Golf Course Superintendents

LETTER
Association

S p o n s o r s a n d a d m i n i s t r a t o r s o f the T r o l l - D i c k i n s o n Scholarship
F u n d — A w a r d e d yearly to deserving T u r f M a n a g e m e n t Students.

OF NEW E N G L A N D , INC.

May 1991

The Housatonic River:
A charm and curse for Bruce Packard
June Meeting
Joint GCSANE & Cape Cod
Turf Managers Assoc.
Monday, J u n e 10,1991
Marshfield C.C., Marshfield, MA
Bob Matthews, CGCS,
Host Superintendent
Guest Speaker
J o h n Placaneca
Hydrosoil by Softron Int.
Water Saving Polymers
9:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m.

Board Meeting
Regular Meeting
Education
Lunch
Golf after Lunch

Reservations Required
Call before J u n e 7,1991
(617) 527-6968
Bob Matthews is in his fourth year as superintendent at Marshfield C.C. He graduated
from Stockbridge in 1973 and began his superintendent career at Charter Oaks C.C. in
Muttontown, Long Island. Bob stayed there
for nine years and then went to Deal Golf
Club in Deal, N J for five years. He held every
Board position except President in both the
N.J. and Long Island superintendent associations. Born in Middleton, MA, Bob now resides in Marshfield with his wife and their
two sons Eric, age 10; and Sean, age 7. Bob
coaches ice hockey and is a Cub Master for
Pack 97 in Marshfield.
Directions: Route 3 to Exit 12 (Route 139).
Head east on Route 139 toward Marshfield.
Stay on 139 and take Route 3A off to the right
towards Duxbury. Entrance to club is two
miles up 3A on the right.

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At this writing, a phenomenon of sorts
held Bruce Packard's smile in place.
"I don't want to jump to conclusions,"
the two-year Stockbridge Golf Club superintendent took all precautions against
over-confidence, "but I think we might get
out of this spring without a flood. But then
again, I don't want to say it too loud."
Usually when winter's hold on the
Berkshires breaks, Stockbridge and the
Housatonic River are at odds. The run-off
of melting snow from the mountains and
customary spring rains turn the storied
golf course into a ship's haven when it's
more prudent to stage a regatta than a
member-guest tournament.
However, when Packard and his crew
arrived for their annual inspection and
subsequent clean-up operation in March,
Stockbridge was relatively dry. Oh, there
had been a hint of rising tides on the
Housatonic in February, but the river
never got to the point of overflowing.
That' s when the phenomenon began to
take root.
A year before, which just happened to
be Packard's first season as Stockbridge's
grower and guardian of its greens and
fairways, the course was going through
the first of what would eventually number
seven floods over a period of six months.
Therefore, Bruce's baptismal year was in
keeping with the timing of his hiring-a
wet one.
"I knew my work was cut out for me
when I got here," Packard told. "But I
didn't think I'd go through seven floods in
one season. Most of them caused short
closings for the course. One was a whopper, though. It came in August when our

members figured the flooding season was
over."
The whopper occurred after two stormy
days (August 6 and 7) when 8.7 inches of
rain fell. This came on top of a routine
rainfall five days before, so the combination of mini-catastrophes came crashing
down on the picturesque course in the
height of the golf season in the Berkshires.
"We had to close the course for 14 days,"
Packard lamented. "The extent of the
flood was at least three feet, of standing
water on virtually every green. Clean-up
was so tough my crew had to use privately-

"The river comes into play
on 12 of the 18 holes. When
the weather is high and dry,
it really brings out the best in
the golf course"
Bruce Packard
owned land, whose access was over a mile
away, to gain entrance to a couple of
greens. Yes, I suppose you could say ours
was an underwater operation for the better part of those two weeks."
All because of the Housatonic River
and the uncertainties of the weather.
"All we need is two and a half inches or
so and the river overflows," Packard explained. "When that happens, we can't
continued on page 2

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PRESIDENT
Paul Miller, CGCS
1 Leicester Road, Marblehead, MA 01945
(H) 617-631-7910 — (W) 508-369-5704
Club Affiliation - Nashawtuc C.C.
VICE PRESIDENT
Charles T. Passios, CGCS
218 Camelback Road, Marston Mills, MA 02648
(H) 508-420-3210 — (W) 508-775-5116
Club Affiliation - Hyannisport Club
SECRETARY
Stephen A. Chiavaroli CGCS
100 Airport Drive, Worcester, MA 01602
(H) 508-752-0031 — (W) 508-791-5373
Club Affiliation - Tatnuck C.C.
TREASURER
Ronald E. Milenski, C G C S
65 Rocky Pond Road, Princeton, MA 01541
(H) 508-464-5312 — (W) 508-779-6911
Club Affiliation - The International
TRUSTEE
Edward L. Brearly
189 Matfield Street, W. Bridgewater, MA 02379
(H) 508-584-6568 — (W) 508-295-7010
Club Affiliation - Bay Pointe C.C.
TRUSTEE
Eric E. Newell, C G C S
113 Cross Street, Hanover, MA 02339
(H) 617-826-7207 — (W) 617-878-5836
Club Affiliation - Rockland C.C.
TRUSTEE
Robert Ruszala
69 Gelinas Drive, Chicopee, MA 01020
(H) 413-592-5780 — Office Phone 413-256-8654
Club Affiliation - Hickory Ridge G.C.
FINANCE
CHAIRMAN
Paul Jamrog
P. O. Box 38, Belchertown, MA 01007
(H) 413-323-8519 — (W) 413-536-4195
Club Affiliation - The Orchards G.C.
GOLF CHAIRMAN
Robert DiRico, CGCS
185 Hemenway Street, Marlboro. MA 01752
(H) 508-485-2605 — (W) 617-244-0680
Club Affiliation - Brae Burn C.C.
EDUCATIONAL
CHAIRMAN
Kevin F. Osgood
62 Maple Street, Hyde Park, MA 02136
(H) 617-364-4859 - (W) 617-254-0925
Club Affiliation - Newton Comm. G.C.
NEWSLETTER
CHAIRMAN
Kip Tyler, CGCS
P. O. Box 671, Peabody, MA 01960
(H) 508-462-9272 — (W) 508-532-2236
Club Affiliation - Salem C.C.
PAST PRESIDENT
Richard Zepp, CGCS
27 Fowler Road, Northbridge, MA 01534
(H) 508-234-8490 — (W) 508-234-2533
Club Affiliation - Whitinsville, G.C.

KIP TYLER, CGCS
Newsletter Editor

GERRY FINN
Contributing Editor

RONALD MILENSKI, CGCS
Business Manager
Information contained in this publication may be used
freely, in whole or in part, without special permission as
long as the true c o n t e x t is m a i n t a i n e d . We w o u l d
appreciate a credit line.
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Eric Lamont Eric Kleinsorge, Mike Cornicelli, and Bob Healey enjoy a day of golf at Kernwood C.C.

continued from page 1
play golf and, naturally, my work schedule
falls behind. I n that situation, it takes the
river 24 hours to crest. So, we're really
talking hindrance here."
Actually, the Housatonic is part of the
charm of the Stockbridge course, which
will mark its 100th birthday in 1995. It
also is a curse because of the heavy part
the river plays in preventing that charm
from being an ongoing additive to the overall aesthetic effect on the club, course, and
surroundings.
"The river comes into play on 12 of the
18 holes," Bruce disclosed. "When the
weather is in a high and dry mood, it really
brings out the best in the golf course. Its
width varies and ranges from 60 to 100
feet and there are four suspension bridges
used for crossing. One other thing, its
rambling pattern presents what probably
is a first in golf course architecture since
it rings the 10th hole on both sides of the
fairway."
The 33-year-old Packard, who's been
associated with golf since he was five
(caddy) and once took a spin through the
operational procedures of a pro shop,
swung over to the superintendent's profession in 1976. After six years at the Creek
Club on Long Island, he began a successful
seven-year stay at the Amherst Golf Club
where Dr. Joe Troll was his green chairman. Bruce was the logical choice when
Stockbridge sought someone to upgrade
its playing conditions.
"It's the biggest challenge of my career," Bruce said. "Our members looked
around at such places as Pittsfield (CC)
and Wyantenuck (GC) and wondered why

they couldn't have the same top-notch conditions members of those clubs enjoy. And
that's why I'm here, even though the water
problem makes it tougher to succeed."
Presently, the club has set a high priority on a drainage project that could cost
in excess of half a million dollars. Packard
thinks last year's late-season deluge and
two-week shutdown could hasten the process of finding ways to finance the endeavor.
"Something has to be done in that
{drainage} direction," Packard added.
"This is too nice a golf course to have
constant flooding disrupt play, even suspend it and make things so miserable for
our members. Once we get the water under control, we can do a lot of positive
things here."
Without taking a turn or two in a rowboat, that is.
GERRY FINN

Calendar
June 3

Superintendent-Chairman
Longmeadow C.C.
Longmeadow, MA

J u n e 10

Joint CCTMA-GCSANE
Marshfield C.C.
Marshfield, MA

J u l y 15

Joint GCSANE-NHGCSA
Vesper C.C.
Lowell, MA

Aug. 1

Supt. Championship
Weston C.C.
Weston, MA

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The Super Speaks Out:
This month's question: With the golf season about to take full
swing, what, if any, are the rules for golf cart operation at your
course, and what have been the members' reactions to them ?
D o n Levangie, B r o c k t o n C o u n t r y
Club: "We have a unique situation here
because of the golf cart set-up among our
members. The club
owns ten carts and
25 others are owned
by members whose
rights are protected
under a grandfather clause agreement w i t h
the
owner.
"It really does
make things a little awkward, especially
when weather conditions have to be considered in allowing cart use. Then, there's
the maintenance situation. I do that job
for the ten carts the club owns, actually
the individual who owns the course and
club. My orders are not to lay a hand on
carts owned by the members. So, you can
see what direction we're going in here.
"We have rules for the operation of the
carts, and for the most part the members
are very good about them. They see them
posted on the scoreboard near the first tee
and most of them take the rules to heart.
"One problem here is that we don't
have any cart paths as such. Presently I'm
trying to get a program going where we
can at least have makeshift paths or practical routes with stonedust topping.
"So, it's tough to control the carts without cart paths. However, I have to say the
members realize this and conform to the
90-degree rule for crossing fairways and
keeping carts in the roughs.
"What's more, we have a couple of
trouble holes, the third and fourth.
They're all clay and drainage is almost
non-existent. So, there are many times
when members must park their carts and
walk those holes. They seem to accept
that arrangement and the only problem
we have along those lines is when outing
golfers are using the course. They just
aren't educated to the fact carts can do a
lot of turf damage.
"Right now (early April) we aren't allowing carts on the course and it probably
will be a couple of weeks before members
get the green light. But down the road
there'll be a lot of cart traffic. We have

about 225 members and this is a nine-hole
course. So, in a way, the course will hold
up only as well as the cart-users adhere to
our rules."
Max Mierzwa, Chicopee C o u n t r y
Club: "Here's something that many other
superintendents may find hard to believe
and maybe I'm getting off the track,
but this is my 27th
year at Chicopee
and I can't remember ever having to
shut off use of golf
carts because of wet
conditions. I think
that's
amazing.
But we're built on a gravel bank and the
drainage here is as good as you'll find
anywhere.
"Golf cart operation rules? Well, I'd say
our golfers go along with them at about the
same percentage rate they follow other
forms of golfing etiquette, like not dragging your feet on greens and fixing ball
marks. There always are the 50 or 60 who
wouldn't know a rule if one bit them. Then
there's the majority who are aware that
rules are put there to help their golf games
in the end.
"The rules are posted here. We try to
have golfers keep carts in the rough and
we have the same old aids going for us. We
put up signs, ropes, all those things to
remind cart-users they have a potential
menace to the course in their hands.
"Since we're a municipal course, we
look to the city to provide the physical
things that help keep it in top shape. It's
cooperating, too. We have five cart paths
completed, and the plan to build two a
year has been set in motion.
"We are one of the busiest courses
around. I'd say we average close to 300
golfers a day, so we're turning over a lot of
revenue for the city. Chicopee realizes
this and other surrounding cities realize it
too. So, they're reacting by putting money
back into the courses. The cities also realize golf is a business, not some park-type
recreation project.
"So, overall, I'd say the golfers are doing a pretty good job of keeping golf cart

damage to a minimum. It's just what I
expected. You have two kinds of golfers,
those who care about the course and those
who don't give a damn about it. If you get
more of the first kind, you're lucky. That's
where I am, I guess."
Roger B r i n k , I n d i a n R i d g e Country Club: "I don't know if this is a oneman crusade or not, but I'm convinced golf
cart users can be
made to follow the
rules for operation
and in the end everyone will be better
off because of it.
"First, let me
m e n t i o n t h a t we
have a tremendous
amount of golf cart
traffic. I think we may have 14 to 15,000
cart rounds a year here. That's a lot and
the numbers always seem to be growing.
We have 80 carts and it's nothing to see
each one go out twice a day.
"Cart operation has improved since I
came here two years ago. In fact, I think
most of the members are paying attention
to the rules (they're posted in the pro shop)
and have them in mind when they're using
carts.
"However, there also are people here
who think they can go wherever they
please with a cart, and those are the ones
we should pinpoint in an effort to draw
maximum cooperation from the members.
"We're about 80 percent cart paths, not
including partials, so cart-users certainly
know where those vehicles belong. We
also have rangers who want to enforce the
rules, but, unfortunately, don't carry
enough weight or have enough authority
to make an impression on guilty parties.
"My solution is simple, especially in the
case of individually-owned, private clubs
which we happen to be. I think someone-a ranger, me if that's what they wantshould be able to pull the key from any
cart-user who abuses his operating rights
and fails to adhere to the rules. As for the
habitual rule-breakers, he or she should
have cart privileges suspended for, say, a
month and maybe even longer if a short
suspension doesn't work.
"I don't think I'm over-reacting, but I'd
like to know what other superintendents
think about my feelings on the matter. I
know there are people using carts who
don't pay attention to anything but the
golf game they're playing. However,
that's no excuse for breaking the rules. I
really think we have a problem here, one
that won't go away until something is done
about it."
G E R R Y FINN

A message
from
the President
Enclosed in this
month's newsletter
you will find a letter
from myself and
Joseph
Malone,
C h a i r m a n of the
Hero's Welcome.
To my knowledge,
this is the first time
in our Association's history that the allied
associations in Massachusetts golf
(NEPGA, NE Club Managers, and GCSANE) have joined forces to support a
fund raising project. I urge everyone's
participation and support during Hero's
Welcome Week, July 1-7.
It is hoped that the GCSANE, through
participation at our member clubs (along
with our allied associations), will be able
to make a substantial contribution. These
club events will be in the form of a Callaway Golf Tournament of 18 holes with an
entry fee of $25. All proceeds will go to the
troops returning from the war in the Gulf.
Further details will be forthcoming. Your
support and cooperation in these events is
necessary. The highlight of the week will
be the "Hero's Welcome Home Tournament" with players made up of local celebrities, PGA Tour players, major sponsors
and guests, along with 25 contributing
sponsors, to be held at Pleasant Valley
Country Club on July 1.
The other enclosure is an order form
pertaining to space in the commemorative
ad book. Not only does this apply to the
Friends of the Association, but I would
encourage individual golf facilities to consider space in such a worthy publication.
PAUL MILLER

Steve Butler and Steve Murphy cozy up for a photo at Kernwood C.C.

Reply from Governor Weld
April 1, 1991
Mr. Paul F. Miller
President
Gold Course Superintendents, Inc.
D e a r Mr. Miller:
Thank you for your recent letter outlining your concerns about the need to cont i n u e the operation of the County
Cooperative Extension Program.
We recognize the value and importance
of the County Cooperative Extension Program which serves many people of the
Commonwealth. As Paul Cellucci and I
re-examined this issue, it was determined
that the budget reductions initially proposed would not save us money, but instead jeopardize the availability of federal
funds to our state. We have balanced the
need for the County Cooperative Extension Program and the state's budget defi-

cit by revising the proposal and reducing
this program's budget cuts.
We issued a revised proposal on February 27, 1991, which restores $150,000 of
the FY91 cuts and provides for $871,198
in FY92. This provides for sufficient funds
to maintain the 4-H and research components of the County Cooperative Program.
These functions, coupled with the support
from the University of Massachusetts, will
allow the Commonwealth to continue to
receive the $3.5 million in USDA grants.
Thank you for expressing your concern.
Sincerely,
W i l l i a m F. W e l d
Governor,
Commonwealth
of Massachusetts

DFA expands pesticide recordkeeping department
from The Green Industry Council
Monthly, March 1991
The Department of Food & Agriculture
(DFA), in the very near future, will require
all companies using pesticides to submit
annual use reports. Currently, (DFA) requires all licensed and certified applicators to keep records of all pesticide
products used.

At a meeting with the Green Industry
Council Public Policy Committee, representatives of the Pesticide Bureau presented a draft copy of the annual use
report form for the industry's review and
comments. Ed McGuire, Chair of the committee, reports that "while there are obvious drawbacks to this proposal, for
example the additional time and money
spent gathering and reporting the information, the committee supports the idea."

Many other states have similar requirements, and, once begun, the process
should be an inventory of what is actually
used each year. The Green Industry Council is working with the Bureau to keep the
process streamlined and workable for both
the industry and the department.
Pesticide B u r e a u
Chief,
Gail
Kaprielian, anticipates that the requirement will be asked of applicators for 1991
sometime in January or February of 1992.

Ciba-Geigy supports research;
cash donations based on purchases
Looking for new ways to make donations to your most supportive research
fund in 1991? This year Ciba-Geigy will
donate money to the research fund of the
superintendents choice in their name and
the name of the course they represent.
To be eligible for a cash donation, a golf
course has to purchase at least $2,000 of
Ciba-Geigy products between January 1,
1991 and September 15,1991. Ciba-Geigy
manufactured products include Banner,
Subdue, Triumph, Pace, Pennant, and
Sprint. The amount Ciba-Geigy will donate depends on the total annual purchases of the above products. The dollar
amount qualifications are as follows:
Purchase Total:
Donation of:
$ 2,000
=
$100
$ 3,000
=
$15
$ 4,000
=
$200
$ 5,000
=
$250
$10,000
=
$500
There is no limit on the amount one
course can qualify for. After all purchases
of Ciba-Geigy products are made for the
year, make a copy of the invoices and mail
them along with the completed form to
Ciba-Geigy.
Upon completion of the program, CibaGeigy will write a check to each association's or university's research fund. Along
with the check will be a list of superintendents and their courses who participated
in the program.

With the budget cuts at the university
level, this is a great way to insure proper
funding of turf research for this year and
years to come. This financial assistance
will aid in the local universities ability to
provide valuable turf survival information
throughout the year.
For more details on this program, contact your local supplier or contact Russ
Nielsen of Ciba-Geigy at 71^392-7557.

Friends of the Month profiles
Turf Products Corp.
Turf Products Corp. has served the Golf
and Irrigation Equipment Industry for
over 20 years. During that time, TPC has
grown in strength and size. We now service our customers from two new facilities
in Enfield, CT and Worcester, MA, as well
as six convenient Irrigation supply locations appropriately called "The Sprinkler
House."
I n addition to Golf and Irrigation products, TPC also distributes the full line of
Toro Consumer and Proline Commercial
products throughout New England.
TPC is dedicated to "After the Sale
Service" and customer satisfaction is second to none, requiring highly trained technicians a n d a complete inventory of
replacement parts. We invite all our

Superintendent-Chairman
Event June 3,1991;
Superintendent profile - Leonard St. Pierre
(Separate mailing sent for golf tournament)
Leon has been the golf superintendent
at Longmeadow (Mass.) C.C. for the past
36 years. His assistant, Rick Derby, has
been with him for the past two years.
Leon graduated from Stockbridge in 1949
and served as President of GCSANE from
1965-1967. He also served as Secretary/Treasurer on the Mass. Lawngrass
Council. Born in Rhode Island, Leon has
three children, Jeanne, Andrew, and Andrea. Leon loves to ski and is involved in
various environmental groups.
Built in 1922, Longmeadow is a Donald
Ross course that measures 6,600 yards

EDITOR'S NOTE:
When supporting the Ciba-Geigy program, please note to have the donation
made to "GCSA of New England" and list
your club. At the end of the year we will
list all of the clubs that helped in this
program. Also at the end of the season,
the GCSA of New England will decide
where the research money will be donated.

from the back tees. Leon says it's a fair
course, but you better know how to play.
Chester Drake renovated bunkers last
year on the course with the redesign done
by Jeff Cornish.
Leon is also involved in a tree management program cleaning out wood lots on
the course to aid in better air movement
and sunlight.
Educational Speaker: Dr. Rich Cooper
1. Short talk on Stockbridge update
and current research projects under way
there.
2. Film showing: GCSAA, a Link with
the Future.

friends i n t h e G C S A N E to visit our
Worcester facility any time and see why
Turf Products Corp. and "The Sprinkler
House" is considered one of the premier
distributors of Turf and Irrigation products in the country.
D.L Maher Co.
D.L. Maher Co. is a ground water consulting and drilling services firm located
in North Reading, Massachusetts. The
company was founded by Denis L. Maher
and is celebrating its 50th anniversary
this year. They have been a "friend of the
association" for over twenty years.
D.L. Maher Co. offers a full array of
ground water services which include
water supply development, pump installation and service, and environmental drilling. Since 1941, D.L. Maher Co. has
developed water supplies for over 50 golf
courses throughout New England.
New demands have been placed upon
the golf course industry in the last ten
years, and quite a few of these demands
are related to ground water. Most golf
courses today are looking to develop their
own water supplies whether for economical reasons or by order from a local or state
authority, and developing those sources
has been made more difficult by numerous
regulations. I n Massachusetts, the Water
Management Act has required all water
users to keep accurate records of their
usage by metering. Another issue is the
concern over the effects that golf courses
may have on the quality of the ground
water.
D.L. Maher Co. has kept up with the
times and the changes to still offer the golf
course superintendent one company that
can help with his water needs.

wmmmmmsm

USGA
Regional
Seminar
Kernwood

C.C.
Bert Frederick and Tony Caranci

Mel Wendell, Ken Raynor (George Bush's golf & fishing partner) and Neil Wendell

How well do you know your irrigation system?
by Bob Healey,
ASIC Irrigation Maintenance
and Service, Natick, MA
There are many types of irrigation systems in operation today in our area.
Ranging from hose connections, quick coupling valves, single row, double row, single
head in the center of the green, to "stateof-the-art" computer controlled systems.
Regardless of the type you have, all irrigation systems operate w i t h one basic
goal...replenish the necessary required
water for health turf.
The following five basic questions will
give you an idea how well you know your
irrigation system.
1. Do you know the precipitation rate
(Pr.) being applied to your 18th green?
ye§/no
2. Do you know the Pr. being applied to
your 1st tee? ye^/no
3. Do you know the "intake rate" on
your 18th green and 1st tee? ye^no
4. Do you know the average monthly
evapotranspiration rate (ET) in your area?
ye^/no

5. Do you know the "field capacity" of
the soil in your greens, tees, and fairways?
ves/no

you that the "no" answer should be unacceptable to a professional in turf management.

Take a moment to define some of these
basic terms:
IRRIGATION - to supply water by artificial means.
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION - the sum of
transpiration and water evaporated from
the soil.
TRANSPIRATION - the process by
which plants consume water.
EVAPORATION - the direct loss of
water from the soil surface.
PRECIPITATION RATE - the rate of
water application (in/hr).
INTAKE RATE - the soil's ability to
take in water during the water application
period (in/hr).
F I E L D CAPACITY - the amount of
water a soil profile will hold against drainage by gravity (usually 24-48 hrs.).

Questions 1 and 2 deal with Precipitation Rates (Pr.). Factors governing Pr. are
sprinkler spacing and gallons per minute
(gpm). I have witnessed, on an area golf
course over 18 greens, Pr. ranging from 0.2
in/hr to 2.0 ir/hr. Consider an irrigation
schedule calling for 30 minutes of watering per night. One week of watering
would result in an application range of 0.7
in/week to 7.0 in/week. Thus one green,
on the same golf course, receives ten times
the water each week. Not a healthy situation for the greens in question.
Question 3 deals with Intake Rate. Determination of safe intake rates for soils is
one of the most important considerations
in planning an irrigation system. The intake rate is governed by the conditions of
the soil surface and physical characteristics of the soil. These range from
course sand 0.75 - 1.00 in/hr, fine sandy
loam 0.35 - 0.50 in/hr, to clay loams 0.10 0.30 in/hr.

Hopefully, you were able to answer yes
to all five questions. If you did, you're well
on the way to understanding your irrigation system. But, if your answer to any of
the questions was "no", I hope to convince

continued on page 7

continued from page 6

Other factors which affect the intake rate
include the permeability of underlying layers
in the soil profile, air entrapment, water
table, hardpan, and the initial moisture content of the soil.
Using the previous case of the Pr. of 2.0
iiyhr, being applied to fine sandy loam with
an intake rate of 0.35-0.50 in/hr, watering for
30 minutes will cause one inch to be applied
to soil that is only capable of accepting 0.5
in/hr; four times the water applied as can be
accepted. Resulting in surface run-off, puddles, wasted water, pump time, energy,
money, and additional maintenance problems with the green. The other extreme of
0.2 in/hr Pr. results in water application of
half the amount of the soil intake. Requiring
excessive run time for the pump to apply the
necessary water.

Question 4 deals with Evapotranspiration Rate (ET). ET rates available for a regional area are based on a formula using the
average of long term weather data. While
this does not include all variables, it is considered reliable for estimating water requirements. Most charts that are available are
broken down by month.
EXAMPLE: Boston area
MAY
JUNE
rainfall
3.23"
3.17"
ET
3.37"
4.95"
difference .14"
1.78"

JULY
2.85"
6.18"
3.33"

OCT.
3.33"
2.05"
1.28"

Thus using July as an example in a "typical average" year, you will need to supply
3.33 in. of water to the turf to balance the
difference between rain and the ET. This is
helpful in suggesting guidelines and goals for
your irrigation scheduling. (Irrigation systems should be designed to deliver the necessary water assuming no rainfall.)
Question 5 deals with Field Capacity.

The field capacity is greatly influenced by the
particular soil profile. When the field capacity is met, any additional water will cause
surface run-off, puddling, or drainage beneath the root level and thus wasteful application of water.
The more complete understanding you
have of your soils in general, the better your
position to manage your irrigation system in
order to obtain the maximum benefits from
proper soil moisture control.
Summarizing, a cognate understanding
of precipitation rates, intake rates, evapotranspiration, and field capacity give the
superintendent better knowledge of his irrigation system. There is more to irrigation
than just setting the clocks for 15-20 minutes
a night before you leave for the day. What
you do not know, in this case, is hurting you
in water, pump, electric costs, and maintenance problems.

DIVOT DRIFT.. .announcements...educational

seminars...job opportunities
...tournament results...and miscellaneous items of interest to the membership.
ATTENTION MEMBERS

INFORMATION

All members will be receiving a mailing
with self-sticking labels inside. These stickers should be added to your 1990 Directory
to update it for 1991. Special thanks in helping prepare these labels go to Alan Cumps of
Scott's Proturf, who helped type them; and to
my owner Alden Johnson, who had them
printed on his computer, which produced the
self-sticking labels. Alan and Alden helped
save our Association some money because of
their hard work and the use of their computer
systems.
Also, all members please keep in mind to save
your blue tags from seed you purchase.
These are worth $.50 each for our Association. The bentgrasses are Penncross, Penneagle, and Pennlinks. Rye grass, blue grass,
and some fescues are also worth saving.

Dave Schermerhorn of Turf Specialty and
his wife Cindy are proud parents of a new
baby boy, Nathaniel

Bob Ruszala
Membership Chairman

M a r k Klimm, formerly of Bally Meade C.C.
is the new superintendent at the Ridge Club.
R o b D o n a v a n is the new superintendent at
Glen Ellen C.C., Millis, MA.
J o e Eckstrom is the new superintendent at
South Shore C.C.
Tom Brodeur, formerly of Essex C.C., has
moved to Chicago to take over at Chystal
Tree Golf and C.C.

Welcome New Student Member: Thomas
DiFonzo, University of Massachusetts.

Welcome New Friends of the Association: Soil Modifying Systems, Salem, NH;
Tee and Green Sod, Inc., Exeter, RI; and AA
Will Materials Corporation, Stoughton, MA.

J i m O'Kelly has taken a superintendent
position in Westchester County, New York.

Welcome New Affiliate Member: Mark
Secore

The new superintendent at Essex C.C. is P a t
Kriksceonaites, formerly of Rochester C.C.,
NH.

Welcome New Assistant Member: Matthew Crowther

APPOINTMENT
At the special Board of Directors meeting on April 1, 1991, the Board appointed
Edward Brearley to the position of Vice
President. He will be filling the unexpired
term of Charles Passios, who has resigned.
The Board subsequently appointed Bob
DiRico to fill Ed Brearley's term as Trustee
and appointed Jim Fitzroy to the position of
Golf Chairman.

East Mountain C.C., Westfield, MA; Ed Uhlman, Jr., Westboro C.C., Westboro, MA;
Stephen Gunning, Associate Member, St.
Mark's G.C., Southboro, MA; Michael
Shockro, Regular Member, Attleboro, MA;
Gary Dulmaine, Regular Member, Maplewood Golf Course, Lunenburg, MA; and Richard Derby, Assistant Member, Longmeadow
C.C., Longmeadow, MA.

MEMBERSHIP
Proposed New Members: Brian J. Gibbin,
Regular Member, Lakeville C.C.; Eric
Brown, Regular Member, Easton C.C., Easton, MA; Dino Frigo, Regular Member, Veteran Golf Course, Springfield, MA; Russell C.
Tarr, Regular Member, Wenham C.C., Wenham, MA; James Perez, Regular Member,

TOURNAMENT
RESULTS
GCSANE o p e n i n g S c r a m b l e results April 29, 1991, Kernwood C.C. - Winners at
10 under par 60 are Larry Anshewitz, Lenny
Blodgett, Dick Young, and Jim Reinertson.

Please Patronize These FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION
A A Will Materials C o r p .
168 Washington St., Stoughton, MA 02072
T o p d r e s s i n g , s a n d , l o a m , t r a p sand,
decorative stone
Est. 1886
B a k e r Golf C a r s
40 Walker St., Swansea, MA 02777
(508) 379-0092
Reps, Ray Chadwick, Paul Littlejohn
Bartlett T r e e E x p e r t s
Tree Maintenance, Fertilization &
Consulting
153 Rumford Ave., Newton, MA 02166
(617) 969-5990
The Bordon Company
Maynard, MA, Tel: (508) 897-2571
Sales Rep. Jack Borden
Bulk Limestone Dealer
Boston Irrigation C o m p a n y
Dedham, MA
John Ramey, Paul Kenyon
(617) 461-1560
Distributor of Irrigation Supplies
and Accessories
T h e C a r d i n a l s , Inc.
166 River Rd., P.O. Box 520
Unionville, C T 06085
Golf Course & Landscape Supplies
John Callahan (203) 673-3699
C & J Equipment, Inc.
188 Main St., Wilmington, MA 01887
John Deere Golf & Turf Equipment
(508) 658-2022—Eric Oman,
Mike Cornicelli, Kevin O'Donnell
G e o f f r e y S. C o r n i s h & B r i a n Silva
Golf Course Architects
Fiddlers Green, Amherst, MA 01002
Country Club Enterprises, Inc.
Club Car Golf Cars, Carryalls/Utility Cars
P.O. Box 400, W. Falmouth, MA 02574
(508) 563-2284
Chester D r a k e & Sons, Inc.
222 Walnut St., Framingham, MA 01701
Golf Course Construction
(508) 875-7929
Elanco Products C o m p a n y
Stephen C. Dolinak
31 Old T o w n Trail, Narragansett, Rl 02882
(401) 789-9017
G o l d Star W h o l e s a l e Nursery & Sod Farm
Bill Thompson
Lexington, MA, (617) 861-1111
Canterbury, NH, (603) 783-4717
G r e e n w a y Irrigation C o m p a n y
Irrigation, Drainage, Wire Laying
P.O. Box 8157
East Lynn, MA 01904
John Murphy, (617) 595-3010
Steve Murphy, (617) 598-6917

H a m m o n d & Tilton, Inc.
P.O. Box 30, Exit 35W off I95
Fairfield, ME 04937
Tel: (207) 453-7131
John Deere Golf & Turf Equipment
Contact: Gary Hammond
The Charles C. Hart Seed Co.
P.O. Box 9169
Weathersfield, CT 06109
1-800-326-HART
Roy Sibley, (203) 376-9525
Don Whinnem, (603) 692-5097
Holliston Sand Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 393, Trifft Rd., Slatersville, Rl
(401) 766-5010/Topdressing & Bunker Sand
International Golf Const. Co.
Antonios Paganis, Rep.
5 Purcell Rd., Arlington, MA 02174
Golf Course Construction
(617) 648-2351 or (508) 428-3022
Irrigation Maintenance & Service
21 Lakeview Ave., Natick, MA, (508) 653-0625
Irrigation consultation, design, and
system evaluation - Bob Healey, ASIC
T o m Irwin, Inc.
11 BA St., Burlington, MA
Jack Peterson
Dennis Friel, Phone: (617) 938-1751
Wayne Ripley, Paul Skafas
John's Tree & Landscape C o m p a n y
Tree & Landscape Experts
All employees certified & insured
John P. Re, 617-739-7760
L a r c h m o n t E n g . & Irrig. C o .
Larchmont Lane, Lexington, MA 02173
(617) 862-2550

M a d d e n A s p h a l t C o r p . , Boston, MA 02134
Paving-cart paths-parking lots-roadways
grading-sitework-drainage
(617) 254-0000 (617) 254-7100

P r o - L a w n P r o d u c t s Inc.
231 Heather Street, Cranston, Rl 02920
Specializing in turf & ornamental needs
Contact Mike Kroian, 401-944-9990

T h e M a g o v e r n Co., Inc.
27 Lawnacre Road
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
Tel: 800-243-7718 or (203) 623-2508
Lew Varga, Rep.

R e a d S a n d & G r a v e l , Inc.
171 VFW Dr., Rockland, MA 02370
Top Dressg Loam; Sand, concrete and brick; Stone,
crushed, washed, colored; Same day service, Sat.
deliveries.

D.L. Maher Co.
Box 127, C o n c o r d St.
N. Reading, MA 01864
(617) 933-3210
Water Supply Specialists
Water Wells & Pumping Equipment
Mobay Chemical Co.
Greg Ellis
67 Primrose Drive
Warwick, Rl 02818
M o d e r n Aeration Service, Inc.
62 Maple St., Boston, MA 02136
Featuring water injection aeration
Kevin Osgood, 617-254-0925
M o d e r n Tractor & T r u c k Service, Inc.
400 Pine St., Seekonk, MA 02771
"opdressing, W orVe"screened loam, underground
oval, "convault" aboveground fuel tank,
Howitt, (508) 761-5554
se & S o n s Inc.
,eham, MA 02576
_^^5-1553
~~Reps., Larry Anshewitz, Jack Cronin

T h e L a w n C o . inc.
P.O. 1540, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
Tom Fair, 1-800-660-TURF
Fertilizers & Pest Controls Applied
Fairway Aeration & Slice Seeding
L a z a r o ' s Golf C o u r s e A c c e s s o r i e s
dba Hammond Paint & Chem. Co., Inc.
738 Main/Suite 223, Waltham, MA 02154
Joseph Lazaro, 617-647-3361
Lesco Inc.
20005 Lake Rd., Rocky River, O H 44116
Ron Tumiski, Rep., Mike Donahue, Rep.
800-825-3726
Loft's S e e d
20 Beck Rd., Arlington, MA 02174
Victoria Wallace, Rep.
Lowden Tree & Landscape
433 Chestnut St., Needham, MA 02192
Tree maintenance, spraying, consulting,
landscaping, construction
Scott A. Stover, Rep. (617) 444-0402

N a r d o n e S a n d & Gravel C o . Inc.
37 Power Rd., Westford, MA 01886
(508) 692-8221
Specializing in Topdressing Sand
Nor-Am Chemical Co.
Wilmington, Delaware
David Sylvester, Rep.
(203) 828-8905
N o r f o l k P o w e r E q u i p . , Inc.
194 Main Street, Norfolk, MA 02056
508-528-3120
Don Reynolds, Rep.
O l d F o x C h e m i c a l Inc.
Fertilizers-Seeds-Turf-Chemicals
66 Valley Street
E. Providence, Rl 02914
Partac Peat Corporation
G/eat Meadows, NJ 07833-800-247-2326
(201) 637-4191—G.C. topdressing, const, mixes,
tennis ct. supply
P.I.E. Supply Co.
Dedicated to sales and service of quality irrigation
equipment. (203) 878-0658
John Lensing, (401) 246-0864 for your
irrigation needs.

Mike Donovan, (617) 878-2955
J. P. R o b e r t s C o .
Technical Resource Catalog
Survey-Weather-Testing-Meas.& Diag. Equip.
Barbara Piantedosi, 508-456-6886
Sawtelle Bros.
65 Glenn St., Lawrence, MA 01843
(508) 682-9296
S c o t t s P r o - T u r f Div.
Allan Cumps, Regional Dir.
Rep. Scott Brown, (401) 294-3606
Rep. Richard Forni, (413) 534-8896
S h e m i n Nurseries, Inc.
Complete Hort. and Irrig. Supply Ctr.
Hudson, MA 01749
Michael Gimmelfarb, 1-800-274-3646
Soil M o d i f y i n g S y s t e m s
2 Dwight Avenue, Salem, NH 03079
"Isolite" porous ceramics for root zone modification
603-894-4040 or 603-894-7149
Steiner Turf E q u i p m e n t
Sales & Service, Vernons, Inc.
13 School St., Danvers, MA 01923
Dick Leigh, (508) 774-4410
T e e a n d G r e e n Sod Inc.
Bentgrass, bluegrass and blue/fescue sod
Dave Wallace, Exeter, Rl 02822
401-789-8177/off ice — 401 -295-1870/home
T u c k a h o e T u r f F a r m s Inc.
Exeter, Rl, Litchfield, NH
West Suffield, C T
800-556-6985 •
Largest Producer of Penncross in New England
Owen Regan
Turf Products Corp.
7 Coppage Dr., Worcester, MA 01603
(508) 791-2091
T u r f S p e c i a l t y Inc.
60 Merrimac St., Hooksett, NH 03106
Turf & Ornamental Supplies
1-800-228-6656
Bob Flanagan, Kevin Lyons,
Dave Schermerhorn, Ed Wiacek
W i n d i n g Brook Turf Farm, Inc.
240 Griswold Rd., Wethersfield, CT 06109
800-243-0232, Alan Anderson
Philip W o g a n
Golf Course Architecture
17 Walker Rd., Topsfield, MA 01983

i^u^Li^i.iUi.i.iua.iL.hui.Lii^

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Permit No. 340

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P. O. BOX 671
PEABODY, MA 01960

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t u l i m u n i