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.

September 1995

Perseverance pays for Giverson & Taylor
September
Meeting
Monday, September 11,1995
Team-of-Two Championship
Westminster C.C.
Westminster, Massachusetts
Host Superintendent
Bob LeBlanc

T h i s is t h e tale of t w o golf course superintendents . . . w h a t might have been a tale
of woe, too, a f t e r t h e y w e r e cut f r o m t h e i r
profession w h e n their service contracts
w e r e t e r m i n a t e d . I n s t e a d , theirs is a joint
s t o r y of p e r s e v e r a n c e a n d u n s t i n t i n g will
to land on their feet in w h a t a m o u n t s to
b e a t i n g t h e s y s t e m t h a t o f t e n finds m a n y
s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s h a n g i n g on t h e edge of
their livelihood.

Board Meeting
Coffee & Donuts
Speaker
General Membership Meeting
12 noon Golf - Shotgun Start
4:30 p.m. Cheese & Crackers; Cash Bar
5:30 p.m. Buffet Dinner & Prizes
Cost: Dinner only - $17;
Golf & Dinner - $40

R i c k G i v e r s o n is o n e of t h o s e s u p e r s
w h o w a s forced to t u r n u p his resolve a
n o t c h w h e n h e w a s fired f r o m h i s p o s t a t
the W e s t o v e r Golf C o u r s e in 1 9 9 3 . T h e
unexpected dismissal sent shock waves
through Giverson a n d his family since he
h a d s p e n t all of h i s c a r e e r a t W e s t o v e r - six
years as assistant to former superintendent J a c k P l u t a and 1 0 as the head man.

Reservations Required
Call by September 7,1995
(508) 632-0252

T h e r e followed t w o y e a r s of u n c e r t a i n t y
a n d u n e a s i n e s s e v e n t h o u g h a n old friend,
P h i l D i R i c o of t h e H a m p d e n C o u n t r y C l u b ,

9 a.m.
10 a.m.
11 a.m.

hired Rick as assistant super and relieved
s o m e of t h e e c o n o m i c p r e s s u r e .
In fact, Giverson credits DiRico and his
fellow supers in the western Mass. area for
m u c h of t h e s u p p o r t t h a t c a r r i e d h i m
through those tough and traumatic times.
"I can't say enough about those guys,"
R i c k said. " T h e y all rallied b e h i n d m e a n d
I really appreciate their interest."
However, Giverson couldn't settle
d o w n to t h e life of a n a s s i s t a n t a n d d e c i d e d
to strike out on his o w n in a n e w v e n t u r e .
Thus was American Turf Aeration &
Overseeding born.
" I kept sending out applications for j o b s
b u t there w e r e n ' t a n y bites," R i c k explained. " I ' d done side jobs to k e e p t h i n g s
going before Phil made me his assistant.
B u t I w a n t e d to be m y o w n boss, so 1
i n v e s t e d s o m e of m y r e t i r e m e n t m o n e y in

continued on page 2

You must pay by check - No cash!
Checks payable to GCSANE
Bob LeBlanc is currently in his 32nd year as a
golf course superintendent. Westminster C.C.
is owned and was designed by Bob's father, A1
LeBlanc. Since 1957, Westminster has been a
totally family run operation. Bob's wife,
Sharon, and his brother Don manage the clubhouse and banquet facilities. Bob and two of
his sons, Robert (30), and Tom (23), manage
the golf course operations. Bob's youngest
son, Mike (22), is the assistant golf pro at the
club. Bob also has a daughter, Laurie (31). He
has five grandchildren, who take up most of
his spare time.
Directions: From Boston take Rte. 2 west to
Exit 24A in Westminster. Go right at end of
ramp. Follow approximately one mile to stop
sign. Take second right after stop sign onto
Nichols Street (across from Cumberland
Farms). Club is approximately one mile on
right. From western Mass., take Rte. 2 to Exit
24. Take right at end of ramp and follow
directions above.

"I can't say enough about those guys
(western Mass. supers). They all rallied
behind me, and I really appreciate their
interest."
Rick Giverson

"... For the next 14 months 1 worked as a
bartender, did some landscaping, and even
hooked up with a courier service..."
Mark Taylor

Page 10

continued from page 1

of t h e golf course, h e s e r v e s a s p r o , club-

equipment, got m y son (Richard) to join m e

house

and t h ebusiness w a s o n its way. Funny. I

administrative step o n its service ladder.

left H a m p d e n on a Friday a n d w e were
w o r k i n g o u r first j o b o n M o n d a y . "

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

SECRETARY

every

" I ' v e e v e n g i v e n a f e w lessons to golf
b e a 4-6 handicapper. A s for the other jobs,

word of mouth to get started a n d his per-

I've h a d experience managing a

f o r m a n c e to expand committed jobs. Right

rink, working behind a b a r a n d sniffing

now h e ' s working on repeat contracts for

around

next year.

Hauschel w a s looking for a well-rounded

T h e service is a relatively n e w one since
Edward L. Breartey
189 Matfleld Street, West Brldgewater, MA 02379
508-584-6568
Evergreen Valley Country Club

and virtually

beginners," M a r k cracked. "Hey, I used to

Giverson didn o advertising, relying on

PRESIDENT

manager,

it i s restricted to a e r i f y i n g f a i r w a y s . T h e
equipment
plan)

(bought

on the installment

is sophisticated

and expensive

the restaurant

hockey

business. Mrs.

individual a n dI guess I w a s it."
Taylor h a s a small maintenance

crew

(three people, including a night

watering

m a n w h o w a s pretty busy this

summer).

e n o u g h to influence golf courses to u s e

H e w o r k s the three top supervisory jobs on

outside m e a n s for t h e project rather t h a n

the course, in t h e p r o shop a n d in the

invest in costly equipment.

Clubhouse. T h a t m e a n s m a n y days without

W e take t w o days to complete the job -

end, o r 6 a.m. starts a n d9 p.m.

finishes.

H o w e v e r , t h e input h a s paid off. Rock-

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

n i n e holes a d a y , " R i c k told. " I t ' s also a
nights

ingham growing in play with an emphasis

I ' m w a l k i n g into m y house a t 1 0 o'clock or

on seniors and students (from n e a r b y U . of

TREASURER

later. B u t it's w o r t h it e v e n t h o u g h I ' d still

N.H.) a n d t h e course is improving

r e t u r n t o t h e s u p e r s ' field i f t h e r i g h t o p -

each stroke of T a y l o r ' s conditioning skills.

Robert Ruszala
69 Gelinas Drive, Chloopee, MA 01020
413-256-8654
Hickory Ridge Country Club

TRUSTEE

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

TRUSTEE

Scott Reynolds
543 Dedham Street, Newton Centre, Ma 02159
61 7-244-7741
Charles River Country Club

TRUSTEE

dawn-to-dusk operation a n d m a n y

portunity presented itself."
American

Turfs

" I ' m m a k i n g it h e r e , " M a r k r e m a r k e d .

territory knows no

hours

a n d s p o r t s fields f r o m G r e e n w i c h , C o n n , t o

W h a t e v e r , I ' m still i n a golf-turf-related

Manchester, V t . Regardless, the most im-

working atmosphere. It'sa job I know a n d

p o r t a n t aspect of his recovery is that Rick

love.

remains

stances that's easy to live with."

in turf-related work.

H e says

that's where h e belongs.

FINANCE CHAIRMAN

M a r k said, r e m e m b e r i n g the telephone call

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

EDUCATION CHAIRMAN

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. Chiavaroli, CGCS*
6 Birch Street, Paxton, MA 01612
508-752-0031

"It happened

to m e

of s u m m e r

That's

years ago,"

They

tions. Nice story, h u h ?
G E R R Y

he received from officials at t h e Haverhill

FINN

Country Club, giving h i m t w o weeks to
pack his bags a n d clear that area.

"There

wasn't even a face-to-face meeting after I
h a d p u t 1 1 y e a r s into b r i n g i n g a dying golf
c o u r s e h a c k t o life. T h e c u t w a s simple.

Calendar
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.

T h e y hired someone f o rless m o n e y . "
Money, o r income, to b e precise, w a s to
become a problem for M a r k , w h o kept getting close calls in efforts t o g e t another
head superintendent position b u t always
seemed to b e the runnerup.
" T h a t ' s w h e n it got a little t o u c h y , " h e
explained. " M y wife, Caryl, went back to
work a n d I did anything that would bring

service between Wilmington and Hartford.
That's when I heard about Rockingham."
Rockingham,

a small

nine-hole

golf

course near Durham, N.H., w a s looking for
an overall director of operations after its
recent n e w owner, J o a n n e Hauschel, took
over m a n a g e m e n t chores. So, M a r k applied
a n d h e ' s been there ever since.
N o w i n h i s f o u r t h season, T a y l o r dedicates

every

waking

hour

developed into a unique

Üiiiiiiii^tiiLli.iüiiMiiiÜÜiiLilmLiiii.j

of circum-

their feet, t a k i n g steps i n t h e r i g h t direc-

so I w o r k e d a s a b a r t e n d e r , did s o m e land-

Information contained in this publication may be
used freely, in whole or in part, without special
permission as long as the true context is maintained. We would appreciate a credit line.

a combination

rewards.

land with a thud. Instead, they're back on

five

scaping and even hooked u p with a courier

Newsletter Editor . Michael F. Nagle, CGCS
Associate Editor . Stephen Chiavaroli, CGCS
Contributing Editor
Gerry Finn
Business Manager
Robert Ruszala

their

were knocked off their perch b u t didn't

in a paycheck. F o r the next 1 4 months or

NEWSLETTER

have

Rick Giverson a n d M a r k Taylor.

M a r k Taylor is another strong example
of a profile i n perseverance.

GOLF CHAIRMAN

"I get 1 0 w e e k s off in t h e winter, so the long

boundaries, since Rick has worked courses

James B. Conant, CGCS*
606 River Road, Marstons Mills, MA 02646-1735
508-362-1136
King's Way Golf Club
James Fitzroy, CGCS*
357 W. Squantum St., North Qulncy, MA 02171
617-328-1776
Presidents Golf Course

with

to what h a s
challenge. N o t

only is M a r k responsible f o r t h e condition

MÙaLIMÌIIMÙALAJALAULUIIIALÌILL

Page 10

" A s for stress on me. I didn't h a v e a n y
in the high heat and humidity times. A h ,
b u t t h e r e a l w a y s w a s t h a t little bit of w o n der in m y m i n d about the possibility of a
p u m p l e t d o w n . I t n e v e r h a p p e n e d b u t it
w a s cause for concern. Regardless, the w a y
w e b e a t t h e h e a t w a s w i t h p l e n t y of w a t e r
a n d Hydrojecting our greens on an every
other week schedule."

The Super Speaks Out
This month's question:

With the heat on the golf course and
superintendent in more ways than one this summer, how did
you manage to beat it?
Joe Rybka,

Thorny L e a Golf Club:
" N e e d l e s s to s a y , w e w e r e b o i l i n g . . . literally, t h a t is.
The
course w a s boiling on
the outside. T h e super
w a s boiling inside.
"We
did
get
t h r o u g h it, t h o u g h ,
a n d w i t h as little d a m age as y o u ' d care to
e n d u r e u n d e r t h e circumstances. Why? I
t h i n k b e c a u s e of a n e w w e t t i n g a g e n t I
tried this y e a r . I t h i n k , too, t h a t it helped
to control the d r y spots a n d hold t h e moisture close to the surface.
" I n our area, the combination of h e a t
a n d h u m i d i t y w a s i n t e n s e a n d v e r y constant. They tell me that we
had
t e m p e r a t u r e s of 90 a n d a b o v e f o r 1 4
s t r a i g h t d a y s . S u r e , it w a s t o u g h , b u t I
r e m e m b e r worse conditions . . . like B l a c k
S a t u r d a y in 1 9 8 8 w h e n m o s t of u s got
wiped out.
" R e g a r d l e s s , the help of the w e t t i n g
agent plus judicious w a t e r i n g pulled u s out
of t h e d o l d r u m s . W e s u f f e r e d a f e w a r e a s of
burnout and some dollar spot on the fairway.
"I'd say m y feeling during the siege w a s
o n e of a n x i e t y m o r e t h a n f e a r . A g a i n , I
report that I w a s very careful watering
b e c a u s e of t h e d a n g e r of s e r i o u s d i s e a s e
when the heat would turn excessive watering into pockets of t u r f t h a t boiled.
" T h e n w h e n relief came, I r e s u m e d m y
regular irrigation schedule. T h e w a r m , dry
days that followed gave that anxiety hold a
release message. Before that the heat w a s
on b u t the course beat i t . . . just barely."
Linda
K e l l e y , B e d r o c k Golf
Course: " W e ' r e a g o l f c o u r s e w i t h a n e w
owner (1992) a n d as a nine-hole course w e
know the turf will take a beating . . . big
h e a t o r n o t . W e do 2 5 , 0 0 0 r o u n d s a y e a r s o
you multiply that b y two a n d y o u get h e a v y
traffic.
"This year the turf had more pressure
t h a n u s u a l b e c a u s e of the heat a n d humidity. P r e d i c t a b l y , w e h a d s o m e disease
problems b u t w h a t ' s most i m p o r t a n t in our
situation w a s the w a y the greens held up.

I think they survived and actually thrived
b e c a u s e of our disease control p r o g r a m .
" T h a t p r o g r a m w a s in p r a c t i c e t h r o u g h out the green (fairways) areas a n d the big
d i f f e r e n c e w a s a p r u n i n g project I conducted in the off-season. It created a m o r e
effective circulation process, and that
pulled u s through the high heat and humidity periods.
" I d o n ' t k n o w r e a l l y , b u t it s e e m s t o m e
t h a t w e ' r e in a n on-year, o f f - y e a r cycle. T h e
last three odd y e a r s ( 1 9 9 1 , 93, 95) h a v e
b e e n e i t h e r v e r y d r y or v e r y hot w e a t h e r
seasons. One thing's for sure. W h e n the
heat and humidity gave up and relaxed
w h i l e w e h a d a f e w cool d a y s , I c o o l e d d o w n
w i t h t h e c h a n g e . T h e p r e s s u r e w a s o f f allaround. T h a t in itself is a r e l i e f . "

Dean Robertson, Kernwood Country Club: " I ' v e h e a r d t h i s w a s t h e d r i e s t
golf season ever, b u t I t h i n k w e ' v e
worse. Maybe it's a
sign of m y g r o w i n g experience or the fact
that I'm at that stage
when everything in the
past w a s either better
or m o r e p r e s s i n g on
the superintendent.

had

" A n y w a y , two factors c a m e to light
W
during the long heat wave this summer.
O n e w a s t h e relief of k n o w i n g t h e club h a d
m a d e o n e of its m o s t i m p o r t a n t i n v e s t ments 1 5 years ago w h e n we put in a n e w
well from an underground reservoir from
the White M o u n t a i n s as its source of w a t e r .
T h e second w a s m y reliance on the Hydroject s y s t e m of a e r a t i n g g r e e n s a n d the
r e g u l a r p r o g r a m of u t i l i z i n g it t h a t I initiated this year.
" B e f o r e w e got t h a t well w e h a d to rely
on city w a t e r for our irrigation w a t e r a n d
t h a t m e a n s w e w e r e subject to restrictions.
N o w , w e h a v e p l e n t y of w a t e r a n d w e ' r e
r e v a m p i n g t h e i r r i g a t i o n s y s t e m to inc r e a s e t h e scope of t h e c o v e r a g e . F o r
instance, the improvements read that we'll
h a v e w a t e r every 80 feet f r o m tee to g r e e n
with heads that throw water 1 6 0 feet in
diameter.

J o h n Kotoski, Pine Ridge Country
C l u b : " I d o n ' t care w h e n t h e r e ' s a lot of
humidity, like w e had j
during July and Au- j
gust,
that
little
n e r v o u s bell in y o u r
own s y s t e m goes off.
A n d . . . it's also a caution bell.
"We
went
two
w e e k s without anyt h i n g c o m i n g out of
t h e s k y . A n d m y g r e a t e s t s o u r c e of u n e a s i ness stemmed from the day-to-day
s h r i n k i n g of o u r i r r i g a t i o n p o n d s . W h e n
t h e r a i n s finally c a m e , w e w e r e d o w n t o
t h r e e - a n d - o n e - h a l f f e e t of w a t e r i n o u r
main pond which runs about an acre in
size. It w a s at that point t h a t w e w e r e
i n v e s t i g a t i n g t h e p r o b a b i l i t y of p u r c h a s i n g
water.
"So, water supply was my big hang-up
d u r i n g the drought. A n d h a v i n g to be m o r e
selective in its u s e caused s o m e d a m a g e
that included brown patch and dollar spots
on the fairways. Consequently, I w a s sayi n g t o m y s e l f , ' f i l l t h o s e p o n d s , fill t h o s e
ponds' w h e n the skies opened up.
" E v e n t h o u g h w e m a n a g e d to k e e p d a m a g e to a m i n i m u m w i t h all t h a t h e a t a n d
h u m i d i t y g r a b b i n g a n d r e f u s i n g to let go,
it s t i l l w a s n ' t a v e r y f u n t i m e t o b e a s u p e r intendent. M y feeling w a s that disease w a s
r e a d y to pop a t t h e n e x t m o m e n t of increased humidity. For m y money and peace
of mind, the rains c a m e j u s t in time. It w a s
s t a r t i n g to get scary all r i g h t . "

GERRY FINN

"The pruning project created a
more effective circulation
process, and that pulled us
through the high heat and
humidity periods."
Linda Kelley
Bedrock Golf Course

Page

10

Topdress for success:

Selection of materials is critical
by Norman W. Hummel, Jr.
Cornell University
T h e p r a c t i c e o f s p r e a d i n g soil, s a n d , o r ganic m a t t e r , or s o m e combination of these
onto a t u r f g r a s s a r e a goes back m a n y ,
m a n y y e a r s . I n t h e e a r l y p a r t of t h i s century, golf course superintendents w o u l d
m i x t h e i r o w n t o p d r e s s i n g f r o m soil, s a n d ,
and manure, often keeping their formulas
a secret.
More recently, topdressing is becoming
as m u c h a standard practice on high maintenance turf areas as fertilization. A s
r o u t i n e a s it s e e m s , I o f t e n g e t t h e s e n s e
that m a n y don't fully appreciate the impact this practice m a y h a v e on their turf,
good o r bad, a n d t h e i m p o r t a n c e of selecting t h e p r o p e r t o p d r e s s i n g m a t e r i a l to
achieve y o u r goals.

Why do we topdress?
T h e r e a s o n s for topdressing golf g r e e n s
and athletic fields are m a n y . T h e p r i m a r y
r e a s o n s a r e to control t h a t c h , to p r o v i d e a
smooth putting surface, a n d to m o d i f y the
s u r f a c e soil characteristics.

An application of topdressing
helps minimize thatch by
preventing the formation of
a physical separation between
the soil and the plants.
Topdressings are also used
to smooth or level the
surfaces of greens and athletic
fields. The putting surface of
greens are kept smooth by
light frequent topdressings.

T o p d r e s s i n g is a m e a n s of biologically
controlling thatch. T h e application of a
topdressing helps minimize thatch b y prev e n t i n g t h e f o r m a t i o n of a p h y s i c a l
s e p a r a t i o n b e t w e e n t h e soil a n d t h e p l a n t s .
T h e m i x i n g of a t o p d r e s s i n g m a t e r i a l w i t h
t h e t h a t c h a s it a c c u m u l a t e s a c t u a l l y p r o vides an ideal environment for the
decomposition of the organic m a t t e r . I n
some cases, the topdressing m a y actually
serve as a microbial inoculum that f u r t h e r
enhances decomposition.
Topdressings are also used to smooth or
level the surfaces of g r e e n s a n d athletic
fields. T h e p u t t i n g s u r f a c e of g r e e n s a r e
kept smooth by light f r e q u e n t topdressings. Irregularities in grade on larger
areas, such as athletic fields, can b e removed by applying topdressings and
floating or regrading the affected areas.

What should I topdress with,
and how often?
The topdressing material you use will
d e p e n d l a r g e l y on t h e g o a l s of y o u r topdressing p r o g r a m . If y o u r p r i m a r y goal is
to p r e v e n t t h a t c h , o r to r e m o v e s u b t l e irr e g u l a r i t i e s i n g r a d e , a n d t h e soil e x i s t i n g
o n t h e site is s u i t a b l e , t h e a r e a s h o u l d b e
t o p d r e s s e d w i t h a soil v e r y s i m i l a r to t h e
e x i s t i n g soil.
Unfortunately, athletic fields are often
constructed w i t h h e a v y soils f o u n d on t h e
site, a n d not well suited f o r h i g h traffic.
T h e s u r f a c e p h y s i c a l p r o p e r t i e s of t h e s e
fields can be improved through a topdressing
program.
Frequent,
heavy
topdressings with a sand or sand mix will
build a more permeable cap on the surface
of t h e soil t h a t will e x p e d i t e s u r f a c e d r a i n age, and improve the
compaction
r e s i s t a n c e o f t h e soil. T h e f i e l d s h o u l d b e
topdressed at least twice a y e a r with a high
s a n d t o p d r e s s i n g a r a t e of 0 . 5 to 1 cubic
y a r d of topdressing per 1 , 0 0 0 s q u a r e feet.
T o p d r e s s i n g s h o u l d a l w a y s follow c o r e cult i v a t i o n to f u r t h e r a m e n d t h e soil s u r f a c e .
T h e s u c c e s s of a p r o g r a m to a m e n d s u r f a c e soil characteristics will only be as good
as the s a n d selected to topdress with. T h e
s a n d should be u n i f o r m in particle size
w i t h m o s t of t h e s a n d p a r t i c l e s f a l l i n g i n t o
the m e d i u m and coarse size fractions (0.25
to 1 . 0 m m ) . T a b l e 1 lists a r e c o m m e n d e d

particle size distribution for a s a n d topdressing for athletic fields.
M a n y t h e o r i e s e x i s t on t h e selection of
topdressing materials for greens, the most
controversial b e i n g s a n d vs. s a n d mix. T h e
p r o p o n e n t s of s t r a i g h t s a n d t o p d r e s s i n g
a r g u e t h a t t h e r e is s u f f i c i e n t o r g a n i c m a t t e r in m a t u r e g r e e n s , so t h a t additional
organic m a t t e r is u n n e c e s s a r y . F u r t h e r more, straight sand is less expensive t h a n
s a n d peat mixes, a n d m u c h easier to apply.
P r o p o n e n t s of s a n d b a s e d m i x e s a r g u e
that straight sand can become hydrophobic, a n d t h a t it is biologically sterile.
Furthermore, research conducted at the
U n i v e r s i t y of R h o d e I s l a n d s e v e r a l y e a r s
ago showed better turfgrass quality with
sand:soil topdressings compared to s a n d
alone.
Newly constructed greens should be
topdressed with the same mix used for
construction; this normally being a
sand:peat or sand:soil:peat mix. N e w
greens constructed to U S G A R e c o m m e n dations or similar specifications h a v e v e r y
little cation e x c h a n g e capacity ( C E C ) ; a n
80:20 sand s p h a g n u m peat mix rarely havi n g a C E C of m o r e t h a n 2 m e q / 1 0 0 g r a m s .

The success of a program
to amend surface soil
characteristics will only be
as good as the sand selected
to topdress with.
Many theories exist on the
selection of topdressing
materials for greens, the most
controversial being sand vs.
sand mix.

Page 10

the market, I would recommend physical
and chemical testing any topdressing m i x
containing compost before you topdress
y o u r greens or athletic turf.

Table 1
Recommended Topdressing Particle Size Distributions
Sand Particle
Size

Sieve Mesh
Size

Athletic Fields
% Passing

Putting Greens
% Passing

2.0 mm

10

95-100%

100%

1.0 mm

18

80-100%

95-100%

0.25 mm

60

0-25%

0-30%

0.10 mm

140

0-10%

1-10%

T h i s i n h e r e n t l a c k of f e r t i l i t y m a k e s fertility m a n a g e m e n t difficult, especially during
t h e m a t u r i n g y e a r s . It is v e r y desirable,
then, to continue to add organic matter
through topdressing.
T h e s a n d u s e d a s t h e b a s e of a p u t t i n g
green topdressing mix should be uniform
in particle size, w i t h m o s t of the particles
f a l l i n g i n t o t h e fine t h r o u g h c o a r s e s i z e
f r a c t i o n s ( 0 . 1 0 to 1 . 0 m m ) . T h e r e is little
tolerance for sand particles larger than 1
m m in diameter, since these will be difficult to w o r k into the t u r f , leaving the
potential for m o w e r d a m a g e . Table 1 lists
m y r e c o m m e n d a t i o n for s a n d particle size
f o r a p u t t i n g g r e e n (or t e e ) t o p d r e s s i n g .
S o m e t o p d r e s s i n g s a n d s a r e v e r y fine i n
texture. While this m a y be working out
w e l l f o r t o p d r e s s i n g older, n a t i v e soil
greens, these s a n d s h a v e the potential to
seal off the s u r f a c e of s a n d b a s e d greens
built to U S G A or similar specifications.
Topdressing should be applied at least
monthly during the growing season at a
r a t e of 0 . 2 5 to 0.5 cubic y a r d s per 1 , 0 0 0
square feet. Infrequent topdressing m a y
result in t h e f o r m a t i o n of alternate layers
of t h a t c h a n d t o p d r e s s i n g , a condition t h a t
no doubt h a s a negative effect on w a t e r a n d
a i r m o v e m e n t i n t h e soil.
W o r k i n g i n t h e t o p d r e s s i n g a f t e r it d r i e s
on the surface should be performed by an
experienced w o r k e r . I s a w two instances of
severe turf injury this past year alone from
excessive d r a g g i n g of g r e e n s following topdressing. If y o u are topdressing during
stress periods, y o u m a y consider brushing
it in r a t h e r t h a n u s i n g a d r a g m a t .

What type of organic matter
should be used?
T h e r e a r e s e v e r a l s o u r c e s of o r g a n i c
m a t t e r t h a t c a n be included in y o u r topdressing material. Well decomposed
products such as peat h u m u s and reed
sedge peats blend very uniformly with sand
a n d a r e ideal organic sources for topdressings. Since there are m a n y m u c k s being
sold as peat, b e s u r e t h a t the peat y o u u s e
is high quality. I r e c o m m e n d t h a t n a y peat
u s e d in t o p d r e s s i n g h a v e a m i n i m u m org a n i c m a t t e r c o n t e n t of 8 5 % ,
as
determined b y a loss on ignition test.
M u c k s h a v e a h i g h s i l t a n d v e r y fine s a n d
content, and will seal up sands.
S p h a g n u m p e a t s a r e v e r y h i g h i n organic m a t t e r a n d well suited f o r u s e in
t o p d r e s s i n g . S i n c e s p h a g n u m p e a t is m o r e
fibrous
than reed sedge peats and peat
h u m u s , t h e r e m a y b e s o m e s e g r e g a t i o n of
the peat f r o m the sand, especially w h e n
dry.
There are some high quality composts
b e i n g m a r k e t e d in the northeast. Quality
composts are available for topdressing materials, and m a y actually be advantageous
to peat. T h e benefits of s o m e composts f o r
disease suppression are becoming well
k n o w n . T h e m a i n d i s a d v a n t a g e of compost
i s t h e p r e s e n c e of s m a l l w o o d c h i p s . A t o p d r e s s i n g s u p p l i e r c a n s c r e e n m u c h of t h i s
out w i t h a 1/4 or 1/8 inch screen. A n y wood
chips r e m a i n i n g on the turf surface will be
removed with the first mowing, without
d a m a g e to the m o w i n g equipment. With
t h e p r o l i f e r a t i o n of c o m p o s t p r o d u c t s on

Can I switch topdressings?
It is n o t d e s i r a b l e to s w i t c h t o p d r e s s i n g
materials. Unfortunately, there m a y come
a time w h e n y o u h a v e n o choice d u e to
supply problems or economic considerations. T h e greatest d a n g e r in s w i t c h i n g
topdressing is the potential f o r l a y e r i n g i n
the profile. If y o u m u s t seek out a n alternative topdressing source, look for a
product w i t h a s a n d particle size similar to
your existing topdressing material. A competent soil t e s t i n g l a b o r a t o r y can a s s i s t
y o u is d e t e r m i n i n g similarities in t o p d r e s s ing materials. Switching a topdressing
f r o m one that h a s no organic matter to o n e
t h a t d o e s (or v i c e v e r s a ) , p r e s e n t s l e s s o f a
layering potential than switching s a n d
sources.
Topdressing fine turf areas can bring
g r e a t i m p r o v e m e n t s to high v a l u e t u r fgrass areas. Selecting the proper
topdressing material and topdressing frequently enough to s h o w some b e n e f i t a r e
the k e y s to a successful p r o g r a m .

Reprinted from CUTT, Cornell
Cooperative Extension, Winter
1995, Vol. 5, No. 4.

Well decomposed products
such as peat humus and reed
sedge peats blend very
uniformly with sand and are
ideal organic sources for
topdressings.
Selecting the proper
topdressing material and
topdressing frequently enough
to show some benefit are the
keys to a successful program.

Page 10

GCSAA to sponsor
environmental program
tor children
Schoolchildren will soon b e able to l e a r n
about nature from such things as bird feeding stations, nature trails and wildlife
gardens, t h a n k s to the Golf Course Superi n t e n d e n t s A s s o c i a t i o n of A m e r i c a ' s
( G C S A A ) s p o n s o r s h i p of t h e A u d u b o n C o operative Sanctuary P r o g r a m for Schools.

T h e A u d u b o n S o c i e t y of N e w Y o r k
S t a t e will administer the p r o g r a m w i t h
help f r o m G C S A A . T h e G C S A A B o a r d rec e n t l y a u t h o r i z e d s p o n s o r s h i p of t h e
p r o g r a m , designed to teach e l e m e n t a r y
a n d secondary schoolchildren about the
e n v i r o n m e n t . G C S A A w i l l p r o v i d e financial support as well as professional services
such as videos and training materials.
T h e p u r p o s e of t h e p r o g r a m i s to t e a c h
students about nature, wildlife, water and
waste. T h e children learn by participating
i n h a n d s - o n h a b i t a t e n h a n c e m e n t a n d con-

servation projects in the classroom a n d on
the school grounds.
G C S A A President G a r y Grigg, C G C S ,
s a i d h e is p l e a s e d w i t h G C S A A ' s i n v o l v e ment with the Audubon Cooperative
S a n c t u a i y P r o g r a m for Schools: " G C S A A
is v e r y p r o u d to sponsor a p r o g r a m that
b r i n g s schools a n d golf courses together to
t e a c h t h e b e n e f i t s of g o o d e n v i r o n m e n t a l
practices. W e believe this program will
help students understand the importance
of g r e e n s p a c e s s u c h a s g o l f c o u r s e s i n t h e i r
c o m m u n i t i e s , " G r i g g said.

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 ; Robert
Aronowitz, Associate, Shaker Farms C.C.,
Westfield, Mass.; McNulty Construction
Corp., Friend, Framingham, Mass.; Michael
Marshall, Assistant, Cedar Hill G.C., Stoneham, Mass.
Welcome N e w Members: Craig Hicks, Associate, Forest Park C.C., Adams, Mass.;
Thomas L. DiFonzo, Assistant, The Georgetown Club, Georgetown, Mass.
Reinstated: Mark J. Klimm, Regular, The
Ridge Club, South Sandwich, Mass.

INFORMATION
On October 12,1995, the N e w England
Championship Tournament will be held
at the Hop Meadow Country Club, Simsbury,
Conn. There will he four two-man teams (by
handicap) from the Rhode Island GCSA,
Connecticut AGCS, Vermont GCSA, New
Hampshire GCSA, Cape Cod GCMA, Maine
GCSA and the GCSA of New England. The
flights, by handicap, are: A - 0-8, B - 9-16, C
17-25, and D - 26-36. If anyone is interested
in playing or would like more information,
call Mike Hermanson at 508-632-2713 or notify him by the September meeting.
Congratulations to Bob (Jr.) and Sherri
LeBlanc on the birth of their son Joseph
Robert on August 4.
In the May/June issue of Chapter Network from GCSAA, proposed chapter
affiliation changes were outlined. Please dig
this out and read it! Kevin Osgood will be
attending the Chapter Relations Meeting in
Lawrence, Kansas on September 9 &10. If
there is anything you strongly agree or disagree with in these changes, please call Kevin
and voice your opinion. We need your input!
These changes, if passed, will greatly impact
how the GCSANE operates as an organization. Kevin's phone number is 617-630-1950.
Please contact Mike Hermanson at 508632-2713 if your club could host a monthly

MLUäAUäiibiUkLÜiiALAälLiMü^

meeting in 1996. He is trying to get the golf
schedule set for next year and is actively
looking for sites. If you could host a winter
meeting this year, contact Dick Duggan at
508-369-0879.
Jack Hassett wants to inform our membership again that forms are available
f o r benevolent aid and scholarships
through the G C S A N E . F o r forms or
more information, call Jack at (508)
458-7300.
Kim Heck, the C a r e e r Development
Manager for G C S A A and publisher of the
Leader Board, is looking for a member or
members to discuss employment security/value issues facing superintendents
today and develop articles for Leader Board.
You do not have to be a writer to participate,
but you would be cited as a source for any of
your ideas that are published. Any interested
members may contact Kim at 800-472-7878.
The University of Georgia has recently
announced the availability of an independent
study course in turfgrass management.
Through the use of detailed lesson plans,
textbook, lab manual, and videotapes, an individual can earn college credits while
completing this course in the comfort of their
home or workplace. All the basic principles of
turfgrass management for both cool-season
and warm-season turfgrasses are thoroughly
covered. For example, some of the topics include:
turfgrass
selection,
soils,
establishment, mowing, fertilization, irrigation, thatch control, pest control, etc. In
addition, the course offers laboratory-type
exercises on turfgrass and seed identification, spreader and sprayer calibration, pest
identification, etc. For more information call
the University of Georgia Independent Study
Office at (706) 542-3243.
The City of Taunton will accept sealed bids
for the John F. Parker Municipal Golf Course
Management and Maintenance Contract.
The sealed bids, accompanied by a bid deposit
of $500, must be received no later than 1 p.m.
on September 11, 1995 at the City Clerk's
Office, City Hall, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, Mass. Copies of the Invitation to Bid may
be obtained for a $25 fee, refundable upon

submission of a bid, by mail or in person at
the City Clerk's Office. If in person, the Invitation to Bid may be picked up between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and
Friday until 12 noon. If by mail, the written
request shall be accompanied by a prestamped self-addressed envelope. It is
suggested that the postage be in the amount
not less than $3.00. John F. Parker Golf
Course is a 9-hole municipal golf course with
a clubhouse, bar and grille, and driving
range. The contract, if awarded, will be for a
three-year period. The city reserves the right
to waive any informalities in, or to reject any
and all bids if it deems it to be in the public
interest to do so.
As A B C was scrolling through the final
scores of the British Open, I noticed the name
of Dean Robertson with a score of +7 for the
tournament. Hey, Dino, not bad for only
playing a couple of times a year!

MEETING NOTES
A special "Thank Y o u " to Rich Tworig and
the whole staff at Ponkapoag G.C. for hosting
the August meeting. In spite of the tremendous amount of play, the condition that the
courses were in before he took charge, the
present irrigation system that he has to work
with and let's not forget what kind of summer we've had, Rich has done a great job to
keep Ponkapoag alive and playable.

TOURNEY RESULTS
Golf results from Ponkapoag Golf Club
Aug.14, 1995 (15 blind holes)
Low Gross:
Wayne LaCroix-62, Low Net: Joe Farina-50,
Mike Cornicelli-52, Eric Newell-54
Players qualifying for American Cancer
Tournament October 2 at Nashawtuc C.C.:
Superintendent Low Net: Wayne LaCroix66, Superintendent Senior Low Net: Arthur
Washburn-71, Affiliate Low Net: Joe Farina66. (These players will play with Jack
Cronin.)

Page 10

Please Patronize These FRIENDS OF THE ASSOCIATION
Advanced Agronomic Services, Inc.
65 Rocky Pond Road, Princeton, MA 01541
Specializing in Verti-Orain deep-tine aerification
Jim Favreau - (508) 464-5159

Doering Equipment
P.O. Box N, Franklin, MA 02038
Distributor of John Deere golf & turf equipment,
Mark Doering - (508) 520-3629

A-OK Turf Equipment
8 Boulder Dr., Coventry, Rl 02816
Buy & sell used turf equipment.
Mike Comiceili-(401) 826-2584

Elanco Products Company
31 Old Town Trail, Narragansett, Rl 02882
Stephen C. Dolinak-(401) 789-9017

AA Will Materials Corporation
168 Washington St., Stoughton, MA 02072
Top dressing & bunker sand, loam, decorative
stone, & landscape materials. Est. 1886.
Frank Will, Dan Graziano, Kevin LaPorte
1-800-4-AAWILL
Agriturf, Inc.
59 Dwight St., Hatfield, MA 01038
Fertilizer, seed, and chemicals for turf.
Bruce Chapman, Paul McDonough,
Chris Cowan
1-800-346-5048
Baiter Golt Cars
40 Walker St., Swansea, MA 02777
Steve Founler, 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

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 C. Hart Seed Co.
P. O. Box 9169, Weathersfleld, CT 06109
Roy Sibley, Dick Gurski
1-800-326-HART
International Golf Construction Co.
5 Purcell Rd„ Arlington, MA 02174
Golf course construction.
Antonios Paganls
(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

The Borden Company
Maynard, MA
Bulk limestone dealer.
Jack Borden - (508) 897-2571

Tom Irwin, Inc.
11B A St., Burlington, MA
Jack Petersen, Wayne Ripley, Dennis Frlel
Paul Skafas, Chris Petersen
1-800-582-5959

Boston Irrigation Company
Dedham, MA
Distributor, Irrigation supplies & accessories.
John Ramey, Paul Kenyon, Robert Barbati
(617) 461-1560

Ken Jones Tire Co.
Worcester, MA
Distributor of tires for lawn & garden, trucks,
cars, Industrial equipment, and golf carts.
Gerry Jones-(508) 755-5255

Brennan Sales
P. 0. Box 1082, Scarborough, ME 04070
Turf care products.
Bob Brennan - (207) 883-5799

Larchmont Eng. & Irrig. Co.
Larchmont Lane, Lexington, MA 02173
Steve Butler-(617) 862-2550

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. 0. 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
Michael Drake Constuction, Inc.
240 Walnut Street, Framlngham, MA 01701
Golf course reconstruction; professional shaper
Michael Drake - (508) 875-8247
ijálLUliüL.ijálirtUlUJiluLljálU^

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 Lazara - (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. Howltt - (508) 761-5554
R.F. Morse & Sons, Inc.
W. Wareham, MA 02576
Larry Anshewitz, Jack Cronln
(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

1-800-341-6900
Sports Club Management
104 Wyman Rd., Braintree, MA 02184
Hazcom and right-to-know
compliance 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 Tlbbett 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. & Trlon Lifts.
Tom Fox - (508) 865-9150
TurtNet Associates, Inc.
21 Brandywlne Road, Sklllman, NJ 08558
Communication...information...
market intelligence
Peter L. McCormick - 1-800-314-7929

Pro-Lawn Products, Inc.
24 Johnathan Rd„ W. Greenwich, Rl 02817
Specializing in turf & ornamental needs.
(401) 397-8880

Turf Products Corp.
7 Coppage Dr., Worcester, MA 01603
Distributors of Toro Irrigation and maintenance
equipment, lightning detection systems, and
other golf-related products.
Tim Berge, Ed Fallow, Rick Moulton,
John Wlnskowicz
(508) 791-2091

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

Turf Specialty, Inc.
15 Londonderry Rd., Londonderry, NH 03053
Turf & ornamental supplies.
Bob Flanagan, Kevin Lyons,
Dave Schermerhorn, John Lensing
1-800-228-6656

J.P. Roberts Co.
Technical resource catalog; survey-weathertesting-measurement & diagnostic equipment.
Barbara Piantedosi - (508) 456-6886

United Horticultural Supply
P.O. Box 7, Sodus, NY 14551
Fertilizer, seed, chemicals, and IPM,
Glen Larabee - (508) 223-4931
EdWiacek-(401) 254-1674

Safety Storage, Inc.
86 Sanderson Ave., Lynn, MA 01902
Prefabricated pesticide storage buildings,
gas & oil, storage cabinets.
(617) 599-5490
Sani-Mate Supply, Inc.
88 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA
Distributor of Karcher hot high pressure
equipment and bulk detergents, sales, service,
and rentals.
Barry Hacked - (508) 752-8888
Sawtelie Bros.
65 Glenn St., Lawrence, MA 01843
Bob Brown, Larry Bunn, Mike Hannlgan,
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

Varney Bros. Sand, Gravel & Concrete
Belllngham, MA
Concrete golf cart paths.
Kenneth Mooradian - 1-800-441-7373
Winding Brook Turf Farm, Inc.
240 Griswold Rd., Wethersfleld, 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
Zip Type Service
50 Kent St., Newburyport, MA 01950
Design, printing, mailing,
advertising specialties.
Sheila Johnson - (508) 462-9358

Page

10

GCSAA joins pesticide partnership program
T h e Golf Course Superintendents Assoc i a t i o n of A m e r i c a ( G C S A A )
has
a n n o u n c e d it w i l l p a r t i c i p a t e i n t h e f e d e r a l
government's new Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program. U n d e r the
program, G C S A A will w o r k in partnership
with the United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), the Department
of A g r i c u l t u r e a n d t h e U . S . F o o d a n d D r u g
A d m i n i s t r a t i o n to develop a s t r a t e g y that
f u r t h e r reduces r i s k s f r o m t h e u s e of pesticides on golf courses.
" W e a r e absolutely c o m m i t t e d to u s i n g
responsible m a n a g e m e n t practices that
p o s e l i t t l e , if a n y , e n v i r o n m e n t a l r i s k , " s a i d
G C S A A president Gary Grigg, CGCS.
" T h r o u g h this partnership, w e ' l l be able to
w o r k with the leading federal authorities
t o find n e w a n d i n n o v a t i v e w a y s t o u s e
pesticides e f f e c t i v e l y a n d s a f e l y a n d to
m i n i m i z e a n y potential h a r m to people,
wildlife and the environment."

T h e s t e w a r d s h i p p r o g r a m i s t h e first
under a commitment made by the three
agencies before the U.S. House of Repres e n t a t i v e s in S e p t e m b e r 1 9 9 3 . T h e
p r o g r a m c o m m i t s the agencies to w o r k
jointly with pesticide user groups.
In a n e w s release a n n o u n c i n g the pesticide initiative, C a r o l M . B r o w n e r , E P A
administrator, said, " I congratulate t h e
companies a n d grower groups that are joining with us for their forward-thinking
a p p r o a c h to e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y sound pesticide u s e practices a n d look f o r w a r d to
seeing others follow their lead."
T h e E P A ' s A n n e L e s l i e , w h o w i l l coordinate G C S A A ' s strategy development,
said, " W e a r e v e r y pleased that G C S A A h a s
joined our Pesticide Environmental Stewardship P r o g r a m , a n d I look f o r w a r d to
working with this professional organizat i o n in d e v e l o p i n g t h e i r s t r a t e g y . "

en v d

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P l a n s call f o r the s t r a t e g y to be developed in 1 9 9 5 a n d a n n o u n c e d d u r i n g the
E n v i r o n m e n t a l G e n e r a l S e s s i o n of t h e
G C S A A International Golf Course Conference a n d S h o w next F e b r u a r y in Orlando,
Fla.

The framework for the strategy emphasizes education, training, research and
continued development, a n d c a r e f u l u s e of
pest control products that pose risks. According to Leslie, s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s a r e
already doing m a n y things very well.
" G C S A A h a s already demonstrated a comm i t m e n t to educate their m e m b e r s in less

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risky pest control methods by initiating a n
I P M c u r r i c u l u m a s a p a r t of their certification program. G C S A A h a s also established
its own E n v i r o n m e n t a l S t e w a r d s h i p
A w a r d s p r o g r a m , w h i c h highlights the eff o r t s of i n d i v i d u a l s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s to
r e d u c e t h e r i s k of p e s t i c i d e s t o t h e e n v i r o n m e n t . A large n u m b e r of s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s
have enthusiastically adopted the N e w
Y o r k Audubon Society's Cooperative Sanct u a r y P r o g r a m , w h i c h is a n i m p o r t a n t p a r t
of t h i s , " s h e s a i d .

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