"Green is Beautiful" Ontario Golf Superintendents Association P.O. BOX 203, ISLINGTON, ONTARIO M9A 4X2 TELEPHONE 233-8388 SEPTEMBER 1987 ED FARNSWORTH DEERHURST INN AND COUNTRY CLUB HUNTSVILLE 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 M9P 2N6 Brampton, Ontario L6Z 1G1 Phone: Bus. (416) 685-9976 Phone: Bus. (416) 241-5551 Phone: Bus. (416) 332-1828 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 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 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 LOR 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 Beacon Hall Golf Club R.R. #4 R.R. #1 R.R. #2 Huntsville, Ontario POA 1K0 Hornby, Ontario LOP 1E0 Aurora, Ontario L4G 3G8 Phone: Bus. (705) 789-5543 Phone: Bus. (416) 878-4848 Phone: Bus. (416)889-7620 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 Dedication I Sacrifice by Bob Klingensmith, Superintendent, Hi Level G.C., Kossuth, Pennsylvania In our profession some, indeed many, might Oh sure. You'll get patted on the back, you find it very hard to separate dedication to the might even get a raise, at a dinner the gather­ job and sacrifice for the job. It must be done for ing might be told they couldn't have such a personal and family survival. For some, in their good course without you, but for the next week present job at least, it is already too late. the humidity is 83 percent, the daily tempera­ I am just several months short of my sixtieth ture 92 and the night time temperature 76 and birthday. I have spend about fifty of those years you are looking for another course to go to. The on and in golf course work. There is nothing like years you might have spent extra nightly hours being the only one on a golf course at the break hours and extra hours on weekends and even of day with the long shadows casting patterns holidays are completely forgotten. You have on the sparkling dew covered fairways, per­ been suckered in! haps a mist wafting up from the lakes, and the Take time for your wives and families. Be at singing of the early rising birds before the home and help your kids grow up. Be there sounds of progress (?) drowns them out. when your wife and family need you and com­ This is especially true if you have been the one municate! Treat it as a regular eight hour work­ responsible for the first class condition of the ing day with a few hours on Saturday and a course. Gazing out across a well groomed couple of extra hours thrown in now and again. course gives me a tremendous satisfaction. You'll get the job done — today or tomorrow. I have always liked the work. I may not have You think it can't be done that way? You think always like the working environment, but always mother nature throws you too many curves? Just the work. Carrying out stupid projects or orders stay ahead of your job. Your brain can be on issued by a committee chairman whose only the job twenty hours a day without your being "qualification" for the job is his 2 handicap, can there. That is why you have a crew. That is why grind one in so many ways. you have an assistant. That is why you have a One will find the golf course to which he has night water man. Use them. You don't have to become in charge, existed in more or less play­ do it all yourself. If you don't have all this help able condition and will continue to do so after then the job is even less demanding, except in he has moved on to another. One can only per­ your own mind, and you actually have an versely hope it won't be in quite as good condi­ easier time. credit: three rivers green tion as when he was there. I was told one time that being a salaried superintendent meant that I had to do what ever the job required. This is fine as far as it goes. Feedback! That's right — feedback. Id like you to The problem is that so many of us have carried write me and give me your thoughts concerning the out our job far beyond what is required in order above article and we'll print them in the next issue of to have ourselves seen in a better light. The "Green is Beautiful". problem with this is that the condition then snow­ balls — the more you do the more they expect. ON THE MOVE Annette Anderson Turf Extension Specialist Stuart Mills - From Ancaster to Essex Plant Industry Branch Don McFaul - From Glen Abbey to Ancaster Steve Stasnya - From Beach Grove to Owen Sound Ministry of Agriculture and Food Hort. Science Dept. NEW MEMBERS University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario N1G2W1 Gord Thompson, Meadowbrook G.C. Telephone (519) 824-4120, Ext. 2597 ... Raking around his shelves during an idle moment, Ross Haines came upon the following article. Perhaps some of our older members can enlighten us at a future meeting... Reprinted from The Bulletin of the United States Golf Association Green Section, February 1931. Ontario Greenkeepers’ Association by W.J. Sansom In October, 1924, on the invitation of C.H.L. Knuth, The purpose of the organization is to advance the then Secretary-Manager of the Weston Golf Club, a science of greenkeeping, maintain a closer fellow­ meeting of representatives of various other golf ship among the greenkeepers in the district, ac­ courses was held at that club, and the Ontario cumulate practical knowledge on the problems of Greenkeepers' Association was then organized. The greenkeeping with a view to promoting more effi­ original membership was 11, but it has since in­ cient and economical maintenance of golf courses, creased to 27, all of whom belong also to the Na­ and serve as an agency through which members tional Greenkeepers' Association of America. The of­ may obtain employment. We hold educational ficers and executive committee of our Association meetings from time to time in which specialists from have remained the same since the date of organiza­ the agricultural college at Guelph assist; also regular tion, and are as follows: President, W.J. Sansom, To­ monthly meetings during the summer on the various ronto Golf Club; Secretary-Treasurer, H. Hawkins, golf courses, at which discussions of turf problems Lakeview Golf and Country Club; Executive Commit­ yield very helpful results. tee: H. Lloyd, Rosedale Golf Club; A. McCullum, The different clubs are very generous in providing Scarboro Golf and Country Club; William Kirby, us with a room and luncheon at these meetings. We Lambton Golf and Country Club. The annual meet­ are often called upon for advisory service, from ing is held on the second Tuesday of January. which the smaller clubs especially profit. We are also often asked for advice through the mail, and the in­ quiries are always given prompt attention. Our winter meetings are held at the Sons of England Hall, To­ ronto, the second Tuesday of each month. These are TREES very helpful from an educational standpoint. A greenkeeper is invited to prepare a paper to be pre­ HAVE sented at the meeting, and this serves as a basis for discussion. We do not issue any publication of our own, but the local papers and occasionally the FEELINGS Canadian Golfer lend publicity to our activities. Once in two years a machinery demonstration is TOO! held, our last having been in September, 1930, at the Royal York Golf Club (presently St. George's Golf They Respond To Care and Country Club — Ed.) where everything in the Attention... And React way of tractors, machinery, and equipment for the upkeep of a golf course was represented. As few of To Careless Neglect. our greenkeepers play golf, we have not had occa­ sion to hold any tournaments. We re continuously striving to learn We have transplanted over 8000 large Our membership is confined to greenkeepers and more about these gracious gifts from trees on Ontario and Quebec golf nature — courses. Our dedication to their care greenkeepers' assistants (Ed. note: please note that and attention in handling hets been Do They Think? rewarded with an envionable success assistants were also members) while at the same Can They Talk? One Thing’s For Certain — rate of better than 99.9%. time we strive to enlist the cooperation of green TREES WANT TO LIVE! Hourly Rates Don’t Tell All! committees, secretary-managers, professionals, and stewards in the various clubs in our activities, as it is quite essential that all work in close touch with one another if the best interests of the clubs are to be served. After all, we are all working towards the same ends, namely, to give the players the best DOUGLAS LARGE TREE SALES LTD. WOOD course possible, the steward in the clubhouse the RR 2 Rockwood, Ont NOB 2K0 best service, the professional the best assistance in (519)853-2035 his shop, the secretary-manager the best help in his 1-800-265-6681 office, and the green committee the utmost eco­ nomy possible. Our territory covers the Province of Ontario from july 1972 ogsa newsletter 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 trols clover, dandelion, common control them with Silvaprop. Compitox is safe on the finest 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 Canada Inc. 6557 Mississauga Road Mississauga, Ontario L5N 1A6 1274 Plains Road East Always read labels before use Burlington, Ontario L7S 1W6 Management on the Edge by James F. Moore, Mid-Continent Director, USGA Green Section “Management on the edge of the superintendent, and the inevitable Fertility Practices what?" you ask. Unfortunately, many parade of one superintendent after The third trend concerns fertility superintendents are on the edge of another begins. practices. In the interest of putting failure. A rapidly growing number of Chemical Usage green speed, nitrogen has been re­ superintendents find themselves in duced to bare minimums. In our efforts situations where they are under exces­ Just a few years ago, it seemed like to discourage Poa annua, phosphor­ sive stress, in constant fear of losing the turfgrass industry was losing chem­ ous fertilization is often completely their jobs, and truly only a step away icals faster than new ones were being eliminated. In spite of significant re­ from failure. On the other hand, a introduced. Today, it seems like a new search that indicates the value of small but growing number of superin­ chemical is unveiled in a trade journal potassium, too many greens remain tendents know their work, and have a every month. If you collect all the well below recommended levels. great deal of justified confidence in labels available at a turf conference, There is a tremendous difference be­ themselves and in their positions. you can find claims to solve every turf tween greens that are lean and mean What are the primary differences problem in existence. With so many and those that are undernourished to between these two groups of individu­ cure-alls, you would think Poa annua, the point that they are unable to carry als? What do the successful superin­ Pythium, and mole crickets would all out vital plant functions, such as tendents do differently? Although the be on the endangered species list. photosynthesis. answer may be complex, the overrid­ There is a trend to substitute chemi­ Such undernourishment often oc­ ing common ingredient is that these cals for good judgement, good con­ curs when there has been a signifi­ superintendents avoid putting them­ struction, good management, and cant change in topdressing practices. selves into situations where failure is a properly designed and maintained ir­ After prolonged sand topdressing greater possibility than success. They rigation systems. over a soil base, it is common to see are basically sound in turfgrass ag­ Combine excessive chemical use major changes in nutrient availability. ronomics and the requirements of with improper turfgrass selection and When the bulk of the plant's roots are golf. At least four agronomic trends in superintencents find it necessary to confined to a sand zone of very low the industry of golf course manage­ make more and more pesticide ap­ CEC (cation exchange capacity), fer­ ment have greatly increased the plications a year. On these courses, it tility practices must be increased ac­ chances of failure. is only a matter of time until resistant cordingly. Turfgrass Selection organisms develop or the turf over­ doses on the chemicals. Too often it is In a backward sort of way, the tre­ a combination of the two. mendous success of breeders has Another trend in the industry that also brought about a new set of prob­ concerns chemicals is the use of re­ lems. With improved varieties of cently introduced products in a man­ nearly every type of grass used on the ner prohibited by the label. All good golf course, there js a growing ten­ superintendents should experiment dency to ignore the regions of adap­ with new products, and often their tation for each species. Without ques­ work leads to changes in the man­ tion these regions have stretched ufacturer's original recommendations. quite a bit, providing greater flexibility However, such work should be carried in grass selection. Unfortunately, con­ out on the nursery and in a controlled sultants, golf professionals, architects, manner, not on the greens, where and even superintendents are con­ unpredictable results often lead to vinced you can grow anything you disaster — and usually a change in want, anywhere you want, as long as superintendents. you spend enough money and hire the right superintendent. One notorious example is the broadscale planting of bentgrass greens in climates far better suited to bermudagrass. Certainly those rare clubs with limited play, excellent con­ struction and large budgets may do just fine. In truth, however, very few clubs have such an ideal set of cir­ cumstances. In most instances, the greens end up under severe stress for four to six months of the year. Such greens are susceptible to failure due to pests, weather, and excessive traf­ fic. Minor problems normally become Layered greens brought about by a There is a middle ground between cham­ major losses of turf. This failure is al­ change in topdressing practices can sig­ pionship conditions and poor turf. Strive for most always attributed to mistakes by nificantly alter soil fertility. it for daily play. Player Demands A final trend involves the players 1. Examine and document all the regardless of your education or the themselves. Think of how the game factors that must be considered when maintenance budget. Attempting to has changed in the past 15 years. choosing a turf for your course. These maintain today's championship qual­ Many players demand on a daily include the irrigation system, budget ity on a daily basis is an invitation to basis the same type of conditions nor­ limitations, green construction, type of disaster. Select a level of mainte­ mally reserved for championship membership, your ability, and, of nance that provides a good playing events. Too many self-appointed ex­ course, the grasses' zones of adapta­ quality and addresses the agronomic perts base their assessment of a tion. needs of your turf. course strictly on the speed of the 2. Avoid looking for chemical solu­ What is the difference between the greens. These individuals demand tions to every problem. Although successful superintendent and the greens that measure 10 feet or higher chemicals are some of our most valu­ one who is on the edge? The success­ on the Stimpmeter, ignoring the fact able tools and as yet we cannot ful superintendent has found the that 81/2 feet is considered fast for avoid using them altogether, they are proper balance between two power­ member play. Speed is demanded not a substitute for good agronomics. ful and unpredictable forces — the regardless of the budget, amount of By far the best chemical pest control demands of the players and those of play, climate, or construction of the programs are those that are as simple the turf. He can shift his efforts to cor­ greens. These same factors that make as possible. Also, far too many respond to a temporary increase in it difficult to maintain healthy turf at 1/4 superintendents rely strictly on sys­ need by one without abandoning the inch can prove insurmountable at 1/8 temic fungicides and fail to include in other, because his programs are con­ inch, and often result in major losses of their spray regime contact fungicides sistent and based on sound ag­ turf and putting quality. The parade of that have proven effective for years. ronomic principles. He, too, is always changing superintendents grows Rotation of pesticides is still a must in on the edge — but of success rather longer. any pest control program. than failure. Today, Green Section agronomists seldom see major losses of turf from a 3. Utilize the unbiased services of the single cause. Usually a whole spec­ Green Section to help you and your trum of events must be recognized membership identify and reach your and corrected individually. When the course's maximum potential. A sec­ four trends discussed above are com­ ond opinion is simply good business. bined, it is easy to see how the The Turf Advisory Service is available superintendent may be in the high-risk to all USGA Member Clubs. category for failure. 4. Finally, remember, you are deal­ How can a superintendent avoid ing with Nature, and your turf is sub­ "Management on the Edge?" ject to stresses beyond your control, Golfers may not be in top shape, in spring, ... 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. Start your next season earlier with higher quality greens and tees. Plan now to install Evergreen protective covers this winter. 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 Managing Anaerobic Soils by Dr. Roy L Goss, Western Washington Research & Extension Center, Puyallup, Washington Editor's Note: In the following arti­ of whether we apply the material cle, Dr. Roy L. Goss discusses the as elemental sulfur or if the plant much-publicized black layer issue gets it from breakdown of organic in a clear and forthright manner matter is irrelevant from the and from a position of experience standpoint of oxidation and reduc­ and fundamental/basic ag­ tion. Under anaerobic conditions, ronomics. His original article ap­ sulfide ions are formed instead of peared in the April, 1987 Northwest sulfate ions, and one of the end Turfgrass Topics. products is hydrogen sulfide, which is a very foul-smelling substance. An article entitled "The Black Usually, the resulting color is also Plague" appeared in the Novem­ black. ber 1986 edition of Golf Course There isn't much question that Management, and a similar article under this total neglect of soil drain­ entitled "An Update on the Black age and aeration, additional sulfur Layer" appeared in the February will cause problems. However, hy­ 1987 edition of Golf Course Man­ drogen sulfide can be produced agement. Unless I am badly mis­ without the addition of any ele­ taken and being misled from what mental or extraneous sulfur appli­ I read, we all should be embarras­ cations. Sulfide ions can also in­ sed to admit to the world that we teract with iron and other micronut­ have forgotten the fundamental rients to form insoluble sulfides. It is concepts of managing soil and also common knowledge that grasses. Isn't this problem of black most of these insoluble metal sul­ layer or black plague simply one of fides are usually black. an anaerobic condition de­ veloped through neglect of one or several management practices? Soils in the coastal areas of north­ ern California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia commonly The develop anaerobic between October and April of conditions Greens each year, unless they are properly managed. This time frame is char­ acterized by heavy winter precipi­ Genie... tation, low evaporation, low light intensity, and continued use of turfgrass facilities throughout the a breath of winter. When soils become compacted, fresh air for your greens. particularly under saturated or near-saturated conditions, the oxy­ Reduce time required to gen diffusion rate into these soils is near zero. Organic materials, aerify greens by 50-75°/o which have accumulated in the surface few inches of these soils, or more.. .and do a better job may break down anaerobically, and many of their components are in the bargain. not oxidized, but are reduced. There have been comments from some writers alluding to the fact For a FREE that sulfur applications are part of DEMONSTRATION call the problem. It should be common Bruce Calhoun or George knowledge to these people that Bannerman at: 416-247-7875 most of the soil's sulfur is held in re­ serve in organic matter. Regardless Gordon Bannerman Limited • 41 Kelfield Street, Rexdale, Ontario M9W 5A3 The reports from areas of the topdressing putting greens, tees, He also indicated that in areas of country affected by black plague fairways, sports fields, and other poor water quality or high salt con­ indicate the soils are somewhat areas. tent in the soil, salt levels were compacted, whether they be If you place one to four inches of found to be high enough to cause sands or heavier textured soils, wet, sand through topdressing prog­ severe problems, due to lack of no roots on the turfgrass, and even­ rams over slow-draining, fine-tex­ drainage. We all know that good tual death of both Poa annua and tured soils, you will achieve greater infiltration and permeability and bentgrass on putting greens. It is surface stability during most of the good subsoil drainage are most es­ generally conceded that Poa year, but it may not necessarily al­ sential to the reduction of salts to a annua dies first, followed by ways be dry. Wet sand is generally level where plants can survive. bentgrass. It was also alluded to by considered to be more stable than Lubin also points out that good some of these people that the con­ wet fine-textured soil, since we can aerification and water manage­ dition was significantly improved destroy the structure of normal soils ment programs can shift the following intensive aerification. I containing silt and clay, and sands equilibrium to one of the oxidation think now we are getting down to have no structure, since they are over reduction and create healthy the real root of the problem. single grained. If anaerobic condi­ conditions frequently as early as Many superintendents have tions develop at the interface be­ one week. been obsessed with developing tween sand and heavier textured I hope this will help to clear up the fastest greens in town, and the soil, it is obvious we need to im­ questions our readership may have other superintendents have been prove our drainage situation. Since in mind, and I would hope that turf forced to follow suit because their it is nearly impossible to drain managers remember to practice neighbors' greens were faster than deep, fine-textured soils on flat good management of soil aera­ theirs. The usual methods of de­ grades through artificial drainage tion, compaction reduction, and veloping fast greens are 1) cut the techniques of drain tile, it is impor­ good internal drainage to prevent grass as closely and as frequently tant that we try to practice subsoil­ these problems; there is no mystery as possible, including double and ing, deep aerification, or other here. triple cutting, 2) verticutting, 3) methods of relieving the saturation, CREDIT: USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD. JULY AUG. 87 elimination of aerification. or simply build deeper profiles of Reduction in irrigation water will sand. I would ask you, how else also make the green surfaces firm­ can it be done on a practical er and increase ball speed. What basis? do we do, however, when the sur­ Tom Lubin wrote an article for faces are hard and compacted Divot News, from the Southern and excessive rainy periods occur? California Golf Course Superinten­ We should all remember that the dents, a few months ago describ­ respiration rate of turfgrass roots in­ ing similar conditions in southern creases with increase in tempera­ California, generally in August ture. In the summer, when we get of each year. The symptoms on higher temperatures and rainfall, greens are yellow, especially the added to compacted soils, I think Poa. After a period of time, if not we are spelling doom unless we treated, the Poa willdie, but the have extremely good drainage bent still has a healthy look. The and gaseous exchange with the root system is shortened, and there soil. is a black or dark brown colour to The algae factor has also been the soil, sometimes in bands. The mentioned. It is not at all uncom­ soil samples have the smell of a mon to see thick algae scums that stagnant pond. The symptoms do are slimy and slippery when wet, not respond to fungicide applica­ leathery and hard when dry, and tions. literally impermeable to water or air. Algae usually follows thin turf and bare ground. These algal scums can definitely produce an­ THE TURF SEED SPECIALISTS aerobic conditions if the surface is not properly managed. P.O. Box 219, Brampton, Ontario, Canada L6V 2L2 There was also comment about (416) 846-5080 sand layering over slower draining, finer textured soils. To my knowl­ R. PAUL JOHNSON edge, this condition has never National Sales Manager been observed in the Pacific North­ Turf Seeds west, where we probably have as long a history or longer than any other part of the country in sand Ten Years Ago Today by Barry Endicott The directors of the OGSA in 1977 were as fol­ The Superintendents/Pro Golf Day was held at lows: Alan Beeney (pres.), Paul Scenna (vice), the York Downs Golf Club hosted by Kimmo Salo­ Stewart Mills (sec.), Paul Dodson (treas.), Paul Der­ nen. The winners of the event were Markland mott (past pres.). Bill Bowen, Ron Allan, Paul Wood, Bob Heron and Ken Duggan, Conestoga White, Ken Nelson, Hugh Kirkpatrick and Bill Hynd G.C., Bruce Vollet and Ron Silver and Glen (editor). Shields, Barry Endicott and Fergus Gallagher. Low The 7th Annual OGSA Symposium was held at Superintendent was Bill Bowen 77. the Rosedale Golf and Country Club hosted by There was a meeting held at the Oshawa Golf John Grightmire. 112 Superintendents, assistants Club on February 16th with 45 Superintendents and guests attended. Al Beeney was the chair­ and guests attending. Rusty Workman was host man and Keith Nesbit and Jack Eggens conduct­ and after the meeting curling followed. On March ed the speakers for the day. The speakers were 30th there was a meeting held at North Halton Bob Kennedy, Bernie Macdonald, Paul White, Golf Club hosted by Allan Beeney. After lunch 32 Doug Hoskins, Paul Dermott, Dennis Pellrene and curlers competed for the OGSA Curling Cham­ Helmot Kopp. Dan Ardley made comments on pionship and the team of Dennis Pellrene, Ron Regionalization because of the geographic Craig, Doug Heron and Jack Austin were the win­ problem of Ontario being such a big province. ners. There was a Western/OGSA joint meeting The Annual Turf Managers Short Course was held at the Dundas Valley Golf Club hosted by Al held at the University of Guelph with 31 students Schantz on April 28th and a meeting was held at attending. Top students in the class were Merv Mill Sunningdale hosted by Ken Nelson on May 12th. from the City of Burlington, Doug Meyer, Superin­ Low gross went to bill Bowen 76, low net Joe tendent at Val des Lacs in St. Sophie, Larry Reed 69. In September a meeting was held at Peakock, Assistant Superintendent at Parkview, Chinguacousy with Henry Guertin as host. This was Bill Hale, Superintendent at Puslinch, Henry House, a Best Ball tournament with Blake McMaster, Streetsville, Howie Schnarr, Chelmsford, Ivan True, Brampton, and Scotty Orr, Kleinburg winning in a Alliston, David Wray, Tam O'Shanter, Gib Dow, playoff with a net of 65. Bob Heron, Markland Ironwood Golf Club and Ed Hendricks from Kitch­ Woods and Gord Putney, Bayview was 3rd with a ener. The CGSA held their 28th Turfgrass Show at the Calgary Inn from March 14th to the 17th. The pres­ ident of the CGSA was Larry Brown. The 48th GCSAA Turf Conference and Show was held at Portland Oregon on February 6th to 11 th. Jim Wyl- W. Robert Hutcheson lie was not elected as a director but he will try Sand and Gravel Limited again next year.' Gord Witteveen was retiring from the board after 4 years of service. • We are proud to be supplying The Canadian Open was held from July 21-24 the Ontario Golf Course Industry at Glen Abbey. Dennis Pellrene was the Superin­ with: tendent. Glen Abbey is now the permanent home of the Canadian Open. Dennis was previously the 1. Non calcareous, low pH, superintendent at Erie Downs Golf and Country Hutcheson Top Dressing Club for 3 years and prior to that assistant to John Piccolo at St. Catherines. and Construction Silica Sand. The 9th Anual Field Day — University of Guelph Turf Plots was held at the Galt Country Club on 2. Superior silica Bunker Sand June the 9th hosted by Paul Scenna. 91 people • Our products comply with participated and the low Superintendents were George Gamer 76, Bill Bowen 76, Bob Heron 77 Industry specifications and have and Bill Glashan 81. been met with overwhelming The President, Green Chairman, Superinten­ approval by biologists, architects dent Tournament was held at the Islington Golf Club on July 8th hosted by Thom Charters. 40 and superintendents. teams competed and the winning teams were as follows: Bayview Golf and Country Club, Ed Try us! Ortleib; Aurora Highlands, Whitey Jones; Glen 8 West Street South, Box 937, Eagle Golf Club, Bill Calhoun; Glen Abbey, De­ Huntsville, Ontario POA 1 KO nnis Pellrene; and Dalewood Golf Club, Hugh Telephone: (705) 789-5108 or (705) 789-7492 Kirkpatrick. 66. On August 25th there was a monthly meeting held at the Wildewood Golf Club hosted by John Smith. Dr. Fustney and Norm McCullum were in at­ 1987 OTRF tendance fronm the University of Guelph. 1 st low gross was Bill Bowen with a 74, 2nd was Hugh Kirkpatrick 78 and Steve Miller with an 80. An Fundraising Tourney OGSA Turf Equipment Demonstration was held at the Cambridge Research Station on September A beautiful, sunny day welcomed participants 8th. On December 2nd the Christmas party was at this year's annual OTRF fundraising tournament. held at St. Georges Country Club hosted by Bill While the majority of golfers enjoyed the National Hynd. Golf Club, some entrants played the Board of Gord Witteveen scored a hole in one during his Trade due to the tremendous response. As usual, vacation in Florida. John Stoughton from the Bar­ the National humbled all but the more talented rie Golf Club was recovering from a minor opera­ golfers yet all marvelled at the conditioning of the tion. Bill Hynd won a trip to Eluethera in the famed course. Ken Wright and his staff must be Bahamas for being closest to the hole at LaChute commended. Quebec at the CGSA Annual Fall Field Day. He later had to give up the prize because it was over The generosity of Gord Witteveen and the the $250.00 allowable for amateurs set by the Board of Trade is always appreciated. Gord not RCGA. Mr. Elwood McArthur passed away sud­ only provided his Turf Care Centre for the even­ denly on June 9th after a brief illness at the age of ing, he accepted the overflow from the National 64. Elwood was Golf Superintendent at the Scar­ for a great day of golf. borough Golf Club from 1956 to 1977 and before that at the Glendale Golf Club. Paul Dermott moved from Islington to Oakdale Golf Club and The organizing committee, under Doug Suter's Helmut Kopp moved to St. Charles Golf Club in direction, and all the the sponsors deserve a Winnipeg. There was a position advertised for a great deal of praise. Their hard work and efforts Superintendent at the Essex Golf and Country for the day resulted in $18,000. being raised for Club which was filled by Bill Fach. turfgrass research. ECONOMICAL POLE FRAME BUILDINGS FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS . . . FARM & COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS Call collect to Jack or Rick Brenzil for a FREE ESTIMATE . . . (416) 772-3551 (416) 388-6865 Over 30 Years Experience! CGSAA News Toronto ignored, $50,000 Contributed to New by Lorne Rubenstein of course GCSAA Fund Dan Jenkins is a sharp sports writer, but he made a mis­ The Golf Course Superintendents Association of take in the December issue of Golf Digest. America (GCSAA) announced the establishment of the Writing about the best things in international golf, he chose Robert Trent Jones Endowment Fund to support the or­ Columbus, Ohio, as the best city in which to study golf course architecture. ganization's ongoing scholarship and research prog­ He's wrong. Toronto is the best city for such study. rams. Jenkins wrote that Columbus has courses designed by "We have never before made this kind of commit­ Jack Nicklaus, Donald Ross, Alister Mackenzie and Pete Dye ment with any one person or even any single organiza­ — all internationally renouwned designers. tion," said GCSAA President Donald E. Hearn, CGCS. Metropolitan Toronto, however, has courses designed by "But the monumental accomplishments and lifelong ser­ eight world-class architects. Winnipeg isn't bad, either. Five vice of Mr. Jones and his close working relationship with top designers have worked there. The first architects to work in Toronto came from overseas. our association and its members merit prominent recog­ Scotsman Willie Park Jr., the 1887 and 1889 British Open nition." champion, designed the Weston Golf and Country Club, In addition to Jones' own personal gift, friends and as­ which holds the annual Willie Park tournament in honor of the sociates contributed more than $50,000 to establish the designer. He also designed the nine holes of the Toronto Hunt initial funding leel. Club that overlook Lake Ontario in the east end. Jones, the 81 year old architect of some of the world's Ross also worked in Toronto. Bom in Dornoch, Scotland, where golf has been played for centuries, Ross is best known most famous golf courses, said of the honor: "We can for his work in Pinehurst, N.C. But he also did some remodel­ build the greatest golf courses in the world, but if they are ling at Rosedale, one of Toronto's oldest courses. not properly maintained, they are nothing. To golf course Toronto's west end also includes some landmark designs. superintendents around the world I owe a great debt, Englishman Herbert Strong designed the Lakeview Golf Club, and every architect in America owes a great debt. We while compatriot Harry Colt did the Toronto Golf Club across can only continue to provide these great facilities with the street. well-educated professionals to maintain them. That edu­ Toronto has also seen the work of A.W. Tillinghast, known cation does not come easily to all and must be sup­ as Tillie the Terror. Tillinghast is responsible for the way the Scarboro Golf and Country Club looks today. The club will ported by every aspect of this industry." be the host of the Canadian PGA championship in Sep­ The Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association tember on its 75th anniversary. Golfers will learn that a Tilling­ contributed $2,000 to the Jones Endowment "over and hast bunker is easy to get into and difficult to get out of. above" their annual scholarship and research donation. Jenkins may not know it, but there was even a Canadian "We're proud to have the opportunity to be the first architect who ranked with the best — Stanley Thompson. In GCSAA chapter to contribute to this new fund," said addition to his striking creations in other parts of Canada — Capilano in Vancouver, Banff and Jasper in Alberta and Reed LeFebvre, who presented the check to Gerald L. Anne of Green Gables in Prince Edward Island — this ar­ Faubel, CGCS, chairman of the GCSAA Scholarship chitectural genious designed Islington, Ladies Golf Club, St. and Research Committee. "We're also pleased that Mr. George's, Thornhill, Uplands and Summit in Toronto. Jones and the association would select this site, the PGA Thompson was called the Toronto Terror — these ar­ Championship in Florida, to make the announcement." chitects were a boisterous group — and is one of the most Faubel added: "This fund will enable GCSAA to en­ exuberant figures in golf architecture. Robert Trent Jones, courage promising young turfgrass students entering the who worked with Thompson for a while, said he "was abso­ lutely the most charming guy you could meet." profession. The long-term impact will be reflected in Thompson had his quirks. He contoured the ninth fairway at better conditions for every golfer as our education and Jasper to resemble Cleopatra's ample figure. He built a short expertise continue to grow." course on three acres just south of Yonge St. and St. Clair Ave. in mid-town Toronto. The short course, called Pinehurst, had frontage on 328 feet on the west side of Yonge. The longest hole was 65 yards and the shortest 20 yeards. Hazards included shrubs and flower beds. Even the great Nicklaus has designed a course in the To­ ronto area — Glen Abbey, home of the Canadian Open. Then there's the uncompromising National Golf Course just RAE MURRAY TECHNICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE north of the city, designed by the uncle and nephew team, PROFESSIONAL TURF PRODUCTS George and Tom Fazio. There aren't many better courses. Coming soon is Beacon Hall, a course on the northeast CHIPMAN side of Toronto designed by Bob Cupp, who worked for A Business Unit of C-l-L Inc. TELEPHONE Nicklaus. Also, Cupp remodelled a few holes at Summit last 400 JONES ROAD (416) 1-800-263-2136 year. STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO (705) (519) (613) L8G 3Z1 1-800-263-8353 There may not be a Pete Dye or an Alister Mackenzie course in metropolitan Toronto, but there are more courses by more top designers than anywhere in North America — even if Golf Digest and Jenkins don't know it. REPRINTED FROM GLOBE & MAIL 14th Annual President, Does Golf Ball Greenchairman, Compression Make Superintendent Tournament at Oakdale Golf & C.C. A Difference? by Ron Heesen On July 27th, 42 three-man teams converged on the Oak­ dale Golf Course for the 14th Annual President, Greenchair­ TRUMBULL, CONN. — Consumers who base their golf man and Superintendent Day. After the rain out we experi­ ball purchase habits on the axiom that 100-com- enced at our Spring Meeting, it made us appreciate the ex­ pression balls travel farther than 90- or 80-compres- cellent weather even more. To go along with the perfect sion balls are in for a shock. weather, Paul Dermott presented a golf course that could According to a series of tests conducted by GOLF only be described as excellent. DIGEST with the co-operation of the Wilson Sporting Golf was followed by a reception in the main lounge. Fol­ Goods Company, the difference in distance be­ lowing dinner we were treated to a very appropriate speech tween 100-, 90- and 80-compression balls is neglig­ delivered by Dr. Joseph Duich of Penn State University. He ible, less than two yards. touched on many subjects relating to our work, his most im­ The tests were conducted at Wilson's Palm Beach, portant point being that of how difficult it really is to provide superb playing conditions day in and day out, especially in Fla. test site, using Wilson's mechanical golfer. the fragile environment that we all work in. Thousands of golf balls were hit at three different Thanks should also be given to Club Manager and Secret­ speeds: 100 m.p.h. (that of some tour and club pros), ary Mr. Alex Walker and his staff, and also to Mr. Ron Mon- 90 m.p.h. (good amateurs) and 80 m.p.h. (slightly less tressor, Oakdale's Head Professional. than the average golfer). The golf portion of the day was scored using a stableford All golf balls were tested for compression before svstem and the top ten point getters receiving prizes. being hit, and balls of different construction and The Golf Results Were: Points cover materials — and only balls of exactly 100-, 90- 1. National Golf Club 106 and 80-compression were used. Shots were hit with a 2. Weston Golf Club 104 driver and a 5-iron. 3. Bay of Quinte 102 4. Oakdale 100 The results? The 100-compression balata-covered 5. Burlington 96 ball hit with a driver carried an average of one-half 6. Thornhill 95 yard further than the 80-compression ball. The overall 7. Westmount 94 distance benefit of a "100" ball was 1.6 yards more 8. Pike Lake 93 than a "90". These differences were so miniscule they 9. Beach Grove 93 were considered statistically invalid. 10. Sarnia 93 The pattern was the same at different swing speeds and launch angles, with Surlyn-covered balls, and with two-piece balls, for both the 5-iron and driver. "But that doesn't mean that compression is a to­ tally useless measurement," says Golf Digest Equip­ ment Editor Lew Fishman. "According to the Darrell Survey in a tournament such as the TPC, 80 percent of the players showed a preference for the 100-com- pression ball. The reason for this phenomenon is 'feel', that almost indescribable sensory perception that governs a golfer's ability to score and play well." Terry Melvin, Chief of Research and Development at Spalding, says that consumers should base their choice of golf ball on feel alone. So, the next time someone quotes the axiom that 100-oompression balls go farther than 90- or 80- compression balls, tell him he can "look it up," as Casey Stengel said. "No matter how hard you swing. No matter how slow," writes Fishman. "There is less than two yards difference between golf balls of the same construc­ tion, aerodynamics and cover material." OGSA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT REPRINTED FROM THE GOLF TRAVELLER OGSA President Bob Kennedy (left) is seen presenting the OGSA Scholarship to Ted Bishop of Niagara Falls. Ted graduated from the ODH course at the University of Guelph, attaining the best grades amongst the golf course students enrolled. In 1988, All Roads Lead to Houston... For GCSAA’S 59th International Golf Course Conference & Show GEORGE R. BROWN CONVENTION CENTRE RAINED OUT! The OGSA Michigan Borders Tourna­ FEBRUARY 1-9, 1988 ment was rained out at Essex yet participants (l-r) Bill Each, Dr. Reike and Ron Heesen still managed to enjoy the day. “HARVESTS” HIGHLIGHTS “HARVESTS” HIGHLIGHTS LONG TERM EXPERIENCE WITH ISODUR MINERAL NUTRITION OF BENTGRASS ON AND OTHER SLOW RELEASE NITROGEN SAND ROOTING SYSTEMS FORMS IN INTENSIVE TURF MANAGEMENT R.W. Sheard, M.A. Haw, G.B. Johnson, J.A. Ferguson H. Will and E.u. Belger, Limburgerhaf/Pfalz Ontario, Canada The results of this study are summarized as follows: Recommendations may be based on the following: — IBDU (isobutylidene diurea) has provided the steadiest — Penncross bentgrass grown in sand culture was fertiliz­ source of plant available nitrogen in comparisons ed with urea, sulfur coated urea, potassium chloride with UF (ureaform-based fertilizers) and SCU (sulfur- to study relative uptake of nutrients and loss in drain­ coated urea). age water. — Sulfur coated urea did not provide as good color as — Clippings accounted for 60 percent of applied nitro­ IBDU. gen. — Ureaform produced measurably inferior color and — Seven tenths percent of the applied nitrogen was lost growth compared with IBDU and sulfur coated urea. in drainage water during the growing season. — Where sulfur coated urea had been used for a five year — Nearly 1 percent of the applied nitrogen was lost in period, the soil pH was lower. This acidifying effect pro­ drainage water during the non-growing season. duced more thatch which caused hydrophobic condi­ — The total nitrogen concentration in the water did not tions in the uppe soil layer. Unfavorable conditions for exceed 2 parts per million at any drainage event. germination of turf seed was noted in this layer. — Clippings accounted for an average of 33 percent of applied potassium. — Drainage loss of potassium was 33 percent in acid sand and only 16 percent in alkaline sand. EFFECTS OF NITROGEN FERTILIZER AND — Because of leaching, applications of potassium should coincide with those of nitrogen on a 1 part nitrogen to FALL TOPDRESSING ON THE SPRING 1 part potassium ratio. RECOVERY OF PENNCROSS CREEPING BENTGRASS GREENS N.E. Christians, K.L. Diesburg and J.L. Nus Iowa, United States District Manager The following summary is presented. Turfcare Products — An application of topdressing in late-fall improved spring recovery of Penncross creeping bentgrass. Top- Ann Witteveen, b.sc. dressing response lasted from 2 to 7 weeks during the spring period depending on the year. 23 Union St. — An application of nitrogen just before the topdressing Elmira, Ont. N3B 2Z6 Tel: 519-669-5401 was beneficial in three of four years. This practice did In-Watts: 1-800-265-8841 not increase winter damage and it did improve spring Res: 1-519-763-2077 recovery of bentgrass. INTRODUCING THE NEW TORO Reelmaster 216 Designed to Last. AVAILABLE NOW. FOR MORE DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS CONTACT TURF CARE TODAY TURF CARE 105 GIBSON DRIVE, MARKHAM, ONTARIO L3R 3K7 • TELEPHONE: (416)475-0988 • TELEX: 06-966799 COMING EVENTS December 1st OGSA & OTRF Annual Meeting — Wyldewood Golf Club December 3rd & 4th OGSA, GCSAA Seminar — Board of Trade Golf Club December 10th OGSA, WOGSA Christmas Dance — Tyandaga Golf Club "Green is Beautiful" Ontario Golf Superintendents Association