Summer 2014 Green is Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association Mo' Honey Less Problems ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Evaluate Irrigation Practices Extend Your Learning Elsewhere That Evil Weevil CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL Publications Agreement No 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OCSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON N1L 0H2 Control like this has always been out of reach. Until now. Coming soon: The New A Model Mowers from John Deere. Now your presence can be felt on every part of your course. That's the control you get with the new A Model mowers from John Deere. Thanks to our TechControl display, no matter who is operating the mower, you can easily program these mowers to mow and turn at exact speeds, to transport at preset speeds, and to lock in fuel savings. You can also plug in service reminders and get diagnostic feedback quickly and accurately. And all of your operators can now mow in a more consistent fashion. The power to control your course is now in your hands. To find out more about our new A Models, contact your local John Deere Golf distributor today. Trusted by the best courses on Earth. JohnDeere.ca/Golf PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Green is Beautiful The Official Publication of Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association erspective. It’s a word that gets thrown around alot but P there has never been a better time to reflect on what it really means. Editor Justin Parsons The challenges that golf in Ontario has faced this year, on justinparsons@engageagro.com both sides of the fence, has truly put things into perspective. From a golfer’s point of view, the reality that golf courses Publisher & Advertising Manager are living breathing organisms that are often uncontrollable Terry Davey and at the mercy of Mother Nature, has been highlighted terry@blenheim.ca this season. by Phil Scully Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 102 From a superintendent’s vantage point, whether affected OGSA President or not, the devastation of 2014 has forced each and every one Administration Manager of us to review our professional and personal lives, therefore Diane Davey putting into perspective the significance of nature and it’s profound effect on diane@blenheim.ca our livelihood. Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 103 The ramifications of the ice storm and it’s affects on the golf industry will be felt for years to come, but not all in a negative light. The media coverage of the Production & Design widespread turf loss in Ontario will help to promote the importance of what we Jeanette Thompson do and the fragility of the environment in which we work. I’m gratified that the jeanettethompson@mac.com OGSA could play a major part in informing media and the public as that is part Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 101 of our mandate. Green is Beautiful is published four times In the end, what will come of this is perspective; a way of regarding situations a year (November / March / June / August) andjudging their relative importance. With varying types and degrees of disasters by Blenheim INK for: in the world happening far too often of late, we must keep in mind that after all, it’s just grass. ■ Providing engineering solutions to Ontario’s Golf industry. Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association Engineering Design & Consulting Services Sally Ross, Executive Manager Land Development & Approval Assistance Guelph Turfgrass Institute 328 Victoria Road South Permit & Regulatory Agency Approval Assistance Guelph, ON N1L0H2 Irrigation & Drinking Water Supply Strategies Stormwater Management & Erosion Control Strategies Tel: 519-767-3341 Toll Free: 877-824-6472 GPS Surveying & Mapping Services Fax:519-766-1704 30 Centurian Dr. Suite 100 Markham, Ontario L3R 8B8 Phone 905 475 1900 Fax 905 475 8335 Email: manager@ogsa.ca 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 N2J3Z6 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 8 www.allianceagri-turf.com ALMACK AGRONOMIC SERVICES INC. 26 AQUATROLS 23 www.aquatrols.com BAYER 31 www.bayeres.ca BRAEMAR BUILDING SYSTEMS 11 www.braemarbuildings.com DCS AGRONOMIC SERVICES 26 DIRECT SOLUTIONS 14 www.aatdirectsolutions.com DOUGLAS WOOD LARGE TREE SERVICE 5 www.douglaswood.ca ENGAGE AGRO 27 www.engageagro.com FAST FOREST www.fastforest.ca 12 16 Feature: GREENJACKET 12 Mo' Honey Less Problems www.GreenJacket.com/gib GREEN HORIZONS GROUP OF FARMS 5 www.JustSodit.com In This Issue JOHN DEERE 2 www.JohnDeere.com/Golf 10 Hidden Gem Hosts 19 Extending Your MANA QUALI-PRO 24 Annual Tournament Learning Elsewhere www.quali-pro.com/QPCanada/ MASTER'S TURF SUPPLY LTD. 30 In Every Issue www.mastersturfsupply.com NUTRITE 29 www.nutrite.com 3 President's Message 22 From Roots to Shoots ONTARIO SEED COMPANY 3 www.oscturf.com 5 Editorial Message 23 Above the Hole RD. SOLUTIONS 22 www.pdsolutions.ca 6 What's New 25 On the Road Again SCS CONSULTING GROUP LTD. 3 12 Member Profile 26 Health & Safety www.scsconsultinggroup.com Jason Boyce, Director of Golf TURF CARE PRODUCTS CANADA 21, 32 Smuggler's Glen Golf Course 28 Off the Fairway www.turfcare.ca 1 5 Golf Course Highlight TURF PROFESSIONALS CHOICE 30 29 Looking Back www.tpcsand.com Pine Knot Golf & Country Club UNITED AGRI PRODUCTS INC. 13 20 U of G Update 30 Turf or Consequences www.uap.ca ZANDER SOD CO. LIMITED 25 www.zandersod.com Green is GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL EDITORIAL COMMITTEE GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL 2014 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. Bill Arnott and Tim Muys Although some trade names may be mentioned Inspecting a Hive 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 Cam Shaw the quality of golf and its environment. Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association. EDITORIAL MESSAGE here’s been a lot of talk swirling when we all pull the rope in the same direction for a greater T around bees of late. In the turf world, this remarkable little creature cause. I’m amazed at how prevalent domestically run apiaries and the important role it plays in the have become. In fact, just this summer I have run into three environment, has been caught up in different people who have started their own homegrown a bit of a political firestorm. If there’s hives in their backyard. The impetus for starting such an one positive that has come out of this operation seems to be equal parts pleasure, product, and mess, it’s that these dynamic little giving back to the environment. by Justin Parsons, plodders are finally starting to get the In light of this trend, we thought it was worth shining a Engage Agro Corp. appreciation they deserve. light on a golf course facility that has been undertaking this The truth is, for most of time, bees noteworthy task for some time now. We know there are likely have been an afterthought. Sure we all recognize these several other golf course maintenance departments across insects and generally acknowledge what they do, but how Ontario that have devoted time to managing their own many among us have taken the time to consider their apiaries and we apologize that they all are not mentioned significance in helping to balance the natural world around in this great piece written by Cam Shaw. They deserve just us? They methodically go about their business, day in and as much credit for finding the extra time in their busy day out, while a vast ecological network hangs in the balance. schedules to foster their hives. Perhaps just as important as the vital role they play in our To all those like Barrie Golf and Country Club who have delicate ecosystem is the admirable example they set for all of found yet another way to show the positive impact golf us. Bees tirelessly work together toward a common goal that courses have on the world around us, we tip our cap in the benefits all those around them. They serve as an important summer issue of Green is Beautiful. ■ reminder that the most important things are accomplished Colour Well Played Douglas Wood Large Tree Service can add fall colour to your course with the help of Paul Hanousek, Certified Arborist FRESH SOD READY WHEN YOU ARE 12 VARIETIES www.douglaswood.ca JUST CALL MATCHED TO THOUSANDS OF SPECIALTY Paul Hanousek, Certified Arborist Members of CGSA, OGSA, ISA and OCAA www.JustSodit.com APPLICATIONS. 1.800.353.3019 GREENHORIZONS SOD FARMS T. 519.856.2771 • F. 519.856.1447 HAMILTON: (905) 389-1315 CAMBRIDGE: (519) 653-7494 P.O. Box 339 Rockwood ON Canada NOB 2K0 WHAT'S NEW by Sally Ross, OGSA Executive Manager FROM THE OFFICE By the time this magazine arrives on your desk, online registration for the Ontario Golf Course Management Conference and Trade Show will be open. Exhibitors have been reserving their booth space over the past month. If you have not booked your exhibit space yet, please go to the conference page at www.ogsa.ca for the exhibitor package. The OGSA has recently signed a revenue sharing contract with the CGSA to once again hold thejoint conference in Toronto in 2016. Mark Prieur, OGSA Secretary/ Treasurer, will be the conference co-chair for the joint show, along with Jim Flett, Ontario representative on the CGSA OGSA past president Doug Breen acknowledges host superintendentJeff Haynes and grounds crew at Grey Board of Directors. Silo Golf Club as hosts of the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic. The OGSA Board, along with the associates committee, have been focused Please remember to fill out our public comments about anything related to your over the past year and a half on coming meeting survey for meetings held this year association. up with a new format for our conference. to present your 2013 annual report; a link Thanks again for your ongoing support At their spring meeting, the associates to the survey can be found on the OGSA and have a great balance of the season. committee endorsed a proposed format home page. for the conference that excludes the Nominations for our distinguished SUPERINTENDENT RECOGNITION traditional trade show. The OGSA Board service award are accepted at any time, Once again, OGSA acknowledges of Directors then approved the format in but please keep in mind that the deadline host superintendents from the Ontario principle. Over the coming months, we date for submissions is October 1, 2014. amateur circuit. Presentations have been will be talking to as many of our associate All scholarship applications are due held throughout the province, some of members as possible in order to provide November 1, 2014 and details are posted which are depicted above and below. We information and garner their support of on our website under the Scholarship & would like to thank our presenters, as well this leading edge initiative, which we know Awards tab. as the GAO for their ongoing support of for some has been a long time coming. As always, our members are invited to the program. We congratulate all the host We anticipate the adoption of this format contact the office or any of our directors superintendents and their crews for a job for the 2017 conference. if you have questions, concerns or well done! ■ Superintendent Ryan Scott, pictured with wife OGSA Secretary Treasurer Mark Prieur, left, OGSA Director Rod Speake, right, presents a Monique and daughter Maeve, received the presents host superintendent plaque to Martin plaque to host superintendent Thom Charters, host superintendent plaque for the Investors Kopp from Brampton Golf Club, hosts of the left, of the Investors Group Ontario Men’s Group Ontario Amateur Championship held Investors Group Ontario Women’s Amateur Mid-Amateur Championship heldJune 25, 2014 July 8-11, 2014 at The Club at North Halton Championship, heldJuly 8-11, 2014. at Taboo Resort Golf & Spa. in Georgetown, Ontario. Welcome to Our New Members Adam Rocke..................... Class S Westmount Golf & Country Club Adam Leonardo............... Class A L-R- OGSA VPJohn McLinden presents the host superintendent plaque to Cory Janzen; OGSA President Phil Scully presents the William Sansom Trophy to the winning team from Beaverdale GC. Bradford Highlands Golf Club Jared Thivierge................ Class C Presidents' Day 2014 Wildfire Golf Club Matthew Eastman...........Class F n Monday, July 28th, the OGSA’s Lambton Golf & Country Club finishing O 45th Annual Presidents’ Day was held at Westmount Golf & Country Club fourth. The ladies longest drive and closest to Mississaugua Golf & Country Club in Kitchener, Ontario. the pin winner was Shelley Brown from Braun Hause.................... Class S The day started out with overnight The Toronto Hunt Club, with Chris King Valley Golf Club and early morning torrential rains, so Andrejicka from Essex Golf & Country the outlook became rather bleak for the Club winning the longest drive for the TerraOne Solutions Inc....Class E event. However, with lunch first and tee off men. The closest to the pin winner for the at 1 p.m., the weather started to clear and men was Peter Kinch from Lambton Golf despite the rocky start, the tournament & Country Club. started on time. Unfortunately, due to The big winners in the pari-mutuel the amount of rain that fell, golfers had to betting were Chad Hurrell from walk the course, and for a few this was a bit Beaverdale Golf Club, who of course MARK YOUR CALENDAR of a challenge, but each and every group bet on his own team, sharing first prize finished and we do applaud those who with Chris Andrejicka from Essex Golf UPCOMING 2014 OGSA struggled and made it around the course & Country Club who was the only other on foot! golfer to place a bet on Beaverdale Golf Tournament & Events The sunny breaks in the afternoon Club. made it perfect weather for golf and an The emcee for the evening was OGSA Hugh Kirkpatrick exceptional afternoon for the club from Vice President John McLinden who Memorial Tournament Beaverdale Golf Club who finished first thanked the host club staff and board of Otter Creek Golf Club in the progressive best ball tournament. A directors, as well as host Superintendent good show was once again put on by the Cory Janzen, who, despite some Otterville, Ontario Orr Lake Golf Club who finished second, challenges this spring, had the course in Tuesday, Sept. 16,2014 with Beacon Hall Golf Club third and great shape for the event. ■ 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 L-R: Second place team, Orr Lake Golf Club and third place team, Beacon Hall Golf Club. Pro / Super Challenge obble Beach Golf Links hosted the annual C Pro/Super Challenge on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014. The weather was outstanding and the breezy conditions kept the golfers on their toes. Thanks to General Manager John Anderson, along with Superintendents Brent Siekierzycki andJeff Thomas, who was of course playing with his brother Warren See us for all Thomas, the head golf professional at Cobble Beach. The superintendents and professionals were Fertilizer, Plant treated to a great day and special thanks go out to Protection and everyone at Cobble Beach for all their hard work. The winning team was Choya Fraser and Brian Seeding needs Urbach from Midland G & CC, followed closely by the teams from Stone Tree G & FC, Osierbrook G & CC and The National GC of C. OGSA Treasurer Mark Prieur, left, Skins amounting to almost $900 were split Custom Blending between nine groups and the 50/50 draw was won presents the Bill Bowen Trophy to Brian Urbach, GolfProfessionalfrom by Bert McFadden from the Georgian Bay Club. ■ Midland G & CC. Proven Controlled Release Nitrogens Golf& Landscaping Products Left: (L-R)OGSA Treasurer Mark Prieur presents the host GolfProfessional plaque to Warren Thomas. Right: (L-R) General Managerfohn Anderson accepts the host superintendent plaque on behalf of himself, Brent Siekierzycki andJeff Thomas. 8112 KING RD.WEST BOLTON, ONTARIO L7E5T3 Rattlesnake Wins Again Toll Free: 1-800-268-4425 he 20th anniversary Plant Products slo­ the day with a chance at the title. After the Tel: 905-857-2000 Fax:905-857-8215 T pitch tournament was held on July 26th round robin, and several playoff rounds, the at Turner Park in Hamilton. It was another final four matchups pitted RattleSnake versus excellent turn out and every team started Glen Eagle, and Trafalgar versus Cardinal. alisona@agri-turf.ca RattleSnake got past a tough Glen Eagle team and Cardinal edged out Trafalgar to earn their spots in the final. The championship game was a repeat from www.allianceagri-turf.com the 2013 final and RattleSnake squeaked past Cardinal by one run in a 10-9 Final. Special thanks go to Willow Valley for providing us with golf carts for the day. Thank you again to all of the teams that participated, and we look forward to another successful tournament next year! ■ Tournament winners from RattleSnake. 2015 ONTARIO GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW Scotiabank Convention Centre & Marriott Gateway Hotel NIAGARA FALLS, ON | JANUARY 28-30, 201 5 Education Sessions: Keynote Speaker: Dr. Thomas Nikola, Ph. D. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015 Michigan State University Pat Jones > RE-ESTABLISHMENT TECHNIQUES AND RESEARCH Publisher/Editorial Director FOLLOWING THE POLAR VORTEX OF 2013/14 Golf Course Industry and Lawn & Landscape Magazine Adam Moeller Gazing into my crystal ball: Agronomist, USGA How our business is changing and > IRRIGATE FOR TURF HEALTH AND PLAYABILITY, NOT COLOUR what it means to you. > PUTTING GREEN ROOTZONE MANAGEMENT For three decades, Pat Jones has been known for his insights into Dr. Micah Woods, Ph. D. the golf and turf business, his tell-it-like-it-is approach and his Chief Scientist, Asian Turfgrass Center sometimes warped sense of humor. David Feherty of CBS Sports and Golf magazine once described him as "that odd bastard who > ESTIMATING TURFGRASS NUTRIENT USE keeps trying to fill my head with all sorts of turfy facts." > SOIL MOISTURE AND IRRIGATION: THREE KEY POINTS FOR SUMMER Mark Thompson President & Chief Engagement Officer, Opening Night Party: McKinley Solutions »ATTRACT, ENGAGE, RETAIN A GREAT TEAM Aaron Garner Band John Kaminski, Ph.D. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2015 | 6:00-11:00 PM Associate Professor, Turfgrass Management/Director, Consummate live performer Aaron Garner Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program started his musical career 20 years ago »APPLICATION STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE DISEASE CONTROL and his travels have led him all over » COMMUNICATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY Canada to perform with award-winning masters of their craft, blues legends, and Canadian rock music stars. EDUCATION SESSIONS SPONSORED BY SYNGENTA & NGF GOLF (A div of Northgate Farms) Registration Marriott Gateway Hotel Now Open! Room rates $ 110 - $ 129 Wifi included www.ogsa.ca Views of the 9th green, Mono Hills Country Club Hidden Gem Hosts Annual Tournament by Sally Ross, OGSA Executive Manager before permission was finally granted to he knew he would need partners. expand. By that time, most people would From the time he was 18 years old, Jim Torrance had a dream, a dream have given up, but in Jim’s words, “I had come that far, might as well go ahead and There are now 10 shareholders, nine of whom have developed beautiful properties surrounding the course, while to build his own golf course. According build it now.” just one remains undeveloped. to his friends, he is an avid golfer. He What started off as his summer cottage At first, according to Jim, the course has golfed all around the world, and has with three holes, set up to play as nine, is was “primitive” with both the fairways been a member at Lambton G & CC, now a pristine and beautifully manicured and greens cut quite high, with golfer St. Georges G & CC, Pine Valley GC and property nestled in the rolling hills of friends and his son helping out with the Via Mizner in Boca Raton. Jim finally Hockley Valley. maintenance, but Jim knew that in order realized his dream, but not before he WhenJim set out to design and continue to get the course in the fine shape he had to put up a fight to try and build. to build the full nine holes, which plays as envisioned, he would have to seek some The fight went to the Ontario Municipal 18 with alternate tee decks to challenge help. He had already had assistance from Board and it took him over five years the players on the second time around, superintendents like Jim Wyllie and his past August 5, 2014, the eighth T seniors tournament took place at Mono Hills Country Club. Mark Schneider announced the prize winners and acknowledged and thanked Ron Craig from Turf Care for providing the carts, Paul and Helen White for all their hard work organizing the event, Pelino Scenna for cooking the striploins to perfection, Alan Beeney and Doug Suter for organizing lunch and dinner and generally keeping everything on track, and of course superintendent Nick Amsen for ensuring a "picture perfect" course. Following tradition Jim Torrance also was on hand to welcome everyone and joined the group for dinner. Gord Witteveen and others during the design and construction stages, so in the late ‘90’s, he called Paul White for his thoughts. Paul, in response, suggested Doug Suter give Jim a call. Doug Suter then became the superintendent at Mono Hills. According to Doug the next few years were a process. One year the greens mower was purchased and the greens were the priority. The following year the focus was on the fairways, and little by little the course really took shape. In 2002, Alan Beeney came on board to share the load with Doug, who wanted to enjoy some down time and in 2005, they brought current superintendent Nick Amsen on board. Nick was excited to tell us about the Mono Hills Country Club features a trout pond on the 7th hole. new irrigation system that was installed in 2009. At the time, Mono Hills was only have indeed contributed so much over that surrounds them. the fourth or fifth course in Canada to the years to help him realize his dream, Mono Hills Country Club is truly a install a decoder system following many a course that embraces the natural hidden gem. It has also been a labour European courses. flow of the land and the beauty of of love and it is obvious that it remains a When asked why he opens up the surrounding terrain. Along with his nine source of pride to all those who have been course every year to host the OGSA shareholders, together they share the cost involved with Jim over the years helping seniors, Jim mentions his ‘soft spot’ for of maintaining the course and embrace him fulfill his dream. ■ superintendents. He realizes that they their investment and the absolute beauty 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 MEMBER PROFILE Jason Boyce Director of Golf, Smuggler's Glen Golf Course by Reg Langen, Assistant Superintendent “I was extremely fortunate Richmond Hill Golf Club to gain a remarkable amount of practical experience eadership is not neccessarily easy to define and it can come working at a variety of L in many forms. A leader is someone who through their own efforts and accomplishments warrants respect. Leadership also Boyce. amazing facilities, ” says requires the individual to have experience, knowledge and a Upon leaving Sarnia Golf great passion for the task at hand. Any professional who would and Curling Club in 1993, take time away from their busy work schedule and lives to help Boyce began his turf career progress and improve their industry shows an incredible amount path at Greenwood Golf Club of leadership. When looking for a true leader, one would have working for Dan O’Connor. to look no further than the former superintendent and now After just one season as part Director of Golf at Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course, Jason Boyce. of the maintenance team, Boyce’s introduction into the golf industry came not from Boyce decided to head Jason Boyce, Director of Golf the turf management side, but as a Pro Shop attendant at the west for the stunning views Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course Sarnia Golf and Curling Club where his father, Peter Boyce, was of Banff Springs in Alberta. the acting CPGA Pro. It was while attending the University of Although he would spend just one season learning from Ken Windsor for Business Administration that Boyce made a decision Olsvik, he valued this experience tremendously. In 1995 Boyce to pursue a career in turf management. decided to travel back to Ontario and was fortunate to land a IN THE HOT SEAT Q - Favourite Major? Q - Ultimate foursome? Q - Favorite meal? A - Canadian Open A - Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer A - The Keg's Sirloin Oscar! and I should let my brother tag Q - Favourite piece of turf along Q - What's on your iPOD right now? equipment? A - I Like Top 40, anything with A - Sidewinder 3500D Q - Lowest round and where? a good beat - Kehsa, Pitbull, & ProCore 648 A - 75 - Sarnia Golf and Curling Timbaland, Flo Rida Club (Many years ago) Q - Favourite golf course? Q - If you weren't a Superintendent A - Tarandowah Golfers Club, Q - Favorite movie? what would you be? Wildfire Golf Club A - Scent of a Woman A - Unhappy. Winter Problems? Get the IMPERMEABLE barrier! Featuring Actual user photos - the NEW Air Flow not retouched! LARGE TREE SALES AND RELOCATION System! Phil Dickie-ISA Certified Arborist ON-0309A pdickie@fastforest.ca Minimizes temperature fluctuations • Protects from ice damage, crown hydration and desiccation Lightweight and durable for years of easy installation & storage 270 Shoemaker Street, Kitchener, ON N2E 3E1 www.GreenJacket.com/gib 888-786-2683_ P: (519) 748-6610 • F: (519) 748-6626 • www.fastforest.ca position working at The Board of Trade Golf and Country Club for one of the true legends in Ontario, Gordon Witteveen. Even though Boyce’s career was still fairly young at this point, he had already collected a wealth of quality experiences. In 1996, new challenges were on the horizon at Cataraqui Golf and Country Club where Boyce would work under Shorty Jenkins for two seasons. These two years helped Boyce make the decision to attend the Seneca College Turfgrass Program from 1997 to 1999. The college years saw Boyce work his internship at Diamondback Golf Club where he was fortunate enough to be involved in two Canadian Tour Championships while working 9 WAYS to Healthy Turf under the tutelage of Steve Muys. Granite Golf Club was in the construction process in 2000 when respond® 3 grows your turf health Boyce came aboard. He recalls learning a great deal from the leaders of the construction efforts, Jarrod Barakett and John Gravett. from the roots up “I gained invaluable knowledge of golf course construction and building concepts while working at the Granite Golf Club,” Increased depth of water penetration: says Boyce. 1 Increases rooting depth In 2001 things had come almost full circle as Boyce returned to Cataraqui Golf and Country Club, but this time as the assistant 2 Aids survival in drought conditions superintendent for David Crowe. The three seasons at Cararaqui saw Boyce play a major role in a complete bunker and greens 3 Favours deeper rooting grasses renovation of the site. It was after this experience that opportunity Water soaks in more evenly: came knocking. Golf course construction was quite familiar to Boyce at this 4 Avoids puddling point. Many of his previous experiences had helped him gain a wealth of understanding and knowledge and he would need to 5 Helps with drainage utilize it all when he accepted the position of superintendent at the soon to be constructed Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course at Glen More even water distribution/retention: House Resort in the Thousands Islands. “My greatest accomplishment professionally is having been a part 6 Better use of water may reduce the need of Smuggler’s construction and development. It is truly a beautiful for irrigation property and I feel very fortunate to be where I am today.” Many people would have found little time for anything outside 7 Improved turf colour of work while operating on Boyce’s schedule. Somehow, through all his commitments on the course, Boyce managed to balance Reduction in the symptoms of localized dry spot: his professional and personal life. Boyce and his wife Vai have 8 More even playing surface three young boys. Evan and Carter are six-year-old twins and Drew is three. When given the chance to chat with Boyce, it is 9 Healthier turf quite evident that his family is the thing he is most proud of despite a very active and distinguished career to date. Boyce’s career path has found him in many different parts of Grow your turf health Ontario and even a brief stint in Alberta. Once he found a home at Smuggler’s Glen though, he felt it was time to help better the from the roots up with industry that had given him such great opportunities. “I really enjoy being involved in professional associations. We have a great industry and I am thrilled to promote the work, education and passion that we have for our courses and this industry.” In 2013, Boyce joined the OGSA Board of Directors and he does not take this role lightly. He feels that the golf industry will continue to go through significant changes, so it is necessary for our associations to do the same. Boyce is excited to continue to Ontario & Maritimes: 1-800-265-5444 assist in these changes and he hopes to continue to better the West: 1-800-561-5444 turf and golf course management professions for all involved. BC: 1-604-534-8815 A passionate and experienced superintendent, a great father Quebec: 1-800-361-9369 and husband and an OGSA director who strives to better the turf www.uap.ca Always read and follow label directions. industry. It sure isn’t hard to see what makes Boyce such a strong Respond 3 is a registered trademark of Loveland Products, Inc. leader. ■ For information on our premium turf products contact your Direct Solutions representative or visit us online at www.aatdirectsolutions.com GOLF COURSE HIGHLIGHT Pine Knot Golf and Country Club 5421 Hamilton Road Dorchester, Ontario NOL 1G6 Tel: 519-268-3924 grounds@pineknotgolf.com www.pineknotgolf.com Golf Course Superintendent: Christian Kuhn Assistant Superintendent: Tyler Moir Equipment Manager: Bob Braunton Horticulturalist: Erin Collins Hole #9 Photo credit: Erin Collins COURSE PROFILE Biggest Maintenance Challenge Irrigation system is not grounded and is prone to lightning damage. About the Course Pine Knot G & CC is located 15 minutes outside of London and five A CLOSER LOOK minutes off the 401. Along with member and public play, Pine Knot is a popular tournament and wedding venue. What You Need to Know Predominant Grass Type: Established: 1992 Bent/poa on greens and tees. Bluegrass fairways. Original Architect: John F. Robinson Predominant Soil Type: Tobacco Sand Type of Club: Semi-Private Type of Greens: Push ups Number of Holes: 18 Course Length: 6,500 yards, Par 71 Number of Rounds Annually: 30,000 Size of Property: 140 Acres Practice Facility: Putting & chipping green (7,000 ft2) Size of Greens: 3.4 acres Size of Tees: 3 acres Size of Fairways: 22 acres Mo' Honey Less Problems by Cam Shaw, Assistant Superintendent, Piper’s Heath Golf Club When I consider the lack of cooperation in human society, I can only conclude that it stems from ignorance of our interdependent nature. I am often moved by the example of small insects, such as bees. The laws of nature dictate that bees work together in order to survive. As a result, they possess an instinctive sense of social responsibility. They have no constitution, laws, police, religion or moral training, but because of their nature they labour faithfully together. Occasionally they may fight, but in general the whole colony survives on the basis of cooperation. Human beings, on the other hand, have constitutions, vast legal systems and police forces; we have religion, remarkable intelligence and a heart with great capacity to love. But despite our many extraordinary qualities, in actual practice we lag behind those small insects; in some ways, I feel we are poorer than the bees. ” His Holiness, The 14th Dhali Lama of Tibet BEEKEEPING Start Up Kit A veil or full For your protection. bee jacket A smoker To calm the bees when you go near the hive. A bee brush To carefully remove bees from frames when you inspect or go to harvest. Frame grips Not necessary but useful when handling frames. Scraper To uncap the honey comb when harvesting Clockwise: Centrifuge spins honey out of the combs; empty frames after honey is or for cleaning the frames off. removed; filtering honey; packaged Tee-Time ’ Honey. Credit: Ed Doda A queen You need to order a mated queen in order to start your colony. A queen Sometimes you need to remove the queen. his story buzzes back to 2009 when the IPM legislation was T being introduced and there was a lot of uncertainty over how golf courses would be stung. Having recently hired Bill Arnott, catcher and muff A clip will help you catch her and you need a muff to place her inside of so she does not fly away. an experienced bee keeper to his staff, Ed Doda, Superintendent at Barrie Country Club, pondered whether or not a healthy apiary Some bees They can be ordered by mail or through on his property could result in some leniency, or even favourable your local bee association - important exemptions from the newly hatched legislation. Although Doda’s wish to choose the right kind of bee for you was not to be, he and Arnott, still sweet on the idea, decided to move (Italian, Caucasian, and Russian are the forward with the project anyway. They ordered two mated queens, most popular). If you are really good and a little lucky, you might be able to catch two hives, a few veils, a smoker and various other startup accessories your own swarm in the wild for free. and began to brood their plan. Next they needed to choose a location for their hives. According to Arnott, you need to find a relatively A hive You need bee boxes to keep your bees in. secluded open space to keep the bees from being disturbed and to You can start with a Nucleus (bottom ensure they have ample opportunity to explore and retrieve nectar brooding box) and grow your hive slowly by from all directions. They settled on an area just off of their twelfth building and adding frames and bee boxes green site. Separated by a thick stand of trees and undergrowth, the on top (called supers), or you can start with area boasted a lengthy corridor of cleared space for the bees to travel a full hive like Barrie Country Club did. down. With the location set, it was not long before the two of them You can also build your own, or you can had the colonies up and humming. order them through your bee association When asked how much time is taken out of each week to manage or online. the apiary, both Doda and Arnott replied, “it can vary, but generally An open and Bees need room to gather nectar and it is very little.” Arnott takes time each week to make sure things are relatively best if they are in an area where they will moving smoothly, focusing on details such as normal reproduction isolated not be disturbed. rates, nectar supply levels, monitoring for mites or diseases, and space general colony behaviours, but for the most part the bees do a decent An extractor Not always necessary if you have a small job of managing themselves. Now and then you need to add frames set-up, but makes the harvesting of or a “super” (an additional bee box which is stacked on top of the honey a little easier. An extractor is like nucleus) as the colonies grow, but that does not take long says Arnott. a centrifuge which spins honey out of the They both agree that the majority of time and labor is spent during combs and then allows the honey to be spring start up and in the fall when they begin to harvest the honey. bottled for sale or consumption. During this process, the frames are removed from the boxes, scraped, and placed into a large centrifuge. This can be a sticky and often messy process. The centrifuge then spins to eject the honey into a Of course there is much more to keeping bees than this brief collection vat resting below. The honey is then poured out through list. There will be a lot of learning and room for mistakes in the a filter to remove the wax and debris, and bottled for consumption. first few years. If you are thinking about keeping bees, In their best year, Doda claims they were able to procure over 2,000 it is highly recommended that you join or consult pounds of honey! with your local bee keepers association for more Continued on page 18... k information and support. Clockwise: Bill Arnott, bee keeper at Barrie Country Club getting his smoker going; Ed Doda, Superintendent, holding a frame; a hive with the tap removed. Credit: Cam Shaw Continued from page 17... can all relate to. Barrie Country Club’s apiary has experienced both good and bad years, but overall things have worked out quite Needless to say, beekeeping has been a major success story well. “The membership has been very supportive of the program” for the turf crew at Barrie Country Club. It has also been quite claims Doda. “We always have interested members inquiring about profitable. Doda claims that they were able to cover the start-up the bees... and once the fall arrives, everyone’s excited to get their costs in less than two years. Their product is in such demand it has hands on some of that sweet golden honey.” Doda admits much of allowed them to create their own brand, dubbed “Barrie Country the prosperity is related to having an experienced bee keeper on Club’s Tee-Time Honey.” They also have a line of lip balms and staff. But don’t let that detail shy you away from trying it yourself. soaps, which coupled with the honey, sells out every year to their There are many prosperous beekeepers that started out with little membership. And if you stop in to the turf shop to say hi, you may to no experience, armed only with an idea, some timely research, even be offered a mason jar of their homemade honey meade, but and the will to experiment. don’t hold your breath, it is reserved for VIBees only. To this writer, the success of such a tale is not measured in The greatest challenge, notes Arnott, is the winter. As the pounds of honey, sticks of lip balm, bars of soap or dollars temperatures drop, the bees need to be removed from the apiary earned. It is measured in the profound change of perception and transported closer to the shop. The colony is wrapped up in people experience after seeing or hearing of such an operation. several layers of insulation (usually tar paper or building paper) Members will pass jars of “Tee-Time” honey to their friends and to buffer the hive from drastic temperature fluctuations. Arnott is tell wonderfully enlightening stories of how successfully a sensitive always careful to leave a small top entrance for the bees which allows organism such as honey bees and golf courses can co-exist. It’s for moisture loss as well air exchange. During the winter the colony an interesting and loveable story that leaves a lasting impression survive on food reserves (stored honey) in the nest until spring on those who hear it, which is something our industry needs emergence. Therefore, bee keepers must be careful then not to mote of. The decline of bee populations that the world has been overharvest the honey. The food supply can also be supplemented experiencing is no secret. Genetically modified food, various by doses of sugar water or corn syrup provided by the bee keeper diseases, and especially pesticides have been a major target of this throughout the winter. Similar to the grasses we manage on the golf increasing issue. Neonicotinoids have been the centre of much course, bees are at the mercy of their environment. If the winter is scrutiny regarding honey bee colony collapse, and as a result, golf long and cold, the colony can run low on sustenance in the spring courses fall under a similar gaze. Stories like Barrie Country Club’s and large numbers can die off. Alternatively, if there is a brief and Tee-Time Honey are a refreshingly honest reminder to the world early warm up, the hive can become too active too soon, and result that golf courses are a sanctuary of sport, responsible management, in a shock if the temperatures drop severely. This is something we and environmental integrity. ■ Extend Your Learning Elsewhere Sean May, Turf Professional During the week I was able to network with some of the other volunteers and hear about their own experiences. In talking with n the golf industry the preparation for golf tournaments gives the Superintendent of Bay Hill, Matt Beaver, I was able to ask I a rush of excitement and the opportunity to showcase the best specific questions that I was interested in knowing the answers to. of the golf course property. I want to briefly share my recent Matt was very hands on and I found him easy to approach. Having experience and encourage others to volunteer at a professional access to industry leaders such as this is invaluable experience. tour event if they have the opportunity. The journey for me was There is no doubt that preparing for a club tournament a 2,200 km drive down to Orlando, Florida to work “The Kings” at any golf course does share some similarities with hosting a tournament. I volunteered for one week at the Arnold Palmer PGA Tour event. No matter what the scope of the tournament Invitational at Bay Hill this past March. is, you still stress over the details and desire perfection. The Arriving at Bay Hill on the Sunday prior to the tournament, difference I found is that preparing for a professional tour event I was kindly welcomed by the golf course maintenance staff. is on a whole different level. By this I mean the infrastructure, I quickly had to adjust and get into the daily summer routine the amount of volunteers needed and the intensity of daily again. Most mornings we started between 4 and 4:30 a.m. and maintenance practices. Fortunately for Bay Hill, they host this worked until between 8 and 9:00 a.m. that morning. Our evening same tournament every single year and are well prepared. maintenance shifts would normally start at 4 p.m. and we would My week at Bay Hill was more than I was ever expecting and work until dark. Given this schedule, we were able to have the I am thankful for the opportunity I was given. I would highly day to venture off to either watch golf or do what we wished. The recommend to others in the industry to step out of their comfort majority of the week, I was mowing greens in the morning and zone and volunteer at a professional tour event. It is a great rolling greens for the afternoon shift. I was able to see the extra chance to learn the level of preparation that is involved in hosting preparation that is required on a daily basis to have the course a PGA tournament and it also affords you the opportunity to find ready for PGA tournament play. It ways to improve your own operation. Couple this with the chance was also interesting and helpful to network with industry leaders, as well as watch some great golf to see how a different operation and the experience is well worth your while. The golf season may is run. This has allowed me to not be the time to get away for some, but there are many events learn a few things that could in our shoulder season that are available to volunteer at as well. be implemented back home I just wanted to end with thanking the staff at Bay Hill for having to improve operations. me down for the week. ■ Sean May volunteers his time, to at Bay Hill Club, Orlando, Florida in preparation for the Arnold Palmer Invitational. U of G UPDATE Evaluate Irrigation Practices Now to Maximize Effectiveness his spring was met with a number of repair projects and Prioritize Irrigated Areas T much of the summer has been spent catching up on Not all areas of the course get the same amount of use and the little things that make a difference in your operation. not all fairways or tees need to be run on the same cycle. Soil Although July is typically a peak month for outdoor water use, based tees on natural root zones often can be irrigated less sometimes it makes sense to spend some extra time checking frequently than tees with constructed sand root zones. Tees your irrigation system going into the fall and rethinking your that see minimal play, such as the back tees, tend to require irrigation practices. Irrigation is a valuable tool in maintaining less overseeding and repair, so make sure they are on their own high quality playing surfaces schedule so that you are not using and proper irrigation practices a resource where it is not needed. will extend the environmental Irrigation is a valuable tool in maintaining Finally, the grass variety on the sustainability of golf within our tee, fairway and rough can impact communities. high quality playing surfaces and proper how often it needs to be irrigated. Water availability and irrigation irrigation practices will extend the Spend time in the fall evaluating practices impact so many of each irrigated area individually our management practices and environmental sustainability of golf to determine the maximum time proper irrigation can reduce the within our communities. between irrigation events to loss of fertilizers and decrease preserve water and to maximize disease pressure, resulting in effectiveness. These observations savings in both fungicides and fertilizers. In addition, a poorly can then be correlated to environmental conditions and functioning irrigation system can be very costly in the long measurements of evapotranspiration (ET) or soil moisture. run. A full irrigation audit is something that most operations will benefit from, but there are many little things that can be Irrigation Run Off addressed without performing a full irrigation audit. Most One of the greatest losses of water during irrigation events operations maintain their system on a regular basis, but it is occurs when water is applied at a rate that exceeds infiltration always worthwhile to take extra time at the end of a summer into the soil. This leads to runoff of hilled areas and overwatering season addressing your irrigation system and practices. of low areas. L-R: Ring around a head showing uneven water distribution due to aging equipment. Head sitting lower than it should a few months after repairing an irrigation break, resulting in poor distribution and water pooling in the low settled area. Consider breaking the irrigation cycle into three equal the proper pressure and the pump is checked and up to date segments split by two 20-minute soak in periods. This allows for with its service. Check the programs on the controller and make irrigation water to infiltrate and allows watering deeper and less sure there are no ghost programs running from the heat of the frequently throughout dry periods. While this may not make summer when more frequent irrigation was necessary or left sense to work through the entire irrigation cycle this way due from a recovery period. to the logistics of the system, these practices can be targeted to Regular maintenance of the irrigation system should be part areas with finer textures and more severe slopes. of the day-to-day operations of every golf course. At the end of this summer, spend some extra time to prioritize and rethink Determine Irrigation Needs Efficiently irrigation practices. In addition, take the time to do the little Rather than just setting the irrigation system to water on a things to maintain your system that may have been overlooked schedule, use field observations or climatic data to determine in the busy recovery times of the spring and summer. This irrigation needs. This will help you justify your irrigation budget will help operations economically and will also improve the and use water more efficiently. It will also let you know when to sustainability of golf operations by conserving and using less skip a planned irrigation event because of sufficient rainfall. water. ■ Check the System Portions of this article were previously published in the Sports TurfManager. Take the time to check the system and make sure all the heads are functioning properly. Make sure that they are aligned in the right directions. One common issue occurs during the rush Eric M. Lyons Ph.D., of summer irrigation breaks that are often repaired with less than ideal equipment (e.g. fairway heads on green surrounds) Associate Professor of Turfgrass Science, due to availability and the need for a quick fix to be replaced University of Guelph later. Checking later on to make sure these heads were replaced Guelph, Ontario with the proper equipment is essential. In addition, take the elyons@uoguelph.ca time to examine wear and tear on irrigation heads and make sure they are still viable. Make sure the system is running at The most advanced, most durable and most flexible irrigation products. Built for today’s golf courses. The right choice. Turf Care Products Canada 200 Pony Drive, Newmarket, ON L3Y 7B6 • PH: 905-836-0988 • FAX: 905-836-6442 LONDON Ph: 519-668-7664 • Fax:519-668-3722 EDWARDS Ph: 613-821-1880 • Fax:613-821-2919 www.turfcare.ca TURFCARE Helping your business grow. FROM ROOTS TO SHOOTS That Evil Weevil here has been some interesting work the short grass from their overwintering and the average eggs laid per week. The T done recently on one of the most sites, they also separated them by sex and pesky insects on golf courses, the annual then dissected them to determine if they hotter it was the more eggs were laid that week. bluegrass weevil. If you feel that it is a were reproductively mature. They did this You might be saying to yourself, this is all difficult insect to control, you are correct. over the 2012 and 2013 annual bluegrass very interesting, but what does it mean to Some of the reasons for this have to do migratory season. me as a golf course superintendent? Well, with its complicated biology, which is What they found in 2012 was that all of I think it means that it is important to slowly coming to light because of in depth the females that reached the short mown know when that second wave of migration studies. grass were reproductively mature. In 2013, takes place (usually three weeks after the Most years annual bluegrass weevil between 45% and 80% of the returning first wave), because before that there adult migration is bimodal, meaning it females were reproductively mature and isn’t really any mating going on because has two peaks. The work that proves this they reached 100% reproductive maturity neither the females and most probably the was done by Dr. Dan Peck while at Cornell three weeks after migrating. There can be males are not reproductively mature. If University. Further work was done in a big variation from year to year regarding we get a prolonged cold spell two to three collaboration between Dr. Peck and Dr. female reproductive maturity timing. weeks after the peak adult migration, that Brenda Nailor. This has been corroborated So that was the females. What about the could slow down the egg-laying. It also by Dr. Pat Vittum’s group at University of males? In those first three weeks in 2013, means that the timing of an insecticide Massachusetts and it is something that we between 0 and 60% of the males were application targeting the emerging early have confirmed here at the GTI in Guelph reproductively mature. In 2012, it took instar weevil larvae is very complicated and in 2013 and 2014. four weeks to reach 0-60% reproductive depends on the timing of the first wave This is only the beginning of the story. maturity in the males. So basically, mating of adult migration and the degree day It gets worse. Benjamin McGraw and Dr. does not take place until well after they accumulation during egg-laying (roughly Pat Vittum not only collected adult annual return from their overwintering sites. This three weeks later). bluegrass weevils as they migrated into is further confirmed with the finding that The full article has been published in after the second peak of adult migration, the USGA Turfgrass and Environmental 40-50% of the females were inseminated. Research Online and can be viewed at the It is kind of like humans, the females following web address: ATTENTION! mature earlier than the males. There were differences in the length http://usgatero.msu.edu/v!3/n2-38.pdf. ■ of the egg-laying period of female annual IPM Certified bluegrass weevils in 2012 and 2013. In Pamela Charbonneau Agents 2012, the female life span was five weeks and each female laid between 80-105 eggs. OMAFRA Turfgrass Specialist, The Guelph In 2013, the lifespan was longer (eight Turfgrass Institute weeks) and the total eggs laid per female Guelph, Ontario adult was lower, ranging between 56-70 pamela. charbonneau@ Get your eggs. There were also strong correlations Ontario.ca between weekly degree day accumulations Twitter: @onturf recertification credits ON-LINE New OMAFRA with Protection Guide for Turf P.D. Solutions! The new OMAFRA Protection Guide for Turfgrass, Publication 384 is now available online in English and French. It contains all of the pesticides (fungicides, insecticides and herbicides) registered for use Visit: on turf as of Dec. 2013. Information in this guide is for sod farmers, golf courses and contains information on Class 11 pesticide actives registered for use www.pdsolutions.ca under the cosmetic pesticide ban in Ontario. Here is the link: www.ontario.ca/bwg3. This or call guide replaces the 2009 version of OMAFRA Publication 384 and the 2012 Supplement. If you are interested in this publication you may also be interested in the OMAFRA Guide to 1-877-977-6774 Nursery and Landscape Plant Production and IPM. Here is the link: www.ontario.ca/bwa5 ABOVE THE HOLE The Age-Old Question s we grow up, one question is always front and center, what future career path before finishing high school if I was given the A do you want to be when you grow up? For many of you, chance. There are many obvious career choices such as a teacher, the decision was easy. Maybe you followed in a family member’s doctor, or lawyer, but many other options, such as turf, get pushed footsteps, maybe you found a passion while working a summer aside to make way for these. Something as simple as a guest job in high school, or maybe you just thought something seemed speaker or even a field trip can go a long way in showing someone interesting at the time and got lucky in choosing the right path. the possibility of a future career. Less than one year ago, we made For many people though, like me, turf is something that I just several trips to explore various facets of the turf industry through happened to stumble into. I had taken a chance on something the first semester of the turf diploma program at the University that seemed interesting to me and found my love for turf while of Guelph, and even after deciding my career path, it’s tough to working a summer job in preparation for a completely different ignore some of the arguments supporting their particular fields. program. I didn’t have the luxury of figuring this out when I was Even after graduation, it is easy to see the impact that something still in high school though. I struggled through several years of as simple as this can have, so why not make use of these tools early bouncing from various jobs before finally finding my stride in the on to help our youth make educated decisions on their future? We turf industry. While I’ve always had a love for the game of golf, it are all educators in a way. Never be afraid to share ideas, including never occurred to me that I could make a career of maintaining the idea of turf as a career. The door is there to walk through. turf. It is imperative that teachers make these options known Sometimes we just need to be pointed in the right direction. ■ to students so that they can make an educated decision on the direction of their career path. Chris Copeman, 2nd Assistant Recently, we hosted some local camp kids for some golf workshops. It was a breath of fresh air to see the game of golf Superintendent, ADTM Student at UofG showcased to kids who may not have had the opportunity Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville, Ontario otherwise. While not directly related to turf, there is no reason that Email: c.copemanl@gmail.com opportunities such as this could not be used in a similar fashion. www.deerhurstresort.com I can’t say I would have been be opposed to learning about my 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 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 ™ Know the Sign, Foursome and T-NEX are trademarks and ® Quali-Pro is a registered trademark of Makhteshim Agan of North America, Inc. ® Merit and Rovral are registered trademarks of Bayer. ® Banner Maxx and Primo Maxx are registered trademarks of Syngenta Group Company. 287-1.06.14 ON THE ROAD AGAIN The Industry Sales Rep: An Endangered Species? ith increasing frequency, while on sales calls, I have Thirdly, and what I used to appreciate the most from our sales W participated in interesting and frank conversations about the direction our industry is bound. It sure can be fun to try representatives, was that they were always just a phone call away to tosimply share an idea with, or discuss product application rates and guess and speculate where we are all heading, but it does beg the mixes when a decision had to be made immediately. The key is to question, what does the future hold for us all in golf? That’s not build a relationship based on trust. an easy question to answer, but as this column is meant to offer a It’s no secret that our market is very well serviced or maybe even perspective from a sales representative point of view, what does the over-serviced. Who knows? If population dynamics are accurate, future have in store for us? Will there be a need for an industry maybe we are due for a little attrition on our side of things, but representative in 10, 15 or 20 years down the road? at this point, I still believe there is a role for the golf industry Understandably, some might scoff at the title of this column representative. All we have to do is to strive to provide value, considering the current plethora of suppliers vying for a unbiased information and the best customer service before and superintendent’s time. It’s understandable that some might after a sale. ■ consider the notion that salesmen are on the verge of extinction to be laughable. That being said, the “Golden Age” of the salesman is most certainly long gone. The Golden Age is now nothing more Paul Grotier than a romantic stroll down memory lane to a bygone era - at least Direct Solutions - A Division of AAT in the golf side of things. By “Golden Age”, I refer to a simpler Phone: (416) 508-6115 time, so I am told, when there were two or three suppliers to buy Email: pgrotier@agriumat.com product from and when the salesman was virtually a single source of www.turfpro.ca information for the golf course superintendent - product related or otherwise. Nowadays, one can hear comments such as how the internet might replace and be the death knell of my vocation. It’s no secret that more and more consumers are purchasing online, replacing Callus some of the face to face transactions that used to occur. Consumers about our today have access to such a wide array of products that can be Turf Services purchased via the internet. So, why can’t one simply order their fertilizer, chemical or course needs online as well without having to Delivering place an order through a salesman? Interestingly, the demise of the salesman has been predicted superior sod and since the early 20th century. In 1916, an article in the New York Times asked, “are salesman necessary?” Print advertisement was said quality service to be more efficient and the conversions of farms into cities,where news and information spreads at a faster rate, were cited as possible threats. Fast forward fifty years and a book by E.B. Weiss, that • No. 1 Kentucky Bluegrass created some attention, predicted that through pre-qualifying, • Premium Bentgrass pre-selling, branding extensive marketing, the salesman would be • Extreme Fescue essentially eliminated. The internet undoubtedly has leveled the information asymmetry, • Custom grown sod available but in my self-interested opinion, I believe there will always be a • Large or small rolls need for a golf industry representative for the following reasons: • Healthier, greener sod As much as the internet is the “information highway”, it is also the “disinformation highway”. A good salesman should provide accurate and unbiased information on all existing and new products that will best fit the need of the golf course. Also, with time at a premium nowadays, who has the time to sift through pages of product information? Secondly, there could be longer wait times to receive product. A salesman is the key contact who bypasses customer service and communicates with warehouse personnel to drop their current task and divert their energies elsewhere when a customer needs product Phone:877-727-2100 immediately for a 6 a.m. fungicide application the following day. www.zandersod.com That’s not mentioning finding product for a customer when the 17525 Jane St., RR#1 | Kettleby, Ontario | L7B0J6 warehouse is out of stock! HEALTH & SAFETY Better Certified Than Sorry know that my last two articles have dealt • Administrative requirements outlining right away, there are steps you can take I with Ministry of Labour (MOL) issues. This is a situation that I believe you need items such as recordkeeping, maintenance of approval status and now to prepare: • Make sure you are already complying to take very seriously. The MOL/WSIB reporting. with existing certification training is getting very serious about dealing with To support ongoing learning for requirements. safety issues in our workplace. certified members, it is anticipated that • Maintain clear and up-to-date records There are new initiatives such as the the Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) will on who has been trained and when. supervisor and worker training that was also establish certification requirements • Continue providing certification required to be completed prior to July 1st that would require those trained under the training as required. Don’t hold off this year. If you haven’t completed this, 2014 standards to take refresher training, until the changes take effect. I suggest that this be a priority in your or receive a one-time exemption for an • Ensure people in your workplace who schedule. You can have your supervisors active certified member, within three years are responsible for managing training and workers complete this training online of certification to maintain certification understand the nature of the changes or you can arrange to have a trainer status. and how they would affect your complete the training session in-house These changes are going to mean a organization. for your supervisors and workers. I have change in the cost of training, but at this It may be a good idea to get your JHSC heard that the MOL has been instructed time your existing certified members will committee members certified before the to issue compliance orders if this is not be “grandfathered” into the new system, new legislation takes effect. completed when they inspect a workplace. which may save future costs. The following For your information, the Workplace Remember, as I said last issue, golf courses information has been taken from the Safety and Prevention Services website are on the radar. Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (http://wsps.ca) is an excellent resource Another new initiative that the MOL is website: for current health and safety information. working toward for 2015 is a revamping More information on the new standards This site, along with the MOL website at of the training for Joint Health and Safety will be released in the coming months. In http://www.labour.gov.on.ca and the Committee (JHSC) members. The main the meantime, here are four essential facts: WSIB site at http://www.wsib.on.ca, thrust of these changes will be affecting 1. No changes to certification training will provide you with a well-rounded those who deliver the approved training would take effect until early 2015. understanding of the current legislation programs. The following information is 2. Your workplace is expected to and initiatives promoted by the MOL and from the MOL web site: continue having JHSC members WSIB. ■ Key highlights of the 2014 JHSC certified - as needed - until the new Certification Training Provider Standard standard takes effect. include: 3. JHSC members who become certified DougJohnson, • Training provider requirements under the new standards would be Consulting, outlining compliance with legislation, required to take refresher training insurance, course materials, learning within three years of certification. Safety and First needs, alternate delivery modes and 4. JHSC members who are already Aid Supplies, evaluation. certified or who take certification WHMIS Training, • Training instructor requirements training before the new standards SAFETAID outlining qualifications and delivery. are in effect would not have to retake Tel: 519-837-0997 • Training evaluator requirements. certification training. Fax: 519-837-1996 • Code of ethics. Although the changes won’t take effect doug@safetaid.ca David C. Smith, P.Ag., c.g.c.s. 185 Oriole Crescent Corrie Almack P.Ag. Soil & Turfgrass Consultant Gravenhurst, Ontario P1P1C6 Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 Office (705) 687-SOIL (7645) Box 256, Carlisle, On Fax: (905) 689-8522 Fax (705) 687-3518 Toll Free 1 -888-607-TURF (8873) LOR 1H0 Email: c.almack@sympatico.ca Cell (905) 512-6004 dave@dcsturf.com The only 1 of its kind. SENATOR WSB For more information on Senator please contact Engage Agro 1 -866-613-3336 engageagro.com Only group 1 fungicide for turf. True rotational partner. Always read and follow label directions. Senator is a registered trade-mark of Engage Agro Corporation. OFF THE FAIRWAY Growing Your Own very passionate hobby gardener and professional but they have their own challenges that can affect product quality. E horticulturists’ dream is to have a greenhouse, whether it be Secondly, when you are ordering plant material in amounts at home or at their place of work. There is no greater sense of that total hundreds to thousands, and of the same varieties for a fulfillment than planting a seed or taking a cutting, providing specific colour scheme, it would be extremely frustrating if your the necessities of life, growing the plant to the point where it has local garden center got something wrong with your order. It could great form and is ready to bloom just in time to be planted outside also be time consuming to correct. It is a very comforting feeling in the garden. We love this feeling and we take great pride in to know that you can create a design, order all of the plant material accomplishing this. either as seed, seedling or rooted cutting, and have it in your hands Obviously any major greenhouse operation, whether it is for in the beginning of March. flower or vegetable production, may have started as something Lastly, tropicals or indoor plants that are displayed in your someone enjoyed or had passion for, but was turned into a business clubhouse, proshop or other guest or public areas, can be stored and we all know what operating a or grown in the greenhouse during business is all about. When I began the offseason. my tenure at Muskoka Lakes G 8c We are producing forty 16" CC, I was very much interested in Garden centers are professionals for the hanging baskets, thirty planter achieving quality improvements, all boxes, roughly 2,000 annuals the while cutting costs. After two most part, but they have their own challenges for garden beds, and in the past, seasons, I began looking at where that can affect product quality. hundreds of perennials. What we money could be saved without do is basically the same as what sacrificing quality. After recognizing garden centers would do. Rooted the culture of this particular club, I cuttings or seedlings, called plugs, realized that flora and fauna was very important and money would are available from wholesale greenhouses. I use Stokes Seed Co. be spent long term on things like hanging baskets on our docks, as the broker and the greenhouses where the material is grown planter boxes on decks, as well as annual beds and the vast amount are located in Grimsby (Ed Sobkowich Greenhouses and Linwell of perennial beds. So it seemed like a no brainer to propose the Greenhouses). They sell flats of one hundred to five hundred. construction of a greenhouse on site. The prices of these flats of tiny plants are what make the whole I considered how much money was spent every year on the project economically viable. A small percentage of what we annuals and container gardens, which, at that time, was nearly the produce is done from seed for both annual and perennial plant entire horticulture budget. The local garden center would grow material. We are ordering approximately 2,500 of these little plants all of our planters and deliver them in May and then we would to be transplanted and then grown to size for outdoor boxes, purchase all of our annuals and perennials as well. If you are in baskets or planting. Not only are annuals such as petunia, salvia, charge of these expenses, you know it may not be that cheap and impatiens and begonia available, but perennials are available in in the Muskoka region where there is limited competition amongst this fashion as well. We have been able to increase the amount businesses, you are forced to pay a bit of a premium. of container gardens that we do, as well as annual beds, because I came to the conclusion that we could save money long-term this method has allowed us to realize a strong profit on the and increase our quality as well as potentially increase the amount project. We now have the ability to create more containers than of product we could install by having a greenhouse onsite. we were originally buying and we can use them around tee decks, I’d like to mention some of the other benefits to growing your for ladies day, decorating areas for special events and to have as own, outside of the financial savings. Firstly, having the ability to spares in case of plant failure. There has been improvement to control the health of all the plant material before it goes into the our perennial beds as well over the past few years from being able ground is a positive. Pruning, pinching, shaping to produce perennials by seed, or ordered as plugs, and grown in and fertilizing can be controlled, where the greenhouse. your plant material may not get the The initial investment may seem difficult to justify. If there is a same type of detailed attention commitment to funds being allocated for flora and fauna long term from the garden center. and the project is planned correctly, it can impact your bottom Garden centers are line in a positive manner in future years and you will also reap the professionals benefits from beautiful floral displays. I would gladly share some for the of the financial details of the project with those who wish to know most part, more and may consider this in the future for their operation. ■ Chris Cumming CLP, Horticulturist Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club Port Carling, Ontario Email: chriscumming@lwe.ca Tel: 705-765-3165 Cell: 705-644-3994 LOOKING BACK Ten Years Ago Today he board of directors in 2004 were: Rob Ackerman (pres.), team was Frank Marando and Chris Nelson from Markland Wood T Weston, Mark Piccolo (past pres.), Galt, Paul Scenna (vice Country Club. Low Superintendent was Thom Charters. pres.) Donalda, Bob Burrows (tres.), Rosedale, Sean DeSilva, The 59th Annual Alex McClumpha Tournament was held at Taboo, Jeff Alexander, Parry Sound, Chris Andrejicka, Essex, Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club on October 5th, hosted Jarrod Barakett, Deer Ridge, Randy Booker, Dundas Valley, Doug by Jim Flett. Low gross for superintendents and assistants were Breen, Golf North, Rob Gatto, King Forest, Jeff Stauffer, Credit Bill Gilkes, Scarboro, 73, Neil Tandan, Weston, 76 and Tom Valley, John Bladon, Nu Gro Corp, Editor of Green is Beautiful. Brian, Burlington, 78. Low gross for associates and guests were ON THE MOVE: James White went from King’s Bay Golf Club Kevin Holmes 74, Jason D’Andrea, Duke, 79 and Gary Tate, Plant to Carruther’s Creek Golf Club and Tim Colin moved from Products, 80. The winner of the George Darou Trophy was Ray Carruther’s Creek Golf Club to Multitines. Mark Schneider left Richards from Mad River Golf Club, which was presented by Ron Owen Sound Golf and Country Club and moved to Saugeen Golf Craig from Turf Care. Club. ACHIEVEMENTS: Gordon Witteveen was selected as the EVENTS: The Guelph Turfgrass Research Foundation Field recipient of the Golf Course Superintendents Association Day was held on August 17th and Dr. Eric Lyons was introduced of America’s (GCSAA) Distinguished Service Award. He as the new research scientist at the University of Guelph. The was acknowledged at the opening session of GCSAA’s 75th Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation Tournament was held International Golf Course Conference and Show, Feb. 12, 2004, on August 23rd at the Burlington Golf and Country Club hosted in San Diego. by Pelino Scenna. In recognition of the low gross and low net, IN MEMORY: Jim Sara, TDI International and former silver plates were renamed after OTRF founders Paul Dermott superintendent, passed away June 23rd. and Alan Beeney. Dr. Houston B. Couch passed away on September 24th. Dr. The IPM Accreditation Program was well on its way to becoming Couch finished his career as Professor of Plant Pathology at a reality under the direction of OGSA director Jeff Stauffer. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksbird, On Julyl5th, golf courses in Peterborough were damaged from Virginia. seven inches of rain in an eight-hour period. Jennifer Pendrith, Edward Rybski (Class AA retired member) passed away on superintendent at Kawartha Golf and Country Club, had the November 1st. ■ course opened in a couple of days with the help of 60 volunteers. In response to Walkerton, where seven people died from drinking contaminated drinking water, the National Golf Course Barry Endicott Owners Association recommended that all water containers be Retired Golf Course Superintendent removed from golf courses. Brampton, Ontario TOURNAMENTS: The Pro/Super Challenge was held at Tel: 905-846-1440 Glenway Golf and Country Club hosted by Peter Dickey. Low Email: barry.endicott@gmail.com For enhanced colour and improved stress tolerance. Unique micronutrient pack­ Xsodis™ is a unique liquid Concentrated micronutri­ age with nitrogen from calcium and magnesium ent package for fairway ammonium sulphate and gluconate amendment to application. Contains 3.9% chelated iron for greens manage stress resistance. Mg, 4.7% S, 7.6% chelated application. Contains 2% Contains 15% Ca, 2% Mg, Fe, 3.9% Mn, 2%Zn. Mg, 16% S, 4% chelated Fe, 0.3% B. 2%Mn, 1%Zn. 1.800.265.8865 www.nutrite.com TURF OR CONSEQUENCES The Great Escape by Doug Breen, Superintendent it. I’m cognizant, that playing a peaceful game on a beautiful GolfNorth Properties landscape, is exactly where most people would want to spend their recreational hours - but according to the book, even Shangri La played golf the other day - just for fun. Not some corporate gets a little monotonous after a while. I schmoozefest round. Not some obligatory round with a member or other staff. Not some fundraiser scramble that I felt guilty But mostly, it’s that there are demands on my time (our time), every waking moment, of every single day. It’s hard to block out enough to attend. Not even on a course I’m responsible for, where enough time for a purely recreational round of golf (any purely I was compiling a mental list of deficiencies. I played a great course, recreational activity, for that matter) when I know that there are with people that I like, for pure pleasure - and it was fantastic. 100 emails in the inbox of my BlackBerry, and 10 times that on It kind of bothers me how long it’s been since I did that. All of my desk top. I have three separate voicemails. Add the demands those other rounds are fine; I mean it’s better than coal mining. of two active kids, and a wife (who I passed in the hall the other And nobody’s ever going to feel sorry for us, because we have to day - nice girl), on top of the normal golf career issues, and there play various mandatory rounds of golf as a part of our job. But isn’t too much time left for anything. I used to like to go visit it’s not the same. If you’re playing people, especially at their cottages, with people who ultimately hold golf courses, and boats. We used the future of your career in their to take day trips to museums and hands, you need to be pretty careful amusement parks. I used to play what you say (filter in the fully ON regular gigs with a band. position). And if you’re playing on But on the golf course the other your own course, that same round day, somewhere around the eighth quickly becomes a combination tee, I remembered why people play interview, and lecture on turfgrass this game. It allows one to escape maintenance. If you’re with your from all of that for a few hours. staff, then the round is broken up by Many clubs won’t even let you use countless teaching moments - also a cell phone on the property. So known as, what were you thinking there are no phone calls, no emails, when you left it like that? moments. no old fashioned postal mail, not Both rounds are invaluable as part even a Pony Express rider could of a superintendent’s job, but really get to me. I can block everything have precious little to do with golf. but the voices in my head, telling The rounds that I love, are the me that I ought to be working on ones where I can relax, play the - well, something. And somewhere game for its own sake, and let the conversation randomly flow around the eight hole, even those voices succumb to the solace from place to place with little or no thought (filter in the fully OFF that’s out there on the greens. position). And the version of Doug with his filter in the fully OFF What we’re really selling in this business - is happiness, or position, is a pretty fun guy! Unfortunately, there don’t seem to be escapism, or some combination of the two. It’s disguised as a game too many of those rounds any more. One of the principle reasons, played with sticks and balls in a pasture field, but ultimately, no is that playing golf eventually gets to be like a bus drivers holiday. one would do it, if it didn’t offer the other. And every time I get out After spending the entire day/week/month/season on the golf there on the links with some good friends, I feel a goodly amount course, the last thing that you want to do, is spend more time on of both. Expect some calls folks, I’m coming to visit. ■ www.mastersturfsupply.com Compost Based Topdressing & Construction Mixes P.O.Box 629 Office: 519-510-TURF (8873) USGA Spec. Sand & Mixes 80 William St. W. 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