FRANK HEMINGER. SECRETARY-TREAS. 1 1 47 SANTO CHRISTMAS 1982 TRAVERSE CITY, Ml. 49684 PHONE: 616-947-9274 "Seasons Greetings" - May the years of your life be pleasant, May your beautiful dreams come true, And in all that you plan and prac­ tice, May blessings decend on you, May the trail of your life lead onward, With many surprises in store, and the days that were happy and golden, Prove merely the promise of more. 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 1983* October 9th, was our big Social Party for the Gals at Micawye Hills. We would be remiss if we did not thank the Social Committee for arranging one of the nicest evenings that we could have had. Our thanks also for arranging for the orchestra goes to W.F. Miller Co., Sandymac Corp., O.M. Scott & Sons, Sprinkler Irrigation Supply, Spartan Distributors and Tri Turf. The people at Michawye Hills did themselves proud by serving one of the nicest meals this writer has had in a long while. In particular we would like to thank Jim Sparling the Superintendent for following up on details, Mike Husby, Professional for his help and hospitality in permitting some to play this fine golf course and to Jim LaDuke, General Manager for his fine personnel that so graciously handled our private party. It was a memorable evening as has been our experience at this beautiful clubhouse. ******************^***«)HHHe****^****^*****^*#**-M^-X4H(***^*************-X-****** 1983 is just around the corner and we must think in terms of what will happen then besides taxes. The first big item on the agenda will be the 53rd Annual Michigan Turfgrass Conference, sponsored by Michigan State University and the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation at Long’s Convention Center in Lansing. An interesting program is in store for thos who attend. Special sessions will include emphasis on MSU turfgrass research reports, golf course management, lawn care business topics, athletic field management, sod production, clipping removalfrom fairways and other important green industry subjects. There will be many out of state speakers, Dr. Joe Duich, Professor of Turf Management at Penn State, Dr. Harry Niemcxyk, Professor of Entomology, Ohio State University and Dr. David Nielson, Professor of Plant Pathology, also from Ohio State, plus speakers from M.S.U. and other places. It will be an outstanding educational program. Then on Wednesday afternoon there will be special "basic school" sessions available on a first come, first serve basis, including two hour sessions on turf insect iden­ tification, shrub and tree pest indetification, grass identification and basic soils. Those who wish to take their pesticide applicators certification or recertification examinations will he able to do just that. Jan. 18 & 19th are the d^tes. THE MICRO-COMPUTER . . A tool for golf course maintenance now and in the future. by David L. Moote Teaching Master, Seneca College Golf Course Technician Program R.F. Moote & Associates Ltd. Golf Course & Landscape Architects As a golf course superintendent, programming, a lack of orientation by with double disc options» The base price making the most of your valuable time is superintendents to the EDP field, as for a full hardware package would be a priority. As monies and course main­ well as, no real need, all have been approximately $5,000.00 plus tax. tenance budgets have tightened up, an contributing factors. Computer educa­ Group three models are those denoted increasingly significant amount of the tion courses offered to date at colleges, as persona, computers. The range for a superintendent’s time and responsibil­ universities and as professional devel­ Vic-20, 21 LOG, Timex (Sinclair), Vic-64, ity is being devoted to the “business” opment or continuing education exper­ etc. is $400.00 to $700.00. Certain management aspect of greenkeeping; iences have been confusing and highly models have been reportedly selling for an amount of time equal to and in some complicated. Content, traditionally has $99.95 U.S. Before you run out and cases exceeding that relegated to the dealt more with programming, technical purchase one of these computers be actual management of your turf. In effic­ control languages and comprehension certain that it covers the full range of iently allocating every course mainten­ of the big central computers (main your needs, both now and in the short­ ance dollar, detailed records of past, frame and mini computers), than simple term future (options, etc.). To start with, present and future must be available at “use” and “application”. This has tended 48K memory capability is a minimum a moment’s notice for constant monitor­ to reduce interest in potential users requirement. From a business stand­ ing and comparison. Be it a breakdown from all fields, especially those in small point, use of a personal computer of any budget category, tracing a specif­ business. (group 3) is very limited. These are ic invoice or the date of a memo, adding Recently, feasible computer systems tremendous learning devices, calcula­ comments to your file on an employee, and programs have begun to infiltrate tors, entertainment, etc., but their analyzing time spent at specific jobs the small business field. As opposed to capabilities are simply too restricted for throughout the season, reference to the costly central main frame and mini golf course applications in particular. past records, a summary of planned computer-individual terminal system In assessing the potential of the vari­ daily activities, a budget update and with its time sharing, response time and ous micro-computers it is recommended forecast, your fertilizer or chemical control language intricacies and prob­ that those in group two with double disc schedule and rates, reference to a lems, “micro-computers” have emerged drive are most suited to the needs of the library of specific technical information, to meet the needs of small business. golf course superintendent. In fact, justi­ performing calculations, correlating These completely independent, single- fication for such a purchase, purely from weather with disease incidence, check­ user systems have made a significant an economic standpoint, can be realized ing back in your daily journal for activities impact on the market place with appli­ within the first or second year depend­ on a given day, metric conversions, cations to the golf course maintenance ing on respective budget allocations. inventory of supplies, the mechanical industry. The beauty of the micro­ Again, including a monitor, processor repair history of a given machine, or computer, in addition to the indepen­ and printer, you should be prepared to preparation of 10 copies outlining the dence it offers, is its simpleness. invest $5,000.00 plus tax for the hard­ feasibility and justification for the pur­ Functions, operations, interpretation, ware or equipment. An estimate of soft­ chase of a new piece of equipment, etc., inter-relationships are all easily under­ ware (programs) costs would be in the considerable time and effort are repre­ stood, as is the control language. neighbourhood of an additional sented. One need only recall that trivial Reasonable cost is another positive $5,000.00 for a total of $10,000.00. At error in calculation which required such factor. Three primary categories of present, approximately ±50% of the golf painstaking corrections to last year’s micro-computers exist as determined course superintendent’s needs could budget forecast. Could a computer be by price. The IBM PC, Apple III, Super be satisfied with existing programs. the answer? Pet, etc. represent the first group. Prices These are readily available throughout Several superintendents have made here start at $7,000.00 for the hardware Canada at prices ranging from $170.00 peripheral use of small computers, alone. These models have secondary to $595.00 each. Preliminary work has while others, particularly those at storage (memory) potential in addition been initiated towards the development municipal courses, have been able to to the capability to talk to a main frame of software that relates specifically to tap into larger central computer as a terminal. One should expect a cost the varying needs of golf course super­ systems. It goes without saying, how­ of $10,000.00 plus tax for a system in intendents across Canada; however, at ever, that the computer has had little or this category which includes processor, programming costs of up to $250.00/hr., no direct impact on the Canadian golf monitor and printer. Four thousand progress has been limited. Certain course maintenance industry. Since the dollars ($4,000.00) plus tax is the start­ cases exist in which individuals or golf inception of computer applications to ing price for such models as the Apple 11, courses, who possess programming business, the cost of computer hard­ Pet, TRS-80 and Osbourn which com­ capabilities, have attempted to develop ware (equipment), the developmental prise the second group. Although a their own software. Such significant costs software (programs) production, lesser amount of secondary storage is consumption of time, in addition to costs the “mystique” of the computer and available, this may be supplemented and norma, duties has made this NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1982 QREENMASTER 2 approach practically prohibitive. As the the businessman must learn how to use micro-computer's cost-effectiveness and versatility become more apparent this tool. A small percentage of educa­ The Whole ...... ............ tional programmes have begun to and allow you, the golf course superin­ reflect this “use” and “application” In One tendent, to perform your duties more philosophy. In selecting a computer efficiently, market demand will increase. course, it is suggested that you question This growth is a requisite for direct the content and direction of the course increases in the availability of specific prior to registration. If it is not related golf maintenance software programs at specifically to micro-computers and the Turf reduced costs. user, try another one. As a small busi­ Regarding software and micro­ nessman or golf course superintendent,. management computer selection, a note of caution the emphasis should be on basic micro­ must be brought to light. Among models computer information, orientation, from various manufacturers, such as the terminology and use only. The program­ For Golf Courses Apple II, Pet, TRS-80, or any other, soft­ ming aspect, which, as previously ware is not directly transferable. For mentioned, tends to lose interested instance, a program prepared for an individuals, should be minimized. Taking by James B. Beard Apple II can not simply be inserted into a you through a simple program and relat­ Texas A & M University PET system. Unfortunately, software is ing how modifications can be made to specific to the model and manufacturer suit your specific needs will enable you for which it was developed. In practice, it to take full advantage of the micro­ Now an eminent turfgrass re­ would be far more feasible to take computer. searcher has written a complete advantage of the full range of benefits at Without question, the micro-computer handbook of turf management. a reasonable cost undertaking, if those can eliminate hours of record-keeping Sponsored by the USGA, Turf interested individuals within the and wasted time each day. Time can be Management was specifically Canadian golf maintenance industry, as allotted to other vita, areas with the only prepared as a comprehensive re­ a group, were to standardize hard and consequence being a more efficient ference and “how to” guide for software requirements. The benefits course maintenance operation. Further green committee chairmen, golf could be practically limitless. information regarding any topics course superintendents, and One final point concerning the use of touched upon including the purchase of other turf professionals. Whether micro-computers is the changing atti­ micro-computer hardware, current soft­ you’re dealing with a leaf wilt tude of computer educators. Since the ware development and understandable problem, construction of a new application of the micro-computer is user-oriented educational sessions is bunker, or tournament prepara­ primarily in the small business sector, available through the Greenmaster. tions, you’,, want to keep this GREENMASTER book handy. ,------------ ------- —--------------------------------- Up-to-date, c,early-written, and organized for convenience, Turf Future Site Options For Management thoroughly covers turf maintenance, disease and GCSAA Conference And Show pest control, equipment, irriga­ tion, course design and construc­ 1983 - ATLANTA tion, and management of course 1984 - LAS VEGAS operations. Tips on tournament 1985 - WASHINGTON, D.C. arrangements, security, landscap­ ing, and traffic patterns are also 1986 - SAN FRANCISCO included (Approved and Selected) Hundreds of illustrations - line drawings, charts, graphs, and Options 1987-2000 photographs - summarize valu­ able information for easy-to-find Primary Target: Back-Up Options: reference. 1987 Phoenix New Orleans 1982, 660 pageb, cloth 1988 Orlando Atlanta New York 1989 Los Angeles Anaheim San Francisco 1990 Orlando Atlanta New York To order your copy, send check or 1991 Las Vegas Phoenix Dallas money order for $46.75 to: Burgess Publishing Company 1992 Orlando New York Atlanta Attn: Marjorie Byers, Dept GCM 1993 Phoenix San Francisco Los Angeles 7108 Ohms Lane 1994 San Francisco Phoenix San Diego Minneapolis, MN 55435 1995 Orlando Miami Wash., D.C. 1996 Los Angeles Anaheim San Diego A Publication of 1997 San Diego Las Vegas Anaheim 1998 Wash., D.C. Orlando New York 1999 Phoenix San Francisco Anaheim : □ 2000 San Francisco Los Angeles Anaheim the -U W •••' USGA 3 GRINDERS The grinder is one of the most commonly used shop tools. When using please keep these four things in mind: 1. Operator should ALWAYS wear safety glasses. 2. All guards should be in place and properly positioned. 3. Check the condition of the grinding wheel periodically. 4. All tool rests (on bench grinders) should be properly adjusted. VENTILATION Proper ventilation is required when any of the conditions below exist: 1. When charging a battery. 2. When running any gasoline engine. 3. When painting or using paint thinners. 4. When grinding reels and bedknives. FIRE PREVENTION Fire Extinguishers should be: 1. Positioned where they are easily accessible. 2. A maximum of 5 feet high. 3. Location boMy marked with fire extinguisher sign. ORDERLINESS A clean shop provides a good atmosphere as well as a safe working environment, the following should be avoided: 1. Spilling and leaving oil or grease on the floor. 2. Permitting tools to become in poor operating condition and out of adjustment. 3. Leaving tools scattered around. REMEMBER—A messy, dirty shop is unsafe as well as inefficient. THINK AND USE COMMON SENSE!!! Reach out! International Turfgrass Conference & Show For complete color brochure and registration materials, pleasecalL GQLFCOURSE SUPERINTENDENTSASSOCIATION OFAMERICA TEL: (913) 841-2240 The 1983 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 number or anything else, now is the time to inform our editor, Tuck Tate, 1216 Whitfield Ave., Sarasota, FI. 33580. A note w:th the correct changes is all that is necessary. We would also like to remind you that if you have not paid 1982 or 1983 dues, your name will be dropped from the booklet. If you have any doubt about your dues, please contact Frank Heminger. His address and telephone number is listed on page 1. You will not get another notification on this, therefore your cooperation vrill be appreciated. *****^**##*********************************************************************** Grand Traverse Hilton Village is looking for a new superintendent. If interested please contact Mr. Paul Hackler, Facilities Manager at the hotel, Phone: 616/938- 2100, ask for his extension. Mailing address is Acme, Mi. U96IO. OFFICIAL SLATE OF CANDIDATES DETERMINED The GCSAA Nominating Committee has announced the official slate of candidates for the 1983 annual election. President Robert W. Osterman, CGCS Vice-President James W. Timmerman, CGCS Paul Boixelle, CGCS Directors William J. Emerson, CGCS Donald Hearn, CGCS James E. Lindblad, CGCS Richard V. Slivinski, CGCS *****^HH(-***#*********************************************************************** r The carpenter was helping me restore an old farmhouse and finished up a rough first day on the job. A flat tire lost an hour of work, his elec­ DEEP THOUGHT tric saw quit, and now his ancient pick up refused to start. It’s Saturday morning! While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he in­ It’s bright as can be! vited me to meet his family. As we walked toward his home, he paused How come I’m not out there briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. On some lovely tee? Then, opening the door, he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles, he hugged his two small children My golf clubs are handy, and gave his wife a happy kiss. My shoes are all clean, After our visit he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my Why is it I’m not out curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I saw him do There reading a green? earlier. “Oh, that’s my ‘Trouble Tree.’ I know I can’t help having troubles on Just one thing prevents me the job, but one thing’s for sure—troubles don’t belong in the house with From playing my round: my wife and children. So I just hang ’em on the tree every night when I there’s a foot and a half come home; then in the morning, I pick them up. Funny thing is, when I Of snow on the ground. come out in the morning to pick them up, there aren’t nearly as many as I —Dick Emmons remember hanging up the night before.” John S. Swift Co., Inc. ! Never esteem anything as of advantage to thee that shall make thee break thy word or lose thy self-respect. Marcus A urelius Dues for 1983 have been coming in very well and. we are most grateful. There are still a few who need prodding, won’t you please send your check to our Secretary-Treasurer. 6