Green is Beautiful Ontario Golf Superintendents Association P.O.BOX 203, ISLINGTON, ONT. M9A 4X2 SPRING 1989 TELEPHONE: (416) 233-8388 ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 1988 PRESIDENT PAST PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT NEIL ACTON CGCS GORDON NIMMO CGCS THOM CHARTERS Deer Creek Golf Club & Estates Sarnia 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 2N6 Phone: Bus. (416) 284-3703 Phone: Bus. (519)336-0667 Phone: Bus. (416) 241-5551 Res. (416) 427-7424 Res. (519) 332-1521 Res. (416) 233-8388 DIRECTORS Editor Golf & Meetings Golf and Meetings ROD TRAINOR CGCS MARK SCHNEIDER TED ELLIS St. Thomas Golf & C.C. Beach Grove Golf & C.C. Greenwood Golf Club P.O. Box 62 14134 Riverside Dr. E. 2212 London Rd. St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3T5 St. Clair Beach,, Ont. N8N 1B6 Sarnia, Ontario N7T 7H2 Phone: Bus. (519) 631-2447 Phone: Bus. (519) 979-8134 Phone: Bus. (519) 542-2212 Res. (519) 631-4798 Res. (519) 979-8134 Res. (519) 542-8201 Entertainment & By-Laws Roster Membership BRUCE BURGER JOHN TAYLOR ALEX LA BELLE Galt Golf & Country Club Twenty Valley G.C. Carlton Golf & Yacht Club P.O. Box 534 107 Ontario St. P.O. Box 162, R.R. #3 Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W1 St. Catharines, Ontario Manotick, Ontario K0A 2N0 Phone: Bus. (519) 621-7020 Phone: Bus. (416) 562-4333 Phone: Bus. (613) 692-4054 Res. (519) 621-1138 Res. (416) 682-3516 Res. (613)826-3375 Treasurer Secretary & Symposium Chairman Public Relations & Communications ED FARNSWORTH MARK HAGEN DAVE W. GOURLAY (Jr.) Deerhurst Inn Golf & C.C. West Haven Golf & C.C. Beacon Hall Golf Club R.R. #4 894 Notre Dame Dr. R.R. #2 Huntsville, Ontario P0A 1K0 London, Ontario L6J 3C4 Aurora, Ontario L4G 3G8 Phone: Bus. (705) 789-5543 Phone: Bus. (519) 641-2519 Phone: Bus. (416) 773-3841 (3843,3844) Res. (705) 789-8282 Res. (519) 451-0922 Res. (416) 852-9609 NEWSLETTER EDITOR ROD TRAINOR CGCS OFFICE SECRETARY COVER PHOTO CREDIT ROD TRAINOR CINDI CHARTERS (416) 233-8388 From the President From the Editor I hope all of you have recharged your batteries as By now you will all have received your letter from well as taken advantage of any educational oppor­ the Ministry of the Environment stating their prop­ tunities at your disposal. The snow and ice are gone, osal to amend Regulation 751 of the Pesticides Act and now is the time to put our expertise to the test. requiring notification of pesticide applications. The We all thought that we had survived our worst OGSA, along with other professional associations, is summer experience to date in '88, but indications lobbying the government with regard to these prop­ point to '89 being just as severe. Many north-eastern osed changes. States were restricting water use as early as March of This is only the tip of the iceberg with new gov­ this year, the result of water tables and reservoirs ap­ ernment regulations regarding pesticides. We as proaching crisis levels. Make sure your water distri­ Superintendents will be required to give a lot more bution system is working as efficiently as possible thought into the way we apply pesticides. With prior and be prepared to grow turf with less water. I be­ notification being necessary it will be much more dif­ lieve this will be the norm in the future, as our water ficult to react quickly to a specific pest problem. How resources diminish. will we treat Pythhium? Will we have to let those There is another unpleasant situation which we, cutworms eat away for a day before we can take any the Green Industry, are experienceing. It seems our action? pesticide usage has come under intense scrutiny Maybe this new legislation will increase pesticide from environmentalists who have been very success­ use rather than decrease it as more preventative ap­ ful lobbying our Environment Ministry. The ramifica­ plications will be applied to ensure control, as we tions of this are far-reaching. We can assure you that won't have the luxury of being able to wait and see the OGSA has become very active in addressing this what we will get or how severe a pest problem be­ problem. We, along with the CGSA, are presently in­ comes before spraying. volved with other sectors of the Green Industry, Regardless of what happens, the time to prepare is forming a united front to face this problem and pre­ NOW. We must make our Club Officials aware of pare ourselves for future problems. this and how it affects us. When, as the licenced BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP! applicator, you put your name and phone number We all must handle pesticides in a manner totally on all those signs around your golf course, are you above reproach. Our position will be much stronger going to be backed up by your Board of Directors or if you and your staff demonstrate pesticide responsi­ Club Officials? Communications has never been bility. How can we do that? Licence all applicators; more important. follow label instructions; calibrate equipment; apply Our environment is fast becoming the number pesticides only when necessary. Protecting the one concern on people's minds and as professionals applicator, surroundings and environment are but a using pesticides in that environment we'd better be few methods to demonstrate responsibility. Last, but darn sure we are doing it properly. The Golf Course certainly not least, keep precise, up-to-date records. industry has always been the leader in proper and Everyone must do their part! safe pesticide use, and we must continue to set a good example. Neil Acton, CGCS Rod Trainor, CGCS WANTED: Annette Anderson Turf Extension Specialist PHOTOGRAPHS TO BE USED Plant Industry Branch ON THE COVER OF "GREEN IS BEAUTIFUL” Mail colour prints to Rod Trainor Ministry of Agriculture and Food C/O St. Thomas Golf & C.C. Hort. Science Dept. University of Guelph P.O. Box 62 Guelph, Ontario N1G2W1 St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3T5 Telephone (519) 824-4120, Ext. 2597 Ontario BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 1989 1989 OGSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Back Row, Left to Right: Dave Gourlay, Ed Farnsworth, Mark Hagen, Bruce Burger, Mark Schneider, Ted Ellis. Front Row, Left to Right: John Taylor, Thom Charters, Neil Acton, Gord Nimmo, Rod Trainor. HUTCHESON CANADIAN SAND AND MIXES IRRIGATION • We are proud to be supplying CONSULTANTS the Ontario Golf Course Industry with: JACK AUSTIN R.R.1, Gormley Ontario LOH 1G0 Non calcareous, low PH Tel: (416) 841-7866 Fax:(416)841-7867 Hutcheson Silica: Topdressing Sand and Mixes Construction Sand and Mixes WE ONLY SELL OUR EXPERIENCE!!! High Organic Humus Peat Bunker Sands Almost 20 years of it in Design Specifications, Budgets, • Our products comply with Pump Stations, Service Upgrading Industry specifications and have been met with overwhelming or just advice. approval by biologists, architects and superintendents. When you want your irrigation system to be right the first time or need TRY US! help with your existing system, 8 West Street South, Box 937 Huntsville, Ontario POA 1 KO CALL US AND WE WILL SAVE YOU Office: 705-789-4457 Mobile: 705-722-2141 TIME AND MONEY AND PROVE IT. Watts: 1-800-461-5521 Fax: 705-789-1049 GOLF COURSE IMPACT ON WATER QUALITY FINDING: Golf courses do not pose a significant pollution corn. Construction has an even more devastating impact on threat to the nation's water supplies. This conclusion is topsoil, so golf courses can greatly reduce erosion effects as based on a review of the scientific evidence that is currently compared to other land users, like shopping malls or hous­ available. Neither groundwater nor surface water is threat ing developments. ened by golf course runoff. Further, studies show that storm­ Sedimentation pollution from soil erosion costs society water runoff is near zero from golf courses. billions of dollars in increased transportation, shipping, and GROUNDWATER: About half of all people in the United cleaning costs. Thus, by preventing soil erosion, golf courses States depend on groundwater for their drinking water, and serve a very beneficial societal purpose. the figure is 90 percent in rural areas. Results from ongoing CONCLUSIONS: Golf courses do not threaten the nation's scientific studies show that the use of pesticides on golf water supplies. Scientific studies show that pesticides used courses does not threaten public drinking water. Because of on golf courses do not seep into neighboring groundwater the low mobility and quick biodegradation of most golf sources. Other studies demonstrate that stormwater runoff is course pesticides, they simply do not reach groundwater in greatly reduced by turfgrass. Finally, still more studies show significant quantities. that grassy areas reduce soil erosion, which is a major cause One Environmental Protection Agency-funded study of sedimentation pollution in the nation's rivers, lakes and being undertaken on Cape Cod in Massachusetts provides streams. for a “worst-case" estimate of groundwater contamination. On the whole, a golf course makes an environmentally To date, test results have been encouraging, demostrating sound contribution to any community. that golf courses and clean groundwater do coexist. Some experts argue that golf turf offers uniquely favorable control mechanisms to prevent groundwater contamination. Dr. Stuart Z. Cohen, a former Ground Water Team Leader for the EPA in Washington, notes that "the use of pesticides on golf courses poses less of a threat to the nation's groundwa­ ter than does the agricultural use of pesticides." Additionally, turfgrass provides a "thatch layer" not found in row crop situations. Thatch binds up pesticide residues and increases degradation of some chemicals. Dr. Harry D. Niemczyk of Ohio State University has found that as much as 99% of recovered pesticides are found in turfgrass thatch. In some areas, golf courses are also helping to mitigate the goundwaterpollution effects of hazardous waste sites. Many of the nation's golf courses fertilize soil using sludge compost mixes prepared by urban waste recycling prog­ rams. These sludges might otherwise be disposed of in municipal landfills. Thus, potential groundwater leaching The most advanced self-propelled from dump sites is averted by careful community planning spray system available... and recycling. STORMWATER RUNOFF: Stormwater runoff from golf And now you can get the same precision, courses is not a significant environmental hazard. Research safety and economy with a new 35 h.p. conducted by Dr. Thomas Watschke, a turfgrass specialist at vehicle, 300 gal. tank and fully loaded the Pennsylvania State University, indicates that thick, healthy floatation of only 12 p.s.i. turf reduces runoff "to next to nothing." An average golf course of 150 acres effortlessly absorbs 12 million gallons of water during a three-inch rainfall. Dr. Watschke finds that thick, carefully managed turfgrass has 15 times less runoff than does a lower quality lawn. As a re­ sult, almost all of the pesticides applied to the grass remains the place after peak rainfall. Dr. Richard J. Cooper of the University of Massachusetts argues that turfgrass cover "reduces soil erosion and pre­ vents soil and chemical runoff into water sources." By comparison, parking lots, streets and even residential areas load nearby waters with hazardous pollutants carried in runoff from road surfaces, gutters and catch basins, SURFACE WATER: Golf courses help decrease sedimentation pollution of rivers, streams and lakes by preventing topsoil erosion. The major polluter of U.S. surface water is sedimen­ Gordon Bannerman Limited tation from soil erosion. However, turfgrass reduces erosion, 41 Kelfield Street, Rexdale, Ontario M9W 5A3 as compared to alternative land uses. Telephone 416-247-7875 For instance, studies show that grassland experiences 84 to 668 times less erosion than areas planted with wheat or Michigan/Border Cities Soil Temperatures Golf and Meeting And Crabgrass by Jeff Lefton, Extension Turfrass Specialist The Michigan/Border Cities Superintendents met on April 3 at Essex Golf and Country Club under cludy but Crabgrass germination is very dependent on soil temper­ dry skies. The temperature was very comfortable and ature, NOT air temperature. As a rule of thumb, crabgrass will germinate if you have three (3) consecutive days with the rain stayed away, providing a great day of golf for soil temperatures taken between 7 and 8 a.m. at a three- approximately 80 players. inch depth for the soil textures indicated below. One hundred and twenty sat down to a great steak dinner and listened to a fine talk by Dr. Joe Vargas. Soil Soil Stu Mills had Essex in great shape for the time of Texture Temperature year. It was obvious that lots of work had gone on be­ °F between 7 - 8 a.m. fore we arrived. Stu must be hoping for some dry wea­ Loam 50 - 52° F ther to try his new computerized irrigation system. Heavy wet clay soil 53 - 57° F The international competition this year was won by Sandy soil 49-51° F the Canadian Superintendents who edged out their The time (7 to 8 a.m.) represents the daily low point of soil American counterparts by a single shot. The victory temperatures. Soil temperatures can be expected to increase was official and random drug testing was not neces­ 10 to 15 degrees by midafternoon on a sunny, moderately sary. dry day in late April and May. A person could take a soil tem­ It was a great day and for those of you that did not perature reading at 3 p.m. and get a high reading, i.e. 59° F. attend, it shows you can't always believe the weather This does not mean that crabgrass will germinate. man. Variations in soil temperatures depend on several factors: Already looking forward to next year. 1. The soil in a wet lawn area will warm up much slower than a dry soil. 2. Lawns on south-facing slopes warm up faster than those on north-facing slopes. 3. A thick lawn grown on muck sod (dark color) will warm New Members up sooner than a thin lawn on light colored soil. Wet clay soils may require up to 3 to 4 times more heat to warm them than when they are dry. Future weather condi­ Class tions play an important role in determining if soils will re­ Ian Bowen, Lakeview GC B main at adequate soil temperature for good crabgrass ger­ Mary Beth Kelly, Ladies Golt Club F mination. Generally a forecast for below normal tempera­ tures, but dry and sunny conditions will result in little or no Doug Walsh, Westmount GV F change in the seasonal warming trend of the soil. Future Gordon Wendover, cloudy, cold, wet weather will produce a rapid decrease in Gordon Wendover Const. Ltd. E soil temperatures. Warm, dry sunny weather provides a Rob Sharpe, Glen Abbey CG F moderate rate of soil temperature increase. Crabgrass germination is also dependent on abundant Bill Dickinson, Champion Turf & Sport E sunlight near the soil surface. A tall dense lawn or a heavily Stephen Jones, Deer Creek G&CC B shaded area will delay and/or eliminate the potential for James Hopkins, Fawn Brook B crabgrass germination. Moisture is also needed for the ger­ Raymond Yule, Glen Cedars GC B mination process and for survival after germination. Crabgrass will germinate much later than you think. And, as you can see, many factors contribute to its germination. Consider these factors when applying pre-emergents. For in­ stance, a somewhat dry sandy area should not be applied in the late spring, while a poorly drained lawn could be de­ CIL layed until mid to late spring. Several environmental factors can be used as guidelines in predicting crabgrass germination. You can use one factory RAE MURRAY & PETER BUCKLEY only in making this decision. TECHNICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES PROFESSIONAL TURF PRODUCTS 1. Night temperature - consistently greater than 65° F. 2. Daytime temperature - consistently between 55 - 75° F. CHIPMAN 3. Soil temperature 7-10 consecutive days at or greather TELEPHONE A Business Unit of C-l-L Inc. 400 JONES ROAD (416) 1-800-263-2136 than 55 - 60° F. STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO (705) (519) (613) 4. Moist seedbed. L8G 3Z1 1-800-263-8353 Reprinted from "The Ballmark" Central Illinois GCSA Michael Vogt, Editor CONFIDENCE is a 3 YEAR WARRANTY Brouwer’s got it, and proves it... "I'm so confident you’ll be satisfied, I’ve put it in writing. ” “Our3-year warranty* is the strongest in the industry. That’s because our 5-gang tractor reel mower is the best in the business. ” G. J. Brouwer. And the features speak for themselves: • Kubota diesel power for reliability and economy • Built-in backlapping system • Unbeatable 4-wheel drive traction • Single point bedknife to reel adjustment... • Golf course and parks models and much more. So much more that your choice is • Floating cutting heads with quick lock-out easy.. .BUY BROUWER, BUY WITH CONFIDENCE BROUWER TURF EQUIPMENT LIMITED An Outboard Marine Corporation Company 7320 Haggerty Rd., Canton, Ml. 48187 Tel. (313) 459-3700 Fax. (313) 459-8778 Woodbine Ave., Keswick, Ont., Canada L4P 3E9 Tel. (416) 476-4311 Fax.(416) 476-5867 88-100 Copyright 1988 Brouwer Turf Equipment Limited. * Certain conditions and limitations may apply. 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 Follage 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 hanging 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 Cover (416)875-4545 R.R. #4, Milton (Toronto) (416)858-2299 RAIN BIRD Ontario L9T 2X8 (Fifth Line South of Steeles) 1-800-263-4111 BLACK LAYER: Anaerobiosis is the condition, but sulfer is not the cause by Houston B. Couch The black layering in soils of managed turfgrass that these situations have in common is an anaerobic con­ is being reported from various sections of Canada and dition caused by the filling of the soil's pore spaces the United States is the product of anaerobiosis. with water. Anaerobiosis is a dynamic series of events taking This water accumulation can be the result of pro­ place in an oxygen-depleted environment. When the longed periods of rainfall, or impaired infiltration soil becomes anaerobic, there are significant changes brought on by (i) problems with the initial construction in both the form and solubility of certain nutrient ele­ or (ii) an aerification program that included improper ments. In their reduced state, these elements may be selection of sand type for the topdressing. taken up by the plant more rapidly than they can be Anaerobiosis can be rapidly accelerated by an ac­ metabolized, thereby becoming toxic. In additin, the cumulation of algae on the surface of the green. Algae root systems of plants do not function properly in proliferate very rapidly on high sand content greens. anaerobic soils. Their ability to absorb water and nut­ This is probably due to (i) the fact that they grow better rients may be reduced significantly. Also, anaerobic on wet, light, sandy soils, (ii) the microbial competition microorganisms growing in the soil can produce toxic is not as great as that found in predominantly soil metabolites that cause either an outright death of the mixes, (iii) irrigation practices on high sand content roots or an unthrifty growth of the overall plant. greens are oftentimes excessive, and (iv) there is a wide While this problem is receiving more attention than amplitude in the "swing" of availability of various nut­ it did in times past, anaerobiosis of bentgrass greens to rient elements. the point of decline and dying-out is not new. For Algae produce complex polysaccharides that have some 30 years, I have observed this condition in vari­ the consistency of gelatin. This material can move ous stages of severity on bentgrass putting greens in a downward in the profile, plug the pores in the soil, and wide range of locations in the United States, during the thus umpede the infiltration of water. Not only do past two years, I have diagnosed cases of acute these polysaccharides contribute to the development anaerobiosis in plugs from putting greens with both of the anaerobic condition in the soil, but they can also predominantly sand and predominantly soil construc­ serve as a growth medium for anaerobic microor­ tion. ganisms. Algae, then, can be an important factor in the In considering the dynamics of anaerobiosis and development of anaerobically-induced decline of how to control it, one must understand that some­ turfgrass. times a black layer accompanies the condition, some­ An article entitled "Black Layer Formation in Highly times it doesn't. Sometimes, there is a strong odor of Maintained Turfgrass Soils" that appeared in the June hydrogen sulfide, sometimes there isn't. Sometimes 1987 issue of Golf Course Management theorizes that there is a high population of algae on the surface of sulfur is the primary cause of anaerobiosis. It is the the green, sometimes there isn't. The one thing all of opinion of the authors that sulfur, not excess water, in- itiates an anaerobic state in the soil, and that sulfur (in the infiltration rates of the greens. When the rate be­ the form of hydrogen sulfide) is the cause of the death gins to drop, even though it may not appear to be sig­ of the plants. Their premise centers primarily around nificant, direct measures should be taken to correct the the fact that the sulfur does have the potential for de­ matter. veloping a blackened condition in the soil, and that in When it has been determined that anaerobiosis has their tests, they were able to produce black layers with developed, steps should be taken to increase the oxy­ very high rates of sulfur. gen levels in the root zone. This means following a Their hypothesis assumes that (i) sulfur at presently watering program that allows the soil moisture to be used rates will induce an anaerobic condition in the extracted well below field capacity between irrigations. soil, (ii) sulfur at presently used rates will produce black It means aerification — including deep aerification if layers in the soil, and (iii) all conditions of anaerobiosis drainage barriers exist. It may also mean installing sup­ in soils lead to the formation of black layers. None of plementary drainage for the greens. these assumptions is correct. In fact, the results of their Another important aspect of preventing anaerobiosis tests showed that sulfur applications within the normal from developing to the acute stage is the control of use range does not produce black layers. surface algae. At the present time, the only pesticide The experimental design for this research con­ that can be used on putting greens for algae control is sisted of applying sulfur at two separate rates, I mancozeb (Fore, Tersan LSR, Dithane M-22, Manzate pound and 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Seventy- 200). This material is effective in the control of Helmin- five percent of the experimental units that had been thosporium-incided diseases, and is also effective in re­ treated with 5 lbs. of sulfer per 1,000 sq. ft. and sub­ ducing the impact of Pythium blight. Its inclusion in the merged in water for 30 days developed the black spray schedule, then, can serve more than one pur­ layer. None of the experimental units treated pose. with 1 lb. of sulfer per 1,000 sq. ft. developed black layers. Where sulfur and products containing sulfur are A DAY OFF concerned, there is no published scientific evidence So you want a day off. Let's take a look at what you are asking that elemental sulfur used at the rates currently re­ for: There are 365 days per year available for work. There are 52 commended, or that the levels of sulfur in fertilizers weeks per year in which you already have two days off per presently in use in turfgrass management, either week, leaving 261 days available for work. Since you spend 16 cause or contribute to the development of anaero­ hours each day away from work, you have used up 170 days, biosis. Sulfer is not a factor in the development leaving only 91 days available. of anaerobiosis. This means, then, that sulfur at the You spend 30 minutes each day on coffee break. That ac­ counts for 23 days each year, leaving only 68 days available. rates currently recommended will not induce With a one hour lunch period each day, you have used up anaerobiosis, and refraining from using sulfur will another 46 days, leaving only 22 days available for work. You not reduce anaerobiosis. normally spend 2 days per year on sick leave. This leaves you The impact of anaerobiosis on plant growth can only 20 days available for work. either be chronic or acute. It can exist in soil long be­ We are off 5 holidays per year, so your available work time is fore there is strong evidence of affected plant growth. down to 15 days. We generously give you 14 days vacation per year, which leaves only 1 day available for work and /'// be It can exist without producing black layers. Prevention damned if you going to take that day off! of the problem is accomplished by close monitoring of LESCO LESCO — 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 M1X1E9 416-249-7325 416-293-9000 OTTAWA VALLEY NEWS by Alex LaBelle We've had a very interesting winter so far. Everyone, it seems, has ice again, and this year we are just as determined as ever that we are going to solve the great mys­ tery. So much for the weather. The O.V.T.A. (Ottawa Valley Turfgrass Association) is co-operating with Algonquin College to establish a four-week Turf Management program in response to a de­ mand from employers for well-instructed senior staff. There is talk of developing some land adjacent to the campus for test plots and a three-hole layout to study the various styles of design, species of turfgrass, management techniques and the en­ vironmental stresses of our peculiar winter. We can, as an Association, claim a successful year in our ability to survive such an unsettling year; environmentally and otherwise. The tournaments were well attended and the seminar in February was an eye- opener. Dr. Robert Stewart spoke of the Greenhouse Effect rivetting everyone's atten­ tion to a very scary subject. Winter temperatures climbing between 4-16°C in fifty years. Florida in Cape Breton? I could live with that. Randy Scott came over from Montreal way (Hillsdale) to impress us with vigorous Poa fairways and some valuable experience which will no doubt help quite a few of us. Dr. Tom Fisher of the University of New Hampshire gave an enthusiastic dis­ play, complete with role playing and voices, about the true meaning of Integrated Pest Management. The only thing missing was the popcorn! W.H.M.I.S. is coming!!! Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. The second day of the two-day format consisted of two workshops. One, offered by Turfcare Products, dealt with the Operations and Maintenance of Small Hydraulics Machines and Maintaining Small Diesel Engines. Big name in golf The other workshop was offered by the Davey Tree Expert Company regarding Loss Control. Davey's program addressed hiring procedures, the ability to trend ac­ scoring high in cidents and analyze the trends which allows for preventative programs to be estab­ lished. Sounds pretty straight-forward, doesn't it? Actually it's not, and Davey has a top quality turf. sophisticated and effective seminar which makes the complexities obvious through its professional presentation. Sure, the golf industry is one of the major users of Palmer Turf-type perennial The seminar evaluations ranked us 4 out of a possible of 5 for content, presenta­ ryegrass. But Palmer goes everywhere. tion and accommodation. The two-day format was highly favoured for a repeat per­ The reason is very simple. Palmer has an formance next February. abundance of the characteristics that have The new Board of Directors was elected at the annual meeting following the created the great demand for turf-type seminar and stands as follows: perennial ryes. • Heat and drought tolerance • Fast germination and dense growth Past President George Lamirande • Excellent appearance with rich, dark President Dave Thuringer green colour Vice-President Eric Ruhs • Upright growth and improved mowability Treasurer from below • Disease resistance • Good winter hardiness Secretary Alex La Belle Members at Large Sid Witteveen Whether it’s on golf courses, athletic fields, home lawns or well used park areas Palmer Kevin Patterson will meet the challenge - in mixtures or for Michael Bailey straight seeding - for overseeding or on Bruce Dewar new seed beds. Murray Finch “Talk to the turfseed The Membership booklet went out on time (as opposed to waiting for delinquent specialists.” accounts) and was produced at half the previous price, thanks to the efforts of Eric Ruhs. We are disappointed that we are losing Bob Richer from the Board after many Oseco P.O.Box 219 INC. years of tenacious support, but we're not losing the best part of him — Dianne! The Board confirmed its very deep appreciation for Dianne's diligence in producing the newsletters and handling the bureaucracy that keeps this Association afloat. I expect that 1989 will be a good year for the O.V.T.A. as long as we remain ready to draw upon each other for support. Our Membership meetings and tournaments Brampton, Ontario L6V 2L2 provide us with that opportunity. Telephone 416-846-5080 GEORGIAN BAY ON THE MOVE SUPER Ted Ellis CGCS leaves Greenwood Golf Club to take on a new course under construction called by Ed Farnsworth "Blue Springs Development". Winter has finally broke in ski country after the Easter Mark Hagen assumed his new duties as Superin­ Weekend. Warm temperatures and snow reduced the snow tendent at the new West Haven Golf and Country pack considerably and most Superintendents were looking Club, north of London. Mark's previous position at forward to a late April start-up. Everyone, that is, except Ron Wyldewood Golf & CC has been filled by Mike Heesen, who will be grooming his new Tom McBroom cre­ Creed, who left his assistant's position at Oshawa. ation for a July 1st opening. Tom is working this year on the new Hockley Valley Golf Gary Hastings leaves Merryhill GC to join the City Course, where John Anderson is the Superintendent; and of Kitchener Golf Clubs at Rockway and Doon Valley. with Robert Cupp on the new Deerhurst Highlands Golf Club, the second course at that resort. Southwestern Ontario welcomes Jerry Richard Rene and Charlie Muylaert are also busy in the area build­ who left his assistant's position at Toronto Golf Club ing a second 18 holes for John Hughes at Horseshoe Valley to take over the Superintendents job at Craigowan and a new 18 in Orillia where Bruce Dodson will be the Golf and Country Club in Woodstock. new Superintendent. All this construction is certainly going to increase the po­ John Anderson also moves to a new course tential venues for our Georgian Bay Golf Days. under construction at Hockley Valley while Don Crymble takes over from John at IBM. The following is a list of golf courses and superintendents that will be hosting our G.B.SA. Golf Days: Bruce Dodson leaves Emerald Hills to become the Superintendent at a new course in Orillia. JUNE 6,1989: Bonaire Golf & Country Club Hwy. #400 & Hwy. #12 Jack Austin, formerly with Turf Care's irrigation Coldwater, Ontario division has gone out on his own, forming "Cana­ (705)835-3125 dian Irrigation Consultants'. So if you want an un­ Host: Randy Fielder biased opinion, call Jack. JULY 4, 1989 : Orillia's Lake St. George Golf & Country Club Orillia, Ontario (705) 689-5371 Host: AUG. 1,1989 : Greg Louth Cranberry Village Golf Club Good Golfers Host: Collingwood, Ontario (705) 445-5051 Charlie Terry Love Big Trees! ♦ For the challenge big SEPT. 5,1989 : Barrie Country Club trees bring to their St. Vincent Street game Barrie, Ontario ♦ For the beauty big (705) 728-4802 trees add to their day Host: Ed Dodda ♦ For the protection big trees provide from SEPT. 19, 1989 : Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club wind, rain or sun. Port Carling, Ontario Extensive selection of (705) 765-3165 nursery grown, quality Host: David Smith caliper trees including many rare and unique All of these golf days begin at 12:00 noon, and the cost is species. $20.00 per person. Included in the price is a meal. And, ifyou compete in at least 3 of the 5 events you qualify for the an­ nual prize table, which includes such impressive items as stereos and TV's. WE BUY, SELL We encourage all Superintendents to participate, even if AND TRANSPLANT LARGE TREES. you are not from the Georgian Bay area, and to enjoy the northern hospitality. DOUGLAS WOOD Further information can be received from Ray Richards at Introducing our 42" “Baby John” LARGETREES the latest addition to our family RR 2 Rockwood, Ont. NOB 2K0 Midland G & CC (705) 526-2878. of tree spades. (519)853-2035 1-800-265-6681 We hope everyone has a successful season. Golf Course Superintendent's Guide to Neatness and Clutter Control by Pete French, Glens Falls Country Club, Glens Falls, New York Item Save Discard Undecided Product literature collected at trade shows X Put on file because as soon as you throw it out a need will arise for this product. Equipment service bulletins X File in equipment maintenance folder so you will know why it broke when your mechanic disregarded the message. Correspondence requiring response X Dispose of at end of year when you are certain an answer now would be too late. (one year) Use the phone, who’s got time to write letters anyway? Golf tees X I have a dresser full, but none in my golf bag. Golf gloves with hole in thumb X Throw these out. Nobody with any class uses gloves with holes and you'll get blisters with a holy glove. Used Bedknives X Why would they sell new ones if the old ones were good. You will never build anything with these, don't kid yourself. Size 32" waist pants X It's safe to discard these when you have been wearing 36" for 3 years. Day-old doughnuts X Refrigerate overnight, this will tide you over to lunch time and prevent you from wearing 32" pants. String. X Andy Rooney says, "If you need string, buy it". Open paint cans X Andy Rooney says, "It will be dried up when you need it". (I attest) 2-cycle rotary mowers with 3 seasons' use X By the end of 3 seasons you'll save lots of labor if you chuck these because they'll spend more time and energy trying to start them than they will mowing. Broken sand trap rakes X Who keeps breaking these? Are they that fragile? Survey questionnaires Mail them Send them in right away so you won't feel guilt ridden about keeping the quarter they gave you for your time. Weed, Trees & Turf, and Ground Maintenance X I saved them all for references but I had to buy a bigger house after 15 years in the magazines business. 3-year old job applications X Imagine calling someone after 3 years and findout out they were still out of work and available. Company promotional hats give away I collect stamps, coins, Indian artifacts, scorecards, buttons and decided I don't have room for hats. Reprinted from: Our Collaborator, Northeastern GCSA, August, 1986 ECONOMICAL POLE FRAME BUILDINGS FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS . . . BUILDING BRAEMAR 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! SOUTHWESTERN REPORT GREENS by Rod Trainor. The past winter in Southwestern Ontario was a re­ latively easy one, with little or no snow cover. Most courses came thorugh with very little damage; how­ ever, they are much browner than usual due to the lack of cover. Some welcome rains and a few unwel­ come snowfalls are making for a slow start, but I WHERE THE GAME IS WON, don't think anyone will complain about the moisture OR LOST. except maybe Mark Hagen, who is trying to get the new West Haven Golf & CC into full construction. Welcome back to sunny southwestern Ontario, Mark. A golfer wins or loses, John Bennet at the Hunt Club hopes to complete by his play on the greens. his trap renovation this spring while Graham Shoul- dice at Highland continues with his master plan and many renovations in preparation for the Green Chair- A golf course wins or loses, man/Superintendent Tournament this summer. by the quality of its greens. Here at St. Thomas G & CC we are finishing a tee and a bridge before getting into some drainage. With Nutrite Nutri-G Bob Cresswell at Pleasant Valley is putting the Greens Fertilizers... finishing touches on the new 9 in preparation for opening this spring. A golfer may lose his game, but your course will still win. There are three golf meetings this summer in Reg­ ion 1, along with 2 OGSA events. Nutri-G 15-3-9 The first is at Confederation Golf Club in Sarnia on 70% of N is Slow Release May 11, with host Wayne Hall. 40% Sulfurkote™, 15% IBDU, On July 27 we will be at Ingersol G & CC with Rick 15% Organic, 2% Fe, All Micro-nutrients Serrao and the last meeting in October at a place yet to be determined, hopefully the Windsor area. Nutri-G 19-0-19 On July 10 the Greenchairman/Superintendent 80% of N is Slow Release Tournament (formerly the President/Greenchairman) 50% Sulfurkote™, will be at Highland Golf and Country Club. As this is 30% IBDU, now a two-man format, more clubs can participate 100% P from S.O.P., 1% Fe so look for the entry form and make an effort to par­ ticipate. Nutri-G 31-0-0 100% IBDU The Pro/Superintendent Tournament is at St. Thomas G & CC on September 7. Let your Green- NUTRITE chairman and Pro know well in advance so they can mark it on their calendars. Call one of these Nutrite Service Numbers, today Southwestern Superintendents always have good Québec: 1-514-462-2555 meetings and we welcome all to attend no matter Ontario: 1-519-669-5401 what region you are from. Maritimes: 1-418-689-4759 Good luck in 1989. YESTERYEARS '36 In The Chicago District by John MacGregor 1936, the year of extremes, started off with sub­ of a few days, there was very little danger of zero temperatures and blizzards. Then came a cold, brownpatch or for that matter of any type of fungus backward spring with practically no growing wea­ disease because of the absence of moisture in the ther until the first week in June and the grass was air. This type of weather is what the greenkeeper slow to respond to fertilizer treatments. likes and he always dreads the first rain because of No rain fell from the first week in June until the the humidity that is sure to follow which is ideal for 12th of August and during that period the tempera­ fungus diseases, scald and what have you. If some­ tures ranged from 90 to 111 degrees Faranheit with one could invent something to keep the rain off the a dry atmosphere. From the 12th of August to the greens and let it fall on the fairways, the greenkeep- first of September, the humidity was extremely high. ers' troubles would be at a minimum. Since that time the frequent heavy rains, as was to be Clubs not having irrigation systems had their fair­ expected, caused a discoloration of the grass on put­ ways burned to a crisp and many were worried ting greens, commondly known as scald. However about their recovery. However there is very little to the condition was temporary for as soon as the fear in that respect as long as the roots of the grass greens had been allowed to dry out and given a have not been broken. If they have not been broken, stimulant, the grass recovered. the grass will respond after one or two good rains. In The hot wave, as I have already stated, lasted two extreme cases it may be necessary to reseed some and a half months and necessitated continuous wat­ spots. However, I am speaking of courses in the mid­ ering of the greens, tees and fairways. The clubs hav­ dle west. ing irrigation systems on their fairways reported Some sections of the country have been more for­ using from 250,000 to 500,000 gallons of water per tunate, having had frequent rains, but as I mentioned day. One greenkeeper informed me that for the du­ previously, rains and humidity spell trouble in the ration of the drought he had used 35,000,000 gallons form of fungi. Cooler weather and frequent rains for of water which means high cost of maintenance for the fall months did much to restore our faith in na­ 1936. ture again. However during the dry spell, with the exception I understand from individuals who have covered courses in most parts of the country that golf courses in general are in better condition than they have been for several years which indicates that business The 251 Exeter Road unitD conditions are better and that budgets have been in­ Greener London, Ontario N6L 1A4 creased. If any club expects to enjoy a successful sea­ son, their course has to be in as good or better con­ Side (519) 652-3154 dition as their neighbor's. This means expense in the form of fertilizer, water and brownpatch preventa­ tives. I say preventatives advisedly because the pre­ vention method is the only sure way of keeping the WE CAN SUPPLY ALL OF YOUR turf free from disease. After heavy rains it may be IRRIGATION NEEDS necessary to treat greens three or four times during the period of one week. Experience has taught me • Suppliers of pipe, fittings and sprinklers this is the proper course to pursue. I have also found • Installation and upgrading of your total light applications of from one to two ounces per irrigation system 1000 square feet as a preventative, have not proven sufficient. Therefore best results have been obtained • Prefabricated pump stations by Commercial Pump service Inc. by using three ounces per 1000 square feet. The late summer and early fall have been ex­ tremely pleasant for golf courses with plenty of fre­ CALL quent rains and warm, though not humid, weather. THE IRRIGATION HOTLINE It has been ideal for fall seeding providing the seed­ 1-800-265-9786 ing was not done too late. It has also been an ideal fall for late work such as rebuilding of greens and tees, repairing of bunkers, tiling and other jobs. Sound familiar? - Ed. Reprinted from “The Greenkeepers' Report" Jan. 1937 For years, TORO the Greensmaster® 3000 has been delivering a precise, THE PROFESSIONALS THAT KEEP Y OU CUTTING. uniform height of cut for superb appearance and playing characteristics. Now you can get that same quality of cut in a Diesel Model, the Greensmaster® 3000-D. A Tradition of Service Excellence Whatever your needs in professional turf equipment, contact your FULL SERVICE TORO DISTRIBUTOR. Highly trained, professional people provide you with uncompromising technical and service support as well as stock a complete inventory of replacement parts. A strong warranty program along with people who still care, completes a program aimed at total customer satisfaction in support of you and your business. Call your Full Service Toro Distributor today! TURF CARE 105 GIBSON DRIVE, MARKHAM, ONTARIO L3R 3K7 • TELEPHONE: (416) 475-0988 • FAX: (416) 475-0788 UPCOMING EVENTS JUNE 1, 1989 OGSA, Galt Field Day Galt CC, University of Guelph Host: Bruce Burger JULY 10, 1989 OGSA, Greenchairman/Superintendent Tournament, Highland CC Host: Graham Shouldice JULY 27, 1989 SWOGSA Golf and Meeting Intersol G & CC Host: Rick Serrao AUGUST 14, 1989 OTRF Fundraising Tournament National GC. Board of Trade G & CC SEPTEMBER 7, 1989 Pro/Superintendent Golf Tournament St. Thomas G & CC Host: Rod Trainor Green is Beautiful Ontario Golf Superintendents Association