GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION of NEW JERSEY Vol. 5 No. 4 September 1982 Somerset Hills Country Club To Host 5th Annual Invitational Tournament DATES TO REMEMBER September 23,1982 TPC DAY Peace Pipe Golf Club, Denville, New Jersey. Host: Ernie Rizzio and Rick Berberick September 16,1982 GCSANJ Championship, Spring Lake Golf Club, Spring Lake, New Jersey. Walt Will, Host September 30,1982 Met Area Team Championship, Ridgewood Country Club, Paramus, New Jersey. Ed Walsh, CGCS, Host Field Day — Rutgers University October 5,1982 October 8,1982 GCSANJ Fifth Annual In­ vitational Tournament, Somerset Hills Country Club, Bernardsville, New Jersey. Les Stout, Host November 9-11,1982 New York State Turfgrass Association Conference and Show, Rochester, New York December 6-9,1982 New Jersey Turfgrass Expo ’82, Resorts International, Atlantic City, New Jersey GCSANJ Sixth Annual Invitational Tour­ nament, Essex County C.C. John Schoeliner, CGCS, Host September 1983 Somerset Hills Country Club and Host, Les Stout, (pictured above) await the 1982 in­ vitational field. Somerset Hills will be in full fall color on October 8 and this year’s par­ ticipants are in for a real treat. Designed by the famous A.W. Tillinghast, Somerset Hills was opened in 1917. Its spacious bunkers and undulating greens are certain to provide a championship test for this year’s tournament. the GREENER SIDE GCSANJ Newsletter is published six times a year by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey, P.O. Box 231, New Brun­ swick, N.J. 08903. Ed Walsh, CGCS Editor Wayne Foster, Photography Dennis DeSanctis, Special Projects Maraliese Goosman, Illustrations Please address inquiries con­ cerning advertising to: Ken Kubik, Advertising Manager 489 Millbrook Avenue Randolph Twp., N.J. 07869 GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION of NEW JERSEY Cook College - Rutgers University Box 231 New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903 OFFICERS OF GCSANJ Ed Nickelsen President Bob Dickison, CGCS Vice President Bob Ribbans Secretary Ed Walsh, CGCS Treasurer Jack Martin Past President EXECUTIVE BOARD Mike Dale Director, District 1 Skip Cameron Director, District 2 Les Mickens Director, District 3 John Fenwick Director, District 4 Les Stout Director, District 5 Dennis Wagner Director, District 6 Wayne Ballinger CGCS Director, District 7 Chip Pfisterer Director, District 8 Dr. Henry Indyk Executive Director President's Message Ed Nickelsen A quick examination of the Association’s financial statement reveals a most disturbing fact. Our expenses are ex­ ceeding our income. While this presents no immediate problem, a continued deficit spending operation would bring about our financial ruin. A financial committee has been formed to study our operation. Their first task will be to eliminate those programs and procedures which are excessive or un­ necessary. It should be noted that a reduction in membership services is not in the planning. Your Association must maintain its high level of professionalism, if we are to con­ tinue to be recognized as a leading force in the golf industry. It has taken us a long time to attain this recognition. We must not allow ourselves to be forced into reducing our level of activity. The benefit to us as in­ dividuals is too important to let it slip. At this juncture it appears that a dues increase will be in order. The exact amount has yet to be determined. It is our thought to institute a dues structure at a level that will allow the Association to operate effectively for a few years before another increase will be necessary. Future mailings will be more specific. We will include a comparison of our Association’s dues with some of the surrounding organizations, the results of which will indicate the high degree of your Association’s operational efficiency. The development of a new product is a three step process: first, an American firm announces an invention; second, the Russians claim they made the same discovery twenty years ago; third, the Japanese start exporting it. “Finesse it, Harry. These greens don’t hold.’’ Credit: MVGCSA From the Editor's Desk For the past few years a major problem has been developing in the golf industry and almost everyone sweeps it under the carpet or avoids discussing it as if it were herpes. I think it is now time for us all to face up to the problem and take a stand. Its ramifications are widespread and only the golf-related public can confront this most serious problem and halt its continuation. By now you all know exactly what I am referring to, Izod socks. Yup, Izod socks. We all remember when Izod socks were one of the best values on the Pro Shop shelves. I can remember spending my last few bucks on a pair of those beauties because I knew I had made an investment that would last years. Many times I would get upset with my wife when she went out and bought me a pack of those five pair for a dollar bargains that I knew wouldn’t last a month. As a matter of fact, the only time I even wore those hosiery misfits was when it was very, very cold and boots with three or four pair were necessary for minimum warmth, or during basketball season when I tried to imitate my idol Pistol (Droopie Sox) Pete Maravich. Well, getting back to Izod, we have all noticed the rapid decline in craftsmanship in that once quality product. In the past it took me almost two years to wear the slightest little hole in the area of the Big Toe, even with unclipped nails. Now I wind up throwing a pair away after a couple of months. I think this situation is inad­ missible. I always looked at Izod socks as part of the American way. Right up there with Chevy’s, apple pie and baseball. Anyone who has read this far probably feels the same way. Being the investigating individual that I am, I called the President of the Izod Company. Undoubtedly, our Golf Pro at R.C.C., Bill Adams, called him before me and let him know of my dissatisfaction because his secretary told me he was not available for comment and that this matter could only be handled by their legal department. I honestly never thought socks could cause such a com­ motion. Knowing what we know now, and undoubtedly feeling the same anguish about this great American tradition, it is time to rally for the cause. Sit down and write your local Izod salesperson or tell your Golf Pro you will never buy a pair of Izod socks again until that forgotten quality returns. We do have a voice and we will be heard. Editor’s Note: The preceding comments do not reflect the views of this publication or, for that matter, the views of any rational, competent individual. (This article is due to the warped and distorted influence Bill Smart and Louis Miller have on my ability to write anything, and I thank them.) Golf Play Up! Highest Ever Recorded NORTH PALM BEACH, FL — The number of golf rounds played in the United States during the second quarter rose 8.5 percent over a year ago. This is the largest increase recorded since the National Golf Foundation began quarterly analyses in 1978. The three major types of golf facilities measured by NGF - private, daily fee and municipal - all showed gains in rounds played. Private clubs led the way with an 11.1 percent increase, followed by the daily fee courses at 10.9 percent and the municipal facilities at 6.4 percent. On a regional basis, the South Atlantic states showed the greatest growth (13.2 percent), followed by the East North Central (10 percent), Mountain (9.9 per­ cent), Pacific (9.4 percent), South Central (7.7 percent) and the Northeast (2.7 per­ cent). Only the West North Central area showed a reduction in rounds played of 3 percent. Commercial News The Terre Company is now marketing the new Triplex Ryegrass mixture - FUTURA PLUS. FUTURA PLUS is comprised of Fiesta, Dasher and Blazer, improved ryegrass varieties. All are Rutgers tested and approved. • White Trap Sand • Top-Dressing Sand • Colorful Cart Path Stone • Landscape Stone & Boulders • Variety of Pavers & Edging Geo. Schofield Co. Inc. P.O. Box 110 Bound Brook, N.J. 08805 (201) 356-0858 ACROSS 1) Scott’s Shore domain 5) Hole your Tee shot 7) Above your foot 8) Caravella’s ancestors monetary unit 9) Old Orchard Pro 10) Compass point 11) Male title 13) Hit to the right 14) After handicap 16) Montammy Pro 21) Bifano’s Ridge 24) Slammin Sammy 26) Wood Lake Super DOWN 1) District 7 Director 2) Fiddler’s Super 3) Every Golf Course has 'em 4) Mr. Bentgrass of Montammy CC 5) Ridgewood Pro 6) Green Acres and Old Orchard similarity in supers 9) Cameron’s Brook 12) Winter woe 13) Golf term shouted when ball is hit to the green 15) Krump’s 18 17) Iron (elemental symbol) 18) Point After Touchdown Continued on page 9 Continued on page 9 System Developed to Control Canada Goose Nuisance Method Proven Effective after Five Years of Field Testing; Is Now Commercially Available Lucas that appears in the September, 1982 issue of GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT magazine. In it he cites many of the more obnoxious aspects of unwelcome resident flocks of Canada Geese on golf course ponds, waterways and fairways - including the clean-up of unhealthy droppings, packed mower rollers, feather-clogged irrigation suction strainers, and, on an even more personal level, having to deal with complaints from club members. The commercial version of the Sentinel Swan Family System includes a set of five realistic, life-size swan replicas that represent both adult and young swans. The “swans” readily float and require no complex mountings or installation procedures. A single Sentinel Swan Family System is available for $130.00, and orders of from two to four Family Systems cost $125.00 per System. Five or more sets ordered at one time are available at $120.00 per System. Each order includes a six page in­ structional guide prepared by Lucas. To order, buyers are requested to send a check with indication of the number of Systems required (Connecticut residents add 7 1/2 percent sales tax) to Sentinel Swans, 81 Tomac Avenue, Department “P”, Old Greenwich, CT 06870. Orders are shipped freight collect. For more information, call 203-637-3939. Golf Superintendent Pat Lucas of Old Greenwich, Connecticut has recently developed what he describes as the first really effective system for controlling the problem of Canada Geese on the golf course. Perfected after five years of intensive field testing at the Innis Arden Golf Club in Old Greenwich, Lucas’ method, which he calls the “Sentinel Swan Family System,” is now being marketed commercially for the first time. Prospective customers in­ clude golf courses, parks and grounds superintendents at locations where the persistent presence of Canada Geese has become a continuous nuisance. According to Lucas, the Sentinel Swan Family System works where other methods fail because it uses replicas of entire family groups of extremely life-like, full-size swans made of bouyant foamed polystyrene. “Research has shown that Canada Geese are not easily fooled by any number of physical, scarecrow-like devices, including some crudely designed and placed swan replicas,” said Lucas. “But we have proven that geese are smart enough to respect the threat posed by what they see as greedy and vicious swan family groups.” Complete documentation of the Sentinel Swan Family System’s effectiveness is provided in a feature article by-lined by Swan Study Soon MYSTIC (AP) — The mute swan, immortalized in fairy tales as the "ugly duckling," has been called greedy and vicious by some en­ vironmental experts. The State Department of En­ vironmental Protection said it has received so many nuisance calls about the stately animals that it has begun a three-year program to count swans in Connecticut and study their behavior and effect on other waterfowl. Some wildlife biologists say they suspect the large white birds with the long, curving necks are scaring away migratory waterfowl. Interest Rates In Next 3-5 Years According to current thinking, rates will be mostly LOWER during the next few years, (high by historical standards), but down enough to make a real difference. Cooling inflation is the main reason . . . rates will adjust to this. High rates are self- correcting. When interest costs stay up, business slumps. This curbs borrowing, which in turn pulls rates down. And Federal Reserve will relax its grip a bit as inflation subsides. The rate declines will be slow and grudging, for awhile. Continuing big government budget deficits are one ob­ stacle to greater relief. Investors still aren’t convinced that inflation won’t rage up again. Their doubts are holding rates high and discouraging long term lending. So meanwhile, the demand for credit will grow once business gets better. Expect lower rates on the average. On long term business, borrowing delay makes sense in many cases. You can probably borrow cheaper later. But don’t overload on short debt. Too much can weaken your financial base and prove more costly in the end. Variable rate mortgages should save you money as rates decline ... but figure the cost if rates rise. Could you handle the higher payments? A balloon mortgage is risky . . . rates could spurt just when it comes due. Long term CD’s are good to lock in yields . . . but tie up your money. Bonds can be good investments, but tricky when rates are erratic. You have to ride out the bad spells, and losses on forced sales can be heavy. Word to the wise is CAUTION. Credit: New Jersey PGA Newsletter Rain-Loss of Nitrogen The heavy rains of the past several weeks have depleted the soil of nitrate nitrogen by two processes: first by leaching out of the root zone and second denitrification. This is the process by which soil micro-organisms in water soaked soil get their oxygen from nitrates as there is not enough atmospheric nitrogen available (the air spaces are filled with water). As a result the removal of the oxygen from the nitrates leaves the nitrogen in a gas form which quickly disipates into the air. This is a rapid process and can deplete most of the nitrates in a day or so of wet soil conditions. As soon as the soil drains, and a waterlogged condition is no longer present, a nitrate fertilizer should be applied to all vegetable crops. For example, use one pound per 100 feet of row of urea or ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate or two pounds of sodium nitrate. Credit: The University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension Service MEET OUR PATRONS Ernie Rizzio Ernie was born in Caldwell, N.J., and moved to Newark where he attended Barringer High School. He played varsity baseball and organized the school’s first golf team in 1940. Ernie joined the Air Force in 1942 and became a fighter pilot. During World War II, he flew 61 combat missions over Ger­ many and was the recipient of the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross. He was discharged in 1946. Ernie enrolled in Montclair State College in 1946 and completed his formal education in 1948 with a BA in Math. While at Mont­ clair State, he lettered in both football and golf. It was also during his college years that Ernie met his wife to be Ellie. They were married in 1947. In 1950, Ernie joined the sales staff of Prudential Life Insurance Company. He moved up to Staff Manager in 1952 and was promoted to District Manager in 1957 where he headed offices in Passaic and Cresskill. Ernie left Prudential in 1969 to try his hand in the golf business when he bought and operated the Culver Lake Golf Club. The Rizzio family did everything at Culver Lake from mowing the turf and repairing the equipment to cooking and tending bar. As Ernie puts it, “You name it, we did it.” In 1975 Ernie sold Culver Lake and started what was a short lived semi-retirement (Ellie said he was driving her nuts). 1976 saw Ernie leaving the retired life as he purchased the Turf Products Corp. Ernie suggests, “I should have been in this business 20 years ago, this is where I belong.” Turf Products covers the central and northern sections of our state and the Hudson Valley and Catskill areas of New York. Ernie and Ellie live in Mountain Lakes, N. J. They have five grown children (2 boys - 3 girls) and two grandchildren (boys). Ernie still plays golf when possible and has started flying again. With business as busy as it is he said he also enjoys eating and sleeping when time allows. He recently was elected Commissionaire of the GCSANJ “Mora” Tournament which is held bi-annually at his home. Editor’s Note: Ernie has been a member of our GCSANJ Invitational Committee since this tournament inception in 1978. Mr. Wilt has again consented to take time from his lackluster life to answer questions from inquisitive Greener Side readers. Q: How can you best determine if you have an outside outing using your golf course? G.S., Succasunna, N.J. A: If the golfers on the first tee are wearing sneakers, you have an outing on your course. W.W. A: 1. As a crowbar Q: I neglected the pre-emergent crabgrass control on my tees this spring. What do you think I should do now? G.G., Run­ nemede, N.J. A: Explain to your Greens Chairman that you have developed a fantastic hybrid Bermuda grass especially for tees. W.W. Q: My Weedeaters have not been working properly this summer. Do you have any suggestions to make them work better? D.D. Jamesburg, N.J. A: They are suffering from an improper diet. Cut back on the dandelions and plantain and add more clover. W.W. Q: What are some of the uses of a Stimp Meter on a golf course? B.E.W., Iselin, N.J. 2. A yardstick 3. A 150 yard marker 4. And, one golf course superintendent down in the shore area even used it to measure the speed of the greens last month. W.W. Mr. Wilt is presently available to provide entertainment at Golf Course Superin­ tendent meetings with his new and im­ proved imitations of irrigation sprinklers. Some of you are quite familiar with some of his famous ones: the part circle impact sprinkler, the gear-driven sprinkler, the oscillating sprinkler, and, everyone’s favorite, the broken hose. If you would like to see his act or have a question for Mr. Wilt, send it to him c-o GCSANJ Greener Side, Box 231, New Brunswick, N.J. 08903. The GCSANJ would like to thank All the Participants in Our 5th Annual Invitational Tournament 891-1764 WYCKOFF, N.J. FULLY INSURED QUALITY SERVICE JAMES DAVENPORT BS IN FORESTRY • U of MAINE • NJ CERTIFIED TREE EXPERT The Not So Super, Supers Tree of the Month SOURWOOD (OXYDENDRUM ARBOREUM) The Oxydendrum is a medium size tree. During the summer months it is covered with leathery green leaves. The tree flowers in the summer with racemes of white flowers which are quite showy. In the fall, the leaves, which turn a brilliant reddish color, and the clusters of white seed pods combine to produce a spectacular sight. Credit: Bob Dickison, CGCS I Want to be Your Friend I see you at the meetings; but you never say hello, You’re busy all the time you’re there, with those you already know. I sit amongst the members and yet I’m a lonesome guy; The new ones are as strange as I, but you old members pass me by. But darn it, you folks asked us in, and talked of fellowship, You could just step across the room, but you’ve never made the trip. Why can’t you nod and say hello, or stop and shake my hand; then go and sit among your friends, now that I’d understand. a nice time to spend; yourself? I want to be your FRIEND. I’ll be at your next meeting, perhaps Do you think you could introduce — “The South Florida Green” The Agony of Anger Psychologists tell us that bottled-up anger can cause severe tensions that do actual physical harm - ranging from peptic ulcers to hypertension. And, while ex­ ploding may be more healthy than holding anger in, expressing anger through temper tantrums ... or insults can have serious career consequences. That’s why you should learn how to let off steam safely when a problem arises. Here are some suggestions on how to use this sometimes destructive force constructively: When you feel the need to strike out - to talk back, to do something - first put some space between yourself and the cause of your anger. Any change of scene or routine, no matter how brief, can help by giving you a fresh perspective on your own feelings and the problem. Work off your tensions. Take a brisk walk ... Or try an exercise like this . . . Put the palms of your hands together; squeeze. Repeat as needed. You’ll feel better and less angry, too. Keep your anger in perspective. Express your feelings to the proper person with a cool statement like “This action upsets me.” As a way of introduction, it will enable you to discuss the problem calmly. Office Guide 1-15-82 Mike Toto’s trying, but that swing is a lost cause. Les and Les (Stout and Pelleck) plan for Oc­ tober 8. Everybody Enjoys the Invitational Letters to the Editor August 26,1982 Dear Editor : The defeat of the proposed amendment change came as quite a surprise and completely without reason. One can only surmise that the membership is of the opinion that the Executive Committee is attempting to “flim flam” the membership. The Committee’s sole purpose, intent and interest was to allow itself to conduct the normal business affairs of this Association. When one assumes a responsible role in this or any other association, he must ex­ pect a certain amount of criticism. This is normal and quite possibly just. Being on the Executive Committee for numerous years, I have accepted this fact. Upon assuming the Presidency, I was prepared to deal with a great deal of criticism. However, I was not and will not accept the responsibility of the inaction of a board that cannot meet a quorum. That responsibility lies with the membership of each district. They are charged with electing responsible Direc­ tors. Your Executive Committee has been stymied at each and every one of its meetings. Pertinent business has been postponed or eliminated because of a lack of a required quorum. This has proven to be an embarrassment to our profession, the Association and me personally. I find this an intolerable situation. The beginnings of a solution was rejected by the membership. This leads me to believe the membership will accept and desires an inactive Executive Committee. Because I find this an unacceptable method of operation and will not be held responsible for the continued em­ barrassment to the Association and my profession, I will ask the nominating committee not to consider me for another term as President. Sincerely, Edward C. Nickelsen President July 15,1982 Dear Ed, How are you and all the old cronies, Phil, Jack, Frank, Al, etc.? Please tell them I said hello and we sure do miss them. My wife just mentioned the other day how great it was to have the fellows down to play golf and have a cookout and spaghetti dinner. Ed, I just finished reading The Greener Side and I have to congratulate you on a super job. The article on certification was, I think, exactly how most superintendents feel. The president’s message was also a fine article. I agree wholeheartedly with both articles. You really are doing a super job. Keep up the fine work. Don’t let the hat size change. Sincerely, Jack Montecalvo P.S. I had my first hole in one last month. 190 yards with a five wood. 18th hole at Shannon Green. Gentlemen: Regarding the June 5th article by Bruce Moran in the Newark Star-Ledger regar­ ding the Southern Section Qualifier for the New Jersey Amateur. There were certain quotes attributed to me about the greens being too slow and not to my liking. When interviewed after my round, Mr. Moran asked me why I thought the scores were so high. I said, “The golf course is pretty tight and wind was blowing the ball all over the place.” I also said, “I thought the course was in very good con­ dition and very receptive to good scoring.” I said, “the greens were perfect speed as far as I was concerned.” I don’t know who made the remarks about the greens being too slow, but it certainly was not me. The whole article was very inaccurate and everybody I spoke to thought the course was fine. I found the whole day thoroughly en­ joyable. The people in the pro shop and dining room were very courteous. Being a member of a private club, I appreciate the fact that a club gives up its facilities for a qualifier like it did on Friday and also two years ago for the same event. To everybody concerned, my sincere apologies, Hopewell Valley deserved better. Very truly yours, Vic Gerard, Jr. Chip Shots District 4 held its annual picnic August 16 at Harkers Hollow. Nat Binns was the host and did a super job. Dave McGhee was head chef, and received the bruise of the month award (compliments of Joel Jacquemot golf ball). Lifer Alex Edgar was there and said he is soon to be moving to the Poconos. District 4 nuptials include: Joel Jacquemot, May 29, 1982; Nat Binns, November 20, 1982; John Fenwick, Sep­ tember 18, 1982. Craig Reinhardt, Pine Valley Golf Club, is undertaking an extensive renovation program in preparation for the 1985 Walker Cup. These fairways have been totally stripped of the turf, the soil then loosened, fumigated and seeded with new improved ryegrass varieties. Pending these results, he will go ahead with the remaining 15 holes in the future. Good luck, Craig! Best wishes for the speedy recovery of Joe Malakowski’s wife, who underwent a hip operation recently. Bruce Cadenelli and his Hollywood Country Club operation are beginning two major renovation projects. A totally new irrigation system is being installed. The project will be started early this fall by George Ley, Glennmore, Pa. Upon com­ pletion of the irrigation work, construction on a new 4,000 ft. maintenance facility will begin.PARTAC GOLF COURSE TOP-DRESSING DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR PARTAC IS THE BEST BUY! Control Thatch and Improve Playing Surface with Partac Top-Dressing . . . Heat Treated, Uniform Particles, Water Stable Aggregates, with Balanced Organic Content and Water Retention. Also Available, High Sand Mix Top- Dressing, Tee Mix Top-Dressing, and Construction Mixes for Tees and Greens. AVAILABLE FROM THESE N.J. Distributors: for GOLF COURSES and PROFESSIONAL USE LEBANON CHEMICAL CORPORATION 201-329-4011 FARM & GOLF COURSE SUPPLY Howard Scott 215-483-5000 GRASS ROOTS TURF PRODUCTS Ken Kubik 201-361-5943 GREEN HILL TURF SUPPLY Jim Roach 201-462-2349 PRO-LAWN PRODUCTS Andy Mulick, 201-967-9124 TURF PRODUCTS CORP. Ernie Rizzio, 201-983-9333 Employment Service PUZZLE: From page 3 ACROSS 28) Black, sticky substance used on roads and roofs. 31) Apron 33) Fairmont CC Pro (ass’t) 36) Tamarack Golf Course Super 37) Baltusrol Pro (ass’t) DOWN 19) Formerlly Deal Super, now, Tara Greens Skipper (Initials) 20) Springdale GC super (initials) 21) Pro golfer turned anouncer 22) Total Vegatation killer often referred to as -selective. Augustino Juliano, Jr. (Augie Doggie) 480 Pompton Avenue Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 201-857-1439 OBJECTIVE: PERSONAL: Eat, sleep, lead a dog's life. 1 August, 1980, Mitchell, South Dakota. I like to swim, run and chase rocks, ducks, geese, squirrels, ground hogs and skunks. I love people and am very affectionate. I enjoy love and affection in return. I hate cats. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: November, 1980 to April, 1981 Montclair Golf Club Keep geese off turf. November, 1981 to April, 1982 Laid off during golf season due to fondness for chasing golf balls. Pumps for Water Vertical Turbine Horizontal End Suction In-Line SOLD AND SERVICED BY: Artesian Pumping Systems A DIVISION OF ARTESIAN WELL & EQUIPMENT CO INC 12 ROCHELLE AVENUE ROCHELLE PARK, N.J. 07662 PETER J. MAURO 201-845-7080 OFFICE 201-391-5336 HOME 23) Preakness Hills super 24) Not Hook (pi) 25) The best movie out this year (1982) 26) Deal Pro (past) 27) NY Radio channel hosting "Garden Hot Line" 29) Truckload 30) Just put OA in these spots 32) Golfer Thompson - first name 34) A woman’s security 35) Slow release Nitrogen CUSHMAN TURFCARE Equipment to Increase Productivity and Improve Your Greens and Tees • TRANSPORTATION • DUMPING • AERATION • TOP DRESSING • SPRAYING • SPREADING • SCARIFYING (201)521-2500 GOLF AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS Forsgate Drive, Jamesburg,N.J., 08831 2, 4-D: THE FACTS In recent months, the common herbicide 2,4-D has been the target of some publicity. This chemical is one of the two active ingredients in Scotts Plus Dicot Weed Control, and Fertilizer Plus Dicot Weed Control II. It is also the active ingredient in many other weed control products, marketed by companies other than Scotts. As a golf course superintendent, you are likely to be confronted with questions and comments about this chemical weed con­ trol. You may also have some questions yourself. From the scientific data currently available, several facts can be stated: — 2, 4-D emerged as a growth hormone with weed control properties in the 1930s and has been widely used with no significant health or safety problems since that time. — 2, 4-D has a low toxicity factor when taken orally (mouth), dermally (skin) or through inhalation (nose-mouth). — Carcinogenicity (cancer-causing capabilities) tests have proven negative in laboratory situations. — Mutagenicity (chromosome damage) and teratogenicity (abnormal fetal growth) tests have proven negative (except at ex­ cessively high doses), but are often cited as emotional reasons for banning chemical materials. — 2, 4-D is not harmful to wildlife. Federal registration for aquatic weed control with 2, 4-D was granted because of the extremely low toxicity of the chemical. — 2, 4-D does not persist in the en­ vironment. — 2, 4-D used in Scotts Pro turf products does not show signs of doxin contamination - a problem involved in the restriction of some other phenoxy herbicides. Although these facts are stated only briefly here, there are many pages of research literature to support them. Combining these results with the safety record of 2, 4-D for almost four decades of widespread use, allows a person to conclude that 2, 4-D poses little threat to the health and well-being of the general public. Credit: Scotts Pro Turf Sterilized Top Dressing EGYPT FARMS EXCLUSIVE ! All top dressing ingredients are thoroughly mixed and sterilized by indirect heat in our special process. The sand particles are actually coated with a mixture of top soil and peat humus for a completely homogenous mixture that will not sepa- rate during handling and spreading. WHITE MARSH MD. 301-335-3700 Egypt Farms top dressing is formulated especially for the transition zone to specifications recommended by the United States Golf Association, Texas A&M, Penn State, North Carolina, and the University of Maryland. Many years of research and testing by these leading universities have produced a soil mixture for superior growth; to maintain the best balance of percolation; to resist compaction; for good aeration; and for the retention of usable water and nutrients in the growing medium. *Green and tee construction materials & mixes conforming to U.S.G.A. specs are also available. Distributed by Metro-Milorganite, Inc. The Terre Co. (201) 473-3393 (914) 769-7600 Wagner Seed Co., Inc. (516) 293-6312 The Ideal Golfer by Bill Smart Doesn’t play early, nor after five, Always walks, never drives. Hits them clearly off the tee, No divot mark, for all to see. Carefully disposes of paper wraps, Rakes the footprints out of the traps. Doesn’t play fast, nor too slow, Stands aside and lets us mow. Always speaks, with a friendly grin, Plays the game, not just to win. His wife stays home while he makes to loop, She doesn’t belong to the ladies group. He doesn’t golf till the first of May, And stops right after Labor Day. Eats at the Club, and buys a few drinks, Helps carry his share of the cost of the Plays once a week, usually Sunday, Sometimes a Saturday, never a Monday. Plays the game square, U.S.G.A., Doesn’t care what the local rules say. Fixes the ball marks on the greens, Never on his putter leans. Sees no need for spikey shoes, That mar the greens, and leave a bruise. I’ve written these words with no trace of a But where is this golfer? He doesn’t play links. sneer, here. for TOUGHER TURF fertilize with • LONGER LASTING • EASIER TO APPLY • WON’T BURN Long-lasting Milorganite provides soil with everything necessary for strong, vigorous grass growth. It promotes a healthy root system that resists drought, insect pests, and disease. Milorganite is easy to apply, too: it's dust-free, free flowing, and does not cake or deteriorate in storage. Use spring, summer, and fall. METRO MILORGANITE, INC. Tony Grasso John Wistrand (914) 769-7600 Superintendent's Dictionary Dandelion The dandelion is often unfairly dismissed as nothing but a pesky weed by those who do not recognize its many uses. The leaves can be boiled to produce a green sludge that may be pureed and used to patch gutters; the flowers can be fermented into a potent, wine-like beverage (or, if somewhat less sugar is added, into a homemade paint remover); the roots, cut up and roasted, can be force-fed to poultry and cats; and the fluffy seed hairs of 5,000 or so of the plants will provide stuffing for a small toss pillow. Green Thumb Common condition suffered by gar­ deners. The skin of the thumb develops a greenish hue as the result of handling large amounts of currency at nurseries. Insecticides A new respect for the environment and stricter regulations have taken most of the effective, but destructive, poisons off the shelf and replaced them with more benign, but less potent compounds. Typical of the new insecticides are Annoyene, which gives some caterpillars a mild itching sensation ; Migrene, which gives slugs a headache; and Dorene, Norene and Charlene, a family of aromatic hydrocarbons based on inex­ pensive perfumes which have a vague repellent effect on grubs, chiggers and mites. Perennial Any plant which, had it lived, would have blossomed year after year. See ANNUAL. Poison Ivy If, like most people, you are allergic to this plant, the slightest touch is far worse than itching powder. You’ll just have to learn to live with it - it’s one of nature’s little “gags.” Others include lightning, floods, earthquakes and hurricanes, cobwebs, poodles and the mumps. Sprinkler Adjustable rotary irrigation device, typically with two settings: “drool,” which creates a puddle of water 6 inches deep in a circle about a yard in diameter, and “monsoon,” which propels a high-velocity water jet into the woods, the garage, your automobile and the street. Sucker According to the American Botanical Association, gardening is growing ex­ tremely rapidly in popularity, with a potential new amateur gardener being born every 60 seconds! Weed Any green plant which will survive at least one week outdoors without being watered, fertilized, pruned, sprayed, staked, mulched, misted, dusted, or wrapped in burlap, paper or plastic. Ribbans needs shorter clubs or straighter drives. You Are A Turfgrass Professional When someone comes to your golf course and asks - “Is the Pro around?”, everyone, including you, will proceed to tell the someone - “The Pro is in the Pro shop, or giving lessons, or home in the shower.” I look forward to the time when the an­ swer to the question - “Is the Pro around?”, the answer will also be a question - “Which Pro do you mean, the Turfgrass Pro or the Golf Pro?” Remember, not too many years ago your job was called the Greenskeeper. Then some farsighted people began to raise the image of your position by referring to the Golf Course Superintendent. Not too bad for a start, but not too professional either considering the knowledge you must have and the ability to cope with not only the turf and tree problems on your course, but to cope with the people problems also. Is your name on a nice plaque over the entrance to your Turfgrass Pro’s office? You probably don’t even have your name and position painted on an old board in many cases. Even if the club does not buy you the plaque, you should! And it should say — TURFGRASS PRO — George Somebody. The Golf Pro has the God-given ability to hit a ball fairly far and fairly straight. Some of them are even pretty good teachers of the game of golf. And they all have the financial advantage of taking a cut out of selling clubs, balls, shirts, and shoelaces. And it doesn’t take too much professionalism to sell shoelaces to a person who has just broken his or hers. And he has his name on a nice plaque over the door to his office! If the greens, the fairways, the trees and flowers which really make the good golf course, go to pot, do the members want to fire the Golf Pro? They want to replace you with someone who is more professional at making things grow. They want a new Turfgrass Pro - and that’s you! So what is more important to the golf course - the greens, the fairways, the or­ namentals, or the variety of colors of balls, shirts and shoes in the Golf Pro’s shop? You have spent many hours in classrooms, in turfgrass meetings, in consulting with other Turfgrass Pros, and many years in learning how to make tur­ fgrass grow to improve the game of golf, and you should be recognized at your club as the TURFGRASS PROFESSIONAL! Spencer H. Davis, Jr. In the North Fran Berdine R.D. 1, P.O. Box 331 Pine Bush, N.Y. 12566 Telephone: (914) 733-4605 In the South Bob Dwyer Technical Representative 33 Shetland Road East Brunswick, N.J. 08816 Telephone: (201) 238-5941 THE GREENER SIDE PATRONS Tennis Courts and Running Tracks ALAN G. CRUSE, INC. Top Soil, Sand, Stone, Spar, & Humus Al Cruse (201) 992-2335 ALPINE TREE CARE, INC. Serving Northern N.J. for 60 years Bob Mullane - Peter Moritz (914) 948-0101 AMERICAN TENNIS & TRACK, INC. Repair and Construction - Harold G. Skinner (201) 778-1171 ANDREW WILSON, INC. Irrigation, Chemicals, Equipment Drew Morrison (201) 467-1400 (office) (201) 273-8555 (home) ARTESIAN PUMPING SYSTEMS Pumps for Watering Systems Peter J. Mauro (201) 845-7080 AQUATROLS CORPORATION AQUA-GRO — it drives your dirt to drink . . . & drain. Demie or Bob Moore (609) 665-1130 BLUE RIDGE PEAT FARMS, INC. Top Dressing, Peat, Humus, & Potting Soil Gene Evans (717) 443-9596 BRUE DAN CORPORATION Golf Cars & Industrial Vehicles Jake Kriney - Richard Lewis (914) 469-2275 CORDOBA HELICOPTERS, INC. Agri-Flight Spraying Joe Cordoba (609) 448-0031 DAVENPORT TREE SERVICE New Jersey Certified John Schaus (201)891-1764 DOUBLE EAGLE GOLF & INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS OF AMERICA SUPPLY CO., INC. The Cushman People (201) 521-2500 EGYPT FARMS, INC. Golf Green Top-Dressing John Strickland (301) 335-3700 FARM & GOLF COURSE Turfgrass Supplies Howard T. Scott (609) 829-4726 (215) 483-5000 FERTL-SOIL Turfgrass Supplies Martin Futyma (201) 388-0100 GARDEN STATE GOODALL Goodall Turf Equipment Phil Mowery, Stan Stevenson, Dave Walter (609) 799-4101 GEO. SCHOFIELD COMPANY, INC. Sand, Stone, Mulch Chips, Compost Plus (201) 356-0858 GOLF BY JANIS INC. Golf Course Construction, Rennovation, Irrigation Al Janis (301) 641-8156 GRASS ROOTS TURF PRODUCTS, INC. Turfgrass Supplies Ken Kubik (201) 361-5943 Bert Jones (201) 686-8709 JEP SALES, INC. Turf Maintenance Equipment Jack Poksay - Tony Ripple (609) 585-2300 KOONZ SPRINKLER SUPPLY COMPANY Irrigation Equipment William Koonz (201) 379-9313 LAKESHORE EQUIPMENT & Manufacturers, Distributors Turfgrass SUPPLY COMPANY. & Horticultural Supplies Les Guedel (800) 321-5325 LEBANON CHEMICAL CORP. Country Club Fertilizers & Chemicals Bill Nist (201) 329-4011 The listed PATRONS are the sole financial supporters of this publication. Without them this newsletter would not exist. Please give strong consideration to supporting them whenever possible. Editor. LEON S SOD FARMS Certified Sod Grown on Mineral Soil Samuel Leon (201) 996-2255 LOFT'S PEDIGREED SEED, INC. Seed for the Turfgrass Industry Richard Hurley (201) 356-8700 LONGO MOTOR & PUMP, INC. Motors - Pumps - Bearings Rewind, Repair, Sales (201) 539-4141 24 hours METRO MILOGANITE, INC. Turfgrass Supplies Tony Grasso and John Wistrand (914) 769-7600 MID-ATLANTIC EQUIPMENT CORP. Golf Cars & Turf Maintenance Equipment Sam Baird, Jr. - Kirby Overton Bill Marberger (215) 489-1400 MONTCO PRODUCTS CORPORATION Surf Side & Zap Robert Oechsle (215) 628-3144 MOUNTAIN TURF PRODUCTS Turfgrass Supplies Richard Grant (717) 646-7220 O.M. SCOTT PROTURF Fertilizer, Chemicals Fran Berdine (914) 361-4105 Bob Dwyer (201) 238-5941 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION Golf Course Top-Dressing James Kelsey (201) 637-4631 ROCKLAND CHEMICAL CO., INC. Turfgrass Chemicals & Fertilizer Cliff L. Belden, III (201) 575-1322 REES JONES, INC. Golf Course Design Rees Jones (201) 744-4031 SEACOAST LABORATORIES, INC. Granular Turfgrass Pesticides Richard Baker (201) 257-7772 STANDARD GOLF COMP. Pro Line Golf Course Equipment Steve Burrell - Chief Waseskuk (319) 266-2638 STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Turf Maintenance Equipment, Irrigation Paul Deschamps - Gene Tarulli (201) 722-9830 STUMP REMOVAL Clean - Efficient - Inexpensive Ron Manning (201) 444-0676 THE TERRE COMPANY Turfgrass Supplies Dennis DeSanctis - Greg Hutch (201) 473-3393 TUCKAHOE TURF Bentgrass Sod Steve Donahue (800) 243-7582 TURF PRODUCTS CORPORATION Turfgrass Supplies Ernie Rizzio - Rich Berberick (201) 263-1234 UPJOHN - TUCO COMPANY Turfgrass Chemicals David Sylvester (203) 828-3790 THE VAUGHAN-JACKLIN CORPORATION CORPORATION Turfgrass Supplies Sky Bergen (201) 377-2054 W.A. CLEARY CHEMICAL Turfgrass Chemicals Clay Nelson - Shaun Barry (201) 247-8000 WILFRED MacDONALD, INC. Turf Maintenance Equipment Ed Lott — Ed Rockhill (201) 471-0244