LETTER November 2004 of the Golf C&urs® Superintendents Association §í Mew England, Ine. Sponsors and administrators of the Troll-Dickinson Scholarship Fund - Awarded yearly to deserving Turf Management Students, b i i ^ ^ h b h Peter Hasek iergefs puzzle of Winter-Kill; enlists colleagues f® help fo find answers B y Jinn M c C a b e , The Boston Globe T h e r e are mysteries that forever will remain unsolved. Peter Hasak doesn't think our recent bouts with winter kill should fit into that category. That fact that many of his fellow superintendents feel similarly made for a lively discussion when they got together during the G C S A N E show in Providence. B j *f j M ' I " H Seated with luminaries s u c h a s P a u l Miller from Nashawtuc Country Club, Pat Kriksceonaitis of Essex County Club in Manchester, and G a r y Watschke of MONTHLY M a n c h e s t e r C o u n t r y C l u b in N e w Hampshire, Hasak came away more convinced than ever that answers were needed to a perplexing series of questions related to winter kill. As to how to produce the answers, the idea came to them that a grassroots effort involving friends in the educational field was worth exploring. "We said to ourselves, 'What could we do to potentially motivate others to help us with this research,'" said Hasak, for 1 7 years the head superintendent at Tedesco C . C . in Marblehead. "So much of the research in the past has been done at controlled environments inside our universities. We felt we needed to fake a harder look at what was going on out in the fields across New England." What has been going on in recent winters is enough to make a superintendent scratch his head. It isn't so much that there has been turf damage in the spring; that's to be expected. It's just that there doesn't seem, at times, to be any rhyme or reason for where the turf is damaged and the extent to which it is killed. As an example, Hasak pointed to the winter of 2 0 0 0 - 0 1 when dozens of courses in Eastern Massachusetts experienced severe winter kill. Salem Country Club in Peabody was badly hit that year, a situation that required a Herculean effort by superintendent Kip Tyler to get the course ready for the U.S. Senior Open that summer. Not too far away, Tedesco suffered significant damage, tMiiitMyiiiilMLÛÀUiiLiiJiiki^^ 'So much of the research in the past has been done at controlled environments inside our universities. W e feSt we needed to take a border look at what was going on out in the fields across New England." Peter Hasak Tedesco C.C. though not nearly as extensive as Salem, and Hasak always asked himself why. Fast-forward to the spring of 2 0 0 3 when Hasak discovered that the winter had done a number on his turf. So, too, was there extensive winter kill at Kernwood C . C . in Salem, Beverly Golf & Tennis Club, Essex C . C . , and even at Presidents G . C . in Quincy, which traditionally came through winters in fine shape. But at Salem C . C . , the damage was minimal, and Hasak shook his head. continued on page 2 PRESIDENT Michael J. Hermanson 140 Ryan Street, Gardner, MA 01440-0145 978-632-2713 Fax 978-632-2713 E-mail: herm068@hotmail.com Gardner Municipal Golf Course VICE PRESIDENT Patrick S. Kriksceonaltis 4 Lakemans Lane, Ipswich, MA 01938-2505 978-526-4600 Fax 978-526-8333 E-mail: Grounds@Essexcc.org Essex County Club SECRETARY Russell E. Heller 41 Clifford Street, Melrose, MA 02176-0140 617-983-2786 Fax 617-983-2786 E-mail: Rheller@gcsane.org Franklin Park Golf Course "We've got Sots ©f great heads together here. W e need t© think about a course ©f action. The great thing about this [agenda] is that this is superintendents propelling it." "It would be really nice to go out and not guess at what happens, it would be nice t© say, This is what happens, and why/" Peter Hosak Tedesco C.C. TREASURER Ronald P. Dobosz, Jr. 1137 Park Street, Stoughton, MA 02072-3728 781 -341 -8564 Fax 781 -341 -8564, *51 E-mail: rdoboszl 11 @aol.com Cedar Hill Golf Course TRUSTEE Leonard F. Curtin 6 Louis Avenue, Sudbury, MA 01776 781-862-5167 E-mail: lrina2@peoplepc.com Lexington Golf Club TRUSTEE Jason S. Adams 11 Woodcrest Lane, Blackstone, MA 01504 781 -326-3801 Fax 781 -326-3801 E-mail: Jayadams35@hotmail.com Norfolk Golf Club TRUSTEE David A. Comee 65 Marquette Street, Gardner, MA 01440 978-297-2339 Fax 978-297-0911 E-mail: photoC@hotmail.com Winchendon School Golf Club FINANCE CHAIRMAN Arthur Sllva, C G C S 35 Pennacook Road, Tewksbury, MA 01876 617-484-5440 Fax 617-484-6613 E-mail: Asllva@belmontcc.org Belmont Country Club GOLF CHAIRMAN James A. Small III 690 Pine Street, Brldgewater, MA 02324-2116 508-697-4816 Fax 508-279-3355 E-mail: jsmall@oldescotlandlinks.com Olde Scotland Links Golf Club EDUCATION CHAIRMAN Patrick J. Daly, C G C S P. O. Box 2284, Framingham, MA 01703-2284 508-872-9790 Fax 508-872-5393 E-mail: pat@framinghamcc.com Framingham Country Club NEWSLETTER CHAIRMAN Michael W . Stachowicz 68 Westfield Road, Westwood, MA 02090 781 -326-7860 Fax 781 -326-0664 E-mail: mstach@dedhamclub.org Dedham Country and Polo Club PAST PRESIDENT James R. Fltzroy, C G C S 357 W . Squantum St., N. Quincy, MA 02171-2758 617-328-1776 Fax 617-328-9479 E-mail: Jfitz39@rcn.com Presidents Golf Club EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Sharon K. Brownell P. O. Box 566, Mattapoisett, MA 02739-0566 508-758-6474 Fax 508-758-6474 E-mail: Sbrownell@gcsane.org t-tTHE I NEWSLETTER G C S A N E Headquarters 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766 Tel.: (800) 833-4451 Fax: (508) 758-6474 W e b Site: www.gcsane.org Newsletter Editor . . . . Michael S t a c h o w i c z Business Manager Julie Heston (401-934-3677; E-mail: jheston@verizon.net) 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. We would appreciate a credit line. Page 2 auilluatliil continued from page 1 "In 2 0 0 1 , we had widespread damage. It was brutal," said Hasak. "In 2 0 0 3 , it was more along the coastline. Then in 2 0 0 3 - 0 4 , even though it was a bitter cold winter, damage was hardly as overwhelming along the coast as it had been in previous winters, but inland was much more significant. "We need," said Hasak, "to find out what's going on here." Hasak said Dr. John Roberts from the Department of Plant Science at the University of New Hampshire is currently conducting a project to study the topic of covering greens for the winter. Roberts is working closely with Jim Skorulski, an agronomist with the U S G A who lives in Palmer. "We've sent turf samples so Roberts can monitor them," said Hasak. "We need to start expanding our computer data to find out what's going on underneath the greens covers." Hasak has hopes of tying this project into the expansion that is ongoing at the University of Massachusetts, to incorporate a graduate student, and to keep the avenues of dialogue open between educators and his superintendents. "We've got lots of great heads together here," said Hasak. "We need to think about a course of action. The great thing about this [agenda] is that this is superintendents propelling it." Why has the winter kill been so helter-skelter — horrible in some spots, not-too-bad in others close by? Hasak has theories, but he's more focused on obtaining answers. "It would be really nice to go out and not guess at what happens. It would be nice to say, T h i s is what happens, and why.'" How far away are we from such a day? "It's going to take some time," said Hasak. "We all know that."« U p d a t e s Mary Owen has come cboard as the researcher for this project. They have set a protocol which is in development. We are also looking for a cooperator in the Rhode Island area. Please contact Peter Hasak if you have any questions at 7 8 1 - 5 9 5 - 3 1 0 7 . Dec. 10 H o l i d s y Graia D e d h a m Country & Polo Club Dedham, Mass. Supt. - Michael Stachowicz Dec 13 © C S A N i Monthly Meeting W a l p o l e Country Club W a l p o l e , Mass. Supt. - Mark G a g n e J a n . 25 ©CSANE Annosi Meeting Thorny Lea Golf Club Brockton, Mass. Supt. - Joseph Rybka, C G C S Feb./ G C S A N E Monthly Meeting March TBA Framingham Country Club Framingham, Mass. Supt. - Patrick Daly, C G C S ©CUMI president rav§s about 9-hole tournament\ previews 2005 S&B, & issues a directory reminder T h e Annual 9-Hoie meeting was hosted by Dick French on November 1 at Bear Hill. The weather and conditions couldn't have been better. The 80 players who participated really had a very enjoyable day. Thank you everyone at Bear Hill! Thanks to the New England PGA for once again doing everything necessary in running the John Shanahan Memorial Pro-Superintendent Tournament. John S h a n a h a n was the first G C S A N E Presi• P W C J dent from 1924 to 1928 and the long time superintendent at Braeburn. The conditions at Kittanseit were impeccable and I would personally like to thank Lennie Blodgetf for the 4 0 + mile an hour winds which certainly added to the experience. Scholarship & Benevolence Chairman, David Comee, Bob Healy and myself recently met with The Country Club Genera! Manager, David Chag, to begin formulating the plans for the June 16, 2005 S&B Tournament. This is always one of everyone's favorite courses to visit and the GCSANE really appreciates the mutual respect shared between us and The Country Club. I am pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Stachowicz as the alternate member representing GCSANE on the New England Regional Turfgrass Board of Directors. Everyone should have by now received a mailing from Even if none ©f your information has changed,you must fill out this form and return it to Sharon ASAP or you will not be in the 2005 directory. s h a r o n B r o w n e l l req u i r i n g that you update all of your information for the directory and our computer system. Even if none of your information has changed, you must fill out this form and return it to Sharon ASAP or you will not be in the 2005 directory. By the time you read this president's message, you should have received your Holiday Gala invitation. This year's event is being held December 10 at Dedham, and is one of the best events we host. I neglected to thank two very special people in my October president's message. A special thanks go to Hickory Ridge owners Doug and Cathy Harper! Because of their generosity, $ 125 out of the $150 Troll Tournament entry fee went directly to the Turf Research Building Fund. The total raised that day now stands at approximately $70,000! See you December 10 at the Holiday Gala and December 13 at the Walpole meeting. Please remember that the winter meeting dress code is jacket-and-iie. Everyone should hove by now received a moiling from Sharon Brownell requiring that you update all of your information for the directory and our computer system. Best W i s h e s , ftflisheei H e r m a n s © « , ©C8AMI P r e s i d e n t From ih§ Forum: New password-protected forum Is s great place for members io get help ©r just talk E d i t o r s Mete: The GCSANE Forum is now password protected and can be a great place for getting help or just talki n g . We w i l l only reprint posts that are relevant, helpful, and appropriate to our readership. I would also like to point out that this a great tool for vendors to help superintendents with their problems with various types of equipment. j à i l a . i a j i j i i dents playing is one of the things that make our profession great. Thanks again guys. Belcrted thoraks (Jim Fitzroy, 11/02/2004). I just want to say thank you to Ken Lallier from the Quechee Club for hosting the Northeast Autumn Classic and to Tom Flaherty and Steve Carr for putting together the Islands Invitation Tournament. If you haven't played in these events, do yourself a favor and take the time to participate next year. The golf is great and the fellowship with the other superintenl i . i j l l i i . i i j i ^ (Russ Heller, 11/05/2004). I know that Ken is looking to update his mailing list for the Quechee event. I would suggest that anyone interested in playing next year to contact Ken. It is a terrific event. continued on page 9 t . i i j i j i i p a g e 3 cess Liquid ws. granular fertilizer: The pros i By Pom Sherresff & J©hn Street Fluid fertilizers are packaged and sold either as clear liquids (solutions) or as liquids that have suspended solid particles (suspensions). Fertilizer solutions can also be made from dry milled products intended to be dissolved in water. Fertilizer solutions are sprayed onto the turf, delivering a source of water soluble nitrogen (WSN) and other desired nutrients, such as iron (Fe). The nutrients are either watered down into the soil for root uptake, or foliar absorbed. TU SCIE The reason for applying WSN to turf this way is to achieve a short-term, rapid response - particularly turf green-up. Liquid! f e r t i l i z e r s Sports turf managers considering liquid applications should be aware of the following: (1) There is a higher risk of burn potential, so smaller amounts of fertilizer are used (1-tenth to 2-tenths of a pound N/1000 sq.ft.) at more frequent intervals. This is often referred to as "spoon feeding." (2.) Applying too much WSN at any one time will produce growth surges. Growth surges produce turf tissue with large, thin-walled leaf cells. It is reasonable to assert therefore that high N fertilizer inputs could increase the risk of disease. For example, research suggests that quick-release sources of N and subsequent growth surges increases the risk of grey leaf spot incidence. (5.) There is little/no research on how much of these products are absorbed, how they affect turf recovery from wear, and, most importantly, if they are supplying enough N for healthy turf growth in high-wear situations such as athletic fields. It is highly unlikely that nutrients from foliar applications contribute significantly to the reserve bank of soil nutrients, especially if clippings are removed. More research is needed to clarify these interactions. Grasisjlor fertilizers (3.) Some nutrients such as calcium and iron are immobile in plants. If these nutrients are foliar absorbed they will not be translocted to the turf roots. Granular fertilizers with a portion of nitrogen as a slow-release source are recommended for sports turf situations for several reasons: (4.) If liquids are applied to the turf, allowed to dry and not washed into the rootzone they can be mowed off. This is particularly important if mowing is frequent and clippings are removed. Nutrient loss from foliar applications with clipping removal can be significant and may therefore negatively affect the anticipated fertilizer response. • A portion of the fertilizer is not immediately available, so there is less likelyhood for burn. Larger amounts can be applied at less frequent intervals, saving labor costs. • There is less likelyhood of growth surges because the slow-release nutrients are metered out over several weeks. For example, our research this year with a 21-4-11 PCSCU mini prill with 28% WSN and 72% slow-release N has provided the turf with a constant source of N (0.1 - 0.3lbs N/1000 sq.ft per week) for 6-8 weeks. B — L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I A T E S , INC» GOLF COURSE & SPORTS FIELDS DIVISION "SmallProjects Welcome" — Bunker Renovation ® Tee Construction • Drainage Installation Stone Walls & Interlocking Block Walls Core Aeration Slice Seeding • Sodding Bark Mulch Blowing Tree Work (60' Bucket & Climbing) e Bill Betts General Manager P a g e 4 521 Trapelo Road Belmont, MA 02478 617-484-3360 Fax: 617-592-1497 lUtoUAlttLilMhiMiillAiJ Mike Leder Division Representative Think of it as a bank! Granular slowrelease fertilizers offer a sound base for healthy turf growth on athletic fields they are the "savings" account for the turf. Additional applications of liquids may offer some benefits if a quick green-up response is desired for a sporting event-think of it as the "checking" account, ttt Thanks to Dr. Chuck Darrah for his editorial review. SIC TurfnoSes o c t o b e r 22, 2 0 0 4 Ftosïïî d e p a r t m e n t ©f iffertleulfure & €r®p S c i e n c e , Olii© Stote U n i v e r s i t y 614-292-8491 Efattp://hes.®su=edu/turf Tournament for Joe Troll Turf Research Center: A great day of golf, camaradarie, & fund raising By Steve ©Godwin, Associate Dean, €©ileg@ @f M a t u r e ! R e s o u r c e s e n d the Environment, U n i v e r s i t y ©f M a s s a c h u s e t t s " \ am overwhelmed by the number of former students who came back for this event." With these words, Joe Troll brought to a close a great day of golfing, camaraderie, and fund raising at the Hickory Ridge Country Club in Amherst, Mass. The event celebrated the contributions Professor Troll has made to the Umass-Amherst turf program and the impact he's had on the lives of his students. A letter to GCSA I f from Dr. Joseph Troll October 23, 2004 Michael Hermanson Gardner Municipal Golf Course 140 Ryan Street Gardner, MA 01440-0145 D e a r M i k e a n d ©olf C o u r s e Superintendents Association of Mew E n g l a n d , I want to take this opportunity to thank you and the Golf Course Superintendents Assoc. of New England for the support for the Turf Research Building also, all the superintendents that made pledges. I was especially pleased and honored to see the wonderful outcome of the successful golf tournament at Hickory Ridge. Bob Ruszala did an excellent job and kept on top of things. He sure knows how to push. The university is planning on breaking ground and putting in the footing this November. I still can't believe it. To think by field day next year it will be in full operation. Will see you all at the turf conference in Rhode island next March. My most heartful thanks. Slmeerely, Jeseplh Troll ML Geoffrey C s r a i s h (left) and S h e r w o o d M©©re ¡right) share a greeting at the Fund Raiser Tournament for the Joseph Troll Turf Research Center. The event was held Oct. 5,2004 at Hickory Ridge C.C. in Amherst, Mass. (Photo by Melissa Wedig.) Much more than a golf tournament, the day brought together alumni who hadn't seen each other in many years. Alumni came from as far away as New Jersey and Maryland. Dave Sylvester (from Bayer Environmental Sciences) took a unique approach to making sure he got to see everybody. Dave sat out on the 8th hole passing out cigars, sharing jokes with friends, and running a raffle that raised over a thousand dollars. Perhaps the most impressive reunion was between Geoffrey Cornish and Sherwood Moore. Two former participants in the Winter School, Geoffrey and Sherwood last worked together on the opening of the Captain's Golf Course in Brewster, Mass. in 1985. The spirit of the day was definitively captured by Jim Conant, superintendent at the Pittsfield Country Club. "Best reunion I've ever attended," he said. Over 150 golfers and 25 sponsors raised over $40,000. That sum is being matched by $20,000 from state funds. Much of the credit for the event's success is due to Bob Ruszala, superintendent at Hickory Ridge Country Club. Bob chaired the tournament committee and did much of the legwork that built participant enthusiasm and created a sell out. Credit is also due to Cathy and Doug Harper, the club's owners, who generously donated the course; and Jim Bernier of Golf Cart Services, Inc., who donated the carts. Proceeds from the tournament will support a new building at the university's iii.iiijiiiiiiijj.tiii imiliia turfgrass-research center in South Deerfield, which has been dedicated in honor of Professor Troll. The campaign is in its final stages, with more than $700,000 raised to date and construction expected to begin this November. "This building is one of the central steps in a concerted plan to revamp the turf program," noted CI eve Willis, Dean of the College of Natural Resources and the Environment. "We're also hiring new turfgrass specialists and renewing our focus on research. New England deserves the highest quality turf programs and we intend to make that a reality here at Umass-Amherst.'ii Dove Sylvester took a unique approach to making sure he got to see everybody. Dave sat out on the 8th hole passing out cigars, sharing jjokes with friends, ana® running a raffle that raised over a thousand dollars. pspissfissro D a v e Sylvester (left) and Dr. J o s e p h Troil (right), enjoying the tournament that raised over $40,000 for the new building at the UMass turgrass research center in S. Qeerfield, Mass., which has been dedicated to Professor Troll. (Photo by Melissa Wedig.) Page 5 NERTF Executive Director explains fine points of the New England Regional Turfgrass Trust ©ary Sykes, Executive Director, NERTF W h e n it comes to expanding funding for turf research in New England, the New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation has set in motion two vehicles. The foundation was created with the best intentions to do all the f u n d i n g that w a s thought needed. The NERTF works with a lengthy budget whose annual yields are mostly predictable and whose eye is not just on today, but looking far down the road. Hence, its main objectives are to fund research, to plan future shows, and to continue creating a $1,000,000 research endowment. You can compare it with "feeding the soil" in agricultural terms. It continues on its very important function as it nears its goal focused on the industry's future. alternative opportunities to raise funds for turfgrass research in New England. What is the NERTRT all about? By forming a trust and requesting for donations to be eligible as a charitable personal deduction from the IRS, donations di- The NERTF ond the NERTRT ore hand-inhand working f© ©divo nee turfgrass research in New England, and oil the while helping to build a stronger, better, and more responsible future for the industry. The NERTRT on the other hand was formed in March 2001 to aid in the PROTECT YOUR 60LF COURSE! SIGN UP FOR AQUÂIÂB'S ENVIRONMENTAL «ÌNSURMCE PQLICf TODAY! Confidential Monitoring Programs Mold & Fungicides Surface & Ground Water Wash Water Run-Off Fertilizer/Pesticide Monitoring Abutter/Citizen Concerns Addressed Corrective Action Troubleshooting Irrigation Soil Helping Golf Course Managers Document Their Safe Practices Since 1989. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." 1-877-364-2 rectly to the trust can then be tax deductible. Also, it becomes a vehicle to raise funds by other methods that will go directly to the ongoing turf research projects. This fund has been generated by the silent auction and through club solicitations. These methods are less predictable, but are alternatives sources to generate funds that can then be applied to where it might be needed either for short or long-term projects. In a sense, it is more of a "foliar feeding" method that may have a quicker response time, but shorter duration. The trustees may decide to use the funds on an existing project, on a newer problem that wasn't budgeted for over the course of the season, or they could just hold the funds for when they are needed more. Every golf course in New England should have received a new copy of the New England Turf News and donation form. Within the newsletter is information and news concerning ongoing research being funded by the NERTF and the activity at some of our New England Universities. We hope many of the golf courses in New England will be attracted to donating at least $200 each to the NERTRT. These donations will continue to help expand research opportunities and the New England Turf News newsletter. Your club's donation is very important and much needed to make this possible. The Research Trust will also oversee the upcoming and popular Silent Auction fundraiser at this year's TURF 2005 Conference and Show. It is a great way to support the NERTRT, and possibly save some dollars in your budget as most ail items are sold for a percentage of the retail value. Both research feeding (funding) methods, just as in turfgrass agronomics, if they can help our present situations, then they should be used. The NERTF and the NERTRT are hand-inhand working to advance turfgrass research in New England, and all the while helping to build a stronger, better, and more responsible future for the industry. Thank you for your interest and support! Wt NERTF mummm Turf grass Conference Seminars; three of four to offer GCSM education points T h e New England Regional Turfgrass Foundation announced its lineup of 2005 conference s e m i n a r s recently. The following seminars will be offered at the 2 0 0 5 Turfgrass Conference & Show in Providence, R.I. The four seminars, one full-day and three half-day, will be held on Monday, March 7, 2 0 0 5 , the first day of the fourday conference held at the Rhode Island C o n v e n t i o n C e n t e r in P r o v i d e n c e , R.I.The seminars are: ( 1 ) W a f e r , , F i s h , <&. B u f f e r M a n a g e m e n t f o r