"Green is Beautiful" Ontario Golf Superintendents Association P.O. BOX 203, ISLINGTON, ONTARIO M9A 4X2 TELEPHONE 233-8388 MARCH 1987 Guelph Turfgrass Institute PER Green 1987 O.G.S.A. Beaut March PRESIDENT 1987 ROBERT KENNEDY GARDEN CITY GOLF CLUB ST. CATHARINES ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 1987 PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT PAST PRESIDENT Robert Kennedy Thom Charters Barry Endicott Garden City Golf Club Weston Golf & Country Club Millcroft Golf Club 37 Lincoln Ave. 50 St. Phillips Road 3 Sutter Ave. St. Catharines, Ontario L2P2C7 Weston, Ontario M9P2N6 Brampton, Ontario L6Z1G1 Phone: Bus. (416) 685-9976 Phone: Bus. (416) 241-5551 Phone: Bus. (416) 332-5111 Res. (416) 935-2019 Res. (416) 233-8388 Res. (416) 846-1440 DIRECTORS Rod Trainor CGCS Neil Acton CGCS Ron Heesen 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 L0K 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 CGCS John Taylor Scott Dodson Sarnia Golf and Curling Club Twenty Valley G.C. Chedoke Golf Club 500 Errol Rd. W. 419 Lincoln Ave. 563 Aberdeen Ave. Sarnia, Ontario N7V 1X7 Beamsville, Ontario L0R 1B0 Hamilton, Ontario L8P2S8 Phone: Bus. (519) 336-0667 Phone: Bus. (416) 563-8761 Phone: Bus. (416) 529-9931 Res. (519) 332-1521 Res. (416) 562-5011 Res. (416) 957-7729 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 L0P 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 OGSA Tournament Chairman, Thom Charters (right), presented the OGSA Low Gross Trophy to Hugh Kirkpatrick from Westmount. Hugh managed to accumulate the lowest gross average In the 1986 OGSA golf events. Congratulations Hugh (but I want more strokes). Incoming OGSA President, Robert Kennedy (right), presented Barry Endicott with a plaque recognizing his hard work and efforts as 1986 OGSA President. On The Move Thom Charters From Islington G.C. to Weston G.C. Jerry Richard From Brooklea G.C. to Toronto G.C. Brian Gouthro From Board of Trade to Tyandaga G.C. CONGRATULATIONS! To Craig Evans for the recent addition to his family as well as achieving Certified Status (C.G.C.S.) To Barry Britton for his newest family member. To Ted Ellis for attaining Certified Status. NEW MEMBERS Bruce Clark, Midland G.C. — Class B Mike Cote, Buttonville G.C. — Class B Thank You Dave Gourlay, you came through for me again. For the record, this photograph was taken at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto dur­ ing the last GCSAA Conference to be held In Canada, In 1961! Dave identifies the people as follows: Standing (left to right) Jimmy Firth (deceased) Lakeview Golf Club, Mississauga B. Donovan O.G.A. representative Art Dodson (retired) Maple Downs Golf Club Elwood MacArthur (deceased) Scarboro Golf Club Tom Unsworth (retired) Toronto Ladies, then St. Thomas G.C. NEW REGION 2 DIRECTOR Seated (left to right) John Taylor, from the Twenty Valley Golf Carl Wagner (retired) Lambton G.C., then Club In Beamsville, has filled the vacancy Brudnell G.C. PEI on the OGSA board of Directors created Dave Moote active superintendent In Florida when Hugh Kirkpatrick completed his term Keith Nisbet Westview Golf Club as immediate Past President. John served as Bill Bluett (deceased) Mississauga Golf Club the assistant superintendent at Twenty Val­ Dave also mentioned most of these people comprised the 1959-1960 OGSA Board of Direc­ ley for one season prior to accepting the tors. superintendents position in 1982. John Is a graduate of the 2 year golf course techni­ cians diploma offered at Seneca College. In his spare time, he enjoys playing hockey, golfing, downhill skiing and taking vaca­ tions. Welcome to the Board, John. Teed off at weed problems? Get proven control: 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. M&B May&Baker May & Baker Canada Inc. 6557 Mississauga Road Mississauga, Ontario L5N 1A6 1274 Plains Road East Always read labels before use Burlington, Ontario L7S 1W6 GCSAA - OGSA SEMINAR 1986 OGSA-GCSAA Seminar Business Communication & Assertiveness Dr. Stephen Hazel (left) and host Blake McMaster Techniques Seminar Participating superintendents included Stuart Mills CGCS (right) and Thomas Charnock from New York State. BUSINESS COMMUNICATION AND ASSERTIVENESS TECHNIQUES The 32 superintendents, assistants and in­ Negotiating skills were also discussed dustry representatives in attendance at this briefly. The immediate benefit that comes to seminar, jointly sponsored by the OGSA and mind is personal contracts but there is so the GCSAA, were treated to a truly refresh­ much more to negotiating. Every day, we ing educational session. The psychologist in negotiate with our children, wives, hus­ charge of the seminar, Dr. Stephen Hazel, bands, employees, salesmen, etc.... hails from the Department of Human De­ I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Hazel's seminar velopment, University of Kansas. Dr. Hazel and would recommend it to any person has lectured numerous superintendents as­ wishing to improve their personal and pro­ sociations concerning managing stress, set­ fessional image. ting goals (both personal as well as profes­ Special thanks to Seminar Organizer, sional), developing and improving com­ Thom Charters, for his excellent prepara­ munication skills as well as problem solving tions (as usual) and Blake McMaster for ex­ techniques. tending the hospitality of the Brampton Golf My personal observation was that most Club's facilities. successful superintendents already possess District Manager most of the skills Dr. Hazel discussed without Turfcare Products necessarily understanding the mechanics of our actions. Since Dr. Hazel broke the ac­ tions down into a structured process, atten­ Ann Witteveen, b.sc. dees now have the ability to analyze their actions should a communication break­ 23 Union St. Elmira, Ont. N3B 2Z6 down occur or a problem arise. This will en­ Tel. 519-669-5401 able them to correct the situation quickly, NUTRITE Inc. In-Watts 1-800-265-8841 Res. 1-519-763-2077 minimizing the potential damage. News From by Alex LaBelle The Valley December 24th brought not only 10th. Lectures by Dr. Elliot Roberts from project, a cedar bulkhead around Santa Claus but also one of the worst Tennesse, Dr. Martin Petrovic of Cor­ the 15th pond, was put on hold for a Ice storms In recent memory to the Ot­ nell, Mr. Ray King of the Ottawa Wea­ week while the crew performed a tawa valley. ther Office and Ms. Gale Friedlander quick clean-up of whatever downed A freezing rain began around 6:30 speaking about the images we pre­ branches were not stuck in the snow. p.m. and lasted for about 24 hours. sent will be on the agenda for Mon­ Dick is looking at a lot more of the Over night the valley was transformed day the 9th. Tuesday will start with a same in April. into a crystal sculpture; beautiful but Toro service school for golf course Old trees and the dense ice laden devastating. Som areas of Ottawa, mechanics followed by a section for branches of the pines suffered the which was hardest hit by the storm, commercial machinery in the after­ greatest damage at our club. Fortu­ were without power for two days. noon. David Gourlay from the Toronto nately a six inch layer of snow held the Wood stoves roared while Christmas Ladies Golf Club will speak on soils in ice above the ground. Our first con­ dinners were prepared on gas bar- the afternoon, providing a topic of cern next year will be an extensive beques. The ice on the roads melted more concern to Golf Course Superin­ aerification and topdressing of our but everywhere else was frozen as tendents. The two day program will greens, tees and trouble spots. This will temperatures remained below zero allow those far removed persons to at­ be co-ordinated with a 17,000 foot for a week. Fields of young birch tend and it should prove very interest­ drainage project. Last year's deluge twenty feet high were bowed to the ing and informative. presented our inadequacies in this ground like a croquette wickets for Dick Woodward, just down the area quite graphically. Our only offi­ over a week under the weight of the road at the Rideauview Golf Club, cial construction project consists of ice. has his fingers crossed for an automa­ raising the first tee and practice range I was speaking to Doug Roth well tic watering system for next year and I tee above the drainage problems Superintendent of the Royal Ottawa can sympathize with him. I saw one (after we've corrected them), gaining Golf Club and President of the Ot­ go down the tubes at the Midland some length (where possible) and tawa Valley Turfgrass Association. The Golf & Country Club by one vote and splashing some natural colour ice did not affect them too much. Tree on courses with as heavy a soil as around. damage was restricted to weak Rideauview and Carleton, water ap­ Other than the one brief episode at specimens such as willows and pop­ plication is every bit as important as Christmas, the weather has been lars, thanks to Doug's pruning prog­ drainage. In fact a manual system, as good to us so far. Already gofers are ram. many realize, can undermine even murmurring about an early season. It Doug is very pleased with the list of the most meticulously planned drain­ looks as if the whole valley may be speakers for the O.V.T.A. winter semi­ age program. Rideauview's winter hard at it sooner than expected. nars to be held on February 9th and Golfers may not be in top shape, in spring, with EVERGREEN but your greens can be . . . protective covers PROTECTION FASTER GROWTH LOWER COSTS CONVENIENCE QUALITY Protection against Faster growth and Lower costs to get Convenience because Quality by manufacturer desiccation and other healthier root and turf in top shape the one-piece cover HinspergerPoly winter/spring damage. vegetative development for opening day, is easy to install. Industries, the largest in early spring. year after year. diversified producer of protective covers in North America. “Evergreen covers helped us open the course Please write for our two weeks earlier than usual this past spring. furniture catalogue sheet. We plan on ordering Evergreen covers for more greens and tees this coming winter.” — Bob Heron, course superintendent, Mississauga Golf and Country Club, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. HPI Start your next season earlier with higher quality greens and tees. Plan now to install Evergreen protective covers this winter. Hinspergers Poly Industries Ltd. For more information, contact: Hinspergers Poly Industries Ltd., AG Turf Chemicals Inc., 645 Needham Lane, Mississauga, Ontario P.O. Box 143, Station “A”, Rexdale, Ontario Canada L5A 1T9 Canada M9W 5K9 Tel: (416) 272-0144 Tel: (519) 748-0314 PYTHIUM BOOT DYSFUNCTION AND THE BIOLOGY OF HIGH SAND CONTENT GREENS Clinton F. Hodges Professor of Horticulture and of Plant Pathology Department of Horticulture Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011 A Pythium disease of creeping bentgrass has been recog­ to prevent the disease or to stop it after it has started? The nized that attacks the roots of plants grown in high sand con­ Pythium species responsible for root dysfunction are com­ tent greens. The disease occurs primarily on old golf courses monly associated with soils in which grasses are grown. They where the greens have been rebuilt with sand; the disease is are not, however, known to cause problems in a soil rarely found, however, on newly constructed golf courses medium. It is hypothesized that the microbiology of sand with sand greens. Creeping bentgrass, established on reno­ may be different or inadequate to the extent that there is little vated greens in the fall of the growing season, grows well competition for the Pythium species involved. It is believed and establishes a good cover by winter. The grass grows that the Pythium species may be present in the old collar well curing the mild periods of spring and early summer of and apron soils of renovated greens. When the Pythium the following year. With the arrival of hot, humid weather, the species grows into contact with the sand, it rapidly colonizes turf begins to die in a pattern typical of Pythium-induced the sand and roots are infected. The Pythium infected roots "cottony blight" or "foliar blight". Close examination of dis­ may function adequately during mild growing conditions eased plants, however, fails to show any Pythium infection of with damage occurring only during periods of stress. above ground portions of the plants. The fact that the disease remains a serious problem for Examination of root systems of diseased plants reveals about three years after reconstruction and then diminishes in white, normal appearing roots that are field diagnosed as severity also is suggestive of a sand microbiology imba­ being healthy. No lesions or rot are present on the roots. lance. Over a period of three years, a high-sand green ac­ When such roots are incubated under laboratory conditions, quires organic matter and probably some wind blown silt. Pythium species frequently grow from the root tips, cortical These changes may provide the basis for development of a cells, and vascular system within 6 to 12 hours. The Pythium- microbiology more typical of soil. With a larger and/or more infected roots can result in the complete killing of a green diverse microbiology, the potential competition for the within 7 to 10 days. Case histories of greens that have been Pythium species may increase and result in a decrease in attacked show that the disease may reoccur up to three their activity and subsequently the disease. growing seasons after the first outbreak of the problem. After The decrease in severity of disease after three years also three years, the disease may cease to be a problem or may may be related to the inability of the Pythium species to occur at a much reduced level of activity. complete all phases of their life cycle on the roots of creep­ Research has established that Pythium arrhenomanes and ing bentgrass. Sporangia (asexual reproductive structures) P. aristosporum are the pathogens responsible for the dis­ and oospores (sexually produced resting spores) are rarely ease. P. arrheno-manes is the more common of the patho­ found in infected roots. Transferring either Pythium species to gens and occurs in all regions of the North American conti­ Bacto agar or cornmeal agar results in abundant production nent. This species causes a root rot of cereals in Canada and of lobate sporangia and oospores. Inoculation of orchard the northern U.3. and has been a severe pathogen of the grass (Dactylis glomerata) roots also results in production of roots of sugarcane in the souther U.S. P. aristosporum is re­ sporangia and oospores in cortical and vascular tissue. stricted to the cooler regions of the north central and north­ These responses suggest that creeping bentgrass may not west U.S. and Japan. This pathogen causes snow blight of be an ideal host for either pathogen. These developmental cereals and grasses in Japan. characteristics also may relate to the decrease in disease Inoculation of creeping bentgrass roots with either Pythium severity after three years. If the Pythium species survive in species in controlled studies results in a severe reduction of creeping bentgrass roots only by vegetative growth and do plant growth. Total weight of plants with roots infected by P. not produce resting spores (oospores) they may be very vul­ arrhenomanes or P. aristosporum is 16% and 32% respec­ nerable to the environmental and microbiological changes tively, of healthy control plants. Examination of roots 3 to 4 that probably occur in the sand over time. Other factors that weeks after inoculation reveals Pythium mycelium in root stimulate the disease may include excessive irrigation and hairs and in somewhat swollen regions behind root tips. It fertilization of sand greens, and potential mechanical injury seems that root hairs and root tips provide the primary sites of roots by sand particles. for infection. Roots examined 8 weeks after inoculation are Control of Pythium-induced root dysfunction is not promis­ completely penetrated by the mycelium; the pathogens are ing with present technology. Contact and systemic fun­ found in abundance in the cortex, vascular tissue, and root gicides specific for Pythium species are not effective for con­ tips. Some root tips are devitalized and the roots may be trol of root dysfunction. The primary problem is that there is no slightly buff colored compared to healthy roots. It is remark­ effective means of getting the fungicides in the root zone able, however, that with the extensive infection of the roots and there also is some question as to their effectiveness in the there is no rot and visible lesions are extremely rare. The fact root zone. At present, intense aerification with application of that growth of infected plants is severly reduced and that the fungicides into the aerifier holes may slow the disease, there are no rotted roots suggests that the reduction in but this procedure will not stop the disease. Wetting agents in growth of infected plants is due to the inability of infected conjunction with the fungicides have sometimes proven use­ roots to function properly. Infection may interfere with water ful. It also has been observed that decreasing irrigation to an uptake and/or other metabolic functions of the root. Because absolute minimum may slow the development of the dis­ infection seems to interfere with root function, the disease is ease. Unfortunately, our experiences to date indicates that referred to as a "Pythium-induced root dysfunction". most efforts to control the disease chemically are futile and There are, at present, more questions surrounding the na­ on most diseased greens the turf must be reestablished after ture of Pythium-induced root dysfunction than there are an­ the stressful period of the growing season. swers. There are two questions of immediate interest: 1) Why does the disease occur only on high-sand content greens Acknowledgement and almost exclusively on renovated greens on older golf The research conducted at Iowa State University on Pythium-in- courses? 2) Why does the disease usually decrease in sever­ duced root dysfunction of creeping bentgrass has been partly sup­ ity after three years? 3) Can control methods be developed ported by a grant from the O.J. Noer Research Foundation. 20 Years Ago by Barry Endicott Today tournament with a 76. On February 15 there was a Western/ OGSA joint meeting held at Dundas Valley Golf Club. Fred Grightmire, Superintendent was absent because of a car accident but his son John, from the Beverley Golf Club, acted as host on his father's behalf. On January 10 there was a meeting held at Tam O'Shanter. On November 14 there was a meeting held at Markland Wood Golf Club hosted by Bruce Woolley. Bill Hynd was the winner of the GCSA tourna­ ment held at Carling Lake. On Tuesday November 28, Man­ ley's Annual Conference and Equipment Show was held. September the 19th, the first Turf Conference organized by the OGSA was held at the Oakdale Golf Club. Bill Hynd also won the Western's Taylor Barnes Tournament at the Port Col- borne Golf Club hosted by Superintendent Bill Robertson (Bill Hynd had quite a year!). There was also a meeting at Westmount Golf Course hosted by Herb Creed in August. The GCSAA Conference was held in Washington on Feb­ ruary 5 and Keith Nesbit's name was submitted as a candi­ date as director in the GCSAA. THe RCGA Turf Conference In 1967 the directors of the OGSA were: Bob Moote (pres.), was held at the Skyline Hotel on March 15th. The OGSA an­ Dave Gourlay (vice), Bill Hynd (sec.), Dave Moote, Gord Wit- nual dinner was held at the Northwood Golf and Country on teveen, I. Williamson, John Grightmire, Whitey Jones, Jim March 31st. The Greensmaster, formerly belonging to the Wylie, Alex Chisholm and Herb Creed. OGSA, was sold to the CGSA for the sum of $1.00 (one dol­ New members were Carl Disney, Whitby Golf Club; Ross lar). It will be the official publication of the CGSA. Haines, Humber Valley Golf Club; Paul Dermott, Chin­ Jim Wylie, former Superintendent at Bayview Golf Club guacousy Country Club; Fred Klomp, Detonia Park Golf passed away at the age of 57 on January 17 after a short ill­ Club; Ed Orlieb, Bayview Golf Club; Mike Donahue, Don ness. Alex McClumpha also passed away. He was farming Valley Golf Club; Louis Formosa, Lakeview Golf Club and the old York Downs course when it was purchased for a golf Jerry Rietveld, Pleasant Valley Golf Club. course. He then worked for the architect as the course was Meetings were held at Credit Valley Golf Club hosted by being built. He then stayed on as Superintendent. Alex later Doug Suter. First low gross was Bill Hynd with an 83 and the moved to Elms Golf Club Weston and later Thornhill Golf guest speaker was George Clifton, the pro at Pine Valley Club where he retired in 1963. Golf Club. On June 12 there was a meeting held at St. Congratulations were sent out to Bill and Alice Hynd on the Georges Golf Club hosted by Bill Hynd. St. Geroges will be birth of their daughter. Rene Muylaert, who for 5 years was the 1968 host of the Canadian Open and the course was Superintendent at Chinguacousy Country Club, left the bus­ lengthened to 7,000 yards by buiding 4 new greens and iness as a golf course superintendent and became a golf some new tees. The McClumpha Tournament was held at course architect. There was a Superintendent position adver­ Aurora, hosted by Whitey Jones with Bill Bowen winning the tised at St. Andrews Towers Golf Course in Willowdale. Bannerman 20” Gordon Bannerman Limited 41 Kelfield St., Rexdale, Ontario M9W 5A3 Tel: (416) 274-7875 SUPERFINE Greens Mower Unsurpassed for accuracy and uniformity in cutting height from 3/32” to 1”. For a FREE DEMONSTRATION Call Bruce Calhoun or George Bannerman at (416) 247-7875. Condition of Course Often Goes Unnoticed by Mike Ward, Peterborough Examiner Now that we're well into the summer On the morning of Aug. 1, the final day Chapter Editors To Be months, avid golf fans eagerly await of the tournament, the biggest storm in each weekend's televised golf tourna­ three years hit the city of Peterborough Recognized For Newsletter ment with great anticipation. With unre­ and Kawartha Golf and Country Club at Work quited awe they marvel at the precision 5:15 in the morning. Winds of 95 miles per Editors of eight newsletters were recog­ shot making, the slow building drama hour and 1.25 inches of rain in less than 30 nized during GCSAA's 58th Annual Interna­ which climaxes on the 18th green and minutes literally turned the golf course up­ tional Golf Course Conference and Show in Ken Venturi's golf tips. side down. Tons of leaves, branches and Phoenix. Sometimes going unnoticed, though, is trunks of trees were down everywhere. The 1986 winners of the annual GCSAA the immaculate condition of the perfectly Bleachers were overturned and greens Chapter Newsletter Contest were selected manicured golf course on which the con­ were flooded. Power to all buildings was from the publications of 48 eligible, affiliated chapters by a panel of four highly qualified test takes place. Maintaining a golf out. I know all of this because I was cut­ judges. To be eligible, newsletters must be course is something that is rarely, if ever, ting greens when it happened. Superin­ published by GCSAA-affiliated chapters be­ considered or appreciated by those un- tendent John Smith and I were trying to tween September 30 of the previous year aquainted with the task. seek shelter when a tree with a three-foot and October 1 of the current year. As an example, let's look at our own trunk was blown down less than 25 yeards Within each of three chapter size Kawartha Lakes Invitational Tournament, from us. Surely the tournament would categories, one newsletter was selected as held at Kawartha Golf and Country Club. have to be cancelled. the best overall. Newsletters were evaluated Many long and arduous hours are spent But wait . . . thanks to the hard work on overall excellence, appropriate design, prior to and during the event attempting from the maintenance staff and a few editorial judgment and content, scope and to achieve near-perfect conditions. Since members who volunteered their services, quality of writing, and presentation. The size the maintenance staff cannot do its job the golfers teed off at noon. There's no categories were as follows: A - fewer than during the actual competition, all work is way to foretell a disaster like this, but in­ 30 chapter members; B - 30 to 70 chapter done before the 6:30 a.m. tee-off time variably there is always a way to make members; C - more than 70 chapter mem­ and also during the night. bers. sure the game gets played. And the In addition to the three overall awards, And there's a lot of work to be done. spectator rarely sees more than the ball judges selected five newsletters for special The rough and the mounds around the disappearing into the hole on the 18th recognition awards regardless of chapter greens and tees are cut continually as green. size. These special categories: best flag de­ are the fairways. Tees and aprons are cut This year's Kawartha Lakes Invitational, sign, best cover, best original editorial con­ daily at five-eighths of an inch. And the sponsored by Molson's, takes place Aug. tent, best format and readability, and most greens are cut once after each days play 3-5. Take the opportunity to drop by and improved. and again before play resumes the next see some great golf and a great course. The 1986 award winners to be honored in day. Phoenix were as follows: This double cutting (at nine sixty-fourths Category A: Turf Talk, New Hampshire GCSA, of an inch) provides the closest thing pos­ Editor, Barrie Robertson sible to a perfect cut. Pin placements are Category B: Turf Talk, Wymont GCSA, Editor, moved each evening as are the tee mar­ Jane R. Barry kers. Litter from spectators is collected at Category C: The Grass Roots, Wisconsin GCSA, Editor, Monroe S. Miller every opportunity. Best Cover: The Florida Green, Florida GCSA, And the last thing done before tee-off Editor, Dan Jones, CGCS time - all dew is removed from the fair­ Best Flag: Northern Ohio Turf, Northern Ohio ways. GCSA, Editor, Alan F. Clark, CGCS Prior to tournament week, all greens are Best Editorial: Hole Notes, Minnesota GCSA, top-dressed with a light application of Editor, Warren J. Rebholz sand to "true up" the putting surface to Best Format: The Mallmark, Central Illinois provide a smoother and more consistent GCSA, Editor, Michael Vogt roll of the golf ball. And all mowers are Most Improved: The Supervisory Link, Ver­ sharpened to obtain as precise a cut as mont GCSA, Editor, Michael O'Connor, CGCS possible. Watering greens, tees and fair­ ways is done as required, as per usual. In addition, other preventive practices have been used to insure the health of the golf course. To begin with, cutting a golf green at nearly one-eighth of an inch places the grass under such a tremend­ ous amount of stress that it is literally exist­ ing on the edge of disaster. Irrigation, aer­ ation, spiking, brushing, top-dressing, fer­ C-I-L tilization and disease and insect control are all essential tools used by knowledge­ able golf course susperintendent and his staff in their constant fight to maintain the RAE MURRAY critical balance necessary for survival. TECHNICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE With all of this methodical preparation PROFESSIONAL TURF PRODUCTS going into the presentation of a golf course for a big tournament, nothing can go wrong, right? Wrong! The unexpected always happens. In CHIPMAN A Business Unit of C-l-L Inc. TELEPHONE 1984, an electrical malfunction occurred 400 JONES ROAD (416) 1-800-263-2136 in the greensmower on the second day of the tournament. Time was running out STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO (705) (519) (613) when the problem was finally traced and L8G 3Z1 1-800-263-8353 corrected. But that was minor compared with what happened in 1983. Georgian Bay Superintendent’s Association With Alex LaBelle's departure to Ottawa, the respon­ sibility of co-ordinating the affairs of the G.B.S.A. has fallen into the capable hands of Ray Richards (Base Borden) and John Hughes (Horseshoe Valley), The golf dates for '87 have been set and are as follows: June 16 Brooklea G.C. - Midland Host Superintendent Neil ACton C.G.C.S. July 7 Circle Pine - Base Borden Host Superintendent Ray Richards July 28 Horsehoe Valley Resort Host Superintendent John Hughes August 18 Blue Mountain G.C. -Collingwood Host Superintendent Kim Hanley September 8 Barrie G.C. - Barrie THE TURF SEED Specialists Host Superintendent Ed Doda Oseco Inc. P.O. Box 219, Brampton, Ontario, Canada L6V 2L2 The cost for the golf days remain the same as last (416) 846-5080 year - $15.00! Included In this reasonable fee is your dinner, golf and prizes. A bargain you must agree! Re­ R. PAUL JOHNSON National Sales Manager servation of golf carts Is the responsibility of the indi­ Turf Seeds vidual and can be made through the host club's Pro Shop. Simply contact the host Superintendent and in­ form him that you wish to participate and then show up at 1:00 p.m., clubs in tow, ready for an enjoyable day. It's as easy as that! See you there. TORO TURF CARE TURF CARE PRODUCTS LIMITED 105 GIBSON DRIVE, MARKHAM, ONT. L3R 3K7 TEL: (416) 494-9945 TOLL FREE: 1-800-387-4394 TURF CARE PRODUCTS CONGRATULATES the following golf courses for installing TORO AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION in 1986 (in spite of the rain!) : OSHAWA GOLF - JOHN GALL GORMLEY GREEN - DAVE ASH MILL RUN - BARRY MclNTOSH CRANBERRY VILLAGE - COLLINGWOOD BROOKLEA GOLF - NEIL ACTON LOCH MARCH - SID WITTEVEEN MEADOWBROOK - JOHN CUNNINGHAM DEERHURST INN - ED FARNSWORTH WYLDEWOOD - MARK HAGEN Since 1965, from Windsor to Ottawa — from Sault Ste. Marie to Toronto — almost 100 golf courses have installed a Toro system. We at Turf Care Products have more golf product; more service and more experience than anyone else in Ontario! TORO IS ONTARIO'S PROVEN IRRIGATION SYSTEM. For any information you may require on Pumps, Sprinklers, Pipe, Controllers or even Budget Figures, contact Jack Austin at Turf Care Products, 105 Gibson Road, Markham, Ont. L3R 3K7 (416) 494-9945 or Toll Free 1-800-387-4394 Turf Care Products of Markham, Ontario welcomes Bob Golden to its Irrigation Division. Bob has had 8 years experi­ ence in the turfgrass irrigation field. Bob's most recent position prior to Turf Care was with the Siddal Irrigation com­ pany in Montreal, Quebec. Bob is looking forward to meeting members of the Ontario Golf Superintendents Associ­ ation. 58th Golf International Course As an air navigator in Britain's Royal Air Force during World War II, Gourlay first developed a fondness for Canada dur­ ing his training in the country. After the war he decided to make the country his home. "In 1948 jobs were extremely hard to get, but I found work Conference & Show at Chedoke GC in Hamilton, Ontario," sys Gourlay. "Right away I decided that I wanted to be a golf course superin­ Sunny Phoenix, Arizona was the sight of this year's GCSAA tendent. I've been at it ever since." International Turfgrass Conference and Show. The growth A graduate of the University of Massachusetts turf program that this conference and show has experienced in the '80's is in 1952, Gourlay was employed as superintendent from 1951 staggering to say the least. The educational seminars of­ to 1957 at Kapuskasing GC in Ontario. He served as con­ fered during the conference have grown from 6 to 1980 to struction foreman and superintendent at Pine Valley GC in the 29 offered in Phoenix this year. While the exhibits have not Woodbridge, Ontario, in 1957 and '58, and as an assistant experienced quite the growth of the educational seminars, at nearby Mississauga G&CC in 1959. From 1960 to 1963 he its size and variety is still most impressive. was superintendent at Summit GC in Ontario. Another aspect of the conference that has shown impres­ He has held his current position as golf course superinten­ sive growth is the participation of OGSA members in the pro­ dent at Thornhill GC in Ontario since 1963. In 1971, he furth­ ceedings. This year, 3 OGSA members were active in the ered his education by completing the University of Guelph educational sessions. Ron Heesen gave a presentation con­ turf program. cerning Master Planning, Bob Heron, CGCS made people Gourlay has had a great influence in the development of aware of his devastating ice problem and Gord Witteveen golf associations in Canada. The long list of his contributions explained the advantages of employing a secretary. One to those organizations and to GCSAA - and of awards he's other person very visible during the opening ceremonies was received - includes the following: Dave Gourlay Sr. Dave was a recipient of the coveted Distin­ guished Service Award. This award is given annually to • Member of GCSAA since 1960, serving on various com­ worthy individuals, at the discretion of the GCSAA Board of mittees and as a speaker at the 39th International Conver- Directors, whom have made significant contributions to the ence in San Francisco. golf course industry. What follows is an article describing • Member of the committee to form the Canadian Golf David's life and career, which appeared in the January issue Superintendents Association (CGSA), eventually holding sev­ of Golf Course Management. eral offices within the CGSA including that of president. • Editor of the CGSA publication, Greenmaster, for seven Born in Johnstone, Scotland, in 1923, David S. Gourlay Sr. years. emigrated to Canada in 1948. It was there that he began his • Member of the Ontario Golf Superintendents Association, rise to become a highly regarded golf course superinten­ functioning as president and in other posts. dent - and, in 1987, a GCSAA Distinguished Service Award • Recipient of the Award of Merit in 1977 from the Royal Winner. Canadian Golf Association. • Recipient of the Score Award, which is determined by superintendents across Canada, as the Canadian Superin­ tendent of the Year in 1982. • Member of the coordinating committee of the Canadian Turfgrass Conference and Show for six years. • Member of the advisory committee of the Golf Course W. Robert Hutcheson Technicians Course at Seneca College in Toronto. Sand and Gravel Limited • Member of Lions International. • We are proud to be supplying Gourlay's colleagues and peers readily attest to the signifi­ the Ontario Golf Course Industry cance of his many professional contributions and his perfor­ mance as a superintendent: with: • "Dave has always been an outstanding authority in 1. Non calcareous, low pH, turfgrass maintenance. He has contributed enormously over the years with his articles in turfgrass magazines, his numer­ Hutcheson Top Dressing ous appearances as a speaker at various turfgrass confer­ and Construction Silica Sand. ences, and as the president of the Canadian Golf Superin­ tendents Association." • "The contribution that Dave has made to the industry over 2. Superior silica Bunker Sand the years has been gratifying and rewarding — especially for new superintendents eager to learn the business." • Our products comply with • "Dave is proud of his golf course and his profession — and he is one of the most unselfish individuals I have ever known." Industry specifications and have • "Dave has been a sincere, dedicated superintendent for been met with overwhelming over 25 years, and currently is the area's eldest and most ex­ perienced member." approval by biologists, architects • "The most important thing about Dave is that his heart is as and superintendents. big as his front door, and both are always open to anyone in need." • "Here is a man who puts as much or more back into the in­ Try us! dustry that has been so good to him." 8 West Street South, Box 937, "I'm very happy about winning this award," Gourlay says. Huntsville, Ontario P0A 1K0 "I'm extremely pleased and proud of the fact that I'm a Telephone: (705) 789-5108 or (705) 789-7492 superintendent in Canada and also a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. I like to be associated with everybody in the golfing fraternity." 1987 ONTARIO TURFGRASS SYMPOSIUM by Mark Schneider January 6 and 7 saw over 200 delegates from all over Perhaps the most interesting speaker of the symposium Ontario attend the 1987 Ontario Turfgrass Symposium was Dr. Hodges with his discussion of “Pythium Root Dys­ which was held at the University of Guelph. This popular function and the Biology of High Sand Content Greens". He event has grown through the years to be the second outlined some of the problems superintendents are having largest turfgrass industry gathering in Canada. with establishing healthy turf on new sand greens. Some of Tuesday's morning session started with a welcome to all the slides he showed depicted the devastating and rapid attendees from Dr. Freeman McEwen on behalf of the Uni­ decline of turf quality on rebuilt putting greens due to this versity of Guelph. pathogen. Dr. Hodges also discussed the effects of the Uwe Wicke of the Dale Carnegie Course was the Key­ “Black Layer" found in some established putting greens. note Speaker with a talk entitled “Working With Winners". Following the last session of the day, there was a recep­ This interesting speech touched on the subject of em­ tion held in the Facility Lounge for all attendees. This was ployee motivation and how it can be developed to every­ an excellent opportunity to renew old friendships and talk one's advantage. shop with some of the speakers. Dr. Lee Burpee of the University of Guelph discussed Rod Hermitage of Agturf Ltd. kicked off the Wednesday some of the many research projects he is involved with morning session with a pesticide update and discussed and announced the plans for a new Turf Research Facility some of the concerns regarding the 2-4,D question. to be built on Stone Road in Guelph, adjacent to the Uni­ Stu Mills discussed the many uses of a personal com­ versity. Congratulations Lee from all of us in the turfgrass puter in the golf course business in a talk entitled “The Elec­ business. You and your committee have worked tirelessly tronic Superintendent". to see this plan come to fruition. The rest of the morning session saw Jerry Richard, Doug Pat Tucker of the University of Guelph rounded out the Hoskins, John Bennet and Golf Course Architect Tom Mc- morning session with an interesting talk on uses for orna­ Broom give excellent presentations on various construction mentals on the golf course. projects they have been involved in over the past season. After a delicious buffet lunch, Warren Bidwell of the Tee The symposium wound up after lunch on a lighter note 2 Green Corp, gave an intriguing slide show entitled “Turf with the ever popular Gale Friedlander of Images That Suit. Around The World". Mr. Bidwell has travelled the globe ex­ Gale's speech on “Personal Power" pointed out some of the tensively attending turfgrass meetings, and had some in­ reasons that some people are more successful than others. teresting slides showing some of the problems faced by She attributed this to the fact that some people are “achiev­ superintendents in other parts of the world. ers", while others are “sustainers". A short question and an­ Closing the first day's session were Corrie Almack of Soil swer period followed her talk and it was evident that many Smith Ltd. and Dr. Clinton Hodges of Iowa State University. of us could relate well with what she had discussed. Corrie spoke of the importance of soil nutritional balance This year's symposium was one of the most successful ever and how it affects our ability to grow healthy turf. and many thanks go out to Hugh Kirkpatrick and his com­ mittee for an outstanding job. Plan now to attend in '88. 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WOOD RR 2 Rockwood, Ont N0B 2K0 (519)853-2035 1-800-265-6681 Every man owes a part of his time and money to the busi­ ness or industry in which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere. INTRODUCING THE NEW TORO Reelmaster 216 Designed to Last. AVAILABLE NOW. FOR MORE DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS CONTACT TURF CARE TODAY COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS TORO THE PROFESSIONALS THAT KEEP YOU CUTTING. TURF CARE 105 GIBSON DRIVE, MARKHAM, ONTARIO L3R 3K7 • TELEPHONE. (416)475-0988 • TELEX: 06-966799 COMING EVENTS March 5 &6 Ontario Parks Association Educational Seminar (Improving Your Skills—The Ongoing Process) Humber College (416) 296-4861 March 8-11 Canadian Turfgrass Show Saint John, New Brunswick March 18 Land-Pesticide Symposium Seneca College (Minkler Auditorium) April 27 Region 1 Golf Event Essex Golf Club - William Fach April 30 WOGSA Golf Event Brock Golfland - Edward Rybski May 28 WOGSA Golf Event Tyandaga Municipal