June 2021 ON COURSE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS' ASSOCIATION Improving Plant Health and Reducing Inputs ALSO IN THIS ISSUE - ?•> Equipment Managers, The Unsung Heroes of Turf Risks and Best Practices When Hiring Seasonal Employees CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON NIL OH2 Brands YOU KNOW From People YOU TRUST 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 • 416.458.2396 chris.nelson@target-specialty.com • 647.382.6868 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE am elated to report that Courtney White has accepted the I position of Interim Executive Manager of the OGSA. The Board is excited to work with Courtney in her new role and to explore her visions for our association. Editor The OGSA Board of Directors welcomes Sean Gunn as a new Courtney White member of the Board. Sean is the Golf Course Superintendent at manager@ogsa.ca Clublinks The Country Club. As I compose this message, the province of Ontario is under a Publisher Declaration of Emergency and province wide Stay-at-Home order, By Al Schwemler, effective April 8 for six weeks. The promising and busy start to the Diane Davey OGSA President. golf season came to a screeching halt on April 17, as the government diane@blenheim.ca put a complete stop to all golf in the province. Several courses were forced to close, while others were just getting ready to open. During the closure, “We are Golf- Ontario” continued Advertising & Administrative Manager to lobby the government to re-open golf courses and other outdoor recreation, stressing safety Diane Davey protocols and physical and mental well-being. Numerous letters and emails were sent to the diane@blenheim.ca Premiers office, as well as the Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee. Virtual meetings were Tel: 289-337-4305 held with various Ministers to help clarify any concerns about a safe return of golf. Although there is still a great amount of uncertainty moving forward, the Board and staff are working diligently to expand membership services. We are exploring both virtual and in person golf Production & Design events, educational opportunities, and a hybrid version of the Golf Management Conference. Blue Patrick Kilborn Mountain Resort and Village Conference Centre in Collingwood remains on hold for January patrick@blenheim.ca 2022. Obviously, Covid related restrictions will weigh heavily on what offerings will be available. Hopefully the move to the new GTI is complete by the time this message is published, even if work from home mandates are still in place. It will be nice to be ready for “business as usual” when the time comes. ONCourse is published four times a year Stay safe and I hope restrictions have been lifted or relaxed by the time you read this (November / March / June / August) message. A return to some semblance of normality would be welcomed. ■ by Blenheim INK for: ATTENTION! IPM Certified Seeding is Believing Agents Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association Get your Guelph Turfgrass Institute recertification credits 328 Victoria Road South Guelph, ON N1L0H2 ON-LINE with Tel: 519-767-3341 Toll Free: 877-824-6472 P.D. Solutions Fax:519-766-1704 Simple Dimple Seeder Email: manager@ogsa.ca ★ Now offering ★ Bannerman B-SDS-4-H www.ogsa.ca 1. Accurately dispenses bent MORE Courses! grass & blue grass seed 2. Easy to calibrate-variable seeding rates Visit: 3. Break up ice on Greens Published by Blenheim INK 4. Tow with any turf vehicle www.pdsolutions.ca Administration Office: 503-5340 Lakeshore Road or call Call Bannerman today: Burlington, ON L7L 7A8 1-877-977-6774 1-800-325-4871 www.blenheim.ca SDHI Technology with Broad Spectrum Control Unlock the potential of Penthion. Penthion™ turf fungicide provides the broadest label of any SDHI on the market for Canadian golf courses. A distinctive SDHI that controls Anthracnose, Dollar spot, Brown patch and more. www.belchimturf.ca Always Read and Follow Label Directions. Penthion is a trademark of BELCHIM Crop Protection Canada Inc. Inside this Issue INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ADVANCED EQUIPMENT 17,22 www.advancedequipmentsales.ca ALMACK AGRONOMIC 14 SERVICES INC. AQUATROLS 6 www.can.aquatrols.com BANNERMAN 3,19 www.sportsturfmagic.com BELCHIM 4 www.belchimturf.ca BRAEMAR BUILDING SYSTEMS www.braemarbuildings.com BRETTYOUNG 25 www.brettyoung.ca GREENHORIZONS 31 www.greenhorizonssod.com ONTARIO SEED COMPANY 8 www.oscturf.com Features RD. SOLUTIONS 3 9 We are Golf www.pdsolutions.ca 10 GC Highlight & Member Profile S.W. STONEWORKS 7 Deb Dale, Assistant Superintendent, www.swstoneworks.com London Hunt & Country Club TARGET SPECIALTY PRODUCTS 2 13 Improving Plant Health www.target-specialty.com and Reducing Inputs TERRAPURE 15 16 Risks and Best Practices www.terrapureenv.com When Hiring Seasonal Employees THE ANDERSONS 12 18 Mastering the Microbes www.andersonsplantnutrient.com Regular Contributors TURF CARE PRODUCTS CANADA 2 27 Off the Fairway www.turfcare.ca 28 Looking Back ZANDER SOD CO. LIMITED www.zandersod.com 30 Turf or Consequences Departments ONCOURSE 2021 3 President's Message Although every effort is made to check material for publication, the association is 7 Editorial Message not responsible for material published on behalf of its contributors. 8 What's New All rights are reserved by the publisher and 21 On Research any reproduction in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher is 24 Member Moments prohibited. Equipment Managers, Although some trade names may The Unsung Heroes of Turf 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 Cover photo provided by Deb Dale, Marc China, Joel Johnston, Chris Lecour, OGSA is committed to serving its members, Assistant Superintendent, London Ryan Marangoni, Mike Pellerin, Steve Rabski, advancing their profession, and enriching Hunt & Country Club. Al Schwemler, Ryan L. Scott, Courtney White. the quality of golf and its environment. DIAL UP PLAYABILITY. FOR FAST, FIRM, FINE TURF. Turn up the playability and improve turf health with ZiplineST. Our dual-action soil surfactant blend containing a unique bio-extract solution that is specifically formulated for turf care professionals. What Does It Do? - Balances Hydration - Improves Water Infiltration Ready to find out how ZiplineST can positively impact conditions on your course? Contact your Aquatrols Distributor or visit Can.Aquatrols.com/Playability. EDITORIAL MESSAGE s I write this message, golf courses are London Hunt & Country Club, written by shares his ever humorous insights. A closed. Again. I, like many of you, find Chris Lecour. this daunting. I’m the type of person who The OGSA recently held an informative Not only do I want to acknowledge the ONCourse committee and everyone who tries to find the bright light through the session about Best Practices When Hiring volunteered their time to help pull this cracks. Since the last stay at home order Seasonal Employees with Ed Snetsinger, issue together, I’d also like to welcome was issued, one of the strategies I use, for a lawyer with Sherrard Kuzz LLP, one Marc China and Joel Johnston to the team. work at least, is to watch the Today in of Canada’s leading employment and I look forward to working with you both. Ontario video. I’ve watched it at least a labour law firms. If you missed it, don’t Keep well! ■ dozen times within the last few weeks, and worry. We’ve included the session’s it inspires me. highlights inside this issue for you to use Although the courses are closed, Courtney White, as a reference. Randy Booker has provided superintendents and their teams are still Interim Executive the second segment of his regenerative Manager, OGSA and up with the dawn, performing essential greenkeeping series, Mastering Microbes, ONCourse Editor. duties to protect the game’s greatest asset and Mike Pellerin spoke with Mark manager@ogsa. ca so that when this stay-at-home order is lifted (hopefully by the time you read Brooks, Todd Currie and Robert Clark, this), golf courses can welcome community to get their take on Improving Plant members across this province to play, relax Health and Reducing Imputs. This issue and connect. also features ONResearch and Dr. Tom In this issue we tip our hats to the crew! Hsiang has shared some Amazing Facts Please continue to Steven Rabski shares his thoughts on the About Snow Mold. value of a good Equipment Manager, and Barry Endicott takes us back to 2011, practice social distancing we’re excited to feature a longtime member Chris Cummings shares his expert advice and stay safe! and Assistant Superintendent, Deb Dale, on Flowering Shrubs, and Doug Breen 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 WHAT'S NEW By Courtney White, Interim Executive Manager, OGSA. OGSA Board of Directors and Today in Ontario Social Staff Update Media Contest! Ends WELCOME 2021 has brought about extensive change November 30th, 2021 to Our New Members for the OGSA. Today In Ontario campaign was developed I’d like to begin by thanking Al Schwemler to remind us all that superintendents, and Philip Bodini Class C for the warm introduction in his president’s their teams are critical to the overwhelmingly Victoria Park East GC message. I am equally elated to step into positive impact the game of golf has, every Cari Gillan Class F the Interim Executive Manager role, and day. As a sport, and recreational activity, golf Muskoka Bay Club I do look forward to working with you to stands alone in the positive effect that it has Eric Andrejicka Class C support this excellent association. on people, environments, and wildlife. Granite Golf Club As people move on to the next step in What you do each day, makes this possible. their lives, the OGSA Board continues to transform. As Al mentioned in his More now than ever, we need to remember Norman McCollum Turfgrass this, and we need to tweet about it! So, take president’s message, we welcome Sean Entrance Scholarship photos of your teams at work, beautiful vistas Gunn to the OGSA board and we look This scholarship is administered by the and the wildlife that surrounds you, and forward to putting his extensive board University of Guelph and is for students tweet. Don’t forget to use #TodayInOntario experience to good use! The OGSA has also entering the associate diploma program in and tag @OntarioGSA to enter! accepted Jessica Aytoun’s resignation from turfgrass management. The OGSA is proud the board. Jessica has decided to accept an to announce that it has committed another exciting opportunity with Vanden Bussche Turf Managers' $5,000 of support, over the next five years. Irrigation, and of course we wish her the Short Course Award The past recipients of this scholarship are: best of luck! Each year, the OGSA awards a $1,000 2020 - Lucas Sardone & Christian Sardone During this transition time, the Board scholarship and a one year membership to the OGSA to the student with the highest 2019 - Ethan Evanitsk has met twice virtually to discuss upcoming events and initiatives to support members overall class mark. The student must be 2018 - William Ralston during the 2021 season. With such employed at a golf course in Ontario to 2017 - Scott Powers uncertainty surrounding social distancing qualify! It is with great pleasure that we 2016 - Denver Hart requirements, we continue to plan for announce this year’s highest mark was both virtual and in person events for 2021 earned by Nick Hagg, Assistant in Training, and 2022. We will announce upcoming Kawartha Golf and Country Club. LebannonTurf initiatives as they become finalized through Congratulations, Nick! Dog of the Year Twitter and Clippings. We look forward to Thanks to Floki and Lesley Thomas’ connecting with the membership in person G. M. Frost Centre (Scarboro Golf & Country Club) BIG once again! The G. M. Frost Centre is in its final WIN as Dog of the Year, the OGSA was We have hired a summer student to stages of completion and the OGSA will awarded $3,000. These funds were donated help answer emails and execute projects move to this new location within the next to the Wounded Warriors K9 PTSD during this transition time and will hire a few months. Service Dogs foundation. ■ permanent member services person in the immediate future. We continue to work remotely, and we encourage you to reach out via email if you need to contact us. admin@ogsa.ca Membership Directory Our printed directory has arrived with PARTNERS IN PREMIUM TURF PRODUCTS this ONCourse issue. This information is Nutrition. Control Products. Amendments. gathered from our online directory which Seed. Surfactants. Hardware & Accessories. we hope you had a chance to update! We’d Comprehensive Expertise. like to thank the suppliers who placed an ad nutrite.com oscturf.com to support this much loved networking tool! We know our members love it! 800.265.8865 519.886.0557 WE ARE GOLF Ontario Chapter By Al Schwemler, President, OGSA. Most recently, with the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent restrictions on golf in 2020 and 2021, We are Golf Ontario has e are Golf - Ontario (formerly National Allied Golf taken a lead role in communicating, lobbying, educating, and seeking W Associations - Ontario) is comprised of the governing clarification for the golf industry as a whole. bodies of golf within the province. This committee is comprised From a turf management standpoint, the committee was instrumental of representatives from the following Ontario regional associations: in lobbying for essential maintenance during closures, provided recommendations and documents with safety protocols for re-opening • Ontario Golf Superintendents’Association (OGSA) (for all golf operations), lobbied to re-open golf, and maintained • National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), dialogue with government officials for clarification on mandated public Ontario Chapters health measures. They have also provided timely communications and updates to be distributed to each association’s membership. • Golf Ontario (GAO) The OGSA, on behalf of We are Golf, will continue to monitor • Professional Golfers’ Association of Ontario (PGA) regulatory issues which may impact water use, IPM, nutrient usage, and anything else that may impact golf operations. • The Canadian Society of Club Managers (CSCM) Ontario Branch Current Committee Members: The objective of the group is to work cooperatively together as OGSA: Kevin Collier (BOD), Al Schwemler (President) industry leaders. Committee representatives communicate to each of the participating associations, keeping each other abreast on NGCOA: Shawn Hunter (SW Ont. Director), Blair Breen (Central current initiatives and association specific updates. Ont. Director), Greg Chambers (Eastern Ont. Director) Collectively, the group has participated at Queens Park on GAO: Mike Kelly (Executive Director), Dave Struthers (Senior National Golf day (May 2019), discussing golf’s economic impact, Director) health and philanthropic benefits, and the IPM process with MPPs. PGA: Ontario - Melanie van der Hoop (Executive Director), These meetings had a direct impact on eliminating the requirement Carol Ann Baxter (Executive Director - Ottawa Zone) for the costly annual public IPM meeting component from O. Reg. 63/09, effective May 2020. CSCM: Paul Bussiere (Ont. Branch), Chris Serre (Ont. Branch) ■ GC HIGHLIGHT & MEMBER PROFILE London Hunt & Country Club 1431 Oxford St. W www.londonhuntclub. Member since 1995 com/golf Deb Dale Assistant Superintendent, London Hunt & Country Club By Chris Lecour, Senior Turf Sales Representative, About the Course BASF. Photos provide by Deb Dale and the London Hunt & Country Club. About the Course: The London Hunt and Country Club, a meticulously landscaped hideaway featuring a 7,200 yard, 18-hole he relationship between a golf course championship golf course with a short-range practice facility, ten professional clay tennis T superintendent and an assistant GCS is integral to the success of any turf courts, fitness facilities, trap and skeet fields, management team and to a large degree, the success of the entire club. A superintendent and a 72,000 square foot Georgian style needs to be able to trust his or her second- Clubhouse. in-command without question. They also Private, semi-private, public, rely on their assistants contrasting point municipal, resort? Private of view and different management style to complement their own method of managing Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr/Rees Jones/ the department. If you have the chance to Chris & Mike Hurdzan currently meet and spend time with Deb Dale, it Number of holes: 18 holes becomes evident almost immediately that her management style and the degree to which Practice Facility: Driving range and short- she cares about her teammates would elevate young girl, Dale was initially hired by Hunt range practice facility. most any turf management team. Club Superintendent John Bennett for a two- Number of staff year-round, seasonal?: Dale did not set out to have a long and week period. She was hired to, as she put it, 6/37-42 successful career at one of Southwestern “dig some holes and lay some sod.” Bennett Ontario’s premier private golf clubs when she must have been impressed by her work How many mechanics, assistants: accepted a part-time job at London Hunt ethic as she was invited to continue working Superintendent (Jayson Griffiths) One mechanic Club as a teenager. Not completely unfamiliar with the turf crew beyond that initial two- and an assistant (Mark McCallum/Randy Rau) to turf maintenance as she earned money week period. One of her main motivations Assistant Superintendent (Deb Dale). mowing lawns in her neighbourhood as a for working at the club was to help pay for In the Hot Seat Q: Favourite Major? Q: Lowest round ever and where? Q: Favourite golf course? A: The Masters A: 77 Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, A: Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, South Carolina South Carolina Q: Best piece of turf equipment? A: TDR/Salsco roller Q: Favourite meal? Q: Favourite course designer? A: Surf &Turf A: No one in particular Q: Ultimate foursome: You and which three? Q: Favourite movie? Q: Favourite Band? A: Close family and friends A: Christmas Vacation A: I listen to all different types university. She originally intended to become a teacher, graduating from the University of Western Ontario with both an undergraduate and a teaching degree. Unfortunately, this was back in the 1990's when full-time teaching jobs in Ontario were difficult to come by for recent graduates. Sadly, John Bennett died suddenly during the middle of one season and then-assistant Bob Pattinson took over as superintendent. She continued to work at the golf club on a part-time basis while she was substitute teaching. Eventually, the lack of full-time teaching work and the lure of a rewarding turf maintenance career, combined. Pattinson asked Dale to accept the vacant assistant superintendent role and she accepted the position she has held for 24 years. She credits Pattinson for being a true mentor during their time together at the club. Seventh Green. The on-course education he provided was supplemented by the University of Guelphs which means Dale and the rest of the no such thing as a regular day,” a sentiment Turf Managers’ Short Course. As if that path management team are at the shop by at least many turf managers could relate to. to a long career wasn’t interesting enough, in 5AM. She begins each day by reviewing daily When asked to share one memorable between those two stints at university, Dale job assignments for the team and adjusting experience among many from her career, joined the police force and was an officer for if necessary. When asked what a regular day one day from her early years at the club several years. looks like, Dale chuckled and replied, “There’s stands out. “I went out one day to cut greens At the height of the season, the Hunt Club maintenance team begins work at 5:30AM, "Deb Dale is a true compassionate leader. She has the ability What You Need to Know to elevate those around her. Her dedication, commitment, and Predominant grass type: Bentgrass/Poa mix keen observational skills balanced with a competitive spirit has Predominant soil type: Sandy Soils elevated our daily operation. Many who know, know the immense Types of greens: Push up amount of mental energy and planning that takes place behind Size of greens: 4 acres of greens on course, the scenes. I am fortunate to call Deb my equal. We meet each 1 acre of greens on short course. morning on the 14th green before sunrise without fail to talk turf, Size of tees: 3 acres people, and the day ahead. She is a great conversationalist, astute Size of fairways: 28 acres observer, and an exacting operator. She is simply the best." Major Challenges: Member expectations ever - Jayson Griffiths, Superintendent at London Hunt Club increasing green speeds. Summer patch likes to show its head every once and a while as well. and saw about seven cows on the seventh get out of the way of the onslaught of golfers, are keys to both her longevity and success at fairway and called John Bennett, golf course which was certainly the case in 2020. Rounds London Hunt over the years. Asked what superintendent at the time. He laughed and at London Hunt Club in 2020 were up 35% advice she would give to young people looking thought that maybe I was still feeling effects over the previous year, despite a late spring to enter the turf industry in this day and age, from the previous night. At the time, there start due to Covid. Dale offers this simple advice: “Enjoy the was farmland that ran along the sixth fairway The challenges Dale faces in recruiting and ride. No matter how hard your day may be, and apparently they had come in through the keeping staff are the same challenges a mom- someone else is always worse off. Appreciate back gate. Crazy!” and-pop golf club down the road would face. all the good that you have.” Knowing how Dale and several foremen at London It’s one thing to hire good people, but “keeping many employees she must have mentored Hunt do most of the hiring of seasonal staff, people is the challenge,” she says. She believes from students to retirees, which is no small that what motivates employees today is the over the years, if even a handful of them came challenge. The number of staff can reach up same as it has always been, which is to say, it s away from a summer working at London to 42 individuals in the middle of the golf always been a grind.This is one area Dale excels Hunt Club with an attitude like that towards season, with many of those employees being in: interacting with staff, motivating them, and life, then she has done her job. One might say part-time staff who blitz the golf course each getting the best out of them she can. Deb Dale wound up becoming a remarkable morning to prepare it for daily play and then Her upbeat attitude and even temperament teacher after all. ■ SPRAYABLE TURF NUTRITION, REDEFINED. Combining Humic Coated Urea (HCU™) and Foltec® SG Minors creates an ideal tank mix of nitrogen, humic acid, and minor elements, and delivers exceptional performance with strong economics in use. AndersonsPro.com ©2021 The Andersons, Inc. All rights reserved. The Andersons logo and Foltec are a registered trademarks of The Andersons, Inc. HCU is a trademark of The Andersons, Inc. D21 Improving Plant Health and Reducing Inputs Superintendent Success Stories 17th Hole at Legacy Ridge. Photo provided by superintendent Marc Brooks. By Mike Pellerin, Superintendent, Saugeen Golf Club, OGSA director. overlooking part of Georgian Bay. From the outset, his goal was to provide the best possible environmental conditions for plant health, encouraging resilient turf that is better equipped to handle ne of the things I enjoy the most about our profession is the environmental extremes and stresses associated with heavy traffic. O camaraderie shared between fellow superintendents. Turfgrass When asked about some of the management practices he has professionals are happy to share their stories of failure and success, implemented to reduce inputs, here is what he had to say, “My goal if their experiences can help others in the business succeed. With for the primary playing surfaces is to cater to the cultural programs the growing trend of reducing chemical that promote creeping bent grass. I have inputs on golf courses gaining traction pruned and removed trees to improve air in many circles, more and more golf flow and increase exposure to morning course superintendents are placing a sunlight. We have installed supplemental Removing and reducing abiotic higher emphasis on improving plant drainage on every golf hole throughout health to better withstand the onslaught stress can have a dramatic the property, literally miles of pipe.” of biotic and abiotic stresses. The Marc instituted topdressing programs for superintendents profiled in this article impact on plant health and fairway, tee, and green surfaces. “2 inches share some of the techniques they have of USGA spec sand have been added to used to improve growing conditions and improve the plant's natural ability the surface of our push up greens. I have increase plant health at their properties. to handle biotic stresses. been using a locally sourced brick sand They have found considerable reductions on tees and fairways with great success. in the resources required to provide their We are seeing tremendous benefits from members and guests with quality playing these topdressing programs - firmer conditions. surfaces, healthier more resilient plants that are better able to handle traffic and environmental stresses.” Legacy Ridge Golf Club - Superintendent, His team drag dew daily and roll fairways during the months ofJuly Marc Brooks and August to reduce the amount of dollar spot pressure. Irrigation As he enters his 10th season as superintendent at Legacy Ridge requirements are carefully monitored to ensure the plant does not Golf Club, Marc explains that his focus on improving growing become too stressed during the summer months. Over the past conditions began the day he started at the 100-year-old Stanley ten seasons, Marc has been able to reduce his chemical and fertility Thompson layout which sits on the west side of Owen Sound inputs by just over 50%. He sums up his approach to reducing Robert Clark using Sunseeker App to Identify Sun Angles. inputs as, “The more I concentrate on the fundamentals, the better program. In 2018, West Haven participated in a fairway roller my results and overall playing conditions.” trial where they were rolled over a period of 2-3 months and Todd was convinced of the benefits. The practice would be to become a permanent piece ofWest Haven’s dollar spot reduction program. At West Haven Golf and Country Club - the beginning of the 2019 season, he combined his fairway rolling Superintendent, Todd Currie with applications of growth regulator to further reduce clippings Opened in 1990, West Haven Golf and Country Club in and mowing and increase plant health. Rolling and regulating London is a modern links style course designed by Rene Muylaert. plant growth has allowed him to reduce fairway cutting in the Superintendent Todd Currie describes the growing conditions summer heat, removing another plant stress. “PGR use has been on the property as being quite good, “We have plenty of open greatly beneficial with reductions in machine hours, labor, fuel and space, good sun light and air movement through out the property.” clippings. We have seen plant health benefits, especially in shaded Despite having good exposure to sun and air flow, managing environments, and overall turf quality for our fairway surfaces are dollar spot on West Haven’s fairways has been one of his biggest much better.” Over the past three seasons, Todd has been able to challenges. Traditionally, three applications per season were reduce his annual fairway dollar spot applications back down to enough to achieve acceptable control and provide quality playing three. He credits this success to an increase in plant health and conditions. An increase in disease pressure over the years required reducing stress during the summer months when plant stress is at Todd and his crew to make up to five applications a season in order its highest. “Dew removal has always been a priority for our team to control the disease. Frustrated with this progression, he decided when managing dollar spot. After we added PGR and a fairway it was time for a change of strategy for his fairway management rolling program, we have seen a reduction in dollar spot activity and an increase in plant health and playing conditions.” Moving into the 2021 season, Todd is looking forward to implementing programs that will bolster soil health at West Haven with hopes of further reducing disease pressure and improving growing conditions. North Bay Golf and Country Club - Corrie Almack P.Ag. Superintendent Robert Clark Robert Clark manages another 100-year-old Stanley Thompson design as the superintendent of the North Bay Golf and Country Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 Box 256, Carlisle, ON Cell: (416) 580-5152 Club. Dense hardwood tree stands add to the beauty and character LOR 1H0 Email: c.almack@sympatico.ca of this Northern Ontario property but present management challenges for the turf and the golf course superintendent. A better solution for restoring your ponds' natural capacity. Fairway Rolling at West Haven. Photo provided by superintendent Todd Currie. “Lack of sunlight and air movement throughout the course is one of the biggest challenges we have faced. These issues have created conditions that prolong leaf blade wetness, and the turf has struggled with disease in heavily shaded areas.” Robert and his crew began to focus on tree removal towards the end of the 2016 season. The goal was to improve sunlight on the heavily shaded greens. His work has been rewarded with healthier, denser turf. A green site of specific concern was the 14th green. The green had not seen early morning sun for at least 10 years and 5 carefully selected trees were removed in the fall of 2018. That Unlike conventional dredges or winter, the green suffered from ice damage and Robert described excavators that require a large footprint the additional sun as a “blessing” for the recovery efforts which and are disruptive to your operation had produced a very quick turn around compared to previous and the natural ecosystem, Terrapure's years when the green was buried in shade. He was happy to report that green now receives 98% sun by 6:30 am. Recently, Robert small footprint dredges are designed has shifted his attention to removing under brush to help exhaust with smaller ponds in mind. Our the air flow. The turf team at North Bay has also increased the dredges can be easily trailered to amount of solid tine aeration over the earlier part of the season sensitive or restrictive areas where a accompanied with heavy topdressing events. Deep tine aeration is two-person crew will work quickly and used to push the sand into the profile creating deep channels to help with drainage and root development. Coring takes place in the efficiently to restore the natural fall followed by another heavy topdressing and deep tine aeration capacity of your ponds. event. By improving growing environments and increasing plant health, Robert has reduced the average amount of control product applications. “In 2016 and 2017, we sprayed 18 times. In 2018, Contact iross@terrapureenv.com we reduced that number by four and in 2019 and 2020, we have or visit terrapureenv.com/golf to reduced our total number of applications down to 12.” Removing and reducing abiotic stress can have a dramatic learn more. impact on plant health and improve the plant’s natural ability to handle biotic stresses. These resourceful superintendents have demonstrated that by improving growing environments and increasing plant health they can reduce inputs and provide quality turf with improved playing surfaces. ■ Risks and Best Practices When Hiring Seasonal Employees By Jessica Aytoun, former OGSA Director and Superintendent, Sutton BEST PRACTICE Creek Golf Club, and, lawyer with Sherrard Kuzz LLP. Watch the language you use in your job posting. iven the nature of the industry, golf courses and facilities hire Ensure the job description does not directly or indirectly G numerous seasonal employees. One might even say seasonal discriminate on the basis of a characteristic protected under the Code. employment is par for the course. However, with seasonal employment For example, an advertisement that seeks a “young and energetic comes heightened risks every organization should consider and worker” may be found as discriminatory against older candidates on prepare for to protect the business. Here are a few common risks and the basis of age. Similarly, an advertisement seeking “a strong man best practices. capable of lifting 100 plus pounds” may be found to discriminate against a female candidate on the basis of sex or a disabled candidate RISK on the basis of a disability. The examples are endless. During an interview, avoid asking questions that would solicit Violating the Ontario Human Rights Code (the "Code") in the hiring information about a Code protected ground. process, including the job posting and interview. For example, while you maybe genuinely interested, avoid questions Human rights legislation prohibits discrimination in employment like, “where’s your accent from”, “in your spare time, what do you like on the basis of several grounds, including race, ancestry, place of to do with your family”, or even more direct, “are you married” or “do origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, you have kids?” age, record of offences, marital status, family status, gender identity, gender expression or disability (referred to as “protected grounds”). Even if a decision to not hire a candidate is made entirely unrelated The exception is if a job requirement is a bona fide occupational to one of these protected grounds, the fact the employer gathered this requirement (e.g., you need to be at least 18 years old to serve liquor information by asking a question may expose it to a claim. The most in a restaurant). Even inadvertent or accidental discrimination is effective way to mitigate the risk of a discrimination claim at the hiring considered discrimination, so you need to stay alert to these issues stage is to use an interview questionnaire with standardized questions and proactively avoid them. and/or criteria against which all candidates are evaluated. To learn more and for RISK assistance, contact Assuming you have an inherent right to temporarily layoff an Sherrard Kuzz LLP. employee at the end of season and not recall them the following year without any liability. Jessica Aytoun is the previous superintendent at Sutton Creek People often use the terms “termination” and “layoff” assuming Golf Club in Windsor and served they mean the same thing. That is not the case. When an employee on the OGSA's Board ofDirectors. is terminated, the relationship between employee and employer Ed Snetsinger is a lawyer with ceases to exist. When an employee is laid off, the employer-employee Sherrard Kuzz LLP, one of relationship is said to be suspended rather than terminated because Canadas leading employment and there is a possibility that employee may return to work. labour lawfirms. He is also an Once a temporary layoff reaches a certain duration, it is deemed avid golfer andformer member of the University of Windsor a termination even when an employer is permitted to do so through golfteam. He can be reached an express right as per the above. In Ontario, that period varies at 416.603.6245 esnetsinger@ depending on a number of factors, and can be as short as 13 weeks sherrardkuzz. com. in any period of 20 consecutive weeks. When the layoff is deemed a termination, the employee will be owed something in terms of pay in The information contained in this article is providedfor general lieu of notice and/or severance. information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice, nor does accessing this information create a lawyer­ Contrary to popular belief, a seasonal employer does not have client relationship. This article is current as ofMarch 10,2021 and an inherent right to temporarily lay off an employee at the end of applies only to Ontario, Canada, or such other laws of Canada as the season. The fact the business is closed because of weather or expressly indicated. Information about the law is checkedfor legal COVID-19 for example, does not matter. Under the employment accuracy as at the date article is prepared, but may become outdated standards legislation, an employment contract must include an as laws or policies change. For clarification orfor legal or other express or implied right to temporarily lay off an employee, otherwise professional assistance please contact Sherrard Kuzz LLP. ■ an employer has no right to do so. If there is no express or implied right, a layoff may amount to a fundamental breach of the employment contract. This is referred to as constructive dismissal, entitling the employee to notice or pay in lieu of notice, and possibly severance pay. While such an implied right may exist for some employers in the golf industry, this is not guaranteed and the cost to fight that battle, should you need to, could be very high. BEST PRACTICE Ensure all employees sign a properly worded employment contract prior to beginning their employment that includes an express right to temporarily lay off. FINAL WORD A well-written, enforceable employment contract is the single most effective and cost-efficient way for any employer (and especially a seasonal employer) to manage its employees and protect its interest. Without an enforceable contract, on termination, an employee is presumed to be owed “common law notice” whether or not it occurs immediately or is deemed to occur at the end of a temporary layoff. AERA-vator® Common law notice can amount to more than one month of notice One Tool. Multiple Uses. Better Turf. or pay in lieu per year of service. For a long-standing employee, this can add up quickly. The AERA-vator is versatile, cost-effective aeration The only way to avoid owing these entitlements is to agree with the equipment you can rely on to deliver beautiful and vibrant employee to provide something less, but not lesser than an employee s turf all year round. Choose from three different frame widths, six different shafts and a variety of add on minimum entitlements under the Employment Standards Act. That elements, including the optional seed box, to create your agreement is best done through a written employment contract and perfect piece of equipment. with the advice and assistance of an experienced employment lawyer. The small investment you will make at the outset of the employment I advancedequipment@tcc.on.ca • 519-527-2929 • advancedequipmentsales.ca relationship, will more than pay for itself in the long run. Mastering Bacteria the Microbes Bacteria are microscopic one celled organisms that feed on simple carbon compounds like grass clippings. There can be up to 500,000 bacteria that can fit in the period at the end of this sentence and anywhere from 11,000 up to 30,000 species. Bacteria contribute to soil stability by emitting glues that bind the fine soil particles together to form micro-aggregates. They also can decompose pesticides, and store and cycle Nitrogen. Bacteria are somewhat immobile and only travel six micrometers in their lifetime. Fungi Multi-celled organisms that usually grow in strands or hyphae.There are upwards of3000 species and two main types: saprophytic and mycorrhiza. The saprophytes feed on the hard to digest lignin compounds while the mycorrhiza (plant mutualists) trade nutrients and water for the plants carbon. Fungi also contribute to soil structure and stability through their production of glomalin (sticky glue) that combines the bacterial micro­ aggregates into larger macro-aggregates allowing for the formation of pore space in soil. Fungi are much more mobile and can grow up to 40 micrometers a minute to form what can be called the underground internet allowing communication between plants and microbes through chemical signaling. Recent studies have begun to show fungi as the main brain of the Soil Food Web (Dr. Christine Jones). Otter Creek Golf Club, notice the concise spray boom pattern from the application ofcompost extract on the right. Nematodes By Randy Booker, Superintendent, why else would a plant give up 30 - 50% of Non-segmented blind round worms that Otter Creek Golf Club. their total sugar production? Plants are in feed on fungi, bacteria, other nematodes, and control and will recruit microbes with their plants. They are important nitrogen cyclers he Soil Food Web is a major apparatus and nutrient mineralizers. Nematodes serve ever-changing exudates at any point in time T by which plants get their nutrition. If this is kept well fed, well mineralized, depending on the plant’s needs. The one detriment to this system is the as a transport system for bacteria that attach to them. Over 20,000 species and 10-20 individuals in a gram of soil. and protected, then there can be zero soil continued use of synthetic fertilizers, when disease, and plant health is maximized. The applied continually the plant no longer plants provide the carbon (exudates) to the needs to produce the exudates to call for the Protozoa microbes and in return, the microbes provide microbial connection and the Soil Food Web Single celled organisms that feed on bacteria nutrients and water back to the plants - it’s a shuts down and functions very poorly. (10,000 per day), fungi, soluble organic two-way street. In order for the soil food web to fully matter, and other protozoa. There are 60,000 It’s important to understand that plants function, there must be the complete web known kinds of protozoa and can be over don’t produce enzymes, they rely on the soil consisting of the following: Bacteria, Fungi, 1,000,000 per gram of healthy soil, another microbes to make their food available. Plants Nematodes, Protozoa, Arthropods and yes, important part of the nitrogen cycle and understand this synergy with the microbes, our (sometimes) enemy Earthworms. nutrient cyclers. The rhizosphere is a biological bazaar where microbes and plants trade nutrients, metabolites, and exudates. Arthropods the easiest methods to introduce biology to The invertebrates that include insects and our turf. Fully composted materials are the arachnids. They are the shredders in the key ingredients and contain all the necessary soil and break apart organic matter making elements to kickstart the biological process. it available to microbial attack. They also Compost teas are simply a mixture of transport smaller microbes throughout the compost, water and food sources that are Clean Green soil profile. aerobically brewed with the use of air. Compost is added to a sock-like tea bag as a 1% mix (i.e. lkg/100 liters of water) and Earthworms brewed for 24-48 hours depending on your The fertilizer factories of the soil and chosen final product (less time for bacterial introduce new microbes to the soil as they brews, longer periods for fungal dominance). decompose organic matter. The addition of food sources such as kelp, molasses, humic and fulvic acids act as I trust you can see that the soil microbes catalysts for the growing population of are the hidden workforce which determine microbes. Teas are meant as a foliar applied our turfs’ success. They have been assaulted product that have less diversity but larger Multi-Ject Aerator on all fronts with modern greenkeeping, Bannerman BA-400-S/S-H biomass. Typical volumes are 50 liters of tea but there can be tremendous gains in their per hectare with a finer spray pattern for foliar 1. Eliminate surface disturbance regeneration. distribution. The one detracting aspect of and core residue One way to repair the soil food web is compost tea is the importance of a thorough 2. Clean cut entry and exit of time through the reintroduction of beneficial cleaning of both the brewer and spray tank, 3. Aerify & putt immediately after species. Microbial inoculums such as otherwise a biofilm will develop and could 4. Revitalizes and encourages compost have a diverse range of beneficial contain pathogens for the next brew. roots to growth organisms that are free of pathogens. There Compost extracts are similar but do not are several types of inoculum including require any aeration. The compost is added to the extraction tank either in a similar Call Bannerman today: compost teas and extracts, task specific blends, and single species. sock or just left to free float and move 1-800-325-4871 Compost teas and extracts are amongst around. Extracts typically consist of a 10% MICROBE FOOD Mastering the Microbes involves the following: The higher the species’ variety and numbers, the more diverse the food source 1) Developing practices that are microbe friendly by minimizing the required. Amino Acids and Micronized Minerals are general food sources for teas disturbance through the reduction of salts and chemicals. and extracts. 2) Introducing new microbes with compost and microbial Fungal Foods include Humic Acid, kelp, Fish Hydrolysate, Aloe Vera, and oats. inoculums. Bacterial Foods include simple household 3) Feeding the soil with food sources for the microbes like humates, sugar, Fulvic Acid, and molasses. molasses, fish hydrolysates, and kelp. The total amount of additional food sources should make up no more than 4) Foliar fertilize the plant to avoid soil nutrient lockups and 1% of the brewed/ extracted volume. An important note to remember is that foods increase photosynthesis which generates an increase in are added to teas at the beginning of the exudates. brewing process whereas the food for extracts is not added until the final spray 5) Eliminate or reduce the use of the most damaging pesticides. solution is mixed in the tank just prior to application. Microbe management is the essence of mixture (10kg/100 liters) and are left to soak Applications range from 50-100 liters a regenerative mindset and is often where anywhere from a 1/2 hour to 6 hours. No of extract per hectare with a coarse flood the paradigm shift is required. As Professor extra food sources are added at this time but jet type nozzle and higher water volumes. William Jackson states “Microorganism are to be added in the final spray solution just A few turns of the irrigation heads can activity in one healthy hectare uses the prior to application. Extracts contain a much assist the movement into the soil profile. same energy in soil preparation as 10,000 greater diversity for soil application to build The best source of compost for extracts is people would burn for the same work. We up the populations so plants may choose the vermicompost due to the high biological must nourish, protect and stimulate this organisms to work with. content of the worms’process. invisible workforce.” ■ Braemar Building Systems CUSTOM DESIGN QUALITY BUILDINGS COMPETITIVE PRICES • Maintenance Buildings • Storage Facilities • Pump House • Half Way House • Washrooms For your FREE ESTIMATES call us at 1-800-215-1996 www.braemarbuildings.com ON RESEARCH Amazing Facts About Snow Molds Figure 1. The gray snow moldfungus Typhula incarnata produces reddish brown sclerotia up to 5 mm (0.04 in) across. Here it is attached to a dried leaf blade of creeping bentgrass. By Dr. Tom Hsiang, Professor, Environmental Sciences, of the regular growing season, these organisms persist in the form of University of Guelph. sclerotia. These sclerotia are small dark compact bodies resembling poppy seeds or small mouse dropping (Figures 1 and 2) that are s the snow is melting after a long winter, you can see circular formed and built to survive conditions unfavorable for fungal A patches of dead grass often matted together with fungal growth. These symptoms growth. Footwear or equipment may also move them around. are caused by snow molds, but how did the Typhula snow mold sclerotia are formed at Spore production is timed to snow mold get there and what is it doing there the end of winter on colonized plant tissues. under the snow? This article will examine the coincide with temperatures At snow melt, they fall into the thatch to wait life cycle of the fungi that cause the Typhula for cool (<10 C), wet conditions in autumn to snow molds, specifically gray snow mold and dipping down to freezing, begin growth. Under cool wet conditions, the speckled snow mold, and explore the biology sclerotia will germinate to produce stalks that of these organisms. since the snow provides a bear spores (Figure 3). Each stalk is a sexually Gray snow mold is caused by a fungus called reproductive body and can produce thousands Typhula incarnata which is more common in dark, wet, and protected upon thousands of spores. Each spore then areas with between two to three months of environment that is just must make its way into the world and find continuous snow cover. Speckled snow mold a compatible mate. For Typhula fungi, each is caused by a closely related species, Typhula right for snow mold growth. spore can mate only with a spore of a different ishikariensis, which is more common in areas sex, but since there are potentially thousands with more than three months of snow cover. of different sexes in the gene pool, nearly These organisms are active in the winter, but every spore encountered will be compatible. dormant during the summer. Throughout most of the year and all However, the limitation is that the compatible spores need to land Advanced Equipment Sales SWEEPER VACS For your toughest clean-up jobs. Figure 2. The speckled snow moldfungus, Typhula ishikariensis, which is favored by longer duration snow cover, produces small, black, round sclerotia less than 2 mm (0.08 in) across. Here it is embedded among decayed leafblades of creeping bentgrass. within a very short distance of each other (measured in micrometers which are a millionth of a meter), and this is one reason that many thousands of spores from one stalk do not all lead to snow mold infections. Sclerotia can also germinate to produce fungal growth called hyphae. This probably happens more often under snow cover since production of spores under the snow would not allow the fungus to be dispersed widely. Spore production is timed to coincide with temperatures dipping down to freezing, since the snow provides a dark, wet, and protected environment that is just right for snow mold growth. After compatible spores have landed on the appropriate grass host, they do not cause infections right away on live grass cells, but will feed on dead and dying plant tissues. Similarly, when sclerotia germinate under snow to produce hyphae, the hyphae start to feed on dead grass and other organic tissues, even maple keys. Under ADVANCED EQUIPMENT SALES the snow, the fungi continue to feed on dead organic matter and P.O. Box 818,21 Birch Street build up body mass in preparation to infect live plant tissue when Seaforth ON N0K1W0 the plant tissue becomes vulnerable, which is when the plant begins to exhaust its food reserves. Under snow cover, plants are not able Phone:519-527-2929 to photosynthesize, and begin to use up their carbohydrate reserves Email: advancedequipment@tcc.on.ca so that after many weeks of snow cover, the grass plants, especially www.advancedequipmentsales.ca in closely mown areas, become even weaker and unable to fight off infection. Keep in mind that even when plants go into winter dormancy, there is still a base rate of metabolism going on in plants Figure 3: Spore-producing stalks of (A) Typhula incarnata, (B) Typhula phacorrhiza, and (C) Typhula ishikariensis, with scalebar at bottom of each picture representing 5mm. The stalks grow out ofsclerotia under wet cool conditions. Typhula incarnata and Typhula ishikariensis cause snow mold, while Typhula phacorrhiza is known as a biological control agentfor snow molds. Figure 4: Ice crystals whichform in water look like coins (A), whereas ice crystals which are inhibited by snow mold antifreeze proteins develop fancy shapes such as this double starfish (B) or this maple leaf (C). which will use up their reserves. vapour directly), or if the insulative capacity of the snow layer is Snow mold fungi mount their attack on their plant hosts by compromised by rainfall, then temperatures at the soil surface or secreting enzymes. The enzymes would on grass leaf blades may drop below OC. The be immobilized and inactive if they were antifreeze proteins then give the fungus a small frozen. Amazingly, these snow mold fungi edge by slightly decreasing the temperature at Amazingly, these snow mold have been found to produce compounds that which ice crystals form. can moderate their environment by reducing fungi have been found to This article has described how the Typhula the temperature at which ice formation snow mold fungi travel (by spores or by occurs. These compounds, called antifreeze produce compounds that can sclerotia being moved around), and what proteins, are able to slightly reduce the they do under snow cover (moderate their temperature at which ice crystals grow, moderate their environment environment with antifreeze proteins and and may aid fungal survival by preventing by reducing the temperature wait for the grass plants to weaken). If you explosive expansion of ice crystals that could would like to know more, just search online cause injury to fungal cells. Alternating freeze-thaw cycles in winter are when plant at which ice formation for snow mold or snow mould. There’s even cells are most prone to injury. a recently published book on snow molds: occurs. www. springer.com/gp/book/9789811007576. But how do fungi moderate ice crystal formation? Ice crystals which form in water look like coins (Figure 4A), whereas ice crystals which are inhibited by snow mold antifreeze proteins Dr. Tom Hsiang is a Professor in the School ofEnvironmental Sciences develop fancy shapes such as this double starfish (Figure 4B) or this at the University of Guelph. He began his research on snow molds as maple leaf (Figure 4C). Under snow cover, the temperature at the an adaption to the cold winter conditions (a reason to look forward to soil surface remains near OC. But if the snow layer is reduced by winter?) after being transplantedfrom the west coast. He can be reached wind, snow melt or sublimination (snow crystals becoming water at thsiang@uoguelphca. ■ MEMBER MOMENTS Equipment Managers, The Unsung Heroes of Turf Quality checks after morning mowing. By Steven Rabski, Assistant Golf Course Superintendent, Idylwylde Golf to focus on agronomics and team management and doesn’t have to & Country Club in collaboration with Matthew Smit, Assistant Golf think twice about any of the equipment. Well maintained equipment, Course Manager and David Currie, Equipment Manager, Bayview Golf or lack thereof, can either make or break a superintendent’s day. If & Country Club. Photos provided by David Currie. a mower is not cutting properly, the turf is more at risk of disease and agronomic inputs will likely increase as a result. When a mower is cutting properly, it is not uncommon for superintendents to see a rior to working at a private club with a large team, and a full reduction in agronomic inputs. The work that equipment managers P time equipment manager with a forever growing fleet of new do is worth their weight in gold! equipment, I worked at a smaller semi-private country club. There, Superintendents and assistants have had to adapt to many changes the superintendent was the Jack of all trades. He was responsible over the last several years as technology has helped to evolve the way for maintaining the course, managing the staff, and maintaining we care for golf course turfgrass. Yet we rarely talk about the impact the irrigation system, but he spent most of his time in the shop that these developments have had on the way equipment managers fixing equipment, and sharpening all the reels; a task that many of work and navigate their day. Whether we are talking about GPS us probably reading this article are still familiar with. sprayers, robotic greens mowers or soon to be self-driving fairway The equipment manager is the driving force that keeps the well- mowers, we often forget about the “maintenance” portion that is oiled machine running, pun intended. The superintendent is able involved embracing these tools. Equipment managers are driven to David Currie pictured working on Toro Workman. THINK ONCE. THINK ICE ARMOUR. You have enough things to worry about each spring - what if your greens weren’t one of them? A great start to spring begins with Ice Armour this fall. Combining our exclusive Green Jacket covers and Futerra 7020 matting, the Ice Armour System insulates your greens and blocks moisture while letting air flow in and out. This allows your greens Resuing old reels to make a grinder stand. to thrive through a wide range of weather patterns all winter long and come out ready to open on the spark their own kind of innovation to keep things moving and daily other side. operations never seem to break stride when these new toys make their way through the door. So how do they stay on top of best Ease your worries this off-season and put a smile practices and creative solutions to keep our tools in top notch shape? on yourteam’s face next spring with the Ice This niche group of individuals share a strong sense of comradery Armour System from BrettYoung. regardless of where they work. There is a shared mentality that “everyone helps everyone” and “every little bit helps.” In order to keep up to date as well as share new custom “innovations”, many equipment managers have turned to Twitter as their communication tool of choice. If you spend any amount of time scrolling through your Twitter feed, you will likely see shared posts that highlight 1-800-665-5015 I brettyoung.ca common equipment problems, tips and tricks, or even new creations that make life on the course that much easier. If you’re like me, you cant help but think, “Wow, that is a good idea!” Several equipment managers use WhatsApp to keep in touch and share information. The benefit to using WhatsApp over Twitter is that sharing is quick and easy, and the information doesn’t become lost in an endless feed. Another great way they increase their knowledge and education is to listen to related podcasts. Reel Turf Techs is a podcast that was started by Trent Manning who focuses on all things related to turf equipment. Each week, he interviews a new guest where they discuss issues faced by turf techs amongst other shop talk. His guests range from turf technicians, equipment manufacturers, and other industry leaders. Not only do they spend a considerable amount of time finding budget friendly solutions to mechanical issues far and wide, with all the new health safety protocols in place they now have to sanitize all the equipment daily, for their own safety, as well as their co­ workers. With so many moving parts these days, superintendents and assistants need to reflect and understand the position that many equipment managers are put in when we draw up our wish list of things to do on the course. As such an indispensable asset to the team, it is vital that we keep them in the loop and more involved with the planning. It’s important that we show our appreciation, and many equipment managers would agree that the best way to do this is to respect the equipment and treat it like it’s your own, ahem... the staff especially. This means handling each piece of equipment with care, making sure mowing equipment is spotless before being serviced, and cleaning your carts out at the end of the day. They do Latch rework to a Club Car Carryall 500. so much for us, so it is the least that we can do for them. ■ BUY 4 GET 1 FREE! Need to make a quick repair? Sprinklers, Riserless Bodies Our On-Road Service Technicians & Conversion Assemblies have you covered with Emergency Irrigation Repair Parts onboard. TURFCARE Helping your business grow. Get in touch with your local Turf Care Irrigation Sales Representative to learn more about programs & promotions. 1-800-561-8873x7502 | www.turfcare.ca @Gr8estShow0nTRF @TurfCareProdCA OFF THE FAIRWAY Flowerin Pruning practices to maximize plant health and promote the best flowering and g Shrubs shape are to be done in the following order and I will explain why. 1) Start by pruning out dead, broken, or diseased branches. This can be done at any point in time regardless of flowering time as you are removing this stuff to promote over all good health and won’t have blooms on a branch that isn’t there anyway. 2) Any branches that are crossing and rubbing which has caused or will cause a wound. 3) Sucker growth, understand the plant you are working with to determine how best to handle the suckers. More often than not they need to be removed. 4) Branches that are growing across the plant towards the centre or within the centre that will not get sufficient light and imagine it would be easy to guess that the You need to know the species you are prevent airflow though the plant. I Master’s is my favourite PGA tournament to watch, especially when it’s held in April working with and its individual needs. Some plants bloom from new growth where others 5) Prune branches to maintain shape, any branches or growth that take away from when all the spring flowering shrubs are in bloom from old growth and some bloom on the aesthetic appearance and to allow bloom. People argue that what takes place branches of a certain diameter or maturity for best light uptake, flower production, at Augusta National is unattainable for any where others stop flowering on branches that space, and airflow in and around the plant other location simply because of budget. reach a certain maturity. and general overall appearance within its Yes, budget plays a massive part, those Some flowering shrubs should not be setting amongst other plants around it. flowering shrubs don’t prune themselves in pruned until flowering is complete and in a knowledgeable way to maximize flowering a timely manner; Lilacs are a good example The reason for following these steps and overall health. It takes people and of one. They produce the following season’s in this order is because you don’t want to people take money. However, regardless flower bud on present summer’s growth. remove more than one third of the plant in of the budget, there are people that do that Pruning too late in the season puts next year’s one season. By the time you get down to step work who are passionate, knowledgeable, flowers at risk. Lilacs should be maintained five, you need to observe how much living and adhere to a higher standard for the work to contain a mix of young and old branches material you’ve removed from the plant. they do. Not all of these people work at because when they over mature, they grow Pruning is a long game play for best results; Augusta, they walk amongst us, everywhere. beyond 2” in diameter and they will stop patience is required especially if you have Some are watching the Master’s looking flowering. Suckers should be managed on something that is completely overgrown. In for inspiration to take their own personal Lilacs but leaving some of the stronger ones that situation, it may take a couple seasons to standard in their craft to a higher place to support flowering later as you remove turn it around without causing detriment to from all kinds of vocations whether it be older growth. the plant by removing too much at one time. horticulturists, turf maintenance, landscape Some Spirea varieties are examples of Another important part of pruning is the architectural, golf course designer, or even a flowering shrubs that will slow flower actual cut that will be made. Use very sharp hobbyist gardeners. production with maturity. When this starts pruning tools and keep them as sharp as With so many species of flowering shrubs, happening, shear the shrubs near ground possible. Make your cuts at 90 degree angles it can take years of experience to get to know level in early spring before new growth to the stem you’re cutting, meaning keep what is required to properly prune and care starts. the wound surface area as small as possible for them. Here are some general rules of Hydrangea Paniculata varieties are late and without any ripping or bark peeling. thumb to guide you. summer bloomers and produce blossoms on Happy pruning! ■ 1) Spring blooming shrubs should be pruned new growth so they require pruning as you shortly after flowering. see the buds swell in early spring. Suckers should be managed to maintain Chris Cumming CLP, 2) Summer blooming shrubs should be Horticulturist good form and prevent branch rubbing. pruned in late winter or early spring as Email: Conversely, Hydrangea Macrophylla, which you see nodes start to swell or just before. chriscumming@liue.ca I’m still trying to figure out because I’m in Cell: 705-644-3994 3) Flowering fruit should be pruned in late zone 4, bloom on old wood. Do not cut these winter (March). back in the fall or spring. LOOKING BACK Ten Years Ago Today The 2011 OGSA Board of Directors In 2011, the Board ofDirectors were asfollows (Back Row L-R): Mark Prieur, Trafalgar G&CC; John McLinden, Ladies GC of Toronto; Rod Speake, Mill Run GC; Stu Leachman, Diamond In The Rough; Chad Vibert, Mad River GC; Scott White, Donalda Club; Phil Scully, Granite GC; (Front Row L-R): JeffAlexander (past pres), Parry Sound G&CC; Rob Gatto (tres), Kings Forest GC; Chris Andrejicka (pres), Essex G&CC, Doug Breen (vice), GolfNorth; Jennifer Pendrith (sec), Kawartha G&CC. Dorothy Hills, the OGSA Executive Manager retired and was replaced by Sally Ross. Congratulations went to Jennifer Penrith, superintendent at Kawartha, on the arrival ofa baby girl, Brooklyn. ON THE MOVE Elgin Golf Club. Michael Schneider was Gerald Sterling and John Taylor. the new superintendent at Diamond In the Paul Dermott was the recipient of the 5th Paul White retired from the Briers and was replaced by his assistant Patrick Greenman. Ruff. Michael McDevitt moved to Tangle William Sansom Award by the OGSA and Bob Pattinson retired from The London Creek. Ian McQueen moved to Islington. Ken Wright, Devil’s Pulpit, received the Hunt and was replaced by Deb Dale. John John Chang moved to Bushwood. Mark CGSA Superintendent of the Year Award. Trelford left St. Andrews Valley and was Pickering moved to 4 Seasons Country Congratulations to Jamie Downton, replaced by Bryan Wasyliw. Corey Philips Club and James White went to Woodington Superintendent at Sawmill Creek as the took over Frog’s Breath and Rob Burrows left Lake. Ted Tom was the new superintendent winner of CGSAs Gordon Witteveen for Banff Springs. John Taylor left Oakville at Uplands Golf Club as well as teaching at Award. and moved to Grand Niagara. He was Seneca College. replaced by Scott Thompson from Toronto Aldo Bortolon’s dog, Bronson of Hunt. Scott Heron from Bigwin Island ACHIEVEMENTS Lookout Point Country Club, was moved to Toronto Hunt and was replaced by Bob Moote and David Gourlay received picked for the GCSAA Lebanon Kevin Schultz. Paul Grosvenor was the new 50 Year Member Awards. The following Turf ‘Dog Days of Golf’ calendar. superintendent at Forest City National and superintendents received 25 Year Member Tom Brain, Burlington Golf & Country Tim Baxter was now at Sutton Creek. Mark Awards: Kelly Barnet, Leo Daigle, Charles Club, qualified to play in the 13th annual Trudell was now superintendent at Mount Eberle, George Forest, Mark Mallot, Toronto Star Men’s Amateur Tournament. (L-R) Phil Scully presents Al Schwemler, Superintendent, with (L-R) Mark Prieurpresents Bob Moote with his 50 Year member award. President's Day plaque. (L-R) Winners ofthe Pro Super Challenge - Superintendent, Chris Emerton (L-R) David Gourley receives his 50 Year Member award, presented by OGSA and Pro Rob Mininni, Tangle Creek G&CC with a score of 67. President Paul White. TOURNAMENTS Golf & Country Club hosted by Ray Barry Endicott The Pro Super Challenge was held at Windance Dlugokecki. The winning team from flight Retired Golf Course Golf Club hosted by Jake Riekstins. Chris A at 15 under par was Jamie Spencer, Scott Superintendent Emerton and pro Rob Mininni from Tangle Gardner, Mark Trudell and Graeme Calder. Brampton, Ontario Creek won with a score of 67. Flight B winning team was the father-son duo Tel: 905-846-1440 barry. endicott@gmail. com The McClumpha Tournament was held Paul and Scott White, with Don McAllister at Oslerbrook Golf & Country Club in and Paul Halk at 10 under par. ■ Collingwood hosted by Jason Honeyball. Flight A Low Gross was Bert McFadden #1 Kentucky Bluegrass | Low Mow | Extreme or Tall Fescue | Native or USGA Bentgrass | Large or small rolls with a 77, Georgian Bay Club and 1st Low Net was Dan McAllister with a 68, Donalda DELIVERING SUPERIOR SOD WITH QUALITY SERVICE Club. Flight B (Associates and Guests) Low Gross was Sean Lavin with a 74, Turf Care and 1st Low Net was Dave Jacobsen with a 69, Weston GC. The George Darou Trophy for superintendents over 50 went to Ray Richards from Mad River Golf Club. Greystone Golf Club was the venue for the annual OTRF golf tournament hosted by Adam Trenton and $27,000 was raised for turf grass research. President’s Day tournament was held at Toronto Golf Club hosted by Al Schwemler. The team from Otter Creek, Randy Booker, took top honours with a minus 23, second was Orr Lake, Jason Harris and 3rd was 17525 Jane St, Kettleby, Ontario L7B0J6 Weston, Rob Ackermann. zandersod.com 877-727-2100 The Summer Scramble was held at Springfield TURF OR CONSEQUENCES Spring 2021 Policy By Doug Breen, Superintendent, “Fair enough.” So she swiped my bank GolfNorth Properties. card, so that the FBI, CIA and CSIS would know what I was doing that often have American cash in my day and she asked, “How much do I wallet. I like the idea that at any moment, I could jump in the car and you have?” “$120.68 U.S.” drive to California - and I wouldn’t want to impede my clandestine “Sorry, we don’t take coins.” escape by having to go to a currency “Of course you don’t.” exchange. In the age of COVID, it’s hard to imagine crossing the border The next teller over chimed in again, anytime soon, so I went to the bank “We don’t take American change to change some American money unless it’s rolled and being deposited back into Canadian money. Let me to an American dollar account. And clarify. I was taking legal tender from we don’t take pennies at all.” our neighbouring country and trying “Policy?” to exchange it for legal tender from this “Policy.” country. At a bank. Banks are full of money. Not my money admittedly, but “If I was changing from Canadian I know there’s money there. I’ve seen it. US “It’s just our policy sir, do you have an account Currency to American and it came to an dollars are accepted in countries where you at this branch?” uneven amount, would you give me a penny?” can’t even use the local currency. Should be “I do, but would you exchange my $120.68 “Yes.” easy, right? That’s what I thought too. if I didn’t?” “So you have American pennies, but you “Yes, but if you do have one, I’ll need your don’t take them.” The conversation went like this. “Can I bank card.” “Yes.” help you sir?” Now I should have seen trouble bearing down on me like a COVID “Why? “Policy?” Enforcement Officer bearing down on a kids “Policy.” “Yes.” soccer game. People who call you sir’ never “Then I don’t have an account here.” really want to help you. Policemen call you So I put the change back into my pocket. “In ‘sir’ while they suspend your driver’s license. “You just said that you did.” that case I have $120.00” Loan officers call you ‘sir’ while they’re “I lied.” “That will come to $144.79 Canadian.” declining your credit application. The border guard calls you ‘sir’while he’s snapping on the At this point, the Stepford Wife smile on the “You’re going to have to round that up to latex gloves. teller was beginning to look a bit strained, $144.80 then.” and some of the other staff were beginning to “Yes,” I said, “I’ve got an easy one for you,” “Why?” eavesdrop. One of the other tellers explained referring to the man who’d been at the wicket to me again that this was just policy. “I’ll “I don’t take pennies either.” She looked for twenty minutes in front of me (apparently give you my bank card if you can give me any annoyed at me over her glasses, the way a trying to get financing for a battleship), rational reason why you need it to exchange grade two teacher does when you track mud “I just need to change this money back to currency.” into the classroom. “It’s my policy,” I added. Canadian.” “It’s our policy, sir.” “I can’t do that,” the irony was lost on her. I put the neatly stacked bills and coins on the “That’s not a reason, that’s a defense.” “I was just kidding. Sounded pretty stupid counter. “Do you have an account here, sir?” when I said it though, didn’t it?” There was that ‘sir’ again. “I’m new here.” “Yes.” “Does it matter? Are you going to run out of “OK, I’ll make you a deal. If you’ll admit that money if you just start randomly exchanging there’s not a single reason why I should give I took my $144.79 and left. There is no moral currency for every Tom, Dick, or Harry that it to you, and that it’s a ridiculous policy, then to the story. If this civilization lasts another walks in here with $120.68 US?” I’ll let you have it.” three generations, it will be a miracle. ■ WE KNOW TURFGRASS! DEDICATED TO GOLF COURSES - COMMITTED TO YOUR SUCCESS is in our blood here at Greenhorizons. Golf We’ve worked for decades to produce and install the highest quality sod for golf. 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