Green is Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents Association INFORMATION ON: • Reel Cooperation • OTS Update • OGSA Director Reports • Turf or Consequence •Pesticide Licencing Update THE VERTI-DRAIN MUSTANG DEEP TINE AERATION FOR FAIRWAYS AND TEES AT "BREAKNECK" AERATION SPEEDS EXCEEDING 2.7 MPH The Unique Verti-Drain Heaving Action Coupled with Exceptionally Smooth Operation • Single Lever Action Adjustment • 68" Working Width • PTO Up to 500 RPMs • Standard Tine 1/2" x 6" • 5/16" x 6" Solid Tines* • 5/8" x 6" Hollow Tines* • 10 Arms • Working Depth to 6" • Requires 25 hp Tractor • options NUMBER OF HOLES TRACTOR SPEED @500 RPMs ON PTO • 21/8" spacing - 30 per square foot • 21/8" spacing - Up to 1.25 MPH • 31/2" spacing - 12 per square foot • 31/2" spacing - Up to 2.0 MPH • 5" spacing - 6 per square foot • 5" spacing - Up to 2.7 MPH FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR FOR A FREE DEMONSTRATION, PLEASE CALL OUR SALES OFFICE. 1184 PLAINS ROAD EAST BURLINGTON, ONTARIO L7S 1W6 Burlington Area: (905)637-5216 Toronto Area: (905) 338-2404 All Other Ontario Areas: (800) 883-0761 Fax: (905) 637-2009 Green is contents Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents Association OCTOBER EDITION 1998 what's inside advertisers 2 EDITOR'S COMMENTS 3 NU-GRO CORPORATION by Mark Piccolo 5 GREEN HORIZONS 3 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE by Ian Bowen 6 SKYWAY 3 WATER WORKSHOP 9 CENTURY RAIN AID by Turfgrass 12 BRAEMAR 4 O.G.S.A. DIRECTORS' REPORTS 13 ZENECA 5 O.G.S.A. DIRECTORS' REPORTS 14 TURFCARE 6 GTI RESEARCH FIELD DAY by Rob Whitherspoon 14 STEWARD AWARD 7 TURF OR CONSEQUENCES 15 ALMACK by Doug Breen 15 PLANT PRODUCTS 8 PESTICIDES IN ONTARIO by John W. Gravett 15 THE SCOTTS COMPANY 10 ONTARIO TURF SYMPOSIUM 1999 15 TERRA 11 ONTARIO TURF SYMPOSIUM 1999 15 RAY GORDON 12 THE EARLY YEARS 15 ALBION GOLF CARTS by Gordon Witteveen 15 ZANDER SOD CO. LTD. 18 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION 15 NU-GRO CORPORATION 19 O.T.R.E 17 NUTRITE 20 REEL COOPERATION 18 BANNERMAN 20 PELEE 21 TURF DRAIN INC. editor's comments 1998 O.G.S.A. Board of Directors Past President Simon George Oakville Golf Club Congratulations to Mark Warner from 905-844-5796 the Capital Golf Centre in Gloucester, Ontario for winning a fleece sweater President Ian Bowen from the O.G.S.A, by returning our Oshawa Golf Club 905-725-9511 survey in the last issue of Green is Beautiful. From the survey we Director Bob Heron CGCS developed a pool of individuals to Treasurer Beacon Hall Golf Club form an editorial committee which will GCSAA Liaison 905-841-0252 meet twice a year to help create a more membership Roster involved newsletter. We also summarized that many Director Keith Bartlett would like to see more colored photos but not necessary Secretary, Golf & Meeting Chair Thornhill Country Club a full colour package. We are inquiring about costs for GTI Chair, CGSAA-Alt. Delegate 905-889-2735 this and will see a change in the design and format for Director Lamont Anderson our OTS issue. Bylaws Chair Pointe West Golf Club I wish to thank CityCo. Inc. in Cambridge for their 519-736-5050 service over the few years in helping us progress with our newsletter. The O.G.S.A. felt it was important to Director John Gravett have our printer located close to our office as the Public Relations Chair Credit Valley Golf Club organization of the newsletter becomes more of our 905-275-2505 officers managers responsibility, and have obtained the Director Dean Baker services of a local printer beginning with the OTS issue. Golf & Meetings Co-Chair Glen Abbey Golf Club All advertising and articles are to go to the O.G.S.A. 905-844-1800 office. A new advertising rate sheet and particulars will be sent out in October to all our associate members with Director Jim Flett some slight changes Membership Chair Muskoka Lakes Golf Course 705-765-3165 Mark Piccolo Newsletter Editor Director Mark Piccolo Green is Beautiful Editor Galt Country Club 519-650-1503 Green is Beautiful 1998 Although every effort is made to check material for publication, the Director Jeff Burgess association is not responsible for material published on behalf of its Education & Scholarship Weston Golf Club contributors. All rights are reserved by the publisher and any reproduction in whole OTS & OTRF Chair 416-241-5551 or part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Director Rob Ackermann Public Relations Chair Markland Wood Golf Club 905-625-1669 Director Dave Cours T.B.A. Erie Shores Golf & Country Club 519-326-1054 Combines Promotional Products with Graphic Design & Printadding a new dimension of Office Administrator Dorothy Hills Quality and Reliability to our Customers Image. Ontario Golf Superintendents Association Guelph Turfgrass Insitute 328 Victoria Road South Designed & Printed by CityCo. Inc. Telephone: (519) 824-472 Tel: (519) 650-5515 Fax: (519) 650-1202 Fax: (519) 766-1704, 1-800-605-7793 Email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca president's message We’re NATIONAL OCCUPATION STANDARDS growing... Golf Course Superintendents, will benefit from the development of the National Occupational Standards. The National Occupational Standards will help define the role and responsibilities of the various people who work for and with golf course superintendents. The standards developed in cooperation with Human Resources Development Canada are the specific indicators of what it takes from both skill and knowledge to be a golf course superintendent. The standards will be utilized in the future to educate employers on the necessary skills and knowledge superintendents must possess. As well, they will provide educational institutions across the country the opportunity to align their curriculum around the foundation of the standards. The to serve standards will help in the development of a certification program. Certification, will allow for a better development of a more defined you better! job description and chosen career path as well as the development NU-GRO is Canada's of a professional recognition process. Professional Turf Specialist The OGSA, is proud to have been partners in the offering: development of the National Occupational Standards. We as an Association will continue this partnership with the CGSA in the • A choice of C-I-L and NU-GRO development of a Certification Program. brands Ian Bowen • Consistent blends utilizing Oshawa Golf Club quality raw materials • Experienced Technical water workshop Support Representatives • A wide range of Specialty Turf Fertilizers formulated TURFGRASS WATER WORKSHOP with S.C.U.® NITROFORM® and NUTRALENE® Effective water management is necessary for golf course survival during hot summers like this past one! University of Guelph’s Turfgrass Water Workshop helps superintendents and staff make the most of the water available. During the two day course, January 25th and 26th, 1999, participants learn about weather systems, evaporation, factors influencing water budgets, water conservation, water quality, weather stations, radio control, principles of drainage, water management and construction of a sand based green hydraulic repair, trouble shooting and winterization. For more information, please contact Peggy Nagle Woodstock, Ontario N4S 8P6 Laval, Quebec H7S 1G3 Calgary, Alberta T2 H 2S1 at the University of Guelph. WOODSTOCK, ONTARIO Telephone : (519) 456-2021, Fax: (519) 456-5002 Call 519-824-4120, Ext. 3814 or email pnagle@open.uoguelph.ca. O.G.S.A. directors' report Education and Scholarships - Director Jeff Burgess participation even with an extended, hot and dry season. The golf calendar consisted of the Border The O.G.S.A. has developed the Turfgrass Education Cities Event, Pro/Superintendent Event and the Awards to recognize scholastic acccomplishments and President/Greenchairman Event. potential leadership in the field of turfgrass management. Students who are Ontario residents and The Border Cities Event was held at the Country Club have a career goal of being employed in the golfing of Detroit. There was a full field of participants to industry are elegible to apply. Diploma and degree enjoy the Colt designed course with perfect late April applications must be received by November 30, 1998. weather. After dinner, a local dermatologist informed Please refer to the application and information letter us about the dangers fo sun exposure and the best insert, for further details. method of protection. The host superintendent was Mark Jackson and it was a real treat to play on the new Membership - Director Jim Flett A-4 bentgrass greens. The Pro/Superintendent Event was held once again at Glen Abbey Golf Club. A best I will be attending the annual chapter delegates ever turn out enjoyed the hospitality of our host meeting in Lawrence, Kansas at GCSAA headquarters superintendent Dean Baker and services at Glen on September 18th and 19th on behalf of the OGSA. Abbey. The fierce competition was enjoyed by all who The meeting will allow our chapter to voice our views, trekked out to the perennial site of the Canadian Open. opinions and ideas to GCSAA leadership and its The President/Greenchairman Event hosted by St. affiliated chapters. Information will be provided on George's Golf Club was oversubscribed once again. GCSAA programs as well as revisions to the upcoming The golf course layout and conditioning made the new affiliation agreement with GCSAA that starts event very enjoyable. Our host superintenden, John January 1, 2000. There will also be a "Meet the Gall made a few remarks after dinner that embodied Candidates" portion to the meeting to allow the spirit of the Superintendent's fraternity and individuals a chance to meet those GCSAA candidates thankfully pointed out to all that the greens do not roll running for office. I will provide membership with a at least eleven feet on a daily basis. The report in the next issue of the magazine on how the professionalism and dedication displayed at each golf meeting went. course speaks well of our industry. The golf events for 1999 have been determined and we Included in this year's membership renewal form is a look forward to a full participation, once again. section to provide additional information about yourself. This information will be entered into our Border Cities Event database to give us a better feel for the demographics Essex Golf Club Monday, April 26,1999 of our membership. Please make sure you fill out this Pro/Superintendent Event form as accurately and completely as possible. Islington Golf Club TBD President/Greenchairman Event G.C.S.A.A. - Liaison, Robert Heron Toronto Golf Club Monday, July 19,1999 This large, well organized association continues to Roster - Director, Robert Heron provide numerous helpful material for our chapter. "The Conference" will be held in Orlando, Florida, The 1998 Roster again realized a small profit, although Monday, February 8th through Sunday, February 14th, the Board's primary intention is to provide an accurate 1999. listing of members. This useful booklet can only be as accurate as the information provided by the members. Golf and Meetings - Directors Keith Bartlett and We welcome any suggestions for positive changes to Dean Baker this Membership Guide. Next year's roster will be available much sooner, due to a more stable situation The golf tournaments held during the past season in our office. were very successful. Each event had full O.G.S.A. directors' reports O.G.S.A. Office at G.T.I - Office Administrator, cooperation, while I was learning the ropes and getting Dorothy Hills. into the swing of things. I felt like I was hacking in the ruff for a while but the fairway looks good and I don't The fiscal year is quickly drawing to a close and anticipate any unforeseen problems. I look forward to over the past six months the OGSA office has meeting you all at some point and time. If you're in the experienced quite a few changes in the area of area, drop in....my door is always open. At this time I personnel and equipment. The office now has a new would like to introduce you to your newest director, Pentium II computer with an ergonomic keyboard and Dave Cours. a Microtec Scanner. This new equipment allows us to My name is Dave Cours. I am a ten-year join the Information Highway; we can be reached at member of the OGSA and am very proud to have been ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca. We will soon be working asked to serve you on the Board of Directors. I have towards a web site and are open to any suggestions you been employed, at Erie Shores Golf & Country Club in might have. Leamington, for eight years as their Golf Course A new accounting program, Quick Books has Superintendent. I have also taken over the been installed in the computer. It's user friendly and responsibilities of Director of Golf in the past year. will aid us in maintaining accurate and complete On a personal note, I am married to Mary (some financial records. A data base program has been of you know her as Martz) and have two beautiful installed and upon receipt of the Membership daughters. Information sheets a complete membership data base They are Megan (six years old) and Erin (almost will be set up and maintained. Please take the time to four). As a family with two budding naturalists, we fill out your sheet and mail it back to us. Accurate enjoy living in Leamington only 5 km from Point Pelee office records depend on members advising us of any National Park. It's a great place to be. changes in their status, address, phone etc. Thank you for allowing me to serve you as a Thank you to all the concerned members who Director of the OGSA. returned their Green Is Beautiful Questionnaire. The results have been tabulated and the editorial department have set up a meeting to assess what changes are required. and those members who volunteered to help in some capacity with the publishing of Green Is Beautiful will be contacted shortly. We appreciate your involvement and look forward to working with you in the very near future. Mark Warner, Superintendent at Captial Golf Centre in Gloucester will soon be sporting a luxurious navy blue Bentgrass Premium Bluegrass OGSA fleece sweatshirt. He is the lucky winner of the Establisher™: Seed Enhancing Mulch Questionnaire contest. Congratulations Mark! Membership dues invoices were mailed out on September 10,1998 in an effort to reach members before they closed up for the season and moved on to other parts of the country If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact Dorothy at the OGSA office. Policies and Procedures for each director's portfolio are being put into place, and a Policy Binder set up for easy reference by the directors and the office administrator. Don't forget the deadline for the photo contest is October 10th. The lucky winner will have their HAMILTON SOD COMPACT SOD HAMILTON CAMBRIDGE photo viewed in panorama on the OGSA display booth. (905) 389-1315 (519) 653-7494 What an opportunity for all you would be Fax: (905) 679-4444 Fax: (519) 653-0833 photographers. Don't miss out on this chance....get SOD OUTLET ONTARIO SOD snapping! NIAGARA REGION MISSISSAUGA I've been with OGSA for six months now and (905) 984-8448 (905) 257-8795 would like to thank our members for their patience and Our reputation is growing! 1998 GTI research field day By Rob Whitherspoon, GTI Director The annual GTI Research Field Day was held at the Guelph opportunity for hands-on learning from Dr. Jack Eggens, Dr. Turfgrass Institute on Tuesday, August 25th. In spite of the Tom Hsiang, Pam Charbonneau and others using real field slightly later-than-usual date and a somewhat threatening examples. Additional programs will be added next year to weather forecast, over 200 turf professionals turned out for a provide opportunities for those who missed out this year. day of information and education. Although the Field Day is the best time to view research Ted Tom, President of the Ontario Turfgrass Research projects with treatments labeled and researchers present to Foundation welcomed participants and encouraged them to answer questions, a self guided tour of the GTI is available. If become more actively involved in turfgrass research by you were unable to attend the 1998 Field Day, you are joining the OTRF which provides funding for specific welcome to come out to the GTI at any time and conduct research projects of interest to Ontario turf managers. The your own tour of the research plots. The Field Day is co­ new Assistant Deputy Minister of Agriculture Jim Wheeler sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & brought greetings from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs, the Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation and Rural Affairs. He also made some interesting comments the Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph. about his sense that water quality, use and availability will be one of the major issues affecting golf course superintendents in the next few years. Following the opening session was a tour of research plots featuring new and ongoing projects being undertaken at the GTI this summer. Faculty and research staff were located at their plots throughout the site to present the latest results and discuss their work with the turf professionals. Participants also had an opportunity to view the new research green. This green will help to accommodate the tremendous increase in research conducted on bentgrass maintained under putting green conditions. After a BBQ lunch, a number of hands-on workshops were held. The popularity of this portion of the field day has increased since they were originally offered three years ago. Visitors to the GTI Field Day view research investigating the effects This year, the workshops were sold out by the pre­ ofpesticides on aquatic ecosystems at the microcosm researchfacility registration deadline in mid-August. They provide a unique at the GTI. 1067 Beach Boulevard Hamilton, Ontario L8H 6Z9 Telephone 905-545-5363 Fax 905-545-2647 CAN-USA 1 -800-263-8606 Express Dual & AngleMaster Reel Mower Sharpeners turf or consequences Turf or Consequences By Doug Breen, Superintendent it seems like five minutes would start heading out for the night, and by three ago that I was in my A.M. we were ordering a pizza. Now, by ten o'clock favourite chair at my I've been asleep on the couch for two hours and three favourite table at my A.M. is the time that the T.V. station goes off the air, the favourite University of static wakes me up, and so off to bed. A really good Guelph watering hole, and night out has been replaced by a really good couch. suddenly I'm on the wrong (Of course, I hardly ever get to sleep on the good side of thirty with a job, couch as it's usually covered with babies, toys and two dogs, a wife, a sheepdogs which leaves me sleeping on the loveseat. mortgage, and honest to A torture device worthy of any Vietcong prison since goodness offspring. It was no one over three feet tall could possibly ever sleep on not; however, the sight of the fruit of my loins it without receiving severe spinal injury.) trundling around the casa del Breen leaving a trail of It's also fairly alarming when you suddenly realize drool and destruction that made me suddenly feel old that the opposite sex no longer thinks of you as n it was last month when I went to the C.N.E. desirable, but rather as an old, fat, hairy guy. The only The rides, the Tiny Tim Donuts and the games were all time anyone female and under thirty even looks at me the same, (literally the same in some cases. I'm pretty is when I'm carrying the baby, and if one actually sure the Tilt-a-whirl was exactly the same one that was smiles in my direction, I know that either the boy is there when I was ten). The differences were more doing something cute or I've left my fly down and my subtle, but they were certainly there. The "Doggie n shirt tail is hanging out again. The truth is, I'm so from Doggie” guy was gone. The Polar Express was playing "cool" or "hip" or whatever the word is that they're the Spice Girls instead of Led Zeppelin, and I actually using now, that I don't even know what words they're heard country music on the midway. Now you can using. call it "new country", "urban country", "city country" I've noticed a big difference at work too. No one or anything you like, but I'm telling you, it's the same comes to me for advice about women anymore, I'm no country that came crackling and twanging out of the longer called on to lift heavy objects, and recently AM radio in my dad's truck twenty years ago, and someone in their twenties actually said, "Hang on, let hearing it while on the Scrambler was harder on my me get that for you, you might hurt yourself." Last stomach than the ride itself. week I dug up a boulder that the frost heaved up in a But it was the young people who were particularly sand trap and it nearly killed me. It was three days annoying. I’m not crazy about their music, their and a chiropractic appointment later before I could hairstyles bug me, and what is the deal with these stand up straight again. If I go out to cut greens with giant bozo the clown pants? Growing up in the age of a walking mower, the staff gets the St. John's Jordache and Road Runner jeans where people ambulance on standby and sends someone to check on actually sat in the bathtub with their jeans on so that me every ten minutes or so. they could shrink to exactly the right shape, the idea of a pair of pants the size of a two bedroom apartment is It's at work that I'm particularly starting to sound like a little odd to me. When I was seventeen, one guy in my dad. More and more sentences are starting with our school stayed in the tub too long and his mon had phrases like; "why, when I was your age...." or "we to cut off his Sergio Valentes (those were a brand of used to do twice as much.... " and things like that. pants by the way) with a pair of scissors because he Now don't get me wrong,, I'm a long way from the couldn't get out of them. home stretch and even further from the stud farm (or And they're piercing things that I really wouldn't want let's face it, with my genetics the glue factory), but a hole punched in. One guy had eight rings in various lately it has just been a little alarming to realize that parts of his head and three in his chest. When I was at I'm never going to be drafted to play professional Lord Dorchester Secondary School, one fellow in the football, and that other whole school had a tiny gold stud earring and three people are beginning welders from the tech wing beat the life out of him and to look at me the way I stuffed him in a locker after gym class. I shudder to look at my father. I've think what they'd have done to one of these pin gone from being a well cushions. rounded athlete to just So after two hours of grumbling to my wife about being well rounded. clothes, or hair, and saying things like, "Look at that freak" or "What was he thinking piercing that?", I came Oh well, look on the to the realization that I'm turning into my father. I bright side, only ten mean, I'm not wearing polyester plaid pants and more years until my falling asleep at the supper table yet, but I am starting mid-life crises and at to hear myself using some of his words and least I'll be driving a developing some of his habits. For instance, I cool car again. remember when ten o'clock was the time that we pesticides in Ontario LICENSING AND OTHER REGULATORY CHANGES exterminator licence (ie. those who do not possess any by John W. Gravett current licence) must certify through the Ontario Pesticide Training and Certification Program (1-888- In accordance with amendments to Regulation 914 620-9999) at Ridgetown College. under the Pesticides Act, the Ministry of Environment The college will provide the study packages and (MOE) is implementing a new pesticide licensing administer examinations for new exterminators across system and introducing other requirements related to Ontario. Licence preparation courses will still be the use, handling and sale of pesticides in Ontario. provided by private companies and some community Consistent with the new national pesticide education, colleges. The MOE pesticide officers are no longer training and certification standard, the number of involved in the licencing process and will be categories of pesticide licences has been reduced from dedicating their time to enforcement and follow-up. 53 to 18. The new pesticide licensing system will be Other regulatory changes announced include: all phased in beginning October 1,1998 and will be in full unlicenced assistants working without onsite direct effect by October 1, 2003. When their current licences supervision will have to successfully complete a expire, about 90% of who presently hold a valid Land training program to become technicians as of January Class 1 & 3 licence, will be eligible to apply for the new 1, 2000; recycling of empty pesticide containers; landscape licence. If you presently do not hold both standardizing insurance coverage for individuals classes of licences, you will need to complete operating extermination companies; exempting certification and obtain new licences under the new exterminators from obtaining a licence for certain low system. It is the MOE's intention to allow a five-year toxicity pesticides that are available to the general grace period for those people to complete certification. public. For more information, stay tuned to future MOE will be mailing out renewal notices to existing issues of Green Is Beautiful!! exterminators as their licences come up for renewal. The notices will indicate which equivalent licence(s) John W. Gravett is currently the superintendent at Credit you are eligible for under the new system. You will Valley Golf & Country Club in Mississauga, Ontario. Mr. have to apply for one or more of these licences and Gravett is a member of the current O.G.S.A. board of submit a fee of $90.00 for each licence which will be directors and is the director of TURFECS, an educational valid for five years. Most people involved in the golf consulting service specializing in pesticide and Turfgrass course industry (Land Class 1 and 3) will find that the training. new landscape licence will cover all of their needs. The landscape licence allows the use of pesticides in a land extermination on residential, recreational, PESTICIDE LICENSING EXAM PREPARATION commercial and public lands to: WORKSHOP • maintain turf and ornamental plants. University of Guelph is offering two more of their • maintain ornamental plants intended for sale. highly successful exam preparation workshops • control pests on the outside of structures or during November and February. The course buildings in connection with landscape participants were so successful in writing the pesticide management (ie. spiders, earwigs) control exams during the spring, that the word is out! "We pests (ie. adult mosquitoes, gypsy moths, have had many request for another offering," said tent caterpillars, etc.) In treed areas of one program manger Peggy Nagle. "Participants in this hectare or less. program had an outstanding nearly 80% pass rate". • maintain parking lots, driveways, pathways or The instructors, Cindy Schwan and Dr. Gerry easements associated with the residential, Stephenson don't just teach to the exam. They educate recreational, commercial or public land as long the applicators so they understand the theory and are as the rights of way or other easements can be able to make good decisions. reached from the property without crossing a The fall course will be held four Monday evenings public road. beginning November 16th at the Holiday Inn in With the new landscape licence, you are not permitted Guelph. The winter course is held two Wednesdays to use pesticides in a water extermination or use on February 10th and 17th. Exam sittings are pesticides in treed areas of more than one hectare. The scheduled shortly after each course. For more new licence fees will remain unchanged from the old information, please contact Peggy Nagle at the system and will still be valid for a period of 5 years. University of Guelph. Call 519-824-4120, Ext. 3814 or People who plan on applying for a new pesticide email: pnagle@open.uoguelph.ca . Keep Your Course In Top Condition... Legacy Golf Control water, labor and energy costs with a Legacy irrigation system. Century is your local distributor with With Irrigation a complete line of rotors, valves and controllers. Supplies from CENTURY RAIN AID Sprinklers • Valves • Controllers • Fountains • Pump Stations • Controller Service Repair olf course superintendents like yourself are making help solve any irrigation or drainage problems. They can also G plans to get their courses in top shape for the new season. show you what's new in clubhouse landscape lighting, And irrigation is at the top of their lists. Century golf professionalswater features and more. Call today for a FREE catalog and on-site can show you how to maintain a highly-playable course, and can consultation: 800-347-4272. Controller Board Repairs SyncroFlo Pumps Aqua Master Fountains Call Century when you need controller An efficient pump station can solve many Improve water quality with an aerating board repairs for Rain Bird and Toro golf irrigation problems. Century now offers the fountain. Century can also show you how controllers. SyncroFlo Eagle • to create water Replacement Series, the premier features from boards can be system for golf existing streams shipped within courses. or ponds. 24 hours. Call 888-855-9132. Now Serving These Major Markets: Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, www.rainaid.com Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, 800-347-4272 Wisconsin and Ontario, Canada. CENTURY GOLF PROFESSIONAL - ONTARIO • GILLIAN GLAZER 905-881-4794 ontario turf symposium 1999 Ontario Turfgrass Symposium 1999 - Better than Ever What is bigger, better and more exciting than ever? Ontario Turfgrass Symposium 1999 is going to approach 2000 well prepared with its exceptional program, "Turf Technologies for the New Millennium." OMAFRA Turfgrass Specialist, Pam Charbonneau calls it "the best program yet". Topics centre on the theme "Turf Technologies for the New Millennium." The 1999 Ontario Turfgrass Symposium is held January 5 to 7,1999 at the Regal Constellation Convention Centre in Etobicoke. Accreditation This year, you have the option of accreditation by three organizations. Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) accredits Ontario Turfgrass Symposium with one full Professional Development Unit. The symposium also earns points for your Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) Master Superintendent certification. Several sessions earn Continuing Education Units for the Certified Crop Advisor Program. Early Bird Registration Advance Program brochures will be mailed out in early October. Early bird registrants save on their registration before November 21, 1999. Your non-member employees can save on registration fees when they register at the same time as their OGSA member employer. Trade Show More exhibitors than ever will be showing their new products and services at the 1999 Trade Show during the symposium. "We are very excited about the variety of exhibitors you will find this year at Ontario Turfgrass Symposium", said trade show manager, Peggy Nagle. Need more information? For more information on the 1999 Ontario Turfgrass Symposium, contact the Office of Open Learning at the University of Guelph, 160 Johnston Hall, Guelph, Ontario N1M 5H6. Phone 519-767-5000, Fax 519-767-1114, e-mail info@open.uoeuelph.ca 1999 Speaker Program - Tues. Jan. 5,1999 10:00 a.m. Opening Ceremonies, Rob Witherspoon, Director, GTI 10:30 - 11:30 Celebrating Canadian Excellence: From Argos to Rebliatti, Brian Williams, CBC-TV Sportscaster 11:30 - 12:30 Session for Greens Chairs, Club Presidents, Club Managers, Picking the Top Canadian Golf Courses, Bob Weeks, Score Magazine Afternoon Industry Specific Seminars 2:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Golf Course 2:30 - 3:00 GTI Research Update Disease Prediction for Sclerotinia homeocarpa (Dollar Spot), Brenda Walsh, A Comparison of Leaching of Two Different Fertilizers, Dr. Gary Parkin Use of Composts in Turfgrass Management, Dr. Ken Carey, GTI 3:15 - 3:45 New Upright Bentgrass Cultivars, Rick Elyea, Tee - 2- Green 3:45 - 4:15 The Role of Enhancing Antioxidant Content of Turfgrasses in Response to Environmental Stress, Dr. Dick Schmidt, Virginia Polytechnic Institute 4:15 - 4:45 What You Should Know About How That Grass Grows, Dr. Joe DiPaola, Novartis ontario turf symposium 1999 Wed. Jan. 6,1999 Concurrent Seminars 9:00 a.m. -12:00 6. The Search for the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine, Jim Brown and Ralph Kikkert, Strive!. This experiential learning activity is a simulation of a modern-day gold mining expedition. Each team must make plans, take action and reap the results. The behaviours that are evoked generate interactions and outcomes that are remarkable like "real life". After the adventure participants are asked to stand back and evaluate what they did as individuals and as teams. The discussions afterward address the importance of teamwork, leadership and communication and rather than being told the answers, they tell themselves and each other. 7. Just What is Pre-Stress Conditioning of Turf, Dr. Joe DiPaola, Novartis. This seminar will examine cultural approaches that will pre-condition the turf to help minimize stress in the turfgrass ecosystem. 8. Turf Irrigation Workshop, Dave Zoldoske, Center for Irrigation Technology, California State University. This session will address the areas that the Center for Irrigation Technology is involved with and discuss specifics of evaluating, improving and managing irrigation efficiency on large turf areas such as golf courses and sports fields. 9. And Still More Turf Case Studies, Dr. Jack Eggens, GTE This workshop will present life turf problems and give participants the opportunity to use their knowledge to and problem solve. Afternoon Industry Specific Seminars 2:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Golf Course New Products - New Technologies 2:30 - 3:00 Humic Substances and Their Potential for Improved Turfgrass Growth, Dr. Rich Cooper, North Carolina State University 3:00 - 3:30 Precision Turf Management using Global Positioning Systems, Chris Vander Kant, Soil Stewardship Group 3:45 - 4:15 Global Positioning System for Turf: A Case Study, Greg Patterson, A & L Laboratories 4:15 - 4:45 New Technologies that You Can Bank On, David Oatis, USGA Green Section Thurs. Jan. 7,1999 Morning Concurrent Seminars 9:00 am -12:00 am 1. Career Management, Donnamarie Dunk, Strive. This workshop will be an interactive workshop customized for golf course superintendents, lawn care operators and parks and recreation staff. Successful careers do not just happen - they must be planned out carefully with well-defined goals. Career goals must also by harmonized with personal values to lead to personal wellness associated with job satisfaction. 2. Irrigation Water Quality, David Smith and Corrie Almack. Participants will be taught how to interpret an irrigation water analysis, plant tissue analysis, soil analysis and saturated soil analysis. There will be discussion of how this analytical data relates to the overall turf maintenance program. 3. Identification and Management of Turfgrass Diseases in Ontario, Dr. Tom Hsiang, Guelph Turfgrass Institute. This workshop will cover the major turf diseases which occur in Ontario, their symptoms, conditions favouring diseases and cultural and chemical controls to keep them in check. 4. Microbiology of Turfgrass Soils, Dr. Rich Cooper, North Carolina State University. Soils are teaming with both micro and macro-organisms. Learn their distribution and function and their role in fertilization, thatch management and pesticide degradation. The effects of biostimulants, hormones, natural organic fertilizers and humic acids on turfgrass and soil ecosystems will be discussed. Afternoon - Industry Specific Seminars 1:00 - 2:30 Golf Course 1:00 -1:30 Timely Tips for Terrible Traffic Problems, David Oatis, USGA Green Section 1:30 - 2:00 Innovative Superintendents: "The New Green: One Year and 38,000 Rounds Later", Owen Russell, Weston Golf Course and "Augusta National" David Kuypers 2:00 - 2:30 Collegiate Challenge Teams representing University of Guelph Diploma, University of Guelph Degree and Penn State Alumni go head to head in a test of their turf management knowledge. the early years by Gordon Witteveen spite of their reputation, moved to the Royal York Board of Trade Hotel across the street. The room rent for the meeting was $ 5.00. In 1937 a bill from the Royal York in the A bit of history gleaned from the pages of a long lost amount of $ 3.00 for a "lantern" was approved for minute book found recently in the attic of the Wylie payment. Had there been another fight resulting in a residence in Brampton. damaged light fixture?? More then likely the "lantern" Long before "Mission Statements" became the order was a forerunner of our modern slide projector and of the day of organizations in the 90-s, the Golf was rented to show pictures of golf courses. Greenkeepers Association of Ontario inl924 clearly An entry on March 9th records a motion that a stated its purpose: For information and instruction. minute book, purchased by Mr. J. Stanfield, ( Educational and mutual advantage of its members, to Scarborough GC). be paid for. Thus we know who assist other members in obtaining employment and to purchased the book. In 1937 Norman MacDonald extend membership. This mission statement was (Willowdale GC) is accepted as a new member. repeated year after year when the association applied Norman MacDonald was my neighbour and mentor in annually for renewal of its charter to the provincial 1960 when I came to Toronto. By that time he had secretary. At first membership was limited to head become Superintendent at the old Yorkdowns GC on greenkeepers only and it was not until much later Bathurst St. Also in 1937 Mr. Wm. Pritchard is the when commercial salespeople and suppliers were greeenkeper at Thornhill GC. The August meeting is accepted as members. Membership was confined to held at the Brantford GC with 17 greenkeepers Toronto area golf courses. The western part of the present. Mr. J. Anderson resigned because of province had their own association. "grievances". It seems they settled their grievances Regular winter meetings were held at Walker House because Mr. Anderson was again present at the next on Front St., but the greenkeepers wore out their meeting and seconded a motion just to be congenial. welcome when the meetings became rowdy. Fist fights On Feb 8th Horace Purdy the new greenkeeper at the resulted in damage to furniture. The greenkeepers, in Toronto GC is accepted as a member. Horace is the first continued on page 17 our building project represents many things: a Y tangible asset, an aid to productivity, and an expression of your goals and values. They can all be summed up with two words: pride and confidence. We build large quantities of both into every Braemar project. Isn’t that reason enough to call Braemar first? For your FREE ESTIMATES ADDITIONS • RENOVATIONS call RICK or JACK BRENZIL NEW BUILDINGS•WOOD and STEEL STRUCTURES RRI YORK, ONT NOA IRO TELEPHONE: (905) 772-3551 • FAX: (905) 772-3422 That’s the Braemar frame ofmind. 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 SítePro Picture-perfect irrigation control. TURF CARE Contact the Irrigation Division at (905) 836-0988 for more information Consider yourself a candidate Applications for the 1999 Environmental Steward Awards 1999 are available from the August issue of Golf Course Management, GCSAA Online (www.gcsaa.org), affiliate chapter presidents, program sponsors and the GCSAA service center (800/472-7878). Well look forward to receiving your application by October 30, 1998. A partnership program benefiting The GCSAA Foundation 29 ADVANCE ROAD TORONTO, ONTARIO M8Z2S6 PHONE: (416) 236-1001 FAX: (416)236-4654 www.albiongolfcars.com BRUCE MCDONALD Corrie Almack, P.Ag. Box 256, Carlisle, Ontario LOR 1HO Phone 905-689-6174 Fax 905-689-8522 c.almack@sympatico.ca The Scotts Company Brett Murray Technical Sales - Professional Products Dave Dick Jeff McMaster Turfgrass Specialist Turfgrass Specialist Maple Farm Supply Bus: (905) 857-2000 8112 King Road West Mobile: (416) 616-8112 39 Monte Vista Trail 1864 Bowler Drive P.O. Box 370 Fax: (905) 857-8215 Brampton, Ont. L6Z 2J7 Pickering, Ont. LIV 3E4 Bolton, Ontario L7E 5T3 1-800-268-4425 Fax & Phone 905-846-3319 Fax & Phone 905-839-6526 brett.murray@sympatico.ca Scotts Head Office 1-800-543-0006 Rob Field ♦ RENTAL PTP Sales Manager Car: (905) 541-8872 RayGordon ♦ SALES Fax: (905) 632-2158 ♦ SERVICE Nu-Gro Corporation Joe D'Ovidio Branch Manager Highway 59 South, P.O. Box 1148 Woodstock, Ontario N4S 8P6 Ray-Gordon Equipment Limited Tel: (519) 456-2021 21 Milvan Drive Product Info Line: 1-800-268-2806 Weston, Ontario Office (416) 742-3190 M9L1Y8 Fax (416) 742-4355 • Turf Pride Granular Fertilizers • Plant-Prod® Soluble Fertilizers • Pest Control Products SUPPLIERS OF TOP QUALITY BENT AND BLUE GRASSES Flout Products Co. Ltd., 314 Orenda Rd., Brampton, ON L6T 1G1 (416) 364-5700 905-793-7000,800-387-2449, Fax 905-793-9157 Woodstock, ON N4S 8P6 Tel: (519) 456-2021 Fax: (519) 456-5002 Lebanon Representative: Randall Rogers Tel: (248) 673-7146 Fax: (248) 673-7148 the early days Continued from page 12 WE'VE GOT college educated greenkeeper in Canada. He graduated with a BSA from OAC and during his THE SOLUTION student days he played on the Varsity Football FOR YOU! team. Also in Feb. 1938 Mr. Sansom who has now retired from Toronto, some maintain that he was fired or eased out, moved that the dues be increased to $ 5.00 a year. Sansom worked for many years after on the private estate of one of the wealthy Toronto GC members. In January of most years the association organized an annual luncheon, later this would become an annual banquet to which the ladies were invited. OJ Noer is invited to address the 1938 luncheon at the Royal York Hotel. OJ, chief agronomist with the Milwaukee Sewerage Commission for the next 20years dominates the golf course maintenance field in North America. Millorganite was a cure all for most golf course problems but OJ's role in turf went far beyond his favourite fertilizer. He visited golf courses from coast to coast both in Canada and the United states and his expertise helped many greenkeepers hang on to their jobs when they were under the gun from dissatisfied club officials. We don't know how the meeting and banquet where OJ Noer was supposed to speak DELTASPRAYtm soluble fertilizers are formulated to spoon turned out. The outcome is not recorded in the feed your turf or supplement your granular program. minute book. The next entry is of a regular meeting at the Lakeview GC in May 1939 and was attended by only seven members. Mr. Lewis of DELTASPRAY the Islington GC was accepted as a new member. 1939 must have been a difficult year for area SOLUTIONS • free-flowing, non-hardening formulae superintendents. It was also the year that • responsive, ideal before tournaments rumblings of war were taking place in Europe. •formulated with micronutrients • easy to apply The war is not mentioned anywhere in the • no mower pick-up minutes. The annual luncheon was held that year • full spectrum of formulae: on Tuesday, November 21st.Canada was already 29-7-15 17-10-13 28-14-14 26-0-26 10-52-10 15-15-30 15-30-15 20-20-20 at war by that time but the association had their next meeting on December 12th at which they NUTRITE Division of passed a motion to thank the luncheon Hydro Agri Canada L.P. committee. They must have had a good time in Elmira, Ontario Telephone: (519) 669-5401 Brossard, Quebec Telephone: (514) 462-2555 spite of a tough summer and a devastating war Toll Free: (800) 265-8865 Toll Free: (800) 561-7449 Fax: (519) 669-8971 Fax: (514) 462-3634 just ahead. The next issue of Green is Beautiful will examine how the greenkeepers fared during the 40-s. professional certification ONTARIO SUPERINTENDENT RECEIVES PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION Scott Wheeler, superintendent at West Haven financial and human resource management. Golf & Country Club, has been designated a Certified As part of the certification process, an on-site Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) by the Golf inspection of Wheeler's golf course operation was Course Superintendents Association of America conducted by two certified golf course (GCSAA). Scott has been superintendent of the superintendents: Bob Heron, CGCS at Beacon Hall London, Ontario course since 1992. Golf Club, Aurora, Ontario, and Paul Dermott, CGCS GCSAA instituted the certification program in at Oakdale Golf & Country Club, Downsview, 1971 to recognize outstanding and progressive Ontario. superintendents. More than 1,600 golf course Since 1926, GCSAA has been the leading superintendents currently hold "CGCS" status. professional association for the men and women who To become certified, a candidate must have at least manage and maintain golf facilities in the United three years' experience as a golf course States and worldwide. From its headquarters in superintendent, be employed in that capacity and Lawrence, Kansas, the association provides education, meet specific post secondary educational requirements information and representation to more than 18,000 and/or continuing education units (CEUs). The individual members from more than 50 countries. candidate must then pass a rigorous six-hour GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance examination covering: knowledge of GCSAA and its their profession and enrich the quality of golf and its certification program; rules of golf; turfgrass environment. management; pest control, safety and compliance; and Slitt on Time Save Nine 41 Kelfield Street Rexdale, Ontario M9W 5A3 CDN 1-800-325-4871 USA 1-800-665-2698 Topdress Nine in Half the Time O.T.R.F ONTARIO TURF RESEARCH FOUNDATION The 1998 edition of this annual fund-raiser for turfgrass research was held on August 10th at the Bayview Country Club in Thornhill. Despite heavy rains the weekend before the event and threatening skies the day of, 124participants enjoyed a great day. The new format, which included tiered levels of sponsorship in lieu of supplier involvement at a barbeque, proved to be an overwhelming success. The meals for the event were provided bathe host club meaning a more formal style of hospitality and a more relaxing day for both the attendees and the suppliers. This has also translated into a significant increase in the net proceeds that go to support research at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. While the final accounting is yet to be done, something in the order of $ 40,000 was raised through sponsorships, entry fees, additional dinner attendees (36) and donations. Special thanks must be extended to our title sponsor, Ontario Turf Equipment Co. (OTEC) for stepping up in this, the inaugural year of this aggressive new format. All the parties listed below are responsible foraging the day such an overwhelming financial success while, at the same time, enhancing the enjoyment of all participants. If you are in a position to thank them by purchasing products or services in the coming year, please do so. Excellent tee prizes, a closest to the sprinkler competition and some friendly kibitzing on the course were all part of a fun day that promises to be even better next year when we will be hosted by the DEVILS PULPIT GOLF ASSOCIATION. If you missed out this year, keep an eye open for an upcoming announcement regarding the date for the 1999 event. Low Gross 2nd Low Gross Low Net 2nd Low Net "A" Flight Bob McCloskey Thom Charters BrianRosenberg Kevin Ottman "B" Flight Ray Richards Ron Craig Brian Allen BobGolden "C" Flight Phil Brown Paul Cooper GreggAllan Brian Sparks SPONSORS PLATINUM OTEC BRONZE All Turf Almack & Associates Carrick Design Inc. Castrol Calloway Golf HOST SPONSOR Bayview Country Club CPGA of Canada Doug Wood Large Tree Sales GOLD GC Duke Ltd/Smithco Fertichem Green Cross GLOCO Seeds Turf Care Greenhorizons Group of Farms Utica Golf & Turf Hutcheson Sand & Mixes K Promotions SILVER Albion Golf Cars McCracken Golf Supplies Flatspikes Nu Gro Corporation Gordon Bannerman Ltd. Nutrite Kubota OSECO Inc. Maple Turf Supply Plant Products Ltd. Molsons Pumptronics Multitynes Turf Drain Inc. Skyway Lawn Equipment United Horticultural Supply Vanden Bussche Irrigation Vigoro CONTRIBUTING AG Turf Arborist Tree Service Burnside Golf Service Canadian Irrigation Consultants Pickseed Zander Sod Co. PREMIER DONORS SPRING LAKES GOLF CLUB BOARD OF TRADE COUNTRY CLUB CLUBLINK reel cooperation slim at best, and the turnaround time is from two days This is the first in a series of to a week to get back up and fully operational. What articles written by members of the can be done to prevent this happening to you? GOLF EQUIPMENT Discussions with several industrial electricians over TECHNICIANS ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO (GETAO) for the years have enlightened me that industry has phase GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL. These protection on their electric motors. This device articles will be equipment related monitors the input voltage of the motor itself. It with emphasis on upkeep and compares the line voltage of each phase and should it repair. find lets say zero volts on one leg of the motor, (single phase situation) it would shut down the motor before it had the opportunity to overheat and burn out. This GOLF COURSE PUMPS device is not something new yet phase protection in When GC mechanics think of pumps used on the our pump- houses has not been a priority. With budget course, we think of the high pressure, high precision time looming in the very near future this pump house hydraulic pumps. Superintendents think of the life upgrade is well worth considering. It may be to late for sustaining irrigation pumps. Since everyone knows me, but it could save you from a lot of grey hairs and that Green is Beautiful, I will water-down my topic to more importantly from brown turf. that of the irrigation pump. During my nearly twenty years of work in the shops of Ontario golf courses, I Ray Joyce have found that the single major component failure of GETAO President an irrigation system is the pump motor itself. Lesser turf equipment manager parts fail more often but none have the potential for St. George's Golf and Country Club disaster than that of the dreaded pump motor burnout. Pump motors will not fail sitting unused during periods of adequate moisture. Pump motors fail during extended drought conditions when water is desperately needed. I am sure all of you reading this have experienced this at least once, I know I have on more occasions than I care to remember. Electric motors in general run for years without any problems, yet irrigation pump motors on the golf course don't get the life expectancy of those in industry. Why? Examination of these failures finds that the huge majority of motor burnout is caused primarily from unbalanced phasing at the motor itself. Some common causes of unbalanced phasing are: 1. Line fuse opens.(blows)(single phase situation occurs.) 2. Motor fuse opens (single phase situation - RESPONSE - DUALITY - PRODUCTS - SOLUTIONS occurs.) Take the pressure off next year’s irrigation system start-up through our end-of-season pump-motor overhaul 3. Magnetic motor starter contacts don't" make", service. With several repair sites in Southwest Ontario, or make contact with high resistance causing a low we’re just a nine-iron away. voltage situation, (voltage/current imbalance or Pelee maintenance professionals will ensure your pump­ motor units are fully refurbished (cleaned, epoxy coat possible single phase situation). In all cases of single motor windings, balance rotor/impeller, new seal and phase running (or phase imbalance) of the pump bearings, etc.) and tested before the next hot summer. Be certain now... avoid problems later! motor, one set of motor windings gets extremely hot to the point of failure. Once a winding burns out, the Special pricing available on multi-pump overhaul orders. Call the Pelee team today for more information... 24-hour pump motor must be removed and sent away for emergency service available! AU work guaranteed. rewinding. (This simple statement fails to recognize New motors, pumps and parts also available the huge labor undertaking involved with pump 1-800-432-4278 ask for Mike or Steve removal and expense which often requires the rental of 1-888-467-2616 ask for John or Allyssyn Fax: (519) 351-3932 cranes and the like.) This is the time when water is Web: www.peleegroup.com required. The weather is HOT! The chance of rain is YOU WILL BE SATISFIED! Shaping the Renovation Scene Golf Course Renovations & Construction Turf Drain Inc. Turf Drain Inc. 111 Farquhar Street, Guelph, Ontario N1H 3N4 Tel (519) 763-3130 • Fax (519) 763-5086 TURF CARE TORO® BIOPRO® TORO®BIOPRO® LIQUID NUTRIENTS FERTIGATION SYSTEMS Is your crew’s day eaten away by hours of granular GIVE YOU ULTIMATE CONTROL nutrient distribution? Fertigation may be the answer for your issue-specific or full-course application of nutrients. Simply select one of our flexible Toro NutriFlow™ fertigation systems which can be easily installed into your existing irrigation system. STEP ONE Order the NutriFlow system (ranging from 2.5 - 170 GPM) that fits your needs. It will arrive with everything needed to get started immediately - without a significant investment of time or money. STEP TWO Next, select the Toro BioPro liquids you’d like to put to work on your course. Hook your system up to one of our easily changeable FlexLine™ containers and you’re on your way. There is no direct handling of product. It’s that easy. TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR TURF. Contact Wray Mason or Doug Hubble at Turf Care today. You’ll be fertigating STEP THREE sooner than you think. Take control. Choose the application and frequency that is right for your turf. Apply a specialty blend this evening. Then switch to distribute a premium organic­ THE FLEXIBLE ALTERNATIVE based NPK blend whenever you choose. The choice and control is totally yours. TO GRANULARS. 190 Britannia Rd. E., Unit 22 140 Milner Ave., Unit 24 2575 Delzotto Avenue, Units D & E Mississauga, Ont. L4Z 1W6 Scarborough, Ont. MIS 3R3 Gloucester, Ontario KIT 3V6 Ph: (905) 890-6290 Fax: (905) 890-5598 Ph: (416) 298-2101 Fax: (416) 298-8758 Ph: (613) 822-1881 Fax: (613) 822-2099 Providing application/fertigation equipment & nutrients to the Ontario turfgrass industry. Turf Care Products Canada 200 PONY DRIVE, NEWMARKET, ONTARIO L3Y 7B6 PHONE (905) 836-0988 FAX: (905) 836-6442