TUBE TIME TUESDAY, AUGUST 22nd, 1989, MEETING ALPENA GOLF CLUB Volume 18 No._§__ __________________________________ Not to be confused with Alpena Country Club, Alpena Golf Club is a very fine golf course that has been enlarged from 9 holes to 18 holes. The new 9 has been designed and built by Warner Bowen and is very similar to Indian River's new 9 holes where we played our Association Championship, last October. Starting times will be necessary and the telephone number to call is 517/354-5052 Foursomes will start on both the front 9 and the back 9 between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM. If you do not have a foursome, come anyway and we will work you inwith someone plus you get to know other members. Robert Aube is the Superintendent of this fine layout and promises a very enjoyable round. Cost.of the total package will be $25.00 which includes golf, cart and dinner. Lunch in the form of sandwiches are available at the Golf Club. Dinner however will be served at Twin Acres as well as "Happy Hour". Cocktails via cash bar will start at 5:00 PM and Dinner at 6:30 PM. Twin Acres is not far away and is at the corner where you turn offof U.S. 23 on Golf Road. Our speaker for the meeting will be Mr. Bill Roberts CGCS, Super­ intendent at Lochmoor Club, Detroit and on the Executive Board of GCSAA. Bill being Chairman of Government Relations will explain the new publication coming out called "Briefing". There is other information on this subject elsewhere in this publication. The Golf Course is north of the city of Alpena and off of U.S. 23. The intersection of Golf Course Road and U.S. 23 is where you turn west mile to the Golf Club. A Chevrolet Dealer is on this corner for visual observation as well as the Golf Club sign. This also is the location of where we will have our meeting at Twin Acres. If there is any question, please call 517/354-5052. ***************************************************************** Our next meeting will be on September 11th, at the Grand Traverse Resort. It will be a fund raiser and we will play"The BEAR" course Further details will be forthcoming in our next "Turf Times". ***************************************************************** REMEMBER Every job is a self portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence. NORTHERN MICHIGAN TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION 3733 APOLLO DRIVE • TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN 49684 • 616-943-8343 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BEHIND THE GREENS A Monthly Message From Your Board by Bob Steinhurst Thomas Brogger President Golf is booming in the State of Michigan, attracting large numbers of demanding players from all parts of the Paul Holmes Vice President country. This growth and prosperity of the golf industry Damian Kurkowski has focused more attention on the turf manager and his Treasurer staff. Promotion of a professional image for all involved Jonathon Scott, CGCS Immediate Past President in the turf industry will become more and more important Directors for the future development of our association and the turf James Bogart Brian Holmes manager. Being a professional can involve many different Jeffrey Holmes Charles Menefee, CGCS Wm. Brent Nelson areas, it is not only how we look, act and maintain our James Olli, CGCS Kimberly Olson turf, but how well we are able to stay abreast of the many Robert Steinhurst, CGCS changes taking place in the turf industry. Continuing Past Presidents Ed Karcheski education will be very important for gathering up to date C. E. “Tuck” Tate, CGCS David Longfield, CGCS information and for promotion of a professional image. Executive Secretary The NMTMA is an excellent source for furthering your Thomas Reed 3733 Apollo Dr. education. Each month from March through October the Traverse City, Ml 49684 Phone 616-943-8343 opportunity to meet and visit other clubs is available to anyone interested. The monthly meetings have an assortment EDITOR C.E. "Tuck"Tate of excellent speakers on various topics. Golf and dinner P.O.Drawer 472 Frankfort, Mich. with other superintendents or vendors may also be a good 49635 616/352-4398 source for information. The meetings are not only educa­ tional, they are also a good place just to relax and have a good time. Support the association by coming to as many meetings as possible, it will help you, your course and your staff. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 22nd at Alpena Golf Club, the speaker will be Bill Roberts CGCS. Hope to see you there! 2 « CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Nominations for the election of directors are now being accepted for three at large seats (Class A) and one Class G. Nominations must be received by September 1, 1989, voting will take place at the annual meeting in October. Contact: Bob Steinhurst Nominating Chairman, 325 North Fifth St., West Branch, MI 48661 (517) 345-1434 ***************************************************************** New Publication Will ‘Brief’ Members On Law and Regulation Within a few months, GCSAA fresh information to the people it affects Executive Director John M. Schilling members will begin to receive a new as quickly as possible.” said that the expanded staffing in the publication developed specifically to keep The plan for the Briefing also includes headquarters communications department busy superintendents informed about the “special bulletin” editions when events enabled GCSAA to begin publishing a regulations, laws and environmental demand fast action. “We have to be able separate government relations newsletter. topics that affect golf course management to act immediately in emergency “Our staff growth is already paying some today. situations,” Jones said, “so we are dividends for the membership,” Schilling The GCSAA Government Relations building in the capacity to send bulletins said. “The Briefing will be a valuable Office is set to begin publishing the to members within two or three days of new resource for the modem course Briefing, a two-page executive summary when we learn of something.” manager.”« that will keep members updated on the issues that shape their profession. “We (GCSAA’s board of directors) saw a real need to publish timely, relevant news about government relations,” said William R. Roberts, CGCS, chairman of Two More Join GCSAA Staff; the Government Relations Committee. “The title (Briefing) really reflects the Still Accepts New Position fact that we wanted to present the Tom Akins, a former congressional writer for GCM. Quinn comes to information in a ‘brief format. Superin­ aide, has joined the GCSAA headquarters GCSAA with an extensive background in tendents are often pressed for time — this staff as government relations manager. management and writing within the makes it easier for them to keep abreast of Executive Director John M. Schilling commercial nuclear power industry. what’s happening,” Roberts said. announced the appointment in mid-May. Quinn attended the University of Kansas The Briefing, which will be delivered “Tom’s insights into the governmental following several years in the U.S. Navy, monthly with Newsline, will feature process and ability to put GCSAA*s views where he served onboard a fleet ballistic bullet-point news of changes in EPA and before key people in Washington will be a missile submarine. OSHA regulations; existing and proposed real asset for the membership of this Schilling also announced recently that legislation; significant legal decisions; association,” Schilling said. Bob Still, GCSAA’s public relations environmental movements; and other Akins, who served for several years in manager since 1987, has left the associa­ related issues. Pat Jones, director of the Washington, D.C. and Kansas offices tion and accepted a position with the PGA communications, said the publication is of U.S. Rep. Dan Glickman, comes to of America’s marketing and promotions designed to be “timely, topical and easy to GCSAA from the staff of the mayor’s department. “We’re very pleased that read in 20 minutes or less.” office in Topeka, Kan. He is a graduate Bob has this opportunity to further Jones also noted that Golf Course of Emporia State University with a degree develop his career within the golf Management will continue to publish in- in political science. While in school, industry,” Schilling said. He added that depth articles about environmental and Akins worked as a staff member on a the search is well under way for a governmental matters but that the public golf course for five years. replacement. ■ “rapidly-changing nature of the federal Patrick Quinn has been hired as a staff regulatory scheme makes it crucial to get 3 Keep Your Golf Course Up to Par by Ted Robinson, President, American Society of Golf Course Architects any clubs have found a many as 1,200 gallons of water per golf experience. M golf course remodeling project the most impor­ minute from the central system, af­ fecting the community water sup- tant capital spending programply. decade. It can provide a golfing of a 8. Golfers traveling to new resort Meeting Players’ Needs Most older courses were de­ signed strictly for male players. facility that is in tune with the times, courses return home anxious to im­ Today the game has changed. The easier to maintain, and most impor­ plement some of the new design greatest influx of new golfers has tant, one that makes members techniques on their home course. come from the ranks of women. proud to be associated with their 9. If a course is chosen to host a The tees and bunker placements in club. tournament, members and tour­ most cases are not correct for the nament officials may feel that the increasing legion of senior and The Symptoms course needs some updating to junior golfers. How can you tell when it’s time make it truly competitive. Older courses, with their single for your club to consider remodel­ 10. New highways or a clubhouse tees and small greens, do not pre­ ing its golf course? expansion may force the club to sent a golfing challenge for their The symptoms are diverse. Much alter several holes and relocate current players. Better players, depends on the geographic location greens, triggering the idea of re­ armed with improved equipment of the club and its age. But some of viewing the entire course. and high compression golf balls, the most common symptoms in­ 11. Most older courses were not can easily bypass hazards that made clude: designed with golf carts in mind. a course challenging 25 years ago. 1. Several greens are too small to Often it is necessary to move bun­ Many newer courses also are sustain increased traffic. kers and greens to provide more being remodeled, especially those 2. It is difficult to grow grass in efficient traffic patterns. built on rather limited budgets. To­ certain shaded areas. 12. In some cases, it is imperative day’s golfers are not satisfied with 3. An irrigation system begins to to install cart paths to enable the an open course, devoid of trees, spring leaks and shows general de­ course to stay open on marginal strategic bunkers and water terioration. days. hazards. These courses also require 4. Bunker locations have become 13. The age and desires of a a long-range master plan that can obsolete. Originally designed to club’s membership may change be implemented over a period of challenge the better players, who over a period of years. A younger years. now can easily bypass them, the player may press for a more com­ hazards now are penalizing high petitive course. A course built for Master Plan handicap players. 12,000 rounds per year may begin In the first stage of the golf 5. Disease and storms have to show wear and tear as play in­ course remodeling process, an ex­ ruined many of the course’s trees. A creases to 20,000 rounds. perienced golf course architect new tree planting program is These are just a few of the conducts an on-site inspection of needed. symptoms that point to a need for the course. Then he discusses the 6. Many courses built several golf course remodeling. But, all re­ golfing needs of the club’s mem­ decades ago have small tees, de­ quire the same treatment — the bers. signed for push mowers. Modern preparation of a master plan that The golf course architect works courses either have large tees that will incorporate the desired im­ hand in hand with the club’s golf can accommodate numerous provements while increasing the course planning team. Key mem­ players, or multiple tees to chal­ aesthetics and playability of the golf bers of this team should include the lenge golfers of varying ability. course. And, all will provide your chairman of the greens committee, 7. The golf course is pulling as members with a more challenging the golf course superintendent, the 4 Perspective May 1983 (continued from page 4) golf professional and the club man­ move earth so much more easily program does not mean a total re­ ager. than was possible 30 or 40 years construction program. The master The golf course architect de­ ago, a course — or a section of plan often focuses on several critical velops a preliminary7 master plan course — can be dramatically areas. that is then refined during a series changed quite quickly. of meetings with the planning Although every remodeling pro­ Critical Areas committee. A final master plan is ject differs because of the indi­ Tees establish playability and are prepared, incorporating sugges­ vidual club’s particular needs, a typ- prime targets of improvement. tions developed during the meet­ Today they tend to be much larger ings. The final master plan may in­ and longer than in the past because clude working drawings and of extensive wear from concen­ specifications for the work to be trated play. It is not uncommon for done immediately. Sketches of new tees to cover 5,000 to 7,000 sq. ft. on features and a colored rendering a modern course. also are prepared for general meet­ “Sparking up” a fairway can in­ ings with the club’s membership, volve the reshaping of mounds, and for use in special brochures or traps, lakes or ponds. Major the club newsletter. gradework may be required to eliminate blind shots or to soften se­ Realistic Scheduling vere terrain. Keeping the course in play at all In terms of traps, the trend has times is generally favored in most been toward milder convolutions of remodeling programs even though the edges of the traps and a more the club obviously would like to see gentle rise from the bottom of the the work completed as quickly as ical master plan schedule might trap to the top edge. More gentle possible. By spreading out the work look like this: contours make it easier to cut the over several years, the costs can be First Year: Prepare master edges with power mowers, reducing more easily assimilated and regular plan for presentation and ap­ time and labor expenses without af­ play will be interrupted only mini­ proval by the membership. fecting the playability of the course. mally. Second Year. Install new irriga­ Artificial ponds may be recom­ Most clubs will schedule the re­ tion system and remodel first mended. They enhance visual im­ modeling in phases over two, three nine holes. Begin tree planting pact, offer a stimulating challenge if or more years. Some clubs retain ar­ on same nine. they are strategically placed and chitects on a continuing basis to up­ Third Year. Remodel second serve as a valuable water source. date their master plan and coordi­ nine holes and complete tree The excavated material often can nate smaller projects after the main planting. be used to rebuild bunkers, work is completed. Fourth Year. Build new prac­ mounds, greens and tees. The preparation of the work tice range, several short holes for Good irrigation systems can’t be schedule is often determined by junior golfers and new mainte­ over-emphasized. The trend is to­ problems which need immediate at­ nance building. ward completely automated sys­ tention. When these are phased Fifth Year. Review playability of tems. Installing an irrigation system into the master plan, several related course and prepare new long- is a relatively simple procedure. An changes mav be done at the same range master plan. 18 hole system can be installed in time. For instance, if three greens Older clubs, particularly those 4-5 weeks and is generally less dis­ are to be rebuilt, the cart paths may designed by the great architects, are ruptive than club members think. be altered and new bunkers added. legitimately concerned about pre­ An automatic system can conserve If new tees are built, a tree planting serving the integrity and character water, reduce labor expenses and program may be started in that of the golf course. With this in increase convenience by allowing area. mind, the golf course architect will for watering during night time Generally, work will be confined develop a master plan designed to hours. to contiguous holes so that the con­ accommodate neccessarv changes, The shape, size and protective struction area presents a minimum always within the original architect’s features of each green should be in amount of inconvenience. Since to­ parameters. direct relation to the approach shot. day’s earth-moving equipment can In most cases, a remodeling Although larger than those of ear- (c ltinued on page 6) 5 CRedit: Perspective May 1983 (continued from page 5) lier eras — a good average size is 6,500 sq. ft. — today’s greens should offer variety. More and vari­ able pin placements are possible with larger greens, and they al­ leviate problems caused by heavy play. Gentle undulations permit the use of machine mowers and reduce the risk of scalping. It is possible to enlarge a green but it is best to reconstruct it en­ tirely. Design also should allow for drainage in more than one direc­ tion. It is less of a task to install ad­ ditional drainage than is supposed. Critical areas can be retiled and backfilled and the sod replaced within one day. Many clubs find a detailed land­ scaping and planting program an excellent method for replacing maturing trees and supplementing existing planting. It is not unusal to find clubs establishing their own This remodeled hole features a more interesting fairway treatment, addi­ nurseries in preparation for their tional sand bunkers, a guarded green, and new trees that require more ac­ landscaping program. curate shotmaking. The hole was lengthened 15 yards and is now a Par 5 Cart paths are becoming an in­ rather than an overly long Par 4. Landing areas are provided, but forced creasing necessity. Their proper shots will find trouble on the remodeled hole. routing can make the difference be­ tween slowing or speeding play. any remodeling project. It is im­ available during the construction perative that the members under­ work. If the members clearly un­ Keeping on Budget stand the plan and approve of it. A derstand what is being done and In all projects, whether the work modernization program will not sell the long range benefits to the club, involves just a few greens or the en­ itself, regardless of how urgent are they will support the program. tire course, the golf course architect the changes that are needed. Un­ Most important, a well considered works within a budget created by less carefully handled from the be­ program can make members proud the club’s Executive Committee. ginning, a remodeling program can to be associated with their club. The phasing schedule of the master cause dissention. plan is coordinated with the availa­ One way to avoid this problem is ble monies each year. to be sure your planning team rep­ Follow-up inspections are con­ resents a true cross-section of club ducted during reconstruction and members. Be prepared to com­ Ted Robinson is the President of the at the completion of the project. promise. Differences will have to be American Society of Golf Course Ar­ This assures that capital outlays resolved between those against any chitects (ASGCA). AS GCA works with were spent wisely, and that the work changes and those in favor of major the National Club Association as another followed the master plan. Remodel­ renovation. Some members may not member of the Allied Associations of Golf ing programs ordinarily are relish an increase in dues or a spe­ As a golf course architect, Robinson financed through existing funds, cial assessment to pav for the im­ has worked extensively in the western special building funds, a dues in­ provements. states, Mexico and the Pacific. Included crease. or a special assessment. The master plan, of course, is the in his work are the Thunderbird Country key to the project. The golf course Club. Rancho Mirage, California; the Member Input architect will present it to the mem­ Sahalee Country Club, Seattle, Effective and ongoing communi­ bership, help you prepare for club Washington; and the Inn of the Moun­ cations are extremely important to bulletins or newsletters, and be tain Gods, Mescalero, New Mexico. Credit: PERPECTIVE 6 May 1983 Golf Courses By State Daily Fee Municipal Private Total State Total Rank* Total Rank* Total Rank' Total Rank' Alabama 47 »? 33 36 ««2710 14 ¿W. “I! ..210"! 1125 Alaska :?:? . 5 88 49 881 888?:?2 49 1818 2 • 1ill 51 « Siili? 9 liSI85Ô1 Arizona 118 : 16 31 27 76 29 :? 1SI225?8 22 Arkansas ? 44 u.v35 : 111?:?? 15 - :«t40?!88 ?8il 89- « 26 148 18132?? California 351 : 6 ?V:??166?7 Y???' I?:?-'?? 319 8?l 3Ä1 I.:.: 836 1182?: Colorado 58 29 68 ...9''"' 66 .... Connecticut 49 32 37 24 83 28 169 28 Delaware 4 50 2 49 18 43 24 49 DC 0 51 3 46 4 50 7 51 Florida 431 2 89 6 412 1 932 1 Georgia 84 23 : 38 . 121 ??• ? 175 ? 8110 888 "1112971?IISÏ151 Hawaii 40 36 7 44 .19 18. 42- • Ill 66 ?1 44 Idaho 39 37 24 33 .... ? 16 nl'45118 79 41 .? Illinois 258 8 132 3 207 ?8- ¿188 597 8818:1 Indiana 209? 12 . 61 .".VI 111""' i 103 ? 11120'11. " 3731?Sili 21 Iowa 128 15 ? 54 i 12 111? "178 9 :iSlS360'S . 13 Kansas 64 27 47 16 "128 13 239 20 Kentucky 84 23 31 27 97 23 212 24 Louisiana 25 44 24 33 103 20 152 30 Maine 91 22 8 43 17 44 116 35 Maryland 27 42 26 S 30 " : 90 25 ; «1431? 88 34? Massachusetts 175 13 38 21 127 14 ■ r 340 - 14 Michigan 489 1 ?• •.;• 86 t 7 : 146 11 1 721 Vi 5 Minnesota ? ? 216 10 77 8 94 24 387 11 Mississippi 34 38 13 ; 42 98 22 145 33 Missouri 105 .........18 48 15 ....117.... ......18 ?..... 270 17 Montana 33 39 20 36 26 39 79 41 Nebraska 59 28 36 25 74 30 169 28 Nevada 24 45 16 38 5 49 45 48 New Hampshire 74 26 3 46 16 45 93 39 New Jersey ????Ì?192'?? 21 47 16 123 8?.16 W 11262 18 ? New Mexico 21 47 26 30 . 31 38 "1"1 :S:ll'78. 43 New York 409 4 116 : 4 . . 269 «8 4 . l?1794?? 1 3 North Carolina 226 9 29 29 207 Stilò,?!? 11 462? 9 North Dakota 28 41 45 18 . ?. 33 1137 111. w 106 Ilio Ohio 419 ... 3 91 '" 5 193 .......... 8......... 703 ........6 Oklahoma 56 30 53 13 64 32 173 27 Oregon 100 19 16 38 36 36 152 30 Pennsylvania 367 5 38 21 237 5 642 7 Rhode Island 24 45 3 46 21 41 48 46 i7., South Carolina 153 lilUWii 45 «11121« 888280 ? " 16 South Dakota 33 39 26 30 45 !"• 34? " ? 104 38 Tennessee 84 ■ 23 40 20 109 19 233 : 21 Texas 211 11 150 2 ??? 400 ??1 2 < 761 8?»4?s Utah 26 43 42 19 21 40 .89 Siili Vermont 46 34 0 51 ...11.... ...... 48 ".... 57... ....... 45 Virginia 94 20 22 35 140 12 256 19 Washington 111 17 51 14 59 33 221 23 West Virginia 50 31 18 37 41 35 109 36 Wisconsin 267 7 64 10 84 27 415 10 Wyoming 21 47 14 41 12 47 47 47 Total U.S. 6,203 2,135 5,288 13,626 'National Ranking* ■ Source: National Golf Foundation/Golf Facilities in the U.S. (1989 Edition) The National GolfFoundation routinely lists golfcourse development. Individuals, businesses and organizations that join the NGF receive the listings free. ' "I FIELD DAY AUGUST 31st, 1989, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY Please mark your calendar for the 1989 Turfgrass Field Day, Trade Show and Equipment Auction on Thursday, August 31, at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center, Mt. Hope & Farm Lane, on the campus of M.S.U. Plan to attend and get the latest information on turfgrass management; fertility programs; cultivation research; insect, disease, and weed management; and varietal evaluations. Registration begins at 8:30 A.M. and the Field Tour starts at 9:30. Again this year our format will feature two, concurrent tours - one on lawn maintenance and one on golf turf maintenance. Following the plot tour will be the tradential pig roast lunch, trade show, and equipment auction. For those who do not know, MTF holds an auction during the after­ noon and sells off equipment donated. Funds from this auction are used for further research in turfgrass. Anyone that has used equipment that they would like to donate and get a tax deduction, should contact Tom Reed or Dr. Bruce Branham. **************************************************************** GCSAA NEWS RELEASE The Golf Course Superintendents year and both building and course should Association of America (GCSAA) will be complete and open in 1991. break ground in early 1 990 to begin con­ "We plan to have the building finished struction of a $4 million headquarters and the staff moved by summer of complex one mile from the group's cur­ 1991," said John M. Schilling, GCSAA's rent Lawrence, Kan., site. GCSAA Presi­ executive director. Schilling added that dent Dennis D. Lyon, CGCS, said that the the building could be ready for occupancy association's officers approved schematic by Spring of 1991 "if the Kansas weather plans for the project during a meeting at cooperates.” Planned for 35,000 square feet, the the U.S. Open in Rochester, N.Y. new building will nearly triple the space "GCSAA's growth has mirrored that available for GCSAA's 42-member profes­ of the rest of the golf industry," Lyon sional staff and still leave room for pro­ said. "We now have more than 8,600 jected growth. In addition to the four-story members and the association offers more headquarters building, the new complex services to them than ever before. This will feature an attached 70-seat class­ new building will allow us to keep meeting room and meeting facility. The entire the needs of our growing membership and design, which is being completed by the the golf community at large." Lawrence architectural firm of Peters, The new site is just west of the cur­ Kubota & Glenn, P.A., will "make super­ rent GCSAA building, which has been intendents who visit feel proud to be located on the Alvamar Golf & Country members of GCSAA,” according to Lyon. Club since the association moved to Since 1926, GCSAA has been the na­ Lawrence in 1974. Despite the relocation, tional professional association for the men the new headquarters will still overlook an and women who "keep golf green." By Alvamar course: a new 18-hole champion­ providing a wide range of opportunities for ship layout being deisgned by architect education and professional development Ken Kavanaugh and developed by Alva­ for superintendents, the association has mar owner Robert Billings. Construction played an ongoing role in improving golf of the course is set to start early next conditions both in America and abroad. POSTCARD Pesticide law will be the topic of discussion at Alpena, everyone needs this so mail that postcard NOW saying that you wi be with us. THANKS.