TUEE TIME The 60th ANNUAL MICHIGAN TURFGRASS CONFERENCE will be held Monday thru Wednesday, JANUARY 15th - 17th, LANSING, MICH. 'olume 18 Nn 11 Ten The program has been extended to three full days. Registration opens at 7:30 A. M., Monday, January 15. Basic Schools begin at 9:00 A. M. Monday. Since Basic Schools are available on a first come basis, first served basis, we encourage you to pre-register for these schools. If you pre-register you will find shorter lines as well as a price advantage. The opening Research Reports Session has been moved to Monday afternoon which will be followed by the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Annual Business meeting. There will be opportunity to raise turf management questions which have come up in 1989 at the end of the Research Reports Session or during the MTF Annual Business Meeting. There are so many interesting subjects, speakers, Vender.s Appreciation Hour on Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:30 P.M., 11 basic schools, ( 6 on Monday 5 on Wednesday), annual meeting M.T.F., opportunities for employment and so much more that anyone in the green industry cannot afford to not be there. The actual location is the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, on south Cedar Street of Lansing. If there is any question or need of information, please call Mike Saffel (517/353-9022 or Kay Patrick (517/321-1660). ************************************************************************ GCSAA,S INTERNATIONAL SHOW DRAWS GOLF COURSE INDUSTRY TO ORLANDO Orlando,one of Florida,s hottest golfing destinations, is set to host and expected 15,000 attendees for the 61st International Golf Course Conference and Trade Show. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), sponsor of the annual event, is predicting that new records for both attendance and trade show participation will be set with the 1990 Conference and Show, which is set for Feb. 19-26. Exhibit space at the newly expanded Orange County Convention/Civic Center was 95% sold by the end of October. More than 70 new exhibitors are already scheduled to display their lines at the 1990 show. The total number of exhibitors for the 1990 show is expected to be between 475-500. The 1989 GCSAA Trade Show in Anaheim, CA. featured 463 exhib­ itors from the United States and around the world. Millions of dollars worth of turfgrass equipment and golf course mana­ gement products will be on display during the Trade Show, which is set for Feb. 24-26. The latest innovations to help golf course superintend­ ents stay on top of their profession will be unveiled at the two-and- one half day show, recogonized byTradeshow Week as one of the 200 largest trade shows. (continued on page 2) NORTHERN MICHIGAN TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION 3733 APOLLO DRIVE • TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN 49684 • 616-943-8343 (Continued from page 1) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Irrigation equipment, drainage systems, geotextiles, seed, turf chemicals, safety products and all manner Thomas Brogger of turf maintenance equipment will be featured in the President exhibit hall, along with the whole gamut of golf course accessories. Paul Holmes The 1989 GCSAA Conference and Show drew more than 14,000, Vice President including more than 1,000 international participants representing 39 countries outside the United States. Jonathon Scott, CGCS Immediate Past President Directors Kimberly Olson Jeffrey Holmes Wm. Brent Nelson Thomas Courtemanche Damian Kurkowski ************************************************************* Charles Menefee, CGCS James Olli, CGCS YOUR DIRECTORS FOR 1990 AND THEIR ASSIGNMENTS David Sapp Robert Steinhurst, CGCS Many of you will be contacted to give of your time and talent to help make our programs succesful, so be prepared and hope­ fully be willing to give of yourself. Thanks. Past Presidents ':= = -b = r 5. 1523 Ed Karcheski C. E. “Tuck” Tate, CGCS □ear Ecard ”e~rer. David Longfield, CGCS You have volunteered tc serve on the folloumg N.M.T.M.P. 1SSC season committees. As discussed m tbs last Ecard meeting it is the responsibility cf the committee chairman tc pic!: their individual workers. It is also a Ecard objective, for 1220 to involve as many peccle from the membership at large as possible enabling more people m the association to become active. A Executive Secretary committee should have a minimum three me-bers. Thomas Reed M.T.F. Benefit Day 3733 Apollo Dr. Program 5 Golf Traverse City, Ml 49684 Paul Holmes (chairman) Charlie Menefee CGCS (chairman) Bob Stemhurst CGCS Tcm Brcgger Phone 616-943-8343 Gave Little CGCS Paul Holmes Dave Little CGCS Bob Stemhurst CGCS Education 6 Scholarship By-Laws 6 Ethics Bob Stemhurst CGCS (chairman) EDITOR Kim Olson (chairman) Jim Inman Brian Holmes C. E. "Tuck" Tate Tom Erogger P. O. Drawer 472 Membership Public Relations Frankfort, Mich. Brent Nelsen (chairman) Tcm Brcgger (chairman) 49635 Tom Reed Jim Inman Jeff Holmes 813/355-6570 Kim Olson Fund Raising Publications Brent Nelson (chairman) Mike Morris (chairman) Kim Olson Brent Nelson Paul Holmes Tom Reed Brian Holmes Finance NMTMA Fund Raiser Mike Morris (chairman) Brent Nelson (chairman) Jeff Holmes Tcm Reed Brian Holmes GCSAA Liasiçn MTF Liaison Charlie Menefee CGCS David Longfield CGCS BE ACTIUE - Remember this is your Association and it will only be as good as ycu make it. Tom Peed Exeotutive Secretary 2 BEHIND THE GREEN BF JEFF HOLMES H ap p y 1-1 o ]. i d ay s f e 11 o w Tur f Memb er s. H a v i n g r ec en t1 y been elected, President of the MMTMA, I would like to expi ai n our f uture pI ans for t.he upcon*ii ng year - As each of you k n o w, our or g an i z a t i on h ¿i s pr og r e s s ed forward each and every year. The upcoming year is no exception to the rule, and we the board, would even like to think that it is a pace setting year for future years to foilow. Just to mention a few of the highlights for this year, t hi e y a r e a s f o 1 1 o w s s - F i n e t u n e a n d r e s u b m i 11 o u r N M T M A s u r v e y. — Look for new topic speakers for our monthly meetings. - Make our chemical disposal day happen. - Continue to improve our newsletter publication. These items are only the start of what the board is working on. Don't forget if you have any input please c c« n t a c t a b o a r d m e m b e r . I am happy to be the President of the MMTMA and can assure you that the board and myself are going to work hard toward moving our association forward in the industry. 1 hie hoi iday season was, kicked off this year with a beautiful Christmas party for the Mid Michigan and Northern Michigan Turf Managers- Association. This Joint party was a couples get together held at Garland, on December 2nd. A good time was- had by al 1 that attended. 1 he dinner and socializing time was definitely the focus of the get together but this was also accented by superb service, ex cel 1ent 1odg ing accomodat i ons, cross country ski i ng, and horse drawn sleigh rides. The activities were limited only by your imagination. A great big thanks goes to the Mid Michigan group for organizing this party and inviting us to participate. If you didn't attend this year you won't want to miss the party again next year, sign up early. The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation Conference was held in Columbus, Ohio, December 4-7. This conference was well worth the time taken out of your schedule and the cost was approx i mat e 1 y $300. (30 i f sh ar i ng room ex pen ses. I would definitely recommend this conference if you are unable to attend the National. The topics of discussion were all current and very informative. If desired you can make most of your contacts for chemical updates and new equipment at the Trade Show. No, it is not as biq as the National Show but it sure is a close second. Yes, it is bigger than the MTF Conference. The MTF Conference is our next educational update and I will look forward to seeing you there. Don't forget you only get out of the conferences what you put into it. If you don't open the book you'll never know what it's about. 3 A Reflective Overview: On People, Politics And Wisdom At Work Every season 5 brings new dimension to the human comedy. Keeping it all in perspective is the key to avoiding tragic endings. If you look hard enough from the to make me stand out like a sore thumb probably just as well that there weren’t clubhouse out across number three and when I play in the conservative clothes any members around then, because I due south, you might spot someone I favor — but I guess that's part of the developed an irrepressible urge to ask standing under an old oak tree, survey­ price we pay in the larger interest of our that oak tree a direct question. “Tree,” ing all 18 holes in his kingdom. That’s profession today. . . . I said, “superintendents, club managers me. I should mention that I have become and golf professionals come and go with It’s about 20 minutes before the on­ very fond of this old oak tree during the the seasons. How is it that you get to slaught of golfers and about three hours four years I have been here. The only stay? What makes you so special that after the arrival of the crew that works time the old oak ever let me down was on the course. Everything's been done once when it allowed a woodpecker to that needs to be prior to the day's play. disrupt my thinking by making an “Son, I’ve been able With a little luck, the only thing that will unwarranted deposit on my brand-new be making the daily golfers hot will be lime-green golf cap. The rest of the time to stay around the summer sun. we've spent together has been of great for 100 years With my back against the oak tree as value to me professionally and emo­ for good reason. . I scan the scene while waiting for the tionally. This tree has been here longer warm Southern breeze to dry the dew than any of the rest of us and for that off the grass, I can’t avoid chuckling at alone, it would have earned my they built around you rather than the sight of a golfer emerging from the respect. remove you?” clubhouse wearing kelly green pants, Do you know what that tree said — yellow socks, an orange shirt and $175 or at least what I thought it said? golf shoes sporting large leather tassels. Upon my arrival at the course shortly “Son,” it said, “I've been able to stay He wouldn’t be caught dead in that garb after first light on this particular warm, around for 100 years for good reason. anywhere but here. cloudless morning, I found myself to be I don’t make a fuss about who sits in my Why do they wear that stuff? It tends in a particularly reflective mood. It was (continued to page 5) J) So why mention this obviously high- a dream and professional aspiration Wisdom performing and professional turf have been shattered in their infancy (continued from page 4) manager? Well, I just heard very early because some inexperienced but well- this morning that his green chairman meaning superintendent, club manager shade. I don’t comment on who picks handed him his walking papers — my or golf pro has gotten into a conflict with up my fallen limbs for firewood. I never friend has been fired. an influential member or committee get involved in arguments that take What did he do wrong? He failed to person. place under me. incorporate one thing into his job that Of course, most clubs may deny the “Birds live off me and peck at me would have done more to ensure that existence of politics in the work place. constantly. Squirrels run all over me he kept it than anything else. He didn’t But politics can always be found in any and folks frequently knife me in the have a friend who could convey to him work setting. It's not uncommon for bark. I just go on and grow — and the essence of the “oak tree’’ politics to be hidden just beneath the forget it. I guess it’s just all in the way philosophy concerning professional surface in even the most relaxed I play the ‘politics’ that go with being atmosphere, waiting like a iand mine for here.” any unsuspecting employee to make Just about the time the tree and I had the wrong step. Some places certainly really gotten down to discussing coun­ have more of these professional iand try club survival techniques, one of the mines than others, but every club in the members — 84 years old. retired and world has a few. rich — suddenly appeared out of I often think about a humorous con­ nowhere. He narrowly missed the old versation of some time back, when an oak with his golf car and spilled a beer exasperated assistant superintendent as one of the tires dropped off the edge mentioned that his first golf course of a bunker. I silently pondered the would be one without any politics likelihood of his making it as far as the involved. He was quickly disillusioned first tee, not to mention the full 18. Pick­ by his boss, who told him that when that ing up his now empty beer can, he gave course was discovered, they would be me his customary “What’re-you-gonna- competing for the job. do-about-it” look, to which I responded, “Have a nice day.” Have you ever heard an oak tree Every once in a while, when I am laugh? leaning on the old oak tree, it will tell me about something that transpired in its shade during seasons long past. I What had put me into such a reflec­ remember the tree once telling me tive mood on this particular morning about an altercation that took place be­ was an incident involving a longtime tween a longtime member, who hap­ friend. He had managed the turf at one pened to be a dentist, and a veteran of the more affluent clubs everyone superintendent. The dentist was un­ always talks about as being the closest loading a grievance when the superin­ thing to perfection one could ever hope tendent interrupted him with, “Look, for. you don’t grow grass, and / won’t pull This friend had all his professional teeth.” Now, I suppose that little bit of tickets punched and had an impressive expressed wrath made the superinten-. background. A graduate of a major dent feel better — but the dentist had university with a degree in agronomy the last word: “If I ever get into a posi­ and turf management, he had been a longevity. tion to fire you, I will.” He did and . . . scholarship student with high grades So what is my friend the wise old oak he did. and had apprenticed under a champi­ tree saying? I think it would best be A little diplomacy has kept more key onship course superintendent before he interpreted this way: “You can be an salaried employees on the job than any was selected — out of a field of more expert in your field and accepted as a amount of skill could ever do. That’s than a dozen highly qualified applicants ‘good ole boy’ where that's part of the another way of saying “learn to com­ — for the high-visibility, prestigious job. local culture and you may even play a municate.” A Certified Golf Course Superinten­ good game of golf — but if you want The wise employee will never as­ dent for several years, he kept the to develop any longevity as a superin­ sume that he is communicating until his course well-manicured and free of tendent. other manager or golf profes­ request or message is confirmed by weeds, with lush green turf and relia­ sional at a country club, you’d better be some response, such as a member bly plush playing conditions. Now, able to play your best at the dominant repeating the message and tacking on combine all the background factors with game of ‘work place politics.’” a “good idea, we’ll do it.” Of course, • • • his being nice-looking, well-dressed, another verbal sign that your message mild-mannered and eager to please, Work place politics can be a monster has been received may arrive when you and you would think that my friend with many heads and with countless are informed that you have been fired. would have been a permanent fixture ways to inflict lethal wounds upon even Club managers, superintendents and wherever he worked. the most professional manager. Many (continued to page 6, Wisdom was this: “1 spend a lot of money as a grapevine is second to none in the (continued from page 5 / stockholder in this club. It costs me a world.) bundle to play golf and I don't want to golf pros must be actors and not reac­ walk when 1 play.” So. here I am. once again leaning tors. When their actions are criticized or What the superintendent was saying against my old oak. reminiscing about when rules are violated by members was this: “You hired me for my exper­ all that water under the political bridge. tise in turf management, and 1 am do­ As I think about all the superintendents, ing what you hired me to do. I'm sorry club managers and golf professionals if my job interferes with your personal who have bitten the proverbial dust, I comfort.” am watching a familiar little old man, In such a conflict, the superintendent littering the course with beer cans and may be right — but the member is like­ running over clearly marked sprinkler ly to win. In exchange for getting in the heads. To my right, one of the senior final word, the superintendent may member’s teen-age grandsons is at­ earn a permanent enemy. tempting to stab one of our algae-eating Many club members live on a fixed fish as it tries to feed. The cocky young income, and although that income may­ kid has just looked over at me in defi­ be in the five- or six-digit range, it is ance. and 1 can tell he has been briefed fixed nonetheless. Many of these in­ about who runs things around the club. dividuals. — like many others today — How I would love to deposit him in the live at about 101 percent of their water hazard he is vandalizing. income. No. on second thought, I think I will The wise salaried manager will go over and smile at him instead. I remember that money is just as impor­ swear that old tree just laughed again tant to an independently wealthy per­ as an acorn struck me on the golf cap. son as it is to one not so affluent. If you »The preceding was submitted for adaptation in GCM are perceived in any way as “ripping by Jim Hams. CGCS. of Tennessee in coliaDoration with him off." the offended member will fight Mike LoRiutere. a placement officer ior Roth Young Per­ for his rights like a cornered bobcat. Try sonnel. Memphis, h should be noted that the orticle is never to become the central object in Dasea on the cumulative professional experience of the a discussion of withering benefits. You'll two men Hams has almost three aecaaes of experience on different golf courses The article is not intended to find that it is easier to replace the cause reflect upon any single club or its memoers ' of dissention than to deal with the grumbling. One more example to drive the point home: • At the end of a particularly grueling week, a club manager was approached by a member while eating at the grill. who misinterpret the reason for them, The member thought that maybe it the employees will either act or they will would be a good idea to offer a break­ react. When they react, they usually risk fast menu with some biscuits or break­ stimulating opposition. When they act fast sandwiches. The tired, frustrated in the proper manner, they usually gain manager's retort w-on him an adversary: support. “What do you think this is? This is a Consider the following type of reac­ country dub. not a fast food restaurant!” tion and the underlying messages: That manager is no longer eating at the Following a hard week of long hours grill. on a very expensive project, a superin­ tendent observed a member cutting across soggy fairways and even knock­ ing down one of the 36 signs that read The old tree and I have made one “Golf Cars Restricted To Paths." The key observation for all salaried member drove right up to the superin­ managers to consider: The club belongs tendent, got out of the golf car. as­ to the members. They run it. they use sumed a combative stance and yelled, it. they paid for it. they are paying for “Why in the hell are the cars restricted it and they pay your salary. If they vote to the paths9" With righteous indigna­ to stain the greens in multicolored hues tion, the superintendent yelled back, for next Easter, may I suggest that you “Because we pick one day a month to might be wise to begin considering how @**! people off. and this is the day!” to do it? (And don’t call the affluent, ec­ It sure felt good, I bet. but it sure was centric gentleman whose idea it was in the wrong thing to say. the first place a “dirty old man,” even Reprinted from What that member was really saying to someone else. The country club Golf Course Management/May 1 987 6 KEY: 1 - WINTER: December, January, February. This helps PRUNING GUIDE prevent possible disease and insect infestations. ’’Bleeding” of sap doesn’t hurt trees. The following is a pruning guide adapted from the 2 - SPRING: before growth starts. Usually because September 1989 ’’Dundee Leaflet” newsletter by flowers on new wood or because plant is grown Dundee Nursery and Landscaping, and the Minnesota for foliage effect. Extension Service publication ’’Pruning Trees and 3 - EARLY IN GROWING SEASON: generally May-early Shrubs”(AG-FO-0628) by Mervin C. Eisel, Extension June. Horticulturist. 4 - DURING GROWING SEASON: pines should be pruned before candles (new growth) have fully Common questions asked at the Extension office and opened and become woody. Usually in early at local nurseries is when to prune a particular kind of May. shrub or tree. Hopefully this guide will aid in knowing 5 - RIGHT AFTER FLOWERING: usually done because the correct time of year to prune for optimum effect. plant flowers on old wood. Any dead, diseased, or damaged branches can be 6 - SUMMER: best time is when it is not rainy or humid. pruned as soon as they are noticed even though the Locust should be done after July 15. time of year may be less than desirable for pruning. 7 - FALL: best when plant has lost its leaves for the year. PLANT PRUNE PLANT PRUNE PLANT PRUNE Almond, Flowering 5 Elder 2 Plum (fruit tree) 1 Apple 1 Elm 1 Plum (ornamental) 5 Apricot 1,5 Euonymus, Poplar 1,6,7 Arborvitae 3 (Burningbush) 2 Potentilla 2 Ash 1,6,7 Falsespirea 2 Privet 5 Aspen 1,6,7 Fir 2 Rhododendron 5 Azaleas 5 Forsythia 5 Rugosa (shrub) rose 2,5 Barberry 2 Ginkgo 2 • Serviceberry 5 Birch 1,6,7 - Hackberry 1 Smoketree 2 Boxwood 3 Hawthorn 1 Snowberry 2 Buckeye 2,7 Hemlock 3 Spirea (Anthony Buckthorn 2 Honeylocust 1,6 Waterer; Goldflame; Cherry, Canada Red 1,5 Honeysuckle 5 Curly Leaf; Daphne; Cherry, Meteor; Hydrangea 2 Froebeli) 2 North Star 1,2 Ironwood 1,2,6 Spirea (Arguta: Fairy Cherry, Nanking 5 Juniper 3 Queen; Snowmound; Cherry Plum 1,2 Lilac 5 Prunifolia; Chokeberry 5 Linden 1,6,7 Vanhoutte; Thunbergi) 5 Chokecherry 5 Magnolia 5 Spruce 2 Coffeetree, Maple 1,6 Sumac 2 Kentucky 1,2,7 Mockorange 2 Tamarack 2 Coralberry 2 Mountain Ash 1 Tamarix 2 Corktree 1 Ninebark 2 Viburnum 5 Cotoneaster 1 Oak 1,7 Walnut 6 Crabapple 1 Olive, Russian 1 Weigela 2 2 Pear 1 Willow 1,6,7 Curant, Alpine 5 Peashrub 5 Winterberry 2 Deutzia 2 Pine 4 Yew 3 Dogwood , •____ IITT_ 1 „ r-, II Credit: Minn. "Hole Notes". "Remember, a plantis a living thing, and should be treated accordingly. Unlike most living things, .it has no way to make its needs known other than its appearance; which will reflect the kind of treatment it receives from its guardian — YOU!" AUTHOR UNKNOWN* 7 NEWS RELEASE December 1989 National Institute on Park and Grounds Management PO Box 1936 Appleton, Wl 54913 (414/733-2301) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 12 & 13,1990 are the dates for the Athletic Turf Management Seminar in East Lansing, Ml. Topics are geared toward the area and will provide an update on the latest techniques and methods involved in the management of athletic fields. Scheduled topics include: Construction and Reconstruction: Do It Right the First Time, Dr. Paul Rieke Selecting Grasses for Seeding and Overseeding, Dr. J.N. Rogers Weed Control Programs for Athletic Fields, Dr. Bruce Branham Fertilizing for Healthy, Wear Tolerant Turf, Dr. Paul Reike Compaction and Wear Effects on Athletic Fields, Dr. J.N. Rogers. Mowing, Overseeding and Reestablishment Practices, Dr. Bruce Branham Cultivation, Irrigation and Scheduling, Dr. Paul Rieke Limited Resources, Small Work Force, But Big Results, Art Bushen The Farmington Hills Sports Turf Program, Jo n Maddern Midland's Management Program, Lon Andersen Continuing Education Units (CEU's) will be available to those wishing to participate, U is a good opportunity to show supervisors your willingness to improve. For further information, contact National Institute on Park and Grounds Management at the address or phone number above. ************************************************************************* SUPERINTENDENT POSITION AVAILABLE: Where: Skyline Golf Club, Black River Falls, Wisconsin Number of holes: Was 9 holes however 9 more completed in 1989 Basic requirements: Man or woman experienced with at least a two year Associate degree in Turf Management and is a golfer. Salary: In the mid 20's with fringe benefits and provisions for local and national attendance at conference and educational seminars. Contact: Thomas E. Lister, 920 Fillmore St., P. 0. Box 370, Black River Falls, WI 54615 Phone: (715) 284-7453 FAX (715) 284-4780 Background: What our community may not be able to offer in salary we can offer in quality of life. Black River Falls is a small community located on Interstate 94 about halfway between Minneapolis/ St. Paul and Madison. We are a prosperous rural city and offer wonderful opportunities to young families. 8