THE GREENERSIDE Official Publication of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey September - October 1995 • Volume 18 Number 5 Turfgrass Equipment, Irrigation, and Suppliers Field Day With a record number of golf course superintendents already preregistered for Field Day, Tuesday, Octo­ ber 3, 1995, it appears that the change to a golf course site was the way to go. What better way for superin­ by Steve Malikowski, CGCS tendents to see the latest in equipment than to see it used on actual golf course conditions. Our hosts for the day, Superin­ tendent Ron Alfieri and Chip Kern, the senior vice president of Shearon Golf, have been most accommodating and prom- ies ideal weather conditions as well. The Field Day Committee has put together what we be­ lieve is a great agenda. All who attend should find the day to be not only informative in respect to equipment suppliers, but also educational and fun at the same time. We in the green industry have had a long year, and our suppliers were there when we needed them. Let’s show them a little thanks and support by attending the Field Day. Remember, this is our Association’s largest fund raising event. Our Committee has arranged for a great caterer who will supply and serve a large assortment of food and beverages. For those who wish to indulge, beer will also be available. Golf course superintendents who have not already preregis­ tered using the self-addressed stamped post card must regis­ ter at the site. Only golfc ourse superintendents will be eligible for the special drawing. The drawing will be held at 1:00 p.m., and one lucky person will go home with a golf trip for two to Myrtle Beach for four days and three nights including air fare. The agenda for the day will be as follows: Registration Equipment Demos Speaker Closest to pin competition 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. - noon Noon 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. See you there! In this issue Editorial President's Message GCSANJ News Reminder: GCSANJ scholarship deadline Exciting times at Cook College On the road to the Open Willet Wilt says: GCSAA News Back nine 2 3 4 8 10 12 18 21 26 GCSANJ Newsletter is published six times a year by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey Ilona Gray Editor Newsletter Business Staff Ken Krausz, CGCS Contributing Writers Douglas Vogel, Edward Walsh, CGCS, Shaun Barry Steven Malikowski, CGCS Please address inquiries to: Editor, The Greenerside P.O. Box 3672, Wayne, NJ 07474-3672 For Ad Placement: Judy Policastro (201) 379-1100 Art and Typography by Trend Multimedia 908-787-0786 • FAX 908-787-7212 GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY 66 Morris Ave., Suite 2A Springfield, New Jersey 07081 201-379-1100 • FAX 201-379-6507 Officers: Paul Powondra, President Glenn Miller Vice President Ken Krausz, CGCS, Secretary Ron Mencl, Treasurer Chris Carson, Past President Directors District 1 Michael Mongon Joe Kennedy District 2 Vincent Bracken Patrick Campbell, CGCS District 3 Fran Owsik Dennis Shea District 4 Thomas I. Grimac, CGCS Steve Malikowski, CGCS Chapter GSAA Delegate Wayne Remo, CGCS Executive Secretary Judy Policastro Commercial Representatives Steve Chirip Shaun Barry ©1995 THE GREENERSIDE Opinions expressed in this Newsletter are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily express the opin­ ions or policies of the GCSANJ Board and its member­ ship. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. Printed on recycled paper EDITORIAL Three and 56/100ths% by Ilona Gray Recreation and entertainment are in­ dustries that conjure up an image of big time Hollywood movies, rock con­ certs, and theme parks. On a less glitzy and more personal scale, the golf course industry is an integral part of this industry. Golf course superintendents are faced with a small dilemma. Do they position themselves at a course as the authority on turf management, or do they seek a broader role as part of the recreation and entertainment programs of the club? On one side, the professional image is very important. Once tarnished, a reputation is difficult to polish to better luster. Balancing this is the need to fulfill roles other than that typically con­ ducted by the superinten­ dent. This is an option. It’s outside of the paycheck and outside of the job de­ scription. It may even be outside of what is usually done at your particular course. All of this may ap­ pear too risky to some, an adventure or just plain fun to others. In many clubs there are opportunities for extra curricular fun and work on the job. Whether it’s donning a Santa suit during the holiday times for the club party or helping with a particular fund raising event, when the superintendent participates it is a career activity. You have to use your best judgment on what is appropri­ ate and how best to address the opportunity in a non-traditional function. The risk from a professional perspective is minimal in most circum­ stances, and the gain is being viewed as a complete personality by the club’s management and committees. Everyone on the course today is part of the entertainment and recreation provided to the players. It’s a strange role that remains 97 and 44/100ths percent superintendent, but that extra 3 and 56/ l00ths percent can be fun too. No, I haven’t lost my calculator. I know that all superintendents give 101% on the job! I’m only suggesting that you think about how you would approach the job of golf course superintendent if you viewed the course as part of this rec­ reation and entertainment industry. When the game is played, is the course set to be enjoyed from an aesthetic as well as practical aspect? Are there fea- tures that enhance the golf experience including the landscaping near the club house or car paths? Walk your course one evening thinking about recre­ ation and entertainment values and ask yourself, am I doing everything I can do? PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Lessons learned (hopefully) to get Willet to resume writing, I found some old columns (and asked Ilona to see about reprinting them). I think you’ll see that although our profession is dynamic and changing, some things about the business don’t really change at all. I hope you enjoy Willet as much as I do. With the advent of fall weather, with those wonderful cool nights, it comes time to assess what worked and what didn’t in getting us through the tough summer months. I know I tried to apply lessons learned in that incredible stretch of heat and humidity in 1994 to this season, as did virtually every other superintendent (and plant protectant supplier, for that matter). What we did was try to attend as many seminars and read as much as pos­ sible in the so-called “off season" in order to prepare our­ selves for the year ahead. We never know enough, but we press forward in the attempt. I admire such top-notch people as Drs. Bruce Clarke and Jim Murphy when they say “I don’t know” in response to some of our queries on turf problems. Even they are continually striving to learn more. I would en­ courage GCSANJ members to attend the upcoming GCSAA seminars: • Basic Principles of Turfgrass Management (1.4 CEUs) November 14-15 East Brunswick • Personal Stress Management (.7 CEU) December 11 Atlantic City The December seminar will be held at the Taj Mahal on the Monday before Expo starts. The Expo room rate will be available as early as Sunday night for those attending this seminar, which has become one of GCSAA’s more popular offerings. GCSANJ anticipates having a get-together on Mon­ day evening to which all are invited. More details later. Many times over the past few years, as our profession has become more and more complicated and hectic, and as brother Nature seemed to enjoy tormenting us, I tried to find the lighter side of things. I would often think back to a popu­ lar column in The Greenerside written by Willet Wilt, won­ dering what of Willet would have to say about this or that calamity. After years of begging his literary agent, Ken Kubik, CALENDAR October 3 October 19 The 30th Annual Turfgrass, Equipment, Irrigation, and Suppliers Field Day, Mattawang Golf Club, Hopewell. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Contact Judy Policastro, (201) 379-1100. GCSANJ October Meeting - The Championship at Green Brook C.C. Host: Joe Kennedy. Contact Judy Policastro, (201) 379-1100. November 4 The Sixth Annual Rutgers November 7 GCSANJ Annual Meeting, November 7-10 November 21 The Alliance for Environ­ Professional Golf Turf Man- agement School and Alumni Awards Banquet, Ramada Inn, East Brunswick. Contact Cook College Office of Continuing Professional Education, Missy Marciante, (908) 932-9271. Hollywood G.C. Host: Jan Kasyjanski. Contact Judy Policastro, (201) 379-1100. NYSTA Turf and Grounds Exposition, Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Rochester, NY. Contact NYSTA, (800) 873- TURF. mental Concerns' Annual Environmental Seminar, Fiddler’s Elbow, Bedminster. Recertification credits awarded. Contact Ilona Gray, (201) 595-7172. GCSANJ NEWS THE GCSANJ PROMOTES ITSELF by Shaun Barry June 15,1995, was the first round of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills G.C. on Long Is­ land, New York. It also was the finals of the NJ. State Amateur Tourna­ ment, which was held at White BeechesG.&C.C. As would be ex- After the NJSGA Amateur Championship, Paul Powondra, president of GCSANJ (right), presented a plaque to Armand LeSage, host superintendent at White Beeches G. & C.C., as Paul Meseck, golf pro at the club, looked on. MORIE Golf Course Construction and Maintenance Materials Unmatched Quality and Service • Bunker sands • Root zone materials • Topdressings • Decorative stone • Crushed stone • Drainage materials • Fill Dirt • Top Soil Morie The Morie Company, Inc. A South Jersey Industries Company Box 463, Woodbine, NJ 08270 800-732-0068 Fax 609/861-2234 pected, the golf course was in great shape and the tourna­ ment went off without a hitch. There was a surprise, however, for Armand LeSage and the gallery at the awards ceremony. Paul Powondra was there to present a plaque to Armand from the GCSANJ. This practice of honoring the host superintendent of the major events at the conclusion of play started with Dave Pease. Chris Carson and Paul have continued to make the effort to promote the host superintendent and the GCSANJ. Long may this tradition continue! KEN'S DAY TO REMEMBER by Shaun Barry 1995 will be remembered for many things that happened 50 years ago. Some good and some bad. Many (!) of us were not around in 1945 but we are here now, so if you get a chance, please wish Ken Kubika happy birthday. Keith Kubik, Root Jr., (center) along with Jay McKenna (right), the Assistant Root, celebrating the Root's (Ken Kubik) 50th birthday. As you can see by the picture, he was surprised but happy with the dinner in honor of his day. It was either that or it was an expression of relief because he was on the opposite side of the table from Armand LeSage and John Wantz. Maybe that is why Paul Powondra chose to stand. The evening ended early because Ken had an early ap­ pointment, but not before we toasted Ken’s birthday and all of the wonderful people in our industry. Maybe that is why we all look younger than we actually are. HOMINY HILL MEETS THE CHALLENGE by Shaun Barry Recently the state of New Jersey and Hominy Hill G. were the site of another USGA event. This time it was the Women’s Amateur Public Links. Like any USGA event they have standards that require a lot of effort. Continued on page 5 GCSANJ NEWS Continued from page 4 Ron Luepke and Dave Pease attended the 1994 tournament to acclimate them­ selves to the con­ ditions that were expected. They came back know­ ing that their nor­ mal conditions would be good, but that was not good enough for them. They de­ cided to set the standard. Heidi Olsen, USGA official, thanks Ron Luepke, host superintendent of Hominy Hills G.C., at the completion of play of USGA Women's Amateur Public Links Championship. If you noticed that Ron has not been visible at meetings this year, you now know why. Every week was longer than the last. Finally the tournament started and everybody began to relax. Well, almost everyone. Steve Curry was seen with a glazed look in his eyes after he left the TV trailer. He thought he was seeing the Masters. At the end of play each day an army of machinery roared to life and headed out to keep perfection perfect. They suc­ ceeded. Then on the final day everyone grabbed a rope and helped with crowd control. When Ron accepted the acco­ lades from the USGA, he did so in the name of everyone who helped. He was right. He couldn’t have done it without them, but they couldn’t have done it without him. Congratulations to all and can the U.S. Amateur be far away? WELCOME NEW MEMBERS WELCOME NEW MEMBERS The Greenerside welcomes the following new members: John F. Alexander B Christopher Boyle B-l Steven M. DeLellis B-l Tod Jackson John Long D B-l Marc McMullen B-l Michael Miner A Eric Neville B-l Richard G. Patrick B-l Frank Polizzi Jeffrey Staeger Joseph C. Stegman B A B-l Cranbury G.C. Essex County C.C. Bunker Hill G.C. Cherry Hill C.C. AGC South Shore G.C. Dist. 3 Dist. 2 Dist. 3 Dist. 3 Dist. 2 Dist. 2 Essex County C.C. Dist. 1 Montammy G.C. Somerset Hills C.C. Dist. 2 Dist. 4 Stone Harbor G.C. Flanders Valley G.C. Dist. 2 Dist. 4 Stone Harbor G.C. American Golf Corp. Dist. 4 Changes Rolf Strobel Reinstatements Brian Remo Gary Stedman B-l to B Concordia G.C. B-l Lake Mohawk G.C. Dist. 1 Battle Ground C.C. Dist. 3 A WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBER OF THE GCSANJ FAMILY by Gerald Fountain Seacoast Labs John and Jill Gasper have added a little girl, Julia Marie, to their family. She was born on June 14,1995, at 8:15a.m. and weighed 8 lbs. 15 oz. Julia Marie has an older brother named Continued on page 6 PAVELEC BROS. Golf Course Construction Co. Inc. 98 Evergreen Avenue Nutley, NJ 07110 Specializing in ail phases of Golf Course Construction Field Drainage/Landscaping Excavation Tony Pavelec (201) 667-1643 Emil Pavelec (201) 939-6182 GCSANJ NEWS Continued from page 5 Jarrod who is three years old. John is the superintendent at the Ridgewood Country Club. DISTRICT III GOES BACK TO SCHOOL by Shaun Barry District III recently held their August Meeting at Peddie School G.C. This was the first chance that many of our mem­ bers had to play the course, while many others did not even know that the course existed. At the end of the day everyone praised the great job George Thompson and his small, but dedicated, crew had done. It was hard to tell that we were in the middle of a “summer to forget.” If George had known what was in store weatherwise before he volunteered, I’m sure he would have opted for a December meeting. The day of the event, however, was beautiful, and every­ one seemed to relax. Jim Woods continued his winning ways with a 77. He beat Mark Kriews by one shot. On the net side, Shaun (Mr. Yipes) Barry one-putted the last four greens for a winning score of 67. Gene Stiles and Mark Peterson were closest to the pin. M. Kriews, M. Peterson, andBrad Simpkins won the long drive contest for their flights. Making the Dis­ trict Team were J. Woods (77), M. Kriews (78), S. Barry (81), Harry Harsin (82), Kevin Giles (82), and Fran Owsik (83) on a match of cards with Ken Mathis and Tony Toto. Steve Chirip, Pat Wall, and Joe Lucas had one skin each while S. Barry and Steve DeLellis came away with two. Many thanks to John Bolla and all of the people at Peddie for allowing us to have such a wonderful day. I hope we can do it again. JULY MEETING: SPRINGDALE C.C. by Steve Chirip Another promising day, another monthly meeting. It' s always new! Springdale C.C. and Charlie Dey were our hosts for the day. After a light lunch our 1:00 p.m. shotgun went off right on time. The format for the day was a Modified Scramble. It’s funny how Shaun Barry always comes up with these kinds of tournaments when he is out of town. The weather held and some great golf was played. The winning team of Mark Kriews, Ken Mathis, Mark Peterson, and Rolf Strobel shot 305. In second was the team oi Harry Harsin, Jeff Wetterling, Bob Prickett, and Steve Willard with a score of 317. The other prize winners for the day were on Hole #2, Angelo Petraglia, closest to the pin; on Hole #15, Mark MacDonald, closest to the pin; and long drive was won by John Farrell. Thanks again to Charlie Dey, Springdale, Steve, and a special thanks to all those who helped at check in: Gerald, Ed, Clyde, and John. Sorry if I left anyone out. Thanks again. There were three skins that held up for the day; they were Doug Larson, Dave Campion, andTony Toto.There was also one semi-final match played in our two man best ball event. The team of Jim Cross and Jim Woods defeated the team of Dennis Shea and Steve Chirip. This was done on the 1st playoff hole as the match ended even after 18 holes. Con­ gratulations and good luck to the Jims. If you left early you missed a great steak and seafood dinner; also a very informative talk on water conservation by Steve Malikowski. Actually Steve was third choice, Nigel was busy and Ed Walsh was looking for shoelaces for those work boots. Dear Editor: Reflections Ilona Gray’s excellent editorial in the May-June Greenerside caused me to pause and reflect about Memorial Day. She mentioned in the next to last paragraph that many GCSANJ members may have memories of our last three wars. Are there any other WW2 veterans out there, still active? You remember four wars ago. Or am I the last dinosaur? Fellas, please let me know if there are any of you out there? Reflections on Bob Leslie. A couple of years ago, I had the pleasure of playing golf with Bob at Somerset Hills. The others in the foursome shall remain nameless. I think Bob had the lowest score in our group and did not seem upset with what the rest of us did. A truly patient man! Sky Bergen, Jr. To the Editor: I recently read “A Perfect Ten,” in the May/June issue. I began to laugh and feel a sense of relief! • My husband always gets undressed on the back patio. • Everyone on the street and all our family members abuse him because his feet are so white, and he appears to be wearing socks and shoes (when he’s not). • We buy more "work” clothes every year because everything is full of dirt or grease. • It is helpful to know that I don’t have the only living room that looks like a recently cut fairway. Thank you, Barbara Beam, for making me feel better, and remember, you are not alone! Sue Brennan Spouse of Rod Brennan, Asst. Supt. Springdale G.C., Princeton Tee & Green & In Between Whether your challenge is a dead­ line, a tee, a green, a fairway, a rough, or a bunker surround, we have a blend that fits your needs. We understand the variety of problems you face because we have spent a great deal of time listening to golf course superintendents. As a result, Tee & Green Sod offers the most complete product line available to the golf course industry- even a four-foot wide washed roll! Give us a call for information about our selection of products, and our unique harvesting and washing techniques. •Bentgrass •Bluegrass •Washed sod •Bluegrass-Ryegrass •Bluegrass-Fine Fescue 401/789-8177 • 401/789-3895 (fax) • PO Box 418, Exeter, RI 02822 Reminder: GCSANJ scholarship deadline nears The GCSANJTurf Scholarship Program is once again ac­ cepting scholarship applications for academic year 1995-96. Students meeting the following criteria are encouraged to apply. sex, creed, age, or national origin. The deadline for all applications is November 3,1995. GCSANJ scholarships are awarded without regard to race, • TWo-year turf management students (including Winter School) who have completed the first year of the program. • Four-year turf management students who have completed the second year of the program. • Graduate students enrolled in a turf management program. • Employed at a GCSANJ member’s golf course for two sea­ sons. Can be a summer worker. • Committed to a career as a golf course superintendent. • Recommended by their GCSANJ member employer. • Recommended by their academic advisor. To obtain the necessary application forms, contact GCSANJ Scholarship and Research Committee, 66 Morris Ave., Suite 2A, Springfield, NJ 07081 or call Judy Policastro at (201) 379-1100. Construction Golf Inc. Turn-Key Golf Course Construction 908-469-7782 TEE AND GREEN CONSTRUCTION DRAINAGE . RETAINING WALLS IRRIGATION . PONDS OTTERBINE INSTALLATION MEMBER OF NJ TURF GRASS ASSOC. & GCSANJ Wanted: Vintage turfgrass equipment The New Jersey Turfgrass Association has an­ nounced it is seeking vintage turfgrass equip­ ment for a special display at The Silver Anni­ versary NJTA Expo in Atlantic City, which is sched­ uled for December 12-14. Contact Bob Dickison at (201) 916-5391. Take the STRESS off You and Your Turf with Flo ratine Products and Sleepy Hollow Turf Mngt. ASTRON is Designed to Increase Root Mass, Length and Carbohydrate Storage. ASTRON Enhances Turf s Ability to Withstand Stress. Perk-Up Improves Plant Respiration, Relieves Wilt and Restores Color Loss Due to High Heat and Humidity. It also Enhances Root Growth. Per"4"max is Formulated to Increase Topical Density of Turf and Encourage Root Development in Early Spring and in Fall. ' Max ip lex Will Decrease Nutrient Tie-Up, Reduce 7 Compaction and Hot Spots, Helps to Manage Soil Moisture, and in Sand Reduces I..caching. - CalpHlex is The Great Balancer it Will Lower ~ Soil Sodium, Increase Available Calcium, and Balance Calcium to Magnesium Ratios. Raider-TG Will Dramatically Increase Plant M ' Uptake of Systemics By Opening Plant Stomahfl It Reduces Chemical Usage & Saves You Money. For These & Other Fine Flora tine Products Contact Sleepy Hollow Turf at (717) 456-5172 Exclusive Distributors in the Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Eastern Pennsylvania Areas. by Dr. Bruce Clarke RU ready for turf research tour On the afternoon of August 3, there was a tour of the research facilities at Rutgers University’s Cook Col­ lege, Turf Research Farm off of Ryders Lane in New Brunswick. A barbecue dinner, sponsored by the Golf Cour se Superintendents Association of New Jersey, followed the tour. Hopefully, this will be the first of many because this function was designed to encourage superintendents to meet with the research faculty of Rutgers and discuss the latest results on golf course turfgrass management, pathology, and breeding. We had about 45 people attend and hope next year to double the attendance. This was quite a different and separate event from the annual Rutgers Research Field Day, and I would like to share the highlights with you. The tour permitted us to view the bentgrass cultivar evaluation trials under green and fairway cutting heights. Those attending also had the opportunity to discuss the fun­ gicide trials including test plots for basal stem rot anthra- cnose, brown patch, dollar spot, and summer patch. Further into the tour we viewed the aerification and top dressing fer­ tilizer studies and some phyto toxicity trials. Rutgers has some If U2 want 2B informed about the latest developments in turf research, come to next year's tour. endophyte programs ongoing and these, coupled with the biological disease control test plots, perhaps point to some significant changes in the future of golf course turf manage­ ment. If U2 want 2B informed about the latest developments in turf research, come to next year’s tour. 1120 Goffle Rd, Hawthorne, NJ. 07506 201-423-0222 Franklin Rd, Hamilton Business Park, Dover NJ. 201-366-2355 ' 307 Washington Street, Conshohocken, PA 19428 610-941-6662 Aquarius is your #1 source for service & supplies. Thompson Commander Rotor * Cast iron body, stainless steel & brass gear drives. Only repairable gear drives on the market. * No plastic gear drive on market today can match the Thompson Commanders durability or 7 year 100% over the counter warranty. Ideal for driving ranges where durability is important. * Continuous use in the city of Los Angeles for 30 years. * Best CU- Coefficient of Uniformity in the industry. * Many local golf courses are currently using these _ heads, References. are available upon reauest. industrv. * SOLATROL CONTROL SYSTEM expands to any size irrigation installation and any num- ber of remote sites. Using a network of fully independent stand alone satellite controllers, * Portable hand held "master command center." * Requires no electricity to operate and is immune to any electrical spikes, surges and lightning. * Most affordable, versatile controllers in the by Chris Carson Exciting times at Cook College Cook College’s nationally known and respected turf pro­ gram is undergoing a positive metamorphosis, and the goal of all involved is to develop the best turf re- search/teaching/extension program in the world. Dr. Br uce “We are trying to build a teaching program to match oui already strong research, and we would like to be known as the place to go for the best undergraduate and graduate turf education in the country,” continued Bruce, who, as director "The most exciting thing that has happened to me and Cook in the last 14 years," is how Bruce describes the hiring process that is now going on. of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Turfgrass Sci­ ence (CISTS), has the role of coordinating the work of more than 30 scientists focusing on turf related problems. “Also, with our new people coming on board and the continued enthusiastic work of our existing CISTS scientists, we expect many new and exciting directions in our research and sup­ port work.” Two examples of how the interdisciplinary approach to problem solving has already worked are the recent comple­ tion of a DNA probe that can sense the presence of summer patch pathogens in a sample in a matter of minutes as op­ posed to the previous method of growing out and waiting weeks, and a genetically altered bentgrass that is immune to the herbicide Roundup... spray it and the bent survives ana the poa dies! “These successes are a true reflection of the spirit of cooperation that exists here at Cook College,” continued Bruce, “and have come about because the Center (CISTS) has given us the means of establishing goals and having many different scientists in varied areas of expertise work together to achieve these goals.” The six positions being filled are: • Extension specialist in weed science. Tenure track, assistant • Extension specialist in entomology. Tenure track, assistant • Turfgrass ecologist/turfgrass physiologist. Tenure track, assistant professor. • Turfgrass pathologist/mycologist. Tenure track, assistant- • Fine turfgrass scientist. Tenure track, assistant or full • Turfgrass position to be named later (to fill in areas of need after the first five positions have been filled). The interview process has begun, and the quality of can­ didates that have already been interviewed has been out­ standing ... in some cases world-class. In an era when most other turf schools are cutting back on positions and support the addition of these new people to the already strong pro­ gram of Drs. Funk, Murphy, Clarke, and the entire CISTS team bodes well for the future of turfgrass studies, research, and extension in New Jersey. professor. professor. professor. professor. Clarke recently spoke with me about changes that are taking place in the turf program, and our conversation included a review of where they have been, what they have achieved, and where they are going in the future. Stimulating times in­ deed are in store for all of us interested in the education of future superintendents and in research of our turf problems. “The most exciting thing that has happened to me and Cook in the last 14 years,” is how Bruce describes the hiring process that is now going on. “Of the ten total positions be­ ing filled this year at Rutgers University, six are in support of turfgrass, and the enthusiasm and momentum that have re­ sulted from this unprecedented support has reinvigorated our already strong program.” Rutgers University and Dean Daryl Lund have identified turfgrass as one of the strongest research and extension areas that now exist and have made these supportive moves to promote and improve an already "shining star." Hardgoods - 201-473-3393 Nursery - 201-473-2749 Fax-201-473-4402 206 Delawanna Ave. Clifton NJ 07014-1000 To Keep Your Course on Course TERRE Co has the Seeds Plants and the Turf & Ornamental products that perform Storr Tractor Company Karen A. Plumley, Ph.D. Finding answers in Monmouth County Golf course personnel and landscape professionals who don’t know Dave, he’s the general manager of golf courses for the Monmouth County Park System. Over the course of a 15-week semester, Dave covers topics which include turfgrass anatomy, identification, establishment, culture, and mainte­ nance. A field trip to a reputable golf facility (can you guess which one?) is usually included. searching for answers may find them at a litde known place in Monmouth County (I am not referring to Kelly’s Pub). Brookdale Community College (Lincroft, Jersey) offers courses in its Ornamental Horticulture Program that will help to unravel the mysteries of turfgrass science. In the fall, Richard Buckley teaches a course entitled Plant Pests and Diseases. Many of you are already acquainted with Rich through his other job as coordinator of the Rutgers Plant Di­ agnostic Clinic (I’ll bet most of you don’t like to admit just how well you do know Rich). The seemingly endless stream of samples sent into the Plant Diagnostic Clinic ensures that there is never a shortage of infested plant material for his students. Rich covers pest biology and identification, IPM, and control. For those students who are certified pesticide applicators, recertification credits are available. In the spring, David Pease teaches Turfgrass Manage­ ment. Many of you already know Dave through... suffice it to say that many of you already know Dave. For those of you New Also offered in the spring is a course in Soil Science, taught by me. Many of you already know me as either 1) a Storr Trac­ tor employee, 2) a Rutgers University student, or 3) a superintendent’s wife. I teach soil science from the perspec­ tive of plants and how the condition of the soil impacts upon them. The course material ranges from soil formation to in­ terpreting a soil test report. All three courses are offered in the evening to accommo­ date students who work full time. Brookdale Community Col­ lege has an open enrollment policy (anyone over the age of 18 is admitted), and courses can be taken without entering a degree program. Please contact the Admissions Office for fur­ ther information. In case you’re wondering why I wrote this article, it’s not only meant to be a public service to the turfgrass community, it’s a free “plug” for my course, and I hope to see you in it! SPECIAL OFFER! TEST DRIVE A DUAL Call us for a FREE three-day tryout in your workshop.* □ We’ll bring the machine right to you and pick it up. □ No charge. □ Your chance to precision grind your reels on the world’s best spin grinder. * Subject to scheduling and machine availability. EXPRESS DUAL Storr Tractor Company 3191 US Highway 22, Somerville, New Jersey 08876 908-722-9830 pleasure of watching him hit the ball. The whole experience is one everyone should make hap­ pen. Yes, it is in the middle of the summer but Steve is already planning on returning in the year 2000 if it is at St. Andrews. I believe there might be a few rooms available. Think about it. by Shaun Barry On the road to the Open There are trips of a lifetime and then there are “Trips of a Lifetime.” Recently two superintendents decided independently of each other to do just that. According to a reliable source, Steve Cadenelli, CGCS, (Metedec onk National G.C.) and Paul Latshaw (Congressional C.C.) were seen in the birthplace of golf. Both were there because it was St. Andrews and because it was “The Open.” BIGGA (British and International Golf Greenkeeper As­ sociation) had its headquarters off the 17th hole. Here you could sit with a pint and a sandwich while discussing turf with people from all over the world. Then you headed out to enjoy the experience. Palmer said good-bye, Nicklaus had a ten, Paul walked the course as an active member of the divoting crew, Steve became one with the people and the country, and Rich and Nancy Hurley had a great time even without their clubs. There were many lessons learned during this trip. Some were that forward is not always the proper direction for hitting out of bunkers and don’t ever play a greenskeeper by the name of Iain Macleod for money. Just play for the pure Frank A. Macchione Construction Inc. • Specializing in Cart Paths • Waterfall Ponds • Rock Gardens • Water Aerator • Landscape Designing • Tee Building 168 Midwood Road Paramus, N.J. 07652 652-0694 Quotes and misquotes Doug Vogel “Greenskeeping is 90% physical, the other half is environ­ mental.” Golf sage Yogi Berra “Good golf is played between the ears.” Golf great Bobby Jones “The six inches between the ears is the distance that matters the most.” GCSAA member Arnold Palmer “There is no good golf between these ears.” Ken Krausz, CGCS Give me camera or give me death.” Unknown patriot in his impassioned plea to the GCSAA intelligentsia “Golf is for the birds.” Environmental vision of NYAS found­ ing member Teddy Roosevelt “Four score and seven outings ago.” Jim Pelrine when asked when did his handicap drop to a 2. “One if by land, two if by sea.” Shaun Barry’s tournament stroke counting system “Nay Sunday play.” Old Tom Morris “No Monday play.” Old Ed Walsh “We have play Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, ..." Old Steve Malikowski “There is not a sprig of grass that shoots uninteresting to me.” Early turf pioneer Thomas Jefferson by Dr. Bruce Clarke New faculty at Rutgers To help Rutgers prepare for the future, we recently have hired Dr. Jim White from Auburn University in Ala­ bama. Dr. White will start this September and comes to us with eight years experience in turf mycology. H world authority on endophytes in turfgrass. Of more imme­ e i diate interest, the leadership of the GCSANJ and the Center for Turfgrass Research has been working to double the bentgrass area for bentgrass research in New Brunswick. This will permit us to evaluate the changes in the USGA greens construction recommendations. If you would like more in­ s fao rmation on this project, please contact Dr. Jim Murphy or me. SH-T HAPPENS? NOT ANYMORE! Don’t let the geese take over your greens, playgrounds, stadiums, lawns FIGHT BACK WITH ReJeX-iT™! Environmentally friendly, and harmless bird or ponds. repellants. Approved by US EPA and all state EPA agencies except NY and CA. CALL 1 -800-401 -0880 Or FAX (908) 262-8989 For INFORMATION and PRICING Just In Time Chemical Sales and Marketing Inc. U.S. EPA COMPANY No. 68531 An authorized distributor of Re JeXiT™ products. Manufactured for RJ Advantage Inc, a subsidiary of PMC Specialties Group, Inc. Sterilized Top Dressing 1-8OO-899-SOIL(7645) FAX (301)335-0164 Our top dressing is formulated especially for your area to specifications recommended by leading universities and testing laboratories. EXCLUSIVE! All materials are thoroughly mixed and sterilized by indirect heat in our special process. The sand particles are actually coated with a mixture of top soil and peat humus for a completely homogenous mixture that will not separate during handling and spreading. Computerized blending of soil mixtures for a superior growing medium. Green and tee construction materials and mixes conforming to specifications are available. Custom on-site soil blending and testing with a portable computerized blender to meet your speci­ fications are available. Don't get green at green speeds by Jozsef L. de Kovacs CCM, Director of Operations Deal Golf and Country Club A. Sandy Soil = Faster Surface B. Silt & Clay = Slower Surface Angelo Petraglia and I ventured over to several other courses to see if Deal Golf & Country Club was truly in the slow lane when it came to green speeds. We had received member comments that our course was not as fast as others and recognized the need to address these. As superintendents and club managers, we know that there are many factors that can affect green speeds, and the situation at Deal is not unique. Nevertheless, we have to be in a position to explain the basis for green speeds so that it can be addressed with concerned members. An outline guide was prepared for this and is shared with you below. The bottom line is that some players will prefer the faster greens, while others will find them too much of a challenge and a frustration in the game. The speed answer is different for different courses. The role of the superintendent is to make the game fun and challenging for the players. I hope the outline we used at Deal can help you do this. I. Green speed is affected by the following factors: 1. Soil Type • Golf Courses • Estates • Athletic Fields • Commercial • Floating Aerators • Custom Built Pumping Systems 2. Drainage A. Good Drainage = Faster Surface B. Poor Drainage = Slower Surface 3. Sunlight A. Full Sun = Faster Surface B. Shady = Slower Surface C. Cloudy Day = Slower Surface 4. Moisture/Rain A. Rain = Slow Surface B. Humidity = Slow Surface 5. Height of Cut A. Low Cut 1/8” = Fast Surface/Weak Turf B. Moderate Cut 5/32 - 9/64 = Medium - Fast Surface/Hearty Turf 6. Fertility Turf Turf A. Starving Turf = Fast Surface/Poor Color & Weak B. Proper Diet = Medium - Fast Surface/Healthy C. Too Much Fertility = Slow Surface/Weak Turf 7. Wind A. Windy Day = Fast Surface/Dry Turf 8. Firmness green A. Hard Surface = Fast Surface/Balls bounce over B. Medium - Hard Surface = Medium - Fast Sur­ face/Balls from fairway hold 9. Density of Turf A. Thin Turf = Fast Bumpy Surface/Weak Turf B. Dense Turf = Medium - Fast Surface/True Roll 10. Frequency of Cut A. Double or Triple Cutting = Fast Surface B. Single Cutting = Medium - Fast Surface 11. Top Dressing A. Frequent - Light Top Dressing = Firmer, faster surface Requires six hours of maintenance time per treatment AQUA-FLO, INC. 12. Verticutting 320 Basin Road • Hammonton, NJ 08037 (609)561-1777 1-800-524-0895 (outside NJ) 4155A Westfax Drive • Chantilly, VA 22021 (703) 968-7081 A. Temporary speed increaser, but stresses turf in hot weather Continued on page 16 INTRODUCING NEW ADVANCED SPRAY-DRY DACONIL ULTREX FUNGICIDE • Mixes fast, won’t settle out and won’t clog nozzles. • Improved control of tough Brown patch plus equally exceptional control of 14 other major turf diseases and algal scum. • Virtually dust-free, low-foaming formulation makes handling easier. • Pours completely out of the bag, so there’s no waste or need to rinse bags before disposal. /SK BIOSCIENCES" ISK Biosciences Corporation Turf & Specialty Products Division 1523 Johnson Ferry Rd., Suite 250 Marietta, GA 30062 Always follow label directions carefully when using turf and ornamentals plant protection products. ™Trademark of ISK Biosciences Corporation. Don't get green Continued from page 14 13. Rolling A. Temporary speed increases but compacts soil and perating potential. can ruin drainage if done in wet weather the most severe undulations. 5. Turf is fertilized to maintain proper health and recu­ 6. Fast green speeds are attained when possible, based on weather and time available to perform mainte­ nance for speed. III. Green Speed Advantages 1. Some players prefer fast greens. 2. The game is more challenging with fast green speeds. IV. Green Speed Disadvantages 1. Most players can not handle fast green speeds. In­ stead of 1-2 putting each green they will be 3-4 put­ ting each green. Scores will increase. 2. Slow Play - caused by people spending too much time on the greens 3-4 putting. 5-6 hour rounds likely. 3. Hard Greens - players balls will bounce over greens. Greens will not hold their shots from the rough or poorly hit shots from fairway. 4. Poor Color of Turf - Golfers will be putting on browns not greens. 5. Turf quality will decline in the hot, humid weather 6. Cost - More money spent on fungicides, herbicides and insecticides. More money spent on overtime work. More money spent on machines. 7. Reality - Not all greens can be fast at all times. Even U.S. Open greens are not fast all year. They are made fast for one week out of the year. The greens health are sacrificed for the money earned that week. 14. Undulations too low = Dead Turf A. Severe undulations will be scalped when mowed 15. Turf Type A. Bentgrass = Truer Roll & Faster Surface B. POA = Bumpy Roll & Slower Surface II. Program at Deal 1. Improved by aeration and filling holes with 90/10 sand/peat mixture and bentgrass seed. This has im­ proved the firmness of the putting surface as well as drainage and bentgrass populations. 2. Removal of trees near greens for better sunlight and air circulation. face. 3. Reduced watering times on sprinklers for dryer sur­ 4. Height of cut lowered as low as is possible dictated by EVERGREEN GOLF COURSE TURF COVERS Standard and Custom sizes Evergreen is the nation’s leading turf growth cover that’s ideal for: ✓ New course construction ✓ Winter protection of greens ✓ Early spring green-up ✓ Longer, stronger root growth ✓ Quicker seed germination For full information call TOLL FREE 1-800-387-5808 COVERMASTER INC. 100 Westmore Dr.,11-0, Rexdale, ON M9V 5C3, TEL 416- 745-1811 • FAX 416-74-COVER (742-6837) How Do You Measure A 50 Ft Putt? In 16ths Of An Inch. The measure of a great green is small. To achieve it you need absolute precision. The Greensmaster 3000 Series features isolated cutting units That’s why Toro created for a consistent uniform the Greensmaster® family. cut. The 3000-D offers Start with the durable diesel Greensmaster 500, the power, and both only 21-inch walk- can turn in their behind with a floating own circle. head. It follows turf undulations for a Finally, there’s the 3100. It uses less smoother, more consistent cut. fuel, runs cooler and quieter Then there’s the 1000, the most advanced walk-behind greens mower ever built. Its balance, tracking and clip rate are so precise, you can cut higher and still get maximum playability. and burns cleaner. And it was the first I with Turf Guardian™ hydraulic oil leak detection. There’s a Greensmaster to fit any need. Let us show you how one can make a measurable improvement on your course. Storr Tractor Company 3191 Highway 22, Somerville, N.J. 08876 908-722-9830 Celebrating Our 50th Year of Service to the Turf Industry, 1945-1995 TORO, Turf Guardian and Greensmaster are registered trademarks of The Toro Company. © 1993 The Toro Company. No. 94-243-T. Willet Wilt says: Editor’s Note: Paul Powondra requested us to reprint this Wil­ let Wilt from the September-October 1986 issue of The Greenerside. The autumn brings to mind a comparison that can be considered quite apt: that of the golf course superin­ tendent and the football coach. On TV you see a har­ ried coach pacing up and down the sidelines studying eleven players on a 50 by 100 yard field. That doesn’t seem as tough when you consider that the golf course superinten­ dent is trying to manage his crew over 150 acres plus. At least the football coach can see his players. The golf course super­ intendent is lucky if he can find his. The coach has eleven guys on the field plus at least thirty on the bench, while the golf course superintendent is pray­ ing that his assistant will show up on the weekend to change the pin placements and at least a portion of the crew will show up to mow the greens. The football coach has a limited number of game days, whereas for the golf course superintendent practically every day is a game day—rain or shine. Crew appearance must also be noted. The football coach has his team start out each game in clean uniforms, while the golf course superintendent’s crew usually dresses as if they were going to be hiesxt ras in “Rambo III.” The coach goes into a game hoping for a win; the golf course superintendent starts the day just praying for a tie. The coach hopes it doesn’t snow, whereas the golf course superintendent says, "Let it fly!” You also note that football players and golf course work­ ers have a strong tendency to do a lot of grunting and groan- Continued on page 19 Providence & Dominant Creeping Bentgrass Champion On Course Ryegrass Professional Turf Fertilizer West Coast Affiliate SEED RESEARCH OF OREGON, INC. P.O. BOX 373 DAYTON, NJ 08810 800-522-4769 Committed to providing reliable, dependable service and the best in quality lawn and garden products. For information call Twin Light at 800-522-4769 and ask for Gerald Fountain. Retirement: when less is more by James K. Woods Registered representative with New England Securities, Investment, and Insurance Planning Discipline is more tolerable when the goal is in sight. That is certainly the case when it comes to investing. Why is it easier to put money away for next year’s vacation than for something that’s 20 or 30 years retirement? Getting an early start on investing for retirement is one of the most important steps you can take to help secure your future. "Time lost is lost forever. ” - Will Rogers Kurt and John didn’t give much thought to retirement during the early steps of their careers. Immediate financial needs always seemed to outweigh those in the future. But as the years passed and their incomes increased, they both began to think more seriously about their retirements. When Kurt turned 30 he started investing $166.66 per month ($2,000 per year) in an IRA. He continued this for ten years and then stopped. John chose to wait until he was 40 years old before making the same investment. He, however, stayed with his program until his 65th birthday. What was the price of waiting? Kurt (age 30) $2,000/year 10 years o ff . . . Total amount invested: $20,000 Value at age 65: $379,890 John (age 40) $2,000/year 25 years Total investment: $50,000 Value at age 65: $216,364 Both investments assume the same 10% rate of return. Even though John invested 21/2 times more money over a longer period of time, he paid a substantial price for waiting. The keys to accumulating retirement assets are time and discipline, start now and contribute regularly. Until you put time to work for you, it works against you. Willet Wilt says: Continued from page 18 ing as they perform their respective tasks. On the football field, the teams line up on their respective forty yard lines and start the game. With this summer’s golf course crews you were lucky if they found the course. Another interesting attitude that must be noted is that the football coach wants a longer season and the golf super­ intendent hopes for a shorter one. An often asked question of the golf course superinten­ dent and the football coach is why do they do what they do. The answer always is, “It’s a dirty job, but somebody has to do it.” If you have any comments about this column or would like to purchase the new video board game, “The Jersey Su­ perintendent Meets Godzilla,” please get in contact with Ken Kubik, Mt. Freedom, NJ. Don’t Fall Into The Same Old Trap Call on Dallenbach - Pros In quality sand products - to supply all your course needs. White Trap Sand - Washed Sand Screened Top Soil - Crushed Stone 908-580-3910 DALLENBACH SAND CO., INC. BOX 333 • DAYTON, NEW JERSEY 08810 introducing TurfNet Online ...the first Windows®-based online service exclusively for the golf course industry. cutting edge communication By JozsefL. de Kovacs, CCM, CHA, Director of Operations Deal Golf and Country Club Departures Plagued again by the onslaught of Canadian Geese, the Deal Golf and Country Club traded their feathered mascots for a furry one... An estimated 63,000 Canadian Geese made themselves at home in the Garden State this year. The majority of them, it seemed, landed at the Deal Golf and Country Club where they wreaked havoc on our greens, our equipment, and, most importantly... our members. The problems presented by the Canadian Geese were not new to us. We have been struggling with their growing num­ bers since the 1980s when these migrating geese first discov­ ered our fresh water ponds and lush greens. Convinced that the problem could be solved without the drastic measures suggested by Department of Agriculture’s Animal Damage Control, we took to noisemakers and other “scare tactics” including, most recently, Meg, a well-trained working Border Collie from Yardley, Pennsylvania. Every morning at 5:00 a.m. and every evening at 7:00 p.m., Meg and I went to work. Providing her own version of the “hunter ambush approach,” Meg threatened the geese’s security by wading through their ponds and chasing strays until her command, “that’ll do, Meg,” sounded from the golf cart to where she diligently returned. After only four weeks of work, Meg had successfully scared the feathered squatters from the course, and it was time for her to leave. My job now was ultimately the most difficult of all. I sat Meg down and let her know her job was done, it was done well, and now it was time for her to go. Looking into her brown eyes, I remembered her head bobbing along the pond’s surface as she waded with the geese; the way she would always lose her balance in the golf cart, never prepared for a turn; the way she wagged her tail when I brought her a bone from the kitchen; and I wondered if she was as sad as I for her to leave. She spent the next five days in her cage on our course P O. Box 853 Montclair, NJ 07042 (201) 744-8237 watching me, until her owner arrived, and I knew we shared not only a sense of accomplishment, but a deep sadness. For that week we had to say good-bye to the departing geese and on that morning we said good-bye to each other. Do dogs mourn? Like us, dogs form deep relationships and grow very attached not only to humans but to other animals as well. I wonder how my Meg will spend the rest of her life, in a cage, perhaps, or under the front steps waiting for me to call on her again. New turf managemant course for college credit The University System of Georgia has recently an­ nounced the availability of an independent study course in turfgrass management. Through the use of detailed lesson plans, textbook, lab manual, and videotapes, an individual can earn college credit while completing this course in the comfort of their home or workplace. All the basic principles of turfgrass management for both cool-season and warm-season turfgrasses are thoroughly covered. For ex­ ample, some of the topics include: turfgrass selection, soils, establishment, mowing, fertilization, irrigation, thatch con­ trol, pest control, etc. In addition, the course offers labora- tory-type exercises on turfgrass and seed identification spreader and sprayer calibration, pest identification, etc. For more information call the University of Georgia In­ dependent Study Office at (706) 542-3242 or fax (706) 542- 5590. GCSAA NEWS GCSAA TO SPONSOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN Schoolchildren will soon be able to learn about nature from such things as bird feeding stations, nature trails, and wildlife gardens, thanks to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s (GCSAA) sponsorship of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Schools. The Audubon Society of New York State will administer the program with help from GCSAA. The GCSAA Board of Directors recently authorized sponsorship of the program, designed to teach elementary and secondary schoolchildren about the environment. GCSAA will provide financial sup­ port as well as professional services such as developing vid­ eos and training materials. The purpose of the program is to teach students about nature, wildlife, water, and waste. The children learn by participating in hands-on habitat enhancement and conser­ vation projects in the classroom and on the school grounds. GCSAA President Gary Grigg, CGCS, said he is pleased with GCSAA’s involvement with the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Schools: “GCSAA is very proud to sponsor a program that brings schools and golf courses to­ gether to teach the benefits of good environmental practices. We believe this program will help students understand the importance of green spaces such as golf courses in their communities,” Grigg said. Tim Hiers, CGCS at Collier’s Reserve in Naples, Florida, has had more than 300 students from kindergarten through college visit the Reserve, which was designated the first Audubon Signature Cooperative Sanctuary Golf Course after Continued on page 22 It's outperforming some well-known competition with its dense, upright growth and attractive color! To learn more contact: Lofts Seed Inc. Bound Brook, NJ (610) 266-6612 (800) 708-8873 ROUTE 17 & TERMINAL ROAD, LYNDHURST, N.J. 07071 201-804-1000 GCSAA NEWS Continued from page 21 its opening in January 1994. “I focus on the positive aspects of environmental compatibility by showing the students habi­ tat enhancement and retention, and the quality of intersper- sion (food, cover, water, space) that exist on the property and how these things benefit wildlife,” he said. "The latest tech­ nology utilizing energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management is clearly illustrated to the students.” Of the 300-plus letters of thanks that Collier’s Reserve has received from the students, a significant number said that although they had always heard that golf courses were not environmentally friendly, they were glad to see firsthand that this negative perception is not true. GCSAA JOINS PESTICIDE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM ment made by the three agencies before the U.S. House of Representatives in September 1993. The program commits the agencies to work jointly with pesticide user groups. In a news release announcing the pesticide initiative, Carol M. Browner, EPA administrator, said, “I congratulate the companies and grower groups that are joining with us for their forward-thinking approach to environmentally sound pesticide use practices and look forward to seeing others follow their lead.” The EPA’s Anne Leslie, who will coordinate GCSAA’s strategy development, said, “We are very pleased that GCSAA has joined our Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Pro­ gram, and I look forward to working with this professional organization in developing their strategy.” The framework for the strategy emphasizes education, Continued on page 23 The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has announced it will participate in the federal government’s new Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program. Under the program, GCSAA will work in partner­ ship with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to develop a strategy that further re­ duces risks from the use of pesticides on golf courses. "We are absolutely committed to using responsible man­ agement practices that pose little, if any, environmental risk, ’’ said GCSAA President Gary Grigg, CGCS. “Through this part­ nership, we’ll be able to work with the leading federal au­ thorities to find new and innovative ways to use pesticides effectively and safely and to minimize any potential harm to people, wildlife, and the environment.” The stewardship program is the first under a commit- SERVING THE TURFGRASS INDUSTRY OF THE GARDEN STATE KEN KUBIK GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION and RENOVATION ❖ Tees ❖ Greens ❖ Bunkers ❖ New Construction Tom Ristau - Division Manager Richie Valentine - Turf Consultant PA phone: (215)659-6411 PA fax: (215) 659-9317 (609) 466-1500 NJ phone: Member of: Golf Course Superintendents Assoc, of America Golf Course Superintendents Assoc, of New Jerse^t " Philadelphia Assoc, of Golf Course Superintendents Huntingdon Valley, PA Hopewell, NJ I R U O M R R A K N N N E (201) 361-5943 P I Water works How safe is our drinking water? Very safe, thank you. Yet there are organizations that would like to exploit this question in the media. Individuals work­ ing in the pesticide industry or who utilize pesticides i work need to know the facts. So here they are: n th Public Drinking Water -The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and enforce public drinking water standards for 84 different contaminants, including various pesti­ cides. The standards are based on extensive health and safety testing and indicate the legal limit, called themaxi- mum contaminant level (MCL), permissible for a pesti­ cide in drinking water supplied by public water systems. Setting Pesticide Safety Limits in Drinking Water - In setting pesticide MCLs, the EPA requires many studies with laboratory animals, fed at very high doses of pesticides, to look for potential signs of cancer, behavioral or growth changes, and birth, reproductive and other effects. Drinking Water Safety Limits Extremely Protective - To protect every member of society, including pregnant women, children, the elderly and the infirm, MCLs are set at least 100-fold to 1,000-fold lower than the pesticide dosage found to have no biological effect at all in the laboratory animals. Safety Limits Very Conservative - Pesticide MCLs are based on conservative assumptions that: 1) persons consume all of their water from the same source for their entire lives; 2) the lifetime’s supply contains the maximum contaminant level; 3) each person daily drinks more than two quarts of the supply. GCSAA NEWS Continued from page 22 training, research and continued development, and careful use of pest control products that pose risks. According to Leslie, superintendents are already doing many things very well. “GCSAA has already demonstrated a commitment to educate its members in less risky pest control methods by initiating an IPM curriculum as a part of their certification program. GCSAA has also established its own Environmental Stewardship Awards program, which highlights the efforts of individual superintendents to reduce the risk of pesticides to the environment. A large number of superintendents have enthusiastically adopted the New York Audubon Society’s •operative Sanctuary Program, which is an important part of this," she said. Plans call for the strategy to be developed in 1995 and announced during the Environmental General Session of the GCSAA International Golf Course Conference and Show next February in Orlando, Florida. Humanly Impossible to Exceed Safety Limits - Over an aver­ age life span of 70 years, a person would have to drink thousands of gallons of tap water each day to even ap­ eir proach the MCL for a typical corn or soybean herbicide. Public Water Suppliers Strictly Regulated - Unlike bottled water, which is not regulated by the EPA, public water suppliers are required to meet both federal and state drinking water standards. To do so, they routinely moni­ tor their supplies and filter or otherwise treat the water most Americans drink. EPA Water Study Affirms Safety - The most recent study (1991) by the EPA of the nation’s well water concluded that 96 percent of America’s 10.5 million rural wells (whose water is unpurified) are completely free of detect­ able traces of any of the 120 pesticides looked for. The Agency predicted that greater than 99 percent of the wells tested were free of any pesticide traces exceeding federal safety limits. Agriculture Protects Water Supplies - A wide variety of pol­ lution prevention practices have been adopted by farm­ ers and growers in recent years, thereby reducing agriculture’s impact on water quality. At the federal level, Continued on page 24 Available for Purchase RANSOMES NEW ELECTRIC GREENSMOWER THE E-PLEX If you have failed to test the E-Plex, please call for a demonstration. We are pleased to comply at your convenience. Absolutely quiet except for reel to No bedknife. emissions. Very little maintenance. Simple operation. Lots of power. Nine holes for sure; eighteen have been demonstrated. No hydraulics. 62" cutting width 7.5 mph transport speed. Deliveries starting January 1, 1995. 10 psi footprint. 285 RIDGE ROAD (908) 329-9292 EQUIPMENT CO., INC. DAYTON, NJ 0881 0 FAX (908) 329-2762 Water works Continued from page 23 agriculture is also working with the states, the nation’s public drinking water suppliers, the EPA, and others to include pollution prevention measures in the Safe Drink­ ing Water Act reauthorization. WHAT THE EXPERTS ARE SAYING “It’s time for us to recognize that a whole industry exists to invent, propagate and then alleviate health scares... There’s too much at stake for the health scare industry to admit to the shortcomings of epidemiology.” Philip E. Ross, Forbes Magazine, August 14,1995 “Even in those relatively few situations where pesticide con­ centrations exceed drinking water standards, adverse health effects are unlikely because of the safety factors incorporated in the standards.” Dr. David Baker, Director of Water Quality Laboratory, Heidelberg College “There is litde evidence that pesticides currently in use are causing any damage to human health or the environment... We have a system in place for analyzing the risk of very smafl amounts of pesticides in food, the same approach applies to water.” Dr. R. Don Wauchope, Research Chemist, USDA/Agricul- tural Research Service “These survey results indicate that the proportion of wells nationwide found to contain any particular pesticide or pes­ ticide degradate is low... Survey results do not demonstrate any immediate widespread health problems.” National Pesticide Survey, U.S. Environmental Protec­ tion Agency "... the system appears to be capable of maintaining overall risk at acceptably low levels, because of the use of safety factors which are thought to be conservative... The pesticide uses allowed by the current regulatory system appear, with occasional exceptions, to keep U.S. water and food within established safety limits and there is no conclusive evidence that allowed concentrations are the source of any human health effects.” Pesticides in Surface and Ground Water, Council for Agri­ cultural Science and Technology, Issue Paper, April 1994 More money, more money, more money? Our government is out to save big bucks and that’s great. The latest deal sounds like a real winner. With 100 sponsors, the U.S. House of Representatives has proposed a bill to issue a one dollar coin. I don’t know why it’s a bill to introduce a coin, but that’s another subject for a “Back Nine” article. At any rate, this new dollar coin will cost about eight cents to make versus three cents for a dollar bill made from paper. A dollar bill lasts only 17 months. The ones my wife lets me have last about as long as a cup of coffee and a donut. The coin in theory will last thirty years, according to the bill’s sponsors. We know better. The coins will last indefi­ nitely, because they probably won’t be used. Just ask the friends of the 1978 Susan B. Anthony dollar, if you can find any. Available In New Jersey through Fertl-Soil Turf Supply, Inc. NATURAL ORGANIC FERTILIZER Milorganite* 4%lron Marty Futyma (908) 322-6132 METRO MILORGANITE 365 Adams St. Bedford Hills, NY 10507 the keys to keeping your course in tournament condition every day of the season Your key Team Pro is: Shaun M. Barry Sales Representative 908-846-8173 NITROFORM® NUTRALENE® TURCAM® BANOL® PROSTAR® PROXOL® PROGRASS® FINALE® ILLOXAN® ACCLAIM® new prostar® plus AgrEvo A Company of Hoechst and NOR-AM by Ilona Gray Edited by Dr. James Murphy Don't delay: Be ready to plant turfgrass Late summer is the best time to plant turfgrass and many help improve soil conditions. Don’t forget that most species prefer a soil pH in the range of 6.0 to 6.7. If large quantities of nutrients or limestone are required, they are best incorporated into the soil before planting to increase fertility in the root zone of turf. ornamentals. Cooler weather and more reliable rain fall generally occur during this time of year, providing good conditions for germinating seeds and young seedlin gs. Choose species and varieties that are best adapted to the site you are planting. Consider the environmental con­ ditions including soil pH, fertility and drainage, air circu­ lation, exposure to sunlight (shade), and tree root com­ petition. Also select varieties that are recommended by Rutgers Cooperative Extension for New Jersey. Consult the 2994 Rutgers Turfgrass Proceedings or your extension specialist in Turfgrass Management for assistance with species and variety selection. Plant at the right time. In New Jersey, planting should be done between mid-August and mid-October. This means that now is the time to plant and overseed turfgrasses. These recommendations will help increase the success­ ful establishment of a new seeding, planting, or overseeding on your golf course. Contact your state extension specialist for more information. PARTAC TOP-DRESSING GOLF COURSE AMERICA'S PREMIUM TOP-DRESSING HEAT TREATED AVAILABLE IN BULK OR BAGS PLUS GREEN & TEE CONSTRUCTION MJXES, WHITE TRAP SANDS, CART PATH & DIVOT REPAIR MIXES AND MUCH MORE! DISTRIBUTED IN NJ. BY: FARM & GOLF COURSE SUPPLY HOWARD SCOTT, 215-483-5000 FISHER & SON CO. FRANK FISHER, 215-644-3300 GRASS ROOTS TURF PRODUCTS KEN KUBIK, 201-361-5943 TURF PRODUCTS CORP. ERNIE RIZZIO, 201-263-1234 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION KELSEY PARK, GREAT MEADOWS, NEW JERSEY 07838 908-637-4191 In addition, summer annual weed pressure is not a great problem compared to summer plantings; however, annual bluegrass (a winter annual) germination can be a serious concern. An early seeding date and selection ofawell-adapted variety should minimize the problem of annual bluegrass invasion into a new seeding. There are many factors that must come together for successful establishment of turf. We can’t control rainfall, but we can control soil pH and fertility, variety selection, and planting date. Consider the items described below to help increase the likelihood of a successful planting of turfgrass and ornamentals. Test your soil. Take soil samples for pH and fertility analysis. Applications of limestone and fertilizer, if required, should be applied as recommended prior to planting to Earthworks Natural Organic Products A “SOIL FIRST” PROGRAM • REDUCE WILT • WON’T BURN • WATER HOLDING CAPACITY • BETTER NUTRIENT MOBILITY • SAFETY OF APPLICATION • SOIL CONDITIONING NATURAL ORGANIC FERTILIZERS: 5-4-5 • Helps reduce wilt and builds soil. 14-2-5 • Builds water holding capacity. NATURAL ORGANIC SOIL CONDITIONERS: KICK • Stimulates roots and opens tight soils. N-HANCE • 12% needed calcium to help build cell walls. BiO-STIMULANTS: potent-sea • Reduces stress with over 60 trace nutrients. potent-sea PLUS • Sea kelp and fish meal together. For a free catalog and a list of distributors please call: Earthworks PO box 278K, Martins Creek, PA 18063 800 732 TURF Back Nine TGIF: The Turfgrass Information File is billed as the industry’s largest single source of turfgrass information. It’s available on line (via a modem) or a hard copy. For more information, please contact (517) 353-7209. HGE, a New Tick Born Disease: A recently identified disease proves that tick bites are more dangerous than ever. HGE, or Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis, is a sometimes fatal bacterial disease transmitted by the Deer Tick. This is the same vector that brought us Lyme Disease. The new disease has similar symptoms as Lyme except they are more intense. HGE does not produce the bullseye rash making early diagnosis more difficult. HGE can debilitate its victim in hours. No cases have been reported in New Jersey, though New York has had 17 cases reported. Four deaths have been reported nationwide. New Dean of Cook College: Dr. Tim Casey has assumed the position of acting dean of Cook College replacing outgo­ ing dean, Daryl Lund. Dr. Casey has been with Cook College for 17 years and this experience makes him very familiar with both Cook and its mission. Strategy to Advance Regulatory Reform (STARR): This is a government initiative sponsored by Governor Whitman: “We can make the regulatory process smarter without losing the gains the state has made in environmental protection. I assure you we will continue to use our resources to focus on the bad polluters.” Hey, Big Spender: Americans coughed up over 25.9 billion dollars last year for their lawns and gardens. This is more than am P.O. BOX 680 ASBURY PARK, NEW JERSEY 07712 IN NJ (908) 774-4882 FAX (908)775-3288 OUTSIDE NJ (800) 242-7374 TEE TO GREEN ACCESSORIES, MAINTENCE & SAFETY ITEMS! YOUR NEW JERSEY MANUFACTURER WITH ONE STOP SHOPPING. FOR CATALOG AND PRICING INFORMATION CALL 800-242-7374 the gross domestic product of many small countries put together, and it is more than the U.S. spends on its nuclear arsenal. Rotenone: Most of the uses of this organic pesticide will not be reregis­ tered because of costs. These include all agricultural uses and ornamentals, grasses, and wood structural parts. The registrants plan to maintain rotenone uses for fish control and for flea, tick, lice, and mite control on dogs and cats. Quotes and Misquotes Rebutted byKen Krausz, CGCS: A certain contributing writer for The Greenerside has made disparaging remarks about my golf game! I would like to remind him that in my office is a plaque which shows that in the 1993 GCSANJ Championship at Deal Golf & C.C. I was 3rd Low Net in the C Flight. I also represented District 1 in the Long Drive contest as I outdrove everyone in the C Flight (and kept it in the fairway) at Walkill C.C. that same year. I believe my quote was “I have good golf in distant memories”. I would hope that Mr. Vogel gets his quotes accurate in the future! Mr. Vogel is a member of District 1 and should remember that he did not outdrive me that day. JOSEPH M. MERCADANTE, Inc. PAVING, EXCAVATING Millburn, NJ 201-467-8622 • DRAINAGE SYSTEMS • TEE BUILDING • GRADING RALPH McGILLAN Excavating Contractor Specializing in Lakes & Ponds Over 30 years experience in building new ponds, enlarging & redesigning existing ponds. Can get all DEP permits (609) 655-2281 74 Petty Road, Cranbury, NJ PATRON DIRECTORY ACR-EVO USA CO. Manufacturer of Fine Turf Chemicals Shaun M. Barry (908) 846-8173 FINCH TURF EQUIPMENT INC. & John DEERE ALLIED PRODUCT TURF LINES Sam Baird - Dennis Wagner - Ray Finch; (800) 875-8873; FAX (215) 721-2833 AGRO-TECH 2000, INC. Axis/Break-Thrq/Agroroots Peter Van Drumpt - Chris Des Garennes Rich Brandel, (609) 275-3995 FISHER & SON CO., INC. Turf & Horticultural Supplies Alan Phillips - Frank Fisher - Mike Fisher (609) 478-6704 ALPINE, THE CARE OF TREES Complete tree care Michael Cook; (201) 445-4949 AQUA-FLO, INC. Irrigation Equip. Distrib. Phil DeMarco - jerry Purcell (609) 561-1777 AQUATROLS CORP. OF AMERICA Manufacturer of Water Management Products. Andy Moore - Phil O'Brien (800) 257-7797 ATLANTIC MILLS INC. Tee Accessories, Towels, Detergent Peter Reitmeyer - Jack Brady - Laura Gammel (908) 774-4882 FLANAGAN'S LANDSCAPE-IRRIGATION CONTRACTOR, INC. Building Greens & Tees Irrigation Robert J. Flanagan - Roger P. Flanagan, Jr. - Christine Flanagan (908) 469-7782 GOLF CARS, INC. Club Car Golf Cars and Utility Vehicles, Sales, Service, Leasing Jon F. Schneider, Genl. Mgr. - John A. Czerwinski, Sales - Linda A Szymanski, Sales Manager (215) 340-0880; FAX (215) 340-1634 GRASS ROOTS, INC. Golf Course Supplies Ken Kubik - Jay McKenna (201) 361-5943 JAMES BARRETT ASSOCIATES, INC. Irrigation Consulting & Design Jim Barrett; (201) 744-8237 REES JONES, INC. Golf Course Design Rees Jones; (201) 744-4031 BLUE RIDGE PEAT FARMS todressing, Sand Gene Evans; (717) 443-9596 BRUEDAN CORP. Yamaha Golf Cars Peter Siegel - Michael Gesmundo (800)535-1500 ALAN G. CRUSE INC. Golf Course Landscape / Materials Alan Cruse - Jim Cruse; (201) 227-7183 DE BUCK'S SOD FARM Growers & suppliers of golf quality turfgrass sod Leonard M. DeBuck - Valorie DeBuck; (914) 258-4131 DOUBLE EAGLE EQUIPMENT CO., INC. Professional Turf Equipment Clyde Ashton - John Swender Jerry Pearlman; (908) 329-9292 • E/T EQUIPMENT COMPANY John Deere, "Distributors of Quality Turf Equipment" Bernie White Tom Fallacaro; (914) 271-6126 EARTH WORKS Manufacturer of Natural Organic Products Joel Simmons, (800) 732-TURF EGYPT FARMS, INC. Greens Topdressing, Construction Mixes, Bentgrass Sod Jeff Lacour - John Strickland - Dean Snyder 3) 335-3700; (800) 899-7645 FTELR-SOIL TURF SUPPLY, INC. Topdressings, golf course supplies Marty Futyma - Cathy Futyma (908) 322-6132 STEPHEN KAY, GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS Master Planning, Renovation, New Course Design Stephen Kay - Ron Turek (914) 699-4437; FAX (914) 699-4479 KOONZ SPRINKLER SUPPLY INC. Distributors Turf Irrigation William F. Koonz, Jr. (201) 379-9314 LEBANON TURF PRODUCTS Fertilizer Manufacturer-Grass Seed John Wiblishawer - Chris Zelley Alan Kulibaba (800) 233-0628; NJ (215) 639-1334 LESCO, INC. Manufacturer & distributor of green Industry products Greg Moran - Lance Seeton (800) 321-5325 LEON'S SOD FARMS Sod Grower Samuel Leon; (908) 996-2255 LOFTS SEED INC. Grass Seed Company John Morrissey - Dr. Richard Hurley - Mary Beth Ruh; (800) 526-3890 LONGO INDUSTRIES Electric motor, Pump repair, Sales Bob Tai - Bob Cladar (201)539-4141 RALPH MCGILLAN EXCAVATING Lakes & Ponds Ralph McGillan; (609) 655-2281 JOSEPH M. MERCADANTE, INC. Paving, Excavating, Cart Paths, Tee and Trap Construction, Golf Course Construction Joseph Mercadante - Robert Mercadante (201) 467-8622; FAX (201) 467-8419 METRO MILORGANITE, INC. Turfgrass Supplies Rick Apgar - Scott Apgar - Joe Stahl (914) 666-3171; FAX (914) 666-9183 MONTCO/SURF-SIDE/ZAP! Surfactants & Defoamers Bob Oechsle; (215) 836-4992 Fax (215) 836-2418 NATIONAL SEED COMPANY Supplier of Lawn Seed Ken Griepentrog - Sky Bergen - Barry Van Sant; (800) 829-5856 P & P EXCAVATING INC. Excavating, Ponds & Lakes Bob Laner (201) 227-2030; (201) 227-2819 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION Top-Dressing & Construction Mixes, Golf Hole Targets, Turf Blankets Jim Kelsey; (908) 637-4191 PAVALEC BROS. GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. Golf Course Construction Anthony Pavelec; (201) 667-1643 PENNINK ARRIMOUR INC. Golf Course Construction & Renovation Tom Ristau; (609) 466-1500 (215) 659-6411 PLANT FOOD COMPANY, INC. Manufacturer of Fluid Fertilizers Ted Platz - Anthony "Rip" Rippel (609) 448-0935; (800) 562-1291 FAX (609) 443-8038 PRO-LAWN PRODUCTS INC. Professional Turf Seed, Fertilizer & Chemicals Craig Lambert; (201) 663-3368 Ingrid Kern; (215) 750-1732 Brad Simpkins; (609) 758-7620 GEO. SCHOFIELD CO., INC. Topdress, Bunker Sands, Construction Materials Supply Kevin Schofield - Robert Carson - Thomas Casmer (908) 356-0858 • RIGGI PAVING INC. Asphalt Paving & Concrete Contractors Frank S. Riggi, Sr. - Frank S. Riggi (201)943-3913 THE SCOTTS COMPANY - PROTURF DIV. Turf Fertilizers, Growth Regulators, Seed & Protectants; Fran Berdine, (914) 361-4105 Steve Rudich, (215) 253-4003, Jim George, (800) 543-006 SHEARON ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN Golf Course Design and Construction Chip Kern (609) 466-0666; (215) 828-5488 STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Distributors of Turf, Irrigation, Recycling Equipment & Environmental Products & Service Phil Scott, Paul Granger, Dr. Karen Plumley; (908) 722-9830 WILLIAM STOTHOFF CO. INC. Well Drilling & Pump Repairs David C. Stothoff - William E. Snyder (908) 782-2717 STULL EQUIPMENT COMPANY Industrial Turf Equipment John Barrow - Charlie McGill (800) 724-1024 SWEENEY SEED COMPANY Turfgrass Seed Jeffrey Shockley - Andrew Sweeney (215) 275-2710 TEE AND GREEN SOD INC. Bentgrass, fine fescue and ryegrass sod blends, washed sod. Owen Regan - David Wallace; (401) 789-8177 Chip Presendofer; (215) 886-6011 TERRE CO. OF NJ. Seed, Fertilizer, Nursery Stock Byron Johnson - Pat O'Neil (201) 473-3393 TURF PRODUCTS CORP. Suppliers of Golf Course Materials Buddy Rizzio - Ron Lake - Jim Dempsey (201) 263-1234 TWIN LIGHT FERTILIZER & SEED COMPANY Fertilizers, Grass Seed Gerald Fountain, Richard Baker; (800) 522-4769 WA CLEARY CHEMICAL CORP Turf & Horticulture Chemicals Bryan Bolehala - Mike Bandy (908) 329-8399 WILFRED MCDONALD, INC. Turf Equipment Specialists Dennis DeSanctis - BlairQuin -Mike Pelrine (201)804-1000 STEVEN WILLAND INC. Turf Equipment Distributor Mark Ericson - Bruce Pye - Bill Rapp (201) 579-5656 • New Patrons for 1995 What do the superintendents of these prestigious golf courses have in common? They use the services of... KOONZ SPRINKLER SUPPLY and SERVICE EXCELLENCE • Complete inventory • Service assistance and technical support • 30 years of service to the golf industry QUALITY PRODUCT LINES Distributors of: • Nightscaping • NDS Drainage Products • ADS Drainage Products KOONZ Sprinkler Supply, Inc. Golf Division • 201-379-9314 39 Waverly Avenue, P.O. Box 55, Springfield, NJ 07081 • 201-379-9314 Fax 201-379-6504 2479 Yellow Springs Road, P.O. Box 433, Devault, PA 19432 • 610-647-1604 For sales information in Northern New Jersey/Southern New York State please call Bill Koonz, Jr. or for Southern New Jersey/Eastern Pennsylvania sales please call Robb Werley