Green July 2005 is Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Evaluating Recycled Waters for Golf Course Irrigation Behind the Green at Augusta National Headed for Higher Ground OGSA Tournament Update 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 Evaluating Recycled Waters for Golf Course Irrigation.......... 16 Accreditation avenue............................................................................ 8 Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Above the hole....................................................................................... 24 Behind the Green at Augusta National 2004................................. 22 Editor's message ...................................................................................... 4 From roots to shoots............................................................................. 6 Canadian Golf Superintendents Association news........................ 9 Golf course highlight - Dalewood Golf & Curling Club...................15 Headed for Higher Ground.................................................................. 26 Health & safety........................................................................................ 12 Looking back.............................................................................................31 Member profile: John Hutchinson Warkworth Golf Club............13 Off the fairway........................................................................................ 28 OGSA sponsers "The Fraz"................................................................... 21 President's message.............................................................................. 3 Pro/Super Challenge.............................................................................. 14 The Can Am Challenge..........................................................................10 Turf or consequences............................................................................. 29 COVER PICTURE University of Guelph update.................................................................7 Graham Shouldice What's new................................................................................................. 4 at Highland Country Club photo by John Bladon Advertisers. All Turf Ltd................................................................................................. 24 Almack Agronomic Services Inc......................................................... 28 Bartlett Tree Experts - Canada........................................................... 24 Braemar Building Systems.................................................................. 20 Burnside Golf Services...........................................................................26 DCS Agronomic Services...................................................................... 28 G.C. Duke Equipment Ltd.................................................................... 8 Green Horizons Group of Farms........................................................25 Landscape Ontario................................................................................ 7 Maple Turf Supply.............................................................................. 7,23 Master's Turf Supply Ltd...................................................................... 6 Nu-Gro.......................................................................................................... 9 Nu-Gro - Grigg Bros............................................................................... 23 Ontario Seed Company....................................................................... 5 P.E.S.T. Institute, The............................................................................. 24 Pumptronics Incorporated.................................................................. 27 OGSA is committed to Seneca College........................................................................................ 30 serving its members, Skyway Lawn Equipment Limited................................................... 9 advancing their profession, Turf Care Products Canada - Irrigation Div..................................... 11 Turf Care Products Canada.................................................................. 32 and United Agri Products.............................................................................25 enriching the quality Vanden Bussche Irrigation.................................................................. 12 of golf Zander Sod Co. Limited...................................................................... 27 and its environment. President's message The ability to communicate effectively is widely regarded as an important skill set in any occupation and our profession is no exception. Often, as super­ intendents, we are not in direct contact with our customers. Consequently, it is of the utmost importance to convey the intended message to staff, other senior ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS’ by Paul Scenna ASSOCIATION managers and pro shop personnel, who then are capable Guelph Turfgrass Institute Donalda Club of correctly relaying information in your absence. 328 Victoria Road South Guelph, ON N1H6H8 Thereafter, monthly newsletters, websites and group Ph: 519-767-3341 emails are effective ways to broadcast information to help back up or to follow Toll Free: 877-824-6472 up an intended message. We can all have an impact on public perception if, in Fax: 519-766-1704 Email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca league, we convey messages which contribute to the betterment of the game Website: www.golfsupers.on.ca and its environment. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Recently, on a broader scope, the OGSA continued its involvement with the President: Paul Scenna Toronto Star Amateur and the sponsoring of its annual media day. This year’s Past President: Rob Ackermann event was held at the beautiful Weston Golf Club, where we were able to once Vice-President: Bob Burrows again contribute to the media day package. This year, with the cooperation Treasurer: Sean DeSilva from Syngenta and the CGSA, we were able to include their DVD entitled “The Secretary: Jeff Stauffer DIRECTORS Jeff Alexander IPM Approach to Golf Course Management”. This is a great venue for the Chris Andrejicka association to communicate and influence 70 of the top sports writers and Jarrod Barakett announcers in the province and country. Many thanks to our friend Glenn Randy Booker Goodwin, President and founder of the GTAGA for our continued inclusion in Doug Breen this event. All participants had a great day and got a taste of Weston’s new look, Trevor Clapperton Rob Gatto which I am sure will impress Arnold Palmer come September. “The Return of the King” will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Arnie’s first PGA win which happened on the storied Weston grounds. OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Dorothy Hills Pat Thomas Deborah Badger Layout, Design "William Sansom" & Printing provided by... Distinguished Service Award GRAPHIC The OGSA shall present an award of Distinguished SERVICES PRINTERS & LITHOGRAPHERS Service, in the name of our first president William “Quality you can See!” GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL EDITORIAL Sansom, to an individual or individuals who have COMMITTEE Tel: 519.763.5745 John Bladon, Editor made an outstanding contribution to the Fax: 519.763.9532 Doug Breen, Assistant Editor advancement of the golf course superintendent's 32-34 Essex Street Dorothy Hills, Coordinating Manager Guelph, ON N1H 3K8 profession. The contribution must be significant in info@graphicservices.ca Greig Barker both substance and duration and may be regional or www.graphicservices.ca Angelo Capannelli Jason Hanna national in nature. This contribution must be held in Brian Haum the highest regard and reflect credit upon our Scott Horsburgh profession. Mark Prieur Bill Green Scott Sleep Nomination forms are now available on our Web site, Jeff Stauffer in the “Members Only” section under “Scholarships”. If you would like to nominate someone and cannot “Green is Beautiful” Green is Beautiful 2005 download the form, call the office and they will mail is Printed on Although every effort is made to check Recycled Paper material for publication, the association is one out to you. not responsible for material published on behalf of its contributors. All rights are reserved by the publisher Deadline is September 1, 2005 and any reproduction in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Editor's message is here and with a vengeance! fairway”. Daisy, thanks for reminding us about some grass We are fortunate to have some that doesn’t require a five-gang reel mower! This month’s outstanding submissions for this July Member Profile is on OGSA Life Member, John issue of Green is Beautiful. Firstly, Ali Hutchinson of Warkworth Golf Club. Recently, I had the Harivandi from the University of pleasure of playing the property that John built with his California has granted us permission to father and to experience some of his old fashioned use an article he has penned entitled hospitality amongst the EOGSA members. John is indeed by John Bladon “Evaluating Recycled Waters for Golf first rate. Finally, the OTRF golf tournament is set for Nu-Gro Corporation Course Irrigation”. Clearly, there are few August 2nd at Eagles Nest in Maple so be sure to mark your golf courses using such water here in calendar. Chris Dew and the OTRF committee have locked Ontario, however, there are characteristics and up an outstanding location and it offers the opportunity to measurements of those characteristics that all waters have in look at velvet bentgrass in action. This old cultivar is common and the article comes from the mind of one of the receiving more and more attention of late and deserves a world’s foremost water experts. Daisy Moore speaks to closer look. ornamental grasses in this month’s edition of “Off the Stay cool.......until August... What's new Katerina Jordan to Join Guelph Turfgrass Faculty Turf Research At the opening session of the Ontario Turfgrass Symposium, Ontario Agricultural College, Dean Craig Pearson announced & Library that Katerina Jordan would be joining the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph. Katerina is in Donation the process of completing her Ph.D. program at the University of Rhode Island. Katerina has a diverse background with a B.S. Fund in microbiology and an M.S. in agronomy, both from the OGSA would like to take this opportunity to thank the following University of Maryland. Her Ph.D. research involves the study members for their continued support of our Library Fund and Turf of plant-parasitic nematodes and their antagonists in golf Research Fund, made through optional donations with their putting greens. She will bring a unique perspective to her turf membership dues for the period October 2004 through September 2005. teaching and research duties at Guelph. Katerina and her husband Sean, a Penn State turf diploma grad and golf course Your support helps us to provide valuable benefits in superintendent, will arrive in Guelph later this summer. education and research to our members. Please join us in welcoming them to Guelph. Library Fund Donations Norman McCollum Announces Retirement Robert Ackermann, Weston Golf & CC Al Schwemler, Toronto GC GTI Research Superintendent Norman McCollum has Bill Searle, North Gate Farms Ltd. announced his plans to officially retire effective January 1, Marie Thorne, Syngenta 2006. Norman’s unique contributions to turfgrass research and teaching at Guelph go back 36 years and have touched Turf Research Donations the careers of students and scientists alike. Among turf Robert Ackermann, Weston Golf & CC managers, he is probably best known for his long time Randy Booker, Dundas Valley G&CC involvement with the annual Turf Managers Short Course John Gall, St. George's G&CC providing instruction in turf and weed identification as well as Cecil Hoekstra, Cherry Hill Club helping to create a welcoming social environment for students William Diggins, Country Lane GC in the course. I suspect that in retirement Norm will remain James Dimitriw, Lowville GC active in his many University of Guelph alumni activities Ken Johnson, Indian Hills GC including the annual Associate Diploma Hockey Tournament. Al Schwemler, Toronto G.C. Next year, he plans to enjoy his first summer away from the Keith Stephenson (retired supt) research plots at his summer cottage on the Bruce Peninsula. Scott Wheeler, Forest City National GC Please join us in wishing Norman a long, happy and healthy retirement. Welcome! O.T.R.F O.G.S.A. Welcomes our newest members Jennifer Antoniak Class F North Halton Golf & CC ANNUAL Cameron Fraser Class F Donalda Club Dennis Gilchrist Class Supt Ballantrae Golf Club Bruce Gillis Class C FUNDRASING Roseland Golf & Curling Club Paul Grotier Donalda Club Class C Stuart Leachman Class Supt GOLF EVENT Diamond 'In the Ruff' GC Brent Riopelle Class F The Club at Bond Head Carole Trumble Class A Katchiwano Golf & CC Armtec Limited Class E TO BE HELD AT Ken MacDougall EAGLES NEST GOLF CLUB Golf Greens "Fore" U Canada Class E IN MAPLE, ONTARIO Doug Kramer Jim Hosick Class E Landscape Archite MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW TUESDAY AUGUST 2, 2005 Cost: $230.00/person Registration: 9:30 am Shotgun: 11:00 am Social: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm For All Your Dinner: 5:00 pm followed bypresentations Golf Course Needs! Turf seed, Pesticides, Nutrite Fertilizers PLATINUM SPONSOR and Bayco Golf Accessories P.O. Box 7, Waterloo, Ont. N2J 3Z6 BAYER ENVIRONMENTAL Tel: (519) 886'0557 Fax: (519) 886'0605 1'800-465-5849 Email: seeds@oscseeds.com Victor Freiberg Ken Graham SCIENCE Trevor Hunter A. Kent McDonald David Schmelefske From roots to shoots The Miserable Spring That Was! Now that it is July - the miserable urban environment. month that was May is behind us now. Researchers have found that from the time of Most golf courses were plagued with establishment of a golf course, carbon sequestration cold, dry weather that was not very rapidly increases for 25-30 years. The study found that conducive to spring turf recovery. If greens and fairways each store nearly a ton of carbon per you were forced to overseed damaged acre per year. Other turf areas within cities and suburbs areas you had both temperature and like lawns and parks may also serve as CO2 sinks. Scientists by Pam Charbonneau OMAF Turfgrass moisture working against you. In are currently using computer models to better estimate Specialist addition, even if your turf came out of the potential rates of carbon sequestration on golf the winter well, the weather in May made greens look sick. courses. Most were very off colour with lots of purpling, yellowing So, when you see Rick Mercer on television asking you and browning due to low temperature stress. The absence to take the one tonne challenge, you know that by growing of the gentle spring rains meant that the turf just did not the grass on your golf course you are already contributing have a flush of lush green growth. To add insult to injury to the reduction of greenhouse gases in Canada and your golf rounds were also down because of the exceptionally golfing members and pay as you play golfers are too. So cold weather. there Rick Mercer! With that behind us, what can we expect for the summer? The Ontario long range forecast is for higher For more information on golf courses as a carbon sink you than normal temperatures and lower than normal can visit the following web site: precipitation. So the temperature conditions will be the www.ars.usda.gov/is/AF/archive/jun03/golf0603.htm reverse of what they were this spring and the precipitation conditions will echo those of the spring. Of course, the OTRF Fundraising Golf Tournament weather forecast is almost never right, but assuming it is, Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 2, 2005. You there will be more insect pressure than normal this will have the opportunity to contribute to turfgrass summer and depending on how wet you keep your greens, research in Ontario, play one of the Toronto areas’ newest the disease pressure should be less than normal. If greens and most unique golf courses and network with your are over-watered and the temperatures are hotter than peers. One of the most interesting things as far as I am normal, disease of course will result. concerned, apart from the links style and massive dunes, is the use of velvet bentgrass on the greens at Eagles Nest Will golf courses help Canada meet our Kyoto Golf Club in Maple. So, come see first hand how Brent Protocol targets? Rogers and Mike Rossi are taking on the challenge of Believe it or not, there is some good news though if you managing this old species on a new golf course. The cost look at the big picture. On February 16, 2005, the Kyoto for the day is $230.00. It is a shotgun format, starting at Agreement on Greenhouse Gas Emissions came into 11:00 am. There is an after golf social hour from 4:00 to effect in Canada. Under this agreement, Canada is 5:00 and dinner at 5:00. For sponsorship and registration required to reduce emissions by 18 percent from today’s information you can contact Cindi Charters at levels. The main greenhouse gas is CO2 and it comes from cindicharters@rogers.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to the burning of fossil fuels. Plants use CO2 in the presence contribute to turf research in Ontario. of sunlight to produce the sugars and proteins that they need to grow and they also sink carbon into the soil. This process is called carbon sequestration. So, the CO2 that we produce by burning fossil fuels would normally linger in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. On a golf course, it is taken up by turf through photosynthesis and trapped in the soil. The good news is that soil scientists from the United States Agricultural Research Service and Colorado State University have studied soil records from sixteen Denver, Colorado area golf courses 890 Fairground Rd. R.R. #4 Langton Ont. N0E 1G0 and found that the soils under turfgrass were a carbon Phone (519) 875-4094 Fax (519) 875-4095 sink comparable to range land or farm land. This is one Website: mastersturfsupply.com of the first studies to measure carbon sequestration in the email: mastersturf@uniserve.com University of Guelph update by Eric Lyons, Assistant Professor Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph Game on!! effective over many different climates and areas 2) control plots that account for all the different he field season has started and we have a great deal of components except for the active ingredient of the research going on at the GTI. First and foremost I want to product. encourage all of you to fill out our survey on We are also conducting a trial of a new product to control environmental and management factors leading to moss leather jackets at the GTI. In addition we have two invasion. We have a very capable Masters student from different bio-stimulants that are advertised to increase root Ireland, Darragh McGowan, working on this study and he growth and hardiness in the greenhouse that we are testing needs your help to make this project a success. I in the field at the GTI. It is important to move from the encourage you to visit our online survey and help us greenhouse to the field to confirm once again the products tackle the problem of moss on golf greens work under a variety of conditions. Speaking of the (www.uoguelph.ca/GTI/moss_survey_front.html). The greenhouse, we have multiple studies dealing with survey has been available since March and we are far from endophyte enhanced turfgrass and the nutritional aspects the response levels we need to start shedding some light on of drought tolerance which I will update you on when we the problem. If you have already filled out the survey we have some results. thank you and ask you to get your colleagues to spend the One study I want to bring your attention to is a new trial time to fill out the survey, whether they have moss or not. in production forestry that is being done next to the GTI. This study’s success is dependent on your involvement. As Pam Charbonneau spoke about in her article, turfgrass In addition to the moss studies, we have many other and golf courses have been shown by a research group in studies that will be going on this summer at the GTI. The the Western United States to sequester a large amount of first is a weed trial being conducted by another graduate carbon below ground. This has implications towards the student Evan Elford. Evan is interested in alternative weed Kyoto agreement that Canada has signed and will be management strategies and his study is looking at the use subject to. The study taking place is aimed at looking at of perennial ryegrass over-seeding to prevent annual weed the carbon sequestration of production forestry over the invasion into Kentucky bluegrass turf. While his primary long term. I have been able to convince the researchers research is taking place on athletic fields it is important to working on the study that a side by side comparison with remember that a large proportion of our golf courses are turfgrass areas would enhance the study. So, as you see the planted to Kentucky bluegrass and his methods may trees start to grow next to the GTI remember that the turf provide you with another tool to combat weeds in this between those plots is also being studied to show the environmentally volatile time. positive environmental impact that turfgrass and golf We are testing two new wetting agents in order to courses have on our environment In addition to that we accumulate data for registration in Ontario. While this are also looking at studying how golf course fairways, turf spring has been entirely too dry, it has helped us with these lined with trees, impact atmospheric carbon levels with the trials. Last summer was too wet to show many differences same research group. between the control and treated plots, but with dryness this Things are looking bright at the university and we have spring we should be able to see the efficacy of these new many research projects ongoing. I look forward to seeing products. This is an example of why it is important to see you at many of the events this summer. Remember, much two things in product research: of our research is dependent on your input, so please fill 1) multiple sites or multiple years to show the product is out that survey. Don’t miss this gathering Simon George of Horticultural Technical Sales Trade and THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Maple Turf Supply Business: (905) 857-2000 Equipment Complex, 9 am to 4 pm 8112 King Rd. W. P.O. Box 370 Fax: (905) 857-8215 Mobile: (519) 841-3378 Professionals Includes the Municipal Equipment Operators Association (MEOA) Fall Equipment Show Bolton, Ontario 1-800-268-4425 * FREE TRADE SHOW ADMISSION L7E 5T3 CALL 1-800-265-5656 sg142@hotmail.com * DOOR PRIZES or 905-875-1805, ext. 353 * COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH www.lte.landscapeontario.com Accreditation avenue by Jarrod Barakett, Superintendent Deer Ridge Golf Club IPM Update Following what turned out to be a very long winter, summer has finally arrived. The extremely brief spring has forced many of us into over-drive. Year after year this reminds us of how important it is to use our winter months to work through as much paperwork as we can. The following golf courses used this time to apply for, and have received IPM Level 1 Accreditation. Congratulations to the superintendents at the following golf courses: Ballantrae Golf Club Port Colborne Country Club Bay of Quinte Country Club Rosedale Golf Club Credit Valley Golf and Country Club Sarnia Golf and Country Dalewood Golf and Curling Club Springfield Golf and Country Club Deer Ridge Golf Club St. Thomas Golf and Country Club Deer Hurst Resort The Briars Golf Club Ltd Hamilton Golf and Country Club Victoria Park East Golf Club In addition to the above, there are five golf courses awaiting their results. It is also worth mentioning, that to date, there are 148 superintendents and/or assistant superintendents who have written and passed the IPM Golf Exam. NEW REVOLUTIONARY MAG™-KNIFE The revolutionary, new Mag-Knife, is a patented bedknife/bedbar system that utilizes extremely strong, rare-earth magnets instead of screws to hold the bedknife in place. The Mag-Knife system utilizes a series of small, new-technology permanent magnets embedded on 2" centers in the bedbar. Two beveled corners and dowel pins ensure perfect alignment of the newly-designed bedknife on the bedbar. Bedknife installation is accomplished with two BIRTs (bedknife installation and removal tools), which are modified vice grip-type pliers used to snap, rotate and click the bedknife into place. The bedknife can be removed and re-installed in minutes, compared to up to an hour with conventional screws - particularly if they are corroded adding up to man-weeks of labor savings over the course of a year. The magnets provide uniform force across the bedknife, eliminating the dips and waves caused by inconsistent screw torque. Eliminating the screw holes also results in less distortion during manufacture of the bedknife. All this adds up to a truer edge with less grinding required. Plus, we will now be able to go to ultra-thin bedknives if desired. The magnets are nickel plated to eliminate corrosion from moisture or fertilizer salts. The magnetic field is dispersed along the length of the bedknife, so metallic particles (or even nuts and bolts) aren't attracted to the bedknife once installed on a cutting unit. Although a powerful attraction, the magnetic force can actually release the bedknife for a split second to allow foreign objects to pass through the reel helix rather than damage the reel and/or bedknife yet it will not dislodge during golf course operations. The Mag-Knife will retrofit to all current Jacobsen reel mowers, and is available as a kit with the new-style bedbar, magnets, bedknife and a pair of BIRTs. It is suggested that an additional it be ordered for use with the bedknife grinder. All Mag-Knife kits will include a video CD that takes the technician through the bedknife installation and removal process in a step-by-step fashion. 1184 Plains Road East, Burlington, ON L7S 1W6 Burlington Area (905) 637-5216 Toronto Area (905) 338-2404 Fax: (905) 637-2009 Toll Free (800) 883-0761 Visit our website: www.gcduke.com Canadian Golf Superintendents Association news The CGSA is pleased to announce designation which is an achievement for which we should the launch of its new website all be proud. This investment in time and resources is truly www.golfsupers.com. The new site an investment in ourselves and in our own careers, which promises to be more user-friendly will ultimately pay profitable dividends for our employer, and interactive, as well as provide our families, our staff, and the golf facilities with more features to serve members’ which we are entrusted. Our award winning magazine needs. “Green Master” turns 40 years young this year as the National forum for superintendents across Canada. There Look for job ads posted in the can be no doubt it has remained the pre-eminent voice for “Members Only” area and please use by Bob Burrows the golf turf management industry in Canada. Happy Rosedale Golf Club the communities section where birthday to us! For those of you who have a library members can ask questions or collection of both trade journals and publications, take provide answers. It is a great place to get feedback from some time to dust-off and thumb-through some old back- fellow members. You can also modify your membership issues and you will be amazed that many past discussions profile, and in the near future, reserve and purchase and challenges are not particularly new to our industry. various services and products and educational offerings. Topics such as green speed and pesticides were clearly In order to access the “Members Only” area of the new being discussed decades ago. It’s comforting to know that website for the first time, use your member ID number as we were practicing environmentalists even before the word your login, then your password is the first four characters of was invented - but that’s not news to us. your last name plus your member ID number. Please note, If you have not made plans to register for the Fall Field the login and password are not case sensitive. Afterwards, Day at Jasper Park Lodge in Alberta on September 19th, you may select your own confidential login information. you may already be out of luck. The event tends to fill up Every effort will be made to add new content and keep the almost immediately and certainly faster for such a world­ site fresh and current, so visit often and give us your class venue. Our host Superintendent, Perry Cooper, is sure feedback on what you would like to see. to be excited to host his colleagues. In approximately one year’s time, the CGSA accreditation Thanks to those of you who took some time to complete program will be nearing full implementation. This does our ever-popular compensation survey and our not mean that we have that long to prepare for comprehensive IPM/BMP surveys. These results are of accreditation, because in reality, we ought to be considering great benefit to our membership and our industry as a ‘continuing education’ during our whole career. The whole. Also, make a note of the regional seminars held in CGSA is committed to providing all members with the tools Ontario this fall and winter with dates/locations to be and techniques necessary to help enhance their careers and announced shortly. Even though our CGSA headquarters professional lives. Various ways/means are available to you location has moved within Mississauga in early June, the such as formal courses or seminars, on-line sessions, phone/fax/email contact information has NOT changed. correspondence courses or home-study programs by We are excited about this physical move, which will bring previously approved yet independent providers. Please our capable staff into larger and more functional office check the above-noted website for more information, which spaces. Once they unpack the boxes, you are always was previously distributed, on accreditation and how it will welcome to drop-by for a visit. We would be most happy to affect you. We have attempted to allow every member show you around your association headquarters. various educational options to fine-tune their own I hope everyone has a successful and productive golf requirements which are affordable, attainable, and relevant season, and I look forward to seeing many of you in our to your particular needs. In the end, each of us will fulfill travels. our educational goals and ultimately achieve a professional 154 Upper Centennial Parkway Doug Hubble (HWY 20) Sales and Marketing Manager 519.770.3157 Stoney Creek, Ontario, dhubble@nu-gro.ca Canada L8J 2T7 Telephone 905-662-2663 • Fax 905-662-2253 John Bladon CAN-USA1-800-263-8606 IPM Coordinator / Technical Sales 519.574.2013 Express Dual & AngleMaster jbladon@nu-gro.ca Reel Mower Sharpeners www.nu-groturf.com The Can Am Challenge Following a week delay due to the untimely last blast Canadian side’s best efforts; it saw the Americans retain of winter snow, the annual Can/Am Challenge took place the cup with a rousing 16-1/2 to 13 point victory. on Canadian soil at the Tom McBroom designed Pointe Following golf, the field headed for the warm confines of West Golf and Country Club in Amherstberg, Ontario on Pointe West’s clubhouse to trade the day’s stories, and May 2nd. The Canadian side was hoping to wrestle the enjoy a delicious 4-course meal, followed by cup back from it’s American counterparts and OGSA Life presentations. Member and Golf Superintendent, Lamont “Monte” Heartiest of thanks to Monte and the entire staff at Anderson and his team presented the entire field with a Pointe West as they did the Canadian side proud with magnificently conditioned golf course. absolute first-rate hospitality. Shortly after registration and fueling up over a buffet We hope to see you all next year on American soil in an lunch, players took on both the course and the elements. attempt to regain the cup! In spite of the occasional blast of hail and strong winds, the event went off without a hitch and despite the L-R Chris Andrejicka presents plaque to Host Superintendent, Lamont Anderson 2005 Can/Am Results: 1 st Gross Canada: Kelly Barnet and Adam Spence 1st Net Canada: James Dimitriw and Mark Prieur 2nd Gross Canada: Randy Booker and Paul Scenna 2nd Net Canada: Angelo Capannelli and Kevin Scott 1st Gross USA: Kevin Frank and Scott Gardiner 1st Net USA: Jay Delcamp and Ryan Moore 2nd Gross USA: Ron Adams and Jerry Prieskorn 2nd Net USA: Jerry McVetty and Marty Miller Closest to the holes: Duncan Brewer, Paul Brown and Adam Spence of Canada and Ryan Moore of the USA. Most Accurate: Greg Anderson of Canada L-R Fritz McMullen, GDGSA Past President accepts trophy from Paul Scenna, OGSA President Pointe West Golf & Country Club TURF CARE Introducing the 835S and 855S Series Sprinkler with TruJectory™. 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 Bits of Safety Information by DougJohnson SAFETAID and Health and Safety Consulting First Aid and Safety Supplies and WHMIS Training Ithought it might be of interest to some of you to reflect functioning properly? Have you taken the time to ensure on some of the issues that the Ontario Ministry of Labour that you have written documentation to show that your is starting to enforce in industry in general, and this staff is in fact doing a pre use inspection of your ladders? includes golf courses. Is all your equipment properly guarded? Are you aware of all the guarding requirements? For example, do all your Here are some things that you should think about. automatic shutoff switches work? If an operator gets off a Did you know that there is a section in the industrial machine does the factory designed shutoff do what it was regulation that requires that you ensure that your workers designed to do? Have you kept written documentation to are safe when they are on your property or working for you prove that the systems have been checked? off the property where they might be in a situation where Guards are designed in many ways including guards on a a vehicle or pedestrian could hurt them? That is right, PTO, or a grinding wheel. Inspectors are hunting for these Section 20 of the Industrial Regulation 851 clearly states issues. Make sure that your facility is in compliance. that “barriers, warning signs or other safeguards for the Just as a matter of interest, are you aware that as a protection of all workers in an area shall be used where superintendent or assistant superintendent you are vehicular or pedestrian traffic may endanger the safety of responsible for ensuring that the staff reporting to you is any worker”. And don’t laugh. This section was recently protected from the sun? Section 84 of the Industrial used to issue an order to a donut shop/restaurant in Regulation 851 requires that your workers be protected Guelph. Basically the order required that any worker from “radiant heat”. This means that you must ensure that exiting the building while on their break had to wear a the workers are protected by the clothing that they wear or reflective vest while outside the building in the parking lot. by the use of some other barrier. This could mean Even if they stepped out to have a smoke! There are 100 sunscreen. This is not to say that you have to provide the new inspectors out and about right now and they are just sunscreen but it does mean that you have to ensure that it out of school. It seems they are writing orders for many is used. issues. Are you sure that all your issues have been Some food for thought. identified? One company just had orders written for not doing pre use inspections on ladders and another for not having Have a great summer!! equipment adequately guarded. In section 73 of the Industrial Regulation 851 there are SAFETAID provisions for ensuring that ladders are in good working Your 1st stop in safety! order. Look it up. Are you ensuring that your ladders are 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 Member profile Interview with John Hutchinson, Golf Course Superintendent and Owner, Warkworth Golf Club by Scott Horsburgh, Plant Products in 1969, John and his father During those early days, John also started to convert a dairy farm into became friends with Hugh what has now become Warkworth Kirkpatrick while he was the Golf Club in Warkworth, Ontario. At superintendent at the Dalewood Golf that time, if it was possible, Club. In addition to his father and everything on the property was going joining the OGSA, John lists Hugh as who is helping to carry on the family to be put into use; the pig pen was the other largest influence on his life tradition at Warkworth. Brad has even converted into the clubhouse, as a superintendent. graduated from the short program at as it had the best roof of all the John is extremely proud that he Guelph and is taking over more of existing buildings! In the early was one of the first members of the the outside duties at the course while seventies, John went off to the OGSA from outside of the GTA. To his father transitions inside to run University of Windsor, where he this day, he is a firm believer in the the operation. In spite of this began his studies to become a association and considers it a great change, each day, first thing in the teacher. While living in Windsor, he place to network, exchange ideas and morning and once again in the got hired at Essex Golf Club and was help out your fellow superintendents, evening, John still goes out to check permanently bitten by the turf bug. even if they are competitors from just the Warkworth “indicator” greens for Shorthly thereafter, John furthered down the road. Now a Life Member disease and insects. his education by attending the of the OGSA, John also served on the During his down time, John enjoys Turfgrass Short Course at the board as Treasurer and is a member playing the violin and painting. His University of Guelph, in 1972. of the CGSA. paintings are hung on the walls By 1977, John and his father Throughout the years as “The throughout the Warkworth decided to add 9 more holes to their Boss” at Warkworth, John remains clubhouse and are a must see. existing nine-hole facility, and in proud of the fact that he has never Finally, John leaves us with this 1978 Warkworth Golf Club opened to had to fire a single employee. He has message... the public, as it remains to this day. always preferred to deal with the The Hutchinsons received help with problem until the problem works “Show respect for each and every the original planning of the course itself out. John and his wife Bev have employee, customer and from Gord Witteveen, who consulted 2 children; daughter, Sarah, age 30, salesperson”. on the project. who is a teacher and son, Brad, 27, "In the Hot Seat" • Favourite Major? Masters • Favourite piece of turf equipment? Topdresser • Ultimate foursome, you and what three? Mike Weir, Wayne Gretzky and Bill Murray • Low round and where? 78 at Warkworth GC • Favourite golf architect? Tom McBroom • Favourite golf course? Warkworth GC in England • What’s in the CD player? Favorite Violin Tunes • Favourite meal? Surf and Turf • Favourite movie? Christmas Vacation • What would you be doing if you weren’t in the turf industry? Teaching School Pro/Super Challenge Dalewood Golf 8c Curling Club, in the picturesque country setting of Cobourg, was host to the 2005 Pro/Super Challenge. The course, originally designed by Robbie Robinson, was built on predominantly flat terrain. The fairways are fairly wide with some being tree lined. Water hazards come into play on eight different holes, and sand bunkers are located on almost every hole in the design. The greens are large, undulating and fast. Our host superintendent, Trevor Clapperton had the big roller coaster greens rolling lightning quick. The morning was promising with partly cloudy skies but later on the cool breeze came off the lake chilling us down by the time we finished. After the round we gathered in the clubhouse for cocktails and a delicious roast beef buffet dinner, where L-RJeff Stauffer presents plaque to host superintendent, Trevor Clapperton most discussions turned to the rough spring season. It was a good chance to network with our colleagues, talk things over and compare notes. Our thanks to Trevor and his crew for providing us with a great venue for this annual event. Pro/Super Results 1st Place Club Fox Glen Score 61 Pro Kevin Corriveau Super Kelly Barnet 2nd Place Club Brampton Score 66 Pro Don Lunn Super Martin Kopp Jeff Stauffer presents trophy to winning team from Fox Glen, 3rd Place Club York Downs Score 66 Superintendent, Kelly Barnet, and Golf Professional, Kevin Corriveau Pro Ian Crebbin Super Paul Dermott 4th Place Club Allandale Score 67 Pro John McCann Super Brian McCann 5th Place Club Loyalist Score 67 Pro Mike Campeau Super Jim Burlington Closest to the Pin Pro Ian Webb Super Gary Gravett Longest Drive Pro Fraser McIntyre Super R.T Heron Golf course highlight Dalewood Golf & Curling Club Box 356, Port Hope ON L1A3W4 Ph: (905) 885-8709 Fax: (905) 885-8709 Email: greens@eagle.ca Website: www.dalewood.ca Golf Course Superintendent: Trevor Clapperton COURSE PROFILE What county is your club located in? Who was the original architect? 1 Turfco 1530 widespin topdresser Northumberland County Robbie Robinson 1 Smithco bunker rake 1 John Deere bunker rake Is your club private, semi private, public, resort or What was the year of original construction? 1 Ryan GA 30 aerator municipal? 1974 1 Terra 320 aerator Semi-private with 560 members 1 Cushman core harvester What major tournaments held? 1999 Ontario Junior 1 Lesco 300 triplex Typical number of rounds 2003 Ontario Senior Ladies Amateur 1 Jacobsen GK 2 with rollers 34,000 rounds per year 5 Stihl line trimmers Typical opening and closing date What is the size of your maintenance shop? 1 Stihl power broom April 10 to November 25 7,200 square feet 1 Billy Goat blower 1 Jacobsen blower How long have you been a superintendent? What type of irrigation system? 1 Vicon spreader 8 years Toro LTC with Sitepro 2 Bannerman hover mowers 1 Brower sod cutter List professional accomplishments What is the size of greens, tees & fairways? 2 Scotts spreaders Director of the OGSA 150,000 sq.ft, of greens 130,000 sq.ft, of tees How long have you been an OGSA member? 23 acres of fairways COURSE PROJECTS 10 years What is your predominant grass? What projects have you recently completed? How many staff? Poa/Bent - greens and tees Bunker and tee renovation in 2002 3 year round and 12 seasonal staff Poa/Bluegrass - fairways New irrigation in 2001 Clubhouse renovation in 2000 Who are your assistants and mechanics? What is the predominant soil type? Assistant: Craig Buttar Clay loam Mechanic: Ed Schneider What equipment do you have in inventory? LONG RANGE PLANS 2 Jacobsen Greens King 6 triplex 2 Toro 3100 triplex What long range plans for renovation do you 2 Toro 5400 triplex have in the next five years? COURSE STATISTICS Practice facility and irrigation reservoir 1 Toro 3500D Sidewinder 1 Toro 3100D Reelmaster How many holes? 18 1 Jacobsen Turfcat rotary 1 15 ft. Progressive rotary 1 Pro Flex 120 CHALLENGES What is the yardage from back and forward tees? 6,732 yards from the back tees and 2 Jacobsen walk behind mowers Are there any particular challenges you face 5,123 yards from the front tees 1 set of Jacobsen verti-cut heads for greens with your property? 1 set of Toro vert-cut heads for fairways Flooding and erosion of river What is the size of driving range and range tee? 1 150 gal Smithco sprayer Range: 290 yards Tee: 14,000 sq.ft. 3 Cushman trucksters 1 Jacobsen truck How many bunkers? 1 Toro workman 2110 SUCCESS STORIES 50 3 EZ-Go utility carts 3 Yamaha golf carts Do you have any success stories? How many times does water come into play? 1 John Deere 5200 tractor Installed a bio-engineered cedar crib wall 3 ponds come into play 8 times 1 John Deere 1070 tractor with loader with dogwood planting to reduce erosion 1 International tractor of creek banks Evaluating Recycled Waters for Golf Course Irrigation by M. Ali Harivandi Editor’s Note: Although this article was written specifically about the use of recycled water for irrigation, all the information is pertinent for all golf course irrigation water quality. This article has been reprinted from USGA - Green Section Record - Nov./Dec. 2004. To avoid problems, analyze recycled water thoroughly before starting to use it to irrigate a golf course, and monitor it regularly thereafter. Throughout the United States and in many other parts of milliequivalent per liter (meqL-1). The following equations the world, an increasing number of golf courses use recycled may be used to convert results from one set of units to another, municipal water for irrigation. Much of the recycled water used thus enabling comparisons of data from differently formatted for irrigation contains high concentrations of dissolved salts reports: that are potentially toxic to turfgrasses and other golf course plants. Consequently, chemical water analysis and periodic (1) 1 ppm = 1 mgL-1 monitoring are key components of sound irrigation management at such sites. (2) 1 mgL-1 = meqL-1 ¥ Equivalent Weight (see Table 1) Water analysis done by commercial laboratories provides data on many parameters, most of which are not of great (3) 1 mmhos cm-1 = 1 dSm-1 = 1000 umhos cm-1 =0.1 Sm-1 significance for turfgrass irrigation. The most important The relationship between ECw and TDS is approximately: parameters for this purpose are: total concentration of soluble salts (i.e., salinity); sodium (Na) content; relative proportion of (4) ECw (in mmhos cm-1 or dSm-1) ¥ 640 = TDS (in ppm or sodium to calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) (Sodium mgL-1) Adsorption Ratio, or SAR); chloride (Cl), boron (B), bicarbonate (HCO3), and carbonate (CO3) content; and pH. The following parameters are also often reported on a water Table 1 test report and should be reviewed, although none by itself Conversion factors: mgL-1 and meqL-1 plays a major role in determining the suitability of a given To Convert To Convert recycled water for irrigation: nutrient content (nitrogen, Constituent mgL-1 to meqL-1 meqL-1 to mgL-1 phosphorus, and potassium), chlorine content, and suspended solids. Multiply by Multiply by Multiply by Sodium (Na) 0.043 23 SALINITY Calcium (Ca) 0.050 20 All recycled waters contain some dissolved mineral salts and Magnesium (Mg) 0.083 12 chemicals. Some soluble salts are nutrients and thus are Bicarbonate (HCO3) 0.016 61 beneficial to turfgrass growth; others, however, may be phytotoxic or may become so when present in high Carbonate (CO8) 0.033 30 concentrations. The rate at which salts accumulate to Chloride (Cl) 0.029 35 undesirable levels in a soil depends on their concentration in the irrigation water, the amount of water applied annually, annual precipitation (rain plus snow), and the soil’s Most waters of acceptable quality for turfgrass irrigation physical/chemical characteristics. contain from 200 to 800 parts per million (ppm) soluble salts. Water salinity is reported differently by different laboratories. Soluble salt levels above 2,000 ppm may injure turfgrass; It is reported quantitatively as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in recycled irrigation water with salt levels up to 2,000 ppm may be units of parts per million (ppm), or milligrams per liter (mgL- tolerated by some turfgrass species (Table 2), but only on soils 1), or reported as electrical conductivity (ECw) in terms of with exceptional permeability and subsoil drainage. Good milimhos per centimeter (mmhos cm-1), micromhos per permeability and drainage allow a turfgrass manager to leach centimeter (pmhos cm-1), decisiemens per meter (dSm-1), or excessive salt from the rootzone by periodic heavy irrigations. siemens per meter (Sm-1). Some labs may also report the Sand-based golf greens create the proper soil structure for this individual components of salinity (e.g., sodium) in form of salinity management. SODIUM Table 2 The relative tolerances of turfgrass species to soil salinity (ECe). Sodium content is another important factor in recycled Moderately Moderately irrigation water quality evaluation. Plant roots absorb sodium Sensitive Sensitive Tolerant Tolerant and transport it to leaves, where it can accumulate and cause (<3 dSm-1) (3 to 6 dSm-1) (6 to 10 dSm-1) (>10 dSm-1) injury. Thus, symptoms of sodium toxicity resemble those of salt burn on leaves. Recycled irrigation water with high levels of Annual Bluegrass Annual Ryegrass Perennial Ryegrass Alkaligrass sodium salts can be particularly toxic if applied to plant leaves Colonial Bentgrass Creeping Bentgrass Tall Fescue Bermudagrasses by overhead sprinkler, since salts can be absorbed directly by leaves. Sodium toxicity is often of more concern on plants other Kentucky Bluegrass Fine-Leaf Fescues Zoysiagrasses Seashore Paspalum than turfgrasses, primarily because accumulated sodium is Rough Bluegrass Buffalograss empty table cell St Augustinegrass removed every time grass is mown. Among grasses grown on golf courses, annual bluegrass and bentgrass are the most From: M. A. Harivandi, J.D. Bulter, and L Wu. 1992 Salinity and turfgrass culture In:, Tuffgrass D.V. Waddington, R.N. Carrow, susceptible to sodium phytotoxicity. In their case, mowing may and R.C. Shearman (eds.) pp. 207-229. Series No. 32 American Society of Agronomy, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A. not provide protection, since grasses are generally cut very short (a stress in itself), and any sodium accumulation will comprise a Table 2 is a general guide to the salt tolerance of individual large proportion of the small quantity of remaining leaf tissue. turfgrasses. As indicated, soils with an ECe below 3 dSm-1 are considered satisfactory for growing most turfgrasses. Soils with Table 3 provides general guidelines for assessing the effect of an ECe between 3 and 10 dSm-1 can successfully support only a sodium in irrigation water. As indicated in the table, the level of few salt-tolerant turfgrass species. sodium tolerated by non-turf plants varies with irrigation application method. Most landscape plants will tolerate up to 70 Table 3 lists the parameters ppm (mgL-1) sodium when irrigated by overhead sprinkler. that should be considered in evaluating irrigation water quality. As indicated, recycled Table 3 water with ECw values above 0.7 Guidelines for the interpretations of recycled water quality for irrigation. dSm-1 (or 450 mgL-1), present increased salinity problems. Only careful management will prevent deleterious salt accumulation in the soil if water with a high ECw is used for irrigation. Recycled water with an EC above 3 dSm-1 should be avoided or diluted with less saline water before use for irrigation. The salt tolerance of turfgrass and other plants is expressed in terms of the salt content of the soil rootzone [e.g., as indicated in Table 2, Kentucky bluegrass will tolerate soil salinity (ECe, indicating electrical conductivity of soil water extract) at levels up to 3 dSm-1]. Therefore, soil physical characteristics and drainage, both important factors in determining rootzone salinity, must also be considered when deciding about the suitability of a given recycled irrigation water. For example, water with an ECw of 1.5 dSm-1 may be successfully used on grass grown on sandy soil with good drainage (and thus high natural leaching), but prove injurious within a very short period of time if used to irrigate the same grass grown on a clay soil or soil with limited drainage Adapted by: M.A. Harivandi from Westcot, D.W. and R.S. Ayers 1984. Irrigation water quality criteria In: Pettygrove, G.S., and due to salt buildup in the T. Asano (eds.). Irrigation with reclaimed municipal wastewater — A guidance manual. Report No. 841 -1 wr. California State Water rootzone. Resources Control Board, Sacramento, California; and from: Farniham, D.S. et al 1985. Water Quality: Its effects on ornamental plants. University of California Cooperative Extension Leaflet. 2995. Div. of Agric. Nat Resources, Oakland, California. Evaluating Recycled Waters for Golf Course Irrigation ...continued from page 17 SAR (SODIUM ADSORPTION RATIO) INTERACTION OF SALINITY AND SAR Although sodium can be directly toxic to plants, its most Salts and sodium do not act independently in the plant frequent deleterious effects on plant growth are indirect due to environment. The effect of sodium on soil particle dispersion its effect on soil structure. It is this latter effect that is most (and therefore permeability) is counteracted by high often of concern to golf course superintendents and other electrolyte (soluble salts) concentration; therefore, a water’s professional managers of intensively used turfgrasses. sodium hazard cannot be assessed independently of its salinity. When irrigation is applied to soil, the best indicator of The combined effect of water ECw and SAR on soil sodium effect is a recycled water’s Sodium Adsorption Ratio permeability is given in Table 3. Note that the table provides (SAR), a value that should be provided in all laboratory water general guidelines only. Soil properties, irrigation analyses. Although, in general, water with an SAR below 3 is management, climate, a given plant’s salt tolerance, and considered safe for turf and other ornamental plants (Table 3), cultural practices all interact significantly with recycled water SAR is an important enough factor in water evaluation to merit quality in the actual behavior of soils and plant growth. thorough understanding. BICARBONATE AND CARBONATE The bicarbonate, and to a lesser degree carbonate, content of recycled irrigation water also deserves careful evaluation. Recycled waters, as well as well waters, are especially prone to Weak, thin turf is the result of salt accumulation in heavy soils due to use of recycled irrigation water. Application of salty recycled water has caused burn and The high sodium content common to recycled water can necrosis of leaf margins. cause deflocculation or breakdown of soil clay particles, reducing soil aeration and water infiltration and percolation. containing excessive bicarbonate levels. Substantial In other words, soil permeability is reduced by a recycled bicarbonate levels in irrigation water can increase soil pH and irrigation water high in sodium. The likely effect of particular may affect soil permeability. In addition, bicarbonate content irrigation water on soil permeability can be best gauged by the may make itself obvious during hot, dry periods, when water’s SAR in combination with the ECw (Table 3). evaporation may cause white lime (CaCO3) deposits to appear Generally, recycled water with an SAR above 9 can cause on leaves of plants irrigated by overhead sprinklers. severe permeability problems when applied to fine-textured (i.e., clay) soils over a period of time. In coarse-textured (i.e., Although high levels of bicarbonate in water can raise soil sandy) soils, permeability problems are less severe and an SAR pH to undesirable levels, it is bicarbonate’s negative impact on of this magnitude can be tolerated. Golf greens constructed soil permeability that is more often a concern. As mentioned with high-sand-content rootzone mixes, for example, can be above, the bicarbonate ion may combine with calcium and/or successfully irrigated with high-SAR water because their magnesium and precipitate as calcium and/or magnesium drainage is good. carbonate. This precipitation increases the SAR in the soil For recycled waters high in bicarbonate, some laboratories solution because it will lower the dissolved calcium “adjust” the calculation of SAR (yielding a number called concentration. “adjusted SAR” or “Adj. SAR”) because soil calcium and Table 3 indicates tolerable levels of bicarbonate in irrigation magnesium concentrations are affected by the water’s waters. The bicarbonate hazard of recycled water may be bicarbonate. In simplest terms, Adj. SAR reflects the water expressed as Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), calculated as content of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and bicarbonate, as follows: well as the water’s total salinity. Other labs are adjusting the SAR value using a newly introduced method and report the (5) RSC = (HCO3+CO3)-(Ca+Mg) adjusted value as RNA. In this equation, concentrations of ions are expressed in meqL-1 [see Equation (2) and Table 1 for conversions]. Generally, recycled water with an RSC value of 1.25 meqL-1 or period of time between treatment and application to plants. As lower is safe for irrigation, water with an RSC between 1.25 and indicated in Table 3, residual chlorine is of concern at levels 2.5 meqL-1 is marginal, and water with an RSC of 2.5 meqL-1 above 5 mgL-1. and above is probably not suitable for irrigation. BORON pH (HYDROGEN ION ACTIVITY) Boron (B) is a micronutrient essential for plant growth, The pH is a measure of water’s acidity and alkalinity and is though it is required in very small amounts. At even very low measured in pH units. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, with pH concentrations (as low as 1 to 2 mgL-1 in irrigation water), it is 7 representing neutral (i.e., water with a pH of 7 is neither phytotoxic to most ornamental plants, capable of causing leaf acidic nor alkaline). Moving from pH 7 to pH 0, water is burn (Table 3). Injury is most obvious as a dark necrosis on the increasingly acidic; moving from pH 7 to pH 14, water is margins of older leaves. Turfgrasses are generally more tolerant increasingly basic (or “alkaline”). pH units are on a logarithmic of boron than any other plants grown on a golf course; scale, which means that there is a tenfold change between each however, they are more sensitive to boron toxicity than to whole pH number. Thus, a water with pH 8 is 10 times more either sodium or chloride. Most will grow in soils with boron basic than a water with pH 7, and 100 times more basic than a levels as high as 10 ppm. water with pH 6. Water pH is easily determined and provides useful information about the water’s chemical properties. NUTRIENTS Although seldom a problem in itself, a very high or low pH warns the user that the water needs evaluation for other Recycled waters always contain a range of micro (trace) constituents. The desirable soil pH for most turfgrasses is 5.5 to elements sufficient to satisfy the need of most turfgrasses. They 7.0; the pH of most irrigation waters, however, ranges from 6.5 may also contain enough macro (major) nutrients (i.e., to 8.4. Depending on the soil on which the grass is grown, an nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) to figure significantly in irrigation water pH range of 6.5-7 would be desirable. Recycled the fertilization program of large turfed areas. water with a pH outside the desirable range must be carefully Most laboratories test recycled water for nutrient content and evaluated for other chemical constituents. often report nutrients in “lb./acre ft. of water applied.” The economic value of these nutrients can be substantial. Even CHLORIDE where the quantities of nutrients are low, because they are applied on a regular basis, the nutrients can be used very In addition to contributing to the total soluble salt efficiently by plants. If the laboratory report does not include concentration of irrigation water, chloride (Cl) may be directly the lb./acre ft. of nutrients, the following conversion formula toxic to plants grown on a golf course. Although chloride is not can be used to determine this value for any nutrient contained particularly toxic to turfgrasses, many trees, shrubs, and in irrigation water: ground covers are sensitive to it. Chloride is absorbed by plant roots and translocated to (6) lb./acre ft. of nutrient = nutrient content (mgL-1 or ppm) leaves, where it accumulates. In sensitive plants, this ¥ 2.72. accumulation leads to necrosis — leaf margin scorch in minor cases, total leaf kill and abscission in severe situations. Similar SUSPENDED SOLIDS symptoms may occur on sensitive plants if water high in chloride is applied by overhead sprinklers, since chloride can Suspended solids (SS) in irrigation water refers to inorganic be absorbed by leaves as well as roots. Turfgrasses tolerate all particles such as clay, silt, and other soil constituents, as well as but extremely high levels of chloride as long as they are organic matter such as plant material, algae, bacteria, etc. regularly mowed. These materials do not dissolve in water and thus can be Chloride salts are quite soluble and thus may be leached removed only by filtration, an essential step for most irrigation from well-drained soils with good subsurface drainage. systems in which plugged sprinkler head openings and/or As indicated in Table 3, recycled irrigation water with a valves reduce system efficiency and life. chloride content above 355 mgL-1 is toxic when absorbed by roots, while a chloride content higher than 100 mgL-1 can damage sensitive ornamental plants if applied to foliage. CHLORINE Municipal recycled water may contain excessive residual chlorine (C12), a potential plant toxin. Chlorine toxicity is almost always associated only with recycled waters that have been disinfected with chlorine-containing compounds. Chlorine toxicity will occur only if high levels of chlorine are sprayed directly onto foliage, a situation likely to occur only where recycled water goes straight from a treatment plant to an overhead irrigation system. Free chlorine is very unstable in An extreme example of a salty crust on an area where the water; thus, it will dissipate rapidly if stored for even a short turf has disappeared. Evaluating Recycled Waters for Golf Course Irrigation ...continued from page 19 The suspended solids in domestic municipal water sources INTERPRETING WATER QUALITY HAZARD are negligible and not a cause for concern. However, suspended solids should be monitored in wells, canals, and As the preceding indicates, recycled water quality must be especially lakes or ponds storing recycled water used for analyzed on an individual basis. There are very few recycled irrigation. Nitrogen and phosphorus in recycled water can lead water sources that are absolutely unsuitable for turfgrass to algae growth in storage lakes during the winter. Such growth irrigation. While the discussion presented here can be used as can pose a major concern when the water is introduced into an a general guide to help turfgrass managers determine whether irrigation system. In addition to the mechanical problems they a water quality problem exists, the precise nature and present for irrigation systems, suspended solids and algae can magnitude of a potential problem may require more than seal a soil surface, especially on sand-based golf greens and water analysis. Climate, soil chemistry and physics, use patterns, sand bunkers. Solids can fill in air spaces between sand and turf quality expectations will all contribute both to any particles, reducing infiltration and drainage, and increasing problem and to any potential remedies. compaction. Since these effects vary considerably with type of solid, irrigation system, and turfgrass soils, it is difficult to M. Ali Harivandi, Ph.D., is an environmental horticulturist for the formulate acceptable suspended solid values for irrigation University of California Cooperative Extension in the San Francisco water. The complexity and variability of irrigation waters and Bay Area. He also is a member of the USGA Turfgrass and systems make effective filtration the most sensible approach to Environmental Research Committee. controlling hazards posed by suspended solids and algae in recycled water. Editor’s Note: Although this article was written specifically about the use of recycled water for irrigation, all the information is pertinent for all golf course irrigation water quality. 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 "The Fraz" Day Sponsors Barrie Examiner Buick Dealers of Ontario Globe & Mail Rogers Sportsnet Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association TaylorMade/Adidas/Maxfli Toronto Star Toronto Sun Weston Golf & Country Club OGSA Sponsors "The Fraz" by John Bladon, Editor Canadian golf and golfers lost a great friend and results were impressive. Carrick Design has set a plan in supporter in 2000 when the Toronto Star’s veteran golf motion that will give Weston a traditional feel and an aura writer Rick Fraser, known to golfing community as “The consistent with its age and original intent. Fraz” passed away. Some of the representation at the 6^ annual “Fraz” To perpetuate his memory, the Greater Toronto Area Media Day included; The Toronto Star, The Toronto Sun, Golf Association has named it’s annual Media Day, which The National Post, The Hamilton Spectator, The promotes the Toronto Star Amateur and the Toronto Star Peterborough Examiner, The Barrie Examiner, The KW Women’s Amateur, in Rick’s honour. This day, organized Record, Score Golf, Golf Canada Magazine, CITY-TV, by Glenn “Goodie” Goodwin of the Star, salutes the sports Rogers Sportsnet, TSN and CBC. journalists who have helped make the Greater Toronto Area the number one golf market in North America. Glenn has been a long and ardent supporter of the OGSA and our continued inclusion in this event allows us the opportunity to communicate with the top writers and broadcasters from the golf and sporting community. Often we talk amongst ourselves and our industry about our successes, however, this event represents a significant opportunity to see some of those stories reach beyond and potentially facilitate a greater understanding of our profession. This year’s event was held at the beautiful Weston Golf and Country Club and host Superintendent, Rob Ackermann, presented us with a superbly conditioned product. Rob and his team, with contractor TDI International, are in the midst of 1.8 million dollar renovation plan which includes complete course bunker reconstruction, the resurfacing, rerouting and curbing of all cart paths and a redesigned practice facility. The field L-R Rob Ackermann, Glenn Goodwin and Paul Scenna, with was treated to a peek at the work in progress and the Rick Frazer’s portrait in foreground. Behind the Green at Augusta National by Nick Ovington, Second Assistant Superintendent, Sunningdale Golf Club that from anybody”, Tim told me, and he wished me all the best on my week away from a job that I had accepted only three short weeks prior to my departure! Away, my parents and I went to Augusta that first weekend in April 2004. It was the Sunday morning when it dawned on me that I had actually arrived... I was frantic, looking for the course, only to learn that it was behind the green gates at the corner of Washington and Birckmans Road and I would have to wait. My first crew meeting began that afternoon at 6:00 p.m. I walked in and it felt like a dream. There I was in the turf maintenance department of Augusta National! I was by far the youngest person in that room full of superintendents, suppliers and assistants. A few staff members directed me to the front desk where the secretary handed out the daily task assignment folders for the week. After getting seated, folders in hand, I had never really believed that I would see the Masters Superintendent, Brad Owen welcomed us. Safety from anywhere other than my own living room, watching overviews were conducted to make us aware of the from a distance the perfect swings and the crucial putts on potential hazards we may encounter throughout the week. the carpet-like greens. I never imagined that I could be Following this, each team met in designated areas to go part of it. However, as they say, if you don’t ask, you don’t over procedures for their specified tasks for the week and get.’ So, I asked... to answer any questions that anyone had. I was part of a 13- It was a cool fall morning in 2003 and, with my working person bunker team in charge of 11 fairway and 33 visa due to expire, I knew my time in Scotland was ending. greenside traps. In a short period of time, I became Working on the St. Andrews Links was an amazing confident with the personnel and the routine for the week. experience, but it only whet my appetite for more such Each morning, myself and 12 other individuals, both challenges. While chatting with my boss, Gordon Moir, I volunteer and staff tackled 44 of the most perfect white found myself asking, “How do I get to Augusta?” And that is how my dreams became reality, just like that. He gave me the email address of a contact of his at Augusta. My message was received and replied to promptly, informing me that my name would be entered into the ‘bullpen’ should a position open on the turf maintenance volunteer list for the 2004 Masters. Months went by... I had said goodbye to all of my Scottish friends and made my way home to Canada in search of a job. I checked my email account with great frequency (some would say abnormally) before eventually getting the news. My eyes darted across the words, scanning the page, trying to extract more from their meaning. There it was, I was in! I had been selected, along with 49 other international volunteers, to assist the Augusta National greens staff. Home alone and desperate to share the news, I frantically began phoning family and friends. The planning began and in the midst of finding accommodations for the week, proper attire (we had to bring our own clothes- Beige khakis, white or green golf shirts, and tennis shoes) and arranging how to get to Augusta and back, I was still trying to find myself a full-time job. I was soon hired as Second Assistant at Sunningdale Golf Club, in London, under the direction of Mr. Tim Webb, who kindly allowed me to head off for Augusta during one of the busiest times of the year. “I can’t take sand bunkers that I have ever come across. I found the first depending on what Mother Nature threw at us. This year, two days to be somewhat tedious but I will tell you now, we had more rain than last and it forced the vital after two years on this assignment, I have a greater squeegeeing of wet fairways to have them ready for play. appreciation for what it takes to create a perfect bunker. I Thursday through Sunday was invigorating. You could quickly became acclimated to the staff, and the routine of see the focus and determination in the eyes of the players, the tournament week. It was nice to have the first three all of whom wanted to take home the most coveted prize in days of the week to practice and get a feel for what the job the game. I was happy with the results of both this year and entailed, but come tournament days, we were definitely last. I have wanted Phil to win for a while; he has always under the gun. “It’s go time!” we were told, and we knew been a favourite of mine. Good for Tiger though, he is a it. worthy champion as well. The tournament workday begins at 5:30 am, weather In closing, without the support of family and friends, as permitting. The first task of prepping bunkers took about well as Tim and my co-workers at Sunningdale, I would not three hours. We then had a bit of time to grab a snack have had the opportunity to experience the “Legend of before heading out to our next assignment. My co-worker Augusta” and I am thankful. and I headed out to “Amen Corner” where we were stationed to tend to the 11th green. In the case of any impediment falling from a tree or being splashed from a bunker, the official would give us the signal and out we would go, ever so proudly. My day ended around 1 pm and at this point, I had the free time to watch some golf as well as pick up some of those sought after hats and shirts that Brett Murray can only be purchased on club grounds. When 4:00 pm Technical Sales arrived, I was back on duty, getting those bunkers into shape after a full day’s play. Between the shoveling, rolling, Maple Turf Supply 8112 King Rd. W. Business: (905) 857-2000 blowing, watering, wet-raking, fan-raking, and brooming, it P.O. Box 370 Fax: (905) 857-8215 was quite the ordeal. It is bunker maintenance to the Bolton, Ontario Mobile: (416) 580-8112 L7E 5T3 1-800-268-4425 extreme. The day typically ended at about 8:00 pm, instant gratification Only Grigg Brothers Foliars promise TRU Foliar™ Technology for better absorption, for truer greens - faster. TRU Foliar™ Technology is a unique and superior foliar nutrition system found only in Grigg Brothers foliar fertilizers. We have been dedicated to the research and understanding of natural nutrient chelations, uptake, absorption, and translocation processes. The resulting products hold nutrients in their proper ionic form for optimal plant utilization. Rely on Grigg Bros TRU Foliar™ Technology for safe, and timely results every application. Make foliar feeding part of your total IPM program. www.griggbros.com 1-800-461-6471 www.nu-gro.com Distributed by Nu-Gro Corporation, 10 Craig Street. Brantford, ON N3R 7J1 Grigg Bros is a registered trademark. Above the hole by Justin Parsons, Student & Intern Trafalgar Golf & Country Club Leaving a golf club you have been rather than submit to a summer of off the mower. They have also taught at for several years is never an easy lunches in my car, I decided to me that when it comes to break time, thing to do. Unless of course that persevere. 15 actually means 25 and 30 actually club is a 9-hole public facility in I believe one of the keys to being a means 45. Even though I haven’t Wawa, Ontario, then I imagine it good superintendent is being able to quite figured out the formula yet, I would be a move met with unbridled manage people and that means can assure you that this is some math bliss. But for the most part, the finding a level on which you can I don’t mind doing. It’s like the transition from familiarity to the relate to them. Through this quarterback rating in football. unknown is about as popular as a connection you will hopefully Nobody knows how it works, but it ‘dry’ wedding reception. establish a respect that will facilitate a sure looks right. Speaking of This was exactly the position I productive working environment. QB rating, I think there should be found myself in earlier this year when Needless to say, once the old guys some type of weekly rating for all the I switched golf courses. The first were aware of my dependency on turf employees. Superintendents couple of weeks were rather hard, Lakota for back pain relief and my could base it on performance, especially since there is a real ‘old disdain for music played above 42 productivity and attitude. What boys club’ at Trafalgar. And, when I decibels, they were willing to accept better way to motivate your staff? say ‘old boys’, I mean Matlock and me with open arms. Since then, we Each and every Friday afternoon, the lights out at 7 pm. For some reason, have all enjoyed a fruitful crew could gather around the punch they were not the least bit impressed partnership. For example, they have clock to determine where they rank. I by my knowledge of urban street shown me all the hot-spots for golf can see it now, “Oh man! I dropped apparel or my Seinfeld-esque brand balls resulting from wayward shots 10 points! I knew I should have of humour. You can only imagine and I have shown them how to cut tamped that sod work on 15 tee”. how difficult I found it to fit in. But, around bunker rakes without getting Well, it’s just a thought. SPECIALIZING IN PESTICIDE EDUCATION & SERVICE TECHNOLOGY LAND 1-800-263-1293 EXTERMINATOR 705-431-0561 (LANDSCAPE CATEGORY) www.allturf.ca PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION COURSES December............................. 5 - 9, 2005 February..............................13-17, 2006 Insects Harming Your Trees? 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CATHARINES 905-984-8448 905-878-1011 www.uap.ca Headed for Higher Ground by John Bladon, Editor London, Ontario is home to some and bunkers across the entire Hunt More than ten years ago now, great golf courses. One of the city’s Club property and when the task was Highland began putting a financial oldest and most storied properties sits completed, he started again. plan in place for major renovations surrounding the highest point within Eventually, Graham went on to and Carrick Design was entrusted London and is aptly named. The become a high school teacher and with conceiving a master plan for the Highland Golf and Country Club has finding great enjoyment in the golf course. The long range hosted the likes of the Ontario Ladies outdoors and golf, he began renovation plan included; tee Amateur and the Canadian Club Pro spending his summers off working at reconstruction and renovation, Championships as well as the annual Highland. After seven summers, bunker renovation and construction, Highland Amateur. Originally when the opportunity arose in 1973 tree inventory and assessment, fairway constructed in 1922, of late, this to become Stew Mills’ assistant, recontouring, a new double row Stanley Thompson design has Graham leapt at the chance. Within a automated irrigation system and 1100 undergone some significant changes year, he completed the jump to GPM pumping station, reservoir and in an attempt to remain competitive Superintendent and said goodbye to transfer pumping station, rerouting and continue catering to its diverse his career as a high school teacher. of all the golf course traffic including Over the years at Highland, the golfers, maintenance and cart traffic. site’s clay presented the biggest challenges and in fact, during many a “We found that the emphasis in the golf spring, there were specific areas of community was on adding length and the golf course that would remain although we did add some length, we unplayable until May. Miles of actually shortened the golf course with drainage tile has been installed some tee construction as well. The idea throughout the property, under Graham’s direction, improving those areas dramatically. Highland’s original green sites, with the Burnside exception of one, remain intact and Serving the Needs of the Golf Industry have been completely tile drained as well. Coupled with a long history of We can help with: sand topdressing, the greens now • Approvals for Golf Course Development perform similarly to a USGA type and Operations construction. Although golf • Irrigation Water Supply • Sewage Treatment and Disposal maintenance technology has • Environmental Management Plans improved dramatically through • Building and Clubhouse Design Services • Irrigation Design and Consulting Graham’s tenure, it has risen with the • Environmental Impact Assessment clientele. Behind the scenes though, conditioning demands of the golfer • Drinking Water Assessment one thing has remained the same. and though designed to make the job Toll Free: (877) 799-8499 A rarity, in our ever-changing times, easier, Graham suggests in some E-mail: vcirone@rjburnside.com Website: www.rjburnside.com is the man who has remained at the instances it has made the helm of Highland’s maintenance superintendent’s job more difficult. regime for the past 32 years, Graham Shouldice. As a youngster, Graham “We have always remained focused on caddied at the London Hunt Club the simple things, the basics; fertility, until given a job by then drainage and sound cultural practices. Superintendent, Morley Findlay, Over the years, in spite of all the mowing grass. For two summers, he advancements, they have served us well Offices located throughout Ontario pushed a rotary mower around trees at Highland.”-GS Members of OGSA, CGSA and Golfmax Suppliers to the NGCOA added, each filled with Ohio 535 sand. This final touch brings a distinct Thompson flavour back to Highland and gives Graham intense satisfaction. After all these years, PUMPTRONICS PUMPING SYSTEMS Graham says he can see the fruits of Variable Frequency Drive his labour and wouldn’t trade back the time for anything. He suggests he Pump Station Solutions has always been challenged, and is For the Golf and Turf Industry deeply appreciative of the friendships HOME OF THE built on the Highland grounds where 10 YEAR WARRANTY he and wife Linda have raised three children, two of whom ironically, have was to update the golf course to meet ended up on golf scholarships to US current standards, but at the same time, universities. transition it into a more playable entity Deserving of it’s lofty London for all types ofplayer, ”-GS perch, Highland Golf and Country Club appears prepared to remain In the early part of 2004, after competitive for many years to come much “blood, sweat and tears”, the and has embraced some of its rich last of the on course renovations were history in the process. Over the past completed with the help of Kitchener 32 years, the man behind its firm, Gateman and Milloy. The maintenance regime has left an bunkers were the final phase of this indelible mark. Yes, the next 32 are master plan. Existing ones were all looking good indeed. renovated and 13 new ones were SUPPLIERS OF TOP QUALITY TURF PRODUCTS FOR OVER FORTY YEARS No. 1 Kentucky Bluegrass Ontario Distributor of Pre-grown Dense turf with great colour 1-888-222-6676 Toll Free Five varieties of Bentgrass (877) 727-2100 905-469-6444 Office Grown on USGA spec, sand or native sand Extreme Fescue Erosion Control System (905) 727-2100 905-825-8139 Fax Drive on itoP ark on it www.zandersod.com Drought resistantoideal f or naturalization Without damaging turf info@pumptronics.com Off the fairway Ornamental Grasses Ornamental grasses are loved for their delicate seed heads and is quite drought tolerant. A larger version beauty, stature and grace. They can be of this is Helictotrichon sp.(blue oat grass). Imperata (Japanese used as specimen plants in show gardens Blood Grass) grows to 12 inches high with red growing tips. and they make good companions to When grown in masses it forms a scarlet band and makes an flowering plants in perennial gardens, excellent border plant. rockeries and even containers. Native grasses are yet another group of ornamental grasses with Ornamental grasses are surprisingly low which we are just becoming familiar. I recently came upon a maintenance and pest free. The diversity sward of Sweet grass (Hierochloe odorata) that made me realize that by Daisy Moore of size, colour and growth habit makes I must find more places to accommodate this plant. Sweet grass them an impressive component of any garden, large or small. spreads easily, has lime green foliage with yellow seed heads and Ornamental grasses are in the family, Gramineae, along with most importantly can be harvested in the fall, dried, and made their cousins the turf grasses. In general, ornamental grasses into braids. When burned, these will scent the home with a lovely respond in a similar fashion as turf grasses to cultural practices sweet aroma. The important thing with sweet grass is giving it and site conditions. For example, they don’t grow well in shade, room to grow in order to form these impressive swards. If you they will spread if cut down, they will grow thicker and taller in don’t have the space for sweet grass then here are a few native moist conditions and they will grow poorly in dry conditions. grasses to try. Little blue stem (Andropogon scaparium) is a clump Nitrogen fertilization will accelerate growth of the foliage at the forming grass with blue-green foliage that grows 2-3 feet in expense of flowers. Flowers are borne on stalks that usually rise height. It has fabulous fluffy white flowers that line the stem in well above the foliage and the seeds are spread by the wind. Ideal the early fall, followed by an impressive fall colour. Indian grass conditions for most ornamental grasses are not unlike what you (Sorghastrum nutans) is a handsome tall prairie grass that produces want for a green, except that you don’t mow or fertilize. glossy, copper, plume like seed heads in August. It grows well with I use ornamental grasses all the time when I design gardens. broadleaf plants and the flowers are particularly unique and The larger types are used as accents, as hedges or wind breaks, or striking. Canada wild rye (Elymus canadensis), Prairie dropseed simply as part of the perennial garden. Calamagrostis sp. (feather (Sporobolus heterolepus) and Bottlebrush grass (Hystrix patula) are reed grass), or Molinia sp. are medium-sized clump-forming all native grasses that are worth growing for their flowers. grasses that are suitable as a centrepiece in a garden or as a Ornamental grasses are bound to become even more popular contrast to flowering plants. Birds love the seeds of Molinia. as we use them more and learn more about them. More and Panicum (Switch grass) is a good medium sized grass that is more types and variations are becoming available and we are just chosen for its fall colour. For the best effect it is best planted in beginning to appreciate their subtle beauty. This leads to another masses. group of plants that will soon take our gardens by storm and those Slightly taller and more robust ornamental grasses include are the sedges and rushes. I will need to dedicate another article Cortaderia sp. (pampas grass) and the many varieties of to these beauties. Miscanthus. These are outstanding individuals and can be Daisy Moore is a horticulturist and garden designer. She works planted alone as well as grouped with other plants. One of my with commercial (including golf) and residential properties favourite grasses is Zebra grass Miscanthus sinensis ‘Variegatus’. The throughout the GTA. Daisy hosts “The Gardening Show” on leaves are lined with white horizontal bands along their length. 570news, Saturday mornings 7-8am. This unique leaf variegation makes it stand out. Another If you have any questions you can visit my website favourite from the Miscanthus group is Maiden grass. This is the www.daisymoore.com classic pillar of grass forming 2-3 foot diameter clumps standing Listen to The Gardening Show on 570news (www.570news.com) 4-5 feet tall. They take up substantial space in the garden and are Saturday mornings 7-8 well worth it. Visit my website www.daisymoore.com for more tips on Ornamental grasses work well in smaller gardens as well. Festuca gardening. ovina var glauca (blue fescue) forms blue-grey clumps with David C. Smith, A.Ag., C.G.C.S. 185 Oriole Crescent Soil & Turfgrass Consultant Gravenhurst, Ontario Corrie Almack P.Ag. P1P 1C6 Office (705) 687-SOIL (7645) Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 Fox (705) 687-3518 Toll Free 1-888-607-TURF (8873) Box 256, Carlisle, On Fax: (905) 689-8522 Cell (905) 512-6004 Email dcs.agronomic.services@sympatico.ca L0R 1H0 mail: c.almack@sympatico.ca E Turf or consequences by Doug Breen, Superintendent Golf North Properties Taraxacum Officinale Taraxacum Officinale. Never heard of it, right? Sure you because it’s so stinking successful. No one likes an over have. It’s an ancient plant that’s had many, many names achiever. It’s like that guy down the street who’s always through history. Names like Bitterwort, Priest’s Crown, going on and on about his investments, and stupid Doonheadclock, Blowball, Swine Snout, Cankerwort, and retirement plan, and his cottage at the lake where he my personal favorite Piss-a-bed. The common English keeps his stupid boat, and his 20 year old trophy wife who name comes from the French phrase for “teeth of the worships the ground he walks on. I hope he chokes on a lion” - “dents de lion” - Dandelion. Every year we all hundred dollar steak and dies! OK, so I’ve got some spend a lot of time and money in the endless attempt to neighbour issues, but you all know what I mean by eradicate these weeds from our courses, and every jealousy. I think it just drives us nuts that we all know that following year they return with a vengeance. Why do we no matter what we do, that plant will be sitting there next do it? year laughing at me because I don’t have a cottage, or a What is it about those wee yellow flowers that make us boat, or a retirement plan, or a bimbo second wife. Want despise them so intently. Is it the colour? What if they more proof that we hate success? Most prolific insect in were bright purple, or Toronto Maple Leaf blue? If every the world - cockroach. Most successful animal in the spring, during the Stanley Cup run, everyone’s lawn world - rat. We hate them. And apart from the Black automatically shot up little blue tributes to the Leafs, Plague, what did they ever do to us? Everybody loves that would we still kill them, or would the nurseries be sold out local band until they actually have some success, get of them? I think they’d sell faster than those stupid enough money to sleep in a Motel 6 instead of the window flags do whenever Toronto gets to the second backseat of their car, and stop living on day old round. doughnuts. Then we talk about how they’ve gone “all If the flowers and leaves were less ragged looking would Hollywood” and “forgotten their roots”. it help? What if they smelled like apple blossoms? What People are petty, envious creatures, and while there are if they didn’t have those messy seed heads? Even the lowly lots of legitimate reasons why we control broadleaf weeds Thistle, which last time I looked was still on the noxious on golf courses, you never hear anyone cursing Plantain weeds list, gets some respect. Heck, it’s the symbol of an do you? We have a very evil part of our brain that’s glad entire nation! Admittedly, it’s the symbol of the nation that Donald Trump’s “hair” looks like crap, elated that that brought us bagpipes and men in kilts, but it’s also the Britney Spears is getting fat, and believes that the only motherland of curling and, (reverent pause) golf. good Dandelion is a dead Dandelion. According to my atlas, there are 190 sovereign states in the world today, yet not one of them has adopted the Dandelion as it’s symbol. Why? It is a truly remarkable plant. A quick Google search gleaned millions of matches for the history of Dandelions, but the most interesting one was a website where in January 2002, it was the “herb of the month”. This put it in the esteemed ranks of such herbs as Cocklebur and Bladderwort. Heady company, to be sure. Dandelions have been used since the dawn of time for medicinal purposes. They have more vitamin A than carrots, and more iron than spinach. Both Bugs Bunny and Popeye could have done better with a few yellowheads. They are not native to North America, but were introduced by early settlers and have done pretty darned well for themselves, in my humble opinion. Those seeds can blow for miles, germinate, and survive on bare concrete. The taproot can go down many feet, and if you pull up 99.9% of the plant but leave three cells of the root, a bigger plant will replace it. You can eat it, make wine from it, and Dandelion beer is quite tasty I’m told. I think it all comes down to jealousy. That’s right, I’m proposing that we’re all just jealous of a plant. We hate it IN MEMORIUM Rene Muylaert by Brent Long For more than four decades Rene Muylaert criss-crossed the province filling in the Ontario landscape one golf course at a time. For a youngster who grew up on the sandy soil of a tobacco farm near Strathroy, Muylaert found his passion in life by making the world a greener LOVE THE GAME AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS place. His big break in the golf design business came in 1960. The 24-year-old was asked to be the greens keeper for a new course to be built, Chinguacousy Country Club, now Caledon Country Club. As it turned out, the first architect hired for the project declined and developer S. B. McLaughlin asked Muylaert to step in and design the course. He obliged. A year later, Muylaert was asked to design nearby Glen Eagle Golf Club north of Bolton and by 1965 designing became a fulltime endeavour. “I was a greens keeper who started designing on the side. SCORE The business kept coming and coming and eventually I quit greens keeping,” Muylaert said. At age 69, he had been in semi retirement for the last few years choosing to operate a A SUCCESSFUL CAREER driving range in London and taking on the odd design job when it came along. “Every job you learned a little more, let’s put it that way. I didn’t work under anybody. I did it my way. I tried to follow the land.” Muylaert designed new courses and developed renovation plans at existing clubs, while twin brother, Golf Course Technician - co-op Charles looked after the construction end of the projects through his company, Green-Par-Golf Construction. He became a master at designing courses on small sites of 100 Seneca's King Campus to 125 acres because owners didn’t want the expense of having to purchase more land than was absolutely necessary. focused education/small classes The brothers also operated a sod farm back home in Strathroy, where Muylaert lived until his death on May 7^ personal growth/leadership opportunities of a heart attack. “In those days they didn’t throw the millions of dollars intimate campus/quality services around like they’re doing today,” said Muylaert, who designed most of his courses over the existing land and natural environment moved very little earth. “That’s the one aspect of the business that has really changed.” convenient transit/t.o.-york region Never wanting to stray too far from home, the bulk of Muylaert’s work can be found in the GTA, just north of it and throughout southwestern Ontario. It includes the likes of DiamondBack GC in Richmond Hill, Emerald Hills GC in Markham, Hawk Ridge GC in Orillia, Indian Wells GC in Burlington, Greenhills GC and West Haven G and CC in London, Victoria Park East in Guelph, The Oaks GC in Komoka, and Peninsula Lakes GC in Fonthill to name a few. ENROL NOW. “It was a simpler process to build a golf course in the early ted.tom@senecac.on.ca days, no question. It’s a big deal to build a golf course today. 416 491 5050x 5159 It’s much more complicated,” he said. “Most of my years 905 833 3333 x 5159 there weren’t a lot of environmental problems, people www.senecac.on.ca weren’t aware of the issues and government agencies weren’t involved.” Seneca Brent Long operates Longshot Communications - a golf-based writing, photography & communications business in Burlington, CAREERS FOR THE REAL WORLD ON. He can be reached at brentlong@cogeco.ca Looking back 25 YEARS AGO TO-DAY by Barry Endicott, Superintendent Banty’s Roost Golf Club he Board of Directors of the OGSA in 1980 was as T for OGA. follows: Paul White (president), Ken Nelson (vice), Doug Ken Wright and Ben Kern won the Pro-Superintendent Hoskins (sec.), John Smith (treasurer), Stu Mills (past Tournament, played at Lake St. George Golf Club, in pres.), Dan Ardley, Bob Brewster, Al Draper, Shorty Orillia, with a score of 153. Low super gross was Dan Jenkins, Blake McMaster, David Moote and Rusty Ardley 78, low super net was Brent McCaffery 69, and low Warkman. Bob Brewster was editor and Blake McMaster pro Ben Kern 67. was co-editor of Green is Beautiful. The McClumpha Tournament was held at Dalewood There was a March meeting held at Scarboro Golf and Golf Club on September 29, hosted by Dan Ardley. Low Curling Club for the annual curling day. Bob Moote’s gross superintendent was Ken Wright with 74 and low net rink beat Bill Bowen’s rink and won the R.F.M. Trophy. was Hugh Kirkpatrick with 70. A scramble golf day was The business section of the meeting, lead by host Dave held at Bayview Golf Club hosted by Jim Wyllie. The Moote, involved a salary and benefit discussion with Stuart winning team was Bob Heron, Shorty Jenkins and Dave Mills, Dan Ardley and Gordon Witteveen. A breakdown of Dick with a score of 67. The Christmas Party was held at the wages and benefits paid to their employees was also Lambton Golf and Country Club on November 15. given. A GCSAA fall seminar was scheduled in Toronto on The first golf meeting was held on May 5 at Roseland Landscape I Design Theory for October 29 and 30. Golf and Country Club, Windsor, hosted by Bud Hooper. Instructors were William R. Nelson, University of Illinois Dr. Vargas paid a post dinner visit, speaking on the and Mr. C.E. McNinch, director of independent study, theories about “Maintaining Turf, Not Grass”. The Galt University of Guelph. The 1981 GCSAA International Field Day was held on June 12 at Galt with a visit to the Turfgrass Conference and Show was held-on January 25-30 University of Guelph Turf Plots. Dr. Tom Fisher was the in Anaheim, California. guest speaker. Low gross superintendent was Bruce Vollett The first annual Turfgrass Research Foundation 74, low net super was Whitey Jones 64. Low assistant gross Invitational Golf Tournament was held on Friday, August was Bruce Burger 72 and low guest gross was Rod 1st, at the National, hosted by Ken Wright with the Hermitage. barbecue being held at the Board of Trade, hosted by The President, Green Chairman and Superintendent Gord Witteveen. The tournament raised $2,800 for Tournament was held Friday, July 25 at the Summit Golf Turfgrass Research in Ontario. Low gross was Bob Cherry Club, hosted by Doug Hoskins. The team from with an 84 and low net was Kimmo Salonen. Richmond Hill Golf Club of Peter Barnett scored 109 Tom Lewis ended a 55 year career when he went into points for first place. Hugh Kirkpatrick of Westmount had semi-retirement after serving as head greenskeeper at the low gross round for the day shooting 72. Andy Bertoni Kawartha Golf and Country Club for the past 22 years. was guest speaker. Fred Curra was hired to replace him. Hugh Moulton, of On August 12th a meeting was held at Westview, hosted Windsor Park Golf Club was killed in a car accident in by Keith Nesbit. Low gross scores were Bill Bowen and September. A committee consisting of Dan Ardley, Bob Hugh Kirkpatrick with 79 and low net winners were Bill Brewster, Blake McMaster and Thom Charters was Hynd and Neil Acton with 70. A discussion was started on established to study regionalization issues. the rules of golf, as Keith was the head of the rules of golf TURF CARE Ever seen a red diamond? 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