"Green is Beautiful” Ontario Golf Superintendents Association 54 HEARNSHAW CRESCENT - ETOBICOKE, ONTARIO M9C 3M4 - TELEPHONE 622-9929 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES OF THE O.G.S.A FOR THE YEAR 1979 President - Stuart Mills Meetings & Speakers - Paul Dermott Vice-President - Paul White Newsletter Editor - Bob Brewster Secretary - Blake McMaster Roster - John Smith Treasurer - Ken Nelson By-Laws - Doug Hoskins Past President - Paul Scenna Membership & Plaques - George Garner Golf Chairman - Bill Bowen Welfare - Rusty Warkman Chairman Ontario Turf Research Foundation - Paul Dermott CONTENTS President's Message........................................................................................ 3 O.G.S.A. News.............................................................................................. 4 O.G.S.A. Christmas Dance............................................................................. 5 O.G.S.A. 9th Annual Symposium................................................................ 6 How I Manage My Greens & Tees................................................................ 7 Fair & Rough Management........................................................................... 8 Geoff Perkins - Chairman of Greens & Property........................................ 9 New Members.................................................................................... Back Cover Less of Nicklaus............................................................................... Back Cover EDITOR - CO-EDITOR - BOB BREWSTER PAUL WHITE Weston Golf & Country Club Glendale Golf & Country Club 50 St. Phillips Road 401 Mount Albion Road Weston, Ontario, Canada M9P 2N6 Hapiilton, Ontario, Canada L8K 5T4 Phone: Bus. (416) 241-5551 Phone: (416) 561-1216 Published by the O.G.S.A. Furtherance of Knowledge and Recording Progressive Ideas of Turf Management. O.G.S.A. MEETINGS - 1979 Date Course Host Wednesday, March 28 Oshawa Golf Club Rusty Warkman 11:00 a.m. Lunch, Curling Tuesday, May 8 or 15 Whirlpool Golf Club Bill Glashan Thursday, June 7 Galt Field Day Paul Scenna "9:00 a.m. Shotgun" Turf Plots Friday, July 20 Mississauga Golf Club Paul Dodson President, Greenschairman, Superintendent Day "9:00 a.m. Shotgun" Monday, August 6 Thornhill Golf Club Dave Gourlay (Tentative) Monday, August 13 Victoria Park Golf Club empty table cell Guelph, Ontario Pro, Superintendent Day "11:00 a.m. Shotgun" Friday, October 12 Weston Golf Club Bob Brewster 10:00 a.m. Lunch, Golf Tuesday, December 4 Aurora Highlands Golf Club Whitey Jones STU MILLS President O.G.S.A. O.G.S.A. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE February 15, 1979 I must extend my thanks to you the members at large, for the confidence you have shown by electing me President of "OUR" Association for 1979. In my address to the Board of Directors for 1979 I outlined my goals for this term of office. 1) We are going to keep members more informed. 2) We are going to make progress in the area of re-organization. 3) We are not going to lose money. 4) We are going to organize - organize - organize. 5) We will hold a business meeting whenever possible before or after golf. 6) We will get more members at large involved in O.G.S.A. affairs and committees. 7) We will raise money for turf research. 8) We may have a benefit tournament for Bob Corbin. May we all assist "OUR" Association in meeting these objectives. Stuart G. Mills, C.G.C.S. President O.G.S.A. HAMILTON GOLF CLUB Ancaster, Ontario O.G.S.A. NEWS "Next Meeting " WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 1979 OSHAWA GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB HOST: RUSTY WARKMAN MEETING AT 11:00 A.M. (Golf Lounge) LUNCH AT 12:00 NOON (Swiss Steak) CURLING - 1:30 P.M. SANDWICHES AND COFFEE AFTER CURLING COST - $7.00 PER PERSON AURORA HIGHLANDS RE-BUILDS Whitey Jones will have the opportunity of looking after a newly designed golf course with Bent Fairways, Tees and Greens in 1980. Aurora Highlands is scheduled to close the golf course the middle of July. Rene Muylaert will design the new course with plans for a subdivision on some of the border­ ing holes. The new course will play to 6,500 yards with an automatic irrigation system and new pumphouse facility, being installed. The new course will be back in play sometime in July of 1980. PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Congratulations to Hugh Kirkpatrick, who took over Westmount in Kitchener in October and Dan Ardley who replaced Hugh at Dalewood in Port Hope. In January, Blake McMaster's Assistant has taken the Superintendents job at Unionville Fairways. TURFCARE PRODUCTS RE ORGANIZE FOR 1979 Dave Falconbridge...................................................................... Sales Manager Industrial Dick Raycraft............................................................................... Sales - Western Ontario Mike Wagg......................................................................................Sales - Eastern Ontario George Beck................................................................................. Sales - Metro John Owens................................................................................. Sales - Central Ontario G.C.S.A.A. MANAGEMENT SEMINAR Approximately 30 people attended Management Seminar II at the Constellation Hotel, in January. Ron Frame, the Instructor, did a fine job trying to get everyone to think more about Management and talk Management rather than turfgrasses all the time. Paul White presents Ron Frame with momento from Seminar Group Our G.C.S.A.A. Instructor Ron Frame, Oklahoma O.G.S.A. O.G.S.A. CHRISTMAS DANCE Thirty-five couples enjoyed the fine facilities of Oakdale Golf Club for our Annual Christmas Party. A special thanks to Stu Mills and our Host, Paul Dermott for a fine evening. Past President Paul Scenna and Wife Diane Beachgrove Golf Ruth & Henry Geurtin & Country Club, and Friends. Windsor, Ontario. Right to Left: Penny Dodson, Sherry and Rae Murray, Doug Suter. "Oh Lord for the Spring of 1979"please let the Golfer in his infinite wisdom realize that you and "Nature do not always see eye to eye with mankind! O.G.S.A. 9th ANNUAL MANAGEMENT SYMPOSIUM Our 100 Superintendents, Assistants, Students and Distributors attended the Symposium at North Halton Golf Club. The morning sessions covered greens, tees, fairways and rough management. Thanks to the following speakers: Doug Hoskins, George Garner, Bill Hynd, Bill Glashan, Barry Endicott and our morning Chairman Norm McCollum. The afternoon session covered different aspects of course management. Thanks to Dr. Jack Eggens, Fred Charman, Art Dodson, Blake McMaster, Al Shantz, Doug Suter, Geoff Perkins (Greenschairman Summit Golf Club) and our afternoon Host Dave Moote. A special thanks to North Halton Golf Club for their facilities and to Alan Beeney, Host Superintendent, who organized a great program. Excellent work All! Host Al Beeney reviewing daily program - never stopped working. Left to Right: Barry Endicott, Bill Glashan, Bill Hynd. Norm McCollum, morning Host. Left to Right: Blake McMaster, Art Dodson, Dr. Eggens, Al Shantz. Left to Right: George Garner, Bob Brewster, Doug Hoskins. Left to Right: Geoff Perkins, Dave Moote. NEW MEMBERS The O.G.S.A. welcomes the following new members: Thom Charters, Islington Golf Club Ted Tom, Uplands Golf Club Allen Lettler, Walkerton Golf Club Raymond Ricards, Merryhill Golf Club Ron Thorne, South River Golf Club Bruce Vollett, Conestoga Golf Club FOR SALE Set of 7 Toro Spartan Five Blade Gang Mowers with Frames completely overhauled and ready for use. Contact: Blake McMaster, Brampton Golf Club, (416) 459-5050 Set of 7 Worthington 10 Bladed Fairway Units with pull frames. 1977 - Heckendorn 72" Riding Rotary Mower. 1977 - Jacobsen 5 Gang Ranger with 6 Bladed Reels, Harley Davidson Golf Cart with Charger. 3 - 4" Singer Valves with electrical control. Contact: Paul Dermott, Oakdale Golf Club, (416) 247-9281 1 - Toro Super Pro. — Best Offer. Contact: Bob Brewster, Weston Golf Club, (416) 241-5551 "EDITOR NOTE" If you follow the old Farmer's Almanac you will find it very accurate. The Almanac calls for about average temperatures from March till October, except for "APRIL". The first week of April is going to be warm then look out, cold and wet till May. The Ontario Golf Association has raised their fee from $3.50 to $5.00 per golfer. They said they required the extra money due to rising costs, tournament expenses and "TURFGRASS RESEARCH". Word has it the money will be spent on bailing out the magazine Tee-Off, and no money has been allocated to Turfgrass Research, other than a Scholarship Fund. HOW I MANAGE MY GREENS AND TEES By George Garner, Golf Course Superintendent For those who don't know where the Oakville Golf Club is, it's located on the Sixth Line just North of the Q.E.W. The 16 Mile Creek flows between the Oakville Club and another Club, it's new, I don't think you would know it, it's called Glen Abbey. Oakville Golf Club has been in operation since 1921 with a new club house built in July, 1976. There are 55 acres, 9 greens with double tees, and a few putting green built in June, 1978. There are 1% acres of greens, manual irrigation system, fair to good drainage on greens. The greens are cut with Jacobsen 22" Walk Behind Mower, hieght of cut 1/4" in Spring and dropped to 3/16th". The greens are cut 7 days a week, once the growing season starts. On special tournaments the cut is 5/32nds". The fringes are cut with the same make of machine set at On a 9-hole course that has 500 members, and the greens are small from 2800 sq. ft. to 6000 sq. ft., I can't see the height lowered more than 3/16ths". The greens are a variety of bent, with 30-50% POA. The last two years I have been over-seeding with Penncross and Emerald late Spring and Fall with good germination and with a top dressing of sand only. Pin positions are very important, they are changed daily (some twice) to prevent compaction as much as possible. I use all of the green sometimes 8-9 ft. from the fringe with few complaints. Greens are spiked as early as possible with a Ryan Walk Behind. During the season after a good rain, greens are spiked early evenings, it helps to break up the top crust. Aerating twice a year, late Spring, and late Fall, cores are removed, and a good top dressing, 3-1-1 sand, black earth, peat moss, also Turface or Terra Green is added, after matting 5 or 6 times greens are cleaned and cut and back in play. Aerating is probably the most important thing done to the greens, because of the number of playing members, the size of the greens, and because each green is played twice. Verticutting just on surface, or set at 1/16ths" every 2 or 3 weeks. Greens are cut right after. Just a small suggestion for a Superintendent with a small budget, I made one out of an old greens mower, stripping it right down and buying a Verticut Kit, seals, $160.00. 95% of the watering is done at night, water is drawn from the 16 mile creek, with two electric pumps, 10 H.P. primer and a 50 H.P. main pump. It pumps at 150 lbs. pressure. It takes two men 4-5 hours to complete the course. Someone might ask why so long for a 9-hole golf course, the cycle is done 3 times on greens and tees. I don't believe in over watering at one time, also two men for safety. Quick coupling sprinklers 2 to 4 per green. Some syringing in daytime as needed, to cool down greens. Fertilizer and chemicals are usually applied at night - PH is normal between 6-5 and 7-1. At the present I am using a controlled release fertilizer 6 lbs. of N/1000 sq. ft. is applied over the season. 2 lbs. of Phosphorus/1000 sq. ft. is applied over the season. 2 lbs. of Potassium/1000 sq. ft. is applied over the season. Early Spring, April 15th, a fertilizer starter is applied, high in Phosphorus (20-26-6) to get roots growing. Two applications of a Greens fertilizer is applied in May (22-0-16). From June through September, a combination product of P.M.A. 3/oz. 1000 and Thiram 2/oz. 1000 is applied, which gives 1 lb. of N/1000 sq, ft. month and contains a contact fungicide. The greens had developed a strain of Dollar Spot resistant to systemic fungicide (Benomyl) in 1977, which is why a contact is used at the present. I go preventive, because of the small staff I have, and I would rather apply a fertilizer-fungicide, and not worry about disease - (besides I would rather be playing golf, than be out spraying). Granular is used instead of liquid, I find it is safer to apply, without worrying about a mistake by the staff, which happens quite often. Also a longer residual with granular. In late Fall fungicide 2 is applied, which is a systemic (Chloroneb), at 6 oz./1000 sq. ft. to combat Gray Snow Mold. Have not experienced Pink Snow Mold. Herbicides, an application of Compitox, or Mecroprop is applied to the whole green once a year, when weeds are growing at a rate of 1 -1/4 oz./1000 sq. ft. This is applied in the early morning when the dew is at it's best so the spray will stick to the leaf. Insecticides, have little problem, but Chloradane is used when needed. Vandalism is a big problem - a car manoeuvred a few wheelies on my second green. I have a sick person living somewhere around the course. He has vandalized every green this year using anything he could lay his hands on. At least 75% of trap rakes, benches, water coolers, flag poles were damaged or stolen. I spent a few long nights waiting, but to no avail, just missed him by minutes one night. A putting green was re-built in June 78, from 1000 sq. ft. to 3500 sq. ft. A mixture of 60% Penn- cross and 40% Emerald seed was used, with great success. The green is surounded with 5 large flower beds, beds, all made from shell stone from the 16 mile creek. It was opened in 8 weeks. A picturesque view from the club house dining room. Tees - 1 1/2 acres double tees, you play the hole different on your second nine. In the process of re­ building about 60% of the tees, because of poor soil condition, and stones near surface, limits aerifying and verticutting. They are cut at a height of 3/8ths" with Turf King #74. Tee Markers moved daily. Turf variety of Bluegrass and POA. Top Dress twice a year - Spring and Fall. Verticutting and overseeding with Rogers, on tees that are able. Water same as greens. Fertilizer 5% - 6 lbs. of N/1000 over the season, very little disease problem although one application of FF2 (Quintozene) was applied late December, for Snow Mold. Early Spring Starter 20-26-6 is applied. May, June, August a product 31-5-3 was applied. September - 30-3-10. Herbicides, Compitox Plus, and Killex used when required. Cost of Fertilizer, Fungicide, Herbicide, Insecticide / about $1,600.00. FAIRWAY AND ROUGH MANAGEMENT By Barry Endicott, Golf Course Superintendent This is my first season as Course Superintendent at Chinguacousy Golf and Country Club and it has been a very enjoyable one. I found that one of the hardest tasks to overcome this year was the pronun­ ciation and spelling of the word Chinguacousy. Once I overcame this, everything else seemed to fall into place and I had a successful year. Chinguacousy, by the way, is Indian meaning "Land of the small pines" pines." Before going into my management practices I think that I should explain our clubs background and situation. These factors, in most cases, dictate the management practices of the Superintendent. Chinguacousy is a 27-hole course, situated in the Caledon Hills with the Credit River running through it. It is one of the few "true" country clubs in Canada because, along with the golf course it also has an excellent equestrian centre. The price we pay for this country-side setting, away from the concrete jungles, is a lack of a large number of members, which is what we need if we want a top quality club. I am operating on a moderate budget of $110,000 and so my first concern is to provide a well maintained and playable golf course and other projects will follow if the funds are available. Fairway Maintenance: One of the first questions asked always seems to be, "What is your height of cut?" My answer to this is, "I don't know. I guess that it is somewhere between 1" and 4". I can't cut my fairways too short because I am not dealing with Bent, POA Annua or other dwarf grasses but I do play golf and I know when my fairways are cut too long for good playing conditions. What I am saying is that I use my visual judgement instead of throwing around inches and centimetres. For ex­ ample, if you tell your membership that you cut your fairways at 1 1/4" then they will want you to cut it down to an inch because most golfers desire short fairways. If you handle the question like this, "I don't know exactly what my height of cut is, but if I cut it any lower I will be damaging my grass, especially during periods of stress." I think your better off. I cut my fairways twice a week and they always seem to be at a consistent height. I fertilize twice a year, in late Spring and late Summer and I apply about 4 lbs. of nitrogen a year. I water when it is required. During the drought period this summer twice a week at 1 to 1 1/ 2 hour settings kept my fairways in good condition. I spray for weeds and diseases also when it is required. I am not on a preventative programme. Rough Maintenance: Roughs seem to be the hardest areas to maintain. The rough is often the largest and most rugged area on the course and it always seems to get the short end of the stick when it comes to equipment purchases. During periods of active growth I find it difficult to keep ahead of the situation with the equipment I have. For this reason I don't fertilize or water the rough. This was an excellent year for maintaining rough because it just didn't grow for most of the season. Can you think of a better way to show off your beautiful fairways than to have them surrounded by burnt dormant grass. Herbicide applications in the rough are very important. There is little point killing weeds in the fairways, tees and greens if you leave weeds in the rough. Weeds in the rough are a nuisance, making it hard to find balls, and they are very unsightly. I cut my roughs once a week and I cut it at such a height that it penalizes the golfer for not stay­ ing on the fairway but it is also not too long that it makes finding balls difficult thus creating a slow play situation. Conclusion: Since I am working on a moderate budget my practices are not as preventative as I would like but I also find that I don't run into as many problems as some other courses seem to. My grass seems to be more tolerant and stronger in times of stress due to the fact that it must fight harder for survival due to lower management levels. GEOFF PERKINS — Chairman of Greens and Propertty The Summit Golf and Country Club, Limited Gentlemen: It is a compliment that you have paid me - that of asking me to speak to you on the role of the Greenschairman. Perhaps your choice was not the best! Why? Well, it appears that most Greenschairmen suffer damnably from an advanced case of beri beri, brought on no doubt, by the frustrations of this onerous portfolio, plus the constant yo-yoing between Course Superintendent, Board of Directors and the Greens Committee. My job has been relatively easy because of excellent work by the two Superintendents during my six years as Greenschairman, and the assistance they received from Bob Lamb, former Pro and, more recent­ ly, Assistant Course Superintendent. Bob has been at Summit for over thirty years, so his knowledge has been of great value. During my six years as Greesnchairman at Summit, my major, and probably the only, frustration, has been my inability because of impracticability, to lecture the majority of our members on their crass ineptitude relative to the proliferation of unrepaired ball marks, unreplaced "beaver-pelts", par 3 tees un­ mercifully chopped up from practice swings, and golf cars, stranded like relics form Rommel’s Panzer brigade because of poor driving habits! However, let's move on to the role of the: Greenschairman. I venture to say that one of the most overlooked items of this portfolio is the interviewing and hiring of a new Superintendent. This probably the most difficult single task he may ever perform. First, the Greenschairman doesn't know a damn thing about what to look for in a Superintendent. Though we know that every club member is an expert in growing grass, fertilizing, etc., and it is from these ranks the Chairman is ap­ pointed, it stands to reason he is an expert! But . . . when faced with hiring a Superintendent, he is stymied, whether or not he knows it, or will admit it. I suggest he form a committee of no more than three members - not necessarily past Greenschair­ men, because that poor inefficient could be responsible for (a) the former Superintendent leaving or (b) the lousy condition of the course - but of members who love, play, talk, breathe golf, and who, pre­ ferably, are businessmen who have previously recruited staff. I recall that I went so far as to drive a candidate to meet Dr. Jack Eggens (Guelph), who corrob­ orated my thinking that the individual would be excellent at growing flowers, but was unsuited for the job of Course Superintendent. During the interview it is best to get the prospective Superintendent to talk freely. If they are like Summit's Doug Hoskins you won't get a word in edgewise! However, assuming the selection committee knows precious little about golf course management, it is literally up to the applicant to sell himself through his ideas, character, flexibility and his desire to work within the framework of a non profit organization. In other words, though individuality is a sought after trait, it must be tempered with the knowledge and acceptance that the members own the golf club, and complying with their wishes and hopes is really the criteria for success. So, now we have a qualified Superintendent, a Greenschairman and a Greens Committee plus several Wise Men, the latter form the Board of Directors, and all should work in harmony. It is imperative that the Greenschairman establish some ground rules at the start. First, the Super­ intendent reports to him and only to him. It would be wise, and considerate, to have this in the Super­ intendent's contract, if there is such a document. Nothing could be worse for a Superintendent than to have to report to several individuals. The communication channels would need a minesweeper to clear them! Next, and almost as important, introduce the Superintendent to the members of the Board. The Greenschairman should lead the session, encouraging the Superintendent to voice opinions, ideas, etc. I did this on both occasions, and secured for the Superintendent the backing and support of the Board - inasmuch as they are Wise Men, which we mustn't forget! Budget Time: I am not in favour, as are some Greenschairmen, of sitting down with the Superin­ tendent to prepare a budget. He is far more capable of doing this without me to pester him with, in all likelihood, assinine questions, and to offer ludicrous suggestions. However, when the Superintendent has finalized the budget, the Greenschairman should scrutinize it in the light of the previous year's expenditures. He should then ask searching questions relative to any costs that may appear out of the ordinary. Furthermore, I am not of the belief that all items in the budget must be discussed with a Greens Committee. I am of the old school, and I care that salaries of employees be kept as confidential as possible. This would be impossible if a budget was circulated to a committee. Also it is an adequate reason for not having too large a committee. It is imperative that the Greenschairman and Course Superintendent have absolute trust and faith in each other. Also, that the Greenschairman carry the torch to all Board meetings on behalf of the Super­ intendent. In other words, present a united front. You can see that I subscribe to the theory that the Superintendent knows his job, so don't bugger things up by instituting your personal program of inefficiency. Perhaps it should be emphasized that the Greenschairman is generally a businessman, or a doctor, lawyer, accountant. He knows absolutely nothing about growing grass, fertilizing, mowing equipment, etc. - but is probably the first person who, because of the 'power' now vested in him, will attempt to effect changes in the course. From stories I hear, some of these individuals honestly think that their time has come, so show the poor masses of hackers how a course should really be handled and put into shape! God forbid! The statement - "I don't know a damned thing about golf course maintenanve or grow­ ing grass. Furthermore, I'm too busy making a living at my own job, so run things the way you think they should be run. If you screw up, let's talk and find out why. If you have problems, come to me and I'll give you all the help I can. I won't bother you if you don't bother me." - should be made. The Superintendent was hired to do a job - give him a free rein to do the job without over-the- shoulder supervision. I guarantee you'll have a well conditioned course and a happy staff. This does not mean that the Greenschairman should not have dialogue with the Superintendent. But as such, a weekly in-depth discussion should be sufficient. Also, it is a good idea for both to golf to­ gether. This allows the Superintendent to supplement his income in addition to letting the members see him make a fool of himself too! Generally, the Board meets every month. Committee Chairmen present their reports to the board, highlighting each portfolio, monthly budget, etc. A useful tool in this regard is a monthly report from the Superintendent to the Greenschairman. It is important at this time to illustrate to the Board, the expenditures within the budget. Should the budget be a lean one, and necessity dictates the Superintendent overspend, the the Greenschairman should, in fairness to the Superintendent, write him a memo concurring with the expend­ iture. This shields the Superintendent from any criticism, real or imagined. After all, the Superintendent was probably instructed to reduce his budget, to bring it into line with the revenues expected for the/ forthcoming year; therefore, if it is impossible for him to stay within the budget, then a document to that effect should be on record. It is important that the Superintendent attend some Board meetings, especially suring the playing season. Board members, ours anyway, relish asking questions and receiving first hand, information from the Superintendent. Him they believe; me, they don't! This solidifies the Superintendent with the Board, gives him exposure and stature. After all, the most important employee at the club should be in the limelight, occasionally, anyway. Frankly, I like the idea of the Superintendent golfing with members. Nothing is more pleasant to a Greenschairman's ear than to have a snarly remark that he enjoyed playing with the Superintendent - even if the Superintendent hasd to listen to a few beefs and bitches! Why should I, the Greenschairman, take it all? Another area that I suspect is overlooked by a Greenschairman and Board members alike, is that of com­ munication between them and the greens staff. Personally, I make it a point to try and meet as many of the staff as time permits. It takes but a few minutes during a round of golf, and I like to think that it helps morale. Frankly, I feel a glow of pleasure when I see a familiar face the following year: I think to myself "we're doing something right" otherwise the groundsperson would not be back. The club Professional. This individual comes into contact with the members more often than anyone else, except the bar steward. I believe that a good rapport between the Superintendent and the Pro is valu­ able. If these two communicate smoothly, exchange ideas about the playing conditions and generally have a genuine admiration society, the effect will be noticed by the members. Everyone benefits. You must believe, as I do, that the Pro can offer some constructive criticism about playing conditions. I don't believe that any of you are so inflexible as to reject suggestions from an experienced professional. Astute Greenschairmen will try to foster and cement this type of relationship. From the year I took office, I have written a series of letters to the general membership. In my letters, which are often co-authored by the Superintendent, we tell the members what, if any, changes are being made, and why. Also, a brief overview of the way the Superintendent brings the course into shape. The letters are informative, interesting but not too technical or verbose. They can be used as a good platform to point out the often thoughtless and assinine habits of golfers who are a detriment to the course. A word about playing conditions during or after severe rainfall. If our Superintendent says "course closed", then it is, regardless of the flack I'll receive. If it is "no carts", then cart riders will discover the joy of walking. I have no patience with members who think they can play regardless of the conditions. If they disobey the rules, I bring them before the Board. There are a number of clubs, the Superintendents of which do not wish the course opened, or to allow play, but the Greenschairman does not have the courage of his convictions and over-rules the Superintendent. I ask myself - why was the Superintendent hired? If the Greenschairman is so knowledgeable, then a Super­ intendent is unnecessary. Finally, what does the Greenschairman expect of the Superintendent? Quite apart from the obvious items that appear in the budget, I expect an intelligent analysis or report on: 1. Personnel (full time and seasonal). 2. Seed and chemicals - new strains, new products, expected results. 3. Equipment - short and long range. 4. Associations - worthwhile or not? Too costly? Benefits derived, do they outweigh costs? 5. Statistics - a log recording manhours worked: time spent on equipment repairs. 6. Soil - is it improving, if not, why? How do we rectify? 7. Planning - short term and long range. (Short term is for current or forthcoming year.) Make a plan, implement it. No failures, no excuses (unless there are no funds - then the plan should not have been made). 8. Response - if and when asked to do something by Greenschairman, do it promptly unless there is a valid reason for delay. Do not procrastinate. 9. Attendance - before leaving the club for an extended period, notify Greenschairman. I am convinced that if the above expectations are lived up to, the Superintendent and the Greenschair­ man will have a sound rapport and the club will benefit. In closing I will state that my impression of the calibre of Superintendents that I've met over the years is high, for both their skills and character, and it is my privilege to be able to call many of you by your first name, and to have many of you call me by my first name. Thank you. Geoff Perkins, Chairman of Greens and Property, The Summit Golf and Country Club, Limited. FANS WILL BE SEEING LESS OF NICKLAUS - New York Times News Service With each new year the Golden Bear is becoming more of a Reluctant Bear. Jack Nicklaus, winner of 67 golf tournaments including last year's British Open and 16 other major titles, is serving notice to the golf establish­ ment and to golf fans everywhere that they will be seeing less of him in the future. He will be much more visible in advertisements and other business activities than he will be on golf courses. In fact, it was only after some behind-the-scenes persuasion (or pressure) that he agreed at all to play last year's World Series of Golf, an elite tournament for 26 of the world's best players at the Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. He had said all along he preferred to see two of his sons in a high school foot­ ball game this Friday night in Belle Glades, Fla. This past season Nicklaus has won three U.S. tournaments besides the British Open, with a total of $273,522 in winnings. For Jack Nicklaus that kind of money is petty cash. There are many reasons for his reducing his schedule to 15 or fewer tournaments this season, counting foreign appearances. The principal ones are his family and his multi-faceted business enterprises. Nicklaus, now 38 years old and with five children, has long passed the point where he has to prove him­ self in week-to-week competition. When he joined the pro golf tour in 1962, he recalls, he was "a young kid, eager to play every week, and that's all I wanted to do." Since then his priorities have changed. He often notes that once the children go off to college, that's the end of the close, day-to-day relationship with their parents. Then they become adults, marry and pursue their own individual lives. This circumstance is near in the cases of his two eldest sons, Jack Nicklaus 2nd, 17 years old, and Steven, 15. The other children are Nancy Jean, 13; Gary, 9 and Michael, 5. A dedicated family man, Nicklaus spends as much time as he can with his wife, Barbara, and his children. For years he has made it a policy never to be away from home more than two weeks in scuccession. As often as practicable he takes some of the kids with him to tournaments. Next, there is his work outside of playing professional golf. His businesses, which bring him an annual income of close to $5 million, include golf course construction, real estate, instruction literature, automo­ bile dealerships, an endless array of commercial endorsements - all these and more. He also is interested in running his own tournament, the Memorial, at Muirfield Village on the outskirts of Columbus, Ohio. For these reasons he can no longer get himself charged up for a routine golf tournament. It no longer matters to him whether his current total is 67 victories, 68 or whatever. All that matters to him are the four major championships - the Masters, the United States and British Opens and the Professional Golfers' Assoc­ iation. He contends that no one remembers his winning any of the others. Basically, Nicklaus plays golf now to maintain the value of his name in business. And when he plays a non-major tournament, its only purpose is to tune up for one of the majors. He does not even like to play in the autumn, he said in a recent interview, because that is a waste of his time. "I would like to keep being competitive for a long, long time," Nicklaus said. "I want to play as long as I can enjoy it and can successfully compfete. What I am trying to do is to work at it and get charged up only seven or eight times a year. I cannot enjoy competing week after week, as I once did. I have too many other things on my mind. As far as the majors go, they still excite me. I am still somewhere in the prime of my career. I'm a better player than I've ever been. I had the ability to set a record (17 major titles) that will be broken some day, but I'd like to add to that record and make it more difficult to break." "I do have obligations in certain directions. In my business affairs people keep trying to bend me, the same as they do on the golf circuit. But I've got to say 'no' some time or I don't have any life left for my family until they're gone."