LETTER
G o l f 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 NEW ENGLAND, INC.

April 1997

S p o n s o r s a n d a d m i n i s t r a t o r s of t h e Troll-Dickinson S c h o l a r s h i p
F u n d - A w a r d e d yearly t o d e s e r v i n g Turf M a n a g e m e n t S t u d e n t s .

Golf course restoration

5s a w&y of life
for Salem C.C. superintendent
Kip Tyler
I t began as an isolated project. Wear and
tear had finally taken it's toll on the 54
remaining bunkers (originally there were
60) at the Salem Country Club. Golf
course superintendent Kip Tyler was
assigned the task of restoring them to the
approximate state that famed architect
Donald Ross left them after designing the
championship layout in 1926.
That was almost three years ago, the
fall of 1994 to be precise. Course restoration seems to have become a way of life
for Kip Tyler. He came to Salem in 1982
after a three-year stint as day-to-day supervisor of the championship course at the
nationally renowned Medinah (Ohio)
Country Club.
"I think that's it," Kip sighed the other
week while reviewing the past 30 months
of priming and primping what has become
a golf course of its members' dreams.
"You probably know this already, that

I n

this

I s s u e

. «

©

Page
Calendar of Events
The Super Speaks Out
?
4
Remember When?
Sand - What's the Big Deal? . .
Update on Washed Sod Research . 5
Friend of the Association Profile . . 5
Divot Drift
6
Host Superintendent Profile . . . . 8

. 2

. 4

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Before and after . . .

A view of the restored 16th green bunker at Salem Country Club, Salem, Mass.

restoration is an ongoing thing. Right
after you finish and figure you're near
perfection, there's another form of deterioration starting somewhere else. It never
ends on the golf course."
The latest bunker restoration accomplishment has directed the spotlight on
Tyler, who has now become a much
sought-after speaker in this particular
aspect of golf course maintenance. Kip
has appeared at seminars and conferences
as a headliner in Albany,N.Y., the USGA
gathering in Bolton, Mass., Penn State
University, and at an international meeting of turf management minds in
Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Usually, bunker restoration is a bits
and pieces endeavor and is taken care of
by in-house personnel and methods.
Salem's project however, involved an
outside contractor specializing in bunker
work. The first ground breaking was made

in the latter stages of the 1994 golf season. The final sweeps of the finishing rake
completed the job the following spring.
"My main contribution was to order
materials, decide in what order the
bunkers would be restored, and keep the
sod alive," Kip explained. That part was
masterpiece in the making because Salem
members never missed any considerable
continued

on page 2

e

You wouldn't have believed
this place last Juiy. it looked
like a bomb explosion
experimental sited'
Kip Tyler
Salem C.C.

Page 4

things turned outs
we took a four-year plan
and got through it in
eight months/0
Kip Tyler
Salem C.C.
PRESIDENT
Robert DIRico, C G C S
3 2 6 Fuller Street, W e s t N e w t o n , M A 0 2 1 6 5
617-527-6968
Fax 6 1 7 - 5 2 7 - 0 0 6 9
Srae B u m Country Club
VICE PRESIDENT
K e v i n F. O s g o o d
14 Inman Lane, Foxborough, M A 02035
617-630-1950
Fax 617-969-8756
N e w t o n C o m m o n w e a l t h Golf Course
SECRETARY
J a m e s Fitzroy, C G C S
357 W . S q u a n t u m Street, North Quincy, M A 02171
617-328-1 776
Fax 6 1 7 - 3 2 8 - 9 4 7 9
Presidents Golf C o u r s e
TREASURER
Robert Ruszala
69 Gelinas Drive, Chioopee, M A 0 1 0 2 0
413-256-8654
Fax 4 1 3 - 5 9 2 - 0 1 2 0
Hickory Ridge Country Club
TRUSTEE
Michael Nagle, CGCS
51 L i n c o l n A v e n u e , H o l d e n , M A 0 1 5 2 0
508-853-6574
Fax 5 0 8 - 8 5 6 - 7 1 7 0
Worcester Country Club
TRUSTEE
David C o m e e
65 M a r q u e t t e Street, Gardner, M A 0 1 4 4 0
508-297-1223
Fax 5 0 8 - 2 9 7 - 0 9 1 1
The W i n c h e n d o n School Country Club
TRUSTEE
A r t h u r Sllva, C G C S
35 Pennacook Road, Tewksbury, M A 01701
617-484-5360
Fax 6 1 7 - 4 8 4 - 8 3 2 1
Belmont Country Club
FINANCE CHAIRMAN
J a m e s B. C o n a n t , C G C S
6 3 9 S o u t h Street, Pittsfield, M A 0 1 2 0 2
413-447-8506
Fax 4 1 3 - 4 4 7 - 8 5 0 2
C o u n t r y C l u b of Pittsfield
GOLF C H A I R M A N
M i c h a e l J. H e r m a n s o n
100 Eaton Street, Gardner, M A 0 1 4 4 0
508-632-2713
Fax 5 0 8 - 6 3 2 - 2 0 2 9
G a r d n e r M u n i c i p a l Golf C o u r s e
EDUCATION CHAIRMAN
Michael V. lacono, C G C S
42 N e w t o n Street, W e s t o n , M A 02193
617-899-7913
Fax 6 1 7 - 6 4 7 - 0 6 0 2
Pine B r o o k C o u n t r y C l u b
NEWSLETTER CHAIRMAN
W a y n e F. L a C r o I x , C G C S
97 Gould Road, Andover, M A 01810
508-475-6638
Fax 5 0 8 - 4 7 5 - 9 4 8 8
Andover Country Club
PAST PRESIDENT
E d w a r d L. B r e a r l e y
189 Matfleld Street, W e s t Brldgewater, M A 0 2 3 7 9
508-584-6568
Fax 5 0 8 - 5 8 3 - 0 9 7 8
D a h n T i b b e t t Professional Golf Services

THE i

NEWSLETTER
m r

G C S A N E Headquarters - Golf House
190 Park Road, Weston, M a 0 2 1 9 3
(800) 8 3 3 - 4 4 5 1
Fax (617) 8 9 3 - 6 1 3 7
Newsletter Editor . . . W a y n e L a C r o i x , C G C S
Contributing Editor
Gerry Finn
Business Manager
Robert Ruszala
Information c o n t a i n e d in this publication m a y b e
u s e d f r e e l y , in w h o l e o r i n p a r t , w i t h o u t s p e c i a l
p e r m i s s i o n a s l o n g a s t h e t r u e c o n t e x t is m a i n t a i n e d . W e w o u l d a p p r e c i a t e a c r e d i t line.

llllälifti lÜ¿iliUáll¡Li*UÍllljÉÍl

continued from page 1
playing time while the project was
in progress. "They (members) just kept
on playing and we kept on working."
The bunker restoration was realized
in a relatively short period of time. The
waning days of one season spilling over
into the next. However, as Tyler suggests,
restoration was not completed and put
into storage. Improvements in other areas
followed the bunkers' cosmetic surgery.
On January 5, 1996, Jerry Deemer began
a four-year plan that would upgrade the
course just in time for hosting the 2001
USGA Senior Open. The main thrust of
this project was the removal of 300 trees,
rebuilding of every tee, and construction
of new tees on selected holes.
"I think we came in ahead of schedule," Kip commented. "As things turned
out, we took a four-year plan and got
through it in eight months. When we
looked over the fruits of our labor last
October, the job was ready for delivery."
Included in the plan for the preparation of the Senior Open field were miles
of refurbished cart paths, relocation of
some of those paths, construction of a
driving range facility, and construction
of a short-game practice area.
"You wouldn't have believed this place
last July," Tyler said. "It looked like a
bomb explosion experimental site. Those
cart paths are very close to perfection.
We hot-topped all of them and greened
them up on the sides with seeding and
sod (17, 500 sq.ft). All this time the
members had a golf course to play and,
may I add, a good one.
It's virtually understood that Salem's
members could expect nothing less from
their golf course superintendent, who
possesses a commanding eye, mind,
and perceptive touch for everything he
attempts.
Kip has done similar projects when he
vaulted into a responsible post at Medinah
C.C. during his second year out of college
iiiaMliitotl

(Ohio State). It seems he has the knack
for tackling the impossible and turning it
into reality.
One of his gems reveals itself every
month on these pages. At the opening
of the GCSANE business year in 1990
Kip took over the organization's newsletter as editor-in-chief. And, true to his
potential, he took over in grand and
convincing style.
From the start, Kip was into new ideas.
He began the side feature of profiling
Friends of the Association, increased the
publication's size, and went full throttle in
the area of The Newsletter content.
When he bowed out three years later,
Kip had some glib comments about the
experience. "I figure I made 216 trips to
the printer in my three years as editor,"
he told. "That breaks down to six trips
a month, either to the printer or the
photo store. I learned what newspaper
deadlines and commitment are all about.
It taught me not to look at a job and tell
yourself this is something that'll wait
until tomorrow. No way."
Restoring . . . rebuilding . . . redesigning . . . rejuvenating. All are in the Kip
Tyler lexicon, and part of a glittering
resume. When he comes in more than
three years ahead of schedule, you know
it can be done. You also know that Kip
Tyler's calling card came with it.

GERRY FINN

Calendar
April 2 2

Pro/Media/Superintendent
Tournament
Walpole Country Club
W a l p o l e , Mass.
S u p t . - M a r k D. Gagne, CGCS

April 2 8

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
J u n i p e r Hill C o u n t r y C l u b
N o r t h b o r o u g h , Mass.
S u p t . - T h o m a s L. Ackley

May 5

GCSANE Scholarship
& Benevolence Tournament
Cohasset Country Club
C o h a s s e t , Mass.
Supt. - James Carrol

June 9

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Eastward Ho Country Club
H a r w i c h , Mass.
S u p t . - B r i a n C o w a n , CGCS

July 7

T e a m of T w o C h a m p i o n s h i p
Tedesco Country Club
M a r b l e h e a d , Mass.
Supt. - Peter Hasak

Page

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^MMmmmmUM

Th® Suffer SD§A

Out

This month's question: How do you take on
the attack of the dreadful legions of Canada
and how is that battle going?
Steve Lewis, The Georgetown Club:
"We're on the hit list of all unwanted fowl,
but Canada geese seem to be the most
brazen of them all.
"They like the short grass and places
close to the water. One of our greens,
fronting a hazard, gets hit the hardest.
At times it is completely covered with
droppings.
"I'd say we average around 50 to 75
geese a day during the season. We've had
some success with bottle rockets shot
over their heads. I've also used a gun that
gives off a loud explosion that scares and
shocks the birds. It has the sound of a
huge fireworks going off.
"We use this gun every so often,
maybe once every three weeks. However,
we're thinking of getting a dog . . . collie
or Labrador retriever. That might be the
way to go, because some of those geese
are getting used to the explosives. They're
getting smarter all the time."
Dave D'Andrea, Juniper Hill Country
Club: "You're talking to a person who's
eaten Canada geese. We've thinned out
the flock using hunters who are licensed
to work geese-infested areas like ours.
You only eat the breast, you know. Other
than that, those birds are all muscle.
"Anyway, the hunters take care of
some of the culprits (we have as many as
200 at a time here). Another method is
allowing river and pond edges to grow.
The geese don't like to walk through it.
Unfortunately, it does make the overall
view of the affected holes look ragged.
"Still one more deterrent is to string
fishing line in a grid pattern along the
water and other hazards. We'll try anything, since one goose is capable of
producing as many as three pounds of
excrement a day. You can't use it for
fertilizer, either.
"All of those things aren't the cure-all
though. According to what I've heard and
ailjJaLdjiHialJnali.ljiili.bJiH.dJH.ili,^^

4

geese,

experienced, the best thing to get is a
border collie. I have a friend who walks
his collie in the vicinity of our club, and
you can tell the difference in the amount
of geese here when he's around. Yeah, I
think getting a dog may be the answer."
K e n Crimmigs, Marlboro Country Club:
"Up until last year we had around 100 livein Canada geese. They just took residence
on the course and nothing or nobody was
going to move them off.
"We went through the many methods
of keeping them off the property. We tried
the explosive gun bit and used fishing
lines to string along the edges of water
hazards. The favorable results were very
few. What's more, they didn't last. The
geese didn't like them, but it didn't keep
them away permanently.
"Then last April the club purchased a
border collie. His name is Wisp and he
came trained to keep the geese off the
property. The breeder, I believe it's a lady
in North Carolina, has 100 dogs doing
this same job. They're spread throughout
the Northeast, and all the reports say they
do the trick.
"Our experience has been right on
the money. Wisp stays in the kennel at
the club and comes home with me. He's a
good pet, not vicious, and hardly makes
a sound. He's a medium-sized dog weighing about 50 pounds.
"Since we started using him the geese
have kept away from the course. When
they think of flying in, I either give Wisp
the command to go after them, or if he
sees them first, he takes off on his own.
"The dog is trained to leave golf balls
alone and not bother players. In fact, he's
just as gentle as can be with people. I
don't know how the geese react or why,
because he doesn't make a sound when
he's at work. All he has to do is take off in
the bird's direction and they beat it out of
here. It's really amazing."

M i k e Luccini, Brookmeadow Country
Club: "This course has had a double
experience with dogs, trying to get rid
of Canada geese.
"Before I came here another dog was
tried. I want to say that it was a Labrador
retriever, but I'm not sure. It turns out he
wasn't aggressive enough and he couldn't
get the job done.
"Now, we have two other dogs. One
belongs to the club pro and he's a Sheltie,
which is another name for a Shetland
sheepdog. He works the course along
with my dog, a border collie named Dino.
"With those two roaming the grounds,
the geese don't have a chance. Before
our dogs took over the job of putting the
birds to flight, the course would experience days when a few hundred geese
were on board.
"I like my dog, probably because I
trained him myself. I got him through a
want-ad. He was four months old at the
time, and I paid only $100 for him.
"The clean-out schedule goes like this.
Dino's out on the course before the sun
comes up and he stays there until I bring
him home. He reacts to signals and knows
where to go to find the birds. He seems to
act by instinct rather than to the ways I've
taught him. Either way, he's terrific.
"He's become very popular with our
players, too. Sometimes you see a golfer
playing with him while waiting to tee off.
He's certainly a welcome addition here.
He's our hero when it comes to keeping
geese off the course and out of the way.
For a hundred bucks we've licked what
once was a big problem."

GERRY FINN

es

Dino's out on the course
before the sun comes up
and he stays there until
I bring him home. He
reads to signals and
knows where t o fend the
birds. He seems to act by
instinct rather than to
the ways I've taught him."
Mike Luccini
Brookmeadow C.C.

Page 4

Turf Science

What's the big deal? It's only sané, right?
by Greg
Manager,
Nardone

Fredericks
Golf
Operations
Sand & Gravel Co., Inc.

What's the big deal? It's only sand. You
just dig it out of the ground, right? Not
Exactly!
Unfortunately, as sand producers, we
hear this all too often. You as golf course
superintendents and managers probably
hear it, too, when trying to justify the cost
to your membership or owners. Sand,
regardless if it is used for bunkers, topdressing, or a child's sand box, must meet
certain gradations to be fully effective.
Golf sands that are not properly washed
and graded can interfere with play, damage mowing equipment, and in some
cases, kill turf. With these possible negative ramifications, selection of the proper
sand is not only important, but essential.
To fully understand the process of
sand production and classification, we
must first go back over two million years
ago to the Ice Age in North America. It
was during this period that glaciers of ice
over 10,000 feet thick covered the land.
As the glacier began to melt and move, it
pushed with it sand, soil, rocks, and debris like a giant bulldozer. In it's wake
were left the mountains, valleys, and
ridges that shape the landscape as we see

it today. It is within these ridges (eskers)
that we find the complex mix of raw materials necessary to produce the many
different sands and gravels of today.
The source and mix of the raw material
can vary greatly in a relatively short distance. It is essential to locate a source
that contains enough of the correct site
particles that will ultimately make up the
finished product. It is equally important
to find a source that is large enough to
insure consistent color, texture, and
gradation for many years to come.
A typical sand and gravel processing
plant cannot magically transform the
wrong material into the right material.
However, it is possible to improve on
what mother nature gave us. By using specific processing equipment, we are able to
size, separate, wash, and mix various sand
particles into the correct gradations required for a particular use. If the goal is
to produce a finished product where all
particles fall between 1.00 mm and 25
mm, it is the duty of the processing plant
to wash and separate the desired particles
from the undesired particles, leaving behind the correct product ready for use.
In the golf industry today, there are
various sands in use. Each one has own
specifications formulated to achieve a desired result. Bunker sand, for example, is

comprised of specifications derived from
the following considerations:
(1) Color. Will the sand be aesthetically
pleasing? Will the color hinder the golfers' play?
(2) Drainage. Will the bunkers drain
quickly and efficiently after heavy rain or
irrigation?
(3) Particle Size. Will the sand be fine
enough not to impede play, damage clubs,
or damage mowing equipment?
(4) Stability. Will the sand be firm
enough to not shift under the player's
feet? Will the ball sit up when hit into it?
The USGA has specified a gradation
for bunker sand where all particles should
be in a range of 1.00 mm to .25 mm, with
a majority falling between .25 mm and .50
mm. Sand of this gradation is extremely
uniform and fine. Although this sand will
have excellent drainage capabilities, it will,
because of it's uniformity, resist compaction, remain live, and increase the chance
of "fried egg lies."
Demands by players for a bunker sand
that is firm enough to resist "fried egg
lies," but still soft enough to allow proper
club follow-through were common. This
posed a unique problem. A recipe had to
be created to produce bunker sand dense
enough to compact, yet uniform enough
continued on page 6

GCSANE News

gg

Remembe[? when?": People & events ofGCSANE's

Hemember when? recalls GCSANE's significant events and individuals of the past.
25 years ago
GCSANE president Robert Grant presented a plaque to Lawrence S. Dickinson
Scholarship winner Allen Fogarty, a senior at Stockbridge School of Agriculture,
during the April meeting.
One month earlier, at the Mass. Turf
Conference at the Highpoint Motor Inn,
Chicopee Falls, Mass., four other Stockbridge students received GCSAA Scholarships from National Director Charles
Baskin of Waterbury (Conn.) C.C. Those
students were Frederick Cheney, Irwin
Nash, Niels Oleson and Frank Santos.

15 years ago
The GCSANE was well represented
at the annual MGA Mass. Spring Conference at the Marriott in Newton, Mass.
Brian Cowan enlightened an appreciative audience on the intricacies of golf
course irrigation installation. Dave Barber
was the featured speaker in a presentation
on communication between club members
and superintendent. Another interesting
subject was preparation of a golf course
for a USGA championship. Pete Coste did
the honors on that one, explaining his
management program for course conditioning of The Country Club for the
United States Amateur Championship.

past

5 years ago
The MGA hailed two GCSANE members for outstanding course preparation.
Cited were Bob DiRico of Brae Burn C.C.
for bringing that course to peak condition
for the 1991 state amateur championship,
and Salem's Kip Tyler for treating Mass.
Open contestants to top golfing conditions.
Speaking of the MGA, GCSANE president Steve Chiavaroli announced that the
state's governing group approved a grant
of $2,500 to help fund GCSANE participation in the Green Industry Council for
1992. Steve said Don Hearn and Eric Newell would represent the association on the
council's government affairs committee.
GEKRY FINN

à

Page 4

Turf Science

Tfce latest research
by Bridget
University

Ruemmele
of Rhode Island

I t is with pleasure that I write regarding
our efforts in optimizing washed sod establishment and maintenance. The support of
the Lonnie Troll/GCSANE Turf Research
Fund has been instrumental in conducting
washed sod research at the University of
Rhode Island for the past three years. Dr.
Noel Jackson and student assistants have
been cooperators with this project.
Establishment using soilless sod
increased dramatically with introduction
of equipment to strip soil from turf prior
to shipment and establishment. This is
beneficial for establishing sod in locations
containing soil types differing from those
on which it is produced. Removing original soil avoids deleterious interfaces
between the two soils, which may impede
water infiltration and proper rooting.
Washed sod also weighs less, reducing
shipping costs, and may establish faster
than sod with soil attached.
Although benefits to washed sod exist,
potential difficulties need to be addressed.
Minimal research has been reported on
washed sod establishment. Heating in transit, as well as management after laying the
washed sod, may be problematic. Included
in the latter may be disease, and the need
for topdressing, fertility, and water management different than conventional sod.
Pre-1996

Experiments

Experiments conducted at the University of
Rhode Island examined establishment timing after
harvest, rooting media, fungicide applications, fertility levels, golf shoe wear, topdressing frequency, and
interactions among the above.
Placement of turf greater than 40 hours after sod
harvesting may also result in unacceptable turf quality u n d e r conventional shipping conditions.
Successive planting onto the same sand:peat mix
also resulted in reduced turf quality.
Fungicide treatments to control pythium and
dollar spot invasion were investigated on native soil
(silt loam) and 80:20 sand:soil/peat bases. Significant differences were noted in rooting depth, root
mass, color, density, and vigor among the fungicidetreated and untreated sod strips. Topdressing
improved turf quality across all fungicide treatments.
Fertilization every other week at a rate of 225
pounds actual nitrogen per acre (26-7-12 analysis
fertilizer) significantly improved turf vigor and density without affecting rooting.

on optimizing

Golf shoe traffic significantly reduced quality and
recovery regrowth compared to plots receiving no
shoe traffic within two months after establishment.
Fungicide-treated plots generally withstood golf
shoe traffic better than untreated plots.

1996

Results

Experiments in 1996 focused on soil amendments, fertility, topdressing, surfactant, and wear
stress management effects on establishing washed
sod. Dollar spot control continued to be important
in turf establishment. Quality significantly decreased
without use of fungicides. The second resodding of
site one occurred as a result of unexpected response
to windy conditions the day after sod was installed.
Although plots typically required three irrigations
per day during summer establishment, a particularly
windy day after the July installation resulted in sod
completely drying. Watering and manipulation of the
sod enabled the plot to be recovered, but the site was
reestablished within one week so as to not interfere
with experimental treatments. Adjacent extra sod
did, however, recover from the extreme drying.
Experiments one and two evaluated peat mixes
enhanced by topdressing. The sod rooting measured
in the spring of 1996 occurred on sod installed
November, 1995. This sod did not initiate rooting
until the following spring, yet establish-ment was
successful. There were trends for Irish peat to have
enhanced rooting in the spring experiment. While
topdressing generally enhanced turfgrass growth,
this was not as consistently obvious as in 1995
experiments. Aerification with and without topdressing is a key treatment that has yet to be investigated.
This is planned for 1997.

washed

sod

The summer experiment showed an interesting
result with the 10% Irish peat. Although among the
highest root mass in spring, it had the lowest root
mass in summer. This may at first appear contradictory until one looks at root lengths. The 10% Irish
treatment had the longest rooting. One explanation
for the reduced root mass of this treatment may be
that deeper roots made up a significant portion of
this treatment's root mass, but were not recovered
by the sampling process.
Experiment three wear results showed the most
significant reduction in rooting and turf quality
occurred when walking commenced two or four
weeks after sod installation. Six week wear treatments were much less severe on rooting and quality
reduction compared to the two and four week treatments. Previous experiments conducted in 1995
showed that addition of fertilizer and topdressing
could enhance turf growth to overcome some wear
stress, thereby permitting earlier acceptable use of
washed sod establishments.
Experiment four results indicated that initially
the Naiad treatment responded best, although its
effect dropped off sooner than that of Primer and
AquaGro-L with respect to rooting. Observer ratings
varied widely. Some perceived the initial darkening
caused by AquaGro-L as a positive attribute, while
others perceived it as a stress, the latter of which is
what is normally attributed to this product. Surfactants may enhance washed sod establishment, but
additional trials are needed to confirm this.
Experiment five results are not complete, since
some are being done in conjunction with another
company. Some general observations indicate

continued on page 8

Friend of the Association Profile

Meet Cedar

Lúwfí

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Ashland Mass., has provided arboricultural services in the Boston MetroWest area
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The staff at Cedar Lawn includes nine
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diverse arboricultural services to meet the
needs of our clientele. For more information regarding Cedar Lawn Tree Service
Inc., call Bill Maley at (508) 881-2622.

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Page

4
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It's
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continued from page 4

0

.

to drain. Through the use of classification
equipment, a blend of large, medium, and
small particles was produced ensuring
required stability and proper drainage.
During a typical production cycle, all
bunker sand is tested throughout the day
to maintain a proper level of consistency.

This constant testing allows us to make
small adjustments when needed and catch
any possible contamination. In the case
of topdressing and rootzone sands,
further analysis by outside laboratories
for pH and physical property testing is
routine.
By now you may have realized that
sand, like many things in this world, is
more complex than it first appears.

Whether it's bunker sand, topdressing
sand, or rootzone sand, selection of a top
quality source is critical to golf course
maintenance practices and the overall
enjoyment of the game.
So the next time you hear someone
say "What's the big deal, it's only sand,"
tell them it's not only a big deal, it's a
great deal!

DIVOT DRIFT...announcements...educational
seminars...job
opportunities
...tournament results...and miscellaneous items of interest to the membership*
MEMBERSHIP
Proposed for membership: Kevin C. Balocca, Assistant Superintendent, Country Club of Fairfield,
Fairfield, Conn.; Edward J. Gianni, Assistant Superintendent, Ridder Farm Golf Club, somewhere in
New England.
Welcome new members: Brian F. Skinner, Assistant Superintendent, Bellevue Golf Course,
Melrose, Mass.; Matthew Grady, Superintendent,
Groton Country Club, Groton, Mass.; Scott Gabrielson, Superintendent, New England Country Club,
Beilingham, Mass.; Gregory Mackintosh, Superintendent, Tara Hyannis Hotel & Resort, Hyannis,
Mass.; Bay State Organic, Friend, Charlestown,
Mass.

INFORMATION
Stay on the lookout for this year's raffle tickets
supporting the Scholarship & Benevolence Fund.
Remember, ticket sales benefit the GCSANE membership.
The following are the GCSANE Committee Assignments for 1997.
Membership: Mike Nagle, CGCS; Bruce Packard,
CGCS; Dave Kahrman; and Ron Dobosz. Employment: Robert DiRico, CGCS; Kevin Osgood; and
James Fitzroy, CGCS. Publicity: James Fitzroy,
CGCS; William Spence; and Richard Tworig. Conference: Robert DiRico, CGCS; James Conant,
CGCS; Edward Brearley; Charles Passios, CGCS;
Kevin Osgood; Richard Zepp, CGCS; Robert
Ruszala, CGCS; and Mary Owen. Finance: James
Conant, CGCS; and Robert Ruszala. Welfare:
David Comee. By-Laws: Edward Brearley; Donald
Hearn, CGCS; David Barber, CGCS; and Richard
Zepp, CGCS. Scholarship & Benevolence: David
Comee; Edward Brearley; Robert DiRico, CGCS;
Robert Healy; Dennis Friel; Kevin Osgood; and
John Lenhart. Education: Michael lacono, CGCS;
Bob Mathews, CGCS; Peter Lanman; Mary Owen;
Chuck Bramhall; and Vickie Wallace. Newsletter:
Wayne LaCroix, CGCS; Russell Heller; Mark
Casey; and John Murphy. Government Relations

- Chapter Liaison: Arthur Silva, CGCS. Golf: Michael Hermanson; Dave Comee; Arthur Silva,
CGCS; Ron Dobosz; Larry Anzweitz; and Bob
LeBlanc. Research: Kevin Osgood; Daryn Brown;
Robert Ruszala; and Michael Kroian. IPM: Michael
lacono, CGCS; Dan Higgins, CGCS; Pat Kriksceonaitis; and Daryn Brown.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery go out to Dave
Barber, CGCS, from Wellesely Country Club.
Our condolences extend to Ed Ulman and his
family on the passing of his father recently.

MEETING

Thanks to Vincent lacono and the staff at Blue
Hills Country Club for hosting the GCSANE February meeting on February 28. Our apologies to
Vincent and his family for the profile information.

POSITIONS

AVAILABLE

Golf Course Superintendent - Bass Rocks Golf
Club, Gloucester, Mass., a private 18-hoIe golf
course. Minimum qualifications are a Bachelor of
Science degree in turf management or related
studies; five years experience as either a superintendent or assistant; and experience with golf
course construction, irrigation systems, and staff
supervision. Full salary and benefits package available. Send resumes to: Bob Shea, Bass Rocks Golf
Club, P.O. Box 303, Gloucester, MA 01930 (Fax:
(508) 283-7571).
Golf Course Superintendent - Pine Ridge Country
Club, North Oxford, Mass. Candidates should have
a minimum of three years experience as a golf
course superintendent or assistant superintendent. A two-year degree in turfgrass management
is preferred. The candidate should have a strong
background with automated irrigation systems.
Send resumes to: Mark Larrabee, Operations Director, Pine Ridge Country Club, 28 Pleasant St.,
North Oxford, MA 01537.

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NOTES

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ili

Golf Course Superintendent - Kettle Brook Golf
Club, Paxton, Mass. The position starts June/July
during the construction period. Candidates should
have a strong background in turfgrass management and a minimum of five years experience as a
golf course superintendent or assistant superintendent. Experience with new construction of courses
and/or irrigation systems is desirable but not
essential. Responsibilities will include assisting in
the supervision of the course construction, with
maintenance beginning as the grow-in period progresses. Send resumes to: Robert E Moss,
President Kettle Brook Golf Club, P. O. Box 493,
Westboro, MA 01581.
Assistant Golf Course Superintendent - John Cain
Golf Club, Newpont N.H. John Cain Golf Club is
seeking a highly motivated individual to assist in
the management of an 18-hole semi-private golf
club. The golf course has bentgrass greens, tees,
and fairways; and a Toro VT4 irrigation system.
Qualifications include a two-year degree in turf
management and two-to-four years of experience
on a golf course. Send resumes to: Gary Summerton, Superintendent, John Cain Golf Course, P. 0.
Box 676, Newpont, NH 03773. (Fax: (603) 4562486). Deadline for resumes is March 28, 1997.

EQUIPMENT

FOR

SALE

Irrigation System Components: Two Berkley centrifugal pumps with 75 HP & 50 HP Lincoln
motors and controls. Very good condition - $2500.
One 15 HP Weinman centrifugal jockey pump/motor combo with controls. Excellent condition $1000. One FINCOR 6200 VT variable speed pump
control. Excellent condition - $3500. One Gast
vacuum priming system with 7 gal. tank, 2 vacuum
pumps and controls - $750. One 8"xl5' flexible
suction line with 2 intake floats and check valve $500. Call Mike Nagle, Worcester C.C., at (508)
853-6574.
Cushman Dump Truckster. Very good condition
- $1750. Cushman Runabout. Good condition $1250. Call Mike Nagle, Worcester C.C., at (508)
853-6574.

Page

Please patronize these FRIENDS of the ASSOCIATION
Advanced Agronomic Services, inc.
91 Day St., Leominster, MA 01453
Deep-tine aerification, core aerification,
overseeding, and irrigation services.
Jim Favreau - (508) 840-0432

A-OfC Turf Equipment

9 Leuba Road, Coventry, Rl 02816
New England Articulator dealer,
Greens Groomer Brush, & used equipment.
Mike Cornicelli - (401) 826-2584

AA Will Materials Corporation

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

Agrifurf, Inc.

59 Dwlght St., Hatfield, MA 01038
Fertilizer, seed, and chemicals for turf.
1-800-346-5048

Aliens Seed Store, Inc.

Specializing in quality seed and related
golf course maintenance supplies.
Gregg Allen - (401) 294-2722
(car phone-(508) 577-1001)

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
Consulting, planning, IPM MoniTor®, pruning,
fertilization, & plant appraisal
Jack Kelly-(617) 969-5990

Bay State Organic / MWRA

100 First Ave., Cnarlestown Navy Yard
Boston, MA 02129
Manufacturer & supplier of dry organic fertilizer's
Amy Barad - (617) 241-6261

Bayer Corporation

118 Ellery Ave., Mlddletown, Rl 02842
Baylaton, Merit, Dylox, Tempo, Nemacur.
Brad Herman-(401) 846-3515;
FAX (401) 846-8012

The Borden Company

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

Michael Drake Consiuction, Inc.

240 Walnut Street, Framingham, MA 01701
Golf course reconstruction; professional shaper.
Michael Drake - (508) 875-8247

Doering Equipment

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

Etance Products Company

31 Old Town Trail, Narragansett, Rl 02882
Bob Scott- (401) 376-7290

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, M A - ( 6 1 7 ) 861-1111
Canterbury, NH - (603) 783-4717

The Charles 0. Hart Seed Co.

P. 0. Box 9169, Weathersfleld, CT 06109
Roy Sibley, Dick Gurski
1-800-326-HART

Hartney Greymont

433 Chestnut St., Needham, MA 02192
Tree care, landscape consructlon, consulting.
Mark J. Tobin - (617) 444-1227

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 Lakevlew Ave., Natick, MA 01760-4252
Irrigation consultation, design & system
evaluation.
Bob Healey, ASIC, CID - (508) 653-0625

Tarn Irwin, Inc.

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

Ken Jones Tire Co.

D.L. i a h e r Co.

Box 127, Concord St., N. Reading 01864
Water supply specialists; water wells &
pumping equipment.
(617) 933-3210

McNulty Construction Corp.

19 Turner Rd., P.O. Box 3218
Framingham, MA 01701
Asphalt paving of cart paths, walkways,
and parking areas.
John McNulty-(508) 879-8875

Meco Environmental, Inc.

1119 Washington St., Weymouth, MA 02189
Installation of UST/AST, pump/tank upgrades,
and oil/wafer separator Installation.
Greg Murphy-(617) 331-6446

Modern Aeration Service, Inc.

212 Kendrick St., Newton, MA 02158
Featuring water injection aeration.
Kevin Osgood-(617) 630-1950

Modern Tractor a Truck Service, Inc.

400 Pine St., Seekonk, MA 02771
Holliston sand/loam topdresslng mixture,
1/2" or 1/8" screened loam, underground tank
removal, Convault aboveground fuel tank.
Steven S. Howitt- (508) 761-5554

R.F. Morse & Sons, Inc.

Agr-Evo U.S.A. Co.

Wilmington, Delaware
David Sylvester - (203) 828-8905

PartaG Goif 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.

Landmark Construction

Prescription Turf Services, inc.

The Cardinals, inc.

Complete deep-tine and hydro-injection services,
custom fertilizer and pesticide applications,
fairway aeration, and top dressing operations.
Scott McCoy - (508) 777-1663

Larchmont Lane, Lexington, MA 02173
Keith Savage-(617) 862-2550

larehmont Eng. & Irrig. Co.

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

Lazaro's Golf Course Accessories

Read Sand & Gravel, Inc.

Geoffrey S. Cornish & Brian Silva

Golf Course Architects
Fiddlers Green, Amherst, MA 01002

Country Club Enterprises, inc.

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

P. 0. Box 820, Cataumet, MA 02534
Club Car golf cars, carryalls, utility cars.
Jim Casey, Dave Farina, Ed Maguire
(508) 563-2284

22 Lantern Lane, Exeter, Rl 02822
Victoria Wallace - 1 -800-648-7333

Country Golf, Inc.

Lvcott Environmental Research, Inc.

4852 Westchester Dr., Traverse City, Ml 49684
Golf course construction & reconstruction;
specialists in Donald Ross courses.
Jerry Deemer- (616) 947-5751

Loft's Seed

600 Charlton St., Southbridge, MA 01550
Environmental consulting services: lake &
pond management, wetland studies, site
assessments, & laboratory analysis.
Lee Lyman, president - 1-800-462-8211

Sports Club Management

104 Wyman Rd., Braintree, MA 02184
Hazcom and right-to-know compliance
Implementation.
Ron S m i t h - ( 6 1 7 ) 848-5978

Data Tibbett
Professional Goif 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

Turf Enhancement Enterprises

42 Charnock St., Beverly, MA 01915
Tee/bunker shaping & remodeling,
cart path work, drainage, tree planting,
6 landscape construction our specialty.
Daniel Champion - (617) 927-5052

32 Nickerson Road, Ashland, MA 01721
Pruning, fertilization, removal, and
professional care.
William P. Maley - (508) 881-2622

P.O. Box 2, Slocum, Rl 02877
Matt Faherty, Pat Hogan
Bluegrass/Fescue, Biuegrass/Rye,
Bluegrass/Fescue/Rye, Bentgrass
1-800-341-6900

Stedsne Sand & Grave! Co., Inc.

37 Power Rd., Westford, MA 01886
Topdressing sand & mixes, bunker sands,
root-zone mixes, loam, cart path materials,
drainage stone.
Greg Frederick-(508) 692-8221,
(617) 648-6222

Boston Irrigation Company

Cedar Lawn Tree Service, inc.

Sodco, Inc.

Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc.

For your Irrigation needs; dedicated to sales
and service of quality Irrigation equipment.
Greg Albanese - (617) 964-8533 (phone/fax)

166 River Rd.,P. 0. Box 520
Unionville, CT 06085
Golf course & landscape supplies.
John Callahan - (203) 673-3699

Dick Warner, Regional Director
Randy Hamilton - (508) 528-4642
Richard Forni-(413) 534-8896

W. Wareham, MA 02576
Larry Anshewitz, Jack Cronin,
Christopher Cowan
(508) 295-1553

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

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

Sestts Pro-Turf Diw,

Pro-Lawn Products, 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 Plantedosl - (508) 456-6886

Sani-Mate Supply, Inc.

88 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA
Distributor, Karcher hot high pressure equipment
& bulk detergents, sales, service, rentals
Barry Hackett-(508) 752-8888

Sawtelie Bros.

65 Glenn St., Lawrence, MA 01843
Bob Brown, Lany Bunn, Mike Hannigan,
Frank Hlgglns, John Lenhart
(508) 682-9296

Richmond, Ri
Chris Beasley- 1-800-556-6985

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

TurfNet Associates, inc.

21 Brandywlne Road, Skillman, NJ 08558
Communication, information,
market intelligence.
Peter L. McCormick - 1-800-314-7929

Turf Products Corp.

157 Moody Road, Enfield, CT 06082
Distributors of Tore irrigation and maintenance
equipment, lightning detection systems, and
other golf-related products,
irrigation products: Tim Berge & Palmer Whitney;
Commercial products: Ed Fallow, Rick Moulton,
Mike Turner, & John Winskowicz; (860) 763-3581

Turf Specialty, Inc.

15 Londonderry Rd., Londonderry, NH 03053
Turf & ornamental supplies.
Scott Mackintosh, 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
Bruce Chapman - (401) 885-5245

Varney Bros. Sand, Gravel & Concrete
Bellingham, MA
Concrete golf cart paths.
Kenneth Mooradian - 1-800-441-7373

Winfield Nursery

1320 Mountain Rd., Suffield, CT 06109
Wholesale nursery trees & shrubs.
Jeff Rogers

Philip Wogan a George F. Sargent, Jr.

Goif Course Architects
17 Walker Rd., Topsfleld, MA 01983
(508) 887-3672

Zip Type Service

50 Kent St., Newburyport, MA 01950
Design, printing, mailing,
advertising specialties.
Sheila Johnson - (508) 462-9358

4

Page

4

iUiiiii.i,lMii.iiiiiaii.iitill.iiJiiaii

Host Superintendent Profile

/Meet host superintendent
T h e host superintendent for our April
meeting is Tom Ackley, CGCS, Juniper
Hill C.C., Northborough, Mass.
Tom started as a caddie at Juniper Hill
in 1961. In 1971 he began his career in
golf course management at Westboro
Country Club under the direction of his
father, Glenn Ackley. After graduating
from the University of Massachusetts in
1975 with a B.S. in forestry, Tom rejoined
his father at Marlboro Country Club.
Three years later Tom landed his first
superintendent position at Westboro Country Club. He returned to Marlboro shortly
afterwards to become Glenn's assistant.
"He certainly has taught me a thing or
two over the years. We had a lot fun working with the PGA Senior Tour when the
Marlboro Classic was held in the early
80s," Tom said.

Thomas Ackley, juniper Hill G.C.

In 1989 the late Homer Darling called
Tom one evening, asking him if he would
be interested in becoming the successor
to the retiring superintendent at Juniper
Hill, A1 (Sandy) Sanders. He accepted the
challenge of that 36-hole layout (18 under
construction at the time). Tom admitted

Washed

s@d...

continued from page 5
enhanced fertilizer use with the surfactant included. Plots containing Axis continue to exhibit
improved turf quality compared to plots without
this product.

Summary

of results

to

date

(1) Rooting was influenced by peat mix type and
percent It was also significantly enhanced by fungicide and biweekly fertilizer applications of 112 lb.
N/1000 square feet
(2) Wear significantly decreased turfgrass quality and rooting when initiated two or four weeks

to being a bit nervous at first, but soon
settled into the job at hand.
Tom became a Certified Golf Course
Superintendent in 1996. He enjoys bird
watching, sports, and pulling crab grass
and other weeds from his lawn.

after sod installation. The level of rooting decrease
varied among experiments, possibly fluctuating with
seasonal differences.
(3) Surfactants may improve washed sod establishment where dry spots are known to be a problem.
(4) Topdressing may improve turfgrass quality.
(5) Dollar spot was noted on plots not treated
with preventative fungicides.
(6) Sod could be successfully laid up to 48 hours
after harvest and shipping, although best performance occurred on sod laid within 24 hours of harvest.

(The University of Rhode Island 1997
research project plans will appear in nest
month's issue of The Newsletter.)

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