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Sponsors a n d administrators of the L a w r e n c e S.
Dickinson Scholarship Fund — A w a r d e d y e a r l y
to deserving Turf M a n a g e m e n t Students.

The Certification Syndrome
"The GCSAA giveth...and the GCSAA can taketh away."
That, in a rather tepid biblical presentation, sums up an ironic
outgrowth of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of
America's certification program. And it may cause some uproar.
ft comes into the midnight clear that a superintendent is not set
loose from the requirement chains that bind him, once he has
passed his original certification test and placed his name among
the 13 percent of the national group holding a diploma. Alas, after
five years with his sheepskin, he could be asked to return it!
It's right there in the communique from 1617 St. Andrews Drive,
Lawrence, Kansas. Every five years a certified super is reminded
of his certification renewal obligation. One year's notice is given
of his fifth year coming and renewal date. And a grim reminder is
attached, something to the effect. . ."if your renewal
requirements are not met by the cutoff date, your certified status
will be dropped and may be regained only by reapplying for
certification and completing all the requirements."
Sound kind of harsh to you? Does to me. It's akin to a college
grad having to bone up and pass a degree renewal examination
every two, three, five or whatever the amount of years specified.
And if he doesn't complete the requirement, he has to send his
diploma back to the old alma mater.
Probably the original intent of the GCSAA was noble and good.
There is no doubt that a continuing educational program works
for the benefit of both the superintendent and the golfers he
services with his expertise in conditioning the course. However,
what with only 13 percent of the entire membership in the certification fold, it hardly seems fair that 87 percent or the rest go
their merry way without cracking a book or making a motion
toward gaining certification.
What's more, the certification renewal requirements are such
that they place a financial and time drain on the victim. The
process goes like this:
Renewal application must be made to start things. In addition
to completing the application, the super must accumulate at least
six points from the date of certification to six months after the
five-year expiration date. The points may be any combination of
the following:
GCSAA Conference (one-half point for each up to maximum of
two points). GCSAA Seminar (two points for each passed seminar
up to max of six points. Certification renewal test (four points for
passing a two-hour written test). Certification test or a retaking of
the original six-hour examination (six points for passing).
In most cases, a renewal applicant will find it necessary to take
the certification renewal test. For this, the GCSAA recommends a
reference list which doesn't exactly qualify, itself, as food for the
best sellers' lineup. Most of the books are in the 10 to $20 range. A
quick rundown of cost for all those suggested adds up to $114.
There are other fees involved which could make for a grand total
of $150 or thereabouts.
In addition to the financial outlay, the superintendent must find
time to make arrangements for tests, study, review and other
incidentals which might cramp his regular working style.
What's the alternative? Simple. As stated above, if the renewal
requirements are not met, the super is stripped of his certification

status and must return to the back of the line in order to be
reinstated.
Not only are the requirements and every nature of renewal a
penalty for having incentive in the first place, the consequence for
not making the five-year brush-up coat of knowledge is most
severe. In effect, it takes away what the GCSAA should not be
able to control, once a super has taken the time, money and pain
to be certified.
And until that other 87 percent of the flock gets into step with the
certification program, those holding degrees should be rewarded
and not burdened with additional woes. . . such as the renewal
noose around their necks.
Gerry Finn

Ron K i r k m a n , finished second low net at GCSAA's 50
year celebration tournament held at Sylvania
Country Club and Glengary Country Club.

NEXT MEETING
Oct.
Brae
Host
John

15, 1976
Burn Country Club
Superintendent Bob Grant, CGCS
Shanahan M e m o r i a l Tournament
Superintendent- Pro
Call George Wemyss at 245-5441 for starting
times

Qatf

Course

Superintendents

s^Adocialion

GCSAA Golden Anniversary Hisjhlights

September 13, 1976 Sylvania, Ohio
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England
was represented by a group consisting of Dave Barber of Wayland
Country Club, Ron Kirkman of Needham Golf Club, Don Hearn of
Weston Golf Club, Bert Frederick of Vesper Country Club,
Meindert Shultz of Mt. Pleasant Golf Club, Pierre Coste of The
Country Club, Dick Blake of Woodstock Country Club, Larry Bunn
of Blue Hill Country Club, Dave Clement of Crestview Country
Club, and Chet Sawtelle of Sawtelle Brothers.
The first day was a show of old equipment, displays of old golf
equipment, a number of slide presentations, and some old movies.
They all related to the growth of the game of golf and the progress
that has been made over the last 50 years on the maintenance of
the golf course. There were demonstrations on the use of some of
the equipment. The one that stands out most is the demonstration
of fairway mowing using a single mower that was pulled by a
horse. Not only would this be time consuming but you also would
have to be able to train a horse! There was also the presentation
of the plaque to Sylvania Country Club, which is where the
association was founded 50 years ago. The plaque was mounted on
a stone in front of the club house. The evening banquet ended the
first day of the celebration. The highlights of the banquet were
many. Presentations were made to the 11 Outstanding Service
Award recipients, a telegram of congratulations and continued
success from President Gerald Ford was read, and the keynote
address by Arnold Palmer. Palmer impressed those in attendance as a person not only devoted to the game of golf but as a
man who is proud of his country and his heritage. As you know
Arnolds father was a pro and superintendent for over 40 years
before he passed away a short time ago. He made comments about
how he worked on a golf course as a boy growing up. He
remembers the problems his father had maintaining the golf
course. He also has seen the progress that has been made over the
years because of his family being in the golf business. He
congratulated the superintendents for the success they have
made over the years, and encourage them to not rest on their
accomplishments. Arnold stated that everyone connected with
the game of golf must work together to keep on improving what he
calls the greatest game of all. After the banquet he stayed around
to visit and sign autographs for well over an hour.
The next 2 days was devoted primarily to the golf tournament.
Ron Kirkman placed second in the net tournament. Ron shot 87
and 79. He received a plaque and merchandise. The team that
represented our association played well, but not well enough!!
The individual winner was from Ohio and the team winner was
from Michigan. The 2 golf courses were beautiful and in excellent
condition. There were some holes with the narrowest fairways
you'll ever see. You had to keep it straight.
It was an excellent celebration and everything went off very
well. I know the fellows from our association had a great time.
Larry Bunn
Newsletter Editor

Hole No. 12 at Sylvania
Club, 430 yds. Par 4.

First Vice President
W A Y N E ZOPPO
9 A V i l l a g e Green N o r t h
E. Providence, R.I. 02915
H o m e Phone 434-1759
Office Phone 434-8512
Glub A f f i l i a t i o n
Agawam Hunt

Country

Hole No. 18 at Glengary
Club, 345 yds. Par 4.

Country

Keynote speaker Arnold Palmer signing autographs
a t 50 year celebration banquet. -

Bert Frederick, Meindert Shultz, Dick Cook of
Conn., Pierre Coste at Victory Banquet held at
Sylvania Country Club.

L. to R. Dave Barber,
Don Hearn,
Ron Kirkman,
Bert Frederick
on
1927 Worthington
Model
T tractor,

Dave Barber and Ron
Kirkman
trying out an old
tractor.

Larry
Bunn looking
at 50 year
plaque mounted
on stone in
front
of Sylvania
Country
Club.

Bert Frederick
and Don
Hearn
looking
over an old triplex
mo\ner.

Finance C h a i r m a n

Second Vice President

R O N A L D K I R K M A N , CGCS
D E A N ROBERTSON
25 Green St.
24 Riverview D r i v e
Needham, Mass, 02192
N e w b u r y , Mass. 01950
H o m e Phone 444-8412
H o m e Phone 462-4540
Office Phone 444-5548
Office Phone 254-3678
Club Affiliation
Glub A f f i l i a t i o n
Chestnut H i l l Country C l u b Needham Golf Club

DAVE BARBER
1 M u r i e l Road
C h e l m s f o r d , Mass, 01824
Home Phone 256-4417
Office Phone 358-4882
Club Affiliation
Wayland Country Club

DONALDHEARN
4 Topeka Road
Chelmsford, Mass. 01824
H o m e Phone 256-8709
Office Phone 894-5906.
Club A f f i l i a t i o n
W e s t o n Golf Club

PAUL JOHNSON
RFD 1 Locust St.
M i d d l e t o n , Mass. 01949
H o m e Phone 777-0902
Office Phone 777-1134
Club Affiliation
F e r n r - - f t Country C l u b

A R T H U R W A S H B U R N , CGCS
520 No. M a i n St.
Cohasset, Mass. 02025
H o m e Phone 383-9532
Office Phone 383-1870
Club Affiliation
Cohasset Golf Club

MAX MIERZWA
106 Crestwood St.
Chicopee, Mass. 01020
H o m e Phone 594-4996
Office Phone 592-9540
Club A f f i l i a t i o n
Chicopee Country C l u b

ALAUGER
3 A n d o v e r Rd.
Beverly, Mass. 01915
H o m e Phone 927-0060
Office Phone 922-8511
Club Affiliation
Folly H i l l Country Club

OF

NEW

E N G L A N D ,

I N C .

Newsletter Notes This month on October 15 our association will be playing for the
John Shanahan Memorial Plaque. This is a tournament where the
superintendent and pro play selective drive and alternate shot,
with the superintendent using 1/2 his handicap. Since coming into
the association 6 years ago I've always wondered who John
Shanahan was and why this tournament was named for him. A lot
of fellow superintendents have asked the same question, so I have
done some research to find some information on John Shanahan.
John Shanahan was the greenskeeper at Brae Burn Country Club
for 31 years before he passed away on October 31, 1934. John
Shanahan was born in Templederry, County Tipperary, Ireland in
1864, coming to this country at the age of 24. He started in the
early 1900's as a stone mason at Brae Burn Country Club. A lot of
the stone work there you see today was done by Mr. Shanahan. He
became the greenskeeper in 1903 and at that time they were
building a lot of the golf course which was his responsibility.
Donald Ross was the architect. John Shanahan was a leader and
was particularly gifted with powers of observation and a vision to
comprehend the various phases of his work. He was elected the
first President of the Greenskeepers Club of New England and
held that office for 4 years, and was made an honorary President,
Arthur Anderson, the man who replaced Mr. Shanahan after his
death tells me John used to sit in a rocking chair every Sunday on
the first tee and greet the members as they were about to play
golf. He was an extremely likable person and well respected by
the people he worked for at Brae Burn Country club as well as
surrounding clubs. When he passed away the association along
with the officials at Brae Burn decided to have the tournament in
his honor and that it would be a tournament for the pro and
superintendent to be held annually at Brae Burn Country Club. A
shield as a trophy would be hung in the trophy room at Brae Burn,
and upon which would be inscribed the names of the winners of
the tournament. The Greenskeepers Club of New England also
voted to award annually a John Shanahan Award of Merit to the
persons or person who make the most outstanding contribution to
Greenkeeping in New England. Arthur Anderson said the award
was presented for several years and somehow it has been
misplaced or was not continued. If there are any readers who
have any information on the award, which was a medal, I would
be interested in hearing from you. This is something that should
be re-established.
I would like to share with you some of the many tributes
bestowed upon John Shanahan that was presented in the John
Shanahan Memorial Newsletter in February of 1935. The first is
from the members of Brae Burn Country Club and then from
Professor Lawrence S. Dickinson of Massachusetts State College.
RESOLUTIONS
Adopted December 17, 1934, at a meeting of the Board of
Directors of the Brae Burn Country Club, West Newton,
Massachusetts
WHEREAS;
THE BRAE BURN COUNTRY CLUB
records with deep regret the decease of JOHN SHANAHAN its
beloved and loyal Greenkeeper; and
WHEREAS: For thirty-two years Brae Burn has enjoyed the
benefit of his knowledge and industry, resulting in the attainment
of one of the finest examples of golf course architecture and
maintenance in the United States; and
WHEREAS: During his long years of services, spanning the
growth and development of golf as a National recreation in this
country, John Shanahan prepared the Brae Burn course for many
State and National Tournaments; and
Golf C h a i r m a n
BRIAN COWAN
Robins W a y
H a r w i c h , Mass. 02645
H o m e Phone 432-9041
Office Phone 945-9230
Club Affiliation
Eastward Ho Country Club

Educational C h a i r m a n
P E T E C O S T E , CGCS
89 Pleasant St.
M e d f i e l d , Mass. 02052
Home Phone 359-7247
Office Phone 566-0240
Club A f f i l i a t i o n
T h 6 Country Club

Newsletter C h a i r m a n
LARRY BUNN
145DedhamSt.
Canton, Mass. 02021
H o m e Phone 828-7266
Office Phone 828-6540
Club Affiliation
Blue H i l l Country Club

Past President
T H O M A S CURRAN
Fox Chase Rd.
South Sutton, N . H . 03273
H o m e Phone 938-5436
Office Phone 863-4500
Club Affiliation
Eastman Golf Club

JOHNSHANAHAN

WHEREAS: He was recognized as the dean of Greenskeepers,
holding membership on the Advisory Committee of the Greens
Section of the United States Golf Association and on the Executive
Committee of the Greenskeepers Club of New England; and
WHEREAS: Sincerity and sterling integrity were basic attributes of his character and a remarkable influence for good
among his fellowmen; and now therefore be it RESOLVED,
That the Club express its appreciation of John Shanahan's long
and faithful service, and extend to Mrs. Shanahan its sympathy in
her loss of a loving companion, and be it also further
RESOLVED: That this tribute be spread on the records of the
Club and that a duly authenticated copy be engrossed and
presented to Mrs. Shanahan.
Brae Burn Country Club
Leon B. Rogers, President
William H. Rice, Secretary
C.A. Sawyer Jr., Chairman, Grounds Committee
Greenskeepers and research workers in the field of Agrostology
must never be permitted to forget John Shanahan. It is the duty of
us who knew him to carry his splendid teachings and the inspiration of his rare personality to the future generations.
Greenkeeping was not his chosen profession, but a profession
adopted by necessity. Thus his complete success became a
greater tribute to his character.
John Shanahan was successful during the early period of
greenkeeping because he realized that he was working with living
plants: he was a clear observer and wise interpreter of signs and
omens; he was not excitable, but calm and conservative; he had
great faith in nature and wanted to help her.
In the middle period of his greenkeeping he was even more
successful and a stronger and wiser leader and example. He was
tolerant of new ideas and leaders, never destructive in criticism,
by always encouraging, yet he never hesitated to give an honest
opinion. His valuable influence was felt in this period by leading
the greenskeepers to give of their knowledge, and by his
willingness and desire to direct scientists in the solution of their
research problems.
We are thankful that we were permitted to have John Shanahan
with us during the final period of his greenkeeping career. For
then he was to demonstrate by his practices and life the value of
his example, teachings, and ideals. His acceptance, and adaptation of the results of scientific research was proof of their
soundness, and his leadership was followed throughout the
country.
The greenskeepers of New England have lost an able adviser, a
living example of their ideals. The research worker has lost a true
friend, a wise counsellor with an inspiring personality. The
community has lost a valuable citizen.
Prof. Lawrence S. Dickinson
Mass. State College
I n f o r m a t i o n contained in this p u b l i c a t i o n may be used
freely, in w h o l e or in part, w i t h o u t special permission as long
as the true c o n t e x t is maintained. We w o u l d appreciate a
credit line.

Pteate

Alfco, Inc.
Fertilizers and Chemical Specialties
P.O. Box 267, Marietta, Ohio
Baker Tractor Corp., Ford Tractors
Harley Davidson Golf Cars
Swansea, Massachusetts
Chanderlin Seed Co., Inc., Division of
Lofts Pedigreed Seed, Inc.,
20 Beck Road, Arlington, Mass. 02174
Joe Moran — Rep.

FRIENDS OF THE

Grounds Equipment Co., Inc.
383 Boylston St., Newton Cen., Mass.
Gull Agricultural Service Co.
Allen Bonnell 617-362-2181
Joe Silk 617-784-3966
55 Freeman Road
Yarmouthport, Mass. 02675
Holliston Sand Company, Inc.
Lowland Street, Holliston, Mass. 01746
Sand for Golf Bunkers and Traps
Irrigation and Equipment Supply Co.
66 Erna Ave.
P.O. Box 9
Milford, Conn. 06460
Tele (203) 878-0658

The Charles C. Hart Seed Co.
Wethersfield, Conn.
Bob Kennedy, Rep.
Steve Hart, Rep.
203-529-2537
*The Clapper Co.
1121 Washington St.
West Newton, Mass.

Kenneth Barrie Corp.
249 Milton St., Dedham, Mass. 02026
Tel. (617) 364-3333

*Geoffrey
S. Cornish
^ t c ^Course
a 1- & William G. Robinson
CjoIi
Architects
Fiddlers Green, Amherst, Mass. 01002

•
Tom
11B AIrwin,
StreetInc.
t> i „ Mass.
Burlington,

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.
E-Z-Go Golf Car
Sales - Service - Rentals
Polaris/E-Z-Go Northeast
Box 817
North Falmouth, Mass. 02556
Farm Bureau Association
158 Lexington St., Waltham, Mass. 02154
Fred Heyliger, Representative
Bus. 893-3570 Home 772-3605
Scotts Pro-Turf Div.
Rep. Ron Gagne 746-7000
Rep. Allen Cumps 413-253-2995
Gold Star Sod Farms, Inc.
Sod & Pine Bark Mulch
Canterbury, New Hampshire
1-800-528-5205

M

T

Karandrew Turf Farms, Inc.
Sam Mitchell, Sales Representative
15 Longmeadow Drive, Canton, Mass.
Larchmont Irrigation Ccf.
Larchmont Ln., Lexington, Mass.
Lee Lime Corp.
Lee, Mass. (413) 243-0053
2 Special Spreaders designed
for Golf Courses
Rep. Bill Kershlis 413-253-7485
Mallinckrodt, Inc.
Second and Mallinckrodt Streets
St. Louis, Missouri 63147
Magovern Company, Inc.
Lawn Acre Road
Windsor Lock, Conn.
D. L. Maher
Box 127, Concord St.
N. Reading, Mass. 01864

*Contribulors to the Lawrence S. Dickinson Scholarship

Qolf

(^ourie

^uperintendenti

New England Power Sweeping Co., Inc.
Parking Lots and Roadways
187 South Street
Needham, Mass. 02192
Jack Kidd Phone 332-1451
New England Sealcoating Co., Inc.
Tennis Court Const, and Maintenance
Sealcoating — Hingham Industrial Center
Hingham, Mass. Tel. 749-3236
Old Fox Chemical Inc.
Fertilizers - Seeds - Turf Chemicals
66 Valley Street
East Providence, Rhode Island 02914
P & L Equipment Corp.
Golf Cars & Commercial Turf Equipment
80 Lynde Street, Melrose, Mass. 02176
Phone 617-665-5990
Sil Paulini, Inc.
6 Manor AvenUe
Natick, Mass. 01760
Richey & Clapper, Inc.
28 Rutledge Road
Natick, Mass. 01760
Trencher & Equipment Leasing, Inc.
Ditch Witch Trenchers
38 Fairview St., Agawam, Mass. 01001
Phone 413-786-8600
*Sawtelle Brothers
565 Humphrey Street
Swampscott, Mass.
Tel. 617-599-4856
Tuco Products Co.
Division of the Upjohn Company
Kalamazoo, Michigan
David Sylvester 203-828-3790
White Turf Engineering
5 Summer Drive, Winchendon, Mass. 01475
617-297-0941
Philip A. Wogan
Golf Course Architect
21 Budleigh Ave., Beverly, Mass.

Fund
F i r s t Class
U . S . Postage

PAID

Maynard,

'/.y>i>ttt(fit

OF NEW ENGLAND, INC.

L A R R Y BUNN
Newsletter Committee Chairman
145 Dedham St.
Canton, Mass. 02021
Home Phone 828-7266
Office Phone 828-6540
Club Affiliation
Blue Hill Country Club
D O N A L D HEARN

Business Manager
LEON ST. PIERRE
Co-ordinator
GERRY FINN
Contributing Editor

T

ASSOCIATION

FIRST CLASS

Permit

MA

#17