results have be very tilizers and inorganic starter fertil­ inch. By lowering the height, and impressive. izers. We felt that it was impor- increasing the frequency of cut, we have seen an increase in sanctuary system We’re The Audubson Cooperative Sanctuary System growing... MIRABEL, QUEBEC - Hillsdale Golf and Country Club has achieved designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System (ACSS), a program of Audubon International, and endorsed by the United States Golf Association. Hillsdale Golf and Country Club is the first in Quebec, the sixth in Canada and the 104th in North America to receive the honor. Hillsdale Golf and Country Club joined the program in 1996 which provides information and guidance to golf courses to help them pre­ serve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources “Hillsdale Golf and Country Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their to serve efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course proper­ ty,” said Lee Mangum, Director, ACSS for Audubon International. you better! “To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of NU-GRO is Canada's areas,” explained Mangum. These categories include: Professional Turf Specialist offering: Environmental Planning, Wildlife and Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Integrated Pest Management, Water • A choice of C-I-L and NU-GRO Conservation, and Water Quality Management. brands “The rigorous process of certification has been very educational • Consistent blends utilizing and ultimately rewarding” said Robert Burrows, Turf Manager for quality raw materials Hillsdale Golf and Country Club. “Working together, the members of our club, the resource committee members, and staff have greatly • Experienced Technical enhanced our already beautiful property and everyone involved has Support Representatives thoroughly enjoyed the whole procedure.” • A wide range of Specialty “We hope that the projects which were undertaken at Hillsdale Turf Fertilizers formulated have made a difference by enhancing wildlife habitat and protecting with S.C.U.® NITROFORM® our natural resources. The guidance that was offered to Hillsdale by and NUTRALENE® Audubon International has helped to make us even better environ­ mental stewards and enabled us to complete a process of docu­ menting our already good conservation programme” explained Burrows. In addition to golf courses, the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System also includes programs for schools, individuals and busi­ nesses. For more information, contact Audubon International, 46 Rarick Rd., Selkirk, NY 12158, (518) 767-9051 or e-mail us via the Woodstock, Ontario N4S Bl’6 internet at auduboncsp@aol.com. Laval, Quebec H7S 1C3 Calgary, Allx«rta T2H 2S1 WOODSTOCK, ONTARIO Telephone : (519) 456-2021 Fax: (519) 456-5002 GTI update GTI Update - 1997 Summer Program Rob Witherspoon Berresford (Kemptville) will assist Dr. Eggens. Don’t As you read this, the summer research season will be miss this opportunity to learn from in full swing. The GTI-OTRF Research Field Day is scheduled for Thursday, August 14. Registration Dr. Eggens on your own turf. Call (519) 767-5009 for begins later this year (9:00 a.m.) to provide you with registration information. Anyone registering before more time to get your crew organized before depart­ July 21 in either of the turf clinics or the full day field ing or more travel time for those coming to Guelph day program will receive a free subscription to The from a distance. Plot tours begin at 9:30 until 12:30. A GTI Advisor as a special token of our appreciation for BBQ lunch follows. The OTRF is running a chipping your support. and putting contest this year to help raise funds in support of research. Also new this year are a series of The GTI is planning a public open house that we are half-hour workshops after lunch. Dr. Jack Eggens will calling the GTI Lawn & Garden festival. A free event cover turf identification and use, Pam Charbonneau for the public, it will feature tours of the research and will look at insects and I PM scouting techniques, Dr. demonstration plots, a putting contest, children’s Tom Hsiang will present a disease workshop, Dr. Bob activities and much more. If you are in the area, Sheard will discuss sand rootzones and irrigation please invite your members to attend. It will certainly scheduling, Dr. Chris Hall will offer a weed control give them a better appreciation of the professionalism workshop or you can surf for turf on the Internet with of your trade. Golf course superintendents and their Dr. Ken Carey. The six workshops will run concurrent­ staff are welcome to visit the GTI at any time. If you ly and participants will be able to choose the three are passing through Guelph, or would like to bring key they want to attend on a first come - first serve basis. members of your management team to visit, please Space is limited so register early. If you haven’t yet let us know and we would be happy to show you received a field day notice, call us at (519) 767-5009. around. We are as proud of the GTI as each of you Also new this summer, Jack Eggens hits the road for are of your own golf course. We hope that you are one day turf clinics at Ridgetown College in south­ also proud of the part you play in the continued suc­ western Ontario (July 30) and at Kemptville College in cess of the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. See you this eastern Ontario (August 21). Local turf experts Dr. summer! Ron Pitblado (Ridgetown) and Peter Johnston- OGSAmebrsgivlf Severe flooding in Manitoba this spring brought with it a cry for help. On behalf of all OGSA members, the Board made a $1000 contribution to flood relief efforts. The Manitoba Golf Superintendents Association received the funds and forwarded them to the General Relief Fund. new look to the board The Board of Directors has taken a step to improve their image by up-dating their uniforms. The tired look­ ing blue jacket and grey pants have been replaced by a black blazer co-ordinated with hounds tooth and beige pants. The new uniforms help convey the proud professional image our association is founded on. partners in action Partners in action - Part 2 Water Quality and Consenation Barbara Allen-Shaw - E-mail: bashaw@yorku.ca Water Quality issues were addressed by Steve Klose, from the Water Resources Unit of the On February 26, a workshop on Water Quality Ministry of the Environment and Energy. He, too, Monitoring and Conservation, was held at Nobleton spoke of his Ministry’s changing role, which water Lakes Golf Club. “Partners in Environmental quality parameters were of particular concern, and Management - Part 2”, was designed both to foster a cooperative relationship between Conservation how these factors affect habitat quality. This was fol­ lowed by Greg Williams (former superintendent of Authorities and golf course superintendents I man­ Cranberry Resort) and Barry Endicott (the host super­ agers, and to examine the issues of water manage­ intendent of Nobleton Lakes) who spoke of their con­ ment. In addition to last year’s partners, Lake Simcoe cerns for and actions on behalf of water quality in two Region and Metro Toronto and Region Conservation very different environments. Both stressed the value Authorities, three more Conservation Authorities took of outreach efforts to the community. part this year - Nottawasaga Valley, Credit Valley, and Dr. Terry Gillespie, Chair of Land Resource Halton Region. This means that most of the Greater Sciences, University of Guelph, presented an impres­ Toronto Area Conservation Authorities have now indi­ sively simple and clear account of what can be a very cated an interest in working with golf courses involved complicated subject - how to judge water needs for in environmental management. Jim Anderson (CEO for the Conservation turf. He demonstrated non-technical means of gather­ ing and using ca wealth of readily available Ontario) set the stage by giving a brief history of cinformation on this topic. We were grateful to Dean Conservation Authorities in Ontario, and the implica­ Baker of Glen Abbey who replaced Dean Cormack at tions of how this role was changing due to recent the last moment. Due to the installation of a sophisti­ restructuring. Participants agreed that as a result they cated new irrigation system, it has been possible to came away with a clearer idea of watercourse prob­ significantly reduced water consumption at Glen lems and challenges. Abbey. As did Greg and Barry, he also made a strong case for the need to become proactive in environ­ mental management, and of the need to dispel the misinformation the public often get about golf cours­ es. After lunch, Charlie Worte from Credit Valley Conservation Authority bravely spoke on behalf of the regulations for which Conservation Authorities are responsible, and how they, too, are unsure of where proposed changes are going. All of the speakers emphasized that they are striving for a cooperative relationship that will provide a win-win for businesses and society. An overwhelming majority of participants who answered the questionnaire evaluations deemed the workshop a success. All agreed there was an excel­ CHANGING THE FACE OF CONSTRUCTION lent cross-section of speakers. They also felt that TURF DRAIN INC. BUNKER RECONSTRUCTION Conservation Authority staff were knowledgeable about suggesting appropriate solutions to water­ TURF course problems on golf courses and had suitable RENOVATION DIVISION supporting programs. There was more time for ques­ DRAIN tions this year, and this seemed to be INC. Ontario (519)763-3130 continued on page 19 Nutrite brand fertilizers deliver special Save labour with fewer mowings. effects on turf. Special because there’s If sulphur coated urea is the only source of more to our performance than meets the slow release nitrogen in your fertilizer now, eye. More than ordinary fertilizers deliver. you’re probably experiencing unwanted surge growth. GOLF COURSE Save labour with fewer applications. SUPERINTENDENTS GET MORE: Your golf course will respond well to slower Nutrite blends 2, 3 or more slow release nitrogen feedings, especially from organic nitrogen sources-we have the largest sources. Studies at 10 Universities have selection to choose from-to give your turf shown a lower incidence of turf diseases a programmed feeding up to 16 weeks. from Sustane® Compost use. Nutrite 24-6-12 FMS, for example, is formulated with 3 slow release sources to NEW TURF deliver 16 weeks of feeding and greening, EFFECTS under a variety of weather conditions. New 0-0-50 Coated K micros, Deltaspray® solubles for “spoon- feeding” and Bio Groundskeeper® Thatch Reducer are three new products for improved performance and special needs. Three more reasons to rely on Nutrite for special effects on turf. NUTRITE Division of GOOD TURF NUTRITION Hydro Agri Canada L.P. STARTS IN THE SOIL Ontario (800) 265-8865 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS Send us your soil samples and we will Alberta (403) 850-8005 OF A BLENDED APPROACH? prepare a corrective and maintenance turf B.C. (604) 864-9044 Superintendents are able to apply an envi­ nutrition program designed to maximize Québec (800) 561-7449 Maritimes (5061 863-7018 ronmentally sensible, yet effective program results and eliminate what you don’t need. using a formulation of organic, organic *Organiform is a registered trademark of Nugro. based and low leaching synthetic blends. Partners in action - Part 2 Water Quality and Consenation Barbara Allen-Shaw - E-mail: bashaw@yorku.ca continued from page 17 conappreciated. The commercial exhibits were well to have talks on similar subjects - naturalization in received, and exhibitors with whom I spoke informally particular - offered at the Turfgrass Symposium. I indicated that they were pleased with the contacts have been investigating this subject for about a year, they made. and many outstanding sources of expertise on differ­ Fewer than expected participated in the after­ ent kinds of naturalization projects have indicated that noon workgroup sessions. There didn’t seem to be an they would be delighted to share information on natu­ obvious reason, other than there weren’t many with ralization projects with golf courses and other green­ specific concerns. spaces. This idea will be pursued, so watch for future Suggested future topics include more developments. Audubon-related subjects, such as wildlife habitat preservation and case studies on golf courses. The Barbara Allan-Shaw three superintendents who spoke are to be congratu­ bashaw@yorku.ca lated. Not only did they do an excellent job, but they set an example of the pubic education role that is needed. I can’t stress enough the importance of all superintendents getting involved in public education. This is precisely the kind of effort that is going to sep­ arate the proactive superintendents from the rest. It is my opinion that no matter how comprehensive and innovative management practices are, if they are not publicized and explained, public impressions of golf courses will remain uncertain at best. There were requests for additional Conservation Authority services, including providing free seminars (unfortunately unlikely due to cut­ backs), providing one-window approvals, and assis­ tance in dealing with bureaucracy. These requests have all been passed on to the Authorities. Several respondents indicated they would be interested in workshops offering examples of on-site remediation, preferably at a Conservation Authority site. This would indicate that Conservation Authority staff should keep participants informed about work being done on sites close to home. Some suggested that they would like expectations of generation x personal problems Intel, which interviewed 2,500 undergraduates on 50 campuses, reports 50 percent ask questions about work-life balance, indicating that quality of life-issues Personal factors cause between 80 and 90 percent of are important. In a recent letter to the editor of all industrial accidents. In addition, up to 80 percent of Fortune, a generation her comment, “We can work those who are fired from jobs are removed because of harder than anybody, but we need to know you care, personal problems, rather than competence or techni­ we need to have a decent time while we're at it.” cal skill problems. Source: Strategic Plan, Harrison Coeuver and Source: National Institute of Mental Health, 1996. Associates, Kansas City, Mo. turfgrass contact information Guelph Turfgrass Institute: Dr. Chris Hall GTI Direct Line (519) 767-5009 Weed Control (Turfgrass Research Committee Chair) Fax (519) 766-1704 Ext. 2740 Internet Website: www.uoguelph.ca/GTI jchall@evbhort.uoguelph.ca e-mail: info@gti.uoguelph.ca Dr. Tom Hsiang Turfgrass Diseases GTI Turfgrass Faculty & Staff: Ext. 2753 Dr. Greg Boland thsiang@uoguelph.ca Disease Prediction/Biological Weed Control Norman McCollum Ext. 2755 Research Superintendent gboland@evbhort.uoguelph.ca Ext. 6663 Dr. Steve Bowley Dr. Mark Sears Variety Evaluation/Bentgrass Breeding Turfgrass Insects Ext. 8704 Ext. 3921 sbowley@crop.uoguelph.ca msears@evbhort.uoguelph.ca Dr. Ken Carey Dr. Bob Sheard Turf Management/Product Evaluation GTI Consulting Agronomist - Rootzones Ext. 2777 (519) 767-5009 kcarey@uoguelph.ca Dr. Gerry Stephenson Dr. Jack Eggens Turfgrass Insects/Pesticide Persistence GTI Consulting Agronomist - Turf Management Ext. 3402 (519) 767-5009 gstephen@evbhort.uoguelph.ca Dr. Terry Gillespie Rob Witherspoon Microclimatology/lrrigation Scheduling Low Maintenance Turfgrass/Product Evaluation (GTI Ext. 2645 Director) tgillesp@lrs.uoguelph.ca Ext. 6886 rob@gti.uoguelph.ca Economical Pole Frame Buildings For All Your Needs.... 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(905) 772-3551 (905) 388-6865 Over 30 Years Experience 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. 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