Update MARCH, 1993 Voi. 22, No. 3 The newsletter from the Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association GCSAA AFFILIATE FT Three MDA Recertification Annual GAM/NMTMA Meeting Credits for to be held March 9th at Michaywe' Februarÿ^Meeting If you attended the This year's Golf Association of Michigan Green Seminar will be held at Michaywe' Hills Golf Club in Gaylord on Tuesday March 9th. This session will be very interesting and February NMTMA educa­ tional meeting Personal informative as the slate of speakers and topics suggests below. You are encouraged to invite owners, green chairman, or any club official to this meeting. MDA recertification Safety in the Workplace you credits may be offered. are eligible for three credits Important! You must pre-register to attend this meeting. The deadline for registration is toward you Pesticide March Sth. Please detach the form at the bottom of this page, and send it with your Applicator Certification. To payment to the Golf Association of Michigan. apply these credits to The/day will begin at 8:30 a.m. with sign in and continental breakfast, and the seminar certification, you had to begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. Cost is $22.00 per person, including lunch. Please note! Coat attend the meeting and sign and/tie are requested for this meeting. the attendance sheet with /Michaywe' is located east of I-75 on Brink Rd., from Brink Rd., turn south on Opal Lake your certification number. Road and proceed to the Michaywe' Clubhouse. Remember to keep track of your own credits, and make note of the Febi iry GREEN SEMINAR meeting. Speakers: Thomas Drenth, Americans with Disabilities Act Brian Anderson, Wilbur Ellis Co., Rinse Pads Next Meeting: James Sweeney, USGA Regional Affairs, Common Misconceptions about the Rules of Golf NMTMA Mini Skip DeWall, Lewis Publishing, Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Conference April Golf Courses 5th at Grayling GAM, Controlling Slow Play - The Superintendents Role Holiday Inn Dr. Bruce Branham, MSU, Annual Bluegrass and the Fate of Agro-Chemicals Jim Bogart, MTF, MTF Update All golf course mechanics are encouraged to attend 1993 GREEN SEMINAR REGISTRATION FORM this educational session Michaywe' Hills Golf Club • Tuesday March 9 along with superintendents Fee • $22 each • Deadline date: March 5 and assistants. Topics will Names: Titles (Supt./Pres./Green Chrm. etc.) include grease and oil technology, sprayer main­ tenance and calibration, paint by-products and safety, pump station start up and maintenance, toxicol­ ogy, aerification, regulatory Club: _Amt. enclosed: updates, and a panel dis­ Signed: cussion. Watch for details Please return form (BY THE DEADLINE DATE) with the check payable to: in your next Turf Times GOLF ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN • 37935 TWELVE MILE RD., SUITE 200 monthly. FARMINGTON HILLS, Ml 48331 • (313) 553-4200 “Represent your organization with class. Nice sport clothes are required for all golf outings no blue jeans, t-shirts and the like. Sweaters orjackets with ties are recommended for all dinners and meetings. Good golf etiquette, fairness and sportsmanship are expected at all golfing events.” TURF ROLLING OF GREENS - Two alternatives to turf rolling that may achieve increased BENEFITS, AND PRECAUTIONS putting green speed include (a) excessively close mowing and (b) frequent topdressing. However, very close mowing eventu­ Dr. James B. Beard, Chief Scientist ally introduces problems in terms of a weakened turf, withg^ International Sports Turf Institute, Inc. sultant thinning that provides openings for moss and algae^P College Station, Texas vasion. Topdressing is more expensive and disruptive of play. Historically, turf rolling was one of the most basic cultural prac­ This author first observed a newly developed mobile, me­ tices utilized in maintenance of turfs and was regularly utilized chanically powered turf roller for putting greens over 7 years for many centuries. To this day, frequent rolling at intervals ago in Melbourne, Australia. It led to authorship of a turf roll­ ranging from 7 to 3 times weekly is practiced on high quality ing article in the January 1986 issue of Grounds Maintenance. bowling greens around the world. In their book "Turf for Golf Now after 6 years, the interest in turf rolling of high-sand root Courses" published in the 1920's Piper and Oakley stated zone greens has increased to the point that US turf equipment "Rolling is a treatment that should be employed in moderation, manufacturers are developing powered mechanical models of especially on putting-greens. The popular belief that rolling ap­ turf rolls specifically designed for putting greens. A prime time preciably promotes the growth of grass has been largely re­ for use of a turf roller to achieve increased smoothness and sponsible for the liberal use of the roller." A scientific under­ distance of ball roll is just prior to tournaments. There is a standing as to the negative effects of turf rolling on the root learning curve of proper utilization of a turf roller, as with any zone and indirectly on turfgrass growing conditions evolved in cultural practice being considered for routine use. A signifi­ the 1950's. This resulted in a strategy to minimize rolling of cant portion of this technical information remains to be gener­ putting greens in order to avoid soil compaction problems and ated. resultant lack of aeration that restricts root growth and weakens A primary precaution in the routine use of turf rolling is to the turf. These effects are of particular concern on greens con­ employ it primarily in situations where potential soil compac­ structed of fine-textured, clayey soils. tion is minimal, such as high-sand root zones of the proper Turf rolling reentered the cultural program as an option with particle size distribution. Soils with significant clay contents the extensive use of high-sand root zones in the construction of have a much greater potential for soil compaction from turf putting greens, and this renewed interest is being driven by the rolling, plus associated problems in maintaining turfgrasses. desire for fast putting greens. Use of the proper sands, such as This may limit turf roller use at a minimal frequency if at all on the Texas-USGA Method, in root-zone construction results in clayey soils, and if used the turf roller selected should impose minimal susceptibility to soil compaction problems. Such root a lighter pressure than on high-sand root zones. zones may be rolled without imparting detrimental compaction Based on the studies reported herein, and especially in view effects; thereby accomplishing improved smoothness and speed of the golfer’s desire for fast putting greens, it is evident that of roll. This is of great interest in the putting speed may be en­ turf rolling will become a more important and perhaps a hanced via turf rolling, which reduces the need to utilize an ex­ nificant routine component in the cultural maintenance pWF cessively close mowing height that results in turf thinning and gram of high-sand putting greens. As with any cultural prac­ subsequent development of moss and algae problems. tice, turf rolling should not be viewed as a panacea to solve a The effects of turf rolling on ball roll distance were assessed multiplicity of problems. Rather, it is one additional compo­ with (a) a 3-gang powered mechanical roller by S. Hammon nent in a range of cultural practices available to turfgrass man­ and M. Morris at Crystal Downs C.C., Frankfort, Michigan and agers to produce the highest quality surface on a cost-efficient (b) a ingle weighted powered mechanical walking unit by D. basis, particularly in relation to the smoothness and distance Kenuziorski and J. Holmes at the Grand Traverse Resort, Tra­ of ball roll. verse City, Michigan. The pressure applied was 2.2 kg (4.8 lb) This article is copyrighted by ISTI, Inc., and may not be reproduced per lateral 25 mm (1 inch) for the former and 5.4 kg (11.9 lb) without consent of the author. per lateral 25 mm (1 inch) for the latter. Both experimental sites were constructed of a well-drained, high-sand root zone. The ’Abstract of paper presented at 64th GCSAA International Golf turf was composed of mature Agrostis stolonifera subsp. stolo- Course Conference and Show. Anaheim, California. Jan 27, nifera, (creeping bentgrass), that had a minimum mat accumu­ 1993. lation. The nonrolled putting green ball roll distance at the test sites ranged from 2.8 to 3.3 meters (9.3 to 10.7 feet) during the duration of the study conducted in September of 1992. Five ex­ periments were conducted to assess the effects of: (a) one-time rolled verses not rolled and (b) 4 intensities of rolling. A single turf rolling resulted in a -300 mm (1 foot) increase in ball roll REMEMBER! distance at both locations when assessed in mid-morning of the Annual GAM/NMTMA same day, with an - 150 mm (0.5 foot) increase in ball roll dis­ tance persisting through late afternoon of the same day. Com­ parisons of rolling intensities of 1, 2, 3, and 4 times resulted in Meeting March 9th enhanced ball roll distance ranging from 10 to 20 percent at and both experimental locations. There basically was no significant difference in effect on ball roll distance between the two pres­ sures of 2.2 and 5.4 kg per lateral 25 mm. These data demon­ strate a substantial enhancement in putting green ball roll speed from turf rolling, while also greatly improving the NMTMA MINI-CONFERENCE ’ » smoothness and uniformity of ball roll. These investigations APRIL 15TH will be continued during 1993. (Welcome New Members \ Dale Brockway, Brian Maynard, Rodney Pafford, ichael Powers and Gabe Ross.. If you know anyone interested in becoming a mem­ ber of the NMTMA- i.e., mechanics, assistants, club officials, golf professionals- please contact Tom Heid at (616) 922-0502; or David Pretznow at (616) 775- \9947._______________________________________ J Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Honor Outstanding Students At the 1993 Michigan Turfgrass Conference conduct­ ed in Lansing on January 5-7, the Michigan Turfgrass ¿eft to right: James Bluck, Jeffrey Holmes CGCS, Karen O'Dell. Foundation presented its annual student awards. The MTF sponsors a total of four awards. A student from O'Dell and Bluck Receive NMTMA Scholarships each of the three turfgrass programs offered at Michigan The NMTMA is proud to announce the two recipients of the NMTMA State University (4 year Turfgrass Management, 2 year scholarship: Karen O'Dell and James Bluck. Each received $1,000 for Golf and 2 year Lawn Care) is named as the outstand­ their outstanding performance as employees and students, and for ing student of that program. their potential as turfgrass managers. O'Dell also received the Additionally, one student from the overall program is GCSAA national scholarship. Congratulations to you both and good named the overall outstanding student. The Norm luck in the future. O'Dell's and Bluck's appreciation is expressed in their thank-you's reprinted below. Kramer Award is given to the student with the highest * * ♦ grade point average while showing leadership charac­ Dear Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association: teristics and potential for future development. To begin I would like to thank the scholarship committee for giv­ The 1993 MTF Student Award Winners are: ing of their time to the interviews and the selection process. I appre­ The Norman Kramer Award (The Outstanding Schol­ ciate their involvement in this process during the busy holiday sea­ ar)- Ms. Karen S. O'Dell (see related article); Robert son. Hancock Award (4 year Turfgrass Management pro- I also want to thank the NMTMA for believing in the MSU turfgrass m) - Mr. Robert A. Traver; Kenyon T. Payne Award management program and the students so much that you would pro­ year Golf program)- Mr. Michael P. Powers; Lawn vide this award. As we all know education is an absolute necessity in Care Manager Award (2 year Lawn Care program)- Mr. this industry and for the association to support it only proves the in­ Gerald P. Lavendar. tegrity and dedication to these values. I was very proud to be chosen as one of this years recipients of the award. I only hope that I can repay the NMTMA with my involve­ Fuller receives MTF's Meritorious ment in the association and by doing my best in all aspects of my ca­ Service Award reer. The members of our association have always given me support and friendly advice whenever needed. I have met a great deal of the Ernie Fuller, prominent golf businessman and owner members through meetings, golf outings and the Christmas party and of The Links at Pinewood Golf Club, West Bloomfield, I have enjoyed and learned a great deal from all. The NMTMA has a Ml received the highest honor from the Michigan Turf­ very good reputation of being friendly, knowledgeable and suppor­ grass Foundation when he was awarded the Meritori­ tive and I am proud to be a member of such a fine organization. ous Service Award January 6, at the Michigan Turfgrass Once again, I would like to thank all that were involved and the Foundation's 63rd annual luncheon. association for sponsoring the award. Ernie's love for the game of golf and his desire to Respectfully, want to help people through golf has resulted in Ernie Karen S. O'Dell becoming a pioneer in the field of fund raising to ben­ efit the turfgrass and golf industries of Michigan. Dear Members: I am writing to extend my gratitude to the Northern Michigan Turf The Links at Pinewood along with Bay Point Golf Managers Association and to express a special thank you to the Club, previously owned by Ernie, have been the sites scholarship selection committee for selecting me as a scholarship re­ of many golf tournaments which have raised in excess cipient. of $250,000 for the Turfgrass Research and Junior Golf Upon application for this scholarship, I evaluated my intentions on in Michigan. Furthermore, The Links at Pinewood, at pursuing this award. I realized that even though the financial award no cost to the participant, host yearly tournaments would be very beneficial, the real award for me personally is to be which benefit Evans Scholars, Juvenile Diabetes and recognized by my peers as a future leader in this profession. Being The Foundation for Excellence Walled Lake Schools. selected a recipient by a committee of members who are leaders in Ernie has served for the past eighteen years as Chair­ the turfgrass profession has increased my confidence as a person and man of the Advisory Board, Michigan Section PGA and excelled my desire to join the turfgrass field. It is an honor to be recognized as a representative of the values up­ ^ftr the last eight years has been a member of the Na- Pbnal PGA Advisory Board. He is also a Trustee of the held by the NMTMA. Again, Thank you and I look forward to carry­ ing out these values to the very best of my ability. National PGA Scholarship Fund. In 1992 Ernie was named a Business Person of the Year in Commerce Sincerely, Township. James L. Bluck MSU Student We Need Your Input on GCSAA Concerns Tire Wholesalers Co., Inc. On March 9 a subcommittee of the NMTMA Board of Direc­ tors will meet to draft a letter to the GCSAA expressing our As our name implies, we are a wholesaler concerns about the future of the association. Some of the of tires. sues to be discussed include certification, membership servic^R We are an established business, having es, and the like. been in business for over 19 years. If you have something you would like this committee to con­ We deliver. sider- positive or negative- please write it down and send it to We have UPS service daily. Michael Morris, P.O. Box 1575, Frankfort, Ml 49635. We guarantee what we sell. We want your business. We have a huge inventory of Passenger, High Performance Notice of Proposed By-Law Changes Truck, Trailer, Motorcycle, The members present at the March 9th meeting at Mi- Carlisle Lawn & Garden, chaywe' will vote on the following proposed bylaws chang­ Industrial Tires & Tubes, es. This information was published earlier in the January Shocks, Struts, Custom Mag quarterly Turf Times. Wheels, and Accessories, all in stock for immediate ARTICLE II ADDITION: delivery. Now reads- ". . . with a view toward efficiency, econo- ^RMSTROMr1' my. Change would read- ". . . with a view toward efficiency, economy, a responsible concern for the environment;" O9RLISL SECTION V - G SUSTAINING MEMBERS llRELL* Now reads - ". . . including those of voting and holding 19240 West 8 Mile Road 303 1/2 Hawthorne St. office as now specified under Article IV." Southfield, Ml 48075 Cadillac, Ml 49601 Change would read- ". . . including those of voting, and holding office after acquiring (3) years membership with Phone: (313) 354-5644 Phone: (616) 775-6666 the Association, as now specified under Article IV." SECTION VII - F. Complimentary Mailing of Turf Times available Now reads - "The annual meeting of the Association will be held in October at which time election of board mem­ bers will take place." If you would like your owner, green chairman, or any club Change would read- "The annual meeting of the Associ­ official to receive a complimentary copy of Turf Times please ation will be held in October at which time election of send their name, title and address to Michael Morris, «P.O. board members, from qualified candidates, will take Box 1575, Frankfort, Ml 49635. You must renew the compli­ place." . mentary mailing each year. Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association <70 Tom Reed 3733 Apollo Drive Traverse City, Ml 49684 Michael DeVoe Morris Â-271 P.O. Box 1575 RECYCLED ® PAPER BEARD COLLECTION