Ontario Golf Superintendents Association OGSA 31 DIANA DRIVE DOWNSVIEW, ONTARIO PHONE 416-633-1591 NEWSLETTER MARCH 1972 Board of directors PRESIDENT: W. Hynd Res. Phone 247-2795 Business 231-3393 VICE-PRES: J. Wyllie 451-5428 767-2175 SECRETARY: R. Haines 233-6105 459-5050 TREASURER: R. Heron 459-3299 625-2062 DIRECTORS: R. Lamb 884-7873 884-8189 R. Allan 445-7791 447-5575 R. French 627-3394 628-2285 P. Dermott 231-0925 231-1114 H. Kopp 889-3291 E. Charman 889-3305 889-3531 PAST PRES: J. Arends 277-4061 277-0848 EDITORIAL COMMITTEE: W. Hynd R. Haines J. Arends H. Kopp The success of this Newsletter depends partly on the opinions and views of its members. Views expressed in articles or editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Ontario Golf Superintendents Association or the Executive, but are those of the writer concerned. RE: MAILINGS- the onus is on you to tell the office of any changes of address. If any Golf Superintendent is not receiving his mail, or knows of someone who is having problems with his mail, please advise the office at 633-1591. President's Message Now that winter is about over, we are beginning to prepare ourselves to the awakening of Spring 1972. It has been an odd winter with lots of rain in December and ice conditions in January followed by Snow cover all through February. Now, the question arises, "how will the Golf Courses come through the winter"? If they don't come through in good shape we will have the above mentioned conditions as an excuse, but who among us can predict we will have a bad spring with winter kill. I'm sure Mother Nature will have the last say in this regard. Following the outstanding programme at Northwood Golf Club in January, the meeting at Lambton was a distinct success. when we Golf Superintendents continued the theme of practical discussion on the most important issue of the moment, "Winter Injury". The O.G.S.A. is a protective umbrella for the members who were fortunate to attend those meetings. Our problems become smaller when we listen to the wealth of experience around us. Who among us can afford not to attend! Plans are well under way to assure the success of the O.G.S.A. Annual Banquet at the Skyline Hotel during Conference time. Please reserve your tickets in good time. The meetings Committee have most of the year planned ahead and it promises to be an interesting one. Dr. George Smith's recommendations that we discuss the subject of "Spring Fertilizing" at a future meeting Will come Under attack at the May meeting in conjunction with ''Winter Kill" problems. Bill Hynd. REPORT ON THE ANNUAL TURF MANAGER'S SHORT COURSE -Ross Haines During the month of February, I had the pleasure of being part of the class that comprised the 3rd Annual Turf Manager's short course at the University of Guelph, in Guelph, Ontario. We had a classroom of about 30 of the most interested students I think I have seen anywhere. The class was made up of superintendents, assistants, 2 farm managers from the Sod Supply indus­ try, and 1 from the landscape business. They came from as far as Edmonton, Alberta, and Nova Scotia and most places in between to attend this extremely fine and worthwhile course. We must be able to see from this What they think of this course from across the country. In this area we have known for some time how fortunate we really are to have such fine people, backed by such a dedicated institution, as the University of Guelph is, and their staff. But the word has gone out across the country and people are responding to it in ever increasing numbers, so let’s get behind them where we belong and do everything possible to help. I wouldn't be surprised to see a 2 year diploma course in Turf Management and indeed we all hope to see the day whan it starts. So come one and come all, lets consolidate our efforts along this line and look to the leader, the University of Guelph, for the formal education and research work we so desperately need in this business. We had such subjects as Soils, Physiology, Turf Management, Weed Control, Disease Control, Irrigation and Drainage, Insect Control, Landscape, Design, and Budgets and Accounts, The professors in all these subjects are very dedicated people and the resources they have at their fingertips for additional information on specific subjects is indeed fantastic. We had 35 hours of lectures a week, which is a lot of work. But when you consider you are only there for a month, you simply must settle down and do it. The first morning when you look around and see 30 odd faces that you virtually have to live with for a month you wonder how you are going to pull it off. But you know Very soon by the enthusiasm, the common desire for knowledge, and the comradeship that soon develops, you are going to do it! By the time the fourth week rolls around, and after those unforgettable lunches in Johnston Hall, we are all inseparable buddies. Whe can forget..... Jacques and his Mustang, Little Blair from Bancroft, Nick and his rocks and sewers, Jean and his weeds, Barry and the girls, and the secretaries across the hall, yeah man, those secretaries!!! We must all go back now to our jobs wherever they may be or whatever they may be and apply all the knowledge and skills we acquired. GOOD LUCK boys, see you somewhere, sometime....... JACK ABBOT an Honorary Member of the O.G.S.A. passed away after a short illness on Feb. 9th, 1972. Jack came over from Ireland in 1914 and after a number of years he farmed what is now Islington Golf Club, which was built in 1924. He supervised the building of Islington Golf Course & began a distin- gushed career as Golf Course Superintendent as this club from 1924- 1938. He then accepted the post of Golf Supt. at Rosedale Golf Club from 1939-1950. Following a brief retirement he returned to Islington Golf Club as Supt. until 1960 when he finally retired at the age of 76. Jack Abbot was one of the originators of the O.G.S.A. and a steady bul- wark through the years. He will be sadly missed by all. NEXT MEETING ST. GEORGE'S GOLF & C. C. *** MONDAY, MARCH 13th. 1972 *** HOST: BILL HYND PROGRAMME: 2 P. M. - MEETING BUSINESS SPEAKER: JOHN K. CAMPBELL Links Supervisor, St. Andrews SUBJECT: Movies of Behind the Scenes Preparation for the 1971 Walker Cup Matches at St. Andrews. Question & Answer Period 4:30 P. M. - Refreshments John K. Campbell is internationally known as a fine speaker and authority in Turf Management Although he is speaking on the programme at the Skyline (R.C.G.A. Conference), he has enough additional slides and movies with im on al phases of the operation at St. Andrews. He will be in Toronto from March 11th - 25th. Although the weather at this time leaves a lot to be desired, any Superintendents who would like to spend a little time with him showing clubhouse and maintenance facilities should contact BIll Hynd. Editorial Note: John K. Campbell reports that he purchased one of the triplex Greensmovers in July 1971. Time tests for mowing greens were as follows: Jubilee Course - 3 hrs. New Course - 4 hrs. Eden Course - 4 hrs. Old Course - 9 1/2 hrs. WANT ADS FOR SALE - EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: 2 Worthington Fairway Units 6 Blade's 1 National triplex 1965 2 Par'Aide Ball Washers 1 Ryan Ren-o-Thin 4 Sets rental Golf Clubs (Spalding) 1 Ransome Greensmower Apply to: Mr. Larry Wynn 2 Jacobsen Greensmowers 17 Elstree Road, 2 Cooper Greensmowers Islington, Ontario. Quantity of perforated drainage pipe Tel. 239-1511 in 10 ft. lengths. Quantity of snow fence for sale. FOR SALE - Contact: Paul Dermott Jacobsen 10 Blade 7 gang Fairway Islington Golf Club Units with Frames. Inquire: Phone: 231-0925 York Downs Golf & C. C. - Unionville, Ontario. FOR SALE - 1 West Point Aerifier (Greens) Phone: 297-3092 Call Bill Hynd - BE. 1 -3393 Reminder: Advertising space in this Newsletter is free to A & B Members. M E E T I N G S MARCH 13th St. George's Golf and Country Club " 15 -17 R.C.G.A. Conference - Skyline Hotel APRIL 11 Cherry Hills Golf Club " 17 Essex Golf Club, Windsor MAY (To be announced) JUNE Galt Country Club & University of Guelph JULY 21 Brantford Golf Club (Greens Chairman/Supt. Day) AUGUST 8 Combined Meeting with Western New York Superintendents AUGUST Islington Golf Club - Pro/Supt. Day SEPTEMBER (To be announced) OCTOBER Rosedale Golf Club The meeting at Cherry Hills Golf Club is a combined meeting O.G.S.A. and Western Ontario Greenskeepers. Superintendents who can find the time are urged to attend the meeting at Essex Golf Club, Windsor on April 17. Host Dave Mooteis inviting the Detroit Superintendents over. The following applicant has applied for membership in the Ontario Golf Superin­ tendents Association. If anyone has any objections, they must be submitted in writing to the Secretary. Cameron Cairncross Foxwood Golf Club BILL FORRESTER, Honorary Member of the O.G.S.A. is reported to be in poor health. We of the O.G.S.A. wish him a speedy recovery. SAM ELLIOT, Golf Superintendent at Royal Montreal is repotted under the weather. We hope he will soon regain his good health, with the-adjoiner: — LANG MAY YER LUM REEK! EDITORIAL The benefits of being a Golf Superintendent are many and varied. On the home front, we have the opportunity and privilege to meet and enjoy the facilities of the finest golf clubs in the area. The writer recently had a golf holiday at Pinehurst, N. Carolina and played 7 different courses. It is significant that we were welcomed everywhere we went and in most cases, the G.C.S.A.A. cards were honoured as well. The following excerpt from the "Georgia Turf Grass News" contains an additional privilege and also some sobering thoughts on conduct which is worth mentioning as a reminder to any large group or association. "MASTERS & CLASSIC TOURNAMENTS - Allen L. Baston, Supt. of Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Ga., and George J. Burgin, Supt. of the Atlanta Country Club, inform us that our cards, will again be honored at the Masters Tournament and the Atlanta Classic as in the past years. This year the Masters will be held April 6-9, and the Classic, May 25-28. The folks at the Masters honor both the Georgia G.C.S.A. and G.C.S.A.A. (National) membership cards and the Classic people honor the Georgia G.C.S.A., Carolinas G.C.S.A., and National cards. Obviously, this is a great favor on their part and those who take advantage of the favor should behave in accordance with the rules governing the issuing of the favor. The Executive Committee is aware that this privilege has been abused and is genuinely concerned. Abuse of the privilege by just a few may bring about denial of the privilege to many. Neither our hosts nor your Association want to see this happen. The Executive Committee will see that this detrimental conduct will be disciplined under Article II (Code of Ethics) of the Georgia G.C.S.A. By-laws. At the same time we assure our hosts that we are grateful for the opportunity to, view their tournaments and that we will do our best to insure that no breach of faith takes place.” Bill Hynd "Real problems can be overcome; it is only the imaginery ones that are unconquerable. Goof supervision is the art of getting average people to do superior work. The less one has to do the less time one finds to do it in." Reprinted from The Georgia Turfgrass News. G.C.S.A.A. CONFERENCE February 13 - 18, 1972 Cincinnati, Ohio. Springlike weather greeted the 50 All Canadian Superintendents were again Canadian Superintendents that travelled invited to a luncheon on Wednesday by F. to Cincinnati to attend the 43rd Con­ Manley on behalf of Toro. It is always a ference and Show. great occasion to meet your colleagues from all over Canada. This year’s show had a record breaking registration of 4,050 persons. Throughout the week, all lectures were ex­ tremely well-attended and most topics con­ An overflow crowd attended the opening cerning golf course and supt. were covered. session to hear the keynote address by Tuesday's theme was "Management Tips", Ralph Nader. Mr. Nader spoke about Wednesday's "Golf Cars", Thursday "Main pollution, and he said: "We have to Machinery & Management" and Friday "The develop not only an intellectual aware­ Thinking Superintendent". ness of the problem but also an emo­ tional involvement. An assault on In the last few years, this Conference has the environment is an assault on human become truly international with superinten­ beings." dents from all over the world in attendance. Bill Hayashi is Superintendent for the Makaha We often ask: "What is it going to Inn G. & C.C. in Hawaii. His boss, Chinn Ho, cost to clean up our pollution?" build a club, hotel & apartments in a 5200- Nader says: "The question should be: acre valley surrounded by mountains. "The "What will it cost if we don’t clean golf is great", said Bill, ."36 holes. In our it up?" valley we can seed a new golf course and have it ready to play in, five, weeks." Dr. Paul M. Alexander, Director of Education presented the Certificate In Japan golf is expensive. Green fees are of Certification to 40 superintendents. $15.-$30. People have to wait in line for These were the, first to receive this hours to get on the public course. The recognition; among them were Gord, caddies are women who charge by the pound Witteveen and John Steel. for the weight of golfbag and clubs. Japanese will play a round with a small golf The highlight of the afternoon session bag and a few clubs to keep the price down. was the talk given by Dr. Clayton The caddies also carry bags containing dirt Switzer of the University of Guelph, and grass seed. When a player makes a divot, under the title "Golf Turf Chemicals. -- they throw dirt and seed on the scar. Environmental Effects". Other countries represented were Germany, The trade show opened on Tuesday morning Australia and Italy. All exhibition space was sold out and a tremendous variety of machinery and The annual membership meeting on Wednesday equipment was on display. The biggest afternoon was a bit of a disappointment to areas were taken by Toro and Jacobsen. us when we did not get Gordon Witteveen For the space on the floor, the exhibi­ elected as director. A great deal of work tors paid $3.75 per square foot. and effort was put into this election by Companies like Toro and Jacobsen paid Gord himself and Jim Wyllie. Let's hope out some $13,500. for the premium spots. that all this publicity will pay off when we try, again. This Convention was the 4th largest to be held in Cincinnati this year, and was The banquet on Thursday night featured estimated to generate a half million entertainment by the Collegiate Singers from dollars in business for the city of Purdue University and by comedian Billy Cincinnati. Kelly, followed by a dance party. — continued -- G.C.S.A.A. Conference (continued) Looking back at this Conference, you can’t help but be really impressed by the Association's ability to organize such a big and well running event. I would like to urge all Superintendents to go down sometime and see the tremendous show. It will certainly broaden your experience and outlook. John Arends. DON'T FORGET NEXT MEETING at ST. GEORGE’S GOLF & C. C. MARCH 13th, 1972 HOST: BILL HYND Golfers are a funny lot. When they drive they walk. They leave the tee and go off with the caddie. If a player goes down in one he can finish one up. Truth may appeal to them, but they prefer a good lie. They can halve a hole and still leave it whole and finish a round all square. -- Campbelltown (Aus.) News Shoulders that carry responsibility have little room for chips. Some people are so busy learning the tricks that they never learn the trade. Getting things done through people is the essence of management—but it calls for orders that are clear, understandable and to the point. If important instructions have a way of miscarrying, perhaps your delegating habits could stand improvement. Here are some common failings to avoid: * Nebulous directions, such as saying "I'd like to have this soon," instead of "I need the results tomorrow." * Inviting confusion by talking too fast or not securing full attention. * Taking too much for granted, i.e., assuming the employee knows more than he does about the background, situation or problem. Briefing carefully takes less time than correcting errors later. * Incorrect timing—giving orders for tomorrow ten minutes before quitting time, when you're both in a hurry. Use the last half-hour of the day for organizing assignments to hand out in the morning. * Exercising authority instead of enlisting cooperation. Generally speaking, a polite request or reminder will get you more mileage than a formal directive.