USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT FROM CHILD PRODIGY TO LADY CHAMPION Miss Dorothy Kirby, of Atlanta, the new USGA Women's Ama­ teur Champion. At the age of 13, in 1933, she won the Georgia Women's title. Her persistent ef­ forts in the USGA tournament twice earned runner- up honors but never the Cham­ pionship until this year. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT PUBLISHED BY THE UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION Permission to reprint articles herein is freely granted (unless specifically noted otherwise) provided credit is given to the USGA JOURNAL. Vol. IV, No. 5 September, 1951 Through the Green .............................. 1 Sportsman’s Corner........................... Francis Ouimet 3 The Ordeal of Francis Ouimet ....................... Henry Longhurst 5 Miss Dorothy Kirby Comes into Her Own....... Joseph C. Dey, Jr. 7 The Girls’ Junior is Growing Up...................Mrs. Charles Dennehy 9 The Junior is Lots of Fun ................................... Richard S. Tufts 10 The First 50 Amateur Championships .................... 12 Retiring—to the 19th Hole ............................... Isaac B. Grainger 16 Why Not the “Small” Ball?............................. Charles B. Grace 18 Learn the Short Shots First......................... Bobby Cruickshank 19 The PGA’s Golf Instruction Program................. Harold Sargent 20 Anyone Can Be a “Golf House” Founder...................... 21 The Referee: Decisions by the Rules of Golf Committee......... 23 Turf Management: USGA Green Section Schedule fob 1951 National Turf Field Days............................. 25 Turf Management Hints for September ...................................................... 27 Aerification and Efficient Turf Maintenance ......................................... 29 Further Suggestions for Research on Poa Annua .... Dr. Fred V. Grau 30 Published seven times a year in February, April, June, July, August, September and November by the UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION 40 East 38th St., New York 16, N. Y. Subscriptions: $2 a year. Single copies: 30c. Subscriptions, articles, photographs, and correspondence, except pertaining to Green Section matters, should be sent to the above address. Correspondence pertaining to Green Section matters should be addressed to USGA Green Section, Room 331, Administration Building, Plant Industry Station, Beltsville, Md. Entered as second-class matter March 3, 1950, at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., under the Act of March 3, 1879. Edited by Joseph C. Dey, Jr. and Harry Robert. Advisory Committee—John D. Ames, Chairman; Isaac B. Grainger, Totton P. Heffelfinger, Curtis W. McGraw. All articles voluntarily contributed. Printed in U. S. A. USGA COMPETITIONS FOR 1952 Curtis Cup Match — June 6 and 7 at Muirfield Golf Club, Muirfield, Scotland. Women’s Amateur Teams, British Isles vs. United States. (Dotes entries close mean last dates for applications to reach USGA office, except in the case of the Amateur Public Links Championship. For possible exceptions in dates of Sectional Qualifying Rounds, see entry forms.) Cha tnpionsh i i> Open Amateur Public Links Entries Close May 19 May 29 Sectional Qualifying Hounds June 2 Chami>ion.flu'i> Dates June 12-13-14 **June 15 to 21 Team: July 5 Indiv.: July 7-12 l’n was back to defend his title but did not succeed in retaining it. He tied with Chick Evans for the medal and lost the playoff. The USGA had just issued the national handicap list in March, show­ ing 171 eligible players with handicaps 0-to-6. but only 86 entered. Jerome Travers was back in form and defeated Evans. 7 and 6. in the final. Site: Chicago Golf Club. Harold H. Hilton 1913—Travers, the only player listed at scratch, tied for the last place in qualifying but still was tops in match play, and achieved a record later surpassed only by Bob Jones, winning for the fourth time. Site: Garden Citv Golf Club. N. Y. 1914- F rancis Ouimet, who the year be­ fore had made front page news by defeat­ ing Ray and Vardon in the Open playoff at Brookline. Mass., won the Amateur at Ekwanok Country Club, Manchester. Vt. 1915 -Robert Gardner, who had won the title six years before, repeated. The Cham­ pionship was held at the Country Club of Detroit. Grosse Pointe Farms. Michigan. In the final. Gardner defeated John G. Anderson, who gained the last round for the second time. 1916—Charles Evans. Jr., then 26. finally pushed through at Merion Cricket Club. Haverford. Pa., debating the defending Champion. Gardner. 4 and 3. in the final. Fownes was low qualifier. This was a momentous tournament in another respect: it marked the first appearance of Bob Jones in a USGA Championship. He was 14. 1917, 1918—No championships were held. The USGA confined itself to running ■’Lib­ erty” tournaments in aid of the Red Cross ($124 822.86 collected in two years) and sent golf clubs, etc., to various cantonments throughout the country. 1919—S. Davidson Herron, former Prince- tonian. was one of the very few to win a Championship on his home course. Oakmont Country Club, near Pittsburgh. Herron's play was brilliant; he was four under 4‘s when he finished off Bob Jones. 5 and 4, in the final. 1920 There was a decided jump in the entries for 36-hole qualifying. There were 235. so the old system for 32 places was renewed. Jones won the medal in a playoff 14 USGA Journal and Turf Management: September, 1951 with F. J. Wright, Jr. Evans defeated Ouimet for the title with great iron play and putting. Cyril Tolley and several other Britishers failed to qualify. There were many overtime matches in this Champion­ ship, at the Engineers’ Country Club, in Roslyn, N. Y., then a new course. 1921—For the first time the Championship was held west of the Mississippi River, at the St. Louis, Mo., Country Club, with a larger representation of associations and states than ever before. There was a 54- hole qualifying test for 32 places. On a rainy day, Jesse P. Guilford deteated Gard­ ner, 7 and 6. for the Championship. Ouimet was medalist with 144. 1922—Another Yale graduate, Jess W. Sweetser, 20. defeated all the established players: defender Guilford, Bobby Jones, Chick Evans and Willia Hunter, at The Country Club. Brookline, Mass. 1923—Max Marston from P;ne Valley Golf Club in New Jersey, winner of New Jersey and Pennsylvania state titles, was 31 when he beat defending Champion Sweetser al the 38th hole, after having eliminated Jones and Ouimet, at the Flossmoor Coun­ try Club in Illinois. Evans and Jones were co-medalists. 1924—Robert T. Jones, Jr., crashed through after playing in five Amateurs. He was one of the few, like Ouimet, to gain the Open title first, having won that Champion­ ship the year before. It was the beginning of the Jones reign. Jones crushed Ouimet 11 and 10. and Von Elm, 9 and 8. at Merion Cricket Club. He was to come back there six years later to complete his Grand Slam. 1925—Jones won at Oakmont, defeating Watts Gunn, his protege and friend. 8 an ! 7. A new system was tried: 16 qualified, all matches at 36 holes. It proved unpopular. 1926—George Von Elm was in good form, improving each day until he reached the final and upset Jones, the medalist (143) There were 157 entries. There was another change in the form of play, reversion to the old method of 36-hole qualifying for 32 places, but the draw was seeded for eight players. There were 36-hole matches Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Site: Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey. 1927—After a victory in the British Open, Jones won at the Minikahda Club in Min­ neapolis. He tied the record as medalist with 75-67—142. and defeated Evans. 8 and 7. in the final round. 1928—For the first time the American Champion confronted the British Amateur Charles Evans, Jr. Champion in the final at Brae Burn Country Club, West Newton. Mass. It was Jones vs. Thomas Philip Perkins, of the British Walker Cup Team, and Jones won, 10 and 9. George Voigt was medalist. 1929—A great upset shook the tourna­ ment in the first round: Johnny Goodman stopped Jones, only to be stopped by a newcomer, Lawson Little, in the next. This was at the Pebble Beach, Del Monte, Cal., course, the first USGA Championship on the Pacific Coast. The medal was tied for by Jones and Gene Homans. Harrison R. (Jimmy) Johnston won the title. 1930—The medalists of the year before met in the final at Merion. Jones equalled his qualifying record, defeated Homans, 8 and 7, and achieved the Grand Slam of winning four major British and USGA titles in one year. There were five extra hole matches, including the longest over­ time in USGA history. Maurice McCarthy defeated George Von Elm after 10 extra holes. It was Jones’s final appearance in a Championship. 1931—Seventeen years had passed since Francis Ouimet had won the title. He took this one at the Beverly Country Club in Illinois. Sectional qualifying at 20 cities was tried for the first time with success. 1932—The cup went to Canada for the first and only time, won by C. Ross (Sandy) Somerville six times Canadian Champion. He defeated Johnny Goodman in the final. Johnny Fischer equalled the qualifying record. Ouimet had 30 for nine holes in his first round against Voigt. 1933—Sometimes the winner of a Cham­ pionship qualifies high: George T. Dunlap, Jr., was in the 12 who played off for the last eight places, at the Kenwood Country Club at Cincinnati. Somerville was knocked USGA Journal and Turf Management: September, 1951 15 at Omaha, Neb., Field Club. Although he had been 4 up and his lead was cut to 1 up after the 26th. he held on to defeat B. Pat Abbott, 1938 finalist and 1936 Public Links Champion, 4 and 3. Stewart (Skip) Alexander, Jr., was medalist with 144. 1942-45—There wrere no Championships. The USGA again limited its activities to war-related work. 1946—After the war. interest in this Cham­ pionship was high. The largest galleries since 1930 were reported at Baltusrol Golf Club, Springfield, N. J. Skee Riegel estab­ lished a new qualifying record with 69-67— 136. After sectional qualifying, 150 players competed for 64 places. Ted Bishop, of Boston, had an overtime match with Smiley Quick, whom he conquered on the 37th hole in the final. 1947—To make it possible for more players to play in the Championship, qualifying at the tournament was abandoned, and 210 places permitted, at match play. Skee Riegel defeated Johnny Dawson at Pebble Beach. 2 and 1. 1948—The Amateur was held at Memphis Country Club, first time in the South. A record entry of 1,220 was received. Many younger players emerged: standard of play and keenness of competition had increased since pre-war days. But after ten years Willie Turnesa proved himself still a master, beating Billows in the final. 1949—Charles Coe, of Oklahoma City, showed his ability to produce his best game when needed and dominated the field at Oak Hill Country Club, Rochester, N. Y. His biggest thrill came when he defeated Harvie Ward at the 19th after being 3 down and 5 to play and later defeated Johnny Dawson at the 21st, on the same day. 1950—Tl icre had been overtime final matches before in the Amateur but the one between Frank Stranahan and Sam Urzetta at Minneapolis Golf Club broke the record. It lasted three extra holes before the little-known basketball player and former caddie from East Rochester. N. Y.. defeated the Toledo golfer at the 39th. out by Lawson Little, while Johnny Fischer set a new qualifying record of 141. 1934—W. Lawson Little. Jr., then 24, came into his own. A new all-match-play program, with no qualifying at the course, and 36-hole final and semifinals proved pop­ ular with players and the gallery. Little had already taken the British Amateur, thus achieving a “Little Slam.” There were nine former Amateur Champions present, due to a new ruling that exempted former Cham­ pions from qualifying sectionally. 1935—Little achieved a second “Little Slam.” At the Country Club of Cleveland he was under par for his rounds. Largest entry record to date: 945 with 207 players qualifying, including some British. 1936—Entries were growing: 1.118 this year from 32 qualifying points. 210 in the tournament proper. Both Walker Cup teams were present. John W. Fischer, playing on the oft-tested Garden City course, was . one down and two to play against visiting Walker Cupper Scotsman Jack McLean in the final. Fischer then birdied the next three holes to win at the 37th. A stymie against McLean at the 34th helped Fischer keep the match alive. 1937—Johnny Goodman of Omaha, then 28. a former Open Champion, defeated Ray Billows. 2 up. in the final. For the first time since 1933 there was a 36-hole qualifi­ cation (besides sectional qualifying) at the course. Alderwood Country Club, Portland. Ore., for 64 places. This was the first time the Championship had been held in the Pacific Northwest. 1938—When stylist Willie Turnesa. only amateur in a family of seven brothers, won. he was reported to have been in traps on 13 of 29 holes of the final. Five of eight of the Walker Cup players were disposed of in the first two rounds. The site was Oakmont, near Pittsburgh. 1939—Marvin (Bud) Ward was the star and new Champion. He was 11 under par for 170 holes played, and in his last two matches one-putted 29 greens. Billows was again runner-up. A new qualifying record was set: 139(70-69) by Thomas Sheehan. Jr. 1940—Richard D. Chapman, playing from Winged Foot. Mamaroneck. N. Y.. was medalist with 140 (4 below par) and played 157 holes in eight under par at Winged Foot. Duff McCullough, whom he defeated in the final, had been second low qualifier with 67-77. 1941—Bud Ward was playing steady golf 16 USGA Journal and Turf Management: September, 1951 Retiring -- To the Nineteenth Hole By ISAAC B. GRAINGER USGA Vice-President and Chairman of Rules of Golf Committee On January 1. 1952, if the Royal and Ancient Club membership approves the recommendations of the American-British Special Committee, our good old friend the “stymie” will retire to the Nineteenth Hole, where it can be negotiated with ease. This may be an unkind fate for that which over the years has produced so many thrills and created so many heartaches; nevertheless, it will not be forgotten for, I daresay, locker room discussion of its abolition will continue as long as golf is played. In some respects, this may be called a “casualty” because it appeared that, without exception, each of the 12 men taking part in the London conferences were “stymie” advocates, but all recog­ nized the futility of imposing a rule against which such universal sentiment had developed. Many suggested com­ promises were considered. Among them were the right to concede the next putt to the player laying the “stymie” and lifting the interfering ball except in cases where interference is self-imposed. How­ ever, agreement except on an “all or nothing’ basis was found to be impos­ sible. Several Accomplishments Exit of the “stymie” will be only one of the aftermaths of the negotiations, but no fundamentals of the game will be al­ tered by the proposed amendments which have been approved by the United States Golf Association Executive Committee, subject to like action by the Royal and Ancient Club. Some of the major ac­ complishments will be: A uniform code with one exception I the size of the ball), simplification of Rules arrangement, clarification of language and a more con­ sistent and equitable application of pen­ alties. It is unfortunate that the size of the ball should be the stumbling block to complete uniformity, but until further studx and research can develop some con- Isaac B. Grainger trol of distance, unlimited use of the small ball would change the character of a large percentage of American courses which are not subjected to the same wind conditions which have made the 1.62 inch ball more adaptable in the British Isles than the 1.68 inch ball. While these studies are in progress, we have agreed to permit use of the small ball in inter­ national team matches. On the question of implements, agree­ ment has been reached for the first time. As an example, a putter with the shaft affixed to the head at other than the heel w.ll be legalized by the Royal and Ancient if the amendments are accepted. All related Rules will be grouped to­ gether and all Definitions will be lifted from specific Rules and placed in one USGA JOVRNAL AND TlRF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER. 1951 17 section with appropriate references in the Rules wherever necessary. Few Basic Changes Here Penalties may be considered by some as “stiffer.” especially those playing under Royal and Ancient Rules which were lib­ eralized in 1950 for a twro-year trial period, but the only real changes from the American viewpoint are: The return to “stroke and distance” for ball out of bounds, the modification of the disqualifi­ cation penalty to two strokes in some cases, and the discretion granted to the committee for modifying or waiving the disqualification penalty in other cases where the circumstances warrant such action. There has been much discussion about the stroke and distance penalty for a ball out of bounds and about the severity of this penalty as it applies to a ball lost or unplayable. For an outline of the reasoning behind the return to the former provision, attention is called to an article in the August issue of the USGA Journal on this subject (“Stroke and Distance for Out of Bounds”). After exhaustive experimentation, it became obvious that there was only one answer and it is hoped that clubs and district associations will cooperate in developing an understanding of the inter-relationship of these particular Rules. The prohibition against practice strokes I not practice sw ings I has been tightened. The retrying of putts after holing out will be allowed, provided delay in anyone’s play does not result therefrom. The pen­ alty for delaying play between holes, by practicing or in any other way. is applied to the following hole. New Putting Green Definition Rules have been adopted for the first time governing the play of a ball which has come to rest in a lateral water hazard I commonly referred to as a parallel hazard I. which is appropriately defined. The Definition of a putting green will be amended to read: “All ground (of the hole being played) which is especially prepared for putting or otherwise defined as such by the Committee.’ This new Definition would not affect the Rules of stroke play within 20 yards of the hole, but it will clarify the Rules relating to play on the putting green, which in the present Rules is described as all ground, except hazards, within twenty yards of the hole being played. The Definition of a ball “holed” will appear in the USGA Rules for the first time: i. e., “when it lies w’ithin the cir­ cumference of the hole and all of it is belowr the level of the lip of the hole.” The Rules for dropping and placing will be simplified and the following general principles will be followed: In a hazard the ball will generally be dropped, not placed. On the putting green, the ball will always be placed. Through the green the ball will akvays be dropped except for situations in which its position can be marked. In this event, replacing will be permitted. Rules governing casual water, ground under repair and holes made by burrow­ ing animals will be combined, with the former provisions of the casual water Rule prevailing. A ball need not be found in order to obtain relief under the new Rule, but in order to treat it as "lost,” there must be reasonable evidence to that effect. Rules for “Better Ball Stroke Play” will be an innovation. The Rules have always made provision for four-ball match play but they have been silent on stroke play. While the above comments do not men­ tion all of the proposed changes, they do cover most of the significant points. It is not to be expected that the new Code will be accepted with complete approval by everyone. However, it has been de- xeloped after considering everv known factor, and it will reflect the knowledge and accumulated experiences of the gov­ erning bodies of Great Britain, Canada. Australia and the United States, all of which were brought to light, probably for the first time, around a conference table. 18 I’SGA Journal and Turf Management: September. 1951 Why Not The “Small” Ball? By CHARLES B. GRACE Chairman, USGA Implements and Ball Committee Question has been raised as to why the USGA Executive Committee is pro­ ceeding so slowly in considering a rec­ ommendation by the British-American Negotiating Committee to authorize the use of the so-called “small ’ golf ball. It has been decided not to make such a change in the Rules for next year. Among the reasons for the USGA s cautious attitude are the following: 1. Preliminary tests indicate that the “small” ball has a longer carry-and-run performance under most wind conditions than the present USGA-size ball. 2. Existing USGA specifications limit­ ing the speed of the USGA-size ball im­ mediately after impact with the clubhead to 250 feet per second do not appear adequate to limit the “small” ball similar­ ly- 3. The USGA feels it must consider the problems which golf ball manufactur­ ers would face if the “small ball were approved, and that, therefore, any change must not be made suddenly. Increased Expenses Foreseen As must be apparent, the USGA is fearful that the “small" ball as manu­ factured abroad would be longer under most American conditions than is the present USGA-size ball. That may ap­ pear to be a sadistic point of view when all of us golfers quite naturally want to hit the ball as far as possible. But if a longer ball were introduced, par would be distorted even more than it is now and most clubs would feel compelled to lengthen their courses, which could re­ quire purchase of more land, payment of more taxes, increase in cost of mainten­ ance—and perhaps a jump in all of our membership dues. Moreover, there could be some effect upon the basic nature of tLe game. Here is a comparison of the present Rules of the USGA and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews as they relate to the golf ball: Charles B. Grace Diameter Weigh* Maximum Minimum Velocity at Impact USGA 1.62 ounces 1.680 inches Z50 tt. per sec. R. and A. 1.62 ounces 1.62 inches No rule British-American conferences this year produced recommendations for a world­ wide uniform code of Rules of Golf, in­ cluding R. and A. golf ball specifications as noted above It was thought at the time of the conferences that the USGA velocity limitation was adequate and could be feasibly retained for use in America only. Thus, the only change from our standpoint would be to reduce the minimum diameter by six one-hun­ dredths of an inch. Some Surprising Results Now six one-hundreths of an inch is not much if you're taking an automobile ride or watching your waistline grow or if you're concerned with any of thousands of other things. But six one- hundredths of an inch in the diameter of (Continued on Paire f4> USGA Journal and Turf Management: September, 1951 19 Learn the Short Shots First By BOBBY CRUICKSHANK 1923 AND 1932 Open Championship Runner-Up A number of years ago I wrote a series of articles for beginners on how to learn the game of golf. It was my conten­ tion then, and still is, that the beginner should start with the putter and work back to the driver. My reason was that in the putting stroke, no matter how short, the clubhead travels in a manner that is repeated with slight modification in all other golf strokes. The path of the clubhead in a putt is straight and low back from the ball for a few inches and then straight through the ball for a few more inches. Furthermore, the beginner is taught the manner in which the face of the clubhead meets the ball. It is absolutely essential that the face of the putter be square or at right angles to the direction in which the ball is meant to travel, and this is a condition that is oftentimes hard for even a good player when using a full swing. I know- that, from results obtained, the beginner has less trouble in keeping the clubhead in this groove when started on the green. Few people have a good sense of direction at first, and I found that it was much easier for them to attain one in the shorter strokes. I am not going into any detail on how to grip or hold the club, or on the stance or mechanics of the swing. Millions of words have already been written on the subject. Suffice to say, the beginner is taught the grip, and I favor the overlapping grip for hands large enough to use it or the V grip for small hands and weak wrists. Next the stance is taught, with the feet quite close together, the right foot slightly advanced of the left, and the balance of weight slightly to the left foot. The little run-up shot from the edge of the green comes next, with the same swing as used in the long putts. Using a 3, 4. or 5 iron, the ball is hit flat in the back, just like a lofted putt, we used to say. There is no attempt to raise the ball in Bobby Cruickshank the air in this stroke, but from here on, the chip shot, the pitch shot, on up to the long iron, the beginner is taught to hit down through the ball. As we progress farther back, the stance varies slightly, and for the first time the legs and the body, besides the hands and arms, get into action. From the short pitch shots on back, the legs and the body- play their part in order to accommodate the length and the balance of the swing. And so it goes right on back to the full swing, with each movement gradually- increasing and blending together all the way, so that the feeling is one rhythmic whole. I believe that, in starting on the green, more can be accomplished to give the beginner a proper mental attitude. The concentration of trying to negotiate the ball into the cup and the competitive ele­ ment that this brings in relieve the play er of a good deal of self-consciousness that might be created in trving to start with a full swing. Confidence is gained, once the beginner gets the idea of the putting swing, and drops a few putts to boot. However, good intelligent practice after each lesson in invaluable. 20 USGA Journal and Turf Management; September, 1951 The PGA’s Golf Instruction Program By HAROLD SARGENT V ce President of The Professional Golfers’ Association of America Among the varied activities of the Pro­ fessional Golfers’ Association of America are a number which keep our member professionals informed about their every­ day functions and new methods and in- nova ions which will benefit both them and their club members. The PGA’s “Teaching Pro­ gram.’ of which the writer is Chairman, is among the major activities of this nature. Judging from pre­ sent-day conditions, the research work done by the PGA in the field of golf in­ struction throughout the years has been of great benefit to not only the members of the Association but also the golfing pub­ lic. by bringing to them, through their club professionals, a better understand­ ing of the golf swing and of how the game should be played. These things have also been done with an eye to at­ tracting new adherents to the game and making it more enjoyable. Harold Sargent This work has been done with the aid of slow motion pictures, clinics at tourna­ ments which are co-sponsored by the PGA. the “playing” or “tournament" pro­ fessional. group instruction at high schools and colleges, published articles, including the many which are devoted to this activity in the Association’s monthly publication. I he Professional Golfer. and th? many golf clinics held annually by the 30 local Sections of the PGA for their individual members. Supplementing these are climes held at our national meetings. These activities have required many hours of effort, together with what may be designated as a very substantial ex­ penditure when it is considered that virtually the only source of revenue available is the dues of members. For ex­ ample, the PGA spent some $10,000 in ]930 to film the great golf swings of Bob Jones, Harry Vardon and Joyce Wethered. This venture, incidentally, was one of the first real steps in our search for knowledge as to how our great play­ ers swing the golf club. Since then, many more films have been added to the film library which is available to all PGA members and to the members of their clubs. Other efforts in furtherance of this pro­ gram culminated in 1950 with another outstanding achievement — the publica­ tion of PGA Teachers’ Guide, which in­ volved an expenditure of several thousand dollars and which was furnished to all PGA members without charge. This work, which consisted of ol pages with ap­ propriate illustrations, included articles about the golf swing, special types of shots and other subjects of related in­ terest, which had appeared in The Pro- i essional Golfer over a period of some eight years. A number of these articles were published under the names of lead­ ing present-day stars. A "Bible" of Golt Instruction These examples provide a fairly com­ prehensive idea of the magnitude of this program and of the assistance which it has brought to PGA professionals and the members of their clubs. At the same time, we realize that the work done thus far represents only a start. However, in process of considera­ tion at this time is another innovation —a “bible” of Golf Instruction for the PGA member. Although this will con­ sume a tremendous amount of time, it is cited here as another example of the con­ tinuation of our work through the 3.000 members of the PGA and as added as­ surance of our intention to carry on at an even more accelerated rate. USGA Joiknal ami Ti iif Management: September 1951 21 Anyone Can Be A “Golf House” Founder In the last month’s mail came a letter from Cape Elizabeth, Maine, which en­ closed what we feel is one of the most impressive contributions yet made to “Golf House.” It contained money from Tommy D. Redmond, a pro shop boy. Contributions of any amount are wel­ come and one of any size makes the donor a Founder. Following are Founders not previously recorded in the Journal: A R. G. Allen R. M. Allen Dr. R. W. Allison Howard J. Anderson B. A. Atwood, Jr. B. T. Atwood M. Atwood B Demsey E. Ballard J. M. Barrell W. A. Barrell, Jr. Mrs. W. A. Barrell E. F. Barry R. B. Barton Louis Bateman P. S. Bauer W. C. Beckert H. N. Berry C. Bigelow J. J. Blaine R. E. Blake D. Blodgett J. H. Blodgett J. H. Blodgett, Jr. H. N. Bloomfield F. R. Bogardus R. Boutwell, II R. Boutwell, III F. W. Bowers S. W. Bradley E. F. Breed G. H. Breed R. P. Breed R. W. Breed W. J. Breed F. S. Brennan M. T. Briggs C. A. Brown G. R. Brown J. C. Brown Janet Brown L. E. Brown F. N. Byrne c H. A. Cahoon H. F. Calkins C. W. Carlyn F. R. Carson W. E. Carter B. A. Case S. S. Chamberlain T. D. Chatfield W. C. Chick R. F. Chick W. Chisho'm M. Clapp W. Clapp L. Clark L. J. Clark, Jr. Jack Clough M. P. Clough L. E. Clover L. W. Cochrane B. A. Coffin Harold J. Coleman A. L. Collier C. A. Collins T. Combs C. E. Connelly C. E. Cook A. R. Corwin M. D. Cotter Mrs. J. C. Coughlin R. P. Cox E. L. Crane A. M. Creighton G. W. Cromb W. E. Cronin V/. E. Cronin, Jr. W. D. Crookes C. U. Crosby Mrs. Ml Curran R. C. Curtis H. B. Cushman H. G. Cutler R. Cutt.ng D J. P. Carmody H. E. Davenport F. S. Deland J. C. Deveney N. S. Dillingham H. L. Dionne R. E. Donnelly L. A. Durkee D. Durkee H. A. Durkee E S. Eames J. Eckel Mrs. N. Edmunds W. Eichorn G. Esselen G. Eustis F J. Fa'on D. Falvey Robert L. Feinberg W. Falvey H. Fellows Dr. Fenn Mike R. Ferentz W. H. Ferry Dr. P. Finnegan Mrs. P. E. Fitzpatrick P. W. Fitzpatrick E. F. Flynn E. F. Flynn, Jr. W. Foley T. D. Foy W. Friend Dr. S. Gardner G. D. Godard E. H. Goodwin G H I. D. Hadley Mrs. G. Haley Dr. W. Haley H. C. Hamilton J. L. Hannon P. C. Hannon Andrews Harmon C. E. Harwood G. D. Haskell I. J. Haskell R. R. Haskell R. S. Haskell L. Haughey W. Haughey D. Hawley W. E. Hayes C. Haywood H. Haywood A. Herrold G. Heys R. Hill C. E. Hingston R. Hingston H. M. Hoague J. Hobson 7. W. Hodges H. Hoed, Jr. A. Hose F. Humphrey F. Huntress S. A. Hutchinson H. Hyde I G. Ingalls Mrs. H» Ingraham O. J. Ives G. Ivey J Dr. J. Jodo'n H. C. Johanson 22 H. A. Johnson H. M. Johnson J. H. Johnson Roy G. Jones M. Jorde K C. E. Keiboch J. Clarke J. S. Kant W. G. Keer.e O. O. Keiver O. O. Keiver, Jr. H. M. Kelley C. Kennedy Dr. D. Killoran F. N. Kimball J. S. Kimball R. Kimball W. Kirkpatrick Dr. W. Kneale A. R. Knight R. Knight L H. V. Langmaid J. Langmaid L. Leatherby J. J. Leonard L. B. Leonard F. Lewis L. H. Lindsay, Jr. E. W. Loveday , E. Lowry G. C. Lyon M G. MacDonald N. MacDonald L. MacDuff W. H. Madden V. Mahan G. P. Mann, Jr. H. Martin H. F. Martin I. Martin Dr. F. Mayo W. McCarty Bruce N. McCormick W. McDonald, Jr. M. McGrath Dr. F. McIntire W. McIntyre C. A. McKenna Charles F. McKenna W. Meader F. Millspaugh A. F. Moore G. S. Moore A. S. Morrison Dr. R. Morrow USGA Journal ano Turf Management: September, 1951 C. F. Morse Dr. F. Morse, Jr. J. P. Morse F. L. Mower P. Mower D. Munsey C. Nourse, Jr. C. B. Nowell N o M. Ober Miss Patricia B. O'Sullivan A. J. Oxenham P Hazen Page William Page Dr. A. P. Palmer W. Palmer A. D. Parker H. Parker H. C. Parker E. Parsons D. C. Percival R. W. Pope I. Potts H. A. Pratt Mrs. C. Proctor R Dr. G. Rafferty C. I. Rand R. Ray N. Raymond A. Reardon, Jr. E. Redfield, Jr. Tommy D. Redmond J. Reynolds, Jr. Clifford C. Rhein, Jr. R. 1. Richardson Dr. F. Ring Raymond F. Roberts William H. 5. Roberts J. L. Robins B. T. Rogers T. W. Rogers Miss M. Ronan J. M. Rothwell T. C. Rowen F. J. Rudd s K. Sanderson D. Searle William L. Shea F. Shepard L. Shildneck A. K. Smith C. F. Smith, Jr. Mrs. C. Fred Smith F. L. Smith H. C. Smith C. Soderberg H. Somers D. Streid H. D. Stephenson P. T. Stephenson J. Stien P. Stien A. H. Stiles, Jr. C. Stocker, Jr. H. W. Stone Mrs. M. Stuart Mrs. A. J. Sweet H. P. Symmes T J. A. Tempter W. Tempter. Sr. W. L. Temper, Jr. Mrs. A. P. Thompson E. S. Thompson D. Thomson M. Thomson E. W. TibbePs A. G. Tierney S. Tredennick M. Tucker H. Vaughan B. Viles V w R. Ward R. Ward, Jr. C. Wareham J. Watson T. Welch E. C. Whitney R. Whiting A. G. Wigglesworth R. Wigglesworth Dr. A. T. Williams Dr. C. R. Williams R. L. Williams A. C. Wilson P. C. Wilson E. M. Winslow H. H. Winslow A. S. Wood R. A. Wood Dr. C. A. Woodbury Dr. E. L. Woodman, Jr. R. H. Wyer z W. S. Zwicker CLUBS Century Country Club, N. Y. THE JUNIOR IS LOTS OF FUN (Continued from Page 11) ♦ “You see, you were wrong; there is a penalty. Instead of my being one up we are all even.” It is not often that the opponent refuses a concession and even less often that the player makes a claim for his opponent. Perhaps it is the fact that these things do happen at a Junior Championship which makes it a bigger event than even the Open. USGA Journal and Turf Management: September, 1951 23 THE REFEREE Decisions by the USGA Rules of Golf Committee Example of symbols: "No. 51*1" means the first decision issued in 1951. "R 7(3)" means Section 3 of Rule 7 in the 1951 Rules of Golf. Player Judge of Unplayable Ball No. 51-21. R. 8(Def.), 19 Q.: A player drives from the tee on a par 3 hole. His ball goes toward out of bounds, so he hits a provisional ball, which lands on the green. He finds his first ball is not out of bounds, but declares it an unplayable lie and elects to play the ball on the green (his pro­ visional ball). Can he play the provisional ball, or must he go back to the tee after declaring his ball unplayable and shoot another? Question by: Miss Carol McCue Chicago District Golf Ass’n. Chicago, III. when the Rules do not cover explicitly. In such cases it is well to have in mind Rule 1(3): “If a point in question be not covered by the Rules of Golf or local rules, it shall be decided by equity.” There is no known up-to-date book of inter­ pretations. The best source for supplementary information is the decisions published in each issue of the USGA Journal under “The Re­ feree.” Questions by: Fred A. Welch Uniontown, Pa. Dropping Off Wrong Putting Surface A.: He may play the provisional ball as the ball now in play. Rule 19(a) provides that the player is not obliged to state the reason for which he plays a provisional ball—it may be played for any one of the several possibilities provided for in the Rule. Under Rule 8-Definitions, the player is the sole judge as to when his hall is unplayable. Removing Flagstick No. 51-22. R. 1(3). 7(7, 8) Q. It In match play, A sends his caddie to attend the flagstick when B is 75 feet from the hole. B states that he has the right to have the flagstick unattended, as he is outside of 60 feet. A states that he may have the flagstick attended at any time when B is playing a stroke. I feel that the interpretation is very clear. Rule 7(7) states in part: “The flagstick may he removed by either side at any time.” Is it correct to assume that if it may lie removed it has to be attended? A. 1: Under Rule 7(7), A is entitled to remove the flagstiek at any time, regardless of how far from the hole B's ball lies. If B then desires to have the position of the hole in­ dicated to him. he may have his own caddie attend the flagstick while he plays his stroke. The subject is covered fully in Rule 7(7). The 20-yard provision in Rule 7(8) is for stroke play and does not apply to match play. Use of Equity Q. 2: Does one need a supplement, or are the Rules of Golf booklets sufiicit•nt in making a decision ? A. 2: It is often necessary to decide ques- tior>-. by interpretations of the Rule* of Golf No. 51-23. R. 18(10) Q.: A’s ball comes to rest on alternate green to the one being played, with a bunker between ball and hole of green being played. A brings it to near side of green, which is the nearest distance from his ball to any part of fairway, hut this automatically gives him a clear shot to the pin. Had he dropped it on the far side he would have another bunker in­ tervening. but the distance was greater than to the near side. A claims that the bunkers have no bearing upon where the ball must he dropped. It’s a ease of taking the ball to the nearest point off the green and which is not nearer the hole. B contends that A should drop either on the far side or behind where his ball lay in order to keep the hazard between his ball and green; he contends that A cannot better his position. On the other hand, if A had followed B’s rule he would have made it worse. Question by: Dr. C. M. Barnwell Atlanta, Ga. A.: U- contention is correct. Rule 18(10) provides: “A ball lying on anv surface especial­ ly prepared for putting other than the one be­ ing played to mu*t he lifted and dropped oil tlm prepared surface at the nearest available point not nearer the hob and not in a hazard, without penalty.” From the facts and the diagram presented, A proceeded properly. Influencing Position of Ball No. 51-27. R. 18(5. 7) Q.t In a two-ball foursomes match, team A hail team B 1 down at the beginning of the 18th hole. Both reached the green in 2. A putted first and missed by a few inches. B concede'1 the putt. 24 USGA Journal and Turf Management: September, 1951 B putted, with the ball stopping on the rim. B then threw his putter to the ground opposite the side where the ball was, and the ball rolled into the cup. Would that mean that B holed out on his last stroke, or should that hole have been a tie? Question by: Dr. Anne S. Newsome, Pres. Sebring Women’s Golf Ass’n. Sebring, Fla. A.: B’s action apparently was designed to influence or actually did influence the position or the movement of the ball. B therefore violated Rule 18(5), and the penalty is loss of hole— see Rule 2(1). It should be noted that A’s putt could not have been conceded unless it were within six inches of the hole—see Rule 18(7). Damp Areas in Rough Q.: On certain holes, there are wet or damp areas resulting from inadequate drainage or to proximity to a brook The question has come up as to whether damp areas of this sort should be regarded as casual water and played accord­ ingly. In your USGA Rules, is there such a thing as casual water in the rough? If it is a rule that a damp area of this sort in the rough is to be regarded as casual water, a player playing his ball in the rough and land­ ing in such a damp area may face less of a penalty than the player who also drives into the rough but lands in a dry spot with a bad lie. I would appreciate your advice. Question by: William A. Kimbel Chairmax, Golf Committee The Di nes Golf & Beach Club Myrtle Beach. So. Carolina A.: Rule 16—Definition provides: “‘Casual water’ is any temporary accumulation of water which is not a hazard of itself or which is not in a water hazard.” Any other water is a bazarfl: see Rule 17—Definitions, •'n area which WHY NOT THE "SMALL" BALL? (Continued from Page 18) a golf ball can produce surprising results. Some recent tests made for us on an outdoor driving machine, with no ap­ temperature 77 preciable wind and the following com* degrees, produced parisons: the U.S. “large” ball (1) U.S. “large” ball (3) British “small” ball British “small” ball In total overall Carry Carry and run Only first third third fourth (4) first second (2) second fourth of carrv performance ‘small” balls each had and run. the two a run about 50 percent greater than the two other balls. This was despite the is merely damp or muddy is not casual water unless it fits the above Definition in Rule 16. Casual water in the rough is covered by Rule 16(1). The Rules do not distinguish between “rough” and “fairway”—both are covered by the term “through the green”; see Definition 3. If the areas in question usually contain water, they could hardly be classified as casual water, which is a temporary accumulation of water. Rather, they probably should be classified as water hazards, in which case their margins should be defined clearly and completely. If they do not usually contain water, they probably should be regarded as through the green, in which case no special treatment would be necessary and casual water would he dealt with as it occurred. No Measuring Through Obstruction No. 51-30. R. 7(4), 8(2b) Q. 1: Please clarify the following portion of Rule 7(4) dealing with relief from an artificial obstruction:— “but in no case shall relief be obtained by measuring through the obstruction.” A. 1: This means that the measurement shall be taken in a direction away from the obstruc­ tion, beginning at the point of the obstruction nearest where the ball originally lay. The player is not permitted to measure through the obstruc­ tion to another side. Thus, a player who is en­ titled to relief because his ball stops close to a protective screen cannot measure through the screen to play from the other side. If his ball should lie directly under this screen he may measure in either direction. Q. 2: Rule 8(2b) provides in part: “keeping the point from which the ball was lifted between him and the hole.” Is there any limit to how far back a player can go to accomplish this? A. 2: No. Questions by: Thomas G. McMahon ______________________ Los Angeles 25, C\l. fact that, in another test, “small” ball (2) was well within the USGA velocity specification. Against the wind, the small ’ ball is admittedly superior in distance qualities. The above tests are considered to be (quite preliminary and by no means con­ clusive. But they help to explain why the USGA is continuing its investigations and is not ready to depart from its present specifications. However, the USGA Executive Commit­ tee has approved a proposal that, in in­ ternational team play here, either size ball may be used. British rules have always permitted either size ball to be used at any time. — e — USGA Journal and Turf Management: September, 1951 25 Correspondence pertaining to Green Section matters should be addressed to: USGA Green Section, Room 331, Administration Building, Plant Industry Station, Bettsville, Md. SCHEDULE FOR 1951 NATIONAL TURF FIELD DAYS (Co-operating Publications Please Copy) SUNDAY. OCTOBER 7, 1951 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Auditorium, Administration Building, Plant Industry Station, Beltsville, Md. The Administration Building is the large center building graced by the clock in the tower, facing U. S. Highway No. 1. A large sign on the lawn announces the fact that this is the Plant Industry Sta­ tion. We are 10 miles north of Wash­ ington, D. C. (or 26 miles south of Baltimore, Md.) on U. S. 1. 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Meeting of turf research workers in experiment stations and in industry, graduate students, and cooperating golf (ourse and other turf superintendents to discuss current research projects, to give brief progress reports, and to formulate co-ordinated plans for further research in all phases of the specialized uses of grasses. Agronomists from all turf activ­ ities are invited to participate. Those who cannot attend this important meeting are asked to submit a brief statement in writing which will be considered at the meeting. 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Open informal discussions, questions from the floor, and pertinent comments A Must for Turf Enthusiasts The USGA-sponsored book, TURF MANAGE­ MENT, by H. B. Musser, is finding a place with superintendents, green committee chairmen, ath­ letic field superintendents, home owners, and many other turf enthusiasts. Book sales have exceeded expectations and yet we find that many persons who can use the book to excellent advantage do not have it or do not know about it. landscape architects and landscape gardeners should have this book for reference because it refers intimately to every-day problems which these specialists encounter. Your local bookstore may have it but if not, you may send your order directly to: United States Golf Association, 40 East 38th Street New York 16, N. Y. The price is $6.00, which should be included with the order. on current developments in Turf Manage­ ment. Everyone is invited to attend both ses­ sions but the public will participate onh in the informal discussions. MONDAY. OCTOBER 8. 1951 9:00 a.m. io 9:30 a.m. Registration at Turf Gardens, Plant Industrv Station. Enter the grounds from I. S. 1 at traffic light, proceed past build­ ings and greenhouses and power plant, cross metal and concrete bridge over creek 26 USGA Journal and Turf Management: September, 1951 to plots. Follow signs. Representatives of the Mid-Atlantic As­ sociation of Golf Course Superintendents will sell luncheon and dinner tickets as you register. 9:30 a.m. io 12:00 noon Inspection of Turf Plots Crabgrass Studies Turf Renovation Fairway Show Plots Bentgrass Trials Zoysia Studies Merion Bluegrass Demonstrations. 12:00 noon io 1:00 p.m.. Luncheon Box lunches will be provided by the Plant Industry Station Cafeteria, at the Turf Plots. Please do not leave the grounds at lunch hour. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Inspection of Turf Plots Ureaform and other fertilizer studies Bermudagrass trials Zoysia-bluegrass investigations Fescue strain trials. 3:00 p.m. io 5:00 p.m. Field trip to East Potomac Golf Course, Hains Point, Washington, D. C. Spon­ sored by Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents. Bob Shields, President, 1306 Okinawa Drive, Silver Spring, Md. Demonstration of new grasses and com­ binations under conditions of heavy pub­ lic play. Carswill travel south on U. S. 1 through Washington. Just before crossing the Potomac River on the 14th St. Bridge (just past the Jefferson Memorial) take a right turn at sign marked “HAINS POINT.” 6:30 p.m. io 7:00 p.m. Social hour at Prince Georges Golf and Country Club. Cars will proceed to Peace Cross at Bladensburg, thence east on U. S. 50 to traffic light at Cheverly Theater, take right fork past Theater, follow Landover Road two miles to Kent Village and Club entrance on right just after overpass over P. R. R. tracks. 7:00 p.m. Dinner Prince Georges Golf and Country Club, Landover. Md. Famous Southern Fried Chicken. SAND PARING LABOR SAVER Nelson Monical keeps bunkers raked with little or no hand labor at Portage Country Club. Akron, Ohio. The Worth­ ington Overgreen has solid steel bars welded io the frame to form a rake which does an excellent job. The rake device is easily removed. Outstanding authorities in Turf Man­ agement (Research. Extension, Industry and others) will present brief important resumes of “Progress in Turf Manage­ ment.” TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1951 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Green Section Staff available for review of turf plots. 11:00 a.m. Tour of local golf courses. Car pool of Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents will be available. — ® — Interesting Reading Routine Care of Lawns, Bulletin No. LR-26. One of a series of bulletins on Turf Management. PHA Low-Rent Hous­ ing Bulletin, Public Housing Administra­ tion Housing and Home Finance Agency, Washington 25, D. C. This bulletin was prepared principally by Carl Sorg and Col. William Bonnell in frequent consultation with the USGA Green Section. It is an honest, creditable attempt to encourage tenants of low-rent housing to take an interest in and to develop a pride in their lawns. USGA Journal and Turf Management: September, 1951 27 TURF MANAGEMENT HINTS FOR SEPTEMBER Compiled by the Green Section from Contributions from Co-operators in the National Co-ordinated Turf Program. Material Amount needed for areas Remarks Chlordane 50% wettable powder or 5% dust DDT 50% wettable powder or 10% dust Lead Arsenate Acre 1000 sq. fi. 40 sq. fi. 20 lbs. % lb. 200 lbs. 5 lbs. 50 lbs. 250 lbs. 1% lbs 6 lbs. 3 tbs. 3 oz. 3 tbs. 4 oz. 435 lbs. 10 lbs. 7 oz. Effective on all grubs. Gives 2- 3 years protection Effective mostly on Japanese beetle grubs. Gives 5 years protection. Effective on all grubs. Gives 10 years protection. Pennsylvania “Insecticides can be applied at any time of the year except when the ground is frozen, but the best time to apply the insecticide is in the fall or in the spring before May 1. “DDT or Chlordane should not be applied within a week either following or preceding hydrated lime . . . All these insecticides may be mixed with complete fertilizer or sand and distributed in a spreader . . . Wettable powders may be sprayed at 10 gallons to 1,000 square feet . . .” J. 0. Pepper, Extension Entomologist Florida “The summer rains are here so watch for those suspicious closely cropped areas of turf caused by fall armyworm and sod webworm and apply appropriate control measures.” E. G. Kelsiieimer, Entomologist Utah “This is the time of year to watch tem­ peratures and humidity and be prepared to treat greens for brownpatch. On greens where drainage is not good we treat with Tersan every 10 days during August and September.” A. R. Emery, Golf Course Superintendent Georgia “Southern turf producers should start preparing for the spring pivotal period now. “L Apply fertilizers (high in nitro­ gen) one month before seeding ryegrass or at least one month before the first killing frost. “2. Raise height-of-cut on Bermu­ dagrass greens at the time of fertilizer applications. “3. Do not seed ryegrass excessively heavy. “4. Do not damage Bermuda turf when seeding ryegrass. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Have on hand chemicals for disease prevention on ryegrass. “Soil tests should be used by turf producers to conserve needed fertilizer elements.” B. P. Robinson, Turf Specialist Maryland Prevent crabgrass from going to seed with chemical treatments (KOCN. sodium arsenite, Phenylmercuric Acetate) or mechanical control with combs mounted on front of the mowing units. Results will be apparent next year. Cooler weather will bring on dollar- spot. necessitating a change from Tersan to one of the cadmium compounds. Calo- Clor should control both dollarspot and brownpatch. Excessive mat and low fer­ tility may nullify control with the best of chemicals. 28 USGA Journal and Turf Management: September, 1951 Now is a good time to: Aerify all turf areas. Fertilize. Lime if pH is below 6.5. Treat for broadleaf weeds. Introduce plugs of zoysia, U-3 Ber­ muda, and improved bents. Delmonte rake the greens. Make plans to attend the National Turf Field Days, October 7, 8, and 9. Grub-proof all turf areas. Seed Merion bluegrass and F-74 creeping red fescue. If you are sowing Merion bluegrass for the first time, please observe three \ery important fundamentals. 1. Prepare the best seed bed pos­ sible. In an established turf this means aerifying several times at a 2-inch depth to provide pockets close together to receive the seed, fertilizer and moisture. An application of sodium arsenite (at 2 pounds per acre) or potassium cya­ nate (at 12 pounds per acre) just after sowing the seed will help in establish­ ment. 2. Use plenty of a well-balanced fertilizer. Consult your state experi­ ment station for the best fertilizer for your particular soil. One pound of nitrogen to 1.000 square feet will give the new seedlings a start. Follow up with more nitrogen when the grass is mowed the first time. 3. Use less seed than you would of ordinary bluegrass. Under most con­ ditions 10 to 20 pounds of seed to the acre is sufficient. We consider 40 to 44 pounds to the acre maximum under any conditions. Avoid the use of redtop and ryegrass in cool-season lawn seed mixtures for fall planting. These temporary special-pur­ pose grasses (so-called “nurse-grasses”) only retard the development of the desired perennial species and cause the home­ owner to be obliged to mow sooner and more often. The following spring the tall seed heads of fast-growing ryegrass and redtop cause homeowners to send in spec­ imens asking. “What is this ugly weed in my lawn and how can I get rid of it?” COMING EVENTS September 5-7: Turf Field Days. The Pennsylvania Stale College and Turf Advisory Committee, State College, Pa. H. B. Musser. September 10-11: Turf Field Days. Pur­ due University and Midwest Regional Turf Foundation, West Lafayette, In­ diana. W. H. Daniel. September 13: Green Section Committee Meeting, Saucon Valley Country Club, Bethlehem, Pa. October 7-9: National Turf Field Days, Beltsville Turf Gardens, Plant In dustry Station, Beltsville, Md. USGA Green Section, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Mid-Atlantic Associ­ ation of Golf Course superintendents, co-operating. Fred V. Grau. October 22-23: Oklahoma Turf Confer­ ence, Oklahoma A. and M. College, Stillwater, Okla. H. F. Murphy. October 24-26: Turf Conference Central Plains Turf Foundation and Kansas State College, Manhattan, Kansas. L. E. Lambert and Ray A. Keen. November 8-9: Turf Conference. North­ west Turf Association, Washington State College, Pullman, Wash. Ivan W. Lee, 705 Fourth Ave., Seattle 4, Wash- November 14: Fall Turf Meeting. South­ ern California Turf Conference, Uni­ versity of California, Los Angeles, Calif., V. T. Stoutemyer. November 19-20: Turf Conference. Texas Turf Association. Texas A. & M. Col­ lege, College Station, Texas. J. R. Watson, Jr., College Station, Texas. 1952 January 8-9: Turf Conference. Mid-Atlan- tic Association of Golf Course Super­ intendents. Lord Baltimore Hotel, Bal­ timore, Md. E. N. Cory, University of Maryland, College Park, Md. January 21-25: One-week Course in Turf Management. Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N. J. Ralph E. En­ gel. February 18-21: Turf Conference. The Pennsylvania State College and Turf Advisory Committee, State College, Pa. H. B. Musser. March 3-6: Turf Conference. Midwest Regional Turf Foundation and Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. W. H. Daniel. Clover in a seed mixture for fall sow­ ing largely is a waste of time, money, and effort. If clover is desired, it should be seeded alone in early spring for best results. USGA Green Section USGA Journal and Turf Management: September. 1951 29 AERIFICATION AND EFFICIENT TURF MAINTENANCE This article is an abstract of the West Point Lawn Products publication. Aeri­ fication and Efficient Tlrf Main­ tenance. The original article is a sum­ marization by Charles K. Hallowell. Ex­ tension Agronomist. Pennsylvania State College, of a discussion bv the Philadel­ phia Association of Golf Course Superin­ tendents at their meeting on December 11. 1950. This meeting vs as the third consec­ utive vear that superintendents in the Philadelphia area met to discuss this vital subject which included who should aerifv. whv aerify, when to aerify, what to aerify and how to aerifv. Aerification was credited with reducing disease: conserving water, fertilizer and seed: increasing root penetration: assist­ ing air movement in the soil: reducing thatch: overcoming compaction: being essential to renovation; and providing more satisfactory playing conditions. The group consensus indicated that aerifying should be done whenever needed throughout the playing season on every type of turf area, keeping in mind that it should be done when it will cause the least inconvenience to the players. Aerifi­ cation is essential to fall renovation and in tests on aerified and unaerified turf there has been no significant increase in weeds on the aerified portions. Depth Setting Varies When aerifying the cultivation depth should be as great as possible without unduly marring the surface. Soil condi­ tions and turf density greatly affect the depth setting. Soil should be moist, and shallow-rooted turf may be damaged more severely than deep-rooted turf when using full cultivation depth. Increased aerifica­ tion improves root depth, thus allowing deeper depth settings. The number of times over a siren area depend® on th'1 Some Dav This Will Improve Your Course Counting crabgrass plants in the USGA Green Section's Beltsville phase of the National Co-ordinated Crabgrass Trials. These plots are co-operative with the Pennsylvania State College. Counters, left to right, are Bob Elder, Al Radko and Charlie Wilson. It is tedious work, but accurate data, intelligently applied, results in the perfect conditioning golfers expect. 30 USGA Journal and Turf Management: September, 1951 job to be done. Renovation requires many aerifications. To improve soil and root depth aerify twice or three times over, or once over and repeat every three to four weeks. Each spoon size (1-inch, % inch, Y2 inch) has its place. Where put­ ting green turf is well established the % inch spoon may be used. Shallow-rooted turf requires greater care, thus indicat­ ing the use of % inch spoons. Finishing operations must be done properly. Soil on the surface can be dis­ tributed by dragging with a wire mat or poling, or if soil is poor, the cores may be removed with a leaf sweeper. Rolling may be necessary to restore a true put­ ting surface; mowing will remove any tufts of grass; and in dry weather care­ ful watering should follow aerification. The article further emphasizes the im­ portance of aerification in protecting a golf club’s investment by bringing about greater economy through greater efficiency when maintenance must be cut to a mini­ mum. Benefits of Fall Aeration Those readers who have carefully digested the above excerpts will realize the need for aerification on their turf installations this fall. Results from all over the country indicate that there is no better way to establish a seedbed in existing turf. The myriads of pockets made by the use of an aeration machine catch and hold fertilizer, seed, and mois­ ture. Conditions for germination are ideal, and, of course, the pockets serve as pro­ tection for the tender young seedlings until they become established. Turf au­ thorities from many states inform us that knolls or humps on rolling fairways no longer present a problem tow'ard seed and fertilizer placement when an aeration tool is used. Again, the pockets formed catch the seed and fertilizer under the heaviest of downpours. Bentgrass greens are growing vigor­ ously in the fall of the year, and thus heal rapidly the slight scars made by aerating. In areas where snowmold pres­ ents a problem, superintendents inform us that an open, well-ventilated green dur­ ing the winter months is much less sus­ ceptible to attack. Dollarspot control often is adversely affected by excessive mat. Fungicide applications, supplemented by additional feeding and aeration, have proven of great value in overcoming this problem. Entomologists tell us that long-lasting control of insect grubs is dependent on deep placement of the insecticide. Aera­ tion before application will give the de­ sired placement. Today it is universally accepted that good management practices employed in the fall may mean the difference between success or failure the following season. Aerification is associated with most man­ agement practices. FURTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR RESEARCH ON POA ANNUA By FRED V. GRAU Director, USGA Green Section The large question of Poa Annua — Friend or Foe (in the USGA Journal, June, 1948) is receiving more and more attention as we see the possibilities in some of the improved turf grasses which are being developed under the National Co-ordinated Turf Programs. The question is: “Are these new grasses good enough to replace poa where they are managed properly?” The development of new improved tech­ niques in the cultivation and aeration of soil under turf has led some to wonder whether these operations tend to en­ courage or to discourage poa. These ques­ tions can be answered only by repeated testing under many conditions backed by actual population counts made by trained research personnel. This, then, indicates clearly the great need for the superintendent on the golf course to offer the facilities of his club to the research man at the experiment sta­ tion. At Beltsville, for example, the Green Section staff can do no research on Poa annua at the Station because in our un- -USGA Journal and Turf Management: September, 1951 31 watered turf we have no poa with which to experiment. We are forced to go to the Mid-Atlantic Superintendents (and glad­ ly), who have acres of solid Poa annua to deal with on their golf courses. Actual­ ly, this is nearly an ideal situation. The research staff is relieved of the chore of mowing the turf under study. The re­ search men assume responsibility only for the treatment and for the population ■counts and other data needed. The club, on the other hand, is getting the answers at first hand, under their own conditions at little extra cost. Almost, But Not Quite The situation is not ideal, however. The treatments may interfere temporarily with play, or they may discolor the poa, or, in some cases, they may damage the turf severely. This is difficult to explain to the membership, especially if a new green committee chairman has just been ap­ pointed who is not entirely in accord with the plan in operation or who does not understand what it is all about. Popula­ tion changes in turf occur slowly under most treatments and there may be several green committee chairmen during the course of a single study. This, probably, is the greatest single reason why research on the golf course has developed so slow­ ly when it could be the means of getting results much sooner. It has been terribly destructive to the morale of research workers to plan and to institute a project on a golf course, only to find it terminated the next year when the new officers decide on some architectural changes on the exact location of the experiments. Years of observations, trials, discus­ sions and arguments have indicated with a high degree of accuracy that the pre­ sence of Poa annua in turf is influenced by several factors which include: 1. Moisture. Unwatered turf seldom has poa except in areas of very heavy rainfall. Heavily-watered turf (and con­ tinuously-watered turf) usually is the most severely effected. Somewhere be­ tween the two extremes there is a balance which has not been discovered on most areas. Poa annua plants cannot recover from a period of severe drying. Peren­ nial grasses have ample reserves which enable them to recover quickly after a period of severe drought. The presence of large quantities of Poa annua in arid climates is difficult to understand because grass diseases are minimized and the use of water largely is controllable. Members could help greatly by insisting that the turf on wdiich they play be allowed to become thoroughly dry on occasion to give them practice in playing on “burned- out courses.’’ Grasses Weakened 2. Turf Grasses. Ever since we be­ gan to develop closely-mowed turf for specialized uses we have accentuated the weaknesses of our turf grasses, especially from the standpoint of the diseases to which they are susceptible. We have de­ veloped to a high degree the art and science of dosing our turf areas (putting greens and similar) writh chemicals t<» check diseases. In so doing wc have tended to prolong the period in which we are saddled with wTeak, susceptible grasses. Unless the diseases are completely con­ trolled (which they never are), the sus­ ceptible grass becomes weakened fur­ ther. which allows Poa annua and other weeds to invade. We take the position that every effort must be made to dis­ cover and test the disease-resistant strains of turf grasses and to put them to use under a system of management which utilizes their best qualities. Diseases (not close mowing) largely have been responsible for ruining the common grasses which we have been forced to use on golf course fairways. Every disease attack (uncontrolled, of course) is a "come-on-in” to poa. Added water to “keep the course green*’ has elicited another “thank you” from Poa annua. Compaction Kot Necessary The introduction of disease-resistant grasses into existing poa turf should be the No. 1 effort of investigators and super­ intendents alike. The best method and the best time for the procedure are points that need thorough evaluation in each climatic region. The use of a chemical as a tool in the process is considered indispensable. 3. Son. Compaction. This is a con­ 32 USGA Journal and Turf Management: September, 1951 stantly recurring condition which no longer need be tolerated. Equipment is available to all for relieving soil compac­ tion whenever needed. Soil aeration un­ der turf admits water (rain, too) quickly, thus permitting significant reductions in the amount and the frequency of water application. Fertilizers are admitted to the . root zone, thus helping to promote deep, heavy root systems which build a desirable cushion and which minimize drought conditions. Poa annua is en­ couraged when compaction is allowed to develop and when a shallow root system is encouraged. 4. Seed Production. Under many turf conditions in the United States, Poa annua acts as a true annual, which means that it dies completely in the summer I leaving ugly brown areas which fill with crabgrass, goosegrass, clover, milk purs­ lane, knotweed, etc.) and returns when the seed germinates during cooler, moist fall weather. If seed production could be stopped in the spring flowering period through a succession of chemical sprays, it is logical to assume that less poa would come back from seed that fall. These chemicals (sodium arsenite, potassium cyanate, and 2, 4-D) show more than ordinary promise to accomplish this phase of poa control. Frequent light applica­ tions of the proper combination of chem­ icals during the entire blooming period is the indicated approach. The place to do it is where the problem exists—right on the golf course. Caution-. Jt is just as important to know how and what to plant to replace poa as it is to know how to get rid of it. The next step is to know how to manage the new turf, to keep poa out! 5. Utilize Poa annua. Poa annua has many characteristics which make it an ideal turf grass when at its prime. In many areas we find that poa makes the ideal cool-season companion to warm­ season grasses such as Bermudagrass and zoysia. Practical research must recognize this phase and endeavor to utilize the good qualities of poa. 6. Fertilizers. The proper use of ft utilizers may be very important in con­ trolling or in using poa. It is an extremely difficult approach so long as we must work with inferior disease-susceptible grasses. It is anticipated that the fertiliza­ tion of disease-resistant, drought-resisting grasses during the weak point of the life cycle of Poa annua will go far toward minimizing our present difficulties. The Poa annua problem is international in scope. It is as serious in Paris as in Washington, D. C. The solution of the problem as we know it today requires a great deal of education at every level in the turf world. Many turf superintendents do not yet realize that some of their every-day practices encourage Poa annua. Golfers must learn to accept some tem­ porary disturbance of their accustomed golfing pleasures in order to have the kind of superior turf which they con­ stantly demand. Research men and ex­ tension specialists must be in close ac­ cord through frequent consultation in order to avoid further confusion which would result from conflicting recommen­ dations. The ultimate solution of the prob­ lem largely is dependent upon close co­ ordination of existing knowledge, research projects and recommendations. More Interesting Reading The Effect of Slope Soil Erosion, by H. H. Krusekopf, Research Bulletin 363, University of Missouri, College of Agriculture, Agricultural Experiment Station, Columbia, Missouri. This report gives the results of 11 years of investigation on factors influencing run-off and erosion. The author points out the value of sod in preventing run-off and erosion; how the amount, intensity, and time of rainfall can be modified bv the density of cover; how soil erosion increases with increase in degree and length of slope; how the surface soil becomes shallower, tilth deteriorates and the surface becomes smooth and compact after rains; and how all of these factors bring about a slower penetration of rain­ fall and greater run-off. USGA Journal and Turf Management: September, 1951 33 IT’S YOUR HONOR The Proposed New Rules TO THE USGA: I have just read with interest that the USGA Executive Committee has approved a revised code of Golf Rules toward the end of establishing a universal code, and that the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, St. An­ drews, will vote on these revised rules, in September, and that if adopted, the code will become universal for the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, and probably the rest of the golfing world except Russia, where, I am sure, the golf Soviet of all Russia will cast a big black veto against everything. I congratulate you on your accomplish­ ment and diplomatic success. It is a great contribution to the game of golf. There is only one detail in your revision which I had hoped could have been worked out a little differently than the newspaper account indicates. Perhaps it may still be possible to amend the revision in respect to that detail. The newspaper account indicates that the stymie is abolished. I am entirely in accord with the abolition of the stymie when the p!ayer's opponent lays the player a stymie. However, to me it seems only just that when the player lays himself a stymie, that he should be required to play the stymie, for the simple reason that he created the situation. I could write at length about this point, but for the present it will suffice to bring it to your attention with the comment that about 15 years ago the Pennsylvania Golf Association carried out the experiment of abolishing opponent-laid stymies, and re­ quiring self-laid stymies to be played during its Amateur Championships. There were no administrative problems that arose and there was complete and unanimous approval ex­ pressed by all the players, most of whom were canvassed during or after the tourna­ ment. Again, with congratulations on bringing about international understanding, I am E. H. MOLTHAN Philadelphia, Pa. will give the new Junior Association a tre­ mendous boost as he is the first President of that organization. Please correct me if I am wrong in saying that it is the first time in the history of golf in this country that two USGA Championships have been won by members of one Club in the same year. As you know, both Dave Stanley, the USGA Public Links Champion, and Tommy Jacobs are members of the Montebello Municipal Golf Club. By way of information, Zell Eaton, pro­ fessional at Montebello, recently won the State Open Championship and, partnered by Paul Bauman, won the State Pro-Amateur Crown. The Montebello Men's Club won this year's Southern California Public Links Team Championship. This is quite a record for one Club. HAROLD A. DAWSON Executive Secretary Southern California Golf Association A Needed Statement TO THE USGA: I read Fred Grau's article in the July issue of the Journal on Paa Annua which included a short sermon on greenkeeper-chairman relations. It was the most needed, most straightforward, down-to-earth group of statements I've read for some time. TAYLOR BOYD Superintendent The Camargo Club Cincinnati, Ohio. Enjoys "Golf House" Visit TO THE USGA: Enclosed is my contribution as a Founder of "Golf House." I would like to thank you for showing my father and me through "Golf House." It was a great pleasure, and I hope that I can come back and see it another time. JAMES LYNAH SHERRILL Atlanta, Ga. Remarkable Club Record TO THE USGA: You can well imagine our elation and pride in Tommy Jacobs' victory in the USGA Junior Amateur Championship. His victory Editor's Note: The USGA Journal invites comments on matters relating to the welfare of the game and will publish them as space permits.