The 21st Annual South Florida Turf Expo on April 3rd hosted 400 people and raised over $25,000 for the IFAS Research Center. Here Dr. John Cisar discusses a research project during the turf plot tours portion of the program. Photo by Ian Maguire. Upcoming Events th Golf Tournament, The Falls CC May 8th - FGCSA Board Meeting and Past President's Dinner May 20 - Suncoast GCSA Annual Meeting at Sara Bay CC May 9th - GCSAA Leadership Seminar, Naples Beach Hotel and GC, Naples. May 21st & 22nd - Seven Rivers GCSA, University of Florida/IFAS North Central Florida Turfgrass Field Days June 19th - Seven River GCSA Annual Meeting, Candler Hills, Ocala May 31st - Palm Beach GCSA Annual Fishing Tournament June 30th - West Coast GCSA Chapter Championship at Old Memorial June - Suncoast GCSA Meeting at the Links at Greenfield Plantation, Date TBA July 22nd - North Florida GCSA Annual Meeting, World Golf Village - Slammer and Squire GC May 10-12- Poa Annua Classic, Naples Beach Hotel and GC, Naples May 19th - West Coast GCSA Joint Meeting with Club Managers Assoc., Tampa Palms GC I May 19th - Central Florida GCSA Chapter I Championship, Isleworth Golf and CC June - North Florida GCSA Family Fest June 7th - Palm Beach GCSA Future of June 18th - Central Florida GCSA Meeting, Royal St. Cloud July 23rd - Suncoast GCSA Bus trip, Tropicana Field. Ravs vs. A's 1 President's Message President's Message By Matt Taylor, CGCS Summer is soon approaching and with it nice long hot days which will hopefully bring copious amounts of rainfall for everyone. Water shortages are certainly still at the top of the list of issues facing many of us today. Things will get somewhat better in South Florida with SFWMD dropping back to Phase II but long-term outlooks are bleak. Water conservation for all of the water management districts seems to be drawing much more attention these days. Much of the public sees golf courses as large users of water, those of us in the profession know better. See the chart. Water Use Agriculture Public Supply Power Generation Commercialindustrial-mining Recreation Private domestic wells 48% 30% (half is for outdoor irrigation) 8% 7% 5% (2/3 is for golf irrigation — 3%) 2% Reclaimed water for years has been a redeeming source for many golf courses especially during drought restrictions. Water management districts are now looking into reducing or restricting those amounts. This would be done in an effort to replace potable water used in residential irrigation with reclaimed water. So what can be done? We need to continue to develop the facts and present them to the water management districts in a clear and concise manner. As an example for those chapters that were affected by South Florida Water Management Phase III restrictions, we formed a partnership so that we all spoke with one voice. This helped going into negotiations with the district staff that we spoke for all. You need to do the same with your particular water management district. We hired Bruce Adams, former district employee, to help us navigate through the system. We compiled 5 years worth of data on water use from numerous clubs. Our data showed that the Blaney-Criddle model used by the district irad key flaws. One was that it gave us very little water in the "drier" winter months during our peak season, and too much water during the GREEN SHEE Editor: Financial Support: Joel Jackson, CGCS (407) 248-1971 (fax/phone) E -mail: FLGrn@aol.com This issue of the Green Sheet is being sponsored by: N e w s Coordinator: Jennifer Innes 1296 NE Oceanview Cir. Jensen Beach, FL 34957 (772)334-7515 (772) 334-6015 e-mail: fgcsa@comeast.net The Green Sheet is a bimonthly FGCSA Newsletter printed as follows: Jan/Feb, March/April, May/June, July/August, Sept./October, November/December. 2 Golf Ventures 5101 Gateway Blvd., Suite 18 Lakeland, FL 33811-2704 800-330-8874 800-481-8911 888-222-7072 All material submitted for printing will be edited at the discretion of the editor. Material must be typed or clearly printed. Photos are encouraged. Items must be for the good of the association. Deadline next issue June 15. Matt Taylor "wetter" summer months when we really didn't need to pump as much. Additionally, using our Economic Impact study of 2000, we complied ec tiomic facts and figures and water use data from the USGS. This was presented to the staff in hopes of relief from the devastating Phase III restrictions at the height of our season. To date staff has meet with us a few times, more importantly they have meet with key IFAS professors from UF to discuss Blaney-Criddle and basic turf grass water use efficiency. This process is still on-going and as more progress is made we will update everyone. All of this information is available to anyone who would like to see what was done; you can contact myself, Joel or anyone of the chapter presidents I spoke of. Thanks to everyone for their efforts. Throughout the year, many groups donate to the FGCSA research account. Your donations make much of the research done in the state possible. I don't have the space to mention each group but they consist of individual FGCSA chapters as well as many companies doing business in the state. Thank you very much for your efforts in raising these funds. When you see turf grass research results you should feel proud that you helped fund these studies. Thank you. Executive Director Report Executive Director Report By Joel Jackson, GCCS 1. Government Relations Report: State Fertilizer Rule: Supported by Mayor Denham of Sanibel and Commissioner Thaxton of Sarasota opposition is mounting to the model ordinance provision in the statewide fertilizer bill. Determined to custom legislate fertilizer use to each county and municipality as if proper use of fertilizer differed by political boundary these folks are fighting to maintain the right to over-ride science and use their version of what is best like no nitrogen or phosphorus applied during the growing season (July through September). What they aren't considering are the unintended consequences. Local Fertilizer Ordinances: Kudos to Charlotte County Commissioners who voted to not have a rainy season blackout for fertilizer and who also voted for a responsible 3-foot setback from water bodies when using a deflector shield on spreaders. They are one of the only local governments to respect the science in their decision making. Water Restrictions: Effective April 18, 2008 the South Florida Water Management District will relax current watering restrictions to allow residential lawn watering two days per week and golf courses will revert to Phase 2 or 30% reductions to allocated amounts. The district will be sending emails and letters with the notification. The new online water calculator will be re-programmed to reflect the new percentage to help manage your new water budget amounts. The district will also continue to work with us to find a way to refigure the Phase 3 allocations to provide more water during the "dry" season for future emergency shortage orders. Water Conservation: At the SFWMD Board of Governors Workshop session on Wednesday, April 9th the district staff presented an overview of the Long Range Conservation Plan and paid compliments to stakeholders on the Task Group and especially had nice things to say about the cooperation and inputs from the golf industry. I returned the pledge to continue our cooperation and support of water conservation and that we appreciated the staff and governors looking at the needs individually of each stakeholder group and not one size fit all. Methyl Bromide: Nothing new to report other than the other major golf organizations have been made fully aware of the impacts of the loss of MeBr to the industry. I am not aware yet of any public course of action. MSMA: The cancellation remains up in the air as EPA looks at the charges that they mis-applied the FIFRA and FQPA risk assessments. Insiders are hopeful that the organic arsenicals will still be available for use. 2. Allied Associations: UF/IFAS Budget cuts are not finalized yet. Dr. Machen faced a tough meeting with Ag commodity leaders where he was given an education into a different view of the importance of IF AS and Florida agriculture. How he responds with actual cuts could lead to a wide variety of possible actions. GCSAA: Mark Woodward, CGCS named new CEO. Woodward, president of GCSAA in 2004 has been serving as the Manager of Golf for San Diego and will take over his new position on July 1, 2008 after hosting the 2008 U. S. Open at Torrey Pines in June. The Pesticide Use survey deadline has been extended again to May 5, 2008. Please go to www.gcsaa.org and link up to the Pesticide survey. It is important. Silence means your consent to be regulated by those without data from your real world. 3. Education: There will be several opportunities for Class A and CGCS education points coming up: May 9 t h Half-day GCSAA Leadership Seminar at the Poa Annua Classic. Naples Beach Hotel. Speaker: Tommy Witt, CGCS Enhancing Your Value as a Professional Golf Course Superintendent. May 21st - 22nd - North Central Florida Turf Field Days at the University of Florida May 21st - Gainesville Envirotron/ Education/Tours/Golf/Fish Fry May 22nd - Plant Science Center, Citra - G.C. Horn Turf Plot Tours/Education/Contests June 18th - Gulf Coast Turf Expo, West Florida UFREC, Milton Turf Plot Tours/Presentations/Bar-B-Q 2008 POA ANNUA GOLF CLASSIC & G.C HORN MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT May 8th through May 11th NAPLES BEACH HOTEL AND GOLF CLUB Thursday, May 8 1:00-7:00 Event Check-in Naples Beach Hotel and GC Lobby 1:00 FGCSA Board of Director Meeting (Immokalee Room/Clubhouse and Spa) 7:00 FGCSA Board of Director and Past Presidents Dinner Friday, May 9 8:00 - 12:00 FGCSA Seminar (Chokoloskee Room) Enhancing Your Value as a Professional Golf Course Superintendent, presented by Tommy D. Witt, CGCS 10:00 - 5:00 Event Check-in Naples Beach Hotel and GC Lobby 12:30 G.C. Horn Memorial Tournament Registration (Box lunch provided) Naples Grande GC 1:30 G.C. Horn Memorial Tournament Shotgun Start Naples Grande GC Saturday, May 10 7:00 - 7:50 Poa Annua Golf Classic Tournament Sign In Naples Grande GC or Naples Beach Hotel and GC 8:00 Poa Annua Golf Classic Scramble Shotgun Start Naples Beach Hotel and GC 8:00 Poa Annua Golf Classic Stroke Play Shotgun Start Naples Grande GC 9:00 - 12:00 The Beach Klub 4 Kids on Watkins Lawn 5:30 - 10:00 Luau on Watkins Lawn Heavy Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails 3 South Florida Expo Celebrates 21 Years FGCSA Historical Perspective By Marie Roberts By Joel Jackson The 2008 South Florida GCSA Exposition and Field Day enjoyed another great turnout from the statewide turf industry and this year Mother Nature went all out in providing great weather with light breezes and clear skies. A large number of vendors helped to sustain fundraising to support turf research at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Educational Center. Many thanks go to our three Presenting Sponsors ~ Hector Turf Equipment, Kilpatrick Equipment and Show Turf of South Florida. Other Equipment Sponsors included Disbrow Enterprises, Unique Turf, Inc, Hendrix & Dail, Inc; NuGreen, Simplex Grinders and CS Trading/Eckert Golf Sales. These nine companies went to great lengths to bring their equipment to the Fort Lauderdale campus to utilize the well manicured greens for individualized demonstrations. Under the big top were 35 turf-related companies, most of whom have been sponsors for many past Field Days. We certainly appreciate their continued support. Attendees earned CEU's including pesticide recertification points. Practical industry workshops were available for mechanics, spray techs and irrigation technicians. The morning field tours featured IF AS faculty members explaining the many turf projects being conducted at the FLREC. In addition, Mike Orfanedes, Extension Agent for Broward County, provided an important update on tree and ornamental planting options. Superintendents received GCSA A credits for the afternoon session featuring Dr. Michael Fidanza from Penn State University who gave a wonderful update on Fairy Rings and its management. John Foy, USGA, provided a comprehensive update on seashore paspalum management for south Florida conditions. The South Florida Golf Course Superintendents, led by President Jason Bagwell and Vice President Ted Hile, spent many days and hours preparing for this great event. Special thanks to Dr. Phil Busey, Dr. John Cisar, and his hard-working assistant, Karen Williams, who again this year worked before, during and after the Exposition to make sure that everything went well. This 21 year-old-fundraiser has now raised more than $400,000 — all of which has been donated to the research programs at the Fort Lauderdale REC. 2008 Spring Regulator Tour The FGCSA in cooperation with The Old Collier Club hosted the 2008 Spring Regulator Tour in conjunction with the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association on March 10th in Naples. Approximately 30 regulators from the US EPA, Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection, Fla. Dept of Ag and Consumer Services and the Water Management Districts were on the tour. Host Tim Hiers, CGCS Continued on page 7... 4 An important component of any association is its history as superintendents come and go the foundations and traditions need to be known and remembered so new members can help build a better future based on knowledge of the past. Here are three brief histories for some of our traditional spring fundraisers which benefit turf research. Brief History of the South Florida GCSA's Turf Expo for the Otto Schmeisser Research Green at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center By helping to privatize the maintenance of University of Florida turf research, golf course superintendents demonstrated an unprecedented example of how government and private industry can work successfully together. This is the case of the gigantic Otto Schmeisser Research Green at UF's Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. The Research Green is set in urban South Florida, now struggling between the environmental constraints of Everglades Restoration, and the need to sustain a lagging tourist economy. Just as South Florida depends on tourism, tourism depends on healthy golf course greens. But South Florida's shallow, sandy soils can create a nightmare out of pesticides and nutrients, if they are not properly applied. Named for a pioneer of golf course management, UF's Otto Schmeisser Research Green brings the answers through science, using private investment to finance the maintenance of an outdoor laboratory for grass. In 1987 Golf Course Superintendent Bill McKee innocently asked one of the researchers at the UF Center about hosting an equipment show, to bring in a few dollars for research. One thing led to another. Using equipment company donations, the Otto Schmeisser Research Green was constructed in August 1989 by the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association. During 14 years of subsequent shows (the South Florida Turfgrass Exposition, an annual educational event of the South Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association), money was raised to sustain a continuous, privately maintained, research effort by UF scientists, who have remained free to investigate and publish their research on bermudagrass. Almost from the beginning the Research Green was a win-win situation. Other early industry supporters of the program included Kevin Downing, Loy Faulk, Ray Hansen, Bud Nolder, Bill Rayside, and Scott Wahlin. One challenge for the scientists, who had to agree on a basic series of treatments, covering the drainage and the construction. The United States Golf Association (USGA) has long provided the primary specification of how a green should be constructed, but not every green can meet those requirements. So it was decided among the scientists to split the area, part USGA-spec, and part off-spec. The Otto Schmeisser Research Green has enabled scientists to test their research ideas on leaching, disease management, comparison of grass varieties, and the use natural organic nutrient sources on bermudagrass turf. Consequently, numerous scientific studies have been completed and published, based on work done on the Otto Schmeisser Research Green, applicable to the soils and climate of urban South Florida. Being the first facility of its kind in Florida, the Research Green has brought in additional major grants from the national organizations. And to support the maintenance, each year, vendors bring their dueling 3-gangs, and other equipment, to show an audience of 350-450 people. Results of research are discussed. The rest of the year it's strictly research. Classic. As it continued to grow, other chapters of the Florida GCSA were invited and the location of the event was changed to other courses such as Lehigh, Mirror Lakes and Oxbow. While the tournament was at Mirror Lakes the board of directors of the Florida GCSA decided to hold one of its board meetings in conjunction with the event. In 1980, a permanent home was established at the Naples Beach Hotel and GC. The Poa Annua Golf Classic has grown into one of the most enjoyable events of the year for Florida superintendents, and their families. THE G.C. HORN TOURNAMENT MEMORIAL program into the most comprehensive in the South and among the best in the nation. In the late sixties and early seventies, more turfgrass research was done under Dr. Horn's guidance than all the other schools in the Southeast combined. At the same time G.C. was preparing students for the "real" world of turfgrass management. For this reason, following his death in 1982 a decision was made to establish the Dr. G.C. Horn Memorial Endowment Fund. The golf event, held in conjunction with the Poa Annua Golf Classic, is the primary fundraiser for the endowment fund. Funds from the endowment are used for scholarships for post graduate students in turf science. In 1959, Dr. Granville "Granny" C. Horn took over the leadership of the turfgrass program at the University of Florida. Within a few years, he built the THE POA ANNUA CLASSIC The Everglades Chapter of the Florida GCSA was just two years old when it invited the South Florida Chapter for a casual get-together. In 1970 a golf match was set up after this annual meeting and in 1971 it was decided to award the winners of the golf match a pail of Poa as a prize. This action would eventually lead to the current name of the event. In 1972, Doc Anderson, a local vendor offered to provide a barbeque style meal at the meeting. In 1975, the event was officially dubbed the Poa Annua Golf Suncoast GCSA President Bill Tyde (center) presented FTGA Vice President Todd Himmelberger (left) and FGCSA Executive Director Joel Jackson with checks for $5,000 for their respective turf research programs. Photo by Bob Wagner. 5 2008 North Florida Spring Tournament GCSA The NFGCSA holds two fundraising tournaments in the spring. This year the Research Tournament was held at Pablo Creek Golf Club. More than 100 players enjoyed the terrific golf course that was in pristine condition. A special thank you to Glen Klauk and his staff for being wonderful hosts to this great tradition. In addition, a special thanks to Innovative Turf Supply and Liquid Ag for providing the fantastic food that fueled the golfers. On April 14th the chapter held their second tournament, "The Memorial" at Jacksonville Golf and Country Club. This yearly tournament is a scholarship fundraiser in the honor of Mike Richards and Allan MacCurrach Sr. with the goal of raising funds for turf and mechanics scholarships. A special thank you to Greg Tharp and his staff for making this event such a success. The team that posted the Low Gross score consisted of Brent Holmes, Scott Fabulich, Jason Renaud and Tim Allen. The team posting the Low Net score included Natalie Klauk, Glen Klauk, Fred Klauk and Mike Bonetti. Congratulations on a wonderful day of golf. North Florida Chapter President Rip Phillips (left) and Andy McGuire (right) presented Steve LaFrance with the 2008 Keeper of the Green Award at the Annual Memorial Tournament on April 14th at the Jacksonville Golf & Country Club. Photo by Joel Jackson. USGA Green Section Regional Update Improve irrigation Systems to Decrease the Impacts of Restrictions Increased rainfall over the past few weeks has improved golf course quality on recent visits in Southwest Florida. Also, slightly higher irrigation allocations were allowed in March as compared to significantly less amounts in January and February, and this has been a reprieve for some golf courses. Still, many courses were running their staff overtime with hand-watering dry spots to improve fairway turf quality. I recently met Dr. Michael Dukes, University of Florida Associate Professor and Irrigation Specialist, at a recent Florida Turfgrass Association meeting. Dr. Dukes gave a presentation Improving Golf Course Irrigation Scheduling and Efficiencies and I asked his thoughts on the recent irrigation restrictions. Below are some of the highlights of that discussion: Q: I've heard it said recently that you are working with the water management districts to improve irrigation restriction models. Can you tell us a little about the current situation and how it might improve in the future? Currently irrigation requires permits for users such as golf courses and agriculture. Generally, the permits allow irrigation quantities based on historical weather demands (évapotranspiration, or ET) and historical rainfall. The difference between these two quantities is the required net irrigation amount. Consumptive use permits typically allocate water based on optimum plant growth and a drought probability such as the 2 in 10year or I in 10year drought, which means that in any given year we have a 20% or 10% chance, respectively, of getting this level of drought. Thus, the allocations are not meant to be adequate for optimum plant growth during all drought scenarios. We are currently in the second year of a significant drought. It is possible that this drought has exceeded the permitted limits; however, we will eventually come out of the drought. Note that the various water management districts use different approaches to permitting. Thus, they may each allocate different amounts for the same 6 given scenario. Q: Some courses report having less than 30% of their normal allotted water as in previous years, and not the 60% that the South Florida Water Management District is reporting. Should newer restriction models improve water allotments and make restrictions more realistic? A: At this time period, when water restrictions are extremely tight, we are finding out what levels of water work under given uniformity scenarios. is poor, permitted irrigation maintaining In other words, but rainfall limits are never quality. mind that permitted if irrigation is abundant, tested then the in terms of Now they are being tested. Keep in amounts are not meant to be adequate for all drought scenarios as I described above, and shortage rules can cut those levels even further to water prioritize public health and welfare. Q: What are economical techniques that golf course superintendents can use to improve their irrigation systems? A: Perform an irrigation audit. or consultants or irrigation This can be done in-house, contractors can be hired. any obvious issues such as malfunctioning heads, etc. Once the existing systems practically possible, efficiency include consider such as re-nozzling. installation of are operating upgrades correct amount heads good is being applied fairways. Florida turf quality study to increase and courses should consider Automated have a scheduling. non-critical areas efficiency, Have courses Have the systems been tuned up barring major irrigation such as real-time ET estimation? so that they can be ready for restrictions system techniques I encourage in the future. There is no doubt that irrigation will remain an important issue for Florida golf courses in the future, especially during times of Network should of consumption. courses to consider these potential solutions as we move forw ard golf (h tip: //fawn, ifas, ufl. edu) to aid in irrigation irrigation Are all the courses using scheduling and technologies using the Weather reduce irrigation audits? maximum replacement? and Reduced irrigation for although trends for to hanging fruit" with regard to irrigation efficiency. all performed We have shown that similar strategies However, I am not convinced that we have picked all the "low Maybe least when needed, on landscapes that indicates In addition, consuming upgrades the operating schedule so that the restrictions may hamper this approach. achieve FTGA Research Tournament at the Interlachen CC in Winter Park.. increase soil moisture based irrigation control can cut irrigation preliminary Central Florida GCSA President Gary Myers, CGCS at the Annual as well as that may irrigation uniformity and ultimately efficiency. expensive is to fine-tune UF Turf Student Justin Toy received a $1,500 scholarship from overspray, More expensive additional Fix drought. Experts like Dr. Dukes are necessary for helping us find common solutions and agreement for both golf courses and be regulators. considered. Q: Do you foresee irrigation restrictions as being a normal Source: way of running business for Florida golf courses in the Todd Lowe, tlowe&Msga. org or 941-828-2625 future? If so, what percentage do you feel golf courses will be restricted from now on? A: As population pressures part of the future. It is unknown how many courses will be restricted in the future. increase, yes, restrictions This current situation is are ...cont. from page 4 showing how well the allocated amounts are meeting needs and also talked about golf course design, environmental stewardship, golf forcing courses to become more efficient. course maintenance practices, seashore paspalum and brackish Q: New irrigation systems and improved landscape designs irrigation water and all the wildlife on the golf course. Following with native plants to reduce irrigated turf acreage can cost the course tour, the visitors saw the mechanic's shop, the fuel millions of dollars for courses. island and wash pad area plus the fertilizer and pest control Do you feel that such storage and mix/load areas. measures are necessary at this time? A: As you point out, there are certainly expensive and time 1 4 ' Jupiter: 888-222-7072 Lakeland: 800-330-8874 Golf Ventures "Sea Spray" seashore paspalum from Scotts Professional Seed is now available through Golf Ventures. It is the first commercially available seeded turf-type variety of seashore paspalum for use on greens, tees, fairways, and roughs. Sea Spray can also be used on sports fields, reclamation areas, coastal revegetation projects, and bio-remediated areas as well. Please note the enclosed Sea Spray tech sheet provided along with this issue of The Green Sheet. For more information please contact your territory manager with Golf Ventures. 1-800-330-8874 For Greens, Tees and Fairways FGCSA Jennifer Innes 1296 NE Oceanview Circle Jensen Beach, Florida 34957 United States Golf Assn. Golf House P O Box 708 Far Hills, N J7931 FIRST CLASS U.S .Postage PAID Permit #137 Stuart, FL y^/NTENO^' 0 7 3 3 i tO tóUUì^ lìl»» »V* » fïl *1 ^ tiìtìiiill