April, 1981

ourSe
OF

Superintendents
^Association
^Jupi
NEW

E N G L A N D ,

I N C .

Sponsors a n d a d m i n i s t r a t o r s 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.

Distinguished by Design,
Geoffrey Cornish couldn't understand it.
" A l l the grief I've caused golf course superintendents all
over the world and they bestow this honor on m e ? " he exclaimed. " I am really overwhelmed and grateful. It's a moment I'll always treasure."
This was Geoff Cornish after receiving The Distinguished Service Award by the Golf Course Superintendents
Association of America during the group's national turf
conference in Anaheim. And it was, indeed, a rare occasion. After all, Cornish is a golf course architect. They're
the guys supers are supposed to curse, not crown.
Cornish, though, is something special. A former president of the Golf Course Architects' Association, he is considered one of the giants of his profession. His signature is
attached to more than 170 blueprints for courses across
the United States, Canada and Europe.
The 66 year-old Amherst, Massachusetts resident -- who
jogs his eight miles every day, is in his 45th year of plotting the demise of your average weekend hacker.
" I have no intentions of quitting," Geoff remarked. " I
feel much younger than the date on my birth certificate indicates I should feel. I have new ideas and can't wait to get
them on the drawing board."
Cornish began his distinguished career in Canada under
the masterful direction of Stanley Thompson. A native of
Winnipeg, Geoff got his degree in agronomy from British
Columbia University in 1935 and took up his apprenticeship in golf course design at the princely sum of $25 a
week.

NEXT MEETING
Eastward Ho
April 20, 1981

Directors Meeting 9:45
Regular Meeting 10:45
Lunch 12:00 Golf after lunch.
Directions
Route 6 to exit 11. Go left on route 137 for 50 yards
to Pleasant Bay Rd. Follow to route 28. Go right on
route 28 to golf course on Fox Hill Rd. To Wayside
Inn. Go past Fox Hill Rd. to first traffic light. Go
right to Chatham rotary. Go around rotary through
town. Inn is on left. Parking in rear.
Host Supt. Brian Cowan
Tel# Home 432-9041 Office 945-9230

Geoff went off to World War II in 1940, serving overseas
with the infantry where he rose to the rank of major. He
went back to Vancouver for two more years with Thompson who also had another aspiring architect under his
wing, one Robert Trent Jones.
In 1947, Cornish got a call from Professor Lawrence
Dickinson at the University of Massachusetts to teach
there. He stayed with Dickinson for five years during
which he earned a masters degree at the university. He
opened his own golf architect firm in 1952 and has been
on the job ever since.
Presently, Geoff is locked into two projects.
" I ' m writing a book on the history of golf course
design," he disclosed. " I t will be published in New York
and London. In between visits to the publisher I have some
redesigning assignments. One's in Wilmington, Delaware,
and the other's in Westchester, New York."
Cornish is in partnership with Bill Robinson who is
spearheading the new architectural work for the company
in oil-rich Calgary. So, he doesn't have to wonder about
keeping busy.
There's seldom a day when Geoff isn't asked about his
favorite courses which first saw the light of day through
his expertise and imagination.
Several of them are in New England. They include
Crestview in Agawam, Mass.; Chicopee Country Club; the
International in Bolton, Mass.; Spring Valley in Sharon,
Mass. and the Elington Ridge Country Club of Ellington,
Ct.
Other favorites are Summerlea in Montreal, York Down
in Toronto, the Halifax Country Club in Nova Scotia and
the Links at Porto Carras which is located in Northern
Greece.
Geoff admits the architectural world has changed in his
45 years of moving earth and creating enjoyable golfing
playgrounds for literally tens of thousands of golfers.
" I t used to be easy to get a plan going," he sighed. " Y o u
could walk into a community and pick up a permit to build
in a minute. But now there are other things to be considered. Environmental problems head that list. Of
course, escalating costs have made their impact, too. But
things go on and somehow everything survives."
Geoff Cornish, then, is still very much wrapped up in his
love for creating the challenges golfers treat with almost a
like affection.
" I ' m still going strong and flourishing among my worthy and honorable competition," he added. " A n d I still
wonder why the superintendents chose me for such a high
honor as their distinguished service award. I must have
impressed a few people along the way. It's always nice to
be recognized for your life's work. This makes it all the
more worthwhile to m e . "
Gerry Finn

Çatf

Course

Superintendents

President's
Message

Golf Course Superintendents Association
February 2, 1 9 8 1

Proposed Bylaw Changes

The superintendents who were unable to attend the
Massachusetts
Fine Turf
C o n f e r e n c e or
the
Massachusetts Golf Associations seminars missed out on
some exciting and informative sessions.
Dr. Joseph Troll is to be congratulted on his superior
conference. As usual, the educational program and the industrial show were excellent. Congratulations are also in
order for G e o f f r e y Cornish, Golf Course Architect, who
received the Distinguished Service Award f r o m the Golf
Course Superintendent's Association of America. This is
the second consecutive year the recipient was f r o m
Massachusetts, the other, Manny Francis Sr. - 1980. Con
gratulations are in order for Robert W. Osterman f r o m
Connecticut. Bob was appointed by the president of
GCSAA, Mike Bavier, to serve as secretary - treasurer for
1981 term. W e are indeed fortunate in having people like
Bob willing and most able to serve in our national association.
W e wish to express our appreciation to the Executive
Committee of the Massachusetts Golf Association, for inviting the Course superintendents to serve on the panel
and express his viewpoints to the club officials at the
M.G.A. Spring Conference. Subjects covered were: Stress
on the superintendent, Budgets, Staff, Environmental impact. The speakers were: Don Hearn, Brian Cowan, Tony
Caranci and yours truly. The moderator was Guy Tedesco,
Executive Director Massachusetts Golf Association.
There were over 200 Club Directors and Superintendents
at this particular seminar. Some excerpts of the panel
which mystified club officials were: W e have stringent
regulations on chemicals and we must be certified by examination in order to purchase and apply restricted
pesticides. Also, most of the best pesticides ever produced
to control insects are now banned. The complaints many
superintendents have to bear when a green is closed f o r a
f e w hours to aerify, etc. The merciless harassment
brought upon the superintendent when his golf course is
justifiably closed because of unplayable conditions, and
the one down the street is open. The senseless comparison
of the golf course where one has a much larger budget
than the other. The many 150 and 175 yard markers,
w h i f f l e balls on flag poles, diagramed cards, etc. With all
these aids, have handicaps gone down? Has play speeded
up? Are w e removing certain skills f r o m the game?
A responsible labor staff seems to be non-existent on
many courses. The wage structure and the Saturday, Sunday and holiday work, benefits, sick days, medical, pension, vacation time are all important factors. Unions are
close by and the speaker compared two unionized golf
courses in Massachusetts. We now have four golf courses
in this state that have union labor and it seems w e are
heading for more.
Ron Kirkman
President, NEGCSA

PRESIDENT
Ronald Kirkman
25 G r e e n St.
N e e d h a m , M a s s . 02192

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Brian C o w a n CGCS
Robins Way _
H a r w i c h , M a s s . 02645

SECOND VICE
PRESIDENT
Donald Hearn CGCS
4 T o p e k a Rd.
C h e l m s f o r d , M a s s . 01824

H o m e P h o n e 444-8412
O f f i c e P h o n e 444-5548
Club Affiliation
Needham Golf Club

H o m e P h o n e 432-9041
O f f i c e P h o n e 945-9230
Club Affiliation
E a s t w a r d Ho.

H o m e P h o n e 256-8709
O f f i c e P h o n e 894-5906
Club Affiliation
W e s t o n Golf Club

-dissociation

SECRETARY
David Barber C G C S
145 D e d h a m St.
C a n t o n , M a s s . 02021
H o m e P h o n e 828-7266
O f f i c e P h o n e 828-6540
Club Affiliation
B l u e H i l l s C.C.

Present Bylaw
Page 6A - Article IV - Section I - Item 5
All members shall be elected by secret ballot. White
balls elect and black cubes reject. Three black cubes shall
reject an applicant f r o m membership and his name shall
not be presented again for one year.
Proposed Bylaw
Page 6A - Article IV - Section 1 - Item 5
All members shall be elected by majority vote of the
Board of Directors.
Present Bylaw
Page 11 - Article VI - Section 1
The president, with the approval of the Directors, shall
within sixty days preceding the Annual Meeting, appoint a
Nominating Committee of f i v e voting members of the
Association, not more than two of whom shall be members
of the Board of Directors. This committee shall nominate
a slate of f i v e officers in accordance with Article V, Section 1, and for the offices of First and Second VicePresidents shall nominate two candidates for each of
these offices and f i v e Directors as provided in Article V,
Sections 2 and 3. The list so named shall be announced
preceding the Annual Meeting and shall be published in
the Newsletter prior to the Annual Meeting.
Proposed Bylaw
Page 11 - Article VI - Section 1
The President, with the approval of the Directors, shall
within sixty days preceding the Annual Meeting, appoint a
Nominating Committee of f i v e voting members of the
Association, not more than t w o of whom shall be members
of the Board of Directors. This committee shall nominate
a slate of f i v e officers in accordance with Article V, Section 1, and f i v e Directors as provided in Article V, Sections
2 and 3. The list so named shall be announced preceding
the Annual Meeting and shall be published in the Newsletter prior to the Annual Meeting.

JOB OPENING - Unicorn G.C. Supt. position
Contact: Mr. Steve Hoisington
c/o Unicorn G.C.
460 Williams St.,
Stoneham, Ma. 02180
Club phone 438-9219

TREASURER
Pete C o s t e ' C G C S
121 G r a n i t e St.
M e d f i e l d . M a s s . 02052
H o m e P h o n e 359-7247
O f f i c e P h o n e 566-0240
Club Affiliation
The Country Club

TRUSTEE
Melndert Schults
737 P r i n c e t o n Blvd.
L o w e l l , M a s s . 01851
H o m e P h o n e 458-7605
O f f i c e P h o n e 452-8228
Club Affiliation
Mt. Pleasant G.C.

TRUSTEE
Melvln O'Kelly
345 Plain St.
M a r s h f i e l d . M a s s . 02050
H o m e p h o n e 834-4229
O f f i c e P h o n e 837-3321
Club Affiliation
M a r s h f i e l d C.C.

TRUSTEE
Tom Schofleld CGCS
290 N o r t h Rd.
S u d b u r y , M a s s . 01776
H o m e P h o n e 443-3712
O f f i c e P h o n e 235-7333
Club Affiliation
W e l l e s l e y C.C.

FINANCE
CHAIRMAN
Robert J o h n s t o n CGCS
128 W i l b r a h a m Rd
H a m p d e n , M a s s . 01036
H o m e P h o n e 566-3075
O f f i c e P h o n e 566-3096
Club Affiliation
H a m p d e n C.C.

OF

NEW

E N G L A N D ,

INC .

Fringes More Than Bait
It used to be that the employer could throw out his rod
and reel in prospective employees with just one crackling
sound of the dollar. Those were the so-called " f r i n g e l e s s , "
days when your take-home-pay was what you got and not
a penny more in accompanying benefits.
However, the era of the fringe benefit is upon us. And,
oddly enough, it could be of benef it to both employer and
employee.
The tax structure of our country is such that plain, fat
salaries are thinning out to a point where inflation eats up
most raises and living expenses chew on what was there
in the first place. This brings about a situation which
almost rivals a Catch 22 hang-up.
Because the average golf course superintendent's salary
puts the profession in a no-win stalemate as far as increases are concerned, it might be advantageous for both
the country club and super to consider the option of fringe
benefits.
How about that super, anyway?
Does he have fully-paid medical insurance? Is he
covered by an extensive pension plan? Could he use a car
or station wagon? Are his children protected against the
high-rising cost of education beyond the secondary level?
Does he have free dental care? Is there a gas credit card in
his compartment?
The list of fringe benefits goes on. What's more important, though, is that most fringes come fully equipped.
They have no tax attachment to them which makes them a
pure 100 percent gain.
Of course, to each his own is the rule each superintendent must follow in suggesting the fringe benefit alternative to a straight-out raise in salary.
Many young supers are quick to note that such benefits
as pension and educational aid fall into an immediate
blind spot. Retirement is miles down the road for them.
College costs f o r their children are things to w o r r y about
in the next decade.
This is where their foresight comes up short of 20-20.
Pension plans can be arranged so that they o f f e r easy
cash-conversion opportunities in the case of job termination or emergencies. In addition to offering a blend of
security and equity, they take the place of savings plans
under the guise of a " w h a t you don't see you won't m i s s "
arrangement.
Thus, the pension in lieu of salary increase is a godsend
to the super in that he protects his future and is always
there for the tapping if his present needs a financial shot.
Providing transportation, in the f o r m of a car, station
wagon or whatever, gives the country club and super
another escape f r o m the tax bite.

To be voted on at next meeting
Robert Sullivan, Glen Ellen G.C.
Associate Member

GOLF
CHAIRMAN
S t e p h e n M. M u r p h y
75 W o o d l a n d Ave.
Lynn, M a s s . 01904
H o m e P h o n e 592-2554
O f f i c e P h o n e 592-8236
Club Affiliation
T h e G a n n o n G.C.

EDUCATIONAL
CHAIRMAN
R i c h a r d C. Z e p p
86E S t e r l i n g St.
W . B o y l s t o n , M a s s . 01583
H o m e P h o n e 835-4980
O f f i c e P h o n e 234-2533
Club Affiliation
W h i f i n s v l l l e G.C.

NEWSLETTER
CHAIRMAN
C h a r l e s Lane
5 G o o d n o w Lane
F r a m l n g h a m , M a s s . 01701
H o m e P h o n e 872-7832
O f f i c e P h o n e 875-4490
Club Affiliation
F r a m i n g h a m C.C.

PAST
PRESIDENT
Dean R o b e r t s o n
24 R l v e r v l e w Drive
N e w b u r y , M a s s . 01950
H o m e P h o n e 462-4540
O f f i c e P h o n e 745-7289
Club Affiliation
K e r n w o o d C.C.

A car, paid for by the employer, is worth anywhere between 83,000 and 85,000 a year to the employee. Again
the perk of avoiding taxes on that varying sum has to be a
boon to the super who is o f f e r e d such option.
Other benefits carry corresponding aids in fighting inflation.
At one time, rent and maintenance-free houses were
considered one of the country club's strongest forms of
ammunition in drawing a reputable super to its grounds.
For some reason, both parties came to look upon such
practice as unrealistic.
However, it might very well be revived under an increasing swing to the overload of fringe benefits by tax-wise
employers. How much would a house, plus utilities be
worth to a superintendent? Just multiply your monthly
mortgage, heat, cooling, electric, gas and telephone bills
by 12 and you come up with a spicy figure.
The alternate f r i n g e b e n e f i t f o r m of increased
remuneration isn't for everyone. Unfortunately, there are
still superintendents in the field who are underpaid to the
point where they require salary increases to meet the
basic cost of living.
There are those, though, who are flirting with salary
and tax bracket levels which almost penalize them for
having their paychecks pushed upward. The combination
of inflation and taxes often wipes out a raise before it gets
to the super's hands.
So, looking to the fringe benefit avenue is something
more than bait in the case of the employer or country club.
And it certainly doesn't make fish out of the employee or
golf course superintendent. It is something to be considered, not in the future but now when the cost of living
shrinks everything f r o m a man's paycheck to his incentive to add to its numbers.
Gerry Finn

Tentative Outdoor Meetings
April - Eastward Ho
May - Holden Hills
June - Pinebrook (Super/Chairman)
July - Tedesco (Super/Championship)
August - Agawam hunt (combined with
R.I. Assoc.)
Sept. - Haverhill (combined with N.H.
Assoc.)
October - International G.C.
October - Brae Bum (Super/Pro)
November - The Presidents
Exact dates for each month are still not
all firm, so watch the Newsletter for more
information.

I n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a i n e d in t h i s p u b l i c a t i o n m a y b e used
f r e e l y , in w h o l e or in p a r t , w i t h o u t special p e r m ission as l o n g
as t h e t r u e c o n t e x t is m a i n t a i n e d . W e w o u l d a p p r e c i a t e a
c r e d i t line.

P i e t u e fiatnoKc^e FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION
B a k e r T r a c t o r Corp., F o r d T r a c t o r s
H a r l e y D a v i d s o n Golf C a r s
Swansea, M a s s .
Yamaha Goit Cars

Box 9 M i I f o r d , Conn. 06460
203-878-0658
-K T o m I r w i n , Inc.
I I B A St.

Bordens Spreader S e r v i c e
M a y n a r d , Mass.
Tel. 617-897-2571
Sales Rep. J a c k B o r d e n
Bulk Limestone Dealer
T h e C h a r l e s C. H a r t Seed Co.
W e t h e r s f i e l d , Conn.
Bob K e n n e d y , Rep.
Roy Sibley, Rep.
203 529-2537
Chester Drake & Sons Inc.
222 Walnut St.
Framingham. Mass. 01701
Golf Course C o n s t r u c t i o n
617-875-7929
The C l a p p e r Co.
1121 W a s h i n g t o n St.
Newton, Mass.
617-244-7900
Country Club Enterprises
Club Car Golf Cars
Tennis & Leisure Equipment
P.O. Box 400, W. Falmouth, Ma. 02574
617-563-2284
G e o f f r e y S. C o r n i s h 8, W i l l i a m G. Robinson
Golf Course A r c h i t e c t s
F i d d l e r s G r e e n , A m h e r s t , M a s s . 01002
C.S. C u r r a n
T . R . C . P r o d u c t s , Oils and Greases
7 L i n d e n St., F r a m i n g h a m , Mass.
Scotts P r o - T u r f D i v .
Rep. Ed Wiacek 1-401-253-4284
Rep. Kevin Lyons 1-617-366-4825
Gold Star Sod F a r m s , I nc.
Sod & Pine B a r k M u l c h
C a n t e r b u r y , N.H. 603-783-4717
Weston, M a s s . 617-894-5474
I & E S u p p l y , Inc.
66 E r n a A v e .

+ Sawtelle Bros.
565 H u m p h r e y St.
S w a m p s c o t t , Mass.
617-599-4856

L a r c h m o n t E n g i n e e r i n g and I r r i g . Co.
L a r c h m o n t Lane, L e x i n g t o n , Mass.
617-862-2550
* The Magovern Co. Inc.
27 Lawnacre Road
W i n d s o r Locks, Conn. 06096
Tel. # 1-800-243-7718 or 1-203-623-2508
Louis C. Rogers, Vice Pres.

*

R. F. M o r s e 8cSon, inc.
W. W a r e h a m , Mass. 02576
T e l : 617 295 1553
J. W i l l e n Roell. Rep.
Larry-Suo-tv-Rep,

T u c o P r o d u c t s Corp.
D i v . of the U p j o h n Co.
Kalamazoo, Mich
D a v i d Sylvester
203-828-.3-790
T u r f P r o d u c t s Corp
1496 John F i t c h B l v d .
Sv Windsor,-Gonn.-06074 —i
1 203-289 3471
J o h n P e r r y , Sales Rep

—

New E n g l a n d Sea I c o a t i n g Co.. inc.
T e n n i s C o u r t Const, and M a i n t e n a n c e
Sealcoatlng H i n g h a m Ind. Center
H i n g h a m , M a s s . 749-6800
N.E. Chapter Land I m p r o v e m e n t
C o n t r a c t o r s of A m e r i c a
Professional C o n s e r v a t i o n of
Soil and Water
C o n t r a c t o r in your area,
call Peter W h i t i n g , Pres.
617-877-5323
Old F o x C h e m i c a l Inc.
F e r t i l i z e r s - Seeds T u r f C h e m i c a l s
66 V a l l e y St.
E. P r o v i d e n c e , R.I. 02914
P r o - L a w n P r o d . , Inc
F r e d A n t h o n y , Sales Rep.
Box 4908,
Syracuse, N.Y. 13221
1-315-477-6112
R i c h e y & C l a p p e r , Inc.
28 R u t l e d g e Rd
N a t i c k , Mass. 01760

FIRST CLASS

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

T u c k a h o e T u r f F a r m s , Inc.
S l o c u m , R.I , L i t c h f i e l d , N.H.
1-800-556-6985
Alan Anderson
Sam M i t c h e l l

D. L. M a h e r
Box 127, C o n c o r d St.
N. Reading, Mass. 01864

Return to:
CHARLES LANE
5 G o o d n o w Lane
Framingham, MA 01701

Framingham, Mass. 01701
Home Phone 872-7832
Office Phone 875-4490
Club Affiliation
Framingham, C.C.
PETE COSTE'

Scott Associates, Inc.
60 W a t e r Street, C l i n t o n , Mass.
617-365-6341
Pumps-Sales, s e r v i c e
Installation- Vertical
Turbine pump specialists

B u r l i n g t o n , M.ass.

*

Turf Specialty, Inc.
84 Merrlmac St.
Hooksett, N.H. 03106
Turf & Ornamental Supplies
Ken Turner 617-263-7526
V a i l e y F a r m s N u r s e r y & Supply, Inc.
133 Hopemeadow St., Rt 10
S i m s b u r y , Ct. 06070
P u t t i n g Green Sod for the Professional
Joe B i d w e l l Pres.
Bus. 203-651-8555 Res. 203-658-6886
White Turf Engineering
5 S u m m e r D r i v e , W i n c h e n d o n , Mass. 01475
61.7 297 0941
Phillip Wogan
Golf Course A r c h i t e c t
21 B u d l e i g h Ave., B e v e r l y , M a s s .

* Contributors
Scholarship

to the Lawrence

S.

Dickinson

Fund

First Class
U . S . Postage

PAID
Maynard,
Permit

MA

#17