Fall 2011 Green is Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association Ash Trees: A strategy to control their greatest threat ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: OTRF - Green Supporting Green Sand Traps: The Nocturnal Guestbook Soil Monitoring at Your Fingertips CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OCSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON N1L 0H2 Scotiabank Convention Centre NIAGARA FALLS,ON JANUARY 18-20,2012 2012 ONTARIO GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW Registration is OPEN! Early bird deadline: December 1,2011 Whether you're just starting out or you're an established industry veteran, you won't want to miss this opportunity to network with your peers, enjoy the sights and take advantage of three jam-packed days of seminars, continuing education and fun events! Program highlights for this year's event includes: KEYNOTE SPEAKER James Westrick, Rockhurst University Leading from the ground up & keeping your team on course PRESENTATIONS: Dr. Joe Vargas, Michigan State University Summer stress and how to culturally, chemically and nutritionally manage it Dr. Thomas Nikolai, Michigan State University Turfgrass: the environment and the golf course Dr. Frank Rossi, Cornell University What I've learned from a decade of reducing pesticide use Dr. Katerina Serlemitsos Jordan and Dr. Eric Lyons, University of Guelph Managing Poa Annua/Mixed Bent and Poa Greens Mark Prieur, Trafalgar Golf Club & Phil Scully, Granite Golf Club Presentation of the IPM Toolkit for holding your public meeting www.golfsupers.on.ca for the full schedule of events PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Green is am sure that many superintendents will be glad that this Beautiful I season is finally winding down. 2011 was definitely a season of extremes. There were record spring rains, record summer The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Editor heat, record summer rains and, in some spots, record dry Justin Parsons spells. I think if we can learn anything from this year, it would justinparsons@engageagro.com be the importance of adhering to sound cultural management Publisher & Advertising Manager programs. I have spoken to dozens of our peers throughout Terry Davey by Chris Andrejicka, the province and those who survived the extremes well were terry@blenheim.ca Essex Golf & the golf courses that continued to practice sound cultural Country Club Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 102 programs. Now, heading into fall, it will be very important to Administration Manager continue those programs in preparation for the winter. Diane Davey Over the past two months, I am sure many of you have been audited by the firm diane@blenheim.ca hired by the IPM council. From my experience during our audit, I found that Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 103 the process was much more thorough than anticipated. I believe this is good for our industry to show how educated and experienced we are in pest management Production & Design and that we are responsible land stewards. The OGSA board, through our weekly Jeanette Thompson Clippings brief, informed everyone that the IPM council reported to us that many jeanettethompson@mac.com courses have still not registered into the IPM program. You, as a superintendent, Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 101 have an obligation to have your course registered. There have been two clubs that I know of that have been issued stop spray orders because of failure to hold Green is Beautiful is published four times a year (November / March / June / August) a valid pesticide licence. The orders are being issued by the MOE. Failure to by Blenheim INK for: follow Ministry guidelines is punishable by a possible $50,000 fine. The time to complain and criticize the new pesticide law is over. It is our responsibility to comply. The OGSA board has a seat at the table with the IPM council and we are providing input to improve the program for our members. With this year coming to an end, so to is my term as your President. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the board and the friendships I have developed with many superintendents across the province. Membership Ontario Golf Superintendents' growth still continues and is strong. This year we have seen a large increase in Association event participation and our new executive manager has brought a wealth of Guelph Turfgrass Institute experience and innovation to our association. The OGSA is very strong and, 328 Victoria Road South looking forward, I am confident that the board will continue to be outstanding Guelph, ON N1L0H2 advocates for our profession. I encourage all members to register and enjoy our Tel: 519-767-3341 upcoming conference in Niagara Falls in the New Year; it’s shaping up to be Toll Free: 877-824-6472 quite spectacular. Let’s hope for a friendly winter and a safe holiday season. ■ Fax:519-766-1704 Email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca www.golfsupers.on.ca Published by: Blenheim INK Adminstration Office: 4305 Fairview Street, Suite 232 Burlington, ON L7L 6E8 FSC www.fsc.org Production Office: MIX 1727 King Street East, Paper from Cambridge, ON N3H 3R6 responsible sources Toll Free: 1-877-618-8696 FSC® C008820 Fax:519-340-0293 Photo credit: Virginia Kinney at Mad River Golf Club, Creemore, ON www.blenheim.ca INSIDE THIS ISSUE ASH TREES: A STRATEGY TO PROTECT AGAINST EAB................ 16 Green is Above the Hole ........................................................................................ 21 Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Editorial Message ..................................................................................... 5 From Roots to Shoots............................................................................. 11 Golf Course Highlight - Oshawa Golf & Curling Club .................. 15 Health & Safety ........................................................................................ 10 Looking Back ............................................................................................ 29 Member Profile - John Bontje...............................................................12 Off the Fairway........................................................................................ 26 On the REEL Side of Things.................................................................... 28 On the Road Again ................................................................................. 25 President's Message ................................................................................. 3 Second to One .......................................................................................... 22 Summer Scramble..................................................................................... 8 Technically Speaking............................................................................... 24 The Wild View........................................................................................... 23 COVER PICTURE Turf or Consequences ............................................................................. 30 Markland Wood Golf Club University of Guelph Update................................................................ 19 Main cover photo credit: What's New...................................................................................................6 DarrylJames, ArborTurfSolutions GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL INDEX OF ADVERTISERS EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Justin Parsons Alan Dolick Agrium Advanced Technologies ........................................................ 31 Paul Grotier Alliance Agri-Turf......................................................................................9 Jason Hanna Almack Agronomic Services Inc.......................................................... 22 Scott Horsburgh ArborTurf Solutions ............................................................................... 24 Braemar Building Systems.................................................................. 14 Green is Beautiful 2011 DCS Agronomic Services ...................................................................... 22 Although every effort is made to check material Douglas Wood Large Tree Service...................................................... 14 for publication, the association is not responsible for material published on behalf of its contributors. Fast Forest ................................................................................................ 21 All rights are reserved by the publisher and any reproduction in whole or part without the written Green Horizons Group of Farms........................................................ 14 permission of the publisher is prohibited. Although some trade names may be mentioned Innovative Agronomics Inc................................................................... 21 in articles contained in this publication, no endorsement is intended or implied by the Ontario IPM golfpro .............................................................................................. 29 Golf Superintendents' Association. Master's Turf Supply Ltd........................................................................ 24 Ontario Seed Company ........................................................................ 13 OGSA is committed to Turf Care Products Canada - Irrigation ........................................... 12 serving its members, Turf Care Products Canada.................................................................. 32 advancing their profession, and United Agri Products Inc.......................................................................... 5 enriching the quality Vanden Bussche Irrigation .................................................................. 27 of golf and Zander Sod Co. Limited.......................................................................... 7 its environment. EDITORIAL MESSAGE he threat of foreign pests disturbing environmental standpoint, but also from an economic one. T the balance of local ecosystems and Most recently in Ontario, the emerald ash borer has habitats here in Ontario is nothing new. become a major concern in many parts of the province. Perhaps the most famous example is Confirmed in Toronto in 2007, this pest has the potential the Dutch elm disease that started to wipe out every single ash tree in the city by 2017. Already spreading across our province over this pest is costing homeowners thousands of dollars as they four decades ago. Since that time, over are forced to remove infected trees on their property. For 80 per cent of elm trees in Toronto golf courses, this means a threat to both playability and by Justin Parsons, alone have been lost. It is interesting to aesthetics, not to mention the cost associated with removing Engage Agro Corp. note however, the province of Alberta dead ash trees. has the highest number of elm trees I spoke with several individuals within the industry unaffected by this disease in the world. This is largely due regarding this issue and responses have been quite varied. to knowledge and subsequent prevention. The important thing to realize is how your actions, or lack In more recent years, we have seen several other foreign thereof, can affect your neighbour and how their actions invaders attack the biodiversity of our waters and forests. impact the next person in line. The easy thing to do is Plant species such as purple loosestrife and giant hogweed not care. But sometimes by doing nothing, we make the have disrupted local wetlands. Invertebrates like the zebra problem worse. By allowing an infestation to run through a mussel have been wreaking havoc in aquatic ecosystems. property simply because ash trees aren’t valued, only serves On dry land, the concern over the Asian long horned beetle to feed the pests’ proliferation through our province. has been well documented the last few years. It’s certainly not in the budget for everyone to strategically The problem with foreign pests establishing themselves in map the trees on their golf course and then devise a other areas is that it represents a disruption to the natural preventative treatment plan. But there are other, much order. Since they originate in other parts of the world, they more inexpensive ways this pest can be discouraged. I think are free to proliferate here void of their natural predators. if history has taught us anything, the best thing we can do The consequences can be devastating, not only from an is educate ourselves and that really doesn’t cost a thing. ■ ZERO-LOAD PREMIUM WATER MANAGEMENT OFFERS TOOLS FOR YOUR GOLF COURSE TURF ADVANTAGES • 2 Formulations Available - Respond 3 Liquid Disease control: dollar spot, and Respond 3 Granular brown patch & anthracnose • Protect your Greens, Tees, and Fairways - Great IPM tool from Localized Dry Spot, Drought Stress and - Short re-entry, getting Excessive Moisture on the course sooner • More Uniform Water Distribution Throughout the Root Zone For more information see your turf input supplier or log onto www.uap.ca for label information Ontario: 1-800-265-5444 Ontario: 1-800-265-5444 www.uap.ca Always read and follow label directions. Rhapsody" is a registered Respond 3 is a registered trademark of United Agri Products. trademark of AgraQuest, Inc. Always read and follow label directions. WHAT'S NEW by Sally Ross, OGSA Executive Manager SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR Sincere congratulations go out to Ken Wright, Devil’s Pulpit GA who was recently awarded the CGSA’s Superintendent of the Year Award. SUPERINTENDENT RECOGNITION PROGRAM As part of the Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Board of Directors recognition program, Mike Pellerin, Superintendent, Jay Honeyball, left, OslerBrook Golf & Ray Richards from Mad River Golf Club is Country Club, host Superintendent of the 66th presented with the George Darou Trophy at the North Bay Golf and Country Club was Alex McClumpha Memorial Tournament is 66th Alex McClumpha Memorial Tournament. recognized as the host superintendent presented with a plaque from Mark Prieur, Ray won with a score of 89. for the Investors Group, Senior OGSA Director and Superintendent at Women’s Amateur Championship. Trafalgar Golf & Country Club. conference structure and recommend FROM THE OFFICE changes to benefit both the OGSA, The OGSA Board of Directors met the delegates and exhibitors. in late October for two days; a day The OGSA directors meeting of Strategic Planning with facilitator also included some new initiatives Steve Randall, Senior Manager of for OGSA, most notably to offer a Chapter Outreach from the GCSAA, benefit plan to members including followed by a Board of Directors health, medical, dental and long-term meeting the following day. disability through Morneau Sheppell. Through the strategy session, decisions were made to assure the The board also approved a continued growth of the organization. comprehensive review and re-write Some short and mid length goals were of the OGSA by-laws, which over set, and included, but were not limited the years have become difficult to to the following: interpret and, at times, repetitive. The restructuring of “portfolios” Changes were also required to the into committees, and the decision to by-laws to make them non gender garner the involvement of interested specific, to allow for current practices Stu McMillan, Lively Golf Club left, presented members as well as members of the such as electronic communications to Mike Pellerin, right. Board of Directors on working sub­ and online meetings, and included committees. a cleanup of old language. The The goal to outline each combination of the Secretary position OGSA AGM committee’s purpose formally and with Treasurer, and compliance with The OGSA Annual General Meeting in writing. In order to provide all OGSA letters patent which state there is scheduled to take place on January committee members with clear and should in fact be 11 Directors on the 20th, 2012 7:30 AM at the Scotiabank concise objectives. OGSA Board. A lawyer has been Convention Centre in Niagara Falls. The intent to form a conference consulted with regard to some of the The full notice of meeting, taskforce which would include more intricate clauses. appointment of the nominating participation from all segments of All by-law changes will be posted committee and the nomination form the OGSA membership associates, on the OGSA website for members to is available on the OGSA website at assistants, and superintendents. This review prior to seeking their adoption www.golfsupers.on.ca group would review the current at the upcoming AGM in accordance with constitutional requirements. ■ Welcome! OGSA Welcomes our newest members Matthew Adams Class C Osprey Valley Resorts Norley Calder Class F Deer Ridge GC OTRF Tournament Raises Robert Clark Muskoka Lakes G&CC Class C $27,000 for Turgrass Research Jeremy Hubbard Class F Deer Ridge GC lubLink’s Greystone Golf Club C was the venue for the Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation’s Trevor Morvay Trafalgar G&CC Ryan Robertson Class C Class C annual golf tournament, with over Midland G&CC $27,000 raised for turfgrass research. Anthony Schirru Class S In addition, the Golf Association University of Guelph of Ontario generously presented a UPI Energy LP Class E $45,000 donation on behalf of their Blake Sicard membership. Host Superintendent Adam Trenton had the course in impeccable L-R: Grant Murphy, National Golf Club of Canada, Deni Terenzio, Hawk Ridge Golf Club, condition, in spite of some heavy rains. Adam Schuller, New Course Construction, Jay Delivering superior sod The tournament Low Gross winner Honeyball, OslerBrook Golf Club and quality service was Trevor Parkes (Turf Canada) and the Low Net winner was Vesko is due to the remarkable contribution Gueorguiev (Royal Ontario Golf from sponsors. Platinum sponsors Club). The success of the tournament, were Turf Care Products and Green in addition to the full field of players, Horizons Group of Farms. ■ Assistant's Tournament Recap No. 1 Kentucky Bluegrass Premium Bentgrass n September 26th, the annual The big winners were Ryan O Assistants Tournament was held Roberston, Midland Golf and Country at Pheasant Run Golf Club in Sharon,Club who won the Turf Canada Vegas Extreme Fescue Custom grown sod available Large or small rolls Ontario. We could not have asked Golf Experience Trip and Alan Dolick, Healthier, greener sod for a better fall day, with mid-twenty Dundas Valley Golf and Country degree temperatures and sunshine. Club who won a trip to FarmLinks in The course conditions were terrific, Alabama donated by Agrium Advanced so a big thank you goes out to Technologies. This event could not Superintendent Andrew Hardy and have happened without our sponsors his maintenance staff. so we extend a big thank you to them. Phone:877-727-2100 There was a three-way tie for first Platinum Sponsor: Agrium Advanced Website: www.zandersod.com place at 14 under par after 18 holes, Technologies; Gold Sponsor: Turf 17525 Jane St.,RR#1 so a putting contest was required to Care; Silver Sponsors: G.C. Duke Kettleby, Ontario | LOG 1JO determine the winner. In the end, Equipment Ltd., Bayer Environmental the team from Riverbend Golf Club Science, Nutrite, Ontario Seed Call us about our Turf Services retained the title. Company, Envirosol and AllTurf. ■ Summer Scramble by Sally Ross, OGSA Executive Manager Cancer Foundation. Flight A winning team, with a 15 he second annual OGSA Summer under par was Jamie Spencer, Scott T Scramble was held August 30,2011 at Springfield Golf and Country Club Gardner, Mark Trudell and Graeme Calder. Flight B winning team was in Guelph with host superintendent father-son combo Scott and Paul Ray Dlugokecki. The weather was White, with Dan McAllister and Paul picture perfect: warm, breezy with no Halk with a 10 under par. Chris Andrejicka’s group tee off at the Golfers Green hole in support of the Children’s Cancer humidity. A welcome change from the Rhod Trainer took the Golfers Foundation. dog days of summer. Green closest to the pin prize, and Touted by many to be “the most Justin Parsons took the closest to fun tournament the OGSA holds”, the pin prize donated by Jonathon the Summer Scramble is a friendly Forbes, Club Pro. The raffle for a competition. The wide range of suite at Blue Mountain to attend the golfing skills and diversity of attendees Alex McClumpha Memorial Golf contributes to its success. Tournament on October 3, 2011 The Summer Scramble is a great way was won by Doug Davidson from to reward assistants and technicians Glencairn Golf Club. Winners for after an arduous summer and it was the Longest Drive team prize for obvious a number of clubs did just flight A were Paul Scenna, Bill Fach, that. The faculty at the GTI thanked Ken Wright and Rob Ackermann and their summer students with a day for flight B, OGSA’s past Executive Chris Andrejicka, left, presents plaque to Ray of golf out at Springfield. Special Manager Dorothy Hills, with Katerina (Duke) Dlugokecki, Host Superintendent thanks goes to Ray Dlugokecki, Frank Serlemitsosjordan, Rob Gatto and Jeff Lizzotti, General Manager, Jonathon Alexander took the prize. The MC for the event was John Forbes, CPGA Pro and all the staff at Prize donations were gratefully McLinden, Ladies Golf Club of Springfield for a terrific day! received from Frank Lizzotti, from Toronto and he thanked everyone for OGSA members and guests also gave Springfield, Graeme Calder from their participation. back. Golfer’s Green ran a hole in Plant Products, Mike Kehoe from No matter what your skill level, the one and closest to the pin challenge. Nutrite and Darren Schuett from Summer Scramble is one of the best $1,232.00 was raised for the Children’s Skyway Lawn Equipment. ways to wrap up the summer. ■ Deer Creek Wins Slo-Pitch Tournament he annual Plant Products slo­ the lights, the Deer Creek offense T pitch tournament was held on August 20, 20fl at Turner Park in was sparked by an early grand slam from Brogan, and they continued Hamilton. to roll throughout the game. Deer Twenty-six teams started the day Creek won the championship game with a chance at the title. After the 13-3, avenging their second place round robin, and several playoff finish last year. rounds, the final four matchups Golf carts for the day were donated pitted Deer Creek versus Rattlesnake, by G.C. Duke and Hornby Glen and Diamond Back versus Glen transported them. Tournament Eagle. Deer Creek beat Rattlesnake, Winning team Deer Creek. sponsors were: BASF, MANA, Bayer and Diamond Back edged out Glen Environmental Science, Lebanon, Eagle in a close game to set up a rematch of last year’s final. Under Aquatrols and Par Aide. ■ Green Supporting Green 8112 KING RD.WEST by Dr. Brenda Nailor, OTRF Director through personal memberships and BOLTON, ONTARIO L7E5T3 sponsorships. Finally, the Ontario “13, 12, 15, 23”... do you hear Golf Superintendents Association 1-800-268-4425 • 1-905-857-2000 that? It’s the sound of a (OGSA) is one of the organizations researcher counting larvae in a turf that recognize the value of turfgrass www.allianceagri-turf.com test plot. Local research is important research by making an annual Cost Effective Custom Blends to address issues encountered by all contribution from their membership. Water Soluble, Granular, Ontario turf managers. The Ontario The contribution from the OGSA can Liquid & Organic Fertilizers Turfgrass Research Foundation make the difference in funding an (OTRF) funds projects addressing extra project a year. Bulk Spreader Service nutrient and water management, The money from the OGSA Full Line of Turf Chemicals emerging pests, pest control, turfgrass is generated from proceeds of species and cultivar evaluations. membership dues and attendance For further information call: OTRF needs your help! at the annual Ontario Golf Course Simon George Management Conference and Technical Sales Input is needed from superintendents Central Ontario, GTA & Niagara Region and industry associates to assess the Trade Show. When you attend the 1-519-841-3378 priorities for the turfgrass research conference you directly support OTRF funds. On January 25, 2012 at turfgrass research relevant to Ontario Mark Schneider 10 am, the OTRF Turfgrass Research golf courses. And, the research creates Technical Sales Priority Setting Workshop will be held new technologies or techniques to Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. be adopted by the golf industry. For & Muskoka Region Attendance is a must to be part of example, counting leatherjacket 1-519-372-5181Rae Murray the team to set a course for turfgrass larvae may lead to a biological research in Ontario for the next five control of this invasive pest. As an years. This interactive workshop is an added bonus, the research dollars Technical Sales opportunity for turfgrass stakeholders, support students that will mature into North East GTA & Eastern Ontario professionals in the industry, bringing 1-416-819-3404 researchers and related industry participants to develop turf research expertise for years to come. Dave Magee recommendations relevant to present How can you help? Technical Sales environmental and regulatory • Attend the OGCM Conference & Ottawa Valley conditions. The resulting prioritized Trade Show on January 18-20, 2012 1-613-286-5199 research recommendations will be • Attend the turfgrass research forwarded to interested researchers priority setting workshop on January for future turfgrass research funding. 25, 2012 and voice the concerns and The OTRF, in conjunction with other challenges of golf course turfgrass turfgrass funding agencies, strive management to ensure that industry’s turfgrass • Play in the annual OTRF golf concerns are met by providing tournament funding to turfgrass research projects • Become a member of the OTRF identified as research priorities. for $75 (or more if you are feeling How are the funds generated generous) for the Research Foundation? • Make a donation and get a tax Hopefully you’ve heard about, receipt or played in, the Annual OTRF • Volunteer for the Board of Directors Golf Tournament. Entry fees and of the OTRF generous contributions by the Contact the OTRF office for more turfgrass industry suppliers make up details at d.conrad@otrf.ca or 519- a large part of the funding. People 824-4120 ext 56149 or check out the and companies also donate funds OTRF website at www.otrf.ca ■ HEALTH & SAFETY Driver Safety - Handheld Electronic Devices ith changes to the Highway Traffic Act in Ontario, and create and enforce written guidelines addressing W employers should be urging their employee drivers to prevent tragedy on our roads by putting safety first and employee use of electronic devices while driving. They must also provide proactive training of employees about avoiding all driver distractions. appropriate operation of electronic devices and improve Employers have an obligation to remind all drivers that driver education. These are significant components in although they can’t control weather or road conditions, securing safety on the roadways by addressing the hazards what they can control is their own safe driving habits. of using cell phones or other electronic devices while This includes taking more responsibility by utilizing safe driving. Driver education should include training about driving techniques and being cognizant of the many eliminating or, at least, minimizing driver distractions driving hazards. and to show the horrendous impact a slight distraction The Ontario Road Safety Annual Report (ORSAR) can have when a crash occurs. Employers must reinforce for 2005 identified that there were over 71,800 persons the effects that death or sustaining a lifelong injury, injured in collisions and 230,258 reportable collisions on including brain damage, may have on the families of the Ontario roadways that resulted in 766 fatalities. Motor victims, the employer, and the community at large. vehicle incidents are one of the leading causes of work Many employers I have talked to believe that since related fatalities and are on the rise. These tragedies the law states the use of handheld electronic devices can be prevented by avoiding driver distractions such as is prohibited, they, as the employer, don’t need to do inappropriate use of electronic devices while driving. anything since they believe the worker will be held To address the issue of the growing number of driver accountable by the courts. What employers forget is distractions, including the increased use of electronic that when a worker is at work and operating a motor devices, the province of Ontario changed the Highway vehicle for the organization, they are the organizations Traffic Act making it an offence to drive while using responsibility. As a result, the organization may be liable handheld electronic devices in motor vehicles. for any incident they have, even in their own vehicle. In September, the Ontario Provincial Police blitzed If injury or death occurs, this responsibility will be tested the province for distracted driving and I expect that the in the courts and employers will be required to show they results of this blitz will determine future enforcement have a program in place and the affected workers were action. trained. Employers will also need to prove that the policy This danger was put high on my agenda last week when was enforced. This all starts with well-developed policies a young driver who was texting while stopped at a traffic and procedures that are clearly communicated. light accelerated and crashed into the back of my vehicle. With winter coming on, safe driving habits become even Yes, he was stopped. He glanced up at the green light and more important. So take the time now to evaluate your accelerated. What he failed to see was that no one in front vehicle operator policies and set the standards before an of him had moved. Fortunately, there were no injuries, incident occurs. but the damage was extensive. It certainly reinforced the If you need assistance, please give me a call. This need to always be aware of the traffic conditions. Even season is almost over, now is a good time to prepare for when stopped at a traffic light. next year. There is no longer any debate on cell phone use in Have a safe autumn. Take care and drive safely. ■ vehicles. As a result, employers now have an obligation to ensure their safety programs include procedures for DougJohnson, Consulting, Safety and workers and owners to control their use of handheld First Aid Supplies, WHMIS Training electronic devices. It is strongly recommended employers SAFETAID ensure all drivers be aware of the hazards associated with Tel: 519-837-0997 distracting devices. Fax: 519-837-1996 Employers must evaluate their current practices Email: doug@safetaid.ca FROM ROOTS TO SHOOTS Getting Your Turf Through Winter ow your turf survives winter is influenced by a very This is a bit earlier than previous recommendations. H complicated suite of factors that include turfgrass species, cultural practices, micro-climate or micro­ The last recommendation to do with insuring the maximum amount of winter hardiness is to maximize environment and weather. There are many forms of winter the amount of light that turf receives. This can be done injury and there was a review of these in the Spring 2010 by pruning deciduous trees and removing evergreens to issue of Green is Beautiful. In this current edition, Katerina allow for maximum light penetration. Increased sunlight Jordan has written in depth about the role thatch plays also results in lower tissue moisture and increased cell wall in overwintering of turf and how to successfully control thickness in turf, both of which contribute to increased thatch. In this article, I will focus on the other management winter hardiness. practices and add a few tidbits about the weather so far and The turfgrass species on your greens is very important too. its’ possible impact on turf survival this winter. Annual bluegrass is genetically inferior to creeping bentgrass The goal going into the winter is to maximize cold when it comes to winter hardiness. A fully hardened annual temperature hardiness. Plants develop cold hardiness bluegrass plant will survive in temperatures of -20⁰C, where by storing carbohydrates (sugars) that they make during a fully hardened creeping bentgrass plant will survive in photosynthesis. These sugars are stored in cells of the crowns temperatures as low as -40⁰C. During the winter or in early and roots of turfgrass plants. The turfgrass plant uses these spring, a rise to 8⁰C for 48 hours is enough to de-harden sugars as an energy source to get through the winter. The annual bluegrass making it susceptible to winter injury. plants ability to make lots of sugars is affected by the amount The micro-environment that allows for standing water on of leaf area, the amount of fertilizer and the amount of a green during the winter or spring will reduce the chances sunlight. You can help your turf produce the maximum of the turf surviving the winter. This can be controlled amount of carbohydrates by raising mowing heights during by modifying the rootzone mix, alleviating compaction late summer through the fall. The analogy here is that through aggressive aeration with a Verti-Drain or some you are building a bigger factory for the turfgrass plant so type of solid tine deep aerator. Increasing surface drainage that it can produce more product - sugars. Another factor is very important, but it requires a major renovation to that affects the amount of sugars that a plant produces is accomplish this. Something to keep in mind if you have the fertility status of the plant. The greener it is, the more greens that sustain winter injury year after year. chlorophyll it has. It is the chlorophyll in the plant that What role does weather play in the development of cold allows it to absorb sunlight and combine carbon dioxide hardiness? Well, quite a bit actually. For turfgrass plants with water to produce sugars (remember Grade 9 biology). to maintain maximum winter hardiness they need to be Nitrogen produces greener turf, so more nitrogen means exposed to freezing temperatures in the late fall. The more photosynthesis, which means more sugars. Increasing amount of rain also impacts winter hardiness. Plants that the amount of sunlight that turfgrass receives by reducing are a bit drought stressed going into the winter have more shade also increases sugars, which in turn increase winter winter hardiness than plants that have received too much hardiness. moisture. So far in Ontario, we have had very few hard There have been debates around the practice of frosts and we have had lots of rain. So, the weather to date late fall fertilization over the past five years within the is not helping to contribute to maximum winter hardiness turfgrass research community. My take on it is that the of turfgrass plants. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the recommendations from the mid-to-late seventies do not rain will stop and we will have some frosty days to help the reflect what we now know about nitrogen leaching, so the turf harden off to have its best shot at surviving yet another rates have been lowered. Recent research results recommend Ontario winter. ■ roughly .25kg/100m2, which reflects the maximum amount of water soluble nitrogen that a plant can take up before leaching occurs. There is also new information about the Pamela Charbonneau timing. For turfgrass plants to take up nitrogen from the OMAFRA Turfgrass Specialist soil there needs to be water moving into the plants through The Guelph Turfgrass Institute the roots. For this to happen, the turfgrass plants need to be Guelph, Ontario transpiring, so there needs to be a measurable ET for this to Email: pamela.charbonneau@ontario.ca occur. The timing probably needs to be mid-late October. MEMBER PROFILE John Bontje could intertwine his love for golf with by Alan Dolick, Assistant Superintendent his passion for the outdoors into a Dundas Valley Golf & Curling Club wonderful career in the turf industry. Since Bontje had already attended the ometimes a calling in life finds University of Guelph, and had received S you long after you went looking for it. This is true for John Bontje, a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, he was able to complete the one year Superintendent at Thunder Highlands turf program and get his new career in Cedar Point, Ontario. Bontje never off the ground very quickly. would have thought in his early years After completing his year at that he would end up a golf course Guelph, he started working at superintendent. Born in Woodbridge, the Board of Trade Golf and Bontje figured he would work in the Country Club near his home in farming industry in some capacity. Woodbridge. Over the next three Up until the time he was in his mid­ years he would jump around quite thirties, that is exactly what he did. For a bit. He left Board of Trade GCC years Bontje worked as a salesman in for the assistant’s position at the the livestock industry until he realized Oshawa Golf and Curling Club. He it was time to make a change. John Bontje with his dog, Gilmore. then became the superintendent at That’s when Bontje decided he The most advanced, most durable and most flexible irrigation products. Built for today’s golf courses. The right choice. Turf Care Products Canada 200 Pony Drive, Newmarket, ON L3Y 7B6 • PH: 905-836-0988 • FAX: 905-836-6442 LONDON Ph: 519-668-7664 • Fax:519-668-3722 MILTON Ph: 905-836-0988 x 7048 • Fax:905-636-1513 TURF CARE GLOUCESTER Ph: 905-836-0988 x 5501 • Fax:613-822-2099 www.turfcare.ca Helping your business grow. Circled Pine Golf Club in Borden. what should we do?!” exclaimed the that has carried John through his life It was at Circled Pine where Bontje distraught member. Bontje’s advice and now into his successful career in knew that he would much rather be was simple, “keep playing”. This story the turf business. In the 20 years he out of the busy GTA and in the slower perfectly illustrates his wonderfully has been in the industry, John Bontje paced Georgian Bay area. “When relaxed approach to life. has shown that with a great attitude, I was growing up, Woodbridge was “Treat people the way you want to a friendly demeanour and positive much smaller and quieter than it is be treated,” he offers as advice. It is outlook on life, anyone can find their now, and that’s the way I liked it”. this motto and his relaxed outlook own slice of personal paradise. ■ After spending two years as the superintendent at Circled Pine, John moved to the beautiful Shelburne Golf and Country Club. It was here, after being in the industry for about IN THE HOT SEAT 5 years, Bontje finally took up some roots. He married his wife, Mary, now Q - Favourite major Q - Favourite movie of 16 years and has two teenage boys, A - The US Open A - Bull Durham Jackson and Kevin. It was during his time at Shelburne GCC that Q - Favourite piece of Q - Favourite meal John decided to get involved with turf equipment A - Prime Rib the Georgian Bay Superintendent’s A - Lightweight fairway mower Association where he served nearly 10 Q - What's in your CD player years on the board of directors before Q - Favourite golf designer right now? holding his current position as the A - Doug Carrick A - I have never bought a CD association’s president. in my entire life Bontje would spend 11 years at Q - Ultimate foursome Shelburne before taking his current A - Lee Trevino, John Daly, and my Q - Rate your home lawn on a scale job at Thunder Highlands outside brother of one to ten (1 worst, 10 best) of Midland. It was here that John A - Seven stumbled upon his dream job. In Q - Lowest round and where many ways Thunder Highlands is a A - 1 under par at Circled Pine GC Q - What would you envision truly unique and wonderful place. It yourself doing if you weren't is a five hole private facility that has Q - This year's Stanley Cup pick? working in the turf industry? no clubhouse or beverage cart, just A-Habs! A - Salesman Bontje, his two staff and plenty of dogs. Bontje is able to bring his puppy to work every day, which isn’t unique in our profession, but what is, is the fact that members are able to bring their pets with them during their Premium Products for all rounds of golf. Your TurfNeeds “Each hole is named after one of the owner’s dogs and the ownership PO Box 7 encourages the members to bring Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z6 Tele 519-886-0557 theirs along and enjoy the property”. Fax 519-886-0605 But dogs are not the only creatures that occupy the property. Bontje 1-800-465-5849 recalled once he was at home on a www.oscturf.com Saturday afternoon and received a call from a frantic member, “there’s a bear cub in the ditch on the fourth hole, We Sell & Transplant Large Trees with tree spades ranging from 34-90" Members of C.G.S.A. and O.G.S.A. Owner Paul Hanousek certified arborist. Moving your trees since 1980. to perfectly Fit hundreds of jobs We grow Premium Bluegrass with a high density, dark green colour, www.douglaswood.ca or choose a Dwarf, Low-Mow Bluegrass for fairways and sports fields, or check out our newest exclusive blends including Eco-Turf Mixture™ a self-fertilizing sod for environment-sensitive areas. See all 12 sod specs on-line at: 1 800.353.3019 www.JustSodit.com T.519.856.2771 • F. 519.856.1447 P.O. Box 339 Rockwood ON . Hamilton Sod Compact Sod Canada NOB 2K0 (905) 389-1315 (519) 653-7494 Mount Hope Cambridge 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 GOLF COURSE HIGHLIGHT Oshawa Golf & Curling Club 160 Alexandra Street Oshawa, Ontario L1G2C4 Tel: 905-725-9511 shallard@oshawagolf.com www.oshawagolf.com Golf Course Superintendent: Steve Hallard Assistant Superintendent: Matt Booth Equipment Manager: Chad Smith Horticulturalist: Lynn Anderson Photo credit: Courtesy Oshawa Golf & Country Club, Hole #1 COURSE PROFILE A CLOSER LOOK About the Course What You Need to Know This century old layout with its thousands of mature trees and Predominant Grass Type: Poa/Bent well manicured fairways and greens is 'the hidden gem of Durham Region'. Predominant Soil Type: Clay/Silt Established: 1906 Type of Greens: 1 USGA, 1 California, 16 Push-up Original Architect: George Cumming Recent or upcoming construction: Completed were five bridge crossings over six years, new driving Type of Club: Private range and chipping area and new maintenance shop. Over the next five years, renovation plans include a full bunker renovation, Size of Membership: 455 Full, 150 Junior compliance requirements for PTTW and a new irrigation system. Number of Holes: 18 Course Lenght: 4,954-6,596 yards Number of Rounds Annually: 36,000 Size of Property: 145 acres Practice Facility: Full driving and chipping range Size of Greens: 2.5 acres Biggest Course Challenges Size of Tees: 2.2 acres The high number of rounds annually on a small property make it Size of Fairways: 29 acres difficult to distribute traffic and also the miserable bunkers. Ash Trees: A strategy to control their greatest threat Written by Darryl James, Arbor Turf Solutions With an ever-evolving global marketplace, foreign pests are entering Canada at an alarming rate. The most recent of these foreign pests, the emerald ash borer (EAB) is threatening native tree populations and changing the ecosystems in which we've become accustomed to here in Ontario. Left: Ash Tree by David Cappaert, Michigan State University; Above: EAB, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Forestry Archive, Bugwood.org lthough this issue has not They lay eggs on and in the bark feeding on the larvae. A received a great deal of attention, crevices from late May into July, with it is important for our industry to beegg hatch occurring three weeks Despite increased awareness and control efforts, this pest continues to aware of this pest and the damage later. There are four instar stages, spread and has now become a concern it can cause. Before we look at all of which feed on the phloem, for golf course superintendents what can be done, it is important to cambium layer and sapwood (new with ash trees on their property. understand the history of the EAB wood) of the tree. They tend to bore Since many golf courses planted and its life cycle. further into the tree as they mature, ash trees following the demise of This pest was first found in North cutting off the transport of nutrients the American Elm tree from Dutch America in June 2002, in southeast and water. This larval tunneling elm disease in the late 1960’s, these Michigan. Not long after, it was eventually leads to dieback of the trees can comprise up to twenty five determined the beetle was also tree from the top down. per cent of tree populations on most present in Windsor, Ontario. It is Larvae stop feeding in the fall and established golf courses. believed that the EAB first arrived overwinter in the tree. Pupation Some studies have estimated that through improperly treated wooden occurs the following spring, with within the next five to ten years, all packaging material from Asia. adult emergence starting mid­ ash trees will be dead in Southern Since then, it has likely been spread May. Mating occurs 7-10 days after Ontario. Although the extent of the through firewood and logging emergence with females producing damage in Ontario remains to be operations. Although several bans an average of 70 eggs. seen, there is no doubting the severity and quarantines on the movement Although many feel as though of this foreign pest. The spread of the of ash materials are now in place it may not be an issue in their area Emerald Ash Borer across our province in parts of Ontario and Michigan, yet, it is important to recognize that could be potentially devastating to the its development to other areas is tree mortality may not occur until aesthetics and playability of many golf progressing. In 2002, EAB was several years into the infestation. It courses. spotted in six Michigan counties. is difficult to spot damage in the first At Markland Wood Golf Club, where Now, populations have been seen year, but there are several signs there ash trees represent approximately in at least 40 counties. EAB has also may be an issue. Exit holes in the fifteen per cent of the tree population, been seen in parts of Indiana, Ohio bark, prolific production of seeds, Golf Course Superintendent Owen and Maryland and appears to be epicormic shoots, cracks in the bark, Russell, myself, and other members of moving east through Ontario. as well as vertical tunnels under the his crew set out to manage their Ash Adults are metallic green in colour bark are all symptoms. You may tree population. and about 8.5 mm to 13.5 mm in notice an increase in woodpecker length, with a long, slender shape. populations as well as they enjoy continued on page 18... This page, left: To create a visual of the potential impact an EAB infestation would have on the property, Ash trees were marked with orange tape during the inventory phase. Right: Each Ash tree which had been treated was marked with Yellow tape. Photos by Darryl James ...continued from page 17 First, the adult feeds on the leaves, thus ingesting the pesticide, which inevitably decreases their egg laying viability. Secondly, the few larvae that do survive egg hatch feed on the cambial tissue, ingest the pesticide and then die. The rate of the product depends on the populations and pressure in your area. Low rate is 2 mL and high rate is 5 mL per centimeter diameter of tree at breast height. With the cost of Treazin at approximately $700 per litre, a mid sized Ash tree would cost approximately $100-200 in product only. The biggest downfall with the TreeAzin is applied using the Ecojet system. Photos by DarrylJames injection process is how the weather At the time of treatment, the only information pertaining to ash trees will impact the speed in which the pesticide registered in Ontario for throughout the entire golf course. trees will uptake the chemical. On the preventative and curative control Once the information was collected a warm, breezy day with a relatively of EAB was TreeAzin. This product is for an ash tree, Owen suggested we higher ET rate, an Ash tree will take up derived from the seed of the Neem use orange marking tape on each ash the chemical in a matter of minutes. tree (Azadiracta indica) and has tree to show the membership how On the other hand, a cloudy day could been used to control multiple species many ash trees existed throughout the result in the chemical being taken up of insects for centuries. TreeAzin is golf course. This was a fantastic idea in over an hour or longer. distributed by Bioforest Technologies, since it provided the membership When these trees were treated, they and is injected into trees with the with a visual of the potential impact were then tagged with a yellow marking use of their Ecojet system. Markland to the property if all these trees were tape to identify that the treatment was Wood Golf Club purchased the unit infested with EAB and eventually cut done. This allowed the membership to be able to inject their own trees down. With that said, this marking was to provide recommendations of other and provide a financial benefit when done in co-ordination with intense ash trees they thought should be further treatments are warranted membership communication weeks treated. In the winter of 2011, Owen and prior, so that each and every member To date, there has been no evidence I began to determine the data we didn’t think we were going to cut every of EAB located at Markland Wood Golf wanted to incorporate in the tree tree down on the property. Club. We are continually monitoring inventory. Some of the information we Once all the ash trees were counted for their presence and our goal is to collected included: number of trees, and tagged, it was discussed what trees be proactive in the removal of infected tree species, diameter at breast height the membership would like to treat. ash trees. This puts less pressure on (DBH), location, municipality (the With all the tree information already the treated Ash trees and their survival golf club is partly located in Toronto, collected, it was very easy to forecast rate will be increased. and Mississauga), foliar condition, the exact cost in material to treat a Emerald Ash Borer is a major threat structural condition, ash treatment specific number of trees. to all ash species throughout Ontario. date, debris, and pruning history. A Ash trees that provided important The potential loss of many valuable priority was also placed on collecting barriers from neighbouring properties trees on each and every golf course data on the total number of ash trees and golf holes, along with strategic in Ontario will drastically impact the and their diameters at breast height trees in terms of impacting playability playability and aesthetics of many (DBH) before finishing the entire were given priority for treatment. All Clubs. Remember that the easiest way inventory. We could then accurately this was done with an ultimate timeline for these insects to relocate to new forecast the budget requirements of completion by mid-May to mid-June areas is through the movement of based on how many trees the because that is when the adult beetle firewood. Do your part by not giving membership chose to treat. emerges from the tree and begins to away any ash firewood to members After the attributes were planned, I feed on the leaves. This provides the and burn and chip any ash on site started conducting the tree inventory best control due to the longevity of the to help manage EAB populations. in the spring of 2011. While counting pesticide in the tree, along with the Effective management of the insect is trees on the front 9, there was a products ability to impact two stages crucial and will hopefully preserve a specific focus on collecting all the of the EAB’s development. native species from a foreign pest. ■ U of G UPDATE Thatch and Winter Hardiness - More Related than You Might Think As the 2011 season is drawing to a close, many of you are reparing or have already prepared your turf for the p winter ahead. Winter preparation is such an important part of turfgrass maintenance here in Canada and can mean the difference between a good season and a really bad one come spring and summer. Pam Charbonneau of OMAFRA does a greatjob of putting together tips and ideas for winter preparation so I will not get into methods in this article. Instead I will discuss one of the factors that can affect how well your turf survives a harsh winter, as well as how quickly it is able to green up in the spring; your thatch levels. I am confident that everyone reading this article is well aware of the negative issues that can arise from an excessive thatch Figure 1. Effect of weekly topdressing application on thatch-mat depth layer, yet I would argue that many of you may not deem it from the start of the study (2007) toward the end (2010). * Denotes a important enough to fix the problem - especially at the risk significant difference between treatments of reducing the turf quality and playability even for only a week or so. The purpose of this article is to discuss excess thatch within the context of how it affects winter hardiness as well as to go over some remediation methods based on results from a four-year study that we have just completed at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute (GTI). Excess thatch and mat (organic matter intermingled with soil) can reduce winter hardiness in a number of ways. First and foremost, soil protects the crown and roots of the plant from extreme temperature shifts such that rapid freezing events in the fall are less likely to harm a plant surrounded by soil. Thatch and organic matter have much Figure 2. Proportion of organic matter in the top 2.5 cm vs. the bottom larger pore spaces than soil alone and therefore are less 2.5 cm between plots that had weekly topdressing applied and those that likely to buffer extremes in temperatures, making the plant had none. more vulnerable to sudden shifts such as freeze events. This is especially important in the fall, if rapid decreases in temperature occur before the plant has had a chance to harden off. It is also important in the spring, when freeze­ thaw events are most likely to occur and a buffered plant is going to be more protected than one anchored by thatch. Another issue that can arise from having excess thatch layers is the development of a shallow root system. Because the pore spaces in thatch layers are quite large, the roots are able to grow more easily within that layer and often will not penetrate the soil layers below. This is primarily an issue in the summer months, especially in uncharacteristically warm years like 2010 and this past season, as a shallow root system does not allow for access to moisture deep in the soil profile. Figure 3. Effect of weekly topdressing application on thatch-mat layer over ...continued on page 20 time. Plot 403 had topdressing applied while 404 did not. ...continued from page 19 However, a shallow root system also reduces winter hardiness as roots are less buffered (as mentioned above) and less able to access available water in the spring to allow for rapid recovery from winter damage. Finally, excess thatch is often associated with compacted soil beneath that layer and this can lead to reduced water infiltration and reduced root penetration in the soil. Pooling water in the fall can lead to more ice sheet formation and the slew of issues that can surround that scenario. However, it is even more of an issue in the spring, when snow and ice start to melt and reduced infiltration lead to pooling and problems with anoxia (lack of oxygen to the root system) and crown hydration injury. Many of you have already put your turf to bed for the Figure 4. Effect of weekly topdressing application on infiltration rate over winter, but the tips outlined below will work for both winter time. * Denotes a significant difference between treatments. prep as well as preparation for the upcoming season next spring and summer: days. In addition, both practices were conducted in the A study was conducted to determine the ideal shoulder seasons when play would be reduced relative to combination of practices for thatch reduction on a mixed the summer months. Also, during the spring and fall, the species golf course putting green. We examined the turf would normally be growing well and able to recover effects of core aeration at two different core diameters, quickly from any damage the cultivation would cause. vertical mowing at various depths, solid tine aeration and Annual implementation of these practices should ensure combinations of the above all with and without weekly a healthy stand of turf, both during the growing season topdressing application on reduction of thatch depth over as well as heading into the winter months, allowing for a four-year period. greater winter hardiness and more rapid spring green-up. Results indicated that none of the treatments applied For more information on winter preparation, please see reduced the depth of the thatch layer significantly when Pam Charbonneau’s article in this issue as well. compared with the control plots (where no treatments Hopefully this article helped to illustrate some of were applied). However, when percent organic matter the problems surrounding excess thatch that we don’t (OM) was calculated, it was determined that both large normally think of, especially related to winter injury. In hollow tine aeration (1.59 cm diameter at 5cm x 5cm addition, I hope that the results of our study will help spacing in the spring and fall) as well as a combination of with the development of your cultivation programs and core aeration in the fall and vertical mowing in the spring implementing practices to reduce some of that thatch and (2 cm depth) reduced organic matter in the top 5 cm mat layer, improve infiltration, and improve the health of and subsequently increased infiltration rates significantly. your turf in general. ■ Results also indicated that although weekly topdressing led to a significant increase in thatch/mat depth, this practice Acknowledgements: Special thanks to the Ontario Turfgrass diluted the percent OM of the mat layer, especially in Research Foundation, the Quebec Turfgrass Research the top 2.5 cm of the rootzone (Fig. 1-3 ). Additionally, Foundation and OMAFRAforfunding ofthis project. Also thanks over time, topdressing significantly improved infiltration to the research team of Dr. Eric Lyons, Pam Charbonneau, Alex rates (Fig. 4) and as mentioned above, this can reduce J. Porter and Dr. Ken Carey for intellectual input, technical the potential for ice sheet formation and winter injury in assistance and statistical analysis. general. The results of our study suggest that thatch reduction is best achieved with a combination of large-tine core Dr. Katerina Jordan, PhD. aeration, vertical mowing and weekly topdressing during Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Science the growing season. Although turf quality and playability Dept, of Plant Agriculture, (measured by ball roll distance) were adversely affected University of Guelph by the two cultivation practices recommended (data not kjordan@uoguelph.ca shown), these effects were short-lived, lasting only 10-14 ABOVE THE HOLE s the summer heat subsides and the leaves begin to Turfgrass Symposium this November 25th from 8:30 am- A fall, so brings the return of weary turf students from their internships to the classroom. Although I was enjoying 12:30 pm at Cutten Fields clubhouse in Guelph. More information is available from the website: www.guelphturf. my season spent in Norton, Massachusetts working at com and all RSVP’s can be directed by email to guelphturf@ TPC Boston, I had secretly been anticipating my return to gmail.com. school to get back into the grind, and I wasn’t alone. After For those who are interested, I have listed some industry kicking back with my classmates and recapping our summer events which the Guelph Turf Club will be attending this experiences, we all agreed this coming school year would year. There are sponsorship opportunities still available, so be the meat and potatoes of our skill set development. if you or your company wish to help us achieve our goals The curriculum in second year begins to focus on turf please contact Aaron Hill (ahill06@uoguelph.ca ) or myself diseases, insect pests, business administration, management (cshaw04@uoguelph.ca), as we are both managing the turf philosophy and human resources. We are now nine weeks club account this year. deep into our semester and I can’t tell you how impressed • 2012 Ontario Golf Course Management Conference I am with everyone’s commitment to learn and devotion to 8c Trade Show - January 18-20, 2012. Scotia Bank achieve their best. Attendance levels are way up (faculty Convention Centre, Niagara Falls opinions may vary) and it seems everyone has something • Ontario Turfgrass Symposium - February 22-23, 2012. to offer when we move into class discussions on topics Rozanski Hall, Guelph University from IPM to budget management to changing industry • The Experience at FarmLinks - Sylacauga, Alabama paradigms. • GCSAA Industry Show and Turf Bowl - February 27- This year I am fortunate enough to live in a house with March 2, 2012. This will be the second time Canada three other ‘turfies’ who share my passion for this profession. has ever competed in the Turf Bowl. We are hoping to It seems like every waking moment we are debating and arouse more interest and recognition in Canadian turf discussing different cultural practices, summer experiences, studies on an international level. class information, and different articles that we encounter That’s all for now. Wishing everyone a great season ending in trade journals or turf magazines. We have even linked and a smooth winter close down. ourselves into social networks like Twitter (@cshaw04; Note: Our Turf Club meetings are usually held on @kevinmoores; ©speakeasy) and have begun following Thursday from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Crop Science building superintendent tweets from all over the world. I am very on the University of Guelph campus. Everyone is welcome proud to be a part of our particular class because we all just and if you feel you have a unique or interesting topic from seem to “get it”. We work hard, we study hard (once again, which students could benefit, please feel free to contact faculty opinions may vary), we support each other and, Hilly or myself. ■ most importantly, we have fun together. I think our class has raised the bar for expectation in terms of what it means to be a turf student in the Associate Diploma program at the Cam Shaw, student and intern University of Guelph. Turfgrass Management Program This fall also saw the arrival of the new first year students University of Guelph in the ADTM program. They are a handsome bunch with Guelph, Ontario a wealth of experience and a lot of promise. As tradition Email: cshaw04@uoguelph.ca holds, they will be putting on the student-run Ontario LARGE TREE SALESAND RELOCATION sban Tom Margetts, t. Ag Phil Dickie-ISA Certified Arborist here Turf and Soils Consultami for tom@innovativeagronomics.com pdickie@fastforest.ca more info p: 519-662-2479 270 Shoemaker Street, Kitchener, ON N2E 3E1 c: 519-496-2143 P: (519) 748-6610 • F: (519) 748-6626 • www.fastforest.ca www.innovativeagronomics.com f: 519-662-2479 SECOND TO ONE The School of Hard Knocks by Chris Bouwers, Second Assistant Superintendent and will help develop or improve your skills. Credit Valley Golf and Country Club Cultural practices and the ability to perform them with very little disruption to the playing schedule can also be difficult. There are times when you will have two shotgun s fall approaches and another season draws to a tournaments in one day, yet still need to perform certain A close, I contemplate what I have learned since the completion of my education. Having acquired my diploma practices in between or during the tournaments. Weather can play a major role as well, as stretches of rain, heat or in Turfgrass Management from The Pennsylvania State humidity may affect when you need to spray. University in 2008, and having spent my time since then Course construction and renovation projects are an as the second assistant at Credit Valley Golf and Country excellent way to improve your knowledge of both turf Club, I realize I have grown immensely in both knowledge management and the property. Taking pictures of utilities and understanding. or irrigation and drainage being installed can be valuable We all know that irrigation is a vital part of turf information for the future as they provide a reference of management. Auditing and frequent inspections of your the work that has been done. It is important that greens, irrigation system are very valuable practices for developing tees, fairways and bunkers are constructed in accordance an efficient use of water on your course. Through auditing with recommended specifications and that the changes you will most likely find that ten minutes of water on one allow for ease of routine maintenance moving forward. green is not the same as ten minutes on a different one. Staff management, consisting of hiring and daily Frequent checks to make sure that not only all the heads are interactions, is an aspect of the job that can be very coming up, but that they are also turning is very important. challenging, yet very rewarding if approached and Knowing when water is required as well as how much conducted in an appropriate manner. Although very little is needed is a skill very few people possess when coming time is spent covering these situations in class, determining out of school and starting work. Based on experience who is the best person to fill a position and getting the most with hand watering, one tends to recognize when turf is out of staff members is a very key part of the job. Back when under stress. However, using a soil probe is an incredibly I was in school, a graphic was shown depicting all of the valuable tool for identifying problems before they become vital nutrients to plant health. Our professor stressed how visually apparent and more difficult to treat. Repairing the plant suffers if one nutrient is lacking, even if all of the irrigation is a difficult topic to cover in a classroom; on site rest of the nutrients are present in ample amounts. I feel as learning and experience is a must. Fixing a leaking pipe though this also applies to staff management. The health or sprinkler head can be difficult as well as frustrating at of the department will be limited by what is or isn’t being times. Moreover, electrical issues can have you pulling out put into it by all staff members. your hair and wondering where on your one hundred plus Although school and my first four years have taught me acres of property the problem might be. However, there plenty so far, I have no doubt I will be continuing to learn are beneficial books on the topic that can aid knowledge for the rest of my career on the golf course. ■ David C. Smith, p.Ag., C.G.C.S. 185 Oriole Crescent Soil & Turfgrass Consultant Graven hurst, Ontario Corrie Almack P.Ag. PIP 1C6 Office (705) 687-SOIL (7645) Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 Fax (705) 687-3518 Toll Free 1 -888-607-TURF (8873) Box 256, Carlisle, On Fax: (905) 689-8522 Cell (905) 512-6004 dave@dcsturf.com LOR 1H0 Email: c.almack@sympatico.ca THE WILD VIEW Sand Traps: The Nocturnal Guestbook t’s that time of year - shorter days and less time to the nights are cold, the sand will warm up to the days sun I complete daylight tasks on the course. Often we will and retain that heat into the evening, attracting all kinds of have more to contend with in these days of shortened light, wildlife activity, both predator and prey. including wildlife. It’s fall, and we have already seen an This particular course is very diverse in wildlife activity. increase in Canada Goose populations We identified the coyote presence was across the province. Even on courses very strong on certain areas of the course. within city boundaries, the increase in Tools used during an We had to move them from their comfort goose traffic from rural areas due to zones to the areas where the racoons were hunting and less human traffic on their assessment can be used feasting on turf. Over the course of a ‘green’ buffet tables. But what about seasonally to determine week, we pre-baited pork ribs on 4' stakes other wildlife which take advantage of which were placed systematically along the less daylight seasons. How do they adapt the wildlife pressure a edge of the green space towards the area on our sites, and how do we manage their course will be exposed to of desired control. As predicted, the bait populations in order to keep a healthy and the possible direction was taken each day. The week also allowed balance? the application of grub killer to take effect Previously, I touched on assessments and for effective management. on grubs, ultimately removing the food how they are critical in an overall wildlife source. Upon the 5th night of control, we program. Tools used during an assessment set up more bait stations in the area, in can be used seasonally to determine the the event raccoons would also be attracted wildlife pressure a course will be exposed to pre-bait stations. To confirm our goal to and the possible direction for effective of attracting the predators, coyotes, to management. An effective, common sense the prey, raccoons, we installed field approach is visual monitoring of activity. cameras. The cameras showed that the Last year, on a regularily serviced course coyotes were very much in the area. Now located between Milton and Burlington, the monitoring of the damage would take a raccoon situation arose. The raccoons place to see if the coyote presence moved were turning over sections of turf on a the raccoons out. Observations showed fairway, causing issues for golfers and the both short-term and long-term results as turf department. In this instance, the question for the turf no further evidence of racoon activity was evident. More managers was how to deal with the problem. They knew importantly, no further damage the entire year following. they had hundreds of raccoons in the vast forested area The benefits of using this natural means of control, with on and around their course. To catch and release the few an integrated approach: culprits digging for grubs would only invite more to come • Allowed for successful results with no further turf in and feast where the others left off or the others would damage simply return to continue the damage. • Humane approach and results As a regular customer, we knew they had other wildlife • No time required for checking of trapping devices and activity on site, some predator, some competition for food disposal or relocation of trapped animals source. One obvious factor in control was to remove the • Most importantly, more time for turf staff to focus on food source, grubs, as soon as possible. The other needed other priorities that they do best. ■ control was to remove the predation on the grubs by the raccoons and prevent skunks from moving in and taking Michael von Kaitz, C.Q.C.S. / C.G.M.P. claim to this area and other areas of course as well. Owner / National Consultant We assessed the wildlife activity by simply monitoring The Wildlife Management Group Inc., areas where signs of wildlife activity could be seen - the Burlington, ON sand traps. An excellent source for monitoring wildlife, Phone: 1-888-557-5855 sand traps show wildlife activity by the tracks animals leave behind. In the spring and fall when the days are warm and www.wildlifeteam.ca TECHNICALLY SPEAKING Soil Monitoring at Your Fingertips — Irrigation Soil Sensor Systems op playing conditions and strong healthy turf are a • Reduce water usage T result of properly timed agronomic practices. With • Ability to manage salt conditions every course having many of its own unique microclimates • Optimize timing of aerification and seeding that require separate water, fertility and cultural inputs to Areas that are too dry or too wet can be monitored and optimize turf health, this goal can be challenging to deliver irrigation adjustments can be made accordingly. The on a day to day basis. Especially with ever-changing soil effectiveness of the previous night’s irrigation can be clearly conditions due to fluctuations of weather. identified through reviewing the moisture graphs. You can A tool that would have the ability to collect and monitor detect exactly how deep the water penetrated the root zone. course conditions quickly across the property would assist Alarms can be set to reveal when certain soil temperature, course managers to efficiently manage varied conditions moisture or salinity levels are reached. and provide better control over growing and playing You can also setup irrigation to water until a certain conditions. Toro and Rainbird have come to the plate to moisture level is reached by a specific sensor by tying it into help deliver this level of precision course management with your central control. To maximize irrigation effectiveness, the introduction of their new soil sensor systems. the irrigation cycle will not terminate until a pre-determined This technology provides crucial information about the moisture level is reached in the soil. course before it affects the health of the turf. Monitoring Soil salinity may be an issue at some courses. By using the your courses hot spots can now be done without breaking salinity monitoring function, courses can identify when salt a sweat. The data is collected and compiled into a user levels have reached a threshold where an irrigation flush is friendly and easy to view software system. With a click of required. a mouse, these systems are capable of measuring real­ Each system is easy to install and can be used as a time data instantly across your property. Soil moisture, standalone system or integrated with your irrigation central salinity and temperature readings at the root level are control. Once the system is installed, the level of precision instantaneously delivered to your computer or handheld will depend a lot on how many sensors are installed. A device for an instant snap shot of what is happening out starter kit may include a handful of sensors. You could start on the course. You will have precise knowledge of how and off with some of your problem green locations and add when moisture is entering and exiting the soil to help you more sensors in the future as budget and time permits. ■ avoid many damaging conditions. Turf professionals agree that the ability to accurately monitor the condition of the root zone allows them to Jim Flett, B.Sc. (Agronomy), AGS® more quickly and efficiently correct issues with irrigation, Golf Course Superintendent maintenance and soil management before symptoms Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club appear on the grass. Some of the benefits include: • Improved turf quality Phone: (705) 765-3165 • Disease prevention Email: jflett@mlgcc.com • Ability to manage heat stress Darryl James Certified Golf Irrigation Designer Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor ISA Certified Arborist 0N-1152A OIA Technical Agrologist T. Ag phone: (416) 873-9648 23 Hocken Ave. www.mastersturfsupply.com Toronto, Ontario, M6G 2K1 P.O.Box 629 Office: 519-510-TURF (8873) arborturf@gmail.com www.arborturfsolutions.com 80 William St. W. Fax:519-510-8875 Harriston, ON, NOG 1Z0 Email: mastersturf@wightman.ca ON THE ROAD AGAIN The Life and Times of a Salesman few months back, my blackberry crashed and I was This was the time to gather my thoughts and to prepare for A left stranded without means of communication for a couple of days. Not a great situation to be in, especially my next call. It’s not like that today. Q: Wasn’t communication with a customer harder when you’re in sales. While I was talking to the head of without access to these new technologies? our IT department, trying to fix my phone issues, I asked him, “How did people function before cell phones?” He DD: I used to have home phone numbers for all of my quickly answered that they had pagers and had to pull off customers. If I couldn’t reach them on their office line the road to look for a pay phone. I then wondered, ‘what from the phone booth, I would call them at home to book about before they had pagers?’ This is where I got the appointments and to return their calls. Maybe by being a inspiration for this column. I wondered how a salesman’s former superintendent I was able to build a rapport with my job has changed over time and what role technology has customers pretty quickly, but it was never a problem calling played. With that, I called a sales veteran, Dave Dick, them at home. They knew if I didn’t call them at night, at formerly technical sales representative for Scott’s Pro Turf home, I might not be able to ever reach them. Cell phones from 1977 to 2007. definitely helped as auto traffic got worse to the point of facing constant gridlock; I was able to call a customer to Q: How did your job as a salesman change over the tell him I was running late. The old days of looking for a span of your career? phone booth and finding it occupied, or worse, finding one DD: The basic premise of sales hasn’t really changed at that was out of order, I was happy to have behind me. Fax all, but the way we do business certainly has. Sales is all about machines, scanners and the computer were huge additions building relationships, delivering good products which fill to respond to customers immediately. But I would do all customer’s needs, and providing good service before and of that in my office at home at night, not constantly during after a sale. That part hasn’t changed, but technology has my entire working day and making calls as well! All the new definitely changed how we do business. Expectations are technology was certainly useful, but customer expectations much higher for everyone involved. In the old days for have become so high. To be honest, I’m happy I didn’t example, a rush quote or delivery meant that we absolutely have all of these technologies throughout my entire career. had to have it in the customer’s hands in 4-5 days. Not I would have gotten an ulcer. today. Customers can access you instantly and expect you Q: In what other ways have you seen the golf industry to take care of their needs instantly. change? Q: How exactly did technology change your job? DD: Protecting the environment. But that is definitely DD: Two things come to mind: increased access to a good thing. There wasn’t much thought put into spot information and definitely increased stress. When I first treating in the past. What was IPM back then? If one had started, access to information was limited and today’s an issue on his golf course, he would spray “wall to wall”. technology was virtually non-existent (I saw my first Clearly, today’s practices are better for the environment and calculator, believe it or not, in 1975 and was amazed at what I have to say that superintendents have done an excellent it could do.) Superintendents used to rely more on sales job in changing their ways. reps for technical information. We passed along what we DD: I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all my had seen and heard at other courses. The internet now former customers. Because of them I had a successful provides tons of information to superintendents and the career that would never have happened without their level of education has definitely gotten better. Secondly, support, and I would not have changed a thing. They the stress level has drastically increased. Sure having a cell made it all worthwhile. ■ phone enabled me to return a call ASAP which I couldn’t do before. But today, when I see sales reps responding to emails, texting and dealing with problems while driving Paul Grotier to their next call, it just seems so stressful. The younger Agrium Advanced Technologies people have grown up with the technology and it is all they Phone: (416) 508-6115 know. But for myself, I remember what it used to be like Email: pgrotier@agriumat.com and would definitely have trouble today. I used to look www.turfpro.ca forward to the peaceful, quiet time driving between calls. Off the fairway Sunningdale Golfand Country Club Photo by Theresa Hachey Unique and Inspiring Challenges all has arrived and with it brings mixed emotions. For F me it is the joy of having Saturdays off once again, but also the melancholy of dismantling my favourite pot of the season to replace it with frost hardy mums and kale. This is also a great time of year to reflect on the season and celebrate our accomplishments. There has been a lot of talk this year about the landscaping difficulties caused by the cold wet spring and the dry July, but in the midst of this and other challenges, there have been many goals accomplished and, in some cases, our gardens have even surprised us. And that is what we are celebrating. We offer many thanks to everyone for their contributions. Rosedale planting combination of: Coleus (mixed varieties), African SUNNINGDALE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB Marigold, Geranium ‘Violet’, Geranium ‘Neon Pink’, Canna ‘Pretoria’. Gardener: Theresa Hachey Photo by Rebecca Roy Tim Webb, our superintendant, wanted more bulbs, so can become waterlogged. The past couple of years, I have I ordered LOTS of bulbs for 2011. When this planting of added soil amendments to improve drainage. Coupled with bulbs came up (pictured above), it was fabulous. I got so many the long, hot summer, this year’s planting did well! compliments like, ‘stunning’, ‘lovely’, and ‘outstanding’. After seeing this, people were inspired to plant bulbs. That HAMILTON GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB is my purpose, ‘to inspire’. I received a lot of inquiries about Gardener: Jo Ann Smith-Gibson the Fritillaria imperialis on the left. The window boxes at the Pro Shop have always been a ROSEDALE GOLF CLUB bit of a problem area for me. They face west and would Gardener: Rebecca Roy appear to get a good dose of afternoon sun. But they have awnings over top of them and, in the past, sun loving flowers This bed is in a high-profile area, viewed from inside the have never done well. However, shade loving plants like club’s restaurant (immediately to the left in the picture) as impatiens or even sunshine impatiens always find the brick well as from adjacent outdoor dining areas. From inside the wall a little too hot. To add to the problem, these window restaurant, the first hole can be viewed beyond the garden. boxes are in a high traffic area of the club and require three The bed is surrounded by a clipped boxwood hedge. seasons of planting. So, in the past, I always did spring bulb In contrast to the formality of the hedge and fountain, I displays, followed by summer annuals like coleus, which wanted to plant something informal, bright and colourful then had to be quickly replaced at the first nip of frost with with some variation in height, while keeping in mind the mums. This can be an expensive proposition. view to the golf course beyond. However, this year, more by accident than good planning, The challenge with this bed is the soil is very heavy and I added some lamium, coral bells and sedum to the standard One of two window boxes in a tricky location at the Pro Shop at Hamilton Drought tolerant Audubon initiative garden at York Downs Golf and GCC. Photo by Jo Ann Smith-Gibson Country Club. Photo by Stephanie Osborne daffodil and pansy spring planting. The perennials took off PORT CARLING GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB with the lamium sending off a wonderful display of their blue Gardeners: Clare Kuehner and Bella Vagnini flowers. With the lousy wet/cool spring the pansies lasted The combination well into the summer creating a very lush display very early chosen here was the in the season. I eventually pulled out some of the pansies perfect fit for the small and added some red dragon-wing begonias, and trailing 1 x 3’ area between a verbena to the mix. With some regular deadheading, the lamium has continued with its blue flowers. rock and a hard place The window boxes have never looked so full. More at #4 tee deck. The importantly, by adding the more expensive perennials in mauve of the Scaveola the spring, I saved a lot of re-planting costs come summer compliments the and fall. It’s something I hope to do again next year. Ajuga’s two tone leaf while the spider plant YORK DOWNS GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB brings in light when Gardener: Stephanie Osborne in bloom. The deep purple of the Clematis This particular garden, situated near a Par 3, gives the ‘Etoile Violette’ (not membership time to stop and enjoy the plants. Russian shown) completes it. ■ Photo by Clare Kuehner Sage, Balloon Flower, Barberry, Lambs Ears and Liatris are the main attractions and are flourishing. Since we are Brenda Forder, Head Gardener Audubon Certified, the plant selection favours the water Donalda Club, Toronto, ON conservation initiative, but is not favoured by the resident deer. The garden is only a year old and already looks full Phone: (416) 447-5575 x 273 and mature. These plants are all low maintenance and Email: bnoble@donaldaclub.ca require full sun, which is ideal for such an open area on the www.donaldaclub.ca golf course. Rain Bird Integrated Control System Simple and Reliable Below-ground Irrigation Control Milton 1-800-263-41 12, King City 1-866-703-5464, Scarborough 1-416-289-3635 www.vandenbussche.com email: info@vandenbussche.com ON THE REEL SIDE OF THINGS The Tools of My Travels inter is coming and you should be taking stock ofjust OXY/ACETYLENE TORCH: Used almost entirely for W what attention your fleet will need over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition into the next lighting various flammable objects in your shop on fire. Also handy for igniting the leftover grease inside of that roller growing season. With safety in mind, now is the time to from which you want to remove a bearing race. review shop tools that may not have been used recently, but HYDRAULIC FLOOR JACK: Useful for jacking a piece will undoubtedly be called back into service real soon. So of turf equipment by its wheel motor or any number of here are some common tools you would likely find in most other precarious positions, only to find the jack handle in turf department shops, their definitions, and some useful the way of the flat tire that you’re trying to remove. tips and pointers about their possible uses. TWO-TON ENGINE HOIST: A tool for testing the DRILL PRESS: A tall upright machine that usually sits maximum tensile strength of everything you forgot to in the far corner of the shop that is useful for suddenly disconnect before attempting to remove said engine. snatching that piece of metal bar stock out of your hand PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER: Normally used to stab the so that it smacks you in the chest, causing you to spill your vacuum seals under lids or for opening old-style paper-and- large double-double all over yourself. tin oil cans and splashing oil on your shirt. They are also WIRE WHEEL: Cleans paint off bolts and then throws excellent for stripping the heads out of Phillips screws. them somewhere under the workbench with the speed of STRAIGHT SCREWDRIVER: A tool used mostly for light. Also removes fingerprints and hard-earned calluses opening paint cans. Sometimes used to convert common from fingers in about the time it takes you to say, “Ouch!” slotted screws into non-removable type screws (a.k.a. tamper BELT SANDER: An electric sanding tool generally used proof screws), and for butchering your palms. to convert minor touch-up jobs into major refinishing jobs. PRY BAR: A tool used to crumple the metal surrounding HACKSAW: One of a family of cutting tools built on the that clip or bracket you needed to remove in order to Ouija board principle. It transforms human energy into a replace a 50-cent part. crooked, unpredictable motion. The more you attempt to HOSE CUTTER: A tool used to make hoses too short. influence its course, the more dismal your future becomes. HAMMER: Originally employed as a weapon of war, the Other members of the same tool family include jigsaw, hammer nowadays is used as a kind of divining rod to locate circular saw and the common utility knife. the most expensive and/or fragile parts adjacent the object CIRCULAR SAW: A portable cutting tool used to make you are trying to hit. long pieces of wood too short. And finally, I know everyone has one of these: UTILITY KNIFE: Used to open and slice through the SON-OF-A... TOOL: Any tool that happens to be within contents of cardboard cartons delivered to your shop. reach that can be grabbed and thrown across the shop while Works particularly well on contents such as packing slips, yelling at the top of your lungs, “Son-of-a...”! upholstered items, liquids in plastic bottles and basically In all seriousness, take time now to plan your winter service anything made from rubber or plastic. Note: Can be useful regimen. Having parts on hand when needed can help keep for slicing holes in pants/coverall pockets. Special note: a backlog of half-fixed equipment from piling up. While Can be especially useful in wounding hands and fingers you’re at it, examine and test drive these tools before you while attempting to open aforementioned cartons. get into production. Check for dull, bent or broken blades, PLIERS (ALL VARIETIES): Commonly used by grounds worn or misadjusted belts, missing or damaged guards. All staff to round off bolt heads and to cut off lengths of trimmer guarding MUST be in place and functional on all of your line from the big spool in the shop. As a bonus feature, they equipment, shop tools including, when you use them. So can also be useful for creating blood-blisters. They are most have an enjoyable autumn, be safe and work smart. Now, commonly be found rusting away in amongst the dirt, grass where did I put that 9/16ths wrench? ■ clippings and used sandwich wrappers that accumulate in the back of most utility carts. VISE-GRIPS: Generally used after pliers to completely Warren Wybenga, Equipment Manager round off bolt heads, though they are not a particularly Donalda Club, Toronto good choice for cutting trimmer line. If nothing else is Tel: 416-447-5575 x 263 available, they can also be used to transfer intense welding Email: wwybenga@donaldaclub.ca heat to the palm of your hand through that hole in your www.donaldaclub.ca welding gloves. LOOKING BACK Twenty Years Ago Today by Barry Endicott The Board of Directors in 1991 were: Mark Hagen (pres.), of Guelph and Tim Clarridge, Parkview. This was the last West Haven, Rhod Trainor (vice), Hamilton, Gordon Nimmo time the OGSA ran this symposium as it will be organized (past pres.), Sarnia, Simon George (editor), Oakville, Bill and run by all sectors of the turf grass industry in the future. Fach, Rosedale, Alex La Belle, Carlton, Ian Bowen, Oshawa, John Piccolo, St. Catherines and Sam Depinto, Beverly, John Taylor, Twenty Valley, Mark Schneider, Beach Grove, received their 25 year membership plaques. Rhod Trainor, Dave Gourlay, Eagle Creek, Bruce Burger, Lakeview and Hamilton Golf Club, hosted the Ontario Amateur Golf Vince Dermott, Markland Wood. Championship. On the move: Bob Burrows, from assistant at Credit Valley Annette Anderson, OMAF, was moving on and Pam to Superintendent at Cornwall. Charbonneau was assuming the duties of Turfgrass The Ontario Turfgrass Symposium was held at Guelph Extension Specialist. with 230 in attendance. Dean of OAC, Dr. R. McLaughlin The CGSA Conference was held in Toronto on December and Gord Nimmo opened the session. Talks were presented 8th -11th. Paul Dermott was selected as Superintendent of from Gerald Faubel (president of GCSAA), Doug Carrick, the Year. The Canadian Golf Team of Bob Heron, Thom Annette Anderson (OMAF), Teri Yamada (RCGA), Dave Charters, Robbie Robinson and Doug Meyer, were winners Smith, Muskoka Lakes, Kent Groves, Green Care, Thom over the United States in the Ransomes International Golf Charters, Weston, Bill Fach, Rosedale, Chris Hall, University Tournament in England. ■ Spray records piling up? Let IPMgolfpro™ be your spray management software solution! to learn more visit us at: www.ipmgolfpro.com TURF OR CONSEQUENCES The Competitive Drive by Doug Breen, Superintendent putting their names in a book. GolfNorth Properties There is something deep rooted in the human psyche, that gives us the need to compete with one another. If ver heard of Floyd Satterlee Rood? In September of1963, someone picks up a pumpkin and throws it, then someone E he teed up a ball on the shore of the Pacific Ocean, and proceeded to knock it all the way across the United States, else has to throw it farther. Then somebody else builds a rudimentary pumpkin catapult. Before long you have the where he finished by driving it into the Atlantic Ocean in sport of Pumpkin Chunkin and hillbillies who could never October of 1964 - just over a year later. The trip was 3,397 spell “trebuchet” are perfecting their engineering. Believe miles and he lost 3,511 balls (or just over one ball per mile). it or not, there is a Pumpkin Chunkin professional tour. It took 114,737 strokes, not including penalty strokes for the I suppose it’s that spirit of competition which led to lost balls, to play the 5,978,720 yard course. At an average the invention of most sports, including golf. The game is score of 80 strokes per round, that would be the equivalent essentially two bored sheep herders trying to knock a rock of 1,434 rounds of golf - which is pretty close to the number down a rabbit hole with a stick in less swings. But here’s the of rounds that our Early Morning Seniors’ Group played proof that whatever drives us to compete with one another this season. Got to get that membership down to less than for our moment in the spotlight is within each one of us - a dollar per round! how many of you actually thought to yourselves, if I were My only question is - why? What makes an otherwise to hit a ball from Vancouver to Newfoundland, it would reasonable person do things that are extreme, often be farther than Floyd Satterlee Rood travelled across the dangerous, just to become the answer to a trivia question, USA, and I’d have the record for the longest round of golf? or get a three line mention in the Guinness Book of World According to researchers, 85% of you should have had that Records’? It’s safe to assume Floyd had a job before he set thought cross your mind. It was the first thing I thought of. off on this epic (albeit pointless) journey into obscurity. The only difference between us and Floyd, is that we’re not Imagine going to your employer, and explaining that willing to take a year off work to do it - not yet anyway. ■ you are taking a year off work to hit a golf ball across the continent. I think it’s also safe to assume that when Floyd returned to work, he found his position had been filled by someone who wouldn’t take a year off to hack his way across the country. The Guinness Book of World Records, was originally published by the Guinness Brewing Company, and was intended to act as a way for pub owners to settle bar room arguments about the trivial kinds of things that people argue about in bars. Who was the fastest man on earth, who won the 1931 Monaco Grand Prix - important things like that. But since then, it has become a springboard for people with too much time on their hands to try to achieve their fifteen minutes of fame. Does anyone actually care what the record is for throwing a washing machine? Or how many live rattlesnakes a guy can put into his mouth at once? The golf section of the book is filled with many of the things you’d expect to be there. The most wins on the PGA tour, most holes-in-one in a round, longest drive in competition - that kind of thing. But alongside that, is how many times a person has bounced a ball on a wedge, how many golf balls can be held in one hand, and how high a ball will bounce if dropped from the top of a ten storey building. We ought not to be encouraging these people by When perfection is the only standard you know... Agrium Advanced Technologies® brings you the most advanced fertilizer technologies from the brands you trust. The standard in premium controlled-release fertilizers. The Nu-Gro Golf™ brand provides the golf course superintendent Nu-Gro Landscape™ fertilizers offer lawn care and sports turf The ProTurf® brand offers POLYON®, CONTEC® and POLY-S™ a full spectrum of granular fertilizer options in all SGN sizes professionals uniformly sized regular grade blends that provide nitrogen technologies, giving you the most reliable and containing advanced technologies such as XCU®, Nitroform®, adequate nutrition to ensure healthy turf cover throughout the predictable performance, and unparalleled results. and Nutralene®, as well as organic options. year. Both XCU® and organic based blends are available. For more information on these premium fertilizer brands, foliar fertilizers, pest control products, seed, sand, and more, contact your Agrium Advanced Technologies representative or our customer service line at 1-855-228-2828 Agrium Advanced Technologies, 10 Craig Street, Brantford, ON N3R 7J1 www.turfpro.ca © 2011 Agrium Advanced Technologies Inc. AGRIUM ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES DESIGN is a trademark owned by Agrium Inc. POLYON, XCU, NITROFORM, and NUTRALENE are registered trademarks owned by Agrium Advanced Technologies. PROTURF and CONTEC are registered trademarks, and NU-GRO GOLF and NU-GRO LANDSCAPE are trademarks owned by Nu-Gro Ltd. POLY-S is a trademark owned by OMS Investments Inc. TURFCARE Helping your business grow. Meet a reel tough guy. TURF CARE PRODUCTS CANADA LONDON 519-668-7664 200 Pony Drive, MILTON 905-836-0988 x 7048 Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 7B6 Phone: 905-836-0988 SCARBOROUGH 416-298-2101 Fax: 905-836-6442 GLOUCESTER 905-836-0988 x 5501 The new Reelmaster 7000-D is a multi-use, heavy-duty reel mower designed for productivity and performance in the most extreme fairway and rough conditions. We started with patented DPA cutting units that manicure your turf and save you time with easy set-up and long-lasting adjustments. Then, we added a 49 horsepower Kubota diesel, high- torque reel motors, and the SmartCool™ auto-reversing fan system. Finally, we combined it all with a whopping 307 cm (121") width-of- cut! This mower has it all - power, productivity, and superior aftercut appearance. To learn more visit : www.turfcare.ca