ÎIG vert A Robert Trent Jontt, Sr. •’MASTERPIECE" 3962 WILKINSON ROAD GAYLORD This Robert Trent Jones masterpiece will be the site of the Northern Michigan Turf Managers Ass'n's first FUND RAISER for further research and development. It will be a "shot gun" start at 9:30 A. M. and the game will be, "Better 2 Balls of Foursome". Cost will be $40.00 per person. Reservations for starting locations must be made by phoning the Pro Shop at 517/732-6711. All tee assignments will be made on first served basis. Since there will be only a limited number that will be permitted to play, it is suggested that everyone get, their foursome together and make your reservation. The tournament is open to all members and their guests. Damiam Kurkowski is the host superintendent and Richard C. Smith, the head professional of this outstanding golf course. Prizes will be awarded at the dinner which is scheduled for 4:30 P. M. For those of you that have never been to "TREETOPS", after you get to Gaylord, M-32 runs East & West thru the city. On the east side of the city is located Hidden Valley and Wilkinson Road is the first road east of the entrance to Hidden Valley on the north side. Come east on Wilkinson Road until you see the entrance to the Sylvan Resort's "TREETOPS". *************************************************************** FIELD DAY SEPTEMBER 1st. Michigan Turfgrass Foundation and Michigan State University will hold their annual Field Day at the Robert Hancock Turfgrass Research Center. Registration will be at 9:00 A.M. and you are urged to be on time. Following a morning of inspecting turfgrass plots, lunch will be across the street where the annual auction of equipment will take place. **************************************************************** Our next meeting will be on October 5th, at the Indian River Golf Club, Indian River and will be the 4th ANNUAL TUCK TATE CHAPTER GOLF TOURNAMENT. It is advisable that you mark your calendar and plan on being with us. WW*************************************************************** NORTHERN MICHIGAN TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION 3733 APOLLO DRIVE • TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN 49684 • 616-943-8343 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Michigan State’s TGIC Ready For Use Superintendents have long relied on telephone lines. Thomas Brogger professional resources like GCSAA’s The information in TGIF is indexed President Education Program and Golf Course by author, subject, source and date of Management (GCM) magazine for the in­ publication. Keywords, like “Fusarium” formation they need to solve problems. will stimulate a large volume of “hits,” Paul Holmes But, until now, locating and sorting or responses, when the computer Vice President through all the available information ac­ searches the massive file. By narrowing cumulated over the years on a given the search with specific keywords and technical topic could consume more time other factors, the user can find the refer­ than today’s busy superintendent could ence resources he or she needs. Jonathon Scott, CGCS conveniently devote to the search. Each file contains general index in­ Immediate Past President Now, a service designed to make a formation and a short summary abstract comprehensive search for information describing the contents of the article. At faster, simpler and more convenient is the end of the search, the user will have Directors ready for use. The Turfgrass Information a list of articles and other materials that Kimberly Olson Center (TGIC), a jointly sponsored ef­ pertain to the topic. The next step, going Jeffrey Holmes fort of the USGA and Michigan State out and finding the specific magazines Wm. Brent Nelson University, is available to superinten­ and other texts listed, is up to the user. Thomas Courtemanche dents, researchers and others with an in­ The service is available to USGA- Damian Kurkowskl terest in turfgrass management. member clubs, GCSAA-member superin­ Charles Menefee, CGCS TGIC collects, indexes and abstracts tendents and other qualified users. Annu­ James Olli, CGCS published materials on thousands of al fees range from $75 to $150 per David Sapp turfgrass-related subjects. That informa­ calendar year for superintendents. Some Robert Stelnhurst, CGCS tion is then stored on a computerized special services will mean additional data base where it can be accessed for charges. use. For a comprehensive look at how to Access is the key advantage of the use the TGIC and TGIF, consult the in­ Past Presidents new service. Turfgrass managers and terview with Peter Cookingham, TGIC Ed Karcheskl other users may request information on a project manager, that began in the July C. E. “Tuck” Tate, CGCS subject by calling or writing TGIC and issue of GCM. David Longfleld, CGCS providing a short description of the topic For details on the service, contact: of interest. For the ultimate in fast Turfgrass Information Center, W-212 response, if the user has an IBM- Library, Michigan State University, E. compatible computer and a modem, he Lansing, MI 48824-1048; 517/ Executive Secretary or she can directly access the Turfgrass 353-7209. ■ Thomas Reed Information File (TGIF) data base by 3733 Apollo Dr. Traverse City, Ml 49684 Newsline August 1988 Phone 616-943-8343 GCSAA MEMBERSHIP TOPS 8000 Editor C. E. “Tuck” Tate August 15,1988 news release from headquarters indicated P.O. Drawer 472 Frankfort, Ml 49635 thatthe active and visable role in golf --coupled with Phone 616-352-4398 a vigorous and effective recruitment program --is helping to pay dividends via a dramatic increase in membership. This month, GCSAA’s rolls officially exceeded 8,000 for the first time in the association's 62 year history. Timothy Robert Sever, golf course superintendent at Sugarmill Woods Country Club of Homossa, Florida, became the 8,000th member. With the 60th anniversary rendition of GCSAA’s Golf Course Conference and Show at Anaheim, California, it is suggested that you N.M.T.M.A. members that are not a member of the national, reconsider joining now. This is the. first big step in professionalism, be associated with an international organization. 2 GROOMING REEL GUIDE GROOMING REELS by Helmut Ullrich, The Toro Company • Grooming can cause adverse effects, if used too frequently 1. Introduction at aggressive settings (especially during environmental stress As you know, grooming is an old technique, but the “groomer” periods, i.e., heat, high humidity or traffic). is relatively new. It is associated with the golfer’s desire for 3. Grooming Reel Adjustments faster, truer and healthier greens. There has been much discus­ sion among superintendents, and articles have been written in A word of advice on grooming reel adjustment procedures. trade publications concerning the actual benefits this tool pro­ When adjusting a grooming reel, the following steps are recom­ vides. Because this management practice is so new, there has mended for optimal results: been little, if any, scientific research conducted to determine First: Set the desired height of cut. the long-term effects of grooming. It is difficult, therefore, to Second: Set one grooming reel in raise/disengage position. Set make precise recommendations on the use of a grooming reel. one flush with the rollers and set one 1/32-inch above the height This is further complicated by the many variables which play of cut. a major role in achieving desired results. Some of the variables Third: Make several passes, preferably over the practice green which must be considered are: pr nursery, before using the unit on a regular green. • General condition of the green Fourth: Judge the amount of grass in the basket of number one, • Variety of grass on the green two and three, and readjust accordingly. • Season of the year Fifth: Visually inspect the results and decide which setting to • The turf-management program use for the best job. Make further adjustments if necessary. • Variation in traffic Sixth: Set all grooming reels to the same desired depth. • Stress periods, especially heat and humidity CAUTION: A 1/32-inch depth setting can make a very substan­ All of these vary from golf course to golf course, and usually tial impact on grass removal and, more importantly, on the from green to green on the same course. The use of the groom­ severity of grooming. ing reel, therefore, requires a thorough understanding of The user must be aware that the groomer may cause adverse agronomic aspects of the turf on the green which, in turn, deter­ effects if used frequently at an aggressive setting. This is mines the depth of setting and the frequency of use. It is recom­ especially true during environmental stress periods, i.e., heat, mended strongly that the superintendents experiment S-L-O-W- high humidity or heavy traffic. L-Y to achieve best results. In summary, the grooming reel may be the best tool available • Grooming, in essence, removes more leaf area. to the superintendent for managing the greens precisely and in • Grooming provides some of the same benefits as verti-cutting. accordance with the desire of the golfer. However, timing, fre­ The main difference is that the cutting blades are spaced closer quency of use and depth of setting must be managed properly! than on traditional verti-cutters, and the grooming reel is used more frequently. Credit: Bull Sheet • The more frequent use removes more grass and helps to con­ trol thatch build-up, especially during periods of maximum Insecticides Improve Lovelife growth. For this reason, care must be exercised during periods when grass growth is reduced — for whatever reason. Editors Note: This is a reprint from a Dear Abhy column of • Grooming, in addition to routine turf management tech­ August 31, 1974. See your local distribution for info on niques, like aerification and topdressing, may permit one to raise where to purchase materials. the mowing height without sacrificing green speed. • By maintaining a higher cutting height, the effective rooting DEAR ABBY: I’d like to know if there is anything in depth of the turfgrass is increased and the grass is in a more insecticide that could excite a man. healthy state. Also, it is better able to withstand wear, as well Arthur is 55 —just the age most men start to slow down, as environmental stresses. but he’s still going strong. He gets especially aroused right 2. What a Grooming Reel Does Not Do after he sprays our property for bugs. I noticed it last year when we moved into this house. We • Grooming is not verti-cutting in the traditional sense; it is had ants and roaches, and right after Arthur sprayed he for the use above soil level. It is similar to light verti-cutting. started looking for me. He would get so passionate that he It provides for a frequent cutting of those elements that con­ tribute to grain. didn’t care if I did my housework or even cook. Last year was bad enough, but this year it’s worse. On weekends he • Grooming has the potential to replace verti-cutting, depen­ sprays sometimes two and three times a day. It’s really ding on the overall management program. getting me down. • Verti-cutting will continue to be used for deeper penetration We live in Florida. What brand of bug bomb will kill the into the soil, for renovation purposes or preparation of bugs down here without bringing out my husband’s overseeding. manhood so strong? • Grooming does not necessarily achieve, in all cases, increased He uses Raid, TNT and Rid-a-bug, and they all have the ball speed. Ball speed is dependent on other factors, i.e., height same effect on him. The brands that don’t affect him don’t of cut, frequency of cut, the number of daily mowings, health of turf, grass variety, etc. Some of these factors may make a have any effect on the bugs either. Please help me. TIRED. bigger impact on ball roll than grooming itself. DEAR TIRED: My chemical experts know of nothing in any brand of insecticide that will rejuvenate the wanting desire of man. If there were, we’d have a lot more dead bugs, livelier husbands and tired wives. □ 3 SOIL FOR TURF FACILITIES Native vs. Artificial Soils by Dr. Gene C. Nutter, Agronomist If we were farmers, we would be growing crops on one of the In the operation of modern turf-grass facilities, more problems types of native soils mentioned above. We would gather infor­ are caused by improper physical condition of soil than probably mation about the nature of our particular soil from state and any other single factor. While other symptoms may be more federal soil scientists who had surveyed, studied, classified and readily recognized and treated (such as disease, compaction, mapped the major soil formations in every county in Florida poor aeration, weeds or fertility problems), the real and underly­ (and likewise most other states). This information would pro­ ing cause is usually poor soil physical conditions. It is time that vide guidelines as to the physical condition and fertility status we recognize this basic fact so that we can begin to cure the of our particular soil, and this information would guide our crop real problem and stop the never-ending, expensive job of just production practices. treating the symptons. However, turf managers are not farmers — and, with few ex­ True, most superintendents and managers of turf facilities in­ ceptions (sod producers, perhaps), they are not growing turf herit their soil problems. How sad it is, however, to see the on natural or native soils. Instead, they are managing turf great number of new facilities (including expensive and com­ facilities which were built by a mass mixing of soil, through plicated golf course greens) that still ignore the importance of excavation, fill, grading and leveling processes. For example, proper soil conditions, including surface and internal drainage, housing projects, apartment complexes, golf courses, athletic soil preparation, and use of ammendments and soil condition­ fields and highway sites have gone through mass movements ing. Certainly there is enough information available to guide of “dirt.” When finally completed there usually is no the planners and contractors of these jobs in this age of resemblance between the resultant “dirt pile” and the original technology. native soil profile that occurred on that same site. Why, then, does our industry continue to make these inexcusable What does this mean to us practically? It means simply that you and expensive mistakes? As long as we continue to follow this have to throw the “book out the window” and start over. None course of extravagant ignorance, we will be burying our heads of the previously compiled information of soil scientists applies. further in the sand instead of advancing our individual courses, It could be that the original soil was improved (richer soil hauled our profession and our industry image. in), but usually it works the other way. Often, damaging foreign material is mixed in (debris, chemical deposits, etc.). What are the basic aspects of soil management that seem to be so often overlooked or ignored? First, let us consider the origin Another serious problem is that the mixing process was not of soil. uniform and therefore there is much greater variability in the final soil material. This is why we find “spotty” conditions in Soil Origin our turf from area to area. The grass is reflecting the “spotty” In its natural condition, soil is a complex mixture of mineral soil conditions underlying. In short, all of these factors mean fragments, decayed plant residues and microscopic organisms. that turf soils are more difficult to manage! Each of these classes of ingredients have their influence on the Where do we go from here? Good turf managers have learned nature of the soil. As a natural body, soil developed through the vital importance of proper soil conditions to the success of a constantly changing pattern which was greatly dependent upon grass production and maintenance. Therefore the problem is environmental conditions such as temperature, rainfall, plant simple. By carefully studying and evaluating the soils you in­ life and location. herit, you can then go about an intelligent soil management pro­ For the majority of cases, the native soil is most influenced by gram. For intensively managed turf areas (such as putting the mineral fraction (called parent material). These soils are call­ greens, tees, athletic fields, etc.) you may need to imprrove that ed mineral soils. Parent material may have developed from inherited “dirt pile” by the use of soil ammendments. We know underlying rock formation, or been transported by ice (glacial generally, for example, that heavy, mucky soils can be improved soils) or water. Thus, soils which developed from rocks through by the addition of coarse sands; or that infertile, ball bearing the age-long process of weathering will have properties akin sands may become more productive by the addition of heavier to those kinds of rock. Examples are the heavier, more com­ soil fractions like clay or organic matter such as peat. plex mineral soils such as clays. Usually these soils are more Soil Amended to Improve Physical Condition difficult to manage physically (poor internal drainage and aera­ But just a minute! What really are we doing when we add the tion) but are richer in fertility potential (will hold more above soil ammendments (and many others — natural process­ nutrients). ed or manufactured)? First and most importantly, we are chang­ On the other hand, soils which were laid down from water ing the physical condition of the soil. deposits — such as sands, would reflect a lighter, simpler struc­ The management of turf facilities imposes unique and damag­ ture. These soils (such as our various Florida sands) are easier ing requirements on the turf. Heavy traffic, continuous wear, to manage physically (better drainage and aeration) but have regular movement of maintenance equipment, high rates of ir­ much lower fertility capacity. rigation — all these factors work to destroy soil structure. Thus, Then there are organic soils, derived from decayed plant (continued on page 5 ) residues. These are the muck soils of the rich Everglades region, and the peat deposits scattered around the state. 4 SOIL FOR TURF (continued from page 4 ) turf soils must be constructed (remember — no more natural THE BEST MEMORY SYSTEM soil, so we must construct a usable soil base from that inherited “dirt pile”) to take the punishment and still grow good turf. Forget each kindness that you do Here is where the soil ammendments come in — to change the As soon as you have done it; inherited soil to a more desirable physical condition. Briefly, Forget the praise that falls to you to produce good turf under our demanding conditions, soils must The moment that you have won it; have proper pore space. There must be pores to move water Forget the slander that you hear through the soil and pores to move air so the grass can Before you can repeat it; “breathe.” Approximately half of the soil is made up of solids Forget each slight, each spite, each sneer, (the mineral matter plus a small amount of organic matter). The Wherever you may meet it. other half is pore space. Remember every kindness done Pore space is of two kinds — large (macro) pores and small To you whate’er its measure; (micro) pores. Air moves into the soil (and harmful gases move Remember praise by others won out) through the large pores, except after a heavy rain or ir­ And pass it on with pleasure; rigation. Then they may be filled with water temporarily, which Remember every promise made soon drains out. This is the ventilation system which aerates And keep It to the letter; the soil. The large pores should comprise about half of the total Remember those who lend you aid pore space. And be a grateful debtor. Small pores (also called capillary pores) move water through the soil. These pores conduct water to the grass roots (not the Remember all the happiness opposite — roots don’t “grow to water” — water must be there That come your way in living; first), from the water table, like a kerosene “hurricane” lamp Forget each worry and distress, moves kerosene up through the wick. The finer the pores, the Be hopeful and forgiving; farther the water will move, and the slower. Remember good, remember truth, Remember Heaven’s above you, Proper Balance of Large and Small Pores And you will find through age and youth, The most important aspect of soil porosity is the proper balance That many hearts will love you. between the large and small types of pores. An excessive pro- protion of large pores will result in a well aerated but dry soil (like most of our sandy soils). Water will move through (per­ colate) too rapidly and very little will be retained to grow turf. Biological Control Of An excessive proprotion of fine pores, on the other hand, will exclude air and may be waterlogged (like heavy clay soils). Fairy Rings The most common cause of fairy rings in turgrasses is Thus, once we have determined our given soil situation, and Marasmium oreades. All isolates of this fungus are antagonistic knowing the physical requirements of our turf facility (percola­ to each other. (Have you noticed that fairy rings never tion rates, drainage, etc.), we can then amend the soil to meet overlap?) Biological control is based on this mutual our requirements. A great variety of soil materials are available antagonism. The steps in control are: to do this including calcined clay, vermiculite, peat, colloidal 1. Strip the sod from two or more fairy rings. phosphate, sand, etc.). a2. Rototill the soil beneath the rings. If we are fortunate enough to take over the turf facility prior *3. Collect and then thoroughly blend the dense white “spawn” from under the rings. to planting, we have a golden opportunity to shape our future 4. Spread the blended spawn back over the soil under the soil condition. If we inherit an established facility, the job is rings. more difficult, expensive and time consuming. It can be done 5. Rake or rototill the spawn into the top several inches of gradually, however, by periodically working proper amend­ soil. ments into the soil as topdressing following soil aeration. 6. Rake or roll the soil level. The proper proportion of amendments can be determined by 7. Replace the sod and water thoroughly until it is a soil testing procedure known as “mechanical analysis.” Many established. soil testing laboratories and industrial firms can provide these This biological control for fariy rings is superior to the tests, and will help you compound or construct a soil to meet “masking” of symptoms by deep coring followed by: (1) a your needs based on such factors as percolation rates, etc. recommended nitrogen plus iron fertilization program, and (2) saturating the soil in the green outer ring, up to 24 inches Once you have amended your soil to a proper physical condi­ deep, using a tree-feeding lancé or root-feeder attachment tion, then the previously mentioned secondary symptoms such on a garden hose. Keeping the soil more or less saturated as compaction, weeds, restricted roots, etc., will be minimiz­ for several weeks is suggested since fairy ring fungi are ed. Then turf maintenance will be a more enjoyable and suc­ severely inhibited in high-moisture soils. Also remember that cessful business. there are NO chemicals that will kill out fairy ring fungi in the soil without killing the grass when it is left in place during treatment. THE FLORDIA GREEN, Spring 1988 5 FAST GREENS Facts and Fallacies of Fast Greens • moisture stress due to a poor irrigation system or improper by James T. Snow, Director irrigation practices Northeastern Region USGA Green Section • soil compaction In retrospect, the introduction of the Stimpmeter by the USGA • diseases, insects and nematodes in 1976 forshadowed major changes for the way golf courses • unreasonable traffic (e.g., play during bad weather, winter play, etc.) are maintained and for the way the game itself is played. By enabling golf course superintendents to easily determine the • tree effects (shade, root competition, poor air circulation) speed of greens, the Stimpmeter has greatly expanded our Despite efforts to control these stress factors, however, follow­ understanding of how maintenance practices can be manipulated ing through with all of the practices necessary to produce con­ to control green speed. As a result, golfers at every level sistently fast or ultra-fast greens can thin and weaken the turf throughout the country are enjoying faster, truer putting sur­ to such an extent that many undesirable consequences can oc­ faces on a day to day basis than ever before. cur. Among the problems observed: • establishment of moss and algae While their greens have been fast and smooth, however, the • encroachment of crabgrass, goosegrass and other weeds road that the superintendent has been forced to accommodate • proliferation of summer patch, take-all patch and other dif­ these changes has occasionally been slow and bumpy. Interested ficult to control stress related diseases but uninformed golfers and club officials have placed heavy pressure on the superintendent to produce consistently ultrafast Trying to maintain consistently ultra-fast greens means always greens at their courses, testing the limits of the health of the living on the edge of disaster, and once golfers become used turf and sometimes pushing it over the edge. Along the way, to these fast greens, they expect them to be that way all of the rumors and misinformation have pervaded every locker room time. The superintendent is then locked into a maintenance pro­ with respect to how fast the greens should be, how to get them gram which at best will make him a nervous wreck, but which that way, and what might happen if they’re pushed too hard. ultimately could spell disaster. In the end, the piper will be paid! One of the indisputable facts today is that greens are generally Recommendations faster than they were only a few years ago. A national survey done by the USGA Green section in 1976 showed that the • Try to keep the speed of your greens in the reasonable range average green rolled approximately 6 feet 6 inches according of 7’6” to 9’. Aim for the 8’ to 9’ range if you wish but to the Stimpmeter, whereas the average green today is probably recognize that green speeds will vary from day to day and season to season. closer to 8 feet. It’s also a fact that most golfers have short memories. Though greens are faster than ever, complaints about • Avoid getting caught up in the race for ultrafast greens, striv­ slow greens are more common than ever. ing for speeds of 9’6” only on very special occasions, if at all. So how fast is fast? In my view, the following offers a reasonable • Explain to your club officials about the potential consequences perspective on the subject. of trying to maintain consistently ultra-fast greens. • Fast for regular play 8’ to 9’ • Be on the lookout for the symptoms of weakness noted earlier, • A reasonable range, 7’6” to 9’ and be prepared to compromise your green speed goals in an • Ultra-fast for regular play, above 9’6” effort to strengthen the turf. • An unreasonable range, above 9’ at all times In the long run, the game of golf will be best served by taking Due to the vagaries of the weather and other circumstances, a reasonable approach to managing green speeds, avoiding the it is impossible to maintain a precise green speed throughout excesses which can orlly result in dead grass and unhappy the year, but maintaining speeds between 7’6” and 9’ should golfers. be feasible. Speeds of 9’ should be established only for special OUR COLLABORATOR, June 1988 occasions. Trying to keep green speeds above 9’ at all times, as desired by some golfers, often results in serious problems and should be avoided. Paying the Piper There are only two stimu­ Achieving fast greens has been well studied and involved pro­ lants to one’s best efforts-the per mower maintainance and adjustment along with the fear of punishment, and the hope of reward. When neither is manipulation of cultural factors such as fertilization, irrigation, present, one can hardly hope topdressing, verticutting, rolling, etc. To achieve ultra-fast that people will want to be greens, all of these programs must be pushed to the limit. In trained or want to do a good the process, extreme stress is placed on the turf and jeopardizes job. When disappointment is not its very survival during periods of difficult weather. If a goal expressed that one hasn’t done a better job, or when credit is of maintaining fast or ultra-fast greens throughout the season withheld when one has done a is ever to be achieved, then a real effort must be made to con­ good job, there is absolutely no trol or minimize other stress factors as much as possible. incentive to put forth the best These include: effort.—John M. Wilson • poor drainage 6 USGA Recommendations Regarding changed during a round provided the players in each match play with the hole in the same location. Hole Locations In stroke play, rule 33-2b requires that all competitors in a The USGA frequently receives requests for guidlines with single round play with each hole cut in the same position, but respect to selection of hole locations on the putting greens, par­ see Exception to that Rule. ticularly during competitions. When 36 holes are played in one day, it is not customary for The USGA believes that many factors affect selection of hole hole locations to be changed between rounds, but there is no locations. The first and most important is good judgment in Rule to prohibit changing them. If they are changed, all players deciding what will give fair results. Do not be tricky in locating should be informed. holes. (11) The greenkeeper who cuts the holes should make sure Following are specific points: that the Rules of Golf are observed, especially the requirements (1) Study the design of the hole as the architect intended it that the hole-liner not exceed 4’4 inches in outer diameter and to be played. Know the length of the shot to the green and how that it be sunk at least one inch below the putting green surface. it may be affected by the probably conditions for the day — that is, wind and other weather elements, condition of the turf * * * * * * v * * * * * * * y; * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * from which the shot will be played, and holding quality of the green. PROFILE OF A SENIOR (2) There must be enough putting green surface between the hole and the front and the sides of the green to accommodate WHO is a Senior Citizen? WHAT is one??? the required shot. For example, if the hole requires a long iron A Senior Citizen is somebody who was here or wood shot to the green, the hole should be located deeper before the Pill and the Population explosion. We in the green and further from its sides than should be the case were here before television, penicillin, polio shots, if the hole requires a short pitch shot. antibiotics, and frisbees. Before frozen food, nylon, In any case, it is recommended that generally the hole be dacron, Xerox, Kinsey, radar, fluorescent lights, located at least five paces from any edge of the green. If a bunker credit cards, and ball point pens. For us time sharing is close to the edge, or if the ground slopes away from the edge, meant togetherness, not computers; a chip meant a piece of wood, hardware meant hard wear, and the distance should be greater, especially if the shot is more software wasn’t even a word. Coeds never wore than a pitch. slacks. We were before ice makers and dishwashers, Consideration should be given to fair opportunity for recovery clothes dryers, freezers, and electric blankets. Before after a reasonably good shot that just misses the green. Hawaii and Alaska became states. Before men wore (3) An area two to three feet in radius around the hole should long hair and earrings, or women wore Tuxedos. We be as nearly level as possible and of uniform grade. In no case were before Leonard Bernstein, yogurt, Ann Landers, should holes be located in tricky places, or on sharp slopes where plastic, the 40 hour week and the minimum wage. a ball can gather speed. A player above the hole should be able We got married first and then lived together. How to stop the ball at the hole. quaint can one be? Closets were for clothes, not for (4) Consider the condition of nearby turf, especially taking coming out of, bunnies were small rabbits, and care to avoid old hole plugs which have not completely healed. rabbits were not Volkswagons. We were before (5) Holes should be cut as nearly on the vertical as possible, Grandma Moses and Frank Sinatra and cup-sizing not plumb with the contour of the green. for bras. Girls wore Peter Pan collars, and thought (6) There should be a balanced selection of hole locations cleavage was something butchers did. We were for the entire course with respect to left, right, central, front before Batman, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and Snoopy. Before DDT, vitamin pills, disposable and back positions. For example, avoid too many left positions diapers, Q. Elizabeth One, Jeeps, the Jefferson with resulting premium on drawn or hooked shots. Memorial - and pizza, Cheerios, instant coffee and (7) For a competition played over several days, the course decaffeinated anything, McDonald's was unheard of. should be kept in balance daily as to degree of difficulty. In We thought fast food was what you ate during Lent. a stroke competition, the first hole of the first round is as im­ We were before Boy George, J.D. Salinger, and. portant as the last hole of the last round, and so the course should Chiquita Banana. Before FM radios, tape recorders, not be set up appreciably more difficult for any round — balanc­ electronic typewriters, word processors, MUZAK, ed treatment is the aim. An old concept of making the course electric music, disco dancing and that's not all bad! progressively harder round after round is fallacious. One form In our day cigarette smoking was fashionable, grass was for mowing, Coke was a refreshing drink, of balanced daily treatment is to select six quite difficult hole and pot was something you cooked in. If we’d been locaitons. six which are moderately difficult, and six which are asked to explain CIA, Ms., NATO, UFO, NFL, relatively easy. JFK, ERA or IUD we'd have said alphabet soup. (8) During practice days before a competition, locate holes We are today's SENIOR CITIZENS, hardy bunch in areas not to be used during the competition and which will when you thing of how OUR world has changed, not result in areas to be used being impaired by foot traffic. and the adjustments we’ve had to make! (9) Anticipate the players' traffic patterns. Locate holes for Elinor Hass early rounds so that good hole locations for later rounds will Reprinted from KEEN-AGER NEWS, Chicago, not be spoiled by players leaving the green. IL, Monthly Senior Service, Catholic Charities. (10) In match pay, a hole location may, if necessary, be 7 SUPERINTENDENT POSITION AVAILABLE The job of superintendent at McGuire's, 27 hole golf course is now open and resumes are being accepted. This course has a Toro Hydralic Irrigation System, bent greens, bluegrass fairways and fescue roughs. Benefits include hospitalization, life insurance with pension plan and vehicle. Salary will be based on experience and education. Anyone interested, please contact Mr. Jim McGuire, McGuire's Resort Center, Mackinaw Trail, Cadillac, Michigan 49601. Phone: 616/775-9947 ************************************************************************* DR. KEN PAYNE"S REPLACEMENT After about six months of searching for a replacement for Dr. Ken T. Payne, the Department of Crop & Soil Sciences has had Dr. John N. Rogers III, come aboard on August 15, 1988. Dr. Rogers comes to M.S.U. from Penn State. Further details on his background will come in a later edition of this newsletter. Those of you attending Field Day at M.S.U. will have an opportunity to meet Dr. Rogers. ****** ******************************************************************** SEMINAR AT LANSING OCTOBER 27-28,1988 Michigan & Border Cites G.C.S.A. & GCSAA proudly announce GOLF COURSE RESTORATION, RENOVATION & CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS SEMINAR at the above dates. The two day program will discussthe challenge of improving a golf course, whether it involves restoring a hole to its original design, solving'a-maintenance problem or improving the playability of the entire course. A series of case histories will be presented to describe the responsibilities of the architect, contractor and superindendent in the design and construction processes. Whether you are involved in golf course restoration, renovation, general construction projects or the creation of unique designs, this "how to" course will provide you with techniques to improve your golf course and simplify maintenance chores. rphe registration fee includes a luncheon on both days of the seminar and take home reference material. Registrants taking and passing the examination at the conclusion of the seminar will earn two Continuing Education units (CESs) and a certificate of achievement from GCSAA. It will be held at the Sheraton Inn, Lansing. Instructors are Brian M. Silva, Golf Course architect with Cornishand Silva, Inc. and Robert M. Lohmann, President, Lohmann Golf Designs, Inc. To register, please call GCSAA at 1-800-472-7878. Use the same number for further information. This seminar will fill very fast so please act now. *********************************** *************************************** POSTCARDS Normally every member receives a postcard which we like you to send in , stating that you will or will not be coming to our next meeting. This time, there will be no postcard because every one participating will make their reservations by calling the Pro shop at "TREETOPS". If you do not play golf and wish to come for the dinner and meeting, you will be advised of the charge when you get there. This should be the meeting when the new Directors are elected to serve the Association for 1989. We do hope that you will get a foursome together quickly and call 517/732-6711 for the location of the tee that you will on.