February 2004 Green is Beautiful TheOfficial publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association 1st Annual Golf Course Management Conference & Trade Show Using Trinexapac-ethyl in Light of New IPM Guidelines Bunker Renovation at St. Georges Golf & Country Club - Phase II CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON N1H 6H8 at Hamilton Golf & Country Club Contents Green is 1st ANNUAL ONTARIO GOLFCOURSE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW ...................................................... 18 Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program...................................... 26 Bunker Renovation - St. George's Golf and Country Club........ 24 Cyber super ............................................................................................. 6 Editor's message ................................................................................... 4 Golf Courses are part of the solution ........................................... 14 Golf course highlight - Georgian Bay Club .................................. 17 Health & safety ..................................................................................... 5 Looking back............................................................................................ 3 5 Member profile ..................................................................................... 16 Nutrite/OSC seminar report ............................................................. 12 Off the fairway .................................................................................. 28 On the road again ............................................................................ 32 President's message ............................................................................ 3 Turf or consequences........................................................................... 34 Turfgrass management research at Guelph ................................ 5 Using trinexapac - ethyl in light of new IPM guidelines ....... 8 What's new ............................................................................................ 30 COVER PICTURE Advertisers Winter at Credit Valley Golf Club Photo by Jeff Stauffer Almack Agronomic Services Inc...................................................... 3 Bartlett Tree Experts............................................................................. 15 Bayer Environmental Science - Compass...................................... 9 Bayer Environmental Science - Rovral Green............................ 23 Braemar Building Systems............................................................... 11 Burnside Golf Services......................................................................... 15 DSC Agronomic Services..................................................................... 28 Engage Agro/Fairway Snake.............................................................. 31 Engage Agro/Senator 70 WP............................................................. 7 Fertilec Ltee/Ltd.................................................................................... 6 G.C. Duke Equipment Ltd................................................................... 7 Lebanon Turf............................................................................................ 27 Maple Turf Supply.............................................................................3, 28 Master's Turf Supply Ltd..................................................................... 6 Nu Gro Corporation......................................................................... 6, 31 Nutrite Turf.............................................................................................. 13 Ontario Seed Company...................................................................... 5 The P.E.S.T. Institute............................................................................ 15 Pumptronics Inc....................................................................................... 25 Radeff Architecture Ltd........................................................................ 15 OGSA is committed to Skyway Lawn Equipment Limited................................................. 6 serving its members, Syngenta/Banner MAXX...................................................................... 10 Syngenta/Heritage................................................................................. 29 advancing their profession, Syngenta/Primo MAXX.........................................................................33 and Turf Care Products Canada - Irrigation........................................ 11 enriching the quality Turf Care Products Canada................................................................. 36 of golf United Agri Products.............................................................................31 and its environment. Vanden Bussche Irrigation and Equipment Ltd............................ 32 Zander Sod Co. Limited..................................................................... 25 President's message I am grateful for the opportunity to address are set seem the membership of the OGSA as your new unattainable. president I promise to you that I will match Where do you turn the dedication and commitment to our when you hit the association demonstrated by those that have wall? You look held this position before me. inward. Commit ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS' My first order of business is to thank Mr. Jim yourself to breaking by Rob Ackermann ASSOCIATION Guelph Turfgrass Institute Flett, our past-past president Jim has over a down barriers and Weston Golf & 328 Victoria Road South great number of years made many significant working hard. Country Club Guelph, ON N1H6H8 contributions to the OGSA. Most significant is Success will come Ph: 519-767-3341 Toll Free: 877-824-6472 his establishment of our web-site. At a time your way. I share this story because I feel there Fax: 519-766-1704 when a web-site was just a “cool concept”, Jim is a valuable lesson in it that we can take to our Email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca pushed ahead and made it a reality. In a very golf courses and our lives at home. Setting and Website: www.golfsupers.on.ca short time the web-site has become the OGSA’s achieving goals is a proven recipe for success. BOARD OF DIRECTORS most valuable communications vehicle. Jim, Congratulations are certainly in order for all PRESIDENT Rob Ackermann the OGSA wishes you well in your future. those involved in the inaugural Ontario Golf PAST PRESIDENT Mark Piccolo Thanks for all the help. Course Management Conference and VICE-PRESIDENT Paul Scenna, ms I welcome to the 2004 Board, Mr. Rob Gatto, Tradeshow. I salute all suppliers, delegates, TREASURER Bob Burrows, cgcs Kings Forest Municipal Golf Course, Mr. Doug speakers, administrators, and organizers. SECRETARY Sean DeSilva DIRECTORS Jeff Alexander Breen, Golf North and Mr. Jarrod Barakett, Together we have established a template for Chris Andrejicka Deer Ridge Golf Club. These gentlemen are future success. For 2005, OGSA has partnered Jarrod Barakett joining a committed group of superintendents with CGSA to present the Canadian Randy Booker that will work hard on your behalf. International Turfgrass Conference and Doug Breen In my time on the OGSA Board, I have Tradeshow January 7^ - 11th at the Metro Rob Gatto witnessed first hand the power of setting and Toronto Convention Centre (North Building). Jeff Stauffer achieving goals. Whether the issues relate to We hope to see you there. OFFICE environmental stewardship, education, On behalf of the OGSA Board of Directors ADMINISTRATOR Dorothy Hills publications, member services, or even to golf and staff, I wish each of you a happy and Pat Thomas Deborah Badger tournaments, the OGSA is achieving success by prosperous New Year. Achieve your goals! setting goals. In many instances, the goals that “Green is Beautiful” is Printed on Recycled Paper Brett Murray Technical Sales GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Maple Turf Supply John Bladon, Editor 8112 King Rd. W. Business: (905) 857-2000 Dorothy Hills, Coordinating Manager P.O. Box 370 Fax: (905) 857-8215 Greig Barker Bolton, Ontario Mobile: (416) 580-8112 L7E 5T3 1-800-268-4425 Angelo Capannelli Jason Hanna Brian Haum Scott Horsburgh Mark Prieur Kevin Falls Bill Green Mark Schneider Scott Sleep Green is Beautiful 2003 Although every effort is made to check Corrie Almack P.Ag. material for publication, the association is not responsible for material published on behalf of its contributors. Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 All rights are reserved by the publisher Box 256, Carlisle, On Fax: (905) 689-8522 and any reproduction in whole or part LOR 1H0 Email: c.almack@sympatico.ca without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Editor's message by John Bladon Happy New Year all! 2004 was ushered in with the completion of the 1st Annual Golf Course Management Conference and Trade Show at the Welcome! Sheraton Centre in downtown Toronto. O.G.S.A. Welcomes By all accounts, the feedback on the our newest members event and facilities has been very positive PRECIPITATION IN ONTARIO Peter Asma Class C REGION Hautes Plaines Golf Club and the OGSA has done itself proud. A Measured at Pearson International summary of the events surrounding the Airport Robert Bell Class A Provided by Ministry of the conference are enclosed in this issue. Copper Creek Golf Club Environment Green is Beautiful is pleased to have a YEAR 2003 number of new members join the empty table cell Average Actual Paul Clarke Class D Editorial Advisory Committee. I would January Ash Brook Golf Club (rain) 24.9 mm 0.0 mm personally like to welcome Bill Green, January (snow) 31.1 cm 41.4 cm Mark Philip Durand Class C Greig Barker, Brian Haum, Jason Hanna (total) 52.2 mm January 35.4 mm Bluewater Golf Course and Scott Sleep, and I look forward to February feeding off the infusion of new energy to (rain) 22.3 mm 22.6 mm Matt Gauthier Class S the committee. To that end, we have February (snow) 22.1 cm 23.6 cm Hamilton Golf & CountryClub February (total) 42.6 mm 46.8 mm decided on a new regular feature called “Member Profile”, to become a mainstay March Norman B. Jenkins Class C (rain) 36.7 mm 27.8 mm Cherry Hill Golf Club in the magazine for 2004. We will be (snow) 19.2 cm March 24.0 cm featuring Superintendent and Associate (total) 57.1 mm March 50.0 mm Cory Kirwan Class B members alike throughout the upcoming Silver Brooke Golf Course April year. (rain) 62.4 mm 34.8 mm With the off-season in high gear, trade (snow) 5.7 cm April 15.2 cm Stuart McMillan Class C April (total) 68.4 mm 60.8 mm shows, conferences and professional Lively Golf Club development are priorities at the May (rain) 72.4 mm 152.8 mm Robert Oliver Class C moment. Educating ourselves on what is (snow) TR cm May 0.0 cm Brampton Golf Club new and upcoming is critical in keeping May (total) 72.5 mm 152.8 mm on top of what seems like a never-ending Derrick Powers Class A June list of changes relating to our functioning (rain) 74.2 mm 63.8 mm Rivermead Golf Club in this profession. Green is Beautiful is July Jason Pummell Class C pleased to present an article authored by (rain) 74.4 mm 66.2 mm Bayview Country Club Dr. Brenda Nailor on how growth August regulators fit into the IPM scheme, as well (rain) 79.6 mm 53.4 mm Ken Robertson Class F as Phase II of St. Georges Bunker Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club September Renovation, by Jason Hanna, and a (rain) 77.5 mm 114.2 mm feature on the Audubon Cooperative Howie Schnarr Class A Sanctuary Program at Hamilton Golf & October Chelmsford Golf Course (rain) 64.1 mm 51.0 mm Country Club, by Tracy Fowler. Dan Warrington Class C Again, Dorothy and I would welcome November (Rain) 62.0 m 135.2 mm Ladies' Golf Club of Toronto your feedback. If you know of a member (Snow) 7.6 cm November 6.4 cm who ought to be written about or may (Total) 69.3 mm November 141.2 mm Peter White Class A have an interesting project underway, Nottawasaga Inn Resort December please contact us. Green is Beautiful lives (Rain) 34.7 mm 45.0 mm December (Snow) 29.2 cm 19.6 cm Maxium Golf Leasing Class E and breathes because of your (Total) 60.9 mm December 61.6 mm Tim Trimper contributions. Turfgrass management research at Guelph Poa annua Ecotype Evaluation In the article “Poa annua Ecotype Ontario Turfgrass Research to the Guelph Turfgrass Institute, the Evaluation” in the December, 2003 Foundation, and the Natural University of Guelph, and the issue, the names of funding sources Sciences and Engineering Research management and staff from Victoria and collaborators were inadvertently Council of Canada. Collaborators West Golf and Country Club in omitted. Funding for the research include Dr. Julie Dionne, Dr. Tom Guelph who provided space on golf project was provided by the Canadian Hsiang and Dr. Ken Carey of the greens and in cold chambers for this Turfgrass Research Foundation, the University of Guelph. Special thanks project. Health & safety Bill C 45 - Amendments to the Criminal Code by DougJohnson, SAFETAID and Health and Safety Consulting First Aid and Safety Supplies and WHMIS Training Welcome to 2004! I trust that this “senior officers”. A corporation charged Offences Act. will be a fabulous year for all of us! with an offence cannot argue that the I hope this gives you a bit of an To get it started off right I believe that individuals occupying these positions understanding of a couple of aspects of it is important for everyone to be familiar actually had no real role in setting policy Bill C 45. with some new legislation that was passed or managing the organization and For further information, please contact in the fall of 2003. The Legislation is therefore were not senior officers. the Department of Justice, online at known as Bill C 45. This is an However, it has been found that the www.canada.justice.gc.ca or by telephone amendment to the CRIMINAL CODE of term “employee” was not broad enough at (613) 957-4222 or Doug Johnson at Canada. to capture all the individuals who may act doug@safetaid.ca or by telephone at Please take note of this information. It on behalf of an organization. Therefore (519)-837-0997 may make a difference as to how you view Bill C-45 uses “representative,” which is your responsibilities at work. I have not defined under the amendments to mean SAFETAID got enough space here to flesh out all of directors, partners, members, agents and Bill C 45 but I will try to give you some of contractors, as well as employees. Your 1st stop in safety! the critical highlights. The Bill refers to “a party to an The following information has been offence”, and Section 21 of the Criminal taken from the Government of Canada Code provides that a person is a party to Justice Department web site. an offence if the person actually commits Bill C 45 amends the Criminal Code of the offence or aids or abets another Canada by redefining some of the person to commit it. Section 22 of the definitions in the Criminal Code and Criminal Code makes a person who clarifying the positions of certain people counsels another person to commit an in an organization. For instance the offence also a party to that offence. “Directing Minds” of an organization Accordingly, the use of “a party to an have been more clearly defined. The offence” in Bill C-45 reflects both sections definition of “senior officer” includes of the Code, providing a broader For All Your everyone who has an important role in: definition that will apply to more Golf Course Needs! setting policy; or managing an important activities than only when an organization part of the organization’s activities. “commits an offence”. Turf seed, Pesticides, Nutrite Fertilizers How does this potentially affect you as and Bayco Golf Accessories The definition therefore focuses on the the Golf Course Superintendent? function of the individual, rather than on If a serious injury should happen at the P.O. Box 7, Waterloo, Ont. N2J 3Z6 any particular title. golf course in an area of your Tel: (519) 886-0557 Fax: (519) 886-0605 In addition, the new definition makes responsibility you or your workers could 1-800-465-5849 Email: seeds@oscseeds.com it clear that the directors, the chief potentially be held criminally liable. This Victor Freiberg Ken Graham executive officer and the chief financial is different than in the past when any Trevor Hunter A. Kent McDonald officer of a corporation are, by virtue of action that might have been taken would the position they hold, automatically have fallen solely under the Provincial David Schmelefske Cyber super It is amazing Journal). Articles from “How to buy Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP). what can be Seed” to “The role of Greens If you have become similar to Tom found by looking Committees” can be found here. One Hanks on Castaway and have been into old turf of my favourites was the story of Ray missing on a deserted island for the publications. I Ainsley, the man who scored a 19 on a past four years, there have been turf not only enjoy par-4 at the 1938 US Open at Cherry trials taking place across the continent. catching up on Hills in Denver. This can be found in These trials have produced a large all the turf the June 1949 issue. amount of data and results are slowly publications that With age comes poor picture quality, being released at www.ntep.org like by Mark Prieur, I did not have time most are black and white and are molasses in spring. This site has been Assistant Supt. to read, but I also difficult to make out. Even though the summarizing data on all sorts of Markland Wood CC like to read really articles are converted to PDF format variables such as grass species, soil type, aged publications. (the newer ones are html), the photos et cetera and rating the quality of the Michigan State manages a great site are poor. There was a historical article turf (on a scale of 1-9) in mass tables. named the Turfgrass Information of the first vertical mower in use Basically, NTEP determines which Center. The URL www.lib.msu.edu/ tgif (Winter 1949) which was a converted cultivars performed best in your area is where you can select on a number of culti-hoe at Hershey Country Club with respect to the stresses that different links. This is where I found used to control crabgrass. When the predominate your area. There is a all (well almost all) of the USGA Green article came up on the screen the lifetime of results to chew through, but Section record past issues. The search pictures of the equipment could not be it is mandatory if you are thinking of tool is one of the easiest I have ever made out. This site is filled with any renovating or building projects seen. Scrolling by decades (yes, historical references so check it out; a that I am sure everybody is doing right decades) as far back as 1921 (it was lot can be learned from our past. now. called The Bulletin of the USGA then The The next website is the National 154 Upper Centennial Parkway (HWY 20) Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada L8J 2T7 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 Express Dual Colleen Mitchell Fertilec office: & 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 Doug Hubble Everett Nieuwkoop Sales and Marketing Manager Phone: (519) 875-4094 890 Fairground Rd. Fax: (519) 875-4095 dhubble@nu-gro.ca R.R. #4, Langton, Ontario Cell: (519) 688-4397 519.770.3157 Direct Line Canada NOE 1G0 e-mail: nieuwkoop@lon.imag.net 905.541.8872 VERTICAL MOWING SYSTEM Professional Results From Light to Heavy The National Mower Vertical Mowing System’s unique blade design produces excellent slicing action while virtually eliminating turf damage allowing more frequent vertical mowing without disrupting play. You can reduce your dethatching time by up to 50% over conventional, dedicated dethatchers. Set the Dial-A-Height™ blade adjustment for shallow depth thatch removal or go as deep as 3/8” to stimulate root growth and increase shoot density for stronger, healthier turf. Fits the National 8400 or National 84VAN. 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 ISO 9001 REGISTERED Visit our website: www.gcduke.com SENATOR 70WP Trusted Dollar Spot Control for Over 30 years • Systemic - Can’t Wash Off! • Only Benzimidazole Chemistry - Good Rotation Option • Cost Effective Nothing Beats Experience For more Information please call 1-866-613-3336 ® Senator is a registered trademark of Engage Agro Corporation Using Trinexapac-ethyl in light of new IPM guidelines by Brenda Nailor, PhD Engage Agro Corporation 519-826-7878 ext 27 brendanailor@engageagro.comm New Integrated Pest Management (IPM) guidelines and during the growing season. Turf is able to withstand provincial pesticide codes have charged the periods of drought stress while maintaining turf quality. superintendent with the task of justifying and recording Therefore, less irrigation and decreased potential for all pesticide applications. For pest infestations, a run-off or leaching is possible with the use of superintendent may justify a pesticide application when Trinexapac-ethyl. monitoring reveals that the pest population has reached a treatment threshold. Often, fungicides are applied in • Pre-Stress Conditioning: Using Trinexapac-ethyl prior accordance with IPM after favourable disease conditions to stress periods leads to healthier plants that tolerate occur and disease symptoms are observed in “hot-spots” stress (such as drought, traffic, heat /cold, diseases and (e.g., dollar spot) or when a documented history exists of insects), or recover from stress much more quickly than disease on the course (e.g., pink snow mould). So, how non-treated turf. This creates the potential for all other does a superintendent justify the use of Trinexapac-ethyl cultural and chemical practices to perform more under the new IPM guidelines? effectively. By their very nature, some of the cultural Trinexapac-ethyl is a turfgrass growth regulator practices on golf courses can be stressful to the plant registered under the Pest Control Products Act. (e.g., verticutting, aeration and low mowing heights). A Trinexapac-ethyl is not a pesticide by the act’s definition healthy plant is more resilient and can withstand stress, because it does not have an effect on any turf pests. By and therefore may not be as reliant on chemical similar logic, Trinexapac-ethyl is not covered by Integrated controls to maintain the grass in the wake of the invasive Pest Management because it does not directly contribute cultural practice. By the same token, Trinexapac-ethyl to the management of pests. The dilemma is that all pest positively affects grass grown in shady areas where control products are governed by the IPM guidelines or abiotic and biotic stresses can be quite prevalent. pesticide codes. Therefore, we must consider the reasons why Trinexapac-ethyl is used on golf courses, how this • Worker Safety: Treatment of the bunkers with product contributes to sound IPM practices and how it Trinexapac-ethyl means that bunkers do not have to be can be used in compliance with provincial pesticide codes. mowed as frequently, thus reducing the risk incurred by First and foremost, the Pest Management Regulatory workers’ mowing these steep slopes. Agency (PMRA) has deemed Trinexapac-ethyl safe to workers and bystanders, to the environment and to • Less Landfill: CropLife Canada’s container recycling organisms in Canada. program diverts the containers from the landfill. In addition, mowers, blades, cutting reels and bedknives Trinexapac-ethyl is a growth regulator that causes have extended use before being diverted to scrap metal vertical growth to be redirected laterally and down into recycling facilities. the root system. The primary benefits of regulating grass growth are increased quality of the turf and clipping • One Spray Trip, Many Benefits: Tank mix registrations reduction. Studies have shown that root carbohydrates allow Trinexapac-ethyl applications to occur when the and root mass of bentgrass and Kentucky bluegrass were sprayer is already on the course to apply a fungicide. increased following foliar applications of Trinexapac- Therefore, use of Trinexapac-ethyl does not necessarily ethyl. The following environmental, safety and require additional resources to make the applications. sustainability benefits may be attributed to the physiological changes in the plant that occur after • Personnel Allocation: With less mowing time and applications of Trinexapac-ethyl: spray applications, grounds personnel have more time to focus on other components of the IPM program, such • Less Use of Fossil Fuel: Decreased vertical growth as pest scouting and education. translates to less time mowing, which results in less fossil fuel being used to power the mowers thereby conserving There are many benefits to using Trinexapac-ethyl a non-renewable resource while decreasing pollution. beyond improved turf quality and applications of Trinexapac-ethyl can be justified for use in light of new • Less Water Use: Studies from New York, California IPM guidelines and provincial pesticide codes. and Kansas indicate that turf requires 10-26% less water when Trinexapac-ethyl is applied at regular intervals The New direction in turf protection Introducing new COMPASS 50WG strobilurin fungicide from Bayer Environmental Science. COMPASS has everything you need in a fungicide: excellent disease control, broad spectrum activity and low use rates. With its revolutionary mesostemic mode of action, COMPASS binds tightly to turf and redistributes itself. This prevents infection and NEW maintains continuous protection of the treated and nearby turf plants for up to 21 days. Learn more about COMPASS today - the new direction in turf protection. Compass 50wgFUNGICIDE www.bayeres.ca 1-888-283-6847 ALWAYS READ PRODUCT LABEL PRIOR TO USE. Compass- is a registered trademark of Bayer. Always read and follow label directions. RESEARCH PRODUCTS PEOPLE STEWARDSHIP Keep your course in top condition with the premier fungicide, Banner MAXX®. It's proven to provide superior No matter how beautiful protection against dollar spot and many other turf the fairway is, some people diseases, including snow moulds, anthracnose and 7 still won't use it. more. Besides, Banner MAXX is specifically designed for the turf market, so you know what to expect. For more information on Banner MAXX, call Syngenta at 1-888-368-4211 x327. www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com Important: Always read and follow label instructions before using this product. ©2003 Syngenta. Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc., Guelph, ON N1G 4Z3 Banner MAXX™ is a trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. gimmeshelter We Build • Maintenance Buildings • Storage Facilities • New Buildings • Wood & Steel Structures • Additions • and do Renovations For your FREE ESTIMATES call us at 1-800-215-1996 www.braemarbuildings.com 800S Series. Reliability. Durability. Performance. TURF CARE The 800S Series works even time, with smooth rotation for extended drive life and more than double the lightning protection to keep your system working. Built to List even the toughest conditions, with debris resistant nozzles to eliminate clogging, a riser seal to protect against debris contamination and debris traps to prevent contamination and damage. Precise pressure regulation ensures the right amount of water where you need it Exact flow and spray uniformity give superior coverage reliable rotation speeds provide more control and save water. For more information, contact your Turf Care Irrigation 8OOS Series Golf Sprinklers Sales Representative or Customer Service at 1-800-561-1432 Reliability. Durability. TURF CARE PRODUCTS CANADA www.turfcare.ca Performance. Count on it! www.toro.com Nutrite/OSC seminar report The importance of managing data to improving turf temperature under cover is consistently higher than the management was the theme that emerged at the 15 th outside temperature, it is time to remove covers - even if Annual Nutrite/OSC Invitational Professional Turfgrass there is still snow on the ground. For more information Seminar held in Kitchener on November 18, 2003. about this monitoring system, contact Cory Janzen or check Intended to highlight new technologies, provide research www.hoskin.ca. updates and share current information, the seminar is hosted by Nutrite Hydro Agri and Ontario Seed Company An update of the research into a new greens construction and supported by industry sponsors method was described by Dr. David Casnoff. “The Pennfield System, an Environmentally Sensitive System for Golf Greens 8c Sports Fields” research rates comparisons Seminar Sponsors Supporting Education: within an enclosed system with a sub-surface Ag Turf, Agrium, Agrotain, Bayco, Bayer, Burnside Golf delivery/injection system along with forced air flow, temperature monitoring and varied soil/aeration Services, Cameron Chemical, Dow AgroSciences, Engage treatments. As reported in Turfgrass Trends, there is Agro, Great Salt Lake, Homestead Nitrogen, IMC Canada, evidence that environmentally sensitive construction and Jacklin Seed, Martin Marietta, Parkway Research, Sustane, maintenance methods offer many potential benefits Syngenta, Tee-2-Green. relating to water use and recycling, pesticide fate tracking, reducing human contact with pesticides, and the performance of organic fertilizer to turfgrass establishment Dave Schmelefske, OSC, welcomed more than 180 and reduced disease incidence. Info: cazz@earthlink.net. professional turf managers from golf courses, municipalities, lawncare/landscaping companies, golf Jim Skorulski, Agronomist, USGA Green Section, course architecture, agronomic services, academia, media provided advice on moving forward with “Pest and manufacturers. Special wishes for a speedy recovery Management in the 21st Century”. Like it or not, the trend were extended to George Hamilton of PennState, last year’s toward pesticide free management continues. More keynote speaker. pesticide regulations mean more products lost or not making it to re-registration. In addition to standard IPM Tender care of greens to taking on pests cultural practices, monitoring, thresholds, fertility programs, logbook recording, scouting reports, etc., Speakers presented topics ranging from deciding when superintendents were encouraged to look at contemporary to remove greens covers, greens construction research, a application techniques used by farmers, e.g. GPS (Global new slow release nitrogen technology, and managing water Positioning System), and new handling and delivery repellency, to pest management, IPM accreditation, and an systems. Spray equipment with direct injection or better update on the West Nile Virus in Ontario. The common nozzle technology (and selection) to control drift, droplet theme of the day was the importance of data collection. size and variable rate application may be more expensive but ‘Bio-rational’. Other advice: maintain a map of the Host Superintendent Cory Janzen began with course, an annual plan, and pesticide application data and “Monitoring Soil Temperatures Under Winter Covers”. info records. Communicate collected data and Pest Before the first snowfall all greens at Westmount Golf & Management programs with golfers and the public. Country Club are covered with solid plastic covers to protect turf from ice damage. Covers also help greens Norm Davy from Agrotain International discussed the survive long periods of snow cover and situations resulting science of the new nitrogen slow release technology in , from poor surface drainage. The trick to covers is deciding “Understanding Stabilized Nitrogen”. Nitrogen use when to remove them in spring. Cory decides by analyzing efficiency as well as managing nitrates in the environment temperature data provided by an internal and external are gaining importance on and off the golf course. Grass monitoring system consisting of a soil probe and data plants take 40-70% of nitrogen, so what happens to the logger which downloads to a computer. When the internal rest? Losses occur due to immobilization, erosion, leaching, volatilization, and denitrification; they take their toll on plant health, appearance, the environment and the budget. Agrotain’s stabilized nitrogen products incorporate two inhibitor ingredients during the production of urea that work to reduce losses by volatilization, leaching and denitrification without overfeeding the plant. Quick to dissolve, they slowly and predictably release nitrogen to the turf; for example, UMAXX stabilized nitrogen lasts up to 12 weeks. For more info, visit www.stabilizednitrogen.com. Norm Davy, Agrotain International In his presentation, “New Water Management Products”, Al Lanoie of Turf Science Laboratories showed how surfactants provide hydration sites to treat water repellency. Especially in localized dry spots, for fairways or larger turf areas where soil becomes hydrophobic, www.stabilizednitrogen.com managing thatch and soil with surfactants is an economical way to manage water repellency. For more info, visit alanoie@turfsciencelabs.com. You'll really love what it can do for your course “IPM Accreditation, Are You Participating?” a reminder from Jeff Stauffer, Superintendent of Credit Valley Golf & Country Club, about the Integrated Pest Management Maximum Performance, Optimum Results Accreditation Exam at the Ontario Golf Course • Long-lasting colour without Management Conference in January 2004. The exam is excessive growth conducted by Ridgetown College and based on OMAF Publications 384, 162, and 816. Pre-registration is required; Maximum Nitrogen Efficiency no on-site registration. Visit www.plandhealthcare.ca or • Reduce nitrogen losses from www.ontarioipm.com or call 866-385-4762. volatilization, leaching and denitrification “West Nile Virus, An Ontario Update” by Dr. Barry Tyler, Maximum Versatility President of Pestalto Environmental Products, Inc. • Works as a granular nitrogen for use in confirmed that there have been 1000 suspected cases in blends or as a soluble nitrogen Ontario as of January 2003 since the virus first arrived in 2000. Positive actions are the best defense: personal protection (repellents, light/white clothing) and mosquito larval control (reducing standing water). Superintendents were advised to: remove cattails from pond edges (cattails cut down on wind action and some mosquito larvae breathe underwater through cattail roots); report and collect dead crows and jays exercising caution in handling; remind golfers to protect themselves — sell deet repellents. www.pestalto.com For More Information Call: Ontario and Western Canada: 1-800-265-8865 Industry seminars are a great way for superintendents to build upon their turf management knowledge and get Eastern Canada: 1-800-561-7449 together with friends, peers and associates at the same time. www.nutriteturf.ca Golf courses are part of the solution Much debate is taking place across Without a playing surface that is both reduce their use, except when the Canada over the issue of what is inviting and exciting to play and pests that they have been designed to sometimes called the “cosmetic” use which truly provides a safe, consistent control threaten the viability of the of pesticides. This term would playing surface, the game and the golf course. suggest that there are some users of industry would not survive. pesticide products that are just using Canadians are, per capita, the The suggestion by some that golf them for appearances and that these number one golfing nation in the courses are not “essential,” and thus uses should be stopped. This is world. It is estimated that there are the use of pesticides is merely certainly not the case with the golf over five million golfers in Canada. cosmetic, overlooks the tremendous industry. Golf is a strong contributor to the benefit golf courses provide to our overall economy of Canada. There quality of life and to the overall To fully understand golf’s are over 2000 golf courses employing environment. It is well-documented involvement with pesticides, it will thousands of individuals on a full and by turfgrass educators and research help to understand a little more part time basis. Golf courses across centres that grass and other plants about the products that are used and Canada have added tremendous help to modify air pollution, absorb the agencies involved in approving value to real estate developments and particulate matter and carbon these products. Essentially, all breathed new life in to what was dioxide and prevent soil erosion. pesticide products used in Canada considered “marginal land” in some They also help supply oxygen while are tested and approved by the areas. The game of golf encourages filtering ground water. federal government through the Pest exercise and social interaction in a Management Regulatory Agency, healthy outdoor environment, for Golf facilities create an which operates within Health many of our citizens and visiting environment that is pleasant and Canada. Provincial governments are tourists. relaxing for golfers as well as being a responsible for regulating the sale sanctuary for birds and other wildlife. and use of the products within their Pesticides play an important role in An 18-hole golf course averages 170 specific jurisdictions, including the ensuring the integrity and safety of acres. Pesticides are used only on a licensing of pesticide applicators. the playing surface but they are far small percentage of the facility. In The Canadian pesticide approval from being the only input in the fact, the most intensely-managed process is one of the toughest management process. Golf areas are the putting greens, which regulatory systems in the world. It superintendents, charged with the represent only about two per cent of has been likened to the prescription responsibility of maintaining the golf the total course. The majority of the drug approval process in terms of its courses most important asset, property often consists of natural low- rigor. Pesticide products are tested generally employ a technique maintenance areas, which usually very carefully with respect to health referred to as “integrated pest provide a home for wildlife and impacts and the concentration levels management” (IPM). This process is include a diverse variety of native at which negative impacts are a holistic system that applies plants and large stands of trees. eliminated. Much research into a knowledge of the plant host and the product’s efficacy is necessary in pathogen (pest), to maximize the It is important to note that much of order to determine, not only the health of the plant and minimize the the pesticide used on a golf course is concentrations that should be environmental conditions that would in the category of ‘fungicides’. applied, but also the “environments” allow pathogens to cause disease”. In Fungicides are generally the category in which these products should be short, the more you know about your of pesticides that are least toxic. allowed to be used. Once the plant and your pest the better your Many common household products product is deemed to be safe when chance of providing an environment are more of an environmental used at a particular concentration, that doesn’t result in a pest problem. concern than these plant treatments. the permissible limits of use for that The more that can be done to affect product are then decreased by 1000 the growing conditions in a positive As a recap, golf understands as times to further ensure the safety of way the less pesticide that needs to be much as any other sector the need the product. used. Not only does this have a for a safe healthy environment and it positive environmental impact, but seeks to provide just that for both With respect to golf, the use of also financial rewards; pesticide golfers and others. Its use of pesticides is anything but cosmetic. products tend to be very expensive, pesticides is limited to products that The golf course is the golf industry. so there is a financial incentive to have been approved for use on golf Burnside Golf Services A DIVISION OF R.J. & ASSOCIATES LIMITED Engineers • Hydrogeologists • Environmental Consultants courses and these products generally are applied by licensed applicators Serving the Needs of the GolfIndustry using proper techniques and We can help with: equipment. Golf seeks to use the • Approvals for Golf Course Development minimum amount of chemical and Operations • Hydrogeology and Stormwater Management necessary to ensure that the golf • Sewage Treatment and Disposal • Environmental Management Plans course continues to provide a • Building and Clubhouse Design BRITANNIA HILLS GOLF CLUBHOUSE consistent playing surface. It does so • Irrigation Design and Consulting • Environmental Impact Assessment both to protect the environment RADEFF ARCHITECT LTD. Contact Vito Cirone from any harmful affects and to save Tel: (905) 953-8967 GOLF CLUBHOUSE ARCHITECT money. IPM and other techniques Toll Free: (877) 799-8499 TORONTO, ONTARIO E-mail: vcirone@rjburnside.com related to turf species, cultural Website:www.burnsidegolf.com TEL: 416.443.0434 practices and new products have FAX: 416.443.9016 allowed for a significant reduction in E-MAIL: radeff@idirect.com pesticide use. Golf also seeks to treat the smallest possible areas with pesticide products. The most heavily used and treated areas are putting greens which make up approximately 2% of most courses and the products that are most often used are low toxicity fungicides. Golf will continue to utilize and Offices located throughout Ontario Golf - Max Suppliers to the NGCOA improve the principles of IPM in its effort to provide a customer friendly and attractive product to the golfer. For more information on golf’s role SPECIALIZING IN PESTICIDE EDUCATION in the environment please go to any & SERVICE TECHNOLOGY of the following sites: LAND www.rcga.org EXTERMINATOR (LANDSCAPE CATEGORY) www.golfsupers.com www.golfsupers.on.ca PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION COURSES www.ngcoa.ca March (London)............ 1 - 5, 2004 March............................. 8- 12, 2004 March (Ottawa)........... 15- 19, 2004 Why Prune Your Trees? This article has been prepared by the At Bartlett we believe that you March........................... 22- 26, 2004 Environment Committee of CGSA April.............................. 19- 23, 2004 should prune for a specific purpose. and is available for use by our December....................... 6- 10, 2004 We recommend pruning to improve: members in their club newsletter. January........................ 24 - 28, 2005 • Safety • Health You can also print this off from February....................... 21 - 25, 2005 • Structural Integrity OGSA’s web site www.golfsupers.on.ca. • Damage Correction WATER EXTERMINATOR Skill, knowledge and experience Go to Members Only > Government (MOSQUITO/BITING FLY) are required to prune properly. Relations > Pesticides. > Golf Courses are February......................14- 18, 2005 So don't entrust your landscape Part of the Solution. All courses held in North York except to anyone but experts - Bartlett where noted Tree Experts. Gov't exam held on Monday following each course. Call for your free inspection today!! Instructor: Paul G. Pilley, B.Sc., M. P. M. Toronto • (416) 657-2059 Bracebridge • (705) 646-8733 Gravenhurst • (705) 687-0696 Huntsville • (705) 789-0929 For more information and a brochure contact: www.bartlett.com P.O. Box 1021 Lindsay, Ontario K9V 5N4 BACKED BY THE BARTLETT TREE RESEARCH E-mail: pgp_pest@lindsaynet.com LABORATORIES AND EXPERIMENTAL Tel: (705) 324-PEST (7378) Fax: (705) 324-9729 GROUNDS, CHARLOTTE, NC Member profile Interview with Geoff Corlett Principal, TDI International by Jason Hanna, Foreman St. Georges Golf and Country Club On a Friday afternoon in November, I TDI’s break through job was at the had the opportunity to meet with Geoff Rosedale Golf Club. The initial project Corlett, Principal of TDI International called for drainage, but evolved into the (formerly Turf Drain Inc.), in their reconstruction of a golf hole, tee to Guelph office. Upon entering their green. The project was a success; later office, housed in a refurbished 19th projects were completed at other high century home, I was greeted by one of profile courses such as Glen Abbey. As the friendly office staff before heading to TDI continued to build their reputation Geoff s office to conduct the interview. as a world-class builder, word began to Geoff Corlett Principal, TDI International Geoff and I discussed the company’s travel. humble beginnings, challenges and the In 1992 while the Ontario economy Today, TDI International is a certified successes that TDI International has was doing poorly it was time to look to golf course builder with over 650 enjoyed over the past fifteen years. business elsewhere. With the American projects under their name. Some of Shortly after graduating from the cities like Detroit only a few hours away, these projects include such prestigious University of Guelph, Geoff and a expanding to the United States was a names as Lost Tree (Jack Nicklaus’ home business partner, created TDI in 1987 as logical decision. As the company grew course) and Pine Valley. Out of those a small golf course drainage company so did the company’s responsibilities and 650 jobs, only a small handful are specializing in fairway and greens challenges. Geoff mentions that when complete builds. TDI International drainage. What separated TDI from you employ only yourself there aren’t focuses mainly on renovations with five other builders at the time was their use too many people to let down. As the different divisions allowing for of a laser-guided trencher allowing for business began to grow, and it became diversification, never relying on a exact grades when installing drains. necessary to take on full-time staff that particular area to generate business. After starting TDI, Geoff’s business has responsibilities to their families, you TDI International is a great success partner suddenly passed away leaving realize how much is on the line. One of story composed of fine people dedicated Geoff with the responsibility of running TDI International’s greatest challenges to what they do and the goals of the the business. In order to operate, Geoff was becoming a bonded (insured) company. With such credits attached to would often work at a project during the company to compete with the larger golf their name as the second best small golf day, and then overnight float the course builders and to be eligible for course builder in North America for equipment to the next job and sleep in many jobs. Geoff comments that this three years in a row, and recognized by his truck. To help with the business was one of his greatest challenges in Profit Magazine as one of Canada’s Geoffs wife left her governmentjob and getting the company to where it is today, fastest growing companies, it will be began to work at TDI. Initially, TDI adding that TDI International is now a interesting to see what TDI International employed five people, three part-time company with unlimited bonding. has in store for the future. employees plus Geoff and his wife. "In the Hot Seat" • Favourite major? The Masters • Best piece of turf equipment ever? Bulldozer, a golf course never looks better than when it is dirt. • Ultimate foursome...you and what three? Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Mike Weir • Lowest round ever and where? 80, PGA Golf Club, North Course. • This year’s Stanley Cup pick? Maple Leafs, of course! • Favorite movie? Blazing Saddles • Favourite meal? Zuppe de Pesce • Favorite course played outside of Canada? Linville Golf Club, Linville NC • What’s in your CD player right now? Sarah Brightman • Rate your home lawn on a scale of one to ten (1 worst, 10 best) Six • What do you envision yourself doing if you weren’t working in the turf industry? Post Secondary teaching or Restoring and racing vintage cars. Golf course highlight Georgian Bay Club P.O. Box 40 Collingwood ON L9Y 3Z4 Golf Course Superintendent: Bert McFadden Email: bmcfadden@georgianbayclub.com Website: www.georgianbayclub.com Photo By Bill Green #3 Hole COURSE PROFILE What county is your club located in? What was the year of original construction? 2 - Toro Transpro Adjustable Trailers Grey County 2002 1 - Turf-Co Pro Sod Cutter Is your club private, semi private, public, resort or 7 - MTD 3.5 Tecumseh Pushmowers What is the size of your maintenance shop? municipal? 2 - Greens Master 1600 6,400 square feet Private 6 - Greens Master 21 What type of irrigation system? 1 - Express Dual Grinder Size of Membership? 1 - Express Dual Bedknife Grinder Toro Site Pro, Age 1 year 378 and counting Typical opening and closing date What is the size of the greens, tees & OTHER COURSE INFORMATION May 20 to October 15 fairways? 145,000 sq. ft. of greens What projects have you recently completed? How many years have you been a 270,000 sq. ft. of tees Completed construction and grow-in superintendent? 46 acres of fairways 8 bridges constructed 8 years Drainage projects ongoing What is your predominant grass? Construction of range buildings Accomplishments: A-4 Greens, Catch basin tie-in Seneca College 1989 Grad Penncross - Tees, Fairways Penn State 1993 Grad What long range plans for renovation do you Capilano 2000 Grad How many USGA greens and how many have in the next five years? Audubon Certified: Chateau Whistler GC loam greens? Tree planting California Greens Walk bridges How many year round staff? Construction of maintenance building 4 What is the predominant soil type? Completion of 2 bridges: Clay, Clay/Loam One 160 feet and the other 220 feet How many seasonal staff? 17 long What equipment do you have in inventory? How many mechanics and assistants? 2 - Sidewinder Grounds Master 3500D Are there any particular challenges you face 1 Mechanic: Brian Smith 2 - Reel Master 5400-D (frwy unit) with your property? 2 Assistants: Bill Green and Jeff Watson 1 - Reel Master Trim Mower 3100-D High winds causing drought stress, some 2 - Greens Master 3250-D (triplex) shaded greens and bunker maintenance How many gardening staff? 1 - National Reel Mower 29-84 1 Foreman: Tim Hornick 1 - Workman 3200 with Do you have any success stories? 1 Irrigation Technician: Neil Juniper Tyco Propass 180 MH Grow-in went well, disease was minimal, 1 - Toro 5500 Sprayer sprayed only once on greens & tees until COURSE STATISTICS fall application. Fairways were not treated with 300 gallon tank How many holes? 4 - Toro Workman 2110 during grow-in at all, but did receive fall 18 2 - Toro Workman 3200 application 2 - Club Car Electric (purple) What is the yardage from back and forward tees? Please list any innovative cultural practices 1 - Club Car Electric (white) 7223 yards from the back tees and you may perform. 1 - Club Car Villager 5146 yards from the forward tees Heavy greens top-dressing 1 - Kubota M5700 Diesel Tractor (“snowcapping”) very heavy at an early Size & length of driving range and range tee: 1 - Kubota L4310 Diesel Tractor with stage of plant establishment when greens 2-1 acre tees - double-ended, front-end loader are not filled in from “lug marks” on the 320 front to front 1 - Varsava Hydraulic Dump Trailer green. Allowed us to level greens for low 1 - Tycrop MH 400 MDU How many bunkers? cutting heights early on without burying 1 - Tycrop Extension Belt Unloader 72 any biomass associated with more mature 1 - 40” Tycrop 2 Disc Soil Spreader “matt layers” that can accumulate. Greens How many ponds, and/or how many times does 1-36” Tycrop 2 Disc Soil Spreader were not top-dressed again until a small water come into play? 1 - Toro Walkbehink Spray Boom amount of thatch had developed at the 4 times 1 - Land Pride Overseeder 051572 surface where we can control it with 1 - Bergal B-40 3 pt Hitch Blower Who was the original architect? verticutting and light topdressings. 1 - Lely 3 pt Hitch Fertilizer Spreader Hurdzan/Fry, Jason Straka on-site Architect 2 - Toro Transpro Greens Mower Trailers 1st ANNUAL ONTARIO GOLF COURSE MAN Despite the frigid temperatures, OGSA’s inaugural were on hand, with their booth on the registration floor, to conference and tradeshow experienced a better than greet and assist registrants. anticipated attendance, at the Sheraton Centre Toronto OGSA annual meeting attendees were treated to an early during the week ofJanuary 6, 7 and 8th. breakfast prior to the presentation of reports and annual The week of activities kicked off with a free pre-conference election. As members had previously received committee seminar. Over 240 participants attended “New Insights on reports well in advance of the meeting, each director briefly Disease Management”, presented by Dr. Lee Burpee from the highlighted some key components of their portfolio and University of Georgia. readily answered concerns of the attendees. The opening session featured Mr. Mark Hebscher. Few As there were no nominations from the floor, the election of people know sport like Mark Hebscher, and few speakers on Directors was quickly concluded. Nominees, Doug Breen sport have his ability to make the subject as entertaining and from Golf North and Rob Gatto , from King Forests Municipal informative for the die-hard sports fan and general viewer Golf Course were acclaimed to office. We take this alike. His audience was treated to his famous “Hebsy Awards” opportunity to welcome Doug and Rob to the Board of that feature the best of sports bloopers, combining his passion Directors. The Board of Directors for 2004 are: Past President, for sports with the ability to take one step back and have a good Mark Piccolo; President, Rob Ackermann; Vice President, Paul laugh. Scenna; Treasurer, Bob Burrows, Secretary, Sean DeSilva; Many of our members not only attended the conference but Directors Jeff Stauffer, Randy Booker, Jeff Alexander, Chris were also active as speakers and chairpersons, and participated Andrejicka, Doug Breen, Rob Gatto and Jarrod Barakett has in the trade show. Of course, the OGSA Directors and staff since been appointed to the board. 2004 Executive & Board of Directors Past President Mark Piccolo & President Rob Ackermann Back Row L-R Doug Breen, Jeff Stauffer, Randy Booker, Jeff Alexander Front Row L-R Sean DeSilva, Paul Scenna, Rob Ackermann, Mark Piccolo, Bob Burrows The 7th Annual President’s Reception, an ever popular membership social event, was held on the top floor in the Club Lounge, affording everyone a spectacular view of the Toronto skyline, and a chance to socialize with their colleagues. The official part of the evening included awards and presentations for the year 2003. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Dr. Clayton Switzer received the inaugural William Sansom Distinguished Service Award. This award will be presented annually, to a person who the association’s membership feels has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the golf course superintendent’s profession. The contribution must be significant in both substance and duration. Dr. Switzer’s contribution to golf courses and golf course superintendents in Ontario, across the country and around the world has been Mark Piccolo presenting Dr. Switzer with Crystal bowl award enormous. He has contributed to the education of many superintendents by starting the Turf Short Course at the turfgrasses, the profession of golf course management and University of Guelph in 1970. He guided turfgrass its history, and is busy working on a fifth. Witteveen now education as Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College owns a golf course in the Brantford area and claims that and while Deputy Minister of Agriculture, the golf course golf course ownership is something he should have industry took a giant step in a positive direction. He was considered years ago. His eyes lit up as he spoke of instrumental in drafting the Pest Control Products Act walking about the grounds in his bare feet! Finally, he with an eye towards the requirements of the golf industry. claims one of his favourite pastimes remains playing the The many other activities that Dr. Switzer has been game of golf with his fellow superintendents. involved in, to the benefit of the golf industry, are too Congratulations Gordon from all of us at the OGSA! numerous to mention. Finally, Dr. Switzer is owed a debt of gratitude by all golf 25 YEAR MEMBERS courses and superintendents in Ontario, Canada and the world. Many thanks Clay and congratulations! HONOURABLE MEMBER AWARD At the OGSA’s recent first annual conference, the association honoured long time member Gordon Witteveen who will be receiving a GCSAA Distinguished Service Award at the upcoming opening conference in San Diego. Only three other Canadians have ever received this award before: John Steel, Keith Nisbet and David Gourlay Sr. Thom Charters & Randy Booker This year’s 25 year membership awards went to: Thom Charters - Bayview Country Club John Condon - Lyndinshire Golf & Country Club Ray Richards - Mad River Golf Club Ted Tom - Innisfil Creek Golf Club NEW MEMBER DRAW Randy Booker presenting Gordon Witteveen With Honourable Member Plaque Again this year we had a draw of all the new member applicants, and their two attestees, who’s applications Gordon, former golf course superintendent at The were received between January 1, 2003 and December 31, Board of Trade, is one of the founding members of the 2003. Canadian Golf Course Superintendents Association and The lucky New Member Winner this year was Craig has been a voice for superintendents for better than 40 years. Moody, Superintendent at Osprey Links Golf Club in Callander. Craig’s application was attested by Jim Moore, He was honoured as the Canadian Golf Superintendents Superintendent at Puslinch Lakes Golf Club in Cambridge Association “Superintendent of the Year” in 1983 and was recognized with the John B. Steele award in 1999, for his and David Tascone, Superintendent at Granite Ridge Golf & Country Club in Milton. All three gentlemen received outstanding contributions to golf in Canada. More of late, he has written and co-authored four books surrounding an OGSA Wind shirt. 1st ANNUAL ONTARIO GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW continued... SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS HERITAGE AWARD The OGSA has developed this scholarship program to recognize the scholastic accomplishments of students who are the children or grandchildren of members of the OGSA (open to all members), and are studying a curriculum unrelated to Turfgrass Management. Virginia Kinney accepts award from Chris Andrejicka ultimate goal is to become a Golf Course Superintendent, while becoming more knowledgeable in the golf course irrigation industry, and stimulating other to join the turfgrass profession. TURFGRASS SHORT COURSE AWARD 2003 OGSA congratulations go to Tim Bouville, who was the Katie Trainor accepting award from Chris Andrejicka recipient of the short course award of $200.00, in April of 2003, with the highest overall average of 93.5%. Tim, at the time of graduation was employed at Sault Ste. Marie This year’s Heritage Scholarship is awarded to Golf Club. Katherine (Katie) Trainor, the daughter of Rhod Trainor who is the superintendent of the Hamilton Golf and Country Club. 2nd ANNUAL HUGH KIRKPATRICK BURSARY Katie has been preparing herself for a career in the field of Media Relations, and is currently enrolled in the The OGSA, in conjunction with the Kirkpatrick family Commerce Program at Queens University. has developed this bursary program to recognize the leadership, commitment and accomplishments of Assistant Superintendent Members of the OGSA. TURFGRASS DIPLOMA/DEGREE EDUCATION AWARD The OGSA has developed this scholarship to recognize scholastic accomplishments and potential leadership in the field of turfgrass management. Students who are Ontario residents and have a career goal of being employed in the golf industry are eligible to apply. This year’s Turfgrass Scholarship is awarded to Virginia Kinney. Virginia is a student at Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology, enrolled in the Golf Course Technician Program. She is employed by Mad River Golf Club, under the direction of Ray Richards and Chad Vibert. Virginia’s Greig Barker & Rose Kirkpatrick The 2nd Annual Hugh Kirkpatrick Bursary was awarded management. Agronomic knowledge and the proper to Greig Barker, who is the assistant superintendent at management skills are both essential to be a successful North Halton Golf & Country Club. assistant golf course superintendent. As I go through my As part of Greig’s application for this scholarship career, trying to learn as much as I can and acquire as he submitted an essay, “Managing the Heart of the many skills as I can, my goal is to become both a Operation”. After reading his essay, I’m sure you will competent agronomist and a great manager of people. It agree that Greig is a very deserving candidate. Our has often been said that if you take care of the staff, the congratulations to you Greig, and best of luck in your golf course in turn will take care of itself. career! We also would like to thank Mrs. Rose Kirkpatrick for joining us at the President’s reception and presenting 2003 GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL AWARDS this prestigious award. MANAGING THE HEART OF THE OPERATION BARRY ENDICOTT ARTICLE OF THE YEAR by Greig Barker, Assistant Superintendent AWARD 2003 North Halton Golf & Country Club The criteria for awarding the Barry Endicott Article of the Year Award is based on a point system consisting of As my career in golf course management began, I was originality, relevance, clarity, depth, style, illustrations, and determined to absorb all of the agronomic information readability. The recipient is judged by the Editorial that I could. I tried to figure out why and when we would Advisory Committee in November. aerify, irrigate, apply pesticides and renovate. Obviously, The recipient this year is Paul Scenna for his article in all of the jobs performed were very important, but I never the July 2003 issue of Green is Beautiful, entitled “Donalda’s took the time to step back and think, “How does this all get Barns - A Historical Treasure”. done?” There is a great amount of organization and planning involved in running a golf course maintenance PHOTO OF THE YEAR AWARD 2003 operation. I began to realize that managing people is a The criteria for awarding the best photo is divided into skill that needs to be applied and perfected as much as any five categories: golf course, projects, landscaping, wildlife, agronomic practice. and finally, best overall. The recipient’s photo is judged by One of the biggest challenges as an assistant the Editorial Advisory committee. superintendent is to complete all of the required tasks in The recipient this year is St. Thomas Golf and Country and organized and efficient manner. I have found that Club for the photo of “The Stone Bridge” located on the good communication throughout our department aids in green on the signature hole, which appeared in the good productivity. Communication between the February 2003 issue of Green is Beautiful. superintendent, the assistant, the mechanic, the foreman Accepting the plaque for the St. Thomas Golf and and the general staff is key. One of the best forms of this Country Club is the photographer and assistant communication that I have experienced is a daily meeting. superintendent, Wade Beaudoin. In the morning all of the day’s jobs are listed and explained. This way the entire staff knows what is going on In addition to the plaques, both award recipients will and what role they play in that day’s events. I find that this also have $250.00 donated in their name to the OGSA Turf helps everybody feel that they are a part of the “team”. It Research Fund by Vanden Bussche Irrigation 8c is just like a football team, meeting before a big game. Equipment Limited and Rain Bird. We would like to With the vast array of jobs and tasks to be completed, thank Vanden Bussche Irrigation for their participation in delegation becomes integral. The ability to plan and our publication, and for their continued support of turf assign projects and daily jobs in the most productive research. manner is a large part of a manager’s job. I do believe that the proper training and motivation determines how successful we are in our day to day operation. Delegating responsibility to employees is in itself a method of motivation. If someone feels responsible for a project, they will put more effort into it. Some people feel that if they delegate certain responsibilities, that they would then become less important. Someone once told me that delegation doesn’t make any one person have less responsibility, but that it makes everyone on the team have more. Managing people is an integral part of good golf course Wade Beaudoin, John Bladon & Paul Scenna 1st ANNUAL ONTARIO GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW Where you at the conference? We would like to take the opportunity to thank the sponsors of the Ontario Golf Course Management 1st Annual Conference and Trade Show SPONSORS AGROTAIN INTERNATIONAL LLC ALMACK AGRONOMIC SERVICES INC. ATKINSON IRRIGATION LIMITED BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS BAYER ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE DCS AGRONOMIC SERVICES G.C. DUKE EQUIPMENT LTD. GATEMAN-MILLOY GOLF TRACKS HUTCHESON SAND & MIXES J.D. LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION KIRKPATRICK GOLF INC. KUBOTO CANADA LTD. MAPLE TURF SUPPLY MASTER’S TURF SUPPLY LTD. MILLER GOLF DESIGN GROUP MULTITYNES TURF PRODUCTS NORTHGATE FARMS LTD. NU-GRO CORPORATION NUTRITE HYDRO AGRI CANADA ONTARIO SEED CO. PLANT PRODUCTS CO. LTD PUMPTRONICS INCORPORATED R.J. BURNSIDE & ASSOCIATES LIMITED SKYWAY LAWN EQUIPMENT LIMITED TURF CARE PRODUCTS CANADA VANDEN BUSSCHE IRRIGATION ZANDER SOD CO. LIMITED SEE YOU AT THE 2005 JOINT OGSA/CGSA CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW JANUARY 7 - 11, 2005 METRO TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE PLANS FOR AN OUTSTANDING EVENT ARE WELL UNDERWAY Performance New Rovral Green GT provides the performance you need and more, to protect high quality turf. Rovral Green GT features very fast knockdown of diseases like Dollar spot and Brown patch along with proven control of Fusarium, Pink and Grey snow mould and Leaf spot/Melting out. NEW Combine performance with a unique mode of action for resistance manage­ ment programs and you have the most Rovral Green GT FUNGICIDE complete disease control package available. Start and finish your fungicide program with new Rovral Green GT www.chipcocanada.com 1-888-283-6847 ALWAYS READ PRODUCT LABEL PRIOR TO USE. Rovral is a registered trademark of Bayer. Always read and follow label directions. Bunker Renovation - St. George's Golf and Country Club - Phase II Article & Photos by Jason Hanna, Foreman St. George’s Golf and Country Club Shortly after the Labour Day weekend phase two of the bunker renovation project at St. George’s Golf and Country Club began. This phase of the project was arguably the most interesting and challenging of the two phases. The main difference was the re-introduction of bunkers that had been filled in over the years and the rebuilding of the ninth green surrounds. With this phase of the project, taking place in the fall, it was determined that the most aggressive work would be done first before the wet fall weather would become a factor and while sod was still available. Because this phase involved building bunkers from scratch, a D3 bulldozer was brought in to aid the shaping process along with a mini excavator. During the construction of these bunkers it was possible to implement some of the lessons that had been learned from the first phase. One change was made with the installation of the sand trapper drainage fabric. It was found that when the seams within the bunker were overlapped, the raised portion of fabric This phase of the project presented challenges not previously became visible over time. Also, maintenance rakes would catch experienced in the first phase. With the aforementioned the raised portion fraying the fabric. To overcome this, the excavation and the addition of new bunkers irrigation lines and edges were butted together and stapled in the same manner as heads would have to be installed and relocated. Three years ago, before. This created a smooth surface making it virtually when the irrigation system was installed the potential for a impossible to find the seams once the sand had been added. bunker renovation was taken into account. Unfortunately it was The manufacturer recommends both methods for installing the impossible at the time to know how every bunker would change. fabric. Some bunker edges needed to be slightly modified and It was decided that the irrigation work would be done in-house. repaired. This was due to the fact that they were too steep or This combined with adding the sand and maintaining the new composed of sandy soils. This was taken into account with sod was the responsibility of St. George’s greens crew. The main construction of the bunkers in phase two. challenge with the irrigation was coordinating our efforts with By the first week of October it was time to begin the that of the crew from TDI International. It was important that renovation of the ninth green surrounds. It was decided to try heads were removed and areas were isolated before they were to simulate the former ninth greensite and tighten up the disrupted and that components were re-installed before areas approach shot. The goal of rebuilding and the addition of received final grading and sod. With the changes made in the bunkers on this hole was to make a smaller landing area off the shape of the green and location of bunkers it was also important tee and make it considerably more difficult for those wishing to to maintain proper irrigation coverage. go for the green in two. This was achieved by carving a great deal of material away from the front of the green. The fill would be deposited near the landing area for tee shots in order to construct a bunker there. The green surface was reduced by a few yards on both the front and the back in order to accommodate the relocation and addition of bunkers. The wet fall created a couple of problems, not only did the rain delay the project, but the areas with exposed soils became too wet to work. To make matters worse, these areas all consisted of heavy soils. This is when it was useful to have multiple contingency plans. While the exposed soil was still too wet to option for draining some bunkers. In other areas it was decided work, smaller bunkers similar to those from the first phase of the to install better drainage outside of the bunkers. At the third project were tackled. Most of these only took a couple of days to green water drained across the green during spring thaws and complete requiring the mini excavator and hand work. heavy rains. This was taken into account with the design of the Due to the nature of the above mentioned soils, it became new bunkers. They will be able to redirect the flow of water to apparent that the sites would only dry to a certain extent. It was one channel. This coupled with the installation of 6” and 8” important that these bunkers were finished before sod would main drains will hopefully solve this problem. A city storm sewer become no longer available. To finish these bunkers, the crews drains onto our tenth fairway flooding it whenever neighbours would setup a network of plywood to create a stable surface to drain their pools. To solve this problem a 12” drain with catch stand on. Many of the drains had to be hand-dug and all of the basins was installed to join with a pre-existing drain to remove finishing touches had to be completed by hand as well. Where the water. necessary, dry soil was brought over from a recently excavated bunker. Overall the entire project has gone very smoothly. Work was With most bunkers being sodded in the late fall they will not able to continue on the bunkers until the second week of be rooted and ready for play until the spring. Therefore, when December. Almost all of the bunkers have been completed, with filling these bunkers with sand the approach was changed from the exception of four bunkers that have already been rough getting the bunkers ready for play as soon as possible, to shaped and drained. These will be completed in the spring. ensuring that the surfaces of the bunkers were covered in order By May 2004 it is expected that all bunkers will be in play. to prevent erosion or silt clogging the drains over the winter From then on it will be interesting to see what new challenges months. will arise and how some of the solutions we have already Drainage was another main component in this phase. Due to implemented will work. Although it will be great once the the fact that there was existing drainage already running down bunkers are completed and the crews and their equipment are some of the fairways it was determined that the bunker drains gone, I’ll certainly miss the excitement and learning that comes would be tapped into this. This was very useful because due to with a project of this magnitude. the topography in some areas a sump would have been the only SUPPLIERS OF TOP QUALITY BENT, BLUE AND FESCUE GRASSES WITHOUT NETTING 18-1290 Speers Road, Oakville,Ontario, L6L 2X4 (416) 364-5700 TOLL FREE: 1-877-727-2100 Toll Free 1-888-222-6676 Fax (905) 825-8139 www.zandersod.com email; paulp@pumptronics.ca www.pumptronics.ca Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club by Tracy Fowler, Assistant Golf Course Superintendent The Hamilton Golf and Country Club has been involved with All made by our handiest of handymen Gary Sharp. Another the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System for several years. long time club employee - Bogey - is responsible for geese We are certified in all but two sections, and our goal for 2004 is control. Her job is to chase away messy geese before they make to pursue full certification. Here are some of our efforts towards our golf course their home. achieving certified sanctuary status. Integrated Pest Management - The Club is committed to maintaining an environmentally sound property while maintaining strong, healthy turf that can resist and recuperate from pests without relying on the use of pesticides. To avoid the over use of fertilizers, soil tests are done regularly to determine exact nutrient requirements for specific turf areas. Scouting and monitoring is done daily to determine pest populations. We keep a variety of records and golf course maps that indicate problem areas and the time of activity. Along with these records, we also keep an extensive IPM Monitoring and Documentation Manual as provided from the OGSA. A safe and tidy maintenance facility is important. We plan to install a poured concrete wash pad with clipping separator in the spring of 2004. Our chemicals and fertilizers are stored in locked buildings while our chemical mixing and loading area is equipped with a water holding tank for quick filling of our sprayers. Each sprayer has fittings to prevent any back flow. All golf course equipment is kept in peak running condition by two world class mechanics - Tom Fowler and Wayne Shaw. Wildlife and Habitat Management - We are always working to protect and enhance our various types of habitat on the golf course. Food - the clubs tree committee uses a list of native trees, shrubs, and vines in our area. When new plantings are discussed, this list is considered and successful most times in being able to use native plants in our plantings. Water - we continue to keep our water as clean and natural as possible. Wildflower fields, leaving under story vegetation, and increasing and sustaining our healthy buffer zones and out of play areas provides large areas of shelter for our wildlife. Our nesting box program has proven to be more successful each year with a total of 22 bird nests out of 36 houses on the golf course. A portable wood mill is used occasionally to mill the logs from trees that we Water Conservation - Our fully computerized irrigation system have cut down. This wood is used to make bird houses, benches, always operates at maximum efficiency. A full time irrigation signs, and various projects throughout the maintenance facility. technician detects and repairs any leaks or problems on a daily basis. We change sprinkler run times daily to meet the needs of that particular days observations - weather forecasts, and soil probing for root depth and dryness. We try to limit our water only to provide the minimal sustainable irrigation for each area of the golf course and each particular turfgrass species. With green side, half circle perimeter sprinklers on most of the golf course, as well as at least two quick couplers per hole, we hand water all of the time in the heat of the summer to save on water. We have also incorporated the following practices: Increased number of out of play areas allowed to grow natural to reduce irrigated areas, Increased use of mulches, Addition of more single head control sprinklers, and occasional root pruning around tees to reduce the competition for available irrigation water. Water Quality Management - We work very hard to protect our sensitive water bodies. Buffer zones and no mow zones surround all water on the golf course. These areas are also considered to be no spray areas where we physically remove any unsightly growth. We test our water annually to assess the general water quality to determine if there are any impacts from our course management practices. We continue to work with outside agencies that conduct studies and tests on our water. Now you can get a longer lasting ammonium sulfate or have potash which feeds as long as controlled- release nitrogen thanks to Meth-ExAE technology. These cost-effective, patented nutrient innovations are the latest from LebanonTurf. Ask your distributor salesperson about MESA and Expo. Or for more information, visit Outreach and Education - It’s important to educate and make people aware of our Audubon efforts. An Audubon Committee www.LebanonTurf.com is in place at the Club and is composed of members, myself and Course Superintendent Rhod Trainor. This committee is determined to become a certified property. Newspaper and magazine articles help educate our members and employees as Nutrient well as a monthly staff newsletter. These things have proven to educate everyone here on what we are doing with this program. Innovations The certification process has been a very interesting and informative process. Everyone here at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club is excited and looking forward to a new golf season, and becoming certified while continuing our efforts to protect our precious environment. Plant Products 519-875-4094 Masters Turf 905-793-7000 Off the fairway... The main high. investment in time with unskilled help responsibility of There is a trend towards reducing to train them in the ways of perennial the club the dependency on annuals in golf gardening. horticulturist/ course gardens. Gardeners are gardener, is to replacing the structured annual and Typically, perennial gardens and create and bulb displays with perennial gardens. I individual perennial plants take three maintain the think there is a desire for more years to mature. Keeping in mind that beauty of the diversity in our gardens but the trend the primary objective of the gardens is public areas: the is being driven mostly by two beauty, you simply can’t wait that long by Daisy Moore show gardens, perceptions and assumptions. for things to look good. Blending the gates, the perennials, annuals, bulbs, grasses and clubhouse, the window boxes, the bag #1 Replacing annuals with perennials shrubs is the key to making the drop area, and the formal beds. You will cost less. transition. Gardeners are introduced can make a huge impact on the Ultimately this will be true, as long as to gardening by using annuals. They golfing experience and the mood of there is an appropriate investment in then graduate and then use exclusively the space when the gardens are good. planning and perennial plants. perennials, and then they finally Everybody has a bounce in their step Clearly there needs to be a master plan mature and recognize the usefulness when the trees are in flower or masses so that the right plants in the right of annuals again. When your main of trilliums or banks of blue bells are in numbers and combinations are goal is beauty, you need to use all the bloom or when there is a good chosen for a dramatic or gradual tools in your plant toolbox and specimen of virtually any attractive transition, as desired. Garden annuals are one of them. plant. designers have the expertise to assess From my experience a There are some truly magnificent the site and the needs and match it superintendent feels truly blessed choices of plants if you want to really with the right plants. when they have a good gardener. It impress people. These can be takes a team to put it all together, but transient plants, like bulbs or annuals, #2 More perennials in the gardens the key is the on-site gardener and how or they can be a perennial but short mean lower maintenance. that person manages their resources. term show. It doesn’t have to be This is mostly true but it can mean When I assist a golf course with it’s complicated and it doesn’t have to cost greater pressure on the head gardener horticultural program, my focus is to a lot. It most certainly doesn’t have to because along with having perennials support the efforts of the gardener. be groupings of spirea and sedum. in your beds comes the requirement to This might come in the form of There is no question that golf course know what to do with them. Most horticultural information or making a gardeners are faced with some of the gardeners I speak to find that plan or working with your staff, or most horrific circumstances. unskilled help just cannot be let loose taming gardening committees or Confined beds, compacted soil, to weed in perennial beds. It isn’t as simply providing encouragement and circular beds, raised beds, peculiar clear what to do because it isn’t as clear ideas. situated beds that’s reason for being is what is a weed and what is not. long since lost, no irrigation, lack of Sometimes it’s simpler for the head Visit my website www.daisymoore.com reliable help, limited resources. gardener to do it him or herself. for more tips on gardening. Despite all of this, expectations are There needs to be an initial Simon George Technical Sales Maple Turf Supply Business: (905) 857-2000 David C. Smith, A.Ag., C.G.C.S. 185 Oriole Crescent Soil & Turfgrass Consultant Grovenhurst, Ontario 8112 King Rd. W. Fax: (905) 857-8215 P.O. Box 370 Mobile: (519) 841-3378 P1P1C6 Bolton, Ontario 1-800-268-4425 Office (705)687-SOIL (7645) L7E 5T3 sg142@hotmail.com Fax (705)687-3518 Toll Free 1-888-607-TURF (8873) Cell (905)512-6004 Email dcs.agronomicservices@sympatico.co RESEARCH PRODUCTS PEOPLE STEWARDSHIP That's the power of a systemic. Xylem to tip, Heritage® is the only systemic strobilurin that protects each and every blade of grass, To protect longer, including new growth. When you're using it in the spring and fall, you have to work Heritage gives excellent Fusarium protection from the inside that from the inside. lasts up to 28 days, and also protects against 4 other major turf diseases. Heritage works from the inside so your turf looks great on the outside. For more information on Heritage call Syngenta at 1-888-368-4211 x327. www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com Important: Always read and follow label instructions before using this product. ©2002 Syngenta. Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc., Guelph, ON N1G 4Z3 HERITAGE® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Whats new Membership Roster Employment Referral Service “Looking for a change?” Employment opportunities The OGSA is making every effort to comply with the are being posted on a regular basis to our web site Members Government Privacy Act; in doing so we will be listing only Only Section. If you are currently getting your ERS by mail, one contact address for our members in the 2004/2005 you might want to consider getting them by Email. It’s Roster. That address will be the business contact much faster and quite painless. Just give the office a call information. Should you be retired or not currently at a and tell them you want to receive OGSA mailings by business, we will be sending you a waiver to sign, giving us Email. permission to list your home contact information. The Stork has Landed If you have changed any of your membership information and have not yet reported it to the OGSA Our congratulations to Angela and Keith Bartlett. Their office, please do so immediately so that we can print the baby girl Emma Julia arrived safely on November 12th, most current information available in our NEW 2003. 2004/2005 ROSTER. Reminder - Score Award - Superintendent Pesticide licenses of the Year Some OGSA assistant and superintendent members Procedure and Nomination Forms have gone out to all have not yet mailed in a copy of their pesticide licence. members. The deadline date to have completed Please take care of this now, before the busy season starts. nomination packages in to the OGSA Office is Monday, March 15, 2004. Calendar of Events 2004 Plant Products Company Ltd. Golf tournament dates and locations have been Plant Products Company Ltd. is pleased to announce finalized. Information has been posted to our web site, the appointment of Scott Horsburgh, Technical Sales under the heading “Events”. Details will be added as they Representative - Turf, Eastern Ontario, and Eric Ward, are confirmed. We will also be posting regional Technical Sales Representative - Turf, Ottawa Valley. association golf tournaments, and events of particular Current and prospective clients can contact Scott by e- interest to the golf course superintendent and staff.......so mail at shorsburgh@plantprod.com or by phone at (416) add www.golfsupers.on.ca to your favourites, and check it 573-3449. Current and prospective clients can contact Eric out often. by e-mail at eward@plantprod.com or by phone at (514) 968-8740. Curling Anyone? O.G.S.A. Spring Curling Day Dundas Valley Golf 8c Curling Club is Hosting a curling day for all those interested. Date: Thursday, March 25th, 2004 Time: 12 Noon Start Host: Randy Booker Place: Dundas Valley Golf & Curling Club Woodley’s Lane Dundas, Ontario L9H 5G1 Fee: $15.00 per person (payable on arrival) Price includes: Min. (2) 4 end games Coffee, Soup and Sandwiches Great Hospitality Anyone wishing to join in on this fun day of curling, RSVP Dorothy Hills at O.G.S.A. by March 19th, 2004. Phone: (519) 767-3341 or Toll Free 1-888-824-6472 Fax: (519) 766-1704, or Call Randy Booker at (905) 628-6731 ext. 217 If you do not RSVP, on site walk-in’s are welcome, however, you will not be guaranteed to play. PRIZES ARE ALWAYS WELCOME Gets where it has to FERTILIZER THAT GETS DOWN TO BUSINESS go And that's good business. If your green's fertilizer won't go where it should, chances are neither will your golfers' putts. Nu-Gro Select 21-3-16 Micro Grade Fertilizer was designed specifically for greens. Its microgranular particle size (100 SGN) works down into the green's canopy, to nurture Canada's quickest greens. Its balanced formulation delivers 97% nitrogen from Nutralene. Through hydrolysis and microbial action, Nu-Gro Select's dual release activity is ready to go to work when you need it. Choose Nu-Gro Select Micro Grade fertilizer. Because it's all about the game. GET DOWN TO BUSINESS. CHOOSE NU-GRO SELECT. 1-800-461.6471 TM - Trademark of Nu-Gro Corporation The Fairway Snake ® The Fairway Snake is a registered trademark of the Hole 9 Yards Inc. Patented Weighted Rope • Excellent I.P.M. Tool • Knocks Down Dew • Breaks Up Clippings • Flexible Application Timing • 3 Types of Surfactants • Reduces Dollar Spot *Reel sold separately • Easy to Use - Soil Penetrant • Improves Morning Play • Safe on Turfgrass - Wetting/Spreading Agent • Improves Fairway Appearance and Soil Microbes - Re-wetting Agent 3 in 1 Combination = RESPOND 2 SUCCESS Higher Golfer Satisfaction Available from your local UAP distributor For more information please call 1-866-613-3336 or call UAP Canada 1-800-265-5444 On the road again by Kevin Falls Engage Agro Corporation Trade show season is upon us. As industry suppliers we washroom, bad. You just wish someone would come back know it is now time to invest in a new pair of ‘comfy’ from lunch, or the bar, so that you can abscond for a few shoes...you know the ones, they’re not in style, but they minutes. Not only does the code of duties include a strict rotation; allow you to punish your feet on the show floor for but, if you are a savvy trade show veteran you know that consecutive days. While shopping for these ‘miracle’ your mission revolves around customer perception. One shoes, you might as well pick up a pair of pants with an does not want to be ‘Mr. Close-talker’ or ‘Mr. Far-talker’. elastic waist.. .we all know last year’s pair are just a little too One does not want to chomp on gum, but one cannot tight. afford the dreaded halitosis. A trade show expert must also Now that we have our trade show basics, we wait in consider the handshake adjustment scale: one must not anticipation for the top-secret e-mail that notifies us of this break the customer’s hand, but one cannot be the limp year’s trade show troop uniforms: hand shaker. At no time should the ‘tickle’ be employed. All joking aside, trade show season is one of the most “Ok team, this year’s tradeshow uniforms as follows: important times of the year. When else do your customers actually come to see you? Industry folk simply need to Day 1: Red blazer over black shirts, khaki pants ‘man the booth’ and our customers will drop in for a chat Day 2: Red blazer over white shirts, black pants. as they make their rounds. Trade shows provide suppliers These red blazers are sure to give us the edge this year. See to the industry a unique annual format to interface with you on the floor”. the customer base, launch new products and, most importantly, have some fun. How can anyone NOT see you on the floor in this outfit? In addition to opportunities for customer interaction, a And, you now panic because you’ve already bought navy trade show offers educational seminars delivered by dress pants as a way to spice things up this year, but if you research professors and industry leaders. Not only do the show up in navy you will be the ugly duckling that seminars offer valuable up-to-date information, but also desecrated the matching dress code. It’s back to the mall, the opportunity to create a network of industry contacts. but you’ll reward yourself with a Cinnabon from the food The turf grass trade show is the medium where court. professionals come together and share information. The You would hope that such a well-dressed troop would be benefits of such a gathering far exceed the efforts needed able to work as a well-oiled information machine on the to dodge being “Mr. Smarmy Trade Show Man”. So get out trade show floor. But more often than not you find your breath mints, stock up your business cards and get yourself deserted and wondering, ‘Where are my co­ ready for the next show. I look forward to seeing you, just workers!’. You realize you have not seen a fellow ‘booth-ee’ look for the guy in the comfy shoes and the elastic-waist in 3 hours, you are all talked out and you have to go to the pants. Upgrades, Renovations & New Installations Install From evaluation to CONFIDENCE implementation, will Partner with Milton 1.800.263.4112 you to succeed in King City 1.866.703.KING Achieving your Goals. www.vandenbussche.com RESEARCH PRODUCTS PEOPLE STEWARDSHIP Golfers can't get enough of smooth and uniform turf. It simply plays With turf this good, better. That's why more and more courses are using Primo MAXX® on their fairways, greens and tees. As a plant growth regulator, it's hard to quit. Primo MAXX not only slows the vertical growth of grass but also increases lateral spread and turf density—creating a tightly knit cover that better withstands stress. So, even after a day of rigorous use, putts still roll true. To learn more about the wonders of Primo MAXX call Syngenta at 1-888-368-4211 x327. www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com Important: Always read and follow label instructions before using this product. ©2001 Syngenta. Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc., Guelph, ON N1G 4Z3 Primo MAXX™ is a trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Turf or consequences by Doug Breen, Superintendent Golf North have a truck. I can pick up heavy because I like it. I always warn them up front things. I have trouble saying no to people that I will break their stuff; furthermore, I who might feed me. Therefore, I have won’t even pretend to feel bad about it when helped a lot of people move. I do. I will also make fun of their prized I have moved several times myself. In this possessions, and at some point, I’m going industry, most of us have. It’s a nasty side through that underwear drawer just to see effect of having a career where you can be what’s going on in there. There’s also a fired for any reason, at any time; usually right better than average chance that I’ll do after you get tired of the 45 minute commute something to offend the new neighbours through boxes of clothes in a half loaded and buy a house 5 minutes from your course. before they even get a chance to meet them, cube van, because he realized (far too late) Then, you can commute from that house to and by 11:00 a.m. I’ll be looking in the phone that his keys were inside a coat pocket. the next course for three years, move again, book for the nearest KFC (the universal Thank goodness the other guys helping us get fired again, and so on... moving fuel). knew every line to every Monty Python movie I lived in six different houses in the year You can learn a lot about your friend’s ever made. That made the hour fly by! Later before I got married, one for less time than it psyche in a move. I moved a guy last weekend that day, I helped the same guy spend took us to clean up after the house warming where every item in his fridge was wrapped in another hour (on the side of a Michigan party. It was a university summer sublet newspaper to keep it cold and the fridge itself interstate) trying to find his birth certificate where we ‘inherited’ a roommate who was sterilized to operating room standards. in the now fully loaded cube van. Naturally, decided to go off of his medication the day The weekend before, we duct taped another it was with the heirloom china under the VCR we took up residence. I came home from guy’s fully loaded fridge door shut and in the dryer. work one afternoon and he had piled all the chucked it on the truck. It’s all good; there So if you’re moving and you like your stuff, furniture in the backyard...on fire. The are just people who move the dresser empty, call a professional. But if you want to see a phones were hanging in a tree on the front and people who move the dresser full. It china hutch fall down a flight of stairs, eat a lawn, he’d made several holes in the drywall doesn’t matter to me as long as the KFC is barrel of chicken, and have a guy wearing your with a baseball bat, and he was nowhere to be there by 11:45. wife’s lingerie, count me in on moving day. found. After the fire department left, so did I once waited for an hour, while a guy dug we. Did I mention that he had a pet chicken? In those days, everything I owned would fit into a Tupperware container, so it was no big deal to move out before our new friend, the sociopath, found his way back from wherever he was hiding from the aliens. Moving is pretty easy when somebody bums up all the big stuff first. But now, after ten years of marriage we have accumulated enough of what can loosely be called possessions, that moving would require several Tupperware containers and a considerable conflagration. As a result, I have decided that I will never move again. I’m at the age where all my friends are having kids and moving into bigger houses so that each of their offspring can have their own on suite bathroom, computer, and DVD player. Not me, I figure that’s why there’s so many 30 year olds living in their parent’s basements. Helping them move out, is a move I’m really looking forward to. I make my kids sleep in the living room and use their room as storage. For entertainment, they get a nine inch black and white TV (complete with Pong), and Conway Twitty’s Greatest Hits on 8-track. My house alarm code is the year my son is expected to move out. Sort of an expiry date on the welcome mat. Generally speaking, the only people who will help you move are people who will someday ask you to return the favour. It’s sort of a deposit in the relocation Karma bank. I have helped so many people move, that I could call in favours and move to China... but I never will. I help people move Looking back 35 YEARS AGO TO-DAY by Barry Endicott he annual meeting of the Ontario Golf Superintendents’ T Prof. Jack Eggens and the OGSA organized the first Annual Association was held on December 10th, 1968 at the Field Day at the turf plots at the University of Guelph. Paul Hawthorne Valley Golf Club with John Arends as host The 34 Scenna hosted the golf tournament afterwards and Clay members present elected the following members to the board Switzer was the after dinner speaker. of directors for 1969: A.V. Jones, Aurora Highlands (pres.); The OGSA conducted their second annual tournament for John Grightmire, Beverley G.C. (vice); John Arends, superintendents and greenchairmen on July 25. It was won Hawthorn Valley; Dick Woodward, Rideauview G. C.; by Bob Heron, superintendent, and Stu Thompson, green Manatick, Bill Hynd, St. Georges G.C.; Phil Glover, chairman of Markland Woods. These same gentlemen also Rivermead G.C., Ottawa and Frank Dunn, Camp Borden G.C. served as hosts of the event. Low net were Helmut Kopp, OGSA held its annual banquet and dance at the Aurora superintendent and his chairman, Reg Acomb from Uplands. Highlands G.C. at the end of February, hosted by Allen Jones. More than 100 people attended the meeting and they were The party was attended by 65 people and was organized by addressed by golf architect Geoff Cornish. Bernie Macdonald and Frank Dunn. President Jones Bob Heron was the winner of the Alex McClumpha golf presented Fred Grightmire with an Honorary Membership tournament held at Thornhill Golf 8c C.C. The first Plaque. tournament in 1944 was also held at the club and the late Mr. Bob Brewster, a greenkeeper at Northridge G.C. near McClumpha was the superintendent at this club until his Brantford, won the OGSA Scholarship Award for having the retirement. This tournament was attended by 140 highest marks in the first year of the Ontario Diploma in superintendents and guests, despite the rain and David Horticulture course at the University of Guelph. Bob Moote, Gourlay was host. past president of the OGSA, presented the award at the David Moote accepted the superintendent’s position at the banquet during the National Turf Conference in Montreal. Essex C.C. in Windsor. Prior to this he was golf superintendent at the Rosedale C.C. for 17 years. Harry Van der Berg, formerly superintendent of Maple City C.C., Chatham, took over as superintendent at Dundas Valley Golf Club. Monthly meetings were held at Uplands G.C., Helmut Kopp, Whitevale G.C., Albert Reeve, Richmond Hill G.C., George Darou and Bayview C.C., Ed Ortlieb. The National Turfgrass Conference and Show, sponsored by the RCGA in cooperation with the CGSA, took place on March 9, 10 and 11 in the Seaway Towers in Toronto. L-R Bob Moote & Bob Brewster New Law: Caddies 90 cents Per Hour Article Reprinted from 1969 Green is Beautiful The Ontario Legislature passed an Act late in the fall of cost a member about $4.00. 1968 affecting wage earners everywhere in the province. But what about weekends when a round of golf may take The bill is referred to as the Employment Standards Act as much as six hours to complete on our busy courses? and became effective on January 1st, 1969. It guarantees Are golfers prepared to pay their caddies in excess of male employees in the province of Ontario a minimum $5.00 for a round of golf? It seems they have two wage of $1.30 per hour. Up until recently, the minimum alternatives, either to rent electric carts or to speed up wage has been $1.00 per hour. The surprising fact, play! however, was that the Act specifically mentioned caddies The O.G.A. and the P.G.A. are presently consulting with in one of its sub-sections. legal counsel to discover to what extent they have to Referring to persons under the age of 18, the Act states comply with the Act. It seems that these two bodies should that caddies employed by a golf club or in the professional have done their lobbying when the new Act was first shop must be paid a minimum of 90₵ per hour. Up until introduced in the summer of 1968. It certainly will be now, caddies in the larger cities of Ontario have been paid interesting to see what is going to happen! If caddies are anywhere from $2.00 to $3.00 per round. If the average to be paid 90₵ per hour, it may well be advantageous for round of golf takes four hours to complete, caddies may some to start toting bags instead of caring for grass . . . earn as much as $3.60 for a round and with a tip, it could 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