LETTER
Golf Course Superintendents

A S S O C I A T I O N OF NEW ENGLAND, INC.

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

November 1998

Two former golf course
superintendents
reflect on their second cereer in sales
T h e jump from golf course superintendent to golf course equipment sales: Is it
one giant leap or just a short hop?
"It's somewhere between those two,"
remarked Jack Pluta, who left a 21-year
career as a superintendent to take over
^ ¿ h e Connecticut sales district for Turf
eciaity Inc. two years ago.
"There are a lot of similarities in
the two professions," explained John
Winskowicz, who works the sales routes
for Turf Products Corp. after a couple
of flings, first, as a teacher, then, as a
golf course superintendent. "So the
transition went as smoothly as one
would hope it to go."
One glaring factor appears to motivate
the change from superintendent to
salesman. It's the insecurity of the
superintendents' profession. Both
Winskowicz and Pluta made it clear
that they were caught in the clutches
of politics and uncertainty when they

In this Issue ...

I

Page
Calendar of Events
2
The Super Speaks Out
3
Evaluating New Turf Products . . . 4
Turfgrass Conference & Show . . . 5
Remember When?
5
Divot Drift
6

•lÜilAljdÜ,

found themselves deep in the throes of
the golf course maintenance business.
Winskowicz, who grew up in Danvers
and graduated from Boston University
in 1970, has always been in the people
business, so to speak.
At first, he thought teaching was his
first and only career goal, and set out
to prove his perspective right by teaching
at St. John's Prep in Danvers for five
years. However, his enthusiasm for that
profession eventually waned and he
puiied stakes for a westward trek to
California.
Once there, the course maintenance
field appealed to him, and he latched onto
a rising star at the Lou Galbreith Golf
Course near Oakland.
"I was willing to start at the bottom,
and that's what I did," Winskowicz
disclosed. "I began on the regular day
crew, moved up to night waterman,
then made it to assistant superintendent.
The next step was head super, and
that came in time. So, things were
really looking up."
Unfortunately, things weren't all that
rosy for the golf course. Somehow, it was
set upon by financial troubles and before
it could recoup, the state came in and
reclaimed the course.
"I couid see the handwriting on the
wall," Winskowicz winced. "Rather,
I could see the handwriting on my
paycheck and those of my crew. The
checks all bounced, and pretty soon I
was looking for another job."

The insecurity that has caused more
than one golf course superintendent to
look in another direction for that next
career position hit Winskowicz, who
reacted by taking a sales job with Toro
Products in Monterey. Then John decided
to return to Massachusetts, where he
found employment with Turf Products.

"Both (superintendent
and
sales) are goùd professions.
But I think the stress is
greater there (golf course
maintenance). There's )ust
too much politics on the
golf course. But I'm happy
now, and that's what really
counts/'
John Winskowicz
Turf Products Corp„
"I've never regretted any of my
moves," Winskowicz reflected on his past.
Both (superintendent and sales) are good
professions. But I think the stress is
greater there (golf course maintenance).
There's just too much politics on the golf
course. But I ' m happy now, and that's
what really counts."
Winskowicz worked in turf management oniy eight years. On the other hand,
continued on page 2

à

Pagel

li i i . i i i

uiJIhili.UUi.i

continued from page 1

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 Course
VICE PRESIDENT
Robert Ruszala
6 9 Gellnas Drive, C h l o o p e e , M A 0 1 0 2 0
413-256-8654
Fax 4 1 3 - 5 9 2 - 5 7 8 0
Hickory Ridge Country Club
SECRETARY
J a m e s Fitzroy, C G C S
357 W . S q u a n t u m Street, North Quinoy, M A 02171
617-328-1776
Fax 6 1 7 - 3 2 8 - 9 4 7 9
Presidents Golf Course
TREASURER
M i c h a e l V. lacono, C G C S
42 N e w t o n Street, Weston, M A 02193
781-899-7913
Fax 7 8 1 - 6 4 7 - 0 6 0 2
Pine B r o o k Country Club
TRUSTEE
A r t h u r Sllva, C G C S
35 Pennacook Road, Tewksbury, M A 01876
781-484-5440
Fax 781 - 4 8 4 - 6 6 1 3
Belmont Country Club
TRUSTEE
David C o m e e
65 Marquette Road, Gardner, M A 01440
978-297-1223
Fax 9 7 8 - 2 9 7 - 0 9 1 1
The W i n c h e n d o n School Country Club
TRUSTEE
Gregory Misodoulakls
44 Wilson Road
Londonderry, NH 03053
781-245-2114
Fax 7 8 1 - 2 4 6 - 3 9 2 0
B e a r Hill G o l f C l u b
FINANCE CHAIRMAN
Daniel Hlggins, CGCS
6 8 H u t c h i n s o n Road, W i n c h e s t e r , M A 01 8 9 0
781-729-3809
Fax 781-721-1561
Winchester Country Club
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
978-632-2713
Fax 9 7 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
R o n a l d P. D o b o s z , Jr.
1137 Park Street, Stoughton, M A 0 2 0 7 2
781-341-8564
Fax 7 8 1 - 3 4 4 - 5 0 4 8
C e d a r Hill G o l f C o u r s e
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
978-475-6638
Fax 9 7 8 - 4 7 5 - 9 4 8 8
Andover Country Club
PAST 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
Brae B u m Country Club

m r T H E I

NEWSLETTER
QGSANE Headquarters
175 Highland Avenue, N e e d h a m , MA 02492-3034
(781 ) 4 5 3 - 8 6 6 8
Fax (617) 4 4 9 - 4 0 2 0
Newsletter Editor . . . W a y n e L a C r a l x , C G C S
Contributing Editor
Gerry Finn
Business Manager . . Michael V. Iacono, CGC©
I n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a i n e d in this p u b l i c a t i o n m a y b e
u s e d f r e e l y , 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.

Pluta knew no other vocational way
until his 11 years at the Country Club
of Pittsfield came to a halt when he
accepted a position with Turf Specialty.
"My whole life had been golf course
maintenance," Pluta revealed. "I was born
and brought up in Gilbertsville. That's
near Ware, which is, well, between
Worcester and Springfield. Anyway, when
I was 13,1 was working on the crew
at the Dunroman Golf Course. My pay
was a free membership, and my boss was
Gary Mondor (now head superintendent
at the Crestview Country Club).
Pluta took to the profession without
any trouble and soon he had his own job
at the Ludlow Country Club. That was in
1975, and two years later he was hired to
put a spit and polish on the grounds at
the Westover Golf Course. Jack spent
eight years at Westover before getting
the call and accepting the head man's
post at the Country Club of Pittsfield.
And after 11 years there, he made a
hard decision.
"Turf Specialty was looking for
someone to take over their Connecticut
sales territory," Jack told. "I was kind
of itchy, anyway. I had played the game
of politics as a super for 21 years and
I was sick of pleasing everyone who
thought they were my boss. It's a change
after all those years planning and
worrying about maintenance programs.
However, it's a new challenge and I'm
ripe for it."
Jack sees a big difference between a
superintendent and a salesman. When
you're a superintendent, you sort of live
in your own little world," he said. It's
your second home and, sadly, for some
superintendents, it's their first. I mean,
whoever thought of weekends when
they were a superintendent? I didn't.
"When I woke up in the morning . . .
Monday, Wednesday, Sunday, or whatever
. . . my first thoughts were focused on
the condition of the golf course. Now,
on a Sunday, I can turn over and go
back to sleep."
Pluta doesn't mean to demean the
superintendents' profession. "On the
contrary," he emphasized. "They're the
heart and soul of the golf business.
I deal with them every day. In fact, when
I call on a customer, I'm glad I can put
myself in that customer's shoes. We've

They're (superintendents)
the heart and soul ©f
the golf business* In facts
when I cell an a customer,
Ssm glad I can put myself
in thai customer's shoes.
We've both been there.
That's a bond no one
ean break."
jack Pluta
Turf Specialty, Inc.
both been there. That's a bond no one
can break."
The sales business, like the maintenance business, entails just as much, if
not more, physical input. "Oh, definitely,"
Jack remarked. "I do 40 to 50,000 miles
a year traveling my route. And there's
more than just lunches and snappy
conversation that goes into this job.
Heck, I'm more tired at the end of the
day than I ever was. And, I have to tell
my old super pals: Guys, there isn't any
down time in the winter here!"
So, at the end of this particular study,
it can be concluded that super and sales
are almost like peas in a pod. "But there's
that one big difference," Pluta added.
"Now, I don't have to please as many
people as I did two year's ago, and that's
a relief."
GERRY FINN

Calendar
December 11 GCSANE Christmas Part))
Belmont Country Club
Belmont, Mass.
January 12

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Franklin Country Club
Franklin, Mass.
Supt. - Gary Luccini

Feb. - TBA

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Heritage Hill Country Club
Lakeville, Mass.
Supt. - Robert Garrity

March - TBA

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Hickory Ridge Country Club
Amherst, Mass.
Supt. - Robert Ruszala

Page 2

The Super Speaks Out
This month's question:

What is the extent of your
tree maintenance program, and how is this program faring?
G r e g Mackintosh, Tara Hyamnis Resort:
"We're really into a maintenance program
for our trees because of the circumstances
of the course, being part of a hotel-resort
presentation, and the fact that our heavy
tree population has to be monitored to
provide space and breathing room for
conditioning the course.
"First of all, we're fortunate because we
contract the Bartlett company to overlook
and service the trees around the hotel. Its
people come in every month to assess the
situation, which means checking for
disease and other cosmetic changes that
affect the looks and health of the trees. In
effect, they do all the heavy work, then
turn the rest over to us. The relationship
has worked out well and our hotel tree
-"""maintenance program is thriving.
^
"Out on the course we do extensive
work after the golf season slows down.
We're always looking to keep the width
of fairways in reasonable shape, and sometimes we have to make a major cut or real
close trim to retain the original look of
the playing area.
"Trees around the tees and greens
get special attention. Generally speaking,
we keep all trees in those areas pruned
up to 10 feet high. In order to increase
the air flow around the tees and greens
and assist in the turf growth process,
we make it a rule not to retain branches
below 10 feet.
"We have a lot of pine trees here and
pine bore has become a problem for us.
There are years when we lose up to 10
pine trees because of this disease, and we
have countered those losses with a tree
planting program that makes up for the
ones we lose.
"Other than that, we confine our
slow-season tree maintenance activity
to cleaning out deadwood hangers and
keeping tee chutes open by getting any
•anches out of the way. In the summary
^ f all this, I have to add that providing
tree maintenance here is one of our top
priorities."
ailliaLUliiaiJ^di.iklH,,

B r i a n Howard, The Thompson Club:
"We're very aware that tree maintenance
is an important part of our overall
conditioning program. However, except
for emergency situations, we confine it to
the off-season, or roughly between the
months of November and March.
"We are part of a condominium
community and it's a rare day when we're
allowed to cut down a tree. The rule is
out there, too. I can't take out any tree
without permission.
"But that's a restriction I can live
with. On the up side, I'm fortunate
because I have use of a cherry picker
(actually an old telephone truck) and it
allows our crew to trim up to 40 feet from
the ground. That's a big advantage.
"The overall picture of tree population
and appearance is changing here because
the deadwood cleaning-out work has been
neglected in the past. I'm in my second
year here and just starting to catch up in
that area of tree maintenance. But again,
the timing has to be right, which means

'"Trees around the tees
and greens get special
attention.
Generally
speakings we keep all trees
in those areas pruned up
to I @ feet high„ In order
to increase air flow around
the fees and greens, and
assist in the turf growth
process, we make it a rule
not to retain branches
below 10 feet
Greg Mackintosh
Tara Hyannis Resort

weather conditions after the golf season
ends dictate how much I can put into it.
"During the golf season I do have tree
maintenance in mind even though it has
to be put on the back burner. At that
time I try to mark the trees which will
need attention when the golfers are gone.
That can be a problem, too, because by
the time I get to them the leaves have
dropped and they don't look all that bad.
"Pruning involves a simple formula.
I shoot from the ground up to let air
and sun in where those elements are
coming up short. I have five people in
the off-season for maintenance work,
and I am allowed outside help to chip
hardwood and stack brush. It's getting
there, though, just as long as the weather
cooperates."
K e v i n Miller, Eedroek Golf Course: Tree
maintenance at Bedrock (only seven years
old) turns out to be a community project
and a hands-on effort that's doing the job.
"There are two arrangements, if you
will, that have helped our program
tremendously. Without them it would be
hard to keep up with overgrowth and the
like because the course is loaded with
trees. In fact, every hole is separated
from the other by woods.
"Anyway, in the spring or April school
vacation, I conduct a junior membership
program. I hire kids (12 and over) to work
one week on the course, concentrating
on cleaning out the underbrush my
regular crew missed the previous winter.
For that contribution, each one gets a free
membership.
"Another aid comes in the form of
a member who owns a tree service. Again,
I have to do business. He gets a free
membership in exchange for providing
stump grinding services. It's worth it, too.
Last winter he did 100 stumps!"
"We're thinning out the trees year by
year. But there's a lot of thinning out to
do because of our heavy tree population.
Most of the tree work comes in the winter.
Most of the attention in the golf season
goes to marking trees that are blocking
out the air and sunlight.
"Oh, there's another deal I forgot to
mention. We stockpile fireplace wood and
offer it to members at a reduced cost. I
guess you'd have to say that bartering is
alive and well at Bedrock. Maybe I missed
my calling."
GERRY FINN

ILiA.lMLiiallûAljdilMLUixl,

MàUmàkMÉU

Page 4
, i l J i i , t l i , I j ^ M i i i .ill,

Turf Science

Effective evaluation
by Gail Schumann
Univesity of Massachusetts
Monica L. Elliott
University of Florida
Paul Vincelli
University of Kentucky
Anyone who had the opportunity to
visit one of the trade exhibits at the turf
conferences last winter could not help but
be amazed by the variety of biological
or organic turf products that purport
to help grass grow better and relieve
pest problems. Dozens of new products
become available each year, and
intelligent consumers want to know
if they really work.
Turf managers who buy chemical
pest control products are familiar with
the extensive university testing most
chemicals have undergone. They may be
assuming that similar testing has been
done for all new products. However,
many new products have little or no
independent testing completed before
they are introduced to the turf market.
Many biological/organic product claims
are based on non-scientific testimonials,
non-turfgrass evaluations, or simply
unproven theories. How does one
evaluate a new product to determine if
it works and if it is cost-effective?

Many new products have
little or no independent
testing completed before
they are introduced to
the turf market.
Many
biological/organic
product claims are
based on non-scientific
testimonials,
non-turfgrass
evaluations, ©r simply
unproven theories.

of new tusf

Here are some questions to ask the
vendor:
Has the product ever been evaluated
hy independent researchers, that is, by
people with no financial interest in the
product? Ask for names and a copy of
their reports. There are two reasons that
university results are usually reliable.
Most university studies include side by
side evaluations of products from many
companies in their trials to see how they
perform under local conditions. Each
company typically pays a modest fee for
each treatment in the study. Most of
these studies are conducted on public
lands where anyone can arrange a visit
and see the results for themselves. Many
of the experiments are featured at
research field days, and most researchers
indicate which companies sponsored
which studies. Because the salaries of
researchers have traditionally been paid
by the public, the financial incentive to
obtain favorable results for a particular
product is reduced. This is an excellent
reason for the turf industry to continue
strong support for these research programs
in the face of continuing university cuts
as it helps to keep researchers financially
independent of individual companies and
products.
A second and equally important reason
for confidence in university results is
that faculty researchers receive career
rewards for work that can be published
in scientific journals. We have a strong
incentive to conduct sound and unbiased
studies. Scientific journals typically
require results from at least two seasons
or from two different sets of research
plots before a paper can be considered for
publication. Anonymous peer review of
the experimental protocol, results, and
analysis of data is also a requirement for
publication. Peer review allows other
scientists to evaluate the quality of both
how the study was designed and how the
results were interpreted. Many single year
studies are found in the Fungicide and
Nematicide Tests and the Biological and
Cultural Tests published annually by the
American Phytopathological Society.

products

These reports are also subjected to peer
review and require replicated treatments,
randomization, controls, and statistical
analysis, all of which are hallmarks of
proper experimental design.
Has the product ever beem evaluated in
turfgrass field experiments? For what
problems is this product recommended?
Many biological/organic controls show
great promise in the laboratory and
greenhouse, but fail to be effective in
field trials. Many products may also be
successful in one kind of cropping
system, such as annual crops of corn or
potatoes, and not work well in perennial
turfgrass. Finally, most biological
controls are relatively specific in their
mode of action and may work well for
one disease or pest but not all problems.
The same is true, of course, for many
chemical products. A product that claims
to reduce all pest problems and improve
turfgrass quality should be regarded with
suspicion.
continued on page 8

Many
biological/organic
controls show great promise
In the laboratory and
greenhouses but fail to be
effective in field trials.
Many products may also
be successful in one kind
@f cropping systems such
m annual crops of mm
or potatoes, and not work
well in perennial
turfgrass.
A product that claims t©
reduce all pest problems
and improve turfgrass
quality should be regarded
with suspicion.

,

PageS
i m a L M Ì L

GCSANE News

NE Regional Turfgrass Conference & Show
set for March 2-4, 1999 in Providence, R.I.
T h e second annual New England
Regional Turfgrass Conference and
Show (NERTCS) will take piace March
24, 1999. Due to the overwhelming
success of 1998, the show wiil remain at
the Rhode Island Convention Center in
Providence, Rhode Island.
The three-day trade show will feature
over 300 industry exhibitors from
throughout the United States including
professionals in the many phases of

turfgrass management and the latest
in equipment, turf care products, and
supplies. Those professionals in the
green industry: landscape/lawn care,
managers and designers, golf course
superintendents, and growers, should
plan on attending. Ali interested
exhibitors and attendees should call
(401)848-0004 to reserve their space.
Exhibit space is already 3 / 4 sold out!

Remember when?: GCSANE's past
¡Remember when? looks at significant
events and individuals of GCSANE's past.

25 years ago
^

More than 40 teams of golfers braved
j i e wind and rain on Monday, Sept 24 at
Blue Hills to play in the Super-Celebrity
Tournament. The fierce battling ended
in a tie for first low net between Danny
Gregory and Tony Conigliaro of Tedesco,
and the team of Ken Mooradian and Bob
Philips of Hopedale. After each duo
scraped it around Blue Hills for a net 65,
they remained deadlocked, and agreed to
break the tie in a playoff at Brae Burn in
late October. The tournament's low gross
honors went to Charles Borden and Ron
Hobson with a nifty 70.
The much anticipated Pro-Super
meeting and tournament will be played
Oct. 12 at Brae Burn. Tee times are open
after 9 a.m. and host Bob Grant promises
a minimum of oak leaves.

15 years ago
Finally, the results of the sales division
grudge match between Bobby Brown
and Bill Perry of Sawtelle Brothers and
Steve Butler of Larchmont and Larry
Bunn of TPC are in. The clash surfaced in
the GCSANE's annual tourney of two
"Aampionship where Butler and Bunn had
reen victorious three straight years. As
reported earlier, Bobby Brown won the
individual sales title at Marshfield, at

which time Butler pronounced the win a
fluke while vowing to bomb Brown when
the field assembled for the tourney of two
event. Bunn, who didn't play at
Marshfield, added fuel to the fire by
claiming that his absence was the only
reason Brown backed into the victory.
When Butler and Bunn promised to even
the score in the tourney of two at Saiem,
they added they'd quit the game if they
couldn't upend Brown and Perry. Well,
they should have held their tongues, since
Brown and Perry put them away, 4 and 3.
Happy fishing, Larry and Steve!

5 years ago
The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund
announced a record $370,000 in college
scholarship awards for 1993-94, with 14
percent of the totai going to course
superintendent help.
"This has been a great year for us and
we are very grateful to the Golf Course
Superintendents Association of New
England and its members for their
assistance," said Ouimet Fund president
Edward H. "Ted" Kenerson II. "We're
proud that 14 percent of our awards is
going to young people who help in course
superintendent operations. We're also
grateful for the help of Steve Chiavaroli,
your outgoing president, who we are
also proud to say is a Ouimet Scholarship
alumnus."
GERRY FINN

The education/conference portion
will offer industry seminars geared for
turf professionals. Recertification credits
can be earned at these programs. Turf is
our focus, and seminars will feature
sessions on golf course management,
lawn and landscape care, sports turf,
athletic field and municipal turf management, as well as machinery & shop
maintenance.
Presented by the New England
Regional Turfgrass Foundation, the New
England Regional Turfgrass Conference
and Show, in cooperation with the
University of Rhode Island and University
of Massachusetts, welcomes additional
exhibitors and all interested attendees.
Proceeds are dedicated to support and
develop turf research and education.
For additional information on the New
England Regional Turfgrass Conference
and Show, please call the show office
at (401) 848-0004, or check out their
website at www.nertf.org.

The three-day trad®
show will feature over
BOO industry exhibitors
from throughout the US.,
including professionals
in the many phases of
turfgrass
management
and the latest in
equipment, turf care
products, and supplies.
The
education/conference
portion will offer seminars
for turf professionals,
mid recertification
credits
can fee earned at these
programs.

Page

3
ILLL

Ù B V O T

D ñ B F T . . a n n o u n c e m e n t s . . . e d u c a t i o n a l

s e m i n a r s . , . j o b

Ulli,

o p p o r t u n i t i e s
n

. . . t o u r n a m e n t

GCSANE

r e s u l t s . . . a n d

NEWS

Th® G C S A N E a n n o u n c e s its n o m i n a t i n g committee and nominees for 1 9 9 3 :
N o m i n a t i n g C o m m i t t e e : J a m e s Fitzroy, CGCS;
Paul Miller, CGCS; David Mucciarone; Dave Stowe;
and chairman Michael lacono, CGCS.
N o m i n a t i o n s : President, Kevin Osgood; Vice President, R o b e r t Ruszala; Secretary, James Fitzroy,
CGCS; T r e a s u r e r , Michaei lacono, CGCS; T r u s t e e
(3 years), A r t h u r Silva, CGCS; T r u s t e e (2 years),
Greg Misodoulakis; T r u s t e e (1 year), David Comee;
Education Chairman, R o n a l d Dobosz, Jr.; Finance
Chairman, Daniel Higgins, CGCS; Golf Chairman,
Michael H e r m a n s o n ; Newsletter Chairman,
Russell Heller; a n d P a s t President, R o b e r t DiRico,
CGCS.

EXTENSION

NEWS

T h e U M a s s T u r f P r o g r a m h a s a w e b s i t e at:
http://Nww.umass.edu/umext/turf.
The site includes t h e diagnostic sheet, how to t a k e a n d send
a sample, a n d weekly p e s t updates, as well as o t h e r
information useful to turf m a n a g e r s . We welcome
suggestions of additional i n f o r m a t i o n to include.
There is also a new a d d r e s s to u s e w h e n sending
turf samples to UMass: Dr. Gail S c h u m a n n (or Dr.
Robert Wick for n e m a t o d e s only), D e p t of Microbiology, F e m a l d Hall, University of Massachusetts,
Amherst MA 01003-2420. Be s u r e to u s e express
delivery services t h a t deliver directly to UMass
offices. Regular priority mail or U P S will go to the
Campus Delivery, delaying samples by a day or
more. Call a h e a d to m a k e s u r e t h e lab is receiving
samples: (413) 545-3413. If Gail S c h u m a n n is o u t
of town, she will leave alternative diagnostic lab
information on a voice mail message.

INFORMATION
Kip T y l e r , c o u r s e s u p e r i n t e n d e n t a t S a l e m Country Club, h a s c o m p l e t e d a r e n e w a l p r o c e s s f o r
m a i n t a i n i n g his s t a t u s a s a C e r t i f i e d Golf C o u r s e
S u p e r i n t e n d e n t (CGCS) with t h e Golf C o u r s e Sup e r i n t e n d e n t s Association of America. Tyler h a s
been s u p e r i n t e n d e n t at t h e Peabody, Mass., c o u r s e
since 1982. He initially achieved his title of CGCS
in 1988.
GCSAA instituted t h e certification p r o g r a m in
1971 to recognize o u t s t a n d i n g a n d progressive
s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s . More t h a n 1600 golf c o u r s e sup e r i n t e n d e n t s currently hold CGCS status. To
become certified, a candidate m u s t have at least
t h r e e years of experience as a golf c o u r s e superintendent, be employed in t h a t capacity, a n d m e e t
specific post-secondary educational r e q u i r e m e n t s

m i s c e l l a n e o u s

i t e m s

o f

i n t e r e s t

a n d / o r c o n t i n u i n g education units (CEUs). The
c a n d i d a t e m u s t t h e n pass a r i g o r o u s six-hour exa m i n a t i o n covering: knowledge of GCSAA a n d its
certification p r o g r a m ; rules of golf; t u r f g r a s s management; p e s t control; safety a n d compliance; a n d
financial a n d h u m a n r e s o u r c e m a n a g e m e n t
To fulfill certification renewal r e q u i r e m e n t s , Tyler
e a r n e d 10 CEUs, with at least several coming f r o m
GCSAA tested categories. Maintaining certified
s t a t u s r e q u i r e s a renewal process be completed
every five years since initial certification.

H u n t e r Industries has announced the acquisition
of t h e p o p u l a r Legacy Golf line of i r r i g a t i o n
p r o d u c t s f r o m B u c k n e r , I n c o r p o r a t e d of Fresno,
California. H u n t e r acquired t h e Genesis Central
Satellite a n d the Viking Decoder Control Systems,
which have b e e n m a r k e t e d with H u n t e r golf rotors
a n d sold u n d e r t h e Legacy Golf Irrigation b a n n e r
since 1995.
"This acquisition signals H u n t e r ' s a b s o l u t e comm i t m e n t to t h e m a n u f a c t u r e a n d m a r k e t i n g of golf
c o u r s e irrigation products," r e p o r t e d Richard E.
H u n t e r , CEO, H u n t e r Industries. "The p u r c h a s e of
t h e Legacy Golf line is a n i m p o r t a n t step in
H u n t e r ' s long-term g r o w t h strategy to b e c o m e a
m a j o r supplier of golf c o u r s e irrigation e q u i p m e n t
worldwide," h e said.
H u n t e r Industries, San Marcos, California, will
c o n t i n u e to p r o d u c e Legacy Golf control systems
in t h e F r e s n o area. Legacy rotors, including t h e
G-60, G-70, and G-90, will be m a n u f a c t u r e d a t
p l a n t s in San Marcos a n d Gary, North Carolina. All
golf p r o d u c t s will be m a r k e t e d u n d e r t h e Legacy
by H u n t e r t r a d e n a m e .
An industry leader in t h e sale of gear-driven rotary
sprinklers, H u n t e r first i n t r o d u c e d a line of golf
r o t o r s in 1989. These sprinklers b e c a m e p a r t of
t h e Legacy Golf Irrigation p r o d u c t line in 1995,
a n d have been sold to golf c o u r s e s worldwide
u n d e r t h e Legacy n a m e since then. T h e Legacy line
is a direct d e s c e n d e n t of golf's "first family" of golf
c o u r s e irrigation products, dating from 1912. The
c o m p a n y p r o d u c e d c o m p o n e n t s for t h e first autom a t e d goif c o u r s e irrigation system, which w a s
installed at Sea Island, Georgia, in t h e 1950s.
Today, Legacy e q u i p m e n t h a s b e e n specified at
c h a m p i o n s h i p c o u r s e s t h r o u g h o u t t h e U.S. H u n t e r
Industries is a m o n g t h e w o r l d ' s leading irrigation
e q u i p m e n t m a n u f a c t u r e r s a n d offers a complete
line of rotors, spray heads, valves, a n d controllers
for turf a n d landscape. The c o m p a n y w a s f o u n d e d
in 1 9 8 1 by industry pioneer Edwin 1. H u n t e r .
U n d e r Richard H u n t e r ' s direction, H u n t e r h a s
e x p a n d e d to m a r k e t s in over 60 c o u n t r i e s worldwide a n d r e p o r t s over $100 million in a n n u a l sales.

t©

t h e

m e m b e r s h i p .

SYMPOSIUM
Special S y m p o s i u m : C u r r e n t T o p i c s in W e e d
M a n a g e m e n t f o r t h e G r e e n I n d u s t r y , J a n u a r y 7,
1 9 9 9 , 2 4 : 3 0 p.m., C a m b r i d g e M a r r i o t t , Camb r i d g e , Mass. The N o r t h e a s t e r n W e e d Science
Society, in cooperation with M a s s a c h u s e t t s Cooperative Extension, offers an educational p r o g r a m
in c o n j u n c t i o n with t h e 5 3 r d a n n u a l m e e t i n g of
t h e N o r t h e a s t e r n Weed Science Society a n d t h e
N o r t h e a s t e r n American Society for Horticultural
Science. Topics include w h e r e weed p r o b l e m s in
t h e landscape come f r o m a n d w h a t we can do
a b o u t them; controlling broadleaf weeds; poste m e r g e n t grass weed control; an u p d a t e on FQPA
and its impact on ornamentals; non-selective weed
control; fertility practices a n d their effect on weed
control; a n d p r o d u c t selection a n d f o r m u l a t i o n
issues. S p e a k e r s include Dr. Joe Neal, N o r t h Carolina S t a t e University; Dr. T o d d M e r v o s h ,
C o n n e c t i c u t Agricultural E x p e r i m e n t Station; Dr.
Ray Taylorson, University of R h o d e Isiand; Ray
F r a n k with IR-4, Dr. Larry Kuhns, Pennsylvania
State University; Jeff Derr, Virginia Tech; a n d Dr.
T h o m a s Watschke, Pennsylvania S t a t e University.
Registrants are welcome to participate in any a n d
all of t h e o t h e r research p r e s e n t a t i o n s . Registration is $ 4 5 in advance or $ 6 5 at t h e door. If you
plan to stay overnight, convention r a t e s have been
a r r a n g e d a t t h e Cambridge Marriott. Contact t h e
hotel at (401) 849-1000 a n d specify you will a t t e n d
t h e N o r t h e a s t e r n W e e d Science Society Annual
Meeting. F o r i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t this symposium
contact Renee Keese at (317) 337-3124. Registrations can be sent to Andy Senesac, L.I. Research
Lab, 3 0 5 9 S o u n d Ave., Riverhead, NY 11901.

POSITIONS

AVAILABLE

A s s i s t a n t Golf C o u r s e S u p e r i n t e n d e n t . P l y m o u t h
Country Club, Plymouth, Mass. is seeking a highly
motivated assistant s u p e r i n t e n d e n t with a minim u m of t h r e e to five years golf c o u r s e m a i n t e n a n c e
a n d a two or four-year d e g r e e in turf m a n a g e m e n t
or a related field. All applicants m u s t have a
c u r r e n t pesticide applicator's license. Salary to be
c o m m e n s u r a t e with experience. S e n d r e s u m e by
J a n u a r y 15,1999 to: Ronald S h e r m a n , Superintendent, P l y m o u t h Country Club, W a r r e n Avenue,
P.O. Box 3477, Plymouth, MA 0 2 3 6 1 .
Golf C o u r s e M e c h a n i c , M a r l b o r o u g h C o u n t y
Club. Individual will be responsible for repair of
all golf c o u r s e e q u i p m e n t Must be self-motivated.
Knowledge of hydraulics a n d electrical diagnosis
is p r e f e r r e d . C o m p e n s a t i o n is c o m m e n s u r a t e with
experience. Benefits include health i n s u r a n c e , vacation, 4 0 I K plan, a n d paid holidays. T h e job is
available J a n u a r y 1, 1999. Call (508) 460-8933, or b
send r e s u m e to Ken Crimmings, 2 0 0 C o n c o r d
Road, M a r l b o r o u g h , MA 0 1 7 5 2 .

Page 7
tläÜiii

0

Please patronize these FRIENDS of the ASSOCIATION
Advanced Agronomic lewises, Inc.
91 Day St., Leominster, MA 01453
Deep-tine aerification, core aerification,
overseeding, and irrigation services.
Jim Favreau - (978) 840-0432

A-QK Turf Equipment

90 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, Ri 02917
John Deere golf & turf equipment dealer
Paul T. Surabian, Pres.; Allen Vadala, Sales Rep.
(401)232-3700

A.A. Will Materials Corporation

MiehaeS Bra's Oonstuofion, inc.

Agr-Evo U.S.A. Co.

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

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

Aliens Seed Store, Inc.

Specializing in quality seed and related
goif course maintenance supplies.
Gregg A l l e n - ( 4 0 1 ) 294-2722
(car p h o n e - ( 5 0 8 ) 577-1001)

later Golf Cars

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

Bartlett Ire® Experts

153 Rumford Ave., Newton, MA 02166
Consulting, planning, IPM MoniTor®, pruning,
fertilization, & plant appraisal
Jack K e l l y - ( 6 1 7 ) 969-5990

Bay State Organic / MWRA

100 First Ave., Chariestown Navy Yard
Boston, MA 02129
Manufacturer & supplier of dry organic fertilizers
Amy B a r a d - ( 6 1 7 ) 241-6261

Bayer Corporation
118 EileryAve., Middletown, RI 02842
Baylaton, Merit, Dylox, Tempo, Nemacur.
Brad H e r m a n - ( 4 0 1 ) 846-3515;
FAX (401) 846-8012

The Borden Company

Maynard, MA
Bulk limestone dealer.
Jack Borden - (978) 897-2571

Boston irrigation Company

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

Elanco Products Company

31 Old Town Trail, Narragansett, RI 02882
Bob S c o t t - ( 4 0 1 ) 376-7290

F.D.S., Inc.

(Fairway Design Illustration)
55 Railroad Ave., Warren, RI 02885
Custom granite signs & markers.
Joseph K. Martin, Robert Page
(401) 245-7890 or 1-800-358-8337

Gold Star Wholesaie Nursery
4 Sod Farm
Bill Thompson
Lexington, Mass. - (781) 861-1111
Canterbury, N.H, - (603) 783-4717

The Charles C. Hart Seed Co.

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

Cedar Lawn Tree Service, Inc.

Geoffrey S. Cornish & Brian Sites

Golf Course Architects
Fiddlers Green, Amherst, MA 01002

Country Club Enterprises, Inc.

P. 0. Box 820, Cataumet, MA 02534
Club Car golf cars, Carryall utility vehicles.
Steve Butler, Dave Farina, Ed McGuire
(800) 662-2585

III.ILI.UUI.IIJJJIILJJDII.IIJJ^^

Scotts Pro-Turf Dis.
D.L. iaher Co.

Box 127, Concord St., N. Reading 01864
Water supply specialists; water wells &
pumping equipment.
(781) 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, Ins.

1119 Washington St., Weymouth, MA 02189
Installation of UST/AST, pump/tank upgrades,
and oil/water separator installation.
Greg M u r p h y - ( 7 8 1 ) 3 3 1 - 6 4 4 6

Modern Aeration Service, Inc.
212 Kenrick St., Newton, MA 02158
Featuring water injection aeration.
Kevin O s g o o d - ( 6 1 7 ) 630-1950

Modem Tractor & Truck Service, Inc.

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

R.F. l e r s e & Sons, inc.

Mike Peterson, Regional Director
Randy Hamilton - (508) 528-4642
Richard F o m i - ( 4 1 3 ) 534-8896

Sodco, Inc.

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

Sports Club Management

104 Wyman R d , Braintree, MA 02184
Hazcom and right-to-know compliance
implementation.
Ron S m i t h - ( 7 8 1 ) 848-5978

Dahn Tibbgtf
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.
(781) 837-3503

Tee and Green Sod, ¡inc.

Exeter, RI 02822
Bentgrass, Bluegrass and Blue/Fescue sod,
Daye Wallace, Robin Hayes
(401) 789-8177

Nardone Sand & Gravel Co., Inc.

International Golf Construction Co.

37 Power R d , Westford, MA 01886
Topdressing sand & mixes, bunker sands, rootzone mixes, loam, cart path materials, drainage stone
Greg Frederick - (978) 692-8221, (781) 648-6222

Turf Enhancement Enterprises

5 Purcell Rd., Arlington, MA 02174
Golf course construction.
Antonios Paganls
( 6 1 7 ) 6 4 8 - 2 3 5 1 or (508) 428-3022

Irrigation Management & Services

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

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

Ken Jones Tire Co.

Landmark Construction

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

65 Glenn S t , Lawrence, MA 01843
Bob Brown, Larry Bunn, Mike Hannigan,
Frank Higgins, John Lenhart
(978) 682-9296

Tuekaiioa Turf Farms, Inc.

433 Chestnut St., Needham, MA 02192
Tree care, landscape consruction, consulting.
Mark J. T o b i n - ( 7 8 1 ( 444-1227

The Cardinals, Inc.

110 Codjer Lane, Sudbury, MA 01776
Grower of annuals, perennials,
garden mums, & ground covers
Darren Young - (978) 443-7177

Sawtelle Iras.

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

Cavicchlo Greenhouses, Inc.

Lycott Environmental Research, Inc.

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

Hartney Greymamf

Dedham, MA
Distributor, irrigation supplies & accessories,
John Ramey, Paul Kenyon, Robert Barbati
(781) 461-1560
166 River Rd., P. 0. Box 520
Unionville, CT 06085
Golf course & landscape supplies.
John Callahan - (203) 673-3699

I

Douglas Equipment Corp.

9 Leuba Road, Coventry, Ri 02816
New England Articulator dealer,
Greens Groomer Brush, & used equiDment.
Mike Corntcelli - (401) 826-2584

168 Washington St., Stoughton, MA 02072
Top dressing & bunker sand, loam, decorative
stone, & landscape materials. Est, 1886.
Frank Will, Charlie Downing, Denise M. Cogliano
1 -800-4-AAWILL

2 Wè

Country Golf, inc.
4 8 5 2 Westchester Dr., Traverse City, Ml 49684
Golf course construction 8, reconstruction;
specialists in Donald Ross courses.
Jerry D e e m e r - (616) 947-5751

P. O. Box 662, Winchester, MA 01890
Tee/bunker shaping & remodeling,
cart path work, drainage, tree planting,
6 landscape construction our specialty.
Daniel Champion - (781) 595-1079

Larchmont Eng. & irrig. Co.

Larchmont Lane, Lexington, MA 02173
Keith Savage - (781) 862-2550

Lazaro's Golf Course Accessories

dba Hammond Paint & Chem. Co., Inc.
738 Main St., Suite 223, Waitham, MA 02154
Joseph L a z a r o - ( 7 8 1 ) 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, RI 02822
Victoria Wallace - 1-800-648-7333

ftavartis Specialty Products, inc.

394 Monson Tpk. Road, Ware, MA 01082
Banner MAXX, Sentinel, Barricade,
Subdue MAXX, & Primo
David Ravel - (413) 967-6745
www.cp.us.novartis.com

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

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

Turf Net Associates, Inc.

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

Turf Products Corp.

Kelsey Part, Great Meadows, NJ 07838
Heat treated top-dressing, goif hole targets,
turf blankets, and other specialty goif supplies.
Jim Kelsey - 1-800-247-2326, (906) 637-4191

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

P.I.E. Supply Co.

Turf Specialty, Inc.

Partac Golf Course Top-Dressing

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

Prescription Turf Services, inc.

Complete deep-tine and hydro-injection services,
custom fertilizer and pesticide applications,
fairway aeration, and top dressing operations.
Scott McCoy - (978) 777-1663

Pro-Lawn Products, Inc.

24 Johnathan R d , W. Greenwich, RI 02817
Specializing in turf & ornamental needs.
(401) 397-8880

Read Sand & Gravel, Inc.

171 VFW Dr., Rockland, MA 0 2 3 7 0
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.

15 Londonderry R d , Londonderry, NH 03053
Turf & ornamental supplies.
Scott Mackintosh, Kevin Lyons,
Dave Schermertiorn, 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 R d , Suffield, CT 06109
Wholesaie nursery trees & shrubs.
Stan Hildreth

Philip Wogan a George F. Sargent, Jr.

Technical resource catalog; survey-weathertesting-measurement & diagnostic equipment.
Barbara Piantedosi - (508) 4 5 6 - 6 8 8 6

Golf Course Architects
17 Walker R d , Topsfield, MA 01983
(978) 887-3672

Sani-Mafe Suppiv, inc.

Zip Type Service

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

50 Kent St., Newburyport, MA 01950
Design, printing, mailing, advertising specialties.
Sheila Johnson - (978) 462-9358

Page 3

jii j,i.l itlLitiXl.tii.i jtLii iiLJli

Evaluating mw
continued

turfprnducts

from page 4

Has the product ¡been tested in your
area? There are many examples in which
products perform well in some soil types,
at some soii pH levels, on some turfgrass
species, and/or some climates, but not
others.
If experimental data Is available,
look for these features when judging
the results:
Non-treated plots: These are necessary
to determine how much stress or pest
pressure (weeds, diseases, insects,
nematodes) was present These pressures
are difficult to predict from year to year
and even from area to area. Some disease
trials require inoculation with a pathogen
to ensure uniform disease in each plot.
Ask what steps were taken to decide what
pest or disease was present and how
uniform the problem was. This same
il Jli.ili.ljzliiniJiJ ,i .1 jaAl.il J i^l ,ii jxi iiii

.li.iX 1 .illiJ iti.i.i itiLiiiii iii-t,ljtl-ii .itJXi .li.i.1 AilliiiJX.i,iiJ iJ ili.i.i AiXLiilXiil i.i.ijtilA.i

concern applies to any experiments with
"growth stimulants."
It is always important to leave nontreated areas. Consider what happens if
you don't. Suppose you are seeing less
dollar spot pressure this year than last.
Could it be due to a change in your
fertility practices, different weather
patterns, the new product you applied
to all 18 greens, or some undetermined
factor? Or suppose you have a brown
patch outbreak. Did the turf recover from
the disease this week because of a change
in the weather or because of that new
product you applied? Turf managers may
think that they know the answer to these
questions, but without non-treated areas
for comparison, no one can be sure, not
even the most highly respected
turfgrass
pathologist in the world.

for the non-treated control and one for
each new product You would then need i - /
three to four more sets, or replications, o.
these six plots for a total of 18 or 24
plots. There are several ways to do this,
but typically we have the five treatments
plus the control randomized within each
row. As the season progresses, you can
see if the same results occur in each of
the three or four replicated plots that
received the same treatment. This helps
separate out real differences among
treatments from variation simply due
to the turf environment. The same
reasoning is used for the World Series
which is settled by the best-of-seven and
not just a single game.

Replications: Field trials should include
replications of all treatments. For
example, if you are testing five new
products, you would need six plots, one
JXtniii AlliuiJ

(Part II in next month's

issue.)

Reprinted from Turf Notes,
July/August 1 9 9 8 .

Ji-1 .¡iJ jJ ali.l^LLiiJ ll.ili.ljnAt,

FT

I'MI'I

VtOZ-ZeVZO VW 'uieqpsaN
3 D U 3 A V p U B | L j § | | - j g¡_ |

: o j UJTOSV

SSV101S4SH
IB 'ON

litujad

B|AJ 'YODAINQMEJQ
0 ¡¥¿1
eBsjsod ST1

Hew sseio jsjy

Haxxai