SUMMER 1991 GREEN An official publication of the Ontario Golf Superintendents Association is beautiful Supers' 10 Deadly Problems OGSA/Border Cities Meeting Contemplating Construction? Believe It Or Not Only Verti-Drain pulls plugs or solid tines to 16 inches deep and saves you water Lots of products claim to do one of these things well but only Verti-Drain can do them all well. It gives you complete versatility to hollow core or solid tine depending on your soil conditions, tested worldwide, Verti-Drain consistently performs well developing healthy-root systems for fine grasses 8 to 10 inches deep, often through the black layer into the deep root zone. And in clay or heavily-compacted soil areas, users see dramatic improve­ ments in drainage. Many also report significant overall water savings because the water is getting deeper into the soil instead of running off or evaporating. In all sorts of applications, Verti-Drain has saved greens, improved fairways, brought back sports fields, restored high- traffic turf areas. All because it promotes root growth like no other machine on the market today. Customers say it works like a pitchfork actually pitching the tines forward, heaving the soil and creating new pockets for air and water without scarring the surface. There’s a full range of solid or hollow tine machines and accessories available from a 6 inch depth walk-behind model up to 16 inch deep models. There’s a model that will fit your needs and budget. So don’t give up if you have compaction or drainage worries. With Verti-Drain you can have the turf you want, believe it or not. The patented Verti-Drain design Turf professionals have reported excellent permits tines to pivot back and results using both hollow-coring tines forth while penetrating as deep as and solid tines with severely compacted 16 inches (coring up to 12 inches) or tough-to-penetrate soils. Often solid into the soil. A lifting-shattering tines are the best way to break through effect occurs similar to the action rock-hard layers. of a pitchfork. The results are improved drainage and deeper, stronger, healthier root systems. No matter what your aeration productivity and depth requirements are, Verti-Drain has a model and the attachments to meet your needs. Call or write today for more details and the name of a dealer near you. G.C. DUKE EQUIPMENT LTD. 1184 Plains Road East Burlington, Ontario Telephone: (416) 637-5216 TO.: (416) 827-7830, Fax: (416) 637-2009 PRESIDENT'S Ontario Golf MESSAGE Superintendents Welcome to another hectic golfing season. It seems like just yesterday I was Association contemplating equipment purchases at the CGSA Conference in Montreal. Spring came and went very quickly. Already in BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 1991 May, Pythium and Dollar Spot have shown up around the province. Many irrigation systems have been pushed into extra duty as well. Summer has definitely arrived PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT PAST PRESIDENT with a vengeance. MARK HAGEN ROD TRAINOR CGCS GORDON NIMMO CGCS Recently I had the opportunity to visit West Haven Golf & C.C. Hamilton Golf and Sarnia Golf & Curling the new CGSA office in Toronto. Our Box 144, Hyde Park Country Club Limited Club profession and our Associations have London, Ontario 232 Golf Links Road 500 Errol Rd. W. taken major steps in the past few years NOM 1Z0 Ancaster, Ontario Sarnia, Ontario that we all can be proud of. The OGSA as Bus. (519) 641-2519 L9G2N5 N7V 1X7 well has made advancements. Details of Res. (519) 471-1188 Bus. (416)648-1441 Bus. (519)336-0667 the new format of the OGSA-University of Fax (416)648-4217 Res. (519) 332-1521 Guelph Annual January Symposium will Res. (519)631-4798 be sent to our members shortly. On a sadder note, the sudden passing of John Bennett of the London Hunt Club, has shocked many of us in the industry. A DIRECTORS long-time member of the OGSA, and a man dedicated to his profession, John will be missed by all his friends. This sad Editor Golf & Meetings Membership occasion brought to mind an old Sandskrit SIMON GEORGE BILL FACH ALEX LA BELLE phrase: Oakville Golf Club Rosedale Golf Club Ltd. Carlton Golf & Yacht Club "Look well to this one day, to 1154 6th Line, Box 129 1901 Mt. Pleasant Road P.O. Box 162, R.R. #3 this one hour, to this one Oakville, Ontario Toronto, Ontario Manotick, Ontario moment, for it and it alone is L6T 4Z5 M4N2W3 K0A2N0 your life. In the brief course of Bus. (416)844-5796 Bus. (416) 485-9742 Bus. (613)692-4054 this one day lie all the varieties Res. (416)659-3160 Res. (416)242-4534 Res. (613)826-3375 and realitiesof your existence; Fax (416)845-0096 the pride of growth, the glory Roster Public Relations & of action and the splendor of Secretary JOHN TAYLOR Communications beauty. Yesterday is but a BRUCE BURGER Twenty Valley G.C. MARK SCHNEIDER dream, tomorrow is only a Lakeview Golf Course 107 Ontario St. Beach Grove Golf & C.C. vision. Yet each day, each 1190 Dixie Road St. Catharines, Ontario 14134 Riverside Dr. E. hour, each moment well and Mississauga, Ontario Bus. (416)562-4333 St. Clair Beach, Ontario fully lived makes every L5E2P4 Res. (416) 682-3516 N8N 1B6 yesterday a dream of Bus. (416)278-1971 Bus. (519) 979-8134 happiness and each Res. (519)621-1138 Director Res. (519) 979-8134 tomorrow a vision of hope. IAN BOWEN Look well therefore to this one Treasurer Res. (416)476-6523 Director hour, to this one moment, for DAVE W. GOURLAY (Jr.) VINCE DERMOTT it and it alone is your life." Eagle Creek Golf Club Markland Woods Golf Club Take that time to enjoy life and admire Ottawa, Ontario 245 Markland Drive what you are doing. I am sure many of your Res. (416)852-9609 Etobicoke, Ontario members look around your course every M9C 1R1 day and enjoy the little things of beauty Office Secretary Bus. (416)625-2062 you have provided them. CINDI CHARTERS Res. (416) 897-7074 Mark Hagen President, OGSA (416)233-8388 MANAGING EDITOR'S A GOLF MESSAGE COURSE,LIKE Welcome to another hot, dry Ontario summer. Is our weather changing? Will we be playing golf another 10 months a year PLATING soon? This spring found most courses in fine ONE,IS MORE shape and the fine weather has been very co-operative to anyone doing any special ATESTOF projects or construction. Our jobs seem to be more demanding all the time, stress is JUDGEMENT always out there to test us: we all have to learn to manage stress in any way we can. THAN POWER. Communication continues to be a leading problem in our industry. We have to always be aware of communication O.G.S.A. skills when dealing with members, staff Bent for CRESTED SHIRTS $35.00 and suppliers. This newsletter is a way of communicating with each other, it is your each otherEmerald INCLUDING ALL TAXES newsletter - take some time, perhaps, to prepare an article that we might all find interesting or controversial. We would like O.G.S.A. to hear from you. Have a great summer JACKET CRESTS Creeping Bentgrass Now you have a real choice $20.00 INCLUDING ALL TAXES Simon George in top quality creeping bent­ Editor grasses — Penncross or CALL THE OFFICE TO ORDER Emerald. And many of the world’s leading golf course (416)233-8388 superintendents are choos­ ing Emerald. Why not? Emerald has every­ thing it takes. And sometimes a little more. Great germina­ tion. Great vigour. Great col­ our. Great texture. Some say it takes less brushing and verticutting, more uniform, holds its colour better, stands up to traffic. This year give Emerald a chance. We’d like to hear what you say. Water treatment plant. “Talk to the turfseed specialists” ontrary to what some people think, golf courses do have positive impacts on water C quality. A golf course is a living, breathing water treatment system. Simultaneously, it filters water, inhibits runoff and recharges groundwater. In fact, golf courses are increasingly used as disposal and treatment sites for unusable wastewater. Golf courses also provide other benefits. They’re a refuge for wildlife and a conservatory for exotic plants. They provide life-giving oxygen and help cool the air. Some even serve as landfill covers, helping to heal the scars left: by mountains of trash. Who’s in charge of keeping these amazing ecosystems in harmony with nature? Today’s golf course superintendents. They’re part troubleshooter, part business manager, part scientist and all P.O Box 219, Brampton,Ontario, L6V 2L2 environmentalist dedicated to makingour world a greener place. WE KEEP GOLF GREEN. Telephone 416-846-5080 Fax 416-846-6909 On Wednesday, June 5th, 1991 the O.G.S.A. Annual Spring Field Day was held at the appropriately named Spring Field Day Springfield Golf & Country Club. The weather was great, the golf at Springfield course was great - too bad my golf game wasn't great. Our thanks go out to our host Ray Duke and his staff and to all the Clubhouse and Pro Shop staff for their efforts. After golf and lunch the large group moved to the university playing fields for an interesting equipment display and demonstration, again thanks to all involved. WINNERS FOR THE DAY 1st Low Gross - Gord Sommerville 2nd Low Gross - Hugh Kirkpatrick 3rd Low Gross - Jerry Richard ASSTS. 1 - Keith Stein 2 - Mark Hinton The Bannerman Trophy was won by Pelino (Sandbagger) Scenna and Mark Piccolo, Burlington Golf & Country Club. BEETON TORONTO Fax 416-729-2751 1 416-364 8466 CANADIAN 416-729-2921 35 YEARS 1956 - 1991 IRRIGATION CONSULTANTS NURSERIES LTD. Quality Bluegrass & Bent Grass JACK AUSTIN Complete Landscaping Service R.R.1, Gormley Ontario LOH 1G0 Tel: (416) 841-7866 Fax: (416) 841-7867 BOX 70, BEETON, ONTARIO LOG 1A0 Annette Anderson Turf Extension Specialist Plant Industry Branch Chipman PETER BUCKLEY - ROB FIELD TECHNICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES PROFESSIONAL TURF PRODUCTS Ministry of Agriculture and Food Hort. Science Dept. University of Guelph CHIPMAN TE LEPHONE A Business Unit of C I L Inc Guelph, Ontario N1G2W1 (416) 1 800 263 2136 400 JONES ROAD Telephone (519) 824-4120, Ext. 2597 STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO (705) (519) (613) L8G 3Z1 1 800 263 8353 3 IN 1 CHIPPER/SHREDDER/GRINDER! Reduce up to 28% of all your refuge by chipping, shredding, or grinding yard and garden waste: Save by: • Reducing refuge • Recycling nutrients • Reducing purchased fertilizer • Reducing purchased soil • Reducing landfill loads treatments • Producing quicker compost • Producing decorative wood chips • Producing soil moisture barrier • Producing weed barrier Bear Cat Chipper/Shredder is A Breed Above The Best! •TWICE THE CHIPPING POWER • LARGE HOPPER SIZE • SICKLE KNIFE SHREDDING •EASY TO USE CLUTCH • BUILT TO LAST LONGER 6 MODELS • CONVENIENT TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE • STABLE 4 POINT STANCE • VARIOUS GRATE SIZES 3,5,8 HP &PTO MODELS The perfect machine for golf course clean-up. Ask for a demonstration today. G.C. DUKE EQUIPMENT LTD. 1184 Plains Road East Burlington, Ontario Telephone: (416)637-5216 Toronto: (416) 827-7830 Fax:(416)637-2009 NOW AVAILABLE IN CANADA! Turf Disease Detection Tells if you have pythium, brown Lab results In your office. In 10 minutes. patch or dollar spot Or if you don’t Before the symptomsappear. Positive Identification despite overlapping symptoms. for INFORMATION or ORDERS 1 800 463 6084 DISTRIBUTED IN CANADA BY JACK VIINCELLI INC. 5803 Westminster, Montréal H4W2J9 (514)482-7480 Putting on the Edge of Disaster This article appeared in the january 1991 issue innovations that have greatly added courses like Muirfield Village and Butler of Golf Digest. It contains some good common speed in recent times: National where the greens were cut too sense information. low. • It's only been in the last 16 years that When old Bill Fownes wanted to check clubs cut greens seven days a week; "Trying to maintain consistently fast the green speed at Oakmont, he would greens means always living on the edge they used to cut every other day, a big walk out to the second hold and carefully of disaster,’’ says Snow. change. drop a ball on the back of the putting • Cutting greens at 3/16ths was surface. If it didn’t roll down the slope, off considered very close and 1/4th of an Some classic, old courses have now the front of the green and into the inch was common until the 1970s; the increased their speeds to the point that fairway, he would tell the grounds crew introduction of thinner bedknives severely undulating greens are to cut and roll the green again. (against which the rotary blades of unputtable. Then members argue the At least that is according to Oakmont mowers cut) allowed greens to be greens have "settled’’ overtimeand now lore. For most of this century, Oakmont scalped below 1 /8th of an inch. need to be rebuilt. Of course, all they has set the standard against which all • Clubs used to top-dress greens once need to do is play the greens at the other top clubs measure their green or twice a year; now they do it lightly speed they were designed for. speeds. Now comes new evidence from every three weeks. architect Pete Dye that green speed in • And until the 1970s, we didn't have Now some courses are starting to post the old days may be wildly exaggerated. verticutters and groomers, new their green speeds on locker-room machinery that takes the excess top bulletin boards. This only encourages Dye has had motion pictures of the 1962 growth off the leaves of grass. idiotic competition among clubs for the U.S. Open at Oakmont studied by fastest greens in town and leads macho mathematical experts. Analyzing the But the real culprit is a yard-long metal golfers to demand higher numbers or time lapse of putts rolling across the rod known as the Stimpmeter, which was the super's job. greens, they have concluded that developed to quantify green speed. Oakmont's speeds back then were When it was introduced in the mid-' 70s, Longtime turf authority Al Radko says "about 8 on the Stimpmeter,’’ what the USGA surveyed more than 1,500 good putting begins at 7 feet 6 inches. today is considered relatively slow. greens in 36 states and found that the And for everyday play, it should not get average roll was 6 feet 6 inches on the above 9. If true, Dye's discovery is important because it might curb the chase for faster Stimpmeter. "It’s crept up over the years until the average is closer to 8 today, and The PGA Tour aims to have its greens at greens, golf’s costly equivalent of the 9 feels slow to some people," says Snow. around 10 feet, and the U.S. Open shoots arms race. "The USGA is trying to raise $ 10 million to find hardier turf,’’ says Dye. for 10 to 11-1/2 feet. Bu those are once- The result has been higher expenses for a-year occasions, with the host club’s "All they’ve got to raise is the mowers, 1/16 of an inch.’’ maintenance of weaker turf that's more maintenance program targeted for susceptible to disease. Several years ago tournament week. But golfers persist in the mistaken belief in the Midwest, dozens of country clubs that faster is better. And just as noticed that their bentgrass greens were SPEED KILLS, we've learned. If not your mistakenly, club members argue that dying of bacteria known as Cl 5 Decline, superintendent, you greens. their greens were faster back in the' 50's while the greens at neighboring daily-fee and '60's. Most agronomists agree that and municipal courses were unaffected. this is not possible, and USGA Green Turf-types began calling it "Rich Man’s Thanhs to RodTrainor, Hamilton Golf & Country Section National Director cites four Disease,’’ because it only hit the wealthy Club, for finding this interesting article. Office: (519) 456-2021 Fax: (519) 456-5002 Car: (416) 541-3389 Fast In. Fast Out. We move trees—yours or ours. Tree spades: 60,84 and 94 inches. JOHN HILL We can supply almost any size and species you require. Call Phil Dickie FAST FOREST INC. 270 Shoemaker Street Kitchener, Ontario N2E 3E1 HILLVIEW FARMS LIMITED highway 59 south, (one mile Tel: (519) 748-6610 SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 401), BOX 1148, WOODSTOCK, ONT. N4S 8P6 FAX: (519)748-6626 OGSA Border Cities Meeting April 29 saw 132 golfers from both sides superintendent, had the course in Low Gross Vendor - Dick Osburn, of the bridge tee it up at the Grosse Ile terrific shape. Our compliments to Ed. Osburn Industries - 81 Golf & Country Club in Detroit, Michigan. We reconvened in the clubhouse after There were 37 Canadians and 95 golf for a short informal prize presen­ Low Net Vendor - Nigel Rennie, Americans present. The weatherman tation. The Yanks beat us this year for the Multitines Ltd. - 68 cooperated with a sunny and mild day. first time in many years for the Team Prize. This prize is awarded to the side This was the first time that we have had The meeting started at 10:00 a.m. with with the best four low gross scores. The this meeting on the U.S. side of the Dr. Bruce Branham of Michigan State aggregate scores were: U.S. Team 320, bridge and it was a great success. We University discussing recent develop­ Canadian Team 322. Well get them next plan on alternating across the border in ments in weed control and several new year! years to come. Next year’s meeting will products on the market. Greg Patchen, be held in the Windsor area. Plan now on MSU Extension Specialist also gave a The other winners were: attending! talk that covered Weed Control in Low Gross Supt. - Carey Mitchelson, C.C. Ornamental. of Detroit - 78 After a sumptuous buffet lunch we Low Net Supt. - Frank Bartlett, Selfridge tackled the links. Ed Hock, our host ANG Golf Course - 67 MARMAC Marmac Limited Turf Equipment Division 8048 Kipling Avenue, Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 2A1 Telephone: (416) 850-5591-2 Fax: (416) 850-5599 The QB-880 from Billy Goal Industries is a revolutionary new blower, engineered to make it the leader in the industry. This 8 HP (Briggs & Stratton engine) blower features a 14-blade fan and a larger diameter housing for increased volume and velocity of air delivery. And the QB-880 is quieter than any other 8 HP blower, thanks to the new fan construction. This construction Now there’s an even more powerful truck loader from Billy Goal Industries — the 11 also decreases the “gyro effect” HP TR-11OO. It’s ideal lor the heavy-duty cleanup ol wet and damp debris, such as typically associated with heavier impellers. It can be used for industrial. freshly-cut grass and wet leaves. Like the other Billy Goal truck loaders, the TR-11OO commercial or residential applications. features a 4-blade steel impeller that pulverizes debris before discharging The QB-880 — it has the power to gel the it into the truck. That means the bulk of the load is reduced, and the job done, and it’s the quietest 8 HP blower hauling capacity is increased. Billy Goal truck loaders are also available you can find. with 5 and 8 HP engines. Come in for a demonstration today! TR-800 (8 H.P.) - $1,799.00 SALE PRICED FROM TR-1100 (11 H.P.) - $1,999.00 $625.00 Pumping stations aren't our sideline, they’re our whole line. We concentrate on one Skilled people provide A Power-filled package. thing and do it very well. knowledgeable service. Product. Installation. Service. At Unlike any other Canadian company, Our staff are committed to ensuring Commercial Pump Service we have we manufacture, install and service you get the product and service you the pumping station you want and the our own pumping stations. We offer deserve. Before and during service you need. the full package because we believe installation, we work with you to the service shouldn’t end after design a system that fits your installation. specifics. And after installation, our specifically trained service Commercial Pump technicians are available for regular Service maintenance checks. Mt. Brydges, Ontario 1-800-265-9786 (519)264-1214 a division of c.j. McDonald co. ltd. 29 ADVANCE ROAD TORONTO, ONTARIO M8Z 2S6 STEINER TRACTORS . US BATTERIES BRUCE MCDONALD Corrie Almack, PAg. R&R TURF PRODUCTS (416) 236-1001 ALMACK Er ASSOCIATES MELEX BOX 256, CARLISLE, ONTARIO LOR 1HO 416-689-6174 22 Spring Street REPART MANUFACTURING LTD. TURF Guelph, Ontario DRAIN N1E 1Z8 Guelph (519) 763-3130 BENCHES, GARBAGE CONTAINERS, MARKERS INC. Ottawa (613) 564-9706 EQUIPMENT & IRRIGATION PARTS RED-MAX DISTRIBUTOR GEOFFREY CORLETT DAVID DECORSO Supervisor, Renovation ROB DAVIS, SALES MANAGER MARK LUCKHARDT JIM SHERIDAN PAGER (416) 378-6584 Supervisor, Drainage Ottawa Region OFFICE (416) 823-2900 1110 WELWYN DRIVE FAX (416) 278-5384 MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO L5J 3J3 DRAINAGE • RENOVATION Contemplating Construction? by Rick. Serrao, Rockway Glen Golf Club With the recent boom in the golf hours per day, six days per week, from Once we had redone the surface industry, more and more of us are April 15 to June 30 in order to correct all contouring of greens into mound getting the opportunity to be involved in the problems resulting from poor environs, we were able to seed and bring golf course construction. This can be an installation. All 6” tees on the initial main these areas on quickly. The same is true exciting and self-fulfilling time, especially line were replaced because no thrust for the trees. Relevelling and shaping had when things progress on schedule and blocking was done. It was here that we to be redone in order to seed and bring go according to plan. The ability to turn began the process of rebuilding a brand on turf. a corn field or densely wooded area into new system. Many joints were replaced a magnificent golf hole brings out the because of poor solvent welds made An additional 10,000 feet of drainage best in us and our abilities. during installation. Also, there were and some half dozen catch basins were numerous sprinkler heads that had to be also installed to handle the run off from Patience and perseverance are a virtue re-installed with new elbows and swing the escarpment. during the construction period, particularly when problems arise. This is joints. This can be the most frustrating As much as most people may think that where the challenge must be met head aspect. In all we replaced or repaired this must have been a nightmare, it was. on, especially when you join the fray in some 100 fittings to get the system However, there are many positives that midstream. Such was the case for me operational. At this time the escarpment have come from this. I don't suggest this upon accepting the position of Turf winds made it clear that our single row as the way all courses should have to Manager at Rockway Glen Golf and fairway system would not permit the come on stream, but the people that Country Club. proper germination on fairways and have worked through this and per­ Many problems have arisen in the past rough, therefore we converted to double severed have become a close knit unit. season due to the lack of qualified row. As the crew had tackled many more You grow up fast and learn the business installers in all phases of the project. Our difficult problems, the challenge to do quickly. biggest and most challenging problem this conversion was met with great was to get the irrigation system (Toro enthusiasm and determination to All of our staff was new to golf course VTII hydraulic) operational. Our complete the task on time and with construction and maintenance. automatic pump station was a godsend minimal set backs. Not only did they Although not all will return this season, during this time. When breaks appeared, complete the conversion ahead of I thank them for their sweat and effort. as they did in great numbers, the station schedule, but they were absolutely They will be missed. did what it was supposed to do. At times flawless in their installation and hook-up. At present we stand ready to open this my crew and I felt that perforated We now have virtually full coverage on Spring and continue to manicure and drainage tile had been installed in place each hole from tree line to tree line. This condition the course for our members. of the PVC class 160 pipe. The irrigation will produce optimum conditions for our crew, which numbered four, worked ten members. In closing, let me say that to enter a construction project with "everything done” and "ready to go” requires proceeding with great care. Be prepared for many pitfalls. Keep your spirits up. I ECONOMICAL POLE FRAME BUILDINGS can’t say that the same fate awaits when FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS . . . construction is done by a golf course construction crew. Whichever method of BUILDING construction (contractors or self), the SYSTEMS best bet is to be there at the start. The mistakes that can headed off and LTD. eliminated will keep delays in opening to a minimum, in this case a good six to nine RURAL & COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS months was lost. Call collect to Jack or Rick Brenzil Again, I thank my assistant, Mike for a FREE ESTIMATE . . . Hoekstra, and all of the staff for all (416) 772-3551 (416) 388-6865 they have done in the construction of Niagara’s newest golf club. Without their Over 30 Years Experience! support my job would have been immeasurably more difficult. Consultants: Private Advice for a Fee While the obligation of government to provide farmers with free technical advice is a topic of some debate, farmers themselves are beginning to pay for the services of private consultants. In eastern Canada and other areas where high levels of crop inputs are commonly used, farm consulting is expected to grow. by Marilyn Crabbe If you are willing to use vets when "farmers want service and today they're This congenial atmosphere developing animals are sick, mechanics for willing to pay for it." Schleihauf believes, between private consultants and equipment repairs, and accountants to too, that farmers who get paid advice do government specialists could be a plus balance the books, then it makes sense a better job. for farmers. Ideas are being passed back to call in the crop experts when fields just and forth and discussions are taking He doesn’t feel threatened by the place about traditional cropping aren’t producing those desired yields. growing number of private consultants practices especially where soil analysis Some are surprised to learn that farmers advising farmers about field crops. "I is involved. are now willing to pay a crop consultant, enjoy working with the consultants," he even when government representatives says. "We all have the same goal - Frustrated with the results they get from are available for free. Apparently some keeping farmers afloat." government soil laboratories, some ag reps are so busy these days with farmers are turning to consultants in Though private consultants admit they hopes of getting more exact readings. financial management that they have sometimes rely on such people as One such farmer is Gerald Spruyt, who little time to walk the fields and answer Schleihauf for information and help, cash crops near Forest, Ontario. He used farmers' cropping questions, some of Schleihauf says he doesn't mind that consultants from 1981 to 1984, and which are detailed and complex. either. "I run into a whole slew of though he had some criticisms, was As Ontario government crop specialist problems myself and I enjoy using the pleased with their advice on soil fertility. John Schleihauf has discovered, consultants as much as they use me." cont'd next page Shemin Nurseries HORTICULTURAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERS Our Standard Is Excellence • We are proud to be supplying SPECIALIZING IN GOLF COURSE the Ontario and Quebec Golf Course Industry with: IRRIGATION Master Turf Distributor Non calcareous, low PH Hutcheson Silica: Topdressing Sand and Mixes Construction Sand and Mixes High Organic Humus and Spagnum Peat Bunker Sands • Our products comply with YOUR IRRIGATION SOURCE Industry specifications and have been met with overwhelming FROM START TO FINISH approval by agronomists, architects ♦ Professional consultation ♦ Product and superintendents. ♦ Design ♦ Service TRY US! 8 West Street South, Box 910 Huntsville, Ontario POA 1K0 Milton: 416-875-4545 1-800-263-4111 Toronto: 416-798-4745 Fax: 416-878-4501 Office: 705-789-4457 Mobile: 705-722-2141 Watts: 1-800-461-5521 Fax: 705-789-1049 R.R. #4, Milton, Ontario L9T 2X8 (Fifth Line, South of Steeles) After walking Spruyt’s fields, the con­ another member for about a year. A adds, however, that there are many sulting firm sent soil samples to a U.S. follow-up session is held about a year things we don't know . . . and I feel laboratory and then prepared detailed later. uncomfortable with some of the recommendations based on the tests. information we have traditionally used." The outcome was that Spruyt started McKell figures he spends about $30,000 to $35,000 annually on lab fees and Harold Vander Glas is an agronomist applying more potash, and subsequent currently has consulting jobs involving with the farm consulting department of crop yields have tended to support this about 10,000 acres. He charges $6-$7 Canadian Agra Inc. Vander Glas says that move. He no longer uses the consultants. per acre for cash crops and $25 per acre besides working with soil fertility, Though the firm initailly provided lots of for tobacco land because getting a consultants can help eliminate "gaps in service, after a few years the visits proper nutrition balance on sandy soils information transfer." As most farmers weren't as frequent and he felt can be more difficult. will agree, just keeping up with the latest competent to continue on his own again. research and technology discoveries can Pat Lynch, formerly a provincial crop Taralan Corporation is another be a full-time job. Vander Glas suggests specialist, is now a farm consultant with consulting firm that started in the U.S., consultants are more able to sift through Cyanamid. Lynch uses 3 labs when he but began doing business in Canada reports and pull out information their takes soil samples because "there are about 10 years ago. Its fees range from farm clients can use. errors ... we do a lot of duplicate $6 to $11 for cash crops, depending on Along with their soil work, some sampling." Lynch also notes that taking what services each client wants, and $25 consulting firms also regularly scout soil samples can be complicated; you for horticultural crops. Taralan likes to fields to monitor insects and diseases. have to be sure to get the proper depth sign up clients for 3 years because the Taralan's vice president King predicts and have a good variety of soils from the company believes one year is too little to that as biotechnology developments farm. spot trends or demonstrate the effects of move from the experimental labs to the Proper soil sampling does take time and its consultants' recommendations. farm, farmers may find consultants know-how, so it's reasonable that some MacAllum King, vice president of the helpful in putting the new practices to farmers are deciding to let experts do it company's technical services, explains use. As King notes, "Top farmers are while they use their skills elsewhere. that Taralan uses a total of 25 factors expressing a need for good, objective when recommending fertilizer require­ information which will give them sound Not only are the consultants trying to profits." improve the quality of soil samples, but ments. Soil samples are sent to A&L labs they also spend time talking about the in Fort Wayne, Indiana. When the report importance of balancing soil nutrients. comes back, Taralan personnel sit down with the results and use the 2 5 guidelines Keith McKell of London, Ontario, to establish a proper nutrit­ operates his own consulting business, ional balance. Soil Smith Ltd. Recently one farmer hired McKell to help convert 100 acres of The goal is to reduce a corn to alfalfa. farmer's production costs Fine-tuned Fertility pertonneand, as King says, McKell first mapped out the fields and the way to do that is usually then took detailed soil samples for to improve yields. "Before analysis. Based on the results, he tailored you talk markets, you have to potash and lime applications to the talk soil and crops.'' King also specific requirements of the various soil types. One treatment was limited to just likes to quote U.S. studies that show a farmer can make AQUAMASTER 8 acres. Most farmers, he notes, would more money from raising have gone in and broadcast a single corn yields by 10 bushels ONE STOP SHOP FOR GOLF treatment over the entire 100 acres. Not per acre than by getting 10₵ IRRIGATION SUPPLIES only did the client in this case save more per bushel. fertilizer dollars, but he invested money where it would do most good and, as a Though some may question the need to know about and result, should get a better yield response. McKell is a member of the Brookside use the more specialized aspects of soil chemistry, Ontario crop specialist Hunter IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT Farms Laboratory Association Inc., Schleihauf says, "the worst which is located in the U.S. The mistake you can make in association consists of professional farming is to have a closed HEAD OFFICE LONDON BRANCH consultants who, besides relying on the 1 Guardsman Road 1200 Wonderland Rd. S, mind." Thornhill, Ontario Bldg. 2, Unit 10, Brookside lab for analysis, hold information seminars and provide a Schleihauf admits he L3T 6L2 London, Ontario N6L 1A8 416-881-4794 519-652-0327 training course for new members. When wonders about some of the Fax 416-881-7922 Fax 519-652-0327 someone joins the Brookside recommendations private 1-800-268-6826 association, he or she works with consultants are making. He More Mileage where corn plants during the early samples. The samples were sent off to a summer were pale yellow instead of a U.S. lab which provides detailed From Lab Reports healthy green. He suspected a soil analyses for its members who are Growing continuous corn for over 30 nutrient problem, but was unable to professional consultants. A fairly years requires careful soil management. confirm that from the results of soil tests complex nutritional deficiency problem No one is more aware of that than cash performed at the Ontario ag. ministry 's was identified. Following Almack's cropper Doug Miller. Though he's been labs in Guelph. It was time, he decided, advice, Miller is working on a solution. able to maintain yield averages at to get help from a specialist who knew around 105 bushels per acre, he would how to interpret lab data. Miller plans to wait a few years before like to push for more. making a precise cost/benefit assess­ After a few tries, he found someone he ment of the advice he gets from his Many would tell Miller if he wants higher was comfortable with - agrologist Corrie consultant. Meantime, he's not corn yields, he should rotate into Almack of Carlisle, Ontario. concerned that he might be wasting his another crop such as soybeans. That Miller likes Almack because "he doesn't money. "All I need is an extra 2 or 3 suggestion doesn't appeal to Miller have any fancy service and he's down-to- bushels per acre," he points out, "and because he would have to invest in more earth.'' Besides the favorable working I've covered his fee." machinery and, besides, "you can t make any more money with soybeans.'' relationship, Miller is pleased with He farms about 700 acres, all corn, near Almack's advice. Lynden, Ontario. In 1984 Almack spent one full day Along with wanting to push his yield walking the 100 acres where most of the average up, Miller also became con­ pale corn was growing. He mapped out cerned about some of his sandy soils the fields and took a variety of soil Little things do count... Ultimately, they add up to a big Like: We use only plated rust retardant bolts. thing. A little thing, yes. But bolts hold the Call us today Each pump in a Carroll Childers pre­ whole station together - and ours will for more information fabricated pump station discharges last longer. separately and independently into the These little things that no one else but For instance, take prefabricated pump surge control tank. Carroll Childers Co. do add up to a big stations for golf course irrigation. All We design the shut-off valve between thing - MONEY! pump stations are alike, aren’t they? They pumps and surge tanks so maintenance or When we build it better, your invest­ take water from a source and pump it to replacement is easier and quicker. ment lasts longer. And, you spend less an irrigation system. Right? We build our station controls - we time and money on maintenance. Before don’t buy them. And we build them you choose a prefabricated pump station, Well, little things do count. better. We use Allen Bradley moisture- check out all the things that contribute to Though other prefabricated pump proof electric cabinets. They cost more, a quality pump station. Then, check out stations may look like a Carroll Childers but they’ll last longer and provide better Carroll Childers Co. - because they do their best to copy service. Carroll Childers Co. built the first pre­ Carroll Childers - we build our pump We fabricate our motor mounting fabricated pump station 25 years ago with 54 Hernshaw Crescent stations to last longer, to operate longer, plates 5/8" thick. More than others to simplicity, innovation and long-lasting Toronto, Ontario M9C 3M4 with lower maintenance. And we do it by minimize vibration and deflection - so quality in mind. We still build them that Telephone: (416) 621-1414 adding up the little things that count. they’ll wear longer. way today. Supers’ 10 Deadly Problems by Peter Blais Inability to communicate is the major sin Just three of the top 10 sins were "The philosophy behind the Stimp­ committed by those involved in golf agronomic. Of the remaining seven, meter is sound. But we all know we all got course maintenance, according to some are within the superintendent's a little crazy trying to deliver 10-1/2" or United States Golf Association control and others are not. 11-foot green speeds because of the agronomists. Following are the Top 10 Sins with the perception that all courses had to be like number of votes each received in those we saw on television. I can tell you Agronomist James Connolly of parentheses. that we (USGA) are more interested in Willimantic, Conn., gave a talk entitled environmental issues and maintaining The Top 10 Sins of Golf Course 1. Communications and public healthy turfgrass than maintaining fast Maintenance during the recent Maine relations (10). "Poor communications is green speeds." Golf turfgrass Conference and Show in probably the No. I fault in every Portland. industry," Connolly said. With environmental issues and the problems of maintaining healthy The Top 10 list resulted from a survey of For the superintendent it involves daily turfgrass looming, "That means only one USGA agronomists conducted last year communication with staff, newsletters, thing, higher cutting heights," Connolly at the request of a group of golf course playing golf with members, personal said. owners. Twelve of the 14 USGA Green image, keeping informed on issues, Section agronomists responded. handling the media and attending The Stimpmeter was invented to check meetings. green speeds and keep them consistent It also involves communication by throughout a course, the USGA others, for instance club officials who agronomist said. The USGA 10 Worst Maintenance Problems may have trouble communicating their recommends it be used only by the wishes to the superintendent. superintendent. Green chairmen shouldn't be allowed to use one without "You have to listen," Connolly said. "Too the superintendent’s supervision, he often, we're thinking about what we're said. going to ask next rather than listening to the other person." When the Stimpmeter was first invented in 1976, the fastest green speeds were 2. Overwatering (9). Overwatering can 7-1/2 feet, with an average range of 6 to result from a poor irrigation system, 7-1/2. Competition among courses and insufficient drainage, lack of knowledge, conditions at major tournament sites outdated equipment and pressure have fueled the engine for faster green problems. speeds. The 10 worst problems are listed according to the times they Compaction, impeded root growth, were mentioned by 12 of the agronomists with the United States moss and algae, oxygen reductions, New equipment allows cutting heights of Golf Association Green Section. Communications was listed disease erosion, maintenance changes, l/8" and lower for faster green speeds. the most times - 10 - and labor and equipment the least - 4. lost revenue, green speed and course Lower fertilizer rates also lend added zip closures are among the problems that to putts. can result. Cutting heights are coming back up to Architectural comments were elimin­ "When you pump and have the diesel 5/32 and even 3/l6ofaninch, Connolly ated from the survey. But Connolly engine fired up, you want to put out as said. USGA agronomists don’t conceded architectural shortcomings - much water as you can. So I can recommend mowing heights below 5/16 both outright architectural errors and understand some of the problems in the of an inch. outdated features like too-small greens past, but not today," said Connolly, "Here's my recommendation. We or tees - were among the major adding that new systems help eliminate change to metric and just confuse the problems superintendents face daily. the water-while-you-can philosophy. hell out of everyone," Connolly cracked. Architectural errors would haved ranked 3. Fast green speeds (8). "Some of you somewhere in the middle if they had 4. Pesticide use (7). A regional immediately think USGA, USGA, been included. response. Eastern agronomists didn't Stimpmeter," Connolly said. "You're see it as a problem. Westerners and The responses were regional. Western right. The USGA did promote use of the Midwesterners did. agronomists sometimes saw problems Stimpmeter. Whether or not it was used where their Eastern counterparts said properly depended on whose hands it "That's a great example of how none existed, and vice-versa. fell into. superintendents on the East Coast are more aware of the pesticide issue,” club officials told him to just wait until we 9. Labor (4). Labor problems included Connolly said. "They take more get caught and then we'll do something. too little help, lack of quality workers and precautions when applying pesticides "The mentality is just ridiculous. If you management decisions to spend money and are more educated in the don’t do something you could be facing elsewhere, even when the money for application of these products.” a stiff fine, and besides, it’s just good labor was available. Misidentifying a disease and then stewardship.” "A couple of years ago in the New York- applying pesticides on a panic basis was 7. Tree management (5). "Not cutting New Jersey area you just couldn’t get one of the concerns mentioned. Also down enough trees is one of my main labor. First, we weren't offering enough listed were haphazard and broad­ complaints,” Connolly said. money, and second, you couldn't find spectrum application without regard for Proper thinning, air movement and people who wanted to work on the golf integrated pest management as well as keeping roots from competing with the course,” Connolly remembered. over-managing with too much product turfgrass for space, nutrients and water to achieve superior conditions. 10. Equipment (4). This is frequently were also noted. out of the superintendent's control. "I know several guys who left their jobs All five tree management votes came Some said they saw courses without because they disagreed when applying from Eastern agronomists. It wasn’t enough equipment. At others the pesticides at seven-day intervals listed at all by those in the Midwest or equipment was outdated. Still others regardless of what was out there. I West. had insufficient capital budgets for new commend those superintendents for "They don't have as many (trees), I equipment and lack of knowledge taking a stand like that. And they've gone guess,” Connolly said. "Although in the regarding the use or availability of new on to other excellent jobs,” Connolly Northwest I know they have a equipment. said. tremendous amount.” "Of all the industries out there, golf 5. Continuity of club officials (6). This Trees left in the wrong place, memorial course maintenance has to have some of included everything from being ignorant trees planted here and there and trees the most innovative people for making of maintenance techniques to being a located in the middle of a fairway do with what they have. Some of these constant headache. affecting maintenance and playability guys take the junkiest piece of "I know of a course where an official were also mentioned. equipment and make it work. It's a visited the superintendent every 8. Amount of play (5). This primarily compliment to the industry,” Connolly morning at 6 a.m. He would even come involved too much play. Tee times from said. to the superintendent's house and sit dawn to dusk simply leaves too little time there while his family was eating dinner,'' for maintenance, Connolly said. Sins coming up just short of the vote Connolly said. needed to to make the Top 10 list Other complaints included play included superintendents not spending He recommended officials spend at beginning too early in the day, enough time on activities other than least three straight years on the board. continuing during inclement weather or course maintenace; inability to read soil Three years can be a long time with a lasting too late into the season. Holding tests; poor record keeping; inappropri­ difficult board member, the agronomist too many outings for the course to ately timed maintenance; and taking conceded. But perhaps he or she can be handle was another concern. advice from the wrong people. educated. "It's an advantage in the long run to have UPCOMING EVENTS people involved with what you're doing for more than one season. It's chaotic August 9 - Blue Jay Game, Jays vs Boston and self-destructive to have a quick changeover in these people,” he said. August 12 - O.T.R.E Only one agronomist said all club Fundraising Tournament, Woodbridge departments should be controlled by a August 22 - C.T.I. Research Day, Cambridge general manager. September 30 - Taylor Barnes Trophy, Whirlpool C.C. "There are very few qualified general managers who know your business and view their job as the monitoring of expenses. There are some clubs where the general manager is excellent. The Country Club of Brookline (Mass.) is an excellent example,” Connolly said. 6. Pesticide storage and maintenance building (5). " Improper storage facilities Over 90 Years of Growing Service are a big problem,” Connolly said. "I've visited courses that have had pesticides Everett Nieuwkoop stored in a wooden building by a stream. 330 Phillip St, P.O. Box 144, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2J 3Z9 I said to the superintendent, you've got Telephone (519) 886-0557 Fax: (519) 886-0605 to do something about this.’ He told me Most Revolutions Start Underground. ...a technological breakthrough from Toro...designed to be used anytime, anyplace to relieve turf stress (and yours!) The HydroJect 3000 Aerator A revolutionary turf cultivation tool that deeply aerates compacted soils without causing surface disturbance using high velocity water. TURF CARE 200 PONY DR.NEWMARKET,ONTARIO L3Y7B6 * PHONE (416) 836-0988 * FAX (416) 836-6442