December 2001 Green is Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Taboo King's Bay Opening Day Penn State Turfgrass Conference CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLI­ CATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON N1H 6H8 DON’T GET LOCKED INTO A GRINDER THAT LIMITS YOUR OPTIONS. If you’re looking for the best way to increase your grinding process productivity—quit limiting your options. With Foley United, it’s not a question of “Spin” grinding vs. “Relief’ grinding, it’s spin and relief grinding. Foley provides the key to an automated relief grind after you spin grind, which lets you use both processes together, so your reels will produce the best results. Now you can choose either quick touch-up spin grinds, or with the added benefit of hands-free relief grinding—you’ll be able to match the manufacturers specifications for reel sharpening. 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With Foley, one purchase and one set-up will open the door to more flexibility, and products that serve you better. 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 www.gcduke.com Contents Green is TABOO ....................................................................................................... 12 CG.S.A. news............................................................................................. 7 Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Cyber super................................................................................................. 10 Editor's message....................................................................................... 5 Golf course highlight - Magna Golf Club................................................ 11 Health & safety......................................................................................... 8 Important notice - Pesticide Issue.............................................................. 20 In memoriam ............................................................................................ 5 King's Bay opening day............................................................................ 16 Looking back.............................................................................................. 23 Mechanic's comer...................................................................................... 10 Off the fairway...........................................................................................15 Penn State Turfgrass Conference.............................................................18 President's message................................................................................. 4 COVER PICTURE The referee................................................................................................. 9 Photo by: Dorothy Hills Turf or consequences ................................................................................ 22 Turfgrass research at the GTI................................................................... 6 Welcome! ................................................................................................... 5 Advertisers Albion Golf Cars and Turf Equipment ............................................ 10 Almack & Associates............................................................................. 22 Bartlett Tree Experts ........................................................................... 8 Braemar Building Systems ................................................................. 17 Burnside Golf Services........................................................................ 7 Century Rain Aid .................................................................................... 19 G.C. Duke Equipment Ltd.................................................................... 2 Graphic Services Ltd............................................................................. 4 Maple Turf Supply..................................................................................10 Nu-Gro Corporation .............................................................................. 22 OSC Seeds ............................................................................................... 5 Penguin Golf Associates...................................................................... 17 Proturf........................................................................................................ 18 The P.E.S.T. Institute ............................................................................ 8 OGSA is committed to Plant Products Turf................................................................................ 14 serving its members, Pumptronics Incorporated ............................................................... 9 advancing their profession, Skyway Lawn Equipment Limited ................................................... 16 and Turf Care Products Canada - Irrigation Division ...................... 6 enriching the quality Turf Care Products Canada ................................................................. 24 United Horticultural Supply ............................................................... 23 of golf Vanden Bussche Irrigation & Equipment Limited ...................... 15 and its environment. Zander Sod Co. Limited ....................................................................... 16 President's message Today we have higher buildings and wider highways, but shorter temperaments and narrower points of view. We spend more but enjoy less. We have bigger houses but smaller families. We have more compromise, but less time. We have more knowledge, but less judgment. ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS’ We have more medicines but less health. ASSOCIATION Guelph Turfgrass Institute We have multiplied our promises but reduced our values. 328 Victoria Road South We talk much, we love only a little, and we hate too much. Guelph, ON N1H6H8 Ph: 519-767-3341 We reached the moon and came back, but we find it Toll Free: 877-824-6472 troublesome to cross our own street and meet our Fax: 519-766-1704 neighbors. Email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca We have higher income, but less morals. Website: www.golfsupers.on.ca These are times with more liberties, but less joy. BOARD OF DIRECTORS We have much more food, but less nutrition. PRESIDENT John Gravett PAST PRESIDENT Keith Bartlett These are the times of finer houses, but more broken homes. VICE-PRESIDENT Jim Flett That is why I propose to you, that as of today TREASURER Mark Piccolo SECRETARY Rob Ackermann You do not keep anything for a special occasion, because every day that you live is a DIRECTORS Randy Booker special occasion. Bob Burrows Mike Courneya Spend more time with your family and friends, eat your favorite foods, visit the places Sean DeSilva you love. Paul Scenna Let’s tell our families and friends how much we love them. Jeff Stauffer OFFICE Do not delay anything that adds laughter and joy to your life. ADMINISTRATOR Dorothy Hills Every day, every hour and every minute is special, Pat Thomas And you don’t know if it will be your last... I recently received the above excerpt which, in my opinion, appears to sum up what should be our focus as we move into a new year. As we all pause to reflect on the year 2001, there is no doubt that the experiences of this past year will never be forgotten. Do we need really any more conviction to ensure we all enjoy the health and happiness of our families and friends? As my Presidential term draws to a close, I would like to thank everyone including the Board of Directors, membership and office staff for their tremendous support and dedi­ cation. We can all be proud of the Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association. It has been an extremely busy and demanding year, however, it is indeed comforting to know that the people of this organization and the golf community appreciate our efforts. GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL EDITORIAL On a personal note, I want to thank my family for their endless support of me and the COMMITTEE commitments that I’ve made to the OGSA this past year. Like all of my colleagues, it Jeff Stauffer, Editor would be impossible to get here without the true champions of our cause - our families Bob Burrows, Liaison and friends. Dorothy Hills, Coordinating Manager Randy Booker Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season! Angelo Capannelli Scott Horsburgh Kevin Falls Layout, Design & Printing provided by... Greg O'Heron 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 e-mail: info@graphicservices.ca material for publication, the association is Recycled Paper not responsible for material published on www.graphicservices.ca behalf of its contributors. All rights are reserved by the publisher and any reproduction in whole or part 32 - 34 Essex Street Guelph, ON N1H 3K8 without the written permission of the Tel.: (519) 763-5745 • Fax: (519) 763-9532 publisher is prohibited. Editor's message Oh the weather outside is frightful, berships, city councils, and the public of the proper usage and and the air is so delightful, the effects of pesticides. I have had the opportunity to attend Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! another town meeting where I reside and it is clearer than ever what an emotional issue the use of pesticides on private and As the 2001 Golfing Season draws to public lands really is. It is important that any decision made at an end, I find myself singing this familiar the golf course, municipal, provincial, or federal level are tune. I suspect, as some of you put your informed decisions and not based on emotion. Our OGSA Board courses to bed and others prepare to put of Directors have been very active with initiatives regarding this their courses to bed for the winter, I’m issue and they need our assistance to attend municipal meetings not the only one singing this tune. You whenever and wherever possible. If you are aware of a municipal know, it’s funny, at this time of the year I meeting and are planning to attend and require information to look forward to closing the course and take along with you, contact Dorothy or Pat at the office, they will taking a break from the demands of golf be happy to assist you. course management during the golfing The Green is Beautiful Editorial Committee met in November season yet it won’t be long before I get anxious to get back out to review GISB 2001 publishing year and to select the 2001 on the course and ‘cut grass’. Go figure! Article of the Year and Photo of the Year award winners. The As we shift our focus from the 2001 Golfing Season and winners will be announced at the OGSA’s President’s Reception turn our attention to winter maintenance and gearing up for at the OTS. I would also like to take the time to request article the 2002 Golfing Season, the golf course industry must ideas or suggestions for upcoming issues of GISB so that we may continue to focus on one of its biggest challenges, the con­ continue to provide an up-to-date and current magazine. Please tinued debate over pesticides and their usage on private and contact any member of the committee with your thoughts and I public lands. As thank you in advance for your comments. members of the The events of 2001, most particularly the devastating tragedy Ontario Golf of September 11th, have changed the way we look at life. It’s been Course Super- said many times since that horrific day, ‘normal isn’t normal any intendents’ more, and life as we know it has been changed forever.’ Of the Association we many lessons I have taken from the September 11th tragedy the each have the one that is at the forefront of my mind during this Holiday Season opportunity and is that we should really slow down and take the time to appreciate responsibility to what is truly important in life. And with that, I will take this oppor­ educate green tunity to wish you and your family the best of the season and the Welcome! committees, mem- happiest of new years. Have a safe and happy holiday! O.G.S.A. Welcomes In memoriam our newest members Jonathan Atkinson Class c Oxford (Craigowan) Golf Club John Stoughton Joe England Class B 1910 - 2001 Bridgewater Country Club Steve Gomme Class F Greystone Golf Club are sad to announce the passing We Patrick Greenman Class C of OGSA Life Member, John Stoughton, Oakdale Golf & CC in his 91st year, in the town of Orillia, where he and his wife Ida resided. Jason Hanna Class F John left his mark on the golf industry St. George's Golf & CC through many years as a superintendent. Derrick Hawley Class B He built his own course, the Bracebridge Sleepy Hollow Country Club Golf Club during the 60’s, then moved on to work at both the old and new Barrie For All Your Mary Beth Kelly Class D Clublink Corporation Country Club, for the next 25 years. Golf Golf Course Needs! Course consulting was a part of his life Ken Nelski Class F during his retirement years. Turf seed, Pesticides, Nutrite Fertilizers Maple Downs Golf & CC In his spare time, John could be found Patrick S. O'Brien and Bayco Golf Accessories Class C working in the garden and attending The Kirtland Country Club band concerts. As an avid fan of the P.O. Box 7, Waterloo, Ont. N2J 3Z6 Ryan Scott Class F Toronto Blue Jays, he spent much of his Tel: (519) 886-0557 Fax: (519) 886-0605 North Halton Golf & CC time in Florida and often would visit the 1-800-465-5849 Email: seeds@oscseeds.com Jays practice camp in Dunedin. Peter Sojak Class C John was proud of his accomplish­ Victor Freiberg Ken Graham Blue Springs Golf Club ments as a superintendent, and of his life Bill Willeart Class A membership in the Ontario Golf Trevor Hunter A. Kent McDonald Woodside Greens Golf Course Superintendents’ Association, and all that David Schmelefske it stands for. He will be missed by many. Turfqrass research at the GTI by Dr. Julie Dionne Assistant Professor Turfgrass Management University of Guelph jdionne@uoguelph.ca It is with research facility in Canada, is the result of establish together a strong strategic great pleasure a strong collaboration between the plan for the future of our turf research that I have joined Ontario turfgrass industry, the University program at the GTI. the University of of Guelph, and OMAFRA. This is for me In the meantime, the priorities for Guelph and the a great demonstration that with team the GTI team are to write research Guelph Turfgrass work it is possible to accomplish wonder­ proposals for the Canadian Turfgrass Institute (GTI) ful things. As a new member of the GTI Research Foundation and other fund­ team as the new team, I think that the timing is good now ing agencies, to update and equip the turfgrass man­ for going one step further to fully laboratory at the GTI and on campus, agement faculty develop the GTI turf management and finally to be prepared to welcome member. research program. four graduate students that will be join­ Over the last Within the next weeks, we will meet ing our turfgrass research team in few months, I have gotten to know a with different turf associations including January 2002. wonderful team of dedicated people, Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Associ­ I am looking forward to colla­ discovering the great research facilities at ation, Ontario Turfgrass Research borating with you and please do not the GTI. This has confirmed for me that Foundation, Sports Turf Association of hesitate to contact me if you have any the potential for turf research and educa­ Ontario, Nursery Sod Growers comments or suggestions on the GTI turf tion at the GTI is tremendous, and my Association of Ontario, and research program. objective is to develop a strong interna­ Professional Lawn Care Association of On behalf of the GTI research team, I tionally recognized turfgrass research Ontario, in order to discuss research wish you Happy Holidays and we hope to program in both applied and basic priorities and research funding. That see you at the Ontario Turfgrass research aspects. will be a great opportunity for all of us Symposium in January 22-24! As you already know, the Guelph to share our vision of the turfgrass Turfgrass Institute, the largest turfgrass research at the GTI and to ultimately TURF CARE Prism™ Pocket-PC Remote Irrigation System Manager Hand-held central control • Fast • Accurate • Fits in the palm of your hand The best tool you will ever purchase for your irrigation system. Call your Turf Care Representative for more details at 1-800-561-1432. A Tradition of Ask about our GPS Surveying. Dependability Turf Care Products Canada 200 Pony Drive, Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 7B6 Ph: (905) 836-0988 Fax: (905) 836-6442 www.turfcare.ca Canadian Golf Superintendents Association news by Robert Burrows Rosedale Golf Club Time to take a breather now, as we Seminar with Dr. Frank Rossi was postponed to December 17th put our facilities into low gear. This is a from November due to an emergency in his family. This seminar welcome change, as we come out of was very well attended. Congratulations to Darryl James of what may be considered a very success­ Oliver’s Nest G.C. in Lindsay, Ontario for winning the future ful season! Superintendent of the year award. You will have already received a Our activities with respect to the Municipal Pesticide by-law National education needs assessment issue continue to be high on our priority list. Let me take a bit of survey. I would encourage each CGSA space here to outline exactly what your National Association has member to take about fifteen minutes to been doing in this regard: complete this important survey. The • Took the lead to develop a statement to the Federal results will form the basis of decision Government on behalf of the entire golf industry. making with respect to our next steps in • Monitoring public hearings on pesticide banning and inform the development of National educational standards and regional associations and member superintendents. membership classifications. We will probably need to develop more relevant seminars that are aligned with the standards which • Has available an information package for any member upon reflect what it is that we do in our jobs every day and what we request. need to know to perform that job to meet or exceed those stan­ • Continual updating of CGSA Environmental Management dards. Of course, this is all speculation, but never the less, we resource manual on any new compliance issues and pertinent require your input. The salary survey results will also have been government contact information. distributed in November. This survey has proven to be a valuable • Working with allied golf Associations on a public relations member benefit. campaign to educate the golfing community as well as the Our Environmental Management resource manual has been general public. recognized again as a world class document, with the awarding of the GCSAA Presidential environmental award. This manual will • Participating on “Healthy Lawns” committee initiated by the also be available on CD shortly. Federal government with the PMRA. Plans are underway, to award the CGSA Fall Field day in 2003 • Mail-out to all members on dealing with the media. to a facility in Ontario. I will keep you posted. The regional • Extensive National survey on pesticide and fertilizer use by CGSA members. • Monitoring media and industry publications with regard to Engineers, what’s currently being proposed or discussed. Hydrogeologists, Environmental Burnside Golf Services • Preparing articles for golf industry publications on the issue as Consultants A DIVISION OF R. J. BURNSIDE & ASSOCIATES LIMITED well as our GreenMaster magazine. • Is represented at all known meetings concerning this issue. • Posted relevant information on our website. Serving the Needs of the GolfIndustry • Raised the issue at the International Summit at the GCSAA Conference. • Developed in co-operation with Toro, the Environmental Contact Vito Cirone We can help with: Achievement Award to promote positive practices. Tel: (905) 953-8967 • Approvals for Golf Course Development Toll Free: (877) 799-8499 and Operations • Provide significant funding to regional Associations upon Fax: (905) 953-8945 E-mail: • Hydrogeology and Stormwater Management request, for their local efforts on behalf of CGSA members in vcirone@rjburnside.com • Sewage Treatment and Disposal that particular Province. • Environmental Management Plans Website: • Presidential letter sent to all National Allied Golf Associations www.burnsidegolf.com • Building and Clubhouse Design • Irrigation Design and Consulting regarding working together for the environment. • Environmental Impact Assessment • Panel discussion at the Quebec City Conference as well as a “Roundtable” meeting on current issues. These are but a few examples of the work that your CGSA Headquarters staff and Provincial Directors are accomplishing on your behalf. In fact, the CGSA has made a significant funding contribution to the OGSA to aid in the municipal pesticide issue, on behalf of the CGSA members in Ontario. The campaign in Ontario is well in hand with all of the interested parties making some good progress. I will let others outline exactly what is being done, but I am optimistic. These efforts in Ontario are of partic­ ular interest to members in other Provinces as there may be a ‘domino effect’ with like-minded municipalities potentially adopting the same by-laws, which are formulated here. Let’s hope that reason prevails. Offices located throughout Ontario From my family to you and yours, I would like to take this Members of OGSA. CGSA and NGCOA opportunity to wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous holiday and New Year! Health & safety Emergency preparedness by DougJohnson, SAFETAID and Health and Safety Consulting First Aid and Safety Supplies and WHMS Training of the things we never want to One Every one of us should take the time to • Assess the risk and course capabilities. think about in our lives is having to deal plan and be prepared for that potential identify potential areas of concern with an emergency. We never believe that emergency situation. Think about how identify resources available it could happen to us. Yet it does. Every you would ensure that all your staff or • Develop the Plan. day we hear of situations where some­ family could evacuate a burning building. set a clear objective body has been involved in a situation Think about where you would congregate develop response procedures where their life or well being has been if your workplace or home were to be on • Implement the plan. placed in jeopardy. We read about these fire. Have you a place to go to where you train your workforce on the plan situations and they are generally away could make an emergency call? Your have a designated meeting place from our immediate circle of contacts. phone in your office or home may not be know who to call. We feel sorry for the individuals involved accessible. Have you gathered together • Continuous Improvement. and soon we carry on with our lives. This basic information about your lives that test the plan is not a bad thing, as we must carry on. someone may need to know if you were fix the things that did not work But do we take the time to think about incapable of telling them? Does your This is only a very brief overview of how prepared we or our inner circle of workplace have a plan to get back up and some of the issues. Take the time now to contacts is to handle an emergency. Take running if your systems are destroyed? develop a plan before you are in crisis. If a moment and think about what you Here are some basic things that you you need help contact someone and get would do in your workplace or home if should do to prepare your emergency help. This winter work carefully. Plan fire were to strike or if you were involved plan. ahead. Be sure. Be Safe. in a storm or tornado. How would you • Establish the planning team. Let’s make this a successful winter. react? How would your work place react? identify an individual to be in Have a great, safe, holiday season!! How would your family react? Do you charge have a written plan? contact your local fire department October issue, brought you some practical information on the safe use of chain saws. Further to that information we offer you the following contacts: SPECIALIZING IN PESTICIDE EDUCATION &SERVICETECHNOLOGY David J. O'Drowsky, Certified Trainer 12084 Nass, Sixth Line, R.R. #1 LAND Acton, ON L7J 2L7 EXTERMINATOR Phone: (519) 853-4994 (LANDSCAPE CATEGORY) Fax: (519) 853-5119 PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION COURSES Ross Dunford, Certified Trainer NORTH YORK: Lakefield, ON November 26 - 30, 2001 Phone: (705) 652-8738 January 21 - 25, 2002 Pager: (705) 740-8537 February 18-22,2002 Your Trees Deserve Canadian Centre for Occupational March 11 -15,2002 The Best Of Care Health and Safety March 25 - 29, 2002 250 Main Street April 8- 12,2002 Trees are valuable assests. Don’t Hamilton, ON L8N 1H6 entrust their future to less than Phone: (800) 263-8466 May 7- 11,2002 caring professionals. Bartlett Fax: (905) 572-4500 MILTON: leads the way in tree care with This organization offers up-to-date April 1 - 5, 2002 trained arborists, research facili­ INFOGRAMS on SAFE USE OF LONDON: ties, nationwide experience and CHAINSAWS on their web site: December 3- 7,2001 specialized equipment. For a http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ professional evaluation of your safety_haz/chainsaws/ March 18-22,2002 tree care needs, call today. OTTAWA: If you do not have access to their March 4 - 8, 2002 There is no obligation. web site, telephone their Inquiries Service Dept, and they will mail you Gov't exam held on Monday following each course. Bracebridge • (705) 646-8733 a copy Instructor: Paul G. Pilley, B.Sc., M. P. M. Gravenhurst • (705) 687-0696 Huntsville • (705) 789-0929 The Ontario Forestry Safe Workplace arbor@muskoka.com Association may be able to help you find trainers in other areas not For more information and a brochure contact: BACKED BY THE BARTLETT TREE RESEARCH P.O. Box 1021 Lindsay, Ontario K9V 5N covered in their list. You can find E-mail: pgp_pest@lindsaynet.com LABORATORIES AND EXPERIMENTAL contact information at: GROUNDS, CHARLOTTE, NC http://www.ofswa.on.ca/ Tel: (705) 324-PEST (7378) Fax: (705) 324-9729 The referee by Bob Leggitt Rules Chairman, O.G.A. C. Lateral water hazard, casual water interference. D. Lost ball in casual water or a water hazard. D. The player is the sole judge as to E. Embedded ball, Obstruction inter­ whether his ball is unplayable or ference. not. 2. If Bill finds his original ball after play­ E. In match play only, an opponent ing a ball that he did not announce as may claim that the player’s ball is his provisional, he may still complete unplayable. the hole with the original ball without 4. Bill is not entitled to clean his ball if penalty. he lifts it for lying on a wrong putting If any member has any concerns TRUE FALSE green. 3. In regards to an unplayable ball, TRUE FALSE about ‘rule of play’, fax or email them to which of the following is true ? 5. Bill is allowed to take relief without Dorothy Hills at O.G.S.A. A. The player may declare his ball penalty from interference by which of email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca unplayable anywhere on the the following ? fax: (519) 766-1704 course. A. Casual water in a water hazard. B. In taking relief from an unplayable B. Out of bounds fence interferes 1. The stroke and distance penalty is the lie, the player must not drop nearer with his swing. only option available to Bill in which the hole, on a putting green or in a C. Burrowing animal hole in a of the following situations: hazard. bunker. A. Ball unplayable, ball lost in an C. The player must always find his ball D. Ball is unplayable in a tree stump. obstruction. before declaring it unplayable. E. Immovable obstruction in a water B. Lost ball through the green, ball hazard. out of bounds. ANSWERS ON PAGE 14 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@pumptronics.ca www.pumptronics.ca Cyber super by Mark Prieur, Assistant Superintendent Markland Wood Country Club rGeenskeeping associations around the membership section you can look at currency conversion takes effect) and any the world are a great place to see payscales to see what the average earnings job postings vacant. It is interesting to what issues are at the forefront. of their members are, although you will note that employers needs do not vary Unfortunately, not a lot of the associa­ need to figure out the exchange rate to from one part of the world to the other. tions have websites so in that respect we make any comparison. There is a pretty Australian Turfgrass Management, the as OGSA members should consider good links section as well but it mostly AGCSA’s publication is available online ourselves fortunate to be on the cutting deals with other golf associations and not which is very informative. The links edge of technology. Superintendents associations. section is okay but the miscellaneous sub­ The British and International Golf The Australian Golf Course section has some dead ends. Greenskeepers Association (or BIGGA) Superintendents Association, which is at can be located at www.bigga.co.uk where www.agsca.com.au, has the basics such as CORRECTION: In the last issue, the you can find updates on foot and mouth membership and conference informa­ link to Pennsylvania State University Crop disease or the BTME (you’ll have to visit tion. In addition, you can view the and Soil Sciences home page should read to find out what that is!). By clicking on remuneration survey details (again the www.agronomy.psu.edu. Mechanic's corner by Larry A. Murray, Pheasant Run Golf Club President of G.E. T.A.O. ith the onset of winter, the W consideration the conditions that it will mechanic’s role is not slowing down, be used in. For example, it may be wiser rather it is a time of change of routine. to have a unit in good condition in the This is the time that decisions have to be fall and use the same machine first thing made and the question of trade or repair in the spring. The spring always has it’s equipment dealers in the needs of the has been finalized. It is now time to rough edges to clean up during the first mechanic. With technological changes in evaluate all equipment to be repaired week or so. At this time put this machine turf and equipment, the mechanic and include the changes that were post­ in for overhaul. This works especially well requires the same regular tune-ups as the poned to winter overhaul. Some if you have a spare set of reels. One set in equipment. Plan to attend as many semi­ companies provide promotions on parts good order in the fall could carry nars as possible and attend the school and service, that includes special pricing through the first few cuts in the spring. with the attitude of “What can I learn?”. as well as delayed payments. It is well The other set in perfect condition over­ I wish everyone a happy holidays and worth the effort and time to order now, as hauled during the winter. hope to meet some of you during the we all know about the lost time waiting The winter months also offer the trade show and seminars this winter. for back orders. mechanic himself a chance to get tuned For info about the association email A winter tip for mechanics; set a goal up. The G.E.T.A.O. association offers me at l.a.murray@sympatico.ca or call for each piece of equipment, taking into seminars in December as well as support Eddie at (905)-889-7620 ext. 503. 29 ADVANCE ROAD TORONTO, ONTARIO M8Z 2S6 PHONE: (416) 236-1001 TOLL FREE: 1-888-311-5431 FAX: (416) 236-4654 Brett Murray MOBILE: (416) 464-4346 Technical Sales www.albiongolfcars.com Maple Turf Supply Business: (905) 857-2000 BRUCE MCDONALD 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 Golf course highlight Magna Golf Club 14780 Leslie Street, Aurora ON L4G 7A7 phone: (905) 713-3664 fax: (905) 713-2958 email: wrath@magnagolf.com web-site: www.magnagolf.com Wayne Rath, Golf Course Superintendent COURSE PROFILE WHAT TYPE OF IRRIGATION WHAT COUNTY IS YOUR CLUB LOCATED IN? SYSTEM? York Region Rainbird IS YOUR CLUB PRIVATE, SEMI PRIVATE, PUBLIC, Cirrus, 3 RESORT,MUNICIPAL? years old Private WHAT IS THE SIZE SIZE OF MEMBERSHIP? OF THE GREENS, Photo by Warren Marr, Professional Photographer Up to 250 TEES AND FAIRWAYS? NUMBER OF ROUNDS? 4 Hover Mowers Greens: 160,000 sq ft, 10,000 to 15,000 Tees: 180,000 sq ft, 7 Bannerman Hover Mowers TYPICAL OPENING AND CLOSING DATE? Fairways: 50 acres 1 Ty-Crop MH 400 with topdresser May 1 to Nov 1 2 Smithco Supreme LC Sandtrap WHAT IS YOUR PREDOMINANT GRASS? Machines HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN A SR 1020/1119 Bentgrass blend 1 212 S Loader/Backhoe SUPERINTENDENT? HOW MANY USGA GREENS AND HOW MANY LOAM 2 Kubota L4310 Tractors 15 years GREENS? 1 Kubota L4310 HST Tractor ARE YOU CGCS OR MASTER SUPERINTENDENT.? Loam Greens: 18 1 John Deere 5420 Tractor CGCS WHAT IS THE PREDOMINANT SOIL TYPE? 2 Super Tilt Dump Trailers HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN AN O.G.S.A.. Sandy Loam 1 Bergal Vac Plus 800 MEMBER? 18 years WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU HAVE IN INVENTORY? 1 300 Gallon Hydro-seeder 1 Toro Goundsmaster 3500 - D 1 Bergal B-40 Blower HOW MANY YEAR ROUND STAFF? Sidewinder 2 Shindaiwa Back-pack Blowers 10 2 Toro Reelmaster 3100 - D 4 Shindaiwa Hand Blowers HOW MANY SEASONAL STAFF? Sidewinders 2-5 hp Little Wonder Power Blowers 32 4 Toro Reelmaster 5400 - D Fairway 1 8 hp Little Wonder Power Blowers HOW MANY MECHANICSAND ASSISTANTS? Mowers 1 Ryan Junior Sod Cutter 2 mechanics - Neil Perry 2 Toro Groundmaster 325 -D 2 Otterbine Bunker Pumps Mike Garton c/w core pulverizer, sweeper, front 2 Fairway Drag Mats 2 assistants - Ian McQueen attach snowblower, front attach blower 2 Greensgroomer Diamond Brushes Ryan Scott 6 Shindaiwa Line Trimmers 3 Toro Greensmaster 3100-3 wd HOW MANY GARDENING STAFF? 2 Shindaiwa Power Brooms Tri-plex 4 2 Shindaiwa Reciprocators 1 Ransome AR 250 1 Steiner 430 Max Rotary Mower 1 Shindaiwa Edger COURSE STATISTICS 2 Lesco Rotary Spreaders 8 Toro Greensmaster 1000 HOW MANY HOLES? 4 Toro Greensmaster 1600 3 Scotts Rotary Spreaders 18 3 Toro Flex 21 Greensmowers 1 Viking Grading Attachment WHAT IS THE YARDAGE FROM BACK TEES AND 18 Carryall Turf Trucksters 1 Tenant Power Sweeper FORWARD TEES? 4 Club Car Carts with boxes Back tees: 6950 yards, COURSE PROJECTS Forward tees: 5108 yards 2 Club Car Golf Carts 4 Cushman Turf Trucksters WHAT PROJECTS HAVE YOU RECENTLY COMPLETED? WHAT IS THE SIZE AND LENGTH OF DRIVING RANGE Additional drainage AND RANGE TEE? 2 Cushman TD 1500 Topdressers 2 Vicon Spreaders Bunker improvements Tee-lacie Rang 6.5 acres Extensive tree planting 1 Core Harvester HOW MANY BUNKERS? Putting green construction 1 1530 Topdresser Extensive poplar tree removal 92 bunkers covering 9.5 acres 2 Verti-Drain 7117 Mustang Aerifiers HOW MANY PONDS, AND/OR HOW MANY TIMES 1 Toro Procore 880 Aerifier DOES WATER COME INTO PLAY? LONG RANGE PLANS 1 Toro Walking Greens Aerifier 7 WHAT LONG RANGE PLANS FOR RENOVATION DO 4 Ryan Greensaire 24 YOU HAVE IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? WHO WAS THE ORIGINAL ARCHITECT? 1 Ryan Greensaire 28 Doug Carrick Additional trees 1 Toro Hydroject 3000 Entrance and clubhouse landscaping WHAT WAS THE YEAR OF ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION' 1 Ryan Tracaire Continue bunker improvement 1999 to 2000 7 Greensmower Trailers Removal of poplar trees on property WHAT IS THE SIZE OF YOUR MAINTENANCE SHOP? 1 Toro 37” Self Propelled Rotary Additional tee construction 16,650 square feet 6 Lawn Boy Commercial duty Rotaries Taboo Article and Photos by John Bladon Superintendent, Guelph Lakes Golf & Country Club The golf construction boom in the shores of Lake Muskoka. Sean, a Seneca Gravenhurst. The course is slated for a Muskokas continues at a seemingly torrid College grad, had his introduction to mid summer 2002 opening. Florida pace. Although the populations in these Muskoka at the Diamond “in the Ruff’ architect Ron Garl, of Wooden Sticks smaller communities make one wonder Golf Course, a beautiful nine hole course fame, was hired by the resort to design a how so many courses can stay afloat, near Utterson. There he spent six years as high end 18 hole course and practice apparently most swell tenfold during the the golf course superintendent following facility. The results are impressive. summer months literally making golf a his apprenticeship at Beacon Hall, under Mr. Garl serves up 7200 yards of great golf “cottage” industry. Recently, Green is the tutelage of Bob Heron. with five sets of teeing grounds and Beautiful met up with OGSA member Taboo is an 18 hole, championship inventive 12 acre range / golf academy. and director, Sean DeSilva and toured his course at the Muskoka Sands Resort, Cut through 360 acres of mixed forest, new project nearing completion on the sitting only a 3 wood north of the town of granite outcroppings and natural waterfalls, the eye continuously feasts on all that is synonymous with Muskoka. Elevation changes were significant throughout our tour. The property has been laid out in such a way that virtually every tee box has been built in an elevated location and the golf course seems to have been “ poured out” in front of your eyes. “ We are going to be a resort course with many new customers each year, so the idea is to eliminate the guess work while playing the course”, notes Sean. "You’ll find no blind areas on the course no matter what calibre a player you are” The sensation of being on top of the world never seems to leave you at this place. This theme continues at the future site of the club­ house. It will sit, upon completion, high above the Gravenhurst harbour with the old steamship “Segwun” in plain view. The other consistency throughout is bunkering. 73 bunkers grace the property. They vary from the smallest imaginable pot bunker to the vast waste bunkers, a Garl trademark claims Sean. Gateman Milloy, a Kitchener firm, was entrusted with the 7.0 million course construction contract. Sean was hired on as the golf course superintendent in November of last year and was involved throughout the entire process. He estimates that approx­ imately 350,000 tons of local sand were trucked in throughout construction. A sand lens was poured over the entire routing accounting for the bulk of the material. USGA greens were constructed and seeded with A-4 creeping bentgrass. Tees and fairways were seeded with Penn Trio creeping bent. Although the poor fall weather has slowed the progress of the project slightly, Sean remains optimistic regarding their opening date. “ It was a tremendous season for construction with all the dry weather” notes Sean. We had no significant downtime with earthworks, so we made excellent progress right through Labour Day weekend”. Finally, Sean is focussing on completing Taboo’s 8000 square foot maintenance facility. “We’re going to need a little heat before winter gets here” he remarks with a wry smile. No rest for the weary. Look for Sean’s presentation on the trials and tribulations of growing A-4 at the OTS in January 2002. Sean can be reached at sdesilva@muskoka.com More pictures on page 14 Sean DeSilva PRECIPITATION IN ONTARIO REGION Measured at Pearson International Airport Provided by Ministry of the Environment empty table cell YEAR 2001 Average Actual January (rain) 18.5 mm 21.0 mm January (snow) 32.3 cm 10.8 cm January (total) 45.6 mm 31.2 mm February (rain) 20.8 mm 55.6 mm February (snow) 25.9 cm 36.0 cm February (total) 45.5 mm 94.0 mm Rule of Play Answers March 1. B. Rule 27-1 Says that if a ball is lost or out (rain) 35.1 mm 8.8 mm of bounds, the player shall under penalty of March (snow) 19.9 cm 26.4 cm one stroke, play a ball as nearly as possible March (total) 56.9 mm 31.4 mm at the spot from which the original ball was April last played. 2. FALSE- R27-2 states that if a player fails to (rain) 56.0 mm 35.8 mm announce that he is playing a provisional April (snow) 7.3 cm 0.6 cm ball then that ball becomes the ball in play April (total) 64.0 mm 36.4 mm under stroke and distance penalty, the May 66.0 mm 92.2 mm original ball is deemed to be lost. 3. D. Rule 28 definitions says that the player is June 68.9 mm 61.8 mm the sole judge as to whether his ball is unplayable. July 76.6 mm 34.0 mm 4. FALSE- Rule 25-3 states that the ball may be cleaned when lifted from a wrong putting August 84.2 mm 34.6 mm green. September 74.2 mm 50.4 mm 5. C. Rule 25-1 b. relief states that the player may take relief without penalty but the October 63.0 mm 108.8 mm ball must be dropped in the bunker. What you need! When you need it! Technically Trained Sales Staff Full Offering of Quality Products Superior Customer Service and Efficient Delivery Plant-Prod Soluble Fertilizers, Nu-Gro Professional Fertilizer Products, Emerald Isle Fertilizers, Fungicides, Insecticides, Herbicides Standard, Par Aide and Accuform Accessories Call the Plant Products Turf Team! 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 L6T 1G1• 905-793-7000 • fax:905-793-9632 off the fairway by Daisy Moore Luckily, I There are many challenging sites on But the important thing is to get them have had an golf courses. ‘Concepts’ for front gates through the winter and we’ll start to extremely busy often bring me to my knees and then trim them tight in the spring. Tall November. I there is the central circle bed. Everybody pyramidal cedars frame the knot and I pushed the enve­ wants them or at least has one to cope plan on trimming those into spirals to lope a little bit with. There is an inherent need for really set it off. This will be a remarkable this fall by plan­ symmetry, yet that can be so boring. I change from its annual consumption of ning a few too have ranted in the past about the draw­ bedding plants. The new challenge will many social activ­ backs of formal shows of annuals; mostly be to substitute the expectation and ities during a that they cost a lot every year and don’t desire for colour in that spot. Members time of active look good for such a long time. So what are fussy. They want it all and they want horticultural do you plant? It can’t be too high, it can’t it now. work. For example, our family took a be too short, it has to be showy, it’s viewed Another end-of-season project was to train trip to the east coast for the latter from all sides. It is quite a thing to be plant the beginnings of a garden at part of October. The colours were spec­ saddled with. At Weston, the idea of a Tangle Creek, a new golf course opening tacular along the way and you got to see formal boxwood arrangement was born. next spring, southwest of Barrie. They parts of the landscape not common along I’ll be working on designs over the winter have been conscious of the role gardens roadsides. Still and all, I should have and we will plant it in the spring. I will will play right from the start and have been working and in the back of my mind need to talk it up in order to give every­ designed the site accordingly. The front there was a desperate plea for the body the nerve to cut down a large but gates will be a pleasure to plant. There’s weather to hold. Well hold out it did, and poor quality blue spruce. Sometimes you lots of room and the entrance was I managed to accomplish all that was set have to be ruthless. designed to accommodate beds. They’ve out and then some. Let me tell you about As an example of what you can do got lots of stone and the equipment to my end-of-season projects at Weston Golf with boxwoods, this fall after I returned move it around. We’ve got the shrubs in Club and Tangle Creek. from the east coast, we planted a formal and we will continue to develop the I have been working with Weston Golf ‘knot’ garden out of boxwood and gardens in 2002. Club this past season to assist them in germander in a prominent area of the Now that the season has finished, it is using their resources to improve the golf course. There are two sloped beds time to re-group and rejuvenate. I’m appearance of their gardens and areas off which line the edge of the practise looking forward to the off season meet­ the fairway . The membership decided green and sit across from the first tee. ings to gain new knowledge and that they wanted to have beautiful The beds are about 45 feet long and contacts and begin to fill my dance card gardens. We are well on the way with nine feet wide, give or take. I found the for 2002. many projects started this fall. Gardens ‘Celtic Knot’ design in a children’s book are the “attention to detail” that sets one entitled ‘The Marvellous Blue Mouse’. I Daisy hosts 'The Garden Clinic' on property apart from the others. Why not acquired some books on how to draw Saturday mornings at 9:00am. Tune in to make them stand out? The first thing is these knots and I have a feeling I could the station nearest you: am900 the recognition that gardens are get carried away with this idea. Since Hamilton, am980 London or am1350 important and the rest will follow... they were planted so late in the season, Oshawa. Visit her website at ideas... money... staff. they look a little scruffy at the moment. www. daisymoore. com Support Rotors Renovation & Upgrades Central Controllers Vanden Bussche Irrigation & Equipment Limited 7856 Fifth Line South Milton, ON L9T 2X8 1-800-263-4112 Accessories Controllers Visit us at: www.vandenbussche.com King's Bay Golf & Country Club Opening Day 2001 Article by James White Golf Course Superintendent Photos by Kevin Holmes, Golf Course Architect, MBTW Group It was a beautiful fall day on most recent course in southern Ontario The property has taken 8 years to develop, Thursday October 4, 2001 when the to be completed. from the approvals stage, to the construc­ King’s Bay Golf and Country Club King’s Bay is a 9 hole championship tion and seeding of the golf course which hosted players for the first time. Now, I layout of 3300 yards, which rests on a 170 wraps around the outside of a new know this is a cliché type of opening acre peninsula in Seagrave, Ontario. The community of 106 homes. The links style statement, but when you spend weeks Nonquon River and months gearing up for one day, on the west and weather becomes the most important Lake Scugog to factor to success. I suppose it could have the east, offer been cold and rainy which would not spectacular views have deterred us from showcasing the of cottage country. 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 17525 Jane St., R.R. #1 Kettleby, Ontario L0G 1J0 Tel.: (416) 364-5700 (905) 727-2100 Fax: (905) 727-8546 E-mail: info@zandersod.com Website: www.zandersod.com of this golf course is interrupted at several points by old growth Now that we have a playable course we are trying to find our golf stands of Birch and Oak. game again. It’s incredible how far removed you can get from golf Opening day was very low-key with a guest list that included when engaged in construction of a new course. The only negative local politicians, family, and those who helped along the way. It to this whole experience was inviting my former employer to play can probably be said that my list was the longest and included in my foursome during the opening. I took a nearly undefeated family (surprise, surprise), colleagues and suppliers who had record of 5 years and got soundly trounced. It’s funny because for been critical to the success of our operation. None of the scores 5 years he claimed he would beat me on my own course one day. counted toward anything, however, some were more serious than The wisdom of one’s mentor should never be doubted. others. A barbeque dinner was waiting when the guests came off King’s Bay was open for 1 month to end the season. The the course, served by the ownership itself. number of players and feedback, so far, is very positive. We are Seeding of the golf course started June 15th and carried currently winterizing the property and hope to start the 2002 through until the first week in July. Playing surfaces are bent season off with a bang! grass and roughs consist of kentucky bluegrass and fescue. Although the summer was hot and dry, the efforts of staff, in particular my assistant Brent Minacs, brought the course along to meet our seemingly unrealistic deadline. What appeared to be our enemy, heat and humidity, actually helped in irrigated areas to improve germination rates. Some timely rains in September aided in bringing along the roughs. Penguin Golf Associates GPS Surveys and Engineering Jim Firth P.Eng. www.penguingolf.com jim@penguingolf.com 1 High Crest Road, Bolton, Ontario L7E 5R7 Tel.: (905) 880-7070 Fax: (905) 880-9450 Cell: (416) 884-GOLF(4653) STORAGE FACILITIES - WAREHOUSES • NEW BUILDINGS WOOD & STEEL STRUCTURES • ADDITIONS • RENOVATIONS Experience... That’s the Braemar Difference. For your FREE estimates please call Rick Brenzil, Harold Bundy or Jack Brenzil Toll Free: 1 -800-215-1996 RRI,York, Ontario NOA IR0 • Telephone:(905) 772.3351 • Fax: (905) 772.3422 Email: rbrenzil@braemarbldg.com • www.braemarbldg.com Penn State Turfgrass Conference Article and Photos by Mark Prieur Assistant Superintendent Markland Wood Country Club he Penn State University Turfgrass Conference was held on Nov. 6-8, 2001 in State College PA, three hours from both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Most of the speakers were Penn State Professors talking about a variety of turf topics ranging from “Basal Rot Anthracnose” to “Working for a Golf Course Management Company”. The USGA had a few speakers as well who spoke on “the year in review” and “Fairway Management: Strategies from the field.” What turfgrass conference would be complete without a few rounds of golf? We lined up rounds at the Penn State Golf Club and also played Merion G.C. in the tiny Philadelphia suburb of Ardmore PA. Assistant superintendent Jake Straub was more than accommodating and gave us a rundown of Merion Golf Club’s rich and storied history. In October he had to make due with 27 staff for 36 holes. So needless to say, playing the golf course was amazing. Built in 1896, the course has no yardage markers of any kind. In fact, the flags are removed from their poles and substituted with wicker baskets so you cannot tell which way the wind is blowing. It was a true test of golf. Beaver Stadium, home of the Penn State Nittany Lions football A brief visit to Beaver Stadium gave us a chance to see how team. Capacity 106,000 people. Foreground: turf research plots difficult managing a stadium can be. On top of maintaining top at Penn State. quality sports turf for one of the best football programs in the NCAA, dealing with cleanup, safety and security of 106,000 people is a daunting task. When travelling to conferences, always take a chance to visit (or play as we did) a neighbouring golf course and learn some­ thing about what other clubs are doing. One can only learn so much in the conferences that they attend but it is outside the conferences that we gain experiences. The main building at Penn State University. Built in 1855. Pictured: Scott White, Donalda Club; Chad Vibert, The Mad River Golf Club; Mark Prieur, Markland Wood Country Club. Dave Dick Jeff McMaster Turfgrass Specialist Turfgrass Specialist 39 Monte Vista Trail 1864 Bowler Drive Brampton, Ont. L6Z 2J7 Pickering, Ont. LIV3E4 Fax & Phone 905-846-3319 Fax & Phone 905-839-6526 2nd hole at Merion G.C. in Ardmore, PA. Built in 1896 the course features no yardage markers of any kind. ONTARIO TURF SYMPOSIUM GCSAA PRE-CONFERENCE SEMINAR "MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR TURGRASS SYSTEMS" Instructor: Dr. Joe Vargas, Professor Michigan State University Monday, January 21st 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Earns you .70 CEUs Early Bird Rate by December 10th $190.00 (incl. G.S.T.) Regular Rate after December 10th $210.00 (incl. G.S.T.) Register with University of Guelph Fax: (519) 767-1114 On Line www.open.uoguelph.ca/ots DON T FORGET TO DROP BY FOR A VISIT AT THE OGSA BOOTH WE'LL BE IN THE BANYAN FOYER LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE ESCALATOR FROM REGISTRATION. very golf course has irrigation system E challenges. That’s why your local John Deere Landscapes golf representative offers a range of custom solutions for your course. With the recent acquisition of Century Rain Aid, your local John Deere Landscapes branch is now one of the most comprehen­ sive suppliers of golf course irrigation equipment in the U.S. Our fully-staffed golf support team brings more than 25 years of experience to the game and can help you solve any site challenge. Here's The First Step Irrigation Systems Featuring Hunter Golf To Improving Your Rotors, valves, central control systems, maintenance radios Irrigation System Pump Stations Customized for your course Fountains and Landscape Lighting Boardtronics Controller Board Repairs Replace outdated Toro™ and Rain Bird™ More Than 200 Branches controller boards. Call 888-855-9132. Nationwide www.rainaid.com On-Site Consultation: 800-347-4272 IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL OGSA MEMBERS From Rob Ackermann OGSA Representative on ECO Board PESTICIDES MAY BE BANNED IN MUNICIPALITIES ACROSS THE PROVINCE and we need to be sure that municipal councillors understand how we use these products and what the impacts would be if they were taken away. FIRST THINGS FIRST - we have to know when a possible ban is being proposed so that the appropriate representation can be made. To achieve this, OGSA has created a commu­ nication “Web”. Over 35 superintendents have agreed to act as regional captains who will co-ordinate the municipal monitoring in their respective regions. HOW CAN YOU HELP - IT’S SIMPLE, just call one of the representatives in your area if you hear of a possible ban in your municipality. Together with the resources your regional representative already has, an action plan can be established. SHARING INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT, especially considering there are 440 muni­ cipalities across Ontario. In order to ensure strong representation from all pesticide using stakeholders in all municipalities, OGSA has joined forces with THE ENVIRONMENTAL COALITION OF ONTARIO (ECO). ECO was started by Landscape Ontario and it now includes as members all associations that represent users of pesticides on ornamental crops in the province. The mandate of ECO is to create regional partnerships for the purpose of sharing information and providing the neccessary tools to effectively lobby government on the issue of pesticide use. To achieve their goals, ECO has established 2 web sites. 1. www.communityzero.com - this website can be accessed by invitation only. It will allow you to post or view messages about possible bans in any municipality across the province. 2. http://groups.yahoo.com/ - this website is another invitation only site. This site is used to automatically broadcast to all site members important notices, (i.e. - vote at metro council next week, please arrange for attendance) 3. CONTACT THE OGSA OFFICE FOR YOUR INVITATIONS TODAY ! WE NEED YOU TO GET INVOLVED 1. Contact your local superintendent representative from the list provided. Let him know what’s going on in your community, OR 2. Contact the OGSA office so that we can post municipal activity on the communityzero website, OR 3. Join www.communityzero.com and http://groups.yahoo.com/ yourself to share infor­ mation that is critical to the survival of your industry as you know it today. 4. Contact: Rob Ackermann - Ph: (905) 625-2062 - Email: markland@on.aibn.com Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association Regional Representatives - Environmental Coalition of Ontario Region Representative Golf Course/Company Phone Fax E-mail Huntsville/Muskoka Amos-Stok, Natalie Harbour View Golf & CC 705-456-5139 705-456-7787 harbourv@bconnex.com Huntsville/Muskoka De Silva, Sean Taboo Golf Club 705-788-4244 705-385-3763 sean@on.aibn.com Huntsville/Muskoka Flett, Jim Muskoka Lakes Golf & CC 705-765-3165 705-765-6990 jflett@vianet.on.ca Huntsville/Muskoka Mann, Steve Arborists Tree Service 705-646-8733 705-645-3635 arbor@muskoka.com Barrie Doda, Ed Barrie Country Club 705-728-4802 705-728-2762 n/a Georgian Bay Winters, Roseann Frogs Breath Golf Course 705-647-6088 705-647-6088 rwebster@gsp-inc.com Georgian Bay Heeson, Ron Monterra Golf Course 705-445-0231 705-444-1751 rheesen@bluemountain.ca Georgian Bay Schneider, Mark Owen Sound Golf Club 519-376-7977 519-376-7933 osgccgrn@bmts.com Georgian Bay Gravett, Gary Saugeen Golf Club 519-389-4031 519-389-5530 golf@saugeengolf.com Durham Acton, Neil Deer Creek Golf & CC 905-427-7485 905-427-1611 neilacton@idirect.com Durham Bowen, Ian Oshawa Golf Club 905-725-9511 905-725-0414 bozy@netcom.ca Durham O'Heron, Greg Peterborough Golf & CC 705-743-1388 705-743-2461 peterboroughgolf@home.com Durham White, Paul The Briars Golf Club 905-722-4682 905-722-4087 briarsg@ils.net Hamilton Scenna, Pelino Burlington Golf Club 905-681-2260 905-681-2260 empty table cell Hamilton Taylor, John Hunters Pointe Golf Course 905-714-4552 905-714-4633 jtathp@aol.com Kitchener/Waterloo Bladon, John Guelph Lakes Golf & CC 519-822-4532 519-822-4222 jbladon@guelphlakesgolf.ca Kitchener/Watei loo Breen, Doug Conestoga Golf Course 519-664-2923 519-664-3033 n/a Kitchener/Waterloo De Corso, Dave Victoria Park Golf Club E 519-821-2211 519-821-3039 decjorso@sentex.com Kitchener/Waterloo Janzen, Cory Westmount Golf Club 519-744-1041 519-742-3762 cjanzen@westmountgolf.com Kitchener/Waterloo Piccolo, Mark Galt Country Club 519-650-1503 519-621-4955 gccmark@golden.net London Beauchamp, Ryan St. Thomas Golf & CC 519-631-2447 519-631-6322 rbeauchamp@execulink.com London Richard, Jerry Oxford Golf & CC 519-462-2910 519-462-2772 craigowan@on.aibn.ca London Wheeler, Scott Forest City National Golf C 519-451-0994 519-451-8986 swheeler@attcanada.ca Ottawa Courneya, Mike QTC Management 613-719-9094 613-521-1699 mlcourneya@sympatico.ca Ottawa Lucas, Peter Bay of Quinte CC 613-968-9954 613-968-8836 (h) peter.Iucas@sympatico.ca Toronto Ackermann, Rob Markland Wood CC 905-625-2062 905-625-1669 marklandwood@on.aibn.com Toronto Bartlett, Keith Thornhill CC 905 889-2735 905-889-0449 kbartlet@idirect.ca Toronto Brown, Phil Summit GC 905-884-5234 905-884-6398 pbrown@interhop.net Toronto Burrows, Bob Rosedale GC 416-485-9747 416-485-8532 rjburrows@sympatico.ca Toronto Charters, Thom Bayview CC 905-881-7640 905-889-1791 tcharters@netwave.ca Toronto Gravett, John Granite Golf Club 905-642-4416 905-642-2192 jgravett@graniteclub.com Toronto Stauffer, Jeff Credit Valley Golf Club 905-275-2505 905-275-6201 jstauffer@creditvalleygolf.com Windsor Cours, Dave Erie Shores Golf & CC 519-326-1054 519-326-2523 eriegolf@wincom.net At Large Smith, Dave DCS Agronomic Services 705-687-7645 705-687-3518 dcsag@muskoka.com Turf or consequences TV by Doug Breen, Superintendent Conestoga Golf Course decided that I don’t like TV Even worse, the whole time you’re watch­ anymore. This is a momentous ing endless “Friends” clones scroll by, announcement for someone of my gener­ you’re assaulted by a constantly looping ation: we were all raised by TVs. infomercial for a psychic hotline. Caller Mr. Dressup taught me how to draw and after caller worried that her husband use sticky tape. Sesame Street taught me might be having an affair. Of course he is! with a flat faced club with absolutely no how to read and write and Big Al’s Talent He’s married to someone stupid enough defence? Its’ infinitely harder to hit a Showcase taught me that in this land of to call a psychic hotline on TV. round baseball with a round bat while it opportunity, even an old, drunk guy in a The upside though, is that I can now rockets at you at 100 mph plus. A rhinestone cowboy suit could make a watch more golf. And not just the PGA quarterback is expected to perfectly good living. I got through puberty with a tour, either. Due to the fact that there are feather a pass between two defensive mix of Gilligan’s Island, Wonder Woman now 476 golf tournaments coming down backs and into the end zone, a split and I dream of Jeannie. TV was very my fibre optic cable at any given time, I second before some 300 pound, seven important to me and it has let me down. can now watch the “Bob’s Bait Shop foot behemoth from Alabama knocks Back on the farmstead on Breen Road Invitational” from West Swamp Tussle, him unconscious. Furthermore, both of in peaceful Putnam, Ontario, our rabbit Arkansas or the “Siberian Open” from these feats are accomplished while the ears (even with a generous application of Glagushteckniectuklaginsbourg. I watch most vile, hateful, and repugnant vitriol tinfoil) could only pull in three stations a lot of golf, or more precisely, I watch a imaginable is spat down from the stands. on the black and white Magnavox in our lot of golf courses. I only tune in because Only in golf could missing a four foot living room, but there was always some­ I find it fascinating to see what putt with a three inch back swing be thing worth watching. No unrealistic Superintendents around the world are up blamed on an idling fairway mower a “reality” shows, or “all sex” channels to and what they’re up against. hundred yards away. reminding me 24 hours a day that every­ The actual coverage of the golfers I do like seeing courses from Spain, one else is getting more than me, just themselves is pretty much standard. A the Orient and other places I’ll probably good quality programming. It was a red bunch of “has beens” and “never was” never visit, so maybe I’ve been too hasty letter day when I found the directions for whispering around the tees and greens in abandoning TV. I’ll just watch nothing making an antenna in a 1962 back issue of about which club the golfer should be but sports and reruns. There’s nothing Popular Mechanics. I pulled in a station using, and casually throwing in the odd like a WKRP marathon to make me feel from Erie, Pennsylvania and for the first turfgrass word like “poa” or “bermuda like it’s 1979 again. When it really was time in my life, I saw NBC ‘must-see’ TV. grass” like they know what they were worth tuning in. This was the beginning of the end. It talking about. would appear that everything worth And what’s with watching was on the three channels I the whispering? started with, because now there’s 902 How did golf, channels on my TV listing channel and unlike any other there’s almost nothing I’d waste a half sport, develop this hour on. In truth, it takes three quarters custom of being of an hour just to scroll through all the completely silent channels (half of which are awful and you and still while the pay extra for) and by the time I find player strikes a something I want to see, it’s over already. motionless ball Corrie Almack, P.Ag. ALMACK & ASSOCIATES Tel: (905) 689-6174 Box 256, Carlisle, Ontario Fax: (905) 689-8522 LOR 1HO Email: C.AImack@sympatico.ca Nu-Gro Corporation Brian Rosenberg Technical Sales Representative Cell: (519) 574-2013 Fax: (519) 743-6849 brosenberg@nu-gro.ca Looking back here's why balanced chain methylene urea Ten years ago today is such a great by Barry Endicott, Nobleton Lakes Golf Club nitrogen source The Board of Directors in 1991 were: Mark Hagen (pres.), Balanced Chain Methylene Urea (BCMU™) Rhod Trainor (vice), Gordon Nimmo (past pres.), Simon George is United Horticultural Supply's own formula­ (editor), Bill Fach, Alex La Belle, Ian Bowen, John Taylor, Mark tion of short, intermediate and long-chain Shneider, Dave Gourlay (treas.), Bruce Burger and Vince Dermott. methylene urea and is an integral part of UHS The Ontario Turfgrass Symposium was held at Guelph with Signature Brand Fertilizers. 230 in attendance. Dean of OAC, Dr. R. McLaughlin and presi­ The shorter chains (water soluble compo- dent Gord Nimmo opened the session. Talks were presented nents) in BCMU provide fast greenup and as from Gerald Faubel (president of GCSAA), Doug Carrick, they dissipate, the longer ones (water insolu­ Annette Anderson (OMAF), Teri Yamada (RCGA), Dave Smith, ble components) take over to give sustained Muskoka Lakes, Kent Groves, Green Care, Thom Charters, eding. It is one of the most uniform releases Weston, Bill Fach, Rosedale, Chris Hall, University of Guelph, Tim Clarridge, Parkview, and Dick Psolla. This was the last time available in a fertilizer. the OGSA ran this symposium. It will be organized and ran by all This sustained, consistent and efficient sectors of the turfgrass industry. nitrogen release produces excellent plant On the move: Bob Burrows, from assistant of Credit Valley to response throughout the growing season, even Superintendent of Cornwall. into the second year, without inducing growth The CGSA Conference was held in Toronto on December 8- flushes, leaching excess nitrogen or losing it 11. Paul Dermott was selected as Superintendent of the Year. The benefits due to volatization. Canadian Golf Team of Bob Heron, Thom Charters, Robbie While improving color and stress resist- Robinson, and Doug Meyer were winners over the United States in the Ransomes International Golf Tournament in England. ance, BCMU's carbon and nitrogen molecules Rhod Trainor, Hamilton Golf Club, hosted the Ontario also feed microbes in the soil, enhancing root Amateur Golf Championship. and rhizome development and creating a rich Annette Anderson, OMAF, was moving on to other things and humus layer, even in soils low in microorgan­ Pam Charbonneau was assuming the duties of Turfgrass isms. Extension Specialist. It is safe to use on fine turf and sensi­ tive ornamentals and is non-burning even in extremely hot weather. BCMU is compatible with wide range of other nutrient sources and control products and is unaffected by particle sizing or damage from equipment. What more could you ask for? “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery today is a gift, that's why it's called the present!" "Warmest Wishes to you and your family for a joyous Festive and Safe Holiday Season UHS East 'May the Spirit of this season 1-800-328-4678 UHS West remain in your hearts 1-888-273-4330 all year long! UHS Signature Brand Fertilizers are a product of United Horticultural Supply TURF CARE Strangely enough, THE PART ON THE RIGHT IS MORE EXPENSIVE. Look at tags alone, and you'll find plenty of alternatives to genuine Toro parts. But before you put them on your Toro equipment, consider the hidden costs. Many willfitter parts simply don't meet Toro standards for form, fit and function. Get one that doesn't measure up, and you can end up replacing it early and often, and even risk damage to your equipment. In sharp contrast, authentic Toro parts come off the line in pairs. One goes into a new product, its "twin" becomes a service part. Plus, Toro donates a portion of every dollar you spend to industry organizations. Invest wisely. Call the Customer Service Department at Turf Care today for Toro parts toll free at 800-561-8873 or Fax: 800-559-1806. Visit our booth at the Ontario Turfgrass Symposium in January 2002 where you can meet our Customer Service Representatives in person. Thank you for keeping your Toro a Toro. 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