Serious hazards Barn burning Fact or fiction Lightning strikes trees Head wrench speaks Myths about pesticides Green is beautiful - Summer / 94 GREENS OGSA Twenty years ago Beneficial predators Bill Bowen tribute CAN-AM scrapbook h Te GA 60 Aerator has proven to be more effective than any competing tractor-pulled reciprocating fairway aerator on the market. Features such as twin aerating heads, its own source of power, and floating turf guards deliver greens-caliber aeration even on undulating terrain. The heavier and beefier aerating heads provide greater strength to cover a broader range of turf conditions. The GA 60 is easy to hook up. One person can attach or detach the ball hitch without bolts or tools. As with all of the revolutionary Cushman® 5th Wheel Implements, its low 11 psi minimizes ground compaction. Large enough to cover your fairways in record time, the GA 60 lets you aerate up to 1.1 acres per hour. Maximum coring depth is a deep 4". You can vary the coring pattern from 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" to 2 1/2" x 5". Turf-Truckster® hydraulics allow the aeration unit eKep your fairways in playing condition with the Cushman Core Destroyer attachment. Follow­ to be raised for easy transport and lowered for quick ing aeration, the Core Destroyer effectively pulver­ operation. izes cores at speeds up to 6 mph, leaving your Quality large area aeration is a big order to fill, fairways clean after aeration. but the GA 60 delivers...and then some. Fast, effective pulverization is achieved with a 5" tined flail and a bedknife-type mulching bar which can be pivoted to change depth quickly—without tools. Full thatch separation and even dispersion helps return fairways to playable condition after 1184 Plains Road East, aeration. Burlington, Ontario L7S 1W6 Capable of handling up to 115,000 sq. ft. per hour, the Cushman Core Destroyer is built to last TORONTO: BURLINGTON: with a heavy tubular steel frame and heavy gauge (905) 338-2404 (905) 637-5216 processor heads. The full-floating heads are sup­ ported by front gauge wheels and full width roller. Low ground pressure allows the Core Destroyer to be used on fine turf and greens. Summer issue, 1994 Presidential fairways Association loses colleague Greens is the official publication of the Ontario Golf Superintendents Association and is published by the Association four times annually - spring, summer, fall, winter. It is distributed as an educational docu­ 1994 OGSA I unfortunately must start this message off on a sad note. Bill ment (without charge) to its members, Board of Directors Bowen, Superintendent at Dalewood Golf Club, and long time advertisers and other selected parties. Although every effort is made to check member of the OGSA, has passed away. I, along with many mem­ President material for publication, the Association Bruce Burger bers, had known Bill for a long time on both a business level and as is not responsible for material published Lakeview Golf Club a golfing friend. He will be missed. There is a tribute to Bill by on behalf of its contributors. Manuscripts, photographs and informa­ Garry Hall on page 3. Vice-president tion for consideration may be provided John Taylor directly to the Editor, or to the Twenty Valley Golf Club Directors’ news Association office. This material will be Past President David W. Gourlay has been nominated by the OGSA returned only on request. Past-president All rights are reserved by the publisher for the upcoming GCSAA election. It has been many years since a David W. Gourlay Canadian has held a Director’s position on that board. The OGSA and any reproduction in whole or part Club Summerlea without the written permission of the Board of Directors, as well as Association members, should support publisher is prohibited. Secretary Dave in any way they can. Advertising rates and schedules are Simon George With Dave Schmelefske changing hats available through the Association office. Oakville Golf Club from Superintendent to supplier, Paul Dodson Treasurer from Aurora Highlands has been appointed to Feature pairing A lex Labelle fill this vacancy. Paul, welcome to the OGSA Carlton Golf Club Board of Directors. 4 Facts about pesticides Ian Bowen and Paul Dodson have been Newsletter Editor appointed as liaison to the CGSA for next GCSAA Doug Suter Credit Valley Golf Club year’s conference. Ian and Paul have submit­ 5 Important friend ted a list of topics and speakers to be consid­ Roster Editor ered. The OGSA will contribute towards a by Garry Hall Rick Serrao successful event in Ottawa. Glendale Golf Club 6 Trees can be protected Golf and meetings Speakers needed by Greg Hill Ken Nelson The OTS Committee is busy making preparations for next January’s 8 CAN-AM scrapbook Sutton Creek Golf Club conference. They are putting together a special Superintendents Ian Bowen Speakers session and any superintendent interested in contributing Annual Border Cities Oshawa Golf Club Paul Dodson can contact Rhod Trainor (OTS Chair) at Hamilton Golf Club, or 11 Head wrench speaks Aurora Highlands Golf Club Pam Charbonneau at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. Jerry Richard I always find listening to fellow superintendents to be interesting by Ray Joyce Craigowen Golf Club and informative, so dust off your slides and come forward with a Membership and scholarships special project at your course which you would like to share with Mark Schneider the rest of us. Greens sections Owen Sound Golf Club I hope everyone has weathered the winter well. Summer is a very busy time of year, but it is also important to spend some quality 3 Presidential fairways time with family and friends. 5 Editor's clippings Office Manager 9 Association cuts Cindi Charters BRUCE BURGER Guelph Turfgrass Institute President 9 Product contours 328 Victoria Rd. S. Guelph, Ontario 13 History courses N1H 6H8 Tel: (519) 824-OGSA Fax: (519) 766-1704 Cover At its most powerful stage, light­ ning is always dramatic. Although golfers are always in peril during a storm with lightning, trees are the most likely victims. (Inset) A mature tree may not live due to scarring from a direct strike. Photographs: Greg Hill Printing: Ultralith Facts about golf course ticides used by superintendents are identi­ cal, or closely related to those used by pesticides able and ecologically important piece of homeowners. land. Golf courses are economic assets and vital greenspaces for the community. How do we know that these products Many members of the public have been Courses employ hundreds of thousands of aren’t harmful to humans or wildlife? stirred by blanket condemnations of golf people, enhance local economies through Pesticide production is one of the most courses by self-appointed environmental taxation and tourism, and provide many highly regulated industries. Before a prod­ watchdogs. Often, information circulated ecological benefits. They help to filter air uct is registered in the United States, it is is myth or exaggerated. And it is fact that pollution and create fresh oxygen; are rigorously tested for potential human health well-managed golf course properties can excellent groundwater recharge sites and are and environmental effects. This can take up enhance the environment, wildlife habitat critical wildlife sanctuaries. to ten years and involve more than 120 tests and quality of groundwater. and studies. Manufacturers often invest up As part on an ongoing information pro­ How does a superintendent decide when to $50 million in product safety before the gram, the Golf Course Superintendents to apply a pesticide? product reaches market. Association of America has released this Pest problems are often predictable, or can information. be diagnosed. Once identified, the superin­ Are golfers at risk? tendent considers the options. These include No, since there is no scientific evidence Why do golf courses use pesticides? cultural practices (removing weeds, chang­ suggesting golfers face any chronic health Pesticides help to limit damage caused by ing irrigation patterns, clearing underbrush), risk. Once a liquid product is applied and insects, weeds and plant diseases. or the use of biological controls, or chemi­ the turf is dry, or the product has been Insecticides, herbicides and fungicides are cal products. Once the treatment and its watered in, there is very little chance of used selectively to protect the health of turf, ideal time is selected to be the most effec­ exposure. It is worth noting that a small per­ trees and other living things. Fertilizers pro­ tive and environmentally-sound, implemen­ centage of people may be allergic to a par­ vide much-needed nutrition for plant life. tation occurs. This approach is often called ticular product. Golfers with possible chem­ It is important that pesticides and fertiliz­ ‘integrated pest management’. ical allergies are always encouraged to con­ ers are not used primarily for aesthetics. tact superintendents to find out what prod­ They are tools that help ensure a healthy What kinds of products are used? ucts might be in use. playing surface. They help to protect a valu­ Most are surprised that the majority of pes­ (continued on page 8) "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 Unpredictable revenue An important friend of the profession and game Bill Bowen graduated from Horticultural As we enter the second half of summer, we can only wonder how School in Niagara and went directly into the unpredictable the weather might be. That is, if the first half was any greenkeeping business. For the next 35 years, barometer - one day blistering hot, the next almost deep freeze. One Bill worked at the profession he loved. He day we would think about pithium and the next pink snow mould. It held the highest rank in the Ontario Golf has been that type of year. Superintendents Association and was a found­ Just as unpredictable as the weather has been our advertising income for GREENS. We ing member of the Ontario Turfgrass Research have hit a low point and current revenues do not cover the cost of the magazine. Foundation. Consequently, the Executive Committee of the OGSA Board of Directors has instructed Bill was immensely proud of those accom­ that the magazine cost and size be reduced. I don’t agree. Let me briefly explain why. plishments, but this was only part of his life. My mandate was to redevelop the magazine with more dynamic, informative content, He lived, played and breathed the game of and make it look more professional through better design. I believe we have achieved this. golf. It is curious we would take steps now to retrench the magazine at a time when the golf Only the people who played the game with industry is suffering. With a presentable format we also have a logical forum to be more Bill can understand how competitive he was. proactive. The Association should be speaking out about our positive contributions to the He lived for the time when he could go south environment, the changes which will occur in golf course turf management and reaching with Hugh Kirkpatrick, Paul Dermott and Bill out to the new generation to let them know what an honourable profession greenkeeping is. Fach. He even enjoyed taking a couple of With wider, and more public distribution, GREENS can help achieve these and other bucks from his pals. objectives, including increasing advertising revenues. I first met Bill 15 years ago when I had a We have worked hard to develop this magazine and we hope you are proud of it. I am dream of building a golf course. I was finding disappointed in this direction and would be pleased to hear any comments. it difficult to obtain help when someone men­ tioned the name of Bill Bowen. They also DOUG SUTER mentioned that he was a grumpy individual Editor and one I would not get along with. I saw Bill that winter at the club and he was a grouch and cool with this young upstart who thought he could actually build a golf course. After several cool minutes, I informed Mr. Bowen that I understood that he was one of the best, and I was prepared to do whatever he said. The rest is history. Bill came to our proposed site in the spring and I know to this day he thought I was nuts, but never once did he try to discourage me. In our first year, every time we saw purple grass or cutworms, etc. Bill was at our course never once asking for anything but appreciation. Bill kindly referred to my wife as ‘Suz’ either on the course or in our home, and dur­ ing the following years enjoyed the fact that we had progressed to the point of arguing with him over the maintenance of our course. Bill was extremely loyal to his friends, fam­ ily and the profession he loved. I have talked to his golfing partner, Red Sullivan from Peterborough and decided that this note is not to be a memorial or an attempt at such, because Bill would not have wanted that. Anyone who worked or played golf with SHAPING THE RENOVATION SCENE Bill will know that when you glanced down a fairway early in the morning or sank a 50 foot TURF DRAIN INC. BUNKER RECONSTRUCTION putt how he would have enjoyed your experi­ ence. That will be the memorial he would TURF have wanted. If there is a heaven, Bill finally has time for DRAIN RENOVATION DIVISION the tour. INC. Guelph, Ontario (519) 763-3130 GARRY HALL Six Foot Bay Golf Course Lightning strikes on trees Trees can be protected BY GREG HILL Maple Hill Tree Services On the golf course, specimen trees, or trees of the tree, its health and vulnerability to where the tree is literally blown apart, or which come into play are normally well- injury. As well, the ability of the tree reduced to splinters. maintained and nurtured through pruning, species to recover, plus the subsequent Apparently what happens within the tree feeding and monitoring. But, all too often treatment provided by an Arborist are when a lightning strike occurs, is a transfer these valuable trees are being destroyed by important contributors to survival. of heat from the stroke caused by the resis­ the most destructive of all natural forces - Certain trees are more likely lightning tance of the poor conductability of wood. lightning. targets than others. Height, depth of roots, The heat causes the moisture in the cells of All trees are exposed and vulnerable health, species, type of soil, elevation and the wood to expand, thus causing a strip of lightning targets no matter their location - location are all factors. A long-term study bark to be blown off or the tree to be com­ hillside, knoll or mountain top. showed that the ten tree species most often pletely shattered. Another theory is that Trees offer an inviting target for this elec­ struck by lightning are (in order): oak, elm, there is a chemical breakdown in the tissues trical menace because they are pointed pine, tulip tree, poplar, ash, maple, syca­ created by the electrical current, or energy objects and function like lightning rods. more, hemlock and spruce. in the form of heat, producing gas or steam They assist the positive ground charge to Beech, birch and horse chestnut are the with explosive results. reach up to the negative stroke as it is species struck least often. Whatever the Of all the trees which survive a strike, released from the thunderclouds overhead. species, favourite lightning targets are the more than half will eventually die because They are struck by lightning because they lone tree, the tallest tree in a stand and a tall of the traumatic damage or opportunistic are better conductors of electricity than the tree at the end of a row or at the edge of a insects and disease. When bark beetles air. Wood by itself is a poor conductor and, grove nearest the approaching storm. attack a single lightning-damaged tree, they therefore, offers strong resistance to the When lightning strikes a tree, it may may then make a mass attack on surround­ flow of the electrical current. But lightning either follow a path down the outside of the ing trees. will not be denied, and all too often the tree bark or down the sapwood under the bark. suffers the tragic consequences. It is either Sometimes, it will even penetrate the heart­ The lightning protection system totally destroyed or badly scarred and likely wood. The route it will take often depends Lightning protection equipment made espe­ to cause a slow death. on the size of the stroke, weather condi­ cially for trees should be used. Sub-standard The degree of harm to an unprotected tree tions, the health and species of tree. copper cable can be expected to vaporize depends on several factors. These include Because of these variables, actual damage during a lightning discharge of any magni­ the voltage, amperage and the duration of to the tree may range from a narrow strip­ tude, resulting in destruction of severe the lightning flash. Other factors are the age ping of the bark to complete devastation injury to the tree. 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... (905) 772-3551 (905) 388-6865 Over 30 Years Experience! • A lightning protection system for trees consists of four main Likely sites parts: Recreation areas, such as golf courses, are the copper air terminals; copper likely sites of lightning casualties and, in braided conductor cables; copper this regard, are second only to those of or brass fasteners and adequate homes. A study of 1,000 casualties con­ grounding. ducted by the Lightning Protection Institute • This system is specially designed concluded that home incidents are only to move with the natural sway of slightly more frequent with 336 compared the tree, is inconspicuous and will with 329 at recreational sites. not harm it. • These systems should be On the positive side inspected periodically to ensure The stroke produces significant chemical the system is still intact. changes in the atmosphere converting oxy­ Adjustments should be made to gen into ozone. And the heat which it gen­ the air terminals as necessary. erates unites nitrogen and oxygen to form nitrates and these fall to the ground with Lightning protection and the law rain. This replenishes the soil as plant-pro­ There are three things required by law in ducing nutrients. relation to any lightning protection installa­ tion: Maple Hill Tree Services has been 1. The installer must be licensed by the licensed by the Office of the Fire Office of the Fire Marshall. Marshall. The company has been 2. Upon completion of each system, a installing lightning protection systems on Certificate of Installation must be submitted golf courses since 1986. Maple Hill has to the same office. protected trees at Mississaugua, Glen 3. The system will then be inspected by that Abbey, The Briars, Point West, St. office and must comply with all standards Georges and York Downs. and have a resistance in the complete system of less than 50 ohms. ParEx Fertilizers: Slow and Steady •SAFE FOR SUMMER USE • LOW BURN POTENTIAL •ORGANIC BLENDS AVAILABLE One Source of Nitrogen for all Seasons... Distributed by: FOUR GRADES OF IBDU® AVAILABLE TURFCARE 1-905-836-0988 For more information, contact Vigoro Canada, Inc., 22 Clarke Street E., Tillsonburg, Ontario N4G 1C8 1-800-268-2076 CAN-AM scrapbook The OGSA Annual Border Cities Golf Day was held April 18 at Pointe West Golf Club in Amherstburg, Ontario. Approximately 100 golfers attended from Michigan and Ontario. The Canadian team of David Schmelefske, Kelly Barnett, Dan Legros and Rob Davis won the CAN-AM Challenge Cup. Thanks go out to Matt Cole, Club Professional and Lamont Anderson, Golf Course Superintendent and their staffs for a memorable day. 1. (Left to right): Winners David Schmelefske, Kelly Barnett and Dan Legros accept cup (missing Rob Davis). 2. High Kirkpatrick of Westmount demonstrates cor­ rect elbows-out putting style. 3. Hamilton's Rhod Trainor exhibits classic left toe out position. 4. Border Cities pals with interlocking grip. 5. Paul Dermott and Simon George check short yardage technique. 6. Turf Care's Rob Davis (left) confers with 'caddie' Rob Fields. 7. (Left to right): OGSA President Bruce Burger of Lakeview, Thom Charters of Weston and Bill Bowen* make a pre-tournament threesome. 8. Vigoro's Daisy Moore (left) and Mary Beth of Hutcheson flank host Monty Anderson (left). * Please refer to President's message. (continued from page 4) If the products aren’t that dangerous, Most official product testing focuses on this groundwater or run off into surface water. why do professional applicators wear question. A recent study commissioned by Turfgrass is managed so efficiently that protective gear? GCSAA to examine causes of death amongst there is little chance of harm. Applicators work directly with pesticides members found some higher rates of certain and are exposed more often than golfers. cancers, But, researchers said that no cause What kind of training and education do Pesticide label directions require that appli­ and effect relationship could be established superintendents and applicators have? cators take certain precautions based on the from the data. Most superintendents have college degrees assumption that the same person will be in agronomy, horticulture or a related field. repeatedly exposed to the some product Do properly applied chemicals pose a The majority also attend continuing educa­ over many years. These may include use of threat to groundwater, lakes or streams? tion programs. They are considered to be rubber gloves, goggles, respirators or pro­ No. Studies consistently show that a well­ among the best-educated and most judicious tective clothing. managed golf course can actually improve users of pesticide products and integrated water quality on and around the facility. pest management. Applicators are also Some media stories suggest that pesti­ Research shows that pesticides and fertiliz­ trained and licensed. cides are linked to cancer ers properly used, do not tend to seep into Association cuts Golf events Product contours News and information Spring Field Day Par-Aide Divot Mate This year’s event at the Cutten club in Guelph took place May 30. The new Divot Mate entrusts the chore to players of the time-con­ Host Superintendent Richard Creed had the course in magnificent suming task of reseeding divots. condition. Ninety-eight industry people participated. Designed as a sand’n seed bucket, it offers a variety of other Thanks to Richard and his staff, General Manager Anita course uses as well. Ruggedly constructed, it boasts a deep, four Goodman, Jeff Rush and the clubhouse staff for their attentiveness; gallon capacity with hinged lid. A broken tee container is positioned thanks to Head Professional Bob Kennedy and staff for scoring; at the back. and to Dennis Muir and Pam Charbonneau for their tour of Guelph Divot Mate complements Trash Mates and both encourage player Turfgrass Institute facilities. Winners include: Thom Charters and involvement with course upkeep. Bruce Burger for low gross (73); and John Taylor, low net. For more information, contact: Par Aide Products Company at 3565 Hoffman Road East, St. Paul, MN 55110. For the name of the Upcoming Par Aide dealer nearest you, call: (612) 779-9851. The remaining two rounds in the Georgian Bay Golf Superintendents Association medal play five event will be: Turf Care appointments Tuesday, August 23 (Lake St. George, Greg Louth, host) Turf Care Products Canada Limited is pleased to announce two Tuesday, September 13 (Horseshoe Resort, John Hughes, host) appointments: For cart and reservations call: (705) 835-3125 • Rob Davis becomes a member of the commercial sales team with responsibility for sales of Toro Equipment and Irrigation Products, Greater London and Area Golf Superintendents thank Theo E-Z-GO golf Cars, Par Ex Fertililizers and Shindaiwa Power Tools Versteegh and Tim Thurston for hosting the first event of the sea­ in the Toronto West and Niagara Pennisula areas. son. Thirty-five players enjoyed the beautiful Mt. Elgin club. • Butch Middleton as sales representative for Eastern Ontario and Three events remain: August 11 (Fanshawe); September 20 Ottawa Valley (with the support of Loch March Golf Club as a ser­ (Forset City National); October 8 (Llyindinshire) vicing depot) will be responsible for all Toro Equipment, E-Z-GO golf Cars, Par Ex Fertilizers, Shindaiwa Power Tools and Irrigation parts and supplies. Daconil 2787 Your best approach to turfgrass diseases. aconil 2787® fungicide is the premier broad-spectrum, contact turf care D product with good reason. It gives superintendents superior control of their most troublesome summer and winter diseases. Especially dollar spot, brown patch, leaf spot and snow mould. Daconil 2787 gives you your money’s worth on tees and greens, as well as fairways. And there’s never been a documented case of disease resistance to Daconil 2787. That’s why it should be an important part of your disease resistance management program. Daconil 2787: Your best approach to a more playable course. ISK biosciences ISK Biosciences Limited 931 Commissioners Rd. E., Suite 102 London, Ontario N5Z 3H9 1-800-668-0956 ©Daconil 2787 is the registered trademark of ISK Biosciences Corporation. Always follow label directions carefully when using turf chemicals. Gardener's plot Bugs at work BY JENNIFER HALE when pests are just detected, are very impor­ exclusively on aphids often killing many Plant Products Co. Ltd. tant. As well, pesticide residues, if other more than they consume. After 3-5 days, the pests must be treated, will be harmful to the larvae drop from the plants and burrow into Beneficial insects for control of plant beneficial. Finally, if environmental condi­ the soil to pupate. Adults, when they pests in the home garden and landscape tions are not good enough for the beneficial, emerge, search for other aphid colonies, it will not thrive. thus continuing the cycle and giving season- Get bugs working for you if you are suffer­ Here is a primer on using beneficials to long control. ing from any of these ailments: control aphids and fungus gnats in the home This benefical insect controls over 60 • Aphids enjoying your roses before you and garden. Other information is available species of aphids that feed on vegetables, can. for controlling spidermites and whitefilies. flowers, trees, shrubs and roses. These • Spider mites consuming your greenery. predators will feed on exposed stages of • Whiteflies and blackflies buzzing around Aphids aphids, but will not control wooly, root or your garden and houseplants. Aphids are common pests which cause a gall aphids. They should only be released great deal of damage to a wide variety of when aphids have been seen on plants since Commercial greenhouse vegetable growers plants. They should be controlled because of the adult midge lays her eggs ony in aphid have been using beneficial insects to control their feeding damage, unsightly honeydew, colonies. The midge is very hardy and over­ their pests for many years now. These bene- and potential for plant virus transmission. winters outdoors anywhere in Canada. ficials are natural enemies of the pest (usual­ Damage is caused when aphids feed on the If aphid numbers are high, wash aphids ly also native) and a great deal of research juices of the leaves and young shoots, and from plants with water or spray with insecti­ and experimentation has taken place to opti­ secrete a sticky substance (honeydew) that cidal soap before release. Keep the aphid mize rates and timing of introductions. soils plants. predator package warm indoors (22-25 The details are a lot trickier than for chem­ The aphid predator (Aphidoletes degrees C, 70-75 degrees F), and in the ical applications, as might be imagined. This aphidimyza) is a hardy, native midge fly shade until the adult flies (midges) start to is because bugs generally take longer in which lays its eggs among aphid colonies. emerge (usually within two weeks). being effective. Thus early introductions, The orange larvae (immature stage) feed When the adults are visible, release flies 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 Head wrench speaks out at dusk on calm days by removing the lid and placing the container open in the gar­ BY RAY JOYCE den. Once released, avoid using insecticides Turf equipment manager since they will harm the beneficial. St. George's Golf and Country Club Common fungicides (captan, ferbam and manzate) do not harm the aphid predator. A different bedtime story You’ll know when the predator is working After arriving home after one more twelve-hour day, my five year- when small, bright orange midge larvae in old daughter Jennifer asked me where I worked. Instead of a bed­ the aphid colonies are discovered. time story, I took the opportunity to explain. I proudly told Jennifer of St. George’s and its rich history with Fungus gnats ties to Canadian Pacific Railway. And of the Royal York Hotel, the These can be pests in greenhouses, indoor great golf architect Stanley Thompson, and the castle-like (she plants and gardens because of their feeding would think so) clubhouse. I reflected back 24 years to a time as a damage to roots, disease transmission and student when I worked part-time as a delivery driver for a party nuisance to people. The presence of fungus goods rental company. Then, I would drop off chairs, tables and gnats is often determined by identifying the linens to all the golf clubs in the west end. I told her of the 25 foot adult stage. It is a small, black midge-like Christmas tree I saw one year in the rotunda of St. Georges, and of insect with long legs.The tiny black-headed the visual impact of the clubhouse in the snow with its festive lights worm-like larvae (or immature stage) found twinkling. in the soil causes the damage to roots and Finally, after memories faded, I got back to present day and went transmits disease. on to explain my duties as Turf Equipment Manager at ‘one of The fungus gnat predator (Hypoaspis Canada’s top five golf courses’. Never one to easily fall asleep, I miles) is a tiny, light brown or tan mite that asked her if I had answered her question, the wide-awake Jennifer naturally inhabits the top layer of soil. The said, “Yes, daddy . . . but, what about the animals?” (continued on page 14) What animals? Since I didn’t mention the crew in my story, I was perplexed. I asked for an explanation. “The animals in the barn”, she replied. And there it was, the term used by members and old-time staff. ‘The barn’, the term that gets my back up. I demanded to know where she had heard this. Realizing she was on unsure ground, the response was cautious. WET FEET? “Well, tonight after supper, mommy tried to call you at work to find Drainage pipe installed on 40 out what time you would be home. Some lady answered and said acres of fairway at 30 ft. spacings she was sure that no one was still in the barn at that time of day and and 2.5 ft. deep will remove a mommy should try again tomorrow.” minimum of 8 million gallons of After kissing Jennifer goodnight and promising to take her to excess water in less than 1 week every spring. work one day, I went to the living room and started the notes for A 2.5 inch rainfall will be this article. absorbed within 24 hours on well- To be sure, there is (at least at this writing) a barn on the property drained fairways. That’s 3 million of St. Georges. It has some local history and served as a repair facil­ gallons of water! ity and a machinery shed during a more simple time in the club’s Our licenced drainage past. A time of gang mowers and tractors and, yes, Canadian Opens. professionals work strictly on golf But for the past six years, the nearly one million dollar turf equip­ course drainage and are able to ment inventory has been housed in a modern, although cramped, bring these facts to reality. In fact, we have installed over 700,000 ft. storage and repair facility. of drainage pipe on more than 60 golf courses Barn indeed The image conjured up is one of unprofessional people doing unprofessional work. I take fierce pride in what I do because in our TURF field we produce more with less. It is simple to solve problems by DRAIN DRAINAGE DIVISION throwing money around. You want proof? Look at how most club­ house operations work. Got a broken window, call the glass people. INC. Broken vacuum, get the yellow pages. Although a broken shaft on a $1,200 hydraulic pump from a Ontario (519)763-3130 $30,000 fairway mower is a $250 part purchase, the downtime in fixing this is the same as if I had bought a new pump in the first (continued on page 14) 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 1864 Bowler Drive P.O. Box 370 Bus (905) 857-2000 Brampton, Ontario L6Z 2J7 Pickering, Ontario L1V 3E4 Bolton, Ontario L7E 5T3 Mobile (416) 565-5628 Fax + Telephone: (905)846-3319 Telephone: (905)839-6526 Fax (905)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: (905) 681-3949 Car: (905)541-8872 Almack & Associates Box 256, Carlisle, Ontario LOR 1H0 905-689*6174 Business card Fast In. Fast Out. and advertising rates We move trees—yours or ours Tree spades: 60,84 and 94 inches. are available through We can supply almost any size and species you require. Call Phil Dickie the OGSA office FAST FOREST INC. Call for information 270 Shoemaker Street (519) 824-OGSA Kitchener, Ontario N2E 3E1 Tel: (519) 748-6610 FAX: (519) 7486626 History courses Twenty years ago TEL: (416) 236-1001 ALBION FAX: (416) 236-4654 GOLF CARS AND TURF EQUIPMENT A DIVISION OF C.J. MCDONALD CO. LTD. 29 ADVANCE ROAD TORONTO. ONTARIO M8Z 2S6 BY BARRY ENDICOTT Nobleton Lakes Golf Club BRUCE MCDONALD In 1974, OGSA was celebrating its 50th anniversary, The Board of Directors were Bob Heron (President), Paul Dermott (Vice-presi­ dent), Al Beeney (secretary), Whitey Jones, Bob Hall, John Stoughton, Cameron Airncross, Carl Bennet, Helmut Kopp, Paul Scenna, Jim Wylie (Past President) and Ross Haines (Newsletter Editor). Michael J. Kernaghan There was a monthly meeting in February at Uplands in Thornhill John W. Gravett hosted by Helmut Kopp. It was a combined skiing, business and lecture meeting. Other meetings were held at North Halton, Bayview, Galt, PGA National and Oshawa golf clubs. The GCSAA Conference and Show was held in Anaheim, California. The RCGA 45 Walman Drive Turfgrass Conference was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Professional Turfgrass Guelph, Ontario New members joining were Ken Wright (Northwood), Wendell N1G4G8 Dyment (Big Cedar), Dave Dick (Sleepy Hollow) and Gerry Educational Lafarriere (Garion). Annual dues were increased from $20 to $30. Consulting Services (519) 767-1611 The fourth annual OGSA Turfgrass Symposium was January 3 at Lambton with Jim Wylie as host. Seventy-five people attended and Keith Nesbit was the Session Chairman for the day. Superintendents met at the Centennial Arena in Etobicoke between 1 and 2 pm for hockey. Blake McMaster (Gormley Green), Bruce Lewis (Georgetown), Whitey Jones (Aurora), Helmut Kopp (Uplands), Carl Bennet (Oakville), Paul Dermott HUTCHESON (Islington), Bob Heron (Markland Woods) and Ron Graham, who SAND AND MIXES broke his ankle on the first shift, all participated. Minimum wage was $1.65 an hour for a student under 18 and • We are proud to be supplying the Ontario and working under 28 hours; $1.90 for a learner during his first month Quebec Golf Course Industry with: and $2 an hour for general employees. Sam DiPinto (Lido) accepted the superintendent position at Non calcareous, low pH Beverley. David Taylor Barnes passed away in March and Norm MacDonald, a past superintendent at York Downs, also passed Hutcheson Silica: away. Stew Mills helped make ice at the Canadian Curling Championships in London. Helmut Kopp won a gold medal at the Topdressing Sand and Mixes Hotdog Championships at Blue Mountain and Steve Miller moved Construction Sand and Mixes to Dundas Valley as superintendent. Jack Harris retired from High Organic Humus and Sphagnum Peat Hamilton to build his own golf course and Stew Mills moved from London Highlands to Hamilton. Bunker Sands On August 9, the Pro-Superintendent Golf Tournament was held Netlon® at Brampton with Ross Haines as host and the OGSA 50th Anniversary Golf Tournament was held at Lambton with Jim • Our products comply with Industry specifications Wylie as host. The Christmas dance was held at Richmond Hill on and have met with overwhelming approval by December 14. agronomists, architects and superintendents. TRY US! 8 West Street South, Box 910, Huntsville, ON, P0A 1K0 Office: 705-789-4457 Watts: 1 -800-461-5521 Fax: 705-789-1049 (Bugs at work - continued from page 11) These beneficials have proven to be effec­ (Head wrench - continued from page 11) tive in commercial operations. Homeowners females lay their eggs in the soil and the need to be patient. Control in general will place. Why bother? Because of the routine nymphs and adults feed on small soil­ be slow and only rarely will the pest be 10 to 12 hour days, pride and professional­ dwelling insects such as fungus gnat larvae, completly eliminated. ism. thrips and springtails. But, each is quite specific for the indicat­ Control is most effective when used ed pest, thus there is no chance that they Image problem due to myth before fungus gnat populations become will harm people, pets, plants or other bene­ The myth is that turf equipment mechanics established, or populations are low. Use the ficials. do not dabble in their chosen venue. The fungus gnat predator on house plants and government has decided that golf course when starting seeds, or transplanting. If you wish to try one of nature's equipment repair is a separate field and, To prevent fungus gnats from damaging own pest controls, contact Plant therefore, a licensable profession. A single roots, it is necessary to treat the soil of Products Co. Ltd. at (905) 793- piece of paper is not going to reverse years propagating trays or cell packs, pots and 7000. We will direct you to our of ingrained thinking that mechanics are house plants before a fungus gnat problem nearest garden centre supplier. slow-witted cousins who didn’t do well in arises. The fungus gnat predator is easy to school, but ‘were good with their hands’. apply. This image problem exists. It perpetuates. Gently mix the beneficials and a granular And it needs to be addressed by all parties carrier (peat and vermiculite), then distrib­ concerned. How many times have unfamil­ ute the contents over pots and trays. Place iar people come into our repair facilities, the empty container among the plants asked to speak to the superintendent, then releasing any remainging beneficial mites. left without a word? How many telephone When beneficial mites are visible in the messages have you diligently taken by these soil, the predator is working. As well, the same individuals, but you can’t put a face to number of adult fungus gnats will be the name? reduced. As long as I live, I will never forget the day I met our new General Manager. Chauffeured to the shop on a freshly pol­ ished golf cart, the superintendent stopped dead centre of the open bay door and announced, “Mr. Murphy, this is our new The new equipment lift”. “Very nice”, was the reply. “And who is the fellow working under the raised Golf machine?” Air-Ject “He’s our mechanic”, was the answer. “Does the mechanic have a name?”. doesn't take a prompted the GM. After a very hurried introduction he said it had been a pleasure meeting me to which bite out of your I replied that it is a pleasure to meet anyone. In conclusion, people of the wrench, greens or remember the first step in an image upgrade is a good old-fashioned barn burning. It is long overdue. your wallet. Phone Ian Clark for a free demo. 416-247-7875 Gordon Bannerman Limited 41 Kelfield Street,Rexdale,Ontario M9W 5A3 Telephone 416-247-7875 • Fax 416-247-6540 COLDSTREAM CONCRETE LTD. R.R.2, Ilderton, Ontario NOM 2AO PHONE (519) 666-0604 FAX (519) 666-0977 Never before has there been a drainage system that offers this much performance in a package so easy to sell and install. Multi-Flow drainage systems, available in 6", 12", and 18" heights, consist of lengths of perforated, interconnected pipe and snap-on couplings and outlets. They are custom designed to efficiently satisfy each specific drainage situation. Constructed from corrugated high density polyethylene, Multi-Flow drainage systems have 2-3 times the strength of ordinary round corrugated pipe. Because of their vertical design, Multi-Flow systems not only intercept surface water, but reach out to thoroughly drain the area around the system. As a more efficient replacement for the expensive French Drain (crushed rock and pipe method), the Multi-Flow Drain requires less backfill and can be installed at significantly less cost. Furthermore, installation of a Multi­ Flow drainage system requires only a 2" wide trench, thereby minimizing soil disruption. For more information on the new Multi-Flow drainage systems, call us today! CALL FOR DEALER IN YOUR AREA (519) 666-0604 The Toro Greensmaster 3100. So Quiet You Can Hear A Pin Drop. At only 82 decibels, the lightest Toro Greensmaster riding greens 3100 has to mower on the be heard to market, so there’s lower be believed. compaction and less turf damage for We’d like to come out and let you and better playability. your crew see, and hear, how it works Your crew will love the on your greens. responsiveness of our precise power Your maintenance steering. And your whole team chief, for will appreciate the assurance of example, will Turf Guardian™ hydraulic oil leak notice that detection. ill major parts Give us a call to arrange a demo are accessible, so of the 3100. Because until you test this repairs can be made quickly and easily. mower in person, you You’ll notice that this is the ain’t heard nothin’. TURF CARE TURF CARE PRODUCTS CANADA LIMITED 200 Pony Drive, Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 7B6 Tel: (905) 836-0988 Fax: (905) 836-6442