Green is Beautiful Ontario Golf Superintendents Association P.O. BOX 203, ISLINGTON, ONT. M9A 4X2 FALL 1990 ONTARIO GOLF SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 1990 PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT PAST PRESIDENT GORDON NIMMO CGCS MARK HAGEN NEIL ACTON CGCS Sarnia Golf & Curling Club West Haven Golf & CC. Deer Creek Golf Club & Estates 500 Errol Rd. W. Box 144, Hyde Park 4121 Lawrence Ave. E., Ste. 207 Sarnia, Ontario N7V 1X7 London, Ontario NOM 1Z0 Westhill, Ontario M1E 2S2 Phone: Bus. (519) 336-0667 Phone: Bus. (519) 641-2519 Phone: Bus. (416) 284-3703 (519) 332-1521 Res. (519) 471-1188 Res. (416) 427-7424 DIRECTORS Editor Golf & Meetings Membership SIMON GEORGE MARK SCHNEIDER ALEX LA BELLE Oakville Golf Club Beach Grove Golf & CC Carlton Golf & Yacht Club 1154 6th Line, Box 129 14134 Riverside Dr. E. P.O. Box 162, R.R. #3 Oakville, Ontario L6T 4Z5 St. Clair Beach, Ont. N8N 1B6 Manotick, Ontario K0A 2 NO Phone: Bus. (416) 844-5796 Phone: Bus. (519) 979-8134 Phone: Bus. (613) 692-4054 Res. (416) 659-3160 Res. (519) 979-8134 Res. (613) 826-3375 Golf & MTG. Roster Public Relations & Communications WAYNE RATH JOHN TAYLOR DAVE W GOURLAY (Jr.) Islington Golf Club Twenty Valley G.C. Eagle Creek Golf Club Box 131 107 Ontario St. Ottawa, Ontario Islington, Ontario M9A 4X2 St. Catharines, Ontario Phone: Res. (416) 852-9609 Phone: Bus. (416) 231-0925 Phone: Bus. (416) 562-4333 Res. (416) 477-1148 Res. (416) 682-3516 Newsletter Treasurer Secretary ROD TRAINOR CGCS ED FARNSWORTH BRUCE BURGER Hamilton Golf and Country Club Limited Deerhurst Inn Golf & CC. Phone: Res. (519) 621-1138 232 Golf Links Road R.R. #4 Ancaster, Ontario L9G 2N5 Huntsville, Ontario P0A 1K0 Phone: Bus. (416) 648-1441 Phone: Bus. (705) 789-5543 Fax. (416) 648-4217 Res. (705) 789-8282 Res. (519) 631-4798 NEWSLETTER EDITOR SIMON GEORGE (416) 844-5796 FAX (416) 544-7113 OFFICE SECRETARY CINDI CHARTERS (416) 233-8388 PRESIDENT'S REPORT FROM THE EDITOR With the golf season winding down, it's time to reflect on the Where did June go? That is what most superintendents seem past season. It seems that the timely rains have kept the grass to be thinking now that September is here and the golf season green and the disease was at a very controllable level. is winding down. Comparing the last two or three years, this was a pleasant break. This past-season was probably one of the most successful and Most people came through in good shape and the excellent enjoyable for many of us, while others were confronted by other conditions remained throughout the season. We can put on our problems sometimes not even related to producing ideal turf hero badges and show our face around the club. In my own case conditions. It is probably a good time now to look back at the I tried a couple of new maintenance practices to help our poor past season which started very early for some and think about fairways survive the August stress and lo and behold the fairways what happened, time to feel very satisfied with the completion looked fantastic. But who’s kidding who? this year Mother of special projects or the introduction of some new innovative Nature was on our side, next year may be different. techniques. It is also a time when some of us will breathe a sigh As President, I was able to travel around and see a few courses of relief after the long summer realizing that whatever happened as both a player and as a spectator and I will go on record and in the season of 1990, is over and we can all look forward to a say that the conditions seen this year showed we have some of the best maintained courses in the world, not just at the bright new season to come. private club, but also at the 9 hole and 18 hole public level. Communication is a key word when we talk about the fantastic This brings me to another point, that the golfing public is growth in our industry and we can all brush up on our pushing for "T.V.” conditions and at the same time communicative skills, so please help contribute to your news environmentalists are changing our practices. This is not to say magazine. that we are not environmentalists. 1 believe we are, but we as an association will have to use public relations to change the Simon George minds of golfers into not expecting beautiful watered, weed-free grass areas from fence post to fence post. It’s funny how people can come out and say things without proof, but this what is happening. We therefore have to be able to answer their concerns on pesticides with up-to-date results from university research, explain precautions we are taking to make spraying P.O. Box 1148 safe and how we are cutting back and using other methods. We Woodstock, Ontario N4S 8P6 are caught in between the golfers and the activists and this is where education and professionalism must be shown, so our GOLF COURSE FERTILIZERS concerns will be respected. (CUSTOM FORMULATIONS) Have a good fall season and don’t forget to take advantage of the seminars offered. Office: 519-456-2021 JOHN D. HILL Mobile: 416-460-2770 PRESIDENT Gord Nimmo, C.G.C.S. Fax: 519-456-5002 Annette Anderson Turf Extension Specialist Plant Industry Branch Ministry of Agriculture and Food Hort. Science Dept. University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario N1G2W1 Telephone (519) 824-4120, Ext. 2597 CANADIAN IRRIGATION CONSULTANTS Douglas Wood Large Tree Sales Ltd. JACK AUSTIN "We Buy, Sell, & Transplant Large Trees" R.R.1, Gormley Ontario LOH 1G0 (519) 853-2035 Tel: (416) 841-7866 Fax:(416)841-7867 PAUL HANOUSEK (416) 455-3311 Fax: (519) 853-2293 A copy of a letter concerning the posting issue and the reply from the writers local MPP. Thanks to Mr. H.W. Wurdemann of Trafalgar Golf Club. Mrs. Margaret Marland, M.P.P. Legislative Building Queens Park Toronto, Ontario Dear Mrs. Marland: My wife and 1 are ardent golfers. At 81 and 82, respectively, (that’s age, not score) We play at least three times a week. In talking with our Greenskeeper a couple of days ago, we learned of a regulation recently passed by the Ontario Legislature, which, if strictly implemented, will create havoc with all golf courses and golfers. It requires all golf courses to post signs on the course, 24 hours before spraying pesticides and to leave these signs in place 48 hours after spraying. These signs must state: "KEEP OFF” - "PESTICIDES IN USE”. This, in effect, means that the course will be out of play for 72 hours. I understand that this could have the effect of closing a course for as much as 30 to 40 days, between May and September. Also, there are QUEEN’S PARK OFFICE CONSTITUENCY OFFICE Legislative Building 106 Lakeshore Rd. East problems that require spraying Queen's Park, Toronto Mississauga, Ontario Ontario M7A 1A2 L5G 1E3 immediately upon discovery 965-4819 278-1557 and, a delay for 24 hours could result in the loss of an entire MARGARET MARLAND, M.P.P. green or a fairway. MISSISSAUGA SOUTH July 12, 1990 I am told that the pesticides now Mr. Henry W. Wurdemann in use have been used for many 965 Inverhouse Drive No. 706 years and I can’t believe that Mississauga, Ontario they are injurious to health. If so, L5J 4B4 my wife and I should have been Dear Mr. Wurdemann: "playing on the other side of the Thank you for your letter concerning the new pesticide sign regulation. sod” some years ago. If there is any doubt, however, perhaps the First, I would like to congratulate you and Mrs. Wurdemann upon your busy golf schedule. It is obvious that you are enjoying life to its fullest. signs posted should read "THE In response to the letters I have received from you and other concerned USE OR WALKING OF THIS persons, I have written to the Minister of the Environment asking him to GOLF COURSE MAY BE consider a change to the wording of the sign so that "keep off" would be replaced with "use at own risk" or "caution". INJURIOUS TO YOUR HEALTH”. A copy of my letter is enclosed for your information. I will write to 1 question whether this you again when I have received a response from the Minister. legislation was thoroughly I trust that this letter finds you and your wife enjoying the summer and investigated before it became not having to forgo too many golf games. If I can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. law. Yours sincerely, I would very much appreciate your looking into this matter. Margaret Marland (Mrs.) Sincerely yours, Member of Provincial Parliament Mississauga South MM/mt encl. Henry W. Wurdemann Managing Fertility In much greater amounts of fertilizer are needed to develop and maintain good growth on high-sand-content greens for the first High-Sand-Content Greens couple of years. Much depends on how quickly the profile by Stanley J. Zontek drains. A green which has had a percolation rate of 12 inches Director, Mid-Atlantic Region, USGA Green Section per hour has the potential to leach more nutrients than a green that drains at 1 inch per hour. This is common sense. One of the most significant changes in golf course management Another important factor is the Cation Exchange Capacity during the past 30 years has been the switch from the use of (CEC) of the mix. This number is often overlooked when topsoil for putting green construction to the use of materials studying a chemical soil test and when determining how much consisting predominantly of sand. or what kind of fertilizer to use on a green. The CEC is the This year marks the 30th anniversary of the publication of the measure of that soil's ability to hold nutrients. A soil with a CEC USGA Green Section Specifications for a Method of Putting Green of 10 has twice the nutrient retention ability of a soil with a CEC Construction. At the time of their introduction, these specifications of 5. Obviously, a soil with a low CEC will often require more were considered a radical departure from green construction fertilizer, more applications of fertilizer applied at lighter rates, methods that had endured for decades. The specs advocated and greater use of slow-release fertilizer than a soil with a higher lighter, sandier soils with lower bulk densities, higher infiltration CEC value. rates, greater soil aeration and lower moisture retention than A fertility program that works well for one golf course may not the traditionally blended soil-based greens of that day. work the same for another course that has a different soil with Prior to these specifications, greens were typically a different Cation Exchange Capacity. That's why it is so hard constructed with mixturesofsand, topsoil, and peatat 1-1-1 or to be specific with soil fertility requirements when establishing 2-1-1 ratios. Very little consideration was given to the type of new greens. sand, soil, or organic matter used. Further, greens were often As a basis for comparison, straight sands with very little silt intentionally underlaid with a thick layer of clay to hold water. and clay often have CECs of 2-3 or less. This is very low. Sands At that time, irrigation systems were in their infancy, with hose blended with a high-quality fibrous organic matter with traces and sprinklers being the norm. Compaction from heavy play of silt and clay often have CESs of 5-6. This is a common range was of little concern because courses simply did not receive the for CECs in new construction. In contrast, native topsoils have amount of traffic they do today. CECs in the range of 12-18, if not higher. Thus, recognizing that These old 1-1-1 mixes were based on general guidelines soils vary in their abilities to hold nutrients provides the basis handed down over the years that utilized blends of manures, for a better understanding of chemical soil test results and composts, sharp sands, etc., all part of the art of putting green formulating a fertility program for high-sand-content greens. construction of that era. Sometimes they worked; sometimes they did not. Nitrogen The USGA Green Section specifications were an attempt to Nitrogen use rates on new sand greens should be high, put numbers on the physical characteristics of a good quality beginning with the seedbed. To speed the establishment of new putting green topmix. A properly sized sand, with the appropriate distribution of small and large pores, is the key to a putting green topmix that handles traffic and drains excess amounts of water, yet in combination with a small amount of soil and organic matter retains enough moisture to grow good turf under the widest range of environmental conditions. Today, many greens built by architects and builders consist PETER BUCKLEY only of washed sand and organic matter. Should these TECHNICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES PROFESSIONAL TURF PRODUCTS sand/organic mixes be prepared with soil to provide some silt and clay? The answer is yes; putting green mixes should contain CHIPMAN some silt and clay to improve nutrient availability, increase A Business Unit of C-l-L Inc TELEPHONE 400 JONES ROAD (416) 1 800 263-2136 water-holding capacity, and help minimize the potential for STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO (705) (519) (613) severe damage from diseases like take-all patch. L8G 3Z1 1 800 263-8353 Sometimes the silt and clay are added by way of a separate soil source. Sometimes they come from the use of a dirty sand or from the organic matter source. A maximum of 5% silt and 3% clay is considered the standard for USGA spec greens. TURF 22 Spring Street Guelph, Ontario High-sand-content greens have become the standard DRAIN throughout most of the world because of their ability to drain N1E 1Z8 well and resist compaction. However, many golf course INC. (519) 763-3130 superintendents have difficulty growing good turf on these greens for several years after establishment. Usually, the GEOFFREY CORLETT problem is a lack of understanding of the fertility requirements of high-sand mixes. DAVID DECORSO MARK LUCKHARDT Supervisor, Construction Operations Supervisor, Drainage Systems Maintaining Adequate Fertility Levels How much fertilizer is enough for new sand-based greens? This DRAINAGE • CONSTRUCTION • RENOVATION is not an easy question to answer. Compared to topsoil greens, greens, USGA specifications suggest 2 lbs. of nitrogen per 1,000 season is not unreasonable. Field experience and periodic soil sq. ft. be added to the seedbed before planting - 1 lb. of tests (at least once per year) should help determine adequate nitrogen as a quick-release fertilizer containing phosphorous potassium levels and application rates. and potassium as well as nitrogen, along with 1 lb. of nitrogen One final point. Because grass exhibits luxury consumption as a slow-release organic product. of both nitrogen and potassium, periodic applications at light After planting and during the initial growing-in phase, rates are preferable to infrequent applications at heavier rates. applications of 1 lb. of actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft per week for at least six weeks is a common and usually reasonable Soil Reaction - pH recommendation. As the grass matures, rates and frequencies Maintaining soil pH in a reasonable range is recognized as being should be reduced. Nonetheless, the first year totals for nitrogen important by all turfgrass managers and scientists, regardless in new greens could well seem ridiculously high compared to of the type of soil. This can be a special challenge in sandy soils, maintenance fertility levels for mature greens. with their inherently low CECs and low soil buffering capacity, After the green has matured, maintenance fertility levels in especially when the greens are young. Big swings in soil pH and sandy soils are typically about 1 /2 lb. of actual nitrogen per 1,000 nutrient levels are common in new greens. Fortunately, these sq. ft. per growing month. This can vary due to several factors peaks and valleys tend to soften as a green ages. For example, like CECs, infiltration rates, the amount of irrigation/rainfall, the addition of a small amount of elemental sulphur can traffic etc. To some, this may still seem like too much nitrogen, radically change the pH of a new sand soil. Strive for a middle- especially when ultra-light fertility programs in vogue a few years of-the-road approach to pH management. Maintaining pH in ago are recalled. While it is true that older topsoil-based greens a range between 6.0 to 7.5 is reasonable and is no great cause can still be fertilized at low rates, this is not the case for new for concern, especially during the first few years following a sandy soils. More nitrogen is needed, especially during the green's construction. initial phase of new putting green establishment. In fact, the lack Also, when soil tests are done, include the test for buffer pH. of adequate fertility is one of the most common problems in Standard pH tests tell you the pH of the soil solution, whereas the maintenance of new sand-based greens. the buffer pH is more representative of the true pH of that soil. All too often the grass establishes as it should and then, after A rainfall can affect the pH of the soil solution, but it will not the initial growth slows, the grass becomes thin, shallow rooted, change the buffer pH. and stalky. These are signs that the green has run out of fertility. Low pH levels should be slowly raised by light applications of lime, never exceeding 2 5 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. per application. Phosphorous Lighter rates applied more often is preferred to burying the For years, we have been told that phosphorous is not needed greens in lime. on putting greens. Soil tests often show excessive levels of Similarly, pH values above 8.0 should be managed carefully phosphorous, and besides, we were warned that high levels of and slowly with sulphur or, better yet, fertilizers which naturally phosphorous stimulate Poa annua. This may be true with golf create acid as they break down. The Calcium Carbonate greens constructed of topsoil, but the story changes when Equivalent on every bag of fertilizer is one way of measuring dealing with soils composed predominantly of inert sand. The how much acidity is created by that particular fertilizer product. fact is, grass needs phosphorous. Topsoils can be rich in phosphorous, but sands are not. Further, while phosphorous If the bag states 640 lbs. Calcium Carbonate Equivalent, then is not mobile in heavier-textured topsoils with their naturally it takes that amount of lime to neutralize the amount of acid that higher CECs and slower drainage rates, phosphorous can move is formed by the fertilizer. On high-pH greens, you can use this in sands with much lower CECs and rapid drainage. to good advantage in lowering pH without running the risk of Do not forget phosphorous. As a general guideline, 2-3 lbs burning the turf, which sometimes can occur with granular of actual phosphorous per 1,000 sq. ft per year as a maint­ applications of elemental sulphur. enance fertility level is reasonable. Also, high phosphorous In my opinion, the use of elemental sulphur to lower soil pH 'starter" fertilizers are recommended during establishment. levels can be overdone, especially if the sand used in the original These fertilizers should be raked into the seedbed. Thereafter, construction of the green is calcareous. Lowering the pH level periodic soil tests should let you know for certain the extent to in this type of soil can be an exercise in futility. Yes, you can which phosphorous needs to be applied to sand-based greens. change the pH of the soil solution, but it is nearly impossible By the way, the link between phosphorous and Poa annua to overcome a high buffer pH soil such as those constructed with stimulation is exaggerated and is secondary to the need to grow calcareous sands. The best advice to superintendents who must a strong, healthy stand of turfgrass. The best weed control, deal with calcareous greens is to learn to live with it. Keep a close including Poa annua, is to develop a dense stand of grass. Proper watch on nutrient levels in these greens, especially iron, and fertility should provide the density which helps contain the Poa make adjustments accordingly. annua. Sandy soils need adequate phosphorous fertilization. This is an important point to consider when choosing a sand for new construction or topdressing. Hard rock or silica-based Potassium sands, which are nearly neutral, are preferred over high-pH Recent research, in conjunction with field observations, is calcareous sands. Sometimes there is no choice. However, if showing just how important it is to maintain adequate levels of there is a choice, the long-term management of nutrients and potassium in sandy soils. Potassium is nearly as prone to soil pH is far easier in neutral or slightly acid soils than in high- leaching and luxury consumption as nitrogen. In sandy soils with pH soils. low CEC values and high percolation rates, potassium needs to be applied at nearly the same rates as nitrogen. Since most Micronutrients sandy soils are naturally low in potassium, a ratio of 1.5 lbs. of Much has been said about the value of micronutrient potassium to every 1 lb. of nitrogen applied during the growing applications on high-sand-content soils. Actually, the only JACK VINCELLI INC 5803 Westminster Montreal H4W2J9 (514)482-7480 suppliers for turf maintenance and construction ONCE fertilizers are different than all other fertilizers due to a unique release mechanism and fertilizer coating system. ONCE fertilizer releases nutrients consistantly over a full season... with only a single application. Superior snow mold control proven in university tests. One application needed per season for snow mold control. Excellent suspendibility, uniform dispersion and spray coverage. Apply as a spray or dry. NUTREX Advantages: • slow release nitrogen • fully chelated micro-nutrients • colour and hardiness without pesticides • compatibility with pesticides • safe and easy to use micronutrient deficiency in sand­ based greens that we have identified in the field is for iron. This Shemin Nurseries problem is worse in high-pH sand HORTICULTURAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERS greens, where iron availability is Our Standard Is Excellence poor. Beyond this, evidence suggests that heavy use of SPECIALIZING IN GOLF COURSE micronutrients probably is not IRRIGATION needed. Prudence would suggest, however, that in sandy soils with low WITH A COMPLETE INVENTORY OF IRRAGATION CECs, micronutrient applications be SUPPLIES made periodically to satisfy RAINBIRD P.V.C PIPE & FITTINGS micronutrient requirements. Again, SPRINKLERS VALVES the exception is iron, which should CONTROLLERS TOOLS be applied lightly and on a frequent schedule. WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS FOR: In Summary In the past decade or so there has NURSERY STOCK SEED been a trend in our industry toward TREES CHEMICALS low levels of fertility on golf greens. FERTILIZER 'RINGER' On older topsoil-based greens, about 2-3 lbs. actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft per year has been Master Turf Distributor successful in many instances. It should be appreciated that these low fertility levels are best utilized for topsoil-based greens and not sand greens. Extremely low fertilizer rates Big name in golf are not appropriate for the growing­ MC-3S in phase of new golf greens or for scoring high in MAXI Master Controller their follow-up maintenance. This why so many turf managers are top quality turf. MASTER II COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEM hesitant to apply enough fertility to Sure, the golf industry is one of the major new greens; they simply are not users of Palmer Turf-type perennial Milton: 416-875-4545 1-800-263-4111 accustomed to applying that much ryegrass. But Palmer goes everywhere. Toronto: 416-858-2299 Fax: 416-878-4696 fertilizer! The reason is very simple. Palmer has an Look at your new greens. Do they abundance of the characteristics that have R. R. #4 Milton, Ontario, L9T 2X8 created the great demand for turf-type (Fifth Line, South of Steeles) have good roots, good density, perennial ryes. reasonable color, and a developing thatch layer for good resiliency? If • Heat and drought tolerance • Fast germination and dense growth so, then you probably are on the • Excellent appearance with rich, dark right track. green colour By contrast, is the grass shallow- • Upright growth and improved mowability rooted, thin, coarse bladed, prone • Disease resistance • Good winter hardiness to spike marks, and speckled with Over 90 Years of Growing Service Whether it’s on golf courses, athletic fields, invading Poa annua? Does the grass home lawns or well used park areas Palmer lack density, color, and an will meet the challenge - in mixtures or for Everett Nieuwkoop appreciable thatch layer? If this is straight seeding - for overseeding or on the case, then your fertility program new seed beds. 330 Phillip St., P.O. Box 144, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2J 3Z9 may be too low. “Talk to the Telephone (519) 886-0557 Fax: (519) 886-0605 Consider all of these points. If you turfseed do have any questions, call your specialists’ local USGA Green Section REPART MANUFACTURING LTD. agronomists for advice. Once you 1784 BONNYMEDE DRIVE become accustomed to the higher MISSISSAUGA. ONTARIO L5J 1E1 rates of fertility required by them, sand greens become far easier to manage than the old greens they P.O. Box 219 replaced. Brampton, Ontario L6V 2L2 Telephone 416-846-5080 Office: (416) 823-2900 ROB DAVIS Fax: (416) 278-5384 SALES MANAGER On Monday, September 17th the O.T.R.F. fundraising On Tuesday, September 11th the Pro-Superintendent tournament was held at the National G.C., Rosedale G.C., St. Tournament was held at Spring Lakes Golf Club in Stouffville, Georges G.C., Mississauga G.C. and the Weston G.C. Ontario. The weatherman co-operated, the sun came out and gave thirty teams a beautiful day for golf. Our thanks go to Winners were: Doug Taylor and his staff for providing us with a wonderful golf Low Gross - Wayne Rath -78 course and to the clubhouse and professional staff at Spring 2nd - Richard Downing-81 Lakes. Low Net - Marlon Geisler -70 2nd - John Gall-71 Winners in this event were: Long Drive - Dwayne Apthorp 1st Place Team: Cedar Brae G.C. - Warren Vout/Al Patterson At the other Clubs: 2nd Place Team: Beacon Hill G.C. - Bob Heron/Phil Hardy Low Gross - Robbie Robinson -74 3rd Place Team: Oshawa G.C. - Gord Sommerville/ Low Net - Thom Charters -71 Bruce Welsh Many thanks to all of our hosts for this very special day Low Goss Superintendent: (1) Warren Vout; (2) Bob Heron: G.C. Duke Equipment recently held the Dick Gordon Memorial (3) Hugh Kirkpatrick Golf Tournament for Assistant Golf Course Superintendents Low Net at the Firefighters Gormley Green Golf Club. The weather was Superintendent: (1) Scott Dodson; (2) Ed Farnsworth; certainly in our favor and allowed us to show the Assistants the (3) Bob Brewster new Cushman water cooled Turf Trucksters, Olathe Turf Sweepers, Verti-Drain Deep Aerifier and many other items. Low Pro Awards: (1) Ken Venning; (2) Bill Bevington; The turnout was tremendous with approximately 50 Assistants (3) Dudley Jones attending. These gentlemen came from as far as the Ingersoll/St. Thomas/Kitchener area as well as a great number At this event Paul Scenna made a presentation on behalf of from the Toronto and surrounding area. The winner of the C.G.S.A. to Hugh Kirkpatrick for hosting the L.P.G.A. Ladies event was Anthony LaForge of Cranberry Village Golf Club. event at Westmount Golf Club. Following the Tournament and Equipment Displays, G.C. Duke Equipment Ltd. and Cushman/Ryan supplied a steak barbecue for the participants. Plans are already underway for next year's tournament which again, will be held in July. We look forward to the 1990 Tournament and great attendance once again. Presentation of the trophy and winner’s plaque to Anthony LaForge of Cranberry Village Golf Club. We were offering a Ford Mustang 5 litre hardtop sports car as a prize for the first person to get a hole in one on a specified green. Unfortunately there was no prize winner for this category. When you mow your grass—DON’T BAG IT! By Dr. Bill Knoop, Extension Turfgrass Specialist, mower’s bagging attachment. Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Dallas. A “Don’t Bag Grass’’ program is ac­ The United States is slowly, but surely tually very simple, with three key running out of landfill space. One govern­ elements. ment agency reports that some large Watering: During the driest period of American cities have only a few years summer, lawns usually require one inch of worth of space remaining and that, in fact, water every five to six days. Most hose some entire states will be completely sprinklers put out one-fourth to one-third without any landfill's in the 1990s. It has inch of water per hour. If the water runs also been reported that more state-wide, off the lawn before one inch is applied, outright bans on grass clippings from land­ turn off the sprinkler, let the water soak fills are very likely. in for about an hour, then continue water­ There are a great variety of materials clippings, which are between 20 and 30 ing. The best time to water is early placed in landfills. Some of these materials percent protein, are rapidly attacked by morning. are recyclable and some may not be, but bacteria and fungi which Cause their fast Mowing: For optimum results, mow there is certainly one fairly significant solid decomposition. They do not contribute to every five to six days instead of once a waste product that doesn’t have to go in thatch. Thatch results from the abnormal­ week. As a rule of thumb, do not remove a landfill at all, and it is certainly ly fast growth of tissues high in lignin, such more than a third of the leaf surface at any recyclable—grass clippings. All across the as roots, rhizomes, stolons and crowns. one time. Grass clippings left on your lawn U.S., north and south, during the grow­ While the thatch issue has always been will not contribute to thatch, but will return ing season, in every city, ton after ton of associated with the return of clippings to valuable nutrients to the soil. grass clippings are deposited in the local the lawn, clippings and thatch are simply Fertilizing: The ratio of nutrients in the landfill. Surveys have shown that in some not connected. fertilizer, and the rate and frequency of ap­ higher income neighborhoods, as much as The bagging of grass clippings probably plication all affect how fast grass grows. one half of the solid waste pickups during started back before 1950 with the first Fertilize only so the lawn can grow at a the summer are grass clippings. It was mowers with a catcher attachment. The reasonable rate and still have good color. estimated that in one Texas city of about evolution of the bagging device has now For slow, even growth, use a fertilizer 18,000 homes, over 700 tons of grass clip­ reached the point that non-bagging mowers containing either sulfur-coated urea or pings per week were set out for solid waste are hard to sell and a true mulching mower ureaformaldehyde as a nitrogen source. pickup. Not only do these clippings take is a very rare item in the marketplace. The Specific recommendations and addi­ up valuable landfill space, but it costs cities public buys bagging mowers, and then ap­ tional details for each grass variety can big money, thousands of dollars, for the parently feels an obligation to use the usually be obtained from the Extension pick up and transportation of the clippings device, gather the clippings in plastic bags Service agent in the area, members of a to the landfill. to have them hauled to the landfill. gardening club, or others who have pro­ Turfgrass management has evolved with Most of us have grown up with the fessional training or knowledge of turf the golf course. The golf course has always powered rotary mower and the odds are, maintenance. represented the “state of the art.’’ Most it has a bagging attachment. We’ve learn­ The results are real. A city-wide sum­ of us admire the rich green fairways and, ed how to maintain our lawns from our mer demonstration program was conducted perhaps., wish our own lawns could look parents or perhaps from a neighbor. It in Fort Worth, Texas, with very positive so good. The basic turfgrass management almost seems that every neighborhood has reactions. Nearly 80 percent of the par­ principles that were used to develop the at least one resident turfgrass “expert’’ ticipants were very satisfied with the ap­ great golf courses around the world are ex­ who is more than willing to share advice. pearance of their lawn and 87 percent plan actly the same as those that should apply Very few home lawn managers practice to continue not bagging grass clippings. to the management of the home lawn. good, solid turfgrass management prin­ Participant comments make it clear they None of the text books or any of the ciples or even know much about them. approve of the approach and the results. research papers ever written about turf­ Many have turned over the management One said, “My yard looks great, it’s thick, grass maintenance suggest that the bagging of their lawns to commercial concerns that healthy and has encouraged growth in bare of clippings is a necessary part of lawn may or may not be practicing good spots without having to reseed. I may mow care. The return of grass clippings to the techniques. more often, but that is less taxing than lawn and eventually to the soil has always Every city of any size has a solid waste mowing, catching the grass, emptying the been considered to be a naturally accepted pick up program. This function may be a catcher, carting the grass somewhere, etc., part of maintaining a lawn by the true turf fairly significant part of its budget. Solid etc., in the Texas heat.” Another partici­ experts. waste pick up volumes are increasing and pant noted, “I think it’s the ‘old way’ landfill space is decreasing. Obviously, revised and my lawn is healthier for it. Due Clippings Do Not Contribute To Thatch this can’t continue. to the landfill problems we are having, it’s Grass clippings are a valuable resource It’s to the advantage of every city and the best thing going!” to the homeowner or others maintaining a. every citizen to reduce the demands on its Grass clippings are of great benefit to turfgrass lawn. They usually contain over solid waste facilities and to extend the life the lawn and they aren’t needed in land­ four percent nitrogen, about two percent of its landfill as long as possible, but how fills. We can all do our part to improve the potassium and around one-half percent can this be accomplished? In the case of environment by maintaining a healthy lawn phosphorus, as well as lesser amounts of grass clippings, the homeowner must learn and not bagging the grass clippings. It’s the other essential plant nutrients. These how to manage a lawn without using the easy, efficient, effective and inexpensive. Corrie Almack, PAg. ALMACK & ASSOCIATES BOX 256. CARLISLE, ONTARIO LOR1HO 416-689-6174 Where the game is won, or lost. A DIVISION OF C.J. MCDONALD CO. LTD. 29 ADVANCE ROAD TORONTO, ONTARIO M8Z 2S6 STEINER TRACTORS . US BATTERIES A golfer wins or loses by his play BRUCE MCDONALD on the greens. R&R TURF PRODUCTS A golf course wins or loses by the (416) 236-1001 MELEX quality of the greens. With exclusive Nutrite Greens Fertilizers... A golfer may lose his game, but your course will always win. Nutralene™ The most advanced slow release nitrogen source for golf greens Greenskote Micro-Prills • We are proud to be supplying with Sulfurkote™ Slow Release Nitrogen, the Ontario and Quebec Golf Course and Sulphur Coated Potash. The smallest Industry with: particle size available in Canada Non calcareous, low PH Nutri-G Mini-Prills Hutcheson Silica: Slow Release Nitrogen from Topdressing Sand and Mixes Sulfurkote™, Nutralene™ and Milorganite™ Construction Sand and Mixes plus All Micro-nutrients High Organic Humus and Spagnum Peat Bunker Sands Vitorganic® 10-2-0 high organic content • Our products comply with Industry specifications and have Count on Nutrite for been met with overwhelming unequaled products, approval by agronomists, architects and total support. and superintendents. TRY US! 8 West Street South, Box 910 Call one of these Huntsville, Ontario POA 1K0 Nutrite Service Numbers, today Office: 705-789-4457 Mobile: 705-722-2141 Québec: 1-514-462-2555 Watts: 1-800-461-5521 Fax: 705-789-1049 Ontario: 1-519-669-5401 Maritimes: 1-418-689-4759 Country Club Greens Grade Fertilizers Gold Cup quality for great-looking greens, tees & fairways. The most advanced self-propelled • Small Homogeneous spray system available... Granulation And now you can get the same precision, • Less Mower Pick-up safety and economy with a new 35 h.p. vehicle, 300 gal.tank and fully loaded • High Methylene Ureas floatation of only 12 p.s.i. (W.I.N.) • Four Unique Formulations 18-4-10 90% Org. 8-4-24 30% Org. 18-0-18 80% Org. GREAT ON FAIRWAYS EVEN AT LOWER RATES WON’T SPECKLE LIKE BLENDS Skyway Lawn Equipment Ltd. Gordon Bannerman Limited 41 Kelfield Street, 1067 Beach Boulevard, Hamlton, Ontario L8H 6Z9 1-800-263-8606 Rexdale, Ontario M9W 5A3 Telephone 416-247-7875 R.R. #1 Mt. Brydges, Ont. NOL 1W0 Fast In. (519) 264-1214 Fast Out. Fast Forest. We move trees. WE CAN SUPPLY ALL OF Yours—or ours. We can supply almost any size and species you require, YOUR IRRIGATION NEEDS using our 60", 84" and our new 94" tree spades. Large caliper tree moving with maximum success rates. • Suppliers of pipe, fittings & sprinklers Prompt reliable service: Golf courses, parks and recreation areas, conservation authorities, schools, • Installing & upgrading of your total irrigation system universities, and residential sites. • Prefabricated pump stations by Commercial Pump Services Inc. FAST FOREST INC. 270 Shoemaker Street, CALL Kitchener, Ontario THE IRRIGATION HOTLINE Tel: (519) 748-6610 FAX: (519) 748-6626 1-800-265-9786 Member: Landscape Ontano, Ontario Shade Tree Council, Ontario Parks Association, International Society of Arboriculture President, Greenchairman, Superintendent, Club Manager Tournament Westmount Golf & Country Club was the scene July 23 as 36 Teams from all over Ontario gathered to play this popular event. The weatherman co-operated and gave us a day of sunshine and moderate temperatures. The new 4 Man Format proved to be quite successful. This was the first time we have invited the Club Managers to join us and it proved quite popular as 33 of 36 teams had the Manager in their group. Hugh Kirkpatrick, Doug Walsh and staff had the course in outstanding shape. We played the same setup as the LPGA Ladies had played in their 3rd Round of the DuMaurier Classic complete with yardage books. I don't know if I’d like to play out of 3" rough and putt on triple cut greens every day though. It sure makes you appreciate the abilities of the Pro players. Notwithstanding there were some excellent scores from our field. The Westmount staff had pulled out all the stops in order to make sure that this was an event to remember. The Fruit Stand on the 4th hole was a nice touch and the Oysters on the Half Shell as appetizers were terrific. Our thanks to Terry Cowan, Club Manager at Westmount. For the second year in a row the host club won the Team Event. Local knowledge prevails. Hugh had a great day with a 68 net. The winning team was awarded 4 Airfare Tickets to the Canadian TUrfgrass Conference in Montreal. 1st Place Team - Westmount G. & C.C. -13 under par 2nd Place Team - Hidden Lake G. & C.C. -12 under par Weather Reoort - Taken at Pearson International 3rd Place Team - Oakdale G. & C.C. -11 under par empty tableempty cell table cellMEAN TEMP TEMP MEAN PRECIPITATION ATION PECIPIT 4th Place Team - Hamilton G. & C.C. -11 under par APRIL Normal 8.4°C 6.2°C 50.8mm 6l .8mm 5th Place Team - Burlington G. & C.C. -11 under par 6th Place Team - Bay of Quinte G. & C.C. -10 under par MAY Normal 11.6°C 12.3°C 86.6mm 66mm 7th Place Team - Weston G. & C.C. -9 under par JUNE Normal 18.7°C 17.7°C 69.4mm 67.lmm Low Net Individual - Barry Nichol, Hamilton G. & C.C. JULY Normal 20.9°C 20.6°C 68.4mm 71.4mm Low Gross Individual - Alistair Cayley, Toronto G.C. Team skins were won by the Teams from AUGUST Normal 2O.3°C 19.7°C 112.6mm 76.8mm St. Georges, London Hunt, North Halton and Sarnia. ECONOMICAL POLE FRAME BUILDINGS FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS . . . RURAL & COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS Call collect to Jack or Rick Brenzil for a FREE ESTIMATE . . . (416) 772-3551 (416) 388-6865 Over 30 Years Experience! 15 Years Ago Today The Board of Directors in 1975 was Paul Dermott (president), Allan Beeney (vice president), Carl Bennett (secretary), Cameron Cairncross, Dave Gourlay, Robert Hall, John Hutchinson, Whitey Jones, Helmot Kopp, Paul Scenna, Bob Heron (past president and editor). The GCSAA Turf Conference and Show was held in New Orleans. The RCGA TUrf Conference and Show was held at the Skyline Hotel in Toronto on March 18-20. The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association took over the administration and operation of the Turf Conference and Show with the co-operation of the Royal Canadian Golf Association. Graham Shouldice was promoted from assistant to Superintendent at London Highlands Golf Club. Willfred Wallace was the new Superintendent at Erie Downs, Doug Hoskins at the National, Blake McMaster at Brampton Golf Club, Dave Chapman at Victoria Park Golf Club and Ross Thurston at Cambridge Country Club. Bob Hall moved on from Toronto Ladies to Foreman of Parks and Recreation, Markham. John Stoughton at the Barrie Country Club hosted the Ontario Open. Paul Scenna prepared the ice for the British Consuls Curling Championship at the Preston Arena in Cambridge. Bill Hynd, St. Georges, hosted the Ladies Professional Golfers and Ed Ortleib, Bayview, hosted the Canadian P.G.A. Tournament. Bill Glashen, Niagara Parks Golf Course, Doug Brown, Erie Shores Golf Club, Dave Chapman, Cambridge G.C., Dick Ingram, Lido Golf Course, Steve Miller, Dundas Valley Golf Course, Allen Mills, South Muskoka Golf Club, Gordon Orr, Kleinburg Golf Club, Walter Hach, Connestoga Golf Club and A. Murphy, Indusmin Ltd. were new members. Art Price became a life member of the OGSA. George Drew, Richmond Hill Golf Club, died at the age of 65 on his golf course on October 31. George was 14 years assistant and Superintendent at Oshawa Golf Club, 14 years at London Hunt Club and 15 years at Richmond Hill Golf Club. Jim Wyllie, Lambton Golf and Country Club was the president of the CGSA. Monthly meetings were held at North Halton, Al Beeney, Summit (spring dance), Cam Ciarncross, Essex, Dave Moote, Westview, Keith Nesbit, Galt, Paul Scenna, Dalewood, Hugh Kirkpatrick. The Christmas Party was held at Chinguacousy, Henry Guertin. The second annual President-Green Chairperson-Superintendent Tournament was held at the Weston Golf Club on August 1st. The Pro-Superintendent Tournament was held at the New Dundee Golf Club. The McClumpha Tournament was held at Chinguacousy Country Club October 6th. The Horticulture Apprentice Program with a new Turf Management option at Humber College was finalized under the direction of Paul Dermott, Gord Whitteveen, Dave Gourlay, Cam Cairncross, Bob Heron and Ted Hartwell. Interested students will be paid 75% of their salary plus expenses, while attending this course. Ontario Turf Equipment Co. Ltd. 60Chaterhouse., • London, Ontario N6W 6V5 • Phone (619) 452-3540 Jacobsen Turf Products: A complete line of quality mowing & grooming equipment. Sales • Service • Parts Serving Ontario Since 1975 Meeting all the needs of today's Turf Professional The Most Advanced Mower Ever Designed The Reelmaster® 223-D No other mower knows your fairways better Master your cutting quality with unsurpassed efficiency To accommodate varied turf conditions, Toro offers COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS you Variable Reel Speed Control. This unique feature allows you to match the reel speed to your desired height of cut and mowing speed for optimal cutting efficiency. Trailing cutting units are free to float in all THE PROFESSIONALS directions to ensure ground following over THAT KEEP YOU CUTTING. undulations and to minimize scalping. In the event of impact, each cutting unit incorporates a breakaway device to help lessen damage. TURF CARE 200 PONY DRIVE, NEWMARKET, ONTARIO L3Y 7B6 • TELEPHONE (416) 836-0988 • FAX: (416) 836-6442 UPCOMING EVENTS NOVEMBER 5 & 6, 1990 3RD ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM ON TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT University of Guelph DECEMBER 9-12, 1990 C.G.S.A. CONFERENCE AND SHOW Montreal Convention Centre Montreal P.O. FEBRUARY 5-12, 1991 GCSAA CONFERENCE Las Vegas Nevada MARCH 15, 1991 CGSA NATIONAL SEMINAR Hamilton Ontario Green is Beautiful Ontario Golf Superintendents Association