Green is October 2006 Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Golf In Sweden 61st Alex McClumpha Memorial Tournament CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL Assistants Tournament PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to Working the Open The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON N1H 6H8 The Quintozene You Trust... ...In a Formulation You’ll Love Crompton, the first manufacturer to put quintozene in a pail, now brings you the same time- tested quintozene in an easy to use flowable formulation. Terraclor Flowable Fungicide provides a hassle free application with reliable and cost effective snow mould control. For more information, call Engage Agro at 1-866-613-3336 or visit www.engageagro.com ® Terraclor is a registered trademark of Chemtura USA Corporation. Contents Green is Golf in Sweden ............................................................... Above the hole...................................................................................... 18 25 Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Alex McClumpha Memorial Tournament ....................................... 16 Assistant Tournament ......................................................................... 13 Editorial message................................................................................... 5 From roots to shoots............................................................................ 8 Golf course highlight - The Club at Bond Head .......................... 17 Health & safety..................................................... ................................. 9 Looking back........................................................................................... 34 Member Profile .......................................... .......................................... 15 Off the fairway....................................................................................... 33 On the REEL side of things........................................ 31 OTRF Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament................................... 11 President's message.............................................................................. 4 Superintendent Recognition Program............................................ 14 The way we were................................................................................... 7 Turf or consequences............................................................................ 35 University of Guelph Update............................................................. 26 What's New.............................................................................................. 6 COVER PICTURE Working the Open................................................................................. 22 Photo by Robert Kains Robert Kains Golf Course Design Ltd. Advertisers Almack Agronomic Services Inc....................................................... 9 Bartlett Tree Experts - Canada.......................................................... 7 Bayer Environmental Science - Roval Green GT.......................... 10 Bayer Environmental Science - Compass 50WG.......................... 32 Bayer Environmental Science - Aliette.......................................... 29 Braemar Building Systems................................................................. 25 Burnside Golf Services........................................................................ 28 DCS Agronomic Services..................................................................... 27 Douglas Wood Large Tree Services................................................. 11 Engage Agro - Terraclor...................................................................... 2 Fast Forest............................................................................................... 5 OGSA is committed to Green Horizons Group of Farms....................................................... 11 serving its members, Growers Choice...................................................................................... 5 advancing their profession, H & M Turf Ltd......................................................................................... 4 and Maple Turf Supply.......................................................................... 11, 27 Master's Turf Supply Ltd..................................................................... 27 enriching the quality Nu Gro ............................................................................................... 9, 12 of golf Nutrite...................................................................................................... 31 and its environment. P.E.S.T. Institute, The............................................................................. 28 Pumtronics Pumping Systems........................................................... 28 Skyway Lawn Equipment Limited.................................................. 27 Layout, Design & Printing provided by Turf Care Products Canada - Irrigation Div................................... 24 G-R-A-P-H-I-C SERVICES PRINTERS & LITHOGRAPHERS Turf Care Products Canada................................................................. 36 Tel: 519.763.5745 • Fax: 519.763.9532 United Agri Products Inc..................................................................... 23 32-34 Essex Street • Guelph, Ontario • N1H 3K8 Vanden Bussche Irrigation................................................................. 34 e-mail: info@graphicservices.ca • Zander Sod Co. Limited...................................................................... 7 www.graphicservices.ca President's message Ideas are free Ever wonder where you’d be, or what you would be doing in life if you had taken a different fork-in-the-road? While we may have very few regrets in the decisions we ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS’ have made, it can be said “we make our own fortune”. ASSOCIATION Twenty years ago, I never would have imagined that I Guelph Turfgrass Institute 328 Victoria Road South would have the opportunity to write this address to this Guelph, ON N1H6H8 membership. Likewise, who could have ever predicted that the use of turf Ph: 519-767-3341 Toll Free: 877-824-6472 growth regulators would have such a profound influence on turf management Fax: 519-766-1704 or resulting playing conditions? Email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca In my eight year tenure on your OGSA Board of Directors, I have seen our Website: www.golfsupers.on.ca complement of office staff increase by 150%; our membership roster increase BOARD OF DIRECTORS by 90%; our conference/show grow/evolve substantially; member services President: Bob Burrows adding more value; with associated greater respect and recognition for our Past President: Paul Scenna Vice-President: Sean DeSilva profession. All positive outcomes clearly, yet who could have foreseen such Treasurer: Jeff Stauffer growth - except the visionaries among us. Secretary: Randy Booker To be able to fore-tell the future, takes some luck mixed with considerable DIRECTORS Jeff Alexander talent. I can tell you, your board and staff are always asking “what’s brought us Chris Andrejicka here, what’s worked well, and where do we want to go?” It’s that view from the Jarrod Barakett bridge which will occupy your directors for a full day in late October with a Randy Booker Doug Breen professional facilitator to again re-visit our strategic planning document. We Trevor Clapperton want to maintain momentum from the document produced about two years Rob Gatto ago, where we met for a hectic two days and developed some attainable goals Chris Nelson for your association and our profession. The major pitfall in that exercise, is Executive Mgr Dorothy Hills leading the organization in a direction which may not always reveal a desirable Office Staff Pat Thomas outcome, and in that risk I suggest the attempt is usually well worth the effort. Deborah Badger Who among us can say with any great degree of certainty that once an initiative is started, we will always see an improvement over current conditions - even though these predictions are made with the best of intentions and the best information available at the time. We instinctively know that from our turf management viewpoint, where taking calculated risks through practical approaches is usually met with improved playing conditions or healthier turf or lower budgets or happier staff - certainly happier golfing memberships. GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL EDITORIAL Your board and staff are keenly aware of your desires and challenges, and feel COMMITTEE that by remaining sufficiently grounded in the future, we preserve the successes John Bladon, Co-Editor developed by our predecessors. So, when we gaze into the proverbial crystal Chris Nelson, Co-Editor ball during the strategic planning exercise, the best reflected view which can be Dorothy Hills, Coordinating Manager seen is an improved profession. That’s our expectation, and we are always Greig Barker polishing up our goals to those ends. Tom Brain Angelo Capannelli Doug Davidson Brett Murray Direct Line 416-659-1020 Jason Hanna Manager Fax Line 519-941-0931 Scott Horsburgh “Green is Beautiful” Justin Parsons P.O. Box 218 is Printed on Orangeville, ON Recycled Paper Green is Beautiful 2006 L9W 2Z6 Although every effort is made to check material for publication, the association is not responsible for material published on behalf of its contributors. All rights are reserved by the publisher and any reproduction in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Although some trade names may be mentioned in articles contained in this brett.murray@sympatico.ca publication, no endorsement is intended or implied by the Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association. Editorial message Well, we have finally reached that the OGSA’s annual conference in January. In the coming time of the year! Trust all of you are weeks and months, I encourage you to consider what you looking forward to having your might be able to contribute in terms of either an article courses put to bed and to the coming or a photograph for next year. Not matter how trivial you conference season, which will be may deem an issue going on or at your golf course, the gearing up before we all know it. membership can always benefit from reading about the by John Bladon Green is Beautiful has experienced experiences of a peer. Co-Editor another successful season and on This October issue features a unique submission from behalf of both the Board of Directors OGSA member and Alberta based golf course architect, and the Editorial Committee, I want to thank all of our Robert Kains. Bob has been busy working overseas and associate members for their continued advertising brings us some insight on the growing golf landscape in support throughout the 2006 season. I also want to thank Sweden. Tracy Fowler, Assistant Superintendent at all those who contributed articles and photographs Hamilton Golf and Country Club, supplies us with an during this season. Your efforts are indeed appreciated! account of “Working the Open” as the club closes the Upcoming in November, the editorial committee will books on being host to a second successful national convene to begin the planning process for 2007 and to championship. select the article and photo of the year to be awarded at Until December... Grower’s Choice PREMIUM Divot Mix ‘Grower’s Choice™ Divot Mix is a four component blend that contains natural organics and sand to promote good root Providing professional large tree planting growth, nutrient balance and porosity.” and transplanting service to golf courses for 20 years Grower’s Choice™ Divot Mix and decorative landscape mulches are available in one cubic yard totes or bulk loads. All Grower’s Choice™ Products are made to professional specifications and are employed by top Canadian Landscape Contractors. Soil also distributed by 270 Shoemaker Street, Kitchener, ON N2E 3E1 1720 Huron Road, Kitchener, Ontario Phone (519) 748-6610 I Fax (519) 748-6626 phone: 519-896-9459 or toll-free 866-580-4769 fax 519-696-3779 What's new Complimentary Conference Registration contained the remains of a number of longhouses which for Special Circumstances may have been encircled by a palisade, a fence of pointed Class A and Superintendent members of the Association, wooden stakes. who are normally employed but not currently working, or Referred to by Champlain as “Nation du Petun” (Tobacco have come upon unexpected difficult financial Nation) following his visit in 1616, the Tionnantate were circumstances, have the opportunity to attend the OGSA horticulturalists, and their village would have been Conference. Communicate, in writing, to the OGSA office surrounded by hundreds of hectares of corn. But the your circumstances and interest to attend the conference. Tionnantate were also traders: European trade goods Any member indicating interest to attend the conference recovered from the site indicate that the inhabitants were will be kept confidential. This is available for members as a trading with their Wendat (Huron) neighbours as well as benefit of the association. Complimentary registration to with the French. Both the village and its cemetery have the conference will be provided at the discretion of the been preserved by OslerBrook. OGSA board of directors. Take advantage of this Appreciating this rich history and the reverential nature opportunity and you will be keeping yourself connected to of these ancient grounds, OslerBrook has created a cairn your profession. sited at the top of the ridge. This monument, visible from the 10th tee, acknowledges the original inhabitants of the Toronto Superintendent Receives site and their history and stands about 20 yards from the Professional Certification clubhouse. Keith A. Bartlett, GCSAA golf course superintendent at The cairn includes a plaque with text contributed by local Thornhill Country Club, has been designated a Certified archeologist and Petun history expert Charles Garrad and Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) of the Golf Course will contain three time capsules: one capsule will contain Superintendents Association of America. Congratulations information describing the history of OslerBrook, one will Keith! be contributed by local youth, and one will contain items GCSAA was among the first association to institute a donated by descendents of the original Petun people, these professional certification program, establishing its program being the Wyandote tribe now resident in Kansas and in 1971 to recognize outstanding and progressive Oklahoma (how they got there is a long story, indeed!). superintendents. In 2005, GCSAA completed a OslerBrook plans to invite representatives of the Wyandote restructuring of its certification program in order to raise tribe to visit on National Aboriginal Day 2007 when the the level of documented professionalism through cairn will be dedicated, and the time capsules inserted. comprehensive continuing education. The restructured The landscaping in the area of the cairn will permit its program was recognized by the National Certification use as an outdoor classroom for conducting history and Commission as one of the most extensive and archeology sessions for school children. The site of the comprehensive certification programs of any profession. ossuary has been planted with native sweetgrass from the For more information visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org. Brantford reserve and the perimeter surrounded with large stones native to the site. This project is in keeping with our Ontario Archaeological Society community outreach and Audubon initiatives and has been 2006 Heritage Conservation Award made possible by voluntary donations from individual OslerBrook Golf and Country Club has been honoured members to the “Ossuary Fund” which has been created to with The Ontario Archaeological Society’s 2006 Heritage ensure that the legacy and history of the site’s original Conservation Award. This award is based on five criteria- inhabitants is preserved. One idea, in the formative stage, significance of the site impacted, active participation of the is exploratory/educational digs by students of local schools. nominee, field contributions by the nominee, financial With the cooperation of the Petun Institute, the club would contributions above that required by law, setting an like to place Petun artifacts found on the site in an example of conservation awareness in the community and interpretive display in the OslerBrook clubhouse. long term conservation planning. The OGSA would like to extend our congratulations to OslerBrook is built on the land of the old Rockbottom Jason Honeyball, Superintendent, OslerBrook Golf and Farm on which was once located an early-seventeenth Country Club and his staff for the major role they played in century Tionnantate (Wyandot) village and cemetery. The working towards achieving The Ontario Archaeological village was approximately 2.5 hectares in area and likely Society’s 2006 Heritage Conservation Award. ONTARIO GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW Mark your calendars now for Friday, January 19, 2007 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. You won’t want to miss hearing this Welcome! dynamic speaker. O.G.S.A. Welcomes our newest members Martin Anderson Class D Closing keynote speaker Michael “Pinball” Clemons Anderson Spruce Ridge GC speaks on, “Winning Against the Odds”. Rob Barsanti Class S Root River Golf Club Renowned as one of pro football’s most electrifying Benjamin Bell Class F players, Toronto Argonauts running back Michael Rattlesnake Point Golf Club “Pinball” Clemons is the CFL’s all time, all purpose Sterling Gibbons Class C yardage leader. However, it is his exceptional Credit Valley Golf & CC character, in addition to his outstanding athletic ability, which has made him the Bill Julie Class A Wildfire Golf Club remarkable fan favourite he is through-out Canada. Michael’s tireless community Greg Louth Class A involvement and participation in countless charitable causes exemplify the Lake St George Golf Club qualities he possesses, which are so rarely found in today’s professional athletes. Mark Sova Class C His presentations are at once captivating and empowering, and clearly Grandview Golf Club demonstrate the capabilities of teamwork. At only 5 feet 6 inches and 170 pounds, Paul Tompkins Class F he also inspires his audiences by illustrating what is possible and what it means to North Halton Golf Club beat the odds. Pinball communicates his heartfelt stories with a passionate spirit Busch Systems Int'l Class E and his patented, contagious smile. Organizations respond to his presentations Craig Busch with rave reviews and overwhelming enthusiasm. The way we were How observant are you? Congratulations to Tim Fredericks of Fredericks McGuire Consulting, who reported that the photo in the August issue, on page 5 of “The way we were” was backwards. Did you notice that the steering wheel was on the wrong side of the cart? Tim was the first to report this anomaly to a member of our editorial committee, When Falling Leaves and is the winner of an OGSA golf shirt. Tim, please phone the office (877-824- 6472) to claim your prize. Will Let Us See... Dead, dying, weak and diseased branches should be removed or supported to: • reduce wind resistance • provide less surface for heavy ice and snow • remove entry points for insect and disease pathogens Take advantage of our FREE Inspection program. SUPPLIERS OF TOP QUALITY TURF PRODUCTS FOR OVER FORTY YEARS Toronto • (416) 657-2059 No. 1 Kentucky Bluegrass Ontario Distributor of Pre-grown Bracebridge • (705) 646-8733 Dense turf with great colour Gravenhurst • (705) 687-0696 Five varieties of Bentgrass (877) 727-2100 Huntsville • (705) 789-0929 Grown on USGA spec, sand or native sand www.bartlett.com Erosion Control System (905) 727-2100 Extreme Fescue Drive on it—Park on it BACKED BY THE BARTLETT TREE RESEARCH Drought resistant—ideal for naturalization Without damaging turf www.zandersod.com LABORATORIES AND EXPERIMENTAL GROUNDS, CHARLOTTE, NC From rootstoshoots URMULE addition of the golf course industry. The full re-registration Eligibility leatherjackets to Merit Label Document can be found on the USEPA web site at Bayer Environmental Sciences, in http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd 1/REDs/pcnb_red.pdf cooperation with the OMAFRA Minor The above information pertains to the regulatory Use Coordinator, is preparing a situation of quintozene in the United States. There is no submission of a User Requested Minor information available on the regulatory status of Use Label Expansion to the Pest quintozene products with the PMRA in Canada. The Management Regulatory Agency for current information on the PMRA website states a by Pam Charbonneau the addition of leatherjacket registration end date for PCNB as 2007/12/31. In OMAF Turfgrass Specialist suppression to the active Imidacloprid addition, the Chemtura Company has confirmed that the (Merit). The hope is to not only have a new active quintozene products will be available for the 2006/2007 ingredient for leatherjacket control, but to also have a and the 2007/2008 snow mould season. In addition, as product that can be used on home lawns by licensed information on the regulatory decision of the PMRA applicators. becomes available, I will attempt to keep you updated on its progress. New B.Sc. (Agr.) Major in Crop, Horticulture and Turfgrass Science Proposed Acceptability for Continuing A new Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) major in Crop, Registration of Lawn and Turf Uses of 2,4-D Horticulture and Turfgrass Science has been announced In 2005 the Pest Management Regulatory Agency at the University of Guelph, Ontario Agricultural College released its Proposed Acceptability for Continuing and it will begin in September 2007. This major will focus Registration (PACR) for lawn and turf uses of 2,4-D. on the science of plants for food, fibre production or for There was a 60 day comment period on the PACR urban landscapes. This new major combines previous document and the turf industry, through Landscape majors in agronomy and horticulture and adds a Ontario, Nursery Sod Growers Association and the component focused on urban agriculture. Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association provided comments. On Aug. 16, 2006 the PMRA released a re- USEPA Re-registration Eligibility Document for evaluation note on the PACR for lawn and turf uses of 2,4- PCNB (Quintozene) D and has announced the results of the comments and In May this year, the USEPA announced its re­ some interim measures. This document can be found at registration eligibility document for PCNB (quintozene). http://www.pmra-arla.gc.ca/english/pdf/rev/rev2006-l 1-e.pdf. In this process, the EPA assessed the human health and To summarize, the interim measures, PMRA had originally environmental risks associated with this product. In requested a phase out of 2,4-D products containing addition, they assessed the benefits associated with the diethanolamine (DEA). Additional toxicological registered uses and made a comparison with alternative information on DEA has been submitted and is being products and their costs. They had insufficient data to evaluated. The agency could pose mitigation measures for alleviate their concerns about toxicological and the 2,4-D products containing DEA once the outcome of environmental fate characteristics of quintozene. The the review of the additional data is complete. PMRA has USEPA also determined that there was a low benefit to also modified the proposed label changes that were in the maintaining the turf uses from an efficacy and economic original PACR document. A summary of the label changes standpoint. is below: The manufacturer of the quintozene products for turf • Statements indicating the most effective timing of in Canada, Chemtura Canada (formerly Crompton Co.), application are now required on product labels. believes that there would be a substantial cost increase in • Environmental precaution statements have been golf course pesticides as a result of the loss of quintozene modified to increase their relevance to all products. for the turf market and that it would impact the economic • The proposed buffer zones for commercial products viability of golf courses. have been altered. The USEPA, as part of the re-registration process The recommended buffer zones for 2,4-D applied with provided stakeholders with a 60 day comment period a field sprayer (using a coarse droplet size (350-450 pm) which was up on Oct. 2, 2006. During this time comments are now between 3-4 metres. If a shrouded sprayer is used challenging the agencies regulatory decision could be the buffer zones range from 1-2 metres. made based on the technical and or benefits assessment The re-evaluation note also summarizes all of the 600 used in making the regulatory decision. The comments received during the comment period and manufacturer had solicited comments from members of provised the PMRA’s response to them. Health & safety Confined Spaces If you identify a confined space at your facility then it is I first wrote about confined spaces in imperative, and it is the law, that you ensure that there is a 2004. Since that time some of the rules defined written and communicated Confined Space Entry have changed and by the time you are procedure for the specific types of confined spaces reading this the new rules are expected to identified at your facility. This means that each time that be in force. The Ontario Ministry of you enter the confined space you will be required to follow by DougJohnson Labour will be enforcing this new very specific rules. These rules will include an amount of SAFETAID - Health and legislation. paperwork that must be available and retained for specific Safety Consulting periods of time. You must ensure that those involved with • Have you got a confined space at your club? the entry are properly trained to complete the entry in a • Do you know how to identify a confined space? safe manner. This means ensuring that the person • Are you aware of the requirements for entering a confined entering (the entrant) and the person attending at the space? entry point (the attendant) are trained in the air testing You should be able to answer these questions. procedure, the entrant and site condition monitoring procedure, and in the rescue or recovery procedures. In this short article I cannot get into all the requirements When monitoring the air the entrant and the attendant of confined space identification or entry but here are a few must ensure that the oxygen content is within safe limits - issues that you should consider. Confined spaces have not too little and not too much; that a hazardous limited openings for entry and exit. Some of the areas you atmosphere (toxic gases, flammable atmosphere) is not should consider are areas such as manholes, silos, pump present and that all ventilation equipment is operating houses, wells, pits, holding tanks, sewers, tunnels, large properly. Air quality may have to be maintained through pipelines, open trenches and other such spaces that a the use of ventilation equipment such as fans. worker could enter to perform work. You must ensure that energy sources are controlled through the use of proper lockout procedures and you must ensure that they are communicated, understood and The Industrial Regulation 851 defines a confined space as followed. a fully or partially enclosed space, An incident in a confined space is often fatal. DO NOT TAKE THIS CHANCE. For more information on a that is not both designed and constructed for continuous human Confined spaces go to www.sdc.gc.ca or occupancy, and www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/news/2006/06-86b.html b in which atmospheric hazards may occur because of its construction, location or contents or because of the work that is done in it. SAFETAID This means that your workers, working in a confined Making safety your 1st priority! space, may be exposed to hazards such as poor air quality, 519.837.0997 or doug@safetaid.ca chemical exposure, fire hazards, biological hazards, electric shock and noise to name a few. Doug Hubble Sales and Marketing Manager 519.770.3157 dhubble@nu-gro.ca John Bladon Corrie Almack P.Ag. IPM Coordinator / Technical Sales 519.574.2013 Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 jbladon@nu-gro.ca Box 256, Carlisle, On Fax: (905) 689-8522 L0R 1H0 E ail: c.almack@sympatico.ca m www.nu-groturf.com You didn't work this hard to take a chance on Fusarium and Snow Mould. Choose the number one pink and grey snow Rovral Green GT FUNGICIDE mould preventer on the market Use Rovral Green GT to prevent Fusarium, pink snow mould and grey snow mould from damaging your greens, tees and fairways. Rovral Green GT, from Bayer Environmental Science, When the only colour you want to see is green is the proven fungicide that has become the cornerstone to disease management programs across the country. Quebec: 514-949-2467 • Ontario/Western Canada: 905-319-8981 • Ontario/Atlantic Canada: 519-239-3983 For more information contact Bayer Environmental Science ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. Rovral Green GT is a registered trademark of Bayer. www.bayeres.ca 1-888-283-6847 OTRF ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GOLF TOURNAMENT by Chris Dew, Superintendent The National suppliers, sod growers, golf course owners, sports turf mangers, golf associations, turf related industry associates and university researchers was fun, and very entertaining. Thanks go out to ClubLink and the staff at King Valley for being a very generous host. The OTRF would also like to thank Bayer Environmental Science, the Platinum sponsor for the day, and all of the other sponsors for your continued support, and adding so much to the success of the day. ClubLink’s King Valley Golf Club was a spectacular setting for the 2006 Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation’s annual fundraising golf tournament. Aptly named, King Valley majestically combines spectacularly beautiful terrain and design genius, creating one of Canada’s most respected courses. The course was in spectacular shape, and to say the least very challenging. The hospitality was superb, and the camaraderie amongst all participants including golf superintendents, "We Sell & Transplant Large Trees" • Dedicated exclusively to Large Tree Transplanting www.doug laswood.ca • 25 Years of Experience • Nursery Grown, Common & Rare Trees • Projects from 1 - 1000 Trees 1 8003533019 • T. 519.856.2771 • F. 519.856.1447 P.O. Box 339 Rockwood ON Canada N0B 2K0 Scott Knox and Jeff Stauffer www.JustSodit.com HAMILTON SOD MOUNT HOPE 905-389-1315 Mark Schneider ONTARIO SOD OAKVILLE Technical Sales 905-849-1764 NIAGARA SOD ST. CATHARINES Maple Turf Supply Business: (905) 857-2000 905-984-8448 8112 King Rd. W. Fax: (905) 857-8215 COMPACT SOD CAMBRIDGE P.O. Box 370 Mobile: (519) 372-5181 519-653-7494 Bolton, Ontario 1-800-268-4425 HALTON SOD MILTON L7E 5T3 Email: m___schneider@sympatico.ca 905-878-1011 There’s something on our mind. We've been in the turf fertilizer business for more than 15 years, and it shows! When you only have one thing on your mind, you tend to get really good at it. Nu-Gro uses proprietary nitrogen technologies such as Nutralene® Nitroform® and SCU®to give you the best greens, tees, and fairways. Turn to Nu-Gro Golf for maximum results on your high quality turf. Nutralene®and Nitroform® are registered trademarks of Nu-Gro America Corp. SCU®isa registered trademark of Zeneca Corp. nu-groturf.com The trusted technology behind every bag of Nu-Gro Golf. ASSISTANTS TOURNAMENT by Tom Brain, Assistant Superintendent Burlington Golf & Country Club On Thursday, September 21st the 5th annual OGSA Assistants Tournament was held at the Briars Golf Club in Thanks! Jackson’s Point. The weather was somewhat cool but the For your generous support of the Assistant's Tournament sun came out enough so that a very pleasant round of golf was enjoyed by all those who attended. Master Superintendent Paul White, Assistant Platinum Sponsor...Nu-Gro Ltd. Superintendent Ron Biggs and their crew had the course Gold Sponsor........ Engage Agro in terrific shape with the greens rolling quick and true. Gold Sponsor........ Turf Care Products Neil Tandan of Weston Golf Club, and his committee organized a fabulous event that went off without a hitch. Silver Sponsor....... Cliff's Tree Care Assistants gathered from around the province to enjoy a BBQ lunch, a great round of golf on a great Stanley Thompson golf course and a fine steak dinner. The support of our sponsors and donated prizes by Engage Agro Corporation, Nu-Gro Ltd., Ontario Seed , Plant Products, Turf Care Products and Vanden Bussche Irrigation made for a great day with some unbelievable prizes. Many worthy assistants walked away with booty from the pro shop for gross and net scores or one of the numerous proximity prizes. A draw was conducted to distribute the remaining prizes from a loaded prize table and those lucky enough to make a couple of good strokes and a putt walked away with cash from the skins game. The tournament is a great opportunity for all the hard working assistant superintendents to gather and share the highs and lows of the summer, re-establish relationships in the industry and make new friends. This is one of the events to mark in your calendar for next year. It is one of the best events of the year in recognition of the dedication LR James Darryl of Islington GC won 1st low gross and hard work of the many up and coming stars in our Keith Lefebvre of Nu-Gro presented the trophy industry. SUPERINTENDENT RECOGNITION PROGRAM The Superintendent Recognition received by both competitors and the Program was initiated four years ago to Golf Association of Ontario, and is recognize superintendents who host crucial to promoting the profession of significant provincial tournaments at the golf course superintendent and their respective courses. During the their professionalism within the golf awards ceremonies an OGSA director, industry. or representative presents the If any member has any input they superintendent with a plaque, would like to contribute toward the recognizing their work and dedication continued success of this program in preparing for and managing please speak to any OGSA Director. successful tournaments. This program has been very well All photos are left to right... Bob Burrows & Chris Nelson Harry Daniel, GAO President with Dennis Trevor Clapperton, Steve Hallard & Assistant Rob Gatto & Wray Barrett Piccolo & Rob Gatto Tyler Ruest Jeff Parker & GAO rep Dave Colling Al Schwemler & Chris Nelson David Kuypers & Jarrod Barakett The following superintendents were plaque recipients in 2006 Championship Tournaments Host Supt. Golf Course Presenter Investors Group Robert Burrows Rosedale Golf Club, Toronto Chris Nelson Ontario Men’s Mid-Amateur Investors Group Dennis Piccolo St. Catharines Golf &CC, St. Catharines Rob Gatto Ontario Women’s Amateur Investors Group Steve Hallard Oshawa Golf Club, Oshawa Trevor Clapperton Ontario Amateur Investors Group Wray Barrett Willow Valley Golf Course, Mount Hope Rob Gatto Ontario Junior & Juvenile Girls’ Investors Group Jeff Parker Whitewater Golf Club, Thunder Bay GAO Rep Dave Colling Ontario Junior & Juvenile Boys’ Investors Group Al Schwemler Toronto Golf Club, Mississauga Chris Nelson Ontario Senior Women’s Amateur Investors Group David Kuypers The Cutten Club,Guelph Jarrod Barakett Ontario Senior Men’s Amateur Member profile Interview with Vito Cirone, Executive Director Golf Services RJ BurnsideGolf Services by Angelo Capannelli Hutcheson Sand & Mixes RJ Burnside has now been involved in the golf industry as engineers and environmental consultants, for almost 15 years. The need for these services has increased as the “public eye” has focused on golf, and the issues surrounding golf and the environment have become front and center. The responsibilities at Burnside and their ties to the golf business, sit squarely on the shoulders of Vito Cirone. Vito joined Burnside in 1996 as an Environmental Planner and has graduated to the post of Executive Director of Golf Services. A graduate of York University with a B.A. and a Masters in Environmental Studies, Vito and the team at Burnside have responded to industry demand and slowly developed a specialized multi­ disciplinary engineering and environmental consulting practice to assist golf course superintendents, owners and general managers in understanding and dealing with the day-to-day issues as they relate to engineering and the environment. “It is certainly an interesting period for golf Increased competition from new golf course developments, irrigation water restrictions, pesticide bans and increased regulatory control are all issues that are front and centre in operating a golf course in today's environment These are today’s issues and although some may fade away and others may creep to theforefront, there are many that, in my view, will remain a constant part of a golf course operation. ” Water will continue to be at the forefront of issues both current and future, suggests Vito. He believes the regulatory permitting of irrigation water sources to become a much more onerous task, and the on-going monitoring and reporting of these sources to be more of a normal operating condition rather then a “special condition”. Additionally, securing multi­ source irrigation water strategies will be key for operators and superintendents alike to resolve long-term irrigation water concerns. With quantity addressed, quality will rank equal on the agenda as finding a “clean” source of irrigation water, one that is low in sodium, chloride and bi-carbonates, and that will not have a long-term negative impact on turf conditions, will be critical. “As urban development encroaches on existing golf coursefacilities, we are seeing more and more examples ofdeteriorating water quality and the resulting impact on turf conditions and landscapefeatures. This will not bode wellfor many facilities that will suffer with poor turf conditions during a time when the public is more demanding ofplaying conditions. ” Finally, with Burnside’s ties to new developments, I asked Vito for his thoughts on what our business might expect over the next number of years. “I believe that in most market areas the “boom” in new golf course development has slowed down, and the industry will be moving side­ ways for awhile as the supply versus demand relationship settles out. ” Vito lives with wife Diana and his three children Nicklaus, Emily and Natalie. Wait a minute.. .Nicklaus? This guy must be a golf nut... "In the Hot Seat" • Favourite Major? Masters • What is in the CD or DVD player? Dora the Explorer. It’s all about the kids! • Favourite Meal? Lasagna • Favourite Movie? The Perfect Storm • Occupation outside of the golf industry? Host of an outdoor fishing show • Ultimate Foursome? Me, Tiger Woods, Ben Crenshaw, Phil Mickelson • Best memory on the golf course? 2 holes in 1, 2 weeks apart with the same golfing partner. One at Parkview GC and the other at Glen Cedars GC. 61st ALEX McCLUMPHA MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT by Dorothy Hills, Executive Manager OGSA This was no ordinary day on the links. Those fortunate enough to play in the 61st McClumpha tournament, were treated to a glorious autumn day of golf with a clear sky and lots of sunshine. Truly exceptional, it’s what best describes the atmosphere at The Club at Bond Head. The day was thoroughly enjoyed at the traditional North American parkland style of the North Course. The day started with a BBQ lunch, folowed by a 11:45am shotgun. The troops re-grouped at the clubhouse after a rigorous game to enjoy a cocktail, a steak dinner and to share their glory stories. Some, more glorious than others, but a great time was had by all. We would like to express our thanks to Tom Arnott and his proshop crew, Lisa Monett and the catering staff and especially to Ian McQueen and his grounds crew, for providing us with Ian McQueen is presented the Host Superintendent Plaque by Bob Burrows such an excellent course. This event would not be the success it was withouth the support and generousity of our Associate members. Numerous items were donated for which we are very grateful. In particular I would like to recognize the following donors for their contributions: Ron Craig, Turf Care Lawn mower for recipient of the George Darou Trophy Bill Searle, NGF Golf, Division of Northgate Farms Two front row gold seats for Maple Leaf opening game Bruce Stanley, AllTurf Limited Texas Mickey Kory Kopko, Vanden Bussche Ron Craig presents Bill Fach with the George Darou Trophy 4 Tickets to a Buffalo Bills NFL football game Superintendent over 50 with low gross (Bill had an 82) Winners Flight A - Superintendents & Assistants 1st Low Gross David May 1st Low Net David Caldwell Closest to Pin Bill Fach Longest Drive Scott Heron Low Gross - Supt. over 50 yrs. Bill Fach Flight B - Associate Members & Guests 1st Low Gross Kevin Holmes 1 Low Net Bruce Stanley Closest to the Pin Trevor Parks Longest Drive Paul Brown Golf course highlight The Club at Bond Head 4805 7th Line, Beeton ON LOG 1A0 Golf Course Superintendent: Ian McQueen Photo by Dorothy Hills COURSE PROFILE What county is your club located in? What is the size of your maintenance shop? 1 - Kubota 5030 tractor Bond Head Maintenance building to be constructed infall of2006 and will be 15,500ft2 2 - Super tilts dump trailers Is your club private, semi private, public, resort or 1 - JCB 212 backhoe municipal? What type of irrigation system? Public Rain Bird COURSE PROJECTS Typical number of rounds What is the size of greens, tees & fairways? 20,000 rounds with the 2nd course only South Course: 5 acres ofgreens, 6 acres of What projects have you recently completed? open 3 months tees and 55 acres ofFairways Finished construction and grow-in of the North Course: 4 acres ofgreens, 5 acres of north course 18 holes in June 2006 Typical opening and closing date tees and 29 acres ofFairways Complete landscape renovation of the April 24th to November 10th club’s B&B What is your predominant grass? How long have you been a superintendent? South Course: Greens-A4 Bentgrass, 4 years Tees, Fairways, Roughs - Fine Fescue LONG RANGE PLANS How long have you been an O.G.S.A. member? North Course: Greens-A4 Bentgrass, 8 years Tees and Fairways - Dominant Extreme What long range plans for renovation do you Bentgrass, Roughs - Bluegrass have in the next five years? How many staff? 5 year tree program to plant over 2000 5 year round and 45 seasonal staff How many USGA and loam greens? trees on the new north course. All 36 green are constructed to California Bunker renovation on the south course, Who are your assistants and mechanics? Greens specifications Assistants: Nic Bell, Jordan Hill remove Brome grass from bunker edges Equipment Manager: Jamie Mercer What is the predominant soil type? and re-sod to a more appropriate turf Asst Mechanic: Ben Van Meggelen Heavy clay topsoil species. Adding approximately 200 new irrigation How many gardening staff? What equipment do you have in inventory? heads to the south course. This will allow 2 9 - Jacobsen TC22 greens walkers us to water the perimeter roughs 6 - Jacobsen 526 tee walkers surrounding the fairways around all 18 13 - Toro single unit trailers holes. COURSE STATISTICS 2 - Toro double unit trailers Expansion of reservoir pondfrom 30 How many holes? 3 - Diesel GKVI triplex mowers million gallons to over 50 million. 36 5 - Jacobsen 3400 turbo fairway mowers 1 - 626 Outfront rotary mower What is the yardage from back and forward tees? 1 - AR5 rough mower CHALLENGES South par 72: 7,477 yards from the back tees and 1 - Toro rotary sidewinder 5,248 yards from the front tees Are there any particular challenges you face 3 - Eastman push mowers North par 71: 7,085 yards from the back tees and with your property? 5 - Flymows 4,667 yards from the front tees The constant challenge on both courses is 2 - Jacobsen sand trap rakes 1 - Jacobsen 150 gallon sprayer the soil structure the turf is growing in. What is the size of driving range and tee range? 2 - Jacobsen 300 gallon sprayer We are on a regular heavy topdressing Driving Range - 320 yards long, 12 acres 4 - Cushman trucksters program to promote sand into the heavy Range Tee: 1 acre 3 - Vicons clay topsoil. This will help with How many bunkers? 1-1530 Turfco topdresser compaction, air and water movement South Course has 126 bunkers 1 -CR10 fairway topdresser through the soil promoting a healthier North Course has 86 bunkers 2 - GA24 aerators turf. How many times does water come into play? 1 - Toro 648 Procore aerator South Course: 1 pond, 4 times 1 - Aerway SUCCESS STORIES North Course: Creek, 4 times 2 - Smithco P48 sweepers 1 - Buffalo turbine blower Do you have any success stories? Who was the original architect? 1 - Foley reel grinder The completion and grow-in of all 36 Jason Straka from Hurdzan/Fry 1 - Foley bedknife grinder holes was a great success for the whole What was the year of original construction? 24 - Ezgo maintenance vehicles team at The Club at Bond Head. South Course: constructed 2003/2004 2 - Ezgo electric carts North Course: constructed 2005 1 - Kubota 4610 tractor Golf in Sweden by Robert Kains Robert Kains Golf Course Design Ltd Sweden is well known to Canadians through The Trade Show was at least three times the size as that of hockey players such as Mats Sundin, Peter Forsberg and the CGSA and, being held in September, a large outdoor perhaps the one to make the largest impact, Borje display and demonstration section was included. The Salming. Although the star system is very subdued, these speaker programme was composed entirely of pre-sold players are held in high regard in their own country and seminars, which permitted the organizers to ensure are spoken about with great respect. Golf also has its own audiences filled the appropriate sized rooms. Held every personalities. Jespar Pernevick is perhaps the best known second year at the same location, the event was highly on the men’s side, but the best woman golfer in the world, anticipated and extremely well attended. Organizing Annika Sorenstam, is Swedish. She has had an enormous committees were able to provide a consistency to the trade effect on the game everywhere, and this is very evident in show, speaker program and social events. her native country where Annika is one of very few athletes to be known simply by her first name. I first met members of the Swedish Golf Federation at the CGSA Conference and Trade Show in 1997. They attended our show then and continue to do so, as the climatic conditions and plant materials in Sweden are very similar to those in various parts of Canada. The challenges with snow and ice are experienced there, as they are here, on a regular basis. Information on mowing practices, diseases and their control, fertilizing, and irrigation is all relevant for implementing in the Scandinavian country. Since that time, representatives from the Swedish Golf Federation have been to Canada each year to study turfgrass maintenance in our country. Low sun angles create challenges in finding sunny locations for greens In 1999 Rob Witherspoon from the Guelph Turfgrass Institute, Serge Gauthier from Rainbird, and I were A return visit to the conference in 2001 was combined invited to tour Sweden and speak at their turfgrass with commencing the design for a new 27-hole project conference (Elmia Park and Golf). We were given a very outside of Stockholm at a place called Mauritzberg. After thorough insight into the golf industry, with visits to five years of delays in securing permits and approvals, several golf courses, three days at the conference, and an construction has begun, with the opening projected for introduction to Swedish culture. Not everyone is blonde, the spring of 2009. The 400 Ha. Property on a fiord of the but enough to justify the perception. Volvos, Saabs, IKEA, Baltic Sea includes an 18th century estate house smorgasbord, schnapps, and pickled herring were in meticulously restored and converted into a 16 room abundance. luxury hotel, restaurant and conference centre. When The Conference was excellent and informative with completed, the facility will also have a marina, 125 homes, several variations to the CGSA and OGSA conferences. and an additional 75 room hotel. Not only is the fall in Sweden dark from the shorter day length, but also from the long periods of cloud and rain during October and November. Constant wet conditions with little opportunity for drying create an optimal environment for the establishment of diseases. Aerifying of greens in the late fall is helpful. Fertilizer programs must be carefully monitored to provide plants with the essential elements and establish sufficient carbohydrate levels. Fungicides are limited but their use is still permitted in Sweden. Winter covers are utilized Superb green site incorporating trees, rock and the Baltic Sea extensively and have proven to be a useful tool in Two renovation projects have been completed in the protecting greens. past four years. The emphasis on both was to convert Maintenance crews consist of six to ten individuals, older soil-based greens into new complexes following the approximately half the number as those in Canada. Much USGA method for greens construction. The challenges of the reason for the small number compared with for this type of construction in Sweden are numerous. Canadian courses is the high wage paid to staff. This USGA greens construction is a very recent procedure in includes a benefits package of up to 40%. In addition, a this country with the resultant lack of experience by work week of 40 hours is the norm. Although the number designers, contractors, superintendents and suppliers. of staff is generally sufficient to carry out the regular Challenges: practices of mowing, irrigation, fertilizing and spraying, many of the extra duties can sometimes be neglected. Although Sweden is approximately the same size as Verticutting, topdressing, spot watering, divot repair on Ontario, it has virtually the same geographical regions as tees, bunker raking and cup changing are often the whole country of Canada. Climatic, topographical performed less frequently than desired. Contributing to and agronomic conditions in various parts of the country the small crew are the extended holidays enjoyed during compare favourably to the west coast of British Columbia, July and August. Everyone, including the superintendent, the mountains of Alberta, the northern reaches of the has a minimum of two weeks of vacation in the middle of prairie provinces, the tundra of the Territories, rock and the golf season. For a seven week period the crew is short lakes of the Canadian Shield, and the coastal conditions of by at least two. Atlantic Canada. With fewer available for the necessary maintenance 1. Maintenance practices, there is a greater use of larger equipment that Stockholm is located at 59.5 N latitude, which places it can result in compaction and wear problems. This also north of the entire province of Ontario. This has a contributes to a change in design philosophy. dramatic effect on the growing conditions for turfgrass. Day length is much longer in the summer months, which encour ages growth and results in healthy plants. However, sun angles are much lower due to the northern location, resulting in a decrease of sun quality. This is especially apparent in the fall when the grass is unable to store as much energy for the winter. In addition, large trees such as oak, beech, spruce and pine are instrumental in creating excessive shade when the sun is low in the sky. As a consequence, greens are forced to survive the winter with less than acceptable energy levels. Exposed bedrock utilized as feature within a greenside bunker 2. Design Sweden has a variety of landscapes that provide the designer with exciting opportunities for the creation of exceptional layouts and features. Forests of large deciduous and evergreen trees, rolling farmland, bedrock outcroppings and extensive shorelines of both salt and fresh water are present separately or in combination Use of excavators permits shaping in less than ideal conditions throughout the country. The northern location of Sweden has a definite effect on design. Sun angles are very low in the sky and this has The common rules for green design apply in Sweden at least two effects on design. Large trees including oak, but are perhaps even more important to implement here pine and spruce cast long shadows. This is particularly than in some other locations. Drainage, sun exposure and evident in the spring and fall when the turfgrass requires maintenance considerations are critical. Bedrock, clay sunlight to warm the soils and for maximum soils and wet weather in the fall play havoc with drainage. photosynthesis. It is therefore essential that greens and Greens must be designed so that underground water is not tees are located where they can take advantage of the trapped by the rock, thus creating boggy areas. Green limited duration of sun. The sun angles also play a role in complexes must therefore be raised well above the rock, the routing of the course. It is common practice to or the rock must be removed by blasting. Since the consider the early and late holes to be directed away from Swedes invented dynamite there is ample expertise in this the rising and setting sun respectively. In addition, use of area but costs are high. Clay is the predominant soil type driving ranges can be unpleasant for the golfer if they face in much of the country, contributing to very slow internal east or west. In Sweden these conditions are accentuated drainage. Greens constructed with this material as their and care must be taken to minimize the negative effects. base must be designed with substantial slopes both on and surrounding the putting surfaces. A minimum slope of 1? % on the green and 2% on the surrounds must be adhered to with an extra per cent providing even better results. Lateral lines on the green surface are spaced a maximum 4.0m apart as there is little or no percolation through the hard subgrade. Drain pipe in all surrounding swales graveled to the surface and catch basins placed every 10 m. along the pipe removes most excess water before it becomes a problem. Surveying and shaping with GPS Nature plays an important role in the lives of the Swedish population and it is essential to retain this element in the design of their golf courses. Tree retention, establishment of native plant materials, incorporation of existing contours and the preservation of naturally occurring water features must be utilized in the Blasting bedrock to prepare green site for shaping layouts. Larger equipment and fewer staff necessitate a Until recently, a small group of Swedish architects was philosophy of softer slopes, wider turn areas, smaller responsible for designing almost all of the country’s golf greens, and moderate bunker shapes. Designs requiring courses. With few outside influences the style became hand mowing must be avoided. One person is generally quite consistent and a distinctive “Swedish” look responsible for mowing greens and changing cups on developed. In the last five years an international element weekends so the putting surface must accommodate has been introduced with designers from Great Britain, triplex mowers for efficiency. Triplexes require a wider the United States and Canada bringing new ideas to turning radius thereby forcing bunkers to be positioned at Scandinavia. In addition, a new generation of Swedish least 2.25 m. from green edges. Slopes both inside and architects has entered the profession and these individuals outside bunkers are designed to be maintained with will soon have their work displayed to the local golfers. As power rakes and riding mowers. Fingers of turf extending a result there is a growing variety to bunker shapes, fairway into the sand are uncommon to avoid excessive contouring, positioning of tees, construction of retaining flymowing. Steep faces of sand are difficult to maintain walls and the use of rock. with the limited staff and are used infrequently. There are only a handful of courses in Sweden with bentgrass tees or fairways. when constructing greens. Bulldozers are rare and buggies almost non-existent. Tractor mounted landscaping equipment is a new feature to the repertoire. Often the intermediate steps using these tools are bypassed and the preparation of the topsoil, gravel and rootzone is carried out only by excavators and bunker rakes. Accuracy of the subgrade and subsequent layers can be lacking. The most obvious result from this is the creation of small depressions in the subgrade and on the surface where drainage is compromised. The smaller equipment has now been introduced to the contractors and we should be seeing an improvement in this aspect of the construction process. Typical herringbone drainage system and gravel layer on USGA green 3. Construction Development of USGA greens has arrived in Sweden just in the last few years. Contractors have little or no experience with this type of construction. The Swedish Golf Federation would like to see the use of the USGA method of golf green construction become the standard for the country. In this way similar experience will be gained throughout Sweden not only in construction but also maintenance so contractors and superintendents will build a network among their peers to share knowledge and improve quality. Spreading gravel layer with excavator Where Sweden shines in golf course development is in heavy equipment technology. Excavator accessories, including bucket mulchers, 360 knuckles and GPS are standard with some of the contractors. Equipment operators are extremely accomplished and compare favourably with the best in the business. Educating themselves to the expert operation of the smaller landscaping implements will occur in a very short time. Costs of construction can be a little more than those to which we have become accustomed. Wage and benefit packages are generally higher in Sweden. Taxes on all aggregates raise the costs on rootzone mixes, gravel, sand, and topsoil. A limited number of suppliers for all products Crushing rock from green site after blastingfor use on transportation roads reduces competition, which is reflected in prices. Finally, a tax similar to our Canadian GST adds 25% to all goods and Many of the best sites in Sweden are composed of either services. clay or bedrock or often a combination of both. The clay is a result of the subsidence of the Baltic Sea, which left Conclusion: this material as a deposit. Often, the water table is within Sweden shares many similarities with Canada but the two metres of the surface so the creation of water features differences contribute to interesting and intriguing necessitates the removal of saturated soil. Blasting of opportunities for new experiences. Challenges in the golf bedrock to create better drainage conditions or to take industry are often unique in Sweden but the game remains advantage of interesting greens sites also contributes to the same. Golfers want flat tees, firm fairways, fast greens inflated costs. This material is not wasted, however, as the and well maintained conditions throughout the golf course unstable saturated clay requires the construction of a wherever they play the game. Sweden has a passion for golf network of construction roads to navigate the site and the and providing their players with excellence in design, blast rock is ideal for this purpose. construction and maintenance has the same importance and satisfaction there as it does for the architects, Typically, contractors use excavators for each procedure contractors and superintendents in Canada. WORKING THE OPEN by Tracy Fowler, Assistant Superintendent Hamilton Golf & Country Club The 2006 Canadian Open is an experience we won’t soon forget. From the heavy rain in the days leading up to the competition, to the downpours after the tournament that made it impossible to get bleachers and tents off the course, the Canadian Open was an event that challenged our Hamilton Golf and Country Club grounds crew. Thankfully, the months leading up to the Open were made easier since all major construction, including new back tee decks, fairway narrowing, and a new driving range had been completed for the 2003 Open. Our “Open” adventure began in early August when the first truck drove into our yard to drop off a load of bleacher parts. From that point on, the back of our yard was ours no more. It was full of stuff to go out onto the golf course. Next came the takeover of our main driving range. Corporate tents, caterers, office trailers, washrooms, garbage bins, trailers full of food and drinks - you name it, it was out there. Green Mowers Then came the rain. Several high traffic areas turned into ankle-deep mud and needed to be mulched. Trucks and Our management practices were focused on keeping cars got stuck and needed to be towed out. Some spectator green speeds at around 10 feet. We double cut each walks were too slippery to walk on, so mulch was thrown morning with 8 mowers and added an evening cut during down in several spots. the tournament. Rolling wasn’t necessary - only once during the practice rounds, but we had to be ready to roll each night if needed. All fairways were cut every evening with 10 triplexes, and collars were also cut with a walk behind mower. The dew was dragged off every morning and the squeegee crew rolled the dew off the collars and approaches where the fairway drag line couldn’t reach. Mechanics Tom Fowler & Wayne Shaw With more than 60 staff and volunteers, managing “people power” became a little hectic at times. A 4 X 8 ft. job board in the lunchroom was the best way to organize everyone with a.m. and p.m. assignments as well as which cart or machine to use. A lot of extra equipment is necessary for a tournament this large. Triplexes, green mowers, tee mowers, carts, blowers and even water pumps in case of Divot Squad heavy rain were all lined up and ready to go. Thanks to our generous suppliers and friends at some local golf courses, we Divots were filled behind play in the evenings. Only filling had everything we needed — and then some. them half full prevented smearing during the morning dew drag. The tees were all cut by hand with 5 mowers and dew was squeegeed off all tees every morning. With so many staff on the course we still managed to find a few to look after gardens and planters, and blow out the parking lot, driveway and sidewalks every morning. Bunker Crew A crew of 10 raked every bunker each morning and smoothed each one every evening. Blowing debris, pulling out weeds and rocks was also done when necessary. Staff & Volunteers Blowers were needed each morning to blow off debris and clippings from inside the ropes. Hand blowers followed To all of the Course and Grounds employees....the long behind the greens mowers in the morning to blow off any hours leading up to the tournament, split shifts, juggling clippings from the mow, and also blew off tees behind the work/school/families, tough weather conditions - I could squeegee gang. Each night, the blowers had to blow the go on and on, congratulations. Everyone showed such a sand from bunker shots off the greens so that the mowers commitment and took pride in every little task no matter didn’t push the sand into the green. how big or small. That made for a smooth operation and a magnificent golf course. What a fun week we had..... thank you all. Set Them Free Pin Changers Stu Bradshaw &Jason Chanasyk The pins were changed each morning after the mowers with 2 guys on the front 9, and 2 on the back 9. A final A Better Way to Control Weeds inspection on each hole - from tee through to fairway, green and pin - was completed before play could start to ensure everything was perfect. CasoronG4 Labour-free Weed Control With plenty of rain, the rough was very lush. A target • Casoron G4 is a granular herbicide that provides the ideal answer for weed control in height of 4” during tournament week meant we had to mow nurseries, shelterbelts, fruit trees, cane fruit, hedgerows and around trees and shrubs on golf courses. the rough inside the ropes twice during advance week. All • Casoron G4 eliminates the need for labour-intensive and costly hand weeding. tee, bunker and green surrounds were cut by hand with • Easily applied with a granular applicator, Casoron G4 can be used annually for long-lasting rotary mowers and the in-betweens with riding rotary residual control of annual and perennial weeds. mowers. The intermediate cut around the green was cut • For more information, contact your local UAP retailer. every evening with a rear bagging rotary mower. To avoid long rough immediately adjacent to the collar, a transition cut was made the day before the pro am. One beveled www.uap.ca rotary cut once around the green with a rear bagger was all West: 1 -800-561 -5444 Ontario & Maritimes: 1-000-265-5444 Quebec: 1 -800-361 -9369 we needed. Walkways and fairway perimeters were cut every *Casoron G4 is a registered trademark of Crompton co./Cie, Chemura Compnay evening and the dew was squeegeed off every morning. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS Golf Course Component Life Span Information Available Muirhead notes that when the chart was launched at the A chart listing golf course components and their 2006 Golf Industry Show, it was well-received by expected life cycles is available from the American Society superintendents, club managers and owners attending the of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA). The chart can help show. clubs plan for both capital expenditures and interruption The list of golf course components and their life in play caused by course component maintenance and expectancies chart is available via e-mail or mail from replacement. ASGCA. Contact Aileen Smith at aileen@asgca.org or 262- “This list of golf course components—from tee boxes 786-5960 to request a copy, or write to ASGCA, 125 N. and greens to cart paths and irrigation systems—and their Executive Drive, Suite 106, Brookfield, WI 53005. life expectancies can help golf courses avoid unexpected expenses and course closures by knowing how long ASGCA Background components typically last,” explains ASGCA President Founded in 1946 by 14 leading architects, including Greg Muirhead. “The process is similar to scheduled Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the American maintenance on our cars. We know oil needs to be Society of Golf Course Architects is a non-profit changed every 3,000 miles to keep the engine running organization comprised of 176 golf course designers smoothly. The same thinking should be applied to golf located throughout the United States and Canada. course components by planning for maintenance and Members are actively involved in the design of new replacement.” courses, the renovation of existing layouts, and issues The chart, compiled by ASGCA and reviewed by seven affecting the future of the game. of the other Allied Associations of Golf (CMAA, GCBAA, For more information about ASGCA, including a GCSAA, NGCOA, NGF, PGA and USGA), is particularly current list of members and other available publications, important for long-term planning. Muirhead log on to the ASGCA website at http://www.asgca.org or recommends that clubs prepare master plans that look at call 262/ 786-5960. budgeting over the long term in order to smooth operations and ensure consistency, even when new boards Celebrating 60 years ofprofessional, inspired golf course design are appointed or ownership changes. worldwide. 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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 Above the hole by Ian Boyd, Student & Intern Carruther’s Creek Golf & Country Club License to Golf How many times have we all seen it, foot prints in the you have passed the teaching process and learned the etiquette bunkers, beaver pelts on the fairways and craters on the greens. and skills of the game, but also your handicap. Now here is the That’s right, too many to count. It is really disheartening to see kicker, you cannot step foot on the first tee of a golf course how much the etiquette of golf has gone out the window. unless you have shown your green card, proving that you are Driving around on an ordinary day I see at least 10-15 people able in ability and mindfulness to do so. This does not mean leave one of the above for the maintenance staff to cleanup and that only extremely skilled players can play, but it does show that that’s before 3 o’clock. The average golfer today is, for the most you know the rules of the game and have respect towards fellow part, at least on public golf courses, just a recreational golfer, to golfers and the golf course staff. I am in no means one for a put it nicely. The respect golfers once had for their course and Napoleonic style of rule, or am I on the next boat to France, but the personnel maintaining it is all but gone. Mind you, I am can you imagine the possibilities? Clean fairways, greens, tees speaking from the semi-private side of things, but from talking and bunkers I mean my God, is there really such a place? to people at private courses the consensus seems to be the same. This sort of thing in our part of the globe is all but impossible I think golfers these days have gotten to the point where they with the amount and variety of golf courses we have here, but I think everything is our job, when in actuality it is just as much don’t think that the ideal has to be lost. While it is a pain to stop their responsibility to care for the golf course. It would be at every group or have the marshal do so to inform golfers of the amazing to see the condition of a golf course where divots were course rules, every little bit does help. Educating patrons new or replaced and ball marks fixed. It may seem like I am old to the game is essential to having an all around well kept complaining but there is a point yet to be made. course. Whether it is the correct method of fixing a ball mark or So here’s the next question, how many of you have a green why they aren’t to have the power cart an inch from the green. card? Some may say you do but I bet your wrong, at least with There is only so much we can do as golf turf mangers to help the the green card I’m talking about. In France they have a system process before the golfers themselves have to pitch in. Green of teaching and rating golfers and the end result is what they call card or not, there will still be divots and still be ball marks, but if a green card. You basically go through a series of lessons, that extra bit of effort is attempted by golfers it would lead to a followed by classes and finally a test, where if you pass all of the dramatic change in our courses across the board. above you get your green card. This card not only shows that 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 University of Guelph update The threat below...Fact or fiction Are plant-parasitic nematodes a problem on turf in Ontario? in other provinces such as British Columbia and New When I began here about a year Brunswick, nematodes were indeed present in sufficient numbers to be a primary cause of damage to the turf. In the ago, I mentioned that one of the areas end however, nematode population levels may not be that of turfgrass research I wanted to pursue important if there are no visible symptoms on the turf. To was that of plant-parasitic nematodes. It determine the potential for damage in Ontario, I wanted to was suggested to me that turfgrass correlate symptom development with nematode populations, by Katerina Jordan nematodes were not a problem in which I did primarily through conversations with Assistant Professor Ontario, but I found this a little hard to superintendents. I found that in most cases even golf courses Department ofPlant Agriculture, U of G believe as I know that all nematodes in Ontario with high nematode population levels did not have exist in just about every soil that obvious symptoms of damage. However, there were some supports plant life. The number of nematodes present in a soil instances where the nematodes were not necessarily the will vary greatly, depending on a number of factors such as soil primary cause of damage, but rather were a contributing factor type, temperature and moisture, and host tissue - especially for to other stress-related diseases. This happened on a few the plant-parasitic kind. Nematodes are worm-like animals courses with anthracnose and summer patch, both of which that are microscopic so you cannot see most of them with the are diseases that we primarily see on annual bluegrass (Poa naked eye. The majority of them are free-living and feed on annua) and were problematic this season. I found a few cases fungi and bacteria, but many are plant-parasitic and feed on where golf course greens turf was affected by both diseases and plant tissue. Although some will feed on leaf tissue, the ones the superintendent was unable to effectively manage either, we deal with in turfgrass are primarily root feeders. They move culturally. Upon conducting a nematode extraction and through the water films between soil particles and as such are count, we found high levels (meaning at or near threshold commonly found in sandier soils where there are larger pore levels) of plant-parasitic nematodes in the soil. I believe that in spaces for easier movement. They have a needle-like some instances, the presence of nematodes feeding on the mouthpart, called a stylet, which they use to penetrate root plant roots created enough stress on the plant to facilitate tissue and essentially siphon out nutrients. There are a few infection with stress-related diseases, as well as to delay recovery species that will enter the root and feed from within, and these for the plant. can be more damaging due to blockage of vascular tissue. So, what does this mean for golf course superintendents in However, most of the nematodes found feeding on turfgrass Ontario? Well, I wouldn’t start worrying about these roots cause very little direct damage unless they are present in microscopic creatures too much just yet, but at the same time, very large numbers. For most nematode species, a value I wouldn’t ignore them either. I believe that plant-parasitic known as a damage threshold has been established and nematodes are indeed present in soils of golf course greens in indicates the number of that nematode that needs to be the area, and I also believe that when the conditions are right present in a set volume of soil in order to cause damage to a - a relatively mild fall, a winter that stays cold throughout the plant. These values are often set based on a specific set of season, and a moist but not wet spring - nematode populations parameters, including soil type, temperature, and moisture, can build up to levels that could potentially be damaging to and can really only be used as a guide. However, when golf course greens. More importantly, the presence of plant- turfgrass is being damaged and all other causes (fungal and parasitic nematodes in your greens may predispose your turf to bacterial diseases and abiotic stressor such as fertility) have other stress-related diseases. This does not mean that been ruled out, the number of nematodes found in the soil nematodes are a major problem on turf in this province, nor can often be good information for diagnosing a problem. does it mean that you should run out and have all of your soils In order to determine if plant-parasitic nematodes were a tested for nematode counts, but I would suggest that next time potential threat to turfgrass in Canada, and specifically in you are having a problem on your greens that you cannot Ontario, I began conducting a random survey of samples that diagnose, consider that you might have these little microscopic came through the GTI Diagnostic Laboratory. I wanted to get worms chewing on your roots. You won’t be able to treat for an idea of what species were present in this area and in what them chemically as there are no nematicides registered for use quantities. Not surprisingly I obtained varying results. Our lab on turf in Canada, but at least you will be able to adjust your found that on some golf courses there were very few to no cultural practices accordingly to avoid more damage. That nematodes in the soil, while on others, the numbers were would include opening pores spaces for your roots through sufficient enough to cause damage. As I had found in previous aerification, reducing excess wear and stress on your plants, research, the factor that seemed to influence nematode and as always, raising your height of cut - especially in the heat number the most was the age of the green, as it takes time for of the summer - to give those roots and plants a chance. In the nematode populations to build up in soils. I also looked at meantime, enjoy the fall weather and as always, feel free to samples that came in to the lab for nematode counts from write or call me if you have any questions about the threat other parts of the country, and extraction results indicated that below... NUTRIENT RUNOFF FROM THREE PHASES OF A GOLF COURSE PROJECT by Steve Starrett, Yunsheng Su, Travis Heier, Jamie Klein, and Jeff Holste Kansas State University Kansas State University, in cooperation with Jim Colbert, In general, construction activities had the greatest the PGA TOUR, the Golf Course Superintendents adverse impact on water quality. Nutrient concentrations Association of America (GCSAA), and various alumni, built in streams were greatly improved during early operation an 18-hole championship golf course near Manhattan, compared to the construction period, but still remain Kansas. The new golf course community occupies a land higher than the native prairie levels. area of about 410 hectares (1,012 acres) with 60% of its area in the Little Kitten Creek watershed (430 hectares, The complete report of this research and many other 1,060 acres). The Little Kitten Creek watershed, previously reports can be found at USGA’s Turfgrass and Environmental native grassland, undertook a dramatic change in land-use Research Online (usgatero.msu.edu). The specific URL for and watershed management since golf course construction this report is usgatero.msu.edu/v05/n08.pdf. in July, 1998. A research project initiated in early 1998 enabled researchers to establish background surface water USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Online (TERO) quality (total N, TN; total P, TP; and sediment (ISSN 1541-0277) is an electronic technical journal published by concentrations, TSS) and evaluate changes in water quality the United States Golf Association and housed with the Turfgrass during construction and operation of the golf course. Information File (TGIF) at the Michigan State University Water quality data generated included the following: Libraries. It reports the results of research projects funded under USGA’s Turfgrass and Environmental Research Program. Water quality data were divided into three sets namely: The purpose of USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research pre-construction, during-construction, and early operation Online is to effectively communicate the results of research projects following construction. funded under USGA’s Turfgrass and Environmental Research Program to all who can benefit from such knowledge. The private, The mean concentrations of TN, TP, and sediment (TSS, non-profit research program provides funding opportunities to total suspended solids) in pre-construction period were university faculty interested in working on environmental and turf 1.18, 0.39, and 477 mg/L; during construction are 3.88, management problems affecting golf courses. The outstanding 0.93, and 2,754 mg/L; and during early operation 2.02, playing conditions of today’s golf courses are a direct result ofusing 0.49, and 550 mg/L; respectively. science to benefit golf. 154 Upper Centennial Parkway (HWY 20) Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada L8J 217 Telephone 905-662-2663 • Fax 905-662-2253 CAN-USA1-800-263-8606 890 Fairground Rd. R.R. #4 Langton Ont. N0E 1G0 Express Dual Phone (519) 875-4094 Fax (519) 875-4095 & AngleMaster Reel Mower Website: mastersturfsupply.com Sharpeners email: mastersturf@uniserve.com Simon George Technical Sales David C. Smith, A.Ag., c.g.c.s. 185 Oriole Crescent Gravenhurst, Ontario Maple Turf Supply Business: (905) 857-2000 Soil & Turfgrass Consultant 8112 King Rd. W. Fax: (905) 857-8215 P1P 1C6 P.O. Box 370 Mobile: (519) 841-3378 Office (705) 687-SOIL (7645) Bolton, Ontario 1-800-268-4425 Fax (705) 687-3518 Toll Free 1-888-607-TURF (8873) L7E 5T3 sg142@hotmail.com Cell (905) 512-6004 Email dove@dcsturf.com MY SCREEN SAVER AND COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE by Don Crymble, Property Manager Keeper of the Markham Green Unfortunately, the photos below were deleted from the photo an inspiration; if Augusta can make a mistake, so can article “MY SCREEN SAVER AND COMMITMENT TO I. How could anyone explain if Tiger had to chip out of that EXCELLENCE”. To read full article refer to page 28 of the imperfection? What happened to the person responsible August issue of Green is Beautiful. We regret the omission for that scalp? Many other questions and considerations. and are providing them now with a brief summary of the I realized how little I know about excellence and article in which Don visited the Augusta National. thinking outside of the box. Certainly Augusta National has We have all paid lip service to a commitment to the resources to do what ever they want; they could have excellence and thinking outside of the box; I didn’t know flown a piece of turf in from anywhere in the world. Why what these terms meant until recently. was that one imperfection left on that magnificent course? Augusta National and the Masters are without doubt the To inspire me? I have no doubt that Augusta National most esteemed property and event in the golfing world. Any purposefully installed that scalp on the collar of # 15 as an superlative I could use could not do it justice. inspiration to all who aspire to excellence and are daring My screen saver is a photo of a collar #15 green which enough to take risks in order to be the absolute best that had appeared to have been scalped by a greens mower some they can be. 3-6 weeks previously. I found the photo interesting and Thank-you Augusta National, thank-you Masters. Thank- thought I would set it as my wall paper. I considered the you. Thank-you. Thank-you. SPECIALIZING IN PESTICIDE EDUCATION & SERVICE TECHNOLOGY Burnside PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION COURSES Serving the Needs of the Golf Industry LAND exterminator LANDSCAPE CATEGORY December......................4- 8, 2006 We can help with: VARIABLE FREQUENCY DRIVE February....................... 19- 23, 2007 • Approvals for Golf Course Development PUMP STATIONS FOR THE GOLF March (London)........ 12 - 16, 2007 and Operations March........................... 19- 23, 2007 • Irrigation Water Supply & TURFGRASS INDUSTRY March (Ottawa)......... 26 - 30, 2007 • Sewage Treatment and Disposal April.............................. 16- 20, 2007 • Environmental Management Plans All above courses in North York except • Building and Clubhouse Design Services where noted. Government exam held • Irrigation Design and Consulting on Monday following each course. • Environmental Impact Assessment • Drinking Water Assessment TURF WEED ID ONE DAY WORKSHOPS Toll Free: (877) 799-8499 June......................... 19 or 26, 2007 E-mail: vcirone@rjburnside.com August......................21 or 28, 2007 Website: www.rjburnside.com *One day workshops held in Scarborough For more information and a brochure contact: Paul G. Pilley, B.Sc., M.P.M. P.O. Box 1021, Lindsay, ON K9V 5N4 HOME OF THE Tel: (705) 324-PEST (7378) 10 YEAR Fax: (705) 324-9729 E-mail: ppilley@cogeco.ca WARRANTY PESTICIDE TECHNICIAN COURSES ALSO AVAILABLE 1-888-222-6676 Offices located throughout Ontario www.pumptronics.ca Members of OGSA, CGSA and Golfmax Suppliers to the NGCOA Now registered for pythium and anthracnose diseases Strength that shows. StressGard your plant with Aliette SIGNATURE Aliette SIGNATURE is the new and improved formulation of Fosetyl-AI turf fungicide design to protect from tough diseases and improve turf quality. Registered for pythium and anthracnose diseases, Aliette SIGNATURE enhances the plants defense mechanisms and vigour resulting in unsurpassed turf quality and playability. www.bayeres.ca 1 888 283-6847 ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PRODUCT LABEL PRIOR TO USE. Aliette™ SIGNATURE is a registered trademark of Bayer. Hosted by: Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association Early Bird Special Deadline December 1, 2006 Ontario Golf Course Management Conference and Trade Show January 17 - 19, 2007 SHERATON CENTRE HOTEL, TORONTO On the REELside of things by Mike Slack Slack Reel Service et another golf season is coming to a close and it will Y when all the specific options are not itemized and can soon be time to pause, contemplate and regenerate for make a large difference when it comes to looking at next season. This time of year generally brings work on competitive quoted price. Parts consignments can also be operating and capital budgets and in turn, it means a useful tool to reduce downtime. A clear understanding equipment assessment time! To what will we bid adieu? of what needs to be serviced when and gathering historical When making tough decisions on new equipment, due data from one whom has had a unit in use for a couple of diligence is the key to making difficult decisions and the seasons may guide a better understanding of what wear acquisition process easier. If technology has changed since items may be worthy of consideration for such a your last purchase or your property has unique consignment. In terms of the leasing/purchasing option, characteristics, hopefully you have been able to see a be clear on your obligations as far as upkeep of the piece is “demo” of the pieces you seek a replacement for. Research concerned in advance and up until the lease expiry. These of the product in question is critical. Ask your can add significant post purchase costs that warrant representative, who has recently purchased this particular consideration in advance of finalizing a deal. For further piece and take some time to correspond with them and information on these items and others like “residual hear their comments, good and bad. Other things to values”, “payment schedules” and “interest rates” consult consider are warranties. It may be advantageous to with your leasing representative and perhaps, the club’s purchase an extra optional year or two depending on how accountant. I’ll stick with the wrenches!!! long you intend to keep a unit in service. Items like rollers, You alone have all the resources at your disposal bedknives and reels come standard. If your operation enabling the best possible deal for you and the club. Your requires a specific roller or bedknife, ask for it to be quoted mechanic can provide insight into the workability of the as installed. Also, collection baskets, spare cutting units, or unit and future maintenance costs, your colleague down utility cutting units like vertical mowers, items like backlap the road can provide unbiased performance evaluation attachments, specific R.O.P.S., power steering and parts and sales representatives and financial experts can provide consignments are all items that can and ought to be insight on translating the fine print. Best of luck with your negotiated prior to final purchase. Quotes can be unclear winter purchasing season! From experience and know-how come the best results. With Nutrite, turf and landscape professionals can rely on premium products, reliable innovation and personal service that is second to none. 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Shade & Woodland Gardening Specimen plants and ground covers can be planted in these areas. Some reliable ground covers to try in dry shade are Barrenwort (Epicedium), Lily-of-the-Valley If you research the possible plant (Convallaria), English Ivy (Hedera) and sweet woodruff selections for shade gardens, you will (Galium sp.). Native ground covers include wild geranium invariably find yourself in the (Geranium maculatum), woodland sunflower (Helianthus woodland gardening section of most divaricatus), Ebony sedge (Carex eburnean) and gardening books and internet sites. Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica). Woodland sedges Woodland plants are associated with will give a shaggy lawn-like appearance in an area where shade since that is their native habitat. grass wouldn’t grow. For good reason, woodland sedges by Daisy Moore Woodlands, though, often bear little are growing in popularity and are readily available at resemblance to urban shade gardens. The difference is in native plant nurseries. You can visit my website for a list of the soil where woodlands are rich and deep with earth nurseries, www.daisymoore.com. Bleeding heart (Dicentra that is teaming with moisture and life from the build up of sp.), Goat’s beard (Aruncus sp.), Columbine (Aquilegia organic litter. The north side of a building is not usually canadensis), daylilies and other bulbs are often successful so rich. specimen plants in dry shade. Shade gardening in the urban or rural environment Partial shade is caused by the shadows cast by a fence, usually means a part of the garden that has limited building or other object. There is an excellent selection sunlight because of shade cast by buildings, fences or large of plants that can grow under these conditions provided trees nearby. Limited sun means that color cannot be the you enrich the soil with organic matter and make sure primary design feature. Foliage, texture and shape are the moisture is available. The light may be limiting but the primary attractions along with subtle and sporadic other conditions can be more easily modified and flowering. Flowers in shade garden plants are often white improved. Popular ground covers for shade include to reflect light and capture the maximum amount of the Foamflower (Tiarella), Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla), Coral sun’s energy. bells (Heuchera sp.), Ferns, Bergenia and Lungwort There are different types of shade ranging from (Pulmonaria sp). Some splendid native woodland ground dappled sunlight offered by the filtered shade from trees covers are wild ginger (Asarum canadense), large leafed or shrubs to dense shade from the shadows cast by aster (Aster macrophyllus), great blue lobelia (Lobelia buildings or fences. Filtered shade offers the greatest siphilitica) and Trilliums of course. selection of suitable plants including spring flowering Shade plants traditionally have large leaves to capture bulbs which need the sun in early spring prior to the trees as much sunlight as possible. Variations in leaf shape, size leafing out. Some sun-loving perennials can survive in and colour are critical features when selecting an filtered shade although they will not excel in form, flower attractive combination of plants. Hostas are anchor plants or fruit. Geraniums, for example, will grow nicely as leafy in shade because of the beauty and stature of their leaves. plants but will not flower. Lilies and roses which are Hostas have the added ability to adapt to less ideal soil traditionally thought to be sun lovers, will perform in conditions. A favourite shade garden combination of situations where the base of the plant is shaded but the mine is a blend of Christmas rose (Hellebore sp.), Ligularia, tops can grow out into the sun. Snakeroot (Cimicifuga), sedges and ferns. These types of Dry shade is considered the most difficult habitat for plant combinations are essential in shade gardens because plants, so there are fewer of them to choose from. Dry it is difficult for one plant to stand out on its own, at least shade is usually caused by the shade and competition from for very long. a tree with a shallow root system. Norway Maples are the Plants that thrive in the shade are increasingly popular worst for this, followed by Silver Maples. The lack of and necessary as suburban properties mature and the moisture in combination with the lack of sun makes it a success of all of the current tree planting campaigns is challenge for anything to survive. Stone or aggregate can realized. As gardens develop, so does the adaptability of assist the appeal of these areas in combination with and as the plants within it. Keep enriching the soil and adding to a help to the plants. Plants tend to congregate around the garden and it will grow along with you. stone due to the heat and moisture collection associated with them. When a major tree is involved you can sever Daisy Moore P.Ag., is a horticulturist. She operates a garden some major roots and try to get plants established outside design and consulting business from her home in Elora. She is the the tree’s root zone. Build a barrier between the tree and host of the radio program, “The Gardening Show” Saturdays 1- the garden to keep the tree roots at a distance. 2:00 on am 570. Looking back 25 YEARS AGO TO-DAY by Barry Endicott Te Board of Directors in 1981 were Ken Nelson h Club and the barbecue at the Board of Trade Country (president), Bob Brewster (vice pres.), Rusty Warkman Club with $4,800 being raised. Ian Clark was the low pro (sec), John Smith (treas.), Paul White (past pres.), Dan with a 72 and George Garner was the low superintendent. Ardley, AI Draper, Barry Endicott, Blake McMaster, Dave Ninety people attended the barbecue afterwards and the Moote and Doug Hoskins. The editor of “Green is cost of the day was $50.00. Beautiful” was Bob Brewster and the co-editor was Barry The CGSA Conference was held in Vancouver, B.C., and Endicott. it set a record attendance of 750 people. A pre-conference The OGSA/WOGSA joint meeting was held at the St. golf tournament was held at the Shaugnessy Golf Club and Catharines Golf and Country Club hosted by John Piccolo, the Point Grey Golf Club and the winners were Rod with 63 golfers in attendance. Hugh Kirkpatrick was low Hermitage winning the gross prize and Hugh Kirkpatrick gross winner with a 77 and Bill Glashan was low net winner winning the net prize. Sixty four golfers participated in with a 71. On June 14th, the Galt Field Day was held at the tournament. The GCSAA Conference was held in the Galt Country Club hosted by Pelino Scenna. The Anaheim, California, with a record attendance of 7,713 President, Greenchairman, Superintendent Tournament people. was held at the Scarboro Golf Club on July 17. There was Jim Wyllie became the vice president of the GCSAA. a rules meeting held at Westmount Golf Club and forty Blake McMaster became a director of the CGSA. Dan superintendents, associates and guests attended, with Uzelac became a director of the Michigan Golf Keith Nisbet discussing the rule book. Superintendents Assoc. Randy Price became the The Pro Superintendent Tournament was held at the superintendent of Markland Wood Country Club and Bob Castlemore Golf Club with Dave Nichol as host Heron became the superintendent of Mississaugua superintendent, on August 17th. The winning team was Country Club. from Aurora consisting of Laurie Buckland and Paul New members were Sean Evelyn, Evelyn Golf Centre, Dodson and the second team was from Oakdale Golf Club Alex LaBelle, Midland Golf Club, Gerry Chillingworth, with Ron Montressor and Paul Dermott. The low team Aero Irrigation Ltd., James Moore, Puslinch Golf Club, gross aggregate was from Westmount Golf Club consisting Mark Hagen (F), Greenhills Golf Club, Doug Rothwell of Gus Maue and Hugh Kirkpatrick. (F), Islington Golf Club. and Don Crymble (F), Islington The OTRF Tournament was held at the National Golf Golf Club. Reservoir to Rotor Milton 1.800.263.4112 King City 1.866.703.KING www.vandenbussche.com Rain Bird Satellite Systems The User-Friendly Way to Manage Irrigation Turf or consequences by Doug Breen, Superintendent Golf North Properties Canadian Tough? In Canada, we used to pride ourselves on how tough we piece of land between Wawa and Sault Ste. Marie. They’re were. Freezing cold winters, stifling hot summers, soaking wet spinning in their graves. springs, falls that were.... well, fall’s never really been a big deal Golfers were tougher too. Golf spikes weren’t invented in weather wise. But as if to make up for that, the pioneers had an era where all fairways were smooth, perfectly groomed to spend the fall trying to store away enough food for the bentgrass. They were invented because a golfer had a winter so that they wouldn’t have to eat the dogs, bark, and reasonable chance of slipping on the bare dirt, weeds, and shoe leather in February. We played tough sports like hockey, rocks in the middle of the landing area. There was also a football, and lacrosse. And maybe it’s just that I’m getting old, reasonable chance that his left foot would be eight inches but I think we’re turning into a nation of soccer playing higher than the right one, and the ball four inches below minivan drivers. I heard on the CBC the other day, that air either one. The stimpmeter was still decades in the future, conditioning is a “basic human right”. I remember when and bunkers were still hazards. Imagine doing course “basic human rights” were things like not getting murdered by construction with only shovels and horses. Lots of blisters your neighbour for your cow. When I was a kid, I used to bale there. hay all day in heat that keeps them in from recess now. At the Krista and I are desperately trying to toughen our kids up, other end of the spectrum, the school buses don’t run below and counteract the ongoing wussification process that’s foisted certain temperatures because it’s not safe to have the kids upon them by teachers and soccer moms. It’s hard though, outside while they wait for the bus. My mom used to send me because in most cases the parents aren’t much better. A kid out in that same weather for half a day or more to play. She got a cleat in the shin at Walker’s football practice the other said that it would build character. My brothers and I would night and cried like a baby. As if that wasn’t already bad build a snow fort, not because it was fun, but because we enough, the kid’s dad ran over and berated the coach for honestly thought we would freeze to death if we didn’t. Truth letting him get hurt. It’s football. He’s going to get hurt. It be told, I was raised in one of those turn of the century will build character. And callous. I bet the kid already has an farmhouses, where apparently insulation was seen as a luxury, aesthetician. and it was often warmer in the snow fort than in the house. In Canada, we used to be some of the toughest people in the Now I know that this is starting to sound like one of those, world. We’re slipping, and in a couple more generations I “When I was young...” rants that my father used to go on, but predict that our motto will be; When the going gets tough, the golf employs a lot of young people, and they ain’t what they tough go down to the basement and record a song about theirfeelings used to be. I’ll never forget the day that a kid came up to me in their home studio. in tears, because “there’s something wrong with my finger”. It was a blister. Seventeen years old... first blister. Sad. By seventeen, we had enough callous on our hands from working on the farm, that we used to stick our math compasses into our palms and do tricks with lighters. I was at a party with my wife a while back, and the topic of discussion was the best way to get your aesthetician to remove callous. What’s an aesthetician? The first Breen came to this country on a coffin ship during the Irish Potato Famine, worked his way to Toronto, then walked to Brantford to spend the rest of his life working as a farm labourer. My wife’s Grandmother was literally bom in a sod hut out on the prairies in the early part of the last century, and was sent alone to Toronto at 16 (depression, dust bowl, no aestheticians) to find her own way. She married an Italian taxi driver whose family came to Cape Breton 300 years ago as coal minors. None of these people had air conditioning, and they all had lots of character. By contrast, my kids, who are apparently genetically linked to all of these folks, see a missing Gameboy charger as a crisis. Most Canadians have a family story just like those. That kid with the blister probably had ancestors who cleared 100 acres of bush and tried to farm a TURF CARE Hundreds of improvements, one great result. 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