THEGREENERSIDE Winter 2010 Volume 34 Number 1 Official Publication of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey Atlantic City Country Club 18th Hole & Clubhouse Site of April 20, 2010 “War at the Shore” with Philly GCS New Jersey Chapter GCSAA GCSAA Professional Conduct Guidelines The following professional conduct guidelines are; provided to encourage the highest standards of conduct among the membership of GCSAA. These guidelines are a companion document to the GCSAA Code of Ethics. While the professional conduct guidelines may not be enforced with membership sanctions, these guidelines should nonetheless be promoted, practiced and encouraged by GCSAA members. Non­ compliance of these guidelines should be noted, publicized and self-policed by fellow GCSAA members? officials and affiliated chapters to discourage future instances of such noncompliance. In assessing one's actions? All superintendents should ask the question? ''Would my actions meet with the approval of other superintendents?" 1. A member should always contact a fellow superintendent prior to visiting his/her course? regardless of the reason for the visit. 2. Applications for employment should only be sent to an employer if the applicant has contacted the current superintendent to determine whether the position is available or if the applicant is responding to as Employment Referral Service announcement. 3. A member should only accept an interview for a job currently held by a fellow superintendent if the applicant has contacted the current superintendent to verify the position is open, or if the applicant has learned about the opening in an Employment Referral Service announcement. 4. Members should always adhere to the complimentary golf policies of other golf courses and always give as much advance notice as possible when seeking playing privileges at a fellow superintendents golf facility. 5. Members should only accept a consulting assignment at a golf facility if the current superintendent at that facility is aware of such impending consulting activity. 6. Consulting recommendations for a facility should be made in the presence of the current superintendent or written recommendations should be carbon copied to the current superintendent. 7. Members should always conduct themselves in the highest professional manner at all golf- related events and other public events where the member is representing the golf course superintendent profession. 8. A member should not render negative opinions or comments about fellow members. Members are encouraged to remind fellow superintendents about these courtesies through phone calls? electronic messages and letters. Peer reinforcement of these standards is encouraged. 2/13/10 Printed from GCSAA.org New Jersey Chapter GCSAA GCSANJ Newsletter is published four times a year by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey Jim Cadott, Editor Contributing Writer & Photographer Shaun Barry Please address inquiries to: Editor, The Greenerside 25 US Hwy 46 W, Wayne NJ 07470 Layout, Design, & Ad Placement: Cece Peabody, Executive Director 1-866-GCSANJ1 Printing by AlphaGraphics, Totowa, NJ 973-812-6600 • FAX 973-812-6601 Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey 25 US Highway 46 West Wayne, New Jersey 07470 1-866-GCSANJ1 • FAX 973-812-6529 Officers: Bill Murray, President Paul Dotti, Vice President Lance Rogers, CGCS, Secretary Chris Boyle, CGCS, Treasurer Mickey Stachowski, Past President Directors: District I Andy Schuckers Scott Bosetti District II Mark Griff Michael Campbell District III Jim Cadott Anthony DiBartolomeo District IV Jeffrey Staeger Wendell Beakley Rutgers Liaisons Dr. Bruce Clarke Dr. James Murphy GCSAA Chapter Delegate James C. McNally Bill Murray, Alternate Executive Director Cece Peabody, MAT, CMP Commercial Representatives Shaun Barry & Brad Simpkins © 2010 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. In this Issue Professional Conduct Guidelines.........Inside Front Cover President’s Message................................................. 4 Executive Director & Calendar................................ 5 Chris Carson: Distinguished Service Award........ 6 Golf in the Desert....................................................... 7 Winter Traffic Concerns.............................................. 8 Back to the Future....................................................... 9 Golf Industry 2010 Thoughts.................................... 13 Rutgers Turfgrass Golf Classic................................ 17 (Almost) Spring Meeting................................................ 24 Checked Your Irrigation System Lately?................. 28 Annual C Championship - Architects Golf Club.........31 Two For the Record Books............................................ 32 Patron Directory...............................................................34 Welcome New Members! Michael Broome, SM, Hollywood Golf Club Michael Candeloro, A, Flanders Valley Golf Club Matthew Cognetta, C, Upper Montclair Country Club Douglas Gonzalez, A, Club at Morgan Hill Jim Santoro, AF, Valent Professional Products David Smallwood, SM, Seaview Resort & Spa Frederick Stauffer III, AF, John Deere Golf Michael Tardogno, SM, Cranbury Golf Club Andrew Thompson, C, Seaview Resort & Spa Michael Weber, C, Forest Hill Golf Club -- GCSANJ News EMAIL link -- gcsanjnews@gmail.com Do we have your current email address?? with the subject “GCSANJ Email Address” Send to: execdirector@gcsanj.org COVER PHOTO Atlantic City Country Club, Northfield NJ Photo Courtesy of ACCC President's Message As I sit here looking out the window I know that this year’s spring clean up is going to be a busy time for all of us here in Central New Jersey and all the other golf courses throughout the state. In most of our children’s minds, looking outside would be considered a winter wonderland but to us it looks more like a war zone. With more than two to three feet of snow covering the ground, it will be some time before our crews will be able to get to all the trees and branches that have fallen due to the weight of the snow. Hours upon hours of plowing and removing snow at our clubs this winter, shows the memberships at your facilities that we are not just “grass growers” but are the most important employee their clubs employ. Having returned from the west coast (San Diego) to attend the Golf Industry Show, I had the pleasure to see how two of our members conducted themselves on the National level this year. Mark Kuhns as President of GCSAA and John O'Keefe as a Director have shown people around the country what really fine individuals they are and what a great association we have here in New Jersey. It is not often we have a member of our association as President of the National, so when you see Mark please say “THANKS” for the great job he and his board did the past year during dire economic times. I also found time to attend Chapter Executive and Chapter Publication meetings, which were very enlightening and will help our association in the future. I hope to see you in Orlando next year. Have you ever read the association by-laws and Code of Ethics? If not, you should. Read them and know them. Our members take great pride in being professional and ethical and we are respected for conducting business with our clubs and vendors in a positive manner. More about both in this issue. Once again Chris Boyle and his education committee have hit a home run, which means baseball must be around the corner. William Murray, Shark River Golf Club On March 9th at the USGA house, we will have another seminar that should be educational and inspiring. A tour of the museum has been offered after lunch so those of you that have not been before, you will be able to see how the game we all love has evolved over the years. On April 20th bring your golf clubs down to the shore for another joint meeting with the Philly association. Wendell Beakley and the rest of the golf committee have secured one of the finest golf courses in the state at the Atlantic City Country Club. Once again we will be playing “The War at The Shore” and it would be nice if we could get our initial win this year. So get yourself a partner and team up with one from Philly and enjoy the course, the camraderie and the day, but please bring the trophy to New Jersey for the first time. I hope all have received the schedule of events for this season and keep it handy. We, the board, hope this will enable you to attend some of our seminars and meetings and get to know some new members and enjoy what your association has to offer you. Once again if you have any questions about our association please feel free to contact Cece, any board member or myself and we will get you all your answers. Here’s to a great year in 2010. Bill Murray Please see 2 inserts in this issue: (1) Save the Date Postcard for 22nd Annual RTJ Invitational October 19, 2010 (2) GCSANJ Membership Application Give to someone to join! 2010 CALENDAR Check calendar for updates and signup info. www.gcsanj.org • March 9, 2010 (Almost) Spring Education Meeting USGA, Far Hills, NJ • April 20, 2010 Joint Meeting with Philly GCS Atlantic City Country Club Northfield, NJ • May 3, 2010 Rutgers Turfgrass Research Golf Classic Fiddlers Elbow Country Club, Far Hills NJ www.njturfgrass.org • May 17, 2010 May Monthly Meeting Navesink Country Club Middletown NJ • June 21, 2020 Golf Meeting Mendhan Golf Course Mendham, NJ • August 12, 2010 District III Championship Toms River Country Club Toms River, NJ • September 20, 2010 Chapter Championship Rock Spring Country Club West Orange, NJ • October 19, 2010 RTJ Invitational Metedeconk National Golf Club Jackson, NJ • November 3-4, 2010 7th Annual Crystal Conference Minerals Resort Vernon, NJ The Big Picture... Cece Peabody, MAT, CMP Executive Director San Diego and the Golf Industry Show were terrific! The city, the weather, the convention center, the trade show, the education, and most of all, the attendees....being part of this industry is awesome! The GIS show is the big picture look at our industry. Executives who manage chapters from across the country met for idea and best practices sharing and networking. I love this meeting and walk away wanting more. I was blown away in the General Session when Chris Gardner (the inspiration for The Pursuit of Happyness movie) talked about his journey to success...I left that motivational session and bought his new book Start Where You Are. All in all, GIS exceeded expectations. We’ve all worked with other companies, other clubs, and even in other industries. If I could pick a few words that make a distinct difference between the golf course superintendents and affiliates from around the country and those ‘others’, they would be respectful, courteous, kind, helpful, generous, and protective. The attitudes are not put on -- they are genuine. As you opened this issue, you read the GCSAA Professional Conduct Guidelines. The companion Code of Ethics found in the By-Laws (in the back of your member directory) are the beacon of every member. Membership is based on the mutual trust and respect of other members. Sometimes we take things for granted and take actions without thoroughly thinking how those actions may affect others. If you ever wonder about a situation, any member of the Board would be glad to listen and advise. As this new year unfolds, re-familiarze yourself with both the Professional Conduct and By-Laws because they are an honored tradition among the members of the NJ chapter. In other issues of this magazine, we’ll share (maybe for the first time or maybe for a refresher) how the various board committees work, as well as how your Board of Directors advance one of the purposes of the Association...“to promote professional improvement through the education and co-operation of its membership.” You are already part of the big picture as a member of the NJ chapter...and we thank you. I Chris Carson wins GCSANJ Distinguished Service Award The Distinguished Service Award always goes to an by Bill Murray President, Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey superintendents in need and golf clubs looking for ad­ vice or a new superintendent. Chris is always the one answering the call to volunteer his services and time to help out his peers anywhere needed. Chris is also the past president of NJTA foundation and General Chairman of Expo at this present time. He has done all this while still mak­ ing the time to be a soccer coach for his chiIdren. These examples of his leadership qualities are not enough because he still finds time to sit down and write articles in our quarterly newsletter, the Greene rside and the NJTA’s Clippings. Writing an article and getting it selected for one of the articles in our national publication, Golf Course Management, is an accomplishment in itself but to win the Leo Feser Award for journalism twice is simply amazing. Besides writing, Chris takes time to teach Turfgrass Management to students in the Tamed Rutgers University Winter Turfgrass Program. You can also find him speaking on different topics to other golf associations throughout the state or even at the GCSAA annual Conference, I know our association, GCSANJ, is very proud to honor Chris I for his achieve­ ments and awards through­ out his dis­ tinguished career as a | golf course superintendent. But most of all he should be com­ mended on being the great person that he is. individual who has demonstrated outstanding service to our profession and our association* the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey. This year Chris Carson's name has been added to that list of "who’s who” of distinguished recipients. There have been few superin­ tendents who have worked for so many years (almost all at the same club - Echo Lake Coun­ try Club) while giving back to the industry as Chris has done. Chris has been involved in nu­ merous activities, committees and the day-to-day operations of our association for the past twenty plus years. I believe everyone in our associa­ tion and the national association knows or has heard of him. Leadership is an area where Chris has really shown what kind of person he is. During his tenure at Echo Lake he has mentored numerous assistants who have gone on to become superintendents in our state and throughout the country. Some of these superinten­ dents I know personally and they have confided in me what an outstanding motivator and individual he is. Even though Chris is a great mentor I believe his greatest strength has been bis ability to lead not one but two different organizations, GCSANJ 1993-1994 and NJTA 2005-2007 (he also was the president of the Tri-State Foundation). This was evident in his drive to hire an executive director who is shared by both as­ sociations, His leadership has gone on even after his presidencies being the man who started GCSANJ’s club relations committee. This committee, which is now called Membership Services, has had to make many visits to clubs throughout the state helping Golf In the Desert at the GCSAA National Championships There are few things that are better then playing golf in the month of February but when it is in the beautiful Palm Springs area that has to be the best. If however you add in the fact that back home The rest of our GCSANJ members played better then they should have and I hope they felt the fun of competing on a national level. They are listed below: by Shaun Barry in NJ snow has been coming down in amounts normally seen in Alaska the experience even gets better. If you now find that you are doing this as a competitor in the GCSAA's National Golf Tournament then you have approached the pinnacle of golfing experiences. The one last thing that could enhance this experience is if you played well and if you won or tied for first in your flight it becomes the “Holy Grail” of a superintendent's life. After all of that build-up it is a pleasure to let you know that Brian Minemier did tie for 1st in Classic I Net. What a great accomplishment for a golfer coming from a Northern state that has truly been dealing with a real “old-fashioned” winter. After months of inactivity Brian fired a pair of 81's gross that earned him net -8 points which tied him with 2 other players. If Brian hadn't “washed” his golf ball on his last hole of play he probably would have been in first by at least 2 points. That however can't take away all of the great memories he had and it was nice for it to happen during his birthday week. We also had two other players in this flight and they were Jim Swiatlowski and Ian Kunesch. Jim ended-up in 9th place in the net division while Ian was tied for 20th. On the gross side Jim tied with Brian ( 82-80) for a 6th place finish and Ian tied for 22nd. Great play on all of their parts. • Rich Lane: (Classic ll) Tied for 9th gross and tied for 7th net • Dennis Granahan: (Classic lll) Tied for 10th gross and tied for 9th net • Bob Prickett: (Classic IV) 8th gross and 9th net • Dave Dudones: (Classic V) Tied for 11th gross and tied for 11th net • Dan KilPatrick: (Classic VI) Tied for 21st gross and tied for 20th net • John O'Keefe: (Classic Vl) Tied for 24th gross and tied for 20th net • Jim Cross: (Senior I) Tied for 9th gross and 9th net ..(I need to see that birth certificate) • Stephen Cadenelli: (Senior ll) 25th gross and 17th net. We did have more players in the event but some were not able to finish and others chose not to post a score. That however in no way took away from the enjoyment that they had and everyone that I spoke to was already planning on playing in Orlando next year. I hope you find the time and the desire to be part of a truly wonderful and well-run event. If so you will see me with my camera so get the smiles ready. Winter Traffic Concerns As we are all aware, the winter weather of 2009/10 has frozen the soil under most turfs in the NJ metropolitan region. However, the recent moderation in air temperature has enticed golfers to consider a round or two at their local facility. Thus, the risk of turf damage from foot and/or equipment traffic at this time of year is a critical factor to golf courses that open for winter play. Golfers typically understand frost delays on a golf course, albeit begrudgingly, but they are often unaware of the other potential problems that result from winter play. Frozen turf and soil is relatively tolerant of a few rounds of play and low levels of equipment traffic although damage to shoot tissue does occur, particularly when there is a frost covering the leaf tissue. Of greater concern are the conditions that develop once the soil begins to thaw. Thawing generally begins at the surface while the underlying soil remains frozen, which creates a condition where the turf is very susceptible to smearing and shearing damage. The turf is more susceptible to shearing because the surface is both wet and loose (frost heaved) and overlays a hard frozen subsurface. As a result, the turf can become very slippery and hazardous. This condition will be more intense on finer-textured soils (loams, silt loams, etc.) and after rain on the frozen turf/soil. Poorly rooted turf will also be more susceptible to shearing than turf with a strong root system. James A. Murphy, Ph.D., Extension Specialist in Turfgrass Management For golf courses that currently have a relatively deep frost in the ground, it would be useful to inform golfers and course officials that the current winter conditions can become very conducive to shearing damage on warm days/afternoons. We are experiencing frequent oscillations between freezing and thawing: days of constant freezing conditions followed by thawing for several days or freezing during nights followed by thawing later in the day. Under either of this scenarios, soil conditions will be hard and firm during the freeze but the turf will be prone to shearing away from the soil or smearing during the days/hours that temperatures moderate (above freezing). It would be important to close the golf course or at least high priority turf areas such as putting greens and small teeing grounds, which can not tolerate much damage under such conditions. Moreover, advise your winter tree pruning/removal and other work crews to be on the lookout for surface thawing while out on the golf course. Surface thawing can develop within an hour or so on warmer sunny days/afternoons, which presents a hazardous slipping risk to workers. Additionally, maintenance equipment that may be driven safely in the morning can cause significant turf damage by the end of the workday; driving equipment on thawing hillsides could be adventuresome. Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Back to the Future! The economy and state of the golf industry is rough, to say the least. By the time you read this article the Golf Industry Show in San Diego will be over and the length of the conference will have been decreased for the first time in years. The attendance will have been lower than in years past and more golf courses will have closed throughout the country. Not a very good report for our profession, but time goes on, and things will get better even if it does seem to take a while. The majority of Soil and Water Conservation, Incorporated’s golf course clients are in Arizona, California and Nevada. One of the hardest hit areas in the country for many reasons: Home foreclosures, Unemployment and of course Golf Club closures. When I first moved to Las Vegas 5 years ago, there were 6 more golf courses then there are now. With most of them built to sell houses you can imagine the devastating effect it has on everyone when a golf course shuts down. I, along with others that do business in that area of the country, believe more will By Corey M. Angelo, Consultant Soil and Water Conservation, Inc. close and worse yet others will be taken over by management companies looking to “diversify” into the golf business by lowering maintenance standards and overall playing conditions. When the big boom in golf happened in the 1990’s (much to do with the Tiger Wood’s popularity frenzy) golf courses were going in everywhere in the country. Superintendent’s status and salaries were increasing and our industry was on a good track. Much like an old fashioned western boom town (like Las Vegas) there must come a bust! We have seen that in New Jersey and New York as well. The first golf course I worked on at the age of 15 in the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York went through a full renovation in the late 1990’s and was closed for good in 2008. The course was well over 50 years old. Private clubs are struggling to hang onto members and have no real options but to let long time members leave with no repercussions. You simply cannot get blood from a stone. Continued on page 10 Back to the Future! continued So, with all the bad news, clichés and slow economic recovery ahead there are things that golf clubs can do to save real budget dollars and not sacrifice the long term viability of their most valuable asset: THE GOLF COURSE. I think as all managers look at the budgets of their clubs it is very easy to see where money can be cut from the golf course maintenance budget in rather large chunks. Many of my clients have been asked to slash spending for the last two seasons. This year.......Cut some more! Large dollar amounts, too... $250,000 - $500,000. How do you do that? Cut staff, cut benefits, cut fertilizer and pesticide applications? As golf course managers we are getting better at doing that. We have been practicing it for 3-5 years at some clubs. I have many clients that are in the middle of a 3 year budget reduction. Staff has been cut in half or more, hours and benefits for the remaining staff have dwindled. Some have not fertilized in almost a year. What happens to the golf course after a year or so? In most cases only the Superintendent and a few everyday players notice in the first 6-8 months. After a year the turfgrass and plant material are starting to decline depending on the weather conditions in that year. Within 12-18 months everyone that plays the course sees a dramatic difference in playing conditions and rounds decrease. Fewer rounds, less revenue and the course conditions spiral out of control until a full renovation is the only remedy. So can the club that you work for afford a full renovation 3 years from now? I know the clubs I work for cannot. The big “sales pitch” all of us in the golf industry need to make to owners, management companies, general managers, members and players is this: “Protect the long term viability of your most valuable asset by giving the golf course what it requires in the short term!” As the decline in the golf world started a few years ago I think many of us tried to hang on to keeping course conditions very high as we were still trying to give everyone Augusta in April. By Corey M. Angelo, Consultant Soil and Water Conservation, Inc. Now I think the thought process for many clubs needs to be to survive through this tough time. I am working with several clubs that have developed this attitude. We are working harder at explaining to whoever will listen that conditions on the golf course may not be as “perfect” as they were but that we are doing all the necessary things to secure that their golf course will be there for years to come. I am even working with clubs that are closed for business but understand that continuing to use proper agronomic practices will allow them to either re-open or possibly sell the golf course at a later date without the expense of a full renovation. When times are tight everything must be looked at. Water in many cases is an expense. This year we would have liked to figure out how to get rid of it but if weather patterns hold true, heat will be back in 2010. Are we watering too much? Not enough? Could our fertility be increased in key nutrients to offset drought or wet conditions? How is our fertility? Do we just want it green at all costs? With fertilizer costs hitting all time highs, making sure we have what we need and when we need it could save thousands of dollars in the short-term. Staff is smaller than ever. Can we save labor and place it somewhere else by sub-contracting certain services such as fertilizer applications, aerification and top-dressing, reel and bed-knife grinding? I believe these are the most important aspects of keeping the golf course you work on in business. This all reminds me of when I first started in the business 25 years ago. I mowed fairways and tees with one 7 gang mower and tractor, then went in and cleared tables in the clubhouse and on Sunday’s took greens fees in the Pro Shop and washed pots and pans from the Saturday night dinner. We may feel like we are going back in time with these austerity budgets, but we have been here before and should be able to use that experience to help our clubs save the only thing that keeps them in business: THE GOLF COURSE! r GCSANJ Foundation members present Mark Woodward, CEO, GCSAA, with a $2500 donation towards the EIFG (Environmental Institute for Golf). East Coast SOD & SEED 596 Pointers Auburn Road • Pilesgrove, NJ 08098 www.eastcoastsod.com BENTGRASS SOD Greens Height • Tee/Fairway Height FESCUE Fine • Blue/Fine • Tall BLUEGRASS Regular • Short-Cut INSTALLATION AVAILABLE CALL KEVIN DRISCOLL 609-760-4099 cell 856-769-9555 office Oceangro 5-5-0 Organic Granular Fertilizer With 2% Calcium & 2% Iron low dust economical low burn potential now offered in blends Produced by The Ocean County Utilities Authority 732-269-4500 ex 8331 www.ocua.com Golf Industry Show Snapshots SAN DIEGO, CA 2010 GCSAA Education Conference and the Golf Industry Show by Lance A. Rogers, CGCS Good conversations were had, valuable information was gathered, and an overall sense of how strong we are as a profession was overwhelming! The ease of getting around this convention center was an added bonus. I don’t ever remember having to walk too far to get to anything and I had to use only one escalator. Who doesn’t love San Diego? It’s funny, I always look forward to the GIS but especially when it’s in sunny San Diego. I could do without the flight but then again, good things don’t always come easy. And this was far from easy with the economy being the way it is and the future being unsure for our industry. I never thought it would be this difficult to get to our national showcase. I had to be wiser than ever, control my expenses and make sure to get the most out of the show. There was a lot of discussion that the attendance at this show would be really down and to my pleasant surprise, I didn’t notice that at all. I attended Celebrate GCSAA on Tuesday evening and was pleasantly surprised to see a great showing despite the Old Tom Morris winner, Judy Rankin, not being present due to family illness. This event was also to celebrate the outgoing President, Mark Kuhns, and they did a wonderful job for a truly dedicated individual who has given so much to the GCSAA. It was neat to see his manager and Green Chairman present at ceremony. Naturally all of us from the GCSANJ were very proud to see one of own being recognized for a successful tenure. Following the celebration there was a reception, sponsored by Syngenta. The next day was the first day the trade show floor was open. Everything seemed to be going very quickly and this was pleasant. The GCSAA changed up the schedule a bit and definitely to my liking and many others. The trade show was only 2 days this year and I think it was a great move. I walked the trade show floor all day and was amazed on the crowds. There were people everywhere! Hurray for the GCSAA! I have to believe the vendors were very happy with the turnout. It was a reinvigorating day thanks to the optimism amongst everyone. The rest of the week went as fast as the beginning. Wednesday night we attended the Environmental Institute for Golf reception where we, the GCSANJ Foundation, presented a check for $2,500. (See picture on page 11). The GCSANJ Foundation raises money every year from the RTJ Invitational held at Metedeconk National Golf Club. The amount we gave was below our expectations and this was a direct result from lower attendance at last years’ event. We are optimistic about the upcoming RTJ event and reminders will be sent to all members. As I sit on my plane getting ready to head back to New Jersey (lucky to be getting out due to blizzard), I realize that this show is an important tool for all of us in this industry. It’s easy for clubs to say that this is an expense we need to forego this year, but they are wrong. The budget for this show is probably about .2% of your operating budget. This is peanuts compared to the overall knowledge you gain from attending the GCSAA seminars, conversation with your colleagues, new tools or equipment that you saw on the trade show floor that can be used to make your operation more efficient and, worst case, a recharge to your batteries to get you ready for the upcoming season. In my eyes, this has to be good for anyone’s operation. I look forward to next year’s show in Orlando and I hope the show goes on for many years to come! A gorgeous San Diego Sunset at Del Coronado Hotel... Photo courtesy of Lance Rogers National Championship & Golf Classic brian Minemier's B'Day Cake Tom Ashfield Checking on Competitors Mark & Janet Kuhns GCSAA's Finest Heres the Riff Raff watching the Super Bowl...ha ha! Ian, Dave, Jim and Jim. There is nothing else like DryJect™ for improving greens and fairways. The research backs it up. Study #1 Key Findings • No significant difference in organic matter control between DryJect and core aeration • Firmer surface with less root zone compaction below 2” depth Study #2 Key Findings • After a 5-year program, the DryJect-treated green shows greatly improved infiltration, air porosity and water retention • A key variable in the improvements is the lower percentage of organic matter in the top 4” Infiltration Rate (report quote) “Green #3's current infiltration rate at 7.04 in/hr, which has improved dramatically since 2004, is very good for a 1st tier (0-4 in.) of an older sand-based or push-up green." Research performed from May 2004 to September 2009, at Philadelphia Country Club, Mike McNulty Superintendent. Research conducted by ISTRC. What can DryJect do for your course? Research shows conclusively that consistent DryJect™ treatments lead to significant root zone improvements. 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SERVICES • Turnkey Pump Stations • Emergency Generators • Field Service and Repairs • Equipment Rebuilding • Preventive Maintenance • Factory Authorized Service PRODUCTS • Myers Pumps • Wilo-EMU Pumps • Dresser ROOTS Blowers • All Prime Pumps • Badger Flow Meters • Aurora Pumps Rapid Pump & Meter Service Co., Inc. www.rapidservice.com | info@servicer.com | 973.345.5600 | PO Box AY | 285 Straight Street, Paterson, NJ 07509 973.345.5600 Committed to 100% Customer Satisfaction Rapid Response 24 Hour Emergency Service by Shaun Barry THE Golf Classic The Rutgers turfgrass Golf Classic Succeeds because of you.. If you are a superintendent, an assistant, an af­ When you review this Rutgers Turfgrass Research filiate or any part of the turfgrass industry, please list, you see block off May 3, 2010 on your calendar. Bring co­ many parts of workers and friends who love to eat and play golf. our industry Join a group of 300 people who are there to support represented a good cause. There are many opportunities during including each year to support great charities and founda­ Rutgers itself. tions and thankfully they all seem to do well. They recognize the importance of this event and what Rutgers means to our industry and to your The Rutgers Turfgrass Research Golf Classic on daily lives. If they could do more I know that they May 3rd however is the easiest way to actively sup­ port our industry. This event is hosted by the NJTA would. Please consider joining them in their sup­ Foundation whose sole goal is to help support re­ port of this event. We also have a Par sponsor level search at Rutgers University's Center for Turfgrass along with Hole sponsors. Science. Dr Clarke, Dr. Meyer and Dr Murphy are well-known to most of us, but they are part of a You can come by yourself or with a friend and we will staff that is respected worldwide. There is no bet­ match you up with a team. We can always use golf­ ter team in the industry and their research and re­ ers. Last year we had almost 70 superintendents so sults are standards that are used throughout the you will be among friends. If you can't play, you are turfgrass world. We hope to see them continue very welcome to join us for our tremendous dinner their efforts but with finances being what they are, and see what we are all about. they need our help more than ever. If you can make it this year, please make sure you This year's Classic will be the 15th edition. It has check the registration form carefully because there raised over $900,000 and all of these dollars go to have been some changes made to the schedule of Rutgers and to nowhere else. The event started events. We are starting an hour earlier and hope­ using one golf course and now we require three fully we will end an hour earlier. Drs. Clarke, Meyer courses. Fortunately for us Fiddler's Elbow Coun­ and Murphy will be our speakers during our hour try Club continues to offer us everything that we of education that will be open to all. Credits will be need. available from NJ, PA, NY and GCSAA. Storr Tractor and Syngenta have been Premier Our shotgun starts at 11:00 am and lunch will be on sponsors since day one and they continue to lead the course, but we have added a hot breakfast to our list of dedicated sponsors. Joining them in start the day. 2009 were Bayer, John Deere Golf/Finch Services, Maxwell Turf & Supply Co., Pickseed West/Seed The Silent Auction continues to be an important Research of Oregon, ProSeeds Marketing/Alliance part of our day and hopefully you will find some­ Seed and The Scotts Co. These companies alone thing that you need or want. If you have anything represented a commitment of $60,000. Just below them were our Eagle sponsors. At that level were that you want to donate, please let us know asap BASF, Grass Roots, Lebanon Seaboard, Mountain and we will add it to the list. View Seeds and Paige Electric. Our Birdie sponsors were Arysta, DuPont, Grassland Oregon, Penning­ We hope to see you on the 3rd as we continue a winning tradition! ton Seed, Quail-Pro, Rutgers University Continu­ ous Education & Outreach and Valent. “WAR AT THE SHORE” PART THREE By Shaun Barry There is still snow on the ground as I write this piece, but by the time you get to read it we will be into Spring and life will be returning back to normal. Part of that normalcy is our annual joint meeting with our great friends from Philly. You will also see this mentioned in our President's message because it really is a great time and Mr. Murray wants you to know it is something not to miss. We have been having this annual meeting for more than the 30 plus years that I have been a member. There have been a few years where schedules didn't allow us to meet but fortunately it hasn't been too often. It however has only been since 2008 that there has been a trophy offered to the winning team and that is when it became “The Friendly War at the Shore”. The trophy gets to stay in the office of the winning association's President and Sean Remington has been looking at it every day since it was donated by Turf Equipment & Supply Company. This event is open to the first 60 players from each association. Handicap indexes are required and it pits a team of two players against a like team from the opposing association. One point is earned or shared by the teams and the winning association is the one with the highest total. It allows golfers of all skill levels to check their ability to handle pressure while enjoying the company of some new friends. Come and enjoy the camaraderie as you play one of the real gems of New Jersey golf. Just remember that 60 players is the maximum so unless one association can't fill their 60 spots by the deadline, you won't get to register if you don't fall into that first 60 . The only way to be sure to enjoy the experience is to sign-up early and guests won't be allowed unless there are openings and I don't expect that to happen. If you get into the field start practicing, because Mr. Murray has a spot picked out by his desk and we don't want to disappoint our President. John Gosselin however expects the same results from Philly and I can't wait for the fun to begin. I TAKE THE WORRY OUT OF WATER “EGI understands the importance of water to your business. My staff and I give individual attention to each client, keeping focus of their goals and using creative and innovative solutions to reach them. ” Thomas E. Dwyer, P.G. 20+ years experience with NJDEP & the Bureau of Water Allocation Water Use Registrations (New & Mod.) New Water Source Development -Surface, Ground & Storm Water NJDEP Enforcement Assistance Delaware River Basin Commission Applications Water Allocation Permits: - New & Renewal Applications - Modified (Major + Minor) Water Conservation Reports Increasing Source Capacity -Aquifer Testing -Well Optimization Permit Management & Compliance EASTERN GEOSCIENCES, INC. Hydrogeologic, Geothermal, & Geophysical Consulting (856)719-8500 Info@Easterngeo.com www.Easterngeo.com CONGRATULATIONS TO UPPER MONTCLAIR'S RED DICKISON, CGCS, for receiving the 2010 GCSAA Colonel John Morley Distinguished Service Award. This award honors superintendents who have made significant contributions to their profession throughout their careers. If they only knew half of what Red has done for our local associations...Thanks Red! SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION, INC. Arizona California Nevada New Jersey New York Seeton Turf • Warehouse, LLC • Turf & Horticultral Professionals Sourse for Superior Produducts Fungicides, Herbicides, Insecticides, Seed & Fertilizers Corey M. Angelo Consultant (702) 756.4031 Turf Grass, Soil and Water Specialist in the Brookside Society of Professional Consultants Mount Laure, NJ 25 Roland Avenue Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 Phone: (856) 273-5939 Fax: (856) 273-0998 Bill Cimochwski (609) 923-4045 Golf Course Representatives: Brian Gjelsvik (973) 670-7139 Jeremy Hreben (856) 630-0213 Pennsylvania & New Jersey Locations Lance Seeton Egg Harbor, NJ 1617 Mays Landing Road Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 Phone: (609) 653-6900 Fax: (609) 926-4531 Bob Sciubba (609) 653-6900 Golf Course Representatives: Mike Miller (609) 703-5303 Huntingdon Valley, PA 3983 Mann Road Huntingdon Valley, PA Fhone: (215) 355-5655 Fax: (215) 354-0406 Golf Course Representatives: Mike Linkewich (267) 688-8900 Steve Rudi ch (610) 349-9519 Jim Morgan (215) 327-0641 For diseases, weeds or pests, BASF is at the top of the class. Contact Dave Schell at (410) 300-8762 — david.shell@basf.com or Ted Huhn at (443) 206-1095 — theodore.huhn@basf.com. betterturf.basf.us Always read and follow label directions. 2010 BASF Corporation. All Rights Reserved. BASF The Chemical Company Go Rutgers Turf Club! These eight (8) students competed in the 2010 Turf Bowl in San Diego during the Golf Industry Show. They didn't win but one of the two teams placed 10th! That is quite an achievement in a field of 80 teams. Congratulations to all who competed and thanks to those who helped fund their trip (GCSANJ included). Dr. Rich Hurley in back row. Pavelec Brothers Golf Course Construction, Inc. Pond Construction Bridge Work Walls Renovations New Construction Irrigation Asphalt Paths & Lots Paving Stones 973-667-1643 www.pavelecbrothers.com It is with deep regret that we make note of the passing of Keith Rose. He was a friend of many in GCSANJ and will be missed. Where's the next GCSANJ Event? Check the website for Calendar, Events, Sign Up forms, and more! Listen to a response from John Alexander, GC Supt. at Cranbury Golf Club, about his recent job posting in the job employment section of our website: "You guys are the best, the response was overwhelming!" Visit the GCSANJ's website today! www.gcsanj.org Since 1885 Wm.Stothoff Company, Inc. - Wells & Pumps Celebrating our 125th Anniversary We are proud to announce that Wm. Stothoff Co., Inc. is celebrating our anniversary this year and would like to thank you for helping us achieve this great milestone. Our goal has always been to provide you with professional service from Experienced well drillers and qualified licensed mechanics that will keep your water system trouble free. Our services include: water, irrigation, geothermal well drilling, pumping systems &. water treatment systems. Contact us at 908-782-2717 or visit us on the web for a detailed listing of our services www.wmstothoffco.com 110 River Road Flemington, NJ 08822 Email: info@wmstothoffco.com LANGAN Engineering & Environmental Services Langan provides expert engineering services to golf clubs, including: Pump house design and permitting Water allocation permits Pond dredging permits Stream restoration design Drainage studies and design Technical Excellence Practical Experience Client Responsiveness www.langan.com Contact Brian Blum, CPG, Associate 201.398.4538 bblum@langan.com DOWNES TREE SERVICE, INC. WOODCLIFF LAKE, HAWTHORNE NEW JERSEY All Phases of Tree Work Fully Insured - Year Round Service Commercial - Residential (201) 573-9209 (973) 238-9800 FAX (973) 238-0222 Congratulations to Roger Stewart, CGCS, whose golf course, TPC Twin Cities, has been named ELGA National Private golf course winner. Roger is no stranger to ELGA honors as his former club, TPC Jasna Polana, has been honored in the past. Congratulations to Storr Tractor's Duncan McRae for being awarded the Toro Irrigation Blue Blazer National Award. If you have ever dealt with Duncan, you know his expertise and service are very much Congratulations to GCSAA President, Mark Kuhns, CGCS, for an outstanding year as GCSAA President and for all his time and dedication to the GCSAA Board. Congratulations to Todd Bunte, CGCS, TPC at Jasna Polana, for being selected as an ELGA chapter winner in the private club category. Keep up the good work, Todd! Congratulations to one of everybody's favorite equipment sales rep, Blair Quin. deserving of this award. Blair was awarded the Toro Commercial Green Blazer National Award. Blair's hard work and dedication to his customers has always been known to Storr Tractor, and now is being recognized on the national level. 130 DEVEREUX ROAD GLENMOORE, PA 19343 610-942-3809 FAX 610-942-9556 www.gelcogolf.com GOLF COURSE IRRIGATION & CONSTRUCTION • IRRIGATION SYSTEMS • GOLF COURSE ALTERATIONS • POND CLEANOUT • FIELD DRAINAGE • PUMP STATIONS • TRENCHING • VIBRATORY PLOWING EASTERN IRRIGATION & PUMP COMPANY Servicing the Golf Course Industry • Irrigation parts and service • Aerator installation • Additional surge protection • Pond fill/well pump automation • Valve/pipe repalcement • Water filtration • Chemical Injection • Auto pump controls • Pump house construction • Pump stations 610-942-2210 • 610-942-9556 (fax) 130 Devereux Road • Glenmoore PA 19343 www.eipaolf.com PARTAC TOP-DRESSINGS GOLF COURSE America's Premium Heat Treated Top-Dressings 800-247-2326 www.PARTAC.com Fax 908-637-8421 Ralph McGillan Excavating Contractor Specializing in Lakes & Ponds Over 40 years experience building new ponds, enlarging & redesigning existing ponds. Can get all DEP permits 609-655-2281 ax 732-446-1177 24 Conover Road, Millstone Twp, NJ 08535 We*ve launched our Web Site! grass roots 973-252-6634 Aerification Fertilization Spraying Topdressing Seeding Infield Work Laser Grading Drainage Root Pruning Consulting NJ Pesticide License w/ Category 13 IPM Clark Weld Phone: 609-839-6129 Fax: 856-273-0998 Email: clark@clarkton.net Our Relationship with Bergen County NJ Began in 1998 When Robert McNeil, Golf Architect was hired by the Bergen County Department of Parks to develop a Comprehensive Enhancement Plan for each of the County’s four Municipal Golf Courses "The Plan" for Bergen County started out as a big idea that would bring the County to the next level of Municipal Golf. The Results -3 new courses which Include several new holes, over 160 new tees and mroe than 150 new bunkers. the renovations also included new cart paths, irrigation and drainage systems and national recognition as Golf Inc.'s est Renovation in the Country runner-up Award in 2004. Robert's strategy with each golf course is to deliver a challenging and memorable experience for players of all levels and he takes that goal seriously. To learn more about how the services and experiences of Robert McNeil and The Northeast Golf Company can help your Club realize its vision for the future, call our office at 401-667-4994. We welcome the call and a new relationship. broad VISION CAREFUL THOUGHT HAND-CRAFTEDDESIGN Robert McNeil can be reached on 401.667.4994 email: design@northeastgolfcompany.com to learn more about our work go to http;//www.northeastgolfcompany.com ROBERT McNEIL GOLF COURSE ARCHITECT GCSANJ & Golf House: Perfect Together Chris Boyle had fun with the title of this seminar. He called it the (Almost ) Spring Education Seminar. When the temps got above 60 degrees, the almost was deleted from the title. Chris is by Shaun Barry come. His slides of some of the cloud formations were absolutely amazing and some of them were scary. If we can remember what he said, there is a lot to learn from understanding what type of clouds you are looking at and what future events they portend. I could listen to him for hours especially when he briefly touched on the fact vs fiction beliefs and data that he has on Global Warming. Our final speaker was Kris Westra. She works at Kessler Institute and has more initials after her name then one person should have. It goes like this... PT, DPT, OCS. They must mean something because she really understands the body and what happens during the golf swing. The BacktoGolf program at Kessler was developed to help individuals return to the game after surgery or injuries but it also offers a pro-active approach to injury prevention. Their team of physical rehabilitation and sports medicine specialists focus on conditioning, core strengthening and the biometrics of the swing. Stop in for a visit and you will also have your swing captured on video. Within an hour you will also have received some physical therapy to increase flexibility along with exercises that are designed exactly for your needs, and you will be able to hit the ball further and with lesser or no pain. Ken Kubik is working with Kris and although she couldn't answer Mark Kuhns's question about Kenny's results, I think we are lowering his handicap by 5 shots just to be sure. It was a fun morning with some really intriguing speakers and topics. The committee did a great job and I expect that they will do so again next Spring. USGA Golf Museum joined on this committee by Bryan Bolehala, Paul Dotti, Joe Kinlin, Keith Kubik , Andy Schuckers, and Jeff Truskowski. If you had a chance to attend or if you just read the agenda you noticed that it wasn't all about turf and that wasn't by chance. The committee wanted to offer things that you would not find on any other seminar agenda. It was a great idea. Fran Owsik said that he was attending because of Steve Hart's presentation which was about weed control in native/fescue grasslands. Fran, as well as the rest of us, got to hear a very informative discussion on this topic because even though this isn't Steve's expertise he did a great job presenting the info. He made you think, and as a result, there were many questions and the answers were direct. Dr. Hart is a great speaker who will tell it like it is. Fran however was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable the other speakers were and I think the feeling was felt throughout the room. Steve Quintavalla, PH.D. showed what the USGA is doing to change the grooves on the clubs and why it is the right thing to do. His graphs were very enlightening because they showed that accuracy means less and less while distance is rewarded greatly. While these changes will only really affect the pros it seems to be a good change for the spirit of the game. The golf ball is also being looked at but no changes are planned at this moment and most likely will not. As long as the golf ball goes no more than 317 yards at a clubhead speed of 120 mph everything is acceptable. His example was that Tiger's clubhead speed is 119.9 mph and only 10 players on tour exceed 120 mph on a regular basis. Herb Stevens followed the USGA presentation and once again he did a marvelous job. A few years ago Herb had spoken to us at Crystal Springs and his topic was on Global Warming. This day he spoke about the weather and why and how radar can be such a useful tool to prepare for the weather changes that are to (Almost) Spring Education Meeting at the...USGA Pictured with Speaker Herb Stevens (middle) are: L to R: Andy Schuckers, Chris Boyle, Keith Kubik, Bryan Bolehala Over 60 Members attended the (Almost) Spring Education Seminar at the USGA Golf House. L to R: Dennis Granahan, Glenn Miller, Bill Murray, Bruce Peeples Carrie Mansue, Speaker Dr. Stephen Hart, Rutgers, and Stephanie Alea Fran Owsik (left) and Mark Kuhns (right) October 19, 2010 Bryan Bolehala, Cece Peabody, Chris Boyle, and Mark Peterson Save the Date! OCTOBER 19, 2010 RTJ INVITATIONAL METEDECONK NATIONAL GOLF CLUB 22nd Annual RTJ Invitational Tee it up at Metedeconk National Golf Club Mark the date on your calendar today to help support the OGSAA's Environmental Institute for Golf and the OGSANJ Foundation. The Spring Greenup Program Early Spring Greenup & Even Putting Surface Plant Food Company’s Spring Greenup Program 10-34-0 Ammonium Polyphosphate Blu-Gro® 10-4-6 with Micronutrients AdamsEarth® Biostimulant Green-T® 5% Manganese Phosphite 30, 0-0-27 Rate per 1,000 sq. ft. 12 oz 12 oz 2 oz 3 oz 2 oz d i c A i c m u H 4 2 5 0 . 0 Nutrients per Application Lbs. per 1,000 n e g o r t i N 7 0 2 . 0 t e a h p s o h P 4 1 4 . 0 i m u s s a t o P 1 0 1 . 0 r u f l u S 2 0 0 . 0 n o r o B 2 0 0 0 . 0 r e p p o C 3 0 0 0 . 0 n o r I 8 6 0 0 . 0 e s e n a g n a M 6 2 1 0 . 0 c n Z i 3 0 0 0 . 0 How to Use ■ Apply as your first Spring application and irrigate ■ Irrigation after application improves nutrient uptake via crown ■ If irrigation system is not available, spray application with 2-4 gallons of water per 1,000 to improve response ■ Apply second application after 7-10 days Gallons per Acre 4.10 Gal 4.10 Gal .70 Gal 1.00 Gal .70 Gal s d i c A o n i m A 5 1 8 1 . 0 o b r a C 4 2 1 0 . 0 What these Products do ■ 10-34-0 Ammonium Polyphosphate: High polyphosphate promotes root development and naturally chelates micronutrients for improved availability ■ Blu-Gro®- 10-4-6 with Micronutrients: Contains ammonium and nitrate nitrogen that produce excellent plant response at low temperatures ■ Contains EDTA chelated micronutrients ■ AdamsEarth® Biostimulant: Feeds soil microorganisms and improves stress tolerance and nutrient assimilation ■ Green-T® 5% Manganese: Mobilizes iron and is an essential element that turf needs to synthesize chlorophyll ■ Phosphite 30, 0-0-27: Systemic potassium and phosphite combination that provides healthier turf under stress conditions ■ Contains 7.03 lbs. potassium phosphite per gallon PLANT FOOD COMPANY, INC.The Liquid Fertilizer Experts Dick Neufeld 973-945-6318 Brad Simpkins 609-709-2150 Tom Weinert 914-262-0111 Customer Service 800-562-1291 www.plantfoodco.com Trees Shrubs Perennials Annuals Hard Goods For over 80 years LP Statile has been providing New Jersey’s finest golf courses with a full range of plants. From the course to the clubhouse and everywhere in between we have an unmatched se­ lection of plant material and the expertise to help you choose the best plant for any location. For more information or help with any of your plant needs please call Phil Statile at 732-294-1991. Springfield, NJ 973-379-5811 L.P. STATILEIncorporated Colts Neck, NJ 732-294-1991 lpstatile.com Syngenta Comprehensive disease control starts with the essentials. Embrace a new agronomic philosophy and take control of turf disease with The Turf Essentials™ from Syngenta. This group of proven combination fungicides features an array of active ingredients and multiple modes of action that allow you to create outstanding conditions efficiently and effectively. Contact Lee Kozsey to learn more about Syngenta products. Phone: 215-796-0409 lee.kozsey@syngenta.com www.turfessentials.com ©2009 Syngenta. Syngenta Professional Products, Greensboro, NC 27419. Important: Always read and follow label instructions before buying or using these products. Concert®, Daconil ULTREX®, Headway®, Instrata®, SuperWeatherStik®, The Turf Essentials™, and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. The TURF ESSENTIALS by Jeff Allen, Atlantic Irrigation Specialties Have You Checked Your Irrigation Control System Lately? Just because it’s cold outside it doesn’t mean that installing a primary surge protector on the electric circuit that the computer is on. This unit gets wired in at the breaker and provides another layer of protection for your valuable central equipment. you can’t spend sometime prepping your irrigation control system for the upcoming season. Here are a few suggestions for things you can do doing the off season to make sure your irrigation system is ready to go next spring. Ground The Computer In the middle of the Summer the Irrigation Central computer can become one of the single most important pieces of equipment at your facility and yet it is amazing how poorly treated they can be. In some cases Weed eaters get better attention. Now is the perfect time to take your Irrigation Central to either the Clubs IT person or to a professional and have it thoroughly cleaned. Do not do what I did a few years ago and use the shops air compressor to blow out a dirty PC. The tower had never been cleaner but now needed a new motherboard because of the condensation in the compressor. Back up the data base- nothing is worse than realizing on a hot Saturday morning when you lose your computer to a surge or something that you have no back up. Put a copy on a thumb drive or a CD, and put it in a safe place. Get in the habit of doing this a couple times a year to make sure you have the most current data base. Go through the data base and make sure that the changes that have been done out in the field have been programmed in the computer. Are the nozzles correct, are the arcs of the sprinklers correctly programmed, is the hydraulic tree correct? Do you have areas where due to piping restrictions you have poorly performing heads that could be limited by adjusting the flo manager? Winter is the perfect time to make all these tweaks you don’t get to do during the season. Do you have a UPS battery backup device protecting the computers power supply? These units protect the computer by maintaining the voltage during spikes and brown outs, they also provide a limited amount of running time during power outages. The UPS operates off a rechargeable battery that, depending upon the size, gives you a limited amount of time to safely shutdown the system. Another positive step would be A Ground is conducting connection between an electrical circuit and the earth or other large conducting body to serve as an earth thus making a complete electrical circuit. Grounding is such an important ingredient of an irrigation system, but is often taken for granted . The only situation where grounding is not important is in a manual quick coupler system. Two wire, decoder, wireless, all require proper grounding. Please refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the exact specs. To begin, all grounds need to be tested and those results (resistance to ground) need to be documented. This testing needs to be done twice a year. This test will measure the ability of that ground to accept a surge, either lightning or power and pass it harmlessly to an earth ground. If that energy cannot follow the path of least inductance then it will expend itself inside the controller. This test is done by using a megger, the traditional three point meter, or a clamp on meter. Either style will give you an accurate reading. Here are specific locations where the grounding needs to be checked. The Irrigation Central computer needs to be grounded to the Irrigation interface so they both maintain the same potential. Typically this is nothing more than attaching a #6 copper wire to the Computers metal chassis and the ground connection on the interface. Also of importance is making sure the irrigation interface is also grounded to earth. What is the interface grounded to? Typically all hard wired control systems are wired back to the central and pass through a surge protection device and lead to the field Interface. Are the leads connecting the interface (MIMI, FIU) to the ground outside clean and tight? Is the ground grid that handles the interface and wire ...Irrigation Control System continued paths coming back to the shop accessible? The wire coming from the interface connecting to the ground rod needs good metal to metal contact. This is an ideal place to start in examining those connections. If they are mechanical (connected with a bolt or nut) they need to be taken apart, cleaned and put back together. An alternate solution to having to check those connections regularly would be to exothermically weld (ie Cadweld) that connection insuring a permanent positive contact. This holds true with all grounding connections. Does the interface support multiple wire paths? Are they all working? Now is the right time to diagnose and make sure everything gets repaired before the season gets underway. Field Splices - Take the time to mark or label valve boxes as to what they contain. Make it as easy as possible to identify what those boxes contain. Being able to drive up and see what exactly is in the ground will not only help you but also Staff who may not know the system all that well. Controllers Take a leaf blower and blow all the debris, dirt, dust, spider webs, and mouse nests out of the box. In locations where there is a chronic mouse problem it will pay to bring in the faceplates and cables. Turn off the power, do anything you can to make it a less inviting environment for them. Going back on a regular basis to inspect and blow out the boxes may help as well as leaving poison baits and traps. Look in the controller and find where the bare copper ground wire attaches to the controller chassis. Loosen it, take it off and clean off the wire and connection point so that there is good metal to metal contact. This will insure a good clean connection for the ground wire. Quite often these the last time these get inspected is when the controller is installed. This should really be done twice a year. Making sure the connection is clean should be an annual, if not bi-annual event. On the other end of the bare copper wire leaving the controller ground lugs should be some combination of a grounding grid that typically includes copper clad ground rods and plates. To measure the effectiveness of this ground grid have the resistance tested with either a Megger or clamp on meter. Again, look at the way the ground wire is attached to the rod. Ideally the rod has a grate covering a sleeve over the top of the rod to allow inspection and moisture to reach the rod. If the rod has a clamp or mechanical connection, again remove thoroughly clean and reattach the connection or use a exothermic type of connection. This article just skims the surface of some very involved topics and is meant to make the reader aware of a few basic preventative maintenance steps that need be done on a regular basis. Accomplishing these tasks in the off season will give you some peace of mind when you enter the growing season and may help prevent some catastrophic event from happening. The few basic steps previously mentioned are by no means any guarantee of preventing or eliminating surge related damage but are just merely suggestions as ways to prevent it. The simple steps covered above can be easily done in house while the system is winterized. There are other significant parts of your irrigation system that need to be inspected and maintained on a regular basis, such as sprinkler head rotation and proper operation, as well as to perform regular maintenance on your pump station. Also, take advantage of your friendly Irrigation Salesperson. They are there to help you be as successful as possible and can be a great source of information. And who knows, they may even have something you would want to buy. Valid only on the Jacobsen Eclipse 322 Riding Greens Mower Reedemable from Your Local Dealer GOOD FOR ONE LIFETIME FREE OF HYDRAULIC LEAKS Featuring an electric traction drive, electric steering and electric reels, the Eclipse 322 has no hydraulics and no leak points; resulting in lower labor costs , fewer parts to maintain and healthier turf. When Performance Matters. Introducing the industry’s only hydraulic-free riding greens mower. Wilfred MacDonald, Inc. Turf Equipment Specialists One look at the new Jacobsen* Eclipse 322 and you'll see a greens mower that’s completely hydraulic free and can be customized to meet the specific requirements of your course. There are no oil leaks, valves or hoses to worry about. Instead, it features a programmable frequency of clip, individual reel control. Classic XP Reels with Advanced Relief Technology and an array of features designed to reduce your operating costs by up to 66%. Lawn and Golf supply co. inc. Use the Cost Calculator at www.Eclipse322.com and see how the Eclipse 322 can help your bottom line. The Official Turf Equipment Supplier to The PGA of America and The Exclusive Turf Equipment Supplier to PGA Golf Properties. November 2009, Jacobsen, A Textron Company. JACOBSEN A Textron Company When Performance Matters. 2009 Annual Class C Championship October 28, 2009 Host Club Architects Golf Club by Anthony DiBartolomeo III, Architects Golf Club The annual Class C Championship was held on October 28, 2009 at Architects Golf Club. The championship is an opportunity for assistants to have their day and tournament. Once again, Cory Chicoine of Edgewood organized the event as the assistant representative on the GCSANJ board. He has demonstrated a commitment to his role that is second to none. At registration time the weather was considerably uncooperative. Rain and wind seemed to be on tap and things were not looking good for golf. Keeping a positive outlook we proceeded to start the education where our President, Bill Murray, was the guest speaker. The most important reason for this event is to present relevant education for the assistants. Bill discussed the basic positions of the GCSANJ board members and committees. The information provided valuable insight to what happens within the GCSANJ and committees. Most important was the message that assistants are encouraged to become actively involved with association happenings. After a great lunch, sponsored by Seeton Turf Warehouse, play commenced with the rain coming down but all forged ahead. With the first four holes completed, the rain subsided and we finished the round with smiles. The weather didn't cooperate but I think everyone was happy to get the round complete, although very wet! There were all skill levels here and some played very well. Winning the Assistants Championship was Joe Elias of Eagle Ridge (79). His 79 was the best gross score of the day. Brad Jones of Hamilton Farm was the low net winner of the event with an outstanding 67. In the non-assistant group Ian Kunesch of Rolling Greens won the gross honors with a 74. Winning the net division was Chris Boyle of Mendham Golf & Tennis. Closest to the pin winners were Chris Boyle # 2 (Wilfred MacDonald) 2ft 1in, Ian Kunesch # 6 8ft 4in, Jeff Wyant #8 6ft 11in, Tony DiBartolomeo # 12 51ft 2in, and Jeremy Hreben # 17 25ft 6in. Our long drive winners were #3 Paul Grabbe ( AER-Core) and #13 Joe Elias. Lastly I would like to thank our sponsors for all their support. Your support makes these events possible and it is much appreciated. Our sponsors were, Wilfred MacDonald, Seeton Turf, AER-Core and John Deere Landscapes. Thank you all for attending and hope to see you all again soon. Editor’s Note: We forgot to Include this article In the last Issue. We apologize for the oversight. TODE The Artistry of Landscape Landscape Restoration Garden Enhancements Bed & Garden Maintenance Seasonal Plantings Plant Healthcare LET THE HORTICULTURISTS FROM TODÉ USE THEIR EXPERTISE TO HELP BRING YOUR COURSE TO LIFE. 201.652.1524 todelandscape.com Michael B. Todé—Certified Landscape Technician of Installation Kevin W. Todé— Certified Tree Expert #513, Certified Arborist SINCE 1997 Two for the Record Books: Bob Leslie and Terry Stanley I assume that most everyone within our association is aware of the Bob Leslie Cup and The Terry Stanley Cup. I make that assumption because if you had been a GCSANJ member in 2009 you will By Shaun Barry have received e-mails notices along with the presence of their sign-up forms on our website. By the time you read this both of these events will be listed on the web­ site for 2010 and e-mails will have been sent. They are so much fun I urge you to get a partner and get into the field. If you are a new member, here is a brief history of the events: The Bob Leslie Cup is a handicap tournament with teams of two using 80% of their handicap. It has been around for many years and was named after one of our great members who was killed in random act of violence. The Terry Stanley Cup is named after a former beloved member who was felled by disease. This tournament however is strictly for those who want to play a match without using any handicaps. Two great events geared for two different types of golfers. In theory anyone can win the first event, but only good golfers can win the second event. This year that theory was proven to be accurate because we had the same team win both tournaments. The Stanley Cup is relatively new so some of the great teams of the past (Grimac & Prickett for example... and you thought that I was also going to mention Barry & Pease didn't you, but I wouldn't stoop so low...) never had the chance to win both. That however does not take away from this wonderful achievement by Bill Murray and Wendell Beakley. This is the first time it has happened and I think the winning team believes that it can happen again in 2010. They could be correct or they could lose in the first round. That is what makes it so much fun. In speaking to Bill and Wendell and some of their opponents, it doesn't seem possible that they won. They were down in many matches but somehow were able to make a great shot or their opponents made bad swings or putts at crucial times. The finals for The Terry Stanley Cup was held at Ridgewood CC and was hosted by Todd Raisch. Bill and Wendell were 1 down after 16 to Pat Dolan and Dennis Granahan but somehow ended the match on 18. The finals for The Bob Leslie Cup was at Bayonne National and hosted by Bob Wolverton. Bill and Wendell were 4 up with 6 to play and Bill had to make a great par on 18 to win but he did so from the 10th fairway. It was a terrific match and could easily have gone to Gary Arlio and Dick Neufeld. Mark Peterson, Dave Mishkin and Joe Kinlin are the brains behind running these events and will do so again this year. Don't delay once you get a team because you might forget and miss the deadline. Doing so will prevent you from meeting many wonderful guys and these are experiences not to be missed. Bill Murray (l) and Wendell Beakley (r) take possession of the Bob-Leslie Cup from Tom Tucci who teamed with Paul Brandon to win in 2008. Pat Dolan, Dennis Granahan, Wendell Beakley, and Bill Murray pose with their plaques after the final match of the 2009 Terry Stanley Cup Martch. Pat Dolan, Dennis Granahan, Wendell Beakley, and Bill Murray pose with the beautiful Terry Stanley Cup. The Fredco Group Featuring Essex County Country Club Landscaping Contracting & Golf Course Construction Skilled Craftsmanship Since 1980 Call 973.777.3044 A complete equipment, agronomic and irrigation team. No assembly required. Site Work Sport Facilities Landscape Design Laser Grading Custom Stone Work Golf Course Renovation New Golf Course Construction La Corte Equipment Gale Stenquist 631 -891-2425 for sales 631-369-6530- parts and service direct John Deere Golf Agronomic Sales: Wayne Remo, GSR 201-697-8518 Fred Stauffer, SOW 906-413-6454 Mike Nicotra, SOW 856-449-7087 Matt Paulina, GSR 609-839-4230 Like to make things easier on yourself? Talk to us. We have a unified team who can put together a comprehensive solution right for your course. With no confusion on how all the pieces fit together. Just another way, you can Consider us part of your crew. John Deere GOLF New Jersey Chapter GCSAA A.G. ENTERPRISES Staff Uniforms Rick Gordon Ph: 201-488-1276; Fx: 201-489-5830 Merrick160@aol.com www.agenterprisesonline.com ALAN G. CRUSE INC. Golf Course Materials Alan Cruse, James Cruse, Geoffrey Drake 460 Horseneck Road Fairfield, NJ 07004 Ph: 973-277-7183 Fx: 973-227-1984 AQUATROLS CORP. OF AMERICA Kevin P Collins Surfactants, Pond Controls, Salt Mgt. Innovative Products for Effective Resource Mgt. 1273 Imperial Way Paulsboro NJ 08066 Ph: 609-841-2077 Fx: 845-228-1728 Kevin.Collins@aquatrols.com BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS Tree & Landscape Care Wayne S. Dubin 98 Ford Road, Suite 3E Denville, NJ 07834 Ph: 973-983-7511 Fx: 973-983-9699 wdubin@bartlett.com BASF TURF & ORNAMENTAL Fungicides, Herbicides, Insecticides David Shell (North NJ); Ted Huhn (South NJ) Ph: 410-800-8762 Fx: 410-420-0247 david.schell@basf.com theodore.huhn@basf.com BLACK LAGOON Pond Management Chris Borek Aquatic Pesticide Application/ Floating Fountains/Aerators PO Box 9031 Hamilton, NJ 08650 Ph: 609-815-1654 Fx: 609-585-0525 chrisborek@blacklagoon.us www.blacklagoon.us BLUE RIDGE PEAT FARMS Soil Mixes for Gofl Courses Gene Evans Divot, Topdressing - Bunker 133 Peat Moss Road White Haven, PA 18661 Ph: 570-443-9596 Fx: 570-443-9590 DOWNES TREE SERVICE, INC. Tree Service Vanessa Wermert All phases of tree care 65 Royal Ave, Hawthorne NJ 07506 Ph: 973-238-9800 Fx: 973-238-0222 vanessaw@downestreeservice.com DRYJECT, INC. DryJect Aeration Service & PC Drainage Peter Van Drumpt, Mike Zellner, Joe Liebsh 307 Lincoln Avenue Hatboro, PA 19040 Ph: 800-270-TURF (8873) Fx: 215-444-0797 peter@dryject.com mike@dryject.com joe@dryject.com DUPONT PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS Karen Hartman Acelepryn, Provaunt 30300 Charles Barnes Road Westover, MD 21871 Ph: 410-202-6848 Fx: 866-511-5484 karen.hartman@usa.dupont.com EAST COAST SOD & SEED Sod Farm/Seed Kevin Driscoll Bentgrass sod, Bluegrass sod, Tall Fescue sod & Fine Fescue sod 596 Pointers Auburn Rd Pilesgrove, NJ 08098 Ph: 609-760-4099 Fx: 856-769-5642 Kevin.Driscoll1310@comcast. net FERTL-SOIL TURF SUPPLY Golf Course Supplies Marty Futyma Cathy Futyma-Brown Soil Mixes, Grass Seed, Chemicals, Fertilizers, Accessories 514 Martin Place Scotch Plains NJ 07076 Ph: 908-322-6132 Fx: 908-322-6332 Fertl-soil@hotmail.com F. M. BROWN'S SONS, INC. Seed Company Marie Pompei Seed and Seeding Supplies PO Box 2116, 205 Woodrow Avenue Sinking Spring, PA 19608 Ph: 800-345-3344 Fx: 610-678-7023 mariepompei@fmbrown.com GRASS ROOTS, INC. Golf Course Maintenance Supplies Ken Kubik: 973/418-7035 Keith Kubik: 973/418-7034 Jay McKenna: 973/418-7036 Ryan Burbridge: 973/418-7038 Joe Kennedy: 973/445-8139 Office: 973/252-6634 Please support Greenerside Advertisers and Patrons. 2010 Patron Directory JAMES BARRETT ASSOCIATES, INC. Irrigation Design, Consulting, GPS Work Jim Barrett PO Box 155, Roseland NJ 07068 Ph: 973-364-9701 Fx: 973-364-9702 jba.irr@comcast.net LACORTE EQUIPMENT Golf & Turf Equipment Bruce A. Pye/Gale Stengoist Sales and Service John Deere Golf & Turf Ph: (973) 862-9853 Fx: (631) 591-3447 LANGAN ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Engineering & Environmental Services Brian Blum, CPG. Associate 619 Rive Drive Center 1 Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 Ph: (201) 398-4538 Fx: (201) 794-7501 Bblum@langan.com METRO TURF SPECIALISTS Golf Course Maintenance Supplies Dave Conrad - 914-490-3698 Ernie Steinhofer - 914-760-6112 Ph: 203-748-GOLF (4653) Fx: 203-743-0458 www.metroturfspecialists.com MONTCO PRODUCTS CORP. Surfside Wetting Agents Liquid - Granular - Pellets ZAP! Defoamer Info: Bob Oechsle Ph: 215-836-4992; 800-401-0411 Fx: 215-836-2418 NATIONAL SEED COMPANY Grass Seed Supplier Ken Griepentrog Barry Van Sant, Pat Dougherty Seed & Seeding Supplies 18-B Jules Lane New Brunswick NJ 08901 732-247-3100 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION Premium Top-Dressing Green Sand Divot Mixes, Bunker Sands, Cart Paths, Turf Blankets, Golf Hole Targets Jim Kelsey, sales@partac.com Ph: 800-247-2326 Fx: 908-637-4191 www.partac.com PAVELEC BROTHERS GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION Tony Pavelec Julianne Venezia New/Renovation Projects 308 Washington Avenue Nutley, NJ 07110 Ph: 973-667.1643 Fx: 973-667.6599 julianne@pavelecbrothers.com www.pavelecbrothers.com PLANT FOOD COMPANY “The Liquid Fertilizer Experts” Dick Neufeld (973) 945-6318 Brad Simpkins (609) 709-2150 Tom Weinert (914) 262-0111 Biostimulants & Other Products for Premium Turfgrass www.plantfoodco.com Ph: (800) 562-1291 PFC@plantfoodco.com RALPH McGILLAN EXCAVATING LLC Lakes & Ponds Ralph McGillan 24 Conover Road Millstone Twp, NJ 08535 Ph: 609-655-2281 Fx: 732-792-0616 RIGGI PAVING, INC. Paving, Paving Stone Frank S. Riggi, Jr. Ph: 201-943-39134 Fx: 201-944-4405 STEPHEN KAY • DOUG SMITH, GOLF COURSE DESIGN, LLC Golf Course Design Stephen Kay One Day Consultations, Master Planning, Soften Green Slope Design Ph: 609-703-3300 Fx: 609-965-9174 StephenKgolf@aol.com STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Toro Turf & Irrigation Equipment Blair Quin, Rick Krok, Steve Bradley 3191 Highway 22 Branchburg NJ 08876 Ph: 908-722-9830 kindyk@storrtractor.com www.storrtractor.com TURF TRADE Alan Phillips Turf 517 Franklinville Road Mullica Hill NJ 08062 Ph: 609-226-9303 Fx: 856-478-0842 aphillips@theturftrade.com WILFRED MacDONALD, INC. Turf Equipment Glenn Gallion Bill Luthin Bernie White 19 Central Blvd South Hackensack, NJ 07606 Ph: 888-831-0891 Fx: 201-931-1730 sales@wilfredmacdonald.com WM STOTHOFF CO., INC. Wells & Pumps David C. Stothoff Water, Irrigation, Geothermal well drilling, pumping stations & water treatment systems 110 River Road Flemington, NJ 08822 Ph: 908-782-2717 Fx: 908-782-4131 dcs1@wmstothoffco.com THE FOUNDATION Support members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey through Research, Scholarship and Charity. Board of Directors- Shaun Barry- President Lance Rogers- Vice President Glenn Miller- Treasurer Jim Cadott- Secretary Bill Murray- Director Fred Rapp- Director Bruce Peeples- Director A Newsletter for the “Greenerside” Spring 2010 The GCSANJ Foundation is gearing up for 2010! The golf season is just getting ready to start but your Foundation has been hard at work as it plans for 2010. Funds are in place for GCSANJ scholarships waiting to be given to another group of outstanding students. The scholarship committee, headed-up by Wendell Beakley and Jeff Staeger, have updated all the questions and the signup forms can be found on our web­ site. Students have until the end of May to complete and return the applications. The clos­ ing date will be adhered to with no exceptions. This is only fair and it helps us complete the process promptly so that checks may be sent in a timely manner. Since some schools are slow sending transcripts, the earlier the proc­ ess is started the better the chance that the students will meet our deadlines. Plans are underway for another RTJ tourna­ ment that will once again be hosted by Ryan Oliver and Metedeconk National Golf Club. As expected, last year's participation was down but we’re confident that we’ll return to tradi­ tional levels in respect to teams and sponsors. Our very generous Hole sponsors this year were Bayer, Grass Roots, Morris Golf, The Sambol Family Foundation, Storr Tractor and Vic Gerard Cars. We also had several Patron sponsors this year as well and they were Aquatrols, Atlantic Irrigation, James Barrett As­ sociates, Colonia Country Club, Fiddler's El­ bow Country Club, Pebble Creek Golf Club, Red Sky Associates, Spring Lake Country Club, Syngenta and Wilfred MacDonald. Be­ cause of these sponsors, we were able to pre­ sent a check to the EIFG in the amount of $2,500. Your support has been amazing and we could not have been successful without you. This year’s event will be on October 19th so please put this on your calendar. Last year we opened the field up to commercial teams and we will do so again this year. They will have their own competition so that should add a little more excitement to their day. We only ask that they not take superintendents away from teams that normally attend because that could reduce the number of clubs competing for the crystal. We are also considering a “Summer Social” in September but it has not been decided if we will or will not have an event this year. Low attendance last year has caused us great con­ cern and we do not want to have a social event if people won't be able to attend. Please remember that this is a dedicated group of members who are there to help in any way if they can. Contact any member of the Foundation and your concerns or needs will be addressed and hopefully resolved in a positive manner. The Foundation- Associated with the GCSANJ www.gcsanj.org Brielle, NJ STC Storr Tractor Company Storr Tractor Company is very proud to announce the following awards presented at the recent 2010 Golf Industry Show Duncan MacRae Receiving the Irrigation Blue Blazer NAtional Award. Duncan is entering his 33rd year in Storr Tractor Service ad Support and has spent the last 15 yeras in Irrigation Service. Blair Quinn receiving the Commercial Green Blazer National Award. Blair has spent the last 10 years very successfully promoting and servicing Toro Equipment and the Storr Tractor Company. Distributors of Quality Turf & Irrigation Equipment Storr Tractor Company 3191 Route 22 Branchburg, New Jersey 908-722-9830 www.storrtractor.com TORO Count on it.