May 2004 Green is Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association Do you comply? Regulations you should know Night Watering: Five steps to better sleep What happens after 5 pm? CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Organic Facilitators Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON N1H 6H8 Contents Green is DO YOU COMPLY?.................................................................................. 18 Accreditation avenue........................................................................... 9 Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents ’ Association Canadian Golf Superintendents Association news......................... 10 Cyber super............................................................................................... 7 Editor's message....................................................................................... 4 Golf course conditions............................................................................ 11 Golf course highlight - Oakville Executive Golf Course......................17 Health & safety ..................................................................................... 6 Looking back.............................................................................................35 Mechanic's corner....................................................................................... 8 Member profile Jim Flett........................................................................ 16 New Turf Pest Control Products for 2004.......................................... 5 Night Watering: Five steps to a better sleep........................................ 24 Off the fairway..................................................................................... 32 Organic Facilitators ..................................................................................26 President's message.............................................................................. 3 Turf or consequences.............................................................................. 34 What's new................................................................................................ 30 Advertisers COVER PICTURE Oakville Executive Golf Course Almack Agronomic Services Inc........................................................ 6 14th Green - Photo by Grant Fraser Professional Photographer Bartlett Tree Experts............................................................................. 9 Bayer Environmental Science - Compass.......................................33 Bayer Environmental Science - Rovral Green............................... 2 2 Braemar Building Systems................................................................. 7 Burnside Golf Services......................................................................... 9 DCS Agronomic Services .................................................................. 3 ESD Waste 2 Water............................................................................... 20 Engage Agro/Fairway Snake........................................................... 29 Engage Agro/Senator 70 WP............................................................. 28 Fertilec Ltee/Ltd........................................................................................12 G.C. Duke Equipment Ltd....................................................................... 23 Lebanon Turf............................................................................................ 8 Maple Turf Supply ......................................................................... 8, 12 Master's Turf Supply Ltd.................................................................... 6 Nu Gro Corporation ........................................................................... 12 Nu Gro - Eagle.......................................................................................... 27 Nu Gro - ProTurf....................................................................................... 12 Nutrite Turf .......................................................................................... 29 Ontario Seed Company....................................................................... 4 The P.E.S.T. Institute............................................................................... 12 Pumptronics Inc....................................................................................... 12 ProTurf....................................................................................................... 12 OGSA is committed to Skyway Lawn Equipment Limited................................................. 22 Syngenta/Heritage............................................................................... 13 serving its members, Syngenta/Primo MAXX......................................................................... 21 advancing their profession, Syngenta/SubdueMAXX ..................................................................... 23 and Turf Care Products Canada - Irrigation ....................................... 25 enriching the quality Turf Care Products Canada............................................................... 36 United Agri Products ......................................................................... 29 of golf Vanden Bussche Irrigation and Equipment Ltd.............................10 and its environment. Zander Sod Co. Limited...................................................................... 32 President's message of our mandates this year at OGSA is to One Recently, the Ministry ensure that all aspects of our business of the Environment operation are in order. Our association has released the White grown significantly over the last number of Paper on Watershed­ years and we want to be sure that as we grow, based Source Protection we are conducting our operations in a Planning. There is a manner that is appropriate for an direct link on the OGSA organization of our type and size. Despite website to this document by Rob Ackermann ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS’ our best past intentions, I have no doubt that or you can find it at ASSOCIATION once our evaluation is complete, it will be http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/ Weston Golf & Guelph Turfgrass Institute necessary to change some of our policies and programs/3585e01 .pdf. Country Club 328 Victoria Road South procedures to better reflect our current The White Paper was Guelph, ON N1H6H8 corporate responsibilities. I am confident developed as a result of the Walkerton tragedy Ph: 519-767-3341 that upon completing this corporate audit, and its’ purpose is to develop legislation to Toll Free: 877-824-6472 the OGSA will be well positioned to plan and protect water before it enters our drinking Fax: 519-766-1704 adapt to whatever the future holds. water systems. The new legislation will include Email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca As we enter a new golfing season, I think a total revamping of the Permit to Take Water Website: www.golfsupers.on.ca the corporate audit the OGSA is currently Program. The ministry has invited all undertaking can be something super­ stakeholders, including OGSA, to consult on BOARD OF DIRECTORS intendents should perform in their own the White Paper. Doug Breen is the OGSA PRESIDENT Rob Ackermann operation, particularly in the areas of IPM and director who will act as our voice with the PAST PRESIDENT Mark Piccolo Water Management. Water and pesticide use Ministry of the Environment. Doug will do his VICE-PRESIDENT Paul Scenna, ms are without a doubt the hottest topics in our best to keep us informed of new TREASURER Bob Burrows, cgcs industry today. Superintendents should be developments. In the meantime, I encourage SECRETARY Sean DeSilva sure that they are fully aware of all the rules all superintendents to be sure you do the DIRECTORS Jeff Alexander and that they are achieving the highest level of following: Chris Andrejicka compliance possible. 1. Check the expiration date on your current Jarrod Barakett Pesticide bans are here. Currently, the bans water permit and be sure to start your have not had an overwhelming impact on golf renewal early. Randy Booker courses throughout the province, but the 2. Be sure of all the limitations that may exist Doug Breen possibility for more inclusive bans still exists. in your water permit and pump accordingly. Rob Gatto Superintendents need to know that the 3. Keep accurate pumping records - record Jeff Stauffer Voluntary IPM Program is being well received daily use if possible. in some political circles. Participation in the 4. Always watch for possible sources of water OFFICE program can only help our lobby. For those contamination - fuel storage, pesticide ADMINISTRATION Dorothy Hills that haven’t done so already, I encourage you storage and equipment wash areas. Prepare Pat Thomas to start the program this spring - Practice IPM your club for possible future capital Deborah Badger and Get Certified! improvements. Strive to comply! Have a great season! “Green is Beautiful” GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL EDITORIAL is Printed on COMMITTEE Recycled Paper John Bladon, Editor David C. Smith, A.Ag., C.G.C.S. 185 Oriole Crescent Dorothy Hills, Coordinating Manager Soil & Turfgrass Consultant Gravenhurst, Ontario Greig Barker P1P1C6 Angelo Capannelli Office (705) 687-SOIL (7645) Jason Hanna Fax (705) 687-3518 Toll Free 1-888-607-TURF (8823) Brian Haum Cell (905) 512-6004 Email dcs.agronomic.services@sympatico.ca Scott Horsburgh Mark Prieur Kevin Falls Layout, Design & Printing provided by... Bill Green Mark Schneider Scott Sleep GRAPHIC Green is Beautiful 2004 Although every effort is made to check SERVICES material for publication, the association is PRINTERS & LITHOGRAPHERS not responsible for material published on behalf of its contributors. "Qualityyou can See!" All rights are reserved by the publisher Tel: 519.763.5745 • Fax: 519.763.9532 and any reproduction in whole or part 32-34 Essex Street • Guelph, Ontario • N1H 3K8 without the written permission of the e-mail: info@graphicservices.ca • www.graphicservices.ca publisher is prohibited. Editor's message ell, spring W has sprung and with it comes a new Welcome! O.G.S.A. Welcomes gear for the our newest members industry. I by John Bladon PRECIPITATION IN Nir Arbesman Class A trust everyone King of Clubs Golf Club ONTARIO REGION has either wintered well or is Measured at Pearson International Airport Brian Beemer Class A King's Riding Golf Club enjoying a fast recovery. Provided by Ministry of the Environment This very May issue of Green is Gregory Bond Class C Uplands Golf & Ski Club We will no longer be printing the Monthly Beautiful is packed with some Actual/Average precipitation figures, as Chris Brown Class C tremendous submissions. While Environment Canada is now providing this Greyhawk Golf Club Gary Grigg from Grigg Brothers information on line. Craig Buttar Class F has provided us with an article on Dalewood Golf & Curling Club You can access this information and more by foliar nutrition and Tim going to the following websites. Jeff Cunningham Class F Granite Golf Fredericks of Turf Care gives For Normal Figures David Feddersen Class F some irrigation food for thought, www.climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/climate_ Cedar Brae Golf & Country Club Mark Scenna asks, “Do you normals/ Mark Fenton Class B comply?”. Pam Charbonneau, Piper's Glen Golf Club For Actual Figures Turfgrass Specialist brings us an www.climate.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/climate Mitch Freestone Class S Data/monthlydata_e.html?timeframe=3&Pr Baywood Golf & Country Club update on pesticide products for ov=ON&StationlD=5097&Year=2004&Mont Adrian Hodson-Walker Class C 2004. h=3&Day=24 Kleinburg Golf Club From the superintendents Add these two websites to your “Favourites”. Greg Knuth Class F perspective, Dean Baker has You can use them to obtain more climatic Ladies Golf Club of Toronto submitted an interesting piece information than just precipitation. Reginald Langen Class S entitled After 5pm, something Richmond Hill Golf Club that ought to be shared with our Darren Little Class C golfing customers. Also, May’s Cedar Brae Golf & Country Club Member Profile is our former Brian Morrison Class A Mill Run Golf & Country Club OGSA President Jim Flett, of Adam Trenton Class F Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Greystone Golf Club Club, and you’ll never guess Blue Verge Class B who’s in Jim’s ultimate Paris Grand Golf Club & Inns foursome... Flightline Golf Inc. Class E Spencer Adams As each of you tour about your For All Your Lebanon Fertilizers & Seed golf courses this season, bear in Golf Course Needs! Randy Rogers Class E mind we are always looking for Plant Science Inc. Class E Turf seed, Pesticides, Nutrite Fertilizers Rob Field Stephen Hewgill the Article of the Year and Photo of and Bayco Golf Accessories the Year. So keep those cameras Precision Turf Technologies P.O. Box 7, Waterloo, Ont. N2J 3Z6 Wray Mason Class E on hand and find something Tel: (519) 886-0557 Fax: (519) 886-0605 Radeff Architect Ltd. Class E you’d like to write about. We 1-800465-5849 Email: seeds@oscseeds.com Constantine Radeff want to hear from you! Rubaroc Class E Finally, best of fortunes to you Victor Freiberg Ken Graham Paul Forma Trevor Hunter A. Kent McDonald all throughout the upcoming Travelling Trees Ltd. Class E David Schmelefske Graham Underwood growing season. New Turf Pest Control Products for 2004 by Pam Charbonneau, OMAF Turfgrass Specialist There are four new pest control products registered for use by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency and available to turf managers for the 2004 season. This includes two fungicides, one insecticide and a herbicide. They are summarized in the Table below. For product rates and instructions on use, please consult the product labels. Product Trade Active Chemical Pest Use Recommendations Type Name Ingredient Family Controlled Fungicide Cadence 70% boscolid Anilid Dollar spot Should be applied prior to or in the WDG early stages of disease development. For maximum efficacy, apply in 5 to 15 litres of water per 100 square meters. Apply on a 14-day preventative schedule. However, actual length of disease control will vary depending on environmental conditions, disease pressure and turfgrass management practices. Do not apply by air. Apply after mowing or allow to dry before mowing or irrigation Do not exceed 2 consecutive applications before alternating to another mode of action for at least one application. Do not apply more than 6 applications per season. Fungicide Compass 50 trifloxystrobin Strobilurin Leaf spot Apply when conditions are favourable WG Brown patch for disease development. Apply every 21 days at low disease pressure and every 14 days under high disease pressure. Do not apply more than 2 sequential applications for all diseases. Alternate with a fungicide having a different mode of action where available. Do not apply more than 2.4 kg of COMPASS 50WG per hectare per year. Insecticide Success 480 SC spinosad Naturalyte Sod webworm Apply during late afternoon or early evening to maximize control. Do not exceed 4 applications per year. Delay watering or mowing of the treated area for 12-24 hours after treatment. Do not re-apply in less than 7 days. Highly toxic to bees. Do not spray when bees are foraging. Herbicide TurfMaize corn gluten Not applicable Germinating Apply to established Kentucky bluegrass dandelion and turf in early spring before smooth smooth crabgrass and dandelion seed crabgrass germination. Apply to established Kentucky bluegrass turf in late summer or early fall after heat stress has passed. Health & safety Storage of Flammables by DougJohnson, SAFETAID and Health and Safety Consulting First Aid and Safety Supplies and WHMIS Training s the season begins and you begin to stock up on your A If you are storing flammable liquids outdoors, amongst other materials for the coming summer it is important that you ensure things you must ensure that: that you are meeting or exceeding the requirements for storage of • containers are located away from the access points to buildings flammable materials. • the distance between locations of large quantities is at least 1.5 metres; • the area is designed to control liquid spillage; Regulation 851 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, sections 22, 23, 121 and 122 provide some of the requirements for If you are storing Class IB or 1C liquids, in sealed containers, in the storage of flammable liquids. a room, make sure that the room: To store flammable liquids safely you must consider the • Is separated from the rest of the building by partitions which have: following: - a fire resistance rating of at least one hour; - self-closing doors, hinged to swing outwardly on their vertical axes. . • the class of flammable liquid; • the quantity to be stored; • Is equipped with: • your storage location. - a drain connected to a dry sump or holding tank; and To identify the class of flammable liquid you must first know its - liquid-tight seals between interior walls and floor, and a liquid- flashpoint and boiling point. This information is available on the tight ramped sill at any door opening which is not in an Material Safety Data Sheet. exterior wall. Class 1A has a flash point below 22.8°C and a boiling point below 37.8°C • Has natural ventilation to the outdoors by upper and lower exterior wall gravity louvers. For this reason, the room should Class 1 B has a flash point below 22.8°C and a boiling point at or above 37.8°C be located along an exterior wall or portion of an exterior wall of the building. Class 1 C has a flash point at or above 22.8°C and a boiling point below 37.8°C If you are storing any class of liquids in open containers or Class Once the class of flammable liquid has been determined it is 1A liquids (in either open or closed containers), make sure that important to determine the quantity to be stored. the room meets all the above requirements, and that: Small amounts, up to 235 litres, of flammable liquids may be • there are no potential sources of ignition in the room; stored in the workplace in: • it is equipped with explosion venting to the outdoors; • sealed containers of a capacity not more than 23 litres each; or • it has a spark resistant floor. • metal cabinets of double walled construction that are equipped with a 3-point door latch and a liquid-tight door sill raised at However, it is best to ensure containers are properly sealed prior least 50mm above the floor. to storage. This is a quick overview of the storage requirements. Please take For quantities of more than 235 litres, you have the following the time to ensure that your storage area meets the requirements storage options: of all applicable legislation. • outdoors, away from any means of egress; • in a separate room in the workplace; Have a safe and active summer! • in a building not used for any other purpose SAFETAID Your 1st stop in safety! Corrie Almack P.Ag. Everett Nieuwkoop Phone: (519) 875-4094 890 Fairground Rd. Fax: (519) 875-4095 Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 R.R. #4, Langton, Ontario Cell: (519) 688-4397 Box 256, Carlisle, On Fax: (905) 689-8522 Canada N0E 1G0 e-mail: nieuwkoop@lon.imag.net LOR 1H0 Email: c.almack@sympatico.ca Cyber super Do you ever Endangered Wildlife in Canada) access a fact sheet for more information wonder what designations. This legislation is designed to related to it. Each fact sheet contains vital wildlife could be “...prevent Canadian indigenous species, data on such topics as description (usually on your golf subspecies, and distinct populations from with picture), habitat area, life cycle, and course? What becoming extirpated or extinct.. Legalese what protective measures are in place to wildlife was on and other legislative jargon can be protect it. I found this information your golf course? found at the SARA home page: invaluable when creating the There is a website www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca. Environmental Plan at Markland Wood. that has such The site I really want to focus on is the Knowing how to enhance habitat for information in an actual search engine created through the wildlife is key in working towards easy to use, search­ SARA registry. The URL is Environmental Stewardship. engine format. www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca/search/default_e.cfm . In addition to the information provided by Mark Prieur, The first of the The SARA search engine prompts one to by the website, there are personal contacts Assistant Supt. Markland Wood CC three sites that are identify what taxonomic group is in that one can make. Every contact person recommended is question. Groups range from reptiles and and their area of study is listed in the CWS the branch of Environment Canada that amphibians to mammals and lepidopterans website. The CWS staff was more than deals with animals and such is the Canadian (butterflies). The user can search for happy to explain the purpose of the new Wildlife Service (CWS). The home page of endangered mollusks and mosses. The SARA registry and what it hopes to achieve the Canadian Wildlife Service for Canada is search can be refined to sort by risk in terms of timelines. Biologists from each www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/index_e.cfrn. The category: extinct, endangered, extirpated department promptly returned phone calls CWS scope of responsibility not only spans (species is indigenous, but no longer living and were willing to share their expertise in birds and fish, but all forms of wildlife. in Canada), threatened and species of layman’s terms. This resource should be It is only logical that the CWS has a hand special concern. The search also can be used by anyone considering embarking on in dealing with endangered species as well. further refined by province. This site is the path towards Environmental The CWS has been working hard to extremely useful for creating an Stewardship for their own golf course. legislate the Species At Risk Act (SARA for environmental plan for a golf course. Armed with knowledge, we can do our part short) and replaces the older COSEWIC After the results have been provided, the to help those species that cannot help (The Committee on the Status of user can click on each species listed and themselves. 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 Mechanic'scorner by Larry A. Murray, President G.E.T.A.O. Equipment Manager, Pheasant Run Golf Course pring is finally here and green is the colour we all love. S All of us are daily facing new challenges; however never forget the routine items of importance. All of us are bogged down with paper work. We are still required to track, monitor and record operator and equipment safety items. You may never know when you have to produce them. It is similar to buying insurance, you hate buying it, hope never to use it, glad you have it in place if you need it! Remember, we are all responsible for safety. Final plans are in place for G.E.T.A.O. annual golf tournament at Silver Lakes Golf Club in Queensville. The host equipment manager is Terry Comfort and the superintendent is Dave Nichols. The date will be September 9, 2004 with a modified shot-gun start at 10 a.m. The field will be limited to the first 100 golfers and with the shot-gun start we will be finished earlier with less wait time. The tournament is open to everyone in the golf industry. Last year the trophy went all the way to Kingston with Lyndon Now you can get a longer lasting Wing’s team. Where will it end up this year? No team has ammonium sulfate or have their name on the trophy twice. Mark your calendar today and potash which feeds as get yourself and or your team registered so you won’t be long as controlled- disappointed. release nitrogen thanks to Meth-Ex AE Tip of the issue: Locate a small part bin and label it Lost & technology. These Found. You must notify all staff to place in box any part they cost-effective, find on the course. Occasionally the part (nut, bolt, etc.) may patented nutrient not be recognized right away, but it may come in handy innovations are during a repair later on. If the item is not needed by the time the latest from you do your winter repairs, discard it Chances are you never needed it. LebanonTurf. Ask your distributor If you need info about the association, membership or to salesperson about register for the tournament, I can be contacted by fax (905) MESA and Expo. Or 989-2326, email: La.murray@sympatico.ca or call Eddie at for more information, visit (905) 889-7620 ext 503. www.LebanonTurf.com Nutrient Innovations Simon George Technical Sales Maple Turf Supply Business: (905) 857-2000 8112 King Rd. W. Fax: (905) 857-8215 P.O. Box 370 Mobile: (519) 841-3378 Bolton, Ontario 1-800-268-4425 Plant Products 905-793-7000 L7E 5T3 sg142@hotmail.com Masters Turf 519-875-4094 Accreditation avenue by Ken Pavely IPM Update Exams: On-site Audits: Ridgetown has verified that a good response from the golf In the final stages of completion, the on-site audits will verify industry has kept them busy scheduling exams. At the Golf what has been submitted in the desk review. On-site audits will Course Management Conference in January, superintendents be limited this season until sufficient funds from the other and assistant superintendents were more than eager to begin the program components are available to pay for the auditors. process resulting in more wanting to write than space had been made for. If you are still interested in writing the test, contact Pressure is building everywhere on the environmental front Ridgetown at 866-385-4762 to find when the nearest writing and this year is looking like the most active we have seen to date. session is for you. It is highly advisable to stay in touch with local municipal representatives as well as commencing the IPM Accreditation Desk Reviews: process. In many circles that I travel, golf continues to enjoy a The desk review process is complete and the auditors are ready higher priority and level of importance than other landscape to accept desk review packages. Some minor tune-up will be areas, and it is critical to not lose ground on the issue. occurring on a couple of the forms; however, early participants have found it an interesting exercise. It also encapsulates your Important Numbers activity in 2003, and the results may surprise you (positively). You can download the forms from the Ridgetown website at any IPM Acreditation Program time. • General Inquiries CECs: • Application Information There were numerous opportunities to gain CEC’s and more will come along during the year. Inclusion of conferences such as Phone................................ 1-866-385-IPM / 519-674-1538 the GCSAA will be reviewed next winter, and integrated wherever Fax..................................... 519-674-1585 possible. CEC forms are available on the Ridgetown College Internet Address................. www.ontarioipm.com website. SPECIALIZING IN PESTICIDE EDUCATION Burnside Golf Services & SERVICE TECHNOLOGY A DIVISION OF R.J. BURNSIDE & ASSOCIATES LIMITED Engineers • Hydrogeologists • Environmental Consultants LAND Serving the Needs of the GolfIndustry EXTERMINATOR (LANDSCAPE CATEGORY) We can help with: PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION COURSES • Approvals for Golf Course Development and Operations December.................... 6 -10, 2004 • Hydrogeology and Stormwater Management February............................ 7 - 11, 2005 • Sewage Treatment and Disposal Insects Harming Your Trees? • Environmental Management Plans March (London)............... 7 - 11, 2005 Possibly. It takes an expert to really tell. • Building and Clubhouse Design March........................... 14 -18, 2005 • Irrigation Design and Consulting To learn which insects are on your trees • Environmental Impact Assessment March (Ottawa).21 -25, 2005 and shrubs (none are completely insect April...................................4 - 8, 2005 free), have a Bartlett arborist inspect them. Contact Vito Cirone Tel: (905) 953-8967 There is no charge or obligation. If control measures are necessary, Toll Free: (877) 799-8499 WATER Bartlett will use the safest materials E-mail: vcirone@rjburnside.com Website:www.burnsidegolf.com EXTERMINATOR - applied properly to protect our (M0SQUIT0/BITING FLY) environment. December.................... 13 -17, 2004 When it comes to pest management, February....................... 21 -25, 2005 or general tree and shrub care, rely on the experts - Bartlett Tree Experts! All courses held in North York except where noted Call for your free inspection today!! Gov't exam held on Monday following each course. Toronto • (416) 657-2059 Bracebridge • (705) 646-8733 Instructor: Paul G. Pilley, B.Sc., M. P. M. Gravenhurst • (705) 687-0696 Huntsville • (705) 789-0929 www.bartlett.com For more information and a brochure contact: BACKED BY THE BARTLETT TREE RESEARCH P.O. Box 1021 Lindsay, Ontario K9V 5N4 LABORATORIES AND EXPERIMENTAL Offices located throughout Ontario E-mail: ppilley@cogeco.ca GROUNDS, CHARLOTTE, NC Golf - Max Suppliers to the NGCOA Tel: (705) 324-PEST (7378) Fax: (705) 324-9729 Canadian Golf Superintendents Association news For those of you who attended the of this event. In the wake of the success of the 2004 show at the recent Conference in Halifax, this is not Sheraton, the staff and Boards of both Associations are reviewing news, but by all reports, the conference is further business relationships and refinements for a potential regarded as a great success! The Provincial show in 2006 at a date/location to be determined. educational lineup was outstanding, the At our pre-conference Board meetings, approval was given to venue was terrific, and the local support the development and implementation of a comprehensive review was evident. It had been about 12 years of our educational offerings. At the next 2005 AGM in Toronto, since our last visit to Halifax, and the we may present a proposed alignment of education with by Bob Burrows consensus now is that we should not wait membership classifications. This initiative is a continuation of our Rosedale Golf Club that long to return to such a great venue. efforts to integrate the “National Occupational Standards” with I would like to thank the various event our education offerings and membership classes. If approved in sponsors and especially conference chairman, Ray Pineau and his principle, the Board may be developing this alignment for Committee for contributing to the success of this event. presentation and adoption at the next AGM in 2006 in Vancouver. Congratulations also to Jim Nix, upon his election to the position Of course, prior to all that, we will be seeking extensive of President of the CGSA! Thanks also to immediate past membership input with focus groups across Canada, to seek President Jim McGarvey and to Bill Fach, outgoing past President refinements and buy-in. The first step in this process was positive for all of their years of dedicated service to the CGSA. member input in November with regional focus groups. Our Congratulations also goes to Blake Palmer upon his receipt of the targeted marketing campaign is elevating the position of our ‘John B. Steele” award, and Paul White upon winning the “Score profession. The Board also approved the joint funding of an Superintendent of the Year” award! Paul will receive more educational video on the pesticide issue, produced by the Alberta recognition at the Score awards dinner at a time/venue to be Golf Industry Association. The details of distribution will be announced. released soon. The audience of this video is presumably non­ Make a special mental note that JANUARY 7-1/, 2005 are the golfers, municipal councillors and public golfers who all require confirmed dates of the next National Conference in Toronto. We more familiarity with our industry and its well-respected use of all look forward to this joint event, and some great local hospitality! regulated products, and our belief in the continued right to use Plans are well underway for this Ontario conference in 2005, with these necessary, highly tested products. respect to determining a social program and banquet The registration brochure for the September 20th Fall Field Day entertainment, and formalizing an educational program and at Riverside GC, Saskatoon, is now available. We are planning to keynote speaker. The OGSA has appointed Sean DeSilva as co- offer a free half-day seminar prior to the Fall Field Day on the chair of the conference. If you have any suggestions or concerns morning of Sunday, September 19, 2004. This seminar will be regarding the 2005 event, please contact either Sean or me. The open even to those who do not plan to attend the Field Day. The Syngenta Company is to be commended for taking an active and Provincial Association will also be hosting a welcome reception on substantial long-term sponsorship position with CGSA and our the Saturday evening, with details to follow. Plan to register soon, educational initiatives. We intend to offer an outstanding as this event will fill up quickly and you may be left out. conference in Canada’s largest city. The visible support of both All the best for a successful season for both you and your club. you and your club andjunior club staff will be crucial to the success 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 Golf course conditions... What Happens After 5 pm? by Dean Baker, Superintendent North Halton Golf & Country Club Through the course of any day or any season, questions about your golf course always arise. A popular topic of conversation is the transformation that the golf course takes throughout the day. Early in the morning, usually around 6 AM, the course is addressed from stem to stern. Everything is cut, fresh pins are in place, bunkers are raked, garbage is removed, and the course is ready for a new day. Many would dare to ask, how long does this new day last? What about the golf course for those who love playing late in the day? Ironically enough, the questions late in the day are always similar, why are the greens slow, why are the bunkers not raked, why have you not picked up the garbage? The answers to these questions are what superintendents need to know, and what golfers need to understand. Healthy turfgrass and continuous play will change the way a course plays from morning to afternoon. The daily change of conditions. ..our Fellow Golfers At any course, one of the biggest issues we face, and the most sensitive, is golf etiquette. As all golfers know, the course needs to be maintained...by all who play. This means replacing divots, fixing ball marks, raking bunkers, (etc., etc.). We all know the drill. Complaints late in the day about divots, ball marks, un­ raked bunkers, usually equate back to their fellow golfer and the forgetting of golf course etiquette. Public courses may deal with this issue more than private clubs particularly due to novice golfers and their lack of golf knowledge. This problem is more Playing in the afternoon is a wonderful way to relax and unwind from a busy frustrating for private clubs because all members should respect day... but you have to remember, the course has had a busy day as well. and know how to take care of their own golf course. It is not always the novice golfer that may forget golf course etiquette. The daily change of conditions.. .Mother Nature Again, education and constant reminders are useful tools to help The one thing we have to explain to our golfers as keep enforcing the message. Take care of your golf course, not superintendents, is that we are dealing with a very active living only for yourself, but also for the golfers behind you. plant. This plant has the capability of incredible growth every day. We all see in our morning clippings, how much the grass can grow on a daily basis (especially spring and fall). Asking our putting greens to sustain their height of cut and their speed through a 12- hour day is a tall order. Plus a golf course after a long day certainly does not look as fresh as it did after that first cut. New technologies, such as growth regulators and rolling greens, are helping to maintain speeds throughout the day, but this does not help combat the other culprit we deal with as the day goes on.. .traffic. I always have the same analogy for people comparing the golf course to their home lawn, "Your lawn may look good now, but what would it look like if 200 people played on it each day”? Some courses have resorted to cutting crucial areas (i.e. putting greens) twice a day or having a split shift of staff, morning & 100 divot bottles on the first tee is an excellent way to get the point across.. .Please afternoon. This is good if you have the time, manpower, and repair your Divots! money. On a busy golf course, this can be time consuming and distracting to golf. Cutting putting greens twice a day can also add Watching Golf on TV... The most asked question to stress on the turf plant. Having staff remain well after an 8 hour Question...you tell me the conditions on the golf course after day (usually about 3 pm) to keep things tidy, comes down to an 5 PM could be a little less than perfect (12 hours old), so how do individual club’s decision. For most courses, golfers do understand the wear and tear a golf course sees through a long the best players playing in the last group, make it through these summer day. Educating the golfers is our greatest tool. conditions? The answer is... Everything you see on TV is a fairy Golf course conditions... What Happens After 5 pm? continued... tale, but golf etiquette plays the most important role. growing healthier turf than ever before, which enables the Tour stop golf courses have been waiting for their big course to withstand longer days of wear and tear. For the golfers, opportunity to be on TV for a long time. Hosting such a public and private, it comes down to one thing...golf course tournament can be great for a club, but also comes with etiquette. For as many times as we have to remind ourselves, it enormous planning and preparation. Some of this preparation will always be there in front of us...educating is a continuous starts years in advance. The condition of the golf course for that process. week is crucial! Most clubs will go out of their way to get ready. Reducing or suspending play all together before the tournament So Please... is common throughout tour courses. This is to ensure perfect Fix Your Ball marks conditions...no wear areas, no divots, no ball marks. For the course itself, the week of the tournament is easy. With the Replace or Repair your Divots exception of maybe a busy Pro-Am day, the course will only see approximately 144 players, which is then reduced to half that Rake the Bunker number on the weekend. This is not like an average day at any And most of all: busy golf course that could see well over 200 players a day, (not to mention handicaps). Respect and Enjoy... The Game of Golf The key factor we can all see with tour players on TV is their caliber of golf. This is a huge asset to the superintendent and the course conditions. At this level, it is easy to understand the importance of golf course etiquette... it is part of their job! The Caddy, is as important in this key role of course etiquette by Brett Murray constantly cleaning up after their player, i.e. replacing divots, Technical Sales raking bunkers. Again, this important part of the game exists not Maple Turf Supply only for themselves, but respectfully for their opponent as well. 8112 King Rd. W. Business: (905) 857-2000 P.O. Box 370 Fax: (905) 857-8215 Bolton, Ontario Mobile: (416) 580-8112 The golf industry continues to make advancement in all areas L7E 5T3 1-800-268-4425 of playing golf. For superintendents, improved technologies and education are helping us grow better turfgrass. Golf courses are Dave Dick Jeff McMaster PUMPTRONICS Turfgrass Specialist Turfgrass Specialist PUMPING SYSTEMS 39 Monte Vista Trail 1864 Bowler Drive Brampton, Ont. L6Z 2J7 Pickering, Ont. L1V 3E4 18-1290 Speers Road,Oakville,Ontario, L6L 2X4 Fax & Phone 905-846-3319 Fax & Phone 905-839-6526 Toll Free 1-888-222-6676 Fax (905) 825-8139 email: ddick.proturf@sympatico.ca email: proturf@sympatico.ca email; paulp@pumptronics.ca www.pumptronics.ca Nu-Gro Corporation - Natural solution for insects, fungus and weeds problems - HARMONY homogenous organic fertilizer - Synthetic fertilizer ( homogenous or blend ) - Liquid and water soluble fertilizer Doug Hubble - - Turf and wildflowers seeds Golf accessories Sales and Marketing Manager - Top quality tires,tines,blades,reels and bedknifes dhubble@nu-gro.ca - Sprayers,sprinklers and spreaders 519.770.3157 Direct Line - Safety supplies 905.541.8872 Do your best shot, call for a submission. Phone: 1-888-831-1085 • Fax: 1-888-836-1915 • e-mail: gosselin@fertilec.com 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. 10th annual golf course hockey challenge by John Taylor The 10th annual Golf Course Hockey Challenge took to action, Team Northern Ontario had reclaimed their the ice again this past January 27th and 28th in Fort Erie, fourth consecutive Reel Cup with a hard fought 11 to 7 Ontario. Twelve teams, representing a vast array of turf win over Team Michigan. Team Toronto 2 claimed third industry employees from Canada and the U.S., laced on spot with an 8 to 7 overtime victory over Team Toronto 1. the blades to compete for the coveted “Reel Cup.” Team New York edged out Team Kitchener 2 to claim the One of the winters worst snowstorms could not deter the fifth spot with a score of 3 to 2. Team London ended in competitors as almost all players arrived safely, despite the seventh spot with a 5 to 3 win over team Kitchener 1. hazardous driving conditions. It’s a good thing this wasn’t Team Niagara claimed ninth spot with a 3 to 2 win over an educational seminar as the weather would have Team Turfnet, and our two newest entries fought it out at deterred a lot of people... but this is hockey! the end with Team Ottawa edging out Team Quebec for Another tournament organizer, Scott Dodson of the eleventh place 7 to 5. Park Country Club in Buffalo, NY spoke about the success Thanks to all the players for attending as well as the of the tournament over the past 10 years. “We started out referees, timekeepers, coaches and spectators who made it with 4 teams that first year, with a concept that we drew up out despite the nasty travel conditions. on a cocktail napkin after a round of golf. The first year was a one day tournament during a terrible ice storm, but everyone showed and had a great time, so we kind of figured we were on to something.” Since that first year, corporate sponsorship through the industry has been incredible. Club Car has sponsored a Tuesday night party every year for the players and Turfcare Products and Toro have covered the cost of the ice time. Throw into the mix various other industry people who sponsor players’ travel, uniforms, entry fees, refreshments after games, draw prizes at the party, and you have the makings of a very enjoyable event for all involved. When the fog had settled after two grueling days of Georgian Bay Storm OGSA spring curling classic 2004 by Randy Booker The OGSA curling day had a change in venue this year as A great time was had by all as the veterans showed the it was hosted by Randy Booker and the Dundas Valley Golf newcomers just how social this game is - good food and and Curling Club in conjunction with the clubs’ 75^ plenty of drink. A heartfelt thanks go out to Vanden anniversary celebrations. Many new curlers were Bussche Irrigation and Equipment, Plant Products, Masters introduced to the game for the first time as 6 teams battled Turf Supply, OGSA and the Dundas Valley Golf and Curling for supremacy. The winning Stauffer rink came away with Club for their contributions and support of the 2004 OGSA an unblemished 2-0 record on its way to the 2004 title - Curling Classic. well done! Stauffer Team - L-R Dan McNaught, Rob Witherspoon, Randy Booker. Colin L-R Jason Becket, Jarrod Barakett White, Jeff Stauffer BEAUTIFUL TRUTH The truth is, you make this happen. We understand that beautiful turf doesn't come easily and you don't get any second chances. ProTurf shares in your relentless pursuit of perfection. We promise you our best every time. Proud supplier of quality products including Contec™, Poly-S™, FFII™, and K-O-G™. ProTurf Dave Dick (905) 846-3319 serving you since 1977 Jeff McMaster 1 800 839-6526 serving you since 1980 Nu-Gro Corporation. 10 Craig Street. Brantford. ON N3R 7J1 ProTurf R is a registered trademark used under license from The Scotts Company. Member profile Interview with Jim Flett Superintendent, Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club by John Bladon, Editor Green is Beautiful n the midst of the March Break Club under the watchful eye of David quiet, OGSA member Jim Flett and I Gourlay, Sr. took the opportunity to talk and reflect over his 20 plus years involved in golf, "I biked back and forth from the golf course turfgrass management and that whole summer. I don 7 know that I’ll Jim Flett Superintendent at Muskoka horticulture. Jim has now been the ever be in that good a shape again!!!” Lakes Golf & Country Club Golf Course Superintendent at Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club His second year at Guelph completed Spring came in 1992 and with it, new for 13 years. and armed with his diploma as a challenges. Jim took the position he “I have often wondered where I might be ifI graduate of 85A, Jim found holds to this day at Muskoka Lakes. This hadn't picked up a golf club all those years employment as a member of the Stanley Thompson gem, on the shores ago. ” maintenance team at the Board of of Lake Rosseau, has flourished under Trade Country Club. After some Jim’s vision. Extensive renovations, So how has the career of this former forethought, he then enrolled at Texas upgrades to an antiquated irrigation OGSA President progressed? A & M believing that a degree would be system and improvements in an asset to him in the future. While Jim conditioning have kept Muskoka Lakes Jim’s beginnings were actually in the spent winters studying in Texas, he in the upper echelons of golf in Richmond Hill Parks and Recreation returned to Canada each summer and Muskoka. Department. After summers working completed his apprenticeship at the Jim smiles when he talks of his there, and with a burgeoning interest Board of Trade Country Club, under affiliation with the OGSA and suggests in horticulture, he made the decision the tutelage of Gordon Witteveen. In that his membership and involvement to enroll in the Diploma program at 1989 and following his graduation with the Board of Directors is something the University of Guelph. Arguably, from Texas, he moved to Collingwood he will always be proud of. He also lists this is where the fates intervened. to take the position of Golf Course involving his team in the decision While at Guelph with a number of now Superintendent at Blue Mountain Golf making processes and doing a large OGSA members, Dean Baker, Angelo 8c Country Club. Jim remained at Blue portion of the renovations at Muskoka Capannelli, Jerry Richard and Ian Mountain for the next three years. Lakes in house as two ways of keeping Bowen to name a few, Jim’s thoughts “Gord was a huge influence in the both he and his staff motivated. began to creep towards a career in golf development of my career. It was with his Jim currently lives in Midland with turfgrass management. He had played blessing that I managed to land the job at spouse, Christine and son, Rawlin. It golf as a youngster and was keen to Blue Mountain. Officially, I hadn’t even appears a fondness for golf and turf runs make the switch from a horticultural been an assistant superintendent at that in the family too.. .Christine now has two focus. His first summer on the golf point. ” shops in Midland aptly named “Rub of course was at the Thornhill Country the Green.” Fitting I think. "In the Hot Seat" • Favourite major? The Masters • Best piece of turf equipment ever? Ty-Crop • Ultimate foursome...you and what three? Sundin, Roberts and Mogilny!!! • Favourite Golf Architect? Stanley Thompson • Lowest round and where? 79, Blue Mountain • This year’s Stanley Cup pick? LEAFERS!!! • Favourite Meal? Thai Noodles • Favourite course outside of Canada? Deere Run (home of the JD Classic) • What’s in the CD player right now? Buck 65 • Rate your home lawn on a scale of 1-10 At least a 6.5! • What do you envision yourself doing if you weren’t working in the turf industry? Sailing somewhere... Golf course highlight Oakville Executive Golf Course 4414 Fourth Line, Oakville ON L6M 4E8 Website: www.oakvilleexecutivegolf.ca Golf Course Superintendent: Stephen Jones Email: info@oakvilleexecutivegolf.ca COURSE PROFILE What type of irrigation system? COURSE PROJECTS What county is your club located in? Mixture of manual, Toro hydraulic and Halton Region electric control. At the end of this season, What projects have you recently completed? there will be a conversion to a Toro LTC 2001 -Opened nine new holes, renovated six Is your club private, semi private, public, resort or fully automated system with Site Pro. existing holes. municipal? Public Aggressive removal of 2 1/2" thatch from What is the size of the greens, tees & fairways? existing greens, tees and fairways. Typical number of rounds 160,000 square feet of greens New maintenance facility. 50,000 rounds per year 110,000 square feet of tees Upgrade irrigation reserves. 35 acres of fairways Renovate course bunkers. Typical opening and closing date 2003- Nine hole irrigation renovation. Early April to December What is your predominant grass? New tee construction. Penncross/Providence (greens) Install drainage in three greens. How long have you been a superintendent? Bluegrass (fairways) New fertilizer/chemical and materials 9 years storage facility. How many USGA greens and how many How long have you been an O.G.S.A. member? loam greens? LONG RANGE PLANS 14 years No USGA greens How many staff? Greens are 80/20 sand/peat What long range plans for renovation do you 0 year round and 7 seasonal staff have in the next five years? What is the predominant soil type? Remove old house on 18th hole and How many mechanics and assistants? Heavy clay landscape. 1 Assistant: Jason Fairfield Finish irrigation renovation in fall. What equipment do you have in inventory? 3 - Toro 3250-D greens mowers Enlarge water storage capacity. How many gardening staff? 1 - Toro 1000 walkbehind mower Install drainage for 8 more greens. None full time 2 - Toro 3100-D reel type trim mowers CHALLENGES COURSE STATISTICS 1 - Toro 5400-D fairway mower 1 - Toro 223-D fairway mower Are there any particular challenges you face How many holes? 1 - Toro 223 Groundsmaster with your property? 18 hole executive and 9 hole regulation 2 - Proflex 120 rough mowers Limited water supply requires careful 2 - Massey 245 tractors management. What is the yardage from back tees and forward tees? 1 - Massey 135 tractor Physical breakdown of existing sand in 18 hole: 4,300yards from the back tees and 1 - Gehl 4835 skidsteer loader greens requires new drainage and 3,750 yards from the front tees 1 - Toro 3200 Workman with incorporation of new sand. 9 hole: 2,900 yards from the back tees and 200 gallon spray tank and Continued renovation of thatch 2,450 yards from the front tees Toro 1800 topdresser accumulation. 1 - John Deere Gator 4x2 How many bunkers? 2 - Ez-Go MPT utility vehicles SUCCESS STORIES 77 1 - Honda 4-trac 1 - Toro sandpro Do you have any success stories? How many ponds, and/or how many times does 1 - Rapidcore 1600 Aerator Blending the new holes into the older water come into play? holes while addressing major cultural 1 - Toro aerothatch/overseeder 10 times (9 hole) and 14 times (18 hole) 1 - 4” pto driven water pump deficiencies. Uniformity of greens being 1 - Supertilt dump trailer the major end product. Who was the original architect? 1 - 3500 Ditch Witch trencher Cultural programs, controlled fertility, Rene Muylaert 1 - Stihl 038 chainsaw good air circulation and acceptance of What was the year of original construction? 4 - Stihl string-line trimmers some pests have resulted in elimination of 1988 1 - Stihl hedge trimmer pesticide usage outside of greens 1 - Redmax Reciprocal edger environments. However, it is of great By whom and when was the course remodeled? 1 - Ryan sod cutter importance to have available the Rene Muylaert in 2000 1 - 9hp Wonder blower necessary tools if pests surpass our 1 - Karcher 550e powerwasher tolerance levels. Very limited herbicide What is the size of your maintenance shop? 1 - Lely pto fert. spreader use is still necessary on a spot spray 3,800 square feet 1 - Greens groomer brush program. 2 - Anderson Rotary fert. Spreaders Do you comply? Regulations you should know by Mark A. Scenna, Environmental Investigations Ltd. mscenna@sympatico.ca Where applicable I will cite regulations and I will try to better filtration system to demonstrate how to comply with the top ten environmental issues remove contaminants. facing golf course maintenance in Ontario. However, as one might imagine - they cost #1 - By far the most highly regulated issue facing golf courses is considerably more. Most golf the Equipment Wash Pad area & effluent run-off requirements. In courses currently do not Ontario we have many environmental regulations which prohibit comply with this the discharge of a contaminant into the natural environment. For requirement. If budget instance, the Environmental Protection Act [June 2001 -Section concerns are restricting your 18(2) (b) (i)] specifically states that a provincial MOE officer has the intentions, try to make the right to issue a control order/ stop order if he or she is in the time to create an opinion that a source of contaminant is being discharged into the environmental plan which environment and this contaminant has a concentration which depicts your club’s intentions. constitutes an immediate danger to human health or property. Let If you are inspected, you will me make this clear. Unless you have a preventative waste-stream gain more respect from regulators that you are aware of the process currently in place - you are allowing contaminants to be requirements and have intentions to implement corrective discharged into the environment and therefore are currently in measures. Turning a blind eye is no longer being tolerated. violation of this Management must demonstrate a degree of diligence toward requirement. To comply environmental protection. with this requirement you can either build your own or #2, #3 - Pesticide Storage. Due to the overlapping requirements purchase a prefabricated this concern will be divided into two issues, namely (i) Structural preventative waste stream and (ii) Administrative. Structural requirements are the actual process. Building your own constructive requirements of your facility including, Fire would involve purchasing 2 Suppression, Spill Containment, Insulation, Ventilation & x concrete catch basins, 1 x Placement. Complying with all is essential. You can verify your trash pump, a filtering building’s compliance standing by checking the requirements media of some sort for grass outlined in section 4.4 of the CGSA’s Environmental Management clipping removal and an oil/ water separator. Superintendents who Resource Manual (i.e. the table at the end of the chapter). have built their own have informed me to be aware of the following; However, from my experience - Fire Suppression 8c Placement are issues regulatory authorities have a stronger say in. Ensure to • grass clippings can become a nightmare if not properly filtered contact your municipal Fire Prevention Office & Building/ out by clogging your system; Planning depts, prior to purchasing any new buildings or • be prepared to allocate time/ personnel to constantly maintain alternatively have them in to inspect your current scenario. Fire this area; Suppression usually is required to be 1 hour, yet if your storage area • ensure to plan a realistic pad size to allocate space for enough resides within another building partition walls may be required to equipment. have a higher rating. Placement of a new storage area should always be verified with your municipal planning dept, and Conservation Prefabricated systems on the other hand are engineered authority. exclusively for golf course maintenance waste streams, and Administrative requirements include (but are not limited to) therefore have less maintenance and headaches, not to mention a posting Emergency Telephone #’s, placing absorbent materials within the entrance, Its easy to participate storing protective application equipment - Step# 1.Write the IPM Accreditation Examination. separately, and proper Contact by telephone at 1-866-385-IPMA / 519-674-1538 or online labeling. Currently, the at www.ontarioipm.com Ontario Ministry of + Environment is - Step #2. Continue to earn Continuing Education Credits inspecting some of the (CECs) by attending relevant educational seminars; G.T.A. in search of + unlabelled products. - Step #3. Submit annual desk reviews to Ridgetown College for 3rd Any product containers party auditor verification. that for some reason + have the label ripped - Step #4. Once every 3 years your facility is required to have an off are required to have “on-site audit” by a third party auditor. the following written in black non-eraseable marker (i) the trade name or common name, Fully Accredited facility. (ii) the concentration of active ingredient, and (iii) the PCP number. #7 - Pesticide Container Disposal Requirements. Section 27 (3) of Regulation 914 under the Pesticides Act states “the person #4 - Regulation 914 made under the Pesticides Act actually responsible shall ensure that a container that has been rinsed is requires any vehicle to be used to transport or apply a pesticide in taken for recycling to a pesticide container depot.” This is not only connection with an extermination to have an identification marker good conduct, this is the law! For further information, contact affixed to the rear of the vehicle in such a manner as to be visible & CropLife at 21 Four Seasons Place, Suite 627 Etobicoke, Ontario legible at all times. This means all sprayers must have a “Pesticide Canada M9B 6J8 Tel: (416) 622-9771 www.croplife.ca Storage” sticker on the rear of the vehicle. The ministry’s explanation for this requirement stems from public notification. #8 - Spray Tank Mix/ Load/ Fill Requirements They feel if a golfing foursome walks by the sprayer and it remains The Ministry of Environment is also currently inspecting idling for a short duration of time - the sprayer technically becomes maintenance facilities for properly designated spray tank mix/ a storage facility. This seems a little far fetched however I would load/ fill areas. These designated areas are to have a spill advise you place some stickers on since there have been some recent containment sump and a back-flow prevention device. Most of all MOE inspection asking for this. they are not to be located at the equipment wash area. A provincial MOE officer can issue a control order or a stop order (not allowing #5 - Pesticide use posting requirements. We are all too familiar you to operate) to the superintendent if he/ she is in the opinion: with “sign-posting” requirements concerning pesticide applications, however a recent cluster of inspections by the MOE has brought out some new requirements. Regardless of your current notification posting practices, the Ministry of Environment is now requiring signs to be immediately posted around the “treatment area” before a pesticide application is performed. What does this mean? Apparently you’re required to post signs, around each fairway if you’re spraying fairways, each green if you’re spraying greens, etc. Their rationale is golfers are considered public and having a sign at the 1st tee and pro-shop are not sufficient for notification and the - That a source of contaminant is discharging into the signs posted along your fences are facing outward, notifying your environment; & neighbours, not golfers who are in the closest proximity to the - This contaminant has a concentration which constitutes an application. This requirement too is currently being enforced. immediate danger to human health or property. Alternative notification approval may be requested to: The Director Environmental Protection Act, Section 18 (2) (b) (i) June 2001 Under the Pesticides Act, Ministry of the Environment Pesticides Section, Standards Development Branch, 40 St. Clair Ave., West, 7^ Floor, Toronto, ON M4V 1M2. #6- IPM Accreditation Program. The IPM Accreditation Program addresses the following public concerns; the excessive use of pesticides, promoting professional development, and reducing risks from pesticide use to our environment. Do You Comply? Regulations you should know continued... from page 19 #9 - Water Quality Requirements The regulations concerning the prevention of hazardous substances entering the natural environment are numerous, including; the Environmental Protection Act & Regulation 347, the Pesticides Act &Reg. 914, the Ontario Water Resources Act, Regulation. 558- the General Waste Management Regulation, the MOEE Guideline for use at Contaminated sites, Municipal by-laws, etc. Hence the necessity for Water Quality Monitoring & Data Collection. This is essential to demonstrate the following; -Establish a baseline of water quality, - Provide a basis for measuring compliance with environmental regulations, -Satisfies Audubon International’s requirements for water quality enhancement. #10 - Small quantity Gasoline & Miscellaneous product storage. According to Section 4..2.4.2(4) of the Ontario Fire Code, all small quantity class I products (flammable materials e.g. gasoline) > 30 L are required to be stored in a ULC approved fire rated cabinet. Totally Contained Equipment Wash Down Systems Simple Reliable ANNOUNCES THE INAUGURAL Dependable OGSA / CGSA JOINT We can help you CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL TURFGRASS CONFERENCE Reduces Water Consumption become compliant Eliminates Water Pollution with the Fisheries AND TRADE SHOW Act R.S. 1985 c.F-14 water quality regulations January 7th - 11th, 2005 Metro Toronto Convention Centre Closed Loop EnvironmentalCent rs MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW Closed Loop Equipment Washing Rinsate Spill Management Systems Chemical Storage Building Corporate Offices 2140 NE 36th Avenue Ocala, Florida 33470 USA Updates will be posted to our 800-277-3279 web site www.golfsupers.on.ca www.waste2water.com as information becomes available. 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. 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.bayeres.ca 1-888-283-6847 ALWAYS READ PRODUCT LABEL PRIOR TO USE. Rovral is a registered trademark of Bayer Always read and follow label directions The New Jacobsen AR5 High Capacity 5-Gang Rotary Rough Mower • 59 hp Kubota 4 cylinder diesel engine • 90" cutting width • hydrostatic drive • on demand 2 and 4 wheel drive • joystick control for lifting & lowering of cutting decks • cross cut capability for easy striping • 23" hydraulically driven recycling decks, capable of mulching or rear discharge Optional 2 post ROPS, cruise control, canopy/sun shade 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 RESEARCH PRODUCTS PEOPLE STEWARDSHIP Fast-acting and long-lasting, SubdueMAXX® Fungicide quickly takes control of Pythium Blight and Pythium Working overtime Damping Off in golf course turf. Featuring Syngenta's exclusive MAXX microemulsion technology, So you don't have to. SubdueMAXX® stops disease growth and prevents the development of new disease. With a residual action of up to 21 days, SubdueMAXX® is working all the time, so you don't have to. For more information on SubdueMAXX® 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 Subdue MAXX* is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Night Watering; Five steps to a better sleep by Tim Fredericks Technical Support Manager Golf Irrigation Turf Care Products Canada One of the first responsibilities I was given when I started working Part of the first step and equally important is the attention paid to at a golf course was the job of a night waterman. Though short-lived, the electronic components controlling the irrigation system. Since I still consider it a unique position, unparalleled after 17 years the majority of modern computerized irrigation systems utilize experience, primarily due to the fact that the reward of a night’s work electronics to distribute power throughout the course in order to was very absolute. As it goes, either the turf was watered or it was not. activate the sprinklers, special attention should be paid to the integrity Usually there was no specific reason why it did get water; however, the of this electrical system. Staff should be aware of wire connections and reasons for a night of non-watering or even partial watering were vast: wire routing, be vigilant of rodent and pest damage, and pump shutdown, pipe break, or the scariest—I might have dozed off. knowledgeable of the operating specifications of the controllers. In As a retrospective salute to the latter very infrequent reason, I want to many cases, sprinkler non-performance can be traced back to a fault fast-forward to the realities of the 21st century—that the majority of in the electrical system or of the electrical components. the watering done on a golf course takes place at night while we are sleeping when and, by in large, the user is confident that in the morning the result is that the turf did get watered. This is the measure of a good nights sleep—watered grass in the morning! Watered turf does not mean the job of irrigating is finished. Although the irrigation system does indeed start and finish and the total amount of water pumped appears to be “in the ballpark”, the modern irrigator must be vigilant to the small details which continually work to sabotage precision watering practices. Modern computerized irrigation systems bring together many physical components along with some theoretical inputs. These comprise a system, which is now measured not by its reliability but rather by its precision application of water. Efficiency is a loaded term. Because so many variables can contribute to it’s meaning, I want to examine just five easy steps an irrigator can take to improve the system performance and the overall precision of the daily water application. These five steps range from the simple but are necessary daily tasks in terms of maintaining the irrigation system’s physical components. These include; nozzles and head levels to the more theoretical considerations such as the irrigation centrals’ use of precipitation rates and its projected flow Along with a consistent program for hardware maintenance, my calculations. Each of these steps represents a crucial constituent when second tip is that a co-ordinated effort be made to ensure that the attempting to understand specifically what daily watering is occurring. information in the irrigation computer (irrigation central) is accurate The first step golf course personnel can undertake, is to ensure that and matches the hardware installed on the course. Most modern their irrigation field hardware is operating up to specification. Most irrigation centrals take the inputted data and use it to compile of the maintenance involved is simple and very cost effective. For irrigation schedules based on various combinations of factors: example, irrigation performance can be greatly affected by factors as precipitation rates, hydraulic capacities, electrical capacity of simple as nozzle performance, sprinkler condition, and the turf components, etc. If the hardware does not match what is in the height immediately surrounding the rotor. Staff should be computer central then the calculations it performs will be based on encouraged to maintain a program whereby the simple steps are addressed on a daily basis. Nozzles should be routinely checked for incorrect data. Eventually, corrupt or inaccurate data can lead to obstructions, wear, and damaged components since any one of these dangerous situation such as when the flow expected by the computer single items can affect the precipitation rate and the volume being exceeds the capacity of the pump resulting in poor sprinkler applied to the turf. Similarly, heads should be edged in order to performance or even the complete shutdown of the system. While ensure nothing is obstructing the water stream. Sprinklers are these situations can sometimes take years to get to a point of failure, designed to have a uniform precipitation rate and anything affecting the probability of it happening on the hottest day of the year always or impeding the stream of water will compromise head performance seems to be safe bet. More likely, the incorrect information will result and mislead an irrigator. in a system not accurately predicating the correct amount or correct distribution of water applied to the turf resulting in arbitrary wet and/or dry areas. So what is the most effective way to eliminate these pitfalls? The easiest possible way to minimize the problem of erroneous data corrupting the irrigation system is to encourage key irrigation staff to take ownership of the irrigation system. While there are many ways to foster this amongst staff, I would suggest that staff develop and maintain a correct “As-Built” drawing. A correct “As-Built” should include sprinkler sequencing, sprinkler type, pipe sizes, wire splices, wire location, isolation valves, and any other features relevant to maintaining the system. By maintaining an accurate record of the irrigation system, staff will see that the map will not only lead to a better performing system—they will benefit from its accuracy when the time comes to make repairs and the pipe size and valve locations are generally accurate. Furthermore, as the course experiences staff Beware of insect infestation turnover, future employees will not be hindered by a lack of correct operates differently, a multitude of proficient users does not information when trying to figure out what is in the ground when jeopardize the day-to-day consistency of water being applied to the problems occur. turf—it enhances the consistency. The key is consistent operation of the system and all various users understand the importance of that consistency. For example, a situation might arise when during the week the daily adjustments to the putting green program are made as a percentage adjustment; whereas, the weekend staff might make their adjustments to the runtimes of specific sprinklers. The problem arises whereby different operators need to spend unnecessary time trying to determine the previous day’s user application. This results in wasted time and possibly missed modifications. Eventually the irrigation system becomes cumbersome and inaccurate due to conflicting methods the various staff members use to make micro­ adjustments. In general, the majority of golf irrigators have already adopted many of the ideas mentioned above; however, I suggest there is a natural progression that culminates in the fifth and final step—irrigators should always strive to get more utility from their system. By maintaining its operation and scrutinizing the data being Checking the sprinkler performance inputted, operators are in reality seeking better utility from their system. As systems become more complicated, more involved, and concerns over water usage become more focused, users informed on Once key staff is actively involved in the maintenance of the system the performance features of irrigation systems will come to realize that and its overall performance appears to be meeting your expectations, expecting precision is essential in daily watering. Gone are the days of the fourth step to focusing water delivery is to have participating staff being relieved that the irrigation system made it through the night. develop a consistent method for charting and inputting daily changes. The expectation of the modern superintendent is that results of I encourage that more than one staff member is confident in his precision are met daily leading to a truly good nights sleep. knowledge of how the central works and how daily modifications to active watering are made. While every turf management team 800S Series. Reliability. Durability. Performance. TURF CARE The 800S Series works every time, with smooth rotation for extended drive life and more than double the lightning protection to keep your system working. Built to last 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 800S Series Golf Sprinklers Irrigation 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 Organic Facilitators by Gary T Grigg, CGCS, MG Most companies that sell liquid nutrients and soil bio the needed micro-community, they will produce and sell you amendments utilize some type of carbon based liquid in the products that will assist in the health of the soil. And while mixture. Basically they are used in two ways; either to add there is very little scientific evidence that these products carbon to the rhizosphere, or to help nutrients get into the work, the philosophy behind their development is backed by plant as a root feed or a foliar feed. science. These products may contain various types of Health of the Rhizosphere carbohydrates, protein, glucose, sea weed extracts, organic The rhizosphere is defined as the soil which is under the acids, amino acids, organic humates such as humic acid, and influence of the roots. The roots absorb water and nutrients simple organic extracts composed of manure or lenordite. in that area. This area of the soil is rich in microorganisms These may be alone or mixed in combination. With everyone which increase nutrient availability, immobilize nitrogen in making claims and little research going on, pick products the root zone and reduce nitrate leaching. This biological made by those companies which have good science behind fraction in the rhizosphere conserves nutrients and is them, make quality products and are willing to stand behind responsible for organic material breakdown and nutrient them. You have to be the judge of whether or not they are cycling. The soil microorganisms are responsible for helping. formulation of soil structure, improved aeration and improved drainage. Organic Facilitators for Nutrients During photosynthesis; sunlight, carbon dioxide and water Many humic and organic materials have the capacity to through the action of the chloroplasts and chlorophyll yields bind substantial amounts of metals and other cations. They carbohydrates, oxygen, and water. These carbohydrates are can therefore exert considerable control over the supply and both utilized by the plant to sustain growth and life functions availability of nutrient elements to plants and water. as well as be stored in the roots for reserve. When the metal ion or cation combines with an electron The roots are not photosynthetic and are 100% dependent donor, the resulting substance is said to be a complex or on the photosynthetic energy captured in the leaves and coordination compound. If the donor atoms are attached shoots. The amount of energy captured depends on such not only to the metal ion but also to each other forming a things as the duration of light, the extent of stress, and the ring, it creates a chelate. amount of leaf surface. Modern day superintendents, in There are good complexes and bad complexes and there order to satisfy the wants of their golfers for green speed, are good chelates and bad chelates. Some of the organic simply cut their greens so low and so often that there is very agents used in these products are: humic acids from many little leaf surface. sources, fulvic acids, ligno sulfates, amino acids, sugars and In an ordinary situation, a plant will store 1/2 of all the carbohydrates, hydrolyzed protein mixes and derivatives carbohydrates produced in the root and utilize 1/2 for from the wood pulp industry. Many of these have low stability sustaining life functions. Around 1/2 of that carbohydrate constants and when mixed with anions, such as phosphates, reserve in the root is then excreted back into the rhizosphere may result in precipitation. Once again, select your products as a microbial substrate called exudates. These exudates are wisely. When added to the nutrients, organics are a combination of protein, carbohydrates and sugars. These biodegradable and available to the plant and the soil micro­ exudates sustain the life of the complex micro-community community as an energy source. and the microbes in turn make nutrients available to the Since the 1950’s synthetic chelating agents have been used plant. Great teamwork! as aids in plant nutrition. Among the more popular ones are A modern putting green mowed at 1/8 inch or less, EDTA, HEDTA, and EGTA, and others. They are cost regardless if it is warm or cool season grass, simply cannot effective and can be effective if used properly, but they are produce enough photosynthesis to make enough generally not biodegradable or very slowly biodegradable. carbohydrates to go around. The turf is trying to survive and Synthetic chelates are used extensively in many turf does a poor job of storing reserves and an even poorer job of products. Many researchers have reported that they may producing exudates. remain as a residue in the plant tissue or in the soil tying up Since the roots are largely responsible for the organic other nutrients and providing no additional energy source. matter in the soil via exudates, then managing for maximum Both the synthetic chelating agents and some natural root growth becomes very important. Anything we can do to organic agents are intended to be root uptake. In the soil, improve either the physical properties of the soil or the the synthetic agents can be effective. The intent of having a chemical conditions of the soil are important agronomic chelating agent is to prevent the negative charge on the soil practices. colloid from attracting the nutrient and thus tie it up and There are many companies that have the philosophy that make it unavailable to the plant. Complexing agents do not because your turf cannot produce enough exudates to build do as good a job of holding these bonds as do chelating agents, but again there are many variables. The organic only a few percent. Ask how much active ingredient is in agents can become both a microbial food as well as a nutrient the container. carrier. • Any agent that can be shown to cause chelation is Several of these chelating agents are also used to make considered a chelate, without regard to whether it is stable nutrients available to the plant through direct absorption or not. into the leaves and shoots. Once in the plant, they act as any • Unstable chelates that precipitate when mixed with anions, other nutrient would. such as phosphorus, are poorly absorbed by plants and are not translocated well within the plant. Absorption is only one aspect of a foliar fertilizer. In • The concentration of these complexing and chelating addition, the absorbed nutrient generally must be agents in the various formulations need not be on the translocated throughout the plant. While absorption is a key label. process in selecting a foliar applied nutrient, the extent of redistribution or mobility of each nutrient in the plant is an I personally believe that the best chelating agents are those important consideration also. that are natural components found in the metabolism of the plant and my personal observation is that they need to Buyer Beware compose a high concentration within the formulation. There is little regulation over the complexing and chelate industry. Gary holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and Entomology from Utah State University and a Master of Science • The presence of an organic or synthetic chelating agent in degree in Agronomy from Michigan State University. After a 34 year the formulation legally makes the product a chelate. career as a golf course superintendent, he retired to become co-founder • It doesn’t matter whether there is enough chelating agent of Grigg Brothers Fertilizers. in the mixture to chelate all the metals in the formulation or not to be considered a chelate. Many products contain Nothing Escapes the precision of Eagle WSP You can count on Eagle Fungicide to seek out and prevent turfgrass disease and provide powerful broad spectrum control all season long. With the precision of Eagle you need less fungicide, this means less cost to you. Eagle offers exceptional turfgrass safety and convenient water-soluble pouches for easier use. Make Eagle part of your IPM program. 1-800-461-6471 www.nu-gro.com ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS. Nu-Gro Corporation 10 Craig Street Brantford ON N3R 7J1 *EAGLE is a trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. In memoriam... Daniel M. Uzelac John A. Konarowski Died March 14, 2004 — Long time Member of OGSA submitted by Randy Hooper, CGCS Died March 22, 2004 - Long time Member of OGSA Course Superintendent of Kedron Dells Golf Course When I think of Dan Uzelac I think of Dan, Dorothy, and family, the whole team at Dominion Golf Club. They all made it work. submitted by R.M. Brown Dan and Dorothy were always there to support the associations on both sides of the border; donations of time, money, and John Konarowski died March 22nd, after a courageous hospitality were given frequently. I think of the “old-timers” that made up the supporting cast of struggle with cancer. He was in his 74th year. characters; my dad Bud, Nick Panasiuk, Ray Manion, Jack Pratt, Wayne Otto and so on. John started his career in golf course maintenance as There are many stories about the “grass-asses” and their Superintendent of Grandview Golf Course, Oshawa in misbehaving but just as many about their eagerness to learn more about this profession and gain acceptance among their peers. 1969, which ceased operations at the end of the 1972 They didn’t need offices or awards to confirm their success; the season. Coincident with the closing of Grandview, the condition of their golf courses, the friends they collected along the way, and love of life and family made the sun rise and set each day. ownership purchased property in north Oshawa and Bud and Danny mentored each other from the beginning; they work commenced, in late 1972, with the development of argued about sand topdressing and so many other things but always seemed to quickly resolve the issue of the day over a draft Kedron Dells Golf Course. John became an integral part beer at Dominion. of the development team and became Superintendent For me, it’s more than all this. In my heart I’ll always remember how Dan and Dorothy comforted when it came on stream in mid summer 1974 and he me when my mother died and Dan did what best buddies do to remained in that capacity until his death. keep my dad on his feet when he lost my mom. Dan liked to point out the tan on the back of his hands. John will be remembered as hard working, diligent We’ve lost that “southern Serbian” hospitality and friendship that and dedicated. He was staunch steward of the Dan was famous for. But Dorothy, Margaret, and Mary Jane gave him a putter, a cigar environment whose many avocations included painting, and a beer to start a new club in a better location. photography, antiques and local history. His passing Good-bye Good-bye my family, My life has passed. leaves a void in the local golf community and he will be I loved you all to the very last. Weep not for me, but courage take. sorely missed. Love each other, for my sake. For those you love don’t go away. They walk beside you every day. 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Tool • Knocks Down Dew • Breaks Up Clippings • Reduces Dollar Spot *Reel sold separately • Improves Morning Play • Improves Fairway Appearance For More Information Call: Ontario and Western Canada: 1-800-265-8865 Eastern Canada: 1-800-561-7449 Higher Golfer Satisfaction For more information please call 1-866-613-3336 Ask about other Nutrite products Whats new Calling all Assistant Superintendents! Canadian student in a graduate program. For full details contact Jim Fraser, Executive Director, The 2004 Hugh Kirkpatrick Bursary for $2,000, RCGA Foundation Ph: (905) 849-9700 ext. 286 Email: application forms are now available. This scholarship is cgf@rcga.org Web Site: www.cgf.ca made available to recognize the leadership, commitment and accomplishments of Assistant Superintendent OGSA KEGS Library Program members. If you have not received notification of this, the application form and policy statement can be viewed and printed from our website www.golfsupers.on.ca under the main menu “Benefits” “Scholarships”. The deadline date is August 30th, so don’t delay, the busy golf season is quickly approaching. Don’t miss this opportunity to further your education. OGSA Roster - Hot of the Press You will receive your new, condensed 2004/2005 Roster with this issue of Green is Beautiful. Please note that personal contact information has been deleted from the contents, with the exception of retired members, in an L-R Dave Cours and Kevin Falls effort to comply with the Privacy Act. Kevin Falls, on behalf of Syngenta, presents a $500 cheque to Dave Cours of Kent Essex Greenkeepers’ Society Save the Trees (KEGS) for the KEGS library program. KEGS has created a traveling resource library for its members with the co­ Have OGSA news, registration forms and the operation of Gary Schultz of MGS Horticultural. Syngenta employment referral service delivered to you quickly. Just is dedicated to the education of superintendents and was let the office know that you want to receive your news by happy to support the KEGS initiative. This money will be email instead of hard copy mail. Half of our members are used to add to the resource library. Thanks to Marie already signed up and receiving same day delivery of Thorne, at Syngenta, for pledging this donation to KEGS! important information. Nu-Gro Hires IPM Coordinator Pesticide Licenses for A, B & C Members Thank you for taking the time to send us a copy of your The Nu-Gro Corporation, based in Brantford, Ontario is current pesticide license. Please remember, though to pleased to announce that John R. Bladon has joined the forward us a copy of your new pesticide license when your company in the position of TurfTec Online-IPM current one expires. A photo copy sent through the mail Coordinator. In this role John will be providing support to or scanned and emailed is best, as faxed copies are most the professional turfgrass industry across Canada in times not legible. conjunction with the company’s online nutrient management planner. John brings to this position an Nu-Gro Corporation Turfgrass Scholarship excellent industry background and extensive knowledge of Integrated Pest Management practices. You can preview The RCGA Foundation (previously the Canadian Golf Nu-Gro’s online nutrient management planner at Foundation) and Nu-Gro Corporation announced that www.turfteconline.com. Nu-Gro has become the sponsor of the Foundation’s For more information, you can reach John at turfgrass scholarships for the next five years. theturftecguy@rogers.com or (519) 574-2013. Over the next five years, one $5,000 scholarship will be awarded annually to a Canadian student in the undergraduate program and one $5,000 scholarship to a TPI Innovator of the Year Award Santa Barbara, CA. The Innovator of the Year award was established to recognize a TPI member who has provided unique and significant achievement that has advanced turfgrass sod production through research, engineering, training, marketing, public relations or environmental improvements. More information is loaceted at www.TurfGrassSod.org MBTW Golf Design MBTW delivers breathtaking design at Heron Landing Golf Course, a spectacular new 18-hole, par-72 championship layout expertly designed by Holmes for the L-R Ed Zuckerman, TPI President and Gerry Brouwer Couchiching First Nation, will completely open for play in June overlooking Rainy Lake near Fort Frances, ON. Gerry Brower, President of Kesmac, Inc. and Brouwer Clubhouse construction is underway. Sod Farms Ltd, Keswick, Ontario, received the “first-ever” For full details of this project and others go to TPI Innovator of the Year award during Trufgrass www.mbtwgolfdesign.com Producers International 36th Midwinter Conference in OGSA CALENDAR OF GOLF EVENTS - 2004 DATE EVENT LOCATION Monday, May 17, 2004 Can/Am Challenge Port Huron Golf Course 11:00 am shotgun Port Huron, Michigan Tuesday, May 25, 2004 Pro/Super Challenge Glenway Country Club 8:30 a.m. shot gun Newmarket, Ontario Monday, June 21, 2004 Spring Field Day Cutten Club 8:00 a.m. shot gun Guelph, Ontario Monday, July 19, 2004 President’s Day Westmount Golf 8c Country Club Time TBA Kitchener, Ontario Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004 Assistants Tournament Nottawasaga Resort 1:15 p.m. shot gun Alliston, Ontario Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2004 Alex McClumpha Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club Time TBA Port Carling, Ontario Note: The McClumpha originally scheduled for Monday, Oct. 4th has been re-scheduled to Tuesday, Oct. 5th. Please change your calendars. For full details of these and other events go to our web site www.golfsupers.on.ca “Calendar of Events” Details will be posted as they become available. Registration forms will be made available at least 4 weeks prior to the event. Members receiving OGSA news by email will be notified by email and advised where the registration forms can be viewed and printed. All other members will receive registration forms by mail. Off the fairway ... What a thrill to forest of trees connected with plastic gave yourself on your first trip around the be able to walk on tubing, and - to me, the biggest garden. the land again disappointment - an admission that they This year my list consists of several after such a snowy wouldn’t know a sugar maple if they ran hedge-related projects. We need about winter. Other than into one. The general consensus seemed 90 feet of cedar hedging to screen what with snow shoes, it to be that pioneers we are not and used to be screened by a neighbour’s was impossible to nothing should be trusted unless it is barn until it was demolished last fall. visit the outer chosen and bottled by the “President”. Neighbours on both sides of us seem to reaches of my The reality for us was that in less than a be extending the use of their back yards by Daisy Moore garden. After the week we had enough sap to make half a so borders, fencing and hedges seem to first trip around the property in mid­ litre of syrup! One drawback was an be the order of the day. As the saying March it appears that the garden enthusiastic 6 year old’s absolute need to goes, good fences (hedges) make good wintered well. There is little sign of the check the buckets every morning at 6 neighbours. pest related problems that typically a.m., but otherwise it was a positive thing. I also have over 40 feet of mature require my immediate attention, such as It always amazes me how much life boxwood hedging to move. The hedge snow mould, vole damage, skunk and there is in the garden, when at first was planted 12 years ago as a border for a raccoon injury, rodent damage and wind glance there appears to be none. Boring formal, kidney-shaped rose garden. The burn. The fruit trees may even flower this grey branches suddenly come to life with hedge has become an impenetrable year and were somehow spared rabbit the swelling of buds and otherwise block and encircles a bed which is unable injury despite the juicy lower branches ordinary colours stand out like neon to support life...there is no air! In its new being reachable from the snow banks. signs. How is it possible for weeds, spot the 18-inch high hedge will bring to Maybe Mother Nature is finally giving me biennials in particular, to have advanced life an area which has been troubling me a break and maybe she’ll kill off all those so far under the snow? I guess they are as for years. The bed could be loosely called Asian long-horned beetles while she is at eager as us to get on with the business of a blousey English perennial garden, but it. life. Before the leaves come out I in reality it is a collection of local weeds Motivated by the grade one student in find myself noticing things which I don’t with the odd surviving perennial peaking our household, we tapped a couple of notice during the growing season. The through. There was never any structure our sugar maple trees this March. Why structure and bones of the garden are or bones to the bed so I never bothered the heck didn’t we do this before and why revealed when the view isn’t obstructed to fuss with it when gardening time was doesn’t everybody do it? Comments from with plants. Solutions to some design available. Clearly, I will now need to friends regarding this simple procedure problems become more obvious. Also, improve the soil, add more plants and have been puzzling: a concern that the adding a dash of cabin fever to a winter of dress it up. sap of city trees would be contaminated, a research and new ideas flow like maple Spring begins again. Visit my concern that foreign things would be put sap. I quickly found myself drafting an website www.daisymoore.com for more in the bucket, a fear that the bucket enormous list of things to do. If you are tips on gardening. would be stolen, a worry that you need a wise, you will try to follow the advice you 154 Upper Centennial Parkway (HWY 20) Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada L8J 2T7 Telephone 905-662-2663 • Fax 905-662-2253 SUPPLIERS OF TOP QUALITY CAN-USA1-800-263-8606 BENT, BLUE AND FESCUE GRASSES WITHOUT NETTING Express Dual & AngleMaster (416) 364-5700 Reel Mower TOLL FREE: 1-877-727-2100 Sharpeners www.zandersod.com The New direction inTurf 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 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 50WG NEW FUNGICIDE www.bayeres.ca of Bayer. Always read and follow label directions. 1 -888-283-6847 ALWAYS READ PRODUCT LABEL PRIOR TO USE. Compass is a registered trademark Turf or consequences by Doug Breen, Superintendent Golf North has been suggested that the single most It identical.. .well, except that it’s purified. important commodity in the future of this All golf courses have been affected by planet will not be gold or diamonds. It will recent changes to the standards for public not be rare art, ceramic figurines, furniture, drinking water. I was told recently that even or anything else trotted out by the dentally the water in our toilets has to be potable. challenged, British octogenarians on the The thinking is, that if someone who’s antiques roadshow. It won’t be my Joe playing golf is broke and thirsty enough, they Thiesmann as an Argo rookie card, or my just might take to drinking from the bowl. I fine print on the label carefully, you may find complete set of McDonald’s mini hockey suggested that even if the water was potable that it comes from a malaria infested swamp jerseys. I wish it was going to be the Happy when it came out of the pipe, a few minutes in a place called Everest, Mississippi, not from Meal toys under my couch and in the in the water closet would likely make it less the mountain of the same name. bathtub, because thanks to my kids, I’ve than ideal from a health perspective, Obviously it’s a good thing that we’re taking invested fairly heavily in those. especially the one in the shop. I can’t water protection a lot more seriously than we No, the priceless commodity of the future imagine that there’s a foursome out there on used to. It wasn’t that long ago that you could is expected to be humble Di-Hydrogen the course who wouldn’t look down on a dump just about anything in a waterway and Oxide. Futurists have painted a pretty bleak fellow with his head in the John, lapping like get away with it, as long as it didn’t glow, catch picture of roving desert gangs fighting over my old english sheepdog; but your provincial fire, or kill all the fish for a mile downstream. the stuff, and entire national structures government is making sure that he can do it You could even get away with that, as long as falling apart for the lack of it. Sort of a Road if he likes, without concern for his physical the carcasses didn’t float until they were Warrior scenario, only we’ll be fighting over well being. around the bend from the source. There is a water instead of gasoline. On the positive Now I’ll be the first to admit, that the old limited amount of fresh, clean water in the side, I really liked the muscle cars in that style water coolers we all used to put on the world, and we certainly need to protect it. I movie, and the wardrobe was straight out of course were not nearly so far from toilet water am proud of what our industry has done to an Iron Maiden video; but on the negative as they ought to have been, and I’m pretty be at the forefront of environmental issues, side, millions of people would die. Now, glad to see them replaced by bottled water on but we must remain diligent so that we don’t before you start looking to Mel Gibson to save the beer cart. That way, if a typhoid epidemic end up where those futurists are predicting. us all, these futurists are the same people who breaks out, the liability falls on the company I’m still holding out hope that they’re right promised me that jet pack, back in 1972. in Mexico where we buy it, and not on me. about the jet pack, and wrong about the post Remember flying cars, colonies on the moon, The commonly accepted rule of thumb on apocalyptic water hording wars. Of course, and Beta videotape format? Where are those bottled water seems to be; the further away I’m also holding out hope that the forty-seven pipe dreams? I hope that they don’t have this the source is from one’s own neighbourhood, Finding Nemo action figures I tripped over in one right either, but there is no question that the better. It just seems so much more the shower this morning will be worth about water has become a traded commodity. healthy (and exotic), to be drinking water a thousand dollars each some day; because Last spring, my wife took me to a horse from a glacier in Nepal. But if you read the they are my kids’ college fund. show in Kentucky. I quickly realized that horses trotting in a circle 10 hours away, look pretty much the same as horses trotting in a circle at home. So I went looking for a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet. Now, one would suppose that KFC’s in Kentucky would be as plentiful as Tim Horton’s in Hamilton, but no! It seems that all the locals think they can do it better than the Colonel, and KFC is about as popular as canned spaghetti in Sicily or a Tijuana Taco Bell. I wasn’t standing for that kind of blasphemy, so I got in the truck and drove straight to the Colonel Harland Sanders Museum in Louisville. And therein lies the point of my story; the bottled water in the restaurant was from Aberfoyle, ten minutes from home. I started looking, and half the bottled water in Kentucky is from Aberfoyle. Even Walmart, which we’ve all been led to believe is the retail “Great Satan” for selling exclusively American goods in Canada, was selling Canadian water in the Ozarks. While golf courses all over Ontario are vilified for “wasting” water on irrigation, we’re exporting the stuff to hillbillys in another country. Even stranger, is the fact that people in the nearby city of Guelph also buy that same brand in great quantities, when their municipal water is exactly Looking back 30 YEARS AGO TO-DAY by Barry Endicott 1974, the O.G.S.A. was celebrating its 50th Anniversary. In Satan and the Superintendent The board of directors were Bob Heron (president), Paul Poem reprinted from April 1974 Green is Beautiful Dermott (vice-president), AI Beeney (secretary), Whitey Jones, Originally taken from “The Superintendents Handicap ” Bob Hall, John Stoughton, Cameron Cairncross, Carl Bennet, Finger Lakes G.C.S.A.A. Helmut Kopp, Pelino Scenna, Jim Wyllie (past president), and Ross Haines (newsletter editor). Old Satan sat with face so grim There was a monthly meeting in February at Uplands Golf And muttered “what’ll I do with him? Club in Thornhill hosted by Helmut Kopp. It was a combined He’s sure to find this place a bore skiing, business and lecture meeting. Other meetings were held at North Halton Golf & Country Club, Bayview Country With the life on earth he’s had before!” Club, Galt Country Club, P.G.A. National Golf Course and Oshawa Golf Club. The G.C.S.A.A. Conference and Show was And then while shaking his homy head held in Anaheim, California and the R.C.G.A. Turfgrass He opened his ledger and this he read: Conference was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba. “John Doe - Superintendent of Greens New members joining the O.G.S.A. that year were: Ken A man behind the golfing scenes - Wright, Northwood Golf & Country Club; Wendell Dyment, Big Cedar Golf & Country Club; Dave Dick, Sleepy Hollow Had sixty years of toil and strife Country Club and Gerry Laferriere, Garion Golf Club, Pleasing golfer, manager, pro and wife! Sudbury. Annual dues were increased from $20.00 to $30.00. The fourth Annual Turfgrass Symposium of the O.G.S.A. His job included keeping the grass was held on January 3rd at the Lambton Golf & Country Club Planting new turf, repairing machines. with Jim Wyllie as host, with 75 people attending. Keith Nesbit Fighting diseases, insects, a defeat was the Session Chairman for the day. Superintendents met at the Centennial Arena, in Etobicoke Battling rain, humidity and heat. between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m., for hockey. Blake McMaster (Gormley Green), Bruce Lewis (Georgetown), Whitey Jones Fixing water pipes that break through the ground (Aurora), Helmut Kopp (Uplands), Carl Bennet (Oakville), Changing all markers and mowing all weeds down. Paul Dermott (Islington), Bob Heron (Markland Woods) and He worked all the day - studied all night, Ron Graham, who broke his ankle on his first shift, all Trained all new men in the ways that were right. participated. Minimum wage was $1.65/hr for a student under 18 and working under 28 hours; $1.90/hr for a learner, during his first Knew the diseases; Till his face would turn blue. month and $2.00/hr. for general employees. Not only a scholar and teacher was he, Sam DiPinto, of the Lido Golf Centre, accepted the But an ambassador of good will - and publicity. superintendent position at the Beverly Golf Club. David Taylor Barnes passed away in March and Norm MacDonald, a past Records he kept; watched budget allocation Superintendent at York Downs Golf & Country Club, also On him depended the course reputation. passed away. Stew Mills helped make ice at the Canadian Curling Championships in London. Helmut Kopp won a gold And tho heading a project whose value was high, medal at the Hotdog Championships at Blue Mountain and Credit and praise went to some other guy. Steve Miller moved to Dundas Valley Golf & Curling Club, as superintendent. Jack Harris retired from the Hamilton Golf Griping and moaning he got every day & Country Club to build his own golf course and Stew Mills But seldom a raise in the old take home pay! moved from London Highlands to Hamilton Golf & Country Now here he lies, his days they are through, Club. On August 9th, the Pro-Superintendent Golf Tournament “Tell me,” said Satan, “What hell can I put him to?” was held at Brampton Golf Club, with Ross Haines as host. The O.G.S.A, 50th Anniversary Golf Tournament was held at After sitting and thinking for quite a while Lambton Golf & Country Club, with Jim Wyllie as host. The His face broke out in a great big smile; Christmas dance was held at Richmond Hill Golf & Country The best known hardship he could deem Club, on December 14th. Was to send him where all was calm and green. TURF CARE Look at things differently. Do them better. 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