Green is Beautiful Ontario Golf Superintendents Association P.O. BOX 203 ISLINGTON, ONT. M9A 4X2 SPRING 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 MIE 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 ROD TRAINOR CGCS Golf & Meetings Membership Hamilton Golf and Country Club Limited MARK SCHNEIDER ALEX LA BELLE 232 Golf Links Road Beach Grove Golf & C.C. Carlton Golf & Yacht Club Ancaster, Ontario L9G 2N5 14134 Riverside Dr. E. PO. Box 162, R.R. #3 Phone: Bus. (416) 648-1441 St. Clair Beach, Ont. N8N 1B6 Manotick, Ontario K0A 2NO Fax. (416) 648-4217 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 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 Treasurer Secretary Newsletter ED FARNSWORTH BRUCE BURGER SIMON GEORGE Deerhurst Inn Golf & C.C. Galt Golf & Country Club Oakville Golf Club R.R. #4 P.O. Box 534 1154 6th Line, Box 129 Huntsville, Ontario P0A 1K0 Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W1 Oakville, Ontario L6T 4Z5 Phone: Bus. (705) 789-5543 Phone: Bus. (519) 621-7020 Phone: Bus. (416) 844-5796 Res. (705) 789-8282 Res. (519) 621-1138 Res. (416) 659-1269 NEWSLETTER EDITOR ROD TRAINOR CGCS (416) 648-1441 FAX (416) 648-4217 OFFICE SECRETARY CINDI CHARTERS (416) 233-8388 OGSA PRESIDENT'S REPORT FROM THE EDITOR Gord Nimmo CGCS ROD TRAINOR CGCSSS With Golf for the decade of the 90's just about to begin Here we are, a new decade and many changes appear to be in I look forward with great anticipation and some the wind. Environment is the key work. We as Superintendents uneasiness. Changes in the golf maintenance field in the know that our ability to provide perfect turf conditions is going to be severely strained in the coming months and years. Alter­ 80's were large scale and non stop. Golf course equipment native methods for disease and pest control will have to be found. improved dramatically and older automatic irrigation Most people are now environmentally aware. Golfers will now systems became computerized. Staff education and payroll take a second look at that sprayer or spreader and wonder what shot up in hopes of employing well trained people. Sud­ is being put on. Those of you who have newsletters at your club denly there were new golf courses being built and what have a great opportunity to communicate to your members your was almost a stagnant industry became a revolving door concerns. You can tell them how safe the products you use ac­ as Superintendents moved around in search of greener tually are and let them know that your application methods are the very best. You should be informing them about the new pastures. If the 90's continue where the eighties left off the legislation regarding posting so that when they see those signs golf industry will remain an exciting business. they will know what they are about. But there is a dark cloud on the horizon. Government In my opinion what will have to come is golfer's acceptance restrictions on pesticide use will have a major impact on of a golf course which may not be immaculate from time to time. not only golf course conditions but also the environment. Instead of telling your members you are not going to mow that I may be partial but I feel the golf industry is a leader in area anymore, tell them we are going to "naturalize" that area. chemical safety. Respirators, coveralls, rubber gloves and This is a fast moving business and the only way to keep up is to stay informed, so come out to the meetings and get involved. boots are all standard equipment for spraying. Many clubs are putting computer controllers on their spray equipment for more accurate applications and better records. New maintenance buildings that are built now include in their Inter Mix P.O. Box 1148 design proper chemical storage facilities and government BULK PRODUCT PACKAGING Woodstock, Ontario N4S 8P6 standards are being followed. All courses are to have one MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION SERVICES licensed applicator but many clubs now have as many as GOLF COURSE FERTILIZERS 4 or 5. (CUSTOM FORMULATIONS) Unfortunately the Ministry of the Environment chose to ignore the industry lately and brought out new legislation Office: 519-456-2021 JOHN D. HILL Mobile: 416-460-2770 PRESIDENT regarding posting. Greencare Ontario was formed last year Fax: 519-456-5002 when the ministry first proposed this legislation. Green- care is a joint venture of the lawn care industry, the golf industry and many other associated groups. It was form­ ed to combine forces and act as one voice for the industry Annette Anderson as a whole. Through the fall and winter correspondence Turf Extension Specialist from the ministry seemed favorable but this spring com­ Plant Industry Branch mon sense was thrown out, in favor of the politically safe clean environment decision. This is just the tip of the iceberg as more changes will be on the way. Ministry of Agriculture and Food The 90's will be exciting and the OGSA looks forward Hort. Science Dept. to continually provide its members with education, job University of Guelph referrals and good fellowship: but don't forget that the key Guelph, Ontario N1G2W1 to a successful organization is participation. Telephone (519) 824-4120, Ext. 2597 Ontario CANADIAN WHY WAIT 20 YEARS IRRIGATION FOR BIG TREES? CONSULTANTS JACK AUSTIN Douglas Wood Large Tree Sales Ltd. R.R.1, Gormley Ontario L0H 1G0 "We Buy, Sell, & Transplant Large Trees" Tel: (416) 841-7866 Fax: (416) 841-7867 (519) 853-2035 PAUL HANOUSEK 1-800-265-6681 Evolution Of The Modern Green - Part 1 By Dr. Michael J. Hurdzan President, American Society of Golf Course Architects The Author: In 1888 (when golf became established in America) and for the Mike Hurdzan is uniquely qualified on the subject of the evolution and next 30 years, golf courses were maintained with grazing sheep, construction of greens. He holds a Ph.D. in environmental turfgrass goats, or cows. Sometimes horse-drawn carts, sickle-bar mowers, physiology, a Masters in turf studies, a Bachelors in turfgrass manage­ and heavy rollers were used. Greens were fertilized with manure ment, and has completed three years of work toward a second degree and compost. There was little or no irrigation. The only treat­ in landscape architecture. ment for diseases and insects was a mixture of sulphur and lime. His practical experience has come from eight years as a greenskeeper, A few courses mowed greens with man-pushed mowers. two years as a golf course superintendent and the owner of his own con­ Although superior to horse-mowed greens, they were poor com­ sulting and landscaping business. For the past 14 years, he has worked pared to any standard used for even tees today. Until the as a golf course architect during which time, with partner Jack Kidwell mid-1920's, putters had a couple of degrees of loft, indicating the in Columbus, Ohio, they have designed and constructed more than 1,200 putt was not always a roll but often a very low, short golf shot. greens. He was elected president of American Society of Golf Course Architects in 1984. Space-age technology has given us artificial turf for football, baseball and soccer ... plus all too many playing fields with square dimensions and noticeable lack of character. True, synthetic grass has eliminated many of the problems that have plagued groundskeepers in the past. But these "magic" EXPRESS DUAL in-situ automatic spin sharpener carpets would prove to be poor substitutes for the putting sur­ faces of golf course greens. Gone would be the golfer's challenge of getting the line on a match-winning putt, as well as the op­ portunity of the golf course architect to give the golf course its own distinctive character with the shapes and slopes of the greens. Armed with modern maintenance equipment and procedures, Canadian Made today's golf course superintendent enjoys matching wits with mother nature, and would surely miss the challenge of keeping the greens in their best playing condition possible. No one has understood the critical role of greens play more BAYCO than A.W. Tillinghast, one of America's most prolific golf course GOLF COURSE architects. Asked to describe his work at Winged Foot, four-time site of the U.S. Open, Tillinghast declared: ACCESSORIES "The holes are like men, all rather similar from foot to neck, but with the greens showing the same varying characters as human faces. If the shots home are wide of the green centers, the boys will be using niblicks rather than putters." So Tillie (as well as other architects, superintendents and golfers) appreciated the dual role served by greens. Not only are golf greens visual elements, they are also functional elements ... for they receive the most concentrated foot traffic of any area on naiad TURF WETTING AGENT the course, absorb a great deal of physical abuse and must pro­ vide a true playing surface for golf's most delicate shots; as Tillie demanded at Winged Foot. This would be a difficult task even for high-tech synthetic materials. But instead, we expect tender, young grass blades to IN ONTARIO CALL TOLL FREE do the job with the help of the superintendent. In recent years, golfers have demanded fast greens, which means growing turf­ 1-800-263-8606 grass under unnatural and therefore stressful conditions. Cut­ ting heights are shortened to less than that of the print on this page, reducing leaf area to a fraction of what is considered optimum. Thus, the modern golf green has become a complex system of engineered growing, shaped by soil physics, soil chemistry, and Skyway Lawn Equipment Ltd. constantly evolving turfgrass technology. Modem greens are built 1067 Beach Boulevard, Hamilton, Ontario L8H 6Z9 (416) 545-5363 without soil. And the turfgrass that covers them has been genetically selected, and maintained via procedures that are pro­ ducts of laboratory research. Every superintendent after 1900 had a compost pile with at least Perhaps the greatest experimentation and improvement came two years of top-dressing material. Each man had his secrets that in the area of greens construction. Everyone realized that greens made his compost better than the next. When mixed with sand ideally should be velvet carpets of uniform color and texture. But and manure and applied as top-dressing by shovel and dragged lack of water and compaction were major limitations and no one in with a flexible drag, compost produced excellent turf in terms knew what to do about these problems. of color and growth. Popularly-used artificial fertilizers around A forgotten pioneer in early greens research was a wealthy 1900 were bone dust, blood meal and other natural organics. Philadelphia lawyer by the name of Fred W. Taylor. He had a Weed control was done with a knife, a hoe or by applying a keen interest in understanding the principles of growing fine turf pinch of "weed crystal" to the crown of each plant. This weed on putting greens. Purely for the love of the sport, he started crystal was presumably some sort of acid that ate into the crown experimenting in 1904 with hundreds of greens construction of the unwanted weeds. However, work on chemical control of methods and maintenance procedures. He focued on the scien­ weeds, (begun in 1886 by a professor Bolley in North Dakota) tific production of a growing medium for greens that had a high discover that mustard could be killed selectively when spraying water-holding capacity (since irrigation systems were rare at the with sulphate of iron. time). At the same time, these greens had to provide perfect Many golf courses with low budgets had grassless sand greens, drainage of excess water that contributed to compaction. but they were not the type we know today. Those old sand greens Before Taylor died in 1915, he had patented several methods were usually laid flat on the ground and built by removing three of golf greens construction which absorbed water from the sub­ to six inches of natural earth and replacing it with heavily oiled surface to the upper soil layers where the turf plants were ac­ sand. Before putting, a player would use a leveling board pro­ tively growing. His research and patents are nearly identical to vided at each green to smooth down any footprints that may have the PURR-Wick system which was revived and perfected by Dr. been in his line. There are still many golfers today who can tell William Daniel of Purdue University in the 1960's and 1970's. you about playing on this type of green, for up until a few years The famous and futuristic golf course architerect, C.B. Mac­ ago there were oiled-sand greens in Ohio and some also exist Donald, tried a different approach to achieve the same results. the mid-west. He subirrigated greens with a tile system, a control valve and Most courses during the 1900's relied on natural rainfall. Some an underground water supply piped to each green. He and Seth exclusive clubs did however have irrigation systems consisting Raynor, his engineer, tried this method in 1910 at St. Louis Coun­ of underground pipe and above ground hose connections. try Club. They felt that when the tile was flooded, the water Although a few diseases were recognized, none was adequately would be absorbed up to the green's surface, thereby irrigating treated except by applying a lime and sulphur mixture. Fairy Ring the turf. The success of this system is reflected in the fact that was handled by digging up the infected area and replacing it with St. Louis CC today is the only course in the world with this type fresh earth. Insects were a problem too. Earthworms and ants of green construction. that made casts or mounds in the green were chief culrpits. But Donald Ross also experimented with greens construction there was no selective cures. methods in 1916 at Scioto Country Club, where he worked with The primary maintenance tool was the heavy iron roller, Prof. Vivian of Ohio State University on a method of layering weighing 1,500,000 pounds, and pulled by a team of horses that soils to conserve water and yet resist compaction. This Ross/Vi- wore special boots. The boots were the early superintendent's vian method employed a perched water table concept that was answer to high flotation. later refined by Dr. Marvin Ferguson in the 1950's and became Given these conditions, golf was played differently during this the USGA method of greens construction. period. With rock-hard greens, the full pitch shot straight at the pin was possible only when soil conditions were soft, such as in the Spring or Fall, or following a long, slow rain. At other times, the prudent shot was the run-up, or as I was taught, the "pitch- and run" or "bump-and-run". This sitaution gave the golf courses added variety and interest, for the same golf hole may R.R. #1 have required a different type of approach shot, depending on The Mt. Brydges, Ont. the soil moisture. When the American Society of Golf Course Architects played Greener N0L 1W0 the courses of Scotland in May, 1980, it had not rained significant­ ly for seven weeks. The fairways were brown and the greens were Side (519) 264-1214 blue from lack of water. Even the sandy soil types were hard as concrete. Within the first few holes, and after some angry words A Division of Draper contracting Inc. from our knowledgeable caddies, we all learned the futility of the full pitch shot and the virtue of the "bump-and-run". Out of necessity we became masters of the shot. Even now, four years WE CAN SUPPLY ALL OF later, many of my colleagues still retain that shot in their arsenal, often playing a putter or straight-faced iron chip shot from over 100 yards off the putting surface... and with great skill as my YOUR IRRIGATION NEEDS billfold will attest! • Suppliers of pipe, fittings & sprinklers • Installing & upgrading of your total irrigation system In the early 1900's, cinders instead of sand were used because they were believed to discourage earthworms. Greens were seed­ • Prefabricated pump stations by Commercial Pump Services ed with New Zealand Fescue, Redtop, Crested Dog's Tail, Inc. Bluegrass, Rhode Island Bent, and yarrow. Some greens during this period of experimentation were planted to 100 per cent yar­ CALL row. Later experiments developed the South German Bent mix. THE IRRIGATION HOTLINE The first experimental turf plots were built at Arlington Gardens in 1910. 1-800-265-9786 Greens built before irrigation became common in the 1920's were different both above and below ground. The golf course architects of that period knew that with existing watering limita­ tions thay had to do everything possible to conserve whatever rain fell on the greens. Thus, greens built with clay (which holds water better than sand) could be given more surface character than greens employing materials that would not hold water. We REPART MANUFACTURING LTD. 1784 BONNYMEDE DRIVE saw greens built on the punch bowl theme which collected water MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO from the fringes and banks and drained it toward the putting sur­ L5J 1E1 face. These early greens were surrounded by high banks that serv­ ed as wind breaks to cut down on the amount of water lost to evaporation and transpiration. Bunkers were placed further from the putting surfaces than to­ Office: (416) 823-2900 ROB DAVIS day because they had learned that superheated sand trap faces Fax: (416) 278-5384 SALES MANAGER caused great water loss from adjacent soils, with subsequent loss of turf. In short, many of the styles of architecture of the pre-1920's were more in response to conserving water than to providing the best possible playing conditions. Although char­ ming in form, such golf greens do not fare well when subjected to the high volume of irrigation commonly used today. And this accounts for many of the turf problems I find on those older courses where automatic irrigation systems have been installed. It is like putting a racing engine in a Model T. If the substructure of the system doesn't match the required performance characteristics, something is going to go wrong. Shemin Nurseries HORTICULTURAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERS Modern irrigation is not the only reason that many older greens need to be rebuilt. There are also the problems of not enough Our Standard Is Excellence cupset space to handle today's high volume of play; the buildup of unknown chemicals and top-dressing from years of trial and SPECIALIZING IN GOLF COURSE error maintenance, and, the need for internal drainage. IRRIGATION After 1921, almost every golf course had an irrigation system for at least the greens. Snap valve systems were common. The WITH A COMPLETE INVENTORY OF IRRAGATION greatest limitation to large volume and pressure irrigation systems ________________________ SUPPLIES________________________ was the lack of technology in electric motors to run economically. RAINBIRD P.V.C PIPE & FITTINGS Sprayers were refined and more chemicals were applied in solu­ SPRINKLERS VALVES tion than ever before. Proportioner systems were also introduc­ ed during this period but, as now, they did not gain wide accep­ CONTROLLERS TOOLS tance. With a great deal of money to spend on cheap labor, golf during this boom period became elegantly manicured in much the manner we see today. WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS FOR: During the Great Depression almost all research was on sociological or agriculture topics, with little left for golf courses NURSERY STOCK SEED and turf management. From 1929 to 1936, about the only real im­ TREES CHEMICALS provements were made in machinery which became more effi­ FERTILIZER 'RINGER' cient and more reliable. In the late 1930's, we saw more ex­ perimentation with chemicals for insect and weed control Chloropicrin (tear gas) was first used as a soil sterilant. Also in Master Turf Distributor this period, work was done selecting improved grass varieties. Then came World War II, and with its long duration, we saw accelerated research programs on all topics, especially chemistry. During this period, we also developed the industrial technology that allowed men more time to play golf and with lower-cost equipment. America needed diversions and golf became a na­ Rain BiRD tional pastime that was popularized by men like Byron Nelson, MC-3S Ben Hogan and Jug McSpaden. Golf raised $600 million in war bonds and it was a respected, MAXI Master Controller patriotic pastime that blossomed greatly. Immediately after the war, Hogan and Nelson were the top golf attractions as they battl­ MASTER II COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEM ed it out in the company of Sam Snead, Lloyd Mangrum, Cary Middlecoff, Frank Stranahan and Ed "Porky" Oliver. Milton: 416-875-4545 1-800-263-4111 The Fifties came quickly and with them came television, a golf­ Toronto: 416-858-2299 Fax: 416-878-4696 ing President Eisenhower and Arnold Palmer. On the horizon was a young man named Jack Nicklaus who was to further the R. R. #4 Milton, Ontario, L9T 2X8 national interest in the game at a time of great social prosperity (Fifth Line, South of Steeles) that favored sports like golf. With this accelerated growth of golf in America came the recognition that scientific research was needed in turfgrass management, particularly in golf green construction. TREAT YOUR GREENS............. AND YOUR BUDGET! Hydraflo Liquid Soil wetting agent. A more efficient and economical method of preventing turf losses and due to excessively wet or dry conditions. NUTREX 'PLUS' 18-0-10 (50% UF) with CHELATED IRON and SULPHUR NUTREX "PLUS" is a careful balance between slow-release Encourages stronger, healthier turf by ensuring nitrogen and fully chelated iron together with sulphur. uniform and quick water movement through the soil. At recommended rates. NUTREX "PLUS" will produce only Economical — superior new technology lets small amounts of controlled growth and yet with its you use less, less often. Full season's treatment requires only 26 ounces. chelated iron and sulphur will maintain. throughout the Reduces leaf wetness and dew related problems. summer. both the colour and the speed of closely sowed Eliminates dry spots and improves drainage greens. A relatively large amount of potash is present of excessive water. in NUTREX "PLUS" to Increase the ability of the grass Improves performance of fertilizers and pesticides. to resist disease while the very low phosphorus levels discourage thatch formation. This is an Ideal summer fertilizer. The balance between the slow-release nitrogen and the chelated Iron insures that even at very low nitrogen application rates sufficient amounts of Iron will be provided to the turf. NUTREX ... the growing edge! ORDER ONE CASE OF HYDRAFLO LIQUID AND WE’LL INCLUDE 20L OF NUTREX ’PLUS' AT NO EXTRA CHARGE. ORDER NOW’! - 'PHONE COLLECT (514) 482-7480 ...................ASK FOR DALE or CHARLIE! DISTRIBUTED IN CANADA BY.................. since 1909 JACK VINCELLI INC. 5803 WESTMINSTER MONTREAL H4W 2J9 (514) 482-7480 suppliers for turf and landscape maintenance and construction GREEN CARE ONTARIO UPDATE by THOM CHARTERS It has been thirteen months since the Ministry of the Environment declared its intention to implement amendments to Regulation 751 of the Pesticide Act. It has been twelve months since representatives of numerous associations first met to discuss the possibility of a com­ bined response. That ad hoc group has since developed into a fourteen member (and still growing) "association of associations." The spirit of co-operation that has developed is most encouraging and bodes well for the future success. Without a doubt, this type of organization has a significant role to play with its member associations, various govern­ ment ministries & public interest groups. Our industry has been collectively complacent about increasing public sympathy for the causes presented by groups such as "Friends of the Earth." We shouldn't be surprised by government action because the environmen­ tal activists have been working diligently for years to nurture a public opinion that demands it. Our silence on the issues has allowed this to occur, in fact, we've made their job rather easy. Well GREEN CARE ONTARIO has, in its infancy, taken the first steps to bringing a voice of reason to the forefront. Our response to the proposed amendments was a respon­ sible one. We endorsed the concept of the "public's right to know" throughout posting. Our formal submission made specific recommendations that enhanced the government's intentions while making it a workable piece of legislation for industry. We were disap­ pointed, to say the least, that our significant effort was all but ignored. This rather dramatically confirms the fact that we have a long way to go. This is not to suggest, however, that our time and expenditures to date have been wasted. We can hold up the contents of our formal submission as a shining example of industry's willingness to ad­ dress the issues. The profile of our industry is being elevated, important contracts are be­ ing made and I am certain that time will prove that we addressed the posting issue more responsibly than government. Big name in golf But where does that leave you come June 2 when you will be expected to post signs that advise your golfers to "KEEP OFF." GREEN CARE ONTARIO is producing two pam­ scoring high in phlets to support you in your personal endeavours. The first is a handout that can be mailed to your golfers or distributed to players from the Pro Shop. It addresses the inevitable top quality turf. question, "What does this sign mean?" Sure, the golf industry is one of the major It will be an envelope sized, one page flyer printed on recycled paper, boasting the Green users of Palmer Turf-type perennial Care emblem. Under a sample of the actual sign will be the following copy. ryegrass. But Palmer goes everywhere. The reason is very simple. Palmer has an The Ontario Ministry of the Environment has amended Regulation 751 of the Pesticide abundance of the characteristics that have Act. It now states that licensed pesticide applicators must post these signs for 48 created the great demand for turf-type hours following a pesticide application and in the case of public areas, for 24 hours perennial ryes. prior to an application. For an explanation about the "KEEP OFF" directive, please • Heat and drought tolerance contact a Ministry of the Environment official at one of the regional offices listed • Fast germination and dense growth on the reverse. • Excellent appearance with rich, dark green colour It must be our position, to comply with the Pesticide Act and to treat the posting matter • Upright growth and improved mowability with utmost seriousness. You should be most cautious when answering questions about • Disease resistance the signs and the matter of safety/risk. We recommend that you do not attempt to inter­ • Good winter hardiness pret the meaning of the sign. You might suggest that the government has made it man­ Whether it’s on golf courses, athletic fields, datory to post the sign, that you are taking the necessary precautions to protect your staff home lawns or well used park areas Palmer and golfers from undue risk and that people with concerns about the implications of the will meet the challenge - in mixtures or for sign should follow the recommendations of the GCO handout. It is likely a good idea to straight seeding - for overseeding or on prepare your staff, the pro shop staff, and other club officials as to the best way to handle new seed beds. inquiries. Copies of this article may do the trick. The second handout will present the benefits of a healthy landscape in a manner that “Talk to the turfseed will be embraceable by the general public. We must emphasize the positive impact that our efforts have on the environment while presenting the facts about the products we specialists." use and the responsible way we use them. We've got a good story to tell, so let's tell it. You will receive notice from your association about these materials and how to order them when they are available. With the involvement of every member of each member association, GREEN CARE ON­ TARIO can effect some influence. We will strive to make in-roads with the legislators, but individuals must make use of the information that will be ultimately, public opinion. Oseco P.O. Box 219 INC. Brampton, Ontario L6V 2L2 Telephone 416-846-5080 Too Many Squirrels at Westmount This past June many of our trees, especially the It was the trapper's opinion that because of our Sugar Maples were damaged by squirrels. The urban location the balances of nature were out of damage was tremendous! Some small trees were wack, (i.e. there was an abundant food supply, stripped completely of their bark and in some probably from bird feeders) and there wasn't cases they were only partially girdled. Even large enough of the squirrels' natural predators to keep mature trees were affected. In the large trees the them in check. When the homeowners stopped damage was restricted to the limb wood. feeding the birds in the spring the large popula­ When the damage was first noticed we had our tion of squirrels began starving and they turned arborist assess the situation and he confirmed that to the sweet sapwood of the trees as a replace­ it was caused by squirrels and that many of the ment for their normal food supply. trees would not survive. He recommended that It was hard to believe how emotional people we consult with a licensed trapper to see how the could be over the trapping of the squirrels. Once problem would best be handled. We immediately we had shown the members examples of the started to trap the animals in an attempt to damage they accepted it as a necessary evil. We reduce the population. We also treated any salvagable trees with a rodenticide to prevent fur­ ther damage. The most advanced self-propelled spray system available... And now you can get the same precision, safety and economy with a new 35 h.p. vehicle, 300 gal.tank and fully loaded floatation of only 12 p.s.i. Gordon Bannerman Limited 41 Kelfield Street, Rexdale, Ontario M9W 5A3 Telephone 416-247-7875 even had the arborist and the trapper write ar­ In all there are probably over one hundred 4-6 ticles for our newsletter. There were many times inch caliper trees that will have to be removed, that squirrels were let out and even traps many more with extensive damage and many of destroyed, but in most cases I feel that this would our large mature trees are going to require exten­ likely have been done by non members walking sive pruning to remove the branches that are go­ the course. The traps that were used were ing to die. "passive traps" and didn't kill the animals. They Hugh Kirkpatrick were removed by the trapper in a humane man­ ner. During the past year the trapper has remov­ ed over two hundred squirrels from the course and we still seem to have plenty around. The trapper had warned us that as the squirrel population was lowered on the course they would likely be replaced by the over-abundant popula­ tion surrounding us. The trapper is also looking into the feasibility of introducing some of the squirrels natural predators to the golf course. Fast In. Fast Out. Fast Forest. We move trees. Yours—or ours. We can supply almost any size and species you require, using our 60", 84“ and our new 94“ tree spades. Large caliper tree moving with maximum success rates. Prompt reliable service: Golf courses, parks and recreation areas, conservation authorities, schools, universities, and residential sites. FAST FOREST INC. 270 Shoemaker Street, Kitchener, Ontario Tel: (519) 748-6610 FAX: (519) 748-6626 Member: Landscape Ontario, Ontario Shade Tree Council, Ontario Parks Association, International Society of Arboriculture SUPERINTENDENTS ON THE MOVE After a relatively quiet 1989 things have picked up and we now have it, the real reason is for better snow conditions for cross country ski­ a column to write again. Most of the action has happened since ing. James A. Wyllie and Assoc. have been awarded the contract for Christmas. Rick Serrao has moved from Ingersoll Golf and CC to maintaining York Downs and former assistant at Board of Trade Al a new course in St. Catharines called Rockway Glen Golf and CC. Schwemler will be the new Superintendent. Rick's happy to be in the construction again. Taking over for Rick at Ingersoll is Dan Lavis formerly from Kleinburg. Yours truly, Rod Trainor, is settling in to his new duties at Hamilton Golf and CC. NEW MEMBERS Taking over from me at St. Thomas is my able assistant Ryan Bruce McDonald Albion Golf Cars & Turf Equip. Class E Beauchamp. St. Georges Golf and CC also has a new superinten­ Michael Patterson Saw-Whet GC Class B dent in John Gall who left Oshawa Golf and CC in the capable hands Ray Patterson Saw-Whet GC Class D of his assistant, Gord Somerville. Another OGSA Director, Bruce Bruce Vollett Foxwood GC Class B Burger has left Galt Country Club to take over the reins at a new Dean Baker Glen Abbey Class B course under construction near Milton. And once again another Geoff Corlett Turf Drain Class E capable assistant, Jordan Lucas takes over from Bruce at Galt. Former Doug Cherry Cherry Downs Class F Superintendent at York Downs Golf and CC, Kimmo Salonen has gone north to another golf course under construction but rumor has C-I-L TURF 22 Spring Street Guelph, Ontario DRAIN N1E 1Z8 INC. (519) 763-3130 PETER BUCKLEY TECHNICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES PROFESSIONAL TURF PRODUCTS GEOFFREY CORLETT CHIPMAN TELEPHONE MARK LUCKHARDT A Business Unit of C-l-L Inc. (416) 1 800 263-2136 DAVID DECORSO 400 JONES ROAD Supervisor, Construction Operations Supervisor, Drainage Systems STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO (705) (519) (613) L8G 3Z1 1 800-263-8353 DRAINAGE • CONSTRUCTION • RENOVATION 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! SPECIALISTS IN TURFGRASS NUTRITION ALMACK Corrie Almack, P.Ag. If it is, so is a part of your ALMACK & ASSOCIATES budget. And in the process, BOX 256, CARLISLE, ONTARIO LOR 1HO 416-689-6174 you may be allowing some­ thing environmentally wrong to continue. Due to uneven sulfur coatings and resulting ALBION a division of c.j. McDonald co. ltd. cracks in thin areas, a significant percentage of GOLF CARS AND TURF EQUIPMENT 29 ADVANCE ROAD TORONTO, ONTARIO M8Z 2S6 what you thought was slow release nitrogen in STEINER TRACTORS . US BATTERIES your greens fertilizer, is in fact releasing quickly, and finding its way out the drainage system. BRUCE McDONALD R&R TURF PRODUCTS Nutrite's SulfurKote® is made using a unique ClubCar (416) 236-1001 MELEX process to create a rounder urea prill with an even sulfur coating. A special cushioning outer layer protects the sulfur coating from abrasion and cracking during transit and application, for a truer slow release percentage, and less down the drain. NUTRITE SulfurKote®SCN ORDINARY SCN HUTCHESON SAND AND MIXES VS. • We are proud to be supplying the Ontario and Quebec Golf Course Industry with: Non calcareous, low PH Hutcheson Silica: Topdressing Sand and Mixes Who else but Nutrite gives you these choices of Construction Sand and Mixes slow release nitrogen sources? Along with Sulfur- High Organic Humus and Spagnum Peat Bunker Sands Kote®, your analysis could include Nutralene®, Nitroform®, Organiform®, IsoButylideneDiUrea, • Our products comply with Milorganite®, Vitorganic®, Industry specifications and have Blood Meal, or Leather Meal. been met with overwhelming Talk to your Nutrite represen­ approval by agronomists, architects tative about the combination and superintendents. that's right for your greens. TRY US! Nutrite Service Desks: 8 West Street South, Box 910 Huntsville, Ontario P0A 1K0 Ontario: 1-519-669-5401 Office: 705-789-4457 Mobile: 705-722-2141 Quebec: 1-514-462-2555 Watts: 1-800-461-5521 Fax: 705-789-1049 Maritimes: 1-418-689-4759 NUTRITE YESTERYEARS Editor’s Note: Perhaps some useful information for today’s modern superintendent. 1935 Stumpp Walter Co.'s GOLF TURF & A Select List of Plant Foods AA Country Club Fertilizer. For Putting-Greens: When the Lime, Hydrated. Slaked Lime in an exceedingly fine pulver­ grass begins to grow in the spring, topdress with Country Club ized state. The quickest results are obtained by the employ­ Fertilizer mixed at the rate of 20 lbs. to a cubic yard of soil ment of this kind of Lime. Use from 1/2 to 2 tons per acre. or compost. This to be followed in two or three weeks with Ton $27.50. Carload lots at $16. per ton. another application using 30 lbs. of the fertilizer mixed with Limestone Pulverized. Slower acting and more permanent in soil or compost. result. Use 1 to 3 tons per acre. Ton $17.50. For Fairways: Apply at the rate of 200 to 300 lbs. per acre Milorganite. An activated sludge. Price on application. as soon as growth starts in the spring and two weeks later make Muriate of Potash. Apply at the same rate as Ammonium an additional application of 300 to 400 lbs. per acre. Grass is Sulphate. Price on application. to be perfectly dry when application is made on both fairways Mushroom Soil. Horse manure and fine loam which together and putting-greens. 100 lbs. $5, ton $65. have produced a crop of mushrooms; equivalent to half-rotted Aluminum Sulphate. Makes soil acid, and for this purpose is compost and highly valuable. One to three tons may be occasionally used in turf culture. Use at the same rate as worked into the top layer of new greens, and from one-half ton Ammonium Sulphate. 25 lbs. $1.75, 50 lbs. $3.25, 100 lbs. $5. up may, with advantage, be screened and given as a topdressing Ammonium Sulphate. Widely recommended nitrogenous to existing greens from time to time. In carlots only, (mini­ stimulant, especially for topdressing putting-greens. Its con­ mum 35 tons). Ton $4. F. O. B. shipping point. tinued employment tends to make soils acid and to discourage Mushroom Soil. Finely Shredded and Screened, ton $15., weeds. May be used as a liquid plant food, dissolving 214 lbs. 5 tons at $12.50 per ton. in 50 gallons of water. When applied dry, always mix with Nitrophoska. Is a complete fertilizer containing 15% Nitrogen, compost. Maximum allowance is 4 lbs. per 1000 square feet, 30% Phosphoric Acid and 15% Potash, all available. Apply and if this is exceeded or if the application is uneven, the grass by mixing 4 to 6 pounds with two bushels of compost and may be scalded. Scalding is often increased by impurities in broadcast on an area of 1000 square feet of green or fairway, sulphate, but the quality we offer is very highly refined, milk- spreading as evenly as possible. Price on application. white in its purity and it is safer to use than ordinary grades of Poultry Manure, Pure Pulverized. Apply it to new areas at Ammonium Sulphate. Price on application. the rate of 1 to 2 tons per acre, or 50 lbs. per 1000 square feet; Ammo-Phos. A clean, dry, granular fertilizer. Stimulates the for feeding existing turf. use 1500 lbs. per acre or 25 lbs. per desirable grasses—the Bents and Fescues. Discourages weeds 1000 square feet. Price on application. and clover. Apply at the rates suggested for Ammonium Sul­ Prepared Peat Moss. Has no plant food value of itself, but is a phate. Exercise great care, for it will burn if applied unevenlv. form of humus which remains unchanged in the soil for many 100 lbs. $5. ton $65. years; there it acts as a sponge, absorbing water during wet Blood, Dried. Adds nitrogen and a small amount of phosphoric weather and yielding it to the plant in dry seasons. Worked in­ acid and lime. Acts quickly. Price on application. to the surface, it furnishes a yielding, carpet-like softness. If a hard, fast green be spike-rolled, or perforated with a hollow- Bone Meal Fertilizer. A widely recommended plant-food, tine fork, and some Prepared Peat Fibre worked into it, the supplying nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and lime to the plants. result is usually a less fast and more pleasing green. Five Promotes a dark, rich growth, but when used to excess it may bales may be mixed with the surface soil when building a start into growth seeds of white clover that may be in the land. new green of average size and from two to three bales may Bone Meal is usually applied to existing fairways at the rate of be spiked and rubbed into an existing green. Bale $3.50. 5 750 lbs. per acre and to greens at 15 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. Two bales $3.25 per bale. 10 bales $3. per bale. or three times this quantity is used when preparing new land for seeding. Price on application. Raw Rock Phosphate. Finely ground, containing 25 to 30 per cent phosphoric acid. 100 lbs. $2, ton $21.50. Castor Pomace. An excellent plant food and one which is claimed by some users to be helpful in discouraging grubs, earth­ Salt Hay. Ideal covering for new seedings in hot weather, or worms and other animal pests. Price on application. for exposed greens over winter. Price on application. Sheep Manure, Pure Pulverized. Use it freely—1 to 3 tons Cattle Manure, Shredded. Use 1 to 2 tons per acre, or 50 lbs. per acre, 200 to 500 lbs. per average green for new work. Top- per 1000 square feet for new work; one half these rates for top­ dress at the rate of 3/4 ton per acre or 35 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. dressing, mixed with compost. Price on application. Price on application. Charcoal. Has no plant food value in itself, but excellent for Soot, Scotch. We import this material from the best sources correcting sour soils or those in which there is too much clay. in North Britain. It supplies nitrogen, stimulates the turf, 50 lbs. per 1000 square feet, worked into new putting-greens, induces a rich, dark color, reduces weeds and repels injurious and topdressings from time to time, at one-quarter this rate, insects, beetles, etc. Apply 75 to 100 Ibs. to an average put­ will be found of great value. Price on application. ting green, mixed with compost or sand, four times a year, twice Cottonseed Meal. Excellent for both greens and fairways, and in spring and twice in autumn. 112 lbs. $6. ton $70. an especially valuable aid to young grass. Used as a topdress­ Super-Phosphate. A very economical and popular source of ing, apply from 1/2 ton to ton per acre, or 20 lbs. to 35 lbs. per 3/4 phosphoric acid. For topdressing, 750 to 1000 lbs. per acre, or 1000 square feet on greens. Price on application. 100 lbs. per average green is the customary allowance. Price on Canada Hardwood Ashes. For new fairways, use 1 1/2 tons per application. acre; for new greens 50 pounds per 1000 square feet; one-half Tobacco Fertilizer. Use at the rate of 10 ozs. per square yard these quantities for topdressing existing turf. Bbl. (about and 3000 lbs. to the acre on existing turf and 16 ozs. to the yard 200 lbs.) $6.. ton $45. and 5000 Ibs. to the acre on new land. 100 lbs. $4.50. 500 Gypsum or Land Plaster. Lime Sulphate. From 3/4 to 2 lbs. $20.00. ton $65. tons per acre may be worked into new fairways; for topdressing Tobacco Stems. Spread two to three bales on the average green use 1/2 ton per acre or 100 lbs. per average putting-green. when plav is over for the season. Bale about 100 lbs. $4.. 100 lbs. $2.50. 500 lbs. $10, ton $35. 5 bales $17.50. 20 bales $50. Humus. Black muck land which has been cultivated, dug, dried Urea. This synthetic nitrogenous compound contains 46% of and screened. May be used on sands, sandy loams, or even on soluble nitrogen. Use it always with extreme care, because, heavy land. In bags. ton $30. In bulk in carload lots like Ammonium Sulphate, it will scald turf when applied un­ (20 tons) $10. per ton f. o. b. New Jersey. evenly or if used during the hottest months of the year. Use Lecco. Use 30 lbs. to an average size green, applied as received, 1/2 ounce to each 10 square feet in area, 125 lbs. per acre, or dis­ not mixed with compost, every two weeks. Use 400 lbs. to the solved in water, l 1/2 lbs. in 50 gallons. Price on application. acre on fairways. 100 lbs. $5. ton $70. Vigoro. A balanced plant food. Price on application. TEN YEARS AGO TODAY by Barry Endicott The Board of Directors of the OGSA in 1980 was as follows: Paul Tournament played at Lake St. George Golf Club in Orillia with White (president), Ken Nelson (Vice president), Doug Hoskins a score of 153. Low super gross was Dan Ardley 78, low supers (secretary), John Smith (treasurer), Stu Mills (past president), Don net was Brent McCaffery 69, and low pro Ben Kern 67. The Ardley, Bob Brewster, Al Draper, Shorty Jenkins, Blake McClumpha Tournament was held at Dalewood Golf Club on McMaster, David Moote and Rusty Warkman. Bob Brewster was September 29 hosted by Dan Ardley. Low gross superintendent editor and Blake McMaster was co-editor of "Green Is Beautiful". was Ken Wright with 74 and low net was Hugh Kirkpatrick 70. There was a March meeting held at Scarboro Golf and Curling A scramble golf day was held at Bayview Golf Club hosted by Club for the Annual Curling Day. Bob Moote's rink beat Bill Jim Wyllie. The winning team was Bob Heron, Shorty Jenkins Bowen's rink and won the R.F.M. Trophy. The business section and Dave Dick with a score of 67. The Christmas Party was held of the meeting, lead by host Dave Moote, involved a salary and at Lambton Golf and Country Club on November 15. benefit discussion with Stuart Mills, Dan Ardley and Gordon Wit- A GCSSA fall seminar was scheduled in Toronto on Landscape teveen also giving us a breakdown of the wages and benefits paid 1 Design Theory for October 29 and 30. Instructors were William to their employees. The first golf meeting was held on May 5 at R. Nelson, University of Illinois and Mr. C. E. McNinch, Direc­ Roseland Golf and Country Club, Windsor, hosted by Bud tor of Independent Study, University of Guelph. The 1981 Hooper. Dr. Vargus paid a post dinner visit speaking on the GCSSA International Turfgrass Conference and Show was held theories about "Maintaining Turf Not Grass". The Galt Field Day on January 25-30 in Anaheim, California. was held on June 12 at Galt with a visit to the U. of G. Turf Plots. The First Annual Turfgrass Research Invitational Golf Tourna­ Dr. Tom Fisher was the guest speaker. Low gross superinten­ ment was held on Friday, August 1st at the National hosted by dent was Bruce Vollett 74, low net super was Whitey Jones 64. Ken Wright with the barbecue being held at the Board of Trade Low assistant gross was Bruce Burger 72 and low guest gross was hosted by Gord Witteveen. The tournament raised $2,800 for Turf­ Rod Hermitage. The President, Greenchairman and Superinten­ grass Research in Ontario. Low gross was Bob Cherry with an dent Tournament was held Friday, July 25 at the Summit Golf 84 and low net was Kimmo Solonen. Club hosted by Doug Hoskins. The team from Richmond Hill Tom Lewis ended a 55 year career when he went into semi- Golf Club of Peter Barnett scored 109 points for first place. Hugh retirement after serving as head greenkeeper at Kawartha Golf Kirkpatrick of Westmount had the low gross round for the day and Country for the past 22 years. Fred Curra was hired to replace shooting 72. Andy Bertoni was guest speaker. On August 12th him. Hugh Moulton of Windsor Park Golf Club was killed in a a meeting was held at Westview, hosted by Keith Nesbit. Low car accident in September. gross scores were Bill Bowen and Hugh Kirkpatrick with 79 and A Regionalization Committee consisting of Dan Ardley, Bob low net winners were Bill Hynd and Niel Acton 70. A discussion Brewster, Blake McMaster and Thom Charters was established started on the rules of golf as Keith was head of the rules of golf to study regionalization. for OGA. Ken Wright and Ben Kern won the Pro-Superintendent Ontario Turf Equipment Co. Ltd. 50 Charterhouse Cr., • London, Ontario N5W 5V5 • Phone (519) 452-3540 Jacobsen Turf Products: A complete line of quality mowing & grooming equipment. Sales • Service • Parts Serving Ontario Since 1975 .JACOBSEN OTEC Meeting all the needs of today’s Turf Professional TURF EQUIPMENT 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 TORO 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 JUNE 7, 1990 OGSA Spring Field Day Victoria Park Golf Club, Guelph, Ontario JUNE 20, 1990 Sport Turf Association, Field Day Kitchener, Ontario JULY 23, 1990 President, Green Chairman, Superintendent Director Day Westmount Golf and Country Club Kitchener, Ontario Ontario Golf Superintendents Association