Spring 2014 Green is Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association The Golf Course: Beyond the Green ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Communication is Key To Success Sustainable Turfgrass: Back to Basics The Perfect Storm CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON NIL OH2 With the US Women's Open coming to Sebonack in 2013, Garret Bodington made the decision to go with John Deere. Why? “John Deere gave us tremendous support for the Women's Open, from existing equipment to loaners. Also, the E-Cut™ Hybrid technology was a big selling point. We use E-Cuts on every fairway and every green " From E-Cut Hybrid technology to heavy-duty utility vehicles, Garret trusts his entire course to John Deere. To see the difference we can make on your course and call your John Deere Golf distributor today. Trusted by the best courses on Earth. JohnDeere.com/Golf PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Green is I t was December 23rd when most superintendents in Ontario first began to realize that this winter would be Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association different. A perfect storm, as some would call it, rolled through Ontario leaving behind upwards of three inches of solid ice. It was then that the clock started ticking. If this Editor wasn’t enough, January saw sub-zero temperatures attributed Justin Parsons to a “polar vortex” and thunderous “frost quakes” woke many justinparsons@engageagro.com from an already uneasy sleep. Speculation ran rampant and by February, with no end to winter in sight, many Publisher & Advertising Manager by Phil Scully superintendents began the momentous task of clearing snow Terry Davey OGSA President and ice from their putting surfaces. terry@blenheim.ca Although the outlook was bleak, few could have imagined Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 102 the carnage that many were faced with when the snow and ice melted in early April. Superintendents across Ontario are now in the process of putting their Administration Manager respective properties back together and each one has his or her own plan in Diane Davey place. The OGSA took to Twitter recently to deliver a unified message to golfers diane@blenheim.ca and industry professionals alike. Education, communication and patience will be Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 103 essential in the coming weeks and I am confident that we will emerge from this stronger than ever. It always astounds me how, during times of hardship at the Production & Design hands of Mother Nature, superintendents rally together to share knowledge and Jeanette Thompson resources and I am proud to be part of such a noble profession. jeanettethompson@mac.com It’s hard to imagine, but warmer weather is just around the corner and so are Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 101 the OGSA’s 2014 golf events. Golf and Events Chair Chad Vibert has put together Green is Beautiful is published four times a stellar lineup of golf venues this year, and we are introducing changes to the a year (November / March / June / August) Presidents’ Day format that will both honour the old traditions and respond to by Blenheim INK for: new challenges. I hope to see as many of you as possible throughout the summer at our events. ■ Providing engineering solutions Ontario Golf Superintendents' to Ontario’s Golf industry. Association Sally Ross, Executive Manager Engineering Design & Consulting Services Guelph Turfgrass Institute Land Development & Approval Assistance 328 Victoria Road South Permit & Regulatory Agency Approval Assistance Guelph, ON N1L0H2 Irrigation & Drinking Water Supply Strategies Tel: 519-767-3341 Stormwater Management & Erosion Control Strategies Toll Free: 877-824-6472 GPS Surveying & Mapping Services Fax:519-766-1704 Email: manager@ogsa.ca 30Centurian Dr. Suite 100 Markham, Ontario L3R 8B8 Phone 905 475 1900 Fax 905 475 8335 www.scsconsultinggroup.com www.ogsa.ca Premium Products Published by Blenheim INK Administration Office: for all Your Turf Needs 4305 Fairview Street, Suite 232 Burlington, ON L7L6E8 PO Box 7, Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z6 Production Office: Tel: 519-886-0557 1727 King Street East, Fax: 519-886-0605 Cambridge, ON N3H 3R6 1-800-465-5849 Toll Free: 1-877-618-8696 www.oscturf.com Fax:519-340-0293 www.blenheim.ca INSIDE THIS ISSUE INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ALLIANCE AGRI-TURF 22 www.allianceagri-turf.com ALMACK AGRONOMIC SERVICES INC. 9 AQUATROLS 5 www.aquatrols.com BASF TURF PRODUCTS 16 www.BetterTurf.ca BAYER 25 www.bayeres.ca BRAEMAR BUILDING SYSTEMS 8 www.braemarbuildings.com DCS AGRONOMIC SERVICES 13 DIRECT SOLUTIONS 19 www.aatdirectsolutions.com DOUGLAS WOOD LARGE TREE SERVICE 8 www.douglaswood.ca ENGAGE AGRO 27 14 Feature: www.engageagro.com The Golf Course: Beyond the Green FAST FOREST 13 www.fastforest.ca GREEN HORIZONS GROUP OF FARMS 11 In This Issue www.JustSodit.com JOHN DEERE 2 17 Communication is www.JohnDeere.com/Golf Key To Success LAKESHORE SAND 9 www.fairmountminerals.com In Every Issue MANA QUALI-PRO 10 www.quali-pro.com/QPCanada/ 3 President's Message 18 From Roots to Shoots MASTER'S TURF SUPPLY LTD. 24 www.mastersturfsuDolv.com 5 Editorial Message 20 Above the Hole ONTARIO SEED COMPANY 3 www.oscturf.com 6 What's New 21 On the Road Again P.D. SOLUTIONS 26 9 U of G Update 22 Health & Safety www.pdsolutions.ca SCS CONSULTING GROUP LTD. 3 12 Member Profile 23 Off the Fairway www.scsconsultinggroup.com Dave Smith, TURF CARE PRODUCTS CANADA 7,28 DCS Agronomic Services 24 Looking Back www.turfcare.ca 13 Golf Course Highlight 26 Turf or Consequences UNITEDAGRI PRODUCTS INC. 20 Smuggler's Glen Golf Course www.uap.ca ZANDER SOD CO. LIMITED 8 www.zandersod.com GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL 2014 Green is EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association Justin Parsons Christian Kuhn Although every effort is made to check material for publication, the association is not Alan Dolick Reg Langen responsible for material published on behalf of Paul Grotier Cam Shaw its contributors. Cory Janzen Kevin Kobzan All rights are reserved by the publisher and ON THE COVER any reproduction in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Northern Although some trade names may be mentioned Saw-whet Owl OGSA is committed to serving its members, in articles contained in this publication, no Photo courtesy: advancing their profession, and enriching endorsement is intended or implied by the Matt Booth the quality of golf and its environment. Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association. EDITORIAL MESSAGE he importance of good take slightly longer than usual to arrive at their table. Would T communication seems to be a theme that runs throughout this entire they not be better off sharing this information right from the start? issue of Green is Beautiful. I think most I know these are simple examples, but it’s the little things people would tell you, no matter what that add up to be big things. I think a lot of it comes down to their profession, that communication setting expectation levels appropriately and then delivering skills are chief among those which make on those expectations - and it takes good communication to an individual successful. Think about it, do this effectively. I think if any of us were to look at most by Justin Parsons, how many poor communicators do you of the issues we have had in the workplace in the last while, Engage Agro Corp. know that have achieved a high level of the root cause of the problem was an expectation level that success in their field? was not met. If we look within the golf course setting alone, there The key then is determining whether or not we could are countless examples everyday where one’s ability to have done something differently to prevent the outcome. communicate sets them up for success or failure. This is In the case of the mechanic and the walk mower, did the true whether you are the GM, the mechanic, or a server. For superintendent make it clear that he needed an answer by example, if the mechanic knows that parts are not going noon on Friday? Where we often get into trouble is when we to arrive in time to fix a walk mower before the weekend assume that things are understood. Ask any turf manager and he gives the superintendent notice, the team can plan out there and they will tell you, you can never assume. As accordingly. If this information is realized on Saturday you read through this issue you will find other articles that morning when the mower is discovered on the hoist, there touch on the value of good communication and hopefully is a problem. What about a situation where the server knows this helps as you make your way through the 2014 growing that the kitchen is busy and that the customer’s meal may season. ■ Greens • The #1 surfactant worldwide for highly managed turf areas • Produces drier, firmer putting surfaces • Strengthens plant's natural ability to Coursewide withstand stress and disease pressure Confidence. 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 25% or more www.aquatrols.com WHAT'S NEW by Sally Ross, OGSA Executive Manager of our directors activities related to the OGSA has acquired a discount from association in Clippings on a regular Marks Work Warehouse (10%) for our FROM THE OFFICE basis, so our members are aware of the members. The coupon can be printed We hope by the time our members contributions made by our board. from our website, but you must log in to receive our spring issue of Green is Beautiful For our part, we have been working access it. that spring will have finally arrived. hard on compiling our membership The harsh winter experienced by all directory and assuring we are as up to date CONFERENCE 2015 of us has taken its toll on many of our as possible. Please note that you can do an We are working on Conference 2015, members and seems to have caused a online search on our website to find any which is shaping up to be great. We ripple effect throughout the industry. OGSA member. have negotiated excellent pricing at the Our new board of directors for 2014 met We welcomed Darlene Carr to the Marriott Gateway and have an awesome this past February, welcomed Tim Muys OGSA team in April. Darlene will be speaker line up according to many of our (Piper’s Heath Golf Club) and approved performing the accounting function and Twitter followers. some changes to committees. These assisting with conference and trade show On opening night we will be taking changes are listed under committees organization. She comes to the OGSA with over Planet Hollywood and having pub on our website. Also approved was a a great deal of experience in both areas, style food and an open bar. The Aaron format change for the Presidents’ Day gained in an association setting. Garner band has been booked. They are Tournament and a change to make the Surveys for public meetings are ongoing well known for bringing down the house Assistants Tournament an official OGSA and can also be accessed through our at various pubs in the village at Blue event. homepage. The new survey is for meetings Mountain. We are trying to incorporate some held to present your 2013 annual report. Education sessions and the trade show Welcome to Our New Members MARK YOUR CALENDAR UPCOMING 2014 OGSA Sean Davey........................ Class C Travis Sisson...................... Class C Redtail Golf Course The Rock Golf Club Tournament & Events Dan Sliasas........................ Class C Shane Timms............... Class Supt St. Catharines Golf & Country Club Sleepy Hollow Country Club Presidents' Day Amanda Frend.................. Class F Geoff Griffin....................... Class F Westmount Golf & Country Club Ladies Golf Club of Toronto Kitchener, Ontario Matt Shushack.................... Class S Joel Henderson................. Class C Monday, July 28,2014 Jim MacAlpine.................... Class F Sarnia Golf & Curling Club Hugh Kirkpatrick Memorial Tournament Otter Creek Golf Club OTRF GOLF TOURNAMENT Otterville, Ontario Monday, august i8, 2014 Tuesday, Sept. 16,2014 Credit valley golf & country club Assistants Tournament Cutten Fields Guelph, Ontario Monday, Sept. 22,2014 Alex McClumpha Memorial Tournament St. Thomas Golf & Country Club St. Thomas, Ontario Monday, Oct. 6,2014 VISIT WWW.OTRF.CA TO REGISTER will be held at Scotiabank Convention TWITTER Q & A Twitter followers, including media and the Centre and we will once again be extending In order to assist our membership by golfing public. Feedback to date has been an invitation to all of our retirees with getting the word out to the golfing public, exceptionally good. complimentary trade show passes. media and any other interested parties, I encourage you to contact the office or Our conference committee this year, about the harsh winter and the widespread any one of our directors if you have any along with Conference Chairman John damage, the OGSA recently held a Twitter questions or require information about McLinden, includes superintendents, Q & A session, orchestrated by OGSA any OGSA activities. From all of us in the assistants and suppliers. Director David Kuypers. Great results office, have a great summer. ■ Conference pages are now live on our were realized with this initiative, which was website and can be accessed from our sparked initially by the commissioning of homepage. an article written by Robert Thompson. The results were an increase of 30% in Can/Am Challenge Recap by Adam Ikamas, CGCS, The golf course was primed for the group by MiGCSA Executive Director MiGCSA past president Greg Pattinson and crew, but Mother Nature had different plans. he 38th annual Can/Am Challenge at At 3 p.m. the buffet was served and everyone T Indianwood G&CC got off to a great enjoyed the fantastic spread. Whenever a start, but after about three holes the horn Can/Am has been cancelled in the past the blew for lightning in the area. After a delay cup went back to to the previous year’s winner, until close to 1 p.m., the groups headed back so the cup was retained by the OGSA for the out to try to complete the matches, but were second year in a row. Look out for plans now again thwarted by the spring thunderstorm. in the works for the 2015 matches. ■ The most advanced, most durable and most flexible irrigation products. Built for today’s golf courses. The right choice. 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Not only does Sustainability is defined as “the quality of not being harmful to this lead to the high potential for winter injury, but it is very difficult the environment or depleting natural resources, and thereby to manage ABG sustainably even during the growing season. supporting long-term ecological balance” (Dictionary.com) and Annual bluegrass is a relatively weak species as the plant will the pursuit of sustainability requires the reconciliation of social allocate much of its energy and resources to seeding, especially equity with environmental and economic demands. These are if your course is dealing with an annual ecotype (a distinct form often referred to as the three pillars or three “Es” of sustainability. or race of an organism). The species does not root very deeply, When we talk about turfgrass management, do we really know making it susceptible to drought and reducing its stress tolerance what it means to be sustainable? In order to maintain turfgrass to in general. Additionally, there are a few diseases and insects that standards that end users have come to expect, a great deal of inputs are specific to ABG, including anthracnose, summer patch and are required and some might question the effect that intensive annual bluegrass weevil. This means that a higher proportion of management has on the environment, not to mention whether pesticides will often be applied on a golf green, tee or fairway that the economics of these strategies can be justified. The purpose of is primarily ABG versus one that is creeping bentgrass (CBG). this article is to discuss some of the problem areas that may prevent Water use efficiencies are also greatly reduced when managing year-round successful turfgrass management and and how a few ABG, as the shallow roots do not allow for extended periods small changes may help us strive toward a more sustainable system. between irrigation or rainfall events. This makes it very difficult to follow a deeper and less frequent irrigation program, typically Road Blocks to Sustainability recommended by most agronomists and scientists. In light of the extensive damage that was experienced on A more sustainable approach is to convert ABG putting green numerous golf courses following this past winter season throughout sites to CBG over time. However, it is important to understand why much of Ontario (especially in the GTA), this may be a perfect the ABG is there in the first place as changing the species on the time to review site characteristics and your management protocols, surface will have little effect long-term if the conditions that led to especially since many of you have been forced to resurface or its invasion are not dealt with as well. These would include shading, renovate portions of or all of your greens to allow for play this poor hydraulic conductivity or infiltration, and excess compaction. season. In this issue of Green is Beautiful, Pam Charbonneau’s article Essentially any conditions that weaken CBG growth can create an “The Perfect Storm” on page 18 focuses on the injury we saw this environment where ABG can easily invade. Another major factor season. This article will work off of Pam’s article but center around that seems to lead to invasion by ABG over time is unrepaired some of the factors that may have led to the damage and how to ball marks. Each time that a ball mark is left on a green, a small work around those factors over time through best management section of CBG is left weakened. It is no coincidence that we find practices. ABG invading in small, circular spots throughout putting greens. Therefore, ensuring that a pool of resources is allocated for ball Managing Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) mark repair is important. From what we are seeing and have heard from superintendents in Ontario, there were multiple factors that led to winter injury following the harsh winter season. However, one of the common Continued on page 11... Lakeshore Sand Company Division of Fairmount Minerals Cell: 905-516-0136 Best Sand Golf Products Office: 905-547-3571 Your source for Ohio Best Bunker Sands Fax: 905-547-7881 • 535 Ohio Best Bunker Sand 1-877-467-4363 Corrie Almack P.Ag. • Signature Series Bunker Sand • Signature Blend Bunker Sand eric.porter@fmsand.com Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 • LS50Top Dressing Sand www.fairmountminerals.com Box 256, Carlisle, On Fax: (905) 689-8522 LOR 1H0 Email: c.almack@sympatico.ca Distribution Centre: 800 Strathearne Ave. N. Hamilton, ON L8H 7N8 The Gift of CHOICE Give back to your turf. Protect your turf from a full range of insect and disease pests by choosing the right product and the best supplier for your needs. The Quali-Pro® portfolio of proven actives provides the protection you need and choice you want. Keep your turf looking its best with Quali-Pro products. Support choice: ask for Quali-Pro products by name. GROWTH SPRAY PATTERN FUNGICIDE INSECTICIDE REGULATOR INDICATOR Same a.i. as Same a.i. as Same a.i. as Same a.i. as Same a.i. as A unique Rovral® Green GT Banner Maxx® Merit® 0.5G Merit® 75 WSP Primo Maxx® pigment spray pattern indicator Don Surgeoner, Canadian Quali-Pro Manager (519) 535-2409 • dsurgeoner@manainc.com • Quali-Pro.ca ™ Foursome, Know the Sign and T-NEX are trademarks and ® Quali-Pro is a registered trademark of FarmSaver.com, LLC. ® Merit and Rovral are registered trademarks of Bayer. ® Banner Maxx and Primo Maxx are registered trademarks of Syngenta Group Company. 14007.01.14 Continued from page 9... Additionally, it is vital that turf managers develop successful means that we are always trying to balance the needs of the turf communication strategies to educate golfers on the importance of with those of the client, and unfortunately, the two are rarely in fixing their marks properly. perfect alignment. A perfect example of this is looking for practices If all of the above factors are reviewed and considered, CBG will other than reduced mowing heights to increase ball roll distance. stand a much better chance of remaining the dominant species. In Consider incorporating more rolling into your program to give turf turn, this should lead to fewer inputs to manage the system and put a chance to produce deep, healthy roots and allow it to tolerate us on the path of sustainability. more stress during the growing season. The first step to achieving a balance between the needs of Growing Species Where They Belong turfgrass and the needs of the client is focused communication. All too often we see turfgrass species in the wrong place Choose to communicate with your clientele proactively and let throughout the golf course site. For example we may see Kentucky them know what you are doing and why you are doing it. Educate bluegrass grown in areas that are heavily shaded, or fine fescues them on the importance of sustainability’s three pillars - society, grown on areas that receive a high amount of traffic. This is not economy and the environment - and that day in and day out you taking advantage of the positive attributes of these species and will are trying to reconcile these elements. ultimately lead to ABG or other weed invasion and subsequently Finally, we must be cautious no to let ego get in the way of more inputs to manage these areas. Weakened grasses are also maintaining turfgrass and losing our focus on sustainability. It may much more susceptible to certain diseases (e.g. red thread, rusts, be a source of pride for some superintendents that they are able to summer patch) and to symptom development from insects such mow below 0.100 of an inch (2.5 mm) and keep their greens alive, as grubs. Learn as much as you can about the ideal growing but remember to ask, “how sustainable is this?” If you find that your conditions of specific species and cultivars (through NTEP ratings - practices are not optimal for the species you are trying to promote, www.ntep.org) and try to incorporate the most appropriate species the predominant soil characteristics or are badly mismatched with in specific areas of the golf course. Simply put, converting to species end user expectations, consider altering some of your practices that are more suited to specific microclimates on your golf course immediately or over time. ■ can reduce inputs and create a more sustainable site over time. Promoting Good Soil Conditions Dr. Katerina Jordan, PhD. We could probably write an entire article just on this topic alone Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Science as it is one of the most important factors when striving toward Dept, of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph sustainability on a specific site. We focus so much on what is seen kjordan@uoguelph.ca above ground day in and day out that we often forget about the important foundation on which turf is grown. Whether dealing with a tee, fairway or putting green site, ensuring that you have a soil capable of providing the optimal characteristics for the desired species will be the most important thing that can be done to take a more sustainable approach. The optimal soil should contain the right proportions of air, water, and mineral and organic components. All of these characteristics can be examined through soil textural analysis, soil tests and hydraulic conductivity or infiltration. The latter will give you an idea of how quickly water will move through the soil profile. Barriers to proper water movement include: layering; excess thatch, poorly matched soils in the mix and compaction. To a degree, all of these can be managed through a regular cultivation program. Solid tine aeration can work well through the season to open pore spaces in the soil, but to reduce Passion. It drives our Turfgrass compaction and layering and to improve infiltration rates, pulling VARIETIES AND SPECIALTY BLENDS cores is the optimal approach. The core diameter and depth of INCLUDING ECO-SOLUTIONS™ your tines will depend on the extent of the problem and what your ultimate goal is for the soil. The best program will combine elements of regular core aeration with deep tine cultivation and may even include something more aggressive such as a drill and fill practice if problem areas are located. If thatch or organic matter volumes are the primary issue, vertical mowing (deep in the profile) and regular topdressing are excellent ways to dilute, reduce and prevent excess thatch. Although cultivation programs can be a difficult sell, they are essential when working toward a more sustainable approach. Managing End User Expectations In the end, it is important to understand that turfgrass management is a service-based industry. Without end users that include golfers, athletes and homeowners, there is no reason to GREENHORIZONS SOD FARMS manage turfgrasses intensively. Although many of you likely got HAMILTON: 905.389.1315 into this field because of your love of agronomy and turf culture, CAMBRIDGE: 519.653.7494 we have to remember that ultimately, we are out there every day WWW.JUSTSODIT.COM to provide a stand of turfgrass for your end users to enjoy. This MEMBER PROFILE Dave Smith DCS Agronomic Services by Alan Dolick, Assistant Superintendent, was 13, and missing the farm life dearly, he Wildfire Golf Club got himself a job at the Bracebridge Golf Club. It was here that Smith met the first of any would agree that healthy soils several mentors that he believes has shaped M are the foundation of any successful his life today, Alan Pratt. turf maintenance program, and according Pratt, took Dave under his wing and to Dave Smith of DCS Agronomic Services, taught him just as much about life as he mentors are the foundation of a successful did about the golf course. When talking career. Smith firmly believes that mentors about Pratt, Smith says, “he left me with have had a huge influence in his personal an attitude” towards life and work that he and professional life. still leans on to this day. That attitude of In the beginning, Smith, like so many never being afraid to be wrong and willing others in this industry, fell into this business to learn new things through education or without even realizing it. Growing up on others has served him well. a farm in Bracebridge, Ontario he had Like any great mentor, Pratt realized that the greens committee chair at Muskoka spent many of his early years working on Smith was in need of a change to further Lakes Golf and Country Club and wanted his family’s land. Coming from a long line his development. Pratt came to him one Smith to come back to eventually become of men in his family that created their own day and told him it was time to move on the superintendent at the place that he livelihoods, Smith seemed destined to start and helped him get an interview at the describes as “being very close to my heart.” up his own business, but in the early years Clevelands House Resort, a small nine- Smith was the superintendent at of his career, that was anything but the case. hole facility where he would be the one Muskoka Lakes form 1985 to 1992. He After his family sold the farm when Smith and only employee. It was at this time that spent a lot of time learning from Bauer, Smith decided to go to the University of believing that he was the single biggest Guelph and study towards a diploma in influence on his professional development. turf management. In 1992, the City of Hamilton placed an It was at this institution in 1977 where ad in the newspaper looking for a foreman of outdoor sports facilities. Looking for a IN THE Smith met his next mentor, Bill Shea. Shea was the superintendent of the Muskoka Lakes Golf Club, and after spending time new challenge, Smith took the job. During his time with the City of Hamilton, Smith HOT SEAT teasing Smith about the milk bag stuck to his cast to protect the cast from the snow, managed three golf courses, lawn bowling clubs, countless sports fields and Ivor Q - Favourite piece of equipment Shea offered him his first assistant’s job. Wynne Stadium. A - I am a tractor buff - both Smith looks back at those years with Shea After four years with the city, Smith was new and old as a very positive experience. Those years asked to consult on the fields for the World were vital in helping to propel Smith into University Soccer Championships. This Q - Favourite golf tournament his first superintendent’s job. was the break he was looking for. Despite A - Canadian Open 1980 was a huge year for Smith. He really enjoying his time with the city, he married his wife Sharon and learned what had always longed for an entrepreneurial it was like to be a superintendent. Smith’s lifestyle. Q - Favourite course architect? first year as superintendent at the Twenty Finally, after years of learning from A - I like working with all of Valley Golf Club in Vineland, Ontario others, coupled with his own successes and them challenges, Smith felt he was ready to go was not all smooth sailing. Like many first time supers, he learned some hard lessons out on his own. In April of 1996, he and his Q - Lowest round and where? wife Sharon, “who runs the place,” formed of managing staff, members and upper A - Never had one, anywhere management. It was in these trying times DCS Agronomic Services. Since then, that Smith leaned on his two mentors the Smith has added mentors and become one Q - Ultimate foursome? most. “It’s easy to find someone to agree to many more himself. Smith continues to A - Phil Scully, Steve Mann, with you all the time,” says Dave, “but it’s evolve as a teacher, professional and as a Willy Nelson and me those that can put you in your place that person. “When you’re young, you look up really help you grow.” to those that are older and more wise, but as Q - Favourite all-time movie? After two years at Twenty Valley and you age, you search out younger mentors, A - Hoosiers starring Gene anther two at the International Country those that can teach you new things”. A Hackman Club of Niagara, Smith met yet another profound comment from a wonderfully future mentor, Don Bauer. Bauer was insightful man. ■ GOLF COURSE HIGHLIGHT Smuggler's Glen Golf Course 409, 1000 Islands Parkway Gananoque, Ontario K7G 2T6 Tel: 1-800-268-4536 www.smugglersglen.com Golf Course Superintendent: Jason Boyce Equipment Manager: Jeff Johnston COURSE PROFILE Biggest Maintenance Challenge The property is heavily treed. We have started an extensive in-house About the Course tree removal program to improve sunlight and air movement to our turf. Smuggler's Glen Golf Course is situated in the Thousand Islands area adjacent to the St. Lawrence River. The course represents an interesting blend of nature and design. The generous fairways and gently contoured A CLOSER LOOK greens set in a pristine forest environment are inviting and enjoyable. What You Need to Know Established: July 21,2005 Predominant Grass Type: Bentgrass greens and fairways; Dwarf bluegrass tees. Original Architect: Boyd Barr Predominant Soil Type: Silty Loam Type of Club: Semi-Private Resort Type of Greens: California Number of Holes: 18 Course Length: 6,603 yards Number of Rounds Annually: 25,000 Size of Property: 200 Acres Practice Facility: Yes Size of Greens: 3.2 acres Size of Tees: 3.2 acres Size of Fairways: 22 acres David G Smith, c.g.c.s. P.Ag., 185 Oriole Crescent LARGE TREE SALESAND RELOCATION Soil & Turfgrass Consultant Gravenhurst, Ontario P1P1C6 Phil Dickie-ISA Certified Arborist ON-0309A Office (705) 687-S0IL (7645) pdickie@fastforest.ca Fax (705) 687-3518 Toll Free 1-888-607-TURF (8873) 270 Shoemaker Street, Kitchener, ON N2E 3E1 Cell (905) 512-6004 dave@dcsturf.com P: (519) 748-6610 • F: (519) 748-6626 • www.fastforest.ca The Golf Course: Beyond the Gre by Justin Parsons, Engage Agro olf is a great game. We tend to lose sight of this from time G to time. We tend to get bogged down in the politics and the bureaucracy of it all. It is nobody’s fault really. It is a natural consequence of growth. As things evolve and expand, there is more at stake. Of course this means that there is more analyses, evaluation and scrutiny. All too often as of late, golf, and in particular turf maintenance, has made headlines for the wrong reasons, so every once in a while it is nice to stop and remind ourselves of all the positives this game has to offer. Matthew Booth, Assistant Superintendent at the Oshawa Golf and Curling Club, recently submitted a collection of photos that help accomplish exactly that - his images remind us of one of the things that makes golf exceptional. This is truly the only game that allows the participant to be immersed in nature. It is an escape. For a handful of hours the player has the opportunity to leave behind the trappings that accompany big city life and get lost in a landscape full of natural beauty. We must not forget that it is turf managers who nurture and care for this environment. Some are too busy finding faults in golf course operations that they don’t stop and take the time to think about what the alternative is. Consider what would exist in place of that golf course around the corner? It is a safe bet that whatever the substitute, the land would not be cared for to quite the same extent. Left: A Snowy White Owl spotted near Carruthers Creek Golf & Country Club, Ajax; Below, left to right: Baby foxes at the Oshawa Golf & Curling Club, Oshawa; This Long-eared Owl, caught Booth off guard. "I turned a corner and it scared the heck out of me cause I wasn't expecting to see anything," recalls Booth of this shot. The Barred Owl is a large owl native to North America. Best known as the Hoot Owl for its distinctive call, it goes by many other names, including Eight Hooter, Rain Owl, Wood Owl, and Striped Owl. Along with the growth of society, has come an increased understand­ ing of how our daily actions impact the natural world around us. This can be both positive and negative, although typically, there are few exam­ ples of growth having a positive impact on the environment. Golf would be a glowing exception to that trend. Superintendents are environmental stewards. They spend countless hours every year evaluating how their maintenance practices can have a positive impact on the ecosystem they manage. In many cases, this commitment extends to a full designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary - a program that helps golf courses protect the environment through education and by enhancing the natural areas and wildlife habitats that exist on their property. Again, we must remind ourselves, what game other than golf affords us the opportunity to enhance the environment in the process of facilitating the activity itself? This truly is a remarkable aspect of our game and one that is not celebrated enough. Sometimes it takes images such as Booths’ to remind us how exceptional the interaction between golf and nature really is. In a time when pace of play and greens speed dominates discussions, the inherent beauty of the game and extraordinary experience can sometimes be underappreciated. Anyone who has worked on a turf maintenance team knows how fast-paced the job can be. From the second your workday starts in the pre-dawn hours, it is a race to setup the golf course for that days collection of players. It is no wonder that turf managers rarely have time to stop and try and capture the beauty that they help to cultivate. Fortunately, thanks to Matthew Booth, we have some wonderful images preserved and ready to share with those who sometimes forget just how majestic a place the golf course can be. ■ Below, left to right: Oshawa Golf & Curling Club; A baby Great Horned Owl, captured by Booth in the GTA, is a large owl native to the Americas. It is also know as the Tiger Owl. Cadence Insignia Premis Vision Pro HD Fungicide Fungicide Fungicide Turf Colourant We create chemistry that makes turf beautiful. When it comes to great turf, trust the brands that are tried & tested. Call 800-387-2449 or Visit www.betterturf.ca for more information. BetterTurf and VisionPro are trademarks of BASF. Premis is a registered trademark of BASF Trademarks GMBH. Cadence and Insignia are registered trademarks of BASF Corporation. © 2013 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved. Communication is Key To Success Stuart Brindle, PGA of Canada General Manager and Director of Golf Magna Golf Club Tours of the Golf Course ike many golf professionals, I have a tremendous appreciation One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is to spend time with L for the role that superintendents play in our industry. A superintendent is made up of equal parts scientist and artist, with the superintendent touring the golf course and learning. We are all busy and it is hard to find the time, but this is firsthand knowledge tremendous dedication to their golf course and trade. Both now that can be passed along to members. There is nothing worse and in the past, I consider myself fortunate to work with some of than being asked a question to which you don’t have the answer. the best superintendents in the industry, and have had the pleasure Touring the course on a regular basis provides you with valuable of learning a great deal about turf maintenance. information that you can share in conversation with members. In I cannot say enough about the importance of communication turn, everyone will be on the same page when it comes to activity when it comes to turf operations. Those of us that work in the on the golf course and conditions. industry arrive at the club everyday prepared to deal with our business and livelihood. The golfer arrives at the club to enjoy four Information Sessions to five hours of leisure time. The result is a group of people that Another valuable visit out on the course should take place any formulate their own opinions of how things should be and why time there is a special process or project taking place. I always ask conditions are the way they are. In most cases, it is extremely difficult our superintendent to let me know when I can come and see the for a superintendent to personally explain course conditions to team aerifying a fairway, starting a bunker project, or simply verti- golfers. Instead, golfers will communicate their thoughts to the cutting. Not only does this make me a well-rounded manager, but professional staff in the Proshop, or even the service staff in the once again, it provides me with the ability to speak knowledgeably restaurant - why not, they will listen. This is likely the reason why to our members when they ask about what is happening on the your servers know that all of the other courses in the GTA have golf course. greens that are running at 13 on the stimpmeter every day. In my experience, the efforts of a turf maintenance department Budgeting are best supported by providing as much information to those in It only makes sense that the superintendent has a solid grasp the rest of the operation as possible. All kidding aside, there are of budget preparation and financial tracking as the season certainly golfers that have a respectable understanding of turf progresses. To go one step further, it is extremely important that practices. However, there are others that have misunderstandings, each department head has a good understanding of the budgets and it is our responsibility to educate them, and, in turn, avoid presented by their fellow managers. This allows the management unhappy golfers. The more information provided to the other team to make group decisions when it comes to those inevitable departments of the club, the better the support can be. I have times where difficult budget cuts need to be made. This is a witnessed great results with the following practices: situation that most clubs have faced, and it won’t be changing in the near future. Monthly Newsletters A newsletter provides a superintendent with the opportunity to Informal Discussions convey upcoming projects, current conditions and reasoning, and The previous five items are quite formal in nature and can be explanations for certain cultural practices. Answering a question scheduled and planned for somewhat easily. Some of the most before it is asked reduces the chance that golfers will formulate valuable knowledge that I have gained has come from informal their own opinions on a given item. Blogs and Twitter represent conversations that occur in the office or over a quick lunch. As I possible opportunities for communication, depending on the start my 26th season in the golf industry, I am still amazed at the preferences of your membership/clientele. wealth of knowledge possessed by the superintendents that I work with, both past and present. There is no shortage of information Regular Management Meetings to be learned, and given the progressive nature of turfgrass A great practice in general, especially since, as previously professionals, this is sure to be the case moving forward. mentioned, golfers may speak to every department about their We are very fortunate to work in an industry that provides the thoughts on the golf course. If the head professional and food and opportunity to be exposed to such a diversity of skills and areas beverage manager know why we are aerifying greens next week, of expertise. Like anything in life, unfamiliar territory can be they are better armed with the answer when Mr. Smith asks, “Why intimidating. However, I have yet to meet a superintendent that are we ruining the greens now that they are finally in peak shape?” is not willing to share their knowledge and experience, both with What’s better than your bartender explaining to Mr. Smith that fellow ’supers’ and the uninitiated such as myself. If you would aerification is the reason why the greens are in such great shape in like to know more about turf operations, just ask - I’m sure your the first place, and they will be back to normal in less than a week? superintendent is ready to get started. ■ FROM ROOTS TO SHOOTS The Perfect Storm r was it a series of perfect storms? Winter Injury as a O It all began on the weekend of December 21, 2013 with about 2.5 cm of Teachable Moment There are so many good photos on ice accretion on everything. By the way, I Twitter and on blogs showing live creeping didn’t know what ice accretion was until I bentgrass next to dead Poa annua grown became addicted to the Weather Network. in the same environment. Pictured left are I have many new weather words in my totally dead areas of Poa annua in shaded vocabulary now. The weather leading up to sections of a golf course. Superintendents this freezing rain event was heavy rain that know the issues with Poa annua; shade, saturated the non-frozen soil. The freezing traffic, poorly constructed greens and rain followed by a sudden dip below -20°C poorly designed irrigation systems, but in early January lead to ice encasement of often there isn’t the budget or the will to turf. Apart from the mercury rising to the address these issues. Many are calling this high single digits a week later, there were a “wake up call”. Use this as a teachable sustained low temperatures that kept that moment for your golf course members, layer of ice in place. Luckilv, the ice layer greens committees, etc. Many courses have was covered with a generous layer of snow opted for resodding all of the greens with which was in place until mid to late March creeping bentgrass sod. A good start, but it in southwestern Ontario and until mid to could be just a matter of time before you late April in more northerly areas. will be back to square one with Poa annua dominating your putting surfaces unless Winterkill ofPoa annua in shaded areas. Snow Was Your Friend you get to the root of the problem. Ask It appears now that the greens in areas yourself why the Poa annua is there in the with more snow cover faired better. This is that even the covers and the turf below first place and try to create an environment witnessed by reports of golf courses in the the covers were encased in ice. It was that favours creeping bentgrass. Muskoka and Ottawa region. In general, like a giant ice cube. Here at the GTI, Another teaching tool at your finger this is true even on older courses with lots Dr. Tom Hsiang had skids and hoses on top tips now is the contrast between live Poa of annual bluegrass. Golf courses with of a pathology green that he was using to annus on fairways versus the dead Poa a lack of snow or a thin snow layer had test fungicides against pink and gray snow annua on greens. Are you being forced to mould. These were then covered with a set your mowing heights lower than you more damage. In general, there was more permeable cover. There was just enough are comfortable with? Show the decision winter injury in the Greater Toronto Area, air space under the cover that it didn’t turn makers these turf areas and explain to Niagara region and anything south of the into one big popsicle. There was no sign them some of the practices that may have 401 corridor. at all of any winter injury on this green. I contributed to one area of turf being alive should mention though that this green is and one that isn’t. I am not advocating What Killed the mowed at 4 mm, so not exactly at greens that you mow your greens at fairway Annual Bluegrass? height, but it is a mix of annual bluegrass height, but some of this competition I am not sure that anyone can among courses to have the fastest greens and creeping bentgrass. unequivocally claim what exactly killed in the neighbourhood may be coming The greens that faired the best were their annual bluegrass. Again, there was a back to haunt you. This is a chance to those that had impermeable covers that series of a series of perfect storms. Here are adopt management practices that favour were vented. This is a big commitment some of the choices - pick your favourite: creeping bentgrass. and isn’t completely foolproof. This • Greater than 90 days of ice cover Check out #winterinjury - a Twitter feed cover system worked as long as no water • Temperatures dipping to below -20°C initated by the OGSA. Kudos to them for penetrated below the covers. at night in early January helping to get the word out. I propose we Permeable covers have their place in • Temperatures dipping to below -20°C also start a #springrecovery Twitter feed recovery efforts in the spring. There is no at night in mid to late March as turf is to document how the turf spring recovery consensus on what colour is best. Darker coming out of dormancy efforts are going. ■ colours absorb heat which helps to warm • Freeze-thaw cycles in early April up the turf surface and the soil beneath • Winter desiccation of areas exposed to the turf. Transparent covers let sunlight Pamela Charbonneau drying winds, or in. That will generate heat in a similar way OMAFRA Turfgrass • All of the above as a greenhouse or a poly house will create Specialist, The Guelph a warmer environment for plants than The Role of Covers the ambient outdoors. Keeping the tarps Turfgrass Institute Guelph, Ontario Many superintendents who used on at night helps keep the soil warm by Email: permeable covers felt that they didn’t preventing the heat accumulated during pamela.charbonneau@ help. This could be explained by the fact the day from being lost. Ontario.ca For information on our premium turf products contact your Direct Solutions representative or visit us online at www.aatdirectsolutions.com ABOVE THE HOLE Facing Welcomed Adversity t’s hard to imagine, with all of this ‘warm’ weather we have I been having, that we still have snow kicking around on our courses. Just one week removed from my final exam of the year 9 ways to Healthy Turf at the University of Guelph, I return home to Muskoka to start my internship and I feel like I’ve just stepped back a month in time. It was just two years ago that I had already put in a half dozen respond® 3 grows your turf health rounds of golf at this point in the season, yet this year we have been somehow blessed with the gift of a seemingly never ending from the roots up winter. I’m sure it won’t be long after the snow is gone before we will have our members knocking on our doors wondering why Increased depth of water penetration: our courses aren’t open yet. It’s never easy to please all of our members, but you can be certain that most golfers are getting 1 Increases rooting depth anxious to tee it up after this lengthy winter wonderland. While most people, myself included, are cursing this prolonged winter, 2 Aids survival in drought conditions as an aspiring turf professional this is exactly the reason I fell I 3 Favours deeper rooting grasses love with the industry. Before everyone reacts and thinks I am crazy, it isn’t the long Water soaks in more evenly: winter per se that I am excited about. The reason I came into this industry was for the unpredictability that comes with it. I’ve done 4 Avoids puddling my share of factory work and the fact that I don’t know what to 5 Helps with drainage expect day to day and season to season is the reason I chose turf as a career. We all remember the floods from two seasons ago and the challenges that arose from them. While we were much better More even water distribution/retention: off than some courses, we had our own set of challenges as we had 6 Better use of water may reduce the need two holes as well as our driving range that were almost completely under water for much of the spring. About seven years ago, we for irrigation had that big wind storm which caused us to shut down the course 7 Improved turf colour for a day while we scrambled to restore playability. While these aren’t situations we wish for, I think it makes our job feel more Reduction in the symptoms of localized dry spot: natural when it isn’t as predictable. It is times like this that test our ability as turf professionals, as we react to these adversities © More even playing surface that keep us on our toes. I have always appreciated the fact that the turf industry gives © Healthier turf us the chance to admire the work we have done, and it’s that much more satisfying when we’ve done so with Mother Nature Grow your turf health throwing everything she has at us. It’s never easy to work around the unpredictability of the weather and it is sometimes from the roots up with tough to relay these challenges to your membership, but this is what ultimately strengthens both you and your crew. Good communication is paramount in assuring these relationships are are kept in good standing, but it is these situations that make this industry so exciting. Having said that, it’s time for you to go winter. I’m ready to get my game face on. ■ Ontario & Maritimes: 1-800-265-5444 Chris Copeman, 2nd Assistant West: 1-800-561-5444 Superintendent, ADTM Student at UofG BC: 1-604-534-8815 Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville, Ontario Quebec: 1-800-361-9369 Email: c.copeman1@gmail.com www.uap.ca Always read and follow label directions. www.deerhurstresort.com Respond 3 is a registered trademark of Loveland Products. Inc. ON THE ROAD AGAIN You Can Trust Your Local Sales Rep A short while ago, I had the displeasure of listening to a offered cards of commensurate value. presentation in which one of the speakers alluded to sales In another experiment, List had customers approach dealers on representatives in the golf industry rejoicing in the dismissals the actual trading floor, unbeknownst to them that they were being of course superintendents, as this would result in potential sales watched. The protocol consisted of the customer making the trader opportunities. Most unfortunate was that this comment was made, two offers: “Give me the best Frank Thomas card you can for $20” in large part, to an audience of young, impressionable people. In or “give me the best Frank Thomas card you can for $65.” What my opinion, there are so many reasons as to why this is utterly false, were the results? Unlike the previous experiment where dealers, but more on that a little later. who knew they were participating in an experiment, made fair Such comments serve only to perpetuate the classic perception of offers, this time around, they were more prone to cheat. But List all salesman acting like a “used car salesmen” who is out for himself found an interesting split; the local dealers were much less likely to only. In reality, this stereotype is no longer appropriate as it was cheat due to wanting to maintain their reputation. derived from the information asymmetry that existed in the favour This brings me back to why I disagree with the speaker’s of the car dealer over the potential buyer. Nowadays, the amount comments about salesmen in the turf industry. Firstly, some of these of information accessible to the general public, due in large part fine individuals happen to be in their current roles due to having to the internet, has helped balance the information playing field lost their previous superintendents positions. Nobody rejoices in regardless of what a consumer is considering purchasing. anyone losing their job. On the contrary, we are sympathetic and But what if there existed some way to measure altruism in salesman understanding to the outgoing superintendent. Secondly, fostering - customer transactions? According to research undertaken by trust with a customer takes time. Quite honestly, it’s not in anyone’s economist John List, there is. List, who incidentally happened to be best interest to start all over again. Thirdly, as List’s research shows, the lone economist in a U.S. delegation to help negotiate the Kyoto salesmen care about their reputations in their respective field. protocol, undertook some of his most interesting experiments at We want to be respected by our customers and want to be called a baseball card show. List published his findings in a paper titled, on when help is needed. To allude to salesmen rejoicing in a The Behavioralist Meets the Market: Measuring Social Preferences and superintendent being fired from their jobs runs countercurrent to Reputation Effects in Actual Transactions. the reputations we try to uphold. ■ In one experiment, customers and dealers were asked to step in a back room where the customer would state how much he was Paul Grotier willing to pay for a card, choosing from five established prices. The dealer was asked to offer a card that was supposed to correspond Direct Solutions - A Division of AAT to the offered price. When the customer had to name his price Phone: (416) 508-6115 first, the dealer was in a position to cheat by offering a card worth Email: pgrotier@agriumat.com less than the offer. The results of the experiment showed that on www.turfpro.ca average, the customers made relatively high offers and the dealers 2015 ONTARIO GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW Scotiabank Convention Centre & Marriott Gateway Hotel | NIAGARA FALLS | JANUARY 28-30, 201 5 > An exceptional speaker line up which will deliver all required CEC's as well as Human Resource Management Skills Opening Night: > Innovative Superintendents Panel with presenters Rob Ackermann, We’re kicking off the conference with food and fun at David Kuypers and Chris Tritabaugh Planet Hollywood featuring the Aaron Garner Band! > All inclusive social/networking package > Great hotel pricing which includes internet, modest parking fees, Visit www.ogsa.ca for more information, and discounts for registrants at the Marriott Gateway Lobby Bar or to Look exhibitor space HEALTH & SAFETY The MOL Is On The Hunt olf courses are in the sights of the program in place. One thing some may G Ministry of Labour (MOL). Some of you have probably received an email from not have is a written document detailing how their program works. I understand Mark Hagen of Hyde Park Equipment Ltd. that this is often a case of having telling you that a couple of golf courses undertaken the process for a long time have been visited. and you know what you are doing. While See us for all He has identified some issues that the this is admirable, this is not how the MOL inspectors are addressing when they arrive looks at things. The MOL wants written Fertilizer, Plant on site. All of these items are important. documentation detailing the procedures. Protection and In particular, inspectors are looking for The way the MOL looks at work processes training documentation such as sign off is by thinking that the person doing the job Seeding needs sheets and training documents detailing has never done it before. So the MOL looks the course content. for a document that details how the work As Mark has stated, MOL inspectors should be done and the document must are always looking for personal protective also define how the organization should Custom Blending equipment (PPE) that is appropriate for respond if something should go wrong. the work being undertaken. Having the The MOL wants to ensure that the worker appropriate PPE is one thing, but ensuring distributing the pesticide understands the Proven Controlled that it is properly used in every required consequences of improper procedures. situation is imperative. And this means that Just to make sure that your golf course is Release Nitrogens anyone supervising a worker must ensure compliant, it is a very good idea to ensure that they follow the rules. If your club has that there are copies of the Occupational Golf& Landscaping a rule that specifies the use of hearing Health and Safety Act (the Act) and protection while working with equipment, Regulations posted in your workplace. Products then the MOL inspector expects the This should be an up to date document. supervisor to ensure that the worker is in I have toured some facilities where the Act fact using the specified hearing protection. and Regulations are out of date by more If the workers are not using the specified than five years. The MOL does not like to hearing protection when the inspector see this. is on site then a supervisor is likely to be On a similar note, please ensure that charged with failure to enforce and a your health and safety policy is current. worker with failure to comply. If your club Every year the senior person on site must doesn’t have such a rule and the inspector sign and date the health and safety policy finds that the worker should be protected and it must be posted in the workplace then this may also generate a charge under where all workers may see the document. the Act. This is a one page statement concerning 8112 KING RD.WEST Mark has stated in his email that the the organizations philosophy on health MOL is looking at shields and guards and and safety. BOLTON, ONTARIO L7E5T3 working safety switches on equipment. As Mark said in his email, there is much Toll Free: 1-800-268-4425 Other issues that Mark has identified are more that might be addressed by the Tel: 905-857-2000 proper training and supervision with both MOL, so if you need to talk please give me new and returning workers. Don’t fall into a call. If you need a copy of the Act I am Fax:905-857-8215 the trap of believing that a re tuning worker willing to order a bunch and get them out alisona@agri-turf.ca doesn’t need to be trained. I hear this to you. As the motto goes, “Be prepared!” all too often and sadly these workers are Have a great summer! ■ often the ones being injured. When you are bringing workers into the workforce it www.allianceagri-turf.com is your duty to ensure that they have not DougJohnson, forgotten the rules from previous seasons. Consulting, When workers are not doing a job for Safety and First a period of time there is a tendency to Aid Supplies, forget some of the details. Make sure that WHMIS Training, all workers are provided with information SAFETAID that allows them to work in a safe manner. Tel: 519-837-0997 It is my belief that virtually every golf Fax: 519-837-1996 course has a comprehensive pesticide doug@safetaid.ca OFF THE FAIRWAY Gardeners Gold Revisited ow that spring has arrived, horticulturists should be reviewing N their list of priorities for the season. This includes evaluating budgets, managing their time, and assessing seasonal priorities. One of the most important practices that has a tendency to be overlooked is amending or top dressing garden beds with compost or high quality garden soil. Perceived time and budget constraints are the most predominant reasons for omitting this practice. The benefits of adding compost to your soils include moisture retention, increased micro- and macro-nutrient levels, added minerals that may not be present in fertilizers, increased air space, increased plant growth, as well as improved drainage. By spending time and resources amending soils with compost, we can realize significant savings during the growing season. Some of the downfalls that may occur if this practice is omitted include, additional watering during times of drought, increased need for Organic waste is separated into working piles. fertilizer, visually stunted or unhealthy plants, as well as increased labour to manage each of the aforementioned issues. and maintenance of the compost piles. The turnover time could With large amounts of garden space it may be difficult to topdress forseeably be decreased with increased turning and watering of every garden every spring or fall. Keeping track of which gardens the compost. It is also important to note that to create a properly you are able to tend to and implementing a schedule whereby you working compost you must maintain a carbon:nitrogen ratio of rotate which beds are topdressed in each season and year will help 30-50:1, add oxygen through mixing or turning, and keep the to ensure that all the beds get a healthy layer of compost every two compost wet. to three seasons. I recommend a minimum of three inches as a Last season, we produced approximately ninety cubic yards of topdressing thickness. There are a variety of mixes available in a compost. There is currently a stockpile of close to one hundred range of qualities and prices. If you are purchasing a garden mix and fifty yards of useable material. The product doesn’t have to or triple mix the best product to use is a sandy loam type soil that be used specifically for gardens either. For operations that may contains high amounts of visible organic matter. A way to test for not have much garden space on the property it can be used as a a good garden soil consistency is to squeeze a small amount in the topdressing for turf areas around entrances, clubhouses, proshops, palm of your hand. If it stays as a solid ball then the soil is more fractional ownership units, in planter boxes or could be amended on the clay side which means it will drain poorly. If it breaks apart to topsoil in preparation for new sod. easily it is on the sandy loam side. The program continues to be a great success. We have drastically The composting program at MLG&CC originally began with reduced the cost of waste taken to landfill sites and have completely a collection of organic waste from the grounds, including grass eliminated the purchase of garden soil for amending, topdressing clippings, chipped brush from tree removal, soil from renovated and transplanting. This also gives us the ability to complete projects gardens as well as leaves, annuals, perennials, and grasses from such as new landscape installations or existing garden renovations spring and fall cleanup. For this to be a success it was merely a without soil being a part of the cost of a new project. matter of directing staff where to discard the material, educating Having and maintaining a high quality soil is an essential part them about the compost process, what the goal is to be achieved of growing, thus its importance shouldn’t be overlooked. The and what products go in. The program evolved into the collection rewards of preparing your own compost material are plentiful. I of all biodegradable products from the entire property which urge anyone who has a little space and the resources to consider include clubhouse kitchen waste, biodegradable coffee cups, coffee implementing a composting program. The volume of organic grinds and paper towels. Growing the program to incorporate all waste already present at your course will astound you, plus the departments successfully meant the way waste was handled had amount of money saved on waste disposal is significant. Waste to become a part of the operations policy. Once the policy was should be as important to manage as every other component and written, a system was developed including the process of educating this program is a great example of the benefits of doing so both staff and labeling waste containers. A practice that is somewhat financially and for the health of your gardens. new for me is using cores from aerated greens and tees that were If you would like more detail on the annual numbers of material originally being discarded. This cuts back on waste, increases the production, machine hours, man hours or any other details about amount of recyclable material and gives the end product greater the program, please feel free to contact me. ■ drainage ability by adding that sandy material. By doing this I believe there is a good opportunity to create a divot mix on site. The organic waste is taken to our compost area and dumped Chris Cumming CLP, Horticulturist into the working piles. These specific piles are at different stages Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club to avoid new waste going into usable product. Every three weeks, Port Carling, Ontario I will use a loader or skidsteer to mix the piles and maintain a Email: chriscumming@4ive.ca tidy environment at the site. It takes approximately six months Tel: 705-765-3165 to one year to have a usable product depending on conditions Cell: 705-644-3994 LOOKING BACK Fifteen Years Ago Today n 1999, the Board of Directors of the OGSA were Ian Wright. Recipient of the Heritage Scholarship was Melissa I Bowen (Pres), Oshawa, Simon George (Past). Oakville, Keith Bartlett (Vice), Thornhill, John Gravett, Granite Club, White and the Turfgrass Scholarship went to Lindsay Preston. ACHIEVEMENTS: Greenskeeping in Ontario and the Jim Flett, Muskoka Lakes, Rob Ackermann, Markland Wood, History of the Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association was Dean Baker, Glen Abbey, Jeff Burgess, Weston, Dave Cours, being written, beginning in 1875 through to and including Erie Shores, Bob Heron, Beacon Hall, Mark Piccolo, Galt our 75th anniversary year, 1999. The editorial committee and Paul Scenna, Donalda. consisted of Ian Bowen, Keith Bartlett, Robert Heron, Mark ON THE MOVE: Bob Brewster, from The Toronto Golf Club, Piccolo, Paul Dermott, Mark Schneider, Gordon Witteveen went to Mississaugua and Al Schwemler, Assistant, took over. and James Wyllie (chairman). John Gravett moved to the new Granite Club from Credit Gordon Witteveen was awarded the John B. Steel Award Valley and his Assistant Jeff Stauffer took over. Paul White presented by the CGSA. left Mississaugua and went to the Briars. North Granite Ridge hired a new superintendent Dan Weichers. Gordon David Kuypers won the Merit Scholarship from the GCSAA. Witteveen retired from The Board of Trade. Mark Scenna OTEC announced that it had sold the Jacobsen Turf started working for Plant Products as a Technical Sales Equipment portion of its business to G. C. Duke. Representative. TOURNAMENTS: The Border Cities Golf Challenge was MILESTONES: The OGSA celebrated their 75th Anniversary hosted by Chris Andrejicka at Essex. The Canadians brought and held a 75th Anniversary Golf Tournament at Twenty the trophy home with the best foursome gross: Scott Gardner, Valley hosted by John Taylor. Echo Valley, 77, Kelly Barnett, Point West, 79, Pat Hebert, EVENTS: The OGSA curling event was held at North Halton Roseland, 80 and Scott Dyker, Beverley, with an 80. hosted by Al Beeney. The winning team consisted of Bruce The Pro/Superintendent Tournament was held at the Burger, Lakeview, Ray Murray, Maple Farm Supply, Leo National Pines, hosted by Chris Goodman. The low team was Daigle, Caledon and Mike McClelland, Glen Eagle. from the National, Norm Hitzroth and Chris Dew with a 68 A fundraiser tournament, sponsored by McCracken Golf and second place from Tyandaga was Jim Black and Gavin Supplies, was held at Burford Golf Links for Mark and Kellogg also with a 68, decided by retrogression. Danielle McClure on the arrival of triplets. The President, Green Chairman, Superintendent and The Ontario Turfgrass Symposium was held at the Regal Directors Golf Tournament was held at The Toronto Golf Constellation Conference Centre chaired by Rhod Trainor. Club hosted by Al Schwemler. The winning team was from Keynote speaker was Brian Williams. The Presidents Glendale, Mike Cote and runner-up team was from The Reception was a huge success and plaques were presented to Granite Club, John Gravett. new AA Life and 25 year members. Congratulations went to, The Alex McClumpha Golf Tournament was held at Markland Bob Brewster, Richard Creed, Barry Endicott, Roy French, Wood hosted by Rob Ackermann. Hugh Kirkpatrick was the Bill Glashen, Blake McMaster, Bruce Summers and Ken winner of the George Darou Trophy for superintendents over 50. Bob Heron, Beacon Hall, was 1st low gross with a 76 and Paul Scenna, Donalda, was 2nd low gross with a 79. IN MEMORY: Fred Grightmire passed away at the age of 95. Fred was the first superintendent at the Dundas Valley from 1929 until 1969 and a past president of the Western Ontario Greenskeepers Association. ■ Barry Endicott www.mastersturfsupply.com Retired Golf Course Superintendent Brampton, Ontario P.O.Box 629 Office: 519-510-TURF (8873) Tel: 905-846-1440 80 William St. W. Fax:519-510-8875 Email: barry.endicott@gmail.com Harriston, ON, NOG 1Z0 Email: mastersturf@wightman.ca GET MORE FROM YOUR DMI TRITON Triton™, the broad spectrum DMI fungicide that CHIPCO provides unmatched disease control and turfgrass Triton quality at the lowest rates. www.bayeres.ca For more information on Triton and the complete line of Bayer products, contact Bayer Environmental Science. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTION. 1-888-283-6847 Triton is a registered trademark of Bayer. TURF OR CONSEQUENCES Ice, Ice, Baby by Doug Breen, Superintendent GolfNorth Properties didn’t want to talk about ice. I tried I to write about five other topics, but in the end, ice is all that I can think about. It’s all I’ve been thinking about since December 28, 2013. Not the storm before Christmas that knocked branches off of half the trees in Ontario, and made my had migrated right down to the turf, and tack - letting golfers know that they front lawn look like a frozen lumber yard frozen solid - about four inches thick. should expect some damage, but that for three months. Apart from a couple On December 28th, I could have put on it would be localized and manageable, days without hydro, that storm wouldn’t a pair of skates in Cambridge, and skated and talked about what they would do to have hurt us at all. There was a thick layer to four other golf courses without dulling repair any issues in the spring. Neither is of ice, but it was on top of a thick layer my blades. I probably could have skated better than the other, it just depends on of snow (and fallen wood), so that ice to three different Great Lakes and across your audience. What is clear, is that those would have been fine. Sure, we’d have them to four states. who were communicating with their needed an army of beavers and chainsaws So ice is all I’ve been able to think taskmasters in January, are a lot better to clean up the wood, but that wouldn’t about since the end of December. And I off today than the ones who buried their have kept me up at night. The bad day was right to be worried about it - we all head in the ice and hoped for the best. was the 28th. After a couple warm days were. It was ugly out there when it finally Stephen Covey wrote years ago, about of melting between Christmas and New melted. I don’t want to theorize about why the emotional bank account that we Year’s, the snow was gone, and the ice it was so much worse south of Highway 7, have with other people. If we’ve made than north of it. I don’t want to add to deposits along the way, when we need to the debate with respect to why one green make a withdrawl (like opening with four could have 75% winter injury (OK, let’s temporary greens) then the “credit” is ATTENTION! call it death), while another green, a mere fifty feet away, could come out of there. If not, a winter like this could result in a debt from which one cannot recover. the fray looking like June 15th. Others, Superintendents who have gone the extra IPM Certified wiser and more qualified than myself, will mile, or spent time communicating, or have a history of success, will have the Agents be writing for years about their findings from the spring of 2014. Why did it credit in their accounts that they need. happen? What was the most effective path That person behind the counter, or back to playability? To cover, or not to answering the phone, can bury you. cover? I’ll leave all of that to experts. Conversely, they can be your greatest ally. Get your Rather, I want to discuss how When John Random Golfer asks about the state of the ice damage - have you superintendents were able to deal with recertification credits the political side of the situation. Players, invested enough emotional credit in the whether green fee or member, had to be rest of the golf course staff that they’ll ON-LINE dealt with. Owners, general managers, and say, “Our superintendent is the best in boards of directors were all looking to us the business, Mother Nature’s a ditch with for explanations; and more importantly, pig, but he’ll get us back on track. Thank solutions. How did we do? goodness we’ve got him?” Or, are they P.D. Solutions! In the electronic age, it’s easier than saying, “I’ve got no idea what the heck ever to send out information. Most he’s doing?” Ontario superintendents were blogging, For many of us, our emotional bank tweeting, emailing, and newslettering account is pretty empty today, maybe even all winter. I know for a fact, while the overdrawn. The golfers, staff, owners and Visit: freezing rain was still falling, several of our boards will be watching you like never fraternity were getting out the message before. Make sure to take the time to www.pdsolutions.ca build that account back up through that the greens could be in trouble. or call Many followed the axiom that if you give your actions, your words, and your people the worst possible scenario first, accomplishments. Best of luck in this 1-877-977-6774 then anything going forward will be good trying time - as Hugh Kirkpatrick used to news. Others took the more reassuring say, “We’re all in this together.” ■ Now Registered! Because your budget is not a game. Phostrol® is the most cost effective phosphite fungicide for turf in Canada. It is an extremely systemic and unique phosphite fungicide that has both a direct and indirect effect on harmful oomycete diseases, and stimulates the natural defence response of turf against pathogen attacks. For more information on Phostrol please contact Engage Agro 1 -866-613-3336 engageagro.com Always read and follow label directions Phostrol Is a registered trade-mark of Engage Agro Corporation. 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