ON AUGUST 2017 COURSE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS' ASSOCIATION Work-Life Balance It IS achievable! When INSIDE ALSO green THIS the final is cut: ISSUE: Life after golf Pro/Super Challenge Recap CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to TheOGSA, 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 in agronomic programs. We search for innovative, high performance products and with our added knowledge we bring solutions to help address your challenges. We believe adding our expertise to yours creates a winning formula. Contact your local BrettYoung Regional Account Manager and let us show you our commitment to your success. Rob Field, Ontario General Manager Chris Nelson, Toronto & Niagara Ron Milne, Eastern & Central Ontario 905-320-6449 416-500-5233 905-213-5710 rob.field@brettyoung.ca chris.nelson@brettyoung.ca ron.milne@brettyoung.ca Kelly Barnet, South Western Ontario Steve Hewgill, Northern Ontario 519-890-4061 705-896-2148 kelly.barnet@brettyoung.ca steve.hewgill@brettyoung.ca Everett Nieuwkoop, South Western Andrew Hardy, Toronto Ontario, Toronto & Niagara & Central Ontario 519-688-4397 647-241-1134 everett.nieuwkoop@brettyoung.ca andrew.hardy@brettyoung.ca PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE am saddened to write this, but on behalf of the Board, our thoughts I and prayers go out to the family, friends, and co-workers of Paul Brown of Sarnia Golf & Curling Club. This tragic occurrence has deeply affected many of our members. To honour Paul, the OGSA Editor Board has decided to name the trophy for the Assistants Tournament Sally Ross after him, henceforth it will be known as the Paul Brown Memorial manager@ogsa.ca Trophy. Paul’s son and OGSA member Greg Brown, helped organize the tournament for several years, and Paul has mentored many assistants Publisher over the years, so we feel this to be a fitting tribute. By Cory Janzen Terry Davey OGSA President The summer is once again flying by and I hope you are taking the time to enjoy it not only at the golf course but with friends and family terry@blenheim.ca as well. Most courses have been in great shape despite the cool, wet conditions. Drainage, dollar spot and weed control have been ongoing challenges this year. Just prior to the Canada Advertising & Administrative Manager Day long weekend, several properties along the central and lower Grand River experienced Diane Davey catastrophic flooding after a massive rainfall event in the northern part of the watershed. The diane@blenheim.ca cleanup is ongoing and the wet year hasn’t helped. Tel: 289-337-4305 The conference is always on our mind and several sponsorships have been sold. There are definitely more available and I encourage all associate members to contact Sally to discuss the possibilities. Remember that we are all in this together, and every dollar donated goes into Production & Design making the show better. Patrick Kilborn A big thanks to Justin Parsons who retired from the ONCourse Committee as Editor. patrick@blenheim.ca Justin spent many years elevating the quality of the magazine and the submitted material. Sally and her very capable staff have taken on these duties in the interim, while we assess our needs going forward. Thank you to all who participated in the salary survey. Results are currently being compiled ONCourse is published four times a year and the full report will be available soon. Hopefully, you find the results useful as you start (November / March / June / August) preparing budgets for next season. ■ by Blenheim INK for: Premium Products for all Your Turf Needs Ontario Golf Superintendents' P0 Box 7, Waterloo, ON N2J 3Z6 Association Sally Ross, Executive Manager Tel: 519-886-0557 Guelph Turfgrass Institute Fax: 519-886-0605 1-800-465-5849 328 Victoria Road South Guelph, ON N1L0H2 www.oscturf.com Tel: 519-767-3341 Toll Free: 877-824-6472 Fax:519-766-1704 Providing engineering solutions Email: manager@ogsa.ca www.ogsa.ca to Ontario’s Golf industry. Engineering Design & Consulting Services Land Development & Approval Assistance Permit & Regulatory Agency Approval Assistance Published by Blenheim INK Irrigation & Drinking Water Supply Strategies Administration Office: Stormwater Management & Erosion Control Strategies 503-5340 Lakeshore Road GPS Surveying & Mapping Services Burlington, ON L7L 7A8 30 Centurian Dr. Suite 100 Markham, Ontario L3R 8B8 Phone 905 475 1900 Fax 905 475 8335 www.scsconsultinggroup.com www.blenheim.ca DYNAMIC DUO Your fall program is key to your summer success. Use Interface Stressgard for those fall diseases and count on Trilogy Stressgard to handle your winter diseases. This Dynamic Duo won’t let you down. @BayerGolfCA Twitter: www.bayeres.ca 1-888-283-6847 ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL INSTRUCTIONS. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, Interface Stressgard and Trilogy Stressgard are trademarks of Bayer. INSIDE THIS ISSUE INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ALMACK AGRONOMIC 23 SERVICES INC. AQUATROLS 6 www.aquatrols.com BAYER 4 www.bayeres.ca BRAEMAR BUILDING SYSTEMS 27 www.braemarbuildings.com BRETTYOUNG 2 www.brettyoung.ca DCS & ASSOCIATES 7 www.dcsturf.com FAST FOREST 23 www.fastforest.ca FMC GLOBAL SPECIALTY SOLUTIONS 31 www.fmcprosolutions.com GREEN HORIZONS GROUP OF FARMS 7 7 www.qreenhorizonssod.com GREEN JACKET 30 www.greenjacket.com NUTRITE 12 Features www.nutrite.com ONTARIO SEED COMPANY 3 10 Hamilton Golf & Country Club www.oscturf.com Rhod Trainor RD. SOLUTIONS 25 Superintendent, Hamilton Golf & Country Club www.pdsolutions.ca 14 Pro/Super Challenge Recap SCS CONSULTING GROUP LTD. 3 www.scsconsultinggroup.com 16 Work-Life Balance TURF CARE PRODUCTS CANADA 21,32 It IS achievable! www.turfcare.ca 20 When the final green is cut: TURF CARE IRRIGATION 15 Life after golf www.turfcare.ca/flowtronex TURFGRASS CANADA/QUALI-PRO 29 Regular Contributors www.quali-pro.ca 8 What's New UAPCANADA 19 www.uap.ca 24 Off the Fairway ZANDER SOD CO. LIMITED 25 www.zandersod.com 26 Looking Back 30 Turf or Consequences ONCOURSE 2017 Although every effort is made to check Departments material for publication, the association is not responsible for material published on 3 President's Message behalf of its contributors. All rights are reserved by the publisher and 7 Editorial Message any reproduction in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher is 23 ONResearch prohibited. Although some trade names may 28 Member Moments be mentioned in articles contained in this publication, no endorsement is intended or implied by the Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association. ON THE COVER ONCOURSE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE OGSA Members at Work and Play. Stephen Hicks, Kevin Kobzan, Reg Langen, Sally Ross, OGSA is committed to serving its members, advancing their profession, and enriching Al Schwemler, Cam Shaw, Ken Tilt the quality of golf and its environment. NOW AVAILABLE! The quality soil surfactant combining strength and flexibility - Now available in Canada! We are proud to introduce Sixteen90™, a proven Benefits of Sixteen90: soil surfactant chemistry specifically formulated • Provides excellent water repellency control to give you outstanding water management • Improves water movement in the soil profile performance, with built-in flexibility to best • Improves turf quality fit your course's unique challenges and your • Safe for use on all turf varieties existing turf management practices. To learn more about Sixteen90, contact your local Aquatrols distributor today. 1-800-257-7797 | info@aquatrols.com | www.aquatrols.com EDITORIAL MESSAGE ur theme for or motorcycle riding, it’s important to get O this issue is away from the course, spend time with Work, Life andfamily and friends and recharge, to ensure Balance. As we head you can make it through the season. into the dog days ‘Life after Golf’ for a few of our retired of summer, there is members is examined by Robert Thompson, no better time to who enlightens us on how some of our By Sally Ross consider this subject. retirees dealt with change in their lives, OGSA Executive Cory Janzen gets whether it was voluntary, or thrust upon Manager right to the point, them earlier than they expected. as he reflects on his journey to find a better The Annual Plant Products Slo-Pitch balance, by sharing his experiences and Tournament took place this past July, and speaking to others to find out how they its great to see many of our members off the balance managing the course, family life and course and on the baseball diamond. outside interests simultaneously. Our member moments page is self The subject is also intertwined in other explanatory. Many courses setting articles and pictures included in this issue up Canada Day displays to celebrate of ONCourse. our country’s sesquicentennial, these We garner more insight about long time pictures clearly display how our members member and Past President, Rhod Trainor, consistently go above and beyond, despite who was faced with work-life decisions early the many demands of their position. in his career, both with his June wedding, Barry Endicott examines 50 years and then with the birth of his child, which ago in ‘Looking Back’. A tribute to coincided with a scheduled job interview at Robert Moote, who passed away Hamilton Golf & Country Club. There is in June of this year, 50 years after no better way to display what we all know, having served as President of the OGSA. that there is no stopping Mother Nature. Robert became a member of the OGSA So whether it is sailing, fishing, coaching in 1960. ■ Remember to take some time off! THERE AREN’T ANY MULLIGANS IN BUSINESS CHOOSE GREENHORIZONS AND GET IT DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. David C. Smith, P.Ag., C.G.C.S dave@dcsturf.com Rob Witherspoon, b.sc. m.sc. rob@dcsturf.com Pam Charbonneau, b.sc. m.sc. pam@dcsturf.com Office 705-687-7645 Toll Free 1 -888-607-TURF www.dcsturf.com HAMILTON: 905.389.1315 CAMBRIDGE: 519.653.7494 GreenhorlzonsSod.com WHAT'S NEW SUPERINTENDENT RECOGNITION Jason Andress, Superintendent at Elmira GC, OGSA Past President, Mark Prieur (L), presents to Tom Kinsman (L), Superintendent at Whistle accepts the plaque with his wife Alison, and Duncan Kirk, Assistant Superintendent at Tangle Bear GC, and host of the LPGA Manulife Classic, children Delaney and Torin for hosting the Ontario Creek G&CC, and the grounds and maintenance receives a plaquefrom OGSA President, Junior (U19) Girls Championship. crewfor hosting the Canadian University/College Cory Janzen. Championship. OGSA Secretary Treasurer, Jason Boyce (L) Andrew Nieder (L), Superintendent at Deerhurst Past OGSA Director and 45 year member, Lamont presents a plaque to Ryan Sloan, Superintendent, Resort, and host ofthe Investors Group Ontario Anderson (L), presents a plaque to Dave Girard, Brockville CC, for hosting Future Links Ontario Mid-Amateur, receives a plaquefrom OGSA Past Superintendent, Ambassador GC, for hosting Championship. President, Thom Charters. the Investors Group Ontario Men's Amateur Championship. CONFERENCE MARK YOUR CALENDARS 2018 WELCOME UPCOMING 2017 OGSA to Our New Members Tournament & Events We are hard at work on the details of the event and by the time this OGSA Seniors Tournament Mono Hills CC, Orangeville, ON issue goes to print, registration will Delky Dozzi Class C Thursday, August 10,2017 be open. Once again, we have a Nobleton Lakes Golf Club super early bird rate for golf course Assistants Tournament Springfield G&CC, Guelph, ON personnel for the month ofAugust. Thursday, September 21,2017 Please refer to "Clippings” for the Ryan Judd Class F latest updates on registration dates GBGSA Year End Finale / OGSA Alex Springfield Golf & McGhumpha Memorial Tournament and all other news related to the Country Club Rocky Crest GC, MacTier, ON conference. Tuesday, September 26,2017 24TH ANNUAL PLANT PRODUCTS SLO-PITCH TOURNAMENT TURNER FIELDS, HAMILTON, ONTARIO By Trevor Morvay, Turf Sales, Plant Products f you listen to any sport radio stations, I or watch any TV telecast, you will hear sportscasters state that dynasties no longer exist in sports. Obviously they have never attended the Plant Products Annual Slo- Pitch Tournament. On Saturday, July 29th, golf courses from across Ontario took to the diamonds at Turner Field in Hamilton to try and knock off RattleSnake Point, the tournament Champions ofthe past four events. After some very strong efforts from perennial entrants such as SouthBrook, Beacon Hall, and Deer Creek, and new comers Dundas Valley, our final still consisted of powerhouses Cardinal Golf and RattleSnake Point. In usual fashion the final was played with a very high level of skill and after four years of these teams playing each other in the final, a level of respect and familiarity was displayed as well. In the end RattleSnake Point came out on top Rattlesnake Point GC winsfor the 5th straight year. Cardinal GC - secondplace team. for the fifth straight year. We hope that everyone enjoyed the day at the diamonds, and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year for the 24th year. Plant Products would like to give a big thank you to the Ancaster Optimist Club for providing lunch to all participants and to the teams themselves. This tournament does not happen without you and we appreciated your support and effort to make it happen year after year. See you next year! ■ Burlington G&CCplays against Dundas Valley G&CC. In Memory of Robert Moote By Sally Ross, OGSA Executive Manager Corporation (CMHC) in Ottawa and Montreal. He worked with Robbie Robinson • 1948 Graduate from University of Guelph designing golf courses, as well as landscaping OAC in Ornamental Horticulture. for Alexander Graham Bell Museum, in • Member of the American Society of Golf Beddeck. Course Architects He went to Oakdale Golf Course to build nine holes and stayed there for 20 years from • Certified Golf Course Superintendent with 1957 - 1977. During this time Bob started the GCSAA the Ontario Turfgrass Symposium and it was • 1967 OGSA President held at Oakdale for a number of years before • 2008 Honorary Director Emeritus with the it moved to the University of Guelph. He also worked with the RCGA while at Oakdale for 5 Stanley Thompson Association. years looking after national conferences. Mr. Moote, Bob to his friends worked with He formed his own company Moote 8c Stanley Thompson at the Cutten Club and Associates, working with his brother David and travelled with him throughout Canada and Mark Prieur, OGSA Board Member (L), presents then later formed R.F. Moote & Associates, the United States and Jamaica. In 1952 he Robert (Bob) Moote, OGSA Past President, with and continued to work with his son and brother worked for Central Mortgage and Housing his commemorative 50 year member gift. in the business. ■ GC Highlight Member Profile Hamilton Golf & Country Club 232 Golf Links Road, Ancaster, ON Member Since 1983 L9G 2N5 Tel: (905) 648-4471 rtrainor@hgcc.ca Rhod Trainor Superintendent. Hamilton Golf & Country Club www.hgcc.ca By Jordan Kitchen, Assistant Superintendent Hamilton Golfand Country Club or 27 years, the name Rhod Trainor has About the Course F been synonymous with Hamilton Golf and Country Club. However, very few are Hamilton Golf & Country Club is a 27-hole aware that the partnership almost didn’t parkland style course nestled in the heart of happen. Ancaster. Its West-South layout was designed by “I had applied for the superintendent’s renowned English golf course architect Harry S. job at Hamilton and was scheduled for an Colt, a nationally and internationally ranked course. interview,” says Rhod. “But the day of the Architect: Harry S. Colt interview (wife) Sue went into labour, and I had to call from the hospital and cancel the Type of Club: Private interview.” Number of Holes: 27 holes plus a Luckily for all involved, the interview was 9-hole short course re-scheduled for the next day and so began Number of Rounds Annually: 30,000 the long-term relationship between Rhod diving, and even after graduating in Trainor and Hamilton Golf and Country 1976 continued to coach and dive at the Practice Facility: Driving range, chipping green Club. Even with three Canadian Opens Etobicoke Diving Club, his reason for and full length practice hole ('03,'06,’12), The duMaurier Seniors ('96) staying in Ontario. and the Canadian Amateur (’94), under Even though diving had become a his belt, Rhod remains humble about his passion, golf had been a part of Rhod’s life Major Challenges accomplishments at Hamilton and admits, for a very long time. He and his siblings Finding staff that want to work outside has been looking back, that a turf career had originally were air force kids and their dad’s career as increasingly challenging, as well as managing not been his number one career choice. a Captain in the Canadian Armed Forces greens with no drainage, the new weather While attending University of Guelph, took them all across Canada. pattern of extremes. Rhod became involved in competitive “We never spent more than 4 years in a In the Hot Seat weekends I’d be up, at the course for several Q: Favourite golf tournament? Q: Ultimate foursome? hours, and by the time I’d get home, the kids A: Masters A: Any of the three buddies I would be barely up having breakfast.” currently play golf with To this day, Rhod often joins Sue at Q: Favourite piece of turf equipment? home for breakfast - a welcome break after A: My fast-electric golf cart Q: Favourite Movie: particularly hectic mornings. A: True Lies Those who know Rhod only through the Q: Favourite golf course? turfindustry, maybe unaware that away from A: Top 5: Hamilton G&CC, St. Q: Lowest round and where? the course, Rhod is an accomplished curler Thomas, Essex, Devil’s Paintbrush, A: I don’t keep score who can be found many evenings through Glen Abbey the fall and winter at the Dundas Granite Club. It’s the same qualities that make Rhod an exemplary superintendent, that hold him single place,” remembers Rhod. his dad’s Volkswagen Beetle and set off for well on the curling ice. Rhod’s even keeled Sports became a way for the Trainor Guelph. temperament is a constant, no matter if it’s children to make new friends during their After graduation and realizing a diving a sizable win or a disastrous 4-end walk- many moves. Rhod’s mother, a great athlete career was not in his future, Rhod took an off-the-ice loss. Curling with long-time in her own right, passed on her love of assistant’s position at Wyldewood Golf friends and enjoying an after-game drink is baseball, golf, and curling to her son. She & Country Club in Oakville. This move what the game is all about for Rhod. But became his first golf instructor, and Rhod worked out for Rhod in more than ways don’t mistake his calm demeanour for a lack grew to love golf as much as his mother did. than one. It was there that he met his future of competitive edge or skill. In addition to In the mid 1970s, living in Nova Scotia, wife, Sue. By 1979, Rhod had moved on to winning major bonspiels, over the years Rhod played golf daily at a local golf course, be Superintendent at Chippewa Country Rhod won the 2015 Men’s Provincial before his shift working at a grocery store. It Estates, in Southampton. During his first Masters and travelled to Whitehorse for the was a mutual friend of Rhod’s dad, local golf year in Southampton, Rhod got married on national Master’s competition. course superintendent, Joe Bartkow, who June 21st, and subsequently took a week off You can’t be at one golf course for 27 first offered Rhod a job on the Greenwood for his honeymoon. years and not realize that both the turf Golf Course. “I had great and understanding owners,” “Joe said, ‘Trainor - you’re here all the notes Rhod. time anyway, why don’t you come work In the fall of 1982 here?”, remembers Rhod. Rhod took over the It wasn’t long after this that Joe started Superintendent’s asking Rhod if he had ever considered a role at St. Thomas career in Turf Management and told him Golf and Country about a turf course at the University of Club, a golf course Guelph in Ontario. that continues to “I mostly applied so people would stop hold a special place bugging me about it,” says Rhod. “I never in his heart. It was imagined I’d get in!” here where Rhod But much to his surprise a letter arrived, was able to hone his accepting Rhod into Guelph’s turf program. craft and develop as In that moment he decided, “I’m going to a superintendent. Guelph.” He traded in his motorcycle for As much as his career at Hamilton Golf and Country Club remains a What You Need to Know passion, Rhod has Predominant Grass Type: Poa annua always worked Rhod has enjoyed riding motorcycles as a pastime since he was 14. hard at balancing Predominant Soil Type: Sandy loam his personal and professional lives. Now a proud grandpa to Elizabeth, Rhod had three industry in general, and Hamilton Golf and Type of Greens: Native pushup Country Club, in particular, have undergone young children at home, Katie, Michael Course Length: 6,000 yds and Kurtis, when he first took the job in much change over the years. Upon arrival, Hamilton in 1990. he noted that the pump station needed Size of Property: 300 acres immediate replacement, while water supply “Living close to the golf course is how Size of Greens: 3.5 acres you make the balance work,” says Rhod. issues continued to plague the course until When the kids were younger, he enjoyed the construction of the new reservoir in Size of Tees: 3.5 acres the flexibility of being able to pop home Size of Fairways: 40 acres for lunchtime or after school visits. “On Continued on page 12 ... Continued from page 11... 2010. In 1990, Hamiltons turf department of USGA greens. The irrigation system and the day to day workings of job lists and staff was significantly underfunded, especially bunkers are also aging and under stress.” needs, gives Rhod the time needs to focus when it came to maintaining and purchasing Today, as Rhod reflects on the lessons from on larger visionary tasks, committee work equipment. Today, Rhod houses a barn of his golf journey from Chippewa to Hamilton and budgets. There have been many other up-to-date and sophisticated turf equipment he says,“It’s all about learning to manage people. assistants over the years who have moved on that is well maintained by his two mechanics. The sheer size of the operation precludes you to have successful careers in the industry. There are other issues that haven’t changed from being able to do everything yourself, so Rhod has made a profound impact on all that much. learning to delegate is important.” Hamilton Golf & Country Club and on “One of the things I noticed right away was Rhod’s 23-year assistant Tracy Fowler, the turf industry in general, all impressive the sheer number of trees around the greens,” has been a constant during Rhod’s tenure at accomplishments for a career that almost says Rhod. “Hamilton had a reputation of Hamilton. Tracy’s unique ability to manage didn’t happen. ■ losing turf year after year mostly because the greens were shaded by so many trees.” And thus, began Rhod’s efforts to educate the membership on the merits of good tree "My success and longevity as a superintendent can be linked management. directly back to Rhod. “I really had to change attitudes and teach members that trees are a detriment to good As a young assistant mentoring under Rhod, I learned many solid turf,” says Rhod. foundations to build upon in my own career. He taught me that The tree conversation is still ongoing a well-rounded Super needs to excel in areas beyond agronomy. as Hamilton enters into its most current challenge. The severe winter damage of These include: confidently making tough decisions, taking 2014 that was suffered by many courses in personal responsibility for those decisions, member relations, Southern Ontario, began internal discussions communication and politics. about what the future of Hamilton Golf and Country Club will look like. Rhod has been In a business where Mother Nature calls the shots, Rhod sees integral in facilitating the conversation on the opportunity where others see disaster. club’s new master plan put together by golf course architect, Martin Ebert of Mackenzie While Rhod and HG&CC are synonymous, I feel his true legacy 8c Ebert. If approved, the new master plan could see Hamilton undergo an exciting is in developing the many individuals who have gone on to construction project that would create new successful careers in the industry." greens, bunkers and irrigation system. Paul Evenden “Our infrastructure here is aging and has Superintendent many deficiencies,” says Rhod. “There are 5 Brantford Golf and Country Club different types of greens here at Hamilton - some original pushup greens to a handful 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 "We are all in this together" EDUCATION SESSIONS Just What the Grass Requires: Using and Understanding the MLSN Guidelines for 2018 ONTARIO GOLF COURSE Nutrient Recommendations MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE Leaves of Grass: Applications and Implications of Clipping Volume Fallsview Casino Resort Conference Centre Dr. Micah Woods, Ph.D. Chief Scientist at the Asian & Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites Turfgrass Center, Assis­ tant-Adjunct Professor at the University of Tennessee Niagara Falls, ON | JANUARY 16-18,2018 Fairway Rolling on Control of Dollar Spot and Thatch Management Keynote Speaker: Dr. Geunhwa Jung, Ph.D. Professor, University of Tuesday January 16th, 2018 Massachusetts, Stockbridge School of Agriculture Bill Carr High Performance Putting Award-Winning Comedian & With Opening Surfaces Motivational Speaker Night Party at Dr. Frank Rossi, Ph.D. New York Extension Turf­ Bill Carr is known as an actor, award Jimmy Buffett's winning satirist, writer, and speaker. grass Specialist, Associate For over twenty-five years, Bill has Margaritaville! Professor of Turfgrass been making people laugh at what's trivial while helping them think Science in the Department deeply about what counts. Bill's keynote speeches help people see of Horticulture at Cornell their world in new and exciting ways. His unique blend of humour University and insight inspires laughter and consideration. Bill is comfortable with audiences from 12 to 1200 and beyond. Human Resource Session Bob Farren Director of Golf Course Maintenance and Grounds at Pinehurst Resort Registration Now Open! Technology Session Special Early Bird rates available until November 30th. "We Grow Golf' Go to the OGSA website for more details! J. Paul Robertson www.ogsa.ca Room Rates $109-$139 Superintendent and Project Manager at Victoria Hilton Niagara FalIs/FalIsview Hotel & Suites Golf Club Free parking at Hilton Hotel; WiFi included Pro/Super Challenge Recap Scott Brook (L), Host Superintendentfrom Osprey Valley Golf receives a Sean Gunn (R), Superintendent at The Country Club, accepts a chequefor plaquefrom Mark Prieur, OGSA Past President. winning the 50/50 draw. 1st Place Team - Superintendent, Richard Butler (L) and Golf Professional, Trevor Hay (L), host GolfProfessionalfrom Osprey Valley Golf, receives Brent Goodman of St. Andrews East Golf Club. a plaque. By Sally Ross, Mark Prieur acted as Emcee. Superintendent Jason Crawford There were no skins, so a OGSA Executive Manager Superintendent Richard and Golf Professional Joey random team draw was done, Butler and Golf Professional Pavone. and the $500.00 prize was split he OGSA’s Annual Pro/ Brent Goodman, from St. Mike Giblin from Willow by five teams T Super Challenge took place on Monday June 5, Andrew’s East GC, won first place with a net best ball score Valley GC, had the longest drive for the Superintendents, The prize for the 50/50 draw was just over $200.00, with 2017, at Osprey Valley Golf of 62. Following with a score of and Padraig Kelly from Ladies Sean Gunn, Superintendent at - Heathlands, hosted by 64, was Superintendent Mike GC of Toronto, had the longest The Country Club, as the lucky Superintendent Scott Brook Powers and Golf Professional drive for the Golf Professionals. winner. and Golf Professional Trevor Kevin Bailie, from National Closest to the pin winners Despite cloudy, cool and Hay. Pines GC. In a close third were Richard Butler and damp conditions, the rain held 54 Golfers took part in the place, with a score of 65 was Brent Goodman, both from off and a great time was had event and OGSA Past President the team from Eagles Nest GC, St. Andrew’s East GC. everyone in attendance. ■ “Flowtronex provides all the necessities for any successful golf irrigation program.” John McLinden, Golf Course Superintendent Ladies ’ Golf Club of Toronto _ NEW - Retrofit Packages Quality. Efficiency. Reliability. • Built with quality components • Designed to maximize water & energy efficiency • Real time integration with Toro central irrigation controls • Reliable after-sales installation & service offered exclusively in Ontario by FlowNet certified Pumps Plus • Retrofit packages available Call Turf Care today for information on specification packages & pricing: Sean Lavin, Golf Irrigation Manager Turf Care Products Canada 905-715-3985 | seanl@turfcare.ca TURFCARE Helping your business GROW. Products Canada Limited Eastern Canada’s FLOWTRONEX Distributor for More than 20 Years Join the conversation: @TurfCareProdCA Twitter Visit: turfcare.ca/flowtronex Work-Life Balance It IS achievable! By Cory Janzen, Superintendent, Westmount Golf & Country Club have had 30 years’ experience in the golf industry. There are many fantastic aspects about our profession, such as working outside, brk-life balance. What does it mean, and how does one making capital improvements, interacting with colleagues, playing W achieve it? There are many perspectives on this topic, and golf on great courses, and so forth, but there is also a dark side. Those a lot of information readily available. The truth is that it means who are considered to be the most successful in our profession tend different things to different people, depending on what stage to be detail oriented, perfectionists. This can lead to problems with they are at in their career, as well as other factors like their family attaining work-life balance. situation and commitments. One thing is certain, we work in an Much of my golf industry experience has been comprised of industry that has the potential to adversely affect our family life, working for several old school’ superintendents, who equated time particularly in the summer. spent at work with success. Let me be the first to say that I am not In writing this article, I have considered my own experiences, judging anyone, and we all make decisions that we may later come and have also spoken to some other superintendents. While these to regret. My experience over the years has been overwhelmingly stories may not align directly with your own experiences, it is my positive, but to deny the negative aspects, would not be realistic. intention to get you thinking about work-life balance, why it is I can remember early in my career feeling unable to ask for a day important, and how you can work towards achieving it. off, for any reason. You were expected to be at work, unless you were In my case, the only job I have ever had, is working outside on a in the hospital. For example, someone I worked with scheduled golf course. I started working when I was 17, which means that I their own marriage to coincide with their weekend off, and they Ray Duke (Dlugokecki) and his wife Annette, biking in Mount Tremblant, Quebec. didn’t take a honeymoon until the winter, not taking even one day would have really off! The idea was that even one solitary day off, was a luxury that good reasons for could not be afforded. The same mindset applied to leaving work on needing a day or time; we would never plan anything for two hours (or more) after two off and I started the regular end of the 8-hour work day. Leaving on time was seen as begrudgingly, to weak, and sometimes resulted in passive aggressive ridicule - there allow them to take was always one more thing to do before leaving for the day. Of the time. course, that is true in almost any profession, work will expand to fill What stood out the time you allow it to, but at what cost? At the time, I was young, after several of these Daughter ofJennifer Pendrith; Brooklyn, and unmarried, and I had lots of spare time after work. But, working 60 episodes, was that family pet Clover, visiting the course. or more hours per week does not make anyone better at their job. all my fears about In fact, it probably makes them worse. There is no way you can be the golf course sharp when working that many hours, and doing so could possibly suffering in some way were unfounded. Staffing has to be managed compromise safety. The culture at the time was that everyone must so there are not multiple people off at the same time but that is go through the same experiences as the entirely possible. Does it mean that I, or prior generation, this was considered one of my assistants might have to do paying your dues’, and there were no a job that ordinarily we wouldn’t do to exceptions. It was, and to some extent Those who are considered to be fill in? Absolutely, but there are positives still is, seen as a badge of honour to work that can come out of that too. I know really long hours. the most successful in our from the number of returning staff we We now are heading into an era where profession tend to be detail have that these changes in management work-life balance is important across all strategy are appreciated. I think earlier professions. We can’t tell ourselves that oriented, perfectionists. in my career, I lost some good people by our jobs are different for whatever the This can lead to problems with being too rigid. We now have built an reason, because this is not the case. Most excellent staff base which in turn allows of us work year-round, so the excuse of attaining work-life balance. me to be even more confident when getting the winter off to balance things taking time off. The small steps taken out doesn’t fly. The old school’ type of over time to make things better for my thinking is slowly coming to an end, but employees, have actually made it better we still need to ask ourselves how we can improve. Earlier in my for me as well. How great is that? career, I tended to emulate the superintendents I had worked for Getting to the point where I first took time off in the summer was previously in many ways. After all, they were successful and their difficult for me, however, I was determined that I would make time reputations had stood the test of time, so why not act similarly? for my family. A situation arose where my family were at a cottage This meant no in-season holidays for any staff, including myself. But what slowly happened over time was that good employees Continued on page 18 ... Continued from page 17... Cory Janzen coaching his sons hockey team. in Muskoka for a week, and my kids kept asking me if I could come, learn this and take the time to recharge through the summer and be and I kept telling them maybe, and then feeling guilty about it. In mindful that balance is important. Family time and personal time the end, I (anxiously) went and was really glad I did. There was is fleeting.” a certain amount of guilt and trepidation initially because of all my past experiences. But I am here to tell you that my fears were ROB BELL unfounded, and whenever I take 2 or 3 days off, the course looks Rob Bell from Copper Creek Golf Club says, “We had a high exactly the same as it did when I left, and sometimes better. I am turnover year, and we met as a management group to see what we now a much different manager, and a happier person in general. Are could offer our staff. Time off was huge for students and semi­ there days and weeks where we work more than normal to complete retired staff, so we hired more staff and introduced more part an important task or host a big event? Of course, but the scales of time hours. The extra bodies allowed us to accommodate time work and family are much closer to being balanced for me and that off requests. Turnover is far less, and summer burnout isn’t as big helps to alleviate the pressure both at work and at home. an issue. It’s hard to keep staff if you aren’t a little flexible with It is unfortunate its taken me this far along in my career to realize time off, we are dealing with a different work force now.” Bell, who it, but it is empowering for me and is also important training for admittedly would like to find a little more work-life balance himself, those left in charge during my absence. goes on to say, “I’ve become better at it, but there is still room for Taking a few days off leaves you refreshed and ready to attack the improvement.” job with a new perspective. It goes without saying that you do have JENNIFER PENDRITH to be responsible and ensure that the people you leave in charge Jennifer Pendrith from Kawartha Golf & Country Club, has a when you are away are capable. If you don’t have people you can rely unique perspective: she started her career at a golf club where time on, it should be a priority to get them trained and able to handle off was frowned upon during the golf season, and working 12-hour things for a few days on their own. Try it and I am confident you days was expected. Ten years into her role as superintendent, she had will agree with me. a baby on the way and maternity leave to plan for. Pendrith says, “The I spoke to a few other superintendents to try and gauge where the idea of taking an entire year off seemed completely unmanageable industry is currently at: to me. I tried to develop a modified leave plan where I would be back part-time and involved in managing the course after 3 months, KEITH BARTLETT and then back full-time after 6 months. The club insisted I take Keith Bartlett (now with Bayer Environmental Science) realized the full year to spend with my daughter. I’m so thankful it worked that he had allowed work to define who he was and it became all out that way and I wouldn’t trade that year for anything.” Pendrith encompassing. He now works for Bayer and they truly believe that admits that during the busy summer months, it can be challenging work/life balance is critical and endorse that through their mission to find the right balance between commitments to the golf course statement to be sure team members understand what is truly and spending time with family, but making the effort to keep that important. Bartlett says, “I now see how it should have been and balance ends up helping you do a better job at both. She’s adopted like other things I have recently learned, I wish I had understood that same philosophy with her staff by being flexible with time off this sooner. Fortunately, I have a second chance with my family and during the season. It has made for a happier, more motivated team working for a great company like Bayer. I hope superintendents that doesn’t suffer from that typical August burnout. 9 waYs to HealthyTurf respond® 3 grows your turf health from the roots up Increased depth of water penetration: 1 Increases rooting depth RAY DLUGOKECKI 2 Aids survival in drought conditions Ray Dlugokecki from Springfield Golf & Country Club states 3 Favours deeper rooting grasses that, “I make sure I have enough staff and that they are cross trained to do multiple jobs.” His philosophy is that family comes first, and he Water soaks in more evenly: is trying to instill that idea into his staff as well. He has no problem 4 Avoids puddling taking short periods of time off during the season, and allows his staff to do so as well, as long as it’s one person at a time. Ray says, 5 Helps with drainage “I firmly believe you need to work hard to have a good life, but you More even water distribution/retention: do not always have to sacrifice family life because of it. The old days are gone as far as I’m concerned. No one asks you how many hours 6 Better use of water may reduce the need you put in as long as the course is good and no one thanks you for for irrigation putting in 8,10, or 12 hours anyway!” 7 Improved turf colour AL SCHWEMLER Al Schwemler from Toronto Golf Club, says that like many of us, Reduction in the symptoms of localized dry spot: he started out working for superintendents who allowed minimal 8 More even playing surface time off while the golf course was open. Looking back to when he was promoted to a superintendent position of his own, he now 9 Healthier turf realizes that, “We depended too much on ourselves, and didn’t give enough responsibility to our assistants. Now assistants are basically Grow your turf health superintendents who are well qualified to run the course operations for a few days.” Unless there are big events on, Al will allow himself from the roots up with and his staff 3-day weekends over the summer providing its one person at a time. Al doesn’t have children but values time away from the course with his wife and friends, usually with a fishing rod somewhere nearby. Still think you can’t take any time off during the season? Health Canada commissioned a study to look into work-life balance entitled, “Reducing Work-Life Conflict: What works? What Ontario & Maritimes: 1-800-265-5444 doesn’t?” Google that title if you really want to learn more about West: 1-800-561-5444 this topic. Be warned that it is a massive review, but there are BC: 614-864-2866 some great points made. Hopefully, you can give it a scan while Quebec: 1-800-361-9369 www.uap.ca having a coffee on a dock at a cottage sometime this summer. Always read and follow label directions. Respond 3 is a registered trademark of Loveland Products. Inc You’ll be glad you did. ■ When the final green is cut: Life after golf By Robert Thompson with the golf business or make a clean cut and walk away? After the last green is cut, and the course is put to bed for the fall, what is the aul Dermott didn’t intend to finish his golf career in 2005. next step in your life? P Dermott thought he was doing well at York Downs Golf and Country Club, the private club located north ofToronto. Sure, he was Not surprisingly, the answers are never singular. “I spent most of my life at the golf course—I’d been doing it for aware there were issues; he had disputes over budgets and spending decades,” says Barry Endicott, who worked at Nobleton Lakes outside with then General Manager, Leonardo De La Fuente. Dermott had of Toronto, helping lead the renovation of the course with Carrick concerns about how some of the club’s financial operations were Design. “You take ownership of the course, and you have a hard time being undertaken, but says that didn’t affect how he conducted his walking away from that.” job. He soon recognized De La Fuente, who would later admit to Endicott left Nobleton Lakes in 2003, and though he didn’t return defrauding the club of $600,000, wasn’t his biggest supporter. Yet, he to working as a course superintendent, he wasn’t prepared to leave the says he brought his best to work and York Downs was recognized for golf industry either. Finding a job at 55 as a superintendent was an what it was—a golf course in exceptional condition. obstacle. Then, quite suddenly in 2005, Dermott found himself out of a job. “No one was looking to hire someone at that age,” he says. “A lot of He was 60 years old, and had no idea what his next move would clubs are looking to hire someone younger and pay a little less. Saving be. After all, Dermott was used to spending a long stretch at a club; money is just part of the business now.” he’d run agronomy at Oakdale, for example, for nearly 30 years before But Endicott did apply his skills in other ways, joining Evans making the move to York Downs. He also recognized the business Golf Group to help on the construction side of the business during was trending younger, and the chances of a veteran superintendent the final wave of new course construction that ended with the finding a new gig after unceremoniously losing his previous high- economic slowdown of2008. Endicott worked on Dragons Fire near profile job was unlikely. Without any planning, Dermott faced the Burlington, Ont., before finally shutting down his career in 2012. He prospect his career was over. He’d have to figure out what life after admits moving on from golf was a challenge. golf would entail. “For four or five years after I left, I really missed [working as a “Id had enough at that point,” he explains on a call from his home. superintendent], which I think is the case with many of us,” he “I lived in Etobicoke at the time, and wanted to make a change. I explains. “But when I see what superintendents are working with now played golf at Brampton for a year after York Downs finished, and in terms of staff and budgets, I’m glad I’m not doing it every day.” then it was time to make a real change.” Bob Heron, who spent 16 years at Beacon Hall in Aurora, Ont. Dermott faced the same situation many veteran superintendents before retiring in 2006, says distancing himself from the course and must address—what do you do when you leave the golf business, his co-workers took time. whether or not it is on your own terms? Can you still enjoy the game? “There’s a lot of self-satisfaction that you get out of growing grass Do you have other interests to keep you engaged? Do you interact and maintaining a course,”he says. “And after I left, I really missed the Barry Endicott and his daughter. Bob Heron and wife Carolyn, relaxing in Florida Paul Dermott getting ready to build another house for the winter. on property. staff. I had a great staff at Beacon. And you miss the good members, early Friday to go fishing. the ones who are supportive and helpful.” “You have to be incredibly committed,” says Pelino Scenna, Finding something to replace the connection most superintendents 77, who spent 22 years as superintendent at Burlington Golf and have with their job, the course, and their staff is a challenge. The Country Club before retiring a decade ago. “I never took a day off. superintendents interviewed for this story talked about working long It is an attitude.” hours seven days a week in the summer. While the job was their But Heron says he always looked at his friends who could spend passion, they often envied friends who had time to sneak away for a long weekend at the cottage in the heat of July, or sneak out on an Continued on page 22... FUTURE PROOF DESIGN. INFINITY Series Golf Sprinklers Top accessibility with patented SMART ACCESS design that features built in upgradeability, with no digging. Lower your operating costs, increase watering efficiency and FUTURE PROOF your course. *BUY 4 SPRINKLERS - GET 1 FREE! (use promo code ONCOURSE) Contact the Turf Care Golf Irrigation Sales Team to order or book a demo: 1-800-561-TURF | golfirrigationsales@turfcare.ca | turfcare.ca/golf-irrigation TURFCARE Helping your business GROW. Products Canada Limited Eastern Canada’s TORO Distributor since 1975 Join the conversation: Twitter @TurfCareProdCA * limit 2 free sprinklers per course Continued from page 21... Pelino Scenna enjoys a quiet moment in the garden. Paul Dermott, ready to go to Cruise Night. days in the summer on holiday and wondered what it would be like. of productive years ahead. Most aren’t content simply reflecting on “I really envied those people, the ones who could go to cottages,” the past—they are finding ways to keep themselves engaged for the he says. That led him to move to a cottage in Georgian Bay after his future. retirement. Endicott spends his winters working with disabled skiers, a Interestingly, the affection retired superintendents have for golf challenge that’s replaced growing grass for the turf veteran. It allows seems to vary. Several still remain very connected with the game, him to combine his passion for skiing with his desire to give back playing a handful of times a week during Ontario’s summers, and often to the community, and he can be found assisting disabled skiers a escaping to the U.S. during Canadas cold months. But distancing couple of days a week in the winter. Heron winterized his cottage themselves from their jobs and the connections to the course, the and moved permanently to Georgian Bay, with his finances on solid clubs and the members, is often an issue. It is also hard to not return footing thanks to his wife, a financial planner. to their previous mindset and start looking at the agronomy of the “I don’t get up nearly as early as I used to, but there’s a lot of chores course, and the maintenance practices of the club’s superintendent. to do around the property—it keeps me busy,” Heron says. “I go out and have fun, but I’ll admit I notice everything—is there Dermott bought a small farm with 45 acres and works maintaining garbage out, how the turf is doing, all of that,” says Dermott. That’s the property. “I have four to five acres of grass to cut, so that keeps me true for Heron as well: “Some people play golf and remember the occupied,” he says. More recently he’s been working on the farm’s barn holes, I remember the conditioning and whether there were rocks in and shop, restoring both. the bunkers.” But once a superintendent, always a superintendent. The industry Scenna, who received a lifetime membership at Burlington Golf veterans may not have to think about the challenges of an Ontario and Country Club, plays the course three days a week. There have winter, or the issues with budgets and environmental issues on a daily been two supers at the club since he retired (Dean Baker is the current basis, but they all still ponder the nuances of the job and the hurdles superintendent), and while Scenna says he still worries about how current superintendents face. Burlington will recover from the winter, he’s learned to simply enjoy “You have to have a lot of patience to do the job and you constantly the experience of playing the course. have to recognize the course isn’t yours—it belongs to the members,” “I’ve never really quit going to the golf course, though I don’t says Scenna. “You’re always working for someone.” get there at 5:30 am anymore,” Scenna says. “And when there’s a Dermott understands why some younger superintendents have problem at the club, I always say to Dean, ‘Good it is your problem made the switch into sales or other parts of the golf industry. and not mine.’The members will ask what I think and my answer “I admire them,” he says. “I see these guys leaving to get involved in is the same—no comment. I’m a swinger of a club now, not a cutter sales and you know they are making that change to have what might be of grass.” called a regular life. But I was a greenskeeper—and it gets in your blood.” Some can break the connection to golf altogether. Dermott says And for most of those who have retired and left the business, it will he only plays a handful of times a year, and that’s enough; he doesn’t always be there. ■ really miss it given how much of his life he dedicated to the game. That said, perhaps it is part of their personalities, but few supers Veteran golfjournalist Robert Thompson is Senior Writer at retire and sit by the beach. Those retiring in their fifties or sixties, as SCOREGolf, a columnist with Global Golf Post, and television golf is the case with much of the Canadian population, still have a number analystfor Global News. ONRESEARCH Technical Support Renewed and also implemented a strategy for turf related digital media to promote turfgrass and education at the University of Guelph. Watson also has served as an instructor in the Diploma in Turfgrass Management program teaching an applied case studies course. “The GTI and the Department of Plant Agriculture recognize the importance of investing in technical support for research programs and we are very pleased to have John joining our team in this capacity,” states Eric Lyons. Watson has both a B.Sc. in Agriculture and a M.Sc. in Plant Agriculture from the University of Guelph. His M.Sc. research focused on nitrogen fertility of different John Watson in the Greenhouse. species of putting green turf. “I am very excited about the future of turfgrass research at the University of Guelph and it is truly an By the Guelph Turfgrass Institute of their research programs. The two honor to be a member of this niche research researchers have significant programs with program” says Watson. “As we embark on he University of Guelph is please to graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, a new era with the construction of a new T welcome a new technician in turfgrass and research associates in addition to science and management. John Watson other technical support and undergraduate state-of-the-art research facility, we must reflect on our past, look to the future and enters this role with over 10 years of practical technicians. how we can best serve the turfgrass industry experience in the golf course industry, most “I am very excited about my new role over the decades to come.” recently at the Victoria Park Valley Golf with the turfgrass research program at the In his short time as Research Technician, Club in Puslinch. From 2008-2015 he University of Guelph,” says Watson, “I Watson has initiated five industry service held the position of Assistant Golf Course know that my practical experience from the research projects and is currently assisting Superintendent and learned invaluable skills golf industry, combined with my research with two graduate student projects in the from turfgrass industry colleagues David background will allow me to excel in this Jordan/Lyons lab group. “I have always had DeCorso and Jason Sewell. Watson has new role.” a passion for turf and I believe it is essential been an OGSA member since 2006 and is Prior to this role, Watson was employed not only for recreational playing surfaces, but also active in many other turfgrass industry in the capacity of GTI communications also has many important functions in our organizations. coordinator where he disseminated current urban landscapes that are often overlooked. Watson will work with Dr. Eric Lyons, turfgrass information to industry. He One way we can communicate these benefits Professor and Director of the GTI and Dr. was a key liaison and point person for is through education, training of graduate Katerina Jordan, Associate Professor to GTI relations and the relocation project, students, and conducting innovative research assist them with the day-to-day operations managed GTI social media accounts, projects here at the University of Guelph.” ■ 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 OFF THE FAIRWAY PLANTING FOR SUCCESS ig a hole, place the plant in the hole, Once these factors have been considered the plant an opportunity to set root, which D brush some soil around it, give your and the right plant has been selected for hands a wipe, and walk away. That sounds the area, planning on how to water the new will help it survive winter. Also, being lazy when it comes to watering new transplants fairly easy, almost as if anyone with hands transplant is important, because depending is not an option; even if it rains, that will could do it. It is true that anyone can move on the size and type of plant, and the not provide enough water. Typically, after a some soil and throw a plant in a hole and weather conditions, watering may be done transplant, the root mass is limited to the walk away, but the results may not be quite often, even up to twice a week if it is hot. canopy of the plant, which means that the what was expected. Unfortunately, nothing Also, the timing of when transplanting rainfall wont even travel through the plant in life is as easy as it seems, especially for to be absorbed by the roots. Watering slowly those who attempt to do something that they and deeply, and putting the water right have no previous education or experience in where the roots are located is important doing themselves. For example, I used to The principles for planting to ensure water absorption. To make sure attempt to do my own taxes, but I discovered that the plant is being watered directly into that it was money and time which could be are pretty similar for small the root area, build a well around your new better spent on getting a professional to do annual to a 10' tree. transplant just outside the canopy. Next, it properly. For those who are interested a water within the well to the point of pooling bit of information which will help guarantee but not breaching the well, then let the water that planting projects not just survive, soak into the soil, and do this repeatedly to but thrive, these are some practices the needs to occur should be considered. Trees, help the water get deep, and soak around professionals use on their plants. shrubs and perennials should be planted the root mass. Watering immediately after The principles for planting are pretty early spring to mid spring, and/or early fall. transplanting will help settle the soil around similar for small annual to a 10’ tree. The Planting in the early spring will establish the roots which creates good root/soil first step is to identify the conditions of and create a decent root mass before the contact. Mulching new transplants helps the site, which ensures that the correct heat of summer arrives and causes stress on keep the soil cool and retain moisture; I like species has been selected for the area. the plant. to leave the well open however, to allow any Next, consider several factors, such as the Watering more in hotter temperatures heavy rains to gather within the well and amount of full sun or shade (6+ hours is is necessary to ensure that the plant moves penetrate the soil. considered full sun), soil conditions, wind forward with root production. Planting in Now you know what to do when you’re exposure, surrounding plant species, etc. early fall after the summer heat will give ready to water, but before watering, there are a couple of important steps to take. One very dense at the bottom of the root ball, step is being able to identify whether there and can be an inch or two thick; try using is any pruning needed, for example, maybe a knife, handsaw or shovel to cut this entire some branches were damaged in shipping, mass off. or the plant is stretched from growing in When it comes to trees that are in wire tight quarters at the nursery, or perhaps the baskets, make sure to dig a big enough hole lower bran ches are hindering your ability that will allow you to get in and around the to work comfortably around the base of ball with a pair of wire cutters, because you the plant. Once any necessary pruning has will want to remove as much of the wire and been completed, it’s time to remove the burlap as possible. For backfilling trees, the plant from its pot. This next step is pretty best practice is to mix some of the native important; the solid mass of roots that have soil with planting soil; a compost mix is been coiling around within the pot will need most suitable, but always research the soil to be loosened. Please do not be afraid to types desired by the tree. Remember large use a shard knife to slice through these roots trees that came in a wire basket have had to loosen the root ball up. This action will a substantial amount of roots that were not kill the plant, but will save the plant. removed to be primed for sale. You should If the plant, especially if it is a tree or water larger transplanted trees once a week shrub, is planted without loosening the through their first month, and then through rootball, it could be detrimental to the times of high heat. Welling around trees is a longevity of the plant. Firstly, it will not good practice as well. show signs of healthy growth, the growth I hope this information saves a few that does exist will be slow, and eventually dollars, plants and hours. Happy planting the plant will choke itself. The roots will and good luck to you all. ■ continue to grow in a circle and will remain in the same area that they started growing, instead of growing out away from itself in Chris Cumming CLP, search of water and nutrients. If the roots Horticulturist ATTENTION! are really dense or extremely pot bound, use a tool to cut them; if the plant is not overly Muskoka Lakes G&CC, Port Carling, Ontario Email: root bound, use your hands to massage the IPM Certified root ball loose and break up the circling chriscumming@live.ca Tel: 705-765-3165 Agents of the roots. Sometimes the roots become Cell: 705-644-3994 Get your DELIVERING SUPERIOR SOD AND QUALITYSERVICE recertification credits • #1 Kentucky Bluegrass • Low Mow ON-LINE with • Extreme Fescue • Premium Bentgrass P.D. Solutions • Custom Grown Sod Available ★ Now offering ★ • Large or Small Rolls MORE Courses! living. Breathing. REAL GRASS IS Visit: RETTER! www.pdsolutions.ca HEALTHIER! or call Phone:877-727-2100 1-877-977-6774 www.zandersod.com LOOKING BACK Fifty Years Ago Today 1967 Board Of Directors n 1967 the Directors of the OGSA NEW MEMBERS: IN MEMORY: I were: Robert (Bob) Moote, President, Oakdale G&GC, David Gourlay, Vice Carl Disney, Whitby GC, Ross Haines, Humber Valley GC, Paul Dermott, Jim Wylie, former superintendent at Bayview G&CC, passed away at the age President, Thornhill G&CC, William Chinguacousy CC, Fred Klomp, Dentonia of 57 on January 17th, after a short illness. Park GC, Ed Ortlieb, Bayview GC, (Bill) Hynd, Secretary, St. George’s Mike Donahue, Don Valley GC, Louis G&GC, David Moote, Rosedale GC, Formosa, Lakeview GC, and Jerry Alex McClumpha passed away. Alex was Gord Witteveen, Northwood GC, Ian Rietveld, Pleasant Valley G&CC. farming the old York Downs course, when Williamson, Grandview GC, John it was purchased for a GC. He then worked Grightmire, Dundas Valley G&GC, ON THE MOVE: for the architect as the course was built Whitey Jones, Aurora Highlands GC,Jim and stayed on as the superintendent. Alex Rene Muylaert, who for 5 years was the (James) Wyllie, Bayview G&GC, Alec later moved to the Elms GC in Weston, superintendent at Chinguacousy CC, became a golf course architect working and later to Thornhill G&GC. He retired Chisholm, Niagara Brand Chemicals, and alongside his brother Charlie. Paul in 1963. Herb Creed, Westmount G&CC. Dermott took over as superintendent at Chinguacousy CC. TOURNAMENTS: Bill also won the WOGSA Taylor Barnes submitted as a candidate for director of the Tournament at the Port Colborne CC GCSAA. Meetings were held at Credit Valley hosted by Bill Robertson. G&CC, hosted by Doug Suter. First low gross was Bill Hynd with an 83, and the The RCGA Turf Conference was held guest speaker was George Clifton, Golf at the Skyline Hotel on March 15th. EVENTS: Professional, at Pine Valley GC. The CGSA annual dinner was held at The Western/OGSA joint meeting was the Northwood G&CC on March 31st, held at Dundas Valley G&CC on February hosted by Gord Witteveen. GreenMaster, On June 12th, there was a meeting held at 15th. Fred Grightmire, Superintendent, formerly belonging to the OGSA, was St. George’s G&CC hosted by Bill Hynd. was absent because of a car accident, but sold to the CGSA for the sum of $1.00 St. George’s would be the 1968 host of his son John, Beverley G&CC, acted as and became the official publication of the Canadian Open and the course was host on his father’s behalf. There was a the CGSA. lengthened to 7,000 yards by building 4 meeting at Westmount G&CC hosted new greens and some new tees. by Herb Creed in August. On September 19th, the first turf conference organized Editor’s note: Bob Moote passed away on by the OGSA, was held at the Oakdale The Alex McClumpha Memorial May 29,2017. ■ G&CC, hosted by Bob Moote. On Tournament was held at Aurora Highlands November 14th, there was a meeting held GC, hosted by Whitey Jones. Bill Bowen, at Markland Wood GC hosted by Bruce Barry Endicott Superintendent at Peterborough G&CC, Woolley. Retired Golf Course won the tournament with a 76. Superintendent Brampton, Ontario The GCSAA Conference was held in Tel: 905-846-1440 Bill Hynd was the winner of the CGSA barry.endicott@gmail.com Washington on February 5th and Keith tournament held at Carling Lake GC. Nisbet, Aurora Highlands GC, was Braemar Building Systems CUSTOM DESIGN • QUALITY BUILDINGS COMPETITIVE PRICES • Maintenance Buildings • Storage Facilities • New Buildings • Wood & Steel Structures For your FREE ESTIMATES call usât 1-800-215-1996 www.braemarbuildings.com MEMBER MOMENTS 1: Looking at the golf courses from Mt. Kidd on Canada Day. Mike Gentry, Assistant Superintendent, Kananaskis Country Golf Club. | 2: Happy Canada Day. Greig Barker, Superintendent, Highland Country Club | 3: Happy 150 Canada. Dennis Piccolo, Superintendent, St Catharines Golf & Country Club | 4: Celebrating Canada Day weekend at CC with some art on the back of the 18's. Sean Gunn, Superintendent, The Country Club | 5: Happy 150 Canada. Peter Asma, Superintendent, Greensmere Golf & Country Club. QUALI-PRO TURF HEALTH PRESENTS with INTAGLIO A NEW SOLUTION TO STOP SNOW MOULD IN ITS TRACKS You know what's coming. The only question is, what tool will get the job done? Introducing INTAGLIO, the new fungicide formulation with three proven actives for superior snow mould control. With multiple modes of action, only INTAGLIO protects your course from every angle. 3 MODES OF ACTION EASY TO USE DEVELOPED IN CANADA More power for Simple rates for Formulated for tough superior performance convenient control conditions QUALI-PRO.CA TURF OR CONSEQUENCES Weather Machines and Witches By Doug Breen, Superintendent, GolfNorth Properties that 24-hour period - not all day. I would take those odds in a Casino, 100% of the time. Lastly, 5mm is the equivalent of having t’s raining again today. It seems like it’s rained every second day, someone throw a cup of water on you, and like my Dad used to say, I since it stopped snowing. Environment Canada has confirmed, that this has been the wettest spring since 1942.1 heard about the “You’re not made of salt!” In 35 years of playing golf, there have been less than a couple spring of 1942 many times while growing up - it was one of my days per year, where there was absolutely no chance of getting 18 Dad’s favorite stories. It was so wet, that Canadian farmers were holes in. Sometimes I’ve had to sit in the bar for an hour or two, convinced that the Nazis had a ‘weather watching a football game while a storm blew machine’, and that they were using it to cause over (torture, I know), but if one simply goes crop failure in North America, in hopes of to the course, golf will happen, nearly every crippling the Allied war effort. time. He also told the story about the summer of But it’s not just that the average Ontarian’s 1949, when there was a killing frost in each understanding of probability and odds is of the 12 months of the year. That time, it abysmal - it’s that most folks don’t even read was suspected that the Soviets had a ‘weather the probability of precipitation. They just machine’. It seems that they spent a lot of look at the pictures. There’s always a grey time worrying about ‘weather machines’ in cloud, often with a cartoon frowny face on it, those days. and that’s enough to get 150 people to cancel Our ancient ancestors blamed poor their Saturday morning tee times. If the weather on angry gods, or sin, or insufficient smiling sun (ironically wearing sunglasses) is sacrifices. By the time we were settling North the graphic for the day, the pro shop phone America, we’d entered the age of science - will be ringing off the hook. If the weather and knew that poor weather was caused by forecast said, 99% chance of battery acid witches. Today, it’s common knowledge, that falling from the sky, followed by 99% chance unusual weather is caused by Syrian Refugees, of fire and brimstone bursting out of the and people who don’t recycle. Feels like: The temperature above. depths of the earth; but the daily graphic I saw a golf course’s facebook post, which was smiling sunglass wearing sun-dude - the said: “The sun came out today, and work on Tomorrow: Look, we have no parking lot is going to be full. the Ark has been temporarily suspended. idea. We've tried Ouija boards, dice, So, come on people! Play golf anyway. We’re Book a tee time, and come and see us.” tea leaves - everything that we can Canadians, and we deal with weather that can There’s no doubt that this spring has been kill us for half of the year. This weather will think of. Just book a tee time and unusually wet. Water levels in the great pass, as soon as we can get the witchcraft and lakes are much higher than they’ve been in go to the course. We don't know weather machines under control. In a few years. Olympic Island, where I often go to what we're doing. months, we’ll be shovelling our driveways, and see concerts in the summertime, is a ring of begging for a 20 degree day with 40% chance trees in Lake Ontario at the moment. On a POP: If you feel raindrops, then it's of showers - don’t squander the summer positive note; however, there have been very probably raining. of2017. ■ few days, where it has rained all day, and a golfer couldn’t get in 18 holes. Yet, golfers have been staying away from Ontario’s golf courses in droves. I blame weather forecasts. More specifically, I blame the fact that people tune into weather forecasts that they don’t really understand. PROVEN BY 20+ YEARS OF Let me explain. If a forecast says that SUPERINTENDENT SUCCESS. there’s “a 40% chance of 5mm of rain” - that • Patented IMPERMEABLE Reinforced means that there’s a 60% chance that it won’t Winter Cover Turf Protection System. rain at all. Furthermore, there’s a 40% chance • PERMEABLE Reinforced Grow-in Non-retouched client photo: that it will rain someplace around the course, Covers increase healthier turf growth. Greenjacket System coming off in the spring! but not necessarily on the course. As if that wasn’t enough, it means that there’s a 40% Find out how the Green Jacket System can make a difference for your turf. chance that it will rain at some point during Call 888-786-2683 I Emailinfo@greenjacket.com I SeeresearchatGreenJacket.com PROTECTION ON ALL FRONTS Experience Greens-Grade Performance with Fairway Affordability Benefits include: ■ Fast penetration into leaf tissues and rainfast within 15 minutes ■ Rapid foliar and root uptake with xylem and translaminar movement ■ Increase in root strength, length and number, demonstrated in university research ■ Broad spectrum protection against major turf diseases including Dollar Spot, Snow Mold, Brown Patch and more fmcprosolutions.com ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. FMC. FMC logo and Disarm are trademarks of FMC Corporation or an affiliate. ©2017 FMC Corporation. All rights reserved. IT BLOWS AWAY EVERYTHING Including the Competition. TORO PRO FORCE Debris Blower Delivering unmatched air power, durability and ease of use for fast removal of grass clippings, leaves, aeration cores, sand, gravel or other debris. ► Wireless Instant Idle Feature ► Unmatched Maneuverability & Versatility ► Two-Year Warranty Contact your Local Turf Care Commercial Equipment Sales Rep to Order or Book a Demo: Andy Sandilands, Eastern Ontario - 416-347-5056 Bill Martel, GTA - 416-606-6509 Derek Therrien, Ottawa - 613-290-7403 Chris Emerton, Northern Ontario - 905-715-6285 Mike Rossi, GTA Municipal - 905-715-6797 Steve Connors, Southwestern Ontario - 519-319-0539 Jason Sewell, Southwestern Ontario - 519-476-6548 Aaron Campbell, Southwestern Ontario & Niagara - 519-899-3023 TURFCARE Products Canada Limited Helping your business GROW. Ontario and Quebec’s TORO Distributor since 1975 Join the conversation: @Gr8estShowOnTRF Twitter Visit: turfcare.ca/commercial-equipment