SPRING 93 Green is Beautiful An Official Publicaiton of the Ontario Golf Superintendents Association Spring Recovery The Rating Gam20YearsAegoT day It’s a Sure Bet The World’s Top Courses Aren’t Cutting with a National Mower Because It’s Pretty! National 84" Triplexes are “reel” pros in the golf course maintenance field. They cut a lot more grass for a lot less money than most machines on the market. The phrases HIGH PRODUCTION, LOW MAINTENANCE, AND LOW ORIGINAL COST describe National 84" Triplexes to a “tee” and explain why they are dubbed the “reel” pros by the golf course industry. 1184 PLAINS ROAD EAST TORONTO: (416) 827-7830 BURLINGTON, ONTARIO BURLINGTON: (416) 637-5216 L7S1W6 FAX: (416)637-2009 DUKE EQUIPMENT LTD. Green Is Beautiful An Official Publication of the Ontario Golf Superintendents Association President’s Message With the continued, support of the entire FEATURES membership and with great determination Spring recovery...................... 4 from the Board of Directors, the OGSA is Take stock of winter damage and plan the steps to recovery. embarking on the next step of its journey in the continuation of the leadership role it Wash Rack Blues.................. 8 plays throughout the turfgrass industry in The wash rack area of your course Ontario. As with all new golf seasons, we as Golf Course could be a potential time bomb. Superintendents have a renewed revitalization as we anticipate the challenges of the year. This year the OGSA will experience the same Guelph Symposium...............7 sense of excitement. If you weren't there, you should have, been. One of the most visible changes will be the office move to the new New Course Ratings........... 10 Getting started in the ratings game. Guelph Turfgrass Institute in Guelph. We are presently negotiating leases with the Ministry of Government Services, University of Guelph Students & OGSA............... 11 and the GTI. As we deal with all these formalities, we anticipate the Fitting students into the new season. actual move sometime during the month of April. The Board has been busy this winter discussing new ideas and improvements for the Golf Leasing......................... 13 1993 year. Significant changes have been proposed and adopted Leasing makes budgeting sense and which includes both our roster and trade publication Green is reduces equipment maintenance costs. Beautiful. Our financial position remains quite strong as the “Ontario Turfgrass Symposium” continues to attract record numbers. This symposium has quickly gained a very professional image and DEPARTMENTS generates a great deal of respect throughout the turf industry in President’s Message............... Ontario. From The Editor........................ In reflecting the professional image of the Golf Course Superintendent Bulletin Board............................ we will be obtaining an appropriate OGSA booth for all future trade Gardener’s Corner................... shows that we participate in. The Golf and Meetings of this year will Product Update.......................... allow for informal discussions by members to facilitate exchanges of ideas and create a greater sense of camaraderie among both new and Association News..................... current members. The current Association’s By-laws must be reviewed and amendments will be forwarded to the annual meeting for your approval. At this time, I would like to thank all past Directors of the OGSA for their past dedication and continued support as they have truly built the foundation for the OGSA from which we can continue to build on. Our Cover With the look of winter still with us, we dream of what this picture will be like when the snow quickly dissipates in the spring. Spring Recovery by Pam Charbonneau. OMAF Turf Extension Specialist Spring is just around the corner. Chances are, by now, the snow is gone from your golf course. The most important tasks now are to determine what type of damage the course has experienced, how exten­ sive the damage is and what steps need to be taken for a speedy recov­ ery. Types of Winter Injury Winter injury can be categorized into three broad categories: direct low temperature kill, desiccation and winter diseases. Direct low temperature kill results Typical winter injury to a green. when water inside the plant cell freezes. The ice crystals which are turf in Ontario, namely pink and extent of turf damage without a formed pierce the cell walls. The grey snow mould. Pink snow mould close look at the turfgrass plants. degree of low temperature injury is develops under snow cover in about An excellent way of doing this is to more severe in areas of poor 20 to 14 days. Under prolonged take plugs from areas which are drainage where standing water snow cover of more than 90 days most likely to have experienced occurs. This is especially true in the turf can be killed by this desease. damage. These plugs can be placed late winter and early spring. Grey snow mould requires more in a plastic bag and brought indoors than 90 days of snow cover to to a warm sunny room. A green­ The second cause is desiccation become a problem. Grey snow house is ideal for this, but a window which results from soil drought or mould can be distinguished from ledge or a warm spot with artificial atmospheric desiccation. Atmos­ pink snow mould by the presence of light may also be used. If there is 60 pheric desiccation occurs when sclerotia (brown fruiting bodies) in to 70% green growth after a period there is adequate soil moisture, but amongst the blighted leaves. of one week, then renovation is for some reason the turf plant is Preventative fungicide treatments probably not necessary. However, if unable to use it. Desiccation is are applied in late fall before snow less than 50% of the plug greens up more common in low rainfall areas fall to protect turf from these dis­ then renovation is needed. during winters with little or no snow eases. cover. Keeping track of the type of damage Assessing Damage as well as the extent of winter dam­ There are two important winter dis­ age is a very important manage­ eases which cause winter damage to It is often difficult to assess the ment tool for the golf course super- intendent. A survey in the spring of II. Greens 6. Try to keep traffic off the injured each year may give you an idea of areas until they have recovered. patterns of winter damage (Figure 1. Verticut in 4 - 5 directions and 7. Fertilize once seedlings are well 1). Some winter injury may be the remove debris. established. result of management practices, for 2. Overseed with creeping bent- The key to a quick spring recovery example: badly timed fall fertiliza­ grass at a rate of 1.5 to 2 of winter damaged areas lies in tion; fall aeration; potassium defi­ lbs./1000 sq. ft. Seed may be assessing the damage by taking ciency; close mowing height or broadcast or slit seeded in two turf samples indoors and determin­ excessive thatch. Poorly drained directions. ing the degree of damage. Then areas often sustain winter injury 3. Topdress lightly at a rate of .3 - steps can be taken to plan the ren­ annually and the situation can only .5 cu. yd./1000 sq. ft. ovations as soon as the appropriate be remedied by rebuilding the green. 4. The top dressing and seed conditions prevail outside. should be matted-in for the best Provided that a speedy assessment Renovation results. is made and appropriate action is 5. The overseeded area should be taken, the turf can quickly recover If the winter damage is only superfi­ irrigated frequently to keep the to a playable condition. cial, which is often the case with seed bed moist. winter diseases, all that is required is removal of the dead debris by a light Figure 1 : A Typical Winter Injury Survey dethatching or raking, followed by an application of fertilizer to stimu­ Green Number late new growth. If, however, the winter damage on your course is Age of Green such that renovation is required the following steps would be taken for Primary Species of Grass fairways and greens. % Kill I. Fairways Drainage Problems 1. The areas should be verticut in 4 Disease - 5 directions and debris removed in order to maximize Thatch the seed to soil contact. 2. Overseed in two directions with Fall Aeration or Verticutting perennial ryegrass at a rate of 6 - 8 lbs./1000 sq. ft. Fall Fertilizer Bulletin Board |‘The Gardener’s Corner' John Wilson As gardener at Credit Valley Golf and Country Club, I look forward with great anticipation to spring. The planning began last summer by taking pictures of the flower beds and planters surrounding the club house and extending onto the fairways, greens and walkways. By analyzing the results of last spring’s planting, I look at the overall effect of colour design and suitability of flowers and decide where and how improvements may be made. Consideration must be given to the location of flower beds, hanging baskets and planters. As well, the availability of light, water and soil conditions must be taken into account. Perennials and decorative grasses are being added on a limited basis to add variety and texture to the overall After the initial drafting of design, it is time to bring out the design. seed catalogue and make the critical decision. Seed starter mix, appropriate containers, fertilizer, rooting hormone, By the end of March, seedlings have been transplanted into damp off, etc. are added to the shopping list. 4 packs and fertilized. If at this point you have any spare time, hanging baskets may be prepared, tools and equip­ At last the time has come to restart the cycle. Begonia ment organized and a schedule established for outdoor seeds are planted in January. They include varieties such work. as the ‘Memory’ and ‘None Stop’ series and others suitable for baskets, etc. Geranium cuttings are planted around the It is my objective after months of planning and planting to end of January and other annuals such as ‘Impatiens’, present an environment of colour and design to our ‘Dusty Miller’, ‘Verbena’, ‘Ageratum’, etc., will be planted Members and Guests that will leave them with a sense of according to required blooming time. nature at its best. PUMPING SYSTEMS The Ultimate In Golf Pumping Station Manufacturing • Vertical turbine system The Pressure is on... • • Variable speed drive pumping system Underground centrifugal pumping package With over 150 Golf pumping stations • Custom built pumping unit in Canada, GPM is the leader in golf course irrigation pumping systems In Ontario contact: TURF CARE 200 Pony Drive Newmarket, Ontario L3V 7B6 Tel: (416) 836-0988 Fax: (416) 836-0995 Wash Rack Blues by Larry W. Gilhuly Director, Western Region, USGA Green Section Drip, drip, drip. You have heard it thousands of times, at thou­ where mowers are cleaned and sprayers are washed represents sands of locations. With the possible exception of the air we one of the greatest potentials for nutrient and chemical escape breathe, no other compound in the world is more necessary or into nearby streams or water sources. valuable than water. Its components provide the very lifeblood to virtually all living creatures. To golf courses, it is the single For a moment, consider the conditions of the wash area. Rarely most important part of a successful operation. It also represents is there turf to capture fertilizer washed from spreaders. There is the greatest hazard! no thatch to immobilize residues from sprayers. Often there is nothing to catch the clippings washed from mowers. In short, if The greatest what? How can such an important aspect of a golf you currently have a wash area that allows water to flow freely course be a hazard? It can if you are not paying attention to a into a waterway or simply “disappear” into the soil, you are fac­ potential time bomb of environmental concern - the wash rack ing a potential problem. With this situation in mind, consider area. the following types of wash areas. The Problem Lost and Forgotten During the past several years, the USQA has committed consid­ Unfortunately, this type of wash area is among the most com­ erable funding to answer questions concerning golf courses and mon. They usually are characterized by the lack of a permanent the environment. Do the pesticides we use pose a real threat? surface, with water and residues entering a stream, forest, lake, Are nitrates from golf courses entering potable water sources or the soil. These wash areas must not be forgotten. They must and causing problems? While answers will be derived from this be eliminated and lost! For those who possess this type of wash fundamental research, the one area that has received far less area, steps should be taken to improve the situation. These attention is the maintenance facility. More specifically, the area could include: MORE GOLF COURSES ARE CHOOSING HUNTER More golf courses are choosing Hunter sprinklers, valves and controllers for reliable performance and advanced technology. Hunter is known as the innovator in low-pressure, low-precipitation irrigation an approach that conserves water and energy, and often saves money Directing the Hunter system is a revolutionary new controller, the ETC. It calculates and schedules the precise daily water needs of up to 24 stations, based on evapotranspiration rates. Hunter has an irrigation product for every golf course need. Authorized Hunter Golf Distributor Aquamaster Irrigation Products Ltd. 1 Guardsman Road Thornhill, Ontario L3T 6L2 AQUAMASTER (416) 881-4794 ■ (800) 268-6826 Fax: (416) 881-7922 Hunter The Irrigation Innovators 1940 Diamond St. □ San Marcos, CA 92069 □ 619 / 744-5240 □ FAX: 619 / 744-7461 • Establishing multiple-on-course wash sites. Nearly every golf 4. Access to a sewer. Even if a sewer is not available, careful course has several areas that can withstand the washing of cleaning of spray equipment, capturing clippings, and filter­ mowers and spreaders for approximately one week. These sites ing petroleum products will minimize potential problems. can be assigned on a rotational basis to minimize accululation of clippings. The Future There is a very high probability your golf course has one of the • Minimizing sprayer cleaning. The old practice of dumping the previously mentioned types of wash racks or a variation. In one remains of a spray tank should long ago have gone the way of form or another, all have the potential to directly impact water the dinosaur. Many golf courses now rinse their spray tanks with resources. So what can be done to address this situation? Easy water and apply the diluted material back onto the best filter - don’t let any of the water escape from the wash area. available turfgrass. To expedite this operation, the use of a sin­ gle, high-volume nozzle can empty a 150-gallon sprayer in a As with other facets of the golf industry, manufacturers have matter of minutes. The tank then can be rinsed with a neutraliz­ heard the call of environmental awareness. Prefabricated units ing agent at the wash area. Obviously, this does not apply to are becoming available that can capture all of the water for certain herbicides that can cause damage to the turf. reuse. The advantages of these systems include: The Honey Pot • No movement of water from the site. Ah, the sweet aroma of accumulated clippings that are cleaned • Complete capture of all petroleum products by an oil/water from the wash area after one or two weeks of 90°F tempera­ separator. tures. The smell can best be described as ripe! This type of • Complete capture of other fertilizer residues and chemicals. wash area usually has a permanent base of asphalt or concrete that directs all water, clippings, and residues to a catch basin. In • Reduction of water use. some cases, they drain into a leach field, but often the end result • Improved cleaning by the use of a pressure washer. is water movement into waterways or into the soil. Fortunately, • Improved efficiency for the mechanic, chemical applicators, various types of screens and baskets are used to capture clip­ and mower operators. pings for disposal or composting. • A reduction of unpleasant odours. This wash area is preferred to the previous type; however, it also • Total spill containment by combining a pesticide storage is usually associated with chemical residues flowing with the building and petroleum waste building. This represents the water. Minimizing potential problems with this type of wash area ultimate in minimizing or completely eliminating the escape includes establishing on-course cleaning sites and a spray tank of chemical residues from the maintenance facility. cleaning program with rinsates sprayed on turfgrass areas. What does the future hold for wash areas? Don’t be surprised if this becomes the next area of regulation. To avoid a situation of The Newer Sewer being forced to comply, consider the following steps now: The previously mentioned wash racks comprise the great major­ ity of those found on most golf courses. Both are inherently 1. Educate those responsible for funding. flawed due to their limited ability to capture various chemicals or nutrients derived from mowers, spreaders, sprayers and 2. At the very least, install a wash pad with a catch basin or petroleum products. Both can be significantly improved if there series of basins to collect clippings. is access to a sewer or if a more refined method of filtration is added. 3. Use areas on the golf course to maximize turfgrasses as an effective filter. Some golf courses are linking into sewer outlets with simple, yet effective, filtering systems. This type of wash area is comprised 4. If possible, install various filters to minimize the outflow of of four important components. petroleum products and pesticides. 1. A targe concrete apron to collect all water, clippings, and 5. Seriously consider a self-contained system to greatly reduce residues from chemicals and petroleum products. the potential fora problem. 2. A catch basin or series of basins to capture all clippings. It is true that water can be hazardous, but you can control These are cleaned on a weekly basis. what happens at one of the worst outflow areas on the golf course. Don’t you be caught singing the “Wash Rack Blues”. 3. An oil/water separator. The removal of petroleum products is another area that should be addressed. These can be eas­ ily installed and the filters replaced on a regular basis. OGSA Board of Directors for 1993 President Treasurer Golf and Meetings David W. Gourlay - Eagle Creek GC John Taylor - Twenty Valley GC John Taylor - Twenty Valley GC P.O. Box 931, Dunrobin, Ont. K0A 1T0 R.R.#1, Vineland, Ont. L0R 2C0 R.R.#1, Vineland, Ont. L0R 2C0 (613) 832-0477 (416) 562-4333 (416) 562-4333 Fax #: (613) 832-0476 Newsletter Editor Ken Nelson - Sutton Creek GC Vice-President Doug Suter - Credit Valley GC R.R.#2, Essex, Ont. N8M 2X3 Bruce Burger - Lakeview GC 2500 Old Carriage Rd., Mississauga, Ont. L5C 1Y7 (519) 726-6900 1190 Dixie Rd., Mississauga, Ont. L5E 2P4 (416) 275-1594 Fax #: (416) 275-6201 (416) 278-1971 Ian Bowen - Oshawa GC Fax #: (416)615-3098 Newsletter Box 36, Oshawa, Ont. L1H 7K8 Simon George - Oakville GC (416) 725-9511 Past-President P.O. Box 129, Oakville, Ont. L6T 4S5 Rhod Trainor - Hamilton GC (416) 844-5796 David Schemelefske - Merry Hill GC 232 Golf Links Rd., Hamilton, Ont. L9G 2N5 Fax #: (416) 845-0096 R.R.#1, Breslau, Ont. N0B 1M0 (416) 648-1441 (519) 648-2304 Fax #: (416) 648-4217 Roster Editor Rick Serrao - Glendale GC Membership Secretary 401 Mt. Albion Rd., Hamilton, Ont. L8K 5T4 Mark Schneider Alex Labelle - Carlton GC (416) 561-1216 2717 Meadowbrook Dr., Unit 1, P.O. Box 160, R.R. #3, Manotick, Ont. K0A 2N0 Fax #: (416) 561-5536 Windsor, Ont. (613) 692-4059 (519) 974-0127 Fax #: (613) 692-2605 IN MEMORIAM Scott Richmond John Mandarich Superintendent, Carlisle Golf Club On Saturday, January 30th, 1993 a tragic snow- John Mandarich died on the 8th of February this mobiling accident occurred which took the life of year after a difficult battle with cancer. John was Scott Richmond. only 31 years old. John was known to most of us as a football player It was a dark, stormy evening and although Scott who spent most of his career with the Edmonton knew the area well, he became disoriented while Eskimos, winning a Grey Cup along the way and attempting to return home. His machine went finishing up in Ottawa. It was not as well known through the ice. that John spent the last year of his life working as Scott was an invaluable colleague and true friend the Golf Course Superintendent at the Carlisle Golf who will be deeply missed by all his co-workers. Club. John had taken the short course at the University of Guelph several years ago and was just In recognition of his great love for the turfgrass starting a second career at his family’s golf course industry, a gold brick with his name inscribed will in Flamborough. John brought the same capacity be placed in the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. for hard work to his new career that he was known Scott was in his 35th year and is survived by his for in football and there was no doubt he would parents, Howard and Mary Richmond of Simcoe, succeed. John was the quintessential gentle giant, Ontario. quiet and softspoken yet firm and resolute. John was was not a member of our Association Hutcheson Sand & Mixes would like to thank the though he planned to become one this year. He Superintendents for teaching Scott your special will be missed by both those who knew him well requirements and together helping us to develop and those who did not. and provide better products for you. 1993 - 94 Calendar of Industry Events OGSA April 19, 1993 Detroit GC Border Cities Event May 31, 1993 Cutten Club OGSA Spring Field Day July 13, 1993 Burlington GC OGSA President, Chairman Event Sept. 7, 1993 Blue Springs GC OGSA Pro/Super Event Oct. 18 & 19, 1993 GTI GCSAA Seminar GCSAA Jan. 31, 1994 Dallas, Texas Conference and Trade To Feb. 7, 1994 Show OVTA June 14, 1993 Cedar Hill G&CC, Turfgrass Research Ottawa Tournament August 9, 1993 Rideau View GC, Executive Day Ottawa Tournament CGSA March 5 - 8, 1994 Calgary, Alberta CGSA 45th Turfgrass Conference & Trade Show Sept. 13, 1993 Deerhurst Resort Fall Field Day Huntsville, Ont. Seasonal Apprentices: New Product Notice REGISTER NOW for Horticultural Netlon Advanced Turf Hydroject Apprenticeship Training leading to certification as This unique, patented rootzone system con­ • Landscape/Greenskeeper The Hydroject is registered to apply wetting sists of thousands of polypropylene mesh ele­ • Nursery/Greenhouse Worker agents! This new technique not only allows for ments blended into the growing medium to Starting January 11, 1993, a new the reduction of surface tension on grass form a stabilized rootzone. 8-week Basic Level Certification plants, but drainage is improved, irrigation program will be offered at the Seven years of research at Texas A&M college. cycles become more efficient, localized dry University have shown Netlon Advanced Turf Upon successful completion of this spots can be eliminated, and heavy downpours training, students will be eligible for System: the 12-week Advanced session are drained faster. - increases the rate of drainage by up to 20% leading to provincial certification later in 1 993. - increases moisture retention by up to 10% Also new for 1993 will be a Turf Care For full details, call the local - reduces divot size by up to 50% Ministry Skills Apprenticeship Hydroject rental program. This will allow even - reduces divot recovery time by 50% Branch, or John O’Rae (ext. 243) more golf courses to experience first hand the at Lambton College. - increases ball bounce consistency by 400% numerous benefits of the Toro Hydroject. - increases load bearing capacity by up to (519) 542-7751 500% Hutcheson Sand & Mixes is the Canadian Distributor of LAMBTON COLLEGE P.O. Box 969,1457 London Rd., Sarnia, ON N7T 7K4 Netlon Advanced Turf When Quality is Important... HUTCHESON SAND AND MIXES • We are proud to be supplying the Ontario and Quebec Golf Course Industry with: 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 Industry Call us today for more information on specifications and have been met with your pump station requirements overwhelming approval by agronomists, architects and superintendents. Carroll Childers Company TRY US! Canada 54 Hernshaw Crescent 8 West Street South, Box 910 Toronto, Ontario M9C 3M4 Huntsville, Ontario P0A 1K0 Telephone: (416) 621-1414 Office 705-789-4457 Watts: 1-800-461-5521 Fax:705-789-1049 From The Editor This is my first issue as editor of our Think Of Us newsletter. I am carrying on a fine tradition that past editors have developed. We are As Turf Insurance bringing back “The Way We Were’’ with Barry Endicott supplying the material. A You're in Charge______ new feature that has been added is rules of IBDU is activated by hydrolysis; golf with a tip from the pro. I have drawn excessive heat or moisture will heavily on people from within Credit Valley, not adversely affect performance. but will branch out in the future. Please, Peace Of Mind________ we need your support in the form of arti­ IBDU is 100% available to your turf in a single growing season. cles. You get better nutrient efficiency and less nitrate pollution if I leave you with the reminder that this is ground water your newsletter so please let us hear what Take Control you have to say. Only by your feedback Why take risk when, for a few pennies more, you can take con­ can we meet your needs. trol with IBDU. Doug Suter, Editor. THE EX STANDS FOR EXCELLENCE For information: 1 8700 268 2076 Distributed by Turf Care in Ontario 1-416-836-0988 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! Ontario TurfGrass Symposium Report 92 Mark Hagen If you are interested in turf you were probably there. If you are, and you weren’t, then you missed it! Nearly 1,500 people attended O.T.S. 92 at the University of Guelph, January 4th to 6th. Colleagues and experts from around the world shared their observations and knowledge with the crowds. In-depth seminars ran the first day of the symposium. The keynote address, given by Dr. James Beard, outlined the future and future trends in Turfgrass Management. Dr. Chris Hall updated the progress of the Guelph Turfgrass Institute building, the current research projects and the financial position of the GTI. The twin pad arena featured an out­ standing trade show. Many thanks again to all suppliers who participat­ ed. (Even Guelph’s firefighters were excited to meet some of our suppli­ ers when everyone thought things were winding down for the night.) All in all, over 40 quality talks and seminars were presented. Assistants Jeff Burgess and Steve Holmes each gave a fine presenta­ tion on “What’s happening on their courses”. The OGSA at its Annual Meeting was proud to honour two 25 year members: Mr. Robert Heron and Mr. Dan Usilac. Con­ gratulations to Mr. Paul Dermott and the entire Executive Committee for putting together an excellent show, which raised in excess of $50,000 for the Guelph Turfgrass Institute and gave us an excellent education­ al program and trade show. Students and the O.G.S.A. Alex La Belle A new season begins and many of us are students with an avenue to seek employ­ in recognition of their achievement. It anxious to get out and try all of the won­ ment directly. We had many such was felt that we must stay with the exist­ derful new ideas fabricated over the win­ requests at past symposiums which pro­ ing fee structure for the remainder of this ter. Many of these great plans were the vided the impetus for this decision. The year in order to remain fiscally responsi­ result of past experience and many oth­ ideas was accepted by those in atten­ ble to you, the members. We must ers a result of the various educational dance and a rate was set at $55.00, plus depend upon the students to decide opportunities we may have availed our­ taxes. The rate reflects the cost of pro­ where their priorities lie in regards to mis­ selves of at the seminars, conferences ducing and mailing the newsletter and cellaneous expenses and future employ­ and symposiums. job flyers. It was felt that to offer a lower ment. As superintendents many of us rate would amount to subsidization at the have the opportunity to provide member­ The Board presented, at the annual gen­ expense of existing members. ships for students we have hired and the eral meeting, a proposal that we create a board will have to depend upon your new membership class for students. We The acceptance by students of this cate­ feelings as to whether your employees felt that as an association whose stated gory has been lukewarm at best and deserve these opportunities. Perhaps we goal it is to advance the professionalism price seems to be the main concern. At could split the cost of the memberships of our members through education and the last board meeting discussion was with those students we employ. fraternity, that this was a move to build held regarding the issue and some inter­ our future by informing the many inquir­ esting ideas were passed around. One Please write us to give your opinion so ing minds as to the opportunities avail­ decision was to offer a free student mem­ that we may proceed in the able in the golf industry. Also, it provides bership to the scholastic award winners association’s best interest. INTRODUCING... ESID ELECTRICAL STORM IDENTIFICATION DEVICE NOW THERE IS AN ACCURATE WAY TO WARN GOLFERS AND SAVE VALUABLE EQUIPMENT FEATURES BENEFITS - Unparalleled Detection Efficiency - Unsurpassed ability to warn golfers in the event - NO False Alarms of electrical storms - Programmable Relays for Sirens, etc. - Unsurpassed ability to isolate electrical equipment - Solar Powered Sensor (eg. Irrigation Controllers, Pump Stations, etc.) - Battery Back-up Display/Controller Contact: TURFCARE toro 200 Pony Drive, Newmarket, Ontario. L3Y 7B6 Tel: (416) 836-0988 Fax: (416) 836-0995 Excellence in Irrigation Ontario Golf Superintendents Association 20 Years Ago Today by Barry Endicott The directors of the O.G.S.A. in 1973 were Jim Wyllie with the new construction on the old Pine Valley Golf (President), Bob Heron (Vice President), Ross Haines Course. The new course is to be called the P.G.A. (Secretary), Paul Dermott (Treasurer), Al Beeney, Ed National. Glen Abbey in Oakville was rumored to have Charman, Roy French, Bob Hall, Whitey Jones, John been purchased by the Skyline Hotel and Jack Nicklaus Stoughton and Bill Hynd (Past President). was hired to redesign the complete golf course. The 3rd Annual Turf Symposium was held on January The Greens Chairman, Superintendent Golf Tournament 4th at Northwood Golf Club. Keith Nisbet, President of was held at Brampton Golf Club in July and was won by the O.G.A. and Dr. Jack Eggens, a professor at the the team of Paul Scenna and Sandy Forbes (Greens University of Guelph, chaired the sessions. Dennis Chairman). The Pro/Superintendent Tournament was Pellrene (Glen Abbey), Leslie Kelly (Royal Ottawa), Bob held at Markland Wood. Low gross Superintendent was Moote (Oakdale), George Darou (Richmond Hill), Bob Jack Harris from Ancaster Golf Club and low pro was Heron (Markland Wood), Cameron Cairncross Bobby Brean from Beverley Golf Club. The low gross (Foxwood), Dave Moote (Essex), Al Beeney (North team was Bill Bowen and his pro from Peterborough Golf Halton), Rusty Warkman (Stratford), Charles Behm Club and the low net team was Paul Dermott and Jim (Cherry Hills), Barret Muir (Shanty Bay), Ross Haines McKitterick from Islington Golf Club. (Brampton), Robert Lamb (Summit), Bob Hall (Toronto Ladies) and John Piccolo (Northwood) kept everybody informed on the latest developments in turfgrass mainte­ nance. Gord Witteveen was elected Director of the G.C.S.A.A. at the annual meeting held in Boston, Massachusetts. Paul White, Drainage by Superintendent at Kanawaki Golf Club in T.A.C. Laser Montreal moved to Glendale Golf Club. Grade Control Cameron Cairncross was the successful appli­ cant for the head position at Summit Golf Club. Rusty Warkman from Stratford accepted the position of Superintendent at Oshawa Golf Club. Ron Allen and Bob French were recipi­ ents of scholarships from the Turf Managers Short Course. Art Dodson, David S. Gourlay and Jim Wyllie become G.C.S.A.A. Certified Golf Course Superintendents. The R.C.G.A. Turfgrass Conference was held in Montreal on March 4th to the 8th. David S. Gourlay was elected President of the C.G.S.A. at the annual meeting. Gord Witteveen and Bob Hall accepted new positions at the Board of Trade Country Club and Toronto Ladies respectively. New member applications were received by • Lateral Drainage Systems Ray Grinikas (Pleasant Valley GC) and Ken TURF • Large Diameter Pipe Installations Nelson (Sunningdale GC). Morley Findlay of DRAIN • Master Drainage Plans • Drainage Pumping Stations the London Hunt passed away from a heart INC. • Green Drainage attack following an operation. Tom Lewis received the 25 year award of a lapel pin from DRAINAGE DIVISION PHONE (519) 763-3130 • FAX (519) 763-5086 the G.C.S.A.A. Charles Muylaert was busy The Rating Game GregAljoe The rating of “Best New Golf Course in eager for a little ego stroking. Most hope the panelists and the category (private, Canada” by Golf Digest is a relatively their course will be ranked number one, public, or resort). Provide accurate new phenomena, this being only its third so in this light it is kind of nice knowing directions on how to find your golf club. issue upcoming for 1993. Rating golf how things “really are” going. If possible provide photographs, score courses, condemn it or condone it, let’s cards, course layout and news clippings at least understand how it works. This said, there is one further criteria as he writes a brief descriptive newsletter that must be met to be ranked. Your outlining each course. The more inter­ First your golf course has to be nominat­ club must be evaluated by at least five esting your course appears, is usually ed by your course architect. After nomi­ panelists or it does not qualify. Believe reflected by the number of panelists who nation the club must first satisfy eligibili­ me, you hate to go a year in the belief play it. This relates to a more accurate ty requirements which are determined by you are being evaluated only to find out concensus of your property. official date parameters set by Golf when all is said and done that you did Digest. Golf Digest must then be not receive the minimum number of So why do we concern ourselves any­ informed if your course is willing to be evaluations. This was the case this past way? It is easy to say we shouldn’t evaluated by its panelists for inclusion in year at my present club, Deer Ridge. worry about these surveys, either that year’s rankings. Many may wonder Understand this, I am not eliciting an because it truly doesn’t matter, or smug why should I, as superintendent, be con­ opinion on “Best New Golf Course” for in our own perception of our position. cerned about this at all. If your club 1992. I have not had the good fortune of Well, life is never that simple especially decides it wants to be evaluated, in playing all the courses nominated and when economics enter the equation many ways they have determined that one person’s opinion is hardly a concen­ along with simple chest thumping. The you, as superintendent, will be as well. sus. What I am getting at is that there ability to affix a number one ranking on Conditioning is not supposed to be one are certain responsibilities your club’s anything in our society is usually reflect­ of the evaluation criteria in the “Best management or marketing team must ed in its price tag or desirability. New Category” but it is truly difficult to meet if they feel they have a worthy overlook in one’s perception of a golf product. For any contest you enter or game you course. Also upon learning of the nomi­ play it’s necessary to know all the nation it is surprising how interested First, they must provide Ron Whitten rules. If I can be of further assistance many of your members are. They con­ (the Architecture Editor at Golf Digest) please don’t hesitate to call. stantly question how you feel we are with the phone number of a liaison at doing, or have you heard anything, your club who can provide tee times for The SMITHCO Tournament Roller The Soft touch roller for smoother, truer greens. At Bannerman we have been selling and servicieng self-powered, riding spray systems for over 30 years ...and we stand behind what we say and what we sell. Ask us about the SMITHCO Spray Star 1600 41 Kelfield Street, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 5A3 Tel (416) 247-7875 Fax (416) 247-6540 Grass Cuttings Charles Slaughter CPGA Golf Professional Grass Cuttings Rule 25 Note 1 Grass cuttings and other material left on the course which have been abandoned and are not intended to be removed are not ground under repair, unless so marked. Tip: Instruct your staff to be cautious when discarding grass clippings so that it does not interfere with fair playing conditions. Golfers look for excuses for poor golf results. Don't allow them to use you. Nature Trails Les Banatti Valley Voice/ Credit Valley Golf and Country Club Last Fall brought many blustery chill­ tree tops. They kept going steadily for anced environment. ing days to the conclusion of our '92 at least an hour while we finished the On the same day we were treated with golfing season. One in particular last five valley holes and must have a visit by a flock of pine grosbeaks proved of special interest to me. numbered well into the hundreds. which settled in the grove of spuce The wind was high with gusts reaching A couple of years ago I observed the trees separating holes 14 and 15.These gale force often causing one to lose turkey vulture migration on a calmer large finches (robin-sized) are pinkish balance. day at Credit Valley. At that time they red in colour with heavy, stubby bills We were playing the 14th hole in the gathered in a large flock high above suited to cracking seeds and removing valley and the oak leaves were swirling the river just to the west of the 5th them from the cones of pine and across the fariway in rivers of red and green, where they circled and soared spruce. They are quite tame and have brown. Great dark grey clouds scud­ for some time before departing. very slow deliberate movements when ded rapidly across the sky, down low Not the prettiest bird to look at, the feeding and clinging to the cones. and threatening rain, when suddenly turkey vulture makes up for its appear­ I viewed these birds with some fore­ over the tree line the birds appeared. ance by it’s grace and mastery of the boding as they are not usually this far In groups of twos and fives, turkey vul­ wind currents while in flight. On long south so early in the cold seson and tures began cruising by moving down­ broad wings it does much circling and perhaps were hearalding a severe win­ wind in a southerly direction obviusly protracted soaring. It is its extreme ter. Only time will tell. in Autumn migration. On arched grace which captures the obeservers Has anyone walked the valley recent­ wings, unlike those of a hawk which rapt attention. ly? It's beautiful this time of year and are held straight out from the body, The birds serve a useful purpose as well worth the effort. Keep your eyes they easily picked up the wind gusts scavengers feeding on dead animals and ears alert and nature may suprise and slanted off at high speed over the thus contributing to a clean and bal­ you. Golf Leasing Comes of Age by: G. Todd Gray Although the golf industry is surviving benefit from it. Payments are tailored to the cash flow of the recession in stronger fashion than each individual club - i.e. 6 payments, May to October, most of Ontario’s economy, it is and no payments through the cash starved winter months. Leasing conserves existing bank certainly not exempt from credit lines and can have positive tax exercising a wave of fis­ advantages too. cal responsibility. The Superintendents are finding that free spending 80’s are not only does leasing make bud­ now history, and golf geting for both short and long term easier course managers are and more logical, it can reduce equipment mainte­ demanding budget nance costs by not allowing equipment to restraints wherever become obsolete with inevitable possible. major repair expenses. Golf courses of all kinds, whether the private 27 hole club in Metro or the With interest rates at a 20 year “Mom & Pop” operation in low, leasing may prove to be rural Ontario, are the most practical way to today turning to leasing acquire the products you need to acquire equipment today. For more information normally purchased contact Mr. Todd Gray, Triatholon through “capital”. Equipment Leasing, (416) 836-0988. By spreading payments over the use­ ful life of a machine (eight years), equipment is paid for through cash flow from the golfers who REPART MANUFACTURING LTD. 1110 WELWYN DRIVE, MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO L5J 3J3 DISTRIBUTORS FOR: LEBANON FERTILIZERS 18-4-10 CC Fairways Tees COUNTRY CLUB 18-0-18 CC Greens Professional Turf Products 8-4-24 CC SPYKER FERTILIZER SPREADERS • F.A.G. 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