LETTER
Golf Course Superintendents

Association

OF NEW ENGLAND, INC.

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

June - July 1994

Health awareness Is Jack Cronin's
crusade after he wins cancer battle
J a c k Cronin knows he's a winner. Now,

and general practitioner —

finally

got h i m

he hopes his battle with cancer will m a k e

to u n d e r g o a physical examination

a w i n n e r of others w h o might follow in his

going toe to toe w i t h his secondary m a l a d y

footsteps.

of stubborn procrastination.

N i n e months ago J a c k w a s dealt a devastating blow. His wife M a r i a — a doctor

" S h e s a v e d m y life because she w a s persistent," J a c k

Monday, August 1,1994
Dedham Polo & Country Club
Dedham, Massachusetts
Host Superintendent
M a r k Spaulding
9:00 AM
11:00 A M
12:00 PM
1:00 PM

Board Meeting
Regular Meeting
with Education to follow
Lunch
Golf
(1994 Golf Championships;
foursomes will be assigned)

Reservations Required
Call by July 27,1994
(617) 328-9479
You must pay be check—No Cash!
Checks payable to GCSANE
Mark Spaulding is in his third season as the
golf course superintendent at Dedham. Prior
to that, he was Bob Mucciaroni's assistant for
three years. Mark is a 1975 graduate of the
Stockbridge School of Agriculture. He and his
wife Donna reside in Needham with their
daughters Carrie, age 20, and Amy, 18. In his
spare time Mark enjoys photography and rebuilding houses.
Directions: Route 128 (1-95) to Exit 16B
(Rte. 109 West). Take first right off Route 109
(Grove Street). Club is 1.25 miles on left.

Uiilililiiilij.lllillilLiidll.ljdii.lLililil.lldil

apy

sessions.

said one day last
"I was

m a s t e r of t u r f m a i n t e n a n c e , M a n n y F r a n cis.
Those experiences headed him in

the

direction of a c a r e e r a s a golf c o u r s e super-

f r e s h out of strength-sapping

August Meeting

after

month,

intendent, and he picked u p its pace with
a stint at Stockbridge School.

chemother-

50 years

old

and

F r o m there J a c k hit the assistant super
r a n k s at A n d o v e r and Crystal S p r i n g s in

feeling like 20. N o symptoms, no nothing.

Haverhill before turning over an

B u t she laid d o w n the law. It w a s a good

m e n t in the U . S . A r m y and t h e n a short

t h i n g she did. O n M o n d a y t h e y f o u n d

spell of golf course construction w i t h the

a

t u m o r o n m y colon. T u e s d a y , I l e a r n e d it
w a s cancerous. T w o weeks later I was undergoing surgery. Gone w a s that tumor, a
couple of polyps, 1 1 l y m p h nodes, a n d p a r t
of m y colon. T h a t w a s S e p t e m b e r of 1 9 9 3 .
I'm just

getting

it b a c k

eight

months

later."

Gene Ayer

Company

"After that the superintendent's
got stronger," J a c k disclosed. " I got
first

area

and

doing

a little

Eng-

practice on t h e side.
" W h a t I w a n t to do is get m y customers,
They

n e e d to k n o w t h a t in t h e case of y o u r h e a l t h
t h a t old b r o m i d e of n o t g e t t i n g a n y t h i n g
until it's broke doesn't apply here.

T h a t physical. It's a must. F o r

everyone.

T i m e is so precious w h e n something

in

your body goes wrong."
Things had been going right for J a c k for
a long time, s t a r t i n g w i t h t h e day he decided his f u t u r e w a s in golf.
That was while he w a s attending E s s e x
County Agricultural

School

in

Danvers

a n d doing his high school placement

in

spots like the Andover Country Club and
Vesper Country Club where he developed

——«mm.

a strong relationship with the

Jack and Maria Cronin

venerable

this

continued on page 2

medical

m y friends, on a n awareness kick.

my

Boxford and spent ten years there. After
t h a t , it w a s o n to a n o t h e r v e n t u r e ,

course superintendents in the N e w

call

h e a d super's job at F a r C o r n e r in West

the R . F . M o r s e C o m p a n y , calling on golf

fixed

Country

C l u b a n d C o u n t r y C l u b of C o n n e c t i c u t .

T o d a y , J a c k is b a c k at his job in sales f o r

land

at Stowe

enlist-

Page 10

continued from page 1
time a s head m a nat the Cocheco Country
Club in Dover, N e w Hampshire. I really got
into it h e a v y , too. I s e r v e d t h e N e w H a m p shire

supers

group

as president, and

headed u p the group's N e w Hampshire
Turf Conference. That planted ten more
years on m y resume which eventually led
to a change as a salesman f o r R.P. Morse.
W h y t h e change? I j u s t w a n t e d a n e w challenge. I loved being a super, I love being a
PRESIDENT
Edward L. Brearley
189 Matfield Street, W e s t Bridgewater, M A 0 2 3 7 9
508-584-6568

VICE PRESIDENT
Robert DiRico, CGCS*
326 Fuller Street, W e s t Newton, M A 02165
617-527-6968
Brae Burn Country Club

SECRETARY

salesman. That's going two-for-two. N o t
bad, eh?"
However, going three-for-three, meani n g his battle w i t h cancer, w a s a little m o r e
complicated, not to mention hazardous.
" Y e a h , b u t , " J a c k r e m a r k e d . " I h a d a lot
going f o rm e in that fight. I h a d a doctor I

Kevin F. O s g o o d
62 Maple Street, Hyde Park, M A 0 2 1 3 6
617-630-1950
N e w t o n C o m m o n w e a l t h Golf Course

w e n t to every day (Maria) a n dt h e support

TREASURER

Portsmouth Country Club, a n d Piper,

Robert Ruszala
69 Gellnas Drive, C h i c o p e e , M A 01020
413-256-8654
Hickory Ridge Country Club

A lot of other people pitched in to keep m e

TRUSTEE
John T. Hassett
110 M o n t g o m e r y Avenue, Lowell, M A 01851
508-458-7300
M o u n t Pleasant Golf Course

TRUSTEE
Scott Reynolds
62 Maple Street, Hyde Park, M A 02136
617-244-7741
Charles River Country Club

TRUSTEE

of m y t w o kids (Todd, h e a d m e c h a n i c a t t h e
specialist in t h e A r m y Intelligence ranks).
gaining on this thing, too."
So, w h a t w a s t h e necessary ingredient

pledges a n d is shooting for more. H e also

on t h e road to recovery?
"Those people," J a c k responded. " M y
family, m y friends, m y business associates.

T h a t will b e a victory in itself. B u t t h a t ' s
w h a t J a c k Cronin is all about. H e keeps

knows what would have happened?

fighting

m a d e it clear that m y job always would b e

" F o r instance, take m y boss, Dick Can-

there.

worry about a thing'. You'll never

GOLF CHAIRMAN

how m u c h of a boost that w a sto m e . "

Michael Nagle, CGCS*
51 Lincoln Avenue, Holden, M A 01520
508-853-6574
W o r c e s t e r Country Club

PAST PRESIDENT
Stephen A. Chiavaroll, CGCS*
6 Birch Street, Paxton, M A 0 1 6 1 2
508-752-0031
Tatnuck Country Club

big

'whatever and however long it takes; don't
know

N o w , a n d e v e n w h i l e h e t a k e s o n a seco n d a i l m e n t (blood clot i n h i s l e g w h i c h is
slowly being kept u n d e r control), J a c k h a s
ple a w a r e of the frightful health problems
they m a y be courting b y nottaking care of

GERRY F I N N

Calendar
Aug. 1

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Dedham Polo and Country Club
Dedham, Mass.

Aug. 16

2nd Annual GCSANE
Scholarship & Benevolence
Fund Tournament
Wachusett C.C., W. Boylston, Mass.

Sept. 6

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Twin Hills C.C., Longmeadow, Mass.

Sept. 26

6th Annual GCSANE
Turf Research Tournament
Worcester C.C., Worcester, Mass.

Oct. 10

The Tom Schofield
Memorial Tournament
Wellesley C.C., Wellesley, Mass.

Oct. 17

N E P G A Pro-Supt. Tournament
Spring Valley C.C., Sharon, Mass.

Nov. 7

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Mount Pleasant GC, Lowell, Mass.

themselves with regular physical exams.
" Y o u know, people used to visit m e in
the hospital a n dthey w e r e full of offers of
w h a t they could do for m e , " J a c k said. " M y
a n s w e r was, and is, simple: ' D om e one b i g
f a v o r . . . g e t a physical, t h e n call m e a n d
let m e k n o w h o w it c a m e o u t . I m e a n , do
it.'
"That's t h e b i g thing, t h e one thing I
w a n t to emphasize in this story, m y battle
with cancer. This is not about m y problems. I w a s dealt two bad hands and I have
deal

with

them.

That's

secondary.

What's important is making people a w a r e
Newsletter Editor
Michael F. Nagle, CGCS
A s s o c i a t e Editor . Stephen Chiavarci!, CGCS
Contributing Editor
G e r r y Finn
Business M a n a g e r
R o b e r t Russala
Information contained in this publication m a y b e
used freely, In w h o l e or in part, without special
permission as long as t h e true c o n t e x t is m a i n tained. W e w o u l d appreciate a credit line.

nUâàLMkUâàLMLilâàLMiniàâ

andkeeps coming out a

inspiration to all of us.

t a k e n o n t h e responsibility of m a k i n g peo-

to

fights

w i n n e r . T h a t ' s h o w it should be. H e ' s a n

T h e first thing h e told m e w a s ,

Paul J a m r o g
500 Veterans M e m o r i a l Parkway
East Providence, Rl 02914
401-438-7285
M e t a c o m e t Country Club

NEWSLETTER CHAIRMAN

walk with him.

ing support. If I h a d been left alone, w h o

ning. W h e n h e c a m e to t h e hospital, h e

Richard Duggan, CGCS*
93 W a r r e n Avenue, Marlboro, M A 0 1 7 5 2
508-369-0879
C o n c o r d Country Club

has signed seven supers totake the 13-mile

T h e y were all there giving m e overwhelm-

FINANCE CHAIRMAN

EDUCATION CHAIRMAN

Jack Cronin
R.F. Morse Co.

a

J a m e s Fitzroy, CGCS*
357 W . S q u a n t u m St., North Quincy, M A 02171
617-328-1776
Presidents Golf Course

Richard P. Tworig il
547 W a s h i n g t o n Street, Pembroke, M A 0 2 3 5 9
61 7 - 8 2 8 - 4 2 4 2
Ponkapoag Golf Course

"People used to visit me
in the hospita! and they were
fuii of offers of what they
could do for me. My answer
was, and is, simple. 'Do me
one big favor... get a
physical, then call me and
let me know how it came out.
I mean, doit'."

of h o w i m p o r t a n t a p h y s i c a l

examination

is. I f t h e y w a n t t o d o s o m e t h i n g f o r m e ,
that's what they should do."
In the m e a n t i m e , J a c k h a s another project in h i s grips. I n October h e ' s p l a n n i n g

Dec. 7&8 GCSAA Regional Seminar
(Tentative) Golf Course Construction
and Techniques
The International, Bolton, Mass.

a walk for cancer in conjunction with the
J i m m y Fund. So f a rhe's raised $13,000 in

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Page 3

The Supêr Speaks Out:
This month's

question:

Are you involved in the Integrated Pest Management program,
and what have been your experiences in this environmental
awareness project?
E d Eardley, Wampatuck Country
C l u b : " A l l of m y c o n t a c t w i t h e n v i r o n mental awareness procedures has been
motivated by a come-on-slowly approach.
" I n all m y y e a r s a s a golf course superintendent, including the last 1 7 at
W a m p a t u c k , I ' v e t r i e d to s t a y a b r e a s t of
the u p g r a d e tact t h e profession is promoting in r e g a r d to m a i n t e n a n c e guidelines.
" I ' v e definitely c u t b a c k on m y u s e of
chemicals, but with the underlying
thought that w h a t I ' m doing in this p h a s e
of m y p r o g r a m w i l l , i n t h e l o n g r u n , b e
b e n e f i c i a l to t h e c o n d i t i o n of m y golf
course.
" T h e r e s e e m s to be a g r o w i n g accept a n c e of the t h e o r y t h a t all c h e m i c a l s
should be applied according to a curative
mentality. In other words, don't put down
anything unless the designated area has
b e e n d a m a g e d b y i n s e c t s o r o t h e r f o r m s of
pests. I don't follow that rule.
" M y p e r s o n a l a p p r o a c h i s to concent r a t e o n a p r e v e n t i v e p r o g r a m , so t h a t
chemicals can be applied a little at a time.
It's been m y experience that when an area
has been damaged, you really have to give
it a l a r g e d o s e o f c h e m i c a l s , r e a l l y w h a c k i t ,
in order to r e m e d y the situation. So, I
would think that there w o u l d be more dang e r of o v e r d o s i n g t h e a r e a w i t h c h e m i c a l s
in a c u r a t i v e s i t u a t i o n t h a n t h e r e w o u l d b e
in a slow and easy p r e v e n t i v e solution to
the problem.
" I n the overall s c h e m e of things, I've
c o n f i n e d u s e of c h e m i c a l s to t e e s a n d
greens, getting into it w i t h a p r e v e n t i v e
attitude governing how m u c h I apply.

"My personal approach is to
concentrate on a preventive
program, so chemicals can
be applied a little at a time. "
Ed Eardley
Wampatuck Country Club

" T h e I P M p r o g r a m has b e e n a help to
m e b e c a u s e it h a s m a d e m e m o r e c a u t i o u s
w h e n deciding how m u c h chemical application I'll u s e in m y m a i n t e n a n c e p r o g r a m .
J u s t t h e i d e a of b e i n g a w a r e o f e n v i r o n m e n t a l p r o b l e m s p u t s a little hold on m y
trigger f i n g e r w h e n it comes to dishing out
shots of chemicals. T h e p r o g r a m h a s resulted in an automatic cutback of chemical
use.
" T h e r e is a n o t h e r f a c t o r i n t a k i n g a
s e c o n d look a t a p p l y i n g c h e m i c a l s to t h e
golf course. B e c a u s e e n v i r o n m e n t a l awareness
has
become
part
of
the
superintendent's creed, it's only n a t u r a l
t h a t I u s e a m i n i m u m of c h e m i c a l s a t t h e
right intervals to avoid close s c r u t i n y b y
m e m b e r s of t h e s t a t e a n d f e d e r a l r e g u l a tory teams.
"So, in the end, I v i e w myself as an I P M
booster. It h a s m a d e m e t a k e a cautious
a n d g u a r d e d r o u t e t o u s e o f c h e m i c a l s on
m y golf course. A n d , the condition of the
c o u r s e h a s n ' t s u f f e r e d b e c a u s e o f it. T h a t
m a k e s it a p o s i t i v e a d d i t i o n t o t h e s u p e r i n tendent's working schedule."
J i m Beane, Mt. Pleasant Country
C l u b : "I have the I P M influential factor
d o w n to a science, I ' m
e n g a g e d in it, a n d I
think that it's setting
o u t t o do w h a t w a s i n tended—to promote
environmental awareness among supers.
" M y a p p r o a c h to
getting rid of insect
damaging situations is
based on m y experiences at Mt. P l e a s a n t .
T h a t adds u p to 20 y e a r s , w h i c h m e a n s t h a t
I'm familiar with the sunny and sore spots
on the golf course.
" T h e r e f o r e , I set u p m y u s e of chemicals
on a curative notion, w h e n I k n o w j u s t
w h a t specific areas a r e d a m a g e d on a regular basis. In those cases, I just hit the areas
a n d not launch a n overall s p r a y a t t e m p t to
control the pests instigating the turf damage.

"Conversely, w h e n I know that certain
a r e a s h a v e b e e n u n d e r c o n s t a n t a t t a c k of
pests for an extended period of time, say
t w o to t h r e e y e a r s , I do a p r e v e n t i v e or
more expansive spray job.
" S i n c e I h a v e settled d o w n to a m o r e
r e s e r v e d a n d r e g u l a t e d u s e of c h e m i c a l s ,
the results h a v e been twofold. First, I h a v e
kept the pest d a m a g e under control while
also getting favorable comments f r o m m y
m e m b e r s b e c a u s e of the a c c o m p a n y i n g
cutback in chemical use.
" T h e I P M p r o g r a m h a s been a boost in
m a n y w a y s , bigger perhaps in m a k i n g u s
[ s u p e r s ] a w a r e of o u r r e s p o n s i b i l i t y of protecting the environment and promoting
the well-being of wildlife in a n d a r o u n d the
golf course. Really, the p r o g r a m has no
r e v e r s e effects. I t ' s a p l u s all a r o u n d . "
Dick Arzillo, Unicorn

Golf

Club:

" T h e I P M p r o g r a m is w o r k i n g f o r m e a n d
providing some benefits that weren't in the
p i c t u r e w h e n it w a s i n itiated.
"I'd say I've been
u s i n g it i n m y m a i n t e nance schedule for the
last five years, and
find that the condition
of t h e golf c o u r s e h a s
b e e n f o l l o w i n g t h e s a m e s u c c e s s c y c l e it d i d
before I P M came into being.
" T h e philosophy of I P M sets u p the
m e n t a l i t y t h a t b l a n k e t c o v e r a g e of a r e a s
w i t h c h e m i c a l s is u n n e c e s s a r y if a close
m o n i t o r i n g schedule is followed b y the golf
course superintendent.
" T h i s i s w h a t I do. F o r e x a m p l e , m y
J a p a n e s e beetle grub control effort is based
on past performance or h o w the d a m a g e
location shaped u p in recent years. In the
p a s t , I p u t d o w n a b l a n k e t s p r a y of chemicals. N o w I spot treat a r e a s according to
t h e a r e a ' s h i s t o r y of d a m a g e . So, I c u t b a c k
on t h e u s e of c h e m i c a l s b u t d o n ' t c u t b a c k
on t h e i r e f f e c t . I n s t e a d of w h o l e s a l e application, m y a p p l i c a t i o n is selective.
" B e i n g a m u n i c i p a l c o u r s e , t h e econ o m i c a l e f f e c t s of t h i s a p p r o a c h a r e
encouraging. I use less chemicals a n d get
the same results, thus compromising both
the town coffers and the environmental
champions.
" A s f a r as I ' m concerned, I P M techniques work well for my maintenance
program and push environmental awaren e s s to a n o t h e r level w h e r e
the
superintendent and environmentalist
w o r k in effective concert. T h e overall effort
t a k e s a little m o r e t i m e a n d input, b u t it's
well worth it."

GERRY FINN

Page 10

GCSAA tees off in swift response
to critical Wall Street Journal article
T o : G C S A A Leaders and Other Interested Parties
F r o m : Joseph G. Baidy, C G C S , G C S A A
President
D a t e : M a y 5, 1 9 9 4
R e : Wall Street Journal Article

In case you missed it, here is the article:

Golf Courses
are Denounced
as Health Hazards
by Timothy Noah,
Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal
Environmentalists are teeing off against golf
courses.
As U.S. golf courses proliferate, scientists
and local activists complain that the pastoral
appearance of many rolling fairways and pristine putting greens is deceptive. To achieve the
sculpted landscapes that golfers demand, they
say, golf course builders and operators are
overusing pesticides and fertilizer.
"They nuke these things in order to get the
grass looking real nice," says Blake Early,
Washington, D.C., representative of the Sierra
Club.
Environmentalists in Timonium, Md. are
fighting the proposed expansion of a city-run
golf course that they say will lead to run-off
pollution in the abutting Loch Raven Reservoir. In northwest Michigan, green groups say
a proposed private golf course beside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will
damage nearby wetlands; a federal appeals
court will soon address the matter. Similar
fights are brewing in Cooperstown, N.Y. and
Kailua, Hawaii on the island of Oahu.
The environmental challenges come at a
time when the golf industry is booming. There
are 14,648 golf courses in the U.S., according
to the nonprofit National Golf Foundation, and
the pace at which new courses are built is
accelerating. In each of the past three years,
more than 350 new golf courses or expansions
of existing golf courses were built, more than
twice the rate in the mid-1980s. This golfgreening of America marks the convergence of
two trends: Golfers are becoming younger (average age, 39), and the baby boom has entered
middle age.
The boom poses a problem for environmentalists who like to golf; the Sierra Club says
that one of six of its members is a golfer. " I
think golfers enjoy the natural part of golf

A t t a c h e d is a c o p y of t h e a s s o c i a t i o n ' s
response to the article t h a t a p p e a r e d in t h e
M a y 2 edition of T h e Wall S t r e e t J o u r n a l .
We hope that the response helps you and
y o u r local colleagues a n s w e r questions
from your members and media about the

courses," insists Sharon Newsome, an avid
golfer who is also a vice president at the National Wildlife Federation. "Part of what they
enjoy about golfing is being outside."
But Ms. Newsome confesses to some misgivings about the explosion in golf course
development. "We probably are building more
than we need to have," she says. When fellow
environmentalists rib her for her fondness for
the links, she says, " I ask them if they ever go
skiing. The two are not all that different."
A n t i - g o l f e n v i r o n m e n t a l i s m has e v e n
spawned an international organization, the
Global Anti-Golf Movement (GAG'M). At a Tokyo conference in March, G A G ' M called for a
worldwide moratorium on golf course construction, a ban on introducing golf as an
Olympic sport, and laws prohibiting advertisi n g and p r o m o t i o n of g o l f courses and
golf-related tourism. Golf courses, G A G ' M contends, create pollution that "leads to health
problems for local communities, populations
downstream, and even golfers."
Golf partisans say the concern is overblown.
"Golf courses are increasingly showing that
they can be very positive environmentally,"
says Rick Norton, vice president of operations
for the National Golf Foundation. Standards of
pesticide use and exposure, he says, have
"evolved over the years as people have become
more conscientious and more careful."
But a recent study-funded by the Golf Superintendents Association of America noted an
alarmingly high rate of cancer deaths among
its former members. The study, which was
conducted by a team at the University of Iowa
medical school, examined data relating to the
deaths of 618 golf superintendents between
1970 and 1992. It found, compared with the
populations at large, elevated levels of cancer
of the lung, brain, large intestine, prostate, and
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
When the study's authors presented their
results in February to a convention of golf
superintendents in Dallas, they stressed that
no causal link had been established, nor any
danger to golfers. The high incidence of lung
cancer, they wrote, was most likely attributa b l e to t o b a c c o c o n s u m p t i o n
(golf
superintendents tend to be heavy smokers).
But since the other cancers may be linked to
pesticides, the report said, it would be "a prud e n t s t r a t e g y " f o r s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s to
"minimize their exposure potential to pesticides" through such methods as wearing

story. W e plan to distribute a fact sheet
designed to help all m e m b e r s r e s p o n d to
these questions within the next week. In
the m e a n t i m e , w e u r g e y o u to distribute

continued on next page

protective clothing and making sure pesticide
users carefully follow label instructions.
At least some golf courses in the U.S. pound
the planet with so many chemicals that they
make more widely vilified offenders such as
farmers and crabgrasskilling homeowners look
harmless. According to a 1991 study by New
York state's attorney general, the golf courses
in the Long Island area annually used more
than 50,000 pounds of pesticides, or about 18
pounds per treated acre. That is nearly seven
times as much as farmers dump per treated
acre. And it is almost twice as high as the most
dire estimates of what homeowners dump
through do-it-yourself lawn care.
There have been scattered reports of alleged
harm to wildlife and human health from particular golf courses for years. Since 1971, the
New York state department of conservation
has recorded 25 cases of bird deaths that it says
were related to golf course pesticides. In one
instance, 546 brant geese were found dead on
and near a Hempstead golf course after it was
sprayed with diazinon; the remains were found
to have unusually high residues of the pesticide. Diazinon has since been banned on all golf
courses in the U.S.
Jim Snow, national director of the U.S. Golf
Association's environment division, says a
forthcoming $3.2 million study by the association will conclude that most pesticides and
fertilizers used on golf courses "when selected
and applied properly, and even when they're
not sometimes, have negligible effect on
groundwater supplies." Nevertheless, "we always recommend precautions," he says, such
as "no tees in the mouth." (He also says golfing
in hare feet is "not appropriate" from a health
point of view, adding hastily that he knows of
no recorded problems on that score.)
In addition, the USGA and the American
Society of Golf Course Architects are publicizing the need for golf courses to be designed in
more environmentally friendly ways. They cite
as models such golf courses as Spanish Bay, a
220-acre course in northern California built on
top of a former landfill.
"You wouldn't want to see the whole world
turned into golf courses," says Terry Minger, a
former Vail, Col. city manager involved in designing environmentally sensitive golf resorts.
"But it beats the hell out of a subdivision or a
parking lot."
F r o m The Wail Street J o u r n a l
M a y 2, 1994

Page 10

continued from previous page
t h i s t o a n y o n e i n y o u r a r e a t o w h o m it m a y
be helpful.
W e also e n c o u r a g e y o u to r e s p o n d appropriately to this or a n y other article that
tends to m i s i n f o r m the public about o u r
practices. Please keep in mind that w e are
professionals and that it's important that
these responses be well-documented, reasonable, and calm.
F e e l f r e e t o c o n t a c t a n y m e m b e r of t h e
board or the following G C S A A staff members with y o u r questions about the article
or w a y s in which the association can help
you respond: Steve Mona, CEO; Joe
O ' B r i e n , C O O ; P a t J o n e s , D i r e c t o r of Development; Scott Smith, Public Relations
Manager; K i r k Kahler, Government Relations Manager.

The letter to the editor:
Mr. Ned Crabb
The Wall Street J o u r n a l
200 Liberty Street
New York, N Y 1 0 2 8 1
Dear Mr. Crabb:
Y o u r publication has a l w a y s led the w a y
i n d e b u n k i n g e c o - m y t h s (e.g., t h e A l a r
scare), so I w a s s u r p r i s e d at T i m o t h y
N o a h ' s article o n t h e e n v i r o n m e n t a l criticism that h a s b e e n leveled at golf courses
of late.
Instead of highlighting the r e m a r k a b l e
e f f o r t s b e i n g m a d e to e n s u r e t h a t golf
courses are e n v i r o n m e n t a l assets for communities, the article failed to identify the
u n d e r l y i n g m o t i v a t i o n b e h i n d t h e criticism, revived a questionable N e w Y o r k
" s t u d y " , and suggested that those in m y
profession w e r e irresponsibly u s i n g pesticides m e r e l y to m a k e courses g r e e n a n d
pretty. That's unfair, and here's why:
1 . T h e g r e a t m a j o r i t y of t h e c r i t i c i s m
directed at golf courses h a s been generated
by local interest groups w h o w i s h to stop a
particular development. We agree that
c o m m u n i t i e s s h o u l d h a v e t h e r i g h t t o control their o w n destinies, b u t it often s e e m s
t o b e a t t h e e x p e n s e of o u r i n d u s t r y ' s r e p u tation. In short, golf courses e v e r y w h e r e
h a v e been victimized by feverish antigrowth rhetoric in a few communities.
2. Golf course superintendents are
widely recognized b y the regulatory community as being a m o n g the best-educated,
m o s t j u d i c i o u s u s e r s of pesticides. T h e s e
professionals a r e leading the w a y in the u s e
of integrated pest m a n a g e m e n t practices,
high tech application systems, and new
g e n e r a t i o n c h e m i c a l s a n d b i o l o g i c a l con-

trols. A s the U n i t e d States Golf Association's forthcoming research report and
n u m e r o u s previous independent studies
show, the products w e use on our existing
golf c o u r s e s do not t e n d to m i g r a t e into
ground or surface water — despite some
dire and often undocumented claims to the
contrary.
3 . T h e report on golf course pesticide
usage on Long Island issued by former N e w
Y o r k a t t o r n e y g e n e r a l R o b e r t A b r a m s cont a i n e d a g r e a t deal of a l a r m i s t l a n g u a g e
w i t h little or no scientific documentation.
It cannot he considered to be a valid repres e n t a t i o n of r e a l - l i f e golf
course
m a n a g e m e n t practices.
4 . T h e quote s u g g e s t i n g t h a t golf
courses are " n u k e d " with chemicals "to get
the g r a s s looking real nice" goes to the
h e a r t of t h e b i g g e s t f a l l a c y a b o u t golf
course m a n a g e m e n t practices — that these
products are u s e d for purely aesthetic reasons. T h i s is simply not true. T h e primary
r e a s o n to p r e v e n t pest d a m a g e is to e n s u r e
the playability of the course a n d the value
of t h e p r o p e r t y a n d t h e e n j o y m e n t of t h e
g a m e of golf. G o l f c o u r s e s a r e e x t r e m e l y
valuable assets, both as real property and
as community greenspace. They employ
h u n d r e d s of t h o u s a n d s of people, dramatically increase the value (and therefore the
t a x b a s e ) of t h e a d j a c e n t p r o p e r t y , a n d
provide recreational and physical
fitness
opportunities for more t h a n 2 5 million
Americans each year. In short, they are f a r
m o r e t h a n j u s t p r e t t y p l a y i n g fields.
5 . A s the author correctly noted, the
s t u d y o u r a s s o c i a t i o n c o m m i s s i o n e d to
g a t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n o n c a u s e s of d e a t h
among G C S A A members over the past 25
y e a r s cannot a n d should not b e u s e d to
imply that a cause-and-effect relationship
e x i s t s b e t w e e n occupational c h e m i c a l ex-

posure and h u m a n health. We asked the
U n i v e r s i t y of I o w a to conduct the study
simply to establish a b a s e l i n e f o r a longt e r m , in-depth s t u d y of all h e a l t h a n d
safety questions facing our current members. We are piloting that study this year.
A s f a r as the lead investigator's statement
that it's a "prudent strategy" to reduce
opportunities for pesticide exposure
a m o n g golf course w o r k e r s , w e agree
wholeheartedly. That's just common
sense.
6. Finally, I felt that the illustration
t h a t a c c o m p a n i e d t h e a r t i c l e (a c a r t o o n
which depicted golfers in "moonsuits") w a s
not r e f l e c t i v e of t h e c o n t e n t . R e t u r n to t h e
Alar scare for a minute. T h e most unfortunate p a r t of t h a t w h o l e u n s a v o r y story w a s
that people stopped a v e i y healthy activity
(eating apples) b e c a u s e of a n e x t r e m e l y
r e m o t e h e a l t h r i s k . Y o u r i l l u s t r a t i o n flippantly creates a perception that golfers
have something to fear. Nothing in our
s t u d y or a n y o t h e r credible scientific research indicates that golfers are at risk.
In closing, I u r g e a n y golfer w h o h a s a
question related to this article to contact
his or h e r local golf course superintendent
t o find o u t t h e r e a l s t o r y . A s k y o u r s u p e r intendent about wildlife on the course,
a b o u t t h e r e a l i t i e s of c h e m i c a l m a n a g e ment practices, about the course's
e n v i r o n m e n t a l philosophies. I t h i n k golfe r s w i l l find t h e r e a l s t o r y m u c h m o r e
positive t h a n the one presented recently in
these pages. I also u r g e the J o u r n a l to
revisit this subject in the f u t u r e and to take
a much more comprehensive approach.
Sincerely,
Joseph G. Baidy
President, G C S A A

GCSÂÂ membership director leaves
association for New Mexico post
J a n e t Rose, director of m e m b e r s h i p for
the Golf Course Superintendents Association of A m e r i c a ( G C S A A ) , h a s announced
t h a t she is l e a v i n g t h e association to accept
a n e w association m a n a g e m e n t position.
Rose, G C S A A ' s membership director
since 1 9 8 7 , is t a k i n g the position of executive director for the Los Alamos (New
Mexico) C o u n t y C h a m b e r of C o m m e r c e .
G C S A A Chief Executive Officer
S t e p h e n F . M o n a , C A E , said, " J a n e t ' s abilities to communicate with m e m b e r s and
h a n d l e t h e i m p o r t a n t f u n c t i o n s of t h e
M e m b e r s h i p D e p a r t m e n t m a d e h e r a n imp o r t a n t p a r t of our t e a m for m a n y years.

S h e ' s been a t r e m e n d o u s asset to our staff
and w e will miss her v e r y m u c h . "
R o s e j o i n e d t h e G C S A A m e m b e r s h i p dep a r t m e n t in 1984. A s m e m b e r s h i p director
since 1987, Rose's responsibilities were
membership promotion and retention, as
well as benefits and services to the n e a r l y
1 3 , 7 0 0 members. These services included
insurance and health benefits, merchandise and reference material programs, job
referral opportunities, chapter relations,
a n d c o o r d i n a t i o n of t h e G C S A A G o l f
Championship and annual meeting.
G C S A A currently e m p l o y s a staff of 72
at its L a w r e n c e h e a d q u a r t e r s .

Page 10

GCSAA issues pesticides fact sheet
3. What kinds of products are used?

"Facts About
Golf Course Pesticides"
From the Golf Course
Superintendents Association
of America
1. Why do golf courses use pesticides?
Pesticides help to limit t h e d a m a g e t h a t
can be caused b y insects, weeds and plant
diseases. Insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides are u s e d v e r y selectively to protect
t h e h e a l t h of t u r f , t r e e s , a n d o t h e r l i v i n g
things on the course. Fertilizers provide
m u c h needed nutrition for the course's
plantlife.
It is v e r y i m p o r t a n t to note t h a t t h e
pesticides a n d fertilizers a r e not u s e d primarily for aesthetic reasons. First and
foremost, they are tools t h a t help ensure a
healthy playing surface for the game. Furt h e r m o r e , t h e y help to protect a v a l u a b l e
a n d ecologically i m p o r t a n t piece of land.
G o l f c o u r s e s a r e t r e m e n d o u s economic assets as well as vital greenspaces for
c o m m u n i t i e s . T h e y e m p l o y h u n d r e d s of
t h o u s a n d s of p e o p l e , e n h a n c e l o c a l e c o n o mies through tax revenues and tourism,
a n d provide m a n y ecological benefits. F o r
e x a m p l e , g o l f c o u r s e s h e l p t o filter a i r pollutants and create fresh oxygen, they are
excellent groundwater recharge sites and,
m o s t importantly, they a r e critical wildlife
sanctuaries in u r b a n and suburban areas.

2. How does a superintendent decide
when to apply a pesticide?
P e s t p r o b l e m s on golf courses a r e o f t e n
relatively predictable or can be diagnosed
a s p a r t of a n o n g o i n g m o n i t o r i n g p r o g r a m .
Once the problem has been identified, the
s u p e r i n t e n d e n t c o n s i d e r s t h e a v a i l a b l e options. These could include cultural
practices (such as physically removing
w e e d s , c h a n g i n g irrigation p a t t e r n s , or
clearing underbrush around a problem
a r e a to allow m o r e air m o v e m e n t ) or the
u s e of biological controls or chemical products. Once the problem is diagnosed and
the right treatment h a s been selected, the
s u p e r i n t e n d e n t w a i t s for t h e ideal time to
treat the problem in the m o s t effective a n d
environmentally sound m a n n e r available.
T h i s a p p r o a c h is o f t e n called " i n t e g r a t e d
pest management".

M o s t p e o p l e a r e s u r p r i s e d t o find t h a t
t h e m a j o r i t y of t h e pesticide p r o d u c t s u s e d
by superintendents are identical or closely
r e l a t e d to t h o s e u s e d b y h o m e o w n e r s .

4. How do we know that these products
aren't harmful to humans or wildlife ?
P e s t i c i d e p r o d u c t i o n is o n e of t h e m o s t
highly regulated industries in the U n i t e d
States. B e f o r e a product is registered b y
t h e E P A , it m u s t b e r i g o r o u s l y t e s t e d f o r
potential h u m a n health and environm e n t a l effects. T h i s process can t a k e u p to
ten years and involve more than 1 2 0 different
tests
and
studies.
Today,
m a n u f a c t u r e r s often invest u p to $ 5 0 million in product s a f e t y a n d t e s t i n g b e f o r e a
n e w pesticide ever comes to the m a r k e t .

5. Are golfers at risk ?
No. T h e r e is no scientific evidence that
golfers face any chronic health risks f r o m
the pesticides u s e d to m a i n t a i n courses.
Once a liquid product is applied a n d t h e
t u r f g r a s s is dry or the product h a s b e e n
w a t e r e d in, t h e r e is v e r y little c h a n c e of
e x p o s u r e to golfers or others w h o e n t e r the
area. It is w o r t h noting t h a t a small perc e n t a g e of people m a y b e allergic to a
particular product, j u s t as some people are
allergic to household cleaners, soaps, or
perfumes. Golfers with possible chemical
allergies are a l w a y s encouraged to contact
s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s t o find o u t w h a t p r o d u c t s
might b e in use.

6. If the products aren't that dangerous, why do professional applicators
wear protective gear?
Applicators w o r k directly with pesticides a n d are exposed m u c h m o r e often
t h a n g o l f e r s . C o n s i d e r t h e f a c t t h a t it i s
safe for a person to h a v e a n occasional
x-ray, but the technician m a y actually
leave t h e r o o m to p r e v e n t repeated exposure. Pesticide label directions (which
c a r r y t h e w e i g h t of l a w ) r e q u i r e t h a t applicators take certain precautions based on
the assumption that the same person will
be repeatedly exposed to the s a m e product
over m a n y years. These precautions m a y
include the u s e of r u b b e r gloves, goggles,
respirators, or protective clothing.

7. Some media stories suggest that pesticides are linked to cancer. What are
the facts?
M o s t of the product testing required b y
E P A focuses on this question. Before a
product is registered, tests a r e done (usu-

ally on laboratory rats) using exposure
rates that are considerably higher than any
exposure a golfer could ever receive. Although a recent study commissioned by
G C S A A to e x a m i n e c a u s e s of d e a t h a m o n g
its m e m b e r s f o u n d s o m e h i g h e r r a t e s of
certain cancers, researchers said that no
cause-and-effect relationship could b e established f r o m the data. T h e y also said that
l i f e s t y l e choices ( s m o k i n g , diet, stress, etc.)
w e r e t h e m o s t significant factor in the results.

8. Do properly applied chemicals pose
a threat to groundwater, lakes, or
streams?
No. Studies consistently show that a
well-managed golf course can actually improve water quality on and around the
facility. R e s e a r c h also shows that w h e n
pesticides and fertilizers are used properly,
t h e y do n o t t e n d t o s e e p i n t o g r o u n d w a t e r
or r u n off into s u r f a c e w a t e r . M o d e r n products and practices allow superintendents
to m a n a g e t u r f g r a s s so efficiently t h a t
t h e r e is little c h a n c e of h a r m to o u r precious w a t e r resources.

9. What kinds of training and education to superintendents
and golf
course applicators have?
G o l f e r s a r e o f t e n s u r p r i s e d t o find t h a t
m o s t s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s h a v e college degrees
in a g r o n o m y , horticulture, or a related
field. B e c a u s e i t ' s i m p o r t a n t t o k e e p u p t o
date with n e w information and technologies, the majority also a t t e n d continuing
education programs offered by universities
and associations like G C S A A . Superintendents are widely considered to be a m o n g
the best-educated and most judicious users
of pesticide p r o d u c t s . T h e v a s t m a j o r i t y of
superintendents are using integrated pest
m a n a g e m e n t practices to ensure t h a t both
the turf and the environment stay healthy.
Applicators are also trained and licensed
by the state. A recent study indicated that
n e a r l y 1 0 0 p e r c e n t of G C S A A - m e m b e r
courses had at least one licensed applicator
o n s t a f f ( d e s p i t e t h e f a c t t h a t it i s n ' t n e c e s sarily required in some states). This
c o n f i r m s a h i g h d e g r e e of c o m p l i a n c e a n d
c o n c e r n a b o u t s a f e a n d p r o p e r u s a g e of
c h e m i c a l tools.

(Anyone w i t h a question about golf
course pesticide practices is encouraged to
t a l k w i t h t h e i r local s u p e r i n t e n d e n t or call
t h e G C S A A a t 9 1 3 - 8 4 1 - 2 2 4 0 t o find o u t
more.)

Page 10

Dealing with alcohol and drug abuse
in the workplace a perplexing problem
Dealing with an employee who has an
alcohol or d r u g addiction c a n b e one of t h e
more perplexing problems a club m a n a g e r
faces. Unfortunately, m a n y supervisors
have not h a d any experience in dealing
with employees who suffer from substance
abuse problems, and they a r e often reluct a n t to t a k e action.

• A change in personality a n d relation-

S o m e s i g n s of a p o t e n t i a l
a b u s e problem include:

• Increased absenteeism,

substance

ships with co-workers.

when employees are missing

• Declining work performance.
• U n e x p l a i n e d t h e f t s a n d a c c i d e n t s , es• A tendency to w i t h d r a w a n d w o r k less

T h e A m e r i c a n A c a d e m y of D e r m a t o l o gists recommends using common sense
w h e n y o u ' r e out in the sun. I n t h a t spirit,
h e r e are s o m e tips y o u c a n u s e to protect
y o u r s e l f f r o m t h e e f f e c t s of t h e s u m m e r
sun:
• W e a r a wide b r i m m e d h a t like G r e g
N o r m a n ' s — i t will protect t h e face, especially the eyes, nose and ears which
are very vulnerable to U V exposure.
• Wear a shirt with a tight weave. Avoid
clothes t h a t let the s u n s h i n e t h r o u g h
them. Use sunscreen underneath
y o u r shirt a n d w e a r y o u r collar up to
p r o t e c t t h e b a c k of y o u r n e c k .
• U s e a s u n s c r e e n w i t h a n S P F f a c t o r of
at least 1 5 and m a k e s u r e to reapply
after nine holes.
• Wear long pants. Y o u r legs are vulnerable to light reflected f r o m

water

h a z a r d s , b u n k e r s a n d , a n d t h e concrete cart paths.

pecially if concentrated in o n e area.

a s p a r t of a t e a m .
• Sudden
particularly

Are you seeing red this summer?
Experts advise following these tips
to avoid skin damage from the sun
A recent study from the M.D. Anderson
C a n c e r C e n t e r in H o u s t o n w a r n s that sunscreen m a y not be effective in preventing
m e l a n o m a skin cancer, the most fatal form
of t h e disease. T h a t n e w s s h o u l d c a u s e
some alarm among golfers, w h o m a k e up
o n e of t h e h i g h e r s k i n c a n c e r r i s k g r o u p s .

during

work hours and cannot be found.

on F r i d a y s and Mondays.

H a s y o u r s u m m e r g a m e got y o u seeing
red—as in sunburned skin?

• On-the-job absenteeism which occurs

• S u n g l a s s e s with a U V - a b s o r b i n g coating are the best protection against
c a t a r a c t s a n d o t h e r d a m a g e to t h e
eyes.
• P l a y in the morning. A v o i d the s u n
d u r i n g its p e a k h o u r s — n o o n to 2 : 0 0
p.m.

From The Massachusetts Golfer

bursts

of h o s t i l i t y

and

a b u s i v e n e s s , a n d p e r h a p s episodes of
violence.
After these warning signs have been
noted, schedule a meeting with the employee to discuss w o r k p e r f o r m a n c e . T a k e
detailed n o t e s d u r i n g t h e m e e t i n g a n d record w h e n the substance abuse problem
w a s f i r s t noted. D i a g n o s i n g t h e c a u s e is not
a n e m p l o y e r ' s responsibility, b u t docum e n t i n g t h e c o n s e q u e n c e s a s t h e y r e l a t e to
w o r k p e r f o r m a n c e is.
O n c e t h e p r o b l e m is a c k n o w l e d g e d b y
the employee, try not to be j u d g m e n t a l but
offer suggestions for treatment. If the employee denies there is a p r o b l e m a n d
refuses treatment and his job performance
is deteriorating, then t e r m i n a t i o n m a y be
n e c e s s a r y . H o w e v e r , if t e r m i n a t i o n c a n b e
avoided a n d t r e a t m e n t is acceptable to the
employee, the support of the employer can
play a significant role in the e m p l o y e e ' s
r e t u r n to a m o r e productive life.

From the Newsletter
of the National Club Association

GCSANE and golf community
lose good friend Tom Schofield
On J u n e 6,1994, the Golf Course Superi n t e n d e n t s A s s o c i a t i o n of N e w E n g l a n d
a n d the golfing comm u n i t y in greater Boston lost a good friend
w h e n T o m Schofield,
C G C S , t h e D i r e c t o r of
Golf at
Wellesley
Country Club, passed
away
following
a
stroke.
Tom
had

served the G C S A N E in several capacities,
m o s t recently as its T r e a s u r e r , l e a v i n g t h e
B o a r d in 1989. Prior to Wellesley, T o m w a s
the Golf Course Superintendent at Maynard
Country
Club.
Our
sincere
condolences go out to h i s w i f e B e t t y a n d
daughter Paula.
(The Tom Schofield Memorial F u n d
T o u r n a m e n t h a s b e e n s c h e d u l e d f o r October 1 0 , 1 9 9 4 at Wellesley C.C. Details will
be forthcoming.)

Page 10

Longtime GCSAA publications director retires
C l a y L o y d , d i r e c t o r of c o m m u n i c a t i o n s
and publications for the Golf Course Sup e r i n t e n d e n t s A s s o c i a t i o n of A m e r i c a
( G C S A A ) , retired J u n e 30.
G C S A A Chief Executive Officer
S t e p h e n F . M o n a , C A E , s a i d , " C l a y ' s contributions
to
the
association's
e f f e c t i v e n e s s a n d t h e s t a t u s of t h e n a t i o n ' s
golf course superintendents a n d the g a m e
of golf will be f o r e v e r r e m e m b e r e d b y
G C S A A m e m b e r s and staff. We have been
e x t r e m e l y f o r t u n a t e t o h a v e a m a n of h i s
a b i l i t i e s d e l i v e r i n g o u r m e s s a g e so w e l l f o r
so m a n y y e a r s . "
Loyd's successful career with G C S A A
b e g a n i n O c t o b e r 1 9 8 3 a s d i r e c t o r of c o m munications. U n d e r his leadership,
G C S A A ' s flagship magazine, Golf Course
M a n a g e m e n t (GCM), grew steadily over

the past ten years. During that time, G C M
steadily set n e w records for size and revenues, as well as the standard for quality
a m o n g golf/turf publications. I n addition,
L o y d w a s i n s t r u m e n t a l in t h e l a u n c h of
several n e w publications a n d the developm e n t of countless n e w m e d i a products in
s u p p o r t of G C S A A p r o g r a m s .
L o y d w a s a l s o p a r t of t h e m a n a g e m e n t
team responsible for G C S A A ' s strong,
steady growth over those s a m e years. H e
oversaw several major staff transitions and
r e p e a t e d g r o w t h - d r i v e n r e l o c a t i o n s of operations, culminating with the move into
G C S A A ' s n e w h e a d q u a r t e r s building in
1991.

p r e s e n t e d w i t h a S e n a t e r e s o l u t i o n congratulating and commending him "on the
publication of the 1 0 0 t h issue of Golf
Course Management magazine under his
uninterrupted leadership."
L o y d is a 1 9 5 6 g r a d u a t e of t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f M i s s o u r i S c h o o l of J o u r n a l i s m .
P r i o r t o j o i n i n g G C S A A , L o y d w a s director of public relations f o r the K a n s a s
National Education Association, and had
b e e n editorial page editor for the T o p e k a
(Kan.) Capital-Journal.
L o y d p l a n s t o c o n t i n u e h i s l o n g t i m e car e e r in j o u r n a l i s m , a n d is a l r e a d y a t w o r k
o n h i s first b o o k .

In 1992, Loyd w a s formally honored by
t h e K a n s a s S t a t e S e n a t e for h i s role in the
magazine's success. A t that time, he w a s

From

GCSAA

News Release

DIVOT DRIFT...announcements...educational seminars...job opportunities
».tournament resultatane! miscellaneous items of interest to the membership.
MEMBERSHIP
Proposed for Membership: Randy Hamilton, Affiliate, O.M. Scotts Co.
Welcome N e w Members: Charles Bramhall, A f f i l i a t e , Prolawn, Inc.; Donald
Dallaire, Affiliate, Golf Learning Center of
New England; Jason Adams, Assistant, The
Shattuck G.C.

INFORMATION
Corrections from the May newsletter: The
donations from F.D.I, and TRIMS Software
were not made to the Turf Research Fund
but to the Scholarship and Benevolence
Fund.
The Scholarship and Benevolence Fund
Tournament will be in memory of Robert F.
Johnston, CGCS, and Thomas Schofield,
CGCS. (The newsletter Editor regrets the
errors.)
The G C S A N E Turf Research Committee
wants to thank the Weston Golf Club for its
$200 donation to the fund. The Board of
Directors would like to remind all golf course
superintendents that club donations (like
Weston G.C.'s) will be gladly accepted.
On June 11,1994, Ron Dobosz of Cedar Hill
G.C. and Jennifer Lynn Zagrubski were marr i e d in N o r t h f i e l d , M a s s a c h u s e t t s .
Congratulations!

Dr. Gail Schumann will be away from the
UMass Plant Pathology Lab from August 4
through August 22. No disease samples will
be accepted during this time. Please call before sending or bringing samples just prior to
the 4th, 413-545-3413.
Dr. R o b Wick would also request a phone
call before sending any Nematode assay samples, at 413-545-1045.
T h e phone and f a x numbers for Jim
Skorulski, Regional Agronomist for the
USGA Green Section, are (Phone) 413-2832237 and (Fax) 413-283-7741.

MEETING NOTES
Thanks to Mike Hermanson and the staff
at Gardner Municipal G.C. for a great job
hosting the June meeting.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Stow A c r e s C.C. is accepting resumes for
the position of Spray Technician. This is a
full time position offering a competitive salary and benefits. The ideal candidate should
possess an A.S. in Turf Management and
should be a licensed pesticide applicator in
the state of Massachusetts. Send resumes to
Andrew Langlois, Golf Course Superintendent, Stow Acres C.C., 58 Randall Road,
Stow, M A 01775.

TOURNEY RESULTS
Superintendent Green Chairman Tournament,
Belmont C.C.
1st Gross - Purpoodock C.C. - Jim Diorio and
John Hayes
1st Net - Brae Burn C.C. - Bob DiRico and
Bob Howard
2nd Net - Pine Brook C.C. - Mike Iacono and
Jim Herscot
3rd Net - Franklin C.C. - Gary Luccini and
Tom Fox
4th Net - Brockton C.C. - Dave Devin and
Peter Dufresne
5th Net - Belmont C.C. - Art Silva and Richard Yanofsky
Closest-to-the-Pin - #3-Steve Carr; #12Lynn Fay

June Meeting,
Gardner Municipal G.C.
1st Gross - Doug Preston
2nd Gross - Ron Dobosz
3rd Gross - Steve Chiavaroli
1st Net - Dave Barber
2nd Net - Daryn Brown
3rd Net - Bob DiRico
4th Net - Richard French
5th Net - Dick Duggan
1st Net Affiliate - Mike Cornicelli
Closest-to-the-Pin - # 8 Jeff Rogers; #14 Tom
Foxx

Page 10

Please Patronize These FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION
A-OK Turf Equipment
8 Boulder Dr., Coventry, Rl 02816
Buy & sell used turf equipment.
Mike Comlcelli - (401) 826-2584
AA Will Materials Corporation
168 Washington St., Stoughton, MA 02072
Top dressing & bunker sand, loam, decorative
stone, & landscape materials. Est. 1886.
Frank Will, Dan Graziano, Kevin LaPorte
1-800-4-AAWILL

Gold Star Wholesale Nursery & Sod Farm
Bill Thompson
Lexington, M A - ( 6 1 7 ) 861-1111
Canterbury, NH - (603) 783-4717

Agriturf, Inc.
59 Dwight St., Hatfield, MA 01038
Fertilizer, seed, and chemicals for turf.
Bruce Chapman, Lew Varga
1-800-346-5048

Golf Direction Associates
54 N. Grove St., Foxboro, MA 02035
Business forms, graphics, reports, resumes.
Nora Berard - (508) 543-9822
FAX (508) 698-0402

Baker Golf Cars
40 Walker St., Swansea, MA 02777
Mark Farley, Doug Hooper
(508) 379-0092

The Charles C. Hart Seed Co.
P. 0. Box 9169, Weathersfleld, CT 06109
Roy Sibley, Dick Gurski
1-800-326-HART

Bartlett Tree Experts
153 Rumford Ave., Newton, MA 02166
Tree maintenance, fertilization & consulting.
(617) 969-5990

international Golf Construction Co.
5 Purcell Rd„ Arlington, MA 02174
Golf course construction.
Antonios Paganis
(617) 648-2351 or (508) 428-3022

Best Bent Turf, Inc.
P.O. Box 318, Raymond, NH 03077
Alan Anderson - (603) 895-6220
The Borden Company
Maynard, MA
Bulk limestone dealer.
Jack Borden - (508) 897-2571
Boston Irrigation Company
Dedham, MA
Distributor, irrigation supplies & accessories.
John Ramey, Paul Kenyon, Robert Barbati
(617) 461-1560
irennan Sales
P. 0. Box 1082, Scarborough, ME 04070
Turf care products.
Bob Brennan - (207) 883-5799
Caldwell Environmental
5 Cross St., Acton, MA
(508) 263-4586
The Cardinals, Inc.
166 River Rd„ P. 0. Box 520
Unionville, CT 06085
Golf course & landscape supplies.
John Callahan - (203) 673-3699
Geoffrey S. Cornish & Brian Sllva
Golf Course Architects
Fiddlers Green, Amherst, MA 01002
Country Club Enterprises, Inc.
P. 0. Box 820, Cataumet, MA 02534
Club Car golf cars, carryalls, utility cars.
Jim Casey, Dave Farina, Ed Maguire
(508)563-2284
Doering Equipment
P.O. Box N, Franklin, MA 02038
Distributor of John Deere golf & turf equipment.
Mark Doering - (508) 520-3629
Chester Drake & Sons, Inc.
222 Walnut St., Framingham, MA 01701
Golf course construction.
(508) 875-7929
Elanco Products Company
31 Old Town Trail, Narragansett, Rl 02882
Stephen C. Dolinak- (401) 789-9017

UÜIRLUIIJLLIDLIR.LIULÜIIIILU^

R

F.D.I., Inc.
(Fairway Design Illustration)
55 Railroad Ave., Warren, Rl 02885
Custom granite signs & markers.
Joseph K. Martin, Robert Page
(401) 245-7890 or 1-800-358-8337

Irrigation Maintenance & Service
21 Lakeview Ave., Natick, MA
Irrigation consultation, design and
system evaluation.
Bob Healy, ASIC - (508) 653-0625
Tom Irwin, Inc.
11B A St., Burlington, MA
Jack Petersen, Wayne Ripley, Dennis Friel
Paul Skafas, Chris Petersen
1-800-582-5959
John's Tree & Landscape Company
Tree & landscape experts; all employees
certified & insured.
John P . - ( 6 1 7 ) 739-7760
Ken Jones Tire Co.
Worcester, MA
Distributor of tires for lawn & garden, trucks,
cars, Industrial equipment, and golf carts.
Gerry Jones - (508) 755-5255
Larchmont Eng. & Irrig. Co.
Larchmont Lane, Lexington, MA 02173
Steve Butler-(617) 862-2550
The Lawn Co., Inc.
P. 0. Box 1540, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
Fertilizers & pest controls applied;
fairway aeration & slice seeding.
Tom Fair - 1-800-660-TURF
l a z a r o ' s Golf Course Accessories
dba Hammond Paint & Chem. Co., Inc.
738 Main St., Suite 223, Waltham, MA 02154
Joseph Lazaro - (617) 647-3361
LESCO, Inc.
20005 Lake Rd„ Rocky River, OH 44116
Ron Tumiskl, Mike Donohue
1-800-321-5325
Loft's Seed
22 Lantern Lane, Exeter, Rl 02822
Victoria Wallace - 1-800-648-7333
D.L. Maher Co,
Box 127, Concord St., N. Reading 01864
Water supply specialists;
water wells & pumping equipment.
(617) 933-3210

Mass Natural
P. 0. Box 363, Westminster, MA 01473
Manufacturers & suppliers of organic compost, enriched topsoll, custom planting mixes.
(508) 874-0744

Sawtelle Bros.
65 Glenn St., Lawrence, MA 01843
Bob Brown, Larry Bunn, Mike Hannlgan,
Frank Hrgglns, John Lenhart, Dave Parmiglane
(508)682-9296

Miles Specialty Products
1516 Capella South, Newport, Rl 02840
Baylaton, Merit, Dylox, Tempo, Nemacur.
Brad Herman-(401) 846-3515

Scotts Pro-Turf Div.
Allan Cumps, Regional Director
Randy Hamilton - (508) 369-5986
Richard Fomi - (413) 534-8896

Modern Aeration Service, Inc.
62 Maple St., Boston, MA 02136
Featuring water injection aeration.
Kevin Osgood-(617) 630-1950

Sodco, Inc.
P.O. Box 2, Slocum, Rl 02877
Owen Regan

Modern Tractor & Truck Service, Inc.
400 Pine St., Seekonk, MA 02771
Holliston sand/loam topdresslng mixture, 1/2"
or 1/8" screened loam, underground tank
removal, Convault aboveground fuel tank.
Steven S. Howitt - (508) 761-5554
R.F. Morse & Sons, Inc.
W. Wareham, MA 02576
Larry Anshewitz, Jack Cranio
(508) 295-1553

Sports Club Management
104 Wyman Rd., Bralntree, MA 02184
Hazcom and right-to-know
compliance implementation.
Ron Smith
Sullivan Tire Co.
Goodyear specialty tires & tubes.
Tom Wilson
MA: 1-800-464-1144, (508) 580-2222
NE: 1-800-321-0042

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

Tee and Green Sod, Inc.
Exeter, Rl 02822
Bentgrass, bluegrass and blue/fescue sod.
Dave Wallace, Robin Hayes
(401) 789-8177

Nor-Am Chemical Co.
Wilmington, Delaware
David Sylvester - (203) 828-8905

Tuckahoo Turf Farms, Inc.
Richmond, Rl
Chris Beasley - 1-800-556-6985

Partac Golf Course Top-Dressing
Kelsey Part, Great Meadows, NJ 07838
Heat treated top-dressing, golf hole targets,
turf blankets, and other specialty golf supplies.
Jim Kelsey, 1-800-247-2326, (908) 637-4191

Turf Enhancement Enterprises
Featuring Floratine Products, Precision Small
Engine Co. & Trion Lifts.
Tom Fox-(508) 865-9150

P.I.E. Supply Co.
For your irrigation needs; dedicated to sales
and service of quality Irrigation equipment.
Frank Santos
(508) 420-0755 or (203) 878-0658
Pro-Lawn Products, Inc.
24 Johnathan Rd., W. Greenwich, Rl 02817
Specializing in turf & ornamental needs.
(401) 397-8880
Read Sand & Gravel, Inc.
171 VFW Dr., Rockland, MA 02370
Topdressing; root-zone mixes; bunker sand;
3/4 & 3/8 screened loams; cart path materials;
mulch; drainage stone.
Joe Farina- 1-800-660-2955
J.P. Roberts Co.
Technical resource catalog; survey-weathertesting-measurement & diagnostic equipment.
Barbara Plantedosi - (508) 456-6886
Safety Storage, Inc.
86 Sanderson Ave., Lynn, MA 01902
Prefabricated pesticide storage buildings,
gas & oil, storage cabinets.
(617) 599-5490
Sani-Mate Supply, inc.
88 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA
Distributor of Karcher hot high pressure
equipment and bulk detergents, sales, service,
and rentals.
Barry Hackett - (508) 752-8888

Turf Products Corp.
7 Coppage Dr., Worcester, MA 01603
Distributors of Toro irrigation and maintenance
equipment, lightning detection systems, and
other golf-related products.
Tim Berge, Ed Fallow, Rick Moulton,
John Wlnskowicz, Dick Young
(508) 791-2091
Turf Specialty, Inc.
15 Londonderry Rd, Londonderry, NH 03053
Turf & ornamental supplies.
Bob Flanagan, Kevin Lyons,
Dave Schermerhom, John Lensing
1-800-228-6656
Varney Bros. Sand, Gravel & Concrete
Bellingham, MA
Concrete golf cart paths.
Kenneth Mooradian -1-800-441-7373
White Turf, Inc.
Barre, MA
Irrigation contractor, pump specialist.
(508) 355-6777
Winding Brook Turf Farm, Inc.
240 Griswold Rd., Wethersfield, CT06109
1-800-243-0232
Winfield Nursery
1320 Mountain Rd, Suffleld, CT 06109
Wholesale nursery trees & shrubs.
Jeff Rogers
Philip Wogan
Golf Course Architecture
17 Walker Rd., Topsfield, MA 01983

Page 10

Friends of the Association Profiles
Varney Bros.
Sarid & Gravel, Inc.

Medfield, w e are able to serve southeastern

intendents

Massachusetts a n d northern Rhode Island.

ways.

You

in planning their n e w
may

contact

our

pathSales

Concrete golf cart paths are versatile,

Representative Ken Mooradian at

1-800-

durable, and affordable. Today's concrete

4 4 1 - 7 3 7 3 for assistance with cart

paths,

con-

cart p a t h s can b e designed to c o m p l e m e n t

concrete chemical storage buildings,

Bros.

and enhance the b e a u t y and unique per-

m a i n t e n a n c e facilities. K e n w a s t h e f o r m e r

C o n c r e t e is p r o u d of its l o n g - t e r m relation-

sonality of a n y golf course. W h e n long life,

superintendent at Hopedale Country Club

ship with contractors, builders, architects,

low m a i n t e n a n c e , a n d low lifetime cost a r e

for 1 7 years before joining Varney

testing laboratories, and individual home-

all

Concrete in 1 9 8 7 . H e h a s installed concrete

owners.

money-saving choice for paving cart paths.

m a n u f a c t u r e r of r e a d y m i x e d

A
crete

for over

All

50 years,

our

concrete

Varney

is

computer

batched to maintain consistent high quality. W i t h plants in both B e l l i n g h a m

and

considered,

concrete

is t h e

smart,

and

Bros.

cart paths at Hopedale Country Club and

full-time

Whitinsville Golf Club this season. H e ' d be

sales staff r e a d y to assist golf course super-

p r o u d to share his p h o t o g r a p h s a n d expe-

We

have

a knowledgeable

rience with you.

Please mark your calendar!
Please keep in mind the following important dates:
Tuesday, August 16,1994 - 2nd Annual Scholarship and Benevolence Fund Tournament at

Wachusett Country Club, West Boylston, Mass.

Monday, September 26,1994 - 6th Annual Turf Research Tournament at Worcester Country Club,
Worcester, Mass.

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