August 2021 ON COURSE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS' ASSOCIATION Planning and Unplanning the RBC Canadian Open Engine Check - Maintaining Also in this issue: Covid and Municipal Golf Can daPostPublicationsMail Publications Agreement No. 40027105 Postmaster; Please Return undeliverable copies to The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. Guelph, ON N1L 0H2 THE GAME HAS NOW CHANGED This is the season of FUEL FOR BOTH PLANT & SOIL recreation, outdoor pursuits and renewed VERTICAL ABOVE GROUND: • Anti-stress technology focus on fine turf • Wellness triggers surfaces. Turf Fuel’s • • Super efficient potassium Antioxidants innovative new Vertical • • Growth promotion Improved photosynthesis will surely give you a BELOWGROUND: fresh edge and ensure • Rooting technology • Food for soil microbiology a successful growing • Proprietary three part organic acid blend season. • Improved nutrient availability • Key sugars for plant health and microbial stimulation • Rich carbon supply for rhizosphere Canada's Value-Added Solutions Partner for Turf & Ornamental Products & Education. target-specialty.ca Mitch Davidson Eric Gratopp Perry Brazeau Mitch Guy Southern Alberta, Kootenays Northern Alberta Toronto / East Northern Ontario mitch.davidson@target-specialty.com eric.gratopp@target-specialty.com perry.brazeau@target-specialty.com mitch.guy@target-specialty.com 587.223.2083 587.284.4744 416.705.8006 705.444.9010 Jason Hooper Gregor Kowalski Colin Hindle Joey Losito Lower Mainland & Interior Bc Vancouver Island Ottawa & Eastern Ontario Quebec South & East jason.hooper@target-specialty.com gregor.kowalski@target-specialty.com colin.hindle@target-specialty.com joseph.losito@target-specialty.com 604.317.2476 250.686.3909 613.314.9711 819.571.1677 Chris Paterson Josh Seibel Jason MacRae Craig McCutcheon Southern Alberta & Kootenays Saskatchewan & Manitoba Quebec North & West South-West Ontario chris.paterson@target-specialty.com josh.seibe@target-specialty.com jason. macrae@target-specialty.com craig.mccutcheon@target-specialty.com 403.540.0157 306.861.8296 514.712.8006 905.351.6544 Mark Scenna Chris Nelson Sales Manager, Canada Toronto West / Niagara mark.scenna@target-specialty.com • 416.458.2396 chris.nelson@target-specialty.com • 647.382.6868 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE t would be very remiss to not acknowledge the dedication and I commitment of Sally Ross to the OGSA. As the Executive Manager of the OGSA for nearly 11 years, Sally was instrumental in setting up the association to succeed in the future. Unfortunately, Editor her passing was much too soon. Rest in peace Sally! Courtney White The OGSA Board of Directors are happy to announce that the manager@ogsa.ca “Interim” title has been removed and Courtney White is officially the Executive Manager of the OGSA. Congratulations and we look forward to your guidance and visions for the association Publisher By Al Schwemler, moving forward. Diane Davey OGSA President. It has been a wild ride this year with golf opening, then shutting diane@blenheim.ca down, then re-opening (May 22), to the Stage 3 removal of most course protocols in place for 2020/2021 on July 16. We Are Golf - Ontario was instrumental in lobbying the Advertising & Administrative Manager government on behalf of all Ontario golf courses throughout the closures and stay at home Diane Davey orders. The diligence of this committee (especially Shawn Hunter of NGCOA and Mike diane@blenheim.ca Kelly of Golf Ontario) was instrumental in assisting the cause to re-open golf courses. Tel: 289-337-4305 As Covid-19 case numbers continue to remain low and more Ontarians are vaccinated, we are hopeful to be able to offer an in-person conference in 2022, as well as, a late season 2021 golf event. As advertised, the OGSA is excited to host the Assistants’tournament at Production & Design Deerhurst Resort on August 31. It will be such a relief to be able to network and gather Patrick Kilborn face to face again with minimal or no restrictions. patrick@blenheim.ca I hope everyone’s season is progressing well despite early season drought conditions, followed by high temperatures and humidity, and the multiple storm cells throughout the province. It is hard to believe it is August already. The daylight hours are diminishing and it will soon be fall. Remember to find that essential work - life balance! ONCourse is published four times a year Keep well and stay safe. ■ (November / March / June / August) by Blenheim INK for: PROVEN BY 25+ YEARS OF SUPERINTENDENT SUCCESS. • Patented IMPERMEABLE Reinforced Winter Cover Turf Protection System. Ontario Golf Superintendents' • PERMEABLE Lace Coated Grow-In Covers increase Association healthier turf growth. Guelph Turfgrass Institute Find out how the GreenJacket System can make a difference for your golf course. 328 Victoria Road South Call 888-786-2683 or Email info@greenjacket.com Guelph, ON N1L0H2 See Research at GreenJacket.com Tel: 519-767-3341 Toll Free: 877-824-6472 Fax:519-766-1704 Email: manager@ogsa.ca www.ogsa.ca PARTNERS IN PREMIUM TURF PRODUCTS Published by Blenheim INK Nutrition. Control Products. Amendments. Administration Office: Seed. Surfactants. Hardware & Accessories. 503-5340 Lakeshore Road Comprehensive Expertise. Burlington, ON L7L 7A8 nutrite.com oscturf.com 800.265.8865 519.886.0557 www.blenheim.ca FLEX APPEAL A FAST ACTING DUAL-ACTION GRANULAR THAT TREATS AND PREVENTS LOCALIZED DRY SPOT The AQUEDUCT FLEX contains a fast acting Benefits of Aqueduct Flex: dual-action formula specifically designed to © Provides rapid recovery of stressed turf with visible results in as little as 3 DAYS when used at the treatment rate give turf care professionals superior performance with flexible options for © Provides up to 30-DAY PROTECTION against the development of localized dry spot when applied dealing with stressful conditions, on a monthly basis at the preventative rate including localized dry spot. © Safe to use on all turf varieties Can.Aquatrols.com/Flex Inside this Issue INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ADVANCED EQUIPMENT 15.25 www.advancedequipmentsales.ca ALMACK AGRONOMIC SERVICES INC. 26 AQUATROLS 4 www.can.aquatrols.com BANNERMAN 9,18 www.sportsturfmagic.com BELCHIM 6 www.belchimturf.ca BRAEMAR BUILDING SYSTEMS 17 www.braemarbuildings.com BRETTYOUNG 24 www.brettyoung.ca GREENHORIZONS 3] www.greenhorizonssod.com GREENJACKET 3 Features www.greenjacket.com 10 GC Highlight & Member Profile ONTARIO SEED COMPANY 3 Neil Beech, Vice President www.oscturf.com G.C. Equipment Ltd RD. SOLUTIONS 9 13 Covid and Municipal Golf www.pdsolutions.ca 16 Engine Check S.W. STONEWORKS 12 Maintaining Your Irrigation Well www.swstoneworks.com 19 Planning and Unplanning TARGET SPECIALTY PRODUCTS 2 the RBC Canadian Open www.target-specialty.com 22 Common Safety Hazards THE ANDERSONS 7 on Golf Courses www.andersonsplantnutrient.com Regular Contributors TURF CARE PRODUCTS CANADA 21, www.turfcare.ca 27 Off the Fairway ZANDER SOD CO. LIMITED 25 28 Looking Back www.zandersod.com 30 Turf or Consequences ONCOURSE 2021 Departments Although every effort is made to check 3 President's Message material for publication, the association is not responsible for material published on 7 Editorial Message behalf of its contributors. All rights are reserved by the publisher and 8 What's New any reproduction in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher is Member Moments prohibited. 25 Ken Malcomson Although some trade names may 26 Niagara Golf Wall of Recognition be mentioned in articles contained in this publication, no endorsement is intended or implied by the Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association. ON THE COVER ONCOURSE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Prepping greens for RBC Canadian Marco China, Joel Johnston, Chris Lecour, OGSA is committed to serving its members, Open, St. George's Golf and Country Ryan Marangoni, Mike Pellerin, Steve Rabski, advancing their profession, and enriching Club. Photo by Marco China. Al Schwemler, Ryan L. Scott, Courtney White, the quality of golf and its environment. Madeleine White. Developed for Winters in Canada New, Dual Active Snow Mould Protection Polaro™ is a unique two-way snow mould combination developed for winters in Canada. The Polaro combination has been extensively researched at The University of Wisconsin - Madison and under real www.belchimturf.ca golf course conditions across Canada. Always Read and Follow Label Directions. Polaro is a trademark of Belchim Crop Protection Canada Inc. EDITORIAL MESSAGE Happy Summer Everyone. efore the courses were flooded with eager distancing and travel restrictions during fair Each issue, I try to reiterate just how much B golfers, the extended stay-at-home order weather seasons. Chris Lecour connected that was issued in the spring brought about with a few Ontario superintendents from ONCourse relies on its member volunteers. Although I may not have mentioned you tournament cancellations and postponements different municipalities to talk about their here, your contributions to this publication in Ontario. The OGSA typically spends maintenance practices during the various are appreciated. Our committee has done a the summer recognizing superintendents stages of reopening golf. wonderful job researching, coordinating, or and their teams for their considerable Doug Breen reflects on the up-swing in writing these articles for the membership. contributions to significant tournaments held golf’s popularity through the social media I’d especially like to thank our summer throughout the province, but what happens lens and provides some much-needed comic intern and guest editor, Madeleine White. when tournaments get cancelled? Marco relief and sage advice about what to do Madeleine is a public relations graduate China, new to the ONCourse committee, when golfers review your course on popular from Algonquin College, who will pursue gives us insight into planning and unplanning social media forums. the RBC Canadian Open - twice, and what Despite hectic tee time schedules, it’s her degree this fall. She has been a critical we can look forward to when the tournament business as usual when it comes to maintaining part of the ONCourse team and can take (hopefully) takes place next year. equipment and reviewing health and safety credit for most of the editing that went into With Ontario’s Stage 3 in full effect, I standards around the course. Stephen Kajan the June and August issues. am delighted to read about superintendents has put together an informative article about Enjoy! ■ putting rakes back in bunkers, pins back in maintaining your irrigation well, and Bill cups, and generally making plans for the Godkin shares common safety hazards often Courtney White, future based on the lessons learned over the overlooked on the golf course. Executive Manager, OGSA last two seasons. Chris Cummings discusses the advantages and ONCourse Editor. No one knows better than the and versatility of container gardens on manager@ogsa. ca superintendents and assistants working at golf courses, and we’ve highlighted the municipal courses just how much golf has achievements of several members in meant to the public as they cope with social Member Moments. ACCELERATE AERIFICATION RECOVERY Genesis Rx Genesis Rx 5-7-5 is an all-in-one fertility and soil amendment product for easy application in conjunction with aerification. This product is a high-quality NPK fertility blend containing secondary and minor elements and utilizing our patented Dispersing Granule (DG) Technology. This unmatched combination provides turfgrass with the nutrition needed for recovery from aerification stress, along with sustained feeding. We further value engineered this product by adding 21.5% Humic DG™ (by weight) to deliver soil microorganisms the carbon-rich food source they desire. AndersonsPro.com/Aerification ©2021 The Andersons, Inc. All rights reserved. The Andersons logo and Genesis Rx are registered trademarks of The Andersons, Inc. Humic DG is a trademark of The Andersons, Inc. 621 WHAT'S NEW By Courtney White, Executive Manager, OGSA. Superintendent Recognition In the spring of 2003, the Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association (OGSA) Board of Directors instituted a recognition program for superintendents and their teams, who host provincially significant tournaments at their respective courses to acknowledge their considerable contribution to a successful tournament. This year we invited a partnering sponsor, Allturf Ltd. to help us acknowledge these efforts. This acknowledgement includes plaque presentation and refreshments for the maintenance team. General Manager John Alpaugh said, “We Superintendent Paul Powers, (centre left) Courtney White, OGSA (far left), and Nigel Rennie, are driven to support education, professional Allturf, (centre right), and the maintenance team from Walter Gretzky Municipal GC accept their development and recognition ofturfmanagers acknowledgement for hosting the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Girls’ Championship. in any way we can. Partnering with OGSA to support tournament hosting superintendents is an important means of acknowledging the extra hard work associated with tournament preparations for those managers whose efforts often go unnoticed.” The recognition program will run until the end of September, and we’d like to thank the teams who have allowed us to visit so far this season. Heritage Awards The OGSA would like to congratulate Sydney Ackermann, on winning first place, and Holly Lecour and Grayden Stauffer, who have tied for second place, on earning Superintendent Tom Kinsman, (centre left) and Nigel Rennie, Allturf, (centre right), and the the top spots for the OGSA Heritage maintenance team from Whistle Bear GC accept their acknowledgementfor hosting the Ontario Junior Award. Each winner will receive a cash (U19) Boys’ Championship. award of $1,500 to help offset the cost of their education as they pursue their chosen fields of study. ■ WELCOME to Our New Members Nicholas Hagg Class C Kawartha Lakes G&CC Alex Gambino Class F Wildfire GC Dawson Riml Class F Club at North Halton Andrea Gelinas Class C Blue Springs GC Isaac Ford Class F St. George's G&CC Superintendent Brooks Young, (centre right) and Nigel Rennie, Allturf, (centre left), and the maintenance Dan Howie Class C team from Shelburne G&CC accept their acknowledgementfor hosting the Junior Spring Classic (U19) Beacon Hall GC Boys’ Championship. Dear Canada - which came with a sizable budget right.. .one with the president, one with the to manage. I eventually became an account executive board, and one with the entire Members, manager for The Personal, working in sales board) I was offered the position. By Courtney White, and relationship management - which as This time allowed me to gain insight into Executive Manager, I mentioned, lead me to you. Although I the EM role and responsibilities, but more OGSA. hadn’t worked with an association, I was importantly it gave the board and me an accustomed to working in small teams, rowing roots wearing many hats. opportunity to work together and discuss a G in the OGSA has been a slow Over the last three and a half years I’ve helped to plan OGSA events, produce vision for the OGSA. Part of this vision is to increase education growth experience offerings and member benefits, update ONCourse, serve the membership, and beginning with my our communication tools including our learned much about the OGSA and its first introduction to inner workings. website, and continue to offer the excellent the association, as conferences and events that you’ve grown your account manager from The Personal It’s a difficult task to watch your leader accustomed to. I am now pleased to accept Insurance Company. I joined you at two concede to illness and leave her beloved the permanent EM position, and I look conferences to peddle my wares and give position far before she is ready. So, when forward to working with members and the away iPads, but ended up meeting many I was asked if I’d like to interview for the OGSA board. directors and members - and quite frankly, Interim Executive Manager position, I had a great time getting to know you. considered it a bitter-sweet opportunity - Thank you to everyone who has reached Little did I know that the seed for the next but an opportunity I was ready for. out with congratulations over the last few chapter in my career had been planted. With Sally cheering me on, I applied, and months. Cheers to a fun and exciting future A few years later, I was approached by Sally after a three-tiered interview process, (that’s with the OGSA. ■ Ross, who invited me to interview for the Member Service position. Given my previous encounters with the association, it wasn’t a hard decision to accept the role in 2017.I had ATTENTION! never worked for an association before, the work was diverse and challenging, the office IPM Certified a few short minutes from home, and let’s face Seeding is Believing it, who wouldn’t want to work with such an Agents ’I excellent group of people? Here’s why she hired me. Get your I have over 15 years of experience in corporate communications, copy writing, recertification credits editorial and journalism, event planning, marketing support, account management ON-LINE with and client/member services in a range of industry. P.D. Solutions I studied public relations at Conestoga Simple Dimple Seeder College and graduated with distinction. My ★ Now offering ★ Bannerman B-SDS-4-H career evolved out of an internship at the 1. Accurately dispenses bent Waterloo Region Record, a newspaper, where MORE Courses! grass & blue grass seed I primarily focused on their community 2. Easy to calibrate-variable relations and events. I worked at an event seeding rates planning company (Grand River Shows) Visit: 3. Break up ice on Greens producing several large consumer shows 4. Tow with any turf vehicle in the Kitchener-Waterloo area each year, www.pdsolutions.ca and an insurance company (The Personal) or call preparing significant RFP responses, other Call Bannerman today: corporate communications and overseeing 1-877-977-6774 1-800-325-4871 their event marketing program for most of GC HIGHLIGHT & MEMBER PROFILE 1184 Plains Rd East, Burlington, On Member since 1988 1-800-883-0761 Neil Beech www.gcduke.com Vice President, G.C. Duke Equipment Ltd. By Neil Beech, Vice President, G. C. Duke always made me smile. The Patterson Equipment Ltd. Photos provided by family deserved their success. G. C. Duke Equipment. My next job was at Millcroft Golf in Burlington, as it was being built, where I worked for a true gentleman in Barry " aCn you get up early? Endicott. I spent the summer fixing Real early?” irrigation breaks and cleaning out clogged “Yes Sir” I replied, not knowing real early heads. With no golfers to bother us, it was meant 4 AM. And so, I began my first job, a fun summer and like most courses, it 12-year-old Neil Beech was the official had its share of characters. The shop was tree waterer at the fledgling Saw Whet an old cattle barn. The mechanic, Frank, Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. My job was obsessed with flies and had fly tape responsibilities that summer were dragging everywhere. You could not walk in the shop a 150’, 2” diameter yellow hose around the or lunchroom without bumping into one then five-hole course. No one explained of these sticky tape rolls hanging from the where the water came from, but I eventually ceiling covered in flies. Most staff opted to discovered the magic that was a quick eat outside. coupler. I would drag that hose around I was to attend Carleton University in the course watering all the newly planted pick-up around the course. It was the best September but one day, for some strange trees. When finished, I would look up at job ever. Ray Patterson risked everything reason, I read the classified ads in the paper the owner, Ray Patterson, and “keep going” he had to build that course. The equipment and saw a tiny posting for a “Demo Rep” was always the answer. Good thing I was was old and things broke, but somehow, we at G.C. Duke Equipment. They wanted earning the big bucks, $2.25 an hour; I was managed to get the job done. Both Ray someone with golf equipment experience. I going to be rich. and Mike were incredible influences on me. called up after hours and some guy named I spent the next five years working for Ray They taught me about loyalty, work ethic, Dick answered. He told me about the job, and his son Mike. By age 13,1 was cutting and respect. Two great people who took and I told him “Sounds great, I’m your man, greens, changing holes, topdressing with a the time to teach and explain. Seeing that I’ll be in when I have some time.” Apparently shovel, and driving the 1962 purple Dodge course grow over the years to what it became I was a little cocky in my youth. A few days In the Hot Seat Q: Favourite Major? Q: Lowest round ever and where? Q: Favourite golf course? A: The Masters A: 35 at Lido Golf Centre Mini Putt A: Sage Valley, Aiken SC Q: Best piece of turf equipment? Q: Favourite meal? Q: Favourite course designer? A: Smithco 3180 GPS Sprayer A: Pork chops with apple sauce A: Dick Kirkpatrick Q: Ultimate foursome: You and which three? Q: Favourite movie? Q: Favourite Band? A: My dad, brother and John Candy A: Shawshank Redemption A: Queen later, with my dad’s trench coat wrapped around me, I showed up. Dick turned out to be Dick Raycroft, the Sales Manager at Duke, and an absolute legend who hired me and in October of 1988,I began my career at Duke Equipment. It’s now been 33 years and what a ride it has been. When I started, I was given a map of Ontario, truck keys, a 32’goose neck trailer, and a roll of quarters to call in for messages. “Load up the trailer with this equipment, start in Windsor and demo eastward till you hit the Maritimes, then come back.” The reps would arrange demos and I showed up to demonstrate what it could do. Back then, we were selling National 84 Triplex’s, Cushman Trucksters, Turfco Mete-R-Matic top dressers, Ransomes 180 trim mowers, and Ransomes 350D Rough mowers. Every part of a course was cut with Thefirst annual Paul Brown Internship Award was presented to (centre) Isaac Swanton, by (left) reels, Toro Parkmasters, Jacobsen F-10’s, Greg Brown and (right) Neil Beech from G. C. Duke Equipment. and towed gang mowers. It was a different era. Over the next year and a half, I probably Greensaire 2 aerators; a slow process but the became a must-have piece of equipment. saw every course in Ontario. I would be in first time I had truly seen fairways treated Sprayers evolved from tow type units Sudbury one day and the GTA the next. like greens. to Truckster mounted 150 gallon and I began to see changes in the industry. I In 1990, I was given a small territory 200-gallon units with spray control systems. remember pulling into Islington Golf Club of my own (eastern Toronto east to the As the agronomics changed, so did the and seeing a young Wayne Rath and his Kawartha’s). I only had 77 accounts, so I perceived need for more courses. The crew aerating fairways with a bunch of Ryan became a fixture at most of these clubs. I late 90’s and early 2000’s were a sales rep’s would leave the yard at 3:30 or 4 AM, be in dream. Everywhere you went there was a the territory before most clubs opened, and new course being built. Leasing became would be waiting at the gate of my first call the most important tool we had. It became About the Business with a box of donuts. I remember Bob (RT) about payments and structured lease streams. G.C. Duke was founded in 1948 by G.C. Heron when he was at Beacon Hall saying, Equipment was being replaced on 3-5-year “Kid, if I buy this roller do you promise not cycles. As the number of courses grew, so (George Clinton) Duke. The company is still to come back for a month?” grew the need for more superintendents. located at the same address where G.C. started The industry changed quickly in the early All the young assistants were moving up the it all 73 years ago. The company is now owned 90’s. Lightweight Fairway Mowers replaced ladder to clubs of their own. It was akin to by Nolan Duke, the grandson of G.C. the Parkmasters and F-lO’s. Everyone was a changing of the guard. G.C. Duke sells and represents such brands as buying Jacobsen LF 100’s and soon after, As golf changed, so did operations at Toro 223’s. Lastec introduced the 7-gang Duke. In 1999, the company purchased Jacobsen, Cushman, E-Z-GO, Smithco, Turfco, Rotary Articulator and soon, the gang the rights to the Jacobsen equipment line Lastec, Foley and Buffalo Turbine. mowers disappeared from the rough. The from OTEC. I was covering all the GTA Number of staff: 42 Cushman Truckster and GA-60 aerators and Niagara and had a demo rep working for me. We were hiring on-road techs to and under his leadership, the company has have one of the best medical systems in the service all the equipment in the field versus grown exponentially. In 2009, Duke took world, my employer has always supported hauling it back to the shop. We started a on Fleet Distribution rights for E-Z-GO me, I am able to work, and have watched my new division called Duke Distribution, Golf Carts for Ontario and Quebec. This two daughters, Natalie (22) and Madeline selling landscape equipment to an extensive third division has grown beyond our wildest (19) grow up to be incredible women. dealer network. dreams. The introduction of the E-Z-GO When you face an obstacle, you adjust. When I started at Duke, G.C. was still RXV Elite Lithium cart has been a game My life is full of new norms. I can’t gain around, the man, then in his early 90’s, changer for us. weight, so I have leg weakness and I hate was still a fireball. He had a golf cart and I have been very lucky to spend my entire stairs but have learned to adapt. I may not would drive around the property. He would career with a company like Duke. I went be running marathons, but I can get out and often stop and tell me to get in. He would from demo rep to sales rep to lease manager walk. My screen fonts are massive, and I regale me with stories and his thoughts to GM to my current position as vice- carry a flashlight everywhere (I have zero on the world. The rides were educational, president. We have a great team of people night vision and limited detail vision). All entertaining, and 100% intimidating. and many of our staff have been with us for in all, I get up everyday and can do what He lived a heck of a life and built a 20-40 years. Our head technician, Gord needs to be done. It never helps to feel sorry great company. Wilson, has been with the company for 55 for yourself - push through, adapt, never Richard (R.N.) Duke was running the years and is still going strong. give up, and appreciate family and friends. company at that point. His grasp of business How a company treats its employees is There is always someone worse off than you. and strategy was unmatched. Golfing with a reflection of the company as a whole. I As Nolan Duke often comments, “you look R.N. and Nolan were some of the best am a testament to that. It’s no secret I have rounds of my life. One needed thick skin to faced a few health battles over the years. In horrible but still have great hair.” survive those outings. He was sorely missed 1999, I was diagnosed with a rare form of It’s been a heck of a 33-year ride seeing after his passing in 2008. multiple myeloma. It’s a blood disease that this industry change and meeting so Today, the company is owned and run by creates millions of proteins that clog or many kind and dedicated professionals. Nolan Duke. A better friend and leader, I attack my organs. I have had two kidney Everything I have I owe to golf. If I had to could not ask for. Nolan started off cutting transplants, lost 60% of my lung function, start the journey all over, there is not much the grass, worked in parts, delivered sold had almost 2’ of intestines removed, my I would change. As long as they can keep units, ran a sales territory and was general vision is compromised, and I undergo rebuilding me, I am looking forward to the manager prior to taking control. He had chemo regularly to control it. Sounds bad, next 33 years and see what the future holds experience, understood our customers needs, but I am incredibly thankful and lucky. We for this great industry. ■ Your Trusted Partner EXCLUSIVE OFFER As an Associate Member we would appreciate the OGSA opportunity to quote on any SPECIAL PRICING of your landscaping needs. Please extend this offer to Natural Stone, Armour Stone, your coworkers and friends. Interlock and much more. Give us a call! [905] 951-0942 www.swstoneworks.com Covid and Municipal Golf Legends Niagara overhead. By Chris Lecour, Senior Turf Sales Representative BASF Canada. attract new golfers and those looking for a relaxing round in a casual atmosphere, the town began implementing a set rate for play two With thanks to Aaron McMullen (Tomahawk Golf Course), Brad Bell years ago. With the onset of Covid, the town took the opportunity (Lakeview Golf Course), Dan Magrin (BraeBen Golf Course), and to begin the process of creating a more structured tee time booking Tom Newton (Niagara Parks Golf), for their contributions to this article system and revenue collection process. Course improvements in including photo contributions. conditioning that began long before Covid, prepared it for the inevitable increase in traffic and the subsequent expenses were ike all of us across the province, golf course operators can hardly L wait for life to get back to normal, but with one exception: the easily justified with the improvement in revenue reporting. Since hope that the current popularity for golf and the record number of the honour system was originally in place at the club, it is difficult players continues. Golf provided a safe and healthy physical and to determine how many rounds Tomahawk saw in its early years. By emotional outlet when many other recreational activities were shut looking at the annual revenue generated and the suggested donation down due to Covid restrictions. The resurgence in golf is just what amount, an average of 7500 rounds may have been the norm prior to the sport needed at the time it needed it most. Covid. In 2020, there was an increase of over 2000 rounds despite Perhaps more than any other sector of golf, municipal or the 6-week delay to the season. In the first 47 days of operation for government owned and operated golf courses really needed the the 2021 season, the course has seen 4100 rounds. boost. Municipal golf courses provide the most affordable and Tomahawk Golf Course discourages walk-on traffic and tee accessible means to discover the game for new players in their times are now required. Golfers can book up to five days in communities. In many cases, these courses do not turn a profit and advance, tee times are every 15 minutes, and the town has hired usually rely on taxpayer contributions to survive. This often leaves an attendant to monitor and control groups accessing the course. them wide open for criticism and as an easy target for those that This is a far cry from the days when golfers would stuff $5 or $10 don’t play the game and want to see golf courses repurposed. in a wooden box at the first tee. With the exception of the honour The Town of Blue Mountains’ Tomahawk Golf Course, located system for payment, the course plans to go back to their pre-Covid in Thornbury, has been constantly evolving since the town took operating procedures (rakes in bunkers and allowing flagsticks to be ownership of the course 15 years ago. Aaron McMullen has been removed, for example), as soon as it’s determined to be safe. Even the Superintendent at Tomahawk since and has seen a number of with additional expenses over the last two years, such as an increase changes at the course over the years. in staffing, signage, and barriers to control the flow of traffic, the Originally set up as a play-for-donation course designed to increase in revenue has offset the added expenses. The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) is an agency of the safety measures, the course staff have managed to regularly rake all Government of Ontario and serves to protect the natural and cultural bunkers for their guests. Even as restrictions lift, their goal is to heritage along the Niagara River and does not rely on taxpayer uphold the conditions guests have grown accustomed to and are contributions for operations. Operating and capital expenses are looking into creative options that will maintain the reduction of covered by income from retail, restaurants shared accessories on the course. An and other attractions operated by Niagara example of an idea in the works is to Parks. Two such attractions are the include a bunker rake with each golf cart. "After a year of running thin On July 16th of this year, the Ontario Whirlpool Golf Course and Legends on the Niagara. Tom Newton has been the in labour and the golf course government proceeded to Step 3 of Senior Superintendent of Niagara Parks the province’s reopening response to Golf, overseeing both properties, for the being busier than in previous COVID-19. For golf courses operators, last six years. this offers possibly the biggest return to years, in 2021 we increased our what could be considered normal since the Niagara Parks Golf has had a similar Covid experience to many golf courses labour contingent to pre-Covid beginning of Covid: across both the province and country • Outdoor social gatherings with up to levels in order to manage the since early 2020. Rounds in 2020 and 100 people, 2021 are up approximately 25% compared day-to-day challenges of a • Indoor gatherings with up to 25 people, to the previous years’averages. There have • Non-essential retail allowed with been no weddings, no indoor or outdoor busy golf course, i.e., cart traffic capacity limits (social distancing), dining, and limited food & beverage • Many of the previous guidelines around control, divot repair, and options. An increase in expenses was seen touchpoints has been removed, for such things as signage, disinfectants, seeding and fertilizer inputs." • Clubhouses can open at 50% capacity, PPE, increased training, and janitorial and labour costs. The initial approach at Tom Newton • Masks are no longer required when NPC golf last season was to reduce costs riding a golf cart. significantly by reducing labour. However, Some golf courses were already preparing Newton notes that “after a year of running thin in labour and the for the July 16th date to return bunker rakes and ball washers to the golf course being busier than in previous years, in 2021 we increased golf courses as the guidelines were relaxed. Surely there are many our labour contingent to pre-Covid levels in order to manage the clubs eager to allow more patrons onto patios and into the clubhouse, day-to-day challenges of a busy golf course, i.e., cart traffic control, even if it is accompanied by some natural unease or nervousness but divot repair, and seeding and fertilizer inputs.” While many golf Newton says his courses have no intention at this time to open the courses are expected to reintroduce course accessories like rakes clubhouse to more people for dining. Legends’ limited halfway house and ball washers onto the courses as soon as they can, NPC has menu has been able to satisfy the expectations of most of their guests, no immediate plans to do so. Since the implementation of Covid who tend not to stick around after golf for food. Operating two golfcourses, the City ofMississauga offers a combined 45 holes between BraeBen Golf Course and Lakeview Golf Course. Both saw a reduction in F&B services and an increase in expenses for signage, disinfectant, etc. The superintendents at both golf courses intend to return to some pre-Covid policies and procedures slowly, but others may take longer to return. Brad Bell at Lakeview says his team plans to progress slowly as restrictions are lifted to minimize the amount of touch points introduced at one time. Bell also recognizes that staggered start time for maintenance staff can offer some benefits post Covid. “Offsetting start times for various staff reduces the congestion of everyone leaving the shop at one time. This does, however, make it more difficult for morning meetings and communicating to all the staff at once. Reducing touchpoints should allow staff to stay healthier during times like a regular flu season.” Over at BraeBen Golf Course, Superintendent Dan Magrin plans on keeping current VC60 VERTI-CUTTER maintenance practices the same unless there is pressure to revert to The VC60 is designed for use on golf previous maintenance practices. This is particularly true when it comes course fairways, tees and all types of to bunker maintenance at BraeBen. “Without rakes, some of the high sport fields. Unique swing hitch allows traffic bunkers are in pretty bad shape after a few days,” says Magrin. operator to turn while using. New “As bad as they have been, we haven’t had any negative feedback about "optional" double roller gauge system their condition. Post Covid, the thought is we’ll continue to operate is now available, which allows for 1.5" without bunker rakes and monitor the feedback.” spacing. Skid shoes are still available There remains hope within the industry that once other recreational activities became available, golfers will continue to participate at the same levels the sport is enjoying now. Whether or ADVANCED EQUIPMENT SALES not participation rates sustain themselves in the near future remains 519-527-2929 to be seen. Whatever happens, golf at every level in Ontario, private advancedequipment@tcc.on.ca or public, resort or municipal operated facilities, will continue to www.advancedequipmentsales.ca adapt and adjust for their survival and the survival of the game, just as they have always done. ■ Engine Check Maintaining Your Irrigation Well By Stephen Kajan, P.Eng, Water Resources Engineer, R.J Burnside & Associates Limited. o matter your club’s place in the golf N market, water is always a hot button issue. Much like Goldilocks’porridge, there is either too much or too little, and is rarely just right. In very recent weeks, much of Southern Ontario has received significant amounts of precipitation which was preceded by an early spring drought. Without making this an article about climate change (a polarizing, complex topic on its own), weather extremes are becoming more frequent - longer periods of drought interspersed with high intensity, heavy rain events. Having a reliable water supply continues to play an important role in the management of turf as drought periods get longer. In Ontario, approximately 59 % of permitted golf courses utilize groundwater or a combination of groundwater/surface water for irrigation water supplies. That equates to 326 golf courses in Ontario that use groundwater wells! As a superintendent reading this article, you are more likely to have a well than not and are very likely to encounter use of a groundwater well at some point in your career. UNDERSTANDING YOUR WELL Regulations in Ontario require a available to the public to access. These days, establishing a groundwater well for use as an irrigation supply takes a well record to be completed by the well In most cases, a submersible pump is large financial commitment and can be a contractor which is submitted to the installed in your well, deep below ground, complex process. You have to find the best Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and requires a crane for removal. Electrical place to drill, hire a contractor to drill the well, and Parks (MECP).The well record is a key power wire is fed down along the column bring in power and piping, install a pump, document and includes information such as pipe to the motor. The well pump sits inside and of course, complete all the testing and depth, diameter, location, a description of the well casing above the well screen, which permitting to use the well. Depth, diameter, the geology, testing information, proposed is slotted and allows water to flow from the and distance from power source all play huge flow rate and water level information. You geologic formation (aquifer) into the well. factors in the overall costs to establish a well. should have a copy of this record to help Water is pumped up through the column One would expect the costs to range between troubleshoot problems. If you don’t have pipe and connected to your transfer pipe by $70,000 to $150,000. A costly venture for a copy, contact the well driller and request a pitless adapter. This adapter allows for easy something that most well owners largely one. Otherwise, the MECP operates an removal of the pump and column pipe. You ignore until there is a problem. online GIS database of well records that is also most likely have a flow meter, or some A plugged well screen from precipitate building. Courtesy of Well Initiatives Ltd. The same screen following well rehabilitation. Courtesy of Well Initiatives Ltd. means of measuring flow (for your Permit to cycle of the casing. Hard water can impact PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE Take Water). Each one of these components the casing causing the buildup of precipitate has a life cycle that will depend on choice of Much like the analogous oil change, an or even degradation of the steel causing holes. materials, geology of the aquifer, amount of irrigation well should be checked regularly by a More often than not, as long as water comes use, and quality of groundwater licensed well contractor. Generally, every 5-10 out the top, most well owners do not spend any years, a precise flow test should be conducted, time or resources on maintaining their well. water levels measured, and the pump assembly TYPICAL WELL INSTALLATION However, maintaining your irrigation well pulled from the well to be visually inspected should be treated like maintaining any other Typically, a submersible pump lasts 15 for scarring, pitting or signs of motor piece of equipment within your fleet. After years (gasp!). Certainly, you may get many overheating. Today, technology affords us all, a groundwater well is a big investment more years out of your pump, but on average, the opportunity to drop a down-hole video one should plan to replace it after 15 years. and is likely your primary source of irrigation camera in the well to visually inspect the pitless Most would attest that the pump will water. Can you imagine never changing the oil adapter, the structural integrity of the well inevitably fail when you absolutely cannot in your greens’ mowers? Never greasing the casing, and the condition of the well screen. afford it to. Column pipe can be a variety of rough mower decks? Never blowing out your Keeping a frequent eye on things allows you materials — poly pipe, pvc, galvanized, black irrigation system? Seems crazy, right? to compare well performance from the last or stainless steel and overtime can degrade Having a properly working, reliable irrigation time it was serviced and identify any problems impacting performance of the pump. The well gives you the comfort of knowing you that could be developing over time. Regular casing and screen materials are commonly can water when you need it and can be the service also allows you to identify potential steel and stainless steel and can last upwards difference between cutting back on water issues, complete preventative maintenance of 50-60 years or beyond. Quality of the or losing turf all together. So, what does an and proactively budget for and repair any water can play a significant role in the life irrigation well maintenance program look like? conditions that may potentially lead to failure. 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 left too long, the mineral scale can become too hard to remove and the well capacity can be permanently reduced. A pump may also fail because it was sized incorrectly. A pump that is sized too small may not be able to deliver the flow rates you need from the depths required in your well. A pump sized too big may over pump the well, break suction and burn out from overheating. A pump correctly sized ensures that a) your well is not being pumped beyond its physical capacity and b) your well pumping is within your permitted rates. Other indications that there may be a problem with your well include changes in the water quality, reductions in the flow rate, changes in the temperature, and changes in the water levels. Having the initial well Pumping Level (Blue) decline over time requiring rehabilitation. record provided to you by the well driller, the original hydrogeological report, and Pump failure is the most common issue pump to break suction (mixing of air and frequent maintenance can help you identify facing well owners. However, overtime and water = bad). Submersible pumps also require these changes before they become full depending on the geology of your well, approximately 3-6 ft blown problems. material can build-up on the well screen, of water above them Continuous water limiting the passage of water through it. If to run efficiently. Maintaining your irrigation level measurements enough build-up occurs, it can reduce the Plugging of the screen can also provide can cause a motor to well should be treated like some indication of flow through the screen or bedrock fractures overheat and fail early. the well performance that supply the water, lowering the pumping The pump failure may maintaining any other piece of over time. The graph level and capacity of your well. If the pumping just be a symptom of attached shows water level drops too low, it can cause the a bigger problem you equipment within your fleet. a decline in the cannot see from the pumping water levels surface, so it’s best to After all, a groundwater well is (blue) over time by get some assessment almost 10 meters, a big investment and of the capacity every which also resulted in time you get the is likely your primary source a slow decline of the Clean Green pump serviced. In flow rate within the cases with many years of irrigation water. well. Overtime this of neglect, the damage can drop so low, the to the screen and/ motor cannot cool or casing may be too great and could require properly and can fail. The monitoring well drilling of a brand-new replacement well. (red) does not show the same decline over The photos on page 17 show what a plugged time showing that the decline is only in the screen looks like, and a clean screen beside it. pumping well and not the aquifer. Much like any other piece of turf equipment, a properly maintained and cared for well will PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE deliver the performance you need for years There are a number of methods and to come, particularly as the drought pressure Multi-Ject Aerator techniques a licensed well contractor can use to increases. Do not take for granted that when Bannerman BA-400-S/S-H remove material deposits from the well screen you turn on your well and water comes out, 1. Eliminate surface disturbance to return it to its former glory. This is called that everything is fine. Be proactive, monitor and core residue well rehabilitation and it includes processes like your well flow rates and water levels as these 2. Clean cut entry and exit of time compressed air lifting and surging, jetting, as are simple yet effective tools to catch problems 3. Aerify & putt immediately after well as chemical rehabilitation. These methods before they arise. Budget for well pump 4. Revitalizes and encourages and their efficacy can range considerable. The replacements on a 15-year cycle and make roots to growth key, much like the oil change, is preventative sure you get regular capacity testing done maintenance. Regular servicing limits the with every service every 5-10 years. Without amount and hardness of material build up preventative maintenance and monitoring, Call Bannerman today: over time and can even potentially reverse the you might be missing all the signs that a 1-800-325-4871 process keeping water flowing freely into the problem is developing. Murphys law takes well, just as the day is was first constructed. If no days off. ■ Planning and Unplanning the RBC Canadian Open Prepping greensfor play, using same techniques perfected for the RBC Canadian Open. Written by and photos provided by: Marco China, handful that were around for the 2010 event one that would rival other marquee Assistant Superintendent, St. Georges Golf & RBC Canadian Open, were sharing stories tournaments on the PGA schedule and help Country Club. of past experiences and creating a sense of the course compete against the world’s best. excitement around the event for anyone that We were flooded with applications that came n 2018, St. Georges Golf and Country had yet to experience it. The sense of pride I Club was awarded the 2020 and 2024 in everyone’s work was shining through with RBC Canadian Open. As our team set attention to detail and excitement for what on a global scale with volunteers committing from as far away as Germany and England. (Keep in mind this is January and February about preparing for the tournament, the the next season would bring. of 2020. Times have certainly changed!) COVID-19 pandemic hit, and the world As the winter progressed and March 2020 seemed to change overnight. The lockdowns rolled around, the world collectively came to and closures affected the way we lived The team had time to fine tune a grinding halt, and we were left with many our daily lives, and it was no different for questions as to what June 2020 and the RBC the team at St. Georges and the much- and enhance any agronomic anticipated RBC Canadian Open. Over its Canadian Open would look like. Would storied tenure as Canada’s tournament, it plans they had in place; it is there be fans? Who would play? Who could was cancelled only twice before 2020, during work? These questions remained unanswered periods of wartime in 1915-1918 and 1943- not very often that a venue for quite some time. The season started with 1944. The years 2020 and 2021 have now minimal staff and we raced to get everything gets two practice runs to in order and make sure we could at least been added to this list. To say planning and preparing for the RBC Canadian Open two provide the same conditions our members prepare to host an event like years in a row has been a test of patience expected on a daily basis with the new staffing would be an understatement. However, a PGA tournament. through the frustration and disappointment, it has also been a time for tremendous growth Volunteers Needed and learning for the future. The majority of the seasonal staff, many The turf team at St. George’s Golf and of whom work to pay their way through Volunteers are needed for the Country Club could not be more prepared post-secondary education, were going to 2022 RBC Canadian Open. If for the 2022 RBC Canadian Open. When experience being part of a world class golf you have an interest, please late fall preparations began in 2019 for the event showcased on televisions around 2020 Open, the staff and management were the world. Many were eager to return just email: MChina@stgeorges.org excited to welcome thousands of patrons to for this experience alone. Throughout the for more information. the grounds of St. George’s for the following winter, management planned to recruit a spring. The seasonal staff, including a large group of volunteers to help make the guidelines. As the hired seasonal staff waited for a return to work, they echoed those same questions. Eventually, the decision was made to cancel the tournament as the pandemic continued and restrictions remained in place. The announcement was made to staff and the overwhelming response was, “Let’s plan for the next one!” And so, preparations for the 2021 RBC Canadian Open began. With a successful 2020 season in the books (Left) Large number ofstaff required to push mow and manage bunkers. Used the practice runs to see and experience navigating various COVID what staffing numbers would be needed to have all these tasks completed ahead of tournament play. protocols and stages, we felt ready and (Top) Removing pins and cups from greens shortly after opening in 2021 after Ontario was placed into prepared for whatever the much anticipated another emergency lockdown. (Above) Rolling and watering greens. A task that has been practice over 2021 RBC Canadian Open would look and overfor daily play ensuring we are ready for tournament play. like. With the PGA making a season out of rescheduled events, it seemed as if the with travel. With everything in place and with timing of these applications were tracked 2021 RBC Canadian Open would be a go. a “practice run” season behind us, we were and managed to see if the desired results The turf team came together in 2020 to ready to go. Excitement was in the air as we appeared. We were able to determine if the create amazing playing conditions and made did our early season prep work and staff began staffing levels were sufficient and evaluate the a lasting impression on anyone that was arriving with plans that included an exciting volunteer program to see how it could best fortunate enough to play the course. The May and June preparing St. George’s to host fit our needs for getting around the course standard of excellence shown by the staff was the world’s best. That excitement turned to efficiently. We considered the maintenance unparalleled and many returned for the 2021 frustration as the pandemic in Ontario and area and what we may need to add or modify season to showcase all they had prepared for Canada seemed to drag on as other areas in to ensure a smooth transition from member in 2020. the world were opening up. In the end, the play to PGA professional play. Every aspect The 2021 season began with much hope decision was made to, once again, cancel the of holding the tournament from our team’s and anticipation for a 2021 RBC Canadian Open as we saw modified events south of RBC Canadian Open for 2021. perspective has been analyzed and adapted the border with minimal fans or no fans Despite seeing the tournament cancelled twice over. The frustration has been great at all. It was thought that we would at least two years in a row, it was not all a loss. The at times but the reward in the end will be hold the Open with the pros taking on an team had time to fine tune and enhance any worth it when the world sees what two years extremely tough test of golf at St. Georges. agronomic plans they had in place; it is not of practice runs can do for a tournament. The volunteer group for 2021 was going to very often that a venue gets two practice Throughout the two years of preparation, be the same size however, it would be limited runs to prepare to host an event like a members have also enjoyed the added bonus to include volunteers from only Ontario in PGA tournament. Fertilizer programs were of playing conditions that are tournament­ order to make sure there would be no issues implemented and changed twice, and the ready on any given day. Countdown Clock used to boost staff morale and a daily reminder ofthe exciting and challenging times that lay ahead. The countdown has been reset twice. In the end, the team at St. George’s has have grown with patience and determination stayed committed to making the eventual to succeed and show the world what two RBC Canadian Open a success. The crew years of preparation can do when put on has never been more prepared and more the world stage. The triumphant return to Shotlink Data usedfrom the 2010 RBC Canadian excited, especially as we see Canada and professional golf in Canada awaits and St. Open to help us understand how the course was Ontario enter re-opening stages and we see George's Golf and Country Club and its turf played andpointed out areas that we will need to pay special attention to in regard to preparation parts of daily life get back to normal. team are ready to showcase it to the world at and recoveryfrom member play to PGA Tour play. We have learned from these events and the next RBC Canadian Open. ■ GeoLink Precision Spray System multi pro sprayers Accurate to the inch. Savings by the mile. Toro's new GeoLink™ is the industry's first turf-based precision spray system. Turf professionals will benefit from substantial chemical savings thanks to individual nozzle control and the available sub­ inch accuracy. Reporting is simple with GeoLink; application rates, coverage maps, area and volume data are easily downloaded for thorough record keeping. The weatherproof touchscreen is rugged enough to withstand the most challenging conditions and makes application programming straightforward with just the touch of a button. TURFCAREHelping your business grow. Get in touch with your local Turf Care Sales Representative to learn more or book a free demo: 1-800-561-TURF (8873) inquiries@turfcare.ca | www.turfcare.ca @Gr8estShowOnTRF @TurfCareProdCA Common Safety Hazards on Golf Courses By Bill Godkin, CEsafety. take the building out of service to workers until that has been done. The inexpensive solution to these situations is to have a ince 2006, CEsafety has been working with golf courses all clean-up day and put scrap metal into its own bin. At least that S across Ontario, Alberta, and beyond to identify and eliminate way you can recoup some of the expenses. Remember that there safety hazards that may otherwise result in a serious injury to ais no excuse for poor housekeeping when it comes to the safety of worker or a customer. Some employers in the golf industry still your workers. aren’t sure about what is or is not a safety hazard and how to correct it. Others fear that it maybe cost prohibitive to deal with ISSUE #2: EYEWASH STATIONS the safety hazards that could be picked up during an audit by us or Another hot topic is the lack of adequate eyewash stations on even by a provincial inspector. golf courses where hazardous chemicals are being dispensed. Even What we will do in this document is outline some of the most though there is no clear definition in Canada about what is and is common safety hazards we have been finding at golf courses and not an eyewash station, some Provincial inspectors are enforcing provide solutions that will not only eliminate the safety hazards regulation ANSI Z358.1, 2014 version. This is the American but will also be very economical at the same time. National Standards Institute’s regulation requiring an upward stream of water or saline solution. Most safety data sheets instruct ISSUE #1: HOUSEKEEPING users to flush their eyes for 15 minutes when the person gets that Too often we find storage areas in shops, kitchens, bars, Pro chemical in their eyes and the eyewash bottles simply cannot Shops, etc. so overcrowded that it is virtually impossible for provide that. Installing hard plumbed eyewash stations can be workers to safely access the items stored there. In most Provincial expensive but the photo below shows an effective and inexpensive regulations, employers are required to keep floors clear of solution. If you already have the eyewash bottles, keep them for obstructions, materials are to be stored in such a way that they First Aid use to get a person to the nearest eyewash station. won’t tip over, collapse, or fall on a worker, and workers must be One of our clients installed this tub with taps and a Bradley able to safely access any stored item. Below are some photos of Eyewash Faucet in his shop all for under $200 and this is a storage areas that are too unsafe for workers to access or were permanent solution! ANSI Z358.1 requires an eyewash station stored dangerously overhead. to be located within ten seconds of unencumbered access from Provincial inspectors look for hazards like these and will write where chemicals are being dispensed so installing these tubs not orders for an employer to deal with these situations and may even only puts you in compliance, but it does so inexpensively as well. Advanced Equipment Sales SWEEPER VACS For your toughest clean-up jobs. Items that are impossiblefor workers to safely access. Global Industries sells the eyewash faucets for about $80 each. Remember to clean, flush, and inspect all eyewash stations weekly and keep a record of those inspections. An inspector may ask to see the record. ISSUE #3: SAFETY DATA SHEETS Every golf course we visit has hazardous chemicals being used; this includes retail chemicals. Even though retail products are exempt under WHMIS regulations, having a safety data sheet for these chemicals and training employees to safely work with and around them is still a requirement under Duties of Employers in Section 25 of Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and is part of every other Provincial OHS Act. Inspectors will look to see that you have safety data sheets for ALL hazardous chemicals. What we often suggest to our clients is to reduce the number of chemicals you have on site, especially the retail products like Javex, Mr. Clean, etc. If you buy your chemicals from a supplier such as Ecolab, they are required to provide you with current ADVANCED EQUIPMENT SALES safety data sheets to make your life easier and have the company making money off you do this leg work instead. If you have to P.O. Box 818,21 Birch Street look some up online or can’t find a specific sheet, I.E. No Name Seaforth ON N0K1W0 brand chlorine, go to a website like Ecolab’s and download their safety data sheet. Use Petro Canada sheets for your shop products, Phone:519-527-2929 gasoline, and diesel fuel. Inspectors will be happy you have current Email: advancedequipment@tcc.on.ca sheets that have the information on them needed to protect your www.advancedequipmentsales.ca workers. Remember to do your WHMIS training yearly! As of July 1, 2016, in Ontario, the requirement stipulating the CHANGE NOTHING. CHANGE EVERYTHING. Same morning coffee. Same meeting. Same team. Same inputs. What if we told you: you could change nothing, but change everything? That’s what our Turfgrass Water Inexpensive eyewash station. Conservation Alliance seed offers. It’s just as easy to grow as conventional safety data sheets expire three years after their date of issue has seed, but its drought tolerance is been removed from WHMIS and the OHS Act. On July 20, unmatched. TWCA-qualified seed 2016, I spoke with a senior member of the MOL, and they are is third-party proven to require 30 no longer enforcing this requirement. They are looking to see that per cent less water, meaning even employers have safety data sheets for the hazardous chemicals and water-starved grass maintains its materials on site, the sheets are adequate to protect the workers green covering. and that training in WHMIS has been done, both generic and workplace specific training. Similar regulations are now being Reduce your reliance on irrigating put into effect right across the country so be sure to check your and leave the watering to the sky. Provincial regulations as soon as possible so you can comply and TWCA-qualified seed saves you time protect your workers. and labour, and BrettYoung is your ISSUE #4: GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER only Class A Canadian partner PROTECTION offering this leading product. Ontario’s Section 44.1 of Regulation 851 states: when used outdoors or in wet locations, portable electrical tools shall be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter installed at the receptacle or on the circuit at the panel. Similar requirements exist in virtually every other Province and Territory! Inspectors routinely write orders requiring employers to do just that. You can install 20-amp GFCI outlets that can be purchased from Home Depot or Nedco online, install GFCI protection on the panel itself, or you can buy small portable cords. One of the problems with installing GFCI protection on the panel is that if one breaker trips, power to the entire panel will go off. If you have a small outer building or shop, this could be the solution for you. If not, then consider installing GFCI outlets near doors where workers may plug in electrically powered tools for use outdoors.The small cords are ideal for use anywhere in your Contact your local BrettYoung facility. We don’t recommend this solution for most clubhouses as rep to change everything today losing power to a kitchen when you are preparing food for a large 1-800-665-5015 I brettyoung.ca/turf gathering, especially baking, could be very problematic. Of course, there are many more types of safety hazards in a golf course, but this list will give you a good place to start. Contact me seven days a week if you have a question or a concern. ■ MEMBER MOMENTS Ken Malcomson Winner of the Governor General's Academic Bronze Medal wanted to continue his education in turfgrass rounded program so you see all aspects of the management. job and you learn so much.” He also touched Cam Shaw, manager of the University of on his impressive time management skills Ken Malcolmson. Guelph Diploma in Turfgrass Management explaining “I’m pretty organized, I stay on (DTM) Program says, “A standout student, top of things. I’m one of those people who By Madeleine White, OGSA Member Ken has been continuously recognized by would complete assignments two weeks in Services Intern. his peers and our program instructors as a advance, so I had really good balance. I was a quiet yet diligent leader who aspires to excel book worm for school but maintained a great he Governor General’s Academic in his studies. His keen participation in class social life.” T Medals were created to encourage academic excellence across the nation and discussions, willingness to help and support other students, and overall passion for the With his hands on experiences from assistant superintendent to top DTM over its 148 years of existence, it’s become turfgrass industry have made him a student student and university ambassador, and the most prestigious award that students who is respected socially and academically.” now Academic Bronze Medalist, Ken attending a post-secondary institution in Not only did he manage to maintain Malcolmson is on a journey to utmost Canada can receive. The award is handed excellence in his grades throughout his success in an industry he has grown to students graduating with the highest studies but was also an active member of the ever so passionate about. “I want to be average from any approved high school, Turf Club, participating in its extracurricular superintendent, that’s the career goal,” says college, or university program. activities and attending the weekly club Ken. “The mark I want to leave on the Today, these academic medals are delegated meetings. He even represented the Ontario industry is to get my hands in some projects at four levels: Agriculture College and the UofG in surrounding the environmental aspect of • Bronze: Secondary school level attendance at turfgrass industry events and turf care and make some positive changes • Collegiate Bronze: Post-secondary, conferences. where necessary.” diploma When asked about his experience in We wish Ken the best of luck in his future • Silver: Undergraduate level the program, Ken states “Great program, I endeavors and look forward to his continued • Gold: Graduate level loved how thorough it was. It’s such a well- involvement in the golf turf industry. ■ The OGSA was excited to hear that, on the recommendation of the Senate of the #1 Kentucky Bluegrass | Low Mow | Extreme or Tall Fescue | Native or USGA Bentgrass | Large or small rolls University of Guelph, Ken Malcolmson, a turfgrass management student, has been DELIVERING SUPERIOR SOD WITH QUALITY SERVICE awarded this year’s Governor General’s Academic Collegiate Bronze Medal. Ken’s scholastic journey began when he attended Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, where he studied kinesiology (inspired by his love for sports and competitive curling growing up) and obtained his bachelor’s degree. Not really knowing what he wanted to do next, he landed a summer job at the Elmira Golf Club as the golf course assistant superintendent. “A lot of people in turf start out with the summer job on a golf course,” Ken explains. “I love mornings, I’m an outdoor person, and I love working outside. I think everyone who ends up in this industry can say the same thing.” It wasn’t long before he realized with a mix zandersod.com 17525 Jane St, Kettleby, Ontario L7B0J6 877-727-2100 of love for golf and interest in turf, that he MEMBER MOMENTS Niagara Golf Wall of Recognition “Dm just doing my job and “This is a big honourfor “It must mean I'm getting OJ. spent thefinalyears of “This is a big achievement I am grateful that Niagara me having been at the same old, ” he shared with a his career mentoring his son, that I am very proud of and Golf and the Gntario Golf clubfor so many years. laugh. “It's a great honour, Dennis Piccolo, who himself did not expect. ” Angelo still Association are recognizing What keeps me motivated I was surprised to get the recently retiredfrom St. finds himself “going into our side of the industry. ” is having a big impact on call. " Taylor is currently Catharines Golfand Country work" at least once a week, Bortolon has been the Golf the younger generation. ” the property manager and Club at the end ofthe 2019 whether to play golf, see the Course Superintendent at Bishop has proudly been the superintendent at Grand season. O.Jplays golftwice a staff or just help out when Lookout Pointfor 35 years, Golf Course Superintendent Niagara Golf Club since 2008 week at hisformerly managed needed. and has been at the club at Rolling Meadows since and has been a superintendent club and notes that, “the new since 1974, an absolute 1986. since the tender age of19. He superintendent, Dan, is doing incredible feat. is also a past president ofthe afabulous job; the course is OGSA (1995) and current in fantastic shape. My son president ofthe WOGSA. trained him well. ” By Ryan L. Scott, Superintendent, Oakville Golf Club. PGA of Canada Director of Golf Operations at Beechwood Golf & Social and one of five members on the Wall of Recognition Selection n June 11th, 2021, Niagara Golf in conjunction with the Golf Committee states that, “the first criteria was longevity at their O Association of Ontario, introduced the Niagara Golf Wall of Recognition. The Wall of Recognition acknowledges not only players present club or in the Niagara area.” White continued to explain that the selection committee also considered, “any involvement in that have exceeded expectations, but also the professionals, owners, their association or contributions to the golfing community.” press, management, volunteers and of course: superintendents. OGSA is exceptionally proud of its five long-time members who When selecting superintendents to be inducted, John White a were the first to be inducted in this category. Ted Bishop, (Rolling Meadows Golf & CC), Aldo Bortolon, (Lookout Point Golf & CC), OJ. Piccolo (St. Catherines Golf 8c CC , retired), John Taylor (Grand Niagara Golf Club), and Angelo Toto (Willodell Golf Club, retired). These gentlemen have been entrenched in the management and care of Niagara golf courses for many years and are well respected superintendents in the golf turf industry here in Ontario. When asked what this induction means to them, the answer given by each Corrie Almack P.Ag. and every one of them was that they are “humbled and honoured” for the recognition, but they “don’t do this for the accolades.” Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 Box 256, Carlisle, ON Cell: (416) 580-5152 The OGSA wants to congratulate these fine superintendents as LOR 1H0 Email: c.almack@sympatico.ca the inaugural group of superintendents in the Niagara Golf Wall of Recognition. ■ OFF THE FAIRWAY “a thriller, a spiller, and a filler.” For example, combine one focal-point plant (the thriller), such as Coleus or a Planters Geranium with multicolored leaves, with several plants that spill over the edge of the pots such as, Petunias, Bacopa, Creeping Zinnias, or Ornamental Sweet Potatoes. Finally, add the fillers, which are plants with smaller leaves and flowers that add color and fill in the arrangement all season long. Good fillers include Salvias, Verbenas, Ornamental Peppers, and Wax Begonias, as well as foliage plants like Parsley or Licorice plants. You may also want to include a plant for height, such as purple fountain grass. Keep in mind the colour scheme of buildings and surrounding gardens, if there are any, and not just for the plant material palette selection but for selecting the hat is one thing that seems to be retention properties while still providing container itself and its location. W consistent from golf course to golf course whether it’s a big budget private good drainage. Adding compost or triple club mix into the soil mix adds some nutritional SPRUCE UP EVENTS or a mom and pop nine hole? value which can reduce the fertilizing Using planters to spruce up an area for an The obvious thought is that they all requirements, you can also add a pelletized event is a great way create a positive, welcoming have greens, tees, and fairways. Though slow release fertilizer to the mix as well. atmosphere. For example, on Lady’s Days at that is certainly correct, there is another Muskoka Lakes G&CC, I used to grow extra commonality among them: container gardens, planters, which were in 16” round fibre pots, also known as planters. Now, I have to add, Well thought out and well and place them on the lady’s tee decks beside I haven’t been to every single golf course in the blocks on the par 3’s. The pro shop would Ontario, however, I have been on every golf positioned planter gardens are also use them for Lady’s Camp Days and the course in Muskoka, from the private clubs to clubhouse manager would use them to spruce the small budget public courses and I have an excellent way to add colour up areas around the clubhouse for events. The been to courses all over Ontario. I always find extra effort was always well received by the and interest to different areas container gardens somewhere on the property. members and the plants made the view that Usually, the planters are found around high of your property throughout much nicer. traffic areas like the clubhouse or pro-shop entrances and outdoor social/dining areas the season. EDIBLE GARDENS & POLLINATORS like patios or decks. Of-course the quantity Lastly, planters are a great way to produce and scale of container garden/planter displays fresh herbs for the kitchen, if there is one is budget dependant, but planters are a very on site, and to monitor or attract pollinators effective way to add a punch of colour and CHOOSE LOW MAINTENANCE which can in turn be used as an educational interest to your property. PLANTS tool for junior programs, staff, or an added Just like everything, planters require Choose lower maintenance plants that part of the experience for those who come to maintenance. The level of maintenance is don’t require deadheading, or a mid-season the property. determined by a few factors like the plant shearing to rejuvenate the plant and increase Overall, well thought out and well material selected, size of the container itself, flowering. Selecting plants whose aesthetic positioned planter gardens are an excellent growing conditions, and soil. Here are a couple value is in their foliage is a good way to way to add colour and interest to different tips to minimize the maintenance burden. minimize maintenance on planters, however, areas of your property throughout the Begonia or Scaevola are flowering species season. They’re portable, multifaceted, WATER that are prolific bloomers and put on a great and an effective way to welcome golfers to Planters typically require frequent watering show all season.They require no deadheading your course. ■ as a result of the limited soil/rootzone. You and are virtually maintenance free. can combat this by using the maximum size DESIGNING PLANTERS Chris Cumming CLP, planter the space allows; the more soil the Planters add versatility to gardens large and Horticulturist less frequent the watering will be. small. They lend instant color, provide a focal Cell: 705-644-3994 ADD COMPOST chriscumming@live.ca point in the garden, or tie the architecture of Mixing potting soil with high quality the building to the garden. A guideline for compost or triple-mix can add moisture designing a planter combination is to include LOOKING BACK Fifteen Years Ago Today The 2006 OGSA Board of Directors Superintendent Recognition Program: David Kuypers &Jarrod Barakett. (Back Row L-R): Rob Gatto (Kings Forest), Jarred Barakett (Deer Ridge), Doug Breen (GolfNorth), Jeff Stauffer (Credit Valley), Randy Booker (Dundas Valley), Trevor Clapperton (Dalewood). (Front Row L-R): JeffAlexander (Parry Sound), Chris Nelson (Markland Wood), Chris Andrejicka (Essex), Bob Burrows (Rosedale), Sean DeSilva (Coppinwood), Paul Scenna (Beacon Hall). IN MEMORIAM Plant Products was pleased to announce the addition of Gary Tate as their new Bruce Summers of the Winchester Golf representative and Jason Ireton was the turf Club, Jeremy Thompson, superintendent manager. of the Dominion Golf and Country Club and Tom Yates, former superintendent at Jason Harris, left Plant Products to be the Castlemore Golf and Country Club. owner/superintendent of Orr Lake Golf Incoming President Bob Burrows accepting gavel Course, north of Barrie. Maple Turf Supply from Paul Scenna. ON THE MOVE welcomed Mark Schneider and Hutcheson Bob Heron retired from Beacon Hall, Paul Sand and Gravel announced Ian Bowen Cunningham, Mandarin, Ed Farnsworth, Scenna moved from Donalda to Beacon and Alex McDonald joined the team. Colin Deerhurst, Ted and Carmen DeCorso, Hall, and Scott White took over for Paul White was now the territory manager for Victoria Park, Greg Aljoe, Oviinbyrd, at Donalda. Frank Guthro to Forest Golf, Bayer Environmental Science and Brad Sid Witteveen, Loch March and Randy Greig Barker to Copetown Woods, Jeff Chisholm started at Masters Turf Supply. Hooper, Beach Grove. Allen to Lake Joseph Club, Greame Vanden Bussch Irrigation announced that Hughes to Maples of Ballantrae, Scott Jason Becket was promoted to golf manager EVENTS Jamison to Saugeen, Jamie Camalucci and Kory Kopko would be the new golf Mississaugua, Galt and Oshawa celebrated to Timber Wolf, Gary Mcbeath to Royal territory manager for Weston Ontario. their centennial years and Westmount had a Ontario, Mark Pickering to Bushwood, 75th anniversary. Steve Phillips to Ingersol, Wray Barret to AWARDS Willow Valley, Chelsea Stroud to Muskoka There were many 25 year members The GCSAA Golf Industry Conference Highland, Dan Lavis to Tanandowah, recognized at the Ontario Golf Course scheduled for February in New Orleans was Allan Couroux to Bear Creek and Jordan Management Conference and Trade Show: canceled because of Hurricane Katrina and Stanev to Barry’s Bay. Tim Clarridge, Spring Lakes, John was moved to Atlanta. 38th Annual Presidents' Day - 1st place team from Lambton Golf& Country Club. 25 Year Members: Ted & Carmen DeCorso. (L-R) James Darryl of Islington GC won 1st low gross at the Alex McClumpha Memorial Tournament - Ron Craig presents Bill Fach Assistants' Tournament held at the Briar's GC. Trophy presented with the George Darou Trophy Superintendent over 50 with low gross by Keith Lefebvre of Nu-Gro. (Bill had an 82). Superintendent Recognition Program - Harry Daniel, GAO President with Dennis (L-R) 25 Years Member - Tim Clarridge, John Cunningham, Piccolo and Rob Gatto. and Ed Farnsworth. ACHIEVEMENTS Ackermann. The winning team was from at Bond Head Golf Club hosted by Ian Cindy Charters, who had been the Ontario Parry Sound, Jeff Alexander, 2nd Cedar McQueen. Ron Craig of Turf Care Turfgrass Research Foundation executive Brae, Darren Little, 3rd Trafalgar, Mark presented Bill Fach, Black Bear Ridge, with administrator for the past 15 years, retired. Prieur, and 4th Deer Creek, Neil Acton. the George Darou trophy for the over 50 The Spring Field Day held at St. Thomas superintendent with the lowest gross. Low Congratulations went to David Gourlay Golf and Country Club was hosted by gross scores were David May and Kevin who was this year’s recipient of the William Wade Beaudoin. Scott Gardner, Echo Holmes, and low net scores were David Sansom Distinguished Service Award. Valley, was low gross with 73. Caldwell and Bruce Stanley. ■ CGSA History of Greenskeeping, written by Gordon Witteveen, was well underway The 38th Annual President’s Day Tournament was held at Rosedale hosted Barry Endicott and available for their 40th anniversary Retired Golf Course by Bob Burrows. Winners were as follows: celebrations. Superintendent 1st place went to Peter Kinch, Lampton, 2nd Brampton, Ontario TOURNAMENTS went to Jarrod Barakett, Deer Ridge and 3rd Tel: 905-846-1440 The Pro/Super Tournament was held to Steve Muys, Twenty Valley. barry. endicott@gmail.com at Weston Golf Club hosted by Rob The McClumpha Tournament was held TURF OR CONSEQUENCES Fall 2021 Un-Social Media By Doug Breen, Superintendent, to something that happened. On the GolfNorth Properties. other extreme, I assume that all five- star reviews are written by friends, ’m old enough to remember when relatives, and staff. What I’m I there was no internet. In fact, I’m old enough to remember when there looking for are patterns. I assume that the people in the middle are were no personal computers, and reasonable (and real) people, so if the mainframe at the University of there are more two-star than four- Guelph filled the entire basements star reviews - I get concerned. If of several buildings. The first article half the comments are that the that I submitted to the OGSA greens are slow, then they probably under the title Turf or Consequences are. If one person says that the turf was hand-written. In cursive! One staff was rude, that’s a lot different of my favourite facts, is from the than twenty people saying it. Look Kennedy Space Center in Florida. for patterns that are within your The computers used to get humanity onto the surface of the moon had control, and then control them. less computing power than a first- The best advice for online reviews generation smartphone. is - DON’T FEED THE BEAST! The devices that we hold in our hands Now each of us (including minors, You absolutely cannot win an online battle. every day, and the internet that connects seniors, and the mentally unstable) has Also, every time you reply the post goes them together, are truly a miracle. What’s more broadcasting power, and a larger back to the top and buries your good less miraculous is what we choose to use potential audience, than Walter Cronkite reviews. The one exception is the Wendy’s them for. For most of us, they serve two or Ron Burgundy ever dreamed of. And twitter account, where they pay stand-up purposes. One; mundane activities like without the benefit of time (and editors), comedians to take on their customers. It’s finding each other in a crowd, making the grammatically stunted ravings against very funny, but not really a good template excuses for why we’re running late whatever business has treated you in for the golf industry. Your only hope is to (alternatively, looking for the guy who’s such an egregious manner (let’s say a golf take it offline. Make one post, introducing always late), or asking Krista what I’m course), will be available to the entire world yourself and telling them that you’d love bringing home for dinner. Two; ensuring before you make the turn to the back nine. to discuss this with them. 99% will never that we don’t have a single unexpressed Many course owners, GM’s, and call you. The anonymity of the internet idea, no matter how trivial or wrongheaded, Superintendents will take a one-star review makes folks very brave - they will avoid and that said idea is seen by the maximum personally. I don’t. I often read one-star any situation where their ideas might be possible number of people. reviews as entertainment - because I always challenged. The few who do call, will often This second one is a problem. There assume that there’s more to the story, and become your greatest allies once you have was a time when a letter of complaint (to I I try to guess what actually happened. It’s a chance to speak to the issue. If all else dunno, say a golf course...) required a pen, remarkable how often confronting an idiot fails, you have the golfers name, address, some paper, an envelope, a phone book to vandalizing your property with a golf cart and email - a well written cease and desist find the address of the company’s head (also your property) will result in a one-star letter usually ends the online assault. office, and a stamp. In the unlikely event review and the demand that we improve our Social media is one of the greatest that you had all these items in your house, customer service training. I have video of the inevitable passage of time between the a man stealing golfballs from the proshop inventions in history - but it also exposes unthinkable act of someone putting ice and taking a bottle from behind the bar. some of the worst parts of human nature. in your glass when you SPECIFICALLY Calling him on those actions resulted in It gives a disproportionately loud voice ASKED FOR NO ICE, made a person a one-star review of our mosquito infested to people who would otherwise never be begin to question whether an angry letter hell-hole. People lie. heard. It’s a blessing and a curse. Same was really an appropriate reaction. Time When reading online reviews, I throw when it comes to online reviews. Use them heals all wounds, the old saying goes - and out all the extremes. I assume that the as a window into your customer base - but often a bit of distance has a way of putting one-star crowd is either a basement remember that some of those panes of things into perspective. dwelling troll, or that they’re over-reacting glass are very broken. ■ YOUR #1 CHOICE FOR QUALITY TURFGRASS! ANY PROJECT. ANY SIZE. DEDICATED TO GOLF COURSE SUCCESS! Golf is in our blood here at Greenhorizons. OUR SOD VARIETIES FOR GOLF COURSES We’ve worked for decades to produce and install the highest quality sod for golf. ► USGA Greens Bentgrass Growing over 5000 acres of turfgrass ► Tees & Fairways Bentgrass since 1975 has provided us with the ► Pure Fine Fescue knowledge to produce numerous specialty ► Dwarf Low-Mow Bluegrass sod blends for all golf course applications. ► Premium Bluegrass From greens, to fairways, to rough; ► Spectrum Sod - Our Smart Sod Solution Greenhorizons grows it all. 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