Highlights - Looking back on 1994 Looking back at 1994 and the converse with my peers. We all have been down in the highlights for the Northern “trenches” and many questions have been answered Michigan Turf Managers simply by someone sharing a similar experience. Association, much of our The success of this organization is determined by our success is the result of Mike membership. As members we should take advantage of Meindertsma’s leadership. As an seminars and educational topics. Keep informed, take on a organization we all should thank progressive attitude, participate, voice our opinions. The Mike for his ability to be board is only as capable as the most informed member, pro-active, keeping the and those members with the insight to look ahead will association on the leading edge determine our success. Thus our future board members. of our profession. With the new year upon us set your standards and goals We all are fortunate to have an high. Look outside of the association and our profession. association that can offer us There are so many other areas that affect this industry and Mark Wildeman NMTMA President educational opportunities. By we can’t be competitive or informed if we consistently attending meetings and seminars, look inward. There are no secrets to being successful. we share ideas, provoke questions and look at problems Hard work, mental attitude, progressive thinking . . . my from other viewpoints. As a member of NMTMA the most goals for the Northern Michigan Turf Managers valuable service I see is having the chance to talk and Association. Pay Close Attention The most important function of a manager is to pay helpfully - without creating embarrassment and resent­ close attention to what’s going on. He or she should ment- takes considerable skill. The best managers criticize praise good work and good efforts, and correct the bad. If only when necessary, and they do it in a spirit of helpful­ nobody’s paying much attention, what difference does it ness. And they first take time to praise when praise is also make whether anyone does good work or poor? deserved. When they have a problem with a subordinate, Reacting to what people are doing- and reacting every they try to solve it in a way that will bolster a person’s day - is vital to good results. Subordinates who are rarely pride instead of crushing it. praised or criticized begin to feel that nobody really cares. As a wise man once observed: “That criticism is best The silent treatment doesn’t breed much enthusiasm in which sounds like an explanation.” anyone. Anonymous - Bits & Pieces Praising people is easy. Criticizing them tactfully and Manage Your Time Better If you want to manage your time better, the first step, as Now list your professional goals. Not such generalities suggested by time management consultant, Alan Lakein, is as a higher salary or a promotion or greater prestige, but to ask yourself this question: “Exactly what are my specific things like a salary of certain amount, promotion goals?” to a particular job, or election to a specific office in a pro­ Take a blank sheet of paper. List your personal lifetime fessional society. goals, the things you would like to be able to look back Then make a list of short-term goals, the things you upon by the time you are eighty. Not general things, such would like to accomplish in the next six months. as to be happy, but specific goals such as a trip to Europe, Besides being specific, goals should be attainable and a master’s degree, a savings-account balance of a specific authentic - in other words, things you really want and are figure, a vacation home, a specific weight loss, a working willing to work for. Keep in mind that they are subject to knowledge of Spanish, and so on. (Continued on next page) Manage Your Time Better (Continued from Previous Page) A Commitment to change at any time; indeed, one of your priority tasks should be to look over your list of goals and update it. Quality Turf Care But the list should represent your best judgement of what you’d like to accomplish as of this moment. Products Now, analyze your lists. They probably include more things than you reasonably can expect to do, so assign priorities. Select the three or four goals in each category Tee Time® that you consider most important and write them down some place where you will see them every day. Memorize Fertilizer/Pesticides them. And a hundred times a day, ask yourself, Is what I and Specialty Products am doing now moving me closer to one of my goals?” If the answer is no, figure out some way the acitvity can be for the eliminated, delegated to someone else, or downgraded in Golf Course ... Professional ;__________________________ priority so that it can be accomplished in your least pro­ ductive times. Edwin Bliss Distributed by: Getting Things Done TVRFGRASS, INC. Call Toll Free: P. O. Box T 1-800-521-8873 or Bantam Books, 28064 Pontiac Trail 313-437-1427 S. Lyon, MI 48178 (call collect) Criticism Being criticized is not a problem if you develop a positive way of dealing with it. Winston Churchill had the following words the professional’s of Abe Lincoln framed on the wall of his office: “I do the very partner« best I can, I mean to keep going. If the end brings me out all Call Toll Free: right, then what is said against me won’t matter. If I’m wrong, IlieCCCO- Customer Service: ten angels swearing I was right won’t make a difference.” Andersons 1-800-251-LAWN (Ohio) 1-800-253-LAWN Lawn Fertilizer Division (Outside Ohio) P O.Box 119 Sales Office: 1-800-225-ANDV Learn from the mistakes of others- you can never live long Maumee, Ohio 43537 (2639) enough to make them all yourself. Credit -Bits & Pieces SEED COMPANY BIG ENOUGH TO SERVE YOU BETTER- SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE Michigan's Largest Stocking Dealer for R&R PRODUCTS Lawn Seed QUALITY REPLACEMENT PARTS Field/Grass Seed Genuine Kohler • Jacobsen • Hahn-Westpoint Cushman • Toro • Roseman • Ransomes Clovers Mott • Ryan • Yazoo • Ford • Excel National • Reel Sharpening Compound Wholesale > KOHLER Conditioning BRIGGS & STRATTON Export MID-WEST RAKE YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR YOUR SUPPLY ITEMS: FLAGS - POLES - RAKES - CUPS - RICO MFG. 110 S Washington St Excellent Quality Personalized Tube Flags Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 WE ALSO HANDLE Aab-sorboil Emulsifier Hand Cleaner Plastic Signs Tee Towels Bayco Supplies Hole-in-one-paint Plastic Chain Tire Sealant Clover Lapping Comp. Hose* 3/4“ & r Rain Suits Tires Dedoes Parts Karcher Power Washer Red Max Equipment Tire Changers Driving Range Equip. Lewis Line Supplies Rope & Stakes Trimmer Line/Heads 1 (800) 344-2482 Earthway Spreaders Lift Ramp/work Table Rotary Blade Grinders White Cedar Furn. Fairway Markers Marfax .00 Lubricant Rotary Blades Wooden Rakes (517) 773-5391 Fox Valley Mrkg Paint Par Aide Supplies Simplex Grinding Equip. FAX: (517) 773-1216 CALL US TOLL FREE - 800-888-7779 WE GUARANTEE WHAT WE SELL! 2 Improve your performance Precision Whether you’re just starting out as a supervisor or you are a seasoned manager, you can always improve your Laser Measurement performance with a refresher course in good supervising. Use these tips for a refresher course at a glance. Achievement, The greatest motivator is a sense of Increases Play achievement. Whenever possible, tell an employee, “Here is your project; go do it your way.” Laser your course properly with the Appraisal, This should be done at least once a year. complete laser measurement fairway Spell out which performance factors will be appraised; hand out a blank copy of the form in advance to remind marking system from employees of standards they should meet. Blame/Credit. Take the blame for employees; pass the credit to them. The best way to get credit is to try to give it away. FAST PLA Y TECHNOLOGY Disagreement, If your employees feel comfortable dis­ agreeing with you, then you’re a good leader. Good deci­ sions come from hearing both sides. Fairway Management at its’ finest If you don't know where you are going, every road will • Incremental 25 yard markers get you nowhere. Henry Kissinger Bits & Pieces • Color-coded posts every 50 yards • Par 3 tee boxes A Person who is angry on the right grounds, against the right persons, in the right manner, at the right moment, • 100 - 150 - 200 yard markers and for the right length of time deserves great praise. Aristotle - Bits & Pieces • Sprinkler heads • Cart paths labeled FOR SALE: One -1976 Toro Groundsmaster $900.00; three - Toro Proturf 84s, 2 running and 1 for parts • No maintenance interference $1,200.00; one - Westpoint/Terra Aerifier (Fairways) $600.00; one - 300 gallon FMC Sprayer, slight leak in tank good pump & engine $300.00; one - Walk behind • Professionally installed Rotary mower 22" Miejer $100.00; one - Snowthrower and cab fits Toro 72" $500.00; one - Fertilizer and/or material conveyer gas & electric powered $250.00; one- • Endorsed by Michigan PGA Roseman Hydragang and powerpack $800.00; two - Professional Rodger Jabara Pallets plastic grids for turf stabilization $100 a pallet. Call A1 Bathum at Cascade Hills Country Club: 616/949- 1420. Stop complaints about slow play FOREMAN POSITION: Commercial pesticide applica­ tor certification (Turf) required. Calf Pat Whitman, Indian Call or write today for more info: River Golf Club: 616/238-9916 WANTED: Used Reel Frames for GM 3000. Call Doug FAST PLA Y TECHNOLOGY Sarto at High Pointe Golf Club: 616/267-5769. FOR SALE: 1987 Greensking Diesel with groomers. 1849 Larchwood ph: (810) 740-3505 2300 hours $6,500. Call Mike Morris, Crystal Downs Troy, Ml 48083 fax: (810) 689-8644 Country Club: 616/352-4241. 3 GCSAA to elect officers Gary Grigg. CGCS. has been nominated for the presi­ dency of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). The association’s 1995 election of of­ ficers and directors is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 27, during its annual meeting at the GCSAA International Golf ROADBUILDINGPLUS Course Conference and Show in San Francisco, Calif. Grigg, superintendent at Naples (Fla.) National Golf Club, currently is vice president of GCSAA. CONSTRUCTION SERVICES: The nominee for GCSAA vice president is Bruce R. CLEARING, GRADING, SHAPING, BUNKERS, CART Williams, CGCS, of Bob O’Link Golf Club in Highland PATHS Park, 111. Williams currently is secretary/treasurer of the association. CREATING SPECIALTY SANDS: A three-way race for secretary/treasurer marks the first election to be held under GCSAA bylaws that make the TOP DRESSING & BUNKER SAND post an elected office rather than an appointed position. Golf Course Construction Since 1977 That bylaws amendment, which was enacted at the 1994 GCSAA Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas, specified a min­ Request for References Encouraged imum of one candidate each for president and vice presi­ dent, a minimum of two for secretary/treasurer, and at least one more for director than is needed to fill vacant seats. ROADBUILDINGPLUS Asphalt Paving • Concrete The nominees for secretary/treasurer are directors Dave Paving • Excavation • Airports • Golf Courses • Site Devel­ opment • Tennis Courts • Sand & Gravels • Underground Fearis, CGCS, of Blue Hills Country Club in Kansas Utilities • Plus, Plus, City, MO.; Paul S. McGinnis, CGCS, of Union Hills Country Club in Sun City, Ariz.; and George E. Renault H&D INC., 2081 W. CHARLEVOIX AVE., PETOSKEY, Ml 49770 III, CGTCS, of Burning Tree Club in Bethesda, Md. Three candidates for director will be elected for two- year terms. The four nominees for director are Paul A.C. (616) 347-2547 Dermott, CGCS, of Oakdale Golf & Country Club in Downsview, Ontario, Canada; David W. Gourlay, CGCS, of Club Summerlea Inc., in Dorion, Quebec, Canada; Mi­ chael Wallace, CGCS, of Hop Meadow Country Club in f GCSAA Seminar comes to Simsbury, Ct.; and Tommy D. Witt, CGCS, of Wynstone Golf Club in North Barrington, 111. Witt currently serves Northern Michigan on the GCSAA board of directors. GCSSA’s current president, Joseph G. Baidy, CGCS, Mark your calendar for this important of Acacia Country Club in Lyndhurst, Ohio, will continue to serve on the board of directors for one year as immedi­ educational opportunity. ate past president. Watch Turf Times for more informa- Randy Nichols, CGCS, of Cherokee Town & Country Club in Atlanta, Ga., whose one-year term as immediate tion or call GCSAA for registration infor­ past president expires, will end seven years service on the mation. Wildlife Management and GCSAA Board of Directors. One current board member, R. Scott Woodhead, Habitat Conservation CGCS, of Valley View Golf Club in Bozeman, Mont., February 8,1995 has one year remaining on his term. Gaylord, Michigan GCSAA’s International Golf Course Conference and Show will be held Feb. 20-27 at Moscone Center. Wetlands and Golf Courses The title, “CGCS,” that follows a superintendent’s February 9,1995 name, stands for Certified Golf Course Superintendent. Gaylord, Michigan This distinction recognizes the achievement of high stan­ dards of professionalism through education and experi­ ence. More than 1,400 GCSAA members currently hold For complete details, the CGCS title. watch for your Since 1926, GCSAA has been the leading professional brochure in the mail association for the men and women who manage and maintain golf facilities in the United States and worldwide. or call From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association 913/832-4430 provides education, information and representation to or 800/472-7878 more than 14,000 individual members from more than 50 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, ad­ vance their profession, and enrich the quality of golf and Golf Course Superintendents its environment. Association of America J 4 Three individuals honored for distinguished service The Golf Course Superintendents Association of Ameri­ received the 1990 Distinguished Service Award from the ca (GCSAA) board of directors has selected Milt Engelke, Golf Course Superintendents Association of Northern Cali­ Ph.D., Ali Harivandi, Ph.D., and Michael Hurdzan, fornia. Ph.D., to receive the association’s 1995 Distinguished Ser­ In 1988, Dr. Harivandi was a member of the first vice Awards. GCSAA TRAC appointed by the association’s board of di­ The three will receive the awards in recognition of their rectors. outstanding contributions to the advancement of the super­ “Dr. Harivandi has established himself as an authority in intendents’ profession and as an expression of gratitude by all aspects of turf and water management and is always GCSAA for the recipients’ many efforts and achievements. available to assist a superintendent with a problem,” Baidy The awards will be presented on Thursday, Feb. 23, dur­ said. “His dedication to golf course superintendents and the ing the Opening Session of GCSAA’s 66th International game of golf deserves recognition.” Golf Course Conference and Show. The conference and Dr. Michael Hurdzan is a golf course architect and past show will be held Feb. 20-27 in San Francisco. president of the American Society of Golf Course Archi­ GCSAA President Joseph G. Baidy, CGCS, said: “On tects. His golf course designs include two highly acclaimed behalf of our members, the GCSAA board of directors is courses in Toronto, Canada: Devil’s Pulpit and Devil’s very proud to honor these three gentlemen with our Distin­ Paintbrush. guished Service Award. Their dedication and outstanding With degrees in turfgrass physiology, environmental contributions embody the highest traditions of this award.” plant physiology and landscape architecture, Hurdzan also Dr. Milt Engelke, professor of turfgrass breeding and has worked as a golf course superintendent and landscape genetics at the Texas A&M University Research and Exten­ architect. His accomplishments during the past 25 years in­ sion Center in Dallas, has made considerable contributions clude writing more than 100 articles for various turf maga­ to science and the turfgrass industry. zines, organizing and teaching CGSAA seminars, and He has been published extensively in research journals speaking at golf and turf meetings throughout the world. and textbooks, and has participated in local, regional, na­ Hurdzan also has amassed an extensive library of golf tional and international conferences and symposiums. books and a large collection of clubs and balls from past Among the many professional and scientific organizations eras. He intends to establish a golf museum with the golf he participates in, Dr. Engelke is a member of the American paraphernalia. Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Hurdzan is a past board member and past regents mem­ the International Turfgrass Society and Turfgrass Breeders ber of the National Golf Foundation, a past committee Association. He has served as associate editor of the Jour­ chairman for the American Society of Landscape Architects nal of Turfgrass Management since 1992. and a past committee member for the USGA’s Green Sec­ He served on GCSAA’s Technical Research Advisory tion. Committee (TRAC) from 1987 to 1992. Dr. Engelke also Hurdzan currently is working on a book on golf course has been a member of the United States Golf Association’s architecture, which will be available through the GCSAA (USGA) Turfgrass Research Committee since 1984. Bookstore. Profits from the book are earmarked to fund a Dr. Engelke has been a member of GCSAA since 1979. GCSAA Foundation scholarship in Hurdzan’s name and to “Dr. Engelke and his research program are internationally establish Hurdzan’s golf museum. recognized as one of the top turfgrass breeding programs in “No one has championed the idea of architect and super­ the world,” Baidy said. “One of his many accomplish­ intendent working together more than Dr. Hurdzan,” Baidy ments, the release of his ‘Prairie’ Buffalograss variety said. “With his educational and professional background in (known for its water-efficient growth characteristics), has turf studies, Mike continues to freely share his knowledge had a tremendous impact in the industry.” and experiences with golf course superintendents.” Dr. Ali Harivandi, professional educator and environ­ GCSAA members, affiliated chapters and allied asso­ mental horticulturist with the University of California Coop­ ciates submit nominations for the GCSAA Distinguished erative Extension, has a strong standing in the industry Service Award. GCSAA’s board of directors selected the stemming from his applied research programs, extensive recipients at the fall board meeting. publications record, comprehensive educational background Since 1926, GCSAA has been the leading professional and a high level of participation in local, regional and na­ association for the men and women who manage and main­ tional industry affairs. tain golf facilities in the United States and worldwide. His research publication, educational programs, and From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association community and professional commitments have been recog­ provides education, information and representation to near­ nized by numerous organizations. Among his many ly 14,000 members from more than 50 countries. awards, Dr. Harivandi is the 1982 and 1992 recipient of the GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their Northern California Turfgrass Council’s “Research and Ed­ profession, and enrich the quality of golf and its environ­ ucation Award.” He was named “Educator of the Year” by ment. the Pesticide Applicator Professional Association. He also 5 Promoting our Profession How much have we all heard this or better yet said it? I re­ Your members or owners who are normally respected cently had the privilege of representing NMTMA at the Chap­ people, are also the same people who are out volunteering in ter Relations meeting of GCSAA in Lawrence, Kan. During some manner or another or have in the past. They know this meeting we discussed numerous issues/problems heard what it takes and don’t you think they would look upon you by GCSAA. better by seeing your out there? The one that gained a lot of discussion was promoting our Yes, by getting involved you are going to get asked ques­ image as superintendents. After much talk a high-ranking tions about the care of someone’s lawn. So, you haven’t member of the board of directors addressed us and said in been to a function and heard a doctor get asked a medical his travels the #1 comment heard is we want to be just like question or a lawyer a legal question? the PGA. This furthered the discussion, but brought out This is another way of promoting yourself and our profes­ some facts. sion. By talking, answering questions, and people seeing Do you want to be like the PGA? Are you willing to pay what we do for a living and how we handle ourselves away dues like the PGA, in that you cannot be a member of the lo­ from the course we have gained the respect we want. I know cal chapter without being a member of the national? We used of a lot of superintendents who are doing this right now and to be that way to some percentage. Why are more people not who do not realize the impact. That is the reason I am writ­ a member of GCSAA? ing this, because as the discussion throughout in Lawrence, I know cost, and what do we get? One comment - does the most basic thing is promoting our profession and indus­ the PGA work with national regulators to help their members try. do their jobs easier without unneeded regulations like So for 1995, I challenge all of you to remember this: to GCSAA? Now with added revenue from membership dues it those of you who are doing something now, continue if you would allow GCSAA to spend and do more advertising on can; to those who are not, think of something that you like to TV during major events and improve membership services. do and see if you can’t give it the help it needs most- a little You say we should get a discount to advertise during of your time. It will pay big dividends not only to you per­ PGA events? The PGA and PGA Tour are not where they sonally, but to our profession. are today because they give discounts or they need us. It is It is always great to run into people who know other su­ big business people, and they have a product to offer; the perintendents and how they know them away from golf and players. the respect they have for them. Everyone wants to improve I am not saying we shouldn’t improve relations, they are their image, but a lot of us forget we can each and every day. in fact GCSAA and recognized as the leader in environmen­ tal information and research in the golf community. The PGA Tour does nothing unless they can see a financial bene­ When It Comes to Turf Management... fit to them. It was just announced that Par For the Course will appear on ESPN in 1995 airing 30 episodes. It will be launched dur­ ing the “golf block” of programming that will air on Sunday Nobody Knows mornings with Inside the PGA and Inside the Senior Tour. This is a major step. One-half hour of golf from the Like Your superintendents angle. Other ways of promoting our profes­ Wilbur-Ellis Pro sion were discussed. Are you willing to meet stricter membership requirements in order to keep certain membership classifications? Exam­ ple: in order to be a class A member you have to attend so many points worth of education and show that you were a volunteer in your community. Now what does this mean vol­ unteer in your community? The following were examples: coaching sports, garden club activities, church, school, refer­ ee, civic, other association or club activities to where you are seen helping out and thus you are promoting your profes­ sion. How many times have you been at a function and have been talking either with that volunteer or someone else and Your one-stop shop for all turf management needs. Ask about our the question of what they do for a living has come up? By complete line of chemicals, fertilizers and seed. being involved you are promoting your image as people see your actions. The more contacts you make and questions you Wilbur-Ellis. . .dedicated to quality, customer service and answer the more respect you and our profession gains. Sit environmental stewardship. back and think of the leaders in your community and their professions. How much are they respected and how much Brian Anderson WILBUR-ELLIS more respect do they get versus others in the same profes­ 1 (800) 873-5599 sion who are not involved? y 6 Valley Turf honored as Jacobsen Dealer of the year CHARLOTTE - Valley Turf, Inc. of Grandville Mich., Why the Ex received a 1994 Jacobsen Dealer of the Year Award for su­ perior sales and service performance. Valley Turf president stands for Ron Brink and vice president of sales John Wiersema re­ Excellence... ceived the award at the 1994 Jacobsen International Busi­ in professional turf care. ness Conference held in Charlotte. Brink and Wiersema accepted the award from Jacobsen president Dick Miller and vice president of sales and mar­ □ Contains environmentally-oriented, keting Harold Pinto. non-leaching IBDU® slow-release nitrogen. Jacobsen Division of Textron Inc., is a major manufac­ turer of professional turf maintenance equipment used □ Regionally formulated blends worldwide. to meet your agronomic needs. Green Section Reorganizes □ Not dependent on soil temperature or microbial activity. Great Lakes Region □ 100% available nitrogen There comes a time in the life of every organization when in a single growing season. changes are necessary to improve service and increase oper­ □ Non-hygroscopic; flowable product. ational efficiency. After 10 years of service to golf facilities in a 9-state region, the time came for realignment of person­ □ Non-burning; low salt index. nel and service areas. The new setup is called the North Central Region. J. Mollema & Son, Inc. Sam Stimmel First of all, Illinois and Iowa will become part of the 5400 36th Street, SE Specialty Products Mid-Continent Region, receiving the personal attention of Par Ex' and IBDU’ Grand Rapids, Ml 49512 Territory Manager are registered trademarks of Vigoro 616/940-1441 216/562-8775 agronomist Paul Vermeulen, who will set up an office in Il­ Industries, Inc. linois convenient to subscribers in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas. The Regional Director is Jim Moore, located in Waco, Texas, who will do Turf Adviso­ r ry Service work in the more southern part of the Region. Bob Brame will direct the North Central Region from an The office near Cincinnati. His area of Turf Advisory Service TORO responsibility will be Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Bob Vavrek will continue TAS work from the Wisconsin office, visiting subscribers from Michigan westward to Montana. 9 of Competition The Lathams and the Great Lakes name are retiring to a z smaller entity on Lake Whitney, Texas where they intend to keep digging up golf courses. With clubs, not soil probes, YOUR COMPLETE LINE OF IRRIGATION Bowie knives or cup cutters. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Editor’s Note: Thank you Jim for all you have done, best wishes to you and Mrs. Latham. Also, we look for­ “UPGRADING” ward to seeing Mr. Vavrek dig up our golf courses. Let us show The Best way to succeed in life is to act on the ad­ you how the vice we give to others. Credit- Bits & Pieces Network 8000 Network LTC or Priorities are the key to managing your time and 91i JL OSMAC yourself. Many of us make To-Do lists. But few peo­ Can meet your . t A . .. CJfi ple take enough time to weigh the activities on the list demands for relative importance. Without that essential step of priorities setting, a To-Do list is useless. We may seem to be constantly Spartan Distributors, Inc. busy, yet we fritter away our time on tasks that don’t 487 W. DIVISION ST. • P.0. BOX 246 • SPARTA, Ml • 616-887-7301 advance us toward our major goals and we don’t ac­ 1050 OPDYKE RD. • AUBURN HILLS, Ml • 810-373-8800 30650 WEST 8 MILE RD. • FARMINGTON HILLS, Ml • 810-476-3664 complish anything of real value. Credit- Bits & Pieces J 7 As We Find Them Stepping from the eighteenth green with the Green Com­ “just crying. ” mittee Chairman and the Greenkeeper, it was suggested that The greenkeeper suggested that we question a few of the we “stick around and hear the angels sing. You will hear club’s best players as to how fast they preferred to have their daily chant to the Green Committee and Greenkeeper.” greens. “One of my men is ill and that has interrupted our So there we waited and watched. schedule. Number 16 has not been cut and is very slow to­ One Mr. Average Golfer soon waddled up to attempt day, but this eighteenth is the real ‘lightning type.’” the first what looked like a “dead sure one.” In that terrifying si­ reply was: lence, which precedes great storms, he went through all the “This green is perfect! Anyone can putt on it. If you most approved and prolonged preliminaries of sighting and could only get all our greens as fast as this one, every preparing for that momentous tap. Horror of horrors, he player in the city would be clamoring to join this club. missed! We guessed it; the green was all to blame. The Number 16? Is that supposed to be a green? We thought storm broke! you were planning to let that grow up for hay.” Bill, why in the name of galloping golf balls can 't we “Fore!” The next foursome is having a terrible time roll­ have some greens on this course? These things would be a ing them back and forth across the green. “Bill, what on disgrace to any cow pasture. There isn't a golfer in the earth is the matter with this green? If you simply touch the world who could putt on them. ” Ad Infinitum. ball, it goes clear across. No use tyring to putt on it. Why All this in spite of the fact that the other members of his can’t we have all the greens like sixteen is today? You can foursome sank good, long shots and were last seen headed really hit a ball on that one without making it roll a mile.” for the locker room with beaming faces not ordinarily asso­ Now that's settled! All that the green committees, green- ciated with “rotten” greens and high scores. keepers and “those scientific guys'' have to do to give the The next group furnished this helpful suggestion: “If you players just what they want (in speed of greens, at least) is fellows are interested in improving greens, why don’t you to develop some kind of gear-shift. Then if a player “likes first find out what the players want? After all, greens are for 'em fast” he can shift into high, and if he “likes 'em slow” the golfers and everything should be done to give them ex­ he can shift after the ball is struck. Then they'll want a actly what they want.” “reverse” so that the one which is “too strong” will roll We beat him to that idea by many years. We had long back at just the right speed - all counting a single stroke. ago been told “when baby cries, give him what he wants. ” USGA Green Section Bulletin But we had also learned that to obtain results it makes Vol. 8, No. 2 February, 1928 some difference whether baby is “crying for something” or 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 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. YAMAHA USA Better in the long run. Boylan Sales, Inc. West Michigan East Michigan (616) 685-6828 (810) 742-3700 8 The 2653 Professional Utility Mower The 2653 features the unique combination of hydraulic reel drive and John Deere 26-inch cutting units. NOTHING RUNS LIKE KLOOSTER A DEERE® EQUIPMENT, INC. WORK ‘N PLAY SHOP 9821 U.S. 31 ELLSWORTH, Ml 49729 (616) 599-2822 9 “Par for the Course” begins second season, moving to ESPN PAR FOR THE COURSE, the Golf Course Superinten­ program. Every episode of PAR FOR THE COURSE dents Association of America’s (GCSAA) national televi­ takes an innovative look at the world of golf by covering sion program, will be moving to ESPN beginning Jan. 1, cutting edge topics in an entertaining half-hour program. 1995. PAR FOR THE COURSE seeks to entertain and educate GCSAA will air 30 episodes of PAR FOR THE viewers not only about how to play the game of golf, but COURSE on ESPN, the total sports network that reaches also what goes into making the game enjoyable. more than 63 million households. Beginning Jan. 1, PAR Every episode of PAR FOR THE COURSE highlights FOR THE COURSE will air on 19 Sunday dates and on great places anyone can play, conversations with major golf 11 Thursday/Friday dates (see schedule below) throughout figures, practical golf instruction, and trends shaping golf s the year. future. Features about golfs environmental attributes, enter­ In 1995, ESPN will be launching a golf “block” of pro­ taining education on etiquette, golfers’ responsibilities and gramming that will air on Sunday mornings. In addition to rules of the game are also emphasized. GCSAA’s show, Inside the PGA Tour and Inside the Sen­ Veteran sportscaster Duke Frye returns as host of PAR ior PGA Tour also will be part of ESPN’s Sunday golf FOR THE COURSE GCSAA Public Relations Manager block. PAR FOR THE COURSE’S Thursday/Friday dates Scott Smith also returns as producer of the show. will be adjacent to ESPN golf tournament coverage. Included on the PAR FOR THE COURSE production In addition to the show, GCSAA also will be producing a team are: Creative Communications of Kansas City, Great series of feature segments for ESPN that will appear during Plains Television (Overland Park, Kan.) and PGA Tour the network’s televised PGA Tour and Senior PGA Tour Productions (Jacksonville, Fla.). Each will be providing golf tournaments. These short segments will highlight is­ creative services, and field and post-production. sues and trends in golf course management in an entertain­ Thirteen weekly episodes of PAR FOR THE COURSE ing and informative way. appeared in 1994 on the Prime network from March A comprehensive look at the world of golf and golf through June. course management are the main attractions of GCSAA’s GCSAA’s PAR FOR THE COURSE PROGRAM CLEARANCES SUNDAY MORNING ADJACENT TO WEEKDAY At printing, exact time GOLF BLOCK GOLF COVERAGE slots for the Sunday Morning Golf Block January 1, 8, 15, 22 were not known. Please February 5, 12, 19, 26 consult your local TV March 5, 12, 19, 26 listing for show times. April 2, 9, 23 May 5 1:30 pm PaineWebber Invt. *** May 12 2:30 pm Cadillac/NFL Classic June 15 4:00 pm U.S. Open (All times Eastern. June 30 2:00 pm U.S. Senior’s Open Please note, program July 9 dates/times are subject July 21 2:00 pm British Open to change; ESPN will at­ Sept. 8 2:30 pm Bell Canadian Open tempt to provide ad­ October 22 vance notice.) November 5, 19, 26 Nov. 10 2:30 pm Senior Tour Champ. December 3, 10, 17 Change of Address, Membership Letters to the Editor Application info available You can communicate directly with the NMTMA Any member with a change of address and your fellow members by writing to: should immediately contact Thomas J. Reed Turf Times c/o Mike Morris 3733 Apollo Drive P.O. Box 1575 Traverse City, MI 49684. Frankfort, Ml 49635 He should also be contacted if any person would Share your thoughts and feelings about our like to apply for membership in the NMTMA. organization or the industry in general. \______________________ ____ ______________________ / \___________________ / 10 Green Industry Legend to receive superintendent’s highest honor A giant figure in the history of the golf course and turf of turfgrass management. Later, as the company’s agrono­ industries, Dr. James Watson, has been chosen to receive mist and vice president of customer relations, he led Toro’s the Old Tom Morris Award from the Golf Course Superin­ efforts in equipment development and evaluation, and tendents Association of America (GCSAA). served as the liaison to professional groups such as the “Dr. Jim has been a great friend to GCSAA and its mem­ GCSAA. bers for half a century,” said GCSAA President Joseph G. Watson has received nearly every major accolade the in­ Baidy, CGCS. “His career provides a perfect example of dustry has to offer, including the USGA Green Section how one person can make a tremendous impact on an entire Award (1976), the American Society of Agronomy’s Agro­ profession. We are delighted to be able to pay tribute to the nomic Service Award (1977), GCSAA’s Distinguished contributions he has made.” Service Award (1983) and the American Society of Golf GCSAA established the Old Tom Morris Award in 1982 Course Architects’ Don Rossi Award (1994). to recognize individuals who have made outstanding life­ Watson is a fellow of the American Society of Agrono­ time contributions to the game. The award is named in my and the Crop Science Society. He has served on the memory of Old Tom Morris (1821-1908), greenkeeper and boards of the Sports Turf Managers Association, the Fresh golf professional at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. water Foundation and the National Golf Foundation. Andrews, Scotland. Semi-retired now after 40 years with Toro, he currently Watson’s influence has been felt throughout the entire serves on the planning council for the Irrigation Associa­ turfgrass profession. Following military service in World tion and is agronomic coordinator for the seven 1994 War II, he earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from World Cup soccer venues. Texas A&M in 1947. Watson obtained his doctorate in Watson joins Arnold Palmer, Bob Hope, Gerald Ford, agronomy from the Pennsylvania State University in 1950. Patty Berg, Robert Trent Jones, Gene Sarazen, Juan “Chi- As a graduate student at Penn State, Watson was the re­ Chi” Rodriguez, Sherwood Moore, CGCS, William Cam- cipient of the United States Golf Association (USGA) pell, Tom Watson, Dinah Shore, and Byron Nelson as re­ Green Section Fellowship and studied under the famed Dr. cipients of the Old Tom Morris Award. The GCSAA board Burton Musser. He returned to A&M to serve as an assist­ of directors selects the Old Tom winner. ant agronomy professor and conduct turfgrass research. Watson will be honored during the closing banquet of In 1952, Watson left A&M to begin his career with the GCSAA’s 66th International Golf Course Conference and Toro Company as director of agronomy. For over four dec­ Show on Feb. 27, 1995, in San Francisco. ades with Toro, his research touched on nearly every aspect Tire Wholesalers Co., Inc. 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ProTurf Tech Rep 19240 West 8 Mile Road 303 1/2 Hawthorne St. Southfield, Ml 48075 Cadillac, Ml 49601 Tom Heid Phone: (313) 354-5644 Phone: (616) 775-6666 Tel: 616/275-7700 or 1-800-543-0006 today. 11 The NMTMA appreciates the support from the following businesses... GOLF CART SALES EQUIPMENT SERVICE FERTILIZERS, CHEMICALS AND SERVICE AND SUPPLIES &SEED Boylan Sales, Inc. D&C Distributors, Inc. Chipco John Collins (800) 888-7779 • (810) 349-7779 Bob Dugan (616)685-6828 • (810)742-3700 (313) 782-0323 • Fax (313) 782-6344 Golfs Driving Force SOD, SOIL & CONSTRUCTION (313) 425-7001 (800) 482-8830 H&D, Inc. (517) 725-7145 • Fax (517) 723-7410 Ellis Sales, Inc. Complete Construction/Specialty Sands Bob Hope (616) 347-2547 The Scotts Company Tom Heid, Technical Representative (616) 375-3535 (616) 275-7700 • (616) 620-1442 TIRES, TUBES & WHEELS IRRIGATION SERVICES Sweeney Seed Company Tire Wholesalers Co. North, Inc. “It Pays To Plant The Best” C.J. Colein & Associates, Inc. Dan Cross (800) 344-2482 • (517) 773-5391 Irrigation Design & Consulting Services (616) 775-6666 • Fax (616) 775-8810 (810) 656-6805 Tri Turf D.G. Irrigation Co. “ A Warehouse on Wheels ” ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN (616) 943-8343 “Where Service Comes First - Buckner” (800) 334-7011 • (517) 772-5621 & CONSULTING J. John Gorney, Inc. AUTOMATED PUMPING Golf Course Design FULLSERVICE: EQUIPMENT SYSTEMS (616) 235-1323 & IRRIGATION Commercial Pump Service, Inc. Matthews & Associates, P.C. Valley Turf, Inc. Mike Wilczynski “Elevating Golf to a New Plateau” (616) 532-2885 (800) 426-0370 • (419) 825-2353 (517) 485-0480 • Fax (517) 485-0334 (800) 688-3605 - Parts Only ... and we encourage you to support them. BULK RATE Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association US POSTAGE < V C/O Tom Reed 3733 Apollo Drive PAID Traverse City, Ml 49684 FRANKFORT, Ml 49635 PERMIT #25 NMTMA Past Presidents Ed Karcheski EXECUTIVE C.E. "Tuck” Tate, CGCS COMMITTEE David Longfield, CGCS President Jonathon Scott, CGCS Mark Wildeman Tom Brogger Jeffrey Holmes, CGCS Vice-President Michael Meindertsma CO David Pretznow Turfgrass Info. Center, MSU Secretary/T reasurer V212 Libraru Dave Foucher MTF Liaison Jon Maddern E. Lansing Ml 48824-1048 Executive Secretary Thomas J. Reed 3733 Apollo Dr. Traverse City, Ml 49684 Phone 616-943-8343 GCSAA Liaison Jon Maddern Directors Jeff Dorrell Michael Meindertsma Tom Heid Newsletter Editor Kimberly Olson Michael Morris Jon Maddern, CGCS P.O. Box 1575 Pat Mertz Frankfort, Ml 49635 RECYCLED PAPER