Winter 2011 Green is Beautifullication Pub Golf Superintendents' Association of Ontario The Official What's New Still Feels Old Also inside this issue......... Gardeners Gold Software and Tools to Support IPM Accrediation Finding Balance when Dealing with Wildlife CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OCSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., R.R. # 2 Guelph, ON N1L 0H2 The thinking super's solution - BASF Supers face real turf issues, and they demand real solutions. Not just statistics. They expect real reasons, dramatic differences they can see. Here’s the truth; BASF registered CADENCE® WDG fungicide in 2005, a totally unique product for the treatment of dollar spot. In 2007, BASF followed with PREMIS® 200F fungicide - the newest DMI fungicide for brown patch, dollar spot, and anthracnose. And in 2010, INSIGNIA® EG fungicide’s newly expanded label brings control of major turf diseases, including snow mould and suppression of dollar spot. Together with advanced solutions, BASF has brought valuable business innovations through their BetterTurf™ Bundles. Can you afford NOT to play with these guys? For more information go to www.BetterTurf.ca BetterTurf ™ is a trademark of BASF. PREMIS® is a registered trade-mark of BASF Trademarks GMBH, used with permission by BASF Canada Inc. CADENCE® and INSIGNIA* are registered trade-marks of BASF Corporation, used with permission by BASF Canada Inc. © 2010 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved. Always read and follow label directions before product use. President's message Green is Iwould like to wish all members a very happy and prosperous 2011. Who knows what the season has in store for us Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association this year, but I’m sure if history is our lesson, we as turf managers will have many challenges and rewards to look forward to. Editor The 2011 version of the OGSA Golf Course Management by Chris Andrejicka Justin Parsons Conference 8c Trade Show wrapped up on January 14, 2011 at Essex Golf and justin@trafalgargolf.com Caesars Windsor. This year’s show, for the first time, was held Country Club outside of downtown Toronto. Despite the snowy weather, the Publisher & Advertising Manager show was a great success. Delegates in attendance are still submitting positive Terry Davey comments in regards to the show. Over 300 registered delegates and almost 100 terry@blenheim.ca vendors were present for the three-day conference. The number of full conference Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 102 registered delegates was the highest we have seen in several years. All of the special Administration Manager events were very well attended and the education session space needed to be Diane Davey expanded to accommodate the delegates. The IPM seminars were the hottest diane@blenheim.ca ticket during the show, and the session with Teri Yamada and Brenda Nailor gave Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 103 the delegates a hands-on look at what they needed to know and execute in order Production & Design to have a successful annual IPM report. Jeanette Thompson Socially, the hands-down winner was the fabulous visit to the Canadian Club jeanettethompson@mac.com Branding Center (Hiram Walkers Distillery). Those who attended were toured Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 101 through the historic Hiram Walker and Sons head offices and company bank. Tours included rooms where Al Capone negotiated the purchase of 25,000 cases Green is Beautiful is published four times per week of Canadian Club Whisky during prohibition in the U.S. The evening a year (November / March / June / August) was topped off with a professional whisky tasting, an event enjoyed by all! by Blenheim INK for: Looking ahead to 2011 your board of directors will be busy organizing and facilitating a strategy for the IPM public meeting requirements. The goal is to have a template that can be used by all members when dealing with the public for the purposes of the IPM program. I recommend all our members get involved with your association in any way you can. Submit an article to Green is Beautiful, participate in golf outings or volunteer to sit on a committee. The more involved you are the better your awareness of current challenges. Ontario Golf Superintendents' The 2010 season was a very challenging year for many of us throughout the Association province. If I could make one observation that seems to hold true time after time, Guelph Turfgrass Institute when faced with damage or problems, always show your club you are engaged in 328 Victoria Road South action to respond to the challenges we face. Pick up the phone and seek advice Guelph, ON N1L0H2 from your fellow superintendent members. Collectively, we are the biggest wealth of knowledge. Be vocal and transparent. Your club will always be on your side if Tel: 519-767-3341 you engage them from the start. Toll Free: 877-824-6472 I look forward to serving you, the members, as President for 2011. If you need Fax:519-766-1704 assistance, have concerns or need information regarding the association make no Email: ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca hesitation in calling me anytime. Let’s look for a great start to the 2011 season. www.golfsupers.on.ca Cheers! Brett Murray Direct Line 416-653-1020 Published by: Manager Fax Line 519-941-0931 Blenheim INK Adminstration Office: PO. Box 218 Orangeville, ON 4305 Fairview Street, Suite 232 L9W 2Z6 Burlington, ON L7L 6E8 Production Office: 1727 King Street East, FSC Cambridge, ON N3H 3R6 Mixed Sources Product group from well-managed forests and other controlled sources Toll Free: 1-877-618-8696 brettmurray@primus.ca Cert no. SW-C0C-002325 www.fsc.org Fax:519-340-0293 © 1996 Forest Stewardship Council www.blenheim.ca Contents Green is WHAT'S NEW STILL FEELS OLD.............................................. 20 Beautiful Above the hole..................................................................................... 25 The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Conference wrap up ........................................................................... 12 Editorial message ................................................................................ 5 From roots to shoots.......................................................................... 8 Golf course highlight - Dundas Valley Golf & Curling Club .... 19 Health & safety .................................................................................... 10 Looking back ........................................................................................ 37 Member profile - Paul Dermott, CGCS.......................................... 17 Off the fairway .................................................................................... 32 On the REEL side of things................................................................ 34 On the road again................................................................................ 29 President's message ........................................................................... 3 Second to one ...................................................................................... 24 Technically speaking........................................................................... 28 The wild view ....................................................................................... 30 Turf or consequences.......................................................................... 38 University of Guelph update............................................................ 26 What's new............................................................................................. 6 COVER PICTURE Toronto Golf Club, 14th Hole Advertisers Photo by Bill Green Agrium Advanced Technologies ................................................. 33,39 GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL Alliance Agri-Turf................................................................................ 33 EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Almack Agronomic Services Inc...................................................... 35 Justin Parsons Aquatrols.......................................................................................... 5,18 Dorothy Hills ArborTurf Solutions ........................................................................... 35 Alan Dolick Bayer Environmental Science - Chipco Triton............................ 36 Paul Grotier Braemar Building Systems.............................................................. 31 Jason Hanna Burnside Golf ....................................................................................... 24 Scott Horsburgh DCS Agronomic Services .................................................................. 37 Douglas Wood Large Tree Service.................................................. 31 Green is Beautiful 2011 Enviro-Sol ....................................................................................... 25,27 Although every effort is made to check material Fast Forest ............................................................................................ 37 for publication, the association is not responsible for material published on behalf of its contributors. Green Horizons Group of Farms .................................................... 9 All rights are reserved by the publisher and any reproduction in whole or part without the written H & M Turf Ltd....................................................................................... 3 permission of the publisher is prohibited. Although some trade names may be mentioned Innovative Agronomics Inc............................................................... 35 in articles contained in this publication, no IPM golfpro .......................................................................................... 9 endorsement is intended or implied by the Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association. Master's Turf Supply Ltd.................................................................... 35 Ontario Seed Company .................................................................... 24 Plant Products - Thinking Super .................................................... 2 OGSA is committed to Quali-Pro ................................................................................................ 11 serving its members, Turf Care Products Canada - Irrigation ........................................ 26 advancing their Turf Care Products Canada............................................................... 40 profession, and United Agri Products Inc............................................................... 9,31 enriching the quality of golf and Vanden Bussche Irrigation ............................................................... 29 its environment. Zander Sod Co. Limited.................................................................... 24 Editorial message Our first edition of Green Is Beautiful opportunity to thank Tom Brain and Andy Sandilands for for the 2011 season will hopefully prove their many years of service on our editorial committee. Their to be entertaining and informative. In efforts and insights will certainly be missed. Fortunately, addition to the strong submissions from Alan Dolick, the Assistant at Dundas Valley Golf & Curling our regular contributors, we have a great Club, has agreed to join our team. Alan’s enthusiasm and feature written by Bill Green on the commitment has already proved to be very beneficial to our renovations undertaken at the Toronto publication. We are also pleased to announce the addition Golf Club. We also have a conference of two new columns to the magazine. Both “Technically recap which recounts the events that took Speaking” by Jim Flett and “The Wild View” by Michael von by Justin Parsons place last January in Windsor. We would Kaitz offer new and engaging information that our readers like to extend a big thank you to our sponsors for helping to will no doubt enjoy. make it all possible. Finally, I think it is only fitting that I close out this message As we head into a new season, I would like to encourage with a warm and resounding thank you to Dorothy Hills. Her anyone who may have some ideas on how to improve the tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to this publication magazine to feel free to share those thoughts with myself or have been the driving force behind its growth over the past 13 any member of the editorial committee. Our publication years. Not only did she form the editorial committee a dozen exists to represent the needs and interests of our diverse years ago, she has been the face of the magazine during its association and it is your continued support that provides most successful years. Her warm personality and generous the foundation for this magazines success. That being said, nature have truly made it a pleasure for all contributors please note that we are now looking for a student writer to to the magazine during her time. Dorothy’s knowledge, pen our “Above The Hole” column. Sean May’s tenure as our creativity and devotion will be sorely missed as we prepare this student writer is up and we would like to thank him for his magazine for another season of golf in Ontario. On behalf of contributions to the magazine over the last year. our editorial team, I would like to wish Dorothy all the best in The 2011 season will also bring about further changes her future endeavours. It certainly won’t be the same without to our publication. First of all, I would like to take this you leading the charge. • Reduce runoff on It's more than "just" a penetrant. sloped turf areas by 20% or more • Enhance penetration and distribution of water and nutrients • Reduce water use on cool-season grasses by 25% or more • Maintain turf quality at reduced ET replacements rates 800-257-7797 • www.aquatrols.com What's new OGSA 2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Annual General Meeting was held on January 13th at the 2011 Ontario Golf Course Management Conference and Trade Show. Randy Booker has left the board, fulfilling his year as past president, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank Randy for his many years of service; we will certainly miss him. At the same time we welcome two new board members: Rod Speake, from Mill Run Golf & Country Club and Scott White from Donalda Club. This year’s board consists of: Past President - Jeff Alexander L-R front row: Jeff Alexander, Rob Gatto, Chris Andrejicka, Doug Breen, Jennifer Pendrith; President - Chris Andrejicka L-R back row: Mark Prieur, John McLinden, Rod Speake, Stu Leachman, Chad Vibert, Scott White and Phil Scully Vice President - Doug Breen Treasurer - Rob Gatto 2011 MEMBERSHIP STICKERS Secretary - Jennifer Pendrith 2011 stickers are now available Directors - Stu Leachman, for placement on your membership John McLinden, certificates. If required call the Mark Prieur, OGSA office at (519) 767-3341 or toll Rod Speake, free (877) 824-6472 or email Pat at Phil Scully, ogsa2@gti.uoguelph.ca. Stickers will Chad Vibert and be mailed upon request. Scott White 2011/2012 MEMBERSHIP ROSTER capacities within the finance and OGSA Executive Manager We will be working on the new accounting areas. OGSA welcomes Sally Ross, who Roster to be released with the Spring Sally has extensive experience will assume the Executive Manager issue of Green is Beautiful. Please managing and organizing all position upon Dorothy Hills’ ensure that any changes are emailed types of events for member driven retirement. Born in England and to Pat Thomas, Membership Services organizations locally, provincially raised in Montreal, Sally has a 15 ogsa2@gti.uoguelph.ca so that our and nationally and her background year background in association records can be kept up-to-date. has also allowed her to be involved management, gained through The Roster is a great vehicle for in political, community and two previous positions managing our Associate members to advertise philanthropic activities. construction trade associations in in and drive their message home to Sally enjoys gardening, painting, the golden horseshoe area. Prior to their specific clientele. Advertising music and her two Shetland working in association management, information and rates are announced sheepdogs. She lives in Stoney Creek Sally was employed for a large in clippings and accessible on our with her husband David, an ICI construction company in Montreal website www.golfsupers.on.ca under Construction Project Manager. They in both clerical and supervisory the menu heading “Advertise With Us”. have two sons, Michael and Robert. Welcome! MARK YOUR CALENDARS 2011 OGSA Tournament & Event Schedule OGSA Welcomes our newest members Event Date Golf Course Host Supt. Jason Atherton Class C CAN/AM Challenge TBA TBA TBA West Haven G&CC Pro/Super Challenge May 17,2011 Wyndance Golf Club Jake Riekstins Ben Bible Class F RiverBend GC Presidents' Day July 25,2011 Toronto Golf Club Al Schwemler Dan Brousseau Class C Summer Scramble Aug. 30,2011 Springfield Golf &CC Ray Dlugokecki Granite GC Assistants Tournament TBA TBA TBA Mike Burch Class F London Hunt & CC Alex McClumpha Oct. 3, 2011 Osler Brook Golf &CC Jason Honeyball Heidi Cassidy Class C *OTRF Fundraiser Aug. 22,2011 Coppinwood Scott Pratt Sally Creek GC *Note The OTRF tournament is not an OGSA event. Details can be accessed on their website at www.otrf.ca Mike Claydon Class A Brookfield CC Details of the above OGSA events will appear on our website under both Dominic David Class S “Events” and “Calendar of Events” as they are confirmed and further details University of Guelph are available. All events will be announced in our e-bulletin Clippings when Tim Davis Class F Granite GC registration is open. For your convenience, on line registration will be available Katie Dodson Class S again this year. University of Guelph Our Regional Associations are welcome to list their events in the OGSA Donald Egerter Class A “Calendar of Events”. Fox Run GC Ken Emery Class Supt Ambassador GC 2011-12 Writing Contest Jason George Class S Seneca College How would you like to be part of Ontario's leading Golf Course Management Jeff Hewitt Class C Magazine? The Ontario Golf Superintendents Association's official publication, Mill Run GC Sean Knapman Class C Green is Beautiful is pleased to present an opportunity to all turfgrass Burlington G&CC student interns. The column "Above the Hole", authored by University of Scott Littleton Class C Guelph Turfgrass intern Sean May is open to a new intern as of April 2011. Osprey Valley Resorts The magazine's Editorial committee will be reviewing submissions from Ontario Dan McAllister Class A based Turfgrass interns in April. The basic requirements include: Carruther's Creek GC Kyle McDade Class C Victoria Park East GC 1. You are in the first year of your education of Turfgrass Management. Gregg Lawrence Menard Class F 2. You have a desire to excel in the Golf Course Management Business. Wildwood G & RV Resort 3. You have an aptitude for writing. Brian Neeb Class F Peterborough G&CC HOW DO I APPLY? Peter Petrov Class A We ask that each applicant submit an article entry. The article will be based Streetsville Glen GC on your growth and experiences as a student/intern. Each entry should be Danny Proulx Class C Piper's Heath GC approximately 500 words in length and electronically submitted to the OGSA Jake Riekstins Class A office by March 31, 2011 at ogsa@gti.uoguelph.ca please email in using the Wyndance GC subject line "Above the Hole", together with your contact information. Mike Sicoli Class F The successful applicant will receive one year paid student membership to the Twenty Valley G&CC association as well as a writing opportunity in Green is Beautiful, commencing IPM golfpro Class E Caiden Fairbairn with the Spring Issue, to be released June 1 st. This is a great mechanism to Quali-Pro Class E express yourself within the industry of your future and differentiate yourself Philip Somerville from other interns. Green is Beautiful looks forward to having you on board. S W Stoneworks Class E Scott Waldner Fromrootstoshoots New Products for the IPM Toolbox Ihad a bit of a disagreement with Civitas is the trade name for a mineral oil novel fungicide a Ministry of the Environment colleague developed by Petro Canada. It is an isoparrafin based food about the “Cosmetic Pesticides Ban grade product that must be used with a green pigment called Act” when it first came into effect. Harmonizer. Dr. Tom Hsiang has been working on the mode My comment was that the legislation of action and field efficacy of this product since 2004. came before the science, technology How does it work? by Pam Charbonneau OMAF Turfgrass Specialist and innovation was in place to deliver Unlike other fungicides that affect the fungus, Civitas reduced risk/bio-pesticides to the affects the turfgrass plants’ ability to resist fungal infection market place. Her comment was that without the ban the and disease severity. This mode of action is called Induced science, technology and innovation would never deliver Systemic Resistance. bio-pesticides to the market place. I have to admit now Because of this novel mode of action, Civitas needs to be that she was right and I was wrong. There has been a small applied prior to disease development. As the mode of action flurry of new bio-pesticides to the market place and I am implies, it is systemic in the plant and needs to be taken up going to discuss them as well as a conventional fungicide by the plant roots and translocated to the leaves, shoots and combination product. stems. It also needs to be applied when the plant is actively growing and not dormant. The product is intended for use Nivalis is the trade name for Typhula phacorrhiza, a fungus on fairways. If treating tees and greens it should be applied that controls pink snow mould {Microdochium nivale) to small test areas as it may be phytotoxic to short mowed and gray snow moulds (Typhula incarnata and Typhula turf in some instances. ishicariensis). The fungus was found and isolated in 1982 Civitas can be used to reduce symptoms of dollar spot, by Dr. Lee Burpee at the Cambridge Research Station on grey and pink snow mould and leaf spot. It is recommended Kentucky bluegrass. In his attempt to determine if it was that it be applied in the late spring just prior to dollar spot pathogenic on creeping bentgrass, he discovered that it development and in the fall while the turf is still actively suppressed T. ishikariensis by 70% in field studies conducted growing and before snow cover to reduce snow mould during the winter of 1983 and 1984. Dr. Lee Burpee moved symptoms. It is meant to be used to promote turf health to Georgia, where snow mould is not an issue and Dr. Tom and to be used in an IPM program. There is an excellent Hsiang, University of Guelph took over this work on Typhula webinar on line featuring Dr. Tom Hsiang explaining phacorrhiza as a bio-control for pink and gray snow mould. how he determined the mode of action of Civitas and Dr. So after almost 30 years of research the product Nivalis Frank Rossi showing his field results with the product at: received registration from the PMRA on January 24, 2011 www.civitasturf.com/label.asp for the suppression of both gray and pink snow mould. Civitas received registration in Dec. 2010 and it has not been How does it work? classified in Ontario yet. It will be distributed by Syngenta. Typhula phacorrhiza competes directly with snow mould pathogens for nutrients and space under snow cover and Trilogy is another fungicide that has received registration suppresses disease development due to lack of food and space. within the last month. It is the latest in combination product The product Nivalis contains mycelium and sclerotia of for the control of pink and gray snow mould. It contains Typhula phacorrhiza inoculated on millet seeds. It provides a iprodione, triticonazole and trifloxystrobin to provide a much wider window for application than other snow mould penetrant, a DMI and a strobilurin in one product. It is control products on the market because it can be applied manufactured by Bayer Environmental Sciences. It also has well before snow cover and it is also rainfast. The mycelium not been classified in Ontario yet. and sclerotia will not grow and germinate (will stay dormant) until the ideal conditions exist for it to do so (near freezing Integrated Pest Management temperatures, darkness and moisture - under snow cover Accreditation Program Update or under a winter protective cover). There is a great deal As usual with launching a new program such as this in a of research that has been conducted on this product over very tight time frame, there are issues that are encountered. the past two decades and research reports on the efficacy of To help to deal with some of these issues the IPM Council Typhula phacorrhiza can be found in the GTI Annual Reports has extended the deadline for the electronic submission of from 1985-2006. 2010 Desk Audits until March 15, 2011. Desk review and Nivalis received registration in January 2011. It has yet to on site audit checklists have been developed and will be be classified in Ontario and it will be distributed by Agrium posted on the website shortly. It is very important to check Advanced Technologies. www.guelphturfgrass.ca/Research/ the IPMAP website often to keep abreast of any changes to AnnualResearchReports/tabid/141/Default.aspx the program www.ontarioipm.com. Some things just work. Solving the problem of disease control. Protect your turf from dollar spot, brown patch and anthracnose with Rhapsody SOD EXPERTS fungicide. With three modes of action, LEADING EDGE TURFGRASS TECHNOLOGY Rhapsody harnesses the power of biochemistry in a way that sets it apart from other fungicides, protecting your turf from diseases, and increasing turf quality, while reducing the need for synthetic chemicals. For more information see your turf input supplier or log on to www.uap.ca for full label information. ENTER TO WIN A FREE SKID OF SOD Enter your WINCODE at: GB391JustSodIt.com West: 1 -800-561 -5444 Ontario & Maritimes: 1 -800-265-5444 Quebec: 1-800-361-9369 BC 1-604-534-8815 HAMILTON SOD COMPACT SOD The Greenhorizons (905) 389-1315 (519) 653-7494 MOUNT HOPE Group of Farms Ltd. CAMBRIDGE ® Rhapsody is a registered trademark of AgraQuest, Inc. 10009 01.10 Spray records piling up? Let IPMgolfpro™ be your spray management software solution! to learn more visit us at: www.ipmgolfpro.com Health & safety Have you had your hearing checked lately? When did you have your last So how loud is too loud? hearing test? I hazard to say it has The pressure of a sound, or the loudness, is measured in probably been a while, eh? decibels (dB). The higer the decibel, the louder the sound. As we age it is fairly normal that we may The amount of time you listen to a sound affects how much lose some of our hearing. It is a natural damage it will cause. The quieter the sound, the longer you process and it is generally not reversible. can listen safely. If a sound reaches 80 dB or more and lasts by DougJohnson It is surprising how many people are SAFETAID and Health for eight hours, it can cause permanent damage to the hair and Safety Consulting affected by some amount of hearing cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. First Aid and Safety loss. More than 10% of Canadians are Many common sounds may be louder than you think. Supplies and WHMIS affected to some degree. And as we age • A typical conversation occurs at about 65 dB. Training the percentage rises dramatically. If you • A motor cycle is loud enough at over 95 dB that it can are between 45 and 65 years of age there is a 25% chance begin to cause permanent damage after less than 6 that you are experiencing hearing loss. If you are over 60 hours. the chance of hearing loss rises to 50%. • When listening to music on earphones at the maximum So how does this happen? And what can we do about it? volume level, the sound generated reaches a level of One of the primary ways we lose our hearing is through a over 100 dB, loud enough to begin to cause permanent process called Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). NIHL damage after just 15 minutes per day! can be caused by a one-time exposure to loud sound as well • A clap of thunder from a nearby storm (120 dB) can as by repeated exposure to sounds at various loudness levels cause immediate damage. over an extended period of time. • Many activities can produce harmful sound levels Now I am going to get a little bit technical here. So stick (musical concerts, use of power tools such as chainsaws with me because this important information can reduce the or lawnmowers). potential for hearing loss, no matter what your age. Sound is one of the most common occupational hazards Damage happens to the microscopic hair cells found facing people today. inside the cochlea. These cells respond to the mechanical NIHL (noise-induced hearing loss) is of particular sound vibrations by sending an electrical signal to concern to workers who may be exposed to a high decibel the auditory nerve. Different groups of hair cells’ are level of noise in their workplace that is generated by many responsible for different frequencies (rate of vibrations). pieces of equipment working together. Workers are often The healthy human ear can hear frequencies ranging from unaware of the full extent of hearing damage because they 20 Hertz (Hz) to 20,000 Hz. With loud sound exposure over go home each day and remove themselves from the noise time, the hair cells delicate hair bundles may get damaged and the onset of NIHL is a slow, gradual process over a long or broken. If enough of them are damaged, hearing loss period of time. results. One of the signs that workers may see is that when they The high frequency area of the cochlea is often damaged get into their vehicles to go to work at the beginning of their by loud sound. Many people with NIHL have trouble shift the radio in the vehicle seems loud when they first start distinguishing high-frequency sounds because the hair on the road to work. Generally this is an indication that the cells responsible for high-frequency sounds are located at volume had to be turned up on the way home after their the base of the cochlea. Vibrations here tend to be more last shift due to NIHL. Their ears recovered somewhat forceful, resulting in more damage to cells. overnight and this means that the radio level needs to be Cases of NIHL and/or tinnitus are found in children. adjusted down on their way to work. According to Niskar et al., 2001, 5.2 million children (6-19 If you think that you might be experiencing noise induced years of age) suffer from hearing loss attributed to excessive hearing loss take the time to have your hearing checked. amounts of hazardous sound. You may be able to stop the process of hearing loss. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) in the USA estimates Have a great autumn! The weather is beautiful. that approximately 15 percent (over 30 million) of SAFETAID Americans between the ages of 20 and 69 have high Making safety your 1st priority! frequency hearing loss due to exposure to loud sounds or T. 519-837-0997 • F. 519-837-1996 noise at work or in leisure activities. This translates into Consulting, Safety and First Aid Supplies approximately 5 million in Canada. doug@safetaid.ca Some hazards are obvious Others are not Protect your turf against a full range of insect and disease pests with Quali-Pro®. Keep your course looking its best with time tested premium Quali-Pro turf protection products. Support choice and fair pricing: ask for Quali-Pro products by name. A superior formulation Same a.i. as Same a.i. as Same a.i. as A unique with the same a.i. as Banner® MAXX Merit® 75 WSP Merit® 0.5G pigment spray Rovral® Green GT pattern indicator For further information please contact Philip Somerville, Quali-Pro Business Manager at (905) 304-1168 email psomerville@manainc.com or visit www.quali-pro.com/QPCanada.aspx ™ Know the Sign is a trademark and ®Quali-Pro is a registered trademark of FarmSaver.com, LLC. All others are registered trademarks of their respective companies. 02.11 10015 2011 ONTARIO GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT Conference & Trade Show OPENING golf course superintendent ’s CEREMONIES profession. This contribution The 2011 conference was must be significant in both launched early Wednesday substance, and may be, or have morning by Gordon Orr who been national or regional in brought greetings from the nature. Mayor of Windsor. Keynote The individual chosen speaker and award winning for this award has made Canadian Comedian, Gerry numerous contributions to the Dee followed with some light hearted entertainment. profession of the golf course Laughter was the main superintendent and to the golf message here, putting industry as a whole. Just a few everyone in a good frame of Paul’s contributions include: of mind for three days of Gordon Orr, City of Windsor educational seminars, trade • Property Manager of Oakdale G&CC for 27 years show activities, networking before moving to York Downs. and social events. • He was instrumental in the formation of the Guelph Turfgrass Institute and acted as an advisor in its formative years, establishing a higher profile for the AWARDS LUNCHEON GTI in moving it from Cambridge to University of Thanks to all who joined us at the Awards Luncheon Guelph. to honour and recognize those who have achieved special • Founding member and first President of the Ontario awards during the previous year, as noted below. Turfgrass Research Foundation. 5th Annual William Sansom • Founding member and chairman of the Stanley Distinguished Service Award Thompson Society. The recipient of • Recipient of the Score Award 1991. our 5th William • Recipient of the prestigious GCSAA Environmental Sansom Distinguished Stewardship Award for Canada. Service Award goes • Recipient of the Toro Environmental Achievement to Mr. Paul Dermott. Award in 2000. This award has been • Recipient of the John B. Steele Award in 2007 named in honour of our first President, • OGSA member since 1967 William Sansom, who For further information please read the “Member held that position Profile” of Paul Dermott on pages 17 and 18. from 1924 through 1932. 50 YEAR MEMBER AWARDS This award is We are honoured to announce two 50 year members presented to a person this year, Mr. Robert Moote and Mr. David Gourlay Sr. who the association Unfortunately neither were able to attend the awards members feel has ceremony, but in their absence the following presentations made an outstanding were made on screen. We will ensure that Mr. Moote and contribution to the Mr. Gourlay personally receive an OGSA logoed watch, advancement of the with our member’s best wishes and congratulations. Robert Moote WWII and initially worked in the radio repair business in • 1948 Graduate from University Hamilton. Known as a true gentleman in the business of Guelph OAC in Ornamental of golf; the Gourlay family tree includes the first official Horticulture. Greenskeeper, Old Tom Morris of Scotland. His legacy includes his son David, the owner of a golf management • Member of the American Society of company in Kansas, and his grandson the current golf Golf Course Architects course superintendent at Colbert Hills in Manhattan, • Certified Golf Course superintendent Kansas. with the GCSAA 1967 OGSA President CONGRATULATIONS TO • 2008 Honorary Director Emeritus with OUR 25 YEAR MEMBERS the Stanley Thompson Association. Kelly Barnet Leo Daigle Mr. Moote, Bob to his friends worked with Stanley Charles Eberle Thompson at the Cutten Club and travelled with him George Forrest throughout Canada and the United States and Jamaica. Mark Malott In 1952 he worked for CMHC Central Mortgage and Gerald Stirling Housing Corporation in Ottawa and Montreal worked John Taylor with Robbie Robinson designing golf course as well as landscaping for Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Beddeck. He went to Oakdale Golf Course to build nine holes and stayed there for 20 years from 1957 - 1977. During this time Bob started the Ontario Turfgrass Symposium and it was held at Oakdale for a number of years before it moved to the University of Guelph. He also worked with the RCGA while at Oakdale for 5 years looking after national conferences. During this time Bob received a degree from the American Society of Golf Course Architects. He formed Present for photos L-R: Kelly Barnet, John Taylor and Leo Daigle his own company Moote & Associates, working with his brother David and then later formed R.E Moote & SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS Associates, and continued to work with his son and brother in the business. Hugh Kirkpatrick Bursary Bob still keeps his hand in the business of golf course The OGSA, in conjunction with architecture, while he and his wife Isobel enjoy retirement the Kirkpatrick family has developed in Brampton. They have two sons, David and Stanley and this bursary program to recognize have six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. the leadership, commitment and accomplishments of assistant David Gourlay, Sr. superintendent members of the • OGSA President 1968 OGSA. This bursary is named after Hugh Kirkpatrick, who was very active in our association • CGSA President 1973 and held the position of OGSA President in 1985. • Score Award - Superintendent The 2010 Hugh Kirkpatrick Bursary is awarded to Justin of the year 1982 Parsons, Assistant Superintendent at Trafalgar Golf 8c • GCSAA Distinguished Country Club . Service Award 1987 In Justin’s application essay he says, “It may be simple to most people, but my biggest professional goal is to be David was instrumental in the initial set up of the respected. Notjust among golf course members and staff, CGSA in the early 1960’s and was editor of the CGSA but also among colleagues and other industry personnel.” magazine called the GreenMaster in the 1970’s. He was As part of Justin’s application for this scholarship, he superintendent at many prominent golf clubs including wrote an essay on “Earning Respect” which you can read Pine Valley, Summit, Thornhill and Summerlea Golf Club. on page 24 of the magazine under the heading “Second David immigrated to Canada from Scotland in 1947 after to One”. Gary Grosicki, Superintendent, at the Guelph Country Club. Katy’s dream is to become a doctor, and one day work with Doctors Without Borders. Katy had returned to her studies in Nova Scotia however, her father Gary was present to celebrate the occasion and accept the plaque on her behalf. Turf Managers Short GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL AWARDS Course Education Award An annual award is given to the golf Barry Endicott Article course related student, who upon of the Year Award 2010 completion of the Turf Managers The criteria for awarding the Barry Short Course, taken at the Guelph Endicott Article of the Year Award is based Turfgrass Institute during the month on originality, relevance, clarity, depth, style, of February, achieves the highest illustrations, and readability. The articles overall mark in the course. This year’s are judged and voted on by the Editorial award winner is Rod Bartlett who achieved an overall Advisory Committee. average of 92.6 %. The recipient this year is Graeme Calder, Sales Representative with Plant Products, Turfgrass Diploma/Degree for his article “A Dyeabolical Internship” Scholarship in which Graeme recounts his experience as a student The OGSA has developed the intern at Whistling Straights, during preparations for the Turfgrass Diploma or Degree PGA Championship. Graeme’s article appeared in the scholarship to recognize scholastic Spring 2010 issue of Green is Beautiful. accomplishments and potential leadership in the field of turfgrass Photo of the Year Award 2010 management. This scholarship is The criteria for awarding the best photo open to students who have completed is divided into five categories: golf course, their first year in a diploma or degree course and are projects, landscaping, wildlife, and finally, attending a recognized Ontario university or college in a best overall. The photos are judged turfgrass study course. This year’s Scholarship is awarded and voted on by the Editorial Advisory to Kathleen Dodson. Committee. The recipient this year is Katie has completed a Bachelor of Science in Jeremy Krueger, Assistant Superintendent, Environmental Biology and Earth Sciences at Dalhousie from Westmount Golf 8c Country Club, for University and a Masters Degree in Crop Science with his photo of “Autumnal Equinox” taken turfgrass management emphasis at Washington State from the 5th fairway looking towards the 7th University. Katie is now enrolled at the University of green at Westmount. Guelph, working towards her PhD in Turfgrass Science. As a mature student at UofG she spent the past year working In recognition of the article and the as a research assistant at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute, photo awards, we would like to thank, was a teaching assistant for Turfgrass Management II 2010 Vanden Bussche Irrigation Equipment course and is also a mother of three. Limited who have generously donated a total of $500.00 in the names of our Heritage Scholarship two Green is Beautiful award winners to The OGSA developed the Heritage the OGSA Turf Research Fund. This scholarship program to recognize money will go towards furthering the scholastic accomplishments of research in the golf industry in students who are the children or Ontario. Chris Davies, Golf Manager for grandchildren of members of the Vanden Bussche joined with us at the luncheon to help OGSA and are studying a curriculum celebrate this event. unrelated to Turfgrass Management. This year’s award winner is Kathleen Grosicki, who is attending St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS. Katy is the daughter of OGSA member This year, for the first time, we Presidents Reception included a charity component at our conference. We chose the Essex ne of the highlights of the 2011 Ontario Golf and Kent Boys Golf Tournament and were very successful in raising O Course Management Conference and Trade Show was the Presidents Reception held at the Hiram funds. Thanks to all those who Walker and Sons distillery. Delegates were treated donated loonies and toonies and to to a wonderful evening of gracious hospitality and Windsor Crossing for donating such L-R Kevin Corriveau, Bernie wonderful clothing that was raffled informative tours and tastings. The historic distillery, Grabowiecki, Randy McQueen known for producing one of Canada's most popular off, and to our speakers, as in lieu of speaker gifts this year, we were able spirits, Canadian Club, provided a great atmosphere to make a donation to the charity in the amount of $1,000. for those looking to unwind and socialize in a more Assisting in the presentation was Kevin Corriveau, who relaxed environment. The whisky tasting session was has a golf show on radio 8:00 am in Windsor and teaches most enlightening as participants not only sampled golf at St.Clair College. Kevin has also been involved with the distillery's products, but also learned how they the charity for several years, along with Bernie Grabowiecki are created. Afterwards, delegates had the option from the charity and the 1992 tournament winner Randy of taking the 'speak easy' tour which highlighted McQueen, who is still very much involved with the the incredible history of the venue and Hiram Walker tournament. himself. As it turns out, in 1858, Walker established the distillery across the river from Detroit to escape Best Booth Award the country's increasingly restrictive liquor laws. The Best Booth Award was presented by During the prohibition era, Al Capone would often John McLinden to Nigel Rennie. Nigel accepted the plaque for the Best Booth on frequent the distillery to conduct business meetings behalf of ALLTURF. The award was presented in the basement. It was stories such as these that to the booth that our judges felt was the most provided the backdrop for a very entertaining and creative and eye catching. Congratulations to enjoyable evening. Nigel Rennie (left) the entire ALLTURF team. John McLinden (right) Congratulations Darren Darren Little, Superintendent of Cedar Brae Golf & Country Club was the winner of the 2012 inclusive conference package. “I would like to thank the OGSA for putting on a first class conference in Windsor. The seminars, networking and camaraderie enrich our industry. I look Darren Little, forward to the conference in Niagara Falls in 2012. Superintendent, Winning the grand prize for next years conference Cedar Brae G&CC was unexpected. Thanks to board and planning Winner of the committee for providing an outstanding prize. ” Virginia Kinney, Doug Breen and Jim Flett with Al Capone Grand Prize in the ‘speak easy ’ meeting room. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW for the 2012 Ontario Golf Course Management Conference and Trade Show to be held at the Scotia Bank Convention Centre in Niagara, Ontario from January 18th - 20th! Member profile Paul Dermott, CGCS by Justin Parsons, Assistant Superintendent Trafalgar Golf & Country Club When it comes to accomplished careers in our association, you would be hard-pressed to find one that has been more successful than Paul Dermott’s. Over the past forty plus years, not only has Dermott been the superintendent of multiple premiere golfing facilities in Ontario, but he has also been a true leader in both environmental initiatives and the support of key organizations which are now the backbone of the turf industry in Ontario. His venture into the field of golf course maintenance started out rather innocently. After growing up on a farm north of Orangeville, Dermott felt he needed to learn a trade outside of the family business. “Being the oldest offour brothers, I didn’t figure I was going to inherit the farm so I needed to do something.” While attending the University of Guelph for the Agriculture program, Dermott worked at the Chinguacousy Country Club (now the Caledon Country Club) during the summer months. It was there he began to realize he wanted to specialize in turfgrass management. After attaining his diploma in Agriculture, Dermott headed to Pennsylvania State University to do just that. years at Islington, Dermott would host his first major golf Fortunately for Dermott, the superintendent’s position tournament, the Ontario Open. He would also plan and at Chinguacousy had recently become available upon supervise the installation of an automated irrigation system. completion of his studies at Penn State. “The superintendent In-house construction projects would become a trademark at the time, Rene Muylaert, was leaving to pursue a full-time career of Dermott’s career. He takes a lot of pride in the amount of in golf course design and he recommended me for the job. ” work his crews were able to perform themselves over the years. Dermott would hold the position for five years before heading to the Islington Golf Club in 1971. During his six continued on page 18... "In the Hot Seat" • Favourite major: The British Open • Favourite piece of turfequipment: The Verti-Drain • Favourite golf designer: Alister Mackenzie andStanley Thompson • Ultimate foursome: Greg Norman, Fred Couples and Bob Heron (But Bob would have to shorten his backswing so I don’t spend all day looking for balls in the fescue) • Lowest round ever and where: 78 at Chinguacousy Country Club • Favourite movie: Field of Dreams • Favourite meal: Steak and potatoes • What’s in your CD right now: Toby Keith • Rate your lawn on a scale of 1-10: Probably a 7. It needs some work, but it’s getting better. ...continued from page 17 “Having control and keeping the costs down was good, but I think recognizes individuals who have made an outstanding people learned a lot from doing the construction themselves. ” contribution to the advancement of the profession of Dermott would then move on to his longest tenured golf course superintendent. As founding member and superintendent’s job at Oakdale Golf and Country Club first President of the Ontario Turf Research Foundation where he held the position of property manager for an (OTRF) and given his active role in the formation of the impressive 26 years. It was at Oakdale where Dermott Guelph Turfgrass Institute (GTI), Dermott was no doubt a truly established himself as one of the country’s premiere worthy recipient. golf course superintendents. In 1991, Dermott was Dermott’s contributions to the golf course industry do honoured as ‘Superintendent of the Year’ by the CGSA not end there however. He served as OGSA President and SCOREGolf Magazine. He was also the recipient of for two successful terms in 1975 and 1976 and he is the numerous environmental achievement awards including founding member and Chairman of the Stanley Thompson Oakdale’s recognition as the first private golf club in Society. Most recently, Dermott was awarded the William the country to garner full certification in the Audubon Sansom Distinguished Service Award this past January by Cooperative Sanctuary Program. He would also host the OGSA. numerous major golf tournaments and help develop the After all the career achievements and accolades, Dermott careers of several of today’s prominent superintendents. is most proud of the many people whose lives he may have In 2003, Dermott would move on to York Downs Golf been able to touch over the years. “Seeing the young people and Country Club where he would serve as superintendent that have gone on to be a success, not just the superintendents, has until 2006. The club hosted the Ontario Women’s been great. ” Amateur Championship in 2005, and, two years later, As for advice he would offer to anyone starting out in the Dermott would receive the John B. Steel Distinguished business: “It’s important to pick your mentors, maintain ethical Service Award by the CGSA. This annual honour standards and continue your education. It’s a lifelong process. ” Superintendents worldwide put their trust in Revolution to maintain the highest levels ofturf quality and playability on their greens, even under stress. Contact your local distributor today to see what Revolution can do for you. • Uniform moisture, even across slopes • Consistency ofturf conditions • Drier, firmer putting surfaces The superintendents choice • Less hand watering for superior turf performance. • Easier to re-wet after drydown • Quicker recovery from stress 800-257-7797 • www.aquatrols.com Golf course highlight Dundas Valley Golf & Curling Club 10 Woodley's Lane Dundas, Ontario L9H 6Y6 Phone: 905-628 6731 Email: greens@dundasvalleygolf.com Website: dundasvalleygolf.com Golf Course Superintendent: Jamie Cutting COURSE PROFILE By whom and when was the course remodelled? (1) Turfco topdresser What county is your club located in? Dave Moote 2003 (1) Graden verticut Wentworth County (1) Vicon spreader What major tournaments have been held? (1) Vermeer chipper Is your club private, semi private, public, resort or 2009 Canadian PGA Women’s Small Equipment municipal? Championship Private COURSE PROJECTS & PLANS What is the size of your maintenance shop? What projects have you recently completed? Size of membership? 7,000 square feet In the process of completing a new 500 practice facility, updating drainage and What type of irrigation system? installing new wash stations (with water Number of rounds? Rainbird Cirrus Central Control recycling units), spill containment area 36,000 and pesticide storage building. What is the size of greens, tees & fairways? Typical opening and closing dates? 2.1 acres of greens LONG RANGE PLANS April 15 and November 15 2 acres of tees What long range plans for renovation do you 23 acres of fairways have in the next five years? How long have you been a superintendent? What is your predominant grass? Currently we are in year 1 of a 5 year 4 years master plan which includes new bunkers, Poa Bent How long have you been an OGSA member? tee expansion, a new irrigation reservoir 7 years Type of greens? and a new clubhouse. 2 USGA How many staff? 27 Pushup CHALLENGES Are there any particular challenges you face with 4 year round, 18 seasonal staff your property? What is the predominant soil type? How many assistants and mechanics? Clay Loam Heavy clay soils Mechanic: Don Lewis Inadequate, dysfunctional drainage Assistant: Alan Dolick What equipment do you have in inventory? Excessive trees, shade issues (9) Toro Flex 21 History of severe disease outbreaks How many gardening staff? (3) Toro GM 3150 (Anthracnose, Summer Patch, Pythium) 1 + Consultant: Judy Johnson (3) Jacobsen LF3400 Neighbouring housing/safety issues (1) Lastec Articulator COURSE STATISTICS (3) Toro 3500 Sidewinder SUCCESS STORIES How many holes? Do you have any success stories? (1) Kubota deckmower 27 (1) Jacobsen AR-522 In the past 4 years we have enjoyed (9) Clubcar carryall 4 great seasons of golf and excellent What is the yardage from back and forward tees? (4) Clubcar electric playing conditions while continually Back: 6400 Front: 5500 (2) Yamaha golf carts augmenting the golf course both from a (1) Toro Workman playability standpoint as well as aestheti­ What is the size of driving range and range tee? (1) Toro Sandpro cally. Membership is extremely happy Length maxes out at 300 yds and I would count that as a great success. with 20,000 ft2 of tee deck (1) Toro Procore (1) Toro Hydroject How many bunkers? (1) Vertidrain INNOVATIVE CULTURAL PRACTICES 40 (1) John Deere Aerocore What type of innovative cultural practices have (1) Case Skidsteer you performed? How many times does water come into play? (3) Kubota Tractors We are big believers in continuous aera­ 6 ponds 5 times (1) Massey Ferguson 253 Tractor tion and utilizing different methods and (1) Cushman Spraytech 300 gallon sprayer different depths throughout the entire Who was the original architect? (1) Smithco Spraystar 100 gallon sprayer season. We pull 1/4 inch plugs twice a sea­ Stanley Thompson (1) Salsco Roller son and solid tine vent every month. We (1) Agrimetal Blower also vertidrain greens 3 times per season What was the year of original construction? (1) Agrimetal Vacuum at varying depths to coincide with root 1929 (1) Turfco Triwave development. What's new still feels old by Bill Green, Assistant Property Manager The Toronto Golf Club he Toronto Golf Club embarked on a major a distinct difference between the existing and expanded T renovation project to the Colt course during the 2009 fairway. This was something we really wanted to avoid due season. After six years of planning, town hall meetings, ato the extensive nature of the renovation. In an old golf membership vote, trials, extensive research, and a trip to course like Toronto Golf Club a bent/poa mix provides England the renovation project got underway on July 2, a certain amount of charm. If the golf course was an 2009. English architect Dr. Martin Hawtree completed antique, our goal was to refinish it to still look and feel like the renovation in keeping with the philosophies of an antique. The Toronto Golf Club has been on its current the original designer Harry Colt. The scope of work site for nearly 100 years and most of our Poa, especially included: the construction of 90 bunkers, new tee on greens has evolved into the perennial biotypes that complexes, re-locating two green sites, green expansions, no longer produce seed heads. When this happens it a new irrigation system, XGD drainage, puts Poa right up there as one of the re-grassing to fescue roughs, alterations top surfaces for putting greens. Never to green surrounds, fairway re-grading If the golf course was an say never, but I can’t see Oakmont Golf and alignment, creek alterations, and Club in Pittsburgh changing their Poa antique, our goal was to burial of hydro and telecommunication greens in the near future. The reality is lines. There were many unique refinish it to still look and Poa is one of the most adaptable invasive aspects to the renovation project, some feel like an antique. species on the planet and if you have a considered a bit quirky, but everything good cultivar, why change it. was very well planned and thought out. The typical term in our industry for One of the most intriguing aspects of the project was growing turf from cores is sprigging. For those of you how we maintained our bent/poa greens and fairways by who know Al Schwemler nothing is ever as simple as recycling sod and propagating using cores. it seems and you better watch what you say or you will There was a very deliberate effort made to maintain be quickly corrected. As Al had pointed out, sprigging our bent/poa greens and fairways. There are several by definition is plant propagation whereby cuttings of reasons why it was decided to continue to maintain our stolons or rhizomes are planted for establishment. The current grasses as opposed to a mono stand of bentgrass. more suitable term for the process would be something Once the renovation was completed, we wanted all the like vegetative propagation, vegetative reproduction, disrupted areas on greens and fairways to look seamless, vegetative multiplication, or vegetative cloning. Any like nothing had been changed. In the past, Toronto Golf of those terms will be acceptable when discussing our Club had widened fairways in a few locations and sodded process with Al. For the purpose of this article we are with pure bentgrass. Fifteen years later you can still see going to use the term propagation. By the time renovation got underway; we felt that we had fine-tuned the propagation process but had not put it Prior to construction Dr. Hawtree estimated we would to wide scale practice yet. We purchased a core harvester require 5000 ft2 of sod for green expansions. As a result and a new Mete-R-Matic topdresser to assist in minimizing 1.5 years before the project began we propagated a 7000 ft2 manual labor. It was critical that the core harvester could nursery green built on eight inches of our greens topdressing dump directly into the topdresser. This completely material. We core aerated two passes around every green eliminated any handwork, with the exception of tie-ins plus the entire practice putting green. The cores were along the edges. The operation of the aerator was much shoveled into carts by hand and dumped into a pile inside quicker than the rest of the process. In order to maintain our shop to keep them cool. The cores were then put into flow in the operation, aeration ceased once the core our Mete-R-Matic topdresser and spread on the green site. harvester was full and waiting to load the topdresser. This This was the first time we had propagated using cores. eliminated any chance of the cores drying on the surface Although the process was a success, there was definitely while waiting to be collected. All the coring was performed some fine-tuning to be done if we were going to attempt on the closest adjacent fairway and any unaffected areas of this process on a significant acreage of fairways (where the same hole being expanded. This significantly reduced recycled sod was in short supply). Obviously, a majority of travel time and expedited the process. Aerating was done handwork had to be eliminated and we felt there was too on a one and a half inch spacing to maximize the amount much lag time between collecting and spreading cores and of cores harvested in any given area. The depth was set at getting them watered. % inch to eliminate excess soil waste. continued on page 22... ...continued from page 21 One of the keys to successful propagation is to get water During the grow-in stages the newly propagated areas down A.S.A.P. On a large fairway we would work in specific were watered several times a day in a similar fashion to zones, dependant on the location of irrigation coverage. establishing turf from seed. Prior to the first mowing, Once the cores were distributed in the specific zone, propagated areas were rolled 2-3 times because the cores bentgrass was overseeded at 1/2 lb per 1000 ft2, pre-plant had a tendency to puff up and swell. The swelling of fertilizer was applied, and the area was rolled with a sod cores often continued even after several mowings. As a or speed roller. The zone was immediately irrigated while result propagated areas were rolled an additional 2-3 times the process continued into the next zone. Zone size was throughout establishment. dictated by the time of day and environmental conditions at At the completion of the project over 6.5 acres of fairways any given moment. On extremely hot days watering cores had been successfully propagated. Every fairway on the was top priority. Regardless of the stage of the process the golf course was core aerated at least once with the tightest operation was halted temporarily to water cores. On a few possible spacing. It was calculated that we pulled 16.7 occasions the soil was watered prior to placing the cores on million cores. If all the cores were stacked one on top of the soil to cool the surface. It was imperative to never let the another, the string of cores would be 318 km long. The last area propagated was on Nov. 30, 2009, which is now known vulnerable cores dry out. as dormant vegetative propagation. The sodding process on the fairways was like a game of musical chairs and the odd man out was propagated. Once an area was prepared and ready for grassing, sod was removed from a hole to be completed in the next phase of the construction process. Priority of sodding was always given to green surrounds and high traffic areas. Fairway sod became a pretty hot commodity and on a few occasions some pretty questionable sod was used. Some of the sod used had sat on skids rolled up for a week, sod was used that had more dollar spot than grass, and some sod that had sat on tarps for so long the first cut had to be done with a line trimmer. There was a large amount of uncertainty on whether the sod was going to make it, but with a little extra care in the form of water, fertilizer, and sand it all surprisingly bounced back. As part of the project two green sites were completely moved. The greens were rebuilt with the exact same grades as the original greens. A push up style green was reconstructed with the addition of the topdressing layer that had been stock piled from the old green. This construction method was used to maintain consistency with the other 28 greens on the property. At no point during the recreation of these greens was a piece of machinery used. All grading Everything on the greens was done by hand to reduce the impact of compaction, and for nostalgic reasons, to build them the way they were done back in 1911. and finish work was done with wheelbarrows, shovels, green had to be removed and stored on tarps to tie-in the pitchforks, and rakes. Everything on the greens was done by expansion. The expansion area was then sodded with the hand to reduce the impact of compaction, and for nostalgic sod that had been propagated on the nursery. reasons, to build them the way they were done back in 1911. After the first season post renovation the project was a It seemed to have served the club well over the last 100 years. great success from the design, to construction and grow-in. After the sod was cut from the green it was catalogued All budgets and schedules were not only met but exceeded and stored on plastic tarps. There was nothing significant expectations. One of the key components of an effective about the tarps; they were your basic Home Depot clear renovation is extensive planning and research that is done polyvinyl drop sheets used while painting. Once the sod was prior to the project. Nothing less would be expected when on tarps, it was constantly monitored and watered while the you have 6 years to prepare. Not everything went exactly to new green was being constructed. It was very surprising how plan but problems were quickly identified and adjustments well the sod did on the tarps and how little water it needed. were made accordingly. Many new challenges and setbacks The sod received regular applications of fungicide, growth were confronted during the first year post renovation. All regulators and fertilizer. Applications were made using a of the staff worked hard all year to improve many of the hand wand and were done on the same schedule as the areas affected by the scars left behind after a renovation other greens. After 4-5 weeks of the sod growing on tarps it project. The propagation of cores and recycling sod is one had a large mass of roots underneath the sod. Several pieces of the biggest accomplishments of the project. After such had to be cut with an edger because they had started to knit an extensive renovation The Toronto Golf Club still feels together. A day after laying the sod the roots were well on and looks as old as it did prior to the renovation and for that their way into the topdressing layer. Green expansions were reason alone it can be considered a success. done in a similar fashion; often times sod from the existing Photos by Bill Green and Al Schwemler, Toronto Golf Club Second to one by Justin Parsons, Assistant Superintendent Trafalgar Golf & Country Club The Importance of Earning Respect golf course maintenance department represents a The Of course some may argue that staff needs are not very dynamic and diverse work environment. We endeavor important compared to those of the club and its members. to groom and shape a constantly evolving environment But I believe their needs are just as important. After all, with a staff that ranges in age from teenagers to individuals they are the ones doing the bulk of the work. They are the that are well into their retirement years. As assistant ones changing holes, raking bunkers, applying fertilizer superintendents, it is up to us to help make it work, to help and setting reels. We rely on them to the utmost degree. bring it all together. For many young assistants, it is their first In essence, we don’t necessarily manage turf. Rather, we time managing people in any capacity. This inexperience, manage the people who manage the turf. With this in mind, combined with the unique nature of our workplace setting, their needs become just as important as anything else. After provides a very challenging opportunity for us. all, if they are unhappy or dissatisfied in any way, it will no In order for us to succeed in our roles, we must earn the doubt have a negative impact on their work performance. respect of the individuals we work with. After all, we cannot This, in turn, makes it nearly impossible for us to meet the lead a staff if they are not willing to follow us. Though it goals of our department and the golf club as a whole. sounds simple, this often proves to be the most difficult This is why earning the respect of the staff you rely on matter we face in our jobs. This, of course, is because we is so important. When they respect you, they are on your are trying to satisfy the needs of so many people. Let’s face side. They are willing to make compromises for you. it, the golf course has certain needs, as do the staff, the club They are willing to be patient and understanding for you. members, and even ourselves. Often times these needs can Most importantly, they are willing to try for you. In an be mutually exclusive and it is up to us to ensure that the environment that is as detailed and intricate as ours is, this goals of the department are met and people remain content. is how goals get met and success arises. Premium Products for all Burnside Your Turf Needs Serving the Needs of the Golf Industry PO Box 7 Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z6 We can help with: Tele 519-886-0557 Fax 519-886-0605 • Approvals for Golf Course Development and Operations 1-800-465-5849 • Irrigation Water Supply www.oscturf.com • Sewage Treatment and Disposal • Environmental Management Plans • Building and Clubhouse Design Services • Irrigation Design and Consulting • Environmental Impact Assessment • Drinking Water Assessment • Project and Construction Management Toll Free: (877) 799-8499 E-mail: vcirone@rjburnside.com Website: www.rjburnside.com The secret to the perfect game is under your feet 877-727-2100 416-364-5700 Offices located throughout Ontario Members of OGSA, CGSA and Golfmax Suppliers to the NGCOA www.zandersod.com Above the hole by Sean May Student and Intern Looking for a The winter weather came early in well we managed to get in a few way to intensify December and despite a brief thawing rounds of golf. The experience was tee and fairway in early January, we saw consistent one that could not be described below freezing temperatures followed in words and I would definately go colour ? by the usual February storms. While back given the opportunity. The most golf courses in Ontario are into OSGA Conference & Trade Show was the winter routine and preparing another event a group of us were able for next season, the turf students at to attend. Although the drive in the Guelph are back into the swing of snowstorm wasn’t the best at times, things. the educational seminars and the The first year turf students put entire conference was a great learning together their communications experience. symposium on Friday, November This year, for the first time ever, 26, 2010 at the Cutten Club in University of Guelph turfgrass Guelph, Ontario. The theme for the students have decided to enter a team symposium was “Back to the Future”. into the GCSAA Turf Bowl happening It featured some fantastic guest at the GCSAA show. The team of four speakers including Thom Charters have been studying since December; and Ryan Beauchamp. Also there we all look forward to hearing on how was a panel discussion featuring Dr. they do. Katerina Jordan and John Bladon. Some of the in-class learning for The symposium was a very successful the winter semester has included, event and I would like to personally the growing of group greens in thank those who attended. the greenhouses, developing tree Since then, there have been many management plans and preparing for activities and industry conferences the Ontario Pesticide Exterminators which took place through January License exam. I am looking forward and a number of students, including to the spring and moving forward with myself, were fortunate to attend. my turfgrass career. I would like to On January 4-7, a group of eight thank the OGSA for the opportunity of us went to visit FarmLinks in they have given me to contribute Sylacauga, Alabama. We had the to Green is Beautiful for the past year opportunity to take part in a variety and I look forward to writing for the of seminars presented by Argium magazine again in the future. Technologies, BASF and Toro, as 1-877-785-1098 www.envirosol.ca First year Turfgrass Management students attend the "Back to the Future” symposium at the Cutton Club in Guelph, Ontario. University of Guelph update Water Management Technology: Incorporating New and Old probably most prevalent in irrigation stand. Each crop will have an ET Maybe technologies and the purpose of this crop coefficient, which also factors in by Dr. Eric Lyons, it was too article is to encourage you to get the the plants ability to conserve water. many late most out of new technologies while Watering to ET is typically defining Department of Plant nights spent remembering and conserving the the amount of water that needs to be Agriculture, U of G studying, but most tried and true methods of water applied by using the data from the whenever I management, your soil probe. weather station. You apply less water hear about new technology being on cool cloudy days and more on hot promoted I always think of Ron Watering to ET sunny days. Popiels voice, “Set it and forget it!” DEFINITION: Evapotranspiration Unfortunately the best new ADVANTAGES: Typically watering (ET) is the combined potential water to ET will reduce the amount of water technologies get misused and then loss from a crop. The ET number that get dismissed because they are you use if you compare it to watering is usually determined comes from a based on a calendar. If you ware either promoted in this way, or the central weather station that measures consumer over estimates the ability watering every three days and you factors such as sunlight, temperature have three cloudy days you should of the technology to replace good and wind speed to determine the agronomic knowledge. This is apply less water. Often your central amount of water loss from a typical 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. controller will calculate this and Water To Soil Moisture make the adjustment automatically DEFINITION: Many devices so you do not have to adjust the sold today measure volumetric program manually. It also gives you water content (VWC). This can records of weather conditions that be done a number of ways but the Enviro-Sol has a can then be used at a later time to most common uses a form of Time justify increases or decreases in water Domain Reflectometry (TDR). team that will use justifying water budgets. ADVANTAGES: The advantage work for you! of these is you can bury them in the soil and get continuous soil These products provide a slow, Unfortunately the best moisture readings letting you know even feeding with premium new technologies get the soil moisture without going out nitrogen sources that intensify misused and then get to an area. In addition the hand colour and improve healing held devices allow you to send out with steady growth. dismissed because they anybody to record numbers and are either promoted in you can make decisions on those this way, or the consumer numbers at a later time. • 30-2-6 (SGN 225) contains over estimates the ability MISUSE: The most common Duration® and UFLEXX® of the technology to misuse of these instruments is the assumption that the absolute • 25-2-12 (SGN 185) is replace good agronomic formulated with MDU, value that the instrument reads is knowledge. important. In actuality the type of Duration® and UFLEXX® soil, the salinity of the water in the soil and a number of other factors • 18-4-18 (SGN 145) MISUSE: Often when shifting to contains 96% UFLEXX® may play a role in the number that an ET system managers increase you get from these instruments. Also their frequency, and water more the probes generally integrate the often to replace the water that was moisture over the length of the probe lost “that day”. This can lead to short so you cannot see where the water is roots and increased thatch levels. (although vertically mounted probes Another common mistake is that we are becoming more available). forget that ET is calculated based on light levels and temperatures from a SOLUTION: For each soil type or central weather system. Golf courses area of the course you need to make have a multitude of microclimates sense of that number by calibrating that include high variability in light, it to your experience and expertise. temperature and wind, the three Turfgrass managers should take their factors that affect the calculated ET. soil probe and their soil moisture In addition, soil type can affect the meter out together and see how they amount of water available for plant relate. Once you have calibrated growth. the instrument to your expertise then it becomes a valuable tool. The SOLUTION: Use ET as a tool advantage of this is you also get a but remember to make sure you good idea of where your roots are in calibrate it to your micro-climates relation to the depth of water in the and you remember to use your soil soil. probe to make sure you are watering New technologies are always to depth and to your roots. One entering the market and they usually area of your course may need to can help the turfgrass manager be watered weekly at 60% ET while conserve water and better manage another may need to be watered at turf. The key is the manager must 80% every 4 days. These adjustments 1-877-785-1098 continue to make the most out of can also change as sun angles change the technology and never “Set it and www.envirosol.ca throughout the year. forget it”. Technically speaking by: Jim Flett, B.Sc. (Agronomy), AGSR Golf Course Superintendent Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club jflett@mlgcc.com (705) 765-3165 Software and Tools to Support IPM Accrediation All Ontario golf courses using Class 9 pesticides were As a spray management tool IPM golfpro™ contains a full required to comply with the IPM Accreditation Program list of products registered for use on turf across Canada. (IPMAP) for the first time in 2010. Preparation of the Calculation Tools help you calibrate your sprayer(s) 8c program was hasty and therefore, implementation at the provide mixing calculations for your pesticides. The golf course level was full of challenges. The manufacturers program is listed at starting a $349 for a 9 hole facility or of pest control products have developed a variety of tools to $698 for 18 holes plus an annual maintenance fee. support the golf courses through the ever-changing process. Training Modules Record Keeping Systems In the spring of 2010, IPM Agents were confused about A number of companies started to design electronic the required training to complete the staff training records. record keeping systems. However, development was Syngenta stepped up by offering online training modules limited by the continuous changes to IPMAP, disrupting at www.greencast.ca. In addition, the website has a video commercialization of record keeping systems. Engage Agro on IPM Implementation on golf courses and a sprayer was first to launch with IPM Assist in June 2010, but IPMAP calibration video, tailored to the specific forms and changes proved too costly for the program to be viable. As a calculations required for the IPM Accreditation Program result, the record keeping system was cancelled while other (IPMAP). More modules are being developed for 2011. companies are still in development or in pilot phases. IPM Notebook® www.keystonecr.com/ipm is currently IPM Updates available to the golf industry in Ontario. It’s a stand­ As Syngenta learns about changes in the IPMAP, emails alone program which doesn’t require high-speed which are distributed to their customers to inform them of the can monitor pest scouting, pesticide and fertilizer use changes. This year, the emails included information about and sprayer calibration and reports are generated that staff training, scouting, requirements on the application are compatible with the IPMAP annual desktop audit. It form and notices about critical phases such as calibrating also contains a basic mapping module for entering hot the sprayer and documenting the hot spots. Furthermore, spot information and facilitates the turfgrass management manufacturers send out pest alerts or IPM information that recommendations contained in the Ontario Ministry of can be used to support IPM decisions on the golf course. Agriculture and Food publications 384 and 816. Behind the scenes, members of industry work to shape the IPM Notebook® also can record daily mowing details, requirements or question the IPMAP in order to make it daily water taking readings, and automatically creates and better. uploads the annual data file to Ministry of the Environment Water Taking Record System (WTRS). The program sells Active Ingredient Calculators for $499 with a yearly $199 annual maintenance fee to keep The manufacturers responded quickly when the up with updates in the IPMAP. requirement for active ingredient amounts was announced. Another program is IPM golfpro™ www.ipmgolfpro.com Product formulations were published and distributed scheduled to release in March 2011 which features an to retailers and Syngenta created the Active Ingredient interactive web based program to allow you to quickly login Calculator for popular products on www.greencast.ca. to your course information at any time from any computer. All IPMAP compatible Reports are auto-filled with your Public Meeting Preparation data, saving you time. You’re able to plan, execute, track The Ontario Golf Course Superintendents’ Association and document your pest management strategies. For (OGSA) has formed a committee that includes hotspot management, IPM golfpro™ technicians will manufacturers and retailers of pest control products to plan upload your course map into the program as part of the for the public meetings that will start in 2012. The goal of initial subscription price. If your course design changes the committee is to create a public meeting toolkit that can - no problem. The company provides an ongoing layout be used by golf courses to host a successful public meeting mapping service to facilitate course growth and expansion. with a consistent message across the golf industry. On the road again parking in most downtown locations. Not much thought was put into spacing when those damn yellow lines were painted on the asphalt. Underground parking, anyone? No thanks. by Paul Grotier Technical Consultant Then there was the mild seizure when I saw the first gas bill. TURF Canada Inc. Secondly, was the likelihood of rejection. Thankfully, my www.turfcanada.com (416) 648-4524 new position requires me to deal with a group of people who I once heard described as “the salt of the earth”. While I Life is Like a Box of Chodates always knew this to be true, it has once again been reaffirmed to me. I have been repeatedly welcomed into maintenance C~^he goals and ambitions are shared by many, yet facilities and what usually ensues are conversations of summers past, the joys and frustrations of growing grass sometimes the outcomes are vastly different. As I’m and maintaining golf courses to the best of our abilities. At sure it was for many in our business, it was the beauty of this young stage in my new career, I am most appreciative the landscape, the smell of freshly mowed grass and the of this as every conversation with a superintendent is an immediate gratification as one could pause and gaze at the opportunity to learn. result of a hard day’s work. At least, that’s what drew me Thirdly, I must say being “on the other side” of the desk is in. Probably for most, the goal was clear: superintendent different. I think back to when I met with sales representatives or nothing. Looking back, my young mind was filled with and now respect how they fielded questions with a cool, delusions of grandeur and as a wise man once said: “Life is calm and collected demeanour. I have never analyzed what like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going I say more than I do now. “Was my explanation clear? Am to get”. I talking too much? Should I shut up?” The same can be There have been many superintendents, assistants or said for trade shows... the shoe is now on the other foot. technicians who have transitioned into the business side Speaking of shoes, comfort is of utmost importance when of our industry, or as it has been called, the “dark side”. standing at a booth for hours. I don’t think my feet have That being said, I have been asked to contribute to the hurt this much since the first day I walked mowed greens. “On the Road Again ” column detailing my transition from Lastly, my organizational skills are being tested as I try to an assistant superintendent to a sales representative. While schedule meetings and plan weeks accordingly. Regardless, for the most part it has been smooth, there are definitely as superintendents and assistants, organization skills adjustments that have to be made. have always been paramount to maintaining a successful Now that I have traded in my golf cart for a truck, my golf course. All in all, my transition has been going well. first adjustment has evolved into a love-hate affair with my Superintendents and assistants have been receptive and Ford F-150. You have to understand, my previous vehicles my new colleagues on “the dark side” have been equally were a Honda Civic hatchback and more recently, a Mazda welcoming. With that I leave you with two quotes, one from 3, which are both a fifth and half the size respectively. While a superintendent I worked for, the other from the same wise I do love the feeling of “owning the road” and looking down man who influenced the title of this column: “God, I love onto people while driving, I miss my civic when looking for this business” and “that’s all I’m gonna say about that!” 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 The wild view by: Michael von Kaitz, C.Q.C.S. / C.G.M.P. Owner / National Consultant The Wildlife Management Group Inc., Burlington ON www.wildlifeteam.ca (905) 637-3338 Finding Balance when Dealing with Wildlife eWlcome to The Wild View, our first wildlife which direction we choose. The first step however, is a management edition in Green is Beautiful. professional evaluation or assessment of the situation. It is As urban wildlife populations continue to grow across key to determining if you’ll invest into a program, or if it North America, exposure with them can become more than will simply cost you money with very little results. a nuisance. Turf managers are challenged with bird and wildlife issues which often put a strain on their time, budget, and patience to resolve wildlife issues. But how do we address these wildlife issues while maintaining a healthy balance between wildlife and people in our environments. Our objective at The Wild View is to provide turf managers with effective solutions, case studies, and insight on how to deal with wildlife effectively, and maintain that healthy balance between them, and people. We welcome your thoughts, experience and success stories on wildlife problems to help others with similar issues. As many of you may be reviewing your staff start up times and turf schedules for the year, wildlife are also getting Assessment criteria should include: ready to ‘spring’ into action. In most of Ontario, we have • Species identification and estimated numbers on site, had significant snow falls this past winter, which helps and on adjacent land uses. reduce the winter activity, but increases spring-time activity. • Identify why they are there or the ecology that supports Our resident and transient goose populations will be their presence. eager to mate early, and establish themselves near food • Natural or introduced predation or control tactics sources and safe zones. That’s right, this means your well previously used. manicured turf and irrigation ponds. And don’t count out • Review of applicable laws and local ordinances which our terrestrial mammalian species common to our sites, may affect the types control used. they will also be emerging from semi-hibernation mode, • Required permits to be obtained. and looking for their food sources and mates. • Established time line for control. In the months to come, we may be looking at options • Amount of financial investment needed to resolve the for controlling wildlife ‘pests’. Do we do it in-house or issues. hire a wildlife contractor. Lots of variables will determine • Strategic direction based on the criteria listed above. Unless you already have the experience or qualified staff to complete an assessment, it may be more beneficial to contract this service out. A professional wildlife assessment will provide you with the diligence and strategic direction to effectively manage the wildlife species. Additional knowledge of wildlife species, timelines for expected results and control costs should also be included in written assessments. I know many property and turf managers who have invested in a professional assessment, and used it to acquire additional funding from senior management to address the wildlife issue. What ever the situation, don’t forget that many wildlife are protected species, and diligence is key in maintaining a Photos by Michael von Kaitz healthy balance between them and people. We Sell & Transplant Large Trees with tree spades ranging from 34-90" Members of I.S.A and O.G.S.A. Owner Paul Hanousek certified arborist. PREMIUM WATER MANAGEMENT TOOLS FOR YOUR GOLF COURSE TURF • 2 Formulations Available - Respond 3 Liquid and Respond 3 Granular • Protect your Greens, Tees, and Fairways from Localized Dry Spot, Drought Stress and Excessive Moisture • More Uniform Water Distribution Throughout Moving your trees since 1980. the Root Zone www.douglaswood.ca Distributed by: ALLTURF 1.800.353.3019 Master’s Turf Supply Ltd. T. 519.856.2771 F. 519.856.1447 Mountain View Turf Supply www.uap.ca P.O. Box 339 Rockwood ON Canada N0B 2K0 Respond 3 is a registered trademark of United Agri Products. Always read and follow label directions. 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 Off the fairway... Gardener's Gold by Brenda Noble, Head Gardener, Donalda Club, Toronto with Chris Cumming, Head Horticulturist at Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club bnobte@donaldaclub.ca or (416) 447-5575 x273. always get excited when I have the opportunity to chat with fellow horticulturists and golf course gardeners. Sharing ideas and stories with like-minded people is generally good for ones constitution and always makes my day! Over the past few years I’ve had the pleasure of running into Chris Cumming, Head Horticulturist at Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club, several times at various seminars and conferences. One thing he has shared with me is the progress of his on-site composting project. He started the program about 4 years ago and has done a fantastic job of turning the golf course’s yard and kitchen waste into one of our most precious resources - rich, beautiful compost. Gardener’s Gold. Maybe Chris mixes his compost pile. not the same kind of black gold Jed Clampett discovered, but immensely valuable to us gardeners all the same! our front end loader. I keep multiple In terms of keeping the So now I will pass it over to Chris to smaller piles to keep new materials carbon:nitrogen balance in check, I share his story. separate from material in later stages know that for best results you should of decomposition, which also helps be around 25-30:1, but it is very hard How the System Works with the mixing. When the material to track exactly what the ratio is. We We have an open area of unused looks like it is ready to be used I take have a lot of nitrogen product during space where all of the grass clippings it to our material yard where all our the summer and carbon during the collected from the fairways, tees and aggregates and soils are stored. fall and spring. So it’s definitely a greens are dumped. For larger tree challenge to mix to an exact ratio. brush material, depending on how What Goes In, But, when the pile starts to smell far from the compost area the work What Stays Out really strong and when the grass is being done, we either pile it in the Basically, any organic waste matter clippings stop breaking down it’s compost area and eventually chip it from all aspects of the golf course telling you that it needs carbon! The into the compost pile, or, if it is more operation is collected and included in more carbon product you have the efficient, we sometimes chip the the compost mix. This includes grass hotter the pile will get and the faster brush into a large super tilt trailer at clippings, leaves, cores from aerating, it will breakdown. So, always keep the work site and then the chips are soil from construction projects, some carbon from the spring on hand moved to the compost site. We set up brush, and garden materials (minus during the summer months when the a compostable food waste collection the weeds). We also collect food grass clippings are really pouring in. program in the clubhouse kitchen, waste from the clubhouse kitchen, halfway house, and turf care centre, including paper towels and coffee Challenges and Rewards so these materials are added to the grinds. The only things that we avoid One challenge has been trying compost as well. Every two weeks, or putting on the pile are weeds and to find the most efficient way of as necessary, I mix it all together with pine needles. transporting the materials. Probably the biggest challenge, though, has eventually, but the more time you been communicating to staff and spend with it the faster the turnover getting them to buy into a new idea of of product. Keeping multiple smaller utilizing otherwise waste material and piles makes it much easier to handle seeing the benefits of it. It will create and will break down faster if you change in the way people do things in turn it more. Also, do some research their departments, and change can be and learn about the process and the a challenge. What I had to do was get benefits of using compost in your the General Manager on board, and gardens. 8112 KING RD. WEST once he took it seriously and gave me BOLTON, ONTARIO L7E 5T3 support I then developed a policy on In conclusion, as spring quickly comes upon us, thoughts of amending 1-800-268-4425 • 1-905-857-2000 the compost operational procedures. Making this system a part of club gardens with rich compost are not www.allianceagri-turf.com policy, which is to be adhered to by far behind. I hope Chris’ story has Cost Effective Custom Blends all employees, eventually made the inspired you to start making your own gold. If you have questions for Chris Water Soluble, Granular, system become a way of how things you can contact him directly through Liquid & Organic Fertilizers are done and is explained to new employees as part of their orientation. e-mail, ccumming@mlgcc.com. Here Bulk Spreader Service There are many positives to this are a couple of websites you may be Full Line of Turf Chemicals system, the obvious one being turning interested in for further information on compost, producing, and testing it: For further information call: tonnes of waste into tonnes of quality Simon George multi-mix. Not having to truck the Composting Council of Canada: Technical Sales waste away or have product brought Central Ontario, GTA & Niagara Region in reduces both environmental and www.compost.org/pdf/sheet_l .PDF 1-519-841-3378 financial costs. Good compost is great Washington State Uni. (C:N ratios): for the health of most gardens, and Mark Schneider http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/ Technical Sales producing it on-site allows for more compost/fundamentals/needs_ Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe control of the quality of the product. carbon_nitrogen.htm & Muskoka Region 1-519-372-5181 Is it worth it? Ohio State Universtiy (testing): Absolutely! This fall I had 30 cubic Rae Murray http://ohioline.osu.edu/ yards and in the spring I had around Technical Sales anrfact/0015.html 12 cubic yards of usable material. I North East GTA & Eastern Ontario used to purchase 30 yards of a high 1-416-819-3404 quality triple mix for $1770.00 per Dave Magee load including taxes and shipping Technical Sales at the beginning of every season. I Ottawa Valley haven’t had to purchase any soil for 1-613-286-5199 the gardens in 3 years. As far as the cost in time, I really don’t spend that much time mixing it and moving things - approximately 30 Ontario Professional Turf Sales Team hours per year. As far as transporting the material to the compost site, it all South Western- Brian Bennett requires collection and transportation (519) 421-6593 somewhere regardless of whether we Niagara/Central- Craig McCutcheon have a compost area or not, so those (905) 536-0357 man hours are happening anyway. GTA- Bill Martel Starting your own composting (416) 508-6115 system - key points to remember. Eastern Ontario- Perry Brazeau If you have any spare space use it and (289) 338-1834 start composting any waste organic Northern- Kevin Jensen material. It really doesn’t require that (705) 627-3590www.turfpro.ca much extra time and the material will breakdown to a usable product On the REEL side of things by: Warren Wybenga, Equipment Manager, Donalda Club, Toronto WWybenga@donaldaclub.ca (416) 447-5575 x263 It Makes Sense to Support Apprenticeship 421 Turf Equipment Technician Apprenticeship Did you know... the turf industry in Ontario is Industry support needed extremely fortunate to have an apprenticeship program, We have government support, but where is the employer/industry created specifically to teach the necessary skills to become an support ? effective, professional Turf Equipment Technician (TET)? Since gaining official trade recognition in 2004 The program provides employers with an opportunity to and curriculum completion in 2006, thanks mainly to hire a great employee and to help train that employee to considerable lobbying efforts and hours of work by Turf meet their organization’s specific needs. Approximately Equipment Technicians in Ontario and the change in 90% of the apprenticeship training is provided in the political will to recognize the need for the development workplace by you, the employer. There is no better way for and support of skilled trades, disappointing registration apprentices to learn than right in your own shop. And what numbers has the entire program at a standstill. better way to answer the demands of golf superintendents Extensive consultation with several of the industry’s from across the province, country and around the world? leading Equipment Technicians has resulted in the compilation of a comprehensive set of standards from Did you know... the 421C TET apprenticeship program which a thorough curriculum was developed. Preliminary was initiated, researched and developed by a collaborative indications from golf course superintendents and other effort between Turf Equipment Technicians and industry concerned industry representatives indicated enough stakeholders in conjunction with the Ministry of Training support to sustain a class of twenty apprentices annually. Colleges and Universities (MTCU)? To date, only 12 apprentices from 10 employers have Did you know... it pays to hire an apprentice? registered. According to research by the Canadian Apprenticeship Registering an apprentice is a relatively simple but Forum, employers receive a return when they invest in thorough process that once initiated, will yield benefits for apprentices. For every $1 spent on apprenticeship training, both employee and employer. To find a suitable candidate, an employer receives a benefit, on average, of $1.47 or a net most need look no further than their own grounds staff or return of $0.47 in the first year. As well, the net benefit of those of their peer group but that’s not the only place to apprenticeship training increases every year over the course find one. of the apprenticeship period. Check for interested candidates with industry or trade organizations, training committees, local secondary schools Did you know... there are financial incentives for hiring or colleges. Or you can also check out: an apprentice? www.apprenticesearch.com • $2000 Employer Signing Bonus which is to encourage Once you’ve found your candidate, simply call the employers or sponsors to register new apprentices in apprenticeship office nearest you to arrange a meeting sectors where there is a high demand for skilled workers. with an Employment and Training Consultant (ETC) who www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/employers/emp_bonus.html will lead you through the process. To find your local office, • Employer Bonus provides a $1000 to employers or call the Employment Ontario Hotline, call toll free: 1-800- sponsors whose apprentices complete an apprenticeship 387-5656, in Toronto: 416-326-5656 or go to: in any trade or occupation. www.fmdhelp.ca/mtcu/appoff.html • Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit which is a refundable More information on the new College of Trades, a self tax credit available to employers or sponsors who hire and regulating body dedicated to professional tradespersons train apprentices in certain skilled trades to a maximum and basically created to oversee apprenticeships in general of $10,000 per qualifying apprentice per calendar year. can be found at: www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/credit/attc/index.html www.collegeoftrades.ca Did you know... there is financial assistance for It makes sense to hire an apprentice! apprentices? This includes: Through apprenticeship your organization receives an • Apprenticeship Scholarship provides a $1000 excellent return on investment; an employee specifically scholarship to young people who participate in trained to meet your organization’s needs and a plan apprenticeship programs if they meet simple criteria. to reduce the risk of skill shortages in the future. All in www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/apprentices/app_school.html all, supporting apprenticeship will help to build a strong • Support for Non-ELEligible Apprentices provides foundation for the turf industry. It’s an investment in grants of up to $1500 per term to apprentices who are sustainability. not eligible for employment insurance to help cover Why then isn’t the turf industry in Ontario committing to their costs while they go to school. training the TurfEquipment Technicians of tomorrow? Ontario’s turf industry needs to step up and get involved • Loans for Tools Program offers apprentices an in this worth while program. Support your own career while interest-free loan to help them purchase the tools investing in the future of your organization by registering and equipment they will require to perform the a new 421C Turf Equipment Technician Apprentice today! tasks that their respective trades will require of them. www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/apprentices/tools.html References: www.caf-fca.org/en/reports/it_pays_to_hire_an_apprentice.asp www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/employers/emp_bonus.html • Apprenticeship Completion Bonus in Non-Red Seal www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/credit/attc/index.html Trades is a one time $2000 taxable benefit given to www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/apprentices/app_schol.html www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/apprentices/tools.html apprentices who complete apprenticeship training www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/apprentices/bonus.html and receive certification in a Non-Red Seal trade. www.aprenticesearch.com www.findhelp.ca/mtcu/appoff.html www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/apprentices/bonus.html www.collegeoftrades.ca Corrie Almack P.Ag. P.O. Box 277, 890 Fairground Road, Langton, On , NOE 1G0 Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 Phone (519) 875-4094 Fax (519) 875-4095 Box 256, Carlisle, On Fax: (905) 689-8522 Website: mastersturfsupply.com LOR 1H0 Email: c.almack@sympatico.ca email: mastersturf@hughes.net Darryl James Certified Golf Irrigation Designer Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor ISA Certified Arborist 0N-1152A OIA Technical Agrologist T. Ag Tom Margetts, T.Ag 27 Waterloo St. New Hamburg, ON phone: (416) 873-9648 23 Hocken Ave. Soil and Turfgrass Consultant N3A 1S3 Toronto, Ontario, M6G 2K1 P: 519-662-2479 arborturf@gmail.com www.innovativeagronomics.com www.arborturfsolutions.com C: 519-496-2143 Email: tom@innovativeagronomics.com F: 519-662-2479 Chipco Triton SC™ with StressGard™ formulation Backed By Bayer - As always, you’re Backed by Bayer. technology offers excellent disease control against And that means our team of professionals is your team of anthracnose, dollar spot, brown patch, pink and grey professionals. All of our research and support is to ensure snow mould while providing unprecedented turf quality and you have the most effective products available. Superior unbeatable protection against the stress your turf faces. products and superior support - only from Bayer. Take advantage of the most complete line of turf fungicides in the golf industry. Chipco Triton SC, Trilogy SC, Rovral Green GT, Compass 50WP, Banol and Aliette Signature. Chipco Triton SC Trilogy SC Rovral Green GT Compass 50WP Banol Aliette Signature Unmatched disease control, enhanced quality and stress relief for your turf. The broad spectrum DMI fungicide that provides unmatched control, quality and relief for your turf. For more information on Triton SC and the complete line of Bayer products, contact Bayer Environmental Science www.bayeres.ca 1-888-283-6847 ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTION. Rovral Green GT, Aliette Signature, Chipco Triton SC, Trilogy SC, Banol and Compass 50WG are registered trademarks of Bayer. BACKED by BAYER Looking back Ten Years Ago Today by Barry Endicott In 2001 the Board of Directors were John Gravett CGSA The GreenMaster publication. (pres), Keith Bartlett (past pres), Jim Flett (vice), Mark The Supreme Court made a decision to uphold a bylaw Piccolo, Rob Ackermann, Dean Baker, Jeff Burgess, Bob in the town of Hudson, Quebec, where municipalities had Burrows, Mike Courneya, Dave Cours, Sean DeSilva the power to ban the use of pesticides. It was feared that and Paul Scenna. Jeff Stauffer was the editor of Green such powers could move into the province of Ontario. is Beautiful. Pat Thomas was welcomed as a new staff The GCSAA celebrated its 75th Anniversary with the member of the OGSA. conference being held in Dallas. Green is Beautiful\^on the On the move: Sean DeSilva from Diamond Tn The Ruff Most Improved Publication for the second year in a row. moved to Taboo. Dean Baker moved from Glen Abbey The “Spring Field Day” was held at the Guelph Lakes Golf Club to North Halton Golf Club after the retirement Golf Club hosted by John Bladon. Dave Swab (76), of Allan Beeney. Victoria Park West and Chris Dew (76) The National were low gross winners and Ken Wright (65) Devils’ Pulpit In Memoriam: and Dave DeCorso (70) Victoria Park East were low net Hugh Kirkpatrick 1941-2001 - Hugh started outbuilding winners. The Border City Challenge was held at the golf courses but later remained on as superintendent at Sarnia Golf and Country Club, hosted by Paul Brown and Conestoga GC after construction. Hugh spent the last the Pro Super Tournament was held at Angus Glen hosted 23 years as superintendent at the Westmount Golf and by Ernie Amsler and Doug Taylor. The team consisting of Country Club. Hugh was the president of the OGSA in 1985 Kelly Barnet, Fox Glen GC and pro Kevin Corriveau were and received the Score Golf Award for Superintendent of crowned the winners. the Year in 1996. The Presidents Day Tournament was held at Beacon John Stoughton 1910-2001 passed away at the age of 91 Hall Golf Club hosted by Bob Heron on July 16th. The in Orillia. John spent the last 25 years of his career at the winners were as follows: 1st The Briars Golf Club, Paul old and new Barrie Golf and Country Club. White, 2nd Ballantrae Golf Club, Kurt Rasmus, 3rd St. Jim Boyce passed away on August 29th. Jim developed George’s Golf Club, John Gall, 4th Beacon Hall, Bob correspondence courses for the University of Guelph, was Heron and 5th Lowville Golf Club, John Dimitriw. the Executive Director of the CGSA from 1970 to 1973 The Alex McClumpha Memorial Tournament was held at and was the editor of The GreenMaster magazine. The Briars Golf Club hosted by Paul White. The low gross Keith Nisbet received the CGSA’s John B. Steel winner was Ted Ellis from Blue Springs GC and the George Distinguished Service Award at the CGSA Conference and Darou Trophy was won by Bruce Burger, Lakeview GC. Show which was held in Vancouver. The Plant Products Annual Slow Pitch Tournament was held with a total of 39 teams on July 14th at Turner Park “A Century of Greenskeeping”, written by Gord in Hamilton. The winning team from Toronto Golf Club Witteveen was published and distributed by the OGSA. defeated the team from Oakdale Golf Club. Gord wrote his last article titled “The Back Page” for the David C. Smith, P.Ag., C.G.C.S. 185 Oriole Crescent LARGE TREE SALES AND RELOCATION Soil & Turfgrass Consultant Gravenhurst, Ontario P1P1C6 Phil Dickie - ISA Certified Arborist Office (705) 687-SOIL (7645) pdickie@fastforest.ca Fax (705) 687-3518 Toll Free 1 -888-607-TURF (8873) 270 Shoemaker Street, Kitchener, ON N2E 3E1 Cell (905) 512-6004 dave@dcsturf.com P: (519) 748-6610 • F: (519) 748-6626 • www.fastforest.ca Turf or consequences by Doug Breen, Superintendent Golf North Properties I'm Just a Bill Schoolhouse Rock was a series of animated videos, set to else that might relate to welcome mats). Stating there is 70’s psychedelic rock, commissioned by the good people at already legislation to deal with this ‘rapidly escalating health ABC, and designed to educate the young masses on topics crisis’ would be seen by the public as impotence of the highest that they might not otherwise be interested in - sort of the order. Rather, a Royal Commission on Floor Mats (the scope musical equivalent of stuffing medicine inside a sundae. It was widened to include all types of mats) will be organized led to such classics as “Three is a Magic Number” - a musical at the next sitting of the House (which is bound to be within tribute to the nifty mathematical things that one can do with the following ten months). After an extensive tour of the the number three. That little ditty had the members of the province, where stakeholder groups will convene at various Math Club, and the Society of Future Actuarial Scientists of geographic locations to tell their stories of injuries (and America, dancing in the isles and throwing their slide rules naturally all close calls) with floor mats, the Commission will onto the stage in a state of frenzy. There were several more publish a white paper: “State of Non-Fixed Floor Covering that gave me a reasonably distorted version of American Devices in Ontario”. There will be much discussion about History, and a couple about proper grammar (Conjunction whether a table is a “non-fixed floor covering device” or not. Junction, What’s Your Function?). But without question, the Some random Ministry (oh, let’s say the Ministry of best-known Schoolhouse Rock song of all time, was “I’m Just a Transportation) will write a protocol for the manufacture, Bill” - which explained how things are done in the American sale, installation, and maintenance of mats - followed political system. Most kids of my generation can sing that by another round of public consultation, which will lead song from beginning to end, but to this day have no idea to the addition of several green initiatives into the final how things work in Ontario. So without the benefit of folksy draft of the legislation. Then the province will download harmonies or soaring guitar solos, this is how a new law is the administration of the Floor Coverings Act to the local born in Ontario - unfortunately. Boards of Health, who will interpret and apply it in wildly Let me give you a hypothetical example. One ordinary different ways across jurisdictions. Each business using day, someone walking into a clubhouse trips on a welcome “non-fixed floor covering devices”, which may now include mat, falls, and breaks their wrist. The injured party’s tables, chairs, and slow moving seniors depending on your insurance company will immediately sue the owner of the inspector, will need to buy a $300 annual licence and submit course, the manager of the clubhouse, the company that to a semi-annual unannounced inspection. Mats will all made the welcome mat, the workers in the Indonesian sweat have engineer’s stamps, contain a minimum 25% recycled shop that manufactured it, and the last three cleaners who materials, and cost $5,000 each. The Ministry of Education, vacuumed it. The insurance companies of all of those folks who now oversees the whole program for some reason, will will settle, because insurance lawyers are the most spineless hire 100 trainers to work with the local inspectors. people on earth and live in constant fear that, one day, they Two weeks later, someone will trip on a mat anyway, and might actually have to argue a case in court. Instead, the the whole process will begin again. I can’t set this to music - lawyers all go out for lunch, exchange cheques, and every it’s just too depressing. one on the planet has their premiums go up to cover the settlement (and the lunch). In most cases, that’s the end of it. But if the injured party decides to hold a press conference - there is panic. The scale of this panic is directly proportional to how well connected the family of the ‘victim survivor’ is to the political party in power. The most important thing for the politicians to do at this point is to show they care, and the best way to show caring is to get invited to the aforementioned press conference. Most MPP’s have a well-rehearsed face for such events - it’s a delicate balance of concern, sadness, and moral outrage. Global TV news will produce a three-part series entitled “Welcome Mats: Friendly Greeting or Death Trap?” The most important thing to do after the press conference is to ignore all pre-existing legislation that might apply (in this case, things like fire codes, building codes, or anything 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. 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