Golf Course Superintendents

LETTER
Association

Sponsors and administrators of the Troll-Dickinson Scholarship
Fund
Awarded yearly to deserving Turf Management Students.

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

March 1992

Building a green can get complicated
The USGA lays it out in black and
white: When building a green, do it our
way or suffer the consequences.
It appears there are some golf course
superintendents who are willing to take
their chances, implement either drastic or
subtle changes in the green building or
rebuilding process, as advocated by the
USGA Green Section, and wait for those

^pril

Meeting*

Monday, April 13,1992
Blue Hill C.C., Canton, Mass.
( * P L E A S E N O T E D A T E CHANGE!)
Host Superintendent - Dave Barber
Guest Speaker
Mr. Richard Egan, Jr.
Maclntyre, F a y and Thayer
Insurance Agency
Golf Course Safety, Security,
and Risk Management
9:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.

Board Meeting
Regular Meeting
Education
Lunch
Golf

Reservations R e q u i r e d
Call before April 9,1992
(617) 328-9479
You must pay by check - no cash!!
Dave has been the course superintendent at
Blue Hill C.C. since 1980. Prior to Blue Hill,
Dave was superintendent at Wayland C.C.
for 16 years. He is a graduate of Stockbridge,
Univ. of Mass., lives in Canton, and has four
children. Dave is past president of GCSANE
and was a board member for 16 years.
Directions: From 128 take exit 2A (Rte. 138
Stoughton). Go to first set of lights and bear
right (Washington St.). Go approx. one mile
and take a right on Pecunit St. (sign will say
BHCC). Club is on the left approx. 3/4 mile.
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consequences to either present themselves
or never make an appearance.
Examples of pro-USGA method and
con-USGA method experiences will be covered and explored in next month's Newsletter. This edition will only analyze the
issue, especially in the area of the Green
Section's insistence that their specification in the working steps of drainage,
gravel and coarse sand layers and preparation of the root zone mixture be met
without compromise.
In its approach to the subject, the
USGA is aware of the tendencies to cut
corners to eliminate certain steps in the
building process with the interests of financial savings in mind. Therefore, it
warns that relying on the gravel layer to
provide sufficient drainage is one of the
pitfalls of cost-conscious green builders.
Rather, it stresses that the installation
of tile lines is the only sure method of
preventing water damage in the event of
heavy rains and excess irrigation. In other
words, the USGA insists proper drainage
cannot be achieved unless tile lines and a
gravel layer are treated as integral parts
of the construction schedule.
Jim Leighton, who has studied the
question of strict adherence to USGA
specs, reports he has had experience with
both sand-based and soil-based greens at
Framingham Country Club where he
hangs his hat as the superintendent.
However, Leighton wants to make one
important note clear in his discussion of
the issue. This is the fact that none of his
greens at Framingham were built according to USGA Green Section specifications.
Therefore, all of his comments refer to
greens unaffected by the building process
proposed by the USGA.
Ironically, there are 14 greens at Framingham that are basically products of a
soil-built mentality. They are the course's

"Regardless, the amount of
sand used appears to be the
issue. Some superintendents
might come up with a better
ratio than the (USGA) lab
does. The only way to know
is to try it and see."
Jim Leighton,
commenting on USGA
green building
specifications
older greens and Leighton says they're
doing better than the four sand-based
greens which were built before he took
over there.
"Since I wasn't here when our sand
greens came into being, I can't comment
on the root zone mixture which seems to
be the major concern here (the USGA issue)," Jim said. "The only thing I can rely
on are the records kept when the greens
were built. According to them, the mix was
90 percent sand, 10 percent peat. How
that combination came about is a mystery
to me. However, it might have been a trial
and error decision."
Leighton suspects age has something
to do with the results of the sand-based
building method. Two greens that are entering their fourth season seem to be very
slow maturing and holding a satisfactory
condition while the two greens in their
fifth season are developing much better.
continued on page 2

Page 7

PRESIDENT
Stephen A. Chiavaroli CGCS
6 Birch Street, Paxton, MA 01612
(H) 508-752-0031 — (W) 508-791-5373
Club Affiliation - Tatnuck C.C.
VICE PRESIDENT
Edward L. Brearley
189 Matfield Street, W. Bridgewater, MA 02379
(H) 508-584-6568 — (W) 508-295-7010
Club Affiliation - Bay Pointe C.C.
SECRETARY
Robert DiRico, CGCS
326 Fuller Street, West Newton, MA 02165
(W) 617-527-6968
Club Affiliation - Brae Burn C.C.
TREASURER
Paul Jamrog
P. O. Box 38, Belchertown, MA 01007
(H) 413-323-8519 — (W) 413-536-4195
Club Affiliation - The Orchards G.C.
TRUSTEE
Richard Duggan, CGCS
93 Warren Ave., Marlboro, MA 01752
(H) 508-485-6894 — (W) 508-369-0879
Club Affiliation - Concord C.C.
TRUSTEE
Eric E. Newell, CGCS
113 Cross Street, Hanover, MA 02339
(H) 617-826-7207 — (W) 617-878-5836
Club Affiliation - Rockland C.C.
TRUSTEE
James Relnertson
42 Rice Road, Wayland, MA 01778
(H) 508-655-7415 — (W) 508-358-2750
Club Affiliation - Wayland C.C.
FINANCE
CHAIRMAN
Robert Ruszaia
69 Gellnas Drive, Chicopee, MA 01020
(H) 413-592-5780 — (W) 413-256-8654
Club Affiliation - Hickory Ridge G.C.
GOLF CHAIRMAN
James Fitzroy, CGCS
357 W. Squantum Street, N. Qulncy, MA 02171
(H) 508-528-6956 — (W) 617-328-1776
Club Affiliation - Presidents G.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
Paul Miller, CGCS
1 Leicester Road, Marblehead, MA 01945
(H) 617-631-7910 — (W) 508-369-5704
Cfub Affiliation - Nashawtuc C.C.

T H E P

NEWSLETTER
KIP TYLER, CGCS
Newsletter Editor
PAUL JAMROG
Business Manager

JAMES REINERTSON
Associate Editor
GERRY FINN
Contributing Editor

Information contained in this publication may be used
freely, in whole or in part, without special permission as
l o n g 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.

>ÜÜALlAHLMilALlAilLMUALl*LLlMÜ

continued from page 1
The USGA reports that the root zone
mixture is so critical its make-up must be
determined by laboratory testing. So,
naturally, it is in this step where greenbuilding, according to USGA specs, can
become complicated.
Such variables as infiltration and percolation capacity, porosity, bulk density,
water retention capacity, and particle size
are considered when a mix is tested. Under that circumstance, it's possible superintendents or whoever does the green
building might have to submit a number
of sand-component combinations before
the most advantageous mix is determined.
So, the USGA doesn't have a set line-up
of sand-component percentages as a
guideline for the proper root zone mixture.
Reviewing the 90-10 ratio on his sandbased greens, Leighton emphasizes that it
just might be the mix that could have met
USGA specs.
"Who's to say whether our course and
those newer greens would have been better off with an 80-20 sand-peat mix, or
even 70-30?" Jim added. "One combination could do the job here and not do it
across the street. That's why the USGA
came up with the analysis idea. Personally, I think it's the way to go.
"Regardless, the amount of sand to be
used appears to be the issue. Some superintendents might come up with a better

Nematode problem
topic of Feb. meeting
Our February meeting at Walpole C.C.
was attended by 60 people. Thanks to
Supt. Mark Gagne and manager Gerald
McDonald for a fine day.
Guest speaker Dr. Rob Wick from the
Univ. of Mass. talked about a very interesting topic which has many superintendents thinking about how nematodes
affect their turf.
Dr. Wick stressed that having an assay
done will help determine the economic
threshold which will help you decide if you
are going to use a nematicide or not.
Dr. Wick talked about the use of nematicides. The use of Nemacur is the product
which has given the greatest results. Wick
is working on a product called Margosan-0
which is derived from neem oil (a natural
botanical). He also handed out data on a
test he did comparing nemacur and margosan-o on hopiocalmus nematodes at The
Orchards C.C. in 1991.
Wick ended his talk by saying he is
aware of the problems on the issue of DFA
Zone II usage of nematicide.
JIM REINERTSON

ratio than the lab does. The only way to
know is to try it and see. However, when
we get to rebuilding some of our g r e ^ s ,
down the road, I'd be inclined to go .
USGA route, step by step and dollar by
dollar. After all, the green is the most
important part of the golf course; so, it's no
place to skimp. If you do, you're only shortchanging yourself."
Whatever, building greens (rebuilding,
too) has hit a turn in the road called controversy. More on it next month.
GERRY FINN

GCSANE 1992
committees
The following are the GCSANE committees for 1992:
Membership Committee: Stephen Chiavaroli, Edward Brearley, Robert DiRico, Robert Ruszaia; Finance Committee: Robert Ruszaia, Paul Jamrog;
Education Committee: Kevin Osgood, Richard Duggan, Scott Reynolds, Michael Nagle; Golf Committee:
James Fitzroy, Richard Arzillo, Richard Tworig, Larry
Anshewitz; Newsletter Committee: Kip Tyler, Editor; James Reinertson, Associate Editor; Paul Jamrog,
Business Manager; Welfare Committee: Richard
Duggan, Eric Newell, James Reinertson; Employment: Edward Brearley, Robert DiRico, Robert
Ruszaia; Fhiblicity: Paul Miller, James Fitzroy,
Stephen Carr; Government Relations: Eric Newelk^
Chairman and GCSAA Liaison; Don Hearn, GCS^
Rep. on Gov. Affairs Committee; James Reinertso,,,
GCSANE Rep. on the GIC Exec. Board; By-Laws
Committee: Richard Zepp, David Barber, Don Hearn;
MGA Liaison: Stephen Chiavaroli; Turf Research
Committee: Edward Brearley, Chairman; Paul
Miller, Tournament Chairman; Richard Duggan,
Owen Regan, Michael Nagle, Richard Cooper; Mass.
Turfgrass Conference Committees - Speaker
Committee: Edward Brearley, Patricia Vittum, Kevin
Lyons, Richard Duggan; Advertising Committee:
Mark Gagne, Owen Regan; Audio/Visual Committee: Donald Levangie.

Calendar
April 13

Regular Meeting
Blue Hill C.C.
Canton, Mass.
(Note change of date.)

April 27

NEPGA-GCSANEMembers of the Press
George Wright G.C.
Hyde Park, Mass.

May 11

Nashawtuc C.C.
Supt.-Pro-ManagerClub Official
Concord, Mass.

May 18

Regular Meeting
Pine Brook C.C.
Weston, Mass.

June 1

Regular Meeting
Kittansett Club

DÜÜDL.LKHLIIHILDLI.LITÜIDULLULJXIDLI.LKÜ

Page 7

-The Super Speaks Out
This month's question: With the electronic age settled in and gaining converts all the time,
how much computer input is involved in your everyday operation, and how is it working?
R a n d y Kehres, Pleasant Valley
Country Club: "You're really talking to a
computer illiterate, yet I can see the day
when the computer will be a key aspect in
the entire operation here.
"So far, my irrigation system has responded well to being taken over by the
computer. I've plugged in as much information as I want and the results are very
good.
"Of course, the potential for expanding
commands is almost limitless. The computer is that much of an improvement over
the old system that it can be programmed
to handle all the variables in a watering
schedule which were handled manually in
the past.
"For example, it reacts automatically to
controlling the amount of water to be dispensed according to the stress factors of
„he area being treated. We have high-need
moisture areas and low-need areas and
the computer can be programmed to cover
those areas as the need arises.
"I have to admit the whole idea of working off a computer overwhelmed me at
first. It's not like playing video games, but
I've attended seminars on computer operation and I'm beginning to feel comfortable punching out all those commands.

"So far, my irrigation system
has responded well to being
taken over by the computer.
The results are very good."
Randy Kehres
'We're not into doing payrolls or compiling man-hours data. However, I can see
the day when the computer will be involved in those parts of the operation. It's
just a matter of time.
"Oh, and yes, I have made arrangeSments for a back-up system to override the
I omputer in case of the system crashing or
being down for a good length of time. That
(crash) hasn't happened yet, but I'm ready
if it does."

B i l l Spence, The C o u n t r y Club:
"Yes, I'm happy to see we're part of the
modern design movement and there's no
doubt about it; operating most of the superintendent's operation off a computer is
a coming thing that will continue to catch
on until just about everyone makes the
switch.
"My irrigation system is deep into depending on the computer for every aspect
of watering the course. It does just about
everything, from keeping irrigation records to monitoring usage and even keeping service records for our pumps. It does
it all.

"All budget, man hours, and
maintenance schedules are
plugged into the computer."
Bill Spence
"Personally, my involvement in computer programming has been made easy
by the Turf Products people. Their representative, particularly Mark Loper, Bill
Connolly, and Tim Berge, have been a big
help to me. Their support has been responsible for a smooth changeover from the old
method of programming the irrigation
system.
"I've gone the entire route in computer
usage. All budget, man hours, and maintenance schedules are plugged into it.
We're buying different control panels and
other software to facilitate changing from
partial manual to all electronic.
"The overall impression here is that
computer programming runs the gamut of
providing a near-perfect operational aid.
Everything is right on the button, exact
timing, and precise response to commands.
'There is always the possibility of a
crash and we have a back-up arrangement
in place to meet that problem. In fact, we
did have a power outage. The first fear was
that I'd lost everything in the computer
storage. But we managed to retrieve
everything. So, no harm, no foul."

Peter Hasak, Tedesco Country
Club: "We went at the idea of converting
to computer usage slowly, and we just
completed the first phase of a tryout period that covered only nine holes.
"Needless to say, we'll be phasing in the
rest of the course this spring because it
worked so well in the testing stage.
'When the computer was in full swing,
it was doing a variety of jobs for the irrigation system. With the help of the people
from P.I.E. (supply), we converted without
too much trouble. And, when I had a problem, there was always technical assistance to be had over the telephone.
"The computer hook-up has a number
of attractions to improve the overall efficiency of the irrigation system. I can call
up programs to meet every type of soil
condition and weather pattern. It just puts
the water where it's supposed to go and
tempers the output according to what the
treated area will bear. It's terrific.

"My only reservation about the
computer is the time I put into
programming it and making
changes."
Peter Hasak
"Of course, there is the initial financial
shock or the cost of computer programming. Two or three thousand (dollars) get
you going and there are sporadic outlays
for certain software and other aids.
"The computer will take care of everything regarding records and the like in
time. It'll be a sort of right hand man in
setting up and breaking down budgets and
probably will pay for itself in the end.
"My only reservation about the computer is the time I put into programming
it and making changes. I don't want it to
take me over, so I'm training a couple of
staff members to pitch in and learn how to
bang those keys. It's really easy, too.
Nothing like trying to get a VCR to do the
things you want it to do."
GERRY FINN

Page 7

In return, your Club will receive: 1) A n
A C S P certificate number plus signs for
display at the golf course; 2) Media pre'
releases highlighting the golf course's environmental conservation efforts; and 3)
The program's newsletter, Field Notes,
plus all the help you may need from the
N . Y. Audubon Society in making your program work for you. More information on
this program can be obtained by calling
518-767-9051.

A message
from
the President:

To better our public image
I would like to ask you, as a golf course
manager, to consider the possibility of
subscribing to and participating in the
USGA's Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary
Program. Past President Paul Miller introduced this program to our membership
at our Association's December meeting at
the Nashawtuc C.C., and I feel that we can
promote our profession and the golf industry by increasing the number of courses
that are actively involved.

Public often questions our practices
As we all know, oftentimes the public
does not view our profession's practices all
that favorably. So I'll ask, what better
way is there to enhance our public image
than to demonstrate that w e are professionals who are interested in promoting
wildlife and conservation practices? I feel
that if we were to participate on an individual basis with this program, that the
golf course maintenance profession in our
area might soon be regarded by the general public as being true supporters of
environmentally responsible concerns.

Audubon Sanctuary Program
offers positive opportunity
to promote wildlife & conservation
Please consider a subscription to the
Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program
for Golf Courses (ACSP), sponsored by the
Audubon Society of N e w York State and
the United States Golf Association. "The
U S G A is committed to increasing environmental awareness and enhancing wildlife
habitat through proper golf course mana g e m e n t programs. T h e cooperative
e f f o r t b e t w e e n t h e U S G A and t h e
Audubon Society increases awareness
about the positive benefits of golf courses."
The purpose of the Program is to: 1)
Enhance wildlife habitats; 2) Encourage
conservation programs ( I P M ) ; 3) Recognize golf courses as important open spaces

with people participating in environmentally responsible projects; and 4) Educate
the public and golfing community on the
benefits of golf courses.

Register, develop a plan,
and form committee
To proceed with the program, the golf
course manager must: 1) Register his Club
at a cost of $100 per year; 2) Develop a plan
of action; and 3) Form a resource committee (with one person possibly being a
member of the local Cooperative Extension Service).

Many clubs already participating
The following Massachusetts Clubs are
currently participating the program and
you may have a question or two for the
superintendent in charge of these facilit i e s : A c o a x e t C l u b , A l l e n d a l e G.C.,
Cohasset C.G., Eastward Ho, Farm Neck
G.C., Fresh Pond G.C., Kings W a y C.G.,
Nashawtuc C.C., Oyster Harbor G.C.,
Pleasant Valley C.C., Sagamore Springs
G.C., Stockbridge G.C., Tatnuck C.C.
In summary, if more individuals were
to convince their clubs to participate, I feel
that the public image of our entire group
could be enhanced as we gain more and
more exposure, as being a major environmentally sound profession. Thanks for
your consideration in this matter.
STEPHEN CHIAVAROLJ*
CGC

Newell attends seminar in Kansas:
the first annual GCSAA Legislative
& Regulatory Training Conference
Establishing and maintaining the superintendent's
credibility
as
an
environmentally-concerned "authority" is
key to successful government and public
relations programs, G C S A A liaisons were
told during a two-day seminar held in late
January in Lawrence, Kansas. More than
30 superintendents from 26 G C S A A chapters attended the organization's f i r s t
annual Legislative and Regulatory Training Conference. Eric Newell, CGCS had
his trip sponsored by G C S A N E and Cape
Cod Turf Managers Association.
The sessions stressed the need for understanding
local
government
organization and personalities while creating "win-win" situations in dealing with
regulatory issues; Explained the process of
creating, altering, and enacting state
regulatory statues, as well as fostering
legislative information sources; Demon-

strated how to use the media to shape
public opinion; and Examined environmental issues of regional importance to
various G C S A A chapters.
' T h e consistent theme of all presenters
was that we should take a more active role
in informing officials and the general public," said Randy Zidik, CGCS, G C S A A
board government relations liaison. "Our
education and hands-on experience with
turfgrass m a n a g e m e n t techniques, including the use of chemical enhancers and
pesticides, gives us a high level of credibility. As the presenters suggested, we need
to promote our credibility as authorities at
all levels of government and within our
own publics. Hopefully, this will a l l o T Ä
lawmakers to use us as consultants who.,
they draft legislation and regulations."
GCSAA NEWS,
F E B . , 1992

Page 7

Xo-Op Extension has new fee for turf diagnosis
1. Diagnostic samples and nematode
assays will cost $25 on a pre-pay basis by
purchase of a T u r f g r a s s Case-History
Sheet. You may buy diagnostic sheets at
the Plant Pathology office, 209 Fernald
Hall, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. or order by mail from: Department of Plant Pathology, Fernald Hall,
UMass, Amherst, M A 01003.

diagnostic services. Information about selecting and shipping samples is printed on
the back of the sheet and in the Professional Turfgrass Management Guide for
Massachusetts - 1992. The sheets will not
expire, so save until needed. After you
have submitted a sample, purchase another sheet for future use.

Checks payable to University of Massachusetts. Call (413) 545-2280 if you have
questions.

If you have questions about disease
samples, shipping or diagnosis, contact:
Dr. Gail Schumann, Department of Plant
Pathology, 209E Fernald Hall, UMass,
Amherst, M A 01003, (413) 545-3413.

2. All samples must be accompanied by
a pre-paid, completed Turfgrass Case-History Sheet. It is recommended that you
purchase at least one sheet in advance to
have on hand if you expect to use the

If you have questions about nematode
assays, contact: Dr. Robert Wick, Department of Plant Pathology, 109 Fernald
Hall, UMass, Amherst, M A 01003, (413)
545-1045.

3. Deliver disease samples to 002 Clark
Hall (the Diagnostic Library). Nematode
samples should be delivered to 109 Fernald Hall (Dr. Wick's office). Samples may
also be brought to the Plant Pathology
Office (209 Fernald Hall) or be shipped by
an express delivery service. Do not send by
U.S. mail or "priority mail" because samples m a y be d e l a y e d several days in
campus mail. Turf samples for disease diagnosis will be accepted 8:30 a.m. to 4:30
p.m., Monday through Thursday only.
Soil samples for nematode assay will be
accepted Monday through Friday.
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS

These GCSANE members and associates were found wandering

GCSAA International Convention,
Feb. 10-17 in New Orleans, Louisiana

through hundreds of product displays at the convention center. Top row,
from left to right, are John & Nancy Lenhart, Mark Grenert, and Mary
& Arthur Silva; and David Farina & Mark Klimm. Bottom row, left to
right, are Mark Gagne, Bill Spence, & Andy Langlois; and Wayne
LaCroix, Eric Kleinsorge, & David Heroian. (Photos by Kip Tyler)

Page 7

USGA Green Section supports superintendentsThe time is approaching when golf enthusiasts begin serious contemplation of
their favorite pastime. For those of us involved in the golf industry, it is a time to
begin planning for an active season. Golf
course superintendents prepare themselves mentally for the task ahead of
them. The U S G A can be a useful resource
to the golf course superintendent and his
club.
The U S G A Green Section is here to
assist golf clubs in many different ways.
On site Turf Advisory Service ( T A S ) is the
main thrust of the Green Section and receives the most attention because of the
direct contact with the golf club and its
superintendent. H o w e v e r , the U S G A
Green Section also offers several important programs that are gaining national
attention. The Audubon program is one of

these programs. Through the cooperation
of the N e w York Audubon Society and the
U S G A , a program has been developed that
focuses on the environment and golf.
Clubs joining this program find an active
role in the enhancement of wildlife on the
golf course and in the community. Other
programs include T G I F , Turfgrass Information File. This gives you access to the
largest file of information on turfgrass and
golf subjects in the world.
Spending your budget effectively and
developing realistic maintenance objectives are two major responsibilities of golf
course superintendents. Consulting with
a U S G A agronomist will give you additional information and insight. A T A S
visit provides an avenue by which these
plans can be introduced and sold to the
members.

The difficult economy has placed a high
demand upon accurate and calculated decisions. W e know that dealing with nature
is unpredictable, but gaining knowledge
can greatly enhance your ability to make
the right decisions. That is why the Green
Section Service is so valuable to the superintendent. You can benefit greatly from an
association with the U S G A Green Section.
If you already have the T A S visit, you
know how it can be helpful. If you have
never taken the service, or it has been
several years, I encourage you to sign up
early this year.
The fee for the services provided in
1992 is $700. A mere .15% of the budget
for an average 18-hole golf club!!! Thank
you and I wish you the best season ever in
1992.
J I M CONNOLLY, USGA

DIVOT DR!FT ...announcements,..educational seminars...job opportunities
...tournament results...and miscellaneous items of interest to the membership.
DONATION
T h e Golf Course Superintendents Association of N e w E n g l a n d donated $500 to
the Boston Globe's Globe Santa Charity in
December. There was a nice picture in the
newspaper of Paul Miller giving a check to
Santa.

CONVENTION NOTES
Bill Spcnco, Superintendent at The Country Club, Brookline, MA, was a guest speaker
at the GCSAA convention in New Orleans.
His topic was "Adapting Modern Techniques
and Standards to Courses From Another
Time."
T h a n k s to K e v i n O s g o o d , Scott R e y nolds, and M i k e H a n n i g a n for running the
Hospitality Suite in New Orleans. It looked
like a success with the seven sponsoring associations.

MEETING NOTES
Starting w i t h the A p r i l m e e t i n g
Hill C.C., you must have a check to
the meeting. Cash w i l l n o l o n g e r
cepted. M a k e checks p a y a b l e
GCSANE.

at Blue
pay for
be acto the

M o n t h l y r a f f l e - The money collected in the
GCSANE monthly raffle will be used in a new
way. After prizes are given, all retired members attending will have their lunches paid
for. Any remaining money will go to turf
research.

INFORMATION
M a r k Spaulding has taken over as Superintendent of Dedham Polo and C.C. He had
been the Assistant under retiring Bob Muc-

D a v i d M u c c i a r o n e is the new superintendent at Woodland C.C. He had previously
been the assistant under his father Norman
for many years.
P a u l Miller, Nashawtuc C.C., has been rec e r t i f i e d in the C e r t i f i e d Golf Course
Superintendent program from GCSAA. Congratulations!
O u r sympathy to P a u l B r o o k s on the
passing of his father John in late February.
Chester Sawtelle D a y was proclaimed on
Friday, Dec. 6,1991 in Marblehead, Mass. by
the town's board of selectmen. The honoree
is the founder of Sawtelle Brothers. For the
first time, as part of the Christmas Walk, the
Person of the Year was also the first citizen

of the town. "It's the least we can do," said
Chairman of the Selectmen Tom McNulty.
"It's also the most we can do. I can't think of
anything better to do for someone who loves
his town as much as Chet Sawtelle." As for
the man, McNulty says "He's been an inspiration from every point of view. He's never
slowed down, never gotten old. Any frailties,
he's just overcome them. The man just has a
tremendous zest for life."

MEMBERSHIP
P r o p o s e d N e w Members: John Murphy,
Assistant member, Hillview G.C.; Daniel
Bartkus, Assistant member, Concord C.C.;
Sean P. McCormick, Assistant member, The
Country Club; Gregg R. Sanborn, Assistant
member, Longmeadow G.C.; and Mark Wonalott, Assistant member, Foxboro C.C.
W e l c o m e N e w Members: Brian E. McCarthy, Assistant, St. Mark's G.C.; and James L.
Favreau, Assistant, International G.C.

TOURNAMENT NOTES
In the G C S A A Golf T o u r n a m e n t , Jacksonville, Florida, GCSANE prize winners
were Paul Jamrog, net winner, first flight;
and Dave Barber, third place net, first flight.
Good golfing, guys!

Page 7

Please Patronize These FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION
AA Will Materials Corp.
168 Washington St., Stoughton, MA 02072
T o p dressing, sand, loam, trap sand,
decorative stone, landscape materials
Est. 1886- 1-800-4-AAWILL

International Golf Const. Co.
Antonios Paganis, Rep.
5 Purcell Rd., Arlington, MA 02174
Golf Course Construction
(617) 648-2351 or (508) 428-3022

Agriturf, Inc.
59 Dwight St., Hatfield, MA 01038
Fertilizer, seed, and chemicals for turf
1-800-824-2474

Irrigation Maintenance & Service
21 Lakeview Ave., Natick, MA, (508) 653-0625
Irrigation consultation, design, and
system evaluation - Bob Healey, ASIC

Baker Golf Cars
40 Walker St., Swansea, MA 02777
(508) 379-0092
Reps, Ray Chadwick, Bob Kinyoun

Tom Irwin, Inc.
11B A St., Burlington, MA
800-582-5959
Jack Petersen (508) 256-6296 - Wayne Ripley (508) 252-6507
Dennis Friel (617) 938-1751 - Paul Skafas (603) 889-7177
Chris Petersen (617) 262-7586

Bartlett Tree Experts
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 Company
Dedham, MA
John Ramey, Paul Kenyon
(617) 461-1560
Distributor of Irrigation Supplies
and Accessories
The Cardinals, Inc.
166 River Rd., P.O. Box 520
Unionville, CT 06085
Golf Course & Landscape Supplies
John Callahan (203) 673-3699
Geoffrey S. Cornish & Brian Silva
Golf Course Architects
Fiddlers Green, Amherst, MA 01002

John's Tree & Landscape Company
Tree & Landscape Experts
All employees certified & insured
John P. Re, 617-739-7760
Larchmont Eng. & Irrig. Co.
Larchmont Lane, Lexington, MA 02173
(617) 862-2550

Chester Drake & Sons, Inc.
222 Walnut St., Framingham, MA 01701
Golf Course Construction
(508) 875-7929
Elanco Products Company
Stephen C. Dolinak
31 Old Town Trail, Narragansett, Rl 02882
(401) 789-9017
Gold Star Wholesale Nursery & Sod Farm
Bill T h o m p s o n
Lexington, MA, (617) 861-1111
Canterbury, NH, (603) 783-4717
Golf Direction Associates
54 N. Grove St., Foxboro, MA 02035
Golf forms designed to meet the
industry's specialized record keeping
requirements.
Nora Berard, (508) 543-9822
Hammond & 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
Dick Gurski (413) 543-2777
Holliston Sand Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 393, Trifft Rd., Slatersville, Rl
(401) 766-5010/Topdressing & Bunker Sand

Nor-Am Chemical Co.
Wilmington, Delaware
David Sylvester, Rep.
(203) 828-8905
Partac Peat Corporation
Great 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.
Pro-Lawn Products Inc.
231 Heather Street, Cranston, Rl 02920
Specializing in turf & ornamental needs
Contact Mike Kroian, (401) 944-9990

The Lawn Co. Inc.
P.O. 1540, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
Tom Fair, 1-800-660-TURF
Fertilizers & Pest Controls Applied
Fairway Aeration & Slice Seeding

Read Sand & Gravel, Inc.
171 VFW Dr., Rockland, MA 02370
Top dressg loam; sand, concrete and brick;
stone, crushed, washed, colored; same day service,
Sat. deliveries.
Mike Donovan, (617) 878-2955

Lazaro's Golf Course Accessories
dba Hammond Paint & Chem. Co., Inc.
738 Main/Suite 223, Waltham, MA 02154
Joseph Lazaro, (617) 647-3361

J. P. Roberts Co.
Technical Resource Catalog
Survey-Weather-Testing-Meas.& Diag. Equip.
Barbara Piantedosi, (508) 456-6886

LESCO Inc.
20005 Lake Rd., Rocky River, OH 44116
Ron Tumiski, Rep. - Mike Donahue, Rep.
800-321-5325

Safety Storrage Inc.
Prefabricated pesticide storage bldgs.
gas & oil, storage cabinets
86 Sanderson Ave., Lynn, MA 01902
(617) 599-5490

Loft's Seed
Country Club Enterprises, Inc.
Club Car Golf Cars, Carryalls/Utility Cars
P.O. Box 400, W. Falmouth, MA 02574
(508) 563-2284

Nardone Sand & Gravel Co. Inc.
37 Power Rd., Westford, MA 01886
(508) 692-8221
Specializing in Topdressing Sand

20 Beck Rd., Arlington, MA 02174
Victoria Wallace, Rep.
Madden Asphalt Corp., Boston, MA 02134
Paving-cart paths-parking iots-roadways
grading-sitework-drainage
(617) 254-0000 (617) 254-7100
The Magovern Co., Inc.
27 Lawnacre Road
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
Tel: 800-243-7718 or (203) 623-2508
Lew Varga, Rep.
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
Mass Natural
P. O. Box 363, Westminster, MA 01473
Tel: 508-874-0744
Manufacturers and suppliers of organic compost,
enriched topsoil, and custom planting mixes.
Mobay Chemical Co.
Greg Ellis
67 Primrose Drive
Warwick, Rl 02818
Modern Aeration Service, Inc.
62 Maple St., Boston, MA 02136
Featuring water injection aeration
Kevin Osgood, (617) 254-0925
Modern Tractor & Truck Service, Inc.
400 Pine St., Seekonk, MA 02771
Topdressing, W or Va" screened loam, underground
tank removal, "convault" aboveground fuel tank,
Steven S. Howitt, (508) 761-5554
R.F. Morse & Sons Inc.
W. Wareham, MA 02576
(508) 295-1553
Reps., Larry Anshewitz, Jack Cronin

Sawtelle Bros.
65 Glenn St., Lawrence, MA 01843
(508) 682-9296
Scotts Pro-Turf Div.
Allan Cumps, Regional Dir.
Rep. Scott Brown, (401) 294-3606
Rep. Richard Forni, (413) 534-8896
Shemin Nurseries, Inc.
Complete Hort. and Irrig. Supply Ctr.
Hudson, MA 01749
Ron Diramio, 1-800-274-3646
Soil Modifying Systems
2 Dwight Avenue, Salem, NH 03079
"Isolite" porous ceramics for root zone modification
Mark Secore, (603) 894-7149
Bruce Budrow, (508) 693-5972
Steiner Turf Equipment
Sales & Service, Vernons, Inc.
13 School St., Danvers, MA 01923
Dick Leigh, (508) 774-4410
Tee and Green Sod Inc.
Bentgrass, bluegrass and blue/fescue sod
Dave Wallace, Exeter, Rl 02822
(401) 789-8177/office — (401) 295-1870/home
Tuckahoe Turf Farms Inc.
Exeter, Rl, Litchfield, NH
West Suffield, CT
800-556-6985
Largest Producer of Penncross in New England
Chris Beasley
Turf Products Corp.
7 Coppage Dr., Worcester, MA 01603
(508) 791-2091
Turf Specialty Inc.
15 Londonderry Rd., Londonderry, NH 03053
Turf & Ornamental Supplies
1-800-228-6656
Bob Flanagan, Kevin Lyons,
Dave Schermerhorn, John Lensing
Winding Brook Turf Farm, Inc.
240 Griswold Rd., Wethersfield, CT 06109
800-243-0232, Alan Anderson
Philip Wogan
Golf Course Architecture
17 Walker Rd., Topsfield, MA 01983

IJIULIUIIIILIJIÜIIIUIJ.IÜIIIILIJTUIII^

The Wizards of Wherewithal - a golfing parable
Once in the magical land of Greens,
there lived two wizards, each highly
skilled in his craft; but, alas, not held in
equal regard by their peers and countrymen. For an insurmountable barrier,
called the Great Budget Range, ran between their two parts of the kingdom. The
near side of the range was more protected,
private, and prosperous. The wizard of
this side of the Budget Range worked hard
and was very successful. He was known for
miles around for his skill and artistry, and
was praised by great and small alike.
The wizard on the farther side of the
divide worked very hard also, but his part
of the range was more open and less richly
endowed than that of his counterpart. It
was difficult for the more public wizard to
maintain his side of the range in the shape
he dreamed of. Most people of the kingdom
thought of him as a dedicated, down-toearth professional, but not as superlative
as his colleague on the private side of the
Budget Range.
Then one day, the lord of the realm
decided to hold a contest of mythic proportions. He owned a small patch of unused
ground, a royal bad investment made in
the days of the S&L (Slice and Lie) scandal. The lord had decided to turn the
property into a golf course, but had only a
limited amount of gold in his treasury.
Still, the wizard who could help create and
maintain the finest course would win
praise and acclaim across the land, as well
as unlimited chits in the new pro shop.
When word came that the renown wiz-

ard from the private side of the Budget
Range had entered the contest, many simply gave up and went up - all except for the
wizard from the public side. He was determined to stick it out to the end.
Finally, the opening day of the contest
arrived. 'Your Highness," said the private
wizard, "I will bring about in this barren
place the most lush, green, and breathtaking course ever seen in the annals of golf.
With the newest equipment, fertilizers,
pesticides, and the latest in computerized
irrigation, the royal family should be able
to tee-off before you know it!"
The crowd cheered and cheered. Everyone expected the other wizard to merely
slink away quiet.lv hut he did not. He
stood up proui
J, 'Your Highness, we've neve,
able to afford all
the state-of-the-art equipment on our side
of the Budget Range. Still, what common
sense, years of knowledge and experience,
and a willingness to work hard can do, will
be done."
No one gave the poorer wizard much of
a chance; after all, he didn't have that
great reputation. Soon, however, it became apparent that the match would be
more even than anyone had thought.
Without a lot of money at his disposal, the
first wizard had to limit the amount of
high-tech magic he could perform, while
the second dug in, relying on his past
experiences and hard work. They each
worked on separate nines, and at the end
of the contest, the lord surveyed their
work. Lo and behold, he could find no

significant difference between them!
soon became clear to all that the less',
reputation of the wizard from the lower
end of the Budget Range was totally undeserved. It now was evident that,
considering the money he had to work
with and the public nature of his course,
the second wizard was equally as much a
miracle worker in the world of Greens...
A little parable such as this one can
only capture a small part of the picture, of
course. Those superintendents, managers, and pros who work at the more
expensive and/or private courses certainly
do work hard and deserve all the credit in
the world for their accomplishments. Yet,
sometimes it is difficult to hear their counterparts at the public courses, with all
their cut-backs, or at the middle-class oriented private courses receive less notice
than they deserve. Perhaps their greens
are a bit slower, their clubhouse operations a little less glitzy, but faced with
their budgetary restraints, it is men and
women like these who are the true wizards
of our business—almost magically creating good golf, good facilities, and good
comradeship out of cannibalized tractor
parts, long hours, and stretched d o l l a r ; ^
In these recessionary times, only the.
wizardry keeps the game of golf within the
reach of the vast majority of us. Surely
these dedicated professional deserve their
own place in the story books!
N O R A B E R A R D , Owner,
Golf D i r e c t i o n Assoc., Foxboro, M A

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