SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS
ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE
MUD-ATLANTIC ASSOCIATION OF GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS

Under the Auspices
of the
Extension Service
University of Maryland

Holiday Inn, Downtown
Howard and Lombard Streets
Baltimore, Maryland
January 11 and 12, 1965

INDEX
The Conference Opens

Page 1

The Presidents Message - Thomas A. Doerer, Jr.

1

Turf Development in Virginia - Dr. H. L. Dunton

2

Developments in Turf grass Culture - Dr. Ralph Engel

3

Using Roses for Beautification - Rodney Witman

4

Talks Not Received for Summarization

5

Value and Need of Complete Golf Course Construction Specifications H. B. Misser

6

Wilt - Robert A. Moore

10

Presiding at the Conference

12

Turf Observations in Maryland - E. E. Deal (Dr.)

13

The Conquest of Spring Dead Spot of Bermudagrass - Stan Freceriksen

14

Landscaping the Country Club - Raymond P. Korbobo

15

The Dinner Meeting

16

The Governor's Address - Honorable J. Millard Tawes

17

Fertilization - Dr. Fred V. Grau

19

Irrigation Installation - Joseph C. Tropeano

21

Increase of Play and its Problems - James E. Thomas

22

Public Course Turf Maintenance - Bradley J. Strouth

24

What is a Golf Course Superintendent? - L. R. Shields

26

Communication - Frank H. Cronin

29

ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF TEE
MID-ATLANTIC ASSOCIATION OF GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS
HOLIDAY INN, DOWNTOWN - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
JANUARY 11 AND 12, 1965
Summary
With approximately 185 in attendance, the Annual Conference of the Mid-Atlantic
Association of Golf Course Superintendents was called to order by Dr. George S.
Langford, State Entomologist, University of Maryland, College Park. This was followed by Greetings and Welcome from Dr. Gordon M. Cairns, Dean of Agriculture,
University of Maryland, and a message from Thomas A. Doerer, Jr., President of the
Association.
The program committee consisted of Angelo Commarota, Sheldon R. Betterly,
Frank J. Haske, Russell W. Kerns, George S. Langford, Alex D. Watson, and George
C. Gumm, Chairman.
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THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Thomas A. Doerer, Jr.
Good Morning Gentlemen. May I on behalf of the Middle Atlantic Golf Course
Superintendents, welcome you to this our 36th annual Turf Grass Conference. It is a
privilege and also a pleasure to be President of this fine group of superintendents
for the coming year. We feel we have made some progress in the past year and we will
try to make even greater progress in the coming year. We feel certain that this
fine conference will be the starting point toward this progress. Dr. George Langford
of the University of Maryland and our Educational Director, Mr. George Gumm, along
with his committee, have gone all out in their efforts to bring you one of the most
comprehensive programs we have had in our history. May we present this two-day program to you for your education and enjoyment.
Assembled here for this conference are speakers whose combined knowledge, would
be valued by industry at well over a Million Dollars. We have speakers representing
all phases of the turf business such as - Pathology, Entomology, Agronomy, Fertilization, Irrigation, Chemicals, Landscaping, Horticulture, Publicity, Deans of
several leading Universities, President of our National Association, also the
Governor of this great state of Maryland.
If we as superintendents can absorb just 10% of what these men are going to
tell us we will leave this conference with a bank account of knowledge that will
produce great interest in the years to come. Time is another deposit we can add to
this account, so let us use this time allotted these next two days to its greatest
advantage. Please be here on time so that the speakers can use their time to our
advantage.
This evening at 6 p. m. we will have a social hour sponsored by our good
friends the Golf Course Suppliers of this area. At 7 p. m. we will start the annual
Banquet: at this time we will present our distinguished guest speaker the Honorable
J. Millard Tawes. Governor of the State of Maryland. After the message from
Governor Tawes we will make three special awards to distinguished contributors to
our progress in Turf in the Middle Atlantic area.
Once again welcome to the Conference and by all means have a good time.

TURF DEVELOPMENT IN VIRGINIA
H. L. Dunton - Department of Agronomy
Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, Va.
Today, I shall give a brief report on the development of the Turf Program in
Virginia, not for what we have done and are doing but because of the very great
importance that we attach to turf in the state.
We often do not realize the growing importance of turf. However, when we stop
and consider the fact that in our state and most of the mid-Atlantic states, the
population is increasing in the urban area and decreasing in the rural farm areas and
is expected to continue this trend. This creates the need for more turf. We look at
the increase in interstate highways and see that it takes at least twenty-five acres
of turf on the average for each mile of interstate highway, or when we look at the
fact that we are building in 1964 from ten to thirty-five new golf courses in each of
the mid-Atlantic states, or when we stop and consider the vast increase in students
at schools in the state, we realize again the great need of turf. In Virginia, we
estimate that over 150,000 acres are now devoted to turf and that each family spends
approximately $50 per year for turf or a total of around $50,000,000 or more per
year. This is equal to the value of the total fertilizer sales in the state or
exceeds the value of many crops now under production. Turf is not only important,
turf is big business.
We have endeavored to organize the turf program as a complete program including
research, resident teaching and extension.
Research
In research, we are dealing with most of the fields involved in turf such as
that of fine turf as related to golf courses, with mixtures and management of these
mixtures and a rather large program in disease and weed control.
We are also conducting lawn research involving mixtures, management, fertilization and similar. Research is being conducted for playgrounds and athletic fields.
A large amount of cooperative research with the Highway Research Board and the
Federal Highway Department is being carried out on road banks in which we are studying mulches, fertilization, mixtures, management and so forth. The above are a few
of the phases in which the research is involved.
Extension
The extension program endeavors to take the information to the people who use it.
The extension program includes information in the field of golf, lawns, playgrounds,
athletic fields and the like. The extension program is carried out through the regular channels of communication in which the specialists and county agents are involved.
Special emphasis is being given in urban counties to turf extension work. Many organizations such as the Four Turf Groups, the Turfgrass Council, the Garden Clubs and
the like are most helpful in carrying information on turf to the users.
Teaching
The Agronomy Department has inaugurated what may be termed a.work-study program.
The undergraduate student enrolls in Agronomy and specializes in turf. He takes the
regular courses plus special courses related to turf and during the summer works on
golf courses or with the research program. This is a very effective program and is
constantly enlarging.

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Many more undergraduate students are needed in this program to supply the
urgent demand for men trained in this field. High school students should be
encouraged to give consideration to this.
In addition to the undergraduate program, a strong graduate program in turf has
been inaugurated and a number of graduate students are at present majoring in this
field.
The growing importance of turf must be recognized and adequate personnel,
facilities and funds made available to carry forward this important program in our
urban and rural economy.
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DEVELOPMENTS IN TURFGRASS CULTURE
Ralph E. Engel
Rutgers - The State University
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Staying abreast of the many new developments that may or may not apply to a
turf production program is one of the grower1s toughest assignments. Knowing the
grass better and discovering new varieties has been an active field for two generations. The more recent advent of chemicals in turfgrass production has given numerous improvements. Currently, new grass varieties of prominence are rather scarce.
This cannot be expected to last long, as new species are likely to become very
abundant. The future will require even more effort to evaluate and place new turfgrass developments.
We have reached the day when the grower should keep records on new developments
that may interest him. For example, with chemicals - large size file cards might
be kept on the chemical and the weed of concern. Any pertinent observations on
effectiveness, safety, grass species, and source of observation or comment should be
recorded. This will help you know the chemical before attempting general use.
Pre-emergence crabgrass control has been one of the most dramatic areas. We
had chlordane and the arsenates a few years back. For the past several years we
have been in a dacthal and zytron era. Currently we have Azak, Betasan, El-110
(Binnell), Tupersan, and Vel 21944 which have shown varying degrees of promise. Of
these Azak and Betasan have been studied longer. Tupersan which is newer offers an
advantage in safety when treating over newly seeded lawn grasses. On repeated
occasions dry applications of a given chemical are considerably more efficient than
water spray application. In part this may be associated with uniformity of spraying.
More study must be done to determine the most successful chemical and best techniques of usage. The most prominent chemical of the future will show immediate and
long-term safety to the turfgrasses as well as ability to control crabgrass at low
cost.
Goosegrass control - Azak, bandane, Betasan, chlordane, dacthal, zytron,
Binnell (El-110), Tupersan, and V-21944 gave 50% goosegrass control or better on
occasions in the 1964 tests. No chemical gave a high degree of control with any
consistency in the various treatments which were applied on two different dates at
each of two locations. None of the chemicals were consistently free of injury on
the mixed fairway turf used for test sites. Azak, which gave more consistent
control, was the most injurious. On one test site that was predominantly annual
bluegrass, all chemical treatments gave higher clover readings. Some of the treatments shOY/ed more than 100% increase in clover content.

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Zoysia Establishment - Chemicals were applied over zoysia rhizomes planted in
June 1964. The rhizomes, typically had a few roots and shoots. The chemicals were
applied the day following planting, oimazine and atrazine appeared most useful for
weed control. An application rate of one pound per acre was effective and nearly as
good as two pounds per acre. The two-pound rate of simazine was safe on five
different zoysias tested.
NCPP and dicamba herbicides on bentgrass turf - Late summer applications of
1-1/2 pounds per acre of NCPP and 1/2 pound of dicamba were less harmful tc the
bentgrass during the fall season than 1 pound of silvex. Clover and chickweed
control from the dicamba treatment was similar to the silvex treatment. The NCPP
treatment was slightly less effective on chickweed.
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USING ROSES FOR BEAUTIFICATION
Rodney Witman
Star Roses - The Conard-Pyle Co.
West Grove, Pennsylvania
There have been more songs, poems written, romances begun, and continued, hearts
lightened and made joyful, feelings and thoughts conveyed, with roses than probably
with any other group of plants known. And many times this has been accomplished
equally as well with one single rose bud or with a huge bouquet of hundreds of
roses.
The Black & Decker Company maintains they do not sell a
electric drill.
They offer quite the opposite. They offer the easiest, quietest, and quickest
hole that is on the market today.
Eastern Airlines doesnft sell plane tickets to Miami, Madrid, or Puerto Rico.
Instead they inform you that within 2 or 3 hours of your home romance, love,
excitement, and beautiful girls are anxiously awaiting your arrival.
The Conard-Pyle Company does not sell a rose plant. Instead they offer something tangible that develops into something intangible, which allows us humans to
convey our hope, our love, our sadness, and our joy to other humans.
I understand that every month, a Washington florist delivers one single rose
bud to the grave of our dear departed President, John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Donor
remains anonymous. Why? This donor could get his name in the newspapers, perhaps
even his picture, but he chooses to remain anonymous, and to convey his feelings,
with a rose bud. And I suspect that every time that rose bud is placed on that
grave, a part of the whole world in which we live accompanies it. Can any better
tribute be granted to such a man? Did he not install into each of us, enthusiasm,
love, peace, or even make us feel a little younger? Or am I being too dramatic?
I do not think so. The rose bud doesn!t deserve the credit for who or what a
a mam or woman is or was. But it does, give us poor, weak, and many times
afraid, humans the chance to express our true feelings. Whether it be to an
assassinated President, or to a drunken derelict who has caused nothing but
misery to everyone he has come into contact with, or to a loved one who perhapssomehow we have harmed. A rose will say all that needs to be said, with all
the emotion that is needed and all the love necessary. Accompanying each rose
that you would ever give to anyone, will go a small part of you. But again I
ask, why all this over a rose? Well perhaps it is the reliable nature that
a rose contains. Roses are perhaps the oldest and hardiest of flowers known.

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A man can place a lot of faith on the rose. He can have much confidence that after
planting it will return him much beauty for any toil he may place into it. So
perhaps when we give a rose it does instill a sense of confidence or faith. We
have faith that it will do what it is expected to do. In happiness or in sadness,
a rose will always transmit our feelings.
Perhaps it is the strong straight canes of a rose, that gives each bud
strength, that causes us humans to gain a little strength by enjoying and working
with roses. When a rose is judged, the stronger and longer the rose stems are, the
better chance the rose has to be a winner. Isn*t that somehow true of us humans.1
Perhaps it is the fine array of colors that the roses contain. The variety
of colors enables them to appeal to nearly everyone. Perhaps many will not enjoy
growing roses, however, nearly everyone enjoys looking at roses. The buds last for
days when cut. When open, the fragrance fills the air wherever they may be. Even
so, with all the fine colors that roses have, hybridizers are still trying to gain
a deeper, truer red, and a deeper, truer yellow, than any known at present.
If you ever get an intense liking for roses, you will be known as an addict in
the plant world.
I suggest, all you gentlemen here tonight need roses. I feel you have a very
definite responsibility to the people you serve. Why did the people join your
clubs and continue to serve. Why did the people join your clubs and continue to
be members for years and years. Oh, of course perhaps for a status reason. But
I think above all it is to enjoy the atmosphere. It is, a quiet, peaceful, and
relaxing atmosphere that prevails.
Many of your members have no desire or time to grow roses. So wouldnH it
be a plus, to the already immaculte landscape of your club, to have a few roses
in your landscape? You do not need many. You do not need roses for beautification.
One rose will do much. I feel that we have many few true retreats to turn to
today. Fine art, good music, and true natural landscaping. Can your Club help
your members appreciate life a little more? Could a rose or roses help?

TALKS NOT RECEIVED FOR SUMMARIZATION
What Every Superintendent Should Know About Plant Diseases
Dr. Stephen Bachelder
Agricultural Extension Service
Elizabeth, New Jersey
Turf Grass Weed Control
Dr. Joseph M. Duich, Associate Professor
Department of Agronomy
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
Progress of Golf
Herb Graffis, Editor
GoIfdorn Magazine
Chicago, Illinois

Note:—A mimeograph, with data
covering Dr. Duich1 s talk was
distributed at the meeting.

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VALUE AND NEED OF COMPLETE GOLF COURSE CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS
H. B. Musser
The American Society of Golf Course Architects
State College, Pennsylvania
The heavy use and ever increasing demands for perfection in playing conditions
on the modern golf course require such an intensive type of maintenance that anything less than the "best possible construction is almost sure, eventually, to result
in a poor, or at best, a mediocre course.
Faulty construction is directly responsible for many of the most serious problems encountered in maintenance of satisfactory turf. Failture to provide for
adequate sub-surface drainage of greens, poor surface course mixtures which are subject to severe compaction, inadequate soil preparation on fairways, shoddy seeding
methods - these and many more "built in" mistakes of the same nature, are the stuff
of future maintenance troubles which will require major reconstruction or renovation
to correct.
The preparation of a complete and concise set of specifications is the first
step in protecting a very substantial initial investment against future outlays of
additional funds, and of insuring against permanent mediocrity of playing conditions.
Building a modern golf course is a specialized operation. Results can be far less
than satisfactory, unless the right construction methods are clearly defined and
properly fitted to each specific job.
Most of the difficulties arise from a failure to prepare a complete and firm
directive which specifically outlines each phase of all of the construction operations. This should be so organized that the provisions are definite and capable of
reasonably exact interpretation by everyone concerned. Essentially, it is the responsibility of the Architect. If specifications are so indefinite or so general
that the directive for any operation is capable of different interpreations, they
may be worth little more than the paper on which they are written. I strongly suspect that this is one of the chief causes of disagreements arising between construction and maintenance people, and for the very material differences we often find between contractors bid proposals.
It has been argued, and unfortunately sometimes assumed, that construction
operations, such as greens drainage, seedbed preparation, methods of topsoil mixing,
and many other items of a construction job, are so standardized that a good contractor will follow accepted procedures, and that there is no necessity for "spelling out" specific requirements. In an extreme case which I encountered several
years ago there were no written construction specifications. Essentially, the agreement between the Owner and the Contractor was a verbal, shake hands understanding
that the course would be built in accordance with the Architect's design and under
his supervision. This by a group of men who, in their own businesses, would not
even build a chicken coop without complete plans and specifications and a performance bond. Several hundred thousands of dollars ?/ere spent on the course and large
sections of it had to be completely rebuilt within two years. While this is an
extreme case, similar dangerous assumptions occur in varying degrees in entirely too
many construction contracts. When trouble results there is no recourse, and it is
difficult to be very sympathetic.
Sketchy or incomplete provisions for construction are not the only things that
may affect the adequacy of specifications. Bid proposals must be based primarily on
costs of materials and of the labor and equipment involved in doing the job in
accordance with the provisions of the contract. Now, certainly, there are other
factors which may influence a contract bid. But if the provisions for materials
that are to be used, and for the method of doing each job are outlined in clear

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concise form, which leaves no opportunity for misunderstanding, the ovmer will know
exactly what he has a right to expect in the way of actual construction performance,
and so has a basis -for evaluating other considerations which may influence a bid
proposal.
^
Among the many items,involving contractual relationship between owner and
contractor, none is of more interest and concern to the Owner than the Construction
Schedule. If it is a public course, he wants to get it into operation as soon as
possible for financial reasons. On private courses there always is impatience on
the part of prospective users to get them open for play. The section of the contract
covering a construction schedule can be set up in simple tabular form and might look
like this:
CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE. The Contractor agrees to perform construction operations in
accordance with the following schedule. Since it is recognized that certain operations may be affected by soil and weather conditions, the schedule may be modified
with the consent of the owner or his representative.
Operation

Starting
Date

Completion
Date

1. Clearing
2. Base construction (Greens & Tees)
3. Rough grading and surface drainage
4. Pond and stream development
5. Installation of drainage and
irrigation systems
6. Completion of greens and tees construction
7. Seedbed preparation of fairways and roughs
8. Seeding of fairways and roughs
9. Final surface preparation and seeding
or vegetating of greens and tees
Another important item in the category of relationships between owner and contractor, which should be covered as definitely as possible, relates to changes and
unexpected work. It sometimes happens that owners change their minds after a green
or tee is built, and want it changed. Also, since courses are built on many different types of terrain, it sometimes is very difficult to anticipate unexpected construction problems that may be encountered, and which are beyond the specific provisions of the contract. Both situations can become sources of controversy as to responsibility for the cost of doing the work. While I doubt whether it ever will be
possible to cover every eventuality, I think that areas of disagreement could be reduced materially by including a section on such situations in the specifications.
Another source of potential misunderstanding and future maintenance problems,
which should be covered in any set of specifications is responsibility for repairs
and maintenance prior to acceptance of the complete job. Few courses ever have been
built, especially on rolling terrain, that have not been subject to some washing and
gulleying prior to establishment of a protective turf cover; and there always is
danger of poor initial stands due to unfavorable weather, etc. If the owner wishes
to make the contractor responsible for the repair of such areas, he should appre-

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ciate that the bid proposal will be increased sufficiently to protect the contractor
against the possible cost of the extra work. If the future superintendent is on the
job, it sometimes pays off to gamble that not much repair work will be necessary, and
absolve the contractor from responsibility for having to do it. But if the requirement for repairs is included in the specifications, the obligation as to what is to
be done and the method of doing it should be outlined in detail. The provisions
should include:
1. A specific item specifying who small determine the extent of the areas requiring repair, and the basis for the determination.
2. The character of seedbed preparation and reseeding or vegetating.
3. A guarantee of an acceptable stand.
As everyone will appreciate who has had contact with golf course construction,
it frequently happens that some areas have been completed ahead of others. Turf
establishment on them may have progressed to the point where maintenance is required
before the whole job has been accepted. So it would seem reasonable that the care of
these areas be the subject of a definite provision in the contract. The definite
provisions would include: 1. Frequency and height of mowing and the termination of
responsibility for mowing operations. 2. Who shall provide water and irrigation
equipment and operate it. 3# Provision that various types of maintenance equipment
be available when needed. 4. Responsibility for providing and applying top dressing,
fertilizer, pest control, and all other normal maintenance until final acceptance
of the job.
I would like to return to what really is the heart of any set of construction
specifications, namely; provisions for materials and methods of doing the job. As
stated previously, most of the serious omissions in these provisions are due to failures to include vital items, or to misinterpreations or disregard of what is required,
when bids are being prepared. Elimination of these sources of error and misunderstanding, and of resulting future problems of maintenance, is almost entirely a
matter of systematic organization of the specification sections which cover these
items.
If we hope to secure the greatest possible degree of simplicity and clarity,
the logical approach is to group the specific requirements into their respective categories. The first task is to clearly define the kind and character of each material
that is to be used, and to insure that their storage and handling on the job will be
such that they will not deteriorate prior to use. This can be specifically outlined
in descriptive paragraphs for each material. These should include a general statement covering ho?/ and where materials shall be stored, and a provision requiring the
contractor to submit invoices, upon request, covering the kind, quality and quantity
of each. It should be followed by descriptive paragraphs for each material, defining
their general character and any special handling requirements. For example, the paragraph on fertilizers should specify that they be delivered to the project in original
bags, correctly labeled with the analysis and formula, that they be in proper condition for spreading, and that they be stored in a manner that will preventdeterioration.
The second requirement of this section is that it contains specifications for
the exact quality and rates of application of each material to be used on the various
areas on the course. This can be done by setting up a relatively simple tabulation.
Again using Fertilizers as an illustration, the tabulation would look like this:

FERTILIZERS
Area

Analysis

Formula

Quantity
per 1000 sq. ft. per acre

9.
Total

Greens
Tees
Fairways
Roughs
Other
Concentration of materials requirements in a section organized as outlined,
permits development of specific directives as to how each phase of the construction
job is to be done, without complicating each step by having to repeatedly refer to
the kinds, rates, and quality of all materials that are to be used. A simple reference to the appropriate paragraph in the materials section takes care of this.
In preparing the methods section the first step would be to list all of the
operations that will be required. This should be followed by detailed directives for
each operation. They will include the preliminary operations of staking, clearing,
topsoil removal, and treatment of borro?/ pits and roads, the preparation of subgrades for all areas on the course, construction of greens and tees, installation of
drainage and irrigation systems, seedbed preparation, methods of seeding or vegetative planting, mulching, sodding, and care of completed work.
One of the virtues of a detailed directive for how each job is to be done is
that it eliminates differences in bid proposals by individual contractors, arising
from differences in interpretation
judgment as to what is necessary*
Noy/ let?s call a spade, a spade. We all know that courses have been built in
such a way as to create almost impossible maintenance problems. The frequency of the
necessity for reconstruction is a sad commentary on our failure to use the knowledge
and experience that is available. As noted in the beginning of this discussion, I
feel strongly that the preparation of adequate specifications is the starting point
in improving the whole picture of golf course building. But let*s face it, the best
specifications in the world are of no value unless they are fully accepted and
conscientiously followed.
What about the adequacy of supervision of the actual construction work? Theoretically, this should be the responsibility of the architect. However, most agreements between owners and architects call for only periodic visits. At the rate at
which modern construction operations progress, many things can, and too often do
happen betY/een these visits. A solution which has been used frequently with excellent results is appointment by the owner of a personal representative v/ho is competent to give day to day supervision of every phase of the job. It almost ?fgoes
without saying" that this individual must have a complete and firm set of specifications as a basis for any decision he may have to make.
It has not been possible, within the time that has been available, to present
anything approaching a complete outline for specification preparation. My concern
has been, primarily, to emphasize the relationship of this to the ultimate product.
For a complete outline of how construction specifications can be put together, I
refer you to a special publication of the Extension Serivce of the Pennsylvania State
University, "A Guide for Preparation of Specifications for Golf Course Construction."
Requests for it should be made to the Publications Department, Agricultural Extension
Service, the Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Penna. The policy of
the Extension Service permits free distribution to residents of the State. A charge
of
per copy is made to others.
(Paper read by Dr. Grau)

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WILT
Robert A. Moore, President
Aquatrols Corporation of America
Camden, New Jersey
Wilt in turfgrass has over the years been associated with (l) a lack of moisture in the soil at the root zone (dry wilt); (2) a lack of oxygen in the soil or
root zone solution (often called wet wilt); and (3) a poor, shallow root system.
The recent research work of Supt. Harry Meusel of the Yale Golf Course has
thrown some new light on the phenomonen of wilt. Y/ilt is still the result of the
plant losing water faster than the roots can replace it. However, his work is a
breakthrough in understanding this mechanism. Let us quickly summarize his work.
His earliest results showed that water losses from turfgrass occurred through the
stomata in the leaf. Next, he showed that frequent watering, such as a rainy period, increased percentagewise the number of stomata and, thereby, the tendency to
wilt. His most recent tests went a step further, and studied the effects of: watering frequency; extra fertilizer; the use of a non-ionic wetting agent; and the
effect of sprays to close the stomatal opening. V/e will use these results to summarize this new knowledge on wilt.
SLIDES: In the first slide we see one replica of his work, showing obvious
differences in color, density, and growth. Y/ilting was just as varied. In this
work, wilting was studied (l) by naturally allowing the treatments to wilt; and
(2) by placing them in a wilting chamber where light, temperature, air movement,
and humidity were controlled. Results from both techniques agreed on the following
order:
(Poorest) 1. Frequent watering and fertilizer
2. Frequent watering
3. Frequent watering, fertilizer, and wetting agent.
4. Infrequent watering and fertilizer
5• Infrequent watering
6. Frequent watering and wetting agent
7. Infrequent watering, fertilizer and wetting agent
(Best)
8. Infrequent watering and yretting agent
It will be noted that frequent watering, or a rainy period, increased the susceptibility to wilt; that fertilizer tends to aggravate this situation; and the use of
soil wetting agents lessens the susceptibility to wilting.
We must now look at the cell structure of the grass, in order to be able to see
what is happening as a result of these management changes. Multiple random sample
leaves were taken from each pot in each replica. Impressions were made to study the
stomata. It was found that frequent watering gave percentagey/ise twice as many
stomata, thus explaining partially the great susceptibility to wilting. Noy; these
stomatal changes did not ansy/er all the observations; i.e., fertilization had little
or no effect on the number of stomata, but did increase susceptibility to wilting;
soil wetting agents only slightly decreased the percentage of stomatal openings.
Consequently, it was necessary to study the internal cell structure of the grass, and
cross sections of each sample leaf y/ere prepared, involving the preparation and
study of thousands of sections.
The first slide of this group shows X the cross section of one sample, one that
is fairly resistant to wilt. Note the well-defined cell structure, and the compactness of the cells. The second slide, on the other screen for comparison, shows y/hat
is happening inside the grass plant under frequent v/atering. Note increase in looseness of cell structure caused by ah increase in intercellular air space from 1% to
15-20$.
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The third slide shows the effect of fertilizer and frequent watering. By comparison we see a further increase in intercelluar air space - up to 70% now - and
an explanation of the increased susceptibility to wilting earlier noted.
The last slide shows this same management condition with the exception that
these pots were treated with the non-ionic wetting agent. Note the much better
defiled and tighter cell structure and reduced intercellular air space~-down to 20%.
This percentage reduction in intercellular air space was evident in all treatments
treated with the soil wetting agent. Quality evaluation, area usage, etc. dictate
the necessity of using fertilizers for the color and turf density required.
I would like to anchor down in everyday experience, the significence of some of
this rather technical information. We all heard many times.that after a rainy period
mower damage is more likely. This is the time to be extra sure that your mowers
are set right and are good and sharp, or you111 get wilting, etc. The test results
showed
that
morphological changes can be brought about in 10 to 14 days, and
maybe in less time. In other words, a week of rain after a fertilization could
cause your grass to go from a good cell structure to a very poor cell structure.
This lack of turgid cell structure can also be a factor in traffic damage. Further,
recent research on the incidence of disease under high and lov/ moisture conditions,
has shown greater susceptibility to disease under high moisture condition.
It Y/ould be well at this point to make one other very significant comparison.
First Slide again. One replica, identified by letters only, was given an "eyeball"
rating by the local golf course superintendents and several of the Experiment Station personnel. These two samples were consistently chosen to be the best, or the
grass they would most like to have on their course, and next best treatment. Mien
you look at their cell structure and wilting characteristics, one finds the one
chosen best is really the best, but the one chosen second best is the absolute poorest. Weather, management and soil conditions can sometimes cause a deceiving
impression by appearance of the true condition of the turf. Again, we say, the
second best looking one was the poorest.
We have seen some of the factors causing wilt - let's go to the brighter side
of the story. Remembering that the water loss, which when it is in excess causes
wilting, occurs through the stomata of the leaf, work was done to develop materials
that could control the stomatal opening. During the course of this study it was
found that high light intensity was necessary for wilt; and a minimum temperature
was required, above which temperature had only a slight effect.
The results obtained showed that the stomatal opening could be closed, and
kept closed for a period up to 21 days by spraying the leaf with several different
materials. One such mixture, we have had on the market for the past two years now.
It has proved very successful, but cannot be used on Merion Bluegrass because of
this grasses' susceptibility to phenyl mercury. We are introducing two new mixtures
this year that are primarily used in floriculture and ornamental horticultural v/ork,
which will not have this toxic problem. These sprays affect the permeability of the
guard cells of the stomata, causing them to collapse and thereby closing or keeping
closed the stomatal opening.
In conclusion, I would like to summarize this information in a program that
should assure the least incidence of wilt. We have seen that infrequent watering is
highly desirable. Data from Texas A & M, and similar results with plants at Cornell
and Penn State have shown that it is possible to increase the time between watering
by 50 to 100% in soils that are treated with the non-ionic wetting agent. It takes
twice as long to reach these wilting tensions in treated soils. As pointed out in
the slides, this reduced watering will improve cell structure and will reduce percentage of stomata. Next, we have seen that the use,of non-ionic wetting agents

- 12 -

will further improve cell structure by reducing intercellular air space for additional reduced tendency to wilt. These results would indicate the desirability of
using a soil wetting agent to allow better water management, and to insure
against adverse weather conditions.
Fertilizer applications should be regulated from a wilt standpoint, as well as
from an appearance standpoint.
During periods of high light intensity and warmer temperatures, excessive
transpiration can be prevented by the use of sprays to close the stomatal openings.
Summing up these desired conditions into an average program would be as follows :
1. In early spring - April - a treatment of non-ionic wetting agent at
8 oz./lOOO sq. ft.
2. In later spring, when the weekly fungicide preventative sprays are started,
the inclusion in these sprays of 1-1/2 oz./lOOO sq. ft. of the non-ionic wettingagent. This application each week up through August or September, will maintain
the desired low tension soil condition.
3. A reduction, by about two-thirds, in watering.
4. In early summer - June - a treatment each week of the stomatal control
spray - preferably just before the weekend. These sprays should be applied as a
routine preventative, and should be continued through September.
5. In early fall - September or October - a treatment of non-ionic wetting
agent at 8 oz./lOOO sq. ft. This fall treatment has proven very beneficial
against winter damages - which is related, but is another whole subject in itself.
PRESIDING AT THE CONFERENCE
The following superintendents aided President Doerer as presiding officials
during the several conference sessions:
Alex D. Watson, Superintendent, Sparrows Point Country Club,
Sparrows Point, Maryland

.

Angelo Cammarota, Superintendent, Bonnie View Country Club,
Baltimore, Maryland
Sheldon R. Betterly, Superintendent, Chantilly Golf and Country Club,
Centreville, Virginia

~ 13 ~

TURF OBSERVATIONS IN MARYLAND
Élwyn E. Deal
Agronomy Department, University of Maryland
The turf industry has been big business in Maryland for several years, but
recently it has been skyrocketing. In 1962-63, approximately 7,000 acres of sod
were sold for $2 million. The one million homeowners in Maryland spent an estimated
$33 each per year for lawn maintenance, hence a $33 million business. The cost of
establishment and maintenance of Maryland roadsides is about $2.5 million per year.
Golf course superintendents add almost a million dollars yearly to the stateTs
economy from salaries alone.
In 1963, some 94 golf courses were in operation in Maryland and the District of
Columbia. The population was about 3,870,000, resulting in a ratio of approximately
41,000 persons per golf course. Only the wildest imagination can picture what would
happen to these courses if everyone played golf regularly. The Maryland-D.C. area
ranks 49th among the fifty states in the high ratio of number of persons per golf
course.
Some of the situations and problems of turf production in Maryland in 1964
are listed below:
Common Kentucky Bluegrass - was severely damaged by leafspot in the spring.
Some slight injury was also noted in the fall.
Merion Kentucky Bluegrass - was damaged by several diseases including stripe
smut, stem rust, dollar spot and Fusarium roseum. Ho?/ wide-spread and how serious
the latter problem, F. roseum. has become is not known. Stripe smut and leaf rust
infections have not been wide-spread, but caused severe injury where they have
occurred. Dollar spot problems have been rather general, but not too severe. Lack
of management know-how is probably one of the prime reasons for poor Merion performance.
Tufcote Bermudagrass - has now been planted in almost all parts of the State.
Information on its adaptation and possible uses is very limited, but it appears to
be well suited for use on tees and fairways of golf courses. Newly planted sprigs
of Tufcote will not tolerate simazin, the weed preemergence herbicide, at rates of
one to two and one half pounds per acre. This was discovered when the fairways of
one golf course were sprayed soon after planting. Almost all of the Bermuda sprigs
were killed or severely injured and those that survived will probably not be able to
survive the winter.
Meyer Zoysia - lawns in Maryland were invaded by billbugs, Sphenophorus venatus
vestita. In some instances up to 85 or 90 per cent of the zoysia was killed. Only
the Meyer variety has been severely attacked. Chlordane has not been very effective
in controlling billbugs. Phosphorus-containing insecticides may provide a better
cure for the problem than chlordane.
Poa Annua - contamination in seed lots of other bluegrasses, particularly those
imported from other countries, has caused much concern recently. Some lots have
been found to contain up to 37,000 annual bluegrass seeds per pound. If seed lots
free of Poa annua are desired, it should be designated in v/riting on the order when
purchasing seed.
New Turf grass Species - "Evansville" creeping bentgrass and "Midwest" zoysia
have been released by Purdue University. Neither has been evaluated in Maryland.
"Windsor" bluegrass, released by 0. M. Scotts^ has not sho?m any great improvement
over other varieties. Windsor appears to be intermediate between Common and Merion
Kentucky bluegrass in most characteristics, including color, vigor, density, disease

- 14 -

resistance and others.
Soil Test Results - from Maryland golf courses in 1963 and 1964 show that at
least 60 per cent of the greens and tees are very high in P2O5; most of the greens
are medium and tees are high in K2O; greens and tees are usually high in magnesium;
fair?/ays are usually medium in P2O5; K2O and magnesium; and the average pH of greens
is 6.4, tees is 6.0, and fairways is 5.7.
Numerous other problems in turf management were encountered during 1964, among
them the extremely dry summer and fall. Lack of fairway irrigation on many golf
courses multiplied the problems of summer survival and management. Misuse of chemicals and fertilizers has resulted in poor turf in some instances. Diseases, insects
and weeds of somewhat less importance than those mentioned above were subjects of
concern, but usually did not become widespread problems.
A serious shortage of outdoor recreational facilities exists in and around
Maryland, particularly in the Baltimore and Washington areas. New facilities must
be provided and existing ones improved to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding
urban population. Several Federal, State and County Governmental Agencies are
currently involved in programs to assist in developing these facilities. Considerably more activity in this field can be expected in the future.
In summary, 1964 was a rather favorable year for growth of warm-season grasses.
Without supplemental irrigation it was difficult to maintain attractive and healthy
cool-season turfgrasses. Several new and previously unnoticed turf disease and
insect problems were encountered. The shortage of outdoor recreational facilities
has been very striking. Programs are now getting underway to help solve some of
these problems in all areas of the state.
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THE CONQUEST OF SPRING DEAD SPOT OF BERMUDAGRASS
Stan Frederiksen
Mallinckrodt Chemical Works
St. Louis, Missouri
The turfgrass problem no?/ known as Spring Dead Spot was first observed more
than 35 years ago, in Oklahoma, when it was noticed that when bermudagrass lawns
greened-up upon emergence from winter dormancy, some areas remained "dead" in irregular circular patterns. During the ensuing summer they filled in with weeds and crabgrass, but not with bermuda. More significantly, a pattern of dead spots observed
during a given spring would be repeated in exactly the same location, and in just
about the same shape, when the grass sought to emerge from dormancy the following
spring. Spring Dead Spot has been found to attack practically all varieties of
bermudagrass throughout the upper tier of states in the bermuda growing region,
being particularly destructive on U-3 bermudas.
Oklahoma State Plant Pathologists led the way in research on the Spring Dead
Spot problems, beginning in the late fifties and early sixties, with other experiment
stations joining in studies of the problem since then.
Many fungicides had been tried, in efforts at control, but with no success. The
insecticide Dieldrin offered a degree of control in some tests, but not in others.
Mat and thatch removal, use of wetting agents, changes in fertility programs, and
other maintenance practices were tried in various control efforts - without success.
Researchers in St. Louis attacked the problem as early as I960 - and achieved
significant Spring Dead Spot control with a test chemical formulation in 1961-62, and
in the years following, employing every exacting treatment dosages and techniques.

- 15 -

This work led to the development and offering of a commercial product, registered
with the U.S.D.A. as a Spring Dead Spot fungicide in the summer of 1964.
Color slides show the dramatic story of
1. What Spring Dead Spot looks like.
2. What tests and comparisons were involved over a three-to-four year period.
3. The outstanding results achieved with successful treatment chemicals,
applied at optimum rates and timing.
The work of the past five to six years shows;
1. Spring Dead Spot is likely the most serious of bermudagrass diseases.
2. It is wide-spread - found throughout the northern part of the "bermuda belt'L
3. It has now been conquered by:
a. Good maintenance practices.
b. Treatment with a commercially available fungicide.
c. Employment of very exacting application techniques.
4. The damage is done during the summer and fall of the year before the spring
when the dead spots become visible.
5. The few-hundred dollar cost to control Spring Dead Spottonbermuda,
senting investments upwards of $15,000 is most reasonable.

repre-

6. The conquest of Spring Dead Spot was made possible by close teamwork, over
many years, of;
a. The alert people who recognized the problem.
b. Experiment station researchers who initiated studies of the problem.
c. Commercial researchers who cooperated - and ?/ho developed a commercial
formulation.
d. YOU - the golf superintendents and turf managers, who provided tests
areas, and who gave of yourselves, your time and your effort in helping
meet the challenge of Spring Dead Spot head-on.

LANDSCAPING TEE COUNTRY CLUB
Raymond P. Korbobo
Department of Horticulture
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N. J.
The clubhouse should be and is, and if it is not it had better be, the center of
attraction in the entire golf course layout. However, we who are realists understand
that the clubhouse and its landscaping has, in general, fallen in disrepute compared
to the swimming pool, the golf course, the blacktop drive, pro-shop, the fancy bar
and the wall to wall carpeted shower room.
Speaking of the club, in generalities, the view of the buildings becomes
important from four distinct positions.

- 16 -

A. Entrance View! The main gate or the main driveway entrance. Too often
these are real eyesores or they are totally inadequate as far as safe entry and
exit are concerned in today's heavy traffic problems.
B. Driveway Approach; View of the clubhouse as you move up the driveway and
come within sight of it. This might be a long shot on some golf courses, but most of
them might be considered a medium range of about a hundred yards away. This is
where the proper location of large shade trees is so important. It is hoped that
such trees would do a framing job of the entire clubhouse.
C. Close-up Angle: This is when people get out of the car and actually enter
the clubhouse itself. This is where the fine detail work in the foundation planting
becomes very important. Also, maintenance of the same landscape job becomes very
important.
D. From Course; Here I mentioned that it is ideal, although many times not
possible, to have two beautiful views of the clubhouse from the golf course, from
the ninth and the eighteenth holes. Some courses, such as Winged Foot that has 36
holes, actually have four beautiful views of the clubhouse.
Foundation plantings are not things of everlasting beauty. They should be considered a replacement item every 20 to 30 years. With the exception of shade trees,
it is usually wise to remove all plants when a new job is done and start fresh from
the ground up.
THE DINNER MEETING
The Dinner Meeting, at v/hich Honorable J. Millard Tawes, Governor of Maryland,
was the guest speaker, was preceded by a social hour - courtesy of F. W. Bolgiano
& Co., Washington, D. C., G. L. Cornell Company, Bethesda, Maryland; Gustin's
Baltimore Toro, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland and the National Capital Toro, Inc.,
Silver Spring, Maryland.
Following Governor Ta?;esl address, President Doerer, on behalf of the Association, cited and presented silver trays for distinguished contributions to the
Association to the following:
Dr.
Dr.
Mr.
Mr.

Fred V. Grau, Agronomist and Turf Specialist
George S. Langford, State Entomologist, University of Maryland
i&ury Fitzgerald, Newsman and Sportswriter, the Washington Post
George Taylor, Newsman and Sportswriter, Baltimore News American

The Dinner Meeting closed with an illustrated lecture on Roses, from
Mr. Rodney Witman, Star Roses, West Grove, Pennsylvania.

INTRODUCTION OF GUEST SPEAKER - GOVERNOR TAWES
Thomas A. Doerer, Jr., President
Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents
Fort Belvoir, Virginia
It is quite a privilege and honor for me at this time to introduce our guest
speaker of the evening the Honorable J. Millard Tawes, Governor of this great State
of 1/hryland. When Mr. George Gumm, our educational director, advised me that his
Honor would take enough time av/ay from his busy schedule to speak to us this evening, I was really at a loss for v/ords. After thinking this over for a few days it
dawned on me that the Governor did not play golf and maybe this meeting would give
him an opportunity to pick up a few pointers on this game. The Governor is, and has
been a dedicated man and statesman during his entire political career. He would
certainly be a fine candidate for the Presidency of our country one of these days
and of course, in order to achieve this goal he would definitely have to be a
Golfer, as this today is as important as being a good Democrat. By 1970 they tell
us there will be 12,000,000 golfers and this is quite an advantage to a golfing
candidate, look what Ike Eisenhower did with the help of the golf fans. So
Governor, at this turf conference you have a splendid opportunity to learn the *
game from the ground up. Without further adieu, here ladies and gentlemen is
Governor J. Millard Tawes.
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ADDRESS
J. Millard Tawes
Governor of Maryland
It is, indeed, a pleasure for me to have this opportunity to extend to each of
you here this evening a v/arm welcome to the State of Maryland. We are, of course,
delighted that you selected Baltimore as the site of this year's conference, and it
is my sincere hope that you will return often in the future.
Of course, since becoming Governor of Maryland six years ago, I haven't had
many opportunities to squeeze in a round of golf but, nevertheless, I have retained
my great affection for this wonderful game. I consider it not only a great physical
conditioner and a tremendous aid in providing relaxation (despite what the cartoonists say), but also a valuable asset in the State's program of economic development.
The Baltimore-Washington area happens to be one of the three fastest growing
science-based industry regions in the country. This type of industry attracts professional people who, more often than not, list golfing as their major source of
recreation. Thus, I think it is essential from several points of view that golf be
given major consideration in any present and future discussion of outdoor recreational activities. And one of the great challenges facing State and local governments today is solving the problem of providing sufficient facilities for outdoor
recreation.
As great advances continue to be made in industry, more and more of our citizens
have increased amounts of leisure time available to them. But, at the same time,
new housing units, roads and other developments continue to occupy vast stretches of
our open spaces, denying to present and future generations of our citizens a vital
source of outdoor recreation. Last year, the Congress, recognizing the immediacy of
this problem, enacted the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965. This Act is,
indeed a milestone in public outdoor recreation for it provides for matching funds
on a 50-50 basis with the states for the planning, acquisition and development of
outdoor recreation facilities.

- 18 -

At my request, the Maryland Planning Department is preparing a statewide open
space and outdoor recreation plan and the Department of Forests and Parks has "been
designated by me to administer the land and water conservation fund act for
Maryland. In July, 1964, the Maryland Department of Forests and Parks assisted the
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation in coordinating and conducting a statewide outdoor
recreation facility inventory. This survey catalogs all State, County and
Municipally owned outdoor recreation facilities in the State.
The Department of Forests and Parks has completed the draft of a master plan
for State parks and recreation areas, and this master plan is now being reviewed by
various State agencies. The plan outlines the demand for outdoor recreation facilities in Maryland through 1976 and predicts the requirements for additional facilities needed by the year 2000. Admittedly, this plan is ambitious and considerable
effort will be required to carry out its provisions. Nevertheless, it is essential
that a comprehensive plan be adopted and followed if the State is to meet the everincreasing demand for additional outdoor recreational opportunities.
Maryland's land acquisition program has been accelerated and, during 1964,
1,125 acres, representing 46 tracts of land, were purchased for State Park purposes.
Approximately 110 additional tracts of land are in various states of acquisition.
Land acquisition has been proceeding at Assateague Island, Tuckahoe, Point Lookout,
Patapsco, Gunpowder, Susquehanna, Seneca, South Mountain, Patuxent, Rocky Gap, Dan's
MDuntain and Deep Creek Lake and the State has been cooperating with the counties
in the purchase of Patuxent River "Watershed lands. Shad Landing State Park^ near
Snow Hill, in Worcester County, was opened in June, George Mhrtinak State Park,
near Denton, was opened July 1, 1964, and a dam creating a 42-acre lake is nearing
completion at Greenbrier State Park in Washington County.
I mention these developments, ladies and gentlemen, simply because I want to
impress upon you the fact that the State is aware of its obligations in providing
outdoor recreational facilities. It is my hope that future activities at all levels
of Government can be dovetailed with the plans and programs of private groups for
the benefit of all our citizens.
In your work in supervising the operations of the many fine golf courses
throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, you provide a substantial percentage of our
people with a wonderful opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation. But, you also do
more than that. The wonderfully landscaped golf courses that dot the countryside
are the most attractive features that many of our communities have to offer. They
are, in a very real sense, a virtual guarantee that present and future generations
will have the opportunity to enjoy the open green spaces despite the rush of time
and progress.
The beauty of Bent Grass not only lures the golfer, but inspires the poet
and even offers some satisfaction to the duffer. For, in my opinion, on the golf
courses that you here today have helped to provide and maintain, no one really
labors under a handicap. Thank.you.

- 19 -

FERTILIZATION
Fred V. Grau, Agronomist
College Park, dryland
Fertilization is the enrichment of the soil for greater productivity. Fertilization also can mean the sexual union of male and female elements in plants and
animals. In our ?/ork we strive to supply to plants all the needed nutrient elements
in BALANCE to achieve greater quality in the turf we produce. In this paper no one
should expect to secure a formula by which he can go home and successfully fertilize
his golf course. We shall try to achieve a better understanding of the PRINCIPLES
of plant nutrition so that we can more intelligently use the tools at hand.
Our tools are the variety of fertilizer materials available to us on the market,
the soils in which roots can grow, the sun, air and water. Our goal is quality turf
that is green, firm, dense, healthy, weedfree, and that heals injuries quickly and
is playable.
The first mixed fertilizer (N-P-K) was made in Baltimore in 1849. Since then
there has been vast technological development in all fertilizers. Regardless of
what you use, know what is in it, how it acts under varying conditions of moisture
and temperature, and how it can be used most effectively. Fertilizers supply nutrients first to the soil microflora which, in turn, convert raw materials into forms
useable by plants. Oxygen and good drainage are essential to fertilization. Without
abundant oxygen the microflora suffers and can even convert nitrates to nitrites '
which are plant poisons. Thus, soil aeration is a MUST.
Soil acidity must be corrected before soil organisms can most effectively make
fertilizers available to plants. A pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 is a useful range. Major
plant nutrients are: Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash. They may be used singly
or in any needed combination.
Nitrogen comes from the atmosphere in a never-ending cycle. Legumes have
bacteria in nodules on their roots. The bacteria are able to use atmospheric
nitrogen and pass it on to the plant. Animals eat the plants and convert the N
to proteins. Animal and plant waste products are used as N-fertilizers. Many N
products are synthetic (manufactured) such as ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate,
ureaform, urea. Turf needs more nitrogen than any other element. Nitrogen is the
growth element, the one that makes plants green.
Phosphorus comes from phosphate rock in Florida and the Rockies. It must be
treated with acids to make it useful. Plants that produce fruit and seeds require
abundant P. Turf that produces no seed has a very low requirement for P. Many
turf soils are over-supplied with P which does not leach from the soil.
Potash (K) comes from deep mines in New Mexico.
Germany. There are large deposits in Canada. Potash
leaches out of the soil and must be supplied about as
enter into chemical combinations in the plant. Where
ways) the potash is recycled through the soil and the

Formerly it came from
is a soluble material which
frequently as N. K does not
clippings are left on (fairplant.

Secondary nutrient elements include:
Calcium (Ca), derived from limestone and gypsum, is needed for cell-wall
"stiffening11 or "framework."
Magnesium (Mg) is a vital part of the chlorophyll molecule. Dolomitic limestone is recommended when Mg is low.

- 20-

Sulfur (S) can be supplied in sulfur, ammonium sulfate, iron sulfate, gypsum,
and potassium sulfate. It is needed by soil organisms especially and often is
lacking in sandy soils. I have recommended Potassium Sulfate to supply both K and S.
Iron (Fe) is tied up by excess P. Iron-hungry turf becomes yellowish. Iron
sulfate corrects the condition temporarily. Iron chelates may be useful.
MICRONUTRIENTS or Trace Elements are those that are needed at rates of a
few ounces or a few pounds per acre. They include:
Copper (Cu), Boron (B), Zinc (Zn) and Manganese (Ma). There are no satisfactory soil tests for micronutrients. They are supplied through impurities in raw
limestones, crude low-grade superphosphates, and natural-organic fertilizers.
One deficient element renders all others ineffective. Grass can starve in
the presence of abundance. BALANCE is essential. Too much of one element can cause
others to be absorbed in "luxury", which may be poisonous to grass. The Ideal is a
slight excess of each needed element, all in proper balance.
The best fertilizers will fail to give desired results unless other factors
are favorable. These include:
1. A responsive grass
3. Adequate moisture
2. Favorable temperature
4. Abundant oxygen in the soil air
5. A porous living soil receptive to water and
favorable to deep root penetration.
To be effective, any fertilizer must be applied uniformly. Streaks caused
by skips or overlaps represent sloppy workmanship. Rates must be accurate. Every
superintendent must know how to calculate pounds of nutrients applied with every
material. Soil tests are an excellent guide to a good fertilization program. You
can't ask the grass to stick out its tongue and say 'AH1." It is senseless to apply
an excess of any nutrient if that element already is present in abundance. It is
just as senseless to apply a complete fertilizer "for convenience" if, for example,
the soil test shows that N only is needed.
Phosphorus need be applied only once a year. My choice is 20$ superphosphate
applied in fall with aerifying and topdressing to get it deeply into root zone.
Apply it only if needed and at light rates
Potash should be applied several times a season at about 1/3 the rate of N.
My choice is Potassium sulfate, soluble, applied as a solution along with nitrogen.
Nitrogen is more complex, but each kind will produce approximately equal results
if used properly.
Solubles (urea, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate) must be applied lightly
and frequently. They leach easily. They burn if over-applied.
Natural organics also must be applied lightly and frequently for best results,
but they do not burn and do not leach easily.
Ureaforms may be applied less frequently at heavier rates. They do not burn,
do not leach, and are slower releasing than all other N sources.
Combinations of all three types of N seem to be gaining favor. Each form has
certain advantages. But know the characteristics of each and use them accordingly.
„ The literature is full of information on Fertilizers. Here are some useful
books:

- 21 -

Hunger Signs in Crops, Third Edition. A symposium. H. B. Sprague, Editor-inChief. David McKay Company, New York, New York, publishers. $15.00.
Fertilizer Technology and Usage. Proceedings of a Short Course sponsored by
Soil Science Society of America at Purdue University, LaFayette, Indiana. February
12-13, 1962. Soil Science Society of America, Madison 11, Wisconsin, publisher.
Edited by McVickar, Bridges, Nelson.
IRRIGATION INSTALLATION
Joseph C. Tropeano
President, Larchmont Engineering
Lexington, Massachusetts
His talk covered the field of turf irrigation. Mr. Tropeano is a firm believer
in protecting the customer, as a Golf Course Irrigation System is a major investment.
There is no requirement, or license required to design and install a $50,000.00 to
$150,000.00 Irrigation System. On the other hand, if you want to have $50.00 Y/orth
of plumbing or electrical work done, the contractor would have to be licensed and
if his workmanship failed he would have his license to lose. But today any one can
get into the Irrigation Business. He shoY/ed methods on hoY/ a Country Club could be
protected.
He discussed sources of water and amount of water required, as well as various
types of pumping stations. The talk was on various types of irrigation, up to the
latest in automatic.
He shoY/ed how various Superintendents installed their own automatic systems
and showed that this is not as complicated as the salesman puts it.
He shoY/ed the difference between a good installer and a poor one. His talk
was summed up with an interesting experiment with water and fertilizer in the growing
of grass.
Mr. Tropeano is credited with the following achievements and is consulted on
water problems all over the Y/orld:
1. The first to install and develop large surface irrigation equipment.
2. AY/arded the Gold "S" av/ard from the University of Massachusetts, in 1963.
3. Received a citation from the Department of Commerce in I960, for contribution to turf irrigation.
4. Has engineered and installed turf irrigation all over the world.
5. Co-inventor of !Man Made Snow*.
6. Addresses the Turf School annually at the University of Massachusetts on
proper installation of Sprinkler Systems.
7. Has been written up in Colliers, Reader!s Digest; Time Magazine; Popular
Science; Wall Street Journal; and hundreds of trade magazines.
8. Is President of three Corporations, each interested in Irrigation and
hydraulics.

- 22 -

. INCREASE OF PIAY AND ITS PROBLEMS
James E. Thomas, Superintendent
Army-Navy Country Club
Arlington, Virginia
Those of us who are employed at Golf and Country Clubs having a large membership,
where the play is very heavy, are confronted with a baffling and perplexing problem
to solve. At such locations it is becoming more difficult each season to maintain
golfing areas in tip-top playing condition, this especially holds true around tees,
putting greens, and their border aprons. Many of us have a sixty-four dollar question staring us in the face, and an answer to the query is needed.
At many clubs where there is a large amount of play, foot and cart traffic is
bound to cause some deterioration of turf around restricted areas. This condition
is not brought about by a lack of know-how on the part of the man in charge, nor
through his carelessness or lack of neglect. It is due in most instances to the
difficulty encountered by the Greensmaster in not being able to exercise his knowledge, or to provide when needed preventative maintenance at the proper time and
place.
Golfers in their enthusiasm for the game are on the links from sunrise to sunset;
when the head of the household is not present the rest of the family seems to take
his place. As golf courses exist for recreational purposes, and they provide our
bread and butter, activity is what we expect and like to see. Yet, as play tends to
increase by leaps and bounds every year; the accomplishment of necessary routine
chores such as, the mowing, verticutting, aerifying, top dressing, of tees, aprons,
and putting greens becomes tougher and harder to do. At these bottle-neck spots
where play is always the heaviest work cannot be done without many interruptions taking place, resulting in a great deal of idle and loss time; these delays become
quite costly, and often cause us to forego many of the curative measures essential
to a healthy state of growth for turfgrasses.
The stress placed on established sod by excessive and continuous traffic during
inclement and adverse weather conditions must be quickly met and corrected. If this
is not done rhe rurfgreases on golf courses can deteriorate rapidly. The old adage
"A stitch in time often saves nine" cannot be over-emphasized when applied to the upkeep of a golf course. Quite often it is hard to follow this traditional maxim,
since play is almost constant during the daylight hours. A two-way situation can frequently exist around greens and tees when work is attempted at those locations
resulting in both workmen and players being stymied by each other.
This we try to prevent and avoid as much as possible, for by doing so the membership is kept happy and contented, still if courses fall apart and go downhill because of the lack of attention, golfers are soon displeased with what has taken
place. And when this happens everyone points his finger at the golf course superintendent, placing the blame squarely on his shoulders. Itlen actually the major contributing factor was wear and tear brought about by continued overuse of the golf
facilities, and possibly could have been prevented if the groundsmen had had ample
opportunity to carry out normal work procedures.
Let!s liken and compare our work with other fields of endeavor. The pavements
on highY/ays do not stand up under heavy usage, the heavier the traffic the more need
for repairs and resurfacing. If the original construction methods were faulty and
poorly done, a proper base not prepared, nor both surface and internal drainage
not provided for, the need for repairs and reconstruction will frequently occur.
Letls also take the human body as an illustration - Y/hen it is overworked, mis-

- 23 used, and does not receive the proper nourishment, it becomes susceptible to illness
and poor health which often results in the occurrence of diseases, ailments, and
nervous tensions. As a preventative of this, we as human beings strive to remain
healthy and keep our bodies in good physical repair. This is done by calling on the
medical profession for assistance; we resort to the use of doctors, surgeons,
hospitals, etc. To this add the benefits of medicines and certain drugs.
There is nothing existing in the universe, whether it be natural or artificial,
but what needs rest and good care periodically for its survival and longevity. So
why not give more consideration to the poor little grass plant which is so often
abused and forced to grow in an unnatural environment? Sooner or later golfers on
over-crowded courses will be faced with the alternative of allowing and providing
sufficient time for maintenance personnel to execute the tasks required to produce
good grooming and upkeep; or else, they will have to tolerate and suffer inferior
golf courses that are poorly conditioned. How to avoid such a possibility I am trying to solve, and so are you. All of us are seeking an answer to the problem. What
is the solution?
None of us desire to have our members ask "Why interfere ?dth our golf" Still
we all desire to provide a well kept golf course second to none. For this goal to
become a reality and perpetuated, some control and regulation of play is a must.
The solution could be a simple one, but so full of complexities for the golf course
superintendent and his club officials.
A definite time for opening of the golf course and starting of play on weekdays,
say S:30 or 9:00 a. m., could be one answer. Such an arrangement would permit the
daily work routine around putting greens to be well out of the way or finished before play became too heavy, this certainly would hold true if workers started their
duties around dawn. The employment of more labor, plus the purchase of time-saving
equipment helps to speed up maintenance operations. A few clubs are resorting to
night shifts as a solution, but this requires an additional staff of workers, also
added supervision, and don't forget greater costs. The elimination of bottle-necks
which require hand labor would help to a certain degree by permitting the use of
power machinery which would result in getting the work done quicker.
As many links are over-played and crowded beyond their physical limitations; a
problem is presented to golf course architects calling for thought and study of present day usage, as speed of play and ease of upkeep need to go hand in hand, each
complements the other. Two putting greens for each fairway, like one sees on the
short eleventh hole at the Washingtonian Golf and Country Club; also the Columbia
Country Club has a few holes with such an arrangement. This along with the providing
of extra large or double tees would afford an opportunity for over-used areas to be
taken out of play, rested, and renovated if necessary without interruptions taking
place. Perhaps in the future new layouts could be built with a tee and green at
each of the fairways. Thus, the same purpose would be served and, also would
provide additional variety from time to time.
Today's heavy usage of golf facilities calls for more of an equalized balance
between the aesthetic picture and the ease and speed of maintenance operations.
The time is fast approaching, if it is not already here, when those who are responsible for design and construction of golf course layouts must recognize and
realize that these situations are already in existence in many localities.

-24 -

PUBLIC COURSE TURF MAINTENANCE
Bradley J. Strouth
Maryland National Capital Park & Planning Commission
Silver Spring, Maryland
(I). Introduction. While returning from a Superintendents meeting earlier
this year, I overheard an older turf-grass man ask what he thought of the meeting.
The elderly gentleman replied that these meetings were a waste of time. He had been
in the grass growing business a long time and he knew the answers. I just cannot
agree with this line of thinking. I feel that a man is like a growing plant with
regard to obtaining knowledge. "So long as you know you are green, you grow. But
when you think you're ripe, that is, you know all the answers, then you begin to rotV
(II). Background of Sligo Golf Course and Northwest Branch Park Golf Course.
Both courses with which I am presently connected are public golf courses operated
under the authority of the M.N.C.P.P.C. Sligo Golf Course is a 9 hole, par 35
course. It was originally constructed in 1926 as a private golf course. The park
opened the course as a public course on June 15, 1947 with reconstruction of the
greens occurring in 1956 and 1957. The proposed operating budget for the next fiscal
year is approximately $39,000, of which 70$ involves labor costs, which consists of
6 full-time men and 1 part-time man; approximately 20$ is used for fertilizers and
chemicals; and approximately 10$ is used for new equipment., "tools and repairs.
Northwest Park Golf Course is an 18 hole, par 72 course designed by Ed Ault. It was
constructed in 1963 and opened for play on June 15th, 1964. The proposed operating
budget for the next year is approximately $59,000, of which approximately 65$ is
labor costs consisting of 8 full-time and 4 part-time men, 20$ for fertilizers and
chemicals and 15$ for new equipment, tools and repairs. Play on both courses is on
a 12 month basis. During the summer, play is from sunrise to sunset. During the
winter months, play is from 7:30 a. m. to sunset. Last season we had 73,000+ rounds
played at Siigo and 32,000+ rounds at Northwest Park Golf Course (for a 6 mo. period).
(III). Maintenance Practices.
- George Gumm asked me to tell you two or
three things we do at these courses which are slightly different from private courses.
I've selected aerification practices, fertilization, watering and cup placement.
I would suggest that before you begin aerifying a green that you check with the Club
pro and starter.
Aerification. Our fairways and greens are aerified and rolled both spring
and fall. Greens are aerified, verti-cut and top dressed with approximately Ifyards of top soil depending on the size of the green. To accomplish this work, while
play is in progress, we make a temporary hole about 60 feet in front of the regulation green. Here we place a 4" cup about 3" below ground level, then at ground
level the hole is cut 8" in diameter
"the golfers especially like the 8" hole."
V/e spike greens once a week during the summer months when it is possible and
needed. We mow our greens Monday, Wednesday and Friday at
height. Even with
the heavy play we experience at Sligo v/e somehow manage to get them mowed. Sometimes
I have tried 2 greens mowers to a green, but of course when players approach both
must stop for play. I have found from experience that it is just as fast, if not
faster, to use one mower to a green and begin at two different greens. If it were
possible the best solution to our mowing problem would be to mow after 10 p. m.
Extremely heavy play at Sligo makes it hazardous to the workmen as when someone
hollers fore you don't even know which way to look.
B. Fertilization. Due to our heavy play we must keep the grass growing at a
vigorous rate as much of the time as possible. To accomplish this we use 13# N/1000
sq. ft./ per season on the greens, 4# N/1000 sq. ft./ per season on the tees

- 25 -

(cool season grass), 10# N/1000 sq. ft. (Bermuda tees), 135# N per acre per season
on the Fairv/ays. The sources of nitrogen are both organic and inorganic and are
applied by a spinner type spreader. It takes approximately 53 minutes per fairway
or 16 hours for the 18 fairways.
c

* Watering. The watering practices used on any course are critical, if good
grass is to be obtained. On any golf course, and especially on a public golf course,
I have found that the greens must be kept on the dry side. If the greens are too
moist and coupled with heavy play, the grass will soon be trampled right into the
soil. A moist green holds the shot better, but the number of unrepaired ball marks
increases at a high rate. This increases labor time by having to repair these marks
and also gives a rough surface for putting until these marks are repaired, I combine
both the use of sprinklers at night and hand watering in the morning. When watering
at night, I use 4 settings at \ hour each and concentrate on the collars rather
than the green itself. This is done 3 or 4 times a week, depending on the weather.
I hand water the greens in the morning as the weather conditions dictate. We usually
remove dew from the greens by light hand watering. During extremely hot days, we
will syringe the greens to cool them.
D. Cur> Placement. I use a two-cup per green cupping system at the courses.
This is accomplished by placing two cups on each green. They are placed about 12
feet apart. This reduces the wear around the pins, thus, making both the players
and myself happier. Also by this system the player puts the pin in the other hole
rather than throwing it on the green.
E. Vandalism. A major problem on public courses. Each morning when I wander
out on my course I wonder if the greens are still going to be there. Northwest
Branch Course is famous for horses and cattle. Early one morning last spring when
checking the course I spotted 7 cows on #7 green — they really fertilized it well!
It took 4 men about 3 hours to repair the damage. Other times we have had stray
horses ?/ander over our greens and some mornings it looks as though a cattle drive
had taken place the night before. Football players, horses, automobiles, bicycles
and motor scooters like the courses as well as the golfers.
Always missing are towels, hose, tee markers, flags and flag poles. Once we
found a golf club in the top of a maple tree and another lodged on the chimney of
the Club house. Duffers like these keep us extremely busy repairing the courses.
Greens seem to fascinate lovers at night. We have problems with burglars
around our Club house and once had a large and bulky dollar bill changing machine
removed and a brand new sofa. Also four safes over the years have been among the
missing. Vandals and vandalism - you name it, we*ve got it.
SLIDES
(IV). Conclusion. Uniform, high qaulity turf is what we are all striving to
produce. To approach this goal we use slightly different practices depending on
location of the course, the kind of operation, and many other variables. As long
as we are "green11, our "profession, our knowledge and jobs well done will continue
to grow.

- 26 -

WHAT IS A GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT?
L. R. Shields, Superintendent
Woodmont Country Club, Rockville, Mi.
This question has been answered by each of you many times and in many different
ways. Each of us has our own definition of what a superintendent is, and each of us
is trying to live up to what we think a superintendent should be.
A golf course superintendent is the person who is directly responsible for the
playing condition of a golf course. He is a specialist in the work of maintaining
the area over which the game of golf is played and it becomes more evident every year
that he is a determining factor in successful golf club operations. This is true because most of the variables in other departments of the club are subject to man-made
rules, while the growing of grass is subject to the rules of nature and are not
always under our control. The superintendent wears many hats and must have a working
knowledge of many subjects such as soil chemistry, agronomy, plant pathology, entomology, landscaping, labor relations, purchasing, record keeping, accounting and
mechanical drawing.
The superintendent must have the know-how and the ability to work with many
problems and in solving them he becomes the focal point of any club. This fact is
not readily accepted by club officials, but by continuing to do as good a job in the
future as has been done in the past, the superintendent can make even greater progress toward swinging officials to his way of thinking. Many club officials know
little of the work or qualifications of a superintendent and would be hard put if
faced with the task of replacing their present superintendent.
The superintendent must first of all be a grower of grass. He can't make grass
grow, but he can create or try to create conditions favorable to the growth of grass.
Here's where his technical training and experience is put to the test and superintendent is meeting this test. Over recent years near perfect putting greens are found
everywhere and green failures are rare exceptions rather than every summer occurrences
that at one time were taken for granted. Fairways are still a problem to many of us
especially on unwatered courses, but we are making progress by planting grasses capable of withstanding the low cut expected by golfers and by installing the much
needed fairway water systems. This past exceptionally dry summer did much to help
sell the idea of fairway water to many clubs. Even the duffer could see the need for
water. Many fairway systems will be installed as a result of this dry weather. The
superintendent is proud of his ability to produce good turf under a great variety of
conditions. To do this he must know the desirable grasses and their culture, as well
as the weedy types and how to discourage or eliminate them without killing good turf.
1/hrvin Ferguson has this to say about a superintendent. f,In conjunction ?/ith
his primary duties of producing a turf which will be usable and pleasurable, a superintendent must be a general maintenance man. He must be capable of supervising or
wisely contracting the construction and repair of parking facilities, shelter houses,
bridges, installation and repair of drinking fountains, roads, walks, barns, sheds
and fences. He must supervise the planting and care of trees, shrubs and flowers
and he must supervise the installation and repair of irrigation and drainage facilities. He says these are the obvious requirements of a golf course superintendent.
However, the requirements lack a great deal in giving a complete description of the
job. He must have some ability as a business executive. He supervises a plant which
represents a large investment by club members and which is worth a great deal of
money. It is worth money because of the excellence of the turf, the beauty of the
trees, shrubs and smooth operation of the maintenance facilities. The worth of such
an establishment is, however, dependent upon constant vigilance and constant maintenance. Businesses wnich deal with inanimate subjects may be suspended for short times
without serious decrease in value. A temporary suspension of operations in golf
course maintenance would be disastrous."

- 27 -

It is often pointed out that a knowledge of chemistry is very helpful to a
superintendent, but if this is lacking, then the service and advice of a good chemical man or chemical firm would be the next best thing. Superintendents should
thoroughly test any new material or chemical on the nursery or some out-of-the-way
place before using it on valuable playing areas,so as to be sure he was familiar
with the product and that it would do what he wanted it to do. A good rule to follow
is; take no recommendations without experimenting first. Make no abrupt changes in
methods, amounts or procedures.
In a recent paper Tom Mascaro said "Knowledge alone does not spell success. We
must also sell ideas." But what is salesmanship? It is merely the art of finding
out what people want and then helping them get it. Tom says as superintendents v/e
are selling our services - to our committees, to our workers and to every member of
the club. Golfers want a low score, so we help them get it. Non-golfing members
want beauty so we try to create beautiful landscape views and pleasant surroundings.
Tom says we are seldom paid for anything before it is done. It is only after we
have accomplished something that we receive compensation. He suggested we increase
our responsibility wherever possible to make our position worthwhile. Be a salesman
and sell ourselves."
A superintendent has to be a salesman. How else could he convince the chairman,
pro and member that the ground is too soft for carts, that maintenance work must go
on every day and is not done just to harass the lady golfer on ladies' day, that
aerification and top dressing must be done when greens are at their best without
waiting for trouble to develop, that he needs a new tractor mowing outfit so he can
keep out of the Y^ay of play and that it was necessary to add that last man to the
labor crew? He has to be a salesman to sell his services to the members, and to sell
an increased budget during a bad year. Grass knows no depression.
The successful superintendent must understand how grass grows, and then supply
the nutrition to keep the plant groY/ing and healthy. He must know fertilizers, and
use the one he thinks is most satisfactory and most economical for the desired results at any particular time. This is especially true on golf courses where grasses
are subjected to unnatural conditions and then are expected to perform the same
under all conditions of weather and traffic. On a golf course we shave greens down
to i " or even 3/16", which is within a fraction of an inch of the life of the plant.
Then we subject it to heavy traffic in the form of human feet and mowing machines.
We drovm it with water and pack the subsoil by walking on it, making it necessary to
water again to soften the ground. Golf balls are fired at it all day. On Monday
morning a green is pock marked like the face of the moon. Cigarette butts burn holes
in it, putters are pressed into it while supporting a 200 lb. golfer, or are slammed
doY/n in disgust over a missed putt. But that's not all - we poke the surface full
of holes, then cover it with soil and drag a mat back and forth over it. A hole is
cut in the center and everybody plays ring-around-the-flagstick to music of Who's
Av/ay. We squirt it with a long list of chemicals for this and that, for ills we have
and for ills we don't want, for insects Y/e have and for those we might get, for weed
seeds before they start to grow and again for those that grew anyYray. We add one to
make the grass greener and another to make the water wetter. Even after all of this
some say a putting green is the miraculous work of nature. It is a miracle that a
growing thing can be subjected to all this unnatural treatment and still survive,
but this is a credit to the superintendent, not nature. Did you ever see a natural
putting green? Wasn't it a mess? Could you play golf on it? Nature alone cannot
produce a putting green. It can't even produce a good lawn without the help of man.
To produce the very best golf course, the man must work vdth nature as neither can
do the job alone. By being familiar with the rules of nature and having the knowledge that refers to each specific task, then being able to apply the knowledge
correctly, the superintendent can maintain his turf area in the best condition.
The superintendent must be a doctor. The grass plants are his patients and they
must be watched carefully. He must diagnose each case of trouble very accurately.

- 28 -

He must recognize the symptoms that indicate something is wrong, find the cause of
the trouble, prescribe the cure and then nurse the plant back to health. If death
should overtake the patient, the superintendent tries to learn the cause so that in
the future it may be prevented.
The modern golfer is more critical of turf conditions than his predecessor ever
was. At one time, players were happy if greens were good. Now good greens alone
won!t get a superintendent very far. Players want good tees, fairways, traps and
rough - perfect lies every time, everywhere. The man who is responsible for supplying this quality turf is the golf course superintendent. It is his duty to furnish
it within the limitations of the budget. This is a big order, especially at times
when insufficient funds are provided, but thanks to many years of experience and
application of time and "know-how", the superintendent has been able to meet the
responsibility, but it takes him 7 days a week to do it.
To be a good superintendent a man should attend monthly educational meetings of
the Mid-Atlantic Ass*n. of Golf Course Superintendents, the National Turfgrass Conference and Show sponsored by the Golf Course Superintendents Ass*n. of America, of
which he is a member, and subscribe to publications pertaining to his profession.
It wasn*t very long ago that the superintendent was referred to as the forgotten
man in golf, but today the superintendent is slowly coming into prominence. He
still does not mix with the members in the grill room, nor is he on a first name
basis with the member at any time, but the few members Y/ho know him know he is a
pretty decent fellow who is sincere in his efforts to be of service to his club.
The superintendent works closely with the golf professional. In many cases this
gentleman is our most direct link with the player, and if relationships are not on
the right plane the superintendent*s position is bound to suffer. Superintendents
know that the pro is an intelligent man Y/ho has spent many years acquiring his skill
as a player and teacher of golf. The pro also knows that it takes years of concentration and effort to acquire the skill of a golf course superintendent and is quick
to give credit where credit is due.
At one time the superintendent Y/as just a man with a strong back Y/ho scattered
a feY/ seeds around, handled smelly fertilizers and pushed a laY/n mower. Not so today, Today he is a trained club employee, responsible for some very expensive real
estate, and is responsible for the preparation and utilization of the club*s second
largest budget and the accounting therefor.
A superintendent is called upon to perform many tasks around the club that have
nothing to do with grass. He does painting, electrical work, carpentry, glazing,
cement Y/ork, tree repair and planting, logging, lumbering, black topping, septic work,
tennis court maintenance, road work, land drainage and sometimes has to Y/orry about
the sY/imming pool.
In closing may I add that I think the superintendent is as happy as any man in
golf and wouldn!t trade places with anyone. Our many different chores and responsibilities only add variety and challenge to our daily lives and make us feel younger
by keeping out monotony. The superintendent is on the threshold of a bright prosperous future as officials begin to realize the vital role we play in golf. The
challenge to us will be great as Y/e try to keep up with progress and change, but the
reY/ards will make the effort Y/orthv/hile.
As we go forward, each superintendent must ask himself Y/hat he thinks a
superintendent is and then try to improve on his oY/n definition. There is bound to
be change, but it must come from within the mind of the individual superintendent,
for a superintendent is what each of us think a superintendent should be.

- 29 -

COMMUNICATION
Frank H. Cronin
Physical Education, University of Maryland
Gentlemen, my remarks to you this afternoon will be brief. As a matter of
fact there is only one thought I would like to leave with you. I am going to ask
your indulgence in the development of this thought. At the end of World War 13,
I decided to resume my education at the University of Maryland. I had as one of
my courses the philosophy of education. On one particular day our Professor
asked this question of the class. "In your opinion what one invention or development had the greatest influence on changing our civilization from that of prehistoric times to the highly developed technological society we now live in?"
The answers were many and varied from the invention of the wheel to the harnessing
of nuclear power and back to the invention of flush toilets.
Nov/ let!s give the answer to this question a moment of your thought. Because
in the answer to this question is also the answer as to why you are here today.
The answer is communication. I am sure that not one of us here would be present
had you not received communication either verbally or in the written form to the
effect that there would be a conference of the Middle Atlantic Greens Superintendents on January 11th and 12th at the Holiday Inn located in Baltimore.
By the same token the Conference would be meaningless if it were not for the
fact that information could be exchanged from the speakers to those in attendance
and also the fact that individuals could communicate one with the other.
I can bring home the importance of communication easily to some of you here
in the audience who perhaps like I while in the service experienced the language
barrier in a foreign country. Some of you here were in France, Italy, Germany,
North AfriQa, India, Japan, etc. I am sure that some of you had experiences
similar to the one I encountered while in Japan.
I was given the responsibility of putting on the first football game to be
played in Japan. One of the things that had to be done was to line off a football
field and erect goal posts. I had the advantage of an interpreter, but still the
task which was a relatively simple one was extremely difficult because of communication and understanding. The job was completed but consumed a great deal of
time because of the Japanese labor.
Now to bring this matter of communication closer to home and relate it to the
operation of a golf course. There are three principal parties involved.
1. Management
2. The Greens Superintendent
3. The Golf Professional
It is imperative to the smooth running and efficient operation of this golf plant
for all three parties to understand the language of one another. It is also
important that they realize the problems that confront each area of this operation
and that a sincere effort be made on the part of all concerned to effectively
solve the problems that they are mutually concerned with. Gentlemen, this can
only be effected by a free flowing communication between the three parties
concerned.