February 2002 Green is Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association The rebirth of Bigwin Island The Ontario Turf Symposium OSC/ Nutrite CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL Seminar PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON N1H 6H8 Superior Performance. Ultimate Coverage. Cushman® SprayTek™ Dedicated Sprayers The number-one name in turf vehicles and SDI, the premier builder of spray equipment, have created the ultimate line of dedicated sprayers. Available in 175- and 300-gallon models, the SprayTek DS-175 and DS-300 are built on a ground-speed-governed 1184 PLAINS ROAD EAST Cushman Turf-Truckster® chassis for unbeatable BURLINGTON, ONTARIO L7S 1W6 durability and even distribution. Superior spray Burlington Area: (905) 637-5216 characteristics and a deep sump help maintain Toronto Area: (905) 338-2404 consistent application, even on hillsides. 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Contents Green is THE REBIRTH OF BIGWIN ISLAND ....................................... 14 C.G.S.A. news........................................................................................... 6 Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Cyber super............................................................................................. 10 Editor's message..................................................................................... 5 Eigth annual golf course hocky challenge......................................... 9 Golf course highlight - Timber Ridge Golf Club..................................... 11 Health & safety....................................................................................... 8 Learning curve....................................... 5 Looking back........................................................................................... 27 Lucky #13 - OSC / Nutrite Seminar....................................................... 20 Mechanic's comer................................................................................... 10 Off the fairway....................................................................................... 17 President's message............................................................................... 4 The Ontario Turf Symposium ............................................................... 12 COVER PICTURE The Ten Commandments of Media Relations.................................... 18 Photo by: Bruce Burger Turf or consequences............................................................................. 25 Lakeview Golf Club Turfgrass research at the GTI................................................................ 7 Welcome! ................................................................................................ 5 Advertisers- Albion Golf Cars and Turf Equipment ............................................ 10 Almack Agronomic Services Inc........................................................23 Bartlett Tree Experts ........................................................................... 8 Braemar Building Systems ................................................................. 20 Burnside Golf Services........................................................................ 7 Chipco Professional Products............................................................ 24 John Deere Landscapes ....................................................................... 19 G.C. Duke Equipment Ltd.................................................................... 2 Graphic Services Ltd............................................................................. 4 Maple Turf Supply..................................................................................10 Nu-Gro Corporation .............................................................................. 23 OSC Seeds ............................................................................................... 5 Penguin Golf Associates...................................................................... 27 The P.E.S.T. Institute ............................................................................ 8 OGSA is committed to Plant Products Turf................................................................................ 22 serving its members, Pumptronics Incorporated ............................................................... 9 advancing their profession, Skyway Lawn Equipment Limited ................................................... 27 and Turf Care Products Canada - Irrigation Division ...................... 6 enriching the quality Turf Care Products Canada ................................................................. 28 United Horticultural Supply ...............................................................26 of golf Vanden Bussche Irrigation & Equipment Limited ...................... 17 and its environment. Zander Sod Co. Limited ....................................................................... 27 President's message ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS' It’s the 1st of February, the buds are out on the trees ASSOCIATION Guelph Turfgrass Institute and spring is in the air. What’s wrong with this picture? 328 Victoria Road South Mother nature seems to be stuck on random mode and Guelph, ON N1H6H8 any weather could be in the mix. In the back of our Ph: 519-767-3341 minds we realize that spring is just around the corner as Toll Free: 877-824-6472 Fax: 519-766-1704 we start to prepare ourselves mentally for the season Email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca that lies ahead. Website: www.golfsupers.on.ca Last month, many of us participated in this year’s Ontario Turfgrass Symposium held BOARD OF DIRECTORS in Toronto. The revised format, featuring “The Business of Turf’ was well received by PRESIDENT Jim Flett PAST PRESIDENT John Gravett turf professionals. With over 100 more pre-registered participants over last year to take VICE-PRESIDENT Mark Piccolo in the education opportunities and trade show, the event was deemed a great success. TREASURER Rob Ackermann SECRETARY Paul Scenna As we look into the future (2005) we can’t help but see the Canadian Golf DIRECTORS Jeff Alexander Superintendents Association (CGSA) returning to Toronto for their conference and Randy Booker show. The OGSA and other industry representatives recognize the benefits and necessity Bob Burrows Mike Courneya for “one big show”. It’s nothing new for the provinces of British Columbia and Quebec, Sean DeSilva which have already been running joint shows with CGSA. OGSA is currently negotiating Greg O'Heron with involved parties to make this dream a reality. Jeff Stauffer It’s a pleasure to welcome aboard two newly elected board members to the association. OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Dorothy Hills Greg O’Heron, Peterborough GC and Jeff Alexander, Parry Sound Golf & Country Club. Pat Thomas The OGSA has an excellent representation of superintendents from across the province and I look forward to working with them over the next year. As you prepare and recharge your batteries for the season that lies ahead, take a moment, if you haven’t already done so, to explore our website www.golfsupers.on.ca. The discus­ sion forum, in my opinion, hasn’t reached it’s full potential. So, before the busy season starts, take a moment and post a question or answer concerning challenges at your facil­ ity. You may get the answer you are looking for! Once more members start using this feature it will become a valuable resource. We’ve just added some new features to the website; be sure to check it out! GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Jeff Stauffer, Editor Dorothy Hills, Coordinating Manager Randy Booker Angelo Capannelli Scott Horsburgh Kevin Falls Layout, Design & Printing provided by... Greg O'Heron Mark Prieur GRAPHIC Mark Schneider SERVICES PRINTERS & LITHOGRAPHERS “Green is Beautiful” Green is Beautiful 2001 is Printed on Although every effort is made to check e-mail: info@graphicservlces.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 NI H 3K8 without the written permission of the Tel.: (519) 763-5745 • Fax: (519) 763-9532 publisher is prohibited. Editor's message was dreaming of a white Christmas, but for those of us in the Greater Toronto Area it didn’t happen. At the time of writ­ ing this message, there still wasn’t any significant accumulation of snow in the GTA. Where’s the snow? I’m hoping for some snow, so I can get out with my kids and create some Snow Art. What is Snow Art, you ask? It’s a great activity to get you outdoors with the kids and all you need are some clean recycled spray and squirt bottles, water, food colouring and of course, a good ground covering of snow. Fill the bottles with water, add several drops of food colour­ Welcome! ing, put the tops back on the bottles and give them a shake. Now, bundle up the kids and head outdoors. Spray or squirt the O.G.S.A. Welcomes coloured water on snow and create away. Make funny faces, create fancy flowers, our newest members and maybe design a future championship Chris Andrejicka Class A golf course. Most of all have some fun! Essex Golf & CC All the best for the New Year! Bill Ball Class A Hawkridge Golf Course Steven Campbell Class A PRECIPITATION IN Learning Curve Renfrew Golf Club Jeffrey Coward Class C ONTARIO REGION Devils Pulpit Golf Association Measured at Pearson International Airport Provided by Ministry of the Environment by Mike Courneya Robert Eagleson Class F OGSA Director of Education The Toronto Board of Trade YEAR 2001 and Research Paul Evenden Class C empty table cell Average Actual Brantford Golf & CC January Continuing education is a huge part Luke Fawns Class B (rain) 18.5 mm 21.0 mm (snow) January 32.3 cm 10.8 cm of being an effective superintendent. The Martinwood Resort January (total) 45.6 mm 31.2 mm OGSA recognizes this and is committed Anthony Frake Class C to continuously improving the education Cranberry Resort Golf & CC February and research we offer to all our members. (rain) 20.8 mm 55.6 mm As part of this effort, we will be publish­ Chris Hudswell Class A February (snow) 25.9 cm 36.0 cm ing “Learning curve” to highlight Sanctuary Golf Club February (total) 45.5 mm 94.0 mm upcoming educational opportunities in the different regions of Ontario. If you Chris LeCour Class C March Toronto Board of Trade CC have any opportunities you would like (rain) 35.1 mm 8.8 mm our members to know about, please make Mitko Marinov Class C March (snow) 19.9 cm 26.4 cm March (total) 56.9 mm 31.4 mm the OGSA Office aware of them and we Lionhead Golf & Country Club will do our best to get it into this section. April If you have any ideas for research or Alex Marra Class D (rain) 56.0 mm 35.8 mm education, please let the OGSA office Seven Lakes Golf Course (snow) April 7.3 cm 0.6 cm know and we will respond to your Mark Obee Class C April (total) 64.0 mm 36.4 mm request. Thank you and happy learning! Springwater Golf Course Ltd. Do you want some affordable educa­ May 66.0 mm 92.2 mm tion where you do not have to travel? Jennifer Pedersen Class B June 68.9 mm 61.8 mm Go to the OGSA website at www.golfsu- The Fairways & Kerri Glen G pers.ca.on and click on Turf Links. Then July 76.6 mm 34.0 mm click Education, then click Distance John Rupnik Class F Learning Courses, and then click GCSAA Grey Silo Golf Club August 84.2 mm 34.6 mm e Learning Courses. Here you will find a Jason Tyler Ruest Class C September 74.2 mm 50.4 mm number of seminars that can be ordered Angus Glen Golf Club through the Internet right to your office. October 63.0 mm 108.8 mm To make this more affordable or if you Mike Schwartzentruber Class C November are not on-line, get together with some Grey Silo Golf Club (rain) 64.3 mm 75 mm superintendents in your area and chip in Mike Weiler Class C to pay for it. Everyone can watch the December Grey Silo Golf Club seminar together! (rain) 38.3 mm 33.0 mm Fertilect Ltee/Ltd. Class E December (snow) 31.1 cm 10.2 cm “If you think education is expensive - try Jacques Gosselin (St. Nicolas, Qc) December (total) 65.5 mm 40.6 mm ignorance. ” - Derek Bok Canadian Golf Superintendents Association news by Bob Burrows Rosedale Golf Club this is the first issue of the year, I sition, and this will be our last opportunity to say our ‘good-byes’ would like to wish everyone a very happy to him as he completes twelve years of distinguished service. and prosperous New Year! The Seminar on December 17th with Dr. Frank Rossi and his thought-provoking presentation Ken Cousineau on Poa control and management were Appointed CGSA Executive Director well attended, with about 55 attendees. Jay Leach, President of the Canadian Golf Thank you to those who made the trip Superintendents Association, announced today that Ken into Toronto. Plans are underway for Cousineau, CAE, has been selected to succeed the incum­ another seminar. Congratulations to Mr. bent, Vince Gillis CAE, who is retiring January 9th, 2002. Ron Heesen of Monterra GC, The selection of Mr. Cousineau followed a process that Collingwood, Ontario for winning the Toro Environmental took several months, involving a professional executive Achievement Award. recruitment firm, to identify qualified candidates CGSA members in Ontario should have received the Quebec Mr. Cousineau brings to the CGSA strong association management experience, both in managing internal admin­ City Conference brochure in October. If you have not registered istrative functions and external relationships with as yet, do so very soon. The proceedings look excellent! There government and stakeholders. are direct flights from Pearson Airport to Quebec City and the He currently is completing 14 years with an Ontario based Conference Center is connected to the Hotel. Bring your skis not-for-profit association, also based in Mississauga. and plan to make a mini-vacation out of this event. Mr. Cousineau will assume his new duties as of February As you may have heard, the CGSA has retained Mr. Ken 11th, 2002. Cousineau as the new Executive Director, starting February 11, The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association is a 2002 replacing Mr. Vince Gillis upon his retirement. Please intro­ professional society founded in 1966, of more than 1600 men duce yourself to Ken, as I know he wants to meet each member and women who are responsible for the management of golf personally. He brings to our Association a wealth of knowledge courses across Canada. and ideas. Vince will also be in Quebec City to help with the tran­ 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 Turfgrass research at the GTI by Dr. Julie Dionne Assistant Professor Turfgrass Management University of Guelph jdionne@uoguelph.ca This new year is particularly exciting for the GTI turfgrass management research program; major projects are underway in the GTI laboratory in collaboration with OTRF and OGSA and four graduate students have joined our turf research team. We are updat­ ing and equipping the laboratory at the GTI with the generous finan­ cial support of the Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation and the Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association. The $50,000 donation is currently being spent on small equipment and supplies, growth chambers, and computers for the laboratory. This improvement of our research facilities is necessary as it will allow us to attract many turfgrass research projects for the coming year. This is certainly the first major step for developing a strong internationally recog­ nized turfgrass research program at the GTI in both applied and basic research aspects. Moreover, this new laboratory is L - R Guillaume Gre'goire, Guillaume Thibault, Martha Cunningham, Louis Simard accommodating the four graduate students that have joined the turfgrass management research program at the GTI in January 2002. Engineers, Hydrogeologists, We are very pleased to welcome the following graduate students: Environmental Burnside Golf Services Martha Cunningham (M. Sc. Candidate) received her B. Sc. in Consultants A DIVISION OF R. J. BURNSIDE & ASSOCIATES LIMITED Plant Biology from the University of Guelph in 2001 and she also worked for the past 5 years at Deer Ridge Golf Course. Martha will be working on genetic variation in resistance of annual bluegrass to snow molds. Serving the Needs of the GolfIndustry Guillaume Grégoire (M. Sc. Candidate) completed his B. Sc. in Agronomy at Laval University, Quebec, in 2001 and worked in turf­ Contact Vito Cirone We can help with: Tel: (905) 953-8967 • Approvals for Golf Course Development grass research for two years as a summer student. Guillaume’s Toll Free: (877) 799-8499 and Operations research project is on organic fertilization of turfgrass. Fax: (905) 953-8945 • Hydrogeology and Stormwater Management E-mail: Louis Simard (Ph. D. Candidate) obtained his B. Sc. in Biology vcirone@rjburnside.com • Sewage Treatment and Disposal from the University of Sherbrooke, Quebec and in 2001, received Website: • Environmental Management Plans his M.Sc. in Plant Science from Laval University, Quebec. Louis www.burnsidegolf.com • Building and Clubhouse Design • Irrigation Design and Consulting started his doctoral studies at Laval University last year and he will • Environmental Impact Assessment be completing his Ph. D. on the biology of turfgrass insect pests on golf courses and on the development of alternative methods for insect control at the University of Guelph. Guillaume Thibault (M. Sc. Candidate) received his B.Sc. in Biochemistry from Laval University, Quebec and started his gradu­ ate studies at Laval in 2000. Guillaume worked in turfgrass research for two years as a summer student and is currently assistant superin­ tendent at Le Golf de Lévis in Quebec. Guillaume will be in Guelph for the next two months in order to write his thesis on the physio­ logical effects of anoxia on annual bluegrass during cold acclimation. On behalf of the GTI research team, I wish you a very Offices located throughout Ontario Happy New Year ! Members of OGSA, CGSA and NGCOA Health & safetv THE JOINT HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE by DougJohnson, SAFETAID and Health and Safety Consulting First Aid and Safety Supplies and WHMS Training elcome to the mid winter chills! By W that can be of benefit to you. Where do you Here are some of the things you can do to the time that you read this article you should start? What should you do? How can you make ensure that your JHSC is working properly. be starting to think about the golf season this work for you? All important questions. • Make sure that there are well understood ahead. This means the beginning of the The first step is to ensure that your terms of reference for your Committee. planning for the existing staff and the new General Manager and the Board of Directors • Make sure that the JHSC members and staff you will be bringing on for the summer. understand their exposure if they don’t have the General Manager/Board of This is the perfect time to start organizing a safety program in effect. The second thing Directors understand their involvement your health and safety program at your club. you can do is ensure that you have solid with the Committee. Ensure that you This organization doesn’t necessarily start representation on your JHSC. You or some­ have a solid Terms of Reference. with you, but as the superintendent you are one from your department should be on the • Ensure that the Committee members are one of the most exposed people at the club. Committee. This person should be someone doing their inspections each month. You are the one responsible for ensuring that who is capable of voicing your concerns and This is not an imposition it is another set all the equipment is in good working order promoting your issues. The Committee is of eyes helping you to identify issues in and that any hazards in your area of respon­ one of the tools you can use to promote and your workplace. sibility are considered and dealt with in a develop your safety philosophy. This is the • Ensure that the Club House and Food timely and efficient manner. And you are vehicle that allows you to make recommen­ Service are involved with the Committee. responsible for ensuring that your workers dations for change in your organization. This JHSC is not a Greens Committee, or work in a safe manner. If you use the JHSC properly to identify Kitchen Committee it is a committee that This is the time that you should ensure that hazards and make recommendations to is dealing with all aspects of hazards in the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) management you can alleviate some of the the workplace. is operational and functioning in a manner potential exposure to charges under the Act. • Don’t let an accident happen and then start to scramble to develop a JHSC. I am presently working with an organiza­ tion that waited too long and now they are THE P.E.S.T INSTITUTE facing a surcharge from WSIB of over $32,000. SPECIALIZING IN PESTICIDE EDUCATION & SERVICE TECHNOLOGY No Program, No Committee, No Fun!! LAND Happy New Year!! EXTERMINATOR (LANDSCAPE CATEGORY) PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION COURSES NORTH YORK: February 18 -22,2002 March 11 - 15,2002 March 25 - 29, 2002 Insects Harming Your Trees? April 8 - 12,2002 Possibly. It takes an expert to really tell. May 7- 11,2002 To learn which insects are on your trees November 25 - 29, 2002 and shrubs (none are completely insect January 27 - 31,2003 free), have a Bartlett arborist inspect them. MILTON: There is no charge or obligation. April 1 - 5, 2002 If control measures are necessary, LONDON: Bartlett will use the safest materials For All Your - applied properly to protect our March 18 -22,2002 environment. Golf Course Needs! December 2 - 6, 2002 When it comes to pest management, Turf seed, Pesticides, Nutrite Fertilizers OTTAWA: or general tree and shrub care, rely on the March 4 - 8, 2002 experts - Bartlett Tree Experts! and Bayco Golf Accessories Gov’t exam held on Monday following each course. Call for your free inspection today!! P.O. Box 7, Waterloo, Ont. N2J 3Z6 Instructor: Paul G. Pilley, B.Sc., M. P. M. Bracebridge • (705) 646-8733 Tel: (519) 886-0557 Fax: (519) 886-0605 Gravenhurst • (705) 687-0696 1-800-465-5849 Email: seeds@oscseeds.com Huntsville • (705) 789-0929 For more information and a brochure contact P.O. Box 1021 Lindsay, Ontario K9V 5N4 Email: pgp_pest@lindsaynet.com Tel: (705) 324-PEST (7378) Fax: (705) 324-9729 www.bartlett.com Victor Freiberg Ken Graham BACKED BY THE BARTLETT TREE RESEARCH Trevor Hunter A. Kent McDonald LABORATORIES AND EXPERIMENTAL David Schmelefske GROUNDS, CHARLOTTE, NC Eighth annual golf course hockey challenge by John Taylor, Hunters Pointe Golf Course After a long, hot, dry summer, January’s cold temperatures and snow turned many a golf superintendents focus to their next great­ est passion, hockey. January 15 and 16 saw the return of hockey action in Fort Erie Ontario as the 8th annual Golf Course Hockey Challenge was held. Twelve teams, eight representing locations across Ontario and four representing various locations through the U.S. competed in the annual two day round robin tournament. The tournament featured a party hosted by Club Car Inc. on the Tuesday evening, which was attended by almost all the competitors. Over 170 superintendents, assistants and suppliers, as well as refer­ ees and timekeepers were involved in this year’s tournament. Coaches - Doug Hubble, Mike Smith, G.C. Duke Equipment Ltd. Industry sponsorship was tremendous again this year, according Players - Caleb Howald, Jason Reid, Sean Lavin, Steve Campbell, Brent Wickett, Derek Wickett, Jim Flett, Steve Wilkinson, Jeff to Scott Dodson of the Park Country Club in Buffalo, one of the Alexander, Sean Desilva, Chris Bruning, Roy Mundy, organizers. With Club Car sponsoring the party, Turfcare again Chris Goodman and Steve Mann. sponsoring the ice time for the 8th year, Vanden Bussche Irrigation and Ontario Seed Company looking after post game refreshments and John Deere and Duke Equipment donating draw prizes at the coveted "Reel Cup" as the "A" division champions defeated team party, all we had to do was draw up the schedule and wait for the Toronto in a hard fought final game. The "B" division championship time to come. was captured by team New York in a close win over team Kitchener. Many other local sponsors were involved with their local teams Thanks again to all our industry support which has made this helping out with such things as travel, hotel costs and sweaters etc. event a great success and one every Superintendent looks forward to After two days of hard fought hockey action, the team from in the off-season. Thanks also to all the competitors, referees, time­ Northern Ontario called the "Georgian Storm" again captured the keepers and spectators who came out to cheer on their teams. 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 This link is courtesy of Dr. Frank Rossi, a turfgrass extension specialist at Cornell University, whom I had the pleasure of meeting this winter at the OSC Seminar at Westmount GC. It is appropriately named the Ultimate Turfgrass Links Page (UTLP) and it can be found in the Michigan State domain, the URL is www.msu.edu/user/karcher/turflinks . It is supposed to be moved to the University of Arkansas but will remain as a seamless link until further notice. As the URL suggests, Professor Doug Karcher has compiled some of the best websites related to the turfgrass industry. The UTLP has it all from associations to weeds; everything can be found here. The site is easy to navigate, fast and it has no ads. The site also uses icons to indicate a “must see” or “new” site added and uses country’s flags to denote an international entry. The categories also include suppliers, weather, travel and even software! In addition, it contains fact sheet publications on current issues that are direct links to where you need to go. No more messing around with different search engines. Also the browse feature lets you find what link you need to find even faster, or you can search the web for what the UTLP does not have. This site is worth visiting and should be bookmarked. The next site is the members-only portion of OGSA website. It contains items such as the Employment Referral Service (ERS) and Turf Talk. Turf Talk is a members-only feature that is basically a bulletin board in which members post messages (or threads) and other members respond to them. It is a powerful tool for communication and is a great way to find out how other members solve problems in their area. Just imagine, shop talk on the Internet. The bonus is that it is in a secure area (you need a password to get in). As an OGSA member you have access to this portion of the website but must have a registered email address with the OGSA, please contact them for further details. The OGSA website is www.golfsupers.on.ca. Mechanic's corner by Larry A. Murray, Pheasant Run Golf Club President of G.E.TA.O. is here, or is it? What is the edge we glean from our peers. Many serv­ spring and summer going to be like, and ice schools are happening right now for directors. They will be able to assist the are we prepared for upcoming changes, benefit of those who want to be informed. association with local news and new and challenges? Superintendents and There is no age limit, education require­ membership. Clint Smith has offered to mechanics usually have the winter ment or expensive tuition to be paid. All work with the board on improving our months to rejuvenate their bodies as well that is required of each participant is a web-site and keeping it updated. as the fleet of equipment for the start of desire to learn how to do their job better. The association is celebrating its tenth an ever-changing year. An important item Advance registration is usually required, anniversary in February. There is 24 orig­ to consider is educating us to be so do not delay. inal class A members and three class C prepared for changes. Manufacturers, The Mechanic’s Association held it’s members who will be receiving their ten- and industry make changes and make annual meeting in December and some year plaque at a special meeting in these known through trade shows, and changes have occurred. Dan Ens has February. For information about the service schools. I, personally value these joined the board of directors and will Mechanic’s Association, please contact functions as important tools for not only serve as vice-president. Clint Smith and me at l.a.murray@sympatico.ca or call what they offer but also for what knowl­ Joe Atkins have agreed to be regional 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 Timber Ridge Golf Club R.R.# 3, 19 Timber Ridge Dr., Brighton, ON K0K 1H0 phone: (613) 475-1022 info@timberridgegolf.net, www.timberridgegolf.net D. Robert Hendricks, Golf Course Superintendent Aart Vanveld, Owner, OGSA Member COURSE PROFILE WHAT COUNTY IS YOUR CLUB LOCATED IN? Brighton IS YOUR CLUB PRIVATE, SEMI PRIVATE, PUBLIC, RESORT ,MUNICIPAL? Public (Opened August 2001) NAME OF SUPERINTENDENT? D. Robert Hendricks TYPICAL OPENING AND CLOSING DATE? WHAT IS THE SIZE OF YOUR MAINTENANCE SHOP? 1 Las tec 721XR-7 Gang PTO driven April 1 to Nov 30 3000 sq. ft. Rotary Mower HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN A SUPERINTENDENT? WHAT TYPE OF IRRIGATION SYSTEM? 1 Greensgroomer Top Dressing Brush 15 years Toro Decoder - 1 year 1 Foley Model Accu-60 Manual ARE YOU CGCS OR MASTER SUPERINTENDENT.? WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE GREENS, TEES AND Bedknife Grinder FAIRWAYS? CGCS 1 Foley Model Accu-Pro Automatic Greens: 130,000 sq ft, HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN AN O.G.S.A.. Tees: 120,000 sq ft, Spin Relief G MEMBER? Fairways: 30 acres, 45 acres rough 1 Ryan Jr. 18" Sod Cutter 18 years WHAT IS YOUR PREDOMINANT GRASS? 1 Ford TC35 Tractor HOW MANY YEAR ROUND STAFF? Bentgrass and Dwarf Bluegrass 2 1 Ryan Jr. 18" Sod Cutter HOW MANY USGA GREENS AND HOW MANY LOAM HOW MANY SEASONAL STAFF? GREENS? 1 Ford TC35 Tractor 10 USGA: 19 - Loam Greens: 0 1 45 HP Oliver Tractor HOW MANY MECHANICS AND ASSISTANTS? WHAT IS THE PREDOMINANT SOIL TYPE? 50 Club Car gas carts 2 Sandy HOW MANY GARDENING STAFF? 3 Club Car utility carts WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU HAVE IN INVENTORY? 1 2 Jacobsen GreensKing IV Triplex 3 Point hitch fertilizer spreader Greens Mowers Sod roller COURSE STATISTICS 2 Jacobsen Model LF128 Lightweight 1 Rotavator Fairway Roller spiker HOW MANY HOLES? 18 1 Jacobsen PGM22" Walking Greens 3 String timmers Mower WHAT IS THE YARDAGE FROM BACK TEES AND 1 21" Push mower FORWARD TEES? 2 Jacobsen 1900D TriKing Triplex Back tees: 6633 yards, Trim Mower 1 21" Hover mower Forward tees: 5160 yards 1 Ransomes 723 Outfront Rotary 1 38" Garden tractor WHAT IS THE SIZE AND LENGTH OF DRIVING RANGE Mower AND RANGE TEE? 1 Smithco Easy Rider Sand Trap Rake 300 yards long tee deck 10,000 sq. ft. COURSE PROJECTS HOW MANY BUNKERS? 1 Plow Blade for Sand Rank WHAT PROJECTS HAVE YOU RECENTLY COMPLETED? 80 1 Ryan GA24 Aerator Construction of course HOW MANY PONDS, AND/OR HOW MANY TIMES 2 Cushman Model 662 Turf Trucksters DOES WATER COME INTO PLAY? 1 Smithco 225 Gallon Spray System 4 LONG RANGE PLANS WHO WAS THE ORIGINAL ARCHITECT? 1 Cushman TD1500 Top Dresser WHAT LONG RANGE PLANS FOR RENOVATION DO Golf Plan & Associates 1 1-1/2 Tonne Dump Wagon YOU HAVE IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? WHAT WAS THE YEAR OF ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION? 2 Jacobsen Model 1110 Utility Turf Survive! 1999 to 2001 Vehicles Ontario Turf Symposium 2002 by Dorothy Hills Photos by Mark Prieur The OTS, being held three weeks later than the usual, immediately following New Years, appeared to be a tremendous success. Unusually good attendance may have been due to the timing change with children back in classes, and the inordinate mild temper­ atures. Many of our members not only attended but were also active as speakers and chairpersons. OGSA was on hand, with their booth and website set up for display and comment, in the Banyan Lounge with the other Associations. Traffic was particularly heavy and we were able to talk with many prospective members and existing members. Thanks for dropping by. O.G.S.A. Annual Meeting John Gravett chaired the annual general meeting and smoothly directed the proceedings on Wednesday, January 23rd. As voting members had previously submitted committee reports well in advance of the meeting, each director briefly highlighted some key components of their portfolio. Thanks to Ian Bowen for conducting the Annual Election, in which nominees Jeff Alexander from Parry Sound Golf & Country Club and Greg O’Heron from Peterborough Golf & Country Club were elected to Office. We take this opportunity to welcome Jeff and Greg to the Board of Directors. Previous Directors and Executive up for re-election, Jim Flett, Mark Piccolo and Bob Burrows, were re-elected for another two year term. The highlight of the meeting was the announcement of the 2002 Hugh Kirkpatrick Bursary. This is an Assistant Superintendent Professional Development Award. The OGSA and the Kirkpatrick family have developed this bursary to recognize the effort and commitment of Assistant Superintendents. This is an annual award to be given to a chosen OGSA member Assistant Superintendent for the purpose of furthering industry related education and training. The bursary will be awarded based on the decision of the sub committee. Applications will be made available soon, so watch your mailings and website for further details. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Dick Kirkpatrick and the Kirkpatrick family for providing the seed money to make the Hugh Kirkpatrick Bursary possible. John Gravett turning over the Presidency to Jim Flett Our outgoing Directors were presented with a plaque by John Gravett. Dave Cours, Jeff Burgess and Dean Baker were recognized for their dedication and service on the OGSA Board. 2002 Executive and Board of Directors Past President, John Gravett President, Jim Flett Vice President, Mark Piccolo Treasureer, Rob Ackermann Secretary, Paul Scenna Directors: Bob Burrows, Jeff Stauffer, Randy Booker, Mike Courneya, Sean DeSilva, Jeff Alexander and Top L-R: Greg O'Heron, Paul Scenna, Jeff Stauffer, Rob Ackermann, Randy Booker, Jeff Alexander, Mike Courneya, Dorothy Hills (office admin.) John Gravett, Greg O'Heron Jim Flett, Sean DeSilva , Mark Piccolo (Bob Burrows missing from photo) 5th Annual O.G.S.A. President's Reception Guelph’s diploma in horticulture program and is employed with The President’s reception, an ever popular membership social Forest City National Golf Club. Upon graduating, his goal is to event, in the Patio Ball Room, immediately followed the Annual further his education by attending seminars, short courses and even­ General Meeting. The official part of the meeting included an tually upgrading his status to Master Superintendent through the introduction to the 2001 board of directors and presentation of the CGSA and becoming certified through the GCSAA. Tyler has following awards. recently become a member of the OGSA. Congratulations Tyler on your accomplisments! 25 Year Members 2001 Turfgrass Short Course Award Jim Flett presented plaques to honour our long standing Mark Halloway was the recipient of the short course award of members. $200.00 in June of 2001, with the highest overall average of 91%. Ted Hartwell of Hartwell/ Muskoka Mists and Graham Mark was not at the reception Shouldice of Highland Country Club received 25 year plaques. Alan Shantz and C.W. “Shorty” Jenkins, were recipients of Life 2001 Green Is Beautiful Article of the Year Award and Member Plaques. Shorty was called away on business and was Photo of the Year Award not present. Green Is Beautiful editor, Jeff Stauffer was on hand to announce the winner of the Article of the Year Award and Photo of the Year Award. Unfortunately, the recipients were unable to attend the reception and no photos are available. The Barry Endicott Article of the Year Award went to Dean Baker for his article “Tiger Mania Comes to Glen Abbey” which appeared in the December 2001 issue. The Photo of the Year Award went to Jeff Parker for his photo of Fort William Country Club, which appeared in the Golf Course Highlight Feature in the December 2001 issue. In addition to the plaques each recipient will receive a letter from Dean Cormach on behalf of Vanden Bussche Irrigation Equipment, advising them that $250.00 each would be donated in L-R Ted Hartwell, Jim Flett, Graham Shouldice, Alan Shantz their name to the OGSA Turf Research Fund We would like to congratulate Dean and Jeff on their awards and 2001 OGSA Heritage Scholarship for their active participation in our publication, Green Is Beautiful. Mike Courneya, our Education Director presented Lindsey We also would like to thank Vanden Bussche Irrigation for recog­ Dick with a plaque in recognition of her scholastic accomplish­ nizing the importance of Green is Beautiful to our members and ments and as recipient of the 2001 Annual Heritage for their generous contribution to our Turf Research Programme. Award. Along with the plaque Lindsey has received a cheque in the amount of $1,000 to further her education. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Lindsey is the the sponsors of the 5th Annual President’s Reception. daughter of Dick Without their support, this would not have been possible. and Cherlyn Dick Thank you! of Pro Turf/Nugro. Lindsey is attending SPONSORS Brock University where she is taking ALLTURF LTD. MAPLE FARM a BA Honours pro­ SUPPLY LIMITED ALMACK AGRONOMIC gram in “Child and SERVICES INC. MULTITYNES LTD. Youth Studies” She says, “I hope to Lindsey Dick accepting the Heritage ATKINSON IRRIGATION NORTHGATE FARMS LTD. receive my honours award from Mike Courneya LIMITED NU-GRO CORPORATION and Education BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS degree concurrently. It is a specialized program related to ONTARIO SEED CO. OF CANADA LTD. elementary education for which I feel my many past experiences PLANT PRODUCTS have truly prepared me!” CHIPCO PROFESSIONAL CO. LTD. Congratulations Lindsey, and good luck on all your future PRODUCTS endeavours. PODOLINSKY DCS AGRONOMIC EQUIPMENT SERVICE PRO-TURF DAVE DICK 2001 OGSA Turfgrass G.C. DUKE & jeff mcmaster Scholarship EQUIPMENT LTD. Tyler Patroch is the PUMPTRONICS GATEMAN - MILLOY recipient of the INCORPORATED Turfgrass Award GOLF TRACKS SKYWAY LAWN Plaque, together with HUTCHESON EQUIPMENT LIMITED a cheque in the SAND & MIXES amount of $1,000.00 TURF CARE to help further his KIRKPATRICK GOLF INC. PRODUCTS CANADA education. Tyler is KUBOTA ZANDER SOD currently enrolled in CANADA LIMITED CO. LIMITED Tyler Patroch accepting the Turfgrass the University of Award from Mike Courneya he rebirth of Bigwin Island T by Scott Heron Superintendent at Bigwin Island Golf Club near Huntsville, Ontario, Canada GCSAA member for 6 years & 7 year OGSA member he magnificent Bigwin Inn, once billed as North America’s T In 1911 C.O. Shaw and John McKee bought 562 acres of largest and most luxurious summer resort, halted operation Bigwin Island for $3,000. John Wilson, of Collingwood, Ontario, almost three decades ago. Once a playground of the rich and designed the Bigwin Inn with Shaw, to make it enormous, luxu­ famous, the Inn has stood empty for 30 years. Bigwin Island, near rious and fireproof, but there were many delays due to World Huntsville, Ontario, Canada, was named after a noted Ojibway War I. Most of the construction was done during the winter, warrior and hunter, Chief Joseph Big Wind, who lived a short moving the equipment and material and workers across the ice distance from the island in the first half of the 20th century. The to the island. On June 26, 1920, the 55,000 square foot island was used as a trading post for beaver, marten, bear and dodecagon shaped building opened its doors for business. There raccoon pelts. was no smoking or drinking, and covered walkways connected all formal entrances to the resort, which were built by German pris­ Bigwin, a Par 72, to range from 5,400 yards to 7,200 yards. We oners of war. On July 1, 1922, the golf course designed by have four sets of tee decks on every hole, there are 3 acres of tees, renowned Canadian architect Stanley Thompson opened for 3 acres of greens, 42 acres of fairways and 80 acres of rough. The play. The original golf course closed in 1970. greens were seeded to Providence 1019 & 1119. Penncross, Penneagle and Providence were used on tees and fairways. I have been very fortunate to have worked in the golf business The Bigwin Island team for 19 years, and have worked for some of the best superintend­ Back in the late eighties, Alan Peters and a group of investors ents in the business. I have an associate’s degree from Penn State bought the Island. About ten years ago, Jack Wadsworth, an University and also completed the golf course technician American businessman, purchased a stake in the partnership program at Seneca College in King City, Ontario. I was involved and began a study to see if the island could support another golf with construction at three different golf courses in two countries, club. The Wadsworth family has spent summers in Muskoka, was an assistant at two courses and assisted with the 1992 U.S. Ontario, since 1904. In 1992 Wadsworth bought Port Open at Pebble Beach. Cunnington Lodge, located on the mainland a half mile from Bigwin’s director of golf is Paul Kennedy, a Class A member of the northeast end of Bigwin Island the Canadian PGA. He was previously director of golf at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario, for 16 years. He also qualified for the Canadian Open five times. The coordination of all contracts regarding course and club­ house are handled by Alan Peters, with assistance and guidance of KPMG. Our goal was to build a high-end, private golf club which opened June 30, 2001. Beginning of the project There are many trials, tribulations and headaches involved with building a golf course on an island. When construction started, we could still see the pushup greens and small tees from the original course, with more than 30 years of tree growth throughout the fairways. In March 1999, I was dropped off on the island. When I moved into my 12-by-12 room in a 1930s condominium with 500- foot hallways and red carpet, I couldn’t help but think I was in the movie the “Shining.” Island life is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. Eventually, I got used to bringing my groceries from the car to the boat then into the golf cart then to my room on the third floor by stairs. In the winter of 1999, we started cleaning and grubbing trees on the island. The summer of 1999 was relatively dry. With a short­ age of equipment and personnel, we had a great deal of work started but completed very little before winter was upon us. When the contractor left we had a golf course that was mostly exposed soil. I stayed on the island all winter to monitor snow melt and water runoff. We had areas identified to store water once the suspended soil had settled. The water then could be released to the lake. Their were five pumps in operation, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during certain times in February and March 2000. As a construction superintendent, I oversaw the plans and installation of the drainage and irrigation systems, seed types, Wadsworth hired KPMG Golf Practice, under the direction of staff, hydro and potable water. I also coordinated with contrac­ Stephen Johnston, to do a feasibility study and business plan for tors on fertilizer preplants, blow out drains for bunkers, greens the proposed golf project. KPMG also acted in an advisory capac­ mix, finish grading, etc. Obtaining equipment quotes and assess­ ity throughout the construction period. ing the types of equipment needed was also a large aspect of my The Golf course is situated on a 670 acre island on Lake of work. In addition, I selected maintenance, chemical buildings, Bays near Muskoka. It is 1 mile from shore on one side, and only bridges, etc. a 1,000 feet from shore on the other side. The island has more A very important top soil screening operation took place on than 200 feet of elevation change and a dense stand of hardwood the island and was ongoing over the past two years. We stripped trees. The north side of the island is where we bring all of the all native soil and screened it before placing it back on finished supplies by barge to the island. grade. Doug Armour of Aqua Turf Canada (formally Holmes Golf course architect Doug Carrick was hired to design the Irrigation) was the contractor who installed our Toro LTC Plus course to be one of Canada’s best. Carrick’s past designs include irrigation system. They did an excellent job and were able to Angus Glen in Markham, Ontario, (Golf Digest’s 1995 Best New meet all of our demands. The system began working Sept. Course) and King Valley in King City, Ontario, (Golf Digest’s 2,1999. It took us from Aug. 20 until Sept. 1 to complete a run of 1991 Best New Course), Carrick has done renovations at some of 1,200 feet of 8-inch and 12-inch pipe from the pumphouse to Canada’s best golf clubs, including Capilano Golf and Country join up to the course because we ran into bedrock and had to do Club, Toronto Golf Club, Weston Golf and Country Club, a considerable amount of blasting. Due to all of the rock, we put Rosedale Golf Club and many more. Doug Carrick designed bedding sand in and around all of our irrigation pipe and heads. water and ice) during the dangerous winter periods. One day in early spring 2000 when there was water on the shores and ice in the middle of the lake, we came down after work to find our airboat in the middle of the lake. The airboat had been parked on the beach not tied up and drifted away. There we were only two of us on the island at the time and the other person had never driven a boat before. We had to borrow a boat, drive out to the airboat and jump from the boat to the airboat and drive both back to shore. In late winter, we were doing our daily rounds and noticed that the barge was floating away from the island. Rick, the irrigation technician, and I had only our tree climber's rope Barge for all materials and quickly made a lasso, throwing it several times to try to catch the cleat on the front of the barge. We Island logistics (barging and boating) managed somehow to catch it and were able to pull it to shore To bring equipment and materials to the island, we used a and secure it properly. Just one of the many unusual occurrences barge that is 55-feet long, 24-feet wide and has a capacity of 80 of island golf. tons. We had to supply two people to run the barge 12 hours a How would you like to be on an island with one staff member day, five to six days a week. Preventative maintenance of this and are out of gas to fill the pumps used to regulate water flow piece of equipment is absolutely one of the most important parts from the golf course into the lake? We faced this problem during of the operation. When we were sodding during the summer we the winter of 2000. were laying 7,200 rolls a day. It seemed everyday the sod came it was 90 degrees Fahrenheit, which made it tough to keep up with hand watering because we do not have irrigation in the rough. Over the past two years we have delivered approximately 3,500 loads by barge. In 1999, we brought more than 1,000 loads of various products, and in 2000 it was approximately 2,500 loads. In 2000 some examples of loads were 18,000 tons of green mix, 5,000 tons of bunker sand, 8,000 tons of gravel, 2,500 tons of asphalt and 21,000 tons of sand for two fairways. It was a sched­ uling nightmare dealing with the golf course construction needs and the club house construction. Most days three dump trucks waited on the mainland for the barge to help speed up the production and reduce time that the barge was docked. The fuel cost alone to run the barge is approximately $115 a day, but it’s a very exciting piece of equipment to operate. One day the barge operator didn’t show, and I had to take the controls. I brought over a road grader, concrete trucks and bunker sand. I guess now I can add barge operator to my resume. The first load of fertilizer took 4 1/2 hours to get from the Airboat transportation mainland to the island. We had to unload the truck on the main­ land, load it on the barge, then deliver it to the island, unload and return for more. However, this was only four skids of fertilizer; I We still had eight weeks before we could get the barge in the wouldn’t let this happen again. Now when we order fertilizer, we water to bring fuel. We investigated using a helicopter, but that specify the truck and the amount of the load, and the truck rides was to expensive. All we had for equipment at the time was a trac­ on the barge over to the island to unload then goes back, and it tor, backhoe, and four-wheeler and two golf cars. So, we had the only takes me 5 minutes to sign the packing slip. fuel company bring us four, 45-gallon drums of fuel to the main­ land. Rick and I used an old fertilizer skid, a rope used for Unusual situations climbing trees and a four-wheeler, and dragged one barrel at a Working on an island can produce some unique challenges. time over the ice in mid March. After learning the hard way, we One day we had to waste concrete. There were five trucks waiting have planned better this year and now have three times more on the mainland, when a local decided to protest the new barge fuel than we expect to use through the winter. Our maintenance landing on the island and didn’t let us enter the barge landing. facility is heated by propane, so we got an oversized tank to make There were many occasions with boats stalling in the middle of sure that we had more than enough propane to heat the shop the lake, and we had to paddle to shore. Have you ever been lost during the winter. in the fog going to work? We were lost one morning and could­ In the winter of 2000, we had to find enough pumps to main­ n’t find the island for 45 minutes. tain water run off levels. We have a pump system on hole 18 that Every spring and fall, getting back and forth to the island is a pumps all the surface water and drainage water from a holding major chore. We have a snowmobile and two airboats (go on area to the driving range, where it is filtered before it enters the cont'd on page 23 Off the fairway by Daisy Moore When I discovered some things that I want to Toronto Music Garden. She is also an people ask you talk to my radio show listeners about. I author with her most circulated book “what do you do had an inquiry about potting soil , so I being ‘The Inward Garden’. This might in the winter?”, chatted with George White from All-Treat not seem to have any connection to golf what do you say? Farms. He gave me a brief run down on courses, but to create a successful garden Rather than look­ all the different soil products they carry anywhere, it is important to understand ing at them in and what they are useful for. It is amazing what people like, what they like to look at, horror, the how much you learn when you ask the and what makes them feel comfortable. correct response question. Packaging information can be For example, patios are more intimate might be that you very confusing for home gardeners and when they are enclosed by a hedge. don’t know how sometimes they need someone to just tell People won’t want to sit down and linger you’d cope without the winter. Since the them what they need to know, what’s the if there is no hedge and planters because demands are so great during the growing bottom line? they will feel exposed. Things like season, the winter is a necessary time to Brugmansia can be added as focal points look back and review what you did and Trade shows are useful for networking to look at once someone’s settled and why and learn from that. It is a time to and finding the people in the know. I stopped to look. Messervy talked about take in new ideas and approaches so that found a new source of information about contemplative places and how the land­ fresh ideas and solutions emerge. Take the exotic, tropical plants that people scape affects your feeling of security. In a advantage of the winter months to read won’t be able to resist wanting to grow. way, this means that we should be provid­ and listen to thought provoking ideas. As ‘Brugmansia’, sometimes known as ing a garden experience at each tee for we approach spring, get ready to sweep Angel’s trumpet, will be the next big hit the golfer to ponder their next shot! cobwebs away and get the creative juices in the garden, I predict. This is classified flowing. as a patio plant because it is planted in a The Landscape Ontario show was a pot and brought indoors for the winter. great beginning to the process which To officially kick myself into gear, I The patio is also the perfect spot for it. It begins in the winter and that is the attended the Landscape Ontario grows 3-6 feet tall, in an umbrella shape creation of new ideas and the plans to congress in early January. I flowed and is dripping with yellow trumpet­ implement them. I look forward to all of systematically up and down the rows and shaped flowers. I am now prepared for the meetings and seminars teed up tried to take in as much as possible. the “where did I go wrong?” questions during the winter months and allowing Where I started, I found myself in an odd from those who didn’t find its culture as these influences to shape what I do and mixture of machinery and boutiques easy as promised. say in my various horticultural roles. offering decorative garden hardware. This was interesting but I could barely I chose to attend the show on the day when the seminar ‘Designing Ideas’ was Daisy hosts 'The Garden Clinic' on wait to get to the part of the show where I being presented by Julie Moir Messervy. I Saturday mornings at 9:00 am. Tune in am the most comfortable and familiar: knew she would give me lots to talk to my to the station nearest you: am900 the growers, the fertilizer companies and golf course clients about. She is known Hamilton, am980 London or am1350 the horticultural suppliers involved with for her collaboration with the famous Oshawa. Visit her website© growth. These are my roots and I’m very cellist, Yo-Yo Ma in the creation of the www. daisymoore. com. glad I have them. Upgrade, Renovation, & New Instal ations Install Confidence! From evaluation to implementation, V.B.I. - Milton Office 1.800.263.4112 New King City Location Opening will Partner with Spring 2002 you to succeed in Achieving your Goals. Visit us at: vandenbussche.com THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF MEDIA RELATIONS Follow these tips to improve media coverage ofyour business, profession, project or cause, by David Leonhardt Mr. Leonhardt spoke at the O.T.S. on “Defining everything you say supports that message. 8. Thou shalt shout "fore". If you want a Positive Media Message”. For those ofyou who Similarly, if a journalist tries to put words in the media to cover your story, give them were unable to get to his talk, he has briefly your mouth or get you to wander away notice. They need time to reserve a outlined some important points to remember from your message, don’t let her get away camera. They need time to do background when talking with the media. with it. Sand isn’t the only trap. Answer checks and find other sources to comment. the question in a way that bridges back to Making last minute announcements is not Have you ever seen somebody inter­ your message. a good way to cut naysayers out of the story. It is a great way to kill the story. The viewed on television and thought, “No, 4. Thou shalt not be a dead end. So the “naysayers” give the story balance - and that’s not how this industry works”? Have reporter calls you with a question you without balance, the journalist has no story. you ever faced criticism in the media of cannot answer. Should you hang up? If When my book, Climb your Stairway to how you manage your turf? you are a reporter’s dead end, she’ll be Heaven: the 9 habits of maximum happi­ unlikely to call you up again. If you can’t ness, was nearing its publishing date, I sent The media act as a filter for society. It answer her question, refer her to someone out an advance notice to reviewers. I sent is the battleground in the war of public who can (preferably not a competitor). So out a reminder note again that the publish­ opinion. After 3,000 media interviews, if a reporter asks a question about residen­ ing date was fast approaching I’ve learned a few things about the media. tial lawn care, refer them to someone who What follows are the Ten Commandments is an expert in that field. Or promise to call 9. Thou shalt not fake it. Here’s an inter­ of Media Relations. They will lead you to her back with the information. Or give her esting scenario. The reporter asks you a greener pastures - and golf courses - in some other information that may be useful question. You don’t know the answer. Do the war for public opinion, and boost your for her story. But don’t send her away you try to fake it or do you just admit you credibility among potential clients and empty handed. don’t know the answer? A former boss of the public. mine answered a question incorrectly 5. Thou shalt not advertise. Is the media before a parliamentary committee, when 1. Though shalt not waste a journal­ there to provide you with free advertising? he knew he had no idea what the right ist's time. Believe it or not, journalists are No way. It’s there to deliver news to its answer was, leaving me to pull up his busy people. Editors wade through audience. Erase from your mind the atti­ weeds. You are more impressive saying, “I hundreds of news releases each day. tude that you are advertising. Don’t write don’t have those statistics in front of me, Reporters struggle to assemble a story by news releases to sound like marketing but here’s what I do know ...” than to deadline. The whole team works to edit pieces. Don’t speak to the camera as if you prove to the world that you don’t have a for space or time, check spelling and were taping a commercial. The credibility clue what you’re talking about. grammar, choose headlines and visuals, media coverage gives you comes from the and bring it all together. Send a news fact that it is NOT advertising. And jour­ 10. Thou shalt piggyback. Wow! You release only when you really have some­ nalists will feel no responsibility to do your received great coverage in the morning thing to announce. When calling a marketing for you. paper. But did the local radio station see journalist, make it short and sweet; give the story? They did if you forwarded a copy. the journalist the information he needs 6. Thou shalt not have another Did all your potential clients see the story? and respect his time as you would want spokesperson. This is the only NEVER I Make sure they do. I was impressed by a yours respected. offer in my online course and in my live marketing kit I received from a high-end seminars. NEVER let someone else be your caterer. I opened the folder, and there I 2. Thou shalt build relationships with spokesperson. It’s fine to hire someone to was faced with two items: a letter of intro­ reporters. Of my three strategies to attract write and distribute a news release or to set duction and a pair of press clippings. What media attention, this is the one most likely up interviews, but nobody else carries your about other things you do? Do you have a to give you recurring benefits. This is the credibility in the media. It has to be you. newsletter? Have you added key media fertiliser that can make an “expert” out of Your expertise is golf turf management. A contacts to the distribution list? What you in the public’s mind. And the one that P.R. firm’s expertise is P.R. Guess which one about a home page on your web site? Do gives you the heads up when a future trou­ the reporter will trust when seeking expert you advise the media when you make major ble spot is brewing in the media. In my advice on golf courses. changes? Piggybacking means getting online Make some NOISE! course, I more for your efforts. It’s one of several propose a four-step process to build rela­ 7. Thou shalt comment. So a reporter bonus tips I offer in my online course. tionships with journalists. This takes some asks a negative or embarrassing question. effort - and like every other relationship, it What do you do? Avoid saying, “No Now that you’ve read this article, are you has to be built on trust. comment.” No answer you can give will ready to become a media spokesperson? look worse in the media than a report that Well, there’s still a lot more to learn. But 3. Thou shalt stick to thy message. This you refused to comment. Provide an this article does give the most important seems obvious, but so often media spokes answer in your own words; don’t repeat a information you need to know - the Ten people fail to stick to their messages. For reporter’s negative answer. Say as much as Commandments of Media Relations. instance, if your statement is about the you can. Explain why you cannot divulge quality of turf at your course, focus on qual­ more (client confidentiality, the informa­ ity. Don’t try to also sneak in messages tion will be announced later, etc.) When For a copy of David Leonhardt’s special about the environment, your expanding confronted with bad news, the best thing to report Get In The News, send $15, or for market share, or some award your course do is what the makers of Tylenol did in the video It’s your message. That’s what has won. (And it is not your responsibility 1982 and 1985. The company pre-empted counts, send $25 to 417-711 Bay Street, to defend pesticide companies, or anybody media questions about the dangers of Toronto, ON, M5G 2J8. Or visit him at else, just how you handle pesticides respon­ some poisoned tablets by announcing the www.leonhardtonline.com. sibly.) Define your message, and make sure safety steps it was taking. Creating a great GOLF EXPERIENCE Is Just Part of Your Job Every golf course has irrigation system challenges. That’s why your local John Deere Landscapes golf representative can offer you a range of customized solutions. Whether you are planning new construction or overseeing renovation, we have water management tools to help you better control your costs and enhance the playability of your course. With the recent acquisition of Century Rain Aid, your Irrigation Systems Featuring Hunter Golf local John Deere Landscapes branch is now one of the Rotors, valves, central control systems, maintenance radios most comprehensive suppliers of golf course irrigation Pump Stations Customized for your course equipment in the U.S. Our fully-staffed golf support Fountains and Landscape Lighting team brings more than 25 years of experience to the Boardtronics Controller Board Repairs Replace outdated Toro™ game and can help you solve any site challenge. and Rain Bird™ controller boards: 888-855-9132. More Than 200 Branches Nationwide www.JohnDeereLandscapes.com On-Site Consultation: 800-347-4272 LUCKY #13-OSC/ NUTRITE SEMINAR By Alex La Belle CGCS - Paris Golf & Country Club Photos provided by Dave Schmelfske, O.S.C. ntario Seed Company and Nutrite have co-sponsored another O is affected. Now is a perfect opportunity for the members of the successful annual seminar for many members of the turfgrass turfgrass industry to become pro-active and assist Water Response industry on November 29, 2001. This informative seminar and deli­ Team to interpret the water policy laid down by the MNR. Greg cious lunch was held at Westmount Golf and Country Club, in Aljoe, of Deer Ridge Golf Club, has already begun the process of Kitchener. This annual event is provided for their customers in liaison with the Grand River Conservation Authority to facilitate appreciation for supporting their companies and the products they ways in which the various golf courses, that draw upon the Grand offer. Participation has steadily increased to the point where the River, might be able to communicate with one another to coordi­ attendance was over 200 people, representing 130 golf courses as nate their use of this precious resource in a controlled and well as sod growers, landscapers, golf course contractors, and the balanced manner. Communication, coupled with automation Guelph Turfgrass Institute. seems to be a key - relationship. Mr. Andy Galer, the assistant superintendent of Westmount, welcomed all the participants. Andy had a challenging year on the greens this year after the untimely demise of Hugh Kirkpatrick, the longtime superintendent of Westmount. Hughie certainly would have been proud of Andy’s accomplishments this year. It was Andy’s pleasure to introduce the new superintendent, Mr. Cory Janzen. Cory took over the position in early October, after several years at the Toronto Board of Trade Golf Course. Dave Schmelefske of OSC spoke for a few minutes about Hugh and how he will be missed both personally and professionally. It certainly was a year with record occurrences of drought and high temperatures; a complete turnaround from the record rain­ falls of 2000. Appropriately one of the seminars took us through the “New Provincial Initiatives” for low water management in Ontario, offered by Chris Crozier, senior engineer of Burnside Golf Services. It was an eye opener, explaining the different criteria used to determine the three levels of emergency. Chris also addressed how long it takes to move from one level to the next and who/what L-R Dave Cours, Cory Janzen, Phil Brown - Panel Discussion 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: I -800-215-1996 RRI.York, Ontario NOA IR0 • Telephone:(905) 772.3351 • Fax: (905) 772.3422 Email: rbrenzil@braemarbldg.com • www.braemarbldg.com Being pro-active was also the you start cutting grass as low as message from John Gravett, of the the Cornell research green at Granite Club, with regards to the .065 inches!! Don’t try this at recurring nightmare of pesticide home! It obviously results from regulation and the attempts to ban the newer varieties of bentgrass pesticides throughout the that have as many as 375 plants province and indeed the country. per unit area versus old Recent rulings by the Supreme penncross’ 75 plants. It was Court in Quebec served as a wake­ found that with adequate up call to the industry and a quantities of K & P, nitrogen rallying point for environ- increase was the controlling emotionalists who show up with factor in changing the tissue sprinkler hats and programmed quantities of the other two children reading poetry, bemoan­ major nutrients. So, is it neces­ ing the end of life on earth. The sary to use balanced fertilizers response is: be respectful, speak to if a mere increase in the nitro­ the issues, state the truth and you may even want to compliment the gen applied would accomplish the desired result of increasing others on their “nice hats”. The issue of pesticide use/control/bans potassium uptake for example? Did you realize that, in foliar feed­ affects agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, employment, taxes: it ing, only 30-60% is absorbed through the leaf and that 15% is lost affects more than the turfgrass industry alone. through volatilization? Did you know that a ten-fold increase in the It is up to us to educate the public and especially the councillors C.E.C. only yields a 17 % increase in growth or that an increase who depend upon reason and input to make a decision that affects from 2 pounds per thousand to 5 pounds per thousand only the majority rather than minority special interests. Jerry Richard, of increased the leaching potential by 1.0%? Did you know that Poa Craigowen Golf Club, attended the London area meeting and he annua roots don’t grow deeper than 4 inches or that including saw personally the emotional tactics used by the anti-pesticide thatch in the soil samples increases the nutrient content as much lobby, sprinkler hats and all. The message from the lawyers in atten­ as 3 or 4 times that of the soil alone? Were you aware that there are dance was that they weren’t even sure whether it was within their three tests, the Bray 1, Olsen and Mehlic III tests for soil nutrient scope to ban substances, which were already approved through levels and that the Mehlic III tests uses higher values? These are just legislation. The final decision was to adopt a strategy that we are all a few examples of the information that can be absorbed from this familiar with and that is IPM, Integrated Pest Management. We all valuable seminar series. know what IPM is, but many of those in attendance did not realize Dr. Rossi was also critical of the sugar supplements in various “ that such a strategy or practice existed. This is where we fall flat on Fairy Dust” products, suggesting that the sugar served more as a our faces! Everyone should be made aware of what we take for food source for microbes by altering the C:N ration enough to granted and the special talents/training/education that we allow the little critters to increase metabolism thus allowing nitro­ possess! Let your councillors know that we are licensed, that we gen reduction to occur more quickly? Be sure to double check on employ Integrated Pest Management and Best Management these observations by accessing the Cornell Website. The day Practices regularly. We have to show that cosmetics are a conse­ ended with a lively panel discussion led by four superintendents: quence or byproduct of environmental and personal health. Dave Cours of Erie Shores Golf Club, Cory Janzen of Westmount Insecticides are for control of cutworm as well as West Nile Virus, Golf & Country Club, Rhod Trainor of Hamilton Golf Club (site of and if you lose it for one or the registration lapses then there are the 2003 Canadian Open) and Phil Brown from the Summit Golf wider repercussions. Herbicides are sometimes the most effective Club. Greg Aljoe, superintendent from Deer Ridge, Kitchener, was way to control erosion and loss of valuable topsoil and if the the moderator. The panel discussion was terrific, allowing all in aesthetics improve as a result then that's a bonus! attendance to ask questions, express opinions and receive well- The OSC/NUTRITE Seminar series has always presented topics considered responses to serious questions. that flow seamlessly from one aspect of the business to the other. It was a great day, sponsored by well respected and Just as low water management flowed to pesticide regulation, so too hospitable people. Appreciation should also be shown to the did Marie Pompei’s talk on “Selecting Turf Varieties for Superior many co-sponsors. Golf Course Turf.” Her talk demonstrated ways in which Jacklin Golf (SEEDS) has been busy with improved varieties of turfgrasses Thank you OSC/ NUTRITE, and we look forward that grow better in shade, require less water and withstand drought, traffic and insect stresses. These are stories that should be remem­ to next year’s seminar! bered and repeated to show our commitment to lower and lower usage of pesticides. The opening speaker certainly is no stranger to us. An enter- SPONSORS taining and riveting speaker, Dr. Frank Rossi, of Ag Turf Jacklin Seed Cornell University, made Bayco Golf Martin Marietta his third appearance in the Magnesium past five years to bring us Burnside Golf up to date on the latest Cameron Chemicals Parkway Research findings on putting green Chipco PBI Gordon nutrition and environmen­ Penquin Golf tal issues as they pertain to Dow Agri Services golf courses. Dr. Rossi was Engage Agro Syngenta identified by Golf Homestead Nitrogen Sustane Magazine as one of North Corp. Tee-2-Green Corp. America’s most influential Hutcheson Sand & Mixes Crompton (Uniroyal) people in golf, under the age of forty. Many interest­ IMC Kalium Vicksburg Chemical Dr. Frank Rossi, Cornell University ing changes occur when Curling Anyone? O.G.S.A. Spring Curling Day North Halton Golf and Country Club is once again hosting a curling day for all those interested. Date: Wednesday, March 13th, 2002 Time: 12 Noon Start Host: Dean Baker Place: North Halton Golf and Country Club 363 Maple Avenue West Georgetown, Ontario L7B 4S5 Fee: $15.00 per person (payable on arrival) Price includes: Min. (2) 4 end games Coffee, Soup and Sandwiches Great Hospitality Anyone wishing to join in on this fun day of curling, RSVP Dorothy Hills at O.G.S.A. by March 8th, 2002. Phone: (519) 767-3341 or Toll Free 1-888-824-6472 Fax: (519) 766-1704, or Call Dean Baker at (905) 877-8784 If you do not RSVP, on sight walk-in’s are welcome, however, you will not be guaranteed to play. PRIZES ARE ALWAYS WELCOME 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 cont'd from page 16 - The rebirth of Bigwin Island Lake of Bays. In 1999-2000, we didn’t have such equipment so we had to bring the pumps over in a canoe towed behind a four- wheeler. Hydropower is something that I took for granted before work­ ing on an island. On the island the power supply is old and frequently goes off, which is a major inconvenience. We didn’t have hydropower, water or a shop until August 2000. Now, we have a generator that automatically comes on when we get a power failure and will run for three days on one tank of diesel. Scheduling, getting to work We have employees that come from both sides of the island, which can be a huge scheduling nightmare. The south side of the island is farther from the shop, so they must leave the main­ land exactly 20 minutes before their shifts start or they miss work for the day. The north side of the island staff must leave the to thank my father Bob Heron, CGCS at Beacon Hall Golf Club, mainland 15 minutes prior to their scheduled shift. We must for guiding me along the way and the KPMG Golf team for its make sure that there are at least two boats at all times on each support throughout the project. I was really excited to see the side of the island, during the season. course open last year. Everyday has been an adventure! The maintenance shop is close to the barge landing so that The logistics of building a golf course on an island is not for deliveries can be made easily. We have fought long and hard, but the faint of heart. finally won the battle to build staff accommodations on the However, I believe this golf course, will be one of the finest in island. The cost of living on the lake is very expensive in the Canada. Doug Carrick has built a supreme test of golf, an enjoy­ summer months, and we prefer staff to be able to stay on the able experience for all golfers and the beauty of it all is beyond island. This will help us to hire and maintain better quality staff. description. Despite the problems and pain that this project has In spite of all the hardships, this has been a wonderful expe­ caused the entire team, the end result has been worth it. rience. The Island is home to an abundance of wildlife, clean air, wonderful view, much history and unusual challenges. I do not This article was originally written for Golf Course Management maga­ think that I will ever be in the same situation again. I would like zine and will be included in a future issue. O.G.S.A. Calendar of events 2002 Wed., Mar. 13th: Curling Day — North Halton Golf &CC Mon., Apr. 29th: Border Cities - Can/Am — Detroit Golf Club Mon., June 24th: Spring Field Day — GTI & Victoria Park GC East Thurs., May 16th: Pro Super — Wooden Sticks Mon., July 15th: Presidents' Day — Thornhill CC Tues., August 20th: OTRF Fund Raising Tournament — Royal Woodbine Golf Club (this is not an OGSA event - contact OTRF for details (Cindy Charters at 416-234-0425) Mon., October 7th: Alex McClumpha Memorial Tourn — Weston Golf &CC For current, up-to-date information on these events and other Association events check out "Calendar of Events" in our web site www.golfsupers.on.ca. Information will be posted there as it becomes available Nu-Gro Corporation Brian Rosenberg Corrie Almack, P.Ag. Technical Sales Representative Cell: (519) 574-2013 ALMACK & ASSOCIATES Tel: (905) 689-6174 Fax: (519) 743-6849 Box 256, Carlisle, Ontario Fax: (905) 689-8522 LOR 1HO Email: C.AImack@sympatico.ca brosenberg@nu-gro.ca Protecting your turf from Pythium all year long. Ever have those areas where no matter what you’ve tried the best alternative seems to be rip it up and start over. If turf is slow to come out of dormancy or does not respond to your usual management practices, Cool Season Pythium could be the culprit. The solution is Chipco Aliette...apply and watch your problem areas green-up and grow. For more information on Cool Season Pythium, contact Chipco Professional Products or visit our website at www.chipcocanada.com. Quebec/Atlantic 514-949-2467 • Ontario/Western Canada 905-319-8981 Aliette and Chipco are trademarks of the Aventis Group. Always read and follow label directions Turf or consequences by Doug Breen, Superintendent Conestoga Golf Course Ionce watched the highlights of golf There are lots of unusual courses out from the Yukon on TV. That’s right, the there. In the deserts of the Middle East, Yukon. The “Midnight Sun” tournament is where one of my eight million cousins played annually on the longest day of the works for an oil drilling firm. He plays on a year. Now, historically, there have been course which is 100% sand. There is no some strange celebrations on the summer putting, you simply chip the ball into an solstice. The Incas in Peru used to sacrifice old tire to finish the hole. hundreds and hundreds of guinea pigs, The sand greens of the northern Conestoga, there was a 666 yard, par 5 and the Druids in ancient Britain would dance prairies were once commonplace through­ the locals can still name every one of the buck naked around the stonehenge, and in out the world, but due to improvements in handful of golfers who ever shot par on it. Whitehorse, they play golf. turfgrass varieties, they are now found only Which brings us to skiing. Stay with the There are 24 hours of daylight up there under the most extreme conditions. Could tour, folks, I know where I’m going. Fifty around the 21st ofJune, and they tee off at you imagine trying to get permission from years ago, there was a tremendous variety midnight and play until breakfast time. the Ministry of the Environment to pour in the style and substance of ski clubs. Like There are only two months of the year gallon after gallon of used motor oil on golf at the time, they were mostly private when turf will grow at all, so the greens and packed sand until it looked like asphalt? I clubs where the size and affluence of the tees are artificial. The rest of the course is am told by the few people either geograph­ membership dictated how the operation beach sand and every golfer carries a tiny ically or chronologically challenged was run. Some were little more that tobog­ chunk of driving range mat from which the enough to have played one of these envi­ gan hills with a shack for warming up. ball is struck. A perfect lie every time, but ronmental nightmares, that it makes a good Others were exclusive mountain resorts zero roll, and all the sand your Nikes can putting surface. I know a guy who tried to which rivaled their European counterparts. hold. The Superintendent painstakingly make a driveway that way and ended up Eventually, the technology of snow-making maintains a twenty foot ring of real turf with a $50,000 bill for the cleanup. came along and everything changed. The around each green and, as if this wouldn’t There are also courses with 12 holes, 20 revenue of public skiers was required and already be the toughest grass in Canada to holes, 11 holes, holes that cross each other smaller operations became extinct. Now, grow, there is a golf cart parked right on and holes with multiple greens. There are two generations later, all ski clubs look the narrow strip of apron in every camera chip and putts under 1800 yards and exactly the same. The same lifts, the same shot. The only real turf within a thousand courses so long that you need to camp out groomers, the same Swiss Chalet chalets, miles and they still have to drive between overnight because it’s a two day hike to the the same ratio of hard to easy runs, and the the bunker and the green. halfway house. In the original layout here at same percentage of hills dedicated to knuckle dragging, baggy pants, falling down, snowboarders. My point, and I do have one, is that ski clubs are now designed and operated with the freedom of a McDonald’s franchise. The bad news is that golf is not too far behind. The great golf architects were not concerned with what some marketing weasel felt was the template for a marketable course in the regional demographic socio­ economic schism. He was an artist who went out and found the course that was hiding in an empty field or river valley. Few would support building a 15 hole course now, or a hole nearly 700 yards long, or a par 65 and I, for one, think the game is the worse for it. My hat is off to the bold visionaries who dare to be different and build away from the cookie cutter courses that are becoming ubiquitous. Kudos to the greens committees with the sense to leave their ‘quirky’ holes alone so that the next generation of players will have the diversity of courses to play that we presently enjoy. Variety truly is the spice of golf. Balanced Chain Methylene Urea (BCMU™) is United here's why Horticultural Supply's own formulation of short, intermediate and long-chain methylene urea and is an integral part of UHS balanced chain Signature Brand Fertilizers. The shorter chains (water soluble components) in BCMU methylene urea is provide fast greenup and as they dissipate, the longer ones (water insoluble components) take over to give sustained feeding. It is such a great one of the most uniform releases available in a fertilizer. This sustained, consistent and efficient nitrogen release nitrogen source produces excellent plant response throughout the growing season, even into the second year, without inducing growth flushes, leaching excess nitrogen or losing it benefits due to volatization. While improving color and stress resistance, BCMU's carbon and nitrogen molecules also feed microbes in the soil, enhancing root and rhizome development and creating a rich humus layer, even in soils low in microorganisms. It is safe to use on fine turf and sensitive 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? UHS East 1-800-328-4678 UHS West 1-888-273-4330 "Based on science, focused on results" UHS Signature Brand Fertilizers are a product of United Horticultural Supply Looking back THIRTY-FIVE YEARS AGO TO-DAY by Barry Endicott, Nobleton Lakes Golf Club In 1967 the directors of the OGSA were: Bob Moote [pres.], John, from the Beverley Golf Club, acted as host on his fathers Dave Gourlay [vice], Bill Hynd [sec.], Dave Moote, Gord behalf. On January 10 there was a meeting held at Tam O'Shan ter. Witteveen, I. Williamson, John Grightmire, Whitey Jones, Jim On November 14, there was a meeting held at Markland Wood Wylie, Alex Chisholm and Herb Creed. Golf Club hosted by Bruce Woolley. Bill Hynd was the winner of the New members were Carl Disney, Whitby Golf Club; Ross CGSA tournament held at Carling Lake. On Tuesday November Haines, Humber Valley Golf Club; Paul Dermott, Chinguacousy 28, Manley’s Annual Conference and Equipment Show was held. Country Club; Fred Klomp, Detonia Park Golf Club, Ed Ortlieb, On September 19th, the first Turf Conference organized by the Bayview Golf Club; Mike Donahue, Don Valley Golf Club; Louis OGSA was held at the Oakdale Golf Club. Bill Hynd also won the Formosa, Lake View Golf Club and Jerry Rietveld, Pleasant Valley Western's Taylor Barnes Tournament at the Port Colborne Golf Golf Club. Club hosted by Superintendent Bill Robertson (Bill Hynd had Meetings were held at Credit Valley Golf Club hosted by Doug quite a year!). There was also a meeting at Westmount Golf Course Suter. First low gross was Bill Hynd with an 83 and the guest hosted by Herb Creed, in August. The GCSAA Conference was speaker was George Clifton, the pro at Pine Valley Golf Club. On held in Washington on February 5 and Keith Nesbit’s name was June 12, there was a meeting held at St. Georges Golf Club hosted submitted as a candidate as director in the GCSAA. The RCGA Turf by Bill Hynd. St. Georges was the 1968 host of the Canadian Open Conference was held at the Skyline Hotel on March 15th. The and the course was lengthened to 7,000 yards by building 4 new CGSA annual dinner was held at the Northwood Golf and Country greens and some new tees. The McClumpha Tournament was held on March 31st. The Greensmaster, formerly belonging to the at Aurora hosted by Whitey Jones with Bill Bowen winning the tour­ OGSA, was sold to the CGSA for the sum of $1.00 (one dollar) It nament with a 76. On February 15th, there was a Western / OGSA will be the official publication of the CGSA. joint meeting held at Dundas Valley Golf Club. Fred Grightmire, Jim Wylie, former Superintendent at Bayview Golf Club, passed Superintendent, was absent because of a car accident but his son away at the age of 57 on January 17, after a short illness. Alex McClumpha also passed away. Alex was farming the old York Downs course when it was purchased for a golf course. He then worked for the Architect, as the course was being built. He then stayed on as Superintendent. Alex later moved to the Elms Golf Club in Weston and later Thornhill Golf Club, where he retired in 1963. Penguin Golf Associates Congratulations were sent out to Bill and Alice Hynd on the birth of their daughter. Rene Muylaert, who for 5 years was GPS Surveys and Engineering Superintendent at Chinguacousy Country Club, left the business as a golf course superintendent and became a golf course architect. 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 Gell: (416) 884-GOLF(4653) 1067 Beach Boulevard Hamilton, Ontario L8H 6Z9 Telephone 905-545-5363 Fax 905-545-2647 CAN-USA 1-800-263-8606 17525 Jane St., R.R. #1 Kettleby, Ontario L0G 1J0 Express Dual & AngleMaster Tel.: (416) 364-5700 (905) 727-2100 Reel Mower Fax: (905) 727-8546 Sharpeners E-mail: info@zandersod.com Website: www.zandersod.com TURF CARE Ever seen a red diamond? Introducing the Toro Groundsmaster 4500-D. A real gem in the rough. It combines the superior cut you expect with the power you need. Its 60 horsepower engine powers five Contour Plus decks that cut a 9’ swath through your toughest conditions.- And its rear rollers provide flawless striping. For even more productivity,. there’s the Groundsmaster 4700-D with ,the same benefits but with two additional decks for a 12.5' cut. To learn more, call your Turf Care Sales Representative or visit us online at www.turfcare.ca . 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