GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY Vol. 7 No. 5 September 1984 GCSANJ’s 7th Annual Invitational Canoe Brook Country Club The first hole shows the beauty and challenge of Canoe Brook, rated one of New Jersey’s best courses. Dates to Remember September 21, 1984 Seventh Annual GCSANJ Invitational Championship. Canoe Brook Country Club, Summit, N.J. Skip Cameron, Host October 2, 1984 GCSANJ Field Day, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J. October 2, 1984 Sixth Annual Met Area Superintendent Associations Team Championship, Wilmington Country Club, Montchanin, Delaware. Dave Kroll, CGCS, Host September 27, 1984 Annual TPC Day, Peace Pipe Golf Club, Denville, N.J. Ernie and Buddy Rizzio, Hosts October 25, 1984 New Jersey GCSA Championship, Battle Ground Country Club, Gary Stedman, Host December 3-6, 1984 New Jersey Turf Expo, Resorts International, Atlantic City, N.J. December 11-14, 1984 Pennsylvania Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show, Hershey, Pennsylvania GREENER SIDE DEADLINE Issue No. 6 November 1, 1984 the GREENER SIDE GCSANJ Newsletter is published six times a year by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey, P.O. Box 231, New Brunswick, N. J. 08903. Editor Ed Walsh, CGCS Charlie Cross, Associate Editor Ken Kubik, Special Projects Weese Goosman, Graphics Editor Wayne Foster, Photography Please address inquiries concerning advertising to: Mary Walsh 13 Round Lake Park Road Monroe, New York 10950 GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION of NEW JERSEY Cook College - Rutgers University Box 231 New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903 OFFICERS OF GCSANJ Bob Dickison, CGCS President Bob Ribbans Vice President Wayne Foster Secretary Treasurer Ed Nickelsen Past President Wayne Ballinger, CGCS EXECUTIVE BOARD Mike Dale Director, District 1 John Ward Director, District 2 Dennis Shea Director, District 3 Joel Jacquemot Director, District 4 Charlie Edgar Director, District 6 Charlie Cross Director, District 7 John Boyer Director, District 8 Dr. Henry Indyk Executive Director Our Own Worst Enemy One Perspective Comparisons. The word I feel fits rather nicely with the other wonderful words related to our profession, lush and grain. It always amazes me how one course is compared to another. How one superin­ tendent’s job is in jeopardy when, for some uncontrollable reason, his course isn’t perfect when, regardless of the cause, it’s expected to be. And do you know that we are probably the biggest offenders of the 3-C’s (never criticize - complain - condemn). We sit around at a meeting and con­ tinually knock each other when protective is what we really ought to be. And although we could, with a little thought, probably figure out what really went wrong with a peer’s course, we don’t even try. You know if you really look at each From the Editor's Desk situation you will find we are our own worst enemies. The next time a fellow superin­ tendent discusses the condition of a con­ stituent’s course, ask him if he is familiar with the problems that caused the con­ ditions. Then ask if he has ever had problems and, when he did, how would he have felt if his so-called allies were critical of his situation. I have found that usually shuts the criticism off real quick. A Second Perspective One of the most appealing aspects of being a golf course superintendent is the feeling of being singular - creating and designing and manipulating your own destiny. You determine the policies and projects, you set the hours and hire whom you want. It is a job, very much like being your own boss, in which at the end of a particular year you can sincerely look back with accomplishment or self-criticism. You are, in a very real sense, on your own. One problem with this situation lies in the fact that from time to time, we need each other. There do exist worlds much larger than our own golf courses. There are people more important than us. There are things we do not control. It is good to remember how small we really are. These statements are true. So why, when the need exists, do so many superintendents let down? Why do so many suddenly not care about their jobs? With a great deal of effort and expense the board of directors of the PAGCS asked you all to complete a survey. It was work - no question - it took time - no question - it involved the office, the pro, the board - no question. And yet, it was worth it. It was worth it to all of us, not in a collective sense, but for our own INDIVIDUAL FUTURES. But so many tossed it aside so foolishly, as if they felt immune, as if they didn’t care. It is simply impossible to do a task without all the tools necessary and yet so many are so eager to give one away. Our sense of in­ dependence should encourage all to act alone but there are times when this is im­ possible and this time is one. And so many area superintendents were too stupid to know it. It is simply amazing. There has always been a lot of talk about professionalism in this business. Why? Isn’t it obvious that when so many disregard a legitimate call for unity that we are lacking some basic elements of that word. THIS WAS IMPORTANT. And so many were so lazy. It is important that alone superin­ tendents work harder than any other group I know - but you must realize that this time you couldn’t. There are forces beyond us that can help to shape us and our futures. All of you who CHOSE not to answer must realize that together we might have helped shape policy. To those who participated one can only hope that the effort will prove worthwhile. And once again, this profession, with the actions of some of its members, demonstrates that at so many moments, we are our own worst enemy. Mark G. Curtin CGCS Editor’s Note: Mark Curtin is the editor of the Philadelphia Association of Golf Course Superintendents Newsletter, “The Bonnie Greensward.” Although our editorials have somewhat different topics, it is the direc­ tion that is most important. Those similarities should be obvious. Question: How wet was it this summer? A.R., Happy Valley Rest Home, Knee Deep, N.J. Answer: It was so wet that at one course they issued life jackets for any golfer who wanted to attempt the back nine. A neighboring course saw so much rain that the course superin­ tendent had a sign on the first hole telling the golfers to keep their rowboats in the rough. The bunkers had become water hazards. This year, before a golfer got a starting time, he had to find out how the tides were running. When the wind kicked up you could see whitecaps on the fairways. The caddies were doing chemicals that had to be flooded in. One of the biggest sellers this year was pontoons to replace tires on golf carts. I asked one course superintendent, “When are you planning to open the course?” His reply was, “As soon as the tides recede.” At golf outings they stopped playing closest to the pin and started playing closest to the puddle. The guy who would win the longest drive was the one who could get his ball to skip across the water the best. When you turned on the pumps this year it wasn’t to irrigate the course, it was to drain the bunkers A greens chairman told a superin­ tendent, “You have to adapt to this wet laps in the traps before they went on their loops. How wet was it?! It was the first year lifeguards had to split their time between the golf course and the club pool. The turfgrass’ roots this year were higher out of the ground than the grass blades. The Olympic Diving Trials were held on the fourth hole of a central Jersey golf course. You want to know wet! This year you had to apply sticker to the soles of your shoes so you wouldn’t float off the greens when you tried to cut them. This was not a year for chemicals that had to be watered in, this was a year for weather,” so he developed webbed feet and grew gills. The only insects that were a problem were the ones that could swim. If you wanted to find a dry spot on the course, you had to stand on top of a bridge. One golfer had to come off the course after twelve holes because his oars broke. There is no such thing as casual water when you are up to your neck in it. W.W. If you want to relive the exciting moments of this season, purchase Willet Wilt’s newest book The Summer of Our Discontent. You can reserve your copy through Ken Kubik, Mt. Freedom, N.J. The GREENER SIDE is not a copyrighted newsletter. When reprint­ ing, please acknowledge the GREENER SIDE and author. The Standard of Excellence in Golf Course Top-Dressing, Heat Treated, Made to the Most Modern Specifications, and pH Balanced. Also Available: High-Sand Top- Dressing, Tee Mix Blends, and Construction Mixes for Tees & Greens. DISTRIBUTED IN N.J. BY FARM & GOLF COURSE SUPPLY Howard Scott, 215-483-5000 FISHER & SON CO Frank Fisher, 215-644-3300 GRASS ROOTS TURF PRODUCTS Ken Kubik, 201-361-5943 GREEN HILL TURF SUPPLY Jim Roach, 201-938-7007 PRO-LAWN PRODUCTS Andy Mulick, 201-967-9124 Ingrid Kern, 215-750-1732 TURF PRODUCTS CORP. Ernie Rizzio, 201-263-1234 Meet Our Patrons STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Storr Tractor Company Makes History with The Toro Company Gene Tarulli Gene has been with the Storr Tractor Company for 11 years. He is presently serving the golf course superintendents in the central and northern part of our state and the lower Hudson Valley area of New York. Gene came to Storr from the ranks of New Jersey superintendents. He served as super at Shackamaxon (one year), Colonia (seven years) and Green Knoll (nine years). Gene is a graduate of Metuchen High School (date not available or before records were kept) and the Rutgers Turf Program. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army having served two years in Korea. At the recent Toro Company National Convention, Gene was honored as Toro’s Master Salesman of the Year. Any of us who deal with Gene on a professional level know the Toro Company could not have chosen a more worthy recipient. Congratulations Gene. Gene and his lovely wife Sybil reside in Martinsville. 891-1764 WYCKOFF, N.J. FULLY INSURED Paul Granger Paul is the Golf Course Irrigation Sales Manager at Storr Tractor Company. He came to Storr Tractor three years ago from Illinois where he was the Irrigation Manager at the Toro Distributorship in Springfield, Illinois. Paul was born in Chicago, Illinois and worked at Beverly Country Club for two years and Edgewood Valley Country Club for three years. He then went to Graduate School at Purdue University and received his Masters Degree in Turf Management under Dr. William Daniel. After graduate school he started work as one of the Regional Agronomists for the Chem-Lawn Corporation. Two years later he left that position to start the new Irrigation Division of Chem-Lawn. Within a year, he left to become the Irrigation Manager of Drake- Scruggs Equipment, the Toro Distributor in Springfield, Illinois. Paul has been married for nine years and lives in Lebanon, New Jersey, with his wife Nell and their two sons, Paul, Jr., 4, and Jamie, six months. Paul DesChamps Recently, at the Toro Convention in Minneapolis, Paul DesChamps, President of Storr Tractor Company was named Mr. Toro of 1984. Number One Distributor in the Nation! This is the highest award to be presented by the Toro Company, each year, for the integrity and excellence of Distributor Management in Sales and Service. This is the first time in the history of the Toro Company that a distributor who was not a full line distributor, ever won the award. Storr does not handle the consumer, only Commercial and Irrigation. Paul DesChamps was also named Mr. Irrigation of 1984 for the highest sales and service excellence. This, again, was a history-making event. Never before has the Toro Company awarded one distributorship, in one year, two top awards - one for excellence in a particular field, and the other, which is the Mr. Toro, for Overall Excellence and In­ tegrity of Distributors Management in every phase of its operation. This publication aims to please everyone so if you find any gramaticle errors or mis-spelled woreds you can bet they are in there for a reason. Believe it or not some folks only read this newsletter in hopes of finding misteaks. QUALITY SERVICE JAMES DAVENPORT BS IN FORESTRY • U of MAINE • NJ CERTIFIED TREE EXPERT + Nothing increases your golf score like witnesses. Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey proudly presents 20th ANNUAL TURFGRASS EQUIPMENT IRRIGATION and SUPPLIES TUESDAY, October 2,1984 FIELD DAY 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. (Rain Date October 3) — Registration beginning at 9:30 a.m.— — Free Caps to First 500 Registrants — RUTGERS STADIUM and GOLF COURSE Route 18 (River Road), Piscataway, N.J. The Field Day is the largest single money-making activity for our organization; therefore, it is the responsibility of all our members to help promote this function. I strongly urge you to lend your support by doing the following: (1) Persuading any and all potential suppliers to become exhibitors. (2) Attend the Field Day yourself. (3) Encouraging everyone with an interest in turf to attend. Information and additional literature is available from Dr. Henry Indyk or Wayne Ballinger We truly hope to see everyone at the field day on Tuesday, October 2. Thank You, Wayne F. Ballinger, CGCS Field Day Chairman CENTER IN ON TURF in Syracuse, New York November 7-9. 1984 NY State Turfgrass Association • EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE • EXPANDED TRADE SHOW • TURFGRASS TRAINING SESSION For further information please contact NY State Turfgrass Association 210 Cartwright Boulevard Massapequa Park, New York 11762 (516) 541-6902 Golf in the Later Years My muscles are flabby; I can’t hit a drive. My mind often doubts if I’m really alive. My chipping is lousy, I never could putt. I guess I’ll just stay home and My iron plays awful, I’m describing my game as a So the outlook for today is for Say! who can we get for a just sit on my butt. my woods are as bad, shade short of sad. grief and for sorrow. fourth tomorrow? National Pride on the Line in New Amateur Golf Tournament NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. — For two weeks this summer, America was held spellbound in front of their televisions as athletes from around the world competed for their countries. Now amateur golfers of all abilities can experience those same feelings of national pride while competing in an exciting, new golf tournament, the Mazda Royal Hawaiian International Amateur Golf Championships, the first competitive event ever endorsed by the National Golf Foundation. A men’s and women’s International Team Championship will highlight the 72- hole event. Golfers from the U.S., Australia, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and several other countries are expected to send participants. The tournament is scheduled for November 29 - December 8 on four different courses on the island of Maui - Kapalua, Royal Kaanapali, Wailea and Makena. The event, open to men with handicaps of 27 or less, and women with handicaps of 36 or less, will also feature an individual championship, with handicaps. Players will be flighted following the first and third rounds of play. There will also be a Callaway Championship for those without established handicaps. The men’s team title will be awarded to the country with the four lowest net scores for the 72 holes played. The women’s title will be awarded to the country fielding the three lowest net scorers. “We think this tournament is a very exciting opportunity for the average golfer,’’ NGF President David B. Hueber explained. “It gives them a chance to participate in a major event, and as a member of a national team, bring home a prestigious amateur title.’’ The deadline for entries has been ex­ tended to September 15. For information on the Royal Hawaiian Tournament, call toll- free, 800-367-5133. HELP WANTED GCSANJ — PLEASE, we need volunteer clubs for monthly golf meetings for the 1985 season. As of September 1, 1984, we have no (none, 0, zippo, etc.) volunteers yet. Let's get a jump on other outings for 1985. Get In touch with your District Director or contact Mike Dale, Emerson Country Club, 261 - 7601. P.S. We also need a volunteer club for an annual picnic for 1985. Thank You, Mike Dale National Golf Foundation News Updates Clodfelter, Bateson Latest Service Award Winners NGF Outstanding NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. — Dwane Clodfelter, who’s responsible for bringing golf instruction to thousands in one of the more isolated regions of the U.S., and Goldie Bateson, a genuine pioneer among women in the golf business, have been named the final winners of the National Golf Foundation’s Outstanding Service Award for 1984. The award honors those who have “provided continuous and exceptional service to golf, the people who play the game and the environment in which it is played.” This year’s three other winners are in­ ventor and innovator Lionel Callaway, best known for the handicapping system that bears his name, and golf course architects Geoffrey Cornish and Bob Baldock. All winners will be recognized at the NGF’s Golf Management Workshop at the Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, W. Va., Oc­ tober 28-31. “Dwane Clodfelter has probably been involved with more NGF activities the last three years than any other NGF con­ sultant,” said Annette Thompson, NGF’s director of education. “His annual indoor winter workshop for teachers, coaches and players has attained almost legendary status.” Clodfelter, 66, has been involved in athletics and coaching for 45 years. As assistant athletic director of the University of South Dakota, he coached a number of sports, including the men’s and women’s golf teams. He’s conducted the indoor clinic for almost 15 years, using 25 to 30 professionals. In all, the workshop is at­ tended by almost 500 each year. Many high school and college coaches bring their entire teams with them. He retired from USD last July. “Goldie Bateson’s entire life has been dedicated to golf,” Thompson added. “I can’t recall her ever saying ‘no’ to a school requesting a clinic, and she’s opened many doors when it comes to opportunities for women in golf.” Bateson, an NGF Honorary Consultant, was the first woman head professional in the state of Wisconsin, and one of the first in the country. She held that position for 21 years, at the W.A. Roberts Golf Course, until she opened her own instruction center at the Storms Driving Range in Milwaukee in 1977. Now fully retired at age 68, she’s been a member of the LPGA Teaching Division for almost 30 years, and served as president of the midwest section from 1976-78. She was inducted into the Wisconsin Golf Hall of Fame in 1981. 1984 GCSANJ's 7TH ANNUAL INVITATIONAL TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP Supporters of Turfgrass Research On September 21. 1984 the GCSANJ will have their Annual Invitational Tournament at Canoe Brook Country Club. Each of the holes will be sponsored by a turfgrass supplier. The profits from this will be put toward turfgrass research. The following sponsoring companies responded to this need for continuing turfgrass research: Grass Hoots Turf Products, Inc. Double Eagle Golf and Industrial Products Steven Willand, Inc. The Terre Company Garden State Good-All W.A. Cleary Chemical Corporation Metro Milorganite, Inc. Storr Tractor Company Alan G. Cruse, Inc. Montco Products Corporation Mobay Chemical Corporation Jonathan Green Company JEP Sales Davenport Tree Service Longo Motor and Pump, Inc. Lenanon Chemical Corporation Loft’s Pedigreed Seed, Inc. Fertl-Soil Company Wilfred MacDonald, Inc. Aquatrols Corporation of America Turf Products Corporation Mallinckrodt, Inc. Essex Fells team of Wayne Remo and Assistant Golf Pro Mark Maynard are congratulated by Committeeman Ernie Rizzio on their victory in the Pro-Super aspect of our 1983 Invitational. Joe Fricoudky (Assistant Superintendent) and Skip Cameron. You can bet their talents will be on display on September 21. GCSANJ Invitational They must be watching Schoellner keep score. This guy looks like a golfer. I know I’ve seen this guy before. Not so great swing. Winners always smile. Always A Success Even Jim’s strong play couldn’t carry Dickison. Would you trust this group? Peter Rosorea, G.M., and Skip Cameron, Supt., take time out of their busy schedule for this picture. When will the Invitational be at Gambler Ridge? A1 Rathjens looks tired. 5 DOWN 1 TO GO Remember John, three and three is not four. Greener Side Survey — The Women Speak Out 5. Is your circle of friends limited to golf- related people or do you have a wider range of friends? Most wives seemed happy to say that their variety of friends was wide. Between church, family, and other interests, the wives seemed very happy with their friends. 6. Does your husband attend the National Conference? Do you attend with him? Your comments on the National Conference if you have attended. Many wives said their husbands attend the National Conference and enjoy it. One wife mentioned her husband will not attend because he feels it is boring. Other wives plan on attending for the first time this coming year. Many ladies have attended and enjoyed the programs offered by G.C.S.A.A. What the host city had to offer had a large say in whether the ladies enjoyed themselves or not. 7. Does your husband receive enough recognition from his employer? (in your opinion) The opinion here was again split down the middle. On the yes side were comments of club members praising the superin­ tendent openly, inviting superintendent and wife to club functions (golf ceremonies, awards dinners), and clubs realizing they have a good man and rewarding him ac­ cordingly. On the no side, one wife said absolutely not. The effort being put forth by her husband was not matched in recognition by the club. One lady mentioned, and I quote, “recognition, for it to be enough for what he does, for what he is expected to do, and the hours he puts in, would not be enough. (He deserves a 21 gun salute, a five piece combo to accompany him on new pin placements, and at least two dancing girls to peel grapes for him at lunch.)” 8. When do you take vacation time? Summer. Winter. Prefer either? Enough vacation time? Understandably, most vacations are taken in the winter with a few in the fall or early spring. Most wives felt there was enough vacation time with a few feeling the opposite. Some ladies mentioned how nice a summer vacation with family would be but realized it was not possible. One lady mentioned at one time they had a travel trailer and would take off for weekends in the summer within ten miles of home so her husband could go back to the golf course. 9. How does his job affect family life? Good? Bad? Indifferent? Most ladies feel that their husband’s job does not affect life and that their husbands keep their jobs in the proper perspective. Some wives mentioned that they would prefer more family together time during the summer but, with the nature of the profession, it is often difficult. One wife feels his job affects family life to the point where there is none during the summer. Between her husband constantly being on the golf course (syringing, setting controllers) and at business meetings (which she says he would travel all day to attend) she sounds as if she dreads sum­ mer. 10. Do you feel that your husband’s health, whether mental or physical has been af­ fected by his job? The consensus here is most definitely yes. Health problems mentioned were stomach problems, high blood pressure, and headaches, especially during the stress periods of summer. Also mentioned were husbands being very tired and quiet during the summer months (which is un­ derstandable considering the hours these individuals put into their jobs). One wife said all superintendents should be careful of overexposure to the sun which could result in skin cancer. Good point. 11. Do you feel that your husband is properly rewarded financially for his responsibilities? Most ladies answered yes, also adding that it had taken their husbands a good deal of time to finally be rewarded financially. One wife said her husband’s employer couldn’t afford to pay him what she feels he is worth. Another lady mentioned that for maintaining the golf course her husband was rewarded properly but that his em­ ployer had him overseeing other areas of the club operation and for these extra areas he was not rewarded properly. Finally, one lady feels that financial advancement is very poor for the golf course superintendent as compared to other professions. 12. Would your husband be happy in another profession? If so, what? Most answered no. Maybe if the job were outdoors or if the individual owned his own business. One profession mentioned was a flying career. One wife said her husband may be happy in a golf-related position. 13. Have you, your husband, or your family ever been in a rut due to your husband’s profession? The majority answered here was no. Some mentioned the husband being in a rut (due to his job) but not affecting the family. Others mentioned being in a rut but with no blame on the husband’s profession. Continued on page 13 A Golf Course Superintendent — Many times it is a rewarding profession. Then again, there are often many vagaries the individual is faced with. An often forgotten, yet very important person associated with the Golf Course Superintendent is his wife. She must be understanding, knowing that long hours are often the norm in her husband’s profession. Does she and the family (if it applies) feel that they are often left behind in the shuf­ fle? Does she enjoy the fact that her husband is a Golf Course Superintendent? These questions and many others were asked wives of Golf Course Superintendents from the State of New Jersey. How do they really feel? The results were compiled and a consensus opinion is given for each of the questions asked. 1. Does your husband enjoy his profession? Most wives seemed to think that their husbands enjoy the profession very much. Being outdoors, involved with a sport most of them enjoy, and having a chance to meet a wide variety of people were some of the reasons expressed. One wife went as far as to say that her husband loves his golf course as if it were his mistress! On the negative side, one wife expressed concern that her husband has too many non­ golf related duties. Yet another wife said her husband enjoys his work very much but does not enjoy the people who play golf on his course. 2. How long has he been involved with golf course maintenance? Most superintendents have been in­ volved the majority of their working lives. The low was seven years and the high was twenty-eight years. 3. Do you feel your husband is over­ committed to his job? The question was split right down the middle. Some yes and some no. Some ladies felt that being committed to one’s profession, no matter what that profession may be, is an admirable trait. That same lady who feels her husband’s golf course is his mistress, said her husband should have married a golf course. But she must realize that there is no commitment with the golf course as his mistress! She would like to see a bit more commitment around the house. 4. Does your husband talk turf too much? According to the wives, their husbands don’t talk turf too much. The majority feeling is that the husbands have a wide range of interests which they would rather converse about. Some ladies mentioned that when two superintendents get together, it is almost inevitable they will discuss something pertaining to their profession. That is the case in any profession. One wife mentioned that at parties or similar functions she wishes her husband could dance as well as he talks turf. Come on Super. Get up and boogie! GCSAA NEWS The age of the computer has come to GCSAA! At the touch of a button, the Association can learn almost anything it is necessary to know about a member. What advantages are available through computer use? Ask James G. Prusa, CGCS, GCSAA Associate Executive Director. “I met a couple of members on one of my trips. After returning to the office, I wanted to drop them a note. I didn’t have their addresses so I went to the GCSAA com­ puter. By pressing a few keys on the computer keyboard, I was able to find their addresses, telephone numbers - all kinds of information - just like that!” Another example comes from Billy J. Shelton, GCSAA Media Relations Manager. “The LPGA called requesting the names of the professional superintendents at three courses where the LPGA was conducting tournaments. I went to the computer, and in less than five minutes had the names of the A good boss is someone who takes a little more than his share of the blame and a little less than his share of the credit. Cold Feet A recent Florida trip raised our awareness of how allegations and media exposure can shape our perception of danger. The two bugaboos creeping across the screen were Temik and paraquat. The suggestion was that Temik might be in our water or orange juice, or that, if we were so inclined, we might take a last drag on a paraquat-laced marijuana cigarette. Florida had just okayed the spraying of marijuana to prevent illegal growing of the crop. Our purpose here is limited to un­ derstanding how such gnawing threats grow and why the most Spartan citizen can develop a bad case of cold feet. A recently reported danger rating by students and the League of Women Voters, for example, listed nuclear power as the No. 1 danger. Yet, nuclear power is no more a proven danger than toxic chemicals in our food and water. “For example, there has never been a documented case of death or illness in the U.S. attributed to pesticide residues on food purchased in retail stores. Likewise, there has been no proof that exposure to food additives is responsible for any measurable portion of mortality,” observes William Pfander, associate dean at the University of Missouri. And what are the real dangers? The top five causes of death, based on actuarial estimates from insurance com­ panies and other sources, are smoking, alcoholic beverages, motor vehicles, guns and electric power. In other words, we get cold feet over things we tend not to understand, while we really should fear those common things, like the automobile, cigarettes and alcohol. superintendents for those courses.” In both examples, it might have taken hours - possibly days - to find the in­ formation without the computer. The computer will provide more in­ formation than phone numbers and names. By knowing only an individual’s name, information such as phone numbers, ad­ dresses, club name, chapter affiliation, education, certification, awards and honors, committee assignments and per­ sonal information can be found. Other in­ formation is also stored in the computer that can be retrieved at the touch of a button. Also, by knowing only the club name, the superintendent’s name can be found through the computer, and vice versa. GCSAA emphasized personal or sensitive information about members is treated as confidential. Security of computerized records is maintained by pass codes to which only key GCSAA officials have ac­ cess to further insure confidentiality. SUCH-A-DEAL Seven Gang Spartan Fairway Mowers, ready to use, good condition, $2,000.00. Call Joe Kennedy, Ramsey G. & C.C., (201) 934- 0504. The best in turf supplies LESCO 100% Sulfur-Coated Fertilizers, Golf Course Accessories, Chemicals including LESCOSAN A highly effective pre-emergence crabgrass and poa annua control Available from: Lakeshore Equipment & Supply Co. "Home of LESCO Products " 300 South Abbe Elyria, OH 44035 (800 321-5325 NATIONWIDE (800) 362-7413 In Ohio Chip Shots The Raritan Valley animal-captured update from Al Rathjens is to date: 43 woodchucks, 2 raccoons, 2 squirrels, and 1 oppossum. Over-the-hill Ken Kubik made it to the finals of his township tennis tournament for the eighth time, and won the Morris County Rotary over-35 tennis tournament this summer. You know you’re getting old, when you brag about tennis elbow .. . Ken Kubik in 10 years? 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 The Unsung Hero of Golf by Bert Yancey On Hilton Head Island, we are extremely fortunate to have 18 of the most beautifully manicured golf courses found anywhere. Somewhere on the courses that we love and enjoy are a group of the most efficient, dynamic and unheralded men in the golfing world. Behind the scenes, the golf course superintendent quietly and effectively does his job. He is versed in diplomacy and bridgebuilding; the rules of golf and county regulations on effluent water usage; hor­ ticulture and psychology. He is aware of the indomitable forces of nature and sensitive to the feelings of young men and women. He can take a two-cylinder engine apart and put it back together, or diagnose an early illness in a giant loblolly pine. He must understand daily budget controls and accounting principles as well as what motivates an employee to do his best work. This man takes swift action in any situation, from hydraulic leaks to dripping faucets. He may appear from the depths of a muddy hole, wherein lies a nest of colored wires, and look like a mountain man who just lost a fight with a grizzly ; then two hours later walk into a high-level staff meeting immaculate and ready to face a Madison Avenue crowd. He looks at a stand of overseeded winter grass that seems matted and sick and smiles within, secure in the knowledge that in two weeks it will look like an emerald carpet. Then later, when the carpet is cut with eight whirling blades at 7-32 of an inch, he knows if one blade is out of syn­ chronization. He accepts the burden of seeding winter grasses in the fall to cover the brown, al­ most dormant Bermuda; he has his own personal rye and knows exactly how to prepare the surface. Too much perennial rye, and the winter’s glorious color will retard the spring bloom of Bermuda; too little rye will give a sickly spotted and striped effect. Reluctantly, he rolls the dice of winter overseeding and patiently hopes for a little luck with the unpredictable weather. He spends many an afternoon playing a few holes trying to improve his own game while he evaluates the course. He knows that even the best of golfers play better on well-groomed courses, though most of them don’t know exactly why. This man rises before dawn to spend each morning with his crew, making sure the greens are cut and the traps raked before the first foursome tees off. He owns no 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. 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. (914) 769-7600 The Terre Co. (201) 473-3393 Wagner Seed Co., Inc. (516) 293-6312 alarm clock, reads an architectural map with ease, and may have attended Penn State or the school of hard knocks. With the ease of a diplomat he can direct a Governor not to practice too close to a sprinkler head. He commands the respect of his men like Robert E. Lee, and bleeds every time a player steps out of a sand trap and breaks its clean edge. He is a great man, the un­ sung hero of golf, the golf course superin­ tendent. There’s a little superintendent in everyone who loves the game. They respect the course, they don’t break branches or drag their feet across the greens. They step over the trap edges and fix two hallmarks on every green. They would never drive a cart on the bank of a tee or the slope of a green. So be careful as you drive your cart, and if you see a mountain man climb out of a jeep while you’re out playing, don’t just smile or nod . . . raise your right hand and clench your fist; it will be sincerely ap­ preciated. Editor’s Note: The Greener Side would like to thank Bert for sharing his ideas with us. In the North Fran Berdine R.D. 1, P.O. Box 331 Pine Bush, N.Y. 12566 Telephone: (914) 361-4105 for GOLF COURSES and PROFESSIONAL USE LEBANON CHEMICAL CORPORATION 201-329-4011 In the South Bob Dwyer Technical Representative 33 Shetland Road East Brunswick, N.J. 08816 Telephone: (201) 238-5941 Look for More Troubles by Robert Updegraff Be thankful for the troubles of your job. They provide about half your income. Because if it were not for the things that go wrong, the difficult people you have to deal with, and the problems and unpleasantness of your working day, someone could be found to handle your job for half of what you are being paid. It takes intelligence, resourcefulness, patience, tact, and courage to meet the troubles of any job. That is why you hold your present job. And it may be the reason you aren’t holding down an even bigger one. If all of us would start to look for more troubles, and learn to handle them cheerfully and with good judgment, as opportunities rather than irritations, we would find ourselves getting ahead at a surprising rate. For it is a fact that there are plenty of big jobs waiting for men and women who aren’t afraid of the troubles connected with them. District Team Championship Fairmount C.C., July 19 FIRST PLACE — District 1 Richard Browne William Caputi Edward Walsh Richard Van Zandt SECOND PLACE — District 3 Larry Dodge Thomas Murphy Louis Polidor Les Stout THIRD PLACE — District 2 Peter Pedrazzi Wayne Remo John Schoellner Jeff Wetterling 84 85 84 87 340 83 85 87 96 351 84 92 95 91 362 Women Speak Out Continued from page 10 14. How can wives get involved to help out? One lady had visions of raking traps, mowing greens, and tracking down snow mold (alias snow moles, you know those pink, furry animals). The overwhelming majority feels the wife should be there to listen, try to understand at all times, supply a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere at home, and to try to be their husband’s best friend, which I’m sure they are. Thank you, ladies, for participating in the survey. Your answers were helpful and interesting. I hope you enjoy the results. Thank You, Charlie Cross Associate Editor The Greener Side KNOW YOUR LELY Old Lely Model New Lely Model Without a doubt, the Lely Spreader is one of the golf course superintendent’s biggest allies. When set correctly and operated at the proper ground speed, the Lely applies granulars - fertilizers, pesticides and combination products - quickly, efficiently and economically. But unfortunately, the Lely Spreader settings can often be con­ fusing. The numbers that control the size of the feed ring opening present no difficulty because they are displayed on the feed ring calibration device. However, the Roman number settings, which control the pattern of the spread, can be confusing because they are not marked on the spreader. When this adjustment is set incorrectly, some materials are thrown against the framework of the spreader - resulting in striping and uneven applications. The diagram on this page illustrates the position of these Roman numeral settings. Marking these numerals on your Lely can save a lot of time and effort and prevent a lot of application errors. They can be painted on, scratched in the paint, labeled with a magic marker or labeling machine. Once the Roman numerals are clearly marked, you can be confident your products are being applied accurately. You can't grow GRASS without ROOTS KEN KUBIK (201) 361-5943 BERT JONES (201) 686-8709 DON'T GET CRABBY USE— ROCKLAND'S BETASAN LIQUID BETASAN 7G or 12G Granular BETASAN/Fertilizer Combo Available from your local golf course supplier Rockland Chemical Co., Inc. BOX 809, WEST CALDWELL, N.J. 07006 (201) 575-1322 THE GREENER SIDE PATRONS ALAN G. CRUSE, INC. Top Soil, Sand, Stone, Spar, & Humus Al Cruse (201) 992-2335 ALPINE TREE CARE, INC. Serving Northern N.J. for 64 years Bob Mullane - Peter Moritz (914) 948-0101 AMERICAN TENNIS & TRACK, INC. Tennis Courts — Repair and Const. Jim Snagusky (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 CORP. OF AMERICA AQUA-GRO Demie, Andy, 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 CONSOLIDATED STEEL & ALUMINUM FENCE CO., INC. Eugene T. McLaughlin (201) 272-6262 DAVENPORT TREE SERVICE New Jersey Certified John Schaus-Jim Davenport (201)891-1764 DOUBLE EAGLE GOLF & INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS The Cushman People (201) 521-2500 C. DUNLOP CONST. CO. Paving, Concrete, Patios Charlie Dunlop (201) 489-4562 EGYPT FARMS, INC. Golf Green Top-Dressing John Strickland (301) 335-3700 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 GLENMORE LANDSCAPE SERVICE Irrigation Installations Glenn S. Moore (914 ) 764-4348 COMPANY GRASS ROOTS 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 Rainbird Irrigation Equipment William Koonz (201) 379-9313 LAKESHORE EQUIPMENT & Les Guedel-Mike Oleykowski (800) 321-5325 LEBANON CHEMICAL CORP. Country Club Fertilizers & Chemicals Bill Nist (201) 329-4011 LEON'S SOD FARMS Certified Sod Grown on Mineral Soil Samuel Leon (201) 996-2255 SUPPLY COMPANY. The listed PATRONS are the sole financial supporters of this publication. Without them this newsletter would not exist. Please give strong consideration to sup­ porting them whenever possible. If you don’t support them, they will not be able to support us. EDITOR LOFT’S PEDIGREED SEED, INC. Seed for the Turfgrass Industry Richard Hurley (201) 356-8700 LONGO MOTOR & PUMP, INC. Motors - Pumps Rewind, Repair, Sales (201) 539-4141 24 hours METRO MILORGANITE, INC. Turfgrass Supplies Tony Grasso and John Wistrand (914) 769-7600 MID-ATLANTIC EQUIPMENT CORP. Golf Cars & Turf Maintenance Equipment Paul Brandon 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) 665-9728 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION Golf Course Top-Dressing James Kelsey (201) 637-4631 PRO LAWN TURF PRODUCTS Services for the Professional Andrew Mulick (201) 967-9124 Ingrid A. Kern (215) 750-1732 ROCKLAND CHEMICAL CO., INC. Turfgrass Chemicals & Fertilizer William Dunn Steve Stys (201) 575-1322 REES JONES, INC. Golf Course Design Rees Jones (201) 744-4031 R&S LANDSCAPE CO., INC. Golf Course Construction Claus I. Raven (201) 278-0616 SEACOAST LABORATORIES, INC. Granular Turfgrass Pesticides Richard Baker (201) 257-7772 STANDARD GOLF COMP. Pro Line Golf Course Equipment Steve Tyler - Chief Waseskuk (319) 266-2638 STEVEN WILLAND INC. Ransomes Grass Machinery Bill Rapp-Kurt Wagner (201) 227-5612 STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Turf Maintenance Equipment, Irrigation Paul Deschamps - Gene Tarulli Paul Granger (201) 722-9830 STUMP REMOVAL CO. Clean - Efficient - Inexpensive Ron Manning (201) 444-0676 THE TERRE COMPANY Turfgrass Supplies Dennis DeSanctis - Greg Hutch (201) 473-3393 TURF PRODUCTS CORPORATION Turfgrass Supplies Ernie Rizzio-Buddy Rizzio (201) 263-1234 UPJOHN - TUCO COMPANY Turfgrass Chemicals David Sylvester (203) 828-8905 VAUGHAN’S SEED CO. Turfgrass Seed and Supplies Sky Bergen (201) 635-6469 (201) 356-4200 VIC GERARD GOLF CARS, INC. New & Reconditioned Golf Cars Vic Gerard, Jr. (201) 367-5303 (home) (201) 938-4464 (office) W.A. CLEARY CHEMICAL CORP. Turfgrass Chemicals Clay Nelson - Shaun Barry (201) 247-8000 WILFRED MacDONALD, INC. Turf Maintenance Equipment Ed Lott - Ed Rockhill - Bill Luthin (201) 471-0244 WM. STOTHOFF CO., INC. Pump Sales and Service Wm. “Pete” Stothoff, III (800) 942-7706 (201) 782-2717 (bus.)