LETTER
Golf Course S u p e r i n t e n d e n t s

Association

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

OF NEW ENGLAND, INC.

May 1997

Regular inspection and maintenance
ore keys to a reliable irrigation system
by Robert Healey, A.S.I.C. / C./.D.
Irrigation

Management

Services

Y o u r golf course irrigation system should
be treated like any other piece of equipment on the golf course - and given
periodic inspection and maintenance to
ensure proper operation.
The irrigation system is most often the
single most expensive tool a superintendent has to control the growing cycle of
their turf. Yet amazingly little, if any,
scheduled inspection and maintenance programs are in place on many golf courses.
Fairway and greens mowers receive
tender loving care: washing after each
use, daily oil checks, greasing, reels
lapped, blades re-sharpened or replaced,
and often re-painting yearly. Yet this golf
course runs the irrigation system into
the ground, until something breaks, and
then you hear about what a lousy system
they have - it's always breaking.

In this issue . 0 .
Page
Calendar of Events
2
I/Moss Research News
3
Mass. Pesticide Bureau News . . . 4
Remember When?
4
GCSAA News
5
Friend of the Association Profile . . 5
UMass Extension News
5
Divot Drift
6

How long would your fairway or
greens mowers run efficiently and effectively if all you did was to add gas, as
needed? Would you be happy with the
result of the cut or performance that
these "non-maintained" mowers give, or
their durability? No, of course not! Yet
this is how irrigation systems are sometimes treated.
The superintendent needs to apply the
same maintenance and inspection standards given to a 25-40K dollar mower, as to
the 300-500K dollar irrigation system.
Today, most golf course maintenance
departments have full-time equipment
mechanics on staff. These professionals
work strictly with your equipment, doing
PM service and repairs, and keep your
equipment in top operating condition.
How many superintendents, who have a
mechanic, have an irrigation specialist
who does only irrigation? That sound we
all just hear was a collective "Not Me!"
Take a total of all your mechanical equipment, and in many cases, the value would
not reach that of your irrigation components. Yet there is a mechanic, but no
irrigation specialist.
Let's say your fairway mower breaks
and you have no backup. You can go two
or three days before repairs, borrow a
mower from a neighboring course or
supplier, adapt rough mowers as an emergency backup, or buy a new one. All you
have lost is two or three days of cutting,
maybe a few unhappy members who complain of the tall grass, but little, if any,
permanent damage to the turf or course.

Let your irrigation system break and
go "down" for two or three days. In some
weather conditions, one day with no water
will result in irreversible turf damage, let
alone two or three days. When your irrigation system is "down", often repairs must
be done that day to prevent severe turf
damage. Too often the value of the irrigation system is not appreciated until it goes
"down." Superintendents must be
continued

on page 2

'"How long would your
fairway ©r greens mowers
run efficiently and
effectively if all you did
was add gass as needed?
Would you be happy with
the result of the cut or
performance that these
"non-maintained"
mowers
give>, ©r their durability?
No, of course notI Yet
this is how irrigation
systems are sometimes
treated."
Robert Healey
Irrigation
Management
Services

PageS

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PRESIDENT
R o b e r t 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
Brae Burn 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 6 1 7 - 9 6 9 - 8 7 5 6
N e w t o n C o m m o n w e a l t h Golf C o u r s e
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
617-328-1776
Fax 6 1 7 - 3 2 8 - 9 4 7 9
Presidents Golf Course
TREASURER
Robert Ruszala
6 9 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, C G C S
51 Lincoln Avenue, Holden, 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 Comee
65 M a r q u e t t e Street, Gardner, M A 0 1 4 4 0
508-297-1223
Fax 508-297-0911
The Winchendon School Country Club
TRUSTEE
-Arthur Sllva, C G C S
35 Pennacook Road, Tewksbury, MA 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 CHAIRMAN
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 Municipal Golf C o u r s e
EDUCATION CHAIRMAN
M i c h a e l V. lacono, C G C S
42 N e w t o n Street, W e s t o n , M A 0 2 1 9 3
617-899-7913
Fax 6 1 7 - 6 4 7 - 0 6 0 2
Pine B r o o k Country Club
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 Matfield Street, W e s t B r i d g e w a t e r , 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 Tibbett Professional Golf Services

« j T H E i

NEWSLETTER
G C S A N E Headquarters - Golf H o u s e
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
N e w s l e t t e r 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
I n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a i n e d In t h i s p u b l i c a t i o n m a y b e
u s e d freely, in w h o l e o r in 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.

um-

continued from page 1
prepared for these "down" times, to limit
them and limit the time needed to get
on-line again. Different reasons can cause
a golf course irrigation system to go
"down." By identifying these reasons and
being prepared, the superintendent can
eliminate or limit the "down" time in
many cases.
The pumping system is one such
area. Pumps can fail or power can be lost
during storm conditions. I strongly recommend having an emergency backup PT0
pump. All golf courses should have a
PT0 pump that will connect to your tractor, and to piping previously installed, in
your pump house to enable you to bypass
the "down" pumping system, and at a
minimum, provide water to your tees
and greens.
Second, the superintendent should
modify their irrigation systems isolation
valves to minimize the area of the course
that needs to be shut down in case of a
main line pipe break.
Third, the superintendent should
maintain an irrigation parts inventory to
handle the most common failures, so parts
needed for the repairs are on hand. These
parts include all sizes of pipe and repair
couplings, isolation valves, electric valves,
quick coupling valves, swing joints,
fittings, concrete for thrust blocks, a
spare satellite, wire tracer, wire, wire
connectors, volt meter, and other necessary parts unique or common to your
system.
Fourth, set up an irrigation inspection
program, and learn to identify and repair
malfunctioning irrigation equipment
before it becomes a problem. In season,
an irrigation specialist should be conducting daily monitoring. This technician
should continually inspect the entire
system as follows:
(A) ail greens - weekly
(B) all tees - weekly
(C) all fairways - over two weeks
(D) pumping - daily
(E) meters - daily
(F) entire course - daily check for leaks
The typical daily inspection should
follow these guidelines:
(1) Tour course, looking for areas that
did not receive water or received too
much, look for puddles, washouts, or
draining heads. This is usually done first
thing in the morning.

(2) Inspect three to five greens and
tees daily.
(3) Inspect two to three fairways a day.
(4) Check pumping system and monitor
meters daily.
(5) Superintendent check and adjusts,
as needed, irrigation scheduling.
The inspection should take about
four to five hours daily, thus leaving time
for repairs or PM services that need to
be done.
When checking green, tee, or fairway
sprinklers, use the following guidelines:
(A) Check coverage (full or part), be
sure sprinkler is covering the area of its
intent, measure radius of throw, be sure
head is turning completely. See if any
surrounding trees or shrubs are blocking
coverage, and trim these plants.
(B) Check disbursement at nozzles,
nozzle pattern, and look for clogged or
getting clogged nozzles. Minor problems
can usually be taken care of in a few
minutes time by removing the nozzie,
cleaning and flushing the head or riser.
(C) Check pressure at discharge of
nozzles, use a Pitot Tube, and log for
future reference and comparisons. If several heads in line or in a group suddenly"
become weak or inoperative, this is a sign
that a rock or other debris has entered
the line, clogging a valve, or that your
pipe has sprung a leak. Following your
pipe layout plan, it is easy to locate the
area of probable trouble.
continued on page 6

Calendar
May 5

GCSANE Scholarship
&. B e n e v o l e n c e T o u r n a m e n t
Cohasset Country Club
C o h a s s e t , Mass.
Supt. - James Carrol

June 9

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Eastward Ho Country Club
Harwich, Mass.
Supt. - Brian Cowan, CGCS

July 7

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
T e a m of T w o C h a m p i o n s h i p
Tedesco Country Club
Marblehead, Mass.
Supt. - Peter Hasak

August 4

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Championship
Winchester Country Club
W i n c h e s t e r , Mass.
Supt. - Daniel Higgins

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UMass Research News

UMass Turfgrass Disease Research
by Gail L
Schumann,
Associate
Professor,
Dept. of
Microbiology,
University of
Massachusetts
W e completed an interesting summer of
field research in 1996 - officially ending
Nov. 16, 1996 with establishment of a
snow mold fungicide trial comprised of 33
treatments for Fusarium patch (pink snow
mold) and 36 treatments for Typhula
blight (gray snow mold). We conducted
fungicide trials for dollar spot and brown
patch as well as a fungicide (Eagle)/
growth regulator interaction study.
A particularly interesting treatment
in the fungicide trials was a new biocontrol product, Biotrek (Wilbur-Ellis Co.), a
formulation of the fungus Trichoderma
harzianum. We used a combination of
granular and wettable powder formulations which provided significant dollar
spot suppression relative to the nontreated plots. We also had a number of
diagnostic samples, and numerous calls
requesting a variety of information.
The UMass disease research program
focuses on integrated management of the
two diseases that require the most fungicide applications: brown patch and dollar
spot. We hope to eventually combine cultural practices (in particular, nutrient
management), disease prediction, and biocontrol into a program that will minimize
disease and disease risk, minimize fungicide inputs, and reduce fungicide resistance problems with dollar spot. We have
already developed a brown patch prediction model used in many parts of the U.S.
Student participants in this year's work
were graduate student John Bresnahan
(supported on federal research funds
through the Microbiology Department),
undergraduate plant pathology major
Nathaniel Mitkowski (supported by the
LT/GCSANE Research Fund), and Stockbridge turfgrass student Alan Tripp
(supported by the Golf Course Managers
Association of Cape Cod). John Bresnahan
will complete his M.S. degree this spring.
Nat Mitkowski is now applying to plant pathology graduate programs. Alan Tripp
will graduate from the Stockbridge turf

management program in the spring. Much
laboratory research is in progress by
research technician M. Bess Dicklow
(supported by department federal research
funds and Extension funds) who also participated in summer research. I receive no
university salary during summer months.
Project #1: Improved management of
Dollar Spot and Brown Patch by foliar
nutrient monitoring and dew removal
Turf pathologists have long been
frustrated by inability to give precise recommendations to turf managers about
appropriate fertility for disease management. There is much research supporting
the fact that many plant diseases are triggered and/or exacerbated by too much or
too little nitrogen availability. The role of
other nutrients is less obvious but certainly important. There is now a device
that purports to give turf managers the
ability to monitor nutrients in mowing clippings quickly and easily. It is called the
Turf Anser 591 Nutrient Scanner from
Karsten Turf, Inc. It uses near-infrared
reflectance spectroscopy to determine
nutrient content of turfgrass clippings.
Samples are dried in a microwave oven,
ground in a mill, then scanned in a matter
of minutes. A computer program calculates nutrient analysis and prints results.
In 1994-95, we conducted growth chamber experiments using turfgrass grown in
pots to determine nutrient levels and their
effects on dollar spot and brown patch disease development. We confirmed these
results in the field studies in which we
demonstrated that disease was much more
severe at low nitrogen levels and minimal
at the higher levels, Because some disease
is tolerated on fairways compared to putting greens, we are concentrating on
disease management thresholds on creeping bentgrass maintained as a fairway (0.5
inch height of cut) in 1996.
In 1996, we repeated our field trials to
confirm the 1995 results as follows:
Nitrogen. Nitrogen was monitored on
a weekly basis using the Karsten device.
Ammonium nitrate was the primary
source of nitrogen with the exception of
two applications of a balanced NPK which
included Agrilene. On May 8, 1996, 0.37
lbs./1000 sq. ft. of 19-19-19 was applied to

Reperì

the entire research area. Subsequent
foliar tissue tests revealed the foliar N to
be 4.5%. An additional 0.25 lbs./1000 sq.
ft. of 19-19-19 was applied on May 20,
1996. Ammonium nitrate was applied for
the remainder of the growing season.
Weather was generally cool and wet
this past summer. Despite no further N applied to the "low" fertility plots after June
3, 1996, they remained at about 5% foliar
N. There was good separation between
"medium" and "high" N treatments, but
there was little difference between "medium" and "low" treatments. Correlation
between standard laboratory analysis and
Karsten results, which take only minutes
to complete, was excellent as in 1995.
Dollar Spot. Disease development
was minimal in 1996 until mid-September.
Because both the low and medium
treatments maintained N levels we consider optimal for dollar spot management
(5 to 5.5%), little disease developed. The
amount of disease that developed in both
treatments was very similar, which correlates well with foliar nitrogen level.
Dew removal. There was no significant
difference between plots from which dew
was removed each day at 7 a.m. This probably reflects low disease pressure in 1996.
Conclusions and future plans. Though
disease levels were disappointing for 1996
we have gained confidence in the ability
of the Karsten to provide "real time" foliar
nutrient analysis data that can be valuable
to turfgrass managers. Fertilzer added in
spring to aid recovery of research plots
following an exceptionally severe snow
mold winter resulted in "low" treatment
plots nearly the same as the medium treatment plots throughout the cool summer.
Because publication of results requires at
least two years of data, we would like to
repeat this basic study for an additional
year to confirm our proposed optimal
foliar N of 5 - 5.5% as the level which will
minimize dollar spot and brown patch,
and to determine the role of dew removal
in disease development. Under more
typical disease pressure, the role of dew
removal should be more apparent. We
would like to test some surfactants for prevention of dew formation in a future study.
(Next month: Project #2)

Page 4

Mass. Pesticide Bureau News

Earn contact c r e d i t hours through voluntary
Use Observation & Application Records Inspection
Licensed and certified applicators can
earn up to two contact credit hours by
volunteer participation in an Application
Records Inspection and Use Observation.
This program offers the opportunity to
participate in a dialogue with an inspector
of the Pesticide Bureau. Errors found in
records inspection will not be penalized
through enforcement action during these
inspections. This new program provides
an ideal time to request clarification of
regulations or other related matters.
One contact hour will be given to any
licensed or certified applicator with whom
the Pesticide Bureau performs a volunteer
observation. Applicators can also earn one
contact hour for voluntary participation
in a records inspection. If a use observation and records inspection are both
performed at the request of the applicator
or pest control company, two credits will
be given. These contact hours can only be
earned once per calendar year. The Pesticide Bureau may not be able to honor all

requests, but will provide this program to
applicators on a first-come, first-serve basis.
What does a use observation entail?
The Pesticide Bureau conducts use
observations to monitor application of
commercial and agricultural pesticides.
Important aspects of this inspection are:
° The following of label directions and
attention to label warnings.
0
Use of required safety equipment.
0
Applicator knowledge of the
application being performed.
0
The conditions/appropriateness
of equipment being used.
8
Mixing, calibration, and storage.
* Pre-spray preparation.
° Knowledge of the pesticide product
being used.
• A sample of the pesticide use-dilution
may be taken and analyzed.
What does a pesticide application records inspection entail? The Pesticide
Bureau has authority to inspect records of
licensed and certified applicators. Records

are inspected to ensure they contain
required elements set forth in 333 CMR
10.14. This inspection also offers an opportunity to examine the recording system
and seek possible improvements.
For the small company, the owner
being sole applicator, one contact hour
will be earned for the use observation and
the other contact hour for the records
inspection. Larger organizations should
have the licensed certified applicator
responsible for maintaining records
participating in the inspection. A larger
organization may appoint an applicator
to participate in the inspection for the
purposes of this program. The Pesticide
Bureau encourages the applicator to
share what they learned with other
applicators.
The Pesticide Bureau encourages
applicators to participate in this program.
For an appointment, please call: (617) 7273020, Extension 134.
Mass. Dept. of Food & Agriculture

GCSANE News

"Remember when?9': People & events of GCSANE's past
Wemember when? recalls GCSANE's significant events and individuals of the past.
25 years ago
Larry Bunn, GCSANE educational
chairman, took a swipe at himself and the
association in general over the lack of
public relations by golf course superintendents on the eve of the annual superintendent/green chairman tournament.
"What usually happens in this tournament is that we do nothing more than
socialize," Bunn opined. "I'm not trying
to say we can't have a good time, but
we're missing the boat. There should be
an exchange of ideas taking place, but
there's none.
"Why couldn't we get to the site of
the tournament an hour or so earlier and
take a tour of the place? Usually, this tournament is played on one of the better
member courses. It might open the eyes
of the visiting green chairman, and maybe

those of the visiting super. After all, you
learn every day of your life some way
or another."
15 years ago
Divot Drift congratulates Steve
Chiavaroli and his wife on the birth of
their baby girls. After the snowstorm of
April 6 no one thought we'd be playing
golf six days later. But Eastward Ho was
ready, thanks to superintendent Brian
Cowan and his staff. Part of the conditioning shapeup was shoveling off five greens.
The home court advantage certainly paid
off in the tournament, which was a fourman best-ball. Coming out on top was the
foursome of Brian Cowan, Paul Miller,
Mark Klimm, and Charlie Borden. Second
place honors went to the team of A! Sanders, Dave Barber, Jack Cronin, and Bobby
Brown. Dick Blake, a GCSANE stalwart
and former national president, is taking a
new position as superintendent at the

Card Sound Golf Club in Key Largo, Fla.
In last month's award-presenting action,
Mel O'Kelly of Marshfield C.C. was honored with a 25-year pin, and Manny
Francis, Sr. received the NEPGA Golden
Golf Award for achievement in his field.
5 years ago
A research meeting on grant proposals
was held at the Colonial Hilton with Paul
Miller, Mike Nagle, Dick Duggan, and Ed
Brearley in attendance.
Grants were approved for: Dr. Gail
Schumann (UMass), summer path and necrotic ring spot, $1,797; Dr. Pat Vittum
(UMass), black turfgrass ataenius, $2,500;
Dr. Rob Wick (UMass), Nematodes,
$6,000; and Dr. Stanley Swier (UNH), forecasting black cutworm on golf greens and
biological control, $7,950. After these
grants, the research fund figures stood
at $12,753.
GERRY FINN

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PageS
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GCSAA News

Excerpts from (SCSÂÂ Educational
Reported by
Patrick Lucas, CGCS, Earth
Works,
West Wareham,
Massachusetts
T h e following are excerpts from the
GCSAA Concurrent Educational Sessions
held February 10, 1997 in Las Vegas,
Nevada.
Helping Your Green Make the Grade,
by James Moore, USGA Mid-Continent
Green Section Region:
8
Most disasters are predictable, and
many are preventable. Most disasters
are a result of a combination of factors.
Little things like putting traffic control
up early before damage appears goes
a long way to heading off problems
before they get out of hand.
° Critical turf areas should be graded
with the "scorecard" recently developed by the USGA Green Section.
This scorecard is not only helpful
for the turf managers, but is also a
critical tool for communication by the
Superintendent to the various club
committees.
9
It takes three years for an individual
to learn the management of a piece of
property.
• Anyone wanting to obtain the latest
updated version of the turf scorecard
can call the USGA Construction/Education Department at (817)776-0765.

Do It Right From the Start, by
Michaei Hurdzan, Ph.D. Architect Michael
Hurdzan offers useful tips in the planning
and implementation of both new construction and renovation projects. Many of
these tips are also useful reminders in the
day-to-day management of the course.
0
Have a system, and do it right from
the start.
9
Identify the limitations of the site beforehand. The previously mentioned
turf scorecard is useful for this task.
0
Be aware of all the available technologies available for solutions. Usually
there is no one right answer.
° Hire competent experts/specialists to
help you solve a specific problem. For
new construction projects, this certainly means involving the owners or
owner's representative.
0
Stop/Look/Listen/Ask. The two best
tools are your eyes and common sense.
9
Investigate several alternative methods
for solving a problem.
9
Trust the facts, not the claims. Learn
from the experience of others!
9
Plan for sufficient contigencies for both
time and money. Use the best, most
affordable methods.
* Monitor the quality of irrigation water.
9
Use certified laboratories for various
testing.
0
Use qualified irrigation designers.
9
Rely on brand names.

Friend of the Association Profile

Meet A. A Will Materials
A. A. Will Materials Corporation, a 111year-old construction materials manufacturer and supplier, has expanded its
products, inventory, and marketing departments to service the golf course, parks,
and recreations areas in Massachusetts
and Rhode Island.
A fourth generation company founded
in 1886, A. A. Will Materials Corporation
has three locations. The main office in
Stoughton, Mass., also serves as a transfer
station and recycling facility. There is a
sand and gravel operation in Lakeville,
Mass, and a stone quarry in Freetown,
Mass. All three locations are conveniently

Corporation

located near major highways, allowing
fast delivery, pickup, and service. All locations provide large material reserves.
Customer satisfaction and product
excellence are our priority. We have a
knowledgeable full-time sales staff ready
to assist you with any project you may
have. We carry a complete line of high
quality products, including bunker sand,
cart path mix, and sand and loam mixes.
Please call 1-800-4AAWILL with any
questions, concerns, or suggestions. Our
knowledgeable and experienced sales staff
will be happy to serve you.

àtaitaiÉM

Sessions

e

Be like Santa. He's making a list and
checking it twice. Inspect and document. You get what you inspect, not
what you expect!
9
In developing your system, be methodical, incorporating critical things into
your system such as turf scorecard
grades, irrigation water quality reports,
soil tests and amendments, and results
of newer turf cultivars which you have
tried, etc.
9
In construction, if you going to error,
error on the side of good drainage.
9
Do whatever you can to improve the
"microclimate" of a problem turf area.
9
Make no assumptions! Test, test, test.
Especially with irrigation water quality.
* Don't compromise the long term for
the short term.
9
Manage soil air, not soil. Have more potential for air space. Water can always
be added.

UMass Extension News

Turfgrass Research
Field Day June IS
T h e UMass Extension and the Department of Plant & Soil Sciences will host a
Field Day for turf professionals and associated grounds management professionals
on Wednesday, June 18, 1997 at the
University of Massachusetts Turf Research
Facility, River Road, South Deerfield,
Mass. This year's field day will include
vendor displays and demonstrations.
The Field Day provides turf professionals with an opportunity to learn about
current research projects, to meet with
UMass researchers and associated staff,
and to participate in field diagnostic and
educational workshops.
Pesticide recertification contact hours
and credits have been requested from all
six New England states and New York.
Preregistration deadline is Friday, June
6, 1997. On-site registration is allowed,
but will not include lunch.
For fees, registration, exhibitor, and
other information, contact Thorn Griffin,
Manager, TurfResearch Facility, at (413)
545-3066, or Mary Owen, Extension
Educator, Turf, at (508) 892-0382.

r

Page 6
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Irrigation
continued

systems

...

from page 2

(D) Check case to see if clean (impact
heads in particular); remove sand, grass
or debris.
(E) Check height of head, be sure
discharge is clearing grass, be sure case
is not being hit by mowers, check level of
turf, be sure no scalping is occurring
around head, and be sure head is still
level.
(F) Once or twice a year, check nozzle
size. Use a drill bit to compare to original
size. Even brass nozzles will eventually
erode and enlarge, and thus change flow
rate, coverage, and Pr. rates.
(G) Check for weeping at all Valve-inHeads and electric valves. Weeping
usually indicates debris that has to be
flushed out or cleaned out. If this doesn't
work,visually check tubes or diaphragm,
and clean, blow out, or replace as needed.
(H) Check low heads that are draining;
they may indicate a weeping valve or you
may need check valves.

(I) Check satellite for zones, review
scheduling, look at connections at controller box, check for animal damage or insect
larvae buildup.
(J) Log all work and keep records as
to nozzle size, pressure at head radius of
coverage, and speed for revolutions
(especially important in two speed heads).
Major changes in the time for one
complete turn can indicate developing
problems in the sprinkler.
These logged records, by comparison,
can show a beginning of pressure loss,
radius loss and identify many other developing situations before they develop into
bigger problems. Good records can often
identify problems before a visual inspection can.
When checking valves, use the following guidelines:
(A) Check access to all valve boxes,
where applicable.
(B) Check flow controls.
(C) Check all wire connections.

(D) Check to insure electric valve shuts
down and opens, electrically and manually. If a single valve doesn't open, check
solenoid, wiring or tubes. Check your plan
for wire or tube route from satellite and
track to locate break or weak link. Look
at areas of new construction or recent
work. If problem is electrical it can be
common wire or power. Testing for
continuity can help isolate the type of
problem. If several zones are down, check
satellite for both input and output power.
If good, check area to first zone for damage to power or common wires. Target
areas of recent work.
(E) Check all gate and ball valves to insure they open and close, and all reach
tubes are clear of debris and accessible.
Leaking around the top of a manual valve
indicates that the packing nut needs tightening. Leaking through the valve means
that either a stone or debris between the
disc and seat or a damaged disk. Applying
more pressure does no good; open and
close the valve several times to try to
continued

on page 8

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

RELATIONSM

National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP)
funding was cut again in the President's proposed
budget for fiscal year 1998. Last year, successful
grassroots lobbying by GCSAA members helped
restore program funding slated for elimination,
and even secured a 5% increase. NTEP staff believe
the new funding cut was simply copied from last
year's proposal.
Voluntary guidelines for above-ground storage
tank spill prevention and containment practices
will soon be issued by EPA. Recommendations
from a 1996 GAO report critical of gaps in the EPA
program were included in the 1997 EPA appropriations bill, pressuring EPA to act.
Individuals in New Hampshire who want to practice wetland science would be required under H.B.
197 to meet specific qualifications, obtain certification, and be regulated by a Board of Natural
Scientists. Currently there are no standards for
people calling themselves "wetland scientists."
Environmental policy in Massachusetts would be
determined based on precautionary principles
rather than scientific certainty under H.B. 3140.
This action would give the go-ahead to ignore a
lack of data when adopting new environmental
protection laws.

IIÍJÍJIIIJ.IjlLÍÍ.ÍÍJ

POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Mechanic - Bass Rocks Golf Club, Gloucester,
Mass. Bass Rocks is currently seeking an individual for the position of golf course mechanic.
Individual must have experience with internal combustion and deisel engine repair; electrical and
hydraulic troubleshooting; knowledge of reel principles and grinding; ability to perform welding
repairs; and will have purchasing power. The individual must be well organized and be able to keep
accurate records. Contact: Patty Knaggs, Bass
Rocks Golf Club, Gloucester, MA. Phone: (508)
283-7774: Fax: (508) 283-7571.
Assistant Superintendent - Innis Arden Golf
Club, Old Greenwich, Conn. Innis Arden Golf
Club is accepting applications for the assistant
superintendent position. Candidates should have
a degree in turfgrass management or related field,
golf course experience, and an understanding of
the game of golf. Computer experience is a plus.
Position open immediately. Salary is commensurate with experience, plus benefits. Contact:
Patrick Lucas, CGCS, innis Arden Golf Club, 120
Tomac Avenue, Old Greenwich, CT 06870. Phone:
(203) 359-0133; Fax: (203) 359-2552.

Senior Assistant Golf Course Manager - Cape Cod
National Golf Club, Brewster, Mass. Individual
will be involved in all phases of course construction and m a n a g e m e n t . Specific a r e a s of
responsibility will include irrigation installation,
programming, and repair; fertilizer and pesticide
application; and recordkeeping and crew supervision. Requirements: B.S. in turfgrass management
or related field. Candidates with A.S. will be considered. Minimum four years course management
experience, two of which shall be at the supervisory level. Annual salary commensurate with
experience and education. Send resumes to:
Stephen G. Cadenelli, CGCS, Cape Cod National
Golf Club, P. O. Box 686, Chatham, MA 02633.
2nd Assistant Superintendent - Country Club of
Pittsfield, Pittsfield, Mass. The Country Club of
Pittsfield is seeking a motivated individual to assist
in the management of a Donald Ross designed
18-hole private club. The course will be installing
irrigation system improvements in the fall. Qualifications include an A.S. or B.S. degree in turf
management and two years experience on a golf
course. A competitive compensation and benefits
package will be offered. Send resumes to: James
Conant, CGCS, Country Club of Pittsfield, 639
South Street, Box 538, Pittsfield, MA 01202.

i.i,ljtiliii

Page 5

Please patronize these FRIENDS of the ASSOCIATION
Advanced Agronomic Services, Inc.

Michael Drake Constuction, inc.

91 Day St., Leominster, MA 01453
Deep-tine aerification, core aerification,
overseeding, and irrigation services.
Jim Favreau - (508) 840-0432

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

A-0K Turf Equipment

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

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 Graziano, Kevin LaPorte
1-800-4-AAWILL

Agriturf, inc.

59 DwightSt., 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)

Baiter Goif Cars

40 Walker St., Swansea, MA 02777
Steve Founier, Doug Hooper
(508) 379-0092

Bartiett 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 8, supplier of dry organic fertilizers
Amy Barad - (617) 241-6261

Bayer Corporation

118 Ellery Ave., Middletown, 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

D.L. Walter Co.

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

Doering Equipment

Elanco Products Company

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

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.

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

The Charles G. Hart Seed Co.

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

Hartney Greymont

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

International Golf Construction Co.

5 Purceil Rd„ Arlington, MA 02174
Golf course construction.
Antonios Paganis

(617) 648-2351 or (508) 428-3022

irrigation Management & Services
21 Lakeview Ave., Natick, MA 01760-4252
Irrigation consultation, design & system
evaluation.
Bob Healey, ASIC, CID - (508) 553-0625

Tom Irwin, inc.

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

Ken Jones Tire Co.

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

Modern Aeration Service, inc.

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

Modern Tractor & Truck Service, Inc.

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

R.F. Morse & Sons, Inc.

Agr-Evo U.S.A. Co.

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

lazaro's Goif Course Accessories

Read Sand & Gravel, Inc.

Country Club Enterprises, Inc.

Prescription Turf Services, Inc.

Pro-Lawn Products, Inc.

LESCO. Inc.

Loft's Seed

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

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.

Lycoit Environmental Research, inc.

4852 Westchester Dr., Traverse City, Ml 49684
Golf course construction 8, reconstruction;
specialists in Donald Ross courses.
Jerry Deemer-(616) 947-5751

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

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

20005 Lake Rd., Rocky River, OH 44116
Ron Tumiski, Mike Donohue
1-800-321-5325

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

(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
Richmond, Rl
Chris Beasley - 1-800-556-6985

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

TurfNei Associates, inc.

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

P.I.E. Supply Co.

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

Golf Course Architects
Fiddlers Green, Amherst, MA 01002

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.

157 Moody Road, Enfield, CT 06082
Distributors of Torn 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

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

Geoffrey S. Cornish & Brian Siiva

Dahn Tibbett
Professional Golf Services

Turf Products Corp.

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

Larchmont Eng. & Irrig. Co.

dba Hammond Paint & Chem. Co., Inc.
738 Main St., Suite 223, Waitham, MA 02154
Joseph Lazara - (617) 647-3361

104 Wyman Rd., Braintree, MA 02184
Hazcom and right-to-know compliance
implementation.
Ron Smith-(617) 848-5978

Partac Golf Course Top-Dressing

The Cardinals, Inc.

Cedar Lawn Tree Service, inc.

Sports Club Management

Turf Enhancement Enterprises

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

32 Nickerson Road, Ashland, MA 01721
Pruning, fertilization, removal, and
professional care.
William P. Maiey- (508) 881-2522

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

Nardone Sand & Gravel 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

42 Chamock St., Beverly, MA 01915
Tee/bunker shaping & remodeling,
cart path work, drainage, tree planting,
6 landscape construction our specialty.
Daniel Champion - (508) 927-5052

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

Sotico, Inc.

Tucitahoe Turf Farms, inc.

Boston Irrigation Company

Landmark Construction

Mike Peterson, Regional Director
Randy Hamilton - (508) 528-4642
Richard Fomi- (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

Scotts Pro-Turf Div.

J.P. Roberts Co.

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

Sawieiie Bras.

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
Beilingham, 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 & George F. Sargent, Jr.

Golf Course Architects
17 Walker Rd., Topsfield, MA 01983
(508)887-3672

Zip Type Service

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

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

ilLliiilii.ijdiliJjJuil.ijtiiliitJjJilll.liiiiiiilJi^i.ilJiJiiii.iitiiiiJiiiiii.liiiiiii

PageS

Irrigation

systems

continued from page 6
flush the blockage. Then if still leaking,
open, inspect seat or disc, and repair of
replace as needed. Remember, if you just
flushed the blockage, the debris has gone
somewhere else in the system. If you are
lucky enough to be on a dead-end line,
now is time to flush the end of the line.
(F) Check pressure setting on all pressure regulating valves against log data,
to insure proper setting. A difference of
five to ten pounds can seriously affect
intended Pr. rates.
When checking field satellites, use
the following guidelines:
(A) Check connections.
(B) Check grounding, and test once or
twice yearly.
(C) Check irrigation schedule; test manual operations of zones checked that day.
(D) Test for continuity and voltage
output and input to satellite.

(E) Check and clean out larvae.
(F) Test any rain moisture or shut off
devices.
(G) During winter, possibly remove
satellites for storage.
(H) Have on hand wire tracking tools
to locate weak or broken wires.
When checking pipes use these
guidelines:
(A) Traverse pipe route looking for
puddles, flowing water, wet spots, places
where mowers suddenly scalped turf,
neighborhood kids surfing down the
eighteenth fairway, and new lakes or
ponds that have appeared over night.
(B) With help, activate zones and listen
for water hammer sounds or unusual pipe
noises.
Like any other piece of equipment,
a golf course irrigation system needs a
scheduled PM program for optimum
operation. Proper use of your system
and proper procedures in daily maintenance inspections help keep the system

running at peak efficiency. The time
spent in a complete irrigation inspection,
maintenance, and preventive maintenance
program will help insure limited "down"
times.
Plan now to start off this irrigation
season with a detailed irrigation maintenance program in place. Sit down with
your irrigation technician and develop
the program. Set up the method(s) to collect data, what data to collect, how to log,
how to file the data, and a typical weekly
inspection round. Be sure you have on
hand for the irrigation technician any
and all equipment and tools they will need.
Again, your irrigation system is most
likely your most expensive and complex
tool. Treat it so. With respect and care
and you will be the beneficiary over the
years, and other superintendents will wish
they had a system like yours that never
goes "down." Just lucky, I guess!
Robert Healey, A.S.l.C. / C.I.D.
Irrigation Management Services

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