AUGUST 2016 ON COURSE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Water And A Delicate Ecosystem Make The Canadian Open A Challenge ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Projecting Professionalism Reflecting On A Summer Of Drought Nutrition And Fertilizing Tips CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OCSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON N1L OH2 Committed to you... Our dedicated team of turf professionals will work with you to identify and implement the very best agronomic programs. We search for and become experts on innovative, high performance products. We then combine our product and agronomic expertise with yours to address the challenges you face every day. Contact your local Brett Young Regional Account Manager and let us show you our commitment to your success. For more information visit brettyoung.ca or call toll-free at 800-665-5015 Ontario: Everett Nieuwkoop 519-688-4397 Andrew Hardy 647-241-1134 BrettYoung is a trademark of Brett-Young Seeds Limited. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE s July quickly comes to a close, one thing seems to be certain— A this summer has taken its toll on most superintendents. Hopefully we can soon put summer in the rear view mirror and look forward to the fall. The hot, dry conditions that have been Editor the theme to date have left most superintendents sleepless, walking Justin Parsons zombies. Irrigation problems, babysitting summer staff and weekend justinparsons@engageagro.com afternoons stolen by being on a hose or TDR can most certainly burn you out in a hurry. There is hope though.. .it’s called Fall. Publisher & Advertising Manager Fall is the hope to regain one’s sanity before the rush of getting Terry Davey by Mark Prieur OGSA President the property buttoned. Hopefully Mother Nature will be kinder to terry@blenheim.ca us than she has been all year and provide us with cool, damp nights. Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 102 Even the occasional rain. This will allow golf courses to perhaps recover before the turf gets put to bed for the winter. Besides a cool fall providing some Administration Manager serenity, exchanging stories, failures and successes over a round of golf near seasons end Diane Davey is proven to be very therapeutic. Don’t let this be another season where your clubs have diane@blenheim.ca collected dust in your office closet. The OGSA’s fall classic, the Alex McClumpha Memorial Tournament, thanks to your Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 103 input, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, October llth, 2016 at Whitevale Golf Club. Production & Design The club, under the direction of host Superintendent Blair Rennie, has seen quite the transformation since his tenure began over a decade ago. Please mark your calendar and Jeanette Thompson RGD support your association. Make this the fall that you get out and play. Hopefully this jeanettethompson@mac.com summer’s drought will be nothing more than a footnote by then. ■ Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 101 ONCourse is published four times a year (November / March / June / August) by Blenheim INK for: Ontario Golf Superintendents' Don’t miss out - book your ad today! Association Sally Ross, Executive Manager To book, contact: Guelph Turfgrass Institute Next advertising ADVERTISING MANAGER: PRODUCTION MANAGER: 328 Victoria Road South deadline is: Terry Davey Jeanette Thompson Guelph, ON N1L0H2 Oct 15, 2016 terry@blenheim.ca Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 102 jeanettethompson@mac.com Tel: 877-618-8696 ext. 101 Tel: 519-767-3341 Toll Free: 877-824-6472 Fax:519-766-1704 Email: manager@ogsa.ca www.ogsa.ca Premium Products for all Your Turf Needs PO Box 7, Waterloo, ON N2J3Z6 Published by Blenheim INK Administration Office: Tel: 519-886-0557 503-5340 Lakeshore Road Fax: 519-886-0605 Burlington, ON L7L7A8 1-800-465-5849 www.oscturf.com www.blenheim.ca 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 turf diseases. Phostrol is an effective, convenient and flexible tool for the management of Anthracnose and Pythium blight. 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. INSIDE THIS ISSUE INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ALMACK AGRONOMIC 30 SERVICES INC. AQUATROLS 6 www.aquatrols.com BAYEr 10 www.bayeres.ca BRAEMAR BUILDING SYSTEMS 11 www.braemarbuildings.com BRETTYOUNG 2 www.brettyoung.ca DCS & ASSOCIATES 25 DOUGLAS WOOD 25 www.douglaswood.ca ENGAGE AGRO 4,14 www.engageagro.com FAST FOREST 30 www.fastforest.ca GREEN JACKET 29 www.GreenJacket.com GREEN HORIZONS GROUP OF FARMS 23 www.JustSodit.com JOHN DEERE 31 Features www.JohnDeere.com/Golf 9 Past Presidents' Luncheon NUTRITE 21 www.nutrite.com 11 Pro/Super Challenge 2016 ONTARIO SEED COMPANY 3 12 GC Highlight & Member Profile www.oscturf.com Marc Brooks, Vice President, P.D. SOLUTIONS 29 Legacy Ridge Golf Club www.pdsolutions.ca 16 Water And A Delicate Ecosystem SCS CONSULTING GROUP LTD. 29 www.scsconsultinggroup.com Make The Canadian Open A Challenge TURF CARE PRODUCTS CANADA 7,32 19 Water Use Is Key www.turfcare.ca 20 Projecting Professionalism TURFGRASS CANADA www.residex.com 21 Paul White - A Distinguished Career UNITED AGRI PRODUCTS INC. 19 Regular Contributors www.uap.ca ZANDER SOD CO. LIMITED 22 ONResearch www.zandersod.com 24 24 Off the Fairway 28 Looking Back ONCOURSE 2016 30 Turf or Consequences Although every effort is made to check material for publication, the association is Departments not responsible for material published on behalf of its contributors. 3 President's Message All rights are reserved by the publisher and any reproduction in whole or part without 7 Editorial Message the written permission of the publisher is 8 What's New prohibited. Although some trade names may 26 Member Moments be mentioned in articles contained in this publication, no endorsement is intended or implied by the Ontario Golf ON THE COVER ONCOURSE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Superintendents' Association. Raking bunkers at the RBC Canadian Open. Cory Janzen, Kevin Kobzan, Reg Langen, Justin Parsons, Photo Credit: Golf Canada Archives OGSA is committed to serving its members, Cam Shaw, Ken Tilt, Stephen Hicks advancing their profession, and enriching the quality of golf and its environment. We've Got You Covered. Solutions for Every Need and Budget Aquatrols has been the world leader in soil With a full line of soil surfactant products backed surfactant technology for more than 60 years. up by sound science and independent research, Our soil surfactants optimize soil moisture we offer solutions for every need and budget. and improve irrigation efficiency, resulting in Contact your local Aquatrols distributor today or significant water and energy savings. visit www.aquatrols.com for more information. Changing the Way the World Grows. EDITORIAL MESSAGE " For time and the world do not stand maintenance side of the business, nobody used a TDR or shared still. Change is the law of life. And information on Twitter, or even considered rolling fairways as a those who look only to the past, or the form of dollar spot suppression. Yet, here we are. present, are certain to miss the future.” - I will grant you that some things are tried, tested and true and John F. Kennedy that not all change is for the better. I think there is plenty of I like good quotes. I think most would evidence in modern day life to suggest that the way some things agree that they stimulate thought. They are done now does not represent an improvement. However, when cause you to stop and evaluate how you look the amendment is made with good intentions of adjusting to the by Justin Parsons, at something and that is never a bad thing. changing winds around you and steering the ship in the direction Engage Agro Corp. Now, if you are actually taking the time to of calm, things often work out for the best. read the Editorial Message, then you already The reality is this - the public perception of what we do and know that the name of this publication has changed. Indeed, Green how we do it has to change because inputs are being scrutinized is Beautiful has been retired. now more than ever. In order to get there, we need to change I’m sure this will be met with mixed reaction amongst OGSA it. Turf professionals should be commended for how they have members. Some probably don’t care, while others are likely thrilled adjusted their maintenance practices to further align with a global to be rid of the old handle. However, something tells me that there drive toward sustainability. Our association, and, by extension, our is a third group of people who aren’t too happy about it at all. The associations publication, which is now resides in more clubhouses quote above is intended for this group. than ever before, needs to lead the way. I can’t say that I am a big fan of change myself, that is until I So after 41 years and more than 190 issues, it has come to this. make a change, adjust to it, and then wonder how I ever did things Green will still be beautiful, but so are other colors. Our thinking the old way. There is plenty of evidence to support how much the as an industry has evolved and we now have a new name to reflect turf maintenance industry has changed in how it functions from that - ONCourse - which, as it turns out, is appropriate in more day to day over the years. Heck, even five years ago when I left the ways than one. ■ 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 L3Y7B6 • PH: 905-836-0988 • FAX: 905-836-6442 MEDINA Ph: 519-349-2400 • Fax:519-349-2421 EDWARDS Ph: 613-821-1880 • Fax:613-821-2919 Turf Care www.turfcare.ca Helping your business grow. WHAT'S NEW by Sally Ross, OGSA Executive Manager zine, but on the design of a new masthead those who wish to also attend the CGSAs which we hope will create renewed interest Fall Field Day, can do so. A survey of our CONFERENCE 2017 in our publication. We also believe the title members was done in order to see which We are hard at work on the event pag­ and design will reflect both our provincial date would bring a higher number of par­ es for the conference, and by the time solidarity, and will better depict the chang­ ticipants and hence, the event was moved to this issue goes to print, registration will es and growth in our industry. We hope Tuesday, October, 11,2016. ■ be open. We cannot stress enough how this big step will encourage and engage all important it is to register early for the best those interested in the golf industry to just savings. We have an early early bird rate pick it up and have a read. MARK YOUR CALENDARS which will only be available for a month. Please refer to “Clippings” for the latest PAST PRESIDENTS' LUNCHEON UPCOMING 2016 OGSA updates on the registration dates and all This event was a great success; you only Tournament & Events other news related to the conference. have to see the smiling faces in the pictures we have included in this issue to see what a good OGSA MAGAZINE time everyone had. We hope to bring our Past Assistants Tournament “Green is Beautiful” is respectfully retired. Presidents together like this, at least every few Brantford G&CC, Brantford, ON While green will always be beautiful, we years. Feedback has been outstanding. are now officially “ONCourse”. Tuesday, August 23,2016 Based on multiple professional designs ALEX McCLUMPHA MEMORIAL presented, the OGSA Board of Directors at TOURNAMENT their recent July meeting has unanimously Alex McClumpha Memorial The OGSA Board of Directors agreed to agreed on, not only the title of our maga­ change the date of this event to ensure that Tournament Whitevale GC, Whitevale, ON Tuesday, October 11,2016 SUPERINTENDENT RECOGNITION WELCOME to Our New Members Dylan Calvert Class F Magna Golf Club Greg Fach Class A Black Bear Ridge Golf Course Al Schwemler (OGSA Dave Girard, right, host Scott White (OGSA Director), Director), left, presents a superintendent ofInvestors left, presents to host superintendent Cory King Class C plaque to Peter Kinch of Group Ontario Womens Patrick Greenman and the grounds and maintenance crew ofBriars Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club Lambton Golf& Country Amateur Championship, Club, hosts of Ontario Mid­ receives a plaque on July 15th GolfClubfor hosting the Investors Group Ontario Womens Senior Lise Roseman Class C Amateur Championship held from presenter Doug Kennedy on June 23rd, 2016. (Seven Lakes Championship Mid-Amateur Championship on Oaks of St. George June 9th, 2016. Golf & KEGS President). Plant Products Annual Slo-Pitch Tournament aturday, July 23rd saw teams from across Southern Ontario take to the diamonds at Turner Park in Hamilton S to participate in the 22nd Annual Plant Products Slo-Pitch Tournament. Teams showed up at the diamonds for a hot, sun filled day of baseball. For the third year in a row, the finals showcased some great baseball between Cardinal Golf Club and Rattlesnake Point Golf Club. When the dust settled, Rattlesnake came out on top again and won for the fourth straight year. Rattlesnake Point has now earned the right to be considered a dynasty, as they perennially power through the round robin and preliminary playoff rounds, only to come out on top against the always tough Cardinal Golf Club. Everyone at Plant Products would like to thank all the teams who took time on their weekend to join us and we look forward to hosting you all again in 2017. ■ Seated, Robert Moote (1967) andJohn Arends (1971), andfrom left around the table -Jim Flett (2002), Alan Beeney (1977), Rhod Trainor (1992), David Gourlay (1993), John Gravett (2001), Rob Gatto (2013), John McLinden (2015), Rod Speake, Doug Breen (2012), Keith Bartlett (2000), Al Schwemler, Thom Charters (1988), Sally Ross, Bob Heron (1974), Mark Prieur (2016), Tim Muys, Mark Piccolo (2003), Jeff Stauffer (2008), Phil Scully (2014), Cory Janzen, Andrew Lombardo, Paul Scenna (2005), Barry Endicott (1986), Neil Acton (1989), Pelino Scenna (1978), Paul Dermott (1975-76), Ken Nelson (1981) and Stuart Mills (1979). More History At The Toronto Golf Club by Sally Ross, OGSA Executive Manager of OGSA history, from Robert Moote, President in 1967, to John McLinden, last year’s President. All guests wore their name tags with n Wednesday, July 13, 2016 the OGSA hosted a special the year(s) they served as President, and were given gold OGSA pins O luncheon for all Past Presidents of the Association at The reserved solely for this illustrious group. Toronto Golf Club. It seemed a fitting location for a number ofA group picture was taken prior to the luncheon, following which, reasons, primarily because the OGSAs founding President, William current OGSA President Mark Prieur welcomed everyone, thanked Sansom, was the superintendent at the Toronto Golf Club for many them for their service to the association and acknowledged their years, but also because General Manager and COO, John Gravett, dedication and contributions over the many years. Mark stated that is a Past President, and the current superintendent, Al Schwemler, the success the Association has had and continues to have is directly serves as a Director on the OGSA Board. related to all these men who were responsible for its growth and 23 Past Presidents joined the OGSA Board for this event which achievements spanning the last 50 years. started out with drinks on the lawn and the breezeway, followed by an The OGSA would like to thank John, Al, and the staff from the outstanding luncheon. The Past Presidents covered almost 50 years Toronto Golf Club for making the day so special for so many. ■ 1) Robert Moote seated, chats with Alan Beeney while Joan Arends, (who had transported her husbandJohn to the par­ ty) looks on. 2) Enjoying a reunion on the breezeway we have Mark Piccolo with Paul and Pelino Scenna. Paul Dermott reconnects with John Arends. 3) Bob Heron with David W Gourlay who holds the travel record, as he is now the General Manager & COO at Boca Grove Golf & Tennis Club in Boca Raton, Florida. 4) Jeff Stauffer speaks with OGSA Di­ rector Tim Muys, John McLinden and Jim Flett. 5) Doug Breen, OGSA Sec­ retary Treasurer; Cory Janzen and Keith Bartlett. 6) Stuart Mills (likely our most avidfacebook user) along with his travel buddy Ken Nelson, Thom Charters and Bob Heron. 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PRO/SUPER CHALLENGE 2016 L-R: OGSA Director Andrew Lombardo presents John Taylor with the host superintendentplaque; Andrew Lombardo and Host Pro Bob Culig; Second Place Winners: Hamilton G&CC - David Miller (L) and Rhod Trainor with Andrew Lombardo. OGSA Director Andrew Lombardo was the Emcee for the tournament which resulted in two teams being tied. The presentation of the Bill Bowen Trophy and first place (by retrogression) went to Adam Cherry and Jason Hanna from Credit Valley G&CC for their 66, and the second place team, also with a 66, was Rhod Trainor and David Miller from Hamilton Andrew Lombardo congratulates the winnersfrom Credit Valley G&CC - Jason Hanna (R) and Adam Cherry G&CC. Third place went to Shane Courtney and Joey Pavone from Turnberry GC. For the superintendents, the longest drive was won by Paul Grosvenor (Forest City National GC) and the by Sally Ross, OGSA Executive Manager closest to the pin went to Jason Crawford (Eagles Nest GC). For the Golf Professionals, the longest drive was won by Al McLean he OGSA’s Annual Pro/Super Challenge took place (Forest City National GC) and the closest to the pin went to Jon T on Monday, June 6, 2016 at Grand Niagara Golf Club. Hosted by Superintendent John Taylor, and Golf Professional Kerr (Trafalgar G&CC). There were seven skins, which were divided between six teams, with the team from Emerald Hills GC Bob Culig, 68 golfers had a great day and were challenged with winning two. Emcee Andrew Lombardo thanked our hosts and all very windy conditions. the staff at Grand Niagara GC for an outstanding day. ■ 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 GC Highlight Member Profile Legacy Ridge 17th Golf Club Hole 318494 Grey Road #1 Owen Sound, Ontario Member Since 1987 N4K 5N4 Tel: 519-376-1961 marc@legacyridgegolf.ca Marc Brooks Vice President, Legacy Ridge Golf Club www.legacyridgegolf.ca by Cam Shaw, Assistant Superintendent, Pipers Heath Golf Club he turf industry is chock full of hidden About the Course T gems, many of whom fly under the radar. These hidden gems stride towards greatness just as hard, if not harder, than others who Established: 1920 remain in the headlines and spotlight. These Original Architect: Stanley Thompson salt of the earth types don’t seek out attention, nor do they require a pat on the back after Type of Club: Semi Private a job well done. Whatever the challenge, Number of Holes: 18 they continue their daily grind, all the while Number of Rounds Annually: forging a tremendous resume of experiences, successes, milestones and mentorships. Marc 24,000 Brooks is one such character. Practice Facility: In the planning stages To call Brooks a hard worker would be somewhat of an understatement, even in Marc Brooks, Vice President, the world of professional grass growers. Legacy Ridge Golf Club Growing up in the small town of Simcoe, Brooks cut his teeth as a young farmhand Superintendent Dave Wray, Brooks did working eighty or more hours a week not hesitate. As a young pup, he certainly during the corn, wheat and tobacco harvest. enjoyed the shorter work week, mainly Needless to say, when the opportunity arose because it freed up time to play more golf, to work turf at the Nanticoke Golf Club which he loved. The job only took one (now The Greens at Renton) under then season before it sank its hooks in, as it has In the Hot Seat Q: Favourite golf tournament? Q: Favourite golf course? Q: Favourite Movie: A: The Masters A: St Andrews A: Cool Hand Luke Q: Favourite piece of turf equipment? Q: Ultimate foursome? Q: Lowest round and where? A: ProPass A: My sons Wendel and Forrest, A: 69 at Stone Tree with Bill Murray done for so many of us. “I loved working Club) where he would remain for nine Dr. Frank Rossi. The course included some with my hands, being outdoors and solving years. It was during his tenure at Strathroy very cutting edge and relevant concepts that problems,” remarks Brooks in our phone that Marc and Carolin welcomed two sons were all being executed at the Bethpage Park interview. In fact, Brooks enjoyed the job into their family, Wendel born in 1992, and Green Course. Brooks was able to incor­ so much that he decided to further his Forrest in 1994. porate many of these insights and lessons career by attending Seneca College in 1983. In 1997, Brooks pounced at the oppor­ into his management scheme at Stone Tree, After graduating in 1985 and continuing tunity to gain some additional experience which eased the burden on his small budget. to grow in his seasonal role at Nanticoke, in golf course construction, and accepted In 2010, Brooks achieved both his CGCS Brooks decided to further his education the position of Superintendent at Sawmill from the GCSAA and his Master Super­ by enrolling into the Ag program at the Creek Golf Resort. Although he only stayed intendent’s designation from the CGSA, a University of Guelph, specializing in turf. for one year, Brooks managed the construc­ designation that only a few superintendents It was during his time at Guelph, that tion of 14 holes before he left in 1998 to in Canada have achieved. Brooks fondly Brooks met Carolin, his wife of 29 years. assume the position of Superintendent and considers this designation to be one of the After graduating with the class of 1987, Property Manager at Stone Tree Golf Club crowning achievements of his career. “Con­ Brooks took the position of Superintendent in Owen Sound. Brooks remained at Stone tinuing education is not only a great way at the New Liskeard Golf Club. “It was a Tree for 19 years, thus making it his lon­ to stay current, but it also helps elevate the different industry back in those days. Most gest tenured position as a superintendent. status of our profession and, in truth, helps of us were offered superintendent jobs right When Brooks arrived, the club had just been you earn more money. By increasing your out of school, with little to no practical built and desperately needed some finishing knowledge and skills, you are also increasing experience.” Later in the winter of 1987, touches before it could be considered ready your value to the organization and industry”. Marc and Carolin got married and were for play. Brooks shared his trademark giggle To add to Brooks’ diverse set of experiences, thinking about starting a family. The couple as he discussed some of the issues he uncov­ in 2012 the management team at Stone Tree decided they wanted to be closer to home, so ered upon arrival. However, Brooks put his purchased one of their direct competitors, the in 1988, the newlyweds moved just west of head down, rolled up his sleeves and contin­ struggling Owen Sound Golf and Country London, Ontario. Brooks assumed the role ued to perfect his craft. It wasn’t long before Club. Brooks was a major force in the of superintendent at nearby Strathroy Golf he grew a reputation for delivering a superb acquisition and strategic development process Club (now Bear Creek Golf and Country product on a very tight budget. Working for rebranding this club as Legacy Ridge. at Stone Tree also offered Brooks the free­ From its inception as Legacy Ridge, Brooks dom to pursue his appetite for knowledge managed both properties until this past and education. Always a big believer in January, when Balnar Property Management, What You Need to Know personal development and continuing ed­ then owners of Stone Tree and Legacy Ridge, Predominant Grass Type: ucation, in 2002, he attended the Organic decided to get out of the golf industry. Mixed bag, predominantly green! Golf Course Management Short Course at Cornell University under program director Continued on page 15... Predominant Soil Type: Again mixed bag Type of Greens: Push up Course Length: 6,200 yards "Marc is one of the most influential figures that I have met Size of Property: 128 acres during my career. His work ethic, job knowledge, vast skill Size of Greens: 2.5 acres set and mentorship helped spark my love for this industry and Size of Tees: 2.5 acres inspired me to achieve a higher standard in the work place. Size of Fairways: 22 acres I strongly recommend that anyone young or old should work for Marc if given the opportunity... or at the very least to play on his greens. You won't be disappointed." Major Challenges Morgan Robbins, Environmental Co-ordinator, Providing consistent playing surfaces with the Capilano Golf Club Vancouver, BC varying subsoils. We are in the process of sand (Former employee of Marc Brooks) capping tees and fairways. DEFEND YOUR TURF http://www.engagea A new weapon for your greens, tees & fairways! Kabuto 400SC is a next generation, flowable SDHI fungicide for control of Dollar spot. Kabuto 400SC's new and unique active ingredient provides powerful Dollar spot protection and defense against resistance development in convenient, easy to use packaging. 866.613.3336 www.engageagro.com Always read and follow label directions KABUTO™ is a trademark of Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha Ltd. Continued from page 13... Brooks, alongside Michael Todd (former During the course of Brooks’ fascinating spent a lot of time together. His knowledge, Golf Director for Balnar Golf) and Bert career, he has also managed to give back to insight and philosophy on management Leeder (a local businessman) decided to the turf industry in spades. Indeed Brooks had a profound impact on how I go about team up and purchase Legacy Ridge under seems as though he is involved in the turf my job, and I am constantly inspired by his the condition that it would remain the only community at every corner. His volunteer ability to overcome the challenges he has club in Owen Sound (ie. if sold, Stone Tree experience in the industry includes serving faced.” To this writer, Marc Brooks is just could not operate as a golf course). To see on the accreditation committee of the as inspiring and a shining example of what Stone Tree close was a bittersweet step for CGSA for five consecutive years, sitting on it means to be the total superintendent. He Brooks, but he is excited for his new role the CGSA conference education committee is a determined, hard-working individual as Vice-President, and part owner of his on two separate occasions, being a member who leads by example and is in constant club. “Legacy Ridge is a beautiful property of the board of directors for the Georgian pursuit of growth and development both at with a rich history. The community and Bay Golf Superintendents Association the property and on a personal level. Brooks membership has been very supportive of (GBGSA) for five years (two of which were requested that his profile close with a sincere this strategic move, and we all believe that as President), and being a guest speaker at thank you to all his staff and co-workers, the market for golf in Owen Sound is the University of Guelph Turf Club. When both past and present. “Over the years I have much healthier as a result,” remarks Brooks. asked if he had any particular heroes or idols been blessed with an extremely dedicated and Currently Legacy Ridge Golf Club is in the in the industry, Brooks was quick to mention hard-working staff of professionals that have planning stages of a new practice facility, Brian Youell, Superintendent of Uplands helped me every step of the way. It is always a which will help to strengthen the brand and Golf Club in Victoria, BC. “I met Brian at team game and without the help and support attract new interest to the property. Syngenta’s Superintendent University and we of others, none of it would be possible!!” ■ "Marc Brooks, or "Brooksy" as we know him, is a consummate professional. His pursuit of higher knowledge is evident from his credentials and certifications across all associations. His personality is welcoming and sincere, always allowing time for others. His environmental awareness should be commended as he strives to reduce impacts whenever possible. His ability to play the game of golf is amongst the best in our business and a day on the golf course with Marc brings laughs, great conversation and the enjoyment of watching him approach the game at hand with skill and integrity just as he approaches life with the same characteristics. I am fortunate to consider Marc a friend and colleague and always enjoy spending time with him." Jay Honeyball, Superintendent, OslerBrook Golf Club, Collingwood, Ontario (close friend of Marc Brooks) Water And A Delicate Ecosystem Make The Canadian Open A Challenge by Robert Thompson How to create a playing surface—greens and fairways—that measure up to the consistency of what the PGA Tour’s best expect, ndrew Gyba knew that taking the superintendent’s position at while also allowing the course to be played in corporate events A Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville came with a series of unique challenges. First of all, Glen Abbey, a Jack Nicklaus design leading up to the tournament is a challenge. Also, how and when thatwater is used is key. opened 40 years ago, was partly built on a flat plain, with the most Bill Paul has seen it all when it comes to the Canadian Open. The interesting holes plunging into a river valley where air circulation and long-time tournament director, who now works trying to locate or light have been a challenge since the course’s inception. But more create venues for future tournaments, has attended or been part of than that, Gyba had no experience preparing a golf course for a PGA every Canadian Open held at Glen Abbey since its first in 1977. Paul Tour event, and, as practically anyone who follows golf in this country says the course’s conditions have always been a challenge, but they’ve knows, Glen Abbey was created for the RBC Canadian Open, and improved as the years have passed. has hosted the tournament regularly throughout its history. “I think in the early days the guys were experts in their time,” says “You hear the horror stories about how difficult the tour will be Paul. “But now the superintendents are better educated. The tour to deal with,” Gyba says. “And they knew I was coming in with guys are better. And there’s more of a science to maintaining the zero experience at a PGA Tour event. But they offered a lot of help. course. They’ve certainly taken a really thoughtful approach to how They just want to put the best product out there for the week the water is used.” tournament is here.” Water has long been an issue for Glen Abbey, which is set in a This year Gyba faces interesting challenges. A spring with little residential community, with Sixteen-Mile Creek running through rain has turned into a summer with nearly no precipitation, and the valley holes. The course has a mix of holes that have poa greens, water use is always a delicate balancing act for the Canadian Open. and others where newer bentgrass was used following the ice damage “There was a time, I think, when the science of using water wasn’t of 2014. It makes for an interesting mix and raises the question of really understood,” Gyba says. “What we’ve learned is that water can how Gyba gets consistency out of two different types of grasses. kill a course if you don’t know what you’re doing.” “How do you get a new bentgrass green to react the same as "There was a time, I think, when the science of using water wasn't really understood. What we've learned is that water can kill a course if you don't know what you're doing." - Andrew Gyba a 40-year old poa green?” On the actual tournament week he asks. “Speed comes from Gyba has a staff of 80, including firmness. So everything is other ClubLink employees and done by hand. We water the additional superintendents, to greens—especially the low assist with his efforts. The PGA spots—by hand so we don’t Tour sends Harry Schuemann, overwater them.” one of its agronomists for He says proper water competitions, to the Abbey management throughout the regularly. While many pundits and course is key. outside observers feel the PGA “There’s a time when the Tour has mishandled club courses science wasn’t understood— by forcing them to grow the rough it was water all the time,” he too high—only to cut it down says. “But what we’ve learned tournament week, Gyba hasn’t is that water can harm a any issue. He says the tour spent course and we’ve got more more time with him when he was appreciation for consistency. new to the Abbey, but that they’ve If you’re just turning the helped him put forward the best sprinkler heads on mindlessly, course available. no golf course will hold it and “They want the best possible the water distribution of your product they can put out sprinklers will make the low there, and they are incredibly points wet. You’re watering understanding,” he says. “They now for your wettest spot on a look at the means you have, and hole. You want just enough so say what they’d like. But then they a player won’t stand on it and work within those parameters.” find it squishy.” What does Gyba want? He Instead Gyba wants to water for the driest parts of the course. wants the course to be a little brown, with the fairways turning That means instead of watering at night, he irrigates at a minimum colour as the week goes on. in the dark hours, with significant hand watering during the day. “You want to have some aesthetic appeal,” he says. “But in a Then he carefully monitors any watering in the morning. “I light perfect world on Monday you’d be green tee to green. And then up only the areas that are dry and get them to match up,” he says. we turn the water off and as the day goes, some of the humps and Paul says there were opportunities for the RCGA, which owned mounds start to turn. That’s not the end of the world. We’re never Glen Abbey until 1998, to redo the course’s greens with a newer going to be Chambers Bay at the U.S. Open. I think the players bentgrass. For some reason they never pulled the trigger, and now appreciate how we keep the golf course.” Gyba deals with the mix of turf. Adding to the challenge is the Sure he hears criticism when Bubba Watson or Jason Day smash microclimate created in the river valley where holes 11 through 15 a drive 350 yards on 17 or 18, but Gyba says that’s balanced out by run. Air circulation has long been a problem in the area, though Gyba the firmness of other areas of the course. says he manages the troublesome greens—namely the par 4 11th and “I’ll have people say Are you kidding me, Bubba hit it 380 on par 3 12th—by using the alternate greens built for both holes. 18?’ But that makes no difference,” he explains. “If you make him One of the key issues facing Gyba is how he balances the demands respect the approach shot and worry about the downhill putt, then on the course for the tournament with that of the regular members you’re making the course work the way it should.” and corporate outings that dominate Glen Abbey for most of the In the end, Gyba says running the tournament at Glen Abbey year. How do you grow rough without turning a company outing remains a thrill, even if tournament week is tiring. Paul, who has into a six-hour blood bath where no one is happy? How do you seen numerous superintendents work the tournament, says the keep the greens in the shape you need and be able to push them to experience is invaluable, and benefits both the course and the speeds of more than 12 on the stimpmeter? golfers who play it. Gyba has most of this down. To deal with pitch marks on greens “One thing is clear,” Paul says, “when the Canadian Open leaves he keeps the putting surfaces relatively firm. He grows the rough a course, the super will be better at his job and his members will to three inches for Monday of tournament week and allows it to have a better golf course.” ■ naturally lengthen from that point. “We are dialing the moisture percentages down and there’s a point where the green plays firm and fast, still has an adequate amount of Veteran golfjournalist Robert Thompson is Senior Writer at SCOREGolf a water for the plant, and is resistant to ball marks,” he explains. columnist with Global GolfPost, and television golfanalystfor Global News. "We are all in this together" EDUCATION SESSIONS Dr. Mike Agnew, Ph.D. Technical manager, Syngenta Turf and Landscape An Agronomic Approach to Managing Patch Diseases 2017 ONTARIO GOLF COURSE Dr. Norm Hummel, Ph.D. Owner & President of MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE Hummel & Co. Inc. The Topdressing Dilemma: Fallsview Casino Resort Conference Centre Achieving Fast & Firm Greens & Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites Dr. Geunhwa Jung, Ph.D. Professor, University of Massachusetts, Stockbridge Niagara Falls, ON | JANUARY 17-19,2017 School of Agriculture Fungicide Resistance Management Keynote Speaker: Dr. Bill Kreuser, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Extension Wednesday, January 18th, 2017 Turfgrass Specialist University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dick Pound Plant Growth Regulators Founding President of the & Plant Health Opening Night World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) & The Man Behind Dinner at Brasa! Mark Kuhns, CGCS the Olympics Director of Grounds at Baltusrol Tuesday, January 17th, 2017 Golf Club For more than 20 years, Dick Pound has been one of the most influential members of the International Hosting the 2016 PGA Olympic Committee. He is most well-known for his work as the Championship director of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Steve Randall Pound built the Olympics into a multi-billion dollar enterprise GCSAA - Field Staff; Central Plains by branding and marketing the Olympic rings, and negotiating regional representative and asso­ shrewd deals for television rights around the world. Under Pound's Inside the Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel and ciate director, chapter outreach leadership, the IOC has grown into one of the richest sports Suites, Brasa showcases the flavours and cultural organizations in the world. flair of Brazil. Communication Jason VanBuskirk CEO & Founder of Turf Cloud, Superintendent, Stow Acres Country Club Registration Now Open! Google Drive for Supers Special registration rates available until August 31st. & Social Media/ Blogs "We Grow Golf" Go to the OGSA website for more details! www.ogsa.ca John Zimmers Room rates $109 - $139 Superintendent, Oakmont Country Club Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites Free parking at Hilton Hotel; Wifi included Hosting the 2016 US Open Water Use Is Key by Ian Andrew played at my home course this morning and the rough has all gone I dormant. On my way to the airport this afternoon, I passed Heron Point Golf Links where the dam has broken and the lake is empty. All I could see were dormant fairways, but I have to believe that much of that turf is now dead. Benjamin Franklin once said, “When the well is dry, we learn the true value of land.” In the last 25 years, the biggest change I’ve seen in Canadian golf is the continuing reductions in accessing water. Even when we appear to have adequate supplies, it often doesn’t guarantee that it is available. Truthfully, even when a club has a water source it has used for years, it doesn’t mean 9 ways to Healthy Tort the latest regulations will allow that to continue. Essentially water is becoming an increasingly valuable resource. People and agriculture will always have priority, and as urbanization places more respond® 3 grows your turf health strains on the rivers, the secondary users such as golf are being asked to cut from the roots up back on their water use. I’m all for this, but it doesn’t mean that this is a simple issue to address. Increased depth of water penetration: I’ve spent a couple of decades helping clubs address this issue with storage facilities; for example I’ve worked on a city course that is actually self- 1 Increases rooting depth sufficient, but practiced limited water taking to keep the ponds attractive. 2 Aids survival in drought conditions Also, I’ve seen a development of a new course halted over the inability to 3 Favours deeper rooting grasses get a water taking permits. The question used to be whether a club has the money to buy water, Water soaks in more evenly: but now it’s do you have the ability to draw or take a minimum volume of water? The most common approach today is to take the excess water 4 Avoids puddling available during storms and run-off events. Once a stream or river gets 5 Helps with drainage below a certain threshold, a club can no longer take water. For that reason, most of the clubs I have worked with have holding or storage ponds to More even water distribution/retention: help them get through periods where water isn’t readily available. If there ever was a test of your limitations, this dry summer has been one of the 6 Better use of water may reduce the need most challenging seasons in memory. for irrigation Placing a pond brings up four major questions: 1) Can I make the facility large enough to meet the volume the club desires? 2) Can we get 7 Improved turf colour this through the approval process? 3) Where will I take the fill? Since most projects have the pond placed in natural low locations, there are demands Reduction in the symptoms of localized dry spot: the fill be placed above a flood line for cut and fill balance. 4) Do we want 7 More even playing surface this to be in play or not? This is a particularly troubling question when we’re dealing with historic clubs where adding a pond will change the 8 Healthier turf strategic balance of a hole. Essentially most planning involves a volume, which is turned into Grow your turf health acreage. The bubble representing that acreage is tested in numerous locations. Some questions and challenges to review are: does it fit, how from the roots up with hard is the grading, are there environmental issues, where does the wet well go, and is there a close source of power to keep that cost down? Also, how you will address any excess material left over and the question of cost are important issues to consider, as most projects are very expensive. The biggest question is whether it is worth it; this seems to be the year your club will find out. My course is fortunate enough to have the water to irrigate greens, tees, and fairways. I look at Heron Point Golf Links, and only see the greens being irrigated. Without water, the tees and fairways will need to be re-seeded come next spring. Ontario & Maritimes: 1-800-265-5444 That brings me to my final truth—without water a golf course is just West: 1-800-561-5444 vacant land. ■ BC: 614-864-2866 Quebec: 1-800-361-9369 One ofCanadasforemost experts in the restoration ofclassic golfcourses, golf www.uap.ca designer Ian Andrew is a member ofthe American Society ofGolfCourse Architects. Always read and follow label directions. Respond 3 is a registered trademark of Loveland Products, In Projecting Professionalism by Anthony Angelis, Superintendent are many very important things that often get overlooked. The first step Innisfil Creek Golf Club was to take all of the equipment out of the shop and sweep, mop and dust every crevice of the area. Next I took all of our tools and equipment recently found myself at a career crossroads with really only two options; and rearranged it in a way that I felt to be less cluttered and crowded. I one was to work as an assistant superintendent at a high end private Then I took the opportunity to throw out things that were of little use facility, and the second option was to work as a head superintendent at a that had collected over time. I then set-up an office and renovated the room so that it had a much more modest golf course facility. Some superintendents had advised me that option two could be a dead end and have a negative effect on my career more professional appearance. I believe this to be important because and my dedication to it. On the other hand, one of my mentors insisted that superintendents are expected to be increasingly administratively savvy. there were advantages to working at a public These days we are expected to follow golf facility with less resources because I much more stringent rules and legislation would likely have more control over all of that require us to have organized the problems that came up on a daily basis documentation available and easily The words of my mentor will always accessible to auditors and government allowing me to learn with less interference. He believed that this would prepare me stay with me, "It should always be your bodies. for being a turf manager at a property with My next step in our improvement plan goal to leave the course you are at in was ensuring that our employees have a higher expectations down the road. So I decided to take a job as head better shape than how you found it." respect for our building. I achieved this superintendent at a public golf course just by setting up a common area for us to south of Barrie. Now, the very idea ofwhat conduct a morning meeting in. Having a I believe is an exceptionally run golf course professional area like this has always been has changed a lot over my career. Most notably is the way I perceive the a constant in my experience of watching maintenance shop itself. When I entered the business I simply viewed it many excellent superintendents run stellar turf departments. At the as a “barn” where we stored our equipment. As the years went on and I epicenter of a meeting area is what I believe to be the most important assumed more of a management role in turf departments at golf courses facet of management in any business - I am of course referring to the in the GTA, there came a sudden maturation in my view of the role I “whiteboard”. I got in contact with my sales rep immediately and believed our building played in the overall reputation of our golf course. ordered a whiteboard system and put it into practice. Nevertheless, I was there to make the changes I thought were I am so adamant about having morning meetings, and, of course necessary to ensure not only that the turf maintenance department ran a proper place to conduct one, because it is the key to having all your smoothly, but also to improve the overall respect for what we do in the employees on the same page. They must be aware of the overall plan eyes of members and employees alike. These changes I am speaking of that is unfolding around them in order to appreciate the complexities of were not only to benefit me and the owners of the property, but to ensure running an operation like ours. that the next superintendent taking over after me did not have to deal My next step was to approach ownership to ask if they would allow us with some of the adversities I had dealt with upon my arrival. to employ a mobile mechanic and replace all of our outdated equipment. The words of my mentor will always stay with me, “It should always After all, the condition and maintenance of the equipment affects the be your goal to leave the course you are at in better shape than how you visual appearance of the property as much as anything. found it”. I knew a task like this was not going to be easy, however, I I pleaded that instead of putting band-aid solutions into place for our have long been drawn to the challenge of taking something that was not old equipment we should sell it all for what it is worth and lease a new working properly and making it better. fleet. This way we could ensure that equipment would never be the same When trying to build public respect for a property, I have found there source of headaches because the fleet would be replaced before expensive repairs became an issue. I laid out all of the pros and cons of leasing and financing alongside a summarized account of all our bills from repairs and parts to labor and depreciation. The owners were reluctant at first but eventually warmed up to the idea of leasing. We are very fortunate to have such a supportive ownership group. What happened after all these plans I have mentioned were put into practice? Well, we succeeded. Golfers that had played there for 20 years started to notice the small things. We became well known for having greens that were exciting and visually appealing. Obviously the stars aligned for us, so to speak, which helped make us look the way we did that particular season. Not all properties have the capital at any given time to make some of the changes we made. I believe the change that made the biggest difference though was making the maintenance building a center of organization that commanded respect. After the shop had its makeover, I insisted that it no longer be called the “barn” and that we start calling it what it actually was, a turf maintenance facility. ■ Paul White - A Distinguished Career his past June, Paul White, a very prominent member of the turf T industry in Canada passed away. Paul was an OGSA member for 44 years and served as our association’s President in 1980. He was also very active on a national level serving on the CGSA board from 1988-1993. He has worked at some of the finest golf clubs Left to right: Peter, Scott, Paul andJames White in the province over his half a century in the turf business and has touched the lives of many turf Paul will be missed, but his contributions to our industry will not “I especially admired Paulfor his professionals along the way. be forgotten. ■ dedication to hisfamily and his ONCourse thought it was only profession. Paul was very well fitting to take a look back at “He was a very good and highly respected superintendent and he loved respected throughout the industry.” his distinguished career and toplay the game. He was very keen in promoting his golfcourses and the — Paul Dermott his contributions to the turf profession, but the thing I admired the most about Paul was that his wife industry in Canada. and hisfamily were always his number onepriority. ” — Al Beeney Two of Paul’s sons, James and Scott, as well as his brother in law John, are active members of the turf industry to this day. Paul leaves “Paul and I served on the OGSA Board together, we golfed together and behind his loving wife Helen, four children, Peter, James, Scott and we shared a mutual respectfor each other. He was a greatfamily man Melissa, as well as seven grandchildren. and will be missed. ” — Pelino Scenna 1960 Started his turf career at 1968 His first superintendent's 1988 Paul moved on to become 1997 Received OGSA 25 Year St George's G&CC working for job at Kanawaki GC in Montreal. superintendent at Glen Abbey Membership Award. Bruce Wooley when the club G&CC were he relished the chal­ 1972 After struggling with 2000 Paul's last role in his hosted the Canadian Open. lenge of hosting The Canadian some of the language and illustrious career was as the su­ Open that year. This was the first 1966 Graduated from the Uni­ cultural issues that were firmly perintendent at Briars Golf Club year the tournament was held in versity of Massachusetts Stock- entrenched at that time, Paul in Jacksons Point, Ontario. September so staffing the event bridge School of Agriculture. left Kanawaki to come back to was an issue for Paul. 2003 Received CGSA Superin­ Ontario as superintendent of 1967 Became the assistant su­ tendent of the Year award. perintendent at Markland Wood Glendale G&CC, near Hamilton. 1990 Accepted the job of Paul joined the OGSA. superintendent at Mississaugua 2011 Retired from the Briars and G&CC. He was once again hired G&CC, where he would remain started the Greenkeeper Training by Bruce Woolley who had filled 1979 Became superintendent of for the next 10 years. Program for the Georgina Trades the role of superintendent. Lambton G&CC in Etobicoke. Training Inc. (GTTI) 1992 CGSA President. 1980 President of the OGSA. Prepare Your Turf for Winter with... Nutrite 33-0-0 Late Fall Fertilizer 40% UMAXX® & 35% Ammonium Sulphate, Premium Grade Ideal for fairway and rough applications. Nutrite 33-0-0 granular fertilizer provides enhanced carbohydrate storage within the plant, increased shoot density and colour with earlier spring green up. Nutrite Best Management Practices... For responsible and effective turf management 1.800.265.8865 | www.nutrite.com ON RESEARCH Reflecting On A Summer Of Drought he summer of 2016 will be remembered as a summer that was T dominated by the absence of rainfall. As of mid-July, most of Ontario is still in the midst of a significant drought. Irrigation is an important aspect of turf management every year, but in drought years it becomes even more important. This article reviews some interesting results from research at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute over the years that have influenced the way we irrigate and our understanding of how drought affects turfgrass stands. DORMANCY AS A SURVIVAL MECHANISM As a growing trend, many golf courses are not irrigating the rough and instead are focusing the use ofwater solely on the greens, tees and fairways, while the roughs have been allowed to fall into dormancy. This contrasting appearance of brown and green provides a unique experience for the golfer that is eye catching because it happens rarely in Ontario. One added benefit to allowing the roughs to fall into dormancy is that certain weed species that do not have good dormancy mechanisms will eventually die and be eliminated from the stand without the need for herbicide applications. We observed this in a weed trial performed by then graduate student, Evan Elford, in 2006 where the clover in the control plots was 25 Figure 1. Picture ofJapanese beetles swarming and laying eggs in a recently per cent cover in the irrigated trial and less than 2 per cent in the irrigated area during a time ofdrought. non-irrigated trial (Elford et al, 2008). prolonged drought, irrigation frequencies are understandably Another benefit of leaving areas of the course dry is the reduction increased. Research at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute showed that in egg laying by grub producing insect species. The egg ofJapanese continuing with light, frequent irrigation into the fall can have beetle and other scarabs must imbibe water within 24 hours of egg undesirable consequences. Research has shown that daily irrigation laying, and dry soil prevents this. This summer I observed a swarm of creeping bentgrass significantly increases moss encroachment of adult Japanese beetles in an area of rough that was consistently over irrigating every four days with the same amount of water being irrigated by fairway sprinkler heads. Not surprisingly, the (Figure 2). As expected, the root growth of creeping bentgrass adults were swarming in this area quite intensely. This was a timely under a deeper, less frequent irrigation regime of every four days reminder of why it is important to try to minimize irrigation events was significantly greater than other frequencies tested (Figure 3). during adult activities of important grub species. It is important to remember when coming out of a drought to MOSS AND IRRIGATION FREQUENCY revert back to best management practices in order to minimize During the heat of the summer, and particularly during a conditions conducive to pest invasion and persistence. Figure 2. Moss counts ofcreeping bentgrass irrigated with differentfrequencies. Figure 3. Root dry mass ofcreeping bentgrass irrigated at differentfrequencies. STRESSED ANNUAL BLUEGRASS surprising findings from Harnock’s work has been the amount of Hot dry summers can be particularly stressful on annual bluegrass water that turfgrasses transpire during the dark period when water putting greens. Reduced humidity and heat typically presents less is abundant. We are currently testing the mechanism behind this disease pressure for annual bluegrass, but under these conditions, a and we believe that grasses transpire excess water to reduce water lot of the annual bluegrass then suffers from decline due to abiotic availability to species less able to handle drought. Xiao is looking stress factors. Annual bluegrass has limited rooting depth compared at the effects of nitrogen rate and mowing height on water use to creeping bentgrass, therefore, during times of heat and drought it and drought tolerance of grasses. Preliminary work has shown also struggles to get sufficient nutrients from the soil. During these that increased nitrogen rate may increase drought tolerance by stressful times, foliar feeding of annual bluegrass can help push it maintaining a higher photosynthesis rate during a dry down. This through, particularly if the drought was persistent through the time information will help golf course superintendents try to maintain the annual bluegrass was actively seeding. Research performed at deep, infrequent irrigation even during times of summer drought the GTI by former graduate student, Kelly O’Connor, has shown and heat. that annual bluegrass has anatomical features that allow it to take The researchers at the University of Guelph, Guelph Turfgrass up nutrients through the leaves more efficiently than creeping Institute are always trying to perform research that helps the golf bentgrass, allowing it to compensate for a lack of root growth superintendents of Ontario deliver a premium and sustainable during stressful times (Figure 4). product to the golfing public. As the GTI takes on new challenges It is also important to remember that as we continue to irrigate with a new site and new directions, we hope to keep you informed to a consistent depth, the salt content of the root zone tends to of the development and innovations coming from the researcher increase. Annual bluegrass is much less salt tolerant than creeping partners associated with the GTI. ■ bentgrass, therefore, when managing annual bluegrass greens, it is important to make sure that the root zone is flushed by watering to a deeper depth regularly. In order to accomplish this Eric M. Lyons Ph.D., goal, good infiltration is necessary. Diligence with regular core Associate Professor, University of Guelph aeration and thatch control practices in previous years will be Director Guelph Turfgrass Institute (GTI) rewarded in drought years. These practices will allow for good elyons@uoguelph.ca water infiltration, resulting in the salts being flushed below the active root zone. Effective infiltration and flushing will restore the functionality of the roots. CURRENT RESEARCH Currently at the GTI there are a number of research projects THERE AREN’T ANY that have recently been completed or are still in progress that impact water use of turfgrasses. Current graduate students, Craig Harnock and Nancy Xiao, are studying the effects of different MULLIGANS IN BUSINESS cultural practices on water use by turfgrasses. One of the most CHOOSE GREENHORIZONS AND GET IT DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. Figure 4. The cleared leaves ofannual bluegrass (a and b) and creeping bentgrass (c and d) under light microscopy after treatment with silver nitrate (AgN03). Characteristic silver deposits are in black a) barbs b) stomata c) HAMILTON: 905.389.1315 CAMBRIDGE: 519.653.7494 GreenhorizonsSod.com barbs d) stomata. OFF THE FAIRWAY Nutrition And Fertilizing Tips lants need to be fertilized because Knowing when to fertilize is as important P most soil does not provide the essential nutrients required for optimum growth. as using the right fertilizer. If you don’t apply the fertilizer at a time when the plant Even if you are lucky enough to start with can use it, there’s no point in fertilizing. great garden soil, as your plants grow, they Most perennials, annuals, vegetables, and absorb nutrients and leave the soil less lawns will reward you handsomely if fed fertile. Remember those tasty tomatoes with a balanced granular fertilizer in early and beautiful roses you grew last year? It spring. However, avoid fertilizing before took nutrients from the soil to build those the spring showers or you will be throwing plant tissues. By fertilizing your garden, your money away since the nutrients will you replenish lost nutrients and ensure that simply leach out of the soil. Annuals like this year’s plants have the food they need to be fed an additional three to four times to flourish. during the growing season with a high- There are six primary nutrients that phosphorus, water-soluble fertilizer. plants require. Plants get the first three— About 10 days after my annual planting, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen—from air I like to use a soluble granular 8-16-16 to and water. The other three are nitrogen, organic of choice, while blood meal is a help them through the transplant shock. phosphorus and potassium. good source of nitrogen. Then 7-10 days after that I start with my There are quite a number of fertilizers There are several ways to apply granular water soluble application, which continues available today, both organic (plant and water-soluble fertilizers, but there are every two weeks for most of the growing and animal derived) and inorganic a few general guidelines that one should season depending on weather. I like to use (synthetically derived). While the majority follow when applying them. Avoid applying the granular early due to time restraints and are commercially produced inorganic a fertilizer on windy or rainy days. This can we usually get rain at some point around that fertilizers, there are a few options for the cause it to be misplaced and therefore less time, so the rain distributes the fertilizer into organic gardener. Many rely on the old effective. When using a granular fertilizer, the soil. The other reason for using a soluble standbys—animal manure and compost— always be sure to knock the fertilizer off granular right after transplanting is because which, although organic and good for soil plant leaves to avoid burn. Never apply a the plants haven’t filled in yet, meaning there building, actually contain few nutrients. granular fertilizer when the soil is extremely is a lot of exposed soil to put the fertilizer on, For flower and fruit development, bone dry, and water it in thoroughly after applying without it getting hung up in the canopy. For meal with a high phosphorus count is the to prevent plant burn. my water soluble applications I use a fertilizer injector which allows me to put an exact amount of nitrogen out. Some companies have a list of all their fertilizer ratios and the DELIVERING SUPERIOR SOD AND QUALITYSERVICE quantities to make your concentration to • #1 Kentucky Bluegrass achieve the desired ppm of nitrogen you want • NEW Bella Bluegrass! to put out based on your injector settings. • Extreme Fescue The injector is a great tool to get your plants • Premium Bentgrass watered deeply, while simultaneously give • Custom grown them a foliar feeding and get the fertilizer sod available into the root zone. The injector is called • Large or small rolls Superdos; it’s very easy to use and very • Low mow efficient once setup. The injector draws the fertilizer concentration into the water supply going out. Living.. Breathing... In the spring when preparing the perennial and annual beds I like to add REALGRASS IS a 5-4-5 turkey compost and 6-5-0 bone/ BETTER! blood meal to the beds, which is cultivated HEALTHIER! into the soil. There are a few good organic chicken and turkey compost options in granular form. Phone:877-727-2100 Of course you should have a program in www.zandersod.com place to amend your soils with compost to Understanding the types of plants you are growing and their natural growing range will enable you to create a growing environment similar to the plant's native habitat. provide season long nutrition, but you also Understanding the types of plants you When they are grown in suitably rich soil, have to feed the organic matter to help it are growing and their natural growing a fast decomposing mulch is sufficient. If breakdown to release the nutrients to the range will enable you to create a growing you are mulching your shrubs it is a good plants. So, think of it as feeding the soil environment similar to the plant’s native idea to add some nitrogen to feed the mulch rather than feeding the plants. habitat. It is helpful to keep a watchful eye as it breaks down. Mulch or carbon based Perennial flowers, ground covers and and journal of plant “behavior” in hopes products will rob nitrogen from the soil grasses generally don’t need a lot of to correct situations later such as leggy and make it unavailable to the plants that fertilizer and, in fact, some will react growth and poor performance. You could have been mulched. This may prove to negatively if too much is applied. An send your soils away for testing, but if you be problematic over time with continuous over-fertilized perennial will reward get into an amending program you should mulching and no soil amending to replenish gardeners with excess growth that flops be able to identify nutrient deficiencies the nitrogen in the soil. ■ over and becomes leggy halfway through from leaf colour, plant vigour, flower size, the season. Over-fertilization can also and plant rigidity. affect bloom performance, producing Well-established shrubs do not need Chris Cumming CLP, ample foliage at the expense of blooms. to be fertilized often or even yearly, but Horticulturist Many perennial experts recommend fertilizer requirement should be based Muskoka Lakes G&CC no fertilization when plants are in a on performance and all factors affecting Port Carling, Ontario healthy garden soil. However, if your performance should be considered. Email: soil is composed primarily of sand with Specifically, location, moisture, soil type, chriscumming@lwe.ca little organic material, your plants will sunlight exposure, and so on. Compost or Tel: 705-765-3165 most likely benefit from routine, light composted manure applied once every three Cell: 705-644-3994 fertilization. to five years is enough to meet their needs. Colour Well Played Douglas Wood Large Tree Service can add fall colour David C. Smith, P.Ag., c.g.c.s to your course dave@dcsturf.com with the help of Paul Hanousek, Rob Witherspoon, b.sc. m.sc . Certified Arborist rob@dcsturf.com Pam Charbonneau, b.sc. m.Sc pam@dcsturf.com www.douglaswood.ca Paul Hanousek, Certified Arborist Members of OGSA, ISA and OCAA Office 705-687-7645 1.800.353.3019 Toll Free 1-888-607-TURF T. 519.856.2771 • F. 519.856.1447 paulhanousek@douglaswood.ca P.O. Box 339 Rockwood ON NOB 2K0 www.dcsturf.com MEMBER MOMENTS 1: Canada Day Fireworks. Matt Booth, Assistant Superintendent, Oshawa Golf & Country Club | 2: Mac's first day adventuring the course. Geoff Hay, Assistant Superintendent, Heron Point Golf Links | 3: Salamander at Mono Hills Country Club. Nick Amsen, Superintendent, Mono Hill Country Club | 4: A local resident enjoying a shower. Phil Song, Assistant Superintendent, Lambton Golf & Country Club. | 5: Moth on the course. Barry Cleary, Superintendent, Burlington Springs Golf & Country Club. NORTH AMERICAN EXCLUSIVE Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers How do they work? HOW LONG WILL IT LAST? RPM is available in three (3) growing degree day coating thicknesses RPM 900,1800 and 2400. GDD accumulations are calculated when the average daily soil temperature from Environment Canada exceeds OC. RPM 900 is determined simply by multiplying 80% of the coating thickness release (45 days) by 20 degrees Celsius, providing 900. RPM 1800 is determined simply by multiplying 80% of the coating thicknes release (90 days) by 20 degrees Celsius, providing 1800. RPM 2400 is determined simply by multiplying 80% of the coating thicknes release (120 days) by 20 degrees Celsius, providing 2400. RPM is an exclusive controlled-release enhanced efficiency fertilizer manufactured by KOCH Agronomic Services LLC. WANT TO KNOW MORE? Contact your Turfgrass Canada sales representative today! Jason MacRae Stu Bradshaw Joey Losito Perry Brazeau Chris Lecour Kevin Jensen Mark Scenna Quebec North & West Ottawa Valley Quebec South & East Toronto/East Georgian Bay Niagara Central Sales Manager 514-712-8006 613-314-9711 819-571-1677 416-705-8006 705-444-9010 905-351-6544 416-458-2396 LOOKING BACK Five Years Ago Today Hunt. Scott Heron from Bigwin Island GC moved to The Toronto Hunt and was replaced by Kevin Schultz. Paul Grosvenor became the new superintendent at Forest City National GC and Tim Baxter moved to Sutton Creek G&CC. Mark Trudell became the superintendent at Mount 2011 Board ofDirectors Elgin GC. Michael Schneider became n 2011 the Board of Directors were as the new superintendent at Diamond In I follows: Chris Andrejicka, President, Essex G&CC, Jeff Alexander, Past Pres­ the Ruff GC, Michael McDevitt moved to Tangle Creek GC, Ian McQueen moved ident, Parry Sound G&CC, Doug Breen, to Islington GC, John Chang moved to Kelly Barnet, left, andJohn Taylor receiving 25 Vice President, GolfNorth Properties, Bushwood GC, Mark Pickering moved to year membership awards. Rob Gatto, Treasurer, King’s Forest GC, 4 Seasons CC and James White went to Jennifer Pendrith, Secretary, Kawartha Woodington Lake GC. Ted Tom was the G&CC, Stu Leachman, Diamond In The new superintendent at Uplands Golf and Ruff GC, John McLinden, Ladies GC of Ski Club as well as continued to teach at Toronto, Mark Prieur, Trafalgar G&CC, Seneca College. Phil Scully, Granite GC, Rod Speake, ACHIEVEMENTS: Bob Moote and Mill Run GC, Chad Vibert, Mad Riv­ David Gourlay received 50 Year Member er GC and Scott White, Donalda Club. Awards. The following superintendents Dorothy Hills, the OGSA Executive received 25 Year Member Awards: Kelly Paul Dermott, DSA Bronson ofLookout Manager retired Barnet, Leo Dai­ recipient. Point CC. and was replaced gle, Charles Eber­ by Sally Ross. CG SA Superintendent of the Year Award. le, George Forest, Congratulations Mark Mallot, Ger­ Tom Brain, Burlington G&CC, qualified went to Jennifer ald Sterling and to play in the 13th annual Toronto Star Pendrith, superin­ John Taylor. Men’s Amateur Tournament. tendent at Kawar­ tha G&CC, on the Paul Dermott was Aldo Bortolon’s dog, Bronson of Look­ arrival of a baby the recipient of the out Point CC, was picked for the GCSAA Dorothy Hills with girl, Brooklyn. Mark Prieur, OGSA’s 5th Wil­ Lebanon Turf “Dog Days of Golf” calen­ OGSA Past President, OGSA Director, left, liam Sansom Dis­ dar and was voted as “Dog of the Year”. JeffAlexander. ON THE MOVE: presents Robert (Bob) tinguished Service Paul White retired Moote, OGSA Past Debbie Amirault, superintendent at Award and Ken from Briars GC President, with his Quarry Golf Club in Edmonton, became Wright, Devil’s and was replaced by commemorative 50- the first female president of the CGSA year Member gift. Pulpit Golf Associ ­ his assistant Patrick in its 45 year history and the first female ation, received the Greenman. Bob president of any national association of Pattinson retired golf course managers. from The London TOURNAMENTS: The Pro Super Hunt & CC and Sally Ross becomes Challenge was held at Wyndance GC was replaced by Executive Manager. hosted by Jake Riekstins. Chris Emerton Deb Dale. John and pro Rob Mininni from Tangle Creek Trelford left St Andrews Valley GC and G&CC won with a score of 67. was replaced by Bryan Wasyliw. Corey Phillips took over Frog’s Breath GC and The Alex McClumpha Memorial Bob Burrows left for Banff Springs GC. Tournament was held at Osierbrook John Taylor left Oakville GC and moved G&CC in Collingwood, hosted by Jason to Grand Niagara GC. He was replaced David Gourlay, left, accepts his commemorative Honeyball. Flight A Low Gross was Bert by Scott Thompson from The Toronto 50-year Member giftfrom Paul White, right. McFadden, Georgian Bay Club - 77 Chris Emerton, left, Ray Richardsfrom and Rob Mininni Mad River GC is winners ofthe Pro presented with the OGSA President Chris Andrejicka presents the Super Challenge. George Darou Trophy. winning teamfrom Otter Creek GC with the William Sansom Trophy. Left to right: Grant Murphy, National GC of Canada, Deni Terenzio, Hawk Ridge GC, Adam Trenton and $27,000 was raised Adam Schuller, New Course Construction and for turfgrass research. Spencer, Scott Gardner, Mark Trudell Jay Honeyball, OslerBrook GC. and Graeme Calder. Flight B winning President’s Day tournament was held at team was the father-son duo Paul and and 1st Low Net was Dan McAllister, Toronto GC hosted by Al Schwemler. Scott White, with Dan McAllister and Donalda Club - 68. The team from Otter Creek GC, Randy Paul Halk at 10 under par. ■ Booker, took top honours with a minus Flight B (Associates and Guests) Low 23, second was Orr Lake GC, Jason Gross was Sean Lavin, Turf Care - 74 and Harris, and 3rd was Weston G&GC, Rob 1st Low Net was Dave Jacobsen, Weston Ackermann. Barry Endicott G&GC - 69. The George Darou Trophy Retired Golf Course for superintendents over 50 went to Ray The Summer Scramble was held at Superintendent Richards, Mad River GC. Springfield G&GC hosted by Ray Brampton, Ontario Dlugokecki. The winning team from Tel: 905-846-1440 Greystone GC was the venue for the flight A at 15 under par was Jamie barry.endicott@gmail.com annual OTRF golf tournament hosted by Providing engineering solutions ATTENTION! to Ontario’s Golf industry. IPM Certified Engineering Design & Consulting Services Agents Land Development & Approval Assistance Permit & Regulatory Agency Approval Assistance Irrigation & Drinking Water Supply Strategies Stormwater Management & Erosion Control Strategies Get your GPS Surveying & Mapping Services recertification credits 30 Centurian Dr. Suite 100 Markham, Ontario L3R 8B8 Phone 905 475 1900 Fax 905 475 8335 www.scsconsultinggroup.com ON-LINE with P.D. Solutions INNOVATORS IN Helps prevent ★ Now offering ★ Ice Damage IMPERMEABLE Crown Hydration MORE Courses! WINTER PROTECTION Desiccation Temperature Fluctuations Low Temperature Kill Visit: www.pdsolutions.ca Learn more! Find 20 Years of Research or call at GreenJacket.com or call 888-786-2683 patented in U.S. and 1-877-977-6774 Actual spring photo by a Superintendent — not retouched! Canada TURF OR CONSEQUENCES Fifty by Doug Breen, Superintendent remember. I’ve even had a few well intentioned Police Officers, GolfNorth Properties who pulled me over to warn me about everything from burned out headlights, to an excessively loud exhaust system. I ignored them all. ell - I turn fifty this summer. There were many, who quite My wife often ridicules the state of my car, and doesn’t seem to want W rightly, didn’t think I’d make it to fifty - the first thirty years to go for a ride as frequently as she once did. She still needs to get to were pretty hard miles. The past twenty (the child rearing years), have the store though! I guess I could get serious about diet and exercise, been a blur of homework, hockey arenas, golf courses, windshields and try to restore the old jalopy - but it would really be more of a and football fields. It also means that this is my 30th year of toiling rebuild at this point. away on golf courses. One of the best kept secrets about being fifty - is the freedom. I’m actually pretty OK with turning fifty. I’ve come to terms with One kid is off studying football at University, and the one that’s left, the fact that I’m no longer anyone’s target market. Nobody cares is pretty much as indifferent to my presence as her mother. Sure, whether or not I like a new team they’re both happy to see me logo. Nobody cares whether I when I’m around, but don’t really am keeping up with the latest care how often that happens. I technology, or social norms - if I used to wonder why some of the still want to use a CD player, and older guys on the course would think that facial piercings look work insane hours, and never take stupid - the world yawns. Apart days off. Now I get it - there’s from the endless drug ads on no point going home to an empty CNN, nobody’s really even trying house. That may sound sad to sell me anything. They know to you thirty somethings, with that I’ll buy the same cars, eat in houses full of Happy Meal Toys the same restaurants, and take the and Go-Gurt tubes - but I assure same vacations for the next twenty you that it’s quite the opposite. I years; as I have for the last twenty. haven’t had this level of freedom I’ve become like one of those guys since I was twenty, and now I have from my Dad’s generation, who enough money to really enjoy it. kept buying Buicks, no matter The band is as busy as we want how crappy they got - and kept to be, I have season tickets to both Arby’s afloat during the 1990’s. the Ticats and the Argos (strike I must admit, that if I had it all to do again, I would have stretched that off the bucket list), I’m coaching high school football, and I’m more. When you’re young and athletic, Doctors and Physiotherapists more available (even if not as spry) at work than at any other time in will actually try to fix you. At my age, when you say that your knee my life. Fifty is actually pretty young to be a County Councillor, so hurts, they say, “Yup, that’s the way it’s going to feel from now on, at those meetings, I actually do feel kind of spry. and it’s your own damned fault”. I really should have done a lot You know what? I’m not just OK with being my age - I love it. I more maintenance. I’ve become like a high mileage car, and I never highly recommend turning fifty to everyone, and it’s certainly better bothered to change the oil - or check it. I’ve had several warning than the alternative. ■ lights illuminated on my body’s dashboard, for as long as I can LARGE TREE SALES AND RELOCATION Corrie Almack P.Ag. Phil Dickie-ISA Certified Arborist ON-0309A pdickie@fastforest.ca Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 Box 256, Carlisle, ON Cell: (416) 580-5152 270 Shoemaker Street, Kitchener, ON N2E 3E1 LOR 1H0 Email: c.almack@sympatico.ca P: (519) 748-6610 • F: (519) 748-6626 • www.fastforest.ca IN THE ROUGH, IT’S NOT HOW WIDE YOU CAN MOW. IT’S HOW WELL YOU CAN MOW WIDE. With the new John Deere 9009A TerrainCut™ Rough Mower, you can now mow more rough in less time without sacrificing cut quality. 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