Green is Spring 2012 Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendent's Association Control Your Water - Control Your Results The Importance of Water Efficiency ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: How Dry is My Soil Putting TruFirm Technology to Work For the Good of Dendrites CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON NIL 0H2 Spectacular Turf May Not Be Rocket Science ...BUT IT’S CLOSE Perhaps it’s not rocket science, but like you, our success depends on applying expert knowledge to a very complex system - a job far more complicated than it may first appear. We’ve spent millions and worked for almost 10 years defining the science behind INSIGNIA® Fungicide and the benefits unique to INTRINSIC™. We invite you to discover the INTRINSIC benefits of INSIGNIA on your course for 2012. Imagine; improved quality, better colour, higher stress tolerance, more vigorous root growth versus commonly used commercial fungicides. Perhaps it’s not rocket science, but after 140 years of high-tech discoveries aimed at making life easier... it’s very close. Discover more about some of the INTRINSIC™ benefits of using INSIGNIA® Fungicide at www.BetterTurf.ca BetterTurf ™ is a trade-mark of the BASF group of companies, INTRINSIC is a trade-mark of BASF SE and INSIGNIA is a registered trade-mark of BASF Corporation, in each case used with permission by BASF Canada Inc. © 2012 BASF Canada Inc. All rights reserved. Always read and follow label directions before product use. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Green is W ell that was a strange spring. May weather in March, March weather in April -I can only assume that June Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association will bring a plague of locusts, frogs and golfers. By now, everybody’s courses should be as busy as they’re going to Editor be, all the staff should be in place and fully trained, and Justin Parsons things ought to be running like a well-oiled machine. So justinparsons@engageagro.com let’s play some golf. Publisher & Advertising Manager The OGSA has a number of events planned for the Terry Davey by Doug Breen, season, and if you haven’t been to one in a while, I strongly terry@blenheim.ca GolfNorth Properties encourage you to take an afternoon off, and get together Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 102 with your industry colleagues. It’s not really about the Administration Manager golf. It’s really about what the Linkedln crowd refer to as “networking”; and Diane Davey diane@blenheim.ca I like to refer to as “group therapy”. There’s nothing better than finding Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 103 out that 20 other guys have been having the same struggle that you’ve been Production & Design having. And I guarantee that at least one of them will have tried a solution Jeanette Thompson that you never thought of - and will be willing to tell you whether it worked or jeanettethompson@mac.com not. Come on out, you won’t regret it. Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 101 Your OGSA board has Green is Beautiful is published four times been busy this spring a year (November / March / June / August) looking at ways that we by Blenheim INK for: can more effectively serve you, our members. So if you think we’ve been sending out a lot of surveys lately, and Ontario Golf Superintendents' that board members Association have been asking a lot Guelph Turfgrass Institute of questions, it’s because 328 Victoria Road South we have been. Thank Guelph, ON N1L0H2 you to those who have Tel: 519-767-3341 already completed surveys for us, and thanks in advance to those who will Toll Free: 877-824-6472 do so in the future. We believe that your OGSA membership gives you the Fax:519-766-1704 best bang for your buck already, but we’re always looking to improve our Email: manager@ogsa.ca services even more. www.ogsa.ca So hopefully the summer won’t be too hot, that we’ll receive timely rains, and that the golfers will all properly fix their divots and ball marks (I can dream). The dog days of summer are some of the most trying days of our Published by Blenheim INK season, but I hope that you can all still find some time to enjoy with friends Adminstration Office: and family. ■ 4305 Fairview Street, Suite 232 Photo submitted by: Mark Prieur, Trafalgar G&CC Burlington, ON L7L6E8 Production Office: 1727 King Street East, Cambridge, ON N3H 3R6 GOLF COURSE SAND MIXES Division of Brent Quarries - Muskoka Toll Free: 1-877-618-8696 Fax: 519-340-0293 www.blenheim.ca 705/783/8555 Top Dress MIX Paper from responsible sources Bunker Sand T-Mix Greens Mix FSC® C008820 jjpmaki@brentquarry.com INSIDE THIS ISSUE INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ALLIANCE AGRI-TURF 23 www.allianceagri-turf.com ALLTURF 14 www.allturf.ca ALMACK AGRONOMIC SERVICES INC. 33 AQUATROLS 16 www.aquatrols.com ARBORTURF SOLUTIONS 29 www.arborturfsolutions.com BASF TURF PRODUCTS 2 www.BetterTurf.ca BAYER 21 www.baveres.ca BRAEMAR BUILDING SYSTEMS 22 www.braemarbuildings.com DCS AGRONOMIC SERVICES 29 DIRECT SOLUTIONS 32 www.aatdirectsolutions.com DOUGLAS WOOD LARGE TREE SERVICE 14 www.douglaswood.ca ENVIRO-SOL 11/13 18 Feature: www.envirosol.ca Control Your Water - Control Your Results FAST FOREST 26 www.fastforest.ca GREEN HORIZONS GROUP OF FARMS 14 In This Issue www.JustSodit.com GT GOLF & TURF 35 www.gtgolf.net 7 OGSA Tournament Recaps 12 Basic Soil Testing IPM GOLFPRO 25 www.ipmgolfpro.com In Every Issue JMT SANA MIXES 3 MANA QUALI-PRO 28 3 President's Message 22 U of G Update www.quali-pro.com/QPCanada/ MASTER'S TURF SUPPLY LTD. 34 5 Editorial Message 24 Second to One www.mastersturfsupply.com NUTRITE 24 6 What's New 25 On the Road Again www.nutrite.com ONTARIO SEED COMPANY 31 9 Health & Safety 26 Technically Speaking www.oscturf.com TURF CARE PRODUCTS CANADA, IRRIGATION 27 10 Roots to Shoots 28 On the Reel Side of Things www.turfcare.ca TURF CARE PRODUCTS CANADA 36 15 Member Profile 30 Off the Fairway www.turfcare.ca TURF PROFESSIONALS CHOICE 26 Ben Ingram, Superintendent www.turfprofessionalschoice.com Caledon Woods Golf Club 33 Looking Back UNITED AGRI PRODUCTS INC. 5 17 Golf Course Highlight 34 Turf or Consequences www.uap.ca VANDEN BUSSCHE IRRIGATION 10 Granite Golf Club www.vandenbussche.com ZANDER SOD CO. LIMITED 12 www.zandersod.com Green is GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL EDITORIAL COMMITTEE GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL 2012 Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Justin Parsons Although every effort is made to check material for publication, the association is not Alan Dolick responsible for material published on behalf of Paul Grotier its contributors. Jason Hanna All rights are reserved by the publisher and Scott Horsburgh any reproduction in whole or part without the Kevin Kobzan written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Scott White Although some trade names may be mentioned in articles contained in this publication, no OGSA is committed to serving its members, endorsement is intended or implied by the advancing their profession, and enriching Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association. the quality of golf and its environment. EDITORIAL MESSAGE verybody likes to talk about the In some way, it’s comforting to know that the world has E weather. It seems to be the default conversation starter in awkward social seen more extreme temperatures, on any given day, before. When you think about it though, what is normal? I guess situations. Perhaps it is because it’s the for the purposes of weather, it’s what we call ‘seasonal’ one thing that affects us all. Of course, temperatures. But seasonal temperatures are merely a some people, such as turf maintenance collection of all the temperatures to create an average. professionals, are affected more than It doesn’t mean that is what we should expect. It merely others. means that is what the middle ground is when you average by Justin Parsons, Engage Agro Corp. Lately, weather seems to be really out all the peaks and valleys in temperature over time. throwing a wrench in the works. Last With this in mind, perhaps the weather is no more erratic spring we had more ram than we knew what to do with than it has been in the past. Maybe it just seems that way and that was followed by eight weeks of drought-like because we have strayed, albeit for some time now, from conditions. Then, of course, we had mid-twenty degree what is considered ‘seasonal’. Regardless, weather plays weather over Thanksgiving, followed by a winter that saw such an integral part in the planning and execution of golf only four days with highs below zero degrees Celsius in course maintenance. It also influences course conditions February. This was in the Toronto area, but in talking to as much as anything on a daily basis. various superintendents, the conditions were similar in This issue features a couple of articles that focus on the other parts of Ontario. basics of turf maintenance; both from an infrastructure More recently, this spring has been just as peculiar as we standpoint and from a soil science perspective. So, no all know. However, as unusual as the weather has been over matter what Mother Nature has in store for us this year, the last several months, rarely do we break records. There hopefully this information will help, in some way, see your is usually some day back in the 1950’s that was the hottest turf through the season. ■ and another day back in the 1960’s that was the coldest. ZERO-LOAD PREMIUM WATER MANAGEMENT OFFERS — TOOLS FOR YOUR GOLF COURSE TURF ADVANTAGES • 2 Formulations Available - Respond 3 Liquid Disease control: dollar spot, and Respond 3 Granular brown patch & anthracnose • Protect your Greens, Tees, and Fairways -Great IPM tool from Localized Dry Spot, Drought Stress and - Short re-entry, getting Excessive Moisture on the course sooner • More Uniform Water Distribution Throughout the Root Zone For more information see your turf input supplier or log onto www.uap.ca for label information Ontario: 1-800-265-5444 Ontario: 1-800-265-5444 www.uap.ca Always read and follow label directions. Rhapsody® is a registered Respond 3 is a registered trademark of United Agri Products. trademark of AgraQuest, Inc. Always read and follow label directions. WHAT'S NEW by Sally Ross, OGSA Executive Manager NEWS FROM THE OFFICE organizational involvement and The biggest news from the office is additional services that the association GOLF DIGEST RANKING that we should have our new website can offer to the associate members to The OGSA extends their launched by the time this issue is add value to their membership. congratulations to St. George’s released. Our new web address is One change that the board did Golf & Country Club for receiving a www.ogsa.ca approve, was regarding the Class AA top-ten ranking as one of the 100 Please note new email addresses for (Retired) memberships, which have Best Courses Outside the U.S. by Golf the office staff: always been complimentary and will Digest magazine. Congratulations remain that way. However, any new also go out to the four other Ontario Sally Ross: manager@ogsa.ca Class AA retirees will be serviced courses that made the list: National Pat Thomas: members@ogsa.ca electronically. Golf Club of Canada (17), Hamilton Deborah Badger: accounts@ogsa.ca Golf & Country Club (27), Devil’s An additional donation to the The new site gives us more Paintbrush (72) and Beacon Hall Ontario Turf Research Foundation capabilities in terms of managing Golf Club (78). was approved. the membership database, as well as providing a secure payment site. Of All OGSA scholarships will now have course a new site is never without a one submission date and applications glitch or two, so if you spot anything will be available year round on the new strange, please contact us. Your website at www.ogsa.ca. Reminders OGSA: feedback is always appreciated. will be sent out periodically. Welcome The OGSA board has met twice On behalf of Aurora golf courses, since the Niagara conference and is OGSA President Doug Breen recently to Our scheduled to meet again just prior made a presentation to the public to the release of this issue. The new planning committee for the town of New committee structure was set up and Aurora. The council is considering changing the existing tree by-law. It working committees were established. Members is hoped that Doug’s presentation enabled the township to recognize Planning is now underway with the CGSA for the upcoming joint the distinct difference between the Justin Chadwick Class F conference in Toronto next January. business of running a golf course and National GC of Canada those by-laws applicable to private Kevin Collier Class Supt The board also reviewed results residences. If so, this can only assist RiverBend Golf Community from a recent associate member survey other municipalities in recognizing Darren Fritz Class C which focused on dues structure, that one rule does not fit all. ■ Links at Pipers Glen Kenneth Hoare Class D Indian Hills Golf Club Albert Johnson Class A Big Cedar Golf & CC Robert Kerr Class S University of Guelph Andrew Lombardo Class Supt 2012 OTRF Golf Wyndance Golf Club Paul MacMillan Wildfire Golf Club Class F Tournament Greg McLinton Class A Frog's Breath Golf Club Tuesday August 14,2012 The Grass Company Class E Bill Aimers MAGNA Golf Club, Aurora, ON Sylvite Turf Class E Doug Hubble and Bill Martel For registration information visit: www.otrf.ca CAN/AM Challenge 2012 by Doug Breen, OGSA President MARK YOUR CALENDAR UPCOMING 2012 OGSA t was raining when I woke up in my I hotel in Windsor. It was raining harder when I crossed the Ambassador Tournament & Events Bridge. It rained while we were having breakfast, and it rained all the way Presidents' Day home - but for four hours on the Granite Golf Club 30th of April, it didn’t rain a drop on Monday, July 16th TPC Michigan, as the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents ’ Association (MiGCSA) hosted the annual Left to right: Gregg Matthews, MiGCSA Summer Scramble challenge match against the OGSA. Secretary Treasurer, Doug Breen, OGSA Springfield Golf & Country Club And gracious hosts they were. The President, Greg Pattison, MiGCSA Vice golf course was first rate, the food President. Tuesday, Aug. 28th was excellent, and the fellowship (as always) was beyond compare. The At dinner, there was a great deal of MiGCSA truly are a terrific group discussion among the two executives, Assistants Tournament to spend a day on the course with. about what we could do to make next Piper's Heath Golf Club Unfortunately, they weren’t gracious year’s event on the Canadian side Monday, Sept. 24th enough hosts to let the visiting even bigger and better. Stay tuned for Ontario contingent bring back the future announcements, but most of cup. Although many matches (mine all, play some golf this summer - we Alex McClumpha included), came right down to the need to get the cup back in Canada. Scarboro Golf & Country Club very last hole, in the end, our drought The Americans won the event 40 Monday, Oct. 1 st continues, and the CAN/AM Cup will to 20. Closest to the pin winner was spend another year on the wrong side Roy Szyndlar and Jerry Richard took of the Detroit river. home the title for the longest drive. ■ 2012 Pro/Super Tournament Guelph Turfgrass Institute day as well as a good golf day, won the $310.00 from the 50/50 draw. Summer Research The second place team was Cobble Field Day & 25th Beach Golf Links, Jeff and Warren Thomas, coming in with a -7. Despite Anniversary Celebration the tied score, Ray Richards and Andrew Lovell from Mad River edged DATE: out Bill McAllister and Josh Doan from Thursday Rattlesnake Point taking the prize for August 23,2012 third place in the tie-breaker. Winners Jim Rennie, left, and Paul Mickalko, right Closest to the Pin winners for by Sally Ross, OGSA Executive Manager the superintendents was Andrew EVENT DETAILS: Lombardo (Wyndance) and for the Morning tours highlighting he OGSA’s annual Pro/Super pro’s was Jeff Czuba (Granite Ridge). T Tournament was held on May Longest Drive winners for the 23rd at the beautiful Georgian Bay superintendents was Paul Scenna current research activities followed by a GTI 25th anniversary Club, hosted by Superintendent Bert (Beacon Hall) and for the pro’s was celebration lunch. McFadden and Head Golf Professional Jason Levine (Cambridge Golf Club). Greg Colekessian. Eight teams shared in the skins pool Rave reviews for the course, service of $940.00. FOR INFORMATION: and hospitality were heard from the Master of ceremonies Phil Scully www.guelphturfgrass.ca field of 104 golfers. The big winners presented the prizes to the winners gti@uoguelph.ca were the team from Batteaux Creek, and thanked all staff and the members of the Georgian Bay Club on behalf of 519-824-4120x 52784 Paul Mickalko and Jim Rennie with a score of -9. Paul, who had a lucky the OGSA for an outstanding day. ■ CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL TURFGRASS CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW Growing for Golf JANUARY 25TH - 29TH, 2013 SHERATON CENTRE TORONTO HOTEL TORONTO, ONTARIO Get in on the action! FEATURES: ■ 3 day education program ■ 2 days of pre-conference Specialized Learning Workshops ■ Keynote Presentation KEYNOTE SPEAKER: ■ 100+vendor trade show Sean Foley ■ Social and networking events PGA Tour Instructor TO BOOK EXHIBIT SPACE: BENEFITS: Bill Garrett 1 -800-387-1056 x 224 ■ The latest research and knowledge presented by bgarrett@golfsupers.com industry experts FOR SPONSORSHIP ■ Interaction with peers, industry leaders and experts OPPORTUNITIES: and industry related researchers and academics Ken Cousineau 1-800-387-1056 x 222 kcousineau@golfsupers.com ■ In-depth learning opportunities specific to golf course management that are focussed on issues relevant to REGISTRATION & the Canadian golf industry EDUCATION INFO: ■ An amazing opportunity to reconnect with old Kathryn Wood 1 -800-387-1056 x 223 friends and make new ones. kwood@golfsupers.com HASHTAG: #CITC2013 JOINT CONFERENCE PARTNERS: For more information visit: www.golfsupers.com www.ogsa.ca HEALTH & SAFETY Time to Reflect on Your Rules ill 168, now known as Section 32 of the Occupational The act broadens and extends the definition of B Health and Safety Act in Ontario, became law on June 15, 2010. It represents a significant change in how, and workplace harassment beyond what is presently covered under the Ontario Human Rights Code. The Human to what extent, both workplace violence and workplace Rights Code has long prohibited harassment in the harassment are regulated in Ontario. It also broadens workplace based on race, ancestry, place of origin, the definitions of workplace violence and places new colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, age, record of requirements on Ontario employers. offences, marital status, family status, or disability. Traditionally, harassment that was based on other, non-protected grounds was not actionable, unless the The law defines a series of steps employer had extended additional protection by way that every employer must take. of policy or it had agreed, as part of the collective These include: bargaining process with a union, to incorporate broader 1. Developing written policies that are posted with protection in a collective agreement. Bill 168 changes respect to workplace violence and workplace this because it requires employers to treat harassment harassment. based on non-protected grounds in the same manner as 2. Conducting a risk assessment for workplace harassment based on code-protected grounds. violence. The act now defines workplace harassment as engaging 3. Developing a workplace violence and harassment in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against a program. worker in a workplace that is known or ought reasonably 4. Ensuring all workers understand that all to be known to be unwelcome and not already protected incidents or threats of workplace violence must under the Human Rights Code. be reported to the employer or supervisor. There are a number of ways that employers can address the issues of workplace violence and harassment to 5. Establishing a protocol for investigating and ensure that they are meeting the needs of their workers managing incidents, complaints, or threats of and the requirements of the law. workplace violence. The first step is to conduct the necessary surveys 6. Reassessing policies and programs. (risk assessments) that will determine the potential 7. Training all workers to understand these policies for violence or harassment in your workplace. Once and procedures. you have completed the surveys then you must use 8. And employers must support workers if they the information to develop your strategy. There are a implement a refusal to work where the worker number of methods that you may use. Some of these has reason to believe that he/she is in danger include online training, meeting with individual of being a victim of workplace violence or workers, having discussions at staff meetings, preparing harassment. and communicating a policy, and generally ensuring that everyone in the workplace understands workplace The Act defines workplace violence as: violence and harassment. 1. The exercise of physical force by a person If you need assistance give me a call. I will do my best against a worker in a workplace that causes or to get you on the right track. could cause physical injury to the worker; I look forward to hearing from you. ■ 2. An attempt to exercise physical force against a worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical Doug Johnson, Consulting, Safety and injury to the worker; or First Aid Supplies, WHMIS Training 3. A statement or behaviour that it is reasonable SAFETAID for a worker to interpret as a threat to exercise Tel: 519-837-0997 physical force against the worker, in a workplace, Fax: 519-837-1996 that could cause physical injury to the worker. Email: doug@safetaid.ca FROM ROOTS TO SHOOTS How Dry is My Soil? robably one way to guarantee range of soil types, from heavy clay P that we will have a wet summer is to a sandy loam soil, such as a USGA to write an article on a tool to better specification putting green. There understand rootzone moisture and are a few different makes and models improve irrigation efficiency. Well, of portable TDR units available that let’s tempt fate. That being said, are easy and quick to use and range the 2012 winter was one of the driest from $500-$1,300. on record and the spring so far is Ground Truthing a TDR Unit following in its footsteps. Most golf The first thing to do when courses in Ontario had their irrigation you purchase this new tool is to systems up and running 4-6 weeks develop a data base of soil moisture earlier than usual. Localized dry measurements and compare or spots were showing up in mid-March correlate the information with visual and non-irrigated turf in fairways assessments. These assessments and roughs was not even growing in are what you currently use to April due to a lack of soil moisture. A determine your watering schedule. Dr. Ken Carey measures volumetric water few watersheds are at Level 1 under Measurement readings may be content with a TDR probe. the Ontario Low Water Response taken before and after an irrigation Plan, which means a voluntary 10 Most experts suggest a range between event of a known length of time. It per cent reduction in water taking. 15-25 per cent depending on the is important to make sure that you All that being said, let’s talk about soil type and the season. Spring is a include areas prone to localized dry a tool that will help you use your good time to do the ground truthing spots and areas that are the last to wilt. irrigation system more efficiently, because the turf is generally under Soil moisture will vary greatly based conserve water, and improve playing less stress. on soil texture and surrounding conditions. I’m referring to a Time environment, so an extensive data Where and how Domain Reflectrometry unit (TDR). base for your own course is a must. many measurements? The probe measures an electrical This exercise will help to determine Not only do you need to measure signal between the volume of soil what your irrigation threshold is. In every green, but it is important to between two rods and converts it into other words, how low can you let your have enough measurements per volumetric water content (VWC). The volumetric water content go before green to get an adequate picture of technology is accurate across a broad you schedule an irrigation event. the soil moisture status of the entire 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 putting surface. The suggested to be higher in the summer when number of measurements per green there is increased ET and increased range from 9-12 readings. Pay special attention to slopes, elevated areas and stress. On a hot dry day, greens may go from 25 per cent volumetric water Looking for low areas on greens. Keeping close content at 9 a.m. to well below your track will help determine what areas need hand-watering and a TDR unit threshold by shortly after noon and the result will be turf wilt. During the Calcium will also help determine how effective summer, you may want to measure in your hand-watering is. In addition, the early morning and again in the with a kick? after you have some initial data, you afternoon during a hot, dry spell to might be able to group your greens make sure that you are programming and pick one green from a group to the irrigation system to replace the be your “hot spot” or the green you water lost. use as a predictor of when irrigation Hand Watering Training Tool will be needed on the greens that are Up until now, irrigation scheduling similar. and hand-watering have been How deep should considered an art as much as a science. you measure? A TDR unit can be a great training The depth at which you measure tool for a hand-watering crew. It will moisture has a big impact on the ensure that all hand-watering is being readings. The goal is to measure the carried out uniformly by all staff soil moisture in the zone where the and will greatly improve the playing majority of your roots are. If you are conditions. Greens can be subdivided managing annual bluegrass putting into thirds or quarters and can be greens, the majority of your roots will colour coded according to their hand­ be in the top 4 cm of the soil. With watering needs. This will ensure that this in mind, the shorter rods will give only that areas that need watering will you the best estimate of soil moisture be targeted and that those areas will available to the turf plants. If you are receive an appropriate amount. managing creeping bentgrass putting The Sky is the Limit greens, than it is more likely that you Depending how much time you would want to use the 12 cm rods. want to invest in monitoring your soil TDR units come with probe rods moisture, this tool will help you tweak of different length rods of 3.8 cm, your irrigation scheduling and hand­ 7.5 cm and 12 cm. You may want to watering. Once you have mastered use the longer rods in the spring when this tool on putting greens, it can also roots are deeper and use the shorter be utilized on larger areas of the golf set of rods in the summer when there course, such as fairways. This TDR is considerable root loss due to high unit can improve irrigation efficiency soil temperatures. and potentially garner cost savings as How frequent should well. In addition, we have all learned you measure? that proper irrigation management is When you are starting out measuring one of the principles of IPM. We now your soil volumetric water content, have a very accurate and easy method daily measurements for roughly a to use this tool in an IPM program. ■ two week period will get you familiar with the technology and with what Pamela Charbonneau your moisture content threshold is. OMAFRA Turfgrass This, however, might need adjusting Specialist, The Guelph seasonally, either because the volume Turfgrass Institute of soil from which the roots are Guelph, Ontario 1-800-265-8865 drawing moisture has changed or Email: pamela.charbonneau@ www.envirosol.ca because the threshold might have Ontario.ca Basic Soil Testing By Dan Clarke & Dr. Byron Vaughan Soil pH (pH): Determines soil acidity or oil testing is a key component to alkalinity. Soils with a pH <7.0 are S diagnosing turf problems and nutrient management. Attempting termed acid. Soils with a pH >7.0 are termed basic or alkaline. Soil pH soil nitrate status. However, to manage turf without soil testing also affects the availability of many nitrate can change sig­ may result in misapplied products nutrients. Turf prefers a pH between nificantly withjust one big and a decline in turf quality. Perhaps 6.0 and 7.0. Soils with a pH less than rain event. Relative levels the biggest deterrent to soil testing is 6.0 may need limestone to raise the for nitrogen in the soil are: finding the time to collect good soil soil pH. Soils with an alkaline pH can Very Low <3 ppm, Optimum samples. A good representative soil be acidified with sulfur. 10-15 ppm, Very High >20. sample should be taken to a 3" depth Buffer pH: Phosphorus: and contain 12 to 15 soil cores that Soil pH determines if limestone The Olsen-Bicarbonate phos­ are mixed thoroughly. For proper should be applied while buffer pH phorus test is used to determine evaluation, the soil sample should be tells you how much limestone is soil phosphorous availability. Phos­ sent to an OMAFRA approved soil needed. The buffer pH test is used on phorous soil test levels can easily testing laboratory. Upon laboratory soils with a soil pH less than 6.0. increase with excess phosphorous receipt of soil samples, it will normally applications. Phosphorous improves take two to three days for laboratory Soluble Salts results. To help better understand root growth, photosynthesis, and (Electrical Conductivity): overall turf health. Relative levels for these results, the key components of a Soluble salts are measured by the soil test report are as follows: the Olsen-Bicarbonate phosphorus soils ability to conduct electricity and test are: Very Low <5 ppm, Optimum is expressed in mS/cm. High soluble 20-40, Very High >75 ppm. salt levels severely affect plant growth. Delivering superior sod Relative levels of soluble salts are: Potassium (K): and quality service Satisfactory <1.0 mS/cm and Potential Potassium improves disease Problems >1.0 mS/cm. tolerance, traffic, and winter Sodium (Na): hardiness. Sandy soil types are often Soils with high sodium usually have low in potassium and have challenges high soluble salts, poor drainage, holding onto potassium. Relative and/or poor irrigation management. soil test levels for potassium are: Relative levels for sodium are: Very Low <50 ppm, Optimum Satisfactory <100 ppm and Potential 140-220 ppm, Very High >400 ppm. No. 1 Kentucky Bluegrass Problems >100 ppm. Magnesium (Mg): Premium Bentgrass Organic Matter (OM): Magnesium is a key component of Extreme Fescue Soil organic matter is the by­ the chlorophyll molecule and many Custom grown sod available product of bacteria decomposition of plant enzymes. Soils with a low Large or small rolls plant residue. Sandy soils and eroded pH (<5.5) may be low in magnesium. Healthier, greener sod soils are often low in organic matter. Relative levels for Magnesium Organic matter levels are the highest are: Very Low <50 ppm, Optimum at the soil surface. Relative levels 270-360, Very High = >750 ppm. for organic matter are: Very Low = Calcium (Ca): 0.1-1.5%, Optimum 4.1-6.0%, and Calcium is critical in building Peat >15%. cell walls and membranes. Calcium 1-877-727-2100 www.zandersod.com Nitrate-Nitrogen (N): deficiencies are not common when 17525 Jane St.,RR#1 Soil nitrate can easily change in the soil pH is >7.0. Soils with a pH <5.5 Kettleby, Ontario | LOG 1JO soil, unlike the other soil nutrients may be calcium deficient. Relative that can build up with excess applica­ levels are: Very Low <250 ppm, tion. Testing soil nitrate-nitrogen can Optimum 1,800-2,400 ppm, Very Call us about our Turf Services provide a current “snap shot” of the High >6,000 ppm. Zinc (Zn): extracting it with hot water using Zinc is extracted with the chelate barium chloride to flocculate the soil. called DTPA. Zinc deficiencies are Boron is an anion and therefore is most common where soil organic prone to leaching. Organic matter is matter levels are low and/or there is a high soil pH. Zinc is involved in a key soil component that “holds” on to the boron and reduces leaching. Solu-Cal® & the synthesis of indoleacetic acid, an Boron plays a key role in allowing important plant growth regulator. Relative levels for zinc are: Very Low cells to elongate during cell division. Relative levels for boron are: Very Low Solu-Cal S® <0.5 ppm, Optimum 2.0-5.0 ppm, <0.2 ppm, Optimum 0.6-1.2 ppm, Very High >10 ppm. Very High > 3 ppm. Improved Calcium Manganese (Mn): Cation Exchange Capacity Manganese is extracted with by summation (CEC): Absorption! phosphoric acid. Manganese is The CEC of a soil is an index of involved in the activation of many a soil’s ability to hold all cations enzymes that are part of the plant (Ca++, Mg++, Na+, K+, H+). Soil growth process. Sandy soils, high pH, clay and organic matter are the two and/or low organic matter contribute soil components that contribute to to manganese deficiencies. Relative the soils CEC. Soils with a low CEC levels for manganese are: Optimum require more frequent fertilization • Powered by Carboxy® >15.0 ppm and Very High >150 ppm. at low application rates. The CEC of technology. a soil is closely related to soil texture. Copper (Cu): A CEC of 1-8 = Sand, 9-12 = Loamy Copper is extracted with a chelate • Solu-Cal S® is highly Sand, 13-20 = Sandy or Silty Loam, called DTPA. Copper is involved in recommended for soil 21-28 = Loam, 29-40 = Clay Loam and enzyme activation, pigmentation, and remediation and to >40 = Clay or Peat. protein synthesis. Soils high in organic correct salt problems. matter can be prone to a copper Base Saturation: deficiency. Relative levels for copper The base nutrients are calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. • Solu-Cal® is more cost are: Very Low <0.2 ppm, Optimum The base saturation of a soil is effective when compared 1.0-2.5 ppm, Very High >10.0 ppm. expressed as a relative percentage of to standard lime for soil Iron (Fe): pH correction. the total cation exchange capacity. Iron is extracted with a chelate Each base nutrient is expressed as called DTPA. Iron is involved in many a percentage of the total amount biochemical processes. It is required of cations measured in the sample. • Soil Corrections made with for the formation of chlorophyll Typical ranges for base saturation Solu-Cal® & Solu-Cal S® are in plants. High soil pH and low are: Calcium 65-75%, Magnesium proven by university organic matter will contribute to 15-20%, Potassium 2-5%, Sodium research to occur in 6-8 iron deficiencies. Most soils have 0-5%, Hydrogen 0-5%. Soils with Na% significant amounts of iron yet it is weeks and at V4 the rate of greater than 5% need amendments unavailable due to soil pH. Relative standard products. such as gypsum or elemental sulfur levels for iron are: Very Low <2 ppm, plus leaching to remove excess Optimum 12-18 ppm, Very High sodium from the soil. >250 ppm. Interpretation of soil test results Sulfur (S-sulfate): falls into two categories, extremes The biggest reserves of sulfur are and typical. Soil test results that are contained in the soil organic matter. very low or very high obviously point A sulfur test will determine the out the soil test nutrients that need immediately available sulfate. Soils to be corrected. Usually, less than low in organic matter and/or sandy 5% of the soil samples are extreme soils are prone to sulfur deficiencies. interpretations. Results that are Sulfur is a key component of three typical can provide insight if soil test essential amino acids. Relative sulfur records are maintained. Comparing levels are: Very Low <2 ppm, Optimum historical soil test values for the same 12-18 ppm, Very High >75 ppm. sampling location is a very powerful 1-800-265-8865 Boron (B): diagnostic tool. www.envirosol.ca Boron can be determined by ...continued on page 14 ...continued from page 13 To use a practical example, consider this: if a middle aged male weighs 180 lbs, we would say the individual is average and nothing is alarming. If you knew that 6 months ago the same individual weighed 140 lbs or 240 lbs, the interpretation would be drastically different. Comparing historical soil test values allows you to see if your soil test values are going up, going down, or maintaining. If your soil test values are going up, it may mean that you are applying more nutrients than the turf needs and if you continue, your soil test levels can be become excessive and you may develop new problems. If your soil test levels are going down, this may mean that you are applying fewer nutrients than what the turf is taking up and if you continue you could develop deficiencies. Maintenance tells you that to perfectly “Fit” hundreds of jobs management practices are maintaining steady soil test We grow Premium Bluegrass with a high density, dark green colour, values and that management practices are in equilibrium or choose a Dwarf, Low-Mow Bluegrass for fairways and sports fields, with turf removal. ■ or check out our newest exclusive blends including Eco-Turf Mixture™ a self-fertilizing sod for environment-sensitive areas. Dan Clarke is a Certified Crop Advisor and is the Business Development See all 12 sod specs on-line at: Manager at Activation Laboratories in Ancaster, Ontario; Dr. Vaughan www.JustSod it.com is a member of the Soil Science Society of America, American Society of Greenhorizons Agronomy and is the Soil Nutrient Manager at Activation Laboratories Hamilton Sod Compact Sod Sod Farms in Ancaster, Ontario. (905) 389-1315 (519) 653-7494 Mount Hope Cambridge Basic Soil Testing photos (page 4 & 12) by: Scott White QUALITY ♦ CHOICE ♦ SERVICE We Sell & Transplant Large Trees with tree spades ranging from 34-90" Members of C.G.S.A. and O.G.S.A. ALLTURF Owner Paul Hanousek certified arborist. FOR THE BEST TURF. PERIOD. 1.800.263.1293 www.allturf.ca Moving your trees since 1980. www.douglaswood.ca http://allturf.ca/promotions 1 800.353.3019 T 519.856.2771 F. 519.856.1447 Now exclusive distributors of Grigg Brothers Foliar Fertilizers P.O. Box 339 Rockwood ON Canada NOB 2KO Scan the QR Code above with your Smart Phone to find our online ALLTURF Promotions or visit http://allturf.ca/promotions MEMBER PROFILE Ben Ingram Superintendent at Caledon Woods Golf Club by Justin Parsons Ingram could apply to, he decided Engage Agro Corp. to enroll in a general horticultural program to help provide a foundation nlike so many OGSA members, for a career in golf course maintenance. U Ben Ingram’s turf maintenance career did not begin in Ontario. Over the next four years, Ingram would complete his schooling, Actually, it didn’t even start in a National Diploma in Amenity Canada. Born in Northhampton, Horticulture with a Sports Turf England, about an hour north of Option, and start to gain a great deal London, Ingram stumbled into the of practical experience. He worked at greenskeeping business at age fifteen. a turf farm, a golf course, did a grow-in At the time, he was finishing what at another course and worked for the would be the equivalent of high biggest turf supplier in Europe. school here in Ontario. With just a The best experience he had though, three week co-op placement left in during his college years, was the time his schooling, it was suggested by a he spent working on a golf course teacher that he spend it at a nearby in Switzerland during the summer golf course. With no better ideas in months. His summer placement was mind, Ingram decided to give it a shot. at the Golf Club Gstaad Saanenland “I went there for three weeks and just and it was located right in the Swiss loved it. I felt like this was something I Alps, 1,400 meters above sea level. it,” Ingram says without hesitation. “It could see myself doing.” Ingram would start at the end of April was magic.” He liked it so much that Since there were no turf specific and work until mid-September, then he went back for two more years. college programs in England that he would head back to school. “I loved In the winter of 2001, after his schooling was complete, Ingram decided to take some time off and visit a friend from school that had moved to Toronto. After working with people IN THE HOT SEAT from all over the globe in Switzerland, he had a keen interest in seeing what life was like in other parts of the world. Q - Favourite major Q - Favourite movie It was here that his turf career in A - British Open A - Goodfellas Ontario would take root. While on this trip, Ingram was Q - Favourite piece of Q - Favourite meal introduced to Bill McAllister, who, turf equipment A - Chicken Madras Curry at the time, was the superintendent A - Toro 648 or Mum's Sunday Roast at Cherry Downs Golf and Country Club in Pickering. The following Q - Favourite golf designer Q - What's playing on your iPod April, with some help from McAllister, A - Robert Trent Jones Sr. right now? Ingram became an employee on the A - Kasabian - Velociraptor! Cherry Downs greens staff. When Q - Ultimate foursome McAllister took the superintendent’s A - Manny Pacquiao, Lionel Messi, Q - Rate your home lawn on a scale job at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club in Tiger Woods of one to ten (1 worst, 10 best) Oakville the following September, he A - 1.5 - Its more dandelions than asked Ingram to come with him. “I Q - Lowest round and where bluegrass. have a lot of respect for Bill and he A - 81 at Caledon Woods GC had taught me a lot, so when he asked, I said, ‘yeah, I’m there’.” ...continued on page 16 ...continued from page 15 It was here that Ingram really started the Atlantic Ocean now, Ingram has some kind of turf education, there to hone his skills as a manager, especially recognizes a lot of differences between is a pecking order and, with limited in 2006 when he became the assistant. turf maintenance here and in the U.K positions, there is not much room for The 45-hole facility carries up to 90 staff Ingram feels that for turf professionals, advancement. “It’s tough,” says Ingram. during peak season, so organization the schooling in England is a lot ‘You have to put your time in.” and planning become critical skills different than here in Canada. “Over Although that is no different for success. This experience would there, there’s a golf course associated than here, Ingram feels that golfer no doubt help to prepare him for his with every school, so my school had a expectations sure are. “This fascination first superintendent’s job at Caledon golf course on it... it’s very practical with green speeds over here just isn’t Woods Golf Club. Ingram started in based.” As part of the curriculum, you the same back home. The comments March of 2008 and has been there ever work with the head greenkeeper. You I hear over here always have to do with since. He has really enjoyed his time cut greens and pins and get a sense of the greens.” The other thing that isn’t with Clublink and says that they have what the day to day operation is like. a high priority in England is golf carts. treated him very well. However, from a theory standpoint, “Everyone walks back home. Like When he is not at the golf course, Ingram admits that the schooling here when I first saw a beverage cart here, I Ingram enjoys playing both league is a little stronger. thought ‘what the heck is that’,” he says football (soccer) and softball. He also Once you are part of a crew full-time, with a chuckle. spends a lot of time watching North the biggest difference is the size of the With his family still living in England, American sports and, of course, his staff. “A greenkeeping staff over there he admits it can be hard only seeing favourite football club, Arsenal. We might be setup with seven greenkeepers them at Christmas. But he is settled won’t mention his hometown team and five of them are educated guys,” here in Ontario and has really enjoyed Northhampton Town FC, who have Ingram says. Indeed, the crews are the last ten years he has spent here. dropped to the fourth tier in England’s small, or ‘compact’ as Ingram puts it, but “I’ve learned how to grow grass here in football league. you do everything. The tough part is, Southwestern Ontario and Canada is Having worked on both sides of since almost everyone on a golf course pretty much home now.” ■ Greens & Tees Coursewide Confidence • The #1 surfactant worldwide for highly managed turf areas • Produces drier, firmer putting surfaces • Strengthens plant's natural ability to withstand stress and disease pressure Fairways • The perfect water management solution for fairways and other large turf areas • Enhances penetration and distribution of water and nutrients • Reduces water use on cool-season grasses by 800-257-7797 www.aquatrols.com 25% or more GOLF COURSE HIGHLIGHT Granite Golf Club 2699 York Durham Road 30 Stouffville, Ontario L4A 7X4 Tel: 905-642-4416 pscully@granitegolfclub.ca www.granitegolfclub.ca Golf Course Superintendent: Phil Scully Assistant Superintendent: Dan Brousseau Equipment Manager: Troy Fisher Horticulturalist: Nicole Cain Hole #1 Photo credit: Kevin Kobzan COURSE PROFILE A CLOSER LOOK About the Course What You Need to Know Granite Golf Club is nestled between the untouched beauty of Predominant Grass Type: Bentgrass the Oak Ridges Moraine and the gently rolling countryside. It combines the best features of Scotland's oldest links with all the Predominant Soil Type: Clay advances of a truly modern golf course. Type of Greens: California Established: 2000 (9 holes), 2001 (18 holes) Recent or upcoming construction: Original Architect: Thomas McBroom We are going to be building a dedicated Short Game Academy this season. This project will offer the membership a world class Type of Club: Private practice facility providing golfers with a state of the art academy to fine tune their short game. Construction begins in July with a Size of Membership: 470 projected opening date of June 2013. Number of Holes: 18 Course Length: 4,822-6,909, yards Number of Rounds Annually: 17,000 Size of Property: 275 acres Practice Facility: Driving range, five practice holes Size of Greens: 3.4 acres Biggest Maintenance Challenge Size of Tees: 2.3 acres Balancing the high level of expectations from the membership Size of Fairways: 25 acres on a daily basis without compromising long-term turf health. Control Your Water - Control Your Results By Colleen Tocci, Marketing and PR Manager for the Performance Nutrition Division of LidoChem, Inc. (formerly Marketing Services Specialist, Aquatrols) “You will never know the worth of water till the well is dry. - Thomas Fuller (1732) hile our wells are not yet dry, globally, water use is a watering) of our turf; which saves water, electricity and W topic of ongoing discussion and scrutiny. In much of promotes healthier turf. the public eye, golf courses ‘waste’ too much water and many There are three main requirements to ensure good feel regulations on water use should be implemented. In irrigation efficiency: 2008, when the Great Lakes Water Compact (an agreement 1. Uniform application of water by your irrigation system between Canada and the United States) was signed, one - Distribution Uniformity (DU) requirement, in order to limit diversion of water to areas outside the Great Lakes Basin, was that each US state and Canadian province bordering the Great Lakes must develop a water conservation program to show commitment to using water wisely. As a result, even if you live in a bordering province, it is important to use water efficiently. As an industry we have invested millions of dollars upgrading irrigation systems; remote controls, installing new and improved ‘precision’ heads for maximum control of irrigation water and numerous other upgrades. But how many evaluate Irrigation Efficiency (IE)? Irrigation Efficiency Irrigation Efficiency measures how well water requirements of turf are met with irrigation practices. Evaluating this can reduce overwatering (and under 2. Proper application of water from your irrigation area measured, a minimum of 24 catch containers are system at a rate that is not too much for the soil to needed to achieve accurate results. Although any type of accept (to prevent runoff). container can be used, they must be identical and deep 3. Applying enough irrigation water to bring the active enough to prevent water from splashing out. Lennert rootzone up to field capacity and no more, unless you suggests numbering containers with a permanent marker are leaching the soil. before placing containers on the area to test. Making an overhead ‘map’ of the area and placement of containers Distribution Uniformity (DU) allows you to refer back to the container location after Uniform application of water during irrigation is difficult you collect water and review the data. to achieve. While your system may be set to apply 1/4 inch After containers are placed on the area being tested, of water, that 1/4 inch may not go out evenly. Sprinkler run the sprinklers for a set period of time. It is best to head spacing, high or low system pressure, tilted sprinkler run the test at night, when you run an irrigation cycle for heads, and clogged or worn nozzles are a few of the items your entire course. This allows you to collect water under that can affect it. The Irrigation Association Golf Irrigation the same conditions - flow rates and pressures - that you Auditor Manual (for rotary sprinklers) identifies a DU normally have in the field, giving more realistic data. greater than .8 as excellent, .7 as good, and anything below .55 is poor - your irrigation system needs help! Poor DU can also be a result of too much (Figure 1) or too little water in irrigated areas. Trying to prevent overwatering on areas of heavy irrigation can leave other areas of weaker coverage too dry. This is one of the most common causes of poor DU. Turf managers strive for good irrigation efficiency with a good DU number and a uniform wetting front in the soil. This ideal scenario is achieved with the proper amount of water to wet the soil to the depth of Figure 1: Depiction of irrigation resulting in poor DU the active rootzone. (Figure 2) and excessive watering How do I measure my DU? An irrigation audit is the way to determine your DU. “An irrigation audit is something that every superintendent should take time to do,” says Larry Lennert, North Central Turf Territory Manager of Aquatrols Corporation. Lennert is a former U.S. golf course superintendent and has a master of science in soil science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Lennert presented a webinar entitled Control Your Water - Control Your Results via Figure 2: Depiction of irrigation sufficiently watering the entire field TurfNet in 2010 and 2011 on this topic. with good DU and Irrigation efficiency An irrigation audit is a simple exercise. Catch Figure 1 and 2 courtesy of Rain Bird Corporation containers are placed in an irrigated area (greens 15 feet spacing, fairways 25 feet spacing). Regardless of the ...continued on page 20 ...continued from page 19 After the irrigation cycle runs, measure and record Determining the PR will reveal how long you need the volume of water (ml) collected in each container. to irrigate to apply your desired amount of water. For To determine the average, add up the total volume of example, if your PR is 0.5 inches per hour, you need to water collected and divide it by the total number of catch irrigate 30 minutes to apply 0.25 inches per cycle. containers used. You also need to determine the average Lastly, the amount of water needed to bring the active of the lowest 25 per cent container volumes. These “low rootzone to field capacity is required. This can be quarter” (LQ) container volumes generally represent the determined with the use of time domain reflectometry weakest areas of irrigation system coverage. If all these (TDR) technology; a fast and reliable way to determine soil calculations seem overwhelming, Lennert has developed moisture levels. There are a variety of TDR handheld soil an excel spreadsheet which calculates the data for you moisture meters that can be used anywhere on your course. (note: data is in US Std) and is available at: www.aquatrols. Measuring the amount of water in the rootzone helps com/turf/golf/?LOCALE=CA. you identify field capacity and wilt point. Field capacity is If your study results in a low DU, there are several things a measure of water holding capacity of a soil. It is defined that you can do to improve it. Make sure irrigation heads as the amount of water that the soil can hold against the are the correct size for the area being covered. Are they force of gravity. Wilt point is the level of soil moisture properly/evenly spaced? Check your nozzles; if they are where there is not enough water available in the rootzone worn, replace them. If the irrigation system pressure is not and visual moisture stress (wilt) occurs. Identifying this correct, or your pipes are not the right size you will need to allows you to determine if you need supplemental or hand correct them. watering on an area that is not getting efficient irrigation. Many new irrigation systems and technologies have Okay, you have performed an irrigation audit, reviewed been designed to overcome low DU. However, for many the data and improved your irrigation system accordingly, with older systems, the lack of efficiency is built into the now the irrigation water will do what it is supposed to do and sprinkler head itself. will infiltrate uniformly, right? Maybe not. While making In addition to DU, proper application of irrigation water is essential to good irrigation efficiency. Some may irrigate improvements to your irrigation system is paramount, the by the gallon, minute, or others by the inch. Regardless system can only get water to the surface of the soil. Where of your nightly irrigation goal, your irrigation system that water goes is determined by conditions of the soil. If Precipitation Rate (PR) varies with your DU, so you really there is a thatch/mat layer, or a sloped area water may not can’t be sure of the PR unless you measure it. The irrigation penetrate and run off. Beyond that, any amount of water audit can be used to measure PR as well. Use the water repellency in the soil profile that prevents water and solutes collection data (Vavg), the irrigation run time when the from freely entering the soil will prevent applied water, no water was collected (tR) and calculate the area (length x matter how efficient the irrigation system, from uniformly width) of the opening/top of the “catch containers” (CDA). wetting the rootzone. Water movement issues and the cause of water repellency is a subject for a different article. If you have taken the time Irrigation System Precipitation Rate and effort to evaluate your irrigation system, and have spent money to modify it accordingly, you owe it to yourself to • Area of catch device mouth (CDA) - multiply length x width make sure applied water gets to the rootzone. Research has of catch container opening (in2) been conducted over the past 50 years identifying the best • Average catch volume (Vavg) - Same as used for DU (ml) ways to overcome water repellency. Some of these issues • Test run time (tR) - record irrigation run time during water are physical in nature and can be treated and prevented collection period (min) by following a simple program including soil surfactants. There are different types of soil surfactants. Before you select a product, be sure to choose the appropriate material Once all the information is collected, you can calculate for what you are trying to achieve. Ask for research and the PR (net): information about the products that you are planning to purchase to ensure that you get what you expect from them, PRnet = 3.66* * x Vavg/tR x CDA and make the most of your water and irrigation system. ■ (* Conversion factorfor ml/min to in/hr). Triton, the broad spectrum DMI fungicide that provides unmatched disease control and turfgrass quality at the lowest rates. GET MORE FROM YOUR DMI - TRITON Chipco Triton Trilogy SC Rovral Green GT Compass 50WP Banol Aliette Signature For more information on Triton SC and the complete line of Bayer products, contact Bayer Environmental Science. BACKED www.bayeres.ca 1-888-283-6847 by BAYER. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTION. Rovral Green GT, Aliette Signature, Chipco Triton SC and Compass 50WG are registered trademarks of Bayer. U of G UPDATE Using New Technologies to Solve Old Problems by Eric M. Lyons, Associate Professor product of photosynthesis) restricts University of Guelph and Mike Stasiak, Senior growth (primarily root growth), making Research Associate the plants more susceptible to drought, further limiting photosynthesis. In olfers love trees. In some cases it addition, the plants become more G seems some golfers prefer trees to good playing conditions. Many people susceptible to both abiotic stressors and disease pathogens further weakening fall in love with the game of golf because the turf. The second effect of shade it allows them to go out and experience is a change in the way that turfgrass nature and beautiful landscapes plants grow. The light that does make without having to drive 3 hours to a its way through a tree’s canopy have cottage. Indeed, the local golf course is different wavelengths than full sunlight. right in the middle of their town or city. Figure 1. An example of a fan installed to Plants can sense this change in light increase air movement. quality and change their growth habit Unfortunately trees and healthy turf is a combination we often do not see. accordingly. While turf in full sunlight With the increased pressure to restricted air movement. However, the actively tillers, shaded plants will grow reduce pesticides and implement biggest issue with trees is shade. The more upright and allocate more of their IPM programs, tree management has effect of shade is twofold. First, the energy into growing taller in order to become an essential part of any long­ plant does not get enough sunlight and avoid the shade. The grass is never able term golf course management plan. therefore photosynthesis is limited. The to outcompete the surrounding trees Trees cause a number of issues including lack of carbohydrates or energy (the for light. 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 8112 KING RD.WEST BOLTON, ONTARIO L7E 5T3 1-800-268-4425 • 1-905-857-2000 www.allianceagri-turf.com Figure 2. Turf boxes growing in the hypobaric chamber under a combination of red and blue Figure 3. The average height ofplants grown Cost Effective Custom Blends LED lights. The black object is a light sensor that with only red LED lights (R) and red and blue measure light intensity (PAR). LED lights (RB). The taller plants represent a Water Soluble, Granular, less desirable growth habit indicative ofpoorer Liquid & Organic Fertilizers The desire to have both trees and high light quality. Bulk Spreader Service quality turf has led to some interesting ideas, including the installation of large on determining the efficiencies of light Full Line of Turf Chemicals fans to increase air movement. Fans delivery to turfgrass and on creating an may or may not reduce leaf wetness For further information call: optimal combination of wavelengths and reduce the disease pressure, but that promotes both photosynthesis and Simon George they definately do not address the lack the desired growth habit of the grasses. Technical Sales of photosynthesis due to the low light In order to optimize the LED array, Central Ontario, GTA & Niagara Region levels. They also can be very intrusive, four boxes of turf were placed in the 1-519-841-3378 limiting the enjoyment of the beauty of hypobaric growth chamber under the landscapes (Figure 1). different LED lights (Figure 2). The Mark Schneider One research project being research has shown that lights in the Technical Sales conducted at the University of Guelph red spectrum are the most efficient Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe looks to solve the issues surrounding for photosynthesis and an optimum & Muskoka Region the lower photosynthesis rates in efficiency of light levels to energy can 1-519-372-5181 shaded areas. The project is a be determined. Finally, we were able collaboration between the Controlled to determine the need for blue LED Rae Murray Environment Systems Research Facility lights because of the change in growth Technical Sales at the University of Guelph, turfgrass habit that occurs when only red LED North East GTA & Eastern Ontario scientists at both U of G and Penn State, lights are included in the array. The 1-416-819-3404 and Per Aage Lysaa from Lumigreen grass grows more upright and shows the AS. This is a company that is interested shade response common for turfgrass Dave Magee in the development of a product for in shaded environments (Figure 3). Technical Sales the golf course industry. The study is Eventually these results will be Ottawa Valley exploring the use of LED lights for incorporated into the manufacturing 1-613-286-5199 supplementing turfgrass growth. The of portable light systems. These systems idea of providing supplemental lights will be used to help turf in shaded areas to increase photosynthesis is not a recover more quickly by providing light new idea. The greenhouse industry throughout the night. The system can has been providing supplemental then be packed up and stored out of light to increase production for many sight during the day when golfers are years. The issues surrounding the present. While trees will never be good implementation of these systems on for turfgrass health, there may be a golf courses has been that the lights solution that will allow turfgrass and used to create excessive heat are not trees to survive together on our golf very energy efficient and they would courses in the future. ■ be hard to move and store away during play. The advantage of the LED lights is that we can select LED lights that emit Eric M. Lyons Ph.D., only the wavelengths of light crucial Associate Professor of to photosynthesis thus increasing the Turfgrass Science, energy efficiency and portability while University of Guelph reducing the heat produced. Guelph, Ontario The research to this point has focused elyons@uoguelph.ca SECOND TO ONE Wound Up In IPM by Greg Brown, Assistant Superintendent minds is how this legislation is the requirements and the mountains of Essex Golf and Country Club worst thing since the Leafs not paper work that result. I feel as if winning the cup for the last forty-five every conversation I have had with ver since Integrated Pest years. With the many regulations and fellow industry professionals at some E Management (IPM) introduced into our industry, the was guidelines we must follow as part of the IPM process, it seems as if it is a point has found its way onto the topic of IPM. only topic people have had on their full time job keeping up with these With this in mind, I believe we have our brains wrapped around IPM far too much. Why don’t budget cutbacks get us worked up as much as IPM does? What about the price of gas or how taxes continue to rise? It seems as if everyone is ready to protest For optimum turf response... IPM, yet we sit back and continue to And to exceed member's expectations, superintendents rely on watch the price of gas and the cost of 25-0-10, 75% UMAXX® Mid Premium other necessities rise. Sure, it doesn’t sit well knowing that other industries can apply the same chemicals we use, yet they are not subject to the same restrictions and documentation. To be honest, I am more upset about the fact that I have to sit in my front yard with a hook knife pulling dandelions for hours upon hours, than I am about having to fill out scouting reports multiple times per week. Between the superintendent, assistants, technician or a foreman and, with a little time spent each day, IPM requirements can easily be met. If we put as much effort into the completion of the IPM process as we do into complaining about it, we would be far better off than sitting there figuring out how to skim by with just completing the basics. I believe we need to work with these regulations in hopes that more restrictions aren’t introduced into our industry, which would certainly "25-0-10 75% UMAXX' mid prill has been an excellent choice for our cause additional headaches. fairways here at Seven Lakes Championship Golf & Estates. With the financial Although I do not enjoy sitting restraints that have been placed on most of us in the industry, the extended release of nutrients from UMAXX1 allows me to save time and money while at my desk crunching numbers to still giving the turf controlled growth and excellent colour through the entire figure out active ingredient totals of growing season." each product, nor do I agree with all the IPM regulations that have Steve Hatch been placed upon us, I do believe we Superintendent, Seven Lakes Championship Golf & Estates should embrace this process and do our best to adhere to the regulations that have been instituted. By doing so, we may be able to change society’s negative beliefs in regards to our 1.800.265.8865 www.nutrite.com impact on the environment. ■ ON THE ROAD AGAIN GTA Assistant's Meeting n April 30th, I was fortunate to attend the GTA scope of work needed to widen the train tracks bisecting O Assistant’s meeting at Weston Golf and Country Club. The brainchild of both Dave Patterson and Colin Young, the second and third hole. I must say, as an observer only and after what I saw, construction must be a recession­ Assistants at Magna Golf Club and Beacon Hall Golf Club, proof business. A tour of the maintenance facility these meetings are typically held monthly during the golf concluded the walk and meeting. Weather permitting, season and hosted at a different venue each time. “Colin prior meetings included a round of golf at the host club. and I had this idea a couple of years ago,” said Dave during All in all, this is not only a great educational event, it is an his opening remarks. “The goal was to have a forum to excellent way to become familiarized with a neighbouring share ideas, knowledge and to learn from what each other golf course and an excellent networking opportunity. I is doing. Where this is going to lead to, I don’t know.” The highly recommend any assistant contact either Dave or meeting, held in the club house, was impressive in both Colin and participate. Make no joke, this is for real. ■ content and organization. Before the meeting was held, attendees were asked to submit topics of conversation and an agenda was prepared to keep the meeting focused and Paul Grotier from running long. Agrium Advanced Technologies Once adjourned, a site walk of the construction project Phone: (416) 508-6115 at Weston brought upon by the Metrolinx Air Rail Link Email: pgrotier@agriumat.com was headed by course Assistant Matt Legg. Those who www.turfpro.ca didn’t mind putting up with the light rain or didn’t have to beat traffic, were treated to an impressive view of the Spray records piling up? Let IPMgolfpro™ be your spray management software solution! to learn more visit us at: www.ipmgolfpro.com TECHNICALLY SPEAKING TruFirm Technology Goes Beyond Tournament Prep ruFirm, a system developed by the In most cases we put a lot of effort T United States Golf Association (USGA), is a valuable tool that into managing the organic content of our greens with frequent aeration, allows golf course superintendents verticutting and topdressing while to measure and analyze the relative not implementing the same program firmness of various playing surfaces on the approaches. TruFirm would on the golf course. It is simply a be an excellent gauge to measure hammer system where you raise the progress in this area. handle and drop it and the measured However, in certain cases, the depth of indentation (in inches) receptiveness of a green may have is stored in a hand-held computer little to do with green firmness, and with GPS. This information can be may be more result of course design. uploaded to a PC for further analysis. For instance, golfers hitting from The hammer force is supposed to a downhill slope and trying to stop emulate a 7 or 8 iron shot from the golf ball on the green that slopes roughly 150 yards from the green. away may look to blame the green’s The USGA has been using TruFirm firmness as opposed to the design. to gauge the firmness of putting This situation can be confirmed with surfaces, fairways, and bunker sands the TruFirm measurements to deflect at every U.S. Open since 2005. criticism of course management. Why Measure Firmness? Taking Measurements Similar to green speed, the firmness of a particular green All the measurements are stored or how receptive it is to shots, is usually a discussion point. in the hand-held computer, so it’s No two golfers share the same opinion when it comes to easy to make your way around the firmness. Some will say, “Can we get them a little firmer?” course quickly because you do not While others may say they are “firm enough” or “too soft”. need to write everything down on The ability to measure and quantify firmness takes away the paper. On the data screen you would guesswork and speculation of how firm or soft a particular select date and time, then the hole playing surface is. It also allows for accurate measurements to number, then the area (whether it’s be conducted and recorded over time to aid in monitoring a green, tee, fairway, bunker or a progress in cultural programs. custom area). A green, approach or Moreover, firmness of approaches is something that is other playing area is usually broken Handheld device commonly overlooked. One of the tougher shots in golf is eliminates tracking down into 9 data squares from front, hitting to a front pin with a firm green that has a soft approach. data with pen and paper middle, and back across left, middle LARGE TREE SALES AND RELOCATION Phil Dickie-ISA Certified Arborist Compost Based Topdressing & Construction Mixes pdickie@fastforest.ca USGA Spec. Sand & Mixes 270 Shoemaker Street, Kitchener, ON N2E 3E1 WWW.TURFPROFESSIONALSCHOICE.COM 705.888.2689 P: (519) 748-6610 • F: (519) 748-6626 • www.fastforest.ca and right. Readings are started by clicking on one of the to monitor progress and enable program adjustments. data squares of your current location on the green then In bunkers, the TruFirm could be used to quantify the raising and dropping the hammer and clicking accept on potential for buried lies after placement of new bunker the reading. sand. This would indicate whether further compaction is Informative Reports warranted. The reports provide a Coming to a Course Near You? geographical comparison I spoke to Matt Pringle the inventor of the TruFirm from one area to another and System from the USGA this week. He said there is a more from one green to another. affordable version of the TruFirm coming to market by the The data from the measured end of the summer. Instead of $7-8,000, this system will firmness will not only give be available for $2,000. This is a much better price point you the days reading, but will which may make it a viable option for golf courses looking also show you how things are to help monitor the progress of their cultural practices. progressing, either for an For additional reading on approaches and using the average for the whole course TruFirm, check out: http://gsr.lib.msu.edu/article/ Above is an example of the or for an individual area. The gilhuly-dont-4-27-12.pdf ■ data graph comparison report PC reports make it easy and available with a TruFirm system. quick to visualize with the Jim Flett, B.Sc. (Agronomy), AGS® customizable colour coding which represents various Golf Course Superintendent levels of firmness. This information can identify where certain playing Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club areas are being overwatered and/or where you may have Phone: (705) 765-3165 excessive organic matter built up. As water and cultural Email: jflett@mlgcc.com practices are implemented, the TruFirm system can be used 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 6687664 • Fax: 519 668 3722 MISSISSAUGA Ph: 905-836-0988 x 5404 • Fax:905-568-2667 TURF CARE GLOUCESTER Ph: 905 836 0988 x 5501 • Fax: 613 822 2099 www.turfcare.ca Helping your business grow. 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/ ™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. 02.12 11031 ON THE REEL SIDE OF THINGS Wrappers, Table Talk and Things hile visiting with John McLaren, Equipment Attending some technician’s seminars this past winter W Technician at Credit Valley Golf and Country Club, I noticed something that I’d seen a thousand times before has also given me the opportunity to catch up with some colleagues on the topic of what to use when you paint your at every marina I pass on the way to the cottage - blue shop floor. It is a topic with many posts on the IGCEMA shrink wrap. Only this time it wasn’t covering a bow rider web forums so here is the consensus; like anything, you or some hopped up ski boat, it was wrapped securely get out of it what you put into it. A new concrete floor around a turf vac and a topdresser. What a simple, must cure before any type of ‘paint’ is applied, so check inexpensive way to protect a piece of machinery that you with your installer on that. Some with new floors choose have to store outdoors. It wasn’t until I saw it in use out to “seal the crap out of it” as one fellow on the forum put of its ‘normal’ environment that it occurred to me that it. “Think carefully” he says, “before you decide to paint using it to aid in winter storage of some equipment was an a new floor because once you have gone that route, you option. Look around as you move about your day, keep an will have to stay with it.” Once you make your decision open mind and you never know what you my come across though, clean the floor thoroughly as preparation is the that you might be able to use at your facility. Visiting your key to a successful job. New or old, you will have to remove neighboring courses is a great way to stay in touch and see what they may have come up with at the same time. any greasy residue, dirt or old loose paint. Treatments are Thanks for the tour John. available to help with this too, but I have found that a good During a lunch break at the Turf Care seminars in scrubbing or two with some TSP and a stiff bristle brush Nottawasaga this past February, the only superintendent and a good mopping will do just fine. Some I’ve spoken to at my table of equipment technicians took the opportunity have had rather expensive ‘professional’ treatments done to ask how often we went out on the course daily to check to their shop floors and they generally last a little longer conditions. The response was a unanimous “daily”. He than the commercially available epoxy type treatments that expressed that he was having some difficulty in getting his I have had reasonable success with. But they all eventually technician to do just this. Now let me begin by stating wear, flake and will come up, especially if the floor is straight up that I’m not really big on going out in the rain exposed to high traffic, damage or water. Sounds like every anymore - okay, I never have been - or the cold for that shop floor you’ve ever seen doesn’t it? So do your research matter and there are a few of you out there who I’m sure because each facility’s circumstances and conditions are will gladly attest to this. But you just cannot monitor your different and, as always, talk to your colleagues and find mowers quality of cut from the shop door. Luckily, at our out what has or has not worked for them. ■ club, the first five holes loop around past the shop and if I give the mowers a bit of a head start in the morning, I can be out and back over those five holes, usually having seen Warren Wybenga, Equipment Manager every mower out there before the first mower roars past Donalda Club, Toronto the shop. You must encourage any of your techs out there Tel: 416-447-5575 x 263 who may have ‘other’ things to do, to take the time to get Email: wwybenga@donaldaclub.ca out there and really have a look at how the mowers are www.donaldaclub.ca cutting. They all cut perfectly on the bench but once they leave the shop, well, I’d rather not dwell on it. Darryl James Certified Golf Irrigation Designer Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor ISA Certified Arborist ON-1152A OIA Technical Agrologist T. Ag David C. Smith, P.Ag., C.G.C.S. 185 Oriole Crescent phone: (416) 873-9648 Soil & Turfgrass Consultant Gravenhurst, Ontario 23 Hocken Ave. Toronto, Ontario, M6G 2K1 P1P1C6 Office (705) 687-SOIL (7645) arborturf@gmail.com Toll Free 1-888-607-TURF (8873) www.arborturfsolutions.com Fax (705) 687-3518 Cell (905) 512-6004 dave@dcsturf.com Off the Fairway Pictured above is a large willow, determined through an assessment to be a risk, before and after strategic pruning to reduce that risk. Photo credit: Philip van Wassenaer, B.SC., MFC, Urban Forest Innovations For the Good of the Dendrites love trees, as I’m sure many of accident. Trees are the lifeblood of (even those pesky squirrels need a I you do as well. They are survivors and they have amazing stories to tell. our forests and our cities. Getting outside the confines of where to place to lay their head), they improve air quality, reduce air conditioning Imagine being near a centuries old plant the marigolds and how to keep costs, and increase property values. oak tree and hearing its story. Years the pesky squirrels from massacring Studies show that trees have a positive ago I found myself in the middle of my crocuses has not only been a effect on both the physical and Sherwood Forest in England doing refreshing change, it has reminded psychological well-being of people. just that. I was standing in front of the me of a few things and has given The key point here is that the benefits Major Oak, the supposed gathering me some new things to think about. trees provide to the environment place of Robin Hood and his Merry Things that give me hope, because increase exponentially as the trees Men. I’m not going crazy and I’m with the right attitude, the right age. The oldest trees house the not making this up. Although I can’t understanding and the right tools, greatest percentage of biodiversity. speak for the legitimacy of the legend, we have incredible power to preserve That means that no number of that tree was definitely real. Twenty- and do well by these dendrites. Trees perfectly planted new saplings can three tonnes and at least 800 years of are survivors and trees are resilient, replace a healthy 80-year-old maple realness. If only trees could talk. but trees are no match for a chain saw that’s just been cut down. Over the past year or so I’ve had determined to cut them down. How do these benefits translate the pleasure of attending several into money? Two companies in the tree-related seminars and lectures. Valuing the Benefits of Trees U.S. have developed a web-based During one talk on creative design, Trees contribute to aesthetically tool to do just that (www.treebenefits, designer Gary Smith spoke about beautiful landscapes, they provide com/calculator). Based on tree dendritic patterns (think of the shade on a hot day, and they species and trunk diameter, it places silhouette of a tree in winter) and how contribute greatly to the oxygen we an approximate dollar value on the they are found both in river systems breathe. They do all these things and benefits a tree provides on an annual and our own circulatory system - the so much more. They reduce storm basis. This is a good step in learning lifeblood of our ecosystems and our water runoff, provide habitat for an to quantify and understand how much own bodies. I don’t believe that’s an incredibly diverse range of wildlife trees provide to their environment. Conservation Arboriculture whereas static cables do not allow PLANT FOR THE LOCATION: Choose Conservation arboriculture natural movement and the bolting a tree species that will thrive in the recognizes the importance of old trees can initiate decay within the tree. location you have chosen. and how important it is to manage Unfortunately, there are occasions > PLANT CAREFULLY: Ensure trees them in a balanced and natural way, where a tree is unsafe, the risk is high, are not planted too deeply (trunk taking the whole ecosystem into and it cannot be preserved. In these flare should be showing) and that account. As a tree ages, it becomes cases the tree needs to be cut down. their trunks are not mounded high shorter and more stout and the with soil or mulch. root system becomes shallower. It is Things that We Can Do natural for a tree to become hollow, to Preserve Our Trees LESS IS MORE: 5 trees planted and and hollow does not necessarily mean well maintained are better than 20 PRUNE CAREFULLY: Although the tree is unsafe or not structurally trees planted and neglected. limbing up is a common practice, sound. it interferes with the natural aging So I hope I’ve been able to give Yes, trees fall on cars and they fall process. Trees rely more on their you something to chew on. And who on bridges and other infrastructure, lower branches as they age, and knows, maybe a few centuries from causing a lot of headaches and cannot do this if they’ve been now tourists will be flocking to visit a expense. Sometimes they fall and removed. Also, consider crown grand old tree and reading about the kill people, but this is extremely rare. reduction and thinning before “Legend of the Superintendent and Trees can create risk and tree owners removing a tree that’s creating his Merry Grounds Crew”. have the responsibility of managing problems for your turf. that risk. Assessing tree risk should For pure enjoyment I highly be systematic and based on tolerance. PROTECT DURING CONSTRUCTION: Construction wreaks havoc on recommend reading "Meetings with For example, a tree in the middle of a Remarkable Trees ’ and "Remarkable Trees forest is going to have a much higher trees, compacting the soil and damaging top growth. Build of the World’ by Thomas Pakenham. tolerance for risk than a tree in a high If you’re a tree lover already, you’ll traffic area such as your clubhouse barriers to protect trees during construction. love these books. If you detest that entrance. majestic tree that’s parasitizing your I will describe this method of MULCH OUT TO THE DRIP LINE: favourite green, these books might assessment in an example that comes This will protect the trunk from just change the way you look at trees from the experience of Philip van damage from equipment, reduce altogether! ■ Wassenaer, Conservation Arborist the need to limb trees up, and from Urban Forest Innovations. One reduce vehicular traffic around Brenda Forder, of his clients had been told they had the base of the tree (therefore Head Gardener to cut down a large willow that was reducing compaction). Donalda Club, close to their house because it was a > PLANT FOR THE FUTURE: When Toronto, ON risk. This client loved the tree and planting trees, choose locations Phone: (416) 447- did not want to cut it down. So Philip that give enough buffer to cart 5575 x 273 and his team proceeded to assess the paths and greens so the tree can Email: bnoble@ tree. Methods for risk evaluation reach its full potential without donaldaclub.ca include a visual assessment to look causing other problems. www.donaldaclub.ca for decay and structural weakness. A hammer test can determine if the tree is hollow. Sonic tomography provides a clearer picture of what’s going on Premium Products for all inside the tree and is less invasive Your Turf Needs than drilling. A pull test revealed that this particular tree did indeed pose a PO Box 7 significant risk. But this did not mean Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z6 that the tree needed to be cut down. Tele 519-886-0557 Strategic pruning was done to reduce Fax 519-886-0605 the crown so that the tree was once 1-800-465-5849 again stable. It is still there five years www.oscturf.com later. Other techniques that may be used to preserve a tree include root zone therapy and cabling. Dynamic cables allow for natural movement, So your turf's ability to survive stress doesn’t have to rely on the luck of the Irish Emerald Isle Solutions™ products maximize your turf's stress tolerance and improves physiological fitness even under the harshest summer conditions. Count on CPR.® and TrueFoliar® Mg-Mn to keep your turf green. To learn more about Emerald Isle Solutions™ scan this code to view a brief video. Direct Solutions is the exclusive distributor of Emerald Isle Solutions™ in Canada. http://www.lebanonturf.com/ Western Canada Eastern Canada 800-663-2552 855-228-2828 DSCanada@AgriumAT.com A strategic division of © 2012 Agrium Advanced Technologies Inc. DIRECT SOLUTIONS, COMMITTED TO GROWTH and designs Agrium Advanced Technologies are trademarks owned by Agrium Inc. Emerald Isle Solutions is owned by LebanonTurf. LOOKING BACK Five Years Ago Today he Board of Directors in 2007 were: Sean DeSilva Thom Charters, from Bayview, was the low gross winner. T (pres), Coppinwood, Robert Burrows (past), Banff Springs, Jeff Stauffer (vice), Credit Valley, Randy Booker, TOURNAMENTS: The Spring Field Day was held at Ariss Otter Creek, Jeff Alexander (sec), Parry Sound, Chris Golf Club hosted by Rick Lane. Low gross for 1st flight was Andrejicka, Essex, Jarrod Barakett, Deer Ridge, Doug Chris Andrejicka, Essex, and low gross 2nd flight winner Breen, Golf North, Rob Gatto, King’s Forest, Scott Heron, was Dave Schemelefski, Ontario Seed Co. Bigwin Island, Jennifer Pendrith, Kawartha and Randy The Can/Am Tournament was held on April 30th at the Twyman, Taboo. Dorothy Hills was the Executive Manager Ambassador Golf Club hosted by Dave Cours and Tom and Pat Thomas and Deborah Badger were the office staff. Brydon. The low Canadian team was Thom Charters, Bayview and Wayne Rath, Magna with a 65. ON THE MOVE: Keith Bartlett moved to St. Georges and Greg McFarlane took over at Thornhill. Nicholas The Pro/Super Tournament was held on May 22nd at Bell, moved to Muskoka Highlands, Steven Holmes to Devil’s Pulpit Golf Course hosted by Ken Wright. The Rosedale, Jay Weiss to Maple Downs, Jason Dowling to winning team was from Credit Valley Golf and Country Northern Dunes, Gary Stadnek to Westview, Brian Taylor Club, Jeff Stauffer (68). to Knollwood, Randy Booker to Otter Creek, Brian Carver The President’s Day Tournament was held on July 3rd to Mystic Ridge, Tyler Ruest to Dalewood, Anthony Frake at Coppinwood Golf Club hosted by Sean DeSilva. The to Cranberry Resort, Michael McCarthy to Glen Eagle winning team was from Weston, Rob Ackermann. The and Robert Burrows to Banff Springs. Chris Nelson from McClumpha Memorial Tournament was held on October Markland Wood left for Plant Science Inc. and was replaced 1st at Peterborough Golf Club, hosted by Greg O’Hearn. by Owen Russell. The low gross winner was Gary Stadnek, Westview, with a 79. MILESTONES: Zander Sod Company Ltd. celebrated it’s The George Darou Trophy was won by Bill Sikes with an 81. 50th anniversary. The 1st Annual Seniors Tournament was held at Mono EVENTS: The OGSA Conference and Trade Show was held Hills Golf Club on July 17th hosted by Doug Suter and on January 17-19 at the Sheraton Centre chaired by Jeff Alan Beeney. Stauffer, Credit Valley. Gordon Witteveen won the William IN MEMORY: We regret to announce the passing of Sanson Distinguished Service Award and Allen (Whitey) Graydon Goff, formerly of Turf Care, Ernie Amsler, Angus Jones received his 50 year OGSA members plaque. The Glen, Jay Lavis, Dol Turf Restoration and Frank Kuypers, following were presented with 25 year membership plaques: Shawneeki Golf Club. ■ James Moore, Puslinch Lake, Gord Nimmo, Sawmill Creek, Bruce Burger, Lakeview, Rod Hermitage, Ag Turf, Don Crymble, Markham Green and Sean Evelyn, Cedarhurst. Barry Endicott Retired Golf Course Superintendent ACHIEVEMENTS: Congratulations to Andrew Hardy, Brampton, Ontario assistant superintendent at Pheasant Run Golf Club, this Tel: 905-846-1440 year’s recipient of the Hugh Kirkpatrick Bursary and to Email: barry.endicott@rogers.com Aaron Weinberg, winner of the 2007 OGSA Turfgrass Education Award. Congratulations to OGSA member Paul Dermott who was named recipient of the John B. Steele Distinguished Service Award at the CGSA Fall Field Day in Whistler. Congratulations to Blake McMaster, Royal Montreal, on being named Canadian Superintendent of the Year for 2007 and also for hosting a very successful President’s Cup. The Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation was proud Corrie Almack P.Ag. to announce that more than $30,000 was raised for turf Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 research at the 2007 OTRF Fundraising Tournament Box 256, Carlisle, On Fax: (905) 689-8522 on August 20th. The event was held at the Georgian LOR 1H0 Email: c.almack@sympatico.ca Bay Club in Collingwood hosted by Bert McFadden. TURF OR CONSEQUENCES Golf Parents by Doug Breen, Superintendent GolfNorth Properties y kids play pretty much every sport known to western M civilization. Hockey, lacrosse, golf, football, and various equestrian pursuits, are all being performed right now. They’ve also played rugby, basketball, volleyball, and wrestled for their schools. It seems like each sport is rife with insane parents who are living vicariously through their children. Yet each sport thinks, that while they’re perfectly justified in berating officials and stuff you can possibly imagine - and there’s no glass or boards to publicly eviscerating their own children, that the parents in other block the sound. We can hear them 65 yards away on the bench. sports are completely out of control. Football parents will have And if their kid gets hurt, then they go completely squirrelly. Last their ten year old in the weight room, while they criticize hockey fall in London, one of our slotbacks laid a very hard block on a parents for making their kids be on the ice twelve months of the London linebacker, so his mom ran onto the field, and started year. Rugby parents think football is unnecessarily dangerous, whaling on our 14-year-old, very confused, receiver. and vice versa. Since I spend a disproportionate amount of my No one in Canada knows the rules of Rugby. Not even the kids time in arenas, on sidelines, and in gyms - I’ve begun analyzing playing it. Sometimes the coaches barely know the rules. As a the behaviour of the parents with kids in competitive sports, and result, the crowd sits in stunned silence, trying to figure out what’s it may surprise you to hear, that the parents who have their kids in going on - winning or not. It’s so quiet, that you can actually tournament golf, are actually some of the worst. hear the referee explaining the game to the players. The only Everyone assumes that hockey parents are the most unstable voice breaking the silence will be one or two guys, always recent - and they just might be. For some reason (which is totally lost immigrants from someplace where rugby is a big deal, who scream on me), many of these delusional parents are convinced that unintelligible things about “getting into the ruck” and such. their kid has a chance of making it to the NHL, despite the fact At horse shows, everyone is very proper, and whisper in hushed that little Johnny is on the third line of his house league team tones. They will say unbelievably cruel things about you, your in Nowhere, Ontario. And if you think that little Suzie’s parents horse, your family history, your vehicles, your job, and your are any less deluded, you’re sadly mistaken. They all believe that clothes - but you’ll never hear a word of it. They’ll politely smile there’s a big fat NCAA Division I scholarship waiting for her after and tell you how well you did, and go back to slagging you, once high school - even though she has a 55% average in grade seven, you’re out of ear shot. and can’t skate backwards. They are certainly the loudest, and are Which brings me to tournament golf parents. They often apparently oblivious to the fact that boards and glass make all of exhibit the worst traits of all of these groups. They honestly their sage advice completely impossible to hear - yet they bellow believe that their children have a good chance of getting a US away unabated. Alot of this ‘coaching’ stems from the fact that scholarship, followed by a career on the Pro Tour. They also 90 per cent of Canadian men honestly believe that if they were in believe that they could have done so too, but they didn’t get the control of the Leafs, that things would be different. opportunity that they’re giving their kids - which leads to the worst Generally speaking, football dads are quite a bit less vocal. kind of vicarious living. They “caddy” at tournaments, where they Mostly because they really don’t know the rules of football very dole out bad advice, and brow beat the kids relentlessly for 18 well (or know the NFL rules, but not the Canadian version), holes, often followed by a trunk slamming tantrum in the parking and after being corrected by one of the moms on the sidelines a lot. Their understanding of the rules of golf is generally poor, couple times, they get pretty quiet. Football moms, on the other and they will often enter into heated arguments with GAO rules hand, are truly a sight to behold. They yell the most vile, hateful officials. And the horsey crowd has nothing on golfers, when it comes to condescending and back stabbing. I once watched a father yelling and swearing like a trucker at his 8-year-old daughter, as he literally threw her clubs into the trunk of his Audi. Meanwhile, she was crying because “losers don’t get to have chicken fingers” - she had come third. But she three- putted on the 18th green, right in front of a guy whose cousin used to date an NCAA golf coach, so that’s only reasonable, right? I see that some kids’ tours have actually banned parents from www.mastersturfsupply.com caddying, and I know of one where the parents aren’t allowed within 150 yards of their offspring until the round is over. It P.O.Box 629 Office: 519-510-TURF (8873) appears that golf will be the first to actually address the issue of 80 William St. W. Fax:519-510-8875 Harriston, ON N0G 1Z0 Email: mastersturf@wightman.ca overbearing parents in competitive sport - but don’t kid yourself, we certainly have a long way to go. ■ Make the Greens Jealous Bring the best to your greens and fairways with equipment from Green Tractors. We offer the full line of John Deere Golf & Turf equipment to keep your property growing strong from the first tee to the last green. Our knowledgeable sales and service teams offer support you can count on. We look forward to finding a smart solution for your operation. 620 Durham Road 21, Port Perry, ON L9L 1A6 www.gtgolf.net 855.448.4653 Why is the Toro * * Lynx Central Control System the easiest system in the industry? Simple. You helped design it. All the information you need, in one place • Comprehensive reporting simplifies your decisions • Unsurpassed integration with other system components • Easily set up and customize your irrigation system • Superior course map editing and creation • Enhanced system troubleshooting To help protect the quality of your golf course, while being more efficient at the same time, you've never seen anything like the intuitive Toro Lynx Control System. Contact: Gary Taylor, Golf Project Specialist, 416-606-9908 Sean Lavin, Irrigation Golf Sales, 905-715-3985 TURF CARE Helping your business grow. Neil Juniper, Irrigation Golf Technical Support, 416-606-9907 Jeremy Phillips, Irrigation Golf Technical Support, 416-347-4601 © 2012 The Toro Company. All rights reserved.