TURF TIME MONDAY, MAY 22nd, 1989 CRYSTAL DOWNS COUNTRY CLUB, INC. . Q Q FRANKFORT, MICHIGAN Volume ia No. _£___ In our last newsletter we told you that we would give you the exact date to play Crystal Downs C. C. Above is that date, we will look forward to your playing this outstanding golf course and now the details. Starting times are necessary and due to the number of rental carts available, a limit of 60 golfers will be permitted to play. Starting times will be from 8:00 A.M. thru 10:15 A.M. and these times can be confirmed beginning May 15th, by calling Fred Muller (Golf Professional), at 616/352-7979. Members are requested to not bring more than 1 guest to this event. Cost of playing per person will be $30.00. This breaks down to % cart, $2,00 golf prize and green fee. Normal golf fee here is $100.00 per person including cart. Please bring your handicap as the contest will be low gross and low net. For those who also wish to participate in a special "skin" game, this will also be available for your consideration. If you plan to pay your golf by check, this check should be made payable to Crystal Downs C.C. or Fred Muller. We mention this because dinner and "Happy Hour" will be held at the Frankfort Hotel, on Main Street and that will be payable there. There may be some of you that will not play golf but will come for our business meeting and dinner. The schedule therefore will be taking place at the Frankfort Hotel as follows: HAPPY HOUR with cash bar 3:00 to 4:00 P. M. BUSINESS MEETING WITH Bruce Wilde, Michigan Dep1t of Agriculture speaking on "Pesticides" 4:00 to 5:00 P. M. DINNER 5:00 P. M. You will have a choice of Roast Sirloin or Scrod. You will be asked what your choice will be when you register for golf. Those coming for dinner only, should register your choice upon arrival. Cost of dinner will be $15.00 plus tax and gratuity. Directions? Either from north or south, U.S.31 to Benzonia where there is a 3 way stop light. Here you turn west on M-115 into Frankfort (approx. 8 miles), to flashing intersection light with M-22, Turn right (north)and follow M-22 about 5 miles to Crystal Downs Main Entrance on left of M-22, and on up to parking area and Pro Shop. Coming only to Dinner-Meeting, at flashing light intersection, turn left, one block to Main St., turn right 4 blocks and Frankfort Hotel will be on the corner, right side. Hotel telephone number is 616/352-4303. NEXT MEETING will be at the new Michaywe Hills Lake Course and this will be our annual fund raising benefit for Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Benefit on Monday, June 13th, 1989. Further information on this will be forthcoming. Meantime, line up your foursomes. NORTHERN MICHIGAN TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION © EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 3733 APOLLO DRIVE • TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN 49684 • 616-943-8343 Attitude can land a summer job ear Abby: Will you please He took the time to find out how we “operate” here, and what his day-to-day tasks would be. I Thomas Brogger (reprint that letter you ran beginning “Dear Kid”? It Dear think he'll keep his eyes open President and work tor me like he’d work was signed “The Boss”— explaining why he picked “the Abby for himself. other kid” who had applied for a He was willing to start at that By Abigail point where I could afford to Paul Holmes job. It appeared in your column Vice President several years ago, but with sum­ Van Buren pay. Someday, perhaps, he’ll get mer here it would be helpful if to the point where he’ll have - you ran it again. I am a business­ ence; neither of you had any. At­ more authority over others and a man, and you wouldn’t believe titude, son. A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E. better paycheck. Jonathon Scott, CGCS what comes in here applying for He did his best to impress me. You know, kid, men have al­ Immediate Past President a job. Thank you. That is where he edged you out. ways had to get a job like you Portland, Ore., Businessman He wasn't dressed like Easter get a girl: case the situation, wear Sunday, but then that wasn’t nec­ a clean shirt, and try to appear Dear Businessman: With plea­ essary; His clothes were clean, sure. Here’s the piece, and well reasonably willing. Directors and he had gotten a haircut. He Maybe jobs aren’t as plentiful Kimberly Olson worth the space. It appeared in filled out the application form The Cincinnati Enquirer, in Wil­ right now, but there are jobs. Jeffrey Holmes neatly and completely. He did You may not believe it, but all liam Raspberry’s syndicated col­ not ask to borrow a pen. He car­ Wm. Brent Nelson around you employers are umn. It was written by Karen ried his Social Security card, had Thomas Courtemanche looking for young men and Rak, who teaches English to stu­ basic identification and did not Damian Kurkowski dents at Center Junior High women smart enough to go after Charles Menefee, CGCS ask, “What’s a reference?” a job in the old-fashioned way. School in Strongville, Ohio. He didn’t have two friends James Olli, CGCS Ms. Rak composed a letter If you have even the vaguest David Sapp waiting for him by the pop ma­ idea of what I’m trying to say, let (ostensibly from an employer) chine. He didn’t start to chew Robert Steinhurst, CGCS designed to let her youthful job it show the next time you ask for gum or smoke while being inter­ a job. You will be head and seekers see themselves as they viewed. He didn’t keep looking at are seen. With so many young shoulders above the rest. his watch, giving me the impres­ For both our sakes, get eager, people looking for jobs now, I sion that he had something more Past Presidents think this piece deserves all the will you? Ed Karcheski important to do. 1 «• The Boss exposure it can get: C. E. “Tuck” Tate, CGCS Dear Kid: Today you came to David Longfield, CGCS me for a job. From the look of your shouiders as you walked A NEW MEMBER out, I suspect you’ve been turned down before, and maybe you be­ Executive Secretary lieve by now that kids your age I am a new member. Thomas Reed can’t find jobs. I see you at the meetings, but you 3733 Apollo Dr. Traverse City, Ml 49684 But I hired a teenager today. never say “Hello”, You saw him. What was so You’re busy all the time you’re there, Phone 616-943-8343 special about him? Not experi- With those you already know. I sit among the members, I still believe ardently that every young But I’m a lonesome guy, man who has to make his own way in The new ones are as strange as I, the world should devote himself most And the old ones pass me by. industriously and enthusiastically to acquiring education, that he should consecrate himselffar more to But - darn it! You folks asked me in, realities than frivolities. But, when And talked about fellowship, reasonable provision has been made You could have stepped across the room, for the future of himself and his But you never made the trip. dependents, when he has earned an established position, he should begin Why don’t you nod and say hello, to think along broader, more generous lines. He should give thought Or stop and shake my hand? to getting something from life in Then go and sit among your friends, EDITOR Now that I’ll understand. addition to putting his best into C.E. ’’Tuck” Tate life, he should have a wider horizon P. 0. Drawer 472 than mere moneymaking. I’ll be at your next meeting, Frankfort, Mich. B.C. Forbes A nice time I hope to spend, 49635 Do you think you could introduce yourself? (616)352-4398 I’d like to be your FRIEND. -2 BEHIND THE GREENS A Monthly Message From Your Board By Jeff Holmes Welcome to green grass, warm temperatures and, of course, long hours. The winter hibernation is over and its time to provide aesthetically pleasing as well as optimum playing conditions at the golf course. I hope that each and every one of you came through the winter in good shape. No snow mold, ice damage, wind desiccation or rodent damage would make each of us overjoyed. This doesn't shorten those long hours, but it does let you and your crew concentrate on other tasks. It is time to put your last ideas on the planning table and start executing all the plans and programs that have been devised over the winter. Speaking of programs, this brings to mind the upcoming tasks of fighting off disease, insects and weeds. All of these pests can be handled by properly using pesticides. Pesticides are an endangered species within our profession. To help retain the use of pesticides we need to support our lobby groups, educate ourselves and educate the public on pesticide use. To be fair to ourselves and others we should obtain a license for purchasing and using restricted pesticides. By obtaining this license you have to pass a test. The test consists of pertinent information on chemical use, effects and proper handling of pesticides. All of us should take the time to study and receive our pesticide certification license for restricted chemical use. If you would like more information on this topic, there is no better time to find out than at our next monthly meeting. The May NMTMA meeting at Crystal Downs will have guest speaker Bruce Wildie. Mr. Wildie is a member of the Michigan Department of Agriculture. The topic of his discussion will be restricted pesticide licensing. Take this opportunity to play a great golf course and also receive information on how to further your professional career. Good luck golfing at Crystal Downs.' 3 Project Your Image Over The Mist By: H.E. Frenette, CGCS “Infinite toil would not enable you to our discussion. In order to see above the main problem within the profession. Solv­ sweep away a mist; but by ascending a little mist, we must recognize that our industry ing this problem will certainly help raise us you may often look over it altogether.” is part of the free enterprise system. We do above the mist. (Arthur Helps) not enjoy subsidies, tax exemptions, or federal grants. We must operate within the Consider two areas where many of us give A little known quote from a man we economic realities of the business world; too little thought to our responsibility as have never met but what a profound effect which means competing for labor, paying professional superintendents; preparing the it could have on our efforts to become the the going price for equipment and materi­ assistant and training the turf student: recognized professionals we all aspire to als and providing the fringe benefits that become. To lift ourselves above the feeble go with operating any business. The Assistant - Once we have made the de­ attempts to convince our members and cision to employ an assistant, our responsi­ colleagues that we deserve much more than Determine the needs of your member­ bility is twofold: (1) Provide the individual we get. Just calling ourselves professionals ship. What quality of course do they with the opportunity to learn all he can to and telling each other we are does not a want? Once this is understood, all related prepare himself for the time he becomes a professional make. efforts must be approached realistically. superintendent, and (2) Provide your Determining the needs of your member­ membership with a competent individual How many meetings have you had ship should be a continuing process. Lis­ who can maintain continuity in the daily with fellow superintendents who begin their ten to the ideas and complaints of each operation of the course in the absence of the acquaintance with some remark like, “I individual member. Be receptive to con­ superintendent due to superintendent meet­ have a pretty good layout but the member­ structive criticism. Be prepared to recon­ ings, vacations, illness or other emergency. ship won’t let me have the money to do the cile even the most ridiculous suggestions job”, or “We just have to get the job done to maintain harmony. The Turf Student - You may decide to em­ with what we have because our members ploy turf students to supplement your sea­ can’t afford to raise the dues”. To add to his Prepare your requirements and justi­ sonal crew. In doing so, you have accepted martyrdom, some announced EXPERT gets fications and then be prepared to make a a responsibility to the student and to his or up at your local meeting and spends 30-45 convincing presentation. For clarity, let’s her school. minutes telling you those members expect consider some of the items that might be in you to maintain that rock-pile in tourna­ your presentation: The student expects to participate in a var­ ment condition with the same budget as last ied host of disciplines. He or she does not year and you are just going to have to learn Labor anticipate spending the placement training how to accomplish this as professional This is the largest percentage item in the period just riding a tractor or raking bun­ superintendents. Have you ever met an budget but has traditionally been the least kers. They hope to have the opportunity to EXPERT in the field of Turf Management— realistic. We have agonized for years with engage in every’ procedure on the course. Superintendents , as you know, are not less than adequate personnel because this The superintendent and his assistant should classed as EXPERTS—who didn’t say you has been the way IT IS. It is time to afford the student a chance to learn each were the greatest bunch of guys in the recognize that the job is not going to get skill on the course. In addition, the student world? Then in the next breath, they’re done properly without skilled technicians should be required to exhibit his or her telling you that you just have to learn to do who can be encouraged to stay with the understanding of the disciplines studied in more with less. It occurs to me that these club. They should be paid competitive school such as: individuals may be experts in Rhetoric but wages and provided with reasonable fringe Turf and weed identification something less that knowledgeable in the benefits as added incentives. Tree and shrub identification field of Turf Management. Lime and fertilization programs Training programs must be organized on a Safety in the use, handling, storage and Here we are down in the mist sweeping State or Regional level to provide a pool of disposal of pesticides away like mad but to no avail. Any man apprentices prepared to fit into the routine Calibration of application equipment who can claim to give his members a better of turf maintenance procedures. State Preventive maintenance procedures course (with today’s labor, materials, and Superintendents’ associations can be the Budget and accounting procedures equipment costs) for the same money has leaders in such a program with benefits lost touch with the industry or has a mem­ equal to or surpassing existing half-hearted Once the student has been exposed to the bership that will not long accept his quality research efforts. What better trade for a various duties on the course and given a of maintenance. We may even consider the young man to pursue in one of the local reasonable time to comprehend the HOW possibility that his past efforts have been Vo-tech schools? You the Superinten­ and, most importantly, the WHY, the super­ less than professional if he can suddenly dent, not the club, will be the one to initiate intendent has the responsibility to accu­ produce results with the same budget. such a training program. rately evaluate each student. This is a committment made to the school when he This brings us back to the purpose of For years labor has been recognized as the continued on page 5 4 Credit — The Georgia Turfgrass News continued front page 4 to cost per unit or cost per application. one of the least understood expenditures on accepts a student for employment. To do Determine your requirements, contact your the course. Members are completely at the less would allow unqualified individuals reputable suppliers, discuss optional mate­ mercy of the fast talkers. We ask why the to enter the field and further dilute our ef­ rials, price rates and then make your deci­ superintendent is not in a stronger position forts to be professional. sion in a professional manner. to assist the club in selecting their irrigation system. Most of us know the answer. We These two areas will increase your duties Maintenance are not acquiring the knowledge necessary and cut into your free time. However, it This is probably the least predicatable of all to understand the many problems associ­ will also raise you above the mist and items in the management process. It would ated with planning the system. expose you as a professional. Often we appear that no amount of historical record­ are hesitant to share our knowledge and ing, equipment record keeping or daily Who should be more concerned with such experience with young people entering preventative maintenance can accurately information as layout, pipe sizing, distri­ the field. This is inconsistent with our predict future requirements. There seems bution, pumping stations, automation and efforts to conduct conferences, seminars, to be one reasonable procedure that will specifications than the Golf Course Super­ and local meetings to share ideas and minimize maintenance costs - diligent intendent? The Architect? (He can advise experiences. operator training and supervision. Most but generally is not qualified), the Contrac­ generally we are content to acquaint a man tor? (He is qualified and knowledgeable Materials and Supplies with a machine, show him the controls and but not committed to the interest of the This is an area in which we are reluctant to then turn him loose. This is not proper club), the Irrigation Consultant? (He is thoroughly investigate alternatives. It is operator training and supervision. Proper self-employed to operate over a wide area easy to check price lists or make a phone training programs produce better work and mostly not available), and last but not call and insert a figure. Better yet, the habits and less down-time due to careless­ least, the Club member who is a local easy way out for many unprofessional ness. plumber? We have all seen the results of a superintendents is to just add 10% to last plumber's spigot-system. year’s figures. Although more trouble­ Then we regularly spot the article in a trade some, a complete breakdown of unit prices journal concerning repair or replace. There It behooves the professional superinten­ can save 6-10% of many items used on the are as many formulae for solving this prob­ dent to make himself aware of irrigation course. Breakdown of unit cost does not lem as articles. Manufacturers give us principles, design, performance, installa­ only mean cost per gallon, pound, etc., but estimates of expected equipment life and tion and automation along with the up to cost of handling, application, storage, trade articles show us equipment still in use date equipment available. The choice is value of technical service and availabil­ that is 30 years old. Somewhere in between ours; we can take an active part in the we must find the answer to good preventive acquisition of a new system or gripe about ity. maintenance, operator diligence and peri­ what a lousy system someone else stuck Too often, we use what the fellow down odic overhaul. This must be accomplished our club with and left us to straighten out. the street uses because it must be good and by the superintendent committing himself besides; that’s easier than coming up with to some basic principles: Landscaping your own programs. Then there is the Inventory all available equipment and We all have members who want to see the Black Magic peddler who has a catalog list its condition. (Show purchase dates course progress aesthetically. This means two feet thick with every answer to your & prices) take no trees out but add trees everywhere. golf course problems. If you really want Get rid of your "junk pile". Junk is worth Shrubs around all tees, to add to our main­ to know what his products are worth, ask cash. tenance headaches, and trees over every him to see a label. That Cadillac will soon Put all equipment in operable condition green to provide shade and roots for added be out of your driveway. How about the or scrap it. problems. Usually we end up with trash guy on the phone from New York or Determine the equipment required to get trees such as Sweetgum, Poplar and occa­ Chicago who has the answer to your weed the job done and prepare your justifica sionally some Hickory. The professional problems? The only answers this guy has tion for its purchase. superintendent should be familiar with the are the ones written on a prepared sheet in plant materials indigenous to his locale and front of him. When you talk to this fellow, I can hear the outcry, "That's okay for you their characteristics. This is where the help you are really down in the mist; with a guys with big budgets but how about us of a Landscape Architect comes in handy. worn broom. When you walk in a mate­ superintendents at the small 9-hole Develop a friendship and seek his advise rials storage area cluttered with 55 gallon courses?" The question here is not one of on maintenance-free materials. drums of water, from these high pressure affluence of the club but of the degree of sales tactics, question the superintendent’s professionalism of the individual superin­ If a tree program is to be established, get the professionalism. tendent. We are speaking of rising above help of a competent Golf Course Architect that mist to see the reality of our profession. to prepare a Master Plan. Once approved, When you list a material or supply item on Being employed at a small club is not an such a program can be carried out in stages the budget know what you are buying, excuse for ineptness. as priorities dictate. The professional super­ what it can or cannot do for you, and that intendent does not haphazardly start plant­ it is the best value available. Analyze the Irrigation ing trees without thought to the game, amount of active ingredients and reduce it This is an item that is coming of age and yet continued on page 6 5 continued from page 5 Top Dressing Sand maintenance or aesthetics. What you may By: Buddy Johnson data base. Superintendents taking advan­ consider a masterpiece this year could end tage of the educational programs realized up as a nightmare in the course of 8-10 I have spent over 20 years dealing in the need to seek better quality sands for top years. specialty aggregates for various applica­ dressing to offset some of the deficiencies tions. The last three years, I have had the created by construction with inferior mate­ Construction and Reconstruction pleasure of establishing working relations rials. Quality top dressing sand became According to the GCSAA Organizational with superintendents of golf courses their only alternative to increase permea­ K Job Description, the superintendent is an around the southeast. In this experience I bility rates short of reconstruction. expert in this area. The question is; Where have been able to expand my knowledge does he acquire this expertise? It certainly of aggregates relative to golf course appli­ Traveling and listening to superinten­ isn’t as routine as mowing or spraying. cations. dents, I heard many relate permeability Most generally, the average superintendent rates less than 1/4” per hour. As a result, the never gets the opportunity to gain the expe­ The most enlightening issue came to search began for the ideal top dressing rience necessary. He may, in a career, be the aggregates most of the greens were sand. Preferably the sand should have no become involved in actual supervision or constructed with. For whatever reason, more than 1% larger than 1 mm as this construction of various phases but not the availability, budgets, unconcerned atti­ avoids dulling and nicking mower blades complete picture. tudes, or a general lack of knowledge, and settles faster. On the fine end of the quality specification aggregates were not gradation no more than 2% should be smaller It would seem that the aspiring professional utilized. Through the years, not much then .10 mm. The permeability rate should would make the extra effort to learn ac­ attention was given to the quality of sand be in the 40 - 45 inches per hour range. cepted fundamentals of good construction. used to top dress either. Visit the course being built in your area and If the above criteria are utilized, you ask questions. Observe methods and re­ Out of the seventies and into the eight­ should see a definite difference after your sults. Do not accept all that you see or hear ies the research data base continued to first top dressing. As a bonus, your green at face value. Try to glean information from grow. During the same period, the quali­ mowers will experience less down time for the architect, contractor and superinten­ fications for superintendents were being sharpening. This bonus generally will off­ dent. Question your USGA representative. raised and continuing educational pro­ set any additional cost of buying the better This type of investigation is what will raise grams increased knowledge of the research quality sand. you above the mist and enable you to see it altogether. Conclusions The Most Vital This writer hopes that these words will encourage you to consider your role as a member of this profession. The word pro­ Thing in Life fessional denotes one who has explored all When you feel like saying something aspects of his profession and has prepared That you know you will regret, Or keenly feel an insult himself for problems which he will face and Not quite easy to forget, be required to make an intelligent decision. That s the time to curb resentment The fact that a club hires someone to take And maintain a mental peace, care of it’s golf course and calls him a For when your mind is tranquil superintendent, greenkeeper, etc. has no All your ill-thoughs simply cease. meaning unless the individual knows what It is easy to be angry he is and what his capabilities are to accom­ When defrauded or defied, plish the myriad of tasks which he shall To be peeved and disappointed face. Joining an organization does not If your wishes are denied; change your status unless you have ac­ But to win a worthwhile battle cepted the responsibility to prepare your­ Over selfishness and spite, self for the profession you have chosen. You must learn to keep strict silence Make the most of your association with Though you know you’re in the right. So keep you mental balance fellow superintendents. It will help broaden When confronted by a foe, your professional horizons. Be it enemy in ambush, Or some danger that you know. Remember! You will never be a profes­ If you are poised and tranquil sional Golf Course Superintendent until When all around is strife, your fellow superintendents, your member­ Be assured that you have mastered ship and the general public recognize and The most vital thing in life. accept you as one. 6 Credit- The Georgia Turfgrass News cV IMPRESSIONS A Corporation may spread itself over the whole world ... may employ one hundred thousand men . . . yet the average person will form his iudg- ment of the corporation through his contact with one individual. If this person is rude or inefficient, it will require a lot of courtesy and efficiency to overcome the bad impression, t Every member of an organization who, in any capacity, comes in contact with the public, is a salesman ... the impression he makes is an advertise­ ment ... good or bad................................... 7 1988 YEARBOOK OF AGRICULTURE Each year the Department of Agriculture of the United States publishes a book on Agriculture, the 1988 yearbook is titled, "Marketing U.S. Agriculture". This book can be procured by purchase from the U.S. Printing Office in Washington or it is free if you write your U. S. Congressman or U. S. Senator. Over the years, many subjects have been » covered in these books and prove both interesting to read and provide many facts for reference. Some of the subjects over the years are, Water, Trees, A Place to Live, Farmers World,Our American Land, Grass, After A Hundred Years and many other subjects. If you have never contacted your congressman or senator, now would be a good time to start your own library. **************************** * * * * * ****************** * * ****** * ********** * It is our understanding that the job of superintendent at Hidden Valley and Alpena Country Club, are still not filled. Seems that there have been many moves of superintendents in the north country. Chuck Menefee CGCS has left Lost Lake Woods for Harbor Springs. Brian Holmes has replaced him at Lost Lake Woods. Brian Hamilton CGCS has left Lincoln Hills and has joined the firm of Jeff Gorney Design Co., in golf course building and design. Maynard Gardner has taken over at Lincoln Hills. Crystal Lake Golf Course at Beulah has officially been sold as of Mar. 1st, to Bruce Keiller. Matt Rieschl has been retained as the superintendent. Bob Rieschl is seriously thinking of retirement and/or fishing. ****************************************************** * * * * * * * * * * ****** * * WHAT IS HAPPINESS? Golf is Happiness For Happiness is achievement The father of achievement is motivation The mother is encouragement The fine golfswing is truly achievement. Man may lie, cheat, and steal for gain But, these will never gain the golfswing To gain the golfswing man must work Yet it is work without toil It is exercise without the boredom It is intoxication without the hangover It is stimulation without the pills It is failure yet its successes shine even more brightly It is frustration yet it nourishes patience It irritates yet its soothing is far greater It is futility yet it nurtures hope It is defeating yet it generates courage It is humbling yet it ennobles the human spirit It is dignity yet rejects arrogance Its price is high yet its rewards are richer Some may say it is a boy's pastime yet it builds men It is a buffer for the stresses of today's living It cleanses the mind and rejuvenates the body, It is these things and many more for those of us who know it and love it. Golf is truly Happiness. PAUL BERTHOLY 8