TURF TIME Volume 18 No. 10 S W' /Wojf ytrie olnnvys ire tries getl with. the. trite s¡2Írit cj- Cfiristrntts Your Board of Directors would like to wish each and everyone of you, a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR. They hope that your stocking will be stuffed with good health, good weather, beautiful green grass, cooperation by Mother Nature and very few problems in maintaining your green area in 1990. ************************************************************************ The 60th ANNUAL MICHIGAN TURFGRASS CONFERENCE will be held Monday thru Wednesday, January 15 - 17, at the Clarion Convention Center, Lansing. Pleasereserve these dates on your calendar now. Key issues facing the turfgrass industry will be addressed. Highlights will come to you both direct from M.S.U. as well as another "Turf Times" issue before that date. If you have any questions, please contact Michael Saffel, Dept. Crop & Soil Sciences, MSU, E. Lansing, 48824. Phone 517/355-9022. ************************************************************************* Winners at the 5th Annual Tuck Tate Golf Tournament played at Hidden Valley on October 4th, were Louis St.Amour from Roger City with the net prize and Paul Holmes, Gaylord as the gross winner. This is a net tournament so all can enter and possibly be the winner. Our congratu­ lations to both of these fine players. ************************************************************************** MOORE TO RECEIVE 1990 OLD TOM MORRIS AWARD For the first time, The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) will bestow its highest honor -- the Old Tom Morris Award — upon a member superintendent. Sherwood A. Moore, CGCS, 50 year GCSAA member and past president of this association, will receive the award during the closing banquet of the 61st GCSAA International Golf Course Conference and Show on Feb. 26th in Orlando, Fla. "Sherwood's a great superintendent, sure, but he is more than that," said Dave Marr, ABC Sports commentator, former PGA tour player and friend of Moore's for 35 years. "He is the kind of person I would assume young people at...all fine turfgrass schools would aspire to be like. Sherwood Moore is a worthy recipient of the Old Tom Morris award. NORTHERN MICHIGAN TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION 3733 APOLLO DRIVE • TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN 49684 • 616-943-8343 BEHIND THE GREEN BY WM. BRENT NELSON EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE This past year we asked our members to fill out a member survey profile. Well, our return was less than we had Thomas Brogger hoped for. Over one third of our returned surveys came President back incomplete. In order to have a complete, accurate and up to date survey that is going to be useful to our membership, we have decided to resubmit our member Paul Holmes profile. The form you will receive will be a shorter Vice President form which you should be able to fill out in 10 minutes or less. Jonathon Scott, CGCS To insure we get a better return on our profile, we Immediate Past President are offering an N.M.T.M.A. green jacket in a raffle to all who return the survey. (If you already received Directors a jacket you will be offered another prize, i.e. shirt). Kimberly Olson You will find enclosed with your survey two raffle tickets, Jeffrey Holmes keep one and mail the other one back to me with the Wm. Brent Nelson survey. A drawing will be held after all the profiles are Thomas Courtemanche returned. Any surveys not complete will not be entered Damian Kurkowskl Charles Menefee, CGCS in our drawing. James Olli, CGCS David Sapp This survey is for you. You can use it to see how you Robert Stelnhurst, CGCS compare with your peers in salary, benefits, etc. This should be helpful in negotiating your future contracts. Past Presidents WM. BRENT NELSON Ed Karcheski Board Member C. E. “Tuck” Tate, CGCS David Longfield, CGCS ************************************************************ Executive Secretary ATHLETIC FIELD SEMINAR Thomas Reed 3733 Apollo Dr. Feb. 12-13--Athletic Turf Management Seminar, East Lansing, Traverse City, Ml 49684 MI. Contact: National Institute on Parks and Grounds Phone 616-943-8343 Management, P. 0. Box 1936, Appleton, WI. 54913. 414/733-2301 ************************************************************* FOR SALE EDITOR C . E."Tuck" Tate Toro Reelmaster Hydraulic 7 gang, pull behind mower with P.0. Drawer 472 11 blade reels. Contact: Dan Pillard at High Pointe Golf Frankfort, Mich. Club. 616/267-5769. Traverse City area. 49635 616/352-4398 ************************************************************* Two men were chatting and getting acquainted in the recreation hall of a development in Florida. “It’s good to be living in Florida,” the first man said, “Tomorrow I’ll be out playing golf. I play nearly every day. Of course, you play golf?” The second man felt a bit intimidated when the first man said, “Of course.” Since he did not want to seem out of things, he lied and said, “Yes, I play nearly every day myself.” “Then you must be pretty good,” the first man said. “I play in the low seventies myself.” “So do I,” the non-golfer said, “but if it gets any colder than that, I go back home and watch television.” Sunshine Magazine 2 GOLF COURSE IMPACT indicates that thick, healthy turf reduces runoff "to next to nothing." ON WATER QUALITY An average golf course of 150 acres effortlessly absorbs 12 million gallons of water during a three-inch rainfall. Dr. (Credit- THE MOUNTAIN STATE GREENLETTER-JULY 1989) Watschke finds that thick, carefully managed turfgrass has 15 times less runoff than does a lower quality lawn. FINDING: Golf courses do not pose a significant pollu­ As a result, almost all of the pesticides applies to the tion threat to the nation’s water supplies. This conclusion grass remain in place after peak rainfall. is based on a review of the scientific evidence that is cur­ rently available. Neither groundwater nor surface water is Dr. Richard J. Cooper of the University of Massachusetts threatened by golf course runoff. Further, studies show argues that turfgrass cover "reduces soil erosion and that stormwater runoff is near zero from golf courses. prevents soil and chemical runoff into water sources." GROUNDWATER: About half of all people in the United By comparison, parking lots, streets and even residential States depend on groundwater for their drinking water, areas load nearby waters with hazardous pollutants and the figure is 90% in rural areas. Results from ongo­ carried in runoff from road surfaces, gutters, and catch ing scientific studies show that the use of pesticides on basins. golf courses does not threaten public drinking water. Because of the low mobility and quick biodegradation of SURFACE WATER: Golf courses help decrease most golf course pesticides, they simply do not reach sedimentation pollution of rivers, streams and lakes by groundwater in significant quantities. preventing topsoil erosion. The major polluter of U. S. surface water is sedimentation from soil erosion. One Environmental Protection Agency-funded study However, turfgrass reduces erosion, as compared to al­ being undertaken on Cape Cod in Massachusetts ternative land uses. provides for a "worst-case" estimate of groundwater con­ tamination. To date, test results have been encouraging, For instance, studies show that grassland experiences 84 demonstrating that golf courses and clean groundwater to 668 times less erosion than areas planted with wheat do co-exist. or corn. Construction has an even more devastating im­ pact on topsoil, so golf courses can greatly reduce ero­ Some experts argue that golf turf offers uniquely sion effects as compared to other land users, like shop­ favorable control mechanisms to prevent groundwater ping malls or housing developments. contamination. Dr. Stuart Z. Cohen, a former Ground Water Team Leader for the EPA in Washington, notes that Sedimentation Pollution from Soil erosion costs society "the use of pesticides on golf courses poses less of a billions of dollars in increased transportation, shipping, threat to the nation’s groundwater than does the agricul­ and cleaning costs. Thus, by preventing soil erosion, golf tural use of pesticides. courses serve a very beneficial societal purpose. Additionally, turfgrass provides a "thatch layer" not found CONCLUSION: Golf courses do not threaten the in row crop situations? Thatch binds up pesticide nation’s water supplies. Scientific studies show that pes­ residues and increases degradation of some chemicals. ticides used on golf courses do not seep into neighboring Dr. Harry D. Niemczyk of Ohio State University has found groundwater sources. Other studies demonstrate that that as much as 99% of recovered pesticides are found in stormwater runoff is greatly reduced by turfgrass. Finally, turfgrass thatch. still more studies show that grassy areas reduce soil ero­ sion, which is a major cause of sedimentation pollution in In some areas, golf courses are also helping to mitigate the nation’s rivers, lakes and streams. the groundwater pollution effects of hazardous waste sites. Many of the nation’s golf courses fertilize soil using On the whole, a golf course makes an environmentally sludge compost mixes prepared by urban waste recy­ sound contribution to any community. cling programs. These sludges might otherwise be dis­ posed of in municipal landfills. Thus, potential groundwater leaching from dump sites is averted by care­ ful community planning and recycling. STORMWATER RUNOFF: Stormwater runoff from golf courses is not a significant environmental hazard. EMÎDO G C S A A Research conducted by Dr. Thomas Watschke, a 61st INTERNATIONAL GOLF COURSE CONFERENCE & SHOW turfgrass specialist at the Pennsylvania State University, FEBRUARY 19-26, 1990 3 GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS SEPTEMBER 1989, VOLUME 1, NUMBER 2 ?JUDI€FAEi?WWi Wetlands Be extra careful if you contemplate any type of action without a permit. The prison term involved should leave which might affect wetlands near your course. In the little doubt as to the commitment of the federal govern­ Violation first jury trial conviction under the Clean Water Act, a ment to protection of wetland habitats. Currently, some Prosecuted federal court fined a Pennsylvania developer $202,000 of the most innovative and environmentally sensitive and handed down a three-year prison term after the man development of wetlands involves golf courses. filled in a 14-acre tract of federally protected wetlands EPA Denies EPA’s top judicial officer denied a motion by Ciba- waterfowl do not graze. Charles Rock, Ciba-Geigy’s Geigy to reopen an administrative hearing on Diaz­ state government relations manager, said, “From our Diazinon Request inon (see Briefing, August 1989). Ciba-Geigy is trying perspective, the product should not be used on golf to convice EPA to adopt labeling terminology that courses or sod farms unless we can resolve the labeling would allow continued use of Diazinon in areas where question with EPA.’’ Court Recognizes A federal appeals court continued the recent trend sue licenses to companies that do not comply with state toward allowing more power to individual states in application procedures. The message for superinten­ Broader State regulation of environmental matters. The Fourth dents: get to know state environmental officials and use Powers Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va., ruled that their expertise to ensure compliance. the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission cannot is­ REGULATIONS- EPA Sets Up EPA has set up a new groundwater task force to tection plans. Plans call for the' task force to establish an determine whether the agency should develop ground- agency-wide groundwater protection strategy for the Groundwater Task water protection standards and whether it should con­ next five years. Force sider national legislation to force states to develop pro­ Pesticide Office EPA’s Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances has grated Pest Management Project, which involves devel­ submitted their pollution prevention plan and it oping a regional network of golf courses to assist with Releases Pollution containsseveral items worth noting. One is a pesticide the IPM project. GCSAA has been in touch with EPA Prevention Plan container study on which the agency hopes to report to and plans to play an active part as the project unfolds. Congress in December 1990. Another is a Turf Inte­ GCSAA Recent testimony by an EPA staff member indicated fate and results of this research will be announced over that leaking tanks and the application of agricultural the next several months. Preliminary indications are that Researches pesticides may account for up to two-thirds of ground- good management practices can protect groundwater Pesticide Fate water contamination. GCSAA-supported research is from contamination. currently studying the complex question of pesticide Bush Proposal President Bush’s Clean Air proposal introduces a standards are not being met would be targeted. Golf new wrinkle in underground storage tank decisions. course superintendents gearing up to comply with UST Boosts Alternative A section of the president’s initiative calls for a portion regulations (see Briefing, August 1989) may w-ant to Fuel Use of U.S. automobiles to accept alternative fuels by the confirm that new' tanks can accept fuels like methanol, mid-1990’s. Larger urban areas where EPA air quality ethanol, or other blends containing alcohol. More Recycling The recent spate of recycling bills in Congress of recycling bills, including measures targeted at used continues. Rep. George Hochbrueckner (D-N.Y.) re­ oil, pesticide containers, used tires and volatile organic Bills Introduced cently introduced a bill that would ban the landfilling or compounds. Superintendents might w'ant to consider an incineration of vehicle batteries and require distributors area-wide “Disposal Day’’ in which a number of local to take back used batteries for recycling. This year, courses coordinate a central collection point for dispos­ Congress has already seen the introduction of a number ing of recyclable and hazardous materials. 4 GOVERNMENT RELATIONS BRIEFING SEPTEMBER 1989 Build Positive Relationships With Local Regulators by Tom Akins Massachusetts and Dr. Thomas Watschke from communication. And you can begin that com­ GCSAAGovernmentRelationsManager Penn State, continue on the cutting edge of munication process now by establishing rela­ pesticide fate research. And perhaps the most tionships with local regulators to share relevant The September issue of Golf Course Man­ important study for golf course superintendents research. Once your local regulators get to agement features an article by noted Cornell is yet to be released. know you and observe the professional manner University turfgrass expert A. Martin Petrov ic, After a two-year study of golf courses on the in which you approach your work, they will entitled “Golf Course Management and Nitrates sandy, “worst case” soils of Cape Cod, Mass., begin to consult you before regulations are in Groundwater.” Petrovic examines nitrate Dr. Stuart Cohen has now completed research written. leaching on greens and tees - a controversial indicating that groundwater under the courses By providing research and offering your subject - and concludes that solid management was not significantly affected by 18 turfgrass assistance, regulators will know they can count can prevent nitrate entry into groundwater. pesticides tested. In fact, eight of the com­ on you to help develop environmentally respon­ That, from a government relations stand­ pounds w-ere never detected. The remainder sible rules that recognize the safe practices used point, is good news. Petrovic’s article repre­ were present in amounts far below EPA’s mini­ by golf courses. In this way, superintendents sents a golden opportunity for superintendents mum groundwater standards. The final report can help contribute to the making of sound and to inform regulators about the quality manage­ on the “Cape Cod Study” is due this fall and responsible environmental policies. ■ ment practices on golf courses. In the face of GCS AA anticipates wide interest in this impor­ increasing regulatory scrutiny and public atten­ tant piece of research. tion on the safe use of pesticides, the challenge All of this brings us back to the role of the for today’s superintendent is to play a visible superintendent in utilizing this research. Make part in demonstrating their long-standing com­ a point of contacting key environmental regula­ Through this toilsome world alas mitment to the environment. tors in your area and sharing these findings with Once and only once I shall pass. How? A good place to start is with the them. Invite a local regulator to your next For kindness I may show, Petrovic article. Based upon exhaustive studies, chapter meeting so that you can discuss current If a good deed I may do, Petrovic’s conclusion is that nitrate leaching regulations. Establishing a relationship now To a suffering fellow man, can be minimized, in fact kept near zero in many with your local regulatory community can pro­ Let me do it while I can. cases, through the use of best management vide the network for sharing future research No delay for it is plain practices. Research found several factors im­ from Cohen and others. I shall not pass this way again. portant in determining the leaching potential of Superintendents have a unique opportunity a fertilizer applied to turf: therate of application, to play a crucial role in the increasing number of the source of nitrogen and how readily soluble regulations that affect golf courses. A success­ Author Unknown it is, the season of the year of the application, soil ful government relations program is built on type and irrigation practices. A careful analysis of Petrovic’s findings reveals that superinten­ dents can and do minimize nitrate leaching on their courses. Petrovic’s article gains added significance Government Relations Terminology when taken in concert with other findings. Listed below are some of the abbreviations employees with information and training Prominent and respected academicians, includ­ and acronyms you will fmd used regularly in on hazardous chemicals in their workplace ing Dr. Richard Cooper from the University of Briefing and other publications dealing with MSDS — Material Safety Data Sheet (Manu­ government relations: facturers and distributors are required to > SWTBMEN>gOKBUREOSE^ CAA — Clean Air Act, federal law which sets provide you with an MSDS for each haz­ emission standards for motor vehicles and ardous substance you purchase. TheMSDS stationary sources contains safety, first aid and emergency CFR — Code of Federal Regulations, the information about the product.) compilation of United States laws OSH A — Occupational Safety and Health Ad­ CWA — Clean Water Act, federal law which ministration, the federal agency which regulates the discharge of pollutants into oversees and regulates workplace health surface waters and safety EPz\ — Environmental Protection Agency, the RCRA — Resource Conservation and Recov­ federal agency responsible for enforcement ery Act, federal law' which regulates the of federal environmental laws management and disposal of hazardous Briefing, a publication of the Golf Course Su­ FI FRA — Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and materials and wastes perintendents Association of America, is in­ Rodenticide Act, federal law which gov­ TSCA — Toxic Substances Control Act, fed­ tended to help superintendents stay informed erns the registration, application and use of eral law w’hich authorizes EPA to gather about regulations and laws that affect the pro­ fession. For more detailed information on news • pesticides — probably the most important information on chemical risks contained in Briefing, contact the G CSA A Office law affecting superintendents L’ST—Underground Storage Tank, a tank with of Government Relations at 800/472-7878 or HazCom — Hazard Communication Standard, 10 percent or more of its volume under­ 913/841-2240. Tom Akins, Editor. federal regulation which requires employ­ ground with piping attached to the tank ers, including superintendents, to provide (regulated by RCRA) ■ NMTMA MEMBER TO RECEIVE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD William H. Bengeyfield, member and owner of the Frankfort Golf Club will be honored for his dedication and outstanding service to golf course superintendents and the golf community at the opening session of the 61st Hnternational Golf Course Conference and Show in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 19-26, 1990. Bill is also the USGA Green Section National Director and Chairman of the USGA Research Committee. At the same time, Dr. Thomas Watschke, Penn State turfgrass researcher will also receive the same highly honored award. Bengeyfield and Watschke have been selected as recipients of the 1990 Distinguished Service Award. The selection was made by the board of directors of Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), the organization that sponsors the annual conference and show. Under Bengeyfield's leadership, the USGA/GCSAA Turfgeass Research Committee has seen more than $2.8 million raised and distributed for research to develop turfgrass cultivars that will reduce water usuage and maintenance costs. The USGA/GCSAA Advisory Service, a consulting branch of the Green Section, has been an increasingly valuable resource for superintendents during Bengeyfield's tenure as national director. Bengeyfield, a long time GCSAA member, operates and maintains Frankfort Golf Course, in Frankfort, Mich., as his time permits. For almost 20 of his 35 years with the Green Section, Bengeyfield has also served as editor of the Green Section Record. Watschke is coordinator for Penn State's Landscape Management and Water quality Research Center, synchronizing all field research for the five departments that cooperatively use the facility. He also serves on the Technical Resource/Advisory Committee for Golf Course Management, the technical and professional journal for golf course superintendents. His research has led to the use of growth regulators to control poa annua, the development of new post-emergent crabgrass control and, most recently, to a better understanding of surface run-off on turfgrass. Many of Watschke's former students are now turfgrass scientists, perpetuating and extending his commitment to turfgrass advancement. *********************************************************************** ** * * SUPERINTENDENTS TO ELECT LEADERS IN ORLANDO Gerald L. Faubel, CGCS, has been nominated for the oresidency of the Golf Course Superintendents ASSOCIATION OF America (GCSAA) for 1990-91. Faubel, superintendent at Saginaw Country Club, Saginaw, MI., currently serves as Vice president of the professional association. The organiza­ tion's officers and diresctors will be elected during its annual meeting at the 1990 GCSAA International Golf Course Conference and Show in Orlando, Florida, on Feb. 26. Vice presidential candidates are Stephen G. Cadenelli, CGCS, of the Netedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson, N.J., and WM. R. Roberts, CGCS, of the lochmoor Club in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI. Three candidates for director will be elected for two-year terms. Nominees for director are Jos. G. Baidy, CGCS, of Acacia Country Club in Lyndhurst, OH; Charles A. Clarg, CGCS, of Broadmoor Golf Course in Colorado Springs, CO.; Cecil C. Johnston, CGCS, of Avila Golf & Country Club in Lutz, FL.; Charles T. Passios, CGCS, of Hyannisport Club in Hyannisport, MA.; and Randall P. Zidik, CGCS, of Rolling Hills Country Club in McMurray, PA. (Continued) SUPERINTENDENTS TO ELECT LEADERS IN ORLANDO continued: GCSAA1s current president, Dennis D. Lyon, CGCS, City of Aurora Golf Division, Aurora, CO., will continue to serve on the board of directors as immediate past president. *************************************************************************** FORMER RESEARCHER JOINS GCSAA David M. Bishop has joined Golf Course Management GCM) magazine as technical editor. Clay Lloyd, publications director for GCSAA, announced the appoint­ ment today. GCM , the monthly journal for golf course superintendents and turfgrass managers, is the association's official publication. Bishop comes to GCSAA from UAP Special Products in Freemont, Neb., where he served since 1985 as technical services manager/agronomist. Previously he spent five years with the University of Nebraska extension service specializing in turfgrass integrated pest management. GCSAA will be able to further expand technical editorial content of GCM for the ebnefit of its readers, especially member golf course superint­ endents, with the addition of this newly crested full-time position, Loyd said. "David Bishop brings to the magazine the background, contacts, skills and talents to help in that effort". Bishop holds a master's degree in horticulture, with a minor in ento­ mology, from the university of Nebraska, Lincoln. His research focus at Nebraska was the distribution and life cycle of the black turfgrass beetle, ataenius. Meantime, Colleen Smalter Pederson, GCSAA director of education, has been serving as technical editor in addition to her regular duties. Pederson will continue to concentrate on GCSAA's growing educational programs and other new programs assignments. *************************************************************************** SUPERINTENDENT NEEDED Cheboygan Country Club is looking for a new superintendent. Further details can be had by contacting Tom Reed, our Executive Secretary. *************************************************************************** NMTMA OFFICERS FOR 1990 At the October meeting of this association at Hidden Valley, the following were elected to the Boardof Directors; Tom Brogger Class A, B & E Paul Holmes Dave Little Class G Kim Olson Jim Inman was appointed to fill out the term of Jim Bogart who resigned. President elected was Jeff Holmes, Grand Traverse Resort Vice-President Paul Holmes Executive Secretary Tom Reed Recording Secretary Kim Olson Treasurer Tom Reed 7 News From AMERICAN SOCIETY OF GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS 221 NORTH LA SALLE STREET CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601 312-^72-7090 It’s Time To Move Forward! Yesterday — 320 yd. hole 120 yds, 40 yds. roll 120 yds, 40 yds. roll Formerly an average woman player could reach a 320 yd. hole In regulation with the additional roll when fairways were more Firm. 120 yds, 10 yds. roll 120 yds, 10 yds. roll Leaving 60 yd. shot Today the average woman player will need three shots to reach a 320 yd. hole with today's lush fairways Women are making their presence felt in golf, and now golf courses must be adapted to their game, according to the American Society of Golf Course Architects. With one in four golfers a woman, and 41% of all new golfers women, the Society’s members are designing forward tees on most of their new and remodeled courses. Alice Dye, the only woman member of the Society, points out that research shows the average woman golfer drives the ball about 130 yards. She says that the low handicap woman golfer is most comfortable playing a course that is approximately 5,440 yards long, while the average woman golfer would find a 4,800 yard course most enjoyable. The ASGCA architects note that today’s lush, watered courses have reduced the roll of the ball. On firm fairways, 33% roll previously was expected and designed into the hole. The two illustrations above show that the average woman golfer could reach a 320-yard hole in regulation with 40 yards of roll, but cannot when the roll is reduced to 10 yards. Those interested in how forward tees can enhance the playability of a golf course may obtain further information and illustrations by sending a $5 check to the American Society of Golf Course Architects, 221 N. LaSalle Sl, Chicago, IL 60601. 8