"Green is Beautiful" Ontario Golf Superintendents Association 54 HERNSHAW CRESCENT - ETOBICOKE, ONTARIO M9C 3M4 - TELEPHONE 622-9929 ______ ________________ ________ "PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE" The 1979 season is coming to an end and so is my term as President of O.G.S.A. I want to thank all members of the Board of Directors for shouldering their respective duties with­ out falter and providing the members of "our" association with a well organized and successful year of business and social events. I want to thank the members too for their support throughout the season. It is my belief that a Golf Course Superintendents Association should continually strive to im­ prove its member services, but without member input the Directors are powerless to suggest new programs. Member sup­ port is needed. Surveys requesting information have always received "cautious" replies. We must have your input and ideas. Surely some excellent ideas are just waiting to be ex­ pressed. I appeal to you to bring forth your ideas at our Annual Meeting and to come prepared with facts and reasons to inspire new directions for the future. Thank you for 1979. Stuart G. Mills, C.G.C.S. O.G.S.A. NEWS Ann TUESDAY, ual DECEMB ER 4th, 1979 Meetin g at AURORA HIGHLANDS GOLF CLUB 192 Yonge Street Aurora, Ontario HOST: A. V. "Whitey" JONES TIME: 2:00 P.M. SHARP NOMINATIONS FOR ELECTION OF OFFICE 1980 The following nominations for the Board of Directors of the Ontario Golf Superintendents Association are respectively submitted by the nominating committee, to be voted on at the Annual Meeting, Dec. 4, 1979 at Aurora Highlands Golf Club. PRESIDENT - Paul White VICE-PRESIDENT - Ken Nelson DIRECTORS - Dan Ardley Robert Brewster Blake McMaster David Moote Alan Shantz John Smith Rusty Warkman Respectively submitted - Paul Scenna, Nominating Chairman. ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL "CHRISTMAS DANCE" Disc Jockey FREE COCKTAIL HOUR at OAKDALE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB on Spot FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1979 Door Prizes Host: Dances PAUL DERMOTT Cost: $30.00 per Couple. CONVENTIONS Canadian Golf Superintendents Association, March 9 to 12, 1980, Skyline Hotel, Toronto, Ontario. G.C.S.A.A. Conference and Show, February 19 to 21, 1980, St. Louis, Missouri. 10th ANNUAL MANAGEMENT SYMPOSIUM DATE: January 11th, 1980 LOCATION: University of Guelph, Room 103 & 107, University Centre REGISTRATION: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. COST: $15.00 DRESS: JACKET & TIE MORNING CHAIRMAN: Norman E. McCollum, University of Guelph 9:10 — 9:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker - Dr. Clayton Switzer, Dean Ontario Agricultural College University of Guelph 9:30 — 9:45 a.m. Bob Brewster ■ Weston Golf Club 9:45 — 10:00 a.m. Thom Charters - Islington Golf Club TOPIC: Irrigation - How do we apply our water and why? 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. COFFEE BREAK 10:30 — 11:00 a.m. Prof. Ted McNinch of University of Guelph TOPIC: The asthetics of plant use on Golf Courses and around Club Houses. 11:00 — 11:15 a.m. Steve Miller - Burlington Golf Club 11:15— 11:30 a.m. Stuart Mills - Hamilton Golf Club TOPIC: Disease Program: Preventative vs. Curative 11:30 — 12:00 noon General Discussion on morning topics. 12:00 — 1:30 p.m. LUNCH (not provided). AFTERNOON CHAIRMAN: Bill Glashan, Whirlpool Golf Club, Niagara Falls 1:30 — 2:00 p.m. Dr. R. W. Sheard, Land Resource Science, University of Guelph 2:00 — 2:15 p.m. Dennis Pellerene, Glen Abbey Golf Club 2:15 — 2:30 p.m. Allan Draper, Green Hills Golf Club, Lambeth TOPIC: Sands, greens construction and top dressing 2:30 — 3:00 p.m. Max Morrse - Ciba Geigy TOPIC: Metrication 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. COFFEE BREAK 3:30 — 4:00 p.m. Bob Heron, Markland Wood Country Club, Etobicoke TOPIC: Fairway Renovation 4:00 — 4:15 p.m. Blake McMaster, Brampton Golf Club 4:15 — 4:30 p.m. Paul Dermott, Oakdale Golf Club TOPIC: What does the future hold for Ontario Golf Superintendents 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. COCKTAIL HOUR - Room 441 6:00 - BANQUET - Room 442 University Centre MID-SUMMER REPORT - By Bill Fach Due to the below normal temperatures in the summer months, course conditioning was much easier for most of us, com­ paring with last year's season where below normal rains and high temperatures made the job much harder. With frequent periods of rain during the months of July and August and cooler temperatures (which provided optimum growing conditions) the grass plants in our area did not really go through summer dormancy. Because of this, many more extra hours had to be spent on trimming and mowing fairways and rough to provide a well groomed course that the golfer is used to at this time of the year. Also more work was necessary on greens because of optimum growing conditions. Brushing, verticutting and top dressing was performed on a regular basis to provide firm thatch free and a true putting surface. Since the temperatures were cooler, disease control was a little easier for the majority of the courses in the Southern Region. With the exception of a few of us many superintendents I talked to only had a few weeks in August where disease showed up , making curvative applications of fungicides a must to over come their Dollar Spot problem. In closing I would like to say that I think that although some courses in our area had a few problems in the Spring with crown dehydration, irrigation breaks and a slow Spring, the overall conditions of our courses are far superior from last year at this time. If these conditions continue throughout the Fall maybe we will have a better chance to make it through the winter months with little damage, thus providing good Spring conditions in 1980. MY FIRST SEASON AT WESTMOUNT - By Hugh Kirkpatrick I began my duties as Course Superintendent at Westmount Golf & Country Club, Limited, October 1, 1978 and immediately became involved in leaf removal operation on an immense scale. To handle this chore I convinced the Board of Directors of the need for some leaf removal equipment as this job was done mostly by hand. We also aerified and topdressed the greens and tees right after I got here. We started a sand topdressing program, which included six applications the next season - we did the tees 3 times. This has made the greens much faster and smoother plus I think they drain a little better and the roots appear to be better. We also aerified the fairways and roughs as they had not been done for quite a while. We managed to get the irrigation system drained properly, applied fungicides and removed almost all of the leaves before winter got here. I brought my assistant with me from Dalewood and he has been very helpful with the added problems at Westmount. In early winter my assistant and I set up record keeping systems, employee records, parts inventory, job descriptions for employees, including job benefits and rules - one of our biggest problems that we had to eliminate was misuse of coffee breaks. Through the winter I attended several Men's Playing Committee meetings and got to meet several members this way. We have a very good Greens Committee consisting of four or five people. This was my first experience with Poa and it didn't disappoint me! In the Spring there was a lot of it that was dead, the greens that were bad were very slow coming back, but they eventually did. I decided when I started here that I would go on a Preventive Fungicide Program for greens, tees and fairways and this worked out very well, as we lost very little turf this season and I feel the course kept improving throughout the year. The membership at Westmount is very friendly and they seemed very happy with the improved condition of their course. In summing up the biggest difference between Dalewood and Westmount other than the trees, is growing Poa rather than Bentgrass, but I feel if you have enough money and manage it properly it can be very good turf to play golf on. MY FIRST SEASON AT DALEWOOD - By Dan Ardley "You have the job". Shock waves shoot through your body. Your first reaction is panic, then calm sets in and you begin to collect your thoughts. A new challenge has been presented to you and your family. Their support is crucial and yet you can't forget that they have been thrown into a new environment and might not share your high enthusiasm. Their happiness and ad­ justment time is as important as the new job. Spring arrives and its decision time. The golf course is a new unknown, and your uneasiness makes it easy to overreact. It is a struggle as you blindly put all the pieces together. The season develops and your confidence begins to surge. The members faces and names become familiar and slowly you begin to feel secure. The golf course has peaked for the Invitational and all your efforts have been well spent. My first season at Dalewood was a definite challenge. It involved a climatic change and a turf change. Dalewood has pen­ cross greens and tees and their requirements are certainly different from the Poa I was used to growing. Perhaps the toughest part of the job was that my predecessor had left me a golf course in excellent condition. The members were very aware of a good golf course and it was up to me to continue and improve upon this. Changing positions helps mold new ideas and makes the Superintendent use all his resources. My first year was an ex­ cellent experience and I hope I continue to grow and develop to meet the new challenges that lies ahead. FROM THE EDITOR It is hard too believe the 1979 golf season has come to an end; we had the opportunity of playing some fine golf courses this year. Some courses I would like to mention for their fine condition for Tournaments: 1) Canadian Open - Glen Abbey Golf Club 4) Canadian Amateur - Brantford Golf Club 2) Ontario Open - Cataraqui Golf Club 5) C.P.G.A. Classic - National Golf Club 3) Ontario Amateur - Summit Golf Club Congratulations to these Superintendents for their hard work and showing people in Ontario and World-wide that some of the finest conditioned golf courses are in the Province of Ontario. Next year we will be having our President, Greenschairman, Superintendent Day at Summit, Pro-Superintendent at Mark- land Woods and Taylor Barnes at Board of Trade. Congratulations to our Superintendents on the move. Jim Wyllie has moved to Bayview Golf Club and his position at Lambton Golf Club has been filled by Paul White. There should be a few more moves before the year ends as their is now open­ ings at Kawartha, Glendale and Castlemore. For anyone looking for a fine evening out, I would like to recommend the Christmas Dance at Oakdale Golf Club/The dance was a great success last year and the food was excellent. I would like to thank everyone for contributions to this magazine in 1979. We have tried to make some improvements and provide our members with some educational reading material. I would like to wish all our O.G.S.A. members a Merry Christ­ mas and Happy New Year. ONTARIO TEAM WIN C.G.S.A, TEAM TROPHY The O.G.S.A team of Bill Bowen, Blake McMaster, Shorty Jenkins and Bob Brewster won the C.G.S.A. Team Trophy at the Annual Field Day at Hillsdale Golf Club on September 20/79. The team scores were: Bill Bowen 81 Bob Brewster 83 Blake McMaster 83 Shorty Jenkins 93 The trophy was decided on a Stapleford System - taking your lowest 3 scores plus handicaps. Ontario whipped the C.G.S.A. team 109 to 107 points. The Western Ontario Team was 3rd with 105 points. Jack Fairhurst won low gross with 76 and Bob Heron picked up second low gross with 80. The Hillside course was in excellent shape and Randy Scott treated everyone with the greatest hospitality. PAUL DERMOTT WINS TAYLOR BARNES TROPHY On September 25, Paul Dermott carded a round of 85 to win the Taylor Barnes Trophy. It was an excellent round due to one of the finest layouts and conditioned courses in Ontario. The greens were true and fastest we have played all year. Other good scores were carded by Hugh Kirkpatrick and Bill Hynd with 83 gross. Over 80 Superintendents, Salesmen and Guests toured the course, forcing some rounds to finish at 7:00 p.m. Congratulations goes out to Vincent Piccolo for the fine golf course and to Bill Glashan, Bob Kennedy, Al Shantz and Sam Law for organizing a fine 50th Anniversary Tournament. Other scores: Taylor Barnes Trophy - Paul Dermott - Oakdale G.C.C. Low Net - Suppliers - Bob Moote W.O.G.A. Trophy - Low net of all members - Gary Hyslop, Low Gross - Guests - Mike Mitruk Mount Hope G.C.C. Low Net - Guests - Skip Williams Low Gross - Supers - Bill Hynd - St. Georges Most Honest Golfer - Rick Piccolo Hugh Kirkpatrick - Westmount Longest Drive - Bob Brewster Low Gross - Suppliers - Rod Hermitage Closest to Pin - Dave Kleer GLEN EAGLES HOSTS McCLUMPHA On October 1, Glen Eagles hosted the Annual McLumpha Tournament and Fun Day, under sunny skies and 22°C temper­ atures. The golf scores were very good as the tournament was won by Hugh Kirkpatrick, Westmount Golf & Country Club with a 73. Many thanks to Bill Calhoun for his fine conditioned golf course and the McLumpha Tournament Committee for a fine dav. Some scores: Gross Low Net Hugh Kirkpatrick 73 Tom Lewis 71 Bill Bowen 74 Paul Dermott 71 George Garner 75 Ken Green 72 Brent McCaffery 76 Peter Barnett 72 Bill Fach 78 Dave Gourlay 73 Bob Heron 80 Bob Kennedy 81 Barry Endicott 81 Bill Glashan 82 Bob Cherry 83 Ken Wright 83 Whitey Jones 83 Bob Brewster 83 Paul Dodson 84 POT-O-GOLD AT WESTON GOLF CLUB After two weeks of wet and cold, the weatherman co-operated to produce a fine day of 18°C for the Pot-O-Gold Best Ball. Eighteen teams toured Weston Golf and Country Club with a 62 Best Ball by Carmen Decorso and Dave Dick win­ ning the money. The scores were as follows: Win: Carmen Decorso, Dave Dick 62 Place: Blake McMaster, Bill Hynd 66 Show: Bob Brewster, Paul Scenna 68 Others — Ron Wilcyznski, Dave Moote 68 Bob Labbett, Gord Witteveen 68 George Garner, Ron Craig 68 Dave Gourlay, Bernie McDonald 71 John Harris, John Hutchinson 71 Whitey Jones, Scotty Orr 71 Dan Ardley, Ted Hartwell 72 Neil Acton, Ken Nelson 72 Thom Charters, Paul McDonald 72 "CONTROLLING THE BLACK TURFGRASS ATAENIUS" By Dr. Harry Niemczyk & Gerald Wegner This research program was partially funded by the O.G.S.A. Since 1973, golf course superintendents have assigned various names to the Ataenius spretulus, many of which we cannot print. However, this insect now has an official name, the black turfgrass ataenius, which was approved in August 1978 by the Ento­ mological Society of America. First reported as a new grub problem for golf course turf in the March 1976 issue of The Golf Superintendent, the insect has since caused serious damage to one or more golf courses in 22 states and Ontario, Canada. The development of resistance to chlordane and the lack of natural controls are probably among the major reasons for its resurgence as a pest. Life History - Three years of careful study have shown that the black turfgrass ataenius overwinters as an adult one to two inches in the soil under leaves and other debris on the edges of fairways and in wooded roughs. Adults begin leaving these overwintering sites during the time when crocus (Crocus neapolitanus) and red bud (Cercis canadensis) bloom. Migration from these sites continues through April when adults are often seen on greens or flying about the course in swarms on warm after­ noons. When adults alight on the turf, they quickly burrow into the thatch. After a period of flight activity during April and early May, the adults begin laying eggs about the time black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanium) and Vanhoutte spirea (Spiraea Vanhouttei) are beginning to bloom. Eggs are deposited in clusters of 11 or 12 in the soil or in thatch just above the soil. From mid-July, larvae can be found in the thatch and soil, feeding on the root systems of annual bluegrass (Poa annua), bentgrass (Agrostis sp.) or Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis). Symptoms of injury include wilting despite regular irrigation. Larvae burrow 2 to 3 inches in the soil, pupate and form adults that emerge in July and August. The red and black adults are often numerous around lights and under turf killed by the larvae. Studies in Ohio show that these adults begin laying eggs about the time rose of Sharon (Hybiscus sp.) blooms, thus pro­ ducing a second generation of larvae. Apparently, the second generation does not occur in northern states such as Minnesota. However, in Ohio, this generation has been known to cause significant injury to fairways. Completion of larval development and pupation of the second geheration occurs in late September and October. These adults emerge and leave the fairways for overwintering sites during October and November. Control of Larvae - Infestations of the black turfgrass ataenius larvae are usually discovered when the root zone of wilted | or dying turf is examined. When larvae are found, other fairways should be checked to determine the extent of infestation. Generally, populations of less than 30 to 40 grubs a square foot cause little damage unless the turf is under additional stress from disease, moisture or other factors. Only careful observation can determine whether damage is serious enough to warrant an insecticide treatment. Often infestations are localized on a few fairways, and spot treatment with an insecticide is sufficient. Occasionally, en­ tire fairways may require treatment. If liquids are applied, the treated area should be irrigated with one-half inch of water im­ mediately after application. Sprays should not be allowed to dry before irrigation is applied. Applications can be made in the early morning before the dew dries, late in the evening, or during a rain shower. Granular insecticides also have been effective against the larvae. Applications should be made when the turf is dry so the granules won't stick to grass blades. One-half inch of water should be applied soon after application to move the insecticide to the feeding grubs as soon as possible. The Preventive Approach - A method of preventing infestation of the black turfgrass ataenius larvae was tested in Ohio and other states from 1976 to 1978 by applying an insecticide just as the beetles started laying eggs. The objective of the meth­ od was to deposit insecticide in the first one-fourth inch of thatch so that residues would kill the beetles when they landed on the turf and burrowed in the thatch to lay eggs. The test showed that controlling the adults before they lay first-generation eggs prevents larval infestation. With good control, the second-generation either does not develop, or the number of larvae is too small to cause damage. The timing of the insecticide application is critical to this method of control. If applied too early, insecticide residue may be gone before the overwintering adults return to the golf course. If applied too late, enough eggs may be laid to produce a dam­ aging population of larvae. The insecticide residue must continue killing adults throughout their peak period of egg-laying. To provide treatment times for this method which are applicable to all locations where the black turfgrass ataenius has caused injury, the beginning of adult egg-laying is keyed to the bloom of certain trees and shrubs common to those locations. The signal plants in the test included black locust, Vanhoutte spirea and horse chestnut. The time to apply the insecticide, then, is when one of these plants is in bloom. The relationship between bloom, the black turfgrass ataenius and the timing of the treatment is based on the fact that biological events such as these are a function of accumulated units. The number of units required for bloom is about the same as that required for the ataenius adults to begin laying eggs; therefore, both events occur about the same time, regardless of location. Insecticide applications for this method of control should be lightly watered (no more than five minutes for each irrigation head) in order to wash the insecticide off grass blades and into the first one-fourth inch of thatch. It is important to keep the insecticide residue in the upper half of the thatch layer where the black turfgrass ataenius adults seek shelter. Testing - In 1977, a single application of diazinon 4EC, or 14% granular at 6 lbs. Al/A (active ingredient/acre), success­ fully prevented development of damaging larvae populations. Control with these two formulations was 87% and 90% respec­ tively on two golf courses in Cincinnati, Ohio. Similar tests in 1976 at this location showed that whereas diazinon 4EC at 6 lbs. Al/A gave 93% control, Dursban chlorpyrifos at 4 lbs. Al/A gave poor control. In 1977, two applications about 10 days apart of Dursban at 2 lbs. Al/A provided an average of 72% control of two golf courses. In 1978, the preventive method was used extensively on many golf courses in the Cincinnati area. With support funds provided by GCSAA and Ciba-Geigy Corporation, the program also was tested on golf course fairways in Missouri, Coloraddo, Minnesota and Michigan that had experienced severe damage in 1977. In all cases, application of diazinon 4EC was timed to the bloom of the signal plants. Except for one or two golf courses in Cincinnati, damaging populations of the black turfgrass ataenius did not develop the rest of the year at any of the test locations. In fact, many superintendents found the effectiveness of the program difficult to believe. Except where the preventive program was used on the entire golf course, reinfestation is likely to occur the following year. Regardless of the control method used, it is advisable to keep a watchful eye out for the appearance of adults in April. If numerous, the potential for damaging populations of larvae is present. Proper application of either the preventive or larval con­ trol methods should control damage. — From Golf Course Management. TURFGRASS STANDARDS ARE THEY ADEQUATE? By Dale E. Kern Dale E. Kern is president of Seed Technology, an independent laboratory performing special tests for the turfgrass industry. Considering today's regulatory standards, the Turfgrass Seed Industry has good reason to be proud. Many industries today have difficulty meeting the minimum governmental standards. The turfgrass industry has disciplined itself not only to meet the minimum standards but in many cases exceed them. The demand within the industry for problem-free seen now has quality conscience companies requesting new tests and standards 50 to 250 times more rigid than required by law. At the present time the minimum legal standards for bluegrass requires a laboratory to examine one gram, or approxi­ mately one teaspoonful, of seed to determine the percentage by weight of pure seed, crop, inert, and weeds. This one-gram sample could represent a 50-pound bag or an 80,000-pound lot of seed. The law requires only an additional 10-gram examina­ tion for the noxious weeds. When bentgrass, tall fescue, timothy, orchardgrass are present in the 10-gram noxious check, they are ignored. Legally, these are considered to be crop, not noxious weeds. However, they are highly undesirable to the profession­ al. The one-gram purity and the 10-gram noxious weed examination are the standards presently used to sell Blue Tag Certified Seed, totally inadequate for quality turf. Over a decade ago, leaders of the industry recognized that minimum government standards were insufficient. A Michigan seedman, frustrated by the presence of undesirable contaminants in fields seeded with so-called quality seed, contacted Seed Technology for an answer. He insisted upon a thorough examination of at least 25 grams of the seed reporting everything found. This was the birth of the TURF ANALYSIS TEST. The turf analysis test checks 25 times more seed for all contaminants such as Poa annua, bentgrass, tall fescue, timothy and ryegrass, listing all of them on the report for the buyer to see. Needless to say, this test had immediate acceptance by the professionals, thereby becoming the new quality standards for the turfgrass industry. The certification agency of both Washington and Oregon soon recognized the inadequacy of the one-gram check, up­ graded their standards and introduced Certified Sod Quality Seed. Included in the new standards was a "0" tolerance on most of the undesirable weed and crop contaminants. However, due to the time involved in examining for Poa annua, they limited their Poa annua check to 10 grams. Currently out of 20,000 pounds, this is still the amount examined for Poa annua. No Poa annua found in the 10 grams and the entire 20,000-pound lot of seed would be offered to the trade as Certified Sod Quality, Poa annua free seed at a premium price. Much better than Blue Tag Certified Seed but still inadequate for quality turf. Since the beginning of the 25-gram Turf Analysis Test, some of the elite companies have increased the contaminants check from 25 to 50 or even 100 grams. Experience and research indicate a 100 gram check to be the minimum amount even on a small lot of 5,000 pounds. On larger lots data would indicate that 25 grams should be examined for each 10,000 pounds of seed in the lot. For example, an 80,000 pound lot requires an examination of 8x25 grams or 200 grams of seed for the presence of undesirable contaminants. When subjected to these standards in the Seed Technology laboratory, over 50% of the lots offered to the trade as "POA ANNUA AND BENTGRASS FREE" are contaminated with serious problems. Another important new development will be to make a seed count available for premium turfgrass seed. It is a relatively little known fact that there is a wide range of seed counts between varieties and a lesser range within a cultivar. For example, Merion and Common Kentucky bluegrass can run as high as 2,000,000 seeds per pound contrasted with approximately 1,000, 1,000,000 seeds per pound for such elite varieties as Baron, Fylking, and Vieta. Baron ranged from a high of 1,127,141 to a low of 948,987 equal to a 178, 154 seed difference or 18.8%. An actual seed count on each lot could eliminate over or under seeding. I would like to offer a word of caution. The lot number which appears on the test certificate must appear on each tag accompanying every bag of seed in the lot. Again, make certain when the seed arrives that every tag contains the same lot number. One single bag of another less desirable lot could be disastrous. Looking into the crystal ball, you will soon be able to buy turfgrass seed lots which have been rated as to their perform­ ance potential. This concept goes much further than just determining whether a seed is alive or dead. This is the information given to you by the present germination percentage. The PERFORMANCE level (vigor) of a lot of seed is analogous to a young athlete and an old man — both alive, but their performance levels are quite different. Their seed counterparts would both be included as live seed in the germination percentage, but their perfromance levels would be quite different. Seed Technology research has shown that seed with a high performance level will produce tillers and rhizomes at a rate of two to three times faster than the same variety seed with a low performance level. This could have great implication for sod growers because they could vastly increase their ability to produce and sell one sod crop per year by purchasing seed which has the high performance rating. Also, the performance of seed has an extremely important bearing on the seeding rate. When a lot has a high performance potential, you can seed at a lower rate and still get a good stand of vigorous seedlings, resulting in mature turf in less time. Professional turf people who pride themselves on buying quality turfgrass seed will soon benefit from Seed Technology's new test series which will be used by certain quality seed suppliers. The outgrowth resulting from Poa annua checks based on 100 to 200 grams, seed counts per pound, bag identification and performance level testing is not yet commercially available, but look for it — IT'S NOT FAR OFF. All these developments are intended to do one thing — make it possible for people who desire quality turfgrass seed to be sure they are getting only the best available for their premium dollar, with no unwanted surprises. — From Golf Business Management. DECISIONS BY COMMITTEE Committee decisions have been the butt of jokes since men have had committees, but they can be effective if the right groundwork has been laid. Committees allow members with differing backgrounds and opinions to weigh alternatives and decide on the best solution. But without careful management, decision making groups can turn into battlegrounds. Members should be guided to accept and offer opposing points of view, communicate clearly, feel free to disagree without malice, listen and use feedback to check comprehension of opposing thoughts, criticize ideas instead of people, accpet criticism of their ideas, be able to risk offering new thoughts and reason logically and constructively. Above all, make sure disagreements and bad feelings stay in the conference room. Don't take them back to the —From Fore-Front. The widest gang mower on record is the 5.6 ton, 60 foot wide big green machine (made up of 27 units), used on a sod farm in Munroe, Ohio. It mows an acre in 60 seconds. It's hard to get rich in a small town, everybody is watching. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE O.G.S.A. WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL MEMBERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR !