Green is December 2005 Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Eagles Nest: Aesthetics and Innovation Pruning Considerations for Trees and Shrubs Superintendent Recognition Program New Sod Harvesting Technology CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON N1H 6H8 Contents Green is Eagles Nest: Aesthetics and Innovation................................... 16 Above the hole ........................................................................................ 28 Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents ’ Association Canadian Golf Superintendents Association news.................... 9 Editor's message.........................................................................................4 From roots to shoots.............................................................................. 8 Golf course highlight - Hunters Pointe Golf Club........................... 15 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Update........ 20 Health & safety......................................................................................... 11 Looking back............................................................................................. 30 Member profile: David Stevens. Beaverbrook Golf Course..............14 On the REEL side of things.....................................................................25 President's message................................................................................ 3 Pruning Considerations for trees and shrubs..................................26 Turf or consequences.............................................................................. 29 University of Guelph Update............................................................... 6 COVER PICTURE What's new .............................................................................................. 4 photo by Mark Prier, Superintendent, Trafalgar Golf & Country Club Breathtaking!...photo taken on return trip from CGSA Field Day in Jasper. Advertisers Almack Agronomic Services Inc...........................................................25 Bartlett Tree Experts - Canada............................................................ 23 Braemar Building Systems ................................................................ 7 Burnside Golf Services ......................................................................... 28 DCS Agronomic Services ................................................................... 7 Green Horizons Group of Farms ........................................................ 27 H & M Turf Ltd.......................................................................................... 3 Maple Turf Supply .................................................................................. 25 Master's Turf Supply Ltd....................................................................... 9 Nu-Gro......................................................................................................... 27 P.E.S.T. Institute, The............................................................................... 23 OGSA is committed to Pumptronics Incorporated.................................................................... 28 serving its members, Skyway Lawn Equipment Limited .................................................. 9 advancing their profession, Turf Care Products Canada - Irrigation Division ........................ 6 and Turf Care Products Canada ..................................................................32 enriching the quality Vanden Bussche Irrigation ................................................................. 11 of golf Zander Sod Co. Limited ...................................................................... 18 and its environment. President's message term as OGSA President is quickly coming to an end, and My as this will be my last President’s Message for Green is Beautiful, I would like to encapsulate the state of the Ontario Golf Course Superintendents’ Association. Your association continues to be in a very strong position. ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS' Operations are committed to serving our members. We have a very by Paul Scenna ASSOCIATION Donalda Club Guelph Turfgrass Institute dedicated board and staff which maintains a very effective and 328 Victoria Road South efficient operation. We hold popular member events which serve as Guelph, ON N1H6H8 excellent venues for member networking and camaraderie. Ph: 519-767-3341 Toll Free: 877-824-6472 The OGSA has evolved its communication internally to its members with the magazine, the Fax: 519-766-1704 website and weekly broadcast emails, in the form of “Clippings”, which has given us the ability Email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca to communicate information faster and more efficiently. Website: www.golfsupers.on.ca Externally, we have had great representation from our board and other members to convey BOARD OF DIRECTORS the environmental principles behind golf course management to many public forums. We President: Paul Scenna have also benefited from communicating directly with the media to offer first hand Past President: Rob Ackermann Vice-President: Bob Burrows information on how golf courses contribute positively to the environment. Treasurer: Sean DeSilva The OGSA is entering its second year of hosting its own Golf Course Management Secretary: Jeff Stauffer Conference 8c Trade Show. This endeavour has been one to streamline the financial DIRECTORS Jeff Alexander investment for our devoted exhibitors, and to present quality educational seminars, which are Chris Andrejicka more specific to meet our growing demands in the profession. It has proven to be a very Jarrod Barakett Randy Booker financially rewarding venture, which will help the association grow in future years. Doug Breen Membership continues to grow at an overwhelming rate which helps to financially balance Trevor Clapperton operations. Financially, we are developing an investment strategy to both protect the OGSA’s Rob Gatto future and advance programs such as research, scholarships, education and environmental advocacy. It has been a good year. OFFICE In closing, I would like to voice my appreciation to you for allowing me the opportunity to ADMINISTRATOR Dorothy Hills interact with the OGSA board, staff, members and all those involved in our great profession. Pat Thomas Deborah Badger Best wishes to you and your families for a New Year filled with happiness and promise. Brett Murray Direct Line 416-659-1020 Manager Fax Line 519-941-0931 “Green is Beautiful” P.O. Box 218 is Printed on Orangeville, ON Recycled Paper L9W 2Z6 GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL EDITORIAL COMMITTEE John Bladon, Editor Doug Breen, Assistant Editor Dorothy Hills, Coordinating Manager brett.murray@sympatico.ca Greig Barker Tom Brain Angelo Capannelli Layout, Design & Printing provided by... Doug Davidson Jason Hanna Scott Horsburgh Mark Prieur GRAPHIC Green is Beautiful 2005 Although every effort is made to check SERVICES material for publication, the association is not responsible for material published on PRINTERS & LITHOGRAPHERS behalf of its contributors. All rights are reserved by the publisher "Qualityyou can See!" and any reproduction in whole or part Tel: 519.763.5745 • Fax: 519.763.9532 without the written permission of the 32-34 Essex Street • Guelph, Ontario • N1H 3K8 publisher is prohibited. e-mail: info@graphicservices.ca • www.graphicservices.ca Editor's message this final issue of 2005 is finally Well, golf courses for OGA sanctioned events throughout the in the books so we’ll see you next year! 2005 season. We have also enclosed a summary from Norm Enclosed, is a submission from Dr. Eric McCollum’s retirement party hosted by the DeCorso family Lyons entitled Hot and Cold; Common in Guelph. The OGSA was certainly well represented! Problems for Different Seasons. Mike Weather has been a hot topic throughout this year and will Bladon, retired University of Guelph continue to be. Recent hurricanes have a significant impact horticulturist, has provided us with some on many lives and will continue to for some time. Enclosed food for thought on pruning in the golf is a story on Stonebridge Golf Club, in the Ottawa area, and by John Bladon course landscape and this issue’s member an event they put together to benefit others affected by these Nu-Gro Corporation profile is of long-time OGSA member, tragic events. David Stevens, of Beaverbrook Golf Club, in Minden. The editorial committee will be meeting up shortly as the We have also enclosed some highlights of activities in the planning process begins for next year’s issues. If you have a field. Firstly, we have some photos from the OGSA contribution you are willing to make, please get in touch Superintendent Recognition Program, which was with Dorothy or myself and set the wheels in motion! spearheaded by the board and particularly, Chris Andrejicka Finally, I wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday of Essex. It recognizes superintendents who have prepared season. What's new A Farewell To Norm McCollum... And Welcome To Peter Purvis The season ended on a bittersweet note as we celebrated the retirement of long time GTI Research Superintendent Norman McCollum. Norm touched many in the industry and research community through his thirty-seven year involvement at Guelph as well as with the turf managers’ short course and on-campus diploma teaching. A lasting legacy of Norm’s support of turfgrass education has been established in the form of the Norman E. McCollum Turfgrass Diploma Entrance Scholarship. The scholarship received a boost at Norm’s retirement gala on October 27th when Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association President Paul Scenna announced that the OGSA would commit $1,000 annually to the scholarship. We wish Norm a long and healthy retirement. Peter Purvis after a very windy day at the GTI While we say farewell to Norman, we welcome his replacement Peter Purvis. Peter came to the job through an internal university transfer, having worked for several years in woody plant research both at the Vineland Research Station and the Guelph campus. He spent a good part of his summer learning practical turf management under the excellent direction of David DeCorso at Victoria Park East Golf Course, here in Guelph. Peter has quickly fitted into the GTI research team. His practical research experience and exceptional horticultural skills and knowledge will be a tremendous asset as the GTI turf and environmental research programs continue to grow. Norman saying goodbye to Dr. Tom Hsiang The conference provides great opportunities to meet and socialize with your colleagues Awards luncheon The OGSA Awards Luncheon will take place on Thursday, January 5th, 2006 at Welcome! 11:30 am. Come enjoy lunch and celebrate the achievements of many of your O.G.S.A. Welcomes OGSA peers. The 2006 OGSA Awards Luncheon is sponsored by Nu-Gro. our newest members Bill Allison Class S Trade Show Social Seneca College See you on the trade show floor between 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm. Take this Christopher Anker Class D opportunity to mingle with our exhibitors in a social atmosphere. The tradeshow Kings Forest GC social is sponsored Bayer Enviromental Science. Dave Atkinson Class S Seneca College Annual General Meeting Stuart Bradshaw Class F OGSA 2006 AGM will be held at 5:30 pm on Thursday, January 5th, 2006. Get Hamilton G & CC an update on the State Of The Association. This is your opportunity to vote for Paul Dobias Class F Taboo Golf Course the Board of Directors, ask questions and make suggestions. Matt Giffin Class C Garrison G & CC The President's Welcome Reception Jeremy Gilbert Class C The President’s welcome reception will take place on Thursday, January 5th at Forest City National GC 7:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to network with the OGSA Board of Steve Gruhl Class C Directors and fellow OGSA members. St. Catharines G & CC Marcus Hepfeld Class A Berlin Golf Club, Germany Daryl Jantzen Class F Caledon Woods GC ONTARIO GOLF Sean Jordan Class D SUPERINTENDENTS' ASSOCIATION University of Guelph 2004-2005 REPORTS Andy Marois Class F Garrison G & CC The following OGSA reports, required for the Annual General Wade Miller Class S Meeting on January 5th, 2005, can now be viewed on our web University of Guelph site www.golfsupers.on.ca. Vincent Murphy Class Supt Seven Lakes Golf Course Log into the Members Only section and go to "Member News". Brendan O'Kane Class C Guelph Lakes G & CC • Director Election Notice • End of Year Financial Statements Mike O'Loane Class C • End of Year Director Reports Deerhurst Resort • Minutes from AGM January 11, 2005 Dan Pearson Class F OslerBrook G & CC According to our bi-law passed at the AGM last year, these Janice Potts Class S reports are made available on our web site. Seneca College The package can also be viewed at our office: Mike Temple Class C Cataraqui G & CC 328 Victoria Road South, Guelph, Room 115 Trever Turner Class F If you require a hard copy of theese reports please notify the Robert Wright Class C office and a package will be mailed to you. Devil's Paintbrush David Wyllie Class A Toll Free (877) 824-6472 or (519) 767-3341 King Valley GC University of Guelph update by Eric Lyons, Assistant Professor Department of Plant Agriculture University of Guelph HOT AND COLD - common select for varieties of creeping bentgrass or new species problems from different seasons that have mechanisms to help them survive stressful times when carbohydrates and energy becomes limiting. you put your course to bed for the winter, it is a good time to reflect on the past season and the winter to Selecting for heat stress mechanisms in come. While sitting down and reflecting I realized how bentgrass species many of the problems turfgrass managers encounter in This study is part of a larger study being conducted at the summer can be similar to the problems associated with Rutgers University led by Dr. Bingru Huang a pioneer in winter hardiness. Probably the largest factor affecting turfgrass heat tolerance research. This study compared turfgrass survival is a lack of carbohydrates and energy for creeping bentgrass to a thermophillic grass in their ability growth, recovery, and resistance to pests (fungi and to survive high root temperatures. One of the most telling insects). In both hot and cold weather the ability of the parts of the story was that at high root temperatures the plant to photosynthesize is diminished. This reduction in thermophillic grass was able to maintain a positive carbon carbohydrates and energy affects the plants ability to balance, in other words make more energy than it was recover and ultimately leads to either winter kill or in the burning. The creeping bentgrass, in this example L-93 a case of creeping bentgrass, summer bentgrass decline. relatively heat tolerant creeping bentgrass, was unable to During this time of year, often times, mowing heights maintain this positive carbon balance (Figure 1). The are often raised slightly, to allow for more leaf area and actual mechanisms behind the efficiency of the potential photosynthesis. This allows the turfgrass to thermophillic grass are still being explored, but once “harden” or become prepared for the winter season ahead determined they will aid in the breeding of more heat (AKA become more winter hardy). During this time the tolerant creeping bentgrasses. turfgrass shifts its carbohydrate allocation from growth to storage for the winter months and spring recovery period. These storage compounds also help the turfgrass offset the desiccation that can occur at severely low temperatures. If at any time throughout the winter the carbohydrate storage is depleted then the grass will lack the ability to resist freezing desiccation or will not have enough energy to initiate new growth in the spring. How does this relate to summer bentgrass decline? In the summer, high temperatures and low mowing heights limit photosynthesis by turfgrass. This limitation is Figure 1. Net carbon exchange, Photosynthesis (Daytime) - Respiration (Nightime), at accompanied by an increase in respiration, the break two different temperatures of L-93 creeping bentgrass and a thermophillic bentgrass. down of carbohydrates into energy. The net result of this is that the plant slowly runs out of food and energy and can no longer continue to grow and effectively ward off Thawing and re-freezing effects on winter pathogens. With the pressure to provide faster greens, hardiness mowing heights have dropped even lower resulting in less When concerned with winter hardiness much work goes leaf area and turfgrass more susceptible to disease and less into measuring which varieties accumulate the most able to recover from injury. carbohydrates during the fall hardening time. This work As a researcher I have worked on many projects related has led to many advances in winter hardiness throughout to these two issues. Both of these projects are ongoing the years. Another aspect of winter hardiness is the ability and the primary goal of these projects is to be able to of the grass to thaw and refreeze again in the spring. While these events are common, they are also unpredictable making them difficult to study in the field. Notes from the University of Guelph In this study, I simulated a freeze thaw cycle and looked at the survival of some annual bluegrass and creeping I want to extend congratulations to Evan Elford, MSc. bentgrass (Penn A-4). The freeze thaw cycle significantly Candidate, in successfully acquiring an NSERC Industrial reduced the survival of both grasses (Figure 2). In future Postgraduate Scholarship with the sponsorship of the research I want to screen different grasses for their ability OTRF to study weed control efficacy of overseeding. to survive thawing and re-freezing events in the spring so that we can begin to understand the mechanisms of I also want to continue to encourage you to fill out the survival to aid in the development of new cultivars and in Moss Survey, whether you have moss on your course or your ability to manage the situation for greater survival of not. Darragh McGowan’s research is progressing well but current cultivars. we need more of your support. The survey can be found at: www.uoguelph.ca/GTI/moss survey front.html. If preferred, contact Darragh and a survey can be mailed or faxed. David C. Smith, a.ag., C.G.C.S. 185 Oriole Crescent Soil & Turfgrass Consultant Gravenhurst, Ontario P1P1C6 Office (705) 687-SOIL (7645) Fox (705) 687-3518 Toll Free 1-888-607-TURF (8873) Figure 2. Effects of a thaw and re-freeze cycle on annual bluegrass (Poa-1, Poa-2) and Cell (905) 512-6004 Email dcs.agronomic.services@sympatico.ca creeping bentgrass (Penn A-4) held in a freezer for 39 days after first spring thaw. Braemar Building Systems Custom Design Quality Buildings Competitive Prices • Maintenance Buildings • Storage Facilities • New Buildings • Wood & Steel Structures For your FREE ESTIMATES call us at 1-800-215-1996 www.braemarbuildings.com From roots to shoots Trouble shooting spray injury the weather during or shortly after the application. 8. Make a note of the damage. Is there any pattern? Is the damage If you have ever been in the situation worse where the sprayer overlapped or were there strips of where you have applied a pesticide, a wetting unsprayed grass that were not affected (Figure 1)? Are shady, agent or some other application to your turf stagnant greens affected as well as open, sunny greens? If the and have had some phytotoxicity, you know damage follows the spray pattern, you can be fairly sure it was by Pam Charbonneau what a sinking feeling that is. There are many what was in the spray tank that caused the damage. If it is worse OMAF Turfgrass Specialist in shady, stagnant areas, it is possible that it had something to do reasons why this happens. Some of them could include: with the temperature and relative humidity around that • High temperature and high relative humidity. particular green. There can be adverse affects when the • Incorrect amount of the pesticide added to the spray tank. temperature rises above 30C and when relative humidity is high. • Poor water quality. 9. Are broadleaf weeds as well as grasses damaged or are only the • An adverse reaction of the pesticide with an adjuvant, grasses damaged? Creeping bentgrass is sensitive to 2,4-D and wetting agent or any other tank mix combination. may turn an off colour if treated with 2,4-D. If there are broadleaf • A mislabeled pesticide container. weeds present in the treated area they will die, where the • Sabotage (a disgruntled former employee or an bentgrass will only be slightly injured. This is a clue that the environmentalist group). damage was caused by a broadleaf herbicide of some kind. 10. Core aerate and overseed damaged areas as soon as possible to In this issue, I would like to suggest a checklist that will help you get turf back to a healthy state. Make sure to keep the seed bed avoid any of these problems. If a problem does occur this list will moist until the seedlings are well established. also help you determine what the problem could be and it could 11. If you suspect sabotage of some kind, you may not be able to also help you decide on what sort of action or remediation is find out what caused the damage. In this case, you may not necessary to get healthy turf back. know if the chemical is persistent in the soil or if it is a chemical that leaches readily. To find out, you can do a simple bioassay. Checklist This involves taking soil from the damaged greens. I recommend that you take several cup cutter size plugs from the damaged area. 1. When spraying any pesticide, read the label carefully and follow Remove the dead grass and thatch layers. Take the top 2.5 cm of the label directions. soil from 3-4 plugs and put it in bucket, mix it up and put some 2. Make a note of the weather conditions, including temperature, of the soil in a small pot. Label it with something to indicate that relative humidity, cloud or sun and any rain that falls after the it is the top layer of soil. Take the next 2.5 cm layer from the same application. Write down the amount of pesticide and other 3-4 plugs and put it in a pot and label it 5 cm and do the same for products that are added to the tank for future reference. the next 2.5 cm layer and label it 7.5 cm. In each of these pots, 3. If you are tank mixing something for the first time make a test sprinkle the top of each of the pots with creeping bentgrass seed. application on your nursery green. Wait at least 4-5 days after to Place the pots on a window ledge and keep them well watered. If make sure there is no phytotoxic reaction. If there is a problem, the seedlings germinated and grow into seedlings then the make sure to make a note of it for future reference. pesticide in the soil is not persistent and you can go ahead and 4. Do not apply pesticides to turf that is under drought stress. core aerate and overseed the damaged areas. If the seedlings die, Water turf well a couple of days before applying a pesticide. then you are dealing with a persistent pre-emergence herbicide 5. Keep all sprayers in working order and calibrate them regularly. and you will need to excavate a layer of soil from the greens and 6. Maintain a separate sprayer for herbicide applications. Do not bring in new root zone media before you overseed. use this sprayer for applying other pesticides. 7. Always keep a small sample of a spray tank mixture for 4-5 days after a pesticide application is made. If a problem develops, you can have the sample tested to determine if the pesticide in the tank was actually the pesticide in the pesticide container. The manufacturer of the pesticide usually has access to a lab to do this type of testing. There have been instances where fungicides have been contaminated in the pesticide plant with herbicides such as atrazine. In addition, the remainder of the tank mix can be sprayed on a portion of your nursery green or other bentgrass under different weather conditions to see if it still causes phytotoxicity. If it doesn’t, it is a good indication that the damage was a combination of the pesticide application itself and Green strips indicate areas that the sprayer missed. Canadian Golf Superintendents Association news This is old news by now, but the members alike. At the CGSA Annual meeting in March Fall Field Day at Jasper Park Lodge, 2006, a presentation will be made to consider the adoption Alberta, on September 19th, was an of “mandatory education” and a slight reclassification of absolutely outstanding event. Thanks our membership and our standards. This process is a to the co-sponsors, especially the continuation of the approach begun by the NOS principles. Toro Company, for their support. As reported over the past few years if adopted, the program by Bob Burrows The strong support from Ontario was would certainly have some degree of impact on our Rosedale Golf Club evidence of the much-anticipated profession. You are encouraged to become familiar with venue, with great scenery and the proposal and voice your concerns or support. Kathryn camaraderie. To continue with the success of this Wood, Director of Professional Development, elaborates on tournament, we are in the process of negotiating some final this process in the following article. details with an outstanding venue in Quebec, with exact The CGSA will be hosting various regional seminars in details to follow for this September, 2006 event. Ontario in the near future. Specifically, November 17th in The Score “Superintendent of the Year” award will be Mississauga was well attended with Bob Milligan on given to Mr. Rhod Trainor of the Hamilton Golf 8c Country “Increasing Staff Productivity”. Another spring seminar is Club, and the John B. Steele Award will be given to Mr. planned for Western Ontario on “Turf Stress Management” Larry Brown, President of the Atlantic Golf Group of with details to be announced later. Plan now to attend a Fredericton, New Brunswick. The Toro Future seminar in your region. Superintendent of the Year Award will be given to Mr. Jason The upcoming joint CGSA/WCTA conference is being Steadwell of Red Lake Area Golf & Country Club, held in Vancouver from March 1-5, 2006 with keynote Winnipeg, MB and the Toro Environmental Achievement speaker Peter Legge. There will also be ten excellent pre­ award is as yet undeclared. Congratulations to all the conference seminars, a series of concurrent sessions, a recipients! The eighth annual salary and benefits survey closing keynote speaker, awards luncheon, a golf was sent out in November, and the fourth annual IPM/BMP tournament, and great local hospitality. This conference survey will be conducted this spring. The newly updated promises to be a great success. The CGSA Board is excited “Environmental Management Resources Manual” is about forging closer ties with the OGSA as they both available for purchase on CD, and is also available in continue with their joint management venture of the French. We are encouraged by the continued agreement Ontario show at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel January with the GETAC technician members joining with CGSA 2006, as well as the Sheraton Centre, Toronto in 2007. and we welcome their participation with a bright future. What better time than now, in the history of our All class A, B, and Assistant members are now required to profession, to belong to both your provincial and national submit a copy of their pesticide licenses in order to remain a member or risk being reclassified. The Board has directed Associations. Thank you for your support and the headquarters staff to strictly enforce this requirement. A encouragement over the past season! targeted marketing campaign is ongoing, which will elevate From my family to you and yours, best wishes for a safe, the professional recognition of our members and non­ enjoyable and prosperous holiday and New Year! 154 Upper Centennial Parkway (HWY 20) Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada L8J 2T7 Telephone 905-662-2663 • Fax 905-662-2253 CAN-USA1-800-263-8606 890 Fairground Rd. R.R. #4 Langton Ont. N0E 1G0 Express Dual Phone (519) 875-4094 Fax (519) 875-4095 & AngleMaster Reel Mower Website: mastersturfsupply.com Sharpeners email: mastersturf@uniserve.com CGSA Education Update by Kathryn Wood Director of Professional Development As many of you are aware, the members of the Canadian education programs; guidelines for grandfathering; and Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) approved a policies for extensions, disputes or appeals. continuing education proposal for the membership at their The questions for both the Accredited Golf Annual General Meeting in January 2005. This program will Superintendent and Master Superintendent exams will be see the launching of the Accredited Golf Superintendent developed through an agreement with a group of Canadian designation and a revamped Master Superintendent turfgrass educators, representing educational institutions designation to take effect July 1, 2006. across Canada. The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology The program was designed to keep the program: will act as project manager for the initiative. The committee attainable, NOS integrated, accessible, affordable, deliverable, will also be charged with reviewing all questions to ensure that inclusive, and professionally challenging. It was also they are appropriate for the level and area of knowledge for important that recipients of the designations would receive both designations. respect and recognition for their accomplishment. The As you can see, by the number of items to be finalized and approved program can be found on the CGSA website approved, the committee will be busy over the next two www.golfsupers.com. months! As the approved proposal lays out the main aspects of both I would encourage you to visit the CGSA website often as the the programs, it’s now up to the CGSA Accreditation details, once approved will be posted there. CGSA will also be Committee to hammer out the fine details. The committee releasing these details to the membership through it’s will be meeting several times over the course of the late fall Greenmatter updates and through articles such as this in and early winter to approve items including: assignment of regional magazines and newsletters. If you have any questions point/credit values to various activities related to eligibility for regarding the new programs, please contact Kathryn Wood at and renewal of accreditation; the guideline for review of 1-800-387-1056, ext 225 or kwood@golfsupers.com. TURF CARE Introducing the 835S and 855S Series Sprinkler with Trajectory™. You know that bunker that’s always getting wet? Or that tree branch that’s always in the way? Now you can address trouble spots with TruJectory, exclusively from Toro. Simply adjust the trajectory of the spray from 7 to 30 degrees and get better head-to-head coverage. Plus there’s part- and full-circle operation in one sprinkler. Add these new features to the great ones already standard on the 800S Series sprinklers and you’ll gain the flexibility you need for better results. And you’ll get it all for the same value as your current part-circle fixed trajectory sprinklers. For more information, contact one of our sales representatives at Turf Care or go online to www.turfcare.ca. Out of the bunker and under the trees, to water the turf we go. Turf Care Products Canada 200 PONY DRIVE, NEWMARKET, ONTARIO L3Y 7B6 • PHONE (905) 836-0988 • FAX (905) 836-6442 London Mississauga Scarborough Gloucester Ph: (519) 668-7664 Ph: (905) 890-6290 Ph: (416) 298-2101 Ph: (613) 822-1881 Fax: (519) 668-3722 Fax: (905) 890-5598 Fax: (416) 298-8758 Fax: (613) 822-2099 Health & safety Certification Training Most of those reading this article have at Once you have successfully completed this training you are least some knowledge of the requirements provided with a temporary Certification Certificate. for Certification Training. But just in case, To get your permanent certification documents you must there may be some who are not fully aware, it complete the workplace specific portion of the certification is probably a good idea to review the training known as Certification IL To accomplish this part of the requirements in the Province of Ontario. process the Joint Health and Safety Committee along with the by DougJohnson I noted in previous articles that any management of the club must jointly determine the significant SAFETAID and Health and Safety Consulting organization that regularly employs 20 or hazards inherent in the workplace. This is accomplished through First Aid and Safety Supplies more persons must have a Joint Health and a process known as “Hazard Assessment”. and WHMIS Training Safety Committee and at least two certified Once the significant hazards have been identified, and agreed members. to by the Joint Health and Safety Committee and management, When the Act states 20 or more regularly employed, it means then each person who has received their Certification 1 full or part time. It also means that you calculate this based on the documentation must now complete training on each of the number of people employed by the club. The Ministry of Labour identified significant hazards. This generally means that each looks at the total number of people on payroll and generally certified member will have to attend a course on each of the includes those persons who may be employed on a contractual identified significant hazards. This generally takes about two days. basis, such as happens in some organizations, where the proshop Once the training is completed on the significant hazards then or the kitchen is contracted out to a group that supplies services the required documentation is sent in to the Workplace Safety & for the club. These folks are included, not excluded from the Insurance Board (WSIB). The submitted documents are head count. reviewed and the WSIB issues your permanent Certification Card. So if your club employs twelve (12) to maintain the greens, I trust this helps you understand the process. If you have not fairways and equipment and say nine (9) to run the kitchen, completed your certification or you have questions feel free to proshop and clubhouse, your club would be required to have a give me a call and I will do my best to answer your questions. Joint Health and Safety Committee with two certified members. The process of certification is completed in two parts. The first Have a very excellent Christmas and part entails taking a course called Certification I. This course is generally about three days long and covers various aspects of all the best in the New Year! Occupational Health and Safety such as understanding the Act, workplace inspection, accident investigation, recognition of SAFETAID hazards and understanding the role and function of the Joint Your 1st stop in safety! Health and Safety Committee. T. 519-837-0997 • F. 519-837-1996 The Intelligent Use of Water Upgrades, Renovations & New Installations From evaluation and design to implementation, Vanden Bussche Irrigation and Rain Bird will partner with you to succeed in achieving your irrigation goals. Milton 1.800.263.4112 www.vandenbussche.com King City 1.866.703.KING OGSA Year Ender ... Crossword Questions Across Down 3. This super hosted the 2005 Pro Super 1. He's the new guy at Lambton 6. Audubon star super from Guelph 2. Ontario based enviromental consulting firm 10. Beaverbrook Owner Super 3. Brewster's right hand man 11. CGSA Super of the Year 4. Sunningdale relies heavily on this guy 12. This Chris looks after a course in the "Midnorth" 5. Member Goodmans new project in Gravenhurst 13. If we clicked our heels, we would find this wizard 7. DMI Fungicides in the OGSA office 8. New honorary OGSA member from the Star 14. There is a consequence to everything he writes 9. Almack and Smith Profession 15. 2005 McClumpha locale 17. He tends to the Rock 16. He gets "Randy" about Dundas 18. New Cutten super 24. Black Bear Super 19. They make Aspirin too 26. OMAF Turf Guru 20. LeCour's new project 27. Turf Care Overlord 21. This "Lyon" loves his turf 28. Federal regulator of pesticides 22. Incoming OGSA President 31. "The man who lost himself" 23. Retired GTI Superintendent 33. London Supers Assoc. 25. Sand and Mixes Company 34. Mother Nature took a personal dislike to this 29. If we "Pointed West" we would find him there Toronto super in 2005 30. New Old Bentgrass 35. Drew of The Ridge 32. Great Blue or Bigwin 37. This Clublink Super ought not to be confused with a former Habs coach 36. Crown (blank) 41. (Blank) of potash 38. TDI International Prez 42. Measurement for controlled release nitrogen 39. The Thornhill pear? 43. Verti-(blank) 40. Graham Bell or Jeff 44. New locale for the 2006 conference 45. Architect at Eagles Nest 46. Milorganite or Sustane 47. He leaves his Mark at Blue Springs 48. The site of Arnold Palmer's first PGA win 49. "Off the fairway" columnist REMINDER Ontario Golf Course Management Conference and Trade Show. SUPPLIERS OF TOP QUALITY TURF PRODUCTS FOR OVER FORTY YEARS Ontario Distributor of Pre-grown The registration form can be down loaded from the (877) 727-2100 home page of our web site: Erosion Control System (905) 727-2100 Drive on it—Park on it www.golfsupers.on.ca Without damaging turf www.zandersod.com OGSA Year Ender ... Crossword Puzzle Answers on page 23... Member profile Interview with David Stevens, Superintendent, Beaverbrook Golf Course by John Bladon, Editor Wuld anyone think of opening a golf course during a down turn in the o economy never mind during the Great Depression? Set in the town of Minden, the Stevens family opened the Beaverbrook Golf Club for business on July 1, 1939 and it has remained a community fixture ever since. The 3rd generation of the Stevens family; 14 year OGSA member David Stevens, wife Sonia and daughter Stefanie, currently own and operate this little 9 hole gem set on the banks of the Gull River in the Haliburtons. For the history books, Dave tells me the take on opening day was a whopping $3.50! Originally, the property was a mixed farm with hay, oats and chickens, owned by Dave’s grandparents, Harry and Margaret Stevens. Dave’s father, came home to Minden during the Depression, and it was then that Andy and Ada Stevens, Dave’s parents first envisioned and built the golf course with the help of Len White, a golf professional . They operated the course until 1971. Dave had graduated from the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph a few years prior, in 1966, and after working in the family business for a while, approached his father about purchasing the course. “It’s a lot of hard work” was dad’s initial response although a deal was soon made to see the next generation of Stevens run Beaverbrook from 1971 through to today. Dave and wife Sonia met and were married in 1982 and a passion for the game runs deeply with them. Neatly displayed about Beaverbrook’s quaint clubhouse are autographed flags and other souvenirs from Augusta National Golf Club. The family has now made the pilgrimage to The Masters three times following Dave’s original trip with Gord Witteveen in 1997, the year of Tiger’s first victory. “Being at Augusta and watching Tiger was an absolute thrill and something I will never forget,” says Dave. With his keen knowledge of Beaverbrook’s history, Dave also shows me some black and white pictures of the original farm without a tree in sight and speaks quietly with pride of the 5000 plus trees he has planted on the property over the years. Finally, I asked Dave if he had any words of wisdom to share. He quotes his mother saying “If you are going to work for nothing then you might as well sit for nothing...it doesn’t cost you any more” "In the Hot Seat" • Favourite Major? The Masters (was there any doubt?) • Ultimate Foursome...you and what three? Palmer, Nicklaus, Weir • Favourite Architect? Stanley Thompson • Favourite piece of turf equipment? Toro Triplex Greensmower • Favourite Meal? Steak and Potatoes • What’s in the CD player right now? Country and Western • Rate your home lawn on a scale of 1-10. 8 (it’s the golf course after all!) • What would be a turning point in your life? Marrying my wife, Sonia. Golf course highlight Hunters Pointe Golf Club 289 Daimler Parkway, Welland, ON L3B 6H2 Phone: (905) 714-4552 Fax: (905) 714-4633 Email: johntaylor@hunterspointe.ca Website: www.hpgolf.ca Golf Course Superintendent: John Taylor photo courtesty of Hunters Pointe COURSE PROFILE What county is your club located in? What was the year of original construction? 1 - set greens rollers Region of Niagara 1999 1 - set verticut heads 1 - Ditch Witch trencher Is your club private, semi private, public, resort or What major tournaments have been held 1 - Vicon spreader municipal? there? 1-100 gallon hydroseeder Semi-Private with 250 members 2003 Ontario Junior 1 - PTO Aeravator 2003-05 Great Lakes Tour 1 - Spreader/grader cart path blade Typical number of rounds 2001-05 Toronto Star Amateur Qualifier 30,000 rounds per year What is the size of your maintenance shop? 3,500 sq. ft. COURSE PROJECTS Typical opening and closing date April 1 to November 30 What projects have you recently completed? What type of irrigation system? Perimeter irrigation heads installed in How long have you been a superintendent? Rain Bird 2004, paddle tennis courts built in 2005, 23 years What is the size of greens, tees & fairways? clubhouse built in 2001, 5 championship 3 acres of greens tees added in 2005. List other accomplishments OGSA Board 1988-96 3 acres of tees OGSA President 1995 35 acres of fairways LONG RANGE PLANS WOGSA Board 1996-2001 WOGSA President 2002-present What is your predominant grass? What long range plans for renovation do you Poa/Bent, Providence Bent on greens, have in the next five years? How long have you been an O.G.S.A. member? Dominant on tees and fairways, bluegrass Adding to the irrigation and drainage 19 years Roughs, Fescue secondary roughs systems, cart path curbing and paving, maintenance building expansion, bunker How many staff? How many USGA and loam greens? rebuilding 2 year round, 13 seasonal staff 20 modified USGA How many assistants and mechanics? What is the predominant soil type? CHALLENGES 2 Assistants: Kam Anderson & Brad Malton Sand greens and tees, clay elsewhere 1 Mechanic: Darrin Beach Are there any particular challenges you face What equipment do you have in inventory? with your property? 4 - Jacobsen TC 22 walk greens mowers High flashed bunkers means lots of COURSE STATISTICS 2 - Jacobsen PGM walk mowers washouts in any heavy rain event, 2 - Jacobsen LF 3400 fairway units property built on material that was How many holes? 2 - Jacobsen AR - 5 rough units excavated in the construction of the 18 2 - Jacobsen GK - 6 triplex units Welland Canal - very rocky and heavy 2 - Smithco trap rakes with push blades clay. What is the yardage from back and forward tees? 2 - Cushman 4 wheel turf trucksters 6,884 yards from the back tees and 1 - Kubota 4310 4 wheel drive tractor 5,332 yards from the front tees SUCCESS STORIES 1 - Case 40 XT skid steer loader 5 - Club Car carryall II carts Do you have any success stories? What is the size of driving range and range tee? 1 - Club Car 4 passenger cart Growing grass on this property when it 220 yards, irons only, and 18,000 sq. ft. 1 - Smithco 220 gallon sprayer gets dry 1 - 300 gallon PTO sprayer How many bunkers? 1-25 gallon sprayer Please list any innovative cultural practices 104 Ohio 535 2 - Ryan GA 24 aerators you may perform. 1 - Cushman core harvester We only use an Aerway on our fairways How many times does water come into play? 7 ponds come into play 10 times 1-4 yard dump trailer and rough as we don’t want to bring up 1 - Aerway any clay. Who was the original architect? 1 - Turfco 1530 topdresser Graham Cooke Eagles Nest: Aesthetics And Innovation article by Mark McIvor, Assistant Superintendent photos by Dorothy Hills A ski hill, a Jeep college, an old gravel pit, and a marshy bog is all that Eagles Nest Golf Course was. Now Eagles Nest is an aesthetic golfing marvel that reaches just beyond 7400 yards in length; which is also rated amongst the best in Ontario. We were the host of the 2005 OTRF and most comments were positive which, from your peers, is all that you are searching for. Eagles Nest was transformed with an elaborate construction process. This included moving in 1.3 million cubic metres of earth, excavating a 9 acre pond and creating an earth dam. Manufacturing an earth dam was an integral part of the process because it not only made a great fairway; it refurbished a wetland that was all but destroyed. The technology and innovation does not stop there, the grass varieties at Eagles Nest are also quite unique. Velvet bentgrass greens have given a great putting surface with higher heights of cut; they have also shown great resistance to a lot of different stresses, such as disease pressure. The colour of the grass has proven to be distinct and appealing as well. The fairways are a mixture of creeping red fescue, chewings fescue, and colonial bentgrass. They have since been over seeded with velvet, as the benefits of the velvet really started to show. The tees have the same mixture as the fairways with the exception of substituting velvet bentgrass for colonial bentgrass. The rough is almost purely a fescue blend with a small amount of Kentucky bluegrass mixed in Proper surface drainage not only helps the water for increased traffic areas. movement on the course, but the rolling terrain enhances The fertility program at Eagles Nest is an elaborate one; it the links style look as well. The intricate piping for all of the was put in place to create the playing conditions that the sub surface drainage was also a great feat because of the public can enjoy, for beauty and for conditioning. The sheer volume of water that can be created by the surface majority of the products used are natural in composition drainage and the enormity of the dunes that surround each with the most impressive being our soy based products. The hole. The irrigation system was another task that had to be soy based products give us a great micronutrient package precise so that the right distribution and coverage is and they also help keep thatch in check with all of the received. There are well over 1200 sprinkler heads on the microbial activity. The soy products require a certain soil golf course and this is not including all of the turf valves that temperature so they are usually only used from late spring to are spread out for syringing in the hot southern Ontario early fall; other products are then used to get us through the summers, which we experienced this season. remaining periods of time. trouble than first bargained for. Eighteen is a wonderful finishing hole and puts an exclamation point on the end of every round. With its intimidating pond for the tee shot and the large and luxurious clubhouse tucked behind the green for your approach, it makes the end the day just as amazing as the start. Being a links style golf course Eagles Nest offers a true test of all your abilities. This begins with navigating your way through over one hundred difficult sod wall bunkers; some of which extend over your head. They can really turn a golf score from good to bad in a short period of time. These bunkers were created with extensive labour and attention to detail. Along with the sod wall bunkers there are also more traditional links style bunkers which have been given little islands scattered throughout. These bunkers also add a lot Along with all of the technology and innovation at Eagles to the golf course and can give you some treacherous lies Nest there are the people that make it possible; these are the bringing a whole new meaning to playing safe. 25 employees on the turf staff. It is their dedication and Gorgeous views encapsulate the golf course at every turn. hard work that make everything possible out on the course Elevation changes and the massive dunes give the course and around the clubhouse. Brent Rogers and Michael Rossi incredible dimension and provides risk and reward deserve credit though for taking this team and making it run situations to negotiate. The elevations on holes three and effectively and efficiently. twelve are the most drastic and give you a tremendous look Seeing Eagles Nest develop from the beginning of at more than the hole in front of you. The eighth hole also construction until now has definitely been an exciting has a significant elevation drop but that is probably not the experience. Being able to play the course has also given me first thing you will notice when you stand on the tee. It is a new found satisfaction for what I have done for the past named “Blink Bonnie” (beautiful view) for its spectacular four years. When you decide to come and visit us at Eagles view of the City of Toronto. I would not let it distract you Nest I will give you two tips; 1. Bring a camera, and 2. Bring though because it is a tricky little par 3 that can be more your “A” game. Superintendent Recognition Program The Superintendent Recognition received by both competitors and the Program was initiated three years ago Golf Association of Ontario, and is to recognize superintendents who host crucial to promoting the profession of significant provincial tournaments at the golf course superintendent and their respective courses. During the their professionalism within the golf awards ceremonies an OGSA director industry. presents the superintendent with a If any member has any input they plaque, recognizing their work and would like to contribute toward the dedication in preparing for and continued success of this program, managing successful tournaments. please speak to any OGSA Director. This program has been very well Photos left to right. Paul Dermott receives plaque from Randy Booker Chris Hudswell presents plaque to JeffAlexander Chris Anderson receives plaque from Ryan Beauchamp Host Supt. for the ONJr. Trevor Clapperton Juvenile Boys Championship Bob Burrows presents plaque to Sean Gunn Lamont Anderson presents plaque to Gary Wilcox receives plaque from Dan McCaffrey Ryan Beauchamp The following superintendents were plaque recipients in 2005 Tournament Superintendent Host Club Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship Sean Gunn Toronto Board of Trade Country Club, Woodbridge Ontario Women’s Amateur Championship Paul Dermott York Downs Golf & Country Club, Unionville Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship Gary Wilcox Redtail Golf Course, Port Stanley Ontario Junior & Juvenile Girls’ Championship Jeff Alexander Parry Sound Golf 8c Country Club, Parry Sound Ontario Senior Women’s Amateur Championship Phillip G. Brown Summit Golf 8c Country Club, Stouffville Ontario Junior & Juvenile Boys’ Championship Ryan Beauchamp St Thomas Golf 8c Country Club, St. Thomas Ontario Senior Men’s Amateur Championship Dan McCaffrey Sutton Creek Golf Club, Essex Ontario Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship Christopher Anderson Bay of Quinte Golf 8c Country Club, Belleville Wild and Wonderful... photo by Jeff Alexander, Superintendent, Parry Sound Golf & Country Club GET CONNECTED NOW! SPECIAL BANNER ADVERTISING OFFER FOR OGSA MEMBERS ONLY ONE YEAR UNLIMITED, ROTATING ADVERTISING ON O.G.S.A.’s HOME PAGE www.golfsupers.on.ca FIRST COME...FIRST SERVED ONLY 16 SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE ONLY $500.□□ + g.s.t. for the year February 1, 2006 - January 30, 2007 SIGN UP NOW • SEND YOUR AO IN NOW • ACT NOW AND YOUR BANNER WILL RECEIVE 1-1/2 MONTHS OF FREE EXPOSURE ON OUR WEB SITE FOR MORE DETAILS CALL DOROTHY AT (519) 767-3341 OR TOLL FREE (877) 824-6472 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Update by Jeff Stouffer, Superintedent Credit Valley Golf & Country Club The Chapter Delegates meeting for 2005 was conducted many queries. In summary, in order to attract the best at the Kansas City Marriott, September 30 - October 1. leaders within the industry to serve on the board, the policy The topics for discussion and a brief summary for each are is set to ensure no expense related to GCSAA service is listed below: being covered by anyone but the GCSAA. This includes expenses related to travel, hotel, meals, etc as well as Long Term Dues Strategy clothing allowance, golf apparel, and travel accessories. A process is being developed to program dues increases These are all within a policy defined by the GCSAA and to address the financial needs of the association and audited annually by both the CFO and external auditors. recognize the impact to the membership. History has shown that big increases have slowed and even reversed Environmental Programs Update membership growth. When this happens, there is the The Environmental Programs Committee and the obvious impact to the association revenues but the bigger associated task groups along with The Institute Board of concern is of the individual missing out on education, Trustees have recommended the development of an information and other membership benefits. The environmental communications effort. This is to raise proposed plan calls for increases based on CPI every two awareness of environmental issues facing golf within a web­ years rounded to the nearest five dollars. Anything higher based information tool: www.EIFG.org. Case studies are than the index increase would require membership being sought featuring practical environmental solutions. approval. Communications and discussions with members Prioritized topics for case studies are: water, ipm, will commence this year in order to amend the bylaws construction, wildlife, and energy. during the AGM 2007 to take effect January 2008. Projected Financials for 2005 Marketing Class A and Certified Operating Revenues = $17,958,000 Members Operating Expenses = $17,848,000 With the first renewal date for PDI coming in June 2006, Net Operating Income = $110,000 the GCSAA have been trying to position the member who Investment Income = $250,000 achieves/retains their Class A status by promoting what it Total Net Income = $360,000 means to have the designation to the profession and the facility employing the superintendent. The PDI was passed GCSAA Elections with a 3-1 margin a number of years ago and the first set of Candidates were introduced and met with to discuss grandfathered Class A’s are due to meet their renewal in their running for the 2006 GCSAA Board of Directors and June of 2006. An information packet is available from the they are as follows: GCSAA, for use by superintendents to help them obtain - Sean A Hoolehan; Office of President support from their employers, titled “Professional - Ricky D Heine; Office of Vice President Development: Building on Success”. This will explain your - David S Downing; Secretary/Treasurer continuing education and professional development needs - Mark D Kuhns; Secretary/Treasurer to your employer as the implementation of the new criteria - Greg A Blew; Director to enter Class A membership approaches. - Gary K Carls; Director GCSAA is committed to giving the PDI the support it - Patrick R Finlen; Director needs to be successful. They are beginning to differentiate -John C Miller; Director the classifications and encourage Superintendent - Sanford G Queen; Director Members to advance towards Class A. Please forward your comments regarding these Board Travel and Expense Policies candidates and the OGSA vote to Jeff Stauffer Questions about expense policies were raised at previous jstauffer@creditvalleygolf.com prior the 2006 Golf delegates meetings and this report was in response to the Industry Show. New Sod Harvesting Technology Benefits Ontario Green Industry by John Bladon, Editor Competitive edge. It remains the ever-elusive quest in and dwarf variety turfgrass ensure the customer receives any business today. For sod growers Ron and Steve product at the top of its class. The AutoStack has changed Schiedel of The Greenhorizons Group of Farms, when the the way sod is harvested and in turn the product the customer says “Jump!” they have always asked “How high?” customer receives. Greenhorizons are the first in Canada Recently, with the addition of some incredible new to purchase multiple units and they were so impressed, technology, they are poised to jump two feet higher on they bought 4 of them. At approximately $350,000 per behalf of their customer. unit this was no small decision. The key to this new technology is in its ability to harvest more than double the square feet per hour, thereby lessening the influences of weather and labour. This translates into a more consistent product that is fresher, more readily available and that takes less time to lay. “Our customers were always complimentary when it came to the cultivars we were growing and our dedication to service. With their feedback, we really felt the one thing that was missing was more consistency from roll to roll and palette to palette. With this new technology, every roll will be just that in terms of size, thickness, seams and freshness.” Ron Schiedel, President, Greenhorizons Group of Farms Steve and Ron Schiedel The quality produced by this new harvester is unmatched and it has features that separate it from its The Schiedel farming history in Ontario can be traced predecessors. Firstly, it has eliminated the hours back more than 200 years, when the ancestors of associated with manually stacking palettes. The Trebo Greenhorizons founder Richard Schiedel purchased large AutoStack has 88 spears automatically picking up 10 rolls tracts of land along the banks of the Speed and Grand at a time! Secondly, traditional harvesters had a side Rivers. The family’s success in both dairy and grain mounted sod cutting unit. The Trebo units have mid farming continued into the 1980’s, when the transition to mounted cutting units with a roller out front. With these farming Kentucky bluegrass sod had already begun and adjustments, field imperfections are now rolled out in the green industry was to be changed forever. Compact advance of the cutting unit. These center mount cutting Sod was born in 1975 and became the first production units, coupled with automatic steering, also eliminate the facility under what is now known as The Greenhorizons tracking problems associated with former harvesters and Group of Farms. Since its inception in 1989, ensure every roll is exactly two feet wide. The result? A Greenhorizons has expanded to include Hamilton Sod, 5’x 2’ roll that is of consistent size and thickness with 25% Niagara Sod, Halton Sod, Ontario Sod and Compact Sod less seams. No scalps, cones or parallelograms. Finally, as divisions of the company and is growing and harvesting with a two-foot wide roll you might think that weight grass on 4000+ acres. would be a problem but this cutting technology is so Back in the early days, sod was hand loaded and precise, it actually decreases the weight of a roll. unloaded...one roll at a time. The process was arduous Competitive edge. A quantum leap ahead. Never and labour intensive and because of that, there were willing to stand pat and committed to the “service first” limitations when it came to the harvest and therefore ethic, Greenhorizons are poised to show you the “Two- limitations on what could be done to satisfy the supply foot” advantage. chain and the customer. Since those early days and continually over the past 40 years, the key to Greenhorizons’ success as the #1 grower in the province has always been an embedded willingness to embrace the future. “Ron is enthusiastic and an innovator. I believe the key to his success is in his ability to strike that fine balance...to remain acutely aware of what has worked in the past and use that as a springboard to foresee change and embrace advancements. He has always been a leader, on the cusp and never willing to stand pat. The Schiedels simply have not allowed current successes to limit their future” Rob Witherspoon, Executive Director, Guelph Turfgrass Institute The Trebo AutoStack and Greenhorizon’s sod blends are the future. Their blends contain the most elite Kentucky bluegrass varieties available today. Dark, dense Showing off their toys at the trade show REGISTRATION FORM - ONTARIO GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW OGSA Year Ender ... Crossword SPECIALIZING IN PESTICIDE EDUCATION & SERVICE TECHNOLOGY Answers PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION COURSES LAND exterminator LANDSCAPE CATEGORY December.............................. 5 - 9, 2005 February.............................. 13 -17, 2006 March (London)................... 6 - 10, 2006 March.................................. 13 - 17, 2006 March (Ottawa)................. 20 - 24, 2006 April......................................10 - 14, 2006 WATER extermintor MOSQUITO/BITING FLY February............................. 20-24, 2006 All courses held in North York except where noted. Gov't exam held on Monday following each course. For more information and a brochure contact: Paul G. Pilley, B.Sc., M.P.M. P.O. Box 1021, Lindsay, ON K9V 5N4 Tel: (705) 324-PEST (7378) Fax: (705) 324-9729 E-mail: ppilley@cogeco.ca Ontario Golf Course January Management Conference 4th _ 6th and Trade Show 2006 Your Trees Deserve The Best Of Care Register Now Trees are valuable assests. Don’t entrust their future to less than caring professionals. Bartlett leads the way in tree care with • Pre-conference seminar - Dr Thomas L. Watschke trained arborists, research facili­ • Two day trade show ties, nationwide experience and • Keynote speaker - Terry Evanshen specialized equipment. For a professional evaluation of your • Focuses on current topics & issues that tree care needs, call today. challenge golf course superintendents There is no obligation. Toronto • (416) 657-2059 Bracebridge • (705) 646-8733 Gravenhurst • (705) 687-0696 Huntsville • (705) 789-0929 www.bartlett.com BACKED BY THE BARTLETT TREE RESEARCH updates will be posted to our web site www.golfsupers.on.ca LABORATORIES AND EXPERIMENTAL GROUNDS, CHARLOTTE, NC Lending a hand by R. David Dickinson, Superintendent Stonebridge Golf & Country Club On Saturday October 8, 2005 the staff in the turf maintenance department at Stonebridge Golf 8c Country Club, in Ottawa, hosted a Fall Fun Day. The purpose of this event was to: • Raise money for hurricane relief. • Satisfy the certification requirements in the outreach and education portion of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program For Golf Courses. • Educate residents within the community about golf course maintenance practices and procedures. • Promote environmental awareness and responsibility. Over 180 resident’s within the Stonebridge community attended the Fall Fun Day which included hay wagon rides, a hole-in- one challenge, a silent auction, kid’s bird house construction, turf centre tours, equipment demonstrations, Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo, door prize draws, free pumpkins, hotdogs and soft drinks. On the REEL side of things by Mike Slack Slack Reel Service To change or not to change Barings that is! This question is asked of us on e patterns in the cone or play in the roller cage. As a a regular basis. Numerous mechanics have opened rule of thumb, any reel or roller that has been the subject up for debate and my answer has always notorious for problems during the season ought to be remained the same. Changing out all your reel and scheduled for bearing replacement in the off-season. roller bearings depends greatly on the operation. Clearly, the best way to alleviate bearing Without question, it is a costly proposal to purchase replacement is to be proactive. Look after them and bearings and labour intensive to change them out. they will look after you. Regular greasings, properly When we consider changing out seals as well, timed adjustments and purchasing good quality “because we are already in there”, the cost rises even replacements will, in combination, minimize our further. aggravation with bearings. Hopefully you take Let us consider some basics. If we follow our something from this and consider...if you are long on equipment manufacturer specifications for bearing willow leaves and short on grease guns it just may be adjustment and regularly grease our bearings, their a winter for “change.” lifespan will certainly be maximized. Arguably, this falls into the “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” category of Mike will be happy to answer any of your questions, on a logic. The danger comes if you happen to be an regular weekly basis, through the OGSA web site forum, “Turf operation that believes bearings lubricate themselves Talk”. To post a question or comment go to the Members on grass juice, willow leaves and pine cones. Clearly, Only Section of www.golfsupers.on.ca click on “Turf Talk” you may be asking for trouble. and start a new thread or click on an existing thread. If you There are people in the field who say “We have no have any problems using “Turf Talk” call the OGSA office at time to be changing bearings in the summer so we 877-824-6472 or 519-767-3341 and we will assist you. change them all in the winter.” This is an excellent practice as reels are usually sharpened during winter months and so from an efficiency standpoint this makes good sense. If an operation can manage the supply and labour costs by annually replacing bearings then by all means do so. It will minimize issues and precious down time during the growing season. However, annual replacement is not a requirement. Consider that any reel or roller with “end play” up or down, clearly ought to be replaced. In doing so, inspect the bearing closely for wear Simon George Technical Sales Maple Turf Supply Business: (905) 857-2000 Corrie Almack P.Ag. 8112 King Rd. W. Fax: (905) 857-8215 P.O. Box 370 Mobile: (519) 841-3378 Bolton, Ontario 1-800-268-4425 Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 L7E 5T3 sg142@hotmail.com Box 256, Carlisle, On Fax: (905) 689-8522 LOR 1H0 Em c.almack@sympatico.ca ail: Pruning Considerations For Trees And Shrubs by MichaelJ. Bladon, NPD The pruning of trees, shrubs and evergreens is a large response by the meristematic cells which start to divide very and diverse subject and this article will embrace a broad quickly more so within the growing season. The cells form approach to the maintenance of trees on the golf course a substance better known as cambium and are in a and within the golf course landscape. Shade trees and continuous cylinder just below the bark. As they divide they shrubs have many functions. They provide fruits, nuts, manufacture a circle of raised material and this healing seeds, foliage and insects as food for native wildlife. They growth, or callus, moves over the bare part of the wound provide protection from the sun as well as regulating which becomes smaller. Healing takes time and has to do temperatures. They help prevent erosion, and in the with the health of the plant as well as the quality of the growth process, give off oxygen and absorb CO2 thereby pruning cuts. If these cuts are sloppy, cambium may not be removing impurities from the air. Very few are native to in an unbroken circle, hence a longer healing time. As North America; most come from China, Japan, Korea and healing persists, the outer layer of cambium forms a Europe. Finally, trees strategically placed on the course not protective cork or tissue layer. This change is brought only enhance that particular landscape but also add a about by the accumulation of a fatty substance called degree of strategy to certain holes. suberin on the walls of these particular cells. The healing Pruning is an operation which regulates and controls tissue will remain obvious throughout the life of the tree or growth, flowering and fruiting and determines the form of shrub. a tree or shrub. Within the golf course landscape, trees and Timing is critical when it comes to pruning operations. shrubs are forced to grow under a variety of different The bulk of the tree species found in Ontario may be conditions. Corrective pruning may be necessary in some of pruned safely during any time of the year. However, there these situations. Pruning helps to remove unsightly dead are exceptions to every rule. Acer (Maple), Cladrastis wood and prevents the harbouring of disease and insects. (Yellowwood), Betula (Birch) and Juglans (Walnut) will When trees or shrubs are grown for their flowering displays bleed profusely from wounds made in February or March. pruning is an integral part of their cultivation. When this Although other maintenance activities on the golf course care is not taken, growth may be weak and flowers small. It may take precedence, these species ought to be pruned is important that the pruner know what to do. He or she when leaves are present and wounds can rapidly callus and must have a good knowledge of plant growth and the close during the growing season. It must be said that one flowering habits of the subject. Skill, good common sense, can also better judge the weakened branches from the some care, and an enjoyment of plants all are attributes of healthy ones during this time as well. Trees or shrubs that the consummate professional. flower before the end of June should be cut back after Why do we prune? It is integral to maintain or reduce the flowering as the flower buds develop on the past season’s size of a tree or shrub. This keeps landscape plants within growth. Trees or shrubs that flower after the end of June reasonable bounds and limits the need to rejuvenate large may be tackled in winter or spring prior to the start of new overgrown specimens. Many trees and shrubs should be growth. These are often the areas close to or surrounding thinned as weak, overcrowded branches develop over time. the clubhouse. Evergreens, both broad and narrow leaved This can be particularly important to golf course turf when types, may be pruned anytime the wood is not frozen. It is it comes to adequate light infiltration. By removing dead important to recognize that we do not want to prune and diseased branches, we also aid the plant in maintaining beyond the living foliage on narrow leaved evergreens. The its shape, vigour and general health. Certain shrubs, when older wood of Picea (Spruce), Pinus (Pine) or Larix overgrown, may be restored and younger growth may be (Larch) will not produce new shoots. Finally, avoid late facilitated when using proper rejuvenation steps. Syringa summer pruning, during August and September as it (Lilac), Ligustrum (Privet) and Forsythia are examples of encourages new growth which will not sufficiently harden some of these species. We prune to stimulate future flower before winter. This will often result in winter injury. and fruit development and in these situations, all old and Where do we choose to make our cuts? If deadwood is faded flowers and fruit clusters must be removed. New being removed the cut must be made back to sound living transplants often require light pruning to enhance tissue. Good callus formation and healing will only result establishment and ensure survival. One can also prevent from healthy wood. Removal of diseased tissue requires potential damage and reduce liability by pruning limbs care to ensure enough volume has been taken away. Make which are hazardous to buildings, power lines, nearby your cut in the area of the branch collar or close to a branch plants, golfers, golf carts and turf maintenance equipment. or bud. Snags or stems left behind impede or slow the Pruning can also be a mechanism to shape plants out of healing process. Allow the tree or shrub to develop its their natural form and into hedges or more formal displays. natural shape and avoid “haircut” pruning. Weak V shaped When a wound develops on a tree or shrub, from pruning crotches should be removed when limbs are small. or otherwise, healing begins immediately. This is due to a Finally, early diagnosis is the key to reducing future management countermeasures. Trees may exhibit signs such as; sparse foliage, paler green leaves that are smaller than what is deemed normal, a general decline in vigour and die back or lack of newer growth or smaller diameter branches. Controls are in an accurate site assessment and the appropriate selection, planting, pruning, fertilizing, watering, cabling and bracing of large trees and protection Selecting where to cut from grade changes or winter injury. In the case of larger, mature specimens, the services of a qualified arborist Figure 1: A twig showing ideal cuts (A & B). (Depending should be sought out. on the health of the wood it may be better to cut at C) Only with sound basic practices will we be able to see the inherent beauty trees and shrubs possess and see them retain that beauty long term. A healthy and well-balanced plant is a picture to see for all seasons; spring, summer, winter and fall. References: George E. Brown, N.D.H. The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. Faber & Faber, London, U.K. Donald, Wyman. Trees for American Gardens, The Macmillan Company, New York. Harris, W. Richard; Hamilton, Douglas D; Davis, William B; Leiser, Andrew T. Pruning Landscape Trees. University of California, Agricultural Extension Service. Mike Bladon, retired 9 years now, is a Niagara Parks Horticultural Figure 2: “Three cut method” for large limb removal School graduate of 1962. He has worked for 27 years for the A - 1st cut B - 2nd cut Grounds Department at the University of Guelph and is a founding C-D - final cut at branch collar member of the Sports Turf Association. Mike is still an active horticulturist. www.JustSodit.com Doug Hubble Sales and Marketing Manager 519.770.3157 HAMILTON SOD MOUNT HOPE dhubble@nu-gro.ca 905-389-1315 ONTARIO SOD OAKVILLE 905-849-1764 John Bladon NIAGARA SOD IPM Coordinator / Technical Sales ST. CATHARINES 905-984-8448 519.574.2013 COMPACT SOD CAMBRIDGE jbladon@nu-gro.ca 519-653-7494 HALTON SOD MILTON www.nu-groturf.com 905-878-1011 Above the hole by Justin Parsons, Student & Intern Trafalgar Golf & Country Club Looking back on the fall semester, the highlight for me has easily been the field trips to neighbouring golf clubs. The opportunity to walk a golf VARIABLE FREQUENCY DRIVE course with the superintendent or assistant is truly an invaluable PUMP STATIONS FOR THE GOLF experience. The insights they have provided into the history of these clubs, & TURFGRASS INDUSTRY as well as maintenance practices, and personal experiences have allowed us to feel more comfortable in preparing for life in the turf industry. Moreover, it’s always beneficial to see both the scale and practices of other turf operations. I think it helps to provide a greater perspective on the industry. The hosts of these tours have also helped to shape this perspective and they have been more than welcoming in doing so. It is in some ways surprising how generous they have been with their time and expertise. After all, they gain very little from the experience. I mean lets face it, walking around a golf course in drizzly, 3 degree weather with a bungling pack of scuzzy young men isn’t exactly a good time. Unless of course your HOME OF THE name is Demi Moore, then the experience may prove to be rather fruitful. 10 YEAR But the truth is, these individuals have selflessly donated their time to WARRANTY enrich our education and that is a glowing example of one of the industry’s 1-888-222-6676 greatest strengths. There is a definite camaraderie among those in the turf www.pumptronics.ca field and although I have been in the industry just a short time, it is certainly evident. You see it on a daily basis with superintendents and assistants phoning up colleagues and chatting about their struggles and Burnside successes. You also see it at annual tournaments and tradeshows where individuals evaluate what worked for them and dispense the information to anyone who may find it useful. This free flow of knowledge and ideas is Serving the Needs of the Golf Industry extremely refreshing. Especially for someone who has a background in We can help with: journalism; an industry where the only thing that is shared is an irrefutable • Approvals for Golf Course Development disdain for anyone above you. and Operations As a student of turf management now, I find the field trips almost • Irrigation Water Supply • Sewage Treatment and Disposal overwhelming because so much information is being offered and it takes • Environmental Management Plans time to process it all. In fact, there were several occasions where the host • Building and Clubhouse Design Services • Irrigation Design and Consulting superintendent asked if the class had any questions and we all just stood • Environmental Impact Assessment there slack-jawed. Hopefully, they were not offended by this. I think it was • Drinking Water Assessment more a case of information overload or students not wanting to sound Toll Free: (877) 799-8499 E-mail: vcirone@rjburnside.com dumb. Incidentally, they say the only stupid question is the one that isn’t Website: www.rjburnside.com asked. But if there are no stupid questions, then what kind of questions do stupid people ask? Regardless, there really is an undeniable partnership in this industry. I even see it on a smaller scale in the classroom. Guys are always talking about what they do and why it works. Like the time Dave told us how he got grease out of his silk thong. Granted, that information may not be quite as pertinent. Nevertheless, I look forward to one day being able to contribute ideas to the many people who have helped me and to the many people who have yet to emerge. Offices located throughout Ontario Members of OGSA, CGSA and Golfmax Suppliers to the NGCOA Turf or consequences by Doug Breen, Superintendent Golf North Properties It’s every Canadian Dad’s dream to take his son to the rink, say, “Falling into the gorge may cause serious injury”. put on his skates, and send him out onto the ice while he sits up All this is aimed at reducing liability. The result is that we in the stands deluding himself into thinking that it’s just a protect stupid people. Charles Darwin would be quick to point matter of time until the NHL scouts come knocking. My son out that we really don’t want some of these people swimming in Walker started playing this year. So far, no scouts. the gene pool. I have a cousin who has said for years that he’s His hockey genetics are not strong. My father wouldn’t let us going to start a political movement called the “Natural play organized hockey, because we had to spend our Saturdays Selection Party”. They would eliminate guard rails, lines on milking cows and cleaning out calf pens. When we were done, roads, disclaimers, and any sign that warns you not to do we’d get the odd pickup game going on a frozen pond something that only a complete idiot would do. I’d vote for somewhere. There’s a certain set of skills that are developed that. when playing on the free range ice that is formed by the wind, I’ve estimated that 35% of our course equipment down time snow, and Zamboni-less-ness of a farm pond. I could is as a direct result of malfunctioning safety switches. It’s only a stickhandle on choppy ice, avoid rocks and stumps, and even matter of time until golfers are forced to start wearing leap over giant watery cracks; but put me on smooth arena ice, equipment to protect them from errant golf balls. Eventually, and I looked like a startled pony on a linoleum floor. Anyone someone will successfully sue a club because he took a Titleist who played against me figured out in the first shift that I never in the chompers, and then our insurance companies will force go to my right. Can’t. Never could. Public skating always goes us to put golfers in hockey equipment because statistics indicate counter clockwise. Why? that more people die on golf courses than in arenas. Insurance Krista’s donations to his hockey DNA are even worse. She’s companies love statistics. Statistics tell us that 95% of people die about the size of an elf, and has the attention span of a gnat. while lying down, so the logical conclusion to the insurance I’ve seen her play. She was often reading the board advertising industry is that if we could find a way to always be standing we’d when the puck went into the net. Once she played half a game never die. holding her stick backwards, because she wanted to see if it I’ve resigned myself to the idea that eventually we’ll all be made her feel, “more balanced”. wearing helmets day and night, winding ourselves in 3 inches of So he’s not likely going to go pro, unless they change the bubble wrap, every corner will be round, all hard surfaces will rules enough that a five foot two, easily distracted guy who can’t be padded, and we’ll be living in a soft, fluffy, marshmallow go right, is what the league is drafting. But what he has got; is world. Personally, I’d miss my chainsaw scar. better equipment than I ever had. Safety is the primary concern. Neck guards, mouth guards, cage helmets... When I was playing, the closest thing we had to safety equipment was a toque. In those days, moms worried more about head colds than concussions. When I think about some of the things we did, we must have been concussed most of the time. We jumped our bikes off of homemade ramps that we threw together with half rotted used lumber, riddled with rusty nails, and supported by stacks of bricks, cinder blocks, and rocks. We didn’t even know what a bike helmet was. For inspiration, every other night Evel Knievel would jump something on TV and go to the hospital. And there were none of those disclaimers on the bottom of the screen warning us not to try it at home. So we did. Now they put disclaimers on everything. My personal favorite is the Barbie ads during Saturday morning cartoons, where the bottom of the screen says, “doll cannot move independently”. If you’re stunned enough to think that a plastic doll can really ride a plastic horse around the house, you likely can’t read anyway. And if it can, then you’ve got yourself a “Chuckie” possession thing going on there, which is an altogether more serious problem. My ‘Hot Apple Pie’ has contents “that may be hot”. There is a gorge near my house that has signs on it that Looking back 10 YEARS AGO TO-DAY by Barry Endicott, Project Manager Gordon Wendover Construction Te Board of Directors of the OGSA in 1995 were: John h Club. Taylor, (pres.), Twenty Valley, Alex La Belle, (vice pres. & The Pro/Superintendent Day was held at Monterra Golf newsletter editor), Merryhill, Bruce Burger (past pres.), Club on June 13th hosted by Ron Heesen. The winning gross Lakeview, Simon George (tres.), Oakville, Ian Bowen, team, Dan Lavis and Pro John Davis, was from Ingersoll and Oshawa, Bob Heron, Beacon Hall, Paul Dodson, Lionhead, the low net prize went to Deerhurst, Ed Farnsworth and Doug Suter, Credit Valley, Paul White, Mississaugua, Ken Paul Kennedy. Nelson, Jerry Richard, Craigowan and Keith Bartlett, On the move: Thom Charters to Bayview from Weston Thornhill. Cindi Charters was the office secretary. and Jeff Burgess took his place. Jim Molenhuis left New Members: Terry Magee (F), Mississaugua, Richard Lionhead to work at a new golf course, Lake Joseph being Leadbeater (S), Parkview, Tracy Fowler (F), Hamilton, Paul built by ClubLink. Paul Dodson from Aurora Highlands to Brown (F), Islington, Greg McLinton (B), Carleton, Kevin Lionhead. Peter White from Credit Valley (assistant) went Inglehart (S), Univ. of Guelph, Ken Johnson (B), Indian to Aurora. Blake McMaster moved from Brampton Golf Hills, Terry Gale (F), Indian Hills, Gary Stairs (F), Board of Club to Royal Montreal. Jay Lavis left Cardinal and went to Trade, Bill Thornton (B), Wyldewood, Todd Davey (S), Blue Mountain and was replaced at Cardinal by Robert Cardinal, Randy Booker (B), Sleepy Hollow, Kent Sloan from Sudbury. Gary Morris left North Bay Golf Club McDonald (E), Ontario Seed Co., Tami Packham (E), and went to John Evelyn Golf Centre and North Bay hired Ontario Seed Co., Tim Baxter (F), Bear Creek, Natalie Kevin Wingerden, assistant at Thornhill. Mike Courneya, Arms (F), Board of Trade, Dave Svab (F), Weston, Michael assistant at Markland Wood, moved to the Loyalist Estate Sammon (F), Loyalist Golf Club, Doug Dougherty (E), Ray Golf Club near Kingston, John Scott is the new super at Gordon Equipment, Daniel Passmore (E), Frechette Ottawa Rivermead and Mike Cote took the job at Glendale. Lawncare, Nicole Snider (F), Beach Grove, Sean Kelly (F), Chris Andrejicka, assistant at Devil’s Pulpit, is the new Islington, Brent Stainton (B), Derrydale, Gavin Kellogg (A), superintendent at Essex. Bernie Martin from Osprey Tyandaga, Rob Allison (F), Twenty Valley, Ernie Amsler (B), moved to Hunters Glen (formerly Huntington) The Angus Glen, Mike Ettles (F), Bruce Patterson (F), Angus Beverly Golf and Country Club hired Scott Dyker, John Glen, Jim Power (B), Pine Ridge, Steven Ransom (F), Parker moved from Greystone to Trafalgar. Andrew Keffer, Twenty Valley, Tim Schaly (F) Muskoka Lakes, James Scott assistant at Emerald Hills took over at Greystone. Derick (S), Univ. of Guelph, Eric Williamson (F), Angus Glen. Powers moved from Brockville Golf to Carleton Golf and A retirement reception for Dr. Jack L. Eggens was held on Yacht Club. January 4th in conjunction with the Ontario Turfgrass Paul Dermott and Dave Gourlay, Jr. were both nominated Symposium. It was organized and directed by Gordon as directors of GCSAA by the OGSA. Paul Dermott, Paul Witteveen, and the presenters were former students and Scenna and Greg Williams won the Environmental Steward friends: Nigel Rennie, Rob Ackermann, Dean Baker, Keith Award from the GCSAA. The GCSAA Conference and Show Bartlett, Ian Bowen, Angelo Capannelli, Paul Dermott, Bill was held in San Francisco. Fach, Ron Heesen, Jerry Richard, Paul Scenna, Pelino The OTRF Golf Tournament was held at Spring Lakes Scenna, Mike VanBeek, Paul White, Mark Schneider, Marie Golf Club hosted by Mac Frost. Jay Evelyn was low gross Thorne, Hugh Kirkpatrick and Daisy Moore. with a 71. OGSA, GTI, OMAFRA Field Day was held at the Ransomes America Corporation and G.C.Duke Springfield Golf Club on Aug 14th hosted by Ray Dlugokecki Equipment Limited announced the new revolutionary all (Duke for short). Low gross scores were Thom Charters electric riding greensmower which operates on (8) 6 volt (70), Jeff Stauffer (72), Paul Scenna (72) and Ted Ellis golf cart style batteries which offers quiet, pollution free (73). Rob Witherspoon was appointed as new GTI Director. operation. The Superintendent, Greens Chairman Day was held at It is the law in Ontario that signs must be posted 24 hours the Rosedale Golf Club on July 17th hosted by Bill Fach. The prior to pesticide applications on golf courses and remain in winners were as follows: 1st low gross - Brampton Golf Club, place for 48 hours after an application. 2nd low gross - Bay of Quinte and 3rd low gross - Galt Country May the quiet joys of this Holiday Season Surround you and yours with the promise of Peace. From the directors and staff at OGSA TURF CARE Be the first to see what’s new for 2006 Go to toro.com/innovations “Seasons Greetings and best wishes for the New Year" from the Staff at Turf Care, Come visit us at the Ontario Golf Course Management Conference and Trade Show, January 5th & 6th, 2006 at the Westin Harbour Castle - Booths 301-410. Turf Care Products Canada 200 PONY DRIVE, NEWMARKET, ONTARIO L3Y 7B6 PHONE (905) 836-0988 • FAX (905) 836-6442 London 5598 Ph: (519) 668-7664 Scarborough Fax: (519) 668-3722 Ph: (416) 298-2101 Fax: (416) 298-8758 Mississauga Ph: (905) 890-6290 Gloucester Fax: (905) 890- Ph: (613) 822-1881 www.turfcare.ca