S T !

NORTHWEST

The Official Publication of the Northwest Turfgrass Association

vol 37, no. 3

spim* 1994

3
1994/95 Board Director
Nominations and Elections
The terms of three NTA Board Directors, Donald A.
Clemans, CGCS (Sales Representative, O.M. Scott &
Sons), Mark L. Snyder, CGCS (Golf Course
Superintendent, Salishan Golf Links), and Tim R. Werner
(Landscape/Grounds Manager, City of Walla Walla)
expire this year. Clemans and Werner are completing
three year terms and Snyder a one year term. All three
directors are eligible for nomination for reelection to a second three year term.
The NTA Nominating Committee, chaired by
Immediate past president Rebecca R. Michels, has
begun work compiling a slate of nominees for these board
director positions. Board director candidates may be
nominated either of two ways: 1) by nominating committee nomination, or 2) from the "floor" during the annual
meeting of the active members of the association.
Individuals interested in having someone (including them
self) considered by the nominating committee should
send the individual's name to Becky Michels, NTA
Nominating Committee, P.O. Box 1367, Olympia, WA
98507.
The election of board directors will be conducted during the 1994 Annual Membership Meeting scheduled to
be held September 27, 1994 during the 48th Northwest
Turfgrass Conference scheduled for Salishan Lodge in
Gleneden Beach, Oregon. Board directors are elected
for three (3) year terms and one-third (1/3) of the board
members terms expire each year. Elected directors are
seated and begin their duties immediately following the
close of the annual conference.

48th Northwest Turfgrass Conference
Takes On a Brand-new Look
Those attending the NTA 48th Northwest Turfgrass
Conference, scheduled for September 26-29, 1994 in
Gleneden Beach, Oregon will notice a number of changes
from last year's conference as the NTA tries to respond to
member desires. First the conference has been moved
back to late September rather than the middle of October
due to availability of the conference facilities. Next, the

conference will not include parallel track (split) sessions
this year. Many of last year's attendees expressed concern about missing a number of the presentations
because of the parallel track scheduling so one track of
general sessions is being scheduled for this year's conference. To maximize the educational and recreational
opportunities for registrants educational sessions are
being scheduled to run from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday. Finally, the conference will end
on Thursday around noon rather than Wednesday as it
did last year.
A synopsis of the preliminary program for the conference
is as follows:
Monday
September 26,1994
(Pre-conference events)
"A Balance of Nature" Tour (Salishan Property)
R.L. Goss Golf Tournament for Research
(Salishan Golf Links)
Get Acquainted (hosted) Reception
Tuesday
September 27,1994
GENERAL SESSIONS (morning)
Companions Oregon Coast Aquarium Tour and
"Brew Pub" Luncheon
N.W. GCSAA Chapters Presidents & Staff
(hosted) Luncheon
GENERAL SESSIONS (afternoon)
N.W. Turfgrass Industry Women Get Acquainted
Gathering
Past Presidents and Sponsors (hosted) Reception
Wednesday
September 28,1994
GENERAL SESSIONS (morning)
Annual Membership Business Meeting & Elections
Companions Art Gallery & Antique Shops Tour
Turfgrass Universities Research Fund (T.U.R.F.)
Advisory Council (hosted) Luncheon
GENERAL SESSIONS (afternoon)
Board of Directors Meeting
Annual Banquet and Entertainment
Thursday

September 29,1994
GENERAL SESSIONS (morning)
Board of Directors (hosted) Luncheon

President's Report
James Garfield once said, Things don't turn up in
this world until somebody turns them up."
With that in mind, I would like to take some time and
space to thank some very deserving NTA Board and
Committee members as well as our professional staff,
for the diligent efforts they have made on behalf of our
Association this year. Volunteer service to a professional association can be very time consuming and all too
often a thankless duty. This association is fortunate to
have some very talented and dedicated members working together with Executive Director, Blair Patrick, to
ensure our future direction and success.
Tim Werner chairs the Membership Committee this
year. Tim and his committee have some great ideas and
some challenging goals set to increase our membership
base. If you know someone who isn't a member but
should be, invite them to this year's conference at
Salishan. They won't be disappointed.
Don Clemans, Tom Wolff and Jim Chapman comprise our Bylaws Committee. This Committee is very
carefully reviewing our existing bylaws for the purpose of
bringing them up to date where necessary. Remember
that our 1988 bylaws revisions were overturned by the
membership at last year's annual meeting in Yakima,
returning us to our original 1940's bylaws.
Randy White, Tim Ansett and John Whisler are
heading up the Research and Scholarship Committee
this year. So far we have requests for $46,000 in
research grants and 16 scholarship applications. This
Committee is doing an excellent job of sorting through
the various requests to get the money where it is most
needed. The problem here is always the same, never
nearly enough to go around.
John Monson, Mike Erb and Don Clemans have
put together an outstanding educational program for this
year's conference at Salishan. Budget restrictions at all
universities have made it increasingly difficult to arrange
for premier speakers on topical subject matter for our
educational sessions, but this committee has lined up
some nationally recognized and respected presenters.
The reputation of the NTA conference for first rate education will continue this year.
Vice President Tim Haldeman and Mike Erb are
heading up the Sponsor Program this year. All of the
money raised through the generous donations of our
commercial members goes to help support our research
programs. We hope to raise as much as $10,000 this
year from sponsorships at this year's conference and
golf tournament. Remember to say a big THANK YOU!
and continue to support with your business, those commercial folks who continue to help sponsor the NTA.
Mark Snyder, Becky Michels and Jim Dusln are
working hard on various committees. These committees
do the work that ensure your enjoyment of the annual
conference and this year should be one of the best ever.
Salishan on the Oregon Coast has the setting, golf

2

course, facilities and experience to put on a terrific
event.
My sincere thanks to all of you involved with this
year's board and committees. It is through your efforts
that the Northwest Turfgrass Association continues as
one of the very finest regional turfgrass associations
anywhere.
Tom Christy, CGCS
President

48th Northwest Turfgrass
Conference Presenters
Lineup Looks Outstanding
The program committee, chaired by John Monson,
has done a great job recruiting an outstanding lineup of
presenters for the conference. The list of presenters,
which looks like a "Who's Who" of the green industry,
includes the following:
• Ms. Bobbie Gee, owner of Bobbie Gee Enterprises,
Laguna Beach, California.
(Bobbie who is an international speaker and best
selling author will kick off the
conference education program with a two hour segment Tuesday morning. Her book, Winning The
Image Game, is a "business bible on positioning" for
many company owners. In 1975, Bobbie was hired
by the Walt Disney Company to help them address
employee relations problems. Her speaking career
has taken her around the world to over 14 countries.)
• Dr. Thomas L. Watschke, Professor/Turfgrass,
Pennsylvania State University, University Park,
Pennsylvania
• Mr. James Moore, Director, Mid-continental Region,
U.S. Golf Association, Green Section, Waco, Texas
• Dr. Timothy L. Righettl, Professor of Horticulture,
Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
• Mr. Carl H. Kuhn, Senior Engineer, Kuhn
Associates, Mercer Island, Washington
• Mr. Thomas W. Cook, Associate Professor, Oregon
State University, Corvallis, Oregon
• Mr. David P. Jacobsen, President, Farwest
Equipment Company, Portland, Oregon
• Dr. Stanton E. Brauen, Coordinator, Research &
Extension Center, Washington State University,
Puyallup, Washington
• Ms. Sonya A. Simmons, CPA, Vice President,
Ragen Mackenzie, Inc., Tacoma, Washington
• Dr. William Johnston, Agronomist/Turfgrass
Science, Department of Crops and Soil Science,
Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
• Mr. Larry Gilhuly, Western Region Director, US
Golf Association, Green Section, Gig Harbor,
Washington

Turf grass Topics/Spring 1994

• Dr. Gwen K. Stahnke, Turfgrass Specialist,
Research & Extension Center, Washington State
University, Puyallup, Washington
• Dr. Roy L. Goss, Principal, Prescription Turf
Services, Inc., Naalehu, Hawaii
These presenters—and more—offer an impressive
collection of national and local turfgrass and ornamental
experts with an array of comprehensive information. You
can't afford to miss any of this conference.

1994 Membership
Certificates
Membership certificates for 1994 have been mailed to
all NTA members whose membership dues were paid as
of May 1, 1994. Members receiving certificates include:
regular, student and honorary members. If you have not
received a certificate and believe you should have, contact the NTA office.

Northwest Region
Turfgrass Field Days
OSU Horticulture Department Field Day
Tom Cook has announced that this year's OSU
Horticulture Department turfgrass field day is scheduled
for 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 24,1994 at the Lewis Brown
Research Farm. Contact Tom Cook at (503) 737-5449
for further details.
Jacklin Seed Company Field Day
Duane Jacklin, President of Jacklin Seed Company,
has announced that the Jacklin Seed field day, lnc./Pure
Seed Testing, Inc. field day is scheduled for Tuesday,
June 14, 1994 at Jacklin Seed, Inc. in Post Fall, Idaho.
Contact Jacklin Seed at (208) 773-7581 for further details.
Turf-Seed, Inc^Pure Seed Testing, Inc. Field Day
Bill Rose, President of Turf-Seed, Inc., has
announced that the Turf-Seed, lnc./Pure Seed Testing,
Inc. field day is scheduled for Thursday, June 16,1994 at
Turf-Seed, Inc. in Hubbard, Oregon. Contact Turf-Seed,
Inc. (503) 651-2130 for further details.
WSU (Puyallup) Research & Extension Center
Field Day
Dr. Stan Brauen has announced that this year's
WSU (Puyallup) Research & Extension Center turfgrass
field day is schedule for Tuesday, August 9,1994 at Farm
5 located east of Puyallup. Contact Stan Brauen at (206)
840-4511 for further details.

WSU (Pullman) Crops & Soils Department Field
Day
Dr. William Johnston reports that the WSU
(Pullman) Crops & Soils Department field day, held on the
odd numbered years, will not held this year. Contact Dr.
William Johnston at (509) 335-3620 for further details.

1994/95 Annual
Directory Advertising
Advertising is currently being sought to help offset the
cost of publishing the Directory of the Northwest
Turfgrass Association for 1994/95, scheduled for publication in the fall. If the cost is covered by advertising, a
greater portion of member dues can be used for research
and scholarship activities.
Planning the directory has begun and any suggestions members have concerning its content would be genuinely appreciated by the NTA staff. Past annual directories have included an alphabetical listing of active members by name with a cross reference by employing organization. Other information that has been included in the
directory are listings of NTA Research and Scholarship
Fund contributors; officers and committee chairs for the
association; cooperative extension offices in the region;
and, green industry publications and associations. Also
included has been a guide to sources for turfgrass-related
technical assistance.
Potential advertisers wanting information on advertising should contact the NTA staff at the NTA office (206)
754-0825.

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Suppliers Invited To Be
1994 Conference Sponsors

1993 Conference "Sponsors
for Research" Applauded

Turf grounds maintenance and irrigation suppliers and
others are being invited to become a financial Sponsor of
an activity or event during the 1994 Northwest Turfgrass
Conference. The goal of the "Sponsor Program" is to
provide industry suppliers with an opportunity for tax
deductible advertising and, at the same time, through the
reduction in conference costs, free-up more funds for
research and scholarships.
During last year's very successful trial of the program,
only golf tees were available for sponsors. This year golf
tees, honoraria, events and/or the overall conference
will be available for sponsors. In exchange for a tax
deductible donation, a sponsor will be recognized with a
very professionally done multi-colored reproduction of the
their company logo. Golf tee sponsors will have their sign
displayed on the golf course and at various sessions
throughout the entire conference. Honoraria, event and
overall conference sponsors will have their company logo
reproductions on display throughout the conference and
receive recognition in the NTA newsletter during the year
following the conference.

The 1993 Northwest Turfgrass Conference was the
first conference suppliers participated in the newly developed "Sponsorship Program." Suppliers were invited to
sponsor a tee or hole during the conference golf tournament by purchasing a sign to be displayed on the course
and during other major events throughout the conference.
Tom Christy, chairman of the committee that developed
the program last year, described the response as outstanding. The sponsors participating in the program
included the following companies:

W e t e c c x m r n t t e d t o y o u
f r o m t h e g r o u n d u p .
§

BARNETT IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. (two signs)
CIBA-GEIGY CORPORATION
EVERGRO SALES, INC.
FARWEST EQUIPMENT COMPANY
JR SIMPLOT COMPANY
LANDA, INC.
O.M. SCOTT & SONS
PACIFIC CALCIUM, INC.
SEED RESEARCH OF OREGON
THE CHAS. H. LILLY COMPANY
UNITED HORTICULTURAL SUPPLY
UNITED PIPE AND SUPPLY COMPANY
WESTERN EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTORS
WILBUR ELLIS COMPANY
Each of the 14 sponsors should be recognized and
thanked for being a sponsor. All of their donations, above
the cost of the signs, went into the NTA Research and
Scholarship Fund.

USGA Regional
Conference

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The USGA Pacific Northwest Regional Green Section
Conference held at The Oregon Golf Club on Monday,
March 14, 1994 was attended by well over 100 golf
course superintendents, club officials, golf professionals
and industry suppliers. An excellent program consisting of
a variety of outstanding speakers was moderated by Dick
Fluter and David Jacobsen.

Western Washington
"Area Code" Change
Effective January 15, 1995, a new (telephone) area
code will be initiated for parts of western Washington.
This new area code will be "360" and is required to provide continued growth and meet demands for new telephone service.
The new "360" area code will apply to all of western
Washington except for puget sound basin (Everett south
to Tacoma and Puyallup and Seattle east to North Bend)
which will continue to have the "206" area code.
Turf grass Topics/Spring 1994

Best 18 Golf Greens
in North America Contest
Seed Research of Oregon is looking for the golf
course superintendent with the very best 18 greens of
Providence, SR 1020 or Dominant creeping bentgrasses.
A team of independent judges will be judging the courses
in May of 1996 submitted to them by the Seed Research
Distributor Network members. Greens will be judged on
the basis of color, texture, density, greens speed and
overall health. Consideration will be given to age, amount
of play, maintenance budget and regional climatic
extremes. The winning golf course superintendent and
the distributor's sales representative will be awarded a trip
to the 1997 International Turfgrass Conference in Sydney,
Australia.

Norm Whitworth
...your Northwest distributor for quality

Turf-Seed Products

«IB

1994 Research and
Scholarship Fund Raising
Campaign Continues
Randy White, NTA Research and Scholarship Fund
Committee Chairperson, reports that the second notice
soliciting donations for the NTA Research and
Scholarship Fund was recently mailed. In recent years
over $35,000 in research grants and $5,000 in scholarships have been distributed annually from the NTA
Research and Scholarship Fund. The source of these
funds is general operations of the NTA and donations
received from a variety of contributors. The success of
the annual fund raising campaign is a key factor in the
level of support NTA can provide for these efforts.
Intimately involved with turfgrass management, we
realize more than most, that today's turfgrass quality is the
result of knowledge and technological gains resulting from
research and education accompanied by hard work and
effort. We owe our thanks to those who give their time
and money to make the research and education possible,
for without them we would have to rely on our own individual trial and error methods.
Few of us are independently capable of, nor prepared
to conduct the research or development necessary to
keep the industry on the leading edge. Recognizing this,
the Northwest Turfgrass Association created a research
and scholarship fund to help make it possible for each of
us to financially contribute to industry research and education advancements.
A second notice asking for donations has been mailed
to members and industry supporters. Contributions are
tax deductible and those contributing to the research and
scholarship fund are recognized in the annual Directory
of the Northwest Tlirfgrass Association.
Buy a share today in better turfgrass for tomorrow.

Norm The Chief
Himself

mm>
Perennial Ryegrass
•BrightStar •Sunrye/246
•Citation II •Birdie II
•Omega II •Manhattan II
•Charger «Navajo
•Alliance Blend
•CBS II Blend

Tall Fescue
•Olympic II «Apache
•Monarch «Silverado
•Eldorado «Tomahawk
•Safari •Virtue
•Murietta
•Triathalawn Blend
•MowLess Blend

Fine Fescue
•Shadow Chewings
•Shademaster spreading

Hard Fescue
•Aurora

Sheeps Fescue
•Bighorn

Kentucky Bluegrass
Columbia •Midnight
Challenger •Livingston
Blacksburg •Unique
4 Aces •Voyager
Galaxy Blend

Creeping Bentgrass

•Penncross •Penneagie
•PennLinks
•PennTrio Blend
•PennWay Blend

Wildflower Mixture
•Bloomers
•Baby Bloomers

Norm Whitworth
Turf Products Division

PO Box 68314 • Oak Grove, Oregon 97268
J U j - O j U - j O j J
5 Turf grass Topics/Spring 1994

Mobile 503-781-7735
FAX 503-650-0939

Brede Appointed to
Agronomy Journal
Editorial Board
Dr. Doug Brede, research director for Jacklin Seed
Company has been appointed to the editorial board of
Agronomy Journal, the official publication of the
American Society of Agronomy. Brede will have the honor
of serving as Associate Editor for a three-year term.

Pickseed West Endows
Wiley Fellowship
Pickseed West, Inc. has endowed a fellowship
through the Oregon State University Foundation honoring
the late William Kent Wiley, Jr., one of the company's
founders. The fellowship is designated for graduate students in the Grass Seed Science Program within the
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences in OSU's College
of Agricultural Science. A Pickseed spokesperson stated
that "the $50,000 we have contributed is enough to get
the Wiley Fellowship established, but more will be needed
to make the fund large enough to fully support a graduate
student."

Senske Receives PLCAA
Environmental Award
Senske Lawn and Tree Care of Spokane,
Washington, is the first recipient of the Professional Lawn
Care Association of America (PLCAA) "Environmental
Improvement Award." The company was recognized for
its Christmas tree recycling program started in 1992 to
benefit the J.S.Finch Arboretum. Residents were encouraged to bring their trees in for recycling which involves
chipping the trees and the chips being used to dress trails
and mulch beds at the arboretum.

4) One candidate characteristic overly influences
judgement.
5) Decisions are made in haste.
6) Decisions are not systematic.
7) Pressure to meet quotas affects judgements.
8) Availability of candidates affects judgements.
9) The position and organizations are not accurately
depicted.
10) Good candidates for other openings are overlooked.
'The golden rule of screening and selection," says
Curry, I s that past behavior and performance is the best
predictor of future behavior and performance."
Behavior, according to Curry, is "an action or reaction
in a specific situation, with a known result." Behavior is
not:
• what a person would like to do;
• what a person thinks should be done, or
• what a person should have done.
It's important to consider what these young people
have to offer to the company, perhaps even beyond graduation. A business major in his final year might consider
staying on in the fall, perhaps in a new marketing position.
If he's not continuing on to college, this could be the
career start he's looking for.
You want the best — The best employees are
dependable, punctual and show some signs of integrity
and reliability.

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Pia Curry, owner of The Hiring Assistant, Dallas,
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Turf grass Topics/Spring 1994

To keep these people, says Curry, show them what
you have to offer. Let them know they're more than just
"summer help."
"Give them a feeling of being a part of the company,
and try to learn if they possess other skills that can benefit the company, such as customer service skills or other
customer interaction talents," Curry says.
If you find yourself interviewing a student with no past
work experience, ask him about his responsibilities at
home. What's his attitude about work in general? What
has he learned about mowing the lawn at home? How
does he feel about getting a job done ahead of time?
There are a lot of summer jobs out there, waiting for
eager youth, says Curry, and they should have a reason
to come to work for you.
Curry's company, The Hiring Assistant, was
recently awarded an "Innovation in the Workplace"
award by the Dallas Chamber of Commerce for its
automated job screening process.
Source:

Landscape

Management

mined by the relationship between how tall the grass is
permitted to grow and the cutting height. Removal of more
than 40% of the top in a single clipping completely stops
root growth. The larger percentage of foliage removed, the
longer period of time the root growth remains stopped.
That is why the rule of thumb is to mow frequently enough
to remove less than 1/3 of the leaf blade at one time.
Hopefully, the root growth will not be completely stopped.
Rhizome weight and number are also restricted by
mowing. Since the rhizomes of many species are important to rejuvenation, spreading, and recovery from injury,
anything detrimental can eventually reduce turf density.
(continued

on page 8)

(3/94)

Sportsturf Mowing
by S. T.

I or SAFETY unci PLAYABILITY oiler Your Athletes

Cockerham

When you stop and think about it, we really
expect a lot from our turfgrasses. There are not
many plants that can stand to have one-third of the
foliage removed continually and still remain
healthy, vigorous and tough.
Turf, wherever it is, has an important aesthetic
function. It is supposed to look good. Appearance
of a sports field, even though it is primarily a concern of the spectators, who are in attendance as
well as television audiences, does reflect the pride
of the maintenance personnel. A bad looking field,
especially if the payability is poor, is a highly visible civic embarrassment. Many maintenance factors aimed at creating a uniform turf also impact
positively on aesthetics. In addition, mowing patterns, use of colorants, and painting of lines, logos,
and end-zones enhance aesthetics. If a field looks
good from the stands at kick off time, the spectators will largely be satisfied with the field condition.
Mowing
Mowing grass removes some of the photosynthetically active tissue. A direct unseen result of
that removal is a reduction in root growth. As turf is
clipped lower and lower the stress on the roots
becomes more severe.
If the mowing frequency is increased the consequences of lower clipping are decreased. Even
though turfgrasses may be mowed short, frequent
mowing allows the root system to recover from
much of the injury caused by the shock of the initial severe clipping.
The frequency of mowing should be deter-

7 Turf grass

Topics/Spring

1994

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bluegrass perform better under these conditions than
Kentucky bluegrass alone. Recovery of bermudagrass
subjected to severe wear is essentially the same whether
maintained at .25 inch or .75 inch.
Scalping the sports field has a negative effect on the
appearance and surface payability. The removal of verdure, the topgrowth left after normal mowing, by mowing
or traffic, significantly lowers traction.
The aesthetics of a sports field can be greatly
enhanced by creating ribbon or striping mowing patters.
This is often done to give a unique detailing to the field
showing all that the management team is proud of the
facility.

Sportsturf Mowing (continued from page 7)

Tillers behave as if they were individual plants.
Severe clipping reduces the number of tillers being initiated which, as with the rhizomes, eventually decreases the
turf density.
Bentgrass and bermudagrass will tolerate more
severe defoliation than species such as Kentucky bluegrass. Since many of the bents and bermudas have prostrate growing habit, the low, closely overlapping leaves
permit a larger percentage of green foliage to remain after
mowing. A relatively high level of photosynthesis continues and root growth is maintained.
Over a period of time, root growth may exceed food
production from the reduced leaf area and carbohydrate
reserves can become depleted, thus affecting the plant
Suggestions to Heed
adversely. For bermudagrass it just takes longer for it to
Regarding the Speed
go downhill than for other species.
Of Your Greens
As might be expected, temperature decidedly influby
Jim Connolly, USGA Green Section
ences the impact of mowing on the entire plant. Undipped
Kentucky bluegrass grows better at relatively cool soil
temperatures in the mid-60s than at warm 80 F soil temOne of the best statements on green speed can be
perature. Clipping the grass will reduce plant growth at the
found in the 1973 Manual for Championship Preparation
by the USGA.
cool soil temperature. The same relationships hold even
on a hybrid bermudagrass unmowed in the rough and
"The greens should not be rolled or cut to the point
mowed at 3/32 on greens in the Desert.
where a ball could gain speed in putting down all but the
Plants maintained at temperatures higher than the
severest slopes."
Furthermore, "A player should be able to stop the ball
optimum for growth for a period of time, such as occurs
at the hold."
when nights do not cool off, experience even more significantly reduced growth. The difference in
plant growth between soil temperatures is
less with the clipped turf than the undipped.
Clipping has more influence on plant growth
than soil temperature.
Even though root growth is slowed just
by clipping, when the temperature increases,
root growth dramatically decreases as the
mowing height is lowered. This reduction in
the root system is an important factor in
making warm weather turf management the
trick art that it is. This is why it has long been
a rule of thumb for turf managers to raise the
mowers as summer approaches and lower
them in the fall and spring.
Since mowing and mowing height intensifies the effects of temperatures, good irriThe McGregor 55/200. All Purpose Sprayers and Fire Fighting Units
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than direct heat injury.
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Low mowing produces denser turf and a
valves and strainer, 25-ft hand line hose and spray gun, by-pass agitation, frame coated with
faster playing surface but results in a shorter
high quality, long lasting finish — painted color of your choice.
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509-397-4360 • P.O. Box 740 • Colfax, WA 99111

THE MCGREGOR COMPANY

1Vi

8

Turf grass Topics/Spring 1994

The ball should come to rest within 2 to 3 feet of the
hold when putting from above the hole. There are rare
occasions where this may not be the case, perhaps on a
green where the obvious strategy is to keep the ball below
the hole, and only a miss-hit shot would end up above the
hole.
These guidelines should be followed when setting cutting height and green speed. The speed should be set to
represent the average of all 18 holes. If there is only 1
severely sloped green, the speed should not be set to this
green. However, 5 or more greens with slopes and undulations would have a definite impact on overall cutting
height/green speed.
I recently visited a golf course built in 1921 that has
an average green size of less than 5000 sq. ft. and more
than 9 of the greens could be considered "undulating."
Many areas of the greens are not used for hole locations
when cutting heights go below 5/32". When greens are cut
so short that flagstick locations are lost, you are essentially robbing the golfer of a good part of the game. This is
a shame.
Large, flat expansive green are most prone to lower
cutting height simply because of their design. Many
golfers who complain about slow greens, especially on
large greens, lack a quality in their game known as
authority of stroke. John Jacobs, famous British instructor
and former Walker Cup coach, describes this fault in
golfers.
"We tend to wave it, coax it, steer it, drag it, jab it,
twitch it—anything but hit it."
On this type of green, the emphasis should be upon
smoothness because the distance of the ball travel may
be longer.
Imperfections along the line of putt will make it difficult
to predict ball direction and roll.
Enter this season with these thoughts in mind and
begin to manage the putting surfaces appropriately. Go
out on the course with the green committee and go
through the above steps. Examine each green and see if
there are hole locations that have been sacrificed to the
Speed God.

•

How do you handle complaints from golfers? Nobody
finds it easy to take criticism, especially when the gripes
come from someone who only turfgrass experience is his
dandelion-free lawn. Unfortunately, golf courses were built
and superintendents hired for the benefit of golfers, a situation which often necessitates a kid-glove approach to
complaints.
Even if complaint are supported to go to your green
chairman, chances are you'll still have to filed a few questions and comments from golfers who catch you on the
course. Generally, they will be friendly, but there are
always a few who aren't.
The first rule is keep your temper. Some people actually enjoy harassing an employee and others have to find
someone to blame for a bad round. However, if you stay
cool, he will soon realize he is out of line.
Hear him out. Many people who have honest complaints only reveal portions of their grievances because
they are afraid you don! have time to listen to them. When
you've heard the whole thing, try to give a thorough explanation. Above all, don't cut him off abruptly, even if you are
in a hurry. Try to set up a time when you can go into the
problem in detail if you think it is necessary.
Source: A Patch of Green (September/October 1993)

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9 Turf grass Topics/Spring 1994

SEATTLE
762-7622

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(208) 459-1631

Pasco, WA
(509) 545-9329

Walla Walla, WA
(509) 529-5381

Auburn, WA
(206) 351-6591
1-800-275-6920

Portland, OR
(503) 227-3525
1-800-452-5625

Wenatchee, WA
(509) 663-8754

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(509) 765-9157

Spokane, WA
(509) 928-4512
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(206) 466-3138

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The Religion
of Golf
by Larry Gilhuly

Is it my imagination or has there been a movement
out there by a select number of golfers who actually
believe the GAME of golf is more than just a game?
These fanatics who insist that under all circumstances
putting greens should be maintained at or above 10 feet,
that fairways should be maintained for firm and uniformly green, that bunkers should be maintained such that
bad lies are never a possibility, and that tees should be
maintained perfectly flat and mowed to a height that only
a military barber can appreciate!
At the same time, they also want roughs at 2", or
higher and that the golf course be set up for championship competition. Oddly enough, these same fanatics
seem to completely forget that most golfers have handicaps of 16 and above.
Guess who's caught in the middle of this? You
guessed it, the golf course superintendent. Regardless
of the physical state of the irrigation system, topography,
weather conditions, turfgrass species, amount of play,
size of greens, soil type and countless other circumstances, they are expected by this vocal minority to perform miracles in turf care.
To this minority of vocal players, I wish you would
remember one thing. That is, golf is a game that is supposed to be fun! Sure it is exasperating and difficult, but

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10

NATIONWIDE
1-800-523-3668
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SEATTLE
(206) 762-0818
1-800-562-7013 (Washington)

it is not a matter of life and death. If your ball does not
roll far enough on the first green - adjust your putting
stroke for the rest of the round!
There are far too many golf course superintendents
whose livelihoods are being threatened by those that
look at golf as a religion, rather than a game. For those
of you who have still not gotten the message, allow your
superintendent to do the following:
Maintain greens at a moderate speed that puts the
turf first and speed second. Most golfers truly prefer
smoothness over speed with an 8'6"9' Stimpmeter reading being entirely acceptable for normal play.
Maintain conditions in the fairways such that large
areas of turf are not lost due to deficit irrigation.
Remember, the superintendent's main function is to
keep players from messing up their own golf course!
Let us realize that golf course superintendents have
an entire staff and family that rely on their decision-making skills. While golf should be a game to golfers, it is a
livelihood to the superintendent. We should all try to
remember this fact the next time we explode after missing a four footer and immediately blame everyone but
ourselves! It truly does put the GAME of golf in its proper perspective. Hallelujah!
Source: Hole Notes (March 1994)

Three Simple Ways to Help Avoid
Having to Fire Employees
As the saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth
a pound of cure." Here are three simple, straightforward
steps employers can take to help ensure that employees
have the experience and skills needed to do the job, and
will not need to be replaced.
First, check all references given by the employee
carefully. It's surprising how many employers do not take
this simple precaution. Further, former employers should
be contacted to verify that candidates were employed at
the times and places claimed on the resume or employment application.
These ex-employers may be subject to a corporate
policy prohibiting them from giving out positive or negative comments on employees to people outside the company. But you can at least verify the dates of employment. The employee should be informed that you will be
contacting all former employers.
Second, check the employee's claimed credentialssuch as college degrees, relevant licenses, and abilities
needed to do the job. The incidence of candidates for
employment falsifying credentials is higher than most
people think. Candidates should be informed that all credentials will be verified, and, where appropriate, asked to
provide access to needed information.
If needed employment skills are easily tested, preemployment testing for these skills might be a good idea.
Third, adopt a policy (if you have not already done
so) of requiring employees to undergo a three-month

Turf grass Topics/Spring 1994

probationary period, during which the employee is
assessed for competency. Employees should be closely
monitored for job competency during this period. This
policy should be clearly communicated to candidates.
Caution: Employers must take care that their policies
on hiring, promotion, and firing do not run afoul of state,
federal, and local anti-discrimination laws, and of other
employment-related law.

Sources for
Pesticide Information
The following information about pesticides was the
basis for much of the material used in the articles of this
magazine. Some of the literature is free and many of the
items should be in a sod producer's office for reference.
• The Alliance for a Clean Rural Environment
(ACRE). Suite 900, 1155 15th St. NW, Washington DC
20005. This is a credible source of reliable, peerreviewed information covering topics related to water
quality environmental concerns, and safe pesticide use.
They publish "news" sheets on proper chemical use —
with good illustrations — for use with newsletters.
• American Council on Science and Health 1995
Broadway, 2nd Floor, NY, NY 10023. They publish a 26page booklet: "Lawn Care Chemicals."
• "Compendium of Turfgrass Diseases'9 by APS
Press, 3340 Pilot Knob Rd., St. Paul, MN 55121. This
very fine book has been reviewed in "Turf News."
• EPA Material: For a review of what is available
and the costs, contact your regional or state EPA office.
1) "The Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural
Pesticides—How to Comply" (this is available free with
Gempler's catalog "Product Guide;" see page 48 for how
to order). 2) "Pesticide Safety and Training Materials
Catalog" (in English and Spanish). 3) "Citizen's Guide to
Pesticides"—a 24-page booklet strong on home/family
use. 4) EPA has an Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
program within the office of Pesticide Programs. Dr. Anne
Leslie of EPA wrote an in-depth article for ASPA's
"Journal of Environmental Turfgrasses" (Spring, 1992). 5)
The USEPA also supports a Pesticide Hotline which can
provide information on the proper use and toxicity of pesticides and give referrals on poisoning problems. The
National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (NPTN)
is located at Texas Tech University Health Sciences
Center, School of Medicine, Dept. of Preventive
Medicine, Lubbock, TX 79430. The 24-hour hotline number is 800-858-7378.
• O.M. Scott & Sons Company provides material on
turfgrass weeds, diseases and insects. Ask your Scotts"
Pro-Turf Tech Rep for details or call Larry Humphreys,
800/543-0006. Those sent to the editor of "Turf News"
included: 1) Nine 8 1/2x11" posters that can be obtained
free while they last. 2) "Scotts Guide to the Identification
of Grasses" with 60 drawings ideal for newsletter use
(price: $11.00) 3) "Scotts Guide to the Identification of

11 Turf grass Topics/Spring 1994

Dicot Turf Weeds with 100 drawings (price: $11.00). 4)
"Scotts Guide to the Identification of turfgrass Diseases
and Insects" with full-color illustrations (price: $12.00).
• Spraying Systems Company, North Ave. at
Schmale Rd., Box 7900, Wheaton, IL 60189. As
described and shown on page 15, the eight-page booklet
"Sprayer Safety and Maintenance" is available free and in
quantities needed for worker training. Also, the company
has their Tee-Jet Spray produce catalog that shows products and includes an eight-page introduction of technical
information (i.e. calibration, drift, pressure requirements,
etc.).
• "Turf Weeds and Their Control99 is an extensive
coverage of the subject with over 100 colored plates of
help in accurate identification. It is scheduled for publication at the end of March, 1994. Contact: The American
Society of Agronomy, Madison, Wl.
• "Turfgrass Pests,99 compiled by A.D. Ali,
Cooperative Extension, Univ. of CA (publication 4053),
6701 San Pabo Ave., Oakland, CA 94608.
• "Turf Management Digest99 — a complete reference guide to effective turf management is updated and
published annually. Contact: 14920 Highway 61 N, P.O.
Box 1420, Clarksdale, MS 38614. ASPA's Executive
Director contributes the chapter on sod production information.
• "Pest Management Recommendations for
Commercial Turfgrass99 One of the best basic discussions of pesticide composition, behavior, toxicity and
appropriate methods of use currently in print, is The safe
and effective use of pesticides by P. J. Marer, published in 1988 in Davis, CA by the University of California
Statewide Integrated Pest Management Project, Division
of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Publication 3324,
387 pp.). It is written for professionals but is accessible to
the layperson, and it contains practical advice for the use
of pesticides in an integrated pest management framework.
• The largest library collection of research work on
turfgrass is at the Turfgrass Information Center, Library
W-212, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Ml
48824-1048. As a project supported by funds from the
U.S. Golf Association, this library has developed a computer-accessible Turfgrass Information File (TGIF), but literature searches can also be requested by phone or mail
from Peter O. Cookingham, the Project Manager at 517353-7209.
• Research on new biological controls as well as
safer pesticides is generally carried out by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture and at land-grant universities.
• For further information on the availability of literature related to pesticides contact your local extension
program.
Source: ASPA Turf News: March/April 1994

1993-94
Board of Directors

Calendar of Events

PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR A-1
Thomas A. Christy, CGCS
Golf Course Superintendent
RIVERSIDE GOLF & COUNTRY
CLUB
8105 NE 33rd Drive
Portland, OR 97211
Phone: 503-288-3471

VICE PRESIDENT
DIRECTOR A-2
Timothy J. Haldeman
Parks & Facilities Maintenance Mgr.
CLARK COUNTY PUBLIC WORKSPARKS & REC
4700 NE 78th Street
Vancouver, WA 98665
Phone: 206 699-2446

SECRETARY
DIRECTOR C-1
Tim R. Werner
Landscape/Grounds Manager
CRY OF WALLA WALLA
925 Whitman St.
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Phone: 509 527-4403

TREASURER
DIRECTOR C-2
Donald A. Clemans, CGCS, CPAg
Sales Representative
O. M. SCOTT & SONS
14437 Pole Court
Sisters, OR 97759
Phone: 503 549-3933

PAST PRESIDENT
Rebecca R. Michels
President
MESSMER'S LANDSCAPING
SERVICE INC.
24664 156th SE
Kent, WA 98042
Phone: 206 228-5779

DIRECTOR B-1
Randy H. White, CGCS
Golf Course Superintendent
EVERETT GOLF AND
COUNTRY CLUB
PO Box 2300
Everett, WA 98203
Phone: 206 353-7028

DIRECTOR B-2
James W. Dusin
Greenkeeper
APPLE TREE GOLF COURSE
8804 Occidental Ave.
Yakima, WA 98903
Phone:509 965-9844

DIRECTOR B-3
Mike W. Erb
Sales Representative
WILBUR ELLIS COMPANY
1521 15th St. NW#5
Auburn, WA 98001-3504
Phone:206 448-1869

DIRECTOR A-3
John W. Monson, CGCS
Facilities Manager
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
11220 NE 53rd SL
Kirkland, WA 98033
Phone: 206 827-9777

DIRECTOR C-3
Mark L Snyder, CGCS
Golf Course Superintendent
SALISHAN LODGE
PO Box 118
Gleneden Beach, OR 97388
Phone: 503 764-3667

STAFF
Blair Patrick, CAE
Executive Director
NORTHWEST TURFGRASS
ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 1367
Olympia, WA 98507
Phone: 206 754-0825

STAFF
Jerry Crabill
Administrative Assistant
NORTHWEST TURFGRASS
ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 1367
Olympia, WA 98507-1367
Phone: 206 754-0825

NORTHWEST
TURFGRASS
ASSOCIATION

fi
11
I .o c

May 23, 1994

NTA Board Work Session and Meeting
Contact: (206) 754-0825

May 24, 1994

OSU Field Day
Contact: (503) 737-5449

June 14,1994

Jacklln Seed Company Field Day
Contact: (208) 773-7581

June 16,1994

Turf-Seed, Inc. Field Day
Contact: (503) 651-2130

August 8, 1994

NTA Board Meeting
Contact: (206) 754-0825

August 9, 1994

WSU (Puyallup) Field Day
Contact: (206) 840-4511

September 25,1994

NTA Board Meeting
Contact: (206) 754-0825

September 26-29,1994

NTA 48th Annual Conference
Contact: (206) 754-0825

September 27,1994

NTA Annual Meeting of the Members
Contact: (206) 754-0825

- Pesticide Programs Contact WSU Conferences & Institutes (509) 335-2946 for "Pesticide
Pre-License" and "Pesticide Recertification" programs in your area.
ADVERTISING/EDITORIAL
DEADLINE
15th OF DECEMBER, MARCH,
JUNE AND SEPTEMBER

ADDRESS
CORRECTION
REQUESTED

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THOMAS COOK
NY94 > 1273
Instructor
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
HORTICULTURE DEPT. #4017 ALS
CORVALLIS OR 97331-7304

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P.O. Box 1367
Olympia, Washington 98507
(206)754-0825

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Address Corrections: If address is wrong in any respect, please
correct the above label and return it to the NTA office.

NONPROFIT ORG.
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OLYMPIA, WA