mam NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA UPCOMING EVENTS May 1 May 14 May 16 May 19 May 20 May 20 May 21 June 5 June 15 June 20 June 20 July 20-22 GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS TIC VERT. mmm ASSOCIATION SOUTH FLORIDA TURF EXPO RECORD CROWDS, NEW EQUIPMENT Everglades chapter meeting, Vineyards GC South Florida chapter meeting, Oak Tree GC Joint Chapter meeting with Treasure Coast and Palm Beach chapters, Loblolly Pines GC, Hobe Sound G. C. Horn Tournament Naples Beach Hotel FGCSA Board Meeting Naples Beach Hotel FGCSA Architecture Seminar, Naples Poa Annua Golf Classic, Naples Beach Hotel Everglades chapter meeting, Foxfire CC South Florida chapter meeting, Ocean Reef Club Palm Beach chapter meeting, Old Trail GC Central Florida chapter meeting, Timacuan G&CC North Florida chapter Transition Tournament, Palm Coast Resort FGCSA BOARD MEETING The next FGCSA Board Meeting will be held on Sunday, May 20,1990 at 1:00 p.m. in the Naples Beach Hotel. All interested FGCSA members are cordially invited to attend and b e c o m e an active member of your association! r JOE PANTALEO, Golf Course Superintendent at Eagle Trace, performs hands on testing of edger at South Florida Turf Expo. (See Page 4 for more details). .vORJA PRESIDENTS MESSAGE FGCSA Officers and Committee Roster GREEN SHEE EDITOR Mike Bailey 16379 Country Lake Circle Del ray Beach, Fl 33484 (407) 499-8480 (Recorder) (407) 642-5125 Fax EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Mrs. Marie Roberts 1760 N.W. Pine Lake Diive Stuart, FL 34994 (407) 692-9349 (407) 692-9654 Fax PUBLISHER by Joel Jackson, C. G. C. S. President, Joel Jackson, CGCS (407) 876-4244 Vice President, Ray Hansen (305) 367-5934 Sec./Treasurer, Tom Benefield, CGCS (407) 622-0177 Immediate Past President Cecil Johnston, CGCS (407) 692-9349 Executive Secretary, Marie Roberts (407) 692-9349; Membership Services Employment Referral Membership Directory Printers Choice, Inc. 175 Avenue "L" Del ray Beach, FL 33483 (407) 276-8339 (407) 276-8398 Fax Florida Green Editor, Joel Jackson (407) 876-4244 CIRCULATION Florida Green Publisher, Larry Kieffer (813) 967-1385 The Green Sheet is a bi-monthly FGCSA Newsletter printed as follows: Jan./Feb.; Mar./Apr.; Sept./Oct.; Nov./ Dec. The Green Sheet is designed to be a current, up-to-date newsletter as compared to the "Florida Green" (an educational communication magazine.) FINANCIAL SUPPORT The 1990 FGCSA Green Sheet operating budget for issues Sept./Oct. thru July/Aug. is being financially supported by: ESTECH FERTILIZER INC. 2121 3rd Street S.W. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (800) 282-9588 CRITERIA All material submitted for printing will be edited per the discretion of the editor. Material must be typed or clearly printed. All photos must be black and white (color photos reproduce poorly for this text). Items submitted must be for the good of the association. Florida Green Ed. Asst., Tom Benefield (407) 622-0177 Green Sheet Editor, Mike Bailey (407) 499-8480 Fund Raising, Joel Jackson, CGCS (407) 876-4244 Public Relations, Mark Jarrell, CGCS (407) 965-0046 Education, Walt McMahon, CGCS (407) 686-4700 Voting Delegate/By-Laws, Cecil Johnston (813) 962-3018; Government Regulations Membership, Tom Benefield (407) 622-0177 FTGA, Larry Livingston, CGCS (813) 922-0833 Research, Kevin Downing, CGCS (407) 220-1010 Golf/Crowfoot, Joe Ondo, CGCS (407) 657-7565 Ethics, Paul Crawford (407) 845-2395 Long Range Planning, Ray Hansen (305) 367-2611 POA Classic, Bob Shevlin (813) 499-8480 DEADLINE All the material must be submitted prior to the 2nd Friday of the preceding issue, i.e. June 15th for the July/August issue and August 17th for the Sept./Oct. issue. NEXT EDITOR'S DEADLINE June 15th Survey Committee, Mike Bailey (407) 499-8480 Advisory Committee, John Foy, USGA (407) 546-2620 RELATED ORGANIZATIONS: FTGA OFFICE: (407) 898-6721 GCSAA: (800) 472-7878 •A Earth Day 1990! President Bush Pledges Environmental Improvements! Hawaii Approves 2 Year Review Process For All New Golf Courses! Audubon Club Withdraws Approval For Land Use As A Public Golf Course in San Francisco! IFAS Budget Cut Proposed To Legislature. Matching Funds Appropriation For Turfgrass Industry Survey Up For Approval! Bird Kill In Stuart! These and other stories are in the news and trade publications. Environmental issues and the focus on the environment is snowballing at a tremendous pace spurred on by the Earth Day celebration. All products activities, and industries like ours are being scrutinized closely. Our very existence is being challenged. Your livelihood is being threatened. You had better do something about it and I mean now! I have sent a list of names and addresses of your state legislators to each Chapter requesting a letter writing campaign to support the Turfgrass Industry Update survey appropriations. If you have not been contacted by your External Vice President, call him and get the names and addresses! You need to voice your concerns on several issues and make a positive statement about our industry. The Turfgrass Survey is needed to show the economic impact that turf has in Florida. This will make a difference when pesticide regulations and resource allocations are up for discussion. You also need to support IFAS and tell your legislators that you reject the proposed budget cuts in the IFAS program. At a time when the environment is such a concern, we can't afford to strip IFAS of its ability to research new and better ways to manage our crops and pests. You also need to tell the lawmakers what a positive effect turfgrass has on the environment as it filters out potential contaminants, protects the groundwater, controls runoff and erosion, converts carbon dioxide to oxygen, cools air temperatures to reduce global warming trends, and provides excellent habitats for wildlife in urban areas. You might mention that the 1,000 golf courses in Florida also provide tens of thousands of jobs for turf management, golf shop, food and beverage, and building maintenance personnel. Of course golf courses are also one of the major recreational attractions for many of our seasonal visitors as well as residents. The many professional tournaments held each year are also a source of major contributions to many worthwhile charities. You must get involved actively in the promotion and defense of your livelihood. One person or one committee cannot g e n e r a t e t h e i m p a c t of 1,000 superintendents, club managers, golf professionals, and 100,000 golfers writing to their legislators to voice their support for golf turf. I am trying to coordinate our efforts with those of other associations to take advantage of their lobbyists and influence. But, you are the key ingredient! Get the names and addresses from your External Vice President and write those letters! RECORD NUMBER OF FOREIGN VISITORS ATTEND GOLF COURSE SHOW The worldwide nature of the golf boom was evident from the record number of foreign visitors who attended February's International Golf Course Conference and Show held in Orlando, Florida. Nearly 1,600 i n t e r n a t i o n a l g u e s t s representing 44 countries outside the United States took part in the event, which was sponsored by the Golf Course S u p e r i n t e n d e n t s Association of America. The previous record of 1,030 for international attendance was set at the 1989 show in Anaheim. This year's attendance reflects an almost 55% increase in visitors from outside the U.S.. The 62nd International Golf Course Conference and Show will be held February 4-11, 1991, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 1990 Conference and Show Country Count 8 Argentina Australia 42 Belgium 12 4 Bermuda Canada 506 China 5 Colombia 3 7 Denmark 134 England 42 Finland France 32 27 Germany Holland 3 Hong Kong 6 Ireland 6 56 Italy 341 Japan Thailand Korea Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Norway Peru Philippines Portugal Puerto Rico Scotland Singapore Spain South Africa Sweden Switzerland Tahiti Taiwan 8 74 26 15 8 10 2 3 16 3 8 16 32 10 105 6 1 7 & TURFGRASS UPDATE SURVEY In response to an urgent plea from Dr. Tom Latta, FTGA External Affairs Chairman, FGCSA President Joel Jackson initiated a letter writing program for all members to show their support of the FTGA's effort to secure appropriations for a turf industry economic impact update. In his letter, Dr. Latta stated that "...For the past 5 years, FTGA has been urging the State to update its 1974 Florida Turfgrass Survey with current data on the economic significance of this industry. So far, we have failed to win legislative funding for this project. In light of this year's tight budget situation in Tallahassee, FTGA is suggesting a 1-to-2 ratio. FTGA is would have contributed 1/3 of the survey cost (estimated to be $67,000) If t h e L e g i s l a t u r e appropriates its share from general revenues. Please help us getthis through the Legislature..." Any member desiring to join the FGCSA's letter writing program should contact their local chapter president for further information and addresses of their local representative. Timing is critical since the legislature will be voting on this issue during the current session. FTGA UPDATE "Report of FTGA Board Meeting of March 30, 1990 A quorum was not present so no proposals could be voted upon. Committee Day on March 29 was well attended and much a c c o m plished but many members could not stay the second day for the B o a r d m e e t i n g due to j o b responsibilities. During the Board meeting it was discussed, but no action taken, that we should look i n t o ways of e l i m i n a t i n g 2 c o n s e c u t i v e w o r k days f o r Committee and Board meetings. Bob Yount reported that the Research Foundation has been taking in over $29,000 a month average for quite some time. This is considered excellent progress by professional fund-raising s t a n d ards. Total fund assets as of January 31, 1990, are $336,715.39. Budgeted net receipts over disbursements for 1990 a r e e x p e c t e d t o be $280,730.00. The Funding and Endowment Committee discussed many new approaches to raising big dollars. Members are working on various wealthy individuals and foundations to solicit the big donations we need to accomplish our lofty research goals. The hottest topic of the meeting was the "envirotron", so named because it is much more than a rhizotron. Best guess estimate of its cost is $600,000. Through the state's "matching funds" program, FTGA would need to commit to $300,000 and the state would pay the rest. In order to make application to the Board of Regents at the earliest opportunity, FTGA would have to commit to the $300,000 by July 1, 1990, and have the funds to the University of Florida by November 1, 1990. We do not have such funds available at present and realistically expect things to be delayed until next year, but there is some slim chance of the large donation coming through in time from one of the sources we are presently working on. These costs include equipment. If we lowered our commitment to cover building only, then we would lose the 1:1 matching funds from the state. The location of the facility will be Gainesville, though whether on campus or at turf plots has yet to be determined. Bob Yount also reports that 62 clubs are presently participants in "line-item" budget donations. A m a i l i n g d i r e c t to the c l u b management of every club in Florida will go out about June 1 soliciting such a "line-item" donation. Three research proposals were approved at the Awards Committee and will be submitted for Board approval at the next meeting. These include: 1) "A Pesticide Mobility Research Facility for Florida Turfgrass" submitted by Drs. John Cisar and George Snyder. This p r o j e c t i n t e n d s to g a t h e r information on pesticide movement in turfgrass soils under Florida conditions to answer critics of pesticide usage, for labeling new pesticides, for verifying computer s t i m u l a t i o n m o d e l s , and to develop methods for using pesticides with minimal e n v i r o n mental impact. It is proposed that the USGA green in Ft. Lauderdale built by Florida GCSA will have lysimeters installed and be utilized as a part of this research project. This research may help save Nemacur from EPA's hit list if it can show that healthy root systems limit nitrate leaching and the need for high application rates of nitrogen. The FTGA is asked for $15,000 of the total $60,000 needed for one year funding of this project. 2) "Evaluation of Bermudagrass Germplasm for Resistance to the Sting Nematode" submitted by Dr. Robin Giblin-Davis. The objective is to evaluate the potential for different bermuda and cool-season grasses to resist or tolerate sting nematode populations. The Awards C o m m i t tee will recommend to Dr. Giblin Davis that more emphasis be placed on the bermuda varieties and utilize the promising varieties brought back from Hawaii by Dr. Dudeck. If time and space permit, study of the cool-season grasses for overseed— ing potential. FTGA is requested to fund $8,500.00 for this one year study. 3) "Effects of an experimental fermentation product on phytoparasitic nematodes in bermudagrass" submitted by Dr. Robin GiblinDavis. The title explains the project. Estech will donate the $2,000 requested for this study but will go through the Florida Turfgrass Research Foundation to allow us to share in the credit (thanks to Bob Rehburg's close ties to FTGA). The fermentation product belongs to Estech and has been utilized successfully on field crops, so we would like to see if it has any potential for increasing bermuda— grass resistance to nematodes. New strategies for getting a state wide turf survey were discussed with Dr. John Haydu, Marketing Specialist with I FAS Ft. Lauderdale. The FTGA newsletter has been temporarily halted while more cost effective m e t h o d s of p u b l i c a t i o n are explored; publication should resume June 1. ViL SOUTH FLORIDA EXPO The Third Annual South Florida Turfgrass Workshop and Exposition held on April 12, 1990, was even more successful than the first two events! Despite low pre-registration f i g u r e s , a huge n u m b e r of superintendents showed up to register at the door proving once again that superintendents' busy s c h e d u l e s and v a r i e d c l u b responsibilities often prevent them from planning ahead. A full house crowd greeted Drs. Bert M c C a r t y and Wendel Martinkovic of the University of Florida, Gainesville, as they spoke at the morning session on weed control and protection of ground water as it relates to pesticide. The crowd then moved to the Exhibition Hall where 26 local golf course suppliers displayed their latest products. Most of these booth sponsors were back for their third year, showing their support for the South Florida chapter's fundraising effort. The Hall was even more colorful this year as two wholesale flower distributors showed off their array of plants available for golf courses. After a buffet lunch in the Rolling Hills Clubhouse where more than 200 lunches were served in a little over a half hour, the attention turned to the equipment demonstration on the golf course. DeBra Equipment, Hector Turf, Pifer, and Richards Tractors went head-to-head in showing the advantages of their particular products at actual golf course conditions. It was obvious that this was what the crowd wanted to see as superintendents were down on their knees inspecting the cut and patterns of the various mowers and turf-related vehicles. Every superintendent with a pen in his shirt pocket could be seen measuring the depth of the holes created by the aerifiers! Not only was the day a success for the suppliers, equipment d e m o n strators and attendees, it also benefited turfgrass research at the University of Florida by generating more than $18,000 in income. After all expenses are paid, the proceeds will be turned over to the FGCSA Research Fund. • —4— GEORGE ORD of Harbour Ridge drove down from Stuart, to find record crowds on hand. VOLEY CARR of Pifer shows off Ransome's new Fairway 5,000 light weight mower. Perfect Weather for Testing New Equipment at Rolling Hills SAM KRUGER, Turn berry Isles checks out the depth. "And yes, it passed!" STEVEN KUHN (left), from DoraI C.C. examines the deep tine aerification of Eagle Trace. with JOE PANTALEO The new Cushman Self Loading Grass Catcher can easily reduce labor costs. None other than RICK PIFER, who demonstrates attachment that can really do the job! the flexibility of a remote hand vacuum SARA WHO? by: Chuck Calhoun If you find yourself saying these same two words, I urge you to please read on. At the most recent meeting of the Treasure Coast G.C.S.A. the answer to this question was presented to the dismay of many of the Superintendents in attendance. SARA is not the name of the girl next door, or perhaps one of your crew members, however, the closeness with which the two of you must work may make it seem as such. S A R A is q u i t e s i m p l y a euphemism for the Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act, the Title 111 section of this act is the one that most concerns our industry. Under Title III the U.S. Congress imposed strict n o t i f i c a tion and reporting requirements on certain facilities involved in the use, and or storage of hazardous substances. Title III also covers the E.P.A. administered Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act. To say that the regulatory and reporting r e q u i r e ments are complex is putting it mildly. The four major reporting sections concerning us are as follows: section #302 is the phase relating to Emergency Planning Notification, section #304 is for Emergency Release Notification and sections #311 and #312 deal with Community Right to Know and Hazardous Chemical Inventory. For me to define each of these sections would consume volumes, f u r t h e r more the ways in which they affect our specific industry are not really that complex, however, it may be expensive. In order to f u l l y understand these not so new laws, (they have been in effect since August 1988), you must first acquire a list of E.P.A.'s "Hazardous Substances". This list needless to say runs the gamut from aspirin to Dasanit, also included is a list classified as "extremely hazardous substances" and this is where it starts to hit the pocketbook. The chances are virtually 100% that under section #302 you will have to register your facility for the storage or use of a "Hazardous Substance" but this by itself is relatively simple and inexpensive. However, if you have in the recent past or anticipate in the near future using or storing any of the materials classified as exteremly hazardous i.e. Nemacur 3, things change dramatically. The main reason for this change is now in the hands of State Department of Community Affairs. As anyone who has had to deal with government regulations know, the communication and resources available at this level will try anyones patience. I would like everyone to know that trying to explain the complexities and requirements of these new laws in a short manner is virtually impossible, but I hope to have opened some eyes to the changes that are affecting our industry. The failure of anyone in our chosen profession to follow the rules will only hurt everyone. I urge you now if you haven't yet to contact your local Emergency Planning Committee and request a complete manual on how to comply with SARA Title III regulations. The speed with which you react on this matter may be of vital importance to you and your Club, as the penalties and fines for noncompliance are severe. Please remember that ignorance of the law is no excuse. ^J^ POSITIONS AVAILABLE Superintendent. Wyndemere GC. Send resume to 700 Wyndemere Way, Naples, FL 33999 or contact Ronald Hunter (813) 263-1700. Assistant Superintendent, Keys Gate CC. Contact Ed Ramey (305) 245-7551. Mechanic. Miami Lakes CC. Contact Scott Wahlin (305) 8211150. MECHANIC AVAILABLE Golf course mechanic with 20 years experience including welding, reel g r i n d i n g and T o r o i r r i g a t i o n repairing. Stuart to Vero Beach area. Contact Salvatore Vasili, 1824 Stoneybrook Rd., Ft. Pierce, FL 34945 (407) 461-4273. NEWLY CERTIFIED Congratulations to Peter Brooks, David Court, and Stu Leventhal for becoming Certified Superintendents during the past month. This brings the total number of Certified Golf Course Superintendents in Florida to 87. At the rate this program is growing in popularity with our members, we should reach 100 Certified Superintendents before the end of 1990! P e t e r B r o o k s has b e e n Superintendent at The Everglades Club in Palm Beach for the past 3 years. Prior to that, he was Superintendent at Palm Beach Par3 for 7 years and served as Assistant Superintendent at Atlantis Golf Club for 2 years. Peter has been an active member of the Palm Beach Golf Course Superintendents Association forthe past 12 years. He has held all positions on the Board of Directors and currently serves as President of the chapter. Pete is a Lake City Community College graduate whose hobbies include salt waterfishing (especially for dolphin and sailfish), snow skiing, and is currently a 6 handicap golfer. Stu L e v e n t h a l has been Superintendent at Interlachen CC in Winter Park for the past 5 years. Prior to that he served 3 years as Superintendent at Rolling Hills GC in Lawnwood and 3 years at Dubsdread. Stu comes from a golfing background, working his way through high school and college at Wedgefield Golf Club. Heearned his B a c h e l o r s D e g r e e f r o m the University of Central Florida. Stu is very interested in the professionalism of Golf Course Superintendents. He is currently a Director of the Central Florida chapter and served on the GCSAA Conference and Show Committee this year. While he stated that becoming Certified was alot of work, it was well worth the extra effort and recommends it strongly to anyone who wants to make a successful career in the turfgrass industry. S.A.D. St. Augustine RESEARCH GREEN EMPLOYEE HIRED The Division of Plant Industry, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has asked for turfgrass industry comments on the potential impact of SAD (St. Augustine decline) virus in Florida. Since this matter could affect many of your members, I am asking your help in reaching them. David Court has served as Golf Course Superintendent at Boca Lago CC in Boca Raton for the past 8 years. Prior to that he served as Superintendent at Colony West for 2 years and President CC for 2 years. David is a Lake City Community College graduate and has served on the Palm Beach chapter Board since 1982. He is currently Past President of the chapter having served as President from 1988-89. He also serves the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association as an active member of the Education Committee. David suggests that anyone who is preparing for the Certification Test should not overlook any sections in their study sessions. Concentrating on one particularly difficult area may be a good strategy but don't forget to save time for a quick review of those sections you think you know! ARCHITECTURE SEMINAR The FGCSA Education C o m m i t tee will sponsor a 5-hourseminaron "Golf Course Design and the Construction Process" on Sunday, May 20, at the Naples Beach Hotel. The Seminar will begin at 7:30 a.m. The Speaker will be Robert Lohmann, Golf Course Architect. Course content will include: • Reasons and responsibilities regarding Master Plans for existing golf courses • Trends in golf course architecture • The design and construction process for individual golf course projects. • Problems and solutions for typical construction projects. SAD virus infects non-resistant varieties of St. Augustinegrass and Centipedegrass. The virus is established in surrounding states, including Georgia, which ships a p p r o x i m a t e l y 200 loads of Centipedegrass into Florida each year. No evidence of SAD has been discovered in Florida, but these shipments could introduce it. The disease could be quite devasting to Florida lawns (except for Floratam, which is resistant). The question is what steps (if any) should be taken to protect Florida turfgrass. These could include: 1.) certification at the grower level; 2.) inspection of incoming loads; or 3.) r e s t r i c t i n g i m p o r t s to n o n susceptible varieties. Protection measures may be expensive and uncertain as to result. They could also invite reprisals from neighboring states. My preliminary response to DPI is based upon limited conversations with turfgrass professionals. However, I would appreciate additional comments or opinions from a wider group of turf professionals before giving a final response. Please call me at (305) 481-9888 or write c/o AmerAquatic, Inc. 1061 S.W. 30th Avenue Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 Sincerely, Thomas M. Latta Chairman FTGA External Affairs Committee Marcus Prevatte is the newest addition to the turfgrass research program at the University of Florida's Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. Marcus is employed by the FGCSA through the generous support of the local chapters of the FGCSA. Marcus was born in West Germany but has lived in southern Florida most of his life. He recently completed a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Florida International University in Miami and is now considering obtaining an Advanced Degree in Biology. While attending FIU, Marcus worked at The Palmetto GC, one of the golf courses in the Metro-Dade Parks and Recreation system. In between studying and working, Marcus has become an avid golfer. Marcus's duties will include the establishment and maintenance of the new 20,000 square feet golf course green at the FLREC and providing project support to the FLREC Turfgrass Research staff. Current and future projects are focused on fertility, movement of fertilizers and pesticides through the soil and ground water, and biology and control of nematodes and fungal soilborne diseases through cultural, biological and chemical control methods. Welcome aboard, Marcus! ^Jf^ 8Q69-fr89 (ZOfr) 99 VOIdOld 'H0V39 IrtlVd 1S3M 310dl0 >OldlVd S 0Z6 3aiSAVd ,rnig„ '3m i s v o o isv3 vaidoid mi-tes (eis) 91988 VOIdOld 'd31VMdV3~IO 3 N \ n W O 6991 N3Tinv\IC)W d31S3~l 0 ISVOO 1S3M VaidOld 99LZZ VOIdOld OG3IAO 3NV1 XVO 3All 208 ooNis „Höing,, i H O i M a VCIIdOld 1VÜ1N30 S H l d O N sionaobd HVNOiss3JObd m nam - NJ^Z]|||J0| m ^ p j AU>|S X O J I Î I I V V'j •ou| 'sjezjüijaJ papuejg 8eSt"63e-008-lU9e-t9f (¿0V) osfree vaidoid '30U3id i d aVOU Z1IAH3S H031S3 88S6-282-008-1 ¿ÏIZ-Z6Z (et8) 08888 V a i d O l d 'N3AVH d31NIM MS 1 3 3 d l S PJ8 IZIZ DR. LATTA SAYS: "We Need A New Turfgrass Survey!" FGCSA Secretary Mrs. Marie Roberts 1760 N.W. Pine Lake Drive Stuart, FL 34994 First Class Mail U.S. Postage PAID Permit # 137 Stuart, Florida Cookingham, Peter Turfgrass Information Center MSU: W-212 Library East Lansing, Michigan 4 8828 i.iiiii..i.r>iliiifiiiH(iiin>i