"Green is Beautiful” Ontario Golf Superintendents Association P.O. BOX 203, ISLINGTON, ONTARIO M9A 4X2 TELEPHONE 233-8388 JUNE 1986 1986 O.T.R.F. PRESIDENT PAUL DERMOTT C.G.C.S. OAKDALE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB ECKHOFF AWARD For Excellence In Golf Journalism ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 1986 PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT PAST PRESIDENT Barry Endicott Robert Kennedy Hugh Kirkpatrick Caledon Sports Centre Garden City Golf Club Westmount Golf & Country Club 3 Sutter Ave. 37 Lincoln Ave. P.O. Box 221 Brampton, Ontario L6Z 1G1 St. Catharines, Ontario L2P 2C7 Kitchener, Ontario N2C 3Y6 Phone: Bus. (416) 457-2949 Phone: Bus. (416) 685-9976 Phone: Bus. (519) 744-1041 Res. (416) 846-1440 Res. (416) 935-2019 Res. (519) 893-2119 DIRECTORS Rod Trainor Neil Acton CGCS Ron Heeson St. Thomas Golf and C.C. Brooklea Golf and Country Club Beachgrove Golf and C.C. P.O. Box 62 P.O. Box 1342 14134 Riverside Drive East St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3T5 Penetang, Ontario LOK 1P0 Windsor, Ontario N8N 1B6 Phone: Bus. (519) 631-2447 Phone: Bus. (705) 526-4484 Phone: Bus. (519) 735-0007 Res. (519) 631-4798 Res. (705) 549-2323 Res. (519) 735-0007 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 Ed Farnsworth Mark Hagen Dave W. Gourlay (Jr.) Deerhurst Inn Golf and C.C. Wyldewood Golf Club Toronto Ladies Golf Club R.R. #4 R.R. #1 P.O. Box 400 Huntsville, Ontario P0A 1K0 Hornby, Ontario LOP 1E0 Thornhill, Ontario L3T 4A2 Phone: Bus. (705) 789-5543 Phone: Bus. (416) 878-4848 Phone: Bus. (416) 889-3531 Res. (705) 789-8282 Res. (416) 845-3183 Res. (416) 889-7620 NEWSLETTER EDITOR Neil Acton CGCS Editor Emeritus — Barry Endicott ASSISTANT EDITORS Ron Heesen Alex LaBelle OFFICE SECRETARY CINDI CHARTERS "Green is Beautiful Editor, Neil Acton C.G.C.S., seen here accepting Best Format Award from James M. Taylor, Sr., C.G.C.S, at the International Turfgrass Conference and Show in San Francisco. From the Editor This dry and early spring has been a real sal­ vation for those superintendents (myself in­ cluded) with construction projects on the go. It has also resulted in most courses being in op­ “Play Ball” timum shape quite early in the season, a great 30 O.G.S.A. members, wives and guests attended the bonus for the golfers. Blue Jay outing organized by Scott Dodson and Thom Charters. The weather co-operated as did the Blue Jays, All in all, all indicators seem to point to pros­ soundly thumping the visiting Indians 10-2. It was a most perity for the golf industry in Ontario. Let's ensure enjoyable outing and it should receive even better sup­ that we, as professional golf course superinten­ port next season. My only suggestion would be to put dents, stay on the cutting edge of this growth, an elevator in our section if they make us sit that high participate in your associations and stay current. again. The beer was warm by the time we got it back to our seats. Neil Acton C.G.C.S. Weather in Review February March April Average Daily Low Temperature -9.2 -4.8 3.8 Averge Daily High Temperature -2.9 6.1 13.0 Mean Temperature -6.0 1.1 8.4 Normal Temperature -4.5 .4 7.1 Percipitation rain 4mm 7.2mm 38.8mm snow 16cm 8.4cm 5.5cm empy table cell Region One News By Ron Heesen On April 15 Ontario and Michigan Superintendents gathered at Dominion Golf Club in Windsor. It was a little rainy in the afternoon, but that didn't dampen the spirits of the 110 who attended or the 75 who played golf. Dan and Dorothy Uzelac, always the perfect hosts, outdid themselves again. We were treated to a super lunch, greens that were like mid-summer condition wise, a steak dinner and a Dominion Golf Club golf shirt. We can't thank the Uzelacs enough for their hospitality. Labatts Breweries sponsored this event by supplying beer and prizes for all the participants. Ernie Bezaire of Labatts, our thanks to you. This meeting is a great way to start the season and is always special because of the com­ araderie shared with our fellow Superintendents from Michigan. Good luck to all the Superintendents in Region One in the upcoming season. OGSA Fixture Sheet The Turf Seed Thurs. June 12 Spring Field Day Victoria Park Specialist Thurs. June26 Thurs. June 26 O.G.S.WOGSA Region 1 Meeting TBA Strathroy Mon. July 14 Pres. G. C. Super. Credit Valley Tues. July 22 Region 3 Meeting Caledon Tues. July 22 Region 4 & GBSA Midland Thurs. July 24 Region 1 Meeting Thames Valley Thurs. Aug. 7 Region 2 & WCGSA Beverly Mon. Aug. 11 OTRF Tournament National Boff call R. Paul Johnson Thurs. Aug. 21 OGSA Super/Pro Peterborough National Sales Manager Wed. Sept. 10 Best Ball Uplands (416) 846-5080 Mon. Sept. 15 Region 1 Meeting Huron Oaks Thurs. Oct. 2 CGSA Fall Field Day Kanawaki Mon. Oct. 6 McClumpha Maple Downs or write TBA GCSAA seminar Brampton Wed. Nov. 5 Region 2 Election Meeting Beaverdale P.O. Box 219, Brampton Wed. Nov. 5 Region 3 Election Meeting Derrydale Ontario, Canada L6V 2L2 TBA Region 1 Election Meeting TBA TBA Region 4 Election Meeting TBA Thurs. Nov. 20 William Sansom Day B of T fl WJM. UlAit Tues. Dec. 2 OGSA/OTRFAnnual Meeting Wyldewood Sat. Dec. 13 OGSA/WOGSA Xmas Dance Teed off at weed Get proven control: problems? Compitox Compitox Plus Silvaprop for the finest for long driving for weed control golf greens fairways in the rough A simple spray treatment with Don’t let weeds choke up fair­ It’s rough when broadleaf weeds Compitox takes care of all your ways and roughs. Take control and woody plants take over. Let most troublesome weed problems with Compitox Plus. Silvaprop take care of them, on greens: common chickweed, Proven to be most effective when safely and quickly. Where woody plaintain, mouse-ear chickweed, weeds are young and growing plants and tough perennials are and clover. vigorously, Compitox Plus con­ established in your rough­ Compitox is safe on the finest trols clover, dandelion, common control them with Silvaprop. turf, including bent grasses, red chickweed, mouse-ear chick- Silvaprop controls over 40 broad­ fescue, blue grasses and rye weed, plaintain, black medick, leaf weeds and over 30 woody grasses. dandelion and creeping Charlie. plants. Consult label for various Compitox Plus is safe on estab­ application rates and specific lished turf planted with Kentucky weed control. blue, Merion blue, fescues and rye grasses. May&Baker M&B May & Baker Canada Inc. 6557 Mississauga Road Mississauga, Ontario L5N 1A6 1274 Plains Road East Always read labels before use Burlington, Ontario L7S 1W6 NEW DIRECTORS FOR ’86 REGION 4 Dave. W. Gourlay Jr. - Ladies Golf Club REGION 1 of Toronto Growing up on the grounds of the exclusive Thornhill Golf Club certainly influenced Dave's decision to make Profes­ Rod Trainor - sional Golf Course Management his career. Since working St. Thomas Golf as a youngster for his father at Thornhill, Dave has amassed and C.C. a very impressive scholastic and work record. He com­ pleted the Guelph Short Course in 1976 and went on to receive his Associate Diploma in Agriculture in 1979 from Rod was introduced to the profession while living Guelph as well. That same year he went to Penn State for with his armed forces family at Canadian Forces Base one year before transferring to Texas A&M where he com­ Greenwood. He worked summers at the Annapolis pleted his B.Sc. in 1981. Along the educational route, Dave Valley Golf Club before packing up his bags and received scholarships from the CTRF, GCSAA and Trans trekking points west where he joined Sid Pud- Mississippi Turf Foundation. dicombes staff at Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton. His work record is as equally varied. He has worked at Not one to sit still, Rod moved to Toronto the following Thornhill C.C., Glen Meadows G.C. in Calgary, Bayview, season to work at Bayview with Ed Ortlieb. An As- USGA Green Section, Hamilton C.C. (Assistant) and his pre­ sisstants position under John Smith at Wyldewood sent position as Superintendent at the Ladies Golf Club of lured him away for a few seasons. His first Superinten­ Toronto. dents position was at the Chippewa Country Club Dave and Barbara, herself being experienced in profes­ Estates in Southampton. Rod moved to St. Thomas to sional turf management, have 2 young children, Lindsay take over from Tom Unsworth in 1982. and Matt. GREEN SLICK AS GLASS? LOF Puts Old Expressioin To The Test Every golfer knows what it means when a green is ter and did not appear to be slowing down much "slicker than glass". It means trouble. But Golf Digest, by the time it reached the edge of our 26 foot, 8 inch with a little help from Libbey-Owens-Ford Co., tried piece of glass. According to our stopwatches, the to put some precision in the golfer's cliche by com­ ball travelled this distance in 5.001 seconds, so you paring glass and grass mathematically. can relate that to the speed of other surfaces. We For its June issue, the magazine commissioned a also noticed that golf balls don't roll smoothly on series of tests on a variety of surfaces: marble ("faster glass. The dimples on the balls apparently make than a marble staircase"), pavement ("like putting them sort of bounce along.'" on concrete"), a billiard table ("smoother than a bil­ The magazine concluded that molasses in January liard table"), and a tub of molasses ("slower than is indeed slow. The ball travelled only two inches. molasses in January"). "What's appealing about the surface, however, is it To get comparative speed figures for its tongue-in- putts so true." cheek test, Golf Digest used a Stimpmeter - a device The magazine's "scientific" findings were clouded designed to release a rooling golf ball so that the somewhat by circumstances. distance it rolls indicates the "speed" of the surface. The 68.5 reading for a marble staircase, for exam­ Most golf greens allow the ball to roll 6 to 8 feet, the ple, was expurgated to keep the ball from rolling magazine said, but some very fast greens might re­ through thd 300-year-old Chinese vase. gister up to 14 on the Stimpmeter. The billiard table only rated 5.9 because "the So, how fast is glass versus grass? Stimpmeter scored a Titleist 3 in the corner pocket". To find out, Golf Digest contacted LOF's corporate And the slopping of the New Jersey Turnpike could headquarters in Toledo, and after some consultation, have accounted for its high reading of 17,462. "Fol­ the company's management decided there was no lowing in a car we observed the ball accelerate harm in the project and allowed the test to take place near the Newark, N.J. exit on the turnpike, then roll on a huge sheet of glass at its Rossford plant. steadily to a point opposite several Elizabeth, N.J. An LOF employee, Leonard Klaege, performed the chemical plants, where it passed through a patch Stimpmeter test, and the magazine recorded the re­ of lavender mist and disintegrated." sult: The results of the tests, the magazine said, "suggest Reading: 468.7. Summary: For this report, we rely that the poetry of putting and the science of on our correspondent, Mel Barger, who supervised speedometry cannot be mixed." the tests.. 'The ball travelled fast out of the Stimplme- Credit: Divots 1986 Canadian Turfgrass & Trade Show By Alex La Belle The main reason, as I understand it, that the Cana­ The equipment show was up to its usual high stan­ dian Conference hasn't been held in Ottawa before dards and excellent service. I had an opportunity to was because of the lack of facilities. Well that prob­ speak with some people and find out their impres­ lem has been most formidably addressed. There are sions of the facilities. The main concern seemed to so many positives to the Ottawa Congress Centre be the fact that the smaller equipment couldn't be that it may serve as a model for future shows. The lifted from the low trailers up to the docking platforms. fact that it is centrally located and is easily accessible The result was a lengthy wait for the service elevator. from any area of the city is just one advantage. The Once inside though, the ramps made for easy access hotel and major shopping complex adjacent to the to the spacious show room. The other fly in the oint­ centre reduce the hassle and expense of travel to a ment, once you learned your way around the confus­ minimum. There are many fine restaurants and scenic ing traffic pattern, was the $24. a night parking fee attractions within easy walking distance providing a for the trailers. With so many golf courses in the area, variety of diets and vistas. The proximity of lecture perhaps arrangements could be made to park the halls and show room made it easy to pass back and trailers at the courses as Bill Rowat suggested. forth from one to the other quite leisurely. Much credit must go to the Ottawa Valley Turfgrass Bobbie Gee has a presence that compel Is atten­ Assoc. and the Quebec Superintendent's Association tion. Mrs. Gee's keynote address brought a sense of fortheir help with the organization of events and spon­ pride to the surface in a group of modest individuals sorship of the Monday Night Bash. Perhaps it is time who tend to hide their light under a bushel. It's okay to look for a jointly hosted Bash represented by more to think you're great, you're wonderful and vitally im­ than one company. When you consider the $4,800. portant. It is up to us to find a method to subtly adver­ spent by our hosts on Monday night with no avenue tise this fact. of recovery; it really is a lot to ask of two small associ­ The French-English translation that was available ations. and close association of Quebec more than doubled I'm looking forward to New Brunswick next year the participation from that province making it a truly after Blake Palmer's inviting slide show. Ottawa was Canadian Conference. I felt that the lectures pro­ a good experience and I for one, will definitely go vided a wide range of topics satisfying a variety of the next time the capital rolls out the welcome mat. needs. Georgian Bay Superindent’s Association Golf Days 1986 June 17 Brooklea Golf & Country Club Host-Neil Action, C.G.C.S. Tee Off-1 p.m. Guest Speaker - Thom Charters July 22 Midland Golf & Country Club Host-Alex La Belle Tee Off-1 p.m. Joint OGSA Region 4 Meeting Guest Speaker-Teri Yamada August 19 Circle Pine Golf & Curling Club, Borden Host-Ray Richards Tee Off-1 p.m. Guest Speaker-Ted Hartwell September 16 Horseshoe Valley Resort Host-John Hughes Closing Event Tee Off-1 p.m. Guest Speaker-T.B.A. All events carry a $15 fee which includes golf, prizes and dinner. Late-Season Nitrogen Fertilization John R. Street, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Ohio State University It has been pointed out that heavy nitrogen fertili­ resulting in less efficiency from methylene urea and zation during the spring and summer is undesirable other temperature-dependent fertilizers. Urea and for cool-season turfgrasses. Nitrogen fertilization has IBDU are fertilizers that are independent of tempera­ proven beneficial during the late fall (late season) ture for nitrogen release and, therefore, make for ex­ on cool-season turfgrasses (Powell, Blazer and cellent late-season nitrogen sources. IBDU, having a Schmidt). Decreased disease, improved stress toler­ slow-release characteristic, will not cause surge ance, and increased rhizome and root growth are growth even if misapplied (e.g. too early) in the late- among several of the claimed advantages to the season program. Nitrogen is a key component of "late season' nitrogen fertilization program. The late- turfgrass fertilization programs. It has an influence on season program is based on differences in optimum both the morphology and physiology of the turf plant. temperatures that exist between (1) root-rhizome High quality turf exhibiting acceptable green color growth versus shoot growth and (2) photosynthesis and density requires periodic applications of nitro­ versus respiration. gen. Nitrogen, however, is frequently referred to as Shoot and root growth of cool-season turfgrasses the “TNT" of turfgrass fertilization programs. It can be occur most readily in the temperature ranges of 60- just as detrimental as beneficial if it is mismanaged. 75°F and 50-65°F, respectively. Root growth of cool­ Physiologically, the turf manager must maintain a season grasses will continue at soil temperatures good carbohydrate reserve. Proper timing and rate close to freezing (Koski, 1983). Shoot growth will of application are important in successful long-term cease at higher temperatures than that for root programs. Always remember: greener is not always growth. Late-season nitrogen fertilization capitalizes better. A happy medium must be reached between on this differential. Under late-season fertilization, nit­ agronomics and aesthetics. rogen applications should be made when vertical shoot growth has stopped, but the turf leaves are still Credit: Our Collaborator green to produce carbohydrates via photosynthesis. Air temperatures of 45-50°C are usually necessary for vertical shoot growth stoppage. It is important to un­ derstand that since temperatures will be at a point New Method Controls causing stoppage of topgrowth, roots, rhizomes and Birch Leaf Miner stolons will capitalize on any applied nitrogen. The carbohydrate produced will be more efficiently used The birch leaf miner, known for its damage to the for root, rhizome and stolon growth during the late health and beauty of birch trees, now can be control­ fall and winter periods. It is critical that the nitrogen led more effectively through a new use for a proven be applied prior to dormancy for maximum effi­ systemic insecticide, Cygon 2E. ciency of applied nitrogen. Once the tissue has Because the larvae of the birch leave miner sawfly turned brown, photosynthesis will no longer occur. burrows inside the birch leaf, it is protected against “Late-season' fertilization is not dormant fertilization. conventional sprays and dusts. Consequently, the During late fall, photosynthesis is higher than respi­ most effective method of controlling the insect is with ration for cool-season grasses. With green tissue, a systemic insecticide which is absorbed into the photosynthesis will occur readily at low temperatures. tree's sap system. The high net photosynthesis during late season leads Cygon 2E is the systemic used most often, either to maximum carbohydrate production and car­ as a foliar spray for absorption by the leaves, or as bohydrate storage for reserves. The positive car­ a concentrate painted in a band around the tree's bohydrate balance favors root and rhizome growth trunk, for absorption through the bark. In each over topgrowth since air temperatures are well below method, applications are required twice each year that considered optimum for shoot growth. and are approximately 60 per cent effective. Nitrogen applications during the late season if Now, a more effective application method has timed properly will extend the greening of the turf been developed; small holes are made in the soil later into the fall and winter. Spring green-up will nor­ under the drip line of the tree. Undiluted Cygon 2E is mally occur earlier. The green turf is photosyntheti­ poured into the holes and the area thoroughly cally active favoring a positive carbohydrate bal­ drenched with water so that the insecticide is carried ance. Late-season nitrogen fertilization increases the to the tree's feeder roots and up into the tree's sap “green-growing" period of the turfgrass plant later system to control birch leaf miners throughout the tree. into the fall and earlier in the spring. Physiologically, This method is needed only once each year and this is a positive agronomic practice. is completely effective. Versatile Wilson Cygon 2E The" most efficient nitrogen fertilizers for use in late- may be used also as a foliar spray on roses, ornamen­ season fertilization programs are those independent tal, and most vegetables. of temperature for nitrogen release. Soil temperatures and microbial activity are low at this time of the year Published in the Kitchener-Waterloo Record New ‘El Nino’ May Shake Up Weather Again by Bob Alison, Thompson Newspapers A new El Nino is brewing. You might recall the last one. It made 15 Years a real mess of global weather in 1982-83. The last El Nino was a record breaker. It was the most intense Ago Today disturbance in 100 years. And, it triggered torrential rains in South America, violent storms in the United States, and floods in many places. Severe hurricanes caused $1.4-billion in damage in the by Barry Endicott U.S. alone. And, droughts in Mexico, India and a dozen other nations resulted in a $6.9-billion price tag. That El Nino was a nasty one. Locally, it really upset our weather. We had a very warm spring. And, there was a record number of tornadoes across southern Canada. June and July were about normal, though June was In 1971 the Board of Directors were as follows: John Arends (pres.), Bill cooler than May. There followed about six months of autumn wea­ Hynd (vice.), Ross Haines (sec.), Bob Heron (treas.), R. Allen, Frank Dunn, ther, notending until early January. December was like September. Bernie Mcdonald, Bob Lamb, Helmut Kopp, Jim Wyllie, John Grightmire And, winter did not really get organized until well into January. (past pres.). The newsletter committee consisted of Bill Hynd, Dave Gour- lay, Ross Haines and Bob Heron. Scientists are not prepared to predict what effect this next El A meeting was held at Thornhill Country Club on February 22nd and Nino will have on our weather. But, considerable abnormalities Dave Gourlay was the host. The winning curling team of Al Beeney, Roy are anticipated. French, Bob Hall, and Jack Kostegin defeated John Stoughton, Paul Among the signs that a new El Nino is in the works are rapidly Dermott, Bob Heron and Doug Heron in a close game. rising ocean temperatures, particularly off Peru. Temperatures west On April 20th there was a meeting held at Port Colbome Country Club of the date line are above normal. And, atmospheric pressure in hosted by Bill Robertson. The guest speaker was Bert Henning from the the southern hemisphere is following a typical El Nino pattern. Niagara Parks Commission. 27 played golf after lunch and the low gross There is also a telltale tilt in sea level between the eastern and winner was Bob Hall of Georgetown Golf and Country Club and the low western Pacific. net was Keith Nesbit of Westview Golf Club. 1 st low gross for associates was Doug Heron and low net went to Jack Wilson. Climatologists are so convinced that a new El Nino is coming On May the 10th there was a meeting held at Donalda Country Club that the U.S. Climate Analysis Centre has just put out an El Nino hosted by Ron Allen. advisory. And, climatologists at the Lamont-Doherty Geological On June the 10th the OGSA and the Western Greenskeepers Associa­ Observatory in Palisades, New York have calculated it will strike tion had a meeting hosted by Paul Scenna and the Galt Country Club this year, and peak next winter. and at University of Guelph turf plots with 48 players playing golf. 1 st low It is a sure thing. And, global wildlife is already responding. For gross winner was Bill Bond followed by Bob Heron, Bill Hynd and Whitey instance, seabird production at Christmas Island in the Pacific Jones. Low net winners were Dan Uzelac, Loyde Reilly, Vince Piccolo, Ocean is falling just as it did before the El Nino of 1982-83. and Keith Nesbit. Commercial low gross was Doug Heron and low net was E. Tremble. Nobody seems to know what causes an El Nino. There is one The 4th Annual Greenchairman/Superintendent Day was held at the theory that violent volcanoes are partly to blame. And, some sci­ Chinguacousy Country Club on July 22nd hosted by Paul Dermott. Mr. entists think that a particularly powerful volcano in Columbia last Bruce McLaughlin was the guest speaker and the cost of the day was November might be largely responsible for the El Nino which is $25.00 per person. Low superintendent was Bill Bowen and low net was now forming. R. Reilly. All El Ninos share some features. The most prominant one is that There were also meetings held at York Downs hosted by Kimmo Salonen the top layers of the Pacific Ocean are much warmer than usual. and at Summit hosted by Bob Lamb. And, the piling up of warm water triggers abnormal weather, The Pro/Superintendent Day was held on August 22nd at Meadow­ world-wide, encouraging more storms. brook Golf Club with 33 teams competing. Whitey Jones and Pro Bruce Butterworth from Aurora Highlands won the event hosted by Arther Uens. Some biologists think El Ninos are major evolutionary forces. For An interesting point noticed at this tournament was that a power rake one thing, on Christmas Island, the last El Nino wiped out 99 per was used in the sand traps with favorable results. cent of all birds (about 16.8 million). And, in places, sea mammals It was also noted in that year that the tri-plex greens mowers were here deserted their young. to stay but the problem of burst hydraulic hoses must be rectified or we Nobody wants to speculate on what this newest El Nino will are likely to have shattered nerves. Surely a bright colored dye could bring. We can expect just about anything - at the very least, be added so an operator could notice a leak immediately or better yet weather that is not normal. an alarm system with ared light to prevent this catastrophe. On November 9 there was a meeting at Uplands Golf Club hosted by Helmutt Kopp. The annual meeting, on December 14, at Aurora Highlands, was hosted by Whitey Jones. Bill Hynd (pres.), Jim Wyllie (vice pres.), Bob Heron, Ross Haines, Paul Dermott, John Stoughton, Ed Charman, Paul Scenna and Roy French were elected. The Tam O'Shanter Club House was wiped out by fire on October 3rd. Doug Suter at Credit Valley was clearing brush in the valley in prepa­ RAE MURRAY ration for a new 18 hole golf club. The 13 holes in the valley and 5 on TECHNICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE top will be completed in two years. PROFESSIONAL TURF PRODUCTS Don Coles of F. Manley and Sons died as a result of a car accident on October 15. CHIPMAN Gordon Witteveen was nominated as director of the GCSAA. A Business Unit of C-l-L Inc. TELEPHONE (416) 1-800-263-2136 New members were Don Nason, Glen Abbey Golf and Country Club, 400 JONES ROAD STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO (705) (519) (613) Dave Holmes, Derrydale Golf Club, Kimmo Salonen, York Downs Golf L8G 3Z1 1 800-263-8353 Club, Tom Simpson, Newcastle Golf Club, Albert Kooper, Rio Glen Golf Club, John Konarowshy, Grandview Golf Club, Tony Wozniak, Malton Golf Club and Rusty Workman, Stratford Golf Club. A BETTER START .ABETTER FINISH .. • Quality •Reliability • Service Nothing performs like a Brouwer Fairway mower, even in the early morning dew. Some outstanding features: -Low cost purchase, low cost operation. - P.T.O. driven, excellent maneuverability -Unique design for successful mowing flexibility and transportability. even in the wet. - Variable frequency of cut ensures the -Small tractor low h.p. requirement, less highest quality of cut. fuel, lightweight, less compaction. Tractor - track removal brush available as -Floating heads that follow the an option. contours. - Available in 5 or 7 gang models with a choice of 5,6,7 or 8 bladed reels. Other models are available to meet your requirements for mowing the roughs. BROUWER TURF EQUIPMENT LIMITED 7320 Haggerty Rd./Canton, Ml. 48187 Telephone (313) 459-3700 Woodbine Avenue/Keswick, Ontario, Canada L4P 3E9 Telex 065-24161 Telephone: (416) 476-4311 A Rolling Stone... and Healthy Turf under dry, infertile conditions. For­ mowing frequencies have been tween cutting heights, fertility by James T. Snow merly found primarily on bunker increased, and the turf is routinely levels and green speeds will have banks and on thin, unirrigated thinned by means of verticutting, to be determined. Director, Northeastern Region, rough mounds, these types of mos­ brushing, combing, etc. It is not un­ Interestingly, despite what you USGA Green Section Record ses are apparently finding grow­ common to find greens today that often read, pH seems to have little ing conditions on putting greens in are cut seven or more times per to do with moss establishment. some areas. week at 1/8 inch or less, fertilized at Throughout the northern range of What do rocks and putting less than one pound N/1,000 states, moss has been as great a Since moss initially establishes it­ greens have in common? Not square feet per year, double ver- concern on greens measuring self on substrates with adequate much you might say, although we ticut once per week or more, and seven or eight on the pH scale as moisture and light, and in the pre­ always have the local golf cynics receiving irrigation schedules de­ it has on greens with a pH of six or sence of little other competition, it who will claim that the greens are signed only to keep the soil firm below. follows that moss encroachment as hard as rocks at certain times and the grass alive. On greens where moss has on greens occurs first in the persis­ of the year. More and more com­ Credit must certainly go to the gained a substantial foothold, tently thin, weak areas during the monly, though, putting greens in superintendent who has the skills chemical treatment may be desir­ spring and fall, when growing con­ northern climes experience vege­ to keep the turf alive under these able to suppress the moss while the ditions are favorable. Moss is often tation growth of the kind normally conditions, but in the process of turf becomes reestablished. Hyd­ first seen on high mounds that suffer associated with rock outcrop­ keeping the grass thinned and rated lime and several commer­ from repeated scalping and thin pings, tree funks and the spaces subdued to such an extent, moss cial moss-killers have been used, areas resulting from triplex ring. As between patio blocks ... that is, is able to become established but the most consistent results have long as other turf areas on the moss growth. and thrive on putting greens. Ulti­ been obtained with an old green remain vigorous and The number of golf course mately, the turf is so lacking in vigor standby, iron sulfate. Iron sulfate reasonably dense, moss will gen­ greens experiencing moss en­ that it can't compete successfully crystals can be mixed with sand, erally remain confined to the per­ croachment has risen dramati­ with the moss! for ease of application, and put sistently weak locations. If turf cally in recent years, fed by teh Have we reached the limit? Most down at a rate of four pounds iron growth can be improved in the thin unquenchable thirst of some gol­ would agree by these descriptions sulfate/1,000 square feet. Am­ areas, the moss will often disap­ fers for the golfers' ultimate grail, that we have, and that the pen­ monium sulfate is sometimes pear altogether. fast greens. In other words, in pro­ dulum must now begin to swing mixed with the iron sulfate and viding the turf conditions that in­ So what does the quest for fast the other way. The quest for faster sand at a rate equivalent to one spire fast greens, golf course greens have to do with the sudden, greens must now be tempered by pound N/1,000 square feet. The superintendents have unsuspect­ increased incidence of moss on the need to maintain adequately mixture should be watered in soon ingly hit upon the formula for prom­ greens? To digress for a moment, vigorous turf to ward off moss inva­ after application. These materials oting moss growth. Perhaps a look for many years greens were cut at sion and other problems. have a scorching effect on the at the environmental conditions a height of 3/16 to 1/4 inches, fer­ Finding the proper balance be­ moss, and the ammonium sulfate that favor moss growth will shed tilized somewhat heavily at rates tween cutting heights and fertility also provides nitrogen, which en­ more light on this subject. of six to ten lbs. N/1,000 square feet levels seems to be the key to solv­ courages the turf to grow and fill If you think about where you've per year, and mowed three or four ing the moss problem. On experi­ in the voids left by the dying moss. seen moss growth occurring, at times per week whether they mental plots at Penn State Univer­ A single application of this witches' least one feature is almost always needed it or not. Under these con­ sity, moss encroachment was one brew will probably not produce a true. That is, such growth usually ditions, turf growth was dense and of the first observations made on complete kill of the moss, so sev­ occurs where nothing else grows vigorous, affording too much com­ plots cut at 1/8 inch or less. Thus, if eral applications may be required well, where there is no competi­ petition for moss to become estab­ close cutting heights are desired, over a period of several years. Ver­ tion, and in what most people lished. As technology became then greater amounts of nitrogen ticutting the green prior to the ap­ would probably consider a hostile more sophisticated, as demands fertilizer should be used to main­ plication sometimes improves the growing environment. It seems to for improved playing conditions in­ tain a reasonably dense, vigorous effectiveness of the treatment. be able to become established on creased, and as our understand­ stand of turf. Where higher heights When applied during the cool fall rocks, tree trunks and other inhos­ ing of turfgrass science improved, are utilized (approaching 3/16 or early spring weather, the iron sul­ pitable locations during cool, cutting heights and fertilization inch), the use of lighter rates of nit­ fate turns the grass a very dark damp periods, surviving hot, dry levels were reduced and mowing rogen fertilizer should be inconse­ color, but does not actually harm spells by becoming semi-dor- frequency was increased, but not quential as far as moss encroach­ the turf. It would be wise to try this mant, and resuming growth when to the point where moss could be­ ment is concerned. treatment on a small area first, be­ weather conditions are again come competitive with the turf. On putting greens where moss fore treating large portions of the favorable. Moss reproduces by Wide use of the Stimpmeter in the is already well established, a greens. emitting spores into the air, which mid-1970s, however, and the sub­ change in the maintenance prog­ Though iron sulfate treatments can be carried long distances by sequent over-emphasis on green ram is certainly indicated. If possi­ for moss control have been suc­ the wind. The spores that land on speeds by some golfers have ble, the cutting height should be cessful on many golf courses, moss moist or damp substrates can placed heavy demands on golf raised to 3/16 inch and the nitrogen will almost inevitably return to the develop into new plants, espe­ course superintendents to pro­ fertilization schedule should be in­ greens unless a change is made cially where there is little other duce consistently fast greens, re­ creased to 1/2 to % pound N/1,000 in the cultural management prog­ competition for space from other gardless of the consequences. square feet/growing month, or ram. Thus, chemical control is only plants. To satisfy golfer demands for three to five pounds N/1,000 a short-term solution, with best Though there are hundreds of greater and greater green square feet for the season in north­ long-term results occurring only species of moss in nature, only a speeds, superintendents have ern areas. During this timne, regu­ after the proper balance of cutting few are common in turfgrass pushed turfgrass science, and the lar verticutting, brushing, etc., can height, fertilization rates and irriga­ stands. The most important, par­ turfgrass plant itself, to the limit. be utilized to help keep the greens tion is reached. A wise turf man­ ticularly where putting greens are Cutting heights and fertility levels smooth, true and reasonably fast. ager once said, "a rolling stone, concerned, is the group of upright have been reduced, irrigation Once the moss has been elimi­ and healthy turf, gather no moss.' types which commonly occur schedules have been cut back, nated, the ultimate balance be­ Amen! Dealing With Divots by Patrick M. O’Brien Agronomist, Mid-Atlantic Region, USGA Green Section What to do about divots? This is one of those little for this, but too few hear the call. Surely, if golfers would things that every golf course superintendent must con­ limit their practice swings to off-tee areas only, a tre­ tend with but can never overcome. mendous leap forward could be made. Small wonder! The National Golf Foundation reports The practice of placing topdressing containers on that the average seasonal daily play today on an 18- par-3 tees has made a small comeback in recent years hole course is about 150 rounds. That's about 30,000 after being commonplace in the 1920s and 1930s. A rounds of golf a year for each of the nation's 18-hole few clubs use the topdressing containers as tee markers courses. That adds up to a lot of divots and a lot of and some have also included small topdressing con­ repair work. tainers on every electric golf cart. Each container holds When golf was young, the teeing ground was a small the divot topdressing mixture, seed and a scoop. The area. Since there was not a great deal of play and the scoop is used to place topdressing over the scar left if tees were mowed by hand, a good grass cover was the divot is destroyed. possible. But in time, as the number of golfers increased, The self-repair approach, unfortunately, receives only good grassy tees became more difficult and more mixed reviews. Many golfers are apathetic. Agronomi- costly to maintain. The only answer to the problem lies cally, it doesn't take long for the seed to germinate in in larger tees and a constant divot repair program. the mix and the helpful golfer may find a mass of veg­ Next to providing a level stance for the golfer, size is etation in the container. One solution is to place the the most important tee consideration. Without enough seed in a dispenser, like a salt shaker, to keep it dry ground, grass cannot recover from heavy divoting and and prevent germination. But each new step in the self­ traffic. Luckily, it is easy to calculate how much area is repair process only seems to complicate and discour­ needed. For par-4 and par-5 holes, 100 square feet of age its use even more. usable area is required for every 1,000 rounds of golf The best approach to divot repair is a regular pro­ annually. For par-3 holes, 200 square feet is needed. gram by the professional grounds staff. The professional Tees meeting these general guidelines will have a better staff is more proficient than most golfers in judging how chance of keeping a dense cover throughout the play­ much topdressing to place over an old divot hole. Usu­ ing season. This is an important consideration for anyone ally, doing the work once or twice a week is enough if planning to rebuild old tees or designing new ones. the tees are sufficiently large. Most often, one or two The use of fast growing grasses on tees with divot crew members apply the divot mixture by hand to the problems is another aid. In northern climates, some favor injured areas. The next step is to smooth the area with Penncross bentgrass while others prefer improved pe­ a shovel and then off to the next tee. Devoting time to rennial ryegrasses. In southern areas, various burmuda- divot repairs pays dividends. The golfers, too, become grass and zoysiagrass varieties are the choice. Obvi­ more conscientious about repairing injured turf when ously there are growth rate differences, even among they see that the professional staff is devoting time to it. grasses of the same species. For example, the faster The divot mixture used by the professional staff is usu­ growing Vamont bermudagrass is preferred over the ally one of seed, soil, and/or sand. Seed germination slower growing Midiron bermudagrass for tees where of cool season grasses such as bentgrass, is more dif­ these varieties are adapted. ficult in sand alone. On the other hand, actively growing Good tees, regardless of the grass species, absolutely warm season grasses will readily spread in pure sand require very close attention to fertilization rates, irrigation and rapidly cover without the need of additional seed needs and pesticide protection. These needs are even and soil. greater when cutting heights are lowered and grass Good tees and a dense, uniform turf cover undeniably clippings collected. Many tees have become an inten­ add to the enjoyment and attractiveness of every golf sive management area. course. Good tees don't just happen. They must be of Although there are no set rules for divot repair pro­ adequate size, have the proper grass, and follow a grams, the greatest hope of all remains with the golfer conscientiously planned management and divot repair himself. If every golfer would only repair his own ball program. Good tees cost money. The enjoyment they marks and replace his own divots, the nation's golf bring and the impression they leave make it all worth­ courses would be conspicuously improved and notice­ while. ably less expensive to maintain. Proper etiquette calls Credit: USGA Green Section Record. Ontario Update by Gordon Witteveen friends, Dan put on a special for London Sunningdale for over 15 the day: The $25.00 entry fee in­ years, has moved to Saskatche­ The first golfing meeting of the cluded a golf shirt, lunch, a steak wan where he is in charge of the year for Ontario Golf Superinten­ dinner, and all the beer one could City of Regina Golf Courses. The dents took place at the Dominion drink. The Uzelacs don't limit their new Superintendent at Sun­ Golf Club near Windsor. This was generosity to visiting friends. They ningdale is Murray Finch who used a joint meeting with the Michigan have contributed thousands of to be at the Kanata Golf Club near Superintendents and it is always an dollars to Turfgrass Research at the Ottawa. excellent opportunity to trade sec­ University of Guelph and also at Art Oswald, an Assistant from the rets with our American colleagues Michigan State University. Dan Donalda Club, has taken over at who maintain some of the finest proudly wears a gold lapel pin Whitevale. George Forest is the golf courses in North America. which marks him as a one new man in charge at Pike Lake Dominion Golf Club is short and thousand dollar contributor to and Douglas Black is keeping the relatively easy and, therefore, a Turfgrass Research. Individual greens at Beaverdale near Guelph. great place to start the season. members at Dominion also con­ John Gall came all the way from Most everyone had a good score tribute a dollar each with their an­ Sault Ste Marie Golf Club to and was in a happy frame of mind. nual dues. If there were more Oshawa to replace former OGSA No doubt the great hospitality of people like Dan Uzelac in our bus­ President Rusty Workman. our hosts, Dan and Dorothy Uzelac, iness, Turfgrass Research would Congratulations to the RCGA for added greatly to the success of advance with leaps and bounds showing well-deserved apprecia­ the day. Dominion has been a and we would also have a very tion to a good turf man! Michael family business for almost fifty years good time as we were progres­ VanBeek was Assistant Golf and is now into the second gener­ sing. Course Superintendent at the Glen ation of management. Dan There have been quite a Abbey Golf Club for five years. He Uzelac, who calls himself “Owner- number of position changes this has left that position to go in busi­ Superintendent," is one of the most winter and several golf clubs are ness for himself as a Lawn Sprayer popular characters in the golf starting the season with a new in the Acton area. As a going course business. Dan is convinced Superintendent at the helm. away present Michael received a that the success of his business at Bruce Trasher, for eight years the substantial severance and a Dominion is in no small way at­ Superintendent at Cedarbrae in golden watch for all his toil at the tributable to all that he has learned Toronto, has moved to the Van­ Abbey. Certainly a nice gesture on from his association with golf couver Golf Club. His successor is the part of the governing body in course superintendents, both in Warren Vout who came from golf. Don McFaul, Superintendent Canada and the United States. To nearby Whitevale. at Glen Abbey, has appointed show his appreciation to his Ken Nelson, who looked after Dean Baker as his new Assistant. Equipment for professional turf maintenance Gordon Bannerman Limited • 41 Kelfield Street, Rexdale M9W5A3 • Telephone 416-247-7875 A Useful Technique in Sand Bunker Renovation by James T. Snow, Director, Northeastern Region, USGA Green Section Record Sooner or later, every golf course and the soil has been used to place and the roots have become superintendent is faced with re­ backfill behind and between established, the job is essentially building sand bunker edges and them, sod can be laid on the soil finished. banks that have deteriorated and directly over the bags to es­ In using this procedure, Bob through excessive sand buildup. tablish the capes and mounds. Be­ suggests that the sod be brought One of the msot critical steps in this cause the burlap is porous and down directly over the rounded process is establishing a well-de­ biodegradable, turfgrass roots edge of the bag. Final edging can fined border that gives the bunker grow through the burlap and be­ be done when the sod becomes its final shape and aesthetic ap­ come established in the soil rooted and well established. He peal. When the sand bunker is on below, and ultimately the burlap also suggests that this technique a relatively flat plane, strips of will decompose. Thus, there is no can be practical for a variety of plywood or metal sheeting work need to use artifical support such other uses on the golf course, in­ reasonably well in establishing as plywood strips or metal sheeting cluding landscaping hard-to-work these edges. This method doesn't for establishing the bunker edges, slopes, building retaining slopes provide enough support, though, and there is no need to remove for ponds, for outlining walkways, where large, elevated capes and them later. Once the sod is in etc. mounds are involved. At the Winged Foot Golf Club, in Mamaroneck, New York, Bob Alonzi has developed a technique for rebuilding the banks around the large, caped sand bunkers that eliminates the problems as­ sociated with plywood or metal strips. Thinking back to his days spent filling sandbags in the Army, Bob came up with the idea of fil­ ling medium-sized burlap bags with soil and using them to form the perimeter of the new capes and mounds. Using the burlap bags in this way has many advantages. The bags But soil-filled burlap bags work better. form a solid, stable edge, yet they can be moved and molded to Excuses Actually Received by Teachers provide the precisely desired ef­ fect. Once the bags are in place in Schools Via Notes from Home Credit: Traveller’s Insurance Dear School: Please accuse John from being absent on January 28, 29, 30, 31,32, and also 33. Please excuse Kianna from being absent yesterday. She was in bed with gramps. I had to keep Billie home because she ad to go Christmas shopping because I din't know wat size she ware. DOUGLAS WOOD Please execute Johnny for being, it was his fathers fault. LARGE TREE SALES LTD. Mary could not come to school because she was bothered by very close veins. e have transplanted over Chris will not be in school cuz he has an acre in his side. W 8000 large trees on Ontario and Quebec golf courses. Our John has been absent because he had two teeth taken off his face. Excuse Gloria. She has been under the doctor. dedication to their care and Lillie was absent from school yesterday because she has a going over. attention in handling has My son is under the doctor's care and should not take fizical ed. Pleas execute been rewarded with an him. envionable success rate of Carlos was absent yesterday because he was playing football. He was hurt better than 99.9%. in the growing part. My daughter was absent yesterday because she was tired. She spent this weekend with the Marines. Hourly Rates Don't Tell All! Please excuse Joyce for P.E. for a few days. Yesterday she fell off a tree and misplaced her hip. (519)853-2035 Please excuse Ray Friday. Friday from school. He has very loose vowels. RR 2, Rockwood, Ont. NOB 2K0 Please excuse Blanche from jim today. She is administrating. 1-800-265-6681 Please Petro from being absent yesterday. He had dia dya diah, the s...s. George was absent yesterday because he had a stomach. Finally an alternative. Toro's new Greens Aerator can help you aerate your greens taster than the leading competitive machine. But that's not the only advantage. Toro also outdistances the competition by adding greater horsepower, heavy duty construction, and a modular design tor easy servicing. All that you need to make one of your seemingly longest tasks in golf course maintenance a whole lot shorter. TURF CARE 105 GIBSON DRIVE, MARKHAM, ONTARIO L3R 3K7 TELEPHONE: (416) 475-0988 TELEX: 06-966799 COMING EVENTS June 12 Spring Field Day Victoria Park June 26 OGSA-WOGSA TBA Joint Meeting June 26 Region 1 Meeting Strathroy July 14 President, Credit Valley Greenchairman, Superintendent Day July 22 Region 3 Meeting Caledon July 22 Region 4 Meeting Midland July 23-26 Annual Ontario Parks Brantford Assoc. Conference July 24 Region 1 Meeting Thames Valley "Green is Beautiful" Ontario Golf Superintendents Association