Food Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Green is Beautiful PER io Golf Superintendents Association Ontar Green Beaut P.O. ISLINGTON, 203 BOX ONT. M9A 4X2 WINTER 1989/90 Winter 1989/90 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 Sarnia Golf & Curling Club Weston Golf & Country Club 4121 Lawrence Ave. E., Ste. 207 500 Errol Rd. W. 50 St. Phillips Road Westhill, Ontario MIE 2S2 Sarnia, Ontario N7V 1X7 Weston, Ontario M9P 2N9 Phone: Bus. (416) 284-3703 Phone: Bus. (519) 336-0667 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 & C.C. Beach Grove Golf & C.C. Carlton Golf & Yacht Club P.O. Box 62 14134 Riverside Dr. E. PO. 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. Eagle Creek Golf Club P.O. Box 534 107 Ontario St. Ottawa, Ontario Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W1 St. Catharines, Ontario Phone: Res. (416) 852-9609 Phone: Bus. (519) 621-7020 Phone: Bus. (416) 562-4333 Res. (519) 621-1138 Res. (416) 682-3516 Treasurer Secretary & Symposium Chairman Newsletter ED FARNSWORTH MARK HAGEN SIMON GEORGE Deerhurst Inn Golf & C.C. West Haven Golf & C.C. Oakville Golf Club R.R. #4 Box 144, Hyde Park 1154 6th Line, Box 129 Huntsville, Ontario P0A 1K0 London, Ontario N0M 1Z0 Oakville, Ontario L6T 4Z5 Phone: Bus. (705) 789-5543 Phone: Bus. (519) 641-2519 Phone: Bus. (416) 844-5796 Res. (705) 789-8282 Res. (519) 471-1188 Res. (416) 659-1269 NEWSLETTER EDITOR ROD TRAINOR CGCS (519) 631-2447 FAX (519) 631-4281 OFFICE SECRETARY CINDI CHARTERS (416) 233-8388 ONTARIO GOLF. SUPERINTENDENTS' ASSOCIATION JAN. 1990 NEW MEMBER POSTINGS Bruce McDonald Albion Golf & Turf Equipment Class E Geoff Corlett Turf Drain Class E Doug Cherry Cherry Downs Class F IF ANY MEMBER HAS ANY OBJECTION TO THE ABOVE PERSONS BECOMING MEMBERS OF THE ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS' ASSOCIATION, THE SECRETARY MUST BE NOTIFIED IN WRITING WITHIN 30 DAYS. GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT REQUIRED St. George's G&CC, long considered one of Canada's finest golf courses, requires immediately the services of an experienced Golf Course Superintendent. St. George's G&CC, built in 1929, is an 18 hole championship golf course located in the west-end of Toronto and has played host to the Canadian Open on four occasions and the Du Maurier Classic five different times. The ideal candidate possesses a minimum of 7 years experience and is knowledgable in all areas of golf course management. The candidate must be fully aware of all course maintenance techniques and must be strong in management skills, inter-personal skills and technical knowledge. St. George's provides an excellent benefit package including a home on the property. Interested candidates should forward a resume by February 1st, 1990. All resumes will be held in the strictest confidence. Please reply to: Mr. David Loan, General Mgr. St. George's G&CC 1668 Islington Ave., Islington, Ont. M9A 3M9 EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Irrigation Parts: 1 60 HP Berkely Pump, 1 15 HP Berkely Pump - 3 Toro Monitor II electric stand alone Controllers - 1 2” Clayton pressure relief valve, 1 6" Singer control valve, 1 6” gate valve, various valve & irrigations parts No reasonable offers will be refused - Contact: Wayne Rath - Islington GC (416) 231-0925 ASSISTANT PROPERTY MANAGER, REQUIRED. Hockley Valley Resort in Orangeville, Ont. invites applications for the position of Assistant Property Manager. The successful applicant will have had experience in the maintenance of a fully automatic irrigation system, have experience in spraying pesticides and have pesticide licence 1 - 3. A two year course in Turf Management would be an asset. The Hockley Valley Resort has just finished construction of a Tom McBroom 18 hole Golf Facility and will open the course on July 1st, 1990. The successful candidate will also be involved in the operation of the Ski Resort during the winter months. Resumes should be received by March 1st, 1990. Send to: Helmut Kopp, Hockley Valley Resort, RR # 1, Orangeville, Ont. L9W 2Y8 From the Editor OGSA President's Report Rod Trainor CGCS Neil Acton CGCS Winter is here and snow is on the ground. Hopefully all My term as president is nearing its end and I want to take outdoor work is complete. With winter arriving quickly in this opportunity to thank all those individuals who November and snow with it many Superintendents did not contributed in making this a most memorable and rewarding get their fungicide down. Only time will tell and like always year. I tip my hat to all of the OGSA Directors for their nobody is really sure what their conditions will be when assistance in dealing with the affairs of the Association, a task spring arrives. that I might add isn’t always pleasant. It was also enjoyable This year’s CGSA Conference and show in my opinion was to work closely with Cindi Charters who toils away on our a great success. I was very much in favor of the timing. The behalf in relative anonymity, cluttering up her home with month of December is always a quiet one around here and OGSA office equipment and other items associated with our I looked forward to going to the show. It marked the first operation, OGSA members should appreciate the amount time I have ever actually done any business at the show. The of work and effort expended to look after their interests as previous shows in March were always too late in the season anyone who has been involved will testify. to wait for so all decisions and purchases were usually made 1989 has been a very active year for the golf industry. New, well before the show. The Metro Convention Center is a first spectacular golf courses have matured from the drawing class facility all the way and I salute the CGSA for a job well boards and more are on the horizon. Land developers have done. recognized the drawing force golf courses are to buyers and In closing I would like to draw attention to an article in this municipalities alike. In short, golf has become big business issue entitled "Parting Comments" by our past president and with the increased attention come some negative factors. Thom Charters. The subject matter is one which is hot in Environmental and natural resource ministries are scrutinizing everyones mind these days and is well worth reading. Thom our activities much closer and certain companies are getting is leaving the board this year after many years of devoted involved with golf that may not have the golf superintendents service and will be greatly missed. best interest in mind. We must protect ourselves from these The 90 s are here, the decade of the environment and with situations by being as educated and professional as possible. that our business gains an even higher profile. Those who Demands on our personal and professional abilities will be can use that to their advantage will be the most successful. taxed at an ever increasing level - prepared individuals will survive and quite simply, poorly prepared individuals won’t. New Members David Tascone Wyldewood GC Class F George B. Wood Geogard Systems Inc. Class E Jordan Lucas Galt CC Class F Ron Legato Scenic Woods GC Class DD Tory Karlson T.C.G. Materials Class E Perry Beausoleil Carleton Golf & Yacht Class F ***OGSA Golf Shirts (Brand Name - Eagle Only) Stiff collared golf shirts available with OGSA Script, Sizes Superintendents on the Move M, L & XL in white and sky blue. Ryan Beauchamp, previous assistant superintendent at St. $20.00 each Thomas Golf and CC assumed the Superintendents Call the office (416) 233-8388 to order responsibilities at a new public course in London called Don't forget other OGSA Products - Westminster Trails. They hope to open for play this coming Ties $7.50 summer. John Cherry has moved from Cherry Downs to the Iron on crests 2.50 prestigious National Golf Club to fill a very large pair of shoes Formal blazer left open by Ken Wright who has moved over to the much crests 17.50 talked about Devil's Pulpit. Dave Gourlay Jr. has left the Toronto area to take over duties at another new course in Ottawa called Eagle Creek. - R.T. Heron takes over from Dave at Beacon Hall. Good Luck to all these new supers. Annette Anderson C-I-L Turf Extension Specialist Plant Industry Branch RAE MURRAY & PETER BUCKLEY TECHNICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES PROFESSIONAL TURF PRODUCTS Ministry of Agriculture and Food CHIPMAN Hort. Science Dept. A Business Unit of C-l-L Inc. TELEPHONE University of Guelph 400 JONES ROAD (416) 1-800-263-2136 Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO (705) (519) (613) L8G 3Z1 1 800-263-8353 Telephone (519) 824-4120, Ext. 2597 Ontario Parting Comments HOW WELL DOES YOUR Thom Charters - Golf Course Manager Weston Golf and Country Club CURRENT SOURCE OF As a Director of the OGSA for the past seven years, I have SLOW RELEASE been involved with your association at a time when our profession has undergone some significant changes. Course NITROGEN COMPARE? operating budgets have increased almost as much as the expectations of golfers. New courses have been developed NUTRALENE to keep pace with a growing number of golf enthusiasts. With the introduction of equity share private clubs, potential members can now choose between a significant recreational expenditure and a substantial investment. In either case, expectations are high and tolerance for anything less than a superbly conditioned golf course is rare. Public courses too are feeling the pressure to maintain exceptional conditions despite increased wear and, due to more play, less time to execute the necessary maintenance practises. • Provides even feeding for up to 12 to 16 weeks. Clearly these are not the only trying circumstances that today's golf course manager must deal with, and fortunately there have been a number of developments in equipment • Dual release (hydrolysis and technology and turfgrass culture that have helped us in our microbial) mechanisms for a broad endeavours. In fact, the points that were detailed in the range of environmental conditions. preceding paragraph have contributed, in some cases, to higher salaries and this trend is likely to continue as the game • Non burning, low salt index for safe grows at an amazing rate. Prepare yourself properly, and you use on fine turf and sensitive too could be in line for one of those six figure salaries. ornamentals. I would like to take this opportunity, as my time on the OGSA board draws to an end, to address two issues that • Environmentally sound, efficient merit your serious consideration. nitrogen utilization with reduced The matter of consulting to golf courses is not a new issue. leaching and volatilization potential. For years now, second opinions have been sought by golf clubs and/or golf course managers and this practise is not • Excellent plant response in early about to disappear. In fact, it will become even more spring, late fall or when winter fed. prevalent in the years ahead and successful superintendents will learn to benefit from the consulting services of qualified • Release is not dependant on particle individuals. If you are concerned about the potential impact size or coating, so a sustained of certain consultants, it may be advisable to discuss the issue feeding is provided even following with your employer before a situation develops. Establishing a method for selecting a consultant before the need, heavy rains or after particle fracturing perceived or otherwise, arises, may have merit. Your through equipment. employer, knowing that you are secure enough in your • Cost effective. Specify NUTRALENE ™ Available exclusively in Nutrite fertilizers. CANADIAN IRRIGATION NUTRITE CONSUL TANTS Call one of these Nutrite Service Numbers, today JACK AUSTIN Québec: 1-514-462-2555 R.R.1, Gormley Ontario L0H 1G0 Tel: (416) 841-7866 Fax: (416) 841-7867 Ontario: 1-519-669-5401 Maritimes: 1-418-689-4759 abilities to accept assistance, will undoubtedly grant you significant input into the selection of an appropriate consultant. Perhaps you could submit a list of the qualified people who possess both the expertise and the communi­ Good Golfers cation skills required to deliver their recommendations in a tactful manner. Some of you may even wish to have this Love Big Trees! written into your contract. It goes without saying that most ♦ For the challenge big consultants are in business to increase their incomes and the trees bring to their Ethical Standards of the OGSA were not written to prevent game our members from doing the same. They were written, ♦ For the beauty big however, to promote behaviour that cannot be construed trees add to their day ♦ For the protection big as anything but courteous and professional. Therefore, our trees provide from members are certainly entitled to consult if approached by wind, rain or sun. another club. I would maintain that they have a moral Extensive selection of obligation, not withstanding the stipulations of our Ethical nursery grown, quality Standards, to inform the club's superintendent of the contact caliper trees including and learn the background of the situation before taking on many rare and unique the job. 1 think it is unrealistic to expect anyone, fellow OGSA species. member or not, to gain the "permission” of a club's superintendent before consulting. Welcome to the 90's. It’s a cruel world out there and we're WHY WAIT 20 Years not immune from the way business is conducted today. It For Big Trees WE BUY. SELL AND TRANSPLANT would be great if consultants, OGSA members or not, would LARGE TREES conduct themselves in reputable ways, but the time has arrived when only you can protect your position so cover DOUGLAS WOOD Introducing our 42" "Baby John" LARGETREES your grass. the latest addition to our family RR 2 Rockwood, Ont. N0B 2K0 of tree spades. (519) 853-2035 1-800-265-6681 The other matter that I wish to expand on is our commitment to turfgrass research in Ontario. Our abilities to provide the expected playing conditions will suffer as more and more pressure is exerted by environmental groups, changing weather conditions and inevitable economic restraints. To offset the impact of such development we must make a concerted effort to expand turfgrass research in Canada. You've been hearing for years now about the Guelph The Turfgrass Institute and 1990 will be a pivotal year in its 251 Exeter Road unit D maturation process. The University of Guelph and the Ontario Greener London, Ontario N6L1A4 Ministry of Agriculture and Food have lived up to their Side (519) 652-5154 commitments and now it is time for the private sector to deliver on its promise to erect the required building. The OTRF is faced with the task of continuing to raise funds for turfgrass research while also generating substantial money for the GTI building. Clay Switzer was instrumental in WE CAN SUPPLY ALL OF YOUR persuading OMAF to support this project and he has recently IRRIGATION NEEDS taken on the task of Chairing the OTRF-GTI Building Fund Committee. He has already done a great job of organizing • Suppliers of pipe, fittings and sprinklers the various sectors of the green industry to meet the goal, and the golf community is being asked to contribute 10% • installation and upgrading of your total irrigation system of the 1.5 million dollar building cost. You will be informed in the very near future, if you have not already, as to how • Prefabricated pump stations by you can participate in this success story in the making. But Commercial Pump Service Inc. right now I want you to make a personal statement of support. Fill out the enclosed OTRF membership application and submit it along with the $50 fee. This will not only help CALL THE IRRIGATION HOTLINE fund new research projects, but it will establish important credibility in the eyes of the people you will be asking to 1-800-265-9786 support the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. Charity starts at home, so take the first step by joining the movement and hold it up as an example to all the rest who stand to benefit in the years ahead. The Price Tag for Preserving the Greens By Daniel T. Condon CPA Spiked shoes, swinging irons, golf carts and weather add up to substantial annual wear and tear of any golf course. Our most recent study of more than 200 country clubs in the U.S. reveals that the average annual maintenance cost per hole amounts to $23,383. This translates into an average annual maintenance cost of approximately $421,000 for the typical 18-hole private club golf course in the U.S. Course maintenance expenses nationwide were up 4.7 percent over the previous year. Regionally, the annual average cost per hole was $19,478 in the East, $21,974 in the South, $22,430 in the Midwest and, due to year-round usage, $30,789 in the far West. Average annual maintenance for an 18-hole golf course in the East came to $350,604 in contrast to $554,202 in the far West. When one stops to think of it, managing golfing facilities has become a greatly more involved operation than just keeping the grass green. One aims to create and preserve for the members and their guests an attractive environment and a first-class playing surface, including tees, fairways, roughs, greens and landscaping of adjacent areas. Personnel is the biggest expense in maintaining a golf course. More than half the cost per hole is devoted to payroll, payroll taxes and employee benefits. In some areas of the country, it’s normal for an average club to have eight to 10 employees on the maintenance staff during the peak season and, throughout the rest of the year, three to five regular employees. In other regions, where golf is a year-round pastime, a course could have 12 to 15 regular employees, depending upon its size. An experienced, efficient superintendent serves as linchpin to a well-maintained course. He will be equipped with the appropriate scientific and technical skills (possibly having earned an agricultural degree from a leading university, as many do). He will also have the essential capacity for good management. He will attract, train, motivate and retain reliable employees. He will realize operational economies. He will also keep his eyes open for new technical advances as well as new techniques to boost maintenance efficiency. Responsible for the care and upkeep of property worth many millions of dollars, the superintendent alone can command a substantial income. Following payroll and related costs, the supplies needed to maintain a golf course constitute the next largest expense. These include seeds, flowers, shrubs, plants, sand, topsoil, fertilizer, pesticides, insecticides, et al. The materials cost an average of $4,106 per hole, annually. Charged with keeping the rich greens and sweeping fairways in excellent playing condition, the superintendent has to choose and apply the proper persticides and insecticides to thwart plant diseases, insects (e.g. gypsy moths), rodents and other natural phenomena that invariably ravage the course. Their selection, storage and usage require special expertise and great care. Storage of these supplies, expecially the chemicals, require safe and adequate facilites, because of demands from environmental groups concerned with the potential harm such plant care products might pose to wildlife and ground water from chemical runoff. This means additional cost. Again, the superintendent is expected to locate and use the proper grass seeding, suitable to climate, soil and other elements of nature. He has to determine the kind of grass that will stand up to prevailing temperatures, water conditions, shade, traffic, blights and incursions from weeds or other grasses. In the South, fairways are generally covered by the ordinary Bermuda grass, while in, say, the cooler Northeast, they're usually seeded with different strains of bentgrass or bluegrass. One New York club, which has played host to a number of MGA championships, has converted its fairways to bentgrass. The latter type is easier to maintain than the formely used fescue and stays green in the heat. Much to the dismay of golfers, sand is a must on any fine course. It adds appreciably to maintenance costs, and the prices vary, depending upon the quality, color, availability and trucking costs. SHEMIN IRRIGATION With a complete inventory of irrigation supplies at wholesale prices. Greenhouse HARDLINES Landscape Nursery STOCK Countless varieties of Fertilizer Chemical Ball supplies The most complete Fottage 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 Powering and Foliage Landscape Tools. material Including Broad Timbers Mulches (bagged hanging basket. Annuals and bulk). Peat Moss and leaves and Conifers and Flowering Seasonal Vinyl Edging Ornamental Tree, Shade Plants Trees, Powering Shrubs. Perennials and Ground Cover. (416)875-4545 R.R. #4, Milton (Toronto) (416)858-2299 1-800-263-4111 Rain Bird Ontario L9T 2X8 (Fifth Line South of Steeles) Frequent use of a course has a major influence on maintenance. This is evidenced in a simple comparison. Far West country club courses, used year-round, traditionally average much higher annual costs per hole than those in the Northeast, which operate only seven to eight months per year. It’s obvious that many, varied factors enter into the total maintenance. Consider the following: Rounds of Play. As already observed, a more frequently used course requires greater attention and repair than a less often used course. Certainly a course which experiences 35,000 rounds of golf per year would require additional expenditures as compared to a similar course experiencing only 5,000 rounds of golf per year. Tournaments. These renowned events add costs due to the number of people on the course and greater activity. Additional labor and additional supplies are required, thus boosting material costs. Labor for course maintenance is increased, because prior to the tournament, the greens' crews will most likely work overtime. On top of this, expenditures for top dressing, machine repairs, tournament flags, and other extras requisite for a successful tournament will entail a price difficult to specify precisely, but will mean substantial, extraordinary maintenance. Hilly Course Compared to a Flat Course. A course on hilly land will exact a heavier toll on machinery and demand more human exertion than a flat surface course. Drainage. Ample surface and underground drainage is a vital provision in determining costs. A golf course out-of-play because of wetness will not only entail added maintenance and repair costs, but will invariably lead to reduced revenues from greens’ fees and cart rentals. Weather. In most U.S. regions, climatic conditions vary from season to season. The greens' superintendent, just like any other gardener, operates at their whims. Weather is a controlling factor in scheduling irrigation, how and when to water, and how much to use. Overwatering can cause as many problems as underwatering, and the trick is to strike a happy medium. Our study covers all these cost factors. It does not, however, include real estate taxes which normally are not allocated to the various operating departments. Nor does it include capital expenditures. For example, it leaves out the essential underground sprinkler system your club may have purchased and installed at a cost of anywhere between $200,000 to $500,000. And it also omits various pieces of course equipment, such as tractors, triplex greens' mowers, gang fairway mowers, aerators, et al. Some individual pieces, such as a tractor, run in the vicinity of $50,000. While not included in everyday maintenance expense, these expenditures do affect operations. Several newer equipment models provide easier, faster performance, thus reducing costly overtime hours. Many claim that computer-contolled irrigation systems reduce water consumption and attendant costs. These systems would be more advantageous when water shortages occur and county governments demand curtailed usage. Modern aerators, The most advanced self-propelled introducing oxygen into the root zones, keep the turf healthy and spray system available... avoid unnecessary, expensive treatments at a later date. When one compares the average per hole costs, or any other And now you can get the same precision, statistical information, of one club with those of another, accuracy safety and economy with a new 35 h.p. will depend very much on whether or not the club's chart of vehicle, 300 gal.tank and fully loaded accounts conforms with the specially designed and generally floatation of only 12 p.s.i. accepted Uniform System of Accounts for Clubs, published by the Club Managers' Association of America. Over the years, we have recommended that our clients conform to the uniform system so that management can readily compare its operational results with those of similar clubs as reported in the industry publications, such as Clubs in Town and Country, a statistical review issued by Pannell Kerr Forster, that incorporates operating and financial results of more than 200 country clubs nationwide. If there is any doubt as to whether your club's chart of accounts conforms with the Uniform System of Accounts for Clubs, you should consult with your independent CPA. Our study aims to indicate prevailing trends in club operations. When analyzing operating results, the reader must bear in mind that each club is unique and no two are quite alike. The data shown should not be construed as a standard of performance for any Gordon Bannerman Limited individual club. 41 Kelfield Street, Reduced to a common denominator, nevertheless, the statistical Rexdale, Ontario M9W 5A3 information may be used as a guide in evaluating factors involving Telephone 416-247-7875 individual opeations. Our study is comprised of information obtained from our clients, some of whom maintain the finest golf courses not only in their region, but in the entire country. Whether a club is large or moderate-sized, plans have to be drawn before each season starts on the implementation of maintenance programs. In the Northeast, grounds are inspected early each spring to spot the ravages winter months have wreaked. Clean­ up crews fan out to pick up fallen branches, leaves and other debris left by storms. Plants and sodding are replaced, where necessary. Insecticides and herbicides are sprayed onto them. Buildings, bridges, fences, golf cart paths are among the sites targeted for refurnishing and/or repair. And that's only the beginning. In the far West and in the South, courses require everyday attention because of the unrelenting traffic of golfers. In many ways, this attention elevates expense because of the constant high number of personnel essential for maintaining the facilities. When you consider the magnitude of maintenance each course requires, no matter where in the U.S. it’s situated, the average annual cost of $23,383 per hole no long boggles the members' minds. Daniel T. Condon is a Certified Public Accountant and Partner in Pannell Kerr Forster, a national accounting and consulting firm that serves as auditors and consultants to more than 400 clubs nationwide. Mr. Condon has practiced in the area of private membership clubs for more than 10 years. IN MEMORIAM C.E. (ROBBIE) ROBINSON 1907-1989 Golf Course Architect Robbie Robinson died December 29, 1989 in Paris, Ontario leaving his wife Thelma who is also well known to the golfing fraternity and an inspiration to Robbie. He was born near Montebello, Quebec. In his 82 years he left his mark on the Canadian golf scene and also had many friends in the U.S.A. Quoting "The Golf Course" by Geoffrey S. Cornish, also a colleague, "he became recognized as an authority on turf-grass culture ... and exerted considerable influence on the policies of his architectural expression". Just the thing Personally, I have known Robbie since 1949 when he instigated the annual Turf-Grass Conference for the R.C.G.A. at the Ontario Agricultural College in Guelph and he later for “teed-off” became a business associate and friend of our family. Robbie was a sincere person and had a certain magnetism that inspired others to excel and made it possible for me to carry on in my chosen field. fairways When your fair­ 1929 must have been a good year as C.E. Robinson, Howard Watson and E.I. Wood, noted BARON Canadian Landscape Architect, all graduated that year from O.A.C., Guelph. ways need first Kentucky Bluegrass aid overseed with Robbie apprenticed with Stanley Thompson on Royal York (now St. George’s), Cape Breton the best. Highlands, and on many other prestigious golf courses across Canada. He also served as NASSAU Kentucky Bluegrass manager and superintendent at Sunningdale Golf Club. Proven top quality, long last­ During World War II he served overseas with the R.C.A.F. and upon his return joined C.M.H.C. PALMER ing Kentucky in site selection and development of housing and became involved with the R.C.G.A. as Perennial Ryegrass bluegrasses like Director of the Green Section and for a time Secretary-Manager. He was responsible for Baron and bringing many prominent speakers from Canada and U.S.A. to the before-mentioned annual yorktowN II Nassau. Perennial Ryegrass Turf-Grass Conference at O.A.C. (the forerunner of the conference and show now run by the C.G.S.A.) making it possible for many superintendents to rub shoulders with these turf­ Quick germinat­ grass experts. ing, fast growing WILMA perennial rye­ Chewings Fescue From the mid 50's on he became deeply involved in golf course architecture and became a member and twice President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and grasses like Palmer or Repell rebel II in total designed or remodelled over 300 golf courses in North and South America. In Turf-type Tall Fescue his own words "The most appealing courses are those which are hewn most closely to the disease and nature and where each hole is featured by its own individual golf character and landscape". insect fighter. repelL Robbie left a mark wherever he travelled and touched and directed the lives of many club Tough, drought Perennial Ryegrass members, owners, future golf-architects, course builders, professionals, managers, and of resistant grasses course, the superintendents. like Wilma Chew- TWo of his nephews are superintendents - Jim O’Connor of Kananaskis, Alberta and Robbie ings Fescue or Robinson of Hidden Lake, Ontario. Rebel II turf-type Tall Fescue. Our 50th year He made a great impact on the Kirkpatrick family who went on to build many of his courses. of professional seedsmanship Hugh, now superintendent of Westmount, Kitchener always had a sparkle in his eye and Since 1939 voice whenever he mentioned "Robbie", as did Bill Hynd who gave the eulogy at his funeral. Doug Carrick, a partner, is now dedicated to carrying on the Robinson name. Robinson as yet is not in the Hall of Fame but Jim Barclay, former curator of the R.C.G.A.'s library, museum and Hall of Fame is quoted in Lorne Rubenstein’s timely article on Robbie as stating "Robinson was quite a man, architect, manager, one of the great characters. It’s only when they're gone that we realize what they’ve contributed". P.O. Box 219 Brampton, Ontario L6V 2L2 Robert F. Moote 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. 1. 5 or 7 Gang Hyd. Lift P.T.O. Mowers 2. Hydraulic lift for easy transport or storage 3. Triplex 376-A 4. Sod Cutter MK.2™ 5. Large Capacity Brouwer-Vac™ 6. Turf Rollers 130, 224 & 235 7. 5 Gang Vertical Mower 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 How Well Do You Know Your Trees? The loss of vigor, or death of a plant is usually the result of one or more of the following conditions. Disease, insects, mechanical damage, drought or flooding. This is true of all vegetation that exist on the golf course. As golf course superintendents we are primarily concerned with the plants that are predominant on the golf course; Grass! That is unless you have devised a mode of existence where the necessities of life are eliminated or have a wife, girlfriend or combination thereof that will support you when your unemployment compensation expires. A plant whose health and general condition is often overlooked until it has deteriorated into a dangerous state is a tree. This in spite of the fact the high wind and lightning are additional perils to those mentioned previously. It is not unusual when faced with conditions as hostile as was last summer that we tend to be concerned only about the grass and realize too late that many of the trees on the course were also adversely affected by the same conditions. The big difference is that there is no quick fix for a tree that has succumbed to conditions. A couple of yards of sod or a few pounds of seed will not replace a tree by the next season. It was with this in mind that we at Arrowhead contacted Dr. Thomas Green, a plant pathologist at the Morton Arboretum. Dr. Green has devised a system to rate trees as to size, shape, age, and general health on a scale from one to six. He also provides a service, at a cost that is nominal, that surveys all trees and furnishes a report that includes a reference number for each tree, identifies to species, height, shape, as well as plotting all trees on a plan of the golf course. The report covers the condition of each tree and rates it on a scale that covers the entire spectrum from 1, a tree recently planted in good condition that has not yet reached its full height or shape; to 6, a tree that needs to be removed. Dr. Green also furnishes a plastic overlay that shows what any area will look like when the 5 and 6 are removed. Suggestions as to replanting are included with regard to both species and density. The dimension of such a report coming from an acknowledged expert is more than enough to get a tree program out of the talking stage into reality as well as creating an awareness of the problems that can still be corrected and prolong the life of existing trees. Robert K. Breen Wogsa Report By John Taylor Forty-two golfers had great weather at Bridgewater CC for the annual Taylor Barnes Trophy event. The Taylor Barnes trophy awarded to the low gross superintendent went to Ted Bishop of Rolling Meadows GC. The low net trophy for the day went to Rod Hermitage. The day wrapped up another year for the WOGSA which featured five golf events. Thanks to our hosts and their golf courses which included John Piccolo, St. Catharines GC, Henry Schmitz, Brookfield GC, Jay Kulak, Port Colborne GC, George Garner, Glendale GC, and Steve Sherwood and Wilf Wallace at Bridgewater GC. Thanks also go to all the suppliers for their generous prize donations through the year. The 1990 Board of Directors is John Piccolo, President, Bill Glashan, Vice President, John Taylor, Secretary-Treasurer, Aldo Bortolon, Director, Rob Rybski, Director, Rick Piccolo, Director. 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! Obtaining an Interview by James T. Snow, Director Green Section, USGA Just as a salesman can't make a sale unless he gets his foot in the door, a golf course superintendent can't sell himself to a club unless he gets an interview. In both instances, it takes plenty of preparation and a well organized effort to get that proverbial foot in the door. Based upon the information gleaned from conversations with club officials who have searched for and hired golf course superintendents, I'd like to share with you my conclusions with regard to obtaining that elusive job interview. 1. Since many club officials are looking for certain talents which their previous superintendent did not have, try to broaden your experience in as many areas as possible. Specifically, some club officials have mentioned: - ability to properly rebuild or renovate greens and tees - ability to install drainage or irrigation systems - ability to keep records and budgets and manage people - mechanical ability - knowledge of flowers, trees and landscaping 2. Educational background does make a difference in getting an interview when the competition is stiff. Thus, the more education you have, the better your chances. In addition to college work, become a certified golf course superintendent and show your prospective employer that you are keeping abreast of developments in the profession by attending seminars, conferences, etc. 3. Broaden your list of contacts who can act as references or who will at least know something about you if contacted. Many, if not most, club officials have little or no basis for judging your technical expertise, so they depend on others for this information. Included in this group are: - university personnel - Green Section staff - well known and well respected superintendents in the area - long-time regional golf association officers or staff - well respected golfers in the area, amateur and professional alike 4. When your club hosts member-guest, regional, state, or national events, take advantage of the situation by doing as much as possible to get the course in top shape. The people who attend, officiate and play in these events are often the people who are involved in hiring superintendents for their own courses, or who are contacted by other club officials for ideas and recommendations. Finally, encourage your club to host these events so that you have the opportunity to show these people what you can do. All of these items need to be planned and carried out long before you ever actually apply for a job. If you are willing to go to the trouble to follow through with some or all of these ideas, you will be much more successful than others when it comes to getting interviews and securing better jobs. However, all of this background work can be for naught if your resume and cover letter are not in good order. I've been told by several club officials who have been overwhelmed by applications that they've arbitrarily weeded out 70% of the applications simply by the appearance of the resume. In general, a large number of the resumes sent to clubs are messy and poorly organized, with many misspellings and poor grammar. Cover letters, if included at all, are often scrawled in pen and hard to read, and suffer from the same spelling and grammatical errors. These applicants have almost no chance of being considered. Resumes should be well organized, neat, and contain no spelling or grammatical errors. The resume should be accompanied by a typed cover letter which addresses the club and chairman by name, and which stresses supplemental information about yourself which could pertain to needs of that club. If you are unsure of your ability to put together a good resume and cover letter, get some help. This is important. Editor’s Note: This article written has been condensed from a longer article by Mr. Snow entitled "The Hard Part Is Getting The Interview ”. WHERE WILL YOU BE IN 2010 A.D. By Hugh Shields, Talbot Park Golf Club, St. Thomas, Ontario Sound like a long way off? Not really. If you are 34 years old now you’ll be 55 in 2010. Hmmm, just 21 short years from now, nearing retirement age. Picture yourself sitting at your work station in 2010 reading the latest edition of "GREEN IS ENVIRONMENTALLY ATTAINABLE”. Your eyes are drawn to an advertisment. QUALITY CUT FROM 5 GANG MOWER Jacobsen has just introduced their new MAG LEVtm. floating LF 2000 Fairway unit. No more reels or bedknives to grind. Infinite height of cut lazer beam heads with micrometer height adjusters cut and fuse the individual leaf blades for an unparalleled uniform cut. A powerful vaccum collection system transports the clippings through a bio-sampler which samples pH levels and micronutrient values. Clipping are then directed to a rear mounted vaporization chamber with a fusion flow discharge system expelling the clippings as environmentally-approved base elements. All of this while the entire LF 2000 glides effortlessly 2 cms above the ground hugging every contour guided by ground mapping radar. All of this powered by the time-proven cast titanium ion drive Kohler 30 hp engine. Lease terms available. See your local Jacobsen dealer to-day Wow! you say to yourself. What a machine and a deal at $180,000 U.S. With an annual budget of $6,000,000.00 a few LF 2000’s should be no problem. What with the 2 new Toro Hyper Drive GM VIII’s you purchased last year you've finished upgrading your equipment so no more maintenance headaches right? The bottom line is more available leisure time in the winter. After all 55 years old, been 30 years in the business, time to think about slowing down, planning for retirement. Your eyes are drawn to another advertisment. CALL TO DAY DON'T DELAY Danger! Only a few golf course developments remain in Florida and Texas. Offering "trendy golf course condominiums 1 and 2 bedroom models. Fairway units for the discriminating buyer starting at $1,000,000.00. Course designed by Jack Nicklaus Jr. Call to-day. Brokers protected. Wow! you say to yourself again. How can I afford something like that on my paultry salary. If only I had thought about this 20 years ago and planned for the future.... Sound far fetched. Don’t bet on it. 2010 will be here before your last kid graduates from college and as the bulk of the post WWII baby boom rushes into retirement age, demand for quality affordable retirement living in the sunny south will far exceed supply. So as we 34 year olds slowly ease into our golden years 20 or so years from now we could be choked out of the retirement housing market by high priced buyers (bentgrass seed salesmen). Is there any way we as individuals can protect ourselves from this depressing future scenario? Maybe. Now imagine this advertisement further on in the "GREEN IS ENVIRONMENTALLY ATTAINABLE’’.... RETIREMENT LIVING AT IT'S BEST Live at prestigious Beaver Run G.C. Somerwhereville, Florida. Winter home of the C.G.S.A. Luxury homesites available with pristine views of golf course fairways and mature trees. This is a championship 27 hole layout designed by Dave Barr our touring pro on the Sr. PGA circuit. C.G.S.A. and associate members only please. 1 and 2 bedroom condos starting at $250,000.00 Now doesn’t that sound better than $1,000,000.00 for a smaller condo on a questionable golf course with even more questionable neighbours? The reality is while the foreword to this article was intended to be humorous, the suggested future scenario is no laughing matter. Affordable retirement living in the sunny south could be prohibitively expensive for the average superintendent 20-30 years from now. If this is indeed perceived as a problem, is there a viable solution? What if a body such as the C.G.S.A. were to set up a fund financed through annual individual membership contributions to acquire and develop a property (our fictitous Beaver Run G.C.) and offer homesites to contributing members of C.G.S.A. on a first come first serve basis. The golf course would have a full service clubhouse and could in fact operate as the Golf and C.C. of a municipality targeted by say the National Golf Foundation as lacking, but requiring, this type of facility. Annual dues and club services to C.G.S.A. members could be subsidized by the local population who would pay full dues and initiation. Excess lots not purchased by C.G.S.A. members could be sold at full market value to the public once again subsidizing the development costs of both the course and clubhouse. This idea is not without precedent. The Canadian P.G.A. has a winter home in Titusville, Florida. The course called Royal Oak was a second rate layout with surplus lands until acquired by the C.P.G.A. several years ago. The excess lands were developed into subdivisions with lots made available to C.P.G.A. members at reasonable rates. Surplus lots were sold to locals at market rates which generated much needed capital for course and clubhouse upgrading. The Board of Directors at Royal Oak is comprised of C.P.G.A. members which gives their association control over their membership costs which are substantially lower than local members rates. I have played Royal Oak several times and can attest that it is now a first class private country club, with a course that is in excellent condition providing retired and active C.P.G.A. members with affordable housing and golf during the winter months. What I am suggesting is a committee be set up to investigate the potential for a developement as outlined in this article. This would require starting first with a member survey polling interest for a resort project. If interest is sufficient a multi- disciplined site selection committee would be formed to research desirable locations fulfilling specific criteria including regional standard of living, cost of living, crime rate, water availability or restrictions and, of course, local demand for a facility of this type. One source of information is the National Golf Foundation which has surveys available outlining municipalities targeted as being deficient with respect to numbers of golf courses based on player demographics. Once a site is selected a finance committee would be charged with structuring a sound and affordable financing package covering not only the initial funding for site acquisition but course, clubhouse and subdivision development as well. If initial funding was started within the next 2-3 years financed through annual registered member contributions a sufficient pool of capital including interest could be amassed over a 5 year period to acquire a vacant parcel of land or an existing golf course with excess development land suitable for housing. According to the C.G.S.A. membership directory there are between 900-1000 class A, B, and associate members and the membership is growing. If we assume that 30% of the membership is willing to contribute to a registered fund $500.00 per year, with interest at 10% over 5 years the fund would accumulate to about $1,000,000.00. A first class golf course facility including perhaps a lodge consisting of units that could be rented to non-contibuting members or younger members looking for a subsidized vacation get away would cost between $4,000,000.00 - $5,000,000.00 not including subdivision development costs which could be financed through site sales. As you can see in five short years with 300 members paying out $2,500.00 each, a sizeable downpayment could be made. With future contributions over another 5 years amounting to an additional $2,500.00 per contributing member, financing the construction of the course and clubhouse facilities could be well underway at a total cost per contributing member of only $5,000.00 each. If member contributions were started in say 1990 and assuming a 300 acre site acquisition cost of $750,000.00 US in 1995, the site and approximately $1,000,000.00 worth of golf course construction could be paid for and completed by the year 2001 without external financing. Give the course another 10 years to mature and allowing for construction of the subdivision portion of the development and before you know it it's 2010 and your ready to move into your brand new condominium backing onto the 12th fairway at the prestigious Beaver Run G.C. an exclusive championship golf course rated in the top 100 by Golf Digest. Your colleagues will be jealous, your friends amazed. How could you possibly afford membership and a home at such a desirable location. Heh heh! Only your accountant knows for sure. While this proposal may seem unattainable at first glance look again. The Canadian C.P.G.A. has done it quite successfully and I believe the C.G.S.A.A. to the south is contemplating the same thing for it's members. A premier development such as this would serve multiple rolls. 1. It would provide affordable retirement living and golfing privileges to C.G.S.A. and associate members. 2. A high profile golf facility owned and operated by C.G.S.A. members would promote it’s image as a professional & progressive association. 3. It would enhance member benefits thereby strengthening the association both numerically and financially. 4. If operated as a first class golf development, excess revenues generated from unsubsidized homesite sales, cart rentals and green fee play could be dispensed in the form of rebates to contributing members on an annual basis further subsidizing your club membership costs. So as you contemplate your retirement years give this article some thought. Large, forward looking progressive associations can accomplish what individuals cannot, and I can think of no better reason to belong to an association than one that offered a fringe benefit like this. So sharpen your golf game and see you in 2010... YESTERYEARS Stumpp & Walter Co.'s GOLF TURF Implements of General Use on a Golf Course Sawco Steel Turf Cleaner Rakes Spades Ames Spades are made of the best materials and will outlast most others. D-Handle and Long Reversible Steel. Suitable for lawn and garden. Handle. $2.75 each. Has 24 teeth. 90 cts. each. S. & W. Co.’s Spades are of good quality, service­ able and practical. They are offered as the best low-price Spades. D-Handle and Long Handle. Steel-Bow Garden. Extra strong; will not break $1.75 each. in the middle. Forks Each 12-tooth.............................................. $1.25 14-tooth..................................... 1.30 Spading Fork 16-tooth............................................ |.50 Made of cold rolled steel. flat line, welded. 22 inch spread. Prongs cannot loosen. Strong and Spading Forks. Best grade: tines spear pointed flexible: will not. tear. A turf brush rather than a with diamond-shaped backs: handle strapped rake. Price $1.50. both sides. Of superior quality and very strong. Each Lawncomb 4-tine, D-Handle................................................. .$1.65 5-tine, D-Handle................................................. 2.35 The flexible, Long-Handle Forks, same price. Steel Garden. Cut from onepiece of steel; springy teeth make strong and durable. Polished teeth. Each it very desirable for 10-tooth.................................................................. $1.10 cleaning around 12-toot h.................................................................... 1.15 plants, vines, shrub­ 14-tooth.................................................................... 1.20 bery, and flower 16-tooth.................................................................... 1.25 beds. It is equally Steel Gravel. Liketho Garden Bake. Made sub­ effective for clean- stantially. withshort teeth. ing gravel paths, as 14—tooth...........................$1.10 it removes leaves and other refuse Manure Fork 16-tooth............................ 1.50 without disturbing the gravel or Manure Forks. Best grade; strong oval tines. 18-tooth............................... 1.75 crushed stone. 18 ins. $1.. 21 ins. Long-Handle Forks, same price. Each $1.50. 4- tine, D-Handle.................................................. $1.50 5- tine, D-Handle.............................................. 1.75 Shovels 6- tine, D-Handle................................................ 2.00 Hay Forks. Best grade; strong oval tines, made only with long handles. Each Amea Shovels are everlasting in wear and posi­ 3-tine, Long Handle........................................ $1.35 tively are of the best grade. Each Axe, Collins. Weight 3 1/2 to 4 lbs. $3. Square Point, D-Handle......................................$2.75 Bound Point, D-Handle............................... 2.75 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 M1X 1E9 416-249-7325 416-293-9000 For years, TORO the Greensmaster® 3000 has been delivering a precise, THE PROFESSIONALS THAT KEEP YOU 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 200 PONY DRIVE, NEWMARKET, ONTARIO L3Y 7B6 • TELEPHONE (416) 836-0988 • FAX: (416) 836-6442 UPCOMING EVENTS FEBRUARY 5 - MARCH 2, 1990 21st Annual TUrf 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 INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ARBORCULTURE - ONTARIO INC 41st ANNUAL EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE IN THE FORESTRY CAPITAL OF CANADA URBAN TREE MANAGEMENT' The Program will start at 9:00 a.m. on the TUesday, February 20th, and end at noon on Thursday, February 22, 1990. Ontario Golf Superintendents Association