ourSe ^Saperintendentd -^IdAociation
OF

NEW

E N G L A N D ,

INC.

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.

superintendent was," Dean said. "I mean no one could tell
you his name at any country club. The old image of some
guy with a hose wrapped around his neck, a lawn mower
in one hand and a spray gun in the other was still there.
But we banged away at that image and here we are — at
the top of the heap.

Dean Does It Right
An era of its own making comes to an end this month
when Dean Robertson finishes his final tour in the role of
director on the board of the Gold Course Superintendents
Association of New England.
The event is worth noting because it marks the passing
of meaningful and offical participation in NEGCSA matters
from one generation to another.
Robertson doesn't wish to convey the feeling that "old
timers" relationship with the association diminishes and
disappears with the decision to allow younger members to
assume the major responsibilities of conducting its operation. However, he realizes that he's reached a state in his
professional career when it's time to accept the role of observer, maybe critic.
" I came onto the board almost from the day I joined the
NEGCSA," Robertson remarked. "My first job was Newsletter Chairman. I kept at it until I took the natural route
up the line and topped it off by serving as president. Now,
I'm ready to bow out and let others follow that path."
Robertson, perhaps, was the most visible and effective
Newsletter Chairman in the history of the organization. He
was responsible for its present format whose m a i n p u r pose is to spread the word and work of the golf course superintendent to areas outside the confines of the membership.
" I think the change we made in the type of articles written and their presentation has been a major factor in the
recognition of our profession," Dean opined. " I can
remember when we were treated like second-class citizens and that wasn't too long ago. Now, I think everyone
will agree that the superintendent has reached a professional plateau in keeping with his contribution to the
country club's stature."
Robertson was a whippersnapper member in 1964
when he plunged into the NEGCSA's operational waters.
Seventeen years later, he still retains the enthusiasm of
his youth.
"When I took my first course job, no one knew who the

Of course, that change rates high on Robertson's list,
but others have come about since he took his first superintendent's steps.
"I remember that most of the superintendents were
middle-aged men," he informed. "When I began, the average age of the super was somewhere around 38. Those
older guys had to do something to make it attractive. I
think what we did was just build on what they started."
Robertson is especially impressed with the job stability
the profession has promoted over the years.
"Some of our guys don't realize just how good they
are," he mentioned. "Take my present job at Kernwood.
I'm only the third superintendent the course ever has had.
You want a comparison? I've been there almost four
years. In that span, the club as had six different club managers.'
Dean also notes the change in relationship between superintendents and club members.
"There was a day when the super wouldn't dare step
foot in the clubhouse," he told. "He was strictly an employee who wasn't to be seen or heard, just produce top
playing conditions. Now, I take my meals in the clubhouse
and very often with members. We're a visible part of the
country club and the whole atmosphere has benefitted because of it."
Although he's a strong believer in the professional advantages that come with membership in the NEGCSA, Robertson still believes the superintendent should depend
on his individual talents and personalisty to improve his
particular position.
"The association gives us the opportunity to improve
our knowledge of the job and refine our skills," he excontinued

on page 2

NEXT MEETING
Annual Meeting
Jan. 5,1981
Andover C.C., Andover, Mass
Host Superintdent: Tony DeBettencourt
9:00 Directors Meeting
10:00 Regular Meeting
Directions: From 495 northbound take exit 41 A. As
you come off, stay on that road to first set of lights.
At lights take a right onto 133, Continue to Canturbury Street, take a right and club is at end of street.

Qotf

£ourSe Superintendents

^dissociation

Salary Survey - A Must
It's private, it's confidential and in some circles it might
be considered controversial. Yet, Don Heam and his task
force of putting some punch into the professional input of
the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England are on their way to accomplishing one aspect of that
goal.
Hearn has been assigned the job of conducting a survey
among his peers. Its purpose is twofold, to update and
validate heretofore vague information concerning the salary structure of the golf course superintendent and make
it available to people seeking to fill that post and to make
area superintendents aware of the salary level they
should seek in applying for a new position.
If you are-a NEGCSA member, you will or already have
been contacted by Hearn in regard to supplying your individual rundown on the compensation you receive as a golf
course superintendent.
"I only hope our members react to this venture with as
much enthusiasm as we had setting it up." Hearn explained. "I understand this was attempted in the past and
the response came up way short of expectation. This time
around I'm looking for 100 percent cooperation all the
way down the line."
Presently, the NEGCSA is almost in the dark when it
comes time to assist country clubs and other golf course
agencies in their pursuit of a qualified superintendent. Invariably. association officers and directors are contacted
by potential employers who seek a salary guideline when
a position becomes available. And. other than figures
gleaned from their personal experience, they are unable
to provide such information.
Heam emphasizes that the information will be kept confidential.
" W e ' r e not trying to pick anybody's brain or create
cause for embarrassment." he told. "Our profession, or its
New England segment, remains in the dark as far as being
able to provide a valid salary picture — to both those
continued from page 1
plained. "However, it's up to the individual to impress his
employer. One thing I've always stressed is to be a working superintendent. I make myself seen on the golf course
and it's not always with a notepad and pen. Besides, I lovemy work. Getting my hands dirty is all part of it."
Robertson says he'll attend as many NEGCSA meetings
as he can and warns that he won't be content to be a silent
member.
"I'm going to speak up when I don't think things are
going right," he cracked. "Every now and then they'll
know I'm here. One thing I would like to see, though.
That's more ex-presidents at meetings. I think we can still
offer our own brand of expertise and experience. Otherwise. I'd say the association's in good hands and I wish
those hands well."
Dean Robertson. He's bowing out but not fading out of
the picture completely. He's that certain kind of member
every association needs.

PRESIDENT
Ronald Kirkman
25 G r e e n St.
N e e d h a m , M a s s . 02192
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
N e e d h a m Golf C l u b

FIRST VICE
PRESIDENT
Brian Cowan CGCS
Robins Way
H a r w i c h , M a s s . 02645
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.

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 256-8709
O f f i c e P h o n e 894-5906
Club Affiliation
Weston Golf Club

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.

seeking to hire a superintendent and those superintendents who are seeking to better their present station."
Presently, the Massachusetts Golf Association remains
the only official source of information pertaining to superintendents' salary figures. However, those numbers are
suspect in as much as they have been provided by everyone except the superintendent, himself.
This fact isn't stated to demean or discourage the efforts of the MGA. On the contrary, the NEGCSA welcomes
that august body as a partner in aiding the efforts of employers and employees. However, our association feels
that it should be the main source of information when the
financial status of its members is involved.
"What we're trying to do is eliminate hearsay and
guesswork as the basis for what a certain superintendent's j o b should command in salary and fringe benefits,"
Hearn added. " W e ' r e starting slowly, asking only the elementary questions pertaining to a superintendent's
remuneration. Eventually, we'd like to come up with
something along the profile of a super."
Hearn makes a special plea for cooperation from those
superintendents who choose to divorce themselves from
the NEGCSA in matters of this kind.
"Unfortunately, we have members content to hide away
in some corner and operate as if they were in a secret organization of their own," Hearn said. "Maybe that worked
in the past. However, we are working out of a new generation setting with new ideas. You can't stick your head in
the sand and be oblivious to what's happening to others in
the profession."
Realistically, the survey is another step to adding another touch of professionalism to the golf course superintendent's world.
" I think it ridiculous that we can't tell a potential employer or an aspiring super what they should be talking
about when it comes down to salaries and accompanying
benefits." Hearn continued. " I can't think of one profession that can't provide this information. And, honestly, I
can't explain why we're not able to emulate other fields of
endeavor."
The survey carries a voluntary response tag. And this is
why it's essential that NEGCSA members be aware of its
value as a means of upgrading the association and furthering the financial aims of its members.
"I'd have to say that everyone will be the winner if we
get an appreciable return from our members," Hearn concluded. " A s a matter of fact, this is one way to make sure
that some supers aren't being shortchanged. I know I'd
like to be able to throw out a realistic figure if I were applying for a job. And I'm positive the people with whom I'm
negotiating would appreciate the knowledge of what each
side should be seeking in coming to a salary agreement."
The salary game ball, then, has been tossed in the golf
course superintendent's court. Response to the salary
survey should become a top priorty with NEGCSA members. In the end, it's for their benefit and for the good of
the association. It is required reading and writing.
Gerry Finn

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
Meindert Schuits
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
Melvin 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 Schofield 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

A Book Review

The nominating committee has come up with the following slate of officers for 1982. This slate will be voted on
at the annual meeting. Nominations from the floor may
also be made at that time.
Brian Cowan
Donald Heam
David Barber
Richard Zepp
Pierre Coste
Paul Miller
Robert Johnston
Stephen Murphy
Tony DeBettencourt
Douglas Johnson

Job Opening
H.B. Brownson C.C. Shelton, Conn.
Contact: Ed Reberkenny, Greens Chairman
125 Hilltop Circle
Trumbell, Conn. 06611
To be voted on at next meeting:
Joseph G. Mondor
Crestview C.C.

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.
L y n n , M a s s . 01904
H o m e P h o n e 592-2554
O f t i c e P h o n e 592-8238
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
8 6 E 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 t i n s v i l l e G.C.

NEWSLETTER
CHAIRMAN
Charles Lane
5 G o o d n o w Lane
F r a m i 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.

E N G L A N D ,

I N C .

1981-82 Pesticide Seminars

I recently had the opportunity to get my hands on a
copy of The Golf Course by Geoffrey S. Cornish and Ronald E. Whitten. This is a truly commendable book, detailing the history of golf course architecture from day one.
The text alone is great, but is further enhanced by page
upon page of excellent photos and sketches. I am sure
that there is no other book like this in existence and in my
opinion would make a welcome addition to any golf library.
The last portion is extremely interesting; as it contains
biographical sketches of almost every golf course architect that ever lived. Each sketch includes a list of courses
the architect has designed or help design. Also listed is almost every golf course ever built, and the names of all the
architects involved. This section makes it extremely easy
to trace a club's architectural history, from the beginning
to the present.
Geoffrey tells me that this book is now available in the
local bookstores (or can be ordered through them). There
is also a toll free number to call for ordering, 800-5266318. It is my understanding that the bookstores are
much faster, even if they have to order it for you. Details
for ordering purposes are as follows: The Golf Course by
Geoffrey S. Cornish and Ronald E. Whitten, published by
the Rutledge Press Division of W.H. Smith, 112 Madison,
Avenue, N.Y., N.Y. 10016.
I would not hestitate to recommend this book for both
reference and pleasure reading. No self respecting golf library should be without a copy.
J
Chuck

President
First Vice President
Second Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Trustee
Finance Chairman
Golf Chairman
Education Chairman
Newsletter Chairman

N E W

PAST
PRESIDENT
Dean R o b e r t s o n
24 R i v e r v i 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.

Dec. 15
Theory of Biological Control; Amherst, 9:30-12:00, Dr.
Van Driesche
Dec. 17
Same as above; Waltham, 1:00-3:30
Jan. 26
How Do Insecticides Kill?; Amherst, 10:00-12:00, Dr.
Clark
Feb. 4
Protecting Honey Bees From Pesticides; Amherst, 9:3012:00, Dr. Lary Conner
Feb. I S
Turf Insect Identification Laboratory; Amherst, 9:3012:30 or 12:00-4:00. Preregister for either the morning or
afternoon lab session and attend the combined midday
lecture. Call Dr. Vittum at 617-891-0650
Feb. 23
Same as above; Waltham, 9:30-12:30 orl2:00-4:00. Preregister by calling Dr. Vittum at 617-891-0650
Feb. 25
Same as above; Waltham, 9:30-12:30 or 12:00-4:00.
Preregister by calling Dr. Vittum at 617-669-6744
March 2
Turf Insect Identification Laboratory; Bristol Co. Ag.
School in Segreganset, 9:00-12:00. Preregister with Mr.
Ted Kuczewski at 617-669-6744
March 4
Same as above; Cape Cod Ext Serv Office in Barnstable,
9:00-12:00. Preregister with Mr. Bill Clark at 617-362-2511
Ext 201
March 9
How to Handle Chemical Spills and Fires; Amherst, 10:0012:00, Dr. VanDriesche
March 11
Same as above; Waltham, 1:00-3:00
March 16
Protecting Honey Bees from Pesticides; Waltham, 1:004:00, Dr. Larry Conner
March 25
Non-Crop Herbicides; Waltham, 1:00-4:00, Dr. John Ahrens. This seminar will cover herbicide applications to
right-of-ways, landscape and industrial purposes.
Each of the above seminars is worth one credit towards
recertification. Each certified applicator must earn three
credits over a five year period to have his certification renewed. All of the above apply to Category 37- Turf.
The locations above are:
Amherst: Rm 102F in Fernald Hall at UMASS in Amherst.
Waltham: Waltham Suburban Experiment Station Auditorium at 240 Beaver St., Waltham.
Please note that some seminars require preregistration.

Information contained in this publication may be used
freely, in whole or in part, without special perm ission as long
as the true context is maintained. We would appreciate a
credit line.
'

Ptecue fiatwUze
Bacher Corporation
876 Boston Road
Billerica, Mass. 01866
Tel. 617-273-0398
Turf a n d Snow Equipment
Baker Tractor Corp., Ford Tractors
Harley Davidson Golf Cars
Swansea, Mass
Y a m a h a Golf Cars
Bordens Spreader Service
Maynard, Mass.
Tel. 617-897-2571
Sales Rep. Jack Borden
Bulk Limestone Dealer

FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Holliston Sand Co., Inc.
Lowland St., Holliston, Mass. 01746
Sand for topdressing a n d bunkers

Sawtelle Bros.
565 Humphrey St., Swampscotf, Mass.
617-599-4856

I & E Supply, Inc.
66 Erna Ave.
Box 9, Milford, Conn. 06460
203-878-0658

Scott Associates, Inc.
60 Water Street, Clinton, Mass.
617-365-6341
Pumps - Sales, service
Installation - Vertical
Turbine pumps specialists

Tom Irwin, Inc.
11B A St., Burlington, Mass.

Scotts Pro-Turf Div.
Rep. Ed Wiacek 1-401-253-4284
Rep. Kevin Lyons 1-617-366-4825

Lakeshore Equipment & Supply Co.
Mike Hannigan, Rep.
Abington, Mass.
800-321-5325

Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc.
Siocum, R.I., Litchfield, N.H.
1-800-556-6985
Alan Anderson, Sam Mitchell

C & J Lawnmower Service, Inc.
474 Main St., Wilmington, Mass 01887
Eric O m a n - Sales Representative
Tel. 617-658-2022

Larchmont Engineering a n d Irrig. Co.
Larchmont Lane, Lexington, Mass.
617-862-2550

The Clapper Co.
1121 Washington St.
Newton, Mass.
617-244-7929

The Magovern Co. Inc.
27 Lawnacre Road
Windsor Locks, Conn. 06096
Tel. 1-800-243-7718 or 1-203-623-2508
Louis C. Rogers, Vice Pres.

Geoffrey S. Cornish & William G. Robinson
Golf Course Architects
Fiddlers Green, Amherst, Mass. 01002

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

Country Club Enterprises
Club Car Golf Cars
Tennis 8i Leisure Equipment
P.O. Box 400, W. Falmouth, Ma. 02574
617-563-2284

R. F. Morse 8i Son, Inc.
W. Wareham, Mass. 02576
Tel. 617-295-1553
J. Willen Roell, Rep.
Larry Bunn, Rep.

C.S. Curran
T.R.C. Products, Oils a n d Greases
7 Linden St., Framingham, Mass.

N.E. Chapter Land Improvement
Contractors of America
Professional Conservation of Soil
a n d Water. Contractor in your area,
call Peter Whiting, Pres.
617-877-5323

Valley Farms Nursery & Supply, Inc.
133 Hopemeadow St., Rt. 10
Simsbury, Ct. 06070
Putting Green Sod for the Professional
Joe Bidwell Pres.
Bus: 203-651-8555, Res: 203-658-6886

New England Sealcoating Co., Inc.
Tennis Court Const, a n d Maintenance
Sealcoating Hingham Inc. Center
Hingham, Mass. 749-6800

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

Tuco Products Corp.
Div. of the Upjohn Co.
Kalamazoo, Mich.
David Sylvester, 203-828-3790
* Turf Products C o r p .
36 Sword St.
Auburn, Mass. 01501
617-791-2091
Charles Allen, Sales Rep.

Chester Drake & Sons, Inc.
222 Walnut St.
Framingham, Mass. 01701
Golf Course Construction
617-875-7929
Gold Star Sod Farms, Inc.
Sod & Pine Bark Mulch
Canterbury, N.H. 603-783-4717
Weston, Mass. 617-894-5474

Old Fox Chemical Inc.
Fertilizers - Seeds - Turf Chemicals
66 Valley St.
E. Providence, R.I. 02914

The Charles C. Hart Seed Co.
Weathersfield, Conn.
Bob Kennedy, Rep.
Roy Sibley, Rep.

* Turf Specialty, Inc.
84 Merrimac St., Hooksett, N.H. 03106
Turf 8c Ornamental Supplies
Ken Turner 617-263-7526

Phillip Wogan
Golf Course Architect
31 Budleigh Ave., Beverly, Mass.
* Contributors to the Lawrence S. Dickinson
Scholarship Fund

Richey & Clapper, Inc.
28 Rutledge Rd„ Natick, Mass. 01760

Return to:
CHARLES LANE
5 Goodnow Lane
Framingham, MA 01701
••
C j o l j i Course

FIRST CLASS

"AVC

Superintendents

d i s s o c i a t i o n

CHARLES LANE
NewsletterGommittee Chairman
5 Goodnow Lane
Framingham, Mass. 01701
Home Phone 872-7832
Office Phone 875-4490
Club Affiliation
Framingham, C.C.
PETE COSTE'
Business Manager
LEON ST. PIERRE
Co-ordinator
GERRY FINN
Contributing Editor

First Class
U . S . Postage

PAID
Framingham, MA
Permit

209