AUGUST 2020 ON COURSE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS' ASSOCIATION Golf Course Architecture in Ontario ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Superintendents Transition to GM Roles Becoming a Superintendent, Are You Ready? CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to Qra^CS^SZBMgägi^RgK^Guelpji^ON NIL 0H2 TOGETHER WE TURF. Change is the only constant when it comes to turf management products and philosophies. The way our industry evolves so quickly can leave people confused, but we find it’s easier ro keep pace when we only surround ourselves with progressive partners who help us deliver innovative solutions. Together, we assess, analyze, and uncover the best way to maximize you and your team’s uncompromising efforts. Together, we aim to bring the best solutions possible in everything we do. Always listening, evaluating and growing. Together. Contact your local BrettYoung partner today 1-800-665-5015 I brettyoung.ca/turf PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE ver the past few months we have all been forced to make O tough decisions quickly as we shifted to new ways of working on account of COVID-19. Most courses are reporting increased rounds played with a staggering amount of cart traffic to compound Editor the wear and tear put on the grounds. Not to mention the fact that Courtney White much of it has happened during what has turned out to be one of members@ogsa.ca the hottest summers on record in our Province. You probably haven’t been thinking much about the OGSA Publisher during this busy time, but rest assured, we have been thinking By Tim Muys, about you. Diane Davey OGSA President. With many of the usual opportunities for planned events and diane@blenheim.ca gatherings being cancelled due to the pandemic, we have been considering how to best provide the services and benefits that were formerly given during in-person events, including Advertising & Administrative Manager our conference, education, and of course social and networking opportunities. Diane Davey Your board of directors is treating this time of social distancing and cancelled events as diane@blenheim.ca a time of opportunity - a time to collect data in order to figure out how we can develop Tel: 289-337-4305 new and alternative ways of membership engagement and new ways to provide critically important resources and information to our members. Production & Design You are an integral part of our organization, and as such we want to find out how you wish to receive our programming going forward. We would also like to know how you, your Patrick Kilborn staff and your organization are dealing with the impact of COVID-19, and how the OGSA patrick@blenheim.ca can provide additional support during these difficult times. To that end, you can expect to receive a survey from us soon. I encourage you to participate in the membership survey. Your valuable input will help us to plan short term and long term for the organization, and will assist us in creating scenario plans which will ONCourse is published four times a year allow us to continue pursuing the mission statement of our organization: "The OGSA is (November / March / June / August) committed to serving its members, advancing their profession and enriching the quality of by Blenheim INK for: golf and its environment". The OGSA was formed in 1924, with the purpose of providing up-to-date information regarding the needs and challenges facing superintendents and to elevate the status of the profession to benefit all members. In order to keep serving this purpose, we plan to use the data that we collect from our survey to prioritize where the OGSA should spend our future resources in order to meet the current needs of our members as the pandemic continues. We will of course tweak things as we go along as the situation with the virus continues to evolve. Ontario Golf Superintendents' Our association serves a critical role in addressing the emerging concerns of our Association membership as we adapt to “the new normal”. We’re here to support you during these Sally Ross, Executive Manager challenging times, keeping you up to date regarding the impact of the virus on our profession, Guelph Turfgrass Institute the industry, and the association. 328 Victoria Road South I know we will all rise to the challenge. After all, superintendents know better than Guelph, ON N1L0H2 anyone how to pivot when something out of the ordinary happens, whether it is a drought, a flood, an invasion of pests ... or a global pandemic. ■ Tel: 519-767-3341 Toll Free: 877-824-6472 Fax:519-766-1704 Email: manager@ogsa.ca www.ogsa.ca PROVEN BY 20+ YEARS OF SUPERINTENDENT SUCCESS. • Patented IMPERMEABLE Reinforced Published by Blenheim INK Winter Cover Turf Protection System. Administration Office: • PERMEABLE Reinforced Grow-in Non-retouched client photo: Covers increase healthier turf growth. GreenJacket System coming off in the spring! 503-5340 Lakeshore Road Burlington, ON L7L7A8 Find out how the GreenJacket System can make a difference for your turf. Call 888-786-2683 I Emailinfo@greenjacket.com I SeeresearchatGreenJacket.com www.blenheim.ca We'll meet you there with powerful snow mould protection When you’re looking for ways to keep your greens and fairways protected over winter, Bayer is ready with innovative new solutions. Our recently introduced Dedicate® Stressgard® fungicide features low environmental loading and variable application rates for powerful protection against all major snow moulds in Canada — making it ideal for your end-of-season winter preparation. es.bayer.ca Twitter @BayerGolfCA 1-888-283-6847 ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. Science for a better life Bayer, the Bayer Cross and Dedicate Stressgard are trademarks of Bayer. 69600-7/20 Inside this Issue INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ADVANCED EQUIPMENT 15,19 www.advancedequipmentsales.ca ALMACK AGRONOMIC SERVICES INC. 17 THE ANDERSONS 23 www.andersonspro.com AQUATROLS 31 www.can.aquatrols.com BANNERMAN 11,25 www.sportsturfmagic.com BAYER 4 www.es.bayer.ca BLUE EROG WATER GARDENS 8 BRAEMAR BUILDING SYSTEMS 7 www.braemarbuildings.com BRETTYOUNG 2 Features www.brettyoung.ca 9 GC Highlight & Member Profile GREEN JACKET 3 www.greenjacket.com Robert Clark, Superintendent, North Bay Golf & Country Club ONTARIO SEED COMPANY 30 www.oscturf.com 12 Superintendents Transition to GM Roles RD. SOLUTIONS 22 14 Becoming a Superintendent, www.pdsolutions.ca Are You Ready? TARGET SPECIALTY PRODUCTS 27 www.target-specialty.com 16 Golf Course Architecture in Ontario Regular Contributors TURF CARE PRODUCTS CANADA 6,32 www.turfcare.ca 24 Looking Back ZANDER SOD CO. LIMITED 21 26 Off the Fairway www.zandersod.com 30 Turf or Consequences Departments ONCOURSE 2020 3 President's Message Although every effort is made to check 7 Editorial Message material for publication, the association is not responsible for material published on 8 What’s New behalf of its contributors. All rights are reserved by the publisher and 20 ONResearch any reproduction in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher is Lifting the Veil on Plant Parasitic Nematodes prohibited. in Cool-Season Turf Although some trade names may be mentioned in articles contained 28 Member Moments in this publication, no endorsement is intended or implied by the Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association. ON THE COVER ONCOURSE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Bigwin Island, 6th hole at sunrise. Chris Lecour, Steve Rabski, Ryan Marangoni, OGSA is committed to serving its members, Photo provided by Doug Carrick. Kendra Kiss, Al Schwemler, Ryan L. Scott, advancing their profession, and enriching the quality of golf and its environment. Mike Pellerin, Sally Ross, Courtney White. TURF CARE Your exclusive Helping your business grow. Ventrac Dealer With over 30 commercial-grade attachments, Ventrac is your ONE TRACTOR SOLUTION for year round productivity. Turf - maintenance Material - loading and moving -Debris and snow removal -Operate safely on steep slopes -Fall leaf management - Clear thick brush, weeds & tall grass -Soil and site preparation -Easily manage out of reach areas Call your local Turf Care Sales Representative to book a free demo. Call: 1-800-561-TURF (8873) Learn more at: turfcare.ca ventrac.com Join the conversation: @Gr8estShowOnTRF @TurfCareProdCA EDITORIAL MESSAGE t’s business as (un)usual this year for golf For those who are planning to grow their nematodes, written by Cam Shaw and Barry I course superintendents and as you’ve read in Tim Muys’ President’s Message careers, we’ve included an article about superintendents transitioning to general Endicott has taken us down memory lane in Looking Back, 2005. Last, we’d like to and in What’s New, the OGSA has been manager roles featuring insight from John thank everyone for sharing their today in working hard to stay in touch, plan for the Gravett, Phil Scully and Jason Hanna. This Ontario photos on twitter.. .we’ve include a future and pull together another great issue is complimented by an article on what to few of our favourites in Member Moments. of ONCourse. I know most summers are expect when preparing to apply for and land On behalf of the ONCourse committee, we beyond busy for superintendents, assistants, the superintendent role. hope you enjoy the August Issue. Have a technicians and our suppliers, but this year Although plans for renovations might be great rest of the season! ■ according to Doug Breen, who has shared put on hold for a year or two, we thought his clever take on this year’s golf season, this was a great time to get to know a few “golf courses are full - like 1986 full. With architects in Ontario. Some of whom have Courtney White, no summer sports, roller coasters, and taken the stage at the Ontario Golf Course Member Programs & European vacations - we’re seeing new Management Conference over the last two Services, OGSA. golfers, prodigal golfers, and more play from years. We’ve reached out to Christine Fraser, ONCourse Editor. existing golfers.” Keeping this in mind, we Keith Cutten, Jeff Mingay, Doug Carrick, members@ogsa. ca really want to thank our volunteer writers and Ian Andrew to get their thoughts on Kendra Kiss, Chris Lecour, and Mike golf course architecture in Ontario. Pellerin for finding time to add researching With such an influx of golfers and cart and writing this issue’s articles to their long activity on the course this year, finding list of to-do’s. time to maintain peripheral gardens might Well thought out plans for the future are be tough. Chris Cummings shares tricks Please continue to one of the keys to success. Sure, the universe and tips on how to maintain gardens more will throw a wrench in the plan from time efficiently throughout the season. practice social distancing to time, but a good plan helps us to navigate We’ve also featured Robert Clark, through these times and stay, for the most superintendent at North Bay G&CC, and and stay safe! ' part, on course to achieve long term goals. a very interesting article on plant parasitic Braemar Building Systems CUSTOM DESIGN QUALITY BUILDINGS COMPETITIVE PRICES • Maintenance Buildings • Storage Facilities • Pump House • Half Way House • Washrooms For your FREE ESTIMATES callus at 1-800-215-1996 www.braemarbuildings.com WHAT'S NEW By Sally Ross, Executive Director, OGSA. OGCMC 2021 #TodaylnOntario2020 Adapting to change is never easy, and in Our members will still qualify for our social a situation that is in a constant state of flux, media awards this coming fall, so please keep it’s even harder. This month, your Board taking those wonderful pictures and sending of Directors agreed unanimously that the them to us, for the magazine and put them OGSA will not hold an in-person conference up on twitter, with our #todayinontario2020 in January 2021. hashtag and @OntarioGSA As many of you know, the association relies heavily on the conference revenue and SUPERINTENDENT the support of our supplier sponsorships RECOGNITION PROGRAM that we receive at the show to fund One activity we have modified, is our operations. Thankfully, due to prudent fiscal Superintendent Recognition Program management and the strong fiduciary actions and while we were unable to execute in of our Directors over the past few years, we person presentations, we have and will are in a position to weather the storm in our be acknowledging with a plaque all those 2020/2021 fiscal year, with the hope that we Superintendents who host GAO events this can bring the conference back, even if it has summer. Thank you in advance for sending to be modified somewhat, in January 2022. your photos in to commemorate the event. Please remember to stay safe and social UPCOMING INITIATIVES distance for your photos! We will look at investing time and effort SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM in a new, more streamlined website with a Gerry Fox, Superintendent, Dalewood GC, We will also be reviewing our scholarship simpler and more efficient approach to our Host of the Ontario Women's Amateur & program as the Board believes these items membership management activities. We have Mid-AM Championship. take precedence, despite the fact that this researched a few membership management coming fiscal year we will, for the first time programs, and reached out to many GCSAA in as long as I can remember, have to budget chapters asking for their recommendations for the systems they use. We want to take a deficit. Supporting members through the Heritage Award, the future of our industry Welcome to Our New Members the opportunity to pursue this change which through the Turfgrass Award, and our will enable us to better serve our membership Assistants through the Kirkpatrick Bursary into the future. Cameron Charlton Class C is high on our list of priorities. In lieu of the conference, we look into Glencairn Golf Club So as summer marches on, we have a creating strategic partnerships with those plan, at least for the foreseeable future and Jack Dixon Class C associate member companies who support after that, we remain hopeful that we can get Point Carling Golf & Country Club programs and events, to provide training together again soon. ■ modules and presentations for all our members to access when they have the time to take the training. Thinking ahead to the 2021 golf season, we are working on an inclusive and new format Blue Frog Water Gardens for one or two golf events (if we safely can execute them in 2021). We want to involve every segment of our membership at these events to hopefully allow for some face to face networking, albeit a little less close together. Biohaven Floating We are positive that by next season, even those who do not typically attend golf tournaments, may want to “get out there” and see the friends Pond Wetlands they have missed since the virus hit. GTI MOVE Now Available in Ontario We still have no idea when the move of the GTI will take place, details surrounding the completion of the new building, costs that are related to the move have not yet been 905-373-5103 established by the UofG, but this will be email: bluefrogwatergardens@outlook.com another activity that we need to review, plan and execute, when the time arrives. 8 GG HIGHLIGHT & MEMBER PROFILE North Bay Golf & Country Club 100 Tupper Dr, Member since 2011 North Bay, ON P1C 1N3 (705) 472-7270 Robert Clark Superintendent, North Bay Golf & Country Club www.northbaygcc.ca By Mike Pellerin, Superintendent, Saugeen Golf Club. Photos provided by Robert Clark, and North Bay G&CC. obert Clark was introduced to course About the Course About the Course: Built on a former farm in R maintenance at young age. In fact, the first time I met Robert he might have been 1921, overlooking the city and Lake Nippissing. all of five years old. I worked with Robert s The original 9 was laid out by Stanley father who was the equipment technician Thompson and the second 9 was built in the at the Idylwylde Golf and Country Club. mid-60's. While not a long course it is still a Andrews wife would visit with the kids and he would take them around the course challenging one with water coming into play for cart rides. Little did I know that little on 13 of 18 holes. boy would one day become a colleague and Private, semi-private, public, someone who would eventually take over my municipal, resort? Private role as superintendent when I left the North Bay Golf and Country Club. Architect: Stanley Thompson Maybe it was the early exposure to Number of holes: 18 maintenance that sparked the interest in about interviews. They have always told me becoming a superintendent. When asked what I needed to hear”. Number rounds annually: 25 - 30,000 who has been most influential on his career Robert’s first job was at the Idylwylde in Practice Facility: No Robert speaks of the support he has received Sudbury. He started in the turf department from his parents. “My dad has been in the and eventually began working in the kitchen. Other staff: industry for most of his life. Both of my He had enjoyed working in the kitchen and Mechanic, Gord White, parents instilled my hard-working mentality. after a few seasons he eventually put himself Assistant, Duncan Kirk, I have always known that I can reach out through the Chef Training Program at Second Assistant, Dan Walters to seek advice about issues on the course or Cambrian College. Shortly after school he In the Hot Seat Q: Favourite Major? Q: Ultimate foursome: You and Q: Favourite golf course? A: The Masters which three? A: Tobacco Road GC A: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk Q: Best piece of turf equipment? Q: Favourite course designer? Q: Favourite meal? A: Hard tie between the Toro Procore A: I don’t have a specific favourite designer A: Spaghetti 648 and Stihl 391 but enjoy pretty much any course. Q: Favourite movie? Q: Lowest round ever and where? A: Anything Quentin Tarantino or Q: Favourite Band? A: 85, Muskoka Lakes G&CC Guy Ritchie A: The Offspring realized that his true passion was with turf and decided to change career paths. Robert headed south and worked a season at Bond Head before returning the Idylwylde as a second assistant. Robert’s boss, Jay Sisko, encouraged him to enroll in the Turf Managers Short Course the following winter. Soon after completing the Short Course, he accepted a position at Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club as the Second Assistant. Jim Flett, the superintendent at Muskoka Lakes recalls, “I was looking for a guy that was hands on and someone who had a reputation of being a hard worker.” After a season Robert moved into the Assistant’s role and as Flett said, “he rose to the challenge”. The year 2013 proved to be exceptionally challenging. Flett remembers the severe winter damage as an extreme battle, “I believe we both learned a lot from that experience and going forward we’d do some things differently”. (L-R) The Clark Family, Arran, Vanessa, River and Robert. One of Robert’s best memories comes from his time at Muskoka Lakes where he He speaks highly of their hard work, passion to someone who is just starting out is “Work was lucky enough to witness an employee, for the job and their fun-loving nature. “We hard, stay positive, learn from your mistakes Nigel Eves score a hole in one on the 12th try to keep on the lighter side of things. It’s and try to see the lighter side of things!” hole during their round. After five seasons not work if you love what you do.” Robert’s The North Bay Golf and Country Club at Muskoka Lakes, Robert would leave to dog Arya spends most days with him on the has been in existence since 1921. The take on his first superintendent position golf course and tags along from task to task. property has tons of character and a solid when he joined the North Bay Golf and Growing up Robert was actively involved layout that demands player accuracy off the Country Club. with the Army Cadets and says a big lesson tee. It can be challenging to manage at times Robert leads a crew of nine at North Bay. he had learned was to lead by example. “I as it sits on the escarpment and there is not always try and to show my staff that I am much soil to work with. Winters can be willing to do any job that needs to be done. I problematic and there is always a concern for What You Need to Know always engage my staff, keep them happy and ice damage even under the best of conditions. Predominant grass type: Poa/ bent mix laughing which motivates them to complete Robert’s twitter handle is @dirtfarmer89, @ the task at hand”. Long term employee and bedrockbobby may be more appropriate Types of greens: Push up equipment technician Gord White enjoys considering the lack of dirt under the grass. Course length: 6509 yards the work atmosphere and leadership Robert Robert and his team have been focused on provides. “He is always ready to get down improving growing conditions over the Size of greens: 1.7 acres and dirty if needed, he leads by example. past few seasons with tree removal being Size of tees: 1 acres He has earned my respect by letting me do high on the priority list. Since joining the my job without interference. He is very club Robert has completed the rebuild of Size of fairways: 8.5 acres approachable and considerate to suggestions.” several tee complexes and has improved the Major Challenges: Drainage and Trees The biggest piece of advice Robert can offer playability of the ladies tees resulting in a Arya. more enjoyable round of golf. Canada. As much fun as they had, Robert’s North Bay Course Chairman and Vice- ideal vacation would be an all-inclusive Clean Green PresidentJordie Leggett has nothing but good destination with beaches and palm trees. things to say about Robert and the quality of Hockey keeps him busy in the winter and work he brings to the club. “He started at the baseball rounds out his summers. NBGCC as a young superintendent, finding Robert has been an OGSA member for his way. He has matured into a seasoned nine years and has been a superintendent professional with invaluable knowledge and for five. The North Bay Golf and Country experience. We are lucky to have him as part of our senior management team.” Club celebrates its centennial in 2021 which Outside of work Robert and his wife will be an exciting year for the club. The Veronica have a young family. His daughter members can be assured that Robert and his River is 5, and his son Arran is 3. The family team will be dedicated to making it a season Multi-Ject Aerator spent last Christmas, visiting the east coast of to remember. ■ Bannerman BA-400-S/S-H 1. Eliminate surface disturbance and core residue "Robert started at the NBGCC as a young superintendent, finding 2. Clean cut entry and exit of time 3. Aerify & putt immediately after his way. He has matured into a seasoned professional with 4. Revitalizes and encourages invaluable knowledge and experience. We are lucky to have him roots to growth as part of our senior management team." - Jordie Leggett, North Bay Course Chairman and Vice-President Call Bannerman today: 1-800-325-4871 SuperintendentsTransiti Credit Valley Golf Club. Photo provided by Jason Hanna. By Chris Lecour, Technical Sales Representative - Georgian Bay, beginning of 2020. He counts himself fortunate to have been able Target Specialty Products. to participate in numerous projects at Granite Golf Club over the years. Scully also believes that successful superintendents master the art of communication and promotion. “This stems from the here has long existed the idea, at least in golf business circles inherent passion we all have for our little pieces of property and the T and certainly among turf managers, that superintendents would naturally make excellent golf course general managers. overwhelming need to tell anyone who will listen about what we do and why we do it.’’This ability and desire to tell a story can manifest Several golf clubs in the GTA have former superintendents as their itself in successfully selling a board or committee on the need for an current general manager or COO, a move that seems to have gained improvement or investment on the golf course or in the clubhouse. popularity in recent years. There may be something about Granite Golf Club turning Phil Scully has literally grown up at Granite Golf Club where he out strong club managers, or perhaps the club just has a knack for currently serves as general manager at the private club. Scully joined hiring emerging club leaders in the early stages of their careers. John the club as an assistant superintendent in 2001 just as the club was Gravett, current general manager and COO at The Toronto Golf emerging from its grow-in and was preparing to open. He was Club, was the superintendent who hired Phil Scully back in 2001 promoted to superintendent in 2007 and general manager at the when he was the superintendent at Granite Golf Club. Gravett had formerly been the assistant superintendent at The Toronto Golf Club Reasons usually cited why Superintendents and superintendent at Credit Valley Golf Club. Eventually he would become the GM & COO at Granite Golf before leaving to take the make good General Managers: same position at The Toronto Golf Club in 2009. • They manage the largest asset and typically the Gravett believes that most superintendents already possess a largest budget at the club, number of skills that would lay the groundwork for them to pursue a role as general manager: accounting and financial management, • Superintendents by nature tend to be problem human resource management, department leadership, knowledge solvers, a desired trait among club leaders of golf operations, legislative knowledge, facilities management, and managing multiple departments that cater to interpersonal and communications skills. Other skills that would sometimes demanding guests, directly assist aspiring managers prepare for such a role, including • Their ability to manage projects would seem to food and beverage management, club governance, membership lend itself to upper management at most facilities, marketing, and strategic planning can be gained through a number • Those multitasking skills necessary for managing of institutions of higher learning or professional associations such as large projects are easily transferable to other areas the CSCM (Canadian Society of Club Managers) and the CMAA (Club Managers Association of America). of the business. Jason Hanna recognized the benefit of getting involved with the CSCM. Hanna is the current chief operating officer at Credit in club manager associations, both Scully and Gravett are former past Valley Golf and Country Club. Hanna joined the club in 2007 as the presidents of the OGSA. “I’ve been fortunate enough to spend my assistant superintendent and was promoted to course and property entire career actively engaged in professional development opportunities manager in 2014. He assumed the role of interim COO in early 2019 in provincial, federal and international superintendent and manager when Ian Webb, long time and beloved manager at Credit Valley was associations” says Gravett. “Even if you are not interested in a career diagnosed with glioblastoma. Sadly, Webb passed away in September in club management, I would recommend that superintendents and 2019 and after a thorough search to find his replacement, Hanna was assistants reach out to organizations like the CSCM to learn more about formally appointed as his successor in February 2020. club management as it will only help you better understand how clubs While Hannas ascent to his current position operate and bring more knowledge to your came amid unfortunate circumstances, he was respective roles.” Scully would agree: “What more than prepared for the role as he took an I have always appreciated as a superintendent interest in joining the CSCM long before the I would recommend that is the open and uninhibited desire to share opportunity at his home club came up. He information and resources between industry enrolled in some courses to widen his skill Superintendents and Assistants professionals. This culture of inclusiveness set with an eye towards becoming a general reach out to organizations like is magnified and encouraged through the manager someday. Hanna is also quick to credit the CSCM to learn more about associations... equally important is for both his Board of Directors and his current superintendents to push themselves out of superintendent, Chris Bouwers with making club management as it will only their comfort zones. Writing, public speaking the transition so seamless. He and Bouwers had help you better understand how and financial management outside of annual worked together so well and for so long that departmental budgets are all essential skills.” they often completed each others sentences and clubs operate and bring more Hannas advice for anyone with an eye it was an easy progression from superintendent knowledge to your respective towards advancing their career in club to COO with Bouwers help. roles." - John Gravett. management is simple: “Get out of the Faced with a delayed opening and restrictions due to COVID-19, managing member and bubble. ” He used to think the golf course guest expectations has been vital to the success of was ‘it’, but has long since realized that every each club this spring. At The Toronto Golf Club, piece of the business has to work for the club “once we opened our challenges were manageable due to the extensive to be successful. He has also realized that the number of hours required pre-planning and training and hard work of our senior management to be successfill has not changed, those hours and priorities have just team” says Gravett. At Granite Golf Club, communication was key, shifted. Scully has adapted to the increasing demands on his time as not only keeping every avenue of communication open but making well. “The one part of the job I underestimated was the demand on members and staff aware of situations as they unfolded so there were no your time. This can be overwhelming and time management is crucial. surprises for anyone. Hanna points to another important consideration I’m still working on balance between work and life, I’ll let you know for managing people during COVID-19, something only an astute how that goes after year one.” manager would notice. Caring for the individual. “Everyone has Credit Valley Golf Club, Granite Golf and The Toronto Golf Club different levels of anxiety. Some were very apprehensive, but now things recognize the value in promoting superintendents to the most senior have become routine,” thanks no doubt to policies and safety protocols leadership roles in their organization. They were not the first golf put into place. clubs to do so and as more superintendents recognize their potential All three would agree that their involvement in professional to “get out of the bubble”, they surely won’t be the last. associations and a lifelong desire for professional development have Special thanks to Jason Hanna, Phil Scully and John Gravettfor their been key to their success in this industry. Besides their involvement time and contributions to this article. ■ Becoming a Superintendent, Are You Ready? By Kendra Kiss, Lead Technician, Magna Golf Club. teamwork, communication, and organizational skills. Let that hiring committee know that you will drive success for their overall golf facility, not just the maintenance department. This can be rogression is defined as the process of developing or moving the key to unlock success in getting your first job as a golf course P gradually toward a more advanced state. From working as a superintendent!” general labour, to intern, to technician and now an assistant to Over the last year or two, there has been a wave of assistant the superintendent, I often think about my next move and two superintendents who have landed superintendent jobs across questions come to mind. How do I achieve this and what can I Ontario, some as successors, and some have moved to new clubs. I expect when this opportunity presents was able to reach out to a few of them to gain itself? a better understanding of what’s required to I have had the chance to hear Carol be successful as a new superintendent. Rau from Career Advantage Golf speak When asked what skills they feel on two occasions. According to Rau, the Hiring committees want to hire are critical to the superintendent role, first step is figuring out what you need to the general sentiment reiterated Rau’s do to prepare for the superintendent role in a complete professional, not thoughts on honing your business skills. the first place. Start with focusing on the A good understanding of accounting, interview and work your way back. She notes just a turf technician. Highlight excellent budgeting skills, and an aptitude that one of the key differences between for completing paperwork and invoicing interviewing for an assistant role and a your leadership, integrity, are definitely essential when in the superintendent role, is the hiring decision­ superintendent role. It’s also a good idea to maker. Superintendents want to talk about teamwork, communication, and brush up on your writing skills because the all things turf: our industry education and better you are at communicating through our skill sets on the course. When applying organizational skills. emails and reports, the more respected your for a superintendent role, although we still professional opinion will be. And, work on need to focus on our hard skills, the hiring your people skills. “Make sure you are really decision-maker will look for so much more. good with people! They will make or break Rau explains, ‘A typical hiring committee you,” says Grant Murphy, Barrie CC, who will be comprised of business executives who have a completely became a superintendent in 2019. different perspective of golf management. In your cover letter, With any new role, despite your best efforts to prepare, there are resume, and interview answers, instead of just focusing on the always surprises. Time management skills are essential. Jonathan tasks relating to caring for turf, focus on your business skills and Smith, from Mississauga G&GC, who became the superintendent soft skills. Hiring committees want to hire a complete professional, in 2016 notes that “it’s surprising the number of different directions not just a turf technician. Highlight your leadership, integrity, one can get pulled in a day.” Advanced Equipment Sales SWEEPER VACS For your toughest clean-up jobs. Jonathan Smith, Superintendent, and his team, Mississauga G&CC. Steve Sibbald, who recently got the superintendent role in March of this year, at Hidden Lake GC, agrees that planning and organizing can be overwhelming for a first time superintendent. “Coming from a well-oiled machine at my pervious property and now making those decisions alone has taken some time to get used to. We are starting to build a decent routine with the staff and thing are coming together.” For Stephen Hicks, who joined the ranks in 2019 at Brantford G&CC, the need to be an excellent communicator came as a slight surprise. “It is impossible to OVER communicate. Listening to feedback, explaining expectations, discussing the history of the club with members, interacting with other departments, and so on.” You’ve tackled the professional development skills list, but how do you know that you’re ready to become a superintendent? Murphy shares, “I think you know when you’re ready to ‘take the risk’ but if you’re unsure, listen to what other people tell you, they know better than you often times.” Before submitting that well thought out resume, it’s also worth considering what you’re getting into when taking on a superintendent role. Smith shares that one of the most difficult part of managing the property is that, “There are so many elements that are out of our control and we need to be ready to adjust plans quickly and accordingly. We work in a demanding industry, there are always so many moving parts and expectations are high. To get the most out of courses we need to have great people. Assembling the right team and then fostering the right culture is imperative and certainly be challenging at times. I am extremely fortunate to work alongside such a fun, yet determined group.” Another challenging part of the role that an assistant may not have encountered is disciplining team members. This is where effective communication skills come into play so the employee ADVANCED EQUIPMENT SALES clearly understands what went wrong, expectations moving forward and consequences if these expectations are not met. Hicks P.O. Box 818,21 Birch Street shares, “Never allow yourself to get frustrated by small gripes or Seaforth ON N0K1 WO comments, but still listen openly because there are sometimes small Phone:519-527-2929 pieces of information that are of absolute immediate importance.” So for all the other assistants out there preparing for their Email: advancedequipment@tcc.on.ca chance to become the next superintendent, I hope these tips from www.advancedequipmentsales.ca those who have made the leap will help when your turn comes. If you believe it you can achieve it. ■ Golf Course Architechture Ontario "The most successful course is one that will test the skill of the most advanced golfer without discouraging the duffer while adding to the enjoyment of both." - Stanley Thompson By Kendra Kiss, Lead Technician, Magna Golf Club. Mingay, was influenced by his father who had a huge interest in golf and books. “I started reading those books, including some hen I first started in this industry, I began, as I think most classics on architecture. This helped me realize that golf course W of us do, raking bunkers, cutting greens, and just falling in design and construction was an actual profession.” love with the outdoors. I still remember watching the sunrise at Andrew, was watching a golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Kananaskis Country GC light up the Rocky Mountains in the Links when he was 13 and thought, “That’s a cool job.” Cutten knew distance, while I drove the curves of the course toward my morning he wanted to be a golf course architect following his first summer task. These serene moments inspired me to consider the beauty working at Cherry Downs GC when he was 17. After he completed of golf course architecture and its impact on one of the most three years of design and drafting in high school, he sat down with challenging of games we play today. his father to plot out a future career path in golf. In 2019 and 2020, the OGSA Golf Course Management As for Fraser, she was born into the world of golf. Her maternal Conference (OGCMC) included two sessions featuring architects; grandparents built a golf course outside of Kingston in 1976 which an architect’s panel in 2019, and Christine Fraser’s talk about how they still manage to this day. She spent every summer at the golf superintendents can influence design. I reached out to the architects course learning rules, etiquette and technique. Later, she was who took the OGCMC stage, Ian Andrew, Jeff Mingay, Christine awarded a NCAA Division One Varsity Golf scholarship. After Fraser, and Keith Cutten, as well as Doug Carrick to capture their graduating Fraser did not want to compete at such a high level and thoughts on Ontario’s place in golf course architecture history and needed to find a different path but still wanted to remain closely what makes a golf course great. tied to golf. Architecture seemed like a good fit. One thing that is apparent with this group is that the interest in As these architects have established their careers, they have golf course architecture came at a young age. For Carrick, it was developed their preferred approach to design often drawing developed while playing competitive amateur golf in his teens at both inspiration from the Golden Era greats, like Harry Colt, Donald the provincial and national level at some of Canada’s best golf courses. Ross, A.W. Tillinghast, Willie Park Jr., Walter Travis, Alister Brantford Golf and Country Club, Master Plan ofRenovations. Photo provided by Keith Cutten. Summit construction meeting 2011. Photo provided by Doug Carrick. Mackenzie, Stanley Thompson, and Robbie Robinson (a former fact has been frequently forgotten. A golf course doesn’t need to be design associate of Thompsons). And in some cases, they draw cluttered with an abundance of bunkers, trees, and other hazards to inspiration from each other. When asked, Andrew adds to his list of present an adequate challenge.” inspiring golf course architects, “Doug Carrick because I worked for him and my initial ideas reflected some of his.” Inspiration does not come from the work of others alone. Andrew believes in the philosophy that the land dictates the golf course architecture, rather than the architect imposing their ideas over the land. Mingay agrees. “The great courses are laid out to take advantage of existing opportunities - natural green sites, undulation, long views, specimen trees...a varied collection of interesting putting surfaces and surrounds are equally important for greatness, Corrie Almack P.Ag. elevating a smart routing. Even if they don’t realize it, a majority of golfers love playing in a uniquely beautiful natural setting.” Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 Cutten reminds us that, “At its core, golf is a game, and games Box 256, Carlisle, ON Cell: (416) 580-5152 are meant to be fun and with magazine ratings and professional LOR 1H0 Email: c.almack@sympatico.ca standards constantly looming over course designers, this simple "Northern Ontario is very unique and the courses that expose or accentuate the Canadian Shield are truly unique in Golf. The courses around the Muskoka's are quite different from anything else I have seen." - Ian Andrew Cutten Fields, 13th and 16th holes under construction. Photo provided by JeffMingay. So what makes a golf course fun, but challenging? Carrick explains the player various possible strategies and routings to get to the pin that designing a variety of shots, length of holes, use of clubs, hole often captures the interest of the most types of players. This allows orientation, and visual patterning make a golf course memorable. them to test both the ground and the air game and challenge the Incorporating enough flexibility provides a meaningful challenge to player to make a decision, invite players to be strategic and harness the most skilled golfers and provide the average golfer an enjoyable their mind game and course management techniques.” experience and appropriate level of challenge. Although Ontario isn’t the home to the oldest club in Canada, that For Fraser and Andrew they feel that a course that incorporates a honor goes to the Royal Montreal GC (1873), “Ontario, specifically choose-your-own-adventure approach to design can elevate the fun Toronto, could easily be argued to be the cradle of Canadian Golf,” while presenting new challenges. Fraser shares, “A course that offers says Cutten. Golf course architecture in Ontario was born in 1876, What are your favourite hidden gem courses in Ontario? "There are so many hidden gem golf courses in Ontario. "Donald Ross' Roseland municipal in Windsor is really good. Having grown up on Ontario's public golf courses, my And, most golfers in Ontario probably don't know about. fondness always resides with public golf. Strategic but Lakeview, across the road from The Toronto Golf Club, is affordable layouts are really the key to growing the game. really cool too. I also nominate Cherry Hill in Fort Erie. The One of my favorite examples of this is Tarandowah Golfers great Walter Travis worked some magic with that flat piece Club in Springfield." - Keith Cutten of ground." - Jeff Mingay "My favourite hidden gem is Tarandowah Golfers Club, in "Norfolk G&CC. The best 9 hole course that few have ever Springfield, Ontario." - Christine Fraser heard of or seen, and Kawartha G&CC. It should be far better known in Canada" - Ian Andrew "Cataraqui, Midland, Craigowan, Beverly." - Doug Carrick. with the development of third oldest club in Canada, The Toronto GC, which moved to its current location in 1911, and was designed by British architect, Harry Colt. However, nipping at its heels are the Brantford G&CC (1879), Niagara On The Lake GC (1881), London Hunt & CC (1885), and Perth GC (1890) all earning a spot in the top 10, on the 150 Oldest Active Clubs in Canada list published by Golf Canada in 2017. Carrick notes, “Ontario has in many ways set the standard for high quality golf in Canada. I think it is due to the combination of golf properties that are ideally suited to the game of golf, the high quality of design character and the high level of maintenance found on many of Ontario’s golf courses.” The group agrees that southern Ontario is blessed with the ideal golf terrain - gently to moderately rolling, but not extreme - and Ontario’s courses are also enhanced with mature trees, forest and other natural features. VC60 VERTI-CUTTER Perhaps one feature that helps to set Ontario apart is the dramatic The VC60 is designed for use on golf northern Ontario landscape. The Boreal Forest, the abundance of course fairways, tees and all types of lakes, and the Canadian Shield which cradles Muskoka, Haliburton sport fields. Unique swing hitch allows and Kawartha Lakes regions make room for courses like Bigwin operator to turn while using. New Island GC, Muskoka Bay Club, Oviinbyrd GC, Grandview GC "optional" double roller gauge system which showcase beautiful rock outcroppings that can’t be found is now available, which allows for 1.5" anywhere else in Canada. Andrew notes, “Northern Ontario is very spacing. Skid shoes are still available unique and the courses that expose or accentuate the Canadian Shield are truly unique in Golf. The courses around the Muskoka’s are quite different from anything else I have seen.” ADVANCED EQUIPMENT SALES Courses don’t have to be the biggest or carry the largest budgets 519-527-2929 to have an excellent layout in Ontario. Andrew sums it up the best advancedequipment@tcc.on.ca when he says, “Great golf architecture is a perfect marriage of design www.advancedequipmentsales.ca and presentation that brings out the best in that design. No marriage of the two and you can only get good golf.” ■ On Research Lifting the Veil on Plant Parasitic Nematodes in Cool-Season Turf By Cam Shaw, Communications & Outreach be peripheral, their potential as a significant Ontario and across Canada. Particularly of Coordinator, Guelph Turfgrass Institute, contributor in the turf stress equation should interest was a study done by Dr. Katerina University of Guelph. not be negated. Jordan’s research team in 2013 funded in o our colleagues working in warm­ Over the years, a number of studies have part by the Ontario Turfgrass Research T season climates, plant parasitic nematodes (PPN) are a serious concern been conducted on PPN affecting turf in Foundation. throughout the growing season. These PPN affecting turf study by Dr. Katerina Jordan's research microscopic, worm-like creatures thrive in persistently warm environments and have team in 2013 highlights: come to be known as a primary pest of turf in • 99% of soil samples collected from Canadian golf courses had such regions. Many of you have likely come PPN present. across horrifying images on social media or heard stories of the often-catastrophic • Five predominant genera of PPN were identified. They were: Spiral, aftermath PPN have the potential to cause. Ring, Stunt, Root-knot and Cyst nematodes. Yet here in the North, where cooler climates • Populations of PPN were highest during summer periods. prevail and our winters create significant challenges for the nematode life cycle, this • Samples from greens between ages 50-100 years had the highest pest tends to be overlooked or dismissed as populations. a non-issue. Through discussion of newer • Samples taken from coastal regions appeared to have highest research findings and opinions from industry populations (especially Vancouver due to warmer winter periods). leading investigators, this article hopes to convince golf course superintendents to take • Rolling frequency and percentage of Poa annua populations tended a second look at this ubiquitous turf pest. to be correlated with nematode populations. PPN are here in Canada - that we know for • Soils more likely to hold moisture through available pore space was sure. They are in your soils right now and also linked to nematode populations. although their threat as a primary pest may Historically, it was believed that the shorter summer periods and frigid winters of the North curtailed nematode population growth enough to prevent any chance of reaching damage threshold levels. In part, there is some truth to this. In many parts of Canada, and specifically in Ontario, we do tend to see peak nematode counts resting below 1000 / 100 cc of soil. If you were to reference a threshold chart (provided below), you would quickly see that these figures generally rest below the currently accepted damage thresholds. But the point this article is trying to make, is that even populations od <1000/100cc of soil can still potentially have a negative effect on turf - perhaps not as a PPN distribution and population countsfluctuating throughout the growing year on cool-season turf primary stress contributor, but more so as a Data shown here is based on samples collected throughout Canada (2013). Note: Bars with different letter secondary or tertiary contributor. As well, designations are considered significantly differentfrom each other. we often see numerous genera feeding in the same area so although each nematode species may not be at threshold levels individually, as a cumulative group they increase damage and stress in the plant. What we are suggesting is that PPN in cooler climates should be considered more akin to the way minor traffic stress, moderate shade, minimal thatch or reduced air flow also add to the cumulative stress a turf plant endures in a growing season. In saying this, it is the belief of many within the field of nematology that knowing how nematode populations on your property ebb and flow will help you to better understand the full picture of the role they play in your turf’s stress equation. In other words, understanding, how PPN Distribution ofPPNpopulations based on age ofgolf course putting greens across Canada (2013). may be influencing the health of your turf throughout the growing season, from green to green and from year to year may be key in helping you manage your greens over time. #1 Kentucky Bluegrass | Low Mow | Extreme Fescue | Premium Bentgrass | Custom Grow Program | Large or small rolls Nematode research on turf in cool-season DELIVERING SUPERIOR SODAND QUALITY SERVICE climates is still in its infancy. Although nematology is a study that has been around for almost 200 years, much is still yet to be understood about these fascinating creatures. For example, the published damage threshold charts that we currently use as a guideline for Natural Grass is PPN is, admittedly, a suggested range and can have tremendous variance from region to region, property to property and even COOLER! green to green. For example, in an article written for GolfDom in 2017, Dr. Nathaniel SAFER! Mitkowski of the University of Rhode Island suggests that factors like turf species, soil­ type, and growing environment can have a BETTER! significant impact on how PPN affect turf. In the article, Mitkowski writes: “While 3,000 stunt nematodes per l00cc of soil likely place significant stress on Poa annua plants zandersod.com 17525 Jane St, Kettleby, Ontario L7B0J6 growing in a push-up soil with only one-half inch of root in the middle of July, the same 877-727-2100 number of nematodes is unlikely to have any effect on a sand-based creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) green with a rooting depth of 5 inches in the fall.” Perhaps another reason that PPN have continued to elude any level of mainstream acceptance as a pest in cool-season climates is due to the unpredictable, diffuse and often non-descript stress patterns they create. In discussions with Dr, Katerina Jordan of the University of Guelph, she states that it is often quite difficult for golf superintendents to recognize and diagnose symptoms of PPNs in the field. “They can easily be mistaken Site-specific distribution ofPPNpopulations across sampling regions throughout Canada. (2013). for root pathogens, anthracnose, and even Note: Bars with different numbers are considered significantly differentfrom each other. general abiotic stressors,” says Dr. Jordan. In Mitkowski’s 2017 GolfDom article, he shares Nematode Threshold *A Threshold *B Threshold *C Severe Stress threshold *C the same opinion. “Every superintendent Stunt 800 300 800 -1000 2000 - 3000 can identify a disease like dollar spot, Lance 400 150 400 - 500 1000 - 2000 brown patch or pink snow mold. But [plant Ring 1500 1500 2000 - 3000 >4000 parasitic] nematode damage can dramatically Spiral 1500 600 2000 - 2500 4000 vary in appearance.” Mitkowski goes on to Cyst 500 n/a n/a n/a discuss that in many cases where PPN are Root Knot 500 100 500-700 >1000 the culprit, golf course superintendents often Sting n/a 20 n/a n/a don’t find out until much later after they have Needle n/a n/a 100-200 >500 exhausted a number of unsuccessful (and *A - Umass turfgrass Disease Diagnostic Clinic expensive) fungicide drenches targeting root *B - Cornell University pathogens with no exhibited recovery. Even *C - University of Rhode Island (published by GolfDom in 2017 and provided by Dr. Nathanial Mitkowski) if diagnostic samples are sent off, they may Various PPN damage threshold data for cool-season turf collectedfrom various recognized academic institutions specializing in turfgrass andpathology. Notice how some damage thresholds varyfrom institution and region. ATTENTION! come back negative for pathogens and tend to suggest an abiotic issue ... all the while diagnosticians are only looking for one thing, it dramatically shortens the time interval for PPN were the issue, or perhaps a significant putting together an accurate and thorough IPM Certified contributor to the issue. count and diagnosis. Another important detail It is this general lack of understanding and when it comes to sampling for nematodes is Agents dismissal that intrigued Dr. Katerina Jordan the concept of benchmarking data. Taking to continue her research in this area and set samples at various times throughout the year up a nematode sampling service through is an ideal way to capture how populations Get your the GTI Diagnostic Clinic, which she fluctuate throughout the course of the season oversees. “The goal of this service is to help - even when your turf is healthy. It may seem recertification credits golf course superintendents in Ontario and counterintuitive to take samples when turf ON-LINE with across Canada become more familiar with looks great, but this will help to determine a how plant parasitic nematode populations better understanding of what populations of fluctuate throughout the season and from PPN are tolerable on your property. It will also P.D. Solutions year to year on their properties. Collecting be ever more valuable when compared against data on these pests now can help diagnose population counts in times when symptoms ★ Now offering ★ issues down the line as well as help to generate or suspected PPN damage may occur. In more accurate and predictable threshold essence, over time you will be collecting and MORE Courses! models for Canada-specific regions,” says quantifying your own property’s unique Dr. Jordan. This is why use of the service damage threshold data. is so important. Not only are you learning In closing, it is not the intention of this Visit: valuable information about your property’s article to create panic and have all readers relationship with nematodes, but you are also assume PPN are causing significant damage www.pdsolutions.ca helping to contribute to ongoing body of to their properties. Rather, the intention is to or call knowledge in the field of nematology. help golf course superintendents gain further The great news about nematode sampling understanding of the potential role that PPN 1-877-977-6774 is that it is relatively cheap compared can play in that complicated and cumulative to traditional diagnostic services. Since stress equation your turf endures year to year. Example of the non-descript and diffuse stress symptoms that PPN can create in cool-season turf. Photo provided by The Guelph Turfgrass Institute. If you are not currently taking nematode counts on your property, perhaps this article may inspire you to do more investigating in this area. The cost is low and the potential benefits of the returned data could be invaluable. If you wish to know more about the nematode count service offered through the GTI diagnostics clinic, be sure to Severe damage to a mixed annual bluegrass/creeping bentgrass green caused by high levels oflance check out the FAQs section and sampling nematodes. Damage had been observed repeatedlyfor a number ofyears in the same location, typically during mid-summer, but had gone undiagnosed. The superintendent increased levels ofaeration and seeding details listed on the diagnostic service to damaged areas, but nothing less than chemical application would solve the issue. Photo and caption form found through the GTI website at taken from 2017 GolfDom article by Dr. Nathaniel Mitkowski. www.guelphturfgrass.ca. ■ PLANT HEALTH BEGINS WITH SOIL HEALTH Foltec SG Minors is a proprietary combination of dry, soluble granules that contains selected secondary and minor elements. This product can be tank mixed with any of the Foltec SG formulas and is compatible with many commonly-used control products. Gen 3 represents the latest evolution of the Nutri DG product range. Gen 3 granules are completely homogenous, allowing for a consistent spread pattern. These granules also stand out against turf, making it easy to see where product has been applied, decreasing the possibility of over-application. For more information visit AndersonsPro.com LOOKING BACK Fifteen Years Ago Today The 2005 OGSA Board of Directors The Board ofDirectors in 2005 were asfollows: (L-R Back row) Jarrod Barakett, Deer Ridge; Chris Andrejicka, Essex; Rob Ackermann, Weston (past pres.); Bob Burrows, Rosedale (vice); Randy Booker, Dundas Valley; JeffAlexander, Parry Sound; (Front Row) Trevor Clapperton, Dalewood; Paul Scenna, Donalda (pres.); Sean DeSilva, Taboo; Doug Breen, Golf North; Rob Gatto, Kings Forest; andJeff Stauffer, Credit Valley who was unavailable for the photo. Office administrators were Dorothy Hills, Tim Steen left Vandenbussche and joined his contributions in various positions in Pat Thomas and Deborah Badger. John Engage Agro. Josh Dewar went to Saltech agriculture that resulted in the creation of Bladon, Nu-Gro Corporation, was editor Ontario. Ian Bowen, the Rock, went to the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. of Green Is Beautiful. Hutcheson Sand and Mixes and Jason Winter went to The Rock. Barry Endicott, Nobleton Lakes, went to Gordon Wendover IN MEMORIAM ON THE MOVE Construction and Simon George went to Keith Nisbet (1917-2005) was the owner/ Maple Turf Supply. superintendent of Westview Golf Club. John Parker,Trafalgar, moved to Beaverdale. Brian Brooker moved to Hornby Glen. In 2001, he received the CGSAs highest honour for outstanding performance, the Ted Ellis, Blue Springs, moved to Huron ACHIEVEMENTS John B. Steel Award. Oaks. Mark Prieur, Markland Wood, went At the Canadian International Turfgrass Rene Muylaert (Life Member) passed to Trafalgar. Mike Pellerin went to North Conference and Trade Show, Rhod Trainor, Bay. Ryan Beauchamp, St.Thomas, went to away on May 7th in Strathroy. He designed Hamilton, was selected as Superintendent Glen Abbey and Wade Beaudoin went to many courses in the GTA: Chinguacousy, of the Year. Neil Acton, Deer Creek, and (now the Caledon Country Club), Glen St. Thomas. Peter Kinch, Glen Abbey, went Ted Ellis, Huron Oaks, received their 25 Eagle, Diamond Back, St. Andrew's to Lambton. Dave Svab went to Buckridge. Year membership pins. Jason Pickering went to Tamarack Ridge. Valley, Horseshoe Valley, Nobleton Lakes, Jason Bindi went to Nobleton Lakes. Norman McCollum retired as Research Pheasant Run, Hawk Ridge, Heritage Hills, Paul Brown went to Bushwood. Bob Superintendent at the Guelph Turfgrass Sparrow Lakes and Peninsula Lakes. His Heron retired and Paul Scenna took over Institute. brother Charlie did the construction. at Beacon Hall. Scott White, took over Dr. Switzer was inducted into the Mac Frost passed away on March 30th. Mac at Donalda. Brian Taylor went to Mystic. Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame for owned Cedar Brae, Parkview, Brookwood, Trevor Clapperton received recognition for his efforts to host the Pro-Super at (L-R) Keith Rasmus hosts President's Day at Scarboro G&CC;presented by Dalewood G&CC. Paul Scenna. Barry Endicott Retired Golf Course Superintendent Brampton, Ontario Tel: 905-846-1440 barry.endicott@gmail.com Seeding is Believing President's Day, winning team. Spring Lakes and Vespra Hills. Mac was Guelph Lakes Golf & Country Club hosted the winner of the John B. Steel Award in by Don Heinmiller. Dr. Clayton Switzer 1993, inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall presented the winning trophy to Bruce of Fame in the builders category in 2005 Burger with a 72. Other scores were Scott and was a founding sponsor of the Guelph Gardener 72 and Paul Scenna 76. Turfgrass Institute. The Pro Super was held at Dalewood Golf Ted Charman passed away. Ted had been and Curling Club, with Trevor Clapperton Simple Dimple Seeder the superintendent at Toronto Ladies, as host. The winning teams were: 1st, Kelly Bannerman B-SDS-4-H London Hunt and the National. Barnet, Fox Glen, 2nd Martin Kopp, 1. Accurately dispenses bent Brampton and 3rd Paul Dermott, York grass & blue grass seed Downs. 2. Easy to calibrate-variable TOURNAMENTS seeding rates The 60th Annual Alex McClumpha 3. Break up ice on Greens The 37th Presidents Day was held at Tournament was held at Lakeview Golf 4. Tow with any turf vehicle Scarboro Golf and Country Club, hosted Course hosted by Bruce Burger. Low scores by Keith Rasmus. 1st place winning team were Thom Charters 71, Bill Fach 75, Rick was from North Halton, Dean Baker Call Bannerman today: Trainor 77, Rhod Trainor 78 and Tom (superintendent) with a score of 120. Brain 79. Thom Charters won the George 1-800-325-4871 The Spring Field Day was held at the Darou Trophy presented by Turf Care. ■ OFF THE FAIRWAY flowers and seed heads from perennials and shrubs, but you will encourage vegetative 6to Successful Steps growth and root development which will keep uninvited pests and disease away. This can also help with winter hardiness in some perennials and shrubs. Understanding Garden the perennial or shrub is important for determining where to make your cuts. Maintenance Water Water management is the Goldilocks of garden maintenance. We want to avoid killing our plants with disease by over watering or watering the wrong part of the plant. We also don’t want to kill our plants by not using enough of it. We need to be efficient, and get it just right. Pay attention to the weather and get water into soils before they become hydrophobic. This way when the temperature climbs you’re not in panic mode. he mad rush of spring has come to and root system easier and the job less time T an end. Your projects are done, your consuming. plants are planted, you’ve added compost or And, never let weeds drop seeds in your If you have annuals in planters you should make sure you have adequate drainage, like holes in the bottom of the planters for excess mulch to your beds and now you are into garden beds. water to drain through. Keep your soils moist garden maintenance mode for the rest of Prune and don’t wait for an emergency or signs of the season. So what should you focus on to Understanding your plant material is very drought stress to do your watering. maintain healthy, beautiful gardens? important when planning how much to Fertilize Weed prune and when. Spring flowering shrubs Fertilize annual plantings every two weeks. I’ll start with the one thing nobody loves should be pruned directly after flowering Be sure to give a deep watering in between to do - WEEDING! No matter what, is complete. If you prune too late, you risk fertilizing to flush salts from the fertilizer weeds will climb into your garden beds, but flower bud development for the next season, through. Fertilize perennials in the spring there are a few tricks to reduce them and and if you prune too early, you will prune with a well balanced fertilizer with micro make your life easier. the current year’s flower buds off. Keep your nutrients and then fertilized based on plant Anywhere there is bare soil there is an pruning shears as sharp as possible at all health throughout the season. Use a well opportunity for a weed seed to germinate. times for clean cuts for faster easier healing. balanced fertilizer application with a little Mulching helps to prevent this and the Deadhead less nitrogen in the fall. Your fertility will be industry standard is 3-4” thick to suppress Deadheading is the removal of spent dependent on the quality of your soils. weed seed germination. Chances are, not flowers and seed heads. I find deadheading every bed can be mulched but you can out- Last, but not least... to be one of the most important tasks in the compete them by densely bedding healthy garden because it helps to promote overall keep notes plants to prevent sunlight from hitting the plant health. Now that you are in maintenance and soil where weed seeds can germinate. There’s no doubt that when it comes to growing mode, pay attention to what is Next, know the source of the soil that annuals removing spent flowers clean the doing well and what isn’t. Do the plants you use to improve or build a new bed. plants up and makes them look prettier. But, look healthy? Are there perennials that Contaminated or unsterilized soil sources what you’re also doing is encouraging those need to be split in the fall because they’ve will contain weed seeds and it will cost you plants to force more blooms, increasing slowed flower production? Does anything in the end through maintenance. the blooming for an extended period. need to be moved due to overcrowding? A high quality soil will give even the You are also preventing seed production. Are there irrigation changes to be made? laziest gardener success. High organic By stopping or slowing the plant’s seed Environment changes? humus type soil which is light and fluffy production it continues to put energy Enjoy the rest of your maintenance season, makes removing the entire weed, most towards healthy new growth and healthy and start planning your fall projects! ■ importantly the root, much easier. Aim to new blooms. Plants going to seed, give pull as much of the root as possible. If you up their natural defenses, often becoming do not, you’ll be back in a week to pull that diseased and unhealthy looking. Chris Cumming CLP, weed again, only this time the root mass will A lot of people think deadheading is a task Horticulturist be bigger and more difficult to pull. only for annuals but that is not true at all. Email: chriscumming@live.ca Water your beds the day before weeding In the world of perennials and shrubs it is Cell: 705-644-3994 them to give the soil time to soften and the same, but different. Typically, you won’t expand. This will make removing the weed get re-blooming when you remove spent Our Granular Fertilizer Offering Continues To Grow 19-25-5 5-2-0 A legacy starter recipe has returned • CFIA approved organic new & improved • Derived from citrus fruit waste • 25% methylene urea • 2% Fe • 3% humic acid to aid with nutrient • 100% Homogeneous availability & improved root growth • No dust, no odour • 100% Homogeneous •90 and 150 SGN • 90 SGN Craig McCutcheon Colin Hindle Joey Losito Chris Lecour Toronto West/ Niagara Ottawa & Eastern Ontario Quebec South & East Georgian Bay craig.mccutcheon@target-specialty.com colin.hindle@target-specialty.com joseph.losito@target-specialty.com chris.lecour@target-specialty.com 905-351-6544 613-314-9711 819-571-1677 705-444-9010 Perry Brazeau Jason MacRae Mark Scenna Toronto/ East Quebec North & West Sales Manager, Eastern Canada perry.brazeau@target-specialty.com jason. macrae@target-specialty.com mark.scenna@target-specialty.com 416-705-8006 514-712-8006 416-458-2396 Empowering You to Grow Your Business target-specialty.ca MEMBER MOMENTS #TODAYINONTARIO 1: Killdeer Hatchlings. Daniel Gelder, Devil's Paintbrush. | 2: Coyote pups living on the course right now. Matt Boothf Oshawa G&CC. | 3: A family moment. Leslie Thompson, Scarboro G&CC. | 4: Apparently these are Tiger Beetles. They are endangered in Ontario. They can run 9 km/h that's about twice as fast as me. Joel Johnston, RiverBend Golf. | 5: Rose-breasted Grosbeak coming to visit a Baltimore Oriole. More backyard visitors. Al Schwemler, The Toronto GC. | 6: Insert edgy slow play comment here! James Horvath, Richmond Hill GC. THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS The OTRF would like to acknowledge these partners who have generously contributed to our Turfgrass Research Funding Campaign. Without their annual commitment, including during this challenging year, our support of turfgrass research in Canada could not continue. Ontario Golf Superintendents' Aqua-Aid Association Bayer Golf Ontario Greenhorizons Sod Farms Sports Turf Canada Turf Care Products Nursery Sod Growers of Ontario Zander Sod The OTRF - Dedicated to supporting the continued advancement ofturfgrass through research projects, by funding research that will assist the turf industry with products, practices, and sustainable enhancements. www.OTRF.ca TURF OR CONSEQUENCES Summer 2020 Make Hay While the Sun Shines. By Doug Breen, Superintendent, my mother. GolfNorth Properties. The third group - are the rest of us. We’re concerned about COVID-19 or many years, I’ve said that but aren’t paralyzed by it. We see some F golf courses aren’t really in competition with other golf courses. over-the-top reactions, but don’t think that it’s all some global conspiracy to Rather, they are in competition with eliminate cash. We go where we feel all the other places where the public safe, and avoid situations where we can spend their time and money. don’t. Fortunately for our business, There’s a pecking order for green golf is an activity which most people fees - which is a function of course in this group are comfortable doing. design, multiplied by the level of The math is pretty simple - if 2/3 maintenance/service, minus the of Ontarions are willing to play golf, square root of the number of miles and 90% of businesses are closed from a major population centre. (or scary), then we are bound to be This combination of factors has busy, and busy we are. If you want ensured that each course’s pricing to know how active a course is - vs. other venues is reasonable - and never ask the Pro Shop, because they golfers vote with their wallets to let always think they’re “jammed”. Ask us know if we’ve made a mathematical error. in their 80s, and to be honest, some of them the Superintendent. We’re having a lot of In reality, our real competition is with things don’t do much more than that at the best of trouble getting routine maintenance done like cottage weekends, Canada’s Wonderland, times! But it’s not just the oldsters -1 know on the course, never mind extra irrigation, minor sports, and family togetherness. people much younger than I am, who haven’t topdressing, or god forbid aeration. This is But this is 2020 - the Summer of been into their place of work since March. old hat to those of us old enough to remember COVID-19 - and most of our competition The timid won’t be attending rock concerts, the late 1980’s when public golf courses were has been forced to remain closed. Golf, due golf courses, restaurants, or anything else in as chaotic as a Guns n' Roses tour bus, but to its nature and structure, is one of a handful the foreseeable future. many of you won’t have experienced this of activities which is not only relatively The second group - are the tin-hat society. before because the last couple decades have safe for the participants, but perhaps more They’re convinced that this is a grand been more like a Kenny G tour bus. importantly, one that they feel safe doing. conspiracy by Bill Gates, the Liberals, and The key is to keep your head down, come There are lots of businesses re-opening with 5G cell signals to turn us all into robot slaves. in early, and do everything that you can do to sparse crowds because it turns out that people You’ll see them running around licking help the golf course generate as much revenue are awfully nervous. While restaurants are shopping cart handles to show how free they as possible while this boom lasts. Hopefully still having trouble filling 50% of their 30% are. All of their social media posts include we can retain some of these new and returning indoor capacity, golf courses are full - like the word sheeple. Until recently, I was golfers, and pray that the summer of 2020 1986 full. With no summer sports, roller unaware how many of these people are in my won’t be an anomaly. As my Dad used to say, coasters, and European vacations - we’re social circle. Many of this group are playing “Make hay while the sun shines - soon it will seeing new golfers, prodigal golfers, and golf, refusing to wear masks, and frightening be winter, and we can sleep then.” more play from existing golfers. I have undertaken extensive research on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I sift through the original posts, but spend even more time perusing the comments section. That’s where the cesspool of humanity really shines! The results of my utterly unscientific study are that people can essentially be divided into three groups. PARTNERS IN PREMIUM TURF PRODUCTS The first group - are the nervous. I heard Nutrition. Control Products. Amendments. someone on CBC Radio last night, who said Seed. Surfactants. Hardware & Accessories. that they hadn’t been outside in four months. Comprehensive Expertise. She has groceries delivered to her apartment nutrite.com oscturf.com and goes out onto her fire escape for fresh air - that’s it. I have some friends and family 800.265.8865 519.886.0557 WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY NEED AND BUDGET With a full line of soil surfactant products backed up by sound science and independent research, we offer solutions for every need and budget. Contact your local Aquatrols distributor today or visit can.aquatrols.com for more information. can.aquatrols.com Your Fall Turf Maintenance Specialists Turf Care has you covered with solutions to - Aeration Leaf - Collection satisfy all of your fall turf maintenance needs, -Verticutting -Top Dressing backed by the most experienced sales & service -Overseeding team in the business! Get in touch with your local Turf Care Sales Representative to book a free demo. 1-800-561-TURF (8873) inquiries@turfcare.ca turfcare.ca TURFCARE Helping your business grow. @Gr8estShowOnTRF @TurfCareProdCA