Green is Beautiful Ontario Golf Superintendents Association FALL 1989 ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 1989 PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT PAST PRESIDENT NEIL ACTON CGCS GORDON NIMMO CGCS THOM CHARTERS Deer Creek Golf Club & Estates Samia Golf & Curling Club Weston Golf & Country Club 4121 Lawrence Ave. E., Ste 207 500 Errol Rd. W. 50 St. Phillips Road Westhill, Ontario M1E 2S2 Sarnia, Ontario N7V 1X7 Weston, Ontario M9P 2N9 Phone: Bus. (416) 284-3703 Phone: Bus. (519) 3360667 Phone: Bus. (416) 241-5551 Res. (416) 427-7424 (519) 332-1521 Res. (416) 233-8388 DIRECTORS Editor Golf & Meetings Membership ROD TRAINOR CGCS MARK SCHNEIDER ALEX LA BELLE St. Thomas Golf & CG. Beach Grove Golf & CC. Carlton Golf & Yacht Club P.O. Box 62 14134 Riverside Dr. E. P.O. Box 162, R.R. #3 St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3T5 St. Clair Beach, Ont. N8N 1B6 Manotick, Ontario K0A 2NO Phone: Bus. (519) 631-2447 Phone: Bus. (519) 979-8134 Phone: Bus. (613) 692-4054 Res. (519) 631-4798 Res. (519) 979-8134 Res. (613) 826-3375 Golf & MTG. Roster Public Relations & Communications BRUCE BURGER JOHN TAYLOR DAVE W. GOURLAY (Jr.) Galt Golf & Country Club Twenty Valley G.C. Beacon Hall Golf Club PO. Box 534 107 Ontario St. R.R. #2 Cambridge, Ontario NIR 5W1 St. Catharines, Ontario Aurora, Ontario L4G 3G8 Phone: Bus. (519) 621-7020 Phone: Bus. (416) 562-4333 Phone: Bus. (416) 773-3841 (3843,3844) Res. (519) 621-1138 Res. (416) 682-3516 Res. (416) 852-9609 Treasurer Secretary & Symposium Chairman By-Laws ED FARNSWORTH MARK HAGEN JOHN ANDERSON Deerhurst Inn Golf & CG West Haven Golf & CC The Hockley Valley Resort R.R. #4 894 Notre Dame Dr. R.R. #1 Huntsville, Ontario POA 1K0 London, Ontario L6J 3C4 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Y8 Phone: Bus. (705) 789-5543 Phone: Bus. (519) 641-2519 Phone: Bus. (416) 942-0754 Res. (705) 789-8282 Res. (519) 451-0922 Res. (519) 821-7837 NEWSLETTER EDITOR ROD TRAINOR CGCS OFFICE SECRETARY CINDI CHARTERS (416) 233-8388 From the Editor OGSA President’s Report Doing the Green is Beautiful; over the past two years has been Neil Acton CGCS both enjoyable and frustrating. Even though there are only The frosty mornings signaling Fall are upon us and for many four issues per year there are still many problems compiling superintendents (myself included), it is a welcome arrival. I material and trying to get it out in time for the membership. was doing some association business one evening and I We hope we have just corrected our biggest problem. This reflected on this season and the projects various OGSA issue you now have is the work of a new printer. We now Directors tackled on their courses this year. Thom Charters hope to have a little more predictability and quality with initiated a major bunker renovation project that saw all green­ upcoming issues. Please keep those articles coming in. Any side traps being reshaped and filled with Ohio sand. He material you might have will be gratefully received. commenced the work in the Spring and is applying the finishing touches now. Gord Nimmo leases a course and operates it as well as handling superintendent duties at Sarnia GC. Mark Hagen is constructing Westhaven GC near New Members London while John Anderson follows suit at the Hockley Everett Nieukoop Ontario Seed Co. Class E Valley Resort near Orangeville. Construction is second nature to Ed Farnsworth at Deerhurst Report in Huntsville. Ed has Dan O'Conner Saugeen Golf Club Class F been in the construction, maintenance and renovation mode Steven D. Holmes Donalda Club Class F for years. Dave Gourlay has departed one course after Greg Anderson Victoria Park GC Class F construction and grow-in to supervise another major project Terry Clark Elanco, Div. of LilyCan. Class E in Ottawa. Alex Labelle has built some new greens and seems Alexander F. McLeod Monterra Golf Club Class F to always be pushing fill or digging trenches for one project Terry Fries Merry Hill GC Class F or another. Bruce Burger is building a landing strip for exotic Paul D. Scenna Mississauga GC Class F bugs. Mark Schneider is settling in to his first Superintendent's position at Beachgrove and John Taylor keeps busy with OGSA affairs as well as WOGSA duties. I, OMAF TURF HOTLINE with the capable assistance of Jim Hopkins on Fawn Brook and Steve Jones at Glen Cedars, spent this season growing Well Worth the Effort in 18 holes, building 18 and maintaining 18. Last, but not least, Rod Trainor has the demanding task of editing Green The OMAF TURF HOTLINE has been well received by the is Beautiful, playing Mr. Mom (while wife sue continues her turf industry. The hotline was updated weekly from April 7th education) and manicuring St. Thomas GC. - October 6th and proved to be an excellent method of So you can see, OGSA Directors are a busy lot yet still find disseminating up-to-date information on turf management time in their hectic personal and professional schedules to to a large number of people across the province. Your help operate the business affairs of the association along with comments on the hotline would be appreciated as we hope Cindi Charters. If you are ever contemplating getting involved to continue this service in 1990. with associations, don’t let a little extra work dissuade you. CANADIAN IRRIGATION RAE MURRAY & PETER BUCKLEY TECHNICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES PROFESSIONAL TURF PRODUCTS CONSULTANTS CHIPMAN TELEPHONE JACK AUSTIN A Business Unit of CIL Inc. R.R.1, Gormley Ontario LOH 1G0 400 JONES ROAD (416) 1-800 263-2136 STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO (705) (519) (613) Tel: (416) 841-7866 Fax: (416) 841-7867 L8G 3Z1 1-800-263-8353 WE ONLY SELL OUR EXPERIENCE!!! Almost 20 years of it in Annette Anderson Turf Extension Specialist Design Specifications, Budgets, Plant Industry Branch Pump Stations, Service Upgrading or just advice. When you want your irrigation system Ministry of Agriculture and Food to be right the first time or need Hort. Science Dept. help with your existing system, University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario N1G2W1 CALL US AND WE WILL SAVE YOU Telephone (519) 824-4120, Ext. 2597 TIME AND MONEY AND PROVE IV. Southwestern Ontario, Region 1; HOW WELL DOES YOUR by Gord Nimmo CGCS The summer of 89 on the whole has generally been a decent CURRENT SOURCE OF season for growing grass. The spring got off to a slow start and by the Victoria Day weekend there hadn’t been many SLOW RELEASE days over 21 C. Unlike the past two seasons June was a terrific month for grass to thicken and heal with lots of moisture and NITROGEN COMPARE? cool nights. 1987 and 88 brought drought conditions and day temps around 30 C. July 88 saw higher humidity and fewer rains but when it did fall it was substantial and kept the roughs green. This was not the standard throughout the whole region as there was drought like conditions in Port Elgin and areas in Kitchener and Galt. Both OGSA Golf Events were held in Region 1 and both Graham Shouldice and Rod Trainor had their courses in excellent condition. The weather man co-operated on both • Provides even feeding for up to 12 to days and all who attended had a great day. 16 weeks. In the Sarnia area Greenwood, Huron Oaks, Confederation • Dual release (hydrolysis and and Sarnia all went together and purchased a new Verti- Drain. Each course uses their own Tractor and maintenance microbial) mechanisms for a broad costs are shared. Its a new approach on limited use range of environmental conditions. equipment. • Non burning, low salt index for safe Mark Hagen at the new West Haven G and CC in London use on fine turf and sensitive was bogged down with mud in the spring but had a very ornamentals. productive summer and still hopes to be completely seeded before the snow flies. Rene Muylaert must be pleased. • Environmentally sound, efficient Former area Super Ted Ellis now at Blue Springs in Acton, nitrogen utilization with reduced reports he has never seen so much rock in all his life. Irrigation is not a simple job. So far his Par 3 executive has leaching and volatilization potential. been seeded and 9 holes on the championship course are nearing completion with the remaining 9 to be seeded in • Excellent plant response in early the spring. spring, late fall or when winter fed. The season wound up with a final golf day at Huron Oaks • Release is not dependant on particle with Steve Stasyna as our gracious host. The weather was size or coating, so a sustained good and the few who attended had a very enjoyable day. feeding is provided even following So far the fall has been great with most days having above heavy rains or after particle fracturing normal temperatures and lots of sunshine. through equipment. • Cost effective. ***OGSA GOLF SHIRTS (BRAND NAME - EAGLE Specify NUTRA LENE ™ ONLY) STIFF COLLARED GOLF SHIRTS AVAILABLE WITH OGSA SCRIPT, SIZES M, L & XL IN WHITE AND SKY BLUE. $20.00 EACH CALL THE OFFICE (416) Available exclusively 233-8388 TO ORDER. in Nutrite fertilizers. DON’T FORGET OGSA PRODUCTS Call one of these TIES $7.50 Nutrite Service Numbers, today IRON ON CRESTS 2.50 Québec: 1-514-462-2555 Ontario: 1-519-669-5401 FORMAL BLAZER CRESTS 17.50 Maritimes: 1-418-689-4759 Results: 1989 Pro. Superintendent Golf Good Golfers Tournament, St. Thomas G & CC Love Big Trees! ♦ For the challenge big 1st Team Weston Golf and CC, Herb Holzscheiser trees bring to their and Thom Charters game ♦ For the beauty big 2nd Team Westmount Golf and CC, Robbie Strahn trees add to their day and Hugh Kirkpatrick ♦ For the protection big trees provide from 3rd Team Ingersoll Golf and CC, Rob MacDannald wind, rain or sun. and Rick Serrao Extensive selection of 4th Team Dalewood Golf and CC, Graham Gunn nursery grown, quality caliper trees including and Bill Bowen many rare and unique species. Superintendents: 1st, low gross Jay Kulak, Port Colborne GC 1st, low net Bruce Burger, Galt Country Club 2nd, low gross Robbie Robinson, Hidden Lakes GC WE BUY SELL AND TRANSPLANT 2nd, low net Richard Butler, St. Andrews GC LARGE TREES 3rd low gross Bill Fach, Rosedale G & CC 3rd, low net Al Stoyles, Fanshawe Golf Club DOUGLAS WOOD LARGE TREES Introducing our 42" “Baby John the latest addition to our famih RR 2 Rockwood, Ont. NOB 2K0 of tree spades. (519)853-2035 1-800-265-6681 Professionals: 1st Bob Breen, Derrydale Golf Club 2nd John Davis, Burlington G & CC 3rd Dudley Jones, Lampton G & CC 4th Gary Slater, Horseshoe Valley Golf Club 5th Dale Thompson, Beachgrove G & CC 6th Derrick Jones, St. Thomas G & CC Closest to pin: Superintendent - Thom Charters 251 Exeter Road UnltD Pro - Derrick Jones London, Ontario N6L 1A4 (519) 652-3154 Longest Drive: Superintendent - Richard Butler Pro - John Porter WE CAN SUPPLY ALL OF YOUR IRRIGATION NEEDS January 9th & 10th • Suppliers of pipe, fittings and sprinklers The Ontario TUrfgrass Symposium • installation and upgrading of your total University of Guelph irrigation system - featuring - • Prefabricated pump stations by LISGA Northeast Director James Snow Commercial Pump Service Inc. Dick Psolla renowned Golf Course Consultant Sports Psychologist Dr. Richard Lonetto CALL THE IRRIGATION HOTLINE Dr. Chris Hall Dr. Paul Voroney Annette Anderson 1-800-265-9786 Programs and advanced registration forms will be mailed in mid-November Mark your calendar today Golf Club Health and Safety Management Health and safety legislation within the last few years has greatly intensified the responsibility of employers. It is becoming very clear that Health and Safety is considered by our society to be a high priority in the workplace. Along with this general positive attitude comes the need to develop systems to control workplace hazards. One of the most significant pieces of legislation to come our way is the Workplace Hazardous Material Information Systems, (W.H.M.I.S.) This legilsation came into effect on October 31, 1988 and encompasses all Golf Clubs. Basically W.H.M.I.S. involves development in three main areas. They are: material safety data sheets, supplier and workplace labelling and employee training. Material safety data sheets are information packages on the materials being used in the workplace. They contain information ranging from first aid procedures in case of contact to personal protective equipment required. These sheets are very helpful for safety professionals to use as guidelines to protect the environment, the organization's property and the workers. W.H.M.I.S. demands an inventory of all hazardous materials complete with the material safety data sheets. These sheets must be located within a reasonable proximity to the employees work station. This can be quite an exhaustive process as all chemical suppliers must be contacted and the inventory must be updated every three years. Labelling however is a little less painful. There are two labels that employers must be concerned with: supplier labels and workplace labels. The supplier labels must contain seven categories of information similar to a material safety data sheet. Generally suppliers will provide these labels. For the most part Golf Clubs will only be concerned with workplace labels. These contain three areas of information: product identifier or name, precautionary measures (safe handling procedures), and a statement telling the reader that a material safety data sheet is available. Workplace labels must be affixed to containers not having a supplier label or any material having been decanted to another container, ie. varsol from a 45 gallon drum to a 1 gallon can. Many companies are selling computer systems for label printing and costs vary a great deal. Depending on the size of your club you will probably not have a need for this. There are many simple generic labels on the market that can better meet your needs at a much lower cost. Employee training is probably the task needing the most attention. W.H.M.I.S. training is broken down into two broad sections, General and Specific education. General training deals with supplier and workplace labels, material safety data sheets and the why’s of W.H.M.I.S. Specific training consists of familiarizing employees on the actual workplace hazards, work routines and emergency procedures. Depending on the amount of chemicals used and type of work, the time needed to train employees will alter. An example would be that office staff would not need the same amount of training as would the maintenance staff. Needless to say management has the responsibility of training all staff to one degree or another. One important point to cover is that pesticides are exempt from this regulation but it is recommended that material safety data sheets be obtained for all hazardous chemicals. Under the Pesticides Act employees must be qualified sprayers and have the information anyway. So what does W.H.M.I.S. mean to Golf Clubs? It means that you first have to inventory hazardous materials, label those decanted, collect material safety data sheets and train employees on how to handle hazardous materials they are exposed to in the workplace. Compliance to the W.H.M.I.S. legislation was expected by the Ministry of Labour, October 31, 1988. However, W.H.M.I.S. is not the only legislation in the area of Health and Safety that affects Golf Clubs. The controversial proposed legislation Bill 208, when and if it is passed by government, will have far reaching effects on the Golf Club industry. Currently under the Occupational Health and Safety Act employers have a multitude of responsibilities, and if Bill 208 is passed these SHEMIN IRRIGATION With a complete inventory of irrigation supplies at wholesale prices. GREENHOUSE HARDLINES NURSERY STOCK Countless varieties OF Fertilizers Chemicals. Bail The most complete Foliage Plants In wide Carts and a complete Decorative Stones and selectton of potted and range of material slzy range of professional Gravel Pressure Treated container grown nursery Flowering and Foliage Landscape Tools Timbers Mulches (bagged material Including Broad­ hanging baskets Annuals and bulk). Peat Moss and leaves and Conifers and Flowering Seasonal Vinyl Edging Ornamental Tree. Shade Plants Trees, Flowering Shrubs. Perennials and Ground Cover (416)875-4545 R.R. #4, Milton (Toronto) (416) 858-2299 Ontario L9T 2X8 1-800-263-4111 (Fifth Line South of Steeles) responsibilities will change and most certainly become far more demanding. Golf Clubs will have to meet this new legislation which will mean the industry will have to become involved in extensive health and Safety programs. The following are some highlights of Bill 208 that will need to be addressed. 1) Development of a Worker/Management Health and Safety committee. 2) The certification of a worker representative who will in turn have the authority to shutdown a workplace. 3) The Ministry of Labour will have the authority to regulate minimum standards for Health and Safety training. 4) The maximum fine for contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act will increase from $25,000 to $500,000. Again it appears that regulations respecting health and safety are going to be very closely scrutinizing workplaces. It is important that Golf Clubs begin to plan for compliance with current legislation and legislation that will soon be upon them. The first step should be to designate one management member as the Health and Safety authority. Allow this individual to take courses in the area of Health and Safety to keep abreast of current and proposed legislation. Health and Safety requirements are here to stay and will in all likelihood become progressively more stringent. Ensure that your Golf Club isn't caught in a position of non-compliance. James Creighton RESOURCE - Health and Safety Services 886 Brimorton Drive Scarborough, Ontario MIG 2T6 Phone: (416) 439-1289 Save the Trees The American Society of Consulting Arborists offers these ten commandments for saving trees on a construction site: 1) Around each tree or group of trees to be saved, erect a boundary with stakes connected by brightly coloured ribbons. This boundary should be located one foot away from the tree for every inch of trunk diameter measured at 4-1/2 feet above grade. These stakes may be wooden tomato stakes or metal fence posts, but the best deterrent is orange plastic mesh fencing. Inside these marked areas is off limits to The most advanced self-propelled anyone or thing. spray system available... 2) No storage of equipment or materials will be And now you can get the same precision, permitted within the dripline of trees. safety and economy with a new 35 h.p. vehicle, 300 gal.tank and fully loaded 3) No vehicles or equipment may be parked within the floatation of only 12 p.s.i. dripline of trees. 4) No fill of additional soil can exceed two-inches within the dripline of any tree. Any fill should be the highest quality soil. 5) No bark injury from equipment or materials to any tree should be tolerated. 6) No soil may be removed from within the dripline of any tree. 7) No trees may be removed or trimmed without prior permission. 8) Utility service must be located so as not to severely injure trees. 9) Utility ditches must be located nine-inches away from the tree for each inch of trunk diameter, the exposed Gordon Bannerman limited roots should be pruned to promote callusing, closure 41 Kelfield Street, and regrowth. Rexdale, Ontario M9W 5A3 Telephone 416-247-7875 Superintendent's Dictionary Dandelion The dandelion is often unfairly dismissed as nothing but a pesky weed by those who do not recognize its many uses. The leaves can be boiled to produce a green sludge that may be pureed and used to patch gutters; the flowers can be fermented into a potent, wine-like beverage (or, if somewhat less sugar is added, into a homemade paint remover); the roots, cut up and roasted, can be force-fed to poultry and cats; and the fluffy seed hairs of 5,000 or so of the plants will provide stuffing for a small toss pillow. Green Thumb Common condition suffered by gardeners. The skin of the thumb develops a greenish hue as the result of handling large amounts of currency at nurseries. Insecticides A new respect for the environment and stricter regulations have taken most of the effective, but destructive, poisons off the shelf and replaced them with more benign, but less potent compounds. Typical of the new insecticides are Annoyene, which gives some caterpillars a mild itching sensation; Migrene, which gives slugs a headache; and Dorene, Norene and Charlene, a family of aromatic hydrocarbons based on inexpensive perfumes which have a vague repellent effect on grubs, chiggers and mites. Perennial Any plant which, had it lived, would have blossomed year after year. See ANNUAL. Poison Ivy If, like most people, you are allergic to this plant, the slightest touch is far worse than itching powder. You'll just have to learn to live with it—it’s one of nature's little "gags.'' Others include lightning, floods, earthquakes and hurricanes, cobwebs, poodles and Big name in golf the mumps. Sprinkler scoring high in Adjustable rotary irrigation device, typically with two settings: "drool,’’ which creates a puddle of water 6 inches deep in a circle about a yard in diameter, and "monsoon,'' top quality turf. which propels a high-velocity water jet into the woods, the garage, your automobile and the street. Sure, the golf industry is one of the major users of Palmer Turf-type perennial Sucker ryegrass. But Palmer goes everywhere. According to the American Botanical Association, gardening is growing extremely rapidly The reason is very simple. Palmer has an in popularity, with a potential new amateur gardener being born every 60 seconds! abundance of the characteristics that have created the great demand for turf-type Weed perennial ryes. Any green plant which will survive at least one week outdoors without being watered, • Heat and drought tolerance fertilized, pruned, sprayed, staked, mulched, misted, dusted, or wrapped in burlap, • Fast germination and dense growth paper or plastic. • Excellent appearance with rich, dark green colour • 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 new seed beds. “Talk to the turfseed specialists” P.O.Box 219 Brampton, Ontario L6V 2L2 Telephone 416-846-5080 All in a day's Work .. . for the Brouwer turf maintenance team. The team to make easy work of your turf maintenance program. For golf courses, school boards, municipalities, highway, parks and recreation departments, airfields and landscapers, there is a Brouwer product for you. Brouwer builds rugged dependability and superior quality into every product, and that means value - not only when you buy but also in the ’’second to none” after sales service that will keep your machinery down-time low, and you happy to have Brouwer on your side. Check these outstanding products, from the rugged, economical mowers, the high capacity Brouwer Vac to the turf renovating team of the Sod Cutter MK2 and one of those turf rollers, no matter, the Brouwer team can fit the bill... and your budget. Dollar for dollar, feature for feature... no competition. For a live or Video demonstration of Brouwer products contact your area Brouwer dealer... TODAY Woodbine Ave., Keswick, 7320 Haggerty Rd., Ont., Canada L4P 3E9 Tel. (416) 476-4311 BROUWER TURF EQUIPMENT LIMITED Canton, Ml. 48187 Tel. (313) 459-3700 Fax. (416) 476-5867 An Outboard Marine Corporation Company Fax. (313) 459-8778 That Man Who Makes the Grass Grow Most course superintendents are victims of mistaken identity. Guess who suffers? BY JOHN R. JOHNSON No mystery what the golf course superintendent is responsible for, right? Lush fairways, well-kept tees and greens, nice, cared-for bunkers, and perhaps some pleasant little flowers cheerfully surrounding the course. C'mon, what more could there be to the job? Well, maybe 30 years ago the superintendent's life was nice and simple and filled with nothing more complicated than a couple of lawn mowers, but today that image is as antique as a hand scythe. Still, it holds onto our collective imaginations enough to cause some real problems at country clubs. Today’s superintendent is no rustic. He is, purely and simply, a professional. Most likely, he graduated from college with a degree in landscape architecture or agronomy. He knows about the science of turf, the complex range of chemicals that must be used to care for the golf course, how to get the surface into the best possible condition, and he knows how to budget carefully for all of it. He's a manager too, handling personnel, delegating responsibility. It's no wonder he's not exactly thrilled at being considered a grasscutter, and it's this unfortunate gulf between what he is and what he is often perceived as that frequently sets superintendent member relations on edge. Anyone who thinks the whole place is being taken care of by a mower-man is not going to realize, nor is he going to want to learn, that there are legitimate reasons for the course not always being in top shape. So explanations that have to do with bad weather, drainage problems, or a sudden and unexpected turf disease will fall on deaf ears. Nor will an impatient member want to hear that there was a legitimate horticultural reason for the water sprinkler going off in the middle of his backswing on the 12th during the noon hour on Thursday. The course should be immaculate, period. Nothing else will do. Not every membership is this hard on their superintendent, of course, but a good many could learn a bit more about what he does before jumping to conclusions. Then, maybe he'd be less likely to be the scapegoat when things go wrong, and more likely to get due credit when they actually happen to go right. A big part of the problem, of course, is that this is not a high visibility job. You're out on the course at the crack of dawn when there’s not another soul around, and later in the day you’re off doing something else when the members do show up. People don't see you, and a lot of them find it easy to assume you're therefore not doing your job. It really comes down to nothing more complicated than better three-way communication among members, committees, and the superintendent himself. ECONOMICAL POLE FRAME BUILDINGS FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS . . . BUILDING SYSTEMS LTD. RURAL & COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS Call collect to Jack or Rick Brenzil for a FREE ESTIMATE . . . (416) 772-3551 (416) 388-6865 Over 30 Years Experience! News From AMERICAN SOCIETY OF GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS 221 NORTH LA SALLE STREET CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601 312-372-7090 It's Time to Move Forward! Formerly an average woman player could reach a 520 yd. hole in regulation with the additional roll when fairways were more Firm. Today the average woman player will need three shots to reach a 520 yd. hole with todays lush fairways Women are making their presence felt in golf, and now golf courses must be adapted to their game, according to the American Society of Golf Course Architects. With one in four golfers a woman, and 41% of all new golfers women, the Society's members are designing forward tees on most of their new and remodeled courses. Alice Dye, the only woman member of the Society, points out that research shows the average woman golfer drives the ball about 130 yards. She says that the low handicap woman golfer is most comfortable playing a course that is approximately 5,440 yards long, while the average woman golfer would find a 4,800 yard course most enjoybale. The ASGCA architects note that today's lush, watered courses have reduced the roll of the ball. On firm fairways, 33% roll previously was expected and designed into the hole. The two illustrations above show that the average woman golfer could reach a 320-yard hole in regulation with 40 yards of roll, but cannot when the roll is reduced to 10 yards. Those interested in how forward tees can enhance the playability of a golf course may obtain further information and illustrations by sending a $5 cheque to the American Society of Golf Course Architects, 221 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60601. TREE MANAGEMENT AT DONALDA CLUB By Robert Arthur Donalda Club is situated in the east Don Valley river system. In 1916 David Alexander Dunlap, Then the wealthy Vice President and treasurer of Hollinger Wine Consolidated, purchased land straddling part of the Don. It had long been Dunlap’s ambition to build a model farm to help other farmers and to set standards for the industry. As well he made the whole operation accessible to the students at the Ontario Agricultural College at Guelph. The name Donalda, came from his wife's name, Jessie Donalda Bell hence the name Don-Alda Farms. Included among some twenty or more home and barn structures on the property stood the Dulap's summer mansion. This was surrounded by 5 acres of landscaped gardens, and manicured trees and shrubs that carried on from the mansion at the top of the valley to the barns below. As well as the native plant material, several introduced species of trees and shrubs can be found. In 1960 the club was opened. The Dunlap's mansion is part of the clubhouse. When I arrived in 1978 I was overtaken by the large mature trees surrounding the clubhouse and the adjoining woodlot in the valley. Most native trees consisted of Sugar Maple, White Beech, Larch, Birch, White Ash, Hemloch, White Pine and Black Willow. Introduced trees are Norway Maple, Weeping Willow, Amur Maple, Scots Pine and Austrian Pine. Most of these trees are between 60 and 90 years old. After getting familiar with the property and trying to imagine what it was like 60 years ago, it was quite clear to me that the Dunlap's paid close attention to their trees. 70 foot Austrian Pines and 36 inch diameter Norway Maples are testament to the large onslaught of planting. Tree care practices are evident on the older trees found around the mansion and barns. Even back in the woodlots far from eyesight is stone tree well construction, tree cables, bracing and cavity treatments. Some filled cavities measure 3 ft wide by 30 ft up the side of the tree. Other than a mixed variety of vegetation on the valley slopes, the planting list during the construction of the golf course in the early 60’s, was confined to a small selection. Poplars, Willows, Honey locust, Ash, Sugar and Norway Maples made up the majority of decidous material with monocultures of Austrian and Scots Pine spread throughout. Up to that time almost all tree maintenance was concentrated on ornamental trees surrounding the clubhouse. From time to time tree maintenance contractors would do pruning or spraying, but very little attention was paid to the fast growing trees on the golf course. Only a half dozen new trees were planted each year as there was next to no budget for these new trees at all. There was no tree nursery and only a chainsaw and hand loppers for tools. • We are proud to be supplying the Ontario Golf Course Industry with: Non calcareous, low PH Hutcheson Silica: Topdressing Sand and Mixes Construction Sand and Mixes High Organic Humus Peat Bunker Sands • Our products comply with Industry specifications and have been met with overwhelming approval by biologists, architects and superintendents. TRY US! 8 West Street South, Box 937 Huntsville, Ontario P0A 1K0 Office: 705- 789-4457 Mobile: 705- 722-2141 Watts: 1-800-461-5521 Fax: 705-789-1049 Because I showed a strong interest in trees, Ron Allen who was Superintendent at the time allowed me to purchase some pruning tools and a ladder to begin pruning away at the trees on the golf course. Ron liked what he saw and kept me on the payroll that winter. He had, for quite some time felt that something should be done with the trees on the property. Through my work I noticed an abundance of tree problems. Bronze Birch Borer in European Birch, Elongated sunken cankers in Poplars, Pine Pitch Borers and Diplodia Tip Blight in all the Austrian Pines. That made up half the tree population on the golf course. Poplars and Chinese Elms were posing a serious problem with their competing roots on greens, tees and fairways. Over growth was causing shade and air circulation problems. Many of the short living trees were close to maturity and plans for replacement were non existent. At the time only a handfull of members had any interest in the topic. In order to devote any time and money to tree preservation and planting we had to go to the membership and that called for professional assistance. We went about to hire a consulting Arborist. Ron hired Alfred G. Sellers, a long time man of the tree industry and very well respected. Al knew the history of Donalda and was ultimately the man for the job. I had personnaly known Al Sellers through the Ontario Shade Tree Council of which I have been an active member since 1977. In the fall of 1982 Al Sellers drafted up a tree review of the golf course. This review contained the accomplishments and downfalls of Donalda’s developments dating back to the farm. Certain facts had been considered such as the valley soils. Hurricane Hazel left large deposits of silt in the flood plains. Large scale sewer construction before the 60’s changed soil structure. What was once grazing land on the valley slopes was now covered by young trees and shrubs. He indicated the problems we would encounter with monoculture plantings of poplar, birch and austrian pine. All pathological, entomological and physiological dissorders of the entire tree population had been noted in the review. Donalda Club Clubhouse Part of the Dunlap's Summer Mansion Formal Garden Donalda Club Built in the Early 1900's Over the years the following reccommendations had been considered: Removal of shallow root competing trees near greens, trees and fairways. Removal of weak structured and diseased trees. Continued tree pruning Cabling and bracing Introduce new tree species in new plantings. establishment of a tree nursery. A tree inventory of the golf course property. After 1982 the consulting Arborist did two updated reports in 84 and 85. Progress was slow. The problem was that people wanted to see an improvement in tree quality but didn't want to pay for it. The club had other priorities. However members of the Green Committee were not going to let the issue die. In 1986 the Green Chairman appointed a member of the committee to work with the Superintendent and myself. I was assigned the task of touring the golf course with Al Hurley, a retired engineer who admitted he knew very little about trees. What Al was good at was recording and organizing, and when given the task at hand he'd get the job done. Mr. Hurley’s job was to help revamp the,tree program. By using the Arborist's report as a base, and updating a tree inventory 1 had done in 1981, Al and myself reported back to the Green Committee. Al became an even greater help to me in 1988 when 1 took over the Superintendents position. He knew 1 would be busy with many new responsibilities and took it upon himself to update the tree inventory and using my recommendations on removal, maintenance and planting came up with a budget and presented it to the Green Committee with my blessing. I really feel the success of our tree program has been member involvement. When I go to the tree nursery to select trees, I invite some Green Committee members along. Most of them are retired business men and really enjoy getting involved. Their support has been a great help and much appreciated. The big problem of promoting trees on a golf course is that it takes so long for the young trees to grow. Its so easy for a Superintendent to build a new tee or bunker and the following season show their success to the membership. With trees you have to look down the road. Because of new environmental awareness trees are growing in importance. We started with a consulting Arborists report and today tree maintenance and planting are a regular part of our golf course operation. Trees are being transplanted out of our nursery with a spade and our tree budget has doubled in the last four years. All the work in the past is now beginning to pay off and has definitely proven worthwhile. — RIDING GREENSMOWER — TRAIL GANGS YOUR TURF MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT — 5 GANG FAIRWAY ALTERNATIVE — PARTS AND MOWER ACCESSORIES west. 56 McCulloch ave. 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TURF CARE 105 GIBSON DRIVE, MARKHAM, ONTARIO L3R 3K7 • TELEPHONE: (416) 475-0988 • FAX: (416) 475-0788 UPCOMING EVENTS NOVEMBER 7-8 GT1 2nd Annual Educational Symposium on Turfgrass management for professionals in the Turfgrass Industry Contact University of Guelph, Dept, of Continuing Education (519) 824-4120 Ext. 3956 DECEMBER 10-13 Canadian Turfgrass Conference Metro Convention Centre, Toronto, Ontario Contact Canadian Golf Supt. Assoc. (416) 249-7304 JANUARY 9-10 Ontario Golf Superintendents Association Symposium, University of Guelph Contact OGSA (416) 233-8388 FEBRUARY 5-MARCH 2, 1990 21st Annual Tùrf Managers' Course University of Guelph Contact Dept, of Continuing Education, University of Guelph (519) 824-4120 Ext. 3956 FEBRUARY 1990 Algonquin College Turf Management Short Course, Ottawa, Ontario Contact Mr. Doug Rothwell, Program Co-Ordinator (613) 594-4577 FEBRUARY 19-26 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Conference, Orlando Florida Contact GCSAA (913) 841-2240 Green is Beautiful Ontario Golf Superintendents Association