Looking at architecture Inside the winter shop Time for learning The value of a master plan Grinding for spring grass Training, workshops, seminars Green is beautiful - Winter/93 GREENS OGSA Seminars and workshops The new guardians Ornamental grasses Foley Knows Turf! The key to making your turf look great is sharp maintenance course. This combination of tools brings you spin/relief grinding equipment. And sharp maintenance equipment starts with and a separate bedknife grinder for the flexibility you want and Foley! Foley offers a complete line of products to give all of a better value in your turf maintenance equipment. The 384 and your mowing equipment a razor sharp edge and insure that it is 388 Models from Foley provide the same reliable performance performing at its very best. Whether it’ll be working on the in manual machines. roughs, fairways, or greens, Foley gives you the sharpness you Foley takes care of your smaller equipment needs, too. With need to get the job done right. rotary blade grinders, back lappers, lapping compound, and With the Accu-System, you can accurately grind your reels and hole cutter sharpeners, they provide everything you need to bedknives bringing them back to manufacturers’ specifications keep your course looking flawless. for maximum performance and the manicured look on your 1184 PLAINS ROAD EAST TORONTO: (905) 338-2404 BURLINGTON, ONTARIO BURLINGTON: (905) 637-5216 L7S 1W6 FAX: (905) 637-2009 Winter issue, 1993 Presidential fairways It's been a great year Greens is the official publication of the Ontario Golf Superintendents Assoc­ iation and is published by the Assoc­ iation four times annually - spring, sum­ mer, fall, winter. It is distributed as an educational docu­ New office highlights year 1993 OGSA ment (without charge) to its members, As my tenure as President of the Ontario Golf Superintendents advertisers and other selected parties. Board of Directors Association comes to an end (at the Annual Meeting in January), I Although every effort is made to check material for publication, the Association President can now reflect on the accomplishments our Association has David W. Gourlay achieved in the past year. Certainly, one of the major highlights has is not responsible for material published Club Summerlea on behalf of its contributors. been the move of the office to the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. This Manuscripts, photographs and informa­ Vice-president move will provide our membership with a direct link to the finest tion for consideration may be provided Bruce Burger turfgrass professors in Canada. This unique relationship will no directly to the Editor, or to the Lakeview Golf Club Association office. This material will be doubt be expanded in the future by the incoming President - Bruce returned only on request. Burger - along with the current and new Board of Directors. Past-president All rights are reserved by the publisher Rhod Trainor and any reproduction in whole or part Hamilton Golf Club Symposium generates important revenue without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Next to membership dues, the greatest single source of revenue for Secretary our Association continues to be from the Advertising rates and schedules are Alex Labelle available through the Association office. Carlton Golf Club Ontario Turfgrass Symposium (this year in early January at the University of Guelph). Treasurer One must not forget that the origins of this John Taylor annual event resulted from the hard work and Twenty Valley Golf Club vision of superintendents, like ourselves, Feature pairing Newsletter Editor over the past fifteen years. This year’s confer­ 6 Attempting the Doug Suter ence promises to be even greater than 1993 master plan Credit Valley Golf Club with attendance expected to reach over 1,000 participants. This symposium is Ontario’s by Ted Baker Newsletter largest turfgrass exhibition. Simon George 13 Changing of the Oakville Golf Club guard Thank you is in order Roster Editor In closing, I would like to take time to thank a couple of special by William Newton Rick Serrao individuals in our Association for their inspiration and support dur­ Glendale Golf Club 14 Spinning your reels ing my year as President. I would like to thank my good friend by Glenn Burgess Golf and meetings Rhod Trainor who will be leaving the Board after the Annual John Taylor Meeting. His refreshing personality and leadership on the Board 18 To train is to gain Twenty Valley Golf Club will truly be missed by all of us. We wish him the best in the future. by John Gavett Ken Nelson I would also like to thank Cindi Charters for her tireless devotion Sutton Creek Golf Club David Schemelefske and dedication in the successful operation of the OGSA. Cindi's Murray Hill Golf Club nine-year position as Office Manager has provided the Association Greens sections Ian Bowen with a sense of stability. Today, the members benefit from these Oshawa Golf Club efforts. 3 Presidential fairways Membership My personal thanks to you, the membership, for your continued 5 Editor's clippings Mark Schneider support over the years and hope that this continues for our incoming Owen Sound Golf Club president, Bruce Bruger. Bruce brings great vision to the Board and 9 History courses under his strong leadership the Ontario Golf Superintendents 10 Association cuts Office Manager Association will continue to be one of which we all can be truly Cindi Charters proud. 11 Industry contours Guelph Turfgrass Institute 17 Gardener's plot 328 Victoria Rd. S. Guelph, Ontario N1H6H8 Tel: (519) 824-OGSA Fax: (519) 766-1704 Cover DAVID W. GOURLAY In the first week of December, President Santa cuts the final hole of the sea­ son; and, inset, Gord Barnes pre­ pares to do grinding work. Right Forty-eight hours after playing Santa Claus, Tim Coates inspects Design and production: a solid cover installation proving Golf Images International that winter has finally arrived. Printing: Ultralith Photographs: GOLF IMAGES From Tee To Green - The New G-600 The Hunter G-600 is the new product of choice for mid-range golf course irrigation. From the reliable gear drive to the impact­ resistant body, the G-600 is ready to perform. ■ Full-circle opposing nozzles for uniform water distribution ■ Five nozzle sets. Adjustable from 13 to 32 GPM, 53' to 78' radius ■ Check-O-Matic, Hydraulic and Electric Valve-ln-Head models ■ 3-1/2" pop-up ■ Logo cap with built-in recess for yardage markers Authorized Hunter Golf Distributor 1 Guardsman Road Thornhill, Ontario L3T 6L2 (416) 881-4794 ■ (800) 268-6826 Fax: (416) 881-7922 Hunter Dedicated To The Irrigation Professional 1940 Diamond St. □ San Marcos, CA 92069 □ U.S.A. □ 619-744-5240 □ FAX: 619-744-7461 Look forward to seeing you at the OTS '94, Booth R-34. "Proven Around the World Sold In Your Backyard" The Articulator No Scalping No Wind Rows No Missed Grass Rolls Over Contours Cuts From 1" to Over 4" Rotary Cut 10 Feet Wide Over. . Mounds, Hills, or Valleys!.. Almost Anything! LasTec Commercial Turf Equipment RR4, Sunderland, Ontario, L0C 1H0 (705) 357 - 1019 Editor's clippings Mandate being achieved During the past year, I was appointed newsletter editor with the ON mandate from the Board to make our magazine an award winner. In the first two issues we were able to publish original stories which T ARI was the first step in achieving the objectives. Now, the second step is underway which is a complete re-design O TURF of the magazine. Thus, after four issues, I am confident that the mandate is being met. I am particularly pleased about being able to GRASS provide you with original material. To all of you who have made editorial contributions over the year, your efforts are appreciated SYMPOS and welcomed. IUM JANU In particular, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Association's Office Manager, Cindi Charters, for her work in over­ ARY 5 TO 7 AT all organization and with the advertisers. Thanks Cindi for a job well done. UNIVERSITY OF Profit from revenue is down from the previous year, but this was expected as we increased the number of pages and, thereby, the GUELPH MERRY printing cost. The upgrading will continue and for 1994 we will CHRISTMAS AND continue to make editorial and design refinements. This will include HAPPY NEW YEAR strong definition for each of the different sections. As well, we will be looking at the the use of four-colour throughout the magazine. From your magazine group, best wishes for the season and, needless to say, for a prosperous new year. DOUG SUTER Editor When Quality is Important... Depend on Par Ex. Because you can't depend on the weather. You can’t find a better test of Par Ex IBDU® nitrogen than a Canadian winter. IBDU delivers consistent N feeding, in hot or cold, wet or dry weather.. .so when spring rolls around, you can depend on a fast, healthy green-up. “N-ergize” your turf this winter-with Par Ex. Watch for us at the show, Call us today for more information on and ask your distributor for a copy of the new your pump station requirements Par Ex product manual. Available from: 54 Hernshaw Crescent TURF CARE Toronto, Ontario M9C 3M4 1416-836-0988 Telephone: (416) 621 -1414 Looking at architecture Ted Baker, principal in Ted Baker & Associates, is an accomplished designer and planner. His recent election Attempting the as a Fellow of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects reflects this. MASTER BY TED BAKER Ted Baker & Associates Assignments have included innov­ ative solutions for public parks, major corporate centres, munici­ PLAN The construction of a golf course is like building a house - neither are ever finished. Always, there are changes and improve­ ments to be made. pal landfill sites and master plan­ ning for residential and commer­ For example, the critical list for a course cial developments. includes: areas of poor drainage, places where grass will not grow, trees to be plant­ But, perhaps, his foremost interest ed or cut down, greens that settle - the job is the design of golf courses where he can respect the best traditions never ends. of golf course architecture - Nonetheless, because a golf course enhanced by the modern tech­ evolves over many years, the business of niques of landscape architecture. being involved in design refinements can be exciting. Baker has designed many courses including the now well-regarded Lionhead. Currently, he is working A plethora of experts on more than a dozen courses. He It is the job of management and/or the green firmly believes that a golf course committee to keep up with various prob­ must exist in harmony with nature - giving the impression that it has lems and to use capital wisely to correct the always been there. offending areas. Golf course deficiences, such as those mentioned, are often only symptoms of underlying design or structural problems. And, at most clubs, there are dozens of expert opinions of what the prob­ The lem is, and how to rectify it. The ultimate answer is for management new Golf and the green committee to work with a golf course architect to develop a master plan. Air-Ject doesn't This is usually a phased program of five to ten years during which improvements will be made to the course in a logical, sequen­ take a tial manner to avoid duplication of con­ struction. More importantly, a good plan can avoid replacing one problem with bite out of your another. The evaluation process usually started greens or by the green committee, which eventually leads to the preparation of a master plan, starts by defining all the things that are your wallet wrong with the golf course. Although this information is critical, I believe it is the wrong place to start. A home away from home A golf course has a very special place in the lives of members. It is a property they usu­ ally cherish and regards as theirs. The club Phone Ian Clark for a free demo. they have chosen to join, and often at great expense, becomes an extension of their 416-247-7875 home. The course they love has features which make it unique to them, challenging and ultimately worth their investment of Gordon Bannerman Limited time and money. 41 Kelfield Street,Rexdale,Ontario M9W 5A3 Thus, if the deficencies of the course are Telephone 416-247-7875 • Fax 416-247-6540 the factors that lead to the exploration of a Establishing the right criteria is the first step master plan, it is the amenities of the course Ted Baker, like so many good that should become the foundation of that Thinking about your own Canadian architects, has links plan. to Stanley Thompson, Howard course. Watson and Robbie Robinson. I believe very strongly that prior to tack­ ling the problems of the course, or even identifying those issues, the golf course • Think about the holes that The natural approach to make you comfortable. design, as practised by Ted architect - in consultation with the member­ Baker, began with a job ship - should record those holes or features • Think about the greens you acquired during summer uni­ found on the property that make it special to wait with anticipation to hit into. versity days when he worked the membership. • Think about the places where for one of Canada's dean of you will find yourself turning in a architects, Howard Watson. Finding the features slow circle to take in the full The identification of these features will also panoramic view. Over two decades Watson con­ start to define the original style of the tinued to be his mentor. For • Think about the sounds of example, Ted learned from design. This is important given that each water or wind slipping through Howard that counting empty property lends itself to a particular architec­ tural approach. Assuming the first attempt the trees. fertilizer bags was one way of • Think about those warm, pro­ checking a supplier's invoice. correctly captured the spirit, a good master plan should identify the particular signature tective places in early spring or Baker also tells the story relat­ of the original designers and reflect these late fall and the cool shaded ed to him by Howard about characteristics in any changes made to the areas that are a welcome relief the early work days under course. during hot summer days. Stanley Thompson. Typically, the style of berming, contour­ • Think about the hole which, ing and shaping must be consistent. It is every year, is the turning point in Apparently, the young Watson only through discovering the merits of the and a fellow worker, Robert the club championship. Trent Jones, came to an agree­ golf course that the plan can ultimately be ment. Jones was anxious to judged. learn more about the back­ On completion, the master plan should room studio techniques that ensure that those features that were found to Howard had mastered. At the be exemplary in the beginning remain, and, same time, Watson was keen perhaps, are reinforced. As well, the design to become a better golfer. recommendations must be in keeping with (Jones was an accomplished the heritage of the property. amateur out of upper New York State.) Thinking it through They struck a deal - Watson Every golf course generates many positive would teach Jones more about thoughts. Think about yours. Here is a the technical aspects of archi­ check list I often use in the pre-design tecture and Jones would teach process. Certainly, it is a kind of mental Watson to play better golf. gymnastic I go through to describe my own course during conversation. Watson, many years later, con­ Get all these thoughts in your mind - or fided to Baker: "Obviously, I better still, write them down. You are now did a better job than Trent." in a frame of mind to constructively discuss the master plan. To paraphrase an old song, 'concentrate on the positive, eliminate the negative'. One of the positive results of master planning is the development of good construction drawings which, ulti­ mately, save time and money and minimize the frustration of error. Greens spring to life with minimal damage when properly covered EXPRESS DUAL In last month's issue Hugh Kirkpatrick reported on the trials and tribulations of discovering the proper material for a winter green covers. The story also dealt with methods of laying the world’s finest automatic spin-grinder cover, securing it and preventing excessive water from penetrat­ ing the edges. He, and his colleague Bill Fach, perfected these Walking greets and trimmer mowers principles and techniques. Average sharpening times Now, the installation of covers have become almost common­ 4 to 10 minutes. floor-to-floor. place. Here two workers lay and peg a cover over a 9,000 square foot green. Cost of material is about $1,500 and elapsed time to complete the job is about five hours. By using Express Dual you won’t be missing out! • Better Playing Surface • Healthier Turf • Less Irrigation • Less Turf Disease • Consistent Quality Cut These are not wild claims but actual reports to us from Turf Managers around the world. Mounted triplex greens units. Average sharpening times 3 to 10 minutes floor-to-floor, Express Dual Saves Time & Money. • Reduce Bedknife Expense • Reduce Reel Expense • Fewer Engine & Hydraulic Repairs • NO LAPPING • 10 Year Warranty • Money Back Guarantee Bayview Country Club Architect, Thomas McBroom Assoc. Ltd. We can prove it with a FREE COST ANALYSIS! Available from: • SALES-ARRANGE A SHAPING THE RENOVATION SCENE DEMO IN YOUR SHOP • CUSTOM GRINDING AND REPAIRS TURF DRAIN INC. GREEN SITE RECONSTRUCTION • NEW MOBILE REEL 1067 Beach Boulevard SHARPENING Hamilton, Ontario, Canada • NEW EXPRESS DUAL TURF L8H 6Z9 RENTAL PROGRAM DRAIN RENOVATION DIVISION • FOR MORE 416-545-5363 INFORMATION CALL OR INC. (Fax) 416-545-2647 (Ont.) 800-263-8606 WRITE TODAY Guelph, Ontario (519) 763-3130 History courses Ten years ago Bowmanville; Peter Creighton, Castlemore; Oilers visited after the game for tips. David Joseph Hahn, Delhi; Lloyd Thatcher, Victoria Gourlay was Score's top superintendent. Park; Gary Gavett, Saugeen; Robert Dioxin, Pine Crest; Bruce Jones, Belleville; John GCSAA Conference was February 19-25 in BY BARRY ENDICOTT McCallum, Strathroy; William Kivi, Glenview; Atlanta. Jim Wylie, Bayview and Gord Nobleton Lakes Golf Club Dave Suter, Richview; Ken Green, North Bay. Witteveen were speakers. An OGSA/OTRF meeting at Thornhill March 31 was hosted by 1983 Board: Rusty Warkman (President), The 13th Annual Management Symposium was David Gourlay. The winning curling team of Oshawa; Al Draper (Vice), Greenhills; Bob January 11 at the University of Guelph - 260 reg­ Bob Cherry, Tom Murphy, Jack Austin beat Brewster (Past), Weston; Robert Kennedy, istered. Jim Wylie, Bayview; Rusty Warkman, Paul Scenna, Paul Dermott, Paul White. Garden City; Barry Endicott (Newsletter), Oshawa; Professor Sheard, University of Guelph; Meetings were held at Kawartha with John Chinguacousy; Bill Fach, Essex; Gordon David Gourlay, Thornhill; Professor Lee Smith, St. Catherines, John Piccolo, Roseland, Nimmo, Sarnia; John Hutchinson, Warkworth; Burpee, University of Guelph were speakers. Randy Hooper, St. Claire Parkway and John Thom Charters, Islington; Hugh Kirkpatrick, O’Rae. The Galt Field Day was held and a set of Westmount; Paul Scenna, Galt; and Tom November 25, Gord Witteveen hosted the golf clubs was presented to Clay Switzer by the Simpson, Newcastle. William Samson Day. William Samson was the OGSA. Stew Picken and Blake McMaster won founding father and first president of OGSA. the Clayton Switzer Trophy; low individual On the move: Rhod Trainor, Chippewa to St. With Bert Hawkins, Lakeview and 'smiling dad' scores Bruce Burger (73), Dalewood; Bruce Thomas; Ron Heesen (Assistant), The Board of Howard Lloyd, Rosedale, they laid the corner­ Vollet (75), Conestoga; Warren Vout (77), Trade to Beach Grove; Mark Hagen (Assistant), stone at a meeting October, 1924 at Weston. Also Whitevale; Bill Bowen (78), Peterborough. The Greenhills to Wyldewood; John Smith, present - Joe Stanfield, Mississaugua; Chris Superintendent-Pro Tournament was at Islington Wyldewood to Kawartha; Dave Chapman, Freeman, Toronto Hunt; Jack Abbot, Islington; hosted by Thom Charters. Winning team Ken Victoria Park to Glendale; Kim Hanley Frank Hamm, Royal York; Bill Austin, Humber Wright, Ben Kern, National; low superintendent (Assistant), Brooklea to Blue Mountain; Valley; Jim McCullough, Scarboro; Fred Robbie Robinson (78), Hidden Lakes. 10th New members: Donald Gefucia, Barrie; Rhod Haines, Summit and Bill Chinery, York Downs. Annual President/Superintendent/Greens event Trainor, St. Thomas; Doug Meyer, Cedarbrook; The CGSA Turfgrass Conference was held in was at Essex hosted by Bill Fach. Winning teams Gord Walkinshaw, Toronto Ladies; Paul Edmonton, March 13-16. Before the conference, Blake McMaster (105), Brampton; Rhod Weidmark, IBM; Tom Kenyon, Southern Pines: Ron Heeson, Bob Heron, Gord Witteveen, Ken Trainor (104), St. Thomas; Bob Heron (103), Robbie Robinson, Hidden Lakes; Manny Olsvik, Dave Keith and Barry Endicott skied Mississaugua. OTRF held its 4th tournament at Figueredo, Richview; Arthur Trumble, in Banff. The Eskimo cheerleaders led the hospi­ The National with a barbecue hosted by Gord Katchiwano; John, Lockie, Lockwood; David tality party. East hockey beat West 7 to 5 at Witteveen. Bruce Calhoun low gross with a 75. Gurd, Maple Ridge; Howard Anyan, Edmonton Coliseum. Wayne Gretzky and other 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: TURF CARE 200 Pony Drive, Newmarket, Ontario. L3Y 7B6 Tel: (416) 836-0988 Fax: (416) 836-0995 Association cuts Winter calendar HUTCHESON SAND AND MIXES • We are proud to be supplying the Ontario and Quebec Golf Course OGSA and charities Seminars / workshops Industry with: Non calcareous, low PH The Association carried on its tradi­ Pesticide Safety Training Hutcheson Silica: tion of supporting charities by mak­ Seminars ing donations this year of $500 to Introductory Land Class 1 and 3 Topdressing Sand and Mixes The Hospital for Sick Children and license preparation courses Construction Sand and Mixes $500 to the relief fund for superin­ January 15-16, 1994 - London tendents flooded by the Mississippi February 19-20, 1994 - Guelph High Organic Humus and Sphagnum Peat River. March 12-13, 1994 - London Bunker Sands Super moves Turf and Pest Identification • Our products comply with Industry Workshops specifications and have been met with • Bob Burrows from Cornwall Golf Improve your diagnostic skills & Country Club to Highland Golf March 30, 1994 - London overwhelming approval by agronomists, April 6, 1994 - Toronto Club in Montreal. architects and superintendents. • Warren Vout from Cedar Brae Golf and Country Club to Brampton Effectively Controlling TRY US! Golf Club. Turfgrass Pests Maximize pesticide performance 8 West Street South, Box 910 February 23-24, 1994 - Guelph Huntsville, Ontario P0A 1 K0 Association display A display has been developed by For information, contact: the OGSA for use at various trade John Gravett, Turfecs Office 705-789-4457 Mobile: 705-722-2141 shows. It provides strong identity in (519) 767-1611 Watts: 1 -800-461 -5521 Fax: 705-789-1049 these locations. Look for it at Guelph. UPGRADE YOUR EXISTING ELECTRO-MECHANICAL IRRIGATION CONTROL SYSTEM TO COMPUTERIZED CONTROL WITH THE OSMAC Radio Control System No disruption to the course during installation. Water what you want, not what the system will do. Solid state timing provides you with accurate run times. Reduce your water time window and pump electricity costs Portable radios expand your field watering ability. Portable radios allow on-site communication with telephone access. Manufactured by: TURF CARE 200 Pony Drive, Newmarket, Ontario. L3Y 7B6 Tel:(416) 836-0988 Fax:(416) 836-0995 Industry contours News and information Annual Ohio course Important dates Golf Foundation news American trivia Ohio State Short Course Ontario Turfgrass Symposium Scholarships in agronomy and On September 13, 1926, 60 green­ January 17-21, 1994 January 5-7, 1994 landscape architecture keepers met at the Sylvannia Holiday Inn on the Lane University of Guelph Country Club in Toledo, Ohio to Columbus, Ohio The Canadian Golf Foundation will form the National Association of OGSA Annual Meeting be introducing two new academic Greenkeepers of America. Its pur­ The eighth annual Ohio State January 7, 1994 scholarships next year for students pose was to inform and educate its University Golf Course Mainten­ University of Guelph working towards postgraduate membership and strive for the bet­ ance Short Course will be conduct­ degrees in agronomy and landscape terment of the greenkeeper’s future. ed January 17-21. 64th Annual Michigan architecture. Today, that organization is the • The course will provide current Turfgrass Conference The intent is to put something Golf Course Superintendents information about turfgrass mainte­ January 18-20, 1994 back into the game of golf. They Association of America and it nance. Holiday Inn will be awarded to qualified indi­ serves more than eleven thousand • Emphasis will be on principles of South Convention Center viduals intending to pursue a career members worldwide. soils and fertility, weed control, Lansing, Michigan in the golf industry, either in the Like many organizations it has entomology, plant pathology and areas of turf agronomy or golf suffered through difficult times, course setup for tournaments. CGSA Annual Turfgrass course design. The scholarships, such as World War II. But, perhaps, • It is designed for all golf course Conference and Trade Show valued at $3,000 each, will be its most perilous moment was dur­ personnel including management March 5-8, 1994 awarded annually to Canadians ing the Great Depression. In 1933, seeking more formalized training in Calgary, Alberta studying in Canada or abroad. the Association's Cleveland bank turfgrass maintenance. A generous contribution of closed its doors taking all of their • Attendants will qualify for recerti OGSA curling meeting $50,000 from Export 'A' Inc. $16,000 deposit. fication credits from the Ohio March 25, 1994 enabled the Foundation to establish Now, a thoroughly progressive Department of Agriculture for North Halton Golf Club the scholarships. Funds were donat­ organization with its national head­ Licensed Pesticide Applicators. ed from the Export 'A' Skins Game quarters in Lawrence, Kansas, its • Certified superintendents will OGSA ski meeting held in July at Devil's Pulpit. modem mission of professional qualify for continuing education Sometime in February These new awards will comple­ education has its roots in the charter units from the CGSA. Watch for details ment the CGF's existing scholarship of 1926. • Registration is $350. Deadline to program begun in 1982. Since its However, it is interesting to note register is December 27, or until 6C Border Cities Tournament inception, more than 220 Canadian that two years prior to the inagural applications are received. April date to be confirmed students have received scholarships meeting of the NAGA in 1926, the • Lodging is available at the Point West Golf Club valued at up to $4,000. In 1993, 24 OGSA was formed. It was October, Holiday Inn, or other local hotels. scholarships were awarded totalling 1924. • Contact Barbara Bloetscher at Dallas trade show more than $70,000. (614) 292-7457 for more informa­ Audubon sings out tion, or call the Department of More than 634 exhibitors are 1994 golf research planned Conferences and Institutes at (614) expected at the Dallas Convention The RCGA and USGA are commit­ 292-4230 for course registration. Center when the GCSAA opens its The CGF will be conducting two ted to increasing environmental 65th International Golf Course new research projects in Canada for awareness and enhancing wildlife GSCAA seminar report Conference and Show January 31. 1994: habitat through proper golf course Although the official opening is • a nationwide golf course opera­ management programs. Sixty people from Ontario and New not until February 5, the previous tional survey with questionnaires These two organizations and the York State attended the CGSA three days include seminars, regis­ sent in the spring to general man­ Audubon Society of New York seminar - Golf Course Construct­ tration, reception and workshops. agers, professionals and superinten­ State are working together on a ion: Renovation and construction Regarded as one of the world's dents; this is a continuation of the cooperative program called the projects - which was held at the most significant turfgrass industry operational studies being conducted Audubon Co-operative Sanctuary Guelph Turfgrass Institute, October shows, the Dallas event has since 1981; results should be ready Program (for golf courses) under 18-19. become an annual tradition. sometime in June; in addition, the these principles: Instructors were Brian Silva, a Foundation hopes to publish a • enhancing wildlife habitats on golf course architect with Cornish report summarizing important existing and future golf courses and Silva; and Jan Beljan, a golf trends and analysis since 1981 from • enouraging active participation in course architect with Fazio Golf all their operational surveys. conservation programs by golfers, Course Designers. • Bill Frisbee, an Associate Pro­ superintendents, officials and the The topics in this informative ses­ fessor at the University of Guelph, public sion were: Renovation and con­ is working on the second project • recognizing golf courses as struction methods on greens, tees, regarding the demand for and important open spaces fairways, bunkers and ponds and expenditures on golf in Canada; this • educating the public and golfing Architectural history and style. The is a long-term project analyzing the community about the benefits of OGSA co-hosts an educational demand for golf and the factors golf courses and the role they play seminar with the Golf Course effecting it from 1986 to 1994; in the environment. Superintendents Association of results will be available in January. America every fall. Bulletin board Rae Murray David B. Dick Jeff McMaster Technical Sales - Professional Products The O.M. Scott & Sons Company The O.M. Scott & Sons Company Maple Farm Supply Limited 39 Monte Vista Trail 1364 Bowler Drive P.O. Box 370 Bus (416) 857-2000 Brampton, Ontario L6Z 1Y2 Pickering, Ontario L1V 3E4 Bolton, Ontario L7E 5T3 Mobile (416) 565-5628 Fax + Telephone: (416)846-3319 Telephone: (416)339-6526 Fax (416) 857-8215 1-800-543-0006 NU-GRO CORPORATION Highway 59 South, P.O. Box 1148 Woodstock, Ontario N4S 8P6 Telephone (519) 456-2021 Fax: (519) 456-5002 ROB FIELD Technical Sales Representative Professional Turf Products Corrie Almack, P.Ag. Res: (416)681-3949 Car: (416)541-8872 Almack & Associates Box 256, Carlisle, Ontario LOR 1H0 416-689-6174 NU-GRO CORPORATION Highway 59 South, P.O. Box 1148 Woodstock, Ontario N4S 8P6 Telephone (519) 456-2021 Fax: (519) 456-5002 DAVE ROBB Technical Sales Representative Professional Turf Products Res: (416)697-2283 Car: (416)435-2376 Res. Fax: (416)697-2510 From parks to playgrounds... football fields to golf courses ... land reclamation to sod production... home lawns to country estates, you can count on Oseco turfgrass cultivars for top performance. Need a specially blended mixture? Talk to the turfseed specialist from Oseco. Oseco Turf Seeds P.O. Box 219, Brampton, Ontario L6V 2L2 Tel.: 1-800-668-5080 • 416-846-5080 • Fax: 416-846-6909 The changing of the guard BY WILLIAM NEWTON Golf Images TEL: (416) 236-1001 ALBION FAX: (416) 236-4654 The renaissance caretaker GOLF CARS AND TURF EQUIPMENT A DIVISION OF C.J. MCDONALD CO. LTD. Greenkeeper was one of Old Tom Morris' many titles. He was also a 29 ADVANCE ROAD featherie ballmaker, clubfitter, architect, club manager, professional TORONTO. ONTARIO M8Z 2S6 golfer and, of course, holder of seven Open titles. In many similar ways, the modern greenkeeper has evolved - as Tom did - as a mas­ BRUCE MCDONALD ter of all trades. Typically, the post-Second World War superintendent was responsible for more than grass growing. Duties often included gen­ eral purchasing, blade sharpening, fairway cutting, construction, flagpole surveillance. This property manager was also a plumber, small engine mechanic, electrician, carpenter, painter, tree planter, and, sometimes, golf professional. Michael J. Kernaghan The greenkeeper became an important member of the club hierar­ John W. Gravett chy. His was a strong and equal voice with the manager and profes­ sional. Sensible advice about golf course matters was usually unquestioned by members as their recognition of knowledge and authority. But is this so today? Perhaps, not. 45 Walman Drive Professional Turfgrass Guelph, Ontario A new sentry emerges N1G4G8 Lately, there has been a visible changing of the guard at golf club Educational gatehouses. For the new greenkeeper, male or female, there are dif­ Consulting Services (519) 767-1611 ferent issues for the nineties and specialization is now as prevalent in their profession as it is in others. Arguably, because of a changing business, the superintendent's job has become more onerous, more difficult, more stressful. Those chores once achieved with a small seasonal crew, now often require staff with special qualifications. And since new equipment is expen­ sive and sophisticated, expert assistance is necessary for proper use and maintenance. Legislation now demands that chemicals be mixed and applied only by licensed personnel. The high cost of annual maintenance for a quality course, along with shrinking budgets, requires long-term planning and monthly vigilance. High-tech literature needs review to provide for important self-education. These are typical of the new responsibilities con­ SYNITURF INFORMATION fronting the greenkeeper of the nineties. But, perhaps, the area of greatest change is membership make-up TECHNOLOGY SERVICES and personality. No longer a passive participant, modern members A SELECTION OF COMPUTER PRODUCTS & SERVICES are more involved in club matters - and investment - than their pre­ - Hardware — Samsung decessors. This, in turn, can become a demand for better and - Software —Windows improved performance by all staff. One reason for this increased — Word Perfect — Turf Managers Workshop expectation is, obviously, the high cost of joining and playing. — Trimms Members, having paid a substantial amount (and now mostly in — plus specialized programs on: personal funds), expect good value and quality. As well, apparently WEATHER DATA; IPM DATA, ET DATA comes the privilege of complaint. "Why is the rough so rough? Why AND GIS DATA haven't the geraniums been watered today? Number twelve green is - Training of all software on site by our professional too slow. What are you doing about the yellow spots on my fair­ PERSONNEL - Technical backup of all hardware and software by way?" our professional personnel This type of comment, while often harmless, is, one suspects, - Report production symptomatic of the belly-aching society we live in. In much the same way, special interest groups have made their voices heard: ASK US ABOUT OUR SERIES "Why are you spraying now when national butterfly week begins OF NEW EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS FOR TURF Tuesday? Or, "You better start cutting the greens shorter to be ready MANAGERS. for our tournament." Unit 1-1 Daybar Avenue The boomer generation Etobicoke, Ontario One theory for increased member involvement might be labelled - 'a M9W 3N8 little learning'. For example, we have entered the greatest boom peri­ Tel: [416] 245-1131 Fax: [416] 245-2263 od in golf since the end of the Second World War. During the fifties (Continued on page 16) Spinning your reels BY GLENN BURGESS A grinding episode Skyway Lawn Equipment It is probably the oldest piece of equipment Better bedknife contact One of the most dedicated and important in your shop. In fact, research indicates The bedknife is as important as the reels. members of the superintendent's team is that its average age is 15 years for this The purpose of the bedknife is to position the mechanic. essential tool. It’s your reel grinder. Ifyou the grass at the same height so the reel can This specialist often answers tele­ have recently purchased a spin grinder, cut it with a clean, slicing action. When phones, checks sparkplugs for colleagues, or provides friendly advice on demand. then your mower maintenance practices working properly, reel mowers are not cut­ He keeps the oil change records, tight­ have probably changed for the better. ting with a scissoring action, but rather with ens fanbelts, welds broken frames, takes a slicing, scything motion. the squeak out of wheels. He is also a New mowers are a grind When a mower is sharp, it will cut with grinder - one of the essential winter The change to spin grinding occurred at no reel to bedknife contact. As an example, chores is getting the big cutters ready for about the same time as lightweight mowers try to get a pair of scissors to cut with no the rites of spring. touched down on the fairways and 11-blad­ contact. It cannot be done. The bedknife ed reels hit the greens. This was no coinci­ positions the grass so the reel can slice it. dence. However, these new mowers put When the relief angle is reduced in the more pressure on the mechanic than ever reel, the relief angle in the bedknife before given that lightweight mower heads becomes very important. The bedknife relief require a higher level of maintenance than angle allows the grass and any other materi­ the gang mowers they replaced. al to pass betwen the reel and the bedknife They went dull faster, had to be back- with minimal damage to the two surfaces. lapped more frequently and went through The angle that is required in the knife bedknives quicker. The 11-bladed greens- will change for the different cutting condi­ mower heads were harder to sharpen accu­ tions. For greens, bedknifes should be 3-6 rately and as grass on greens was cut short­ degrees; tees and light fairways, 5-9 er, topdressing frequency increased. Con­ degrees; and trim and gang mowers 10-15 sequently, it was difficult to keep these degrees. The larger the material that has to mowers sharp. pass through the mower, the greater the If you have introduced a spin grinder angle. into your maintenance practices, problems mentioned should have disappeared. Maintaining a competitive edge When backlapping is eliminated, an edge Backlapping finds relief can be kept on the bedknife by filing or Mowers can be sharpened more frequently using a small hand grinder to touch up the with a lot less time and effort than before. front edge of the knife. Doing this instead of In many cases, this has eliminated backlap­ lapping will allow the bedknife to wear ping altogether. By doing this, bedknife and straight rather than wavy. Now, the reel can reel life is extended since backlapping caus­ be sharpened at the 6-8 week intervals while es the most wear to these parts. touching up the bedknives with the file as The big relief angle needed in the reel required. for backlapping can also be reduced. By adopting these mower maintenance Although the relief angle makes it easier, practices you will be able to significantly the thinner blade will damage more easily change the way equipment is handled. and will be weaker when it hits foreign Eliminating backlapping will lower labour, material on the playing surface. reel and bedknife costs. Sharpening more By reducing the angle in the reel, the frequently will provide a cleaner cut which blade will be stronger and will dull less fre­ results in a healthier playing surface. quently. This will mean lapping intervals of Reely. one week will be lengthened to sharpening intervals of 6-8 weeks. In these pictures. Credit Valley's Gord Barnes makes sparks fly as he puts bedknives and reels through the grinding process. The 1994 Ontario Turfgrass Symposium in early January promises to one the best events ever held, with expected attendance in excess of 1,000. An important forum is provided for members, suppliers and educators to share their professional interests. Many of the 1993 exhibitors will return, along with displays of new products, ideas and enthusiasm for the business of turf manage­ ment. Join your associates and friends during the three-day sym­ posium. One of Gord's simple acid checks for sharpness, and minimal gap­ ping, is sliding a few slips of the daily newspaper between the turning blades. Economical Pole Frame Buildings For All Your Needs.... Building 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! in the United States, three million rounds potential winter agenda material for the unchecked pests due to environmental con­ were played at 5,000 facilities. Last year, Greens Committee, as members search for straints; reduced staffs to meet budgets; five hundred million rounds were played on golfing equality. greater urbanization of perimeters; shorter, 14,000 courses*. Additional pressure is placed on the narrower courses based on development and Although rounds have multiplied in this superintendent to satisfy these perceived maintenance costs; greater wear and tear on period almost 170 times, facilities increased needs. And because of a little learning, the greens due to increased play; weaker turf less than three times. This simply means that uninitiated member is often unlikely to because of silt buildup caused by acid rain; with considerably more players, each club appreciate this region's unique short-term or, a dozen other facts of life. presents a diverse membership. Conse­ growing conditions; the real cost of laying in Tell them that their greenkeeper has been quently, the superintendent is likely to Ohio sand; or the terrible stress turf suffers learning about, and working towards, encounter a wider range of opinion than in in a summer heatwave despite the clamoring addressing these crucial turf management the past. for high-speed greens in the championship issues in order to provide quality, practical Paired with this scenario is the enormous rounds. The incongruity of a waste bunker in playing fields for tomorrow. At the same exposure golf gets through television and established parkland architecture is not usu­ time remind them that hole by hole, Ontario print. Powerful messages are brought to bear ally considered. These are some of the mem­ has the best collection of golf courses any­ on the golfer. At the same time, turf manage­ ber-fabricated issues confronting today's turf where in the world. ment has reached state-of-the-art and never manager. It is a cause celebre for the oner­ Members should be impressed, and has there been such spectacular 'visual' golf ous job of managing what used to be a thankful. Tom Morris would have been, architecture. People also travel more fre­ straight-forward assignment. knowing how his Scottish stolens have been quently to golf destinations. All of this trans­ lovingly nurtured by Ontario's guardians of lates into strong, colourful images for the Nurturing public relations the greens. The changing of the guard ought average golfer. Where is the counter-point? Realistically, in to be a two-way street. one area only - namely, communications. The reality of perception Part of the new role must be regular member *Source: An environmental approach to golf course develop­ ment; October, 1992; American Society of Golf Course Thus, it is logical to assume that the new liaison. Finding forums to do this, such as a Architects. electronically-bombarded golfer of the newsletter, locker room bulletins, special nineties, and one who has paid record-high communiques, photographic presentations, fees, will be more demanding. In other sharing of important technical information, words, a sculpted fairway played at a Florida or Saturday morning workshops would help course is compared with the 'home' course. to properly inform a membership about The white sand of PGA West as seen on common concerns. television appears cleaner and easier to Communications might also provide the escape from than the dull taupe sand of opportunity to help educate members about Ontario. A waste bunker portrayed in a lure the course of tomorrow which, due to eco­ brochure appears to make more sense that nomic and environmental pressures, might our typical mix of rough, hardpan and look and feel a little different than what now pinecones. This, then, can and does become is expected. Rough which is less kempt, unfertilized and not weed-free; banks of ponds uncut creating wider hazards; REPART MANUFACTURING LTD. 1110 WELWYN DRIVE, MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO L5J 3J3 DISTRIBUTORS FOR: LEBANON FERTILIZERS 18-4-10 CC 18-0-18 CC 8 4-24 CC SPYKER FERTILIZER SPREADERS • F.A.G. BEARINGS - BEARINGS • CHICAGO RAWHIDE - SEALS RED-MAX TRIMMERS • TORO EQUIPMENT PARTS • TORO IRRIGATION PARTS Manufacturers of: • BENCHES AND WOODEN GARBAGE RECEPTACLES • REPLACEMENT SEATS • WHIELE ROLLERS AND CAST MARKERS • BRASS TURF VALVES, KEYS AND NOZZLES • SOLID TYNES • ALUMINUM IRRIGATION DISKS CALL: ROB DAVIS, SALES MANAGER OFFICE: (416) 823-2900 FAX: (416) 278-5384 Gardener's plot Ornamental grasses cart path which served three holes; and an erosion-prone hill beside the 18th green which was almost too steep for cutting with the weed eater. Four different grasses were BY GERRY ECKEL Islington Golf Club used. The results were excellent. This year the program was expanded to nine different Not just a pretty face areas using 24 different varieties of orna­ Making a difference When ornamental grasses are discussed, the mental grass. on your greens. tendency is to only visualize amber or sil­ The grasses are carefully selected for the very flower and seed heads waving in the location and purpose they must serve, as • Contains both slow release breeze. Because of this, a superintendent well as their decorative value. There are nitrogen and slow release may question their value. many ornamentals available and regardless potassium Although on a golf course the ornamen­ of complexity of moisture, light and soil • Virtually no mower pick-up tal character of these grasses can be a conditions at the individual sites, it is possi­ • More particles per square inch bonus, their true worth is in other character­ ble to find suitable varieties. There are more • Least likely to cause spotting istics. These include: disease-free or resis­ than 200 species ranging in size from a few • Dust free tant, pest-free or resistant, no mowing, no centimetres to more than three metres tall. string trimming, little or no fertilizing, no fungicides, erosion control, no aeration and A learning experience no watering except in severe drought. And Perhaps the greatest difficulty in getting yes, they can also be very attractive with started on an such a program is becoming their amber or silver heads waving in the familar with the varieties. There are not too breeze. many ornamental grass experts in the Toronto area, and those with experience in Problem-solving with grass golf course applications are scarce. In 1992, at Islington Golf Club, we began a However, with some horticultural knowl­ program to gradually introduce ornamental edge and a willingness to do some research, grasses to areas of the course which, histori­ it is possible to get a program underway and cally, had maintenance or erosion problems. achieve satisfying results. At Islington, our The idea was to determine whether or not learning curve has been long but we are suf­ they could help improve these areas. ficiently pleased with our progress and we Initially, we concentrated on two areas. will be expanding the program to encom­ A steep, difficult-to-maintain slope beside a pass several more areas each year. Ribbon grass (phalaris arundi- nacea) above embankment to The difference is in the quality. Islington's eighteenth green and alongside patio is attractive and ELMIRA (519) 669-5401 assists in erosion control. BROSSARD (514) 422-2555 Facing the information barrage of the nineties BY JOHN W. GRAVETT Turfecs To train is to gain To survive the 1990s, triangular relationship between operations, Training by degrees every superintendent the employee and management. By identify­ Training can be provided without excessive and club manager ing needs, professional seminars and pro­ expense. It provides opportunity to let peo­ needs to have a com­ grams can be developed for every segment ple know how important their individual petitive edge. of the program - spray technicians, irriga­ contributions are. This assures them that Generally, many tion specialists, office and skilled workers. they are receiving more than a paycheque golf course mainte­ from their job. nance operations pro­ Choosing the correct medium A training goal must be the continuing vide some initial and By utilizing various sources of technical development of each individual - to ongoing training of and professional development, superinten­ improve and serve in a way that will benefit their personnel. But, dents can achieve their specific training others. The results will be measured in the John Gravett of is it enough? goals. Sources for training information manner in which employees interact with Turfecs provides pro­ fessional turfgrass Successful super­ include seminars, workshops, symposiums, each other and club members. But training educational consult­ intendents have one trade publications, books and periodicals. is only as good as follow-up in the field. ing services. thing in common - Attending seminars can be useful, since The real secret is in the initial training they spend no less material and presentation style can be tai­ where the employee's active participation than five per cent of their annual budget on lored to individual requirements. In addi­ in, and ownership of, an idea is essential to training. They argue that this cost is an tion, sending key personnel to seminars pro­ success. investment. motes a tremendous feeling of interest and Training with follow-up can separate Two-thirds of the five per cent is devoted professionalism. The benefactor is your your organization from others - one that you to managment training (superintendent and operation. and your staff can be proud of. assistant), the balance to staff. Superinten­ dents recognize that learning is an ongoing process throughout their careers. Regardless of the type of training Learning benefits all material used, follow the four Ps When training people, training and teaching of training. should not be approached as just a process of correcting or improving deficiencies. People are hired and promoted for what P1 People: their potential is, not for what they cannot do. And they learn as they are encouraged • train to the level of your audience to develop and maximize their strengths. Thus, learning in the workplace should • tell anecdotes • relate your own real life include elbow room for mistakes. If em­ experiences ployees do not make mistakes, they usually never reach their potential. A funny thing happens when people are P2 Planning: being trained. When you teach what you know, you enhance the process of your own • provide trainees with an agenda or understanding - to teach is to learn twice. Frequently, this results in seeing our own schedule • break technical information into shortfalls. easy-to-understand chunks of information • (20 to 40 minutes each) Decrease the information gap Golf course operations are increasingly becoming an information-based business. P3 Practise: It is important to bridge the gap between knowing and not-knowing. Otherwise, there • rehearse your material could be serious implications. For example, in many situations there is a shortage of • practise your presentation qualified labour in the greenkeeping busi­ ness largely due to the seasonality of employment. P4 Place: To help change this, those in leadership roles must encourage and provide informa­ • have a suitable location for your training tion to every employee. There should be a sessions • make it comfortable Daconil 2787 Your best approach to turfgrass diseases. The cornerstone of your disease control program. Because only Daconil 2787 gives you consis­ tent, first-rate protection against 6 major diseases Daconil 2787® fungicide is the premier broad­ on over 90 grasses. Plus ornamentals and conifers. spectrum, contact turf-care product with good reason. It gives superintendents superior control Daconil 2787 Flowable fungicide. The corner­ of their most troublesome diseases. Especially stone of a solid disease control program. And dollar spot, brown patch and leaf spot. your best approach to a more playable course. Daconil 2787 gives you your money’s ISK- BIOTECH worth on tees and greens, as well as fairways. ISK Biotech Limited And there’s never been a documented case of Suite 102 disease resistance to Daconil 2787, either. 931 Commissioners Rd. E. That’s why it should be part of your disease London, Ontario N5Z 3H9 resistance management program. 800-668-0956 Always follow label directions carefully The best approach is to make Daconil 2787 when using turf chemicals. Flowable the cornerstone of your program. ©Daconil 2787 is the registered trademark of ISK Biotech Corporation. AG-A893CAN Workman 3000 -The Work Vehicle Choice With More Utility. Versatile Capacity Capable of doing more work of all kinds and in many combinations. No Caribbean cruise, no free aerifier tines, just quality products at competitive prices. TURF CARE 200 PONY DR. NEWMARKET. 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