February 2008 THE GREEN SPEED SURVEY By: Mark Gagne Of the many issues we face in managing our facilities each day perhaps one of the more common and reoccurring challenges is meeting our member or golfer expectations for green speeds. Earlier this month, all GCSANE superintendent and assistant members were asked to participate in a web-based survey on managing greens speeds. The questions were designed to sample and evaluate the many factors affecting green speeds and to help in comparing your practices relative to other facilities in the region. The survey received more than 88 responses, which represents 37% of GCSANE member clubs. Here are the results: What type of facility do you manage? What is your anticipated operating budget for 2008 (excluding depreciation): Private Public Municipal Resort $300,000 or less $400 - $500,000 $500 - $600,000 $600 - $700,000 $700 - $800,000 $800 - $900,000 $900 - $1,000,000 $1,000,000 - $1,100,000 $1,100,000 - $1,200,000 $1,200,000 - $1,300,000 $1,300,000 - $1,400,000 $1,400,000 - $1,500,000 $1,500,000 or more 69.4% 16.5% 11.8% 2.4% How many holes do you manage at your facility? 9 18 27 36 37 or more 10.7% 73.8% 7.1% 7.1% 1.2% 9.8% 15.9% 12.2% 11.0% 4.9% 9.8% 9.8% 8.5% 6.1% 2.4% 2.4% 1.2% 6.1% What is your average green speed for regular daily play during the golf season? less than 8 ft 8 to 8.5 ft 8.5 ft to 9 ft 9 to 9.5 ft 9.5 to 10 ft 10 to 10.5 ft 10.5 to 11 ft 11 to 11.5 ft greater than 11.5 ft 2.4% 5.9% 18.8% 16.5% 24.7% 21.2% 8.2% 2.4% 0.0% Continued on page 2 PRESIDENT Russell E. Heller, CGCS 41 Clifford Street, Melrose, MA. 02176-0140 617-983-2786 Fax: 617-983-2786 E-mail: Rheller@gcsane.org Franklin Park Golf Club Survey - continued from page 1 VICE PRESIDENT Patrick J. Daly, CGCS P.O. Box 2284, Framingham, MA 01703-2284 508-872-9790 Fax: 508-872-5393 E-mail: Pat@framinghamcc.com Framingham Country Club SECRETARY Jason S. Adams 27 Cherry Street, Wrentham, MA 02093 781-326-3801 Fax: 781-326-3801 E-mail: Norfolksuper@hotmail.com Norfolk Golf Club How does the majority of your membership/golfers view your average green speeds? The majority would like to see the green speeds faster The majority likes the green speeds as they are The majority would like to see the green speeds slower 24.1% 75.9% 0.0% TREASURER Michael W. Stachowicz 68 Westfield Road, Westwood, MA 02090 781-326-7860 Fax: 781-326-0664 E-mail: Mstach@dedhamclub.org Dedham Country & Polo Club TRUSTEE Scott Lagana, CGCS 22 Sherborne Circle, Ashland, MA 01721 978-342-6451 Fax: 978-342-0421 E-mail: Grounds@oakhillcc.org Oak Hill Country Club TRUSTEE Peter Hasak 154 Tedesco Street, Marblehead, MA 01945 781-592-5764 Fax: 781-631-6530 E-mail: PHasak@tedescocc.org Tedesco Country Club How do you measure your green speeds? Stimpmeter Other (please specify) TRUSTEE Mark Gagne 233 Baker Street, Walpole, MA 02081 508-668-3859 Fax: 508-668-9969 E-mail:Mgagne@walpolecc.org Walpole Country Club 94.1% 12.9% About 7% of the respondents use more than just the stimpmeter for gauging greens speeds. Other methods included putting the greens and watching ball roll. How often do you measure your greens with a stimpmeter? More than once a day Daily More than once a week but not daily Weekly Monthly Less than 6 times per season Never FINANCE CHAIRMAN Michael Luccini, CGCS 10 Griffin Road, Franklin, MA 02038 508-520-3615 Fax: 508-528-1885 E-mail: Mluccini@verizon.net Franklin Country Club GOLF CHAIRMAN David Stowe, CGCS 30 Western Avenue, Natick, MA 01760 617-789-4631 Fax 617-789-4631 E-mail: Newtonmaint@aol.com Newton Commonwealth Golf Club 0.0% 13.1% 28.6% 28.6% 6.0% 22.6% 1.2% EDUCATION CHAIRMAN Timothy Hood 49 Green Street (Billing Box 214), Needham, MA 02492 781-444-5548 Fax 781-444-4258 E-mail: hood.timothyb@verizon.net Needham Golf Club NEWSLETTER CHAIRMAN Richard Gagnon 85 Gulliver Street Taunton, MA 02780 508-823-0466 Fax 508-823-3915 E-mail: sccturf@hotmail.com Segregansett Country Club PAST 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 Please indicate which type of root zone describes most of your greens. Soil based (push up) Modified - mixed on site Sand based 63.9% 12.0% 24.1% EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Sharon K. Brownell P.O. Box 566, Mattapoisett, MA 02739-0566 508-758-6474 Fax: 508-758-3688 E-mail: Sbrownell@verizon.net GCSANE Headquarters 300 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766 Tel: (800) 833-4451 Fax: (508) 758-6474 Web Site: www.gcsane.org Newsletter Committee Julie Heston, Business Manager Phone: (401) 934-3677 Email: jheston@verizon.net John Eggleston, Kernwood Country Club Andrew Eick, The Kittansett Club Ethan Tease, Woodland Golf Club Rich Gagnon, Editor, Segregansett Country Club Do most of your greens have internal drainage (drain pipe)? Yes No 24.4% 75.6% 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. Continued on page 3 2 CALENDAR Mar. 3-6 New England Regional Turfgrass Conference & Show RI Convention Center Providence, RI Mar. 20 GCSANE Monthly Meeting Joint meeting with HFTP Woodland G.C. Host: David Mucciarone April 24 GCSANE Monthly Meeting Joint meeting with GCMACC Pinehills G.C. Host: Joe Felicetti, CGCS Survey - continued from page 2 What is the turf composition on most of your greens? % % % % % Annual Bluegrass Creeping Bentgrass-L93 Creeping Bentgrass-A or G series Creeping Bentgrass-other than L93 and A or G series Velvet Bentgrass 39% 12% 14% 31% 5% Which type of mower do you most commonly use during the season (May-September)? Bunton Walk Behind 0.0% John Deere 180C 2.4% John Deere 220C 4.8% John Deere 2500 series triplex 4.8% Jacobsen PGM 22” 4.8% Jacobsen PGM 19” 2.4% Jacobsen TC-22 3.6% Jacobsen E Walk 0.0% Jacobsen Eclipse 122 (fixed head) 0.0% Jacobsen Eclipse 122F (floating head) 1.2% Jacobsen Greens King 500 A Series 18” 0.0% Jacobsen Greens King 500 A Series 22” 2.4% Jacobsen Greens King IV/IV Plus triplex 3.6% Jacobsen Greens King V triplex 2.4% Jacobsen Greens King VI triplex 3.6% Jacobsen E Plex II triplex 1.2% Jacobsen G Plex III triplex 0.0% Toro GM500 4.8% Toro GM1000 10.8% Toro Flex 21 32.5% Toro Flex 18 7.2% Toro GM 3000 series triplex 21.7% About 15 of the respondents reported using more than one type of greensmower during the season. What is the typical bench setting for your greensmowers for the period of May to September? .150 or higher .140 to .150 .130 to .140 .120 to .130 .110 to .120 .100 to .110 .090 to .100 lower than .090 6.0% 13.3% 14.5% 26.5% 21.7% 13.3% 4.8% 0.0% How many days per week do you typically single cut greens? 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 2.4% 0.0% 0.0% 3.6% 6.0% 10.8% 31.3% 45.8% How many days per week do you typically double cut greens? 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 48.2% 20.5% 19.3% 7.2% 2.4% 0.0% 1.2% 1.2% How do you typically set the reel to bedknife adjustment on your greensmowers? No contact Light contact Moderate contact What type of front roller is your greensmowers equipped with most of the time from May to September? 21.5% 74.7% 3.8% How many times during the season do you grind your greensmower reels? Solid 21.7% Machine groove 34.9% Whiele 43.4% A few respondents will switch between types of rollers during stressful periods. 0 1 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 15 16 or more 10.8% 61.4% 21.7% 3.6% 2.4% Continued on page 5 3 Hearn Recognized Nationally for Distinguished Service By Rich Gagnon When Donald Hearn got the call last fall from GCSAA President Ricky D. Heine, CGCS, he thought: “There must have been some sort of a mistake. You must have dialed the wrong number.” Once the reality set in that he was actually the winner of the annual GCSAA Distinguished Service Award for 2008 he was pleasantly surprised and a bit shocked. Hearn said: “I was dumbfounded. I didn’t even know I was nominated.” Heine didn’t dial the wrong number and most would agree that Don is as deserving as any for this great award. Hearn was acknowledged at the Opening Session (Jan. 31) of the 2008 GCSAA Education Conference in Orlando, Florida with his wife Joan in attendance as well as many supporters from his local chapter the GCSANE. In front of a packed house Hearn sat down and talked about his very first experiences on a golf course with Pictured from L-R: Don Hearn and Greg Norman at the Golf Industry Show GCSAA President Ricky D. Heine, Stephen F. Mona, CAE, and event host, Adam Barr of the Golf Channel. Hearn recalled a time when the world of golf was completely foreign to him. “I remember caddying for my father Don Hearn Sr. back at the Woburn Country Club when I was 9 years old. I remember thinking I was losing my mind when the cup in the green seemed to be in a completely different spot than the week before. I asked the golf pro and he explained that the cup gets moved on a regular basis. I couldn’t conceive of a hole being moved. That’s impossible. How do you move a hole? I had no clue back then.” Hearn has certainly come a long way from his days at Woburn Country Club where he eventually ended up working in the golf shop for Ernie Doherty during the summer months. In Photo Credit: Rich Gagnon Continued on page 7 4 Survey - continued from page 3 How many acres of greens do you maintain? Do you typically roll greens? Yes No Acres of greens: 75.9% 24.1% How much topdress sand do you typically apply to ALL of your greens PER APPLICATION during the season (excluding post aerification topdressing)? If yes, which type of greens roller do you typically use? DMI Speedroller Graden Salsco Smithco Triplex mounted - non vibratory Triplex mounted - vibratory Tru Turf Weighted walk behind greens mower Other 11.8% 1.5% 19.1% 16.2% 26.5% 10.3% 13.2% 0.0% 1.5% less than 5 cubic yards per application 29.7% 5 - 10 cubic yards per application 28.4% 10 - 15 cubic yards per application 12.2% 15 - 20 cubic yards per application 9.5% 20 - 25 cubic yards per application 6.8% 25 - 30 cubic yards per application 4.1% 30 - 35 cubic yards per application 4.1% 35 cubic yards or more per application 5.4% Based on the average greens acreage of 3.32 from the previous question and an average of 5 cubic yards per application, most respondents topdress about .03 yards per 1000 sq ft, or .17 yards per 5,000 sq ft green per application. How many times per week do you typically roll greens? 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 16.9% 13.0% 18.2% 26.0% 19.5% 5.2% 1.3% 0.0% How many times per year do you verticut greens? 0 1-3 4-6 7 or more How many times per year do you topdress greens (including after aerification)? 0 1-5 6 - 10 11 - 15 16-20 21-25 26-30 30 or more 5.3% 49.3% 32.0% 13.3% Do you use turf groomers on your greens? Yes No 0.0% 33.8% 42.9% 11.7% 9.1% 1.3% 1.3% 0.0% 39.2% 60.8% If you use turf groomers, how often do you use them during the season? Daily Several times a week Weekly Several times a month Monthly Less than 6 times per year Which type of equipment do you most often use to topdress your greens? Dakota 410 Jacobsen 1500 Pequea GT-100 Turfco 1530 Turfco Metermatic III Tow Type Turfco Metermatic F15 Terra Topper Ty Crop Pro Pass 180 Ty Crop QP-300 Walk behind rotary spreaders Other 3.32 17.1% 1.3% 9.2% 25.0% 7.9% 1.3% 18.4% 9.2% 2.6% 2.6% 5.3% 3.4% 13.8% 27.6% 13.8% 27.6% 13.8% How many times per year do you core aerify, deep tine, or drill your greens? None 1 2 3 4 or more 1.4% 14.9% 52.7% 25.7% 5.4% Continued on page 6 5 Survey - continued from page 5 How many times per year do you typically "vent" greens (spike, slice, hydroject, dryject, solid tine)? 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 more than 10 At what frequency do you apply growth regulators to your greens during the season? 10.7% 8.0% 21.3% 20.0% 14.7% 6.7% 1.3% 2.7% 2.7% 0.0% 4.0% 8.0% Every 1 to 6 days Every 7 days Every 7-10 days Every 10 days Every 10-14 days Every 14 days Every 14-21 days Every 21 days More than 21 days How many lbs of N,P,K,Ca and Mg do you apply to greens per 1000 sq feet for the ENTIRE year? Approximately what percent of the irrigation water is applied to your greens by sprinkler heads and by hand watering? % Sprinkler heads % Hand watering 0.0% 7.8% 15.6% 3.1% 29.7% 17.2% 15.6% 7.8% 3.1% #N #P #K #Ca #Mg 76 24 3.2 1.3 3.3 2.3 1.0 Do you apply growth regulators to your greens at regular intervals throughout the season? Yes No What percentage (in terms of lbs of N) are the fertilizer applications to your greens made with granular or liquid formulations? 86.5% 13.5% If yes, what types of growth regulators do you apply to your greens on a routine basis during the season? Primo, Cutless and Trimmit Primo and Cutless Primo alone Cutless alone Trimmit alone 3.7% 14.8% 77.8% 0.0% 3.7% 46 54 During the season, what is the typical amount of nitrogen used per application to your greens? less than .05#N .05 - .09 lbs N .10 - .15 lbs N .16 - .2 lbs N .21 - .25 lbs N .26 - .3 lbs N .31 - .35 lbs N .36 - .4 lbs N more than .4 lbs N At what rates do you typically apply growth regulators to your greens? Primo (in ozs per acre) Primo and Cutless Mix (in ozs per acre) Trimmit (in ozs per acre) % Granular % Liquid/water soluble 5.52 5.42 / 3.98 7.00 4.8% 21.0% 54.8% 1.6% 11.3% 0.0% 1.6% 1.6% 3.2% Continued on page 9 6 Hearn - continued from Page 4 the spring and fall he worked on the golf course under the watchful eyes of Dickie and Bobby Connolly. His journey into the golf course management business started when he completed his education at the University of Massachusetts in 1968 and landed the assistant superintendent job at Lexington Golf Club. Two years later, Lexington CC superintendent Ted Murphy bought his own golf course and recommended Don for the position and the window was opened for Hearn’s first head superintendent job. After three more years at Lexington it was on to Weston Golf Club where he remained superintendent for 28 years and then 6 more years as the superintendent at Vesper Country Club. Hearn’s list of accomplishments doesn’t stop there. He was President of the GCSAA from 1986-1987 and was President of the GCSANE from 1984-1985. He has also served on the USGA Green Section Committee and is a past member of the Massachusetts Golf Association Executive Committee. "Don, is most deserving of the Distinguished Service Award,” said GCSAA President Ricky D. Heine, CGCS. “He made outstanding and significant contributions to the advancement of the golf course superintendent profession as well as to the game of golf. GCSAA is richer because of his dedication.” The entire Hearn family including wife Joan, and children Donnie, and Kristen should be extremely proud of Don and all he has done for the superintendent profession. “He made outstanding and significant contributions to the advancement of the golf course superintendent profession as well as to the game of golf. GCSAA is richer because of his dedication.” Ricky D. Heine, CGCS Immediate Past President GCSAA Plan ahead and reserve your space now for The Newsletter advertising opportunities Monthly Rate Member Rates: 4 Times Per Yr. (Save 5%) 6 Times Per Yr. (Save 10%) 8 Times Per Yr. (Save 10%) Annual Rate (Save 17%) 1/6 page (vertical; 2.375" wide x 4.5" deep) $125.00 $475.00 $675.00 $900.00 $1250.00 1/6 page (horizontal; 5.06" wide x 2.125" deep) $125.00 $475.00 $675.00 $900.00 $1250.00 1/3 page (horizontal; 5.06" wide x 4.5" deep) $200.00 $760.00 $1080.00 $1440.00 $2000.00 1/2 page (horizontal; 7.75" wide x 4.5" deep) $250.00 $950.00 $1350.00 $1800.00 $2500.00 Full Page (vertical; 7.75" wide x 9.25" deep) $500.00 $1900.00 $2700.00 $3600.00 $5000.00 Non-Member Rates: *All payments must be received in full before the ad appears in The Newsletter. 1/6 page (vertical; 2.375" wide x 4.5" deep) $150.00 $570.00 $810.00 $1080.00 $1500.00 1/6 page (horizontal; 5.06" wide x 2.125" deep) $150.00 $570.00 $810.00 $1080.00 $1500.00 1/3 page (horizontal; 5.06" wide x 4.5" deep) $240.00 $912.00 $1296.00 $1728.00 $2400.00 1/2 page (horizontal; 7.75" wide x 4.5" deep) $300.00 $1140.00 $1620.00 $2160.00 $3000.00 Full Page (vertical; 7.75" wide x 9.25" deep) $600.00 $2280.00 $3240.00 $4320.00 $6000.00 *DEADLINE for ads: The first of the month for that month’s issue. Send all Newsletter ads to: Julie Heston, 36 Elisha Mathewson Road, N. Scituate, RI 02857 Phone: 401-934-3677 Email: jheston@verizon.net 7 OSHA Safety Training Documentation Requirements By Ron Smith One of the questions I received regarding last month’s article on OSHA’s new personal protective equipment (PPE) regulations was the documentation requirements for the training performed with the employees in conjunction with the issuance of the various PPE items. It was a great question and it made me think about safety training documentation requirements in general. My review of many of the golf industry related OSHA standards yielded the following observations. Which OSHA standards require training documentation? The fact is that while many OSHA standards require employee training, most do not require that you document that training. Several key general industry standards that often apply to golf maintenance operations that do indeed require you to document (or “certify,” as OSHA usually says) that training has been conducted include: • Hazardous Waste Operations (HAZWOPER), 29 CFR 1910.120(p)(8) (iii)(C) • Personal Protective Equipment, 29 CFR 1910.132(f)(4) • Respiratory Protection, 29 CFR 1910.134(m), which does not specifically use the word “training,” but refers to “written information regarding medical evaluations, fit testing, and the respirator program.” • Permit-Required Confined Spaces, 29 CFR 1910.146(g)(4) • Lockout/Tagout, 29 CFR 1910.147 (c)(7)(iv) • Powered Industrial Trucks, 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(6) Similar standards for the construction industry also require documentation of training. What do you have to document? Most of the training documentation requirements are pretty much the same from standard to standard. Here are a few examples: • PPE training: "The employer shall verify that each affected employee • • has received and understood the required training through a written certification that contains the name of each employee trained, the date (s) of training, and that identifies the subject of the certification." HAZWOPER training: "The employer shall certify that each covered employee has attended and successfully completed the training required in paragraph (p)(8)(iii) of this section, or shall certify the employee's competency at least yearly. The method used to demonstrate competency for certification of training shall be recorded and maintained by the employer." Forklift training: "The employer shall certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated as required by this paragraph (l). The certification shall include the name of the operator, the date of the training, the date of the evaluation, and the identity of the person(s) performing the training or evaluation." The wording differs a little from standard to standard, but the required information is basically the same: • Name of the employee (signature is not required, but is OK with OSHA, if that's what you want to do) • Name and signature of the trainer • Date of training • Subject of training • Proof of competency (results of some kind of evaluation, such as a test or demonstration of ability) and date of evaluation Documentation must be written and filed. If you use computer-assisted training programs, you can take advantage of learning management systems (LMS) that allow you to track and document employee training and evaluations. Whatever documentation system you use, however, you have to be able to produce your safety training records on demand any time OSHA wants to take a look. How long you should keep training records? You should certainly keep training records on each employee for as long as that person is employed by your organization. Beyond that, it's wise to hang on to training records for a few more years in case the employee is reemployed, for example, or files a disability claim. Why it matters. Failure to document employee safety training when required by OSHA can lead to citations and fines. Even when documentation is not required, keeping good records of safety training helps you assess future training needs and keep track of employee progression through training programs. The documentation can also help protect the club, and yourself, in workman compensation claims and occupational injury lawsuits. Should you document training even if OSHA doesn't require it? The best policy is to document all formal safety training for each of your employees. You can also document additional information not required by OSHA. For example, it might be useful to keep track of the following safety training data: • Past training on the same safety topic • Next scheduled training date • Summary of training content (objectives, key training points) • Reason for nonscheduled retraining (for example, an accident or deterioration in safety performance) Safety orientation dates for new employees and orientation program content. If you have any questions regarding safety training records and/or safety training in general please contact me via ronmith@sportsclubmanagement.com or 877-848-5978. Continued on page 11 8 Survey - continued from page 6 During the season, how often do you apply nitrogen to your greens at the rate selected in the previous question? Less than 7 days Every 7 days Every 7-10 days Every 10 days Every 10-14 days Every 14 days Every 14-21 days Every 21 days More than 21 days 0.0% 14.3% 19.0% 4.8% 28.6% 12.7% 12.7% 4.8% 3.2% Do you apply any nutrient, adjuvant, or pesticide (other than growth regulators) that you believe increases your green speeds: Silica based products Wetting Agent (4 out 6 named Cascade) Micronutrient formulation 10% 7.5% 5% What do believe are the three most important management practices or techniques that help you to maintain your target green speeds? 1. Water Management 2. Rolling 3. Use of growth regulators A Closer Look Although only 24% of the respondents believe that the majority of their golfers/membership would like to see faster green speeds, it seems we as superintendents are often comparing practices and methods to increase speeds. We thought it would be interesting to take a closer look at some of the responses from the group that indicated their greens speeds averaged 10 feet or more during the season. This group includes 27 superintendents or 31% of the total respondents and here are the statistically significant results specific to the 10 feet or more group: • 90% manage private facilities • 59% anticipate a 2008 operating budget of $1m or more • 81% said the membership/golfers liked the green speeds as they are • 52% have soil based root zones • Average turf composition: 31% Annual Bluegrass 14% L93 22% Creeping bent – A or G series 29% other creeping bent 4% Velvet bent • 28% use Toro Flex 21 mowers • 68% use Whiele front rollers on their mowers • 24% bench set their mowers at .110 to .120 inches • 64% single cut their greens 6 or 7 days a week • 28% do not typically double cut their greens • 72% set the reel to bedknife with light contact • 56% grind their greensmower reels 1 to 5 times per season Continued on page 10 Although not part of the green speed survey, we took the opportunity to poll the membership on interest level for GCSAA regional seminars, given the reduction in attendance over the past few years: Which GCSAA seminars would you be most interested in attending in the fall/winter of 2008 at a Massachusetts location? Environmental Check Up - How "Green" is your facility? Financial Essentials for the Superintendent Modern Lake Management Watershed Planning Advanced Weed Management Cutting Edge Disease Identification and Management for Cool-Season Grasses Taking control of Green Speed Strategic Career Planning for Superintendents and Assistants During what time frame would you most likely be interested in attending these seminars? Early to mid November Mid to late November Early to mid December Early to mid January 23.4% 6.3% 35.9% 51.6% 9 41.3% 23.8% 11.1% 14.3% 22.2% 65.1% 46.0% 25.4% GCSANE Monthly Meeting– March 20th Woodland Golf Club Host: David Mucciarone GCSANE and HFTPA (Hospitality, Financial and Technology Professionals Association) will meet together, at Woodland Golf Club, to learn how to effectively work towards creating a more “green” environment. The speaker is Joellen Zeh, a staff ecologist for Audubon International. Joellen is also the Programs Manager for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs. In this role, she oversees all aspects of ACSP education and certification for members. She received her degree in Natural Resources from Cornell University. Joellen will be giving a presentation on “The Business Value of Environmental Stewardship”. The myth that environmental protection and economic benefit are mutually exclusive will be exposed as she uncovers the hidden business value in environmental stewardship. Learn how planning, implementing, and documenting an environmental management program will help you more effectively manage environmental risks and opportunities, promote environmental achievements, save money, improve your professional image, and promote the golf course industry as a model for sustainable resource management. Meeting Details Green Speed Survey - continued from page 9 • • • • 100% roll their greens 24% use a Salsco roller 36% roll greens 3 times per week 48% topdress their greens 6 to 8 times per season • 27% use a Dakota 410 to topdress their greens • 27% apply 1 to 5 cubic yards of topdress sand to all their greens per application • 41% verticut their greens 1 to 3 times per season • 59% do not use groomers on their greens • 43% core aerify, deep tine, or drill twice per season • 27% typically “vent” greens twice per season • 75% of irrigation water is applied by heads, 25% applied by hand • 96% use growth regulators • 91% use Primo and apply it at an average of 5.25 ozs/A • 43% apply growth regulators every 10 to 14 days • On average, the group applies 3.6#N, 1.4#P, 4.3#K, 2.7#Ca and .9#Mg per season • 58% of the Nitrogen is applied in liquid or water soluble form • 53% apply .1 to .15 Lbs of N per application and 33% apply N every 10 to 14 days Thank you to all who participated in the survey and we hope you find the results informative and beneficial. Registration: 11:30 am Lunch: 12:00 pm Presentation: 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm Cost: $40 Call for reservations 1-800-833-4451 10 GCSAA Members Elect Jim Fitzroy, CGCS of Presidents Golf Course as Secretary/Treasurer David S. Downing II, CGCS, vice president of operations and construction for Signature Golf Group in Myrtle Beach, S.C., was elected GCSAA president at the Annual Meeting and Election Feb. 1. Mark D. Kuhns, CGCS, was elected vice president; and James R. Fitzroy, CGCS, was elected secretary/ treasurer. Patrick R. Finlen, CGCS, and Sanford G. Queen, CGCS, were re-elected to two-year terms, and John J. O’Keefe, CGCS, was appointed to the board for a oneyear term. Robert M. Randquist, CGCS, and Keith A. Ihms, CGCS, will also continue on the board, and Ricky D. Heine, CGCS, will serve one year as immediate past president. Members also approved a board recommendation to increase dues using a CPI-based formula. The increase will be $20 for Classes A and SM members, and $10 for Class C members. Source: GCSAA Press Release DIVOT DRIFT... announcements ... educational seminars ... job opportunities ...tournament results...and miscellaneous items of interest to the membership. MEMBERSHIP Proposed For Membership: Lawrence Cuoco, Assistant, Marlborough CC, Marlboro MA Matthew E. Narey, Assistant, Salem C.C., Peabody, MA Richard P. McGovern, Assistant, Sterling National G.C., Sterling, MA Nicholas J. Spokis, Superintendent, Tatnuck C.C. Worcester, MA Mike Ford, Superintendent, Mt. Hood G.C., Melrose, MA Welcome New Members: Jonathan Vandale, Assistant, Essex Co Club, Manchester MA Sean M. Smith, Assistant, Thorny Lea GC, Brockton MA Mega Green, Friend, Middleton, MA Tate Asselin, Assistant, Segregansett CC, Taunton MA ANNOUNCEMENTS Congratulations to Kevin Corvino as he leaves Fresh Pond Golf Club to accept the superintendent position at Norfolk Golf Club. Congratulations to David D’Andrea as he leaves Sunday River Golf Club to accept the superintendent position at Red Tail Golf Club. Best wishes to Scott McLeod of New England Turf on a speedy recovery from recent surgery. Our condolences are extended to Garrett Whitney of Read Custom Soils and family on the passing of Garrett’s father-in-law in January. As in the past, The Newsletter continues to invite Affiliate members to submit a press release about new personnel, new products or a company bio. We will print such releases on a space available basis. All members are encouraged to contact Julie Heston to announce new arrivals so that we may purchase a savings bond in recognition of their birth. Phone: (401) 934-3677 or jheston@verizon.net 11 VENDOR NEWS Alan Vadala will now be handling equipment sales for Rhode Island as well as parts of Southeastern Massachusetts and Connecticut for R.F. Morse & Son, Inc. Alan will be promoting John Deere golf and turf products, Kubota tractors, several allied products as well as used equipment. Alan is available to answer any questions regarding EarthWorks and DryJect of New England as he will still have a role in these divisions. Alan's contact info: (c) 774-766-2516, (w) 508-295-1553, (email) alanjvadala@rfmorse.com. TROLL CLASSIC The 2008 Joseph Troll Classic is set for Monday, September 29, 2008 at Lyman Orchards Golf Club, honoring George B. Thompson. Additional details to follow and will soon be on the web site. www.alumniturfgroup.com Please Patronize these FRIENDS of the ASSOCIATION A.A. Will Materials Corp. DGM Systems Ken Jones Tire, Inc. Southwest Putting Greens of Boston 198 Washington St., Stoughton, MA 02072-1748 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 P.O. Box 827, Westford, MA 01886 Synthetic turf, tee lines, practice greens, outdoor and indoor practice facilities. Douglas Preston - (978) 250-5996 A.D. Makepeace Co. 1 Snagwood Rd., Foster, RI 02825 Your New England specialty products distributor: Reelcraft, POK, Allen, Kenyon, Echo, Carhartt Office - (401) 647-0550 Manny Mihailides - (401) 524-8999 David Mihailides - (401) 742-1177 Larchmont Engineering & Irrigation Sports Club Management, Inc. 158 Tihonet Road, Wareham, MA 02571 (508) 322-4092 11 Larchmont Lane, Lexington, MA 02420-4483 Kevin Rudat - (781) 862-2550 DHT Golf Services 104 Wyman Rd., Braintree, MA 02184 OSHA and EPA compliance services & training. Ron Smith - (781) 848-5978 Root zone mixes, divot mixes, topdressing blends, bunker sands, cart path mixes, bridging stone, & hardscape supplies. Charlie Downing, Rob Fitzpatrick - (800) 4-AA-WILL Agresource, Inc. 100 Main St., Amesbury, MA 01913 Tim Gould, Guy Travers (800) 313-3320, (978) 388-5110 Allen’s Seed Store, Inc. 693 S. County Trail, Exeter, Rl 02822 Specializing in quality seed and related golf course maintenance supplies. Gregg Allen - (800) 527-3898 Michelle Maltais - (401) 835-0287 The Andersons Technologies, Inc. 26 Waite Ave., S. Hadley, MA 01075 Manufacturer of fertilizer & control products. Rick Forni - (413) 534-8896 Atlantic Silica, Inc. P.O. Box 10, Enfield N.S. B2T 1C6 Canada (902) 883-3020 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 Barenbrug USA 8 Meadow Park Road, Plymouth, MA 02360 Your complete golf construction and irrigation company serving the GCSANE for over 20 years. Planning to proposal to completion. Golf construction and irrigation consulting. Emergency irrigation repairs. 508-746-3222 Dahn Tibbett (20 year member), Jaime Tibbett Lazaro’s Golf Course Supplies & Accessories D.L. Maher Co. McNulty Construction Corp. 71 Concord St., P. O. Box 127, N. Reading, MA 01864 Water supply specialists; wells & pumping equipment. (781) 933-3210 Michael Drake Construction, Inc. 240 Walnut St., Framingham, MA 01702 Golf course reconstruction; professional shaper. Michael Drake - (508) 875-8247 Great in Grass 166 Juniper Drive, North Kingstown, RI 02852 Bruce Chapman, Territory Manager (401) 578-2300 BASF Turf & Ornamental Golf Cart Services, Inc. 47 Falmouth Rd., Longmeadow, MA 01106 Emerald, Insignia, Pendulum AquaCap, Curalan, Drive, Basagran, Iprodione Pro, Propiconazole Pro, Bifenthrin Pro, Plateau, Sahara. John Bresnahan - (413) 374-4102 GPS New England Mapping 114 Summer St., Maynard, MA 01754 Bulk limestone dealer. Jack Borden - (978) 897-2571 Boston Irrigation Supply Co. (BISCO) 60 Stergis Way, Dedham, MA 02026 Distributor, irrigation supplies & accessories, featuring Rain Bird. Andrew Langlois, Jay Anderson III, Dan Fuller, Jeff Brown, Greg Hennessy, Chris Russo (800) 225-8006 The Cardinals, Inc. 166 River Rd., PO Box 520, Unionville, CT 06085 Golf course and landscape supplies. John Callahan, Dennis Friel - (800) 861-6256 P.O. Box 1008, Essex, MA 01929 Golf course construction & renovation. Jonathon Miller - (978) 768-6600 NMP Golf Construction Corp. 25 Bishop Ave., Ste. A-2, Williston, VT 05495 Golf course construction. Mario Poirier - (888) 707-0787 Norfolk Power Equipment, Inc. 5 Cushing Dr., Wrentham, MA 02093 Sales, service, rentals, leasing, Kubota tractors (508) 384-0011 275 Wells St., Greenfield, MA 01301 Club Car golf, turf, transportation, & utility cars. James Bernier - (800) 287-0955 Northeast Golf Company Golf Course Architectural/Consultation Services 118 Beauchamp Drive, Saunderstown, RI 02874 Robert McNeil (401) 667-4994 39 Cedar St., Cohasset, MA 02025 Precise irrigation & drainage as-builts; wire tracking & electrical repairs. Greg Albanese - (781) 789-1166 North Shore Hydroseeding 20 Wenham St., Danvers, MA 01923 Hydroseeding, erosion control, & tree services. Brian King - (978) 762-8737 Gustavo Preston Service Company 10 Kidder Road, Unit 8, Chelmsford, MA 01824 Flowtronex irrigation pumps - sales and service. Spring start ups, winterization and 24 hour emergency service for all irrigation pumps. Ed Ceaser (978) 250-3333 or On-Course Golf Inc., Design/Build 16 Maple Street, Acton, MA 01720 We serve all your remodeling and renovation needs. You can trust your project with us! We make you look good! Sean Hanley (978) 337-6661 Harrell’s Turf Specialty LLC 15 Londonderry Rd., Londonderry, NH 03053 Turf & ornamental supplies. Chuck Bramhall, Mike Kroian, Mike Nagle, Jim Wierzbicki - (800) 228-6656 Partac Peat Corporation Kelsey Park, Great Meadows, NJ 07838 Heat treated topdressing, golf hole targets, turf blankets, other specialty golf supplies. Jim Kelsey - (800) 247-2326 Hartney Greymont Cavicchio Landscape Supply, Inc. 110 Codjer Lane, Sudbury, MA 01776 Annuals, perennials, garden mums, ground covers, loam, & mulch. Darren Young - (978) 443-7177 Charles C. Hart Seed Co., Inc. 304 Main St., Wethersfield, CT 06109 Authorized distributor for Bayer, Syngenta, Grigg Bros., Foliar Fertilizer, & Aquatrols. Roy Sibley, Dick Gurski, Robin Hayes (800) 326-HART 433 Chestnut St., Needham, MA 02492 Tree care, landscape construction, consulting. Mark Tobin - (781) 444-1227 90 Elm St., Hopkinton, MA 01748 Underground water, sewer, & drain pipe and fittings-Erosion and sediment control material. 24 -hour service. David Putnam, Eli Potty - (508) 435-3090 P. O. Box 1168, Tifft Rd., Slatersville, RI 02876 USGA-recommended sands, root-zone mixes, bunker & topdressing, agresoil compost, stonedust, & pea-stone Bob Chalifour, CGCS (ret.) - (401) 766-5010 Read Custom Soils 125 Turnpike St., Canton, MA 02021 Custom soil blending, top dressing sands, Root zone blends, “early green” black sand, divot & cart path mixes. Terry Driscoll, Garrett Whitney – (888) 475-5526 International Golf Construction Co. 207 N. Main St., Uxbridge, MA 01569 Golf course architects. (508) 278-3407 5 Purcell Rd., Arlington, MA 02474 Golf course construction. Antonios Paganis - (781) 648-2351; (508) 428-3022 Country Club Enterprises Irrigation Management & Services Mungeam Cornish Golf Design, Inc. Putnam Pipe Corp. Holliston Sand Co., Inc. R.F. Morse & Son, Inc. Club Car golf cars, Carryall utility vehicles. Dave Farina, Darin Eddy, Keith Tortorella (800) 662-2585 21 Lakeview Ave., Natick, MA 01760 Irrigation consultation, design, and system evaluation. Bob Healey, ASIC, CID (508) 653-0625 22 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham, MA 02576 Professional goods, services, & John Deere equipment for the golf course industry. Larry Anshewitz, Mike Hannigan, Tom Rowell, Ren Wilkes, John Winskowicz - (508) 295-1553 DAF Services, Inc. John Deere Golf Offering our customers the most complete line of products, service and expertise in the industry. Ron Tumiski 1-800-321-5325 ext. 6219 Sodco Inc. 20 Lawnacre Rd., Windsor Locks, CT 06096 Irrigation pumps - sales & service; northeast warehouse/distributor for ISCO HDPE pipe & fittings. Richard Young - (860) 623-5207 PO Box 670, 29 Tobey Rd.,W.Wareham, MA 02676 P. O. Box 2, Slocum, Rl 02877 Bluegrass/Fescue, Bluegrass/Rye, Bluegrass/ Fescue/Rye, Bentgrass. Sean Moran, Pat Hogan - (800) 341-6900 12 87 Concord Street, North Reading, MA 01864 Rain Bird Golf irrigation distributor. 111 Craigemore Circle Avon, CT 06001 Melissa Gugliotti (860) 221-5712 Miller Golf Construction Gold Star Tree & Turf Farm, LLC S.V. Moffett Co., Inc. Mega Green G. Fialkosky Lawn Sprinklers 91 Freeman St., Newton, MA 02466 Irrigation services to golf courses throughout New England. Gary Fialkosky - (617) 293-8632 Manchester, NH Professional stump chipping service. Brendan McQuade - (603) 625-4165 Mark Casey (617) 990-2427 (Eastern MA & Boston); Bob Hobbs (603) 833-0309 (NH & ME); Chris Francis (413) 519-8585 (Western MA and VT) EZGO golf and utility vehicles. Doug Hopper - (800) 234-0474 E-Z-GO/Textron Stumps Are Us Inc. P. O. Box 3218, Framingham, MA 01705 Asphalt paving of cart paths, walkways, parking areas; imprinted asphalt. John McNulty - (508) 879-8875 38 Village Road, Unit 210, Middleton, MA 01949 Mega Green is a protein rich organic fertilizer processed from farm raised catfish in Mississippi. It is a foliar feed applied through a sprayer mixed 30 gal. water to one gal. Mega Green on Greens, Fairways and Tees. John Flynn - (978) 979-2471 250 West Rd., Canterbury, NH 03224-2127 Growers of turfgrass and ornamentals. Malcolm McPhail - (800) 648-8873; Canterbury Office - (603) 783-4717 The Borden Company 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 Syngenta Professional Products Tee & Green Sod A Division of New England Turf P. O. Box 777, West Kingston, RI 02892 Bentgrass, Blue/Fescue mixes, Bluegrass, Low Cut Bluegrass and complete installation services Dave Wallace, Scott McLeod, Ernie Ketchum (888) 638-4657 Tom Irwin Inc. 11 A St., Burlington, MA 01803 Turf management products. Jack Petersen, Paul Skafas, Rob Larson, Chris Petersen, Greg Misodoulakis, Mike DeForge (800) 582-5959 Tree Tech, Inc. 6 Springbrook Rd., Foxbvoro, MA 02035 Foxboro, Wellesley, Fall River Andy Felix - (508) 543-5644 Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc. P. O. Box 167, Wood River Junction, Rl 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 TurfLinks, Inc. 29 Gilmore Drive, Sutton, MA 01590 Distributor of quality fertilzer, grass seed, & control products for the golf course industry. Kevin Lyons, Scott Mackintosh, Jim Favreau, Chris Cowan - (888) 398-TURF (8873) TurfNet Associates, lnc. 21 Brandywine Rd., Skillman, NJ 08558 Cutting edge communication for the golf course industry. Peter McCormick - (800) 314-7929 Turf Products Corp. 157 Moody Rd., Enfield, CT 06082 Distributors of Toro irrigation & maintenance equipment and other golf-related products. Tim Berge, Rick Moulton, Jeff Stouffer, Mike Turner (800) 243-4355 Valley Green 14 Copper Beech Drive, Kingston, MA 02364 Phone: 413-533-0726 Fax: 413-533-0792 "Wholesale distributor of turf products" Varney Bros. Sand & Gravel 79 Hartford Ave., Bellingham, MA 02019 Concrete golf cart paths. Kenneth Mooradian - (800) 441-7373 Winding Brook Turf Farm Wethersfield, CT 06109 Scott Wheeler, Mike Krudwig, Sam Morgan (800) 243-0232 Philip Wogan & George F. Sargent, Jr. 17 Walker Rd., Topsfield, MA 01983 Golf course architects. (978) 887-3672