Green is August 2007 Beautiful TheOfficial Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association NAVIGATING THROUGH HEALTH AND SAFETY Inside this Issue... Doing Anything with Nothing.. Well Almost The 39th Annual Presidents' Day CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL Making the Leap PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S.t Guelph, ON N1H 6H8 Heritage in a liquid. You get the feeling turf was just waiting for this. Greens, tees and fairways have been thirsting for new Heritage MAXX fungicide. This long-lasting systemic fungicide is now faster acting thanks to the MAXX formulation. Micro-sized particles and optimized adjuvant system allow for faster foliar intake and better root uptake. Call 1-888-368-4211 x5525 to contact your local Syngenta Turf Specialist and learn more about Heritage MAXX. - www.syngenta.ca - www.greenpartnersonline.com - www.engageagro.com Important: Always read and follow label instructions. ©2007 Syngenta Group Company. GreenPartners®, Heritage® MAXX® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. President's message A few recent unfortunate events have really made me think about what is important in life and what constitutes true happiness. Is it a successful career? Is it a successful family life? Is it personal wealth? At times I think we are all guilty of working really hard during those six gruelling ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS’ months called the golf season. Unfortunately, it takes a few by Sean DeSilva, ASSOCIATION tragic events for all of us to revisit our approach to life and Coppinwood Golf Club Guelph Turfgrass Institute determine what truly defines happiness. 328 Victoria Road South Guelph, ON N1H6H8 I have decided to set aside any association business during this message to Ph: 519-767-3341 mourn, recognize, and honour a few tragic events that have taken place in the last Toll Free: 877-824-6472 year, on behalf of our association and membership. I’ve thought about these Fax: 519-766-1704 unfortunate events a lot over the last while and determined that it’s much larger Email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca Website: www.golfsupers.on.ca than our careers, the golf business, the game of golf, or anything else I can write about. BOARD OF DIRECTORS On behalf of our membership and association, our heart goes out to the family President: Sean DeSilva of Steve Connors. Steve is an employee of Turf Care Products, and his daughter Past President: Bob Burrows Vice-President: Jeff Stauffer Abi, has had a recent unfortunate accident, and continues to fight every day on Treasurer: Randy Booker the road to recovery. Secretary: Jeff Alexander On behalf of our membership and association, our heart goes out to the family Directors: Chris Andrejicka and friends of Paul Pilley, who passed away early this year. Paul, an educator and Jarrod Barakett owner of The P.E.S.T. Institute touched the lives of many in the golf industry. Doug Breen On behalf of our membership and association, our heart goes out to Mike Rob Gatto Jansen and his family. Mike is the equipment manager at Credit Valley Golf & Scott Heron Country Club and was in an unfortunate accident earlier this month. Mike, Jennifer Pendrith continue to fight and please know that there are a lot of people in the industry Randy Twyman who truly care and are pulling for you. Executive Mgr Dorothy Hills On behalf of our membership and association, our heart goes out to the family Office Staff Pat Thomas of Jay Lavis. Jay was a long time member of the OGSA and passed away earlier this Deborah Badger year. Jay was a colourful character and was loved by many. On behalf of our membership and association, our heart goes out to the family of Graydon Goff. Graydon passed away earlier this month, and was a long time supporter of the OGSA, and spent the last 30 years working in the golf industry. On behalf of our membership and association, our heart goes out to the staff and family of Ernie Amsler. Ernie was a great father, mentor, and long time member of our association. Ernie was respected and admired by many of his peers GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL EDITORIAL and staff members alike. COMMITTEE In closing, I would like to thank all of the above individuals for the gift of Chris Andrejicka, Co-Editor realization and appreciation. You’ve helped all of us realize how valuable our John Bladon, Co-Editor health, family, friends, and lives are. You’ve helped us appreciate the people Dorothy Hills, Coordinating Manager around us whether it’s in our personal lives or at work. Thank you on behalf of Greig Barker our membership and association. Your gift will be appreciated and remembered Tom Brain forever. Doug Davidson Paul Grotier 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 2007 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 publication, no endorsement is intended or brett.murray@sympatico.ca implied by the Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association. Contents Green is NAVIGATING THROUGH HEALTH AND SAFETY .................... 16 Above the hole ....................................................................................... Doing anything with nothing...well almost..................................... 22 20 Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Editorial message................................................................................... 5 From roots to shoots............................................................................. 9 Golf course highlight - Coppinwood ................................................. 15 Health & safety........................................................................................ 10 Looking back........................................................................................... 29 Making the leap ..................................................................................... 18 Member profile - DeCorso Family....................................................... 12 Off the fairway ....................................................................................... 25 President's message.............................................................................. 3 The 39th Annual Presidents Day ........................................................... 14 Turf or consequences............................................................................. 30 The way we were ................................................................................... 23 What's new.............................................................................................. 6 COVER PICTURE Advertisers Coppinwood photo by Mike Klemme, Golfoto Agrium Advanced Technologies - NuGro Golf .......................... 26, 28 Advanced Technologies - ProTurf....................................................... 31 Almack Agronomic Services Inc ........................................................ 23 Bartlett Tree Experts - Canada............................................................ 8 Bayer Envrionmental Science - Compass......................................... 27 Bayer Envrionmental Science - Rovral Green GT ........................... 21 Braemar Building Systems.................................................................. 13 Burnside Golf Services.......................................................................... 8 DCS Agronomic Services ...................................................................... 9 Douglas Wood Large Tree Services ................................................... 26 Fast Forest ............................................................................................... 5 G.C. Duke Equipment Ltd...................................................................... 19 Green Horizons Group of Farms........................................................ 22 Growers Choice...................................................................................... 5 OGSA is committed to H & M Turf Ltd.......................................................................................... 3 serving its members, Ironco Equipment Sales & Rentals Inc............................................... 11 advancing their profession, Manderley Turf Products Inc................................................................ 23 and Maple Turf Supply ............................................................................22, 26 Maple Turf Supply - Uflexx ................................................................. 7 enriching the quality Master's Turf Supply Ltd........................................................................ 9 of golf O'Neil's Farm Equipment ..................................................................... 9 and its environment. Skyway Lawn Equipment Limited .................................................... 26 Syngenta - Banner Maxx ...................................................................... 24 Syngenta - Heritage Maxx .................................................................. 2 Layout, Design & Printing provided by Turf Care Products Canada - Irrigation Div....................................... 23 G-R-A-P-H-l-C SERVICES PRINTERS & LITHOGRAPHERS Turf Care Products Canada.................................................................. 32 Tel: 519.763.5745 • Fax: 519.763.9532 United Agri Products Inc....................................................................... 11 32-34 Essex Street • Guelph, Ontario • N1H 3K8 Vanden Bussche Irrigation.................................................................. 10 e-mail: info@graphicservices.ca • Zander Sod Co. Limited ...................................................................... 7 www.graphicservices.ca Editorial message There has all the rain gone? It a good health and safety program. Daisy Moore’s article has been hit and miss for courses all this month talks about natural areas on the golf course across Ontario this summer. As the dog and how they can be an asset to your facility. Make sure days of summer come to an end let’s you check out Doug Breen’s article, “Home Alone”; it hope for more seasonable conditions should provide a great read. by Chris Andrejicka heading into the fall. As the golf season gradually comes to an end we would Co-Editor This month’s issue is packed with like to remind you that you can go to some very interesting articles for everyone. The member www.golfsupers.on.ca > Calendar of Events to see what profile looks at the DeCorso Family, David, Ted, and tournaments are left to be played. Carmen. Pam Charbonneau talks about the toll the lack I would also like to remind everyone about the Hugh of rain has taken on our golf courses and provides us with Kirkpatrick Bursary. This bursary is an opportunity open a bit of good news concerning the use of URMULE for the to all OGSA member assistants. The deadline date is addition of take-all patch to the Heritage label. Sean October 31st. Applications are available on line or call the Jordan tells us how to manage on a shoestring, providing OGSA for details. incentive to make some meaningful changes when more I hope everyone’s golf course is surviving the extreme resources are not available. Justin Parsons talks to some conditions this summer, and would like to encourage folks in the golf industry who have made the leap from everyone to participate in the remaining golf events for assistant to superintendent. Paul Grotier, from Donalda this year. Club impresses upon us the importance of implementing Grower’s Choice PREMIUM Divot Mix “Grower’s Choice™ Divot Mix is a four component blend that Providing professional large tree planting contains natural organics and sand to promote good root and transplanting service to growth, nutrient balance and porosity.” 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. 270 Shoemaker Street, Kitchener, ON N2E 3E1 Phone (519) 748-6610 I Fax (519) 748-6626 1720 Huron Road, Kitchener, Ontario phone 519-896-9459 or toll-free: 866-580-4769 fax: 519-696-3779 What's new Bigwin Island Golf Club Recognized www.golfandenvironment.org. In addition to golf courses, for Environmental Excellence the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System also provides programs for schools, individuals and businesses. For Huntsville, Ontario more information, contact Audubon International, Sunday, July 1, 2007 - Shawn Williams - Audubon 46 Rarick Rd., Selkirk, NY 12158, USA, (518) 767-9051, e-mail them at acss@audubonintl.org, or visit Bigwin Island Golf Club achieved designation as a www.audubonintl.org. “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System (ACSS), the 2007 HUGH KIRKPATRICK BURSARY - $2,750.00 educational division of Audubon International. Bigwin This bursary is available to OGSA member assistant Island Golf Club is the 34th course in Ontario, the 62nd in superintendents, for the purpose of furthering industry Canada and the 639th in the world to receive the honour. related training or education. It was developed to recognize the leadership, commitment and “Bigwin Island Golf Club has shown a strong commitment accomplishment of assistant superintendent members. to its environmental program. They are to be The application must be completed and received in the commended for preserving the natural heritage of the OGSA office by October 31st. Don’t miss this opportunity area by protecting the local watershed and providing a to earn this $2,750.00 bursary. Full details can be found at sanctuary for wildlife on the Island,” said Shawn Williams, www.golfsupers.on.ca in the members only section. Environmental Technician for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs. “To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas,” explained Williams. These categories include: Environmental Mark Your Calendars Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water OGSA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE Conservation, and Water Quality Management. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT Bigwin Island’s Superintendent, Scott Heron says, TOURNAMENT “We have worked hard for this designation and it is an HOSTED BY THE honour to be recognized as certified by Audubon BRIARS GOLF CLUB, International. My assistant Kevin Schultz and I have been SUTTON WEST anticipating this certification since we opened the course DATE: TUESDAY, 8 years ago. I believe this designation reflects our club’s SEPTEMBER 25, 2007 commitment to stewardship of this island and beyond”. ALEX McCLUMPHA The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, HOSTED BY provides information and guidance to help golf courses PETERBOROUGH preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB resources. Golf courses from the United States, Australia, DATE: MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2007 Canada, Central America, Europe, and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program. Audubon OGSA and Ontario regional association events are posted certified courses in central Ontario also include: Rocky to our web site www.golfsupers.on.ca under the menu Crest Golf Club in MacTier and The Lake Joseph Club in heading “Events”. Check out both the “Calendar of Port Carling. Events” and the actual “Event” pages for detailed For more information on golf and the environment, visit information. GIFT OF LIFE GARDEN On July 19th, representing the Georgian Bay Golf Superintendents Association, OGSA members Mark Schneider of Maple Turf Supplies in Bolton and Marc Brooks, Golf Course Superintendent at Stone Tree in Owen Sound attended an open house at the Gift of Life Garden. The Gift of Life Garden is a community garden that provides fresh produce to people in need in the Simcoe County area. Joined by industry supplier Jim Kelly of Earth Power Tractors & Equipment of Meaford the three sponsors were able to see how their contributions are helping to make a difference for this worthy cause. The event 8112 King Rd. West was organized by land owner Gwen Crump and garden designer Karen Young. Bolton, Ontario L7E 5T3 These two women, along with many other volunteers have worked tirelessly to 1-800-268-4425 make this worthwhile endeavour a success. 1-905-857-2000 • Cost Effective Custom Blends • Water Soluble, Granular and Liquid Fertilizers • Bulk Spreader Service • Full Line of Turf Chemicals • 14-1-12 Fortified L-R Gwen Crump, Mark Schneider, Jim Kelly, Karen Young, Marc Brooks Organic/UFIexx blend GCSAA APPOINTS VETERAN CLASS A MEMBER • Mini Ammonium Sulphate TO ENHANCE TOUR OPERATIONS 13-2-13 MILLER NAMED LPGA TOUR AGRONOMIST • LAS 7-0-0 Liquid The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and the Ammonium Sulphate Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) announced on July 16 the hiring of John Miller, certified golf course superintendent, as the first full-time • Talk to us about “Dormant agronomist for the LPGA. Miller, a 24-year GCSAA Class A member, will assist LPGA tournament Bundles” operations staff in developing consistent course conditions and serve as a liaison between the LPGA and the host facility golf course management team. He comes from the Golf Club at Yankee Trace in Centerville, Ohio, where he served 14 years as golf course superintendent and hosted the Nationwide Tour’s Dayton Open from 1999-2003. For further information call: Simon George Technical Sales Central Ontario, GTA & Niagara Region SUPPLIERS of TOP QUALITY TURF PRODUCTS 1-519-841-3378 No. 1 Kentucky Bluegrass Five varieties of Bentgrass Mark Schneider Extreme Fescue Technical Sales Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe (877) 727-2100 & Muskoka Region (905) 727-2100 1-519-372-5181 www.zandersod.com What's new continued... ANTIQUE ALLEY NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT OGSA "WILLIAM SANSOM" AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE In the July issue of Green is Beautiful we initiated a new article called Antique Alley. The editorial committee The Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association shall would like to continue with a submission in each issue, but present an award of Distinguished Service, in the name of we need your help. our first President William Sansom, to an individual, If you have an old piece of equipment, in operating providing such an individual is properly nominated and condition, still being used on your golf course, please subsequently accepted by the OGSA Board of Directors. provide us with a photo, description and year, we will We are now accepting nominations for the 2007 print it in Green is Beautiful's Antique alley. Distinguished Service Award. The recipient will be recognized at our conference Award’s Luncheon, to be held Thursday, January 17, 2008. The deadline date for nominations to be received in the OGSA office, is Monday, October 1st. For full details and a nomination form please go to www.golfsupers.on.ca and click on Distinguished Service Award, under the heading News on the home page. If you do not have access to the web site, please call the office at 1-877-824- 6472 and request a form to be sent by mail or fax. Burnside Serving the Needs of the Golf Industry Welcome! OGSA Welcomes We can help with: our newest members • Approvals for Golf Course Development and Operations • Irrigation Water Supply Steve Saunders Class Supt • Sewage Treatment and Disposal Can Construction Damage Olivers Nest Golf Club • Environmental Management Plans to Trees be Prevented? • Building and Clubhouse Design Services Yes, many existing trees can be saved! • Irrigation Design and Consulting The key is to plan ahead. Peter Sinuita Class C • Environmental Impact Assessment OUR ARBORIST WILL: Copetown Woods Golf Club • Drinking Water Assessment • Review construction plans and Toll Free: (877) 799-8499 make suggestions Spencer Williams Class Supt E-mail: vcirone@rjburnside.com • Prepare trees for the construction phase Website: www.rjburnside.com Silver Brooke Golf Club • Develop a post-construction maintenance program Don't entrust your tree to anyone but experts - Bartlett Tree Experts- naturally! Toronto • (416) 657-2059 Bracebridge • (705) 646-8733 Gravenhurst • (705) 687-0696 Huntsville • (705) 789-0929 www.bartlett.com BACKED BY THE BARTLETT TREE RESEARCH Offices located throughout Ontario LABORATORIES AND EXPERIMENTAL Members of OGSA, CGSA and Golfmax Suppliers to the NGCOA GROUNDS, CHARLOTTE, NC From roots to shoots This summer has been high organic matter in the upper profile of the green absolutely crazy for golf retain moisture, which leads to scalping of the turf superintendents. There is a severe when conditions are wet from rain or overwatering. moisture deficit for many of the The result of the scalping is usually anthracnose. southwestern parts of the province If those problems mentioned above haven’t done by Pam Charbonneau with anywhere from 20% - 40% of the you in, we have also seen some damage from the OMAF Turfgrass Specialist normal rainfall. Level 1 low water second generation black turfgrass ataenius this alerts have been issued for many watersheds which summer. Usually, it is only the first generation larvae mean a voluntary 10% reduction in water taking. Some that cause damage, but because things have been so watersheds have moved to a level 2 low water alert hot and dry, even the second generation is causing which calls for a 20% voluntary reduction in water some turf loss. And if that wasn’t enough, there have taking. These water alerts are targeting large users and also been high populations of black cutworms as well. this almost always includes golf courses. Interestingly There is some good news on the disease front; as enough, while we in the southwest are dry, the eastern URMULE for the addition of take-all patch to the part of the province and Quebec are worried about Heritage label has been approved. As soon as the final turning off the water. They are looking at upgrading label has been issued, it will now be legal to use drainage instead of upgrading irrigation. Heritage for the suppression of take-all patch in To a great extent the dry conditions have kept many Canada. of the foliar pathogens at bay, but the root pathogens Let’s hope that this hot, dry spell does not last too and stress pathogens have been very active. Summer much longer and that there will be some good turf patch is prevalent on annual bluegrass and if that growing weather to help all the sick turf recover. didn’t get your annual bluegrass, the basal rot anthracnose probably will. In a year like this you can Over 85 Years of Continuous Service definitely see why creeping bluegrass is the preferred putting surface from a stress management point of view. Take-all patch has also been very active on Binbrook, Ontario • 905-572-6714 creeping bentgrass. Often these root pathogens are Dan Haupt “Dan the Ventrac Man” seen together with anthracnose. The root pathogens Member S.T.A. & O.G.S.A attack the roots and weaken the plant and the Cell 905-512-0538 anthracnose comes in as a secondary pest. Greens with Phone/Fax 519-443-5718 dan@haupt.ca David C. Smith, a.ag., c.g.c.s. 185 Oriole Crescent Soil & Turfgrass Consultant Gravenhurst, Ontario P1P 1C6 890 Fairground Rd. R.R. #4 Langton Ont. N0E1G0 Office (705) 687-SOIL (7645) Phone (519) 875-4094 Fax (519) 875-4095 Fax (705) 687-3518 Toll Free 1 -888-607-TURF (8873) Website: mastersturfsupply.com Cell (905) 512-6004 Email dave@dcsturf.com email: mastersturf@uniserve.com Health & safety Harassment (violence in the workplace) his is definitely a different subject. T out the legal requirements. I also suggest that you take This is also a difficult subject to this one step further and build your harassment policy to discuss. But this is a subject that many ensure that it covers all aspects of harassment and violence workplaces are addressing and dealing in the workplace. Just to give you an idea of my thinking with these days. When people think of on this, I was just recently involved in a discussion with a harassment, or as many in the safety group of workers where a “different” form of violence in community are calling it, “violence in the workplace (harassment) was occurring. In this case by DougJohnson the workplace”, we most often think of the violence or harassment was being perpetrated by the SAFETAID - Health and Safety Consulting violence in the workplace as sexual in supervisor. The supervisor is very autocratic and quite nature. As a matter of fact, in 2004 the overbearing. So much so that, (and this is perhaps hard province of Ontario proposed adding a section to the to believe), he watches every move of his workers even to Occupational Health and Safety Act dealing with sexual the point that when the employees are in a training harassment. This was never passed. We basically use the session he stands at the front of the room beside the Ontario Human Rights Code to deal with workplace course leader with his arms folded and watches the violence or harassment. Harassment is a form of participants as the information is presented. Is this discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code intimidating? Is this a form of harassment? Is this (the “Code”). If someone is making unwelcome violence in the workplace? I think this just might be. You comments that offend you, or that are threatening or be the judge. Now this is an extreme case. But I believe insulting because of your sex, creed, race, ancestry, age, that it illustrates a point. This is not sexual harassment or sexual orientation, place of origin, ethnic origin, or any racial harassment but it is, in my opinion, pure and simple other aspect of your person, that behaviour is called violence in the workplace — intimidation. This is a lack “harassment”. of respect for human dignity. In general when the discussion of harassment comes Do your part and ensure that you are meeting your up we automatically think of sexual or racial harassment. legal and moral obligations. Develop a policy, Even our government organizations tend to view communicate it to your workers and ensure that your harassment as sexual or racial in nature. Division XV.1 of workplace is a violence free workplace. Part III of the Canada Labour Code establishes an If you have any questions please call and we can discus employee’s right to employment free of sexual harassment them. Have a great fall!! and requires employers to take positive action to prevent sexual harassment in the work place. It also requires that every employer issue a sexual harassment policy that SAFETAID defines sexual harassment. Making safety your 1st priority! There are a number of conditions that the policy must T. 519-837-0997 • F. 519-837-1996 address and your organization should go to Consulting, Safety and First Aid Supplies http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/ShowTdm/cs/L-2 and check Milton 1.800.263.4112 King City 1.866.703.KING www.vandenbussche.com Rain Bird Decoders Trusted & Proven at Over Forty Ontario Courses WATER WOES Pond on the premises of Greystone Golf Club in Milton. Photo taken by Scott Bowman, Golf Course Superintendent on August 5th. Since that time the water level has dropped considerably. Equipment for... - Maintenance - Construction - Renovation - Sales & Rentals ■ Excavators -Increases Water Penetration ■ Loaders -Less standing water during wet ■ Tractors periods of late Fall and ■ Grading Implements early Spring ■ Soil Screener -Extend your playing season -Moves excess moisture through the root zone Hwy 9 and Heart Lake Rd -Supports good drainage Orangeville, ON DISTRIBUTORS: 519.943.0144 ALLTURF Ltd. Master’s Turf Supply Ltd. Mountain View Turf Supply 866.943.0144 ironcoequipment.com Always read and follow label directions Respond 3 is a registered trademark of United Agri Products www.uap.ca Member profile Interview with the DeCorso Family Article and photo by John Bladon Agrium Advanced Technologies here is a golf legacy that spans generations, growing in the city of Guelph. It was July 17, 1949 when now 25 year OGSA member, Ted DeCorso emigrated from his native Italy and no one could have possibly predicted the impact the DeCorso name would have on the Ontario golf scene. Ted loved the outdoors and the game of golf and wanted an investment to secure his future. After working in manufacturing and as a hairdresser, Ted went about realizing his dream. He purchased a country L-R Ted, David and Carmen property south of Guelph, and following a conversation with Sam DiPinto, Ted hired designer Rene Muylaert and the executive length Victoria Park West course was born, and opened for play in 1968. Ted’s brother Carmen and other family members had arrived in Canada shortly after Ted on Labour Day in 1950. Seeing Ted’s success, Carmen joined the Victoria Park family when the fates intervened on a fishing trip in 1971 and the decision to purchase the land for the future championship East course was made. Carmen, also now a 25 year OGSA member, left his career as a hairdresser, attended the University of Guelph and was the golf superintendent at the East course for more than 10 years. Both Ted and Carmen’s children are engrained in this truly “family” golf business. Carmen’s son John is the food and beverage manager at the East course and anyone who has attended a function there knows of the “old country” hospitality John extends. Son, Paul attended Kent State on a golf scholarship and later worked for Titleist and daughter, Louise works tending to the company books. Ted’s daughter Tina works managing the West course but it is son and OGSA member David, who has followed directly in the footsteps of Dad and Uncle Carmen. After graduating from Seneca College in 1987 and toiling at both Lionhead and with Geoff Corlett at TDI, David took over as the golf superintendent at the East Course in 1991. Dad’s passion has clearly been bred into David. He speaks with pride about carrying on the established DeCorso name and also contributes to activities at arms length of the family business. David regularly participates in “on course” trials in conjunction with the GTI and serves as a board member of the Ontario Turf Research Foundation. Now 2007, the planning is ongoing for the next potential phase of the DeCorso legacy. A new, 27-hole executive length public course, south of the two current properties is in the process of achieving approval. This will also see the West course revamped into a new retirement development complete with a brand spanking private 9-hole course for the residents of the site. After all these years, Ted still speaks passionately about the business and his eyes light up as he talks about the planned sanctuary that will harmonize the beautiful wetlands of the West site with housing and golf. I asked Carmen, Ted and David who their ultimate foursome might include, of course, each of their answers included a couple of fantasy members. In each foursome however, were members consistent with everything about the Victoria Park environment. It’s all about family. Actually, it’s family with a side of golf and great food and drink. "In the Hot Seat" empty table cell TED DAVID CARMEN • Favourite architect: Fazio Colt McBroom • Favourite major: Masters Masters Masters • Best piece of turf equipment ever: Triplex GM Toro Pro Core Lightweight 5 Plex • Ultimate foursome: Tiger, Player, David Tiger, Jack, Ted Trevino, Knudson, 2 sons • Lowest round ever and where: 69, Vic East 71, Vic East 72 Jackoranda • Favourite meal: Seafood Linguini Pasta Period! Roast Lamb with Risotto • What’s in your CD right now: Sinatra Stones Elvis • What would you be if not a golf course superintendent: Landscape Contractor Landscape Contractor Running a Winery HOLE IN ONE Congratulations to Sean DeSilva, who recently got a hole in one on the 11th green at Beacon Hall while having a friendly game of golf with some former OGSA presidents. L-R Rob Ackermann, Sean DeSilva, Paul Scenna, Keith Bartlett Braemar Building Systems Custom Design Quality Buildings Competitive Prices • Maintenance Buildings • Storage Facilities • New Buildings • Wood & Steel Structures For your FREE ESTIMATES call us at 1-800-215-1996 www.braemarbuildings.com THE 39th ANNUAL PRESIDENTS' DAY Photos by Jeff Stauffer This year’s Presidents’ Day was hosted by the beautiful 2007 Winners Coppinwood; a golfer’s paradise located on 357 acres of 1st place -Weston Golf & Country Club - 136 rolling terrain with stunning elevation changes, in the Robert Ackermann, Cal Bishop, Leo Dimarco, midst of quiet farm country, just 30 minutes northeast of John Latimer Toronto. Designed by Tom Fazio, the par 72 layout 2nd place - Credit Valley Golf & Country Club - 140 features fives sets of tees to provide golfers of all skill levels Jeff Stauffer, Terry Garbutt, Stephen Rowe, Fred Sava with an exceptional golfing experience. Coppinwood has 3rd place - Ladies Golf Club of Toronto - 141 superbly manicured bent grass fairways, and bunkers that John McLinden, Donna Armstrong, Nancy MacTavish, are minimalist, dramatic and remarkably consistent in Michele Bussieres their playability. All who gathered for this event were treated to a memorable day, thanks to Coppinwood hospitality. We would like to particularly thank General Manager, Syd Menashy and his administrative staff, Host Superintendent, Sean DeSilva and his greens staff; Director of Golf Operations, Euan Dougal and his proshop staff and to Food and Beverage Manager, Peter Costa and his staff. This event is the Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association’s most popular and prestigious event, OGSA Director, Jeff Alexander presents the superintendent host plaque to Sean designed to promote camaraderie between team DeSilva members and other teams. It is an opportunity to share ideas between clubs and enjoy friendly competition between clubs’ presidents, greens chairmen, directors and superintendents. The day is also one for the host club to showcase their course to their peers. The Presidents’ Day trophy was named “The William Sansom Trophy” after the OGSA’s first president, who held the position from 1924 to 1934. 1st place Weston Team with The William Sansom Trophy Golf coursehighlight Coppinwood 2324 4th Concession Road Uxbridge ON L9P 1N5 Phone: (905) 649-2800 Fax: (905) 649-8234 Website: www.coppinwood.com Golf Course Superintendent: Sean D. DeSilva Email: sean@coppinwood.com Photo by Jeff Stauffer COURSE PROFILE What county is your club located in? What was the year of original construction? 1 Greens and tee aerifier Township of Uxbridge 2005 1 Fairway aerifier Is your club private, semi private, public, resort or What major tournaments have been held? 1 Sand pro municipal? Coppinwood Invitational 2007 1 Over seeder - greens and tees Private with 180 members and 10,000 rounds 1 Over seeder - fairways What is the size of your maintenance shop? 1 Greens roller Typical opening and closing date 12,000 ft2 4 Grooming brushes for flex mowers May 1 to November 1 Note: complete list of inventory too Name of Superintendent What type of irrigation system? extensive to list Sean D. DeSilva Toro OSMAC How long have you been a superintendent? What is the size of the greens, tees & COURSE PROJECTS 12 years fairways? Greens: 156,000 ft2 What projects have you recently completed? How long have you been an OGSA member? Tees: 220,000 ft2 • Grow in 11 years Fairways: 35 acres • Washrooms List accomplishments • Planting of 1400 trees OGSA Board Member 2001 - present What is your predominant grass? • Environmental restoration Greens: Bentgrass - A1/A4 blend GCSAA Chapter Delegate 2003, 2004 • Paving of parking lot Tees & Fairways: Bentgrass, OGSA Conference Co-Chair 2004 • Entrance gate OGSA Conference Chair 2005 Dominant Extreme OGSA President 2007 How many USGA/loam greens? LONG RANGE PLANS GC Chair - Uxbridge Watershed Committee 25 USGA greens How many staff? What long range plans for renovation do you What is the predominant soil type? have in the next five years? 4 year round and 28 seasonal staff Fairways: Sand cap • Additional tree planting How many mechanics and assistants? Rough: Clay subsoil • Equipment wash pad - recycle water 1st Assistant: Scott Pratt What equipment do you have in inventory? • Fescue improvements 2nd Assistant: Kyle Whitehead 5 Greens mowers with turf groomer • Practice holes Equipment Manager: Drew Ness 1 Triplex greens mower Asst Equipment Mgr: Barry Bainbridge (7 & 11 blade heads) CHALLENGES How many gardening staff? 1 Vibratory roller heads for triplex 1 5 Tee mowers - 26” walking Are there any particular challenges you face 2 Apron mowers - 22” walking with your property? 3 5 gang fairway mowers 7 blade heads • Very dry and windy property, irrigation is COURSE STATISTICS 2 Triplex fairway mowers - 7 blade heads a challenge How many holes? 1 Set of 5 gang verticut heads • Winter desiccation 18 + 3 practice holes 1 Set of triplex verticut heads • Overall size and acreage of the property What is the yardage from back & forward tees? 2 Sidewinder rotary rough mower 7,536 yards from the back tees and 1 Out front rotary rough mower 8 Utility vehicles - light duty SUCCESS STORIES 5,126 yards from the front tees 6 Utility vehicles - mid duty Do you have any success stories? Size & Length of Driving Range & Tee: 2 Utility vehicles - heavy duty Construction and grow in of the golf course Driving range & practice area: 24 acres 1 TyCrop large material handler in 18 months. Driving range tee: 45,000 ft2 1 TyCrop small material handler How many bunkers? 1 300 gallon sprayer (hand wand & raven) What type of innovative cultural practices 88 1 150 gallon sprayer (hand wand & raven have you performed? 1 50 hp tractor Due to a low number of rounds, thatch will How many ponds? 2 45 hp tractor (one with bucket loader) be our biggest challenge in the next few 2 ponds 1 Skid Steer loader (bucket and forks) years. We have started an aggressive Who was the original architect? 1 Trencher/backhoe aerification program and topdressing Tom Fazio 1 Super tilt trailer program on greens, tees and fairways. Navigating Through Health and Safety by Paul Grotier, Assistant Superintendent Donalda Club or better or for worse, gone are the days where a F Protective Equipment (PPE). single poster gracing the staff lunch room wall with the Workplaces can also be targeted by WSIB’s workplace slogan “ Work safe” is considered a satisfactory health and inspection audit program called Workwell. This program safety program. While it can be difficult to follow through audits firms with accident frequencies higher than those in with in such a fast paced, customer service sector such as their rate group. This extensive audit requires that a firm ours, a comprehensive health and safety program must be achieve 75% to pass. Firms are given six months developed and implemented to comply with strict to correct deficiencies. If a passing mark is not government regulations. achieved during the second audit, firms can be charged surcharges of up to $500,000! Why the fuss? On July 8th, 2004, the Ontario government announced Making sense of acronyms its plan to reduce workplace injuries by 20 per cent over the Health and Safety can be confusing with next four years. This was to be achieved by “implementing jargon such as OSSA, WSIB, OHSA, WHA, SOP an enhanced enforcement strategy that includes hiring 200 and PPE . That’s just the tip of the iceberg!. To new health and safety enforcement staff and targeting start, the following three are the most inspections at workplaces with the highest lost-time injury important to be familiar with. rates and higher than average claims costs for sector”. A ticketing system has been expanded that gives The Ontario Service Safety Alliance is a not for OSSA: Ministry of Labour inspectors “more flexibility to deal profit health and safety consulting company specifically immediately with those who violate health and safety geared towards small businesses and the service sector. It requirements”. provides consulting, training and a wide range of safety Under the Occup­ related products. It must be stressed that the OSSA is an ational Health ally and their purpose is to help facilities, such as golf clubs. and Safety Act, Our club works with the OSSA and the consultant’s input employers, has been a tremendous help to our program. supervisors and workers can be WSIB: The Workplace Safety Insurance Board promotes issued tickets workplace health and safety, and provides a workers starting at $200, compensation system for the employers and workers of for violations such Ontario. Also, WSIB is the regulatory body where reports as failing to use of injury/disease are sent. It must be noted that not only is proper Personal it the employer’s duty to fill out a form 7 when a worker consults a physician due to a workplace accident but as well, the employer must advise the worker to fill out a form 6 which is a workers report of injury/disease. OHSA: The Occupational Health and Safety Act sets out the rights and duties of all parties in the workplace. The Act establishes procedures for dealing with workplace hazards, and it provides for enforcement of the law where compliance has not been achieved voluntarily. Ministry of Labour inspectors and workwell auditors are the two enforcement bodies. 3) Certification Three tips to starting a health and safety The Joint Health and Safety Committee should be program: working towards becoming certified. Certification is a 2 part process involving training in health and safety law, and 1) The Facility’sJoint Health and Safety Committee the identification, assessment and control of hazards. Part It is important to show and prove that your facility has One is a basic certification that will empower committee an active and structured committee. Meetings must be members with knowledge in health and safety law, hazard held at least 4 times a year and minutes identification and control, investigation techniques and should be taken for documentation prevention resources. Part Two is a workplace specific purposes and as well, they must be posted hazard training that requires conducting a “Workplace on a health and safety board. The number Hazard Assessment”, determining significant hazards and of committee representatives needed varies determining training needs. depending upon total staff employed at your The first two points listed above are quick and easy to club. A workplace with fewer than 50 undertake. I have been told that having a health and safety employees requires at least 2 committee board including the items listed above and an active members and a workplace with more than 50 committee is sometimes enough to discourage an requires at least 4. At least half of the inspector from conducting a complete inspection of a committee members must be worker workplace. representatives. Undoubtedly, there will be times where help is needed and this is when I recommend calling the OSSA, hiring a 2) The health and safety board consultant or even contacting It is recommended, and would score points on a neighbouring facilities to pool Workwell audit, to have the following posted on the information. The latter can be of board: a list of the health and safety committee great help, considering we offer the members, your clubs health and safety policy preferably same service and have similar signed by the General Manager or Owner, minutes of the workplace hazards. I have been last committee meeting, a copy of the last workplace fortunate that Donalda Club hired inspection and a recent copy of the OHSA. Workplace Lisa Yu from The Safe Workplace to inspections need to be conducted every month, however, help us develop a program that is your facility can be broken into sections with at least one Workwell compliant. Developing a section inspected per month. It is best to have a board health and safety program can seem or boards designated for health and safety only and as like a daunting task, but simply by well, keep the number of boards to a minimum. Too implementing some of the concepts many boards will lead to some being neglected and/or listed above, a program will already be outdated. headed in the right direction. MAKING THE LEAP The Transition From Assistant to Superintendent by Justin Parsons, Assistant Superintendent Trafalgar Golf & Country Club It’s August. It’s hot. It can be a grind. Both the demands because the confidence level may not be quite as high, of the job and the stresses placed on the golf course are as which is only natural since confidence comes from intense right now as they get all year. This is the time when experience. It comes from seeing the positive effects of the superintendents and assistants alike must bear down and decisions you make year after year. But even Paul Scenna, keep focus. There is a staff to lead, a membership to please Superintendent at Beacon Hall Golf Club and a past and a golf course to maintain, none of which can be done president of the OGSA, admits he is not entirely properly without a strong relationship between these two comfortable answering questions on what makes a great individuals. superintendent and says, “I am still searching for the The dynamic between the two positions varies at every secret to success”. Scenna, who has been a superintendent maintenance facility, as do the responsibilities of each. for 16 years, also agrees with the others that realizing But at the heart of this division of a golf club is a leader, accountability isn’t easy. In fact, he says it was the most their vision and an individual they have chosen to help difficult part of becoming a superintendent. them carry out this vision. At some point in the career of All of this doesn’t mean that there isn’t a comfort level every superintendent, they took a step — a very big step. that sets in eventually. Scenna says it took a couple of years In fact, it is the biggest step you can take. They went from for him. Pendrith says it didn’t take long at all. White, on being an assistant, to being a superintendent. They went the other hand, says that his personality is such that he will from being the one who helps support the vision, to being never be truly comfortable in the role, even though he is the one who creates it. confident he is satisfying the needs of the club. But White In a superintendent’s career, there really isn’t anything stresses the importance of appearing composed. He uses else that can compare to making this leap. You are now it. the analogy of a duck, “calm and collected on the surface You’re the one. It all comes down to you. As Jennifer but paddling like hell under water”. Pendrith, Superintendent at Kawartha Golf and Country Brain, who is still in his first year as superintendent, isn’t Club says, “Every decision is ultimately my responsibility quite ready to comment on that comfort level and said, “I and if something goes wrong it’s all on my shoulders". just want to get through to Labour Day without losing grass Tom Brain, who is in his first year as superintendent at and then, hopefully, people won’t be second guessing me.” Burlington Golf and Country Club, also felt a tremendous Both Brain and White took over at courses where they increase in accountability when he took over the were the assistant. Brain says it was an easier transition to department. “It’s the weight of the responsibility of the superintendent as a result because he felt comfortable with decisions you make... it all comes down to me now.” the property and he had been told when he was taking Like any profession, the higher up the ladder you climb, over. White feels it’s both easier and more difficult. Easy the more responsibility there is and fewer places to hide. in the sense that you are familiar with the landscape but Every decision becomes important for a superintendent difficult because you are trying to improve upon an already because it all comes back to them. When Scott White high standard. White always figured he would first become became the grounds manager at Donalda Club last year, he superintendent at a course where the agronomic practices was amazed at how personal the evaluation of his decisions weren’t quite as strong, where you could “do something became. Whether it’s what piece of equipment to lease, simple and look like a hero in 10 minutes” But sometimes whether or not to topdress, or how to handle a senior staff just being, as White says, “a new paint on an old canvas”, member that is out of line, a superintendent can’t help but can help. scrutinize his or her own decisions. As a result, White says, Of course all of these superintendents were at one time “I feel way more pressure now then I ever thought I would”. assistants. Most of them will tell you the thing they miss Some may argue that superintendents with less most about that role is the intimacy with not only the staff, experience may be more critical of themselves and they are but the golf course itself. Scenna calls it, “being close to apt to take things a little more personally. This is likely the action”. White admits that when you become a superintendent, “in some ways you lose touch with the golf course”. Pendrith feels that the increase in the administrative load prevents her from being out on the course as much as she would like. On the surface, this may seem problematic. When someone becomes a superintendent they all of a sudden see the golf course less but make all the decisions which govern its well being. This is where the assistant comes into play. They are there to support the superintendent’s vision and inform their superior of the issues they can’t be around to see. According to White, this is one of the biggest challenges an assistant faces, “They are trying to satisfy the desires of the superintendent even though they may some times have different ideas because they are a little more in tune with the physical aspects of the The next wave in seeding is here! Patent-pending - floating heads follow the ground contour—you won’t property”. miss the low spots and you won’t destroy the high spots or sprinkler heads. A superintendent can face similar struggles with the -Patent-pending WaveBlade™ technology creates a clean, optimal membership though. They are trying to please golfers who square slit while minimizing turf disruption. may not be in touch with what is reasonable or even - Patent-pending seed delivery system puts seed directly into the slit, beneficial. Brain feels that managing the politics is the reducing seed waste and increasing germination. most difficult part of his job now. “It’s understanding the - Patent-pending depth adjustment allows for infinite, information they need to know versus what they don’t need in-field adjustment to suit your specific needs. to know”. Pendrith agrees with Brain. “As an assistant I (No tools required.) wasn’t as exposed to all the politics. I had no idea what a -Close 1-1/2” spacing increases germination political business this is”. with fewer passes. It is this political pressure that can influence the decisions a superintendent makes. Because the assistant isn’t aware of this pressure, they always want to act in the TriWave 60-lnch Overseeder best interests of the golf course. But a superintendent doesn’t always have that luxury. This may be why White says that a superintendent ’s job is all about communication. Scenna, Pendrith and Brain all stressed the importance of communication as well. But Scenna feels it really comes down to commitment stating, ‘You always have to be willing to do whatever it takes”. ISO 9001 REGISTERED This time of year it takes a lot to be successful. The 1184 PLAINS ROAD EAST expectations are as high as the environmental pressures BURLINGTON, ONTARIO L7S 1W6 facing the golf course. Staff begin to tire and motivation Burlington area: 905-637-5216 can be tough to maintain and it’s up to the superintendent Toronto Area: 905-338-2404 to keep it all together. This task is especially difficult for a All other Ontario Areas: 800-883-0761 first year superintendent like Brain. His advice, “have a Fax: 905-637-2009 plan... and stick to your guns”. Visit our website at: www.gcduke.com DOING ANYTHING WITH NOTHING....WELL ALMOST by Sean Jordan Compact Sod Many times while working on the golf course, I would think This is just another detail that will be appreciated by those who back to the sign that hung on the wall of the print shop where understand what you are trying to accomplish. I worked during high school that read, “We, the On the aforementioned par 3 course, my biggest challenge unappreciated, have been doing the impossible, for the was trying to get everything done around play. During the ungrateful, for so long, that we can now do anything with summer, play would start when golfers could distinguish nothing.” Now, don’t take this to mean that I feel all golfers are between the red and the white on the flagsticks and lasted until a bunch of ingrates, only a special few. This old sign brings us the ranger kicked the last few off after sunset. Only having one to the point of the article, which is, in this day of tightening part-time seasonal helper, whose hours were already dedicated purse strings and ever growing expectations, turf managers to specific jobs, only added to the stress. So after running have to not only become more creative with the resources they around like mad during June of my first summer, I decided to have but also get back to the basic idea of what we do; we sit down and figure out how to make my hours on the course manage playing fields for a specific set of clients. more efficient. Multitasking was the only way to get it all done. In the July 2007 issue of Green Is Beautiful, Dr. Eric Lyons Many mornings saw me rolling out of the shop several hours wrote a basic guideline on how to ask for more resources, predawn on the greens triplex with a cup cutter across my lap mostly equipment and other monetary related types. I would and the soil bucket balanced on the front catcher. Granted, I like to offer a compliment to that article for those who just would end up going back to occasionally fix a crooked pin after can’t find any more money. This is a collection of ideas that I sunrise, but the result was that I was finished with greens and have learned over the years from colleagues and could go straight to tees by the first tee off. Other practices that experimentation on how to do more with less. could be considered standard operating procedure also saved The key to ensuring success is to remember your clients. In time, such as the morning trip out to do bunkers, trash, rope the end, they are the one for whom you are preparing the turf moving, mulch path raking, irrigation box setting and flower and their satisfaction is what brings them back to support the dead heading on the way by. business. A Guelph graduate with whom I worked in North Capital budgets also get hit during tough times, which Carolina once told me that if you take care of the details makes it even more important to take care of what we have (trimming, rocks in bunkers, clean cups) that larger instead of always looking to upgrade our equipment. Though unavoidable problems would be taken less harshly because it you may really want to get the newest and greatest new toy, just would seem that you are truly trying. Taking care of the details remember that at one time that machine you are looking to can create empathy from your clients and employers rather replace was the newest and greatest. I am often pleasantly than blame when things go wrong. On the “Mom and Pop” 18 surprised to see high-end courses using greens mowers that hole par 3 that I managed, golfer feedback led me to make date back when those plaid golf pants were actually in style on some dramatic changes for the course. The clients didn’t the course. Simply employing competent mechanics and complain about slow greens or dormant roughs in summer, allowing them to do thorough preventative maintenance will but they did fuss about a lack of ball washers, sticking flagsticks put you money ahead when you may need it. and low branches. Most of the requests were simple enough to An area of turf management that has been a hot topic for deal with and addressing them did something important; it years is Integrated Pest Management because used properly, it brought them back. would allow for the sustainability of good turf with fewer At a country club in Pennsylvania where I worked as an chemical inputs. The time necessary to properly scout, plan, assistant, we had a recycling program that saved money and implement and record the pests and control practices would helped to improve the appearance of the course. During the more than make up for itself in savings of chemical year, we would collect all branches that were trimmed or fell applications over the long term. It is just a matter of making and once a year a tub grinder would turn the heap into a nice this practice routine in the daily operation. fresh pile of mulch. The club had over 400 acres of landscaped Another piece of advice that I was given by a supervisor was grounds, so this was a huge cost saver in the end. Another to avoid getting tunnel vision. This condition exists when we practice facilitated by our arborists was to save felled hardwood spend so much time concentrating on the greens, tees and trees and hire a portable sawmill to cut boards for projects fairways, where most of the strokes are taken, that we forget to around the course and buildings. look around. Many times we just don’t notice the rocks, weeds Many people would agree that annual plants add much to and unkempt areas that reflect on the condition of the course the aesthetics of a course, but it is hard to swallow the cost of as a whole. Just taking the time to put a piece of paper on the something that is just going to be tossed in a compost heap a steering wheel of your golf cart to jot down spare time or rainy the end of the year. A superintendent of the 6-hole Nittany dayjobs will help utilize the labour resource that you hopefully course at Penn State would get flats of annuals, that were either already have. not good enough to be sold as #1 or were past their prime, for All of the examples that have been shown above are just to a significant discount saving a chunk of his already thin budget. demonstrate that if you are limited in monetary or other Trying to deter people from driving or walking in certain resources, elbow grease and determination can go a long way. areas repeatedly only end in being faced with the simple truth; In the end, turf management is an art form unto itself that people are not far separated from cattle. Making barriers that requires careful planning, the ability to change constantly and people cannot move or drive over is just about the only way to the patience to put up with a huge living system and all of its eliminate the eyesore of “cattle path disease” from your quirks; so noticing the little things and being creative with what course. Possibilities for barriers could be split rail or rock you have should come naturally to those of you who have fences made from materials collected on the course property. decided to enter this profession. Don't let the stunning fall colours distract you. Pink and Grey are on the way. Rovral Green GT When fall roles around, Rovral Green GT is the choice to prevent pink and grey snow mould. FUNGICIDE Stop the damage on your greens, tees and fairways caused by Fusarium, pink snow mould When the only colour you want to see is green. (fall colours exempt) and grey snow mould. Use Rovral Green GT from Bayer Environmental Sciences. The proven fungicide that has become the cornerstone in disease management programs across the country. For more information contact Bayer Environmental Science www.bayeres.ca 1-888-283-6847 BACKED Quebec: 514-949-2467 Ontario/Western Canada: 905-319-8981 Ontario/Atlantic Canada: 519-239-3983 ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL INSTRUCTIONS. Rovral Green GT is a registered trademark of Bayer. by BAYER. Above the hole by Rafik Lang-Bismillah, Student & Intern Senjan Golf Club, Fergus The environment is today’s hot topic. Global warming, of maintained and manicured park, forest, wetland, or carbon emissions, and climate change are the inescapable whatever other natural setting the architect envisaged. “buzz” words found in countless news media reports. It is They are not so much aberrations, cruelly disturbing the no longer a fringe issue, easily dismissed or ignored. The natural order of things, rather they are today an integral critics have been silenced, and what remains is a general piece of what remains of the natural landscape. It is acceptance that something must be done. The debate is therefore incumbent on all those involved in the industry to now focused on what should be done; how, and at what cost educate the public about all the positive attributes of golf to our current life styles. courses. A portion of the work done on a daily basis on a Protecting the environment seems like a daunting task. course is environmentalism in action; wetlands are Our individual actions, whether positive or negative, seem protected, forests are maintained, allowing a diverse group so insignificant when viewed in the context of the actions of of animals and plants to call those 18 holes home. others and the broad nature of the environment. Does it Organizations like the Audubon Society, and their really matter if I don’t drive my car today? Are my actions certifications, should be widely publicized and more even remotely significant when my neighbour doesn’t care? courses should strive to meet their requirements. It is a courageous person who can honestly say that every Additionally, those who call the golf course their office need little bit helps. That a stone dropped in a pond will cause a to stress that manicured is not a dirty word meaning ripple that will continue to grow into a wave. unnatural. The knowledge and training course operators So where do superintendents and golf courses fit into the have, and continue to develop, enable them to make equation? The environment, and a healthy one at that, is positive contributions to the environment. In this way it is essential to the success of any course. What makes the game possible to raise the profile of golf from merely a recreation of golf so attractive is largely the setting. It allows for an to a piece of the puzzle in addressing the environmental escape from the concrete and glass of the city, from the issues of our time. noise and smog of the highway, and all the other distractions of our modern busy lives. While the golf course is often recognized and praised for being a good recreational facility, its positive contributions to the environment are often overlooked. Instead, citizen’s groups and the media are more apt to focus attention on other aspects of the industry, such as pesticide use, water use, and in some cases the inaccessibility of golf to certain You Call... people. These are areas of concern, and anyone involved in the industry will be quick to point out that they are We Deliver recognized and being addressed. As with many other issues related to environmental sustainability we are discovering that properly managing the use of water and chemicals, not only benefits the environment, but also positively affects the bottom line. 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Photo (C) Alan Crosthwaite www.bigstockphoto.com Off the fairway... Natural Areas golfers. This has given us clues about what else could survive Natural areas on the golf course under the growing conditions and helped to identify the habitat so that a plant list could be developed. In the case of #6 at can be an asset to the landscape rather Lambton the site is a north facing slope that measures 120 feet than a weedy liability. These areas are by 45 feet. There are several large deciduous trees casting often vast on golf course properties and further shade and competing for moisture. A natural stream include a lot of the land outside the areas trickles out of the bank making more than a third of the area of play, off the fairway if you will. not only moist but wet. The section un-affected by the natural Sometimes it is a meadow-like area, stream is dry and on a very steep slope. A small portion of the sometimes it is a line or colony of trees area at the crest of the slope is sunny and dry, and a small region and sometimes it might even be a woods. near the middle is partial shade with moderate moisture by Daisy Moore No matter what the habitat, they offer conditions. unique challenges on what to do to and As part of the planning I first made a plant list of native how to re-vitalize them so that they provide beauty to the species that will grow under the given conditions. I then surroundings, effortlessly of course. organized the plants into a list of showiness for each season, Transitional zones are those areas that are adjacent to spring, summer and fall and noted the size and growth-habit of cultivated areas and have been effected and altered in some way the plants. The final job was and is to put the right ones during construction or the management process. Weeds have together in the right areas so that they serve the objective. moved in or will move in since these areas are typically In order for these native beauties to survive and prosper, the untended due to lack of time or funds. Native plants and existing weeds have to be controlled. In the early spring, garlic desirable species have been overwhelmed by aggressive weeds. mustard showed its ugly head and was removed from the site. So, how do we manage these spaces to not only improve their This persistent weed is an annual that can be kept in check by appearance but to also contribute to the restoration of healthy physically removing the plant and by ensuring that nearby plant communities, critical in this time of climate change. plants are either removed or prevented from going to seed. Weedy areas are a source of seed that spread to the cultivated The same could be said for other common weeds that spread by areas. Nobody wants to deal with thistle or wild carrot in their seed. A little later in the spring the problematic perennial fairways or clubhouse grounds. Weeds are also an eyesore and weeds emerged, requiring substantially more effort to remove. spell neglect. Rather, these areas could be a source of colour Perennial thistle has been one of the main concerns and can and beauty and an invitation to pollinators and butterflies alike only be removed by digging out all of the extensive root system, to alight onto the property. Native Ontario prairie plants, spraying with round-up or a bit of both. At the Lambton meadow plants and woodland species will happily make a home project, perennial thistle had taken over a giant swath and for themselves in natural areas if re-introduced to suitable seemed to be either brought in or at least encouraged by the surroundings. First things first though and we have to get rid of heaps of mulch that had been added over the years, probably in the thugs that muscle everything else out. an attempt to bury the eyesore. The other major weed I have been working on such a project this season at Lambton problem we came upon is little known yet outside of the Golf Club. Peter Kinch, the golf course superintendent, Toronto region and that is Dog Strangling Vine (DSV). We contacted me in October of last year and asked me to tackle discovered that the steep bank was essentially being held in some of the high-profile natural areas on the golf course. We place by the extensive network of roots and that the existing narrowed it down to the bank behind the 6th green; a par 5 trees and shrubs were being overwhelmed and strangled by the nestled into the lower valley of the Humber River watershed. vine. We approached this problem by pulling out the roots at #12 at Augusta was the desire or that idea anyway, only not just the crest of the hill and attempting to get some of the desirable in the spring but all of the time. My proposal was to plant species to take hold. The rest, we have sprayed with round-up, representatives of regional and southern Ontario flora to twice so far, and plan on continuing to spot spray until the vine demonstrate the beauty and diversity of our local plants. These is kept in check. At the same time, we need to plant new species plants would be suitable to the site and an attempt at restoring to hold the bank in place. During the course of the project so some of what used to grow there, before it was a golf course. At far, brush has been cleared out, weed trees removed and the same time it is imperative to have the area look pretty desirable shrubs and trees have been pruned into shape and to during the golfing season and not to affect play. allow more filtered sunlight through. Research is the first thing to do when proceeding with a We have learned that nature does not give up easily and to restoration/revitalization project. I contacted the Humber change the plant community from a weedy eyesore to a River conservation authority to ask for clues as to what “tapestry of colour and beauty” is going to take some time. So indigenous plants reside there and what plants might be far so good though and as Peter has stated, the members are appropriate for the region. I was quickly warned that there thrilled with what is going on and are all very excited about how were rare species and unique habitats on site so should do a full good it looks already and how much better it will become as the biological inventory before proceeding. Point taken but they native plants begin to prosper. were very little help in providing me with what I sought, which was a plant list. In all due respect though, over the course of Daisy Moore is a horticulturist. She plans and plants landscapes and the project so far we have indeed discovered some unique gardens throughout the GTA. habitats, some classic local stands of trillium and trout lilies and She is the host of the radio program, “The Gardening Show” Saturdays pockets of indigenous flora that have withstood the onslaught 1-2:00 on am570. of dumped clippings, deer, weed-eaters and meandering ONTARIO GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW January 16th - 18th, 2008 SHERATON CENTRE TORONTO MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW DON’T MISS THIS DOUBLE HEADER Pre-Conference Seminar Wednesday, January 16th, 2008 Sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc. Shaded Growing Conditions with speaker, Dr. James H. Baird and Tree Inventories, Tree Maintenance and The Politics of Trees with speaker, Steve Mann from Bartlett Tree Experts Canada Ltd. Updates will be posted to our web site www.golfsupers.on.ca as information becomes available. 154 Upper Centennial Parkway (HWY 20) Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada L8J 2T7 Simon George Technical Sales Telephone 905-662-2663 • Fax 905-662-2253 CAN-USA1-800-263-8606 Maple Turf Supply Business: (905) 857-2000 8112 King Rd. W. Fax: (905) 857-8215 Express Dual P.O. Box 370 Mobile: (519) 841-3378 & AngleMaster Bolton, Ontario 1-800-268-4425 Reel Mower L7E 5T3 sg142@hotmail.com Sharpeners Doug Hubble "We Sell & Transplant Large Trees" Sales and Marketing Manager 519.770.3157 • Dedicated exclusively to Large Tree Transplanting dhubble@agriumat.com www.douglaswood.ca • 25 Years of Experience • Nursery Grown, Common John Bladon & Rare Trees IPM Coordinator / Technical Sales • Projects from 1 -1000 Trees 519.574.2013 jbladon@agriumat.com 1 800.353.3019 • T. 519.856.2771 • F. 519.856.1447 www.nu-groturf.com P.O. Box 339 Rockwood ON Canada NOB 2K0 Zero in on fairway disease control. 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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. The trusted technology behind Nutralene and Nitroform are registered trademarks of Nu-Gro America Corp. SCU is a registered trademark of Zeneca Corp. nu-groturf.com every bag of Nu-Gro Golf. Looking back 25 YEARS AGO TO-DAY by Barry Endicott directors of the OGSA in 1982 were as follows: Bob The at the Whirlpool GC, hosted by Bill Glashan. Low gross Brewster (pres.), Rusty Warkman (vice), Ken Nelson (past superintendent was Hugh Kirkpatrick with a 77 and low pres.), Al Draper, Barry Endicott (editor), Bill Fach, Doug net was Bill Glashan. Twenty-four superintendents and Hoskins, John Hutchinson, Bob Kennedy, Hugh guests teed it up at Dominion GC. hosted by Dan Uzelac Kirkpatrick, Paul Scenna and Tom Simpson. with the Ontario Superintendents team of Dan Ardley, 34; The CGSA’s 33rd Annual Turfgrass Conference and Paul Scenna, 37; Rick Cylka, 39 and Bruce Vollett, 41, Show was held from March 7th to 10th at the Constellation winning with a total of 151. On June 10th, the Galt Field Hotel. The GCSAA’s International Turfgrass Conference Day and Cambridge Turf Plots Day was held. Participants and Show was held in New Orleans from January 28th to from the University of Guelph were Bob Sheard, Jack February 5th. Jim Wyllie was elected as the GCSAA Eggens, Lee Burpee, Bob Hall, Dennis Muir and Andrea President. McTear. Andi Bertoni was the evening guest speaker. Bill The 1982 OGSA Management Symposium was held at Bowen was low gross with a 72 and Keith Nisbet was low the University of Guelph on January 5, with 120 turfgrass net with a 64. David Gourlay was low assistant with a 72. growers in attendance. We heard presentations from the There was a Western Ontario meeting held at Greenhills following superintendents: Stewart Mills, Doug Rothwell, on July 16^ with Graham Shouldice winning low gross. Gord Witteveen, Hugh Kirkpatrick and Bill Hynd. The OGSA No-Stars took to the ice every Monday New Members: Bill Kelly, Peel Village GC; David Wray, afternoon. It featured such stars as Bob (He Chops... He Nanticoke GC; AI Stoyles, Fanshaw GC; Ron Heesen, Scores) Brewster, Long John Smith, Ken (Mr. Puck Board of Trade CC; Tom Murphy, Lambton GC; John Control) Wright, Blake (We’re winning by one) McMaster, Allen, Thornhill CC; Michael Van Beck, Glen Abbey GC; Bob Boom Boom Heron, Barry (One on One on One on Ben Harders, Saugeen GC; Keith Wills, Mt, Elgin GC; Stan One...) Endicott, Paul (call me Dionne) Dermott, Bob Steip, Preston Sand and Gravel; Garry Hall, Six Foot Bay (Mr. Dress-up) Cherry, Joe (Rib Cake) Allen, Brent GC; Warren Vout, Whitevale GC; Paul Brown, Oshawa GC; (Flash) McCaffrey, Rompin’ Ronnie Craig, Bob (Golden Mike Donahue, J.L. Donahue Contracting; William Wheels) Golden, Dave (Done like dinner) Dick, Gar Stevens, Lynn Meadows GC; Len Coward, Glen Lawrence Vasey, Ben Kern, Ken Quiggan, Kevin Brown, the Hayhoe GC; Ted Bouwhuis, Brockville CC; Ed Farnsworth, Brothers and Brusin’ Brucie Calhoun. Deerhurst GC; Wayne Hall, Confederation CC; Douglas The President, Green Chairman, Superintendent Wood, Douglas Wood Large Tree Sales Ltd.; R. Sheard, Tournament was held at the London Hunt 8c CC, hosted University of Guelph; Stephen Verral, Cataraqui CC; Jim by John Bennett. The team from Beaverdale led by Bob Honey, Warkworth GC; Alex LaBelle, Midland GC; David Labette won the tournament with London Hunt, John Gourlay, Hamilton GC; Norm McCollum, University, of Bennett second and The Bay of Quinte, Shorty Jenkins Guelph; Bob Rivard and Mike Kahn, Liftlock Golfland; coming in third. John Gall, Sault Ste. Marie GC; Steven Raymer, Newcastle The Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation GC. and Bob Harwood, Westmount CC. Our Tournament was held at the National Golf Club and the membership totals were 159 Superintendents, 37 barbecue at the Board of Trade Country Club with $7,500 Associates, 12 Class F - assistants and 2 Class DD. donated to turfgrass research. Low net was Bob Ogilvie Jacobsen Division of Textron Inc. was pleased to and low gross was Russ Howard. welcome Ontario Turf Equipment Co, Ltd. as a new At the annual meeting on December 1st, Jacobsen distributor. Bob Corbin was retired after 17 years regionalization was passed and approved. The following as superintendent at Cataraqui Golf and Country Club. awards were presented: Honorary Members; James Boyce Bob had been in the business for 22 years , getting his and Andy Bertoni, Life Members; Whitey Jones and Rene start at the St, Catharine’s GC. The following Muylaert and the President’s Award Keith Nisbet and Jim superintendents were on the move: Warren Vout to Wyllie. The golf winners were: low gross , Hugh Whitevale GC; Doug Rothwell to the Royal Ottawa GC; Kirkpatrick; low net, Blake McMaster and low guest, Dave Moote to Cypress Lakes, Ft. Myers; Bud Hooper to Bruce Calhoun. Coral Springs, Ft. Lauderdale and Steve Verrall to On December 3rd, the annual Christmas party was held Catarqui. The OGSA welcomed Lee Burpee to the staff at the Galt CC, hosted by Paul and Dianne Scenna. of the University of Guelph. Canada won the 4th International Greenkeepers Golf Thirty nine members attended a meeting at North Tournament held at the Ipswitch GC. in England on Halton G&CC hosted by AI Beeney, on February 17th. October 6th. Members of the team were: Steve Miller, Curling followed the meeting and the team of Neil Acton, Burlington; Bob Heron, Mississaugua; Doug Meyer, Cedar Bill Fach, Bernie MacDonald and Tom Murphy were the Brook; Lockie Shaw, Calgary and Tom Kenyon, Southern winners. There was a spring OGSA/WOGA joint meeting Pines. The way hair was... answer from page 23, Norm McCollum and John Gravett Turf or consequences by Doug Breen, Superintendent Golf North Properties Home Alone ’Im living like a bachelor this week. Krista took the Tomorrow after work, I’m meeting some guys in a bar kids, the reliable truck, all of the disposable income, and for dinner, going to see a movie where many people will drove to visit some friends in Prince Edward Island. After be shot, crushed, and generally maimed by Bruce Willis, years of turning down such invitations, since Doug just and then out to another bar to watch a football game from can't get away this time of year, she finally decided that she the west. I’m eating ice cream right out of the box as I really didn’t care whether I could get away or not, and they type this, and the dog is licking up the spoonful that I just buggered off without me. Just add it to the ever growing dropped onto the carpet. Tonight, I had a very large steak list of things that she no longer needs me for. Actually, and played golf with Tiger Woods on my neighbour’s new when she called to say that they’d arrived safely, she Nintendo Wii for about five hours. His wife is home, so announced that the drive went much quicker without me, eventually she threw me out. He was very jealous, as they didn’t have to stop and read every historic plaque especially when I told him about Sunday morning, when I along the way. They passed a sign that said World’s Longest bought a chocolate pie and ate the whole thing on my Covered Bridge, and they just kept going. They didn’t stop porch, while watching every other guy on the street at Magnetic Hill, or watch the Bay of Fundy make that getting dragged to Ikea or some antique store. He went waterfall run backwards. They just drove to their looking at new curtains - I ate a chocolate pie on the destination. What kind of a road trip is that? porch in my boxers. When she left, I said that if I got lonely, I’d get a Now I know that this all sounds like heaven on earth, replacement wife to move in for the week. I often say and it pretty much is, but I wouldn’t be entirely honest if I these kinds of things, just to keep her on her toes, and didn’t admit that there are some drawbacks. I’m almost make her realize how lucky she is to have me. She said out of clean clothes (well, except for pants), and if I don’t that it would be fine, as long as she did some laundry and eat a vegetable soon I’m probably going to get scurvy. I’ve tidied the place up while she was there. If she does also gained about two pounds per day since the family left. windows, she could even stay on after the family gets back. I’m not sure what the long term implications of letting the “Go ahead,” she said, “Get the best one you can, and we’ll dog return to it’s feral state will be, and sooner or later see what your present market value is.” It was very someone will have to deal with whatever is on that emasculating. answering machine. I guess our box at the Post Office will Of course, I really have no interest in finding out exactly fill up at some point too. Either way, they’ll be back in a how poor my present market value is, I only want to do the couple of days and I’ll have to go back to living like a things every other husband wants to do when the wife and grown up again. And wearing pants. kids aren’t around - live like I’m twenty. Except for work, I haven’t worn pants for days. I leave drinks all over the house, and haven’t used a coaster once. I let the dog drink out of the toilet. Actually, I’m encouraging it, so that I don’t have to fill his water bowl. I cut the bag of dog food open, and left it on the kitchen floor. Now he’s a free range canine. I had a panzarotti for lunch two days ago, and the box is still on the coffee table. I’m using it as a plate, so that I don’t have to do any dishes. I’ll just throw it out before she gets home. On Saturday I watched two football games back to back without anyone mentioning that the porch needs painting. I also watched Braveheart, half of Fargo, and a Cheech and Chong movie. My guitar is in the bed, just in case I wake up inspired to play it in the middle of the night. I golf every day, and never check the messages on the answering machine. This morning I ate a hot dog for breakfast. It’s pretty sweet. BEAUTIFUL TRUTH The truth is, you make this happen. We understand that beautiful turf doesn't come easily and you don't get any second chances. ProTurf shares in your relentless pursuit of perfection. We promise you our best every time. Proud supplier of quality products including Contec™, Poly-S™, FFII™, and K-O-G™. 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