Official Publication of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey The greenersidE September - October 1994 • Volume 17 Number 5 The 79th Met Open at Ridgewood 1994 is proving to be a big year for the Ridgewood Country Club. Not only is the course helping to celebrate Ridgewood Village’s Centennial this August, but the RCC also hosted the 79th Met Open Championship. This was the third time that the course was selected for this premier golfing event. The New Jersey qualifying rounds for the Met Open were played at the Raritan Valley CC where 180 players competed for 25 places. It took a carbd of even par 70 or etter to make the cut. Other qualifiers were hosted by New York clubs. The superintendent at the RCC is John Gasper. John received a B.S. and M.S. from Ohio State University. He had worked at several Columbus, Ohio, area courses including Muirfield Village before coming to Ridgewood CC. One of his major missions for this year includes improving the soil envi­ ronment in the greens. John has embarked upon an aggressive aerification program to alleviate soil layering and subsurface compaction. He plans to use conventional aerification (three times a year) with a deeptine aerification in the spring and fall. Introduction of new bentgrass varieties to the greens will be an additional challenge. Upgrading and expanding the irrigation systems, continuing the beautification programs, and a bentgrass conversion on the fairways are key objectives this year as well. The RCC is one of New Jersey’s outstanding courses, designed in the Tillinghast tradition with three 9-hole courses that can be combined for tournament play. The sloping back to front greens, the century old trees, and no let-up in the play serve to challenge both the golfers and the superintendent. It’s no wonder the Met Open has returned to the RCC. A scenic view of Nine East at the Ridgewood Country Club. In this issue Editorial President's Message CCSANJ NEWS Turf Day at Rutgers GCSAA Strategic Plan X marks the spot Metric golf Environmental Seminar Back nine 2 3 5 10 13 15 21 26 11 The greenerside GCSANJ Newsletter is published six times a year by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey Ilona Gray, Editor Newsletter Business Staff Ken Krausz Contributing Writers Douglas Vogel, Edward Walsh, Shaun Barry Nigel Wisskowski, CGCS Please address inquiries to: Editor, The Greenerside P.O. Box 3672, Wayne, NJ 07474-3672 For Ad Placement: Judy Policastro (201) 379-1100 Art and Typography by Trend Multimedia 908-787-0786 • FAX 908-787-7212 GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY 66 Morris Ave., Suite 2A Springfield, New Jersey 07081 201-379-1100 • FAX 201-379-6507 Officers: Chris Carson, President Martin G. Mantell, CGCS, Vice President Paul Powondra, Secretary Glenn Miller, Treasurer David Pease, Past President Directors District 1 Ken Krausz, CGCS Joe Kennedy District 2 Vincent Bracken Ron Mencl District 3 Fran Owsik Dennis Shea District 4 Thomas I. Grimac Steve Malikowski Executive Secretary Judy Policastro Commercial Representatives Steve Chirip Shaun Barry © 1994 THE GREENERSIDE Opinions expressed in this Newsletter are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily express the opinions or policies of the GCSANJ Board and its membership. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. Printed on recycled paper EDITORIAL by Ilona Gray Cornwallis It’s amazing that sometimes being victorous in one battle leads to a defeat in another. Of course this is not always the case, but in many instances in history a victory has ultimately led to a major defeat. Let me explain by example. In our own revolutionary war, a series of very messy battles in which the Continental forces were defeated by the British occurred in North Carolina. These skirmishes reached a climax at Guilford Courthouse near Greensboro. The British commander was General Cornwallis, highly regarded by both his troops and the British military establishment. Although Cornwallis was victorious, his army was broken as a result of the ferocious battle. Afterwards, he insisted on following his own bad plan and attacked Virginia with his army in a near exhausted state. Isolated, Cornwallis lacked the information and benefit of different viewpoints on his particular situation. A few months later the world turned upside down as the British were defeated in Virginia by George Washington. The British under Cornwallis had indeed won the battle at Guilford, but it cost them the war at Yorktown on October 19, 1781. In running a golf course there is the risk of winning the battle, but losing the war as well. In running a golf course there is the risk of winning the battle but losing the war as well. During a season’s battles there are many tough decisions, and no one but the superintendent can really call them. The superintendent is the commanding general on the field, and it is his/or hers strategies and tactics that will win or lose the day and the season. Looking back on this year’s skirmishes, fungus attack was for many courses a serious threat. Most superintendents reacted vigorously to the assault and shifted resources to meet the onslaught. You can second guess yourself on this if you’d like. Did you overreact? Did you not recognize the threat until too late? The real answers to these questions lie in the current condition of the course. To win the season the course must be in sufficiently good shape to over-winter and be ready for spring. Strategic actions may be necessary including considerations for equipment replacement, drainage, and irriga­ tion. The fall is the ideal time to develop a winning plan for the next season. Inspections are needed, not only of the condition of the course, but its equipment, its staff, and its management. If everything you had went Continued on page 4 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Doing the right thing One of the best mo­ ments I saw at the recently completed U.S. Junior Amateur at club was on the first extra hole of a match. Marion Moore, from South Carolina, had a three foot putt to win his match and carry him forward from the round of 16 into the round of eight. It was possibly the most important putt of his life, and 100 people were watching. As he was drawing his putter back, he stepped away from his ball and beckoned for the official who was with him. After a brief conversation, he re-marked his ball and calmly made the putt.. .for the half. He had seen what no one else watching had—the ball had moved, and he called the penalty. As he was walking past me to the second hole, I heard him say quietly to himself, “The ball did move.” Moore went on to lose his match on the third playoff hole, but in the eyes of all who witnessed it, or heard of it, he was a true winner that day. During the years I have spent on the Board, I have had many opportunities to see our Board and our Association members behave in the same admirable fashion. Assistance to fellow members is made solely because it is needed. Work is done to promote and improve our group without thought of personal gain, but because it’s the right thing to do. Friendship is offered and reciprocated because we are all in this business together. Our Association is undertaking two projects, currently, because of this same spirit of fairness, assistance, and friendship. Our charity fundraiser is underway beginning with the round of golf raffle. Forty superintendents (7 more than last year) have donated a round of golf at their clubs this year, and your Board hopes that the membership works together to help sell and promote this worthy cause. The Emmanuel Cancer Fund, Make-A-Wish, and Project FAITH are the three children’s charities we are working for this year, and they need our help—let’s all pull together to improve on last year’s $24,000 donation. Your Board hopes, too, that all of our commercial friends can help with sponsorships at our annual championship/charity fundraiser at Montclair Golf Club in October. Another admirable cause is being put together now by a Continued on page 8 Calendar October 4 my October 17 October 21 November 4 November 8-11 November 10 November 11 • GCSANJ Turfgrass Equip­ ment, Irrigation and Suppliers Field Day, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Rutgers Hort. Farm II, Ryders Lane, New Brunswick, NJ. Contact: Judy Policastro, (201) 379- 1100. • GCSANJ October Meeting: The Championship at Montclair, hosted by Greg Vadala, CGCS. Contact: Judy Policastro, (201) 379- 1100. • Professional Golf Turf Management School Application Due Date, Winter Session. The actual session is from January 2- March 10. Contact: (908) 932-9271. • GCSANJ Turf Scholarship Program, deadline for all applicants. Contact: Judy Policastro, (201)379-1100. • Turf and Grounds Exposi­ tion, Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Roches­ ter, NY. Contact: NYSTA, (800) 873-TURF or (518) 783-1229. • GCSANJ Annual Meeting, Hollywood GC, hosted by Jan Kasyjanski. Contact: Judy Policastro, (201) 379- 1100. • President’s Ball, The Barclay Hotel, hosted by Harry Harsin. For further information, contact: Judy Policastro, (201)379-1100. Continued on page 26 by John Gasper Private course... public involvement The Village of Ridgewood is celebrating its 100th anniversary of incorporation. Although the community pre-dates the Revolution, it was not until 1894 that the village was “born.” The Ridgewood Country Club will be joining in the celebration. The club is located in neighboring Paramus and will be selling centen­ nial shirts, buttons, and flags to help support the Village Library, which will preserve and display historic memora­ bilia of Ridgewood. Ridgewood CC was founded one year before the village in 1893 as the Ho-Ho-Kus Golf Club. It was the first club in the state. In 1901 the club moved to Ridgewood, near the center of town between Maple, Van Dien, and Linwood Avenues. After a fire in 1927, the club was relocated to its current address in Paramus. The Ridgewood town hall now sits on the very property on which the members of the Ridgewood CC once played golf. Many of the centennial events will be held where the Ridgewood CC fairways used to lay. The town and the club are physically part of one another’s history. John Gasper, superintendent, examing the greens during the Met Open Championship at Ridgewood CC. As superintendent of this historic course, both my wife, Jill, and I have really gotten involved in the centennial events. Jill has donated some baskets from her basket business to the Ridgewood Library’s Ridgewood Collec­ tion Room, and we both are working as volunteers for the November Grand Finale. Cornwallis Continued from page 2 into just getting by this year, you may be setting the course up for a defeat in the next season. Does the staff need additional training to be ready for the spring? What profes­ sional training could benefit you, the superintendent? These are not good questions to answer by yourself. Every good general discusses the strategic problems with their peers and solicits tactical advice as well. With an association like GCSANJ you are just a phone call away from a consultation with a fellow superintendent, and, at each monthly meeting, a full day of opportunity for an exchange of views is made available. This October is the GCSANJ Turf and Equipment day, another excellent consultative opportunity. Come prepared to share ideas. Don’t be a Cornwallis. Win the battle and the war by attending GCSANJ functions. For golf course greens, tees and other fine turf areas. • Clear liquid-100% water soluble • Compatible with pesticides • Does not leach or evaporate • Maintains rich green color • Quick green up • Low burn potential • Organic Nitrogen • Controlled release ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE The Grass is always Greener on the GREEN-T side! PLANT FOOD COMPANY. INC. Manufacturers of Fluid Fertilizers Hightstown-Cranbury Station Road Cranbury, NJ 08512 • 609-448-0935 800-562-1291 • FAX 609-443-8038 GCSANJ NEWS TURFGRASS EQUIPMENT, IRRIGATION AND SUPPLIERS FIELD DAY Something for anyone interested in growing and maintaining better turfgrass areas. That is the commitment and promise for this year’s 30th field day, scheduled for October 4 with an October 5 rain date. As an added attrac­ tion, research plots will be toured from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Free door prizes, free parking, and free admission make this the most open turf-oriented event of the year. Refresh­ ments, hot dogs, and hamburgers will be available to keep you going all day. This is the major fundraiser of the GCSANJ, and you are urged to attend and participate in a great event. Our vendors have pulled out all the stops to make the 30th Field Day the best one yet. The program will be held at the Rutgers Hort Farm II off Ryders Lane, New Brunswick, with registration beginning at 9:00 a.m. Call Judy Policastro at GCSANJ for additional information, (201) 379-1100. A Hollywood GC B-l Peace Pipe CC Jan Kasyjanski Michael J. Lee Patrick F. Madden D Jack Magnus C Jim McAllister C B-l Beacon Hill CC Bruce Morford Indian Spring GC B Timothy Rumbos Anthony Stefanik B-l Atlantic City CC Storr Tractor Co. Paul Strani Koonz Sprinkler Rob Werley Koonz Sprinkler Chris Woolbert Dist. 3 Dist. 2 Cape May Natl. GC Dist. 4 Vicksburg Chem. Dist. 3 Yardworks Dist. 3 Dist. 3 Dist. 4 Dist. 4 Dist. 2 Dist. 2 Dist. 2 C C C Membership Change Blair Quin C Wilfred MacDonald Dist. 3 (reinstated) Bret Roby B-l to B High Point CC Dist. 1 Continued on page 6 Frank A. Macchione Construction Inc. • Specializing in Cart Paths • Waterfall Ponds • Rock Gardens • Water Aerator • Landscape Designing • Tee Building 168 Midwood Road Paramus, N.J. 07652 652-0694 WELCOME TO GCSANJ “The Greenerside” welcomes the following new GCSANJ members and invites them to call us and contrib­ ute news and stories: Charles Brown William Filmyer Anthony Funari Ken Indyk D Howell Park GC C Grow Master A Ponder Lodge GC C Storr Tractor Co. Dist. 3 Dist. 4 Dist. 4 Dist. 2 am P.O. BOX 680 ASBURY PARK, NEW JERSEY 07712 IN NJ (908)774-4882 FAX (908)775-3288 OUTSIDE NJ (800)242-7374 TEE TO GREEN ACCESSORIES, MAINTENCE & SAFETY ITEMS! YOUR NEW JERSEY MANUFACTURER WITH ONE STOP SHOPPING. FOR CATALOG AND PRICING INFORMATION CALL 800-242-7374 GCSANJ NEWS CRYSTAL SPRINGS IS A CLEAR WINNER by Shaun Barry If I were to mention the names of Joel Riggs, Bruce Salmon, and Dick Grant, very few of our members would be able to place these people. If I add the name Dave Mayer to the list, a light of recognition would go on. Crystal Springs GC would immediately come to mind, especially for those people who were able to attend our July meeting. Joel, Bruce, and Dick were very happy to see our group enjoy the creation that they have added to the golf world. Dave is responsible for Crystal and Bowling Green GC. His management skills, coupled with long hours and great crews, have allowed both courses to get better each year. Thanks and congratulations go out to everyone who helped make our day so wonderful. Most of our group credited their poor play to being distracted by the great views and the beautiful layout of the course. As usual, some people took their game seriously and avoided the distractions. Frank Vnuk shot 78 and Tony Toto, Ed Wein, Bill Luthin, and Dave Werner won the team low net event. Steve Matuza won the individual low net honors with a 67. We reported that Craig Lambert had also shot a net 67. We must have still been looking at those views when we recorded his score. Sorry, Craig. It is good to see that Bob Prickett is feeling better. He took long drive honors with his three-wood, and he also teamed up with Tom Grimac to defeat Pat Campbell and Les Mickens in the team event (If you don’t think that is Call on Dallenbach - Pros in quality sand products - Don’t Fall Into The Same Old Trap R U O M R R A K N N N DALLENBACH SAND CO., INC. E BOX 333 • DAYTON, NEW JERSEY 08810 P White Trap Sand - Washed Sand Screened Top Soil - Crushed Stone to supply all your course needs. 908-580-3910 I I something, just ask Ed Walsh—he is still having night­ mares.) Dave Mayer was closest to the pin on #8, while Jim Cross prevented a family sweep when he edged out Al Mayer (Dave’s dad) on #12. Dave Mayer and Ken Mathis joined the other winners with one skin each. It was truly a great day. The food and weather were perfect. Dr. Noel Jackson was funny and informative, and we were invited back. How can it get any better? A STAR IS BORN by Shaun Barry On June 21, 1994, Dave McGhee and Fiddler’s Elbow GC invited the media to tour their new 18-hole golf course with clubs in hand. New Jersey’s finest golf writers were there along with one who isn’t, yours truly. Ilona had gone through Continued on page 7 GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION and RENOVATION ❖ Tees ❖ Greens ❖ Bunkers ❖ New Construction Tom Ristau - Division Manager Richie Valentine - Turf Consultant PA phone: (215) 659-6411 PA fax: (215) 659-9317 NJ phone: (609) 466-1500 Member of: Golf Course Superintendents Assoc. of America Golf Course Superintendents Assoc. of New Jersey Philadelphia Assoc. of Golf Course Superintendents Huntingdon Valley, PA Hopewell, NJ GCSANJ NEWS Continued front page 6 her list of potential writers until she came to me. A sense of duty (?) caused me to adjust my plans so I could help out. Touring and appreciating this course was simple. This creation is really a great example of how a modem course can fit beautifully into the natural terrain. What was difficult was trying to think like a writer as each hole exposed more of the course and the vision of Rees Jones. Suddenly I realized what the problem was—all of the birds were making so much noise that concentration was impossible. Birds! Where did they come from? Hadn’t I heard that there were no birds on golf courses? Where did I get that idea? Oh well, maybe that is another story. Our tour ended too quickly. This course demands that you play it again and again. With most holes offering a myriad of ways of attack, you need to try each one. When your task is complete, you will want to start all over again. THREE TIMES IS A CHARM By Shaun Barry District II just had their third straight August meeting at Madison GC. Once again it was a wonderful time. How could a 98-year-old, nine-hole course continue to hold our interest? Attend one meeting here, and you will understand. This is a club that remembers its history. Both old and new. The clubhouse welcomes you. It does not overwhelm. The members really enjoy golf, and they are glad that we are there. The course is short and plays to a par of 62, but only Larry Dodge knows how to play it. Expect to be challenged. When you go to the water fountain on the 4th tee, read the plaque. It honors one of our own—Duke Polidor. They remember the important things. Continued on page 8 * SOLATROL Expands to any size irrigation installation and any number of remote sites. Using a network of fully independent stand along satelite controllers. * Portable hand held "master command center." * Requires no electricity to operate and is immune to any electrical spikes, surges and lightning. * Most affordable, versatile controllers in the industry. Thompson Commander Rotor * Cast iron body, stainless steel & brass gear drives. Only repairable gear drives on the market. * No plastic gear drive on market today can match the Thompson Commanders durability or 7 year 100% over the counter warrenty. * Continuous use in the city of Los Angeles for 30 years. These products and many more are available. Call for free catalog or more info. Aquarius Irrigation Supply, Inc. 1120 Goffle Rd, Hawthorne, N.J. 07506 201-423-0222 Hamilton Business Park, Dover, N.J.07801 201-366-2355 307 Washington Street, Conshohocken, PA 19428 610-941-6662 GCSANJ news Continued front page 7 All of our group enjoyed the game, and some actually played well. Larry Dodge (68) and Pete Pedrazzi (74) had the best gross scores. Vinnie Bracken (62), Rob Finnesey (62), and Ed Schindo (62) were low net winners with Bob Dwyer (63) taking 4th place. Ed Walsh and E. Schindo were closest to the pins. Qualifying for the District Team Doing the right thing Continued from page 3 group of members to benefit a member in need. You will hear more on this soon, if not already, and your Board applauds and supports this effort. We hope that you will respond generously. On a personal note, I would like to thank the GCSANJ members who initiated and developed this. It goes hand in glove with the Board’s commitment Sterilized Top Dressing 1-8OO-899-SOIL (7645) FAX (301) 335-0164 Our top dressing is formulated especially for your area to specifications recommended by leading universities and testing laboratories. EXCLUSIVE! All materials 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. Computerized blending of soil mixtures for a superior growing medium. Green and tee construction materials and mixes conforming to specifications are available. Custom on-site soil blending and testing with a portable computerized blender to meet your speci­ fications are available. were L. Dodge, P. Pedrazzi, B. Dwyer, R. Finnesey, E. Walsh, and V. Bracken. Winners of the night golf competi­ tion were Mark Sinto, the DeSanctis Duo, and Ron Mencl. Some people are better in the dark. Many thanks go out again to Mark Sinto, Sean Hoffman, and Nick Lyons. We had a wonderful time. toward improving our benevolent activities to benefit members in need, and can only make our Association and bonds that tie us together stronger. Chris Carson President, GCSANJ RANSOMES 300 THE MOST PRODUCTIVE FAIRWAY MOWER FEATURES; 116" cutting width 5 floating heads 7 mph cutting speed 4 wheel drive 38 hp Kubota diesel EIGHT ACRES PER HOUR Double Eagle EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC. 285 Dayton-Jamesburg Road Dayton, New Jersey 08810 • (908) 329-9292 The “Reel” World by John G. Martin, Jr. It’s time to breathe a sigh of relief. The dog days of summer are winding down, and fall is approaching fast. Mechanics around the state are getting equipment ready to do battle with the yearly barrage of leaves. Time to dust off the blowers, sweepers, and mulchers you’ll use to uncover the grass you struggled all summer to keep green. As everyone settles into the autumn routine of leaf removal, golf course mechanics are looking forward to the yearly winter routine of equipment reconditioning. Another thing golf course mechanics are looking forward to is the monthly meeting of the Golf Course Mechanics Association. Dates have been set, so keep October 17, November 14, and December 19 free, and mark those dates on your calendars. Some of the topics which might be covered include diesel engines, fuel injec­ tion systems, bearings and seals, and generators and weld­ ers. Times, locations, and other specifics will arrive closer to the actual meeting dates. Also in store for this fall is the annual GCSANJ Turfgrass Equipment Field Day, Tuesday, October 4 and the Since 1923 Geo. Schofield Co., Inc. P.O. BOX 110, BOUND BROOK, NEW JERSEY 08805 • Bunker Sands • Construction Gravels • Construction Sands/Blends • Cart Path Materials • Landscape Materials • Topdressings • SUPRGRO Construction Blends and Topsoil Customized blends available with our new mobile blending equipment. ★ U.S.G.A. specification products. ★ (908) 356-0858 N.J. Turfgrass Association convention on November 29. The Mechanics Association will have booths at both of these shows and will also conduct an education seminar on November 29 in Atlantic City. Watch your mail and/or ask your super about these events. If you would like more information on the associa­ tion, please contact Bob Lay of Mountain Ridge CC, (201) 575-8207 or Gary Droz of Ridgewood CC, (201) 599-3938. T R P A A C RSE OU F C OL G TOP-DRESSING AMERICA'S PREMIUM TOP-DRESSING HEAT TREATED AVAILABLE IN BULK OR BAGS PLUS GREEN & TEE CONSTRUCTION MIXES, WHITE TRAP SANDS, CART PATH & DIVOT REPAIR MIXES AND MUCH MORE! DISTRIBUTED IN NJ. 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 TURF PRODUCTS CORP. ERNIE RIZZIO, 201-263-1234 KELSEY PARK, GREAT MEADOWS, NEW JERSEY 07838 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION 908-637-4191 Turf Day at Rutgers by Anthony DeMarco Passaic County Golf Course I try to attend every seminar I can. Working as an assistant supervisor on a 400 plus acre, 36-hole public course with over 120,000 rounds of golf played each year, I appreciate every seminar or field day that I can attend. The county provides the encouragement and support to attend these events. They are important learning experiences and provide essential opportunities for earning credits toward my pesticide license. The course superintendent is Abe Hemsey, and together the course tests us every day. Driving down on Interstate 287 headed toward Rutgers, I wondered who would I meet and what would I learn at this year’s Turf Day. Discussing turf management with golf course superintendents and other turf experts at a Turf Attendees at Rutgers Turf Day listening to one of the turf talks. Day would be an all day lesson. The field day was just starting as I arrived, and several groups were headed out on a series of half-hour stops. The exceptionally humid weather made me feel very uncomfortable, and as the heat rose I was really tempted to leave. But as I looked around and saw people I knew, I decided to stay. It turned out to be a great experience. The field day had demonstrations on how to lay sod and showed different types of bent grass under stress, while Dr. Bruce Clark talked about brown patch and summer bent patch. There was also a demonstration on the Toro Hydro Jet effect on bent grass and different types of organic fertilizers. This was especially interesting to me. Calibrating sprayers and the use of different nozzle sizes also provided a learning experience. The food was terrific and, of equal importance in the heat, there was plenty of cold soda. The field day organiz­ ers did a terrific job and also arranged for an oversized canopy that gave comfortable shade while you ate. There was plenty of food and food for thought. The $15.00 registration fee certainly gave those attending their money’s worth. Anyone in the field of golf course manage­ ment or landscaping should not miss a day like this. I’ll look for you there next year! Distributors of FLORATINE Auxiliary Nutrients & Soil Amendments For Information Call Mel Fifer at 717-456-5172 GCSAA releases 1994-95 strategic plan synopsis An ambitious agenda for the coming year was revealed by the GCSAA. Both mission and vision statements were prepared that set the tone for this year and the future. The mission statement provides a succinct statement as to why the GCSAA exists: “GCSAA is dedicated to serving its members, advancing their profession, and enriching the quality of golf and its environment. ” The purpose of the Vision Statement is to establish a shared image of what the association will look like in the future. The Vision Statement and Goals are summarized below. It looks like it will be a lot of hard work to accom­ plish this, but for those active in the association, it will be a lot of fun and comradeship as well. This all starts with the February 1995 GCSAA meeting in San Francisco. Contact GCSAA at (913) 841-2240 for the full text of the Synopsis. VISION GCSAA, by the year 2000, will be a peerless profes- Golf Inc. Turn-Key Construction Golf Course Construction TEE AND GREEN CONSTRUCTION DRAINAGE . RETAINING WALLS IRRIGATION . PONDS OTTERBINE INSTALLATION 908-469-7782 MEMBER OF NJ TURF GRASS ASSOC. & GCSANJ sional membership organization that: • Makes a positive impact on the lives of its members by providing professional support through exceptional service and programming. • Promotes and sustains the image of the golf course superintendent as the manager of golf's most valuable asset: the golf course. • • Enriches the quality of golf by actively educating its members and investing in the future through scholar­ ship and research programs. Is recognized by the profession, the golf community, and society as the authoritative source of information on state-of-the-art turfgrass management, the golf environment, and other matters related to golf course management. • Enhances the opportunities for members to achieve employment security and attain their individual career Continued on page 12 It's outperforming some well-known competition with its dense, upright growth and attractive color! To learn more contact: Lofts Seed Inc. Chimney Rock Rd. Bound Brook. NJ 08805 (908) 356-8700 • (800) 526-3890 GCSAA releases 1994-95 strategic plan Continued from page 11 goals. • Develops and provides leadership in addressing issues of relevance to members, the golf community, and society locally, nationally, and internationally. • Strengthens relationships and cooperation with affili­ ated chapters, allied associations, the golf industry, and other organizations to the mutual benefit of members, golf, and society. Sustains fiscal stability, applies its resources, and employs appropriate technologies effectively to deliver programs and services that benefit the membership and the profession. States and practices its values and ethics, including the principles of integrity, fairness, individual dignity, and respect for others. • • GOALS Career Assistance: To furnish members with resources to effectively secure employment and pursue career goals. Chapter Relations: To foster mutually beneficial relation­ ships with affiliated chapters. Education: To set the standards of professionalism in golf course management, provide educational programs that develop skills, knowledge and professionalism, and offer opportunities for earning professional recognition. Effectiveness: To apply resources and technologies to maximize effectiveness and efficiency in the development and delivery of programs and services. Government Relations: To represent the profession in federal regulatory proceedings, monitor and communicate JOSEPH M. MERCADANTE, Inc. PAVING, EXCAVATING Millburn, NJ 201-467-8622 legislative activity, and assist superintendents in their efforts to achieve effective influence and regulatory compliance. Image: To inform the public of the role and importance of the golf course superintendent and promote the profession and the association. Industry Relations: To create and promote partnerships with companies that supply products, services, and support to the membership. Information: To serve as the information clearinghouse for the industry and the profession. Integrity: To embody the principles of integrity and fairness, treating all with respect and dignity and holding members, staff, and associates to the highest ethical and professional standards. International Service: To develop appropriate services to meet the unique needs of international members and the profession. Membership: To continuously enhance the value of membership and strengthen the association through mem­ bership growth. Partnerships: To create and enhance alliances with golf industry associations and other organizations. Publications: To provide periodicals and other publica­ tions of value to the profession. Scholarship and Research: To fund grants to advance education and science as an investment in the future of the profession and the game of golf. SERVING THE TURFGRASS INDUSTRY OF THE GARDEN STATE • DRAINAGE SYSTEMS • TEE BUILDING • GRADING KEN KUBIK (201) 361-5943 marks the spot by Ed Walsh There are some times when I just can’t seem to find anything to write about. This usually happens toward the end of the summer when all any of us want to do is relax. It’s those times that I always put Ilona Gray through a lot of grief by giving her “the article will be there tomorrow” routine. That happened this time, too. Ilona gave me three extra days to get this article to her, and, if it wasn’t for something that just happened to pop up, I might still be procrastinating. Seems when I got home last night, there was a message Sweeney Seed Company 488 Drew Court / King of Prussia, Pa. 19406 /1 -800-544-7311 Certified Turfgrass Seed Providence Creeping Bentgrass Dominant Creeping Bentgrass Mixture Champion Perennial Ryegrass Mixture On Course™ Fertilizers with Nutralene All Formulas on Micro Prills All Formulas on Mini Prills All Formulas on Standard Prills Production and Research Seed Research of Oregon, Inc. The Andersons Fertilizer Company Call Jeff Shockley at 1-800-544-7311 on the answering machine from a shoe store at the local shopping center saying the shoe laces I ordered were in stock. It took me a few minutes to figure out when I ordered shoe laces. It finally came to me. Last winter, some time in January, I think, I went to this shopping center with my wife, Mary, to get a pair of work boots. I usually don’t wear boots. I realized, being at a new job, I would probably be spending a lot of time on the course during the winter months. I didn’t want to ruin a pair of good shoes so I thought I would get something that was, sort of, multi-purpose. You know what I mean, rugged but still classy enough to walk through the clubhouse. Well, we go to this shoe store that is like an L.L. Bean- type of place. I see these boots that look like rugged shoes and ask the salesperson if they have my size, which of course they did. Now the fun begins. The salesperson starts telling me what a terrific pair of boots/shoes I’ve chosen; How they are considered the finest in the world; How they are made by superior craftsmen in some far away country (wasn’t Japan or Korea, either); How they have an almost lifetime guarantee. And on, and on, and on, and on. Actually, I did like the boots/shoes because they were just what I wanted. They looked great and could be worn with a nice pair of slacks. I still could go to the clubhouse for lunch, which is what this is all about, almost. Now we get to the cash register area of the store, and I hand the salesperson my American Express credit card (fortunately this was one of the few places left on this earth that still accepted American Express, according to Visa anyway) and pay the bill. I should have known that when all you hear is how great a product is when you’re looking at it and not once does the price get discussed that the product is probably too expensive. That was certainly the case in this situation. The boots/shoes cost over $180, tax included, of course. Now after you’ve given your American Express card to the salesperson, it’s way past the point when you can say “no you don’t want to buy them at that price.” So I am the proud owner of a pair of boots/shoes that cost more Continued on page 18 Amateur photo ops nixed at San Fran show by Ilona GrayThat’s press talk for no photos at the GCSAA show in San Francisco unless you have media creden­ tials! That’s the rule, and here’s the explanation. Steve Malikowski, CGCS, of the Cape May National G wrote humorously in “The Greenerside” on the no-photo policy enforced at the trade show in Dallas. This summer, the National association’s president, Joseph Baidy, replied to Steve with both a personal letter and an official state­ ment on its photography policy. For those attending San Francisco, the highlights of the policy are simple: No cameras without media credentials. The reason for this is to protect the investment of the displaying companies, which in turn helps support the GCSAA. To quote GCSAA’s letter, “The association has to balance the wishes of the attendees against the pressing need to prevent the theft of new technologies. The policy was aimed at a handful of potential violators and not the attendees who simply want to take a few snapshots.” “The Greenerside” will be covering the GCSAA International Golf Course Conference and Show. Other changes in GCSAA policy on the show include the follow­ ing: C, • Prior approval is now required to exhibitors planning guest appearances, promotional give aways, and contests to ensure that these events are appropriate for all attendees. • All exhibitors at the GCSAA’s trade show must have goods and services that relate to the golf course man­ agement industry. • Guest hall vouchers have been eliminated, but a more attractive trade show pass only will be offered. Spouses of attendees, distributors, and exhibitors will be allowed on the trade show floor at no charge. • These policies will help ensure a more professional atmosphere at the GCSAA’s biggest annual event. EQUIPMENT CO. “Distributors Of Quality Turf Equipment” 425 South Riverside Avenue Croton-on-Hudson, New York 10520 (914) 271 -6126 FAX (914) 271 -6146 NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE 22R GREENS MOWER 2653 PROFESSIONAL TURF MOWER FOR PARTS 1-800-99-DEERE SAME DAY UPS JOHN DEERE CREDIT You Deserve Credit for Buying the Best CALL FOR A DEMO TODAY! 2243 PROFESSIONAL GREENS MOWER by Dr. Bob Metric golf Lots of people have good ideas. Good ideas are a dime a dozen. It’s bad ideas that are truly rare, and I am therefore compelled to share this one with you. I call this bad idea “Metric Golf.” It has a horrible ring to it. Listen to the sound of metric golf: “Just how many meters from the hole are we?” “Do you want a half-liter of beer on the 19th hole?” Metric golf could truly wreck the game in America. It’s that bad an idea, but it gets worse. Metric is based on a system that divides everything up into units or multiples of tens. We have always had metric money with ten pennies to a dime and ten dimes to a dollar, a ten dollar bill and a one hundred dollar bill. Other bills are multiples of tens such as twen­ ties and fifties. Only the nickel, the quarter, and the five and two dollar bills are exceptions, and five is, after all, half of a ten. After more than two hundred years we have begun to adopt a one liter and two liter soda bottle and the idea of a metric wrench for a metric bolt. Picture with me, though, a truly metric golf game. It would have 20 holes which could be referred to as the front and back ten. Meter markers at one hundred, two hundred, and three hundred meter placements would after a 10-year period be understood by all golfers. Sand traps and water hazards could be metricized to keep the game on the ten scale. The ball could be reconfigured to weigh exactly so many grams and have a diameter of exactly so many centimeters. Maybe the clubs should be metricized as well. Why play with a foursome when a tensome would be no more cumbersome. Tensomes would increase the number of players per round and, perhaps, push more players through the course per season. Tournament play could take ten days or be limited to ten players or teams. We could institute all kinds of poorly constructed new rules to accommodate the idea of ten. Metric thinking would rule the course. Changes in the clubhouse would occur as well. Balls would be purchased in boxes of ten rather than the dozen that we now use. I doubt the price would change, so expect to pay more for metric balls. Golf shirt sizes in metric should be anticipated also. Metric food portions, metric drinks, and metric room sizes would help complete the metric image of the new golf. All of this could have happened, but it won’t because bad ideas like this need to be squashed by good thinking people. Believe it or not, a 1988 Federal law requiring the government to step into the ten zone will not be imple­ mented. The law would have required the taxpayers to cough up two hundred million dollars for metric signs showing how many kilometers per hour the speed limit was or how many kilometers to Washington, DC it is from New York. Don’t get too excited. It was not the whiz kids in DC that pulled the plug on their own. It was the 2,000 plus letters sent by citizens who felt that the money should go somewhere else than into sign posts that did the trick. The take home lesson is clear. When someone proposes a bad idea, like metric golf, it’s up to all of us to sound off and just say “NO.” Ten times! Turf Net membership offers you: ♦ A database of peer user experience ♦ Transaction histories of selling prices in your area ♦ A secondary market for your used equipment ♦ Objective turf equipment analyses ♦ Turf Net Monthly for updates on new technology, new products, computerization, management issues Turf Net BBS electronic bulletin board service enhancing communication among superintendents ♦ ♦ An advocacy voice for your interests in the marketplace 21 brandywine road, skillman, new jersey 08550 call toll free 1.800.314.7929 fax 908.359.3389 by Nigel Wisskowski, CGCS The rest of the story Now that Malikowski is in hiding I’ve been asked to take over his position as contributing writer to “The Greenerside.” We all hope that “The Greenerside” can win another newsletter award at th National this year, but we know that without Steve writing, the chances are pretty slim, especially since Ed Walsh is still doing what he calls “writing.” First some District Four news. The District Four championship was held at Ponder Lodge Golf Course in Villas, New Jersey, on August 18. Our host for the day was Tony Funari, who just recently joined our associa­ tion. We welcome him into GCSANJ. Tony and his staff were more than accommodating and made us feel right at home. The weather was perfect, and the day’s events went just as well. A total of 50 people were on hand for the championship and barbecue, and a great time was had by all. Thirty-four golfers competed in a shotgun start tour­ ney, and, as expected, the low round of the day was turned in by John (the Bass Master) Carpinelli with a score of 79. John also won the bass fishing event with four large- mouths adding up to a total of 18.5 pounds. This is a new event for District Four which includes golf and fishing in the following manner. After holing out on any hole that has a water hazard, a fish must be caught before teeing off on the next hole. Condolences to Bob Prickett and Tom Grimac who I believe are still there trying to get the big one. Actually, second place went to Tom Grimac with 80, and third was a tie between Bob (Gadabout Gadis) Prickett and Andy (Shagile) Drevyanko. Low commercial rep of the day went to Rich Brandel with a 75. Rich came late and played with three non-members, so we couldn’t get his score attested. Therefore, see ya. This was our premier event of the year for District Four, and it was a great success. Tony at Ponder Lodge has invited us back again next year with Grimac and Malikowski accepting. This event is our family outing day. We thank all the superintendents who brought their spouses and families, who also had a great day. The activities included swiming at the Olympic size pool; the kids especially enjoyed the 3-meter diving board at the pool. A belly-flop contest was held. The winner was Al Phillips with a net 24,000 gallons displaced. All in all it was a great day. We hope to fill this facility next year. Finally, district long drive qualifying was held in three different flights. In the 0-12 flight the three qualifiers were Bob Prickett with a poke of 321 yards, second was Tom Grimac at 300 yards, and third was Mark McDonald (who actually did drive the longest, all the way from Kennett Square), with 295 yards. In the 13-24 handicap flight, first was Mike Fanularo with 287 yards, followed by Wendell (Hulkster) Beakley with 280 yards. Third went to Steve (Agent 13) Malikowski. e A belly-flop contest was held. The winner was Al Phillips with a net 24,000 gallons displaced. Finally, in the 25-and-up category, which was the ighlight of the day, we had a little problem. After Bill h Beverlin and Kevin Driscoll failed to get one in play, even fter allowing them a small bucket each, the winner was a Roy (Wedge) Griffith with a drive of 77 yards. The Medalist will send the competition scattering. It has fluid form, flawless function. The perfect balance between a smooth, luxurious ride and durable, long-lasting performance. Quite simply, the Medalist is the most profitable golf car you can buy. Call 1-800-241-5855. We’ll put you in touch with your nearest E-Z-GO representative. Then you can test ride the car that’s keeping the competition on their toes. ©1994 E-Z-GO Textron Location Courtesy of Arrowhead Golf Club, Denver, Colorado. A National Golf Property Operated by American Golf Corporation. Fall planting Though many golf course superintendents do most of their tree and shrub planting in the spring, the fall can also be a good time to plant certain species. Here is some expert advice from the Davey Tree Expert Company for the do-it- yourself tree and shrub planter. “Roots continue active growth until the ground freezes,” says Roger C. Funk, Ph.D., vice president of human and technical resources at Davey Tree Experts. “As a result, trees and shrubs planted in the fall have several weeks to become established before winter.” Only containerized or balled- and-burlapped trees and shrubs should be planted in the fall, Funk says. Bare-root planting should be done in the spring. Also, plant broad­ leaf evergreens, cherry, dogwood, Japanese maple, magnolia, pin oak, white birch, and willow in the spring. PLANT SELECTION The first step in ensuring successful planting is selecting the right plant for the site. Plants most commonly fail in a landscape because they are not suited to their location. Critical to success are: Hardiness zone. The U.S Depart­ • ment of Agriculture publishes a map of hardiness zones in the United States. Select only landscape plants suitable for your area’s hardiness zone. • mircroenvironment is the climate immedi­ ately surrounding the planting site. Does Microenvironment. The the planting site have intense sunlight, or is it Continued on page 18 SPECIAL OFFER! TEST DRIVE A DUAL Call us for a FREE three-day tryout in your workshop.* □ We’ll bring the machine right to you and pick it up. □ No charge. □ Your chance to precision grind your reels on the world’s best spin grinder. * Subject to scheduling and machine availability. EXPRESS DUAL Storr Tractor Company 3191 US Highway 22, Somerville, New Jersey 08876 908-722-9830 Fall planting Continued from page 17 in the shade? Is it subjected to high winds? Choose only plants that are tolerant of the conditions immedi­ ately surrounding the site. • Soil drainage and pH. To check soil drainage, dig a hole at the planting site, fill it with water, and let it drain. Then, refill the hole and let it drain again. For normal drainage, the water should drain about 1 inch per hour. Check pH with an indicator strip. Choose plants that grow well in the site’s soil conditions. PLANTING TECHNIQUE The second most important factor in plant survival is proper planting technique. “The most common mistake is planting too deep,” says Dr. Funk. “Planting too deep may limit the amount of oxygen that reaches plant roots, inhibiting plant growth and possibly limiting nutrient and water uptake. For a new transplant, this can be devastating.” Instead of digging a deep hole, prepare a wide planting 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 area. Spading a large area helps the plant overcome transplant shock. During transplanting, the plant can lose as much as 98% of its absorbing roots. Transplant shock is the period when the plant re-establishes equilibrium Instead of digging a deep hole, prepare a wide planting area. Spading a large area helps the plant overcome transplant shock. between the roots and the crown. During that time, it is stressed. Roots need oxygen to grow, and soil is their only oxygen source. In a wide planting area, more oxygen penetrates the soil and reaches the roots. Ideally, extend the planting area about three times the area of the root ball. Next, dig the planting hole. The hole should be no deeper than the container or root ball. Planting just one Continued on page 20 marks the spot Continued from page 13 than the first five cars I owned in my life, and all of the cars ran fine. Actually we may not have had that much money in the bank when we bought our first home, now that I think of it. A couple of months after I got over the shock of paying that much for a pair of boots/shoes, Mary and I were at the shopping center again. It was around the time that one of the laces on the boots/shoes had broken, and Mary sug­ gested going back to the same store and picking up another pair. You see, not only were the boots/shoes made by a super craftsman from a far-off country, so were the laces. You guessed it, they didn’t have any in stock and had to order a pair for me. I sit here pondering my next move. Should I just go and pick up the laces, or should I try and find out how much they are going to cost first. Because if they took 5 or six months to order, they can’t be cheap. What did I get myself into anyway? Well, it did give me something to write about. I’ll keep you posted. STORR TRACTOR CO. 1385 Lakeland Ave. Bohemia, L.I., N.Y. 11716 516-589-5222 3191 U.S. Highway 22 Somerville, N. J. 08876 201-722-9830 Fall planting Continued from page 18 inch deeper can cause the new transplant to die from lack of oxygen. In poorly drained, heavy clay soil, it may be a good idea to plant one or 2 inches higher than the container to allow more oxygen to reach plant roots. The sides of the hole should be rough or broken up—otherwise, the roots may encircle the plant as they grow. Place the plant in the hole. If the roots are encir­ cling a containerized plant, either spread them out or cut them. To cut the roots properly, use a sharp knife or shears to make three equidistant vertical cuts around the ball. Backfill the planting hole with the soil removed during planting site preparation. Amend­ ing the soil is usually not necessary. Tamp lightly. MULCHING Next, apply mulch around the plant. Mulch provides many benefits to plants. It moderates soil temperatures, suppresses weed growth, and keeps soil most. Dr. Funk cautions that mulch must be applied properly to be beneficial. “The most common mistake when mulching is apply- JACOBSEN TEXTRON Jacobsen Division of Textron, Inc GREENS AERATOR Aero King T1224 340 MAIN AVENUE, CLIFTON, NJ 07014 201-365-6801 ing it too deep,” he says. “Apply mulch at a depth of two to 4 inches at the plant’s drip line, tapering to 1/2 inch just outside the stem. Never pile mulch on the stem. Mulch on the stem attracts rodents and creates ideal conditions for decay fungi.” Dr. Funk cautions that mulch must be applied properly to be beneficial. "The most common mistake when mulch­ ing is applying it too deep," he says. WATERING Water is critical for newly transplanted trees and shrubs. Monitor soil moisture carefully, as the plant can be stressed by too much or too little water. By the time stress symptoms appear, considerable damage may have occurred to the plant’s root system. Check soil moisture by remov­ ing a small amount of soil from the root area using a soil probe or trowel. The soil is too dry if it crumbles in your hand instead of holding together in a moist ball. STAKING Stake newly transplanted trees only when they cannot remain upright on their own. To provide proper support, stake the tree low enough on the trunk to allow some flexing while keeping the root system stable. Determine the ideal staking point by putting your hand on the base of the trunk and moving it up until the tree stands upright. Move your hand back and forth slightly to ensure the trunk can flex but the root system remains stable. A common mistake is the use of only one stake. Two stakes with a flexible tie on each will provide better trunk support and reduce the potential for injury. A tie should have a flat, smooth surface and be some­ what elastic to allow slight movement of the tree. Do not use wire in a hose. Instead, use a 2-inch wide inner tube or other flexible wrap. Stake so that the tree is snug, but not tight. Following these simple steps will help ensure that your, landscape plants not only survive transplanting, but also become a healthy, attractive part of the landscape. GCSANJ members invited to Alliance Environmental Seminar The Alliance for Environmental Concerns’ Annual Meeting and Environmental Seminar will be held on Tuesday, November 22 at the Ramada Hotel, Clark, New Jersey. This year’s seminar will focus on administrator, Ray Ferrarin. So set aside November 22, 1994, for this important conference. You will also receive CORE recertification thec redits. Contact Ilona Gray, Alliance executive director, at (201) 595-7172 or fax (201) 942-1406 for the agenda and registration forms. upcoming changes in the Pesticide Control Code and how they can and will affect your management of the golf course. We have invited DEP Commissioner Robert Shinn, Jr. to give his views on the effects of regulations on the business community, and his reported mission to make policy changes that would lessen the DEP’s reliance on fines and fee revenues. Commissioner Shinn was quoted recently in “The Star-Ledger” as saying, “We have frozen all fees in the DEP to not only stabilize the cost of doing business in New Jersey, but we have started reducing the cost of processing permit applications in the DEP without affecting environmental standards.” Norman Goldenberg, vice president of Government Affairs of Terminix, TruGreen/ChemLawn, will give his talk on the federal directions for pesticide regulations. Rounding out the seminar will be the state pesticide Back to the future! The NJ DEPE has had its official name changed, returning it to its original acronym and name: NJ DEP or New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The energy responsibilities were re­ moved from the agency by Governor Whitman in July and transferred to the Board of Public Utilities. The change has no impact on the agency’s pesticide regulatory mission. On Course Professional Turf Fertilizers Developed to meet the highest standards in turfgrass management • Corporate Parks • Cemeteries • Golf Courses • Athletic Fields • Commercial Turf West Coast Affiliate SEED RESEARCH OF OREGON, INC. P.O. BOX 373 DAYTON, NJ 08810 800-522-4769 Committed to providing reliable, dependable service and the best in quality lawn and garden products. For more information call Twin Light at 800-522-4769 and ask for Gerald Fountain (former Superintendent at Trenton Country Club) Cars and conventions by Nigel Wisskowski, CGCS Thinking of going to San Francisco in February for this year’s National reminds me of some interest­ ing automotive adventures that some superinten­ dents have had over the years. Somehow they all have two things in common, though. WALSH and MALIKOWSKI. Ten years ago in San Fran­ cisco, Ed Walsh made golf arrangements at the San Francisco Golf Club, one of the world class golf clubs. The group was Joe Alonzi, Ted Maddocks, Malikowski, and, of course, Ed. Well, Ed got the cab that fateful morning, and the following is Steve’s rendition. First of all, we were the cabbie’s first fares ever. Second he looked just like Cheech Marin of Cheech and Chong fame, and he spoke just like him also. The hack just couldn’t get all four sets of Pro-Lawn Products you need, people you can count on. TM Whatever your turf-management needs. • FERTILIZERS • CHEMICALS • TURF SEEDS • NATURAL BASE ORGANIC FERTILIZERS • HYDROSEEDING & EROSION CONTROL PRODUCTS • CUSTOM MIXING • SUSTANEtm • POLYON Pro-Lawn has a turf-management expert in your area. Lake Hopatcong, NJ Craig Lambert 201-663-3368 Langhorne, PA Ingred Kem 215-750-1732 Jacobstown, NJ Brad Simpkins 609-758-7620 The future of turf management clubs in the trunk and close the lid properly, but he was determined to try. Now, with Ed in the front and the rest of us in the back, Ed tells the hack where we are going. Naturally the cabbie has never heard of San Francisco Golf Club let alone where it is. So Ed runs back to the concierge in the hotel and gets a local map. Ed gives the cabbie directions and off we go. Well, now we have a limited time to get to the course on time, and Ed tells the cabbie we are not going to make it. The hack disagrees and steps on it. If you have ever seen a chase scene on television, this is what it was like. With golf balls falling out of the trunk, we were traveling the San Francisco freeway at a high rate of speed, and, with Ed still insisting we are going to miss our tee time, we miss the exit to the golf club! Naturally, the next exit is 14 miles away. The driver decides it is not too late to make the exit and pre- cedes to back up in the breakdown lane for about one mile at as fast a speed backwards as the rest of the five lanes of traffic are going forwards. He got us there, and we tipped him well, and, with golf clubs on our shoulders, we waved bye to him and breathed a sigh of relief. As he is leaving the parking lot, we are told that Ed made arrangements for himself at the golf course and being only his name was on the starters sheet, only he was allowed to play. To make a long story short, we called for another cab to bring us back to the Hilton. What do you think the odds are of getting the same cabbie?? Thanks for making all the arrangements, Ed. One more quick one. At last year’s convention in Texas, Ed Walsh, Steve Malikowski, Ted Maddocks, and John Gallagher decided to rent a van together and share driving and costs. The plan was for all to drive from Austin, the site of the golf tournament, to Dallas and drop the van off there. Ed and Steve were rooming together, and Ed was the last to use the van. OK. NOT! Ed needed to get to Dallas before the rest of the group and got a ride with someone else on Tuesday night, with the rest of us leaving the following morning. Ed called me on Tuesday night at about 11 p.m. and woke me with these words, “Steve, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that I am in Dallas, and I’m fine. The bad news is that the only set of keys to the van are now in Dallas also. Sorry, Steve.” Fiddler’s Elbow C.C. announces opening of new Rees Jones course Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club announced that their new 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Rees Jones, was officially opened on July 1, 1994. The new par-72 course is known as The Forest Course them are on the par-5 third hole. The course then winds back through the woods, which feature mature stands of beech, oak, hickory, birch, white . Tphien es, and cedars. The trees beautifully frame the fairways There will be four sets of tees on every hole, which will allow the course to play from 5,154 from the forward tees to 7,128 yards from the tips. and provide magnificent backdrops for the greens. There are two more mounded, links-style holes on the back nine, plus some wetland areas on the 11th, 12th, and 16th holes, and a 4-acre lake around which the 17th and 18th holes Play. Continued on page 24 Predictable Results. In managing golf course turf, it’s what matters most. As specialists in turf care, we look long and hard for products that are truly superior before we present them to you. We insist manufacturers prove their claims in the lab and the field, because we’re committed to your results - on your course and for your bottom line. Call. Let us demonstrate the terrific results you’ll get with these technically superior products. Amends soil to give you more leeway managing the crucial air/water balance in root zones. Aerify, rototill, topdress. More porous than clay-based amendments. Does not compact. Proven effective in USGA greens. BREAK-THRU The most effective wetting agent known to science (that you can afford). Proven safe. Decrease pesticide use while increasing effect. Save 40% or more on soil conditioning. Affordable dew control. PLAINSBORO, NJ 1-800-270-TURF Available in Florida from: • GO-FOR SUPPLY 1-800-475-7081 • DICK BLAKE 407-736-7051 addition of The Forest Course expands Fiddler’s Elbow facilities to 54 holes of golf, making it the largest golf facility in the state. The Meadow Course and The River Course are the other two courses. The announcement was made by David M. McGhee, general manager of Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club. “The opening of The Forest Course represents the culmination of more than two years of careful planning and construction to create one of the top courses in the region,” commented Mr. McGhee. “It was the goal of Fiddler’s Elbow’s trustees to build a terrific new course for our members. We were fortunate to have a beautiful piece of land to start with, and even more fortu­ nate to have an imaginative architect like Rees Jones to shape the terrain into a greatm test of golf. Rees’s ability to aximize the natural beauty of the land transformed the property into something special for golfers of all abilities to enjoy. This addition is the perfect way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Club.” The Forest Course incorporates 200 acres of the 700- acre Fiddler’s Elbow complex. It was built on the highest land on the property and offers panoramic views of Schooley’s Mountain to the north and the Cushetunk Mountains to the southwest. The first four holes play down and back up over open fields that have been transformed into mound-lined fairways, accented by strategically-placed bunkers. Of the more than 100 bunkers on the course, 19 of RALPH McGILLAN Excavating Contractor Specializing in Lakes & Ponds Over 25 years experience in building new ponds, enlarging & redesigning existing ponds. Can get all DEP permits (609) 655-2281 74 Petty Road, Cranbury, NJ Fiddler’s Elbow C.C. Continued from page 23 There will be four sets of tees on every hole, which will allow the course to play from 5,154 from the forward tees to 7,128 yards from the tips. From the Championship tees, the course will have a Slope Rating of 137 and a Course Rating of 73.3. Die-cut diagrams await players at each tee to give them a preview of the hole. In commenting on the course, Rees Jones noted, “A great course starts with the land, and I was fortunate to be working with a naturally beautiful site, one of the best I’ve ever had to work with. The rolling terrain is just about perfect—not too severe, but steep enough to provide a variety of gentle uphill and downhill shots. When you’re playing through the woods, you feel like you’re in a nature sanctuary it’s so quiet and peaceful. While each hole provides its own challenge, the closing three holes will surely test your shotmaking capabilities. You better have your score in hand by the time you get to them.” The closing three holes illustrate the challenge of Jones’ design: the 16th is a 415-yard up-hill par-4 dogleg right with wetlands in front of the tees and bunkers guard­ ing the right side of the fairway and green; the 17th is a • Golf Courses • Estates • Athletic Fields • Commercial • Floating Aerators • Custom Built Pumping Systems AQUA-FLO, INC. 320 Basin Road • Hammonton, NJ 08037 (609) 561-1777 1-800-524-0895 (outside NJ) 4155A Westfax Drive • Chantilly, VA 22021 (703) 968-7081 194-yard par-3, all carry, over a lake; and the 18th is a 602-yard par-5 Cape hole which requires a tee shot over the lake plus two more good shots to make it through the tree-lined fairway to the green. Jones, whose Atlantic Golf Club in Bridgehampton, New York, was named the Best New Private Club in the United States in 1992 by “Golf Digest”, will submit The Forest Course for their review for the 1995 rankings. Founded in 1965, Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club is a private corporate retreat located in Bedminster Township, New Jersey. The old stone manor clubhouse overlooks the Lamington River and features gourmet dining and a variety of meeting room accommodations. Threatened but no longer endangered The American Bald Eagle, symbol of America and the central image on the Great Seal, was pro­ nounced no longer endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This animal more than any other lead the shift away from organo-chlorine pesticides toward today’s more environmentally acceptable products. In the days when DDT was extensively used, bird eggs from top carnivores like the bald eagle began to thin, and the number of hatchlings declined dramatically. The pressure from habitat destruction pushed many of these species to the brink of extinction. In the lower 48 states, the bald eagle has battled back from a population of about 800 birds to almost 8,000 today. They are still endangered, meaning that their numbers are few and their habitat scarce. It will take continued vigilance and effort to return this species to its potential, but we’re on the right path. 914-699-4437 495 New Rochelle Road - Office 2B Bronxville, New York 10708 The man behind the greens Editor’s Note: Ken Krausz took advantage of the local writers looking for sports news during the baseball strike. He contacted Kevin Newell, sports writer for “The Record.” Here are highlights from the resulting article. “The job of superintendent is a job in which you’re managing a large budget,” said Ken Krausz, in his sixth year as superintendent at Paramus Golf & Country Club after serving three years at Old Tappan GC. “We have to basically keep monitoring the weather and turf conditions at all times to make sure the grass is getting the best chance of growing.” Krausz, a certified golf course superintendent, is in the middle of his second two-year term as co-director of District 1 of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey (District 1 encompasses courses north of Route 80). Joe Kennedy of Green Brook CC in North Caldwell is the other co-director. “The big deal, really, is trying to actually figure out allowances, within the amount of your budget, to which kind of practices you would use,” said Krausz, 38, an Old Tappan native who lives with his family on the course at Paramus. “If you have a large labor budget, you can mow your greens by hand. With a smaller budget, you would use a riding mower. It’s very labor-oriented [by hand]. The height of the cut reflects the speed of the green. But also, the lower the cut, the faster the green, the more maintenance you need. “And that goes for the rest of the golf course. A lot depends on the type of grass, budget, and amount of play the course receives.” While some superintendents use a stimpmeter like a chef uses a tasting spoon, Krausz forgoes that route. “All you hear is. ‘My greens run at 10.5 on the meter,’ “ said Krausz, a graduate of the Rutgers University Golf Turf Management School. “I’d rather stay out of that type of thing.” A licensed pesticide applicator, Krausz, a big sup­ porter of turf grass research, also has to weigh his options on whether to use fungicide or fertilizer—depending on turf and weather conditions. So, the next time you miss a putt you thought you should have made or rave about the overall conditions of the course, thank your course superintendent. BENTGRASS SOD Washed & With Soil All sod is guaranteed 100% NO QUESTIONS ASKED! • Poa annua, weed and disease free • You won't find a higher quality of bentgrass sod available for putting greens and tees • Maintained as a putting surface at our farm STORMY ACRES has relocated to NEW JERSEY! NOW ACCEPTING ORDERS FOR THE FALL! Call for Details & Pricing • Penncross, Pennlinks, Providence and Southshore •L owest height of cut 1/8" - 5/32." • Brushed-verticut-topdressed etc. • All sod is grown on a sand base • Future layering is eliminated. • Least amount of thatch in industry for washed bentgrass sod, which eliminates future problems of puffiness, scalping and the need for heavy topdressing application. Stormy Acres Forrest Lane • Carneys Point, NJ 08069 • (609) 299-5109 Back Nine INTERACTIVE INFORMATION GUNS ‘N ROACHES The National Agricultural Chemicals Association released a new interactive computer program called “Food Pesticides and Your Family.” The program was designed to increase understanding and awareness of the role of pesti­ cides in food production. Contact Lora Austin at NACA, (202) 872-3864, for further information. TAJ MAHAL If you have not registered, you need this reminder. The Expo ’94 is set for November 29-December 1. The Expo is sponsored by N.J. Turfgrass Association in cooperation with Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Cook College and Rutgers University. For further information contact (908) 821-7134. LIFESAVING COSTS The cost of prevention to save a life varies enormously with the source of the prevention. For example, to save a life with childhood immunizations or prenatal care costs virtually nothing. Flu shots cost about $600 per life saved while water chlorination costs about $4,000 per life. Breast cancer screening at $17,000; home radon control at $141,000; and asbestos controls at $1,900,000 per life are far more costlier options. Jeffrey Harris of MIT stated that 20 percent of all deaths in the U.S. on an annual basis are related to tobacco smoking. Other studies have ranked the risk of death sources as follows: tobacco, alcohol, motor vehicles, handguns, electric power, motorcycles, swimming, surgery, x-rays, railroads, general aviation, large construction, bicycles, hunting, home appliances, fire fighting, police work, contraceptives, commercial aviation, nuclear power, mountain climbing, power mowers, scholastic football, skiing, vaccinations, food coloring, food preservatives, pesticides, prescription antibiotics, and spray cans. Omni Magazine reported that a headless cockroach can live for several weeks before finally dying of starvation. Is this a new Guinness record or an average or a one point observation? Don’t know. In 1866 none other than Thomas Alva Edison invented a device to electrocute these crea­ tures. Execution by surgical beheading or electrocution remains rare among roaches. Between seven and 8 percent of the U.S. population is allergic to cockroaches, and these insects transmit a variety of digestive tract disorders which can lead to diarrhea and dysentery. Roaches in golf course buildings should be treated by a professional pesticide applicator with the appropriate certification. Calendar Available In New Jersey through Ferti-Soil Turf Supply, Inc. NATURAL ORGANIC FERTILIZER Milorganite 4% lron Marty Futyma (908) 322-6132 METRO MILORGANITE 365 Adams St. Bedford Hills. NY 10507 Continued from page 3 November 22 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 • Alliance for Environmen­ tal Concerns, Pesticide Regulations/Environmen- tal Seminar. Ramada Hotel, Clark, NJ. Contact: Ilona Gray, (201) 595- 7172. • Expo ’94, Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ. Contact: N.J. Turfgrass Association, (908) 821-7134. PATRON DIRECTORY Agr-Evo Manufacturer of Fine Turf Chemicals Shaun M. Barry (908) 846-8173 E-Z-GO/TEXTRON, INC. New & Used Golf Cars & Turf Equip. John Myers, Paul Proter (609) 586-4000 LORS SEED INC. Grass Seed Company John Morrissey - Dr. Richard Hurley - Mary Beth Ruh; (800) 526-3890 AGRO-TECH 2000, INC. Axis/Break-Thru/Agroroots Peter Van Drumpt - Chris Des Garennes Rich Brandel, (609) 275-3995 FERTL-SOIL TURF SUPPLY, INC. Topdressings, golf course supplies Marty Futyma - Cathy Futyma (908) 322-6132 ALPINE, THE CARE OF TREES Complete tree care Michael Cook; (201) 445-4949 AQUA-FLO, INC. Irrigation Equip. Distrib. Phil Demarco - Jerry Purcell (609) 561-1777; (800) 542-0895 AQUATROLS CORP. OF AMERICA Manufacturer of Water Management Products. Andy Moore - Phil O'Brien (800) 257-7797 ATLANTIC MILLS INC. Tee Accessories, Towels, Detergent Peter Donnelly - Jack Brady - Laura Irving (908) 774-4882 JAMES BARRETT ASSOCIATES, INC. Irrigation Consulting & Design Jim Barrett; (201) 744-8237 SKY BERGEN Sales to the Professional Turf Industry SJ. .Bergen, Jr.; (201) 635-6469 BLUE RIDGE PEAT FARMS Topdressing, Sand Gene Evans; (717) 443-9596 BRUEDAN CORP. Yamaha Golf Cars/Yamahauler Peter Siege, - Michael Gesmundo (800) 535-1500 ALAN G. CRUSE INC. Golf Course Materials Alan Cruse - Jim Cruse; (201) 227-7183 DE BUCK'S SOD FARM Sod Farm Leonard M. DeBuck; (914) 258-4131 DISPRO DISPLAY PRODUCTS CORP. Sign and Display Manufacturing Jerry Baine; (908) 988-5400 DOUBLE EAGLE EQUIPMENT CO., INC. Professional Turf Equipment Clyde Ashton - Stan Stevenson Jerry Pearlman; (908) 329-9292 ♦ EARTH WORKS Natural Organic Products Soil First Consulting Joe, Simmons, (800) 732-TURF EGYPT FARMS, INC. Greens Topdressing, Construction Mixes, Bentgrass Sod Jeff Lacour - John Strickland - Dean Snyder (410) 335-3700; (800) 899-7645 FINCH TURF EQUIPMENT INC. John Deere Turf Distributor Sam Baird - Dennis Wagner - Tom Wojcik - Ray Finch, (800) 78-DEERE FISHER & SON CO. Turf & Hort. Supplies Alan Phillips - Frank Fisher - Mike Fisher (609) 478-6704 FLANAGAN'S LANDSCAPE-IRRIGATION CONTRACTOR, INC. Landscape Irrigation Conduction Robert J. Flanagan - Roger P. Flanagan, Jr. - Christine Flanagan (908) 469-7782 GOLF CARS, INC. Club Car Golf Cars and Utility Vehicles, Sales, Service, Leasing Jon F. Schneider, Genl. Mgr. - John A. Czerwinski, Rep. - Linda Wunsch- Szymanski, Sis. Mgr. (215) 340-0880; FAX (215) 340-1634 GRASS ROOTS, INC. Golf Course Supplies Ken Kubik - Ginny Kubik - Jay McKenna (201)361-5943 REES JONES, INC. Golf Course Design Rees Jones; (201) 744-4031 STEPHEN KAY, GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS Master Planning, Renovation, New Course Design Stephen Kay - Ron Turek (914) 699-4437; FAX (914) 699-4479 KOONZ SPRINKLER SUPPLY INC. Distributors Turf Irrigation William F. Koonz, Jr. (201) 379-9314 LEBANON TURF PRODUCTS Fertilizer Manufacturer-Grass Seed Alan Kulibaba - Chris Zelley (800) 233-0628; NJ (201) 329-4011 LEON'S SOD FARMS Sod Samuel Leon; (908) 996-2255 LESCO, INC. Manufacturer & distributor of Green Industry products Greg Moran - Lance Seeton (800) 321-5325 LONGO INDUSTRIES Electric motor, Pump repair, Sales Bob Tal - Jeff Bessemer (201)539-4141 RALPH MCGILLAN EXCAVATING Lakes & Ponds Ralph McGillan; (609) 655-2281 JOSEPH M. MERCADANTE, INC. Paving, Excavating, Cart Paths, Tee and Trap Construction, Golf Course Construction Joseph Mercadante - Robert Mercadante (201) 467-8622; FAX (201) 467-8419 METRO MILORGANITE, INC. Turfgrass Supplies Rick Apgar - Scott Apgar - Joe Stahl (914) 666-3171; FAX (914) 666-9183 MONTCO/SURF-SIDE/ZAP! Surfactants & Defoamers Box 404, Ambler, PA 19002 Bob Oechsle; (215) 836-4992 Fax (215) 836-2418 ♦ NATIONAL SEED COMPANY Lawn Seed Ken Griepentrog - George Rosenburg - Sky Bergen; (908) 247-3100 P & P EXCAVATING INC. Excavating, Ponds & Lakes Bob Laner (201) 227-2030; (201) 227-2819 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION Top-Dressing & Construction Mixes, Golf Hole Targets, Turf Blankets Jim Kelsey; (908) 637-4191 PAVALEC BROS. GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. Golf Course Construction Tony Pavelec; (201) 667-1643 Emil Pavelec; (201)939-6182 PLANT FOOD COMPANY, INC. Manufacturer of Fluid Fertilizers Ted Platz - Anthony "Rip" Rippel (609) 448-0935; (800) 562-1291 FAX (609) 443-8038 PRO-LAWN PRODUCTS INC. Professional Turf Seed, Fertilizer & Chemicals Craig Lambert; (201) 663-3368 Ingrid Kern; (215) 750-1732 Brad Simpkins; (609) 758-7620 GEO. SCHOFIELD CO., INC. Topdress, Bunker Sands, Construction Materials Supply Kevin Schofield - Robert Carson - Thomas Casmer (908) 356-0858 THE SCOTTS COMPANY - PROTURF DIV. Turf Fertilizers, Growth Regulators, Seed & Protectants; Fran Berdine, (914) 361-4105 Steve Rudich, (215) 253-4003, Jim George, (800) 543-006 SEACOAST LABORATORIES, INC. Fertilizers, Grass Seed Gerald Fountain; (800) 522-4769 SHEARON ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN Golf Course Design and Construction Chip Kern (609) 466-0666; (215) 828-5488 STORR TRACTOR COMPANY Turf Maintenance Equipment, Irrigation Mary Lou Deschamps - Gene Tarulli - Paul Granger (908) 722-9830 WILLIAM STOTHOFF CO. INC. Well & Pump Service David C. Stothoff - William E. Snyder (908) 782-2717 STULL EQUIPMENT COMPANY Industrial Turf Equipment John Barrow - Charlie McGill (800) 724-1024 SWEENEY SEED COMPANY Turfgrass Seed Jeffrey Shockley - Andrew Sweeney (215) 275-2710 TEE AND GREEN SOD INC. Bentgrass, fine fescue and ryegrass sod blends, washed sod David Wallace; (401) 789-8177 TERRE CO. OF NJ. Seed, Fertilizer, Nursery Stock Byron Johnson - Bryan Bolehala - Pat O'Neil (201)473-3393 TURF PRODUCTS CORP. Golf Course Supplies Ernie Rizzio; 334-6684 Buddy Rizzio; 335-5499 Ron Lake; 875-8246 (201)263-1234 ♦ WA CLEARY CHEMICAL Turf & Ornamintal Products Bob Leslie - Mike Bandy (800) 524-1662 WILFRED MCDONALD, INC. Turf Equipment Specialists Dennis DeSanctis - Blair Quin - Mike Pelrine (201) 365-6801 STEVEN WILLAND INC. Turf Equipment Distributor Mark Ericson - Bruce Pye - Bill Rapp (201) 579-5656 ♦ New Patrons for 1994 What do the superintendents of these prestigious golf courses have in common? They use the services of... KOONZ SPRINKLER SUPPLY and SERVICE EXCELLENCE • Complete inventory • Service assistance and technical support • 30 years of service to the golf industry QUALITY PRODUCT UNES Distributors of: • Nightscaping • NDS Drainage Products • ADS Drainage Products Fertigation Solutions To Grow On GAS & ELECTRIC FANS PORTABLE, PERMANENT, OSCILLATING Superior Aquatic Management Systems MASTER DISTRIBUTOR KOONZ Sprinkler Supply, Inc. Golf Division • 201-379-9314 39 Waverly Avenue, P.O. Box 55, Springfield, NJ 07081 • 201-379-9314 Fax 201-379-6504 2479 Yellow Springs Road, P.O. Box 433, Devault, PA 19432 • 610-647-1604 For sales information in Northern New Jersey/Southern New York State please call Chris Woolbert or for Southern New Jersey/Eastern Pennsylvania sales please call Robb Werley