THEGreenerside May-June 2005 • Volume 29 Number 3 Official Publication of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey FAIRMOUNT COUNTRY CLUB Site of the 2005 New Jersey State Open. 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 Nicoll, 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 Chris Boyle, CGCS District 3 Dave Mishkin Bill Murray District 4 Gregg Armbruster 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 "The Procedure” If your dog developed shortness of breath, had a persistent cough and ran a low grade fever for over four months wouldn’t you think it was time to go see a doctor? Well, that’s what I did. But why wait four months you ask? Isn’t neglect a form of abuse? Yes and No. Yes it’s a tad bit neglectful but no because I have been through it before and she always seems to get better. Here’s what really happened. After realizing she had been ill for four months, I picked her up and threw her into the front seat of my pickup truck and drove immediately to the doctors office. A nurse brought us into the examination room and scolded me for waiting four months. The doctor entered the room and picked and probed and then said he would have to “open” her up. Open her up! She always got better on her own. The doctor finished the procedure and offered these words of encouragement. “Son, she’s a little weak but all your little Greenerside needs is some super­ intendent written articles.” To good health, The editor went searching for superintendent written articles in Boston. On the cover: The scenic 11th hole of Fairmount Country Club maintained by superintendent Vince Bracken. Photo courtesy of Peter Pedrazzi, Jr. www.gcsanj.org President’s Message Bruce Peeples, CGCS Spring Lake Golf Club I realize the primary objective of a golf course superintendent is to “grow grass.” But if one where to think about it, we really are more in the people business. In order for the grass to grow we need to interact constantly with individuals to maintain the golf course at an expected level. Support from employers, efforts from employees, tips from sales reps, assistance from peers and encouragement from family - there is no way a golf course superintendent can do it alone. Think about how many people we make personal contact with on a daily basis. And don’t forget all the phone calls, messages, e-mail and faxes - at times it seems to never end. Successful golf course superintendents are almost always equally skilled in communication and turf management. As we unfortu­ nately know, more people lose their positions over lack of communication, or people skills, than their inability to grow grass. Perhaps universities as well as our own associations of GCSANJ and GCSAA should be providing more educa­ tion on the subjects of communication and people skills to students and members so they can become better golf course superintendents. Science obviously plays a huge role when providing a well conditioned golf course. But people, both in front of and behind the scene, are ultimately what allow the final result to be successful. "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 Ca// 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 What’s Inside From the editor's desk.....................................................2 President's Message ........................................................3 A technical look at water movement issues in turf...................................4 Calendar..................................................................................5 GCSANJ news.................................................................. 15 A technical look at water movement issues in turf By Colleen Clifford Water movement problems such as poor infiltration, hy­ dration, and distribution of water and applied chemicals into the soil profile can create problems for professional turf managers in their efforts to establish and maintain uniform, vigorous, and healthy turf Physical Properties of Water Chemical Properties A discussion of the physical properties of water is an appropriate preface to understanding soil water movement. Many of the unique properties of water can be attributed to its molecular construction. The two hydrogen atoms and single oxygen atom of water are held together by a strong covalent bond. 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. Although the water molecule is electronically neutral (i.e. non-ionic), the geometric configuration of the covalent bond of water creates a molecular structure for the entire water molecule, with oxygen having a partial negative charge and each hydrogen having a partial positive charge. This uneven distribution of charge within a bond is known as a dipole, the bond and the molecule are said to be polar. Continues on page 5 Instead of Calling Everyone for Everything Call Us, John Deere Golf & Turf One Source™ is the one call that will give you everything you need. Von 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.com/onesource John Deere JOHN DEERE GOLF & TURF One Source "Distributor 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 Please call 877-BARTLETT 1.877.227.8538 or visit our website www.bartlett.com bartlett BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS Scientific Tree Care Since 1907 OFFICIAL GOLF COURSE EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER www.etequipment.com A technical look Continued from page 4 Since opposite charges attract each other, the hydrogen region (positive charge) of the water molecule is attracted to the oxygen region (negative charge) of other water molecules or negative sites on other molecules. This attraction of the hydrogen region of water molecules to negatively charged regions of other molecules is called hydrogen bonding Understanding the polar nature of water and the at­ traction of its hydrogen region to negative regions of other molecules (including negative sites on soil surfaces) will help to explain what happens to water when it is applied to, and moves through a soil profile. The natural state of water is in the form of a liquid. This fluid state of water is the con­ sequence of water molecules existing in strong association with each other due to intermolecular polar attraction and hydrogen bonding. Cohesion Within a water droplet, water molecules are in a constant state of movement toward other water molecules. Each water 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 molecule is subject to attractive and repulsive forces from nearby molecules that, on the average, are distributed in all directions. This strong attraction between water molecules is defined as cohesion. Cohesive tension plays a major role in determining the amount of water that is attached to surfaces, collects in pore spaces, or moves through the soil profile. Continues on page 6 Calendar August 4, 2005 Rutgers Turf Research Field Day - Golf and Fine Turf Section, Hort Farm II Contact: Michelle Rickard (215)751-6582 August 8-14, 2005 87th PGA Championship, Baltusrol G.C., Springfield, NJ Mark Kuhns CGCS - Host superintendent Contact: www.PGA.com November 1,2,3,2005 2nd Annual Crystal Conference and Classic, Contact: Ineke Pierpoint 1-866-GCSANJ1 A technical look Continued from page 5 Interfacial Tensions Any time water molecules located on the boundary of the fluid come in contact with a dissimilar solid, liquid, or vapor, their properties can be different. Forces that alter or influence intermolecular attractions on the boundary of the fluid state of water are called interfacial tensions. When water comes in contact with the air (liquid-air interface), only half of the surrounding space is occupied by other water molecules. This causes a new arrangement of the intermolecular forces in order to hold the surface molecules in place. Since air contains no polar entity to move toward, water molecules at the surface tend to move inward toward the bulk of water molecules. This inward movement of water molecules at the liquid-air interface is known as surface tension. Surface tension is what causes water to “bead” on a surface rather than spread out. Surface tension also has a 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 great deal to do with the ability of water to infiltrate pore spaces, whether they occur at the soil surface or within the soil profile. If the size of the water droplet exceeds pore space size, penetration and infiltration of water into and through the soil profile may be restricted. When water comes in contact with a solid surface (liquid-solid interface), the polar attractive forces between the water molecules and the solid surface (adhesion) will dictate the affinity of the water for the solid. Water molecules at the liquid-solid interface will attach to surfaces containing polar sites through hydrogen bonding (hydration). Adhesive tension is associated with hydration or “wet­ ting” of a soil. When adhesion exceeds the attraction between individual water molecules (cohesion), water will spread out on the solid surface. Continues on page 8 Dennis DeSanctis, Sr. Cell: 610-608-3181 Office: 610-327-3390 Fax: 610-327-0581 ddesanctis@aer-core.com 1486 S. Hanover St. Pottstown, PA 19465 www. aer-core. com Turfgrass Services Equipment Sales From the front nine to the backyard, you can count on us. Storr Tractor Company 908-722-9830 2005 The Toro Company 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. A technical look Continued from page 6 Water Repellency Researchers generally agree that water repellency (hy- drophobicity) in soils is caused by a range of hydrophobic organic materials that form non-polar “coatings” on soil particles. Decomposing plant materials, microbial deposits, organic acids, and fungal hyphae have been identified as possible sources of hydrophobic organic materials. When a soil particle coated with these hydrophobic organic materials becomes dry, the normal polar charac­ teristic of the soil is changed to a non-polar surface. Water molecules, because of their polar nature, tend to prefer and aggregate towards other polar molecules rather than the non-polar sites of water repellent surfaces. Therefore, since there is no polar entity to move toward, water molecules at the water boundary tend to move inward toward the bulk of other water molecules. This is the molecular basis of water repellency. The scientific definition of water repellency is described as a condition where the adhesive polar forces at the water solid interface are less than the cohesive force of water. Water repellency in soils can result in a number of problems caused by poor water movement patterns. The most obvious effect of water repellency is a reduction of infiltration rates. Additionally, hydration (wetting) and dis­ tribution of applied water and input chemicals can be quite irregular and incomplete. Turf decline, localized dry spots, poor drainage and non-uniform turf quality have also been linked to water repellency in soil profiles. Water repellency is often viewed inaccurately as a condi­ tion that: 1 ) occurs only in a limited number of soil profiles, 2) impacts small areas only (i.e. localized dry spots), and 3) occurs at the surface of the soil profile. Continues on page 9 U.S. Silica’s Golf Sand Capabilities Have Grown -Custom-Blends -Divot-Mixes USGA Recommendations -Pro-White-Bunker-Sand -Sure-Play-Root-Zone-Mixes -Sure-Play-Drainage-Media Our Products Meet Call toll free 800-257-7034 www.golfsand.com Email: sales@ussilica.com Trust U.S. Silica for expertise and technical support when selecting either construction or maintenance materials. Our top-dressing sands, root zone mixes and drainage stone are easy to apply and maintain. U.S. SILICA COMPANY 9035 Noble Street Mauricetown, NJ 08329 A technical look Continued from page 8 After years of investigation, soil scientists now describe water repellency in much broader terms. Current research data generated from scientists around the world characterize water repellency as a condition that: 1) occurs to some degree in the majority of soil profiles, 2) can impact water movement to large areas of the soil profile, while visible detection is often limited to small areas, and 3) occurs from the surface to depths that would include the rootzone of most turfgrass varieties. (For more information on water repellency, visit www.aquatrols.com - research information.) The Role of Surfactants Research has confirmed that certain surfactants (“wetting agents”) are very effective in overcoming water movement problems associated with water repellency. Surfactants are Celebrating 75th Anniversary fisher son company, inc. The “Green Industry” Supplier SUPERIOR PRODUCTS FOR THE TURF & HORTICULTURAL PROFESSIONAL AL PHILLIPS 856-478-6704 RANDY RIDER 302-242-6848 www.fisherandson.com chemical compounds whose molecular structure is well suited to overcome both the water repellent (non-polar) char­ acteristics of hydrophobic soil profiles and poor infiltration of water due to surface tension. Continues on page 10 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 • Landscape Materials Topdressings SUPRGRO Topsoil STABILIZER Blending Customized blends available with our new mobile blending equipment. ★ U.S.G.A. specification products. ★ (732) 356-0858 A technical look Continued from page 9 A simplified model of a surfactant molecule is shown above to facilitate discussion regarding their structure and mode of action. It should be noted that the construction of surfactants is very complex. Although there is similarity in the function of most surfactants, surfactant chemistries and/or their formulations may differ widely in their perfor­ mance characteristics. The surfactant molecule is made up of a hydrophilic (“water loving”) polar component and a hydrophobic (“water repellent”) non-polar component. Surfactants in Water When surfactant molecules are applied to soils with water as the carrier (such as through irrigation systems), the hydrophilic ends of the surfactant molecules are strongly attracted to the water molecules. As a result, the surfactant molecules align themselves at the surface so that their hy­ drophilic ends are toward the water and their hydrophobic ends are “squeezed” away from the water. These “outward” forces at the air-water interface reduce surface tension and facilitate infiltration of water from the surface into the soil profile. 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 Fertigatlon & 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 Fertimate Fertigation Liquids CALCIUM SOIL AMENDMENTS PhysioCal contains natural calcified seaweed and is a superior replacement for traditional liming products 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 A technical look Continued from page 10 Surfactants in a Soil Profile When a surfactant is applied to the soil profile, the hy­ drophobic (non-polar) end of the surfactant attaches to the non-polar water repellent site on the soil particle. This serves a very important function. As water moves into and through the soil profile, individual water molecules are attracted to the polar end of the surfactant. Therefore, the polar end of the surfactant serves as an attachment site for water molecules, allowing a water repellent soil particle to hydrate (“wet”). Surfactants Selection Not all surfactants are the same. The molecular construc­ tion of a surfactant can significantly influence the pattern of water distribution once applied to the soil profile. Surfactants differ widely in their size, shape, structure and molecular weight. Each of these characteristics can influence how ef­ fectively water attaches to a water repellent soil particle, the uniform distribution of water and solutes, and the drainage characteristics of a treated soil profile. Professional turf managers should select surfactants based on the type of hy­ dration and distribution pattern that will best address their identified turf management issue(s). Continues on page 12 Pavelec Bros. Golf Course Construction Co. Professionalism and Excellence in the Construction of New and Renovation Work. Large and small crews for any size job Rock Walls Pond Construction / Pond Dredging All equipment necessary Extensive drainage design Certified Irrigation Contractor 1-973-667-1643Fax: 1-973-667-6599 A technical look Continued from page 11 Water Movement Non-Uniformity Macropore flow and flow over sloping layers are inherently associated with physical variability in soil profiles. The cause of fingered flow, how­ ever, is more closely associated with the influence of water repellent soils on the wetting front of water as it moves through a soil profile. Since the water cannot adhere to water repellent soil particles, the tendency for water masses to attract to each other becomes greater (cohesion). Large “clusters” of water masses can form and under the influence of gravity, will preferentially move through narrow macropore channels. The establishment of fingered flow patterns accelerates the transport of water and surface- applied solutes that contribute to non-uniformity and/or poor turfgrass quality. This can increase the risk of groundwater reservoir contamination and contribute to reduced performance of applied chemicals and/or fertilizers. In those areas between fingered flow pat­ terns of water movement, dry and water repellent soil pockets or zones will persist. These areas further contribute to the non-uniformity of turf­ grass quality as well as potentially manifesting themselves as localized dry spots or areas where chemical and/or fertilizer treatments display less than a desirable performance. Researchers have found that water movement patterns in water repellent soils can be unstable, irregular and lead to the development of preferential flow pathways. Three types of preferential flow occur in soils: Macropore Flow - Occurs when water follows large pores, narrow channels or cracks caused by worms, roots, or soil shrinking and swelling. Flow Over Sloping Layers - Occurs when sloping layers of coarse soil within the rootzone redirect flow of water over the layers. This directs flow from unsaturated areas resulting in uneven wetting of the soil profile. Fingered Flow - Occurs when water and solutes move in water repellent soils through preferential paths, or “fingers”. The occurrence of these fingerlike wetting patterns seriously accelerates the transport of water and surface-applied solutes down and through the rootzone. Colleen Clifford is the Marketing Manager of Aquatrols of Paulsboro, NJ 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. 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 Harbor Pines gets the season started By Shaun Barry President Peeples thanks host superintendent Rick Broome CGCS (C) and assistant superintendent Jay Jackson for a great day at Harbor Pines. For the second time in three years Rick Broome CGCS and Harbor Pines GC were our hosts as the GCSANJ monthly meeting schedule started for the season. Since this is one of our favorite sites, we had a large field to open the year. With the spring weather acting like late winter, it is amazing host Rick and his as­ sistant Jason Jackson got the course ready for play. Rick wanted to make sure that all of his friends were happy and Jason wanted to impress his dad (Bob Jackson) who is past president of the Philadelphia Association of Golf Course Continues on page 16 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. GCSANJ news Continued from page 15 Dave Pease is recognized for his 25 years of distinguished membership. ...not just another sod farm! > Bentgrass Sod > Fescue • Greens Height • Tee/Fairway Height > Bluegrass • Regular Short-Cut • Fine Blue/Fine Tall > Seed Distributors For: • Tee2 Green Corp • Turfseed, Inc. East Coast Sod & Seed, LLC 596 Pointers Auburn Road Pilesgrove, NJ 08098 CALL KEVIN DRISCOLL 609-760-4099 cell 856-769-9555 office Superintendents. With their efforts and lots of hard work from their staff, they presented a fine course in wonderful shape. Our speaker was Don Kenezick from Pinelands Nursery. His presentation was well received and there were many questions. Always a good sign of a timely topic and an interested audience. The cost of lunch was equally shared by four sponsors. They were Bayer, Dry Ject, Floratine and Lebanon. In ad­ dition to them we had affiliates who have chosen to donate some money towards the skill prizes so the day will be rewarding to our winners. In alphabetical order they were Bayer, Lawn & Golf, Philadelphia Turf and Torsiliere. They sponsored one hole while Jacklin Seed and Storr Tractor each paid for two holes. Our winners in the long drive contests were Paul Brandon, Jim Cross, Chris Hermens and Don Kenezick. Hitting it closest to the pin were Jim Cross (6 ft & 11 inches), Jason Jackson (13 ft & 3 inches) and 74 year old Tony Funari who beat the young guys twice. His shots to 20 ft & 2 inches (only name on the sheet) and 4 ft & 5 inches did the trick. Our low gross winners were Jonh Farell’s guest, Frank Decraine (75) and Tom Grimac (77) who defeated Jim Woods on a match of cards. John Carpinelli (70) defeated Peter VanDrumpt on a match of cards in the net tournament. This seems fitting because John made an Eagle on the par four, 12th hole with a 6 foot putt for a sure double skin when Peter chips in for an Eagle on his own thus eliminating both Eagles from the skins. Eagles usually are quite rare for our group but Brad Simpkins had one of his own on the par 5 1st hole. This one held up for a double skin. He joined Frank Decraine with two while Ed Casteen, Matt Dobbie, Tom Grimac, Ken Miller and Phil O’Brien had one. The club provided some very nice hors d’oeuvres and the after golf gathering was great. It was at this time that our president, Bruce Peeples CGCS, presented 25 year plates Continues on page 17 GCSANJ news Continued from page 16 to Tom Grimac and Dave Pease. He had not been able to play but he drove down so he could present these plates to the fellows in front of their friends and peers. It was great hearing a brief summary of Tom and Dave’s careers. We always learn something new about our friends. It also gives them a chance to say thanks and both did a nice job of ex­ pressing their appreciation and also stating how quickly time has passed. I think that this is a message that we should all take to heart. Harbor Pines is truly a wonderful host and just being part of the day made us feel like winners. I do hope everyone at the club knows how much we appreciate all of their efforts. Thanks to all and I know we will return. £ RIGGI PAVING, INC. Asphalt and Concrete Construction Paved or Stone Pathways Fully Insured CA1I 201-943-3913 Tom Grimac CGCS has been an active member of the GCSANJ for over 25 years and deserves his shiny plate. Golf Course Quality Sod your Total The finest varieties of sod cultivated, harvested SOD SOLUTION 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 GCSANJ news Gallaway National GC is tough and wonderful Scott McBane told me on several occasions that when he was ready, Galloway National would like to host a monthly meeting. In 2004 he called and said that 2005 was the year. Not only would he host the meeting but he would also provide the speaker. It would be Bradley Klein, Fred Ridley or Tom Fazio and maybe all three. It turned out to be Mr. Klein and the club picked up the cost to get him there. When you add up the airfare and a limo from Philly we realize how generous the club was to our group. I am still amazed that our cost for the day was only $100 per person. The fact that Fisher & Son spent $1,000 to sponsor lunch and Helena helped with the light hors d’oeuvres really kept the cost low. It also helps when our members get involved with the pricing (remember Pine Valley? Thanks again Rick.) and Scott gets all of the credit for this. GCSANJ President Bruce Peeples CGCS presents Gallaway National superintendent Scott McBane with the association flag. Bradley had flown all night to get here and although he must have been tired it never showed. The room was not quite dark enough for his power point presentation to Continues on page 19 No fuel. No fumes. No noise. The Jacobsen E-Walk and E-Plex electric, precision-cut greens mowers. Revolutionary, ultra-quiet walk-behind and triplex greens mowers deliver tournament quality results without uttering a sound. It's a perfect solution for early morning maintenance near homes along the fairways and next to greens. There’s no gas to spill, no hydraulic fluids to leak, no emissions and best of all, no noise. And the E-Plex and E-Walk costs only pennies a day to operate thanks to a convenient rechargeable battery pack. Whether you choose the E-Walk with a 22 inch cutting width or the E-Plex with its 62 inch cutting width you'll be getting an 80% parts commonality with other quality Jacobsen greens mowers. Plus you get the industry's best warranty programs and parts access from CustomerOne™ Wilfred MacDonald, Inc. 19 Central Boulevard South Hackensack, NJ 07606 (888) 831-0891 www.wiIfredmacdonaId.com JACOBSENA Textron Company WWW.jacobsen.com ©2003 Jacobsen, A Textron Company For a free demonstration of the E-Walk and E-Plex greens mowers or other Jacobsen equipment come see us or give us a call. JACOBSENcustomer ONE GCSANJ news Continued from page 18 be effective so he had a conversation with the audience. This was extremely well received and lunch was delayed because the questions kept coming. I think he could have used another hour but maybe he will speak to us again. Lunch was enjoyed by all. Jim McNally said that it was one of the best that he has ever had at a monthly meeting. That is pretty high praise but I think it was an opinion shared by all. It is also fortunate for us because we needed all of our strength to challenge this course. We played it at 6,374 yards but that translated to a slope rating of 138. Scott and Jon Novak decided to keep the pins on the flat ground if possible and they made no effort to speed the greens up. It would have been a 6 to 7 hour round if he wanted to make it tough and I doubt anyone would have broken 90. Thank you Scott and Jon. You and your staff did a great job and I hope you will tell them how much we appreciated their efforts. The course proved to be more than a match for our games. John Farrell was the only player who scored well. He did this in spite of playing with Kevin Driscoll and Phil O’Brien. These two gentlemen proudly take credit for taking my game down to their level and I am afraid that is where it will stay. John has been able to avoid their negative effect but I don’t know how. On Kevin’s card he had enough X’s to play tick-tack-toe (bet on the chicken). On two holes his scorecard simply said phone and another said bad golf and another said “don’t know.” Mr. O’Brien only had 2 X’s but he did have one “not sure” and one had no score at all. Imagine watching that all day and still shooting a 77. It is even more amazing when you consider that the next best score was an 85. Adding to my amazement is that Harry Harsin played with this group and he had a 91 and took low gross honors in the higher handicap group ( by a margin of 10 shots ). Our net winners were Peter VanDrumpt (73), Continues on page 20 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 19 Gregg Armbruster (74), Bob Zelley (73) and Wendell Beakley (73). Playing that close to your handicap is good golf on this course. Winners and sponsors in the closest to the pin and longest drive contests were Ron Simpson (Atlantic Irrigation) 5 ft & 3 ins, Peter VanDrumpt (Dry Ject) 16 ft & 7 ins, Fran Owsik (Floratine) 15 ft even, Lance Seeton (Wilfred MacDonald) 6 ft & 10 ins and Tom Grimac ( Lawn & Golf) 12 ft & 4 ins. Dave Mitchell (Storr Tractor), Harry Harsin (Wilfred MacDonald), Mark (300 yards plus into the wind) Peterson (Philly Turf) and Casey Reed (Torsilieri) all hit it long and kept it in the fairway on the correct holes. Our skin winners from both groups were Tom Babcock, Paul Brandon, Stef Burke, Ed Casteen, Charlie Clarke, Kevin Driscoll (yes he did finish one hole), Rich Fodor, Don Kenezick and Peter VanDrumpt. Brian Ruhl was the only double winner because he eagled the par 5, 6th hole. In spite of the difficulty of the course, the bad play by most and the long ride home, many of our folks stayed after golf to share stories of their day and to enjoy the company of their friends. It felt like a family reunion and I hope we can be reunited again real soon. Golf writer Brad Klein (L) gives a great presentation to the crowd. 1976 GCSANJ necktie contest top ten finalists. Dave McGhee eventually was D Q'd. GCSANJ news Bob Dickison honored By Michelle Rickard On April 8, 2005, Robert A. Dickison was presented with the prestigious Community Service Award at the Mayor’s Charity Ball in Verona Township for his work as Shade Tree Commission Chairman. This award is given annually to recognize individuals and organiza­ tions who are exceptional in their work, performance, or good deeds for the community and citizens of Verona. Bob has lived in Verona for over 40 years. He has been an active member of the Verona J.C.’s serving as President in 1971-1972. During that time, Bob helped start the Verona Labor Day Picnic in the Park. Along with his service as Shade Tree Chairman, Mr. Dickison has served on the Beautification Committee. For the last 26 years, under Bob’s leadership, Verona has been designated a Tree City USA. Bob oversees 5000 trees along 125 miles of township roads. In a letter of recommendation, Robert J. Prout wrote, “The town is fortunate to have someone with the extensive knowledge of Horticulture and back-ground experience that Bob has. For over 50 years Verona has had an ordinance that recognizes the value of its trees and has uniformly protected them. Other towns have held our ordi­ nance as a model and copied it in their own communities.” Bob is truly deserving of this award and all the ac­ colades he has received for his contributions to the green industry. NJTA presented Bob with the Hall of Fame Award in 1993. In 1983-1984, Bob served as President of the Golf Course Superintendents of New Jersey. He has been a dedicated Charter member of the New Jersey Turfgrass Association. He served as President of NJTA in 1990 and continues to serve as the Expo General Chairman. Michelle Rickard is the Executive Director of the New Jersey Turfgrass Association. Birth announcements Fred & Margie Riedel were blessed with a son on April 19, 2005. His name is Thomas Andrew and he weighed 8 lbs and 3 oz’s. He was 20 & 3/4 inches tall. Mom, Dad, Thomas and big brother Matthew are all doing fine. On May 14, 2005 Aaron and Kristie Gewant had a little baby girl Meghan Elizabeth. She weighed in at 6 lbs and 6 oz’s and was measured at 19 1/2 ins. Mom and Dad are doing well. The Grandparents, Ken and Ginny Kubik could not be any happier. The question now is whether she will play tennis righty or lefty. c c I Course Contractors, Inc. Golf Course Construction & Improvements Dennis Shea Division Manager P.O. Box 158 Mt. Freedom, NJ 07970 800-936-2652 • Cell 973-945-5938 Fax: 973-895-5578 Member GCSAA and NJGCSA Professional Aerification Services INCORPORATED - Deep Tine Aeration-Area Material Spreading -core aerification and Cleanup • G.P.S. Services and Area measurements Benny Beta (609) 209-3182 Alan Phillips (609) 226-9303 E-Mail: turfl23@patmedia.net 2005 Patron Directory 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 WESTCHESTER TURF SUPPLY, INC. “Servicing the Golf Turf Profession” Bob Lippman, Jr. - Dave Lippman 845-621-5067 Fax: 845-621-7180 Email: Westturf@ren.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. Dubin Thomas Purtell - 732-968-0800 Jeff Picher-973-983-1840 973-983-7511 BAYER E.S. Manufacturer 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 Jeff LaCour 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 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 GEO. SCHOFIELD CO., INC. PO Box 110 Bound Brook, NJ 08805 Wes Perrine - 732-356-0858 GRASS ROOTS, INC. Golf Course Maintenance Supplies Ken Kubik-973-418-7035 Keith Kubik-973-418-7034 Joe Kennedy - 973-445-8139 Jay McKenna - 973-418-7036 Office: 973-252-6634 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-GOLFEmail: mai 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 PAVELEC BROTHERS GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. Golf Course Construction and Renovation Anthony Pavelec Jr. 973-667-1643 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 RALPH McGILLAN EXCAVATING LLC Lakes & Ponds Ralph 609-655-2281 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 ts.com Banner, SYNGENTA Manufacturer: Daconil, l@metroturfspecialis 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 Aging like fine wine Dave McGhee hosted the retirement party for Bob Ribbans at the Fiddlers Elbow Country Club. These six fine gentleman combine for over 225 years of greenkeeping experience, older than some of the wine. Rubbing whiskers was a very manly act in the 1800's. Wayne "white socks" Foster, Joe Flaherty, and Ken "Root" Kubik discussing alpaca futures. With a full head of hair and none of it silver, Jeff Wetterling wasn't allowed to drink wine. Al Rathjens, Shaun Barry, Paul Strani, Ken Kubik and Joe Flaherty are card carrying members of the Bob Ribbans fan club. The Big Three - Al, Dave, and Skip. Ooops! You can't have your cake and spell it correct too. KOONZ Supply, Inc Creative Solutions for Turfgrass Management Floratine Invested In The Wonder A Floratine Group Distributor 908-305-5647 • 201-755-0738