LETTER
Golf Course Superintendents

Association

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

OF NEW ENGLAND, INC.

June 1995

GCSANE assumes leadership of

Massachusetts Turf Conference
June Meeting
Monday, June 19,1995
Pittsfield Country Club
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Host Superintendent
John J. Pluta
9 a.m.
10 a.m.

Board Meeting
Coffee & donuts
for general membership
11 a.m.
Regular Meeting (Education will
be Judd Sokol from Soft Spikes.)
11:40 a.m. Lunch
lp.m.
Golf (Barbecue to follow golf.
Cost: lunch, golf, & barbecue,
$40; lunch only, $12; lunch &
barbecue, $20.)
Note: This will be a spikeless
tournament. All those who call
for reservations will be provided
with soft spikes for golf shoes.
Reservations Required
Call by June 15, 1995
PLEASE NOTE THIS CHANGE!
(508) 632-0252
You must pay by check - No cash!
Checks payable to GCSANE

Jack Pluta has been the golf course superintendent at the Country Club of Pittsfield since
1985. Prior to that he was the superintendent
at Westover G.C. for eight years. Jack is a 1974
graduate of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Jack is also a member of the Mass. Turf
and Lawngrass Association, and he has served
on the Mass. Turf Conference Educational
Program Committee. He and his wife Louise,
daughters Emily (aged 2 1/2), and Katie (aged
1 1/2) reside in Hinsdale, Mass. In his spare
time, when he isn't riding his Harley, Jack
enjoys hunting and fishing.
Directions: From the Mass. Pike, take Exit
2 (Lee). At the end of the ramp, turn right
(Rte. 20 west). Continue for 10 miles on Rte.
20 to Rte. 7 north. Club is on right.

mdlMiMLMdiMLiLiMLm

Since t i m i n g is everything, the t i m i n g
n e v e r h a s b e e n better f o r w h a t ' s about to
h a p p e n come J a n u a r y w h e n the Golf
C o u r s e S u p e r i 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 s s u m e s t h e role of g u i d i n g
light behind the 40-something-year-old
Massachusetts Turf Conference.
So, after 36 y e a r s as the educational
e x t r a v a g a n z a ' s telling force, and, in fact,
i t s s a v i o r , p e r e n n i a l d i r e c t o r J o e T r o l l is
stepping down as the show's chairman.
However, G C S A N E president and Troll's
successor, Chip Brearley, emphasizes that
b y no m e a n s is J o e stepping aside.
" N o w a y , " B r e a r l e y r e m a r k e d . " T h i s is
not a takeover, j u s t a m o v e b y our association to p l a y a h e a v i e r h a n d in the
c o n f e r e n c e . W e ' r e still d e p e n d i n g on J o e to
lend his experience a n d k n o w - h o w to the
event as our adviser. A n d . . . Lonnie Troll
( J o e ' s w i f e a n d i n t e g r a l p a r t of t h e f a m i l y
operations team) will share the secretary's
d u t i e s w i t h D e n i s e R u s z a l a ( w i f e of
G C S A N E treasurer Bob Ruszala)."
T h e conference's n e w look will go bey o n d a d m i n i s t r a t i v e change. F o r its initial
o f f e r i n g t h e G C S A N E is m o v i n g t h e d a t e
a n d site of t h e s h o w - f r o m e a r l y M a r c h to

J a n . 15, 16, 17, and from the Springfield
Civic C e n t e r to the M a r r i o t t Copley P l a c e
Hotel in Boston.
Again, Brearley notes that these
changes should not be construed as a result
of dissatisfaction w i t h the p a s t or the C i t y
of S p r i n g f i e l d . " T h e c o n f e r e n c e a l w a y s w a s
a success in Springfield," C h i p said. " T h i s
h a s n o t h i n g to do w i t h f a i l u r e . A s a m a t t e r
of f a c t , t h e m o s t r e c e n t S p r i n g f i e l d s h o w
had a record attendance (1900). However,
w e m a d e the changes in order to b r o a d e n
the horizons of the conference. I like to
r e f e r to o u r t h e m e as ' k e e p i n g u p w i t h t h e
future'. And, for us, the f u t u r e is n o w . "
Troll, whose conference productions
g e n e r a t e d close to one million dollars f o r
turf research and turf school scholarships,
e n d o r s e s t h e c h a n g e a n d t r a n s f e r of a d m i n i s t r a t i v e a u t h o r i t y . B u t h e d o e s it w i t h a
heavy heart.
"This has been our baby," he characterized his and Lonnie's involvement in
the conference operations. " B u t I think it's
t i m e w e g a v e it u p . I ' l l b e 7 5 s o o n a n d I ' m
using that as a bench m a r k in reducing our

continued on page 2

"We're still depending on Joe (Troll) to lend his experience
and know-how to the event as our adviser ...i like to refer
to our theme as 'keeping up with the future'. And for us,
the Mure is now."
Chip Brearley
President, GCSANE

Page 10

continued from page 1

" W e ' r e 9 9 percent sold o u t w h e n it comes

involvement. I also w a n t to m a k e it clear

to booth space," DiRico b e a m e d .

that ours w a sn o t a 'tired conference'. O u r

Edward L. Brearley
189 Matfield Street, West Brldgewater, MA 02379
508-584-6568
Evergreen Valley Country Club

VICE PRESIDENT
Robert DIRlco, CGCS*
326 Fuller Street, West Newton, MA 02165
617-527-6968
Brae Burn Country Club

SECRETARY
Kevin F. Osgood
14 Inman Lane, Foxborough, M a 02035
617-630-1950
Newton Commonwealth Golf Course

TREASURER

a w a y 4 5 vendors fortheindustrial show.

for t h e better part of three years, reminds

" I also w a n t to h a v e it k n o w n that t h e

that theMass Turf and L a w n Grass group

Civic Center a l w a y s treated u s well. I don't

is still a p a r t o f t h e c o n f e r e n c e picture. H e

w a n t to see anyone put a knock on that

also maintains that Boston's more stream-

place. B u t I realize it is not the totally ideal

lined surroundings lend themselves to a n

location. Regardless, I w a n t to s e e those

upbeat attitude.
anxious to see our n e w approach

e v e n t u a l l y p l a y t h e l e a d i n g role s t a g i n g it.

a n d there a r e others w h o a r e n ' t so s u r e , "

T h a t ' s been m y intention, too. It gets m y

he concluded. " B u t timing dictates change

blessing a n d m y offer to help when a n d

in this matter. It's just m o r e advantageous

where I can."

for u s to be in Boston at a time that makes
it a f f o r d a b l e f o r all. A n d d o w n t h e r o a d I

w h o will serve t h e event as co-chairman

can seeour horizons expanding to perhaps

vice president

with Cape Cod representative J i m Conant,

a regional venture in a turf conference a n d

is super-positive

trade show. However, o n e move at a time.

about the conference's

I k n o w it's a right move a t the right time."

n e w dates a n d site.

change a n d w e can't do anything

John T. Hassett
110 Montgomery Avenue, Lowell, MA 01851
508-458-7300
Mount Pleasant Golf Course

that. B u tt h e feeling has been that Boston,

"There

a l w a y s a r e going to b e people w h o oppose
about

a s a m a j o r city, i s a b e t t e r site. I n addition,
our facility is superior to anything we've
"The

vital difference is that w e can

stage e v e r y t h i n g u n d e r o n e roof. A person
attending t h e conference c a n check

FINANCE CHAIRMAN

tion. T h e Copley h a s 1 1 0 0 rooms,

advantage of every phase of our presentajust

James Fltzroy, CGCS*
357 W . Squantum St., North Qulncy, MA 02171
617-328-1776
Presidents Golf Course

booth space as Springfield, a n d meeting

GOLF CHAIRMAN

rooms that a r e triple-A rated. True, it will

Richard Duggan, CGCS*
93 Warren Avenue, Marlboro, MA 01752
508-369-0879
Concord Country Club

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

PAST PRESIDENT
Stephen A. Chiavaroll, CGCS*
6 Birch Street, Paxton, MA 01612
508-752-0031

June 19

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Pittsfield C.C.
Pittsfield, Mass.

June 29

Superintendent Green Chairman Tournament
Wachusett C.C.
West Boylston, Mass.

July 10

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
& Superintendent
Championship Tournament
Indian Ridge C.C.
Andover, Mass.

Aug. 14

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Ponkapoag G.C.
Canton, Mass.

Sept. 11

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
& Team of Two
Championship Tournament
Westminster C.C.
Westminster, Mass.

Oct. 16

GCSANE
Turf Research Tournament
Salem C.C.
Peabody, Mass.

Oct. 18

Shanahan Memorial
Pro-Superintendent Tournament
Willowbend Club
Cotuit, Mass.

Nov. 6

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Hopedale C.C.
Hopedale, Mass.

Nov.
28-29

GCSAA Regional Seminar
Golf History, Theory, Construction,
and Maintenance
The International
Bolton, Mass.

Jan.
15-17,
1996

65th Mass. Turf Conference
& 20th Industrial Show
Boston Marriott - Copley Place
Boston, Mass.

into

the hotel a n d n e v e r h a v e to leave it to t a k e

EDUCATION CHAIRMAN

Calendar

ever h a din t h e Springfield area.

James B. Conant, CGCS*
606 River Hoad, Marstons Mills, MA 02648-1735
508-362-1136
King's Way Golf Club

Michael J. Hermanson
100 Eaton Street, Gardner, M A 01440
508-632-2713
Gardner Municipal Golf Course

GERRY FINN

"I realize this whole thing presents a

TRUSTEE

TRUSTEE

about t h e s a m e a m o u n t of industrial show

cost a little m o r e to t h e individual, b u t t h e
overall quality of t h e setting will offset
that."
DiRico

also disclosed

that

the date

c h a n g e w a s dictated b y a couple of considerations.
"First, those J a n u a r y dates could b e a
practical lock f o r t h e f u t u r e , " h e told. " B e lieve m e , it's not easy to tie d o w n

three

straight days f o r a conference or convention in Boston. T h e city i s a n attraction i n
itself for such ventures. T h e n , there's t h e
fact that J a n u a r y gives t h e golf course superintendent

more

flexibility with his

time. There a r e situations w h e n some supers have to meet responsibilities at their
clubs in early March. J a n u a r y avoids that
possibility; plus t h e date h a s n o impact
regarding
Newsletter Editor . Michael F. N a g l e , CGCS
Associate Editor . Stephan Chiavarci!, CGCS
Contributing Editor
G e r r y Finn
Business Manager
Robert Ruszala
Information contained In this publication m a y be
used freely, In whole or in part, without special
permission as long as the true context is maintained. W e would appreciate a credit line.

M^LljdikMÜALljUHMÜALlMUiMil.

happen

B o b DiRico,

GCSANE

sensitive transition," DiRico said.

TRUSTEE

" I k n o w t h e r e a r e a lot of people w h o a r e

show's intention that the superintendents

Robert Ruszala
69 Gellnas Drive, Chlcopes, MA 01020
413-256-8654
Hickory Ridge Country Club

Scott Reynolds
543 Dedham Street, Newton Centre, M a 02159
617-244-7741
Charles River Country Club

deeper

association involvement in t h e conference

guys (supers) succeed. It's a l w a y s been t h e
PRESIDENT

Brearley, w h o has championed

last show proved that. Heck, w e turned

the national show which h a s

been consistently running in February."
Although
signs

there

have been

scattered

of resistance to the changes the

G C S A N E m a d e i n t h e first a s s o c i a t i o n - l e d
conference, other factors indicate
tance

roars

through

the majority

accepof a

potential audience. Certainly, the n e w look
has been endorsed by the tradespeople.

ilLiildL,llliii.lL]iiiilj.ljiiii.liJi.l.liJiidil,ljtii

Page 10

Tim Super Spmks Out
This month's question: How are you coping with the golf
course superintendent's first challenge of the new golf season —
educating players on the many advantages of repairing ball
marks and replacing divots?
Gary Luccini, Franklin Country
C l u b : " W h e n y o u s a y o u r f i r s t c h a l l e n g e of
a n e w golf s e a s o n , I
think you mean our
f i r s t h e a d a c h e , because that's just what
it is. H a v i n g t o p u t u p
with ball m a r k s on the
greens and hat-sized
t a k e o u t s of t u r f on t e e s
and fairways tests the
patience and compos u r e of all golf c o u r s e s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s , present company especially included.
" A l t h o u g h , a n d I do h a v e t o s a y i t f o r
m a n y of o u r m e m b e r s , w e do h a v e people
playing here w h o t r y to b e c o m e p a r t of the
maintenance t e a m by repairing ball m a r k s
and replacing divots.
" O n the latter count, I like to tell about
o n e of o u r m e m b e r s (a l a d y , in f a c t ) w h o
w e n t to g r e a t p a i n s to p u t t h r e e p i e c e s of
torn t u r f together a n d place t h e m b a c k to
the spot they occupied before she sent
t h e m f l y i n g w i t h a n i r o n s h o t . I s a w it
h a p p e n a n d it g a v e m e a little lift. M a y b e ,
j u s t m a y b e , w e ' r e ( s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s ) getting our point across.
" I ' m a big sign man, myself. There are
signs on all our golf carts, r e m i n d i n g golfers about repairing balls m a r k s and
replacing divots. T h e y ' r e t h e r e a n d every
other place I can tack t h e m up. A n o t h e r
separate sign, located at the accelerator
pedal, serves as a r e m i n d e r a s to j u s t w h e r e
the off-limit a r e a s exist f o r golf carts. I
think they w o r k out pretty well.
" H o w e v e r , t h e r e still a r e m e m b e r s ,
most of t h e m n e w c o m e r s w h o are coming

"A reminder to fix marks
and replace divots should
be automatic when a player
signs in."
Ed Amor
Far Corners Golf Club

over f r o m public courses, w h o p a y no attention to s i g n s or o t h e r f o r m s
of
c o m m u n i c a t i o n relating to ball m a r k a n d
d a m a g e d t u r f situations. Y o u k n o w , one of
t h e s o r r i e s t s i g h t s o n a golf c o u r s e is t o s e e
a b r o w n spot on a green that n e v e r w o u l d
h a v e h a p p e n e d if a ball m a r k h a d b e e n
repaired.
" O n e other observation falls into place
here is the fact that I find our w o m e n
m e m b e r s follow the rules m u c h better t h a n
the men. Not only are they neater, they
h a v e a s t r o n g e r s e n s e of responsibility
w h e n it c o m e s t o t h e j o b o f h e l p i n g p r e serve top playing conditions. F r a n k l y , t h e
m e n could l e a r n a lot f r o m t h e m . "
E d Amor, Jr., Far Corners Golf
C l u b : " W o u l d y o u b e s u r p r i s e d if I t o l d y o u
that repairing ball m a r k s and replacing
divots j u s t doesn't h a p p e n ? Well, w e do
everything but pick up after every foursome around here. E v e n that wouldn't
help. I t h i n k the problem h a s no solution.
"However, I haven't given up. We put
u p signs e v e n t h o u g h t h e r e is evidence
s o m e of t h e m a r e k n o c k e d d o w n a n d destroyed b y some of the players. W e a s k
people to r e m e m b e r to repair d a m a g e d areas, w e give demonstrations on how to fix
m a r k s a n d divots, h u t it j u s t doesn't w o r k .
"Of course, we're a year-round operation, so t h e r i s k to t h e t u r f is e v e n g r e a t e r
because of w e a t h e r conditions d u r i n g offseason days. They are really hard on the
course. F u n n y , too, w e do o u r part. W e
stage tournaments every S u n d a y during
the winter and I can remember using the
s n o w b l o w e r to a c c o m m o d a t e o u r players.
If they'd only reciprocate.
" I m u s t s a y w e do h a v e m e m b e r s w h o
m a k e a n a t t e m p t to respond to ball m a r k
a n d divot pleas. B u t w e also h a v e league
players, once-a-week golfers who don't
k n o w w h a t a b a l l m a r k o r f l y i n g d i v o t is.
"Whatever, I t h i n k rectifying the situation should begin in the pro shop. A
r e m i n d e r to f i x m a r k s a n d replace divots
should be automatic when a player signs in
. . . e v e n g i v e h i m a r e p a i r tool. O t h e r w i s e ,
t h i s is j u s t a n o t h e r s a d s i t u a t i o n t h e s u p e r
h a s t o l i v e w i t h . A i n ' t it t h e t r u t h ? "

Bruce Mclntyre, Olde Barnstable
F a i r g r o u n d s G o l f Club: "Okay, here's
the backdrop here: A five-year-old municipal course, young, innocent with tender
turf - assaulted by about 55,000 rounds of
golf a y e a r . A n d those r o u n d s a r e p l a y e d
e v e r y day of the y e a r (sans s n o w ) on r e g u lar greens. Yes, I said there's no such thing
as a t e m p o r a r y g r e e n at Olde B a r n s t a b l e .
" S o , w h a t do y o u g e t f r o m t h a t s c e n a r i o ?
W e have greens that look like they've permanently been under attack from G e r m a n
measles, and tees and fairways that could
double for World W a r II bombed-out areas.
"Since w e ' r e into numbers, I'd say t h a t
90 p e r c e n t of o u r p l a y e r s d o n ' t b o t h e r t o
repair ball m a r k s or replace divots. T h o s e
f i g u r e s m a k e sense b e c a u s e this is a m u nicipal course. F r o m m y experience (two
private club positions), I ' d say t h a t p r i v a t e
member courses have players who are
m o r e a w a r e of w h a t g o e s into t h e p r o c e s s
of g i v i n g t h e m t o p - n o t c h conditions. T h e y
respect that input, both the physical a n d
f i n a n c i a l p a r t s o f it, a n d t h e y r e a c t a c c o r d ingly. Public players are more interested in
w h a t t h e y ' r e doing, not w h e r e t h e y ' r e doi n g it.
" W e do e v e r y t h i n g in o u r p o w e r to p u t
players on the right track regarding their
r e s p o n s i b i l i t y to t h e c o n d i t i o n of t h e
course. Signs, ropes, verbal reminders,
divot boxes on all tees. Y o u n a m e the r e m e d y . W e ' v e g i v e n it a t r y .
" I t all boils d o w n to a f o r m of basic golf
e t i q u e t t e , a n d I t h i n k it a l l b e g i n s a t t h e
j u n i o r level. I f a g o l f e r is m a d e a w a r e of h i s
or h e r responsibilities to the m a i n t a i n i n g
of adequate playing conditions at a y o u n g
a g e , c h a n c e s a r e it w i l l c a r r y o v e r t o t h e i r
a d u l t y e a r s . I g u e s s it j u s t h a s to b e
pounded into t h e m . . . repair, replace a n d
you reap the rewards in a well-groomed
golf course. T h a t ' s t h e only w a y it's going
to h a p p e n . W e can only do so m u c h . I n t h e
end, it's u p to the golfers, themselves, to
keep the maintenance ball rolling."
GERRY

FINN

"I'd say that private member
courses have players who are
more aware of what goes into
the process of giving them top
notch conditions."
Bruce Mclntyre
Olde Barnstable
Fairgrounds G.C.

Page

10

An introduction to Velvet Bentgrass
byC.R. Skogley,
Professor Emeritus, U. of R.I.
V e l v e t B e n t g r a s s (Agrostis

canina,

s u b s p . canina)
could be the g r a s s of the
present a n d the f u t u r e f o r golf g r e e n s in
t e m p e r a t e regions. L a r g e s u m s of m o n e y
a r e s p e n t a n n u a l l y a t t e m p t i n g t o find w a y s
to reduce m a n a g e m e n t i n p u t s on golf turf.
One obvious, b u t neglected, m e t h o d to
a c h i e v e t h i s goal is to u t i l i z e a g r a s s t h a t
has reduced growth requirements. Velvet
b e n t g r a s s is s u c h a g r a s s .
Velvet bentgrass w a s a common compon e n t on g r e e n s of m a n y older golf c o u r s e s
i n t o t h e 1 9 6 0 s . I n m o s t c a s e s it a r r i v e d a s
a c o m p o n e n t of S o u t h G e r m a n M i x e d B e n t ,
the seed widely used on our earliest
courses. South G e r m a n w a s a naturally
o c c u r r i n g b l e n d o f c r e e p i n g b e n t g r a s s (A.

stolonifera L.), colonial, (A. tenuis Sibth.),
and velvet, and for m a n y y e a r s was the only
b e n t g r a s s available as seed. U n t i l t h e adv e n t of S e a s i d e a n d P e n n c r o s s v a r i e t i e s i n
the 1940s and 1950s, greens w e r e estab-

A Message
from
the President
W h e n the opportunity arose to become
a n i n t e g r a l p a r t of a r e s p e c t e d t u r f confere n c e , t h e B o a r d of
D i r e c t o r s of G C S A N E
embraced that opportunity with
great
enthusiasm. At the
s a m e time the board
had a clear unders t a n d i n g of t h e scope
of responsibilities a n d
a m o u n t of dedication
n e e d e d t o f u l f i l l t h e obligation of m a n a g e m e n t of this conference.
A s the Association moves forward with
t h i s , it w i l l p r o c e e d w i t h c a u t i o n a n d g r e a t
t h o u g h t so as to continue a n d e x p a n d t h e
l e v e l of p r o f e s s i o n a l i s m , education, a n d
p r e s e n t a t i o n of o p p o r t u n i t i e s to its m e m bers, conference attendees, and the entire
turf industry.

lished with S o u t h G e r m a n seed or vegetatively established f r o m stolons.
U n d e r t h e low l e v e l of m a i n t e n a n c e prov i d e d t h r o u g h t h e first h a l f o f t h i s c e n t u r y ,
velvet bent would generally predominate
o v e r c r e e p i n g b e n t . W i t h t h e a d v e n t of increased inorganic fertilizer and water
usage, velvet b e g a n to s u f f e r a n d developed
a poor reputation a m o n g superintendents.
A s velvet b e n t g r a s s w a s w e a k e n e d b y exc e s s i v e m a n a g e m e n t , Poa annua b e c a m e a
prime replacement. A s the following gene r a t i o n s of s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s c a m e into t h e
decision-making positions, f e w w e r e familiar with velvet bentgrass management,
a n d f e w e r still m a d e t h e effort to learn.
A g r o n o m i s t s recognize t h a t e a c h species h a s specific g r o w t h r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r
o p t i m u m p e r f o r m a n c e . B e n t g r a s s e s in
g e n e r a l p e r f o r m u n d e r l o w e r fertility conditions better t h a n b l u e g r a s s e s or
ryegrasses. Within a genus such as
A g r o s t i s (bentgrasses), there is also a r a n g e
of differences a m o n g species. V e l v e t a n d
colonial will m a k e good g r o w t h u n d e r
l o w e r f e r t i l i t y a n d drier soil c o n d i t i o n s

T h e G C S A N E B o a r d of D i r e c t o r s a n d
the Mass. T u r f Conference Committee are
grateful for the strong foundation which
has been developed for this conference by
m a n y y e a r s of h a r d w o r k on t h e p a r t of
m a n y people, and will continue to build on
t h i s f o u n d a t i o n w i t h t h e s a m e level of determination.
T h e possibilities are endless for the future. T h e initial step has already t a k e n
place. T h e next possibility could b e the
d e v e l o p m e n t of a r e g i o n a l c o n f e r e n c e . T h i s
can only be done w i t h a positive attitude,
c o m m i t m e n t , o p e n n e s s to discussion, a n d
t h e u n d e r s t a n d i n g t h a t all i n t e r e s t e d p a r ties including attendees will benefit.
T h e first a n d f o r e m o s t g o a l o f t h e M a s s .
T u r f C o n f e r e n c e is education. T h e B o a r d
of D i r e c t o r s of G C S A N E a n d t h e M a s s .
Turf Conference Committee are committed to continuing to provide a n a r e n a f o r
t h e d i s s e m i n a t i o n of positive i d e a s f o r golf,
sports and the lawn turf organizations.
One last c o m m e n t : the B o a r d of Direct o r s of G C S a n d t h e c o m m i t t e e o f t h e M a s s .
Turf Conference and Industrial Show are
committed to the positive a d v a n c e m e n t of
the turf grass conference as a whole. T h e y
a r e a l s o a w a r e of p e o p l e a n d o r g a n i z a t i o n s '
n e e d s a n d s e n s i t i v e to t h e i r i n d i v i d u a l
needs a n d goals.
CHIP

BREARLEY

t h a n will the creepers. Colonials will tolera t e d r i e r soil t h a n w i l l v e l v e t s , b u t w i l l n o t
tolerate the close cut required on greens.
A c c o r d i n g to H i t c h c o c k ,
velvet
b e n t g r a s s m a y be f o u n d in m e a d o w s a n d in
open grounds from Newfoundland, Quebec, a n d Michigan in the north a n d as f a r
south as Delaware, West Virginia, and Tenn e s s e e . U n l i k e o t h e r b e n t s , it is w e l l
a d a p t e d f o r u s e in s h a d y locations a s well
as in the sun. V e l v e t b e n t is r a t h e r tolerant
of infertile soils, b u t does not t h r i v e on soils
that are poorly drained. Dickinson wrote
that "Velvet greens are what every greens k e e p e r is s t r i v i n g t o o b t a i n " .
In 1 9 3 2 ten professional golfers were
invited to p u t t on g r e e n s a t A r l i n g t o n T u r f
G a r d e n s in Virginia. T h e trials included
four well-known vegetatively established
creeping bents, colonial bents, S o u t h Germ a n m i x e d b e n t s , a n d one s e l e c t i o n of
velvet bent. E a c h professional w a s a s k e d to
r a t e p u t t i n g qualities of t h e g r a s s e s a n d
i n d i c a t e first, s e c o n d , a n d t h i r d c h o i c e . V e l vet bentgrass received the first choice vote
of all ten professionals f o r the best surface.
I n 1 9 6 2 a v a r i e t y of v e l v e t b e n t g r a s s
(Kingstown) w a s released by researchers
at the Rhode Island Station. This h a s been
t h e o n l y s e e d e d v a r i e t y on t h e m a r k e t .
B e c a u s e of declining i n t e r e s t a n d l i m i t e d
m a r k e t , production ceased in the 1980s.
T h e K i n g s t o w n v a r i e t y , like m o s t velv e t s , w a s light g r e e n i n color. S i n c e t u r f
m a n a g e r s (including superintendents) in
A m e r i c a believe a d a r k green color is req u i r e d , t h e l i g h t color of K i n g s t o w n w a s a
serious disadvantage. I n efforts to e n h a n c e
color, excessive fertilizers w e r e applied.
T h i s results in soft, w e a k e n e d g r o w t h a n d
e v e n t u a l l y l o s s o f s t a n d d e n s i t y t o Poa annua ( a n n u a l b l u e g r a s s ) .
I n 1 9 9 4 , s e e d of a n e w g e n e r a t i o n v e l v e t
bentgrass, S R 7200, w a s released. While
e x h i b i t i n g all t h e good c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of a
v e l v e t b e n t g r a s s , its i n h e r e n t color is significantly d a r k e r green. It retains this color
even under low level fertility conditions
u p o n w h i c h it thrives.
Although the light textured, infertile,
a n d acidic soils of N e w E n g l a n d m a y f a v o r
t h e m a n a g e m e n t o f v e l v e t b e n t g r a s s , it h a s
p e r f o r m e d well, w h e n m a n a g e d properly,
in m a n y regions of the U.S. Additional
testing into m a r g i n a l climates will help to
determine the range that velvet bentgrass
is adapted.
From Paul

McDonough.

Reprinted with permission from
The Seed Researcher.

Page 10

Don't forget lessons of last summer:
long seasons + poor weather = turf stress
Dr. Gail L Schumann
Dept. of Plant Pathology,
University of Massachusetts
O u r experiences last s u m m e r should
not be forgotten. T h e y emphasize the enorm o u s increases in t u r f g r a s s stress in recent
y e a r s - i n c r e a s e d n u m b e r of r o u n d s , l o n g e r
p l a y i n g seasons, lower m o w i n g heights, increased demand for "faster" greens.
Combine these factors with the stressful
w e a t h e r conditions iast J u i y , a n d large turf
a r e a s a r e o n t h e b r i n k of d i s a s t e r . A l t h o u g h
the d a m a g e b e g a n a n d w a s a result of the
J u l y conditions, considerable t u r f loss actually occurred in August. Unfortunately,
m u c h of the p r o b l e m for t u r f g r a s s m a n a g ers lies with players w h o forget that the
l u s h c a r p e t of g r e e n is r e a l l y c o m p o s e d of
living plants.

Optimizing Plant Growth
E v e n t h o u g h c r e e p i n g b e n t g r a s s is
adapted to relatively low m o w i n g heights
for u s e in putting greens, the individual
p l a n t s still o b t a i n all of t h e i r e n e r g y f r o m
sunlight strikingthe tiny leaves. Photosynthesis is t h e only process t h a t gives p l a n t s
food.
Fertilizer is a n e c e s s a r y supplement,
b u t no substitute for real food. Photosynthesis i n t h e leaves provides all the food f o r
f u r t h e r g r o w t h of leaves, roots a n d n e w
s t o l o n s t o fill i n t h e b a r e o r i n j u r e d a r e a s .
L o w m o w i n g h e i g h t r e d u c e s t h e a m o u n t of
leaf s u r f a c e and directly reduces the
a m o u n t of p h o t o s y n t h e s i s in a p l a n t . R e duced photosynthesis m e a n s reduced food
f o r t h e p l a n t , so root g r o w t h is a l s o reduced.

Disease

Resistance

D i s e a s e resistance is a biological process
w h i c h r e s u l t s i n t h e p r o d u c t i o n of d e f e n s e
c o m p o u n d s t o fight a g a i n s t i n v a d i n g f u n g i
a n d nematodes. W h e n photosynthesis is
r e d u c e d , t h e ability of a p l a n t to r e s i s t
d i s e a s e s is r e d u c e d . W h e n a p l a n t is reduced to a m i n i m a l size b y low m o w i n g
height, a n y injury by disease-causing fungi
or nematodes, can become a significant
t h r e a t to the health, a n d e v e n survival, of
the plant. T h e s e effects are magnified dur-

ing heat stress conditions w h e n the growth
of t h e p l a n t a n d r e p l a c e m e n t of d a m a g e d
tissues are also reduced.
T u r f is particularly v u l n e r a b l e d u r i n g
conditions such as w e h a d last J u l y in
which high temperatures lasted for a long
p e r i o d of t i m e . T h e s e c o n d i t i o n s r e d u c e d
the rate of t u r f g r o w t h - both in leaves a n d
roots. A t t h e s a m e time, the w e a t h e r w a s
very humid which resulted in extensive
moisture on turf leaf surfaces. These are
the perfect conditions for infection by fungi
w h i c h is w h y a n t h r a c n o s e w a s such a problem iast summer.

New Disease

Problems

A s k a n y diagnostician or turf m a n a g e r
w h a t diseases are causing the most troublesome problems in recent years, and you
w i l l p r o b a b l y h e a r : Pythium r o o t r o t , s u m m e r patch, a n d anthracnose, especially the
b a s a l ( c r o w n ) r o t s t a g e . A l l of t h e s e diseases are associated with compaction and
drainage problems, low m o w i n g height,
a n d i n c r e a s e d t u r f s t r e s s . Pythium r o o t r o t
and summer patch are particuiar problems
b e c a u s e t h e y a r e c a u s e d b y f u n g i t h a t infect the roots. This m e a n s that often m u c h
of the d a m a g e h a s already occurred before
the symptoms appear above ground. These
diseases are also very difficult to control
w i t h fungicides. T h e s a m e is t r u e once the
b a s a l r o t s t a g e of a n t h r a c n o s e is noticed.
Plants with severely infected crowns usually do not r e s p o n d well to fungicide
t r e a t m e n t s . W h e r e - m a n y p l a n t s a r e inf e c t e d , s i g n i f i c a n t l o s s of t u r f c a n o c c u r f o r
all t h r e e of t h e s e d i s e a s e s .
N e m a t o d e problems are also becoming
more common on sand putting greens or
putting greens that have been top-dressed
w i t h s a n d f o r a n u m b e r of y e a r s . N e m a todes are a l w a y s present in the root zone
of t u r f g r a s s , b u t i n c r e a s e d s t r e s s r e s u l t s in
v i s i b l e d a m a g e c a u s e d b y t h e f e e d i n g of
these tiny worms.

Planning

Ahead

S o w h a t can be done to help t u r f survive
these stresses and diseases related to
s t r e s s ? T h e r e a l a n s w e r s lie i n basic t u r f
m a n a g e m e n t . T h i s probably m e a n s an educ a t i o n a l e f f o r t to h e l p t h e p l a y e r s t h i n k of
t h e p l a y i n g s u r f a c e a s a l i v i n g e c o s y s t e m of
o r g a n i s m s . A l t h o u g h m o s t a r e too s m a l l to
see, there are m a n y beneficial organisms as

well as h a r m f u l ones. A healthy t u r f g r a s s
p l a n t i s t h e c e n t r a l f o c u s b e c a u s e it r e f l e c t s
t h e h e a l t h a n d stability of t h e e n t i r e t u r f
ecosystem.
A n e x a m p l e of t h e s e u n s e e n i n t e r a c tions of o r g a n i s m s is t h e p h e n o m e n o n o f
"disease resurgence." In some experim e n t s , d i s e a s e in p l o t s t r e a t e d w i t h
fungicides became more severe at the end
of the application interval t h a n in plots
w h e r e no f u n g i c i d e w a s a p p l i e d at all. W e
suspect that one factor in disease r e s u r g e n c e is t h e d i s r u p t i o n of t h e t u r f
ecosystem and the n a t u r a l biological controls.
S p r i n g is t h e t i m e to consider t h e i m p o r t a n c e of c o m p a c t i o n a n d p o o r d r a i n a g e a s
stress factors. A h e a l t h y root s y s t e m is k e y
to h e a l t h y turf. A r e g u l a r aeration p r o g r a m
is critical to good t u r f m a n a g e m e n t w i t h
increased r o u n d s a n d m o r e m o n t h s of play.
S p r i n g is also the t i m e to consider w h a t
can be done w h e n the heat stress periods
of s u m m e r a r r i v e . W e a r e l u c k y in N e w
E n g l a n d t h a t m a n y of o u r h e a t s t r e s s p e r i ods are relatively short, interrupted b y
cooler periods w h e n t u r f can recover. D u r ing prolonged stress, some turf loss is
inevitable even under the best managem e n t practices.
It is possible to reduce t h e risks to t u r f
b y temporarily
modifying practices during
heat and drought stress periods. T u r f g r a s s
managers across the country have experim e n t e d w i t h some w a y s to help t u r f
survive stress. S o m e m a n a g e r s skip a mowing during heat stress or disease outbreaks,
and w h i p the dew off the g r e e n instead.
T h e y h a v e a l s o t r i e d temporarily
raising
the mowing height during stress periods.
S o m e managers substitute rolling greens
f o r certain m o w i n g s to m a i n t a i n g r e e n
speed. S o m e h a v e also u s e d occasional rolli n g to m a i n t a i n green speed while r a i s i n g
m o w i n g height.
It is not n e c e s s a r y to entirely sacrifice
the playing conditions that golfers h a v e
come to expect. B u t t h e y need to u n d e r s t a n d t h a t some modifications in t u r f
m a n a g e m e n t during stress periods can
m e a n less loss of t u r f a n d b e t t e r p l a y i n g
conditions throughout the year.

From Turf Notes,
N.E. Cooperative Extension Systems,
March/April 1995

Page 10

Meet the annual
Bluegrass Weevil
Dr. Steven Aim, U. of R.I.
This turf insect pest has been particularly troubling for some superintendents
o v e r t h e p a s t f e w y e a r s . P a r t of t h e p r o b l e m is t h e l a c k of m o r e t h a n o n e or t w o good
insecticides for control. A second reason
would be the difficulty in t i m i n g the applications in a n y given year. A l t h o u g h I w r o t e
about this insect in a 1 9 9 2 newsletter, I
have gained a bit m o r e experience with this
insect, a n d w i t h the a d v e n t of some n e w
i n s e c t i c i d e s , it d e s e r v e s a n u p d a t e . G i v e n
m y b e s t i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of d a t a o n t h e life
cycle of t h i s p e s t i n R h o d e I s l a n d a n d N e w
Y o r k , t h e following is m y b e s t g u e s s at this
time as to w h e n y o u m i g h t encounter vario u s l i f e s t a g e s o f t h i s i n s e c t i n t h e field. T h e
following is only a guide, since I h a v e seen
first and second instars on one course n e a r
the ocean, while third instars and pupae
could be f o u n d at a course j u s t 2 0 m i l e s
inland! K e e p in m i n d t h a t H y p e r o d e s is
p r i m a r i l y a p e s t of a n n u a l b l u e g r a s s a t
c u t t i n g h e i g h t s of 1/4-1/2".

April 15 - May 7 - (between forsythia and flowering
dogwood blooms) -firstgeneration adults are emerging
from overwintering sites, mating, and laying eggs. An
irritating soil drench of 1 oz. Lemon Joy per gal. water
may bring adults to the surface and help in your application timing. This technique warrants further research. Liquid Dursban is the standard control for
adults at this time, however, some superintendents
have had good control with Oftanol (isofenphos).
Tempo (cyfluthrin) had Hyperodes (adults) listed on
the lahel but it is registered for home lawns only. This
is due to EPA's concern about the potential forfishkills
with the synthetic pyrethroids. Merit (imidachloprid)
applied at this time has shown 50-70% control of Hyperodes at best and this data is limited in scope. Merit
applications at this time, however, will control the two
generations of black turfgrass ataenius grubs you may
encounter and provide subsequent control of the other
scarab grubs (larvae of Japanese, Oriental, Asiatic Garden, May or June beetles, European and Northern
Masked chafers) that you may have in the fall. Merit
will provide an average of 87% control of white grubs
in the fall if applied in April and 95% control of white
grubs if applied in May.
May 15 - June 25 - Young larvae are actively feeding
near the crown of annual bluegrass plants. You must
look from the top down to locate Hyperodes larvae.
Gently puil apart the grass blade near the crown to see
larvae. Larvae are not found in the soil until they are
ready to pupate. Look in annual bluegrass that is starting to turn yellow. Most first generation damage is
usually done by thefirstweek in June in some years,
while damage can extend into the third week in June
in other years. Therefore in a "normal" year, your last
chance to prevent serious damage is to apply a larval
control either the end of May or thefirstor second week
in June. Triumph (tees, greens, aprons only due to high

fish toxicity) has provided good control of early instar
larvae. Most larvae pupate by June 25.
June 20 - July 4 - Second generation Hyperodes
adults emerge and lay eggs. Control is usually not
warranted. In some locations (Long Island and
Westchester Co., N.Y.; Fairfield Co., Conn.; and other
isolated courses in New York and New England), second generation control is warranted. Low height of cut
in fairways, a preponderance of annual bluegrass, and
good overwintering sites probably make these sites
more vulnerable.
July 7-31 - Second generation Hyperodes larvae are
feeding near the crowns of annual bluegrass. Control is
usually not warranted (except as noted above).
M i g r a t i o n of adults to f a i r w a y s begins
i n t h e s p r i n g a b o u t t h e t i m e f o r s y t h i a is i n
full bloom (April 15). B y the time flowering
d o g w o o d i s i n b l o o m ( M a y 7), m o s t a d u l t s
will h a v e emerged. T h i s is the period (April
1 5 - M a y 7) f o r t h e first g e n e r a t i o n a d u l t
control. C h l o r p y r i f o s (liquid D u r s b a n ) or
i s o f e n p h o s (liquid O f t a n o l ) a r e good control choices since t h e A B W is a surface a n d
t h a t c h i n f e s t i n g i n s e c t . C o n t r o l of t h e first
generation will usually provide season long
control. O n courses w i t h a preponderance
of a n n u a l b l u e g r a s s , c o n t r o l of t h e s e c o n d
generation m a y be needed. T h e control
spray on m a n y courses can often be limited

continued on page 8

DIVOT DRIFT...announcements...educational seminars...job opportunities
...tournament results...and miscellaneous Items of interest to the membership.

MEMBERSHIP
P r o p o s e d f o r M e m b e r s h i p : Landmark
Construction, Friend, Beverly, Mass.; Daniel
Chapin, Affiliate, Landmark Construction.
Welcome N e w Members: Hartney-Greymont Tree Service, Friend, Needham, Mass.;
Mark J.Tobin, Affiliate, Hartney-Greymont
Tree Service; Meco Environmental Inc.,
Friend, Weymouth, Mass.; Brian J. Luccini,
Assistant, Wellesley C.C.; Lycott Environmental Research, Inc., Friend, Southbridge,
Mass.; Christopher Tufts, Regular, Willowbend Club, Cotuit, Mass.

INFORMATION
Congratulations to Dr. Gail Schumann of
UMass who received one of ten National
Teaching Excellence Awards. These awards
are the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
highest awards for college professors.
In the May Newsletter, the GCSANE/Lonnie Troll Turf Research Fund was referred to
as the GCSANE Turf Research Fund apologies for that oversight.
O u r condolences to Larry Bunn and family
whose father passed away recently in Iowa.
äülaUlidLiidliaiJkijDlidLl^iaUiidL^^

Congratulations to Bob & Maryann Dill on
the birth of their son Christopher Hogan on
May 24, 1995. Christopher weighed in at 7
lbs., 14 oz., and measured 21" long.
O n August 16, 1995, the Francis Ouimet
Scholarship Fund will hold its annual Golf
Marathon 3. Any member who would like to
play in this event will be sponsored by
GCSANE. Please call Chip Brearley at 508584-6568 for more information.
Congratulations to Jim Reinertson of Dedham Country and Polo Club who was named
Seed Research of Oregon's "Superintendent
of the Year" for commitment to turf quality
and environmental stewardship.
Diagnostic Update: Disease and nematode
diagnostic services continue to be available
at the U. of Mass. and the U. of R.I. Diagnosis
fee for this year is $50. Disease diagnosis is
done by Dr. Gail Schumann at UMass (Fernald Hall, UMass, Amherst, M A 01003, tel.
413-545-3413). Disease and nematode diagnosis is done by Dr. Noel Jackson at the U. of
R.I. (234 Woodward Hall, URI, Kingston, R1
02881, tel. 401-792-2791). UMass nematode
samples should be sent to Dr. Robert Wick
(Fernald Hall, UMass, Amherst, MA 01003,
tel. 413-545-2280). All diagnostic fees paid at
UMass are used for laboratory supplies and
equipment and do not contribute to salaries.

MEETING NOTES
All those of you who didn't participate
in the Memorial Tournament (Scholarship &
Benevolence) missed a great time. Poquoy
Brook G.C. was in spectacular condition,
thanks to Charlie Dickow and his staff. The
weather, hospitality, food, and golf was outstanding! It's unfortunate that more
superintendents didn't participate in this
event that could directly benefit them.
Thank you, Charlie and staff!

TOURNEY RESULTS
Golf results from the Third Annual Scholarship & Benevolence Fund / Memorial
Tournament at Poquoy Brook G.C., May 22:
Net: 62 - Norman & David Mucciarone; 64 Tome Rowell & Jack Cronin; 64 - Dave
Comee & J. Havens; 64 - Dave Devin & D.
Dufresne; 65 - Bob Healy & Mr. Vigilito; 65 Steve Butler & D. Lahan; 65 - Joe Rybka &
Len Blodgett. Gross: 71 - Jack Hassett & R.
Costello; 72 - Rich Tworig & Dennis Friel.
Closest to P i n : J. Havens & Ron Smith.
L o n g Drive: Chris Tufts.

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 Comicelli-(401) 826-2584
AA Will Materials Corporation
168 Washington St., Stoughton, MA 02072
Top dressing & hunker sand, loam, decorative
stone, & landscape materials. Est. 1886.
Frank Will, Dan Graziano, Kevin LaPorte
1-800-4-AAWILL
Agriturf, Inc.
59 DwightSt., Hatfield, MA 01038
Fertilizer, seed, and chemicals for turf.
Bruce Chapman, Paul McDonough,
Chris Cowan
1-800-346-5048
Baker Golf Cars
40 Walker St., Swansea, MA 02777
Steve Founier, Doug Hooper
(508) 379-0092
Bartlett Tree Experts
153 Rumford Ave., Newton, MA 02166
Tree maintenance, fertilization & consulting.
(617) 969-5990
Bayer Corporation
1516 Capella South, Goat Island
Newport, Rl 02840
Baylaton, Merit, Dylox, Tempo, Nemacur.
Brad Herman-(401) 846-3515;
FAX (401) 846-8012
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
Brennan Sales
P. O. 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. O. Box 520
Unionville, CT 06085
Golf course & landscape supplies.
John Callahan - (203) 673-3699
Geoffrey S. Cornish & Brian Silva
Golf Course Architects
Fiddlers Green, Amherst, MA 01002
Country Club Enterprises, Inc.
P. O. Box 820, Cataumet, MA 02534
Club Car golf cars, carryalls, utility cars.
Jim Casey, Dave Farina, Ed Maguire
(508) 563-2284
Country Golf, Inc.
4852 Westchester Dr., Traverse City, Ml 49684
Golf course construction & reconstruction;
specialists in Donald Ross courses.
Jerry Deemer-(616) 947-5751
Doering Equipment
P.O. Box N, Franklin, MA 02038
Distributor of John Deere golf & turf equipment.
Mark Doering - (508) 520-3629
Elanco Products Company
31 Old Town Trail, Narragansett, Rl 02882
Stephen C. Dolinak - (401) 789-9017
iidUuU^LljdliriliiUliiiiti,,^

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
Gold Star Wholesale Nursery & Sod Farm
Bill Thompson
Lexington, MA-(617) 861-1111
Canterbury, NH - (603) 783-4717
Golf Direction Associates
54 N. Grove St., Foxboro, MA 02035
Business forms, graphics, reports, resumes.
Nora Berard - (508) 543-9822
FAX (508) 698-0402
The Charles G. Hart Seed Co.
P. O. Box 9169, Weathersfield, CT 06109
Roy Sibley, Dick Gurski
1-800-326-HART
International Golf Construction Co.
5 Purcell Rd., Arlington, MA 02174
Golf course construction.
Antonios Paganis
(617) 648-2351 or (508) 428-3022
Irrigation Management & Services
21 Lakeview Ave., Natick, MA 01760-4252
Irrigation consultation, design and
system evaluation.
Bob Healey, ASIC, CID - (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
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
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 Tumiski, 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. O. Box 363, Westminster, MA 01473
Manufacturers & suppliers of organic compost, enriched topsoil, custom planting mixes.
(508) 874-0744
Lawrence R. McCoy & Co., inc.
100 Front St., 700 Mechanics Tower
Worcester, MA 01608
Wholesale resource for railroad ties, timbers,
bagged or bulk mulches, fencing, stakes,
planters, and ice & snow melt.
1-800-346-2269

Modern Aeration Service, Inc.
212 Kendrick St., Newton, MA 02158
Featuring water injection aeration.
Kevin Osgood-(617) 630-1950
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
R.F. Morse & Sons, Inc.
W. Wareham, MA 02576
Larry Anshewitz, Jack Cronin
(508) 295-1553
Nardone Sand & Gravel Co., Inc.
37 Power Rd„ Westford, MA 01886
Specializing in topdressing sand.
Greg Frederick-(508) 692-8221
Agr-Evo U.S.A. Co.
Wilmington, Delaware
David Sylvester-(203) 828-8905
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
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 Piantedosi - (508) 456-6886
Safety Storage, Inc.
86 Sanderson Ave., Lynn, MA 01902
Prefabricated pesticide storage buildings,
gas & oil, storage cabinets.
(617) 599-5490
Sanl-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
Sawtelle Bros.
65 Glenn St., Lawrence, MA 01843
Bob Brown, Larry Bunn, Mike Hannigan,
Frank Higgins, John Lenhart
(508) 682-9296
Scotts Pro-Turf Div.
Allan Cumps, Regional Director
Randy Hamilton - (508) 528-4642
Richard Forni-(413) 534-8896
Sodco, Inc.
P.O. Box 2, Slocum, Rl 02877
Matt Faherty, Joe Wagner
1-800-341-6900
Sports Club Management
104 Wyman Rd., Braintree, MA 02184
Hazcom and right-to-know
compiiance implementation.
Ron Smith-(617) 848-5978

Sullivan Tire Co.
Goodyear specialty tires & tubes.
Tom Wilson
MA: 1-800-464-1144, (508) 580-2222
NE: 1-800-321-0042
Dahn Tibbett Professional Golf Services
d/b/a/ Weed & Feed, Inc.
20 Clark Lane, Marshfield, MA 02050
Specialists in golf course construction and
irrigation installation. We also offer a wire
tracing service.
(617) 837-3503, FAX (617) 834-2392
Tee and Green Sod, Inc.
Exeter, Rl 02822
Bentgrass, bluegrass and blue/fescue sod.
Dave Wallace, Robin Hayes
(401) 789-8177
Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc.
Richmond, Rl
Chris Beasley - 1-800-556-6985
Turf Enhancement Enterprises
Featuring Floratine Products, Precision Small
Engine Co. & Trion Lifts.
Tom Fox-(508) 865-9150
TurfNei Associates, Inc.
21 Brandywine Road, Skillman, NJ 08558
Communication...information...
market intelligence
Peter L. McCormick - 1-800-314-7929
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 Winskowicz
(508) 791-2091
Turf Specialty, Inc.
15 Londonderry Rd., Londonderry, NH 03053
Turf & ornamental supplies.
Bob Flanagan, Kevin Lyons,
Dave Schermerhorn, John Lensing
1-800-228-6656
United Horticultural Supply
P.O. Box 7, Sodus, NY 14551
Fertilizer, seed, chemicals, and IPM.
Glen Larabee - (508) 223-4931
Ed Wiacek-(401) 254-1674
Varney Bros. Sand, Gravel & Concrete
Bellingham, MA
Concrete golf cart paths.
Kenneth Mooradian - 1-800-441-7373
Winding Brook Turf Farm, Inc.
240 Griswold Rd., Wethersfield, CT06109
1-800-243-0232
Winfield Nursery
1320 Mountain Rd., Suffield, CT06109
Wholesale nursery trees & shrubs.
Jeff Rogers
Philip Wogan
Golf Course Architecture
17 Walker Rd., Topsfieid, MA 01983
Zip Type Service
50 Kent St., Newburyport, MA 01950
Design, printing, mailing,
advertising specialties.
Sheila Johnson - (508) 462-9358

Page

10

Turf Research Open House Aug. 3; Athletic Turf Field Day Aug.
Turf Research Open House
Aug. 3 in S. Deerfield, Mass.
On T h u r s d a y , A u g u s t 3, 1 9 9 5 , the Univ e r s i t y of M a s s a c h u s e t t s T u r f P r o g r a m
will host a n Open House at the U M a s s T u r f
Research Facility In South Deerfield,
Mass. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with
Open House activities commencing at 1 0
a.m. T h e s e will Include a n opportunity to
meet with Turf P r o g r a m researchers and
staff, tour the facility, learn about research
activities u n d e r w a y , view renovations and

Meet the Bluegrass

Weevil...

continued from page 6
to t h e a p r o n s on g r e e n s or other a r e a s
m a i n t a i n e d a t c u t t i n g h e i g h t s of 1 / 4 - 1 / 2 " .
T u r f g r a s s a t c u t t i n g h e i g h t s of 1 . 5 " o r
higher a r e not affected. If a second application is needed for second generation
adults, t i m i n g of control should be on or
a r o u n d J u l y 4. I t i s m o r e d i f f i c u l t to t i m e
insecticide t r e a t m e n t s for the second generation since a d u l t activity is s p r e a d out
over several weeks. S m a l l larvae are pres e n t d u r i n g t h e l a s t t w o w e e k s of J u l y a n d
into early A u g u s t . S e c o n d generation larv a e rarely w a r r a n t a control spray (except
as noted above). C h e c k a n n u a l bluegrass
crowns on turf cut at 1/4 - 1/2".

From Turf Notes,
March/April 1995

n e w plantings, and get a hands-on look at
both parasitic and beneficial nematodes.
Registration fee includes a lunch which
will be served at noon.
The U M a s s Turf Research Facility
Open H o u s e will b e held r a i n or shine.
Pesticide recertification and applicator
contact hours will be available for Massachusetts applicators; recertification credit
has been requested from the other N e w
E n g l a n d states.
Following the Open House, f r o m 1 p.m.
to 3 p.m., t h e r e will be a T u r f I n t e g r a t e d
P e s t M a n a g e m e n t Scouting Workshop on
site at the T u r f Research Facility. Topics
will include recognition and Identification
of t u r f p r o b l e m s , s c o u t i n g a n d m a n a g e ment techniques for turf insects as well as
identification a n d m a n a g e m e n t of weeds.
Massachusetts pesticide recertification
and applicator contact hours will be available. Pesticide recertification credits h a v e
been requested from the other N e w England States.
F o r registration information contact
M a r y O w e n , U M a s s E x t e n s i o n , (608) 8 9 2 0382.

Athletic Turf Field Day
Aug. 9 in Springfield, Mass.
T h e U n i v e r s i t y of M a s s a c h u s e t t s E x tension T u r f Program, the N e w E n g l a n d
Sports Turf Managers Association and
Western N e w E n g l a n d College will host
the 4th A n n u a l Athletic T u r f M a n a g e m e n t
F i e l d D a y o n W e d n e s d a y , A u g u s t 9, 1 9 9 5 .

T h e Field D a y will b e held on the c a m p u s
of W e s t e r n N e w E n g l a n d College in
Springfield, Mass. M a r k Altman, athletic
field consultant, will be the featured
speaker. A l t m a n , w h o h a s been involved in
t h e d e v e l o p m e n t a n d m a n a g e m e n t of a v a riety of projects nationwide, will discuss
t h e d e s i g n a n d i n s t a l l a t i o n of a t h l e t i c
fields.
Outdoor demonstrations scheduled to
d a t e i n c l u d e t o p d r e s s i n g o f fields w i t h a
v a r i e t y of m a c h i n e s , g r o o m i n g o f i n f i e l d s ,
r e s u l t s of u s e of t u r f g r o w t h r e g u l a t o r s ,
a n d u s e of r e m o t e control units f o r operating irrigation heads and zones. B r u c e
Robbins, head groundskeeper for W N E C ,
w i l l l e a d w a l k i n g t o u r s of t h e c a m p u s . E x h i b i t o r s f r o m a l l a s p e c t s of a t h l e t i c t u r f
m a n a g e m e n t and related products will b e
on h a n d to discuss a n d d e m o n s t r a t e their
products.
T h e Athletic T u r f F i e l d D a y is designed
t o p r o v i d e a t h l e t i c field m a n a g e r s a n d
crews f r o m both public a n d private facilities, as well as municipalities, w i t h the
opportunity to learn about t h e latest in
technology, products, and equipment, as
w e l l a s to n e t w o r k w i t h colleagues. T h e
N E S T M A will also hold its a n n u a l meeting
a n d election of officers d u r i n g t h e day.
Registration begins at at 8:30 a.m., and
the program runs until 3 p . m . Pre-registration is required: deadline is J u l y 28, 1 9 9 5 .
Registration fee includes morning coffee
and lunch. T h e Field D a y will be held rain
or shine.

02SI0VÎN

'N3CT10H

3AV m O O N H
3 1 9 V N

3 §¥10 isyid
t9 -ON J!LUJ9d
VIAI 'pod/hnqM9N

aivd
96ejsod s n
NBIAJ ssBio j s j y

IS

3MIIN

:oi ujrqay

fSi

«aiiaTsMaví
aux™

m

i