Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey THE Vol. 3 No. 2 Winter Woes MARCH - APRIL 1980 When it comes to winter weather in the Northeast, the only guarantee is that each year will provide its own set of problems and concerns for the golf course superin­ tendent. Many golf courses suffered ex­ tensive turf losses due to snow and ice accumulations during 1978 and 1979, but 1980 promises to offer different problems for New Jersey’s golf course turf. Not only did the dry, open weather during December and January create the potential for turf desiccation, but mild temperatures brought golfers out by the thousands, including the likelihood of damage to greens and tees on those courses allowing winter play. Desiccation A Real Concern According to Dr. James Beard, there are two types of desiccation injury; at­ mospheric and soil desiccation. At­ mospheric desiccation produces turf leaves which turn distinctly white but remain erect. Injury most commonly occurs on higher locations which are more exposed to drying winds, but extensive areas can be affected during severe winters. High winds and low relative humidity combine to cause shrinkage and collapse of the protoplasm, resulting in mechanical damage and eventual death. Soil desiccation results in turfgrass leaves which are distinctly white and semi-erect. Plant leaf and crown tissues are very dry. Injury commonly occurs over a more extensive area than it does with atmospheric desiccation and is brought on by lengthy periods of soil drought caused by a drying environment and lack of precipitation or irrigation. Considering this description of desic­ cation and the fact that there was very little precipitation during much of the winter, turf injury might well be expected this year. Many, golf course superintendents expressed concern that their turf seemed to “crunch” during January when the soil was so dry. Another interesting observation made on greens in several different locations was that the bentgrasses looked much worse than the Poa annua. However, strong growth from plugs taken from these apparently injured areas revealed that little actual damage had taken place as of mid-February. What can be done to prevent desiccation injury to turfgrass area? Anything which will protect the crown of the turfgrass plant from cold, drying winds will certainly help. During many winters a snow cover will take care of this problem. In parts of the Nor­ theast where desiccation injury is a com­ mon occurrence, superintendents often make a relatively heavy, late fall top­ dressing application. Many times the topdressing material will not be dragged in, but rather left on the surface to protect the turf, though this is not necessary. Anti­ desiccants, such as Wilt-Pruf, are sometimes used and seem to afford a fair degree of protection when applied ac­ cording to label recommendations. Various types of covers, such as polyethylene plastic sheeting or shade cloths, have been successfully utilized but require careful attention. If left on the turf too long or at the wrong times, they can break turf dormancy during mid-winter and cause worse problems than they cure. Windbreaks, such as snow fence brush, or ornamental tree and shrub plantings can be very effective in preventing desiccation injury. On courses where winter play is not allowed, extra brush or evergreen boughs can be placed on the greens or tees to protect the turf. Sometimes snow fence is rolled out over the brush to hold it in place and to provide an extra degree of protection. Golf Course superintendents in some areas of the country try to irrigate their turf during the winter, especially on dry, windy days when desiccation is likely to occur. In parts of the mid-West, the irrigation systems is often put into operation and then drained on a day to day basis. Where this is not possible, water tanks and spray equipment are used to apply the water. There are several precautions which can be taken during the fall to minimize desiccation problems. Avoid over­ fertilizing during October and early November, periods when the turf will respond with lush, succulent growth. Also, don’t aerate the greens in late fall and leave the holes open. Finally, thoroughly irrigate the turf in the late fall, especially when there has been a lack of precipitation, to ensure an adequate soil moisture content as winter approaches. Discourage Winter Play Along with encouraging desiccation in­ jury, the weather we have experienced during the winter of 1980 has also promoted a significant amount of play on New Jer­ sey’s golf courses. One can hardly blame the golfers, who often pay large sums to belong to New Jersey’s clubs or whose tax dollars support the local municipal operations, for wanting to play golf during the winter when weather permits. Un­ fortunately, playing the greens and tees is “murder” on the turf during the winter months. The turf has no recuperative potential during the winter, and the soil is likely to become severely compacted. This combination of soil compaction and heavy wear can result in Poa annua invasion and weak growth for much of the subsequent growing season. On golf courses which are suddenly subjected to winter play, a distinct deterioration of the greens and tees can be observed over a period of several years, especially where maintenance programs are not strengthened to meet the new challenge. As far as the turf is concerned, the best choice a golf club can make is to avoid play during the winter months. If play must be allowed, then strict ground rules must be set. Preferably, temporary greens and tees should be played during the winter. And why not? Only a small percentage of club members or playing public will actually use Continued on page 2 A solid maintenance program is your best guarantee against winter injury problems. the GREENER SIDE GCSANJ Newsletter is published six times a year by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey, P.O. Box 231, New Brunswick, N.J. 08903. Ed Walsh, Editor Michael Hannigan, Associate Editor Jerry Schoonmaker, Photography Please address inquiries con­ cerning advertising to: Ken Kubik, Advertising Manager 489 Millbrook Avenue Randolph Twp., N.J. 07869 GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION of NEW JERSEY Cook College - Rutgers University Box 231 New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903 OFFICERS OF GCSANJ Jack Martin President Dennis Wagner Vice President James Gilligan Secretary Edward Nickelsen Treasurer Joseph Flaherty Past President EXECUTIVE BOARD Clifford Belden Director, District 1 Glenn Gallion Director, District 2 Robert W. Ribbans Director, District 3 Dave McGhee Director, District 4 Jerry Schoonmaker Director, District 5 Charles Dey Director, District 6 Stephen Finamore Director, District 7 James W. Ritter Director, District 8 Dr. Henry Indyk Executive Director President's Message Jack Martin April, 1980 Gentlemen: It is my pleasure to report to you that our Association is making great progress in just three months. The officers and directors are doing an outstanding job. The newsletter “The Greener Side” is by far the best we have put out thus far. I and or Jim Gilligan have visited every district and presented our new district re-evaluation and improvement concept. It has been received favorably throughout the state and we hope to implement it next year after it is voted upon. The by-laws committee can now proceed with a new set of by-laws that will also be reviewed by the membership and voted upon also for next year. The district directors have been doing a fine job with district meetings. Your sup­ port at the district level and with the state meetings is appreciated and needed. Our state monthly meetings are about to begin. Some meetings naturally will be a greater distance than others. We expect you to attend these meetings in order to continue with the strengthening of your association. This is a good time to meet people from different parts of the state. Hopefully we will make ours a more personal group than in the past. This can only add to our profession. We can expect to be one of the strongest and most gregarious groups in the country by the end of the season. Again, we’re the model for the country on the state level. Let’s show them what we can do. Your participation is the key. Congratulations are in order for Paul Boizelle who was appointed to the Board of Directors of G.C.S.A.A. He is the first national board member from New Jersey in twenty years. I expect to meet with the presidents of the surrounding associations in the near future to discuss our national position in the future. Hopefully we can continue to maintain representation from our area. WINTER WOES Continued from page 1 the course during the cold months, yet the damage from that play can be significant. Besides, aren’t these golfers out on the course primarily for the fun and exercise? If the golfers insist on using the regular greens and tees, then the course should be closed when there is frost on the turf, when there is soft snow or slush on the ground, and when the soil is wet and soft. En­ courage golfers to wear tennis shoes or other non-spike shoes when they play during the winter. Regular spikes only cause more soil compaction and turf wear. The greens (and tees, if possible) should be aerated, topdressed and overseeded in the spring and should thereafter receive extra attention in order to offset the negative effects of winter play. Effects On Insects And Disease Thus far the dry, open winter has ensured the suppression of winter diseases. However, moist conditions during March could trigger winter disease activity, so close attention should be given to greens and other susceptible areas. Golf courses with a history of snow mold activity might be well advised to make a late winter ap­ plication of an appropriate fungicide. Though one might hope that the dry soil and the freezing and thawing conditions this winter would have a harmful effect on var­ ious turf insect populations, according to Professor H. Tashiro of Cornell University, this is not likely. His research indicates that the Hyperodes weevil and other turf insects are well adapted to this kind of weather. Finally, the long range effects of a dry winter should be contemplated by every golf course superintendent. In mid- February reports of very low water levels in the major state reservoirs caused great concern that irrigation water might be at a premium this summer. Even if spring rains replenish reservoir supplies this year, officials at every golf course should plan ahead to ensure an adequate water supply for the ‘dry’ years. Water is the key to the successful development and maintenance of high quality golfing turf. James T. Snow Agronomist, USGA Green Section GOLF COURSE MATERIALS • Top Soil • White Sand • Yellow Stone • Crystal Spar • Humus Loader, Bulldozer, Royer and Truck Rentals 290 SO. ORANGE AVENUE LIVINGSTON, N. J. 07039 (201) 992-2335 BOARD NOTES Board Notes February and March 1980 1. Thank you notes were received from a number of retired GCSANJ members who received Christmas gifts from the Association. 2. Dr. Herbert Streu, Chairman of the Department of Entomology and Economic Zoology, Cook College, wrote and thanked the Association for the $1,100 in support of Dr. Sami Ahmad’s Japanese beetle grub research. 3. Edward Bloustein, President, Rutgers University, also sent a letter thanking the Association for the grant to Dr. Ahmad’s research. 4. The Association contributed $300.00 to the O.J. Noer Foundation. This grant was matched by a grant from the Metro Milorganite Co. 5. Ed Nickelsen represented the Association at a luncheon given by the Coca-Cola Co. in conjunction with their golf tournament that will be held at Upper Montclair; Bob Dickison is the Superin­ tendent. 6. Notes from Al Radko, National Director of USGA: All GCSAA Class A members will be given a daily pass to the USGA Open Championship at Baltusrol. The GCSAA Class A member should present his GCSAA membership card at a designated entrance gate. 7. GCSANJ Board of Directors meetings will be held the second Tuesday of each month. 8. President Martin has sent congratulatory letters to the newly elected GCSAA officers: Melvin Lucas, Jr., President; Mike Bavier, Vice-President. Also newly elected GCSAA Directors: James Timmerman (Michigan); Robert Osterman (Connecticut). 9. The following persons were selected as Honorary Members in the Association: Roy C. Bossolt; Charles A. Dupras; Dr. Roy L. Flannary; Charles M. Holmes; Edmund I. Milewski; Clare Sperapani. 10. A letter and questionnaire was sent to participating exhibitors in the 1979 GCSANJ Field Day asking for their suggestions and ideas for the 1980 GCSANJ Field Day. 11. The Golf Committee is seeking a site for the 1981 GCSANJ Invitational Golf Tournament. 12. Dave McGhee has been appointed chairman of the Benevolent Committee, succeeding Paul Boizelle who had resigned from the GCSANJ Board of Directors. 13. Our voting strength at the GCSANJ International Conference and Turf Show, in St. Louis was 98 votes. Cliff Belden was selected as the Association’s voting delegate. 14. The New Jersey Agricultural Ex­ periment Station at Rutgers University is celebrating their Centennial Year in 1980. The Association passed a resolution commending them on their achievements in the past and our continued support in the future. James F. Gilligan Secretary PAUL BOIZELLE, CGCS, NAMED DIRECTOR OF GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA AT NATIONAL MEETING In the North Fran Berdine Technical Representative R.D. 1—Box #331 Pine Bush, New York 12566 Phone: 914/361-4105 St. Louis -- February 20 - Paul Boizelle, CGCS, golf course superintendent of Fid­ dler’s Elbow Country Club, Far Hills, N.J., was named a director of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America at its 51st annual meeting held this week in St. Louis. He was appointed to fill an unexpired two-year term on the board by newly elected GCSAA president Melvin B. Lucas Jr., CGCS. Boizelle has been a member of GCSAA for 11 years. In the South Roy Griffiths Technical Representative 29 Monroe Drive Laurel Springs, N.J. 08021 Telephone: 609/228-1696 Dormant Fertilization And Late Winter Injury In early March we have a rather clear picture of the past season’s potential for winter injury. Active kill in late winter centers largely on: (1) wet stagnation kill, (2) dessication, and (3) traffic injury. It seems the wet kill problems have little chance this year. Traffic injury is always with us, but it should be less of a threat as wet thaws do not have much chance. Desiccation gave us a real scare earlier. It can occur in January, February, and early March when the grass is brown and frozen; or it can occur later after the grass which has developed good green color is subjected to dry winds when the soils are very cold or frozen. This latter type seems to occur in areas north of our state of New Jersey. According to recollections of the past, a severe desiccation year occurred in the early 1930’s and in the winter of 1967-68. While the season has progressed far enough that our fear of desiccation has diminished, this does not rule out such things as top­ dressing or watering where possible if day to day conditions become very dry and indicate the start of serious desiccation injury. Question has been raised about the effects of dormant fertilization on winter injury. While there has not been sufficient research or comparisons for proven answers, I will hazard some opinions. Dormant fer­ tilization is not expected to add to desiccation problems. Any regrowth it causes should increase the proportion of ew plants in the turf which are more n esistant to desiccation than old plants. In r heory, “dormant” fertilization could in­ t rease cold injury and snow mold diseases. c This might be expected to occur when pplication is too early and it is followed by a warm weather causing lush growth before winter freeze-up. The answer to these otential problems is delaying of dormant p ertilization until the soil becomes cold f nough so that mowing virtually ceases. e Wet stagnation injury in January, February, or March is expected to be worse with (1) more nitrogen in the sod from ormant fertilization or (2) any other d itrogen program that puts more nitrogen n n the soil or the plant. Thus where water i an collect and persist from melting ice and c now, it seems best to have as little nitrogen s s possible on the turf. a While there are potential winter injury angers in dormant fertilization for our d rea, I do not feel they are a serious threat. a Avoid lushness before freeze-up and high ates on those areas where water collects r uring thaws. Remember dormant fer­ d lization can have plus values where ti esiccation is involved. d Ralph E. Engel Professor of Turfgrass Science Rutgers University CHIP SHOTS Jim “Jiggs” Remo of North Jersey C.C. is recovering from a heart complication that hospitalized him in early February. He’s home now and improving rapidly - and even a few pounds lighter! Upon his return Jiggs will be serving North Jersey as a consultant with his son Wayne, formerly Superintendent at White Beeches, to assume the superintendent’s position. Together they should only make their course even better than it already is. All the best for a speedy recovery Jiggs and the best of luck to you both in ’80. Good luck to Elliot Lewis on his ap­ pointment as course superintendent at White Beeches. We are sure he will do an outstanding job, having spent the last three years under the watchful tutelage of Al Foster at Hackensack. Norman Gronning of Ramsey C.C. was just recently hospitalized with a heart at­ tack. Our hopes for a speedy recovery go out to Norman. Pete DeFalco, Assistant Superintendent at Tammybrook C.C., has just recently completed a bout with kidney stones - recovering quickly from an operation, he is back to work and ready for the Spring. John Wantz, CGCS, has left New Jersey for a new position as Golf Superintendent at Rockland Country Club in Sparkill, NY. Ed Milewski of the Morris County Ex­ tension Service was the speaker at the March District Meeting on “Revisions of the Core Manual.” Members in attendance received points toward pesticide recer­ tification. Bill Dawes of Mendham Golf and Tennis Club was elected Associate Director and Ken Kubik of Grass Roots, Inc. was elected Secretary-Treasurer of District III. Construction on housing has begun at Chuck Steiger’s Florham Park Country Club, via reconstruction there will still be an eighteen hole course at the site. At Bucky Carpenter’s Braidburn Country Club, six of his twenty-seven holes will be making way for condominiums this spring. Tone Jackson took over as Golf Course Superintendent at the Roxiticus Country Club in March. Reconstruction of the clubhouse that was destroyed by fire in November has begun at Roxiticus C.C. Jim Gilligan of the Bedens Brook Country Club made the new districting concept presentation at the District III February meeting at Picatinny C.C. Ernie and Ellie Rizzo will become grandparents for the first and second time this summer. They are already making plans to spoil the new additions. Jim Ryan, Pocono Turf, is back at work after recovering from a stay in the hospital. District 7 met in February for their second meeting of 1980, and had a very good turnout. Bob Copper of the Upjohn Company brought to our attention the reason for an early spraying program using RZ-A plus iron to get a better season-long control. Also, we had a follow-up from our January meeting on helicopter spraying. Two fellows from the agency were at the meeting to answer some of our questions, and we will probably hear more about this in the near future. Sky Bergen and Dr. Paul Sartoretto exchange greetings at GCSAA convention. There were a few job changes in the area: Bill Martin is now at Deal G.C.; Wayne Ballenger is now at Glen Wood G.C. and Mel Summer is now at Knob Hill G.C. James O’Gibney is at Tara Green. Good luck to all in their new positions. The January meeting of District 8 was held at Atlantis Country Club with host superintendent Walt Wardenski. President, Jack Martin; Secretary, Jim Gilligan; and Publicity, Jerry Schoon- maker were present. Jack Martin presented the proposed district reorganization. Ernie Koch spoke to the group on the uses of Betasau and Devriuol, a new product from Stauffer. The February meeting took place at the Golf Farm with host superintendent Mark Reed. Miss Demie Moore of Aquatrols Corp., gave a presentation on the properties of wetting agents. If you start feeling the late winter blues, just remember the problems the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Afghanistan must be experiencing. It is most difficult to repair tank tracks on greens in the dead of winter. The Greener Side Welcomes Our New Members: Association: Matthew Dobbie Edward Rockhill Richard T. Broome Leslie A. Carpenter, Sr. James A. Goerlick Joseph E. Mack John Montecalvo Donald J. Wilson Fred T. Castenschiold (B-l) Dist. 7 - Bamm Hollow C.C. (C) Dist. 2 - Wilfred McDonald Company (B) Dist. 8 - Links at Kings Grant (A) Dist. 3 - Braidburn C.C. (D) Dist. 5 - McCracken Funeral Home (B-l) Dist. 7 - Shark River Golf Course (A) Dist. 8 - Woodholme C.C. (Maryland) (C) Dist. 5 - Terre Co. (C) Dist. 4 - Somerville Equipment Co. David Alan Harrison Charles F. McGilloway Raymond C. Mesker Nancy C. Pearlman (B-l) Dist. 1 - Ridgewood Country Club (A) Dist. 6 - LuLu Temple Country Club (B) Dist. 4 - Panther Valley Golf & C.C. (C) Dist. 6 - Double Eagle Golf Products PARTAC GOLF COURSE TOP-DRESSING DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR PARTAC IS THE BESTBUY! We screen out oversized particles and "dust" to give you a uniform product, with water stable aggregates, heat steri­ lized, 75% sand by weight (not by volume), with balanced organic content and bal­ anced water retention and drainage. AVAILABLE FROM THESE N. J. DISTRIBUTORS: AGWAY/PRO-LAWN PRODUCTS Andy Mulick, 201-967-9124 FARM & GOLF COURSE SUPPLY Anthony "Rip" Ripple 215-483-5000 GRASS ROOTS TURF PRODUCTS Ken Kubik 201-361-5943 GREEN HILL TURF SUPPLY Jim Roach, 201-462-2349 TURF PRODUCTS CORP. Ernie Rizzio, 201-983-9333 tournament later in the year. Around the middle of July would be perfect. I don’t feel the course is in its best con­ dition till the beginning of June. Also, any physical damage done by spectators due to poor weather conditions has to be lived with throughout the entire sum­ mer. By having the tournament in mid- July the players will experience the best conditions possible plus our renovation practices begin within a few short weeks after that date; so any damage can be repaired during that period with little effect to the regular membership. There is also less likelihood of rain during mid- July in comparison to mid-May. Editor: How do you think the ladies feel about playing such a fine course as Upper Montclair? Bob: They seem to be pleased and are very appreciative. We have been fortunate to host many national and local tour­ naments at Upper Montclair, and I must admit the ladies are easier to please and more complimentary. I might add that many have suggested they would rather play in the New York Metropolitan area than in any other area of the country. Editor: Why do you think that is? Bob: This is where the best courses are. Editor: With the time and effort you and your staff put in, what seems to give you the most pleasure? Bob: Without a doubt, it’s the challenge to produce the maximum playing con­ ditions under any and all cir­ cumstances. I think all of us in this profession would feel the same way. If anyone doesn’t, they better look into another business soon. I thank Bob for his time and wish him all the luck for continued success with the Coca Cola Classic. It’s the conditions that a Bob Dickison produces that are a pat on the back for all his peers in the Golf Course Management profession. LPGA Golf Classic Upper Montclair Country Club will serve for the second consecutive year as the host site for the LPGA Coca-Cola Golf Classic during the week of May 19. And once again, the Tournament Director has extended an invitation to the Golf Course Superin­ tendents Association of New Jersey to participate as the Transportation Com­ mittee. Your Association has responded favorably to the invitation and will be taking an active part in this national tournament. The LPGA Classic in New Jersey has gained recognition as a major event for the touring lady professionals. Impressed with the play conditions of the golf course, the gallery and many courtesies extended to them, they have spoken very favorably of their tour stop in Jersey. One of the specific courtesies enumerated was the tran­ sportation service rendered by the Golf Course Superintendents. Beginning with the 1977 Classic when it was held at Forsgate Country Club, each year the Golf Course Superintendents Association has provided from 35-40 volunteers during the entire week of the Tournament. In considering our par­ ticipation, a natural question to ask is what benefits are derived from it? Past ex­ periences in the LPGA Classics has proven to be very worthwhile. Perhaps foremost has been the opportunity to converse with the lady professionals. As a result, they have gained a better insight and ap­ preciation as to who is responsible for the conditions of the golf course. Increased recognition has been gained also through the attractive Association sign that is posted on one of the golf holes through the courtesy of the LPGA. The concluding ceremonies on the 18th green included a presentation of a plaque by Joe Flaherty, 1979 President, to Bob Dickison, the host Superintendent in recognition of his efforts in grooming the course for the Tournament. In addition to these benefits, those who volunteered their services, enjoyed the opportunity to see a lot of good golf. In the near future, your District Director will issue a call for volunteers for this year’s event. Your cooperation in responding to his call is requested. In fact, volunteering your services even before he issues the call will make his job much easier. For those who volunteer their services, you can be assured of an en­ joyable and interesting experience. Design Construction Tennis Courts Running Tracks Repairs-Resurface American Tennis & Track, Inc. Harold G. Skinner President 109 Wallington Ave. 201-778-1171 Wallington, NJ 07057 From the Editor's Desk With the ’80 season upon us we find two of our peers readying their courses for major tournament play. Bob Dickison and his Upper Montclair C.C. will host the L.P.G.A.’s Coca Cola Classic in May and Joe Flaherty and Baltusrol will entertain the world’s finest golfers during the U.S. Open in June. We thought it would be in­ teresting to interview these two fine superintendents and have them share their thoughts about the challenge they face. We will talk to Bob in this issue and Joe in our May-June edition. Here’s the questions and Bob’s thoughts. Editor: With your maintenance practices, what have you had to do differently to prepare for the Classic? Bob: Being at a course with the reputation of Upper Montclair, tournament preparations are made very easy. We make every attempt to have our tract in the finest playing conditions throughout the entire year so the actual pretour­ nament preparations easily fit into our regular operation. During the tour­ nament we increase the frequency of cut on our greens, which we double cut daily, and our fairways; but most other practices are standard procedure. Editor: What do you find to be your biggest problem during the tournament? Bob: Without a doubt the biggest problem is what I refer to as the accessory items. (The phone company, the TV, and communications people.) They always have a last minute catastrophe that in their minds will be the downfall of the whole tournament if not straightened out. In every case to date, a little time and a bit of sympathy seems to cure all ills. Editor: What would you like to see the Classic change? Bob: From the standpoint of the condition of the course I would like to see the Dates to Remember APRIL 24 MAY 6 MAY 20 GCSANJ Membership and Golf Meeting, Beckett G.C., Swedesboro, N.J. Charles Pfisterer, Supt. Information deadline for June issue of “THE GREENER SIDE” MAY 12 -18 LPGA Coca Cola Classic, Upper Montclair C.C., Clifton, N.J. Robert Dickison, C.G.C.S., Supt. GCSANJ 2-Ball Championship, Hominy Hill G.C., Colts Neck, N.J. Stephen Finamore, Supt. U.S. Open, Baltusrol Golf Club, Springfield, N.J. Joseph Flaherty, C.G.C.S., Supt. GCSANJ Membership and Golf Meeting, Hopewell Valley Golf Club, Hopewell, N.J. Dan McGlynn, Superintendent GCSANJ Membership and Golf Meeting, Picatinny Golf Club (100th Anniversary), Dover, N.J. Les Carpenter, Jr., Superin­ tendent Meeting to be announced, District 4 JUNE 9 -15 AUGUST JUNE 17 JULY 17 SEPTEMBER 19 GCSANJ Invitational Tournament, Rock Spring Club, West Orange, N.J. Michael Hannigan, Supt. GCSANJ Championship, Montammy Country Club, Alpine, N.J. Mike Leary, Superintendent Field Day. Place to be announced OCTOBER OCTOBER JAKE KRINEY VICE PRESIDENT Across 1. Acidifying Nutrient 6. Minor Nutrient (Abbv.) 8. Preemergence Chemical 9. Plant's Reproductive Unit 10. A Federal Pesticide Act Down 2. Stripe Smut 3. Plant Part 4. Iron 5. Rain Gauge; _____ meter 6. Minor Nutrient 11. Turfgrass Association (Abbv.) 7. Nitrogen Fixation (Abbv.) 12. Dormant Spray 14. Dark Organic Soil 16. Bermuda Grass Varieties:____way; ____ green 17. Agricultural Products 19. Redroot ______ weed 21. Former Turf Preemergence Herbicide 24. National Golf (Abbv.) 25. Positive Chemical Blend 27. Fusarium Roseum; _____ eye 28. Black, White and Mugho 29. Grass 31. Same As '30' Down 33. Superintendent's Nightmare 35. Diammonium Phosphate 36. Essential Turfgrass Nutrient 37. Liming Material (PL) 8. Disease of Seedlings 13. Slow Release Nitrogen 15. Golf Hierarchy 18. US and Britain each have one 20. Cool Season Turf Type 22. ___________ Sulfate 23. Necessity for Germination 25. Control for '8' Down 26. Turf Maneb 30. Slow Release Nitrogen 32. Chemical Alternative 33. More than a Bird 34. Bacteriological Gypsy Moth Control The first member who successfully completes and returns the Turf Twister crossword puzzle will be the guest of “The Greener Side" for dinner at the Beckett Golf Club on April 24. Submit your completed puzzle to: Ed Walsh, Editor, “The Greener Side,“ Ridgewood Country Club, Box 598, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07451. Evan L. Lemley Commences 1980 Educational Program Evan L. Lemley, Assistant Director of Continuing Education, Camden Campus of Rutgers University, will present a talk entitled “The Why and How of Improving Communications”, at the opening meeting of the GCSANJ on April 24, 1980. This first golf anf education meeting will be held at the Beckett Golf Club, Swedesboro, New Jersey. Chip Pfisterer is the golf course superintendent at Beckett. Evan Lemley is the former Program Coordinator in the Department of Management, University Extension Division Rutgers University. For the past ten years, he has been on the faculty of the ten week Turfgrass Short Course. He has been a guest speaker at many golf superintendent meetings in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland. He is also a frequest guest lecturer at the American Management Association, having appeared on nearly 300 programs over the past twelve years. His interest in golf, especially junior golf programs, is extensive. While a resident of Akron, Ohio, he served on a committee that launched the All American Golf Classic at the Firestone Country Club. He is currently maintaining a six handicap at the Laurel Oaks C.C., Cherry Hill, New Jersey, (Mark Reed, Superintendent). The GREENER SIDE is not a copyrighted newsletter. When reprin­ ting, please acknowledge the GREENER SIDE and author. Mixing Business With Pleasure? Social golf with fellow superintendents and assistants is not only pleasurable, but can be very educational. I am fortunate to be involved in an informal Monday af­ ternoon golf group consisting of superin­ tendents and assistants from my area. We play as a group on each others course on a rotating basis which breaks the monotony of the same old eighteeen. Although we try to avoid “shop talk”, it’s inevitable that the conversation eventually turns to golf course problems. The education comes from becoming aware of the wide variety of approaches superin­ tendents have to these problems. Each invididual seems to have a unique solution to the same problems depending on priority, equipment, manpower and money. Seeing fresh approaches to old problems can give the superintendent insight into his present operation and possibly give him cause to change future operations. We are all aware of the pleasures of golf. But when you can couple this with an ex­ change of ideas and a few cold beers, how can you resist? Paul Kuehner, Asst. Supt. Montclair Golf Club West Orange, N.J. Wayne Remo, Ed Oberright, Paul Boizelle, Dennis Wagner, Bob Moore, and Jim McNally at the recent G.C.S.A.A. Golf Tournament. Believe it or not our team did pretty well despite Wagner and McNally. Two of New Jersey Courses Surprised Manasquan River C.C. and Haworth C.C. are two recent examples of golf courses that have been inspected by the DEP (Department of Environmental Protec­ tion). Last year Jim McNally, Superintendent of Manasquan River C.C., said the surprise inspection by the DEP resulted in the clubs having to build a separate storage room for pesticide storage. A well ventilated room with special door locks were specified by the DEP. Just last month the DEP walked into Haworth C.C. John Emmolo, Superin­ tendent, said a man in “Sports Clothes” walked into his shop, looked around, then flashed his badge. John had to present his pesticide license, and last year’s pesticide records for the golf course. All of his chemicals were individually inspected, box for box, taking the inspector over an hour and a half to complete his search. It ap­ pears as though Haworth C.C. came out of the ordeal with a clean slate. Who’s next in New Jersey? U-Mass Conference Update Several New Jersey Superintendents were among over 1500 people who attended the 1980 University of Massachusetts Turf Conference and Industrial Show on March 4,5, and 6. The conference marked its 49th an­ niversary this year with an excellent slate of speakers, including our own Dr. Ralph Engel and former member Chuck Wilson of Leisure Technology Corp. Topics ranged from turf cultivars to Communication techniques with alternate sessions relating to non-golf course facilities. The Industrial Show, now in its fourth year, boasted 158 exhibitors and continues to complement both the conference and attendance figures. Our hats off to Dr. Troll of the University, and to the Show’s sponsors for a job well done. Michael Hannigan Air pollution is turning Mother Nature prematurely grey. Pumps for Water Vertical Turbine Horizontal End Suction In-Line SOLD AND SERVICED BY: Artesian Pumping Systems A DIVISION OF ARTESIAN WELL & EQUIPMENT CO INC 12 ROCHELLE AVENUE ROCHELLE PARK, N.J 07662 PETER J. MAURO 201-845-7080 OFFICE 201-391-5336 HOME GCSAA Golf Tournament Guadalajara, Mexico New Jersey was represented by a very distinguished team at the GCSAA Golf Tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico. This team was made up (and I emphasize MADE UP) of Jim McNally of Manasquan River C.C., Wayne Remo of White Beeches C.C., and Dennis Wagner of Trenton C.C. The team did quite well for itself. They missed second Low Net for the team trophy by two strokes. Inside info has it that Mc­ Nally put an extra one OB to account for this loss. Individually, each man came away with a trophy. Remo playing in the Blue Flight, won third Low Net and in the Black Flight Wagner nosed out McNally by two strokes for third Low Net and McNally, taking fourth. During the Commercial Flight there was a nip and tuck fight between Robert Moore and Ed Oberright, both of Aquatrols of NJ. Word has it that Ed eased up on the last hole and Bob won the match, with Ed claiming second. Bobbie Moore, also of Aquatrols, claimed a prize in the Ladies Division. Dennis L. Wagner The listed patrons have provided the financial backing that makes the GREENER SIDE possible. Please show your support for their services and products. A government hydraulic engineer has found that most rain gauges that are placed above ground catch five to 15 percent less rain than those placed in pits. He found that the error factor for individual storms ranged from zero to 75 percent. The determining factor was protecting the gauge from the effects of wind. Editorial Note In case you find any mistakes in this magazine, please remember they are put there for a purpose. We try to offer something for everyone in this magazine. Some people are always looking for mistakes. THE GREENER SIDE PATRONS ALAN G. CRUSE, INC. Top Soil, Sand, Stone, Spar, & Humus A1 Cruse (201) 992-2335 ALPINE TREE CARE, INC. Serving Northern N.J. for 60 years Bob Mullane - Gary Ritell (914) 948-0101 AMERICAN TENNIS & TRACK, INC. Repair and Construction - Tennis Courts and Running Tracks Harold G. Skinner (201) 778-1171 ANDREW WILSON, INC. Irrigation, Chemicals, Equipment Frank Leary (201) 654-5800 ARTESIAN PUMPING SYSTEMS Pumps for Watering Systems Peter J. Mauro (201) 845-7080 AQUA-FLO, INC. Irrigation Supplies Philip Demarco (609) 561-1777 AQUATROLS CORPORATION OF AMERICA Water Penetration Products Demie S. Moore (609) 665-1130 BLUE RIDGE PEAT FARMS, INC. Top Dressing, Peat, Humus, & Potting Soil Gene Evans (717) 443-9596 BRUE DAN CORPORATION Golf Cars & Industrial Vehicles Jake Kriney (914) 469-2275 CONSOLIDATED STEEL & ALUMINUM FENCE CO., INC. Eugene T. McLaughlin (201) 272-6262 DOUBLE EAGLE GOLF & INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS The Cushman People (201) 521-2500 FARM & GOLF COURSE SUPPLY CO., INC. Turfgrass Supplies Anthony “Rip” Rippel (215 ) 483-5000 FERTL-SOIL Turfgrass Supplies Martin Futyma (201) 388-0100 GRASS ROOTS TURF PRODUCTS, INC. Turfgrass Supplies Ken Kubik (201) 361-5943 Bert Jones (201) 686-8709 GEO. SCHOFIELD COMPANY, INC. Sand, Stone, Mulch Chips (201) 356-0858 HALCO DIV. - Turfgrass Supplies M.D. “Doc” Crawford (201) 625-4383 JEP SALES, INC. Turf Maintenance Equipment Jack Poksay (609 ) 585-2300 KOONZ SPRINKLER SUPPLY WAGNER SEED CO., INC. COMPANY Irrigation Equipment William Koonz (201) 379-9313 LEON’S SOD FARMS Certified Sod Grown on Mineral Soil Samuel Leon (201) 996-2255 MONTCO PRODUCTS CORPORATION Surf Side & Zap Robert Oechsle (215) 628-3144 MOUNTAIN TURF PRODUCTS Turfgrass Supplies Richard Grant (717) 646-7220 O.M. SCOTT PROTURF Fertilizer, Chemicals Fran Berdine (914) 361-4105 Roy Griffiths (609 ) 228-1696 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION Golf Course Top-Dressing James Kelsey (201) 637-4631 PRO-LAWN-AGWAY Fertilizer, Chemicals, Seed, & Counsel Andrew Mulick (201) 967-9124 ROCKLAND CHEMICAL CO., INC. Turfgrass Chemicals & Fertilizer John Wittpenn (201) 575-1322 STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Turf Maintenance Equipment, Irrigation Paul Deschamps - Bob Dwyer (201) 232-7800 THE TERRE COMPANY Turfgrass Supplies Dennis DeSanctis - Donald Wilson (201) 473-3393 TURF PRODUCTS CORPORATION Turfgrass Supplies Ernie Rizzio - Gregg Hutch (201) 983-9333 UNIVERSAL LABS-SOILS DIAGNOSTIC CENTER, INC. Soil Analysis, Agricultural & Engineering Services Fred Porcello (201) 227-7167 UPJOHN - TUCO COMPANY Turfgrass Chemicals David Sylvester (203) 828-3790 THE VAUGHAN-JACKLIN CORPORATION CORPORATION Turfgrass Supplies Sky Bergen (201) 377-2054 W. A. CLEARY CHEMICAL Turfgrass Chemicals Clay Nelson (201) 247-8000 WILFRED MacDONALD, INC. Turf Maintenance Equipment James H. Pelrine (201) 471-0244