LETTER
Golf Coure© Superintendents

Association

OF N E W ENGLAND, INC.

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

Mew Tewksbury

Country
with help of superintendent
Things have been happening fast for
Russ Heller . . . and for the Tewksbury
Country Club which happens to be his
new address.
One year ago Heller was closing in
on his fifth season as assistant to head
superintendent Wayne LaCroix at Andover
juntry Club. His quick progression on
the job led to a situation where LaCroix
could leave Russ in charge and be assured
that the drum roll of course maintenance
at Andover never missed a beat.
But then the wheels of change began
spinning. First, Marc Ginsberg and Arnie
Martel, a couple of neophytes in the golf
business, bought a private airport in
Tewksbury and replaced runways with
fairways. Thus was born the nine-hole
Tewksbury Country Club.
Eight months later (April) with
construction of the course in a crashcondition state with opening slated for
July, Heller answered an ad for the
position of golf course superintendent.

In this issue ...
Page
Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 2
The Super Speaks Out
3
Coif Course Chemicals:
Setting the Record Straight . . . . 4
Selecting Turfgrasses, Part II . . . 5
Remember When?
5
Divot Drift
6

I

mm

October 1998

Club

fetes off

ñm§

Heller
WÈËËËBËËKË

Russ interviewed for the job and two days
later Tewksbury had its main man.
"It's been kind of a whirlwind situation
for me," Heller explained. "The course
was completed in less than one year, and
by that time I was aboard for a couple of
months. I came here last May, got the
place in playing shape, and we opened
for business July 19. However, there's a
ton of work to be done before I catch
my breath."
Taking the big step from assistant to
head superintendent was an overnight
experience compared to Heller's entrance
on the golf course maintenance scene.
That route was full of detours, including
one that ran through, of all places, a
major league umpiring school.
"Definitely, it was a roundabout way,
getting in the (golf) business," Russ
said. "After high school (St. John's of
Shrewsbury), I had all intentions of being

an electrical engineer, and majored in that
subject for two years at the University
of Lowell. But, just like that, I thought
better of the idea and up and left school."
Actually, Heller went from one likely
situation to an unlikely one when he
enrolled in the Joe Brinkman Baseball
Umpires School in Florida. Russ had
worked some high school games in
between classes at Lowell, and the change
in careers appealed to him.
But another change loomed after
three years in the minors, stuck in the
New York-Penn League. Russ became
interested in landscaping, then headed for
Stockbridge School of Agriculture. He
wound up as assistant to LaCroix at
Andover after taking his internship there.
Heller's emergence as a golf course superintendent is a long story in contrast to his
changeover from Andover assistant to

continued on page 6

Page

3

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PRESIDENT
K e v i n F. O s g o o d
14 Iriman Lane, Foxborough, M A 0 2 0 3 5
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
VICE PRESIDENT
Robert Ruszala
69 Gellnas Drive, Chicopee, M A 0 1 0 2 0
413-256-S654
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 Quincy, M A 02171
617-328-1776
Fax 6 1 7 - 3 2 8 - 9 4 7 9
Presidents Golf C o u r s e
TREASURER
M i c h a e l V. l a c o n o , C G C S
42 N e w t o n Street, Weston, M A 0 2 1 9 3
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 Silva, 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 Ciub
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 Winchendon School Country Ciub
TRUSTEE
Gregory Mlsodouiakis
44 Wilson Road
Londonderry, NH 03053
781 - 2 4 5 - 2 1 1 4
Fax 781 - 2 4 6 - 3 9 2 0
B e a r Hill G o l f C i u b
FINANCE CHAIRMAN
Daniel Higglns, C G C S
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 - 7 2 1 - 1 5 6 1
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
Gardner 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 - 8 5 6 4
Fax 781 - 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 0 6 9
Brae Burn Country Club

- T T H E I

NEWSLETTER
GCSANE Headquarters
175 Highland Avenue, N e e d h a m , M A 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 o i x , C G C S
Contributing Editor
Gerry Finn
Business M a n a g e r
. . M i c h a e l V. Iacono, O Q C S
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 f r e e l y , i n 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.

IllliiliililliPlii/I

continued

from page 1

head man at a converted airport, where
clearing of land and some runways was
accompanied by the roar of entering and
exiting airplanes.
The Tewksbury post is quite a
challenge for Heller because it thrusts
him and course owners in the middle of
the public links competitive picture.
"My job is to give players a feeling of
playing a private course at public course
prices," Russ told. "That was what I
walked into when I started here in May.
By that time the course had seven holes
completed. I worked those into playing
shape while the last two holes were
constructed. Overall, I had less than two
months to get the place ready for play.
Surprisingly, it worked out pretty well.
At least, the golfers seem to think so."
Tewksbury opened July 19 and was such
a hit with the public it averaged 250 rounds
on each of its first two weekend days. Since
then that figure has flirted with 300.
So, what's the attraction?
For one thing, the course owners have
concentrated on its condition in order to
establish a base of regular players. The
clubhouse will come in the future, but for
now the combination of pro shop and
management offices are in the same
building that housed airport officials.
A teaching center is on the agenda and
other improvements are on the horizon.
The course, which plays to 2,600 yards
and carries a par of 33, was laid out under
the direction of consultant designers
Frank Stasio and Bob Flynn. Some of
the holes are close to adjacent housing
property lines and call for accurate
shotmaking.
"What's nice about the operation is
that we did a lot of work clearing and
grooming the rough areas," Heller
disclosed. "Too often new courses are

rushed into play, giving golfers headaches
finding balls when they stray off the
fairways. It doesn't happen here. We
eliminate most of that type of problem
which helps in another way - pace of play.
That's important in the public links world.
We have to keep play moving."
The Tewksbury course is just enough
of a challenge to test the newcomer or
fledgling golfer that happens to be the
object of the course's playing appeal. "We
tend to make it comfortable for the beginner," Russ explained. "But there's still
room for the experienced golfer to enjoy
the ride. We have 30 bunkers and five
man-made ponds that come into play on
five different holes. So, it's no pushover."
Heller works the maintenance shift
with assistant Mark Conway, experienced
in the private course sector, and interchanging part-time help. He goes at it six
days a week, and he doesn't even count
his hours. "It's my first head job," Russ
concluded, "It's a big opportunity for me
after a great relationship and learning
experience with Wayne at Andover. So far
we're packing them in. So far things are
going right. I couldn't be happier."

GERRY FINN

Calendar
November 2

GCSANE Monthly Meeting
Whitinsville Golf Club
Whitinsville, Mass.
Supt. - Paul Wilson

November 17 GCSAA Seminar
Strategies for Managing
The Turfgrass System
The International
Bolton, Mass.
November 18 GCSAA Seminar
Developing Your Hazard
Communication
Program
The International
Bolton, Mass.

1

Page 3

§upmp Speaks

Qui

This month's question: How did the extreme
weather conditions

of this golf season affect your course?

Frank Murphy, Country Club of Halifax:
"This could be the home of the 'extreme'.
I mean in everything.
"For example, we have a hole we call
'the patient', it doesn't know how to
assess weather conditions. The stupid
thing thrives on drought! The rest of the
year, or when it's normal, the hole stinks!
"This certainly has been a season of
extremes here. We had one dry spell when
we really got cooked. It didn't rain for 42
consecutive days. Then, when it did rain,
we got the grand total of two-tenths of
an inch.
"So, this has been a very bad season
for me. As far as the extremes of the
situation go, June was too wet and July
was too dry. It's hard to get a handle on
pings when the weather acts in such an
unpredictable manner.
"In addition to the weather knockout
punches thrown this way, I'm living with
a bad watering system. That means any
extended period of very dry weather can
knock our grasses for a loop.
"However, we did what we could under
this difficult time. We hired a college kid
to do all-night watering where the really
dry spots popped up. This helped, but it
couldn't solve the overall effect of the
rainless weather.

...

"We had nine pumps going
¡6 hours a day, and two
three-man crews making
inroads with squeegees
until we could get at the
turf for mowing. We were
out in rowboats, and took
®n any area we could find
— that was mowable

J

Bruce Packard
Stockbridge G.C.

"It got so bad here that when we
got a half-inch of rain iate in the summer,
it was reason to celebrate. Frankly, I'll
be glad when this season comes to an
end because it's been one of the worst,
weatherwise. But I said the same thing
two years ago when we got hit with a
strange fungus on our greens. I did
everything to get rid of that stuff and
finally went to a last resort, the internet,
i did get the answer to the problem on
e-mail. Regardiess, this season has been
like our patient hole. It stinks!
B i l l Yamakakis, New Meadows Golf Club:
"We have the Ipswich River to contend
with here, so any kind of excessive rains
usually puts us in a troubled state, That's
what we were in, especially in June.
"Then we had 151/2 inches of rain.
The combination of the river and that
downpour put us under. We were closed
three days and spent ail of them trying
to bail out of the mess.
"The solution was set in place by
trying to drain the low spots, which was
very difficult to do. Our guys had to wade
in the water to free the drains and keep
them open. It was a very trying time
because the rains just refused to stop.
Then, when they did, another problem
arose when the extreme of a very dry
July took over. It was either a feast or
a famine. Fifteen or so inches of rain in
June, then two inches the entire month
of July.
"Oh, I forgot. Also during that period
when we closed we still had to keep tees
and greens mowed because they were
growing like wildfire. We did this by
transporting equipment and manpower
on flat boats. However, the worst was still
to come.
"That surfaced with an extreme breakout of dollar spot, and that's what I've
been fighting ever since the wet season
backed off and the dry season took over.
"To put it simply, it hasn't been an
easy year for me."

B r a c e Packard, Sfocklbridge Golf Club:
"You just know that when we have
extreme weather conditions, Stockbridge
is one of the prominent targets to feel the
brunt of the consequences.
"It's happened before and it banged
into us again on June 8 when we had
6V2 inches of rain to go with an overflow
of the Housatonic River, which is almost
as much a part of the course as the turf
itself.
"This time, with the course under
five feet of water, we were closed for
eight days. We spent those eight days in
double formation, waiting for the water
to recede and helping that process to get
in full gear.
"We had nine pumps going 16 hours
a day, and two three-man crews making
inroads with squeegees until we could get
at the turf for mowing. We were out in
rowboats and took on any area we could
find that was mowable. Frankly, we were
scrambling to try and save as much turf
as we could.
"Our guys did a pretty good job, too.
I think we lost about one-half acre of turf
on the fairways, but it was almost an
impossibie task out there. I have to think
we were lucky to lose that little. That's
how bad it was.
"Of course, we were then faced with
the other extremes. Yes, extremes because
in our location in the Berkshires we had
to face long periods of dry weather that
included nights when the temperatures
hung around 65. That's a no-no here
because the turf is used to nights in
the 50s.
"The combination of high temperatures
in the day and unusually high numbers
at night really increased the incidence
of disease. As a matter of fact, it's the
highest incidence of disease I've ever
seen here. I've sprayed three times more
this summer than I ever have, my
pesticide budget has been drained for a
long time, and dollar spot is lurking at
every instant.
"With all of that adversity, though,
we have recovered pretty well. We
managed to give our members and their
guests a pretty good amount of prime
playing opportunity. But this summer has
been ridiculous. We went from as wet as
we can get to as dry as we can get. I guess
you could say Mother Nature had a
'baaaaad' year in 1998."
GERRY FINN

Page

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From the President

GúSf course chemicals: Setting the record
by Kevin Osgood,
Superintendent,
Newton Commonwealth
Golf Course;
President,
GCSANE
IRecent media reports, based on a document
distributed by the Massachusetts Public
Interest Research Group (MASSPIRG),
painted a less than flattering picture of
chemical use on golf courses.
While those in the golf industry
welcome debate on the issue of golf and
the environment, such a discussion is
only valuable when based on facts, not
emotion. Unfortunately, MASSPlRG's
report is emotionally charged, with a
reliance on inaccurate data and faulty
assumptions. Space does not allow for a
point-by-point analysis of MASSPEG's
work, but this report will examine some of
the more controversial issues raised.
It is apparent that many media
organizations relied solely on this
document, rather than seeking a balanced
view of the topic. Hence, some of the
criticism should be placed on work of
those entities that took the report at face
value. Nationally-syndicated columnist
Alston Chase, who spent the majority of
his career reporting on the media, noted
recently in the Washington Post that
nowhere are falsehoods more frequent
than in environmental reporting.
Occupational profile
The professional responsible for the
day-to-day management of golf course
maintenance activities is the golf course
superintendent. As a whole, nearly 97 percent of these individuals have a post high
school education. That is supplemented
by an extensive continuing education
program offered by various universities
and the Golf Course Superintendents
Association of America (GCSAA) and its
affiliated chapters. Superintendents are
well versed as to the implications of
improper maintenance practices, therefore
putting themselves or others in jeopardy
is unethical and irresponsible.
The MASSPIRG report reviewed a
study conducted by GCSAA that found
a higher than average number of its
members in Iowa had passed away due to
certain forms of cancer. MASSPIRG drew
the conclusion that this was due to their
occupation. What MASSPIRG did not tell
>AULILMLIAlIMÍXÍMLIMÚALIALLIÍ1Ú>

the public is the professor who conducted
the research determined that there was
NO cause and effect between the occupation and the existence of these cancers.
Why did he reach this conclusion?
Quite simply, the study relied on death
certificates with no record of genetic
makeup or lifestyle history. The research
could not examine family medical history
involving the presence of these cancers,
nor could it determine whether the
subjects smoked or consumed alcohol.
The whole (and complete) truth
om chemical usage
The MASSPIRG report listed one
Massachusetts golf course applied
diazinon, a substance banned by EPA
since 1990. The truth is the granular form
of diazinon was banned, however the
liquid form was not. The golf course in
question applied the liquid form, hence
no misuse occurred as the MASSPIRG
document inaccurately stated. The use of
cadmium chloride by a golf course in
1995 was also listed by MASSPIRG
as a violation. While the chemical was
voluntarily canceled by the manufacturer
in 1990, the product currently in channels
of use and trade was cleared for use.
Again, MASSPIRG misrepresents the facts.
The scrutiny of 2-4-D is also misleading.
In fact, the EPA reported after 200 toxicology, environmental fate, wildlife, and
residue studies on multiple forms of the
chemical, that it produces no significant
adverse effects to human health, and did
not result in carcinogenicity. Further
discussion by MASSPIRG used a 1991
media report to link chemicals, namely
2-4-D, to breast cancer. However, a report
released by the New England Journal of
Medicine dismissed this link and actually
pointed to genetics as the greatest factor
in breast cancer cases.
MASSPIRG data on pesticide usage
based on total pounds and gallons used is
in fact also misleading. On golf courses,
the vast majority of products used are of
the "weed and feed" products containing
mostly fertilizer and a relatively small
portion of pesticides (as little as .05%).
Posting practices in place
Contrary to the MASSPIRG report, the
Massachusetts Department of Food and

straight

Agriculture DOES require posting PRIOR
to application of chemicals. Also contrary
to the report, there are specific size, wording, and location requirements. It should
also be mentioned that university and
GCSAA instructors address posting
requirements and methods, and that the
DFA hosts many educational programs
required to keep up with license renewal.
But what happens to chemicals applied
on the golf course? Purdue University's
Dr. Clark Throssell, one of the nation's
most highly respected turfgrass specialists,
noted there is little to be concerned about
when it comes to golf course chemicals.
"As we take a look at pesticides, overall
we are finding they provide almost no risk
to casual exposure that would be of any
concern," Throssell says. "Research shows
to get any pesticide residue at all you
have to take a rough cloth and vigorously
rub the grass leaf. Obviously, no one out
there playing golf is going to do that in
the course of a round."
¿c
Golf courses and water quality
There has been much conjecture on
golf course water quality, but a recent course
water study by Dr. Stuart Cohen, president
of Environment and Turf Research Services,
"invalidates claims that golf courses should
be treated as hazardous waste sites."
Golf course turf is actually an outstanding filter of water, thereby removing
pollutants and breaking down chemicals
before they have any chance to reach
water sources. Noted University of Florida
researcher Dr. John Cisar again points to
science over perception. "Scientific
findings do not support the perception
held by many, and often supported by
media outlets, that using these materials is
not safe. Predominant findings by multiple
independent researchers have supported
this time and time again."
The New York Attorney Genera!
The MASSPIRG report also relies on
the New York Attorney General study to
support its thesis. Again, reliance on
faulty data does not support MASSPIRG.
The New York study found that golf
courses have a pesticide application rate
seven times higher than agriculture. The
information has never been peer reviewed
continued on page 8

PageS

UMass Extension Report

Turfgrass for few maintenance
by Mary Owen, Regional Turf Specialist,
University of Massachusetts
Extension
Turfgrass Selection
Tall fescue is another option for low
maintenance areas. Older tail fescues are
typically wide-bladed, bunch type grasses
tending to form turf of low shoot density
and low quality. However, there are now
many finer textured cultivars; several have
been bred with good turf forming abilities.
Tall fescue has good wear tolerance but relatively poor ability to recover from damage.
Tall fescues are capable of forming a
deep and extensive root system where soil
is deep enough to permit. The result is that,
because they are able to reach a larger area
in the soil, they appear to be more tolerant
of drought conditions. However, tail fescues
do have a high requirement for water and
fertility, especially during establishment Tall
fescues prefer fertile, moist high organic
matter soils. A poorly established stand of
"""•all fescue will have little advantage over
other higher input requiring grasses.
Tall fescues are also not quite as cold
tolerant as some other cool season grasses,
and will tend to thin out of a turf after
extensive cold or difficult winters. Turf
stands composed of a high percentage of tall
fescues may need to be overseeded on a
regular basis to insure stand density. While
tall fescue will tolerate a Sow fertility
regime, it will perform better when
provided with 0.5 to 1.0 lbs. of nitrogen
per growing month. Tail fescue will also
tolerate moist, saline soils. In addition, tali
fescue, while resistant to drought, wil!
respond favorably to irrigation.
Tall fescue is often mixed with Kentucky
bluegrass or perennial ryegrass for seeding.
Establishment
Establishment of grasses, though they
may be low maintenance, is critical. Irrigation of seedbed and seeding turf, as well as
supplemental fertilization, will result more
quickly in denser turf less prone to weed
infestation and better able to withstand
stress of drought, insect/disease injury, or
-other factors. Research shows that low mainjnance grasses which receive adequate
fertility and irrigation during establishment
form denser turf cover more quickly and are
less apt to be invaded with weeds.

Timing of establishment also has impact
on turfgrass stand. New seedings are best
begun in late summer (i.e. late Aug. - midSept). Research has proven that turfgrass
stands begun this time of year will be denser
and less prone to weed infestation.
Select for Pest Tolerance
On sites where pest activity has been
problematic, turfgrass cultivars containing
endophytes should be chosen for new seedings or overseedings. Endophytes are fungi
that live within the plant. These particular
fungi do not damage the plant, but rather
impart tolerance to leaf feeding insects
such as billbug, sod webworm, aphids, and
chinch bug. They do not have any effect
on root feeding insects such as white grubs.

sites, Pert II
Several cultivars of fine fescues, tall
fescues, and perennial ryegrasses have
been bred to contain beneficial endophytes.
Fresh seed, stored carefully, is likely to
have the highest percent of live endophytes.
There is no quick test for amount of endophyte within a batch of seed, and because
the fungus is aiive, its percent within a
batch will decline over time and with poor
storage conditions. Therefore, purchase
fresh seed which has been handled carefully. Information on the bag or label will
not always provide information on endophytes. Speak with a reliable seed supplier
for information on availability of endophytic
cultivars. Endophytic cultivars should not
be planted where animals may graze.
continued

GCSANE News

on page 8

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

25 years ago
According to distinguished members of
the USGA Green Section-Eastern Region,
1973 was one of the most difficult seasons
for course conditioning. Alexander Radko,
William Buchanan, and Stanley Zontek
concurred that superintendents were victims
of Murphy's Law. "Everything that could
go wrong, did, and golf courses suffered
excesses in turf loss on fairways, collars, and
aprons," the three experts declared.
Wet spring weather began the grooming
season, and extended periods without
sunshine in the spring caused grasses to grow
weak and spindly. When clear, hot, sunny
days were foilowed by countless days of high
humidity, the bottom began to drop out
Therefore, golfers played through water sprays
almost all of July and August when Poa Annua
predominated. "1973 was a tortuous year for
grasses." Radko said. "It is safe to
predict that its praises will never be intoned in
a ballad. It wasn't a very good year!"

15 years ago
Musings from Divot Drift Golf chairman
Steve Murphy on why his hairstyle is called
the Watergate: "I cover up as much
as I can." Regulars at Taconic G.C.,
Williamstown, have the impression that

management really doesn't want them to
use their new suggestion box. The box is
attached to a post implanted in the middle
of a large water hazard on the fourth hole.
Weston G.C. and superintendent Don
Hearn were hosts for a productive August
meeting during which woes of the
season's weather were given an airing.
The tournament format was a team of
four, and the winners were Jim Fitzroy,
Jim Bean, Pat Vittum, and Neil Loomis.

5 years ago
Rain didn't deter the field from making
the fifth annual Turf Research Tournament
a smashing success at Willowbend G.C.
The response was such that the field
numbered 116, just four short of capacity.
Among the winners, battling Willowbend's
fine layout and adverse weather, were
Dave Comee, Robin Hayes, Steve Carr,
Jack Hassett, Kevin Osgood, Bob DiRico,
John Lensing, and Rick Marcos.
Veteran Kernwood C.C. superintendent
Dean Robertson was honored by members
and special friends in a gala party marking
his 16-year stay at the course. Adding to
the affair were Robertson colleagues Leon
St. Pierre, Dave Barber, Don Hearn, Tony
Caranci and Dean's next door neighbor,
Kip Tyler of Salem C.C.
GERMY FINN

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© ¡ F O T DRIFT.. .announcements...educational
seminars...joh opportunities
...tournament
results...and miscellaneous items of interest to fise membership.
INFORMATION
UMass & G C S A N E d e v e l o p i n g golf c o u r s e I P M
p r o t o c o l s . The UMass Extension Turf Team, p a r t
of t h e UMass Extension Agroecology P r o g r a m , in
cooperation with GCSANE, is currently developing
IPM protocols for golf course m a n a g e m e n t systems. Integrated P e s t M a n a g e m e n t P r o t o c o l s for
Golf Courses will be field tested d u r i n g t h e 1999
growing season on several courses across Massac h u s e t t s . P a r t i c i p a t i n g s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s will
implement the IPM practices outlined, and commit
to working with t h e UMass Turf Team t o determine
t h e feasibility of using t h e protocols as a m e a n s of
documenting t h e u s e of integrated pest management. This project w a s created in r e s p o n s e to a
growing d e m a n d f r o m b o t h t h e industry a n d t h e
private sector for t h e u s e a n d implementation of
integrated m a n a g e m e n t systems in all aspects of
professional turf care. It is s u p p o r t e d in p a r t by
the Lonnie Troll/GCSANE Turf Research F u n d
and the Massachusetts D e p a r t m e n t of F o o d a n d
Agriculture. For m o r e information, or to find o u t
a b o u t becoming a c o o p e r a t o r in t h e 1999 field
testing segment of t h e project, contact Mary Owen,
UMass Extension Turf Team (tel.: 508-892-0382;
fax: 5 0 8 - 8 9 2 4 2 1 8 ; m o w e n @ u m e x t u m a s s . e d u .
F u s a r i m n P a t c h ( P i n k S n o w Moid) S t u d y . Dr. Gail
S c h u m a n n , University of Massachusetts, is initiating a study to help deal with s o m e of the p r o b l e m s
with F u s a r i u m P a t c h on golf courses. The study
will include timing of fall applications for winter
s n o w mold control, disease prediction d u r i n g
spring/fall o u t b r e a k s , a n d evaluation for fungicide
resistance. If you w o u l d like to be a c o o p e r a t o r in
this study a n d w o u l d be willing to record environm e n t a l d a t a a t t h e t i m e of g r o w i n g s e a s o n
outbreaks, a n d w o u l d be willing to mail turf samples to her lab t o help create a culture collection
for experiments, please contact h e r a t Dept. of
Microbiology, Fernald Hall, UMass, A m h e r s t MA
01003-2420; p h o n e : (413) 545-3413, e-mail: schumann@pltpath.umass.edu
G r a y Leaf S p o t A l e r t . T h e N o r t h e a s t Region
USGA Green Section a g r o n o m i s t s inform you t h a t
t h e destructive disease of perennial ryegrass, gray
leaf spot (Pyricularia ansoa), is active in the Northe a s t a n d Mid-Atlantic r e g i o n s . T h e p a t h o g e n
infected established a n d seedling ryegrass. It has
t h e potential to be very d a m a g i n g w h e r e perennial
ryegrass populations are high or new ryegrass
seeding h a s been completed. Symptoms of the
disease can be easily c o n f u s e d with d r o u g h t stress
or o t h e r disease p a t h o g e n s . C o u r s e s t h a t are growing perennial ryegrass in fairways, tees, or r o u g h s ,
or are seeding perennial ryegrass, need to be aware
t h a t gray leaf spot is active a n d is causing significant damage. S y m p t o m s : (1) S y m p t o m s begin as
reddish-brown s p o t s 1 / 2 - i n c h in diameter, or
wilted turf t h a t can easily be c o n f u s e d with b r o w n
patch or Pythium. No Mycelium will be p r e s e n t (2)

Turf a p p e a r s to be u n d e r wilt stress, b u t d o e s n o t
r e s p o n d to water. (3) Infected plants often exhibit
distinctive twisting of t h e leaf tip t h a t can a p p e a r
w a t e r soaked or felted (spores), a n d have purple,
gray, or yellow coloration. (4) Circular to oblong
grayish-brown leaf lesions, with a n d w i t h o u t d a r k
b r o w n or p u r p l e borders, will be observed on t h e
foliage. (5) Only perennial ryegrass has been infected t h u s far, so o t h e r species (i.e. b e n t g r a s s a n d
a n n u a l bluegrass) will a p p e a r healthy in contrast.
(6) The disease initially (but n o t always) begins in
t h e r o u g h or intermediate r o u g h . C o n t r o l : The
first fungicide application m u s t be m a d e with
Daconil, t a n k mixed with (in descending o r d e r of
effectiveness) Heritage, B a n n e r Maxx (Bayleton
a n d o t h e r sterol inhibitor fungicides may also
w o r k ) or G e a r y ' s 3 3 3 6 . According to t h e University of Maryland, P r o s t a r a n d Chipco 2 6 0 1 9 or
26-GT show little control of gray leaf spot. Gray
leaf s p o t can be controlled with repeated fungicide
applications. Control is obviously very expensive.
L a b o r a t o r y diagnosis is strongly r e c o m m e n d e d if
y o u s u s p e c t t h a t t h e p a t h o g e n is active a t y o u r
c o u r s e . The disease h a s b e e n r e p o r t e d to be active
t h r o u g h December in Maryland, so expect active
infection to r e c u r if w a r m e r t e m p e r a t u r e s r e t u r n .
O u r intent is to w a r n s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s of a serious
potential problem a n d to offer assistance. Best of
luck, a n d please feel free to call o u r offices (David
O a t i s / M a t t Nelson (610-515-1660) or Jim Skorulski (413-283-2237) if you h a v e any questions.
C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s to Mark a n d L a u r a Casey on t h e
birth of their first child, Alyssa Marie, w h o weighed
in a t 8 lb., 7 oz.

POSITION

AVAILABLE

M e c h a n i c / E q u i p m e n t M a n a g e r . Duties include
e q u i p m e n t repair, preventative maintenance
scheduling, e q u i p m e n t record keeping, a n d assessing d e m o equipment. I am looking for a meticulous
p e r s o n to direct o u r e q u i p m e n t u s a g e a n d u p k e e p .
Benefits include $ 1 6 . 0 0 / h r „ 4 0 IK plan, 8 0 / 2 0
h e a l t h insurance, Mon.-Fri. w o r k week (except
three-day weekends), good w o r k i n g environment,
a n d a m o d e r n s h o p area. C o n t a c t P a t Kriksceonaitis, Essex County Club, at (978) 526-4600.

TOURNAMENT

RESULTS

S u p e r i n t e n d e n t & C l u b Official T o u r n a m e n t
F r a m i n g h a m Country Club
Low Gross: Len Curtin, Paul Caruso (Lexington), 69
2nd Gross: Art Lamb, Bob Micucci (Purpoodock), 71
Low N e t Ed Eardly, Don McNiece (Wampatuck), 60
2nd N e t Jim Beane, Dick Duggan (Cyprian Keys), 62*
3rd N e t Martin H u n t James Breen (Marlboro), 62
Closest to the Pin #8: Martin H u n t 6'11"
Closest to the Pin #17: Walter Lankau 6 7 1 / 2 "
*match of cards

GCSAA

GCSAÂ Seminars, Nov. 1 9 9 8 - May 1999
Date

Seminar

11/16/98 Managerial Productivity
11/17/98 Strategies for Managing
the Turfgrass System

11/17/98 Golf Greens: History, Theory,
11/17/98
11/18/98
11/19/98
11/30/98
12/1/98
12/1/98
12/2/98
12/2/98
12/2/98
12/2/98
12/4/98
12/7/98
12/798
12/8/98
12/8/98
12/9/98
12/9/98
12/10/98
1/6/99
1/7/99
1/7/99
1/8/99
1/11/99
1/11/99
1/11/99
1/12/99
1/12/99
1/13/99
1/14/99
1/15/99
1/18/99
1/19/99
1/19/99
2/8/99
2/10/99
2/10/99
2/23/99
2/24/99
2/26/99
3/1/99
3/2/99
3/3/99
3/3/99
3/8/99
3/8/99
3/9/99
3/9/99
3/10/99
3/16/99
3/17/99
3/18/99
3/19/99
5/19/99

Location
Myrtle Beach, SC
Bolton, MA

Construction, Sl Maintenance
Brewster, MA
The Superintendent as
Grow-In Manager
Myrtle Beach, SC
Developing Your Hazard
Communication Program
Bolton, MA
Turfgrass Ecology
Centervilie, OH
Turfgrass Ecology
Wausau, WI
Problems & Solutions: Using Annuals &
Perennials in the Golfscape
Brookfield, WI
Salt Affected Turfgrass Sites:
Assessment & Management
Albuquerque, NM
The Superintendent as
Grow-In Manager
Dallas, TX
Weed Control
Memphis, TN
Managing Turfgrass Root Systems Brookfield, WI
Causes, Detection, & Management
of Localized Dry Spots
Brookfield, WI
The Superintendent as
Grow-In Manager
Ames, ÎA
Strategies for Managing
the Turfgrass System
Hammond, LA
Problems & Solutions: Using Annuals &
Perennials in the Golfscape
Atlantic City, NJ
Employee Safety Training
Ellicott City, MD
Managing People for Peak Performance
& Job Satisfaction
Salt Lake City, UT
Strategies for Managing
the Turfgrass System
Oklahoma City, OK
Maximizing Job Satisfaction
Ellicott City, MD
Golf Course Construction,
Management, & Grow-In
Jacksonville, FL
Golf Greens: History, Theory, Construction,
& Maintenance
Pleasanton, CA
Preventive Maintenance
of Turf Equipment
White Haven, PA
Disease Identification & Control
Columbus, OH
Maximizing Teamwork
White Haven, PA
Enhancing Your Value as a Professional
Golf Course Superintendent
Manchester, NH
Strategies for Managing
the Turfgrass System
Portland, OR
Managing People for Peak Performance
& Job Satisfaction
Atlanta, GA
Golf Greens: History, Theory, Construction,
& Maintenance
Pittsburgh, PA
Personal Stress Management
Charlotte, NC
Spanish for Goif Course
Management I
Denver, CO
Human Resource Management
Oak Brook, IL
Personal Stress Management
Oak Brook, IL
Managerial Productivity
Poughkeepsie, NY
Financial Essentials
for the Superintendent
Richmond, VA
Advanced Weed Management
Rockport, ME
Focus on the Military
Orlando, FL
Managing Golf Course Trees
Orlando, FL
Turfgrass Field Seminar
Orlando, FL
Maximizing Turfgrass
Disease Control
Albany, NY
Environmental Considerations
in Golf Course Management
Bloomington, iL
Budgeting & Forecasting
SL Louis, MO
Wildlife Management
& Habitat Conservation
Sioux Falls, SD
Protecting Natural Resources
on the Golf Course
Gaylord, MI
Problems & Solutions: Using Annuals
& Perennials in the Golfscape
Gaylord, MI
Turfgrass Stress Management
Indianapolis, IN
Causes, Detection, & Management
of Localized Dry Spots
Birmingham, AL
Managing Turfgrass
Root Systems
Birmingham, AL
Strategies for Managing
the Turfgrass System
Valley Forge, PA
Turfgrass Ecology
S t Louis Park, MN
Financial Management
SL Louis Park, MN
Turfgrass Ecology
Cincinnati, OH
Maximizing Teamwork
Manchester Ctr., VT
Protecting Natural Resources
on the Golf Course
Palm Desert, CA
Developing Your Hazard
Communication Program
Phoenix, AZ
Maximizing Job Satisfaction
Pleasanton, CA

HFFI
RIÜILILL.LJÁLLRIULLIIIIILJDLI.IILLIIIÜILIILIL.^

SEMINARS

Page

4 "

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

A-OK Turf Equipment

Country Golf, Inc.

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

Douglas Equipment Corp.

9 Leuba Road, Coventry, Rl 02816
New England Articulator dealer,
Greens Groomer Brush, & used equipment.
Mike C o m f c e l l t - ( 4 0 1 ) 8 2 6 - 2 5 8 4

90 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, R I 0 2 9 1 7
John Deere golf & turf equipment dealer
Paul T. Surabian, Pres.; Allen Vadala, Sales Rep.
(401)232-3700

A.A. Will Materials Corporation

Michael Drake Conduction, Inc.

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

Agr-Evo U.S.A. C®.

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

Aariturf, Inc.

5a Dwighl St., Hatfield, MA 01038
Fertilizer, seed, and chemicals for turf.
1-800-346-5048

Aliens S e e l Store, Inc.

Specializing In quality seed and related
golf 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)

Baker Golf Cars

4 0 Walker St., Swansea, MA 02777
Steve Founler, Doug Hooper
(508) 3 7 9 - 0 0 9 2

Bartlett Tree 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., Cnariestown Navy Yard
Boston, MA 02129
Manufacturer 8 supplier of dry organic fertilizers
A m y Barad- (617) 241-6261

Barer Corporation

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

B e lortfan Cempany

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 T o w n Trail, Narragansett, Rl 02882
Bob S c o t t - ( 4 0 1 ) 376-7290

F.D.I., Ins.

Lycott Environmental Research, Inc.

600 Charlton St., Southbridge, MA 01550
Environmental consulting services: lake 8,
pond management, wetland studies, site
assessments, & laboratory analysis.
Lee Lyman, president - 1-800-462-8211

D.L. l a h e r Co.

Box 127, Concord S t , N, Reading 01864
Water supply specialists; water wells &
pumping equipment.
(781) 933-3210

McNulty Construction Corp.

1 9 T u m e r R d . , P.O. B o x 3 2 1 8
Framingham, MA 01701
Asphalt paving of cart paths, walkways,
and parking areas,
John M c N u l t y - ( 5 0 8 ) 879-8875

EVieco Environmental, Inc.

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

(Fairway Design Illustration)
55 Railroad Ave., Warren, Rl 02885
Custom granite signs & markers.
Joseph K. Martin, Robert Page
(401) 245-7890 or 1 - 8 0 0 - 3 5 8 - 8 3 3 7

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

Gold Star Wholesale Nursery
S Sod Farm
Bill Thompson
Lexington, Mass. - (781) 861-1111
Canterbury, N . H , - ( 6 0 3 ) 783-4717

Modern Tractor i Truck Service, Inc.

Th® Oharias C. Hart Send Co.

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

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.

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

Sports Club i a n a f e m e n t

104 Wyman Rd., Braintree, MA 02184
Hazcom and right-to-know compliance
implementation.
Ron Smith - (781) 848-5978

Data Tihbeff
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

T®s and Green Sod, Inc.

Exeter, Rl 0 2 8 2 2
Bentgrass, Bluegrass and Blue/Fescue sod.
Dave Wallace, Robin Hayes
(401) 789-8177

Nardone Sand & Gravel Co., Inc.

Turf Enhancement Enterprises

Irrigation Management & Services

394 Monson Tpk. Road, Ware, MA 01082
Banner MAXX, Sentinel, Barricade,
Subdue MAXX, & Primo
David R a v e l - ( 4 1 3 ) 967-6745
www.cp.us.novartis.com

5 Purcell Rd., Arlington, MA 02174
Golf course construction.
Antonlos Paganis
(617) 648-2351 or (508) 428-3022

Norartis Specialty Products, Inc.

21 Lakeview Ave., Natfck, 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.

P. 0. 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.

Lazara's Golf Course Accessories

L I S C 0 , Inc.

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

Loft's Seed

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

TurfEM Associates, Inc.

21 Brandywine Road, Skillman, NJ 08558
Communication, information, market Intelligence.
Peter L. McCormick - 1 - 8 0 0 - 3 1 4 - 7 9 2 9

Turf Practoets Corp.

P.I.E. Supply Co.

Turf Specialty, inc.

Prescription Turf Services, Ins.

15 Londonderry Rd., Londonderry, NH 03053
Turf & ornamental supplies.
Scott Mackintosh, Kevin Lyons,
Dave Schermerhorn, John Lensing
1-800-228-6656

Prs-Lawn Products, Inc.

P.O. Box 7, Sodus, NY 14551
Fertilizer, seed, chemicals, and IPM.
Glen Larabee - (508) 223-4931
Bruce Chapman - (401) 885-5245

Read Sand ft Gravel, Inc.

dba Hammond Paint & Chem. Co., Inc.
738 Main St., Suite 223, Waltham, MA 02154
Joseph Lazaro - (781) 647-3361

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

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

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

Larchmont Lane, Lexington, MA 02173
Keith S a v a g e - ( 7 8 1 ) 862-2550

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

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, Rick Moulton,
Mike Turner, & John Wlnskowicz; (860) 763-3581

Partee Golf Course Top-Dressing

Complete deep-tine and hydro-injection services,
custom fertilizer and pesticide applications,
fairway aeration, and top dressing operations.
Scott McCoy - ( 9 7 8 ) 7 7 7 - 1 6 6 3

Geoffrey S. Cornish & Brian Silva

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

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

Landmark Construction

Cedar Lawn Tree Service, inc.

Sodeo, In®.

International Golf Construction Co.

The Cardinals, Inc.

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

Mike Peterson, Regional Director
Randy Hamilton - (508) 528-4642
Richard F o m i - (413) 534-8896

Tueliaho® Turf Farms, toe.

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

110 Codjer Lane, Sudbury, MA 01776
Grower of annuals, perennials,
garden mums, 8. ground covers
Darren Young - (978) 443-7177

Seotfi Pro-Turf Div.

W . W a r e h a m , MA 02576
Larry Anshewltz, Jack Cronln, 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

Cavicchio Greenhouses, Inc.

65 Glenn St., Lawrence, MA 01843
Bob Brown, Larry Bunn, Mike Hannlgan,
Frank Higglns, John Lenhart
(978)682-9296

Hartnsy Greysront

4 3 3 Chestnut St., Needham, MA 02192
Tree care, landscape consruction, consulting.
Mark J. T o b i n - ( 7 8 1 ) 444-1227

Dedham, MA
Distributor, Irrigation supplies & accessories.
John Ramey, Paul Kenyon, Robert Barbati
(781)461-1560
166 River Rd., P. 0. Box 520
Unionville, CT 08085
Golf course & landscape supplies.
John Callahan - (203) 673-3699

Sawtelle Bros.

171 VFWDr., Rockland, MA 02370
Topdressing, root-zone mixes, bunker sand,
3/4 & 3/8 screened loams, cart path
materials, mulch, drainage stone.
Joe Farina- 1-800-660-2955

J.P. Roberts Co.

United Horticultural Supply

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

Winfield Nursery

1320 Mountain R d „ Suffield, CT 06109
Wholesale nursery trees & shrubs.
Stan Hildreth

Philip Wogan & 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 Rd., Topsfield, MA 01983
(978) 887-3672

Sam-Mais Supply, Inc.

Zip Type Service

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

MMMFTFLTFÉÉMWMAMMLLMTT

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

3

PageS

G&lf Course
continued

Chemicals

from page 4

or published in scientific journals. Why?
The study was a product of mathematical
extrapolation by non-scientists working
for the Attorney General. It was based on
a limited survey of Long Island golf
courses and made comparisons of putting
greens versus non-intensive agriculture.
Putting greens are the most intensely
treated area on the golf course, but they
represent less than six percent of the
total acreage. The remainder of the
course (roughs, fairways) receive minimal
treatment. Therefore, as others have
noted, this study is seriously flawed.
A final word
Despite all the warnings about golf
course maintenance practices, no deaths
due to chemicals have been reported. It
has become popular to use faulty data and
emotion to attack golf, often times due to
its perceived status as "a rich man's sport"

However, science does not support that
golf negatively affects the environment
Consider comments of golf course architect
Michael Hurdzan, himself owner of a doctorate in environmental plant physiology,
"A lot of people who call themselves
environmentalists simply spout stuff they
read in magazines," he says. "I'm not
afraid to go after those folks. They're the
people who spread myths about golf, the
myth that chemicals run off the golf
courses, the myth that courses pollute
groundwater, the myth that golf courses
kill people. I've challenged them. They've

Selecting turfgrasspart
continued

II

from page 5

Many cultivars of fine fescues, tall fescues, and other grasses exhibit tolerance
to specific diseases and conditions. When
selecting cultivars of fine leaved fescues
and/or other grasses with which to mix
them, consider tolerance qualities.

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yet to produce even a shred of scientific
evidence for their claims. On the other
hand, we can show that golf is good for
the environment."
The reason for this is the training level
of and the educational opportunities for
the various professionals responsible for
maintenance and construction. Secondly,
chemicals must be exposed to numerous
tests, and have much invested before they
reach the market. If one has any question
about the safety of his/her golf experience, they should contact their local golf
course superintendent.
Maintenance of turfgrasses requiring
few inputs does not mean neglect. The
greater, more intense the use, the greater
the inputs and the more critical the care
needed for maintenance of dense, quality
turf. However, in situations where turf
cover is desired and high inputs are not,
then use of grasses described above will
provide satisfactory turf cover.
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