Vol. 11 No. 3 May-June 1988 Official Publication of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey GCSANJ Newsletter is published six times a year by the Golf Course Superinten­ dents Association of NJ, P.O. Box 231, New Brunswick, NJ 08903. EDITORIALS BEYOND THE CALL... Ilona Gray, Editor Bruce Cadenelli, Associate Editor Jeff Allen, Editorial Staff Ken Kubik, Special Projects Glenn Miller, Business Editor Please address inquiries to The Greener- side, Editor, P.O. Box 3672, Wayne, NJ 07474-3672. For Ad Placement: Glenn Miller, (201) 528-6775, P.O. Box 241, Brielle, NJ 08730. Art and Typography by Backes Graphic Pro­ ductions, Inc., Hopewell, New Jersey © 1988 THE GREENERSIDE GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY Cook College—Rutgers University Box 231, New Brunswick, NJ 08903 Officers: Ed Walsh, CGCS, President Steve Finamore, CGCS, Vice President Dave Pease, Secretary Wayne Ballinger, CGCS, Treasurer Bob Ribbans, CGCS, Past President Directors: District 1 Dick LaFlamme District 2 Chris Carson Peter Pedrazzi, CGCS District 3 Gerald Fountain Bruce Cadenelli District 4 Leonard R. Forlenza Thomas Grimac Executive Director: Dr. Henry Indyk Commercial Representatives: Steve Chirip Shaun Barry Opinions expressed on this page are opinions of the authors and do not ex­ press the opinions or policies of the GCSANJ board and membership. INDEX Editorials.................................... ... 2 President's Message ................ ... 3 Willct Wilt................................ ... 3 GCSANJ News ......................... .. 4,5 GCSAA Director's Comments . ... 6 Early Detection Plant Pests ... ... 8 Meet the Patron...................... ... 9 Superintendent Profile........... ... 10 Roughly Speaking.................... ...10 Back-9........................................ , 12,13 Calendar....................................,... 14 Patron Directory...................... ,...15 2 May-June The Golf Course Superintendent's Association of New Jersey needs to rec­ ognize four of its members for going beyond the call of duty. While most superintendents were busy preparing their courses for the crush of the season, these four dug deep and found the time to volunteer to speak on behalf of our industry. This April the NJ Department of Environmental Protection held its public hearings on the proposed changes to the Pesticide Control Code. Notifica­ tion of pesticide application are a matter of fact in many states. Here in New Jersey regulations have been proposed that would require notification in the form of posting on golf courses. It is not a matter of "whether" to have notification but rather "how" to have notification. To specify how something is done is often far more difficult than to argue whether something should or should not be done. These four men took their time to study, to think and to prepare their presentations. The main thought in all of their presentations was to minimize the negative aspects of posting while still giving those who feel they need to know enough information to make their choices. At this time we do not know whether these clear voices will be heard and fully understood. But we do know that without their efforts and those of others at these meetings, the DEP would have heard only one side of this issue. Recognition for beyond the call of duty goes to: Robert Dickison, Upper Montclair CC; Armand LeSage, White Beeches Golf and CC; Bruce Cadenelli, Hollywood Golf and CC; and Gerald Fountain, Trenton CC. PROPOSED CHANGES I.F.G. Recently public hearings were held by the New Jersey DEP to allow for comments on the proposed changes to the pesticide laws of our state. Major changes effecting superintendents would be an increase in the licensing fee along with a regulation stipulating that we post our courses whenever pes­ ticides are applied. The changes are not drastic and are things we can live with. What is bothersome was the apathy shown by the vast majority of pesticide applicators in NJ to either speak at the hearings or submit written comments. We need to realize that there is a large group of environmental activists who believe our pesticide practices pose a hazard to their well being. They are well organized group who take advantage of every opportunity to have their message heard in public forums. If we do not actively protect our rights we will see, over time, our ability to use pesticides regulated and legislated away. We can ill afford to sit on the sidelines; the times demand that we make our collective voices heard! Public thanks are due both Bob Dickison and Armand LeSage for the time they gave in speaking at these hearings. HARRY C. ECKHOFF AWARD B.E.C. ECKHOFF AWARD For Excellence In Golf Journalism The Greenerside has been selected for Special Merit in the 1987 Harry C. Eckhoff Award com­ petition for excellence in golf journalism. The National Golf Foundation received more than 130 entries for this prestigious award, which recognizes outstanding journalistic ef­ forts among local and regional golf publica­ tions. The calibre of entries was extremely high this year, indicating a continuing high standard in golf journalism. Congratulations to Jim Gilligan and the 1987 Greenerside Staff! President’s Message Most of our members should have received a letter from our Scholar­ ship and Research Chairman, Gerald Fountain. This letter follows a report that was sent to each member in early March regarding Patch Disease Research. This Research was started at the Uni­ versity of Rhode Island and will be continued at Cook College/ Rutgers University. Your Board of Directors is totally supportive of this en­ deavor. The scope of this support is substantial but each and everyone of us felt confident our membership would also support this program. The final decision at Cook College/Rutgers University was not determined until late February. Unfortunately, this did not give us much time to react. We know the commitment would have been easier for every member if the program had been finalized in the fall, but it was not. We realize gaining financial support from your clubs will require an effort on each member's part. We are hopeful we have been able to provide you with enough information to help you explain this Research to your club officials. Please realize that we are not only asking the support of our GCSANJ members and clubs, but are soliciting all golf course superintendent and related golf associations in the entire northeastern section of our country. We feel confident that the Metropolitan Golf Association will channel its re­ search funding toward this program in the future. We also have commitments from other golf course superintendent associations from as far south as the mid Atlantic area and north into New England. The scope of the Patch Diseases infestation is vast. Only through adequate research will control measures be de­ veloped. Jim Snow, Director of the Northeast Region of the USGA Green Section, stated that over 50% of the golf courses he visited in 1987 experienced turf decline due to various forms of the patch diseases. The research direction taken by Doctors Bruce Clarke and Peter Landschoot is supported by many well-known Turfgrass Pathologists. Dr. Noel Jackson, URI, Dr. Joe Vargas, Michigan State, and Dr. Houston Couch, Virginia Tech are highly com­ plimentary of Cook College/Rutgers University Patch Disease Research Proposals and, congratulate the support shown by our Association. Cook College/Rutgers University is making a tremendous commitment to turfgrass research. Their Patch Disease re­ search is the first step in that commitment. Let us all, recognize their efforts and make every attempt possible to support ours and their future.« ED WALSH, CGCS, PRESIDENT "Great Moments in Opening Day" Every spring the golf course has a day that is supposed to be the "Opening Day"—even though the golfers have been out playing the course for a month. This is the day when you put the new flags and poles out on the course, only to find that the brand of pole you bought last month does not fit in the putting green cups that you have been using for years. It is also the day you must have the ball washers filled and the igloo coolers out. Of course, the odds are that there will be an unexpected freeze the night before and, therefore, the ball washers will crack and the igloos' spouts will freeze shut. The day before opening day is when they finally remember to tell you that there will be Senior Tee Placements this season—so now you need gold tee markers. The tee markers end up costing you $75.00 and the next day air UPS costs $100.00. Then, the riding greens mower you have already used suc­ cessfully five times this year decides to break down halfway through the mowing of the greens on open­ ing day. This is also the day when you discover the case of rope you thought you had is empty; the case of white marking paint you need is filled with another color; and you forgot to put towel clips on the ball washers. Of course, on at least one opening day of your career you will find that the vandals have thrown all your tee markers in the pond. Opening days are easier when you are younger, because then you don't realize just how many things can go wrong. And, if everything does run smoothly, no one will see it because it will probably snow. Remember that whatever happens, whether it's good or bad, golf is still only a game—and you're one day closer to October. If you would like your golf course telephone ser­ vice to include call forwarding to the State Mental Hospital, just call Willet Wilt c/o Ken Kubik at (201) 361-5943.« Serving the Industry for 60 years, • Decorative Stone/Boulders • Landscape Products • Top Dressing Sand • White Trap Sand • Earthlife Products - Top Dressing - Construction Mix - Top Soil (201) 356-0858 Geo. Schofield Co. Inc. R.O. Box 1 10 Bound Brook, NJ 08805 The Greenerside 3 APRIL AT ATLANTIC CITY For the second consecutive year our April meeting enjoyed less than spectacular weather, but that did not prevent 113 golfers from taking to the links at Atlantic City C.C. for the start of another golf season and association meetings. This year the April get together was a joint meeting with the Philadelphia Golf Course Superintendents Association. We enjoyed red carpet treatment by our hosts the Fraser family, along with superintendent Jim MacLaren. Mr. James Stanley, OSHA Regional Director, gave an excel­ lent presentation on workplace safety, detailing many of the laws which govern our operations. The importance of under­ standing and complying with these laws cannot be overstated. Substantial fines can be handed out if a workplace accident occurs! It is hoped that both associations saw the mutual benefits to the joint meeting. It is something that we should do on an annual basis.« B.E.C GCSANJ SPONSORS DISEASE SEMINAR On March 17 and 18, the NJGCSA presented, in association with GCSAA, a disease identification and control seminar at the Forsgate Country Club. Nationally acclaimed pathologists Dr. Houston Couch (Virginia Polytechnic Institute) and Dr. Phil Larsen (University of Minnesota) were on hand to provide very practical information at a whirlwind pace. A near sellout attendance of forty-three superintendents and assistants from the Metropolitan area were eager for the disease descriptions and diagnostic clues, and especially for the practical informa­ tion regarding spray techniques. Drs. Couch and Larsen did not shy away from controversy, and were clear and confident PGA GOLF SHOW One of GCSANJ's yearly public relations effort is our informa­ tion booth at the NJ PGA Golf Show. For the past five years we have been promoting our association and the professional image of the superintendent to the golfing public at this event. We were again in attendance at this years show on March 28th. Thanks to Bruce Peeples, Jeff Allen, Shaun Barry, Ilona Gray, Ed Walsh, John Wantz, Jim Gilligan, Armand LeSage, and Bruce Cadenelli for giving their time to work the booth. Thanks also to Russ Helwig, and the NJ PGA for making this booth available to our association. We enjoy a strong relation­ ship with the golf professionals of our state and we look forward to working with them on future endeavors.« NEW MEMBERS Please join me in welcoming these nine new members into the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey. These members were taken in at the March 21,1988 meeting. William Amerman, Charles Burdick, Paul Eckert, Christopher Holenstein, Jim MacLaren, CGCS, Harold Peters, Jr., Steven Piet- rucha, Bruce Pye, and Edward Schulsinger. Robert Prickett has recently become a member into the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.« SERVING THE TURFGRASS INDUSTRY Tractors • Mowers • Loaders • Snowblowers Aerators • Rakes • Sprayers • Spreaders Line Markers • Transporters • Vacuums Sweepers • Blowers Cushman • Ryan • John Deere Brouwer • Broyhill • Giant Vac Power Boss «Air Sweep 285 Dayton-Jamesburg Road Dayton, New Jersey 08810 • (201 ) 329-9292 4 May-June in their chemical and equipment recommendations. From the comments of the participants, the event was an acclaimed success. The first day was spent on review and update of turfgrass diseases, with specific chemicals rated for each disease. It was made clear in the descriptions and in the discussions that followed that the labels we are looking at are inadequate with regard to identification and proper naming of controlled diseases. With more than one species of Rhizoctonia evident in our turf, it is incomplete for a label to declare control of "Rhizoctonia" without also declaring which Rhizoctonia. Worse is when the label declaration is for the generic "Brown Patch". This problem of classification is particularly evident when we deal with the Patch diseases. Dr. Couch presented information relating to incorrect iden­ tification and description of the Summer Patch causal agent, and it was interesting to learn that he is in full agreement with the identification work done by Drs. Landschoot and Jackson. Couch made it a point to encourage those in atten­ dance to enthusiastically support the upcoming two year post-doctorate research on Summer Patch (Magnaporthe) by Dr. Landschoot at Cook College. This work will be under the direction of Dr. Bruce Clark, and promises to be the most intense research done on this important disease in the coun­ try. With GCSANJ's financial support, the hope is that control recommendations can be made that will save our clubs mill­ ions of dollars in chemical costs and damage repair. A review of diagnostic procedures followed, with particular enthusiasm for the new technology associated with test kits and computer prediction models. It was the opinion of the speakers that while the new kits are not perfect, further de­ velopment and superintendent's acceptance will shortly yield a valuable tool. The reduction in chemical use is a prime goal for both environmental and financial reasons, and the hope is that this new technology will help us achieve that goal. Day two was spent on the chemical control of turfgrass For use on lawns, shrubs and ornamentals only Long lasting, will not burn “The Golf Course Choice” NATURAL ORGANIC FERTILIZER Milorganite* 6-2-0 Activated Sewage Sludge METRO MILORGANITE Box 267 Hawthorne, NY 10532 Processed Only By Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Milwaukee, Wisconsin ----------------------------------------—— diseases, and it was here that the pace of the program went into high gear. Dr. Couch was adamant with regard to recently published data regarding tank mixing of chemicals. He stated, unequivically, that tank mixing half rates of two chemicals for one disease target is worse than full rates of either chemi­ cal alone, and that this tank mixing could be disastrous. The specific case detailed was that of Subdue and Banol, but included any other similar situation. The best program, as recommended by the speakers, is alternation at label rates. The seminar fulfilled its purpose of reviewing diseases and their control, and provided some very practical new advice on application techniques. Other educational programs will be offered throughout the year, and we encourage all mem­ bers to participate. Continuing our cooperative efforts with GCSAA, next year we will offer Insect Pests of Turf and Orna­ mentals: Principles of Control. The dates will be March 8 and 9, 1989, and judging from the response from this year's par­ ticipants we can expect a full house.« CHRIS CARSON 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 separate during handling and spreading Egypt Farms top dressing is formulated especially for the transition zone to specifications recommended by the U.S.G.A., Texas A&M, Penn State, North Carolina, and the University of Maryland. Many years of research and testing by 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.GA specs are also available • New Liquid Formulation • New Expanded Label Lower rates on all the types of patch disease Anthracnose Ornamentals • New Performance Guarantee • New Lower Case Price See your local Elanco Distributor BOB SCOTT (201) 376-7290 for details or call Elanco Area Representative The Greenerside 5 GCSAA DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS A bevy of activity continues within all that is GCSAA. No longer is there time just after conference to leisurely analyze the recently concluded conference and events of the past year. While the annual conference and show continues to be the highlight of the year, so much more is going on that the conference is no longer the singular event that it once was for staff, committees, and the Board. Administration of GCSAA requires a year long commitment by everyone to direct the numerous programs that GCSAA offers. Currently the seminar program, public relations efforts, management of the magazine, government relations, and management of the as­ sociation's assets are but some of what must be dealt with on a daily basis by staff and the Board. The upcoming Spring Board Meeting, May 6-8, is the most significant meeting of the Board during the year in that besides dealing with routine business, the annual budget is estab­ lished. The budget process is extensive requiring each depart­ ment to review previous years accomplishments, establishing yearly goals, and relating those goals to required expenditures. The Board must then review, prioritize, and decide what can or cannot be undertaken within the coming year given avail- able/anticipated revenues. This process provides the mem­ bers of GCSAA a yearly plan that represents the current state of their professional association and its future objectives. GCSAA is looking forward to continued success in 1988. More members will receive direct benefits from educational offerings, new public relations initiatives, improved editorial content in the magazine than ever before. The Board of Direc­ tors and staff constantly seek to improve membership services and seek input at all times to assist in their efforts. Thank you.« STEVE CADENELLI, GCSAA DIRECTOR TURFCAT II G-4X4 TRACTOR VACS SPRAYERS ROTARIES TRIMMERS SWEEPERS TRACTORS GANG MOWERS AERATORS TRUCKSTERS 6 May-June For Thatch Reduction NEW BREAKTHROUGH IN THATCH AND DISEASE CONTROL In actual tests at MICHIGAN STATE UNIVER­ SITY, researchers headed by Dr. J.R. Vargas Jr. found that BIO GROUNDSKEEPER effectively reduced thatch by up to 46% in just the first 12 weeks. PRODUCTS & SERVICES 380 South Franklin street Hempstead, New York 11550 (800) 645-6464 in NYS (516) 538-6444 “If ever we hear of a case of lying, we must look for a severe parent. A lie would have no sense unless the truth were felt as dangerous. —Alfred Adler est. 1978 KEN KUBIK (201) 361-5943 BERT JONES (201) 686-8709 AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION SERVICES QUALITY IRRIGATION SERVICE AND DESIGNS WILLIAM D. HOWELL 168 MAIN STREET CHATHAM, NJ 07928 201 -635-7569 SERVICE ON ALL BRANDS ON SITE CONTROLLER REPAIRS WIRE FINDINGS OBJECTIVE CONSULTING CALL BILL FOR PROMPT SERVICE This Memorial Day one of the world’s best designed and most challenging golf courses will open right here in New Jersey! Owner: Gordon Schaffner Architect: Desmond Muirhead Superintendent during Construction: far: Michael Gaffney (Currently General Manager) STONE HARBOR GOLF CLUB Cape May Court House, New Jersey Turf Grass Consultant: Ed Barbano In the summer of 1987 the Stone Harbor Golf Club in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, underwent a major transforma­ tion to completely redesign and reconstruct the entire golf cours The goal was to transform the golf course into one of the most challenging and well designed layouts in the country. Gordon Schaff­ ner, the owner, and Mike Gaffney, the golf course superintendent during construction, sought out the best people in their respective fields in order to achieve this goal. To achieve a championship layout and design the course owner, Gordon Schaffner, enlisted the services of Desmond Muirhead the English-born master community planner and architect of more than 80 golf courses around the world. “When I learned that Desmond Muirhead was again available, I sought him out to do the new Stone Harbor. I wanted the finest golf course possible. I believe we have created what will be a landmark in golf.” An entire oak and pine forest was painstakingly relocated, a nine- acre lake created to order, and nearly a million cubic yards of earth moved to sculpt the contours and elevations for Stone Harbor. Mr. Muirhead not only designed a golf course which will challenge even the best golfers but has endeavoured to paint a picture with each hole. In Desmond’s own words, “Stone Harbor is like no other course in the world”. When the time came to seed this fabulous golf course, Mike and Desmond sought the advice of an industry leader in the develop­ e. ment and marketing of turfgrasses — Jonathan Green. Jonathan Green enjoys a reputation among leading golf course superintendents as a supplier whose advice is based on sound agronomics. Grass seed mixtures are formulated with each specific golf course’s needs in mind. At Stone Harbor, Ed Barbano, Jonathan Green’s golf course representative in Southern New Jersey, reviewed the course while it was under construction with Mike and Desmond. He then sampled the soil types all over the golf course. With the results of these tests Ed formulated a Professional Sod Master Mixture for Stone Harbor’s Tees and Fairways relying heavily on Destiny Ken­ tucky Bluegrass and Allaire Perennial Ryegrass. According to Ed, “These grasses are particularly well suited to withstand the heat and humidity of a stressful New Jersey Summer”. Jonathan Green is proud to be associated with the fine work be­ ing done at Stone Harbor Golf Club and wish them many years of success. Regardless of how big or small your renovation, choose the com­ pany with the experience, knowledge, quality products, and proven ability to deliver. Southern New Jersey Ed Barbano 1-609-848-0551 Northern New Jersey Anthony (Rip) Rippel 1-201-566-6540 The Greenerside 7 Early Detection of 10 Common Landscape Plant Pests Christine Casey, I PM Agent, Ornamental Horticulture Rutgers Cooperative Extension The golf course superintendent becomes increasingly busy during May and June with turf concerns, often to the detriment of the golf course landscape. Unfortunately, many landscape plant pest problems are not observed until serious, often irreparable damage has taken place. The chart below gives the superintendent an indication of when to look for some common landscape pests so they may be detected early and serious problems averted. Consult your county agricultural agent or Rutgers pest control recom­ mendations for control information. Also, remember to read and follow label directions when using any pesticide. PEST SYMPTOMS DETECTION Birch leaf miner birch leaves turn brown in mid-to late June Spider mites leaves or needles get washed-out yellow to bronze in June/July late May to 1st week of June hold a few leaves to light and look for pinpricks (an indication that egg-laying has occurred; look for adult flies on leaves tap branches onto white paper and examine with hand lens for small red spiders or shiny eggs; start in March, continue through Sept. COMMENTS 'Heritage' birch is resistant detection before symptoms develop is essential Lacebug Bagworm leaves get yellow-speckled appearance w/tar spots underneath, esp: Pieris, rhododendron, pyracantha, azalea look for symptoms in June don't plant host plants full sun plant is defoliated in July/Aug.; bags made out of leaves or needles look for small (3/4") black larvae with small bags in late May/June instruct maintenance crews to remove bags whenever seen Black vine weevil edges of leaves are notched; insect feeds only at night, esp: rhododendron, yew, also seen on groundcovers look for fresh feeding in June, old damage at any time 'PJM' rhododendron is resistant Japanese weevil same as black vine weevil, but only feeds duringtheday same as black vine weevil Spruce gall adelgids Sawfly pineapple-shaped swellings at shoot tip (Cooley spruce gall adelgid, Colorado spruce) or shoot base (eastern spruce gall adelgid, Norway spruce), galls not seen on Douglas fir—only symptom is distorted needles with cottony-white adelgids needles appear to have been cut off W' from base late June to Sept, esp: white pine, Scotch pine Fiorinia scale hemlock needles turn yellow, followed by dieback of entire branches cottony-white egg masses at base of new growth in spring hand-removal of galls once they have turned brown is useless for control, spraying in summer once galls have formed is useless for control I/2" to1" caterpillar with black head; feed in large groups look for small brown male scales and large white female scales on underside of needles, start in March; continue into fall monitoring throughout the summer is essential as crawlers may be present at many different times Hemlock wooly adelgid similar to Fiorinia scale look for cottony-white masses at base of needles RALPH McGILLAN Excavating Contractor Specializing in Lakes & Ponds Over 25 years experience in building new ponds, enlarging & redesigning existing ponds (609) 655-2281 17 Stockton Drive, Cranbury, NJ 8 May-June ROCKLAND DOES IT ALL • Fertilizers—Combinations of Nitroform, I.B.D.U., S.C.U. and with Insecticides and Pre-Emergence Crabgrass Killer • Insecticides—Granular, Liquid, Wettable Powders • Herbicides—Granular, Liquid, Selective and Total • Fungicides—Granular, Flowable, Wettable Powders Ask your supplier or write: ROCKLAND CHEMICAL CO., INC. © Passaic Avenue, West Caldwell, NJ MEET THE PATRON This month we are proud to profile one of the Greenerside's more enduring and supportive patron's, Koonz Sprinkler Supply, Inc. Koonz Sprinkler Supply, Inc., a distributor of turf sprinkler equipment, pipe, fittings, and accessories has an interesting his­ tory. Bill Koonz, the president and C.E.O., began his career in the golf industry in the early 50's. While a student at Seton Hall University, he worked summers and part time for the Doggett- Pfeil Company, a Springfield based agricultural chemical house. During this period, he mixed fertilizers, blended insecticides and fungicides, and droveatruck. A ratherauspicious beginning. After graduating from "The Hall", he became a salesman calling on the golf course superintendents in the New Jersey and West­ chester County areas. Those were the days when Ed Casey was at Baltusrol, Jack Ormond held forth at Canoe Brook, and the great Bill Monahan was in command at Rock Spring. Sherwood Moore, Joe Flaherty, Sr., Mel Lucas, Al Rathjens, Sr., and Joe Malikowski made up the "shore contingency". This was an ex­ ceptional group of dedicated men who contributed a great deal in bringing the industry to it's present position of excellence. After serving two years in the army, Koonz returned to the Doggett-Pfeil Company and soon became sales manager. Bill was married to Marlene while in the service and their first child was born in Germany six weeks before their return to the U.S. and civilian status. The Koonz family became involved in politics and Bill eventually became Mayor of Springfield. In December of 1964, Koonz resigned from the then Doggett- Fison Company and started Wilpat Associates in January of 1965. This company was also a full line golf course supply house. The golf irrigation business was taking off in the northeast at this time, and Wilpat was fortunate to become a distributor for Rain Bird Sales. In those days, there were very few qualified irrigation contrac­ tors available in the Northeast. When a golf course irrigation installation was approved, and all the competent contractors were busy, the distributor faced a major problem. As a result of this situation, Wilpat set up a contracting unit to service it's golf Consider the advantages of sod Trap banks and edges, green and tee banks and areas along cart paths need special attention. Or even those traffic areas around the club and halfway houses. Consider Rebel sod: • Holds up better than Kentucky bluegrass • Requires less irrigation compared to Kentucky bluegrass • Requires less fertilizer than Kentucky bluegrass • Heat tolerant • Excellent dark green color • Greater disease resistance than most other turfgrasses In tough areas or wherever you want good-looking turf and less maintenance. Use Rebel sod. Lofts Seed Inc. World’s largest marketer of turfgrass seed Bound Brook, NJ 08805 (201) 356-8700 • (800) 526-3890 Available through: S. Novasack Bros. Turf Farm South Seaville, NJ (609) 263-2400 Tuckahoe Turf Farms Tuckahoe, NJ (609) 628-2415 Bohm’s Sod Farm Woodbine, NJ (609) 861-2785 course customers. Koonz and his new group's first project was at Essex County Country Club in West Orange. They then moved on to Baltusrol, Rock Spring and many more of the prestigious golf clubs in the area. The irrigation industry was growing at a rapid pace and Wilpat did not have the resources to continue both the golf course supply and the sprinkler business concurrently. At this point, it was decided to specialize in the turf irrigation field. In an effort to give the company a more meaningful name, a new corpora­ tion, Koonz Sprinkler Supply was formed in the 1970's. This organization has continued to provide all the irrigation services that the golf industry requires. The exceptional rate of growth in the irrigation industry in the past twenty years made it apparent that a distributor could no longer be directly involved in contracting. The Wilpat Turf Irriga­ tion portion of the Koonz Company was sold to Robert Maul in the early 1980's and he presently operates as Wilpat Turf Irriga­ tion Systems. Since this very small beginning in 1965, Koonz Sprinkler Sup­ ply, Inc. presently operates out of four locations. Branch stores are located in Hackensack, Wall Township, and Toms River with the main location and office still in Springfield. Nepotism also prevails at KSS. Marlene runs the office operation and Bill Koonz, Jr. heads up golf sales. Rain Bird is still the flagship line; but Koonz also distributes Weathermatic and Hunter sprinkler equipment to the golf course and irrigation contractor industries. Koonz Sprinkler Supply has been presented with many awards from the manufacturers over the years and in 1986 they were named Hunter Industries dis­ tributor of the year. This is an exceptional honor that the entire organization is justly proud of. Koonz Sprinkler Supply is presently in it's twenty third year of operation and is optimistically looking to the future. "We just have to do what we do best", concluded Bill Koonz, Sr.« IEFF ALLEN RANSOMES GRASS MACHINERY CONTACT Turfgrass Division at Steven Willand, Inc. (201) 579-5656 The Greenerside 9 Being the host Superintendent to a major tournament is always a challenging experience, but to get this type of responsibility in the first year of your first superintendents job, really puts the pressure on Navesink's Pat O'Neill. Locally born and bred Pat has lived and worked in the area all his life. During and after high school Pat started his own landscaping business. For various reasons he abandoned the business and was hired by Angelo Petraglia on the groundscrew at Navesink in the summer of 1981. During the following years he developed a love of the profession and the game. His value to Navesink's staff became realized and the club saw it fit to send Pat to the 2 year program at Rutgers. Graduating in 1985 and now working with Larry Dodge he continued to bean integral part of the operation. Recognizing this, Navesink approached Pat immediately after Larry's departure and offered him the job. When asked how he felt upon accepting this position, he said "I really didn't think I would want a job this size for my first super's job. The club was very supportive and I knew the oper­ ation so I accepted." When I finished talking to Pat I was very impressed by the way he spoke. The shop was clean, and the course looked beaut­ iful. Pat mentioned how much more he felt the pressure going from an assistant to superintendent, even though he has gone through many seasons at Navesink. He said "I will just be glad when it's (the tournament) over." Making life a little easier for Pat has been the hiring of a new assistant, Mark Johnson. Another source of support has been Pat's green Chairman, Gene Bonstein. Driving out to go home I looked out the course. The place really looked good. With a start like this Pat O'Neill is well on his way to having his first great season.« jeff ALlen THE FUTURE OF WIDE-AREA ROTARY MOWING IS NEAR... AND IT S TORO COMING SOON: THE TORO GROUNDSMASTER 580-D STORR TRACTOR COMPANY 3191 US HIGHWAY 22 SOMERVILLE, NJ 08876 201-722-9830 TORO. TORO 10 May-June Testimonials are normally saved for someone who is approaching retirement. It may be a bit early, but a "job well done" is indeed due Ilona Gray for the way she has taken to the position of editor of The Greenerside. Jim Gilligan, during his tenure, elevated our publication to a truly professional plateau. Ilona has not missed a beat in maintaining the quality of our newsletter. From a personal standpoint I find her a joy to work with. Along with Bruce Peeples, Glenn Miller, Jeff Allen, Ken Kubik, and Jim Gilli­ gan we have a first class staff assembling one of the best superin­ tendent association newsletters in the country. We can only hope Ilona enjoys her relationship with our asso­ ciation and that the mutual benefits we both receive continue for many more years. The newsletter is one of our best public relations tools so it's in our long term best interest to maintain, and improve where possible, the quality of The Greenerside. Ilona has certainly demonstrated that she is well qualified to handle this assignment. Caught the new GCSAA commercial recently on ESPN? At first it did not seem thirty seconds long; that is such a short time in which to get your message across. The message is simple and succinct: GCSAA - We Keep Golf Green. I like the TV spot. It will be airing approximately 78 times this year on ESPN. It's a major move on the part of GCSAA to make ourselves more familiar to the golfing public. Lets hope it is successful! B.E.C. PLANT FOOD COMPANY, INC.: • Manufactures and applies liquid fertilizers and limestone. • Offers complete soil testing analysis with recommendations. • Sells fertilizer tanks, pumps, nozzles, and other liquid handling products for fluid fertilizers. Phone Bill Smith For Further Information... (609) 448-0935 PLANT FOOD COMPANY, INC. Hightstown-Cranbury Station Road Box 173, Cranbury, NJ 08512 The Bunton Greensmower... BUNTON stands grass up - then cuts it clean. The Bunton Greensmower’s powered rotary brush brings grass to attention, then clips it off cleanly and evenly to give your greens the best grooming they’ve ever had. And that’s just one of this high-quality mower’s many features. This self-propelled mower is highly maneuverable, with finger-tip controls and equally powered dual drive rollers to ensure the straightest possible cut. A hand brake and quick-release removable pneumatic-tired wheels provide easy transportation. Add to this a quiet, reliable, 4-cycle Robin engine and high-quality construction throughout, and you have a greensmower that’s unmatched in performance - anywhere! Call us for a demonstration. BUNTON TURF PRODUCTS 4054 Quaker Bridge Rd. Trenton, NJ 08619 (609) 799-4101 The Greenerside 11 State Open Purse Richest on Record____________ The 1988 NJSGA/First Fidelity Open Championship at The Bedens Brook Club in Skillman, July 13-15, will be the richest in the 68-year history of the tournament. The 72-hole, stroke play title chase will offer a record $35,000 in prize money. The increased purse and the site and dates for this event along with similar details concerning the 10 other championships which will be conducted by the NJSGA this season were an­ nounced in March by David S. Chadwick, president of the organi­ zation at a luncheon meeting at the Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton. Chadwick also took the occasion to introduce Jim Cowan as the new Executive Director of the state's amateur ruling body of golf. The $35,000 prize fund for the Open represents a $2,500 in­ crease from that which was allocated the 1987 tournament, ac­ cording to Chadwick who gave full credit to First Fidelity Bank "for the kind of financial support which makes our championship one of the biggest in the country." He added that as a result of the bank's affiliation with the NJSGA, the prize money for the championship has been increased by $15,000 since 1983. "The Association is sincerely indebted to this great New Jersey banking association for the success of our No. 1 tournament. It is an affiliation we cherish and appreciate." PAVELEC BROS. Golf Course Construction Co. Inc. 98 Evergreen Avenue Nutley, NJ 07110 Specializing in all phases of Golf Course Construction Field Drainage/Landscaping Excavation Tony Pavelec (201) 667-1643 Emil Pavelec (201) 939-6182 12 May-June Chadwick also cited the fact that the Open will be the first major championship ever to be conducted at Bedens Brook. "I'm sure the players will welcome the opportunity of playing that great course which is regarded as the finest in that part of the state." Another first cited by Chadwick was the fact that the 87th New Jersey State Amateur will be played for the first time at Twin Brooks Country Club in Watchung, June 7-9. "Those of you who are familiar with golf in New Jersey I am sure will agree with me that Twin Brooks long has been overdue as the site for one of the state's leading tournaments." Think About It_________________________________ Soil is more than just dirt. Pick up a handful of soil and imagine it is the earth's surface. Right away, remove three-fourths of the handful and drop it back on the ground—that's how much of the earth is covered by oceans, rivers, and lakes. What's left represents the land. Now, drop one-half of the soil in your hand to account for desert regions, glacial poles, and mountain peaks were many things won't grow. Then drop one-tenth to account for the places where people live—where the land is used for big cities, towns, houses, schools, roads, and parking lots. Now, look. What's left in your hand represents all the soil we Improve your putting surfaces with the Greens King® IV and Turf Groomer™. Exclusive roller design fea­ tures bevelled edges to "pucker-up” horizontal runnel's. The knife blades rotate through slots in the front roll­ ers, slicing horizontal runners before they lie down. The horizontal reel follows closely behind to clip grass while it's standing straight, for faster, truer greens with­ out lowering height of cut. Golfers will notice the difference. JEP Sales Inc. 211 Yardville-Hamilton Square Rd. P. 0. Box 11126 Yardville, New Jersey 08620 609-585-2300 Specialists in Turf Maintenance Equipment have to support life on earth. This soil is trickling through our fingers at an alarming rate due to unchecked erosion. In fact, recent statistics indicate the U.S. is losing 6.4 billion tons of soil each year due to erosion. This amount of soil would fill 320 million dump trucks, which if parked end-to-end would extend to the moon and three-quarters of the way back. The eroding soil is washed into lakes and rivers and blown into our air where it pollutes our environment. If we all knew a little bit more about soil, we could each do our part to help conserve this precious resource. National Wildlife Federation - January 1988 How Dry Has It Been__________________________ The Rutgers University, Cook College, Department of Meteorol­ ogy has reported the following figures of precipitation to The Greenerside as of April 28, 1988. 1987 1986 1985 1988 2.68 inches 6.52 inches 2.11 inches 2.13 inches March April We appear to be getting a little more rain than in the year of the drought, which was 1985; but the rainfall is quite less than the two preceding years for the month of April. Remember this fact when mowing the golf course. The total so far for the year as of April 28th is 11.88 inches. I.F.G. 1.57 inches 6.72 inches 1.12 inches 1.8 inches A T R A P C OU RSE G OL F C TOP-DRESSING AMERICA'S PREMIUM TOP-DRESSING HEAT TREATED AVAILABLE IN BULK OR BAGS ALSO HIGH-SAND MIXES, CONSTRUCTION MIXES, AND DIVOT REPAIR MIXES DISTRIBUTED IN NJ. BY: FARM & GOLF COURSE SUPPLY HOWARD SCOTT, 215-483-5000 PRO-LAWN PRODUCTS ANDY MULICK, 201-967-9124 INGRID KERN, 215-750-1732 TURF PRODUCTS CORP. ERNIE RIZZIO, 201-263-1234 FISHER & SON CO. FRANK FISHER, 215-644-3300 GRASS ROOTS TURF PRODUCTS KEN KUBIK, 201-361-5943 JONATHAN GREEN & SONS RIP RIPPEL, 201-566-6540 ED BARBANO, 609-848-0551 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION KELSEY PARK, GREAT MEADOWS, NEW JERSEY 07838 201-637-4191 Tree Trivia____________________________________ As estimated in a paper delivered by Professor T.M. Das to the 23rd Annual General Meetingof the Agricultural Society of India. One 50 Ton Medium-Sized Tree: —Produces 1 ton of oxygen per year valuing $625 —Produces enough foliage yearly to feed two goats, producing 55.12 pounds of meat valuing $50 —Prevents 900 square feet of soil (30 x 30) from eroding and adds to soil fertility through the organic contributions from foliage and roots, thus eliminating a manpower cost of $625 per year —Produces enough moisture each year through transpiration to increase humidity and lower air temperature noticeably; an energy cost of $750 —Creates a habitat for birds, squirrels, insects, algae, fungi, and lichens, valuing $625 annually —Filters impurities from the air, eliminating a cost of $1250 per year if man-made machinery performed the same task Thus, annually, this tree contributes $3,875 even if you don't own goats!! (October 1987 issue of Leaves - Urban Forestry Division - Colorado Springs) w p 3336 Bags Water Soluble In • SAFE • CONVENIENT • ECONOMICAL 1049 Somerset Street, P.O. Box 10 Somerset, NJ 08873 (201 ) 247-8000 Toll Free Numbers: 1-800-524-1662 (East of Mississippi) 1-800-524-1663 (West of Mississippi) The Greenerside 13 Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey EVENT NJSGA Amateur Championship Greenerside Ad Publication Deadline Greenerside Copy Deadline DATE June 7-9 LOCATION Twin Brooks Country Club Watchung, NJ June 9 The Greenerside June 14 The Greenerside HOST Thomas Crump (201)561-8855 Glenn Miller (201)528-6775 Ilona Gray (201)595-7172 1988 Metropolitan Golf Writers-National Golf Awards Dinner GCSANJ June Meeting June 7 June 23 Stamford Sheraton Stamford, CT Jeanne McCooey (914) 698-0390 Essex Fells Country Club Essex Fells, NJ Larry Dodge (201)226-7395 NJSGA First Fidelity Open Championship July 13-15 The Bedens Brook Club Skillman, NJ James Gilligan (609)466-1820 NJSGA Senior & Pre-Senior Championship Sept. 12-13 Hollywood Golf Club Deal, NJ The Autumn Classic October 3-4 The MET Area Superintendent Assoc. Team Championship October 5 Quechee Golf Club Quechee, VT Middle Bay Country Club Oceanside, Long Island Bruce Cadenelli (201)531-3609 Mark Fuller Superintendent John Carlone Superintendent 1989—March 8 & 9, GCSANJ & GCSAA Seminar Insect Pests of Turf & Ornamentals, GCSAA 1-800-472-7878 14 May-June PATRON DIRECTORY ALPINE TREE CARE, INC. Complete tree care Robert Mullane - David DiBenedetto (914) 948-0101 AMERICAN TENNIS & TRACK, INC. Tennis Courts - Repair and Const. Jim Snagusky (201) 778-1171 AQUA-FLO, INC. Irrigation System Designers and Suppliers Phil Demarco - Jerry Purcell (609) 561-1777 (800) 524-0895 AQUATROLS CORP. OF AMERICA Manufacturers of Water Management Products Andy Moore - Jerry Curtice - Demie Powell (609) 665-1130 JAMES BARRETT ASSOCIATES, INC. Golf Course Irrigation — Design and Consulting Jim Barrett (201) 744-8237 BLUE RIDGE PEAT FARMS, INC. Top Dressing, Peat, Humus, & Potting Soil Gene Evans (717) 443-9596 BRUEDAN CORPORATION Golf Cars, Turf and Utility Vehicles Richard Lewis (800) 535-1500 (914) 469-2275 BUNTON TURF PRODUCTS Turfgrass Equipment Phil Mowery - Janis Tettemer (609) 799-4101 CLEARY CHEMICAL CORP. Turfgrass Chemicals Barbara Cleary - Shaun Barry (201) 247-8000 CONSOLIDATED STEEL & ALUMINUM FENCE CO., INC. Fencing Contractor Eugene T. McLaughlin (201) 272-6262 ALAN G. CRUSE INC. Golf Course Materials Alan G. Cruse (201) 227-7183 (201) 992-2335 DOUBLE EAGLE EQUIPMENT Turf Maintenance Equipment Clyde Ashton - Jerry Pear,man (201) 329-9292 EGYPT FARMS, INC. Top Dressing Supplier John Strickland - Rich Piatnek - Jeff Lacour (301) 335-3700 E-Z-GO/TEXTRON, INC. Golf Cars - Turf Vehicles - Personnel Carriers Tom Sauer - Kevin Norcross - Sam Baird, Jr. (609) 586-4000 FERTL-SOIL TURF SUPPLY, INC. Greens Topdressing/Turf Supplies Marty Futyma (201) 388-0100 GOLF BY JANIS INC. Golf Course Construction, Renovation, Irrigation Al Janis (301) 641-8156 GOLF CARS, INC. Golf Cars, Turf and Utility Vehicles Albert Wunsch - Luke Martin - Jon F. Schneider (215) 340-0880 GRASS ROOTS TURF PRODUCTS, INC. Golf Course Supplies Ken Kubik - Bert Jones (201) 361-5943 (201) 686-8709 ★ GREEN PRO SERVICES Organic Products & Spray Equipment Rich Hawks (800) 645-6464 ★ New Patrons for 1986 JEP SALES, INC. Turf Maintenance Equipment Jack Poksay - Bill Beverline - Paul Coyle (609) 585-2300 JONATHAN GREEN INC. Grass Seed, Fertilizer, and Turf Chemicals Barry K. Green II - Ed Barbano - Rip Rippel (201) 938-7007 HARFORD INDUSTRIAL MINERALS Sands, Top Dressing Materials Dorothy Stancill (609) 965-3414 (301) 679-9191 JESCO, INC. Turf Maintenance Equipment Joe Maslizek - Darryl Bogart - Matt Vastano (201) 753-8080 REES JONES, INC. Golf Course Design Rees Jones, President (201) 744-4031 STEVEN KAY Golf Course Architect Steven Kay (914) 963-9555 KOONZ SPRINKLER SUPPLY COMPANY Rainbird Irrigation Equipment William Koonz (201) 379-9313 LESCO, INC. For all your golf course needs (800) 321-5325 LEBANON CHEMICAL CORP. Country Club Fertilizers & Chemicals Steve Chirip (201) 347-2755 LEON'S SOD FARM Sod Grower Samuel Leon - Irene Leon (201) 996-2255 LOFTS SEED INC. Turf Seed and Fertilizer Supplier Dr. Rich Hurley (201) 560-1590 LONGO MOTOR & PUMP, INC. Electric motor/pump repair/sales Joe Longo, Jr. - Virginia Wellington (201) 539-4141 MALLINCKRODT, INC. Turfgrass Chemicals John Magnus (609) 654-0476 WILFRED MCDONALD, INC. Turf Maintenance Equipment Dennis DeSanctis - Ed Rockhill - Bill Luthin (201) 471-0244 RALPH McGILLAN Excavating Contractor, Lakes & Ponds Ralph McGillan (609) 655-2281 JOSEPH M. MERCADANTE, INC. Cart Path, Tee, and Trap Construction Joe Mercadante - Bob Mercadante (201) 762-1195 (201) 763-0042 METRO MILORGANITE, INC. Turfgrass Supplies Tony Grasso - John Wistrand (914) 347-4222 MONTCO PRODUCTS CORPORATION Turfgrass Chemicals Robert Oechsle (215) 628-3144 (215) 836-4992 NOR-AM CHEMICAL CO. Chemical/Fertilizer Manufacturer Jeff Johnson (302) 737-8598 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION Golf Course Top-Dressing Jim Kelsey (201) 637-4191 PAVELEC BROS. GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. Golf Course Construction Tony Pavelec (201) 667-1643 Emil Pavelec (201) 939-6182 PLANT FOOD CHEMICAL CO., INC. Manufacturer of Fluid Fertilizers Bill Smith (609) 448-0935 POCONO TURF SUPPLY CO. Turf Supplies Ron Olsen (215) 672-9274 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 R & S LANDSCAPE CO., INC. Golf Course Construction Claus I. Raven (201) 278-0616 (201) 278-1954 SEACOAST LABORATORIES, INC. Manufacturer John C. Moynihan - Richard G. Baker (201) 821-4769 GEO. SCHOFIELD CO., INC. Landscape Products—Sands & Stone Roy Mai pas - Bob Beatty - Ga>y Merz (201) 356-0858 O.M. SCOTTS & SONS Fertilizer, Chemical Sales Fran Berdine (914) 361-4105 Steve Rudich (215) 253-4003 SPRING BROOK TREE SERVICE Tree Service James A. Davenport - John D. Schaus (201) 891-1764 STANDARD GOLF COMP. Golf Course Equipment Steve Tyler - Chief Waseskuk (319) 266-2638 ★STORMY ACRES Premium Bentgrass Sod Kevin Gunn (802) 265-3046 STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Turf Maintenance Equipment, Irrigation Paul Deschamps-GeneTarulli-Paul Granger (201) 722-9830 WILLIAM STOTHOFF CO. INC. Well Drilling, Pumps, & Pump Repairs William L. Stothoff III - William E. Snyder (201) 782-2717 THE TERRE COMPANY OF NJ, INC. Distributor of Lawn Garden Nursery Products Byron Johnson - Bryan Bolehala - Pat O'Neil (201) 473-3393 TURF PRODUCTS CORPORATION Turfgrass Supplies Ernie Rizzio - Buddy Rizzio - Ron Lake (201) 263-1234 STEVEN WILLAND INC. Turf Equipment Distributor Mark Ericson - Bruce Pye - Rich Brandel (201) 579-5656 VAUGHAN'S SEED COMPANY Grass Seed; Golf Course Supplies Charles Usic - Sky Bergen (201) 356-4200 VIC GERARD GOLF CARS, INC. Golf & Utility Vehicles; Battery Whse. Dist. Vic Gerard (201) 938-4464 Baltusrol • Bedens Brook • Canoe Brook • Shackamaxon • Spring Brook • Timber Trails and others . . . What do the superintendents of these prestigious golf courses have in common? They use the services of . . . KOONZ SPRINKLER SUPPLY ... the smart choice for all your irrigation needs Service Excellence • Complete inventory • Service assistance and technical support • 25 years experience Quality Product Lines Distributors of RAIN BIRD® HUNTER® WEATHERMATIC® Sprinkler Equipment KOONZ Sprinkler Supply, Inc. 39 Waverly Avenue . Springfield, N. J. 07081 (201) 379-9314 Branch Offices: Wall Township • Toms River • Hackensack