March 2021 ONTARIO GOLF ON COURSE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENTS' ASSOCIATION 2020 OGSA Awards ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Using Volunteers During COVID-19 Dogs in Turf Regenerative Greenkeeping CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT No. 40027105 Postmaster: Please return undeliverable copies to The OGSA, 328 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph, ON N1L 0H2 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 Colin Hindle Southern Alberta, Kootenays Northern Alberta Toronto / East Ottawa & Eastern Ontario mitch.davidson@target-specialty.com eric.gratopp@target-specialty.com perry.brazeau@target-specialty.com colin.hindle@target-specialty.com 587.223.2083 587.284.4744 416.705.8006 613.314.9711 Jason Hooper Gregor Kowalski Joey Losito Jason MacRae Lower Mainland & Interior Bc Vancouver Island Quebec South & East Quebec North & West jason.hooper@target-specialty.com gregor.kowalski@target-specialty.com joseph.losito@target-specialty.com jason.macrae@target-specialty.com 604.317.2476 250.686.3909 819.571.1677 514.712.8006 Chris Paterson Josh Seibel Craig McCutcheon Chris Nelson Southern Alberta & Kootenays Saskatchewan & Manitoba South-West Ontario Toronto West / Niagara chris.paterson@target-specialty.com josh.seibe@target-specialty.com craig.mccutcheon@target-specialty.com chris.nelson@target-specialty.com 403.540.0157 306.861.8296 905.351.6544 647.382.6868 Mark Scenna Sales Manager, Canada mark.scenna@tarqet-specialty.com • 416.458.2396 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE s your newly elected President, it saddens me to report that A . after 11 years of tireless dedication to the OGSA, Sally Ross decided to retire at the end of February to spend time with her family; including her sons Michael and Robbie and her two Editor granddaughters Lucy and Madelyn. While Sally’s presence as the Courtney White executive manager will be missed by our members, OGSA staff members@ogsa.ca and at the Board level, the critical work she accomplished during her tenure with the association has laid a strong foundation for the Publisher OGSA to move forward into the future with confidence. We wish By Al Schwemler, Sally the very best as she enters into this new chapter. Diane Davey OGSA President. While there is still a great deal ofuncertainty for2021 and beyond, the diane@blenheim.ca OGSA is planning to expand their services and offerings for this upcoming year and the future. Staff and the Board are working on new initiatives such as: expanded educational opportunities, a Advertising & Administrative Manager new website, and an Ontario Best Management Practices document. Committees are planning Diane Davey for golf events and the 2022 Ontario Golf Course Management Conference is tentatively diane@blenheim.ca scheduled to be held in Collingwood. The OGSA is currently looking at ways to increase our Tel: 289-337-4305 membership numbers and the goal is to attain 1000 members by the 100th anniversary in 2024. Thank you to all members that participated in the 2020 OGSA Member Survey. The results of the survey are being analyzed to see how we can better serve the membership. Production & Design I would like to personally thank outgoing Board members and Past Presidents, Cory Jansen Patrick Kilborn and Jason Boyce for their years of service and dedication to the OGSA. Also, welcome two patrick@blenheim.ca new Board members Andrew Nieder (Deerhurst Resort) and Kevin Collier (Riverbend Golf Community). While the OGSA Board has not met in person since February 2020, we continue to meet virtually on a regular basis. If there are any questions, concerns, or you would like to write an article for ONCourse, please contact the OGSA office or speak to a Board member. ONCourse is published four times a year Keep well and stay safe. ■ (November / March / June / August) by Blenheim INK for: ATTENTION! IPM Certified Veemo Mark II 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 Verticut/Scarifier P.D. Solutions Fax:519-766-1704 Email: manager@ogsa.ca Purpose designed, heavy duty ★ Now offering ★ www.ogsa.ca scarifier using carbide tipped cutting blades for maximum thatch MORE Courses! removal with minimum surface disturbance. Three independently floating heads follow ground Visit: Published by Blenheim INK contours closely without scalping. www.pdsolutions.ca Administration Office: Formore information 503-5340 Lakeshore Road Call Bannerman today: or call Burlington, ON L7L7A8 1-800-325-4871 1-877-977-6774 www.blenheim.ca We’ll meet you there with new innovative fungicides DEDICATE STRESSGARD No matter what challenges your greens and fairways face throughout the year, Bayer is ready with the right answer for your turf’s needs. Dedicate® Stressgard® fungicide delivers exceptional protection against all major snow moulds in Canada, while also offering preventative control of in-season diseases such as summer patch, anthracnose, dollar spot, and leaf spot. es.bayer.ca @BayerGolfCA 1-888-283-6847 ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. Science fora better life Bayer, the Bayer Cross and Annihilator POLYZONE are trademarks of Bayer. 01/21-75306 INSIDE THIS ISSUE INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ADVANCED EQUIPMENT 17,25 www.advancedequipmentsales.ca ALMACK AGRONOMIC SERVICES INC. 19 AQUATROLS 8 www.can.aquatrols.com BANNERMAN 3, 12 www.sportsturfmagic.com BAYER 4 www.es.bayer.ca BELCHIM 6, 30 www.belchimturf.ca BRAEMAR BUILDING SYSTEMS 24 www.braemarbuildings.com BRETTYOUNG 21 www.brettyoung.ca EZ POND 22 www.ezpondcanada.ca JOHN DEERE 13 Features www.johndeere.ca/golf 10 GC Highlight & Member Profile ONTARIO SEED COMPANY 23 William Baltessen, Owner and www.oscturf.com Superintendent Chelmsford Golf Course. RD. SOLUTIONS 3 14 2020 OGSA Awards www.pdsolutions.ca S.W. STONEWORKS 7 16 Golf Course Dogs www.swstoneworks.com 23 The Use of Volunteers TARGET SPECIALTY PRODUCTS 2 During COVID-19g www.target-specialty.com 24 COVID 19, What 2020 Taught Us TURF CARE PRODUCTS CANADA 18,32 www.turfcare.ca Regular Contributors ZANDER SOD CO. LIMITED 27 26 Looking Back www.zandersod.com 28 Off the Fairway 31 Turf or Consequences ONCOURSE 2021 Departments Although every effort is made to check material for publication, the association is not responsible for material published on 3 President's Message behalf of its contributors. 7 Editorial Message All rights are reserved by the publisher and any reproduction in whole or part without 9 What's New the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. 29 Member Moments Although some trade names may be mentioned in articles contained University of Guelph: Turf Club 2021 in this publication, no endorsement is intended or implied by the Ontario Golf Superintendents' Association. ON THE COVER ONCOURSE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE #todayinontario 2020 Winning photo. Chris Lecour, Steve Rabski, Ryan Marangoni, OGSA is committed to serving its members, Submitted by Matt Booth, Oshawa Kendra Kiss, Al Schwemler, Ryan L. Scott, advancing their profession, and enriching Golf & Curling Club. Mike Pellerin, Courtney White. the quality of golf and its environment. • Take-All Patch DISEASE • SummerPatch CONTROL • Anthracnose • Dollar Spot & more RAPID MOBILITY • Xylem & translaminar movement • Greater root mass • Rain fast in 15 minutes PLANT HEALTH • Consistent chlorophyll • Foliar & root uptake production HALO OF PROTECTION DISEASES CONTROLLED • Take-All Patch • Anthracnose • Leaf Spot • Dollar Spot • Summer Patch • Pink Snow Mould • Melting Out • Brown Ring Patch • Pythium Blight • Grey Snow Mould • Brown Patch (Waitea Patch) DISARM® is a Group 11 fungicide containing Xylem-Pro technology specifically engineered to provide quick plant uptake and even distribution within the plant to deliver a Halo of Protection against many of the most destructive turf diseases. DISARM & Xylem-Pro Technology are trademarks of FMC Corporation or an affiliate. www.belchimturf.ca Always read and follow label directions. EDITORIAL MESSAGE ’m writing this message on one of those teachings from last season to keep in mind saying good-bye to 2020, also meant saying I rare winter days. You know the ones; the sun is shining, the birds are singing, the tree as we move into 2021. Bill Godkin from CEsafety discusses the use of volunteers good-bye to Sally Ross after 11 years of leading the charge for our association. In tops are gently swaying and the sky is blue, during COVID-19 restrictions and, Randy this issue, she has shared a few words with not to mention today's taunting temperature Booker shares his views on soil biodiversity, you in What’s New, and although farewells is hovering around 11°C (Less rare for our in what will be a three part series on this are never easy, I’m sure everyone will join friends south of London.) method of turf management. me, your new President Al Schwemler, This winter rounds out one full year since Chris Cummings shares some tips about and the rest of the board in sharing our COVID-19 officially hit, and we all began planning for pollinators this year, and Al heartfelt thanks for all she has done for the to put one foot in front of the other, trying Schwemler spends some time highlighting association as she moves into retirement. to manage our professional and personal a few of our K-9 members in honor of Floki, Keep well my friends. See you in June! ■ lives ad hoc, as the saga unfolded. But today, Miss December and 2021 LebanonTurf’s one year later, I can actually smell spring. Dog of the Year. It’s invigorating; winter’s promise of new Of course no issue would be complete Courtney White, beginnings, hope, and opportunity to try without highlighting one of our Member Programs & Services, OGSA. something new, or hit the reset button and members and in this issue, Chris Lecour ONCourse Editor. try again. As we move into 2021, we need to interviews William Baltessen, owner and be invigorated. superintendent at Chelmsford Golf Course. members@ogsa.ca Inside this issue, the OGSA celebrates And as usual, we can count on Doug our 2020 award and scholarship winners, Breen to bring humor to almost any topic and acknowledges our milestone members. in this edition of Turf and Consequences. Thank you to everyone who was able to help We’re also excited to share with you us celebrate virtually by sending in their what’s new with the Turf Club in member Please continue to selfies for the issue! moments. practice social distancing Ryan Scott from Oakville Golf Club I’d be remiss if I didn’t end this message by and Joel Johnston from Riverbend Golf acknowledging one of the most important and stay safe! Community share observations and events in a decade for the OGSA. For us, 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 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. WHAT'S NEW By Sally Ross, Executive Director, OGSA. Board of Directors I cant believe that I am writing these words but, this is my last What’s New. By the time this issue of ONCourse is published, I will be retired. I want to share with you here how much it has meant to me to be a part of this great association and the golf industry. Over the last 11 years I have come to know many of you a great deal better than I ever The OGSA virtual Annual General Directors Ian McQueen, St. George’s Golf expected. I’ve worked closely with some, met Meeting took place on Tuesday, January & CC; Mike Pellerin, Saugeen Golf Club; others briefly at events and tournaments, and 26, 2021 via the Zoom platform. The and Jessica Aytoun, Sutton Creek Golf some I’ve only met over the phone or through 2021 Board of Directors was elected; Al Club, were reelected and the association email. Regardless of the way we connected, Schwemler was elected president and Ryan welcomed directors Andrew Nieder, the professionalism and integrity of OGSA Scott, Oakville Golf Club was elected vice Deerhurst Resort; and Kevin Collier, members never ceased to amaze me. I want president. Owen Russell, Markland Wood Riverbend Golf Community. to thank all the members who have served on Golf Club, was elected secretary - treasurer. Annual Reports and 2019/20 audited the board during my time, and especially the Tim Muys, Piper’s Heath Golf Club, took financial statements were presented and ones who have worked with me over the last over the role of immediate past president, approved. All reports are available by logging year as I transitioned to this chapter. but has since resigned from the board. in to ogsa.ca in the Association Reports tab. It has been my pleasure to serve as your executive director and I am confident that I am leaving you all in good hands. EDUCATION 2021 Once again, thank you all for your support over the years to help make my career with In the absence of our annual conference, WELCOME the OGSA so enjoyable. the OGSA partnered with the Carolinas to Our New Members I will miss you all, Sally. Golf Course Superintendents Association, to provide our members with an opportunity Victoria Brouwer Class F to earn IPM points virtually. This initiative Hidden Lake Golf Club MARCH BOARD MEETINGS was considered a success with many of our Wayne Lozier Class C The Board of Directors met on Wednesday members participating. Timberwolf Golf Club March 3, 2021 for the spring planning We’ve also worked with supplier members meeting to welcome new directors, appoint and industry partners to help promote their Andrew Radonicich Class F committees and set goals and strategies for Hamilton Golf & Country Club education opportunities. the upcoming year. Filippo Vasile Class D GOLF INDUSTRY SHOW Dominion Golf & Country Club MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY The GIS took place between Feb 2-4, Scott Stirling Class S We will start work on our printed 2021. We hope you had a chance to attend University of Guelph membership directory shortly. We encourage and check out the impressive virtual trade Michael Kenchington Class F members to go online and check your profile show and education seminars. This was an The Granite Golf Club to ensure that your information is correct. excellent opportunity for many members Christopher Ramage Class C The directory will be created from your who otherwise couldn’t attend the GIS to Emerald Hills Golf Club member profiles. get a taste of what it’s all about. ■ GC Highlight & Member Profile Chelmsford Golf Course 99 Golf Course Rd Chelmsford, Ontario Member since 2009 (705) 855-0232 chemmygc@gmail.com William Baltessen www.chelmsfordgolf- Owner and Superintendent Chelmsford Golf Course course.com By Chris Lecour, Senior TurfSales Representative, BASF. Photos provided by William Baltessen. orthern Ontario is blessed with some of About the Course N the most beautiful landscapes in all of Canada and happily for many northern golfers, About the Course: The course is known as some exceptionally picturesque golf courses. It the hidden gem of the North. It's situated on also happens to be home to some of the most 360 acres. Narrow fairways with little room for down-to-earth and hospitable superintendents error, but also forgiving. It was only 9 holes in around. Chelmsford Golf Course is just that 1975, then became 13 holes and eventually kind of golf course and William Baltessen is 18 holes designed and built by Howie Schnarr. just that kind of superintendent. William or The scenery of peaceful wildlife, surrounded by Willy as he is affectionately known, is also pure nature at its finest. the owner at Chelmsford along with his wife Tracey. Together they, along with their Private, semi-private, public, children Wade and Sydney are the heart and municipal, resort? Public soul of this family operation. Architect: Howie Schnarr Willy grew up in Grand Bend, Ontario and spent his earlier years as a heavy originally hailed from Northern Ontario. Number of holes: 18 Those long days working construction and equipment operator, working on large projects Number rounds annually: 25,000 throughout Southern Ontario. He was even spending hours on the road driving to and involved in construction projects at Sand Hills from job sites began to wear thin on Willy, Practice Facility: 350 yd driving range, GC in Lambton Shores and River Valley GC especially when his children were young. 4,000 sq ft putting green in St. Mary’s long before the thought of golf Fortunately a new opportunity came calling Number of staff year-round, seasonal?: 8 course maintenance as a career even entered one day in 2004. The owner of Chelmsford How many mechanics, assistants: his mind. It was in Southern Ontario that he GC and Traceys father, Howie Schnarr, Wade Baltessen (Jr. Assistant) met Tracey, love of his life for 27 years who approached the couple and asked if they would In the Hot Seat Q: Favourite Major? Q: Lowest round ever and where? Q: Favourite golf course? A: The Masters A: 83 Chelmsford GC A: Reynolds Plantation Georgia Q: Best piece of turf equipment? A: Ventrac Q: Favourite meal? Q: Favourite course designer? A: Steak and Garlic Shrimp A: They are all good Q: Ultimate foursome: You and which three? A: Tiger, Rory and of course my wife Q: Favourite movie? Q: Favourite Band? Tracey A: Caddyshack A: The Eagles like to take over the course. The Baltessen's loved visiting their family up north and were intrigued by the offer but unsure about such a major life change. Ultimately they decided they were up for the challenge and ready for something new. The following year they decided to make the move to Northern Ontario. They worked on the course and got to know the people and the area. “I decided this is what I wanted to do”, Willy recalls. By the end of that season, they decided to put down new roots in Chelmsford. Eventually he decided he would need some formal education in maintaining a golf course if they were going to take over the business someday. He completed the Turf Managers Short Course at the University of Guelph in 2007 and Baltessen continues to build on his turf education and is a welcome fixture at the OGSA Conference each winter. During the season, Willy's day begins as one might expect for the owner/operator of Sydney, William, Tracey and Wade Baltessen. a golf course, by turning on the irrigation system and making coffee. He and Tracey without a hug from Tracey. Their children season to get away from golf course, Willy divide their duties at the course: Willy now have their own roles at the club with loves to sneak in a round of golf when he has focuses on maintaining the golf course and Sydney helping to manage outside events, the chance. In the off-season, his favourite handling event bookings while Tracey looks taking advantage of her post-secondary place to travel would be “any place the weather after managing the clubhouse and kitchen business education, while Wade is following is warm and the beer is cold”, mentioning and is the head of PR at Chelmsford. Rarely in his father s footsteps on the course. that their 4-week trip to Portugal in 2020 does anyone get through the clubhouse doors While there is little time during the golf was his favourite trip so far. What You Need to Know Predominant grass type: Bent poa greens "Meeting William at Chelmsford GC for the first time was Predominant soil type: Clay memorable. I was a salesman...he the customer. He always had Types of greens: Push up a way of making you feel like you are part of the family. Over the years I saw how he respected his staff, family, customers and Course length: 6,500 yds myself! It was always a pleasure calling on the Club, seeing his Size of greens: 75,000 sq ft2 wife Tracey and the kids Sydney and Wade." Size of tees: 72,000ft2 Size of fairways: 35 acres - Kevin Jensen, Sales Manager, The Toro Company Major Challenges: Winter stress Willy credits his father-in-law for being a branches and debris littered the course and up great teacher and mentor in his first few years to four inches of rain fell on the property in at the golf course and even up to Howie’s only 20 minutes. Baltessen and his team were passing in 2015. Baltessen is also quick to unsure if the weekend tournament could even acknowledge the important role his staff be held in the midst of all the chaos on the Seeding is Believing plays at the course. “I have a dedicated team course and cancelling the event was looking that have been with me for years. They all like a real possibility. But Thursday morning at understand the tasks and jobs at hand. They the club started with a very pleasant surprise: are devoted to their work and to them, it’s every staff member turned up for work along something they enjoy doing. When you have with a numbers of member volunteers to assist a team like this, it makes my job easier.” His with the cleanup. By the end ofThursday, most attitude towards his valued staff members is of the damage had been cleared away and the simple: “I treat my staff the way I would want destruction caused by the previous night’s to be treated, and always have an open mind. storm was just a memory. The tournament Our staff is more like an extended family.” was able to continue as scheduled. “I was The family are fortunate to still employ staff blown away by the support,” said Willy. Simple Dimple Seeder members that have been with the club since While Willy and Tracey have no plans to before their move to the area. The same can completely turn things over to the kids any Bannerman B-SDS-4-H be said for some club members who have time soon, he says that one day they would like 1. Accurately dispenses bent been enjoying the course since before Howie to retire to a little cottage on the lake. Wade grass & blue grass seed Schnarr purchased the golf course more than and Sydney play significant roles in the day- 2. Easy to calibrate-variable 45 years ago. to-day operations of the golf course, making seeding rates Perhaps one experience at the club in the thought of retirement a little easier 3. Break up ice on Greens particular highlights the love and respect knowing that the family business will carry 4. Tow with any turf vehicle Chelmsford’s members and staff have for the on for many years to come. Fortunately that Baltessen’s. Several years ago,just two days prior leaves plenty of time for members and guests Call Bannerman today: to the start of a major weekend tournament to continue enjoying the conditions provided and during a Wednesday Mens Night event, a by Chelmsford GC’s William Baltessen, who 1-800-325-4871 major storm quickly blew through the course. took a leap of faith with a career change over Many trees on the property were uprooted, 15 years ago and has never looked back. ■ Planning for weather conditions Workboard updates and task re-re-re-assignments Accurate budget forecasts plus or minus half a penny Maintenance schedule and equipment assignment mayhem Balancing irrigation costs with equipment and labor costs If it's on your mind, it’s OnLink. The John Deere OnLink Golf Course Management Solution can help you see your course more clearly than ever before. Maintenance schedules. Team assignments. Workboard updates. Cost projections. These all can now be viewed and managed in one place. What’s on your mind? Link it with John Deere OnLink Golf Course Management Solutions today at JohnDeere.ca/Golf. John Deere, the leaping deer symbol and John Deere's green and yellow trade dress are the trademarks of Deere & Company. Trusted by the best. 2020 OGSA Awards Although the OGSA could not host our traditional awards ceremony to acknowledge our well-deserving award winners and milestone members, we have made every effort to acknowledge the following members through letters, emails, and social media as the awards were given. 25 Year Milestone Membership Awards We would like to acknowledge the following members for their longstanding support of the OGSA Jason Miller, Miller GolfDesigns (unavailablefor a photo) Scholarship Awards Turf Managers OGSA remains committed to broadening Short Course Award knowledge through formal education channels and by exchanging experiences and ideas with fellow members. One avenue of achieving this is This award is given to the student who through our scholarship program. We are thrilled achieves the highest marks and who is also to announce this year’s winners. currently employed at an Ontario golf course. This year’s recipient is Rob Bruce, Rosedale Golf Club. Rob received an award of $1,300 OGSA / Syngenta and a complimentary OGSA membership. (Hugh Kirkpatrick) Bursary UPCOMING SCHOLARSHIPS Please note, the OGSA has made some changes to some of the scholarship deadlines. The OGSA will accept applications for following scholarships on or before May 15,2021. This bursary program is to recognize the leadership, commitment and accomplishments OGSA I Brettyoung Turfgrass Education Awards of Assistant Superintendent members of the For students pursuing a career in turfgrass management and enrolled _________________ OGSA. in a full time post-secondary program. This award is judged on essay The OGSA in partnership with Syngenta are happy to present submissions as well as academic achievement. Applications must be this year’s recipients with a $1,500 award for their impressive essay received by the OGSA office no later than MAY 15th of each year. submissions. OGSA Heritage Awards Congratulations to Matt Coburn, The Toronto GC, who was For children or grandchildren of OGSA members enrolled in college unavailable for a photo, and to Christine , Rattlesnake Point Golf or university program not related to turfgrass. Applications must be Club. received by the OGSA office no later than May 15th of each year. OGSA Editorial Awards & Social Media Awards, in partnership with Bayer #TODAYINONTARIO @ONTARIOGSA The OGSA, in partnership with Bayer, awarded three cash prizes to the top social media tweets from 2020 using #todayinontario2020 and tagging @OntarioGSA. EDITORIAL AWARDS 1st Place - Winner of $400 2nd Place - Winner of $300 Each year the OGSA and the editorial committee produce four issues of ONCourse magazine which is largely comprised of original articles and photographs that are submitted by our members. To celebrate the contributions our volunteers the OGSA, in partnership with Bayer, presented the following awards: BARRY ENDICOTT ARTICLE OF THE YEAR Winner of $400 Matt Booth, Superintendent, Oshawa Golf & Chris Schuurmans, Assistant Superintendent, Curling Clubfor his photo, “Ourfavourite coyote Victoria Park East Golf Club for his photo, basking in the morning light. ” “Harvesting the very 1st batch ofhoney from the course apiary in the nextfew days!” 3rd Place-Winner of $100 We’d also like to acknowledge the following tweeters who made our Top 10! “The Impacts ofMental Health”featured in the November issue, written by Tommy Wang, a University of Guelph, Diploma TurfManagement Yanik Mayer, Superintendent, Granite Golf Club, 4th Denis Bowie, Assistant Superintendent, student member. for his photo ofa Dragonfly, captioned “Nature at Deerhurst Resort, “Kaleidoscope Sky. ” its best. ” PHOTO OF THE YEAR Winner of $400 5th Place: James Horvath, Second Assistant Superintendent, Richmond Hill GC, “Fall colours” 6th Place: David DeCorso, General Manager/ Superintendent, Victoria Park GC, “Eastern Newt, perfect camouflage.” 7th Place: Rob Wright, Superintendent, The Pulpit Club, “Deer watching the Club Championship.” 8th Place: Amanda Frends, Assistant Superintendent, Ladies G C of Toronto, “What a beauty.” “4th Hole”, featured in the August issue, submitted 9thPlace: Kendra Kiss, “Have a great Sunday everyone.” by Robert Clark, superintendentfrom North Bay 10th Place: Mike Claydon, Superintendent, Savannah Golf g&cc. Links, “Cur resident swans having some breakfast.” Golf Course Dogs A Person's Best Friend Floki Thomas, 2021 Dog ofthe Year. By Al Schwemler, OGSA President. The Star of the Show - Floki As many of you know, Floki was chosen as Miss December 2020 in the Dog Days of Golf Calendar and subsequently voted as the he Merriam - Webster Dictionary defines a dog as: “a highly 2021 LebanonTurf Dog of the Year during the virtual Golf Industry T variable carnivorous domesticated mammal of the genus Canis Show. Floki is a 1.5 year old Borderpoo (half Border Collie and half (C. familiaris) closely related to the common wolf (Canis lupus) mini poodle) owned by Lesley Thomas, Assistant Superintendent broadly: any member of the family Canidae”. But we prefer the at Scarboro Golf & Country Club in Toronto. She has grey, white, terms dog, canine, doggie, hound, pooch, tyke, mutt, pup, puppy and and black colorations (a blue merle coat) and one blue eye and one best of all, “mans and womans best friend”. brown eye. Lesley chose this breed due to the intelligence and loyalty Dogs are awesome and popular on golf courses properties, of the Border Collie and the low shedding characteristics of the mini especially within turf management operations. They are utilized poodle. Floki earned “smartest in class” during her puppy training as working dogs to manage goose populations or perform security for socializing and will undergo recall training for those frightful duties, and others are companion dogs which provide moral support episodes of chasing after coyotes. to course staff and golfers. The popularity of the golf course dog has Floki's on-course job is to chase geese and she is also very adept resulted in the formation of social media pages (@DogsOfTurf) and at maintaining staff morale. Once she arrives at the maintenance calendars specific to golf course dogs (GCSAA’s Dog Days of Golf facility, she patiently waits for the “go say hello” command, and then Calendar). This article will highlight a few of our K-9 members proceeds to happily greet everyone while receiving a plethora of pets found on some of Ontario’s golf courses. and scratches. The rambunctious pup loves ball play, water, children, chasing squirrels, geese and the odd golf cart (a bad habit that Lesley LebanonTurf Dog Days of Golf, is working to correct). While at the golf course, Floki hangs out with Lesley pretty much Dog of the Year full-time. Lesley mentioned that, “fortunately at Scarboro, we have lots of dog lovers. The members have really taken to Floki and love I'd also like to thank everyone who voted for Floki (Lesley seeing her out on the course. They always want to say hello and Thomas, Scarboro G&CC) during the trades how at the routinely bring dog treats in their bag for her. One particular dog LebanonTurf booth. We're thrilled that our K-9 member won loving member will forget to say good morning to me, but is more focused on seeing Floki”. the crown. As in the past, the OGSA will donate the $3000 The process of entering a dog into the calendar contest is rather awarded to our association to a not for profit organization. simple. The submission form can be found on the GCSAA website, by doing a simple search for “dog calendar”. Advanced Equipment Sales SWEEPER VACS For your toughest clean-up jobs. (Top) Skye, (Below) Taff. Lambton's Finest - Skye and Taff Skye is a year old female Border Collie owned by Peter Kinch, Golf Course Superintendent at Lambton Golf and Country Club in Toronto. Taff is an 11 year old male Border Collie, purchased by the golf club but cared for by the Kinch family. Peter has always owned Australian Shepherds or Border Collies due to their boundless energy and extreme focus as herding dogs. Skye is Peter’s fourth dog and both dogs were obtained from Asset Kennels, who specializes in trained “goose dogs”. Taff was acquired as a fully trained goose dog, and Peter chose to personally train Skye to help manage Lambton’s goose population. Both dogs have lead dog personalities and will run out front of the golf cart, ready to bolt at the sight or sound of geese. Skye has a unique look with an all-white head and red body. Peter describes Skye as “loyal and happy. She remains focused on her owner at all times. She will not stray from my side. It takes some getting used to that your dog will follow you anytime you ADVANCED EQUIPMENT SALES move, even within my house. Some would feel they have a shadow or a stalker, but I like it. She is an energetic greeter of fellow staff, P.O. Box 818,21 Birch Street suppliers, and members. Her tail seems just a bit too big for her, so Seaforth ON N0K1W0 the greeting is not always coordinated.” Skye will be bred by the Phone:519-527-2929 original breeder when she is two years old. Her registered name is Asset’s Red and White Canadian Girl. Email: advancedequipment@tcc.on.ca Peter emphasized that his members love the course dogs and www.advancedequipmentsaies.ca will often speak to him exclusively about their passion for dogs instead of the golf course or turf. Niko. Shelby. Maverick. Three is Not a Crowd - nothing to do but chill and eat, with the occasional trip to the Niko, Shelby, and Maverick golf course”. Niko is the “special pup”, and has dealt with several Jessica Aytoun, Golf Course Superintendent at Sutton Creek drawbacks including his pre-golf course life, Lyme disease, diabetes, Golf Club in Essex, Ontario is the human pack leader for three golf and blindness. course dogs. Shelby is an 11 year old Border Collie, bred in Ohio. As a puppy, Niko is a 15 year old Border Collie/Husky mix that was a rescue she had a racing stripe extending from her nose to her neck, hence (at 9 years old) from the Essex County Humane Society. The “old the name after the sports car. Shelby was adopted a week after Man” was an abused dog at his previous home and came with some Jessica was undergoing nine months of physio and bed rest from challenges. Jessica stated that “it didn’t take long to see Niko’s sweet a fractured hip. All her initial dog training was performed bedside. side come out. He is a relaxed and laid back guy that would love Shelby loves the water and will swim endlessly fetching balls. Spring Irrigation Deals BUY 4 GET 1 FREE! Includes Sprinklers | Riserless Bodies Conversion Assemblies TURFCARE Helping your business grow. Did you know that Turf Care offers flexible financing and leasing options? Get in touch to learn more. 1-800-561-8873 x7502 www.turfcare.ca @Gr8estShowOnTRF @TurfCareProdCA Windsor Humane Society when he was 6 months old. Greg chose this mixed breed for its size and intelligence. Ace began his golf course career at Essex Golf and Country Club in Windsor, primarily as a shop dog. He would run the course during the morning hours and spend the remainder of the day with the mechanic and staff. His favorite time of the day was lunch break with the crew. Ace still enjoys chasing squirrels and geese but is slowing down as he ages. He will Roux. Ace andJack. mainly be a shop dog at Maple City keeping up staff morale. Maverick is a three year old Australian Shepherd which was Jack is a 16 week old Dutch Shepherd/Belgian Malinois that was obtained from a breeder near Guelph. Jessica describes Maverick purchased from a breeder in Hanover ON. Greg caught a break as a “different character, very rambunctious, sweet, crazy, loves the when the original buyer backed out at the last minute and Greg was water and plowing/pushing snow with his head”. able to “snag” his new pup. Greg picked this breed for a few reasons, Although the dogs have not been professionally trained as “goose “They are extremely active and intelligent - almost too smart for dogs”, all three dogs have been utilized for goose control due to me! They have a high drive and will be well suited for running the their natural herding instincts. Niko would even lay on the nests to golf course day in and day out”. keep the adult geese from returning to the nesting sites. In addition Jack will be utilized at the golf club to greet members and staff to their addiction to chasing after geese, they are Jessica’s personal and to chase geese. Interestingly, Greg is training Jack to use his companions. nose for tracking. He has been using deer antlers as his training tool and his goal is to have Jack track down deer antler sheds during the springtime. Jack learned to swim at an early age while attempting to Cutten Field's Cart Companion - Roux cross a partially frozen ditch. To Greg’s relief, after falling through Roux is a nine year old Border Collie owned by Jamie Laird, the ice, Jack was able to continue breaking through the ice and Assistant Golf Course and Grounds Superintendent at Cutten Fields swam to the other side. in Guelph. She has reddish/brown fur, a half white collar, and white Greg has benefited from having the elder Ace assisting in puppy “socks” on her paws. Jamie chose this breed due to their strong birding training. Jack will follow Ace’s lead on “sit and come” commands instincts and he liked the temperament and trainability of the Border and Ace will give a corrective growl to end negative actions such as Collies that were contracted for goose control at the club. biting or jumping at the kitchen counter. Jamie speaks fondly of Roux - “She has a lovely personality, loving While it appears most golf course dogs are being utilized for and loyal. She has become defensive of the shop and golf course as goose control, one cannot emphasize the positive effect dogs have she has gotten older; a little too defensive for my liking. She will on staff morale and member interactions. Their desire to please, up­ play all day.” She has an amazing ability to sense when someone beat personalities, and comical idiosyncrasies are fascinating. These new’ comes into the shop. The shop layout does not allow for visual four legged favorites are true ambassadors on a golf course. ■ confirmation, but she can tell if she knows the person before seeing them. Even when people have not been around for years come back to visit, she still remembers their scent.” Roux was trained exclusively by Jamie by referencing training methods from books. Roux acted as a backup to the goose control service, but as the birds became less of an issue over the years, she has become a shop dog and cart companion. Maple City Duo - Ace and Jack Corrie Almack P.Ag. Greg Brown, Golf Course Superintendent at Maple City Country Club in Chatham ON, helped fulfill a “want” from the club when Almack Agronomic Services Inc. Tel: (905) 689-6174 he was recently hired at Maple City. The club specified they wanted Box 256, Carlisle, ON Cell: (416) 580-5152 a course dog and now they have two. LOR 1H0 Email: c.almack@sympatico.ca Ace is an 11 year old Shepherd/Lab mix that was adopted from the Left side has REGENERATIVE GREENKEEPING had no biological The Paradigm Shift inputs Right side receives regular input of; kelp, humic acids, Trichoderma and mycorrhiza twice/year Same Nutrier Amts. Mastering microbes, Randy Booker. By Randy Booker, Director of Operations, the encroachment of our friend Poa Annua. This wasn’t supposed Otter Creek Golf Club. to be happening. The conventional green keeping model wasn’t working. have been a superintendent for 28 years and living the golf life That was my “Ah-ha” moment where I stood back and asked I for well over 35 years. I’ve practiced turf academia as taught and WHY? - Why am I performing these disturbance cultivation researched conventional greenkeeping methods for most of that practices? Why are my turf surfaces getting worse? Why are my time. Synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and PGR’s were a mainstay, expenses to manage these surfaces going up from year to year and along with disturbance cultivation practices of coring, verticutting why is my pesticide use increasing? and topdressing, amongst others. The more I asked why, the more I realized the current methods Golf has been actively participating, for almost 10 decades, in the of treating symptoms are fundamentally flawed and not sustainable “Green Revolution” that evolved after World War for the long term. Not for mother nature and not 2 with the introduction of synthetic fertilizers for the bottom line. and the ability to grow plants quickly, easily and Is it Management, Every year pesticides are applied with less and relatively inexpensive. Soon to follow was the less of a response, and more disease and pest need for pest control products due to the N-P-K Minerals, Organic activity is the result. It can be defined as a circle school of thought. of decline. As educated greenkeepers we have been taught Matter, Microbes or I decided to stop reacting to the symptoms and that we can control the outcomes on the green correct the cause by focusing on the natural and through the chemical inputs we make. Although Mindset that is your complex ecosystem that I’m working with. we have learned a lot along the way, if we rely To reduce or eliminate chemical and on these beliefs, research shows that the turf limiting factor? disturbance cultivation practices, we need to start health we strive for will always remain elusive thinking of our environment as a complete eco­ and certainly isn’t ecologically or economically system that includes both the above ground plants feasible. But as the industry moves toward less and less chemical and the below ground livestock or workforce. By developing a basic applications, greenskeepers must consider a new way of turf understanding of soil ecology, we can help ourselves to give it the management. chance to thrive Eight years ago, I began to notice changes to our five year As Stewards of the Environment, we know that many forms young bentgrass greens and tees. These surfaces were becoming of wildlife are abundant on most golf courses and we are getting softer and puffy. There was mechanical damage from mowing, and better at looking after that environment. But it’s time to consider localized dry spot appeared. The area required an increased need for the wildlife below our feet - there are more organisms in a teaspoon fertilizer, and diseases making regular appearances required routine of soil than humans on earth. This below ground system is vitally applications of pesticides. And if that wasn’t enough, I was battling important to the success of our product on the surface, yet we RECOVER. REMINERALIZE. REPLENISH. Healthy roots, balanced soils and strong plants — what if we told you one perfectly timed application can help achieve this? That’s what our Earthworks Aerification Program offers. To grow turf is one thing, but to keep it healthy and performing all season takes something extra. The Aerification Program gives microbial populations in the continue to ignore it and for the most part suppress it, and even soil the carbon they need to flourish kill it with the continued use of synthetic fertilizers and “icides”. and stimulate root development. Plants have the remarkable ability to make their own food through the process of photosynthesis. If given the chance plants Apply Replenish 10-2-5 one week prior and soils work in unison and plants will give up 30% to 50% of their photosynthetic energy through root exudates to feed this to aeration and Replenish 5-4-5 during underground workforce. Sugars, acids, enzymes and secondary aeration for a quick recovery, deeper plant metabolites are exuded from the roots as food and signaling rooting, and enhanced water efficiency. mechanisms for microbes, in exchange for nutrients and protection from pathogens. Together, these organic, mineral-based We cannot have a healthy plant without a healthy soil. Nature plant food products feed the soil has been perfecting this process for millions of years. Nature is self-regulating and self-healing, if we begin to understand and and the plant for season-long appreciate the soil food web and nutrient cycling we begin to vigour and nutrient uptake make the process work with us and actually for us. If we focus — helping you achieve our intentions on increasing microbial populations, rather than stronger turf year round. eliminating them, we begin to have healthy functional soil. If you look at most soil tests we are certainly not deficient in minerals - what we're deficient in is biology! The locked up nutrients we believe aren’t available are in fact readily available if we begin to monitor the soil life and master the microbes. Quick Recovery | Deep Root Establishment HEALTHY SOIL = HEALTHY PLANT = Improved Soil Drainage HEALTHY SOIL Less Salt Damage | Remineralized Soil Beneficial microbe populations will grow and become the powerhouse keeping the pathogens in check decreasing disease and pest activity while making nutrients soluble and plant available. The brettyoung.ca/turf 1-800-665-5015 turf environment is very dynamic and as such the plant/microbe connection can provide nutrition and pest protection every second of every day as dictated by the needs of the plant. So, what’s our part in this as turf managers? Encourage Image courtesy of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. underground workforce growth by reducing our disturbances and cut back on or eliminate synthetic inputs. Pay attention to the ecology and succession of plants with the need to increase our fungi populations and work towards a more balanced fungi to bacteria ratio of .75: 1 or 1:1 which is more in line with the needs of perennial grasses. Evaluate current practices and ask if they are needed or are they being performed simply because we’ve always done it. The thought of achieving true turf health by working with Nature rather than against her, is a path to a bright future. And spend time reading the research that is available on this subject. Excellent research has been conducted on this subject by renowned Soil Biologists and Ecologists such as Dr. Elaine Ingham, The Soil Food Web; Dr. Christine Jones, Australian Soil Ecologist, Nicole Masters, Agroecologist Integrity Soils; Dr. James White, Centre for Turfgrass Science Rutgers University and John Kempf, Advancing Eco Agriculture. And there are webinars and podcasts available online. Regenerative Greenkeeping is all about getting back to the root cause and solving the problem. The greatest innovation in agronomy has been perfected by nature over millions of years. Life on our planet would not be possible without microbial soil organisms. Biological soil management helps us to leverage this to grow healthy turf. As Agroecologist Nicole Masters states in her 5 M’s ...is it Perfect for your Club House Patio Management, Minerals, Organic Matter, Microbes or Mindset that is your limiting factor? My guess is that it would be similar to what ezpondcanada@gmail.com mine was eight years ago - Mindset. It might be time to shift that mindset paradigm and move towards balancing the eco-system that www.ezpondcanada.ca we all depend on. In the next issue of ONCourse, I will cover how I’ve begun to Master the Microbes and experience positive results. ■ The Use of Volunteers During COVID-19 Bill Godkin, CEsafety. insurance policy doesn’t cover this potential The inspector may not be able to lay charges problem, you could be at risk of paying the against the employer for not protecting the ith the COVID-19 pandemic upon us damages by yourself so check with your broker volunteer, but the inspector would certainly W plus a rise in minimum wage increases that happened in Ontario in 2018 and first in regards to this part of the conversation. 2019, It is still the responsibility of the employer do a thorough inspection of the employer’s workplace, it’s programs, training records and along with a rise in utilities and other costs, to ensure that all volunteers are properly any other categories that the Inspector deems some employers are looking at the use of trained and a hazards risk analysis should necessary to examine. There would definitely volunteers to keep costs down. While the be performed on the various tasks that the be follow up inspections and it would take a intentions of all concerned may be good and volunteers will be doing BEFORE they long time for the employer to work itself off of genuine, this can lead to some potential issues. actually start doing the work. The risk the Ministry of Labour’s radar. This topic was visited by us a few years ago so categories can be as simple as High, Medium What could also take place in this scenario is I think it timely to review it once again. and Low risk. For example, doing work with that the volunteer could unintentionally create First of all, you need to talk to your lawyer a chainsaw on the property or changing light a safety hazard for an employee, a customer, and insurance company as to what are bulbs overtop of the ice surface in a curling guest or contractor. If that happened and an the potential consequences of a volunteer club would be high risk, using a mower or a employee got injured as a result, the employer contracting COVID-19 on a property you meat slicer may be medium risk and cleaning could then be charged with failing to protect own or manage. I know what the insurance washrooms, gardening and customer service the employee! company will tell you and the news is very would be considered low risk. Going forward, I strongly suggest that if likely not good. More than likely your lawyer Some examples of safety training that the employer is going to use volunteers for any will say the same thing. Waiver forms can should be provided for volunteers performing function, a risk hazards analysis be performed certainly help and if you aren’t using them the functions listed above could include: ahead of time and any training that is required yet, start immediately. Signature Risk Golf chainsaw training and licensing, WHMIS, be done before the volunteer starts doing the Insurance has a waiver platform that is cloud ladder safety and workplace violence and work. At least by doing this you are educating based. Please consider using it. harassment. the volunteer as to what potential hazards in If you do decide to allow volunteers on In the event that a volunteer suffers a critical their work will be and control measures can the property and they are doing tasks such as or fatal injury, the employer still must report be put in place to prevent the volunteers from working on flower beds close to the clubhouse it immediately to the Ministry of Labour, hurting themselves, someone else or creating where they won’t get run over by a golf cart or other motorized equipment, there are conduct an investigation within 48 hours of unexpected hazards that could lead to a critical still factors to consider. Any piece of litter or the incident and then send that to the MOL. or fatal injury. Please consider this information garbage is a potential biohazard during this Failure to do so have led some employers to be before allowing volunteers to perform work at pandemic and if the volunteer is older with fined in the $20,000 range! your workplace. One final piece of advice is to health issues, being exposed to COVID-19 They will send an inspector to investigate not permit ANY person to perform work at could prove fatal. Don’t forget sun stroke, heat the situation to determine if this kind of your facility unless they have WSIB coverage stroke or other potential situations you really injury could happen to a regular employee. and can prove it to you! ■ don’t want to deal with. In discussions I have had with some of my contacts in the Ministry of Labour over the last few years, it was clarified as to what their stand is on the use of volunteers in the workplace as per the Occupational Health and Safety Act for the Province of Ontario. An unpaid volunteer falls outside of the scope of the OHS Act and is not covered by PARTNERS IN PREMIUM TURF PRODUCTS the Act. They are also not covered by WSIB Nutrition. Control Products. Amendments. and are not entitled to WSIB coverage as Seed. Surfactants. Hardware & Accessories. such. They may sign a waiver form with the Comprehensive Expertise. employer but the waiver may not stand up in nutrite.com oscturf.com civil court. And if it doesn’t, you can almost be certain of civil litigation to follow. If your 800.265.8865 519.886.0557 COVID 19 What 2020 Taught Us By Ryan L. Scott, Superintendent, Oakville Golf Club. growing season was winding down, golf courses were still turning JoelJohnston, Assistant Superintendent, Riverbend Golf Community. out record breaking rounds.” Canada is on the fast(ish) track for COVID - 19 vaccines but with he NGCOA recently released their rounds played report for travel restrictions forecasted to last for quite some time, and social T October 2020. It’s no surprise to anyone who had boots on the ground at any golf course across the country last season, that the distancing requirements still prevail, the We are Golf partners have worked diligently to ensure golf will remain accessible in 2021. As “year to date rounds growth was 18.9% over 2019 and 17.8% better stated in their recent press release, “In all colours (from Green to than the 5 year average.” For Ontario, we were right at the median, Grey) of the Framework, golf courses and outdoor driving ranges will with year to date increase for rounds played of 18.2%. be able to open (with various restrictions depending on what colour Courses were offering longer tee time schedules during the day your health unit is in). As well, indoor golf simulators and indoor and sent out double the carts to encourage players to social distance, driving ranges, will be able to open (with various restrictions) in which reduced the time allotted for superintendents and their crews Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red zones.” And, more details regarding to perform maintenance, plus increased the wear and tear on the the golf restrictions moving into 2021 can be found at these links. course. With this increased popularity came new players with little to no • Rules for Stage 3 (Orange, Yellow, Green zones); knowledge of course etiquette - especially when it came to repairing https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/200364 their damage on the course. Ryan Scott, superintendent at Oakville Golf Club and OGSA Vice-president recalls, “We had traffic, wear • Rules for Stage 2 (Red zone); and tear, tired worn-out turf, especially in those walk on and off https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/200263 areas around greens and tees. Tee decks, in particular par 3’s, took • Rules for Stage 1 (Shutdown zone & Grey zone): a beating and were just hanging on to the bitter end. While the https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/200082 Braemar Building Systems CUSTOM DESIGN QUALITY BUILDINGS • COMPETITIVE PRICES • Maintenance Buildings • Storage Facilities • Pump House • Half Way House • Washrooms For your FREE ESTIMATES call usât 1-800-215-1996 www.braemarbuildings.com As we move into 2021, we can prepare for more of the same as Superintendents or Assistant Superintendents do more to restrictions we saw last year: morning meetings held outside, limited understand our staff, what motivates them and what their goals are? use of lunchrooms and appliances, hand sanitization stations, Are we doing everything we can to educate our staff as to why we cleaning stations, pails with personal protective items, phones used do what we do, some of the science behind our decision making for job boards, and staggered start times for staff to reduce the processes? Can we do more to give them ownership over their tasks? chance of contact, will all be part of the day-to-day. Do we take the time to ask them how they are personally and how So as we begin to ramp up for what promises to be another they are dealing with the stresses of the world we are living in? I successful season, what did 2020 teach us? am sure most of us can make improvements and yes being busy and Scott says it best when he states, “2020 gave us a written playbook having little time are limiting factors, but I think the success we to follow this season. We did it together as a community by have shared this season shows this investment of our time and effort networking with our peers, bouncing thoughts and ideas off each might be worth it.” other in order to keep not only our staff and golfers safe, but to keep As we move toward the 2021 golf season, spend time reviewing ourselves and our families safe as well. This is something we should the successes of last year, and connecting with your network for best all be proud of.” practice strategies. Scott also recalls his biggest challenge,“! found that everyone was And, take time for self-care. Johnston emphasizes, “There are on board with keeping equipment and tools clean and organized many tools available to do this, personally, I have found taking the throughout the course of the season, what I found the most time at the end of the day to stop and think about or write down, challenging part was keeping everyone at a safe distance from one what I found challenging, what was successful, and how did I feel another. We are by nature, social, we want to be near each other have about it. And of course, opening up to people I trust and respect has conversations and work closely with our co-workers.” This is set to become an instrumental part of my life.” ■ be a challenge again in 2021. But the success of 2020 wasn’t just because we stood six feet apart and kept our work spaces sanitized. If you ask Joel Johnston, assistant superintendent, at Riverbend Golf Community, he’ll tell you he found the experience to be tough, but with positive outcomes for himself and his team. Johnston shares, “In a year like 2020, we are always looking for positives. What did we learn? What could we have done or do differently? One positive has been the convenience of having regular meetings with assistant superintendents, even though they may be virtual. Many of my colleagues, including myself have found that we have had stronger, more dedicated teams who are more united than in years past.” “Dealing with Covid-19 in 2020 created an opportunity for a consolidated effort to work towards the common goal of keeping each other safe. This goal is so much more powerful than preparing VC60 VERTICUTTER for a golf tournament could ever be. The VC60 is designed for use on golf Some encouraging and prominent characteristics Johnston course fairways, tees and all types of witnessed within his crew were: Respect, organization and sport fields. Unique swing hitch allows collaboration. “It’s ironic that while socially distancing, we all seem operator to turn while using. New to have become closer.” "optional" double roller gauge system Johnston often refers to working as a team is like owning a Swiss is now available, which allows for 1.5" watch. If one gear is seized or missing, all of the other gears are spacing. Skid shoes are still available useless. Dealing with a pandemic has made this analogy more current than ever. “We realize that if one person is not taking precautions like wearing a mask or washing their hands regularly ADVANCED EQUIPMENT SALES that it can compromise the efforts and safety of everyone else. This 519-527-2929 developed a mentality within our organizations and communities advancedequipment@tcc.on.ca that we need to count on each other.” www.advancedequipmentsales.ca Johnston also reminds us that two key components to 2020’s success was offering compassion and understanding. “Can we LOOKING BACK Five Years Ago Today The 2016 OGSA Board of Directors In 2016, the Board of the Directors ofthe OGSA were: (L-R Back Row) Mark Prieur, Trafalgar GC, George Bannerman, Bannerman Ltd., receives the (pres); Al Schwemler, The Toronto GC; Tim Muys, Pipers Heath GC; Rod Speake, Mill Run GC, (vice first 50 year member award. pres); Scott White, OSC; (L-R Front Row) Andrew Lombardo, Wyndance GC; John McLinden, Ladies GC of Toronto (past pres); Cory Janzen, Westmount G&CC, (sec/treas); Jason Boyce, Smugglers Glen. ON THE MOVE the Canadian Golf Course Management TOURNAMENTS Conference and Trade Show at the The Pro/Super Challenge was held at the Ron Heesen retired from the Nottawasaga Toronto Convention Centre chaired by Grand Niagara Golf Club in Niagara Falls Golf Club and was replaced by Chris John McLinden and Co-chaired by Mark hosted by John Taylor. The Bill Bowen Browning. Wayne Barrett left Willow Prieur. Trophy was presented to first place, by Valley and was replaced by Michael Giblin. Mark presented the first 50 Year Darwin Howard left Knollwood and was retrogression, to Adam Cherry and Jason associate member to George Bannerman replaced by Dave Finn. James Scott left Hanna of Credit Valley and Rhod Trainor from Bannerman Ltd. 25year membership Shawneeki and was replaced with by Jordan and pro David Miller of Hamilton, both awards went to Steven Phillips, Ingersoll, Hill. Keith Bartlett left St. Georges and teams scoring a 66. Third place went to Keith Bartlett, St. Georges, Allan went to Bayer and Ian McQueen took over. Shane Courtney and pro Joey Pacone MacKay, Ainsdale, Mark Piccolo, Galt, Tim Steen joined Bayer as Territory Sales Dave Stevens, Beaverbrook, Charles from Turnberry. Manager Professional, a position previously Ashley, Norfolk, Dean Baker, Burlington, The 70th Alex McClumpha Memorial held by Colin White who moved on to Paul Evenden, Brantford, Gary Grosicki, Tournament was at Whitevale Golf Club Marketing Manager for Environmental Guelph, Steve Hallard, Oshawa, Bob hosted by Blair Rennie. The winner Science Canada. Scott White joined the Harwood, Links of Kent, John Parker, of the George Darou Trophy was Rob sales team at Ontario Seed Company. retired, and Rick Piccolo, Paris Grand. Ackermann of Weston Golf and Country The Barry Endicott Article of the MILESTONES Club. First place for low gross of A Flight Year award was presented to Kevin There was a contest to rename our Kobzan from Granite. The William was Andrew Lombardo, Wyndance, “Green Is Beautiful” magazine to Sanson Distinguished Service Award was second place was Stephen Hicks, Dundas “OnCourse”, a name submitted by Mike presented to John Taylor from Grand Valley and Matt Booth, Oshawa came in Kehoe from Nutrite. Niagara. Norm McCullum was presented third. Low gross for B Flight was John The OGSA and CGSA jointly hosted with an Honorary Membership. Alpaugh, All Turf. Assistants Tournament, 1st Place Team - John Mellor, Jeremy Hubbard, Paul Lenarto wich, and Superintendent Blair Rennie (R) receives a plaquefrom OGSA Darren Fritz. director Andrew Lombardofor hosting the Alex McClumpa. Andrew Lombardo congratulates the winnersfrom Credit Valley G & CC - Robert Ackermann (L), Superintendent at Weston G&CC, receives the George Jason Hanna (R) and Adam Cherry. Darou Trophyfrom Bill Martel of Turf Care Products. EVENTS the CGSA (1992). He received the CGSA Barry Endicott There was a special luncheon for all Past Superintendent of the Year in 2003. Paul Retired Golf Course Presidents of the OGSA at the Toronto was the superintendent at the following Superintendent Golf Club hosted by Al Schwemler, clubs: Kanawaki (1968), Glendale (1972), Brampton, Ontario Lambton (1979), Glen Abbey (1988), Tel: 905-846-1440 Superintendent, and John Gravett, barry.endicott@gmail.com General Manager. 24 Past Presidents Mississaugua (1990) and The Briars (2000-2011). ■ attended as follows: Robert Moote (1967), John Arends #1 Kentucky Bluegrass | Low Mow | Extreme or Tall Fescue | Native or USGA Bentgrass | Large or small rolls (1971), Bob Heron (1974), Paul Dermott (1975-76), Alan Beeney (1977), Pelino DELIVERING SUPERIOR SOD WITH QUALITY SERVICE Scenna (1978), Stuart Mills (1979), Ken Nelson (1981), Barry Endicott (1986), Thom Charters (1988), Neil Acton (1989), Rhod Trainer (1992), David Gourlay (1993), Keith Bartlett (2000), John Gravett, (2001), Jim Flett (2002) Mark Piccolo (2003), Paul Scenna (2005), Jeff Stauffer (2008), Doug Breen (2012), Rob Gatto (2013), Phil Scully (2014), John McLinden (2015) and Mark Prieur (2016). IN MEMORIAM In June, Paul White, a very prominent member of the turf industry in Canada, 17525 Jane St, Kettleby, Ontario L7B 0J6 passed away. Paul was a Past President of zandersod.com 877-727-2100 the OGSA (1980) and a Past President of OFF THE FAIRWAY where to implement a pollinator habitat or Planning for they could be transplanted to a more desirable area and implemented into the plan. If you want to start small, consider using Pollinators planters or containers to grow pollinator friendly plant material in. Growing in containers give you an opportunity to generate an educational experience for passersby, by locating the planters in high traffic areas with some informative signage or a QR code that people can scan with their phone to get the information. Starting on a smaller scale with planters placed in easily monitored locations gives you a chance to take inventory of what pollinators are currently residing in your general area as they show up to feed from the flowers in the planters. Once you have identified what species you have around you can start upscaling your efforts in a more targeted effort. Honey bees have received the most ike any project you have to start with a with seasonal flowering times in mind and attention or popularity in recent years L plan and like any plan you have to start with a goal. creating a diversity of plants blooming from early spring to fall. but there are approximately 420 other Bee species in Ontario and are equally as Pollinators have been a hot topic for Planting species together in larger masses important. Outside of Bee species, there are a few years now. Some golf courses are helps the pollinators see and smell the food bats, wasps, flies, butterflies, hummingbirds, going as far as maintaining bee hives on source which allows them to efficiently moths, and beetles that are also important their properties in order to help honey pollinators with species native to Ontario. bee populations. That is quite the brave endeavour considering the amount of work Here's a list of plant material that is involved, especially when that is not the main focus of the business. It can easily Honey bees have received the to get you started: get put aside for things in a higher priority • Asclepias Tuberosa (Butterfly weed) category. However, with proper planning most attention or popularity Ontario native. Use as a larval host for the and achievable goals in place you can set Monarch Butterfly as well as food source yourself up for success even when there is a in recent years but there are for the adult Monarch. This is a Food priority shift. source for Honey bee and Bumble bee When designing a garden or area that approximately 420 other Bee species as well. is to promote pollinators you should take • Lupinus Perennis (wild Lupine) Ontario into consideration the different lifecycles species in Ontario and are native. The wild Lupine is the only known of the pollinators you are looking to create food source for the Karner Blue Butterfly a habitat for. As most of you know from equally as important. caterpillar. It is the only host plant for this your experience with pest insects, beneficial butterfly species. Be sure to get wild Lupine insects also have multiple life cycles. and not any of the other Lupin species, Within each life cycle they feed on different as the Karner Blue Butterfly will only be things, sometimes very specific things. feed or collect pollen, minimizing travel found on the wild species. They also lay eggs on very specific things distance between the plants that are in • Dill, Fennel and Parsley are host plants for or overwinter in very specific areas. Plan flower at that time. the Black Swallowtail butterfly. to have an area diversified in plant material A pollinator-specific designed garden Happy pollinator hunting! ■ to accommodate the needs of the different or area still requires the same process’s as life cycles of what you are trying to attract. Do some research and really try to target any garden design. A site analysis should certain pollinator species and then design be done to determine growing conditions, Chris Cumming CLP, your area outward from there. You should sunlight, soils, microclimates etc. Also, Horticulturist identify existing plant species on site in order Email: take into consideration that pollinators in chriscumming@live.ca their adult form require pollen or nectar as to take inventory of any known host plants Cell: 705-644-3994 a food source through the entire growing for pollinator egg laying and larval feeding. season. Meaning you should be designing Identifying host plants can help to determine MEMBER MOMENTS University of Guelph: Turf Club 2021 Guelph Turf Club “How to Host a Major” - Stephen Rabideaufrom Winged Foot Golf Club. By Brooks Primo, andJosh Harrop, that, as there are incredible people and golf Despite the incredible list of names listed Co-Presidents. courses in the province. However, being above, we’re just getting started. After the able to obtain speakers from around the success and interest level from the first he past year has been anything but world gives students a better idea of what talk about hosting a major championship, T ordinary. We as an industry, along with the rest of the world have had to adjust opportunities this industry provides them. our When we finally had our first Turf Club Mr. Rabideau has agreed to speak again in March. This talk will focus on the greens lives through these unprecedented times. meeting at the end of November, it gave reconstruction and restoration that recently One of the many benefits of going to school students a sense of normalcy, and gave the occurred at Winged Foot GC. When the for Turfgrass Management in Canada is first-year students a way to be included and semester is done, we will have had speakers being noticed at conferences, welcomed, and network. With the first few weeks going so from Ontario, British Columbia, the encouraged. The face-to-face networking well, the two of us decided to take things United States, St. Lucia, Scotland, and New our program offers is invaluable. This was further. We opened the doors ofTurf Club to Zealand; something that would have been until the world came crashing down. the community, promoting each week’s talk impossible just twelve months ago. The At the University of Guelph, the Diploma responses and feedback we have received of Turfgrass Management (DTM) program from everybody has been phenomenal. After has a student-run group called Turf Club that each talk we receive messages thanking us for has been around for decades. The purpose opening the talks to Twitter. Some people of this club is to increase networking and Students can meet and miss the comradery that Turf Club brings, education opportunities for current students. while others never got to experience it. We In non-COVID years, guest speakers from ask questions just like offer open seats to information you may not within the turf industry are invited onto find anywhere else, while also being great campus each week to talk about an industry we would at an promotion for our program. Even when the related topic. The experience and information world reverts to normal someday, Turf Club gained from these meetings is not something OGSA conference has been changed for the better, forever. This that you come across every day and valued by change has closed doors, while also opening students. Luckily for second-year students, we Turf Club to a world of information and were able to experience all the regularities of opportunity. what Turf Club offers, such as in-person Turf on Twitter, in hopes of bringing in people We have exchanged thousands of emails Club, conferences, trade shows, etc. But sadly, from the industry for students to network and messages with possible speakers, and for our first-year students, starting a University with. This change has led us to some of the it has been incredible to see the willingness education in the middle of a pandemic has greatest speakers in Turf Club history. to help students, despite their busy been a challenge. The first-year students schedules, from some of the biggest names have had little-to-no chance at networking • Dave Delsandro, Oakmont Country Club in our industry. Students can meet and ask with other students, professors, or people in • Scott Powers, Oncore Group, LLC questions just like we would at an OGSA the industry. Because of these struggles, we conference, or any other networking event. • Paul Scenna, Toronto Golf Club decided to move Turf Club online. We understand none of this would be The transition to moving Turf Club was • Dean Baker, Burlington Golf & possible without these guest speakers so we rather seamless due to the emergence of Country Club can’t thank them enough for what they are Zoom. Being able to host Turf Club talks • Gordon McKie, The Old Course at doing for Turf Club. online allowed us to continue Turf Club, St. Andrews The turf industry is a very small and while also opening the possibilities for close industry. Everybody knows everybody. potential speakers. In normal years, Turf • Colin Young, Beacon Hall Golf Club Luckily due to the introduction of an online Club is limited to speakers from the province • Stephen Rabideau, Winged Foot Turf Club, the industry is closer than it’s of Ontario. There’s nothing wrong with Golf Club ever been. ■ Introducing 1st Phosphite fungicide registered for Microdochium Patch in Canada Introducing Phostrol“ Pro, a unique and extremely systemic phosphite fungicide dedicated for the turf industry. The first and only phosphite fungicide registered for Microdochium patch in Canada. With both direct and indirect modes of action, Phostrol Pro provides an effective, convenient and non-conventional tool for the management of Anthracnose, Pythium blight and Microdochium patch. www.belchimturf.ca Phostrol is a registered trademark of BELCHIM CROP PROTECTION CANADA Always read and follow label directions TURF OR CONSEQUENCES Spring 2021 Doug Breen Vandal-tainment By Doug Breen, Superintendent, bowling alley? And just like in GolfNorth Properties. that bowling alley, the serious players look at the “newbies” ay back in 2002, a group with suspicion, concern, and W of young men (whose parents had clearly done a poor often derision. At some level, they’re happy to see renewed job of raising them) sullied interest in the sport they love theatres with the release of - but they really don’t want to Jackass - The Movie. Not to be play anywhere near them, resent confused with Jackass - The TV the fact that they’re taking Show, Jackass - The Novel, or up limited space, and hope Jackass - The Opera. For those that they aren’t damaging the who are too young, too old, property. or too dignified to have seen Now I understand the this cinematic masterpiece - it sideways glances we used to get featured the insertion of fireworks into various are the same people who grew up smashing when we stumbled across the street, from the human orifices - and devolved from there. childrens snowmen, and pulling the wings off Stampede Ranch to the Woodlawn Bowl, in Normally, such a movie would fly under the flies - as adults. When you’re walking down a our Aggie jackets back in the 1980’s. They radar for most of us. Using bungee cords to sidewalk, and someone has broken off a newly were happy to take our money, but everyone launch a man airborne in a portable toilet is planted street tree by rocking it for half an cringed at our presence, and the “Marshall” not exactly the highest form of humour. But hour, and you think, “Who the hell would do certainly kept a keen eye on us. Speaking of that summer, the movie (alongside its alcohol that?” - it’s these guys. They simply destroy; which, I think I still have a pair of their rental fùeled real-life imitators) was everywhere. without remorse, joy, or any other human shoes around here someplace. I became aware of the phenomenon when emotion. They are psychopaths - and we rent The cart dramatically increases your ability damage to golf carts increased exponentially - them golf carts. to carry alcohol. It also dramatically increases seemingly overnight. Apparently, one of these There is a fourth group, and I sometimes your ability to do damage to yourself, your academy award destined films (there were feel sorry for them. It’s the group that simply friends, the golf course - and of course, the three sequels) - devoted several minutes to the can’t drive. Sometimes it’s a ten-year-old, and golf cart itself. destruction of golf carts - on a golf course. It Grandpa thought it would be “fun” to let him The result is always the same for the cart. was a long, long summer of roof replacements drive the cart down the steepest hill on the Low branches tear off rooves. Stones, curbs, and broken steering mechanisms. property. Sometimes it’s a senior who goes and bridge walls break steering or bend rims. More recently, there were a rash of for the brake and hammers on the accelerator. They end up in ravines, creeks, and ponds, Instagram posts with people running over Sometimes you wonder how a person ever got but by some miracle, none of this damage their unsuspecting friends with golf carts. I’m their licence in the first place, when they can’t is ever caused by “driver error”. They’ll look not sure whether people posted those after judge the distance to an immovable object you straight in the eye, and swear that they, they drove their friend to the hospital, before that’s only a few feet away. How do you drive “Thought there was something wrong with the drive, or during. This fad (no surprise) 18 holes on a flat tire without noticing? the brakes”, or that the “Steering felt funny began to reveal itself on public golf courses Last spring/summer, during the Great all day.” Nothing could be more hilarious as well - and the perpetrators were always COVID Golf Rush, we saw a lot of people than releasing the cart strap on someone shocked to find out that running over your driving carts who had never been on one else’s bag, until the driver shaft snaps - then buddy with a golf cart could seriously injure before. Many had never been on a golf suddenly it’s a cart maintenance problem, and him. I realize that this is the generation of course before. Some barely took a swing, but the person responsible for the bag falling to Tide Pod eaters, but I would have thought realized that it was the only place where you the ground gets super quiet. Oh, the hours it pretty obvious, that broken bones and soft could drink in public with your friends (as spent pouring over maintenance records! The tissue damage would be a clear and present restaurants, patios, beaches, and everything time spent by mechanics to show that, “The danger. else were closed). Golf was simply the activity brakes and steering are fine!” Hurray for video Then there is the third group in the Holy - drinking in the sun with your friends, was surveillance of the tournament staging area. Trinity of cart vandalization - the ones that the purpose. And thank goodness for the most just wreck things without encouragement Let’s not be hypocrites though - who important phrase in public golf - SIGNED from media (social or otherwise). These among us hasn’t done the same thing to a CART WAIVER. ■ Your Spring Turf Maintenance Specialists Turf Care has you covered with solutions to -Aeration -Decompaction satisfy all of your spring turf maintenance -Overseeding -Top Dressing needs, backed by the most experienced sales -Verticutting and service team in the business! Get in touch with your local Turf Care Sales Representative to book a free demo. 1-800-561-TURF (8873) inquiries@turfcare.ca turfcare.ca TURF CARE Helping your business grow. @Gr8estShowOnTRF 1@TurfCareProdCA