President's Message: Keeping up with the times NMTMA It is a fact that the green industry has never changed so rapidly as it has the past few years, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE and continues to do so. The technological advances are overwhelming, to say the least. This President is why, as managers, we need to keep current with continued education. Jeffrey Holmes Staying current and up to date have been talked about before, but I just can't stress enough how important they are. The industry is changing so rapidly that Vice-President Michael Morris the people who don't attend educational updates are going to be parked, just like the obsolete equipment. Executive Secretary Thomas J. Reed Through the year there are several seminars that one can at­ 3733 Apollo Dr. tend. They range from free to very expensive, and from back to Traverse City, Ml 49684 basics to very educational and detailed. These seminars are scat­ Phone 616-943-8343 tered through the twelve month calendar. There are also monthly golf outings where you can share information with your peers. Directors President Jeffrey Holmes When I look around at the different meetings and seminars, it is Kathy Antaya usually the same group of people that attend. I hope that you indi­ Tom Brogger Tom Heid viduals who are not attending meetings are doing a lot of reading and research. Brian Holmes The beauty of a seminar is that all the footwork of sorting through the information has Pau, Holmes Jim Inman been done. The speakers deliver their talks on the important facts and leave the rest out. David Little, CGCS My final point is this: If you don't attend these educational seminars, the only person that Jon Maddern is losing is yourself. It would be a good idea to start attending some seminars now instead of Michael Meindertsma falling behind the times and becoming outdated. See you at the Michigan Turfgrass Conference. Past Presidents Ed Karcheski C.E. "Tuck" Tate, CGCS Local Regulations Can Control Pesticide Use: There's Help David Longfield, CGCS Recent action by the United States Supreme Court allows local policy makers - cities Jonathon Scott, CGCS and townships - to restrict pesticide use. It is vital that individuals in our industry stay Tom Brogger abreast of any local regulation that comes along. Your community could be the next at­ tempting to dictate your turf management practices. Fortunately, we have State and National help in challenging local restrictive policies. If MTF Liaison Jon Maddern this type of political action begins to affect your business you can contact: GCSAA Liaison Inside This Issue: 1) at the State level: Jon Maddern Page Dr. Frank Rossi Local Regulations 1 Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Newsletter Editor Michigan State University Michael Morris Elmbrook & A-Ga-Ming Receive Award 5 P.O. Box 1575 East Lansing, Ml 48824 Frankfort, Ml 49635 Summary of Environmental Issues 7 (517) 353-0860 Management Self Test 15 2) at the National Level: N.P.C.A. Govt. Affairs Dept. USGA's Look at '91: Jim Latham 8 8100 Oak Street Tuck Tate honored by GCSAA 2 Duun Loring, VA 22027 RECYCLED PAPER FAX: (703) 204-2271 NMTMA Financial Report 10 Importantly, be proactive. Act in an en­ Job Security 11 vironmentally responsible manner in all of School of Turfgrass Management 4 your turfgrass management practices, and demonstrate your environmental conscien­ Letter to the Editor 2 ____________________________________/ tiousness to tne public. - Letter to the Editor - Dear fellow Turf Managers; In these times, and rightfully so, of great concern over the In October of 1991,1 took water samples from my well to environment, I want to share with you an experience that is an independent laboratory near Traverse City, and when the positive and reassuring. results were in, I was extremely pleased. The tests informed My wife, Barb, and I operate a nine hole executive golf me that there were no detectable traces of either fertilizer or course in Northwest Michigan, 20 miles east of Manistee. pesticide contamination. Construction began in 1982 and opened in 1985. Our home The positive results of the water tests tell me that my fertil­ and golf course occupy about 37 acres. The soil in our area ization program is sound, the plants are obviously using the is light loam and very sandy. In addition, we have a fluctuat­ nutrients. Equally important, I feel confident that my chemi­ ing but high water table. cal supplier, Tri Turf, and the pesticide manufacturers it rep­ After 7 years of operation, I decided to find out what our resents, are indeed producing and recommending products course might be doing to contribute to ground water con­ that are friendly to our environment. tamination. The importance of this knowledge is based on Barb and I send our wishes for blessed holidays and suc­ the community, our patrons, and ourselves. Our home is cess in 1992. supplied with a 2" shallow well at a depth of no more than 25 feet. Sincerely, The golf course consists of 19 acres of fairways, 1 acre of greens, and the rest is tree lined roughs. The fairways have received about 6 tons per year of agricultural grade fertilizer Ronald J. Webber and the greens about 1 ton of Lebanon prills. When neces­ Fawn Crest Golf Course sary, I have used herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. Wellston, Michigan The least used has been herbicides but I do apply once a year with 2-4D. There has been a serious red ant problem that I have actively pursued for the past three years with no Editor's Note: Thank you, Ron, for your proactive efforts success. that will benefit all of us. Tuck Tate and George Kozelnicky Honored by GCSAA The Golf Course Superintendents Association of Ameri­ Tate, a Class AA member of GCSAA, served as owner/ ca's (GCSAA) board of directors has selected George M. operator of the Frankfort (Michigan) Golf Club until his Kozelnicky and C.E. "Tuck" Tate, CGCS, to receive the retirement. He now resides in Florida and serves on com­ association's 1992 Distinguished Service Awards. mittees at Crystal Downs Country Club in Frankfort and Kozelnicky and Tate's dedication and outstanding ser­ Sarabay Country Club in Sarasota, Florida. vice to the golf community will be recognized at the As secretary, treasurer, and president of the Northern Opening Session of the 63rd GCSAA International Golf Michigan Turf Managers Association for many years, Tate Course Conference and Show on Thursday, February 13, was a driving force for the chapter. 1992. The conference and show will be held February A past president of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, 10-17 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tate was on the board of directors during the acquisition Kozelnicky has served 25 years as executive secretary and construction of the Hancock Turfgrass Research Cen­ of the Georgia GCSA. He initiated the chapter's newslet­ ter at Michigan State University. He endowed a scholar­ ter, Georgia Turfgrass News, and still serves as editor, ship fund, which now exceeds $100,000, for turf students staff writer, layout designer, and circulation manager for at Michigan State University. the publication. GCSAA members and affiliated chapters submit nomina­ Kozelnicky researched spring dead spot during his ten­ tions for the Distinguished Service Awards. ure as professor of plant pathology at the University of Georgia. After retiring from the university, Kozelnicky Editor's Note: All members of the NMTMA extend our handled chapter business from his home until the associa­ congratulations to you, Tuck! tion moved into a new office. Kozelnicky is an Affiliate-Retired member of GCSAA. 2 --------------------------------------- \ Letters to \ Mechanic's Corner / the Editor Grinding Stones You can communicate Selecting the proper hardness and grit for your reel sharpening directly with the NMTMA equipment is very important. An extra hard stone with a fine grit and your fellow members will tend to "load" with metal and cause the stone to burn or over­ heat the metal. A stone that is too soft may wear away faster than by writing to: the metal, causing a change in the grinding angle. Both of these problems can cause continual stone dressing and adjustment to the grinding machine, making the grinding process even more laborious. Turf Times A good rule of thumb is to select a stone which removes as much c/o Mike Morris metal as stone with each revolution. There are many different brands PO Box 1575 and grades of grinding stones, each with different coding systems. Some companies, such as Foley, market their own stones. Talk with Frankfort, Ml 49635 your distributor, or go directly to the stone company or wholesaler to find the best stone for your application. Share your thoughts and feelings about our Happy Crinding, organization or the Dan Stratton industry in general. Crystal Downs Country Club ____________ J Z \ How To Keep Things From Turning Ugly CREATING SPECIALTY SANDS: TOP DRESSING & BUNKER SAND CURRENTLY USED AT Arnold Palmer Course - Shanty Creek, Bellaire Jack Nicklaus Course - Atwood Trent Jones Course - Sylvan Resort, Gaylord Don Ross Memorial Course - Boyne Highlands CONSTRUCTION SERVICES: CLEARING, EXCAVATION, SHAPING, BUNKERS, CART PATHS EXPERIENCE INCLUDES WORK AT: From nutsedge to nightshade, fire ants Arnold Palmer Course - Shanty Creek, Bellaire to fungi, nobody works harder to protect your Antrim Dells - Atwood Birchwood Farms - Harbor Springs turf and ornamentals than Ciba-Geigy. Boyne Highlands - Harbor Springs Mackinac Island - Mackinac Island Michaywe Golf Course - Gaylord Trent Jones Course - Sylvan Resort, Gaylord TURFGRASS, INC. ROADBUILDINGPLUS Asphalt Paving • Concrete Paving • Excavation • Airports • Golf Courses • Site Development • Tennis (313) 437-1427 (Office) Courts • Sand & Gravels • Underground Utilities • Plus, Plus, 1 (800) 521-8873 (Michigan Only H&D INC., 2081 W. CHARLEVOIX AVE., PETOSKEY, Ml 49770 ________________________________________________ / 3 School of Turfgrass Management By Brian Holmes I hope that your holidays were everything that you hoped When I received the pamphlet on the turfgrass manage­ for, and now that the rush of the holiday season is over, it ment class, I decided that this would be a good school for might be a good time to think about education. There are sev­ me because I did not have a formal education in turf man­ eral good educational opportunities coming up in the near fu­ agement. I had been using turf management practices with­ ture, beginning with the M.T.F. annual conference on January out really knowing the reasons behind some of them, and I 20-23. It will be held in Lansing at the Holiday Inn (formerly needed more insight. I now have a better understanding of the Clarion). Next is the GCSAA National Conference in New many practices after attending the school. Orleans, on February 9-16. The The amount of information generated from this class was NMTMA will be sponsoring a meet­ hard to believe. Dr. Rossi had always used an instructional ing in March, and a mini-conference manual for his other classes, and this one was no exception. in April which should prove to be The three-ring binder I brought home could not have held very worthwhile. So plan to take ad­ one more piece of literature without falling apart. This will vantage of as many of them as possi­ be a great addition to my small, but growing, library of turf ble. information. I would really like to talk about the The professional interaction between the people in the School of Turfgrass Management that class was something I never gave much thought to initially, rillbl Brian M. Holmes I attended on December 2-6, at the Kellogg Biological Station near Battle Creek. The school was sponsored by but valued greatly. It was enjoyable to see the class get to know each other better and grow more comfortable by the day. New friendships were made that will always be remem­ MSU, and was coordinated by Dr. bered. Frank Rossi, environmental education specialist. This is sched­ There were six labs that provided hands-on experience uled to be an annual school, which is, I feel, well worth attend­ with equipment such as: microscopes, plant and insect spec­ ing. Dr. Rossi did an excellent job coordinating the school, and imens, calibration equipment, and even mud. I felt the labs he will no doubt only make it better in the future. I would rec­ were an excellent atmosphere in which to learn, with inter­ ommend that you take the time to get to know Dr. Rossi. He action between classmates, graduate students, technicians, has current information on many topics in the turf industry. and the instructors. It was easier to learn through hands-on The school covered various topics such as: learning skills, experience instead of on a chalkboard or projection screen. turfgrass management, soils, pesticides, turfgrass pest manage­ Overall, I thought this was an excellent school and well ment, and Turfgrass Environmental Management Programs worth the time and effort. Even though I can't remember all (TEMP). Instructors included Drs. Bruce Banham, Jim Crum, of the information I learned, I now have the resources and Paul Rieke, John (Trey) Rogers, Joe Vargas, Dave Smitley, Bob know some of the people to contact who can provide specif­ Wilkinson, and Bob Vavrek. Also participating were instructors ic information for me. I would be happy to discuss the Mike Saffel, Cawen Dado, Greg Lyman, and several graduate school any time and feel we should all support the Turfgrass students and technicians. Management School any way that we can. i NORTHERN NOTES Ì MTF Conference Set for Jan. 20-22 THANK YOU, Vendors! Don't miss this season's Michigan Turfgrass Foundation The following businesses have made this publication possi­ Conference. The program is the region's best source of the lat­ ble with their generous support. Please give them your busi­ est research from M.S.U. and across the country, the latest in ness. regulation and environmental policy... and more. The conference is slated for January 20th through the 22nd Grayling Holiday Inn • Arthur Hills & Associates • Ideal at the Holiday Inn (formerly the Clarion) in Lansing. Special Mower Sales, Inc. • Klooster Equipment • Miller West, Inc. room rates are available. Spartan Distributors • The Andersons • Ciba-Geigy Corp. For information and registration forms, contact: J. Mollema and Sons, Inc. • Lebanon Fertilizer Co. Michael Saffel, Crop and Soil Science Department Naiad • Rhone Poulenc, Inc. • Scotts Pro Turf Michigan State University, East Lansing, Ml 48824-1325 Sweeney Seed Co. »Tri Turf, Inc. • Turfgrass, Inc. (517) 353-9022 UAP Special Products • Boylan Sales • Cooper's Greenhouse • Englerth Gardens • C.J. Colein and Associates Joint Christmas Party Fun For All Century Rain Aid • Commercial Pump Services This year's Christmas Party at Grand Traverse Resort was a Distributors Group, Inc. • Theilen Turf Irrigation, Inc. sell out and a success. Members of the Northern Michigan Alex Rohoza Turf Specialist • Beck-Sod Farm Turf Managers Association and the Mid Michigan Turf Manag­ Bunting Sand and Gravel • Carter Excavating ers Association enjoyed a fine dinner, entertainment by a ma­ Classics Sod Farm • H & D, Inc. • Huggett Sod Farm, Inc. gician, and dancing at the Trillium Night Club. Michigan Sand Co. • White Turf Services Special thanks go to the Northern Michigan businesses who D & C Distributors • Liles & Tippit, Inc. • Tire Wholesalers sponsored this event: Spartan Distributors, Miller West, Tri Jennings • BaySide Printing Co. Turf, O.M. Scotts, Turfgrass Incorporated, TCI, J. Mollema and Sons, Isolite, Lebanon, UAP Products, and Century Rain Aid. __________________________ J __________________________________________________ 4 NGF Recognizes Elmbrook and A-Ga-Ming Golf Courses for achievement in Public Golf Elmbrook Golf Course and A-Ga-Ming Golf Club were The NGF launched the 1991 awards program in June by two of 80 U.S. Golf facilities and municipalities recognized inviting its member facilities to share their best educational by the National Golf Foundation for promoting public golf and promotional programs in such areas as etiquette, speed- in their communities. of-play and instruction. Efforts made by owners/operators to As a result, each facility and municipality will receive the expand or upgrade the quality of their golf courses were rec­ NGF's Public Golf Achievement Award for 1991. Created ognized as well. last year, the award program is part of an ongoing effort by The 80 award recipients submitted entries on 127 different the Foundation to underscore the importance of public golf programs. NGF plans to share these programs by profiling to the growth and enjoyment of the game in the United selected programs in an upcoming publication which will States. contain examples of programs submitted over the past two In announcing the award recipients, NGF President and years. CEO, Joe Beditz, said, "The quality of programs being con­ ducted at public courses across the country, as reflected by Editors Note: Vern Nelson of Elmbrook explained that Elm­ this year's entries, is excellent. It's also very apparent that brook has promoted golf by building leagues, organizing these facility operators take great pride in their accomplish­ outings, and making time for junior golf programs. Elmbrook ments and the NGF is proud to recognize them." also advertised its unique "shape-of-Michigan" green bor­ The importance of public golf to the long-term growth of dered by Great Lakes shaped sand bunkers. the game, Beditz added, is supported by the fact that up­ Congratulations to both of these golf courses. And thank wards of 70 percent of all rounds played today are recorded you for promoting and strengthening the game and the entire by public facilities. industry. 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We have a huge inventory of Passenger, High Performance Truck, Trailer, Motorcycle, Carlisle Lawn & Garden, Industrial Tires & Tubes, Shocks, Struts, Custom Mag Wheels, and Accessories, all in stock for immediate delivery. >4rmstroi\i , (COBPOiraiQ^yg C4RLISL llRELLI Nothing Runs Like a Deere® 19240 West 8 Mile Road 303 1/2 Hawthorne St.- Southfield, Ml 48075 Cadillac, Ml 49601 RON HAGELSTON ELLSWORTH Phone:(313)354-5644 Phone: (616) 775-6666 SALES REPRESENTATIVE (616) 599-2541 6 Tech-bits: Environmental Issues for Golf Course Owners and Operators Environmental laws are now impacting all types of business, ing or altering areas around water features. from automotive plants to the local bakery and dry cleaner. Accidental releases of oils, paint, battery acids and other Golf courses are no exception to these far-reaching regula­ chemicals associated with vehicle and cart maintenance are tions, and the management of fuels, chemicals, and fertilizers also regulated., both directly and indirectly. In the State of can pose unique environmental challenges. Owners and oper­ Michigan, various acts, including Acts 307 and 245, prohibit ators of golf courses may also face tough questions about the the release of chemicals to the environment (including dispo­ use of wetlands, creeks, and other surface waters at their sites. sal in septic systems or sanitary sewers), and require remedia­ Golf course owners and operators will find three main activ­ tion of any releases. Although these types of releases are gen­ ities affected by environmental regulations: maintenance and erally too small to require reporting to the state, they must be operation of underground storage tanks; management of wet­ contained and removed, along with any contaminated soils. lands and surface waters; and remediation of accidental re­ Spills that are not remediated are subject to discovery during leases of maintenance materials and other chemicals. In addi­ an environmental site investigation (usually required for mort­ tion, operation of wash down areas may affect adjacent gage or sale of the property) or as the result of citizen or em­ surface waters, and misapplication of fertilizers, pesticides or ployee reporting. Failure to remediate a spill could be consid­ herbicides may lead to contamination of surface waters or ered intentional concealment and could result in corporate or soils, and therefore require remediation. personal fines, or imprisonment. Employees should be trained Underground storage tanks (USTs) are regulated by Michi­ in spill prevention and remediation, and spills should be re­ gan Acts 423 and 478, and the Federal Resource Conservation ported to the owner or operator for verification. an Recovery Act (RCRA). These regulations define USTs as Finally, although not directly regulated by environmental tanks and associated piping that are greater than 10% below laws, applications of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides may grade. Of particular interest to golf courses are the portions of create contamination problems (note that application of these these regulations that apply to tanks containing gasoline. New materials is regulated by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, gasoline tanks must be designed to current standards that in­ and Rodenticide Act). Routine and heavy application of these clude corrosion protection, spill and overflow equipment, and materials may result in soil concentrations of chemicals that release detection equipment. Existing tanks must be upgraded are significantly above local background levels. As such, any to new tank specifications and must comply with strict mainte­ testing conducted during an environmental site investigation nance and repair procedures. Compliance dates depend on may detect contamination and affect a potential sale or re­ the number of tanks at the site, and the size of each tank, but mortgaging agreement. More importantly, rainfall may carry all USTs must comply by Dec. 22,1998, or cease operation. chemicals to lakes or streams, or adjacent properties. This may The most significant portion of the UST regulation concerns result in algae blooms on lakes, fish kills, or even allergic reac­ the notification and remediation of spills and tank leaks. Using tions from residents. To limit problems resulting from applica­ the release detection equipment specified in the regulations, tion of the chemicals, it is advisable to prepare and enforce tank contents must be monitored at least monthly ana any sus­ written policies concerning the methods of application, specif­ pected release investigated and verified. When a spill or leak is ically around surface water, adjacent properties, and areas confirmed, the owner and operator must report the release to with significant potential for run-off. the state, take action to prevent further releases, identify the Environmental regulations, and good business practices, re­ extent of contamination, remove any free product, and com­ quire that businesses not only identify and properly manage plete and document remediation. wastes, but properly manage all raw materials and products to The spill requirements are particularly important when re­ avoid adverse impacts to employees and the environment. moving a tank from active service (closure). Tanks can either With recent changes to environmental regulations, specifical­ be removed from the ground for disposal, or filled with an inert ly Michigan Act 307 and the Polluter's Pay Law, the risks asso­ substance and closed in place. The most common method of ciated with the improper management of materials take on closure is removal of the tank, especially for upgrades of exist­ new importance, possibly including personal liability. Howev­ ing systems. During the closure, the soils surrounding the tank er, implementing basic management and audit practices can must be inspected to document that the tank has not leaked, reduce this liability by identifying and correcting po- and any detected contamination must be removed as de­ scribed above. This process requires on-site instrumentation 0 sources of contamination, and determining specific compliance requirements for your facility. and the supervision of a geologist, and can be costly. The state of Michigan provides some insurance funds for portions of the For more information on environmental audits, under­ remediation costs, but the approval procedures are complicat­ ground storage tank management programs, or wetlands man­ ed and require an approved contractor. agement programs for golf courses and other industries con­ Wetlands are regulated under Michigan Act 203 and the tact Mr. Thomas Wackerman, Managing Partner of Applied federal FWPCA. In general, these regulations state that protect­ Science & Technology, Inc at (313) 663-3200. ed wetlands may not be altered by fill material, dumping, dredging, or draining. Since most golf courses include natural Tech-bits is a publication of Applied Science & Technology, or man-made water features, wetlands management is neces­ Inc. - P.O. Box 1328 - Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48106. Issues on sary by design or default. The most important concepts in the other environmental topics are available upon request. Tech- regulations for the golf course operator are that the definition bits is intended to provide information concerning current en­ of a protected wetland may include seemingly dry soils, and vironmental issues, and is not intended to provide technical or that the definition is currently changing on both the state and legal advice regarding any particular situation. Questions federal level. Therefore, it is best to obtain an independent about individual situations should be addressed to the envi­ evaluation from a qualified wetland ecologist before develop­ ronmental engineer of your choice. ©1991, ASTI 7 The 1991 Season - At James M. Latham, Director • Great The 1991 season has been a good news/bad news affair so associations to accept invitations to use these venues, but far, with weather conditions determining the difference much you can bet that course care comes next. The golf course su­ of the time. Good news came to the West in the spring, with perintendents at these courses, with backing by forward- timely rains which have brought precipitation records up to looking Green Committees, have produced turf quality fit for ar for the first time in 5 or 6 years, but they were preceded champions as well as the non-handicapped. y winter desiccation damage to greens, tees and fairways on The playing conditions at these courses did, at some time, many courses. Desiccation? How about 80 mile-per-hour favorably impress visiting golfers who communicate with The winds with still air temperatures at 20 degrees below zero? Powers who make decisions on competition sites. Potential Crown hydration/winterkill of Poa annua, which has hosts may not even be aware of this. That's why playing plagued northern latitudes from Wisconsin to Montana for quality of the turf is usually as important as cosmetic green­ the last two years, has moved south to the Wisconsin-Illinois ness. Probably more. Thatchy, overwatered fairways are un­ state line area and southward. Rather than general, across the derwhelming, regardless of the shade of green. P.J. Boat­ board damage to all courses, it was a patchwork of turf loss. wright believed that play to firm, fast, fair greens demands One course could be almost undamaged, while a neighbor firm, fast fairways. was hurt severely. This provided an early season supply of grist for the mills of locker room agronomists. At the same The Courts time, though, it gave superintendents an opportunity to rein­ troduce bentgrass into weak spots and justify the formulation Litigation or legislation? When the Supreme Court ruled of pro-bent maintenance programs. that communities could indeed promulgate rules exceeding For other areas, the worst was yet to come. Southern Mich­ those of USEPA, the door was opened for the political intimi­ igan and Chicagoland went through a most disquieting sea­ dation of governing bodies of all sizes. Timid politicians and son. It was an accelerated growing season, according to one highly vocal Anti groups can legislate away all pesticide use Michigan superintendent. July weather came in May, August unless someone locally speaks up in their favor. This means in June, and a breath of September in late July. Not a very that individual superintendents, golfers, pros, club managers, deep breath, though, because another spell of hot, humid as well as their organizations, wifi have to speak up. weather finished off a lot of Poa Annua already weakened by We must talk to and inform our down-home folks in wards disease and the hot, humid, but rainless weather earlier in the or precincts. Company lobbyists and pro-pesticide organiza­ summer. Any time winterkill or Summer Patch becomes de­ tions cannot be of much help at community levels. If golf structive is the time to present a plan for regeneration of bent- course managers do know more about pesticides than any­ grass to the Powers so that a means of funding can be found. one in the neighborhood, they'd better begin speaking up. In this way, adversity might become a positive beginning to And before restrictions are proposed, not afterward, because more reliable playing surfaces. the Anti's already have their ducks in a row. Remember that All of these woes were not shared democratically, howev­ they know how to intimidate the pols, and scientific facts are er. Many courses have come through the hard times in fine of little concern. They deal in fear of the unknown and condition. Those with a predominance of bentgrass and Ken­ threaten law-givers with fear of being unseated. Golf courses tucky bluegrass fared well. Naturally, Poa annua seedlings in America are, or should be, prime examples of positive pes­ came on strong after winterkill, but the high temperatures in ticide use, without distorting the population balance among late spring applied some degree of stress. 'harmless' bugs or beasts. Hopefully, the new poa plants got a lot of competition by The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary program has attract­ inter- or over-seeding with more dependable species. In hot ed a great deal of positive comment from both public and weather, the percentage of bentgrass or bluegrass seedling private golf operations in this initial year of operation. It is a survival is low, but poa competition will not be as great as it first step in removing some of the unintended secrecy about is in either fall or spring. And what is wrong with aeration, golf course operations. This program does require an ac­ slit-seeding, etc., weak or dead areas during the prime play­ countable performance of some projects, but if it didn't, it ing season? At least the golfers see something positive being would mean nothing to anyone. It provides living proof that done to their course rather than our usual moaning about that good golf course operations do not interfere with the natural blankety-blank P.A. scheme of things. It also provides a means of communicating to golfers and neighbors and politicians that golf courses ex­ Golf Courses in the Midwest ert a positive effect in their environment. It will also be to the advantage of golf course superinten­ Have you noticed the number of golf championships being dents to tell anyone, whether they are deeply interested or played in the Mid-Lands these days? Medinah, Hazeltine, not, about the special environmental research being funded Oakland Hills, Crooked Stick, Cog Hill, Edinburgh USA, Sen- by the USGA. It is a Straight-Arrow evaluation of what hap­ tryWorld, Crystal Downs, Kemper Lakes, Interlochen, Otter pens to fertilizer and pesticides after they are applied and Creek, Golden Valley, Minikahda, Indianwood, and others have done what they were supposed to do. They don't just have become better known to competitive golfers of all ages disappear, so what does happen to them? The nationwide in the last few years because of the USGA and PGA champi­ study is being conducted by outstanding researchers at a onships conducted in these environs in recent years. Archi­ number of cooperating universities. Talk it up to show people tecture and style are, of course, the primary reasons for the that golf is a responsible member of a community. 8 least it wasn't boring Lakes Region USGA Green Section Green Section Greens to the construction procedures used. Maintenance is easy when one learns their characteristics. They are easily over­ An inordinate amount of ink has been sloshed around this watered because they accept water easily. You might be sur­ year about some imagined or contrived controversy about prised at the low water requirement when the perched water well-established procedures which have proven to be suc­ table is managed properly. And that, Virginia, is the reason cessful for over 30 years. CONTROVERSY! is a media cliche we harp on having a sharp textural change just below the used to grab attention by creating doubt or fear, not unlike growing medium and feel that an intermediate sand layer is the words used by Anti groups. The Green Section is making necessary between it and the gravel drainage bed below. use of Dr. Norm Hummel's expertise in soil laboratory tech­ nique to ensure that the physical tests on putting green mix­ tures are consistent with the procedures established early on Green Speed and that their results are reproducible. Anytime a single green building procedure is adopted on a When the putts don't fall and approach shots don't hold, national basis, some local problems arise. That leads to a lot what's the matter? According to some competitors in the of nickel and dime nit-picking by people who ought to know Senior Open at Oakland Hills, the greens became "crispy better, thus confusing the issue and distorting the purpose of and faster" during the gorgeous weather they enjoyed during this construction technique. Personalities, prejudices and the Thursday-Sunday rounds. To answer that complaint, we pettiness get in the way of performance. And who suffers? measured the greens in the afternoon as well as in the morn­ The superintendent trying to do the best for his organization, ing. At 6:30 a.m., Stimpmeter readings were 10.5 feet and at who has learned that hip pocket soil mixes are hazardous to 5:30 (or so) in the afternoon they were 9.5 feet, except near his employment longevity but is being misled by egotists or the holes where the distance was 10 feet. So when your corner-cutters riding on short-term performance. speed-demons ask for more Stimp distance, ask them to play Green Section Greens are real and they perform according in mid-morning, not late afternoon. TURFGRASS INC. Serving you better with. Technical information Fungicide Programs Free timely delivery ____Quality products Fertilizers The Andersons, Lebanon, Sustane, Country Club, Nitroform, Turfgrass Chemicals Dupont, Ampel, Ciba-Geigy, W.A. Cleary, Chipco, Daconil, Mobay, Elanco, NIAD, Dow, Monsanto, Expedite, Bio Groundskeeper, Agri Diagnostics, Reveal, Sierra Chemical, Nor-Am, Riverdale, PaneSea', Miller, Agri-Plex, Roots, BiosFe Seeds Northrup King, Medalist Turf Products Spreaders & Sprayers Cyclone, Spyker, Back Pack, Wheely, Spray Hawk Golf Supplies Lewisline, Par Aide, Standard Fore Par, Yankee, United Stockmen, Chix, Fox Valley Safety Equipment Mine Safety Equipment Soil Management Grid System, TerraFlow, Terrabond, TerraCover Markers Richway, Blazon 1-313-437-1427 - Kimberly Olson, Turfgrass Agronomy 1-800-521-8873 - Gene Johnanningsmeir, Turgfrass Agronomy 9 NMTMA Financial Report Cash Accounts Year Ending October 31, 1991 and 91-92 Proposed Budgets '90-91 '90-91 over/ '91-92 %of Budget Actual under Budget Bud B egi nm ng Cash: General Fund Checking #11,573.26 Special Checking: MTF #12,439.68 Savings #128.03 Res. & Schol. Fund #0.00 Total Cash: November 1 #24,140.97 «25,000.00 Inc ome: Publications Advertising #12,500.00 #11,182.75 (#1,317.25) #12,000.00 22 Dues #7,000.00 #6,652.50 (#347.50) #7,000.00 13 Meetings (Gen. & Mini-conf.) #1,200.00 #3,072.00 #1,872.00 #2,000.00 4 MTF Fund Raiser #20,000.00 #23,938.00 #3,938.00 #24,000.00 44 NMTMA Fund Raiser #7,000.00 #8,721.30 #1,721.30 #7,500.00 14 Soft Good Sales #0.00 #0.00 #0.00 #1,500.00 3 Special Gifts #C . 00 #0.00 #0.00 #0.00 0 Interest Earned #800.00 #939.48 #139.48 #900.00 2 Mi s c ellaneous #0.00 #302.00 #302.00 #0.00 0 Inc ome: #48,500.00 #54,808.03 #6,308.03 #54,900.00 100 Expens es: Secretarial #500.00 #500.00 #0.00 #500.00 1 Speaker s #1,500.00 #325.00 #1,175.00 #1,000.00 2 Meetings: General #200.00 #1,722.10 (#1,522.10) #500.00 1 Mi ni - C o nf e r e nc e #900.00 #1,479.60 (#579.60) #1,500.00 3 MTF Fund Raiser #10,500.00 #13,915.28 (#3,415.28) #15,000.00 27 NMTMA Fund Raiser #4,000.00 #4,619.26 (#619.26) #4,000.00 7 Christmas Party #1,395 ..42 (#1,395.42) #500.00 1 Board Meetings #450.00 #370.94 #79.06 #400.00 1 Research & Professional: Gen. #1,000.00 #150.00 #850.00 #300.00 1 MTF Donation #10,000.00 #10.000.00 #0.00 #12,000.00 21 GCSAA Donation #500.00 #500.00 #0.00 #500.00 1 NMTMA Scholarship #1,000.00 #1,000.00 #0.00 #1,000.00 2 Awards & Recognition #600.00 #476.00 #124.00 #500.00 1 Office Supplies #1,000.00 #1,925.87 (#925.87) #1,000.00 2 Postage & Mailing #1,500.00 #2,150.42 (#650.42) #2,200.00 4 Membership Directory #4,000.00 #3,691.70 #308.30 #4,000.00 7 Newsletter #5,000.00 #7,851.00 (#2,851.00) #8,000.00 14 Membership & Library Goods #2,000.00 #791.48 #1,208.52 #1,000.00 2 Soft Goods #0.00 #0.00 #0.00 #1,600.00 3 Insurance #2,000.00 #458.00 #1,542.00 #500.00 1 Service Charges #200.00 #186.46 #13.54 #200.00 1 Mi s c ellaneous #400.00 #20.92 #379.08 #100.00 1 Legal and Accounting #1,000.00 #385.00 #615.00 #250.00 1 Expens es: #48,250.00 #53,914.45 (#5,664.45) #56,550.00 100 Year End Cash: October 31 General Fund Checking «12,357.16 Special Account: MTF «12,673.17 Savi ngs «0.00 Res.& Schol. Fund «0.00 #5,000.00 Total Cash: Year End «25,030.33 10 NMTMA Financial Report By Michael Morris Over the last two seasons, the NMTMA Finance Commit­ The following items are worth explanation. Income from tee has assembled accounting journals and a general ledger advertising nearly covers our printing expenses and postage: which record the association's finances for the last five years. for this we thank our sponsors. The expenses for publica­ This project was undertaken in order to conform to our new­ tions over budget reflect the new three-color format. We are ly acquired tax exempt/incorporated status, and also to pro­ planning to sell shirts again this season: watch for details. vide an accurate reporting of the association's finances to the Our net income for the season was less than $1000, and due membership. to the fact that we are carrying a significant cash balance, The report on page 10 outlines our income and expenses we plan to establish a research and scholarship fund to in­ beginning November 1,1990, and continuing through Octo­ sure our obligations to these accounts in the future. ber 31, 1991. The report also includes the proposed budget It is the hope of the finance committee that this informa­ for November 1,1991 through October 31,1992. tion is appreciated by you... it's your association. Job Security, Politics, and Respect By Michael Morris After discussing some controversial changes in the mainte­ resulting from this very mentality. When situations such as nance practices at our golf course, a visitor to the club made this arise... the comment to me, "How does it feel to be an accomplice in a rape?" Translation: "You are one of a rotten few individ­ When someone's job is held over his head - I am instantly uals who have violated and damaged the golf course." I was reminded of how much work golf course superintendents appalled by this person's indict­ have yet to educate their clientele and promote themselves ment, his disregard for the deci­ as professionals. sion making process at the club, and the grotesque allusion to rape. Without a clearly established understanding of job related Very undiplomatically I answered, roles between owner and superintendent, the superinten­ "I wouldn't respond to such a dis­ dent's job becomes increasingly political in nature. What gusting comment." I then walked percentage of your job is political? What percentage techni­ away from the group not giving cal? 50:50? 90:10? I read an article written by a Florida su­ the matter much further thought. perintendent, writing from experience, who asserted that Shortly after this incident, the most superintendents lose their jobs for "political" reasons, visitor appeared at my office door. i.e., for reasons unrelated to the superintendent's ability to He apologized for his insensitivity, but felt it necessary to manage people and care for the golf course. Superintendents add a few 'pearls of wisdom'. may be judged by their ability to play golf, physical appear­ ance, personal lifestyle, and so on. Any of these issues may He told me I should be very careful with what I do and say in be reflected in the superintendent's work, but when these my position, because he has known and heard of superinten­ superficial issues take precedence over performance, the dents who lose their jobs when they become involved with proper perspective of the superintendent's role has been lost. such political decisions and discussions. It seems that owners and club officials need some clear guidelines on the hiring, firing and employing of golf course I was again dumbfounded at this person's arrogance. I sim­ superintendents. Indeed, every situation for a superintendent ply thanked him for his apology, for his 'wisdom', and I and owner may be unique. Yet if the superintendent's and asked him to leave. owner's responsibilities are not clearly denned, any objectiv­ There are many people, some of whom may someday be ity in evaluating performance can be lost in 'politics', and your superiors, who believe that the golf course superinten­ with it any sense of job security. One obvious solution to dent is some lower form of being whose job should and must this problem is a contract with an arbitration clause. Many be held in jeopardy to gain the desired performance. Perhaps superintendents have negotiated such contracts with their this is the way these people look at everyone who holds a clubs, and the results benefit both parties. "lower" station in life than their own. Do you handle your employees this way? Far too often we hear of "job changes" (Continued on next page) Change of Address, Membership Application info available Any member with a change of address should immediately contact Thomas J. Reed at 3733 Apollo Drive, Traverse City, Ml 49684. He should also be contacted if any person would like to apply for membership in NMTMA. 11 Job Security, Politics, and Respect... (Continued from previous page) Basically, though, superintendents must earn more than a salary and perquisites. We must earn respect from golfers, employers, and employ­ ees. Respect is not granted in a contract or with a job title. As a group, let's put our technical and management skills - our education - to work for us. Do not accept or play the role of the underling or 'dumb farmer'. Keep lines of com­ munication open in both directions with your superiors. Use organizational skills to expedite the necessary information through the management hierarchy. If we continue to edu­ cate ourselves, communicate, and manage our resources, we will be doing our profession a lot of good. You can buy a man's time; you can buy his physical pres­ ence at a given place; you can even buy a measured num­ ber of his skilled muscular motions per hour. But you can not buy enthusiasm.. . you can not buy loyalty. .. you can not buy the devotion of hearts, minds, or souls. You must earn these. Clarence Francis * 46 years experience HUGGETT SOD FARM, INC. growing Bent Grass Sod. • Top Quality Sod • * We add new modified Nugget + II (bluegrass blend) soil after each Grade A or Commercial on Peat or Top cropping, ensuring a Soil Base better sod. Shade Mix (Bluegrass, Fescua, Rye Blend) * Our Bent Grass sod is Good on Sandy Soils or in Shade managed just as you ALEX manage your golf greens. Penn Cross Bent ROHOZA Grown on USGA Soil Mix For faster play on your greens call us for your sod installations. Delivery Michigan • Ohio • Indiana • We specialize in green installations, tees and problem patchwork. • BULK SPAGNUM PEAT • * Call to place your sod order or to arrange for in­ • SHADE & ORNAMENTAL TREES • stallation of your greens. One green or your en­ tire golf course. wi w Ph: 517-635-7482 '«* ' —J ROHOZA TURF PROFESSIONALS SEWICKLEY, PA 15143 4114 East Marlette Rd. • Marlette, Ml 48453 412/266-4138 » 412/266-1140 12 TORO NMTMA Want Ads] J Hydroject” 3000 For Sale: 13 ParAide Benches; 17 Portable Universal Ballwasher Stands; 2 Redwood cooler stands (including 10 gallon cool­ ers, cup dispensers, supply of cups). All in good condition. Call Jeff Dorrell, Cadillac C.C. - (616) 775-8586 Superintendent Position Open Meceola Country Club in Big Rapids, Ml. Contact Rick Williams-(616) 796-3116 For Sale: 3 Cushman Trucksters: 1988 with 800 hours; 2 '87s, 1000 and 2000 hours. $3500 each. Call Doug or Mike at High Pointe G.C. - (616) 267-9900 For Sale: Woods Brush Hog. Call Michael Morris, Crystal Downs C.C. - (616) 352-4241 A Revolutionary Turf Cultivation Tool For More Information Call: Would you like to Host an NMTMA Golf Outing & Meet­ ing? 1992 is full, but you caan be on the list for next year. Spartan Distributors, Inc. Call Program and Golf Chairman, Brian Holmes: Bus. - 487 W. Division (517) 736-6493 or home - (517) 471 -2454. Sparta, Ml 49345 PHONE: (616) 887-7301 Two great ways A Commitment to to start your Quality Turf Care 0^1Products turf off right ■ Both methylene urea-based High Density T icc nine 19-26-5 Starter® Fertilizer and SREF®*-based Fertilizer/Pesticides 16-24-12 Turf Starter® Fertilizer promote vigorous growth and root development of and Specialty Products seedlings, sprigs and sod, and meet the needs for the of established turf. Golf Course Professional » Ask your Scott Tech Rep Distributed by: for details. zpi TURFGRASS, INC. P.O.BoxT Call Toll Free: 1.800-521-8873 or ♦Scotts® Slow Release iJtfUASS 28064 Pontiac Trail 313-437-1427 Encapsulated Fertilizer b. I A S. Lyon, MI 48178 (call collect) Tom Heid 19-26-5 (616) 922-0502 Starter the professional’s 16-24-12 Fertilizer Hirf Starter partner- Fertilizer Scotts IhcCCCC* Call Toll Free: Customer Service: 1-800-251-LAWN (Ohio) Andersons 1-800-253-LAWN Lawn Fertilizer Division (Outside Ohio) P O. Box 119 Sales Office: 1-800-225-ANDY Maumee, Ohio 43537 (2639) 13 GCSAA News: Watson to receive 1992 Old Tom Morris Award Tom Watson, six-time PGA Player of the Year, has been Tom Watson golf clinic and time on the driving range. Kan­ selected to receive the Old Tom Morris Award from the Golf sas City's "Clubs for Kids" was developed by Watson with Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). the cooperation of the Kansas City Parks and Recreation De­ The award is the association's highest honor. partment, the PGA of America, Midwest Section, and the Watson will be honored during the closing banquet of the Ram Golf Corporation. 63rd GCSAA International Golf Course Conference and Watson has long expressed deep understanding and ap­ Show on February 17 in New Orleans, La. Due to PGA Tour preciation of the role superintendents play in golf. In 1987, tournament conflicts, Watson will be unable to attend the Watson, along with professional golfers Palmer and Jan Ste­ banquet and will make his acceptance speech via videotape. phenson, lent his time to GCSAA to take part in the making "Tom Watson embodies all that is great about the game of of "Golf At Its Best", a GCSAA-produced audio-visual pres­ golf," said GCSAA President Stephen G. Cadenelli, CGCS. entation that pays tribute to the role of the golf course super­ "Beyond his greatness as a player, Tom has demonstrated ex­ intendent. In 1988, Watson appeared in GCSAA's "Follow traordinary commitment to his family and community. He Through" poster, which reminded golfers of their responsi­ has, and continues to make, significant contributions to oth­ bilities for course etiquette and maintenance. ers. GCSAA is honored to present this award to Mr. Watson". In 1982, at the ceremony to accept the United States GCSAA established the Old Tom Morris Award in 1982 to Open trophy he had just won, Watson held up the trophy, recognize individuals who have made outstanding lifetime said he felt like a million dollars, thanked his wife, and then contributions to the game. The award is named in memory of immediately thanked the golf course superintendent for the Old Tom Morris (1821-1908), greenkeeper and golf profes­ fine conditions of the Pebble Beach course. sional at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, In addition to being a record six-time Player of the Year, Scotland. (1977-80, 1982, 1984), Watson is a five-time winner of the Watson joins Arnold Palmer, Bob Hope, Gerald Ford, Pat­ British Open, three-time recipient of the Vardon Trophy, ty Berg, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Gene Sarazen, Chi Chi Rodri- two-time Masters Tournament champion and winner of the guez, Sherwood Moore, CGCS, and William Campbell as re­ 1982 U.S. Open. Overall, Watson has won 32 times on the cipients of the coveted Old Tom Morris honor. PGA Tour. In his nomination for the Old Tom Morris Award, Watson Watson has represented the United States on four Ryder was cited for his charitable and community efforts. The Chil­ Cup teams. Last month, the PGA of America named Watson dren's Mercy Hospital Golf Classic is an 18-hole exhibition as captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup team when it defends the team match hosted by Watson which raises money for the lo­ cup in 1993 at the Belfry in Sutton Coldfield, England. cal Kansas City (Mo.) hospital. Every year since 1980, Wat­ Recognized as one of the all-time greats in tne history of son has brought in golf's finest players for a one-day golf golf, Watson was honored by the USGA in 1986 with the match. The Golf Classic has raised more than $3.5 million Bob Jones Award for sportsmanship in golf. In 1990, the for Children's Mercy Hospital. Golf Writers Association of America selected him for the Watson's other big event, "Clubs for Kids", gives boys and William H. Richardson Award for contributions to golf. In girls in the Greater Kansas City area an opportunity to learri 1988, Watson was elected to the PGA World Golf Hall of about the game of golf as they ordinarily would not have. Fame, becoming the second-youngest inductee to the hall. The biennial event was first held in 1981. Each child who The Old Tom Morris recipient is nominated and selected participates receives a junior-size golf club, a golf ball, a by the GCSAA board of directors. NMTMA Happenings People & Places: New Courses & Additions • C.E. Tuck' Tate wins GCSAA's Distinguished Service • Matheson Green, in Northport: 9 holes in '91,9 in Award (see article this issue). '92 opening. • A-Ga-Ming and Elmbrock recognized by National • Tree Tops II (Fazio) in Gaylord: opening '92. Golf Foundation (see article this issue). • Pinecroft in Beulah: opening'92. • The Grandview in Kalkaska: under construction. Research: • The Farm in Bellaire: under construction. • M.S.U. Snow Mold Trials at Boyne Highlands and • Eagle Glen: under construction. Birchwood Golf and C.C. • County Clare G.C. in Clare: additional 9 holes. • Grace Sierra Snow Mold Trials at Crystal Downs Country Club. If you have an item you would like listed in Building & Remodeling "NMTMA Happenings", please call • Crystal Downs C.C.: new maintenance building. Michael Morris at (616) 352-4241. • The Legend: new driving range tee. ___________________________________________ J 14 How do you rate as a manager? Editor's Note: This article was printed in our 1990 Membership Directory. In case some of you may have overlooked it, we have reprinted it here. Now is a good time of year to evaluate last year's performance and establish goals for this one. As a manager, you probably rarely evaluate your own progress 3. Information/communication and performance before your boss does - to your own misfortune. ____ 1. Do I have good sources of information and methods for Why should you wait to be evaluated from above? Why should obtaining information? you delay thinking through ways you can improve your perfor­ _____2. Is my information organized so that it is easy to locate mance? The answer is that you shouldn't. Your career is at stake, and use? and to succeed, you need to be aware of your level of compe­ tence in five areas of managerial proficiency: management style, ____ 3. Do I have other people do some of my scanning for me? planning, information and communication, time management, ____ 4. Do I make good use of my contacts to get information? and delegation. _____5. Do I balance the collection of information with action? For each management characteristic, you need to know if it is _____6. Do my people have the information they need? a "definite strength" or a "serious weakness", or somewhere in ____ 7. Do I put it in writing so that my employees are not at an between. Such knowledge will allow you to begin developing a informational disadvantage? personal improvement plan. You can change only when you are ____ 8. Do I use interoffice communication media appropriately? motivated from within and know where to begin. ____ 9. Do I make the most of meetings which I am running? These questions will enable you to begin this evaluation pro­ ____ 10. Do I spend enough time visiting other areas in the office cess. For each question listed in the five categories, rate yourself to observe first hand the results accomplished? as follows: Definite strength - 10-9 Moderately effective - 8-7 ____ Section total Average performance - 4-3 Definite weakness - 2-1 4. Time management _____1. Do I have a time scheduling system? 1. Management style ____ .2. Do I avoid reacting to the pressures of the moment? _____1. Am I sensitive to the influence my actions have on my ____ 3. Do I avoid concentrating on one particular function or subordinates? one type of problem just because I find it uninteresting? _____2. Do I understand their reactions to my actions? ____ 4. Do I schedule particular kinds of work at special times of _____3. Do I find an appropriate balance between encourage­ the day or week to take advantage of my own energy/ ment and pressure? effectiveness levels? ____ 4. Do I allow subordinates to express ideas and opinions? ____ 5. Am I in control of the amount of fragmentation and inter­ _____5. Am I effective at motivating subordinates? ruption of my work? _____6. Am I able to resolve conflicts in a constructive way? ____ 6. Do I balance current, tangible activities with time for re­ _____7. Have I developed a spirit of teamwork among my subor­ flection and planning? dinates? ____ 7. Do key problems/priorities get the attention they need? ____ .8. Do I have a clear understanding of my role in the organi­ ____ 8. Do I make use of time-saving devices such as dictating zation? machines and pcs? _____ 9. Am I tactful in disciplining an employee? ____ 9. Do I have my priorities clearly in mind most of the time? ____ 10. Do I have a personal plan for self-improvement? _____10. Do I have the necessary information available to me at the right time to meet my deadlines? ____ Section Total _____Section total 2. Planning _____1. Are the operations of my organization balanced so that 5. Delegation the pace of change is neither too routine nor too disruptive? ____ 1. Do my employees understand our objectives and know _____2. Do I sufficiently analyze the impact of particular changes what is to be done, when and by whom? on the future of my organization? _____2. Do I know which of my responsibilities I must meet my­ _____3. Am I sufficiently well informed to pass judgment on the self and which I can delegate? proposals that my employees make? _____3. Do I encourage initiative in the people I supervise? ____ 4. Do I schedule my meetings appropriately? ____ 4. Do I leave the final decision to employees often enough? _____5. Are my meetings planned in advance? _____5. Do I avoid doing my employees' work? ____ 6. Do I have a clear vision of direction for my organization? ____ 6. Do I show genuine interest in my employees' work? _____7. Are these plans in written form to guide me as well as _____7. Am I confident that my subordinates can handle the work others? I give them? ____ 8. Do I make them explicit in order to better guide the deci­ ____ 8. Do I give employees the guidance, training and authority sions of others in the organization? they need to make decisions independently? ____ 9. Are they flexible enough to be changed, if necessary, to _____9. Do I regularly assess the quality of my work and that of meet the changing needs of the organization? my employees? _____10. Does the day-to-day work in my organization run _____10. Do I use delegation to help my employees gain new smoothly? skills and grow in the organization? _____Section total _____Section total (Continued on next page) 15 Calendar January 20-22 Lansing Michigan Turfgrass Conference Holiday Inn (Formerly the Clarion) 23 East Lansing Kellogg Center, MTF/MSU Environmental Workshop Think Tanks, Storage Tank Issues in the Turfgrass Industry Swanton, OH Commercial Pump Service School - Call (800) 426-0370 for dates and information February 8-11 Toronto, Canada CGCS's 43rd Annual Canadian Turfgrass Conference & Show Contact (800) 387-1056 10-17 New Orleans, LA GCSAA's 63rd International Conference & Show 25 Grayling Dr. Frank Rossi presents: "Employee Relations: Recruitment, Train­ ing, Motivation, and Retention of Employees." This class is also of­ fered in Novi on Feb. 24th and in Grand Rapids on February 27th. March Date and Location NMTMA Educational Meeting To Be Announced Date and Location Dr. Frank Rossi presents: "Is it Safe? Environmental Communication To Be Announced for Landscape and Lawn Care". April Date and Location NMTMA/MSU Mini-Conference To Be Announced Grayling, Grand Rapids Dr. Frank Rossi presents: "Legislative issues of 1992". Dates To Be Announced Note: Dr. Frank Rossi will offer monthly seminars for Pesticide Core Manual and Category Specific Testing begin- ning in April. Also, in July Dr. Frank Rossi will offer a clinic in Northern Michigan about integrated hands-on management schemes for diseases, insects and weeds in turf: ITM Watch Turf Times for details How do you rate as a manager? (Continued from previous page) Section 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Now total your score. You may also want to mark the appro­ priate boxes in the adjacent chart. If the total score in any one Management Style section is 50 or less, a personal development plan is necessary. Planning You may also want to draw a line connecting all the scores. Information/ The variations in the line will identify, too, where improvement effort should be concentrated. The composite score, which is Communication the sum of each section total divided by five, will give a more Time Management general evaluation of your performance as a manager. If your Delegation composite score is 80 to 100, your strengths should serve you well if exploited. A score of 60 to 80 suggests unbalanced skills TOTALS that may seriously retard your professional progress. A score of Grand Total 50 or less may suggest some serious soul-searching about your future as a manager. Credit: Rate Your Executive Potential, Roger Fritz, 1988. (Grand Total)_____ -*-5=______ (Composite Score) 16