Green is Beautiful” rio Golf Superintendents Association 12, ETOBICOKE, ONTARIO M9C 4V3_______________________ TELEPHONE 233-8388 JUNE 1985 1985 O.G.S.A. President Hugh Kirkpatrick Westmount Golf and Country Club Kitchener ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 1985 PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT PAST PRESIDENT Hugh Kirkpatrick Barry Endicott Al Draper CGCS Westmount Golf & Country Club Caledon Golf Club Greenhills Country Club P.O. Box 221 3 Sutter Ave. R.R. No. 3 Kitchener, Ontario N2G 3Y6 Brampton, Ontario L6Z 1G1 Lambeth, Ontario NOL 1S0 Phone: Bus. (519) 744-1041 Phone: Bus. (416) 457-2949 Phone: Bus. (519) 652-3142 Res. (519) 893-2119 Res. (416) 846-1440 Res. (519) 472-3227 DIRECTORS Robert Kennedy Neil Acton CGCS Bill Fach Garden City Golf Club Brooklea Golf and Country Club Essex Golf & Country Club 37 Lincoln Ave. P.O. Box 1342 7555 Matchette Road St. Catharines, Ontario L2P 2C7 Penetang, Ontario LOK 1P0 Windsor, Ontario N9J 2S4 Phone: Bus. (416) 685-9976 Phone: Bus. (705) 526-9872 Phone: Bus. (519) 734-1251 Res. (416) 935-2019 Res. (705) 549-2323 Res. (519) 734-6710 Gordon Nimmo Scott Dodson Thom Charters Sarnia Golf and Curling Club Chedoke Golf Club Islington Golf Club 500 Errol Rd. W. 563 Aberdeen Ave. 45 Riverbank Dr. P.O. Box 131 Sarnia, Ontario N7V 1X7 Hamilton, Ontario L8P 2S8 Islington, Ontario M9A 4X1 Phone: Bus. (519) 336-0667 Phone: Bus. (416) 529-9931 Phone: Bus. (416) 231-0925 Res. (519) 332-1521 Res. (416) 957-7729 Res. (416) 231-0925 Shorty Jenkins Gord Witteveen Tom Simpson Bay of Quinte Golf Club Board of Trade Country Club Newcastle Golf Club P.O. Box 65 200 Clarence Street R.R. No. 2 Belleville, Ontario K8N 4Z9 Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 1B1 Newcastle, Ontario LOA 1H0 Phone: Bus. (613) 968-7404 Phone: Bus. (416) 851-1968 Phone: Bus. (416) 987-4851 Res. (613) 392-9510 Res. (416) 851-1968 Res. (416) 987-4395 NEWSLETTER EDITOR Neil Acton CGCS ASSISTANT EDITORS Ron Heesen Alex LaBelle EDITOR'S COMMENT I would like to thank Barry Endicott and the OGSA Board of Directors for appointing me as editor of “Green is Beautiful". Under Barry's careful control, this fine newsletter has attained great status within the golf com­ munity. I assure all members of the OGSA that I will strive to maintain this degree of excellence. Producing a quality newsletter requires the support of all concerned members. I hope you will all find the time to forward pertinent information for publication. Consid­ ering the size of Ontario, this newsletter serves as an excellent vehicle for dispersing information otherwise not available. Barry has given me much support and has offered to continue to do so. Other contributors who have helped produce this issue include Ron Heesen, Alex LaBelle, Mary Gurney, David W. Gourley, Robert Kennedy, Gor­ Past "Green is Beautiful" Editor, Barry Endicott don Witteveen, Thom Charters and Paul Weidmark. Many (left), receiving award from GCSAA Director of thanks to these people. Communications, Clay Loyd. This award recog­ nized our newsletter as being one of the top ten Neil Acton CGCS chapter newsletters. OGSA NEWS Al Draper CGCS has accepted an invitation from the OGSA Board of Directors to have his name submitted to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America's Nominating Committee. If approved by the Nominating Committee, Al will run for a Directors position at the annual meeting in San Francisco at the International Golf Course Conference and Show which runs from January 29 - February 5, 1986. Al's dedication and professionalism are legend and we feel he is a most worthy and deserving candidate. Al is the current Past-President of the OGSA and he also sits as a Director of the Ontario Turfgrass Foundation. The GCSAA recently approached Al to sit on the Certification Committee and he also acted as a voting delegate for the OGSA in Washington last year. Al will need the support of all OGSA members if he is to be successful in San Francisco. All voting members of the GCSAA are urged to send their proxy votes to the Ontario Golf Superin­ tendents Association office if they do not intend to vote individually. If you want a voice in Lawrence, Kansas, your co-operation is of the utmost importance. More information will follow. WEATHER IN REVIEW empty table cell February March April Average Daily Low Temperature -8.9°C -4.2°C 2.9°C Average Daily High Temperature -2.1°C 5.2°C 13.5°C Mean Temperature -5.5°C .5°C 8.2°C Normal Temperature -5.8°C -1.0°C 5.9°C Precipitation snow 42.6 cm 32 cm 11.4cm rain Precipitation 31 mm 33.2 mm 20.1 mm Environment Canada Toronto International Airport S.W.O.G.A. Southwestern Ontario Greenskeepers Association 1985 Calendar of Events May 30 Echo Valley Golf Course, London Sept. 19 SarniaGolf & Country Club, Sarnia HOST : Ted Roberts HOST: Gord Nimmo June 27 Glenview Golf Club, Petrolia Oct. 15 Essex Golf & Country Club, Windsor HOST: Bill Kivi HOST: Bill Fach Aug.22 LyndenshireGolf Club, London FORMAT: Same fo r al I events. Tee-off 12:00 -1:00 p. m. HOST: John Condon All players please register and pay at the pro-shop before playing. Dinner 7:00 p.m. FIELD DAY SEMINAR AGENDA Sponsored by: THE NIAGARA PARKS COMMISSION SCHOOL OF HORTICULTURE THE ONTARIO SHADE TREE COUNCIL and THE WESTERN ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION Saturday, August 17, 1985 Location: Niagara Parks Commission, School of Horticulture 8:30 Registration 11:45 Luncheon: The Niagara Parks Commission's 9:15 Welcome and Introduction Queenston Heights Restaurant - John Morley, Superintendent of Horticulture, The Niagara Parks Commission Convenor: T. Lavoilette Convenor: D. Whitehouse 1:00 GuidedwalkingtouroftheSchoolof Horticulture 9:30 How Can Computers Help You 2:15 Break - Denis McQuestion 10:00 Management: Golf Facilities - Doug Dalby WORKSHOP SESSION 10:30 Break Convenor: M. Dell Convenor: R. Barnsley 2:30- Panel Discussion: Trees & Turf-Theory vs Practice. 10:45 Update on Soil Compaction Research 3:30 Adiscussion by seminar speakers regardingcurrent - Dr. A.M. Petrovic issues and trends in our business. 11:15 Preventive Tree Maintenance - Why? 3:30- Discussion Groups: An opportunity to speak with - Ian Bruce 4:30 seminar speakers in asmall group setting. ADVANCE REGISTRATION ONLY (Before July 31) N.P.C./O.S.T.C./W.O.G.S.A. FIELD DAY SEMINAR Make Cheques Payable To: THE NIAGARA PARKS COMMISSION Mail Your Cheques and Completed Registration To: "Field Day", N.P.C. School of Horticulture, P.O. Box 150, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6T2 Refund Policy: 1) In the event that the seminar reaches full registration before July 31, or if there are late registrants, refundswill be made. 2) No refundswill be made for cancellations after July 31. For More Information Contact: Deborah Whitehouse, Seminar Coordinator, N.P.C. School of Horticulture, P.O. Box 150, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6T2 (416) 356-8554 Ext. 5 Fee - $15.00 WINNIPEG '85 Manitoba is appropriately named the friendly Thanks must go out to the distributors who province. Our hosts, the Golf Course Superinten­ hauled their rather bulky wares from some very dents Association of Manitoba, did a fine job in distant areas to make the conference complete. helping organize the Canadian Turfgrass Confer­ The talks were well attended and everyone ence and Show for 1985. Winnipeg was cold as should have come away with some gems of infor­ usual, but the hospitality was very warm. The mation to put to good use. Unfortunately some Franco-Manitoba night was visual proof of this as speakers could not attend but Bob Brewster and the well orchestrated evening had us rolling in the Neil Acton CGCS of the Ontario Golf Superinten­ aisles in our touques and sashes when the come­ dents Assoc. performed admirably as last minute dian took the floor. The well attended boat races, stand-ins. (twelve teams I believe), were an example of the Any opportunity to meet with our compatriots degree of participation in the revelry. from across the country is a welcome occurence. The one sour spot though was the defeat of the The fact that we are able to remain current with eastern hockey team. The quick succession of the changes in such a dynamic industry and thus goals at the end of the game by the east is ample provide better services to our employers through warning, however, of what the west can expect in conferences like this one can only reaffirm the Ottawa in 1986; revenge! continuing success of these events. Alex Labelle OGSA MEETING REPORT Thom Charters On Tuesday March 12, an OGSA Meeting and also to Bill Hynd and the super catering staff at St. Bonspiel was held at the St. Georges Country Club. Georges. Despite the poor attendance, it was a very Host Bill Hynd invited Joe Curtain, a golfing buddy who successful meeting. This was the first time that mem­ operates a successful investment consulting firm, to bers were asked to pre-register and this policy will be acquaint the twenty-five attendees with some of the in effect throughout 1985 for all OGSA organized investing do's and don'ts. Joe impressed one and all events. Those who do not pre-register will be welcome with his sound advice and led an interesting discussion at events and meetings that permit post-entries, but about today's stock market. Our guest speaker was not the cost will be greater. This format is being used to the only informed person in attendance however, as a take the guesswork out of making eating arrangements number of our own members asked questions that re­ and hopefully stimulate better attendance by encourag­ vealed their obvious talent in money management. ing individuals to commit themselves in advance. Set After a fine soup and sandwich lunch, four teams aside the time and attend as many OGSA functions as took part in the annual curling bonspiel. A few blisters, possible. scratches and pulled muscles later, the team of Shorty Spring Field Day Jenkins, John Arends, and Tom Murphy emerged as Cutten Club — Richard Creed the winning rink. Special thanks go to Bob Moote for Cambridge Turf Plots — Norm McCollum providing the winner's trophies again this year. Thanks Wednesday June 19 Found in "ON THE SAFE SIDE" the publica­ tion of the Health Care Occupational Health and Safety Association, January 1985. If you are an adult of average size and weight, the following statistics will give you some idea of what your body accomplishes in a single 24 hour period. you breathe 23,040 times you inhale 438 cubic feet of air your heart beats 103,689 times your hair grows .01714 inches your nails grow .00046 inches you drink 2.9 quarts of liquid you eat 3.25 pounds of food you speak 4,800 words you move 750 muscles The winning team at the dart tournament held at the Cross Eyed Bear organized by Ted Hartwell. Ron Heesen IF YOU CAN KEEP YOUR LEFT ARM Left to Right: Ron Craig, Bruce Calhoun, "I find it much more expedient to ask for­ STRAIGHT FOR 18 HOLES, YOU'RE giveness rather than permission" New ENTITLEDTO BEND ITATTHE19TH Ted Hartwell, Teri Yamada, Paul Shep­ Broom Sweeps Clean, Washington 1985. pard, Anonymous. WESTERN ONTARIO GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION by David W. Gourlay The first meeting of the 1985 golfing season was held reason being attributed to the ice providing the on April 25 at the Beechwood Golf Club in Niagara. turfgrass with an insulation layer. Our host for the day was Brian Antonsen. With Brian The following is a partial list of golfing winners for at Beechwood the future of the club looks bright. Plans the day. are well underway for an additional nine holes and modification of the present holes with the use of trees Gross Net and tee reconstruction. For those of you who have not played Beechwood I would strongly recommend you 1. Tom Bell 1. John Stein doing so. The hospitality displayed by Brian and his 2. Dave Nichols 2. Dave W. Gourlay staff was simply outstanding. One would have to travel 3. Bill Glashan 3. Brian Antonsen a long way in order to match the personal treatment given to each golfer. A special thanks is given to Brian Closest to the pin - Scott Dodson from the W.O.G.S.A. for giving us such an outstanding Next meeting of the W.O.G.S.A. will be at the day. Whirlpool Golf Club hosted by Bill Glashan in May. During the meeting an informal survey from the Don't miss it. people in attendance indicated a good spring with Old Man Winter being kind to us in Western Ontario. It Congratulations to Blake and Christine McMaster on was speculated that those golf courses with an ice layer the arrival of Ian on April 24. above a small accumulation of snow wintered best. The CANADIAN GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS ELECT NEW PRESIDENT Blake McMaster, superintendent at the Brampton berta Director (Willow Park, Calgary) and Bob Brewster, Golf Club, was elected recently as the 17th president Ontario Director (Weston G.C., Toronto). Remaining of the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association. on the Board are Daniel LeBlanc, Quebec Director, Blake will lead the CGSA through a very exciting year, Blake Palmer, Atlantic Director and Ralph Watkins, as the association launches a new national seminar Manitoba/Saskatchewan Director. The Immediate Past program for golf superintendents, and acquires a com­ President is Jack Fairhurst, New Ashburn Golf Club, in puter to handle the growing list of member services Halifax. with greater speed and efficiency. The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association is a Also elected to the CGSA Board were: Brian Houston, professional organization representing 750 golf Vice President (Shaughnessy Golf & C.C., Vancouver); superintendents and turf managers across Canada, and Barry Britton, Secretary/Treasurer (Tyandaga Municipal is dedicated to the professional development of its G.C., Burlington). Coming on to the Board for a two members through its publication, the Greenmaster, the year term are the new B.C. Director, Craig Lewis annual Canadian Turfgrass Conference and Show, and (Kelowna Golf Club), along with Dean Morrison, Al­ the new national seminar program. See you in San Francisco at 57th International Golf Course Conference & Show Moscone Convention Center January 29-February 5, 1986 Eugene D. Baston, CGCS, Birmingham, Ala., was elected president of the 6500- member Golf Course SuperintendentsAs- sociation of America (GCSAA) during the Association's Annual Membership Meet­ ing, Feb. 12, 1985. He succeeds James W. Timmerman, CGCS, Bloomfield, Mich. Riley L. Stottern, CGCS, golf course superintendent for the Jeremy Ranch Golf Club, Park City, Utah, was elected vice president. Elected to the Executive Committee as directors were Dennis D. Lyon, CGCS, property manager for the City of Aurora, Colo., Parks, Recreation and Public Properties Department and John Segui, CGCS, superintendent of Waynesborough Country Club, Paoli, Pa. Re-elected for a second term as a director was Donald E. Hearn, CGCS. Hearn will also serve as the Association's secretary/treasurer. Gerald L. Faubel, CGCS, superintendentof golf course and grounds for Saginaw Country Club, Mich., was appointed a director to fill the unexpired term of Riley Stottern. Continuing to serve as directors are John E. Laake, CGCS, and James M. Taylor, CGCS. HARD WORK NEVER KILLED A The elections and Annual Membership Meeting were held Tuesday, Feb. 12, 1985, in conjunction with the 56th Annual International Golf MAN BUT IT SURE HAS SCARED Course Conference and Show in Washington, D.C., sponsored by A LOT OF THEM. GCSAA. Some 9,000 persons from around the world attended. — AUTHOR UNKNOWN TEN YEARS AGO TO-DAY by Barry Endicott The Board of Directors in 1975 was Paul Dermott (pres.), Club, Keith Nesbit, Galt Country Club, Paul Scenna and Allan Beeney (vice.), Carl Bennett (sec.), Cameron Cairncross, Dalewood Golf Club, Hugh Kirkpatrick. The Christmas Party David Gourlay, Robert Hall, John Hutchinson, Whitey Jones, was held at Chinguacousy C.C., Henry Guertin. Helmot Kopp, Paul Scenna, Bob Heron (past pres. & editor). The second annual President-Greenschairman-Superinten- The G.C.S.A.A. Turf Conference and Show was held in New dent Tournament was held at Weston Golf Club on August 1. Orleans. The R.C.G.A. Turf Conference and Show was held at The Pro-Superintendent Tournament was held at the New Dun­ the Skyline Hotel in Toronto on March 18 - 20. The Canadian dee Golf Club. The McClumpha Tournament was held at Chin­ Golf Superintendents Association took over the administration guacousy Country Club October 6. and operation of the Turf Conference and Show with the co-op­ eration of the Royal Canadian Golf Association. The Horticulture Apprentice Program with a new Turf Man­ agement option at Humber College was finalized under the direction of Paul Dermott, Gord Witteveen, Dave Gourlay, Cam Graham Shouldice was promoted from assistant to Superin­ Cairncross, Bob Heron and Ted Hartwell. Interested students tendent at London Highlands Golf Club. Wilfred Wallace was will be paid 75% of their salary plus expenses, while attending the new superintendent at Erie Downs, Doug Hoskins at the this course. National, Blake McMaster at Brampton Golf Club, Dave Chap­ man at Victoria Park Golf Course and Ross Thurston at Cam­ SUMMARY OF GOLF EVENTS IN 1975 bridge Country Club. Bob Hall moved on from Toronto Ladies There were 32 members who played three or more rounds to foreman of Parks and Recreation, Markham. at monthly meetings or special events eg. Pro-Superintendent, President-Greenschairman-Superintendent etc. Many more John Stoughton at the Barrie Country Club hosted the On­ played one or two rounds. The gross winner for 1975 was tario Open. Paul Scenna prepared the ice for the British Consuls selected from the total of the low three scores, as the winner Curling Championships at the Preston Arena in Cambridge. of the O.G.S.A. Trophy. Bill Hynd, St. Georges, hosted the Ladies Professional Golfers and Ed Ortleib, Bayview, hosted the Canadian P.G.A. Tourna­ The new Trophy was formerly used for the now extinct ment. Greenschairman-Superintendent event. The original J.K. Campbell Trophy was retired as its only winner has also retired. Bill Glashan, Niagara Parks Golf Course, Doug Brown, Erie Mr. John Harris won the original trophy 5 years in a row. Shores Golf Course, David Chapman, Cambridge Golf and Country Club, Dick Ingram, Lido Golf Course, Steve Miller, That year there was a tie for low gross honors with Mr. Hugh Dundas Valley Golf Course, Allan Mills, South Muskoka Golf Kirkpatrick and Mr. Bill Bowen, at 234. They had a playoff and Club, Gordon Orr, Kleinburg Golf Club, Walter Hach, Cones­ both scored 77. A sudden death playoff, ended on the second toga Golf Club and A. Murphy, Indusmin Ltd. were new mem­ hole with Hugh Kirkpatrick the final winner. bers. Art Price became a life member of the O.G.S.A. George The summary list is as follows: Drew, Richmond Hill Golf Club, died at the age of 65 on his 1stlowgross - Hugh Kirkpatrick 234 golf course on October 31. He was 14 years assistant and then 2nd low gross -Bill Bowen 234 Super at Oshawa Golf Club, 14 years at London Hunt and 15 years at Richmond Hill Golf Club. Jim Wyllie, Lambton Golf 1st net -Bob Moote 205 and Country Club was the president of the C.G.S.A. 2nd net - Kimmo Solonen 208 Monthly meetings were held at North Halton Golf Club, Al Associates Beeney, Summit Golf Club (spring dance), Cam Cairncross, 1st gross -Doug Heron 238 Essex Golf and Country Club, Dave Moote, Westview Golf 2nd gross - Rod Hermitage 211 DOMINION HOSTS OGSA AND MBCCSA SPRING MEETING Dominion Golf Club was the place to be on Mr. Uzelac with a desk pen set for hosting the chicken lunch was superb and the shrimp and Wednesday April 10. The joint meeting be­ meeting. The meeting was then turned over steak dinner unbeatable. Add this to greens tween the Ontario and Michigan Superinten­ to guest speaker Dan Rooney. Dan's topic was that putted like it was mid-June and what more dents turned out over 100 participants. It was contract negotiating. Rooney's comments can you say. a windy day, but 80 golfers managed to tackle proved to be very helpful to all in attendance, This day has become a great time to share the golf course. Our Canadian team fared well since we all face contracts at one time or information with our American neighbours. against the Americans. The team score of 324 another. The subject is so broad and interest­ Turnout from both sides of the border was beat out the American side by six shots. The ing that many felt a one day workshop would fantastic and a special thanks to those who winners were Bill Fach, Bob Heron, Thom be quite helpful. turned out from Toronto. If you didn't have a Charters, and Pat Hebert, all with 81 's. Run­ A very special thanks must be handed to chance to come out this year, mark this date ners up on the American side were Craig Rog- Ernie Bezaire of Labatts who annually sponsor down on your calendar for next year. geman 91, Jay Delcamp 73, Clem Wolfrem 81 the tournament with beer and prizes. Thé at­ and Ward Swanson 85. Once again, a special thanks to our hosts mosphere of the Dominion Golf Club is the Dorothy and Dan Uzelac and all the staff at After golf, Mike Eggerton and Hugh Kirkpat­ best anywhere and we could not have had two Dominion Golf Club. rick chaired the after dinner meeting. The finer hosts in Dorothy and Dan Uzelac. It was meeting featured background singing from a great way to kick-off the year and we cannot the host Dan Uzelac. Kirkpatrick presented thank Dan and Dorothy enough. The fried Ron Heesen SOME (MORE) THOUGHTS ON PUTTING GREEN SPEED by Dr. Ralph E. Engel, Research Professor, Rutgers University, New Jersey The speed of putting greens is never by the Stimpmeter is considered good It is possible that very close mowing settled to the satisfaction of the great as­ and seems realistic to me. The following has opened the door to some additional sortment of golfers. Commonly, profes­ table shows what the USGA considers problems. Trouble with a bacterium has sionals and low handicap players request reasonable for different types of courses. been suspected. A major turf failure oc­ fast greens, and some high handicap curred in another region recently that re­ players accept them as the style. Moder­ ceived little agreement from a series of USGA Green Speed Test ately fast greens are usually popular, but turf experts. It is possible these problems Comparison Table a few golfers prefer slow greens. are the result of new diagnostic facilities empty table cellRegular for discovering things that are new or The demand for fast greens has in­ Membership Tournament Conditions were overlooked in the past. However, creased greatly in recent years. Some of Play close mowing causes a weaker turf that this change is due to the Stimpmeter, Fast 102" 126" is subject to more temperature stress and which is an inexpensive, simple, and Medium Fast 90" 114" is likely to permit problems that did not quick tool. This device has become a Medium 78" 102" occur in the past. standard measure, and it has led to fre­ Medium Slow 66" 90" The golf course superintendent and quent comparison of green speed on in­ dividual courses and between courses. Slow 54" 78" other turf professionals are willing to pro­ vide whatever the golfer likes, if it is feas­ If anyone asks if greens on today's golf ible without excessive failures. In the courses are faster than in recent years, A seldom asked question is, "How has the shift to fast greens changed green spring, next summer's turf loss is farthest the answer is yes. Twenty to twenty-five from the golfer's mind, but late August years ago, the mowing height was typi­ maintenance?" It has narrowed the mar­ gin between green survival and failure. always finds some clubs greatly distres­ cally 1/4 inch. Presently, a majority of sed. Winter injury may seem far away, courses set their mowers at 3/16-inch or Closer mowing causes shorter roots, in­ creases summer soil temperatures, and but extremely close mowing will increase closer. In addition to this change, thinner this problem. Needless to say, no one bed-knives make 3/16-inch a closer cut the thinner turf encourages more weed problems (which increases the need to suffers more than the golf course than formerly. Along with these changes, superintendent when turf fails. double or triple mowing is practiced oc- risk herbicide use). It has caused a shift cassionally. from moderate use to too much nitrogen As with the song from Oklahoma! in the past to very low rates of nitrogen. closer-cut has gone as far as it can go. How do golfers react to speedier It seems a slight increase in growth There is a point of no return. Some of greens? Personally, I find moderately fast causes a noticeable drop in the "bare the courses with very heavy traffic, espe­ greens add interest to the game. A true floor" speeds of the faster greens. Some cially public courses, need growth on the roll with a gentle touch is a pleasure. golf course superintendents are inclined greens for the turf to recover and survive. There are those who say very fast greens to omit the minimal nitrogen needs Also, where is the point when an increase put too much emphasis on putting. It be­ rather than risk the wrath of the golfer. in green speed makes putting an experi­ comes a question of what is too fast. Pos­ The major problems with low nitrogen ence in anxiety rather than a form of re­ sibly greens are too fast when good put­ are: 1. more weeds (including moss) and laxation? ters develop anxiety over this phase of 2. more blemishes which show on the the game. When a putt falls out of its arc grass because they heal slowly. Without The Stimpmeter has received mixed ac­ on a mild slope and increases speed in new growth that can be mowed into a ceptance by golf course superinten­ another direction, putting is scarcely fun. smooth surface, the demand for closer dents. The pluses are: 1. It is an imper­ The USGA classification of green speeds cut increases. sonal and objective measurment that should prevent irate golfers from making ing, posting of green speed, and requests sions, avoid fussy frequent checking for exaggerated statements about speed of for special mowing for everyday golf (the a consistent precise speed. the greens; 2. its use has shown that vari­ superintendent and the maintenance 2. Most club tournaments do not justify ous uncontrollable factors prevent uni­ crew often find completion of six or checking green speed and use of extra form speed at all times; 3. it is a simple seven mowings per week in all kinds of mowing. and quick tool; and 4. it is an encourage­ weather very difficult and demanding 3. Avoid abrupt lowering of the height of ment for the club to agree on a green without these details); and 4. some clubs cut to increase speed — this applies, speed that keeps the golf club and would spend time and money on exces­ especially in late spring and summer, superintendent out of wasteful and ses with the Stimpmeter and fail to over­ when the safety margin for turf survival harmful controversy. come greater imperfections. is very thin already. 4. On courses where turf survival on The Stimpmeter becomes a liability or Some suggestions for those who would greens is marginal, greens rated fast (8 a cause of resentment when: 1. Some use the Stimpmeter or strive for very fast feet and above) may be a mistake. golfers expect precise green speed from greens are: 5. A given club should avoid extremes of day to day which is not possible; 2. the 1. For everyday play, limit the Stimpme- speed and hopefully stay within a reason­ increased green speed causes more pre­ ter's use to several times per season to able norm for similar courses. carious maintenance of greens; 3. it en­ determine if the speed falls within a courages such things as petty daily check­ reasonable range. Except on rare occa­ USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD SUPERS PROFILE by Paul Weidmark, IBM Country Club As most of you know, the IBM Country to facilitate grass maintenance in the Club is a department of IBM Canada Ltd. spectator area. and a recreational facility for the use of By the way, in case you are assuming IBM employees and their families. In ad­ that maintenance stops in the fall, you dition to our 18-hole and par 3 golf may be interested that a few winter courses, we currently offer 31 different baseball games were played last year. activities to our 14,000 members. A few Bases are set out and base lines are of these clubs such as alley bowling and marked with red marking paint. The scuba diving are held offsite. Some are games are played like regular slow-pitch, held at the club, but require no mainte­ but snowshoes are worn. Rumor has it, nance such as the camera and model rail­ a regular winter league may be formed road clubs. The remainder require vary­ for this winter. ing degrees of maintenance. I'd like to touch briefly on these today and, finally, LAWN BOWLING describe a few special annual events we also hold at the country club. team little league. The men's and ladies' Our lawn bowling green has a playing teams play double and triple header surface of 110 ft. x 110 ft. and is sur­ BASEBALL games, meaning the diamond is being rounded by a 12" wide ditch and then used most nights between 6 and 11 as benches for players and spectators. We have one industrial league regula­ well as Saturdays, when the little league There are 8 rinks running east and west tion slow-pitch diamond. games are played. and 8 rinks running north and south. Di­ The diamond itself is composed of a rection of play alternates daily to ensure A baseball diamond with a lot of usage 6" layer of 50% blow sand and 50% 3/16" uniform playingconditions. Membership requires much maintenance. One man round hazemag limestone mixture play is on Tuesday and Thursday nights, usually spends two hours per day, 6 days graded to an 8" crown at the pitcher's with regular and invitational tournament a week on the diamond, using a sandpro box, contributing to good drainage. play on Sundays. The playing surface is with a gill rear-mounted blade to reshape Around the perimeter of the diamond is Pencross Turf, growing on 75% sand, 25% worn areas around bases and pitcher and a french drain. The remainder of the out­ top soil and peat. The green and the sur­ batter boxes. After a final matting with a field has lateral french drains, first 10 ft., rounding ditches are drained with weep­ top-dressing matt, the field is ready for then 20 ft. apart to remove surface water ing tile, not only for good turf growth, marking. In wet weather, we use the reg­ in an effort to minimize rained out but to take away excess water, as the ular sand trap rake to loosen the surface games. The lighting is controlled with green is recessed. A springtime problem so it will dry quicker. To mark the field timed switches and consists of two centre of decaying, frost-heaved wooden stakes we use a dry line marker and a talc prod­ outfield cement poles each having 6 that hold the planks in an upright posi­ uct called "Snow White", as dehydrated lamps. First and third base poles have 5 tion to retain the ditch walls has been lime can cause skin irritation upon con­ lamps each and two poles behind home resolved by manufacturing heavy 2" tact. Bases are then pinned down at the plate have three lamps each for a total of channel iron u-shape brackets. These proper distances to meet each league's 6 poles and 28 - 1,000 watt metal halide brackets have one 2" x 6" plank bolted regulation. To simplify this task, we have lamps. to plinth side to retain the playing surface attached footage markers on the base side of the ditch and on the other side Because the field is situated approxi­ line fences as a guide. The outfield grass of the bracket a 2 x 12 bolted to retain mately 300 yards from the clubhouse, area is cut three times a week at 3/4" perimeter walkway turf. Pea stone and a dusk to dawn walkway lights are used height with a Parkmaster. strip of outdoor carpet is placed in the between the two when the diamond Automatic irrigation is applied as bottom of the ditch to protect the bowls lights shut off automatically at 11:00p.m. needed. We fertilize spring, mid-summer from scratches. The green is cut every There is a regular men's league with 12 and late summer, with aerification in second day with a Jacobsen Walking teams, a ladies' league with 5 and a 5- spring and fall. Bleachers are moveable Greensmower set at 5/32". We roll the green every second week with a 700-lb. with occupants operating ham radios get­ ther conditions during winter months. power roller. Automatic irrigation from ting static on their sets. CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING one sprinkler on each side is done after Occasionally, additional maintenance 11:00 at night, being careful not to over­ The ski trail is 6 km long, double­ is required to set up for fly-in demonstra­ water, as this can make the green soft tracked and marked with fluorescent 9" tions which include model helicopters. and result in sluggish play (bowls should flags on 1/2" x 3' steel rods spaced out Spectator areas are roped off for safety roll 90 ft. in 12 - 14 seconds). Sand Pro approximately every 100 yds. Rods are set reasons and runways are marked out with spiking and fertilizing are done every just one foot in the ground where they marking paint. Other remote control de­ third week. Verticutting and sand top- freeze in, leaving them high enough to monstrations of all kinds of boat models dressing are also done on a separate 3- prevent anyone impaling themselves. are held on the acre pond near the week cycle. Disease and insect control Steel is used as opposed to wood as a clubhouse, butthese are virtually mainte­ and prevention are similar to the program safety precaution, because steel will nance free, except for turning off the outlined for the golf course greens. bend, while wooden stakes can be bro­ power to the Otterbine used for aerifica­ Maintenance days are chosen with no ken off. We use an Alpine Snowmobile tion. night play following so that the bowls do with double tracks pulling a Swiss-made not pick up maintenance material residue GARDENING track setter to condition the trails. that may have mixed with the evening dew. All maintenance practices are per­ 48 vegetable garden plots 20 ft. x 20 ft. Finally, I'd like to highlight a few of the formed from corner to corner on a 45-de- are marked out in the spring with sports maintenance tasks involved with some gree angle to the plinth (or border of the field marking equipment. They are special annual events held at the club. green). A different corner direction is ploughed in the fall and a Lily Rottera is WINTER CARNIVAL chosen each time to minimize any ad­ used in the spring to provide the garden­ verse effect on the roll of the bowl, result­ ers, with a good, fine seed bed. We sup­ — The 9 acre driving range is snow­ ing in a smooth, firm, level surface critical ply water for the member's use from a ploughed into windrows for parking to the execution of the game.’ tap that is spring-loaded to eliminate the by a contracted road grader and a 5 chance of water being left running. The yard bucket Hough Loader. SOCCER AND FLAG FOOTBALL gardeners maintain their own plots all summer. — Log sawing contest equipment is set We have a combination field 110 yds. out, complete with sharp crosscut long x 65 yds. wide. Dual-purpose goals ARCHERY saws. take soccer nets which are rolled up when football games are played. The archery range is a fenced area 40 — Sleigh ridetrailsand shuttle service yds. wide x 125 yds. long. The first set of from parking to club is laid out for 6 Dual layout of marks serves both portable 4 ft. square target butts stand 30 teams of horses and sleighs. games with penalty kick boxes for soccer yards down the range with 3 more spaced and 10 yd. lines with 5-yd. hatch marks 20 yds. apart down the range. Grass is — Pond is marked for broomball games. on either side of the field for football. kept a short 3/4/" for easy location of spent Marking is done once a week or as re­ — Puck shooting targets and arrows that missed the targets. backboards are erected. quired due to game schedule. The field has an automatic irrigation system for VOLLEYBALL — 20' x 40' tent is erected to serve night watering. Cutting is done at 3/4" pancakes and sausages and hot drinks with a Parkmaster Tuesdays and Fridays. The grassed court measures 60' x 30' Fertilizing is done 3 times during the sum­ with the top of the net at the 7'6" mark. — Trails with a9-lane starting track for mer and aerified in spring and fall. Worn The court is cut at 1" and marked once cross-country ski races are groomed a week. areas on the field as well as goal mouths ... etc., etc., etc. are resodded after tournaments are com­ TENNIS pleted each fall. By far our largest event is the We have four illuminated cushion ANNUAL PICNIC REMOTE CONTROL AEROMODELLERS courts, a surface composed of asphalt and rubber coating. — Locatingsome16children'sand The field contains a grassed landing adult rides forConklin shows area 35 yds. wide and 55 yds. long run­ They are maintenance free except for throughoutthe par3 course and ning north to south with prevailing winds the raising and lowering of nets daily and sports fields. blowing from the north because of the periodic air brooming. Members remove bush area located west of the strip. surface water with roller squeeges as As you know, heavy trucks and turf do needed. not mix so major consideration is made In the early spring when the ground is as to the locations, so they are well soft, we roll the strip 2 or 3 times to TERRY FOX RUN spread out, yet facing the right way to smoothen the surface and assist with This annual 10 km run with all proceeds pull out after the picnic in case of incle­ easier landings of the models. The strip donated to the Canadian Cancer Society ment weather. is cut 2 to 3 times a week at 3/4" height and is fertilized 3 times a year. The area is laid out on the property. 2x2 stakes has no irrigation system. However, a con­ with arrows are used, as well as marking tinuous high water table promotes good paint on hard surfaces to set the course growth. The 6 acre field provides the for runners. Start and finish line canopies large, open area necessary for glide paths are erected. Drink stations, first aid, port­ for the planes. Even with this open area, able washrooms are spotted along the problems still arise at times due to com­ route. plaints of motor noise and the concern PLEASURE SKATING for safety while flying over other activities in progress such as archery to the south, A skating rink on the pond below the golf lessons on the driving range to the clubhouse requires continued snow re­ west, and houses to the east, particularly moval and flooding, depending on wea­ — After erection of the units, a complete — Dunk tank erected and filled with And finally, our five day long saftey check is made of their operation water. CHILDREN'S PARTY by IBM safety personnel. — The putting green is cordonned off, — Commercial-type season lighting — We mark out 12 acres of parkingwith then divided and holes set for the decorates several trees and the our sports field marker. putting contests. clubhouse, making up the 2,000 sparklingcoloured lights we install. — Locate 14 tents to contain food, dining . . .plus many more maintenance tickets, and first aid, missing requirements. — The clubhouse inside is decorated underground services with their hold completely with garland and tinsel, down stakes. FALL HAYRIDE/CORN ROAST as well as Santa's throne. — Locating 18 portable washroom sites. — Pony ride ring — The stage is set for the magician and — Food tents placed, surrounded by clowns to receive the happy holiday — Rope off two 50' pony rings. picnictables. faces. — Garbage containers placed through- — Portable stage located and electric The opportunity of having so many di­ outthegrounds. service supplied for entertainers - versified responsibilities over the years — 2 portable fold-out stages located and lastyearwe used G.M. Smith 1928 creates a real challenge for me as supplied with electric power panels MackTruck with its float. Superintendent-Maintenance Manager for the entertainment. of the IBM Country Club. — Other contests to set up are corn — Superstars competition course laid husking, log sawing and a craft show out. in theclubhouse. Thank you for your time. IF YOU TELLTHETRUTH YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REMEMBER ANY­ THING. — MARK TWAIN COMING EVENTS June 19— Spring Field Day - Cutten Club July 8— President, Greenschairman, Superinten­ dent- Board of Trade. July 22— Superintendent, Pro-Greenhills Aug. 1— OGSA-WOGA-Glendale Aug. 12— OTRF- National-Board of Trade Sept.?— OGSA Best Ball Oct. 7— McClumpha-Thornhill Nov.7-8— GCSAA Seminar - Lambton Dec. 3— OGSA/OTRF Annual Meeting-Wyldewood Dec. 14— OGSAXmas Dance-Galt "Green is Beautiful" Ontario Golf Superintendents Association