A Publication on Turfgrass Management by the United States Golf Association® July/August 1982 USGA Green Section USGA Vol. 20, No. 4 JULY/AUGUST 1982 EDITOR: William H. Bengeyfield MANAGING EDITOR: Robert Sommers ART EDITOR: Miss Janet Seagle GREEN SECTION COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Stephen J. Horrell 3007 Dehesa Road, El Cajon, Calif. 92021 NATIONAL DIRECTOR: William H. Bengeyfield 19461 Sierra Luna Drive, Irvine, Calif. 92715 (714) 544-4416 GREEN SECTION AGRONOMISTS AND OFFICES: Northeastern Region: United States Golf Association, Golf House, Far Hills, N.J. 07931 • (201) 766-7770 James T. Snow, Director 236 Goldthwaite Road, Whitinsville, Mass. 01588 • (617) 234-6889 Brian M. Silva, Agronomist Mid-Atlantic Region: Suite B4, 9017 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23235 • (804) 272-5553 William G. Buchanan, Director Patrick M. O’Brien, Agronomist Southeastern Region: P.O. Box 4213, Campus Station, Athens, Ga. 30602 • (404) 548-2741 Charles B. White, Director 5579 Adair Way, Lake Worth, Fla. 33463 • (305) 968-8146 Steve M. Batten, Agronomist North-Central Region: P.O. Box 592, Crystal Lake, Ill. 60014 • (815) 459-3731 Stanley J. Zontek, Director Mid-Continent Region: 17360 Coit Road, Dallas, Tx. 75252 • (214) 783-7125 Dr. Douglas T. Hawes, Director Western Region: Suite 107, 222 Fashion Lane, Tustin, Calif. 92680 • (714) 544-4411 Donald D. Hoos, Director 2001 Main Street, Vancouver, Wash. 98660 • (206) 695-2181 Timothy G. Ansett, Agronomist Green Section RECORD Vandalism — Is There Any Answer? by James B. Moncrief Recent Turfgrass Plant Explorations in Africa by Dr. James B. Beard and Dr. James R. Watson James Moncrief Retires The Green Section’s Stimpmeter: Most Think Friend — Some Think Enemy by Donald D. Hoos A Secretary for The Golf Course Superintendent — The Need is Great! by Richard Bator News Notes for Midsummer The Green Section’s New Turfgrass Research Committee Turf Twisters /C p. O 11 12 13 Back Cover Cover Photo: Turfgrass explorations in Africa. ©1982 by United States Golf Association®. Permission to reproduce articles or material in the USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD is granted to publishers of newspapers and periodicals (unless specifically noted otherwise), provided credit is given the USGA and copyright protection is afforded. To reprint material in other media, written permission must be obtained from the USGA. In any case, neither articles nor other material may be copied or used for any advertising, promotion or commercial purposes. GREEN SECTION RECORD (ISSN 0041-5502) is published six times a year in January, March, May, July, September and November by the UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION®, Golf House, Far Hills, N.J. 07931. Subscriptions and address changes should be sent to the above address. Articles, photographs, and correspondence relevant to published material should be addressed to: United States Golf Association Green Section, Golf House, Far Hills, N.J. 07931. Second class postage paid at Far Hills, N.J., and other locations. Office of Publication, Golf House, Far Hills, N.J. 07931. Subscriptions $6 a year. Greens are damaged more than any other area on the golf course. Vandalism - Is There Any Answer? by JAMES B. MONCRIEF Director, Southeastern Region, USGA Green Section SCHOOL IS OUT. It’s 9:30 on a summer evening in late June and, within the hour, Ron and Chris (ages 14 and 15) will be under the fence with the ways and means of vandalizing several greens at White Lake Country Club. And they won’t be caught! Thou­ sands of other Rons and Chrises around the country will be doing their thing on thousands of other golf courses all summer long. There seems to be no real answer to this spirit of hostility, willful destruction, and defacement of things of beauty. A police study based on British and American experience in 1978 shows that the term vandalism does not appear in Great Britain’s criminal law, and vandals are usually dealt with by the Criminal Damage Act of 1971. In the United States, the term vandalism appears in the laws of only seven states. More commonly, the states’ statutes refer to criminal mischief, malicious property destruction, malicious mis­ chief or criminal damage to property. State laws vary widely in their scope and structure and in relation to fines and punishment. The FBI Uniform Crime Report defines vandalism as willful destruction or defacement of property without con­ sent of the owner. It is found in all social and economic levels throughout the United States, and there seems to be no area that is not affected. Vandalism is largely associated with youth and adolescence. It is classified by six motives or types: 1. Acquisitive Vandalism: property damage to acquire money or goods. 2. Tactical Vandalism: property damage done intentionally to advance some other end. 3. Ideological Vandalism: carried out specifically to further an ideological cause. JULY/AUGUST 1982 1 4. Vindictive Vandalism: property damage to a selective target for revenge. 5. Group Vandalism: property damage to a selective target for revenge on an owner or representative. 6. Graffiti Vandalism: paint, spray paint cans, or marking pens to express personal identity. Sometimes school problems are responsible for vandalism, but in other cases, it may result from restricted opportunities. Subcultural differences in values and attitudes may also be at work. Prolonged adolescent dependence seriously damages personalities, label­ ing, and stereotyping, and serve as another cause. Golf courses are prime targets and are being hit harder each year. Invariably the most affected areas are the greens, fairways, and then tees. If golf cart storage areas are not well protected, they soon become attractive to the nighttime marauders. Many golf carts are wrecked each year through vandal­ ism, and yet few vandals are seriously hurt and even fewer ever caught. In 1974, a group survey made in a midwestern state was completed by 840 Farm Bureau Councils representing more than 11,000 people living in 84 2 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD of the state’s counties. Vandalism topped the list of the biggest crime problem in their communities, followed by theft, burglary, drugs, traffic, and drunken driving. Unfortunately, youths were viewed as the principal group committing these crimes. Three out of four Farm Bureau Councils reported a noticeable increase in crime in their local communities. Alarmingly, a shift in the type of crime committed was also noted and found to be toward drug- related crimes and theft. There are some basic reasons why children become involved in vandalism. Some authorities believe the emotional needs of children are a paramount cause. There is the need for love and security and the need for responsibility. Many people think anger, hate, and lack of concern for others are common reactions to being unloved and rejected and that these feelings may lead to vandalism. Boredom can result in lack of new experiences that will lead the youth to excitement and destructive gang activity. If children are denied the opportunity to develop responsibility, they may not recognize the rights and property of others. Most vandalism is done by (Above and opposite page) To prevent vandals playing with the flagsticks, some clubs are bringing in the flags each night. individuals from ages 13 to 17, touching practically all society from the city to suburbia to the country. The only dif­ ference in each of these is how it affects the condition of the area being vandal­ ized. The damage done by any individual may be classified as a felony or mis­ demeanor, with the cost of repair or replacement determining which category it falls in. When damage amounts to more than $100, it is a felony, and, when less than $100, it is a misdemeanor. Most acts of vandalism go unreported and unsolved. However, a recent study of complaints filed against young offenders revealed the following infor­ mation: 1. Investigative leads lacking since most offenses are unwitnessed. 2. Group activity generally pre­ dominant. 3. Most apprehended offenders at golf courses are white males. 4. Cars are often used in the act. 5. Multiple acts are usually committed. 6. Juvenile offenders develop special language describing activity. 7. Most arrested cannot explain behavior. 8. Offenses generally committed on weekends. 9. Most acts done between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. 10. Damages range in the thousands of dollars. 11. Types of property destroyed and weapons used varied. Judge Olin M. Price, juvenile judge of Clarke County, Georgia, is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. He has developed a list of interesting statistics that show the extensiveness of malicious destruction of property and other acts by humans and how it affects other people. He has found: ON A NATIONAL LEVEL: • Sixty percent of reported vandalism occurs at night. • Many persons and places are vandalized more than once in relatively short periods. • About one in six places or persons is victimized twice during the year. • Vandalism varies greatly depending on the locality, socio-economic level and region. • Every person in this nation has violated some laws many times, and most violate some law daily. However, most of these violations are thought to be petty or not serious enough to deal with. On the other hand, the following is a Crime Clock of serious offenses occurring within every hour in this nation: 1979 1,114 119 59 3,600 600 120 2 6 69 1980 1,670 230 79 4,100 700 130 3 8 79 5,600 6,200 Serious crimes Violent crimes Robberies Burglaries Larcenies Auto thefts Murders Forcible rapes Forcible aggravated assaults Acts of vandalism to property ON A LOCAL LEVEL: • Most acts of vandalism are un­ solved due to the nature of the offense — hit-and-run tactics, spur-of-the-moment anger, frustration by otherwise law- abiding people. A great many acts of vandalism are thought of as pranks and/ or mischief by the offenders. Many acts of vandalism go unreported due to the nature of the events, such as a broken window, damaged landscape, painted items, egg throwing at cars, homes, etc. • In Clarke County, Georgia, seven vandalism cases were tried in Juvenile Court in 1977 and 11 during 1980. There were probably several thousand acts of vandalism during this time, but only a very small percentage ever are caught or go to court. • If you don’t deal with juries, courts, or security forces often, you can’t believe you are living in or near so much misdoing. We have to be reminded by the 11 o’clock news: “Do you know where your kids are right now?” Vandalism is costing golf clubs millions of dollars each year, and much of this is counted in forced security measures. Each morning, the golf course and all buildings are routinely and thoroughly checked by many super­ intendents for possible damage done by vandals resulting from spur-of-the- moment anger, planned approach to destroy something belonging to other people, disgruntled ex-employees, and even golfers themselves. Many mainte­ nance buildings and clubhouses have had detective warning devices installed to discourage entrance. However, too many golf courses are still wide open to vandals — no fences, no ditches, no berms to exclude intrusion. Fences are usually the first attempt to keep night invasion from the golf course. Fences will not keep all traffic out, but they discourage many would- be vandals. High four-wheel-drive vehicles and motorcycles find entry through the main road and/or service road, and once in, they are difficult to contain. Old telephone poles or logs placed in areas and secured in some way are excellent in discouraging such intruders. Posts or poles can be buried in the soil with or without concrete to Prevention — here the best cure. stop on-course traffic. Sharp nails, broken glass or sharp metal in boards, however, should not be used, because the club could be liable for a lawsuit. One of the best protectors around a golf course is a drainage ditch or moat filled with water so only swimmers or boats cap enter the property. More security gates are being con­ structed each year, and some new housing developments have built security gates before the golf course or clubhouse is constructed or is ready for use. In large cities, protection of golfers requires more and more security. One club in South Florida, during heavy play in 1981, had four security men patrolling the 18-hole course on small motorcycles, two on the first nine and two on the second. There was also security at the front with a parking attendant. TV cameras are now being placed in strategic locations around some properties and in the clubhouse to improve security. They provide wide coverage and require fewer guards. From time to time I have received telephone calls from clubs that have caught vandals in the act, but, for one reason or another, do not wish to go to court. What to do? Oftentimes the apprehended one is a child of a club member, and avoidance of publicity is desired. I have discussed this problem with many superintendents, profes­ sionals, managers, and club officials over the past 25 years. The best course of action seems to be one of cooperation on the part of all concerned, with parents and child agreeing to pay for all damages. The most recent success story I have heard occurred in Florida, where teen­ age boys were caught robbing soft-drink machines and causing other damage some years ago. Two of the boys and their parents were very cooperative, with the boys paying for the damage by working on the golf course. The boys soon became interested in the game and took lessons from the professional. Happily, in 1981, they received scholar­ ships to play on their college golf team. Thanks to M. G. Orender, of Diamond Hill Country Club, near Tampa, Florida, these two young men are now well on life’s way. Unfortunately, their ex-friend has proven to be a repeater in unlawful acts. In another case, a club I visited in Naples, Florida, had a restroom being repeatedly vandalized. The super­ intendent found a hole cut in the fence (Above) Thousands of dollars in damage each year to stolen golf carts. (Below) Now you see him — now you don’t. near a lake and a housing area near the course. Silent detectors were installed in the restroom and tied into the sheriffs department switchboard. Late one afternoon, about sundown, the signal went off. Unfortunately, by the time the superintendent got to the restroom, no one could be found. Nevertheless, an approximate time was established for the vandalism and the next stage was set. The hole was left in the fence and, on the following afternoon, the super­ intendent played with each foursome starting on the tee before the hole where the fence was cut. He played two holes with each foursome, then circled back out of sight and kept repeating until two youngsters were seen near the hole in the fence. Two boys, 11 and 12 years old, came through the hole with their BB guns. The superintendent went over and asked the boys what they were doing. “We are just hunting birds.” “I’m sorry, but we can’t do that on our beautiful course, can we?” they were told. He treated them nicely, as only a superintendent with two small boys himself would do. As their conversation continued, one of the boys finally said, “It’s too bad someone has damaged your restroom.” This was the key state­ ment that aided Superintendent Clint Smallridge at Royal Poinciana Golf Club in Naples, Florida, and the sheriff to get a confession, for how would the boys know about the restrooms? The boys’ families are paying for the damages. Stories of vandalism go on and on. Certainly the numbers are already high and we can expect even higher ones in the future as populations increase around our golf courses. Vandalism is a part of life and a part of our cost of operation. For our own mental health, we should be willing to accept that fact. Nevertheless, we should also prepare ourselves and our courses as best we can to reduce and contain this growing problem. It’s worth the effort. If you need assistance, contact the National Juvenile Clearinghouse Operator within the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (JCJRS). A toll-free number (800-638-8736) makes the Juvenile Justice Services readily available to those who are interested or already working with youths. JULY/AUGUST 1982 5 Recent Turfgrass Plant Explorations by DR. JAMES B. BEARD and DR. JAMES R. WATSON Surprisingly, ail but one of the major turfgrass species used in North America originated in other parts of the world. The one notable exception is buffalograss. It has been determined that the greatest genetic diversity within a species can be found near its geographical center of origin. In the case of bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.), lower East Africa is generally recognized as the center of origin. Thus, in attempting to develop improved turfgrass cultivars possessing low water use rates, drought tolerance, salt tolerance, and a minimal maintenance requirement in terms of labor and energy savings, the logical approach was to initiate a plant exploration trip to the center of origin of this particular species. Plants from this area would provide a diverse range of germplasm for possible use in North American breeding programs. It is surprising to note that efforts to collect turf-type 6 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD Cynodon species from South Africa have been limited. Dr. Glenn Burton visited there briefly on one occasion. A scattering of materials have been introduced by others, especially in the 1950s. However, this introduced plant material represented only a small portion of the potential germplasm that exists in South Africa, based on earlier assessment visits by Drs. James B. Beard and James R. Watson in 1974. Drs. Beard and Watson conducted plant exploration activities in South Africa during March, 1982. The explo­ ration effort was jointly funded by the South African Department of Sport, South African Golf Course Super­ intendents Association, Texas Agricul­ tural Experiment Station, The Toro Company, and the United States Golf Association. Dr. Beard was invited by the South African Department of Sport and the Turfgrass Association to advise on the establishment of the first turfgrass research program sponsored by the Department of Sport, at the University of Potschefstroom, under the direction of Professor H. Harsme. In addition, lectures were given by Drs. Beard and Watson at a series of one-day seminars, conducted in the major cities throughout South Africa. South Africa is a very sports-oriented nation. Turfs are extensively used in a wide range of recreational activities. Cricket, golf, lawn bowling, rugby, and soccer are the main sports. The running surfaces for track and field are turfed, as are the horse race courses. Lawn bowling is a widespread recreational activity, especially for older citizens in urban areas. Bermudagrass and kikuyu- grass are the two main species grown. Bermudagrass is called kweekgrass in Africa. Richard Adderly, Superintendent of Wanderers Club, one of the largest sports clubs in South Africa. Richard attends the GCSAA Conference and Show on a regular basis and has toured many golf clubs in the USA. He assisted in locating and collecting several bermudas from Wanderers and from Trankenwold, an abandoned turf research location. (Below) John Weinberg, one of the founders of Reading Country Club, looking over the site of “Outineeka,” a shade-tolerant bermuda that has colonized a large portion of this partially shady location. An abandoned bowling green is inspected by Dr. J. R. Watson, USA, and John Weinberg, South Africa. This green has not been fertilized or irrigated in over two years. Three fine-leafed, green, vigorous, low-growing types of bermuda were collected from this location. PRIMARY EMPHASIS during the trip was the collection of superior strains that have evolved under low fertility, minimal irrigation, closely mowed, droughty conditions. Many parks, golf courses, bowling greens, and lawns in South Africa have been main­ tained under constant mowing for as long as most of those in the United States. The typical bermudagrass strain is a local selection from a particular district or municipality which has been found to perform well under prevailing conditions. There are no major named cultivars that are sold and widely used throughout South Africa, as is the case in the United States. Thus, an effort was made to collect many of these superior local strains for assessment. In this effort the two plant explorers were aided by a number of South African turfgrass managers and turf agronomists with private companies who were knowledgeable in turfgrass conditions and the performance of these local ecotypes. Although the exploration effort emphasized the collection of bermuda- JULY/AUGUST 1982 7 grasses, other promising species were not neglected. In addition to the Cynodon species, selections were made of Paspalum vaginatum, Stenotaphrum secundatum, Digitaria spp., and Dac- tyloctenium spp. The southwestern region around Capetown, including Fishhook, Georgetown, and Stellen­ bosch, produced some very promising minimal-maintenance, drought-tolerant Cynodon species that were collected on closely mowed turfs. They had been growing on unirrigated, deep sandy soils for many decades and on old abandoned bowling greens. On several golf courses immediately adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, a number of very superior Paspalum vaginatum turf-types were collected. They were growing constantly in salt water-flooded lowlands under continu­ ous close mowing. Some of them were superior in turf quality to our more widely used hybrid bermudagrasses. Southeastern Africa, along the Indian Ocean, around Durban, including Tangaat, Pietermaritzburg, and Cedara, has a very hot, humid climate. It is interesting that on many of the better closely mowed golf course fairways, St. Augustinegrass constitutes a major component in polystands with bermuda­ grass, especially under high salt con­ ditions. Some very interesting minimal- maintenance, low water-use St. Augus- tinegrasses {Stenotaphrum secundatum) were collected along with some unique turf-types, such as Digitaria and Dac- tyloctenium species. Finally, in the area of Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Potschefstroom, the primary emphasis was to collect low- maintenance, drought-tolerant bermuda­ grasses, especially Cynodon transvaal- ensis and C. magenisii and hybrids thereof. THE PLANT materials collected during this African trip will now be subjected to intense assessment as to their nitrogen requirement, water use rate, drought tolerance, salt tolerance, and mowing requirement, as well as the key agronomic characteristics needed for use on lawns, sport fields, and greens. After this assessment is com­ pleted, this material may prove a new source of germplasm for breeding pro­ grams emphasizing water-conserving, minimal-maintenance turfgrasses. Furthermore, the possibility always exists that a few of these selections might prove sufficiently well adapted and perform so well that they will merit release as a new cultivar without incor­ poration into a breeding effort. 8 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD A green at Reading Country Club, South Africa. Many types of bermudagrasses (Cynodon spp.) are found at this long-established golf club. James Moncrief Retires Department. A graduate of Texas A&M, he was at home across the nation’s southern tier; from the Carolinas to the Arizona deserts. He also traveled extensively in South America and the Caribbean. He was among the first to recognize and collect samples of a very fine-leafed bermudagrass from southern putting greens. It was later to be called Tifdwarf. He was indeed a collector! He brought samples of grasses, diseases, insects, soils, ideas — everything imaginable for university researchers to probe and investigate. If there was anything new in turfgrass research or management, Monty either instigated it or was well aware of the goings-on. There is no greater tribute for an extension teacher, and there have been few, if any, to equal his caliber. It’s a long way from B-25s in New Guinea early in World War II to today’s whoosh of a 5-iron on the fairways of Athens Country Club, Georgia. Monty Moncrief has navigated the course well. But he will never really retire. “Mr. Bermooda” will still be collecting — this time pars, birdies and possibly and eagle or two. Of the latter, he deserves doubles. His world of friends would cheer for that! FOR THE PAST 29 years, golf course superintendents and green chairmen alike throughout the South have had the pleasure of working with a most remarkable man. On the national and international level, his ready smile, distinguished bearing and soft accent (always with something significant to say) added immeasurably to the color, knowledge and value of turfgrass meet­ ings. On July 1, 1982, James Burton Moncrief retired from the USGA Green Section. He has had an extraordinary career and will be more conspicuous by his absence. “Monty” came to the Green Section in 1954 from the Dallas, Texas, Parks The Green Section's Stimpmefer: Most Think Friend - Some Think Enemy by DONALD D. HOOS Director, Western Region, USGA Green Section TO AN ARCHEOLOGIST in the 25th century, this extruded aluminum bar, 36 inches long, with a v-shaped groove extending along its entire length, may well be a puzzle. But to us, it’s a Stimpmeter! We use it to measure the speed of greens. It has a precisely milled ball-release notch 30 inches from the tapered end (the end that rests on the ground). It is simple enough. However, this simple device has been embroiled in controversy ever since it became available to golf course superintendents in 1978. Why the controversy? Some opponents feel too much emphasis is being placed on green speed. As an example, one can point to the greatly publicized rebuilding of greens at the Augusta National Golf Club, in Augusta, Georgia. The objective of the rebuilding was to regain speed and uniformity that had diminished with the passage of time. The publicized average speed of greens at this year’s Masters Tournament ranged from 11.32 feet to 11.61 feet, with an average of 11.48 feet. Fast by anyone’s standards. Prior to manufacture and release of the Stimpmeter to member clubs, it was thoroughly tested by the Green Section staff and Frank Thomas, Technical Director of the USGA. Putting green speeds throughout the United States were measured under all kinds of con­ ditions. Measurements were made at championship sites as well. From all these measurements, general ranges for putting green speed were determined and published as part of the instruction manual with each Stimpmeter. Unfortunately, most club members never see the Stimpmeter Instruction Manual. What they know about putting green speed is what they learn during telecasts of the U.S. Open and Masters Tournament. Speeds at these events generally are in excess of 10 feet. Also, not pointed out during television coverage is that the course hosting such events has worked very carefully over a period of several years to have the golf course in the very best condition. These are courses with higher than average maintenance budgets peaking their greens at incredibly fast speeds for a one-week period. But it should be pointed out that quality of putting greens is not measured by speed alone. Perhaps as important as speed is consistency from green to green. The Stimpmeter is a tool that can gauge consistency, just as a height of TABLE I. Speeds for Regular Membership Play 8'6" 7'6" 6'6" 5'6" 4'6" Fast Medium-Fast Medium Medium-Slow Slow Speeds for Tournament Play 10'6" 9'6" 8'6" 7'6" 6'6" Fast Medium-Fast Medium Medium-Slow Slow cut bar gauges mowing height. Smooth­ ness and lack of grain are important factors in putting quality and are just as important on fast greens as on medium-fast greens. The speed at which greens are to be maintained should be a membership decision. If the member­ ship wants fast greens, then they must be willing to provide budgetary support to reach this goal. TO ACHIEVE fast greens on a daily basis requires more maintenance. Fast greens must be mowed more frequently. They must be verticut more frequently. They must be topdressed more frequently. Fertilization must be on a light and frequent basis. Watering must be done more carefully. Lower mowing heights needed to achieve fast greens also place the turfgrass plant under more stress. A reduced rooting depth can be expected under lower mowing heights. The shorter roots require more frequent irrigation and syringing during the summer to sustain the turfgrass plant. Shorter roots also reduce the grass plant’s ability to recover from insect and disease attack. An increase in insecticide and fungicide use may be needed. JULY/AUGUST 1982 9 ship about its uses and how it works. Make it a tool you can use. Al Radko, former National Director of the Green Section, has suggested the following four-step program for use of the Stimpmeter: Step 1. Following the steps recom­ mended in the Stimpmeter Instruction Booklet, measure all greens thoroughly and record the average speed of each green. By thorough measurement it is meant that all areas of each putting green be averaged and recorded to determine the overall average of every green, including the practice green. At minimum, three separate areas of each green should be tested and averaged, except where contours or slopes limit the number of measurements per green. Step 2. If the average speed of any green varies widely from the average speed desired, determine the cause and correct this deficiency to bring the reading up to the desired average speed. This may be done by additional mowing at first and if this does not correct the deficiency, by altering other manage­ ment practices on deficient greens. Step 3. Once the average speed is attained and the average speeds are consistent (within plus or minus 6 inches among all greens), then it will only be necessary to test three or four greens daily to insure that the greens remain consistent throughout. The number tested daily will depend on the number of mowers used — i.e., if three different mowers are used, then it will be necessary to test one green mowed by each, etc. If triplex mowers are used, then four greens at minimum should be tested daily (two on the front side and two on the back side). Step 4. Once every month, re-test all greens to determine whether the average speed continues to be uniformly consistent. Variations in speed can do more to negate a player’s skill than perhaps any other factor on the golf course. Con­ sistency is the key word — not speed. Putting greens kept at speeds over 8'6" as a daily average will need extra labor and manpower because of additional maintenance practices required. Under extreme weather conditions, there is also a much greater potential for turf­ grass damage when putting green speeds are maintained above the fast range for regular membership play. As with any other tool, I would urge you to use the Stimpmeter to your professional advantage. Superintendent Ray Leyland, New Zealander Ross O’Fee and the Green Section’s Don Hoos discuss the Stimpmeter at Industry Hills, California. To achieve putting green speeds above 8'6" generally requires mowing heights below 3/16 inch. Mowing at these low heights requires additional time by the mechanic adjusting and setting the putting green mowers. Additional grinding and backlapping of bedknives and reels will be needed. Again, pressure is placed on the maintenance budget because of these practices. Weather conditions also influence putting green speed. Through the year as day length and temperatures change, variations in growth rate occur. If the growth rate is slow, daily mowing and other practices produce faster speeds than if the grass is growing vigorously. In areas of the country subject to high summer temperatures, growth of cool­ season grasses almost ceases. Bent­ grasses become partially dormant. Maintenance practices that produce fast putting green speeds can be especially dangerous under these con­ ditions. The plant’s ability to recover from stress is especially reduced; one mistake could result in turfgrass loss that could require the rest of the season to recover. It is of little value to have fast greens on July 4 if there are no greens in August. Comparisons between putting green speeds from one club to another are inevitable. Comparing the speed between greens at neighboring clubs has been going on since golf has been 10 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD played in this country, and it will continue, with or without the Stimp­ meter. However, rather than compare putting green speeds, perhaps the comparison should be in dollars bud­ geted for putting greens, water, pesti­ cides, and labor. Perhaps a mathemati­ cian could develop a formula to compare putting green speed and budget and also add in the weather for good measure. It is the grand total of innumerable agronomic practices that equals good putting qualities. Don’t be blinded by speed alone. THE STIMPMETER is a tool, plain and simple. It was invented in the 1930s by Edward S. Stimpson and refined by the USGA Green Section to give the golf course superintendent a way to measure the consistency in putting greens on his course. By using the tool on a regular basis, great inequities in putting green speeds over the course can be detected. If great disparity exists, then maintenance practices can be adjusted to even out the variations. Many superintendents have found the Stimpmeter to be a valuable tool and have made it work for them to make their courses even better. If you are one of those who consider the Stimpmeter an enemy, I would challenge you to know your enemy. Learn about the Stimpmeter. Educate your member­ A Secretary for The Golf Course Superintendent - The Need is Great! by RICHARD BATOR, Golf Course Superintendent, Oak Hill Country Club, Rochester, New York could not have accomplished all that we did without the services of this secretary! At this point, you are probably thinking to yourself, “Ahhh, but / really don’t need a secretary at MY course.” However, how many times have fellow superintendents ... or your Green Com­ mittee Chairman . . . been unable to reach you? And how many incomplete phone messages have you tried to decipher (i.e., six-digit phone numbers), if you were lucky enough to even get the message at all? Effective communications are extremely important in successful golf course operations. A secretary provides the vital link between the golf course superintendent and the rest of the industry. What are some of the other respon­ sibilities of our secretary? The following is a brief job description of her duties. She must be able to: A. Set up and administer a simple accounts payable, receivable and purchase order system. (My ability to stay within budget has been greatly improved as a result of having my secretary handle this responsibility!) Superintendent Richard Bator and secretary Joanne Santone form a team for today’s effective golf course management. THE MANAGEMENT of a golf course today is big business. It often involves: A. A real estate investment of over $1 million, B. A yearly budget of $150,000 to over $600,000, C. A labor force of from 10 to 40 employees, and D. A projected income ranging from about $300,000 to $2 million. Think about it! If you owned or worked for a company that met these criteria, wouldn’t you want, expect, and indeed find essential a competent secretary? I am sure you would. Further, what manager or executive in his right mind would attempt to act as his own secretary in such a large operation? Well, at Oak Hill Country Club, in Rochester, New York, we have been using a secretary in the maintenance department since 1978. In fulfilling the responsibilities of today’s golf course superintendent, such an addition to the staff, I feel, can be more than justified. Some background information may be in order. At my two previous clubs (both 18 holes) prior to my coming to Oak Hill, I did all the paperwork, with the help of my wife. Upon arriving at Oak Hill in 1978, we were faced with preparing the course for the 1981 PGA Championship, only three years away. Oak Hill has 36 holes, and I found it physically and mentally impossible to work, manage, and keep track of all the bookkeeping, correspondence, telephone calls, budget, and report writing necessary to do my job in a thoroughly professional and complete manner. To help ease the burden, I hired a part-time secretary, who worked on an average of between 20 and 30 hours a week, depending on seasonal needs. There is no doubt in my mind that I B. Type budgets, long-range planning reports, edit newsletters and articles for publication. C. Read and understand monthly financial statements and run a cash flow chart. D. Set up and help me keep appoint­ ments, including keeping me abreast of tournament dates. E. Keep an accurate filing system. F. Know the layout of the golf course. G. Take dictation reasonably well. H. Act as a confidante. I. Have effective telephone skills. J. Help manage a payroll system along with keeping an accurate overtime ledger. K. Occasionally go after repair parts. L. And finally, to present an out­ going, pleasant, and professional personality. I consider my secretary an inside assistant and an invaluable link in insuring effective communications on the golf course. Initially, there are added expenses, such as her salary, additional office equipment, supplies, club benefits and a separate washroom. However, in the long run, she will save you time, aggravation, and money, besides making you a much more organized and efficient manager. What Qualities Should You Look For in A Secretary? In selecting a secretary, you might think that a young, attractive, centerfold­ quality female who can type 100 words a minute, graduated from a top univer­ sity, is pleasant on the telephone and has a great sense of humor would be a perfect secretary. However, a recent survey shows this notion is wrong. Qualities such as reliability, intelligence, conscientiousness, along with good skills in grammar, dictation, and typing accuracy, as well as the ability to deal with people, lead the list of qualities to seek in a secretary. Selling The Idea This is all well and good, but how can the golf course superintendent convince his club that such managerial assistance is really necessary? The answer is simple and basic. The operation of a golf course today is big business. How can the general manager, club manager, and even club professional, along with all the businessmen on the Board of Directors in their own operations function without a secretary? These people should most appreciate the value of a good secretary to the efficient operation of a business or an office. These are businessmen. Approach it on the basis of better business management. Granted, not all clubs require a secretary. However, the larger and more compli­ cated the golf course operation becomes, the more justification there is for a secretary. In my opinion, for too long the green superintendent has been kept in the background and has not aggressively pursued an upgrading of his professional image and/or business operation for better efficiency and ease of accom­ plishment. After working the long days so necessary in our profession, it may be unrealistic to expect the super­ intendent to also take paperwork home with him. Isn’t there already enough mental anguish in the job during the day? In my opinion, once the superinten­ dent’s needs are explained and the benefits analyzed, the Green Committee Chairman and Board of Directors should be very receptive to the idea. It is amazing what can be accomplished simply by asking! The benefits of a secretary in the grounds department are many. If your club is a large enough operation, then by acquiring the services of a secretary, you will be doing yourself, your family, and your club a great service. News Notes for Midsummer Carl Schwartzkopf Resigns: James Snow Appointed Northeastern Director Carl Schwartzkopf announced his resig­ nation from the Green Section staff on June 1, 1982. He will pursue new oppor­ tunities in his home state of Michigan. Carl joined the Green Section in 1971 in the North Central Region. He traveled widely, however, serving USGA Member Clubs in the Western and Eastern regions as well. In 1980, he became the Northeastern Director and Assistant National Director. His many friends within the USGA and through­ out the turfgrass world wish him well and great success in his new endeavors. James T. Snow, formerly Senior Agronomist of the Northeastern Region, succeeds Carl Schwartzkopf as Director. A graduate of Cornell University, Jim Snow joined the Green Section staff in 1976 after completing his Master’s Degree there in Ornamental Horticul­ ture. Jim is widely known and respected for his turfgrass knowledge, speaking and writing abilities. 12 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD Avoiding the Ugly Pond This article, by Timothy G. Ansett, appeared in the January/February 1982 Record. A correction is required on page 3. A liner thickness of “10 mm” should read “10 mils.” To our friends from Mexico City, our thanks for the correc­ tion. To our other friends, we apologize. We trust the misprint was questioned. Charles “Bud” White Named Southeastern Director The Green Section’s Southeastern Region has a new Director in Charles B. White. A graduate of Tennessee Tech with a Master’s Degree from Clemson University, Bud White became a member of the Green Section staff in 1978 and succeeds retiring James B. Moncrief as Southeastern Director. As Senior Agronomist, Bud has been consulting with USGA Member Clubs throughout the South for the past four years. He is ably assisted in the region by Steve M. Batten, who joined the Green Section earlier this year. 1983 Fee for Turfgrass Advisory Service to Remain at Current Level Stephen J. Horrell, USGA Green Section Committee Chairman, announced in mid-June that 1983 fees for the Green Section Turfgrass Advisory Service will remain at the current level. This means that the annual fee will remain at $450 per visit if payment is received at Golf House not later than April 15, 1983. Thereafter, $500 per visit will be charged. The earlier sign-up permits more efficient travel scheduling and thus lowers the cost of operation. The Green Section has received the support of just over 1,000 subscribing clubs this year and is looking forward to improving its contribution even more to course superintendents and green committees of USGA Member Clubs in 1983. The annual fee of $500 is less than one-quarter of one percent of most golf maintenance budgets today. It represents the best buy in golf management — for you, your club — for all of golf. The USGA Research Committee (left to right): Stephen J. Horrell, Charles W. Smith, W. H. Bengeyfield, Harry W. Easterly, Jr., Dr. Paul Rieke, James B. Moncrief, H. E. Neale, Dr. James R. Watson. Dr. Marvin H. Ferguson is not present. The Green Section’s New Turfgrass Research Committee TO GUIDE the USGA’s proposed multi-million-dollar turfgrass research project over the next 10 or more years, a Research Advisory Committee has been formed. Since last January, it has already held three important planning meetings. “We believe this will develop into one of our most important undertakings,” said Harry W. Easterly, Jr., USGA Senior Executive Director. “In time, the research program developed by this Committee could lead to major break­ throughs in all phases of turfgrass maintenance, including golf, athletic fields, lawns, parks, highways, etc.” The Committee is comprised of some of the nation’s leading turfgrass experts: Dr. Marvin H. Ferguson, Research Director, American Society of Golf Course Architects; Dr. Paul Rieke, Associate Professor, Michigan State University; Dr. James R. Watson, Vice- President, The Toro Company; Stephen J. Horrell, Chairman, USGA Green Section Committee; Harry W. Easterly, Jr., USGA Senior Executive Director; Charles W. Smith, USGA Director, Administration and Services; William H. Bengeyfield, Committee Chairman and National Director, USGA Green Section; James B. Moncrief, Former Director, Southeastern Region, USGA Green Section; Harold E. Neale, USGA Director of Development. The primary purpose of the program is to develop minimal-maintenance turfgrasses. Emphasis will be placed on water-conserving, salt-tolerant, cold- and heat-tolerant, disease- and insect­ resistant grasses having low nutritional requirements. The ultimate goal is a wear-resistant turf with the above qualities that also provides excellent playing surfaces. The original concept was developed by A. M. Radko of the USGA Green Section and Dr. James B. Beard of Texas A&M University. Funding has recently been provided for the start of a study on stress mechanisms within grass plants. Another major Committee effort will be to develop a computerized reference source for all published turfgrass research literature. The literature sources will be gathered from through­ out the world and made available through a computer data bank. Thus researchers, teachers, extension specialists, course superintendents, etc., will have access to turfgrass research listings as to title, data, where located, etc. This will serve a great purpose for turfgrass information and future advances. To improve and increase germplasm for future turfgrass breeding projects, the Committee has provided funds in recent months for several overseas grass plant collection trips. Expeditions to Asia and South Africa (related article in this issue) have already been funded. With this new germplasm, the Green Section will be able to sponsor various breeding programs to achieve the objec­ tives noted above. The Research Advisory Committee serves, without compensation, at the pleasure of the USGA Executive Com­ mittee. It will coordinate and become the watchdog over the entire project to insure proper progress, expenditures, and direction toward these and future essential worthwhile goals. JULY/AUGUST 1982 13 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD JULY/AUGUST 1982 TURF TWISTERS PLAIN WATER IS NOT ENOUGH Question: We are in the middle of our spray season; tell me (one more time) how best to clean my spray tank. (Missouri) Answer: Spray tanks and rigs should be cleaned immediately after every use. Remember, a thorough rinsing with water is NOT sufficient to remove potentially harmful residues. Therefore, thoroughly wash all parts of the sprayer (tank, hose, boom, nozzles) with any one of the following in 100 gallons of water: 1. One gallon household ammonia (allow to stand overnight). 2. Five pounds of sal soda. 3. Eight pounds of trisodium phosphate. I LL HAVE SOME IRON Question: Frequently throughout the growing season, our greens will have good growth rates but also begin to go off color. Can anything be done to improve color without overstimulating growth? (North Carolina) Answer: You bet! Light applications of ferrous iron sulfate (one to two ounces in no more than five gallons of water per 1,000 square feet) with each fungicide application beginning in mid-spring will help grasses retain color. During excessively hot weather, apply ferrous iron sulfate once every three to four weeks. Do not “water in.” This is intended to be a leaf feeding. BETWEEN ROOT ROT & FOLIAGE Question: Root rot disease and foliage disease — what’s the difference in spraying for them? (Georgia) Answer: Root-infesting diseases have recently been a problem, especially on greens. The same materials that are effective for foliage diseases are also effective for diseases in the root system. The water carrier, however, must be increased to five gallons per 1,000 square feet to drench the fungicide into the root zone. Applying the material and then watering in afterwards is not as effective. Spiking, slicing, or aeration prior to spraying is most important.