TIC VERT. Green is Beautiful Ontario Golf Superintendents Association P.O. BOX 203, ISLINGTON, ONT. M9A4X2 FALL '88 TELEPHONE: (416) 233-8388 ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 1988 PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT EDITOR THOM CHARTERS NEIL ACTON CGCS ROD TRAINOR CGCS Weston Golf & Country Club Brooklea Golf & Country Club St. Thomas Golf & C.C. 50 St. Phillips Road P.O. Box 1342 P.O. Box 62 Weston, Ontario M9P 2N6 Penetang, Ontario LOK 1P0 St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3T5 Phone: Bus. (416) 241-5551 Phone: Bus. (705) 526-4484 Phone: Bus. (519) 631-2447 Res. (416) 233-8388 Res. (705) 549-2323 Res. (519) 631-4798 DIRECTORS Calendar Golf and Meetings BRUCE BURGER GREG O'HERON TED ELLIS CGCS Galt C.C. Peterborough Golf & C.C. Greenwood Golf Club P.O. Box 534 Box 251 2212 London Rd. Cambridge, Ontario NIR 5W1 Peterborough, Ont. K9J 6Y8 Sarnia, Ontario N7T 7H2 Phone: Bus. (519) 621-7020 Phone: Bus. (705) 743-5010 Phone: Bus. (519) 542-2212 Res. (519) 621-1 138 Res. (705) 652-6020 Res. (519) 542-8201 Treasurer Roster Entertainment & By-Laws GORDON NIMMO CGCS JOHN TAYLOR SCOTT DODSON Sarnia Golf & Curling Club Twenty Valley G.C. Summit Golf & C.C. 500 Errol Rd. W. 107 Ontario St. P.O. Box 420 Sarnia, Ontario N7V 1X7 St. Catharines, Ontario Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 4Y6 Phone: Bus. (519) 336-0667 Phone: Bus. (416) 562-4333 Phone: Bus. (416) 884-5234 Res. (519) 332-1521 Res. (416) 682-3516 Res. (416) 544-6803 Membership Secretary & Symposium Chairman Public Relations ED FARNSWORTH MARK HAGEN DAVE W. GOURLAY (Jr.) Deerhurst Inn Golf & C.C. Wyldewood Golf Club Beacon Hall Golf Club R.R. #4 R.R. #1 R.R. #2 Huntsville, Ontario P0A 1K0 Hornby, Ontario LOP 1E0 Aurora, Ontario L4G 3G8 Phone: Bus. (705) 789-5543 Phone: Bus. (416) 878-4848 Phone: Bus. (416) 773-3841 (3843,3844) Res. (705) 789-8282 Res. (416) 845-3183 Res. (416) 852-9609 NEWSLETTER EDITOR ROD TRAINOR CGCS OFFICE SECRETARY COVER PHOTO CREDIT 18th HOLE, ST. THOMAS G & CC Joe Smith, Greens Chairman CINDI CHARTERS (416) 233-8388 From the Editor From the President Fall is here at long last and probably not soon enough The 1988 golf season will be remembered for a long for most of us. It marks the end of perhaps the longest time to come. At least I hope it will be, because the only summer on record. Prolonged high temperatures with way it could become forgettable is if its weather is re­ high humidity brought on every disease in the book peated, and I would not wish that on anyone. along with some that are not common to this area. By now you should know where the weaknesses are in Whether you were or were not successful with the your maintenance program and preparations are under cold then hot, dry, windy weather or the hot and humid way for next year. weather, I'm certain you would describe the past season Those of us with lots of "poa" certainly felt the effects as trying. Record amounts of water were applied in June of the heat. Many who thought they could live with and July, requiring extra time and attention to irrigation "poa" are changing their minds. With summers becom­ systems and spot watering. The related headaches ing hotter, annual bluegrass will become more of a prob­ seemed insignificant when the heat continued and the lem. Golfers today are much more critical of golf course humidity arrived. Seldom seen diseases, summer patch conditions than they ever were and by the same token and pythium, had local suppliers scrambling to meet the are more educated than before. They know what "poa" chemical requirements of perplexed Superintendents. In is! And they know that it is something that is not desire­ fact, pythium in particular makes this Superintendent able. Now is the time to sell that renovation program. wonder if a sane person would be in this profession in "Poa" can be beaten. an area where pythium is common. (Actually, my friend The article by Paul Dermott in "Greenmaster" on over­ J.T.‘ Conroy, of Louisville, Kentucky is quite sane, but I seeding fariways shows what is, in my opinion, one of wonder how he can live with the constant threat of the best ways to overcome "poa", and that is by over­ pythium.) seeding with something more desireable when annual bluegrass is at its weakest state. The time to do this is I'm not a climatologist, so I'm not prepared to specu­ right in the middle of the summer. late on the current status of the much-publicized This all comes back to communication. A Superinten­ "greenhouse effect" or its future impact. I am, however, dent who has kept his membership informed will have a preparing to deal with a similar year in 1989. I don't think membership who is more likely to throw their support you'll have a better opportunity to sell your club on the behind him when he tells them he wants to aerate in necessity of cultural and/or chemical programs that will July. If you are a good communicator your membership give your course a fighting chance. Sure, there will be re­ will also know who you are and that you are doing the sistance to spending money for such things, but you most with what is available to you no matter what size owe it to your turf and yourself to document the very real of club you are at or how much equipment or dollars possibilities if action is deferred. you have. Regional election meetings are coming up and have Remember to attend your regional election meeting, been combined in hopes of getting better attendance. our Annual meeting, and have a great off season. These meetings are important in determining how your association is run so please make an effort to attend. If Thom Charters the weather is not good enough to play golf then there will be lots of good conversation and I don't think there is any lack of topics for discussion. Look for the flyers coming out regarding their location and time. Please remember I am always looking for good articles so if there is something you have done at your course Why Do Leaves lately and you think it would be of interest to our readers, then please send it along to me, as well as photographs. Change Color? Rod Trainor, CGCS One of the reasons why leaves change color in autumn is the fact that chlorophyll is no longer being produced by the leaf. This causes the other Annette Anderson pigments (colors) of the leaf to be seen. Re­ Turf Extension Specialist member, when a leaf changes color, it is not Plant Industry Branch necessarily dead; dead leaves turn brown. For a leaf to turn yellow, the predominant pig­ ments are carolin and xanthophyll. These pig­ ments were always present, but were masked by the chlorophyll (green). Ministry of Agriculture and Food When leaves turn red or scarlet, the pigment Hort. Science Dept. anthocyanin is in abundance. The factors that are University of Guelph needed to produce good red fall color are bright Guelph, Ontario N1G2W1 sunny days and cool nights, below 45°. A cloudy, Telephone (519) 824-4120, Ext. 2597 rainy, warm fall makes for poor autumn color. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS empty table cell empty table cell Class Helmut Kopp St. Georges G & CC A John Pickard Maple City G & CC B Marlon Gieseler Brooklea G & CC F John Lindsay Erie Shores GC F Andrew Gaydon, Gary Supp Shemin Nurseries E Marc Brooks Strathroy GC B Mark Sheridan Chedoke GC B Robert Burrows Credit Valley G & CC F Phillip Brown St. Georges G & CC F John Lennox Rosedale GC Ltd. F Keith Stein Rosedale GC Ltd. F Ross Thurston Tilsonburg G & CC A HOLE-IN-ONE!!! WHEN: Saturday, June 25 A picture submitted by Gordon Witteveen, Golf Course Superin­ AT: Tilsonburg GC Member/Guest Tournament. tendent at the Board of Trade in Toronto. Says Gord, "It has been BY: Bob Patinson, Assistant Superintendent at London a difficultyear with the watering system running at capacity and Hunt Golf and C.C. every now and then there was a breakdown. Our irrigation re­ WITH: A 5 iron on the 155 yd. 3rd hole. pairman was ready to meet the challenge of fixing this 8" pipe burst in our main line. His name is Gary Stairs." This would prob­ FOR: $5,000.00. ably have been a common sight on most golf courses this sum­ Congratulations Bob!!! mer. MEDIA RELATIONS Regional drought conditions this year have created opportunities for superintendents to re­ ceive increased media coverage. If you are con­ • We are proud to be supplying tacted by the media, you may want to review the the Ontario Golf Course preceding material about golf course water usage Industry with: and consider the following suggestions from Bob Still, GCSAA's manager of media relations. Non calcareous, low PH • Formulate and practice your response about the Hutcheson Silica: drought's effects on your course. Topdressing Sand and Mixes • Answer all questions directly and succinctly. Construction Sand and Mixes • Strive for accuracy. High Organic Humus Peat • Remember, the "average" viewer, listener or Bunker Sands reader is not familiar with technical industry ter­ minology. • Our products comply with • You are the expert for your course. Don't assume Industry specifications and have what other superintendents in your area may be been met with overwhelming doing. approval by biologists, architects • Dress appropriately (e.g. golf shirt and slacks). and superintendents. • Be on time. Tight schedules rule media cover­ TRY US! age. 8 West Street South, Box 937 • Be proud that you have been asked to partici­ Huntsville, Ontario POA 1 KO Telephone: (705) 789-5108 or (705) 789-4551 pate. Recognize that you are representing your profession and performing a public service. SWOGSA Golf and Meeting Maple City Golf & CC Host: John Pickard Southwestern Superintendents gathered at Maple City on June 23 under beautiful skies. A heat wave had just broke and conditions were perfect for golf, as was the golf course. John Pickard and his crew had done an outstand­ ing job in preparing the golf course. Approximately 40 superintendents and suppliers were there. Golf was followed by a great steak barbecue and some prizes. Suppliers were very generous in their donations to the prize table. There was equipment on hand to view and try out. We welcome suppliers to bring their equipment to our meet­ ings for demonstration and viewing. It gives everybody a chance to see it and compare notes. We were very fortunate to have Annette Anderson from OMAF and GTI to speak on some of her findings and to answer questions. Subjects relating to the dry conditions were the major topics. Much discussion centered on European Chafer, as it is very prevalent in this part of the country. Many have seen the damage that Chafer can cause and also the damage the skunks and racoons can cause in search of grub (yuk- yuk). Available chemicals make these insects very difficult to control due to their short life in the soil. This makes timing of application all-important in order to get the chemical in contact with the insect. The product must not be allowed to dry on the leaf blade, therefore it must be watered im­ mediately. Annette says there has also been some success in controlling the beetle in the adult stage but timing here is even more critical as spraying must take place as soon as the adults emerge and before they fly away. The next Southwestern/Region 1 meeting is on August 30 at Greenwood Golf Club with Ted Ellis CGCS as host. GUELPH TURFGRASS SYMPOSIUM January 4 and 5, 1989. Plan now to attend. Hahn Multi-Pro 418 Spray System CONFIRMED TO DATE: Joe Duich, Penn State • New 18 h.p. Kohler Magnum Engine Huston Couch, Virginia Poly Tech • New flip-up seat for easy access to engine John Gordon, Score Magazine • New extra smooth mechanical clutch Richard Hurley, Loft Seeds Panel discussion on the use of consultants: Mac Cosburn Mike Mahaffey Dave Gourlay Jr. Corey Almack and more. The Green, Green Grass of Lakeview . . . By Tim Lukasewich Ian Bowen is not a historian, nor is brought back the blue blocks (cham­ forced to lower his mower blades back he an archeologist. Yet Bowen, 27, is pionship tees) and has instituted a to a half inch, he says he'll make the impetus behind an ambitious pro­ color-coded flag system: red for a front Lakeview a great golf course within ject to restore one of the city's true pin position, yellow for the middle, and five years. landmarks to its original state. A local white for the back of the green. I think he, and Mississauga's public fixture for almost a century, this prop­ Conducted in conjunction with a links players should get that chance. erty was looking its age, and then comprehensive seeding and watering some. plan, the work done thus far has im­ But Bowen has ridden in on his proved the course tenfold in a span of GOLF SEASON John Deere to put the blush back on mere weeks. Bowen still plans to bring Did you ever wonder. . . Why most golfers will not fix ball the rose known as the Lakeview Golf in more trees, restore some of the orig­ marks? Course. inal bunkers and add more than 100 Why, when you put a rope, chain or Bowen has been Lakeview's super­ tons of high-quality sand to existing some other restraining device they feel intendent (greenskeeper to you oldtim- traps. they have to go through that area? ers) since April, and in a span of four The improvements, which can only Why they complain about bad hole months, he has taken a hacker's para­ be applauded by sportsmen, may con­ cups and then try to scoop the ball out dise and transformed it back into a golf ceivably slow play on a course which is with their putters? course. Why they moan when a low line already notorious for its five-hour drive does not stop dead and a high This young University of Guelph rounds. But Bowen says he's already pitch does? graduate has given the course back considering changes to help alieviate Why trees are the place to drop some of its definition, some of the the problem. In particular, he's thinking empty cans, cups, etc. instead of con­ character that made it one of the coun­ about moving the gentlemen's and tainers provided? try's best tests in the days of yore. And men's tees forward on some holes to Why they will take 4 practice swings, he's done it with the eye of a historian. give high handicappers a chance to 4 big divots and only replace the divot when they hit the ball? (I guess 1 out of "My perception when I started was get the ball in play. 5 isn't bad.) it was too much like a park, not like a Bowen says he's fielded some com­ Why the wettest area is where they golf course. It was too wide open. You plaints from players whose scores have drive the carts? could roll the ball off the tee and it ballooned since he toughened up the Why, when you want to spray, it's would still be on a half inch of grass,” track, but he argues most players de­ always windy, and very calm when the he says. "I want to try and bring it back mand a challenge. "Golfers appreciate sprayer is broken down? to the way it was when it hosted the if they hit it off the fairway they're Why it's always hot and dry when your having problems with the irrigation (Canadian) Open (1923 and 1934). It going to pay a penalty,” he says. system? just needs some tender loving care to And so far, course attendance Why, when you schedule a major bring it back to the way it once was.” suggests just as many players can get project, half the help is either late or no- A large part of the restoration in­ around the tighter Lakeview as they show? volves replacing some of the hundreds did when it was a hit-it-anywhere lay­ Why the pin is in front when you are of trees that have fallen to disease over out. This year, while numbers are off at the back and vice versa? the past several years. So far, more than the record setting pace of last year — Why the salesman you want to talk to shows up when you are the busiest? 170 new trees have been planted to largely due to a wet spring and scorch­ I am sure many more items can be help define holes and protect players ing summer — the attendance pace is added to this list and they tell me that from errant shots from adjoining fair­ above the five year average of almost they fall under "Murphy's Law". So I ways. Bowen has also begun contour­ 48,000 rounds. wonder why this law has to cover so ing the fairways, letting 1 1/2 inch rough Bowen admits the changes may not much? grow where there hasn't been grass sit well with Recreation and Parks brass John Stephenson, Bull Sheet longer than half an inch in years. He's if attendance drops off. But if he isn't London Ford Equipment Sales Ltd. Highway 22 & Hyde Park Road Box 118, Hyde Park, Ontario N0M 1Z0 Bus: 519-472-2610 Res: 519-471-8677 RAE MURRAY & PETER BUCKLEY TECHNICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES LARRYANNAERT PROFESSIONAL TURF PRODUCTS Marketing Representative CHIPMAN Sales and Service A Business Unit of C-l-L Inc. TELEPHONE BROUWER TURF Ford Lawn & Garden Tractors 400 JONES ROAD (416) 1 800-263-2136 Small Diesel 13 H.P. to 30 H.P. NEW HOLLAND STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO (705) (519) (613) L8G 3Z1 1-800-263-8353 Large AG. Tractors 30 to 183 H.P. SKID STEERLOADER THE BROUWER-VAC . . . largest capacity Vac on today’s market. The FEATURES: powerful suction head and blower provide the latest technique for vacuuming turf and hard surface areas. Large load capacity It provides an economical method of picking up grass clippings, leaves, twigs, pine needles and thatch from verti-cutting on sod farms, golf Light weight construction courses, parks and recreation areas and also trash and litter from hard surfaces in airports, parking lots, stadiums and highway shoulders. It Dual flotation tires vacuums acre after acre without wasteful frequent unloading stops. Fast Easy to operate finger tip controls easy self-unloading is via hydraulically operated door and conveyor. The optional Vac extension hose is spring balanced for ease of handling and Unloads in seconds with hydraulic driven conveyor allows the operator access in hard to reach areas around trees, flower 80 in. floating suction head (Opt. extension to 120 in.) beds, fences and culverts. The Brouwer-Vac, designed to provide an economical, fast, efficient and P.T.O. Driven reliable way to “clean-up”, it enhances the beauty and cleanliness of turf and hard surface areas. Only requires standard tractor 35-45 hp BROUWER TURF EQUIPMENT LIMITED An Outboard Marine Corporation Company 7320 Haggerty Rd./Canton, Ml. 48187 Telephone (313) 459-3700 Woodbine Avenue/Keswick, Ontario, Canada L4P 3E9 Telex 065-24161 Telephone: (416) 476-4311 SHEMIN IRRIGATION With a complete inventory of irrigation supplies at wholesale prices. Greenhouse HARDLINEs LANDSCAPE NURSERY STOCK Countless varieties of Fertilizers, Chemicals Ball SUPPLIES The most complete Foliage Plants In wide Carts and a complete Decorative Stones and selection of potted and range of material size range of professional Gravel Pressure Treated container grown nursery Flowering and Foliage Landscape Tools Timbers Mulches (bagged material Including Broad hanglng baskets Annuals and bulk). Peat Moss and leaves and Conifers. and Flowering Seasonal Vinyl Edging Ornamental Trees. Shade Plants Trees Flowering Shrubs Perennials and Ground (416)875-4545 R.R. #4, Milton (Toronto) (416) 858-2299 Ontario L9T 2X8 1-800-263-4111 (Fifth Line South of Steeles) Renovating Damaged Fine-Turf Areas By Nigel Rennie Sales Manager, Multitynes The yearly practice of coring serves to relieve compac­ tion, aerate the rootzone and reduce thatch. The recent in­ GCSAA Membership troduction of the Multicore Aerator from Australia has also made coring an ideal method for renovating a damaged Tops 8,000 or unsatisfactory green. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of 3/16" minitynes spaced one inch apart allow for a very America's active and visible role in golf — coupled with a concentrated coring pattern. Greens are cored to a depth vigorous and effective recruitment program — is helping of 1/2" and the cores are left on the green. Bentgrass seed to pay dividends via a dramatic increase in membership. In is applied on top of the cores at two pounds per August, GCSAA's roll officially exceeded 8,000 for the first thousand. The cores and seed are then rubbed into the time in the association's 62-year history. green using a Levellawn. A verticut unit can then be run Timothy Robert Sever, golf course superintendent at over the remaining fluff to separate any remaining soil, Sugarmill Woods Country Club of Homosassa, Florida, be­ then dragged with a steel mat to work the materials into came the 8,000th member. the holes. The green can then be cut with a greensmower "I believe the Association's high visibility within golf is to remove the fluffs and return it to its smooth putting sur­ one factor contributing to this growth," says John A. face. Segui, CGCS, president of GCSAA. "At the same time, our With warm summer temperatures the seeds will germi­ continued increase in membership has also allowed the nate in four or five days. Voilà! Where there was once Association to provide more benefits and services — dead or thin areas, healthy turf is. enjoyed by all. which in turn has steadily attracted still more members." The minityne holes establish a "greenhouse effect", In 1983 GCSAA had fewer than 5,000 members. keeping the seed warm and moist, while allowing play GCSAA is headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas, adjacent and daily maintenance to continue. The smallness of the to Alvamar Country Club. The Association annally hosts holes prevents seed wastage and they don't interfere with the International Golf Course Conference and Trade Show the golfers' putts. — one of the 200 largest trade shows in the United States — With the recent invasion of "pythium" throughout in various major cities across the nation. Southern Ontario, many Superintendents have turned to The organization also provides nearly 70 educational this method of reestablishing their greens and fairways. seminars and offers its members a variety of other services, The whole procedure takes only an hour or two and the including insurance programs, employment assistance green need never be taken out of play. and referral, an audio-visual lending library and an exten­ Finally, a renovation procedure that doesn't inconveni­ sive line of exclusive merchandise. In addition, GCSAA ence the golfers and is quick and easy enough for even publishesGolf Course Management magazine, the lead­ the busiest of Superintendents! ing monthly publication in its professional field. METRIC CONFUSION As we consider metrics, let us also con­ sider some other perturbing thoughts. Clichés, and the people who love to use them, will suffer horribly. Examine the fol­ lowing "metrified" clichés to see why: — A miss is as good as 1.61 kilometers. — I beat him within 2.54 centimeters of his life. — Give him 2.54 centimeters and he'll take 1.61 kilometers. — He missed that one by 1.61 country kilometers. — Kilogram for kilogram, he's the best man. — Peter Piper picked 8.81 liters of pickled peppers. — It hit me like 907 kilograms of bricks. — Third down and centimeters to go. — Hell's 2,026 square meters. Any questions? Reprinted in part from ProTurf, published by O.M. Scott & Sons, Proturf Division, Marysville, Ohio 43040. Ontario Diploma in Horticulture Graduating Class of 1988 A SHORT WAY TO FRONT ROW, left to right: Wendy Elrick, Indepentend Study Agriculture Co-ordinator; Rod ESTIMATE YOUR Manley, Indian River, Ont.; David Tootill, Belle River, Ont.; Margaret Molesky, Kanata, Ont.; SAND TRAP NEEDS Richard St. Pierre, Windsor, Ont.; Penny Clelland, Independent Study Publications/Media Manager. — Sandweight 96 lbs. per cubic foot. — One ton of sand 22 cubic feet. SECOND ROW, left to right: Rob Witherspoon, Independent Study Horticulture Co-or­ — One ton of sand will cover 66 square dinator; Vince Salinitri, Windsor, Ont.; Renee Tavascia, Independent Study Co-ordinator's feet of 4" or 44 square feet at depth of 6". Assistant; Michael Pickett, Dorval, QC; Ann Capling, Nepean, Ont.; Leslie Lake, London, — Average sand trap will use 5-8 tons of Ont.; Carolyn Naftel, Toronto, Ont.; Eric Hambly, Uxbridge, Ont.; Lance Allin, Clearwater, trap sand at 4” to 6" depth. Ont. — Formula to determine sand required: THIRD ROW, left to right: Michael Rock, Windsor, Ont.; John Reinhart, Guelph, Ont.; Bill length x width x depth divided by 2,000 lbs. Culp, Independent Study Chairman. The Gateway Green Photo: John Majorossy — RIDING GREENSMOWER — TRAIL GANGS YOUR TURF MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT — 5 GANG FAIRWAY ALTERNATIVE — PARTS AND MOWER ACCESSORIES WEST: 56 McCULLOCH AVE. EAST: 1160 TAPSCOTT RD., REXDALE, ONT. SCARBOROUGH, ONT. M9W 4M6 M1X 1E9 416-249-7325 416-293-9000 Guelph Turfgrass Institute Campaign Gaining Momentum Fundraising efforts for GTI recently received significant support from the turf industry. Commitments were made by Green Cross for the contribution of $100,000 over the next five years for the building fund and research. Just prior to the Canadian Turfgrass Conference in March, Pickseed (Otto Pick & Son Ltd.) officially announced that a contribution of 10 cents for every kilogram of Fiesta II Turf-type perennial ryegrass sold will be made to GTI. Des Rice, fundraising chairman for the Institute is excited with the prog­ ress of the campaign to date and is optimistic that this will generate further commitments from industry to achieve the $1,000,000 fundraising goal. The Guelph Turfgrass Institute will be located near the University of Guelph Campus on a 50 + acre site alloted to GTI by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Plans include a research and extension building as well as approximately 30 acres of new turfgrass research plots. For 1988, turf research will be continued at the Cambridge Research Sta­ tion. A number of new projects have been initiated this year as well as a further study of some of the trials established in 1987. Anyone interested in obtaining the 1987 Guelph Turfgrass Institute Annual Report can contact the Ontario Turfgrass Research Foundation. Big name in golf How to Sample Soil scoring high in Any system of soil testing and provision of recommendations is useless top quality turf. unless the soil sample tested represents the area to be fertilized. The soil test recommendation is only as good as the soil sample itself. Sure, the golf industry is one of the major users of Palmer Turf-type perennial Obviously, the more soil cores collected in a given area, the more rep­ ryegrass. But Palmer goes everywhere. resentative the sample will be. Sampling depth is also important. Sampling The reason is very simple. Palmer has an on turf should be done to a depth of 7.5 cm (3 inches) for greens and tees abundance of the characteristics that have and 10-15 cm (4 to 6 inches) for sports fields and home lawns. created the great demand for turf-type Quite often, there is significant variability from green to green or fairway perennial ryes. to fairway. These areas should be sampled separately as should problem • Heat and drought tolerance • Fast germination and dense growth areas to properly manage differences in fertilizer requirements. • Excellent appearance with rich, dark Soil sampling instructions and soil boxes are supplied by OMAF and green colour Agri-Food Laboratories. • Upright growth and improved mowability • Disease resistance • Good winter hardiness Whether it’s on golf courses, athletic fields, home lawns or well used park areas Palmer will meet the challenge - in mixtures or for straight seeding - for overseeding or on Gordon Witteveen, host new seed beds. Superintendent at this year's Ontario Amateur Champion­ “Talk to the turfseed ship, accepts a plaque from specialists. ” Thom Charters, during the awards ceremony. Competitors praised the course's condition, saying it was the best ever afforded the Provincial Championship. P.O. Box 219 Brampton, Ontario L6V 2L2 Telephone 416-846-5080 Brampton Golf Club wins President, GreenChairman, Superintendent Event for the Second Time The 1988 edition of the OGSA President, Green- Chairman, Superintendent Event was contested by 42 teams at the York Downs Golf & Country Club. Host Superintendent Kimmo Salonen and his staff had the course in tip-top shape despite the wet weather that preceded our visit. The considerable bunker renovation program that Kimmo has undertaken during the past few seasons proved, dramatically, the value of properly installed drains. A mid-round thunderstorm that soaked competi­ tors and delayed play for 1 1/2 hours did not even af­ fect ball roll on the fast and true putting surfaces. Congratulations Kimmo, to you and your staff, for a job well done. The lunch, hors d'oeuvres and dinner were won­ derfully prepared and handled by the very efficient and friendly clubhouse staff. Likewise the Golf Shop staff did a commendable Job of handling the golf OGSA President Thom Charters making presentation to the cart assignments, scoring and prize table arrange­ Brampton trio of Brian Hamer, Blake McMaster and Irv Blehm. ments. One final thank you must go to Ann Witteveen of Nutrite for handling registration, photography and Good Golfers assisting with the scoring. Conditions proved to be favorable for scoring, at Love Big Trees! least for the winning teams, as some impressive ♦ For the challenge big team aggregate Stableford points were posted. trees bring to their game Another successful event, and we look forward to ♦ For the beauty big the 1989 edition at the Highlands Golf Club in Lon­ trees add to their day don. ♦ For the protection big trees provide from wind, rain or sun. Place Club Points Extensive selection of 1st Brampton GC 1 12 nursery grown, quality 2nd Mississauga GC 11 1 caliper trees including many rare and unique 3rd Weston GC 1 11 species. 4th National GC 1 10 5th Bay of Quinte 109 6th Bayview GC 108 WE BUY, SELL 7th Thornhill AND TRANSPLANT 106 LARGE TREES. 8th York Downs 108 9th GaltGC 105 DOUGLAS WOOD Introducing our 42" “Baby John” LARGETREES the latest addition to our family RR 2 Rockwood, Ont. NOB 2K0 10th Toronto GC 105 of tree spades. (519)853-2035 1-800-265-6681 It Was a Long Time Coming By Stanley A. Zontek It stands to reason, the deeper a poor soil is aer­ Director, Mid-Atlantic Region, USGA Green Section ated, the more beneficial it will be for turfgrass The most significant management tool I observed growth. It is well understood that if compacted or this year really is the result of work accomplished last layered soils extend deep into the profile, deep cor­ season. It just took until this year to see the effects. ing will improve air and water movement. A hard What was it? Deep aeration of greens. pan layer is known to form below the penetration Since the first putting greens were mechanically depth of aeration equipment. This zone of compac­ aerated, golf course superintendents have wanted tion, usually found about three inches below the sur­ machines capable of aerating ever more deeply. face, was confirmed in recent research by Dr. Paul There always seemed to be one more soil layer or Rieke, of Michigan State University. Many superinten­ one more zone of compaction beyond the reach of dents had suspected this was the case for some time, the current aerator tines. Some superintendents even and they could often actually feel the compacted used hand soil probes or power augers to aerate zone as they probed their greens. problem greens. Although a slow and laborious job, While it is true that deep aeration will not com­ deep hand aeration was effective. Now, new ma­ pletely cure a terrible soil problem, it is equally true chines have been developed. that any improved movement of air and water The two currently available deep soil aerators are through a soil profile will have a positive effect on the Floyd-McKay drill type and the Verti-Drain plung­ the growth of the grass and on the soil in question. er type. Richard Christian, superintendent at Pine Val­ it is important to add that deep aeration is not a ley Golf Club in Pine Valley, New Jersey, has recently substitute for shallow aeration, or that deep aeration subjected his famous old putting greens to deep is a substitute for proper putting green construction mechanical cultivation with hollow aeration tines. and management. On the contrary, deep aeration He then removed the soil cores and filled the open should be looked upon for what it is — a new and aeration holes with a modified topdressing material. useful management option available to solve prob­ This is not easy to do, but deep aeration has helped lems deep in the soil. It was a long time coming. Pine Valley survive a particularly difficult summer A number of other superintendents work with stress season. deep putting green aeration techniques. Bob Farren, ECONOMICAL POLE FRAME BUILDINGS FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS . . . BUILDING SYSTEMS LTD. FARM & COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS Call collect to Jack or Rick Brenzil for a FREE ESTIMATE . . . (416) 772-3551 (416) 388-6865 Over 30 Years Experience! TOP&PRODUCT TOP PEOPLE GIVING YOUR COURSE A HELPING HAND of Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Hurricane, West Virginia; Pat Gertner and Rick Christian, at Pine Val­ ley; Earl Shafer and Donnie Ruffat, at The DuPont Country Club, in Delaware; Dave Miller, of Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Don Tallman, of Green Valley Country Club in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania; Roy Hourigan, of Har­ mony Landing Country Club in Goshen, Kentucky; and Johnny Burns, of Charlotte Country Club, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their progressive attitudes made this presentation possible. Deep aeration of putting greens works. ANN WITTEVEEN DISTRICT MANAGER TURF CARE PRODUCTS 1-800-265-8841 WEATHER FORECASTING BY WIND DIRECTION (For Northeast United States) Wind Winter Summer Direction Indications Indications Northeast; Rain or snow Rain East Southeast Rain Rain South Rain, warmer Possible rain, but watch for wind shift and modify forecast Southwest Indeterminate. Watch for Indeterminate. Watch for wind shift and modify forecast wind shift and modify forecast West Clearing/fair, colder Clearing/fair Northwest; Clearing/fair, colder Clearing/fair, cooler North *** OGSA GOLF SHIRTS (Brand Name — Eagle only) Stiff collared Golf Shirts available with OGSA script 251 Exeter Road Unite D sizes Medium, Large and Extra-Large London, Ontario N6L1A4 in White and Sky Blue — $20.00 each (519) 652-5154 Call the office: (416) 233-8388 to order. DONT FORGET OTHER OGSA PRODUCTS: TIES 7.50 Iron-on Crests 2.50 WE CAN SUPPLY ALL OF YOUR Formal Blazer Crests 17.50 IRRIGATION NEEDS • Suppliers of pipe, fittings and sprinklers • Installation and upgrading of your total irrigation system • Prefabricated pump stations by Commercial Pump service inc. CALL THE IRRIGATION HOTLINE 1-800-265-9786 A surefire way to increase Stimpmeter readings. Designed Around Your Greens’ Differences, Not Their Similarities. If all your greens were exactly the same, achieving over­ all turf consistency would be very easy. But all greens are not created equal. And neither are grooming reels. Presenting the new Toro Grooming Reel for the riding Greensmaster®. Now you can easily manage indi­ vidual green conditions throughout your course with tailor-made precision. Assuring you and all your members or uniform playing conditions from green to green all season long. Among the features on the Toro Grooming Reel is the exclusive “Quick Up — Quick Down" adjustment that will of cutting allow you to easily raise or lower the height and Grooming Reel without losing the prevents gouging. depth setting. Engagement or And more good news, disengagement of the Groom­ the Toro Grooming ing Reel is just as easy. A Reel is retrofittable to many turn of a knob is all it takes. older Greensmaster cutting Adjusting the depth of units, including the 8 and 11 penetration is easy, too. No tools blade single-point cuttingunits. are needed, just lift the adjustment To give your members consistent knob, and the rotation by one notch putting surfaces all season long raises or lowers the Grooming Reel by check out the new Toro Grooming .007 of an inch which will allow you to Reel. You’ll be surprised at the enthusi­ precisely tailor your grooming depth to asm it generates foryour course. And the various turf conditions or preferences. Another compliments it generates foryou. Fora important advantage the Toro Grooming Reel demonstration or more information, call gives you is uniform height of cut Because the your local Toro distributor Grooming Reel is part of a free-floating cutting unit design, the collection basket - which fills more quickly and heavily during grooming - is carried on a frame that’s independent of the cutting unit This maintains uniformity TURF CARE 105 GIBSON DRIVE, MARKHAM, ONTARIO L3R 3K7 • PHONE: (416)475-0988 • FAX (416) 475-0788 UPCOMING EVENTS OCTOBER 12, 1988 OGSA Combined Region 1 and 2 Election Meeting — Foxwood GC Host: Greg Aljoe OCTOBER 12, 1988 OGSA Combined Region 3 and 4 Election Meeting — Uplands GC Host: Ted Tom OCTOBER 27-28, 1988 Michigan/Border Cities GCSAA Seminar Golf Course Restoration, Renovation and Construction Projects Lansing, Michigan NOVEMBER 29-30, 1988 OGSA/GCSAA Seminar: Landscape-Plant Materials London, Ontario OCTOBER 4, 1988 McClumpha — Spring Lakes GC DECEMBER 6, 1988 OGSA Annual Meeting Wyldewood Golf Club Green is Beautiful Ontario Golf Superintendents Association