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.

March 1994

Dr, Houston Couch: always a favorite
at Mass. Turf grass Conference session
April Meeting

T h e b o o k on H o u s t o n C o u c h is long a n d
laudatory. Fittingly, s o m e of its m o r e profound pages were inspired by

T u e s d a y , A p r i l 19,1994
P i n e R i d g e C o u n t r y Club
O x f o r d , Massachusetts
Host S u p e r i n t e n d e n t
John Kotoski
9:00 A M
11:00 A M

12:00
1:00 PM

Board Meeting
Regular Meeting & Education

" L i k e the time I skidded all the
from Blacksburg

(where Houston

way

hangs

memorable

his academic hat as pride of the Depart-

appearances as guest lecturer and some-

m e n t of P l a n t P a t h o l o g y at V i r g i n i a T e c h )

time-humorist

to Chicopee," he recalled. " T h e n , w h e n

Turfgrass

at

the

Conference.

Massachusetts
Therefore,

when

got there,

here

comes another

I

six-inch

J o e Troll put his m o s t recent s h o w on the

s n o w s t o r m . I t h i n k t h e title of m y t a l k t h a t

road in

year

Springfield, the

announcement

was

'Disease

is

Absolute...Health

t h a t this y e a r ' s conference w a s b e i n g dedi-

Relative'.

cated to Dr. Couch d r e w a p p l a u s e

from

plant's health or m y own."

"I've

sideshow at that same conference.

e v e r y c o r n e r of t h e t u r f g r a s s w o r l d .

I don't know

if I m e a n t

the

H o u s t o n also likes to b r i n g u p a little

Nora Berard
Golf Direction Assoc.
Record Keeping Forms

been here (New England) so m a n y times

" H o w could I forget the act that w e n t on

Tom Landry, Mass. Golf Assoc.

I ' m b e g i n n i n g to s o u n d like one of t h o s e old

t h e first n i g h t I a r r i v e d ? " h e a d d e d . " T h a t

Y a n k e e s , " he quipped. "Naturally, I ' m flat-

was the time w h e n streaking was the fad

Lunch
Golf
(Cost - Lunch only, $12;
Lunch and Golf, $37)

t e r e d to b e h o n o r e d like this. B u t , a f t e r all,

and, w o u l d n ' t y o u k n o w , a f e w of t h e su-

I paid m y dues, didn't I ? "

perintendents w a r m e d up for the occasion

Reservations Required
Call by A p r i l 14,1994
(617) 328-9479

Even

Houston

was

impressed.

That's a Houston Couch joke. However,

b y p u t t i n g on a little s t r e a k i n g exhibition

a f e w of h i s visits to t h e c o n f e r e n c e w e r e
laced with u n u s u a l incidents.

continued on page 2

You must pay be check—No Cash!
Checks payable to GCSANE
John Kotoski has been the golf course superintendent at Pine Ridge C.C. since 1990. Prior
to that he was the golf course superintendent
at Berkshire Hills C.C. in Pittsfield, Mass. for
four years and the assistant superintendent at
Framingham C.C. for two years. John and his
wife Donna reside in North Oxford and have
one daughter, Katie, and another child expected in June. John's leisure time is spent
woodworking, golfing, or hunting.
Directions: From the Mass. Pike, take Exit
10. After the tolls, bear right to Route 12
S ./Route 20 West. Follow Route 20 West for
2-1/2 miles to Route 56. Take right on Route
56 North for 1-1/4 miles to Pleasant Street.
Take left on Pleasant Street and follow 1/4
mile. Club is on right.
I^I.IIJIIIILL^LIIUII^ILI^NLI^RILII^L

Mass. Turfgrass
Conference
dedicated to
Dr. Houston Couch
Anthony Caranci (right) presents
Or. Houston Couch with a photograph of the chair he will receive
as the Mass. Turf Conference's
1994 honoree.

Page 10

continued from page 1

Dr. Couch goes a step further as cham-

of their own. T h a t w a s quite a show. A n d

pion of education. " I t h i n k it's a f o r e g o n e

so w a s the one the next morning w h e n J o e

conclusion t h a t the superintendent of the

Troll (conference director) read t h e riot act

future will be required to have a four-year

to those guys."

college diploma. A n d I don't look at this as
have

a hold statement. I can see competition for

combined during his 25 conference years

j o b s h e a t i n g u p j u s t b y t h e i n t e n s i t y of m y

So, education and entertainment

since 1 9 7 0 , w h e n h e d e b u t e d a s s t a r of a

students

session dealing with the relationship

they're going to be getting the top jobs."

of

"The thing about Houston, the
Edward L. Breariey
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, West Newton, M A 02165
617-527-6968
Brae Burn Country Club

SECRETARY
Kevin F. O s g o o d
62 Maple Street, Hyde Park, MA 02136
617-630-1950
N e w t o n C o m m o n w e a l t h Golf Course

Tech.

Eventually,

A n d of t h a t , H o u s t o n a d d s

nutrition to t u r f g r a s s disease.
PRESIDENT

at Virginia

thing

something

t h a t u n d e r s c o r e s t h e i m p a c t of education

t h a t a p p e a l s to his audience, is his ability

on

to keep interest in the subject at a p e a k

s t a t u s . " I c a n s e e a c h a n g e i n t h e p r o f i l e of

with his natural humor," Troll

explained

the

superintendent's

professional

m y audiences on the seminar trail,"

he

Dr. Couch's genius on the podium. "You've

remarked. "They're sharper than ever and

heard the expression,

mo-

that sharpness s h o w s u p in their r e w a r d s

ment'; well, there's never a dull m o m e n t

for the trait. I look out a n d see people who

w h e n H o u s t o n gives a talk. His

are making three times my salary."

'never a dull

listeners

seem to h a n g on every word."

Houston Couch, then, knows the value

A n d w h y not? Houston's been on the

of education. H e m e a n s it w h e n h e s a y s , " I

TREASURER

seminar circuit since 1965, the s a m e y e a r

Never Met a Golf Course I Didn't

Robert Ruszala
69 Gelinas Drive, Chlcopee, M A 01020
413-256-8654
Hickory Ridge Country Club

h e b e c a m e h e a d of t h e D e p a r t m e n t of P l a n t

(title of a p a s t c o n f e r e n c e talk), a n d

Pathology at Virginia Tech, after 10 years

carries that feeling over to the golf course

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

TRUSTEE

of t e a c h i n g a n d r e s e a r c h at P e n n S t a t e a n d

superintendent.

earning his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from

b e c a u s e of it, too.
GERRY

specialty,

H o u s t o n likes to m a k e c o n t i n u o u s note of

Scott Reynolds
62 Maple Street, Hyde Park, MA 02136
61 7 - 2 4 4 - 7 7 4 1
Charles River Country Club

his respect and affection for golf

TRUSTEE

o n e of t h e b e s t f r i e n d s t h e s u p e r e v e r h a d

superintendents.

As

course

Troll reminds,

he's

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

field

FINANCE CHAIRMAN

relates to the golf course. H e a n d

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

the country's only turf pathologists at that

GOLF CHAIRMAN

engaged in his first practical venture

Richard P. Tworig II
547 Washington Street, Pembroke, M A 02359
617-828-4242
Ponkapoag Golf Course

field research at the Merion Golf Club.

EDUCATION CHAIRMAN
Richard Duggan, CGCS*
93 W a r r e n Avenue, Marlboro, M A 01752
508-369-0879
Concord Country Club

NEWSLETTER CHAIRMAN
Michael Nagle, CGCS*
51 Lincoln Avenue, Holden, M A 01520
508-853-6574
Worcester Country Club

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

April 5

USGA Regional Seminar
Holiday Inn, Taunton, Mass.

April 19

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Pine Ridge C.C., Oxford, Mass.

May 3

Pro-Super-Press-Press
The International, Bolton, Mass.

June 6

Manager-Pro-SuperintendentPresident Tournament
Kernwood C.C., Salem. Mass.

June 13

SuperintendentGreen Chairman Tournament
Belmont C.C., Belmont, Mass.

June 27

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Gardner Municipal G.C.
Gardner, Mass.

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. 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.

Dec. 7&8

GCSAA Regional Seminar
Golf Course Construction
and Techniques
The International, Bolton, Mass.

Frank

H o w a r d of R h o d e Island U n i v e r s i t y

were

study's inception in 1 9 5 5 . In 1 9 5 6 he w a s
of

Since then, Dr. Couch has become one
of the leading forces in both r e s e a r c h of golf
course grooming and continuing education
f o r s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s . A f o r m e r m e m b e r of
the G C S A A Educational Advisory Committee,

he has become

more

active in

the

national's reach-out gesture to m e m b e r s as
a teacher in the certification program.
" I ' m p r o b a b l y one of t h e b i g g e s t salesmen

for

the

certification

program,"

Houston offered. "Don't forget. I've been
in this

(continuing

education

mindset)

since the beginning. I've seen all the technical

changes

in

an

industry

that

has

evolved f r o m w h a t w a s once t h o u g h t to be
a s i m p l e f o r m of j o b application to a v e r y
complicated one.
"That's

where

the certification

pro-

g r a m plays a big part in k e e p i n g the golf
Newsletter Editor
M i c h a e l F. M a g i e , C G C S
A s s o c i a t e Editor . S t e p h e n C h l a v a r o f i , C G C S
Contributing Editor
Gerry Finn
Business M a n a g e r
Robert Ruszala
Information c o n t a i n e d in this publication m a y be
used freely, in w h o l e or in part, without special
permission as long as the true context is m a i n tained. W e w o u l d appreciate a credit line.

course superintendent

in tune with

the

changes his profession has undergone. T h e
j o b (of g r o o m i n g t h e g o l f c o u r s e ) i s j u s t t o o
technical to tackle without a s t r o n g dedication to education. A s f a r as I ' m concerned,
a superintendent m u s t accept this mental-

.LÛAIÉIILII^IIILIÛILLIIJTÛI.IÛRITILIILIM.IÛJJ

ity or get passed by in the process."

FINN

Calendar

H o u s t o n is one of the p i o n e e r s in t h e
of p l a n t p a t h o l o g y w h e r e t h e science

he

T h e profession is better

t h e U n i v e r s i t y of California.
R e g a r d e d as a giant in his

Like"

(Tentative)

r
Page 10

TM Super SpmM Qui:
This month's question: What is your reaction to the fact that less than 18% of the GCSANE
membership has taken part in the GCSAA certification program, and what are your thoughts
on the overall venture?
Bob Ruszala, Hickory Ridge Count r y C l u b : " I a m not certified, but that
doesn't m e a n I don't support the program.
In fact, I ' m m a k i n g plans to t a k e the test
in the future. W h e n ? T h a t ' s a good question.
" I like the u n d e r l y i n g t h e m e of certification b e c a u s e it r e p r e s e n t s a f o r m of
ongoing education for the golf course sup e r i n t e n d e n t , a f a c e t of t h e j o b h e m u s t
a d d r e s s b e c a u s e of t h e c o n t i n u i n g c h a n g e s
in technology and, even more important,
c h a n g e s i n t h e application of h i s e x p e r t i s e .
" T h e r e ' s no doubt that the profession is
m o v i n g in the direction of f u t u r e s u p e r s
being required to r e a c h m u c h higher levels
of e d u c a t i o n a l a c h i e v e m e n t t h a n t h e y w e r e
in t h e p a s t . I ' m a w a r e of t h i s m o v e m e n t
a n d t h a t ' s w h y I ' m in the process of setting
u p a study p l a n to get ready for a certification try.
" T h e educational drive already has
come into a m a n d a t o r y position since sup e r s are n o w required b y l a w to obtain a
pesticide license. T h e r e ' s an exam and
s t u d y a l o n g those lines, so w e h a v e to k e e p
o u r e d u c a t i o n a l fires b u r n i n g w h e t h e r w e
l i k e it o r n o t .
" I h a v e n ' t p u t any timetable on m y
p l a n s to t a k e the certification test. H o w ever, it's on m y a g e n d a . I consider
c e r t i f i c a t i o n a s t r o n g e x a m p l e of p r o f e s sional upgrade and I can see the day w h e n
all golf course s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s will h a v e to
be p a r t of the p r o g r a m . "
Phil Schultz, Sterling Country
C l u b : " I ' m l o o k i n g a t t h e possibility of
a t t e m p t i n g to become a certified superintendent even though I'm not sure how
m u c h c l o u t it h a s i n t h e m a t t e r o f c o m p e tition in the job market.

" I t h i n k one of the u n k n o w n s attached
t o t h e c e r t i f i c a t i o n i s t o w h a t e x t e n t it
m a k e s one a better golf course superintend e n t . B e t t e r y e t , I ' m n o t s u r e if
s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s c a n b e classified accordi n g to h o w t h e y f a r e in the certification
p r o g r a m . I m e a n , if y o u p a s s , d o e s t h a t
guarantee your effectiveness?
"Regardless, with the increased emphasis on education in our business, I vision
the situation where certification definitely
will he a factor in determining logical candidates f o r t h e so-called big-time j o b s in the
p r o f e s s i o n . A t a n y r a t e , I c a n s e e it i n m y
future."
Brian
Cowan,
Eastward
Ho
( C G C S ) : " I h a v e b e e n a certified golf
c o u r s e s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s i n c e 1 9 7 7 . S o , if
you put two and two
t o g e t h e r in t e r m s of
h a v i n g to become recertified every five
years, you come up
with the realization
that there's been a
w h o l e lot of e d u c a t i o n
g o i n g on in B r i a n
C o w a n ' s life.
" A n d t h a t ' s good. T h a t , in f a c t , is t h e
reason I think certification is working for
t h e overall b e t t e r m e n t of t h e p r o f e s s i o n . I n
m y case, the m a n d a t o r y additive of h a v i n g
to b e re-certified periodically gives m e the
incentive to keep m y educational juices
flowing. It's a strong reason w h y I keep
a t t e n d i n g all those s e m i n a r s t h a t the national a n d regional groups m a k e available.

" I ' v e n e v e r b e e n able to tell w h e t h e r or
n o t t h e r a n k a n d file o f c o u n t r y c l u b m e m b e r s k n o w of the certification p r o g r a m or
w h e t h e r t h e y a t t a c h all that m u c h import a n c e to it, if t h e y k e e p u p o n t h e s e t h i n g s .

"Those seminars, by the way, are the
one guaranteed opportunity the super has
to k e e p a b r e a s t of t h e c h a n g e s i n t h e prof e s s i o n . I s it f o r c e d f e e d i n g ? I r e a l l y d o n ' t
know. But, because I know that seminar
a t t e n d a n c e is o n e of t h e r e q u i s i t e s f o r keeping those letters after m y name, I m a k e an
a l m o s t e x a g g e r a t e d e f f o r t to t a k e in a s
m a n y as I can.

" C e r t a i n l y , t h e educational v a l u e of
h a v i n g to study for a six-part e x a m in the
p r o f e s s i o n h a s its benefits, e v e n if the asp i r i n g s u p e r i n t e n d e n t f a i l s it. I s u p p o s e t h e
p r e p a r a t i o n m i g h t b e m o r e i m p o r t a n t them
the result b e c a u s e something h a s to be
gained from boning up for the exam.

" T h e r e always has been the question as
to h o w m u c h certification m e a n s in the
practical aspects of the profession. Well, for
o n e t h i n g , it m a k e s a s u p e r m o r e k n o w l edgeable a b o u t the methods of g r o o m i n g a
golf c o u r s e ; a n d , w i t h a n e x p a n d e d g r a s p of
his job, gives him a n edge in acquiring

alternative solutions to turf-related problems.
"But...I'll never adhere to the premise
that being certified, the fact itself, m a k e s
m e better a t m y job t h a n someone w h o is
not certified. I k n o w of a f e w s u p e r s w h o
have done excellent work, some w h o never
e v e n thought of becoming certified. So, the
p r o g r a m is not t h e last w o r d in producing
s u c c e s s f u l m e m b e r s of t h e p r o f e s s i o n . I t
certainly helps, though.
" L a s t l y , at least in m y case, I think
c e r t i f i c a t i o n does a lot f o r a s u p e r ' s self-esteem in that the C G C S label m e a n s I'm
respected and recognized by m y peers.
T h a t ' s one of t h e r e a s o n s I ' m looking forw a r d to re-certification a g a i n . "
Paul Johnson, Tara Ferncroft
C o u n t r y C l u b : "Certification puts m e in
sort of a C a t c h 2 2 situation. I t h i n k it's good
in a w a y , b u t I n e v e r
h a v e p u r s u e d it. I ' v e
been at the s a m e club
for 2 3 years. I j u s t got
promoted to director
of golf o p e r a t i o n s
here, so I c a n h o n e s t l y
say certification never
has been an issue.
"Ah, but on the other hand, I think it's
the right w a y to go for the coming generation of superintendents. In fact, I've
encouraged y o u n g supers to take advantage of the p r o g r a m , some w h o w o r k for
me.
" I d o n ' t k n o w if k e e p i n g c e r t i f i c a t i o n
m o t o r s r u n n i n g all the t i m e is a n e x a m p l e
of forced education. M a y b e in s o m e cases
h a v i n g to a t t e n d all t h o s e s e m i n a r s u n d e r
t h e t h r e a t of l o s i n g t h a t C G C S title is nece s s a r y . I ' v e a l w a y s done it on m y o w n
because I realized early in m y career that
k e e p i n g u p w i t h technical c h a n g e s promoted on-the-job success.
" S o , w h a t I ' m getting at is a twop r o n g e d a s s e s s m e n t of t h e c e r t i f i c a t i o n
program. I advise young superintendents
t o g e t i n v o l v e d i n it, b u t I t h i n k t h a t a t m y
s t a g e of t h e g a m e I d o n ' t n e e d it. I c a n ' t
criticize s o m e t h i n g t h a t m a y b e good for
s o m e o n e else. It's not r i g h t . "
GERRY

FINN

Page 10

Newly elected GCSAA
Board of Directors
T h e n e w m e m b e r s of t h e G C S A A B o a r d
of D i r e c t o r s are:
President

. . . .

Vice President

Joseph G. Baidy, C G C S
. . Gary T. Grigg, C G C S

Secretary Treasurer
Bruce R. Williams, C G C S
Directors
David W. Fearis, C G C S
Paul McGinnis, C G C S
George E . R e n a u l t III, C G C S
. . . . . . . .

R. Scott Woodhead, C G C S
T o m m y D. Witt, C G C S

Past President
R a n d y S. Nichols, C G C S

Grace-Sierra
pulls Calo-Clor
and Calo-Gran,
the last two
mercury-based
pesticides in US
WASHINGTON,

DC—The

Tee & Green Sod
makes generous
donation to GCSANE
Turf Research Fund
MemorandumfromRobert
O n b e h a l f of t h e R e s e a r c h

t h a n k Dave Wallace, T e e & G r e e n Sod, for
t h e g e n e r o u s d o n a t i o n of $ 1 7 8 4 . D o n a t i o n s
to the Research

Environ-

cides

of the m e r c u r y - b a s e d

Calo-Clor

voluntarily

and

GCSANE President Ed Breariy accepts a check from
Robin Hayes of Tee and Green Sod for $1,783 towards the
GCSANE Turf Research Fund.

pesti-

Calo-Gran

requested by the

as

registrant,

Grace-Sierra.
B o t h pesticides c o n t a i n t w o a c t i v e ingredients—mercuric

chloride

and

mercurous chloride—at different percentages. U s e d to control p i n k and g r a y snow
mold, Calo-Clor and Calo-Gran w e r e
last two mercury-based

pesticides

tered

United

for

use

in

the

the

regis-

States.

A p p r o x i m a t e l y 2 1 , 0 0 0 c o m b i n e d p o u n d s of
t h e two pesticides were used annually. T h e
cancellation action w a s effective N o v e m b e r 1 , 1 9 9 3 . B u t u n d e r t h e t e r m s of t h e
action, G r a c e - S i e r r a m a y sell a n d distribu t e products which had been labeled for
release or shipment on or before J u n e 25,
1 9 9 3 , until J u n e 24, 1994.
Retailers

and

other

distributors

sell these products until their stocks

Committee

a n d G C S A of N e w E n g l a n d , I w o u l d like to

mental Protection Agency has canceled the
registration

DiRico,

CGCS, Research Committee Chairman:

may
are

gone. Likewise, users m a y u s e these products until their stocks are exhausted.
(Thanks to Dick D u g g a n for this news.)

A comely looking group at the GCSAA banquet and show.

sector

are

F u n d from the

greatly

appreciated.

private
Again,

t h a n k s Dave, w e appreciate the strong support

Page 10

Notes on GCSAA !s mortality study
among golf course superintendents
O n F e b r u a r y 7, 1 9 9 4 , t h e G C S A A an-

farmers. Smoking-related cancers account

K e y points of t h e study:

f o r a b o u t 3 9 % of t h e t o t a l c a n c e r d e a t h s i n

1. T h e study results are preliminary.

p h a s e of t h e association's p l a n n e d in-depth

the studied cohort. Preventative

strate-

study h a s yet to go t h r o u g h the scientific

study

nounced plans to implement the

second

The

gies, such as s m o k i n g cessation p r o g r a m s

c o m m u n i t y peer review process a n d b e for-

G C S A A will l a u n c h a n e w series of health

and

courses,

mally published before results are "final".

research projects and expand its commit-

would likely have a significant impact on

2 . T h e s t u d y is o n l y a s t a t i s t i c a l a n a l y s i s of

ment

reducing

mortality. It does not address w h a t caused

of

occupational

to chemical

health

applicator

issues.

education.

T h i s n e w series will advance the preliminary

statistical study that w a s

conducted by

an independent

no-smoking
overall

areas

at golf

mortality

among

golf

course superintendents.

the deaths. N o cause and effect can

recently

Conclusion: T h e p r e l i m i n a r y r e s u l t s of

research

t h e statistical m o r t a l i t y s t u d y clearly indi-

or

should be drawn from the study.
3 . T h e scientists said specifically t h a t golf-

t e a m f r o m t h e U n i v e r s i t y of I o w a (UI) Col-

cate a n e x c e s s n u m b e r of d e a t h s

among

ers are not at risk. T h e study also does not

lege of Medicine. T h e U I research t e a m w a s

golf course s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s f r o m l u n g can-

address or conclude any possible relation-

led by Dr. B u r t o n Kross, U I associate pro-

cer. B a s e d o n n u m e r o u s o t h e r studies, t h e

ship to wildlife.

fessor

m o s t likely c a u s e of this e l e v a t e d r i s k is t h e

4. G C S A A initiated and

s m o k i n g habits of this cohort.

However,

because the association has an obligation
to its m e m b e r s to help e n s u r e their health

of

preventative

medicine

and

environmental health.

financed

this study

G C S A A originally contracted with the

this study w a s not able to determine smok-

U n i v e r s i t y of I o w a to c o n d u c t a statistical

ing rates for this cohort, because smoking

and safety. G C S A A a n d the Univ. of I o w a

mortality study for its m e m b e r s h i p and to

status

together released the results of the study

and history

are not recorded

on

e v a l u a t e t h e n e e d f o r additional d a t a re-

death certificates. F u t u r e health

garding occupational risks and exposures

tion programs

smoking

5 . O n c e r e s u l t s a r e final, G C S A A w i l l h a v e

encountered by

cessation a n d controlling a r e a s of secon-

a baseline to decide w h a t merits f u r t h e r

dary exposure to passive smoke.

investigation.

golf course

superinten-

dents and their workers. F o r this

study,

t h e cohort of interest consists of d e c e a s e d
G C S A A m e m b e r s for the period 1 9 7 0

Preliminary

should focus on

results

of this

promo-

mortality

to the public a n d to the media.

6. T h i s study is only the

first

p h a s e of a

to

study of golf course superintendents sup-

long-term c o m m i t m e n t b y G C S A A to study

1 9 9 2 . T h i s occupational cohort is charac-

p o r t t h e n e e d f o r f u r t h e r i n v e s t i g a t i o n of

overall occupational safety and health for

terized b y individuals w h o , p r e s u m a b l y , all

the relationship b e t w e e n pesticide

its m e m b e r s .

shared a common work history and similar

sure

w o r k practices. G C S A A w a s able to provide

uncertainty,

records for 750 deceased members

course superintendents and their workers

who

died during this 2 2 y e a r period.

and

specific cancers.
a prudent

In

expo-

light

strategy for

of
golf

7. G C S A A will w o r k closely w i t h t h e golf
industry, health organizations,

and

the

E P A throughout the process.

is to m i n i m i z e e x p o s u r e potential to pesti-

(All of t h e a b o v e i n f o r m a t i o n h a s b e e n

that

cides. G e n e r a l l y r e c o m m e n d e d practices to

t a k e n directly f r o m recent G C S A A

News

golf course superintendents died f r o m can-

minimize pesticide exposure include read-

releases and direct correspondence

from

cer

ing the pesticide label, carefully following

the

label directions, participating in

G C S A N E B o a r d of Directors.)

Results f r o m the study indicate
more

often

than

the

general

population. T h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t result of
this statistical mortality study related to

sional

lung cancer. Results clearly show a n excess

personal

n u m b e r of d e a t h s a m o n g golf c o u r s e super-

ment as m u c h as possible.

intendents f r o m lung cancer. T w o

other

cancer types, brain and lymphoma

(non-

Hodgkin's

lymphoma-NHL)

occurred

increased levels a m o n g this cohort.
more

common

speaking,
among

cancer

sites,

and

using

protective clothing and

programs,

equip-

management

staff to

the

Prepared by
STEPHEN CHIAV,AROLI
Associate Editor

at

Two

relatively

are also significantly

cohort

training

profes-

GCSAA

elevated

members—cancer

of

the

large intestine and prostate cancer.
F r o m a public and occupational health
perspective, t h e e x c e s s n u m b e r of l u n g cancer d e a t h s a m o n g this cohort is a p r i m a r y
c o n c e r n . L u n g c a n c e r is s t r o n g l y

associ-

a t e d w i t h s m o k i n g rates, a s a r e c a n c e r s of
the esophagus, mouth, and other respiratory

system

(proportional

areas.

The

mortality ratios) for

PMRs
these

smoking-related cancers are high, particul a r l y w h e n c o m p a r e d t o o t h e r s t u d i e s of
occupations w h o w o r k outdoors, such

as

The newly elected GCSANE Board of Officers (I. to r.) are Past President Stephen Chiavaroli, CGCS; Golf Chairman Richard
Tworig; President Edward Brearly; Secretary Kevin Osgood; Trustee James Fitzroy; Education Chairman Richard Duggan,
CGCS; Treasurer Robert Ruszala; Vice President Robert DiRico, CGCS; Trustee Scott Reynolds; Trustee John Hassett; and
Newsletter Chairman Michael Nagle, CGCS. Missing from photo is Finance Chairman Paul Jamrog.

•

Page 10

DIVOT DRIFT...announcements...educational seminars...job opportunities
...tournament results...and miscellaneous items of interest to the membership>.
POSITION AVAILABLE
A j o b o p e n i n g has been announced for the
position of 2nd Assistant Superintendent at
the Pine Brook Country Club, Weston, Mass.
Send resume to: Michael V. Iacono, CGCS,
c/o Pine Brook C.C., 50 N e w t o n St., Weston,
M A 02193

USED EQUIPMENT
FOR SALE
7 - R a i n B i r d SC-18 s a t e l l i t e c o n t r o l l e r s
w/cabinets; 5-Rain Bird SC-12 satellite cont r o l l e r s w/cabinets. A l l w i t h c o m p l e t e
internal wiring. Good f o r replacements,
spare units, etc. All run well. $100 each or
best offer.
300 g a l . B r o y h i l l S p r a y e r w/13 hp Briggs
& Stratton engine, Hypro pump, and 27 ft.
boom. Great condition. $2000 or best offer.
2-75 h p M a r a t h o n e l e c t r i c m o t o r s for
centrifugal pumps. Both serviced with new
windings and bearings. $250 for both.
T e n n a n t s w e e p e r with 20 hp Kohler engine. Good cond. $1800 or best offer.
Call Mike Nagle or Joe Dumas at Worcester
C.C., 508-853-6574.

MEETING NOTES
T h a n k y o u to both Wayne LaCroix of Andover C.C. (February) and Jack Hassett, Mt.
Pleasant G.C. (March), and their respective
staffs for hosting recent G C S A N E meetings.

INFORMATION
R i c k T r o m b i , formerly at Pleasant Valley
C.C., is the new superintendent at Oak Hill
C.C., Fitchhurg, Mass.

C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o J o h n P e t r a i t i s of
Crestwood C.C., Rehoboth, Mass., for capturing 2nd N e t in the Super Senior Division at
the G C S A A Tournament in Texas.

A n y F r i e n d o f t h e A s s o c i a t i o n that has
not submitted a Friend profile for the Newsletter, this is your last chance! Send it or fax
it (508-856-7170) to your humble editor and
it will be printed A S A P .
T h e d e a d l i n e f o r t h e N e w s l e t t e r will be
the 15th of the month. This will give the
committee and Zip T y p e Service time to ass e m b l e i n f o r m a t i o n , p r o o f r e a d , g e t it
printed, and mailed out.

^-^^^''LliJRijiijtiiiiilJ J^liilJliiili.ijLLf

Accessibility Issues
for Disabled Golfers
Dr. Jim Murphy,
Extension Specialist
in Turfgrass Management,
Rutgers University,
N e w Brunswick, N e w Jersey

11:25

Covering Up For Winter
Jim Skorulski, Agronomist,
Northeastern Region,
U S G A Green Section,
Far Hills, N e w Jersey

12:00

Luncheon

Afternoon Session:

MEMBERSHIP
P r o p o s e d f o r M e m b e r s h i p : Paul F.
Prisco, Assistant, Heritage Hill C.C.; David
A . Stowe, Assistant, Newton Commonwealth
G.C.; Jeffery D. Baker, Assistant, T h e Country Club.

1:00

N e w L i f e M e m b e r s : Nick Cammuso and
Mai Wendell.

1:45

Golf and the M e d i a Fact or Fiction?
Donald E. Hearn, CGCS,
Golf Course Superintendent,
Weston Golf Club,
Weston, Massachusetts

2:15

The Emergence of
Women in Golf
Heidi Olson, Manager,
Northern Region,
U S G A Women's Regional Affairs,
Detroit, Michigan

2:45

USGA Turfgrass
and Environmental
Research Update
David A . Oatis, Director,
Northeastern Region,
U S G A Green Section,
Far Hills, N e w Jersey

3:30

Adjourn

USGA CONFERENCE
SCHEDULE
T h e following is a schedule of the U S G A
Regional Conference on April 5, 1994 at the
Holiday Inn, Taunton, Mass.
Morning Session:
8:00

Registration

9:00

Welcome.

9:15

Preserving the Challenge:
Golf Equipment Testing
John Mutch, Manager,
U S G A Technical Communications,
Research, & Testing,
United States Golf Association,
Far Hills, N e w Jersey

9:50

M o r e Maintenance Pitfalls;
T h e Journey Continues
Robert A . Brame, Agronomist,
Mid-Atlantic Region,
U S G A Green Section,
West Chester, Pennsylvania

M a r k i n g and D e f i n i n g
the Golf Course
James A . Farrell, Manager,
Northeast Region,
U S G A Regional Affairs,
North Kingstown, Rhode Island

W e l c o m e N e w M e m b e r s : Douglas Preston, Associate, Bedfordshire; Jeffrey Houde,
Assistant, Thompson C.C.

R o n D o b o s z , formerly at Presidents G.C., is
the new superintendent at Cedar Hill G.G.,
Stoughton, Mass.

W e w i s h a s p e e d y r e c o v e r y to Jim
Leighton of Framingham C.C. who is recuperating from back surgery.

Break

10:45

A t t h e M a r c h G C S A N E M e e t i n g , By-Law
A m e n d m e n t s concerning the Scholarship
and Benevolence Committee were passed.

P h i l S c h u l t z , formerly at Oak Hill, is the
new superintendent at Sterling C.C., Sterling, Mass.

W e w e r e s o r r y to learn of the passing of
Bert Frederick's mother. Our condolences to
both Greg and Bert.

10:30

IMPORTANT DATES
Please mark your calendar!
T u e s d a y , A u g u s t 16, 1994 - 2nd Annual
Scholarship and Benevolence Fund Tournament at Wachusett Country Club, W e s t
Boylston, Mass.
M o n d a y , S e p t e m b e r 26, 1994 - 6th Annual T u r f R e s e a r c h T o u r n a m e n t at
Worcester Country Club, Worcester, Mass.

i

JiJ.A.iiJL

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 Comicelll-(401) 826-2584

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

D.L. M e t e r Co.
Box 127, Concord St., N. Reading 01864
(617)933-3210
Water Supply Specialists
Water Wells & Pumping Equipment

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

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

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

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

Miles Specialty Products
1515 Capella South, Newport, Rl 02840
Greg Ellis, Rep. (401) 846-3515
Baylaton, Dyrene, Dylox, Oftanol, Nemacur

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

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

Bartlett Tree Experts
153 Rumford Ave., Newton, MA 02166
(617) 969-5990
Tree Maintenance, Fertilization & Consulting

Hunt and Hulteen, Inc.
Custom fertilizer applications, shade tree
spraying & pruning, irrigation, landscape design & construction. Bob Mann
1-800-696-3363 (In MA); (508) 580-1062

Modern Tractor & Truck Service, inc.
400 Pine St., Seekonk, MA 02771
Holliston sand/loam topdressing mixture, 1/2"
or 1/8" screened loam, underground tank
removal, "convault" aboveground fuel tank.
Steven S. Howitt - (508) 761-5554

International Golf Construction Co.
5 Puncell Rd., Arlington, MA 02174
(617) 648-2351 or (508) 428-3022
Golf Course Construction
Antonlos Paganls, Rep.

R.F. Morse & Sons, Inc.
W. Wareham, MA 02576
(508) 295-1553
Reps. - Larry Anshewitz, Jack Cronin

AA Wili Materials Corporation
168 Washington St., Stoughton, MA 02072
1-800-4-AAWILL
Frank Will, Dan Graziano, Kevin LaPorte
Top dressing & bunker sand, loam, decorative
stone, & landscape materials. Est. 1886.

Best Bent Turf, Inc.
P.O. Box 318, Raymond, NH 03077
Rep.: Alan Anderson
The Borden Company
Maynard, MA - (508) 897-2571
Bulk Limestone Dealer, Jack Borden, Rep.
Boston Irrigation Company
Dedham, M A - ( 6 1 7 ) 461-1560
Distributor, Irrigation Supplies & Accessories.
John Ramey, Paul Kenyon, Robert Barbati
Brennan Sales
P. O. Box 1082, Scarborough, ME 04070
Axis, Kel-Pak, Agroroots, Break-thru
Bob Brennan, Rep.
Caldwell Environmental
5 Cross St., Acton, MA
The Cardinals, Inc.
166 River Rd., P. 0. Box 520
Unionvilie, CT 06085
Golf Course & Landscape Supplies.
John Callahan - (203) 673-3699
Geoffrey S. Cornish & Brian Silva
Golf Course Architects
Fiddlers Green, Amherst, MA 01002
Country Club Enterprises, Inc.
Club Car Golf Cars, Canyalls/Utility Cars
P. 0. Box 400, West Falmouth, MA 02574
(508) 563-2284
Jim Casey, Dave Farina, Ed Maguire
Doering Equipment
P.O. Box N, Franklin, MA 02038
(508) 520-3629
Distributor of John Deere golf & turf
equipment. Mark Doering, Rep.
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

Irrigation Maintenance & Service
21 LakevlewAve., Natick, MA
(508)653-0625
Irrigation consultation, design and system
evaluation. Bob Healy, ASIC
Tom Irwin, Inc.
11B A st„ Burlington, MA
1-800-582-5959
Jack Petersen, Wayne Ripley, Dennis Friel
Paul Skafas, Chris Petersen
John's Tree & Landscape Company
Tree & Landscape Experts
All employees certified & Insured.
John P., R e p . - ( 6 1 7 ) 739-7760
Ken Jones Tire Co.
Worcester, MA
(508) 755-5255
Distributor of tires for lawn & garden, trucks,
cars, industrial equipment, and golf carts.
Geny Jones, Rep.
Larchmont Eng. & Irrig. Co.
Larchmont Lane, Lexington, MA 02173
(617) 862-2550, Steve Butler, Sales Rep.
The l a w n Co., Inc.
P. O. Box 1540, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
Tom Fair- 1-800-660-TURF
Fertilizers & Pest Controls Applied
Fairway Aeration & Slice Seeding
Lazaro'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 Tumlski, Rep. - Mike Donohue, Rep.
1-800-321-5325
Loft's Seed
22 Lantern Lane, Exeter, Rl 02822
Victoria Wallace, Rep.

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

Sani-Mate Supply, Inc.
88 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA
(508) 752-8888
Distributor of Karcher hot high pressure
equipment and bulk detergents, sales, service,
and rentals. Barry Hackett, Rep.
Sawtelle Bros.
65 Glenn St., Lawrence, MA 01843
(508) 682-9296
Bob Brown, Larry Bunn, Mike Hannigan,
Frank Higglns, John Lenhart, Dave Parmigiane
Scotts Pro-Turf Div.
Allan Cumps, Regional Director
Rep. Scott Brown - (401) 294-3606
Rep. Richard Fornl - (413) 534-8896
Sodco,Inc.
P.O. Box 2, Slocum, Rl 02877
Owen Regan, Sales Rep.
Sports Club Management
104 Wyman Rd., Braintree, MA 02184
Hazcom and right-to-know compliance
implementation. Ron Smith.
Suliivan Tire Co.
Goodyear Specialty Tires & Tubes
MA: 1-800-464-1144 - (508) 580-2222
NE: 1-800-321-0042
Tom Wilson, Rep.

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

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

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

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

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

Turf Enhancement Enterprises
Featuring Floratine Products, Precision Small
Engine Co. & Trion Lifts.
Tom F o x - ( 5 0 8 ) 865-9150

P.I.E. Supply Co.
Dedicated to sales and service of quality
irrigation equipment. (203) 878-0658
Frank Santos - (508) 420-0755
For your irrigation needs.
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-weather-testing-measurement
& diagnostic equipment
Barbara Piantedosi - (508) 456-6886
Safety Storage, Inc.
Prefabricated pesticide storage buildings, gas
& oil, storage cabinets.
86 Sanderson Ave., Lynn, MA 01902
(617) 599-5490

Turf Products Corp.
7 Coppage Dr., Worcester, MA 01603
(508) 791-2091
Tim Berge, Ed Fallow, Rick Moulton,
John Winskowicz, Dick Young
Turf Specialty, Inc.
15 Londonderry Rd., Londonderry, NH 03053
1-800-228-6656
Turf & Ornamental Supplies.
Bob Flanagan, Kevin Lyons,
Dave Schermerhom, John Lensing
Varney Bros. Sand, Gravel & Concrete
Bellingham, MA
1-800-441-7373
Concrete golf cart paths. Kenneth Mooradian
White Turf, Inc.
Barre, MA
Irrigation contractor, Pump specialist.
(508) 355-6777
Winding Brook Turf Farm, Inc.
240 Griswold Rd., Wethersfield, CT 06109
1-800-243-0232
Winfield Nursery
1320 Mountain Rd„ Suffield, 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
Sports Club Management, Inc.
S p o r t s Club M a n a g e m e n t , Inc. is a fullservice

safety

training

company

specializes in w o r k i n g w i t h golf,

that

tennis,

and health clubs and getting them in compliance with various Occupational

Safety

and Health Administration (OSHA)
such

as

HazCom

(Employee

laws

Right-to-

K n o w L a w ) and other employee protection

requirements. Sports Club

Management,

rently resides in Braintree, Massachusetts

Inc. provides the required

written

along with his wife and three

pro-

g r a m s tailored to the club they are w o r k i n g

children.

Prior to starting the company, R o n worked

with, and trains the club's employees on-

f o r 14 y e a r s i n t h e c o r p o r a t e w o r l d

site

AT&T

at

a

club

facility

using

an

OSHA-eertified instructor
Sports

Club

Management,

and N Y N E X

with

holding a variety

of

m a n a g e m e n t positions ranging f r o m being
was

an Engineering and Construction Manager

f o u n d e d in 1 9 9 2 b y R o n S m i t h . R o n is a

Inc.

to being the Project M a n a g e r of Corporate

g r a d u a t e of D a r t m o u t h College a n d he cur-

M a n a g e m e n t Development programs. Included in his management career w a s

an

assignment as a Safety Director where he
w a s trained and certified by A T & T

Lasî fall's
IslandV
Tournant

OSHA

and he

was

responsible

and

for

s a f e t y t r a i n i n g a n d p e r f o r m a n c e of

the
1400

employees. Ron started Sports Club Mana g e m e n t , Inc. in a n a t t e m p t to combine his
safety and training experience with

his

love for golf a n d racquet sports.

Some ancient history: a view of the field from
last fall's Islands Invitational Toumameni gathered on the bow of the Island Queen ferry. Also
a view of the Sankaty Head Golf Club.

In addition to H a z C o m training, S p o r t s
C l u b M a n a g e m e n t , Inc. also o f f e r s t h e following compliance services and

products

t h a t are required at m o s t golf courses a n d
clubs: O S H A 200 L o g Reporting, Respirator Protection Program, Noise Protection
Program,
Safety

Emergency/Contingency

Training

Program,

Plan,

Bloodborne

Pathogen Program.
If y o u w o u l d like a n y information about
the H a z C o m training program or any

of

the other services, y o u

at

can call R u n

617-848-5978. R o n is willing to visit y o u at
y o u r c o u r s e f o r no c h a r g e to d i s c u s s y o u r
training needs.

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