THEGREENERSIDE March-April 2005 • Volume 29 Number 2 Official Publication of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey HAMILTON FARM GOLF CLUB Site of the HSBC Women’s World Match Play Championship GCSANJ Newsletter is published six times a year by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey Doug Vogel, Editor Newsletter Business Staff Doug Vogel 973-696-6495 • FAX 973-696-8086 Greg NicoII, CGCS 908-212-0250 • FAX 908-470-0035 Contributing Writer Shaun Barry Please address inquiries to: Editor, The Greenerside 49 Knollwood Road, Elmsford, NY 10523 For Ad Placement: Ineke Pierpoint 1-866-GCSANJ1 Art, Typography and Printing by AlphaGraphics, Wayne, NJ 973-692-9090 • FAX 973-692-9032 Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey 49 Knollwood Road Elmsford, New York 10523 1-866-GCSANJ1 • FAX 914-347-3437 Officers: Bruce Peeples, CGCS, President Roger Stewart, CGCS, Vice President James C. McNally, Treasurer Mickey Stachowski, Secretary John O’Keefe, CGCS, Past President Directors: District 1 Brad Sparta Paul Dotti District 2 Gregory Nicoll, CGCS District 3 Dave Mishkin Bill Murray District 4 Gregg Armbruster Chris Boyle, CGCS Brian Minemier GCSAA Chapter Delegate James C. McNally Executive Secretary Ineke Pierpoint Commercial Representatives Shaun Barry & Tim Kerwin © 2005 THE GREENERSIDE Opinions expressed in this Newsletter are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily express the opinions or policies of the GCSANJ Board and its membership. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. From the editor's desk Jesters, Interns, and Turf Students Peasants packed the square as the trumpets filled the air with joyous sound. The court jester seized the moment and a frenzy of juggling erupted. The town crier unfurled the parchment and in his distinctive Hear Ye Hear Ye voice bellowed... “Hear Ye! Hear Ye!, would the scribe please rise and identify himself? Herself?” There was an ecstasy of fumbling. Could there be more than one scribe in the village? We at the Greenerside hope so. By request of the Chairman, a literary contest between Jesters, Turf students and Interns will be held and financial prizes in the form of scholarship checks will be awarded for outstanding articles submitted. Superintendents should inform their employees of this exciting opportunity. Check for the details on page 15 of this issue. The court jester has disqualified himself and the crier continued his cry. “Summon the bell toller - we need to toll the bell.” It’s a long climb up the bell tower and besides, the rope is a bit frayed. Submittingly yours, It's a no brainer. The editor isn't cutting any fairways today. On the cover: The spectacular #6 "Bull Barn" of the Highland course at the Hamilton Farm Golf Club. Maintained by the crew of Paul Ramina, Director of Grounds. www.gcsanj.org President’s Message Bruce Peeples, CGCS Spring Lake Golf Club Past, Present and Future Reflection is something we all do from time to time, some­ times when forced, (such as writing president messages) or perhaps traveling the golf course early any morning. I’d like to share a bit of mine with you. Our current organization owes a great deal of debt and gratitude to past members of GCSANJ. Certainly former Presidents and their respective Board members deserve a lot of credit for not only establishing this association but keeping it solvent and worthwhile for a golf course superintendent to join all these years. Past members all the way through have built a solid foundation from which we currently benefit. Recognition of the importance of the golf course superin­ tendent and benefits gained from that acknowledgment are alphagraphics DESIGN • COPY • PRINT The Golf Course Print Specialists •Score cards •Flyers •Posters/Signs •Forms •Letterheads & Envelopes •Newsletters (Greenerside) •Brochures •Business cards •Free Shipping (Min order $50) We can design it for you or send us your files electronically through our website: www.alphagraphics.com/us543 or email: us543@alphagraphics.com Call Dennis (973) 692.9090 products of years of tireless efforts by many. We of the present GCSANJ membership have an ob­ ligation to maintain and improve upon gains made over the years. By being a visible and well-communicated golf course superintendent, we enhance not only our own personal standing but also reflect positively on individuals within the membership. Making the tough decision-doing the right thing-respecting people both above and below our manage­ ment level-properly balancing family life with the workplace -these are basic fundamentals that are our responsibility to perform and maintain. The future leadership of GCSANJ has already been ob­ serving both the past and present membership and is begin­ ning to form opinions of its own. Do the younger golf course superintendents or assistant golf course superintendents see a positive to becoming involved with GCSANJ and improve upon what has been accomplished? I hope the answer is yes! I urge them to consider involvement of any sort to see for themselves. From attending a local district meeting to volunteering for any one of the many committees, to pick­ ing up the phone and asking “how can I help?” It’s simple, fun and feels good. You will become one of those members a future president will be thanking for improving the value of the golf course superintendent. What’s Inside From the editor's desk..........................................2 President's Message ............................................ 3 25 year awards......................................................4 Calendar..................................................................5 Ancient wisdom meets modern technology.............6 GCSANJ news...................................................... 14 25 year awards By Doug Vogel Eight distinguished members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey were duly recognized at the Annual Meeting held February 28,2005 at the USGA Golf House for their twenty- five years of membership in our association. Larry Dodge, Bob Dwyer, John Fenwick, Thomas Grimac CGCS, Mike Hocko, John Hyland, Dave Pease and Bruce Peeples CGCS all reached the quarter century milestone in 2004. Three are home grown Garden State boys, one from Ben Franklin’s City, and four from the commonwealth of Massachusetts, the current home of the champion Patriots and Red Sox. Larry Dodge - Larry got his start in golf as a caddy in his hometown of Northampton, Massachusetts. He became inter­ ested in turf and attended Stockbridge at U-Mass graduating in 1976 with an Associates degree in Turf Management. He went to work as an assistant to Skip Cameron at the Canoe Brook C.C. in 1975. He got his first superintendent job at the Madison G.C. in 1978. After five years Larry moved on to the Navesink C.C. were he successfully hosted the L.P.G.A. Championship in 1986 and 1987. Essex Fells C.C. was his next tour of duty for five years. Larry is presently the golf course superintendent at Oaklane C.C, in Connecticut where he is currently working on Audubon certification. Dodge spent five years serving on the GCSANJ board from 1989- 1993. Larry has been married 23 years to Melissa Jane and together they have two sons currently attending college. He lists golf, fishing and travel as his hobbies when not tending to his turf. Bob Dwyer - A Pittsfield, Massachusetts native Bob also got his start in the caddy yards before attending Stockbridge at U-Mass. After receiving his Associate degree in Turf Management it was onto the University of Georgia where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Dwyer landed the superintendent job at Fox Hollow G.C. in Somerville New Jersey in 1972. After two years he went to work for Continues on page 5 PTC PHILADELPHIA TURF COMPANY 4049 Landisville Road, Box 865 Doylestown, PA 18901 Phone: 215-345-7200 Fax: 215-345-8132 Toro Irrigation Heads, Controllers, & Valves Buckner by Storm Brass Products Flowtronex Pump Stations Carson & Ametek Valve Boxes Kennedy & Nibco Valves Wire, Electrical, & Grounding PVC Pipe & Fittings Ductile Iron Fittings Four Salesperson Team Six Support Person Team Annual Service Training Authorized Independent Service Agents On-site Technical Training TORO Count on it. Toro Reel Mowers, Rotary Mowers Sprayers & Spray Technologies Aerification Products Utility Vehicles & Attachments Large Selection of Parts Demonstration Units Nine Salesperson Team Fourteen Serviceperson Team Shop & Road Service Package Programs Leasing Options On-site Service Training Service Seminars & Continuing Education Courses Largest supplier of turf and irrigation equipment in Eastern PA, Southern NJ, and Newcastle County, DE. Equipment & Irrigation, Parts, Sales, Service you can count on. 25 year awards Continued from page 4 Storr Tractor where he distinguished himself as the Salesman of the Year in the Mid Atlantic region. After seven years with Storr, Bob went to work for the O.M. Scott Co. and set nu­ merous sales records winning the prestigious “Green Jacket” award in his five year tenure. Lesco came calling in 1986 and Dwyer spent four years as their seed and fertilizer specialist. In 1989 Bob was named Golf Course Superintendent of the Somerset Hills C.C. in Benardsville, New Jersey where he still hangs his Red Sox hat. Bob and his wife Gayle have been married 34 years and have six daughters and three boys from age 30 to 13. Bob’s hobbies include golf, going to Red Sox games and cartooning. John Fenwick - John hales from Lebanon, New Jersey. He started his long and winding career path as a crewman at the Fiddlers Elbow C.C. under the tutelage of Paul Boiselle. Boiselle introduced John to Dr. Henry Indyk who was so emphatic about turf as a career that Fenwick decided against a career in forestry for one in golf. He worked his way up to assistant at Fiddlers Elbow while attending the Rutgers Short Course before taking the superintendent job at the Armstrong Tree and Lawn. John was next named regional golf course superintendent for Shearon Golf before taking his current position as Sales Associate for Lesco. Fenwick served on the GCSANJ Board for three years as a district director and currently serves on the board for the Hunterdon chapter of the American Red Cross. John and his wife Lisa recently celebrated their twenty second anniversary. Hobbies include golf, skiing and just about any outdoor activities. John occasionally visits Monmouth Park but rarely collects on any winners. Thomas I. Grimac CGCS - Tom crossed the state line from his native Philadelphia to work at the Tavistock C.C. pushing a rotary mower during the brutal summer of 1975 for Rich Hurley. He liked it a lot because he got golfing privileges. He ventured up to Massachusetts to attend Stockbridge where Continues on page 8 Calendar May 9,2005 Rutgers Turfgrass Research Golf Classic, Fiddlers Elbow C.C., Far Hills, NJ Tom Breiner- Host superintendent Contact: Michelle Rickard (215)757-NJTA May 17,2005 GCSANJ Monthly meeting, Galloway National G.C., Absecon, NJ Scott McBane- Host superintendent Contact: Ineke Pierpoint 1-866-GCSANJ1 June 14,2005 GCSANJ Monthly meeting, Eagle Ridge C.C., Toms River, NJ Dennis Parker-Host superintendent Contact: Ineke Pierpoint 1-866-GCSANJ1 June 27-July 3,2005 HSBC Women’s World Match Play Championship, Hamilton Farm G.C., Gladstone, NJ Paul Ramina- Host superintendent Contact www.lpga.com or www.hsbcgolf.com August 8-14,2005 87th PGA Championship, Baltusrol G.C., Springfield, NJ Mark Kuhns CGCS-Host superintendent Contact: www.PGA.com TERRE Professional Turfgrass Products ‘Proudly supplying Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents for over 50 years Dennis DeSanctis, Jr. 732-580-5514 Byron Johnson 201-321-2009 Bob Schriener 201-321-2007 Pat O’Neil 201-321-2007 Pesticides, Seed, Fertilizer, and more... The TERRE Co. (973) 473-3393 206 Delawanna Ave., Clifton, NJ 07014 Ancient wisdom meets modern technology By Colleen Clifford With water features gaining increasing popularity in residential, commercial, and golf landscape settings every year, the control of algae in ponds is becoming a hot topic. While the effectiveness of copper based products has been known for literally centuries, modem technology has made application even easier with more uniform results. Historically Speaking Copper based products have been used throughout history for their sterilizing and algaecidal properties, and are one of the best algaecides known to man. The first recorded use of copper for the sterilization of drinking water is found in the Smith Papyrus, an Egyptian text written between 2600 and 2200 B.C. and one of the oldest texts discovered to date. Ancient peoples crafted water storage containers from copper because they noticed that this metal kept water safe to drink over extended periods. The ancient Greeks also noted that algae did not grow in copper water pots. Despite the fact that the use of copper ions to purify water had been practiced for centuries, extensive research into the action of metals in the purification of water was not pursued until the late 19 th century. Old Methods Fall Through While modem science has done much to refine the art of algae control, we still rely on the same ionic properties of copper that previous civilizations did for aquatic algae con­ trol. In basic principle, as Copper ions fall through a body of water the ions kill any algae they come in contact with. The two most common compounds used are copper sulfates and chelated coppers; while fairly inexpensive and readily available, these products tend to be labor intensive to apply and at times not very effective. Because the copper ions fall out of suspension relatively quickly, frequent applications are necessary to combat algae growth. While chelated copper products last approximately 10% longer than sulfates, their effectiveness is still relatively short-lived. A recognized concern with using these products is the build-up of copper sediments on the lake or pond bed, which could adversely affect the balance of the aquatic environment. Continues on page 11 SynaTek The Turf Solutions People A NEW COMPANY . . . with years of experience SynaTek, LP is the result of a partnership between the Plant Nutrients Division of Moyer & Son, Inc. and Willard Agri Service. We are a manufacturer and distributor of golf, turf and ornamental products including: Ecotronics Fertigation & Water Quality Systems FERTIGATION & WATER QUALITY Ecotronics offers the most advanced systems for the multiple injection of fertigation and water quality inputs PhysioCal Highly Available Granular Calcium CALCIUM SOIL AMENDMENTS PhysioCal contains natural calcified seaweed and is a superior replacement for traditional liming products FERTIMATE Fertigation Liquids FERTIGATION LIQUIDS Fertimate, Fertimate LS, bio-fertilizers containing and FertAminos, L-amino acids 261 Schoolhouse Road • Suite 4 Souderton, PA 18964 www.synateksolutions.com 888-408-5433 • 267-203-1606 fax: 267-203-1613 From the front nine to the backyard, Storr Tractor Company 908-722-9830 you can count on us. With over 90 years of experience, Toro is the most trusted supplier of turf equipment and irrigation systems to golf courses, parks and individual lawns around the world. Our commitment to providing innovative, high quality products and systems to help grow and maintain turf is legendary. We care about preserving the tradition of golf. We also care about providing the right solution to you. Make Toro the preferred name at your home today. www.toro.com TORO Count on it. 25 year awards Continued from page 5 he too received his Associates degree in Turf Management. He’s been at Travistock since graduation taking over as su­ perintendent in 1980. Tom has been active in the GCSANJ having served on the Board of Directors for ten years. He is well known on the links as one of the associations all-time great golf champions. He has won the Sherwood Moore Cup two times, the Leslie Cup six times (with partner Bob Prickett), and took low gross honors at the Met Area Team Championship in 2002. He has proudly represented the GCSANJ in many golf tournaments throughout the world. Tom is more than just golf. He is a certified golf course superintendent having earned the distinction in 1988 and is also a member of Audubon International. He enjoys skiing and traveling with his wife Stephanie and daughter Shelby. He also enjoys the game of golf, golfing and playing golf. Mike Hocko - Mike grew up adjacent to the 14th fairway of the Galloping Hills G.C. in Union, New Jersey. He worked Wm.Stothoff Company, Inc. Wells & Pumps Celebrating our 120th Year • Family owned and operated by 6 generations of Stothoff • Dedicated to providing superior solutions • State-of-the-art equipment • 24 hour service, 7 days a week Our goal is to provide the best and most reliable well and pump solutions from the industries premier manufacturers. Let our 120 years of well drilling and servicing experience work for you. Contact us at 908-782-2717 or visit us on the web for a detailed listing of our services www. wmstothoffco. com PO Box 68 Flemington, NJ 08822 at Canoe Brook C.C. while waiting to see if he would be drafted during the Vietnam War. After not being drafted he earned his B.A. at the University of Texas at Austin in 1973. He then contacted Ted Roberts at Canoe Brook who referred him to Dr. Ralph Engel at Rutgers were he worked as a research assistant while finishing the 20 week turfgrass certificate. Mike went on to work as an assistant superin­ tendent at the Rutgers G.C., Fairmount C.C., and Navesink C.C. before landing the superintendent job at Beacon Hill C.C. where he has remained for 22 years. Mike’s greatest achievement and claim to fame is that he “has not hit a traffic light on the way to work in 28 years!” Hocko has been active in youth athletics volunteering his time for the Middletown Pop Warner and Youth Athletic Associations. Mike and his wife Elaine have been married for thirty-three years and have three children who made their parents proud by attending and graduating from college. Fishing and jogging boardwalks takes up Mike’s spare time. Continues on page 9 "Dryject aeration/sand injection is tremendous. There's nothing else like it." Paul B. Latshaw, Superintendent, Muirfield Village Golf Club Only a DryJect® Contractor can help. See the unique, dynamic pattern of three dimensional channels that are created by a typical DryJect application. The aggressive subsurface changes created allow for air, water and nutrients to feed the root zone like no other system on the market today without disrupting the surface. DryJect has been used on some of the nation's top golf venues including Oakmont, Winged Foot and Merion. Also, the Dallas Cowboys Training Center uses DryJect. Contact an authorized, experienced Dryject Service Center Contractor and start aerating, injecting or modifying your soil today. © Advanced Agro Technologies, Inc; Dryject LLC, 2005 Call today for a free DryJect demonstration. DryJect Only Dryject Contractors can inject while aerating. Peter van Drumpt 1-800-270-TURF (8873) Chris Collins 610-212-0656 www.dryject.com 25 year awards Continued from page 8 John Hyland - Morris Plains, New Jersey hasn’t erected a “Home of John Hyland” sign yet but they should. A graduate of Morristown High School and San Mateo State College- UCLA, John entered the United States Marine Corps before getting involved in the grass business. In 1971 Hyland went to work for the United States Golf Association and built the practice range for Iron Byron at Golf House. He moved on to Chatam Boro School district where he had sports turf responsibilities and retired after a long career. In retirement, John has taken the position of all around utility man at the Baltusrol Golf Club and is currently involved with watch­ ing the rough grow for the PGA Championship. One of the GCSANJ’s top volunteers, he was named Member of the Year in 1998. He has also been a speaker at many turf con­ ferences and was featured in Sports Turf Magazine in 1988. John is a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Ruffed Grouse Society. His hobbies are you guessed it-hunting and fishing. John and his wife Rosemarie have three daughters and a son. Don’t forget to say hello to John at the PGA Championship this summer. Dave Pease - Dave labored at the Lyman Meadows G.C. in Middlefield, Connecticut while still in high school wetting his appetite to seek further turf knowledge. He applied and was accepted into the Turf Management program of the fabled Stockbridge School of Agriculture at U-Mass. During these formative years he worked at the Portsmouth C.C. in New Hampshire and the Ellingwood C.C. in Massachusetts and continued his quest in higher education towards a B.S. degree. He sent off his resume to the southern state of New Jersey when fate would step in and Ed Walsh did not hire him. Steve Finamore did and Dave worked as his assistant at Howell Park and Hominey Hill G.C. until 1980 when he was Continues on page 10 Celebrating 75th Anniversary fisher & son company, inc. The “Green Industry” Supplier SUPERIOR PRODUCTS FOR THE TURF & HORTICULTURAL PROFESSIONAL AL PHILLIPS RANDY RIDER 856-478-6704 302-242-6848 Since 1923 MATERIALS FROM THE EARTH'S CRUST Geo. Schofield Co., Inc. P.O BOX 110. BOUND BROOK. NEW JERSEY 08805 Bunker Sands • Construction Gravels Construction Sands/Blends • Cart Path Materials Topdressings • Landscape Materials SUPRGRO Topsoil • STABILIZER Blending Customized blends available with our new mobile blending equipment. ★ U.S.G.A. specification products. ★ (732) 356-0858 EarthWorks Natural Organic Products www.fisherandson.com 25 year awards Continued from page 9 promoted to superintendent of Hominey Hill. In 1982 Pease was elevated to his present position of General Manager/ Director of Golf Operations of the Monmouth County Park System. Dave served on the Board of the GCSANJ culminat­ ing with his term as President in 1991 -1992. He is an adjunct professor of the Brookdale Community College, and advisor to the Monmouth County Vocational School, and holds an honorary degree from the Future Farmers of America. “My bride Amy is the love of my life” writes Dave. On the spe­ cial interest list for Pease is golf, sailing, apples, and grand- fatherhood. He is also a gifted writer and is prominently featured in The Greenerside from time to time. Bruce Peeples CGCS - Bruce is a Hinsdale, Massachusetts native who contemplated his future while mowing grass for his dad. He played golf and hung out at the Mountain View G.C. and thought that this was a real cool business. Mowing golf course grass it was. He enrolled in the Stockbridge at U-Mass Turf Management program and received his A.S. degree. Upon graduation Bruce migrated south and went to to to work for the Monmouth County Park System golf courses for three years. After a short stint with Storr Tractor, Peeples returned to Monmouth County Parks for four more years. He then took his current superintendent job at the Spring Lake Golf Club. While at Spring Lake Bruce hosted two N.J. State Opens and became a District Director for the GCSANJ. He worked his way up the ranks and now serves as the Association’s 42nd president. Peeples has been married to his wife Janet for 21 years and they have a son Robert and a daughter Ellen. When not walk­ ing the fairways of the historic Spring Lake G.C. Bruce can be found kayaking and spending time with his family. Doug Vogel is the superintendent of the Packanack Yacht Club. Twenty five year member (L to R, Larry Dodge, Steve "accepting for Dave Pease” Curry, Bob Dwyer, John Fenwick, Bruce Peeples and Mike Hocko receive their silver platters.. modern technology Continued from page 6 On The Cutting Edge Copper sulfate and other forms of copper settle out of the water column The new technology stays evenly dispersed in the column of water! (Illustration Courtesy of Aquatrols, Paulsboro, NJ) Bartlett Science. By the time it grows up it will benefit from everything we know. Bartlett Tree Experts protect one of the most important natural resources on earth, your trees. Our knowledge and techniques in arboriculture are respected worldwide. Bartlett Science has been dedicated to improving the landscape of tree care since we first broke ground in 1907. Please call 877-BARTLETT 1.877.227.8538 or visit our website www.bartlett.com BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS SCIENTIFIC TREE CARE SINCE 1907 New Copper-Based Technology A new generation of copper-based products has recently been introduced in the market. This new technology eliminates many of the traditional problems associated with using copper for algae treatment or prevention. This new chemi­ cal formulation holds the copper in the cupric ion (Cu++) state, which is the most biologically active state. The charged ions act as polar opposites, pushing off one another and ef­ fectively holding the copper in suspension indefinitely until algae is encountered. Because the ions will push as far away as possible from one another naturally, the product self- disperses evenly throughout lakes or ponds from a single application point. Continues on page 12 instead of Calling Everyone For Everything Call Us. John Deere Golf & Turf One Source™ is the one will that will give you everything yon need. You won't find a wider range of products and professional services anywhere else. While you already know us for the best in equipment parts, service and financing, our arsenal of products now includes irrigation and drainage expertise, landscaping products and supplies, seed, fertilizer, and more. Call your local John Deere Golf & Turf Distributor to let them show you what John Deere One Source™ is all about www.johndeere.comIonesource John Deere JOHN DEERE GOLF & TURF One Source "Distributors Of Quality Turf Equipment" 425 SOUTH RIVERSIDE AVE CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY 10520 (914) 271-6126 91 TOLEDO STREET E FARMINGDALE, NY 11735 (631) 249-3262 OFFICIAL GOLF COURSE EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER www.etequipment.com modern technology Continued from page 11 With this new generation of copper-based products, you can achieve mathematically predictable copper levels that allow for precise control of algae WITHOUT over treatment. In addition, pond water is safe for use for turf irrigation. A new generation of copper-based products has recently been introduced in the market. No matter what product you choose to keep your ponds, lakes and fountains algae-free and crystal clear, it is extremely important to use products that are approved by both local and national regulatory agencies. If fish are present, make sure you check the labels for fish safe rates. Because many products are not suitable for all fish species, check with the manufacturer if rates are not specified for your fish type in the product information. Colleen Clifford is the Marketing Manager for Aquatrols in Paulsboro, NJ. sod farm! ...not just another • Fine • Blue/Fine • Tall • Greens Height • Tee/Fairway Height • Tee2 Green Corp • Regular • Short-Cut • Turfseed, Inc. > Seed Distributors For: > Bluegrass > Bentgrass Sod > Fescue East Coast Sod & Seed, LLC. 596 Pointers Auburn Road Pilesgrove, NJ 08098 CALL KEVIN DRISCOLL 609-760-4099 cell 856-769-9555 office In Line Services, Inc. is a full service water meter installation and utility contractor. Our services include: - Meter Installation - Meter Repair - Certified Meter Testing & Calibration - On-Site Service Contact us at 908-782-3740 or email us at meter@inlineservicesinc.com PO Box 466 Flemington, NJ 08822 908-782-4131 Fax The Revolution is Here! Maintains antioxidant activity under stress Increases turf survival under extreme conditions photochemical Increases efficiency Stabilizes production of chlorophyll a & proline Balances air-to-water ratios in the soil Improves access to nutrients in the rootzone ©2004 Aquatrols There's no reason for you or your turf to stress over summer decline this year. Let Revolution® put you in control of rootzone conditions so that your turf can access and utilize resources more efficiently and keep summer decline at bay. Revolution makes sure you get the best performance possible from your turf, even when the heat turns on and the water turns off. Join the Revolution. We guarantee you'll be impressed. • Increases turf resilience & stress tolerance • Boosts carbohydrate production • Increases oxygen levels in the soil • Promotes dry, firm putting surfaces • Increases overall plant health AQUATROLS Revolution AQUATROLS For more information, contact Kevin Collins 609-841-2077 • kevin.collins@aquatrols.com 1273 Imperial Way • Paulsboro, NJ 08066 • (800) 257-7797 • www.aquatrols.com GCSANJ news IHO-Robert Ribbans, CGCS By Ken Kubik The sign said I HO, which I learned was not a sushi dish, but rather meant, “in honor of.” This was to be a dinner in tribute to Bob Ribbans on his retirement as the Golf Course Superintendent at Forsgate Country Club, a position he held since 1986. It did his mom proud to see they were honoring Bob with a full-scale dinner in a well-filled dining room at the country club. This wasn’t just a lunch or supper; it was a complete Filet Mignon dinner with all the trimmings. The owner, the golf pro, the general manager, the members, and the new Golf Course Superintendent, Tom Saunders, spoke “in honor of’ Ribbie. There were many humorous anecdotes, but in fact they all spoke with respect and love of what Bob had meant to them as a person and as the Golf Course Superintendent at Forsgate Country Club. They told of what the Club was and what it had become during Bob’s tenure. Forsgate Country Club was honored in 2004 as one of the top country clubs in the state of New Jersey. They said it was not just that Bob had played a part in this transition, but rather that it was because of Bob, that it happened. This was more than a retirement dinner; it was a tribute to a man who was a benchmark for the position of Golf Course Superintendent throughout his whole career. He was referred to as the Sultan of Superintendents as they presented him with a lifetime membership to the Club. The greatest honor given to Bob was when they an­ nounced that they established an agroeconomic scholarship in Bob’s name. Every year this scholarship will be awarded to a deserving student. The evening flew by as I watched and listened to all of the wonderful things everyone had to say about the man, his profession, and his family. It was an honor to be there - as a friend. Bob Ribbans receives an Alpacca manure fork from good friend Ken Kubik in honor of his retirement. Robert Ribbans, CGCS ancient history report 1970- 1971 Fiddlers Elbow Grounds Crew 1971- 1976 Fiddlers Elbow Assistant Superintendent 1976-1980 Roxiticus Golf Club Superintendent 1980-1986 Fairmount Country Club Superintendent Hosted NJ PGA Championship LPGA 85 & 86 Chrysler-Plymouth Classic 1985 Became a Certified Golf Course Superintendent 1986-2005 Forsgate Country Club Superintendent 1973 Graduate Rutgers Turfgrass Program GCSANJ since 1971 Board of Directors 1979-1982 Secretary 1983-1984 President 1985-1986 Ken Kubik is the president of Grass Roots, Inc. ATTENTION TURF STUDENTS Enter The 1st Annual Greenerside Writer's Scholarship Awards Available to Turf Students and Interns employed by GCSANJ members For applications and requirements call The Greenerside Editor Doug Vogel 973-696-6495 Winning articles will be published in The Greenerside and will receive scholarship money from the GCSANJ Foundation. GCSANJ news 2005 GCSAA Championship Results By Shaun Barry Every year before the GCSAA National Conference, the as­ sociation conducts a wonderful golf tournament where our southern brethren usually walk away with the top prizes. That trend continued in 2005 with the exception coming in the 6th flight. It was there that Mark Kuhns CGCS became a “National Champion”. He almost missed the start of play for the second round because of heavy fog that brought traffic to a standstill for an extended period of time. He did get to the course eventually and continued his good play from the day before. Tied for first as he teed off on his last hole he blocked his drive to the right. Then off of a hardpan lie he hit a 5 iron over the trees and the greenside bunker onto the green. The ball held and 2 putts later he had the point that gave him first place. It also gave him the low gross score for the flight and will now move him up a flight to see if there is any competi­ tion out there for a guy from New Jersey. I am sure it was a shot and a victory that he will remember for a long time. Ian Kunesch also played well and was near the top of the Championship Flight after the first round. He knocked the rust off of his swing as he had 5 birdies and shot 72. He faded in day two but he was the low NJ finisher in this flight. Tom Ashfield (157) and John Alexander (162) also played well and were quite happy with the results. Distinguished Service Award winner Dr. Troll with former students John O'Keefe, Larry Dodge, Bruce Peeples, Bruce Cadenelli, Dick La Flamme, Jim Gilligan, Bob Dwyer and Jim Swiatlowski. Tom Grimac (6 th) and Harry Harsin (4 th) were the other GCSANJ members who placed in the top ten in their respective flights. Our other golfers playing here asked not to be identified but they will try again next year when they expect to have a little more success. Shaun Barry is the sales representative with Bayer Environmental Science. Dr. Troll students circa. 1978. Can you find O'Keefe, Pease, Peeples, Murray or Kennedy? Golf Course Quality Sod Your Total Sod Solution The finest varieties of sod cultivated, harvested and delivered directly to you Coombs SOD FARMS & Quality & Service are our number one concern People you can trust. Quality you can count on. • UNIQUE BLENDED BLUEGRASS • CUSTOM MIXED TALL FESCUE • SHORT-CUT FAIRWAY BLUEGRASS SATISFACTION GUARANTEED • L-93 • PENNTRIO •PENNCROSS • PRINCEVILLE • A-1 Available washed or with a high sand based soil • Traditional or big rolls available • Contract growing • Expert installation SALES (856) 491-5299 FAX (856)866-2609 GCSANI news Water solution center at GIS has local flavor In case you missed it, this year’s Golf Industry Show fea­ tured several solution centers dealing with a variety of golf course disciplines. The Irrigation Association, in coopera­ tion with GCSAA, sponsored, designed, and built a Water Solutions Center. This Center featured a 1,024 square foot sodded turf area with an operable irrigation system. IA and GCSANJ member Jim Barrett of James Barrett and Associates as­ sisted in the design of the solution center. Brian Vinchesi of Irrigation Consulting of Pepperill Massachusetts headed the design team. The irrigation system was a closed loop system with the irrigation water collected, filtered, and reused. The heart of the system was a demonstration pump The Water Solution Center's display showed various sprinkler heads, swing-joints, and methods of connection. Continues on page 18 GCSANJ news Continued from page 17 trailer trucked cross-country from the Center for Irrigation Technology at California State University, Fresno. In ad­ dition to supplying the necessary water for the operating irrigation system, the trailer was used as a teaching tool to demonstrate the efficiency of a VFD pump and explain how to calibrate a flow meter. The demonstration trailer was a big hit with the superintendents visiting the Solution Center. “To me the trailer with the pump station was the most valuable part of the booth being able to see the difference between VFD control versus conventional,’’said Jim Cross, CGCS from Rumson Country Club. The Center also included a display of the various pipe types, fittings, repair methods, swing-joints, gate valves, quick coupling valves, and sprinkler heads employed in a The CIT Pump Demonstration Trailer graphically depicted the advantages and savings of utilizing a VFD pump drive. Continues on page 19 The Pure Spirit of Golf Broad Vision • Careful Thought • Hand-Crafted Design Our team, led by principal golf course architect Robert McNeil, is a visionary group of professionals with proven creative and technical abilities. Through renovation and new construction, we’ve created exciting courses that remain true to our client’s expectations. It would be a pleasure to collaborate and explore the pure spirit of golf on your next project. (732) 747-1888 • e-mail: design@northeastgolfcompany.com • www.northeastgolfcompany.com ROBERT McNEIL GOLF COURSE ARCHITECT GCSANJ news Continued from page 18 golf irrigation system. The display could best be described as a completely assembled irrigation system with the turf and soil removed. A superintendent visiting the Center could see the advantages or disadvantages of almost any combination of product. Members of the IA, experts in their disciplines, were always available to answer superintendent’s questions. During the show, a total of 56 mini-seminars were given on a variety of subjects. The construction of this display as well as the pro­ cess piping to and from the pump demonstration trailer were assembled by several irrigation contractors includ­ ing IA and GCSANJ member Bob Dobson and Rob Dobson of Middletown Sprinkler Company. Other ir­ rigation contractors contributing to the construction were Tanto Irrigation and Glenmore Landscape Service. Another area of the Center showcased a variety of modem technologies often utilized in a modem golf course ir­ rigation system. Among the items displayed were operational central control systems, PDA’s, GPS technologies, weather stations, lightning alert systems, and flow sensing equipment. RALPH McGILLIAN Excavating Contractor Specializing in Lakes & Ponds Over 35 years experience in building new ponds, en­ larging & redesigning existing ponds. Can get all DEP permits 609-655-2281 PO Box 544, Cranbury, NJ C C I Course Contractors, Inc. Golf Course Construction & Improvements Dennis Shea Division Manager PO. Box 158 Mt. Freedom, NJ 07970 800-936-2652 • Cell 973-945-5938 Fax: 973-895-5578 Member GCSAA and NJGCSA ProAer Professional Aerification Services INCORPORATED • Core Aerification and Cleanup • Deep Tine Aeration • Area Material Spreading• G.P.S. Services and Area Benny Peta (609) 209-3182 Alan Phillips (609) 226-9303 measurements E-Mail: turf123@patmedia.net During the show, a total of 56 mini-seminars were given on a variety of subjects. Among the topics covered were: justifying a new irrigation system to your board, the irrigation design process, financing a new irrigation system, irrigating with reclaimed water, irrigation master planning, sprinkler spacing and uniformity, proper irrigation control­ ler installation, weather station maintenance, pump system efficiency, GPS mapping, proper solvent weld cement­ ing, and thrust block construction. These twenty-minute presentations were packed full of practical information. “The presentations were excellent. I can’t remember learn­ ing more usable information in a twenty minute period,” stated Rob Dobson from Middletown Sprinkler Company. Next year at the GIS show be sure to stop by and visit the Water Solutions Center. Come Visit Us On-line! www.gcsanj.org “I wish this website was available during my tenure at St. Andrews.” Old Tom Morris GCSANJ news Volunteers needed In memoriam Hamilton Farm Golf Club will be hosting the Inaugural HSBC Women’s World Match Play Championship, June 27 through July 3, 2005. The top 64 female golfers in the world including Annika Sorenstam, will compete for the largest winners check in the history of the LPGA. Director of grounds Paul Ramina is looking for volunteers to work this event. If you are interested in helping, please contact Brian Loren at 908-901-4034 for more information. Pesticide license update Pesticide applicators, operators, dealers and businesses can now access all of their license information at the follow­ ing website -www.pcpnj.org. Simply log on and click the “click here” link for information such as your license or recertification status, recertification courses and more. It is with great sadness that the Greenerside announces the death of former GCSANJ member Paul Kuehner. Pauls career started as an assistant superintendent to Ed Nickelson at the Monclair G.C. He moved on to become the superin­ tendent of the Rock Spring Club in West Orange N.J. and the Knoll C.C. in Parsippany N.J. He was most recently employed by the Forest Hill Field Club in Bloomfield N.J. Paul was a beloved member of the volunteer crew that worked the Cadilac NFL Golf Classic held at the Upper Montclair C.C. He will be sadly missed by those who knew and worked with him. Paul is survived by his par­ ents and two brothers. Kuehner was 54 years old. RIGGI PAVING, INC. Asphalt and Concrete Construction Paved or Stone Pathways Fully Insured CALL 201-943-3913 Birth announcements Belated congratulations to Alicia and John Hutchison on the birth of their daughter Casey Jean on December 3,2004. At 6 lbs. 11 oz’s and 21 inches Casey joined her parents and big sister Reilly Grace just in time for Christmas. All are doing fine and look forward to summers at the Jersey shore. Proud father John is the superintendent of the Old Orchard Country Club in Eatontown New Jersey. A handsome baby boy by the name of Mark Michael Griff arrived on February 8, 2005. Proud parents of the 8 lbs. 10 oz. bundle of joy is Tina and Mark Griff. Everyone is doing well. Junior’s dad Mark is the superintendent of the Richmond County Country Club on Staten Island, New York. 2005 Patron Directory WESTCHESTER TURF SUPPLY, INC. “Servicing the Golf Turf Profession” Bob Lippman, Jr. - Dave Lippman 845-621-5067 Fax: 845-621-7180 Email: Westturf@rcn.com WILFRED MacDONALD, INC. Turf Equipment / Irrigation Bernie White - Tim Kerwin Steve Kopach 888-831-0891 WM. STOTHOFF CO., INC. Well Drilling & Pumping Systems David C. Stothoff, President Robert H. Stothoff, Vice-President 908-782-2717 A T SALES ASSOCIATES Material Supplier: Sod, Greens mix, Compost, Sand, Stone & Seed Chip Presendofer - Owen Regan Jake Straub 888-442-2322 ADVANCED AGRO TECHNOLOGIES Soil Aeration Peter van Drumpt Chris des Garennes 732-493-3555 AER-CORE, INC. Contract Turfgrass Services & Equip. Supply Dennis DeSanctis Sr. Robert Eichert, William Mast 610-327-3390 ALAN G. CRUSE, INC. Golf Course Materials Alan G. Cruse James A. Cruse 973-227-7183 Fax: 973-227-1984 AQUATROLS CORP. OF AMERICA Innovative Products for Effective Resource Management Kevin P. Collins - NE Territory Mgr. Colleen Clifford - Corporate Marketing Mgr 800-257-7797 BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS Tree Core, Soil Management, IPM Wayne S. Dublin Thomas Purtell - 732-968-0800 JeffPicher-973-983-1840 973-983-7511 BAYER E.S. Shaun M. Barry 732-846-8173 DAF SERVICES, INC. Pump Station, Sales & Services Dave Frechette Dick Young 860-623-5207 DAVISSON GOLF, INC. Bio Basics, PPM & Ally Fertilizers, Environmental Systems, Sand & Soil Blends, Topdressing JeffLaCour 800-613-6888 Cell: 302-354-0771 EAST COAST SOD & SEED Bentgrass Sod, Fescue Sod, Bluegrass Sod Installation & Turfgrass Seed Kevin Driscoll - 609-760-4099 E/T EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC. Bruce A. Pye - Dick Neufeld Gerry Grant 914-271-6126 FERTL-SOIL TURF SUPPLY INC. Golf Course Supplies, Topdressing & Divot Mixes Marty Futyma - Cathy Futyma-Brown 908-322-6132 RALPH McGILLAN EXCAVATING LLC Lakes & Ponds Ralph 609-655-2281 FISHER & SON CO., INC. Superior Products for the Turf & Horticultural Professional Al Phillips - 856-478-6704 Randy Rider - 302-242-6848 Mike Oleykowski - 609-267-8041 GRASS ROOTS, INC. Golf Course Maintenance Supplies Ken Kubik-973-418-7035 Keith Kubik - 973-418-7034 Joe Kennedy - 973-445-8139 Office: 973-361-5943 JADA CORP. Manufacturer of Wetting Agents Barry Kronman 973-762-8002 LEBANON TURF Fertilizer, Seed, Control Products John Farrell - Dennis Smith 800-532-0090 LESCO, INC. Fertilizer and Control Products John Fenwick - 908-413-6454 Matt Paulino - 609-839-4230 John Fitzgerald - 908-482-1496 800-321-5325 METRO TURF SPECIALISTS “Customers, Our Top Priority” Ernie Steinhofer - Dave Conrad Scott Apgar - Gary Rehm 888-217-1039 - 203-748-GOLF Email: mail@metroturfspecialists.com MONTCO PRODUCTS CORPORATION SURFSIDE WETTING AGENTS LIQUID - GRANULAR - PELLETS ZAP! Defoamer Information: Bob Oechsle 215-836-4992 800-401-0411 NATIONAL SEED Grass Seed & Seeding Supplies Ken Griepentrog - George Rosenberg Barry Van Sant 732-247-3100 PHILADELPHIA TURF CO. Distributor of Toro Equipment & Irrigation Products Thomas Drayer 215-340-5431 PLANT FOOD COMPANY, INC. 38 Hightstown-Cranbury Station Road Cranbury, NJ 08512 Ted Platz 609-448-0935 RIGGI PAVING, INC. Asphalt & Concrete Construction PO Box 2214, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010 Frank J. Riggi, Jr. 201-943-3913 STEPHEN KAY • DOUG SMITH, GOLF COURSE DESIGN Golf Course Architecture Stephen Kay - Doug Smith 609-965-3093 STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Turf and Irrigation Equipment Blair Quin - Rick Krok - Bruce Wild 908-722-9830 SYNATEK Golf, Turf & Ornamental Supplier Mfg. of fertigation & Water Quality Systems Russ Mitchell, Dir. of Sales & Marketing Tom Valentine, Sales Rep. NJ 267-203-1606 SYNGENTA Manufacturer: Daconil, Banner, Heritage, Medallion Lee A. Kozsey Mark Delsantro 610- 861-8174 THE CARE OF TREES Arboricultural (Tree Care) Services Jim Twomey - Brian Nadriczny Mike Cook 201-445-4949 THE NORTHEAST GOLF COMPANY Golf Course Architect Robert McNeil -Traci McNeil 732-747-1888 THE TERRE COMPANY of NJ, INC. Pesticides, Seed, Fertilizers & Supplies Dennis DeSanctis, Jr. - 732-580-5514 Byron Johnson - 201-321-2009 Pat O’Neil-201-321-2007 Office - 973-473-3393 TUCKAHOE SAND & GRAVEL CO, INC. Sand & Gravel Quarry; Golf Course Mixes Golf Course Maintenance & Construction Material Ron Carusi - George McRoberts 800-922-7263 Fax: 609-861-3671 More Golf Industry Show photo's Matt Cepalo smiles as Grizzly Adams checks out the linens at the 2005 Golf Industry Show. The Campbells pose for a family portrait. Charlie Cross and Tom Grimac take a break from walking the floor. Do Tom Saunders, Greg Nicoll and Bob Ribbans know that Dennis De Sanctis is a Troy Alkman fan? Mrs. and Mr. Pat Wall still work­ ing the floor even in retirement. Would the real Ed Walsh please step forward. Mike Miner, Glenn Gallion and Chris Hunt weren't listening when Shaun said close your eyes. Photos courtesy of Shaun Barry. The Lance Rogers family looks like they filled up a few bags with basketballs and candy. KOONZ Supply, Inc Creative Solutions for Turfgrass Management. Floratine Invested In The Wonder A Floratine Group Distributor 908-305-5647 201-755-0738