JAN

6 1998

NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION

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Joe O'Brien reviews
Zi GCSAA's
the list of strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportuni<pf ties of the FGCS A as provided
by our Board of Directors
during the November 8th
Chapter Planning Session at
Grenelefe Resort.
*

*

See story on page six.

FTQA pesticide seminars:
Jan. 13 Lake Worth
Jan. 14 Fort Myers
Jan. 15 Tampa
Jan. 23 Sanford
Feb. 17 Jacksonville

UPCOMING EVENTS

Jan. 12

CFGCSA 10th Annual
Tournament, Interlachen CC

Jan. 12

Seven Rivers chapter meeting,
Golden Hills GC, Ocala

Jan. 14

Palm Beach GCSA chapter
meeting, Emerald Dunes

Jan. 20

Everglades chapter
meeting/IFAS seminar

Jan. 22

West Coast chapter meeting,
Feather Sound CC, Clearwater

Jan. 23

Jacksonville Horticultural
Trade Show, Fairgrounds

Feb. 24

West Coast chapter meeting,
Largo Municipal GC

Jan. 24

FGCSA Winter Board
Meeting, Grand Cypress

Mar. 2

Ridge Invitational
Tournament, Grasslands

Jan. 29

Palm Beach Community
College, Assistants Day

Mar. 12

SFGCSA Exposition, IFAS
Fort Lauderdale REC

Feb. 2
-8

GCSAA Annual Convention Apr. 20
Anaheim, California

Envirotron Classic,
World Woods GC

Feb. 5

FGCSA Reception, Anaheim Apr. 20
Marriott Hotel, 8:00 p.m.

USGA Green Section
Conference, Orlando

Feb. 7
-15

Senior PGA Tour Event,
TPC at Tampa Bay

USGA Conference,
Palm Beach Marriott

Feb. 19

Seven Rivers GCSA meeting May 9
High Point GC, Spring Hill

Apr. 23

Treasure Coast Blue Pearl
Tournament, Loblolly Pines

President's Message

President's Message
by Joseph Ondo, CGCS
I find it hard to believe that we
still have superintendents who are
not members of GCSAA,
FGCSA, and FTGA in this state.
Anyone whose profession involves growing turfgrass in
Florida should be a member. The
list of services these organizations provide can be found by
calling their headquarters and
have them sent to you or ask a
member to borrow their directory
and the list is in there. Education
and Research top the list but all
services provided are important.
I remember when I first joined the
FGCSA, Dan Jones told me that
dues for all three organizations
would cost less than a dollar a day
in a year's time. Nowadays it
averages out to a little more than
a dollar a day but there are a lot

more services to be offered. When
I first started at Winter Pines, I
paid my own dues until I showed
the club the benefits of being a
member and what I could learn.
My club has paid all my dues
since 1980.
Talking to a PGA professional
recently, I found out their local
and national dues are a little more
than ours and they have a number
of mandatory meetings and
seminars to attend to keep their
Class A status. All we do is offer
the meetings and education and it
is up to you to attend those you
choose as time allows.
All I can do is ask those that read
this who are not members to join
for a year to see the benefits. If,
after a year, you don't agree, then
call me or one of the other officers
of these organizations and tell us
why not. Then we will see what
we can do to make it better. ^

GREEN SHEE'

Editor:
Joel Jackson, CGCS
Walt Disney World
(407) 824-2687 (work)
(407)248-1971 (fax/phone)
News Coordinator:
Mrs. Marie Roberts
1760 N.W. Pine Lake Drive
Stuart, FL 34994
(561) 692-9349
(561) 692-9654 (Fax)
(800) 732-6053 (Florida Wats)
e-mail: fgcsa@tcol.net

The Green Sheet is a bimonthly FGCSA
newsletter printed as follows: Jan ./Feb.,
March/April, May/June, July/Aug.,
Scpt./Oct, Nov./Dcc.
2

J,

Financial Support:
This issue of the Green Sheet is
being sponsored by:
Golf Ventures
2101 East Edgewood Dr.
Lakeland, FL 33803
800-330-8874
Ft. Myers: 800-481-8911
Jupiter: 888-222-7072
All material submitted for printing will
be edited at the discretion of the editor.
Material must be typed or clearly
printed. All photos must be black and
white. Items must be for the good of
the association.
Deadline next issue: February 15.

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Joe Ondo, CGCS
Volunteers Needed

The TPC of Tampa Bay will host
the GTE Classic Senior PGA Tour
golf tournament during the week
of February 7-15, 1998.
You are invited to join the maintenance department volunteer
staff and help tune the golf course
for the top professionals. Volunteers will receive two complimentary passes to the tournament,
a complimentary round of golf at
TPC of Tampa Bay and a TPC of
Tampa Bay golf shirt.
Volunteers are needed daily. Take
part in the entire week of events
or volunteer according to your
schedule. Call Scott MacEwen,
Golf Course Superintendent, at
813-949-0092 to register as a
volunteer.
The Green Sheet

Upcoming Chapter Activities

Everglades Chapter Sponsors Dwarf Bermuda Grass
Seminar on January 20th
The Everglades GCS A is offering the 1998 Southwest Florida Turfgrass
Management Seminar in conjunction with the University of Florida
IFAS area Horticulture Extension Agents on Tuesday, January 20th.
The all day event will begin with an 8:15 a.m. registration at the
Sheraton Harbor Place in Fort Myers. The morning program will be
moderated by Brad Walters of Golf Ventures. Speakers include Dr.
Howard Frank speaking on Biological Control of Mole Crickets; Dr.
Robin Giblin-Davis giving a report on turf nematology research; Dr.
Jerry Sartain will have two spots on the program — the Environmental
Impact of Golf Green Grow-In as well as a report on the use of new
fertilizer materials on turfgrass; Ernesto Lasso De la Vega, a research
biologist, will report on Integrated Weed Management in Ponds; and
Dennis Howard, FDACS, has an informative session on new recommendations for fill, wash pads and storage facility.
The afternoon session will be devoted to presentations on Dwarf
Bermuda by local Everglades GCSA superintendents. Moderator
Mike Mongoven will speak on performance of dwarf Bermuda Grass
Cultivars and will be followed by Darren Davis giving an update on
ultra dwarf Bermuda Grass Putting Green. Matt Taylor will speak on
the performance of Champion Dwarf Bermuda Grass and Rick Tatum
will follow with Floradwarf Dwarf Bermuda Grass. All three superintendents will then get together to form a panel discussion on the overall
performance of this type of grass.
If you have any questions on Dwarf Bermuda Grass, you should plan
to attend this seminar which is open to all interested parties. CEU's
have been applied for and registration fee is $40.00. Registration forms
are available from any Everglades GCSA board member.

Ridge Chapter Plans for 1998 Invitational
Roy Wilshire, Ridge GCSA Chapter President, announced plans for
the Seventh Annual Ridge Invitational Tournament to be held on
Monday, March 2, 1998 at Grasslands CC in Lakeland.
As in the past, this tournament features a Chapter Challenge to all
other FGCSA chapters to put their best golfers against those from the
Ridge! In addition to the obvious pleasure of playing against these
guys, you will be raising money for turfgrass research. Sponsor
forms and entry forms are available from any Ridge board member
or by calling Roy at 941-688-3863.
January/February 1998

Central Florida Chapter
Sponsors Tenth Annual
Interlachen
Research Tournament
The Central Florida chapter in
conjunction with the Florida
Turfgrass Association will sponsorthe 10th Annual Turf Research
Tournament at Interlachen CC on
Monday, January 12th, 1998. All
proceeds will be used for scientific
equipment, turfgrass research and
staffing expenses at the University
of Florida Envirotron. It is also
an excellent opportunity for club
officials to learn more about the
turfgrass industry in a relaxed,
informal environment and enjo
a round of golf.
Registration begins at 9:45 a.m.
with a presentation on Environmental Trends in Golf Course
Management to be given by Tim
Hiers, CGCS, at 10:00 a.m. Tim
is the superintendent at Collier's
Reserve and has received many
environmental awards including
the 1995 Presidents Environmental Leadership Award from
the GCSAA.
After lunch, the golf tournament
begins at 12:30 with a two man
team scramble consisting of a golf
course superintendent and an official from his/her club, using full
handicaps.
All superintendents and guests are
invited to attend this full day of
education and golf by contacting
the FTGA at 1-800-882-6721 to
receive a registration form.
3

Minutes of FGCSA Fall Board Meeting

The Fall 1997 meeting of the
FGCSA Board of Directors was
called to order by President Joe
Ondo, CGCS, at 3:00 p.m. on
Friday, November 7, 1997 at
Grenelefe Resort.

have paid their current year dues by
September 1 will be included in the
Directory. A student application will
be drawn up and included in the
agenda package for the next board
meeting.

All officers were in attendance.
Joe Ondo announced that all
chapters were represented for the
first time in many meetings and
thanked each chapter for getting a
representative involved. Other
FGCSA members attending the
meeting were Troy Smith, Suncoast president, Bill Lanthier Treasure Coast president, Steve
Pearson - Fund Raising
Chairman, Joel Jackson - Florida
Green editor, and Joe O'Brien,
GCSAA Chief Operating Officer.

SECRETARY/TREASURER
REPORT - Darren Davis went over
the Financial Statements for the first
quarter of 1997 for the Operating
Account, the Florida Green and the
Research Fund. After a discussion
and explanation of some of the entries
the statements were approved.

Minutes of Summer 1997 board
vr' eting were approved.
STUDENT MEMBERSHIP Darren
Davis
distributed
information
on
student
memberships. He has received
correspondence from several
students requesting that we
establish a new classification to
allow students to become FGCSA
members. If approved, students
could become members at a
reduced rate to cover postage for
the magazine and other mailings
made during the year. Students
would not be allowed to vote or to
hold an office and must have their
application signed by an FGCSA
superintendent or a college
administrator. After a discussion,
Jim Goins made a motion to allow
student memberships to the
FGCSA.
The motion was
approved. Paul Ilgen will be
advised to write up a By Law
change to add this category to our
membership categories and the
Board will vote on the By Law
change at the next meetng. It was
suggested that a separate section
be put into the Directory for
students and that all students who
4

st

Darren Davis announced that all
Chapter End of the Year Financial
Statements will now need two
signatures before being accepted by
the FGCSA and that, in the future, it
may be required that these statements
be audited or at least prepared by an
outside agency. A suggestion was
made that it may be easier to have a
six month statement prepared by the
chapter secretary to be sure that the
chapter is prepared for the end of the
year requirement.
Darren read over the chapter
membership chart showing that we
have about the same number of
members this year as in 1996.
Voting affidavits are due in to the
GCSAA office by December 30 .
All chapters should have signed and
sent their Voting Delegate
information to the GCSAA by now.
th

PUBLICATIONS: Mike Perham
reviewed the minutes of the
Publications Committee Meeting held
in September. The format and style
of the Florida Green was discussed.
Steve Pearson reported that the
FTGA is requesting a copy of our
mailing list to use for the Turf Digest.
It was also announced that the Florida
State Golf Association is requesting a
copy of our mailing list for their work
with amateur golf. It was suggested
that a reciprocal arrangement be made
with these two agencies. The policy

of the FGCSA has been that we do not sell
or give out our mailing list to anyone who
might use it to solicit products or services.
Our mailing list includes home addresses
for many superintendents as well as golf
course addresses. Joe O'Brien noted that
the GCSAA subscribes to a service that
provides addresses for new golf courses
which might be helpful to us in expanding
our list of non member golf courses to
receive the Florida Green.
Marie Roberts announced that the 1998
FGCSA Membership Directory has been
printed and will be distributed to all
members and advertisers during the first
two weeks of November. Advertising
revenue should exceed the $21,000
budgeted figure. Expense figures have
not been received as yet.
WEB PAGE - Dale Kuehner distributed
a proposal to establish a web page for the
FGCSA. The pros and cons on the value
of a web page were discussed. It would
be most important that our web page not
simply duplicate information that is
already available on the GCSAA Web
Page. Dale noted that timeliness is the
most important purpose of a web page and
that if the chapters were not willing to
update information on the web pages on a
continuing basis than the cost would not
be warranted. It was also noted that all
information included on a web page is
open to the public. It was suggested that
all Externals go back to their chapter
members for feedback. The question
would be "What value would you get as a
member if the FGCSA maintained a Web
Site." It is a costly project and needs to
be researched in full. If Board approves
the expense, the FGCSA Web Page would
be linked to the GCSAA Web Page.
Some of the other chapters who have a
web page are Georgia, Texas and Indiana.
Discussion of an FGCSA Web Page
would be continued at the Winter 1998
board meeting.
EDUCATION: Geoff Coggan discussed
GCSAA Regional Seminars.
The
seminars held in Palm Beach and Tampa
were very successful with good
attendance. Pre-registration for the next
The Green Sheet

Minutes of FGCSA Fall Board Meeting

seminar to be held in Orlando
stands at 32 which is another good
number. However, the seminar to
be held in December in
Jacsonville has only 7 people preregistered. It may be that it is too
early to get alarmed but it was
suggested that this needs to be
followed up on by the North
Florida chapter. If a chapter cosponsors a seminar, they are
responsible for the guarantee and
also earn the rebate. Joe O'Brien
noted that there has been mention
of dropping the rebate program.
Geoff then reviewed his plans for
having an Etonic Leadership
Series seminar for the Poa. These
seminars have been approved by
the GCSAA and are partially
underwritten by Etonic. Geoff has
applied to the GCSAA and
received approval to sponsor a
Financial Management Seminar
on Friday, May 15 at the Naples
Beach Club. By going with this
program, the FGCSA will be able
to sponsor an excellent speaker at
a reasonable cost to the
association. He suggested that
we charge the usual nominal
amount for this half day seminar.
th

Geoff presented figures for a
computer seminar for the
Crowfoot weekend which will be
held at Bay Hill Club during the
first weekend in August.
MacAcademy can present an all
day seminar using a projection
system and screen that would
include a half day on Windows 95
and another half day on Internet.
The board was not sure that an all
day seminar is warranted and
suggested cutting it to a half day.
This should reduce the cost and
may
increase
attendance.
Discusssion was held as to having
the seminar on Saturday or
Sunday. Joe O'Brien suggested
that Geoff apply for Etonic
sponsorship for this particular
seminar even though we are
already sponsoring one in May.
January/February 1998

This would help make this a more
reasonable
fee
since
the
MacAcademy presentation will be at
least $2,000. The board reminded
Geoff that we have a large line item
in the budget and that good education
is important to the members. Tested
versus untested seminars were also
discussed.
Geoff also announced that he is
getting together a program for
pesticide seminars to be offered in
various places around the state in the
spring. He is working with Dow and
Toro to present four hour seminars so
that lunch does not need to be
provided or included in the price.
The board suggested that these
seminars should have a small
registration fee attached to them.
MEMBERSHIP - Marie Roberts
distributed the Membership Intent
Form that should be used by your
chapter Membership Chairman as
soon as you receive an application
from a Class A or B member who is
not currently a member of the
GCSAA.
The chapter secretary
sends the form to the GCSAA and
then the applicant has 30 days to
apply for GCSAA membership.
GOLF: Joe Ondo reported on the
results of the 2 Annual FGCSA
Golf Tournament. Seven chapter
teams competed with the Palm Beach
chapter winning by one stroke over
the South Florida chapter. Joe
Pantaleo won the opportunity to join
the FGCSA team in Anaheim in
February. Joe announced that there
was a slight profit this year which
might be used to purchase a trophy.
nd

FTGA: Steve Pearson reported that
the University of Florida Turf
Coordinator position has not been
filled and they have had to readvertise the position.
Steve then discussed the low
attendance at the FTGA Show in
Tampa this year. It is feared that the
1998 superintendent turn out will be

even lower because of the GCSAA show
that will be held in Orlando just five
months after the FTGA Show. Joe
O'Brien suggested that we table the
discussion on FTGA-FGCSA relationship
until tomorrow's Planning Session when it
can be discussed in full.
Next Steve discussed the research
proposals that have been submitted to the
FTGA Committee which is co-chaired by
Kevin Downing. Kevin has suggested
that the FGCSA fund a three year study
by Dr. Frank on biological mole cricket
evaluation. The total 3 year commitment
would be $12,000 payable on an annual
basis.
Other proposals submitted to the FTGA
include a 3 years study on Soil and
Turfgrass Tissue Analysis; a proposal for
Dr. Dunn's nematode study; continued
support of the grad student working on the
Envirotron (with joint funding by the
Seven Rivers GCSA); and an evaluation
of athletic field surface hardness by Dr.
Grady Miller. Kevin's memo suggested
that the FGCSA donate $20,000 to the
FTGA General Research and Awards
Account to help fund those projects that
receive final approval.
Final
determination of which programs will
receive grant money will be decided by
the FTGA Board.
External Vice
Presidents are urged to go back to their
chapters for feedback and report findings
directly to Kevin or the FTGA.
Steve then acknowledged a $750 research
donation from the South Florida PGA and
reported that Valent will be continuing
their rebate program into this year.
VIDEO TAPE: Some copies of the
public relations tape were damaged.
Anyone who received a damaged tape is
urged to call the FGCSA office to receive
a duplicate copy. A discussion was held
regarding distribution of the extra copies
of the tape. Darren is expecting to
receive a list of appropriate legislators
from Mike Goldie and received
suggestions that TV or radio
environmental reporters would be another
good target area as well as golf course
general managers.
5

FGCSA Meetings
(Conclusion of FGCS A Fall 1997 Board
Meeting Minutes)...

FGCS A Evaluates Current Status and Plans for Future

On Saturday, November 8th, the
GCSAA: Dale Kuehner gave a board
of the FGCSA
report on the Chapter Relations met atof directors
Grenelefe
to
meeting held in September. He participate in a strategicResort
also reminded all chapters to send session to examine theplanning
in their Voting Delegate forms to operation of the FGCSA present
to
GCSAA as soon as possible. He chart a plan for the future.andJoe
spent a few minutes reviewing O'Brien, Chief Operating Officer
the list of candidates and of the GCSAA was the session
announced that if anyone has any facilitator.
strong feelings either for or against
a candidate, they should contact O'Brien asked the group to list the
Dale. As in past years, the FGCSA strengths, weaknesses, threats and
will hold a brief caucus opportunities of the FGCSA. As
immediately before the Annual a result, the key issues for the
Meeting in Ahaheim.
FGCSA were listed as follows:
Joe Ondo reported that he has 1. Improve relationship
written a letter of support for
between FGCSA and FTGA.
Robert Mitchell, nominee for 2. Enhance involvement and
GCSAA DSA.
promotion of FGCSA and
Marie Roberts distributed
local chapters to the golfers,
employers and the industry.
packages for chapters to send to
GCSAA to complete their Yearly 3. Find new sources of income
Affiliation Requirements with the
for FGCSA and local
GCSAA. Most of the work has
chapters (decrease vendor
been done and the chapter
support.) Try not to go to the
secretary or president should be
well so often.
able to finish with this in less than
an hour. If any chapter has any 4. Improve the way informa- •
problems filling out the remaining
tion is shared among
forms, please call the FGCSA.
chapters.
It was decided that the Board 5. Enhance the relationship
Meeting would not adjourn until
between FGCSA and local
the conclusion of the Chapter
chapters in specific areas:
Planning Session tomorrow
• Conduct announced/
afternoon. The next FGCSA
planned
committee meetings.
board meeting will be held
sometime late in January,
• Create long range plan for
probably in the middle of the state.
fundraising and spending.
• Local chapter representation
NOTE: FGCSA Winter
at meetings and on various
Board Meeting date is January
committees
24th at Grand Cypress
6

• Public financial statements
• Committee meeting
minutes published/shared
with Externals
6. Improve education/general
participation, involvement
and benefit awarenesss by
superintendents.
7. Ease transition of state/
chapter officers.
8. Document the FGCSA or
chapters appropriately with
the following:
• Standard Operating Proc.
• Committee job descriptions
• Staff job descriptions
• Standardize accounts
• Audit chapter statements
9. Hire a staff person to
manage the magazine/
newsletter/public relations
on a business-like, more
profitable basis.
The discussion ended with the
subject of hiring another staff
person to aid the FGCSA in
meeting the goals and objectives
identified as a result of this whole
planning process.
Joel Jackson announced that he
was taking early retirement from
the Walt Disney Company at the
end of this year and he would be
interested in being considered for
this proposed staff position.
This matter will be discussed
again for action at the Winter
board meeting in January.
The Green Sheet

Chapter Activities

South Florida GCSA
Hosts 11th Annual
Exposition
The South Florida GCSA will
host the Eleventh Annual Exposition on March 12th at the Fort
Lauderdale Research and Education Center. This major
fundraiser is the primary vehicle
to support the turfgrass maintenance facility at the Center.
The chapter has made some subtle
changes in the format to keep
everyone interested and improve
the quality of the day's events.
Time will be from 8:30 a.m. to
3:30 p.m. The day will begin with
the field tours of the turf plots
including updates on research
being conducted. Limited equipment demonstrations will follow
at 10:00 a.m. and the booth area
will be open from 11:00 to 1:00.
The afternoon program offers
CEU's to all attendees as Dr.
Monica Elliott speaks on Microbial and Biological Nutrients and
Dr. Robin Giblin-Davis gives an
update on nematode control. The
major equipment companies will
also make formal presentations in
the afternoon to update everyone
on the latest advances being made
in the industry.
This has always been a well attended day filled with education
and camraderie and the chapter
urges all superintendents and affiliates in the area to put this date
on their calendar of important
events.
January/February 1998

Left to right, Bob Klitz, Nancy McBride - Exec. Dir. of the Center, Bill
McKee, David Lottes, Bryan Singleton and Bill Entwistle, Jr.

South Florida GCSA Raises $12,000 for National
Center for Missing and Exploited Children

The South Florida GCSA sponsored the 13th Annual Benefit Tournament for Missing and Exploited Children on October 10th at Colony
West GC in Tamarac. Dale Kuehner, CGCS, and his staff had the
course in excellent condition and went above and beyond the call of
duty to insure the success of the event. $12,000 was raised.
The Committee would like to thank all our volunteers, participants,
and especially our birdie and eagle sponsors for their ongoing support.
Special recognition goes to Billy Entwistle, Jr. who will not let this
event die. Year after year, Bill pushes the other committee members
to volunteer, organize, and dedicate their time. Without Bill, there
would be no annual event.

Don't Miss the Anaheim Reception
The 1998 FGCSA Annual GCSAA Reception will be held on
Thursday evening, February 5th, at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel
from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m.
As in past years, the sponsorship response to this event has been
tremendous and Reception Chairman Paul Crawford promises
another spectacular evening for all Florida superintendents who
attend. Put it on your GCSAA calendar today!
7

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Lakeland

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