reen is Beautiful" G Ontario Golf Superintendents Association RNSHAW CRESCENT - ETOBICOKE, ONTARIO M9C 3M4 - TELEPHONE 622-9929 MAY 1978 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE This is the time we all wait for, "Spring” to open our golf courses and see green grass, after a long, snowy winter. In the past few weeks we have been planning a program to apply to our golf course season; Fungicide, Fertilizing and General Maintenance. Some of us have less damage than others, but over­ all it seems like we wintered well. I would like to encourage members to play on their golf courses periodically; as I feel it is a good way to see your course, the way your members see it. I would like to remind members to make an effort to attend meetings, where many ideas are shared, and many problems are solved. Wishing you all a successful season. President, Paul Scenna. P.S. Winter is over, and holidays have come to an end, and its time to get to work. - O.G.S.A. EXECUTIVE FOR 1978 - President, Paul Scenna..................... (519) 623-3292 Roster, Bob Brewster...................... (416) 676-9777 Vice-President, Stuart Mills........... (416) 270-0716 Symposium 1979, Al Beqney Secretary, Paul White..................... (416) 561-1216 Nominating Chairman, Al Beeney Treasurer, Ken Nelson..................... (519) 433-5136 Executive Newsletter Editor, W. Hynd 239-9630 Past President, Al Beeney............. (416) 877-2642 Social Committee, Stuatt Mills Golf, Bill Bowen.............................. (705) 743-5010 Turf Research Chairman, Membership, Crests, Plaques, Paul Dermott..................... (416) 247-9281 Blake McMaster................... (416) 451-1573 Welfare — East, Rusty Waskman Meetings & Speakers, John Smith . (416) 878-7923 West, Ken Nelson Bylaws, Rusty Waskman............... (416) 623-4977 Central, W. Hynd MONTHLY MEETING - FEBRUARY 1st, 1978 MONTHLY MEETING - APRIL 11th, 1978 GLENDALE GOLF CLUB, HAMILTON ESSEX GOLF CLUB Host: Paul White Host: Bill Fach Thirty Superintendents and Associates were in attendance for This was a combined meeting between Michigan and Border this date. Cities and O.G.S.A. One hundred and ten were in attendance. Fertilizer — "What's great for '78", was the topic and the Forty-five from O.G.S.A. following companies were represented: Some 20 arriving from the Toronto area in "The Paleno Ex­ Gunstar Chemicals — Bob Emond press" to meet many of the Windsor area at Danny Uzelac's Manleys — Ron Strettan Dominion Golf Club, a fun evening. C.I.L. — Barrie Williams Scotts — Dave Dick It rained all night but the sun shone for the 60 golfers play­ Bradford Chemicals—Doc R. Allman ing the Essex Course which was in remarkable condition this early in the year. All representatives gave an interesting account and the fol­ lowing is Doc R. Allman's topic:- Before and after dinner speakers were: Dr. Janke, "Fertilizer Sulphur and P.H. effects on Soil P.H. and Dr. Reike, "Top Dressing Materials". Soil PH can be lowered to 6.5 by broadcasting sulphur on putting greens at the following rates: Present Soil PH Sandy Soil Clay Soil 7.5 8-12 lbs./1000 sq. ft. 16-20 lbs/1000sq.ft. 8.0 20-30 Ibs./1000 sq. ft. 30-40 Ibs/1000sq.ft. 8.5 30-40 Ibs./IOOO sq. ft. 30-40 Ibs/1000sq.ft. 9.0 40-60 Ibs./1000 sq.ft. — Golf courses could apply up to 300 lbs. per acre, Spring and Fall. Rule of thumb - one 50 lb. bag will do one green. This was followed by: Duke Lawn Equip —David Flegg Turf World - Bill Black Jr. who gave brief accounts of their products. After lunch 16 participants tried out on the Curling Rink, the winning group being Hugh Kirkpatrick's rink: John Smith, Blake McMaster and Kimmo Salonen. Altogether a fine day for all who attended. Runners up: Bill Bowen, Dave Moote, Bill Harding, Dave Dick. Bill Fach - Windsor Essex Golf Club MONTHLY MEETING - MARCH 15th, 1978 BAYVIEW GOLF CLUB Host: Ed Ortleib A goodly number of Superintendents were away on this occa­ sion and only 16 curled. John Smith reports that the following rink won the Annual Trophy: Skip — Paul Scenna Vice — Bill Bowen Second - Rusty Warkman Lead — Paul Sheppard Runners up: OBITUARY Skip — Neil Acton James H. Roberts passed away January 1st, 1978. Vice — Rod Trainor Mr. Roberts retired in 1972 following 20 years as Golf Second — Lon Klevinas Superintendent at Sunningdale Golf Club, London, Ont. Lead — Bernie Macdonald EDITORIAL Golfdom Magazine researched a few years ago and found that, Al Beeney had the unforgettable first hand experience of an despite improvements in golf equipment, clubs, balls and teach­ earthquake during his holiday in Mexico. ing techniques, video tape, etc., the overall standard of play among golfers had not improved in 50 years. We, as Golf Super­ intendents might add, from a maintenance standpoint, that golf courses have much improved in playability and "eye appeal”, Association ties are selling well, both green and blue are particularly in the past 20 years. It is questionable if this has equally popular. been an aid to lowering scores. It is general knowledge that the Professional and low handi­ cap golfers couldn't care less about the colour of grass as long as the lies are tight and the ball runs true on the greens, etc. The average medium to high handicap golfer, on the other DRIP IRRIGATION hand, may have a different approach to the game. This person This method of irrigation is now being practiced on some golf may have a special need for the soothing qualities of green grass courses in California and Florida due to the shortages of water. to offest his frustrations on the golf course. It is a method of supplying water to the plant through small Whatever, our job as Superintendents is to assure that each tubing which is hooked to a water censor supplying the root golfer coming off the course will have reaped some benefit and . system with the proper amount of water. The plant would have relaxation from his experience, it isn't always easy. to be supplemented with sprinkler irrigation if the temperatures became hot. Drip irrigation is used successfully in farming in the United States. Canada uses it only on 1000 acres for decid- uous fruit, vegetables, nursery plants and ornamentals. Whereas The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association Conference, the United States uses it on 133,717 acres, adding citrus fruits, March 5-8, Hotel Toronto was by all accounts a huge success, nuts, sugarcane, greenhouse plants, rwo crops and avacadoes. with a varied educational programme to meet all tastes. More information may be obtained through Turf World Irri­ gation or an article in November '77 Scientific American The social events, Wine and Cheese Party sponsored by the Magazine available at your local library. O.G.S.A. — Rainbird Bash and Closing Banquet and Dance as­ sured a good time for all attending. "MOVING AROUND" Henry Geurtin has taken the job at Beachrove Country Club in Windsor, Ontario. He has been replaced at Chiguacousy by The O.G.S.A. Spring Dance to be held April 1st at Brampton Barry Endicott who was previously at Glen Shields Golf Club. Golf Club was cancelled due to lack of response. Al Draper has moved to Greenhills Golf Club where they will be opening up a new nine holes this September. "INDUSTRY" Winter weather still persists in the Toronto area at this date, O. M. SCOTT COMPANY April 10th, there is still frost in the ground and snow in Doug Heron is now the regional manager for Ontario, Quebec, sheltered areas. Ohio, Michigan and parts of New York State. He has 1400 Dave Gourlay reports from the North End that most of the golf courses to visit throughout the season. Dave Dick formerly golf courses in his area are still covered with snow. It would of Sleepy Hollow has taken the Toronto territory. appear, hopefully, that the golf courses are in a healthier state SPRAMOTOR than last year, which was a disaster to many of us. Ron Craig has taken over as manager for the Rexdale branch and has made a lot of changes in the past few months, re­ organizing their building. The Peter Jackson Ladies Golf Classic will be held at St. GENSTAR George's Golf Club, May 28 - June 4th, and we welcome Golf Lome Hanson has accepted the position of manager at their Superintendents to attend and view the ladies, a remarkable Elmira, Ontario plant. group of the finest golf talent in the world. The recent success of Sandra Post should be of added interest RETIREMENT interest to this event. Jack Wilson of Manchester Products has retired from the fertil­ Here's hoping for above normal temperatures through May izer business. We would like to wish Jack the best in retirement to start things moving. life and also good health. OHIO AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND GENERAL INFORMATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER REPORT #4 ON The map below outlines 20 states where, as of 1977, the Atae­ nius beetle is known to have damaged at least some golf courses. ATAENIUS SPRETULUS RESEARCH PROGRAM RESEARCH REPORTS In addition to the article on the Ataenius beetle which I wrote EVALUATION OF AN ADULT CONTROL PROGRAM FOR for the November issue of Grounds Maintenance Magazine, I am CONTROL OF ATAENIUS SPRETULUS LARVAE IN GOLF enclosing another report on our work. Please call me if you COURSE FAIRWAYS have any questions: (216) 264-2540. The method of preventing larval infestation of Ataenius spret- ulus by controlling adults before eggs are laid was tested in 1976. One application of diazinon 4 EC at 6 lb Ai/A prevented LIFE HISTORY STUDIES a larval infestation. However, one application of chlorpyrifos Gerry Wegner, Ohio State University Ph.D. Graduate Student, (Dursban® 4EC) at 2 or 4 lb AI/A did not. This method of has now completed his second year of a three-year program on control was further tested in 1977. the life history of Ataenius at three golf courses in Cincinnati, Ohio. As Gerry's major professor, I think he is making good progress toward charting the life history of this insect. This MATERIAL AND METHODS winter emphasis will be placed on obtaining eggs from adults . Thirteen fairways on 3 golf courses in Cincinnati, Ohio (Table we collected last year. The objective of this study is to have 1) were used in the 1977 test program. Liquid formulations of larvae that would allow us to study the threshold development diazinon (AG-500-4 EC) and chlorpyrifos (Dursban® 4 EC) temperatures required. So far Gerry's studies have indicated were applied with hydraulic sprayers at 25 to 35 gallons of spray that the adult beetles are surviving very well this winter. Mon­ per acre. Granular diazinon (14%) was applied with a tractor itoring of the survival of this overwintering population will drawn 10 ft. Gandy® drop-spreader. An area at least 100 ft. x continue into next spring. 30 ft. on either the tee or green end of each test fairway was Gerry presented a paper on his research at the Entomo­ left untreated. Each fairway was irrigated lightly for 10 minutes logical Society of America meetings in Washington, D.C. He did after application. well in his presentation. Gerry is now looking forward to 1978, General field conditions at the times of treatment were as which should be the final year for his research. follows: (1) Adults - much flight activity; first eggs noted May 2. (2) Turf - 50 - 70% Poa annua; soil - moist; thatch average depth 0.5 in. The following trees and shrubs were in full bloom: CONTROL STUDIES Black Locust, Robina pseudo - accacia; Horse Chestnut, Aes- culus octandra; Hawthorn, Crataegus sp., Bridal Wreath, Spirea A second year of testing the adult program for control of sp. Ataenius on various golf courses in Cincinnati again showed that control with one application of diazinon at 6 lbs. ai/A was ex­ Post treatment evaluations made June 6 consisted of count­ cellent. Remember the principle of this program is to apply the ing the number of larvae in a circular area 4.25. in. x 3 in. A insecticide so as to control the adults with the insecticide standard golf course cup-cutter was used for this purpose. From residue as they fly in to lay eggs and thus prevent egg laying. 15 to 20 samples were taken in both the treated and untreated To assist the turf managers in making applications at the proper areas of each test fairway. times, we have keyed this timing to the full bloom of certain trees and shrubs that are common on most golf courses. These shrubs are: Spirea, Horse Chestnut, Black Locust and Hawthorn. RESULTS In 1978 we plan to confirm this timing and add a broader range Diazinon - Control with diazinon 4 EC generally excellent, and of indicator plants which should be found on golf courses in all fair to excellent with the 14% granular formulation (Table 1). the states where Ataenius has been doing damage. Treatment for the second generation was not necessary. In 1977 efforts were made to instigate research on the adult Dursban - Control with the 2 applications of chlorpyrifos control program in Colorado, New Jersey, Maryland and West was generally fair. The results obtained at Terrace Park Coun­ Virginia in order to obtain positive data in support of placing try Club were considered to be inadequate. this method of control on the diazinon label. For various reasons, including low infestations in New Jersey and Maryland, only data from Ohio were generated. The Company's response to my request for registration was that there is not enough data CONCLUSIONS from enough regions of the U.S. to support petitioning EPA The data from these tests confirm the results obtained with for such a label. It seems that among our problems is the fact diazinon 4 EC in 1976. Applications timed to kill adults before that we do not have enough entomologists in these states to do they can lay eggs successfully, prevent the development of research. We need positive data (real numbers) from Colorado, larval infestations. The insecticicde residue must continue kill­ Missouri and Minnesota. If necessary, I will go ter'these states ing adults through most of their egg-laying period. Knowing to assist with obtaining the data. I will be asking the GCSAA when egg laying begins is essential. Research on the biology of and whoever for some funds to cover the necessary travel. We the Ataenius beetle by Gerald Wegner, Ph.D. graduate student, must get this data. conducted during the control studies showed that Black Locust, More bad news! You may recall from the previous three re­ Horse Chestnut, Hawthorn and Spirea were in full bloom when ports that the Ciba Geigy experimental insecticide CGA-12223 first eggs were laid (May 2). The bloom of trees and shrubs gave excellent control of Ataenius and all other grubs, even could serve as indicators to turf managers for the timing of under thatch. I have been informed that this compound will not sprays in this program of control. The list of plants will be ex­ be further developed for turf at this time. The cost of manu­ panded in 1978. facture was given as the primary reason for this decision. Need­ The results with chlorpyrifos indicate control may be in­ less to say, this is bad news because there is nothing as good as adequate. The results suggest the residual is not long enough to this compound in sight. control adults through their period of oviposition. FROM OUTHOUSE TO RUNNING WATER - THE 5. Once a potential contractor has been chosen by the com­ CONSTRUCTION OF A MAINTENANCE mittee then a detailed examination of his proposal must be made to ensure that it includes all your requirements. BUILDING One or more meetings may be required between your­ by Steve Miller selves and the potential contractor to achieve this. The maintenance building is an industrial shop area where Failure to include all that you want in the contract will machinery and materials are stored and repaired and mainten­ result in add-ons to the cost of the job. And it is additions ance work is performed. It provides washroom, eating, chang­ that will result in an over spent budget. ing and shower facilities for the staff, and it acts as the nerve Once you are satisfied with the contractors proposal and centre for all daily, monthly and yearly planning of golf course the contract is awarded then the rest is just a matter of logistics. maintenance operations. Last but certainly not least, it is the As superintendent you should be responsible to the committee training centre of the grounds staff. to ensure that the building is being built to the specifications. If you have found that your current facility does not meet If add-ons do occur during the course of construction, be sure all or just a few of the above or if you are building a new course that their cost is put down in writing. Upon substantial com­ and must provide the above, then you are in the market for a pletion of the building an inspection should be made to find new maintenance building. deficiencies in construction. These should be listed, given to the contractor and rectified by him. Once final completion has In order to be successful at achieving a building which meets been accepted move in and enjoy your new facility. your needs, considerable effort must be put into the planning. The time put into advertising for tenders, reviewing tenders, and compiling the final specifications, is the most crucial. The actual construction of the building by comparison is the least troublesome provided proper planning has been done and a reputable contractor is used. Proper planning is crucial to constructing a building within the budget. There are a couple of keys to successful planning. The first is the chairman of the building committee. It is well advised that he be a person who is familiar with the construction in­ dustry. If he has a working knowledge of calling tenders, letting contracts, and all the ramifications of contractural work he will save the club from many problems. The second key is the superintendent. He is the one who is going to work in the building and is supposed to know what should be in the building. It is his input into the planning which is going to define the final product. I WANT TO BE YOUR FRIEND How do the chairman and the superintendent produce the building they want within budget? At the Burlington Golf and / see you at the meetings; but you never Country Club we followed this sequence of events: say hello, 1. A report on maintenance buildings was compiled by the superintendent. This included a description of existing You're busy all the time you're there, facilities, the functions of a maintenance building, size with those you already know. requirements, physical descriptions of buildings belong­ I sit amongst the members and yet ing to surrounding clubs, and the value of equipment I'm a lonesome guy; and materials to be stored. Or in simple terms, any data related to the use of a maintenance building. The new ones are as strange as I, but 2. On the basis of this report and discussions with the chair­ you old members pass me by. man specifications where drawn up for a building. These But darn it, you folks asked us in, specifications where included in a document called “In­ and talked of fellowship, structions to Tenderers". This document contains a gen­ eral description of what is desired in the way of a build­ You could just step across the room, ing. It does not specify what kind of building is to be but you've never made the trip. built. What we were looking for was a contractor who Why can't you nod and say hello, or could provide us with a building system which meet our needs. stop and shake my hand; then go 3. A call for tenderers was placed in the local paper and the and sit among your friends, now Instructions given to those parties interested in bidding that I'd understand. on the job. I'll be at your next meeting, perhaps 4. Once all the tenders are received the crucial work begins. a nice time to spend; A decision has to be made as to who will be awarded the Do you think you could introduce contract and whether his building meets your require­ ments. A helpful way of doing this is to draw up a flow yourself? I want to be your sheet of the bids. List down one side all the bidders and FRIEND. list across the top all specifications this allows you to compare the specifications of each contractor against the other contractors with ease. THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH "BEWARE OF THE EXPERT" Al Smith, when he was Governor of New York, once became By Bill Knoop so exasperated at delays in construting a new bridge that he bawled out the staff working on the project. "Stop wasting Being a golf course superintendent has to be an easy job. What time with all these reports and meeting and build something"! other profession has available to it so many "experts" that are he fumed. so willing to give advice at such a low cost. Sometimes you even get advice without asking. Who are these "experts"? They come Few leaders will have much difficulty understanding the from all over, they are your club members, your employer, reasons for his impatience. It's surprising how many otherwise your employees, your fellow golf course superintendents, the capable employees have a tough time producing tangible results. salesmen, the technical representatives, turf-grass consultants For one reason or another, they can't seem to get things done. and, oh yes, guys like me from the university. We are all It's not easy to find people who produce. A lot of employ­ "experts". ees put in a day's work but don't have much to show for it. You've got a problem, we all know the answer or do we? Others work the same number of hours and accomplish a great You, as a golf course superintendent are faced with problems deal. What accounts for the difference and what, if anything, of some type every day. Some are considered big problems, but can you do about it? hopefully most are not so big. No matter the size of the pro­ One of the reasons high-achievers are able to accomplish so blem you will need to make a decision regarding the problem much is that, when it comes to their jobs, they have a one- and you want to make the right decision. No one can tell you track mind. No matter how difficult, they don't let anything with 100% certainty what the right decision may be. divert them or stand in the way. In short, they concentrate on A look at the problem solving or decision making process getting the job done, no matter what! may help increase your odds of making the right decision. The The best way to supervise people like that is simply to tell first step is to accurately identify the problem. For example, them what you want, then step out of their way and let them last winter we lost a lot of grass on greens to what we are call­ do it. ing winter kill. We have a problem that we must solve so it won't happen again. We must identify the cause of the problem. On the other hand, under-achievers are apt to let a thousand It could be a lack of Fall moisture. It could be a shallow root an one things take their minds off their work. They haven't system. It could be a thatch layer that prevents water from learned the trick of putting their jobs first, everything else getting to the roots. It could be a heavy soil that has restricted second. root growth or it could have been caused by even something Delegation of responsibility with such people is, therefore, else. The point is that you must use your basic turf know­ somewhat limited. Managers stand a better chance of having ledge and experience to identify the real cause of the problem. things turn out the way they want them to if they keep careful The next step is to decide how to solve the problem. You track of the progress these people are making. This requires could decide to do nothing and hope it doesn't happen again. keeping an eye on individuals who have a tendency to let things You might decide the best solution is to reconstruct the green slide. In actual practice, what gets done is often "not what a or you might select some other method to repair the damage. manager expects, but what he inspects". In selecting the best solution to the problem, you must also A few individuals may even have to be reminded occasion­ consider your budget situation, your available labour, the effect ally that they're on the payroll, for one purpose: to produce your choice will have on play, etc. something, not just go through the motions. They may need a In this whole process the word you has been used often. gentle nudge to get them off to a good start and headed in the This is because it is your job to make decisions. No one else car right direction. step into your shoes and make your decisions. Many "experts" In any case, managers who are after results get their people will try if you let them, but most of us would rather live with used to the idea that what they are being measured by is the our own decisions than have to live with decisions that have end product. The words and actions of these managers leave no been made for us. confusion in anyone's mind that what counts is to get the job "Experts" are not all bad. Use them to help you explore done!" the possible causes and solutions to problems, but in the end you're "the man" and you should make the decisions. Several years ago, Dr. Dick Skogley spoke at a New Hamp­ shire Turf Seminar and suggested that when we are faced by an "expert" we should remember the origin of the word. He said the word should be divided into 2 parts, X and spert. The first part, X, means a has been and the second part, spert, means a drip under pressure. THINK ABOUT IT. Dr. Knoop is former Director of Education for GCSAA and currently on the staff at Iowa State University. This article was written in Iowa Golf Course Superintendents Reporter. MR. ROBERT TREVIS Kanawaki Golf Club, Caughnawaga, Que. Newly Elected President - C.G.S.A. 1978 GOLF GOLF is a science, the study of a life- time, in which you may exhaust yourself but never your subject. It is a contest, a duel, or a melee, calling for courage, skill, strategy and self-control. It is a test of temper, a trial of honour, a revealer of character. It affords a chance to play the man and act the gentleman. It means going into God's out-of-doors, get­ ting close to nature, fresh air, excercise, a recreation of tired tissues. It is a cure for care, an antidote to worry. It includes com­ panionship with friends, social intercourse, opportunities for courtesy, kindliness and generosity to an opponent. It promotes not only physical health but moral force. D. R. FORGAN — With Compliments of — ROBT. FORGAN & SON, LTD., ST. ANDREWS, SCOTLAND The Leading Golf Club Makers for over a Century & a Quarter President PAUL SCENNA Cambridge, Ontario (519) 623-3292 Vice-President STUART MILLS Ancaster, Ontario (416) 270-0716 Secretary PAUL WHITE Hamilton, Ontario (416) 561-1216 Treasurer KEN NELSON London, Ontario (519) 433-5136 Directors BILL BOWEN Peterborough, Ontario (705) 743-5010 blake McMaster Brampton, Ontario (416) 451-1573 JOHN SMITH Milton, Ontario (416) 878-7923 RUSTY WASKMAN Oshawa, Ontario (416) 623-4977 BOB BREWSTER Mississauga, Ontario (416) 676-9777 PAUL DERMOTT Etobicoke, Ontario (416) 247-9281 BILL HYND Islington, Ontario (416) 239-9630 Past President AL BEENEY Georgetown, Ontario (416) 877-2642 ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION Box 63, Islington, Ontario M9A 4X1