NORTHERN MICHIGAN TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATI C. E. TUCK” TATE, PRESIDENT FRANK HEMINGER, Secretary-Treas. 1 1 47 SANTO TRAVERSE CITY, Ml. 49684 CHRISTMAS 1980 PHONE: 616-947-9274 ’’Seasons Greetings” - May the years of your life be pleasant, May And tice, J May May onward, With many surprises in store, and COLLECTION the days that were happy and golden, Prove merely the promise of more. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Your Board of Directors would like to add to the above and wish everyone the finest Christmas ever and a very Happy New Year, filled with good health, good weather, good turf, cooperation with Mother Nature and very few problems in maintaining your beautiful green area in 1981. ***»*********************>H.***^****,HHt**-X-K4HHHHHH<-**********>^**^*******.#** October 25th was our big Social Party at Shuss Mountain. We would be remiss if we did not thank the social committee for arranging one of the nicest evenings that we could have had. The people at Shuss did themselves proud by serving one of the best meals that this writer has had in a long while. Also special thanks to our hosts of our "Get Acquainted" party preceeding the dinner, W.F. Miller Co., Sandy- Mac Corporation, Spartan Distributors and the reps from O.M. Scott & Sons, Jim Bogart and Jim Brocklehurst. Also special thanks goes to our Master of Ceremonies "Andy" Bertoni who was at his best in keeping everyone rolling in the aisles with laughter. It was a memorable evening in spite of being a bit chilly. 1981 is just around the corner and we must think in terms of what will happen then and the first big thing on the calendar will be January 13 and lU. These are the two days of the 51st Michigan Turfgrass Conference at Kellogg Center for continuing Education at Michigan State University. We hope that everyone of you will mark your calendars so that you will be there as a very special Turf Conference is planned with outstanding speakers from Michigan State and also from out of state. Dr. A1 Turgeon, Texas A. & M. University, Dr. Tom Watsche, Penn State University, Dr. Don White, University of Minnesota and much, much, more!!!! Some of the Conference topics will be: Dormant Nitrogen Fertility — Is It for You! Sand Top Dressing — Pros and Cons After Another Year of Experience Pre-Emergence Herbicide — How Thatch and Irrigation Effect Their Longevity Fairway Yellowing During The Summer of 1980 Praise is priceless—and costless. Classic What? In evaluating his decade-long swing- Wtjat is Ttapptnrss? tinkering on the PGA Tour, it dawned on old friend Allen Miller that the I^olf is happiness for legends of the sport, those who made indelible marks, almost to a man, had happiness is aebiebement something less than what theorists ftbe father of aebiebement is motibation would call classic swings. Harry Vardon and Bob Jones “broke” left £be motber is encouragement elbows in the upswing. The Haig &bt fme golf Sluing is trulp acbiePement looked as if he were straddling a drain­ age ditch and lashed at the ball as if jfWan map lie, cheat, and steal for gam hitting a triple to right. Ben Hogan I $ut, these mill neber gam the golf sluing was the model for the former Bauer sisters’ backswing-touch-the-turf style, £0 gain the golf Sluing man must tuorfe and Ben Hogan II, after the accident, Det it is tuorfe tuitbout toil was flat and did things with hand posi­ 3t is exercise tuitbout the boredom tion within the swing still a mystery. Only Sam Snead, in this roll call so far, 3t is intoxication tuitbout the bangober possessed a lyrical action. Arnold 3t is stimulation tuitbout tbe pills Palmer blocked from a dreaded hook to such an extent his followthrough was 3t is failure pet its successes sbine eben more brigbtlp a corkscrew to accommodate. 3t is frustration pet it nourishes patience Gary Player seldom is on balance, and he has had several swings in a dis­ St irritates pet its Soothing is far greater tinguished and lengthy career, the St is futilitp pet it nurtures hope latest and longest-lived being a violent turnover at impact. Jack Nlcklaus, as St is defeating pet it generates courage everyone knew at the beginning, would St is bumbling pet it ennobles the human spirit have to rid himself of that flying right St is dignitp pet it rejects arrogance elbow. And now Tom Watson. His ultra­ quick lower body action, when timed Sts price is bish pet its retoards are richer properly, produced such things as &ome map Sap it is a bop’s pastime pet it builds men three rounds of 65 at Firestone. When timing Is off, it causes a 75, as it did at St is a buffer for the stresses of todap’s libmg Firestone this year. St cleanses the mind and rejubenates the bodp “What does all this mean?” Miller asks himself. “The perfect swing is one St is these things and manp more for those of us that suits a particular player and gets tubo fenotu it and lobe it. the job done at the moment of impact. Miller Barber, Doug Sanders, Gay igolf is trulp happiness. Brewer ... all winners ... but with, in $aul Hertbolp order, a drastically-flying right elbow, an open-to-open swing, and a loop at the top of the backswing. One has to think, with this evidence, so what? Do your own thing if it gets the job done. Sure there is constant refinement and improvement and ongoing learning process on tour by all players. But it is obvious, don’t you think, that these Patient: “Doctor, is there anything wrong with me? Don’t great players basically played with frighten me half to death by giving it a long scientific name. Just what they had going for them, and tell me in plain English.” well? This may be a contribution to a Doctor: “Well, to be perfectly frank, you are just plain lazy.” sport I love. If a youngster has made Patient: “Thank you doctor. Now please give me the scientific the PGA Tour, then his swing need not name for it so I can tell the family.” be drastically altered. To become a win­ ner, a player needs a swing he can trust, then he needs to understand what his nervous system is doing under fire and learn to control it. Lastly, The Famous Phrase he either needs to increase his arsenal If 100 persons are asked who first said, “of the people, by the people, of shots, or avoid shots that have not for the people,” probably 99 out of the 100 will reply, “Lincoln”; and, in been practiced to a degree that they come naturally during competition.” ail probability, the hundredth will add, “in his Gettysburg Address.” Hey, Allen, you left Lee Trevino off The famous phrase, familiar to millions of schoolchildren and their that list. “The best shotmaker on tour elders actually is 578 years old, and once appeared in the Bible! In John and uses a wedge stance. I rest my Wycliffe’s introduction to his translation of the Bible, published in case.” England in 1382, these words occurred: “This Bible is for the Govern­ ment of the People, by the People, and for the People.” “MEETING GOLF’S CHALLENGES EFFICIENTLY" TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR CHAIN SAW For many people, winter’s onset means that it’s time to lay JANUARY 25-30, 1981 ANAHEIM. CALIFORNIA in a supply of firewood. Others will take advantage of the slow season to clear away unwanted brush and dead trees. Whatever the reason, it’s time to get your chain saw running 52nd International Turfgrass right. If yours doesn’t sound quite right, or if it isn’t cutting Conference & Show properly, the problem might be a simple one that you could correct easily. Check in your owner’s manual for a trouble­ shooting guide which correlates symptoms with possible mechanical problems and corrections. If your manual is lost, refer to this guide prepared by the John Deere Company, Moline, IL. 1. Poor Cutting. First, check the chain. It may be dull or have been improperly sharpened. Also, while wearing gloves, check the chain tension by lifting the chain at the center of the guidebar until the bar itself lifts up. The bottom of the drive lug should be flush with the top of the guide bar. Is the guide bar damaged? Is the chain installed backward? Always put the chain on the guide bar so that the top cutting edges face the nose of the bar. Goli course managers educators and industry Non GCSAA members may use the coupon below representatives from around the world will gaiLer to request materials Please complete and send to If the chain and guide bar check out, then the problem may in Anaheim California Jan 25-30 for the 52nd GCSAA Headquarters 1617 St Andrews Dove International Turlgrass Conference and Show Join Lawrence Kansas 66044 be in the power supply. Check for dirt in the exhaust ports them for this once a year opportunity to learn about the latest developments in turfgrass and muffler, and look for a dirty fuel filter. Finally, adjust management services and equipment the carburetor. Conference Highlight* Include 2. Oiler not working. Maybe it’s simply out of oil, or the • Pre-conference Seminars • Four Days of Education Sessions oil supply hole is plugged. See if the oil strainer is dirty. • Turfgrass Industry Show • Annual Meeting & Election Perhaps the vent in the oil tank cap is plugged. BE sure the • Ladies Program • Certification Examination oiler is adjusted correctly. • Social Events • Golf Course Tour 3. Engine won't start. Read the operator’s manual or call a dealer to check the proper starting procedure. It could be out of gas or simply flooded. If the sparkplug is fouled, replace it. Check the carburetor adjustment. 4. Engine dies or accelerates poorly. This problem can be Convention Costs Deductible caused by a fouled spark plug, a dirty air cleaner, or plugged vent on the fuel tank cap. Maybe the saw simply ran out of Information from Society of American Florists: gas. The carburetor could be adjusted incorrectly. Travel, hotel and meal expenses incurred while attending If after you check the problems listed, the symptoms per­ business meetings such as conventions are deductible sist, take the chain saw to a dealer who offers repair service. on your tax returns, but record keeping and documenta­ tion requirements must be followed. Records must be kept of: — * - - 1. The amount of expenses GCSAA GOLF TOURNAMENT TO BE PLAYED 2. Dates and distances traveled AT INDUSTRY HILLS GOLF CLUB 3. The business purpose of the trip On site registration and the posting of scores The first two requirements will be satisfied if records are will be set up at the Inn at the Park Hotel. Practice retained in a diary - with an accurate listing of all ex­ rounds may be played on Tuesday and Wednes­ penses. Each expense item must indicate date, place and day, January 20 & 21. The GCSAA golf tournament business purpose. will be played on Thursday and Friday, January 22 & 23, at Industry Hills Golf Club. The participants Mileage, gas, tolls and other out-of-pocket expenses are will play on two eighteen hole courses, the Babe also deductible. 1RS agents customarily scrutinize travel Zaharias and the Dwight D. Eisenhower. There will expense deductions which appear to be “vacations in be a 10:00 a.m. shot-gun start for both days. Bus disguise.” transportation to and from the hotel to the golf It’s good insurance to retain general documentation course will be provided on both days. There will be (such as a convention program book) to demonstrate the a luncheon on Thursday and a banquet on Friday, serious business nature of the meeting. The final indica­ both of which will be held out at Industry Hills. tion of business purpose is the motivation for a partici­ The ladies will be playing their tournament out pant’s attendance at a meeting or convention. at Anaheim Hills C.C. on Thursday, January 22. The true test - and the one generally accepted as valid by There will be starting times from 9:00 a.m. to 1RS agents - is whether attendance advanced orbenefited 10:30 a.m. They will also have a practice round on the business interest of the individual attending the Wednesday, January 21. Bus transportation to and conference. from the hotel to the golf course will be provided for both days. ^npenntendenh ^dsAociation- ourie PRO OR AM? Patrick Siuarlt It would not be inaccurate to say that golf architects (1 which is often, finish in the rough; that will give him plenty know three, though not closely) in general view golfers, in of food for thought. The erasing of bunkers should be left to particular committees, as morons. Golfers, in their turn, incline an architect, otherwise you have conflict in the club between to regard the architect as an invention of the devil, and the the habitual slicers and the habitual hookers. committee morons for calling upon him. They dislike paying out money for a task they consider could be carried out by Il is the good player who should be challenged, both in his themselves. thinking and his strokemaking. Hi* must be forced to calculate risks: by how much dare he; cut off a corner, will it or will it 1 have in mind alterations to existing holes. It should be not pay him to go for the pin with his next? He should be obvious that the planning of a new course out of virgin wood­ made to think on e very stroke in the round. land, or using to their best advantage the sweeps and folds of commonland can be left only to the professional designer. There* is a school, small, may Allah be praised, who wish to He has three primary qualities: knowledge, experience and replace rough grass, heather or bracken with trees. In imagination. He can see the wood for trees. earlie r days a hall in the rough could be counted as costing half a stroke. With trees it depends which side of the tree the Though, to adapt the words of P. G. Wodehouse (I think ball strikes. in reference to bishops), the incidence of insanity among architects is not high, two of these gentlemen, of different The only bad hole is one that is featureless and dull. Luck? firms and editors of different journals, have accepted my effu­ We hear too much of so-called unfairness. Bernard Darwin sions. I put that forward as the reason for my presumption in when writing on this asked: “Do we wish to raise the game discussing the make-up of golf holes. I have been on both sides to the bloomless he ights of chess?” I confess to a weakness of the fence. During 25 years in the colonies (an archaic for blind holes — fun and luck I can, however, picture what word), in the absence of anyone else I was invited on three would happen to the professional designer who introduced occasions to ‘improve’ holes, thus becoming, may I be for­ one into his plan. And yet life consists of wondering what given, an amateur architect. The bush had already been lies on the other side of the hill. cleared, inevitably in dead straight tram lines ... no im­ agination. There is a de lusion that a good player can lay out a good hole. There was a famous amate ur inte rnational, a good frie nd A good golf hole is one that makes the useful player scratch of mine now dead, who for no apparent reason layed down his head a bit when on the tee. His drive must be placed so a green close to the existing one*. I paced its area one day. that the green, if not the Hag, should be ‘open house’ for the Seven paces wide, 12 from front to back. He did me* the honour second. But, and this is important, the ordinary club member of asking what I thought of it. My reply was that given a who is not looking for and unlikely to achieve a four, must medium or long iron to this unwatered green, 1 would bet have an alternate route so that he may enjoy his game; which against Henry Cotton at his best having the ball on that green when all is said and done, is the reason why he pays a sub­ more* than three times in 20 attempts. It was never used. scription. And that surely is the practical idea of a hole. It is pqssible for a single, intelligently sited bunker to govern the I recall a course which was altere d by a famous professional. tactical play of a hole. The members, who contributed to the cost, now find it takes half an hour longer to complete the round. There is a ne w In this discourse 1 should mention, with the purpose of my shoit hole, a feature- of which 1 cannot fathom. The ieeing- editor retaining his reason, that there is a clause in most jour­ grounel is at the top green defended immediately in front by nals to the effect that the editor does not necessarily agree a stream. An out-of-bounds fence on the le/t. Just over the wate r with his contributors’ opinions. hazard and a se ntinel over the le ft entrances to the gree n stands a tree. The right-hand side is open, calling for a downhill It is interesting to take a look at some old courses that have chip. So far, so good. But just beyond that tree is a bunker. not altered over the years. It can be that even the old die- What for ? One or the* other is dispensable. That is an isolated hards would agree with certain changes. I believe that the case. If alterations are to be made, I come down heavily on first act of an architect would be to abolish a large number the side of the Pro architect against the Am. of bunkers. These in the old days were placed to punish the poor players. A stupid policy, for in that category he has quite There remains one question. Provided the course is not enough on his hands in reaching the hole at all. I hose point­ one of those that caters for professional tournaments, or up­ less bunkers, those ancient barrows planted with primness on keep is a burden, why not leave things as they are? In short, either side of the fairway catch the sliced or pulled drive, committe es are not elected to change a course. and repeated some way from the green to trap the inferior second. They are, so far as the good striker is concerned, The British Golf Creenkeeper redundant. Today he can carry them. Fill them in. They cost money in upkeep. Let the long-handicap player when he errs, A judge asked a man why he had not spoken to his wife for three years. He replied, “I didn’t want to interrupt her.” THE FERTILIZER FACTS AND FICTION OF The key to a good blended product is uniformity in particle size. If the manufacturer buys raw materials BLENDED VERSUS GRANULATED with uniform screen size as a prime consideration, uses For those who make a livelihood by maintaining fine good judgment and housekeeping to eliminate dust, turf, as well as the do-it-yourself homeowner who is and screens the finished product, an excellent non­ particular about his picturesque lawn, high quality segregating free flowing fertilizer can be the result. A fertilizer is indispensible. This means the right company that uses these practices had a better analysis nutrients must be present. It also means good storage, test record in one state than its ammoniating competi­ handling and spreading properties. Here is where the tors. manufacturer’s skill and integrity are paramount. As it Certain unique forms of nitrogen such as I.B.D.U. is with most things, there is the right and wrong way to and sulfur coated urea as well as chelated sources of manufacture fertilizer. iron and other trace elements cannot be ammoniated Companies selling ammoniated or granulated turf because the heat of the process destroys their slow fertilizers sometimes point an accusing finger at * release and available properties. These important blended products and claim they are inferior. In many nutrient sources have to be blended with a base product cases, this has been a fair accusation but with others it to be available in a complete fertilizer. Careful planning was a way to divert scrutiny of their own products. of a blended product can produce a beautiful combina­ Generally, dry blended fertilizer is made specifically tion of uniform prills that will be dust free, hard for bulk farm spreading and crop use. Farm fertilizers surfaced, nonsegregating and excellent for broadcast tend to be high in phosphorous and potash and low in application. nitrogen. Almost the opposite is required by turf. As Because of environmental controls and the high cost a consequence, most blenders combine Ammonium of building and maintaining a large ammoniation plant, Nitrate (33V3-0-0) or Urea (45-0-0) with Triple Super fewer are in existence. Today there are only 200 Phosphate (0-60-0), Diammonium Phosphate (18-46-0), ammoniating plants versus 5,000 blend plants in the Muriate of Potash (0-0-62), and limestone. Some of USA. these raw materials are high in salt content and are In determining which type of fertilizer is best - the immediately available. Because of the large volume of blend on the granulation, the following are the fertilizers needed by farmers, cost is an important important points to use in making your judgment: consideration. Blenders tend to buy the best deal in 1. Who are you buying it from? Are they reputable? Do price and sometimes sacrifice uniformity in particle they stand behind what they sell? size. Fertilizers lacking particle uniformity would not be 2. Who is the manufacturer? Will they be here recommended for turf. tomorrow? Are they capable of producing a consistent The quality and analysis accuracy of ammoniated or quality fertilizer? granulated fertilizer is almost entirely dependent upon 3. Does the product meet your nutritional require­ the manufacturer’s facilities and the plant superinten­ ments? Does it have the desired ratio of nitrogen, dent. The best superintendents or ammoniating fore­ phosphorus and potash? Does it include water insoluble men are those having the experience and know-how of nitrogen? Does it contain the secondary and micro or when and how much of each ingredient to add to get an trace nutrients you need? Does it contain the type of acceptable granule. It is a skill learned over the years nitrogen and potash you prefer? that not everyone can master. If ammoniated products 4. Will it spread properly? If for golf greens, are the are not dried properly in production or are not able to particles fine enough so that the mowers will not pick “cure” (chemically react) in bulk storage they may them up? If for large turf areas, are particles uniform harden after they are bagged, thus making application and large enough for broadcasting? difficult and tedious. 5. Is it manufactured in such a way that it won’t It is very rarely true that each granule in an segregate and streak the turf? Is it uniform in particle ammoniated product contains the same analysis as size? Will the product flow easily through the spreader? printed on the bag. The larger granules tend to be high If all the above questions are answered with “yes” in phosphate and the smaller are high in potash. Many then compare the cost. If the product meets all of the times, the fines are 100% potash. Most farm grades are above requirements to your satisfaction and the cost is easy to ammoniate because they are high in phosphate competitive, then buy it whether it is a blend or content. Phosphoric acid helps the granulation process granulated. and produces a harder granule. An easy analysis to MAKE GRASS STAND UP FOR IT’S ROOTS! ammoniate would be a 1-2-1 ration, such as 5-10-5. The Roger A. Brown higher the nitrogen and potash and the lower the phos­ The Andersons, Lawn Fertilizer Section phate, the more difficult the ammoniation process. The home lawn analysis, 20-10-5, has been popular for a long time, not because it is a good ratio for grass, but because its high phosphate content makes it easier to granulate. A 25-5-10 analysis would be a very If you think you are beaten, you are; difficult fertilizer to manufacture and in some plants it would be impossible. A high.concentration analysis like If you think you dare not, you don’t. 25-5-10 or 33-3-10 doesn’t allow room in the formula for If you’d like to win, but think you can’t, the chemical reaction needed to create the necessary It’s almost a cinch you won’t. granulation action. That is why a low analysis high If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost, phosphate product can be hard, free flowing, uniform For out iii the world we find and dust free. On the other hand, a high analysis, low Success begins with a fellow’s will; phosphate fertilizer might be inconsistent in particle It’s all in the state of mind. size with a soft surface that cannot withstand trans­ Life’s battles don’t always go portation and wears down causing a dusty product. To the stronger or faster man; Some companies will make a base grade and blend nitrogen with it to form a high nitrogen analysis with But soon or late the man who wins better spread-ability. In this case, you have a blended is the one who thinks he can. product of nitrogen and base. Success is often a matter of form: reform, conform, perform. Harry C. Mabry \\ The 1981 membership booklet will soon be going to press and we would like to make it as current as possible. If there has been any change in your address, position, club affiliation, telephone numbers, now is the time to inform our editor, Tuck Tate, 1216 Whitfield Ave., Sarasota, FI. 33580. A note with the correct changes is all that is necessary. We want to also inform you that if you have not paid I98O or 1981 dues, your name will be dropped and not listed. If you do not know if you owe dues and everyone should be aware, however to be sure, you will have to contact our Sec.-Treas. Frank Heminger. His telephone is listed on page 1 as well as his address. You will not get another notification therefore your cooperation will be appreciated. OFFICIAL SLATE OF CANDIDATES DETERMINED The GCSAA Nominating Committee has announced the official slate of candidates for the 1981 annual election. President Michael R. Bavier, CGCS Vice President David C. Holler, CGCS James A. Wyllie, CGCS Director Eugene D. Baston, CGCS BEARD Riley L. Stottern, CGCS caiKiioN Cary L. Tegtmeyer, CGCS Robert R. Wilson An old and homely story tells of a father who, in guiding his son, told him to drive a nail into a post every time he did an evil thing, Liming neutralizes and to withdraw one nail every time he did a good act. The son did as he was told, and after a time, while he had driven acid content of soil many nails into the post, he had succeeded in doing enough good The primary reason for liming turf deeds to be able to withdraw all of them. So he proudly called his is to neutralize soil acidity. Limes­ father, to show him that all the nails had been withdrawn. tone neutralizes acidity because of “But,” said the father, “why those holes in the post?” its carbonate content, not its cal­ “That’s where the nails have been,” meekly said the son. cium or magnesium content. “And so it is with life, son,” admonished the father. “You may Therefore, to neutralize acidity, do good deeds, turn over a new leaf, or correct your mistakes, but you want a limestone that is high the nail holes of wrong-doing are still there.” in carbonate content. The Kleinknecht Encyclopedia Limestone also has other bene­ fits. It is a source of two essential plant nutrients, calcium and mag­ nesium. If your soil needs both The kindergarten lad rushed home from school and insisted his calcium and magnesium and if it is mother buy him a set of pistols, holsters and gun belt. also acid and needs to be limed, “Whatever for, dear?” his mother asked. “You surely would not select a limestone that contains need anything like that for school, would you?” both calcium and magnesium car­ “Yes, I do,” he replied. “My teacher said that tomorrow she’s bonate. This is called a dolomitic going to teach us to draw.” or high-magnesium limestone. If, however, your soil is very high in magnesium and needs only calcium and is not acid, use a The development of a new product is a three step process: first, limestone that contains only cal­ an American firm announces an invention; second, the Russians cium carbonate. This is called a claim they made the same discovery twenty years ago; third, the calcite limestone. Japanese start exporting it. If you have not paid your membership dues for 1981, now is a good time to get out your checkbook and include it with a Christmas message to our Sec.-Treas. Frank Heminger.