April 2001
Green is
Beautiful
The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association
A Dream
Come True
Angus Glen Golf &
Country Club
Preparation for the
AT&T senior open
CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL
PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 1689932
Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to
The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON N1H 6H8
FOUR!! [IN ONE]
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SCGX2600S: 26.2cc 4-Cycle
Engine Displacement: 25.4cc/1.6 cu. in.
In order for golf course superintendents to maintain a Carburetor: Disphragm w/purge pump
nice tight edge around bunkers, they must trim and Ignition System: solid state
edge bunkers a number of times during a golf season. Blades Head: 2, 20 tooth steel
With the average golf course having 63 bunkers that Dry Wt.: 15.7 lbs.
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Kooy Bros. Lawn Equipment Weston (416) 242-3513
each sand trap - bunker. Newmarket Lawn & Garden Newmarket (905) 895-2346
Outdoor Supplies & Equipment Hamilton (905) 578-2411
20 minutes x 63 bunkers = 21 hours Pic’s Motor Clinic Fonthill (905) 892-3041
Power World Machinery Co. Ltd. Thornhill (905) 889-8952
1 grounds crew person @ $8.00 per hour = $8.00 Seabrook Rent-All Ltd. Lindsay (705) 324-7368
$8.00 x 47 hours & 15 minutes = $168.00 labor cost Simcoe Grey Equipment Collingwood (705) 446-2226
Stomark Stoufville (905) 642-2020
Storm Equipment Sales, Serv. & Leasing Whitby (905) 666-3156
Labor cost without using the Reciprocatorâ„¢: $726.67 Terra Services & Equipment Lakefield (705) 652-8116
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Walpole Lawn & Garden Equipment Simcoe (519) 426-7589
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Contents
Green is
A DREAM COME TRUE .......................................... 12 Beautiful
Angus Glen Golf and Country Club.............................................. 16 The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association
Announcements.............................................................................. 10
Annual March curling day ............................................................. 26
C.G.S.A. director report................................................................. 6
Cyber super ..................................................................................... 10
Editor's message............................................................................ 5
G.C.S.A.A.......................................................................................... 6
Golf course highlight - Galt Country Club .................................... 11
Health & safety .............................................................................. 7
Looking back ................................................................................... 27
Preparation for the AT&T senior open......................................... 15
President's message ...................................................................... 4
The referee ..................................................................................... 9
COVER PICTURE
The Toronto Terror ......................................................................... 9 www.golfsupers.on.ca
Turf or consequences ..................................................................... 22
Utilizing technology....................................................................... 18
Welcome! ........................................................................................ 5
Advertisers
Albion Golf Cars and Turf Equipment.......................................... 18
Almack & Associates ..................................................................... 9
Braemar Building Systems ........................................................... 7
Burnside Golf Services .................................................................. 6
Century Rain Aid............................................................................. 14
Chipco Professional Products....................................................... 8
Douglas Wood Large Tree Services .............................................. 22
G.C. Duke Equipment Ltd............................................................... 2
Graphic Services Ltd....................................................................... 4
Maple Turf Supply ......................................................................... 9
Nu-Gro........................................................................................ 25, 26
Nutrite.............................................................................................. 23
OSC Seeds ........................................................................................ 26
The P.E.S.T. Institute........................................................................ 25
Penguin Golf Associates ................................................................ 18
Plant Products Turf ......................................................................... 27 OGSA is committed to
Proturf Division - NuGro Corporation ......................................... 26 serving its members,
Pumptronics Incorporated............................................................. 15 advancing their profession,
Skyway Lawn Equipment Limited................................................ 22
Syngenta.................................................................................... 17, 24 and
Turf Care Products Canada - Irrigation Division......................... 19 enriching the quality
Turf Care Products Canada ............................................................ 28 of golf
United Horticultural Supply .......................................................... 21
Vanden Bussche Irrigation & Equipment Limited ...................... 20 and its environment.
Zander Sod Co. Limited ................................................................. 22
President'smessage
power of setting goals and objectives within
organizations has been realized for decades. Mapping
out a plan and achieving the results with a motivated
staff not only benefits your operation and its clients, but
also enriches the job satisfaction of your staff. Whether
your organization is large or small, public or private,
9 or 18 holes, bentgrass or bluegrass fairways; we are all ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS'
in the service business. ASSOCIATION
We all know how vital good customer service is for Guelph Turfgrass Institute
people who enjoy the “golf experienceâ€. As the 328 Victoria Road South
economy begins to show signs of general decline, many Guelph, ON N1H6H8
superintendents will be forced to do more with less. As Ph: 519-767-3341
the various inputs into our golf operations increase in Toll Free: 877-824-6472
price (some exponentially) on an annual basis, we continue to look for ways to control Fax: 519-766-1704
escalating expenses. Many times we may forget the revenue side of the golf business Email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca
since most of us deal with only expenditures at our courses. How golfers and their guests Website: www.golfsupers.on.ca
enjoy our golf course will usually directly impact the revenue side of our club. As a
result, maintenance operations that provide great service not only will help to increase BOARD OF DIRECTORS
revenues, but also your value as a golf superintendent. PRESIDENT John Gravett
As superintendents, we need to go out of our way to really listen to our clients, and PAST PRESIDENT Keith Bartlett
VICE-PRESIDENT Jim Flett
in the process we can also learn from them. There are many superintendents across
TREASURER Mark Piccolo
Ontario who are truly great at customer service and it is evident in the success of their SECRETARY Rob Ackerman
operation. We need to learn to know and anticipate what the golfer needs. Ask your DIRECTORS Dean Baker
clients how they feel about your maintenance operation. It is well known how beneficial Jeff Burgess
spending time with your clients playing golf can enhance your operation and Bob Burrows
professionalism. Since your staff are the vital component of your golf maintenance Mike Courneya
operation, focus on empowering them as well as being pro-active. “What if’ training Dave Cours
works great and facilitates the staff to think about what they would do if a special Sean DeSilva
situation occurred, ie. too much rain, floods, angry people, etc. On a reactive basis, we Paul Scenna
all have to remember that nobody’s perfect. It is indeed part of human nature that we OFFICE
will all make mistakes in our profession. Great leaders make plenty of mistakes, but ADMINISTRATOR Dorothy Hills
know how to fess up and fix up! Sometimes it is very uncomfortable dealing with angry
people and awkward situations. But 5% of your clients will actually try to take advantage
of you while the other 95% are honest. Remember to set your course for the 95%!
Your OGSA Board of Directors have set ambitious goals and objectives for each
portfolio to be achieved by the end of this year. Without going into great detail, I can
reassure you that your Board of Directors consists of a serious group of dedicated
superintendents who are focused on achieving their portfolio goals this year. The OGSA
has formed an Annual Conference Subcommittee to specifically focus on three areas of
opportunity. First, the Subcommittee will make a recommendation to the OGSA Board
of Directors on a potential new format for the annual conference and show. Secondly,
the Subcommittee will examine relationships with current partners in the Ontario
Turfgrass Symposium. Finally, the Annual Conference Subcommittee will determine
and make recommendations to the OGSA Board of Directors concerning appropriate GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL EDITORIAL
action with respect to the CGSA and their conference and show. The best interests of COMMITTEE
the OGSA membership will always be represented throughout the mandate of the Jeff Stauffer, Editor
Subcommittee. Bob Burrows, Liaison
We urge the membership to share your views on the current conference and show as Dorothy Hills, Coordinating Manager
well as offering any comments on what you would like to see improved. The OGSA is in Randy Booker
the business of servicing our members and we would like to ‘raise the bar’ at your Angelo Capannelli
annual conference and show. Scott Horsburgh
Greg O'Heron
Layout Design & Printing provided by... Mark Piccolo
Mark Prieur
Mark Schneider
GRAPHIC
SERVICES
PRINTERS & LITHOGRAPHERS “Green is Beautiful†Green is Beautiful 2001
is Printed on Although every effort is made to check
Recycled Paper material for publication, the association is
e-mail: info@graphicservices.ca not responsible for material published on
behalf of its contributors.
All rights are reserved by the publisher
32 - 34 Essex Street Guelph, ON N1H 3K8 and any reproduction in whole or part
without the written permission of the
Tel.: (519) 763-5745 • Fax: (519) 763-9532 publisher is prohibited.
Editor's message
It is with enthusiasm and honour I accept the opportunity
to be the Editor of Green is Beautiful. I thank the Ontario Golf
Superintendents’ Association Board of Directors for this
opportunity for development and for their confidence in my
ability to perform the role of Editor. I have enjoyed the
previous year as a member of the Editorial Committee and as
Welcome!
the new Editor, I am committed to continue to provide the
quality magazine my predecessors have worked hard to create O.G.S.A. Welcomes
and produce.
I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate my most
our newest members
recent predecessor, Bob Burrows, on his successful election to Chris Armatage Class F
the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association Board of Glen Abbey Golf Club
Directors and a successful year as editor of Green is Beautiful.
During his short term Bob introduced several new components Robert W. Baker Class A
that significantly enhanced the magazine. With membership support and submissions, Seven Lakes Golf Course Ltd.
Green is Beautiful will continue to incorporate these changes. Finally, I would like to
thank Bob for his support and guidance during the transition of editors. Wade Beaudoin Class C
I encourage all members of the OGSA; Superintendents, students, or industry St. Thomas Golf & CC
affiliates, to submit articles. It is this continual flow of information that contributes to
personal development and assists fellow colleagues in the day-to-day performance of D. Robert Hendricks Class A
their jobs. Timber Ridge Golf Club
Finally, a request from the Green is Beautiful Editorial committee. When taking
pictures during the upcoming season, please turn your camera on end and snap a few Louis Josh Lieff Class C
for us. It is only when a picture is in portrait format that it is feasible to be used as a cover Diamond Back Golf Club
photo.
The Green is Beautiful Editorial committee will strive to continue to produce a quality Tanya Mclvor Class C
magazine that represents the OGSA Membership. If you have comments or suggestions Glen Abbey Golf Club
for improvement, please contact any member of the Editorial Committee. Input from
Daniel McNeil Class A
the membership will be greatly appreciated.
Riverbend CC
All the best for a great start to the spring!
Mike Pellerin Class C
Rosedale Village Golf Club
Dennis Piccolo Class C
St. Catharines Golf Club
Ryan Scully Class F
Muskoka Lakes Golf & CC
Edward J. Sealy, Jr. Class A
Mahoning Valley CC, PA
Brad Sizer Class B
PRECIPITATION IN Brier Fox Golf Club
ONTARIO REGION Norbert Szabo
Thornhill CC
Class F
Measured at Pearson International Airport
Provided by Ministry of the Environment Deni Terenzio Class S
Glen Abbey Golf Club
YEAR 2001 Gary Terris Class C
empty table cell Port Royal Golf Course
Average Actual
Catherine Towle Class S
January
(rain) 18.5 ml 21.0 ml Tom Winger Class F
(snow)
January 32.3 cm 10.8 cm Willow Valley Golf Course
January
(total) 45.6 ml 31.2 ml Roseann Winters Class B
Frog's Breath Golf Course
February
(rain) 20.8 ml 55.6 ml ENVIROLINKS Class E
(snow)
February 25.9 cm 36.0 cm Doug Brooks, President,
Kitchener
February
(total) 45.5 ml 94.0 ml
G.C.S.A.A.
by Keith Bartlett
Thornhill Country Club
This year marks GCSAA’s 75th members are eligible for a free At the recent Annual General Meeting,
Anniversary. The Association has many registration to the Orlando Conference Tommy D. Witt became the new president.
activities scheduled throughout the year and Trade Show. This offer is only Also, all the PDI issues were approved and
which started at the recent Conference and available to those joining the GCSAA for beginning in 2003, each member will be
Trade Show in Dallas. I wanted to bring a the first time. required to obtain a minimum number of
few interesting items to your attention that Also, the GCSAA is launching a golf ball points to retain their Class A status. You
you may want to participate in or take collection drive. It is an attempt to will be required to obtain a minimum
advantage of. demonstrate the far-ranging geographic number of points over a five-year period.
There is a special membership offer for scope of the GCSAA. More information will Some points can be obtained simply by
any persons who qualify for class A, B, and be forth coming but they are requesting all holding a valid pesticide license. More
C. The special rate is $75.00 and will be members to send three logo golf balls from details will be made available as they are
available until March 1, 2002. New your respective club. finalized at the GCSAA.
C.G.S.A. director report
by Bob Burrows
Rosedale Golf Club
As I left Vancouver, I realized that not Finally, may the 2001 season be successful for you and your club,
once did I have to use my umbrella. The and please do not hesitate to call me at any time. I look forward to
CGSA/WCTA joint conference was a great seeing many of you this season.
success! With fine weather, record
attendance, a popular trade show, and
outstanding educational opportunities, the
overall feeling was very positive. Engineers,
Hydrogeologists,
Congratulations to Mr. Jim McGarvey, the Environmental Burnside Golf Services
WCTA and all those responsible for Consultants A DIVISION OF R.J. BRUNSIDE & ASSOCIATES LIMITED
helping to make this conference a success. Offices located throughout Ontario
We are all looking forward to Quebec City
next March. Also mark next September on
your calendar for the CGSA Fall Field Day Serving the Needs of the GolfIndustry
at the Royal Bromont GC, about one hour south-east of Montreal.
This event fills up quickly, so register early.
A number of ongoing CGSA initiatives were discussed during the Contact Vito Cirone We can help with:
Conference in Vancouver. At the National Occupational Standards
Tel: (905) 953-8967 • Approvals for Golf Course Development
Toll Free: (877) 799-8499
(NOS) a roundtable meeting was held to determine next steps, and & Operations
E-mail:
• Hydrogeology and Stormwater Management
thoughts brought forward will be used to guide the Board on the vcirone@rjburnside.com
www.burnsidegolf.com • Sewage Treatment & Disposal
development of a ‘needs assessment’. This exercise will integrate the • Environmental Management Plans
NOS with our members’ needs. Various educators from across Canada • Building and Clubhouse Design
also met for a full day and they have formed an “Educators Council†to • Irrigation Design and Consulting
help implement and teach-to, the standards at turf institutions. • Environmental Impact Assessment
After Vancouver, I attended a two day meeting in Ottawa hosted
by the Federal Ministry of Health, specifically the “Pest Management
Regulatory Agency†(PMRA). The meeting was a result of the
“Healthy Lawns†initiative of the PMRA and included a variety of
‘stakeholders’ from across the green space industry. Afterwards, I
realized that these two days were indeed a watershed meeting
between industry and regulators. The views of the golf industry were
very well received and respected. I can tell you that we are viewed as
the experts on IPM and property management.
As the new Ontario Director, I would like to say that I am
honoured to represent the members of Ontario on the CGSA
Board, as well as serve on the OGSA Board. Many people believe
that sitting on both Boards is a positive step in maintaining the
already good communication between our two Associations. As Mr.
Bill Fach has moved up to the position of Vice President, I would Members of OGSA, CGSA and NGCOA
like to thank Bill for his hard work, dedication, and commitment
over the past years.
Health & safety
Your health & safety program
by DougJohnson,
SAFETAID and Health and Safety Consulting
First Aid and Safety Supplies and WHMS Training
trust that you are all having a good curling club, the greens or any other part and Safety Representative. Other areas
winter and are looking forward to a safe of the property associated with the club. that must be covered include, workplace
and prosperous golfing season. The policy is a written, signed and inspections, WHMIS, first aid, accident
I have had a number of discussions dated, document that states that the investigation, early return to work,
with employers lately and one thing that employer is responsible for all aspects of lockout, personal protective equipment,
tends to stand out is what they don’t safety in the workplace. It should also state injury reporting and claims management
understand about the Occupational that all managers and supervisors are to name a few.
Health and Safety Act (the Act). I have responsible for ensuring that all aspects of To meet the minimum needs of the
been surprised that employers I have the Act are communicated and enforced Act you should encourage your employer
talked with do not realize that when it in the workplace and that all managers to develop a health and safety program
comes to the Act it is not possible to divide and supervisors will be held accountable and as the superintendent you should
up the workplace into different pieces for safety in the workplace. ensure that the program is implemented,
and only deal with safety in some of those The policy also clarifies that workers communicated to your workers and
areas. The Act defines the workplace as and contractors have a duty to follow all enforced in the areas of your jurisdiction.
any “land, premises, location or thing at, aspects of the Act and any rules that your Failure to do so may lead to orders from
upon, in or near which a worker worksâ€. employer may have in the workplace. the Ontario Ministry of Labour or in the
The Act goes on to define an employer Once the policy has been established worst case, after a critical accident,
as “a person who employs one or more the employer is required to implement a charges under the Act for “failure to
workers or contracts for the services for written program to support the policy. complyâ€.
one or more workers and includes a This means that the employer is required Take this opportunity to put your club
contractor...â€. This means that at your to develop a program that details the on the right track and implement a
workplace your employer is required to responsibilities of all the workplace program today. If you need help, or wish
have a written health and safety policy and participants. This program will also define to discuss this in more detail, please give
program that covers all aspects of the the duties and responsibilities of the Joint me a call. It is cheap insurance!
course. The clubhouse, the kitchen, the Health and Safety Committee or Health
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The referee
Spring cleanup
by Bob Leggitt
Rules Chairman, O.G.A.
pring - A
S “Loose Impediments? They are natural
very nice time of objects such as stones, leaves, twigs, same hazard, (whether it be a water
year for golfers. branches, dung, worms and insects and hazard or a bunker). When removing a
The time of year casts or mounds made by them, provided loose impediment lying within one
to get back they are not fixed or growing, are not club-length of the ball, care must be
outside and enjoy solidly embedded and do not adhere to taken to ensure the ball does not move
nature. It is also the golf ball. or the player will incur a one stroke
an extremely A lot of these items must be cleaned up penalty. If the ball is moved, it must be
busy time for golf each spring, after storms and again in the replaced or the player will incur a two
course super fall when trees begin to lose their leaves. stroke penalty. So, as, players we owe a
intendents and What can a player do when loose lot of thanks to the superintendents and
their staff as they endeavour to get the impediments are missed in cleanup and their staff who do an excellent job in
golf course ready to open for play. One of interfere with play? keeping our courses clean and thus
the biggest jobs must be the cleaning up Loose impediments may be removed prevent us from occurring penalties by
of all the various “Loose Impediments†without penalty except when both the moving these objects that might
that are left after the winter. Just what are loose impediment and the ball lie in the interfere with play.
The Toronto Terror
The Life and Works of Stanley Thompson, Golf Course Architect
Reviewed by Mark Schneider, Owen Sound Golf Club
by James A. Barclay, Sleeping Bear Press, Hardcover 207pg, $40.00, Revised by Neil Crafter
tanley Thompson was a larger than life
S of the latter half of the century - Robert
Canadian who was said to have made three Trent Jones. As Thompson’s partner, Jones
separate fortunes and managed to lose clearly absorbed much of the older man’s
them all! As a golf course architect, knowledge and philosophy, to the point
Thompson is well known in Canada for where the spirit of their style was described
such gems as Banff, Jasper Park Lodge, and as being identical.
St. George’s and in this book Canadian Thompson pioneered the multiÂ
author James Barclay delivers a fascinating disciplinary design firm, employing soil
biography of this ebullient character with scientists, plant pathologists, landscape text. Another fine
his vast protfolio of work. architects, arborists, architects and land book from Sleeping Bear Press that
The book is not so much an assessment planners in his office. contributes to a growing understanding of
of Thompson’s work but more a glimpse The first part of the book is devoted to golf course architecture and its practioners.
into one man’s interesting life, from his Thompson’s upbringing and family life, Copies are available through:
childhood in Toronto as one of ten while the later sections examine the state of Gordon Witteveen
brothers and sisters, to his play as a fine design in the 1920’s, his philosophies and Pleasant View Golf Course
amateur golfer and on to his career as a finally lists his prodigious work output. 467 Mount Pleasant Rd.
golf course designer of some renown. In Period black and white photography is Brantford, Ontario N3T 5L5
1930, Stanley Thompson met and teamed used throughout the book and coupled E-Mail: gordon.witteveen@sympatico.ca
up with a young man who would later be with some of his company advertisements Phone: 1-905-787-1465
Fax: 1-519-446-3007
recognized as the most successful architect makes an interesting accompaniment to the
Brett Murray
Technical Sales
Maple Turf Supply Business: (905) 857-2000
Corrie Almack, P.Ag. 8112 King Rd. W. Fax: (905) 857-8215
P.O. Box 370 Mobile: (416)616-8112
Bolton, Ontario 1-800-268-4425
ALMACK & ASSOCIATES Tel: (905) 689-6174
L7E 5T3 mapleturf@attcanada.net
Box 256, Carlisle, Ontario Fax: (905) 689-8522
LOR 1HO Email: C.AImack@sympatico.ca
Cyber super
Search engines
by Mark Prieur, Assistant Superintendent
Lionhead Golf and Country Club
urfing the Web sometimes can be a results will skew; for example, searching metacrawler is that it will narrow your
real chore when you do not know how for “turfgrass†(as I did) may lead to either query (search) by adding subÂ
to find what you are looking for. a turfgrass research institution or a directories to it. Searching for
Looking for information on the latest flooring company in Anytown, USA. See “superintendents†will prompt metaÂ
turf disease or even checking to see how the end of this column for tricks on crawler to suggest “superintendent
the stock market is doing can be refined search techniques. associations†or “school board superÂ
puzzling due to the constant barrage of If you intend to do more ‘surfing,’ intendents†as a refined query. This site
advertisements. The Web has definitely www.altavista.com can lead you to is slower (and has ads) but more often
become one universal used-car salesman specific sites that have a high relevance to provides the desired result.
trying to get your dollar. If you know the subject that you are searching for. In Remember, how a query is entered is
how to search correctly, one will not addition, it will search within the site; (let just as important as what is entered.
waste time getting spammed (read: you see the relevant links in the site Using quotation marks for phrases will
junk) from the Web. without actually opening it) this saves a ensure that each hit will contain ALL
Try www.alltheweb.com for a real fast large amount of time. The downside is words (ex. “golf course superintendentsâ€)
search result, no gimmicks, no ads. This that there are a tremendous amount of in your search. Plus (and minus) signs
site prides itself on speed and accuracy. ads here and does not have the speed of will also ensure that each word will be
Also www.google.com falls into the same the sites listed above. included on (or excluded from) the hit
speedy search category with no ads. My personal favorite is list. Last but not least, NEVER include
Unfortunately, these sites do not really www.metacrawler.com. This site numbers (or single letters) in your search
narrow the search results like some of the actually searches using all the other as these will provide every website with a
other sites do. Sometimes the search search engines. The other plus of number (or single letter) in it.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mechanic's Association News
The board of directors of the GOLF EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO
has selected Larry A. Murray to become president. Also, John Garfield Findlay has joined
the board of directors.
The G.E.T.A.O. will continue to assist its members with educational tools, tips, industry
links to distributors and manufacturers. Its members receive the trade magazine, REEL
GRIND, six times a year as well as hosting a week of service schools based on the needs
of the mechanics. The association, which has been functioning since 1992, has earned the
respect of manufacturers' representatives, distributors, and superintendents of O.G.S.A.
Superintendents have often approached the association, in search of a good mechanic.
The association does provide classified ads. for employment as well as searching for,
trading, or selling equipment and parts. If the
mechanic at your golf course is not a member,
then take this opportunity to join and reap the
benefits immediately. To obtain a membership
application, telephone Larry, (905)898-3917 or
Eddie, (905)889-7620 ext.503, or
eddie.konrad@ladiesgolfclub.com.
Green Is Beautiful
The official publication of the Ontario Golf
Superintendents' Association has been
recognized by the Golf Course Superintendents
Association of America, for Most Improved
Publication, for the second year in a row. Bob
Burrows was on hand to accept the award, at
their recent conference and trade show. Thanks Newsletter editors contest winners (from left): Kristen Liebsch,
goes to our Editorial Committee for their hard Philadelphia Association of GCS; Robert Burrows, Ontario GSA;
work and guidance, and to you the members, for Monroe S. Miller, Wisconsin GCSA; Ken Krausz, CGCS, GCSA of
your input . We will continue to work to make New Jersey; Michelle Frazier, CGCS, Northern Ohio GCSA; Patrick
this the best publication possible, and welcome Sisk, CGCS, Metropolitan GCSA; Charles M. Borman, CAE,
your suggestions or comments. Carolinas GCSA; Joel D. Jackson, CCGS, Florida GCSA.
Golf course highlight
Galt Country Club
750 Coronation Blvd.
Cambridge, Ontario
N1R8E3, Canada
email: gccmark@golden.net
web site: www.galtcountryclub.com
COURSE PROFILE
WHAT COUNTY IS YOUR CLUB LOCATED IN?
Waterloo
IS YOUR CLUB PRIVATE, SEMI PRIVATE, PUBLIC, RESORT, MUNICIPAL?
Private
SIZE OF MEMBERSHIP?
650
NUMBER OF ROUNDS?
37,000
TYPICAL OPENING AND CLOSING DATE?
April 10 and November 21 WHAT IS YOUR PREDOMINANT GRASS?
NAME OF SUPERINTENDENT? Poa / Bent
Mark Piccolo HOW MANY USGA GREENS AND HOW MANY LOAM GREENS?
HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN A SUPERINTENDENT? 1 and 18
8 WHAT IS THE PREDOMINANT SOIL TYPE?
ARE YOU CGCS OR MASTER SUPERINTENDENT.? sandy loam
No WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU HAVE IN INVENTORY?
LIST OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS (AUDUBON, BOARD SERVICE ETC.) 6 - GM 1000 Greens Mowers (walkers)
OGSA Board of Directors 2 - Jacobsen Greens King IV Triplex’s
HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN AN O.G.S.A.. MEMBER? 2 - Toro 5100 fairway mowers
11 2 - AR-250 rough mowers
1 - National
HOW MANY YEAR ROUND STAFF? 1 - Ransomes Out Front
4 1 - Cushman Sprayer
HOW MANY SEASONAL STAFF? 6 - Club Cars
12 2 - Cushmans
HOW MANY MECHANICS AND ASSISTANTS? 1 - Workman
1 and 1 3 - Tractors
HOW MANY GARDENING STAFF?
2 - GA 24â€
1 1 - GA 60â€
Blowers, sweepers, harvester, topdresser, miscellaneous
equipment, cushman sprayer 19’ boom, dumptruck etc.
COURSE STATISTICS
HOW MANY HOLES? COURSE PROJECTS
18
WHAT PROJECTS HAVE YOU RECENTLY COMPLETED?
WHAT IS THE YARDAGE FROM BACK TEES AND FORWARD TEES? - new clubhouse in 2000
6234 and 5308 - new practice putting green fall of 1999
WHAT IS THE SIZE AND LENGTH OF DRIVING RANGE AND RANGE TEE? - new first tee spring 2000
120 yds
HOW MANY BUNKERS? LONG RANGE PLANS
45 WHAT LONG RANGE PLANS FOR RENNOVATION DO YOU HAVE IN THE NEXT FIVE
HOW MANY PONDS, AND/OR HOW MANY TIMES DOES WATER COME INTO PLAY? YEARS?
3 - rebuild our 7th green
- continue to improve tee size
WHO WAS THE ORIGINAL ARCHITECT?
- replace sand in bunkers
Stanley Thompson - possibly work to control flooding from the Grand River
WHAT WAS THE YEAR OF ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION?
1906 CHALLENGES
BY WHOM AND WHEN WAS THE COURSE REMODELLED? ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR CHALLENGES YOU FACE WITH YOUR PROPERTY?
Early 60’s Moote - flood of the Grand River
WHAT MAJOR TOURNAMENTS HELD? - Canada geese
Ontario Ladies - small greens/lots of play
WHAT IS THE SIZE OF YOUR MAINTENANCE SHOP?
6 000 sq ft SUCCESS STORIES
WHAT TYPE OF IRRIGATION SYSTEM? DO YOU HAVE ANY SUCCESS STORIES?
Rain Bird Mater II, 8 yrs old We now mulch all of our leaves using our 2 AR-250 - Just
amazing!
WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE GREENS, TEES AND FAIRWAYS?
110 000 sq ft(greens), 75 000 sq ft (tees), 22 acres (fairways)
A dream come true
for the Galt Country Club
by Mark Piccolo, Course Superintendent
For many years the Galt Country
Club has struggled to be recognized as a
quality private club in the Golden
Triangle area. The best deal in town
pleased the members but it wasn’t
enough to produce the revenue needed
to make improvements to the golf course
and clubhouse. In the past nine years all
of that has changed.
In 1992 the membership voted 51% to
49% to replace the manual irrigation
system and renovate the bunkers. In
1996 a long range plan was adopted for
the golf course and a commitment was
made to improve the tees to handle the
amount of play we were receiving. The
club was taking steps to improve the golf
course, now the focus shifted to the club
house. In 1996 the push was on to either
renovate the deteriorated club house or
rebuild. Estimates came back in the one renovations. Committees now knew that The Galt Country Club was going to
to two million dollar range for rebuilding was the only answer. Several embark on its biggest project ever. On
committees, October 1st 1999, the demolition of the old
concepts, and club house began. The plan was to leave the
membership votes existing curling rink intact and tie the new
later, in the winter facility into the curling rink. Construction
of 1999, the carried throughout the winter and was
membership voted opened to the membership in mid June
over 80% in favour 2000. Quite a feat in a matter of 9 months.
for the latest con It was now our turn to get involved.
cept put together The Greens Committee was responsible
by the building for the blending of the new facility into
committee and the the existing landscape. Our plans
financing package included a new 8,000 sq. ft. practice
by the Board, and putting green to be located behind the
motioned the curling rink, a new first tee, driving net,
Board of Directors cart path design and landscaping
to go ahead with around the facility and the
the new facility. reconfiguration and paving of the
parking lot and main roadway.
Hilton Landmark and Design out of Waterloo was retained to
design traffic flow routes, planting areas and the parking lot
reconfiguration. In the fall of 1999, we constructed the new
green designed by Carrick Design Inc. The work was done mostly
in-house. The green was a California style using a calcareous
60/40 mixture which specked very well and sodded to L-93. The
project seemed to add life to the construction area. In the spring
of 2000, once construction crews were finished with the exterior
of the building, construction of the first tee began. The 3 days of
placing armour stone to tier the tee created a great setting for
the clubhouse. As construction of the facility was finishing,
grading for the paths and digging of the planting areas began.
Once the installation of the irrigation system and landscape
lighting conduits were installed, the paving was completed and
planting and sodding finished the project. The final project was
the construction of a 22 foot gazebo which now is used as a
sitting area for members beside the practice green and a staging
area for tournaments.
As you drive by Coronation Blvd. in Cambridge people take a
second look at the transformation that has taken place. The once
old farm house is now an estate of cut stone overlooking the golf
course and the banks of the Grand River. The summary I gave
does not include the tales of sleepless nights, arguments with
contractors, delays after delays, extreme weather conditions,
changing of minds after the fact, being over budget more than
the 10% allowed and having to explain it to the Board, or the
pleasure of having lunch in a facility our club use to dream
about. To describe the facility it’s best to visit and you will
understand the amount of work it took from all parties involved.
Did I forget to mention, the course is still being targeted as a
main corridor for an access route through the city to improve
traffic flow to the other side of the river. The saga continues at
the Galt Country Club but for now, it’s time to enjoy!
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Preparation for the AT&T senior open - 2001
by Bob Brewster, Superintendent
Mississaugua Golf Club
preparation for the Tournament is placed with Mississaugua for this the golf course. We had done a lot of work
started immediately after the announcement tournament, as he is a former Superintendent this fall for the AT&T Tournament and it
by the R.C.G.A. that we were hosting the 2001 and a very interesting person to talk turfgrass will take a couple more years to complete all
AT&T. It was exciting for our staff, knowing with, in general. the restoration. I am hoping to get some
that we had a big event and in fourteen Since I have only worked at Mississaugua better press for the Club in 2001. Also, over
months the tournament would start. for the past two seasons, I really would have the fall we had visits from C.TV who are
I was fortunate in August, to travel to liked a couple of extra years to be able to looking for camera positions and also tying
Winnipeg and St.Charles Country Club to make changes but by having the in with R.D.S. and C.N.B.C. and the
spend a couple of mornings with Curtis tournament so quickly it gave us the grandstand and corporate tents people who
Collins, as he was hosting the tournament in opportunity in the fall to complete a bunker are planning corporate events. Finally,
2000. My first impression was a big circus upgrade and take three holes back to a volunteers were organized by by a member,
coming to town... all the tents, trailers, and natural look around the greens. We are Tom Buckley, who worked in the Canadian
grandstands, corporate village et cetera. putting the Pro-Angle sand in all bunkers. Open in 1974. Six hundred volunteers are
Where will we fit this amount of equipment This will help to give consistency required, and the organization of this group
with very small storage areas and confined throughout the property and has upgraded requires a lot of meetings.
space? Then it hit home, the challenge of the golf course to another level. My staff is counting the weeks and as I write
preparing the golf course for this event. I have I hired Doug Carrick and Ian Andrews to this article we are down to twenty-six weeks.
been very fortunate over the past twenty-eight help upgrade the golf course to a level We are presently planning our topdressing
years of hosting almost every event possible, expected by the Membership. The golf and spray schedules from the start of the
including Pro-Am Men’s & Ladies’ Tour course has now improved to another level. It season until the start of the tournament. I find
players, except for the four day tour events on is actually better than I expected and I am you can never be organized enough, even
P.G.A. tour. I was very impressed with the looking forward to the comment of the down to extra employees required 7-10 days
P.G.A. tour staff and spent a couple of hours Membership in 2001 and the reviews from before the tournament.
in Winnipeg with these people. They were the P.G.A. players and press. As you can see throughout the article,
very helpful and they do these events week-in I was fortunate to be in Orlando at the that the excitement is here for me and I am
and week-out. I have also had two visits from P.G.A Show and had a chance to talk with looking for a fun week both for myself and
John Scott, a P.G.A. agronomist and on both Lome Rubenstein. He has criticized my staff and an opportunity to showcase
visits he has been very pleased with the Mississaugua lately in his articles and rightly the Mississaugua Golf and Country Club
condition of the course. It will be fun if John so, but I advised him that we are restoring for the Membership.
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Angus Glen Golf and Country Club
by Eric Williamson
Assistant Superintendent
ell, it was another record-breaking germination.
year at Angus Glen Golf Club, in Number 12 was
Markham, Ontario. Attendance was up next, and 11
for our golf clinics; food and beverage followed, and both
sales were good; and although play had suffered a severe
remained relatively close to previous beating with a
years, revenues were excellent! These, storm that hit in
however, weren’t the only surprising July, tearing down
reports at Angus Glen. The weatherman several of the sod
had a few new records to set as well. wall bunkers that
The existing 18 holes managed to had recently been
“weather the storm (s)†well, making up completed. Sod had
for any lost rounds with more lessons, to be replaced,
clinics and food sales. The new course, washouts repaired,
however, having had all the topsoil and bunkers
replaced through the snowless and cleaned up. The
relatively mild winter of 99/00, had a storm in July was in
difficult and challenging task trying to fact so torrential
make progress through the spring and that a section of asphalted cartpath was reel-type mower, fresh off the grinder, to
early summer of 2000. The severe storms actually lifted from its gravel base, torn pass unsuspectingly over them.
that we, along with pretty much all of into chunks and strewn randomly over This was the process for each of the
southern Ontario, suffered on what the 11th fairway. sod wall bunkers, and understandably,
seemed like regularly scheduled intervals The sod wall bunkers, of which there tears were shed and hearts were broken
gave a much more literal meaning to the are 38, were probably the most time when a storm ripped down four of them.
phrase “losing groundâ€. consuming part of the whole project. A Another two photos will show the “war
The topsoil went onto the freshly shelf was fashioned in the subgrade by an zone†effect of one of the storms on #10
shaped subgrade smoothly throughout excavator; 4" perforated pipe was installed and the finished product after order was
December, January, February and March. at the back of this shelf and of course restored. The contractors exhibited
By the time the end of April came along, hooked into the regular bunker drainage tremendous patience!
the irrigation contractors were able to at the low spots; the pipe was surrounded By mid-July, when the last
continue their installation of the system by pea gravel and as the sod was stacked thunderstorm had blown itself out,
where they had left off in the fall, having (green side to green side, brown side to 4 holes were completed. Needless to say,
already installed the mainline around the brown side), the hollow area behind the we were behind schedule. But by the end
whole course. The contractors were able sod wall was filled. A layer of geo-textile of September, all the seed was in the
to follow them, putting finishing grades matting was installed between every fifth ground (with the exception of the third
on the topsoil, leveling/shaping tees and layer of sod, the end of which was then and the eighth greens which were seeded
greens, building cartpaths and buried behind the wall. Finally, 1/2" in the first week of October). We were
constructing the sod wall bunkers. reinforcement rods were pounded down relieved to see that everything had come
Number 15 fairway was the first to be into the wall to help hold them securely in up and although some spots were still a
seeded, and the seed wasn’t in the their place. I appreciate their necessity, little thin we expect it to survive the
ground a week when the first severe but anticipate a few hours of labour in the winter and fill in nicely this spring. Here’s
storm hit. Number 16 fairway was next, spring as we try to find any that have been hoping for a better, and perhaps a little
and it was hit as well (twice) before forced up by frost and lay in wait for a drier, spring than we had last year!
Changing the Course
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outstanding difference in the quality fish, and its low use rates and extended
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ingredients in the environment.
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preventative and curative activity and is 1-888-368-4211 ext. 327
absorbed into the leaf blades and stems as
well as taken up by the roots. This ensures
that your golf course is protected from the
devastating effects of turfgrass diseases.
HERITAGE provides exceptional control
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mold, brown patch and pythium blight.
Always read and follow label directions carefully.
HERITAGE® is a registered trademark of A.E. McKenzie Co. Inc.
Utilizing technology to help keep golfers informed
by Jim flett, Superintendent
Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club
Golf continues to grow in popularity some communication methods using • Course Maintenance Activities
throughout Ontario at most of our technology that can help you spread the • Course Closures
courses. Thirty thousand rounds of golf word: • Golf Cart Status
seemto be the norm at most golf facilities. • Information Kiosk • Course Etiquette reminders
As our courses have become busier and • Turf Hotline
the demands becoming higher, it’s a real • Information brochures
balancing act to maintain optimum • Greens website Implementation Procedures
playing conditions while minimizing • Add Bell Identi-Call feature to
disruption of play. With maintenance existing fax line ($7/mo)
schedules changing due to weather Information Kiosk • Add Message Centre Plus (Increases
conditions, the process of re-scheduling Most superintendents already utilize message time to 1 min ($3/mo))
cultural practices and updating the this method of communication with their • Add ring selector to line ($50)
proshop and keeping golfers informed is membership posting daily messages. Try
an ongoing, time consuming task. creating interest in your kiosk by using Sample Message......
Many maintenance activities are desktop publishing software to add ‘You’ve reached Muskoka Lakes Turf
disruptive to golfers, such as topdressing colour and pictures to your postings. Hotline on Tuesday May 8th. Due to
and aerating. Lack of communication of Purchase a laminator to protect the overnight weather conditions golf carts
maintenance activities greatly increases paper from getting damaged from will not be permitted until further notice.
golfers’ tensions. Members become moisture. Update daily/ hourly/ weekly The new back tee on #16 will open for
extremely irritated by unexpected cores as necessary to get the important play this coming Friday May 11th. Before
or sand on greens, especially when messages across. Consider printing off you bring out that important guest we
playing with a guest. This type of and posting the weather forecast off an would like to remind you that greens will
miscommunication can be avoided if Internet weather website. be topdressed next Tuesday at 1 pm.
more avenues of communication are Have a great round of golf and remember
utilized, embracing some of the Information Kiosk Contents: to do your part by repairing divots,
technology that is available today. • Weather forecast ballmarks and remembering to obey the
Thanks to irrigation technology, most • Maintenance schedule white line rule for carts.â€
superintendents are now fortunate to • Golf cart status
have access to computers in their offices • Course closures
via their central controller. With • Project status Maintenance Pamphlet
accumulated hours of daily adjustments • Wildlife sightings Another method of getting your
to optimize irrigation watering message across to members is to produce
programs, and pump flows, many a brochure of maintenance activities
superintendents have grown com Turf Hotline including pictures using desktop
fortable with working with computers Allow your membership/proshop to publishing software such as Microsoft
and have begun to master other software have access to a recorded message that Publisher. This software automatically
programs as well. summarizes daily course maintenance sets up the page for a brochure setting
Word processing, desktop publishing, activities. The benefit is that this message where the folds of the paper will be. Then
and web design software is easy to use can be retrieved and updated from any it’s easy to just start inserting drawings
and can be easily utilized to make your phone, which provides members/ and text.
Golfer Communication Program more proshop information on activities before
effective, giving it a more professional they reach the course. Keep message Include:
looking appearance. updated daily, hourly or weekly • Calendar of maintenance activities
Most of us rely on face-to-face depending on activities or time of year. • Hotline phone #/web address
communication and phone calls to Be sure to post phone number for • Course etiquette procedures
update the proshop on course activities. hotline on your kiosk and other • Answers to frequent asked questions
However, sometimes your message correspondence. Consider having the like “why aerate?â€
doesn’t reach the golfers for whatever last four digits of the number spell
reason, which leads to conflicts. Here are something like “turf’ i.e. 765-(TURF).
29 ADVANCE ROAD
TORONTO, ONTARIO M8Z2S6 Penguin Golf Associates
PHONE: (416) 236-1001
FAX: (416)236-4654 Project Management and Engineering
www.albiongolfcars.com
Jim Firth P.Eng.
BRUCE MCDONALD GPS Surveys - digital surveys for records and design
Engineering design - water / septic, parking / entrance
Permits - water permit renewal, municipal approval
Business Plans - Feasibility Studies
1 High Crest Road, Bolton, Ontario L7E 5R7
Tel.: (905) 880-7070 Fax:(905)880-9450 Cell: (416) 884-GOLF(4653)
Course Website What’s New section content
Another new method of spreading the word to members is by • Completed course projects, renovations
utilizing an interactive website. At the click of the mouse the • Newly acquired Equipment featured
members or proshop can get the information they desire. • Details on improved Maintenance Practices
Feedback from membership is easily encouraged by response • Profile on new staff members
forms via email. Members can be miles away and see photos of
the golf course from their computer. Maintenance Schedule section content
The structure of a greens department website could look as • Calendar of scheduled maintenance by month
follows: • Link to FAQ’s like “Why Aerate?â€
• Post # to Turf Hotline
Course Features section content
• Course yardage
• Grass types by location
• Bunker sand type
• Naturalized area locations
Environment section content
Home Page content Describe Programs
• Mission Statement of course • Water conservation
• Course Conditions • Wildlife enhancement
• Delays closures • Naturalization
• Links to weather
• Cart status Feedback section content
• Phone number to Hotline • Golfer suggestions
• Latest News Headlines • Mini-surveys
• Hyperlinks to other sections • Comments to webmaster
Hard-wired Control Radio Control
Radio Control Hard-wired Control
You select the method of irrigation control...
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Total Solutions by TURF CARE
For more information, contact the Irrigation Division at 1-800-561-1432
In Memory of Jim Boyce
O.G.S.A. Honourary Member
James (Jim) Boyce died on August 29th. He graduated from the University of Toronto (OAC) in 1932 with his B.
Sc.A. He then worked for the next five years at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa as a graduate assistant
in turfgrass and pasture research, then to the New Jersey Experimental Station as a research assistant in turfgrass
management under Dr. H. B. Sprague. He received his M. Sc. from Rutgers University in 1939 and returned to
Ottawa where he directed the Canada Department of Agriculture plant introduction and turfgrass research
programs until 1962. After that he became self employed as a consulting agronomist. He developed
correspondence courses for the University of Guelph and taught at Algonquin College in
Ottawa. From 1970-73 he was Executive Director of the Canadian Golf Superintendents
Association and editor of "The Greenmaster". He was closely associated with Rothwell
Seeds Limited since it was formed and with its president Norman Rothwell for many
years before that. As a founding member of the Sports Turf Association , at the first
meeting he stated, "this is an idea whose time has come". Canadian director of the
Musser International Turfgrass Foundation for several years. While with the
Department of Agriculture Jim was intimately associated with the development of
such turfgrass varieties as Delta Kentucky bluegrass, Chieftain Canada Canada
bluegrass, Duraturf creeping red fescue and Norlea perennial ryegrass, plus several
forage type cultivars. In addition to the desirable features of mildew resistance in
Delta and winter hardiness in Norlea, all cultivars produced by the Forage Crops
Division had a common characteristic, high seed production. On behalf of Rothwell
Seeds he was responsible for securing licensing or registration for sale in Canada
varieties such as Penneagle and Prominent creeping bentgrasses; Adelphi, Argyle
Classic, Eclipse, Glade, Harmony, Midnight, Regent, Scenic and Welcome Kentucky
bluegasses; Ensylva creeping red fescue; Barfalla and Luster's Chewing's fescue; and All
Star and Pennant perennial ryegrass. May he rest in peace.
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Turf or consequences
by Doug Breen, Superintendent
Conestoga Golf Course
Weather only she could seem
to interpret, but
There’s lots of stuff in this world that I don’t understand. I more often than
don’t know how they get the caramel in the Caramilk bar. I can’t not, she’d be right.
begin to guess why people are wearing elevator shoes and disco “See how the
clothes again. Why do they sell weiners in packages of twelve and pigs are letting the
buns in packages of eight? I mean really, Eight? What else comes turkeys stand on
in packages of eight? Nothing! Every time you go camping, by their backs and fly kites over the milkhouse?†she’d say, “Sure
Sunday night everybody has four weiners in their cooler, sign of a tidal wave.†She’d announce cold weather if the dog left
swimming around in the melted ice and goo with the last of the a dead groundhog on the front lawn, warm weather if there were
marshmallows, with no bun to put them on. How can a dead squirrels on the back porch. “It’s going to rain, the ducks
benevolent God allow this to happen? are eating the knotweed.â€
Yesterday, I saw a drive through bank machine with braille In university, I actually took a couple of courses in
buttons on it. What is the point of that? Now before the Blind meteorology, and the general consensus was that we can always
Action Committee starts calling the OGSA and sending me hate explain why the weather did what it did afterward, but predicting
mail, I totally support the need for braille bank machines and the it is like fishing with a high powered rifle. Take enough shots,
right of the visually impaired to the glory of automated banking; and you’re bound to hit something.
but, this was a drive through and I happen to think that if you So when people ask about the weather, whether they’re
need braille buttons, you probably shouldn’t be driving a car. golfers, staff, or owners, just do what the professionals do. Draw
But the thing I’ll never figure out, if I live to be a hundred, is a bunch of maps no one understands, put a bunch of symbols
the weather. Everyday I get about forty-seven phone calls asking on them that no one knows the meanings of, and talk quickly
when the snow will melt, when it’s going to rain, when it’s going using terms like barometric, metamorphologic, cumulonimbus
to stop raining, and when it’s going to snow again. Of course, the squall event. (Make up some of your own if you like.) Then steal
answer is always the same, I don’t know. Nobody knows! The fact one of those folksy things from my grandmother about horses
that they hire actors and models to do the weather on the evening always facing into the oncoming rain and everyone will think
news is a pretty good indication that they’ve given up on it too. you’re a genius.
My grandmother was one of the great meteorologists of all
time. She said that if you spend half your life working outside,
and all your trips were either on foot or in an open carriage, you
get pretty good at seeing “the signsâ€. “The signs†were an odd
collection of events and actions by the local flora and fauna that
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ou’re on the job each and every For dependable performance each and
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than DACONIL to deliver dependable
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Always read and follow label directions carefully.
DACONIL® is a registered trademark of ZENECA.
SPECIALIZING IN PESTICIDE EDUCATION
Tired of your college kids & SERVICE TECHNOLOGY
presents
calling home for money? EXTERMINATOR
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(LANDSCAPE CATEGORY)
PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION COURSES
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Encourage them to fill out the April 9-13,2001
May 7 -11,2001
Heritage Award Application Form. November 26 - 30, 2001
January 21 - 25, 2002
February 18 -22,2002
March 11 -15,2002
Sent out to you in the April mailing. March 25 - 29, 2002
MILTON
April 1 - 5, 2002
LONDON
Help them get $1,000 free. December 3 - 7,2001
March 18 -22,2002
OTTAWA
March 4 - 8, 2002
It’s less painful than writing a cheque. Gov't exam held on Monday following each course.
Instructor: Paul G. Pilley, B.Sc., M. P. M.
DEADLINE DATE JULY 31,2001 For more information and a brochure contact:
P.O. Box 1021 Lindsay, Ontario K9V 5N4
Email: pgp_pest@lindsaycomp.on.ca
Tel: (705) 324-PEST (7378) Fax: (705) 324-9729
Say goodbye to grubs
MERIT® is the most effective grub control product registered for use on turfgrass
in Ontario. Effective means 90% plus* control and a sound environmental profile.
One application of MERIT® controls grubs and sends the critters that come digging
for them packing. Apply MERIT® early (June & July) and protect your turf.
Season Long Grub Control
For more information on merit contact your local MERIT dealer or call Nu-Gro at (519) 770-3206
1975-1996 data from Insecticide and Acaricide Tests & A throod Management Tests =, Entomological Society of America, MERIT is a registered trademark of Bayer Corporation. Always read the product label before usage.
Annual March curling day
North Halton Golf & Country Club
by Dean Baker, Superintendent
North Halton Golf & Curling Club
The O.G.S.A. Annual Curling Day Dean Cormack from Vanden Bussche,
would have made Wayne Middaugh and Alex McLeod & Rob Davis, from
proud...or should I say Randy Ferbey, Turfcare were our big supporters.
from Alberta. Since the retirement of Local knowledge was the theme to this
Alan Beeney from North Halton, newly years winners circle. In the “A†division,
appointed Superintendent Dean Baker, Skip Mitch Jewell (Construction Foreman
and Assistant Superindentent Joe Clare at North Halton) on home ice saw his
took over as hosts for 2001. team of Gradon Goff, Ian Chapman, and
It is always a small but dedicated crowd Bill Fach, through without a loss. In the
of curlers that attend this annual event... “B†division, local Blue Springs SuperÂ
be a good or bad curler, it doesn’t really intendent Ted Ellis brought his team of
matter. Long time diehard regulars such Jennifer Antoniak, Kasey Waldie, and
as Paul White, Pelino Scenna, and Scott White to a second place finish. Congratulations to all the winners!
Gradon Goff braved the slippery Honourable mention goes to the third We would also like to thank North Halton
conditions to participate. place team, a local participant, Bernie for putting on another great curling
Distributors and suppliers are also a Von Cube from Cambridge Golf Club event. Until next year... have a great golf
welcome site, always generously with his team of Dave Schmelefske, Rob season!
contributing to the prize table. This year, Stevens, and Mark Schneider.
Name That Tournament Contest
Thanks to several members who entered their suggestions in the
Tournament Naming contest. We have new names for The
GolfProfessional/Golf Superintendent Event and The
President, Greenchairman, Superintendent and Director
SEEDS
Event. All of the entries were given careful consideration, after which, For All Your
the final decison was made by vote from the Board of Directors.
Golf Course Needs!
We are happy to announce the official names for these two
Turf seed, Pesticides, Nutrite Fertilizers
tournaments are now:
and Bayco Golf Accessories
Pro/Super Challenge entered by Scott Dyker, Superintendent at P.O. Box 7, Waterloo, Ont. N2J 3Z6
Beverly Golf & Country Club Tel: (519) 886-0557 Fax: (519) 886-0605
1-800-465-5849 Email: seeds@oscseeds.com
Presidents’ Day entered by Keith Bartlett, Superintendent at
Thornhill Counrty Club Victor Freiberg Ken Graham
Trevor Hunter A. Kent McDonald
David Schmelefske
Proturf Division Nu-Gro Corporation
NuGro Corporation
Dave Dick Jeff McMaster
Turfgrass Specialist Turfgrass Specialist Brian Rosenberg
Technical Sales Representative
39 Monte Vista Trail 1864 Bowler Drive Cell: (519) 574-2013
Brampton, Ont. L6Z 2J7 Pickering, Ont. L1V 3E4 Fax: (519) 743-6849
Fax & Phone 905-846-3319 Fax & Phone 905-839-6526 brosenberg@nu-gro.ca
Looking back
Thirty years ago today
by Barry Endicott,
Nobleton Lakes Golf Club
In 1971, the Board of Directors were as follows: John Arends meetings held at York Downs hosted by Kimmo Salonen and at
(pres.), Bill Hynd (vice.), Ross Haines (sec.), Bob Heron Summit Golf and Country Club, hosted by Bob Lamb.
(treas.), R. Allen, Frank Dunn, Bernie Macdonald, Bob Lamb, The Pro/Superintendent Day was held on August 22nd at
Helmut Kopp, Jim Wyllie and John Grightmire (past pres.). The Meadowbrook Golf Club with 33 teams competing. Whitey Jones
newsletter committee consisted of Bill Hynd, Dave Gourlay, Ross and Pro Bruce Butterworth from Aurora Highlands won the
Haines and Bob Heron. event hosted by Arther Uens. An interesting point noticed at this
A meeting was held at Thornhill Country Club on February tournament was that a power rake was used in the sand traps with
22nd and Dave Gourlay was the host. The winning curling team favorable results. It was also noted in that year that the tri-plex
of Al Beeney, Roy French, Bob Hall, and Jack Koslegin defeated greens mowers were here to stay but the problem of burst
John Stoughton, Paul Dermott, Bob Heron and Doug Heron in hydraulic hoses must be rectified or we are likely to have
a close game. shattered nerves. Surely a bright colored dye could be added so
On April 20th, there was a meeting held at Port Colborne an operator could notice a leak immediately or better yet an
Country Club hosted by Bill Robertson. The guest speaker was alarm system with a red light to prevent this catastrophe.
Bert Henning from the Niagara Parks Commission. Twenty-seven On November 9th, there was a meeting at Uplands Golf Club
played golf after lunch and the low gross winner was Bob Hall of hosted by Helmut Kopp. The annual meeting, on December
Georgetown Golf and Country Club and the low net was Keith 14th, at Aurora Highlands, was hosted by Whitey Jones. Bill
Nisbet of Westview Golf Club. First place low gross, for associates, Hynd (pres.), Jim Wyllie (vice pres.), Bob Heron, Ross Haines,
was Doug Heron and low net went to Jack Wilson. Paul Dermott. John Stoughton, Ed Charman, Paul Scenna and
On May 10th, there was a meeting held at Donalda Club Roy French were elected.
hosted by Ron Allen. On June the 10th, the OGSA and the The Tam O’Shanter Club House was wiped out by fire on
Western Greenskeepers Association held a meeting hosted by October 3rd. Doug Suter, at Credit Valley Golf Club, was clearing
Paul Scenna and the Galt Country Club and at the University of brush in the valley in preparation for a new 18 hole golf club.
Guelph turf plots with 48 players playing golf. First low gross The 13 holes in the valley and 5 on top will be completed in two
winner was Bill Bond followed by Bob Heron, Bill Hynd and years. Don Coles of F. Manley and Sons died as a result of a car
Whitey Jones. Low net winners were Dan Uzelac, Lloyd Reilly, accident on October 15th. Gordon Witteveen was nominated as
Vince Piccolo and Keith Nisbet. Commercial low gross was Doug director of the GCSAA.
Heron and low net was E. Tremble. New members were Don Nason, Glen Abbey Golf Club,
The 4th Annual Greenschairman Superintendent Day was Dave Holmes, Derrydale Golf Club, Kimmo Solonen, York
held at the Chinguacousy Country Club on July 22nd hosted by Downs Golf Club, Tom Simpson, Newcastle Golf Club, Albert
Paul Dermott. Mr. Bruce McLaughlin was the guest speaker and Kooper, Rio Glen Golf Club, John Konarowshy, Grandview Golf
the cost of the day was $25.00 per person. Low superintendent Club, Tony Wozniak, Malton Golf Club and Rusty Warkman,
was Bill Bowen and low net was R. Reilly. There were also Stratford Golf Club.
What you need! When you need it!
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Plant Products Co. Ltd • 1-800-387-2449 • turf@plantprod.com • www.plantprod.com
We can also be contacted at: 314 Orenda Road, Brampton, Ontario, Canada L6T1G1 •905-793-7000 fax:905-793-9632
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