October 1999 Green is Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Beekeeping at Oakdale Inside the Ropes at the Bell Canadian Open Light on Fairways. Heavy on Productivity Jacobsen LF 3400 The Jacobsen LF-3400 lightweight offers the best of both worlds. For a manicured finish, the LF-3400 features 7-blade, 5-inch diameter reels that lightly follow the contours of your fairways. The patented Jacobsen Turf Groomer™ turf conditioner provides proven thatch control. 1184 PLAINS ROAD EAST And for maximum productivity, the LF-3400 BURLINGTON, ONTARIO L7S 1W6 delivers 34-hp, a 100 inch mowing swath and the patented FlashAttach® reel-mounting system Burlington Area: (905) 637-5216 for quick changeovers and maintenance without Toronto Area: (905) 338-2404 All Other Ontario Areas: (800) 883-0761 tools. If you want the finish of a lightweight and Fax: (905) 637-2009 the productivity of a heavyweight, come in or call today. www.ttcsp.textron.com ASJA-LF3400-0599 © 1999 Textron Turf Care and Specialty Products All rights reserved. Printed in Canada. Contents Green is BEEKEEPING AT OAKDALE.......................................... 12 Beautiful 1999 OGSA heritage award .......................................................... 9 The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association $1,00000 Turfgrass scholarship award........................................... 17 Due diligence - what is it? ............................................................ 10 Fair weather for field day ............................................................. 15 Gord Witteveen's retirement day................................................. 16 Health and safety .......................................................................... 5 Inside the ropes ............................................................................. 8 Irrigation audits.............................................................................. 14 Looking back ................................................................................... 23 Prep-work to avoid ice damage.................................................... 18 President's message ...................................................................... 4 Tip of the month............................................................................ 9 COVER PICTURE Burlington Golf Working in a sensitive environment............................................ 21 & Country Club Advertisers Albion Golf Cars and Turf Equipment.......................................... 19 Almack ............................................................................................. 19 Braemar Building Systems ............................................................ 15 Century Rain Aid............................................................................. 20 DOL Turf Restoration Ltd............................................................... 4 The Fruit Farmer ............................................................................. 23 G.C. Duke Equipment Ltd............................................................... 2 Graphic Services Ltd....................................................................... 4 Hutcheson Sand and Mixes ........................................................... 21 Loraday Environmental Products Ltd............................................ 11 Maple Farm Supply ........................................................................ 18 Nu-Gro Professional .................................................................... 15 Nu-Gro Professional ....................................................................... 23 Nutrite Hydro Agri Canada L.P. ..................................................... 19 OSC Seeds ....................................................................................... 5 Professional Lawn Care Association of Ontario ........................ 9 Pelee Industrial ............................................................................ 13 Plant Products Turf ......................................................................... 17 Skyway Lawn Equipment Limited.............................................. 22 The P.E.S.T. Institute....................................................................... 8 The Scotts Company....................................................................... 18 Turf Care Products Canada - Irrigation Division......................... 22 Turf Care Products Canada ............................................................ 24 Vanden Bussche Irrigation & Equipment Limited ..................... 5 Zander Sod Co. Limited ................................................................. 19 President's message Benefits of being a member The benefits of belonging to an Association are as broad as they are numerous. Our Association was built on pride, respect and for the betterment of the game of golf. The Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association, was founded in 1924 by superintendents wanting to ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS’ invest in their futures. Their purpose was to promote ASSOCIATION fellowship within our industry for the betterment of Guelph Turfgrass Institute the game. Today, this same time honoured tradition 328 Victoria Road South Guelph, ON N1H6H8 continues within our Association. There are many Ph: 519-767-3341 visible benefits of being a member of our Toll Free: 877-824-6472 Association: Green is Beautiful; Ontario Turfgrass Symposium; Networking; Fax: 519-766-1704 Education and Scholarships; and Professional Image. These benefits give credibility Email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca to you as a professional within your club and the golfing industry. I am sure there are many more benefits to belonging to the Ontario Golf Superintendent’s BOARD OF DIRECTORS Association, that I have failed to mention. However, those mentioned above have PRESIDENT Ian Bowen the greatest impact on you as a Superintendent. PAST PRESIDENT Simon George Invest in your future, by becoming a member of the Ontario Golf VICE-PRESIDENT Keith Bartlett Superintendents’ Association. TREASURER John Gravett SECRETARY Jim Flett DIRECTORS Rob Ackerman Dean Baker Jeff Burgess Dave Cours Bob Heron Mark Piccolo RR1 Thornton, ON Paul Scenna LOL 2N0 OFFICE Tel: (705) 458-2851 ADMINISTRATOR Dorothy Hills Fax: (705) 458-2849 Toll Free: 1-800-794-9664 e-mail: gdol@dolturfrestoration.on.ca •Tile Drainage • Slit Drainage •Top Dressing • Overseeding •SportGrass™ • Gravel Band Drainage •Sodding • Fine Grading • Verti Drain Deep Tine Aeration “Tile drainage installation was clean, quick and very effi­ “Drainage was installed by an organization with quality & cient”- Dan Mulroy, superintendent, Kleinburg Golf Club service being the No. 1 priority”- Kevin Bailie, general Member S.T.A., O.R.F.A., O.G.S.A. manager, Launch (The New Golf Game) GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL EDITORIAL SPORTS TURF SPECIALISTS COMMITTEE Mark Piccolo, Editor Dorothy Hills Ron Kowalski Angelo Capannelli Mark Schneider Layout, Design & Printing provided by... Randy Booker Greg O'Heron Eric Williamson GRAPHIC “Green is Beautiful” Bob Heron Jeff Stauffer SERVICES is Printed on Recycled Paper PRINTERS & LITHOGRAPHERS Green is Beautiful 1999 Although every effort is made to check e-mail: info@graser-novtic.com material for publication, the association is not responsible for material published on http://www.graser-novtic.com behalf of its contributors. All rights are reserved by the publisher and any reproduction in whole or part 32 - 34 Essex Street, Guelph, ON N1H 3K8 without the written permission of the Tel.: (519) 763-5745 • Fax: (519) 763-9532 publisher is prohibited. Health and safety by DougJohnson First Aid & Safety Supplies Oer the last few months I have written v Every workplace must also have a SEEDS a number of articles about safety on the worker trained in First Aid on each shift. For All Your golf course and I read, with interest, the Also, remember that all workplaces article by Geoff Perkins. Mr. Perkins require an eyewash fountain that is Golf Course Needs! briefly discussed some First Aid. This readily available to the workers in the Turf seed, Pesticides, Nutrite Fertilizers started me thinking that First Aid was a event of an eye injury. and Bayco Golf Accessories subject that kind of got left out of the mix. I believe that as safety conscious It may be late in the season but it is not employers, it is imperative that you go P.O. Box 7, Waterloo, Ont. N2J 3Z6 too late to think of next year, so here it goes. beyond the minimum. It is a good idea to Tel: (519) 886-0557 Fax: (519) 886'0605 As superintendents, you have a stock extra items that are pertinent to your 1'800'465'5849 Email: seeds@sympatico.ca responsibility to ensure that there is an type of work. You should consider the type adequately stocked First Aid kit available of work you are doing and prepare your­ David Schmelefske and a defined emergency response self for the potential injuries by reviewing A. Kent McDonald program if an injury occurs. There are your accidents and discussing your needs some minimum requirements for this with a competent supplier. First Aid kit depending on the number of Here are some of the extra items you employees you have at your workplace. might consider having at your First Aid adhesive tape, and a good quality pair of You can find the minimum requirements station: first aid cream, forceps, sting stop, bandage scissors. There may be other listed in the Workplace Safety and no bleed, antiseptic solution, 2nd Skin for items that are pertinent to your opera­ Insurance Board (WSIB) Regulations burns, Finger Tip and Knuckle bandages, tion. If you have questions or comments 1101. Call me or the WSIB and make butterfly closures, cold packs, tensor please call and I will try to help you. sure you have a copy on site and with your bandages, a CPR disposable rescue Enjoy the fall. Let’s hope it’s a long First Aid kit. breather, at least one roll of one inch wide one like last year! WE SOLVE EVEN THE TOUGHEST IRRIGATION PROBLEMS Ontario Distributor of Vanden Bussche Irrigation Rain Bird Products & Equipment Limited MILTON 1-800-263-4112 (905)875-4545 FAX: (905) 878-4501 E-MAIL: vbi@stn.net Exotic Forest Pest Advisory An Asian Long-Horned Beetle N. Humphreys, E. Allen and L. Humble Canadian Forest Service, Pacific Forestry Centre An Asian long-horned beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis (Motchulsky) (Coleoptera:Cerambycidae), has been intercepted in 1997 at various locations throughout North America. This beetle is native to Northeast Asia and is a serious pest of hardwood All photos: Ken Law, USDA trees in China. In British Columbia and Ontario, the interceptions have been associated with wood pack­ ing material in shipments of metal pipe and wooden spools used for shipping cable or wire rope. There is no evidence that this species is established in Canada, but the detection signifies a potential threat to Canadian forests. Adult Recognition Body: large (20-35 mm long and 7-12 mm wide); The Threat elytra shiny black with up to 20 white dots; prominent pair of spines in front of elytra • This insect attacks and kills healthy trees. • It has no known natural enemies within Canada's Antennae: longer than the body with 11 seg­ forests. ments; each segment is black with a whitish-blue • The majority of Canadian broadleaf trees would ring at the base be susceptible. Legs: black, tinged with a whitish-blue colour; • Most hardwoods would be at risk, including tarsi prominent, with whitish-blue upper surface native and hybrid poplars, red alder, bigleaf maple, arbutus, willow, bitter cherry and various fruit trees. • The climate of some southern portions of Canada Hosts is particularly amenable to the establishment of this insect. Most hardwood species, but especially: • Recent infestations in New York (1996) and Chicago (1998) have resulted in the removal of • maples (Acer), Norway, red, sugar, silver, over 2000 trees and millions of dollars have boxelder, sycamore; been spent on survey and control. • horsechestnut (Aesculus); • elms (Ulmus); • poplars (Populus); and, • willows (Salix). Natural Resources Ressources naturelies Canada Canada Canadian Forest Service Service Canadian des forets Canada Larva Recognition Prothorax has a brown mark with no brown margin at the front of the mark; 50 mm long fully grown Pupa Recognition Off-white, protruding structure at eighth segment of abdomen; Life Cycle 30-33 mm long and 11 mm wide In its native range, this insect may have a one- or two-year life cycle. It has the ability to overwinter as an Symptoms and Damage egg, larva or pupa. Adults feed on the leaves and bark of Egg: trees causing considerable damage. • hatches in 11 days They prefer to attack the shoots of • June-July (1-year cycle) host trees causing the young shoots • September-October (2-year cycle) to wither and die. The female chews What to look for round or lip-shaped grooves on Larva: branches in preparation for laying • Oval to round darkened wounds in • early instars feed in the phloem eggs. Young larvae feed in the sappy, the bark may be opposition • late 4th instars move into the green inner bark causing the bark to sites, where adult females chew a xylem become concave. Mature larvae bore place to lay their eggs. into the heartwood of the tree, and Pupa: create large, winding galleries in the • Large (9-11 mm) round holes any­ inner wood, eventually killing the where on the tree including • in early spring, mature larvae host. Emerging adults chew their way branches, trunk and exposed pupate in the wood out of the wood creating large, circu­ roots. These are the sites where Adult: lar exit holes and heavy, coarse wood adults exit from the tree. • begins emerging in May fibres on the ground. • Large piles of coarse sawdust • populations peak in early July around the base of trees or where • flies for 2-3 days to feed and mate Attacked trees are also prone to sec­ branches meet the main stem, • females make grooves in host ondary attack from other insects and indicating larval feeding. tree branches to lay eggs diseases. Yellowing foliage and pre­ mature leaf drop are other indicators that the insect is present. Increasing global trade and rapid transport of people and materials require us to be increasingly alert to both the import and export of pest-infested wood products. The Canadian Forest Service requests your assistance in reporting any suspected sightings of this beetle or its damage. Pacific Forestry Centre, 506 West Burnside Road, Victoria, B.C. V8Z 1M5 Phone: (250) 363-0600 Fax: (250) 363-0775 http://www.pfc.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. 1998 ISBN. 0-662-63793-3 Cat. No. Fo29-50/1-1998 Inside the ropes by Randy Booker, Superintendent Sleepy Hollow Golf Club here I was standing on the first tee “What an idea!! Sure beats watching sometime. After both players finished at Glen Abbey Golf Club during the third golf from outside the ropes and the and made their way towards the scoring round of the Canadian Open waiting for confines of the crowds”, was my first trailer they made sure to stop and thank my 11:09 tee time with Joe Ogilvie and thought. So off I went to rake bunkers. me for my participation with signed golf Canadian Craig Matthew. The crowd was Upon arriving at the Nu-Gro marquee balls as a reminder of the day. “Z” made huge and full of excitement waiting for us tent and being greeted by Rob and Kaala sure to thank me for doing one of his to tee off. It was a beautiful site, the sun I was issued our uniform - a shirt, hat and many duties as a caddie, allowing him to shining, the wind blowing, spectators wind vest so that we all looked the part of spend more time with Joe Ogilvie, cheering and green grass as far as the eye professional rakers. After a few instruc­ reading putts instead of raking sand. could see. Joe Ogilvies’ caddy introduced tions I made my way to the first tee 10 As my guest and I arrived back at the himself as “Z”, that was “Zee” not “Zed” minutes before my tee time, anxiously Nu-Gro marquee, we were greeted by and was adamant that we all understood. awaiting my trip inside the ropes. The many smiling faces and stories of the day. Then it was time to spring into action. Joe feeling of walking past the Marshals, The hospitality was fantastic and the food Ogilvie stood there with his Titilest 975, through the ropes and onto the first tee terrific as we all sat back and relived our Craig with his Ping ISI and myself with my beside the caddies and PGA players just exciting day. The chance to walk with the Accuform, all set to go. What a picture! set the tone for the rest of the day. Not players and talk with the caddies during Just in case you’re lost, let me explain. knowing what to expect, I just quietly their round and see their ups and downs Early in August I received a letter, as many stood off to the side with rake in hand. It of the day was an experience that I would of you also did, from the RCGA and Rob didn’t take too long to be pulled into the invite all golfers to have. Thanks goes out Field of Nu-Gro, inviting area super­ group with Joe Ogilvie’s caddie, “Z” to the RCGA and Nu-Gro for the oppor­ intendents to take part in a new and extending a warm smile and hand shake tunity to be part of this project. I won’t unique idea for the 1999 Bell Canadian as we introduced ourselves. “Hope we ever forget it. Open. During the final two rounds of the don’t make you work too hard today” Neither player shot the lights out of Open the bunker raking was going to be were the words from PGA tour player, Joe Glen Abbey that Saturday but being right done by “The Bunker Men” as many Ogilvie, as we shook hands and I then there with them throughout the 18 holes spectators referred to us. Each volunteer wished former Canadian Amateur gave me a greater appreciation for what was assigned to a twosome as their bunker champion, Craig Matthew, good luck. these players have to deal with - the raker and would follow the group through­ After all the small talk was done, it was crowd, tough course conditions, their out the 18 holes and “professionally” rake time to get serious as both players emotions and of course, wondering about the bunkers after play. boomed drives down the first hole and this week’s paycheque. off we went. With my rake in hand and We all tend to forget that these guys making sure not to get in anyone’s way, I are human, but as the commercials state was living a dream, except for the fact “THESE GUYS ARE GOOD”! that I was carrying a rake - not a golf club. I spent the first few minutes looking at the people outside the ropes and wondering what they were thinking while SPECIALIZING IN PESTICIDE EDUCATION they watched me walk past them with my & SERVICE TECHNOLOGY trusty Accuform. It didn’t take long for presents that question to be answered. While LAND waiting for both players to hit I over­ EXTERMINATOR heard a little boy ask his father “what’s (LANDSCAPE CATEGORY) that guy doing with the rake” and his LICENCE PREPARATION COURSES father replied, “he has to rake the sand NORTH YORK after they hit out of it.” With my chest a October 18-22, 1999 few inches bigger by now I proceeded November 22 - 26, 1999 to the first green where neither player January 24 - 28, 2000 had hit into a bunker. February 24 - 28, 2000 It wasn’t until the third hole that I was MILTON put into action as Joe Ogilvie landed in December 6-10, 1999 the par 3 greenside bunker. After his Call for London, Ottawa dates shot, I made my Canadian Open debut Gov't exam held on Monday following each course. and jumped into the sand and raked my Instructor: Paul G. Pilley, B.Sc., M. P. M. heart out before they were ready to putt. Throughout the next 4 hours I was only For more information and a brochure contact: P.O. Box 1021 Lindsay, Ontario K9V 5N4 put to work 6 more times and enjoyed E-mail: pgp_pest@lindsaycomp.on.ca them all. The 18th hole arrived too soon Tel: (705) 324-PEST (7378) Fax: (705) 324-9729 Jamie Comba, Bunker Foreman, 1999 for my liking, but the day had to end Bell Canadian Open 1999 OGSA heritage award It is an honour to have been chosen PESTICIDE for the 19,99 OGSA Heritage Award. This will go toward my education at McMaster University, where I am currently enrolled in the Science I programme, which hope­ fully will lead to my goal to become a doctor. To prepare for this challenge, I balanced OAC subjects in maths and sciences, extra-curricular activities and a job. I also volunteered as a coach of the SIGNS Residential & Special Olympics swim team, as well as being involved with the Commercial “One-to-One” programme in Peel Region. Working with developmentally challenged young people, in a team situation, RESIDENTIAL SIGNS • COMMERCIAL SIGNS as well as on an individual basis was a tremendous experience. I gained skills like leadership, organization, communication, FERTILIZER SIGNS • PLASTIC STAKES responsibility, patience, and hard work. These skills should be helpful in the near future, as I continue to balance a course load NEW!! Personalize your signs with your of biology, physics, maths, chemistry and psychology. Company Name & Telephone Number! Winning this award is a real honour as I have also had the opportunity to work the past three summers on the grounds crew Products can also be picked-up at at two Ontario golf courses and hope to continue to do this for GTI, Guelph and Bradford Co-Op Storage, Bradford future summer jobs. Through this experience, as well as growing Call P.L.C.A.O. for details 1-877-80PLCAO (1-877-807-5226) up as a child of an OGSA member, I can truly appreciate what golf superintendents face every day. It is not as easy as it looks and the OGSA and all golf superintendents should be con­ Fax (519) gratulated for their hard work in creating a pleasurable industry 766-1704 e-mail: plcao@gti.uoguelph.ca in an environmentally friendly way. My thanks to the OGSA in recognizing me for this award. Ryan Dick FOR SALE Tip of the month A little dab unscrews it TORO VT 4000 When removing worn or extremely tight Phillips-head HYDRAULIC CONTROL screws, place a dab of valve grinding compound on the screw or screwdriver tip to provide more friction. IRRIGATION PARTS Works great!! Larry E. Albright Grovebrook Golf Club Grove City, Ohio Consisting Of: 1-3 Clock Central Controller 48 - Satellite Controllers Approx. 290 - Toro 690, and 500 - Toro 630 Gear Driven Sprinklers For More Information Contact: Board of Trade Country Club (519) 746-6811 ext. 275 attn: Cory Janzen Due diligence - what is it? Examine Your Present Practices Ontario Fire Code allow Protected Aboveground been "Certified" by CARB, meaning that they can • Still using a single walled steel tank on a stand, Tank Assemblies to be installed: pass the performance testing when equipped with filling by gravity feed? • Under "ZERO" clearances from buildings and proper accessories on the filling and dispensing property lines. [A benefit that may work well when systems. Unfortunately this leaves a very strong • Still storing your regulated / controlled products in "buyer-beware" caveat, so as the buyer one should a structure, building and / or device that has not the tanks need to be located in proximity to the general public.] look into this and ensure they understand the issues been examined by Underwriters' Laboratories of and the trends. Canada (ULC)? • Without unsightly vehicle impact protection barriers. [Mandatory for other tank assemblies/ As we move into the new millennium with our • Looking at the 3" binder, "the CGSA ~ governmental fiscal houses coming into order there Environmental Management Resource Manual installations.] seems to be less resistance to accepting and (EMRM)" and simply trying to find the time, to get implementing environment protection measures that to it? Storage Vaults will enhance our ability to hand over a cleaner The EMRM does not examine the use of Storage environment to our children. This trend has a Having worked with many of the Golf Course Vaults for container storage. This new Underwriters' significant cost burden attached to it when you Laboratories of Canada document was created after contrast it to the economics of making today's fuel Superintendents, we are finding three primary the publication of the EMRM. The purpose of the tank purchase. barriers to TOTAL COMPLIANACE: document is to establish the minimum design and • Finding the time to become sufficiently educated testing criteria to ensure a sufficient level of fire and Defining Due Diligence on the Fire Code, Building Code, Occupational environmental safety of a structure used for storage Health & Safety Act, and Environmental The EMRM; Part 2, clearly plants the seed that and limited dispensing of Dangerous Goods. Compliance Requirements, noncompliance and / or failing to react effectively to [Including; Flammable & Combustible Liquids, • Finding the money, through the Board of Directors, Herbicides, Pesticides & Fertilizers]. the legislative requirements of the Acts, Codes & to identify and then resolve the compliance issues, Guidelines could lead to significant reaction, mostly punitive in nature, by the regulatory authorities. So • Finding the tools to simplify the understanding and Other issues not addressed by the EMRM, how does the Superintendent protect; firstly, himself implementation of solutions that afford TOTAL specific to Ontario include and secondly, the course owners, directors and COMPLIANCE. •New requirements in the 1997 edition of the management? Ontario Fire Code, Under the requirements of "Due Diligence" as There is no doubt about it; the number and sheer • New 1997 Ontario Fire Code mandatory upgrade established by the courts, the Superintendent has a complexity of the regulations that effect the liability deadlines: duty to identify the non-compliance issues and of the Golf Course Superintendents is present the same to owner or the Chairman of the overwhelming. The EMRM consolidates many of the • August 1998 Emergency, Spill and Fire Safety Plan Board in a written format, including a request for requirements that affect each Superintendent. It also must be in place, corrective action. Following the receipt of the report illustrates the consequences of not reacting, provides • August 2000 all storage areas must be upgraded, the Owner or Chairman is obligated to outline the guidance on key issues to be addressed and outline • August 2002 all storage tanks / tank systems must plan for meeting the compliance requirements and some solutions that should be explored. be upgraded. then empower the Superintendent with the ability to However, as with any tool of this kind the EMRM bring the course into compliance by the proposed • New requirements in the impending release of the deadlines. (See 1997 Fire Code deadlines.) could not be specific to every issue because, changes Gasoline Handling Code, in the legislation and the industry make compliance With only one fiscal budget to work with before at any one time a "moving target." Examples • With the impending release of the 1999 Gasoline the deadlines sneak up, it is imperative that the include, but are not limited to: Handling Code there will also be new compliance Superintendents seek qualified help to conduct an requirements for tanks used to dispense fuel into assessment of their storage practices today. To • Punitive requirements as of the 1997 edition of vehicles. the fire codes & the fire Marshals' Act, include a achieve this the Superintendent needs to make a key fine for not having an Emergency, Spill and Fire •The Environmental Protection Legislation in decision. Do they wish to expand on their present Safety Plan prepared, Ontario, which is written to ensure that the owner code knowledge sufficiently enough to assume the is responsible for compliance to all other code liability of doing a self-assessment or is it more •The advantages of ULC Listed Protected Tank requirements when meeting the Guidelines for practical to use the experience of a qualified person Assemblies, and Chemical Storage Facilities. to reduce their inherent personal liability? • The introduction and use of Storage Vaults for • Impending legislative reactions to agreements In selecting a qualified person; the container storage [ULC/ORD-C142.6] signed in Keyto, Japan and with the State of New Superintendent should be questioning any York to reduce Green House Gases [Vapour consultants on their understanding of all the code Recovery]. documents, accredited standard development Punitive Requirements organizations and their activity within the Did you know; there's potentially a $50,000 organizations that create and administer the dollar fine for not having an Emergency, Spill and Fire Industry Trends to Watch requirements. With the time frames before the Safety Plan prepared in accordance to the new 1997 With the impending reaction from Environment Superintendents in many cases "Due Diligence" will edition of the Ontario Fire Code? Canada and the Ontario Government on vapour require that the Superintendent seek out a qualified recovery, to keep their commitments abroad, the person to put together a written report and provide next five years could be very interesting indeed for the Superintendent with this most important tool Protected Tanks the tank industry! If Canada follows the USA toward achieving TOTAL COMPLIANCE. Did you know the safest tank assembly available example, many aboveground tanks will need to be Christopher H. Harper in Canada, according to the National Fire Code and upgraded to meet vapour recovery requirements. the Ontario Fire Code is not even proposed within Based on the best available information, the only Part 4 of the EMRM? The EMRM; Part 4, examines testing protocol to verify Phase I & Phase II Vapour Mr Harper has been working with the fire code fuel tank storage and recommends double walled Recovery is the standard and test procedure created committees, the Gasoline Handling Code steel tank assemblies as one solution to the by the California Air Resources Board [CARB]. In Committee and the ULC Fire Council since 1990 in replacement of underground & single walled order to pass CARB testing aboveground tanks need the development, interpretation and application of aboveground tanks. The National Fire Code of to have an insulation barrier. This means that all golf the UL & ULC Protected Aboveground Tank Canada and the Ontario Fire Code recognize courses that own a non-insulated double walled Standards Document and the impending ULC Protected Aboveground Tank Assemblies as the steel tank assembly maybe required to replace it if Storage Vault Standards Document. He is the safest tank assembly in Canada. To illustrate this Phase I and / or Phase II vapour recovery testing is National Sales Manager for Enviro-Tec Inc.,Safety position the National Fire Code of Canada and the introduced! Most, if not all, Protected Tanks have Storage Specialists. Is Your Club on Par! Thinking green isn't just about the colour of your course. It's about ensuring your facility is in total The Loraday Program compliance with present and expanding codes, and with the CGSA Environmental Management Resource Manual. Free Chemical Storage 1 Assessment With the number and sheer complexity of the regulations that affect the future of golf course superintendents, it is difficult to find the time and 2 Free Fire Safety Plan resources to conduct a thorough assessment of your current practices. Assessment Our program can help. Our qualified personnel have knowledge of the Free Spill Preparedness codes and the experience needed to assist you in reducing the inherent 3 Assessment liability of doing a self assessment. Free Spill Emergency In this business, there is no room for duffers. We can be 4 Response Assessment your environmental partner, able to deal with the issues of today while Networking with incorporating impending compliance requirements as well. Loraday 5 Regulatory Authorities Environmental Products can recommend the products and assist you Written in implementing the practices to ensure your course is coming up 6 Recommendations Fairways and Greens. Get with the Program 9 Charles Crt., Barrie, ON L4N 6S8 • Tel: 1-888-853-6600 • Fax: 705-733-3352 • Email: loraday@accglobal.net Beekeeping at Oakdale by Mark Prieur, Foreward by Paul Dermott eekeeping has always been a subject of inteest B bloom until late to me, especially with Oakdale Golf and Country summer when you Club’s involvement in the Audubon Cooperative are extracting the Sanctuary Program. It has become more than an honey, it is all interest when Paul Brown of Sarnia Golf Club gave rewarding. me two hives and some extracting equipment to get started. We currently have five hives on the property with potential for more. Some of the staff have taken Why have bees an interest in the endeavour and have been looking on a golf course? after this project which takes little time as the bees do the majority of the work if we keep them healthy. Bees on a Golf Beekeeping may be something you might want to con­ Course have a sider for the environmental benefit of the golf club in variety of benefits. addition to your own enjoyment. I have asked Mark 1. Increased pollen- Prieur to write this article as he is doing the majority ation on fruiting of the beekeeping at the present time. trees such as cher­ This article is aimed at giving you a brief ries, apples and understanding about beekeeping and a pears. Bees have little how-to knowledge. When Paul first been used to asked me to start beekeeping I thought I pollenate many would get stung a thousand times over. The crops throughout Removal and inspection of a frame to see how production is way it turns out, I have never been stung the world. Some progressing (yet). If there is one message that I would of which include like to make clear it would be how easy and cotton, berries The Hive fun beekeeping really is. When you first and canola. Increasing pollenation start in the spring by putting on the honey through bees expands crop yield. 2. Larger earlier blooms on fruit trees. Trees Each hive (or colony) consists of one supers when the course is just starting to queen bee (the fertile female), approx­ pollenated by heavy populations of honeybees experience earlier and imately 60,000 worker bees (the infertile larger blooms. This is due to the fact females) and a few hundred drone bees that almost every bloom is pollenated (the fertile males). The sole purpose of whereas scattered pollenation may the queen is to keep producing more occur with a lower bee population. bees so the colony can survive. She lays 3. Increased fruit production leads to greater one egg in each cell and the worker bees bird populations that are attracted to the take over from there. The worker bees area. It is obvious that when you increase cap and seal the eggs (often called the food available for any species, they brood) and care for them until the brood will flourish. Last year on Audubon bird matures into bees. Worker bees are also watching day, Oakdale logged twenty-six responsible for cleaning, foraging and different species of birds. Squirrel, chip­ guarding the hive. The drone bees only munk and fox populations also role is to mate with the queen. increased for the same reason. What makes a colony unique is that 4. Honey Production. Healthy hives can there is no individualism in a colony. A produce an average of 125 to 140 worker bee can live for two to four pounds of honey each year. Each super months and a queen up to five years but (honey box) has ten frames each a properly managed and clean hive can weighing two-and-half to three pounds. survive indefinitely. Sometimes there are multiple supers (depending on how strong your colony is) which makes for double the honey. continued on page 13 Inspecting Hives continued from page 8 hives if you really start to have problems; During the winter months the honey they are a great source of information. supers are removed and stored for the How is it done? After time you will learn to cut some spring and the bees go on with business corners by building your own parts. You as usual, they do not hibernate. can build your own hive stands and The first thing you will need is a lot of Sometimes the hives are winterized by bottom boards but don’t skimp out on patience, without this, beekeeping will wrapping them in tarpaper but in the the hive bodies and frames. The specifi­ become a chore. When it is thirty degrees metro Toronto area there is no need to cations for these are exact and if the outside and you are in your suit sweating, do this as the cold temperatures do not spaces for the frames are too wide or not banging bee frames around in a panic is often persist for long periods of time. wide enough the bees may start to draw the last thing you want to be doing. The irregular comb which will make honey When the spring rolls around, it is time to Bees can sense fear and agitation, the virtually impossible to harvest. start all over again, the honey supers are same as dogs. Harvesting usually is done mid-to- put back, and before you know it, the Next you need to read up on bee­ late July, by then, the supers can weigh keeping or take a course. The University bees start filling them with honey. as much as one hundred pounds. The most rewarding part of bee­ of Guelph offers this by correspondence. Basically, the frames are full of capped Reading up on the lifecycle and habits of keeping is how much you can learn by honey and harvesting involves un­ the honeybee will give you better under­ doing it yourself. Starting out with a few capping and spinning the frames to standing of how beekeeping works. remove the honey. Once the honey is pounds of bees and helping it grow to a OMAFRA also has various publications, removed from the frames it is then strong healthy hive really gives you a which are helpful for identifying dis­ strained to remove wax cappings and is great feeling of accomplishment. I hope eases and pests for honey bees. then ready to eat. There are no addi­ this article gives you an appetite to start Becoming a member of the Ontario tives or preservatives in pure honey beekeeping at your course. Beekeepers Association (OBA) has also (hence the name pure). The shelf life Good luck! been a great benefit. of honey is indefi­ Your local beekeeping supply store is nite but sometimes where you can pick up your specialty crystallization may equipment such as hive tools (which are occur due to lack like tiny crowbars), frames and extracting of moisture con­ equipment. The suppliers are also a great tent in the honey, way to get free advice about any problems heating the honey you might have. In addition, your provin­ will bring it back to cial apiarist can come in and inspect your its liquid form. Removal of frame for honey extraction - RESPONSE - QUALITY - PRODUCTS - SOLUTIONS Take the pressure off next year’s irrigation system start-up through our end-of-season pump-motor overhaul service. With several repair sites in Southwest Ontario, we’re just a nine-iron away. Pelee maintenance professionals will ensure your pump­ motor units are fully refurbished (cleaned, epoxy coat motor windings, balance rotor/impeller, new seal and bearings, etc.) and tested before the next hot summer. Be certain now... avoid problems later! Special pricing available on multi-pump overhaul orders. Call the Pelee team today for more information... 24-hour emergency service available! All work guaranteed. New motors, pumps and parts also available 1-800-432-4278 ask for Mike or Steve 1-888-467-2616 ask for John or Allyssyn Fax: (519) 351-3932 Web: www.peleegroup.com YOU WILL BE SATISFIED! Frames are placed in spinner for honey extraction Irrigation audits CGSA Announces by Pelino Scenna, Superintendent; and Bill Martel, Assistant Superintendent Irrigation Audit Training Burlington Golf and Country Club October 25-26,1999 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Tuesday Does your irrigation system work at its maximum Travelodge, Hotel efficiency? Are your sprinkler spacings correct? Are you over Etobicoke, ON watering? These are all questions that can be answered through an irrigation audit. Mark this exciting Seminar in your calendar today! We, at Burlington Golf and Country Club, had the This seminar is outlined as follows: opportunity to audit our irrigation system in early August. The • Overview of Auditing Process audit was performed by Dennis McKernan of Life Works Design • Calculating of water consumption savings and Consulting Ltd. from Olds, Alberta. Dennis is a former golf • Cost Projections/Benefit analysis course superintendent and has audited several courses in • Performing site analysis/Audit procedures western Canada and the United States. • Determining System Efficiencies An irrigation audit consists of setting up test plots, physically • Calculating ET demands and System Delivery inspecting the sprinklers and nozzles, measuring sprinkler • Developing /Modifying a Base Schedule spacings and operating pressures, and collecting irrigation water within the test plots. From these findings you can calculate your Speaker: Mr. Dennis McKernan precipitation rate and, compared to the manufacturer’s theor­ Mr. McKernan is the author of The Great Plains Turfgrass Manual which etical precipitation rates, measure the efficiency of the system. is now in its third edition. He has been a golf course Superintendent (Lethbridge Country Club) and currently offers consulting services What you find may surprise you. through Life Works Design and Consulting Ltd. He is a certified Typically, golf courses are over irrigated. Warmer, drier Landscape Irrigation Auditor with experience in auditing golf courses, summers and lower water levels are forcing superintendents to parks and commercial irrigation systems. Mr. McKernan teaches become better managers of water. Dennis has helped numerous Irrigation and Turfgrass Management at Olds College. He has taught there for 12 years and in 1995 was awarded an International golf courses reduce their water consumption by as much as 30%. Teaching Award. To reserve a spot call (905) 602-8873 Our audit reassured us that our system was working well. A well or (800) 387-1056 tuned system, however, can still be improved and Dennis brought forth a number of points that has allowed us to reduce our daily water consumption and water more efficiently. Golf courses are an easy target for the public and media to scrutinize. We must be able to justify our need for water and that we are using this resource as efficiently as possible. Golf course superintendents often boast about being environmentally sensi­ tive and using best management practices; an irrigation audit will help you put your money where your mouth is. WATERLOO CHAPTER 19th ANNUAL TRADE & EQUIPMENT SHOW ATTENTION • Landscape Contractors • Garden Centre Operators • Grounds Maintenance Contractors • Excavation Companies • Golf Superintendents • Parks & Recreation Departments • School Boards • Public Works Department • Paving Stone Contractors • Spraying Companies Come and see over 50 Exhibitors WHEN: Thursday November 11,1999 (one day only) 12:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. TRADES/ONLY WHERE: Bingeman Park (Marshall Hall) 1380 Victoria St. N., Kitchener ADDMISSION: $3.00 (Covers door prize entry) DOOR PRIZE: Winter Weekend Getaway For Further information please contact: Pete Hummel (519) 886-4098 fax (519) 886-4131 Proceeds to the Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation & The United Way Fair weather for field day The annual Summer Research Field bentgrass and wetting agent trials, a large crowds. Hands-on workshops also Day was held at the Guelph Turfgrass variety of pathology research projects and included an opportunity to work with Dr. Institute under sunny skies and perfect the new OTRF funded divot repair Gary Parkin using a variety of methods to temperatures on the last day of August. research project. Participants had the measure the moisture content of putting This annual event has become a popular first public opportunity to view actual summer professional development plants coming out of the bentgrass and green rootzones and visiting faculty Dr. opportunity for golf course super­ ryegrass breeding programs. Alissa Daryl McCartney from the University of intendents and other professional turf Devereaux, a graduate student working Manitoba who lead an entertaining work­ managers and their staff. with Dr. Steve Bowley, had samples of the shop on composting landscape wastes. The day opened with the swirl of the plants that contain a stress tolerant gene Participants provided feedback bagpipes as the University of Guelph as well as a poster illustrating the process through an evaluation form. Winner of piper Donald Hamilton led the several of gene transfer to increase stress the evaluation draw was Cam Edgar of hundred attendees down the hill from tolerance of bengrass and ryegrass. Other London, Ontario. He wins a copy of the G.M. Frost Centre to the new stops on the tour included the NTEP Diseases and Insects of Turfgrass in Ontario. research green (for more information variety trials, environmental research and about the green, see the August issue of an opportunity to discuss GTI main­ Based on the feedback of participants, a Green is Beautiful). GTI Director Rob tenance practices with Research few changes have already been made for Witherspoon welcomed everyone and Superintendent Norman McCollum. Ted the 2000 Research Field Day. The main read the roll call of contributors to the Tom, Thom Charters and Nigel Rennie change is that the date will be moved to construction of the new green. Most were of the OTRF ran a putting contest on the the third Tuesday of August each year. in attendance for the dedication. The new green which raised almost three The faculty and staff would like to thank green was officially dedicated by Ted hundred dollars for turfgrass research. everyone who attended this year. We look Tom, President of the Ontario Turfgrass After a BBQ lunch at the Frost Centre, forward to seeing you out at the GTI on Research Foundation, Jim Wheeler, the optional afternoon workshops were August 15, 2000. Assistant Deputy Minister of the Ontario held. Once again, Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural several of the work­ Affairs and Dr. Rob McLaughlin, Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College at the shops were completely sold-out Nu-Gro Professional University of Guelph. Each of the men with Dr. Jack said a few words on behalf of their organ­ Brian Rosenberg Eggens’ Problem ization. Rather than the traditional Solving, Dr. Tom Technical Sales Representative ribbon cutting ceremony, golf balls were chipped onto the green. Hsiang’s Disease Cell: (519) 581-2636 After the dedication, the assembly Diagnosis and Pam 1 800 461-6471 broke into ten groups to tour the various Charbonneau’s stops on the tour of the research plots. Insect Management Stops that were of specific interest to golf workshops drawing course superintendents included the our building project represents many things: a 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 N0A IR0 TELEPHONE: (905) 772-3551 • FAX: (905) 772-3422 That's the Braemarframe of mind. Gord Witteveen's retirement day by Cory Janzen, Superintendent Board of Trade Country Club It is unusual for a person to The Golf was a team event, with choose their retirement date, the winners receiving generous organize their own party, and be prizes donated by many of the able to select their closest friends to participants. Perhaps the most celebrate the day. Gord Witteveen, exciting moment was when Gord’s however, was never defined as a son Sid made a hole in one on the typical Golf Course Superintendent par three 14th hole. A small during his 28 seasons at the Board committee of Paul White, Nigel of Trade Country Club. On Rennie, Marie Thorne, and Cory Monday, July 26, 1999, Gord hosted Janzen helped organize the event. over 100 of his closest friends at a Following a wonderful dinner, very enjoyable golf event on the their were many stories about East Course at the Board of Trade. Gordon from the past and present. His guests included many Many of his former Assistants had colleagues, friends, family and the opportunity to speak about their Board of Trade members. In typical time at the Board of Trade and the Witteveen fashion, the event went impact that Gordon has made on Foreman who have assumed Super­ off without a hitch. With the sun their careers. Each one talked about intendent positions throughout shining and the golf course nicely dedication, professionalism, respon­ Canada after working for Gordon. A manicured, many of Gord’s friends sibility, and hard work as important partial list of these includes Ken had a chance to meet and discuss lessons learned during their time Wright, Al Schwemler, Natalie Amos- their best Gord Witteveen stories working for Gordon. In total, there from years gone by. have been over twenty Assistants, or continued on page 17 BULLETIN UP -DATE GREENKEEPING IN ONTARIO and THE HISTORY OF THE ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS' ASSOCIATION With summer officially over, and a little bit more time to spare, you might dig into your old records and photos to see if you have any contributions toward our 75th commemorative publication, A CENTURY OF GREENKEEPING A Story of the Unsung Heroes Maybe there is an old picture in your clubhouse that has significance, or perhaps you recall an anecdote. We encourage your input and look forward to hearing from you. Gord Witteveen, our in house author of this publication is still hard at it. He reports that he is finding some very interesting information together with some very old advertisements amongst the dusty archives. It seems that in 1918 Rosedale kept 100 shorn lambs in a pen on the course, except between the hours of four o'clock in the morning and mid-day, when they were allowed to play over the course as much as they like. Apparently, unlike cattle, they do not injure the turf, in face, they not only keep down the growth of grass, but in other ways improve the fertility of the soil. TEAMWORK TOGETHER WE CAN ACHIEVE THE EXTRAORDINARY continued from page 16 Magic of Greenkeeping” and authoring a book for the 75th Stok, Rob Ackermann, Keith Anniversary of the OGSA. It seems Bartlett, and Cory Janzen who has that Gord had to retire in order to succeeded Gord at the Board of complete his many other Trade. Each of us owe Gord a deep obligations. In closing, we wish Gord debt of gratitude for his dedication many happy and healthy years to and commitment to teaching and come and know that he is always just challenging ourselves to succeed in a phone call away for a game of golf a very competitive business. The or some advice. many comments passed along by Thanks Gord members and friends show how much Gord will be missed at the Board of Trade. He won’t be too far A Word from Gord away though, since Director of Club Operations Grant Humes presented After 44 years in charge of 4 Gord with a lifetime golf different golf courses: 1956-57: membership in recognition of his 28 Noranda Mines GC; 1958-60 years of service at the Board. London Highland; 1961-72 Gord was a great Superintendent Northwood GC, Downsview; 1973-99 at the Board of Trade, and many of Board of Trade, my recent retire­ his innovations and ideas have ment party at the Board of Trade was contributed greatly to the science of Turf Management. However, he will a wonderful culmination to an exciting career of greenkeeping. I Win the war not be sitting around watching time pass him by. He is very busy with the want to warmly thank all those who attended and expecially those who against pests 9 hole golf course that he owns in helped organize the event. I didn’t Brantford, which is a real treat to play. He will also be touring the know I had so many friends. Thanks and nutrient world with his popular seminar, “The Gord Witteveen Deficiencies. $1,00000 Turfgrass scholarship award Ask us for a he O.G.S.A. has developed this scholarship programme to recognize scholastic accomplishments and potential It is mandatory this year, the students send their transcripts along with their application. complete leadership in the field of turfgrass management. We feel that education is a large part of our responsibility to the Golf Management Industry. Our 1999 policy dictates that we will provide one Application information has been sent out to Colleges and Universities that offer turfgrass management diplo­ mas and degrees. We have asked them to post this information for all solution Scholarship in the amount of $1,000.00 based on academic accomplishments and interested students. The application and related information must be in the to all your the content of the application. Students who are Ontario residents and have a career goal of being employed O.G.S.A. office by November 30, 1999. If you know of anyone who might benefit turf care needs in the golfing industry are eligible to from this scholar­ apply. Students must have at least one ship, please year of post secondary education in pass this infor­ Turfgrass Management, and an average mation along of at least 80% in order to apply. to them. We want to honour the student who Further details has proven their scholastic achievement can be in their selected field. Although, this now obtained excludes first year students from receiving from the Plant Products Co. Ltd., 314 Orenda Rd., Brampton ON this award during their first year, it does O.G.S.A. L6T 1G1 (905) 793-7000, 800-387-2449, give them something to strive towards, office. Fax (905) 793-9157 which is the purpose of the scholarship. Prep-work to avoid ice damage by Jim Moore, Superintendent Puslinch Lakes Golf Club It’s 1999 and El Nino passed leaving We experienced the same damage as if Blowing or plowing off the snow from fond memories of golfing in December, the green was covered in ice! In past years the greens helps stop the ice building up but Mother Nature has said “enough is when there has been a large accumu­ to a point where it is too thick to break. If enough” with a vengeance. She dumps a lation of snow, I would go out on the golf there is clear ice exposed, use milorgan- load of snow on us in early January which, course with a four-wheel drive tractor ite or crumb rubber to cover it up. If the closed major airports and caused havoc fitted with snow chains after the weather forecast is calling for another thaw (or with driving, especially in the GTA. reached temperatures above freezing. when the temperature is going above A week after the storm, the Club If the ground was still frozen, I would freezing) start removing the snow before Manager called me to ask if we should wait. Usually a mid-winter thaw will only it gets too heavy and melts into another start worrying about ice build-up on the last about a week. Shortly thereafter, I layer of ice. greens. It has been our past experience check the greens for ice. Past years have Keep track of the time and if it is past that ice damage leaves us with a deadly shown different lengths of mid-winter the 60 days of ice build-up, it is time to outcome. The last ice damage was 10 or thaws, but the depth of the snow will tell remove the ice. If you have been more years ago. Ever since that time, we how thick the ice will be after the first removing the snow, there should be only have prepared for the worst. Tarps may melt. If you see a thick crusty snow on the a very thin layer of ice. Using 50 lbs. of work, however, under the circumstances, greens after the melt, there is a good milorganite or crumb rubber per 5000 at Puslinch Lake Golf Course, the main­ chance that there is a small layer of ice on square feet on a sunny day, will attract tenance staff is seasonally employed. We the greens. The time is now to remove heat to melt the ice, and it should be have tried tarps on one green and the the snow so the ice does not get any gone in a couple of days. The crumb results were not favourable. This was thicker. If you let the ice build up, your rubber can be swept up or picked up with because no staff was on-board to lift the ninety days will run out before March the greens mower in the spring and tarp during a warm spell in March, to let weather softens the ice so that it can be spread over high traffic areas to help the turf cool down and then replace the cracked (60 to 90 days is a very accurate reduce compaction. tarp when the temperature dropped. time frame before your greens die from ice damage). continued on page 19 The Scotts Company Brett Murray Technical Sales - Professional Products Dave Dick Jeff McMaster Turfgrass Specialist Turfgrass Specialist Maple Farm Supply Bus: (905) 857-2000 39 Monte Vista Trail 1864 Bowler Drive 8112 King Road West Mobile: (416) 616-8112 Brampton, Ont. L6Z 2J7 Pickering, Ont. L1V 3E4 P.O. Box 370 Fax: (905) 857-8215 Fax & Phone 905-846-3319 Fax & Phone 905-839-6526 Bolton, Ontario L7E 5T3 1-800-268-4425 brett.murray@sympatico.ca Scotts Head Office 1-800-543-0006 continued from page 18 By keeping the thatch layer thin with a fall verticutting as well as having good drainage there should be no problem. If the ice sticks around for more than the appropriate time, there may be some problems. Some scarring might occur from the heavy WE'VE GOT machinery, but if the green has suffered from past problems, a pie plate size divot is easier to repair than having to re-sod a 5000 sq. ft. green. THE SOLUTIONFOR Y This year at Puslinch Lake Golf Course, we suffered a small amount of ice damage on one green. We had reached the limit of 60 days on this ice patch. I had been letting the turf grow a little longer on this green because we had planned on lifting the turf to install drainage tiles. The longer turf created gases which helped kill off the turf. I hope by sharing my good and bad experiences will help you prevent problems which, may occur from ice buildup. Corrie Almack, P.Ag. Box 256, Carlisle, Ontario LOR 1 HO Phone 905-689-6174 Fax 905-689-8522 c.almack@sympatico.ca 29 ADVANCE ROAD TORONTO, ONTARIO M8Z2S6 PHONE: (416)236-1001 DELTASPRAY™ soluble fertilizers are formulated to spoon FAX: (416) 236-4654 feed your turf or supplement your granular program. www.albiongolfcars.com DELTASPRAY BRUCE MCDONALD SOLUTIONS • free-flowing, non-hardening formulae • responsive, ideal before tournaments •formulated with micronutrients • easy to apply • no mower pick-up • full spectrum of formulae: 29-7-15 17-10-13 28-14-14 26-0-26 10-52-10 15-15-30 15-30-15 20-20-20 NUTRITE Division of Hydro Agri Canada L.P. Elmira, Ontario Telephone: (519) 669-5401 Brossard, Quebec Telephone: (514) 462-2555 Toll Free: (800) 265-8865 Toll Free: (800) 561-7449 Fax: (519) 669-8971 Fax:(514)462-3634 SUPPLIERS OF TOP QUALITY BENT AND BLUE GRASSES (416) 364-5700 ATTENTION ALL CLASS “A” SUPERINTENDENTS Have you attested for a new member lately? Support your Golf Association! The following membership categories are eligible for application to The Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association: Class “S” ....................................... Students Class “F” ....................................... Technicians Class “C”....................................... Assistant Superintendents Class “B & A” ............................... Superintendents Class “D” ...................................... Golf Course Owner / Managers Class “E”....................................... Industry Associates Any Class A member who attests for any two (2) new member applicants between October 1st and December 1st will be eligible to receive an O.G.S.A. Merchandise Package valued at $250.00! Your name will be put into the draw to be held at our Annual General Meeting during the Ontario Turf Symposium on Wednesday, January 5th, 2000. REMEMBER Any applicant approved as an O.G.S.A. member qualifies for a membership discount when registering for the January 2000 Turfgrass Symposium. In addition, if you register prior to November 19th you will appreciate an additional Early Bird discount. A Successful Season... Starts with Century Golf Course Services An inviting, well-maintained course means challenge play... and a help you solve irrigation or drainage problems show you what's profitable season. As a golf superintendent, you can achieve this success new in clubhouse lighting, water features and more. Call today with Century Golf Course Services. Century's team of professionals can for a free catalog and on-site consultation: 800-347-4272. Century offers the complete line Efficient and economical, of Legacy Golf rotors and valves. SyncroFlo VFD pumping stations Genisis central satellite and are the solution to many golf Cal the Century National Service Center for epairs or upgrades on Toro and Rain Bird golf controler boards.Tol fre 8 8-85 -9132. Viking decoder control systems. course irrigation problems. BoardTronicsInc. • Sprinklers • Valves • Controllers • Pump Stations • Controller Board Repairs • Fountains CENTURY GOLF PROFESSIONALS ONTARIO > HUGH COWAN 905-881-4794 800-347-4272 www.rainaid.com Working in a sensitive environment by Don Crymble Keeper of the Markham Green Golf Club have been the superintendent at out until a suitable Markham Green Golf Club (previously buffer is obtained. I.B.M. Country Club) for over 10 years, We are actively dis­ and in that time, many things have couraging entry changed. Ten years ago the club consisted into the river. We of an 18 hole championship course, a nine spray only when hole executive course, soccer field, base and where neces­ ball diamond, bowling green, archery sary. Environ­ course, tennis courts, driving range, gar­ mental concerns den plots and a play house for child care are near the top of for members on the property. We also our priority list. hosted annual events such as a Christmas We have party for over 5,000 children, a summer stopped mowing picnic for over 8,000, and other social certain areas in activities. The property was over 320 acres. order to provide a We mowed all areas at least weekly, drove buffer from the equipment through the river, sprayed at community, a the first sign of pests, and operators com­ buffer along our being required to prove that one of it’s plained about mowing over toads. We also water way, to improve the design and factories actually promotes a habitat for installed 4 foot high wooden dam struc­ aesthetics of the club and to provide an wild life? tures in the river to create ponds for pure­ improved wild life habitat. We now In the spring of 1999 we overseeded a ly aesthetic reasons. Besides maintaining monitor our naturalized areas and wild flower mix into a few of the areas to excellent playing conditions, minimal remove unwanted material such as be naturalized. One area caught very well effort was expended on other property ragweed. In the future, we may remove and in the summer of 1999, six members management functions. unwanted non indigenous plants such as who had said no more than “hello” to me Markham Green is now a 9 hole golf Norway maple. We have begun to inter in ten years, sought me out to ask about course situated completely in the Rouge plant some buffer zones with indigenous our new wild flowers. I had thought that Valley. Our goal is to be one of the top ten plant material. The continuation of the I had done more or better things in 10 9 hole courses in Canada. We no longer club may rely on proof that the course is years, but, obviously I had not. mow every thing. Sensitive areas are not actually a benefit to the environment. My goal is to know something about all mown, each year the buffer zones are Could you imagine any other industry life forms on the property. I estimate that enlarged 6-12 inches and will be moved (General Motors as an example only) there are 1000 plant and vertebrate species , no idea of number of insect, invertebrates and micro-organisms. I plan to know a lot about 6-10 species. I may We Deliver. choose American toad, Northern Leopard frog, White trillium, River Bank grape, Little Brown Myotis bat and the unidentified species of turtle that I see all Sands, Mixes, Quality of the time. Many superintendents already make and Service many daily observations concerning the wild life on their property. During busy times we already tour the property daily checking the grass, the trees, the shrubs; why not check that important species on your property? I’m sure that you have seen birds, perhaps red winged Blackbirds and Swallows, foraging on a fairway while your equipment mows. Then, another bird species enters the area and all the foraging birds leave. We should know and document the appear­ ance of that intruding bird. 1-800-461-5521 • (705) 789-4457 Little additional effort would be 8 West Street South, Huntsville required to record and share this. Each continued on page 22 continued from page 18 would be pleased to provide. Besides have the hardware and probably the being the right thing to do, my motive is software to be on line. Thirty to sixty course could specialize in a few species. purely selfish. The long term viability of minutes a week to share information on Then, share this information weekly my course may rely on proof that the a regular basis on a secured web site depending on the life cycle of species. property which I manage benefits more controlled by Superintendents will pay Most institutions don’t have the resources than just the golfing public. Any group back enormously. to do this type of detailed field work, the could come forward and want to We in the “green” industry have more information would be invaluable. naturalize the complete property. If I can than a working knowledge of physics, Knowing and posting important times in show that it is already a biologically chemistry, botany, mathematics and all critical species’ life cycles would give your diverse naturalized area, then I have a other physical and human sciences. By little “environmentally protected area” better chance of survival. the new millennium, January 1, 2001, my signs more influence. How else could a property be more goal is to be well on my way to knowing In two years, my goal is to know the life intensely used than as a golf course all organisms and events which occur cycle and food chain of my 6-10 species. putting through over 35,000 rounds, on, over and below the green space If even some courses did this we would while benefitting many indigenous which I manage. possess so much knowledge that many species and still turning a profit? Within Growth is not linear but in fact groups and organizations would be com­ a few years most every one will be on line. exponential, knowledge is growth... ing to us begging for our help, which we If your club can book a tee off time, you knowledge is power. 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 “NOW INSTEAD OF FIXING SPRINKLER HEADS, OUR IRRIGATION SPECIALIST IS HELPING US MOW.” Paul Brown Sarnia Golf & Curling Club When Paul Brown took over as Superintendent in 1997, he was convinced that TORO sprinklers could greatly enhance the performance and dependability of his irrigation system. Today, the TORO 730 and 750 sprinklers he chose “...are saving us a lot of hours because they’re so dependable.” With fewer parts, simple maintenance and over 35 years of field experience built in, TORO sprinklers deliver peace of mind. In fact, Paul describes them in two words: “No problems.” For more information on all our irrigation products, call Turf Care at 1-800-561-1432. Looking back Ten years ago today Canada’s Turf by Barry Endicott, Nobleton Lakes Golf Club Care Specialists Professional Fertilizers The Board of Directors in 1989 started at a new course in Ottawa called Nu-Gro offers a wide range of were Neil Acton (president), Deer Eagle Creek. Bob Heron took over from specialty fertilizers using the Creek, Gord Nimmo (vice), Sarnia, Dave at Beacon Hall. Golf course archi­ Thom Charters (past), Weston, Rhod tect C. E. (Robbie) Robinson passed latest in controlled release Trainor (editor), St. Thomas, Greg away on December 29 at the age of 82. nitrogen technology. O’Heron, Peterborough, Ted Ellis, New members: Vince Dermott, Greenwood, Bruce Burger, Galt, John Markland Woods (B), George Allison, Taylor, Twenty Valley, Scott Dodson, Western Trent (B), David Brooke, Summit, Ed Farnsworth, Deerhurst, Scotch Settlement (B), Nancy Pierce, Mark Hagen, Wyldewood and David Toronto Golf (F), Jack Little, Dalewood Gourlay Jr., Beacon Hall. Cindi (F), Ian Bowen, Lakeview (B), Mary Charters was the office secretary. Beth Kelly, Ladies (F), Doug Walsh, Neil Acton left Brooklea and took Westmount (F), Rob Sharp, Glenn the position at Deer Creek, while Abbey (F), Bill Dickinson, Champion Marlon Gieseler, Neil’s assistant, took Turf Equipment (E), Stephen Jones, over Brooklea. Richard Ziegel left Deer Creek (B), James Hopkins, Fawn Professional Pest Burlington Springs and went to Brook (B), Raymond Yule, Glen Cedars Control Deerfield. Ted Ellis left Greenwood and (B), Jay Kulak, Port Colborne (B), Peter went to Blue Springs, Mark Hagen Dickey, Glenway (B), Robert Nu-Gro offers a wide range moved from Wyldewood to West Haven. MacGrandles, Ridge Pine Park (B), Jack of pest control products in Mike Creed took Mark’s position at Austin, Canadian Irrigation Consultants many formulations. Wyldewood. Gary Hastings moved to (E), Everett Nieuwkoop, Ontario Seed Rockway and Doon Valley from Co. (E), Dan O’Conner, Saugeen (F), Merryhill. Jerry Richard, assistant at Steven Holmes, Donalda (F), Greg Toronto G.C., started at Craigowan. Anderson, Victoria Park (F), Alex John Anderson moved to Hockley McLeod, Monterra (F), Terry Fries, Valley and Don Crymble replaced John Merry Hill (F), Paul Scenna Jr., at IBM. Bruce Dodson left Emerald Mississaugua (F), David Tascone, Hills to become superintendent at Wyldewood (F), Jordon Lucas, Galt (F), Hawkridge and Jack Austin, formerly of Ron Legato, Scenic Woods (A) and Turf Care Irrigation, went out on his Perry Beausoleil (F) Carleton. own forming Canadian Irrigation The Georgian Bay area was seeing Professional Services Consultants. Mark Schneider went to an influx of new courses. Ron Heesen, Nu-Gro has experienced Beachgrove, Ryan Beauchamp, assistant at Monterra, was preparing for a July technical support at St. Thomas, went to Westminster 1st opening. Tom McBroom was representatives plus a Trails, John Cherry left Cherry Downs working on the Hockley Valley Golf recently purchased Turf for the National while Ken Wright left Club with Superintendent John Tissue Analyzer available the National and went to Devil’s Pulpit. Anderson. Bob Cupp was building the David Gourlay Jr. left Beacon Hall and to assist you in Turf Deerhurst Highlands Golf Club adding to Ed Farnsworth’s Management established 18. “THE FRUIT FARMER” Rene and Charlie Serving Turf Care Muylaert were Pruning & Shaping for all your building a second Professionals Fruit & Ornamental trees 18 holes for John Professional tree pruning Hughes at Horse­ Coast To Coast specifically for the golf industry shoe Valley and a Over 30 years experience new 18 hole course Nu-Gro Make your golf course the most beautiful in Orillia, called it can be by keeping the trees healthy Hawkridge, where Professional References available upon request Bruce Dodson is Brantford, ONT 905-737-4797 superintendent. 1 800 461-6471 TURF CARE More than ANYWHERE ELSE ON THE COURSE THIS IS WHERE YOU RE JUDGED Everyone's a critic. But they'll have nothing but good things to say when you use a 21-inch Greensmaster 1000 or 26-inch Greensmaster 1600. For narrow striping, ultra-low cuts, or steeply contoured greens, try the all-new, 18-inch Greensmaster 800. Let's face it. Most golfers form an opinion about your entire course by what they see on the green. So TORO designed the Greensmaster® mowers to give you a precision cut they'll rave about, with front-weight bias to eliminate operator influence, louvered baskets to collect all clippings, and extremely low heights of cut for fast and true ball roll. Your To protect thefine adjustments ofyour Greensmaster, consider this new Toro TURF CARE sales representative can help you judge which transport trailer. Carries up to two one is right for you. Call (905) 836-0988. walk-behind models. Turf Care Products Canada 200 PONY DRIVE, NEWMARKET, ONTARIO L3Y 7B6 • PHONE (905) 836-0988 FAX (905) 836-6442 London Mississauga Scarborough Gloucester Ph: (519) 668-7664 Fax: (519) 668-3722 Ph: (905) 890-6290 Fax: (905) 890-5598 Ph: (416) 298-2101 Fax: (416) 298-8758 Ph: (613) 822-1881 Fax: (613) 822-2099