February, 1978

(joij? (Gourde Superintendent
OF

N E W

E N G L A N D ,

Mociation
I N C .

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

The Job That Isn't There
A certain amount of consternation has been aroused of late
because of an old and familiar unethical practice which seems
to surface every now and then.
It has been noted that golf course superintendents (obviously
being from the ambitious species) are applying for jobs already
filled by competent but unsuspecting colleagues. It reminds one
of the old golf ball joke... the situtation in which a ball becomes
lost even before it stops rolling.
This, however, is no joke. The seriousness of it is reflected in
that ever-increasing fear of the veteran superintendent that
warns him of a coup of sorts. That coup has been inspired by a
few private clubs who play a game of football with supers and
salaries... dump the old one with the higher salary commitment
in favor of the young one who will come into the fold for a
comparable song.
Unethical is not a descriptive editorially invented in this case.
It's all there - in black and white - in both the Golf Course
Superintendents Association of America and our own Golf
Course Superintendents Association of New England.
The NEGCSA's bylaws are crystal clear. Article III states:
"A member shall be deemed to have violated the Code of Ethics
by. . . applying for a position without the definite knowledge of
its vacancy." The GCSAA revised code reads: "A member of
this association accepts and fully agrees to abide by the Code of
ethics and pledges himself to. . . abstain from the debasement
of, or encroachment upon, the professional reputation, practice
or employment of another superintendent."
Obviously, the persons defying this code (should they be
members of the governing associations) have, in fact, acted in a
manner which warrants something more than individual soulsearching. If, in fact, they can be identified, each association is
bound to instigate some form of disciplinary proceeding.
More important, though, is the continuing occurrence of
factors which point up the necessity for a move toward the
establishment of job security for the superintendent. It is a
matter of experience by many a former super at a particular
club that his job often hangs in the balance of absurd differences
between personalities. Such changes in the super field have
come out of a simple exchange of unpleasantries with a green
chairman or an inconsequential act magnified by the mood of
the day carried by the club president. Then there is just plain
dislike between two parties where a livelihood lives or dies.
It would bring this discussion to a conclusion, if the security of
the superintendent were confined to the above confrontations of
personalities and isolated disagreements.
However, a new and more formidable form of danger stalks
the super because of the so-called pinch felt by private clubs. In
a word, some of these clubs will do anything to decrease the
operation budget. In plain economics... you gain by the process
of elimination.
This already is in evidence in the case of the golf professional.
Examples are right there for the viewing. A professional leaves
the club (one way or another) and the club decides not to replace

him. If they do fill his position, it comes in the hiring of a green's
fee seller or shoe spike tightener.
Fortunately for the superintendent, his job still commands the
normal replacement process. His talk always has been, is and
always will be, the most important in relation to the strongest
motivation for establishing and sustaining the country club as
we know it. Therefore, he can't be replaced by a faceless, robotlike person. But... he can be replaced by a young and ambitious
colleague who might sell his soul cheap for the chance to advance his career.
The Code of Ethics, then, has been pierced and disfigured by
the actions of those applying for jobs that aren't there. Behind it
all, though, is the possibility that some prodding of these culprits
exists. It's more than alarming. It's disgusting!
Gerry Finn

NEXTMEETING
Monday Feb. 6, 1978
Place - Dedham Inn, Dedham, Mass.
Directors Meeting 10 a.m.
Regular Meeting 1 p.m.
Educational Program 2 p.m.
Lunch on your own

NEW MEMBERS
Joe Farina, South Shore C.C.
Leroy Allen, Norwood C.C.
Steve Hosington, Unicorn G.C.
A i l three voted in as Associate
Members. Congratulations.
NEW MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Edward Picard, Woburn C.C.
Associate Member
To be voted on at next meeting

Course

Superintendents

AAocia tion

Budgets ... The Mind Buster
Whenever golfers, superintendents, professionals, club
members, managers and the like gather these days sooner or
later the subject that will stick to their lips and cling there like
some kind of barnacle is the cost of course operations. .. or the
budget.
The budget is the original mind buster in golf operational
circles. There doesn't seem to be any definite method of
arranging one which will keep in tune or satisfy the wishes of the
universal club supporter. What appears high in Massachusetts
might appear moderate in Kansas. What might look to be intolerably low in New York could be just what the accountant
ordered in Louisiana. Whatever, the size and score of the budget
vary.
Recently, the Massachusetts Golf Association (MGA) stuck
its foot into it with a survey conducted with the hope of coming to
the light at the end of the operational tunnel. Some toes were
stepped on etc. and the response is still in the making, as is the
evaluation of same. But, alas, surveys may be for the proverbial
bird, too.
One glaring compromise shared by all in the business of
bringing the golfer the best possible playing conditions is the
realization that budgets have been placed on the steep spiral in
the past 10 years.
Let there be light here. A survey prepared in conjunction with
budget studies by the firm of Harris, Kerr, Foster and Company
- shows that in the decade between 1956 and 1966 the average
cost per hole for maintenance rose from $2,680 to $3,807. That is
an increase of substance but nothing compared to the next 10
years.
The same study group stretched the rule starting with 1966.
When it came around to 1976, that $3,807 cost per hole had
jumped to $7,381. That's almost a full 100 per cent increase and
could even go beyond that if other variables in establishing
budget costs are included.
An explanation of that last sentence comes in the fact that the
$7,381 figure includes only golf course materials and labor.
When such items like payroll taxes, employee benefits, repairs
are added, the cost takes another kangarooish leap to $8,441 per
hole.
The latest figures are for the 1976 season. Harris, Kerr, etc.
note that the average cost went up 6.8 per cent in 1977 and approximately the same increase is anticipated for '78. In the
overall budget for the full 18 holes, we are now talking in the
vicinity of from one hundred and fifty to two hundred thousand
dollars a year. That mutual realization of cost hikes are
reflected in these high rolling numbers.
There has been in vogue in geographically oriented spots a
pool of budget information collected by groups of country clubs.
In the final analysis the hope is to gather corresponding cost
figures and come to a compatible average figure for each
maintenance project. On the surface, this method deserves
consideration but budgets are such that their outlay
requirements can differ from one course to another, even
though the courses may be only miles apart.
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
DEAN ROBERTSON
RONALD KIRKMAN
24 Riverview Drive
25 Green St.
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
O f f i c e Phone 444-5548
O f f i c e Phone 254-3678
Club Affiliation
Club Affiliation
C h e s t n u t Hill C o u n t r y C l u b N e e d h a m Golf C l u b

S E C O N D VICE PRESIDENT
BRIAN C O W A N CGCS
R o b i n s Way
H a r w i c h , Mass. 02645
H o m e Phone 432-9041
O f f i c e Phone 945-9230
Club Affiliation
Eastward Ho!

SECRETARY
DAVE BARBER CGCS
P.O. Box 221
Wayland, Mass. 01778
H o m e Phone 358-7678
O f f i c e Phone 358-4882
Club Affiliation
Wayland C o u n t r y C l u b

TREASURER

Some of the considerations are soil type of playing ground,
amount of play, age of course, topography of course, conditional
reputation of course and outlook. The latter includes the general
feeling toward achieving top playing conditions without trying
to cut back drastically on the cost of them.
Comparison of budgets, then, is probably a useless endeavor
and rewarding only in gaining outside knowledge. The only valid
method of comparing is to do it line item for line item. . . with a
look to other contributing factors such as those outlined above.
One outstanding aside to this ever-changing, ever-baffling
but so important phase of golf course operation is that club
members are becoming more aware of what their money does
and where it goes. Budgets have invaded the 19th hole conversations and even spilled over to on-course chatter. And this is
good. Hopefully, the national average costs - as presented here will find their way into some of the country club swap talk.
Budgets. You could probably write a book about them.
Gerry Finn

President's Message
In 1966, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New
England established the Lawrence S. Dickinson Memorial Trust
Fund. This was started to honor the memory of Professor
Dickinson, a pioneer in the field of turf management education
at the University of Massachusetts. At that time in 1966, it was
hoped to have enough monies donated to the fund so that the
administrators could award two scholarships to deserving
students in the turf program at the University of Massachusetts.
Letters were sent to all alumni of the Winter School, Stockbridge
students, and all others with turf interest asking them to support
the fund. Many responded to the plea of this worthwhile cause
with their support. Last year, the Dickinson Trustees sent letters to the Friends of the Association, again asking for their
support. Those that responded are recognized in the Newsletter.
For those who didn't know Professor Dickinson, he was the
founder of the Greenkeepers at the University of Massachusetts
in 1927. The first class had 9 men enrolled. This was a 10 week
program which he later developed into the 2 year course as part
of the Stockbridge program. In 1962 Professor Dickinson was
awarded the USGA Green Section Award for distinguished
service in the field of golf. Professor Dickinson was a friend to
all in the turf industry.
I am hoping that all who read this message will see fit to
contribute to this worthwhile fund.
Your continued support of this program will be greatly appreciated. You may send your contributions to: Donald Hearn, 4
Topeka Road, Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01824.
DEAN ROBERTSON, PRESIDENT
G.C.S.A. of N.E.
FIANCE CHAIRMAN

TR

D O N A L D H E A R N CGCS
4 T o p e k a Road
C h e l m s f o r d , Mass. 01824
H o m e Phone 256-8709
O f f i c e Phone 894-5906
Club Affiliaton
W e s t o n Golf Club

PAULJOHNSON
4 J u d i t h Dr.
No. Reading, Mass. 01864
H o m e Phone 664-6664
O f f i c e Phone 777-1134
Club Affiliaton
Ferncroft C o u n t r y C l u b

MAX MIERZWA
106 C r e s t w o o d St.
C h i c o p e e , Mass. 01020
H o m e Phone 594-4996
O f f i c e Phone 592-9540
Club A f f i l i a t i o n
C h i c o p e e C o u n t r y Club

BERT FREDERICK
45 S t o n e y Brook Rd.
Nabnaset, Mass. 01861
H o m e Phone 692-6445
O f f i c e Phone 453-1231
Club Affiliation
Vesper C o u n t r y C l u b

ROBERT J O H N S T O N
128 W i l b r a h a m Rd.
Hampden, Mass. 01036
H o m e Pnone 566-3075
O f f i c e Phone 566-3096
Club A f f i l i a t i o n
H a m p d e n C o u n t r y Club

OF

NEW

E N G L A N D ,

I N C .

1978 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

Jobs Open

MEMBERSHIP
Ronald K i r k m a n , CGCSchmn
Brian C o w a n , CGCS
David Barber, CGCS

Brockton Country Club
Samuel Ave.
Brockton, Mass. 02401
Attention: Mr. Ray Richards

FINANCE
Robert Johnson, Chmn.
Max Mierwza
David b a r b e r , CGCS
D o n a l d Hearn, CGCS

EDUCATIONAL
Pierre Coste, CGCS - Chmn.
Larry Bunn
Robert M u c c i a r o n e
M e i n d e r f Shultz

C.C. of Pittsfield
639 South St.
Pittsfield, Mass. 01201
Attention: Mr. James Chapman

GOLF
K e n M o o r a d i a n - chmn.

G a r r y Luccini
Brian C o w a n , CGCS

NEWSLETTER

Augusta Country Club
Manchester, Maine
18 Holes
Send resume attention A l Biondi

Larry Bunn - Chmn.
Leon St. Pierre, CGCS
Donald Hearn, CGCS

WELFARE
N o r m a n M u c c i a r o n e - Chmn
David C l e m e n t
Arthur Anderson
Charles Lane
G u y Tedesco

EMPLOYMENT
Larry Bunn -Chmn.
Robert M u c c i a r o n e
Dr. Joseph Troll

PUBLICITY
Burt Frederick - Chmn.
Brian C o w a n , CGCS
D o u g Johnson

TURF RESEARCH
Dr. Joseph Troll
Joseph Rybka
Leon St. Pierre
W a y n e Zoppo

BYLAWS COMMITTEE
D o n a l d Hearn, CGCS - Chmn.
Robert G r a n t , CGCS
Ronald K i r k m a n , CGCS
David Barber, CGCS
Burt Frederick

PARLIAMENTARIAN
Wayne Zoppo

M G A LIAISON
Robert G r a n t , CGCS
Donald Hearn, CGCS

MONTHLY TICKETS
Max Mierzwa

Professionalism I Applied Knowledge
A profession is an occupation requiring extensive training,
education and experience. One engaged in such an activity as a
means of livelihood is a professional. But there are degrees of
professionalism just as there are ranks of professions.
Some occupations - teaching, medicine, law - are assigned a
high rank on the professional scale. Some professions and
professionals earn greater respect because of their assumed
competence or expertise as well as years of organized strength
and public relations programs. Their professional character,
spirit or methods are diametrically opposed to the amateurs.
Every professional does not have to have a Ph.D. or have
spent most of his life as a lawyer or doctor to earn the respect
and esteem that comes with knowing his job. It was not too long
ago that very few universities offered professional training for
golf course superintendents. Today, there are numerous institutions offering some sort of training for those interested in
pursuing a career as a golf course superintendent.
A professional is not someone with a hundred hours of
classroom instruction. While knowledge learned anywhere is
valuable - it is not the goal and it does not make a professional.
GOLF CHAIRMAN

EDUCATIONAL CHAIRMAN

KEN MOORADIAN
134 Green St.
Hopedale, Mass. 01747
H o m e Phone 473-2352
Oft ice Phone 473-3508
Club A f f i l i a t i o n

PETE COSTE
121 G r a n i t e St.
Medfield, Mass. 02052
H o m e Phone 359-7247
O f f i c e Phone 566-0240
Club Affiliation

Hopedale C o u n t r y C l u b

The C o u n t r y C l u b

NEWSLETTER C H A I R M A N
LARRY B U N N
145 D e d h a m S t .
Canton, Mass. 02021
H o m e Phone 828-7266
O f f i c e Phone 828-6540
Club A f f i l i a t i o n
Blue Hill C o u n t r y C l u b

5

The goal is application of that knowledge.
A professional takes as much as he can squeeze from his job
and in the same shake he returns - through his experience,
ethics and teachings - a dividend to that profession. The test of a
professional is his attitude - his desire to tackle his job with
enthusiasm and a willingness to open his mind to all the stimuli
that influence him in his work.
A superintendent with a good attitude - a professional
viewpoint of his job - will not do just what has to be done. He will
approach problems with thought. He will seek others' thoughts.
He will use his reasoning, training and learning to elicit
solutions that will not only rid him of his immediate problem,
but that will have a long-range effect.
A professional is one who is aware of what the job is all about
and of how to go about it with the best results and least expenditure of energy. Golf course superintendency is a profession
- it requires extensive knowledge of a wide range of subjects. A
professional superintendent is one who does his job - on or off the
course- and acquires knowledge and then applies that
knowledge to his work.

PAST PRESIDENT
WAYNEZOPPO
9A Village Green N o r t h
E. Providence, R.I. 02915
H o m e Phone 434-1759
O f f i c e Phone 434-8512
Club A f f i l i a t i o n
A g a w a m Hunt G o l f C l u b

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.

frahoHije

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.
The Charles C. Hart Seed Co.
Wethersfield, Conn.
Bob Kennedy, Rep.
Steve Hart, Rep.
203-529-2537

FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION

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

The Clapper Co.
1121 Washington St.
West Newton, Mass.

• Geoffrey S. Cornish & William G. Robinson Kenneth Barrie Corp.
249 Milton St., Dedham, Mass. 02026
Golf Course Architects
A. (617) 364-3333
Fiddlers Green, Amherst, Mass. 01002
r

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 Ed. Wiacek 1-401-253-4284
Rep Allen Cumps 1-413-253-2995.
Gold Star Sod Farms, Inc.
Sod & Pine Bark Mulch
Canterbury, New Hampshire
1-800-528-5205

Tom Irwin, Inc.
11B A Street
Burlington, Mass.
Karandrew Turf Farms, Inc.
Sam Mitchell, Sales Representative
15 Longmeadow Drive, Canton, Mass.
* Larchmont Irrigation Co.
Larchmont Ln., Lexington, Mass.
Mallinckrodt, Inc.
Second and Mallinckrodt Streets
St. Louis, Missouri 63147

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 Sc 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
Tiico Products Co.
Division of the Upjohn Company
Kalamazoo, Michigan
David Sylvester 203-828-3790

Magovern Company, Inc.
Lawn Acre Road
Windsor Lock, Conn.

White Turf Engineering
5 Summer Drive, Winchendon, Mass. 01475
617-297-0941

D. L. Maher
Box 127, Concord St.
N. Reading, Mass* 01864

Philip A. Wogan
Golf Course Architect
21 Budleigh Ave., Beverly, Mass.

* Contributors to the Lawrence S. Dickinson Scholarship Fund
First Class

QJf
L A R R Y BUNN
Newsletter Committee Chairman
145 Dedham St.
Canton, Mass. 02021
Home Phone 828-7266
Office Phone 828-6540
Club A f f i l i a t i o n
Blue Hill Country Club
DONALD HEARN
Business Manager
LEON ST. PIERRE
Co-ordinator
GERRY FINN
Contributing Editor

FIRST CLASS

U. S. Postage

PAID

Maynard, M A
Permit # 1 7