......... ' V President’s Message It’s hard for me to believe that it’s already March - this winter seems to be passing much quicker than last. On the other hand, I hope winter doesn’t end too quickly, as I would hate to be behind schedule before the golf season even starts. The event that signals the start of spring to me is the GCSAA Conference and Show. It was held in Anaheim, CA., during the first week of February. The big news this year is Jon Maddern being elected to the GCSAA Board of Directors. Congratulations to Jon. I’m certain he will have a positive influence within the GCSAA, just as he has in every organization he is associated with in the turf industry. Good luck to you, Jon , in all your endeavors, “Michigan for Maddern”. Northern Michigan had two superintendents who were honored with GCSAA Environmental Steward Awards, Mike Meindertsma, from Grand Traverse Resort, received the GCSAA national award for resort courses. Dave Faucher, CGCS from Shanty Creek Resort, received a regional award in the resort courses category. Congratulations to Mike and Dave and their staffs for a job well done. Also honored by the NMTMA was C.E. “Tuck” Tate, CGCS. Tuck was instru­ mental in the creation of the NMTMA and was the driving force during its initial years. The NMTMA owes a great debt to him. Many thanks for your hard work, Tuck. Education has always been a priority within the NMTMA. This came to light at the conference when Paul Holmes, CGCS, from the Gaylord C.C., made a presentation during an educational session. Paul spoke about community involve­ ment and did a fine job. As you can see the NMTMA has involved members who are dedicated to their profession. I’m proud to be associ­ ated with the members of the NMTMA, and of the turf industry in Michigan. A note of interest, mark April 8th on your calendar. This is the date of the mini-conference to be held at the Grayling Holiday Inn. See you there. Brian Holmes THANK YOU ________________________________________________________________ I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Directors and you the members of the Northern Michigan Turf Managers association for all of your help and support during my campaign this year for director of GCSAA. You can be very proud of your efforts as I was successful in winning a seat on the board. I could not have done it without your help and support. We put Michigan back on top. I would also like to let everyone know, that another of our members did us proud. Paul Holmes CGCS, from Gaylord C.C. gave a talk on his experiences of being involved in various community activities and organizations at the “Innovative Superintendent Session”. He explained how it not only helped the community, but more importantly how he is respected in the community and at his club. Paul was very nervous, (who wouldn’t be, getting up in front of over 2,000 of his peers) but he did an outstanding job, particularly for his first time. I received a lot of compliments about him. The GCSAA Conference and Show showed everyone what NMTMA has and is all about. You each should be proud. I and my family are indeed honored and privileged to represent you the members in this next step. This organization is exciting and going places. Your board is dedicated and hard working and it has been a privilege to work with them and become closer friends. Thank you just does not say enough to express my gratitude. Your calls, letters and e-mail have been touching and humbling. The work and travel has already begun, but it is fun. I hope to be able to thank most of you in person sometime this season. If I can be of any help with regards to a GCSAA question, comment, concern, or problem please do not hesitate to call me. I’m still a golf course superintendent in northern Michigan. r I? Sincerely, ' ■ \.fj Jon D. Maddern "'COLLECTION beard Random Ramblings First let me explain the reasoning behind the title his time is spent on course maintenance. As a superin- for this article. I have the habit of taking off on tangents tendent/mechanic/grunt, I would like to see a few . as I discuss practically anything but, given time, I mechanic-oriented topics addressed at our meetings; usually return to the original topic. The Random Hydraulics; original parts vs. Brand X; asordid (I know Ramblings gives me the literary license, if you will, to the spelling may seem wrong but that’s how I feel about continue this haphazard means of communicating because, irrigation) irrigation subjects, etc.. yes, I’m too old to change, dammit. Now that I’m talking about irrigation, water-quality In the beginning there is the Mechanic’s Associa­ testing just seems to flow (I’m sorry) into the article. I tion. I volunteered for the position of director knowing have tried to find a reliable, semi-low cost, punctual only that my mechanic was interested and I felt that the water-testing lab. I started with Greg Lyman at MSU and “networking” among mechanics could add to their they were fine-1 was the weak-link. I ended up with a lot knowledge in the area and save us all time and money of little frozen bottles in the fridge that never made it to (which could be redundant because I’ve been told that Lansing. Since then I have dealt with labs in the Grand time is money ). While browsing through the NMTMA Traverse area with no luck. I’ve been considering directory last Fall, I discovered that there is a class M, starting a car-pooling system for the water samples. In for mechanics! I decided to browse through the directory its rough stage- we would drop off our well marked, to find out just how many class M members we have. frozen samples at a central location and take turns doing After going through the list several times to make sure I the up-north to Lansing run. If we have 200 members at had the right count, I came with the total- 0!!! You may 5 monthly trips per year, ideally, one member would be asking why in the hell we have a Mechanic’s Asso­ have to drive every 40 years! Such a deal. ciation!?! Good question - no answer. Since I’ve heard This last ( promise) paragraph will really be a lot of grumbling regarding attendance (or lack of) at disjointed. Like, what do you think of the Casey Martin our regular NMTMA meetings, I cannot imagine putting golf cart issue? Tough call. It won’t affect me for several effort into an association without members (although I years since the U.S. Open isn’t coming to Twin Birch till would be proud of the 100% attendance at each meeting 2007. You heard it here first-all the snow will be off ). When the numbers are up at both the regular meetings your course by April 20 this year—or not. Any questions, and the number of class M members, then I would comments, ideas,- communicate with a board member. support a “sub” association. Have a good season- enjoy the ups and deal with the I am as guilty as most when it comes to attending downs. In the words of the late, great Doc Payne, “don’t the NMTMA meetings. I intend to attend-but at times take your self too seriously”. have been known to space it out. Because of this I have decided to have my mechanic join the association and at Mike Ver Hage least one of us will attend each meeting. Twin Birch will Twin Birch G.C. survive a day without one of us and the turf topics will make my mechanic more valuable to me since half of r I For Sale | Ransome350-D, 1991,8 blade reels, 2,600hours, $4,000.00 l; Do you have an address change, or do | BroyHill Grainsbush with mounting kit for Toro, $ 1,500.00 you need some information on NMTMA, or do | Ideal Reel Grinder, model 800, $200.00 you need to call in your reservation for a | Vicon spreader, $500.00 meeting? | Steve Hammon, Traverse City Golf & C.C. | (616) 947-0487 You can do all of this now by calling Kay Patrick at: (517) 327-5474 | Willmar S 500 Fertilizer spreader, 5 ton capacity, dual rear spreader, plus side auger. Excellent Condition $6,250.00 Write this number down, it will come ■ Mark at Treetops in very handy! ^517) 732-6711 Ext. 2810 Safety HeadLlines A golf course is a place where people come to • Police begin campaign to run down jaywalkers enjoy themselves, get a little exercise, and socialize with •Drunk gets nine months in violin case friends. Most don’t think of it as a place of potential •Iraqi head seeks arms danger. The superintendent can do much to enhance the •Prostitutes appeal to Pope safety of those on the course, both employees and players. •Lung cancer in women mushrooms Eighty percent of all heart attacks give the recipient •Eye drops off shelf an identifiable warning. Heavy sweating, chest pain or •Teacher strikes idle kids pressure, numbness or tingling in the left arm, jaw pain •Squad helps dog bite victim or a feeling of indigestion; any combination of these • Enraged cow injures farmer with ax symptoms can spell heart attack. These symptoms alone •Plane too close to ground, crash probe told do not mean a person is having a heart attack at that •Miners refuse to work after death moment, just that one may be on the way soon. •Two sisters reunited after 18 years in checkout Always alert the Emergency Medical Services nearest your course. Have their phone number available counter at several locations, and, if you have a mobile phone, •If strike isn’t settled quickly, it may last a while keep this and other key numbers handy. •Cold wave linked to temperatures In the EMS; they are the patient’s best hope. You •Red tape holds up new bridge now have three to five minutes to make a difference •Deer kill 17,000 between life and death. Encourage the person to sit down •Typhoon rips through cemetery; hundreds dead right where he is. Do not try to move him unless it is •New study of obesity looks for larger test group essential. Make the patient comfortable and give him oxygen if available. Loosen his collar and belt and •British union funds dwarfs in short supply encourage him to relax. Anything you can do to keep the •Local high school dropouts cut in half patient calm will help. •Man minus ear waives hearing Finally; if the person loses consciousness or passes out, you should start CPR immediately. The victim has only two to six minutes once the heart stops beating to avoid a life threatening injury . You will make a differ­ ence if you start CPR right away. As part of your spring safety training, get several employees certified in CPR. 1998 Calendar April 8 Mini Conference Courage is a quality of mind that is both moral and Grayling Holiday inn physical. Physical courage is a quality which enables May 14 A-Ga-Ming G. C. you to face danger. Kewadin Your moral courage enables you to stand up for your beliefs, to call things as honestly you see them, and June 8 MTF Fundraiser The Dream to admit mistakes. West Branch This is one of the most important traits of a good leader. Hey, you computer junkie’s call Kay Patrick or E-mail her with your E-mail. You can reach Kay at (517) 327-5474 or E-mail at mtfturf@msn.com. Look forward to seeing you on the web. ACID INJECTION SYSTEM Greetings from Petoskey, my name is John Mastenbrook Oil” injection device. (I disagree) The following are some of the and I am taking a break from preparing for my seventh season at statements I have heard, followed by my thoughts. Petoskey-Bay View Country Club to write an article for this newsletter. My purpose for this is twofold: One is so that Pete “The acid will damage the pumping plant, metal pipes and doesn’t have to write about his pet gold fish (and scrounge for fittings” other articles). The other is to attempt to explain my reasons for purchasing, results of using and other thoughts of the pHairway •In its undiluted form it will and it will also damage the acid injection system. This is based on research and two and a rubber gaskets in fittings and PVC pipes. There is no reason that half years use experience. the undiluted solution should be in the irrigation system. In its The system is simply a pump, pH monitoring and metering diluted form I don’t believe any significant damage will occur. If device attached to the pressurized line at or near the irrigation perhaps it does shorten the life of metal pipes or fittings by a year pumping plant. It uses a solution (pHairway) that is a compound or two, I would consider it worth it for all the good it does. The formed from the reaction of urea and sulfuric acid - system is set up to run only when the main pump is operating, Monocarbamide dihydrogensulfate. when the main pump cycles off and the jockey pump takes over After working on courses in Grand Haven, Lansing, and and the area around the injection point is flushed with clean Grosse He, I was thrilled to get a job in Northern Michigan where water. growing grass is a “piece of cake.” It didn’t take long to realize it wasn’t that easy. While fungus and insect problems are less, I had “It will do nothing to change soil pH” turf that was off color, thin and weak. Soil test were performed and a wide variety of fertilizers were used with poor results. My •Soil test showed a .1 - .3 (different greens) drop in pH greens are less than ten years old and have two different types of in the 0 - 2 inch depth in one season without using any acidifying a sand/peat mixture (2NS, 2MS). About half way through the fertilizers. The use of this system along with acidifying fertilizers summer the soils would seal off and puddling would occur with will bring the pH down much faster. I prefer to reduce the pH as little as ten minutes of irrigation, especially on the greens. The slowly to help avoid a severe black layer problem. The use of this greens were crusty and very firm, it was difficult to cut the hole system has actually reduced the amount of black layer in my for the cup. A physical soil analysis was performed with every­ greens due to better water infiltration and soil structure. thing being at or near the acceptable ranges. Compaction was not a problem. The deep drill, hydroject, soil cultivator and conven­ •My turf is healthier, greener and I use less fertilizer. tional types of aerators were used frequently with short term •I think this system also lowers the pH of thatch, but I results. Large quantities of various wetting agents were used and haven’t had that tested yet. helped very little with water infiltration. “It’s too expensive” In the fall of 1994 tech rep Sam Stimmel recommended a product called pHairway that was being used in the Chicago area. •The cost of the system has dropped to approximately $6,500 With the help of Tom Brogger (Grounds Superintendent at and the solution has dropped to $7.50 per gallon. I use approxi­ Birchwood farms CC) who was experiencing similar problems, mately 1 gallon of solution to every 30,000-35,000 gallons of we spoke with company reps and other superintendents who were irrigation water to change the pH from 8.1 to 7.0. using this system. Irrigation water suitability test were using this •I rarely use wetting agents anymore and I don’t need as system. Irrigation water suitability test were performed which much fertilizer. (pHairway has .44 lbs N per gal). These savings showed a very high level of bicarbonates and an elevated pH. The are used to purchase the pHairway product. bicarbonates tend to bond the soil particles together and ruin soil •My spray rigs are filled from the irrigation system and I structure. The elevated pH limited the plant uptake of many think having water with a pH of 7 helps with the efficacy of the nutrients. My irrigation water comes from two wells that pump chemicals. from a limestone aquifer. •With pHairways water infiltration capabilities I can also In late May 1995 both Tom and I were able to purchase these over water from time to time to make up for sprinkler coverage systems and were the first in the state to do so. I waited until late deficiencies when labor isn’t available (affordable) to hand water. June when my turf was declining and my soils were becoming •I only have to aerate spring and fall now which is much less sealed off again before I began using my system. The results were disruptive to golf play. amazing, within two days my water infiltration rate improved and within a week the turf improved and continued to do so through This system isn’t for everybody, but more courses are seeing out the season. If I wanted to, or needed to, I could irrigate the the benefits of using it. If you are experiencing any of the greens for thirty minutes with out any puddling, The cup cutting problems that I was, and you think your irrigation water may be became much easier and the surface held a golf shot better. the problem, then it may work for you. It should not be thought of The pHairway product is injected into the irrigation water as a “cure all”, but as another (valuable) tool in the quest of and reacts with the minerals, primarily the bicarbonates and healthy turf. lowers the pH to the desired level. When the treated irrigation If you have any questions or would like more information, water comes into contact with the soil, it breaks the bicarobnate feel free to call Tom Reed Sr. at Tri-Turf ( Distributor of the bond between soil particles which improves soil structure and pHairway system) or myself. If you would like to see how my infiltration. It also helps avoid or reduce alkalinity and improves system is set up, I would be glad to show you. fertility. Thanks for taking the time to read this and good luck this There are many people who think this is just a fancy “Snake 1998 season. John Notes Effective Listening Educational Scholarship Awarded Listen to understand rather than refute. Refuting is proving a The NMTMA is proud to announce Ed Simon as the winner person to be wrong or in error. Sometimes we tend to be too of the NMTMA Educational Scholarship. Ed is currently a critical of the other peoples ideas. Critical listening is not student at Michigan State University who will be graduating achieved by criticizing the speakers thoughts before he/she has from the two-year turfgrass program this spring. Ed did his finished. Without honestly giving a speaker a chance to get summer internship at Crystal Downs working for Mike his/her message across, you cannot understand enough of the Morris, CGCS. message to intelligently evaluate the speakers ideas. A good Below his letter of appreciation follows. listener: •Listens and waits •Tries to understand first and evaluate second. Ideas may deserve to be questioned and tested, but the testing should be done only after a person has Dear NMTMA Board of Directors, stated his/her ideas or finished what they have to say. I am writing you today to express my joy and pride in Maddem Elected receiving the 1998 Northern Michigan Turf Managers Jon Maddem, CGCS, was elected to the GCSAA Board of Association’s Award presented to me at the Awards Banquet Directors at GCSAA’s national conference in February. Jon during the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation’s annual confer­ has been living in Gaylord and been the Superintendent at Elk ence. Ridge G.C. since 1990. Jon has been a tremendous asset to our own association and Words can not describe the feelings I have in being we are excited about having one of our own helping to guide associated with the great people of northern Michigan. I found GCSAA in the coming years. all the representatives of your organization professional, Way to go Jon! Keep up the good work! courteous and helpful. These characteristicis, along with others, are admirable and I look forward to considering myself Members Receive Environmental Awards a part of your family of superintendents. With the NMTMA Northern Michigan is in the lime light again thanks to the scholarship award, I have received recognition for my efforts efforts of Mike Meindertsma and Dave Faucher. in school, and it has also helped to fund my last semester, Mike Meindertsma, CGCS, of Grand Traverse Resort was allowing me to concentrate on academics and career opportu­ named the national winner of the Environmental Steward nities. Award in the resort course category. Dave Faucher, CGCS, of I believe hard work and faith in my dreams will direct Shanty Creek Resort won the award at the regional level. He won in the resort category for the north central region of the me to the best location. With the support of all the fine people U.S.. Features were done on both Superintendents in the I have met from northern Michigan, I feel fortunate and February issue of Golf Course Management. confident in my future, and am proud to associate myself with In recognition of the winners, program sponsors Novartis your organization. I believe one day I will get the opportunity Turf and Ornamental Products, Rain Bird, Jacobsen Division to work with you; to help strengthen and promote the area, and of Textron and Pursell Technologies Inc. will donate nearly learn from a valuable source of knowledge within your $23000.00 to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of association. America’s Foundation. I trust that this will not be the last we meet, and that I will be able to live the dream of working and residing in Plan Now for Scholarship northern Michigan. I hope to always be a part of the Northern The NMTMA Member Scholarship is available to any Michigan Turf Manager’s Association, and the pride I feel as members son or daughter who is studying in a field unrelated to golf course management. The topic this year will deal with the recipient of this award will not diminish. Thank you again the student discussing their parents (grandparent or setp- for this honor and I hope we will always have favorable parent) involvement with the NMTMA and golf. Describe relationships in the future. their own perceptions about the profession and the impact Sincerely, their career as golf course superintendent or sales representa­ Edward G.Simon tive has had upon them. This essay must be the original work of the applicant. The winner will be awarded $1000.00 to help pay college tuition. More information will be given at the April mini-conference. The NMTMA appreciates the support from the following businesses... • IRRIGATION • • FERTILIZERS, CHEMICALS & SEED • • EQUIPMENT, SERVICE & SUPPLIES • Thielen Turf Irrigation, Inc. Chipco* 26 GT D & C Distributors, Inc. Golf Course Installations Bob Dugan Your One Stop Shop (517) 773-3409 (734) 782-0323 800-888-7779 • Fax (248) 446-1654 Century Rain Aid Turfgrass Inc. Turf Services, Inc. Legacy Golf We Serve You Better Matt Heiss 800-347-4272 (800) 521-8873 (616) 842-4975 • SOD, SOIL & CONSTRUCTION • The Scotts Company W. F. Miller Company Ed Carmody The Professional Choice on Turf Beck Sod Farm (616) 946-6594 (800) 555-8189 • (248) 349-0406 George or Lois Beck (800) 968-2325 • Fax (517) 864-3055 Lebanon-Seaboard Fertilizer & Seed GRASS - CRAFT Industries The Best Agronomics/Value Available A Full Line of Hovering Mowers Huggett Sod Farm, Inc. Randy - 248- 673-7146 (800) 760-1680 • (207) 878-5353 Top Quality Sod/Bent, Trees & Peat (517) 635-7482 • Fax (517) 635-7484 Sweeney Seed Company Weingartz Golf & Turf It Pays to Plant The Best Don Alexander Bunting Sand & Gravel Products Inc. (800) 344-2482 (517) 773-5391 (888) 4-JDTURF • (616) 696-2913 Robert Resteiner (517) 345-2373 Turf Chemicals, Inc. Valley Turf, Inc. Fertilizers For Better Turf Your Reel Support in Northern Michigan • CONTRACT SERVICES • 517-725-7145 Fax 517-723-7410 (616) 369-3482 • (800) 688-3605 Commercial/Environmental Turf Services United Horticultural Supply • GOLF CART SALES & SERVICE • The Friendly Deep Aerifiers Finest Products Available Today (800) 802-2970 • (517) 274-8188 Tire Wholesalers Company-North 800-231-5296 • 810-858-7700 Dan Cress - Tires & Tubes • FERTILIZERS, CHEMICALS & SEED • Green Growth Supply Co., Inc. (616) 775-6666 • Fax (616) 775-8810 Providing A Balance for All Seasons Boylan Sales Inc. Benham Chemical Corporation (800) 315-5777 • Fax (800) 501-9902 Yamaha Golf Cars Serving Michigan (616) 685-6828 • (810) 742-3700 • OTHER• 800-482-6520 Greenspike, Inc. •ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN & CONSULTING • Tri-Turf No Protrusions • No Lost Spikes C.J. Colein & Associates, Inc. A Warehouse on Wheels (616) 352-7000 (616) 943-8343 Carole Colein (248) 656-6805 ...and we encourage you to support them. Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association P.O. Box 80086 Lansing, Michigan 48908 Dr. James H. Beard International Sports Turf Box 10065 College Station, TX 77842 NMTMA Executive Committee Brian Holmes - President Doug Kendziorski - Vice President Dan Hunt - Secretary/Treasurer Tom Reed - Executive Secretary Jon Maddern - Recording Secretary beard COLLECT’