Golf Course Mechanic’s Meeting Thursday, July 27 at Alpena Country Club The Northern Michigan Golf Course Mechanic’s Group will be holding their second meeting of the season at Alpena Country Club on Thursday, July 27th at 9:00 a.m. The host mechanic is Craig Roland. The Golf Course Superintendent is Rick Warren. The guest spaker will be Ed Pizola of the Fauver Corporation. Ed will be speaking about hydrostatic drive transmissions. This is one seminar you won’t want to miss. The cost for lunch is $6.00, and for golf afterward is $10.00. For reservations and directions, call Craig Roland at (517) 356-3740. Upcoming Mechanic’s Meetings will be held on: August 16 at Matheson Greens, (diesel troubleshooting and hydraulics); and September 13 at Shanty Creek (grinding). July Golf and Meeting: White Pine National We hope many of you made it to our last meeting at White Pine National. Golf and speaker were exception­ al. Thank you, Clem and Bruce, for having us. Greenspeed: A Test & Some Thoughts A small experiment designed to show the influ­ To conduct uphill and downhill tests sections of ence of greenspeed on downhill putts reveals some my practice green were mowed at various heights interesting data that should help put the issue of and frequencies to achieve 8', 9' and 11.5' stimp­ greenspeed in proper perspective. meter readings. The 8' section tested to an average We all know how to use the stimpmeter and in of 7! uphill and 12.5' downhill on approximately a doing so we look for level areas to determine four degree slope. On the same slope the 9' sec­ greenspeed. Things get distorted however, be­ tion showed 8' uphill and 18.5' downhill. The cause the golf ball is usually not played to or put­ (continued on page 4) ted on level ground during a round of golf. ! cr*- CLIP AND SAVE 1995 Meeting Schedule '» - NOTICE - I i August 14.................... i Grayling Country Club i I i NEXT MEETING: ‘ September ..................... The Natural, Gaylord i NMTMA Fundraiser [ Monday, August 14 i i Grayling Country Club [ October 10 ..................... The Legend, Bellaire Chapter Championship , 10:00 a.m. Shotgun Brian Conklin, Superintendent ! 1996 Meeting Schedule ! ] February 21 & 22................. NMTMA/GCSAA , Seminars: ........ Human Resource Management & Watch Turf Times for details i Drainage Systems-Gaylord , ___________ ______________ / ‘95 Michigan Turfgrass Their Approach To Boosting Potash. Our Approach To Boosting Potash. Field Day Schedule 8:30 a.m. Registration & Coffee 9:15 a.m. Introduction: Dr. Bruce Branham, Moderator Welcome: Jon Maddern President, Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Improved disease tolerance. Enhanced drought Dr. Fred Poston resistance. And a complete, balanced feeding. In a homoge­ neous mixture to ensure uniform nutrient distribution. Vice Provost and Dean Country Club 8-4-24 simply outdistances the competition. College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Michigan State University Country Club 9:30 a.m. Research On Tour 2 Concurrent Tours: 8-4-24 1. Lawn/Athletic Field 2. Golf Turf Tri-Turf Randy Rogers 11:00 a.m. Trade Show Opens Traverse City, MI Michigan (616) 943-8343 (313) 673-7146 Noon Lunch I've met a few people in my time who were enthusiastic about hard 2:00 p.m. Equipment Auction work. It was just my luck that all of them happened to be people I was working for at the time. - Bill Gold The 1995 Michigan Turfgrass Field Day The 1995 Michigan Turfgrass Field Day will be held Thursday, August 17, at 8:30 a.m. at the Hancock Turf­ grass Research Center, East Lansing, Michigan. Advanced registration (includes lunch and tour book; non-refundable) by August 10th: $15.00. On Site Regis­ tration: $25.00. THE 1995 TURFGRASS FIELD DAY ADVANCE REGISTRATION FORM NAME ____________________________________________ ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS COMPANY_________________________________________ ___________________________________ ADDRESS _________________________________________ ___________________________________ PHONE ( )_______________________________________ ___________________________________ TOTAL REGISTERED AT $15 PER PERSON________ X $15 = $______________ TOTAL PAYMENT MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE MICHIGAN TURFGRASS FOUNDATION RETURN THIS FORM WITH PAYMENT TO: MICHIGAN TURFGRASS FOUNDATION Attn: Kay Patrick, P.O. Box 80071, Lansing, MI 48908 2 Fazio to receive superintendents’ highest honor Tom Fazio, one of golfs top course designers, has been named the recipient of the Old Tom Morris Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Fazio, a resident of Hendersonville, N.C., will be presented the award in a special ceremony during the annual banquet and show of GCSAA’s 67th International Golf Course Conference and Show on Feb. 10, 1996, in Or­ lando, FL. GCSAA established the Old Tom Morris Award to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contribu­ tions to the game. The award is named in memory of Old Tom Morris (1821-1908), greenkeeper and golf profes­ sional at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland. Morris, a four-time winner of the British Open (1861, ‘62, ‘64 and ‘67), also was ranked as one of the top links designers of the nineteenth century. “GCSAA is honored to pay tribute to Tom Fazio’s lifelong contributions to the game,” said GCSAA President Gary T. Grigg, CGCS. “His commitment to the game and to his community - especially all the personal time he devotes to the Boys and Girls Clubs - is a great example of the spirit that Old Tom brought to golf.” Fazio, a native of Norristown, PA., began his career as a golf course designer in the suburban Philadelphia of­ fice of the Fazio family firm in the 1960s, assisting his uncle George Fazio in course construction. In 1972, he established his own firm with an office in Jupiter, FL. Fazio has been involved with the detail design and construction of golf courses all over the United States. Most noted of those courses are: Shadow Creek, Las Vegas, Nev.; Black Diamond, Lecanto, Fla.; Wade Hampton, Cashiers, N.C.; The Quarry at La Quinta, Calif.; Wild Dunes, Charleston, S.C.; World Woods, Homosassa, Fla.; and many other prestigious courses. In 1995, he was voted the best present-day architect by Golf Digest magazine. Fazio joins Arnold Palmer (1983), Bob Hope (1984), former President Gerald Ford (1985), Patty Berg (1986), Robert Trent Jones Sr. (1987), Gene Sarazen (1988), Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez (1989), Sherwood Moore (1990), William Campbell (1991), Tom Watson (1992), Dinah Shore (1993), Byron Nelson (1994) and Dr. James Watson (1995) as recipients of the award. The GCSAA board of directors selects the Old Tom winner. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the leading professional assication for the men and women who manage and maintain golf facilities in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the associa­ tion provides educaiton, information and representation to more than 14,500 individual members from more than 50 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession, and enrich the quality of golf and its environment. REMINDER: Responsible Chemical Use 1995 Clean Sweep - The MDA 1995 Clean Sweep How the Public Views It Program implementation is underway. Program appli­ cation forms have been mailed and preliminary public­ There’s no question in the minds of consumers about the benefits ity initiated. Tentative collection sites and dates are of specialty pesticides (used on turf and ornamentals), but there are concerns about their responsible use, according to results of a public listed below: opinion survey commissioned by RISE Responsible Industry for a SITE COUNTIES DATE Sound Environment). Cadillac Manistee, Missaukee, Osceola The study assessed public attitudes toward the value and risk of Wexford Aug. 26 specialty pesticides and was conducted among the general public, Watervliet Berrien, Cass, Van Buren *Aug. 28 rather than consumers who specifically purchase and use pesticides. The survey consisted of qualitative and quantitative research. Eight Traverse City + Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix focus groups were conducted at four different locations. The key Emmet, Gr. Traverse, findings show: Kalkaska, Leelanau Aug. 26 • Many Americans clearly see the benefits of pesticides and are Clarksville Barry, Ionia, Mecosta willing to balance their personal and environmental health and safety Montcalm Sept. 20 concerns with these perceived benefits. Hart Lake, Mason, Muskegon • The most trusted sources of information on pesticides are local Newaygo, Oceana *Mid Sept. government agencies, extension services, poison control centers and Hudsonville + Allegan, Ottawa Aug. 22 departments of health. Kalamazoo Branch, Calhoun, • Professional applicators are thought to be safer with pesticides they apply, even though they are thought to use stronger pesticides Kalamazoo, St. Joseph *July 29 than homeowners. Mich U.P.+ Delta, Mackinac, Menominee, • The majority of people use some form of pesticides. Controlling Schoolcraft, Iron, Dickinson *Mid Sept. household insects/rodents ranking first with 64 percent. Garden care/ * Date not finalized outdoor insect control ranked second with 48 percent, while lawn + Location(s) not set - to be determined by participant response. care ranked third with 38 percent. One in 10 respondents indicate Michigan U.P. committee plans on using milk-run format used they currently use a lawn care company. last year. • Approximately half of those surveyed believed pesticides made If you are not one of the counties listed above, but you know available to the public are thoroughly tested, with the remaining re­ growers who want to participate, call the Extension agent in the spondents indicating they are unsure if pesticides are thoroughly test­ ed. (From The Label, 3/1995) nearest county that is part of the ‘95 program. Otherwise, call Chuck Cubbage, MDA, at (51&0 373-9744, and he may be able to make arrangements. 3 Greenspeed: A Test & Some Thoughts (continued from Front Page) We all saw what happened at Pebble Beach during 11.5' section gave readings of just over 10' uphill and the 1992 U.S. Open, rock hard extremely fast greens 31.5 downhill. Obviously, the significant numbers combined with high winds did a good job of embar­ here are the downhill measurements. A ball putted rassing most of the world’s best players. A great golf downhill on a 11.5' green will roll almost twice as far course went from being challenging to being unplaya­ as a ball putted downhill on a 9' green when putted ble. Should we make a difficult game that much more with the same amount of force. The 2.5' difference the difficult and more frustrating? level ground measurement would indicate is mislead­ When the U.S.G.A. and the P.G.A. of America ing. strive for stimpmeter readings of 9.5' to 10.5' for their Do we really want downhill putts to roll 30' when national championships, should golf course superin­ hit with stimpmeter testing force? It seems unlikely that tendents or club officials in an attempt to protect their the early golf course architects, whose styles we revere golf course from low scoring maintain their greens at and copy, had extremely slick surfaces in mind when excessive speeds? Good golf holes reward good shots they designed the green contours or planned the ap­ and penalize bad ones but they don’t indiscriminately proach shots. penalize all shots that have to roll downhill. Maybe We’ve all heard club members beam with pride that some holes and some golf courses are just plain meant their greens are firm and rolling 1T or more while de­ to yield low scores to good play. scribing the hapless efforts of players tortured on these Where will this quest for greenspeed end? A 9' read­ greens. Do the golfers really understand just what has ing on the stimpmeter used to mean fast greens. Now been created? The golf course has been redesigned by it’s only average. Possibly in a few years we” just adding a penalty to shots that finish above the hole spray greens with Roundup and water them every oth­ which changes the playability away from the golf er day to keep the dust down. The point of my course architects original intent. Aggressive play be­ thoughts is to suggest that we strive for the smoothest, comes foolish and the target changes from the hole to healthiest surfaces possible where the ball rolls true. the area below the hole. This may be justifiable to Not the hardest fastest surfaces where the ball will not some extent for professional or top amateur competi­ stop rolling. tions. A steady diet of extremely fast greens for 8, 15 -Richard Spear, The Hole Nine Yards, Dec. 92 issue or 25 handicap players seems misguided. Superb Service first-call through The TORO system life of Competition Commercial Pump ~z YOUR COMPLETE LINE OF IRRIGATION Does It All! PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Installation and service can be as important as the pump system you select. That’s why “UPGRADING” Commercial Pump does it all, instead of using inexperienced local contractors. Let us show • Design assistance to give you the right system. you how the • Delivery, installation, start-up and testing the Network 8000 system. Network LTC I aÌ or • Steel pipe connection to the irrigation system. MW OSMAC O Diagnostics and problem solving by telephone, Can meet your plus skilled factory service. demands • Complete retrofit and modernization service for pump systems. Spartan Distributors, Inc. 4 c Commercial Call today for complete information. (800) 426-0370 487 W. DIVISION ST. • P.O.BOX 246 • SPARTA, Ml • 616-887-7301 1050 OPDYKE RD. • AUBURN HILLS, Ml • 810-373-8800 30650 WEST 8 MILE RD. • FARMINGTON HILLS, Ml • 810-476-3664 Irrigation Maintenance Ideas... by Ken* Aiknbach Golf course irrigation can be a very time consuming Check your pump station for adequate pressure. In­ task with newer systems becoming larger and more stall a pressure gauge for a quick visual if need be. complex. Even the existing systems cost a lot of time. Keep your filters clean and lubricate the motors and To help free up some hours, here are a few methods bearings. A pressure gauge attached to a quick coupler you may want to incorporate into your maintenance key is a convenient tool for spot checks on the course. routine. If you have a central controller, test the communica­ On a daily basis: tion to the field satellites. Look at your field control­ • Use your entire crew to help spot trouble. The lers to see if they are keeping correct time. Send a sig­ fairway mowers and the rough mowers see every nal to your station to check the sprinklers. Check each square foot out on the course and are a good source of sprinkler for proper rotation and proper pattern from information for wet spots and dry areas. A few wire nozzles. A quick removal of a nozzle obstruction can flags on each vehicle go a long way in time spent keep your turf from stressing and turning brown. searching for any particular reported trouble spot (a Using these techniques may save some time and worker spots something and simply plants a flag in the trouble for the one who is responsible for the irriga­ ground and reports it). A single wire flag also prevents tion system. A routine of checks and tests can involve a lot of ruts in a hidden wet spots. more than just that person. And, most importantly, • Cup cutting personnel provide excellent feedback your golf course can remain green and growing. on the moisture content of the greens’ soil. A small (Credit: Central Ohio GCSA News, Sept. 1994) amount of time in training to identify wet plugs is a good investment. c • Tune in to reading dew patterns. If you can spot problems the first thing in the morning, chances are WANTED: GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT: Turf- you will only miss one watering because you have all grass Management Education and handle on experience are re­ day to make the repair. quired. New 18 hole up scale public golf course in the Upper Pe­ ninsula. Seasonal position with salary and benefits negotable. • And don’t forget the obvious; cart paths will Send Resume to: Mr. Dan Hitchens show “what was watered last night.” P.O. Box 159 Also periodically check your irrigation equipment. Hessel, MI 49745 A Commitment to Quality Turf Care BIG ENOUGH TO SERVE YOU BETTER- OProductsl SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE Michigan’s Largest Stocking Dealer for R&R PRODUCTS _ it. QUALITY REPLACEMENT PARTS Tee Time® Genuine Kohler • Jacobsen • Hahn-Westpoint Cushman • Toro • Roseman • Ransomes Fertilizer/Pesticides Mott • Ryan • Yazoo • Ford • Excel National • Reel Sharpening Compound and Specialty Products For the If KOHLER----------------------- BRIGGS & STRATTON Golf Course Professional MID-WEST RAKE YOURlSA^JTOP SHOP FOR YOUR SUPPLY ITEMS: Distril FLAGS - POLES - RAKES - CUPS - RICO MFG. Excellent Quality Personalized Tube Flags WE ALSO HANDLE T' b.1 Iafguss P. O. Box T 28064 Pontiac Trail S. Lyon, MI 48178 . 1-800-521-8873 or 313-437-1427 (call collect) Aab-sorboil Emulsifier Hand Cleaner Plastic Signs Tee Towels Bayco Supplies Ho!e-in-one-paint Plastic Chain Tire Sealant Clover Lapping Comp. Hose • 3/4" & 1" Rain Suits Tires Karcher Power Washer Red Max Equipment Tire Changers Dedoes Parts Driving Range Equip. Lewis Line Supplies Rope & Stakes Trimmer Line/Heads the professional's Earthway Spreaders Lift Ramp/work Table Rotary Blade Grinders White Cedar Furn. Fairway Markers Marfax .00 Lubricant Rotary Blades Wooden Rakes partner* Fox Valley Mrkg Paint Par Aide Supplies Simplex Grinding Equip. Call Toll Free: IheCCtC* Customer Service: CALL US TOLL FREE - 800-888-7779 Andersons 1-800-251-LAWN (Ohio) WE GUARANTEE WHAT WE SELL! 1-800-253-LAWN Lawn Fertilizer Division (Outside Ohio) P O. Box 119 Sales Office: 1-800-225-ANDY Maumee, Ohio 43537 (2639) y 5 NMTMA Directors Newsletter Editor Past Presidents EXECUTIVE Michael Morris Ed Karcheski COMMITTEE Jeff Dorrell Michael Meindertsma P.O Box 1575 C.E. ’’Tuck” Tate, CGCS President Tom Heid Frankfort, MI 49635 David Longfield, CGCS Kimberly Olson Jonathon Scott, CGCS Mark Wildeman Tom Brogger Jon Maddern, CGCS Executive Secretary Pat Mertz Thomas J. Reed Jeffrey Holmes, CGCS Vice-President Michael Meindertsma Rick Warren 3733 Apollo Dr. David Pretznow Traverse City, MI 49684 David Little, CGCS SecretaryfTreasurer Phone 616-943-8343 Dave Foucher The NMTMA appreciates the support from the following businesses... > GOLF CART SALES & SERVICE • •FULL SERVICE: EQUIPMENT Boylan Sales, Inc. Commercial Turf Equipment L.L.C. John Kirtland & IRRIGATION • Pat Boylan • Kathy Hanson Valley Turf, Inc. (616)685-6828 • (810)742-370 (810) 858-7705 (810)994-1424 (616) 532-2885 (800) 688-3605 - Parts Only Pat Conry ► FERTILIZERS, CHEMICALS & SEED • Spartan Distributors, Inc. 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Work N’Play Shop (517) 725-7145 • Fax (517) 723-7410 Bob Resteiner John Deere Golf and Turf Equipment (517) 345-2373 • (517) 345-1718 (616) 599-2822 ... and we encourage you to support them. Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association C/O Tom Reed 3733 Apollo Drive 15^ Traverse City, Michigan 49684 com Turfgrass Info. Center, MSU W212 Library