"Green is Beautiful" Ontario Golf Superintendents Association BOX 63, ISLINGTON, ONTARIO M9A 4X1 - TELEPHONE (416) 233-2269 JUNE 1975 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE BARRIE COUNTRY CLUB - As everyone is preparing to meet the challenge of HOSTS ONTARIO OPEN another golf season, it seems only a short time ago The year 1975 will be a milestone in the history of the that we closed the courses for winter. By now many Barrie Country Club. Although the course is less than six of your plans for the coming year have been formu­ years old, the fact it was selected for this years Peter lated. As everyone realizes the planning and bud­ Jackson Ontario Open speaks highly of its condition and geting for the coming seasons seems to become more maturity. difficult each year. The labour shortage has been with John Stoughton has been the Course Superintendent since us for a few years and now shortages in many of our its inception, a member of the O.G.S.A. since 1951, and supplies are a very real problem. Products used although the unseasonable weather has deterred growth, widely in this area such as Daconil, Meco-prop. are the fairways and particularly the greens have come through not available for purchase. Not only are they un­ the winter in fine shape. Frankly, John says he has never available but the costs when they do become seen the greens in better condition so early in the season. available will more than double in some instances. Parts for many pieces of equipment that were once During the Ontario Open on June 13, 14 & 15, the top readily available now necessitate two or three month Canadian and some U.S. Pros will find the course one of the delays for delivery. These problems are testing the most challenging 18-holes in Ontario. ingenuity and management skills of Superinten­ The Barrie Course has larger than average greens, most dents at a time when clubs are very aware of the of which are undulating, some very narrow fairways with economic factors affecting the business community. enough yardage to test the best competition. We as a group must explore every avenue available (6818 yds.) in maintaining the high quality of our courses, and at the same time keep maintenance costs in check. Two of the most scenic holes are the par 4 No. 10 and par 3 No. 16. We all wish, John best of luck in preparing for One area most of us can improve is in the area of this premier event. purchasing, quite often we buy in small quantities as the need arises. With proper planning we can pur­ Best of Luck, John chase our supplies for the year in one order. Good business practise also dictates that as many quotes as practical be obtained before purchasing your THOUGHT FOR THE DAY material. All employees should be trained, educated, interested Times, such as these while very testing also pro­ and motivated to the point that they can foresee problems vide the opportunity for us to prove our worth to and think of possible solutions and answers before the our clubs. As the old saying goes, "Necessity is the problems arise. mother of invention", and we as the saying goes will It is easy to convince yourself that you should have overcome these hardships while maintaining and drained the swamp, when you are up to your ass in improving the playability of our courses. alligators. Paul Dermott John Hutchinson WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE AREA RELATIVE that has been made. The schools, the teachers, on-the- TO THE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS' job training programs, researchers, industry, the golf clubs and the local and international superintendents FUTURE? associations. By Robert M. Williams, Supt. Bob O'Link G. C. "THE POSITION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT" Medinah Clinic Again, WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE AREA? - December 3, 1974 Let us look at the salary scale. We must admit If I were to answer this question in a nutshell, I'd that salaries are not bad, but they are barely keep­ refer to that old cliche that we have some good news ing up with the rate of inflation. One superintendent and some bad news, First, the good news: Today's contacted in the survey noted that many superin- superintendents are better qualified, more talented, endents are not being paid as well as the truck more articulate, more efficient and producing better drivers that deliver supplies to the club. results than ever before in the history of golf. Now With an annual inflation rate of over 5% in recent for the bad news: The clubs can't afford them. years, our salary levels should have about doubled My report is based upon a combination of my own in the past 15 years, just to keep abreast and with observations over the past 48 years and a recent no allowance for merit raises. I recall a salary survey opinion survey of a number of representative super­ we made here in the area about 1960. We found at intendents within the area. The data revealed com­ the time that our range was approximately from plete agreement as to the changing trends in our $10,000 to $18,000, with a median of about $12,000. profession. Today, 15 years later, my sampling indicates that we Let us divide this subject into 3 general categories: are generally in the $15,000 to $30,000 bracket with 1. The Superintendent. (A personal -profile) a median of about $20,000. 2. The position of the Superintendent. Quite a number of superintendents are now en­ 3. The profession of the Superintendent. gaged in outside business ventures such as landscap­ So, what changes do we see in today's superin­ ing to supplement their incomes. Most all of these tendents relative to our counterparts of 20, 30 and that I know of do so with the sanction and knowledge even 40 years ago? First, he is much younger. We by their clubs and officials. Of Course, this was al­ have only a handful of active supers today age 60 ways a no-no with the old guard as they were fearful or over. In fact, we have relatively few in their 40's of being accused of a conflict of interest. Especially and 50's. The predominance is in the 25 to 35 at times when their turfgrasses might be under undue year age bracket. Next, he has a better technical and stress. general education. The majority of the "NEW BREED" In addition to the salary situation, the fringe bene­ are graduates of our University Programs such as fits have not kept pace either. For instance, surprising­ Penn. State, Michigan State, Purdue, Rutgers and ly few clubs have retirement programs. I believe we others. In addition to these, our Community Colleges have to place a good deal of the blame here on our­ are getting more active in Turfgrass Management selves, along with the club house managers and the training. golf professionals. We have not done a good enough In line with his better education, today's superin­ job of selling the need for programs of retirement, tendent is demonstrating better business manage­ medical benefits, hospitalization, life insurance, busi­ ment practices and executive ability. More records are ness expenses, transportation, etc. In my estimation, being kept, more attention is given to costs, budget­ it is high time the GCSAA, PGA and the CMA or­ ing and prudent purchasing. ganizations get together and offer package benefit We find today's superintendent doing a much bet­ programs for all personnel at golf clubs across the ter job of communication. Both with his fellow su­ nation. In this vein, I was pleased to read GCSAA perintendents and with his club officials and the President Baskin's message in the recent issue of "The golfers. Superintendent" magazine wherein he appealed to The younger men in the field display more ag­ club officials in regard to retirement programs. gressiveness and more independence than their pre­ Further on the subject of the superintendent's posi­ decessors. These two factors tend to impress me with tion. We must take note of the decisions being made the feeling that there is somewhat less of the old by our clubs when they find it necessary to replace "Labor of Love" that was so outstanding in the "Old their superintendents. Generally speaking, clubs are Timers." bypassing consideration of experienced superintend­ My observation of the profile of today's superin­ ents in favor of young relative newcomers to the pro­ tendent is that he is: fession. This indicates that club officials are attempt­ — Young ing to save dollars. Personally, I'm pleased to see these — Well educated young men being placed in these responsible posi­ — Technically trained tions for their own personal welfare, but at the same — Efficient time, I'm concerned by the fact that some clubs are — Executive oriented paying more attention to the price of a new superin­ — Well dressed tendent, than they are towards his qualifications and — Capable of the social graces his proven ability. — Articulate Perhaps the most significant factor affecting the — Aggressive superintendent's position today is the state of the — Uses a good balance of family and job interests economy which puts us in a business recession along — Self-confident with high inflation. Membership waiting lists are — Respected and appreciated by both his em­ shrinking or wanting. Dues and costs are up, busi- ployers and employees ness expenses have been curtailed, the stock market — And he has a great love of the game of golf. is down and all of these factors hurt club activity There are many to be thanked for the progress and income. Undoubtedly we will see more belt tightening by the clubs for 1975 and possibly even GCSAA and the schools will need to keep up liaison longer. so that graduating students will not be disappointed Another concern relative to the superintendent's in job opportunities. Our scholarship program of position centers around the observation that we are GCSAA has been active in providing funds to en­ seeing an increase of clubhouse managers using the courage and assist students in Turfgrass Management. title of General Manager. However, very few are (approximately $20,000.00 annually) Here too, pru­ functioning as such. I believe superintendents ought dent planning for the future is definitely needed. to take a long, objective look at this situation and col­ To summarize, "What Is Happening In The Area"? lectively take a position either pro or con. This is I believe we will agree that we are doing quite well really another subject in itself. With this thought in but we must keep alert to changing times and make mind, our educational committee has placed the sub­ adjustments accordingly. Additionally, we must not ject on our program later this afternoon so that we lose sight of the fact that industry and research has may have the benefit of additional insight into the played a terrific role in upgrading our profession and situation. maintenance standards for golfers. The sophistication THE PROFESSION - WHAT IS HAPPENING? of our modern tools, particularly automatic irriga­ All of the superintendents that I interviewed on this tion and mowers, has given us a whole new ball- subject were most optimistic towards the future of the game. Advancement in research is developing new Golf Course Superintendent. horizons in the use of chemical controls for plant Presently, job opportunities continue in golf and growth. particularly in the allied fields such as: As to the "Outlook For The Future", I have a great — Landscaping deal of confidence in the new generation of superin­ — Commercial representatives tendents. With continued dedication and cooperative — Parks Management effort by all of us, I'm sure the superintendents, the — Industrial grounds management profession and the playing conditions will continue — Real Estate complexes to show improvement in the years ahead. — Corporate superintendents “Taken from Weeds, Trees and Turf’ — Golf Course architecture — and Cemetery Maintenance. As we look into the future of our profession, we have to be aware of the old factor of supply and de­ mand. Are we training enough or too many new men for the field? The National Golf Foundation tells us that we are constructing about 200 new courses per year, at this time, which is a slowdown from the past 10 year average. Not all of these would require new superintendents as some are additions to existing operations. In addition to new positions at new courses, we will have to replace those superintendents who leave the profession for one reason or another. Judg­ ing from the mortality rate of GCSAA members, a projection of the entire field would mean a loss of some 120 men annually. So, between the new jobs and the replacements, we would estimate a demand for about 350 new superintendents a year. Incidentally, I looked at this from another view­ point and came up with a relatively similar figure. Taking the 11,000 present courses and figuring that each superintendent will work at his job for 40 years, we would require 275 men a year to keep the jobs filled and perhaps 500 men if the number of clubs were to double in the next 40 years. So I believe 300 to 500 new men annually is a fair ballpark esti­ mate. Now to look and see how many men we are train­ ing. Dr. Daniel, of Purdue University, recently told the American Society of Agronomy that he surveyed 56 schools and came up with a total enrollment of approximately 1160 turfgrass students, with 445 graduates this past June. Some of these students will end up as commercial representatives, researchers, and teachers. Some others will leave the profession. Also, we will have additional men who will come into the field without formal university training. All-in- all, even with rather nebulous figures, it appears that we are currently training about 500 men annually for about 300 to 500 jobs. It seems to me that we are just about keeping pace with supply and demand at this time. However, AREA NEWS EAST Most golf courses in the area came out of the winter in very good shape. At the Dalewood Golf Club, Hugh Kirkpatrick brought the Penncross greens and tees out of the winter in super shape. He got 100 % control of grey and pink snow mold, but he left one strip at the back of one tee to find out the degree of control he was getting and to find out if he was wasting his money. The area was completely covered with pink snow mold. Congratulations Hugh. The Trentontown Course has been open since Good Friday because of the nature of its topography, but for all other courses in the area it has been the last weekend in April or the first of May. Paul Scenna - Host Superintendent for June 13th Meeting A good drainage system is obviously a good foundation and asset on which to build a golf course, if you are going to get maximum returns from your investment. However, AREA NEWS WEST if the system is to continue to be an asset a yearly main­ Congratulations to David Chapman on his new position tenance program consisting of checking outlets in the at Victoria Park Course, Guelph and to Russ Thurston on spring and fall and flushing plugged lines with the irrigation his new position at Cambridge Country Club in Cambridge, system during the summer is necessary. Ontario. John Hutchinson The Cambridge area golf courses wintered very well, free of disease. By the 26th of April they all should be in full operation. O.G.S.A. HOLDS DANCE Summit Golf Club was the location of the Annual "Kiss Regarding my club (Galt Golf Club). On the 19th of the Girls Good-bye" (for the summer only) Dance. This April the water was just 5 feet shy of the 19-1/2 feet of last dance had to be postponed due to a heavy April Snow Storm. year. This year we are free of damage as our new dike Unfortunately, the response was not excessive, but the worked. The water was just 4 feet below the top of the utmost credit is due Bob Hall and other organizers. dike. Paul Scenna One of the highlights took place at the cribbage table with two Stag participants David Gourlay and Whitey Hope your course is ready, for the next meeting, as we Jones. They were playing the Manager Bob Carriere and his again expect a large group. Assistant Carl Mocary when Bob secured a perfect hand, counting 29. This accomplishment is more unusual than a Hole-in-One. NEXT MEETING - O.G.S.A. Host: Paul Scenna Date: June 12, Thursday NEW MEMBERS Place: Galt Golf Club, Cambridge, Ontario Mr. David Chapman Cambridge Golf & Country Club Time: Golf - 8-9:30 a.m. Mr. Dick Ingram Lido Golf Course Lunch - 12:30-1:30 p.m. Mr. Stephen Miller Dundas Valley Golf & Turf Plots, University of Guelph Counrty Club 2-4:30 p.m. Mr. Alan Mills South Muskoka Golf & Equipment Display, Refreshments Curling Club 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mr. Gordon Orr Kleinburg Golf Club Then Dinner Mr. Walter Hach Conestoga Golf & Country Club Paul hopes to see you all there. Mr. A. M. J. Murphy Indusmin Limited HOW TO MAINTAIN OR IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR PRODUCT IN AN INFLATIONARY CLIMATE Only by increased efficiency and better utilization of our resources (men, equipment, irrigation systems, pesticides, 2 way radios, materials, educational facilities, symposiums, research results, etc.) at hand, can we hope to maintain and/or improve the quality of our product for the golfer, in the face of the rising costs of labour and materials. The failure to do so will produce an inferior product, loss of play, job and/or bankruptcy. For example, when using pesticides, use the minimum rate that will consistently give you good results and utilize all the techniques available that will give you accurate application and even distribution. Every weed, fungus and pest can be controlled by a minimum rate that will consistently give you optimum results. Find out what it is and you can decrease the chances of injuring other plants and animals etc., in the ecosystem and save money. If your turf lacks density, analyse the situation and list your limiting factors of production in order of impor­ tance from the greatest limiting factor to the smallest limiting factor of production. Some limiting factors of production you can look for are poor drainage, overwatering, com­ paction, pests, improper height of cut, disease micro nutrient Norm McCallum and Jack Eggens (with drink) organize tour of deficiency or excess, and macro nutrient deficiency or Turf Plots. excess. The most efficient and economical way to solve the pro- blem would be to spend your time and resources correcting the most limiting factors and forget about the others until you have the money available to correct them. However, there is more to the job then producing a good product, you also have to market that product to your members and to the public or green fee players and this is where good public relations are more important in a tight money situation than at any other time. John Hutchinson FOR SALE — John Hutchinson 1974 — Tour of Research Plots I have a limited quantity of bicycle racks for sale, which Left to right (front row): Paul Dermott, President O.G.S.A.; I had the men making in the winter months. I hope to sell John Stoughton, Host Superintendent 1975 Ontario Open; Whitey Jones, (involved in perfect hand at recent dance) enough to buy my fertilizer. OPTION TURF MANAGEMENT COMING EVENTS Negotiations are taking place with Humber College for 1. June 12 - Monthly Meeting, at University Guelph Turf the addition of Turfgrass Management Option, which would Plots, Hespler, Ontario more specifically assist golf course employees. Inclusion of Golf at Galt Country Club, Cambridge, Ontario the Turf Management Option, into the Horticultural Apprentice Host Paul Scenna Program could become reality by next November. The 2. August 1 — 2nd Annual President-Greenschairman- program is sponsored by the Canadian Manpower Office Superintendent Tournament and prospective students could take the Course during the Golf at The Weston Golf Club winter months, and if they qualify, would receive a living Host Bob Brewster allowance that matches or exceeds Unemployment Insurance, while attending the Course. 3. August 7 — Pro-Superintendent Tournament Golf at the New Dundee Golf Club The Steering Committee feel the course is needed and re-inforcement from prospective employers would assist our 4. August 19 - Bus trip to Buffalo, Golf, Dinner, Dance, decisions. A letter to the Ministry of Colleges and Univers­ with Western New York Superintendents Association ities Manpower Branch, c/o Humber College, indicating a 5. Sept. — Credit Valley, Host Doug Suter, more details in need for this apprenticeship program would be greatly next newsletter. appreciated. Further information may be received from; Paul Dermott, Dave Gourlay, Cam Cairncross, Gord Witteveen, Ted Hartwell or Bob Heron. MISCELLANY Paul Scenna reports he is setting up a golf score book for the J. K. Campbell Trophy, the best 3 games (at our monthly meetings, or special events) will determine the winner. This will assist the golf committee to establish handicaps and C.G.S.A. NEWS FROM JIM WYLLIE limit the Sand Baggers? ? ? ? . This is to inform you of the results of a meeting held Paul Dermott has his new automatic watering system on Friday, April 11, 1975, between the C.G.S.A. executive and the Royal Canadian Golf Association. working, and reports it provides excellent coverage. The meeting was requested by our membership at the Bob Moote, at Oakville Golf Club, is putting the finishing Annual Meeting held on March 18, 1975, to discuss the pos­ touches on his new automatic system. sibilities of our association taking over the administration Bob Hall is doing more work on his river banks. and operation of the Turf Conference and Show. The 50th Anniversary Pins are finally being processed, results were encouraging and are as follows: look for them soon. — we will organize our own show in 1976 and will have the blessing and co-operation of the R.C.G.A. The 1975 Issue of the Membership Roster will also be printed shortly. — the R.C.G.A. will continue to have its Green Section and will accept the assistance of the C.G.S.A. Association Jackets will be available soon. members consultations requested from R.C.G.A. Reports from the G.C.S.A.A. indicates there Certifi­ member clubs. cation Program now requires only two years Class A Membership, — we plan to meet again in the near future to discuss rather than three years. the possibilities of our association joining the R.C.G.A. Golf House located at the Glen Abbey Golf Club. I know that we all realize what a great step forward our association is taking. If we are to continue to progress as a viable association, it will take the hard work, support and co-operation of each member. REPORT ON MONTHLY MEETINGS Everyone present appreciated the hospitality of Essex March 26, 1975, North Halton Golf Club, 41 members Golf and Country Club. Mr. Dave Moote and Mr. Helmut present Kopp were congratulated on the fine condition of the golf course. Mr. Douglas Kelly from the Ministry of Labour discussed minimum standards, and how they effect golf courses. I will Best wishes to Essex for a most successful Canadian briefly mention some of the points that were discussed, Open in 1976. under the Employment Standards Act, course labourers are classed with landscape gardening. 1. unlimited hours, can be worked in seasonal employ­ ment 2. equal opportunity for women 3. public holidays do not apply to "greenskeepers" 4. no official requirement to pay labourers sick leave All these items are the minimums, and I am sure most courses do not adhere to such stringent guidelines. If there are questions, you should get a copy of the Employment Standards Act, from the Ministry of Labour. Monthly Meeting at Essex Golf Club. Left to right: Tom Bell; Ed Henderson; Ted Charman and Whitey Jones. April 22, 1975, Essex Golf & Country Club A combined meeting with the Michigan Border Cities group was held. There were 125 for dinner, and golf. An excellent turnout as most of the Supers were or just had opened their courses. EDITOR'S NOTE: A ball sweep was held for the golfing participants of So far this year we are experiencing great extremes in which the following won prizes, calculated by the Calloway weather. After a very mild winter, a major storm with 9-15” system. of snow fell in early April. This storm was followed by the coldest April in living memory. Then May comes along and Supers — 1st Low Net - P. Scenna 70 we have record heat waves and little or no rain. 2nd Low Net - C. Johnson 71 3rd Low Net - D. Gourlay 72 Dandelions had gone to seed by the second week of May, Tent catarpillars were in evidence three weeks early, and were 1st Low Gross - J. Mericka 76 all forced into earlier than normal watering procedures. 2nd Low Gross - R. Cylka 78 3rd Low Gross - K. Nisbit 78 Complete staffs have not yet been formed and we are all confronted with summer type conditions in May. Guest and Suppliers — Low Gross 77 Low Net 72 The greatest problem seems to be the province-wide "poa annua" seed production which are affecting maintenance Most Honest Golfer — E. Johanningsmeier 126 programs. The old timers indicate the above average winter After a very enjoyable meal both Associations dispensed weather greatly affected this seed head production. with the business portions of their meeting's and listened Are the seasons changing? Is the ice age coming? to a very timely presentation by Golf Professional Mr. G. Bone on Golf Superintendent and Professional relationships P.S. Our thanks to Dave Gourlay for his contribution of the at golf clubs. 4 photos in this issue of "Green is Beautiful" President PAUL DERMOTT Islington, Ontario Phone 231-0925 Vice-President ALLAN BEENEY Georgetown, Ontario Phone 877-2642 The Metric System will greatly affect course maintenance. Secretary CARL BENNETT Oakville, Ontario Phone 845-3132 Treasurer CAMERON CAIRNCROSS Richmond Hill, Ontario Phone 884-1875 Directors DAVID GOURLAY Thornhill, Ontario Phone 889-6955 Table of Metric-English Equivalents ROBERT HALL 1 cm = 0.39 inch 1 inch = 2.54 cm Thornhill, Ontario 1 m = 3.28 feet 1 foot = 0.305 m Phone 889-8105 1 m = 1.09 yards 1 yard = 0.91 m 1 km = 0.62 miles 1 mile = 1.61 km JOHN HUTCHINSON Warkworth, Ontario 1 hectare = 2.5 acres 1 acre = 0.4 hectare Phone 924-2299 1 ml = 0.2 tsp 1 tsp = 5 ml A. V. WHITEY JONES 1 ml = 0.07 tbsp 1 tbsp = 15 ml Aurora, Ontario 1 liter = 33.8 fl oz 1 fl oz = 29.6 ml Phone 727-5640 1 liter = 2.1 pts 1 pt = 0.47 liter 1 liter = 1.06 qt 1 qt = 0.95 liter HELMUT KOPP 1 liter = 0.26 gal 1 gal = 3.79 liter Windsor, Ontario Phone 969-1689 1 gram = 0.035 oz 1 oz = 28.3 g 1 kg = 2.2 lb 1 lb = 0.45 kg PAULSCENNA 1 tonne = 2205 lb 1 ton = 907.2 kg Cambridge, Ontario Phone 623-3292 Past President Newsletter Editor ROBERT T. HERON Brampton, Ontario Phone 459-3299 ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION Box 63, Islington, Ontario M9A 4X1