'S NMTMA President's Message. . . EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President A Fond Look Back Jeffrey Holmes It has been a quick six years to serve on the Board of Directors Vice-President Michael Morris for the Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association. I have tru­ ly enjoyed the challenge and can't believe that the time has Executive Secretary passed this quickly. I'm not sure if it's "the older I get the quicker Thomas J. Reed 3733 Apollo Dr. time flies" or "the busier I get the quicker time flies." Nonethe­ Traverse City, Ml 49684 less, it has gone by. Phone 616-943-8343 My time as a board member, and as president, has been noth­ ing but rewarding. Being an active member of the association has opened several doors to new opportunities. The goals and oppor­ Directors President Jeffrey Holmes tunities are as broad as your imagination and commitment to ac­ Kathy Antaya Jeff Dorrell complishing the task. Obviously, this is a non-paying job mone­ Tom Heid tarily, but there are fringe benefits if Brian Holmes you look at it properly. What I mean Kimberly Olson David Little, CGCS Fh/M-X« 77vvi Î4iu€: by fringe benefits are your learning Jon Maddern, CGCS experiences, contacts that you make Michael Meindertsma Page with other people, and many other David Pretznow situations that you expose yourself to. Assistant's Perspective....................................... 2 I have certainly had the pleasure of Mechanic's Corner............................................ 3 working with many active and crea­ Past Presidents tive board members. These people Ed Karcheski NMTMA/MMTMA Christmas Party...................4 C.E. "Tuck" Tate, CGCS have been dedicated to accomplish­ David Longfield, CGCS New Edition of a Classic Turf Book...................4 ing goals and help to drive one an­ Jonathon Scott, CGCS other toward completion of the task Tom Brogger GCSAA Seminar Announcement......................4 at hand. All members can't serve on The Superintendent's the board of directors at one time. Importance During Construction......................5 However, you can be an active mem­ MTF Liaison Jon Maddern ber and a strong part of the associa­ GCSAA Delegates Meeting Report....................6 tion by attending as many meetings as possible. It is beneficial to all of us GCSAA Liaison Thoughts on the GCSAA....................................7 Jon Maddern when we have more member partici­ A Stress Reduction Plan.....................................8 pation in the monthly meetings. When more people are present it GCSAA News Releases................................ 9-10 makes for more sharing of informa­ Newsletter Editor Michael Morris Pesticide Applicator Training Seminars.......... 10 tion. When we have a guest speaker P.O. Box 1575 addressing our group, then there are Frankfort, Ml 49635 Welcome to New Members............................ 11 more of us to leave with the informa­ Illinois Turfgrass Foundation tion that we need to be better educat­ announces Educational programs ..................12 ed and up to date. Thanks again to all of you for be­ © RECYCLED PAPER Fertilization - Fall & Late Fall Style.................13 Audubon Coop. Sanctuary Program................15 ing a professional group. It has been a pleasure being the President of this association and working with the Maximizing Snow Mold Control..................... 18 board to keep our group active and focused. Calendar of Events........................................... 20 y Jeffrey Holmes, President J Yamahaulalotastuff. The only utility vehicle tough enough to carry the Yamaha name. If you’re looking for a utility vehicle you can truly utilize, look to us. The convertible bed gives you the flexibility you want, while the heavy duty construction and the O.H.V. four-stroke engine give you the dependability you need. Give us a call for more information. We’ll get you better acquainted with the utility vehicle whose name says it all. Boylan Sales, Inc. Burlington Golf Car Distributors P.O. Box 358 149 N. Perry Street Plainwell, MI 49080 Pontiac, MI 48058 (616) 685-6828 (313) 338-0425 Assistant's Perspective - Reflections By Kevin Kehoe, Assistant Superintendent, Elk Ridge Golf Course Assistants as well as Superintendents play very diverse getting in the middle of that love triangle between the archi­ roles in their professions. I find myself dealing not with tect, the contractor, and the Superintendent. To keep every­ CEC's, percolation rates, and resistant dollar spot, but in­ body happy is truly a lesson in diplomacy. Usually it's the stead playing the nurse, good boss, bad boss, psychothera­ old adage "what they don't know won't hurt them." In one pist, confidant, mother and brother. I don't remember taking instance we had completely prepared a greens complex and these courses in the turf program. Dealing with personnel is were ready to pound in the seed, after weeks of perfecting to the single greatest challenge facing us in this business. Peo­ the architect's standards. The architect shows up and says, ple have come to me and asked to go home because they "This is great, but can we tweak this a little more and saddle THINK their girlfriend is getting ready to break up with that out a little less?" The Super, says "Yeah, sure we can. them. I usually tell them gently and soothingly to get their We'll get right on it." And in the same breath turns to me behinds back on the golf course or we are DEFINITELY and whispers "Seed it!" I seeded. breaking up our relationship. After all, we all have personal On another green we were having trouble eliminating an problems but I also have greens to mow, bunkers to rake, unacceptable 6% slope. After a whole day of working on it leaves to rake and elk tracks to repair away on #12 green. with a backblade, we still had it at no less than 5% slope. Get a grip! Life is brutal! Well naturally the architect comes up and says "This looks As an Assistant, another problem I face is the heat my great. Are we under three percent?" Somehow "yes" came boss takes from other Superintendents regarding my fairly out of my mouth and the superintendent says nothing. After liberal work schedule. See, my boss and I had been alternat­ the architect left I pleaded with the superintendent that that ing weekends, and some of his peers figure any assistant was the end of my career, he would surely know when peo­ who doesn't work 185 hours a week is not worth his weight ple started putting their ball off the face of the earth! "Don't in Milorganite. You guys, and you know who you are, had worry," the sup. says, "we'll mow this one at a quarter of an better lighten up on Jon or I'll call your assistants and tell inch." them what a raw deal they've been getting. I'm even tempt­ Then there is the divotless tee story, but I don't have time ed to start a new organization, the G.C.A.S.A.A.! Or maybe right now. Someone just ran their Cushman into a tree and a union. I've been contacted by the Teamsters and they needs an ambulance. And this other lady's brother's wife's would love to take us on. Can't you see it? Assistant Superin­ stepmother's niece is having a baby so she needs a week off tendents Local 169! so she can watch the dog. I wouldn't trade this job for all During my construction days I often found amusement the tea in China - especially up here in God's Country! 2 When It Comes to Turf Management... By Roger Smith, Equipment Technician, The Meadows Golf Club Being new to the field of golf course maintenance, I am Nobody Knows fascinated by the complexity, precision and variety of spe­ cialized machines. The rough ground conditions of our new Like Your course takes its toll on all equipment, and constantly chang­ ing cutting heights (H.O.C.) complicates matters. Sometimes Wilbur-Ellis Pro it's a challenge just to get all the equipment ready at start time! One thing I've found that helps control the morning chaos is tagging all equipment. Most people already use "Do Not Operate" tags for broken equipment, but now I tag equipment after it has been serviced. The tag says ready and states H.O.C. for mowers. It may also have "Check Fuel" if I'm to busy to fuel equipment in the moring. These tags are removed by the operator and reused the next day. The tags leave little room for error and seem to minimize those all- too-frequent questions, "Hey, is this my mower?" and "Is this machine ready?" Letters to the Editor Your one-stop shop for all turf management needs. Ask about our complete line of chemicals, fertilizers and seed. You can communicate directly with the NMTMA and your fellow members by writing to: Wilbur-Ellis. . .dedicated to quality, customer service and environmental stewardship. Turf Times J c/o Mike Morris • P.O. Box 1575 • Frankfort, Ml 49635 Brian Anderson WILBUR ELLIS ■riuumu niu Share your thoughts and feelings about 1 (800) 873-5599 our organization or the industry in general. y • FLORIDA • GEORGIA • ILLINOIS • INDIANA • KENTUCKY • MICHIGAN • WISCONSIN • FLORIDA Their Approach Our Approach to To Boosting Potash. To Boosting Potash. z o o and pumping cost efficiency iWDralnage solutions Improved disease tolerance. Enhanced drought ^¿fountains • Aerators • Pump Management < resistance. And a complete, balanced feeding. In a homoge­ o g. Jfhprovements of energy-usage cost neous mixture to ensure uniform nutrient distribution. Country Club 8-4-24 simply outdistances the competition. ^Technical Assistance o z Country Club ¡Century Rain Aioj < 8-4-24 o ce FREE CATALOG! o UJ o 1-800-347-4272 Distributed By Product Sales Manager Ann Arbor, Ml 44104 Grand top«* Mi 4MI2 Madson Heights, Ml46071 SoutMleld Ml 44034 Tri-Turf Randy Rogers o 2461S. Indushtd Ibny. 462040th St., S.L 31691 Dequlndte 22IS9 telegraph ce (313)666-1020 (616) 954-0660 (313)541-2990 (313) 354-2994 Traverse City, MI Michigan o Fax (313) 664-7143 Fax (616) 954-0664 Fax (313) 544-3524 Fax (313) 354-1022 (616) 945-8343 (313)673-7146 ■ FLORIDA • GEORGIA • ILLINOIS • INDIANA • KENTUCKY • MICHIGAN • WISCONSIN • 3 NMTMA/MMTMA Christmas Party... MARK your calendars, the annual NMTMA/MMTMA Garland will be decorated for the holiday season like few Christmas Party will be Saturday, December fourth at Gar­ resorts can. The charm and atmosphere is like no other. land Resort in Lewiston. Our hosts are Dave and Carrie Other activities available at Garland (weather permitting) Longfield. are: indoor pool, outdoor hot-tub, cross-country ski trails, ice skating, curling, ice fishing and sleigh rides. This is the last official association event of the year, and it is a great way to start the festive holiday season. Invitations Great rates on lodging for this event have been given. So will be coming out soon. please make plans to attend this gala holiday event. New edition of a classic GCSAA Seminar turf book, Management of Announcement... Turfgrass Diseases, now available Developing and Maintaining Effective Completely revised and updated, Management of Turfgrass Diseases, 2nd Edition, by Dr. Joe Vargas, Jr., Michigan State University, is now off the press. An Management/Employee international lecturer, instructor and consultant, Vargas provides the latest information on maintaining healthy turf Relationships and identifying turf diseases. Management of Turfgrass Diseases, 2nd Edition covers cultural, genetic, biological and chemical approaches to turf management, and also provides practical solutions to DATE: everyday problems. Fungal, bacterial and viral diseases, November 16-18, 1993 black layer disease, and diseases caused by nematodes are addressed for all major grasses. The book covers cool and warm season grasses, growing conditions, new diseases and symptoms. In addition, the book covers identification and LOCATION: integrated disease management techniques. Lansing, Michigan Utilizing over 70 4-color photographs and more than 100 black & white photographs, Management of Turfgrass FACILITY: Diseases, 2nd Edition provides valuable tips on irrigation, fertilization and grass culture. The book uses both standard Sheraton Lansing Hotel and metric units throughout, and contains an extensive glossary. Telephone registrations by credit card are welcome. The book is a valuable reference for golf course superintendents, lawn care managers., lawn spray applicators and landscape managers, as well as serving as a For more information or to register, call: textbook for all turf programs. Management of Turfgrass Diseases, 2nd Edition is available (913) 832-4444 for $59.95 from Lewis Publishers, 121 South Main Street, P.O. Box 519, Chelsea, Ml 48118, (800) 272-7737 (within the continental U.S.) or (407) 994-0555 (outside the FAX: (913) 832-4449 continental U.S.). .___________________ _________________________ 7 4 The Superintendent's Importance During Construction With the boom of golf in Northern Michigan I am amazed view. But a superintendent is someone who is hired to main­ at the courses that are built without one important step. Now tain the property after it is done and who has to live with it my next statement may be looked at as one-sided or trying to day and night forever. The architect and contractor are gone promote my profession, but this important step is the hiring of to another project and using what they learned from your job. a golf course superintendent, and having him/her on board The superintendent is there to see first hand how things were during the entire project. See, I told you, but please read on done and to make notes on important items. He can be re­ as I justify this statement. sponsible for seeding greens and tees once the contractor has A superintendent is a very important part of the course and them finished. should be able to save a developer or owner enough money I know the statement "It's expensive to build a course" and to more than cover his salary. He should be overviewing all to hire a superintendent this early - it's not cost effective. construction and giving input on key construction issues that Well, consider that building a golf course is like starting a come up, ie. soil mix, bunker sand, drainage, irrigation, sports team - you can't have an arena without players, can mounding, bunkering, cart paths, etc. All of these are easier to you? What does he do in the winter? Get things ready for do in construction stage versus coming back after it is grown spring or opening the course. This includes education, devel­ in and open to golfers. Examples: greens with undulations too oping a budget, staff requirements, policy book, forecasting severe to mow or clean up rings too sharp where mowers inventories, designing a maintenance facility, putting on blue­ wear turf out. Do you want collars? If so, how wide? Irriga­ prints notes of things seen or done during construction for an tion: is entire area you want green covered or is installer just as built drawing. They can also help out during golf shows, going off print? Drainage: have you run into an area that was promoting the golf course, handing out literature and talking not seen on topo. map? Greens and tees that do not receive to potential golfers. enough sunlight or air movement, yes you can grow grass on The last item I will bring up is the personal satisfaction a su­ them until you take height down or put traffic on them. Who perintendent gets from being involved from the beginning, maintains the turf once seeded, who fertilizes it, determines working with everyone and working on the construction him­ when to cut and how high, who topdresses greens to smooth self when the seed comes up and it matures each day and them for play, and who puts it to bed for winter? each day they can see more and more fruits of their labor and All of the above are responsibilities that a superintendent is the pride that they can take in that. It's more than you can im­ responsible for and inherits when he/she is hired. As we all agine and more than you get once it's open to golfers who know, the cost to do it a second time is far more than doing it can tear it up in a day. I write this article having come into a right the first time. Now, by no means am I suggesting that a project after it was started. Did the owner make a wrong deci­ superintendent is god. If he/she is good he/she is a team sion? Did he have this information to make a decision? The player and understands his/her role. The superintendent answer to both is NO. These facts need to get out and I hope should express his/her opinions and concerns and be able to this helps. give facts and answer questions from a maintenance point of By Jon Maddern Beck Sod F«w Tee Time® Quality Turf Care Products (517) 864-3549 • Greens Grade Fertilizers with Nutralene TeeTime • Fairway Fertilizers Quality Sod • Shade Mix Fertilizer with with Nutralene NUTRALENE* the professional's • Quality Sulfur Coated Bluegrass Blend • Northern Mix partner Area Fertilizers • Combination Products • Granular Insecticides • GOLF GREENS MIX • Granular Fungicides • SHADE TREES Distributed by : TURFGRASS, INC. Call Toll Free: • BULK HORTICULTURAL P.O. Box T 1-800-521-8873 or 28064 Pontiac Trail (313)437-1427 PEAT MOSS S. Lyons, Ml 48178 (Call Collect) A report on the GCSAA Delegates Meeting. By Jon Maddern Many of you are not aware that in May a letter was re­ office is coming back to the states. The reason given ceived from Randy Nichols, President of the GCSAA. It was that it is too expensive to live there. We are nego­ asked each chapter to send a representative to a special tiating with Con-Ex to merge the office and shows. This meeting at GCSAA headquarters to discuss several key would please vendors as this would eliminate two membership issues related to possible future directions for shows within a week of each other. A question about the association. I was asked to attend, and the meeting took the number of members was brought up. There are at place September 25-26. least 360 Class A members and most new applications The meeting started with 66 of 113 chapters represented. are from foreign countries. We were asked if we knew We were welcomed by President Nichols, who updated us that Golf Course Management is printed in Japanese on GCSAA, including the resignations. He explained his rea­ and is about to be printed in Spanish. The costs for this sons for hiring Arthur Anderson to study the staff at head­ are covered in their dues and advertising. An idea of quarters. He stated that because of 3 new board members setting up a separate division for international members and no information from previous administrations, they so we could see how their costs are being covered was didn't know what was going on. The board had also been brought up. threatened with a lawsuit to know the salaries of top man­ We then went on to discuss various proposed bylaw agement. So they hired the Anderson Company to do a high changes. Most of these were language changes. One level review of GCSAA business processes, complete a sala­ change was adding Class C members, which would be ry survey, identify underlying reasons for personnel turno­ Assistant Superintendent, but with voting privileges. An­ ver, and to assess the GCSAA organizational structure. The other was adding Class D1 through D6, which would Anderson Company interviewed 25 staff members for 2 1/2 be the following: D1 - Golf Turf Manager; D2 - Equip­ hours and all other staff members were given a question­ ment Manager; D3 - Foreman; D4 - Irrigation Techni­ naire to fill out. They were not signed and no one, including cian; D5 - Spray Technician; and D6 - Maintenance Randy Nichols, was to know the matters covered in inter­ Staff Member. Another important change was to change views or saw results of individual questionnaires. The cost of the Articles of Incorporation, Article VI, Section 3 to this study was $24,000. add something along the lines of : D - Anything that At the May board meeting, the results were presented to will cause the indebtedness of future Boards of Direc­ the full board. The main results of this were the reorganiza­ tors must be passed by a two/thirds majority of the tion of the office and employees. It recommended hiring a Board of Directors. Chief Executive Officer and a Chief Financial Officer, each A seed was planted on Saturday by President Nichols of whom would report to the board. It also recommended to have chapters pay dues. On Sunday this issue led off. eliminating the staff attorney and to hire a human services Many ideas and comments were aired, some good, director. Bill Roberts expressed his disapproval of this rec­ some bad, some right, some wrong, but nothing con­ ommendation and said lawsuits would probably result if this crete enough to report on. We were asked to survey our was done. He also said it was not proper nor needed, and chapters and find out what GCSAA can do for us and to raised some questions that were not answered. The board get this information in ASAP (our information has been voted 8-1 to move forward with this. Bill resigned from the given). board shortly afterwards. The executive committee met with From that we went into the future initiative/direction John Schilling a week later to discuss this study and start im­ of GCSAA. They asked us for our ideas for the future, plementation. which caught most of us off-guard as we were expect­ In early June, Robert Ochs was released from his duties. ing to be told the board's ideas for the future. The over­ Also at that time, Diana Green was offered the Deputy Chief seas office was brought up again. Also discussed was Executive Officer's position with conditions. She was given improving our image, advertising on major tourna­ time to think it over. At the PGA tournament John Schilling ments, improving member services, ie. credit unions asked to meet with officers and informed them of his resig­ and other services. The board was told that making nation. Diana resigned a week later and has left. John will money is important to run the association but that ser­ stay on through conference until January. vices to members were more important. The board is in the process of looking for a new CEO as Discussion was given about a future bylaws change well as a CFO. Both will be in charge of hiring their depu­ that would limit the President's powers. With that we ties. I brought up the question of legal counsel, to which were thanked for coming. The board said they hoped Randy replied that he had hired an attorney in Atlanta, be­ these meetings continue so they can know the feelings cause he knew he would be having many discussions and of members without the pressure of conference time. wanted an attorney nearby. The executive committee is in­ I would like to thank this association for their support terviewing other law firms. The advantage of having a law in having me attend this meeting. I think it was impor­ firm is that there are attorneys who deal in specific issues, tant to show our presence and not just sit back. I also ie. taxes, personnel, etc. think the letter will be a big help also. If anyone has any The international office and show were discussed. Many further questions or comments please feel free to con­ rumors were around. The office is not being closed, howev­ tact me. I will try to answer them. er it is being scaled back as the person who is running the Jon Maddern 6 Thoughts on the GCSAA By Michael Morris Editor's Note: The following letter was recently presented at The thought of regional directors for the GCSAA would GCSAA HQ during a GCSAA Chapter Delegates Meeting. be great for visitation and outreach to local chapters. At an open round table discussion last March, several However, there is already a regional program for golf NMTMA members voiced their thoughts about GCSAA. courses through the USGA Turf Advisory Service. We Here is a brief synopsis of that discussion. encourage you to work with the existing outreach programs, adding to the superintendent's resources rather GCSAA CERTIFICATION: than competing and watering down the market. Though the owners of a golf club or course perceive At all costs avoid spending money on duplicating certification as something valuable, we feel that there is research projects, and promoting projects that involve a nothing tangible to be gained by being certified, for the conflict of interest. superintendent or the club. Certification is a costly commitment for any person or club, an expensive way of MECHANIC'S GROUP: insuring continued education. Certification doesn't really Your attempts at putting together a mechanic's program help a superintendent in his current position; rather it at last year's conference was unadulterated salesmanship. only hurts a superintendent who is not certified and Almost no useful information was presented for the looking for a job. There is no real substance to mechanics, rather most of the time was spent trying to "Certification"; someone who isn't certified may be more organize a national group requiring mechanics to meet in professional and qualified than many who are certified. one location - at the course's expense - and to become SINGAPORE: "certified". This type of centralization is a waste of time, Why? We feel that there has been little communication energy and money. Many courses sent their mechanics to to the members who help support this venture regarding your program and got nothing except a sales pitch. its conception and intended benefits for the membership. NATIONAL PROMOTION OF G.C. SUPERINTENDENTS Members were not considered in the decision to embark GCSAA efforts in this area have been weak at best. on this venture. What is the return to GCSAA members? Our television ads are not shown enough, nor do they Could this money be better spent for continuing educate the listener about our job; all fluff. Compared to education programs at home? what the PGA does, we appear to be the second rate REGIONAL OUTREACH AND COOPERATION professional on the course. More needs to be done in this The GCSAA too often repeats efforts already being department. How about a national golf tournament-an done in the industry; ie. publications, "Turf Tips" at the open-which raises money for research and at the same national conference (which the USGA already does). time publicize our profession? Z---------------------------------------------------------------------------\ Are your needs as a Superintendent supported by your board/owner/manager? Do you have a clear financially-defined vision of where you and your facility will be in five years? YOUR COMPLETE LINE OF IRRIGATION Financial analysis PRODUCTS AND SERVICES operating budget 5 year capital improvement plan THE LEADER THAT WORKS 10 year capital equipment plan FOR YOU environmental compliance turfgrass management 90% OF ALL AUTOMATIC GOLF COURSE SYSTEMS renovation IN WESTERN AND NORTHERN MICHIGAN ARE “TORO” Advice that supports the long-term goals of the Golf Course Superintendent. THE RIGHT CHOICE! Spartan Distributors, Inc. 487 W. DIVISION ST. • P.0. BOX 246 • SPARTA, MICHIGAN 49345 Tom Mead Inc. Golf Course Consulting 616-887-7301 10783 S. Dalzell Road, Traverse City, Michigan 49684 616-929-1213 <_____________________________________ > ______________________________________________________ ✓ 7 A Stress Reduction Plan After reading a brief article on educated, experienced, or dedicated as you. Allowances job stress, I had no trouble must be made for these factors. I am a perfectionist, but if f believing that the stress level for I were to hold my staff to this goal, they would be a golf course superintendent ranks miserable from continuous criticism and unable to among the top six professions. complete any task in a timely manner. These include police officers, fire Your third step is mental adjustment. Don't expect fighters, emergency room everything to be done perfectly every time. Setting high personnel, prison guards and air standards is good, but life gives you imperfect traffic controllers. While our jobs conditions/people/equipment/supplies and you must be don't normally involve life and realistic. Don't let the small problems build up. Say death situations, superintendents something before you explode. Another mental adjustment Kathy Antaya are constantly bombarded with involves your "to do" list. Don't expect to finish every numerous problems that require our attention. These item every day. Remember, the world keeps turning even small (and not so small) problems add up over time and when you don't place that order or make that phone call! can create the Atlas Syndrome - a feeling of carrying the One of my favorite mental adjustments involves our world on your shoulders. internal tape recorder. Every day we repeat to ourselves Stress build-up starts first thing in the morning when a certain messages. We've done it for so long we no longer staff member calls in sick, equipment won't run properly consciously hear it. Usually these messages are negative: and you spill coffee on yourself. It continues during the "I have too much work and not enough time," "The golf day with equipment breakdowns, jobs taking longer than course looks terrible," I'll probably hit this ball into the expected and unpleasant meetings with greens water." We need to replace the negative with positive committees, general managers, golf pros or the DNR! and do it regularly and consciously: "One person can Later in the day you find disease outbreaks, wilted turf, only do so much," "The fairways look great now that we cart damage from careless golfers and hand tools overseeded them," I know that if I relax and swing easy I forgotten at job sites. Arriving home after work you find can reach the green." In other words, pat yourself on the that the cat barfed on your carpet, the newspaper landed back; you are a valuable and worthwhile human being. in a puddle, your lawn is infested with weeds and bills My final suggestion for mental adjustment is laughter. need to be paid. What a day (In actuality, this would be Research has determined that laughter can reduce blood a low stress day for me)! pressure, heart rate and stress levels. I listen to my staff at So what can one do to eliminate these situations? We break times - their conversations never fail to crack me can't get rid of all the problems, but we can change our up. Laugh at the funny mistakes your staff makes. Tell reactions and do things that we enjoy to eliminate the funny stories about your own mistakes - the crew stressed-out feelings. appreciates hearing about your errors and you will learn Begin your stress reduction plan by removing to forgive yourself for not being perfect. Don't take obstacles. Personnel problems? Gather your staff together yourself or your job too seriously and you'll find plenty of for a meeting and let 'em have it. Clarify your policies, opportunities to laugh. give real examples of problem behaviors/attitudes, set My final stress reduction suggestion is to do more of your standards and expectations and define the what you like. Frustrated with the paperwork that consequences (i.e. work or get fired). Be certain to end university employment requires, I'll grab a shovel and dig the meeting praising them for the good work they have trenches or spread sand with my staff. I enjoy physical done. labor and sometimes wish I was still on the crew Step two of your plan involves reducing the problems (wouldn't that be great? No responsibilities, just do what that reach you. Delegate responsibility wherever possible. you're told). Schedule time off for yourself during the For example, when installing drain tile, I delegate a summer. I've found it useless to try to leave early unless "chief" to lead the crew. The crew chief organizes I've put it on my calendar. Take a long lunch and visit equipment and supplies needed, assigns tasks and another course. You could play golf or just ride around approves each step of the project. He/she also gives you with the superintendent. Of course you must make some feedback concerning reasonable completion deadlines time for non work related activities. Schedule more time and unexpected problems. There are three very important for family & friends; play your favorite sports; go boating aspects to delegation of specific tasks: 1) thorough or fishing; the list is as diverse as we are. What you do definition of the job, including why they were chosen as doesn't matter; what's important is that you enjoy it. chief, what you are trying to accomplish and how to Our lives are filled with stressful situations. Excessive know when it's done, 2) give the crew chief authority to stress can affect our health, damage our relationships and make field changes and to run the crew, and 3) allowing make us miserable. You must eliminate some stressful the crew chief to make mistakes (but then fix them). situations, reduce the problems that reach you, change Delegating authority takes some practice before it your reactions and attitudes and make time for enjoyable significantly reduces your stress. With the possible activities. These techniques worked for me. I feel more exception of your assistant, no staff member is as enthusiastic and have more energy than I've had in years. 8 GCSAA News Releases Four challenging and adventurous golf courses will test a New fund helps GCSAA field of approximately 480 during the 44th annual members in need championship. The host courses for GCSAA's championship are Austin A new fund created by the GCSAA S&R Foundation will Country Club, Barton Creek's Crenshaw/Coore Course, offer emergency financial assistance to members who are Circle C Golf Club and the Hills of Lakeway. suffering personal losses resulting from natural disasters like Austin Country Club, a course that features two the recent Midwest floods. contrasting styles, was designed by Pete Dye. The front nine "This is a significant new benefit for our members," said resembles a links-style course, while the back nine is routed GCSAA President Randy Nichols, CGCS. "Superintendents through heavily wooded hillsides. Bill Hanna is the Golf have always banded together to help when disaster strikes. Course Superintendent at Austin Country Club. This fund will allow us to offer help to our colleagues." Austin Country Club is also the home of legendary golf The GCSAA Emergency Assistance Fund is designed to teacher Harvey Penick. provide an immediate grant of up to $250 to GCSAA Barton Creek Conference Resort and Country Club has members who need short-term financial help to compensate three courses. GCSAA competitors will play the course for personal losses resulting from a disaster. "It's setup with designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. Dale Miller is floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes in mind," director of golf course maintenance at Barton Creek. said Nichols. "We want to help GCSAA members and their Circle C Golf Club, which opened in 1992, was designed families cope with the personal challenges created by these by Jay Morrish. Although Circle C does not feature elevation human tragedies." changes as drastic as some courses in the area, it is rapidly The board of directors voted unanimously to establish the earning respect for its challenge and design. Matt Linscott is fund with a $5,000 "seed" gift and a number of chapters are the golf course superintendent at Circle C. planning gifts to supplement the fund. In the meantime, the The Hills of Lakeway was designed by Jack Nicklaus, who GCSAA S&R Foundation is urging individuals and compa­ was heard to say on his first visit to the site that it was "One nies to make "one-time" gifts to build the fund. "Our goal is of the finest pieces of land on which to build a golf course to raise about $20,000 for this to make it a permanent fund that I have ever seen." Greg Hinton is the superintendent of that carries over from year to year," said Nichols. golf course maintenance operations at The Hills of Lakeway. To apply for emergency funds, members should contact A more thorough look at the 1994 GCSAA Championship their chapter presidents or call GCSAA Scholarship & courses is included in the September 1993 issue of Golf Research at (800) 472-7878. Course Management Magazine. The tournament will precede GCSAA's 65th International New GCSAA members to receive Golf Course Conference and Show in Dallas. Details about entering the tournament were included in GCSAA's Dallas free conference registration conference and show Early Bird Brochure, which was LAWRENCE, KS, August 27, 1993 - The board of directors of mailed to GCSAA members on August 1. the GCSAA has announced a plan to offer new GCSAA members complimentary conference registration during "Members' Mailbag" column their first year of membership. "This complimentary registration program allows current in GCSAA's Newsline members and chapters a very easy way to promote GCSAA As you are probably aware, GCSAA recently launched a membership," said GCSAA President Randy Nichols, CGCS. column in Newsline, our members-only newsletter, to pro­ "What better way to promote membership and association vide a forum for members to ask questions and voice their programs than through our conference and show?" comments about GCSAA programs and activities. GCSAA's The complimentary registration program is available only board of directors initiated this "Members' Mailbag" column to first-time GCSAA members. Prospective members have in response to numerous requests from members. until December 31, 1993 to sign up for GCSAA membership However, to-date we have received only two letters: one and receive one complimentary registration. Reinstated about cart restriction policies at GCSAA's annual golf tour­ members are not eligible for the complimentary offer. The nament and one about our merchandise prices. program is good only for GCSAA's International Golf Course I feel certain that our members have many more questions Conference and Show. and comments on their minds, especially during these times GCSAA's 1994 International Golf Course Conference and of serious decision making about the future we each envi­ Show will be held January 31 - February 7 in Dallas, Texas. sion for our association, our profession and our industry. For further details, call GCSAA's membership department That is why I'd like to ask your help in channeling these at (913) 832-4480. important questions, concerns and opinions to this nation­ wide - indeed international - forum for GCSAA members. z94 GCSAA Golf Championship GCSAA's board of directors would appreciate your bring­ ing this subject up in your next chapter meeting and encour­ heads to Austin aging members to jot down their comments and questions The GCSAA has announced the lineup of golf courses for and sending them to "Members' Mailbag" at GCSAA Head- the 1994 GCSAA Golf Championship. Continued on next page 9 Pesticide Applicator Training Seminar - Become an "approved tt The Michigan Pest Control Act (Act 171) has been • MDA training program requirements. amended with Regulation 636 and was effective on January • Procedures for record keeping 1, 1992. A major portion of this regulation is the creation of • Introduction to training material a new class of pesticide applicators called "Registered • Adult teaching techniques Technicians". It specifies that all commercial pesticide • How to teach the core training manual applications must be performed by a either a certified applicator or a registered technician. It also includes procedures for certified applicators to become "Approved ELIGIBILITY Trainers" of registered technicians. This seminar is designed In addition to attending this seminar, you need to compile to comply with Regulation 636 and upon completion two years of experience and be a certified pesticide eligible persons will receive their "Approved Trainer" applicator to become an "Approved Trainer". The MDA will credentials. issue certificates at the end of the seminar to those who are eligible, or will forward the certificate when all requirements are satisfied. If you would like additional COURSE PROGRAM information on the legal requirements for trainers of This course was developed by the MSU Pesticide registered technicians or have questions concerning Education Program in cooperation with the Michigan eligibility, call the Michigan Department of Agriculture at Department of Agriculture (MDA). Speakers include (517)373-1087. personnel from the MSU Pesticide Education Office, Ag & Extension Education Department, and specialists from the MDA. Some of the topics covered in the seminar include the REGISTRATION following: Please register in advance as attendance is limited to the first 50 people at each location. The registration fee of $50 • Laws and regulations concerning training and includes training materials, a Commercial and Private certification. Pesticide Applicator Core Manual, a course certificate from GCSAA News Releases . .. Continued from previous page quarters. And if you receive a letter that would be appropri­ minimum of $100,000 in support over the next four years, ate for the membership to know about, we would be grate­ and senior company officials say they hope to make the ful if you would forward it to "Members’ Mailbag". commitment ongoing. Please remind your members that we can accept letters or Ken B. Melrose, chairman and CEO fo the Toro Company, faxes, but we can't publish anything received by phone. We said, "We are delighted to be a part of a program that will will withhold names upon request, but letters have to be help build a stronger future for the golf industry and be able signed to be considered for publication. We do this to en­ to pay tribute to the contributions Jim Watson has made to sure that the question/comment is from a member rather this company. It's a great way for us to reinvest in something than an outsider and that it is reported exactly as received. that is very important to our professional customers and Each of us on the current board of directors also feels recognize a man who is very important to us." strongly that our greatest strength lies in the participation of The fellowship program is named for Dr. James Watson, our members in determining our direction for the future. We longtime Toro executive and a giant figure in the history of seek your assistance in engendering greater participation. the golf course and turf industries. Watson, who is On behalf of GCSAA's board of directors, I thank you for semi-retired after 40 years with the company, will serve as putting your professional leadership to work in this impor­ chairman of the fellowship selection committee. tant endeavor. The agreement allows GCSAA's S&R Foundation to expand and upgrade the GCSAA Graduate Student Grants Toro to sponsor GCSAA fellow­ Program announced earlier this year. With Toro's sponsorship, the number of $5,000 fellowships has been ships named for Dr. Jim Watson doubled, from two to four. LAWRENCE, KS, October 8, 1993 - The most outstanding The sponsorship is one of the largest single contributions scientists and educators of tomorrow will receive in GCSAA S&R history and, according to GCSAA President encouragement and recognition through a new fellowship Randy Nichols, it is one of the most satisfying, "I can't think program named for a green industry legend. of a more appropriate sponsor for these fellowships. Toro The Toro Company has agreed to fully underwrite the Dr. and Dr. Watson have been so important to us for so many James R. Watson Fellowships, a new GCSAA S&R program years. We are genuinely pleased to have them behind this designed to identify the best and brightest new researchers great new program," he said. and instructors related to golf course management. The For more information, contact the GCSAA development Minneapolis-based equipment manufacturer has agreed to a department, (91 3) 841 -2240 10 x Turf Times Welcomes rainer" of registered technicians New NMTMA Members MDA that verifies your certification, lunch and break refreshments. Name Club/Vendor Bus. Phone Dates and locations are as follows: Joe Hancock The Rose G.C. (616) 768-5060 Wednesday, October 27, 1993 Andrew Lambdin Devil's Knob G.C. (517) 539-9742 Kellog Center, East Lansing Norman Reed Fairview Hills G.C. (517) 848-5810 Wednesday, December 15, 1993 Novi Hilton, Novi Mark Krick MSU (517) 353-3952 Thursday, February 17, 1994 Kellog Community College, Battle Creek Mark Showalter Eagle Glen G.C. (517) 588-6599 Thursday, April 21, 1994 Micheál Showalter Eagle Glen G.C. (517) 588-6599 Novi Hilton, Novi Thursday, May 26, 1994 John F. Gray Grand Hotel (906) 847-3331 Kellog Center, East Lansing Rick Quinn Charlevoix Munic. (616) 547-3269 Keith Hietanen County Highlands (616) 864-3817 For more information or to register, call or write: Randy Techman Mistwood G.C. (616) 275-5999 Kay Bongard Michigan State University Jeffrey Chandler Crystal Mountain (616) 378-2000 Room 11, Agriculture Hall East Lansing, Ml 48824-1039 (517) 355-0117. Please add these new members to your Membership Directory in the place provided. HUGGETT Cover-up. SOD FARM, INC. • TOP QUALITY SOD • NUGGET + II (BLUEGRASS BLEND) Grade A or commercial on peat or top soil base SHADE MIX (BLUEGRASS, FESCUE MIX) Good on sandy soils or in shade. nderneath some beautifully conditioned, cham^ PENNCROSS BENT Grown on washed mason sand or loam soil. • DELIVERY • U pionship golf courses ajyjfcountains of trash, the scars left by years of garbage replaced by a beautiful, in­ valuable green belt. And, landfill covers are only one way Michigan •Ohio* Indiana today’s professionally managed golf courses are helping make our world a better place. • SHADE & ORNAMENTAL TREES Who’s in charge of keeping these amazing ecosys­ tems in harmor^yith nature? Today’s golf course super- • BULK SPAGNUM PEAT • intendents/They*re part troubleshooter, part business manager, part scientist and all environmentalist—dedi­ cated to matting our world a greener place, (800) 432-2763 *■ (517) 635-7482 WE KEEP GOLF GREEN. 4114 East Marlette Rd. • Marlette, Ml 48453 11 Illinois Turfgrass Foundation announces educational programs & exhibition to be held at Fall North Central Turfgrass Exhibition CHICAGO - Over 40 turf specialists, 16 idea-filled work­ and are then forwarded to the Board of Directors for a final shops and 150 exhibits of new turf products and services vote. Past award recipients include Carl Hopphan, Evanston will be featured when the Illinois Turfgrass Foundation holds Golf Club, 1991 winner, and Peter VanderCook, Illinois the Tenth Anniversary North Central Turfgrass Exposition Lawn Equipment, 1992 winner. (NCTE), set for November 29 through December 1 at the The NCTE trade show exhibit hours are set for Monday, Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, IL. November 29 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (which includes the "This year's exposition will have something for everyone," opening reception); Tuesday, November 30 from 8:30 a.m. says ITF President and NCTE Chairman James D. Ashby. to 5:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, December 1 from 9:00 a.m. "The exposition will address the needs of seasoned turfgrass to 3:00 p.m. professionals and will include four sessions of a "Back to Ba­ Pheasant Run Resort is located is St. Charles, IL, 30 miles sics" program being given as part of a comprehensive edu­ west of Chicago. The resort will offer special NCTE room cational program being developed by the ITF. The program rates of $75 standard and %85 deluxe per night for those at­ is part of what ITF hopes will become a vehicle for accredi­ tending the exposition. tation in the area of turfgrass management." The North Central Turfgrass Exposition is sponsored by 10 In addition to the "Back to Basics" sessions, the NCTE will allied turfgrass organizations comprised of the Central Illi­ feature sessions addressing the needs of golf course mechan­ nois Golf Course Superintendents Association, Chicagoland ics and superintendents, sports and non-sporting turfgrass Golf Course Mechanics Association, Illinois Landscape Con­ managers, landscape contractors and designers and lawn tractors Association, Illinois Turfgrass Foundation, Midwest care professionals. Association of Golf Course Superintendents, Northwest Illi­ On Tuesday, November 30, association President James nois Golf Course Superintendents Association, Sod Growers Ashby will present the winner of the 1993 ITF Distinguished Association of America, Sport's Turf Manager's Association, Service Award during a special ceremony to be held during - Midwest Chapter, United States Golf Association - Green the afternoon NCTE General Session. Section, Midwest Region and the University of Illinois, The Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to Cooperative Extension Service. Proceeds from the show ben­ a current active member of the ITF and is based on a strin­ efit university-level turf research in Illinois. gent set of professional guidelines. Candidates for the award For more information, contact Nancy Jones or Jack Lage- are reviewed by a Distinguished Service Award Committee rhausen at (312) 616-0800 - FAX (312) 616-0223. EVEN WHEN IT'S EMPTY, IT'S LOADED. Even in its most basic form Carryall by Club Car offers more standard features than the competi­ tion. Each model is strong and versatile, with plenty of performance options to choose from. There's no better way to load up on quality, dependability and lasting value. Call your nearby authorized Club Car Club Car representative for details on how DRIVE IT TO WORK. Carryall can do it all for you. CLUB CAR, INC. MICHIGAN BRANCH 33025 Industrial Road • Livonia, Michigan 48150 (800) 482-8830 Contact Dave Nelson, Northern Michigan Sales Manager 12 Fertilization - Fall and Late Fall Style By Paul E. Rieke, Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University One of the very important turf management practices period depend on a number of variables, ranging from 1/2 during the fall is fertilization. This time of year there are to 1 lb. N per 1000 sq. ft. On occasion a higher rate may be many other activities which require time and attention, but justified; examples include newly established turf which fertilization must also be given priority. For many reasons, needs pushing for rapid establishment or a turf which has turf management practices done in the fall will have a major suffered serious thinning over the summer due to injury from effect on the quality of turf the following spring. Fertilization disease, insects, traffic or moisture stress or where an is one of the most important. extensive weed population has been controlled, leaving open areas. On general turfs (lawns, grounds, etc.) all the Phosphorus and potassium in the fall nitrogen can be applied in one application. For greens and The key nutrient in fall fertilization is nitrogen. Some have other high maintenance turfs, one can split this into two suggested phosphorus and potassium are the key nutrients in applications if the higher rate of nitrogen is needed. An fall fertilization. Certainly, these nutrients should be alternative is to use a fertilizer which contains more slow available to turf in adequate quantities. For example, when release nitrogen. Or a spoon feeding program with weekly potassium is limiting, there is a reduction in stress tolerance. applications of soluble sources can be used, particularly on Considering the potential for low temperature injury to turf greens. during the winter, if potassium could have an impact on Normally, it is best to withhold applications of nitrogen reducing low temperature injury, turf managers should be during October to permit the turf to "harden off". This sure adequate potassium is available to the turf. There is permits the turf to accumulate carbohydrates and reduces also some evidence to suggest there is an increase in the potential for frost-injury should the turf become very susceptibility to snowmold when potassium is limiting. succulent before a major freeze. Avoiding nitrogen during To be sure there is adequate potash in the soil, use a soil October may reduce susceptibility to snow mold as well. test for medium and fine-textured soils. If tests suggest potash is needed, appropriate rates should be applied based Late Fall Nitrogen on recommendation and common sense. For turfs on sands, There are a number of opinions as to how and when to soil tests for potassium are usually low in spite of a potash use late fall nitrogen applications. This occurs partly be­ fertilization program. Regular, light applications of potash at cause of differences in climatic zones and variations from frequent intervals (spoon feeding) should be made on sandy season to season. Perhaps a more important reason for varia­ soils, particularly on sand greens. tions in late fall fertilization is the objective for this practice. When late fall fertilization is practiced, some potash From my perspective, the objective is to supply nitrogen should also be applied along with the nitrogen. On sands, to the turf after growth has ceased. The root system is still use equal quantities of nitrogen and potash. If needed based active since the soil is warmer than the air. Nitrate nitrogen on soil test recommendations, phosphorus can be applied in can still be taken up and utilized by the plant. If proper the fall fertility program as well, normally in a complete nitrogen fertilization has been practiced during the fall fertilizer. Seldom is phosphorus limiting on turf. An (September) period, the turf should still be green and exception is when no phosphorus has been applied and physiologically active. This permits the plant to continue clippings are routinely removed. Another potential photosynthesis whenever modest temperatures and some exception is on sand greens. Sands have little capacity to sunlight conditions occur. Carbohydrates manufactured hold phosphate. We have seen several cases of phosphorus during this time are not "burned off" with growth and deficiency on sand greens, more commonly on new greens, clippings, but are stored. This builds up the plant for next but also on older greens where no phosphorus has been spring. applied for some time. Soil tests must be used to determine Rate of application of nitrogen will again vary with turf need for phosphorus. conditions and the philosophy of the manager. For greens, 1/2 lb. N per 1000 sq. ft. may be sufficient. If tees are still thin from traffic, especially on par 3 tees, 3/4 to 1 lb. N per When late fall fertilization is practiced, 1000 sq. ft. may be needed. Fairways could receive 1/2 to some potash should also be applied along 3/4 lb.. Lawns & general grounds can receive 3/4 to 1 lb. N. Some turfs may perform better without the late fall with the nitrogen. nitrogen. Some lawn care companies cannot justify the cost of late fall nitrogen to customers who may not continue with Fall Nitrogen their services next year. However, the quality of the turf the For cool season grasses, both fall and late fall fertilization next spring should be excellent when spring sales begin. should be considered. Fall fertilization is best done during Snowmold was severe on many turfs over the winter of September, preferably early in the month. With the weather 1992-93. Late fall nitrogen applications contributed to changes in late summer, the shorter days, cooler nights and greater snowmold in some cases.. If turfs are hard hit by more rainfall cause the turf plant to grow less rapid snowmold nearly every year and no snowmold preventive vertically than occurs in the spring. More lateral growth program is followed, it may be best to avoid late fall results in improvement in turf density after the rigors of the nitrogen. summer. So fertilization in the fall deserves top priority. However, based on plot research done by Dr. Joe Vargas Carbohydrates manufactured at this time of year will be and observations in the field, it is clear that while in most more likely to be stored, building up the plant for next year. years the late fall nitrogen may increase the amount of Appropriate rates of nitrogen applied during the fall Continued on next page 13 Late Fall Fertilization... Continued from previous page snowmold, there is much quicker recovery from any injury caused. The snowmold damage may be more superficial with the late fall nitrogen and/or the recovery is quicker. PUMPING SYSTEMS Either way the next spring the turf returns to a better quality condition sooner with late fall nitrogen. Joining Together To For the Great Lakes region, we suggest applying the nitrogen after growth has ceased for all practical purposes. Better Serve Our Customers This does not mean there will be no need for further mowing, but regular mowing will not be needed. An We Now Offer additional mowing of two may be needed before growth ■ Over 70 years of combined water industry experience ceases entirely. This occurs anywhere from the last week of ■ The largest selection of pump station models and options October to the second week of November. ■ Vertical Turbine - Centrifugal - Submersible Potential problems with late fall nitrogen fertilization ■ Constant speed hydraulic or electronic butterfly include the potential for leaching of applied nitrogen, late fall growth which would require more mowing, affecting valve pressure regulation snowmold and other winter injury, increase to thatch and ■ Pump manager software other spring growth. In a study at Michigan State being ■ Smart pump controls conducted by Eric Miltner and Bruce Branham, which ■ Variable speed VFD stations compares late fall nitrogen applications with those ■ Combined national service organization emphasizing spring applications, there is no significant ■ Existing station retro-fit upgrades leaching of nitrates from either treatment so far. If the ■ Deep well consulting services nitrogen is applied while the plant is still physiologically active, most of the nitrogen should be used and will not be To find out more about how we can help solve available for leaching over the winter. There is evidence your water pumping requirements. Call now! from Ohio State that late fall nitrogen may increase Watertronics Pumping Systems Commercial Pump Services, Inc. susceptibility to thatch formation to some degree. Hartland, Wisconsin Swanton, Ohio While there may be a small increase in growth during the 800-356-3386 800-426-0370 fall or spring, most turf managers are satisfied that the benefits are far greater than the potential negative effects. There is no evidence for increased susceptibility to low hRMn temperatures or crown hydration injury which is caused by HINDER late fall nitrogen. Benefits of late fall nitrogen include good carbohydrate 12*2* Aj levels in the turf the next spring, good early spring root 5*10 »3^ Plus Chelated Iron 1 growth, good fall and spring color and good turf density so there is less potential for establishment of spring weeds. Since root growth of cool season grasses begins before top growth, it is essential that a high level of carbohydrates exist in the plant to initiate that root growth. The next spring the turf will have a good color. There will likely be a small increase in mowing needed in the spring 10*2*6 compared to a turf which receives no nitrogen either in late fall or spring. But the growth will be very limited compared to a turf which receives an early spring fertilization. Avoiding early spring nitrogen has the advantages of reduced carbohydrate loss caused by the excessive growth, less mowing, potential reduction in several diseases and greater moisture stress tolerance during the summer. If we can provide a turf which has good density and fewer weeds, Lush, beautiful greens and tee boxes are well-known to requiring less herbicide as well as greater stress tolerance, superintendents who use Ringer Greens Products. With five finely- granulated formulations available, you can match our fertilizer to your why should we not adopt the practice? needs throughout the seasons. Each formulation releases the precise With many advantages apparent for late fall nitrogen and amount of nitrogen needed to eliminate burning and green-up few disadvantages, it is clear why so many turf managers greens evenly The remaining nitrogen is reserved for slower release have adopted this practice. I have not talked to anyone who to encourage consistent has tried late fall nitrogen fertilization who has not growth. Try Ringer Greens continued to utilize the practice for agronomic reasons. This Products. Your greens will is the best testimonial for late fall fertilization. be in good company Contact your local distributor or Ringer’s Golf & Commercial TUrf Division at Credit: Hole Notes 9959 Valley View Road. Minneapolis. MN 55344. (612) 941-418Û Ringer offers a complete line of fertilizers for greens, fairways and general turf applications. 14 The Audobon Cooperative Sanctuary Program • Educating the public and golfing community about Environmental organization the benefits of golf courses and the role they play applauds golf course relative to the environment and wildlife. superin tenden ts The Audubon Society of New York State recognizes, sup­ Experts speak about the ports, and applauds golf course superintendents for their ef­ forts to enhance wildlife habitat through the membership in Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System. As land man­ agers of hundreds of thousands of acres of land across the Program for Golf Courses United States, superintendents not only have the potential to "Although the golf course management industry has been in­ be leaders in the environmental movement but major forces volved in conservation industries for years, the Audubon Coopera­ in enhancing the distinct beauty of each golf course. Many tive Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses has proven successful in superintendents are in a unique position to combine the joy educating the public and golf community on the benefits of golf and challenge of the game of golf with the satisfaction of courses as important open spaces and the role they play in the en­ providing and managing habitat for wildlife. It is true that vironment and with wildlife." William R. Roberts, Past President, sometimes superintendents get caught in the conflict be­ GCSAA tween the visual preferences of club members for weed-free, heavily manicured grounds and the more natural appear­ "Golf courses are already a good thing for wildlife and for the ance of native habitat. It is also true that some superinten­ environment. But the Cooperative Sanctuary Program helps cours­ es promote sound land management and the conservation of our dents do not have abundant financial resources, manpower, natural resources by encouraging the development of wildlife habi­ information, or support to do the kind of job they'd like to tats." Ari Hills, President, Amer. Society of Golf Course Architects do. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses offers education, guidance, support, and public rec­ "In the middle of Skokie (Illinois), we've got 167 acres of land ognition for those courses and individuals who are commit­ and anything we can do to enhance the wildlife, we want to do. ted to working toward wildlife habitat enhancement and With the Cooperative Sanctuary Program, we can not only comply other conservation activities. with Audubon requirements and the needs of nature, we can also The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf supply a natural aesthetic of beauty for the golf course. Everybody Courses, created and administered by New York Audubon, wins."Carl Hopphan, Superintendent, Evanston Golf Club sponsored by the USGA, and endorsed by the GCSAA and "For an industry that has allowed itself to be perceived as an en­ the American Society of Golf Course Architects, has been re­ vironmental bad guy because it has failed to validate and report its ceived enthusiastically by superintendents across the nation. positive contributions, the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Pro­ The program currently has over 650 participating golf cours­ gram is a brilliant idea and a golden opportunity." Mark Jarrell, es. Together, these organizations, members of the Coopera­ President, Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association. tive Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, and New York Au­ dubon are working toward: Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary • Enhancing wildlife habitats on existing golf courses Program - How It Works by working with the course superintendent and pro­ viding advice for ecologically sound course man­ 1) To become part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary agement. Program (ACSP), you must first register the course with New York Audubon by filling out a registration form and sending • Encouraging active participation in conservation it along with $100 (annual dues). programs by golfers, golf course superintendents, golf officials, and the general public. 2) The ACSP will send you a Resource Inventory question­ naire which you will fill out, providing information about • Recognizing the people who are actively participat­ the "nature" of your course - its land and water features, ing in environmentally responsible projects and known wildlife, plants, trees and shrubs, and other natural who are committed to the value of golf courses as resources. You can send additional information such as important open spaces. Continued on Page 17 ( Change of Address, Membership Application info available Any member with a change of address should immediately contact Thomas J. Reed 3733 Apollo Drive Traverse City, Ml 49684. He should also be contacted if any person would like to apply for membership in NMTMA. ______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________ / 15 Stop Snow Mold WithaChipco 26019/Daconil Combination. Call to receive your free video, "Controlling Snow Molds in the 199O's." Bob Dugan RHONE POULENC AG COMPANY P.O. Box 74398, Romulus, Michigan 48174-0398 CHIPCO is a registered trademark of Rhone-Poulenc. (313) 782-0323 FAX (313) 782-6344 Daconil is a registered trademark of ISK Biotech. 16 Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program ... Precision Continued from Page 15 topography maps, slides or photographs, score cards, or any Laser Measurement materials you feel will help ACSP to best understand your course. Increases Play 3) Upon receipt of the Resource Inventory, the ACSP will review the information and provide you with a Conservation Report specific to your course. The report will include a va­ Laser your course properly with the riety of wildlife enhancement and conservation projects that complete laser measurement fairway focus on the interests and needs of the individual course or club as well as a variety of informational fact sheets. The marking system from choice of which projects to implement remains with the golf course superintendent and club officials. 4) After receiving your report, you will form a resource FAST PLA Y TECHNOLOGY committee composed of staff members, players, citizens in the area, a cooperative extension consultant, etc. This com­ mittee will review the recommendations in the report to de­ Fairway Management at its' finest termine which projects are financially and logistically feasi­ ble. When this is determined, you then send the ACSP the list of your committee members and the committee's envi­ ronmental plan of action. • Incremental 25 yard markers 5) Courses may work toward certification in several "Achievement Categories", including: Environmental Plan­ • Color-coded posts every 50 yards ning, Public Involvement, Integrated Pest Management, Wildlife Food Enhancement, Wildlife Cover Enhancement, • Par 3 tee boxes Water Conservation, and Water Enhancement. General guidelines for certification in each area are provided with the conservation report. A Certificate of Achievement for • 100 - 150 - 200 yard markers each category will be granted to the course once the catego­ ry is developed and implemented. The golf course will be­ come a Certified Cooperative Sanctuary once all seven cer­ • Sprinkler heads tificates have been achieved. • Cart paths labeled About New York Audubon • No maintenance interference • New York Audubon is not associated with any national, regional, or local organization, nor do we represent any • Professionally installed view or philosophy other than those expressed by New York Audubon. • Endorsed by Michigan PGA • Our objective is to provide guidance and education Professional Rodger Jabara concerning environmental and conservation issues and activities through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System. Our goal is to encourage landowners and land Stop complaints about slow play managers to become actively involved in: 1) creating, protecting, and enhancing wildlife habitat, and 2) con­ serving, protecting, and sustaining natural resources. Call or write today for more info: -r • The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System is a nation­ wide membership system divided into four programs for FAST PLAY TECHNOLOGY existing facilities: Golf, Schools, Corporate/Business, and Individual. For more information, about our other 32102 Howard ph: (313) 583-4851 programs, call or write to the Audubon Society of New Madison Heights, Ml 48071 fax: (313) 583-3179 York State, 131 Rarick Road, Selkirk, NY 12158, (518) 767-9051. 17 Maximizing Snow Mold Control By Jim Merrick & Tom Vrabel, Ph.D., CHIPCO® Development Team With the coming of fall, we again think about spores will eventually dry up and no longer be visible to winterizing our spray equipment. But even before this is the naked eye. done, it is important to consider whether or not a The sclerotia, which are the dormant state of this fungicide application is needed for winter snow mold disease, allow the typhula blight fungus to survive over control. the summer. They are resistant to warm temperatures as well as the fungicides used in summer spray programs. With the coming of cool, wet weather during the fall, GRAY SNOW MOLD these sclerotia will swell, germinate and produce new In areas with permanent snow cover, gray snow mold spores. or typhula blight, caused by Typhula incamata or Typhula ishikarensis, is a very destructive disease of turfgrass. Turfgrass species which are susceptible include PINK SNOW MOLD bentgrass, annual bluegrass, fescues and perennial Pink snow mold, (Microdochlum nivales - formerly ryegrass. Fusarium nivale), is also a devastating turfgrass disease in Although having permanent snow cover on the ground regions that have long periods of cool wet weather with for several months is necessary for typhula blight to frequent snow-falls and snow-melts. This disease organism develop, other conditions that simulate cover, such as does not need a permanent snow cover to germinate and leaves, mulch and desiccation "covers", can cause the infect turfgrass. Pink snow mold can be observed in the same effect. late fall through early spring if the weather favors The gray snow mold fungus generally grows and germination and growth of the spores. infects turfgrass when temperatures range between 30-50 Fungicide treatments used for snow mold control are degrees Fahrenheit. The effects of gray snow mold are longer lasting than similar treatments made to control worse when snowfall occurs on unfrozen turfgrass which summer diseases. This is because with snow mold has not yet been "hardened" by frost. When snowfall applications, the fungicides are not removed by mowing occurs on frozen ground, the disease does not develop as the turf grows. In fact, single applications usually until the following spring, when snow begins to melt. provide winter-long control, assuming that permanent As this snow melts during spring, the typhula blight snow cover is maintained until spring. Mid-winter thaws virus can be seen with the naked eye as sclerotia. These can dissipate fungicide efficacy due to exposure to sunlight, wind, and rain. They can also accelerate snow mold growth. If a thaw does occur, a second fungicide application is recommended to maintain turf protection until spring "greenup". CULTURAL AND CHEMICAL SINCE 1938 CONTROL Cultural management of these diseases should always ROADBUILDINGPLUS be considered in any control program. Be particularly aware of conditions that favor disease development CONSTRUCTION SERVICES: during the late fall and winter moths, such as poor CLEARING, GRADING, SHAPING, BUNKERS, CART drainage, excessive thatch, high nitrogen fertility and high PATHS relative humidity. Also, keep in mind that both gray and pink snow molds can occur in the same location at the same time. CREATING SPECIALTY SANDS: Chemical control of gray and pink snow mold can be TOP DRESSING & BUNKER SAND achieved with a tank mix combination of CHIPCO 26019 FLO + Daconil 2787 FLO at 8 + 8 fl. oz./1,000 sq. ft. Golf Course Construction Since 1977 Alternatively, apply CHIPCO 26019 WP + Daconil 2787 FLO at 4 oz. + 8 fl. oz./1,000 sq. ft. This tank-mix Request for References Encouraged application should be timed close to the first snow cover. A second application should be applied to the turfgrass when a mid-winter thaw occurs. ROADBUILDINGPLUS Asphalt Raving • Concrete Both CHIPCO 26019 and Daconil 2787 have activity Paving • Excavation • Airports • Golf Courses • Site Devel­ on gray and pink snow mold. However, a combination of opment • Tennis Courts • Sand & Gravels • Underground the two products results in increased control of these Utilities • Plus, Plus, diseases. In regions of the United States which experience H&D INC., 2081 W. CHARLEVOIX AVE., PETOSKEY, Ml 49770 only pink snow mold, CHIPCO 26019 FLO alone at 4-8 oz./1,000 sq. ft., or the wettable powder formulation at (616) 347-2547 2-4 oz./1,000 sq. ft. will provide very good disease control. 18 Our Family is Growing No one can accuse John Deere 26-inch cutting units. Deere of standing still. Since The Gators are stable, quiet, January of 1992, we’ve carry large payloads, and added six totally new feature wet-disk brakes. machines to our Golf & Turf Talk with your John Deere Equipment family. All The 1800 Utility Vehicle brings benefits of hy­ Golf & Turf Equipment drostatic drive to spraying & spreading jobs. designed and manufactured distributor today for more by John Deere. information on our growing First to arrive were the lineup of machines. 1800 utility vehicle and 3365 Professional Turf Mower. The 1800 brought the NOTHING precision of hydrostatic drive to your work, while the 3365 New 6x4 and 4x2 Gator Utility Vehicles are stable, quiet, and carry large payloads. RUNS LIKE was the first machine to carry A DEER John Deere designed and manufactured cutting units. New machines for 1993 The 3365 Professional Turf Mower features include the 2653 Professional John Deere designed and manufactured cutting units. Utility Mower (pictured above) and 6x4 and 4x2 KLOOSTER EQUIPMENT, INC. Gator Utility Vehicles. WORK ‘N PLAY SHOP The 2653 features the 9821 U.S. 31 unique combination of ELLSWORTH, Ml 49729 hydraulic reel drive and John (616) 599-2822 19 r 1993-94 Calendar of Events ' Dates Subject to Change ( * NMTMA Dates to note) OCTOBER EVENT LOCATION 4 ♦N.M.T.M.A. ANNUAL MEETING / Tuck Tate Classic Walloon Lake C.C. 4 M.B.C.G.C.S.A. / MTF FUNDRAISER Franklin Hills C.C. Katke-Cousins C.C. Grosse Isle C.C. Oakland Hills C.C. 14 G.C.S.A.A. seminar "Micro-Biology of Turfgrass Soils" Holiday Inn - East Lansing NOVEMBER 6 W.M.G.C.S.A. FALL DINNER PARTY C.C. of Jackson 16-18 G.C.S.A.A. Executive Training Seminar - Developing and Maintaining Effective Employee/Management Holiday Inn - East Lansing DECEMBER ♦N.M.T.M.A. /M.M.T.M.A. CHRISTMAS PARTY Garland Resort, Lewiston JANUARY 1994 3-5 WISCONSIN TURFGRASS & GREEN INDUSTRY EXPO Holiday Inn W., Madison 18-20 MTF 64th ANNUAL TURFGRASS CONFERENCE Holiday Inn South FEBRUARY 1994 1-2 G.C.S.A.A Austin Texas 3-7 G.C.S.A.A Dallas Texas 23-24 G.C.S.A.A Treetops y 20