TURF CLIPPINGS

The Conference-Convention trail is nearly behind us, and the practical 
application of all, or anything, learned is soon to be at hand. It is 
indeed the sign of a true profession that one can almost be guaranteed 
at least one new bit of knowledge or practice from each lecture. And 
again, there is the often proposed idea that the impromptu "bull" 
sessions with fellow turf managers are an even more valuable asset. 
Whatever the personal interest, the end result can only be a better 
Superintendent and better turf for better golf.
Judging from the multitudes in Washington it is becoming standard 
practice for clubs to foot the Supt. bill to the National Convention. 
As stated above, this is as it should be, and there is no doubt that 
they would receive a return on the investment even if their Supt. 
spent the week in the lobby. It is rather startling to learn the number 
of college professors and researchers who have to "go it alone", to 
say nothing of the fact that the members of the USGA Green Section Staff 
have to alternate years that they are allowed to attend.
Talk about Anti-Poverty Programs - Try and explain to your Chairman 
that coffee and a roll at the Washington Hilton costs $1.40.
A Prof. on his sober 2nd or 3rd at the Sirloin Saddle did point out one 
rather non-scientific aspect of the profession. His point - So much 
of the so-called basic research now being carried out is of the indus­
trial sponsored “squirt and look” variety. Very little is being done, 
or has been accomplished, in the area of how or why. Not to say that 
we don’t need the former, but hitherto unbelievable breakthroughs might 
be made with more of the latter.
Watched them plow snow in Washington and was thankful for that Ford 
truck I curse all winter. The cop directing traffic in front of the 
hotel had the easiest time, all he had to do was point at anything that 
moved. He could have shoveled the Intersection during some of the pauses.

Ray Hansen reports on an excellent talk at the Penn State Conf, by J.P. 
Meszaros of the Hershey Rose Gardens (2 golf courses and formal gardens). 
He burned off his fairways and reseeded. Nothing new you say; he set 
them afire with propane gas jets! Also understand he got good Poa con­
trol by bursting the seeds with heat. Have been told that Poa poppers 
are now under construction. Hope to get him out here for a talk, al­
though if we tried it here we’d probably get picked up for air pollution.
It is indeed a sincere honor to have men of the ability of Mr. Casey and 
Mr. Ostburg in our midst. We wish them all of the best during their 
respective U.S. Open and Thunderbird tournaments.