March 1983 ourde OF S u p—}uperin e r i n ten NEW den ti E N G L A N D - s^Im I N C ocia tion Sponsors and administrators of the Lawrence S. Dickinson Scholarship Fund — A w a r d e d yearly to deserving Turf Management Students. Joe's Honor - Just Sup< r As the song goes, "Happiness is a thing called Joe!" "Sure, I'm happy," Dr. Joseph Troll beamed after learning it was off to Atlanta and acceptance of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America's Distinguished Service Award. "When I heard about it I was higher than a kite. I'm very pleased ... and appreciative." Actually, the honor comes as no surprise. Joe Troll has been a friend and benefactor of the golf course superintendent ever since his emergence in the turf field. A hill professor in the department of plant and soil sciences at the University of Massachusetts, Joe has been the lifeline between the start and fulfillment of many a superintendent's career. "I'm proud of my guys," Joe gushed. "Here at UMass, we've been a leader in the field. Some of my students hate me while they're here but most meet me later on and confess that all the hard work was worth it. We (UMass) have more Class A supers on the job than any other school in the country. I just hope I've had some input in that outstanding record.'' The latter is an understatement. Joe's in his 26th year at UMass and never has a notion to start counting the days. He's an institution in the golf course superintendent's profession. Although there are a few strays who enter other vocational avenues, most of Joe's students go into the golf course grooming business. In fact, he's aware of some of its pitfalls and says so. "I've always contended that the superintendent has one of the toughest jobs there is," he explained. "Therefore, sometimes I try to talk certain people out of trying it. I'm only thinking of their welfare because it takes a solid person to take on a superintendent's work load. NEXT MEETING MARCH 21, 1983 Franklin Country Club Franklin, Mass. HOST - Gary Luccini Directors meeting - 10am Regular Meeting - 1 lam Lunch Educational Program Buddy Young from Country Club Enterprises. THE RULES OF GOLF. Pat Vittum from the Waltham Field Station. INSECT UPDATE. DIRECTIONS - From Rt. 495 take King St. exit. Follow to Rt. 140. Take right, club will be on the right approx. 2 miles. Dr. Troll receiving plaque for Distinguished Service Award from GCSAA president Jim Wylie. Joe emphasizes business management and communications in his UMass classes. "Those are two attributes that are hallmarks of a successful super," he told. " A super has to sell himself. There's no one there to do it. What the member sees on the course is the result of what the super puts into conditioning it. I really am amazed at how well some of them do their jobs." Dr. Troll's association with the superintendent doesn't begin and end at the in-school academic level. As director of the University of Massachusetts Turf Conference, Joe is in constant touch with supers all over New England and the country, for that matter. Many of his featured lecturers are former students, coming back to the old prof to strut their stuff. "The conference really is a blueplate special for everyone in the turf industry," Joe remarked. "It is an on-going educational boom and continues to be popular with the superintendent. At least, the supers seem to come out in droves whenever it goes on the educational schedule. "I recall one session several years ago. We put it on during three days of intense ice storms. I couldn't believe my eyes when people started showing up. We had 500 over three days. Even Canadian members came down. And some of them had to stay another three days before travel was safe enough for them to get back home!" Over the years, Joe has brought some of the turf world's finest minds to the conference, as well as some of the most entertaining speakers for the event's banquet. He even goes overseas for his expertise. Among seminar leaders gracing the conference have been English golfing figures Fred Hawtree and John Campbell. "We bring them in from anywhere and everywhere," continued on page 2 SI:SAocia tion ourde Superintendents Juperin It Could Happen to You If you are a golf course superintendent reading this, don't give it the once-over and toss it into the trash pile because garbage, it isn't. "Superintendents, who think pesticide regulations are for someone else and ensuing charges from the state Pesticide Board can't happen to them, should think again," Ian Oppenheim warns. "In fact, a result of such charges could mean the loss of a superintendent's job." That's a strong lead-in but necessary. According to Oppenheim, a Halifax attorney who has an encyclopedic knowledge of pesticide regulations and their ramifications, superintendents might be playing with fire in their every day use of chemicals for the cause of repairing and refurbishing turf. Oppenheim was the guest educational speaker at the New England Golf Course Superintendents Association annual meeting, not overly attended by members because of inclement weather. However, those on hand marveled at his grasp of the pesticide problem. " W e went into overtime dining the informal question and answer period," notes NEGCSA president Brian Cowan. There are many coalition groups, using the "rational approach to pesticides' use" as their rallying call for more stringent and meaningful regulations. Two hearings are scheduled in March, hearings that could produce new laws designed to protect the population from any and all aftereffects allegedly stemming from chemically-based turf maintenance. For example, there is one prospective regulation that would prohibit the use of pesticides in an area that's accessible to children. Another would require pesticide applications to provide an application schedule to those residents whose land abuts the area to be treated. "Those are only two on the agenda," Oppenheim told. "That's why it's important that superintendents attend those hearings — if not to oppose proposals, to become aware of how they would affect them. The hearings are tentative, so interested parties might do well to check with the Department of Food and Agriculture to get their dates and sites." Oppenheim stresses the social-economic position of the country club in the critical situation. "We're dealing with the masses," he said. "There are still people out there who think golf is played only by the rich. They look at the greening of the golf course as an offshoot of luxurious living, so they aren't willing to risk the incidence of a supposed health hazard for the sake of having others chase a little white ball around a stretch of pesticide-treated land." More than anything, though, Oppenheim's message to superintendents and country clubs is to have an awareness of pesticide regulations and the consequences of being found guilty of violations. " A t this point, the fines for violations are $50 for each separate offense," he disclosed. "However, they could add up to an appreciable sum, perhaps in the area of $2,500. The board isn't interested in just who applies the pesticides, either. They draw a correlation between the superintendent and his employer. That's where the loss of jobs could surface." The pesticide problem, then, is an important part of the superintendent's educational arsenal. Its solution is found in a genuine effort to be cognizant of the regulations by all members of the profession. The old saw, "it couldn't happen to me," must be abandoned and replaced by an awareness second only to expert knowledge of the subject. "This is a challenge for the supers," Oppenheim concluded. "It's up to them to get interested in the situation and abide by the rules. As I see it, involvement in the making of and adherence to pesticide regulations is mandatory for anyone who applies chemicals in turf maintenance. They can pay attention now or pay for lack of attention later." Well put. Gerry Finn Important Date to Remember April 11, 1983 t Meeting at New Seabury Golf meeting more info in next newsletter v irfl 1 Troll mm A FAMILIAR SCENE - Salem's Kip Tyler had more adventures In the woods than Robin Hood did in Sherwood Forest. His playing partner for all practice rounds prior to the GCSAA tournament was Paul Miller, who had to spot the Kipster a few golf balls to finish the round. PRESIDENT Brian Cowan CGCS Robins Way Harwich, Mass 02645 Home Phone 432-9041 Office Phone 945-9230 Club Affiliation Eastward Ho FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Donald Hearn CGCS 4 Topeka Rd. Chelmsford, Mass 01824 Home Phone 256-8709 Office Phone 894-5906 Club Affiliation Weston Golf Club SECOND VICE PRESII David Barber CGCS 145 Dedham St. Canton, Mass 02021 Home Phone 828-7266 Office Phone 828-6540 Club Affiliation Blue Hill C.C. SECRETARY Richard C. Zepp 21 Fowler Rd. Northbridge, Mass 01534 Home Phone 234-8490 Office Phone 234-2533 Club Affiliation Whitlnsville G.C. continued Horn page~l Joe quipped. "Just as long as they have something interesting and worthwhile to say. We know no boundaries. I don't think any ever were established." In his spare time, Joe also manages to maintain a rewarding association with the NEGCSA. He attends many meetings, banging the drums for turf research and continuing educational endeavors from his boys. If there is something pertaining to advancement in the golf course conditioning process, you can be sure Joe's had a hand in some segment of it. Therefore, the Distinguished Service Award is well-deserved. Happiness absolutely is a guy named Joe and the superintendent's profession extends a warm and glad hand to its long-time friend for acheiving it. Joe Troll. He's in that hard-to-attain "one and only" category. Well done, Wend. Gerry Finn TREASURER Pete Coste' CGCS 121 Granite St. Medfield. Mass 02052 Home Phone 359-7247 Office Phone 566-0240 Club Affiliation The Country Club TRUSTEE Tom Schofield CGCS 290 North Rd. Sudbury. Mass 01776 Home Phone 443-3712 Office Phone 235-7333 Club Affiliation Wellesley C.C. TRUSTEE Paul Miller 173 Salem St. Swampscot. Mass 01907 Home Phone 581 -2808 Office Phone 595-3107 Club Affiliation Tedesco C.C. TRUSTEE Stephen A. Chiavaroli, Jr. 100 Airport Dr. Worcester. Mass 01602 Home Phone 752-0031 Office Phone 791 -5373 Club Affiliation Tatnuck C.C. FINANCE CHAIRMAN Robert Johnston CGCS 128WilbrahamRd. Hampden, Mass 01036 Home Phone 566-3075 Office Phone 566-3096 Club Affiliation Hampden C.C. 54th International Turfgrass Conference and Show Atlanta, Georgia Editor's Note The search for a name for our newsletter has been halted for the time being. The board of directors has decided that our first step will be to investigate the possibility of a new format. Anyone with any ideas or opinion drop me a note. Also I wish to thank Paul Miller and Don Hearn for writing an article for the newsletter for 1982. 2 out of 130 superintendents is not a very good batting average. I'm sure many more of you must have something to say. Again, drop something in the mail to me and we'll put it in. Divot Drift GCSANE had a good showing for the golf tournament at Myrtle Beach as well as the show in Atlanta. Frank Lamphier does one heck of a job running the golf tournament and should be congratulated. The show in Atlanta was also a first class operation. Every year it gets better. A fine job by Jim McLaughlin, Zahid Iqbal and the entire GCSAA staff Pete "the helicopter" Coste showed why practice doesn't make perfect when he teed it up at Myrtle. The poor guy had a net set up in his cellar and had practiced hitting balls into it every night for two hours. Then when tournament time rolled around took the gas. I won't mention any names, but he got clubbed by an eighteen handicapper without giving any shots When Tony "The Nail" DeBettencourt gathered the booby prize at the golf tournament it brought back memories of last years winner, who oddly enough was Tony's roommate this year The Mass. Turf Conference in Springfield was again a great success. Fine job by Joe Troll. TALKING TURF - (L-R) Frank Adams of Wianno, Charlie Gardner of Oyster Harbor and Jack Nugnes ofDunfey's. Hearn Elected Don Hearn of the Weston Golf Club was elected to the position of director of the GCSAA. The election took place at the International Conference and Show in Atlanta on February 24, 1983. GCSANE is very proud of Don and wishes him congratulations and good luck. We all know that Don will do a fine job and will represent us equally as well. GCSANE at Myrtle Beach We had 14 participants in the GCSAA golf Tournament this year. The tournament was a two day affair with one round each at Myrtle Beach National and Arcadian Shores. The first day was wet but both courses were in great shape for the field of 250. We had 3 winners from our association. Paul Miller of Tedesco won third gross in the black flight, Steve Murphy of The Larry Gannon Club won 4th new in the red flight and yours truly, Doug Johnson won 2nd gross in the blue flight. Below is a listing of our participants with their respective (in some cases) scores. Paul Miller 78-79 157 T o m S e h o f i e l d 102-84 186 Steve Chiavoroli 77-86 163 J o e R y b k a 109-79 188 B o b Connolly 88-80 168 Bert Frederick 91-99 S t e v e Murphy 85-87 172 Kip Tyler 90-100 D o u g J o h n s o n 85-92 D a v e Barber 94-83 P e t e Coste 87-97 177 177 184 190 190 Dave Clement 94-102 196 D o n Hearn 91-Injured T o n y DeBettencourt 107-111 218 _ P h o t o s B y Ron Kirkman, N e e d h a m GC GOLF CHAIRMAN Stephen M. Murphy 75 Woodland Ave. Lynn, Mass. 01904 Home Phone 592-2554 Office Phone 592-8238 Club Affiliation The Gannon G.C. BREAK TIME - (L-R) Sally Miller, Paul Miller, Carolyn Murphy, Steve Murphy under the watchful eye of Bob Brown, Sawtelle Bros. EDUCATIONAL CHAIRMAN Antone DeBettencourt 7 Country Club Ln. Merrimack, N.H. 03054 Home Phone 603-424-5380 Office Phone 475-6638 Club Affiliation AndoverC.C. NEWSLETTER CHAIRMAN Douglas W. Johnson, CGCS 50 Newton St. Weston, Mass02193 Home Phone 894-7377 Office Phone 893-8264 Club Affiliation Pine Brook C.C. PAST PRESIDENT Ronald Kirkman 25 Green St. Needham, Mass02192 Home Phone 444-8412 Office Phone 444-5548 Club Affiliation Needham Goll Club Test Drive - Doug Johnson ofPine Brook Information contained in this publication may be used f r e e l y , i n w h o l e o r in p a r t , w i t h o u t s p e c i a l p e r m i s s i o n as l o n g as the credit true line. context is m a i n t a i n e d . We would appreciate a PC&ue FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION Baker Tractor Corp., Ford Tractors Harley Davidson Golf Cars Swansea, Mass. Yamaha Golf Cars Tom Irwin, Inc. 11B A St., Burlington, Mass. Jack Peterson Dennis Friel Wayne Ripley Bordens Spreader Service Maynard, Mass. Tel. 617-897-2571 Sales Rep. Jack Borden Bulk Limestone Dealer C & 474 Eric Tel. * Geoffrey S. Cornish & William G. Robinson Golf Course Architects Fiddlers Green, Amherst, Mass. 01002 * Country Club Enterprises Club Car Golf Cars Tennis & Leisure Equipment P.O. Box 400, W. Falmouth, Mass. 02574 617-563-2284 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. Nardone Sand and Gravel Co. Inc. 37 Power Rd. Westford, Mass. 01886 Boston Area 648-6222, Lowell Area 692-8221 Robert D. Nardone, Gen. Mgr. Tuco Products Corp. Div. of the Upjohn Co. Kalamazoo, Mich. David Sylvester, 203-828-3790 Turf Products Corp. 36 Sword St. Auburn, Mass. 01501 617-791-2091 Charles Allen, Sales Rep. * N.E. Chapter Land Improvement Contractors of America Professional Conservation of Soil and Water. Contractor in your area, call Peter Whiting, Pres. 617-877-5323 The Charles C. Hart Seed Co. Weathersfield, Conn. Bob Kennedy, Rep. Roy Sibley, Rep. Old Fox Chemical Inc. Fertilizers-Seeds-Turf-Chemicals 66 Valley St. E. Providence, R.I. 02914 I & E Supply, Inc. 66 Erna Ave. Box 9, Milford, Conn. 06460 203-878-0658 Return to: DOUGLAS JOHNSON 50 Newton St. Weston, MA 02193 FIRST CLASS fHrin ten Jen h Association l i t . DOUGLAS JOHNSON Newsletter Chairman 50 Newton St. Weston, MA 02193 Home Phone 894-7377 Office Phone 893-8264 Club Affiliation Pine Brook C.C. Turf Specialty, Inc. 84 Merrimac St., Hooksett, N.H. 03106 Turf & Ornamental Supplies Ken Turner 617-263-7526 White Turf Engineering 5 Summer Dr., Winchendon, Mass. 01475 617-297-0941 Philip Wogan Golf Course Architect 31 Budleigh Ave., Beverly, Mass. New England Sealcoating Co., Inc. Tennis Court Const, and Maintenance Sealcoating Hingham Inc. Center Hingham, Mass, 749-6800 Holliston Sand Co., Inc. Lowland St., Holliston, Mass. 01746 Sand for topdressing and bunkers GERRY FINN Contributing Editor Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc. Siocum, Rl/Lltchfield, N.H./Suffield, Conn. 1 -800-556-6985 Largest Producer of Penncross in New England Alan Anderson, Sam Mitchell R.F. Morse & Son, I net W. Wareham, Mass. 02576 Tel. 617-295-1553 J. Willen Roell, Rep. Larry Bunn, Rep. Gold Star Sod Farms, Inc. Sod & Pine Bark Mulch Canterbury, N. H. 603-783-4717 Weston, Mass. 617-894-5474 PETE COSTE' Business Manager Scotts Pro-Turf Div. Rep. Ed Wiacek 1-401-253-4284 Rep. Kevin Lyons 1-617-366-4825 D.L. Maher Box 127, Concord St. N. Reading,Mass. 01864 Chester Drake & Sons, Inc. 222 Walnut St. Framingham, Mass. 01701 Golf Course Construction 617-875-7929 ENELAHD. Scott Associates, Inc. 60 Water Street, Clinton, Mass. 617-365-6341 Pumps-Sales, service Installation-Vertical Turbine pumps specialists David Loker 9 Crestview Drive Millis, Mass. 02054 C.S, Curran T.R.C. Products Oils and Greases 7 Linden St., Framingham, Mass, HEW Sawtelle Bros. 565 Humphrey St., Swampscott, Mass. 617-599-4856 Larchmont Engineering and Irrig. Co. Larchmont Lane, Lexington, Mass. 617-862-2550 The Clapper Co. 1121 Washington St. Newton, Mass. 617-244-7929 Or Richey & C'apper, Inc. 28 Rutledge Rd., Natick, Mass. 01760 Lakeshore Equipment & Supply Co. Mike Hannigan, Rep. Abington, Mass. 800-321-5325 J Lawnmover Service, Inc. Main Street., Wilmington, Mass. 01887 Oman - Sales Representative 617-658-2022 (-/off Courie Pro-Lawn Products Inc. 18 Legate Hill Road Leominster, Mass. 01453 Sales Rep. Jerry Kolomick * Contributors to the Lawrence S. Dickinson Scholarship Fund F i r s t Class U . S . Postage PAID Framingham. MA Permit 209