OCTOBER, 1969 ourSe OF S u tup p e r i n t e n d e n t s NEW E N G L A N D - A s s o c i a t i o n I N C NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the G.C.S.A. of N. E. will be the annual Pro-Super tournament at the Brae Burn Country Club, Newton, Mass. The date is October 27, 1969 and starting times are after 9 a. m. Superintendent Bob Grant promises that the oak leaves will be all cleaned up and should not be a problem for those who insist on playing in the rough. Remember, either the Pro or the Super must be a member of the P.G.A. or the G.C.S.A. of N. E. in order to qualify for this event. Bob Grant At the last meeting President Caranci ap-' pointed the nominating committee with John 0 ' Conner as chairman and the following as committee members: Leon V. St. Pierre, Philip Cassidy, John O'Connell and Ronald Kirkman. It is their duty to have the proposed slate ready for the November meeting which will be November 3, 1969 at the Needham C. C., Needham, Mass. THE FRIENDSHIP SHIELD This is a Shield which was presented to the Association by the G.C.S.A. of New England, U. S. A. The members of the Executive Committee present agreed to present this Shield to the Club at which the Annual Tournament was played each year. The Chairman asked the Captain of Haggs Castle to accept the Shield to hold for one year. On receiving the Shield the Captain thanked the Chairman and members for this and said how nice it was to have it to remind the Club of the visit of the Greenkeepers to Haggs. R. B. MOFFAT, General Secretary. Turfcraft, The Scottish Golf Green keepers' Association Information contained in this publication may be used fre.ely, in whole or in part, without special permission, as long as the true context is maintained. We would appreciate a credit line. Sponsors and administrators of the Lawrence S. Dickinson Scholarship Fund — A w a r d e d yearly to deserving Turf Management Students. "COMRADES IN A R M S " This is the that time of year when leaves begin to fall, frost begins to form and the golf superintendent takes dead aim on the John Shanahan Memorial Shield. That is, the super and his comrade in arms — his club golf professional — try to run down victory in one of the most important and enjoyable competitions in New England circles. The Shanahan again is scheduled to be contested on the grounds John loved so much — the Brae Burn Country Club. Bob Grant, who now puts the greenery there in shape, will be host for the event and promises the usual worthwhile results for those making the trip. The Shanahan has a past. It was first staged in 1935. That year a Pakachoag Hill Country Club duo of Thomas Mattus and the since-departed Harry Nettelbladt rode to victory. Since then the lineup of contenders has included a veritable Who's Who in big time golf action. Among those, who have labored with their supers over the well-kept Brae Burn territory, are former U. S. Open champion Tony Manero, one-time PGA king Denny Shute and Harold (Jug) McSpadden — one of the leading tourists of the 1930's. In keeping in the spirit of having outstanding pros on hand for the tournament, the professionals of New England have turned out in goodly numbers to take part in the annual fall shootout. Of course, the reason for all the attention stuck on the tournament is the late John Shanahan, pioneer and prophet of the New England Golf Course Superintendents. The super-pro is a perpetual testimonial to the memory of this rock of the profession. Shanahan was a giant in the association. He served as president from 1924 through 1928 and it was through his efforts that the title of golf course superintendent was advanced toward the high plane it now occupies. The format of the tournament, too, makes one ever mindful of the common goals of the competitors. The Shanahan brings together super and pro for an enjoyable day of golf . . . and also for the opportunity to blend their ideas and suggestions for their common goal — the betterment of golf. The Shanahan Memorial, then, should be considered one of the highlights of the season. It is a double-barreled form of entertainment and education for the two professions so essen-i tial to the future gains of golf. And it also honors a man who stood for all the joint benefits derived from such a union of super and pro on the field of battle. It certainly is an event which deserves the support of the entire association, even if it means coming out to Brae Burn in the role of spectator. It is a must on any superintendent's schedule. — Gerry Finn ourSe Superin teindent A ^y^ddociu tion • "NEVER A DULL M O M E N T " The day was botched by cloudbursts which consumed all plans of the New England superintendents to determine their goll champion at the Mount Pleasant Country Club. " T h e r e she blows and goes", Tom Murphy quipped to Manny Francis as 'Pleasant' turned into 'Unpleasant.' "There will be no tournament today. Now what'll we d o ? " What they did, together with a gathering of some 35 other association members, was to engage in a typical slam-bang, all-join-in meeting. For contrary to the fears of some club presidents and green chairmen, the super does not steal away from his post once a month to take part in a feigned session. When weather conditions wipe out a planned golf competition, the supers do not seek out the bar and engage in a marathon drinking bout. Nor, for that matter, do they drum up a poker game or other form of extra curricula!' activity. You see, golf course superintendents monthly meetings are for real. What goes on for two or three hours? Well, the flak at Mount Pleasant was really heavy after the boys had stoked themselves to a superb lunch. President Tony Caranci had announced that a "brief meeting" would follow. But once you get a group of supers together and a turf discussion is initiated, there's no chance for an early adjournment. One of the favorite topics is the so-called "side by side comparison of golf courses" . . . i.e. — "what makes the greens go sour on one side of the street when they're flourishing 011 the o t h e r ? " That little item was the kickoff to orderly comments by virtually every super aboard. And in the end it all boiled down to a matter of individuality — such as course age, turf texture, type of grass seed used, drainage . . . plus maybe one hundred other factors. That was an enlightening go-round simply because of the number of inquiries set forth by certain club members who can't understand why every course doesn't react the same to similar weather conditions. They just don't. Nature won't have it that way. From there the words fairly flew and arranged themselves. in interesting chisters" mTil"The"^poinr-"blank""offering "was" ma""de" — " i f you had the opportunity to start over from scratch, what type of green would you b u i l d ? " David Gould, president Mt. Pleasant C . C., Dick Blake, superintendent Mt. Pleasant C . C., Dr. Mel Goldman, greens chairman, Mt. Pleasant C . C., and Tony Caranci, president, G . C . S . A . of N. E. IN M E M O R I A M Our sympathy is extended to Mr. and Mrs. Steve Kristof on the recent death of their son, P.F.C. Peter Frank Kristof who died while fighting for his country in Quang Tri, Vietnam. On August 31, 1969, Arthur L. Cody, a widower of seventeen years passed away, leaving five children. He had served thirty-four years at the Club. Mr. Cody was an accomplished golfer. umphs was his championship in the State ment, and the Superintendents' Association casions. Wollaston Golf Among his triCaddy Tournaon various oc- Arthur Cody was President of the Golf Course Superintendents' Association of New England in 1952 and 1953. He also held other offices, including treasurer for a period of years. He was buried 011 September 3, 1969. This, too, proved amazing from a layman's point of view. Evidently, despite claims and counter-claims, there is 110 clear-cut victor in the battle to establish a champion among the strains of grasses available for greens. There was support for something called " C - 1 1 9 . " There was shot back a salvo in defense of "Penn-Cross." And then all at once the Velvet-Bent boys stood up and sought a proper place for their favorite. On and on into the afternoon the great debate (strictly on a friendly basis) continued until the group ran out of verbal ammunition. " I t was a typical session", prexy Caranci noted after he declared the meeting had come to a close. "Everyone got their time and money's worth. But, then again, there's never a dull moment when these men get together." — Gerry Finn Ted Murphy, right, wishing Don Hearne good luck on his new position as superintendent at the Lexington C . C . Ted is the new owner of the Garrison Golf Center, inc., in Haverhill, Mass. New Hampshire Golf Course Superintendents Association, Inc. Editor — John J. Barry, Supt. Abenaqui Country Club, Rye, N. H. RAFFLE B o b Flanagan reports the raffle tickets are selling very well and at the last meeting he collected a considerable amount and stated we are progressing nicely. SEPTEMBER MEETING T h e September meeting was held at the Rockingham Country Club with George and Herman Hauschel acting as hosts. Two new members were voted in at that time. Both being salesmen, they were given an inactive membership. T h e y a r e : Ron Gagne 0 . M. Scott Co. Sales Representative Foxboro, Mass. Don Allaire Clapper Co. Sales Representative Newton, Mass. OCTOBER MEETING T h e next meeting of the N.H.G.C.S.A. will be held at the Cocheco Country Club in Dover, N. H. on Wednesday, October 1. Bob Flanagan will be our host for the annual Tournament to be held at this time. Supt.-Pro. There will be no formal educational or business meeting this month as it will be an 18-hole tournament. Anyone wishing to play in the tournament can start teeing off after 8 : 3 0 a. m. Since the 12th hole ends up beside the clubhouse, B o b thought it might be easier if we ate after we play the hole and then continue to the 13th. Directions to Cocheco Country Club: T a k e the Silver Street exit from the Spaulding Turnpike. At your first set of lights take Route 4 ; follow this route through town. From Route 4 get on Atlantic Ave. and follow it until you come to the club. IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN R e m e m b e r way back in the height of the golfing season when you had plenty of help you would walk into the old maintenance building and address your entire crew something like t h i s : " G o o d morning men, let's get out there, do your respective j o b s and put in a good eight hour day." Now it's something like this — same club, same building, only a month later: — " G o o d morning J a y and Leo, let's get out there and put in a good eighteen hour day and get as much done as possible." Bob also asked again if when you sell any tickets please send the money and the ticket stubs to B o b upon selling them so we may be able to keep track of the progress. Remember the money raised by this raffle is to be used for a scholarship fund to help deserving students finish their education. IS SOMETHING BUGGING YOU? About this time of year with help leaving and thinking about the frustrations you had to contend with throughout the summer and those to come in the fall, George Hauschel found the following article and thought it appropriate for this time of year. He asked if I could find room in the Newsletter for it. (With the backlog of articles submitted to me, I said it would be difficult but that I would certainly try, and lo and behold I did find room) : IS SOMETHING BUGGING YOU? Are you tight, irritable, frustrated, hard to live w i t h ? T h e following is a list of suggestions made by specialists in mental health and summarized the ways we can relieve our tensions: 1. Decide the cause of the tension. 2. T a l k it out with someone you respect and trust. 3. Escape f o r a while, even if f o r only a short time or distance. 4 . B e sure your life includes some recreation you enjoy. 5. T a k e one thing at a time. 6. Get rid of your anger by physical activity, working out your feeling on some inanimate thing. 7. Don't feel you have to be perfect. Remember no one else is. 8. Do not take mood pills (such as tranquilizers) unless prescribed by your doctor. 9. Keep as healthy as possible. 10. Do something for somebody else when you feel low. This is a good tension reliever. 11. Make decisions when they need to be made. Then don't waste time wondering if you made the right ones. 12. Develop your sense of humor. Live in the present and e n j o y it. QUICK THOUGHT Just a quick thought men, but there are only two more outdoor meetings, and then it's back inside. Next month at Cocheco and then in November at Charlie Pullen's Nashua Country Club. S I /)/) A S 3 Maine Golf Course Superintendents Association Editor — Norman Pease, Purpoodock Club, Cape Elizabeth, Maine OCTOBER MEETING On October 7 the Maine superintendents will travel to Vasalboro to visit Paul Browne at Natinas. This is a nine hole, 3 , 0 0 0 yard layout, with Pencross greens that the Browne family built. T h e course is now in its fourth year and Paul says the play has almost doubled each year. T h e course is maintained by Paul and his son. T h e greens are watered by spring fed ponds and all nine greens can be watered at once with 8 0 lb. water pressure. T o reach Natinas from Augusta take Route 2 0 1 north and watch for signs. F r o m Waterville take 2 0 1 south and watch f o r signs. Let's have a good turnout. MEETING SCHEDULE 11:00- 12:00 Business Meeting 12:00 - 1:00 Lunch 1:00- 2:00 Education 2:00 Golf Due to a by-law change made at our last annual meeting the time is cojning for our annual election of officers. With this in mind President Lloyd R u b y has appointed a nominating committee to meet at the October meeting. John Davis, Chairman, J a c k Small, Roger Lowell SUPT.-PRO TOURNAMENT On Oct. 10 we get to see if the pros are as good as they think they are and we are as bad as they (the pros) assume we are. It is time for the second annual supt-pro tournament to be held at the Brunswick Golf Club in Brunswick. Make your plans now. M a r k your calendar so you don't forget it. T h e tournament will be selected drives and alternate shots. SEPTEMBER MEETING Due to Gerda, which we didn't get, and four plus inches of rain that we did get, the September meeting was postponed from Tuesday to Thursday. W e are sorry that many who planned on making it Tuesday could not make it Thursday. A1 Cameron from Houlton and J o e West from Mexico were two that travelled great distances both Tuesday and T h u r s day to make the meeting. T h e Maine map, put out by the State Highway Commission, lists the mileage from Houltorl to Portland at 2 4 8 miles one way. It is another 2 5 miles to Biddeford Pool. Understand A1 had to leave at three in the morning to make it. About forty superintendents and equipment dealers made it to Abenaki for the annual equipment display. There were many pieces of equipment to see and interest was very high. It was nice to see Sam and Chuck up from West Newton, Mass. Understand it was the lobster that got them here. Our thanks to host Superintendent J a c k Small for the use of the course and for the wonderful lobster feed that was enjoyed by all. Hope the next equipment display is as big or bigger. Plans are now in progress to make a complete list of meetings for next year. Those of you who wish to have a meeting at your course next year please let Lloyd know in the next month or so. W e don't care what size course you have, if we haven't been to it we would like to visit you. A n n u a l E q u i p m e n t Field D a y , A b e n a k i Club, B i d d e f o r d Pool T H E P R O O F O F A GOLFER A poem from the pen of Edgar Guest T h e proof of the Pudding's the eating they say But the proof of a golfer is not T h e number of strokes which he takes in a day Or the skill he puts into a shot. There is more to the game than the score which you make, Here's a truth which all golfers indorse; Y o u don't prove worth by the shots which you take, But the care which you take of the course. A golfer is more than a ball driving brute He is more than a mug-hunting c z a r ; T o be known as a golfer you don't have to shoot T h e course of your home club in par. But you do have to love every blade of the grass, Every inch of the fairways and greens. And if you don't take care of the course as you pass, You are not what a good golfer means. Just' watch a good golfer some day when you're out And behold what he does when he plays. He never goes on leaving divots a b o u t ; Till the grass is put back — there he stays Observe him in traps as he stands for his shot, Then note, when the ball has been played T h a t he never unthinkingly turns from the shot Till he's covered the footprints he made. Y o u may brag of your scores and may boast of your skill, Y o u may think as a golfer you're good, But if footprints you make in the traps you don't fill, Y o u don't love the game as you should; For your attitude unto the shot you enjoy Isn't proven by brilliance or f o r c e ; T h e proof of a golfer — now get this, m y boy Is the care which he takes of the course. From Canadian Golf Review — Spring 1968 — O F N E W 1969 will certainly be a memorable year for the golf course superintendent. It began with three record snow storms, the worst to hit the northeast in many years. Spring cast upon many golf courses, some of the most deplorable turf conditions possible, leaving many courses with dead greens, tees and fairways. O'verseeding produced So little results, before a dry period came upon the courses in June. Then came a three week period in July, of dark sunless, rainy days, which thrust tons of water on the golf courses, causing the grass plant to become very soft, succulent and prone to disease. When the sun finally showed its face, after this wet period, many superintendents experienced their old friend "wet wilt." Following these unusual conditions, came one of the hottest, most humid months of August on record. Temperatures held into the mid-nineties ( 9 0 ° s ) , day after day, taking its toll of turf. Heavy play and increased golf car usage, added to the turf problems. It was unbelievable that we were spared the after effects of hurricane Gerda, which instead brought relief from the hot humid weather, by pulling down cool, dry air from Canada. With a sigh of relief, we are into the month of September, only to be faced with a tremendous amount of work to be done on tired golf courses, and skeleton crews to accomplish this work, due to poor labor conditions. It has been a most challenging year for the golf course superintendent. Anthony B. Caranci, J r . v - M H W l H i I ri „% J ? ^ I wiistw --..mat 'Mm * ', H H : I I • ' I . j?H| ; (With this issue, the NEGCS/l Newsletter initiates a series which it hopes will become a regular feature of the monthly publication. "Sound Off!" is for you, the reader. We would like to hear from everyone and anyone"—- super, green chairman, club president, member, public golfer — on any subject that pertains to improvement and maintenance of the golf course. We ask that letters be brief as possible, signed and presented in neat form. Send your comments or complaints to Newsletter Mail. Box, 24 Rivervieiv Drive, Newbury, Mass. 01950. Of course, the Newsletter reserves the right to comment on each letter received.) "Recently, I happened to pick up a copy of your publication at our club and was surprised to learn of the superintendents' difficulties along labor lines. I always was under the impression a worker thought it a privilege to gain employment in such a high class atmosphere as a country club. Am I w r o n g ? " Lawrence Simpson Danbury, Conn. There is some merit to your thoughts, Mr. Simpson. However, golf course workers do not depend on fancy environment to feed their families. They look at the hourly rate first, then drink in the surroundings . . . if the price is right! "Let me start off with the fact that I enjoy the Newsletter. However, I seem to draw the assumption that the golf course superintendent is beginning to grow too big for his britches. For instance, the other day I couldn't play my own course because the superintendent had decided that 'two days of continuous rain made the course unplayable.' I pay my dues on time and believe this entitles me to play my course any time I wish. Do you really think you people should have that much authority?" Frank Thornton Wilbraham, Mass. The superintendent agrees that club members deserve to be accommodated at all times. But he also is the sole judge on the advisability of declaring the golf course unplayable. You should be thankful you have a super who knows enough to keep the course free of traffic when its rate of damage susceptibility is at an all-time high, especially after heavy rains. & : •M-H I N C . " S O U N D OFF!" PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE •MBHgBaas E N G L A N D , • i Friends of the Association who attended the meeting at M t . Pleasant in Boylston, Mass. Left to right, front row: Joei McKoan, Steve Butler, Sil Paulini and Don Allaire. Back row, I. to r.: John Sperandio, Ken Turner, Fred Anthony and Fred Neyiiger. Welcome to Richard A. French, Superintendent at the Merrimack Valley C.C. in Methuen who was voted an Associate member last meeting. The following have to be voted on at the next meeting: for Associate membership: Donald W. Blakeley Paul N. Barrott Laurie Lane 196 Road Street Harwichport, Mass. Ludlow, Mass. Harwic.hport Golf Course Ludlow Country Club -x- # " I am a member of an 18-hole course but my business hours dictate unusual golf dates, like every Monday. It just so happens that our superintendent and his work crew seem to take over the course that day and I find myself inconvenienced by workers in my putting line, roaring motors at the top of my back swing etc. Can't those guys find some other time to annoy people? Peter Farnsworth Boston, Mass. Your complaint would be valid if you could do one thing for your superintendent. That is, arrange with your fellow members one day of the week when you stay off the course and allow the work to be completed. If you manage such a remedy to an age-old problem, pass it along to every other course in the country. Otherwise, change your business schedule. *• -:<- *• * •>:- (That's it for the first airing of "Sound O f f ! " If you would like more, send us your letters or cards. It's a good chance for you, the readers, to take over.) PietLM fiabuMife FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION Alfco Rokeby Co., Inc. Fertilizers and Chemical Specialties P. 0 . Box 267, Marietta, Ohio President — Anthony Caranci, Jr. 22 Hiliview Drive No. Providence, R. I. 02900 Phone 723-1688 Club Affiliation Ledgemont C o u n t r y Club f i r s t Vice-President — Secretary R I C H A R D C . BLAKE 21 i Sewafi Street Boylston, Mass. 015Q5 Phone 869-2737 Club Affiliation M t . Pleasant Country Club Astroturf Recreational Surfaces Monsanto Co., R. Spencer Thompson P. 0 . Box 2130, Springfield, Mass. Baker Tractor Corp., Ford Tractors Harley Davidson Golf Cars Swansea, Mass. — THOMAS CURRAN 153 Fisher Street W a l p o l e , Mass. 02081 Phone 668-7221 Club Affiliation The Country Club Philip C. Beal, Consulting Engineers Irrigation and Recreation Facilities P. 0 . Box 102, Hanover, Mass. 02339 Second Vice-President — L U Q E N DUVAL R.F.D. No. 5. Gault Rd. Bedford, N . H . 03105 Phone 472-3454 Club Affiliation Manchester Country C l u b ROBERT G R A N T 22 Patricia Road Sudbury, Mass. 0 i 776 Phone 443-2671 Club Affiliation Brae Burn Country Club Trustee — Educational Committee NORMAN MUCCIARONE 101 Alb-:;': R-.-oJ - — Waban, Mass. 02168 Phone 332-3056 Club Affiliation W o o d l a n d Country Club — E D W A R D J. MURPHY 1X14 G/.bc':-' Road W a y l a n d , Mass. 01778 Phone 358-7410 Ciob Affiliation Lexington Country C i u b Trustee — Golf C o m m i t t e e Chairman • ROBERT M U C C I A R O N E 465 Summer Street Westwood, Massachusetts 02090. Phone 329-9682 Ciub Affiliation Oedhem Country and Polo C i u b W A Y N E RIPLEY 216 South Street W r e n t h a m , Mass. Phone 384-3142 Ciub Affiliation W a l p o l e Country C l u b Newsletter C o m m i t t e e Chairman - Trustee — PHILIP C A S S I D Y 4 5 Grosvenor Road Needham, Mass. 02192 Phone 444-4127 Club Affiliation Weston G o l f Club D E A N ROBERTSON 24 Riverview Drive Newbury, Mass. 01950 Phone 462-4540 Club Affiliation Chestnut Hill Country Club Finance C o m m i t t e e Chairman - Past President —• L E O N V. ST. PIERRE 51 Fenwood Road Longmeadow, Mass. 01106 Phone 567-5562 Cluo Affiliation Longrneadow Country C l u b JULIUS AKSTEN 6 Main Street Southboro. Mass, 01772 Phone 485-8865 Club Affiliation St. Mark's G o l f C l u b Business Manager DEAN ROBERTSON Newsletter C o m m i t t e e C h a i r m a n 24 Riverview Drive Newbury, Massachusetts 01950 Phone 4 6 2 - 4 5 4 0 C l u b Affiliaiion C h e s t n u t Hill C o u n t r y C l u b The Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Wethersfield, Conn. The Clapper Co. 1121 Washington St. West Newton, Mass. Geoffrey S. Cornish Golf Course Architect Fiddler's Green, Amherst, Mass. George E. Cull Terra-Green Soil Conditioner 112 Green St., Abington, Mass. C. S. Curran T. R. C. Products, Oils and Greases 7 Linden St., Framingham, Mass. Fairway Equipment, Inc. Sales — Service — Rentals 35 Walnut St., Reading, Mass. Farm Bureau Association 158 Lexington St., Waltham, Mass. 02154 Fred Heyliger, Representative Fisk, Alden Ford, Tractor Sales, Inc. Rear 900 Providence Highway Dedham, Mass. 02026 Manuel Francis and Son, Inc. Turf Nurseries 624 Webster St., Marshfield, Mass. Johns-Manville Sales Corp. 1.50 Causeway St., Boston, Mass. Karandrew Turf Farms, Inc. Sam Mitchell, Sales Representative 18 Old Randolph St., Canton, Mass. The Kenneth Barrie Company Irrigation 375 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, Mass. Kerr-McGee Chemical Corp. 380 Union St. West Springfield, Mass. 01089 Larchmont Irrigation Co. Larchmont Ln., Lexington, Mass. Bob Lippman, Tuco Products Co. Division of the Upjohn Company Kalamazoo, Michigan Magovern Company, Inc. Lawn Acre Road Windsor Lock, Conn. D. L. Maher Co. Water Supply Contractors P. O. Box 274, Woburn, Mass. Ken Minasian — Scott's Golf Course Division 312 Marlborough St., Boston, Mass. 02116 Sil Paulini, Inc. 6 Manor Avenue Natick, Mass. 01760 Sawtelle Brothers Jet. Routes 128 and 62 Danvers, Mass. Shepard Sod Company Merion Blue Grass and Pencross Bent 200 Sullivan Ave., So. Windsor, Conn. Stur-Dee Rake Co. P. 0 . Box 1087, Woonsocket, R. I. 02895 U S S Agri-Chemicals, Inc., A. P. Bonnell Seaboard Distributing Co., Inc. Yarmouth Port, Mass. 02675 Gold Star Sod Farms, Inc. 181 South Ave., Weston, Mass. 02197 Philip A. Wogan Golf Course Architect 21 Budleigh Ave., Beverly, Mass. Grounds Equipment Co., Inc. 383 Boylston St., Newton Cen., Mass. Wyandotte Chemical Co. 709 Salada Bldg., Boston, Mass. Tom Irwin Co. Bennett Hill Road Rowley, Mass. Yerxa's. Inc, Golf Course Equipment 740 Broadway, S. Portland, Me.