Green Summer 2010 is Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association From to Thank Tornado You Also inside this issue......... Are You Ready for Winter? The Heat is On ...Stretching Your Budget The Art of Watering by ET- Volume vs. Minutes _ CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverablecopies to The OCSA 328 Victoria Rd. S., R.R. #2 Guelph, ON N1L OH2 SENATOR WSB Cut Cost. Not Control. Worried about Dollar Spot and your Budget??? • Rate: 30 g/100 m2 • 1 case (6.4 kg) = SRP $670 • Case coverage = 5.27 acres ($127/ac) What to expect: The most cost effective 14 day dollar spot control Acropetal systemic protection (upward movement) Rotational product (group 1 fungicide) Broad-spectrum protection For more information please call Engage Agro at 1.866.613.3336 or visit www.engageagro.com Always read and follow label directions. Senator WSB price based on suggested retail price of $670 per case. Contact retailer for 2010 pricing SENATOR is a registered trademark of Engage Agro Corporation! President's message As a golf course superintendent we have the opportunity to be involved in decision making with other managers or club officials to develop your facility. We also have the ability to create proper maintenance practices that suit your property to bring the best possible playing conditions for your clients. When we create tasks or improvements, where do we go to get the job done to fulfill not only your club’s expectations but your own? We go to our staff members! ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS’ This President’s message is dedicated to all Ontario golf club staff members. ASSOCIATION Guelph Turfgrass Institute Whether you are a general manager, golf course superintendent, head golf professional 328 Victoria Road South or a food and beverage Guelph, ON N1L0H2 manager, we are all trying Ph: 519-767-3341 Toll Free: 877-824-6472 to create a dedicated team Fax: 519-766-1704 that will meet our needs as Email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca managers. At any great golf Website: www.golfsupers.on.ca course, team work is a must BOARD OF DIRECTORS to accomplish the tasks at President: Jeff Alexander hand. I truly believe in Past President: Randy Booker Vice-President: Chris Andrejicka building a team, somewhat Treasurer: Doug Breen similar to hockey. You Secretary: Rob Gatto need your goal scorers, 2nd Directors: Stu Leachman liners, 3rd liners, grinders John McLinden Mark Prieur and of course, your special What’s a golf club without its staffi Jennifer Pendrith teams. Phil Scully When it comes to staff there are so many unique individuals with very different Chad Vibert personalities and work ethics. As a manager, try to understand each individual and Editor & build on their strengths as an employee and utilize them to the fullest. Get to know Executive Mgr: Dorothy Hills your staff! Communicate with them at every level and know what’s important to them. Always keep an open ear. Office Staff: Pat Thomas Deborah Badger Motivating staff can be difficult. Positive criticism has to be voiced that the task was done well and how can the individual take it to the next level to provide a better outcome. Engage your staff and make sure they know that they are part of the solution and that every task is important, because it is! Make team building fun! I like doing staff barbecues, especially after successful club events. Staff golf days at neighbouring golf clubs are great fun and it’s a good way to introduce the game to staff that have not had the opportunity to play golf. Make sure you create different teams which help with camaraderie and staff bonding. Whatever GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL EDITORIAL you choose to do, have something that staff can enjoy which creates a different COMMITTEE atmosphere than work. Dorothy Hills I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all golf club staff for their hard work Greig Barker and dedication in making Ontario golf clubs great! Special congratulations to Keith Tom Brain Bartlett MS, CGCS and his staff at St. Georges Golf and Country Club for hosting a Paul Grotier successful RBC Canadian Open. All the best for the remainder of the golf season! Jason Hanna Scott Horsburgh Brett Murray Direct Line 416-659-1020 Justin Parsons Manager Fax Line 519-941-0931 Andy Sandilands “Green is Beautiful” P.O. Box 218 is Printed on Recycled Orangeville, ON Paper Green is Beautiful 2010 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 brettmurray@primus.ca in articles contained in this publication, no endorsement is intended or implied by the Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association. Contents Green is FROM TORNADO TO THANK YOU.................................................. Above the hole..................................................................................... 20 14 Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Are You Ready for Winter?............................................................... 13 Editorial message ................................................................................ 5 From roots to shoots.......................................................................... 10 Health & safety .................................................................................... 8 Heat wreaking havoc on golf courses nationwide.................... 30 Looking back ........................................................................................ 36 Off the fairway .................................................................................... 35 On the REEL side of things................................................................ 32 President's message ........................................................................... 3 Second to one ...................................................................................... 28 Turf or consequences .......................................................................... 38 University of Guelph update............................................................ 26 What's new............................................................................................. 6 Winter preparation in the north..................................................... 15 Advertisers COVER PICTURE Brampton Golf Club - 1st hole Agrium Advanced Technologies .............................................. 7, 39 Photo byJohn McLinden Almack Agronomic Services Inc...................................................... 37 Aquatrols............................................................................................... 31 ArbourTurf Solutions......................................................................... 37 Bartlett Tree Experts - Canada........................................................ 29 Bayer Environmental Science - Rovral Green GT...................... 14 Braemar Building Systems............................................................... 23 Burnside Golf ....................................................................................... 29 DCS Agronomic Services .................................................................. 35 Douglas Wood Large Tree Service.................................................. 31 Engage Agro Corporation - Senator® WSB ............................... 2 Enviro Sol ........................................................................................ 27, 29 Fast Forest ............................................................................................. 37 OGSA is committed to G.C. Duke Equipment Ltd.................................................................. 9 serving its members, Green Horizons Group of Farms .................................................... 9 H & M Turf Ltd....................................................................................... 3 advancing their profession, Innovative Agronomics Inc............................................................... 35 and Maple Turf Supply .............................................................................. 7 enriching the quality Master's Turf Supply Ltd.................................................................... 17 of golf Nutrite ................................................................................................... 12 and its environment. Ontario Seed Company .................................................................... 29 Plant Products - Thinking Super .................................................... 34 Robert Kains Golf Course Design Ltd............................................ 37 Turf Care Products Canada - Irrigation ........................................ 5 Layout, Design & Printing provided by Turf Care Products Canada............................................................... 40 G-R-A-P-H-l-C SERVICES PRINTERS & LITHOGRAPHERS United Agri Products Inc. - Rhapsody.......................................... 9 Tel: 519.763.5745 • Fax: 519.763.9532 Vanden Bussche Irrigation ............................................................... 28 32-34 Essex Street • Guelph, Ontario • N1H 3K8 Zander Sod Co. Limited.................................................................... 29 e-mail: info@graphicservices.ca www.graphicservices.ca Editorial message s I write this message from my air A feature story about how people in the golf industry pitched in conditioned office, the mercury is hovering to help get Erie Shores Golf and Country Club up and running on 30°C mark and it looks like there will again after a F2 tornado touched down in Leamington, doing be no relief for a few days yet. You may be massive damage on the course. thinking it’s a little premature to ask the After much research, discussion and deliberation it has question, “Are you readyfor winter?” however, been decided by the OGSA Board of Directors that our official it won’t be long before the nights turn cool member publication, Green is Beautiful will be published and by Dorothy Hills and the leaves start to show their autumn distributed by Blenheim Ink, located in Burlington and colours. As our next issue of Green is Beautiful will not be released drawing from Ontario based resources. Commencing with till mid November, we thought it would be beneficial to touch the Fall 2010 issue of the magazine Blenheim’s professional on the subject of winter kill. Pam Charbonneau has detailed staff will be handling many of the management, advertising, some lessons learned from the winter of 2009/2010. Matthew billing and editorial tasks which, over the years, have been Legg has outlined how Weston Golf and Country Club, in the managed in-house. We are all working as a team towards GTA, prepared for last winter, revealing the results and what making this new initiative a seamless transition. Along with the was learned. And from the northern region of Ontario, Jeff support of OGSA’s editor, editorial committee and esteemed Alexander has provided information as to how Parry Sound contributors, Blenheim Ink have committed to building on Golf and Country Club prepare for the winter. the strong history of Green is Beautiful as the go-to, informative Although we’ve mentioned winter, summer isn’t over yet. Be and value-added publication for Ontario golf superintendents. sure to read the article by Darryl James on the art of watering We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with by evapotranspiration. Blenheim Ink in continuing to provide OGSA members with Superintendent, Michael Toth has provided us with our the professional publication they have come to expect. Toro's DTSeries Sprinklers The Toro DT Series Sprinkler brings together over 40 years of golf irrigation knowledge with the most The most advanced, most durable recent advances in technology and and most flexible golf sprinkler water management. From top to bottom, the DT Series Sprinkler is built for today’s golf courses. the best choice among standard golf sprinklers. For more information Contact your Turf Care sales representative. Turf Care Products Canada 200 PONY DRIVE, NEWMARKET, ON L3Y 7B6 PHONE (905) 836-0988 • FAX (905) 836-6442 1-800-561-8873 London Ph: (519) 668-7664 • Fax:(519)668-3722 Milton Ph: 905-836-0988x7048 • Fax:(905)636-1513 Gloucester Ph: 905-836-0988x5501 • Fax:(613)822-2099 One great result. TURFCARE Helping your business grow. visit www.turfcare.ca What's new Mark Your- Calendars... "THE FRAZ" On June 28th the sun shone down on Credit Valley Golf and Country Club, Assistants Tournament - Sept. 22nd host to the final Fraz GTA Media Braeben Golf Course Day, held in memory of Toronto Star veteran golf writer Rick Fraser, known Alex McClumpha Memorial to the community as “The Fraz”. Rick Tournament - Oct. 4th was a graduate with honours from “This year marks the “Final Fraz Day ” Black Bear Ridge Golf Club what is sometimes referred to as the as we return to the site where Rick played his first round of golf-the venerable Credit “Old School” ofjournalism. He knew Valley Golf & Country Club-with his good OTRF Fundraising Tournament his subject, knew the people, loved friend Glenn Goodwin. Rick regarded - Sept. 20th the sports he covered and worked his Credit Valley Golf & Country Club as Bayview Golf & Country Club contacts with skill. one of the finest courses he’d played in In 2000, six foursomes participated Canada and we know that he is looking 2010 OGSA SCHOLARSHIP in the inaugural “The Fraz” at down upon us with a smile as we play his favourite game. DEADLINES Thornhill Golf & Country Club. Ten Rick and Glenn always had a very years later, over 60 sports journalists high regard for the men and women of the TURFGRASS DIPLOMA/DEGREE participated in the event. OGSA was Ontario Golf Superintendent’s Association AWARD ($3,184.00) honoured to be invited and put in a along with great sports writers like Dave November 15th Perkins who Rick spoke offrequently - so foursome from their board. it is only fitting that the final Fraz Day is TURFGRASS SHORT COURSE in honour of the OGSA and Perky - as AWARD ($1,272.00) The Fraz wouldn’t want it any other way. Awarded at end of course Thanks for the memories........... Goody.” HERITAGE AWARD ($3,184.00) August 31st HUGH KIRKPATRICK BURSARY ($3,092.00) October 31st Welcome! CGSA ONTARIO DIRECTOR OGSA Welcomes our Jim Flett, B.Sc. (Agronomy), AGS® OGSA Past Presidents, Paul Scenna newest members has been named to the position of and Jeff Stauffer also took part Ron Heesen Class A Ontario Director on the CGSA Board in the day. OGSA President, Jeff Nottawasaga Inn Resort of Directors. Jim is the superintendent Alexander presented a plaque to Glenn Goodwin, President and Charles Jarrett Class A at Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Founder of theGreater Toronto Area Bay of Quite G & CC Club in Port Carling, where he has served in that capacity for 18 years. Golf Association - Greens & Dreams Sean May Class S Jim has been an OGSA member since Foundation - in grateful appreciation University of Guelph 1993 and served as OGSA President for his dedication and support to the men and women of the Ontario Golf John Plomske Class C in 2002. Congratulations Jim on your Superintendents’ Association. Springfield Golf & CC new position! We look forward to working with you. Origro Inc. Class E Chris Exelby 8112 KING RD. WEST BOLTON, ONTARIO L7E 5T3 1-800-268-4425 1-905-857-2000 WWW.MAPLETURFSUPPLY.COM • Cost Effective Custom Blends • Water Soluble, Granular, Liquid & Organic Fertilizers The Champions from Diamond Back • Bulk Spreader Service • Full Line of Turf Chemicals BATTER UP! MANA, Bayer Environmental For Further Information Call: The annual Plant Products slo­ Science, Pickseed (who sponsored Simon George pitch tournament was held on July the ice cream), Lebanon, Aquatrols Technical Sales and Par Aide. Central Ontario, GTA & Niagara Region 10th at Turner Park in Hamilton. 1-519-841-3378 Thirty-four teams started the day Thank you again to all of the teams with a chance at the title, and, unlike that participated. We look forward Mark Schneider the previous week’s rainout, all were to another successful tournament Technical Sales Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe & Muskoka Region treated to some clear and sunny next year! 1-519372-5181 skies. After the round robin, and several Rae Murray Technical Sales playoff rounds, the semi-finals pitted North East GTA & Eastern Ontario Diamond Back versus Mandarin, 1-416-819-3404 and Deer Creek versus Cutten Club. Diamond Back beat Mandarin and Deer Creek got by Cutten Club to set Ontario Professional Turf Sales Team up a strong finals matchup. There were some great defensive plays from South Western- Brian Bennett both teams, but it was the Diamond (519)421-6593 Back offense that led them to a 10-5 Niaqara/Central- Craig McCutcheon (905)536-0357 win and the championship. GTA- Bill Martel Special thanks go to G.C. Duke (416) 508-6115 for providing us with golf carts for Eastern Ontario- Perry Brazeau the day, and to Hornby Glen for (289) 338-1834 transporting them for us. This day Northern- Kevin Jensen (705) 627-3590 would not be possible without the support of our sponsors: BASF, www.turfpro.ca Health & safety Posting Requirements in Health and Safety most workplaces post a copy of the Act and the One of the questions I often get from regulations that apply to the workplace. This is easily my clients is; can you tell me what I need done by purchasing a consolidated edition of the Act to post in the workplace to comply with and regulations. The consolidated version is published the Occupational Health and Safety Act by Carswell and is accepted by the Ministry of Labour as (the Act) and other legislation? There meeting the posting requirements. by DougJohnson is always a great deal of discussion con­ SAFETAID and Health cerning this so I thought it would be rea­ • Every workplace is required to post a copy of their and Safety Consulting sonable to try to clarify the situation. current health and safety policy. This is generally a one First Aid and Safety Supplies and WHMIS One point of caution you should page statement indicating that the employer believes Training consider. You may have been approached in a safe and healthy workplace. The document by a private company trying to sell you a bunch of big posters. is generally printed on company letterhead sets out The Ministry of Labour has told us that these posters DO general statements of intent with respect to the health NOT COMPLY with the requirements of the various and safety program in the workplace. This document acts that they purport to represent. The Government of must be reviewed and updated at least annually. Ontario publishes approved documents and the Ministry • To ensure that the policy is implemented the employer of Labour looks for these approved documents when they is required to develop and maintain a health and safety come to your workplace. If you have been contacted by a program. This is a much more involved document private company selling posters, call 1-800-531-5551 and that provides the workplace with rules and protocols provide details, as these folks are not permitted to sell these that define how the health and safety policy is to be products. implemented in the workplace. The Employment Standards Act, 2000, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Workplace Safety and • Under a regulation of the Work Place Safety and Insurance Act specify exact posting requirements. The Insurance Act (WSIA), employers are required to Ontario government is committed to protecting workers’ prominently display the poster entitled “In Case of rights, and their health and safety in the workplace. To Injury-1234” in their workplace. These posters are free ensure that workers are aware of their rights, employers are from WSIB. required, by law, to post certain documents. Here are the items that you are required to post in your • The WHMIS regulation requires employers in workplaces workplace: with hazardous materials to identify those materials, ensure that proper Material Safety Data Sheets on • Under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), the materials are readily available and containers are employers are required to display the most recent properly labelled, and to make sure that workers are version of the Minister of Labour’s poster, “What properly trained in handling and use of the materials. You Should Know About The Ontario Employment In general employers post the MSDS’s in an area close Standards Act”, in at least one conspicuous location in to where the products are stored and used. the workplace. • As ofjune 15, 2010 employers are required to post their • The poster outlines workers’ rights and employers' Violence and Harassment policies in the workplace. If responsibilities at work. It is available online for free you have not done this then you are in violation of the and can be printed on legal-size paper for posting in Act. The violence and harassment legislation became the workplace. Service Ontario Publications will also law on January 1st 2010 and is now being enforced. provide copies of the poster, charging only for shipping and handling. I hope this helps clarify some of the posting requirements. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me. • Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (the Act), Employers are required to post a copy Have a great spring. of the Occupational Health and Safety Act in their SAFETAID workplaces. Making safety your 1st priority! T. 519-837-0997 • F. 519-837-1996 • The act is available online for free. It is also available Consulting, Safety and First Aid Supplies from Service Ontario Publications. Generally, however, doug@safetaid.ca Liquid cooled engine provides quieter operation,longer life and easier maintenance. 4 plus cubic yard hopper Electric clutch for quieter operation and easy cold starting Powerful 18 1/2" dia 8 blade vacuum fan Outsweeping the competition.. onefieldatatime 1184 Plains Road East BuRlington, on I 7s 1W6 Burlington area: 905-637-5216 visit ou R WEBsit E torontoarea: 905-338-2404 ISO 9001 REGISTERED www.gcduke.com toll Free: 800-883-0761 Fax: 905-637-2009 SPECIALITY SOD Some things just work. FOR YOUR COURSE Delivered or Installed We grow a variety of specialty grasses for the Golf industry. Visit our website: www.justsodit.com for our product listing. Our Crew is trained specifically Solving the problem of disease control. Protect your turf from dollar spot, brown for patch and anthracnose with Rhapsody Golf Course Installation fungicide. With three modes of action, Rhapsody harnesses the power of biochemistry in a way that sets it apart from other fungicides, protecting your turf from diseases, and increasing turf quality, while reducing the need for synthetic chemicals. For more information see your turf input supplier or log on to www.uap.ca for full label information. West: 1 -800-561 -5444 Ontario & Maritimes: 1 -800-265-5444 HAMILTON SOD COMPACT SOD Quebec:1-800-361-9369 BC:1-604-534-8815 (905)389-1315 (519) 653-7494 MOUNT HOPE CAMBRIDGE ® Rhapsody is a registered trademark of AgraQuest, Inc. 10009 01.10 From roots to shoots Lessons learned from the Winter of 2009/2010 This spring in the heat of the Snow Removal moment, when winter injury was about the only thing that golf course There was an interesting situation on one golf course superintendents were talking about, where the superintendent started removing snow the I agreed to try to summarize what I first week of February. They did not have the resources had seen out in the field and heard (people) to remove the ice layer. They were only able to by Pam Charbonneau from the field regarding what worked get to 16 of the 18 greens to remove the snow. In fact, OMAF Turfgrass Specialist and what didn’t with respect to winter on those two greens the snow was so hard that they were protective covers, ice cover, ice removal, etc. There are unable to remove it. What do you think the outcome was? two problems with this scenario. The first is that it is 30QC The greens that had the snow removed but not the ice and feels like 37⁰C at the moment and the second is that were 80% damaged. The greens that they were not able it is hard to remember back to last spring. But a promise to remove the snow from, looked the best. Did the lack is a promise. of snow and insulation contribute to the death of the turf? Did the snow that was removed melt back on to the turf Let me begin by reminding you that between Dec. 25th and cause crown hydration injury in the spring? I think and 26th, 2009, roughly 25mm of rain fell in most areas of one thing is consistent with those that did shovel snow. It southwestern Ontario. This was followed by a flash freeze is not just enough to remove the snow, you need to insure that left behind a thick layer of ice everywhere. There was that the snow does not melt and dam up covering the what superintendents are calling a swath of destruction that green with water that can then freeze and thaw and cause followed the 401 corridor across southwestern Ontario. At crown hydration injury. this point the clock was ticking for most superintendents and the count down began. Throughout January, snow Snow Removal and Black Sand fell and covered the ice with a thick covering of snow. By the end of January, there was a thaw that was followed by Many superintendents removed snow and tried to a 24⁰C drop in temperature just before February 1st. Most melt the ice using black sand. This was probably a good superintendents jumped into action and began their pro­ approach, but many superintendents that I spoke with active steps to try to prevent winter injury around this time. admitted that they did not have enough sand to really The actions varied. Some did nothing, most removed have any impact on the thick ice layer they were trying snow. Some only removed snow and made no attempt to to tackle. The results of this action were not favourable. break up the ice. Some removed snow and tried melting Many of these greens were damaged. It is not clear or honeycombing the ice with black sand. Some also tried whether the damage was from freeze thaw cycles in the using various aerator tines and many chose bayonet tines late winter/early spring or from anoxia. Some of them which gave the best results after trying and breaking many did have cracks in the ice and green grass under the ice other types of tines. What was consistent however was that cracks signaling that the damage was caused by anoxia. anyone who disrupted the ice layer or removed a cover Did the removal of the snow lead to exposure of the turf at this point already smelt the “smell of death” associated to lethal cold temperatures? So many questions and I am with the accumulation of volatile fatty acids associated not sure of the answers. with anoxia. Snow Removal and Bayonet Tines Doing Nothing The superintendents who I spoke with that removed snow and physically disrupted the ice layer by aerating with I truly didn’t talk to anyone who did nothing. What bayonet tines had pretty good results. They felt that the did happen though was that some superintendents made turf on the greens where the ice that had been fractured choices of which greens to attempt to remove snow from did better than greens that had not been aerated. They because, for one reason or another, they could not remove also reported that when they started aerating the greens snow from all their greens. The results were mixed. On they had that rotten odour that we now know is a result of one course, there were two greens where they did nothing. low oxygen and a build up of volatile fatty acids. One of the greens had the least damage and the other green had the most damage. Go figure. Permeable Covers impacted by the weather after ice and snow removal, which is completely unknown. Also, removing the snow I only spoke with a few superintendents who used alone and leaving the ice, or not completely removing permeable covers. They reported that their greens looked the ice does not seem to be a good idea based on what fine when the covers were first removed in the beginning happened last winter. Removing the snow far enough off of March, but then they began going downhill and they the greens so that it does not melt back on to the greens ended up with damage by the end of March. I am actually is also crucial. Anyone who had the snow melting and not to clear on the role of permeable covers in Ontario. puddling back on the greens lost turf, especially in the They seem to work well in areas such as Manitoba, low lying areas on a green. A thick ice cover like the one Minnesota and North Dakota where they lose snow cover we had last winter needed more than a light dusting of and turf suffers from winter desiccation. black sand to break up the ice. Bayonet tines seemed to be needed in most areas to penetrate the ice layer. The Vented Covers courses that were able to do this seem to fair better than those that only used the black sand. Some courses in Ontario are experimenting with a A couple of turf managers are weighing in on this system of covers that has been quite successful in Quebec subject in this issue and I hope that they have more for preventing winter injury on golf greens there. It definitive answers to the age old question of winter survival consists of a permeable cover, some sort of venting topped of golf greens in Ontario. Another one of my ideas is to off with an impermeable cover. This system worked really have a forum with several superintendents at a conference well, except in one or two situations where a green was next winter to see if there are any conclusions to be drawn located at the bottom of a large slope and the rain that when we all put our two cents worth in. fell around Boxing Day actually got under the covers and froze there causing anoxia damage. Conclusions (if any) After many conversations with superintendents and visits to golf courses in the spring, I am left with very few real conclusions. Winter injury is extremely complex and involves many, many variables and in spite of much good research, there is still so much we don’t know. Every golf course has different challenges when it comes to preventing winter injury. Even greens within the same course may have different challenges. So much depends on the weather, the grass species, the rootzone composition, organic matter accumulation, hardening off, size of the green (effects overall wear and turf health), overall traffic (number of rounds), shade, cultural practices (fertility, mowing height, core aeration, irrigation), to name just a few. Where protection from winter injury is concerned, there is definitely not one magic bullet either. A big part of the solution is knowing your golf course, knowing the weak greens that are composed mostly of Poa annua, that are shaded, that have thatch accumulation and poorly drained heavy soils. These greens could probably benefit from a permeable cover directly over the greens, a venting method and an impermeable cover over top. This system insures that the main enemies of turf in the winter (water and ice) do not get a chance to come in contact with the Figure 1. This photo shows the range in damage that occurred on green. This is an expensive solution and not one that is greens height turf at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute showing plugs that feasible for every golf course. appeared to be damaged and had 100% re-growth to plugs with no re­ Removing snow and ice is an art unto itself. Knowing growth at all. at what point in the winter to do it is essential, but that depends on the duration of ice cover and it is also ARE YOU READY FOR WINTER? by Matthew Legg, Assistant Superintendent Weston Golf & Country Club Weston Golf Course is a Willie Park design with relatively flat greens surfaces with little to no surface drainage. As an old property, Weston surfaces are predominantly Poa Annua based and are grown on a loamy medium that has been modified through decades of topdressing and management. Preparing for winter: Results 1. 100% of greens have been internally slit drained to In spring 2010, only one green surface came out with help provide an avenue for excess moisture to move damage and this was seen in a bowled area on a non­ off the surface and away from the plant. Last season, tarped green. We can pinpoint this damage to the days at our final four surfaces were completed. the end of December, when a formed ice layer melted and possibly re-froze on the green surface. Needless to say, a 2. Internal drainage is not enough on its own - to help solid tarp may have prevented this damage. remove excessive moisture away from the plant, we implemented the use of our verti-drain, along with Learnings an additional 1” verti-drain and dry sand backfill on What worked last season isn’t guaranteed to work again historically wet and damaged sites. Last season saw a next season! Every year is different and requires relatively mild fall which allowed for 3-4 surfaces to be different care and modification of techniques. The key is treated with this 1” ‘drill and fill’ procedure. to be flexible and constantly observant. Below are some of our learnings: 3. Tarping is also an important step of this preparation process - only two of our green sites did not receive 1. The use of white opaque tarps is a must as logger tarping going in to the winter. Dependant on the site temperatures showed little fluctuation in green surface needs some received perforated tarps while others temperatures under these tarps. received solids or a combination of both. 2. The use of data loggers allowed us to better monitor what is really going on and to hopefully be a step 4. Multiple data loggers tracking external as well as ahead of Mother Nature. internal temperatures were used to better monitor 3. Clear solid tarps prove to be high maintenance during conditions above and below the tarps, so that the winter with little snow cover as temperatures at preventative measures could be taken if needed. green surfaces rose dramatically when exposed to sun (a green house effect was seen using these tarps). 5. This past winter saw little snow cover and some ice 4. Perforated tarps also worked but great care must be accumulation followed by melting. A single venting taken to make sure these are used only in appropriate process of the solid tarped surfaces was done in mid- sites with proper surface drainage. late winter to possibly help with gas exchange on the 5. A bubble tarp experiment under the 5^ green proved greens surfaces and introduce some oxygen. The to moderate temperatures most effectively. Whether use of a tractor blower along with a self made piping the benefits of using this product outweigh the system allowed for air to be blown under the tarped processes of installation, removal and storage is still up surfaces at a productive rate. for debate. WINTER PREPARATION IN THE NORTH By Jeff Alexander, Superintendent Parry Sound Golf & Country Club Preparing your golf course for the long harsh winters of Ontario can be a daunting task. As a golf course superintendent for 15 seasons at Parry Sound Golf and Country Club I learned very quickly to adapt to quick rapid weather changes. One solid piece of advice is knowing your climate in your region. Document weather patterns each and every year for historical data information. I know for a fact that my earliest snow fall that stayed for the entire winter came on November 4th, 1999. My rule of thumb since that time is to make sure I have that date in the back of my mind for a guide line. Winter prep is a season long job. We all work hard to keep healthy turf all season so that when we start our fall programs we have a good base. September is just as busy as August so maintenance programs do not start until last week of September into October. I work with an Agronomist who was hired in 1996. He has had a big impact on my fertility and maintenance programs. Agronomists are not for everyone, but if you do hire one make sure you communicate your property and needs to maintain it. Come up with a plan that suites your property and budget. Make sure you stick to the plan of action and if there is no result, the plan of action must be revised. Greens: Collars/Approaches • Vertical mow - three to four times a year, none in • Vertical mow - twice a year. October. • Open tine - 1/2" open tine twice to three times a year. • Topdressing - light frequent, all season and heavier in • Topdressing - once a year. fall. • Preventative pest control product spray for winter before • Venting - Bullet tining every three weeks until October. November 4th. • Solid tine - 1/2" solid tine, first week October, fill with • Heights do not vary from spring to fall. sand. • Verti-drain - 1/2"solid tine at 8inch depth, tight spacing, Fairways: third week October, no topdressing and helps surface drainage. • Vertical mow - twice a year. • Preventative spray for winter before November 4th. • Deep vertical mow - May and September. Know your product for best application. • Bannerman BA-Ject slicer - October. • No dormant fertility application because of extended • Topdressing - once a year (just starting 2010). snow cover and no frost. • Preventative pest control product spray for winter before • Do not use covers because of extended snow cover. November 4th. • Remove snow mid March to speed thawing process. • Dormant fertility - .500/1000sq/ft. • Heights do not vary from season to season. • Heights do not vary from spring to fall. Tees: Rough: • Vertical mow - twice a year. • Vertical mow selected areas in spring. • Topdressing - twice a year moderate, none in October. • Bannerman BA-Ject slicer - October. • Open tine - 1/2" open tine twice to three times a year. • Dormant fertility - .500/1000sq/ft. • Verti-drain selected tees in October - 1/2" solid tine at 4 to • Heights do not vary spring to fall, but keep areas mowed 6 inch depth. tight into the winter. • Preventative pest control product spray for winter before November 4th. • Dormant fertility - .500/1000sq/ft. • Heights do not vary from spring to fall. Maintenance practices are important throughout the year and getting these task completed can become more of a problem if not properly scheduled and planned. Year round planning for the betterment of the turf is a must to be successful for winter preparation. Make sure there is minimal turf damage late in the year and perform tasks during proper weather conditions to get ultimate results. Sometimes earlier is better and having Mother Nature on your side! Above the hole by Sean May Student and Intern An intern is a position that has emphasis put towards hands on training and linking knowledge that was learned in school. Late April quickly rolled around and it was time for me to pack up my things and move to Bigwin Island for the summer. From day one living and working on an island has been an unbelievable experience. The ability to wake up and be right at work and being surrounded by water is a feeling like no other. As an intern I was quickly able to get the hands on rolled around and we started to get an inch of rain every learning and link it with the knowledge that was gained other day and it started to look like a repeat of the following in my first year at the University of Guelph. My goals that last two seasons. Of late it has started to heat up and the dry I set out in the beginning began to be met. I have been weather looks like its here to stay. It means we will have to able to experience many cultural practices first hand such call on our irrigation system to keep the course going and as aerating, spiking, topdressing, over seeding and verti keep on top of hand watering hot spots. cutting, even completing some of these practices late into Living on the course itself has definitely allowed me to the night. I have also been taking part in irrigation and fully engage myself in the internship experience. I am glad drainage repairs. Fertilizing and hand watering as well as for the opportunity I have been given here to learn the equipment operation are some of the more routine tasks hands on aspect but also to improve my knowledge to why on a day to day basis. certain tasks are being completed. Talking with many other Since I started I was given the opportunity to take daily students from school they seem to be getting the same weather records as well as soil temperatures on certain great experiences as well. I look forward to finishing my greens. In late April and May the weather began to show as internship off and returning to Guelph in the fall to apply if we were going to be in for a droughty summer and would what I learned this summer. have to irrigate and hand water frequently. Then June Best Of Both Worlds Nutrite's 33-0-0,40% UMAXX 35% Ammonium Sulphate is... 1-800-265-8865 Beneficial for the turf Environmentally responsible www.nutriteturf.ca • 40% UMAXX ® stabilized nitrogen • UMAXX® reduces nitrogen loss by up to 30% • Earlier spring green-up • UMAXX® stabilized nitrogen reduces nitrogen volatility loss for up to 14 days • proved Im fall and spring root growth • Nitrification inhibitor reduces nitrogen loss to • Enhanced storage of carbohydrates within the leaching turf plant • Utilizes natural soil chemistry to extend nitrogen • Cost effective product for your dormant fertilizer availability application! Don't let the stunning fall colours distract you. Pink and Grey are on the way. When fall roles around, Rovral Green GT is the choice to prevent pink and grey snow mould. 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 conatct 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. Member profile Interview with Paul White, MS, AGS, Superintendent The Briars Golf Club by Paul Grotier, Assistant Superintendent Donalda Club When asked if he would be interested in being the latest member profile for Green is Beautiful, Paul White simply said, “It would be an honour.” Pretty modest answer from a superintendent who has had as long and illustrious a career as he has had. A common theme throughout our conversation I noticed was how important family is to him. Not surprisingly then, it was his father who helped him get his start in the golf business. His father, who was a contractor, was excavating an irrigation pond at St.Georges Golf Club in 1960, the year the club hosted the Canadian Open. Curious if there would be any work available for his fourteen year old son, he asked then Superintendent, Bruce Woolly if there would be an opportunity for Paul to work with the grounds crew the week of the Open. It could not have been a more convenient workplace for Paul as his family lived in Etobicoke at Islington and Dundas. Hired to pick up garbage, fortune smiled upon him as a storm that washed out most of the bunkers relieved him of his sanitation duties and got him promoted to bunker duty. Paul recalls, “ I was paid $1.10 an hour and worked 70 hours that week. I got enough money to buy gas for my boat for the entire summer!” As a student, summers were spent on the golf course and he credits Mr. Woolly as the person who influenced his career and gave him guidance when it came time to decide which turf school to choose. “I was accepted at three out of the four schools that I applied to and Bruce recommended that I attend The Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts.” Upon graduation, he was reunited with Bruce Woolly who had moved on to build Markland Wood Golf Club. As his assistant, it didn’t take too long before Paul was offered his first superintendent’s position. A few months into his assistant’s job, Kanawaki Golf Club, located in Quebec, came calling. Apparently, he had been referred to Kanawaki by a colleague of his that he had met during his university tenure. “I was cutting the third green at Markland when Bruce approached me and asked if I had applied for a job at Kanawaki. Surprised and confused I answered no”. Bags packed, Paul and his wife moved to Chateuguay, Quebec. The golf club, which is built on a First Nations Reserve and employs Native Americans to maintain the golf course had its set of challenges. “I’m from the old school, said Paul. I’m used to being hands on. I still walk cut or triplex mow greens. At kanawaki, my job was to supervise. I wasn’t allowed to take any job away from staff. Dealing with staff was sometimes tumultuous.” If that weren’t enough, his time in Quebec also coincided with the October Crisis in 1970 in which the War Measures act was enacted following the kidnapping and eventual murder of a government official by the Front de Liberation du Quebec (FLQ). “They were scary times and it was clearly time to come home”. A club director from Glendale Golf and Country Club, who was a CFL referee at the time, happened to play Kanawaki and was impressed with what he saw during his round. Through this connection, Paul then became the superintendent at Glendale. It seems like his experience at Glendale was somewhat similar to the expression “out of the fire and into the frying pan” as Paul described his time there as “busy”. Apparently, many evenings were spent on his stomach, reaching into holes fixing components from an antiquated irrigation system made from aluminum piping. From Glendale, Paul moved on to be superintendent at the following courses: Lambton Golf and Country Club, Glen Abbey, Mississaugua Golf Club and finally to his present position at the Briars in Jackson’s Point. He credits his acumen in apparel for helping him secure the job at Lambton. “It seems like the competition was close that it came down to how I dressed for the interviews”. At Glen Abbey, his two year stint flew by. “Hosting the Canadian Open is a lot of fun. The Open is a circus and I like circuses!” said Paul. “I got to meet Jack Nicklaus and during tournament week I was invited to eat in the pro’s dining room atop the clubhouse!” When the job at Mississaugua Golf 8c Country Club became available, it was hard to resist. “I got that job on my birthday”, said Paul. Paul, who has four children, kept family close at hand to help out on the golf course during his stay at Mississaugua. His three sons, James, Peter, Scott and daughter Melissa all worked on the grounds crew at Mississaugua and clearly he passed down his passion for golf to them. The three boys have gone on to have careers in turf management. Now at the Briars, Paul seems content with his achievements on the golf course. He has helped raise both the status of club and course conditioning standards. Recently, the Club has put in place a succession plan and hired an assistant with the aim that he will replace Paul when he retires. When looking at Paul’s career as a superintendent, one might get the sense that he barely stayed in one place long enough to lay roots but in actual fact, he was following the career advice given to him while at Kanawaki . “My General Manager told me to never stay at one club longer than seven years. In seven years, the board that hired you has changed and the new board does not remember the condition the course was in when you started, so they do not appreciate your accomplishments”. Paul also served as President of both the OGSA and CGSA in 1980 and 1992, respectively. He states the importance of being active at the association level is that one must give back service to the profession that has provided him and his family so much. “Everybody has to give their fair share” he answers when asked why he got involved with the CGSA and OGSA. Throughout the interview, Paul was more than generous with his time and I was amazed with the breadth and scope of his experience in our industry. It is clear to me that he has been a leader in golf course management and to accomplish half of what he has accomplished can easily be called a successful career. "In the Hot Seat" • Favourite major: The Masters • Best piece of turf equipment ever: Two answers 1. slot seeder 2. Salsco Roller • Favourite golf designer: Ian Andrews and Robbie Robinson • Ultimate foursome: Must be sixsome with Helen, Peter, James, Scott & Melissa • Lowest round ever and where: 82 with Bill Fach, Paulino Scenna and Hugh Kirkpatick at a State Park public course in North Carolina on the way to Pinehurst • Favourite movie: The Greatest Game Ever Played (filmed at Kanawaki) • Favourite meal: Wife’s pasta • What’s in your CD right now: One Stormy Night by Mystic Moods Orchestra • Rate your lawn on a scale of 1-10: 4 out of 10 Everett Nieuwkoop started Master's Turf Supply Ltd in 2002 with a vision of a back to basics company. He wanted to create a company that would put the concerns and needs of the turf industry first and foremost, not a faceless corporation whose only concern is profit for their shareholders. Master's Turf Supply Ltd has changed with the times and the needs and demands of its customers. We are in constant pursuit of excellence by using conventional & alternative products based on the latest technology. Our new product lines of Earthworks an organic based fertilizer and Plant Food an excellent liquid and foliar line, will add to the many great products already available at Master's Turf. Our sales staff is trained to provide each customer with the knowledge and expertise required when selling our products. We welcome Brad Walker to our sales staff for the central region of Ontario. Brad has 10 years of experience as a superintendent at Wild Winds Golf Course in Rockwood. We will continue to expand and improve our product line in order to provide the turf industry with even more quality products and the best service. P.O. Box 277,890 Fairground Road, Langton, On, NOE 1G0 •T: (519) 875-4094 • F: (519) 875-4095 • mastersturfsupply.com • mastersturf@hughes.net PRESIDENT'S DAY Brampton Golf Club and Course Superintendent, Marty everyone. The 4 person team progressive Net Best Ball Kopp hosted a wonderful day out for golf club Presidents, format allowed all teams to stay competitive. However, in the Greens Chairs and fellow Superintendents. end it was Orr Lake that was the best by a wide margin. Despite receiving 2.5 inches of rain the day previous, the Thanks to all who participated in this year’s event and we course was in remarkable shape and posed a challenge for hope to see you next year. Allan Johnstone, Paul Bouzis, Mike Shean Jason Harris, with OGSA Martin Kopp being presented the Host Superintendent plaque President, Jeff Alexander PRO/SUPER CHALLENGE Otter Creek Golf Club hosted the annual Pro Super already beautiful golf property. The superintendents and Challenge on Thursday June 10th, 2010. Past President professionals were treated to great weather, a great game and Superintendent, Randy Booker most certainly had the of golf and a wonderful meal. Many thanks go out to the golf club dialed-in as many competitors were tested early Otter Creek clubhouse staff and maintenance crew, who did and often. The finishing touches were ongoing around a wonderful job! the clubhouse and parking lot and add instant appeal to an 1st Place Team CobbleBeach Golf Links Randy Booker accepts the Host Superintendent plaque presented by Jeff Thomas, Assistant Supt. and Warren Thomas, Golf Pro OGSA Director, Phil Scully Golf course highlight Otter Creek Golf Club 275 James Street Otterville ON NOJ 1R0 Phone: (519) 879-9800 Email: rbooker@ottercreekgolfclub.com Website: www.ottercreekgolfclub.com Golf Course Superintendent: Randy Booker Photo by Dorothy Hills COURSE PROFILE What county is your club located in? What was the year of original construction? 1 Jacobsen B40 tractor blower Oxford County 2007 1 Tru-turf greens roller 1 Turfco 1530 widespin topdresser Is your club private, semi private, public, resort or What is the size of your maintenance shop? 1 Turfco CR10 material handler municipal? 20 feet x 150 feet 1 JCB loader with forks Public 2,500 square feet heated 1 Viking What type of irrigation system? 2 utility trailers Typical number of rounds 19,000 rounds during 1st year of operation Toro Osmac 1500 GPM pump station Typical opening and closing dates? LONG RANGE PLANS late March open What is the size of greens, tees & fairways? 3 acres of greens What long range plans for renovation do you with late November closing have in the next five years? 2.5 acres of tees Cart path extensions and paving How long have you been a superintendent? 30 acres of fairways 17 years What is your predominant grass? How long have you been an OGSA member? Bentgrass CHALLENGES 17 years Type of greens? Are there any particular challenges you face List other accomplishments 21 onsite 100% sand amended with turkey with your property? Past President of OGSA compost for grow in. Water and Fertility — being pure sand with How many staff? less than .5% organic content for the most 2 year round, 17 seasonal staff What is the predominant soil type? part. Water holding and fertility programs 300 acres of pure sand are one of the obstacles that we deal with. How many assistants and mechanics? Very dry and firm conditions are great for Assistant: Kevin McIntosh What equipment do you have in inventory? the golfers with little disease pressure but 6 Jacobsen Eclipse walk mowers & trailers our turf requires daily watering and routine 2 Jacobsen Gplex diesel triplex fertilizer applications. COURSE STATISTICS 1 Jacobsen Gplex gas triplex 2 Jacobsen LF3400 fairway mowers How many holes? 2 Jacobsen AR3 rough mowers 18 1 Jacobsen 628D Turfcat deck mower SUCCESS STORIES 4 John Deere 21” rotary mowers What is the yardage from back and forward tees? 5 Hoover mowers Do you have any success stories? 7,124 yards from the back tees and Construction of the golf course began in the 2 John Deere string trimmers 4,785 yards from the front tees winter of 2007 with seeding beginning in 2 Stihl backpack blowers 1 Stihl hand held blower August 2007. All non bentgrass areas were What is the size of driving range and range tee? hydro seeded with no sod laid during the 2 Smithco Superstar bunker rakes 10 acres, 360 yards long process. Bentgrass seeding began after 5 E-Z-GO utility carts 39,000 square feet bentgrass tee 2 Cushman turf trucksters Labour Day and was completed by the 3rd 2 putting greens week in October. Fairways were mowed 1 Cushman DS 300 sprayer chipping green with fairway and bunker with 21” rotary mowers until the ground had 1 utility 45 gal sprayer enough cover to support fixed head walkers, 1 Planet-aire aerator How many bunkers? lightweight triplex mowers were introduced 1 Greensaire aerator 84 maintained, 3 waste 1 7120 Vertidrain once the turf surface had complete cover and was firm enough to support the cutting 1 Lely fertilizer spreader How many times does water come into play? units without plowing the sand. The front 9 2 Andersons SR2000 fertilizer spreaders 2 ponds and 2 creeks (Spittier and Otter) come holes were ready and opened for play May 2 Lesco fertilizer spreaders into play on 4 holes 28th of 2008 with the full 18 open prior to 1 Lesco drop seeder July 1st. From seeding to opening was a Who was the original architect? 1 Buffalo turbine blower 1 giant Vac push blower mere 7 months of which 3 had snow cover. Dick Kirkpatrick From Tornado to Thank You! by Michael Toth, Superintendent Erie Shores Golf & Country Club We all really know there never truly is a day off from the maintenance is gone!” were his remarks. That was the golf course. Whether it is as simple as worrying not a good morning wake up call. Once the momentary about what is happening in your absence or planning shock and anger subsided, I asked him how the greens, the upcoming weeks ahead, there is always something to tees, fairways and other buildings faired. With only do. Then there are circumstances like I experienced on minor damage to three greens and only two tees’ with June 6th, 2010. If you have ever woken up to numerous trees on top of them, along with no other building or messages on your phone, you know the feeling. fairway damage, I knew it could have been much worse. Official reports indicated that an F2 tornado touched down at 3:00 am in Leamington, Ontario and parts of neighbouring Kingsville and Harrow. When I began listening to the messages that Sunday morning, my “day off’ suddenly turned into a nightmare. Essex County is not really a hot bed for tornado activity, so my assumptions were that we had a smaller scale tornado hit the course similar to one I had experienced as the assistant at Essex Golf and Country Club. Upon contact with my assistant, his description of the damage was nothing like that experience at Essex. “ The trees are gone on #4!” , “ The trees are gone on #5!” , “Part of Hole #5 I travel about 75 km’s one way to work. When I jumped in the truck, I immediately turned on AM800 for the news. They were conducting interviews with people from the Leamington area. The second person I heard being interviewed stated that Erie Shores Golf and Country Club was hit really bad. Well needless to say that triggered even more panic and anticipation of the destruction I was going to see upon arrival. As I arrived into Leamington from Windsor, the traffic was severely backed up. My normal route down Seacliffe Drive Hole # 4 was completely blocked off. The reports on the radio kept stating that the park by the lake was completely destroyed, that there is nothing left of it. They also said that the marina was demolished and Seacliffe Drive along the lakefront is a disaster. They issued a state of emergency for the town. As I arrived near our course the traffic was very slow. Five hydro poles on our street were snapped in half, with their wires lying on the ground. I saw two pay loaders driving down another street earlier and I realized later that there were so many trees across the roads that the township and high way workers were cutting them at the shoulder and using the loader to had the heaviest damage with many trees snapped in clear the roadway. half. In total we lost 98 entire trees, another 35 with heavy limb damage, plus more smaller limb damage. After touring and assessing the damage, our next step was to make a plan to begin restoring the course. We are a smaller budget semi-private golf club with about 200 members. Our membership is very much volunteer- oriented throughout the season with them taking care of the gardens, fairway divots, our large bird population When I arrived at the course I was shocked. Our driveway was totally inaccessible. I could only partially see the roof of one of our maintenance buildings, with a quarter of it being covered by fallen trees. There are a variety of trees on the course, but they mainly consist of mature silver maples that were planted about 40 years ago, after an elm disease invasion, to quickly repopulate the loss of trees. Trees were scattered everywhere around our maintenance buildings. Holes #5, #6, #16 and #17 and some clubhouse maintenance. So we knew we would have a good turnout of member volunteers. My crew at the time consisted of 5 full time workers and 3 part time workers, who suddenly became full time workers that week. I realized that we may have enough people to do the work but lack of equipment was the big dilemma. Like most courses in the area, we are enduring the downturn in the economy and feeling its effects. As I said earlier, our budget is on the smaller side and expenditure for renting equipment and paying for tree service companies was not an option at that time. ...continued on page 22 ...continued from page 21 #17 Tee #16 Tee Thankfully, we have a great association in Essex and response. In total, nine out of 24 golf courses in Essex Chatham-Kent County called K.E.G.S., the Kent Essex County contributed to the restoration. From them 2 Greenkeeper’s Society. My first contacts were Steve Hatch, tractors, 3 super-tilt trailers, 1 front-end loader, 1 chipper Superintendent at Seven Lakes Golf Course and Gary and 5 chainsaws were donated for the entire week. Our Schultz of M.G.S., our local supplier, who organize the equipment suppliers also donated 2 tractors, 1 trailer and association. I told them what happened and asked them 3 work vehicles along with their delivery service. Amongst to e-mail all members asking to donate any equipment the golf courses that helped, 190 hours of labour was given. and any certified chainsaw operators they could send. I Some came after their shift was done at their course, and 6 also contacted our equipment suppliers Turf Care, John courses actually paid for their labour to help our course that Deere and Hyde Park asking them if it would be possible week. For this I thank the superintendents and owners/ for them to deliver any equipment that could be donated. presidents very much. On average we had 65 people per I told our club president, who took a weeks vacation to day working towards getting the course back open. Our assist in the organization and clean-up process, that you original estimates were to have the back nine open for play will be surprised by the response we get from the golf on the Friday or Saturday of that week and the front nine course community. Well, even I was surprised by the open for the following Tuesday or Wednesday. As the club president and I saw the progress each day at the beginning of the week, we knew we were to open sooner than we had assumed. On the Tuesday of that week, we were given a burn permit by the Leamington Fire Department and began to burn brush. In estimations we hauled 500 loads of brush to burn in three days. In total, we probably took away 1000 loads of logs and brush from the golf course. As we all know with any major work project, there is a risk of injury. This was my biggest concern. On the Thursday of that week we had 80 people on the property. I knew if we had a major injury during this time that the Ministry of Labour would possibly halt all work and impede our progress to reopen. My message to everyone was to keep Hole #16 calm, do not rush and it doesn’t matter if we open a day later or sooner. Thankfully, no one was injured. To everyone’s surprise we were able to reopen all eighteen holes privately to the members on that Friday evening at 6:00 pm and open for the public the next day. It was astounding to witness how a community pulls together in a time of need and especially how other golf courses were willing to help their competition. It truly shows how great the golf course community really is and the brotherhood that exists within. Special thanks goes out to Kingsville Golf and Country Club, Seven Lakes Golf and Country Club, Essex Golf and Country Club, Beach Grove Golf and Country Club, Talbot Trail Golf and Country Club, Sutton Creek Golf and Country Club, Belleview Golf and Country Club, Tilbury Golf and Country Club and Fox Glen Golf and Country Club. Also thank you to Turf Care, John Deere and Hyde Park Equipment. Without their support Erie Shores Golf and Country Club would have been in a dire situation and our staff, our membership and myself greatly appreciate all that was given. Thank you! Hole #4 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 ART OF WATERING BY ET - VOLUME VS. MINUTES By Darryl James - Certified Golf Irrigation Designer Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor, Arborturf Solutions www.arborturfsolutions.com • darryl@arborturfsolutions.com This might sound familiar: It’s late July and you’re from the PAW. amongst a drought. You’ve soil probed and you’ve used Second, sprinkler head uniformity ensures a uniform the general plant’s appearance and decided not to water application of water over each area. If there are nozzle, greens that night, only to come in the next day and realize spacing, and pressure inconsistencies, overall uniformity that the turf still requires additional irrigation. If this has will be compromised - leading to some areas being over­ happened to you, using evapotranspiration data will help watered and others under-watered. In 99% of irrigation establish depletion points of your available water to help audits I’ve performed, dry areas were related to the lowest make better decisions. catch-can water volumes, and mechanical damage was But before I begin, let me get something straight. I’m related to the highest water volumes. Therefore, regular a firm believer in the “Art of Greenkeeping”. Nothing maintenance, along with efficiency audits, ensures your can replace the local knowledge and feel a superintendent irrigation system is distributing water uniformly. If you’ve has for his or her property. Evapotranspiration data is mastered using ET and watering by volume, but poorly yet another tool in a superintendent’s tool box to better distribute the water, you’re missing a big piece of the predict when he/she should irrigate. puzzle. Jeff Stauffer, Superintendent at Credit Valley Golf and Country Club, has been conducting his own irrigation With that in mind, there are four critical components audits for years, which has impacted his wetting agent use that need to be addressed before you get started. They throughout the golf course. Notably, he has eliminated include: the use of wetting agents on his greens! • Soil-plant relationships Third, accurate and continually adjusted precipitation • Sprinkler uniformity data is the key to replacing water that is lost through ET. • Precipitation rates Precipitation rates can be manually calculated (see below), • Reference Evapotranspiration (ET) Data computed in your central control software program, or more accurately determined by an irrigation audit. First and foremost, the predominant soil texture must be identified on all greens, tees, fairways, and roughs. PR = 96.3 x GPM/Spacing between Sprinklers x This is the basis for the soil-plant relationship. Each soil Sprinkler Diameter x 0.8 - Single Row Spacing type has its own measure of Available Water (AW - inch, per inch of soil), and when multiplied by the Average Root Zone depth (RZ - inches) per area, the Plant Available PR = 96.3 x GPM/Spacing between Sprinklers x Water (PAW) can be determined. But remember, root Spacing between Rows - Square Sprinkler Spacing zone depth will change depending whether it's spring, summer or fall therefore, so will the PAW. An acceptable allowable depletion point for the calculated PAW ranges So, why is accurate precipitation data and watering by between 40-60%. volume (ET) more effective than using minutes? For instance, a superintendent decides to water all his/ Plant Available Water (PAW) = Available Water (AW) her greens for 10 minutes. The sprinkler spacing and x Root Zone Depth (RZ) nozzles are different on each green, resulting in different precipitation rates. With this scenario, a different volume of water would be applied to each green. Whereas if the On a more practical level, due to the different soil types precipitation rates were known, then a specific volume of throughout the property, some superintendents prefer water would be applied on each green (i.e.0.20 inches) watching ET loss, scheduling their irrigation normally, and each run time would be adjusted based on the and then evaluating their decisions based on data and precipitation rate. their irrigation timing. For either method you use, the Lastly, the acquisition of a reference ET value is goal remains the same: establishing a depletion point needed. Reference ET is a useful reference point for irrigation water use calculations because it represents a Additional advantages of using ET data: specific rate of use of a given crop. For instance, weather stations reference crops such as alfalfa or turf grown at • Evapotranspiration data, collected rain fall data, 6”. and the amount of water applied (inches), combined in a report (see above) is a great Once a reference ET source has been established, resource. Similar to like soil testing, this report can it must be converted to represent the vegetation type help you evaluate your management decisions. we intend to irrigate. This modifier is called a crop co­ efficient. For turf, a crop co-efficient ranges between • Watering by ET is considered a Best Management 60-90% depending on the height of cut. In addition to Process (BMP) and environmental bodies that the crop co-efficient, an additional micro-climate factor govern water usage like to see superintendents is used to represent areas exposed to more wind/sun or monitoring their irrigation practices through shade. reporting. In conclusion, using ET data and watering by volume Example: A local weather station shows a reference ET is a detailed process. It usually takes at least one season to value of 0.28 inches over 3 days. If we apply a co-efficient obtain all the necessary data and to hone in the irrigation’s common for greens of 60%, the ET loss is 0.17 inches. precipitation rates and uniformity. But it doesn't stop Now, if it was determined that the allowable depletion there. Each year, adjustments will be required because was 0.20 inches, this would raise a flag whether or not an irrigation system performs under high pressures and to irrigate. This is the perfect example of how ET data great strain. can help superintendents better predict their plant water There is no better time than now to become an requirements in order to irrigate more efficiently and effective irrigator and to use your most valuable resource improve playing conditions. wisely. University of Guelph update Improving Root Growth: Chemical Approaches by Dr. Eric Lyons Department of Plant the past In are two basic strategies: increase the complete dry down of the root zone Agriculture few decades the allocation of the energy in the plant to (Zhang and Ervin, 2004). Other knowledge re­ root growth taking it away from other growth chamber studies that have garding plant hormones and how they areas or increase the total energy manipulated rootzone temperature affect plant growth has expanded rap­ production. have shown adding synthetic cytokinins idly. This has been due to physiologi­ Giberillic acid (GA) is a hormone maintained greater root mass at very cal research aided by molecular biolo­ responsible for the elongation of cells high soil temperatures (Liu et al., gy. Each year new products come onto in the leaf and shoot meristem. Often 2002). Recently, genetically modified the market that are said to increase GA inhibitors (i.e. Trinexapac-ethyl) creeping bentgrass was shown to have root growth, reduce shoot growth, im­ are used to decrease leaf elongation. increased root to shoot ratios after a 14 prove branching and tillering. Some Often it is reported in marketing day dry down period (Merewits, 2010). of these products inhibit the produc­ literature that this reduction in growth These studies show that cytokinins tion of hormones in the plant, others at the shoot increases the amount of play a role in drought response and increase production of a hormone or energy available for root growth. To particularly in the ability of the plant to actually directly apply the hormone to my knowledge, no field study has ever continue to grow roots under stressful the plant. been conducted that has shown that conditions. One of the limitations of This summer has been one of the the use of GA inhibitors has increased these studies is how close the studies warmer seasons that I have experienced root growth in creeping bentgrass or are to actual field conditions. It would since moving to Ontario in 2004. This annual bluegrass. This is a theoretical be extreme to expose golf greens to warm weather has encouraged many example of how increased allocation 14 days without irrigation and soil golf superintendents to look for ways of energy in the plant to root growth temperatures above 30°C rarely occur to increase rooting depth. As the can be achieved. for extended periods. summer temperature increases root There also exist bio-stimulants While studies are showing that growth of both creeping bentgrass and that act as auxin analogs. Auxin is stress responses can be changed and annual bluegrass declines resulting in a plant hormone responsible for in some cases made better for the less total root mass (Figure 1). This apical dominance in the shoot and turfgrass manager by the addition of is primarily due to respiration of the regulation of cell elongation in the certain plant hormones, the extremes plants (energy utilization) exceeding root. Some bio-stimulants that act as of the stresses being imposed are often photosynthesis of the plants (energy auxin analogs appear to delay drought outside the realm of what we would production). This net deficit leads response allowing for longer periods allow the grasses we depend on for our to a decrease in energy for the plant of photosynthesis, increasing the livelihood to endure. While the upside to maintain its current root mass overall energy status of the plant. This of these products is being determined resulting in the shedding of roots that theoretically increases the amount in the lab, the downsides are often are deeper in the soil, farthest away of energy available for all growth not studied or forgotten. Plants have from the energy source (leaves). This including root growth. evolved mechanisms to survive stressful of course creates an ongoing negative One of the most recent examples environments. Turning off these cycle because the reduced ability to of hormone manipulation is the use mechanisms through the addition of take up water leads to hotter plants of kelp or seaweed that contains a plant hormones may achieve more and less photosynthesis due to the mixture of auxin and cytokinins. growth in the short term but if the plant closing its stomata to conserve Kelp has been used as a fertilizer stress persists we may actually cause its water. for hundreds of years and in more the plant to experience catastrophic It is because the decline in roots recent years it has been associated with failure because the mechanisms for is due to a negative energy balance, increased stress tolerance. Natural survival were not allowed to proceed. the method by which chemicals and products containing cytokinins In addition the ratios of different specifically chemicals that manipulate have been shown to increase levels hormones occurring in the plant the levels of plant hormones can of the hormone in the plant and change throughout the season and increase root growth is limited. There also increased the root mass during a through the developmental stages of the plant. The addition or inhibition benefit root growth along with proper of plant hormones may create irrigation management. These are imbalances and over compensation of methods for increasing root growth other hormones in order to maintain that are time tested and proven in real the balance. In the end these concerns life management situations. While less may or may not prove to be important intriguing than the chemical options but, it is always best to understand how they are known to work. the products we are applying actually Liu, X., B. Huang, and G. Banowetz. Looking for a affect the plant. 2002. Cytokinin effects on creeping Root growth is very hard to bentgrass responses to heat stress: way to intensify measure so we will always rely on I. Shoot and root growth. Crop Sci. growth chamber and greenhouse 42:457-465 fairway colour ? studies that may or may not translate Emily B. Merewitz, Thomas Gianfagna into the field. In the meantime there and Bingru HuangEffects of SAG12- are many proven ways to increase root ipt and HSP18.2-ipt Expression on growth in the field, the most obvious Cytokinin Production, Root Growth, is to increase the energy production and Leaf Senescence in Creeping (photosynthesis) by maintaining Bentgrass Exposed to Drought StressJ. more leaf area. Increased leaf area is Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 135: 230-239 most easily achieved by increasing the (2010) mowing height. Green speed and ball role can be maintained through other Zhang, X. and E.H. Ervin. 2004. management techniques, such as Cytokinin-containing seaweed and rolling and light frequent topdressing. humic acid extracts associated with Proper thatch management and creeping bentgrass leaf cytokinins and management of soil porosity through drought resistance Crop Sci. 44: 1737- verticutting and aeration can also 1745. 1-877-785-1098 Figure 1. Dry Root mass of annual bluegrass (AB) and creeping bentgrass (CB) www.envirosoI.ca in the spring and summer. Second to one by Justin Parsons, Assistant Superintendent Trafalgar Golf & Country Club Ithink most assistants out there will tell you that the For example, what if one of your best staff members all of biggest challenge they face in their job is managing the a sudden develops a penchant for being late? Let’s say this staff. I imagine most superintendents would agree. Or, is one of your veteran kids who you have invested a lot of at least, their challenges would involve interpersonal rela­ time and resources into training. To further complicate tions of some kind. Be it their general manager, greens the matter, let’s say you really like the kid and enjoy having committee, assistant or some other individual directly re­ them on the staff. When this person does not heed verbal lated to daily operations. and written warnings, at what point do you cut them It’s kind of funny when you think about it, because the loose? I imagine it is when their disregard for your rules thing that challenges us the most in our jobs, is the one begins to undermine your authority. But when you have thing that you don’t really cover in school. On the surface a lot of key events coming up at the club and you can’t we manage turf and that is what our education focuses replace their experience in such a short period of time, on. It provides us with a sound understanding of how to the answer isn’t always easy to find. promote healthy and sustainable playing conditions. In I imagine professional coaches face similar challenges. actuality though, we manage the staff that help us manage On the surface, we all believe that everyone should be the turf and there is a big distinction there. treated equally on a staff or on a team. But is this really For the most part, we aren’t the ones mowing grass, the case? Should Sidney Crosby be treated the same as setting reels and changing holes. We are relying on Craig Adams? One’s value to the team is far greater than people to do it for us. We all know what needs to be done, the other. Moreover, one is replaceable while the other is the real issue is getting people to do it and there in lies the truly exceptional. Ultimately, if you have drafted or hired true test of the job. properly, the Sidney Crosby’s of the world will never put With turf or equipment issues, there is a systematic way you in a position where you have to answer this question. to troubleshoot the problem. With people, there is no But what if you end up with a Terrell Owens or a Dennis blueprint to follow. There is no right or wrong way. Every Rodman? There is no questioning their importance to the person and every situation is different. I suppose this is team, but at what point do their disruptions outweigh their why it’s not covered in a textbook. Sure there may be contributions? Sometimes the answer to this question nev­ some case studies to read about and you can always rely on er really becomes clear. You make a decision and you live the advice of your peers, but ultimately your decisions are with it, but no one ever pats you on the back and says, ‘you governed by instinct. Those with good instincts succeed handled that well’. I guess that’s why they don’t teach this and the others, well, they will likely struggle. stuff in school, because nobody is really an expert on inter­ Every season brings new situations that really make you personal relations. It’s far too convoluted. stop and ask yourself, ‘what is the best way to handle this?’ Quality Components, Custom Solutions... Milton 1.800.263.4112 King City 1.866.703.KING www.vandenbussche.com. Pump the heart of your irrigation system! Stations, Burnside Enviro-Sol has Serving the Needs of the Golf Industry a trio that will We can help with: work for you! • Approvals for Golf Course Development and Operations They provide a slow, even • Irrigation Water Supply feeding with premium • Sewage Treatment and Disposal • Environmental Management Plans nitrogen sources that BARTLETT. • Building and Clubhouse Design Services intensify colour and improve • Irrigation Design and Consulting healing with steady growth. 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No. 1 Kentucky Bluegrass * Bentgrass * Extreme Fescue Custom Grown Sod Available Premium Products for all Your Turf Needs PO Box 7 Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z6 Tele 519-886-0557 Fax 519-886-0605 1-800-465-5849 www.oscturf.com 1-877-785-1098 www.envirosol.ca Heat wreaking havoc on golf courses nationwide Superintendents, facilities pulling out all stops to address the challenge Reprinted from a GCSAA E-Bulletin. Prolonged periods of high temperatures, and in some cas­ • Hand watering as much as feasible. If a green has a dry es, excessive rainfall, and high humidity have made life un­ spot or two, superintendents will hand water the dry spots comfortable for golfers and golf courses alike, with Mother only and will not water the entire green. When the entire Nature holding all the cards for true relief. green shows stress from a lack of water, superintendents “The simple fact is the cool season turfgrasses such as use the overhead sprinklers and water the entire green. bentgrass, fescue, bluegrass, annual bluegrass (Poa annua) and others are stressed when temperatures climb and • Avoid aerifying using large diameter tines that penetrate humidity is high,” Clark Throssell, Ph.D., director of research deeply into soil and remove a core of soil. If a superintendent for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, feels the putting surface is sealed, venting using small said. “Golf courses in many parts of the country experience diameter solid tines or other similar technique is employed. this every year, however what makes the situation so dire this year are the high levels of extended heat and humidity, and • If fertilizer is required, small amounts of fertilizer are applied the sizeable part of the country affected (Midwest, Mideast, via a sprayer and observation of the response occurs before Northeast and Mid-Atlantic).” fertilizing again. According to Throssell, golf facilities and those entrusted with managing the golf course, golf course superintendents, • Monitoring and adjusting golf car traffic patterns to are not alone in this battle with the elements. However, the minimize stress to turf. nature of their product makes their challenge greater. “We are certainly seeing homeowners, athletic fields Throssell indicated that during periods such as this, it and businesses suffer turfgrass damage brought on by the becomes easy to compare golf course conditions and pressure conditions,” Throssell said. “What makes it more difficult for decision makers into actions that might prove detrimental to golf facilities are the mowing heights are much lower and the long term health of the playing surface. traffic is much heavier. That just adds to the stress on the “Communication is vital,” Throssell said. “Superintendents, turfgrass.” golf professionals, owners, managers and others must be Throssell indicates that golf course superintendents are in constant contact with golfers to educate them on what is addressing the issue with a variety of management practices happening at the facility. But golfers must also understand to make sure turfgrass survives. While there may be some that golf courses are like snowflakes - no two are alike. Some short-term impact on playability of the course, the alternative courses may be able to withstand the challenges of Mother is the loss of grass, the closure of the course and the additional Nature better than others because of better drainage and soil costs of re-establishing playing surfaces (primarily putting conditions, better air flow due to the placement of trees, less greens). traffic or the presence of greater financial resources. He also cautioned golfers from thinking that water, whether “We know the weather conditions will become more from rain or irrigation, is the answer to the ills. There is a agreeable. What is important right now is to manage the golf difference between heat stress and drought stress. Adequate course in a manner so that turf can be kept alive until that irrigation will alleviate drought stress. Adequate irrigation will point.” not alleviate heat stress. It is not only possible, but likely, for a GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus turfgrass plant to be adequately watered and still suffer from on golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been heat stress under extended periods of high temperatures. the top professional association for the men and women who Among the practices thatsuperintendents are implementing manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From to manage golf courses include: its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than • Raising the mowing heights of playing areas, most 20,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission notably putting greens. is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The • Alternating daily practices of mowing and rolling putting association’s philanthropic organization, The Environmental greens, with consideration to skipping a day if the schedule Institute for Golf, works to strengthen the compatibility of of play allows. golf with the natural environment through research grants, support for education programs and outreach efforts. Visit • Forgoing double mowing, topdressing, verticutting or GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org. grooming greens. For more information contact: • Watering to provide adequate soil moisture, but not over watering as saturated soil will cause the turfgrass to Clark Throssell, Ph.D., GCSAA director of research, decline rapidly. 1-800-472-7878 We Sell & Transplant Large trees with tree spades ranging from 34-90" Members of I.S.A and O.G.S.A. Owner Paul Hanousek certified arborist. 2011 ONTARIO GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT Moving your trees since 1980. CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW www.douglaswood.ca Windsor, ON | January 12-14,2011 1 800.353.3019 T. 519.856.2771 F.519.856.1447 Details will be posted on P.O. Box 339 Rockwood ON www.golfsupers.on.ca Canada NOB 2KO Superintendents worldwide put their trust in Revolution to maintain the highest levels of turf quality and playability on their greens, even under stress. Contact your local distributor today to see what Revolution can do for you. • Uniform moisture, even across slopes • Consistency of turf conditions • Drier, firmer putting surfaces The superintendent's choice • Less hand watering for superior turf performance. • Easier to re-wet after drydown • Quicker recovery from stress 800-257-7797 www.aquatrols.com On the REEL side of things by: Warren Wybenga, Equipment Manager, Donalda Club, Toronto WWybenga@donaldaclub.ca (416) 44 7-5575 x263 "The Heat Is On" Stretching Your Budget of the points that has come up when I’ve had the One JW: “Greasing machines is a huge thingfor us as it is one fairly opportunity to speak with many of you is that not every inexpensive thing that we can do ourselves to prolong the life of member is fortunate enough to work for a course that our equipment. I try to have the guys trained on how to grease has a large budget to spend on equipment or even an a machine when they learn how to operate it. We strive for a equipment technician to look after the fleet and could weekly shot ofgrease although I have been told not to grease that I write an article that focused on some things that your much and have also been told to grease everyday by different fellow members are doing to stretch their budgets a little qualified sources. What we do seems to work as we haven’t farther. True enough...so I thought I would put it to one lost a bearing in a while. Also, I’m not sure if it makes much such OGSA member James White, Superintendent at difference, but I am a clean freak. I hate when the machines are Quarry Golf Club in Ennismore, to share with me a few dirty or covered with that black organic matter stuff. We power things that he was doing at his course and here’s what he wash machines, including oil coolers and rads every Friday and had to say. we also use degreaser every couple of weeks. ” Let me address the over-greasing vs. under-greasing JW: “I make good use of warranty coverage. We found it cost us situation. I have found that seal and bearing manufacturers less annually to run a $400,000 fleet of equipment by flipping have made tremendous improvements recently however, out our old fleet and leasing a newer fleet with a multi-year even the best seal is no match for a shot of high pressure warranty. We have gone from $25-$30,000/year in repair costs water. So while it is advantageous to keep your machinery to around $5000. ” looking its best, be careful when using pressure washers to Making use of any available warranty makes good sense. blast that grime from any area where there are bearings, After all, that’s what they’re for. And leasing does provide seals and electronics for that matter. Every grease point the opportunity to get more machinery for what it would on a given machine is there for a reason and the best way cost to purchase the same and the older a fleet gets, the to determine how often and how much grease to apply more expensive it will get to maintain and repair. Do at each greasing is to consult the Operator’s Manual that remember though that even a brand new machine can came with the machine. Some pieces of equipment also suffer a breakdown, be it mechanical failure or operator have a grease point chart located somewhere under the error and just because a machine is new it doesn’t mean seat or body panel. Some seals are designed to allow that all you have to do is turn the key and go. They contaminated grease to purge whenever new grease is still require maintenance to keep them running at peak injected into the cavity. These are usually located on efficiency with minimal down time so budget accordingly. components such as cutting deck rollers or blade mount spindles.. .any such area which is subject to wet conditions JW: “I am a fluids-a-holic. I change engine and hydraulic fluids on a regular basis. These fittings usually require daily frequently as well as filters. My staff helps with this often as greasing and should be done after the day’s mowing well.” and wash up are competed. Be sure to wipe off the This really speaks to two points. Firstly, as already contaminated grease that is ejected so it doesn’t end up mentioned is the importance of regular maintenance. on your turf. Seals that are designed to keep the grease New or old, every machine needs to be maintained and in and contaminates out can be damaged by over-greasing. the more you put into it, the more you will get out of Applying grease until you can see it push past these seals it. Secondly, you likely have some staff members that are is a very bad practice as it flips the lip of the seal off the somewhat mechanically inclined and it might not be a bad mating surface thus allowing all the stuff you’re trying to idea to consider this when it comes time to hire for the keep out, full access to the bearing. This is a major cause season. Employees with this skill set can prove to be very of bearing failure. Some grease points such as pivot pins useful when it comes to dealing with mechanical issues. have no seals at all and are designed to allow the old dirty grease to pass through to be replaced with new lube so pay attention to what you’re greasing and to apply the blades with a propane plumber’s torch, pound the blade back, appropriate amount at the appropriate interval is always tack weld the spider then backlap the reel. Often we have to the best practice. grind in this situation. ” With the cost of a replacement reel assembly at $500 give JW: “We try to put less wear on our machines by reducing or take, not to mention the cost of irrigation parts, too mowing frequencies and sticking with higher mowing heights. many of these types of failures can take a big bite out of Our fairways, for example, are up at .600” (dwarf bluegrass) your repair budget. Some time and training invested in and are cut twice weekly. ” leveling out those heads and educating your operators Mowing less often and at a higher height of cut should about the consequences of hitting those obstacles may pay provide for overall healthier turf and I suspect that would off in the long run. That being said, accidents do happen also result in an increased level of disease and drought and having the ingenuity to tackle a repair of that sort resistance, not to mention lower fuel consumption and can get you back up and running. Be aware that just as less wear and tear on reels and bedknives. with the tires on your car, reels are balanced at the factory and adding too much weld will create an imbalance that JW: “I do all the set up of reels and rotary blades myself. I have can rifle bedknives and damage bearings. The extra back an outside guy who does my grinding and I must say that I don't lapping or grinding that undoubtedly accompanies this believe in all the excess grinding going on out there. I do believe repair will also change the diameter of the reel, making in setting up a mower, and checking/adjusting bedknife to reel it different from the others on the machine...too much regularly. My tee and fairway mowers for example, will cut the of this will ultimately lead to a different and unacceptable whole season without a single mid-season grind. Last year, they quality of cut from that particular cutting unit. Go ahead were still cutting paper by September and all we do is make sure and make the repair but be aware of the situation and they get tightened down periodically. Note that I also don't cut consider taking advantage of off season parts purchasing our greens below .125” or use tournament knives on any greens incentives to replace the damaged reel. mowers. One thing I started doing this year was to grind my reels after the first couple of cuts in the spring. Our reels sat on JW: “It can be quite challenging working on a fleet with a the floor until April. We cut a couple of times then sent the reels gravel floor, no hoist, and just a little 2 ton trolley jack. A lot out for grinding. ” of components etc are meant to be accessed with a hoist I think. Knowing how to properly set up a cutting unit, be it reel I am not sure why the equipment guys would manufacture or rotary, is the most important mechanical skill you can machines this way. It is nearly impossible to avoid spillingfluid possess on a golf course so if you don’t know how to do all over the floor when there is a reel, deck or hydraulics in the it...learn. We all know how unappealing the appearance way of a filter, or under a drain plug. ” is when mowers aren’t cutting they’re best and properly I agree that working on turf equipment without the set up and adjusted reel mowers do stay sharp longer. use of a hoist can be difficult at times but with a little This once again results in decreased fuel consumption, resourcefulness, you’ll get it done. Just be sure when healthier, more disease resistant turf and less money spent using a floor jack or any other lifting device, to adequately having your reels sent out to be sharpened. support the machine before putting any part of your body JW: “I don’t buy the $45,000 greens mower. I’ve found that underneath it, every time, no exceptions. Never trust your the $20,000 basic mower cuts with the same reels and has far life to a hydraulic jack. Reels or decks can be removed if fewer parts and gadgets to fail. While they may be a little less they are in the way of an oil change and I have made up sophisticated, they are sometimes easier to work on and it sure an assortment of drain troughs out of sheet metal that beats walk mowing. ” allow me to channel draining oil away from interfering It’s hard to argue with that philosophy...sometimes less tubes, wires and hoses. As for the manufacturers, it is is more. I am a big believer in buying the best quality my opinion that they have made great strides recently that you can afford but there is no sense in paying for to improve the accessibility of maintenance points but technology that you don’t need so do your homework and there’s always room for improvement. understand the job that you’ll be asking that particular machine to do and the conditions that it will be operating Whether you work at a big city club or a small country under before you make your deal. course, we are all faced with the same issues and have much to learn from each other. My thanks to James for JW: “One of our more common issues is bent or cracked reels. allowing me to share his experiences with you and if you Having no irrigation guy means that there’s not a lot of sprinkler have anything on the go at your course that you think head leveling happening here so there is more potential to nick would be of value to your peers, simply contact me and I’ll or worse, to bend a reel. We have gone as far as to heat up be happy to get it out there. SNOW MOULD CONTROL FOR THE Thinking Super It’s a no Brainer! INSIGNIA® plus PREMIS® for Snow Mould Once the snow melts, turf problems like snow mould can rear their ugly heads, and it’s time to get to work. Or is it? Now, with INSIGNIA® and PREMIS® working together to provide superior preventative and lasting control of many turf diseases, including pink and grey snow mould, you’ll have one less thing to think about come Spring. Try INSIGNIA® and PREMIS® together. Yes, another “Thinking Super’s” solution, only from BASF. Can you afford NOT to play with these guys? For more information go to www.BetterTurf.ca BetterTurf ™ is a trademark of BASF. INSIGNIA® is a registered trade-mark of BASF Corporation, PREMIS® is a registered trademark of BASF Trademarks GMBH, both used with permission by BASF Canada Inc. © 2010 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved. Always read and follow label directions before product use. Off the fairway - Restoring Natural Areas I would hazard a guess that this has Staycations are making people spend time and money on been the best year ever if you are in the their home landscapes and more and more people want to business of selling mulch. I wouldn’t do it themselves. The truth be told, people are too broke even be surprised if I learned that may­ to go on holiday and spending money on gardens is one be we are growing trees simply so that of the first things to be axed. Those new to gardening we can grind them up into this luscious, are terrified of weeds and this year has given us a bumper organic, feel good product. Everywhere crop. They turn to mulch and run inside to hide. My by Daisy Moore I look people are painting their prop­ hope is that new gardeners will get bored with the bland erties with it. Many don’t even bother look of mulch and figure out for themselves that maybe adding plants. The current colours for mulch are brown, they should put something pretty in the middle of it. Take black and I think they call it red. I am bracing myself for a chance, live a little and in fact get excited rather than the first trendy colour, like chartreuse or emerald green, bothered if some sort of change or movement happens made available by the next marketing genius. Meanwhile in the mulching region. They will soon realize that plants plants sit on overcrowded benches in their designer pots are literally a growing investment and much pleasure and and fancy labels with sale stickers on them. If this is what pride can be gained from the ownership and nurturing of we are agreeing to call “gardening” then I might have to a garden. go back to grade one and start all over again, or maybe get Those who are not new to gardening are enjoying a on the next shuttle to Mars. fantastic season of growth and bounty. Bigger blooms, The good news is that mulch isn’t concrete, so it is taller plants and a longer flowering season to name a few. a step in the right direction from an ecological stand I can’t remember a year when I could so freely cut flowers point. However, mulch as a lawn alternative or ground for the indoors and have so many choices. This year more cover misses the point entirely. The purpose of mulch is than any other I have noticed that the difference in the to enrich and insulate the soil, for the benefit of plants. look of a property between one of a gardener and one of Mulch is an excellent way of protecting roots by way of a non-gardener is remarkably stark. You either do it with preventing water loss, stabilizing the temperature of the gusto, or you don’t. We are losing the middle ground, just root zone and preventing annual weeds from invading. like we are losing the middle class. This concerns me as a In addition to this, mulch is made up of organic material gardener who is passionate about her trade. How is it that so it will break down to add humus and nutrients to the so many people have abandoned the idea of gardening? soil. All of this is magic when used in moderation and Does it appear to be too steep a hill to climb? Have we when you don’t forget to add the plants. Plants are the made it too complicated? Why is there such a disconnect building blocks of gardens, not mulch and not stonework with the plant world by so many people? Or is everybody or patio furniture either. Plants add life, beauty, drama, just broke? I am not sure which one is worse. food, scent, provide habitat and invite other living beings to reside there with them. These are the things that make gardens sensual, useful and therapeutic. They are alive. Daisy is a professional horticulturist. She operates a garden We have all heard it on numerous occasions that design and consulting business from her home in Elora. gardening is the hottest trend there is these days. Her website: www.daisymoore.com has samples of her work. David C Smith, P.Ag., C.G.C.S. 185 Oriole Crescent Tom Margetts, t. Ag. 27 Waterloo St. New Hamburg, ON Soil & Turfgrass Consultant Gravenhorst, Ontario Soil and Turfqrass Consultant PIP 1C6 N3A 1S3 Office (705) 687-SOIL (7645) P: 519-662-2479 Fax (705) 687-3518 Toll Free 1-888-607-TURF (8873) www.innovativeagronomics.com 0 519-496-2143 dave@dcsturf.com Email: tom@innovativeagronomics.com Cell (905) 512-6004 F: 519-662-2479 Looking back 5 Years Ago Today by Barry Endicott Board of Directors in 2005 were as follows: Paul The the new representative at Saltech Ontario, Ian Bowen left Scenna, Donalda (pres.), Rob Ackerman, Weston (past The Rock to start work for Hutcheson Sand and Mixes pres.), Bob Burrows, Rosedale (vice), Sean DeSilva, Taboo, and Jason Winter went to The Rock. Barry Endicott was Jeff Stauffer, Credit Valley, Chris Andrejicka, Essex, Jarrod working at Gordon Wendover Construction and Simon Barakett, Deer Ridge, Randy Booker, Dundas Valley, Doug George was covering the GTA sales area for Maple Turf Breen, Golf North, Trevor Clapperton, Dalewood and Rob Supply. Gatto, King’s Forest. Office administrators were Dorothy Norman McCollum, Research Superintendent at the Hills, Pat Thomas and Deborah Badger. John Bladon, Guelph Turfgrass Institute retired. Norm has touched Nu-Gro Corporation, was editor of Green Is Beautiful. careers of many individuals through his involvement The Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association co­ with research and teaching in both the Short Course and hosted the 56th annual Canadian International Turfgrass the Associate Diploma program. His many friends were Conference and Trade Show at the Metro Convention invited to participate in his retirement party which was Centre. OGSA Chairman was Sean DeSilva, Jim Nix was held at Victoria Park East Golf Club. president (CGSA) and Bob Burrows was Ontario director (CGSA) . Executive Director of the CGSA, Ken Cousineau, In Memoriam: was assisted by committee members; Sean Desilva (co- chair), Paul Scenna, Jeff Stauffer, Bill Fach, Corrie Almack Keith Nisbett (1917-2005) In 1980, Keith Nisbet retired as and Marie Thorne. Rhod Trainor, Hamilton Golf and superintendent of Westview and turned the management Country Club, was selected as Superintendent of the of Westview Golf Course over to his son Colin. For Year. many years, Keith and his wife, lived in an apartment On the move: John Parker of Trafalgar moved to that overlooked the old Aurora Highlands Golf Course Beaverdale Golf Course in Cambridge. Brian Brooker in Aurora, where it all began. At the National level his was the new superintendent at Hornby Glen Golf Club support of the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association in Hornby and Ted Ellis of Blue Springs, moved to helped that association get off the ground. In 1966, Huron Oaks Golf Club, Bright’s Grove. Mark Prieur Keith became a charter member of the Canadian Golf left Markland Wood and went to Trafalgar and Mike Course Superintendents Association. The John B. Steel Pellerin went to North Bay Golf and Country Club. Ryan Distinguished Service Award was awarded to Keith, in Beauchamp left St. Thomas and went to Glen Abbey 2001, for his life long contribution to the association. Golf Club, Oakville and Wade Beaudoin took over at St. Keith also held the position of President to the OGSA in Thomas. Peter Kinch moved from Glen Abbey Golf Club 1966. to Lampton Golf Club and Dave Svab moved to Buckridge Golf Course in Markstay. Jason Pickering was the new Rene Muylaert (Life Member) passed away on May 7th in superintendent at Tamarack Ridge Golf Club, Putnam Strathroy. His big break in the golf design business came in and Jason Bindi took over as superintendent at Nobleton 1960 when he was asked to be the greens keeper for a new Lakes Golf Club. Bob Heron retired from Beacon Hall course to be built, the Chinguacousy Country Club, (now Golf Club in Aurora, and Paul Scenna was hired as his the Caledon Country Club). The architect originally hired replacement. Scott White, who was Paul’s assistant at for the project declined and the developer asked Muylaert Donalda, took over as superintendent. Brian Taylor went to step in and design the course. A year later, Muylaert was to Mystic Golf Club in Ancaster and Tim Steen of Vanden asked to design nearby Glen Eagle Golf Course and, by Bussche Irrigation, joined Engage Agro. Josh Dewar was 1965, golf course design had become a fulltime endeavor. The bulk of Muylaert’s work can be found in the Greater trophy to Bruce Burger with a 72. Other scores were Toronto Area, just north of the GTA and throughout Scott Gardener 72 and Paul Scenna 76. Dr. Switzer had southwestern Ontario. Courses include Diamond Back, just recently been inducted into the Ontario Agricultural St. Andrew’s Valley, Horseshoe Valley, Nobleton Lakes, Hall of Fame for his contributions in various positions in Pheasant Run, Hawk Ridge, Heritage Hills, Tangle Creek, agriculture that resulted in the creation of the Guelph Sparrow Lakes and Peninsula Lakes. Turfgrass Institute. The OTRF Fundraiser Golf Tournament was held at Mac Frost passed away on March 30th. Mac owned and Eagle’s Nest Golf Club in Maple on August 2nd, hosted operated, Cedar Brae, Parkview, Brookwood, Spring Lakes by Brent Rogers. The 60th Annual Alex McClumpha and Vespra Hills. He was a member of the OGSA and Tournament was held at Lakeview Golf Course hosted by CGSA and the winner of the John B. Steel Distinguished Bruce Burger. Low scores were Thom Charters 71, Bill Service Award in 1993. He was inducted into the Ontario Fach 75, Rick Trainor 77, Rhod Trainor 78 and Tom Golf Hall of Fame in the builders category in 2005. Mac Brain 79. Thom Charters won the George Darou Trophy was also a founding sponsor of the Guelph Turfgrass presented by Turf Care. The Can/Am Challenge was held Research and Information Centre. at Point West Golf Club on May 2nd hosted by Lamont Anderson. 1st gross winning team was Kelly Barnet and Ted Charman passed away during the summer . Ted had Adam Spence. The Americans retained the cup with 16 been the superintendent at Toronto Ladies, London Hunt 1/2 to 13 point victory. The 37th Presidents’ Day was and The National. held at Scarboro Golf and Country Club, hosted by Keith Rasmus. 1st place winning team was from North Halton, The Spring Field Day was held at the Guelph Lakes Dean Baker (superintendent), with a score of 120. The Golf & Country Club on Monday June 20th , hosted by Don Pro Super was held at Dalewood Golf and Curling Club, Heinmiller. Dr. Clayton Switzer presented the winning with Trevor Clapperton as host. Providing the Canadian and International golf communities with a progressive design philosophy and dedication to quality Corrie Almack P.Ag. Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 201-902 8th Street Phone: 403-678-6980 Canmore, Alberta Box 256, Carlisle, On Fax: (905) 689-8522 Fax: 403-678-3841 Canada Email: kains@kainsgolfdesign.com LOR 1H0 Email: c.almack@sympatico.ca T1W2B8 Web: www.kainsgolfdesign.com Darryl James Certified Golf Irrigation Designer Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor ISA Certified Arborist 0N-1152A OIA Technical Agrologist T. Ag LARGE TREE SALESAND RELOCATION phone: (416) 873-9648 Phil Dickie - ISA Certified Arborist 15 Walmer Road. Suite 401 pdickie@fastforest.ca Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2X1 arborturf@gmail.com www.arborturfsolutions.com 270 Shoemaker Street, Kitchener, ON N2E 3E1 P: (519) 748-6610 • F: (519) 748-6626 • www.fastforest.ca Turf or consequences by Doug Breen, Superintendent Golf North Properties The Decline of Social Discourse Many years ago, I read an article from a 1920’s magazine Another side effect of texting, is some of the poorest spelling lamenting that the influence ofjazz music, flappers, and the and grammar since the invention of public education. Not demon rum, had plummeted the level of public discourse only can my kids and their friends not spell, but they don’t to an all time low. Men were “no longer tipping their hats see any reason why they should learn how to spell. Which to ladies on the street”, and phrases like “Good evening” brings me to profanity. I coach football, and am trainer had been replaced by atrocities like “Hi-ya champ”. There’s in hockey for Bantam aged boys, and they have mouths an even older quote about children of the day “tyrannizing on them like long haul truckers. And truckers are better their teachers” and “disrespecting their elders”. The author, spellers. Socrates is going to come back and haunt us. Socrates, was concerned that the young people of his day But this decline of public discourse is ubiquitous. It’s not were “more interested in idle chatter than exercise”. I just young people. The clientele that I see every day at the suspect that both authors’ concerns were legitimate, but I course, used to carry themselves with a certain degree of can’t imagine what they’d think if they were still alive today. civility and elegance. Not any more. They’re getting more Yesterday I sat through a “working business lunch”; a rude, more aggressive, and more demanding every year. euphemism that we’ve developed for the fact that employers The pro shop and grounds staff get at least one really good no longer think it unreasonable to expect you to continue tongue lashing a week - generally about something well out to work all day without breaks. I figure that the “working of their control. In one month, we had three different beer bathroom break” isn’t far behind. Considering how many cart attendants come into the clubhouse crying because of people answer their emails in there already, we’re easily things that were said to them by golfers. Not harassment halfway along. During that lunch, there were long spells of issues, but calling them stupid. Yelling at them for not time where no one was actually talking, but rather, all four coming around enough, or conversely, coming around too of us were madly typing emails to other people who were much and distracting them. The day that you find yourself also having working lunches (or in bathroom stalls), while berating a young girl who brings you ice cold beer on the thumbing away on their keyboards. One email was from the course and reducing her to tears - it’s time for some serious guy across the table from me. He thought that it would be soul searching. Socrates would kick your arse. easier to forward me an email sent from the guy sitting to In the end, I’m not sure that things are any worse now than my right, than for one of them to just tell me what it said. they were in the 1920’s or in ancient Greece, but I certainly Socrates would not have been impressed. know how those two men felt. I also have seen the decline When I was a kid, we ate every evening meal at the kitchen of public discourse in my lifetime. But the generation after table - everyone in their appointed spot, and the TV firmly the 1920’s has been called “the greatest generation”, and one in the “off’ position (even though it was in the other room). of the troublesome students that Socrates was complaining The only time I was ever allowed to watch TV during a meal, about turned out to be Plato, so perhaps it’s just the way it was the day that Richard Nixon resigned his Presidency. We has always been. I still wish they wouldn’t wear headphones didn’t even answer the phone during dinner, and this was in public though. years before answering machines were invented. Instead, we had conversations and learned manners. I wouldn’t have the courage to answer an email at my mother’s dinner table even now, and she’s in her seventies. Krista the kids and I, are only home for dinner at the same time about three nights a year, because someone’s always rushing from work to hockey, to football, to horses, to sleep. But at least when we do sit down to a meal, even if it’s poutine in the lobby of an arena, we have a very firm, “no electronics while eating” rule. I’m glad to see how many courses have banned their use within the clubhouse, I only wish they’d ban them from the course entirely. I’ve waited many times for someone to take their putt, as they talked far too loudly on their cell phone. There ought to be a basket at the front gate to leave them in (or a wood chipper). The rule among my friends, is that we only use electronics within one club length of the golf cart, no closer to the hole. I think it should be a two stroke penalty for ignoring that guideline. Socrates is turning in his grave. 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