December 2003 Green is Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association 1st Annual Golf Course Management Conference & Trade Show Poa annua Ecotype Evaluation Let's all say the F Word: FIREd Alex McClumpha Memorial Tournament 2nd Annual Assistants Tournament CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON N1H 6H8 Contents Green is 1st Annual Golf Course Management Conference & Trade Show....................................................................................................... 16 Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Accreditation avenue ........................................................................ 8 Alex McClumpha Memorial Tournament....................................... 14 Canadian Golf Superintendents Association news.................. 5 Cyber super................................................................................................ 7 Editor's message ................................................................................. 4 Golf course highlight - Taboo Golf Club............................................................... 13 Health & safety .................................................................................... 6 Let's all say the F-Word: FIRED......................................................... 20 Looking back 10years ago today................................................................. 30 Mechanics corner................................................................................. 7 Off the fairway....................................................................................... 27 On the road again................................................................................... 28 Poa annua Ecotype Evaluation.......................................................... 10 President's message............................................................................ 3 2nd Annual assistants tournament.................................................. 12 COVER PICTURE Credit Valley Golf Club Turf or consequences............................................................................ 29 Photo by Jeff Stauffer What's new................................................................................................ 18 Advertisers Almack Agronomic Services Inc.................................................. 6 Bartlett Tree Experts........................................................................... 8 Braemar Building Systems............................................................... 25 Burnside Golf Services....................................................................... 8 DCS Agronomic Services.................................................................... 11 Fertilec Ltee/Ltd.......................................................................................19 G.C. Duke Equipment Ltd................................................................... 26 Maple Turf Supply.............................................................................3, 28 Master's Turf Supply Ltd........................................................................19 Nu Gro Corporation............................................................................... 19 Ontario Seed Company...................................................................... 4 The P.E.S.T. Institute............................................................................ 8 OGSA is committed to ProTurf...................................................................................................... 6 serving its members, Pumptronics Inc....................................................................................... 11 advancing their profession, Skyway Lawn Equipment Limited................................................. 19 and Turf Care Products Canada -Irrigation............................................ 25 enriching the quality Turf Care Products Canada.................................................................. 32 of golf Vanden Bussche Irrigation andEquipment Ltd............................ 5 and its environment. Zander Sod Co. Limited..................................................................... 28 President's message has been an honour to serve as the It the show and President of the OGSA. The allows us The professionalism and dedication our opportunity to current board members have shown give more back over the year has made my term a simple to our industry one. Enough credit cannot be given to than ever before. ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS’ our staff at the OGSA Dorothy Hills Membership by Mark Piccolo ASSOCIATION Galt Country Guelph Turfgrass Institute continues to keep the association needs continue 328 Victoria Road South Club running smoothly and has a tremendous to be met. Green Guelph, ON N1H6H8 support group meeting the members is Beautiful has Ph: 519-767-3341 Toll Free: 877-824-6472 needs. expanded and golf and meeting events Fax: 519-766-1704 The OGSA has set the standard for continue to be well attended. This is a Email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca IPM Accreditation in our industry. We tribute to the board members and staff Website: www.golfsupers.on.ca continue to proactively defend the usage who work diligently putting these BOARD OF DIRECTORS of pesticides on golf courses and have together. We are now recognizing PRESIDENT Mark Piccolo developed a support network to educate superintendents who host major PAST PRESIDENT Jim Flett VICE-PRESIDENT Rob Ackermann and help superintendents address these provincial events and have created an TREASURER Paul Scenna, ms issues on a political level. We have been annual Distinguished Service Award SECRETARY Bob Burrows, cgcs asked to participate in the development named after our first President William DIRECTORS Jeff Alexander of the Nutrient Management Act and Sansom. Chris Andrejicka John Bladon foresee cooperating with local agencies Financially we are sound, and with Randy Booker on water management issues. control of the conference our financial Sean DeSilva The first annual Ontario Golf Course position will only become stronger. Jeff Stauffer Management Conference and Trade I wish to thank all those who support the OFFICE Show is nearly upon us. Years of association and our vision of the future. ADMINISTRATION Dorothy Hills planning have finally come together and I wish to thank Dorothy, Pat and Debra Pat Thomas Deborah Badger we can now provide our members with for their hard work and the rest of the an exciting educational program and Board for their dedication. the chance to network with suppliers on our terms. The OGSA has control over The OGSA is in good hands. “Green is Beautiful” is Printed on Brett Murray Recycled Paper Professional Products Technical Sales GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL EDITORIAL Maple Turf Supply 8112 King Rd. W. Business: (905) 857-2000 COMMITTEE P.O. Box 370 Fax: (905) 857-8215 John Bladon, Editor Bolton, Ontario Mobile: (416)580-8112 L7E 5T3 1-800-268-4425 Dorothy Hills, Coordinating Manager Angelo Capannelli Scott Horsburgh Kevin Falls Layout, Design & Printing provided by... Mark Prieur Mark Schneider GRAPHIC Green is Beautiful 2003 Although every effort is made to check SERVICES material for publication, the association is not responsible for material published on PRINTERS & LITHOGRAPHERS behalf of its contributors. All rights are reserved by the publisher "Qualityyou can See!" and any reproduction in whole or part without the written permission of the Tel: 519.763.5745 • Fax: 519.763.9532 32-34 Essex Street • Guelph, Ontario • N1H 3K8 publisher is prohibited. e-mail: info@iraphicservices.ca • www.vraphicservices.ca Editor's message by John Bladon conversation with many of my In fellow professionals, educators and consultants, I am constantly interested in the ever-evolving role of the golf course Welcome! superintendent and the seemingly O.G.S.A. Welcomes endless array of challenges and pressures our newest members the industry presents. PRECIPITATION IN Chad Adamson Class C Although some superintendents have ONTARIO REGION Listowel Golf Club Measured at Pearson International Airport been longtime employees at one club, as Provided by Ministry of the Environment Dennis H. Cooper Class F the years roll on, positions and people Osprey Links Golf Club YEAR 2003 seem to shift with greater regularity. In empty table cell that regard, Green is Beautiful is pleased to Average Actual Caleb Gibbons Class S present a tremendous submission, “Let’s January Innerkip Highlands all say the F-word”, by Peter McCormick of (rain) 24.9 mm 0.0 mm Dan Kientz Class C TurfNet. Peter brings a unique (snow) 31.1 cm January 41.4 cm Markland Wood Golf Club perspective and shares insight in the January (total) 52.2 mm 35.4 mm arena of being fired. He explores our Virginia Kinney Class S jobs and the pitfalls we all work to avoid February Mad River Golf Club (rain) 22.3 mm 22.6 mm as well as the effects on our psyche, personal lives and families. A must read. (snow) 22.1 cm February 23.6 cm Michael Newell Class F February (total) 42.6 mm 46.8 mm Glencairn Golf Club Green is Beautiful is also pleased to present an article by University of Scott Martin Class C March Guelph Masters student, Martha (rain) 36.7 mm 27.8 mm Wyldewood Golf & CC Cunningham. Martha has been busy (snow) March 19.2 cm 24.0 cm doing research and trials on Poa annua Mike Rumford Class B March (total) 57.1 mm 50.0 mm Black Creek Golf Course ecotypes and snow molds while spending her summers at Deer Ridge Golf Club, in April Angelo Toto Class A Kitchener, originally under the (rain) 62.4 mm 34.8 mm The Links of Niagara at Willo-Dell supervision of Greg Aljoe and now, (snow) April 5.7 cm 15.2 cm April (total) 68.4 mm 60.8 mm Jarrod Barakett. With winterjust around the comer, her submission is timely. May Finally, as preparations continue for (rain) 72.4 mm 152.8 mm the OGSA’s first annual conference, this (snow) May TR cm 0.0 cm issue does include a speaker list, as well as May (total) 72.5 mm 152.8 mm other pertinent conference information. The program looks excellent and Rob June Ackermann of Weston has been a tireless (rain) 74.2 mm 63.8 mm leader in the planning of this event. Well For All Your done Rob! July Golf Course Needs! Again, should any of you wish to (rain) 74.4 mm 66.2 mm Turf seed, Pesticides, Nutrite Fertilizers author an article, share an idea for an August and Bayco Golf Accessories article or know a member who ought to (rain) 79.6 mm 53.4 mm be written about, please forward an P.O. Box 7, Waterloo, Ont. N2J 3Z6 email or make a phone call. This Tel: (519) 886-0557 Fax: (519) 886-0605 September 1 -800-465-5849 Email: seeds@oscseeds.com publication lives because of your ideas (rain) 77.5 mm 114.2 mm and Dorothy and I would welcome your Victor Freiberg Ken Graham input. October Trevor Hunter A. Kent McDonald Happy New Year! (rain) 64.1 mm 51.0 mm David Schmelefske Canadian Golf Superintendents Association news his is old news by now, but the Fall T which will elevate the professional recognition of our Field Day tournament at Legends on members and non-members alike. Focus groups were held the Niagara, on September 15th, was across Canada in November, in order to obtain broad input an absolutely outstanding event. The into the further development of our National Occupational strong support from Ontario was very Standards. evident. Thanks to the co-sponsors, The CGSA will be hosting various regional seminars in especially the Toro Company, for their Ontario in the near future. Specifically, November 20^ in support. Thanks also to the OGSA and Toronto with Kris Jonasson on the “Rules of Golf for by Bob Burrows, cgcs Podolinsky Turf for co-sponsoring the Superintendents” was well attended. On December 9^ in Rosedale Golf Club wine and dinner event on the Saturday. London with Pam Charbonneau on “Implementing IPM”, Their partnership helps make events such as this possible. February 17th in Ottawa with Dr. Rich Cooper on Despite the occasional misting of rain, the participants “Managing your Putting Greens”, and April 6^ in Toronto seemed to enjoy the camaraderie, and the golf course. A with Bree Hayes on “Human Resource Management”. Plan special recognition goes to the host Superintendents Bill now to attend a seminar in your region. Glashan, Paul Gurr and their staff for providing access to this The upcoming CGSA conference is being held in Halifax well conditioned facility. To continue with the success of this from March 5-9, 2004 with keynote speaker Terry Kelly. event, mark September 20, 2004 on your golfing calendar as There will also be four excellent pre-conference seminars. next year’s tournament moves to Riverside Golf Course in This conference promises to be a great success. The CGSA Saskatoon. Board is excited about forging closer ties with the OGSA as The “Score Superintendent of the Year” award will be they both enter into a joint management venture of the given to Mr. Paul White of the Briars Golf Club, and the John 2004 Ontario Golf Course Management Conference & B. Steele Award will be given to Mr. Blake Palmer. The Toro Trade Show at the Sheraton Hotel, Toronto. Future Superintendent of the Year Award will be given to Mr. The Metro Toronto Convention Center (North Building) Kendall Costain of NB and the Toro Environmental will be the site of the 2005 joint CGSA/OGSA conference Achievement award is as yet undeclared. Congratulations to from January 7-11, 2005. Plans for an outstanding event are all the recipients! The sixth annual salary and benefits well underway. Three hotels will be used and the Crown survey was sent out in November, and the second annual Plaza hotel, which is attached to the Convention Center, will IPM/BMP survey will be conducted this spring. be the “headquarters” hotel. The hotel rates will provide All class A, B, and S members are now required to submit some options for the delegates, allowing them to match their a copy of their pesticide licenses in order to remain a accommodation to their budget. member or risk being reclassified. The Board has directed From my family to you and yours, best wishes for a safe, the headquarters staff to strictly enforce this requirement. A enjoyable and prosperous holiday and New Year! targeted marketing campaign was begun in November, Upgrades, Renovations & New Instal ations From evaluation to implementation, will Partner with you to succeed in Milton 1.800.263.4112 King City 1.866.703.KING Achieving your Goals. www.vandenbussche.com Health & safety by DougJohnson, SAFETAID and Health and Safety Consulting First Aid and Safety Supplies and WHMIS Training As the season is fast approaching, celebrations holiday cleaned and sanitized after food preparation. This means begin with abundance. This is a time of year when we get washing in hot soapy water, rinsing in hot water and using together with family and friends to acknowledge the a sanitizing solution that is left in contact with the work culmination of one year and the beginning of the next. surface for at least five minutes. A sanitizing solution of We generally do this with delicious food and drink! chlorine bleach at 200 parts per million. This article is a reminder to take care over the holiday A third tip is to ensure that the temperature of your season and all year long when it comes to handling your food is kept out of the “danger zone”. This means that you food safely. This may not seem to be an issue for the golf should ensure that raw foods are kept at temperatures at course but in fact it is a very important part of our or below 4 degrees Celsius or 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot everyday life. Proper food handling is important to our foods should be held at temperatures above 60 degrees well-being and to how we perform on the job and during Celsius or 140 degrees Fahrenheit. our leisure hours. None of us want to experience “food A fourth tip you should consider is how you store the poisoning”. leftovers after that great turkey dinner. Be sure to cover Here are four tips that should assist you in the the leftovers and put them into the fridge or a cool area (4 enjoyment of your holidays and keep you healthy degrees Celsius or less) as soon as possible after the meal throughout the year. has been served. If you are going to save some for later get The first issue is hand washing. It is imperative that it into the freezer as quickly as possible as this will ensure people handling food wash their hands on a regular basis. that the food stays safe and will tend to assist in This means washing after using the washroom, after maintaining the quality. handling foods such as chicken, other meats or eggs or if Following these simple rules will go a long way to you have been handling vegetables, as they may be ensuring a safe and happy festival season and a healthy contaminated. Most people are unaware that fruits and New Year. vegetables may be contaminated with bacteria or chemicals that may cause intestinal disorders. Be aware of Have a great Christmas and all the best to the potential for bacteria in chicken, meats and eggs. Some of the food handling practices that tend to be the all ofyou in 2004! most dangerous are in the preparation of foods for consumption. It is extremely important to ensure that SAFETAID cross contamination is eliminated. To ensure that this is accomplished it is imperative that all utensils, cutting boards and work surfaces used to prepare food are Your 1st stop in safety! Dave Dick Jeff McMaster Corrie Almack P.Ag. Turfgrass Specialist Turfgrass Specialist 39 Monte Vista Trail 1864 Bowler Drive Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 Brampton, Ont. L6Z 2J7 Pickering, Ont. LIV3E4 Box 256, Carlisle, On Fax: (905) 689-8522 Fax & Phone 905-846-3319 Fax & Phone 905-839-6526 L0R 1H0 Email: c.almack@sympatico.ca email: ddick.profturf@sympatico.ca email: profturf©sympatico.ca Cyber super Got a Virus? en years ago this would imply that T are also good preventative maintenance. a person was sick. Today, it seems that Available for purchase are the perennial favourites we are spending more time keeping Norton (online at symantec.com) and McAfee (online at viruses out of our computers than our mcafee.com). Both are reliable tools, but not free. own bodies. Everyday there are new However, these are terrific sites for virus information and by Mark Prieur, threats waiting to cause havoc on removal. Virus threats are ranked according to risk and for Assistant Supt. computers worldwide. Worse yet a fee you can download the latest DAT files to protect Markland Wood CC there are the hoaxes, and there are yourself. just as many of those as well. How do you know if it is a hoax AVG is a free anti-virus tool and is available at grisoft.com. or a real threat? Visiting the experts at their websites (on a Here you can also find the “virus encyclopedia” and the computer different from your infected one) to get the current threats to your system. The bonus is that it is cheap, correct information will aid in removing the virus. In it works and it is free. Beware; AVG will try to sell you trial addition, it may stop any further spreading of the virus. versions of its upgraded anti-virus software. First of all it is imperative that everyone have good, up-to- Zone Alarm is a popular firewall tool that is available free, date anti-virus and firewall protection. Secondly, never at zonelabs.com. A firewall is software that monitors all open up any attachment from an unreliable source. Even incoming network traffic and allows only the connections Word or Excel attachments may have dangerous macros that are known and trusted in. It also can make you (hidden executable files) inside that are potentially lethal “invisible” on the Internet, making hackers unaware of your to your computer. Installing anti-virus and firewall presence. As with Grisoft, Zonelabs will entice you to protection is not enough; these programs must be kept up- purchase the premium version of its firewall. I strongly to-date by downloading the latest DAT files. Scanning, suggest installing some form of firewall and anti-virus backing up data and defragmenting your system regularly software to keep your system in good health! Mechanic's corner by Larry A. Murray, President G.E. TA. O. Equipment Manager, Pheasant Run Golf Course he golf tournament at Banty’s Roost Golf Club was T we have an amazing tool with email. I frequently receive again a success with about 90 in attendance. The emails from mechanics and superintendents, with odd tournament winners were Lyndon Wing, Matt Bonaparte, problems, looking for assistance. So far I have managed to Dave Mullan and Trevor Blais. They came from Kingston solve their problems, however if I wasn’t able, I know more to show their prowess. people who may have an answer. It is important for all of The winter months allow time to thoroughly check over us to remember that we will never recall all of the answers the equipment as well as time to properly repair it. I but we know where we can find them. remember seeing a television commercial for Fram oil The O.G.S.A. will be hosting the first annual Golf filters. Their slogan was “pay me now or pay me later”. Course Management Conference & Trade Show on The same slogan could apply with our trade. The more January 6 - 8, 2004. The G.E.T.A.O. will be conducting effort and care we apply to the equipment during winter seminars at this show. You don’t have to be a member to overhaul, the less effort will be needed during the summer attend. months. If you are requiring a mechanic, make sure you The winter months are famous for service schools on advertise through the Mechanic’s Association by the equipment that we work on. At these schools, we contacting me at or phone Eddie at (905) 889-7620, meet other mechanics with the same equipment. We may ext 520. learn something new at the school but may also meet I wish happy holidays to all the readers and look forward someone who we can call when we have a problem. Today to meeting some of you during the winter months. Accreditation avenue by Ken Pavely and Jeff Stauffer Quebec Regulations and their Impact on Golf Industry of application, PCP number, certification number, certificate holder, and poison control center number, must The drastic overhaul of Quebec’s pesticide regulations, also be present. include reforms that will create more work for superintendents, pro shop staff, and even increase golfers’ At the registration desk, inside the pro shop, a sign posting concerns about pesticide safety. the hole numbers, and locations treated for each pesticide on each hole, must be present. Beginning in 2006, operators of a golf course must submit the following on an annual basis, to the Minister of A troubling statement from a prominent superintendent in Environment: Quebec should give us all an important history lesson: “It seems as though the government will make the rules and we • A pesticide reduction plan giving a detailed description of will have to live with them.” all pesticide applied, pesticide reduction objectives for each and every pesticide applied. That statement speaks volumes about the danger of being • Methods used to monitor and detect harmful organisms, “reactive” instead of being “proactive”. IPM Accreditation is a and the data collected, along with the cultivation and proactive initiative that raises the bar for the industry, and control methods used to attain pesticide reduction goals shows local, provincial, and federal regulators that our • Measures taken to prevent pesticides from migrating industry is doing its part to protect human health and our outside the premises environment. • An evaluation of the results obtained for the previous three years, justifications, and corrective adjustments. IPM ACCREDITATION EXAM AVAILABLE AT OGSA • The plan must be certified by an agronomist who is a CONFERENCE. member of the Order des Agronomes du Quebec. Superintendents can register for the IPM Accreditation Of even more concern, are the posting requirements. “A Exam being offered at the Ontario Golf Course Management person who applies pesticides on trees, shrubs, or lawns on a Tradeshow and Conference in January. A session will be golf course must post a sign at the registration desk and at the offered before the exam to familiarize you with the program. tee off area of each hole where the pesticide is applied.” The exam is a ninety-minute, multiple choice/true-false exam. Pre-registration application can be completed by contacting On the sign, the location of application area, date and time Ridgetown College at 1 (866) 385-4762. THE P.E.S.T INSTITUTE SPECIALIZING IN PESTICIDE EDUCATION Burnside Golf Services & SERVICE TECHNOLOGY A DIVISION OF R. J. BURNSIDE & ASSOCIATES LIMITED Engineers • Hydrogeologists • Environmental Consultants LAND Serving the Needs of the GolfIndustry EXTERMINATOR (LANDSCAPE CATEGORY) We can help with: • Approvals for Golf Course Development PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION COURSES and Operations January............................. 26 - 30, 2004 • Hydrogeology and Stormwater Management • Sewage Treatment and Disposal February............................. 16- 20, 2004 • Environmental Management Plans March (London).................. 1 - 5, 2004 Your Trees Deserve • Building and Clubhouse Design • Irrigation Design and Consulting March.................................... 8- 12, 2004 The Best Of Care • Environmental Impact Assessment March (Ottawa)................ 15- 19, 2004 Trees are valuable assests. Don't March.................................. 22- 26, 2004 Contact Vito Cirone entrust their future to less than Tel: (905) 953-8967 April...................................... 19- 23, 2004 caring professionals. Bartlett Toll Free: (877) 799-8499 E-mail: vcirone@rjburnside.com December............................. 6- 10, 2004 leads the way in tree care with Website:www.burnsidegolf.com trained arborists, research facili­ WATER EXTERMINATOR ties, nationwide experience and (MOSQUITO/BITING FLY) specialized equipment. For a February............................. 9- 13, 2004 professional evaluation of your All courses held in North York except tree care needs, call today. where noted There is no obligation. Gov't exam held on Monday following each course. Toronto • (416) 657-2059 Instructor: Paul G. Pilley, B.Sc., M. P. M. Bracebridge • (705) 646-8733 Gravenhurst • (705) 687-0696 Huntsville • (705) 789-0929 For more information and a brochure contact P.O. Box 1021 Lindsay, Ontario K9V 5N4 www.bartlett.com E-mail: pgp_pest@lindsaynet.com BACKED BY THE BARTLETT T REE RESEARCH Offices located throughout Ontario Tel: (705) 324-PEST (7378) Fax: (705) 324-9729 LABORATORIES AND EXPERIMENTAL Golf - Max Suppliers to the NGCOA GROUNDS, CHARLOTTE, NC Catch of the day Master’s Turf Supply held their second annual Customer at the end of the day, was 8.2 lbs, which was divided up Appreciation Day on September 9th, aboard the C.S. Powell, amongst the superintendents. on the waters of Lake Erie. It was a beautiful, relaxing day, out on the water, with the This year’s catch started off slowly, but after four hours of temperature reaching a high of 26 degrees Celsius. We fishing, the total exceeded last years. The most successful hope to see everyone again next year for our 3rd annual fisherman was Scott Gardner, from Echo Valley Golf Club, fishing trip in September, and would like to thank our who managed to catch 12 Perch. The total amount of fillets, customers for helping make 2003 a successful year. Poa annua Ecotype Evaluation by Martha Cunningham Poa annua L. has a bad reputation. It invades greens in using Poa annua for greens establishment. The dense, ugly, yellow-green patches and then dies under the upright growth of Poa provides a sweet putting surface and slightest stress. Much effort is put into cultural practices low mowing heights produce a fine textured leaf blade; to eliminate Poa from the green environment. Then why the lower the better. spend precious research dollars trying to improve it Improved cultivars with natural resistance to biotic genetically? The fact is, some superintendents must deal stresses also reduce the need for chemical pesticides and with Poa as a major component of their greens. At will become increasingly important with impending present, there is no suitable seed source for the types of municipal bans. Poa annua populations harbour an Poa annua that are adapted to the green environment for incredible amount of genetic potential because Poa is such use in overseeding or repair work (Huff, 1996). Breeding a variable species (Johnson et al., 1993). The objective of new cultivars of Poa for seed production involves the this study was to assess the genetic potential within Poa inclusion of germplasm with natural resistance to annua populations to tolerate attack by the pink snow environmental stresses such as temperature extremes, mold pathogen, Microdochium nivale, under winter insects, and disease. This also opens the possibility of conditions. The Collection Poa annua populations that have existed within the in true breeding strains (Huff, 1996). Over time, the microenvironment of a golf green for a long time will entire population will be more resistant to attack. These evolve in response to nature, maintenance practices, and populations, or ecotypes, were the target of the Poa the intense traffic it must endure. Natural selection collection. Turf plugs of P. annua populations were ensures that greens-type Poa annua is a strongly perennial collected from old golf greens in Ontario and Quebec turfgrass, much different from the weedy annual grass that using a cup cutter. Dr. David Huff of Penn State University first invaded the green (Beard et al., 1978; Huff, 1996). also kindly donated experimental Poa seed from his Other factors, such as repeated attack by insects or breeding program which will eventually include disease, can cause Poa populations to evolve with respect germplasm from the studies being conducted at the to resistance. Only individuals able to tolerate repeated University of Guelph. The turf collection was propagated attacks will survive within the microenvironment. Self- and maintained by students and technicians from the GTI pollination occurs within greens populations which results in a greenhouse at the University of Guelph for use in performance screenings. Ken Carey & Erica Gunn The Research This study consisted of both a field experiment and a experiments indicates significant differences in the level controlled environment experiment. Ecotypes were of resistance among ecotypes. The best and worst selected from the collection and transplanted into the performing ecotypes will be characterized for physical field in September/October so the turf could cold characteristics and biochemical analysis will aid in acclimate naturally. Cold acclimation involves changes in discovering metabolic processes involved in resistance to amino acid levels and the production and accumulation of M. nivale and other biotic stresses. storage carbohydrates which help sustain the plants over The best ecotypes may eventually become incorporated winter (Dionne et al., 2000a; Dionne et al., 2000b). Turf into the new cultivars being developed by Dr. Huff, whose was inoculated with wheat bran infected with M. nivale in aim is to improve Poa annua and make a perennial, December before snow fall. After snowmelt, ecotypes greens-type Poa available to superintendents. It is were rated for disease severity and subsequent regrowth to important not to associate potential cultivars with the determine those with the highest and lowest levels of weedy, annual-type Poa that invades bentgrass greens. The resistance. This study was duplicated in a cold chamber new cultivars will be evaluated for their performance as a with the same ecotypes transplanted into forestry tubes. turfgrass on golf greens and must meet the high Cold acclimation occurred in the chamber before turf was expectations of researchers and superintendents alike. inoculated with M. nivale. Ratings for disease severity and Who knows? You may someday find yourself trying to progress were taken every week. Data collected from both culture bentgrass out of your Poa greens. References: Beard, J. B., P. E. Rieke, A. J. Turgeon, and J. M. Vargas, Jr. 1978. Annual Bluegrass (Poa annuaL.) -Description, Adaptation, Culture and Control. Farm Science Research Report 352. Michigan State University, East Lansing Research Station, April:3-36. Dionne, Julie, Yves Castonguay, Paul Nadeau, & Yves Desjardins. 2001a. Amino Acid and Protein Changes during Cold Acclimation of Green- Type Annual Bluegrass (Poa annuaL.) Ecotypes. Crop Science 41:1862-1870. Dionne, Julie, Yves Castonguay, Paul Nadeau, & Yves Desjardins. 2001b. Freezing Tolerance and Carbohydrate Changes during Cold Acclimation of Green-Type Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua L.) Ecotypes. Crop Science 41:443-451. Johnson, P. G., B. A. Ruemmele, P. Velguth, D. B. White, P. D. Ascher. 1993. An Overview of Poa annua L. Reproductive Biology. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal 7:798-804. David C. Smith, A.Ag., c.g.c.s. 185 Oriole Crescent PUMPING SYSTEMS Soil & Turfgross Consultant Gravenhorst Ontario P1P1C6 Office (705) 687-SOIL (7645) 18-1290 Speers Road,Oakville,Ontario, L6L 2X4 Fax (705) 687-3518 Toll Free 1 -888-607-TURF (8873) Toll Free 1-888-222-6676 Fax (905) 825-8139 Cell (905) 512-6004 Emai1 dcs.ogronomic.services@sympatico.ca email; paulp@pumptronics.ca www.pumptronics.ca 2nd Annual assistants tournament by Neil Tandan, Assistant Superintendent Weston Golf & Country Club ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL EVENT! The 2003 Assistants Tournament was held Tuesday, contributing efforts of many people. As previously September 23 at the Heathlands Course at Osprey Valley mentioned, thanks to all the Staff at Osprey Valley and, and once again, a great day was had by all. The playing specifically, Bob McClure (Head Professional), Lynn field of slightly over one hundred was by no means limited Wood (Event Coordinator), and Dana (Site Coordinator) to ‘Assistant Superintendents’ but included several for all their help in making things run smoothly. Thank Second Assistants, Foremen, and Representatives from you also to all the Associate O.G.S.A. Members who so many Turf Industry Distributors. generously donated prizes. Apart from the placement The links style golf course proved a solid challenge on prizes, “closest-to-the-hole”, and “longest drive”, there the day of the tournament and players had to endure high were dozens of random draw gifts. winds and more than one passing shower. It was clear, Special thanks to Dorothy Hills and the O.G.S.A. who, as however, to everyone that a great deal of work had been always, proved invaluable in helping the Assistants done by the staff at Osprey Valley to prepare the course for Tournament. It was a pleasure to see Dorothy participate this event (8:00 am Shotgun). Thank you. this year! Finally, to the Tournament Committee, we say Following the morning round of golf, an outdoor ‘Well Done’ : barbeque lunch was served under marquee tents and Scott White - The Donalda Club prizes were awarded. Scott Sleep - Credit Valley Golf Club A skins game was also held for the Tournament, with Mark Prieur - Markland Wood Golf & Country Club only TWO skins being won... Hmmm, 100-plus Neil Tandan - Weston Golf & Country Club competitors at $5.00 per skin... you do the math!!! Congratulations to Stu Leachman and Philip Legault, I’m We look forward to next year’s Assistants Tournament with sure you two discovered a whole new set of friends! much anticipation! Of course an event like this doesn’t happen without the Congratulations to all the winners: Men’s 1st Low Gross: Sean Lavin - 76 (this guy is too good!) Men’s 2nd Low Gross: Gary Tate - 81 Men’s 3rd Low Gross: Scott Bowman - 81 (third by retrogression) Ladie’s 1st Low Gross: Lesley Thomas Men’s 1st Low Net: Jayson Griffiths Men’s 2nd Low Net: Sean Karn Men’s 3rd Low Net: Peter Matson Ladies’s 1st Low Net: Lindsay Oliver L-R Mark Prieur, Scott White, Scott Sleep, Neil Tandan What are my chances? The Heathland Course at Osprey Valley Golf course highlight Taboo Golf Club 1310 Muskoka Beach Road Gravenhurst ON P1P2W2 Website: www.tabooresort.com Golf Course Superintendent: Sean DeSilva Email: taboogreens@tabooresort.com COURSE PROFILE What is the size of the greens, tees & fairways? 4 - John Deere Leaf Blower Back-Pak What county is your club located in? Greens: 120,040 square feet 1-521 Wire Transmitter Locator Muskoka Lakes Tees: 160,353 square feet 1 - Turf Check-E Height Gage Fairways: 36 acres 1 - Air Compressor Is your club private, semi private, public, 5 - Toro Flex 21 Greensmowers resort or municipal? What is your predominant grass? 2 - Stihl Chainsaws Municipal - 21,000 rounds annually Bentgrass 1 - Millematic Mig Welder 1 - Power Washer TT9061 Typical opening and closing date How many USGA greens and how many 2 - FS-55 Line Trimmers May 1 to October 24 loam greens? 2 - Motorola HT750 Radios 20 loam greens 1-2 ton engine hoist Name of Superintendent 1 - Lucknow Snow Blower D7H Sean deSilva What is the predominant soil type? 1 - Chev GMC Sierra ton Truck sand 1 - Ford F350 Diesel Truck How long have you been a superintendent? 8 years What equipment do you have in inventory? COURSE PROJECTS 2 - Cushman 32 hp Truckster How long have you been an OGSA member? 1 - Cushman TD 1500 Top Dresser What projects have you recently completed? 8 years 1 - Foley Grinder • Addition of 4 new tee decks 1 - Foley Back Lapper • Curbing List accomplishments 1 - Foley Bed Bar Grinder • Renovation of 6 sod walled bunkers Director, OGSA 1 - Foley Reel Grinder • 1,800 linear feet of drainage 1 - King Canada 8” Bench Grinder • Addition of synthetic turf on the range How many staff? 1 - Hydra-Lift • Waste bunker changes on #11 5 year round and 30 seasonal 4 - Bannerman B218-51 Hover Mower • Cart path passing lanes & parking areas. 2 - Handi-K15 Back Pack Sprayer How many mechanics and assistants? 1 - Lely Fertilizer Spreader LONG RANGE PLANS 2 Mechanics: Greg Roloson, Jim Tretheway 1 - Gandy Drop Spreader 2 Assts: Randy Twyman, Matthew Wentzell 2 - Scott 2000 Walk-Behind Spreader What long range plans for renovation do you 14—John Deere Gator have in the next five years? COURSE STATISTICS 2 - Ransomes AR250 Rough Mowers • Construction of 13,000 sq. ft. tee deck at 1 - Cushman Spray Tech Vehicle the range How many holes? 5-16 Channel UHP Radio • Construction of new tee decks on 3 holes 18 1 - John Deere 260 Skid Steerer • Waste bunker changes - addition of 5 - John Deere 22 Trailer ornamental grasses What is the yardage from back & forward 1 - John Deere 200 Gallon Sprayer • Renovation to #14 green surrounds tees? 10-John Deere 220A Greensmowers • Drainage, drainage and more drainage 7174 yards from the back tees and 1 - John Deere 1653 Trim Mower • Sod wall bunker renovation program 5157 yards from the front tees 2 -John Deere 3215 Fairway Mower 3 - John Deere 2500 Fairway Mowers CHALLENGES Size & Length of Driving Range & Range Tee: 1 - John Deere 60 Out-front Rotary 10 acres, (300 yds). Range Tees: 27,000 sq. ft 2 - John Deere 140xt Line Trimmer Are there any particular challenges you face 1 - John Deere 250 Portable Pump with your property? How many bunkers? 1 - Agri-Metal 5000 Turf Vacuum • Canadian Shield 86 1 - Bergel B-40 Blower • Traffic areas & patterns 1 - Agri-Metal Leaf Blower • Cart traffic How many ponds, and/or water come into 1 - Simple Dimple Seeder • Intensive maintenance - slopes & bunker play? 1 - Land Scraper faces. 5 times 1 - John Deere 800 Aercore Aerator • Areas that are a challenge include shade, 1 - John Deere 2000 Aercore Aerator traffic and drainage. Who was the original architect? 1 - Salsco Greens Roller 9010 Ron Garl 1 - Ryan 544945 Sod Cutter SUCCESS STORIES 1 - Greens Groomer 720M What was the year of original construction? 1 - Foley Height Gage Do you have any success stories? 2001 2 - John Deere JS60 1 - John Deere Tractor 5220 Opened the golf course in short time period What is the size of your maintenance shop? 1 - John Deere Tractor 4710 despite horrible weather. From the time that 9,100 square feet 1 - John Deere Tractor 4700 w/bucket construction started until we opened the doors What type of irrigation system? 1 - Dakota Material Handler for play it was just 18 months. Toro Osmac with Site Pro - 2 years old 1 - John Deere Bunker Bike Alex McClumpha Memorial Tournament The Annual Alex McClumpha Memorial Tournament took place on October 8th and a full field of OGSA members and guests made the pilgrimage to the Taboo Resort in Gravenhurst for this year’s event. Not only were we treated to a tremendous golf experience but, temperatures soared into the 20’s serving to enhance our day further. By our midday shotgun start, the bulk of the field were in short sleeves! Our host, OGSA director, Sean DeSilva, provided us with championship conditions over a stunning layout. Taboo is a Ron Garl design and has been beautifully routed through acres of pre Cambrian granite, towering hardwoods and white pine. Beyond focusing on golfing your ball, there is an abundance of scenery to drink in. Taboo truly is a visual experience. Following our rounds, we retreated for a delicious prime rib buffet dinner while golf professional David White and his team tabulated the day’s results. OGSA meetings and events director, Jeff Alexander, served as MC and provided us with an education on Alex McClumpha as well as ensuring the day’s participants were well rewarded. photo by Mark Prieur • Alex McClumpha was born in Scotland, but immigrated to Canada in the 1920’s. • First record of employment as greenkeeper was at the Elms Golf Club, in Weston, after which he moved to the Thornhill country Club, in 1943 • He was active in the Ontario Greenkeepers Association and served for many years on the Board of Directors. He served as President of the OGSA in 1945 and 1946. • He assisted in the execution of a yearly golf tournament for greenkeepers and assistants. • The first event was held at his club, Thornhill Country Club, 1945. It was named the Alex McClumpha Tournament. • Alex was greatly appreciated at Thornhill, especially for managing the course during the lean years of the 40’s and 50’s. • His name was on the score card at one time, when holes were given a descriptive name. His was the 17th hole. • He lived in Willowdale upon retirement in 1962, and spent much of his summers at his cottage up north, until his death in the late 1970’s. • He was married twice, and had a son, Bill, with his first wife. Bill was also active in the golf industry and was supt./mgr. of the I.B.M. Golf Club • With his second wife, Margaret, he had a son, John, who is now in the R.C.M.P. • Alex was a big man, over 6ft. tall. The tournament has since been renamed, In memory of Alex McClumpha, The Alex McClumpha Memorial Tournament. Winners of the day GROSS SCORE GROSS SCORE CLOSEST TO THE PIN DIVISION "A" DIVISION "B" #3 Randy Twyman 1st Gari Ingertsa 74 1st Mark Zecchino 72 DVD donated by 2nd Steve Scott 78 2nd Jason D'Andrea 73 Vanden Bussche Irrigation 3rd Rod Speake 78 3rd Tim Trimper 73 #7 Ed Guziak Fishing Charter donated by NET SCORE NET SCORE Burnside Environmental DIVISION "A" DIVISION ”B" #11 Sean Foley 1st Chris Coholan 64 1st Jason Fairfield 67 2nd Paul Scenna 69 2nd Paul Morrell 68 3rd Jim Moore 69 3rd Jon Pollington 68 LONGEST DRIVE #4 Rob Eagleson (Div A) GEORGE DAROU TROPHY - goes to Low Gross Senior (over 50 yrs.) #8 Mark Zecchino (Div B) Bruce Burger 79 (Bruce has won this trophy 3 years in a row) Congratulations to all the winners! Beyond scoring prizes, Jason Becket, of Vanden Bussche Irrigation & Equipment Ltd., was the lucky raffle winner of a framed print autographed by Mike Weir and without a winner of the day’s skins game; the entire proceeds were donated to the Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation. In the end, an enjoyable day was had by all and the hospitality deemed first rate. The OGSA thanks Sean and the entire team at Taboo!. L-R Jason Becket from Vanden Bussche was the winner of the "Mike Weir" Print, Presented by Sean DeSilva L-R Bruce Burger receiving George Darou trophy from L-R Sean DeSilva receiving Host Plaque from Jeff Alexander Thom McLean of Turf Care 1st ANNUAL ONTARIO GOLF COURSE MAN Sheraton Centr Tor nto Tuesday January 6th, 2004 PRE-CONFERENCE SEMINAR Topic: New Insights on Disease Management Presenter: Dr. Lee Burpee, University of Georgia Time: 9 am until 4 pm coffee breaks at 8:00,10:30 and 2:30 and lunch at 12 noon Registration: 8 am until 1:00 p.m. Wednesday January 7th. 2004 8:00 Registration Opens 9:15 Coffee available in registration area 9:45 Opening Ceremonies, Mr. Robert Ackermann 10:00 Keynote Speaker: Mr. Mark Hebscher “A Behind the Scenes Look at Sports” 11:00 “What’s New in Poa Control” Dr. Nick Christians, Iowa State University 11:00 TRADE SHOW OPENS 11:45 “Giving Your New Green an Old Green Look” Mr. Steve Tschanz, Rosedale Golf Club 12:00 Lunch in Trade Show (until 2:00) 1:00 MECHANIC’S SEMINAR, Dave Ellis, National Technical Manager Stihl Canada Seminar split into two days. For details and topics go to www.getao.org 1:30 “Primo Maxx - 2 Years Later” Ms Marie Thorne, Syngenta 2:00 “IPM Accreditation Update & Exam Prep. Course” Mr. Jeff Stauffer 8c Mr. Ken Pavely 3:00 Coffee Break 3:00 Registration Closes 3:00 IPM Exam (2 hours) YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER WITH RIDGETOWN COLLEGE 3:15 “The Role of TSSA in Fuel Storage” Mr. Mike Scarland, TSSA 3:45 “Factors Influencing Consistent Green Speeds” Dr. James Baird, USGA Agronomist 4:15 “OGSA Research Project Update” Dr. Julie Dionne, RCGA Green Section 4:30 Talks Conclude 4:30 TRADE SHOW SOCIAL 5:30 TRADE SHOW CLOSES 7:00 PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION presen ed by OGSA in the Club Lounge - top floor Thursday January 8th, 2004 8:00 Registration Opens 8:00 OGSA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING with Full Breakfast - Grand Ballroom West Election of Directors. This is your chance to voice your opinion, and ask questions. 8:45 Continental Breakfast in Trade Show Area 9:00 TRADE SHOW OPENS 10:00 “Making Cents of Dollar $pot” Dr. Brenda Naylor, Engage Agro 10:30 “Aerification and Green Speeds” Mr. John Zimmers, Oakmont Country Club 11:15 “Asian Long Horned Beetle” Richard Ubbens, City of Toronto, Forestry Department 11:40 “Inside the Ropes at the 2003 US Open” Mr. David DeCorso, Victoria Park Golf Club 12:00 Lunch in Trade Show available until 2:00 pm 1:00 MECHANIC’S SEMINAR, Dave Ellis, National Technical Manager Stihl Canada Seminar split into two days. For details and list of topics go to www.getao.org 1:00 HORTICULTURE PROGRAM, Daisy Moore, Session Chair; Charles Kinsley, Ontario Native Plant; Dan Krause, Nature Conservancy of Canada; Denis Eveleigh, Royal Botanical Gardens, and other horticulturalist and gardeners. Topics include: plant combinations, woodland gardens & transitional areas, the ecology of golf courses, the beauty of biodiversity, gardening on the golf course, including a panel discussion “Garden design on the golf course” 1:00 Registration Closes 1:30 “Winter Injury - How To Avoid It, and What To Do When It Cannot Be Avoided.” Dr. James Baird, USGA Agronomist 2:00 “Innovations in Bunker Restoration” Mr. John Gall, St. George’s Golf Club 2:30 “How Much are You Really Watering?” Mr. Tim Fredericks, Turf Care Products 2:45 “New Tools for Managing Turfgrass Diseases” Mr. Darcy Olds, Bayer Environmental Science 3:00 Coffee Break 3:00 TRADE SHOW CLOSES 3:15 “Bunker Drainage - Don’t Get Trapped” John Kelly & Steve Ami, Kelly Ami Inc. 3:45 “Creating the Georgian Bay Club” Mr. Bert McFadden, Georgian Bay Club and Mr. Jason Straka, Golf Course Architect, Hurzdan & Associates 4:15 “Moss Control” Corrie Almack, Almack Agronomic Services Inc. 4:30 “Do You Comply? Regulations You Should Know” Mark Scenna, Environmental Investigations Ltd. 4:45 Talks Conclude. Whats New Georgian Bay Golf Superintendents Association Hydro Agri Canada, manufacturers of Nutrite plant nutrition products, is pleased to announce the following The GBGSA has a long history of supporting various Turf appointments at their Ontario head office: Research Groups in Ontario. The Executive announced a Ken McLeod, Sales and Marketing Manager new program for 2003 to enhance the learning opportunities Paul Lefebvre, Vice President, Product and Marketing for members of our profession. We offered a $1,000.00 Development scholarship to a student working towards a career in Turfgrass For full details contact Ken McLeod at 519-669-5401 and ask Management. To qualify for this scholarship, the student for a copy of their recent press release. must meet the following criteria: The applicant must work for a golf club that is a member of Turfgrass Courses at Cornell University the GBGSA. The applicant must be enrolled in a recognized Turf Cornell Turfgrass Management Short Course Management Program within Canada or United States January 12-16, 2004 in Ithaca Written submission of outlining career goals, work experience and current supervisors. An Organic Approach to Turfgrass Management The GBGSA Executive and Members are very proud to January 20, 21 and 27, 28, 2004, in Western New York announce the recipient of the 2003 GBGSA Turfgrass 4 days at Genesee Community College Scholarship Program. Virginia is presently enrolled in the Golf Course Technician For full details visit: Program at Seneca College and graduates in 2004. She has www.hort.comell.edu/instruction/shortcourse2004.htm been employed with the Mad River Golf Club since 1990 For more information, contact Joann Gruttadaurio under the supervision of Ray Richards and Chad Vibert. At 607-255-1792 orjgl7@comell.edu Congratulations to Virginia Kinney! Oops Our apologies for two errors which appeared in the October issue of Green is Beautiful The caption under the cover photo on pg. 2 should have read, “tended by Rodger Tschanz & his crew”, and not Robert Tschanz. On page 12, Peter A. White is listed as the Assistant Superintendent at Nottawasaga Golf Course. Peter is the Superintendent, not the Assistant. Jeff Alexander congratulating Virginia OGSA MEMBERSHIP DUES LOOKING TO HIRE? There will be a JOB BOARD at the Please ensure that your membership 2004 Golf Course Conference and dues have been paid. If you are not Trade Show. Be sure to bring your sure, call the office for confirmation. advertisement to be posted. They were due October 31st, 2003! "The Leap" photo by Tim Steen, Superintendent, Victoria Park Golf Club West. 154 Upper Centennial Parkway (HWY 20) Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada L8J 2T7 The Solution That Gains Ground Fertilec serves Ontario in 24-48 hours. Telephone 905-662-2663 • Fax 905-662-2253 Visit our website with links to the industry: www.fertilec.com CAN-USA1-800-263-8606 Colleen Mitchel Fertilec office: Express Dual & AngleMaster Ontario sales representative Phone.: l-(888) 831-1085 Reel Mower Cell Phone.: 1-(613) 850-3732 Fax.: 1-(888) 836-1915 Sharpeners E-mail: colleenm@sprint.ca E-mail: gosselin@fertilec.com Nu-Gro Corporation Brian Rosenberg Everett Nieuwkoop Technical Sales Representative Phone: (519) 875-4094 890 Fairground Rd. Fax: (519) 875-4095 Cell: (519) 574-2013 R.R. #4, Langton, Ontario Cell: (519) 688-4397 Fax: (519) 743-6849 Canada NOE 1G0 e-mail: nieuwkoop@lon.imag.net brosenberg@nu-gro.ca Let's all say the F-Word: FIRED! by Peter L. McCormick, TurfNet You have heard the old saying, fault of their own — or at least, no golf course superintendents, five will “There are superintendents who have blatant miscue, screw-up or failing. lose their jobs this year. The actual lost grass — and those who will.” It’s refreshing and healthy to see number may be slightly more or less, Given the direction our industry has this topic, long discussed only in but 5% is reasonably close. taken in recent years, a new version of whispered, closed door, backroom Admittedly, that’s not exactly cause that maxim might read, “There are conversations, brought out of the for panic. But it also means that, at superintendents who have been fired — closet and onto the table. We will take least statistically, everyone will have and those who will”. With the a look at the “job killers”, the warning their turn once every 20 years. If accelerating demands for perfection signs, the emotional trauma, financial you’re one of the few who survive an on the golf course — and the lengths considerations, and then picking up entire career as a superintendent, the industry will go to achieve them — the pieces and moving on. statistically speaking you’ll be fired both adages will likely be truer in the This is not intended as a lesson on twice during your career. Of course, 21st Century than in the last. the mechanics of finding a new job. some superintendents may get fired Ironically, in many situations, a golf It’s meant to be a practical guide to twice or three times every 20 years and course superintendent getting fired avoiding the situation in the first others won’t at all. But it never hurts has little or nothing to do with losing place, and once it happens, getting to be aware, be on guard, be grass — although it rarely happens through the process with your soul prepared, and have Plan B in mind at without some underlying reason. intact. all times. There is no doubt we have created a This trend is certainly not unique to monster of spiraling expectation, The scope of the problem... the golf course industry, for we are just where superintendents lose their jobs For a historical perspective, where a microcosm of society at large. Due in and families get uprooted over did the term being fired come from, part to email, FedEx, next-day-this or thousandths of an inch in height of anyway? According to Paul Hawken second-day-that, our society today cut, inches of ball roll or minor (founder of the Smith & Hawken demands instant and immediate imperfections of color. Playing garden store chain) in his book gratification. We want it now, with no conditions peaked for tournaments Growing Your Business, when a group or excuses. “Don’t tell me about the only several years ago are now village back in medieval times wanted labour pains, show me the baby!" Our demanded on a daily basis. We are to ostracize a member, the golfing clientele is no exception. It’s testing the limits of Mother Nature — townspeople went to the offender’s all about “What have you done for me a concept of which many golfers have lately?” no understanding — and “She” Compounding the fragility of job usually wins. If you're one of the few who tenure is the rate of change in our Who am I to address this subject? I survive an entire career as a society, which has accelerated to warp have never been a superintendent. I speed. Companies are acquired, superintendent, statistically am not a PhD psychologist or career others merge or go out of business. counselor; hardly a financial advisor, speaking you'll be fired Here today, gone tomorrow. and certainly not a priest. I am, twice during your career. Technology improves, obsolescence however, a two-time survivor of the follows. Demographics shift. Planes experience who took advantage of fly into buildings. Stuff happens. both events to redirect my life toward home and burned it to the ground, As a result, career positions are something better. In the years since, I along with all and everything inside. becoming a dying breed, across all have spent many, many moments of Relations were severed by firing. industries. Just ask any pro football reflection and retrospection on those Thankfully we are not quite so coach, ex-Enron employee, or any of defining moments and the situations barbaric any more. the 25- or 30-year veteran leading up to them. From the chair in Even though this situation has superintendents who have been which I have been sitting for the past become alarmingly visible in recent terminated within the last year. Age nine years as commander-in-chief and years due to the speed and reach of and experience have become maestro of TurfNet, I have seen way the internet, the actual numbers are liabilities. Youth, energy and a lower too many good superintendents, good fairly small. For lack of any real price tag are attractive. And there is people, good friends of mine lose statistics, let’s use 5% as a round another new crop of young graduates their jobs, many times through no figure. That means in a room of 100 every year who would love to have your job for half your going rate. the right people informed (parti­ 7-Year Itch. My father-in-law got up and went to cularly when problems arise) as to • Invisibility. Don’t hide in your office work in the same factory building reasons, cost and timelines for or eat lunch in your truck. When in every day for 45 years before retiring recovery. Without it, they have no idea the office, use the computer as a tool about 15 years ago. Today, the of the methodology behind your rather than as entertainment. Work company he worked for no longer exists. madness, especially as it affects the first tee like a politician on a Unlike our parents’ generation, which playability, appearance or budget. stump, particularly on weekend could often count on a career-long mornings. Don’t fall into the trap of tenure with one company, some say it • “The Next Level”. Whatever that is, disappearing when stressed or when is foolish for us today to plan past the a lot of clubs want it and are eager to things aren’t going right. It’s easy to next five years in any job, in any replace their superintendent in search do. industry. Others say you can’t of it. • In-season special projects. To call realistically look beyond the next two •The crossfire of club politics. We’ve maximum attention to yourself, it’s or three years. all heard the saying that being a golf hard to beat a flagrant mistake. Limit One of our TurfNet members (and course superintendent is “90% your focus during peak season to a good friend of mine) received his politics and 10% agronomy”. routine maintenance. Do what you’re walking papers recently after 25 years Communication, public relations and paid to do: produce great golfing at his club. Located in the greater many other factors (including “don’t conditions. This greatly reduces the NYC area, the club had turned over burn bridges” and “don’t piss off that opportunity for highly visible, costly about one-third of the membership jerk who may someday become club mistakes or disruptions, while you give due to the economic slump after president”) are intertwined here. On full attention to getting your turf 9/11. All of a sudden, when greeting the other hand, it’s easy to blame club through the season intact. golfers around the first tee, he politics when other shortcomings are • Employee mismanagement or abuse. realized that he no longer knew many really at the root of the matter. Many a superintendent has been of them. Obviously, the new members • “My” golf course. Fellas, if you shown the door with a knife in his had no emotional attachment to him, don’t own it, it ain’t yours. Period. back, often wielded by a disgruntled either. Things beyond our control Usually, there is a higher power to employee. Mixed-gender crews open can and do change, often very quickly. answer to and nine times out of ten, up further opportunities for abuse. Adding fuel to the fire is the they have the last laugh. Be careful, and be aware. That escalation of salaries among • Blinders, tunnel vision. Not seeing occasional “liaison” with the club superintendents in recent years, the forest for the trees. Focusing on president’s wife isn’t a good career particularly in the major metropolitan the triple-cut while the water coolers move, either. areas. While that is undeniably a remain empty, or planting killer • Mismanagement of resources, positive trend, unfortunately, as the annuals around the tee box while including borrowing or lending club stakes get higher, the fuse of owners, ignoring the broken ball washer property, or worse. Those side green committees and others in the nearby. Many a new hire has come landscape or seed jobs have also club hierarchy tends to get shorter — into a golf course, taken care of the brought more than one and requires less to light it. simple, little things and looked like a superintendent down. hero — while the ex-superintendent • Alcohol and drug abuse. As The Job Killers who neglected them walks down the upstanding as we like to think our I did a casual survey on TurfNet.com road, hanging his head like a dog. industry is, we are not Superman. to compile a list of “Job Killers” that • Complacency and boredom. Golf course superintendents have have been known to hasten the Boredom arises from routine. Keep pressures and work long hours like superintendent’s exit out the door. motivated by setting new goals, many others do. Some handle it Let’s take a look at a few... integrating new technologies, tackling better than others. • Poor communication is a death new projects. Hire a stable of young • Bad attitude. A catch-all, perhaps, knell. Good communication is people to learn from and keep you on but many great grass growers with a regular and ongoing: upward to club your toes. Change or improve stubborn, “my way is the only way” management, downward to your staff, something in the maintenance facility attitude have found themselves on the and outward to your members or every year to avoid stagnation, even if outside looking in, while less talented golfing public. Avoid surprises. Keep it’s just a coat of paint. Be aware of the superintendents with a cooperative, Let's all say the F-Word: FIRED! continued... go-get-’em attitude continue to survive leaving early, those are pretty good your skills to the point of making the cut. indicators that you have lost the fire in them marketable. Become an expert • Conflicts with other departments. the belly. If you find yourself making in something, as a potential alternate This can often be combined with the decisions on your own and career path at some point in the “own agenda” and “bad attitude” job circumventing proper channels of future. killers. Avoiding this situation in authority, you might soon discover Perhaps the most critical proactive many cases boils down to choosing those meetings being held without element in career security is which battles you need to fight, and you. establishing a network. Involve when you can give ground to When I look back at my own yourself and stay active in the industry. accommodate others. Consider the situations, virtually all of the above Meet as many people as you can, full scope of the potential warning signs were there. But a great across all disciplines, including golf consequences when deciding whether deal of retrospection has led me to course architects, irrigation designers, or not to dig in your heels. one conclusion: it was me, more than and builders. Stay on good terms with Of course, there are agronomic job anything else. In both instances I was everyone, including club members. killers as well, including repeated turf ready for a change, ready to move on, These are key to establishing and loss, bad chemical applications, poor ready for the next challenge — and maintaining your network, which has housekeeping, and the “greener grass that affected relationships enough to rescued many an unemployed down the street” syndrome. get me fired, both times. The fire in superintendent from the bread line. The warning signs... my belly had gone out — and I knew Warning signs are everywhere, but it, but didn’t act on it. Prepare yourself financially often come to light only with the You can't predict. You can The emotional trauma of losing your benefit of hindsight. When the only prepare. job is bad enough without having to communication stops — on anyone’s Proactively managing your career is worry about how you’re going to feed part, in either direction — beware. the best way to avoid sudden job loss. your family. As with skill development That’s usually a foreshadowing of an That involves periodically assessing and network building, this must be unpleasant event. If meetings are both your enthusiasm for your job and started early and continued on an held without you, chances are your your standing among those around ongoing basis. At particular risk are input isn’t valued very much — or you. Know when you need to make a those who live in club housing and/or they are planning your exit strategy change in advance of others making it drive club vehicles. You think it’s bad for you. When decisions are made for you. Many superintendents have to lose your job? How about losing without your input, particularly as stayed one step ahead of the sheriff your home and transportation as well? they affect your areas of direct throughout their careers simply by If you have housing provided as part responsibility, start packing your stuff. keeping their ears to the ground and of your compensation package, find a If the time for scheduled pay raises or taking their internal temperature on a way to buy a vacation home or rental bonuses comes and goes with no regular basis. property to build equity and as a explanation, update your resume. If There’s another old saying: “The hedge against becoming homeless. they bring in a consultant (other than best time to find a newjob is when you Homeless? You bet. How’s that for a a scheduled USGA visit), more often don’t need one.” You can make your reality check? than not you’re screwed. own choices, on your own terms. All it One of our TurfNet members told On your part, if you find yourself takes is the savvy to realize the need me one day, “If I were to lose my job, not wanting to get out of bed in the and the guts to pull the plug and all we would have is a U-Haul behind morning, or getting to work late or move on. my wife’s minivan.” That’s a pretty In today’s climate, establishing a sobering thought. So he took it upon If you find yourself not safety net or fine-tuning a Plan B himself to build a vacation home for wanting to get out of bed in should be constant and ongoing. Golf his family’s use during the summer, the morning, or getting to course superintendents have a wide and to build financial security over the work late or leaving early, range of skills, from permitting and years. The majority of the net worth those are pretty good indicators that you have lost environmental compliance to of most people today has likely come the fire in the belly. plumbing, electrical, mechanical, from appreciation of real estate more surveying, and earth moving. Hone than anything else. Don’t be left out. Beyond owning a home, it’s critical Regardless of how it happens, losing a “jobless” guy approaching. Be to put some money aside — although your job can be emotionally certain he feels weirder than you do, very difficult to do. The more we devastating, to both you and your just being there. Say hey, look him in make, the more we tend to spend. family. Why? Because our society the eye, offer a word of Money in the bank is the best cushion defines us as individuals more by what encouragement, and ask how the for a soft landing. Three months’ we do in life than by who we are. When search is going. Show that you care. take-home pay in the bank is a good someone meets us for the first time, He will appreciate that, and goal, but six would be better. If you one of the first identifiers they seek remember. are living paycheck to paycheck with out is what we do for a living, not that If you should lose your job, be nothing saved, re-assess your lifestyle we like to play the guitar or cook or prepared to become the scapegoat and make some changes. coach a soccer team. When we lose among your former co-workers. You Another TurfNet member, a very our job, we lose a core component of will be blamed for all that ails the golf conservative person to start with, our persona. We are viewed by many course. Don’t let it bother you. It’s an mentioned to me that he’s not afraid — often including ourselves — as no unfortunate part of human nature. of losing his job. Why? “Because I longer whole. While you’re looking for your next spend a lot less than I make, and What should you expect when you job, be aware of the symptoms of there’s plenty there to tide me over. I suddenly find yourself unemployed? clinical depression, a treatable would just get another job or find Expect your relationships to change, physical illness sometimes triggered something else to do” How many of us or at least your casual ones. Your real by an event like job loss. Running at can say that? friends will stand by and support you, full tilt for years and then hitting the When planning for the future, keep but your fair weather friends will likely wall can screw up your internal in mind that, just like professional duck you like the plague. I call this the chemistry. Symptoms of depression athletes, it’s very likely you won’t wind “Leprosy Syndrome”. People feel an can include feelings of sadness, guilt, up your career in this industry at peak awkwardness talking to you or even or hopelessness; irritability; fatigue or income. being around you. They don’t know restlessness; loss of interest in favorite what to say, so they just avoid you. activities; irregular sleeping habits, or OK, so you get the news. There is a lesson there for all of us. changes in weight or appetite. If you What now? I have been guilty in the past of find yourself experiencing more than Right out of the gate, get your avoiding acquaintances who were out several of these symptoms, swallow financial house in order. Negotiate of work, or who might have gotten a your pride and see your doctor. It’s proper severance — something you bad diagnosis, due to that same not a sign of weakness. and your employer will likely disagree awkwardness. Don’t fall into that trap Your job loss can be even more on, but a week or two per year of when it happens to a friend or difficult for your family than yourself, service is pretty standard. Obviously, neighbor or the superintendent down because they might not understand all this is best done in advance. the street. Call him or send him an that led up to it like you do. All they If you don’t get another job by the email to see how he’s doing. Stop by, know is that now you’re at home, and time your severance runs out, swallow stick out your hand, offer a smile and the paychecks will soon stop. I had a friendly word. “How are you doing?” barely walked in the door after your pride and apply for unemployment benefits (another is all that’s necessary. receiving the news the last time when reality check). Remember the bar one of my daughters, who was eight at scene from the original Star Wars, with What should you expect the time, asked me, “Daddy, are we all those mutants and cretins hanging when you suddenly find going to be poor now?” That was almost rock bottom for me — but I’ll around? That’s what the yourself unemployed? unemployment line is like. Believe get back to that in a moment. Expect your relationships to me, it’s a humbling experience. Looking at the brighter side, this change, or at least your situation can be a good opportunity Hunker down and put the brakes casual ones... for you to be a role model for your on all discretionary spending. It’s amazing how much money you can kids, depending upon their ages. One NOT spend when you put your mind Taking that a step further, while of my greatest satisfactions was to to it. Talk to your creditors if need be. walking the aisles at the trade shows, involve my family in the starting of a Somehow you’ll get through it. don’t look the other way when you see new business, and have them watch Let's all say the F-Word: FIRED! continued... me rise above the fear and the doubt simply because they could never take school was two miles from home. So to grow a successful business from that step out of the comfort zone. what did I do? I got out an old bicycle little more than an idea. Well, guess what? Once you have lost from the garage, pumped up the tires, your job, you’re out of it. There’s no and started pedaling. After dropping Get comfortable with it... more standing at the end of the diving off my daughter’s lunch, I started for The sooner you get comfortable with board trying to gather the courage to home, into the wind this time. As I your new status, the faster you will be jump in. You’re in, and in deep water. pedaled furiously, the tears streamed able to move on. I entitled this article If this is the case, take advantage of down my face — partly due to the cold “Let’s all say the F-Word” not to be a the opportunity. Go back to school, wind, but mosdy due to sheer, utter smart-ass, but for a specific reason. start a business, teach... if the spirit rage at the situation I was in. That was Just like the first step in dealing with moves you. Of course, these are much rock bottom for me. I decided right alcoholism, we have to accept it, come easier if you have planned ahead, and then that I was going to be the captain to grips with it, embrace it — before have some money in the bank to fall of my own destiny, the master of my we can move on with the rest of our back on. own fate, during the next stage of my lives. We need to say it out loud. “I life. GOT FIRED!” Then say it again. You Take advantage of the As you clear your head and focus opportunity. Go back to are not the first, and you are not your vision, look forward and don’t school, start a business, alone. There is no reason for shame. teach... if the spirit moves dwell on the past. You can’t change Hold your head high. And don’t hide you. Of course, these are what happened, but you can learn behind the false cloak of much easier if you have from it. Things often happen for a “resignation”, “early retirement”, or planned ahead, and have reason that is not always clear at the “pursuing other interests”. That’s BS, some money in the bank to time. and everyone knows it. fall back on. My grandmother used to say that Talk about it. Talk to anyone who things work out for the best in the will listen, until you get it out of your You may simply reaffirm in your end. She was right, at least in my system. Or write about it in a journal, mind that you want to be the best golf experience. I have become a firm if only for your own eyes. Both are course superintendent you can believer that good ultimately prevails therapeutic. That’s another critical possibly be. If so, great! Go at it with over bad, and that every event in our step in moving forward. Writing this is renewed vigor and energy. lives is part of a bigger plan. The therapeutic for me, almost ten years universe unfolds as it should. Be later. Hitting rock bottom tough, stand tall, move on with your Give yourself quiet time to think. It’s often valuable — albeit unpleasant life. One door closes, and another will That’s a luxury our lifestyles don’t — to realize when you have hit rock open — but sometimes we have to allow us enough of. Turn off the TV, bottom, because from that point there twist the knob ourselves. the car radio, your cell phone. Get is only one way to go. My own brush away. Take a walk, or a short vacation with the bottom went like this... Reprinted from the December, 2002 if your finances allow. You’ll look back I was fired two days after Christmas, issue of TurfNet Monthly, with in with a clearer mind, and be better and my company vehicle went with it. permission of Turnstile Publishing able to assess the big picture. Soon after the New Year, my kids were Company. An examination of your strengths in school and my wife was teaching Peter L. McCormick is the founder, and weaknesses can provide insight part time. I was home alone with the editor, webmaster and maestro of into which direction to take. You dog. About 10:00 that morning, I TurfNet, the print and web-based need not always follow the same path, opened the refrigerator and saw my information service for golf course particularly if the fun had stopped. older daughter’s lunch bag sitting superintendents. Everyone is not cut out of there. “Oh, I’ll just take it over to superintendent cloth. Don’t let tunnel school,” I thought. Uhh, no TurfNet is pleased to offer a discount vision blind you to new (and perhaps transportation. I suppose I could have to Canadian superintendents to help different) opportunities. What do you asked my neighbor to borrow her car, compensate for the exchange rate. REALLY want to do? but no, I wasn’t going to do that. I was Call Peter McCormick at 1-800-314- Many people go through their too proud. 7929 or email maestro@turfnet.com entire lives with closet dreams and Walking wasn’t really practical since for details. ambitions that they never realize, it was about 15°F outside and the 800S Series. Reliability. Durability. Performance. TURF CARE The 800S Series works every time, with smooth rotation for extended drive life and more than double the lightning protection to keep your system working. 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The bedknife can be removed and re-installed in minutes, compared to up to an hour with conventional screws — particularly if they are corroded adding up to man-weeks of labor savings over the course of a year. The New Mag-Knife bedbar after installation of The magnets provide uniform force across the rare earth magnets which hold the bedknife bedknife, eliminating the dips and waves caused in precise position with uniform pressure. by inconsistent screw torque. Eliminating the screw holes also results in less distortion during manufacture of the bedknife. All this adds up to a truer edge with less grinding required. Plus, we will now be able to go to ultra-thin bedknives if desired. The magnets are nickel plated to eliminate corrosion from moisture or fertilizer salts. The magnetic field is dispersed along the length of the bedknife, so metallic particles (or even nuts and bolts) aren't attracted to the bedknife once installed on a cutting unit. Although a powerful attraction, the magnetic force can actually release the bedknife for a split second to allow foreign objects to pass through the reel helix rather than damage the reel and/or bedknife yet it will not dislodge during golf course operations. The Mag-Knife will retrofit to all current Jacobsen reel mowers, and will be available as a kit with the new-style bedbar, magnets, bedknife and a pair of BIRTs. It is suggested that an additional kit be ordered for use with the bedknife grinder. Kits for the 5" reels will be available after January 1, 2004. Introduction of the Mag-Knife will also kick off a new generation of video training tools geared toward equipment technicians. All Mag-Knife kits will include a video CD that takes the technician through the bedknife installation and removal process in a step-by-step fashion. A video technician training CD will ultimately be included with all Jacobsen products. 1184 Plains Road East, Burlington, ON L7S 1W6 Burlington Area (905) 637-5216 Toronto Area (905) 338-2404 Fax: (905) 637-2009 Toll Free (800) 883-0761 Visit our website: www.gcduke.com Off the fairway rFont yard plots of land that separate houses form of expression. gardens are hot and row houses from the sidewalk. The challenge for the gardener is these days - most They are usually about 15 feet wide to choose plants for both the short of my garden and 20 feet deep. There is a well- and the long term. Combining design efforts trodden path to the front door. plants that are showy right away with over the past There are usually tree roots or those with some staying power that by Daisy Moore gardening season dreadful slopes to deal with and will ultimately form a self-sustaining were centred on watering is always a problem. plant community. This is where building front yard gardens for Generally, my clients want their native plants come in. They are the people. People like to make sure that garden to be a single view they can ones that will go the distance and the approach to their homes is look at again and again, like a picture make the garden both survive and attractive, interesting and inviting. with perhaps a changing medley of thrive. In the golf business, the clubhouse colour over the seasons. Oh yes, and When first planting a garden it is entrance could be considered the by the way, they don’t want to do any important to realize that the fully front yard garden of the golf course. maintenance. These gardens tend to developed garden is about three It is here that you have the be more about shapes and textures years down the line. Plants take that opportunity to make a statement than about plants, at least in the long to become established in their about the kind of experience you will short term. environment. The better suited the be delivering to the golfer. The In the past, front gardens were environment or garden situation is to gardens can demonstrate the extra designed to decorate the front the plants’ natural or native habitat, effort you have been willing to take to entrance by planting (usually) dwarf the faster the stable or self-sustaining create a positive feeling and image. evergreen and deciduous shrubs garden will be established. At the Why is so much attention now along the foundation (this is where completion of a garden design and being paid to front gardens? We can the term foundation planting comes installation, I tend to do a lot of blame a bit of it on Martha and a bit from) to frame the house and painting in the mind’s eye when I on the trend towards low disguise the concrete. In my own describe to my clients how the plant maintenance gardening and case, I released the plants from the community will evolve over the next alternatives to lawns. confines of the foundation and few seasons and what each plant will Martha helped out by planted my front garden so that it do and look like when it reaches its demonstrating the endless and looked good from the porch looking potential. In the meantime, hard fabulous things you can do to your out as well as from the sidewalk landscaping features such as stone or front yard with your resources and looking in. I converted the space benches or a Martha inspired your (spare) time. People now view from a patch of infrequently mown whatever, will provide the short term their front garden as an extension of miscellaneous green matter to a interest. their home, and home décor plant community which provides As you think about next season, magazines now run features on front screening, beauty, herbs for cooking, think about your clubhouse yards. But the movement toward low flowers for cutting, and all sorts of entrance. What can you do to get maintenance lawn alternatives has plants with smells and stories. All of maximum benefit from your “front really changed the way we look at our these features were important to me, yard” for your golfers, and be lower- gardens. so I included them. Your front maintenance at the same time. I have become remarkably fond of garden can be whatever you want it to working within the constraints of the be. More and more people are Visit my website at urban front garden. The gardens I turning to this type of front garden. www.daisymoore.com . mean are the smallish square-ish It’s an alternative to a lawn and it is a On the road again by Angelo Capannelli Hutcheson Sand and Mixes One of the many perks or privileges in our industry is to working superintendents who take tremendous pride in play golf. We get invitations to play golf from our looking after their golf courses. colleagues and we play golf when we attend meetings With the sun still high in the sky and the temperature through the many associations that we belong to. A recent hovering around 16 degrees Celsius we decided to golf game took me to the Royal Montreal Golf Club, in Ile continue to the Lake Placid Golf Resort, about 15 miles Bizard, Quebec. On October 8th, 2003 the Royal away, for a little more professional development. Jim Montreal Golf Club hosted the 19^ annual QTRF Girard, of Green Management, decided that we should fundraising tournament. It was an opportunity for me to play the lower course of this 45 hole resort because, as he play, what is considered, one of Canada’s finest golf quoted. “It has a lot of character and it was designed in courses and certainly one of North America’s oldest golf 1895 by Seymour Dunn”. Seymour Dunn, who was born clubs. Host Superintendent, Blake McMaster, and his staff in Scotland, became a prominent man in this area. He had the golf course looking great and the blue course, became the golf director at the Lake Placid Club in 1908 which we played, certainly held up to it’s billing of being a and spent the next 21 years teaching the fashionable and great test of golf. The golf course has hosted a few wealthy members of the club, the art of golf. He also Canadian Open championships and it is being considered forged his name on many golf clubs that were made at that to be the front-runner in hosting the Presidents Cup in time, as it was the responsibility of the golf pro to make 2005. Hats off to Rick Brown, superintendent of Mt. clubs for the members also. What a fabulous day that was! Bruno Golf Course and chairman of the QTRF and to How do you follow up those 2 days with anything else? Patrick Moir, superintendent of Hillsdale Golf & CC for Well, you can’t and that is why I decided to quit while I was organizing a wonderful golf tournament for a worthy ahead. I managed to win some money and to play some cause. of the most scenic and well to do golf courses in the area. Being that I traveled to Montreal for an association golf Honourable mentions go out to Saranac Lake Golf Club game I thought I would take in a few more before and the superintendent, Tony Barnes, who we visited the returning to Toronto. My colleague, Mark Dufresne, of next day on the way back to Montreal. The Saranac Lake OJ. Company in Quebec, and a Past President of the Golf Club is a nine-hole golf course that charges the CGSA, made arrangements for us to attend the public $9.00 to play and is maintained on $4,000. Not Adirondack Golf Superintendents Association final bad, not bad at all!!!! Oh, by the way, Mark, your photo is meeting of the season. The Ausable Club, which is in a safe spot. situated in an Alp Like setting in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks, is a nine-hole golf course that has been * Some of the references and dates for this article have around since 1900. Absolutely breathtaking! We enjoyed come from the book Adirondack Golf Courses...Past and golf and a very informal meeting amongst some hard Present authored by J. Peter Martin. Simon George Professional Products Technical Sales Maple Turf Supply Business: (905) 857-2000 SUPPLIERS OF TOP QUALITY 8112 King Rd. W. Fax: (905) 857-8215 BENT, BLUE AND FESCUE P.O. Box 370 Mobile: (519) 841-3378 GRASSES WITHOUT NETTING Bolton, Ontario 1-800-268-4425 L7E 5T3 sg142@hotmail.com (416) 364-5700 TOLL FREE: 1-877-727-2100 www.zandersod.com Turf or consequences by Doug Breen, Superintendent GolfNorth There’s a jewelry store ad on TV that says I was supposed jewelry store looks to spend three months salary on the engagement ring for to them the way a my wife. I didn’t. Even in those lean years, when I was just Canadian Tire cutting my teeth in the business and three months salary store looks to me, but enough is enough. I don’t see any wasn’t enough to buy a decent looking cubic zirconia, I Canadian Tire ads making my wife feel guilty if she doesn’t knew I wasn’t giving her anything worth three months take out a second mortgage and buy me twenty grand salary unless it was big enough not to lose. worth of tools and fishing gear to show that she still loves My wife has lost, broken, or stored in a place where she me on my tenth anniversary. can no longer find it; everything anyone has ever given The same diamond company that’s pushing all this, her. She would lose the children, except that now that caused no end of political and social strife in South Africa they can walk on their own, they basically follow her and Zimbabwe at the turn of the century, and now they’re around in hopes of getting a Happy Meal at some point. trying to cause marital strife for all of us. She loses her keys every day. She forgets where she parked Why is everyone trying to sell me things I don’t need? her car once a week. Therefore, there was no way I was Why do greensmowers have drink holders? Is there a spending 25% of my yearly income on something she course somewhere that allows a happy hour among the would inevitably lose. Unless the ring came with a voice grounds crew? Once a month my wife goes to another activated alarm, or was big enough not to fall between the Pampered Chef party and comes home with a $50 spatula couch cushions, it wasn’t happening. to replace the one she lost after the last one. Somewhere My father was a dairy farmer. When he and my mother got in our house (or perhaps backyard as they make a nifty engaged, the romantic devil sold a manure pile and used garden tool) there are some six thousand dollars worth of the profits for the ring. Take that, jewelry marketing spatulas. conspiracy! He gave you three months of something. Imagine if golf sales people tried the same technique. I eventually stumbled on to the greatest of all “Show your assistant you’d hire him all over again by engagement ring scams.... the heirloom ring. giving him a new hole changer”. “If you truly loved your Fortunately, my grandmother had recently died. She left golf course, you’d give it that extra pound of potassium”. her rings to my mother who thought that perhaps “If you aren’t sure what you should spend on an aerator, grandma’s diamond ring would be an appropriately three months revenue is a good guideline.” symbolic “welcome to the family”. I thought that it was Don’t bother, I bought her the gas tank, guilt doesn’t appropriately priced. There was no estate quarrel for the sell. ring, as my two brothers both had manure piles of their own. Apparently my grandfather had a pretty good-sized one. The reason I bring this up, is that my tenth anniversary is this year. Quite an accomplishment considering none of my buddies ever thought she’d go out with me the second time. On TV, the ad says that I’m supposed to buy her a ‘diamond anniversary ring’. A bauble which is; naturally, supposed to be three months salary, and will inevitably end up in the gooseneck of the bathroom drain. I’ve been taking a lot of abuse from people at work (women at work really), that my wife is going to be really upset if she doesn’t get one. I keep telling them that what she really needs is a new gas tank for her car, but they don’t believe me. What’s more, she’s had that car for 15 years and I know exactly where it is. I’m convinced that this is just a big female/diamond merchant/jewelry store conspiracy, and I for one am speaking out against it. I realize that for most women, a Looking back 10 years ago today by Barry Endicott The 1993 Board of Directors of Greystone (F), Jeff Stauffer, Oshawa OGSA had their annual meeting at the OGSA were: David Gourlay (F), Ron Robinson, Cutten Club (F), the show and Bob Heron and Dan (pres.), Eagle Creek, Bruce Burger Ted Bishop, Rolling Meadows (A), Uzelac were honored as 25-year (vice.), Lakeview, Rhod Trainer Scott Gardner, Echo Valley (F), Kevin members. Paul Dermott and his (past), Hamilton, AlexLabelle (sec.), Bennett, Westminster (B), John Executive Committee were Carleton, John Taylor (tres.), Twenty Whitcombe, Rosedale (F), Michael congratulated on putting together an Valley, Doug Suter (newsletter O’Farrel, Rosedale (F), Tom excellent show and for raising over editor), Credit Valley, Simon George, Patterson, Eagle Ridge Tree Movers $50,000 for the GTI. Approved at the Oakville, Rick Serrao, Glendale, Ken (E), Jay Grant, Streetsville Glen (B), meeting was the creation of a new Nelson, Sutton Creek, Ian Bowen, Paul Lemieux, Kingsville (A), Garry classification for students (S). Oshawa, David Schemelefske, Merry Sutherland, National (F), John The Guelph Turfgrass Institute Hill and Mark Schneider, Owen Cherry, National (A), Tim Waghorn, Building was officially opened on Sound. Peel Village (B), Rob Gatto, Kings August 26, 1993. Dr. Clayton Switzer In Memoriam, Scott Richmond, of Forest (B), Barb Donahue, Hamilton was the master of ceremonies and the Hutcheson Sand and Mixes, passed Heights (F), Chris Beechey, Galt (F), building was named the G. M. Frost away on January 30th as a result of a James Flett, Muskoka Lakes (B), Research and Information Centre, snowmobiling accident. Also, John Colin White, Donalda Club (F). after Mac and Beth Frost, because of Mandarich, superintendent at The OGSA office was moved to the their major financial donation to the Carlisle Golf Course, passed away Guelph Turfgrass Institute at the building fund. Thom Charters was from cancer at the age of 31. University of Guelph. The RCGA, the president of the Ontario Turf On the move: Dennis Pellrene moved the USGA and the New York Audubon Research Foundation. from Scarboro Golf Club to Capilano Society formed a co-operative The President/Green Chairman/ Golf Club in Vancouver. Dennis’ program called the Co-operative Superintendent/Director event was assistant Keith Rasmus replaced him Sanctuary Program for golf courses. held at the Burlington Golf and at Scarboro Golf 8c Country Club. New products: Hutcheson Sand Country Club on July 13th, hosted by Scott Dodson moved to Park Country and Mixes introduced a product Pelino Scenna. The winning team Club of Buffalo and his assistant, called netlon that contains plastic was also Paul’s team from Burlington. John Cockerill took over at Summit. mesh, which claims to reduce The Pro Superintendent Tournament Warren Vout moved from Cedar Brae compaction and bare areas on heavy was held on September 7th at Blue Golf Course to Brampton Golf & traffic areas. The Toro Hydroject, Springs Golf Club, hosted by Ted Country Club and Bob Burrows from introduced by Turf Care a few years Ellis. Forty teams competed and the Cornwall to Highland Golf Club in earlier, was approved for using with winning team was from Weston, Montreal. wetting agents. Thom Charters and Herb New members: Ron Izynski, Huron The Ontario Turfgrass Symposium Holzcheiter (pro). Second was Oaks (B), Joseph Spotts, Mobile was held at the University of Guelph Warren Vout’s Cedarbrae team and Communication (E), Daniel Yake, on January 4^ to 6th with over 1,500 third was Robbie Robinson’s Hidden Pike Lake (F), Randy Hooper, people attending, Dr. James Beard Lake team. Beachgrove (B), Robert Calder, was the keynote speaker and Dr. Loyalist (F), Gregory McFarlane, Chris Hall gave us an update on the Bayview (S), Brad Harman, progress of the GTI building. The Continued on page 31 The Superintendent's Wife - Anonymous Reprint from Green is Beautiful 1993 olf Season. Those dreaded words. know how to do the job better than this fact is not as annoying during golf Let me tell you what golf season they do. They deal with these people season as it is at other times of the means to me. When your children say without losing their tempers (until year. The superintendent’s wife finds “When’s Dad going to be home?” and later). Superintendents must be herself wanting to let the air out of you say, “Maybe next Tuesday”, when public relations experts, accountants, the tires of the car that belongs to the your husband walks around with a teachers, salesmen and labourers. Green Chairman at the golf club and perpetual scowl on his face and you They must be computer experts, she also finds herself wanting to slap ask what’s wrong and he roars ditch diggers, supervisors and anyone who says the golf course is not “nothing!”, when you forget what trainers. They must know a pesticide in wonderful condition. The colour hair he has, when you wake up from a fungicide from a herbicide superintendent’s wife knows how one morning and for some reason he and answer all the questions flung at hard he works (even if she does is still home and you leap out of bed them from a hysterical public, who complain about it), she knows how screeching “What are you doing are sure that the above mean the end tired he is and she knows when to here?” of the world. They must know how to leave him alone and when to remind This is a very difficult time of year drive, dismantle and put together him it is her birthday. The for the men and women who are golf machinery with names like: superintendent’s wife knows that on course superintendents. This is the Cushman/Smithco sprayer with hose the one Saturday during the season time of year when you hear the reel and hydro pump, Meter-Matic her superintendent decides to sleep question, “What does he do in the Topdresser and KTM Brouwer 5- in, that she will threaten with death winter?” a thousand times and you gang, 8 blade fairway unit with 4 anyone who awakens him. I’m not find yourself wishing for winter so wheel Kubota hydro-static drive? saying that the superintendent’s wife that the purple circles under his eyes The superintendent’s wife on the is different from other wives, only that will go away and he will stop working other hand is the person who holds during the months of May, June, July, twelve hours a day, six days a week (he all this together. We are the people August and September she becomes works a half day on Sunday). When I who remind the golf course temporarily insane at the thought of decided to spend my life with a golf superintendent to come home. anyone second guessing, criticizing or course superintendent I thought, easy There are times during the summer censuring her superintendent. - you grow the grass and then you cut when for a whole week I think the Hey! I’ve got the answer to the it. Hah. Golf course superintendents only thing I say to my superintendent question of all questions! The next are a different breed, they are a little is, “Have you eaten?” During the golf time someone asks you what your bit like goalies in the NHL, and you season the superintendent’s wife, who superintendent does during the find yourself describing them as probably has her own career to look winter, you can say, ... “He makes up “normal” - for a golf course after, suddenly finds herself with twice for golf season.” superintendent. Superintendents as much to do to keep the household deal with many people every day who running smoothly. For some reason, "Yesterday is history, , tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, that's why it's called the present” Warmest Wishes to you amd your family for a joyous, festive, and safe holiday season May the spirit of this season remain in your hearts all year long! TURF CARE The Home of Golf isn’t the only home where Toro resides. 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 Toro mowers are used exclusively on St. Andrews Links, the world’s most famous tees and greens. The entire six-course complex is maintained by the Toro SitePro Central Control System - the most advanced irrigation system available. With over 88 years of experience, Toro is the most trusted supplier of turf equipment and irrigation systems to golf courses, parks and individual lawns around the world. Our commitment to providing innovative, high quality products and systems to help grow and maintain turf is legendary. We care about preserving the tradition of golf. We also care about providing the right solution to you. Make Toro the preferred name at your home today. www.turfcare.ca