MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th, 1989 Jack Nicklaus "THE BEAR" Course • Volume 18 No. 7 ACME, MICHIGAN This Jack Nicklaus masterpiece will be the site of the Northern Michigan Turf Managers Ass'n's second FUND RAISER for further research and development. It will be a "SHOTGUN" start at 10:00 A.M. and the game will be "Better 2 Balls of Foursome". Cost will be $60.00 per person and includes dinner and meeting. Reservations for starting locations must be made by phoning the Pro Shop at 616/938-1620. All tee assignments will be made on a first come, first serve basis. Since there will be only a li,ited 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. Jeff Holmes is the host superintendent and Ken Hornyak is the golf professional. Prizes will be awarded at the "Bear Den" where a cook out will be held following golf, back of the 18th green. Cocktails will also be available at the same place with a cash bar. You must report to the Pro Shop located on the lower level of the Sandtrap. The Sandtrap is located on M-72, 3/4 mile east of the intersection of M-72 and U.S.31, north side of road. Here you will park to get your golf cart and park while playing golf. When finished, you will return to the intersection of M-72 and U.S.31, turn right, go up the hill to the main entrance of the hotel, come in toward the hotel and then turn left to the "Bear Den", back of the 18th green. If there is any question, please ask or phone Jeff Holmes, 938-9534 (home) or 9338-9083 (work). Dr. Jos. Vargas, Internationally known plant pathologist from M. S. U. will be our speaker. It is at this time of the year when all in the green industry desire to know the latest information relative to both types of snow mold and what are the best preventatives. This information could mean the difference between keeping your job and causing you to be looking for another, next spring. We are not enclosing postcards with this issue of "Turf Times" because your golfing reservation will tell us of the number that will be there with the few exceptions, that will be coming for the meeting only. Plan to be with us. Lunch is available at the end of 9 holes. *********************************************************************** NEXT MEETING The 5th Annual Tuck Tate Golf Championship is scheduled for October as well as the annual meeting when new Directors are elected, as well as officers for the coming year, fflt is important that everyone interested in the Association's future be present and cast your vote. Further details will be forthcoming in'our next publication. NORTHERN MICHIGAN TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION © EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 3733 APOLLO DRIVE • TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN 49684 • 616-943-8343 Demographics, environmental regs Thomas Brogger President dictate design Golf course development has entered a new era, says Kevin Downing, golf and Paul Holmes landscape operations manager for a South Vice President Florida developer and a member of the USGA Green Section Committee. MKF BAI FY/FGCSA And any developer who doesn’t under­ Jonathon Scott, CGCS Kevin Downing substituted at the last minute for a Immediate Past President stand that the rules have changed may end USGA official who could not make the trip from up spending all his capital on the permit­ Far Hills, N.J., for the conference. ting process or — worse — if he does get Directors through permitting with his bankroll in­ percent of the native vegetation be left un­ Kimberly Olson tact, “he may not be able to sell his real touched, Downing said the golf course had Jeffrey Holmes estate because he builds more golf course to be routed before the architect was hired. Wm. Brent Nelson Thomas Courtemanche than his market can handle.” “Furthermore, we had done focus groups Damian Kurkowski Downing, a last-minute substitute to make sure we knew what our potential Charles Menefee, CGCS speaker for Tom Meeks, USGA director of market wanted in the way of a golf course James Olli, CGCS rules and competitions, repeated the pre­ community,” he said.. “They not only told David Sapp sentation he had made a few days earlier at us what kind of roof tile they preferred, Robert Steinhurst, CGCS the annual Tifton Turfgrass Conference ^ they also told us that they wanted to look Tifton, Ga. out on a green golf course and blue water. “If you build a golf course for the three- “The vistas they had in mind and the reg­ Past Presidents Ed Karcheski handicapper, you had better be prepared ulatory agencies’ ideas of what was beau­ C. E. “Tuck” Tate, CGCS for a very long sell-out because there aren’t tiful seldom coincided. When 25 percent David Longfield, CGCS that many three handicappers walking of your course is scrubland and nobody around out there,” said Downing, who plays wants to look at it from the golf course or to a low handicap himself when on top of from his home, it’s some trick to hide it.” Executive Secretary his game. Downing said the focus groups also Thomas Reed “With the kind of money you’re talking helped the developer pin down exactly 3733 Apollo Dr. about at today’s upper-end country club how much his clients were willing to spend Traverse City, Ml 49684 community, pcoplejustaren’tgoing to buy on dues which, in turn, told him what the Phone 616-943-8343 into a golf course they can’t play.” operating budget of the golf course would Downing described the evolution of be for the next six years. EDITOR Willoughby GC in Stuart, a 600-acre de­ “Finding an architect who was sensitive C.E."Tuck"Tate velopment on sensitive wetlands (includ­ to environmental limits and who was will­ P.O.Drawer 472 ing some native habitat for the federally ing to design a course with the vistas we Frankfort,49635 protected scrub jay) surrounded by com­ felt our buyers would demand at a degree 616/352-4398 mercial development and a major thor­ of difficulty we thought they could handle oughfare— U.S. One. and which could be maintained for six “It used to be vogue to design ‘target’ years at $550,000 to $750,000 a year was golf courses,” Downing said. “Now it’s not easy,” he said. mandatory.” The group finally settled on Arthur Hills, His company spent $1.1 million on the who had designed die much acclaimed permitting process, drawing up three com­ Bonita Bay project in Naples. “Pete (Dye) pletely different land-use plans before fi­ refers to him as the King of Naples. nally getting permission to turn the first “And Art had to agree to tone down the shovelful of dirt. contours on his greens — which is sort of Because of new requirements for upland his signature — and do some other things buffers and special treatment of littoral to make the course playable for our aver- zones, the protected scrub jay habitat and prospect: an 18-handicapper who hits the requirement of a local agency that 25 nrd slice.” ‘ u: FLorida Green Improve Your Timing by PATRICK M. O’BRIEN Director, Southeastern Region, USGA Green Section UTTING greens usually require green. The timer is mounted in a fiber­ trencher machines available today P more frequent irrigation than any other area on a golf course. While routine irrigation cycles are usually set at the main controller, or at glass or metal box and is set on a steel post. Two 12-gauge electrical wires con­ nect the nearest satellite field station to the wind-up timer. The wire connections make wire installation easy. The wind­ up timer system adds about $5,000 to $6,000 to a new irrigation system’s total cost. a satellite station, a course superintendent are made on the terminal strip located The wind-up timer should be located often may want to irrigate at other in the box, and other connections are close to a green, bu.t not so close it times, such as after a fertilizer or pesti­ made between the timer and the sole­ distracts or annoys the golfers. If it can cide application. In some cases, for noids for the green sprinklers. For golf be arranged, it could be located on the example, the nearest controller for a set courses that use both water and mist way to the next green, to further reduce of particular putting green sprinklers sprinkler heads, * installing a toggle travel time. The fiberglass or metal en­ might be located at a satellite field switch will allow easy operation of closures should be locked and keyed in station with no direct view of the green. either sprinkler system. This technique the same manner as the satellite field To apply water, the superintendent must has been employed by Mark Hoban, of stations. Neither vandalism nor light­ travel to a field station controller, turn The Standard Club, for example. ning has been a problem at these golf on the valves that control the sprinklers The wind-up timer enclosure is sup­ courses so far. around the green, and hope golfers ported on a two-inch steel pipe, which It is important to emphasize that the playing that hole have not come within is mounted on a two-foot by two-foot wind-up timer is not a substitute for a striking distance. Obviously it can be a concrete pad. The 12-gauge wire is the well-designed irrigation system or for a disadvantage to lose sight of the area most expensive component of the good hand-watering program. The where sprinklers are being used. project, presently costing about seven wind-up timer is simply a new water Three golf courses in Atlanta have cents to nine cents per linear foot, so a management tool for putting greens. To found a solution to this problem. The field station located a long distance help you improve the efficiency of your key device is a 30-minute mechanical from a green will require a substantial irrigation program and to avoid water­ wind-up timer which is placed at a con­ amount of wire to reach the wind-up ing your green chairman by mistake, venient location within sight of the timer. Fortunately, the new, smaller this tip may be worth consideration. (Left) Placing the wind-up timer within view of the green and on the path to the next hole helps improve irrigation efficiency. (Above) A wind-up timer is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. 3 USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD necuius, vviuicooeo are best protection, says attorney Mark all hazards and mix all chemicals yourself. That was the advice of Mike Vernon, an attorney from Lake Charles, La. and a member of the USGA Green Section Committee. "Adopt the mindset that the worst that can happen will happen", said the lawyer who represents many major chem­ ical companies. "A chemical company,s first line of defense in any law suit regarding alleged chemical damage is that the chem­ ical didn't do the damage, it's because the chemical was misused. " Therefore, a superintendent's first line of offense in MKT bAHtY/TCCSA any claim against a chemical company must be to document Mike Veron represents several that he used the chemical properly. chemical companies in Louisiana Vernon then listed four steps every superintendent should take to prove his case: 1. Only the superintendent - or perhaps his assistant, depending on his qualifications - should do the mixing. 2. Keep a log that shows when you mixed, what you did, and who witnessed it. Always have at least one other person witness the mixing. 3. Save the label. Don't discard it with the container. As you know, federal law generally requires that every chemical have a label showing its contents and showing its application directions. Save that with your log book. 4. When you apply the chemical, keep a small amount of the chemical so that if necessary, you can have it tested later. "That way, when some irate green chairman walks into your office and asks if you have seen what is left of the sixth and seventh cjreens, you will be able to document that at least, if the damage is blamed on the chemical you sprayed three days ago, you complied with the label and you can also show that you have a witness that you complied with the label." To collect damages from a manufacturer, however, it's not enough to prove that you were not at fault. "You have to prove that they were," said Vernon. Usually that proof will require testimony from experts, preferably experts who have nothing at stake - chemist, toxicologist, agronomist... or even the superintendent next door - to take soil samples and do whatever is necessary to substantiate the claim of chemical damage. Vernon also addressed the issue of liability for injuries to employees, members, guests and even uninvited intruders. Sometimes, the attack comes from the least expected quarters. "There are innumerable horror stories and I am going to tell you one," he said, relating the story of a New Orleans country club that was ordered to pay $693,000 to one of its members who accidently stepped into an unmarked open drain while jogging - even though the member was not seriously injured and should have known not to jog in the area because he knew the hazard existed - he had complained about it several times to club management. "The moral of the story is that if you are a superintendent and you have any kind of a work condition or work in progress that may constitute a hazard of any kind and if you leave it unattended, put barricades around it, put up 'DANGER!' signs, do everything possible not only to warn others of the danger hut also to prevent them from being exposed to i t. "You should get a rule from the board that prohibits the members' children from getting into the ponds," Vernon said. 4 (continued from page 4) Ponds, he explained, are like swimming pools: they fall into the category of "attractive nuisances." "You know why there are fences around swimming pools. Well, its a small step from a swimming pool to the ponds on your golf course," he said, "children like to get in the ponds - a lot of them try to get in and get the golf balls to sell back to the golfers. "A kid can getinone of those ponds and get bit by a snake or alligator or get into some horseplay with his buddies and drown." The principles of law are: 1. Prevent the potential accident if you can. 2. If you can't preventthe accident, warn about dangerous conditions. Simple one - word warnings often aren't enough, Vernon said. Make sure you explain what the hazardous condition is. If they think you are just being snobbish, they may ignore your warnings. In conclusion, Vernon said the rising professionalism of superintendents has a "down" side. "You are the victims of your own success," he said. "As you continue to improve turfgrass conditions, you continue to raise the expectations of all of us who enjoy your work. And when you don't meet these expec­ tations. too often you can wind up in court." Credit: Florida Green *********************************************************************** Women need choice of tees, and still has a third shot from the fairway “Five iron or nine iron, it doesn’t really on nearly every par four. make too much difference,” said Dye, says architect Alice Dye “It’s tough to make birdie putts from the whose 223 in the 1979 Senior Women’s Give women the same opportunity as middle of the fairway.” Amateur still stands as the record. “I would men, said Alice Dye — the chance to The ideal length for par-four holes for hate to say this in front of a group of club choose a set of tees suited to their games. women is 240-340 yards for average play­ manufacturers, but ’women tend to hit all “Women have become an economic ers and 300-380 yards for the best, she said. their woods the same distance and all their factor in modem golf,” said Dye, a golf Par threes should range from 60 to 150 irons the same distance.” course architect, two-time USGA senior yards. Throughout her presentation, Dye re­ women’s amateur champion and a mem­ “There isn’t much you can do with par minded her audience that she was advocat­ ber of the USGA women’s handicap pro­ fives,” she said. “The legal minimum is ing the construction of a second set of tees cedure committee. 401 yards and, with three of her best shots, for women players, not moving the current “Women hit balls, take lessons, buy the average lady is going to get 370-390. set forward. clothes — and they go the whole way: “But at least you can give her a fighting “Just as the men have a choice of three, outfits, shoes, socks, hats, visors — take chance on the par fours.” and sometimes four, sets of tees,” she said, carts, cat lunch and, since they’ve been out But give her that fighting chance on a set “the women should have some realistic playing golf all day and they’re too tired to of tees with official USGA ratings, she choices, too.” cook, they bring the whole family to the said. Credit: Florida Green club to cat dinner. “The biggest disservice you can do to a “And if you want to maximize this eco­ lady is move the tees up from where the nomic factor, you’ve got to make golf course is rated. They may score a little bet­ ★ ★ ★ courses more enjoyable for women.” ter but they haven ’ t become better players. The nurse had prepared an attractive The average woman hits the ball about But if you move the tees up for a ladies’ young lady for surgery and wheeled her 75 percent as far as the average man, she out to the examination room. Presently a tournament, their handicaps are going to man dressed in white clothes came into the noted, and the average men’s course from come down because, for the record, they room. He stopped, looked at the girl, the white tecs is 6400 yards. Seventy-five have scored better against the ‘official’ lifted the sheet, nodded his head and percent of 6400 is 4800 yards. course. walked away. A few minutes another “The average ladies’ course in this coun­ white clad fellow came in and did the “Unless, of course, you compound the same thing. He was followed by still try is 5800 yards,” she said. problem by setting the pins on the front another man who repeated the process. “Ladies definitely need a second set of edge of the greens. Remember, most of “For goodness sake, when are you tees with shorter yardage — about 5000 going to stop looking and operate?” the them arc coming in there with woods! patient asked the last man. yards. “In fact, most women won’t even try an “Darned if I know, lady,” came the “On a good day, if everything goes right, iron unless she has a carry of 75 yards or reply. “We’re just the painters.” the average lady hits the ball about 130 less, Dye said. ★ ★ ★ yards. If she gets two ‘career’ shots back- to-back, that means she’s gone 260 yards 5 Ideas on Management by NATHAN B. HALE, Retired Country Club Manager, Salt Lake City, Utah anagement is generally three heads or managers: a club manager, His employees were left on their own or M considered as “directing and motivating others.” It is, however, much more than this. management is almost like having a sixth a golf professional, and a golf course superintendent. GoodManagement styles vary widely, almost as widely as there are different kinds of were directed by a good foreman, but one who had also been left on his own. The work was handled after a fashion, but the employees who hid out, those sense. It is having a feel for things; people. Even so, they will generally fall who played around, and those who knowing when to change policies and into three broad categories: management really didn’t know what to do finally directions, when to expand and push by default, management by example, cost the superintendent his job. It is forward, when to conserve or cut back. and management by supervision. doubtful if anything good can be said It is the capability to work well with Management by default is just what for this type of management. others. it says. Each employee is allowed very In addition, managing well is under­ wide latitude to handle his job as he may ANAGEMENT by example has a standing and having rapport or con­ sideration for employees and fellow feel is right. He succeeds or fails on his own. This type of management generally M lot going for it, although it, too, has some drawbacks. An employee knows workers. It is knowing which persons has no place today. The sad thing is that the boss knows what he is talking about to hire and which to let go. Management much of this is still going on, probably when he sees him running machinery, is all this and a lot more. more than we are willing to admit. making repairs, and down in the trenches In club work management has the repairing water lines and wiring con­ Two examples come to mind. First, added dimension of constantly changing nections, etc. Often, however, the just last year a club manager who was boards of directors and committeemen. employee never really learns what to do, obviously incapable hid behind members There are times when this may be even since the boss continues doing it all. of the staff, insisting they make all further complicated by a club having Naturally the men will stand and only decisions. In truth they completely ran the club. In just a few months the club watch if the boss will let them. The most ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nate Hale has been lost direction, and capable employees capable, qualified maintenance man I in golf and country club management for 35 went elsewhere, simply disillusioned by have known in 40 years has this problem. years. He served as manager or general lack of direction. Member activity and He is so qualified that, as assistants manager for three clubs, and he knows the come and go, he continues to do it all. requirements and responsibilities of the job. participation dropped noticeably, and the manager had to be replaced. As a result, he seldom has ever taken a In the Rocky Mountain region, he served as day off or a vacation because there is CMAA Regional Director and has held Second, a superintendent who had a passion for miniature gas motors would no one to do his job. other offices on both the state and national levels. He is now retired and lives in Sait sit for hours in his office working on Let’s not overlook, however, that Lake City, Utah. motors and radio-controlled airplanes. management by example can teach a lot. o It can and should teach such things as manager has to understand this role and destroys initiative and loyalty. Building honesty, dependability, proper appear­ not interfere with the superintendent. others up will automatically build you. ance, proper language, and how to work Regardless of whether the club has a Don’t Be Afraid of Change: Everyone well with others. Example can also teach general manager or is trying to function is for progress but some are afraid of interest in and concern for others. What with three heads, someone has to assume change. Keep new ideas flowing. Con­ better way for a person to learn good the responsibility of coordinating every­ tinually propose changes and improve­ work habits and good work ethics, than thing with board members and com­ ments. If only a small percentage of by the example of his boss? The best mittees. It is their club, they are the your suggestions are accepted, it is employer I ever had taught me I didn’t representatives of the membership who good. By keeping the boards and com­ have to ask him what to do. I soon pay the bills and they unquestionably mittees so busy with new ideas, the learned his answer would be, “What is have the final say. One problem is that superintendent and manager can direct right, what is fair.” they are ever-changing and the business their energies productively. Management by supervision is often where they have been successful influ­ You Determine the Atmosphere difficult for a person who is a hard­ ences their thinking and actions. This Around You: This doesn’t mean you working do-it-yourselfer. This method can be most frustrating at times, and have to wear a perpetual grin, but no requires delegation, and to delegate it becomes necessary to educate each one likes to be around a grouch. Pleasant properly takes considerable effort. new man every year. The most successful surroundings and a pleasant atmosphere Giving someone a job, making sure he club managers and superintendents I attract pleasant people. knows how to do it, permitting him the know set up specific appointments early Work Well With Others: More people freedom and authority to accomplish it, in each new year to meet with the new are fired or held back for lack of this and supervising when needed but not committeemen, go over financial matters quality than any other. I lost the best job interfering, is proper delegation. Note in detail, review problem areas in the I ever had because I overlooked this. A that this does not mean abdication of operation, cover the long-range projects, smooth-running organization is fun to responsibility or supervision if needed. and most of all give each man a detailed run. Delegating everything and doing nothing extended tour of the entire plant and its You Are Good or Bad by Comparison: is back to management by default. There operation. If this is done, and each new The best is the best because he is better is a line between the two, and one must individual is asked for ideas and sug­ than anyone else. If you are only the best be careful to note that line. Top execu­ gestions and honestly comes to feel his of the worst, you still aren’t good. tives generally use a combination of help is desired, you will find that the Lead the Way: Don’t be afraid to pay management by supervision and dele­ biggest problem is solved. the highest wages — if they are justified. gation. Running a club properly also Obviously this has barely scratched Be proud to have others look up to you requires a combination: that of manage­ the surface of management techniques. as the leader. Success attracts the best of ment by example and management by From my experience, the following list everything. supervision, including delegation. of suggestions can be most helpful. A capable, qualified manager is almost Give Credit Where Credit is Due: priceless. The wonderful thing is that Taking credit for another’s ideas or we can all become better managers if S A CLUB manager for many years work is dishonest. More than this, it we are willing to put forth the effort. A .before becoming a general manager, I found that managing was unquestion­ ably much easier and things ran smoother when I was a general manager. Why? The golf course superintendent and I spent many hours considering this. We came to the conclusion that a general .If you have a wood burning stove or fireplace, manager did make things easier for both this should interest you: men if both would assume their proper Beechwood fires are bright and clear roles. For either a club manager or If the logs are kept a year. superintendent to act independently of Chestnut’s only good, they say the other will undoubtedly cause nothing If for long it’s laid away. but chaos. The superintendent has to be Birch and Fir logs burn too fast. the authority regarding the golf course. Blaze up bright and do not last. He knows it, and he runs it. The super­ Elm wood burns like churchyard mold, intendent, with the general manager, Even the very flames are cold! budget and approve spending. The Poplar gives a bitter smoke, general manager can remove many Fills your eyes and makes you choke. Applewood will scent your room problems that come with committees With an incense like perfume. and committeemen. He can attend some Oak and Maple, if dry and old, of the time-consuming meetings and Will keep away from winter cold. leave the superintendent more free to But ash wood wet and ash wood dry run his course and his crew. By the A king can warm his slippers by! manager and superintendent working together, each cognizant of the other’s needs, both can be successful executives in their respective fields. The general USGA GREEN SECTION RECORD 7 FIELD DAY, AUGUST 31st Thursday, August 31, 1989, at 8:30 A.M. Hancock Turfgras Research Center will be the Field Day, Trade Show and Equipment Auction at the corner of Mt. Hope and Farm Lane, MSU, East Lansing. Mark your calendar now and plan to be there to receive the latest infor­ mation 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 A.M. Again this year the format will feature two, concurrent tours — one on lawn maintenance and one on golf maintenance. Following the plot tour will be the traditional pig roast lunch, trade show and equip­ ment auction. ******************* **************************************************** CRYSTAL DOWNS The September issue of "GOLF” Magazine lists the 100 greatest golf courses in the world. Previously Crystal Downs was listed as the 59th. This new issue states that it has bulleted down to the 21st greatest golf course in the world. Mike Morris is the superintendent and Fred Muller is the golf professional. We were very fortunate in being able to host one of our meetings there in May. We hope that everyone took advantage of this great opportunity. Ben Crenshaw had previously stated after seeing and playing Crystal Downs, that its rating would be lowered greatly if more of the persons rating these courses would see it and better yet, play it. This has proven to be the case. *********************************** ************************ ************* THE LAWN INSTITUTE In case you have not heard of the Lawn Institute, County Line Road P. 0. Box 108, Pleasant Hill, Tenn. 38578, Dr. Eliot C. Roberts, Director, may we suggest that contact can be made by your sending a self addressed envelope, stamped of course, to receive their special Topic Sheets (Lists -P) "Planting the Green Green Grass of Home". This msut be a business envelope in size. Dr. Eliot Robert says that early fall or late summer are excellent times for planting new grass seed and see that the turf will be ready for winter and more heavy use one year from now. ************************************************************************ TOURNEY BENEFITS ROBERT TRENT JONES ENDOWMENT FUND The inaugural Robert Trent Jones invitational, a golfing event benefitting the GCSAA,s endowment fund named for the legendary architect, raised a record $27,000 to support university scholarships. The mid-summer tournament was held at Metedeconk National Golf Club, Jackson, N.J.--Jones' most recent New Jersey Design. Teams made up of club superintendents, officials and members, representing 15 selected golf clubs from the Northeast, contributed $1,500 each to support the Jones Endowment Fund. Metedeconk made additional contri­ butions to bring the total to $27,000 -- the largest contribution to GCSAA's scholarship efforts ever by a single club. 8