THE GREENERSIDE Official Publication of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey MAY - JUNE 1997 • Volume 20 Number 3 The Greenerside repeats last year's accomplishment As you can see, The Greenerside received the Best Overall distinction during the GCSAA conference in Las Vegas this winter. Al­ though I am listed as editor on the certificate that is only because I was editor at the time of the contest. Ilona Gray was the editor of the January-Febru­ ary 1996 issue that we entered. The cover article was written by Ken Kubik; it was about Jack Martin receiving the Distinguished Service Award. Ilona’s editorial was about the GCSAA Conference in Or­ lando. President Powondra wrote about what we accomplished in 1995 and were looking forward to in 1996. As usual, Shaun Barry had a couple of articles including a review of the President’s Ball and The Leslie Cup presenta­ tion. Chris Carson wrote about the DSA award. Dennis DeSanctis wrote about our friend Ralph Engel. Armand LeSage wrote about managing stress, and Steve Chirip re­ lived the NJTA silver anniversary celebration. Mike Mongon reported on the 1995 Field Day, and Nancy Sadlon submitted an article about Ecological Restoration. Ed Walsh tried to figure out the government shut-down, and Dr. Bob compared building the interstate highway system and getting environmental permits to build a golf course. Behind the scenes are Dale Nieves, our typist, and Tony Rosa, our layout expert and artist. We can not forget Judy Policastro who makes sure that the ads get in and paid, just one of the many jobs that she does. Let’s make sure that we recognize all the advertisers. It took a lot of effort to get this award, and all the people above helped make it happen. As luck would have it, Ilona put it all together and I got my name on the certificate (sounds like something that would happen between Ed Walsh and Steve Malikowski). Thanks to everyone who helps during the year, and let’s hope that we can do it again! Best Overall in the category of publications primarily produced by professional editors/publishers or paid chapter executives who are not practicing superintendents. 1996 Chapter Newsletter Editors Contest The Greenerside GCSA of New Jersey Ken Krausz, CGCS, editor Bruce R. Williams, CGCS 1996 President In this issue Editorial President's Message GCSANJ News GCSAA News CADENCE Beyond commemorative tree plantings Twenty years and now what? The truth leaks out Thirteen memos from your child 2 3 4 6 8 10 11 22 26 GCSANJ Newsletter is published six times a year by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey Ken Krausz, Editor Newsletter Business Staff Ken Krausz, CGCS 201 445-4460 • FAX 201 447-0301 Contributing Writers Douglas Vogel, Edward Walsh, CGCS, Shaun Barry Steven Malikowski, CGCS Please address inquiries to: Editor, The Greenerside 330 Paramus Road Paramus, NJ 07652 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: Glenn Miller, President Ken Krausz, CGCS, Vice President Joe Kennedy, Secretary Ron Mencl, Treasurer EDITORIAL Tieing up loose ends Ken Krausz, CGCS Well, I asked for it. In the March-April issue of The Greenerside, I listed what I hoped was a complete list of Certified Golf Course Su- perintendents (CGCS). In the article I requested that if I forgot any CGCS to please let me know. I found out that John Wantz, CGCS, was a member of the GCSAA Certification Committee in 1979 and 1980. My com- puter must have had a problem with the Ws as I left out Pat Wall, CGCS, and Ed Walsh, CGCS. My one saving grace is that Ed did not notice! Sorry for the oversight John, Pat and Ed. In my first edition of The Greenerside I mentioned that I had an article about lightning protection and that I would print it in the spring. That article is in this issue, but, with the recent court ruling about lightning protection and liability, all I can say is if you do it, make sure you do it right. We have a new feature this month. CADENCE is the title of a new sec- tion by and about assistant superintendents. Make sure you pass this on to your assistant if he/she is not a member Please remember that June 1st is the deadline for any articles submitted for the July-August issue. Let’s hope that we all have a safe and healthy season. Paul Powondra, Past President Directors District 1 Michael Mongon Gary F. Arlio District 2 Vincent Bracken Patrick Campbell, CGCS District 3 Edward L. Mellor Ronald W. Luepke District 4 Douglass P Larson John Carpinelli, CGCS Chapter GCSAA Delegate Wayne Remo, CGCS Executive Secretary Judy Policastro Commercial Representatives Steve Chirip Shaun Barry ©1997 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 In Memoriam Arthur Elmers passed away on April 15, 1997. He was a life member of GCSANJ. Living on his family’s farm on Staten Island, Art be- came interested in agriculture at a very early age. He worked on the turf plots at Rutgers under Ralph Engle which helped to fine tune that inter- est. Amhurst School of Agriculture was his next stop. After graduating, Art became the assistant superintendent at Baltusrol GC, before becoming super- intendent at Glen Ridge CC in the mid 50’s. In 1959 Art went to Preakness Hills C.C. where he served as superintendent for 28 years. Art founded Homestead Irrigation, which is now run by his sons, Dennis and Douglas. His son Arthur is employed by the Storr Tractor Company. Art also has a daughter Karen. Our sympathy goes to them and to his wife Bar- bara. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE State of the association Calendar Glenn Miller Thanks to Les Stout and Bask- ing Ridge C.C. for hosting our Education Seminar and Table Top Field Day on March 25, 1997. Congratulations to Joe Kennedy, Vincent Bracken and their committees for organizing a great day. In spite of the short notice the day was a success, thanks to the speakers and the vendors, for those individuals lucky enough to attend. I would like to take this opportunity to update the member- ship on the status of GCSANJ. I have heard some concerns over the last few months about the financial situation of the Association. These concerns are unnecessary and misleading. I can assure you that this Association is as strong as it ever was and growing stronger every day, financially as well as in other areas. I know this because I see first hand the hard work by our Board members and the increasing involvement by the mem- bers of the Association. At the Annual Meeting back in November, there was a motion made to increase dues by 25 dollars. This increase was to offset the loss of Field Day revenue and rising operating costs. The motion was tabled and the Board was asked to research alternative methods of funding to meet costs. The Board is currently looking at some possibilities, including special events such as the Table Top Field Day, hole sponsor- ship at monthly meetings, reduced operating costs, dues scale for different classifications of members or increased dues throughout. All of these options will be thoroughly consid- ered, and some have already been implemented. We are currently working on improving and strengthen- ing our relationships with Rutgers University, New Jersey Turfgrass Association, GCSAA and our fellow chapters. A closer relationship with other industry groups will benefit everyone. Lastly, I suggest that everyone mark his or her calendar for August 13, 1997. This is the scheduled date for the Rutgers Turfgrass Field Day. Dr. Bruce Clarke has specifically designed this Field Day for golf and fine turf. Along with their usual display of turf research, Dr. James Murphy and Dr. Bruce Clarke should have some interesting progress to report on their Greens Construction Research. I am sure we will be hearing more on this soon. Bowling Green Golf Club. Host: David A. Mayer. Contact Judy Policastro, (201) 379-1100. July Monthly Meeting, Great Gorge Country Club. Host: David Brubaker. Contact Judy Policastro, (201) 379-1100. District Meeting, to be an­ nounced. July 24 August May 20 May Monthly Meeting, Mattawang Golf Club. Host: R.K. Chip Kern, CGCS. Contact July Policastro, (201) 379-1100. June 23 June Monthly Meeting, August 13 Rutgers Turfgrass Field Day September 15 Invitational, Hominy Hill Golf Course. Hosts: David Pease, Ron Lupke. Contact Shaun Barry, chair, (908) 846-8173. October 9 GCSANJ Championship, Alpine Country Club. Host: Stephen Finamore, CGCS. Contact Judy Policastro, (201) 379-1100. Going soft More than 600 golf courses in North America have banned metal spikes, up from 175 in January, according to Kelly Elbin, vice president of market- ing for Softspikes Inc. The manufacturer of plastic cleats has made quite an impression on the Senior PGA Tour, with 54 out of 78 players sporting the spike alternative at the Boone Valley Classic last month, including winner Gibby Gilbert. Jim Dent, Graham Marsh and Raymond Floyd also have won events this year wearing Softspikes product. GCSANJ NEWS by Shaun Barry THANKS The following members had changes in their membership categories: In November 1996, Chris Carson presented a plaque to me stating that the GCSANJ had chosen me to be the recipient of the first Member of the Year award. What a shock! I was only able to say thank you. I could think of many other members who deserved to be recognized more than me, so I was a bit embarrassed. It is now months later, and I still feel very proud and lucky to have been chosen. Being first is special, but so is second or third. Why not try and do even more for the Association this year? That great feeling you will get for helping may even get better. Thanks to each and everyone of you, and remember the words of A.W. Tillinghast, “Don’t do it unless you do it well.” Do it well for your Association. MEMBERSHIP REPORT The following new members were approved by the GCSANJ Board of Directors: Chip Dayton Suneagles at Ft. Monmouth - C Dist. 3 Charles McMonagle Knickerbocker CC - C Dist. 1 Angelo Pruscino National Chem Search - AF Dist. 1 Tim Reinagel Dist. 2 Essex County CC - C Roger A. Stewart, Jr. TPC @ Jasna Polana - A Dist. 3 Dariusz Wadolowski Twin Brook Golf Center - B Dist. 3 Jason White Dist. 1 Great Gorge CC - D 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 Beth Bevins-Taggart Christopher Boyle Chris Brawley John Fitzgerald Rebecca Hawkins Jay Long Herbert Phillips Melvin Waldron, II C - D C - B C - AF B - A C - B C - B C - B B - A WELCOME The Greenerside is happy to announce that George Pierpoint, IV, of Ardsley C.C., and his wife, Jennifer, are the proud parents of a bouncing baby boy, Travis John! Travis Continued on page 5 RIGGI PAVING, INC. Asphalt and Concrete Construction Paved or Stone Pathways Fully Insured call 201-943-3919 GCSANJ NEWS Continued from page 4 John was bom on March 7, 1997. Travis John, Jennifer and George are all doing well. TWO SUPERINTENDENTS REMEMBERED By Doug Larson It saddens me to write about the passing of Stanley Zontek, Sr. on February 17, 1997. I had the honor of know- ing Mr. Zontek quite well when I worked at Wildwood Golf & C.C. He was a true gentleman and a pioneer in our profes- sion. Stanley was bom in Poland and immigrated to America with his family through Ellis Island at the age of seven. The family settled in West Virginia, where he and his brothers began playing golf. He began his career as a golf professional and evolved into a pro/superintendent at Oak Hill Golf Club in West Virginia, where he played a lot of golf with Sam Sneed. As his reputation grew, he became a very sought after superintendent and moved on to Manor C.C. in Maryland. From there he made his way to Rolling Green and White Manor in Philadelphia, and, eventually, to Wildwood Golf & C.C. in New Jersey from which he retired. Stanley developed a close relationship with Joe Duich at Penn State and this is probably why he planted the first 10 pounds of Penncross in the country. Although he was not formally educated, which most superintendents were not in that day, he worked hard to educate himself. He is survived by his wife Laura, two brothers, one sister, three daughters, and son, Stanley, Jr., who is a U.S.G.A. Greens Section agronomist in the mid-Atlantic region. The GCSANJ sends their deepest condolences to the Zontek family. that spring is here, he and his staff are busy fine tuning the course for one of the most popular LPGA events. As is consistent with any tournament site, final preparations are continual and, at times, can be almost overwhelming. Dave and his staff have been giving the LPGA a great course to play on over the years, and, having gone through a recent change in ownership of the course, have had the challenge of many new course improvements as well as routine tournament preparations. As we all know, tournament prepa- rations are numerous, so if there are any interested volunteers who may have a few hours of time to put in, please call Dave by June 15 to offer your services. Some of the chores would include roping and staking the course for spectator control; this needs to be done on Sunday afternoon, June 22. Also during the tournament week, from Monday, June 23 through Saturday, June 28, in the afternoons and early evenings Divot Heads are needed on par fours and five landing areas and, of course, tees. About eight to ten people will be needed to handle this job. I know Ed Walsh will probably have some spare time by then, so he will probably coordinate this job. (Sorry, Ed, I couldn’t pass up the opportu- nity.) Also caddie buckets will need to be attended to, which entails changing the water the caddies use to clean clubs at each tee site. Both of these are afternoon and early evening jobs. Dave tells me that passes and parking will be available for all volunteers. Please call Dave Geyer at his office to offer your services. I’ll be there to make sure Ed Walsh can handle the divot mix. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jer- sey is sad to report the passing of one of our oldest members. Michael Yarussi, 85, passed away in Beverly Hills, Florida. Mr. Yarussi retired from Oak Ridge Golf Course in Clark in 1976. Our condolences go out to his wife, Agnes, and the rest of his family. BOHM’S SOD FARM BSF "We Grow Grass” GROWERS OF PREMIUM QUALITY GOLF TURF ♦ BENTGRASS ♦ BLUEGRASS ♦ FESCUES LPGA SHOPRITE CLASSIC by Steve Malikowski, CGCS ♦ WASHED SOD * BIG ROLLS ♦ INSTALLATION AVAILABLE Once again, Dave Geyer, CGCS, is busy preparing the Greate Bay Golf and Country Club for the LPGA Classic. Now Phone 800-624-1947 Fax 609-861-5274 1985 Rte. 47, Eldora, NJ 08270 GCSAA NEWS SUPERINTENDENT S ELECT OFFICERS AND BOARD SLATE by Wayne P. Remo, CGCS GCSANJ Delegate The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America held its annual meeting and election on Tuesday, February 11, 1997, in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was the first time a computer- ized ballot was used. Paul S. McGinnis, CGCS, from Moon Valley Country Club in Phoenix, Arizona, was elected to the presidency of the GCSAA and succeeds Bruce R. Williams, CGCS, who be- comes past-president. This was accomplished unanimously by a floor vote as McGinnis ran unopposed. Paul has been a member of the Association for 19 years and has been on the Board of Directors since 1992. He just finished a term as vice president. Since 1923 MATERIALS FROM THE EARTH 'S CRUST Geo. Schofield Co., Inc. P.O. BOX 110, BOUND BROOK, NEW JERSEY 08805 • Construction Gravels • Bunker Sands • Construction Sands/Blends • Cart Path Materials • Topdressings • Landscape Materials • SUPRGRO Construction Blends and Topsoil Customized blends available with our new mobile blending equipment. U.S.G.A. specification products. (908) 356-0858 George Renault, III, CGCS, from Burning Tree Club in Bethesda, Maryland, was elected unanimously from a floor vote to vice president. He too ran unopposed. George just completed a term as secretary/treasurer, has been a member for 19 years and on the Board of Directors since 1993. David W. Fearis, CGCS, from Blue Hills Country Club, Kansas City, Missouri, was elected secretary/treasurer. He defeated R. Scott Woodhead, CGCS, from Valley View Golf Club in Bozeman, Montana, by a vote of 5,222 for Fearis to 827 for Woodhead. Scott still has one year remaining as a director on the Board. New Jersey gave its full complement of 163 delegate carried votes to David Fearis. Four candidates ran for three director positions. Jon D. Maddern, CGCS, of Elk Ridge Golf Course in Atlanta, Michi- gan, received 1,849 votes; Samuel R. Snyder, VII, CGCS, of Hercules Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware, received 4,910 votes; Michael Wallace, CGCS, of Hop Meadow Coun- Continued on page 7 Tee -To -Gree n Qual from John Deere ity When you see the John Deere logo on golf course equipment, you know there are years of experience and hundreds of dedicated people behind each hard-working machine. You should also know there's a full line of reliable equip-ment to stand up to the challenges of your course! There are rugged utility mowers for the tough spots; lightweight fairway mowers to manicure your target areas; aerators that breath ife into your turf; and precision- engineered greens mowers to handle the most critical areas on your course. Add to these a line of utility vehicles with a host of attachments, and a field and bunker rake for the gritty spots, and you've got a line-up that's ready to handle whatever you can come up with. If you’re not sure, give us a call and we'll show you! Nothing runs like a Deere E/T Equipment Company 425 South Riverside Ave., Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520 1-800-99DEERE GCSAA NEWS Continued from page 6 try Club in Simsbury, Connecticut, received 5,294 votes; and Tommy D. Witt, CGCS, of Wynstone Golf Club in North Barrington, Illinois, received 5,817 votes. New Jersey gave its full complement of 163 delegate carried votes each to Snyder, Wallace and Witt, who were elected. The total number of votes cast was 17,870. Their terms as director runs until the 1999 election, which will be held in Orlando, Florida. Board Member Ken Mangum, CGCS, of the Atlanta Athletic Club in Alpharetta, Georgia, has one year remaining on his current term. GCSAA 1997 BYLAWS CHANGES by Wayne P. Remo, CGCS GCSANJ Delegate The Bylaws Committee and the Board of Directors of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America recom- mended revisions to the current Bylaws and Articles of Incor- poration, which were voted upon at the annual meeting held on February 11,1997, in Las Vegas, Nevada. A two-thirds vote is necessary for passage of any bylaw changes. An amendment to Article l, Section l of the association bylaws that would require all Class A and B superintendent applicants for membership residing in the United States, except Alaska, and joining the association after July l, 1997, to maintain membership in an affiliated chapter passed by a vote of 5,988 in favor to 52 votes opposed. New Jersey voted 163 in favor and 0 opposed. The Class AA amendment defines how a superintendent qualifies for life membership. The amendment requires that a life member must have retired as a golf course superintendent or assistant superintendent; must have been a superintendent or assistant superintendent; be a member of GCSAA for 25 years, of which a minimum of 20 years has been spent as a golf course superintendent; and waive their membership dues passed by a vote of 5,984 in favor to 66 opposed. New Jersey voted 163 in favor and 0 opposed. The Retired Amendment defines Retired Membership as when one no longer seeks employment within the scope of activities of any membership class of the association. An applicant may apply to the Board of Directors for Retired Membership. A member may retire after reaching age 55 or having completed a minimum of 20 years of service in any membership classification. The amendment passed by a vote of 6,054 in favor, 0 opposed. New Jersey voted 163 in favor. A proposal to raise the membership dues of Class A and B members to $250, and Class C members to $125 passed by a vote of 4,732 in favor to 1,318 opposed. New Jersey voted 163 opposed. The Class C-V amendment, which would have required applicants for Class C-V membership to have been an assistant for at least three years and would have allowed voting privi- leges and full dues, failed by a vote of 3,063 opposed to 2,987 in favor. New Jersey voted 163 opposed. A proposal to set the initial Class C-V membership dues at the same rate paid by Class A and B members as voted upon at the 1997 Annual Meeting would have passed by a vote of 5,643 in favor to 407 opposed, but it will not take effect as the previous amendment was rejected. The direction taken by New Jersey ’ s delegate at this and all past annual meetings is directed by the officers and Board members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey. Golf Inc. Construction 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 by Brian M. Remo CADENCE Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Brian Remo. I am currently the assistant golf course superin- tendent at Rock Spring Club in West Orange, New Jersey, where I serve under my father, Wayne P. Remo, CGCS. Prior to my present position, I was assistant to Eric Carlson at Lake Mohawk Golf Club in Sparta. I have worked on golf courses ever since my foot could reach the pedal on a trap rake, at such courses as Essex County C.C., Essex Fells C.C., North Jersey C.C. and White Beeches C.C. In May 1995, I graduated from Delaware Valley College with a B.S. in Agronomy, double majoring in Turfgrass Management and Environmental Science, My wife, Fran, and I now reside in Paramus. But enough about me, because this article isn’t about me. It’s about us! I am very excited about this article, for as of today, CADENCE is the first correspondence dedicated to the assistant golf course superintendent in New Jersey. Each issue of The Greenerside will feature a new article written by yours truly, based on the correspondence that I receive from assis- Providence® & Dominant® Creeping Bentgrass Champion GQ Perennial Ryegrass esn For information call UHS / TwinLight at (908) 438-1300 and ask for Gerald Fountain, Tom Hughes, or Rich Baker HortiUnited cultural Supply. Monmouth Jct, NJ 08852 Providence, Dominant, and Champion GQ are Registered Trademarks of Seed Research of Oregon, Inc. ESN is a Registered Trademark of UHS. 4260 Route 1 North tants throughout the circulation of this magazine. We no longer have a vote, my friends, but we do have a voice, so let’s put it to good use. The GCSANJ is founded on its purpose to promote professional improvement through the education and coopera- tion of its membership. As the future of this industry, we, Each time you watch a football game, you’ll hear the voice of the quarterback communicating with his offense. This is called a CADENCE. therefore, have a commitment to promote ourselves and each other. There is a lot we can learn from one another. (You never know, we might teach the big dogs a thing or two!) Regardless, Continued on page 9 Go wild. Surround yourself with the brilliant colors of Lofts Pinto® brand Wild Flower Seed, Lofts’ wild flowers add natural beauty to golf courses, roadsides, parks, industrial sites, reclamation areas, estates and in your own back yard. We can even custom mix your flowers with our native grasses according to your geographical area, soil conditions or specific needs. So splash a little color on your landscape with Lofts Wild Flower Seed. • 100% wild flower seed mixture (no fillers) • Beautifies natural areas, borders and banks • Excellent color with low maintenance • Grows in a wide range of climates Call Lofts Seed toll-free at 1-888-LOFTS CO Lofts Seed Where Great Grass Begins meet many professionals in this industry, and I have learned from every one of them. I now look forward to learning from you. Please send correspondence and article suggestions to Brian M. Remo, c/o Greens Dept., Rock Spring Club, Rock Spring Road, West Orange, NJ 07052; phone (201) 736-2154; fax (201) 325-1964; e-mail: DVC1l@aol.com. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Ken Krausz, CGCS; Ed Walsh, CGCS; Steve Malikowski, CGCS; and Wayne P. Remo, CGCS, for their support and for turning an idea into an opportunity. Your Imagination ... Our Products With Concrete Stone & Tile Corp, the possibilities are endless. CADENCE Continued from page 8 this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a profession that gives so much to its members, and a way for the future of GCSANJ to establish a brotherhood that is so evident in its present. You’re probably wondering where I came up with CA- DENCE as a title for our article. Well, my father and I have what I consider to be an outstanding working relationship. He makes the calls, and I carry them out. Our superintendent/ assistant relationship is very much like that of coach/quarter- back. In order for a team to be successful, the coach has to have a winning game plan, time management, a relentless commitment to excellence and unyielding trust in his team. The quarterback is the so-called coach on the field. He has to be a leader, understand the coach’s game plan, be able to predict and prevent the ef- fects of adversity, and, most importantly, be a hardworking contributor to the team. A coach gives the quarterback a play to carry out, having full trust in him to change that play on the field if the defense is predicted to interfere with its progress. In the case of golf course management, the defense might be weather, time restriction or outside factors that affect the outcome of the desired task. All in all, the quarterback has to be part coach, part player. Each time you watch a football game, you’ll hear the voice of the quarterback communicating with his offense. This is called a CADENCE. Therefore, I thought it fitting that the voice of the assistant superintendent share the name. The goals of an assistant superintendent are very similar to those of the superinten- dent, however, CADENCE gives us this op- portunity to explore areas that pertain to the specific interests that separate the two. I already have many topics in mind for future issues, but the idea is for each and every assistant to offer his knowledge and suggest topics he thinks might help us all. For the past 15 years I have been lucky enough to earn a living and build a future doing something I truly love with all my heart. Not everyone can say that, but I’m willing to bet that almost everyone who reads this article feels the same as I do. I’ve had the opportunity to work at six great courses for three outstanding superintendents. I’ve attended five GCSAA National Conferences, had the privilege to Concrete Stone & Tile Corp. Ridge Road • Box 2191, Branchville, NJ 07826 (201)948-7193 • Fax:(201)948-2771 YOUR GOLF COURSE ... OUR PRODUCTS * CONCRETE PAVERS * RETAINING WALLS, PLANTERS * EDGING, STEPS * CURBS, PARKING BUMPERS Beyond commemorative tree plantings by Nancy P. Sadlon, Executive Director Alliance for Environmental Concerns The current trend: The golf course is the perfect location for commemorative plantings. Almost always the plant of choice is the shade tree and inevitably its donator insists that it be planted in a visible location for all to see and admire. So the questions is, how many shade trees can reasonably be located near the club house, the first and the ninth tees, and not affect the original character of the course or impact its playability? Typically, the answer is a lot fewer than is typically perceived as acceptable by the club membership. Additionally, it is often forgotten that the trees full effect will not be realized for 30-40 years, and at that time its size for the chosen location is out of scale. The solution to this trend is the development of a Long Range Landscape/Restoration Plan that provides alternative com­ memorative solutions, allows for the changes over time in plant growth and provides for the overall enhancement of the character of the course. The Long Range Landscape Plan: The type of long range plan suggested is much more than a planting plan that looks for ways to dress up areas of the course and identify areas to be planted with ornamental trees, shrubs, ground covers and annuals. This plan includes a hard look at the site’s inherent natural qualities, its character (both present and desired) and proposes a long term plan of action to achieve an enhanced aesthetic character. It seeks to identify and follow through with projects such as restoring a meadow area that existed at the time of the course’s construction, or a forest area which gave the special backdrop and definition to the par 5 or the restoration of the pond that has lost its natural beauty over the years. It is landscape projects such as these that have a large impact on the course’s character. To paraphrase 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 golf course architect Geo. C. Thomas Jr., The most important thing in our enjoyment and exhilara­ tion of the game is the thrill of nature. It is the natural course which embraces its own special natural features that is touted as the superior course. Places like the rolling hills of Pine Valley with its lovely contrast of sand and pine trees and the courses of the linksland by the sea in Scotland are remembered in part for the strategy of the course’s layout but mostly for their natural beauty. Every course has its own unique setting, natural beauty and sense of place which is worth enhancing. The Long Range Landscape Plan/Restoration Plan can help to achieve this goal. It should include: A. Evaluation of course style and statement of desired char­ acter B. Evaluation of the natural setting of the course and determi- Continued on page 16 AQUATROLSPriMer Matrix Flow Soil Surfactant AQUEDUCT SOIL SURFACTANT Advanta SEEDS WEST, INC. BARENBRUG HARMONY In Tune With Nature The Greatest Place in the World to get all these products... J & R SUPPLY Turf Specialists 3249 Mill Rd. Doylestown, PA. 18901 1-800-575-TURF • (215) 794-7977 • Fax (215) 794-5842 http/www.jrsupply.com • email: dhinkle@comcat.com By John Fenwick Twenty years and now what? I would like to begin by introducing myself. Currently I am superintendent of the River Course at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club. I began my turf career “by accident” in 1975, while working at Fiddler’s Elbow. I had received my bling block is that this is a career in progress, and I have a feeling there might be a few more twists and turns before it is all said and done. Therefore, if you will allow me to indulge in three ideas that have shaped my career, I promise to finish with Letterman-like lists of the top ten reasons to work as a sales rep or as a course superintendent. Continued on page 12 B.S. from Rutgers in forestry and had worked for the Forest Service in California. I returned to New Jersey with the expectation of saying good-bye to loved ones and heading for the left coast. I started at Fiddler’s Elbow as an interim job, enjoyed the golf course, and I distinctly remember a turning point which kept me on the golf course. Dr. Henry Indyk was vis­ iting the course and Superintendent Paul Boizelle. Paul introduced me and explained to Henry that, after two sea­ sons, I was struggling with the decision of a career path in forestry or turf. Dr. Indyk simply said, there is no question the turf industry would be more re­ warding. The three of us had such a simple conversation, but it was the conviction in their voices that helped me choose turf. Environmental Centers To meet EPA Standards RGF offers the ultimate concept in wash water recycling equipment storage facilities. These pre-engineered pre-fabricated buildings dramatically reduce construction costs and may be easily relocated. A standard 8'x 10' building will house a Recycling System along with many optional features, designed to protect your maintenance equipment from the elements. Why am I reflecting on this? For one simple reason: Editor Ken Krausz made me do it! Ken was aware that since 1977 I had worked as a superin­ tendent at three different courses in New Jersey; I had also worked as a salesman in the turf industry on three different occasions. Naturally, Ken thought this might be a great story for The Greenerside, and it is. The prob­ lem, of course, is reducing 20 years of fun and games to a couple of pages. Ilona had suggested the same thing, and, coincidentally, they both refer­ enced the same article in the Florida association’s newsletter, authored by Supt./Sales/Supt. Scott Wahlin. It is worthwhile reading, and Mr. Wahlin had some interesting perspectives on the sales representative/superintendent relationship. I really struggled, how­ ever, writing an article which com­ pares my life as a superintendent and the one as a salesman. The big stum­ Chemical Storage Buildings These unique galvalume pre-fabricated or in kit form storage buildings offer OSHA approved ventilation systems to house a variety of chemicals and/or hazardous materials. Standard features include secondary containment sump with removable fiberglass grate flooring for easy spill clean-up. Storr Tractor Company 3191 Highway 22 Somerville, NJ 08876 908-722-9830 Twenty years and now what? Continued from page 11 Philosophically first, “Life is what happens to you while you’re making other plans.” That quote is from the keynote address by Suzie Humphreys at Turf Expo ‘96 and is certainly an accurate assessment of my working life. I didn’t get the nickname “Flex” for nothing. Others would argue that success is best attained by setting goals and staying focused. I don’t want to challenge that philosophy, but I think it is a shame, in fact tragic, that my friend’s 15-year-old child feels pressured to make career decisions now, or risk falling behind academi­ cally. Secondly, no one in the turf industry should fall into the “grass is always greener ...” trap. Consider the following Gallup survey: “Four groups of people (farmers, factory work­ ers, executives and doctors) were asked if they needed more income to make ends meet and, if so, how much. Every income group—from $15,000 annually to $150,000—responded that they need about 10% more. Finally, I am reminded of Willet Wilt’s often told story in which he, after attaining experience on the golf course and in sales, applied for a more lucrative position at a nationwide distributor of turf products. This company required all appli­ cants to take a rather extensive written test. As a result of this test the company felt there were applicants more qualified in sales than our own Willet Wilt. The company hired someone else, and Willet went on to build a successful business of his own. As promised, here are my top ten reasons for being a sales representative and my top ten reasons to be a superintendent. I would add, in either case, the worst reason to stay with it is anxiety that your expertise is limited. I think that the superintendent’s managerial skills, required work ethic and leadership qualities should open doors throughout the job market. Likewise with the turf industry sales representative. Whether the golf course is a stop-off in your career or a life­ long achievement, I think we should all enter the ‘97 season with head held high, proud of our industry’s progress and professional in our continued development. Continued on page 13 Keeping your ponds up to par. Golf Course Waterway Management • Effective control of algae and weed problems Guaranteed Duckweed control with Sonar* herbicide • Dredging studies/permitting • Wetland creation • Aeration systems • Fish stocking • Aquascaping • Pond design • Bank stabilization Coastal Environmental Services A Division of Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc. Ibis Plaza, 3535 Quaker Bridge Road, Suite 400 Hamilton, New Jersey 08619 (609) 588-5441 ‘See Coastal Environmental for guarantee guidelines. Twenty years and now what? Continued front page 12 Superintendent 1. Weekend work (when the in-laws are coming). 2. Convincing the greens committee that nematodes eating grubs is a good thing. 3. Did I mention a quick round of golf instead of going home to mow the lawn? 4. The Handshake. The accolades from the Club Champion or tournament winner who may not have “beaten the course,” but won at a time that you both know the golf course was at its very best. 5. The quiet and serenity of the early morning golf course. 6. Working in an industry where “gray area” decisions still outnumber clear-cut ones. The perfect mower or best greens mix and drainage configuration continue to be as out of reach as the “perfect mousetrap.” TURF SINCE 1925 SUPPLIES THE PRO’S CHOICE Grass Seed Fertilizers Insecticides Nursery Stock Fungicides Herbicides Mulches Tools Stone Soil Ties Sales 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Weekends off. Convincing the IRS that superintendents eating grubs are deductible. Did I mention sleeping in on weekends? The Handshake. The successful conclusion to a big sale that was worth the time and effort because you know how beneficial it was for both parties. The quiet and serenity of that second cup of coffee at home. Working with customers/clients who are constantly looking for the “perfect mousetrap.” Continued on page 16 Hardgoods - 201-473-3393 Nursery - 201-473-2749 Fax - 201-473-4402 To Keep Your Turf Free from Disease & Insects TERRE Co has the Turf& Ornamental products that perform The TERRE Co. 206 Delawanna Ave Clifton NJ 07014 UNTIL NOW, AN UNDULATING COURSE WAS AN ARCHITECT'S DREAM AND A MOWER'S NIGHTMARE. INTRODUCING THE NEW TORO CONTOUR 82 ROTARY MOWING DECK FOR THE GROUNDSMASTER® 3000 TRACTOR. • Four individual cutting chambers with 22 inch blades articulate independently up to 20 degrees allowing the deck to wrap over hills or flex up a bank. • Adjustments in 1/4 inch increments allow fine-tuning the height of cut between one and four inches. • Rear discharge with semi-recycling action for excellent clipping dispersal and after-cut appearance. Storr Tractor Company 3191 Highway 22 Somerville, NJ 08876 908-722-9830 • Groundsmaster 3000 features 33hp liquid cooled Peugeot diesel (two or four wheel drive) or a 45hp gasoline fueled Ford engine. • Additional attachments: rotary broom, snowthrower, debris blower, enclosed cab and a variety of cutting decks. TORO Form No. 97-150-T ©1997 The Toro Company America’s Top 1OO TORO Golf Irrigation It takes a true leader to earn 75 of the top 100 golf courses in America GOLF COURSES 75 of the Top 1OO...and Growing. "Growing the Turf Together" TORO Call Our Golf Irrigation Team Today ! SALES & SERVICE - 908-722-9830 Storr Tractor Company - 3191 U.S. Highway 22 - Somerville NJ 08876 Twenty years and now what? Continued from page 13 Superintendent 7. Politically correct golf. A perfect excuse for playing poorly: you wanted the green chairman to realize you are working too hard. 8. The golfers understand that on a bad day their swing plane and putting stroke are fully to blame. 9. Hiding on the sunny slope of the golf course with the first rays of spring. 10. Getting ahead in this business depends more on “sharing with the Joneses,” rather than keeping up with them. Sales 7. 8. 9. 10. Politically correct golf. A perfect excuse for playing poorly: you wanted your customer to win. The boss fully understands that there are some days you can’t sell guns to the Terrorists. Hiding behind the home computer on a rainy day. The weather in N.J. is always perfect for sales. Too dry, weeds, too wet, disease. Beyond commemorative tree plantings Continued from page 10 nation of the inherent natural qualities which are of significance to its character C. Identification of natural functions such as drainage and infiltration D. Identification of current landscape/horticultural plantings and evaluation of these additions for their consistency to desired course character E. Preparation of Landscape Plan including specific sugges­ F. tions for plantings and restoration projects Identification of management and maintenance practices to achieve or work toward the goal over time G. Provision for the commemorative needs of the member­ ship, including the recognition through plaques or photos in the club house. Commemorative Alternatives: Projects to consider as alternative commemorative projects include the Perennial Gardens/Butterfly Gardens, Pond Res­ toration, Reforestation or A-Forestation, Wetland Restora­ tion, Native Grass/Meadow Restoration. In addition to the enhanced character of the site that can result from these projects, there are other benefits such as reduced maintenance and enhanced wildlife habitat. As always it is critical to choose appropriate plants. Plants that are consistent with the regional geography and the site’s natural vegetation communities, plants with pest resistance and which require the least amount of maintenance. Typically, native plants that are adapted to the site’s soils, climate and available water conditions can provide habitat for desirable species and are important to include in the Long Range Landscape Plan. There are a number of plant species which satisfy these criteria. Professional Assistance There is probably no one who knows his golf course more than the superintendent, perhaps most for the problem areas and for the hot spots of concern to the membership. There is no one more qualified than the golf course architect to determine the distances and arrangements which set the strategy and diversity of golf shots of the course. But in choosing a professional to assist in the task of the Long Range Landscape Plan as outlined above, it is the professional who provides a combination of talents that is needed. These talents include: a strong knowl­ edge of the natural environment including soils, vegetation, climate, hydrology and aesthetics; knowledge and apprecia­ tion of natural succession of various vegetation communities; a thorough understanding of the game of golf and working knowledge of the plants of the region. The professionals trained in each of these areas include landscape architects, restoration ecologists, golf course architects and horticultur­ ists, respectively. It is critical to find one who has expanded his professional expertise to include all of the above and one who can bring all these talents to the project. Nancy Sadlon can be contacted at Alliance for Environmental Concerns, P.O. Box 4292, Warren, NJ 07059-4292; (908) 563- 9252 or fax (908) 560-8588. Now Daconil Ultrex Fungicide Is More Cost-Effective Than Ever. Tests show spray-dry Daconil Ultrex® fungicide, with its new, enhanced Super Weather Stik formulation, delivers exceptional results at application rates 20% lower than before*.That means you can now use Daconil Ultrex more often for better disease control without a significant increase in overall cost. And if you really want to open your eyes, take the Daconil Ultrex Challenge, and get enough free product to try our new seven day, low rate spraying program on one green or fairway all season long. Ask your distrib­ utor for all the details. It could give you better disease control than you've ever had before. ISK Biosciences Corporation, Turf & Specialty Products, 1523 Johnson Ferry Rd., Suite 250, Marietta, GA 30062. ISK BIOSCIENCES Always follow label directions carefully when using turf and ornamentals plant protection products. For best results, we recommend using 20% lower application rates on a 7-10 day schedule. Section 12(a)(2)(G) of FIFRA provides that it is unlawful for any person “to use any registered pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling”; quoted language is defined in section 2(ee) of FIFRA and expressly excludes the act of “applying a pesticide at any dosage, concentration, or frequency less than that specified on the labeling unless the labeling specifically prohibits deviation from the specified dosage, concentration, or frequency.” Thus, in the absence of specific label prohibitions, it is not unlawful under section 12(a)(2)(G) to use a registered pesticide at a dosage, concentration, or frequency less than that specified on the labeling of the pesticide. ©Registered trademark of ISK Biosciences Corporation. ™Trademark of ISK Biosciences Corporation. A unique fire call by George Thompson, Superintendent The Peddie School Golf Course On Wednesday, June 26, 1996, a lightning bolt hit the golf course and melted most of the plastic compo­ nents in my pump panel. Naturally, I had planned on watering the course that night. It was one of the few dry spells of the season and one of the hottest. and hooking it into the main pipeline. We contacted several rental companies in the area, but were told they didn’t have pumps that could supply the volume needed. One guy sug­ gested we rent a fire truck! Since I am a retired local volunteer fireman, I called the fire chief and asked him if the 1969,1,000 GPM Hahn pumper they used as a reserve pumper was available. A half-hour later, after some unique plumbing work, we were drafting out of my irrigation pond and into the main line. After about an hour, we had the dial reading 100# PSI and began opening valves. We found we could run 12 greens heads at a time and still maintain 80# pressure. The fire company crew stayed until all the tees and greens had received half an hour of watering. Some of the greens never fully recuperated until fall, but without the old farmer’s suggestion and the rental guy’s joke and the fire company’s help, things would have been a lot worse. The parts came Saturday morning, were installed and I was watering once again that evening. I called my distributor who told me Saturday was the earliest he could get the parts. I thought the turf could handle the drought until then, but by Thursday, with no rain and temperatures climbing, the 90% poa greens, tees and fairways were turning a lovely shade of brown. On Friday morning I tried some alternative methods of watering. Any green that had water nearby was syringed with small sump pumps and garden hoses. The ones not near water were sprayed with the regular course sprayers, a 100-gallon 5D1 unit and a 240-gallon Broyhill sprayer. Because of the heat that Friday, it was a losing battle. A member, an old farmer, suggested renting a large pump SERVING THE TURFGRASS INDUSTRY SINCE 1978 grass roots Phone (201) 361-5943 Fax (201) 366-0616 P.O. Box 336, Mount Freedom, New Jersey 07970 You Can’t Get Healty Plants From Sick Soil. Natural Organic Fertilizers 5-4-5; 5-1-10: 14-2-5 helps reduce wilt, builds soil and provides for better water holding capacity. Natural Organic Soil Conditioners KICK stimulates roots and opens tight soils. N-HANCE adds 12% calcium to build cell walls. Bio-Stimulants "THE POTENT-SEA PROGRAM" POTENT-SEA: POTENT-SEA KELP: POTENT-SEA PLUS ¡educes stress with over 60 trace nutrients, amino acids, vitamins and naturally occuring hormones No matter how much time and effort you put into your turf, you won't see results unless you have healthy soil. Our "soil first" program uses a natural, organic system of products designed to condition your soil, enabling your plants to get more of what they need. It biologically provides better nutrient mobility, water-holding capacity, and soil-buffering. You'll also notice a reduction in plant stress, resulting in an increase in disease and insect tolerance. You'll notice the difference. But more importantly, your plants will notice the difference. Earthworks Natural Organic Products For a free catalog of our turf products and a complete list of distributors please call 1 (800) 732 TURF Earth Works • PO Box 278K, Martins Creek, PA 18063 Good neighbors by Doug Vogel, Superintendent Packanack Golf Course of rusting garbage and fabricate a perfectly usable piece of equipment. To this day we still use trailers made from old Preakness Hills Red Riders. This thirst of Zaleski’s for down-trodden equipment was further quenched by raiding the scrap heap of another neigh­ boring superintendent—Jiggs Remo of the North Jersey C.C. Now, I too have made the passage to the safe haven of the North Jersey C.C. After an irrigation main line broke last summer, the dire need of a Dresser coupling was fulfilled by one of the true gentlemen of our business. Without hesitation, Gary Arlio opened his irrigation shed and offered me whatever I needed. I walked away with the final piece of the puzzle. So, in the shadows of the fairways that were once main­ tained by the talented troika of Zeleski, Elmers and Remo, now toil the neighbors Vogel, O’Keefe and Arlio. Knowing that you are not alone out there makes a difficult profession just a little easier. It is a great comfort knowing that if I had a good fence to build, I could count on John and Gary. As the great poet Robert Frost never said, “Good neighbors make good fences.” Borrowing equipment, technical advice and mutual com­ miseration are just a few of the benefits that are derived from developing a good working relationship with neighboring superintendents. I have the good fortune to be the neighbor of John O’Keefe, CGCS, of Preakness Hills C.C. Many, many times John has bailed me out in the six years that I have known him. Whether it was a part, a piece of equipment or some of his knowledge—if John had what I needed, it was mine. The Packanack G.C. and Preakness Hills have enjoyed this relationship dating back to 1964 when Preakness Assistant Superintendent Marty Futyma became Packanack’s first su­ perintendent. Futyma, and later his successor, Ziggy Zaleski, could count on legendary Preakness Superintendent Arthur Elmers to loan them equipment that a new 9-hole golf club could barely afford. In fact, Zaleski was known to relish Elmer’s old cast away equipment. Ziggy could take any piece LEGACY Golf Irrigation Now There's A Third Option... Backed Up With 30 Years of Experience In the past, golf course superintendents generally got two bids when replacing an irrigation system. But now there's a new option. Legacy has brought together the world leader in gear- drive technology and the leader in control systems and valves with a combined track record unsurpassed for quality products. Century - Your Link to Legacy Whether you are replacing just one head, an entire system or planning a new course, call a Century golf professional. With more than 30 years of experience and an impressive list of satisfied customers, Century can show you the advantages of a third option with Legacy. Legacy now available at 44 Century Rain Aid locations in the eastern U.S. and Canada. There's a branch near you! 800-347-4272 http://www.Rainaid.com Lessons from geese 1. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an “uplift” for the bird following. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if the bird flew alone. Lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another. 2. Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the “lifting power” of the bird immediately in front. Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go (and be willing to accept their help as well as give ours to the others). 3. When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the Top Dressing Sterilized 1-800-899-S0IL (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. formation and another goose flies at the point position. Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership: with people, as with geese, we are interdependent on each other. 4. The geese in formation honk from behind to encour­ age those up front to keep up their speed. Lesson: We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging—and not something else. 5. When a goose gets sick or wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it is able to fly again or dies. Then they launch out on their own, with another formation, or catch up with the flock. Lesson: If we have as much sense as geese we too will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong. RANSOMES 300 THE MOST PRODUCTIVE FAIRWAY MOWER FEATURES: 116" cutting width 5 floating heads 7 mph cutting speed 4 wheel drive 38 hp Kubota diesel EIGHT ACRES PER HOUR Double Eagle EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC. 285 Dayton-Jamesburg Road Dayton, New Jersey 08810 • {908) 329-9292 New HERITAGE Fungicide Changing the Course of Disease Control • Effective against 18 of the toughest • Low risk toxicological profile turfgrass diseases • Reduced risk to environmental • Controls brown patch, Pythium, resources take-all patch, summer patch, anthracnose and snow mold • Preventative and curative activity • Low rates, extended spray intervals • Novel mode of action For more information contact your authorized Zeneca distributor or call Zeneca Professional Products Toll Free at 1-888-617-7690. ZENECA Professional Products Always read and follow label directions carefully. HERITAGE™ is a trademark of a Zeneca Group Company ©1997. Zeneca Inc. The truth leaks out by Dr. Nigel Wisskowski, CGCS What do they do with the dirt? Did you ever wonder what Harris Laboratories does with the soil samples when they are done with their analysis? Who would think of something like this other than me? Also one might wonder, when does soil become dirt? Well, to answer the first question, I called Harris Labs and began my quest for knowledge. I asked the person I contacted on the phone, and her answer was quite surprising. She said that they throw it out in their back yard into a big pile. Well, that wasn’t exactly the scientific answer I expected, so I continued with, “You do what?” She then responded, “We toss it out back into the big dirt pile.” Of course now I know when soil becomes dirt. Now my next question to her is, “Well, ma’am, how big is this pile of dirt?” Why was I not surprised to hear this next answer? “Real big.” Rather than “digging” any further, or “fuhther” as they say out there, I decided to leave it at that. A Great Company Just Got Better. The Morie Company is now part of Unimin Corporation, North America's largest producer of industrial minerals. Our commitment to the golf industry remains our top priority. Look for the same quality construction and maintenance materials under the UNIPAR® name. Root Zone Mixes • Drainage Stone • Bunker Sands and Blends Top-Dressing Mixes • Divot Repair Mixes unipar IN CORPORATION UNIM For Product Information and Availability Customer Service: 800-732-0068 Fax: 609-861-2234 So I decided to try to figure out for myself how big this pile was. Now, I called my Scotts tech rep to see if he could help me, knowing that Scotts is a big user of Harris Labs for soil analysis, I figured I was heading in the right direction. I find that the Scotts Company accounts for only approximately 18% of all of Harris’s business, but this is a good starting point. With 60 tech reps generating an average of 400 samples per year at about 2 lbs. per sample, that works out to be about 48,000 lbs. per year. If Harris Labs has been doing this for 15 years, then we get 720,000 lbs. And, if the Scotts Company accounts for only 18% of all of Harris’s business, then multiplying that number times five would be a reasonable total of 3,600,000 lbs. Now if we use a figure of 2,100 lbs./cu.yd. (because I’ll assume the soil is dried before they throw it out back), then the pile is 1,714 cubic yards. She was right, that is a big pile of dirt! The truth leaks out (Part 2) by Dr. Nigel Wisskowski, CGCS Hats off to Joe Owsik. He must be reading the minds of thousands of GCSAA members who are cur rently wondering why we are not getting the support of our Big Brother Association concerning a non-metal spike shoe policy. I recently read Joe’s comments in the latest issue of Turf Net about the GCSAA non-commitment to a spikeless shoe policy. With over 1,000 golf courses nationwide now spikeless, how long will it take for the mother ship to get the message? It is a known fact that these products are best for everyone ’s course. Many regional associations have taken a stand; why is our national association still sitting? If they would act on this issue as quickly as they acted on not allowing cameras at the show, we could be vaulting ahead in progress. If litigation is in fact an issue, if forcing golfers to be spikeless is a legal issue, I offer this as a solution. At the Sand Barrens Golf Club, we will not force golfers to wear soft spikes, but we will impose a surcharge for those who do not. For those who do not want to pay the additional fee for wearing metal spikes, we will replace their metal ones with the soft spike type for half of the surcharge price, i.e., $75 non-metal spikes, $85 for metal spikes, or $80 if they let us change their metal ones to non-metal. For those who still insist on wearing their metal spikes, let them, as they will be few and far between. So when you hear it thunder, don't run under a tree! By Jozsef L. de Kovacs, CCM, CHA Deal Golf & Country Club What can be done to protect lives and property from light­ ning strikes? Inform: Do not assume everyone knows about the dangers of lightning. Display warning signs or posters around the maintenance buildings. Place warning stickers on ground equipment. Detect: Heed local weather reports or use an electronic detection device to determine if lightning is in the area. Warn: Let your employees know that lightning threatens by means of audible or visual signals which can be seen or heard anywhere on the golf course. Shelter: Provide adequate weather shelters. The maintenance building, clubhouse, half-way house or rest rooms are shelters that should be made known to all maintenance employees. If a structure is specifically designed as a storm shelter, it must be protected by professionally installed lightning rods. Protect: Equipment storage buildings and maintenance buildings are Joseph M. Mercadante, Inc. 201-467-8622 GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION Millburn, NJ essential to the operation of the club. Protect them with lightning rod systems. Consider lightning protection for important or significant trees. Other vital equip­ ment in need of protection from lightning strikes and surges consists of underground irrigation equipment control panels, substations, pumps, computer controlled telephone systems, alarm systems and electronic data processing equip­ ment. To Protect Equipment: All sprinkler heads should be interconnected and prop­ erly grounded with the appropriate wire for the system. Control panels, substations, pumps and buildings should be equipped with lightning rods. People and equipment on the golf course are vulnerable to lightning strikes. This is because lightning seeks objects lighter than the surrounding landscape, such as golfers, lone trees and umbrellas. Greens King V * 18 or 19 HP Engine * Power Steering * Operator Friendly * 7,9 or 11 - Bladed Units * Exclusive Flash attach system • PAVING • EXCAVATING • DRAINAGE SYSTEMS • TEE BUILDING • GRADING 2 Terminal Road,. Lyndhurst New Jersey, 07071 (201) 804-1000 JACOBSEN TEXTRON Jacobsen Division of Textron Inc A little financial foresight will take you comfortably into the future by James K. Woods, a registered representative with The Berger Financial Group, L.L.C. Mr. Woods spe­ cializes in personal investment and insurance planning. From the time we finish our own education to the time our last child leaves home, life can be pretty hectic and fast-paced. No wonder we look forward to the time when we can do all those things we’ve been “planning to do.” Scotts fluid fungicide line is what you need to fight turf diseases Turf troubled by diseases? One of the ProTurf® Fluid Fungicide products will help: • Fluid Fungicide prevents and controls dollar spot, brown patch, red leaf spot and pink snow mold • Fluid Fungicide II prevents and controls Pythium blight and damping off, brown patch and dollar spot • Fluid Fungicide III prevents and controls anthracnose, leaf spot, dollar spot, brown patch and pink snow mold Ask your ProTurf® Tech Rep for details. Fran Berdine 914/361-4105 Steve Rudich 610/253-4003 As you shift gears into a new, independent way of life, it’s a good time to take stock of your finances. You may have more discretionary money now, but don’t forget there’s a lot of life ahead. If you’re in your 40s or early 50s, you can look forward to 35 more active years! The rule of thumb for a comfortable retirement is to plan for 70 to 80 percent of your pre-retirement in­ come—this includes income from Social Security, pensions and per­ sonal retirement savings. Here’s a quick checklist of things to consider: Continued on page 25 PARTAC TOP-DRESSING GOLF COURSE AMERICA'S PREMIUM TOP-DRESSING HEAT TREATED AVAILABLE IN BULK OR BAGS PLUS GREEN & TEE CONSTRUCTION MIXES, WHITE TRAP SANDS, CART PATH & DIVOT REPAIR MIXES AND MUCH MORE! DISTRIBUTED IN NJ. BY: FARM & GOLF COURSE SUPPLY FISHER & SON COMPANY 215/483-5000 GRASS ROOTS TURF PRODUCTS 201/361-5943 610/644-3300 TURF PRODUCTS CORPORATION 201/263- 1234 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION KELSEY PARK, GREAT MEADOWS, NEW JERSEY 07838 908-637-4191 A little financial foresight Continued from page 24 1. Invest for growth to help you stay head of inflation. Consider putting a portion of your retirement money in growth-oriented investments, such as stocks or stock mutual funds. 2. Diversify your investment portfolio among stock, bonds and money market instruments or cash equivalents to moderate risk. 3. Insure your independence. Life insurance and Long­ term care (LTC) coverage can help you maintain your independence as you grow older. These coverages should be reviewed every couple of years. 4. Draw up the “basic four” documents. Make sure you have these in place: • A will provides legal instructions for the distribution of your assets. • A living will designates someone to make decisions on your behalf regarding life-sustaining procedures. • A power of attorney authorizes someone to manage your finances for you in case you become sick or disabled. • A list of your bank, investment and insurance accounts and how to locate your professional advisers. Start today. Your insurance agent or financial adviser can provide valuable assistance and help you plan for your future. Of course, managing your financial affairs in later years will not be carefree. You’ll still need to evaluate and update your insurance policies and your investment accounts, but you’ll finally have the time and energy to make thoughtful, informed decisions. Remember, a little financial foresight will take you comfortably into that future—and leave you free to do every­ thing you’ve planned. LIQUID FERTILIZER GREENT (50% SRN) is better for you, your turf and the environment! Unlike those fast-release N fertilizers that can leach nitrates and threaten ground- water GREEN-T® (50% SRN) contains a patented, non-burning Triazone™ closed-ring formulation of slow-release nitrogen. It’s a far safer source of low volatile N for rich, lasting green color and reduced environmental risk. For best results, apply one of our N, P, K Complete GREEN-T Formulations. Available From PLANT FOOD COMPANY, INC. Your Liquid Fertilizer Experts 38 Hightstown-Cranbury Station Road Cranbury, NJ 08512 • 609-448-0935 800-562-1291 • FAX 609-443-8038 Lakes and Ponds have feelings too. Treat 'em right. WE PROVIDE: • Aquatic weed and algae control • Aeration systems and fountains • Lake clarification • Shoreline revegetation • Fisheries management • Hydro Raking • Products and Equipment Authorized distributor for REWARD® Aquatic Herbicide Allied Biological Lake Management Services, Products and Equipment Rockport Rood • Hackettstown, NJ 07840 (908) 850-0303 FAX: (908) 8504994 Thirteen memos from your child by Jozsef L. deKovacs 6. Don’t make me feel my mistakes are sins. It upsets my 1. Don’t spoil me. I know quite well that I ought not to have all that I ask for. I’m only testing you. 2. Don’t be afraid to be firm with me. I prefer it. It makes me feel more secure. 3. Don’t let me form bad habits. I have to rely on YOU to detect them in the early stages. 4. Don’t make me feel smaller than I am. It only makes me act “stupidly” big. 7. Don’t protect me from consequences. I need to learn the sense of values. painful way sometimes. 8. Don’t be too upset when I say, “I hate you.” It isn’t you that I hate, but your power to thwart me. 9. Don’t take too much notice of my small ailments. Some­ times they get me the attention I need. 10. Don’t nag! If you do, I shall have to protect myself by appearing deaf. 11. Don’t forget that I cannot explain myself as well as I would like. This is why I am not always accurate. 12. Don’t make me rash promises. Remember 5. Don’t correct me in front of people if you can help it. I’ll take much more notice if you talk quietly with me in private. that I feel badly let down when promises are broken. 13. Don’t forget that I can’t thrive without lots of understand­ ing love; but I don’t need to tell YOU, do I? Quick Establishment Regent Creeping Bentgrass GET YOUR COURSE IN PLAY ...FAST! Used alone or blended with other Bentgrasses regent has shown to be quicker to establish than most Bentgrasses. Excellent diseases resistance, medium dark green color and an upright growth pattern make regent an outstanding variety to blend with other bentgrasses. Call Barenbrug to get your course in play FAST! BARENBRUG NORTHEAST BARENBRUG NORTHEAST: P.O. Box 99 150 Main Street Ogdensburg, NJ 07439 Telephone (800) 435-5296 Telephone (201) 209-0088 Fax: (201) 209-0977 BARENBRUG NORTHEAST PITTSBURGH DIVISION: 2242 California Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Telephone (412) 321-1272 Fax (412) 321-2002 THE HUB OF GOLF CAR ACTIVITY IN THE TRI-STATE AREA PENNA - NEW JERSEY - DELAWARE SALES SERVICE LEASING GOLF CARS, INC. P.O. BOX 247 4180 SKYRON DRIVE BUCKINGHAM, PA 18912-0247 Phone: 215-340-0880 Fax: 215-340-1634 OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTORS FOR: ClubCar Golf's Driving Force. CARRYALL DRIVE IT TO WORK. CLUB CAR PATRON DIRECTORY AGR-EVO USA CO. Manufacturer of Fine Turf Chemicals Shaun M. Barry (908) 846-8173 AGRO-TECH 2000, INC. Axis/Break-Thru/Biosafe Peter Van Drumpt - Chris Des Garennes Rich Brandel, (800) 270-TURF ALPINE THE CARE OF TREES Tree Service Peter J. McFarland (201) 445-4949 AQUATROLS CORP. OF AMERICA Manufacturer of Water Management Products Andy Moore - Phil O’Brien (800) 257-7797 ATLANTIC MILLS INC. GOLF DIV. Tee to Green Accessories Jack Brady - Abner Garcia - Anna Drainsfield (908) 363-9558 BARENBRUG USA/NORTHEAST DIVISIO Turfgrass Seed Supplier John Farrell - Scott Mearkle (800) 435-5296 N JAMES BARRETT ASSOCIATES, INC. Irrigation Design and Consulting Jim Barrett (201) 744-8237 BLUE RIDGE PEAT FARMS Topdressing, Bunker Sand, Construction Mix Gene Evans (717) 443-9596 • BOHM’S SOD FARM Growers of Premium Golf Turf David Bohm (800) 624-1947 BRUEDAN CORP. E-Z-Go & Yamaha Golf Cars Peter Siegel - Michael Gesmundo (800)535-1500 CENTURY RAIN AID Legacy Golf Irrigation Equipment Phil DeMarco - Joe Porcello (800) 347-4272, (609) 561-1777 CHIPCO/RHONE-POULENC Chipco 26019, Aliette Signature, Aliette, Sevin, Ronstar Gret Hutch (908) 929-4657 WA CLEARY CHEMICAL CORP. Turf & Horticulture Chemicals Bryan Bolehala - Mike Bandy (908) 329-8399 • CONCRETE STONE & TILE CORP. Concrete Paver Manufacturer Maryanne Nolan - Kevin Murphy (201) 948-7193 ALAN G. CRUSE INC. Golf Course Materials Alan Cruse - Jim Cruse (201)227-7183 DeBUCK’S SOD FARM Turfgrass Producer Leonard DeBuck - Valorie DeBuck (914) 258-4131 DOUBLE EAGLE EQUIPMENT CO., INC. Professional Turf Equipment Clyde Ashton - Jerry Pearlman (908) 329-9292 • New Patrons for 1997 EARTH WORKS, INC. The Soil Restoration Specialists Patrick Lucas, CGCS - Erik Zars (800) 815-1113, (203) 698-0030 EARTH WORKS NATURAL ORGANIC PRODUCTS Manufacturer of Natural Organic Fert. & Growth Products Joel Simmons (800) 732-TURF E/T EQUIPMENT CO. Distributors of Quality Turf Equipment Dick Neufeld - Tom Fallarcaro (914) 271-6126 EGYPT FARMS, INC. Greens Topdressing, Tee Divot Mix, Construction Mixes, Aqua Aid Wetting Agents, Bunker Sands, Shaws Fertilizers Gary Ackerson - Dean Snyder - Ray Bowman (410) 335-3700, (800) 899-7645, Fax (410) 335- 0164 EXETER SUPPLY CO., INC. Wholesale, Retail Sales of Water & Sewer Works Materials Robert C. Diefenderfer - Randy Moore - Brian Barnes (610) 779-4230 FERTL-SOIL TURF SUPPLY Golf Course Supplies - Topdressings Marty Futyma - Cathy Futyma (908) 322-6132 FINCH TURF EQUIPMENT INC. & JOHN DEERE ALLIED PRODUCT Sam Baird - Ray Finch - Michael McLaughlin (800) 875-8873; Fax (215) 721-2833 FISHER & SON CO., INC. Turf & Horticultural Supplies Alan Phillips (609) 478-6704 FLANAGAN’S LANDSCAPE-IRRIGATION CONTRACTOR, INC. Building Greens, Tees & Irrigation Robert J. Flanagan, Sr. - Roger P. Flanagan, Jr. - Christine Flanagan (908) 469-7782 GOLF CARS, INC. Distributor of Golf Cars & Utility Vehicles Jon F. Schneider - John A. Czerwinski - Paul H. Szymanski (215) 340-0880 GRASS ROOTS, INC. Golf Course Supplies Ken Kubik - Keith Kubik - Jay McKenna (201)361-5943 • IMC VIGORO Par Ex® Controlled Release Fertilizers Bruce Haworth - Steve Chirip (800)521-2829 • J&R SUPPLY INC. Wholesale Dist. Dan Hinkle - Jeff Schmalz (215) 794-7977 REES JONES, INC. Golf Course Design Rees Jones (201) 744-4031 STEPHEN KAY, GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS Renovation, Master Planning, New Course Design Stephen Kay - Ron Turek - Doug Smith (914) 699-4437; Fax (914) 699-4479 KOONZ SPRINKLER SUPPLY INC. Distributors Turf Irrigation William F. Koonz, Jr. (201) 379-9314 LEON’S SOD FARMS Turf Grass Samuel Leon (908) 996-2255 LESCO, INC. Manufacturer & Distributor of Products for the Green Industry Craig Lambert - Lance Seeton - Brad Simpkins - Greg Moran (800) 321-5325 LOFTS SEED INC. Turfgrass Seed & Wild Flowers Mary Beth Rutt - Kevin Driscoll (800) 708-8873 LONGO INDUSTRIES Electric Motor/Pump Repair/Sales Bob Tal - Bob Clader (201) 539-4141 wilfred McDonald, inc. Turf Equipment Specialists Dennis DeSanctis - Blair Quin - Mike Pelrine (201)804-1000 RALPH McGILLAN EXCAVATING Lakes and Ponds Ralph McGillan (609) 655-2281 JOSEPH M. MERCADANTE, INC. Paving, Excavating, Cart Paths, Tee & 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/SURFSIDE (MONTCO PRODUCTS CORP.) Surfside Wetting Agents, Zap! Silicone Defoamer Bob Oechsle (215) 836-4992 - Tom Hunter (215) 766-0420 - Orders (800) 401-0411; Fax (215) 836-2418 MUNTHERS SPRAYING SERVICE INC. Complete Golf Course Turf Spraying Larry Munther (201) 540-9764 NATIONAL SEED COMPANY Lawn & Specialty Seeds Ken Griepentrog - Sky Bergen - Barry Van Sant (800) 828-5856 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 & More 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 Renovation & Construction Tom Ristau (215) 659-6411; Fax (215) 659-9317 PLANT FOOD COMPANY, INC. Manufacturer of Fluid Fertilizers Ted Platz - Anthony “Rip” Rippel (609) 448-0935, (800) 562-1291; Fax (609) 443-8038 RIGGI PAVING INC. Asphalt Paving & Concrete Contractors Frank S. Riggi, Sr. - Frank S. Riggi (201) 943-3913 SEACOAST LABORATORIES/TWIN LIGHT FERTILIZER & SEED COMPANY Fertilizers, Grass Seed Gerald Fountain - Richard Baker (908) 438-1300 GEO. SCHOFIELD CO., INC. Golf Course Construction and Material Supply Kevin Schofield - Robert Carson - Thomas Casmer (908) 356-0858 THE SCOTTS COMPANY Suppliers of Seed, Fertilizer and Control Products Fran Berdine - Steve Rudich - Rich Bernard (800) 543-0006 SHEARON ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN Golf Course Design and Construction Chip Kern (609) 466-0666, (215) 828-5488 STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Turf Equipment, Irrigation, Environmental Products & Service Phil Scott - Fred Rapp (908) 722-9830 WILLIAM STOTHOFF CO., INC. Well Drilling, Pump Sales and Service David C. Stothoff - Bill Snyder (908) 782-2717; Fax (908) 782-4131 STULL EQUIPMENT COMPANY Turfgrass 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. Sod Supply and Installation Owen Regan - David Wallace (401) 789-8177 THE TERRE COMPANY OF NJ, INC. Golf Course Supplies Brian Feury - Byron Johnson (201) 473-3393 TURF PRODUCTS CORPORATION Suppliers of Golf Course Materials Buddy Rizzio - Ron Lake - Jim Dempsey (201)263-1234 • UNITED HORTICULTURAL SUPPLY Fertilizer, Grass Seed, Chemicals Gerald Fountain - Tom Hughes - Richard Baker (908) 438-1300 STEVEN WILLAND INC. Turf Equipment Supplier Mark Ericson - Bill Rapp (201) 579-5656 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 Rain Bird Keeping the golf world greener. Plant Star INCORPORA TED Fertigation Solutions To Grow On CONTROLLED AIRSTREAMS Tempest GAS & ELECTRIC FANS PORTABLE, PERMANENT, OSCILLATING Superior Aquatic Management Systems MASTER DISTRIBUTOR 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