Volume 1 7 No. 6 After twelve years, it is our pleasure to return to the above listed country club for another meeting of this Association. At that time this was a 9 hole golf course manicured by Mike Glover, as Superintendent Today the Super is Frank Tryban and the Golf Professional, Ed Kelbel, Jr. Much hard work, time and material have changed this into a beautiful 18 holes, that will be a delight for you to play. Something else which we remember about our dinner there, which is unique. Steak will be the entree and you will cook your own steak, just to your liking. Since it is important for them to order these beautiful steaks, one week in advance, we must tell them of the number that will be present that far in advance. So, please do not procrastinate with the enclosed postcard, fill it out and get it in the mail immediately. To get there, coming from the north, south or west, 1-75 to C-66 East, follow C-66 until the first road left after the airport (Slade Road). Take Slade Road until it end and at Old Mackinaw Road, turn left and club is only ^mile down. Anyone coming north on US-23, go north thru Cheboygan until you come to Old Mackinaw Road, turn left. Pi Aux Chinit Starting times will be blocked out for our group from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. Lunch is available at the club. Price of the package will be $23.00 including cart, dinner and golf. Those coming for the dinner only, dinner will be at 6:30 P.M. Any questions, please call the Pro Shop at 616/627-4264. Get that postcard in the mail immediately............ *********************************************************************** SEPTEMBER 1st, will be M.S.U. Field Day, further details elsewhere in this letter. Try to include this as a must see, project. NORTHERN MICHIGAN TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION © EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 3733 APOLLO DRIVE • TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN 49684 • 616-943-8343 Thomas Brogger President BEIIHND THE GREENS Paul Holmes A Monthly Message From The Board Vice President by Tom Brogger, President Jonathon Scott, CGCS Spring has sprung, Fall has fell, Summer is here and it's hotter Immediate Past President than hello everyone and welcome to another edition of Turf Times. Yes, it is hot and now we're getting some humidity as well. As tough as we had it through the middle of July with humidity levels at about Directors 40% - 45%, we really were fairly safe as far as most diseases go. Kimberly Olson Jeffrey Holmes Now it becomes a whole other ballgame. While our localized dry Wm. Brent Nelson spots clear up, we start looking for anthracnose, algae, brown patch Thomas Courtemanche and many other turf related problems. Personally, my number one Damian Kurkowskl concern during higher humidity (6096 - 100%) becomes irrigation Charles Menefee, CGCS distribution. Often times, limited air movement, sunlight and poor James Olli, CGCS drainage are built-in problems. Timely watering can be the deter­ David Sapp Robert Stelnhurst, CGCS mining factor, especially when the final element of humidity gets involved. High humidity = low évapotranspiration. I see the same area taking three and four times longer to dry out than they did Past Presidents when we were dry. The old rule of thumb of watering deep and Ed Karcheskl infrequent is certainly something to remember, especially while C. E. “Tuck” Tate, CGCS we're humid. David Longfleld, CGCS Boy, what a great meeting we had with the Mid Michigan Turfgrass Association at West Branch Country Club on July 12th. The turnout • Executive Secretary by both associations was high as we were all treated to superb playing Thomas Reed conditions and fine hospitality from host Bob Steinhurst, C.G.C.S. 3733 Apollo Dr. and the entire West Branch staff. By hosting this month's meeting, Traverse City, Ml 49684 Phone 616-943-8343 we forced Bob into playing his first nine holes of the year. I don't know how he can resist playing such a beautiful course, even with his so-called "sore back". There are a lot of "good guys" in the Mid Michigan Association and a strong possibility of having a joint meeting Editor again next year at one of their member's clubs. Here's an idea. Why C. E. “Tuck’’ Tate not make our meeting with Mid Michigan some sort of tournament P.O. Drawer 472 between the two associations. It could be a lot of fun and would Frankfort. Ml 49635 Phone 616-352-4398 probably get us to know them a little better that way. I can see us playing for some kind of traveling trophy and making it an annual thing, much like many Northern Michigan golf clubs do. Well, something to think about. As you know from the T. Times, our next meeting is at Cheboygan Country Club. I believe this is the first meeting ever in Cheboygan or at least in a long, long time. Since 1964, I have played there periodically and seen this course develop from a nine hole course with no watered fairways, to a plush eighteen hole layout with many interesting characteristics. You will not want to miss the challenge of playing Cheboygan Country Club. See you there! 2 A Revival of Hand Raking? by JAMES T. SNOW Director, Northeastern Region, USGA Green Section S THE HAND RAKING of sand mowers have been abandoned in favor cal rake is not without its detractors. I bunkers and the elimination of the mechanical rake the coming trend of lightweight units. Though these pro­ grams are more labor intensive and among golf courses? Perhaps not for costly day-to-day, savings can result most courses, but many golf course from reduced pesticide and water use, In fact, superintendents and golfers alike have recognized for many years that the appearance and playability of many bunkers is being compromised by superintendents are taking a close look and less overseeding and renovation the use and misuse of the mechanical at some of the dubious benefits of the work. The improvements in playability rake. Only recently, however, has the mechanical sand rake and deciding that and consistency are additional benefits long-term cost of using this machine a little more hand raking and a little less of these programs, which are important been determined to be great enough to mechanical raking might actually save but difficult to value in dollar terms. consider limiting its use and returning some time, money, and disruption in the The mechanical sand rake has enjoyed at least to a certain extent to hand long run. the greatest success and longevity among raking. Not so long ago, mowing greens and those tools that once seemed destined tees with walk-behind units and raking to transform labor-intensive golf courses ANY OF THE negatives con­ sand bunkers by hand was standard procedure. Large maintenance crews into masterpieces of labor efficiency. In addition to the obvious benefit of being M cerning the mechanical rake are inherent in its use, while others can best were necessary for such work, and costs able to maintain well-groomed sand be attributed to its misuse. grew as the cost of labor increased. The with a minimum of time and labor, The rake does an excellent job of advent of triplex greensmowers, me­ compared to hand raking, the use of a grooming hard sand to keep it in good chanical sand rakes, and huge fairway mechanical rake offers the added advan­ playing condition, but on the other mowers ushered in a period of mechani­ tage of controlling most weeds in bunkers hand, it can actually keep new sand too zation and labor savings in the 1960s and without having to rely on hand labor or soft, and encourage fried-egg lies. Com­ 1970s, and some predicted that by the herbicides. Also, the mechanical rake plaints from golfers are especially com­ 1980s golf course maintenance would does an excellent job of grooming and mon after a course has just replaced be completely mechanized, resulting in scarifying, allowing hard, contaminated its old contaminated sand with new smaller crews. sand to be kept in reasonably good material. One course of action in this As we all know, the prediction has not playing condition for many years more instance is to keep the mechanical rake yet materialized. Many clubs have gone than one might expect. out of the bunkers as much as possible, back to walk-behind mowers on greens While there is no denying the advan­ or at least remove its scarifying teeth and tees, and the monster fairway tages of using this machine, the mechani­ to prevent deep cultivation. This helps Continued, on page 4 MAY/JUNF 1988 to improve playability while the sand taminate the sand with soil and stones. closer to the edge, until the lip is lost has an opportunity to settle in the In bunkers where plastic or geotextile in a wash of sand. At this point, when months ahead. liners are used, the teeth sometimes good bunker definition is lost, the appear­ The mechanical rake has other draw­ catch and rip the liner, often leading to ance and playing qualities of the bunker backs in new or soft sand. It creates its removal. Though it is a time-con­ are greatly diminished. Many clubs try ridges of sand as it makes its turns. A suming solution, some clubs combat to compensate for the deterioration of golfer unfortunate enough to find his this problem by routinely monitoring the lips by edging the bunkers more ball on the wrong side of one of these the depth of sand in various locations often, but this only results in the loss ridges may have a tricky shot, to say within their bunkers, and sending out of their original size and shape. the least. The problem is most severe crews to reestablish a uniform sand when the operator is going too fast, but depth. Nevertheless, inconsistent play­ NE OF THE most blatant attacks even a good operator will have difficulty avoiding ridges when the sand is quite ing conditions and an increased rate of sand contamination is almost assured. O on the integrity of sand bunkers is in the area where the mechanical rake soft. The only way to deal with this Human nature being what it is, most enters and exits. Due to habit or some­ problem is to slow down the operator would agree that if a person had a choice times to design considerations, many and have him touch up the ridges with of riding a machine or doing the work operators always enter and leave a a hand rake. by hand, he would choose to ride. There­ bunker at the same location, causing a By the nature of the turning action in lies the biggest problem with the gradual deterioration and loss of defini­ of mechanical rakes in sand bunkers, mechanical sand rake; many operators tion of the lip in that area. Worse still, sand is constantly being moved around. spend too much time on it, and try to due to haste and a loathing for getting As the machine makes its turns, a do too much with it. For example, try­ off the machine, operators tend to drag lateral, downward force is exerted, ing to rake the sand on a steep slope or some sand out over the edge of the lip which pushes the sand outward — a face with the machine leads to nothing as they leave. Over a period of weeks process that occurs more quickly with but problems. Sand is pulled down the and months, many bunkers grow appen­ operators who go too fast. slope, leaving a very thin layer on the dages that ultimately become integral Over a period of weeks and months, face, and the machine ultimately digs parts of the hazard. It is not surprising, a bunker that may have started out into the sub-base and hastens the con­ then, that mechanical sand rakes are the with a uniform six-inch layer of sand tamination of the bunker with soil and bane of golf course architects, who take may be found to have pockets with only stones. Also, operators often rake too pride in the bunkers they create. a two-inch layer, and other areas with close to the edge of the bunker trying Thus, it is apparent how the long­ from eight to 10 inches. When the to avoid having to touch up the peri­ term costs of relying completely on the machine passes through the shallow meter by hand. In the process, contami­ mechanical sand rake can add up: areas, the scarifying teeth or blades nation occurs as the machine catches the • Soil and stone contamination can often dig into the sub-base and con- lip, and excess sand is pushed closer and occur significantly faster with a mechani- USGA GREEN SEC TION RECORD 4 Continued on page 5 (Opposite page) Hand raking is making a comeback at some courses that find the mechanical rake causes as many problems as it solves. (Left) An appendage often grows at the entrance/ exit site of the mechanical rake. (Continued from page 4) cal rake than with hand rakes. All things weed control, and grooming benefits of of deterioration. It would also minimize being equal, the sand will have to be the mechanical rake. or eliminate the need to routinely power replaced more frequently. An alterna­ Perhaps the best way to enjoy the edge the bunkers (at least in areas of tive is to place several inches more sand advantages of the mechanical rake while cool-season grasses), a practice that in the bunkers to reduce the chances minimizing its long-term negative impact gradually destroys the original size, that the mechanical rake’s scarifying is to develop a strong program of train­ shape, and design of the bunker. teeth will dig into the soil. Regular sand ing the operators to use the machine Another way to limit injury to bunkers depth monitoring and sand redistribution properly. Unless the design of the bunker by the mechanical rake is simply to use work is another possibility. The use of limits its accessibility, operators should the machine less often. A club that geotextile liners to minimize contami­ be directed to alter their entrance and normally rakes bunkers four times a nation is a calculated risk, and more exit points regularly to avoid excessive week with the mechanical rake might often than not is unsuccessful. All of wear on the lips in any single location. instead send a small crew to touch up these accommodations of the mechanical The speed of the machine should be kept the bunkers by hand on two or three rake are costly. at a reasonably slow pace while raking occasions, for example. If golfers would • Bunker lip deterioration occurs the sand and should be allowed to move learn to accept this approach, the long­ much more quickly with the use of the no closer than 12 to 18 inches from the term appearance and playability of the mechanical rake, requiring more fre­ bunker lip. The rake should be limited bunkers would be enhanced in many quent edging to maintain good defini­ to the flat or mildly sloping ground instances. tion. The design of the bunker is then within the bunker, avoiding the faces compromised, calling for the redesign at all costs. To prevent sand from being It seems straightforward enough that and rebuilding of the bunker lips. Much dragged over the lip when leaving the workers can be taught how to operate a of the extensive bunker renovation work bunker, the scarifying bar should be mechanical sand rake properly, but this going on at hundreds of golf courses raised well ahead of time, preferably is the exception rather than the rule. now and in recent years is in good part 12 to 18 inches before reaching the lip. Only in recent years, though, have due to the effects of the mechanical rake. Finally, the inside perimeter of the superintendents and course officials So what’s the solution? Some would bunker and any unraked faces should be begun to recognize the sand replacement argue that the mechanical rake should touched up with a hand rake, and weeds and renovation costs involved with the be abandoned and that hand raking be in this perimeter area should be pulled use and misuse of the mechanical sand reinstituted. Certain courses, such as by hand or periodically treated with a rake. With this expensive work behind those with small bunkers and limited non-selective herbicide. them, perhaps there will now be more numbers of bunkers, would be wise to emphasis on worker training, along with consider such a move. Courses with AND RAKING the edges of the a renewed respect for and greater utili­ many large bunkers, however, would be hard pressed to give up the time saving, H bunkers according to these guide­ zation of hand raking in the mainte­ lines would greatly reduce the lips’ ratenance of sand bunkers. 5 MAY/JUNE 1988 PROFESSIONALISM THROUGH PARTICIPATION By Ted Woehrle What is professionalism? How do we achieve it? and conduct, the purpose of which was focused How do we improve it? If we sit down and ask toward the upgrading of the industry and the ourselves the question “what is professionalism?” professionalism of the turf manager. some interesting thoughts crop up. Fundraisers such as “Golf Day” are an important We all have images of people who are generally part of upgrading the industry. The monies given to considered professionals in our eyes (doctors, lawyers, research help find answers to the many complex dentists, teachers, and ministers), and people who are problems facing us today. The need for the superin­ not (tradesmen, office workers, farmers, etc.). tendent to stay abreast of changes in the field has Next, we ask ourselves “are we professionals?” - we always been important. But the need is increasing would like to think so. I think we appear to ourselves with alarming speed. The superintendent who does as professional, but does the general public consider not keep abreast of new developments in turf us professional? Perhaps not. management, of changing technology in science, or “What makes one man professional and another a of the restrictions and regulations in chemical usage non-professional? In my opinion, it has to be the will be about as effective as the man who tries to cut standards that one projects. Standards on conduct, fairways with a hand push mower. standards of dress, standards of ethics and standards Every professional does not have to have a Ph. D or of behavior. There others to be sure, but in the final have spent most of his life as a lawyer or doctor to analysis, it is a matter of the image that is projected. earn the respect and esteem that comes with knowing It is a matter of being viewed in a favorable light. To his job. It was not too long ago that very few be sure, there are as many variations of this image as universities offered professional training for golf there are people, but throughout the years certain course superintendents. Today, numerous institutions groups or job categories have become known to be offer some sort of training for those interested in “professional” and basically it is a matter of “image”. pursuing a career as a golf course superintendent. And the standards they have met. (The secret is the application of the knowledge gained Professionalism and image are synonymous and if from education and research.) we project a good image, we are far ahead. How was Additional help for us comes from Universities and this image of us formed, and how can we improve it? industry in the form of research. In many cases we Who sets the standards? The answer to all these control the direction of research through our re­ questions is your professional association. There is, to quests. Our needs are attended to by those we be sure, some governmental involvement, but even support. The complexities of todays standards, which the government has to reason with the American are always more demanding, cause us to look for all Medical Association and the American Bar Associa­ the help we can get. Some of the most active tion. associations involved in the distribution of monies for So, in the final analysis, it is ones professional research are GCSAA, USGA, O.J. Noer Foundation association that plays a big role in establishing the and Musser Foundation. Additional research is done image that will prevail, that plays a big role in setting by individual states. In all cases, the majority of the standards which will be acceptable, and that acts as a monies raised is the result of superintendent involve­ catalyst for all activities relating to a profession. ment in fund raising projects. Some states raise There are exceptions to professionalism and that $30-50,000.00 per year - Ohio and Michigan. Certain would be the rather rare person that projects a state legislatures support turf research if all turf professional image because of special qualifications interests are satisfied. earned through experience or education. Projects presently being worked on include: Grass What has participation in these associations done for breeding (drought resistance); transition zone pro­ the turf management industry and for the profession­ blem; soils; irrigation and drainage; aerification - al turf manager? Participation in the collective compaction; nutrition; weed killers - selectively (Poa activities of an association by individual members has annua eradication); plant growth regulators; disease taken turf managers out of the shadows and into the control; insecticides; development of disease models sunlight. Participation in the collective activities by - in conjunction with computers; water shortage individual members has helped to move turf mana­ problems; new cultural practices; mowing - height gers from tradesmen to professionals. of cut - picking up of clippings; cultivating; and sand All of this has been accomplished by those in the turf use - top dressing - sub-soils - bunkers. industry giving of their time, money and efforts Examples of Turf Research include: USGA Green toward a common interest within a fixed code of rules '6 CONIINUED PAGE 7 TED WOEHRLE, CONT. Section 1953 - GCSAA S & R Funds 1956 - Midwest “A New Tool From Down Under” Regional Turf Foundation originally provided profes­ by Fred D. Opperman, CGCS sional guidance for seven states - Wisconsin; Michi­ Glen Oak C.C. gan; Iowa; Illinois; Indiana; Ohio; and Kentucky. As the years went by, all six states outside of Indiana A year ago when I was visiting started their own turf grass research programs to Australia and stopped at a golf solve individual problems. This holds true for all 50 course, I saw an interesting tool states. Extension programs take care of most pro­ that I thought might have a use blems, but concentrated research must still be con­ here on our putting greens. The ducted in individual states. machine was a roller that was Changing our “vocational occupation” to a pro­ being used at the time on a bowl­ fessional occupation is important - become active. ing green. The bowling green that Your professional association is more important than ever, and your participation is necessary to support I watched this machine roll was the programs that are proposed for the successful Penncross cut as low as any of future of GOLF. our golf greens. This machine was/is used daily after each mow­ Some of these associations include educational ing to help “iron” the surface. The bowlers are as fussy as our opportunities at conferences, seminars, and through golfers on the quality of their bowling greens and the speed of correspondence courses ultimately leading to certifi­ their bowls. cation, which most of you know will eventually lead After returning to the states, I wrote to the company asking to the equivalent of a college degree. By offering a if their machine was used on putting greens and if anyone in Continuing Education Program, you will be able to the states handled this machine. It wasn’t too many days, that earn a “Certificate of Professional Education”. This, one evening I received a long distance phone call from John coupled with Professional Internship requirement for Ellul of the Golf & Bowling Machinery PTY. LTD. John was the apprentice superintendents, will insure quality in enthusiastic over my inquiry and questioned me more on how the next generation of superintendents. the machine could or would be used in the states on putting By the year 2005, the requirement of a Bachelor of greens. Well, this discussion and interest in this type of a roller Science degree in an applicable major, or its equiva- led to many more phone calls and letters over the past 8 months. lencey, will be necessary for entrance into profession­ In early May a roller was air freighted (cost of $2,000) to al certification. College graduation or equivalency O’Hare and in a week, John Ellul followed up and came here will be required. Completion of the GCSAA Continu­ to show the machine to me. I had John talk to Ron Jones, from ing Education Program is considered as equivalent to a B.S. degree. Chicago Turf & Irrigation who agreed to help demo the unit The association is making your profession more this coming year and see what kind of response it may have recognizable with a strong public relations program. in this area. Their PR program was quite evident during some of I was really surprised and pleased to see how well it did func­ the recent television broadcasts of ESPN coverage tion on rolling our greens. The machine is different in that you and on ABC covering the U.S. Open. Allied Golf sit on it facing one end and it rolls left and right. The speed Associations have recognized our profession and its of the roller is really surprising for it travels at about 4-5 miles importance to the well-being of the game of golf. per hour with a qualified operator at the controls. It takes about Your association is the catalyst. The forum for 10-12 minutes to roll a 5,000 square foot green. It would be expression of your ideas. The source of your educa­ a perfect machine for rolling the greens in the spring. The tion, your growth. machine measures 3 feet by 2 feet and has three 4^” rollers, Certain members in your profession will gravitate to with one roller being the drive roller. The machine weighs just leadership within your association and by represent­ over 600 pounds (or about 43 stones, as John would say) with ing the will of the other members, will set the the weight of the operator. This machine was made special for standards, the concensus, the image. golf putting greens by being only 3 feet long instead of the nor­ I charge you to allow your association to tell your mal 5 feet used for bowling greens. I foresee the use of this story to the nation in order that your “image” will be established in the public eye. In turf management, J machine for the final rolling of tees and greens just before professionalism is already here for some, near for seeding or sodding. Then using it after the seed is spread or others. You and your association are the only ones after the sod has knitted and needs rolling before mowing. My that can make it happen. Associations large or small, main purpose was to be able to roll a green and then not cut national or local, technical or social, give you an it as low as some people are now doing. At the present, I have avenue to professionalism through participation. not had the time to check it with a stimp meter since the deadline Continue to cherish your membership, continue to of “The Bull Sheet” is a month before you receive it in the give of yourself, continue to participate. You and mail. By the time you are reading this, I will have some test your profession will be better for it. data and will write another article to bring you up to date. If anyone is interested in seeing this machine in operation you “You can get through life need to talk to your local sales representative from CT&I. Any with bad manners, other questions you may also call me. but it’s easier Credit: Bull Sheet with good manners.” — LILLIAN GISH FIELD DAY SEPTEMBER 1ST NICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation holds an auction during the afternoon following Field Day plot exhibits. This auction is of used equipment that has been donated for this purpose. If any superintendents from Northern Michigan has workable but not needed equipment that you would like to dispose of and get a tax credit for the deduction, will you please contact either Tom Brogger or Tom Read. All equipment donated will need to be dropped off at Tom Reed's warehouse in Traverse City on or before August 25th. Anyone attending this years Field Day could deliver these pieces themselves. If this happens, please notify us so we can contact the auction committee of Dr. Bruce Branham, Fritz McMullin or Tom Mason. ************************************************************************* SEPTEMBER 12th, NEXT MEETING Please mark your calendar and reserve this date to be at Lost Lake Woods Club where Charlie Menefee, Jr. is the Superintendent. Further details will be forthcoming in our next letter. ************************************************************************* WEST BRANCH COUNTRY CLUB WINNERS Tuesday, July 12th, our meeting was held at the West Branch Country Club in a joint meeting with the Mid-Michigan Golf Course Superintendents group. The game of the day was "Peoria" and was won by Gary Frost with a score of 59. Actual gross score winner was Wayne Siegreen with 73. Charlie Menefee, Jr. won "Closest to Pin" on number 17 green. Raffle winner at this meeting was Tuck Tate. ************************************************************************* PROSPECTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTOR MEMBERS Now would possibly be a good time to announce that the Board is looking for candidates for next years Board of Directors. There are three Class "A" and one Class "G" positions opening up and will bevoted on at our Annual Meeting, at Indian River in October. Anyone interested should contact Tom Brogger or any present Board Member so their names will be forwarded to the search committee. ************************************************************************* SPEAKER AT CHEBOYGAN Dr. Paul E. Rieke, Michigan State Turfgrass Specialist and Professor in the Department of Crops & Soil Sciences, will be our Speaker at our August 10th, meeting being held at Cheboygan Golf & Country Club. Dr. Rieke is probably the outstanding authority on turfgrass being the Extension Specialist of this state. He would be able to get answers for you if he could not readily give them to you first hand. ************************************************************************* MAIL THAT POSTCARD TODAY We must tell Cheboygan C.C. of the number of steaks to order 1 week in advance so please help us get this information to them. THANKS.... 8