December 2000 Green Beautiful is The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association The year of the Tiger Fort William Country Club The biggest pumpkin yet! CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 1689932 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON N1H 6H8 The depth ofpenetration is simple to adjust by winding the two side jacks up and down. The Redexim Charterhouse Rapidcore is one of the fastest aerators available on the market with speeds up to 3-1/2 mph, the Rapidcore can finish a green in less than 30 minutes. Available with two types of tine holders allowing for 6 tine types, the Rapidcore can produce square hole patterns ranging from 1-1/4" to 5". The Rapidcore stands on its front roller and adjustable rear storage stand, which ensures the correct height for easy 3-point hitch connection. Service and maintenance is made easy due to the minimum of moving parts. For more information or a free demonstration, please contact 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 Contents Green is TIGER MANIA COMES TOGLEN ABBEY................. 12 Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Editor's message.................................................................................... 5 GTI Update.................................................................................................18 Golf course highlight - fort william country club ............................ 11 Health and safety .................................................................................. 7 Interview strategies that get you hired......................................... 19 Looking back ............................................................................................ 23 President's message ............................................................................. 4 The biggest pumpkin yet! .................................................................. 8 The referee .............................................................................................. 6 COVER PICTURE Photo by: Dorothy J. Hills Turf or consequences ............................................................................ 22 Welcome! ................................................................................................. 5 Advertisers Albion Golf Cars and Turf Equipment............................................... 10 Almack & Associates .............................................................................. 10 Braemar Building Systems ................................................................. 7 Century Rain Aid.................................................................................... 5 Douglas Wood Large Tree Services ................................................... 10 G.C. Duke Equipment Ltd..................................................................... 2 Graphic Services Ltd............................................................................... 4 Maple Turf Supply .................................................................................. 16 Nutrite....................................................................................................... 9 OSC Seeds ..................................................................................................20 The P.E.S.T. Institute.............................................................................. 6 Plant Products Turf ............................................................................... 6 OGSA is committed to Pumptronics Incorporated.................................................................... 21 serving its members, Skyway Lawn Equipment Limited..................................................... 16 The Scotts Company............................................................................... 10 advancing their profession, Turf Care Products Canada - Irrigation Division............................ 17 and Turf Care Products Canada ...................................................................24 enriching the quality United Horticultural Supply .................................................................18 of golf Vanden Bussche Irrigation & Equipment Limited ......................... 17 and its environment. Zander Sod Co. Limited......................................................................... 22 President's message is always hard to believe how quickly a season comes to an end, even with the many long days, and tons of sand that was shoveled this year. When the snow starts to fall it will still seem too fast. It has been another good year for the OGSA. This is due in part because the membership continues to grow, and the ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS’ OGSA is supported by all members, especially the ASSOCIATION Associate members. Guelph Turfgrass Institute The OGSA Board of Directors continues to strive 328 Victoria Road South to provide more and better services and Guelph, ON N1H6H8 opportunities for its members. At a recent meeting, Ph: 519-767-3341 the Board approved the development of our own Toll Free: 877-824-6472 Website. Members can now pay for golf tournaments, membership dues and Fax: 519-766-1704 Email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca merchandise by using VISA or MasterCard. The book on the History of Greenkeeping is progressing and will be ready March 2001 with extra copies BOARD OF DIRECTORS available for purchase. PRESIDENT Keith Bartlett In the future, the Board will continue to strive to raise more money for research PAST PRESIDENT Ian Bowen by forging new relationships with the Greater Toronto Area Golf Association and VICE-PRESIDENT John Gravett other Associations. I believe every golfer should financially support turf research. It TREASURER Jim Flett SECRETARY Mark Piccolo only makes the game better! Furthermore, a closer relationship with the OTRF and DIRECTORS Rob Ackerman GTI will provide for greater Dean Baker opportunities to access money that is Jeff Burgess available through other Associations Bob Burrows particularly the GCSAA. It is the Dave Cours initiative of the regional associations Robert Heron Paul Scenna that motivates the need for the OGSA OFFICE to do more! ADMINISTRATOR Dorothy Hills I would like to thank the current Board of Directors for their voluntary, PRECIPITATION IN but committed efforts during the ONTARIO REGION past year. Each one has donated Measured at Pearson International Airport Provided by Ministry of the Environment valuable free time to ensure this Association grows better and stronger empty table cellAverage Actual for future years. Also, thank you to January 45.6 mm 29.2 mm Dorothy Hills, our Office February 45.5 mm 48.4 mm Administrator. Words cannot describe March 56.9 mm 18.8 mm April 64.0 mm 79.3 mm GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL EDITORIAL the work, vision and commitment she May 66.0 mm 124.4 mm COMMITTEE provides every day. Finally, I would like Bob Burrows, Editor June 68.9 mm 169.2 mm to wish everyone a Merry Christmas July Dorothy Hills, Coordinating Manager 76.6 mm 38.8 mm and safe Holiday season. I look forward August 84.2 mm 38.0 mm Randy Booker to seeing everyone at the OTS in September 74.2 mm 70.0 mm Angelo Capannelli January and please attend the Annual October 63.0 mm 17.6 mm Greg O'Heron Mark Piccolo General Meeting. Remember, it is Total (YTD) 644.9 mm 628.7 mm Mark Prieur your Association! Mark Schneider Jeff Stauffer Eric Williamson Layout, Design & Printing provided by... Green is Beautiful 2000 GRAPHIC Although every effort is made to check material for publication, the association is not responsible for material published on SERVICES behalf of its contributors. All rights are reserved by the publisher PRINTERS & LITHOGRAPHERS “Green is Beautiful” and any reproduction in whole or part is Printed on without the written permission of the Recycled Paper publisher is prohibited. e-mail: info@graser-novtic.com CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL 32 - 34 Essex Street Guelph, ON N1H 3K8 PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 1689932 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to Tel.: (519) 763-5745 • Fax: (519) 763-9532 The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON N1H 6H8 Editor's message The first growing season of the new millennium is now history, and will go down in the books as a generally kind, though wet year. The first publication season of the new Welcome! millennium for your magazine is also about to be put to bed. I must admit that I have enjoyed being Editor, especially with O.G.S.A. Welcomes Dorothy Hills taking care of all the details. We hope that you our newest members have liked the changes to Green is Beautiful this season. ‘Tiger mania’ is Dean Baker’s topic this month, as he Scott Bowman Class C closes out a distinguished term at the venerable Glen Abbey Greystone Golf Club Golf Club. Despite mediocre pumpkin weather, a whopping Roger J. Gervais Class C specimen was declared the winner recently. Brooklea Golf & Country Club The Editorial Advisory Committee met in November, and selected the recipients of the first article and photo awards. Brian Gigun Class F Thornhill Country Club Congratulations to Scott White, who won the Barry Endicott Article of the Year contest with his article, “Something’s Fishy at Donalda”, February 2000 issue, and Jeffrey Haynes Class C to Rob Ackermann, who won the photo of the year contest with his photo of #10 Saticoy Country Club, bridge during the Flood, at Markland Wood Country Club, August 2000 issue. Somis CA Our Heritage Scholarship recipient this year is Jennifer Hooper, daughter of Drew Rachar Class C OGSA member Randal Hooper. Jennifer and her family will be invited to the Diamond 'in the Ruff' President’s Reception at the OTS, where she will be recognized for her Golf Club accomplishments. Congratulations Jennifer! Chris Safruk Class C From my family to you and yours, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Rattlesnake Point Golf Club you all, best wishes for a safe and prosperous holiday and new year! Mike Stewart Class F Thornhill Country Club EARNING YOUR RESPECT Advanced Products Reliable Service olf course irrigation is a new game of sophisticated products and advanced G technologies. At Century Rain Aid, we are proud to represent Hunter Golf, the leader in innovative control systems and manufacturer of the world’s best-selling rotors. The Century golf team can also assist with a wide range of services essential to golf course maintenance, including controller board repairs (toll free: 888-855-9132), More Than 130 Branches Coast to Coast fountains, pumps, landscape lighting and more. Call today for a free Century Golf www.rainaid.com • email: rainaid@rainaid.com Course Supplies Catalog or on-site consultation: 800-642-3706. The referee Obstructing justice New rule definition clears the way for finding relief on a course, by Jim Fraser S ignificant change introduced to the The note to the definition is very Rules of Golf 2000 is the addition of the important. “The player should determine definition for “Nearest Point of Relief’. his nearest point of relief by using the This change clarifies the procedure a club with which he expects to play his player must take in obtaining relief for an next stroke to simulate the address immovable obstruction (Rule 24-2), and position and swing for such stroke.” abnormal ground condition (Rule 25-1), Before picking up the ball, a right-handed or a wrong putting green (Rule 25-3). player will establish the nearest point of The change has also affected Rule 20-2c, relief, using the club to play the stroke. when to re-drop a dropped ball. He will measure, with any club, one Prior to January 1, in these situations, club-length from nearest point of relief to relief was at the nearest point on the a point no nearer the hole from where course not nearer the hole than where the ball lies, and if he chooses to take the ball lay, and a ball would be dropped relief, the ball may be picked up and within one club-length of that spot. The dropped in the drop area. The other only reference to the nearest point on change to the rules (20-2c) is that if the the course was in the Decision on the Rules of Golf book. ball rolls and comes to rest nearer the hole than the nearest point of relief, the Win the war The new definition states that “the player shall re-drop the ball even though nearest point of relief is the point on the course, nearest to where the ball lies, it is not nearer the hole than where it originally lay. If the ball then comes to against pests which is not nearer the hole and at which, rest nearer the hole than the nearest if the ball were so positioned, no point of relief, it shall be placed as near as and nutrient interference (as defined) would exist.” possible to the spot where it first struck a part of the course when re-dropped. The situation for the left-handed Deficiencies. player is somewhat different. The nearest SPECIALIZING IN PESTICIDE EDUCATION point of relief, is in the bushes. The & SERVICE TECHNOLOGY presents player must decide if taking relief from Ask us for a the cart path is his best choice. LAND Remember, the ball may always be played EXTERMINATOR (LANDSCAPE CATEGORY) from where it lies on the cart path. Therefore, it is important that it not be complete PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION COURSES picked up before deciding the relief NORTH YORK solution options. If the left-handed player had November 20 - 24, 2000 picked up the ball and then decided not January 22 - 26, 2001 to take relief, the ball could be replaced, February 19 -23,2001 March 12 - 16,2001 costing the player a one-stroke penalty March 26 - 30, 2001 under Rule 18-2a. April May 9 - 13,2001 7 -11,2001 The same procedure for determining nearest point of relief, using the club to to all your be used for the stroke, applies for taking MILTON December April 4- 2 - 8,2000 6, 2001 relief from abnormal ground conditions and a wrong putting green. However, turf care needs. you must always take relief for a ball LONDON lying on a wrong putting green but not March 19 -23,2001 for stance. In addition, a Local Rule may OTTAWA require complete relief from ground March 5 - 9, 2001 under repair. Gov't exam held on Monday following each course. Instructor: Paul G. Pilley, B.Sc., M. P. M. Jim Fraser is Managing Director of RCGA Rules and Amateur Competitions, training For more information and a brochure contact: rules officials across the country and P.O. Box 1021 Lindsay, Ontario K9V 5N4 overseeing the administration of rules at the Plant Products Co. Ltd., 314 Orenda Rd., Brampton ON E-mail: pgp_pest@lindsaycomp.on.ca RCGA’s eight national championships. L6T 1G1 (905) 793-7000, 800-387-2449, Tel: (705) 324-PEST (7378) Fax: (705) 324-9729 Fax (905) 793-9157 REPRINTED FROM GOLF CANADA/AUG. 2000 Health & safety Carbon monoxide poisoning by DougJohnson, SAFETAID winter closes in on us some of incomplete combustion of any CO exposure concentrations of our work is moved indoors. If carbonaceous product including coal, 700 ppm or greater for an hour maintenance or repair is underway wood, oil, gasoline, propane powered or more. make sure that you are taking the engines, tools and heating appliances. Please note that lower levels of necessary precautions. It is colourless, odorless, tasteless and exposure for lengthy periods of time, A worker died from Carbon nonirritating and can overcome an if undetected, could lead to coma Monoxide (CO) poisoning while exposed worker without warning. and death. working on gas powered equipment. Recognizing early warning signs of Victims of CO poisoning should be The investigation concluded that a CO exposure is difficult. The symptoms immediately removed from the number of factors contributed to the are headache, dizziness, and nausea, exposure site and given 100% oxygen. worker’s death. and are often mistaken for other Hyper baric chambers provide The worker ran the gas powered illnesses such as flu or food poisoning. oxygen under pressure and are engine, for a short time in a non­ If exposure continues, serious central sometimes required in cases of serious ventilated, enclosed room before nervous system impairment, coma and CO poisoning. Always ensure that the shutting it off, causing CO to accumulate. death can follow. victims of exposure receive prompt The worker continued to work in the The severity of symptoms is affected professional medical assistance. area for an additional three to four by a combination of, concentration of Recovered workers may have long term hour period. CO, length of time of the exposure and Central Nervous System impairment. Several hours after he had been type of workload. An exposure of 80 to Workplace exposures to CO can working repairing the equipment, the 100 ppm for 1 to 2 hours with moderate come from gasoline powered worker reported that he had a severe exertion may result in decreased equipment like cars, trucks, tractors, headache. Two hours later he was exercise tolerance and may bring on mowers, compressors, welding found unconscious and subsequently chest pains and cause an irregular equipment, pumps and heating systems. died of carbon monoxide poisoning. heartbeat. Symptoms associated with Be particularly careful in construction Although the engine ran for only a exposure of 100 to 200 ppm include areas if you are using propane heaters few minutes earlier in the day, because headache, nausea and mental and there is the possibility of an of the enclosed space, the high impairment. The mental impairment enclosed or confined space. concentration of CO and the lack of may affect the workers ability to escape This is a hazard that is easily ventilation, the Carbon Monoxide was the hazardous environment. controlled with adequate ventilation. trapped in the garage and breathed in More serious symptoms such as So if you have equipment running by the worker over the next few hours central nervous system effects of inside - ventilate!!! until death occurred. staggering, confusion, changes in Have a great winter and a Merry Carbon Monoxide is a lethal personality; as well as muscle aches, Christmas! Need more information poisonous gas produced by the coma and death, are associated with please call. Experience.. .That’s the Braemar Difference. For your FREE estimates please call Rick Brenzil, Harold Bundy or Jack Brenzil • STORAGE FACILITIES • MAINTENANCE BUILDINGS •WAREHOUSES - WOOD & STEEL STRUCTURES • NEW BUILDINGS •ADDITIONS • RENOVATIONS RRI York Road, Ontario N0A I R0 Telephone: (905) 772- 3351 • Fax: (905) 772-3422 •Toll Free: 1-800-215 -1996 • Email: rbrenzil@braemarbldg.com • Website: www.braemarbldg.com The biggest pumpkin yet! It has been three straight years that Oakdale Golf & Country Club has won the Plant Products Co. Ltd. “Giant Pumpkin Growing” contest. Superintendents have tried everything from I.V. tubes, goat’s milk, secret manure concoctions and special irrigation systems to try to dethrone the champions. With this challenge in mind it did not start out to be a great year. All the heavy rains, and bunker repairs this spring, made it hard to even think about growing a pumpkin. Despite these obstacles, we had a few main contenders whose pumpkins survived and were ready for the weigh scale. The unveiling of the pumpkin was just as exciting as the weigh-in. As the trucks rolled in it was hard to tell just how big the pumpkins were as they hid under tarps and ropes. However, once they were lifted off the truck by forklift (all we were missing was the drum roll) and placed on the scale it was easy to see that we definitely had a new champion. Weighing in this year with the heaviest pumpkin was York Downs Golf and Country Club. The winning pumpkin weighed 351 pounds! Second place went to Oakdale Golf continued on page 9 York Downs Golf & CC Gardener, Peter Gunn, with the Largest Pumpkin. Jim Patterson, Deer Creek Golf & Country Estates, with Bill Fach, Croquet Winner - Al Schwemler, Toronto Golf Club. York Downs Golf & Country Club. continued from page 8 and Country Club and third place to Deer Creek Golf and Country Estates. Imagination finally paid off for Credit Valley Country Club who won the Best Dressed Contest. Every year John has UNPREDICTABLE come up with some very creative pumpkin designs but this year he decided that if the pumpkin grew in the shape of a peanut why not work with it. John created the Planters Peanut Pumpkin complete with the pointer and eyeglass. Congratulations John! Always a great way to end the day is the finals of the never boring Croquet Tournament. Making it to the finals were the two defending champions, Al Schwemler and Angela Bartlett. It looked like we were well on our way to a repeat performance of last year’s final match. Al was once again in the lead and Angela was closing in fast, when Chad Vibert decided to forfeit his position and try to disrupt the leader’s game. Since Al had a little more bargaining power (like future job possibilities) Angela was quickly on her way out into the pastures. Al convinced Chad to continue this strategy while he went on to win the game. Meanwhile moving along in the back stretch was Colin from Hidden Lakes Golf Club. Who says being the strong silent type does not pay off? Colin came out of nowhere to take second place. A special thanks to Al and all his staff from The Toronto Golf Club for once again hosting the event. They are always more than helpful with the set up of the event and certainly PREDICTABLE provide the best cheering section for the final croquet match. Thank you to everyone who participated and all those who tried to get that little white seed to turn into something orange. When performance counts, choose NUTRITE, the fertilizer that delivers predictable release rates and turf response under all conditions. Elmira, Ontario (519) 669-5401 Brossard, Quebec Best Dressed - Credit Valley Golf & Country Club. (450) 462-2555 29 ADVANCE ROAD TORONTO, ONTARIO M8Z2S6 PHONE: (416)236-1001 FAX: (416)236-4654 10th ANNUAL www.albiongolfcars.com ONTARIO TURF BRUCE MCDONALD SYMPOSIUM JANUARY 3rd, 4th AND 5th DROP BY OUR BOOTH FOR A VISIT WITH OGSA DIRECTORS AND STAFF COME OUT AND HEAR WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR ASSOCIATION BY ATTENDING OUR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 4TH, 2001 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE NEPTUNE ROOM Corrie Almack, P.Ag. MIX AND MINGLE AT ALMACK & ASSOCIATES Tel: (905) 689-6174 Box 256, Carlisle, Ontario Fax: (905) 689-8522 THE PRESIDENT S RECEPTION LOR 1HO Email: C.AImack@sympatico.ca THURSDAY, JANUARY 4TH, 20001 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE PATIO BALLROOM DON’T MISS THE SPECIAL SEMINARS GIVEN BY OUR OWN O.G.S.A. MEMBERS • John Gravett and Mike Courneya will talk about Construction: Two Points of View • Jim Flett will talk on the Information Douglas Wood Large Tree Services “We Sell, & Transplant Large Trees” Fairway - Using Technology to Help Keep Golfers Informed Paul Hanousek (519) 853-2035 1-800-353-3019 Fax: (519) 853-2293 • Greg O’Heron will give a talk on The Power Serving all of Ontario of Power Point CHECK YOUR OTS FLYER FOR DETAILS OF DATES AND TIMES Be sure to check out your The Scotts Company O.T.S. TURF STEWARDSHIP brochure to see the complete list of Dave Dick Jeff McMaster Seminars and Speakers. Turfgrass Specialist Turfgrass Specialist 39 Monte Vista Trail 1864 Bowler Drive SEE YOU AT THE O.T.S. Brampton, Ont. L6Z 2J7 Pickering, Ont. L1V 3E4 Fax & Phone 905-846-3319 Fax & Phone 905-839-6526 Golfcourse highlight Fort William Country Club 1350 Mountain Road Thunder Bay, Ontario P7C 4Z2, Canada COURSE PROFILE WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE GREENS, TEES AND IS YOUR CLUB PRIVATE, SEMI PRIVATE, PUBLIC, FAIRWAYS? RESORT, MUNICIPAL? Semi-Private Greens 2.7 acres Tees 2 acres + SIZE OF MEMBERSHIP? Fairways 26 acres 600 WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER OF ROUNDS? PREDOMINANT GRASS? 42,000 Bent/Poa greens and Bluegrass tees * Rebuild the landing area on the 1st TYPICAL OPENING AND CLOSING DATE? hole. HOW MANY USGA GREENS May 1st through November 1st * Continue with drainage and cart 18 path work. NAME OF SUPERINTENDENT? WHAT IS THE PREDOMINANT SOIL TYPE? * Continue working on sand traps and Jeff Parker Clay greens surrounds. HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN A WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU HAVE IN INVENTORY? * Rebuild the driving range. SUPERINTENDENT? Fairways: 1 Toro 6500-D, 1 Toro 5100 6 Greens: 4 Jacobsen 422 walkbehinds, 1 ARE YOU CGCS OR MASTER SUPERINTENDENT.? Toro 3100 CHALLENGES No Tees/colars/approaches: 3 Toro GM ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR CHALLENGES YOU FACE HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN AN O.G.S.A.. 3000 WITH YOUR PROPERTY? MEMBER? Rough: 1 Progressive Pro-Flex 120, 1 * The course is nestled in a corner of 2 Kubota F-2400 the Norwester Mountains; in the HOW MANY YEAR ROUND STAFF? Tees/greens surrounds: 1 Jacobsen spring and fall the sun may not hit 2 1471, 1 Kubota F-2400 with Lastec 325 the 13th and 14th holes till 1 or 2 in EF deck HOW MANY SEASONAL STAFF? the afternoon. Tractors: 1 Kubota 2550, 1 Kubota 12 * With heavy clay soils, drainage work 4310 with loader, 1 International 384 HOW MANY MECHANICS AND ASSISTANTS? is continuous. Utility Vehicles: 1 Diesel Cushman, 1 1 mechanic and 1 assistant Carryall 1, 1 Jacobsen 1100 Hauler, 2 E-Z HOW MANY GARDENING STAFF? Go golf carts 1 Other: 2 Ryan GA-30 aerators, 1 Ryan SUCCESS STORIES fairway aerator, 1 Cushman with 150 gal. DO YOU HAVE AN SUCCESS STORIES? sprayer, 1 Ditch Witch Trencher, 1 Quick * In three years we have improved the COURSE STATISTICS Trench wire trencher, 1 Toro 2000 overall condition and look of the Sandpro with spiker attachment, 1 1970 course; a big part of this being the HOW MANY HOLES? Ford Dump Truck. installation of fairway irrigation, 18 rebuilding tees, and improving the WHAT IS THE YARDAGE FROM BACK TEES AND putting surfaces. FORWARD TEES? 6,750 yds and 5,200 yds. COURSE PROJECTS WHAT IS THE SIZE AND LENGTH OF DRIVING RANGE WHAT PROJECTS HAVE YOU RECENTLY COMPLETED? AND RANGE TEE? * Built 30 new tees AREAS OF PARTICULAR CHALLENGE nets at 200 yds • tee is 60 yds. * Enlarged 1 pond, dammed up, and * The holes up against the mountains built another 2 ponds, added (#13/14), which get little sun at HOW MANY BUNKERS? spillways, added shot rock to the some times of the year, and drain 43 pond banks poorly because they are full of rock HOW MANY PONDS, AND/OR HOW MANY TIMES * Rebuilt sand traps on 7 holes, and and muskeg. DOES WATER COME INTO PLAY? graded and re-sodded greens * We are situated at the very end of 9 holes our time zone, so we will have surrounds WHO WAS THE ORIGINAL ARCHITECT? * Various drainage projects, rebuilt all golfers on the course until after Stanley Thompson our bridges, continuous work at 10:00 P.M., and with a very active WHAT WAS THE YEAR OF ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION? adding cart paths membership, the course is highly 1923 trafficked. BY WHOM AND WHEN WAS THE COURSE * We have a great crew here, and any REMODELLED? work we do is in house. As an LONG RANGE PLANS Norman Woods and John Watson example, last year we laid over 140 WHAT LONG RANGE PLANS FOR RENOVATION DO skids of sod, rebuilt traps, built some WHAT IS THE SIZE OF YOUR MAINTENANCE SHOP? YOU HAVE IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? 2,400 sq. ft • Cold Storage 4,000 sq. ft. tees, did drainage work etc. and * Rebuild the 13th fairway and managed to maintain the course in a WHAT TYPE OF IRRIGATION SYSTEM? greenside.. season that may be a month shorter Rainbird Stratus 5 yrs. old than in Southern Ontario. Tiger mania comes to Glen Abbey A Greens Department perspective by Dean Baker, Superintendent Glen Abbey Golf Course <^(^hat a fitting way to end the you. The course is certainly no stranger expectations of this Jack Nicklaus summer. Tiger Woods, on the last day to busy summers and Canadian Opens. designed championship golf course is of the Bell Canadian Open, fires a Since its opening in 1977, Glen Abbey extremely high. With the price of 6 iron 216 yards out of the 18th fairway has hosted 22 of the last 24 Canadian corporate golf rising, and bunker and seals his fate in winning his Opens, and has played host to over competition building in this market, 9th P.G.A. tournament of the year. 200 corporate tournaments per year. our customers are expecting better ESPN would later be quoted as saying it For the Greens Department the service and conditions than ever was the best shot made this year to win summer is simple... you hope to come before. The Greens Staff understands an event. For the crowd who witnessed out of the winter well and by the time that, in this day and age, customer it... it was truly unbelievable. May rolls around you put your head service comes first. If the customer As most seasons start, the down and don’t look up until after the wants to play the course in Canadian anticipation of the Canadian Open is Open in September. Open conditions, that is exactly what always in the back of your mind. In the Keeping the course in “Canadian you strive to give them. spring you think The Open is a long Open Condition” all year round is our way away, but with Glen Abbey’s busy primary goal. As the golfing public continued on page 14 summer schedule it does creep up on comes to play Glen Abbey, their View from the 18th green. Tiger Woods signing the flag on the 18th, a Glen Abbey greens staff tradition - with Dean Baker, superintendent. Tiger Woods honours the Glen Abbey greens staff with a picture. The Glen Abbey greens staff - 2000 Bell Canadian Open. continued from page 12 was a good thing, because keeping up course was in beautiful shape for the In keeping with the high with the activities going on around the 2000 Bell Canadian Open. The expectations of our customers we, as golf course was almost a full time job. summer treated us very well and with Superintendents, have many variables Security for Tiger Woods along with the the number of rounds slightly down, in our jobs that challenge us each day. other P.G.A. players compared to that traffic was not an issue like years past. One of the biggest challenges at Glen of a presidential visit. Steel retaining The perpetual problem greens, #11 Abbey has always been weather related. barriers were set up for safe passage as and #12 were reconstructed and To have a successful Open, in terms of players walked between greens and tees resurfaced with L-93 bentgrass in the the courses condition, we must first get in heavy crowds. Areas where players spring. They quickly took root and through 80% of our yearly rounds, were dropped off in the parking lot or 8 weeks later were opened for play. while dealing with unpredictable at the clubhouse were considered off Number 11 green in particular had summer weather. To go through a long, limits to all spectators. However, even more grass on it than ever before. (This hot, humid Toronto summer usually with all this security, for the smart story is good for another article!) means endless hours of keeping things onlookers that knew the course well, During the Open, the biggest fear alive. This mixed with heavy traffic in there were still opportunities to sneak a for the Greens Department is once June, July and August often results in few autographs and a timely photo. again, the weather. Problem weather less than favourable conditions in To give you an idea of how can cause delays and with the reduced September. The summer of 2000 for successful this event was, consider these sunlight in the fall hours, work can only most superintendents was a dream. final numbers: get done in the dark... or not at all. Lower than normal temperatures, less • Ticket sales on property $100,000 Praying for good weather throughout humidity, and consistent rains made ($17,000 in 1999) the tournament is a huge event in growing grass fairly easy. We often say • Sunday crowds estimated at 60,000 which almost everyone partakes. that if the boaters and cottagers are (30,000 in 1999) Everyone from the title sponsor Bell, to having a bad summer... our grass is • 10,000 hats sold (4,000 in 1999) the P.G.A. Tour, always thinking about usually green. • 180 Prime Rib Roasts (80 in 1999) getting to their next tour stop, say their The 2000 Bell Canadian Open • 62 kegs = approx. 7000 glasses of prayers. Its nice to know we are never started into the record books on beer (30 kegs in 1999) alone in this annual ritual. As the week Thursday, August 31st, at 2:55 P.M. • 8400 bottles of beer (3600 in progressed, the weather cooperated, Tiger Woods made the call to the 1999) until the last day. R.C.G.A. and confirmed he was coming STATISTICS COURTESY OF CLUBLINK CORPORATION The story book ending was being to the tournament. By 3:00 P.M. the written out... Tiger Woods did not play word was out and by Sunday, Although the news of Tiger’s arrival exceptionally well at the beginning of September 3rd the Bell Canadian was thrilling to the groups running the the week but came on strong for the Open was completely sold out for the tournament and to the people looking weekend. Saturday he climbed up the first time in its history. From that point forward to seeing him play, it did not leader board and was paired with Grant on, the preparation for the tournament change the task at hand for the Greens Waite in the final group for Sunday. went into a gear I have never seen Crew. Our goal, regardless of who is When Sunday arrived, I was first met by before. Almost all the ordering from coming, is to prepare the best- the P.G.A. Tour on-sight weather man, shirts and hats to food and beer were conditioned course for championship who told me that a front was coming in doubled. Trucks and vehicles were play. The excitement created did and to anticipate 2 to 5 inches of rain... coming in the front gate non-stop, remind me of other times when a great and “Oh by the way”... we will probably morning and night. At this point the golfer would grace us with his presence not finish this round today”. “Thanks course was closed to the public which at the Open. These times were for the good news”, I said, and off I definitely stressful went. The P.G.A. tour immediately put on the Greens the course into a lift, clean and place Department. Not situation in order to stop players from only was Jack coming off the course in case the Nicklaus coming puddles got too big. This would normally to try and win his be heartbreaking to a Superintendent first Canadian looking at his beautifully maintained Open, but as the course, but if the rains did come, I too architect to one of wanted to get this day over with as fast his first golf as possible. I took this news back to my courses built, he staff and told them there was a chance also came to we would have to do this all over again critique our work. on Monday. They were all extremely The Glen tired and certainly not impressed by Abbey Greens the news. All we could do was sit and Department can wait to see what would transpire. The officially go on bad weather was hours away so we did record, without what we always do best in these being jinxed, by continued on page 16 saying... the golf continued from page 14 situations... prayed. As Waite and Woods tipped it up in the last group, we counted the holes as they went by. At the shop the Greens Staff watched the day unfold on television. The players made the turn on nine... nine more holes, eight more holes, seven more holes; they came out of the valley, three more holes. By this time you could here the thunder in the distance getting closer. We knew if thunder and lightning arrived, the players would be pulled off the course immediately. If rain was to follow, that would be the end of the day. Grant Waite was a true star that day. The Divot Crew - hard at it! He fought Tiger hole by hole and kept the match going literally to the 18th. P.G.A. Tour senior official Mike Shea water on the par 5 and landing approx. Grant, if it wasn’t for Tiger, would have stood on the 18th tee ready to blow the 30 ft from the pin. Tiger knew he had set a four day course record of 21 horn. As Tiger stepped up to the tee to go for it to at least stay one shot under par, but still finished second. box he asked, ‘Your not going to blow ahead of Waite. He switched his seven With lightning less than 5 miles away, that are you?” Mr. Shea smiled and said, iron for a six to clear the water... and ‘You better hurry!” the rest... is history. Tiger proceeded In my long stay at Glen Abbey, the to push his drive 2000 Bell Canadian Open certainly was right into the last one of the highlights of my career. The fairway bunker... course and its condition for the 216 yards left of tournament was second to none, which his destination. can only be contributed to the hard Waite’s drive was work of the Glen Abbey Greens Staff. perfect which lead They truly put their heart and soul into to a spectacular making it happen and for that, I am second shot over forever grateful. Brett Murray Technical Sales Greens being double cut, morning and night. Maple Turf Supply Business: (905) 857-2000 8112 King Rd. W. Fax: (905) 857-8215 P.O. Box 370 Mobile: (416)616-8112 Bolton, Ontario 1-800-268-4425 L7E 5T3 mapleturf@attcanada.net 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 Floating car in pond - crazy things the staff do in their spare time. One source: Vanden Bussche Irrigation The best golf sprinkler heads in the business! Being the best means being unique. With exclusive features like top-serviceable rock screens, closed case design with self-flushing action and top-serviceable solenoid assemblies, Rain Bird truly offers a unique sprinkler head for the golf market. Combined with the superior service and support offered by Vanden Bussche Irrigation, you truly have the best golf sprinkler head in the business available to you! Vanden Bussche Ontario Distributor of Irrigation & Equipment Limited 7856 Fifth Line S., Milton, ON L9T 2X8 Tel: (905) 875-4545 Ontario: 1-800-263-4112 Fax: (905) 878-4501 Products “ Irrigation Specialists for more than 40 years ” Hard-wired Control Radio Control Radio Control Hard-wired Control You select the method of irrigation control... Only can provide you with both options Total Solutions by TURF CARE For more information, contact the Irrigation Division at 1-800-561-1432 GTI update University to Hire New Turf Management Faculty Person The University of Guelph is currently in the process of hiring a new turfgrass management faculty person. The successful applicant will take a lead role in the research and educational fertilizers so good, activities at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute as well as have teaching responsibilities in the turf management short course, diploma and degree programs at the university. This faculty position will be part of the Department of Plant Agriculture. The we put our name Department of Plant Agriculture was formed by the amalgamation of the Departments of Crop Science and Horticultural Science. on them. The first stage of the process was completed with the posting of the position which had a closing date of October 31st. A number of applications were received and are currently being reviewed by the hiring committee. The committee is chaired by Dr. Clarence Swanton and includes representatives from GTI, Performance and quality is one thing, faculty, staff and graduate student groups. Applicants selected genuine value for our customers is another. for an interview will go through a process that includes an interview with the committee, a presentation to faculty and staff Genuine value comes only when you're able as well as a public presentation that will be open to members of to gather the best components on the market, the turfgrass industry. These interviews will be conducted in the first few months of 2001. The current target is to have the combine them in a way for the best possible position filled by July 1, 2001. Although the university is strongly performance, then deliver that combination committed to filling this position, the institution is facing in the best possible manner. continued funding cutbacks from the provincial government which could potentially impact the process. Dates, times and locations of the public presentations will be That's United Horticultural Supply and posted to The GTI Advisor e-mail list. If you did not receive The UHS Signature Brand Fertilizers. We've done GTI Advisor by e-mail this past summer and would like to be on all the work so you get the results you're after. the list or do not have e-mail and would like to receive mail or You have our name on it. fax notification, contact Rob Witherspoon at robwith @uoguelph.ca or (519) 824-4120 Ext. 6886. Rob is the GTI Contact your local UHS representative representative on the hiring committee and will be working for more information. closely with the OGSA, the Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation and other industry associations to insure that their Eastern Canada (800) 328-4678 opinions are considered during the hiring process. The position posting can be viewed on the web at www.plant.uoguelph.ca/ Western Canada (888) 273-4330 employment/ turfjob.htm. www.uhsonline.com UHS Signature Brand Fertilizers are a product of United Horticultural Supply Turfgrass Water Workshop The Guelph Turfgrass Institute in conjunction with the University of Guelph Office of Open Learning is holding the annual Turfgrass WaterWorkshop on January 30th and 31st. The theme of this year’s workshop is Safeguarding Water Resources. The first day opens with a presentation by Dr. Gary Parkin of the GTI covering his research into the impact of turfgrass pesticides and fertilizers on groundwater resources. Paul McCaig and Mark Luckhardt of Turf Drain Inc. will provide the latest information on turfgrass drainage. On the second morning Chris Crozier and Jim Baxter of Burnside Golf Services discuss the impact of water taking on surface and groundwater and provide a number of environmentally sensitive approaches to water taking for irrigation purposes. They are followed by Bruce Hawkins from the Ministry of the Environment who will be providing updated information on the issuing of water permits, record keeping requirements for permit holders and enforcement procedures. On both days, Dean Cormack from Vandenbussche Irrigation provides an irrigation management update covering the design, installation, operation and maintenance of irrigation systems. For more information contact the Office of Open Learning by phone (519) 767-5000, fax (519) 767-1114 or e-mail info@open.uoguelph.ca. Interview strategies that get you hired A good resume may get your foot in the door, but a good interview can get you the job by Krista Wagner nce your resume gets you in the O If possible, arrange to arrive early door for an interview, it’s up to you to land enough to walk the course before the the job. The interview is important, so it’s interview, which may make it easier to give Key points crucial to be well prepared. relevant examples and demonstrate your ■ Learn as much as you can about interest in the course. Allen Parkes, director the golf facility. If possible, tour of golf at Oak Hills Country Club in Palos the course before the interview. Getting ready for the interview Heights, Ill., and a three-year GCSAA ■ Organize a portfolio to show Gather background information on the member, suggests, “Do what you can to find your work. golf facility before your interview. Learn as out if there are any specific challenges that ■ Be prepared to talk about your much as you can of the basics: the the course is currently facing - for example, agronomic skills as well as organization’s founding date; the golf a new irrigation facility, reconstruction or a management skills. course’s size, condition and USGA slope new maintenance facility - and address that ■ Write a follow-up letter to thank rating; other facilities; etc. You will be able issue in your interview. It demonstrates your the interviewer. to demonstrate to your prospective ability to solve problems.” The more ■ Always continue to work on job employer a sincere interest in his or her research you’ve done on the system before leads until you formally accept a golf course. the interview, the greater your chemistry position. Gordon Greenfield, general manager at will be with the interviewer. Skaneateles Country Club in New York, says, Be sure to contact the GCSAA member “They (the interviewees) should come into superintendent before visiting the course, the interview pretty well prepared for the as outlined in GCSAA’s rules of lay of the land.” He explains that good professional conduct. Be on time. Arrive about 10 minutes preparation allows the interviewer to get to If your appointment is more than a week early and double-check your appearance know you and your skills rather than in advance, send a short note confirming to make sure you are neat and well- spending time explaining the course. the interview time. Let the interviewer groomed. Take a few deep breaths to help Talk with the previous superintendent, know you’re looking forward to the ease your nervousness. if possible. He or she can give you meeting. It’s a little thing, but it will make Find out in advance if the interview will information about the course and an idea an impression. be with one person or a group of people. In of what you may face on the job. Try to get a group setting, try to make eye contact with as many different perspectives as possible. During the interview each person in the room, but concentrate Realize that much of what you learn Dress professionally for the interview. your attention on the person you suspect to about a course will be subjective - the Men should at least wear a sports coat, tie and be the most important decision maker in personal opinion of whomever gives you slacks. Women should wear a conservative the crowd. When asked a question, direct the information. dress or jacket/ skirt combination. your answer to the person who asked the question, not the group. Paul Mayes, director of golf course maintenance for the PGA of Southern Interview the interviewer California Golf Club in Calimesa, Calif., says, “Be prepared to discuss your philosophies, strengths and weaknesses. When the potential employer asks if you have any questions, don't say Make your answers very precise, yet don’t be "No". It can indicate a lack of interest in the job. Jump at this opportunity too vague or to short.” to show your interest in the position by asking the interviewer some of the Don’t just tell the interviewer what you following questions: do, show them. Bring a portfolio of your work, Mike Hamilton, golf course 1 How would you describe the golf facility's business focus/mission/goals? superintendent at Foxfire Country Club in Naples, Fla., shows weekly, monthly and 2 What are the trends in revenues? yearly planners; job descriptions and procedures, and copies of old budgets he’s 3 What type of person are you looking for? prepared. The 12-year GCSAA member says, “I also take a lot of pictures of my course and show examples of the course 4 What qualities would the ideal superintendent have? when I took over and of the improvements we made.” How would I be evaluated? (What is the measure of success?) 5 Greenfield, who filled a golf course superintendent position after reviewing 70 6 What is your philosophy on continuing education and training? Community resumes and narrowing the field to five service? Local chapter involvement/leadership? interviews, says, “Each one of them brought What is the major competition? (May not apply.) 7 a tool for taking soil samples, which is a very good idea. That impresses the search 8 How long was your last superintendent at this facility? Reason for leaving? committee and impresses the interview committee that they’ve taken the time to do 9 How much and what type of communication do you want from the person? some homework before they’ve come into the interview”. What are your short and long-term goals for this position? 10 continued on page 20 continued from page 19 make the best impression by writing and Continuing the search Greenfield adds, “We ended up with a mailing this absolutely essential letter on Always continue to work on other job fellow who showed enthusiasm. He came the same day of the interview. leads until you formally accept a position. across as someone who likes to get down Rick Niemier, an 11-year GCSAA The time between when a position is and dirty. He also gave good answers to member from Marion, Iowa, suggests, “If advertised and when it is filled can be weeks, questions that were asked relative to the they ask you a question during your even months. Assume that any day an management of people”. interview that you do not know the answer employer will be looking for a person like Hamilton likes to explain to interviewers for, tell them that you will research the you to fill the position they have to offer. that, “basically we (superintendents) all answer and get back to them. Then, when Newjobs are created every day. The job that grow grass the same. Where you are writing a follow-up letter thanking did not exist yesterday may begin today. superintendents are different is in their them for the interview, include in the letter management skills and how we take care of what your answer would be. REPRINTED FROM GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT people. I go into a lot of detail on how to MARCH 2000 manage people”. Don’t be concerned if you can’t answer a question. Simply reply that you do not know. No one knows everything. There 20 questions have been situations where an employer has tried to stump a superintendent by making Just when you think you've prepared for every interview question in the up a fake disease and asking how to treat it. book from a potential employer, you hear another new question. The Be sure to end the interview by asking following list of popular interview questions will help you prepare for your next job interview. for the job. Most candidates overlook this seemingly obvious gesture. Try something like, “You have a great operation here, Mr. 1 What are your favorite things about your job/ profession? What other kinds of Jones. I’d like very much to work for you, jobs have you been interested in? What led you to golf course management? and if you choose to hire me, I won’t let 2 What would you say are the three most important elements in successful golf you down.” course management? Employers may use unusual techniques to find out more about you. For example, 3 What are/were the most frustrating aspects of your current/previous position? an employer may walk you to your car after the interview. The employer will notice your 4 What personal characteristics do you look for in an employee? car’s general appearance and whether it is clean, outside and inside, or filled with fast­ 5 How would you describe your management style? Your approach to delegation? food wrappers. This tidbit of information can be an indicator of your organizational 6 How do you view rules? As an employee? As a supervisor? skills. A clean and neat car can indicate a clean and neat maintenance facility, led by 7 Describe a past situation involving conflict with a golfer/subordinate/co- a well-organized manager. worker/superior. What, if anything, would you handle differently? Why? How would you handle it differently? After the interview 8 What kinds of skills seem to come to you most naturally? What do you feel you Write a follow-up letter to thank the need to work on most? How do you see yourself accomplishing that personal interviewer for showing an interest in you development goal? and taking the time to talk with you. You’ll 9 How often would you like to have contact with the green chairman? What kind of contact do you feel is most useful? What kinds of information are most important to exchange? 10 How would you describe your philosophy on golf course maintenance and management? 11 What have you learned working as a superintendent that no one taught you in college? How do you feel about continuing education for you position? 12 What kind of time/money do you believe in applying toward on-the-job SEEDS training for the maintenance staff? 13 Suppose rain or snow unexpectedly closes the course for a day - nothing that requires special cleanup or maintenance. What do you do with the staff? What do you do yourself? For All Your 14 What kind of projects do you think should be handled by outside contractors? Why? Golf Course Needs! What skills do you look for when hiring part-time seasonal help? 15 Turf seed, Pesticides, Nutrite Fertilizers and Bayco Golf Accessories 16 What type of environment-enhancing activities have you been involved with on the golf course? P.O. Box 7, Waterloo, Ont. N2J 3Z6 17 How are you keeping up with the rapidly changing issues affecting golf course management today? Tel: (519) 886'0557 Fax: (519) 886'0605 1-800-465-5849 Email: seeds@oscseeds.com What is your experience with long-range planning? 18 David Schmelefske 19 Tell me about two or three significant management challenges during your career. A. Kent McDonald 20 Does your management ability reflect a greater strength toward golf course Trevor Hunter construction or routine maintenance? Need extra help with the job search? ANNOUNCEMENTS Whether you are looking to land that ideal job or search for ways to ensure success 52nd Canadian International at your golf course, the Employment Resources Kit provides the necessary Turfgrass Conference suggestions and real-world examples to help your career stay on course. & Trade Show The kit contains five booklets packaged in a durable shelf organizer and can be February 24 - 27, 2001 purchase by GCSAA members for $20 ($30 for nonmembers). The booklet includes: Vancouver Convention & Career Development: An overview of the job search process, how to make a good impression and strategies to help you cope with unemployment. Exhibition Centre, Resume to Interviews: A guide showing how to write a resume and cover letter that Vancouver, B.C. will get you noticed. It also includes interviewing techniques that will lead to job offers. (in association with the Western Negotiating Compensation and Benefits: Easy-to implement approaches to Canada Turfgrass Association) getting your ideal compensation package; includes a bonus-laden employment contract. Congratulations to OGSA member, Enhancing Your Value: Dozens of ways you can show your value to your employer. Jim Wyllie who is the recipient of the Professional Development Planner: A guide to keep track of all your rewards, continuing education credits, salary history and benefits, retirement goals and more. 2000 JOHN B. STEEL DISTINGUISHED To order your kit, call the GCSAA service center at (800) 472-7878. SERVICE AWARD. CGSA Board of Directors announced, that the John B. Steel Award for distinguished service will be presented to Jim Wyllie in Vancouver during the CGSA Canadian International Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show February 24-27 at the closing banquet Tuesday, February 27 at the Waterfront Centre Hotel. Variable Speed Pump Stations Slow Fill, Automatic Ramp, Soft Flow 18-1290 Speers Road, Oakville, Ontario, L6L 2X4 Phone 905-469-6444 Fax 905-825-8139 Toll Free 1-888-222-6676 Email paulp@pumptronicsinc.com www.pumptronicsinc.com Turf or consequences by Doug Breen, Superintendent Calerin Golf Club I have two small children at home, is spending my tax dollars on these and they have gotten old enough that shows, it’s my patriotic duty to watch nothing is more exciting to them than to them. Anyway, they were reading the have Dad read to them from one of the story of “Al” the ant and “Grant” the eight million books they have stacked up grasshopper, and I suddenly realized unidentifiable object, and raking leaves is all over the house, usually in places where what’s wrong with the world, and why I seen as forced labour. It’s like the whole I trip over them in the dark. Many times can’t hire anyone under 25 and expect whack of them have Chronic Fatigue I’ve missed the fourth quarter of a them to do an honest day’s work. This Syndrome, or maybe they just move that football game, or the climax of a movie story will shed some light on what we’re slow to avoid tripping on the cuffs of those because Walker was adamant that he teaching our kids and why you all have baggy pants dragging on the ground. Now, needed me to read “Go Dog Go” for the the same problems with the younger I’ve had some great young folks over the twelve thousandth time. I don’t mind folks, that I do when we bring them on as years, but as a group, they tend to leave though, because there is something staff. garbage in the golf cart beside their goofy strangely Utopian about all those dogs I’m sure you remember the fable of wrap-a-round sunglasses that they took off having a party on the giant tree at the the ant and the grasshopper. The ant so that they could see better while they end. worked all summer to save up food for were messing with the governer to make My wife is an infinitely better story the winter while the grasshopper played the cart go faster and consequently hit a reader than I am, and when she’s putting his fiddle, danced, painted pictures, and tree, wrecking the cowling, and denying it the kids to bed, each character has its generally ridiculed the ant for working later. I actually had a guy ask me for a raise own voice. There are sound effects and too much, (sounds like me and my two days after I told him to shape up they hang on every word. I, on the other neighbours). In the version I heard from because he was in grave danger of losing hand, tend to read like the drone of a my father, the grasshopper freezes and his job. diesel engine, and my son will often starves to death with the obvious moral. I was part of generation X-perhaps the become so disinterested that he’ll change By the time I got to school, the most lazy, angry and self-important group books on me halfway through. grasshopper got to live, but was saved in history-until now. But, these things What’s interesting, though, is how only through the charity of the ant, and tend to pendulum back and forth, and I much children’s stories have changed. the grasshopper learned his lesson. In can only hope that the next generation When I was little, we had lots of great last week’s version, “Al” the ant and will be more useful than the crop that’s stories about people being eaten by “Grant” the grasshopper form a coming through now. Maybe our best bet wolves, only to be cut out again with axes commune where the ant realizes the is to let our kids know that there are by burly woodsmen; puppets got their error of his ways and the work of singing, consequences of being lazy, and that feet burned off; boys turned into dancing and painting is put in an good old fashioned hard work is not donkeys; children were boiled in pots for elevated position. At the end of the story, somehow less important than “Grant” eating; and people routinely lost their the reader looked at the camera and said, work. If “Al” the ant doesn’t put food first born children in bets with elves, in an obvious appeal to the government, away all summer - we all starve! trolls, goblins, or the like. Now, all these “We sure could use stories have been sanitized, and it’s a lot more Grants”. probably for the best. Walt Disney, Now I under­ himself, started this cleanup years ago, stand why a fifteen figuring that scaring the crap out of year old won’t run a children with bedtime stories probably Weedeater for more wasn’t necessary. However, last week I did than fifteen minutes what most fathers do periodically. I set without resting, or the children in front of the TV. while the quitting the job professionals on “The Big Comfy Couch” entirely. Now I know read them stories. I figure that if the CBC why a shovel is an SUPPLIERS OF TOP QUALITY BENT AND BLUE GRASSES (416) 364-5700 Looking back Five years ago today by Barry Endicott, Nobleton Lakes Golf Club Board of Directors of the OGSA Ted Ellis (73). Rob Witherspoon was Kingston, John Scott is the new super at in 1995 were: John Taylor (pres.), Twenty appointed as new GTI Director. Ottawa Rivermead and Mike Cote moved Valley, Alex La Belle (vice pres. & The Superintendent, Greens from Port Carling G & CC to Glendale. newsletter editor), Merryhill, Bruce Chairman Day was held at the Rosedale Chris Andrejicka, assistant at Devil’s Burger (past pres.), Lakeview, Simon GC on July 17th hosted by Bill Fach. The Pulpit, is the new superintendent at Essex. George (tres.), Oakville, Ian Bowen, winners were as follows: 1st low gross - Bernie Martin from Osprey moved to Oshawa, Bob Heron, Beacon Hall, Paul Brampton GC, 2nd low gross - Bay of Hunters Glen (formerly Huntington) The Dodson, Lionhead, Doug Suter, Credit Quinte and 3rd low gross - Galt CC. Beverley G 8c CC hired Scott Dyker, John Valley, Paul White, Mississaugua, Ken The Pro/Superintendent Day was Parker moved from Greystone to Nelson, Jerry Richard, Craigowan and held at Monterra GC on June 13th Trafalgar. Andrew Keffer, assistant at Keith Bartlett, Thornhill. Cindi Charters hosted by Ron Heesen. The winning Emerald Hills took over at Greystone. was the office secretary. gross team, Dan Lavis and Pro John Derick Powers moved from Brockville New Members: Terry Magee (F) Davis, was from Ingersol and the low net Golf to Carleton Golf and Yacht Club. Mississaugua, Richard Leadbeater (S) prize went to Deerhurst, Ed Farnsworth Paul Dermott and Dave Gourlay Jr. Parkview, Tracy Fowler (F) Hamilton, and Paul Kennedy. were both nominated as directors of Paul Brown (F) Islington, Greg McLinton On the move: Thom Charters to GCSAA by the OGSA. Paul Dermott, Paul (B) Carleton, Kevin Inglehart (S) Univ. Bayview from Weston and Jeff Burgess, Scenna and Greg Williams won the of Guelph, Ken Johnson (B) Indian Hills, assistant at Westmount GC, took his place. Environmental Steward Award from the Terry Gale (F) Indian Hills, Gary Stairs Jim Molenhuis left Lionhead to work at a GCSAA. The GCSAA Conference and (F) Board of Trade, Bill Thornton (B) new Golf Course, Lake St. Joseph being Show was held in San Francisco. Wyldewood, Todd Davey (S) Cardinal, built by Club Link. Paul Dodson from The OTRF Golf Tournament was held Randy Booker (B) Sleepy Hollow, Kent Aurora Highlands to Lionhead. Peter at Spring Lakes GC hosted by Mac Frost. McDonald (E) Ontario Seed Co., Tami White from Credit Valley (assistant) went Jay Evelyn was low gross winner with a 71. Packham (E) Ontario Seed Co., Tim to Aurora. Blake McMaster moved from Ransomes America Corporation and Baxter (F) Bear Creek, Natalie Arms (F) Brampton GC to Royal Montreal. Jay Lavis G.C.Duke Equipment Limited announced Board of Trade, Dave Svab (F) Weston, left Cardinal and went to Blue Mountain the new revolutionary all electric riding Michael Sammon (F) Loyalist GC, Doug and was replaced at Cardinal by Robert greensmower which operates on (8) 6 volt Dougherty (E) Ray Gordon Equipment, Sloan from Sudbury. Gary Morris left golf cart style batteries which offer quiet Daniel Passmore (E) Frechette North Bay GC and went to John Evelyn pollution free operation. Lawncare, Nicole Snider (F) Beach Golf Centre and North Bay hired Kevin It is the law in Ontario that signs must Grove, Sean Kelly (F) Islington, Brent Wingerton, assistant at Thornhill. Mike be posted 24 hours prior to pesticide Stainton (B) Derrydale, Gavin Kellogg Courneya, assistant at Markland Wood, applications on golf courses and remain (A) Tyandaga, Rob Allison (F) Twenty moved to the Loyalist Estate GC near in place for 48 hours after an application. Valley, Ernie Amsler (B) Angus Glen, Mike Ettles (F) Bruce Patterson (F) Angus Glen, Jim Power (B) Pine Ridge, Steven Ransom (F) Twenty Valley, Tim Schaly (F) Muskoka Lakes, James Scott (S) Univ. of Guelph, Eric Williamson (F) Angus Glen. A retirement reception for Dr. Jack L. Eggens was held on January 4th in conjunction with the Ontario Turfgrass Symposium. It was organized and directed Warmest Wishes to by Gordon Witteveen, and the presenters were former students and friends: Nigel Rennie, Rob Ackermann, Dean Baker, You and Your Family for a Joyous Keith Bartlett, Ian Bowen, Angelo Capanelli, Paul Dermott, Bill Fach, Ron Festive and Safe Holiday Season. Heesen, Jerry Richard, Paul Scenna, Pelino Scenna, Mike VanBeek, Paul White, Mark Schneider, Marie Thorne, Hugh Kirkpatrick and Daisy Moore. May the Spirit of This Season Remain OGSA, GTI, OMAFRA Field Day was held at the Springfield GC on Aug 14th in You Hearts All Year Long! hosted by Ray Dlugokecki (Duke for short). Low gross scores were Thom Charters (70), Jeff Stauffer (72), Paul Scenna (72), and TURF care There’s a reason YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF A ROTARY TRIM MOWER. Until now there wasn’t one. Introducing the new toro groundsmaster® 3500-d. The new 3500-D is the only rotary trim mower on the market that gives you a tournament quality cut. With its patent-pending Contour Plus decks, you’re ensured of the cleanest cut while virtually eliminating scalping. Thanks to its popular Sidewinder cutting system, you can now trim around trees, ponds and bunkers, plus vary your tire tracking, easier than ever. And with the rotary deck’s rear rollers, you can have tournament quality striping every day. The 3500-D. There’s never been anything like it. Until now. To learn more, contact your Turf Care sales representative at the location nearest to you, or visit our website at www.turfcare.ca. You can see this unit by visiting our booth at the Ontario Turfgrass Symposium. The Sidewinder System allows you to vary tire tracking or trim embanked areas. 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