November 2020 ON COURSE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS' ASSOCIATION Beekeepin g F or Golf Courses ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Permits to Take Water in Ontario: Regulatory Update Burlington Renovation, Masterplan Complete Work and Travel Abroad CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON N1L OH2 SPRING TURF RECOVERY POWERED BY NUTRIFENSE™ “The spring of 2019 was the most challenging of my career. Ice caused extensive damage on over an acre of greens. The Turf Fuel Recovery Program exceeded my expectations and helped me open my greens soon­ er than I anticipated. I am so glad I trusted Turf Fuel prod­ ucts with my fertility during my recovery, and I am excited to use their products in a standard program." - Ian Daniels, Superintendent, Teugega Country Club target-specialty.ca 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 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Reflections on being Super hen people outside the industry find out what I do for a W living, they think it is a super cool job. When I offer my Editor Courtney neighbours advice about how to grow grass in problem areas, they White think I have super powers. When little kids see me on a machine, members@ogsa.ca they think I am a super star. There are a lot of things that are super about being a Publisher By Tim Muys, superintendent. Though I have to say, especially after this crazy Diane Davey OGSA President. season, I am just plain super tired. diane@blenheim.ca When I began my career, I was able to stay up late, get up before the sun, and work a long and productive day. This is surprising to my older self, given Advertising & Administrative Manager that I was fueling my body with caffeine, nicotine, sugary drinks and processed meat Diane Davey sandwiches. I was a lot younger then and my body was more forgiving. I was also single, diane@blenheim.ca and didn’t have many responsibilities outside of my demanding job. After years of enduring all of the pressures that come along with being responsible for Tel: 289-337-4305 the maintenance of a golf course, I have gotten much smarter about knowing how to take care of myself. Production & Design Long hours, unpredictable weather, managing staff, managing a budget, and now Patrick Kilborn managing pandemic procedures - not to mention managing the expectation of flawless patrick@blenheim.ca playing conditions. These demands cause stress, which left unchecked can strain personal relationships and lead to medical issues - not the least of which is burnout, an occupational hazard of working in this industry in a profession that is sometimes as grueling as it is rewarding. ONCourse is published four times a year Over the years, I have learned a few strategies that help me cope with the demands of (November / March / June / August) this job. by Blenheim INK for: I try to keep a staff of capable people who I can trust. I try not to control the uncontrollable (like the weather). I aim for excellence instead of perfection, which is an unattainable goal when you are dealing with Mother Nature. I have also come to realize that living healthy is the most important variable to succeeding in my job. I make it a priority to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet and look after my body. Two excellent books that I have read several times are: “How not to Die” by Dr. Michael Greger and “The Back Mechanic” by Dr. Stuart McGill. I keep copies of these books on hand and lend them out to members of my team. Ontario Golf Superintendents' In case you are wondering if I think I am Super Man. I am not. One thing that I am Association still working on is balancing life outside of my job. If you ask my wife, she will tell you Sally Ross, Executive Manager that this is a skill that I have never mastered. Although I think that I have improved, Guelph Turfgrass Institute truth be told, I am still working too much, missing out on family events, camping trips, 328 Victoria Road South cottage weekends, and most breakfasts and sometimes dinners with my family. Guelph, ON N1L0H2 But while I might not be getting much better at balancing my time, I am at least getting better at recognizing the sacrifices made by my spouse and family who often bear the Tel: 519-767-3341 brunt of me being totally immersed in my job. Toll Free: 877-824-6472 One other thing that has kept me grounded over the years is the contacts that I have Fax:519-766-1704 made with my colleagues. I enjoy talking to other superintendents who have the same Email: manager@ogsa.ca issues and concerns as I do. After all, there aren’t many people who can relate to the www.ogsa.ca kind of things that keeps me up at night (like green speeds, firmness, and irrigation performance). Being a member of the OGSA has been integral in keeping me in touch with my fellow superintendents. I am not sure I would have scheduled the time to meet up with them, were it not for the planned events like conferences and seminars. And now, technology makes keeping in touch even easier since we can’t gather in person. Published by Blenheim INK This is my last President’s message. It has been a highlight of my career to be at the Administration Office: helm of this important organization. I would like to thank my fellow board members for 503-5340 Lakeshore Road their assistance in directing the OGSA through this turbulent year. And I would like to Burlington, ON L7L 7A8 thank all of you for reading my articles, and for your camaraderie. Look after yourselves. ■ www.blenheim.ca 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 INSIDE THIS ISSUE INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ADVANCED EQUIPMENT 21,29 www.advancedequipmentsales.ca ALMACK AGRONOMIC SERVICES INC. 25 AQUATROLS 4 www.can.aquatrols.com BANNERMAN 10 www.sportsturfmagic.com BRAEMAR BUILDING SYSTEMS 19 www.braemarbuildings.com BRETTYOUNG 17 www.brettyoung.ca ONTARIO SEED COMPANY 27 www.oscturf.com Features RD. SOLUTIONS 13 8 GC Highlight & Member Profile www.pdsolutions.ca Jay Sisko, Superintendent, Idylwylde Golf & Country Club TARGET SPECIALTY PRODUCTS 2,23 www.target-specialty.com 11 Beekeeping for Golf Courses 14 The Impacts of Mental Health TURF CARE PRODUCTS CANADA 6,32 On Our Industry www.turfcare.ca 16 Burlington Renovation ZANDER SOD CO. LIMITED 15 Master Plan: Complete www.zandersod.com 20 Permits to Take Water in Ontario: Regulatory Update Regular Contributors 24 OnResearch Expanding Research Capacity at the New GTI 26 Looking Back 30 Off the Fairway ONCOURSE 2020 31 Turf or Consequences Although every effort is made to check material for publication, the association is Departments not responsible for material published on behalf of its contributors. 3 President's Message All rights are reserved by the publisher and 6 Editorial Message any reproduction in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher is 7 What's New prohibited. 28 Member Moments Although some trade names may be mentioned in articles contained Work and Travel Abroad in this publication, no endorsement is intended or implied by the Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association. ON THE COVER ONCOURSE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Checking the hives, photo submitted by the Chris Lecour, Steve Rabski, Ryan Marangoni, OGSA is committed to serving its members, Toronto Bee Rescue. Kendra Kiss, Al Schwemler, Ryan L. Scott, advancing their profession, and enriching Mike Pellerin, Sally Ross, Courtney White. the quality of golf and its environment. EDITORIAL MESSAGE elcome to the last edition of ONCourse Thankfully, the golf season is coming ONCourse would be complete without W for 2020. It has been a long and to a close, which I hope means more time emotional season. Whether you’re exhausted to breathe, reflect, and plan for next year. Sunday musings from Doug Breen. I wish you all a quiet and restful off by the impacts of self-isolation, or the extra­ Stephen Kajan has provided us with an season, exploring this beautiful province, long days of maintaining golf’s most precious excellent update on permit to take water and spending well-deserved time with asset during one of the busiest years on record, regulations, and if you’re thinking about friends and family who are near. Last, I’d like I think we can all agree that we’re tired. hosting honey bees, Al Schwemler, Lesley to say a BIG thank you to the ONCourse Tired and uncertain. Even as we stand Thomas, Greg McFarlane and Peter committee. This year has been a challenge six feet apart, we miss each other. Who Chorabik have collaborated to offer best and yet, you all found time to produce knew we loved shaking hands so much, or practices for starting honey bee colonies on excellent articles for our membership. It’s a that we needed to shake hands to share a your course. pleasure to work with you all. Keep well. ■ human connection with our colleagues? We For those of you who are dreaming don’t know what the fall and winter will about working in other countries once bring for us, but if the murmurings are true, travel restrictions lessen, now is the time Courtney White, we can look forward to trying to make the to research and plan. In our Travel Abroad Member Programs & best of more masks, distant chats, virtual article, Chris Lecour did a little research on Services, OGSA. connections and social restrictions. things to consider while planning your year ONCourse Editor. These changes are difficult to handle, away and connected with Jacob Martin and members@ogsa. ca and there is a lot to worry about. Make Sean VanBeurden who share their wisdom no mistake, worry can be mentally and and experiences working abroad. physically crippling. In this issue we have You will also find a great member profile the pleasure of welcoming our debut writer, featuring Jay Sisko, Superintendent, from Chao Yuan (Tommy) Wang, a student Idylwylde Golf & Country Club, written Please continue to member who writes about the importance by Steve Rabski. We can also put our hands of talking about our mental health during together to congratulate Burlington Golf practice social distancing these unnerving times. Take a moment to and Country Club for the completion and stay safe! read it. And if you feel unsteady, reach out of their master plan, written by Ryan to someone who can help you. Marangoni, and of course, no issue of Stock up this Fall and Save! Ensure you have Parts on Hand When you Need them Call for more information on how you can save time and money with our Fall Parts Booking Program. TURFCARE YOUR BEST SOURCE FOR Helping your business grow. OEM SERVICE & MAINTENANCE PARTS 1-800-561-TURF (8873) www.turfcare.ca @Gr8estShowOnTRF @TurfCareProdCA WHAT'S NEW By Sally Ross, Executive Director, OGSA. MEMBERSHIP DUES SUPERINTENDENT RECOGNITION Thank you so much to those members who have already paid their dues for Welcome to Our New Members 2020/2021, and thank you to all those who plan to do so. The association will have a challenging year ahead, because of having Kelly Dustin Class A to cancel our January 2021 OGCMC, so Caradoc Sands Golf Club member support is more important than Kendra Adams Class C ever. Consider signing up more members of Rocky Crest Golf Club your crew, we would be happy to welcome them! Retired Members BOARD AND ASSOCIATION Congratulations to our Members Brooks Young, Superintendent, Shelburn G&CC, UPDATE who have recently become OGSA life acknowledgedfor hosting the Ontario Junior (U19) The OGSA Board of Directors is Girls' Championship. members. committed to continue supporting our As most of you know, the OGSA John Pickard ClassAA members through these challenging participated in the promotion of “Thank Doug Meyer ClassAA times. We managed to jump to our Your Golf Course Superintendent” campaign online meetings without a hitch, but we Allan Mackay ClassAA recently, as we have done for many years all miss those face to face discussions of through radio ads during various events Alex Weatherson Class AA the past; it is harder to brainstorm, voice across the province, and it was nice to see opinions, thoughts and ideas during online a reference to “Today in Ontario” again in discussions, but we managed to do just social media, because it so adequately displays that. Thanks to our Directors for being so why we thank our superintendents. DOG OF THE YEAR accommodating and dedicated, especially We also acknowledged the following over these past few months. superintendents for hosting significant GAO Our AGM will be scheduled for early events this past season: 2021, the official notice of meeting will Mike Pellerin, Saugeen GC, Ontario Junior be posted on our website and linked in (U19) Boys’ Championship Clippings, the vehicle for executing our Gerry Fox, Dalewood GC, Ontario AGM has not been decided on yet, but you Women’s Amateur & Mid-Am Champ. will have the opportunity to participate, so once the notice goes out, please plan to Randy Booker, Otter Creek GC, Ontario attend! Men’s Amateur Championship Brooks Young, Shelburn G&CC, Ontario EDUCATION Junior (U19) Girls' Championship Congratulations to Floki, and Lesley We are partnering with the Carolinas Thomas, Assistant Superintendent at Scarboro GCSA in their seminar series, and we hope Blaine Miller, Cambridge GC, Ontario G&CC for being one of the 14 dogs selected some of you will take advantage or have Bantam (U15) Boys' 8c Girls' Championship for the 2021 Dog Days of Golf Calendar! taken advantage of these offerings. We Jim Burlington, Loyalist G&CC, Ontario Plan now to vote for Floki! The winner's would like to thank the Carolinas GCSA Men's Mid-Amateur Championship owner will receive a $500 prize and $3,000 for including the OGSA membership in Rob Sloan, Woodington Lake GC, Ontario for his or her GCSAA-affiliated chapter. their program. Disability Championship A $2,000 charitable donation will also be While it was tougher than usual to get the made to K9's for Warriors by GCSAA and SCHOLARSHIPS LebanonTurf in honor of the winner. courses ready to host these events, and indeed We have made changes to the Also, good to note that when the OGSA execute them, our Ontario supers came scholarship amounts, some criteria and was awarded monies for Maple, who took through with shining colours, well done! submission dates for our scholarships. dog of the year honours in 2013, Both Tim The Assistant Superintendent Award MEMBER SERVICES Muys, Maple’s owner and our Board decided (Kirkpatrick) is still due on November We are looking at ways to improve our to donate the awards to humane societies. 1st; however, the Heritage Award and the member services, taking the state of the So, get online and vote for Floki through the Turfgrass Award are now due May 15. At world, our country, province, and industry process as outlined by Lebanon Turf. Voting the time of writing this, both Syngenta into consideration. While we all hope details will be shared through twitter and (Kirkpatrick) and BrettYoung (Turfgrass) things will go back to the way they were, we clippings once finalized. have pledged their support. For more must be ready that this just may not happen. The calendar will be distributed with detailed information, please visit ogsa.ca, When you receive our survey, please provide the November issue of GCM magazine. scholarships and awards. your feedback. Good luck Floki! ■ GC HIGHLIGHT & MEMBER PROFILE Idylwylde Golf & Country Club 400 Walford Rd. Member since 2004 Sudbury, ON P3E 2G9 (705) 522-8580 Jay Sisko jsisko@idylwylde.com Superintendent, Idylwylde Golf & Country Club www.idylwylde.com By Steven Rabski, Assistant Golf Course Manager, Bayview Golf and Country Club. hen most people think of Sudbury About the Course W they think of the snowbanks, cold winters, and blackflies. What they may not About the Course: Located in the heart of realize is that Sudbury is also home to one of Sudbury, the parklands style golf course is the best golf courses that Northern Ontario situated on beautiful Lake Nephawin and has to offer. Jay Sisko has been the golf provides a unique golf experience that only course superintendent at Idylwylde Golf & northern Ontario can offer. Founded in 1922, Country Club for 12 seasons now. Since his it was developed from the old Howey Farm on arrival in 2009, Jay has been working hard to the south shore of Ramsey Lake. provide the ultimate golfing experience for members and their guests. Private, semi-private, public, Jay’s golf course adventures began at the municipal, resort? Private Hamilton Golf & Country Club serving Architect: Front 9 - George Cumming, as a caddy. This was accompanied by a job Back 9 Howard Watson working at Hidden Lakes Golf Club as a range ball picker. He later took a job at career started. His love for the outdoors Number of holes: 18 Tyandaga Golf Course in his hometown of and passion for detail steered him in the Number rounds annually: 26,000 Burlington, Ontario. Here, he mastered the direction of Turf Management. art of night watering under the leadership Not yet ready to return home, Jay Practice Facility: Driving range, Short game of Gavin Kellogg. Once Jay finished high travelled to Surrey, British Columbia where area with 10000ft2 putting green and 9000ft2 school, he travelled to Australia where he he joined the team at Northview Golf and chipping green with sand trap admittedly had way too much fun exploring Country Club under the direction of Dave Other staff: 2 year round staff. a new part of the world. Jay caught the travel Fair. Northview was host to the Air Canada Mechanic: Al Armstrong, Assistant: Jacob Rafuse bug but realized that it was time to get his Championships where he ultimately got In the Hot Seat Q: Favourite Major? Q: Lowest round ever and where? Q: Favourite golf course? A: The Masters A: 79 Idylwylde G&CC A: I haven’t played it yet Q: Best piece of turf equipment? Q: Favourite meal? Q: Favourite course designer? A: John Deere Sprayer A: Homemade pizza A: Stanley Thompson Q: Ultimate foursome: You and which three? Q: Favourite movie? Q: Favourite Band? A: Jerry, George, and Kramer A: The Dark Night A: Dave Matthews Band his first taste of PGA Tour level turf maintenance. As Jay puts it, “Working on a golf course marries so many things I love about life and I figured why not turn this into a career.” He enrolled in the Horticulture Diploma Program at The University of Guelph and not long after, he fine tuned his education by completing the Winter School for Turf Managers Certificate at the University of Massachusetts. That summer, Jay locked down his first assistant role at Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club where he was mentored by Jim Flett. This ended up being a pivotal moment for Jay, as this was where his admiration for northern Ontario really blossomed. Jay knew from that point on that northern Ontario was where he wanted to be. Jay has now been the superintendent at The Idylwylde Golf & Country Club in Canada's longest running match play tourney prep. Sudbury for the past 12 years. The property is situated smack dab in the middle of not come without its challenges. grow grass, “I have become really good at the city, nestled beside the beautiful Lake One of the biggest challenges that face growing grass, because I have seen so much Nephawin. The golf course has a bit of northern Ontario superintendents are the of it die. The winters really are tough, but everything, scenic views, elevation, plenty harsh winters. Snow mold disease and you just have to learn to embrace it,” Jay of water and an abundance of wildlife. Like winterkill injury are common on northern explains. “I have probably smelled more all great golf properties, The Idylwylde does Ontario golf courses every couple of years. dead grass than anyone I know.” Jay speaks confidently about his abilities to Mr. Arnott, General Manager/COO of What You Need to Know Predominant grass type: Bent Poa "When I started as General Manager in 2017,I was excited to get Predominant soil type: Clay to know the management team. It quickly became apparent to Types of greens: Push up me that Jay was amazing at what he does, and he has a genuine Course length: 6666 yards love for the property. As the years have passed, I have grown Size of greens: 119,000ft2 more thankful to have someone like Jay at the helm." Size of tees: 94,000ft2 Size of fairways: 18.5 acres - Mr. Tom Arnott General Manager/COO of Idylwylde Golf & Country Club Major Challenges: Surviving winter without temporary greens The Sisko family. Idylwylde Golf & Country Club, commends cannot say enough about the employees that trees grown on the property. Jay on his abilities to continually put up with I have been fortunate enough to work with.” During the long winter months, Jay and Mother Nature’s relentlessness during the During Jay’s time at the Idlwylde, his family enjoy travelling to the Grand off season. “We have a challenging property he has seen the place undergo massive Bahamas. Despite difficult times, the Sisko and through expertise and solid record transformation. Most recently, a revived family is hopeful they can return to their keeping, Jay has found a way to ensure practice game area complete with a new travels in the near future. For now, he will we start each spring in the best possible 10,000ft putting green and chipping green. continue to enjoy some Sunday morning position he can to spite our temperamental Upon Jay’s hiring in 2009, he also made it pickup hockey and snowmobiling on all the climate in the north”. his personal goal to get the club Audobon beautiful trails his city has to offer. ■ Though the winters can take their toll Certified, a rather lengthy process that was mentally, Jay seeks productive ways to take completed during the summer of 2020. out his frustrations on the on the golf When not on the course, Jay can be course. In an effort to improve the drainage found at home on his beautiful 5-acre of his property, Jay has found that the best property spending time with his wife way to move the rock that impedes the path Lindsay, his daughter Everly and their of new drainage installs is to blow it out of German Shepherd Indy. It is here where the ground. When Jay isn’t reaching for his Jay’s love for precision crafting continues. superintendent’s hat, he reaches for his hard Jay grows an abundance of diverse fruit hat and a stick of dynamite. Quite literally, trees that most recently, have been used Jay and a fellow co-worker with a mining in experimental spirit distilling. “Similar background can be found in the offseason to the golf course, distilling is all about watching large rock fall from the sky. striking a balance with art and science, I Jay leads a team of about 13 staff during enjoy tinkering with new recipes.” Some of the golf season. “Any success I have is his most recent creations include an Asian because of the team that surrounds me. I Pear brandy and a new wine from the apple Heavy Duty Scarifier Purpose designed, heavy duty "I have known Jay since he began as the Superintendent at scarifier using strong cutting Idylwylde. What I love about Jay is that he does not carry an blades for maximum thatch ego with him, he immediately finds a common ground with removal with minimum surface disturbance. Three independently you which in turn has made us really good friends. He is just an floating heads follow ground amazing guy who will always make time for you all the while contours closely without scalping. providing an outstanding product for his members." Formore information Call Bannerman today: - Mr. Bruce Stanley, AllTurf 1-800-325-4871 Beekeeping for Golf Courses Written in collaboration by: was something I’ve thought of doing for a weaken bees, transmit pathogens/viruses, Lesley Thomas, Assistant Golf Course while. I think for a golf course it is a good and may result in the death of entire Superintendent, Scarboro Golf & Country Club; fit given the natural surroundings we have. colonies. Managing the hives to survive a Greg McFarlane, Golf Course Superintendent, The honey is good PR for members and the harsh winter is another challenge - eight The Thornhill Club; Peter Chorabik, Toronto Bee Rescue, and Al Schwemler, OGSA general public. Given the public perception hives were lost one winter. Vice-President, Superintendent. of golf courses, it makes a good story.” Greg shared a couple unique success Photos provided by Thornhill Club and Thornhill currently has six hives that stories since the club began beekeeping. the Toronto Bee Rescue and Scarboro G&CC. are split into two yards, one next to the “One interesting event was when we found maintenance shop and another next to their a bee hive in an old dead cedar log. We nursery. The honey is extracted at the club and managed to cut the section of log with the uzzwords (no pun intended), such as bottled in the clubhouse. Honey harvests have hive in it and covered it for the winter. In B “proactive environmental stewards, ranged from 115 to 230 kilograms per season sustainable, environmentally conscious”and , the product is advertised as Thornhill the spring, we moved it to the bee yard, carefully split the log, and moved the hive seem to be synonymous with golf course Club Honey and sold to the members. into a proper hive box. Another summer, superintendents and their operations. Greg mentioned that the biggest I managed to capture seven swarms and Numerous golf clubs participate in the challenge is finding/making the time to shared them with Fred Davies.” Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary program maintain healthy hives. Other challenges Greg offered a few words of wisdom, “I’ve to promote, enhance, and protect the include managing and treating for varroa learned that bees are a fascinating pollinator, environment. More recently, golf courses have mites. These parasites feed on the body and you are constantly learning. It is a very been focusing on improving the landscape for fluids of honey bees, cause physical damage, enjoyable and tasty hobby.” pollinators, especially honey bees. THETHORNHILL CLUB Greg McFarlane offered the following advice for someone wishing to The Thornhill Club started their startup bee keeping as a hobby: beekeeping operation in 2015, with four • Have an experienced beekeeper help start up your operation hives supplied and managed by local (Thornhill still calls on Fred to help every now and then.) beekeeper Fred Davies. Over the years, golf course superintendent Greg McFarlane • Watch lots of YouTube videos. and his staff took over the care of the hives, • Start with just one or two hives. looking after anywhere from 4-11 hives. When asked what motivated the club to • Purchase the proper protective gear and tools. commence beekeeping, Greg stated, “It TORONTO BEE RESCUE The Toronto Bee Rescue is a family run For those wishing to delve into beekeeping, Peter offered the business that specializes in the humane following guidance: removal and relocation of established bee colonies, swarm collection, and honey bee • "Beekeeping is a lot of work. There are no tricks. You need to work apiary hive management. Peter Chorabik hard, support your hives, ensure they are healthy, and have more started his beekeeping operation in 2011 than you need to replenish over-wintering loses. with two hives, following in the footsteps of three generations of hobby beekeepers • Find a mentor and work with them for a season. There is a lot to in his family. Today he is a full time learn and you don't know what you need to learn until you realize beekeeper and manages 500 colonies you didn't know what to do in a situation. throughout the GTA and surrounding rural areas, harvesting approximately • Beekeeping is a hobby that can take over your life. Once you know 15,000 kilograms of honey. how to manage one colony, you can manage 10 or 50, and then grow In 2014, Peter began approaching golf beyond that. If you start beekeeping, have a good understanding of courses to see if there was an appetite to host hives. He felt that golf courses your goals, so that you can focus yourself on that." would be ideal habitats to successfully host honey bee colonies due to the availability in non-play areas adjacent to fairways and SCARBORO GOLF AND of abundant flowering plants in gardens, woodlots. Hives should receive morning COUNTRY CLUB woodland, and meadows and the close sun to get the bees active and foraging How are the bees doing? How’s honey proximity to a water source. Toronto Bee and be well protected from direct winds. production? Where can I buy the honey? Rescue currently manages honey bee Peter and his team provide the bees/hives, Aren’t you afraid of being stung? These are colonies at St. George’s G&CC, Weston G&CC, Markland Wood Golf Club, manage the colonies, and treat for mites. the questions Lesley now gets asked since Hockley Valley Resort, Ladies Golf Club Each club’s honey is harvested, processed, Scarboro Golf & Country Club started of Toronto, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, and bottled separately. Other products doing their part to protect and enhance the and The Toronto Golf Club. He also hosts available include honey vinegar, honey environment for honey bees, who’s numbers hives at ski clubs, spas, and hotel properties. comb, creamed honey, beeswax, and mead are declining. Golf course hives are typically located (honey wine). The University of Toronto reached In 2017, Scarboro moved the hives to SUMMARY a more visible location beside the 6th tee Beekeeping can be a very successful deck - the reason is twofold. “We wanted endeavor on golf courses. The habitat on golf courses lends itself to enhancing the membership to feel a part of the whole pollinators and thriving colonies. Seeking process. From this location they can see the knowledge of an experienced beekeeper the bees flying in and out of the hives, seems paramount during the initial stages and see maintenance being performed. of the operation. Golf clubs will not only Secondly, from this location the hives benefit from the environmental stewardship receive much more sunlight for warmth, and positive public perception; they will also they are protected from the wind, have reap the rewards of harvesting the delectable better air flow, and have access to water honey! ■ from the Highland Creek which runs right out to Scarboro in 2015 to ask them to behind the hives.” become a part of their new Bee Boulevard Program. Lesley was interested, and the In 2017, Scarboro expanded to 4 hives, and what a year for honey production!! The ATTENTION! idea was well received by the club’s COO, hot dry weather that year is just what honey as he had just come from a club out west IPM Certified that hosts hives on their property. During bees prefer to go about their work. A record the first meeting with those involved in the 363 kilograms of honey was harvested in Agents program, the group walked the property 2017. Lesley expanded to six hives in 2020, discussing the best location for the three and reports that all are healthy and thriving. hives the club would purchase and have U “Right now, we are in the middle of our fall Get your of T Beekeepers maintain. Lesley felt quite harvest, 45 kilograms so far.” fortunate to oversee the program and got to If your club is looking to get into recertification credits suit up when they came in. This new initiative also had the full beekeeping, Lesley highly recommends ON-LINE with support of the membership. The club was it! “I would seek information through the already reducing heavily manicured areas Ontario Beekeepers’ Association to put P.D. Solutions to more naturalized sites and planting you in contact with a local beekeeper in more wildflowers for pollinators and your area. Some people do start up their ★ Now offering ★ such, as Lesley had started the Audubon own hives which can be successful, but Certification process the year before, so keep in mind you are dealing with nature MORE Courses! this was right in line with the direction the and even the most experienced Apiarist club was moving in. has lost a hive or two along the way, (just Lesley recalls, “The first year we were like turf) with no explanation.” She also Visit: told not to expect a harvest as the honey bees work on building their community. suggests to superintendents starting out to www.pdsolutions.ca reach out to others with hives if you have We were pleasantly surprised to harvest 32 kilograms of honey, leaving plenty questions. The honey bee community is as or call for the overwintering bees, to sell to the helpful and passionate about their craft as 1-877-977-6774 membership, which quickly sold out!” superintendents are in turf. The Impacts of Mental Health On Our Industry By Chao Yuan (Tommy) Wang, second-year may require additional help. I want to is dealing with a mental illness.n Brady notes Diploma of TurfManagement student, emphasize that when things do return to a that being able to recognize the signs and University of Guelph. being proactive of your and others mental sense of normality, we will need to focus on keeping our own sense of balance, as well as health is important. What you want to do is potentially spotting others who need help. avoid waiting until you get to the crisis point. ental health. It impacts us all in one M way or another. Whether you’re Being able to recognize if someone is suffering dealing with it directly, or you know someone from a mental illness can be difficult There are several things you can do to stay on top of your mental health. Building a positive support network, being well rested and fed, who is suffering, it seems to find its way into as people, especially men, tend to stay silent. exercising, volunteering, and learning how to both our personal and professional lives. In cope with difficult situations can be extremely many cases the hardest part of dealing with beneficial towards reducing susceptibility mental health is fessing up and admitting you are suffering from it in the first place. and maintaining a good cognitive balance. No matter how you approach it, Although we have seen an increase of Considering how 2020 has unfolded, I believe that there has been a growing number there isn't one specific way to stay rounds being played at golf courses, we of victims experiencing the sobering reality can’t forget about what kind of an effect it’s on top of your mental health or having on the turf and maintenance crew. that they too are susceptible to some degree of emotional weakness, instability and/or one specific way to help others Jason Haines, the Superintendent of the sensitivity when it comes to keeping your Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club head screwed on straight. I can confidently with their mental illness. in BC is one of the many Superintendents admit that even as a student, I have found who is working with reduced staff this this year to be a challenging one with regard year. “It has resulted in our team size being to staying organized, focused and optimistic reduced for health and safety reasons as well about the way things are going. Meaghan Brady, a communications specialist as financial reasons. Last year we had 10 In a way I think the COVID-19 pandemic at the Canadian Mental Health Association full time staff in the summer and this year may bring society towards an increased level states, “There are some signs and behaviours we are doing it with four including myself. of compassion, recognition, and empathy for thatyou can lookfor which could suggest thatyou Emotionally the remaining staff seem to be those who deal with temporary or permanent or someone else is dealing with a mental illness. doing pretty good but the staff who haven't mental illnesses or afflictions. I wanted to Excessive worrying problems concentrating returned yet this season are having a hard write this article to highlight these challenges at work, feeling excessively sad ... avoiding time with the new reality. This has been the and display support for those turfies who social activities can all be signs that someone hardest part for me to manage.” important role managers and supervisors believes saved his life. play in this puzzle. And shares that having a Now he is helping others with Tapped in leader that actually walks the walk and talks Golf. “I have started a non-profit golf project the talk is a keystone element to building the around mental health that promotes golf for right culture around this issue. Maintaining therapeutic relief. We get those with PTSD, an open-door policy at all times, as well as traumatic brain injuries, grievers, sufferers of respecting privacy and anonymity are all isolation, depression, and anxiety outside to crucial elements of the leadership role in play some golf. It is a community approach. this regard. Being approachable and lending Through nature, camaraderie and sport and an ear is often all that is needed. According exercise the program breaks the shackles to Johnson, “Creating that trust goes a long of personal suffering in an open and safe way in implementing and changing the environment filled with compassionate organizational culture [surrounding mental people. health]for the better. ” No matter how you approach it, there isn’t Johnson who had worked in the turf and one specific way to stay on top of your mental golf industry for nearly 30 years believes health or one specific way to help others with bringing up mental health, let alone their mental illness. But one thing is always discussing it is still uncomfortable for most certain with mental illnesses, remaining people, especially at the workplace. She silent, being alienated, and feeling alone believes it is getting better, but we need to lead to more problems. This is why mental do more and be more open in sharing stories health is referred to as the silent killer. We all and acknowledging our vulnerabilities in experience highs and lows. Staying together order to help decrease the stigma. and being there for each other can make us There are ways to overcome the obstacles all stronger and healthier. that mental health throws at you and Kevin It is reassuring to see the topic of mental Robson with Tapped in Golf is a perfect health becoming more prevalent in our example of that. Robson suffered a traumatic industry. The recent summits and conference brain injury back in 2015 and is still recovering sessions on mindfulness have helped bring from it. He notes his mental health was this issue to light and made all of us more One of his main focuses is to stay on dwindling and it got to a point where he left aware of the importance of practicing it on a top of his and his employees’ emotional his family, was living from hotel to hotel and regular basis. needs as well as maintaining a strategy to felt an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. I am only just beginning my career in the avoid burnout. “The work on the course is According to Robson, it was someone else turf industry, but I believe that actions taken unlimited. I could keep 20 or more people who had the bravery to recognize his suffering today will help to cultivate a more open, more than busy maintaining the course, but and took the initiative to reach out to him and sensitive, and understanding culture for we only have four. Therefore, it doesn’t make offer support. A simple gesture that Robson future generations to thrive in. ■ any sense to work overtime at all to try and get caught up because there simply aren't #1 Kentucky Bluegrass | Low Mow | Extreme Fescue | Premium Bentgrass | Custom Grow Program | Large or small rolls enough hours in the day to get us even close to caught up. After 8 hours I expect all staff DELIVERING SUPERIOR SODAND QUALITYSERVICE to go home no matter what.” In our industry, there is also a broad range of people with different backgrounds, upbringings, experiences, and personal challenges. Being that we are also a male l GrassNatura is dominated industry we may be more susceptible to mental health issues than many of us are willing to admit. For these COOLER! reasons, it is important that mental health awareness be considered as part of any SAFER! BETTER! employee training or orientation program. In an interview with Judy Johnson, Principal at Light of Day Coaching, there were some encouraging words of wisdom shared on this very subject. Johnson believes integrating mental health awareness training into the existing health and safety program is key to zandersod.com 17525 Jane St„ Kettleby, Ontario L7B0J6 helping increase awareness while decreasing the stigma. Johnson went on to share the 877-727-2100 Burlington Renovation Master Plan: Complete By Ryan Marangoni, Assistant Course Superintendent, they agreed to take on the challenge, led by golf course architect Burlington G & CC. Photos provided by Burlington G&CC. Doug Carrick. Understanding the Club is rich in history and some clubs have difficulty accepting change, Carrick knew he had to retain the ave you ever had an idea? I would imagine, the answer is spirit of Stanley Thompson, in his plan. Carrick created a master H YES! As greenskeepers, we have had lots of ideas. Most are plan for BGCC in 2006 in hopes to diversify the teeing grounds, centered around improvement; identifying or realizing a deficiency redesign bunkers, improve cart part infill structure, upgrade the and brainstorming avenues which will transform the deficiencies irrigation system, incorporate a tree management program and into efficiencies. Some come to fruition while others do not. Some increase the size of some greens to help distribute the wear and are quick fixes and some commonly get forgotten about, ignored tear of a very busy golf course. or given up on if they take longer to complete. It takes patience, Being a vintage 1922 Thompson course, it had his stereotypical perseverance and determination to think of an idea, create a plan teeing areas which often included only one or two tee decks per and see it to completion. hole, that were narrow and very long. These tee decks had to The team at Burlington Golf and Country Club (BGCC) facilitate a number of tee blocks which ultimately played too long knows all about seeing an idea come to fruition. In the early 2000’s, for some and too short for others. As golf equipment evolves from there was an idea (well, many ideas), to improve upon an old, tiny hickory shafts and feather- filled golf balls to graphite shafts and Stanley Thompson designed golf course that gets played ALOT coated synthetic balls, so must the course, to adapt to the added by its membership. The idea was presented to the board and length a golfer can hit the ball now, compared to way back then. TOGETHER WE TURF. When you go up against the world’s fiercest competitor every day - Mother Nature - you need a teammate with a deep understanding of your region’s challenges, soil structures, and climate. Together, we’ll uncover the right solutions for your unique turf management goals. Together, we’ll implement the right products to meet industry best practices and innovations. Together, we’ll find a meaningful partnership that pushes your turf forward. Always listening, evaluating and growing. Together. Carrick could only do so much to increase the length of the course because BGCC sits on a very small piece of land just over 100 acres. Eight of the holes had length added to them with the 14th and 5th being the most significant at a 50-yard increase to each from the back tees. Carrick, recognizing the wide variety of skill levels, introduced many more forward tees to help grow the game. Every hole has had at least one, or multiple forward tee decks added to it over the years. Most of the earlier work was smaller scaled, like tees, cart paths and bunkers which allowed for less disruption, lower financial burden and the ability for membership to continue to play their golf course though construction. Most recently, the construction that started in the fall of 2019 was a very big undertaking and the largest piece of the master plan. The final project involved Contact your local BrettYoung partner today redesigning two par 4’s and a par 3, moving the irrigation pond 1-800-665-5015 I brettyoung.ca/turf and installing a brand-new irrigation system. Meanwhile, in the clubhouse, the kitchen, the men’s and ladies lounges, the restaurant and outdoor patio all got renovated at the same time. Albeit, the clubhouse work was not part of the master plan, but it contributed private golf clubs change frequently and that can be challenging greatly to the financial load and disruption to the membership. when everyone has their own opinions, especially when they are Arguably, the main focal point of this project is the par 4 -17th passionate about their golf course. The consistency comes from hole, that sits entirely along the shore of Lake Ontario. In the 80s, the club leaders (COO, Superintendent, Club Professional etc.) this hole was redesigned by an architect named Robert Moote, to be the reminding voice about the master plan and staying on who actually worked with Stanley Thompson when he started his track. That said, plans get tweaked and new ideas arise as different career as a young architect. The 17th hole stands out not because phases are finished. Prioritizing resources and breaking the big of the spectacular views to the lake and picture master plan down into smaller, more Skyway Bridge but some would because it manageable projects to accomplish every did not match the designed features and couple of years, is how the team at BGCC flow of the rest of the golf course. It was It is now time for them to successfully completed their long-range a blind shot off the tee, rolling into a very master plan in 2020. narrow approach towards a three-tiered Over the past decade and a half, which enjoy their golf course with green that sat behind the irrigation pond. is the time it has taken to travel this After Carrick’s redesign, golfers can now masterful journey, the members at BGCC no disruptions. see the green while standing on the tee and have developed “construction fatigue”. It all the way up the wide, firm fairway. The is now time for them to enjoy their golf challenging approach shot is into a very course with no disruptions. They will watch large and elevated green. This style of golf as these three new holes grow-in just in hole is a common trait Stanley Thompson included on many of his time for 2022, Burlington Golf and Country Club’s Centennial older courses, including other holes at BGCC. Anniversary year. “Master plans get adopted or scrapped. Some clubs have been at Despite the construction fatigue, the generous members and them for 20 - 30 years and they don’t always finish. It takes a huge the ambitious management team at BGCC are already pondering amount of commitment to complete.” Carrick stated, when asked the next long-range strategy for once the Centennial celebrations about master plans at private golf clubs. have come and gone. Invariably considering new ideas. The team In order to complete a plan, regardless of the size or scale of work; is never satisfied with “good enough”, constantly attempting to consistency, determination and a great deal of commitment will conceive new efficiencies while eliminating the deficiencies, be required. Generally, committees and board of directors within always in pursuit of excellence. ■ 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.braemarbuildinqs.com Permits to Take Water in Ontario: Regulatory Update By Stephen Kajan, P.Eng, Manager, Golf Services, Water Resources resources (through PTTWs). At the time population growth Engineer, R.J Burnside & Associates Limited. and industrial development combined with inadequate sewage treatment/disposal was impacting the water quality of the Great Lakes. Wastewater had traditionally been directed to surface water e are blessed in Ontario with the riches of freshwater. The as a means of disposal. As towns and cities grew, increased discharge W Great Lakes Basin is home to 21% of the world’s surface fresh of wastewater lead to bacterial pollution. Things got so bad that the water and 84% of North Americas freshwater. Worthy of protecting. phrase “Lake Erie is dead” became common parlance. Lake Erie was As I am sure many of you are aware, our provincial government has most susceptible due to the heavy presence of industrial processes and taken steps to help manage that bounty of freshwater riches. In population density along its shores. Ontario, any water taking of 50,000 L/day (combined for all sources By the 1970s the provincial government had financed, built and on any day in a given year) requires a Permit to Take Water (PTTW), managed over 450 water supply and treatment facilities. Bacteria under the Ontario Water Resources Act (OWRA) and Ontario levels in the Great Lakes had decreased, and water quality began Regulation 387/04. The OWRA and its regulations are managed to improve. Who doesn’t love a good government legislation and enforced by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and success story? Parks (MECP). In the mid-1970s, with the infrastructure now in place, Ontario History of the PTTW regulations dates all the way back to 1956. shifted the costs of operation and management to the various Initially formed as the Ontario Water Resources Commission Act, its municipalities and became focused more on policy and enforcement. primary purpose was to finance, build and manage water treatment The OWRA as we know it today began to take shape. Changes in facilities, with a secondary focus on managing the province’s water the 1990s strengthened the regulations and added mechanisms to Advanced Equipment Sales SWEEPER VACS For your toughest clean-up jobs. Photo provided by Stephen Kajan. protect drinking water, which included a description of the OWRA primary purpose: "The purpose of this Act is to provide for the conservation, protection and management of Ontario's waters and for their efficient and sustainable use, in order to promote Ontario's long-term environmental, social and economic well-being." Through the years the province has enacted numerous changes and amendments to strengthen the policies within the OWRA. In total the OWRA has been amended 38 times and contains 15 regulations including water taking, well construction, licencing, charges for water use, etc. The most significant amendment occurred in 2004 which included annual water taking reporting, circulation of PTTW applications to municipalities and conservation authorities, and stronger policies on water taking regulations. That’s right. Your favourite annual task of submitting daily water taking records to the MECP s Water Taking and Reporting System (WTRS) by March 31 of each year started way back in 2004. The latest changes to the OWRA in 2019 addressed the growing ADVANCED EQUIPMENT SALES pressures of a digital age, allowing for online permit submissions and P.O. Box 818,21 Birch Street requiring online only submission of annual water taking records to Seaforth ON N0K1W0 the WTRS. To date, the MECP now only accepts digital submissions to the WTRS. At the start of 2020, the MECP launched a digital Phone:519-527-2929 submission platform for PTTW applications through “Public Secure” Email: advancedequipment@tcc.on.ca (formerly ONe-key). I am sure many of you are familiar with this www.advancedequipmentsales.ca service as the pesticide licenses are run through the same platform. Online submissions through the ONe-key portal can be challenging Photo provided by Al Schwemler. for those not familiar with navigating the system. Recognizing this, as well as understanding the impacts from COVID-19, the MECP Permits to Take Water in Ontario Tips: now accepts digital submissions (in pdf form) through the email enviropermissions@ontario.ca. The MECP also still accepts hard As we approach the winter months, renewals of copies sent to: PTTWs and submission of water records becomes Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks more in focus for many golf course managers. Attention: Permit to Take Water, Director Here are a few tips from what we are seeing with Client Services and Permissions Branch PTTW submissions recently: 135 St. Clair Avenue West, 1st Floor Toronto ON. M4V 1P5 1. The MECP is requiring current permit holders Important Note: do not include any sensitive payment information to submit renewal applications 90 days prior to (ie credit card) on digital submissions, for obvious reasons. the expiry date. What is this “MECP”business about? Ifyou’ve been around for a few years, you may find it hard lately to keep up with the modern vernacular 2. Application processors at the MECP are of the Ministry of the Environment. As the political winds shift, so requiring proof of property ownership seems the title and agenda of many government agencies. When the documents and proof that those who sign current provincial administration took office in 2018, it brought about applications are directors or officers of the sweeping changes. An era of accountability begets consolidation and company. This was always the case but is being cutbacks. The formerly known Ministry of Environment and Climate vigorously enforced as of late. Change dropped “climate change” from its moniker and adopted a new title, Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) 3. Submissions of daily water taking volumes are signifying a unification of services. At the time it was uncertain as to how consolidation of these three agencies would impact the various now only submitted through the MECP's WTRS. regulatory approvals processes. Two years later and the changes to the 4. Review times on PTTW applications remain Ministry of Environment, Conservation Authorities, and Ontario Parks have yet to be clearly defined. unimpacted by COVID-19 despite MECP staff One such change recently took place and is aimed at streamlining transitioning to working remotely. the PTTW review process. As of Jan 1,2020, issuance of permits in Ontario is now happening at a central office under the Environmental 5. Exclude credit card information from any digital Permissions Branch located in Toronto. Previous to this, Regional PTTW submission. Call in with a credit card Offices would complete a technical review and issue permits to number or mail a hard copy of the submission. applicants. Under the new framework, Regional Offices provide a technical review with recommendations to the Environmental Permissions Branch who issues the permit. The MECP is also consulting with stakeholders on proposed amendments to the OWRA and the water taking regulations. The bottled water industry has recently come under public scrutiny over the selling off of our water resources beyond the limits of our watershed. As recently as 2017, bottled water production had been lumped in with commercial and industrial users and had been charged a nominal consumptive fee for using water. This fee was $3.71 per million litres used. Amendments to the regulations imposed a stiff increase of $500 per million litres specific to bottled water production. In September 2020, the MECP enacted a regulation to extend the moratorium on any new water taking for the purpose of bottled water. Once the moratorium ends, the MECP will enact regulations to resume issuance of permits for bottled water production but will require support from local municipalities. Although the charges for bottled water production do not yet extend to the commercial use of golf irrigation, it is something that has been previously discussed within the MECP. All indications from discussions with MECP staff suggest that charging golf courses for water is not something that will be implemented soon. There are currently 3 proposals posted to the Environmental Registry for public comment regarding changes to the OWRA. You can view these changes at https://ero.ontario.ca/. The proposed changes are not expected to impact irrigation water taking by golf courses for commercial use. You can access the MECP’s website for up to date PTTW information including links to Public Secure, online PTTW mapping tools, and an online database of all PTTWs in Ontario. Visit https:// www.ontario.ca/page/permits-take-water for more information. ■ Photo provided by Al Schwemler. Conditioning: Build Strength AIl Season Long SUPPLY ENERGY DRIVE GROWTH Your turf has just finished a marathon. During the heat Cooler temperatures slow down turf growth by compromising nutrient of the summer it has consumed all of it’s stored energy. availability and plant metabolism. Highly available sources of essential Photosynthesis has been less than ideal, and respiration nutrients will keep turf growing and recovering during a busy winter has throttled up. Use these Turf Fuel plant energy playing season. products to fill the tank. Found in Quick Green, Base N25, Root Down Found in Element 6, Vertical, Carbon 21 MAINTAIN COLOR As temperatures drop chlorophyll production grinds to a halt. Other pigments start to exhibit their colors such as yellow, orange and purple. Everyone wants green. Maintain summer color with products to build chlorophyll or provide natural green tones with pigments. Found in Minors Fuel Kelp, Photo Fuel, Hulk, Green Shield Empowering You to Contact us to learn more I info@target-specialty.com Grow Your Business™ target-specialty.ca ONRESEARCH Expanding Research Capacity at the New GTI The turf type tallfescue NTEP trial now in its second season at the new GTI Data will be released when the trial is complete. Written by and photos provided by Cam Shaw, GTI Communications and or New Jersey. Having the GTI become a regular trial site for the Outreach Coordinator. NTEP program would be an invaluable resource to all turf managers in Ontario. As some of you already know, we were able to install ne f the primary goals of the GTI is to inspire and host turfgrass our first NTEP trial last season with turf type tall fescue (TTTF). O research that is pertinent, valuable, and most importantly, usable TTTF is a grass species of growing interest for the turf industry. by Ontario and Canadian turfgrass managers. As we prepare to say New advancements in breeding programs have created a much finer good-bye to the 30-year history of research innovation, education and preferred leaf texture conducive for sport, play and aesthetics and services at the historic GTI property on Victoria Rd in Guelph, while continuing to employ much of the same rugged stress we are also waving hello and welcome from our new location on tolerances tall fescues have come to be known for. These grasses College Ave. As many of you have already seen, this new location have grown to be increasingly sought after for bunker faces suffering boasts a more efficient and practical GM Frost Centre along with from excessive sand splash and drought/heat stress. They are also an improved capacity for modern day research in turfgrass science. being used increasingly in seed mixes for roughs on golf courses. One of the key strategies behind the development of our new location Some of you may be more interested in the bentgrass NTEP was to expand our research capacity, which is a measurement of our trials. Unfortunately, the timeline of the new building, research plot ability to host a broad range and variety of projects and research at a construction, and of course COVID created some challenges and single location. Beyond just pure academic research, which can take hurdles in terms of hosting the most recent bentgrass NTEP trials. many years to execute and tremendous funding to start up, we want That being said, we are looking forward to becoming a recognized to attract additional interests in short-term trial work with various host site for the next round and will work diligently to ensure we partner groups. Trial work, or service research, is the type of research are on the list. that collects data for new product registration, developing improved Revisiting the point on expanding the GTI’s research capacity, last product strategies, rate/interval comparisons, efficacy ratings, and fall we allocated some donation money and funds generated through other important end-user information. the Ontario Turfgrass Symposium and the Turfgrass Managers With regard to trial work, one of our goals at the new GTI is Short Course to invest in a new rain out device. This piece of to bring back the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP). research infrastructure is designed as a temporary installation that This quality rating and performance data is absolutely essential for rests over top of various research plots (it is movable) in order to Ontario golf superintendents to make informed choices on turf keep the grass plots below dry. The rain out device creates a new species and cultivars based on their performance in the Ontario opportunity for our researchers to investigate things likes drought environment. When searching the NTEP website, most Ontario stress, hardiness, recovery potential, localized dry spot, and introduce turf managers are forced to look at trial locations that are similar improved opportunities for wetting agent efficacy and comparison to Ontario such as cities in Michigan, Illinois, New York, Indiana trials. All ofwhich have become increasingly important to golf course Grad students Corey Flude andJaber Husiny seen Thefinished rain out device seen here with the plastic covering installed to inhibit precipitation and here raising the scaffolding-like rain-out device maximize light penetration. over the TWCA Kentucky bluegrass trialplots. superintendents as of late. One association who has taken advantage to encourage more activity and use of our site, but also to hear more of this new capacity for research is the Turfgrass Water Conservation each of your unique challenges and ideas. Some of the best research Alliance (TWCA). Operating as a non-profit organization, the is inspired from anecdotal observations by turf managers like you! ■ TWCA’s primary objective is to identify, rate and certify grasses (through third party research) that can withstand and recover from severe drought stress. In other words, grasses that produce quality turf while reducing the need for water. The TWCA funds drought IN A TIME OF CORONAVIRUS trial work all over the US and we are happy to be working with them now in Canada at the GTI. TWCA certified grasses can help golf course superintendents identify seed that may help to reduce their CONFERENCE overall water budget or perform better than traditional grasses in an already lean irrigation program. COMES TO YOU The move to our new location is a great chance to reinvigorate the 30 Classes, 30 Days, $30,000 Cash Prizes Canadian turfgrass research program. As the turf industry continues to evolve and change, the GTI’s capacity for research will allow us It's a Win, Win, Win - Seminars start November 2 to pivot our focus to remain aligned with the needs of Ontario golf Win - With the Carolinas GCSA's annual Confer­ superintendents. When the era of social distancing finally comes to ence and Trade Show cancelled this year because an end, we look forward to hosting more industry events, meetings, of the coronavirus, we're coming to you, no matter seminars and networking opportunities within our walls - not only where you are. Take a seminar at work, on the couch or even on vacation. Win - Individuals benefit from first-class education while local chapters across the country and over­ seas share in the revenue. So, from the moment you sign up, you're investing in your career and the future of your chapter. Win - Generous support from our Industry Part­ ners means every seminar you take earns you one Corrie Almack P.Ag. more chance to share in $30,000 in guaranteed cash giveaways. Investing in your career could pay Almack Agronomic Services Inc Tel: (905) 689-6174 off sooner than you think. Box 256, Carlisle, ON Cell: (416) 580-5152 LOR 1H0 Email: c.almack@sympatico.ca www.conferencecomestoyou.org LOOKING BACK Twenty Years Ago Today The 2000 OGSA Board of Directors The Board ofDirectors in 2000 were asfollows: (Back row) Rob Ackermann, Markland Wood GC; Mark Piccolo, Galt CC; Dave Cours, Erie Shores G&CC; Robert Burrows (editor), Rosedale GC; (Front row) Dorothy Hills (office admin); John Gravett (vice.), Granite GC; Keith Bartlett (pres.), Thornhill GC; Ian Bowen (past pres.), Oshawa GC; Jim Flett, Muskoka Lakes G&CC; (Unavailable for photo) Dean Baker, Glen Abbey GC; JeffBurgess, Weston G & CC; Robert Heron, Beacon Hall GC; and Paul Scenna, Donalda Club. ON THE MOVE the 2000 Environmental Achievement Courses were closed and major damage was John Taylor went from Twenty Valley Award which is co-sponsored by the CGSA reported from many other courses during G&CC to Hunters Point GC. Mark Sevsek, and The Toro Company. three separate storms. assistant at Nobleton Lakes GC moved to At the GCSAA Convention held in New At the Ontario Turf Symposium, Gary Rio Vista. Chris Davies, who worked at Orleans, Green Is Beautiful tied with Gravett, on behalf of the Georgian Bay Golf Glen Abbey and before that Deer Creek Iowa’s The Reporter for the Most Improved Superintendents Association, presented GC, made a career change and started Publication at this year’s Newsletter Editor Rob Witherspoon, director of Guelph working for Vandenbusshe Irrigation. Session. Congratulation to editor Robert Turfgrass Institute, with a $1,500 cheque to Burrows, Rosedale GC. be put towards GTI research. The OTRF MILESTONES tournament was held at Wooden Sticks Alan Beeney retired from the Halton Hills EVENTS GC on August 14th hosted by Brian Haus. CC after thirty six years. Major rainfall events plagued the Over $40,000 was raised for turfgrass NATIONAL UPDATES Toronto area golf courses from April to research. The GTI Summer Research The CGSA Conference and Trade Show June. Extensive damaged reported from Field Day was held at the Guelph Turfgrass was held in Ottawa. Jim Wyllie was awarded Robert Cowan, Royal Woodbine GC, Institute. After lunch, Jack Eggens, Pam the John B. Steel Distinguished Service Don Crymble, Markham Green GC and Charbonneau and Ken Carey led the Award. Paul Dermott was the winner of Rob Ackermann, Markland Wood GC. hands-on workshop. Dean Baker and his grounds crew pose with Tiger Woods at the 2000 Canadian Open at Glen Abbey. (L-R) OGSApresident Keith Bartlett recognizes Al Beeneyfor hosting the Alex McClumpha TOURNAMENTS Australia to be used as the sand for the Memorial Tournament. The President/ Greens Chairman/ Beach Volleyball competition. Superintendent Event was held at the “Tiger Mania” came to the 2000 Canadian Donalda Club hosted by Paul Scenna. This Open at Glen Abbey. It was the first time year’s team champion, with a low score of that tickets were sold out for the Canadian 117, went to John Taylor from Hunter’s Open. The success of the tournament was Point GC, second place went to Phil evident by the records set: Brown from Summit GC (123) and third - Ticket sales on property $100,000 place went to Aldo Bortolon from Lookout ($17,000 in 1999) Point CC (127). - Sunday crowds estimated at 60,000 The Pro/Super tournament was held at King (30,000 in 1999) The President-Greens-Chairman-Superintendent Valley GC hosted by Jason Honeyball. The - 10,000 hats sold (4,000 in 1999) Event Championsfrom Hunter's Point Golf Club. top team was led by Ray Richards, Mad - 180 Prime Rib Roasts (80 in 1999) River GC, second led by Tom Murphy, - 62 kegs = 7000 glasses of beer (30 kegs Lambton G&GC and third led by Richard Barry Endicott in 1999) Retired Golf Course Butler, St. Andrews East GC. Low scoring - 8400 bottles of beer (3600 in 1999) Superintendent superintendent was Jason Ireland from Brampton, Gntario These figures were taken from an article Conestoga GC. Tel: 905-846-1440 written by Dean Baker who was the barry. endicott@gmail. com Al Beeney, The Club at North Halton, superintendent for many of those Canadian hosted the Alex McClumpha Memorial Opens held at Glen Abbey. ■ Tournament and Keith Bartlett presented him with a watch inscribed with “Congratulations from your colleagues for your years of involvement in the association”. First low gross was Bruce Burger, 73 and first low net was Kenneth Patterson, 64. The George Darou Trophy went to Tom Murphy for the best low gross PARTNERS IN PREMIUM TURF PRODUCTS for superintendents over 50 years old. Nutrition. Control Products. Amendments. TRIVIA Seed. Surfactants. Hardware & Accessories Comprehensive Expertise. Bob Hutcheson, owner of Hutcheson Sand and Gravel, supplied the sand for nutrite.com oscturf.com the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney 800.265.8865 519.886.0557 MEMBER MOMENTS Work and Travel Abroad Royal Melbourne photo provided by Jacob Martin. uman beings are fairly social creatures. Many yearn to explore limits on the type of work you are allowed to perform and a maximum H and travel, interact with others, socialize and make new friends while exploring new and wonderful places. It’s who we are and amount of money you can earn when working in a foreign country. it’s Deer Ridge GC’s Jacob Martin had three compelling reasons to how over the course of thousands of years humans have extended take an extended leave from his club and begin a year long journey in their reach over virtually every square mile of our planet, in many Australia. The main reason was to represent Canada at the Australian instances for better or worse. The corona virus has put a collective Football International Cup initially scheduled for the summer of full-stop on those adventures in 2020. The very things humans have 2020. But when the chance to work at Royal Melbourne Golf Club done quite freely since man first walked upright, socializing, travelling, as it prepared for the 2019 Presidents Cup came up, along with the exploring, are exactly what we should avoid to curtail the spread of opportunity to travel in Australia for several months prior to the Covid-19. It’s disheartening and has changed our way of life, but it football championships, that became the trifecta that was just too will not last forever. It may look different than it did pre-pandemic good to pass up. and it’s unclear, like a lot of things these days how long that may take. Martin applied for the working holiday visa but actually had the However one day things will return to at the very least, a new normal. job offer from Royal Melbourne before his permit was approved. The chance to work, travel, and network is an attractive option for Royal Melbourne was especially helpful as he navigated the process turf professionals no matter where they are from. The experience may to be able to legally work in Australia. Since the country attracts so be as simple as volunteering at a professional golf event or even a major. many travelers seeking work opportunities to supplement their travel Perhaps the opportunity comes as an internship to a storied private activities, assisting a potential Canadian employee was not exactly club in the U.S. or overseas. For the truly adventurous, a working foreign to the club. The country sees well over 100,000 foreigners holiday in a foreign country is the ultimate work-travel experience. apply for working travel visa’s every year. For the six month period Most of us are aware of the challenges in hiring solid, dependable before, during and immediately after the President’s Cup there were workers and this problem is not unique to Canada. Canadians with seven other internationals working at Royal Melbourne. Martin turf grass experience are an attractive hiring option for courses all over estimates the cost of the visa was approximately $700 plus the cost to the world. obtain health insurance during his time in the country, a requirement The R&A estimates there are almost 39,000 golf courses located Australia demands of all applicants. in 209 countries. Right after the U.S. and Canada, the top golfing Since he was working at one of the most famous clubs in the world countries include Japan, England, Australia, Sweden, Scotland, Spain, during one of the most prestigious international golf events, the Ireland, the Netherlands and Thailand. Almost all of those countries caliber of greenkeepers Royal Melbourne was able to attract was very would make the bucket list for most globetrotters. high. Martin said the experience was like working with 40 interns, Many governments around the world have made it relatively easy all highly skilled, all very eager to learn and prove themselves. That for foreigners to enter their borders for working holidays. In fact, the scenario pushed each of them to be their very best. The minimum website Global Goose lists at least 30 countries that provide working wage in Australia is over $19 per hour and Martin believes the holiday visa’s for Canadians and the conditions necessary to obtain cost of living is very similar to that of Canada, comparing living in a working holiday permit. These conditions typically include an Melbourne to living in Toronto in terms of expenses. He hopes to age range (the minimum age is 18 and the age limit to participate return one day soon to complete the travel portion of his adventure. often maxes out at 35) and “sufficient funds” in your bank account He was compelled to return to Canada in March as travel restrictions (which prove that you will be able to support yourself in the event came into effect and the government of Canada urged its citizens to you are unable to find employment for an extended period of time). return home. The football championships have also been tentatively Most countries issue travel permits for up to 12 months. Some, like rescheduled for next year. Australia, do allow an extension of an additional 12 months if certain Martin credits another fellow world traveler, Sean Van Beurden with conditions can be met. And the Czech Republic requires a minimum providing some helpful advice as he began the process of obtaining of $2500 in your bank account to enter the country and an additional the visa. Van Beurden wrote a piece for OnCourse in the June 2020 $1500 to cover the cost of a plane ticket home. There are usually issue about his year working at The International in Amsterdam. Royal Melbourne, hole 6 photo provided by Jacob Martin. Venice, Italy, photo provided by Sean Van Beurden. The Assistant Superintendent at The National GC spent 12 months up again, Martin suggested keeping an open mind and beginning working in Amsterdam and travelling throughout Europe, finally the application process for a visa well in advance of needing one. returning home in March of this year, just before restrictions began to Van Beurden seconded this recommendation and also advised others come into place following the Covid-19 outbreak. to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them while Van Beurdens wife has dual citizenship but that didn’t make the abroad. A year away from home may seem like an eternity during the process any easier for Sean who still required a working holiday visa first month but by the end of the trip you’ll wonder where all the time to enter the country. But proving that the turf world is a small one, has gone, so take advantage of every minute. he received advice from another Superintendent, Stu Sheridan at Capilano GC, who knew a colleague who worked in Amsterdam. Handy Resources: While following this lead, the opening for an Assistant Superintendent Global Goose - Work and Travel Anywhere, https://global-goose.com at The International came up. Van Beurden was able to secure the International Experience Canada. ■ position and the visa and the couple set out for Amsterdam. Working holiday visa rules vary from country to country but in the Netherlands once an applicant has been approved their 12 month visa begins, whether they are in the country or not. The couple actually stayed longer than 12 months but near the end of the first year Van Beurden applied for a spousal visa and as long as they were waiting for its approval, he could continue working and living in the country. Once they arrived in Amsterdam, they secured an address with the help of a relative in the country. That allowed them to set up a bank account and register with the city, all necessary steps required to legally work in Amsterdam. After living in a long term hotel for approximately three weeks they moved into their new rental home, located along one of the city’s many canals. They bought bikes and used them as their primary mode of transportation, riding to work each day as many Amsterdammers do. Like Martin, Van Beurden also noted that living in Amsterdam VC60 VERTI-CUTTER is comparable to living in Toronto in terms of its cost of living. The VC60 is designed for use on golf course fairways, tees and all types of Amsterdam is considered a very expensive European city to reside sport fields. Unique swing hitch allows in. Like many other European countries, the Netherlands is very operator to turn while using. New progressive in promoting a work-life balance for its citizens. When "optional" double roller gauge system he started at The International, Van Beurden began with 25 vacation is now available, which allows for 1.5" days. Overtime is automatically paid for working Saturdays and spacing. Skid shoes are still available Sunday and the club was preparing to host the KLM Open, a European Tour event. Between the 5 weeks of initial vacation time and many hours banked in preparation for the KLM event, Van ADVANCED EQUIPMENT SALES Beurden wound up with up to 10 weeks of holiday time, which came 519-527-2929 in handy as the couple took full advantage of exploring Europe during advancedequipment@tcc.on.ca their year away. www.advancedequipmentsales.ca When asked if they had any advice to share with others who wish to undertake a similar adventure whenever the world begins to open OFF THE FAIRWAY foliage but if it’s tucked in behind a few other things it can be hidden until it flowers The Shoulder and sends it’s blooms 4’ in the air; it stays relatively low until that point. It starts blooming in mid September and will go Seasons until the end of October. For May-June blooming Allium’s are a nice touch. They are a perennial bulb in the onion family, they produce large globular flowers ranging in heights and their colour ranges from purples to blues. Once they are done flowering their foliage starts to yellow but it can be cut back. When planted behind something else, you never notice the gap and their foliage regrows green and almost Daylily like. A favourite of mine for early June blooming are Lupins. This full sun beauty can come in a multitude of colours and put hen I was the Horticulturist at and it has very dark purplish foliage. This on a spectacular show for a couple weeks. W Muskoka Lakes Golf and Country Club my target date to have the gardens plant is to be grown in a woodland setting so it can tolerate shade, and it prefers moist When they are done blooming, cut the plants off at the base, they will rejuvenate look their best was July-August. Thanks to soil. It is one of the very last bloomers and produce new foliage. They can also the cottage season, this was the highest foot before the snow flies and has extremely tolerate dry clay type soils. traffic period for the club, and the members aromatic flowers that attract bees and other I have come to be a big fan of two type expected English style gardens, meaning pollinators. It’s attractive foliage colour of Phlox’s, the Woodland Phlox and Moss lots of layered perennial flowering. So, I can be used for contrasting other plants Phlox. Great for early blooming, the Moss pretty much packed the spaces in the beds Phlox has a mossy green foliage appearance with plant material that would be in bloom that is used for draping over rockery or on or have its best aesthetic appearance at the The shoulder seasons were garden edges. It is really low growing (4” club’s busiest time. height), and when in flower it creates a However, the shoulder seasons were certainly not forgotten and carpet of blooms in a wide range of colours, certainly not forgotten and regardless of my blues, pinks, reds and whites. When they summer targets, there was a need to ensure regardless of my summer targets, finish blooming shear the plant and it will that some blooming occurred during the continue to be neat, tidy and green. They spring and fall. The trick was to find plants there was a need to ensure that require full sun for best performance. The that didn’t take up a lot of space or look Woodland Phlox is slightly later blooming, withered during the big show. some blooming occurred during is great for a shaded woodland setting, and With Covid-19 restrictions in full swing, comes in blue, pink and white. It’s a slow I imagine that golf courses all over Ontario the spring and fall. spreader that can be used as a mounding are experiencing the increased usage into the fall, and members expect the gardens to ground cover and when in bloom it throws keep producing blooms until the snow flies. it’s flowers to 12-18” into the air. Once Keep in mind, that it’s a near impossible blooming is done shear off the old flowers task to maintain the majesty of the providing interest all season. and your left with a short green mound summer gardens into the shoulder season, Stone Crop Sedum (Autumn Joy) is for the remainder of the growing season considering a garden has only so much commonly used for fall interest, it starts amongst later blooming plants. soil space for plant roots, however you can late and blooms for a long time heading I hope these suggestions help when you try to meet your member’s expectations by through October. Grown in full sun, are looking at areas and thinking if only I selecting a few recommended plants. drought tolerant, 12-18” in height, the plant had just a little more colour. ■ Since we are now in the middle of fall, has a neat and tidy form, and the foliage has I will start with plant material that will a blue hue. take you into the flurries. While most Japanese Anemone likes part shade and Chris Cumming CLP, plants have started their dormancy process has a spectacular show of flowers coming in Horticulturist Cimicifuga (Snake Root) will be throwing pinks and whites and a few different heights Email: chriscumming@live.ca tall bottlebrush type white flower spikes 5’ and tidiness depending on the variety. The Cell: 705-644-3994 in the air. There are a few varieties, one in larger varieties do need lots of room and particular is called Hillside Black Beauty, there’s nothing overly attractive about the TURF OR CONSEQUENCES Fall 2020 It's Customary in Golf Not To.... Sunday Musings from the Patio of a Public Golf Course By Doug Breen, overnight. But 300 golfers Superintendent, per day walking across GolfNorth Properties. the greens, taking 30,000 strokes, and God only was sitting on a patio one knows how many practice I day, watching a group of four people (in four carts) swings - is taking its toll. We know that many of our tees head over to the first tee. (driving ranges included) There were also four carts simply aren’t big enough for in the middle of the first the current traffic. We’re fairway, and four more carts creating instructional videos beside the first green (too to educate new golfers, and close to it, actually). There to remind old golfers about were four more carts by the things like fixing ball marks. 18th green (again, too close Oh, the ball marks... to it for my liking), four on Obviously, a full tee the fairway, and four on sheet is the best thing that the tee. That’s 24 carts on can happen financially. We, two holes. The ninth and as an industry, have been tenth holes looked about the same. Forty­ The first tee times of the day are literally talking about the need to grow the game for eight carts within my sight and at least ten as early as we can have the course ready to decades, but if this is going to be the norm of them were in places they shouldn’t have play, and the last tee time is far closer to going forward, we’re going to need more been. I said to myself, that's 192 tires worth dark than I’d be willing to pay money for, to instructional videos. The course Marshalls of wear and tear on the turf I turned my try to get in a handful of holes. Never mind are going to have to do a lot of instruction chair around, so it faced the wall - and I greens mowers -I saw a mechanic mounting as well. The most common phrase this shuddered a little bit. lights on an aerator yesterday. Nearly every summer has been, “It’s customary in golf, A younger, angrier Doug would have single time slot in between dark and dark is not to......fill in the blank." I timed it one been emphatically waving his arms around, sold, and they keep coming. day, and the proshop on a 27-hole course chastising golfers about staying on cart Young people are taking up the game - needs to check in a golfer every 52.5 paths. At one time, I had quite a reputation both male and female. They’re practicing, seconds, to avoid a backup. The software for taking cart keys away and making taking lessons, and buying equipment. I see takes about 90 seconds per transaction. golfers carry their clubs for the rest of the twenty somethings on golf dates. There’s an That’ll cause some angst. round. I’m mellowing with age, but the online dating service for people who play Hey, don’t get me wrong - I’m glad combination of heavy cart traffic and new golf. Golf is fashionable. Golf is booming. that golf is popular, and I understand that golfers has been hard for me to watch. But is it sustainable? busy makes everything better. Back in It’s been very, very busy. There are That’s the million dollar question. March, Krista and I were more than a little landing areas on fairways and par three COVID-19 has certainly narrowed people’s concerned, that having all of our household tees that look like someone top dressed social and athletic options, and as a result, income dependant upon things people do the surface of the moon. There have been they’re giving golf a try - but will they keep with their disposable income (horses and many, many first-time golfers. I’ve seen sets coming when things return to normal? golf), was shockingly poor planning on our of clubs that look like an unabridged history Whether that happens in five months or part. No one is more surprised than us, that of golf equipment. Sets that look like they five years, will they keep coming? And if they both ended up being part of a handful were purchased at 14 separate garage sales. they do, how are we going to have to adapt of activities which people were willing and I’m told that you simply can’t buy a set of to keep our courses in acceptable condition? able to take part in. left-handed clubs in Ontario. Public golf is Ontario golf courses heaved an So busy is best, but there’s no question seeing a resurgence which the golf industry audible sigh of relief when the Provincial that if this pace of play continues, we’re only dared to dream of. Government approved cart dividers. going to have to change how we’ve been The music is loud. So are the golfers. Cutting the number of carts driving around doing some things. That, and mount a lot There are divots in greens. the course in half made a huge difference more headlights on equipment. ■ "We chose Turf Care as our irrigation partner Dean Baker, Superintendent because they provide Burlington Golf & Country Club unparalleled service and support." Burlington Golf & Country Club relies on Toro Lynx Central Control, combined with Infinity heads for next-level control and watering precision. Better information allows for better decisions, enabling them to conserve their most valuable resource while maintaining exceptional turf conditions. Let us show you an easy and affordable path to the latest in irrigation technology. 1-800-561-TURF (8873) turfcare.ca TURFCARE Helping your business grow. @Gr8estShowOnTRF @TurfCareProdCA