NORTHERN MICHIGAN TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION 3733 APOLLO DRIVE • TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN 49684 • 616-943-8343 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26th, 1987»LUNCHEON LAKEWOOD SHORES GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB, INCORPORATED EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 7751 Cedar Lake Road, P. 0. Box U57, Oscoda, Ml. U875) Phone (517) 739-2073 Jonathon Scott President This will be a luncheon meeting so that everyone can get there, enjoy the educational session, play golf and get home at a reasonable time. It is a very fine golf course Paul Holmes to play and the club has an excellent reputation for serving Vice President fine food. Rick York is the superintendent (739-2311) and Doug Brehm is the golf professional (739-2.075). Starting times are not necessary because golf will begin after the David Longfield luncheon meeting. Immediate Past President 11:00 A.M. - Cocktails 12:00 Noon - Luncheon 1:00 P.M. - Speaker Walter Wilkie Directors James Bogart Thomas Brogger Mr. Walter Wilkie, President of Wilkie Turf in Pontiac Thomas Courtemanche is our speaker. Wilkie Turf is the Distributor for Toro Damian Kurkowskl for S.E. Michigan. Prior to taking over this distributorship Charles Menefee Walter owned March Irrigation in Muskegon. As such, Mr. Wilkfe James Olli David Sapp installed irrigation systems at many of the top golf courses Robert Steinhurst across the U. S. The topic chosen for this meeting will aapeaL David Little to all members of N.M.T.M.A.; as Walter discusses the "ONE MINUTE MANAGER." It is a subject that you cannot afford to miss. Past Presidents Ed Karcheski C. E. “Tuck” Tate Lakewood Shores directions, M-32, M-72 and M-55 all run East and West. Get to U. S. 23 the best way possible for you. The Executive Secretary Clubhouse is located 4 miles north of Oscoda on Cedar Lake Thomas Reed Road. If traveling north on U.S. 23 into Oscoda, turn right 3733 Apollo Dr. at Burger King, go | mile to the next light which is Cedar Traverse City, MI. 49684 lake Road and turn right. The Clubhouse is 3i on the left. Phone 616-943-8343 (Bear right at the fork in the road about 1| miles up) If traveling south on U.S.23 into Oscoda, turn right at the Burger King and follow the same directions. Any further questions, please use the phone number above or ask. GOSTt - Luncheon:$6*00/-Carts ÿ $15^00 for 2 passengers, Total package: $13.50 each. *****«**«#****#*#**###***«#**#****##*#****#«*«**##*****#*** On your calendar, mark down the next date of September 22nd, as the Michigan Musser Open Benefit Tournament at Grand COLLECTION Traverse Resort Village "BEAR COURSE". Further details will be forthcoming in our next letter. ******#*****#****«##*##**«**##****#*«-###*#*****#****#**#***# Volume 16 # 1 To be a success one must have enough judgment to be right more often , Editor than he is wrong. And have enough capital, so he can afford to stay in \ C. E. "Tuck" Tate business long enough to profit from his mistakes and to capitalize on them. P.0.Drawer U72 The Kleinknecht Encyclopedia Frankfort,'Mi. U9635 6l6/352-U398 BEHIND THE GREENS BY JON SCOTT, CGCS, PRESIDENT I / While many thought it would newer end, I think the season is starting to wind down -for most of us in northern Michigan. Yes, there's still aerifying to work in around the club championships, and lots o-f ■fertilizer to be put out, not to mention all the fall projects to get done, and the guessing game on budgeting to play, but at least the nights will be cooler, the play slower, the grass greener, and, hopefully, the hours will be shorter. I know it is said every year, but without a doubt, this has been my all time prize winner for tough seasons. From what I hear from some of you, I won't get any arguments. Tell me, Frank Hemminger, don't they get easier as the experience gets greater? Once again, apologies do not suffice to explain the delay in getting our membership book mailed to the members. As this is being written, the book is heading your way. The only positive note is that we have had a significant increase in new members this season and were able to include most of them in the directory. The problem with getting the book out in a timely fashion will be addressed at our next board meeting, and a format will be established at that time for next year's publi cat i on. The Michigan State MTF Turfgrass Field Day will be held Thursday, September 3rd. We would like to organize a transportation pool for our members to attend. If you haven't attended before or in recent years, you are missing one of the best opportunities to review current research results in time for budgeting and fall ordering. It is also a great social gathering of all state turf managers, and a chance to get some unbelievable bargains on supplies and equipment. You might come away from the auction with a real steal! If you are interested in either driving or riding down to MSU on the 3rd and back that evening, call myself or Tom Reed, and we will make the arrangements. Also, on September 14, the first annual michigan Golf Course Superintendents Golf Tournament will be held at Forest Acres Golf Course in East Lansing. This will be a fully flighted, handicap format with many prizes and dinner. Details will be forthcoming, but all of you who like to have fun as well as compete should mark this on your calendar as well as the Michigan Musser on September 22 at the Grand Traverse Resort. Fall is a great time to get away and enjoy some of the benefits of this great profession. We are in the process of looking for candidates for this fall's board elections. If you are interested in helping your association by working on the board through the next year, call myself, Tom Reed, or any board member to let us know. The nomination committee will be meeting soon to gather a list of candidates. Don't forget your trees and shrubs this fall with your fertilizer applications. All plants have had a severe test this summer with the heat and drought, and will need a little help to get through the winter and spring. Wait until the rains start and the soil temperature cools down before applying to avoid further stressing the plant, and follow guidelines in your textbooks or call your extension agent for proper methods. Don't be surprised, however, if you lose some material this winter due to the rough summer. The time to prepare the members and/or owners is now so they know what to expect. 2 Continued on page Continued, from page 2 ........ A.__ .... __ . . ................ . ___ _ ______1--- ----- -- ------ ------------------------ ------------ Our next meetinQ is at Lakewood Shores in Oscoda where Rick York is the new superintendent. Rick is -from the Detroit area and is eager to host the NMTMA and meet our group. I have met Rick previously, and I know he will be a welcome addition to our association. Let's all plan on being there August 26 to show him our appreciation and make a new ■f r i end. See you then. . ... A technical service bulletin from AQUATROLS CORPORATION OF AMERICA, INC. AQUA-GRO COMPATIBILITY AQUA-GRO can be applied in combinations with many materials including fertilizers, insecticides and fungicides, however the proper sequence of mixing is very important. Fertilizers: When preparing stock solutions of AQUA-GRO and water soluble fertilizers (particularly Peters) add the AQUA- GRO to the stock solution first. Many chemical compounds, particularly inorganic fertilizers, evolve or absorb heat when placed into solution. This phenomena is known as the "heat of solution", and can affect compatibility with pro­ ducts such as AQUA-GRO. Iron Chelate: Iron chelate can also be applied in combina­ tion with AQUA-GRO. We recommend that only half the normal rate of Iron be applied. (In combination with AQUA-GRO pene­ tration is greatly enhanced). The following fungicides and insecticides are known to be compatable with AQUA-GRO: Banol Fore Bayleton Fungo Captan Roban Daconil Of tanol Duosan Rubigan Dursban Subdue Dyfonate Tersan Dyrene NOTE: AQUA-GRO is NOT recommended in combination with Acti- dione. If you would like to mix AQUA-GRO with other fertilizers or pesticides try it on a small scale first (usually 1 quart is enough) before mixing up a batch. As AQUA-GRO can increase penetration of both soil and foliar applied pesticides try a few plants first to insure there is no phytotoxicity (this will usually show up in 24-48 hours if there is a problem). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL 1-800-257-7797 IN NJ OR CANADA C^LL COLLECT 609-665-1130 ê Extra practice tees at the Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf allow instructors to work with groups of students on chipping and pitching. The Evolution Of The t driving range has been the homely workhorse of golf— 3 he T that : is until a team of designers, superintendents and golf professionals decided it could be a show horse instead. Let’s face it—the range is the battle zone of golfdom. Even un­ der controlled use and regular repair, the divots from irons and woods make the driving range tee at most courses seem like a blemish rather than the potential moneymaker it is. But this might be changing. It has taken talent, teamwork and technology to design and maintain golf’s impressive new teaching tool, the “super range.” Used as a centerpiece of a golf school, the "super range” draws dedicated duffers from near and far. It also can provide a beau- (Reprinted with o , Jjful "front yard” showcase for an entire course, despite the daily ma a?! d n n permissionrz t? from Ps 1 ^¿punishment it must take from students and others who use it Tl--g zine, i.U.dOX ljb, ^ncino, Ca • for practice. The aesthetic and the monetary rewards associat- 91^26 ) ed with this attractive innovation can be equally as superior. sportsTURF 4 A few superintendents are beginning to appreciate the challenge of improving the driving range. Bob Farren at Pinehurst Coun­ try Club in Pinehurst, NC, Julian Hopkins at the Hills of Lakeway in Austin, TX, Tom Alex at Grand Cypress Golf Course in Orlan­ do, FL, and Tim Gavelek at Alta Mesa Coun­ try Club in Mesa, AZ, have new respect for their driving ranges. The reason is they aren’t just driving ranges, they are carefully- designed practice and teaching areas that are improving the relationship between the superintendent and the golf professional and generating important revenue to their courses. Without taking up much more space than a large driving range, roughly ten acres, a superintendent working with the teaching pro at his course can provide the aspiring golfer with a place to use every club in his bag and practice every possible shot he may face on the course. This is done by adding features such as target greens with multi­ ple pin placements, practice greens, practice bunkers and multiple tees. It’s more work An instructor teaches students sand play in the large practice bunkers at the Lakeway Acade­ for the superintendent, but the work is more my of Golf. rewarding. The result is a school area where golf professionals can teach students skills in a situation closely resembling what they will experience on the course. Computer- assisted video equipment helps the instruc­ tors analyze the student’s swing and body motion. By refining the golfer’s swing and having him practice a wide variety of shots over and over again in a situation much like the actual course, the instructor can do a better job. One instructor can effectively train five to seven students at a time. Golf lessons have always been available from teaching pros at all types of courses, resort courses being no exception. The pro generally teaches the basics of driving, chip­ ping, pitching and putting to students while trying not to disturb golfers on the course. This is not easy when there is a single prac­ tice green, an occasional driving range and a rare practice bunker—all spread out around the course. As a result, many golf instructors have inadequate facilities to pro­ vide their students with confidence in their game before they go out onto the course. While there have been cases of superin­ tendents working with pros to make golf training facilities more organized, it is the evolution of the range area at Pinehurst over the past seven years and the improvement of the Pinehurst concept by Jack Nicklaus in 1981 at the Hills of Lakeway that have resulted in the “super range.’’ Pinehurst began offering junior golf pro­ grams in 1965 on its driving range called “Maniac Hili’’ by its designer, Donald Ross. The range was located next to the second of four courses designed by Ross for Pine­ hurst in the early 1900s and adjacent to sod nursery. Three more courses have since been built at the resort for a total of seven. In 1979, Jack Lumpkin, director of instruc­ tion for Pinehurst, wanted to make adult training programs available. The manage- Large tees at both ends of the driving range at Grand Cypress enable superintendent Tom continued on page 6 Alex to let portions of the tee recover while other portions are being used. May, 1987 Super-Range with sandy soil mixed with perennial ryegrass of the range,” Gavelek said. “When I came continued from page seed. This takes nearly 40 hours each week to Alta Mesa, the range really impressed ment of Club Corporation that owns Pine­ because there is more than an acre of tees me. It shows a range can be more valua­ hurst liked the concept and applied their and 20,000 square feet of chipping area.” ble to a course than previously thought.” marketing skills to create what is known to­ The range and chipping areas are mowed LaBeau can work with students who are day as the Golf Advantage School. They every other day after all divots are repaired. not members of the club without leaving the reasoned that three- to five-day schools Every morning before the students arrive, course. The range generates a profit in ad­ could attract tourist golfers to the famous the greens are mowed and the bunkers are dition to a reputation as the best practice North Carolina resort. Tuition, ranging from raked. The tees are mowed every other range in the Phoenix area. Gavelek assigns $700 to $1,300, would include all instruc­ morning. “First impressions are very impor­ one member of his crew just to the range. tion, greens fees to any of the resort’s tant for the student or the golfer using the In the winter, Gavelek overseeds the tar­ courses, lodging and an assortment of other practice area,” says Crow. “A beat-up driving get greens but not the range. “Golfers pay amenities. range is a poor introduction to a golf course. more attention to accuracy and worry less The decision was made to convert the The entire area is overseeded in late sum­ about distance,” says Gavelek. “You see range, practice green and sod nursery in­ mer just as the courses are.” fewer golfers lifting up big hunks of turf trying to a training center for the school. By remov­ to hit the ball 250 yards.” ing a few trees, an eight-acre square area Both teaching professionals and superin­ was available for a classroom building, the tendents seem to agree that Jack Nicklaus range and other practice features. The tee took the “super-range” concept and perfect­ on one end of the 350-yard-long range and ed it at the Hills of Lakeway in 1981 and the nearby practice green remained avail­ Grand Cypress in 1983. In both cases, the able for golfers preparing to play any of the developers hired Nicklaus to design a golf resort’s courses. Bermudagrass target course and a golf academy. He had been greens were added to the range. A second impressed by the school at Pinehurst but large tee area was constructed on the op­ thought it lacked one primary feature, prac­ posite end for the school. Another large bent- tice holes. So he included three full-length grass putting green was built next to the practice holes to the range configuration, existing practice green. In the remaining one par 3, one par 4 and a par 5. Each of space two chipping greens were installed the holes has five different tees, three differ­ and surrounded by two practice bunkers. ent pin placements on each green, fairway Each chipping green has three different pin bunkers, uneven lie mounds, and rough of placements. Finally, the area around the varying heights of cut. Nicklaus gave instruc­ chipping greens and bunkers was graded tors everything they could possibly want, to provide an assortment of uphill and down­ including computerized videotape equip­ hill lies. ment that analyzes a golfer’s swing. Today the school area is used for more When Nicklaus designed his version of than 50 classes every year says Ken Crow, The practice greens at Lakeway are walk- the “super range,” he consulted with Ed director of the Advantage Schools. Each of mowed each morning before classes begin. Etchells, his supervisor of golf course main­ five instructors works with no more than six “Everything we do for the golf courses tenance at Golf Turf, the maintenance di­ students at a time. While one instructor we do for the golf school,” says Farren. “The vision of Golden Bear. He knew the beat­ teaches his group pitching and sand play, irrigation system was upgraded and expand­ ing the academy turf would take. He also other instructors work with their students ed when the changes were made in 1980. knew there were two ways to control turf on chipping, putting, driving and develop­ We aerify the course, like we aerify the fair­ wear. The first was to design the academies ing an effective swing. Each group has three ways, four times each year. In some ways with enough tee area to distribute the traffic. intensive two-hour sessions each day. When the school receives more care than the The other was to have Etchells and his the last class ends at 3 p.m., the instruc­ course. It needs more fertilizer, topdress­ agronomist, Steve Batten, put together a tors take four students out onto the Num­ ing and overseeding. The divot work is recommended maintenance program that ber Two course to help them apply what almost a full-time job for one person.” would accelerate the recovery of the turf. they have learned that day. Crow is in the process of breaking out The superintendents at the academies “You can imagine how much repair work the cost of maintaining the school area from have followed these recommendations since there is to complete before the following the golf course. Club Corporation is evalu­ the courses and the academies opened. morning,” says Crow. The task falls into the ating the Advantage School program for Julian Hopkins at the Hills of Lakeway has capable hands of superintendent Bob Far- other resort courses it owns. “We are seri­ the larger of the two academy areas, 15 ren, Crow’s brother-in-law. Farren is respon­ ously looking to improve the range areas acres. Despite the poor Texas economy, sible for the school area, general landscap­ of five or more courses at the present time,” Clayton Cole, director of the Academy of ing around the clubhouse and the Number says Crow. “Bob is providing us with the Golf, has not cut back the maintenance Two course. Farren and three other superin­ maintenance cost information so we can budget. In addition to revenue from 42 tendents report to Brad Kocher, chief su­ make a practical decision about the profita­ school sessions each year, the academy perintendent for all of Pinehurst’s seven bility of golf schools at other locations. So holds clinics every year for the Southern courses. far, our figures show the revenue produced Texas PGA and corporations. There are “Teamwork is critical to keeping class­ by the school is easily worth the cost of ad­ three types of persona, memberships it sells es on time and the school area in top con­ ditional maintenance for the range area.” to individual golfers each year ranging in dition. When the students arrive for class A former Advantage School instructor, price from $125 to $745. Members can pol­ early each morning, everything has to be Mike Labeau, took the “super-range” con­ ish their skills at the academy anytime class­ ready. That means Bob has to schedule cept to Arizona three years ago when he es are not being held. The adjacent 18-ho,e most maintenance for the evening and early accepted the golf pro position at Alta Me­ Hills is private. morning. Once classes start, distractions sa Country Club, in Mesa, AZ. The course The 7,500 square-foot practice putting are kept to a minimum.” is private except for the Pinehurst-,ike range green and the three practice hole greens “We do 90 percent of the maintenance area. It is superintendent Tim Gavelek’s se­ are bentgrass, very unusual for golf greens in the evening,” explains Farren. “First we cond experience with an improved range. in Texas. Hopkins cuts the tournament-fast sweep up the divots and broken tees with “The range at Ventana Canyon in Tucson, greens at 1/8 inch with a walking greens a Parker Sweeper. The divot holes are filled where I used to work, has tees on both ends continued on page sportsTURF 6 Super-Range of the 18-member maintenance crew for the one-day break in between. “The hardest time continued from page q Hills of Lakeway spent the majority of their is during transition when we overseed the mower. The two pitching greens are Tifgreen time working at the academy. After six years entire academy with perennial rygrass,” says bermudagrass mowed at 5/32 inch. The fair­ of experience keeping the academy in top Alex. “The fall is a bad time for insects and ways, range, tees, six target greens and the shape, Hopkins now assigns only one crew­ diseases in Orlando. They make overseed­ roughs are Tifway bermudagrass. All ber­ member to the academy on a full-time ba­ ing that much harder, especially when you mudagrass is overseeded with perennial sis. “If he needs help, I can call one or two have to live up to the quality golfers expect ryegrass in the fall. “There are five differ­ guys over from the golf course for a few from a Nicklaus course.” Like Hopkins, Alex ent heights of cut for the turf at the acade­ hours,” states Hopkins. “Part of the trick is very careful about fertilization and irrigation my,” states Hopkins. ‘‘We even mow the driv­ is scheduling jobs like aeration, topdress­ to avoid problems with diseases. “We can’t ing range at 7/16 inch, the recommended ing and applying pesticide so one crew can push the ryegrass too much, even on the height of fairways for PGA tournaments.” do both the course and the academy on the tees.” He also maintains a close watch for Hopkins is extremely cautious with his same day.” sod webworms and treats regularly with fertilizer program. Most nitrogen is in a slow Proxol and Dursban. release form, either sulfur-coated urea or As the academy grows in popularity and methylene urea from Scotts. Potassium lev­ Grand Cypress opens a fourth nine at the els are checked regularly to make sure roots golf course, Alex’s work will grow. “It’s stag­ have the nutrients they need to withstand gering to think about the amount of work traffic stress. The tees are given an extra that has to be done, but the success of the pound of nitrogen each month in the form academy makes it worthwhile,” Alex reflects. of ammonium sulfate. Hopkins uses sulfur “We must be doing something right because coated urea and ammonium sulfate to coun­ ten more courses in the area are planning teract alkaline soil conditions. to expand their ranges into school areas.” Located 150 miles from the Gulf of Mex­ In Clearwater, just 90 miles from Cypress ico, Austin is characteristically hot and humid Gardens, the Professional Golf Association from May through October. Hopkins is on Tour has opened its version of the “super­ constant watch for brown patch and Pythi- range” called the Family Golf Center. The um during this period and applies fungicides facility centers around a driving range and weekly. He uses primarily wettable powders, two miniature golf courses on 22 acres. Wi­ alternating fungicides frequently to avoid thin the range area are nine target greens, problems with resistance. In the late fall and each averaging 4,000 square feet, bordered spring, his attention shifts over to leaf spot by bunkers. The ninth green is a recrea­ and dollar spot. tion of the 17th green at the Tournament To assure turf hardiness, he regularly ap­ Players Club at Sawgrass surrounded with plies potassium in his fertilizer program and sand instead of water. puts down an ounce of iron in the form of More than two acres of bermuda- ferrous sulfate every two weeks. All chem­ grass/ryegrass tees are divided into two tiers icals are applied to the greens with a walk- to accommodate more than 120 golfers at behind spray boom. No vehicles or riding Lakeway superintendent Julian Hopkins keeps a time. On the side of the range are prac­ greensmowers are allowed on the putting a close watch on nutrient levels on the bent- tice bunkers. A unique series of lights posi­ greens. grass greens. tioned on poles behind the tees and on the The irrigation system at the academy pro­ Nicklaus changed very little when he surface out on the range illuminate the Fa­ vides an unusual amount of control over designed the Academy of Golf at Grand mily Golf Center for night practice. Two PGA moisture. Each green is a single station on Cypress Resort in Orlando. It has all the teaching professionals and three appren­ the hydraulic Toro system. Three central features of Lakeway plus a lake on the par tice instructors hold group and individual controllers allow a separate station for ev­ five practice hole. The greens are Tifdwarf lessons seven days a week. Even the minia­ ery two irrigation heads on the fairways and bermudagrass instead of the bentgrass at ture golf courses are not the windmill vari­ driving range. Hopkins irrigates the ber­ Lakeway. ety. They are designed to provide the same mudagrass from sundown to 5 a.m. and the Superintendent Tom Alex is responsible roll and angle putts found on golf courses. bentgrass greens between then and sunup. for the academy and the 27-hole Grand “We hope private investors and munici­ Besides aerating the tees and greens Cypress Golf Course. Alex is used to palities will provide the land and capital to three times each year, Hopkin’s crew top- challenges because he came to Grand build Family Golf Centers in major metropoli­ dresses the tees with sand every week and Cypress from the Tournament Players’ Club tan areas across the country,” says Rick sometimes twice a week. During the winter, in Jacksonville, FL, the notorious course Evans, vice president of the PGA Tour..The ryegrass seed is mixed with the sand. Most designed by Pete Dye. The experience at goals, according to Evans, are to provide of this work is done on Mondays when the TPC has been valuable to Alex since Nick­ a facility for the public to learn the game academy is closed. “That one day is very laus designed Grand Cypress in the Scot­ of golf and to offer a convenient facility for important to the maintenance program,” says tish tradition with steep bunkers and heavily- golfers to practice. Five more Family Golf Hopkins. “It gives us a chance to catch up mounded fairways. Centers are in the planning stage, includ­ on repair work and gives the turf a well- It’s not the fact that Alex has a 27-hole, ing one in Scottsdale, AZ, and one in Arling­ deserved day of rest. It’s also the day we maintenance-intensive course to maintain ton, TX. Evans believes more than 100 of apply all pesticides.” on top of the academy that causes him the the centers will be built in the next ten years. “The academy is not a second sister to most concern, it is the limited amount of The driving range, once an unpleasant the golf course when it comes to main­ time he has to run equipment. “We’re try­ necessity for some golf courses and their tenance,” says Hopkins. “When I budget ing not to put lights on some of our equip­ superintendents, is evolving to better serve for the course, I also budget for the acade­ ment, but we may end up doing that,” Alex the needs of today’s busy golfers. At the my.” The academy shares equipment with confesses. During three- and five-day same time, it is producing new revenues the golf course. The only special main­ schools, his crew must complete all major for all types of golf courses. By working with tenance equipment needed for the acade­ work between four in the afternoon and eight the golf professional and golf course design­ my are sweepers to pick up the divots and the next morning. er, the superintendent is providing his em­ a ball retriever for the range. From September to May, schools are vir­ ployer not only with quality turf, but with When the academy was new, three people tually back-to-back, with only an occasional greater financial stability. @ 7 May, 1987 TURFGRASS by Dr, Paul E. Rieke, Extension Specialist M.S.U. 7/31/87 Moisture and heat stress continue to have major impact on turfs of all types. For several weeks we have already experienced typical summer stress problems which we normally expect to begin about mid-July. So if "normal" weather continues, we can expect these turf stresses to continue along with some turf loss. Irrigation of these turfs to supplement rainfall will be necessary for turf recovery. The most severe home lawn turf losses to date seemto have occured where where the turf was irrigated for some time, then was left without adequate moisture during extended moisture and heat stress. The result has been a turf which is highly susceptile to a combination of environmental stress and disease pressure. Once irrigation is begun, the program must continued to maintain a quality turf. Raising the mowing height, if possible, can be helpful to to reduce enviornmental stress during the summer. The envlornmental stress tends to predispose the turf to many diseases, particularly the patchdiseases. There are more diseases active on turf in Mich, this year than perhaps any other year. Dr. Joe Vargas reports wide spread disease activity on both general turfs and golf courses. The patch disease Necrotic ring spot has caused significant turf loss on Kentucky bluegrasses. Interestingly, the use of lawn Restore and Green Magic has given the best recovery from patch disease on research plots and has been reported as quite effective on field sites as well. Rubigan applied at 2 oz. per 1000 sq. feet has been effective on some occasions but may also cause some phytotoxicity to the turf. Certainly some nitrogen (about | pound per 1000 sq. feet per month during the summer) and regular watering are necessary to reduce susceptibility to Necrotic ring spot. Because the organism effects the roots, once the disease becomes active it is necessary to follow a program of light frequent Irrigations. On research plots Kentucky bluegrass watered dally has no evidence of patch disease injury. Plots which are watered upon the appearance of wilt have a number of patches present, while a limited amount of turf loss has occured. Unwatered plots have had serious turf loss. Brown Patch has been found on perrineal rye grasses as well as on bent grasses and annual blue grass. Among the effective chemicals is Daconll 2787. Summer patch andanthracnose are both very active on annual blue grass on golf courses and will need attention if good turf density and uniformity are to be maintained. With summer patch, Green Magic and Lawn Restore have been quite effective on this patch disease. Careful irrigation, using syringe cycles during peak stress periods is also essential to hold the annual bluegrass when this patch disease attacks the turf. Pythlum, normally not much of a problem in Michigan has also observed on bentgrass golf turfs. Excess water from rainfall and/or Irrigation, along with high temperatures are necessary for this disease, to be active. If you find Pythlum activity, treat to prevent its spread. With the very high temperatures, broadleaf wees control may not be quite as effective. Bruce Branham recommends that the amino forms of phenoxys only be used at this time. Volatilization and drift from the ester forms can be significant now even though the efficaey-is higher? firabgrass is growing very actively now with the high temper­ atures. Acclaim is the recommended post emerge treatment for crab- srass. As with otherweed control programs, the best control occurs LLECnoNwhen the weed is actively growing. Water the turf well a few days before applying Acclaim increases efficacy. If this is not possible, the Acclaim label suggests 8 oz. of wetting agent per 100 gals. « spray on drouth stressed crabgrass. Although we have no specific information regarding temperature conditions, we suggest care in ' ;M?i4fgoaS?Pfiee§ltC?1fStefli5eer?emperatUreS eX°eed 90 de8reeS 8