October 1981

ourSe •Superintendents Sssociati
ASociation
OF

NEW

E N G L A N D ,

I N C .

Sponsors and administrators of the Lawrence S.
Dickinson Scholarship Fund — A w a r d e d yearly
to deserving Turf Management Students.

Educational Overkill?????
There has been much flak turned over lately concerning
the wide range of educational vehicles riding the streets of
the golf course superintendent's world. Indeed, the convention centers and other display areas for equipment and
turf knowledge are crawling with shows, seminars and the
like.
Such an outpouring has prompted some superintendents to suggest that perhaps the educational explosion
has reached a saturation point and measures to cut back
in offerings are in order.
One of the targets of the wipe out squad is the granddaddy of the green wave set, the National Turf Conference
sponsored by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Even those call words are enough to stuff
a hotel ballroom.
The question arises: Is the national conference a worthwhile opportunity for the superintendent to build on his
professional expertise or is it just another gala week out
on the town for those fortunate enough to grab the expense account brass ring back at their country clubs?
A reprint from the Chicago Bullsheet, written by Silver
Lake super Dudley Smith, has worked the rounds of the
profession's newsletter circuit. Mr. Smith pulls no
punches in picturing the annual cross-country safari of
turf managers etc. as an unscheduled circus where the expenses run as high as a fir tree's eye and the educational
input usually winds up an exercise in repetition.
Although the national conference served as the eye of
Mr. Smith's stormy rhetoric, he cited the winter educational route he had logged in and around the Chicago
area. He jack-rabbited around to the time of $2,000 in
travel costs and reported that few of his educational sightings were new to him.
Obviously, Mr. Smith must have an unlimited expense
account. And, it follows that he might use a little of his
own common sense in selecting his conference appearances. For instance, if the program is familiar to him,
there is no educational gain in attending it again - unless
he likes going to the same movie two or three times.
That winter experience of the man from Silver Lake is
an example of overstating his personal case. However, it
should not overshadow the impact of his original plea that there are too many turf conferences and seminars
being offered and a slim-down effort should be initiated to
bring their number back to within reason.
The Smith idea of replacing the GCSAA big bash sound
with regional productions bears merit and deserves future
consideration.
In a nutshell, it breaks the country into four sections
and forms a sort of mini-national conference in each, with
the backing of the GCSAA to keep its hands in the turf
educational pie.
These sessions would last just four rather than the present eight days at the big show. They would concentrate
on local problems (regional in this case), be presented in
cities closer to the home courses of the participants and
streamline the program all the way down the line. The result would be a considerable reduction in expenses and a

guard against the weakest point of any such venture boredom.
In New England, members of the golf course superintendent's profession are already blessed with that type of
educational offering. The University of Massachusetts
Turf Conference could have been the model for Mr.
Smith's proposal. Certainly, it has most of the criteria for
presenting an inexpensive, yet rewarding and compact opportunity for supers and other turf experts.
Of course, the UMass show could be expanded in manner of stretching its boundary lines to include the entire
Northeast section of the country. This might call for engaging larger facilities but would still fall into the category
of sensibility in overall size.
The possibility of educational overkill, as witness the
growing number of so-called local seminars, is something
for the superintendents to think about. The ideal situation
would be elimination of some and a redirection of educational efforts and goals to the GCSAA chapter monthly
meetings. Making them more attractive would touch all
bases in bringing the burgeoning conference circuit under
control.
As for the fate of the National Conference, don't bother
to wonder. It already is booked through 1985 - naturally,
in a "bigger and better" convention facility. Go there and
get lost in the crowd.
Gerry Finn

Next Meeting
November 2, 1981
The Presidents G.C.
Host Superintendent: Jim Fitzroy
9:00 Directors Meeting
10:00 Regular Meeting
Lunch on your own
Golf 11:30-12:30 Best selected 12 holes Individual - 100% Handicap
Buffet dinner following golf.
Directions: From Southeast expressway (rt. 3)
northbound take East Milton exit. Continue straight
to second set of lights. Turn right onto W. Squantum
Street, club is on the left about Va mile. From Southeast Expressway (rt. 3) southbound take exit 2 IS
onto Granite Street to first set of lights. Turn left
onto W. Squantum St.

Qatf

Course

Superintendents

ociation

The Snowball Effect-It's Working
It had to happen sooner or later. Now, it's happening
more often, almost as if it were on schedule.
The welcome additive to the growing recognition of the
golf course superintendent is being heard and read just
about every weekend of the PGA Tour circuit. The players
are commenting on the condition of the course, the TV
broadcasters and golf writers are relaying the messages
back to their audiences and one big snowball effect is
working like magic for the profession.
There was a time when the television booth failed to
connect the two - the condition of the golf course and the
superintendent. That was in its dark ages when commentators thanked everyone for their stay at the "Picture Perfect Country Club", everyone except the superintendent
who was partly responsible for all those birdies and eagles
the golfers and galleries lapped up.
However, the media is finally coming around. And much
of the credit for its awareness of the super's input in a successful Tom- tournament has to be given the players.
Case in point is the Sammy Davis, Jr. Greater Hartford
Open which painted that city's wagon a successful, flashy
red when the event was staged in August at the Wethersfield Country Club.
Wethersfield doesn't attract too many of the so-called
big name players on torn because of its bandbox proportions. It is short and prone to taking beatings by so-called
T o m lesser lights. Maybe this is why the big boys avoid it.
It could be embarrassing if some no-name outshone a few
of the game's future legends.
Anyway, the players on hand for this year's GHO loaded
their birdie shooters and let loose with another exciting
event. Hubert Green won with a record-tying 20-under-par
264 for 72 holes. Three hundred and thirty-four sub-par
rounds give you some idea of Wethersfield's shortage of
resistance. But - and this is important - a final day crowd
of 33,000 proved that Wethersfield and "no-name"
players are a good mix.
Before Green wrapped up his title and $54,000 payoff,
the field took considerable notice of the condition of the
comse and the man behind it - Fred Bachand.

The most common pat on the superintendent's back
came in assessment of Wethersfield's greens. "They're the
best greens we play on all summer," one player noted. The
next day almost 300,000 readers of The Hartford Courant
drank in that comment. Put 300,000 more in the super's
corner.
The national exposure given certain golf courses, via
the PGA Tour's extensive television package, actually has
turned into a showcase for the golf course superintendent.
This is not to imply that every course the pros play is
the epitome of flawless grooming and unquestionable
playing state. On occasion there have been off-condition
TV shots. However, they are the exception rather than the
rule. For the most part, the Tour boys belly up to outstanding birdie layouts. And they are grateful for it.
"There's no question," Green said after his GHO triumph. "The condition of the fairways and greens has been
largely responsible for most of the low scores at Wethersfield. When you don't have one imperfect lie and every
green putts true, you have to say that the man preparing
the course is doing everything right."
Such endorsements of the profession are becoming
common along the professional playing route. They stand
as another form of public education as to the cause and
effect of the superintendent's presence and thrust in the
game of golf. Finally, he is being given a prominent place in
its makeup and increased acceptance of it can be traced
to such Torn- stops as Wethersfield.
They're talking up the superintendent's contribution
and most of the talk is good. Now if only that snowball effect keeps rolling so that it hits the country club member
where it counts - in his recognition of the super who keeps
his playground grass green and true.
Gerry Finn

1982 Nominating Committee
Don Hearn - Chairman
Tom Schofield, Nary Sperandio,
Bert Frederick, Bob Mucciarone.

Thought for the month
We accept, without thought, the existence of things whose
absence would incredibly change our lives. Without grass,
there would be vast and constant dust storms, erosion problems of tremenduos magnitude, a rise of sea levels, a change
of climatic and atmospheric conditions, the immediate
demise of a half million species of animals, and the virtual
destruction of agriculture and possibly, mankind.
Turfgrass represents a large, practical and aesthetic portion of the industry of grass. Those who have the good fortune to be caretakers of these humble plants, understand
with both pride and reverence, the given responsibility.
The job of life springs from our heritage of the grasses of
the earth.
HEART BEAT
Heart of America GCSA
May 1981

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
Needham Golf Club

FIRST VICE
PRESIDENT
Brian C o w a n 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.

CHRISTMAS
PARTY
December 11, 1981
Needham Golf Club

TREASURER
Pete C o s t e 1 C G C S
121 G r a n i t e St.
M e d t 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 C l u b

More info later

TRUSTEE
Meindert 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
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
Ciub Affiliation
W e l i e s l e y C.C.

FINANCE
CHAIRMAN
Robert J o h n s t o n C G C S
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
Ciub Affiliation
H a m p d e n C.C.

OF

NEW

E N G L A N D ,

INC.

Going...Going... Gone
Ron Kirkman is rounding third base and heading for
home.
The president of the New England Golf Course Superindentents Association is in the last few months of his twoyear stay in office and anxious to see that an orderly
change of command takes place at the beginning of the
new year.
"According to precedent, Brian Cowan will be taking
over in January," Kirkman advised the other day. "I'm
sure that Brian will do a first-rate job. In our association
over the past several years, Brian has been a tireless and
effective contributor to the operation and improvement of
the NEGCSA. He'll keep us moving, I'm sure."
Kirkman has been an active and attentive prexy. And,
although he has been under fire on occasion, he comes
out of the action unscathed and unbowed.
Being president has its up — its downs.
"You're really on the spot in this job," he commented.
"I've been button-holed by a number of members on certain issues and always tried to answer any and all questions. My problem is that I'm often opinionated and find it
hard to restrain myself on voicing my views as a straightout member, rather than the president. I can't take sides
in these issues; I can only present each point of view."
With elections coming up, Kirkman reminds all regular
members that this is the time to step forth and become
visible in the operation of the association.
" I really think that we have a very active group of people," he expressed. "However, I'm still leery about those
who state their opinions only when they are out of earshot
of the whole membership. Informal discussion has its
worth, but bringing it out in the open has far more value to
our cause."
Therefore, Ron is making a plea to the "sidewalk" superintendents who advise and criticize in the sanctuary of
their own group of friends or conversational sparring partners.
"The trouble with a few of our members is that they
criticize at the wrong place and the wrong time," Kirkman
chided those who keep their mouths zipped during formal
discussion periods at monthly meetings. " I know that
what we're doing isn't one hundred percent correct or perfect. However, we shouldn't be taken to task for it in private. It should be brought out into the open."
Kirkman invites those "snipers" and any and all members to become part of the operational force of the
NEGCSA by voicing interest in holding office.
"Some members still insist that we make up a slate of
officers and railroad it through," he remarked. "That's impossible in itself because very often we have to persuade
people to have their names put on the ballot. Usually, we
get good people, too.
"But it's probable that we overlook capable replacements and additions to our board. That's why I'm offering
a personal invitation to anyone who feels he can contribute to the effectiveness and improvement of our organization."

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 t i n s v i 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 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.

S A T A N A N D JOHN DOE
Old Satan sat with face so grim
And muttered, "What'll I do with him?
He's sure to find this place a bore
With the life on earth he's had before!"
And then while shaking his horny head,
He opened his ledger and this he read:
"John Doe - Keeper of Greens,
A man behind the golfing scenes
Had 60 years of toil and strife
Pleasing golfer, manager, pro and wife!
His job included keeping the greens,
Planting new turf, repairing machines.
Fighting diseases, insects, defeat,
Battling rain, humidity, heat.
Fixing the water pipes that break thru the ground,
Changing all markers and mowing weeds down.
He worked all day - studied at night.
Trained all new men
In the ways that were right.
Knew the diseases; chemicals, too.
Fertilized, aerified, 'till his face would turn blue.
Not only a scholar and teacher was he,
But an ambassador of good will and publicity.
Records he kept; watched budget allocation On him depended the course reputation.
And 'tho heading a project whose value was high,
Credit and praise went to some other guy.
Griping and moaning he got every day,
But seldom a raise in the old take-home pay!"
Now here he lies, his days they are thru "Tell me," said Satan,
"What hell can I put him to?"
After sitting and thinking for quite a while,
His face broke out in a great big smile;
The best known hardship he could deen
Was to send him where all was calm and green!
Credit: HEART BEAT
Heart of America GCSA

To be voted on:
Stephen Carey
Royal Crest C.C., Waipole, Mass.
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 f i c e P h o n e 592-8238
Club Affiliation
T h e G a n n o n G.C.

The outgoing president had this to say about the years
ahead:
"I think that the profession is still being uplifted through
a number of sources from within and without our association. Certainly, the Newsletter continues to hammer away
at the golf world for more and deserving recognition of the
golf course superintendent. That inspiration has carried
over to many of our members who are spreading the word,
too.
"So, it's up to all of us to improve our position in the golf
establishment and we can do that by taking an active and
official part in the association. Certainly, I've learned that
this is the logical route to reaching our goals. Hopefully,
more of us will assume the same approach."
Gerry Finn

PAST
PRESIDENT
Dean Robertson
24 R i v e r v i e w D r i v e
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.

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 i s s i o n 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 . We w o u l d a p p r e c i a t e a
credit line.

Plecue fxtfooKc^e FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION
Bachsr 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
C & J Lawnmower Service, Inc.
474 Main St., Wilmington, Mass 01887
Eric O m a n - Sales Representative
Tel. 617-658-2022

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

Sawtelle Bros.
565 Humphrey St., Swampscott, 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.
Lakeshore Equipment & Supply Co.
Mike Hannigan, Rep.
Abington, Mass.
800-321-5325
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 a 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 & Leisure Equipment
P.O. Box 400, W. Falmouth, Ma. 02574
617-563-2284

R. F. Morse & 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

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

Scotts Pro-Turf Div.
Rep. Ed Wiacek 1-401-253-4284
Rep. Kevin Lyons 1-617-366-4825
Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc.
Slocum, R.I., Litchfield, N.H.
1-800-556-6985
Alan Anderson, Sam Mitchell
Tuco Products Corp.
Div. of the Upjohn Co.
Kalamazoo, Mich.
David Sylvester, 203-828-3790
* Turf Products Corp.
1496 John Fitch Blvd.
S. Windsor, Conn. 06074
1-203-289-3471
John Perry, Sales Rep.
* Turf Specialty, Inc.
84 Merrimac St., Hooksett, N.H. 03106
Turf S Ornamental Supplies
Ken Turner 617-263-7526

New England Sealcoating Co., Inc.
Tennis Court Const, a n d Maintenance
Sealcoating Hingham Inc. Center
Hingham, Mass. 749-6800
Old Fox Chemical Inc.
Fertilizers - Seeds - Turf Chemicals
66 Valley St.
E. Providence, R.I. 02914

Valley Farms Nursery a 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
White Turf Engineering
5 Summer Dr., Winchendon, Mass. 01475
617-297-0941
PhiHip 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

R e t u m

t0:

First Class
First Class

CHARLES LANE

5 Goodnow Lane
Framingham, MA 01701

FIRST CLASS

Framingham, Mass. 01701
Home Phone 872-7832
Office Phone 875-4490
ClubAffiliation
Framingham. C.C.
PETECOSTE'
Business Manager
LEON ST. PIERRE
Co-ordinator
GERRY FINN
Contributing Editor

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PAID
Framingham, MA

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