LETTER

February 2001

of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England, Ine.
Sponsors and administrators of the Troll-Dickinson Scholarship Fund - Awarded yearly to deserving Turf Management Students.

Geoff Cornish stews his pae® just ©neugh
t© accept Distinguished Service ¿4war®]
Is it the pioneer spirit that keeps Geoff
Cornish's gears in "dynamo drive"? After
all, he's in his 86th year and there is not
an inkling of indication that he's about to
slow down. As a matter of fact, the last
time the gods looked he remained the
leading candidate for designation as eighth
wonder of the world.
Although he keeps life's accelerator to
the floor in his travels, the premier golf
course architect had to slip into neutral
for a while last month when he was
presented the Golf Course Superintendents
Association Distinguished Service Award.
This added to the plethora of honors
Cornish has accumulated in a career
marked by one success after another.
To wit, he just keeps piling them on.
"This is gratifying," Geoff offered in a
pre-game chat from his lyric-sounding
home, Fiddler's Green, in Amherst, Mass.
"The golf course superintendent always
has been a prime factor in the development
of the game and a caretaker of its high
place In our daily lives. In designing a course
there are three major considerations.
There is the game of goif, aesthetics, and

I consider myself
a link between the
architect and the
superintendent"
Geoff Cornish

punishing themselves while keeping their
body parts in working order but loving
every minute of it.
"Oh, I run my mile every day," Geoff
quipped. "It's part of my routine. I've
been doing it for years."
However, there's more to the daily flow
of energy than that. Cornish makes it a
point to walk eight miles a day. He's even
designed a route around Lawrence Swamp,
the largest body of fresh water in Amherst.
It's located in Fiddler's Green where Geoff
and his wife, Carol, have lived since 1955.

Distinguished Service A w a r d recipient Geoffrey
Cornish (left) is presented with a chair by G C S A N E
President Bob Ruszala.

maintenance. The latter is the stronghold
of the superintendent. Over the years his
station in the game is a given."
These days Cornish surrounds himself
with a number of projects in between
maintaining a personal physical fitness
regimen that defies reason. He is senior
member of the Cornish, (Brian) Silva, and
(Mark) Mungeam golf course architecture
team. He's into collaboration with Bob
Graves on a unique book looking at select
golf holes, titled "Satellite Imagery," and in
the hands of another publisher is a personal
review of literature on golf course design.

"I find that walking that distance every
day produces something I can't find anywhere," Geoff disclosed. "So, I gather my
neighbors' dogs and we whip around the
swamp almost in complete privacy. When
I'm working with Brian and Mark they run
around the stakeout area in golf carts. I
do it on foot. I guess it's the old Canadian
soldier in me."

continued on page 2

1 Ü U I . I Ü 1 —
Page
Calendar of Events

. . 2

The Super Speaks Out . . . . . . 3
G C S A N E News
From the President
N.E. Turfgrass Conference

. . 4
. . 4
. . . 5

That's enough to cause most people to
stop and smell the roses. Geoff, however,
persists in following a nonstop lifestyle.
He's one of those rare physical specimens
who thrive on looking as though they're

A Note from Gerry Finn . . . . . 5

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Divot Drift

. . 6

Host Superintendent Profile . . . 8

Page

4

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let's get it straight

about our design team.
Brian and Mark
do the heavy lifting.
I provide the youth
and good looks."

PRESIDENT
Robert Ruszala
6 9 Gelinas Drive, C h i c o p e e , M A 0 1 0 2 0
413-256-8654
Fax 4 1 3 - 2 5 6 - 8 6 5 4
Hickory R i d g e C o u n t r y C l u b
VICE PRESIDENT
J a m e s R. Fitzroy, C G C S
3 5 7 W . S q u a n t u m Street, N o r t h Q u i n c y , M A 0 2 1 7 1
617-328-1776
Fax 6 1 7 - 3 2 8 - 9 4 7 9
P r e s i d e n t s Golf C o u r s e
SECRETARY
M i c h a e l V. l a c o n o , C G C S
4 2 N e w t o n Street, W e s t o n , M A 0 2 4 9 3
781 - 8 9 9 - 7 9 1 3
Fax 7 8 1 - 6 4 7 - 0 6 0 2
Pine B r o o k C o u n t r y C l u b
TREASURER
Daniel P. H i g g i n s , C G C S
68 Hutchinson Road, Winchester, M A 0 1 8 9 0
781-729-3809
Fax 7 8 1 - 7 2 1 - 1 5 6 1
Winchester 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
T h e W i n c h e n d o n Golf C l u b
TRUSTEE
Patrick S. K r i k s c e o n a i t i s
4 L a k e m a n s Lane, I p s w i c h , M A 0 1 9 3 8
978-526-4600
Fax 9 7 8 - 5 2 6 - 8 3 3 3
Essex County Club
TRUSTEE
R o b e r t O. L a r s o n
2 8 P l e a s a n t Street, N o r t h Oxford, M A 0 1 5 3 7
508-892-9110
Fax 5 0 8 - 8 9 2 - 4 5 0 9
Pine R i d g e C o u n t r y C l u b
FINANCE CHAIRMAN
A r t h u r Silva, C G C S
3 5 P e n n a c o o k R o a d , T e w k s b u r y , M A 01 8 7 6
781-484-5440
Fax 7 8 1 - 4 8 4 - 6 6 F 3
Belmont Country Club
GOLF CHAIRMAN
M i c h a e l J. H e r m a n s o n
P. O. B o x 145, G a r d n e r , M A 0 1 4 4 0
978-632-2713
Fax 9 7 8 - 6 3 2 - 2 7 1 3
G a r d n e r M u n i c i p a l Golf C o u r s e
EDUCATION CHAIRMAN
R o n a l d P. D o b o s z , Jr.
1 1 3 7 Park Street, S t o u g h t o n , M A 0 2 0 7 2
781-341-8564
Fax 7 8 1 - 3 4 1 - 8 5 6 4 , *51
C e d a r Hill Golf C o u r s e
NEWSLETTER C H A I R M A N
Russell E. Heller
O n e Circuit Drive, D o r c h e s t e r , M A 0 2 1 2 1
617-983-2786
Fax 61 7 - 9 8 3 - 2 7 8 6
Franklin Park Golf C o u r s e
PAST PRESIDENT
Kevin F. O s g o o d
1 4 I n m a n Lane, F o x b o r o u g h , M A 0 2 0 3 5
617-630-1950
Fax 61 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

pu

NEWSLETTER
GCSANE Headquarters
175 Highland Avenue, N e e d h a m , M A 0 2 4 9 4 - 3 0 3 4
Tel.: (781) 4 5 3 - 8 6 6 8
Fax: (508) 7 5 8 - 6 4 7 4
W e b Site: w w w . g c s a n e . o r g
N e w s l e t t e r Editor .
C o n t r i b u t i n g Editor
Business Manager

Russell Heller
Gerry Finn
Danse! P. H i g g i n s , C G C S

Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of
the author and/or person quoted, and may not represent
the position of GCSANE. Information contained in this
publication may be used freely, in whole or in part,
without special permission as long as the true context is
maintained. W e would appreciate a credit line.

Geoff Cornish
continued from page I
Cornish has been involved in the
design of some 120 golf courses in N e w
England. Some he invented in concert
with Bill Robinson, who now has his own
course in Oregon, a layout he designed,
built, and operates.
" W e still have a good relationship,"
Geoff talked of his early days in the design
profession. "But, remember, when I say
120 New England courses I mean complete
18-hole courses. There have been additional
nines, other changes and such in other
courses. So, yes, I've been busy here."
Geoff is a disciple of famed Canadian
golf course architect Stanley Thompson.
He learned the fundamentals under
Thompson, whose professional approach
to the task at hand included a thorough
understanding of the part the golf course
superintendent plays in the finished
product.
"With that in mind, Stanley wanted
all his students to spend two years as a
superintendent," Geoff explained. "His
theory was that you could never understand what a superintendent goes through
in the maintenance process if you haven't
done it yourself. Because of that outlook,
the mentality has passed on to me and
I consider myself a link between the
architect and the superintendent."
After serving in the Canadian Army,
Cornish, who eventually became an
American citizen, relocated to Amherst in
1940. It was there that he hooked up with
one of the turf business' pioneer educators,
Lawrence S. Dickinson. He served as
instructor in Dickinson's classes at the
University of Massachusetts, then eased
into golf course design.
While Geoff was getting his feet wet
in his new profession, Carol Cornish did a

M Ü A L i M i L Í M ú A u l j d l í M L k M ü A U j d L i i l i l ¿ L .

little pioneering of her own as director of
the first women's placement office at
UMass. So, the tandem hit the quiet
college town with a bang.
Both careers took off thereafter and
the Cornish name has become a benchmark for zeal and accomplishment in
Amherst ever since.
Presently, Geoff and his two younger
cohorts are engaged in two major projects
that involve improvements and pampering
of nationally recognized and big tournament
utilized courses, Olympia Fields and
Seminole. Also on the agenda are 10 new
courses under construction.
"Let's get it straight about our design
team," Geoff chuckled. "Brian and Mark
do the heavy lifting. I provide the youth
and good looks. But, seriously, the new
generation is something to me. l b me, the
next generation is always better and that
goes for this one. No one works like my
partners. They're personal treasures."
Regardless, Geoff Cornish remains
a universal treasure in himself. He is a
dynamo disguised as a venerable and
valuable contributor to golf's production
wing. He's so energetic, so effervescent.
No doubt about it. He could give that
battery-powered TV bunny lessons!
G E R R Y

F I N N

CALENDAR . . .
F e b r u a r y 26

G C S A N E Monthly Meeting
Newton Commonwealth G.C.
N e w t o n , Mass.
Supt. - D a v i d S t o w e

M a r c h 7-9

N e w Engiand Regional
T u r f g r a s s C o n f e r e n c e fit S h o w
P r o v i d e n c e , R.i.

M a r c h 20

G C S A N E Monthly Meeting
Franklin C . C .
Franklin, Mass.
Supt. - G a r y Luccini

April 23

G C S A N E Monthly Meeting
(Joint m e e t i n g w i t h R.i.)
B l u e Hill C . C .
C a n t o n , Mass.
Supt. - V i n c e n t lacono

MayS

Scholarship &

Benevolence

Tournament
Marlborough C . C .
Marlborough, Mass.
Supt. - K e n C r l m m i n g s
J u n e 20

U M a s s Turf Research Field Day
South Deerfield, Mass.
Contact:
M a r y O w e n - (508) 892-0382

Page 3

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The Super Sfiegks QM
This month's question: What is your agenda and what
will you be looking to take back to your job from
the GCSAA national turf conference?
B o b M a t t h e w s , C G C S , Marshfieid
C o u n t r y Club: "I suppose an overview
of my agenda at the national conference is
to take in as much as I can while I'm there.
It's that much of a gigantic show that it
would require three solid days of going
from one station to another just to say
you'd seen it all.
"One of the elements that always
attracts my attention is new product
development. You know, the world of golf
course conditioning is an ever-changing
endeavor and new, improved products
are often at the core of such changes. So,
I make it a point to brush up on my new
techniques to give golfers what they
want. In this day and age, too, what they
want are virtually perfect conditions.
"As the representative of the Cape
Cod golf course management group I'm
also deeply involved in the national election.
This means we'll be going over the merits
and backgrounds of all candidates and
make a decision that best meets our needs
as a regional turf-managing organization.
That will take up a lot of my time.
"I'm also on an equipment-related
mission while at the conference. I'm
particularly interested in the purchase of
two mowers, major acquisitions, by the
way. Therefore, I'll be looking to get as
much information as I can about those
items and what better place to get an Ato-Z explanation than the conference
where companies utilize the expertise of
their head honchos.
"Of course, I'll take in many verbal
presentations or seminars that pertain
to topical matters. There are so many
worthwhile sessions they actually overlap.
So, I have to be selective when I line up
my schedule in that area.
"Personally, I usually tie in a vacation
with going to the conference. I'm looking
forward to renewing happy ski times with
some of my buddies who also are supers.
I've done this before and it's worked out

well. I think this is my 20th year at the
national and probably I've spun my vacation
needs into about two-thirds of them.
"Overall, I think it's almost mandatory
for every golf course superintendent to
attend the national conference. Myself,
I feel I'd fall behind if I didn't. It's an
indescribable educational experience. This
conference has it all: equipment displays,
research material, conditioning tips, outstanding speakers and the opportunity to
exchange ideas and theories with supers
from all parts of the world. I can't say
enough about heading to Dallas this year."

THE SUPER SPEAKS
K a r l iHeirjtzelman» T h e Thompson
Club: "There is so much to see at the
national conference 1 map out my daily
schedule so that I won't miss the particular
sessions I have deep interest in. It's that
kind of show, a massive undertaking that
gives golf course superintendents a chance
to take advantage of the new technology
and practice measures that keep them
up to date with what's happening in the
always-changing parts of their profession.
"This year I'm especially interested in
the industrial end of the conference with
an eye on purchasing major equipment.
This is the one place to be if you're looking
for comprehensive explanations on the
use and application of new equipment.
The manufacturers make sure they have
their best men available to sort out the
complications and present machine use as
simply as possible.

"The speaking sessions are interesting
and full of educational benefits for the super.
However, some of them are so broad in
nature that I like to sift through the schedule so that I'm listening to advice or proven
theory that will pertain to the area where
I work. This is important. So, you have to

study up on what you're going to hear
and how important it is to your program.
"This also is the first year I'll take part
in the golf tournament. It's in San Antonio
and I'm looking forward to having a reunion
with some of my old super buddies from
the D C area. That's where I'm from, so
this will serve as kind of a reunion for us.
Regardless, I'll be learning something from
both experiences. This should be a must
for all golf course superintendents."
R o n Kiricman, T h e N e e d h a m Golf
Club: "If I wanted to sum up what goes
on at the national conference, I could do
it in two words . . . turf talk, turf talk, turf
talk. I mean it. It's almost an around-theclock pastime when superintendents from
around the world get together in one place.

"My personal agenda, one I'll make
more formal as I study the program, is
based on one purpose, to get as much
new information about managing turf that
I can. Actually, there's not enough time to
see everything at the conference. So, it's a
good idea to map out where you want to
go and what you want to see in advance
of the events themselves.
" l b be more specific about what I'll be
hoping to take away from the conference,
I'll be seeking information and practical
advice on my particular needs as the
superintendent at the Needham Golf
Club. W h e n I'm in Dallas, I'll be drawing
expertise from some of the best minds
and most influential people in our business.
Sure, I'll be going to the formal talks but
I'll probably concentrate on meeting what
practically amounts to who's who of turf
management and hoping some of what
they possess rubs off on me.
"I'll also be playing in the golf tournament
in San Antonio. I have friends from South
Carolina and w e get together at the tournament. More important, it's what w e do
after golf that counts. Again, it's turf talk
all the way down the line. It's enlightening
and it's also very beneficial.
"I like to think that what my club spends
on sending me to the national (I pay for
the golf end) turns out to be money saved
in the end. The knowledge that I bring
back from the conference turns into
dollars and cents saved over the long run.
I can't imagine a golf course superintendent
not going to the national. It's the only
place to be at this time of year."
G E R R Y FDMN

Page 4

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Scholarship & i(gra@¥©tesì£@ Tournament
set for May S at S^arSberougli Country Club
In 1993, GCSANE established the
Scholarship and Benevolent Committee.
The committees' sole purpose was to
establish and maintain a permanent
endowment of $ 100,000. The objective
was to provide undergraduate college
scholarship aid to immediate family
members of G C S A N E and to provide
financial assistance in urgent situations.

GCSANE NEWS
As the ninth year rapidly approaches
we are proud to say w e have dispersed
in excess of $30,000 and the intended
endowment is now within our grasp.
A spring draws near plans for the
ninth annual S&B Golf Tournament are
in the works. This years event, to be held
on May 8, will be hosted by superintendent
Ken Crimmings and Marlborough Country
Club. The single source of income for
the fund is this golf tournament. The

only way it can be a success is if the
membership supports it.
W e need your help in many ways.
Gift certificates for rounds of golf, hard

The single source
of income for this
fund is this golf
tournament
The only way it
can be a success
is if the membership
supports it

goods (clubs, clothing, bags, etc.) for
the raffle, the sale of raffle tickets,
financial-support from the "Friends of
the Association," and, most importantly,
your participation.
In the next few weeks you will be
receiving more information in the mail.
Please read it and react. Don't wait
until the last minute to send in your
entry form. Ask your pro shop for help.
Sell your raffle tickets and call me
for more.
Remember, those of you who have
children or grandchildren, or may have
children in the future, this money is
there for you. At this point every single
eligible scholarship applicant has been
awarded a scholarship. Let's hope this
can continue.

Thanks,
Dave Come®

President Russala^ AnnualCJ Meeting attracts a crowd;
Larsöfi inforLaCroix; im i miss the Turf Conference

At our Annual Meeting w e had a large
turnout of 130 members. It was nice to
see such a good crowd. All those on the
Board of Directors were re-elected for
one more year.
Wayne LaCroix did not stay on the
board because of a busy work schedule. I
would like to thank Wayne for his past

service, and his hard work and dedication
to GCSANE. He served as Newsletter and

FROM THE PRESIDENT
Membership Chairman, no small task.
Taking his place on the board will be Rob
Larson of Pine Ridge Country Club. Rob

I would like to thank Wayne (LaCroix) for
his past service, and his hard work and dedication
to GCSANE. He served as Newsletter and
Membership Chairman, no small task.
Bob Ruszala
President GCSANE

will be Membership Chairman and will be
getting the directory ready for everyone
to receive by early spring. Welsome to
the board, Rob.
The N e w England Regional Turf
Conference will be March 7, 8, & 9.
A very strong slate of speakers are
coming to this event. The trade show
already has more booths booked than
last year. Jim Nantz will be the opening
speaker on Wednesday. This will be a
very good time to get your needed
pesticide credits, education to help
us do a better job, a look at new
equipment, and get together with your
fellow superintendents and friends.
Hope to see everyone there.

Sincerely,
Bob Ruszala
President, G C S A N E

TurfLinks
Environmental Service, Ine«
P.O. Box 489
Sfarforidge, MA 01566
(413) 565-5340
e-mail: ibresmahan@turf-links.com

W@ws M e a s e
TurfLinks Environmental Service, Inc. is a newly emerging Massachusetts corporation, created to
provide comprehensive environmental and technical services to the golf course superintendent and
turfgrass manager.
TurfLinks Environmental Service, Inc. will be managed and directed by John J. Bresnahan. Prior to
joining the Company, John was President of Turfgrass Environmental Consulting, an environmental
consulting firm providing analytical and technical services to the regions turfgrass industry.
TurfLinks Environmental Service, Inc. is positioned to provide analytical services utilized by today's
golf course superintendent including NIRS Tissue Analysis, Soil Analysis, Irrigation Water Suitability
Test and Turfgrass Disease Diagnosis.
TurfLinks Environmental Service, Inc. will provide standard interpretation of all analysis to assist the
golf course superintendent in developing Best Management Practices within a Turfgrass Management
Plan.
TurfLinks Environmental Service, Inc. is uniquely positioned to offer environmental services to
compliment the integrated management approach of turfgrass maintenance. The incorporation of
Water Quality Monitoring Programs and Integrated Pest Management Plans provide the golf course
superintendent with critical effective feedback on their fertilizer and pesticide programs.
TurfLinks Environmental Service, Inc. will also provide the technical analysis and environmental
services needed to complete Certification in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for golf
courses.
For additional information on environmental and technical services, please contact TurfLinks
Environmental Service, Inc. at 413-565-5340.

PageS
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Full-day seminar on weed management
begins N.E. Regional ïurfgrass Conference
"Weeds, weeds, weeds. Weeds, weeds,
weeds. How the heck do I get rid of those
pesky weeds?" If this is what you've been
hearing in the back of your mind since
August, then w e have a great opportunity
for you. The 2001 N e w England Regional
Turfgrass Conference and Show will be
kicked off this year with Dr. Fred Yelverton
(N.C. State) and Dr. Bert McCarthy
(Clemson University) joining forces to
provide a G C SAA full-day seminar on
"Advanced Weed Management". This will
be held on Tuesday, March 6. Topics such
as plant growth regulator use, herbicide
resistance, and Poo annua management
will be discussed. If weeds aren't your only
concern, then the next three days will no
doubt have something for everyone.
This year's Conference and Trade Show
had to be pushed back a day because of a
scheduling problem. It will begin Wednesday
instead of the normal Tuesday. Everything
will then commence on Friday. Beginning
with education on Wednesday, March 7 at
9 a.m. there will be a full day of speakers
designed to invite anyone interested in golf
course management. Topics will include
Golf Course Design, Working with Contractors, Budget Planning, Major Event
Challenges, and even Cardiac Arrest.
Last year's keynote speaker, Joe
Theismann, will be a hard act to follow,
but this year's speaker has an impressive
professional resume as well. Not on the
field, but in the broadcast booth. Jim Nantz
is certainly a popular and well-respected
figure for CBS Sports. He has covered
practically every sport, including the
Olympics, and has been the CBS anchor
for The Masters and PGA Championship.
W e know he can speak, w e also hear he
can play. Jim played on the University of
Houston's golf team with Fred Couples.
Not too bad, and he lives in Connecticut
too! Following Jim, our traditional Trade
Show Floor Opening Reception will be
happening from 5-8 p.m.
Over the next two days there will
be 18 more hours of trade show and
education time mingled together. The
trade show will be even larger this year
with many new exhibitors adding to the

consistent support w e have had from
those who have exhibited in prior years.
W e have again received enthusiastic
support to our sponsorship programs
which allows us to continue to include

CONFERENCE NEWS
activities like the Conference Reception
on Thursday evening, trade show lunches
for attendees, early arrival coffee and dan-

ishes, Keynote Speaker and Trade Show
Reception. Last year's popular "Tour the
Floor" raffle will also be there to add to the
excitement. And don't forget the Driving
Range competition. W e need a new winner!
As you can see, the three days will be filled
with activity, not to mention Drs. Couch,
Niemczyk, Dernoeden, Watson, Jackson
and others that will be speaking during
the Education sessions. Recertification
continued on page 8

The last w o r d o n job security article
f r o m The Newsletters
G e r r y Finn
I would like to respond to Michael
Varkonyi's reaction to the article written
about the superintendent's job security
and the dismissal toll taken on some
veteran, long-tenured members of the
profession.

GCSANE NEWS
First, I can understand the reader's
heated concern over the language that
came out of my interviews with selected
golf course superintendents. It was
coarse, candid and, pardon the expression,
right from the horses' mouth.
He speaks of his opinion that anonymous
quotes are offensive, worthless, and
perhaps misleading because of their
source. I should advise him about the real
world of soliciting information and opinions
on a controversial subject.. . especially in
the world of the golf course superintendent.
Perhaps it will enlighten him to learn that
half the time supers refuse to comment
on any subject, and all of the time refuse
to comment on anything remotely close
to controversy.
The reader also states that if no quotes
could be substantiated by inclusion of the
people who said them, w e should have
taken another approach to the article or
abandoned it. However, for his personal
information and that of GCSANE, the
situation had to be aired in one form or

another. W e (The Newsletter) couldn't just
sit there and wish ail the hurt precipitated
by reckless dismissals of respected and
highly regarded superintendents simply
evaporate without an inkling of compassion
on our part.
Furthermore, the reader should realize
that his idealistic feelings about life in
general and the superintendents' profession
in particular are just as shallow as he
thinks the articles' quotes were.
All of this had to be said and The Newsletter used its most effective means to say
it. So what if it bruised the turn-the-othercheek attitude of some of its readers?
What counts most is that is was a wake-up
call . . . to both superintendents and those
who employ them.
Case Closed!
G E R R Y FINN!

What counts most
was thai this was a
wake-up call... to
both superintendents
and those who employ
them.
Gerry Finn

Page 6

DIVOT DRIFT.. .announcerrients...educationai seminars...job opportunities
...tournament results080and miscellaneous items of interest to the membership.
MEMBERSHIP
W e l c o m e N e w Members: Steven Smith, Indian
Ridge C.C., Asst.; James Stavros, Cape Anne G.C.,
Supt.; Mark Morrison, Shaker Hills G.C., Asst.;
Mike Hannigan, R.F. Morse & Sons, Affiliate;
Shawn Barry, Asst., Belmont C.C.; Michael Howell, Asst., Hickory Ridge C.C.

INFORMATION
A big " T h a n k Y o u " is extended to Pat Kriksceonaitis and the entire staff of Essex County
Club for hosting the GCSANE Holiday Party.
Congratulations to the following members:
Dana Hancock recently left Ferncroft C. C. to
take the superintendent post at Cummaquid G. C.
T e d Symonwicz, formerly at Winchester C.C.,
is now superintendent at Candia Woods Golf Links.
Don Hearn has recently accepted the position of
superintendent at Vesper C.C.
Jim Reinertson, formerly at Dedham Country &
Polo Club, is superintendent at Charles River C.C.
Charles Passios, formerly at Nantucket G.C., is
superintendent at The Golf Club at Cape Cod.
IMike Fontaine, from Northfieid C.C., and his
wife Chris recently celebrated the birth of a girl,
Madeiyn. Best wishes to the entire family.
N e w Hampshire: H . B . ! 86 would create a pesticide training program to provide education to
commercial pesticide applicators in areas such as
best management practices, integrated pest management (IPM) and equipment and handling
techniques. The program would also increase the
number of re-certification training sessions available to applicators.
Don't forget to complete your 2S00 Mass.
Pesticide Usage [Report. It is due by March 31.
Failure to do so means losing your license and
having to take the exams again.
Please note that the March meeting at Franklin
C. C. has been pushed back one day to March 20.
" T h a n k Y o u s " are in order for the following
people at Walpoie C.C., host site of this years
Annual Meeting: general manager Mark Gagne,
superintendent Brian Walters, chef John Bordieri
and function manager Jerry Leite.
O u r condolences go out to Paul Miller and family
on the recent passing of Paul's father.

I

1 would like to take this opportunity to thank the
many people who help get The Newsletter out
each month. Mark Casey and Jim Cohen both
provide valuable assistance with their ideas and
phone calls. Reg Bacon, Sheila Johnson, Carol
Bograd, and the entire staff at Zip Type Service

are very helpful with their insight and service. I also
thank Gerry Finn for the fine job he does writing
articles each month. I also wish to thank my wife,
Raina, for the priceless insight she gives as the
unofficial newsletter committee member.
T h e staff of The Newsletter wishes to express
our condolences to Reg Bacon and family on the
recent passing of Reg's father.

ITEMS FOR SALE
S 998 National 84" Triplex, 728 hours, excellent
condition - $7,000; Turfco Topdresser (Beit
Driven), Cushman mount, excellent condition $2,500. Buy both pieces for $9,000. Call Mike
Young, Tewksbury C. C. at (978) 640-1008.

EMPLOYMENT
Assistant Position (4). Due to expansion of
operations and internal promotions, Sterling Golf
Management is seeking qualified candidates for
multiple positions at courses located in the suburban Boston area. A two or four-year degree in turf
management is preferred. Winter School and
comparable experience considered. Mass. pesticide applicator's license required. Salary is
commensurate with experience. A comprehensive benefits package includes vacation; 5 0 %
employer-paid health insurance; national/local
dues; golf privileges at five locations; and a friendly
work environment that includes golfing, fishing,
and skiing outings. Please send resume to David
Stowe, Sterling Golf Management, Inc., 212 Kenrick St., Newton, MA 02458; (617) 347-6514;
E-mail: sterlinggolf@aol.com.
Second Assistant. Warwick C. C , located on
Greenwich Bay, is a private 18-hole seaside Donald Ross course established in 1924. It is presently
involved in an ongoing long-range restoration
master plan. Individual will assist superintendent
in all aspects of golf course maintenance. Qualifications include a two or four-year degree in turf
management, with a minimum of two years of turf
management experience. Attention to detail is a
must. A R.I. pesticide license or ability to obtain
one is required. Strong communication and personnel management skills required for interaction
with staff and membership. An excellent compensation and benefits package is offered, and is
commensurate with experience. Please send
resume to John LeClair, Golf Course Supt., Warwick C. C , 394 Narragansett Bay Ave., Suite # 1,
Warwick, Rl 02889. Position open until filled.
Superintendent. Webhannet G.C. is seeking an
individual to be responsible for maintenance and
improvement of a 100-year-old, 18-hole golf
course. Seeking a motivated person with at least
five years of experience. Candidate should be
familiar with N e w England native plants and

grasses. Must hold a bachelor's degree and academic credits in turf management, with course
work in plant & soil sciences. Must have experience in budgeting and purchasing, computer
programs, equipment maintenance, and staff supervision. Must have or be qualified to obtain a
current Maine pesticide applicator's license. Candidate should be or become certified as a GCSAA
professional golf course superintendent (CGCS).
Salary is negotiable on the basis of experience and
training, and includes conference/association
dues, and benefits. Fall employment date. Please
send resume by April 30 to Dr. John M. Roberts,
I Ridgewood Circle, Kennebunk, ME 04043.
Second Assistant. Winchester C.C. is a private
18-hole golf course in the metropolitan Boston
area. Established in 1902, renovations were completed in 1995 to restore the course to the original
Ross design. The facility also includes three HarTru tennis courts, pool, and curling. (In 1998
W.C.C. was named to Golfweek's Top 100 Classical Courses.) Individual must have a minimum of
a winter school certificate and two years of golf
course experience. Individual must be highly motivated and willing to work long hours. Individual
must be able to obtain a Mass. pesticide applicator's license (category #37). Individual will be
responsible for supervising employees on a daily
schedule and managing a weekend crew. Course
set-up, record-keeping, IPM scouting, pesticide
application, and irrigation maintenance will also be
responsibilities of the second assistant. Salary
commensurate with experience. Compensation
includes paid vacations, personal days, 8 0 % employer-paid health/dental insurance, 401 (k),
pension plan, local/national association dues, and
golf privileges. Please send resume by March 25
to Dan Higgins, CGCS, Winchester C.C., 468
Mystic St., Winchester, MA 01890.
Spray Technician. The Country Club is seeking
qualified individuals for spray technician and other
full-time positions. The spray technician should
hold a Mass. pesticide applicator's license or be
working toward obtaining one. Candidate should
have knowledge of Toro Multi-Pro, FMC, and SDI
spray equipment. Salary is commensurate with
experience. Competitive benefits include health
& dental insurance, 401 (k), vacation, and sick pay.
Send resume by Feb. 28 to: Jeff Baker, The Country Club, 191 Clyde Street, Brookline, MA 02446.
Superintendent. Colonial Springs G.C. is a 27hole public course designed by Arthur Hills, with
60K rounds played annually. Individual must have
a four-year turf degree with three years as superintendent of five years as first assistant. Salary is
commensurate with experience and includes
health insurance, 401 (k), vehicle, vacation, and
dues. Please send or fax resume to: Steve Locke,
Colonial Springs G.C., One Long Island Ave.,
Farmingdale, NY ! 1735; fax (631) 643-0053.

i

Page 7

Please Patronize these FRIENDS of the ASSOCIATION
A-OK Turf Equipment inc.

1357 Main St., Coventry, Ri 02816-8435
Articulator, Terra Topper, Greens Groomer
brush, & used equipment.
Mike Cornicelli-(401) 826-2584

A.A. Will Materials Corp.

168 Washington St., Stoughton, MA 02072-1748
Top dressing & bunker sand, decorative stone,
landscape materials.
Charlie Downing, Mike Read
(800) 4-AA-WILL

Agr-Evo U.S.A. Co.

Wilmington, DE
Acclaim Extra, Banol, ProStar, ProGrass,
Finale, Turcam, DeltaGard.
David Sylvester - (860) 828-8905

Alien's Seed Store Inc.
693 S. County Trail, Exeter, RI 02822
Specializing in quality seed and related
golf course maintenance supplies.
Gregg Allen - (800) 527-3898

Bay State Fertilizer/MWRA

100 First Ave., Boston, MA 02129
Manufacturer & supplier of dry organic fertilizers.
Kristen Patneaude - (617) 788-4437

Bayer Corporation

118 Ellery Ave., Middletown, RI 02842
Bayleton, Merit, Dylox, Tempo
Jim Santoro - (800) 842-8020

The Borden Company

114 Summer St., Maynard, MA 01754-2216
Bulk limestone dealer.
Jack Borden - (978) 897-2571

Boston Irrigation Supply Company
60 Sturgis Way, Dedham, MA 02026
Distributor, irrigation supplies S accessories.
Andy Langlois, J . Anderson III, Ron Milenski
(800) 225-8006

Brendan Corporation

40 Walker St., Swansea, MA 02777
Doug Hopper - (508) 379-0092

Country Golf, Inc.

20005 Lake Rd., Rocky River, OH 44116
Ron Tumiski, Mike Donohue, Jim Wierzbicki
(800) 321-5325

Dow/Elanco

22 Lantern Lane, Exeter, RI 02822
Victoria Wallace-(800) 648-7333

560 Ashwood Rd., Springfield, NJ 07081
Bob Scott-(908) 510-5549

Michael Drake Construction, Inc.
240 Walnut St., Framingham, MA 01702
Golf course reconstruction; professional shaper.
Michael Drake - (508) 875-8247

F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Co.

Miller Golf Construction

250 West Rd., Canterbury, NH 03224-2127
Growers of turfgrass and ornamentals
Malcolm McPhail
Lexington, MA - (781) 861 -1111
Canterbury, NH - (603) 783-4717

Green Environmental

216 Ricciuti Dr., Quincy, MA 02169
Civil engineering, Title V, environmental
consulting/site assessment,
above-ground/UST construction
Glenn Ferguson - (617) 479-0550

Greeno, inc.

2352 Main St., Concord, MA 01742
Tree transplanting, landscape construction,
and masonry
Kevin Mulcahy - (800) 439-7244

Charles C. Hart Seed Co., Inc.

P.O. Box 9169, Wethersfield, CT 06109-0169
Roy Sibley, Dick Gurski, Robin Hayes
(800) 326-HART

Hartney Greymont

Casey & Dupuis Equipment Corp.

110 Codjer Lane, Sudbury, MA 01776
Annuals, perennials, garden mums, ground
covers, loam, and mulch.
Darren Young - (978) 443-7177

international Golf Construction Co.

Irrigation Management & Services
21 Lakeview Ave., Natick, MA 01760
Irrigation consultation, design, and
system evaluation.
Bob Healey, ASIC, CID - (508) 653-0625

Ken Jones Tire, Inc.

Cedar Lawn Tree Service, inc.

71 -73 Chandler St., Worcester, MA 01613
Distributor of tires for lawn & garden, trucks,
cars, industrial equipment, and golf cars.
Gerry Jones - (508) 755-5255

Clean Quest

P. 0. Box 662, Winchester, MA 01890
Tee/bunker shaping & remodeling, cart paths,
drainage, tree planting, landscape construction.
Daniel Champion - (781) 729-3250

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

P.O. Box 1102, Southbury, CT 06488
Distributors of the Landa Water system
for treating wash water, Safety Storage chemical
buildings, and Octaflex portable wash pads.
Steven Burnett, Michael Wende - (800) 521-5585

Cornish, Silva, & Mungeum. Inc.
207 N. Main St., Uxbridge, MA 01569
Golf course architects.
(508) 278-3407

Country Club Enterprises

P. O. Box 820, Cataumet, MA 02534
Club Car golf cars, Carryall utility vehicles.
Dave Farina, Darin Eddy, Darren Orr
(800) 662-2585

McNulty Construction Corp.

Gold Star Nursery & Sod Farm

5 Purcell Rd., Arlington, MA 02474
Golf course construction.
Antonios Paganis - (781) 648-2351;
(508) 428-3022

Cavicchio Landscape Supply, Inc.

D.L. MaherCo.

71 Concord St., P. 0, Box 127
North Reading, MA 01864-0127
Water supply specialists; water wells
& pumping equipment.
(781) 933-3210

P. 0. Box 3218, Framingham, MA 01705-3218
Asphalt paving of cart paths, walkways,
parking areas; imprinted asphalt.
John McNulty - (508) 879-8875

The Cardinals, inc.

340 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472
Construction/earthmoving equipment sales
& rentals; all sizes of job equipment available.
Paul Casey-(617) 924-7575

Lofts Seed, Inc.

640 Hale St., Beverly Farms, MA 01915
Complete tree care, landscape design
& construction, disease control,
long-range planning.
Ben Staples - (978) 927-1590

433 Chestnut St., Needham, MA 02492-2822
Tree care, landscape construction, consulting.
MarkTobin-(781) 444-1227

166 River Rd., P.O. Box 520
Unionvilie, CT 06085-0520
Golf course and landscape supplies.
John Callahan, Dennis Friel - (800) 861-6256

Lesco inc.

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

Landmark Construction

Larchmont Engineering & Irrigation

11 Larchmont Lane, Lexington, MA 02420-4483
Marc Utera-(781) 647-3361

Lazaro's Golf Course
Supplies & Accessories
dba Hammond Paint and Chemical Co., Inc.
738 Main St., Suite 223, Waltham, MA 02154
Complete line of golf course accessories;
Standard, Par Aide, Eagle One.
Joe Lazaro-(781) 647-3361

1 Leicester Rd„ Martilehead, MA 01945
Golf course construction & renovation
Jonathon Miller-(781) 631-2030

Sodco Inc.

P. 0. Box 2, Slocum, RI 02877
Bluegrass/Fescue, Bluegrass/Rye,
Bluegrass/Fescue/Rye, Bentgrass
Matt Faherty, Pat Hogan - (800) 341-6900

Sports Club Management

104 Wyman Rd., Braintree, MA 02184
OSHA and EPA compliance services and training
Ron Smith-(781) 848-5978

Dahn Tibbett
Professional Golf Services

dba Weed & Feed, Inc.
20 Clark Lane, Marshfield, MA 02050
Specialists in golf course construction,
bunker restoration, and irrigation installation.
(781) 837-3503

Tee and Green Sod, ins.

P. O. Box 418, Exeter, RI 02822
Bentgrass, Bluegrass, and Blue/Fescue sod.
Dave Wallace
(401) 789-8177

Tom Irwin Inc.

22 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham, MA 02576-0099
Larry Anshewitz, Jack Cronin, Chris Cowan,
Alan Anderson - (508) 295-1553

11 A St., Burlington, MA 01803
Turf management products
Jack Peterson, Wayne Ripley, Paul Skafas,
Chris Peterson, Greg Misodoulakis, Rick Giverson
(800) 582-5959

Nardone Sand and Grave!, Inc.

Tuckahoe Tur! Farms, Inc.

R.F. Morse & Sons, Inc.

37 Power Rd„ Westford, MA 01886-4112
Topdressing sand & mixes, bunker sands, root-zone
mixes, loam, cart path materials, drainage stone.
Greg Frederick - (978) 692-8221

North Shore Hydroseedirtg

20 Wenham St., Danvers, MA 01923
Hydroseeding, erosion control, & tree services
Brian King - (978) 762-8737

Novartis Specialty Products, Inc.

P. O. Box 167, Wood River Junction, RI 02894
Chris Beasley - (800) 556-6985

Turf Enhancement Enterprises

6 Jessica J Dr., Millbury, MA 01527
Floratine products, Precision Small Engine Co.,
Douglas Rollers, Trion Lifts.
Tom Fox-(508) 865-9150

TurfNet Associates, inc.

394 Monson Tpk. Rd., Ware, MA 01082
Banner MAXX, Barricade, Subdue MAXX, Primo
Dave Ravel-(413) 967-6745

21 Brandywine Rd., Skillman, NJ 08558
Cutting edge communication for
the golf course industry.
Peter McCormick - (800) 314-7929

Partac Peat Corporation

Turf Products Corp.

Kelsey Park, Great Meadows, NJ 07838
Heat treated topdressing, golf hole targets,
turf blankets, other specialty golf supplies.
Jim Kelsey - (800) 247-2326

Prescription Turf Services, Inc.

157 Moody Rd., Enfield, CT 06082
Distributors of Toro irrigation and maintenance
equipment and other golf-related products.
Tim Berge, Paul Hallock, Rick Moulton,
Mike Turner-(800) 243-4355

United Horticultural Supply

P. 0. Box 39, Middleton, MA 01949
Deep-tine and hydro-injection services,
custom fertilizer & pesticide applications,
fairway aeration, topdressing operations.
(978) 777-1663

18 Legate Hill Rd., Sterling, MA 01564
Fertilizer, seed, chemicals, and IPM.
Glenn Larabee, Bruce Chapman, Mark Miller
(800) 224-4440

Read Custom Soils

Varney Bros. Sand & Gravei

171 VFW Drive, Rockland, MA 02370
Topdressing, root-zone mixes, bunker sand,
3/8 screened loam, cart path materials,
mulch, drainage stone.
Joe Farina, Frank Santos - (888) 475-5526

Sawtelle Brothers

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

SBI Turf Services

65 Glenn St., Lawrence, MA 01843
Deep-tine, core, & water-injection aerification,
DOL & Verti-Seed overseeding, irrigation services.
Jim Favreau - (800) 999-TURF

Shawnmark Industries, Inc.

P. 0. Box 8966, Warwick, RI 02999
Matt Howland-(401) 295-1673

Simplot Partners, Inc.
15 Londonderry Rd., Londonderry, NH 03053
Turf & ornamental supplies.
Chuck Bramhali, Mike Kroian, Mike Nagle
(800) 228-6656

79 Hartford Ave., Bellingham, MA 02019
Concrete golf cart paths.
Kenneth Mooradian - (800) 441-7373

Waterflowers Ecological Dssign

116 North Street, North Reading, MA 01864
Environmental audits, planning/design,
& permits for all environmental details
Terry Bastion - (978) 664-8059

Winfield Nursery, Inc.

1700 Mountain Rd., W. Suffield, CT 06093
Wholesale nursery trees and shrubs.
Stan Hildreth

Philip Wogam a George F. Sargent, Jr.
Golf Course Architects
17 Walker Rd., Topsfield, MA 01983
(978) 887-3672

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

Page 8

.nil,Uli,iL

Meet host superintendent Pavidi Stowe9 lewton C@mim@iiweaitii G.C.
¡Host superintendent for the February
meeting of G C S A N E is David Stowe of
Newton Commonwealth G.C. in
Newton, Mass.

Dave, a member of G C S A N E for eight
years, has been at Newton Commonwealth
since 1993. He began his stint there as
assistant superintendent, eventually earning
a promotion to superintendent in 1995.
His previous stops include Hiland Golf
Course and Crumpin-Fox Golf Course.

N.E. Turf

Conference

continued from page 5

credits for pesticide licenses will be available for all sessions and seminars for all
N e w England states. GCSAA PDU's will
be available for C G C S re-certification if
you attend at least two days of the conference and show. The Equipment Managers
Session will include a talk on Pumphouse

8 SVI3

He attended Vermont Technical College,
receiving an associate degree in agribusiness
management. In 1992 he graduated from
Stockbridge School of Agriculture with a
degree in turf management. He stayed in
Amherst, transferred to the University of
Massachusetts, and received a bachelor's
degree in plant & soil sciences a year later.
Dave and his wife, Andrea, live in
Natick with their two sons, Peter 6, and
Sam, 2. In his spare time he plays golf,

Troubleshooting and Maintenance along
with Kohler and Briggs and Stratton
engine topics.
All in all, w e are looking forward to an
exciting week of activities and opportunities.
The city of Providence is getting better
each year, too. The skywalk connecting
the Mall to the Westin Hotel in finished,
so you won't even need a coat to get to
the many shops, restaurants and Omni

skis, hunts deer (record to date: deer 12,
Dave 0), brews beer, and spends time
with his loved ones.
Newton Commonwealth G.C. was
opened in 1897. Designed by Donald
Ross, the course was originally called
Chestnut Hill C.C. It is a public course
with bent/poa greens and fairways,
blue/rye tees, and blue/fescue roughs.

Theater. Also, the new Marriott Courtyard has been completed, helping add
another 125 top-quality rooms available
for our use. W e hope you're planning on
being there March 7-9. It's the best
way to kick off the beginning of a new
season. Check out our web site for
more information and research updates:
www.nertf.org.
GARY
SYICES

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