a V- GREEN Official Publication of the Michigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Associatior SYSTEM . Because the flexibility of the Cushman Turf-Care System saves you time and money. Here’s how! The System is built around the rugged, versatile 18 hp Turf- Truckster, 3-or 4-wheel model. With this one power source and options, you can haul, spray, spike, spread and top dress. And save as much as 35% on equipment in the process. Because, instead of buying separately powered units for each job, you buy only the Turf- Truckster and the modular Cushman accessories you need. So you pay less in total for equipment... and have only one power unit to maintain. CUSHMAN T U F F - C A R E E Q U I P M E N T OMC-Lincoln, a Division of Outboard Marine Corporation 6201 Cushman Drive P.O. Box 8 2 4 0 9 Lincoln, Nebraska 68501 But that’s not all. The System is also a time saver that can cut your labor costs. Accessories mount on the back of the Turf-Truckster. Your men do their work quickly, efficiently... and then move on to the next job at speeds up to 22 mph. There’s less wasted traveling time, so you get more work out of each hour of labor cost. The Cushman Turf-Care System. Versatility, superior performance, economy. It’s a tough system to beat. Write today for your free Cushman Turf Care Catalog. Ifou can't beat the system . CALL NOW For a demonstration and price quotation. (313) 338-0425 GOLF CAR DISTRIBUTORS 1980 W. Wide Track Drive (U.S. 10) Pontiac, Michigan 48058 Phone: (313) 338-0425 £1 2 Tough, because the Superior Battery has what it takes to get your golf cars through long tough days. And long tough seasons. Our deep cycle design helps assure that strong, continuous pow er will be delivered to the m otor. To m ake sure your cars get through a 36 J M K M hole day. And when you put us in service, you get the added benefit of dealing with a company that manufactures its batteries right here in Michigan. A company thats just a phone call away. A company that s °nly interested in making one kind of battery. A golf car battery. That's why we're so tough. We’re only interested in being the best in one game. i SW&H&k. -ZLX\\ mm AND W E’RE MADE RIGHT HERE IN M ICHIGAN. SUPERIOR BATTERY 49600/Martin Drive/ W ixom/Mich MICHIGAN & BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT BRUCE WOLFROM, CGCS Barton H ills Country Club 435 Stein Road Ann Arbor, Mi chi gan 48103 Off. 662-8359 - Res. 884-8684 VICE PRESIDENT WALTER TROMBLEY Arrowhead Country Club 3130 Orion Road Lake Orion, Michigan 48035 Off. 373-5240 - Res. 693-2924 SECRETARY-TREASURER KEVIN DUSHANE,CGCS Wabeek Country Club 159 Willards Way Union Lake, Michigan 48085 Off. 851-1689 - Res. 698-2924 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CLEMWOLFROM Detroit Golf Club 530 Kendry Bloomfield H ills, Michigan 48013 Off. 345-4589 - Res. 334-0140 MICHAEL EDGERTON Meadowbrook Country Club 32736 Hees Livonia, Michigan 48150 Off. 349-3608 - Res. 522-6238 CHARLES GAIGE Lakelands Golf & Country Club 7390 Rickett Brighton, Michigan 48116 Off. 231-3003 - Res. 227-4617 CRAIG ROGGEMAN St. Clair Country Club 22185 Masonic Blvd. St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48082 294-6170 DANIEL UZELAC Dominion Golf Club RR No. 1 Oldcastle, Ontario, Canada NOR 1LO Off. 969-4350 - Res. 969-4350 THEODORE WOEHRLE Oakland H ills Country Club 3390 Witherbee Troy, Michigan 48084 Off. 644-3352 - Res. 649-8512 PRESIDENT EMERITUS JAMES TIMMERMAN, CGCS Orchard Lake Country Club 7183 Buckhom Orchard Lake, Michigan 48033 Off.682-2150 - Res. 360-0238 "A PATCH OF GREEN” P u b l¡ s h e d m o n th ly by the MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION Circulation: 1,250 Ted Woehrle, CGCS, Oakland Hills C.C. James Timmerman, Orchard Lakes C.C. CO-EDITORS P r i n t e d A t BLAKEMAN PRINTING COMPANY 31823 Utica Road Fraser, Michigan 48026 Phone: (313) 293-3540 MONTHLY ADVERTISING RATES D o u b le P a g e S p r e a d .............................................$ 1 5 0 .0 0 B a c k O u t s i d e P a g e .....................................................7 5 .0 0 F u l I P a g e .......................................................................... 6 5 .0 0 H a l f P a g e ....................................................................... 4 0 .0 0 Q u a r t e r P a g e .................................................................. 3 0 .0 0 E i g h t h P a g e .................................................................. 1 5 .0 0 S i x t e e n t h P a g e ................................................................1 0 .0 0 C l a s s i f i e d A d ( p e r c o l u m n 7 .5 0 i n c h ) .................... D I S C O U N T R A T E : O ne Y e a r 10% N o t e : A d v e r t i s i n g f e e s m ay n o t be d e d u c te d fro m th e a b o v e r a t e s . s4dctentitent-. Century R ain-A id DuPont G olf Car D istributors K irkland & A ssociates Lakeshore Equipm ent Corporation Lawn Equipment Corporation Lebano n/A grico M ichigan P re-C ast C oncrete W .F. M ille r Garden & Equipm ent Oxford P e a t Company Rain -B ird Sales, Inc. O.M. Scott & Son, Inc. Wm. F . S ell & Son, Inc. Sprinkler Irrigatio n Supply Co. Sprinkler Services, Co. Superior B attery Term inal Sales Corporation T ire W holesalers, Inc. Turfgrass, Inc. W ilkie T u rf Equipm ent D iv is io n , Inc. 4 I U S G A F o rm s T u rfg ra s s R e s e a rc h C o m m itte e FAR HILLS, N. J. — The United States i Golf Association has announced the formation of a Turfgrass Research f Committee. “We believe that this will develop into one of our most important under­ takings,” said USGA Senior Executive Director Harry W. Easterly, Jr. in , making the announcement. “In time, the research compiled by this com­ mittee could lead to major break­ throughs in turfgrass maintenance.” The committee is comprised of some of the nation’s leading turfgrass experts. * The committee includes: Stephen J. Horrell, Chairman, USGA Green Sec­ tion Committee; Harry W. Easterly, I Jr., USGA Senior Executive Director, Dr. James R. Watson, Vice President, j The Toro Company; Dr. Marvin R. Ferguson, Former National Director and Research Coordinator, USGA Green Section; Dr. Paul Rieke, ) Associate Professor, Michigan State University; Charles W. Smith, USGA Director, Administration and Services; William H. Bengeyfield, Committee Chairman, and National Director, USGA Green Section; Harold E. Neale, USGA Director, Development; and James B. Moncrief, Director, Southeastern Region, USGA Green Section. The long-term program will be a multi­ million dollar undertaking. The pri­ mary purpose of the program is to to develop minimal maintenance turf- grasses that are water conserving, salt tolerant, disease and insect resistant and will provide excellent playing sur­ faces. One of the major efforts of the com­ mittee will be to form a computerized reference source for all turfgrass re­ search literature. This will bring to­ gether every piece of literature dedi­ turfgrass cated research from throughout the world. The committee will also fund overseas expeditions which will enable re­ searchers to gather grasses from throughout the world. These turfgrass species, through various breeding pro­ grams, will be used to achieve the objectives noted above. An expedition for plant material search in Asia and South Africa has already been author­ ized. The findings of this research will be of value to all applications of turfgrasses, including golf, athletic fields, lawns, parks, etc. The committee, which met formally for the first time in West Palm Beach, Fla, on Feb. 22, includes three scientists (Watson, Ferguson and Rieke) with a combined 85 years experience in world-wide turfgrass research. The committee expects to release funds in the very near future for this project. No synthetically produced fertilizer can compare with MILORGANITE G o lf C o u rse s U se M o re M I L O R G A N I T E - MIN AL SALES CORP. IHS"VE,b27 T h a n A n y O th e r F e rtiliz e r ____________l TER 5 AS I SEE IT! By Louis E. Miller From Kentuckiana Klippings May 82 Over the Easter weekend we were once again enraptured along with the candy and hard boiled colored eggs with the most sacred and prestegious of golfing tournaments, the Masters. Even this most revered of events couldn’t escape the wrath of the Spring of 1982. Yet, with all of the hype and ballyhoo that preceded and accompanied this spec­ tacle with the newly rebuilt and re­ turfed greens from bermuda to bent, with the mention of one being “bionic” with the installation ofcheating pipes and the “waxed glass” putting surfaces that left players and spectators alike gasping in awe as putts trickled forty feet past the hole, one can’t help but wonder that all is not well amidst the dogwood, redbud and azaleas on this consecrated piece of Georgia land­ scape. I think that it is time that all of us involved in this business of the game of golf the GCSAA, USGA and the PGA, ask ourselves the question, is this the way the game of golf was meant to be played? Have we reached the level of other professional sports, and I do mean professional, because no ama­ teur golfers play under these condi­ tions, where we are one step away from a “shot clock” or perhaps a “desig­ nated hitter?” Jack Nicklaus made a statement during the Masters, he said, “This is the way Bobby Jones meant for this course to play.” I disagree, because if Bobby Jones had intended for the course to play the way it did then he would have built it that way in the first place. Let’s take a serious look at this business of converting the greens from bermuda to bent. The Masters has never been played on bermuda. It may have been played on Poa Annua, a mixture of rye grasses and some Poa Trivialis, but the bermuda was always dormant during the Masters, and very 6 little if any golf is ever played on bermuda greens due to the timing of1 the golfing season at Augusta National., Over the years as the technology improved, with the longer balls the better clubs and perhaps even the better golfers, the scores started to drop. Was, or is that a disgrace? Is it a disgrace to run a faster time in the mile 1 run? Did they do anything to the grass courts at Wimbledon after Bjon Borg won five times to make it more difficult for him to win again? What about the Indianapolis 500 or Kentucky Derby, [ have they thrown anything on the tracks to raise the times in these ■ events, simply because there is a feel­ ing that records shouldn’t be broken. Somewhere along the line a synthetic attitude has taken over this event like the polyester and dacron blends that make up the clothes that so many of the golfing industry wear. Must unnatural playing conditions be created amidst this esoteric acreage. The behind the scenes controversy that transpired among contributors” ! leads one to believe that “things ain’t always easy in paradise.” More than once during the tournament the com­ ment was made that it had changed from a game of skill to a game of luck But I guess that even a blind hog gets lucky once in a while and finds an , acorn. So, too, must the directors of the Masters have felt that by shear luck somebody would emerge with a lower score, though not lower than par, if that be the case then all would have been for naught If someone had shot the lights out of Augusta National and had had a tre­ mendous subpar round than what would be the next step? Maybe the tournament officials would have forced the players to play with wooden shafted clubs and square dimpled balls. Continued P age 19 “conversion “ WILL FIT” PARTS A THREAT J. Wayne Goodwin, V.P. The Golf Course Superintendents as a whole are getting better educated and more sophisticated. Their responsibil­ ities dictate a daily up-grading to stay abreast of an ever changing and chal­ lenging profession. One of the many responsibilities is the preparation of a maintenance budget and then main­ tain the golf course within the approved budget. Herin presents a serious prob­ lem which the “will fit,” “like original,” “compared to original equipment,” or “copy” can affect the superintendent’s continued progress. For some, it is hard to distinguish between a quick sale at a lower price and the long-range good of the industry. Some may offer a few items that are priced below the brands of reputable manufactures with local stocking dis­ tributors. Their company did not share the cost of product development and testing and can conceivably offer a “copy” or “will fit” at a slightly lower Lawn & Turf, Inc. price. A golf course superintendent and GCSAA past president stated, “As superintendents, we are charged with the responsibility of spending our club’s monies wisely in the maintenance of their golfing facilities. Much of our work and the results produced by it Continued P a g e 9 The best in T u rf Supplies^- LESCO 100% Sulfur-Coated F e rtiliz e rs , G olf Course A ccessories, Chem icals including LESCOSAN* A H ighly E ffe ctive Pre-Em ergence Crabgrass and Poa Annua Control * L e s c o s a n ( B e t a s a n - R e g . TM o f S ta u ffe r ______________________________________ C h e m ic a l, C o .) (800) 362-7413 (800) 321-5325 Available NATIONWIDE From: IN OHIO Lakeshore Equipment & Supply Co. “ Home Of LESCO Products” 300 South Abbe, Elyria, OH 44035 ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION? FILL IN THE QUESTIONAIRE BELOW AND MAIL TO: CLEM WOLFROM DETROIT GOLF CLUB 530 Kendry Bloomfield H ills, Ml 48013 Off. 345-4589, Res. 334-0140 NAME ADDRESS C IT Y DATE S T A T E Z IP OR Y O U M A Y C O N T A C T T H E N E X T G O L F C O U R S E S U P P L I E R WHO C A L L O N Y O U A N D G I V E H I M T H E I N F O R M A T I O N N E E D E D F O R A P P L I C A T I O N . 7 Charles G. Wilson named Recipient of 1982 USGA Green Section Award Far Hills, N. J. - Charles G. Wilson, of Milwaukee, WI, the man who pioneered the Green Section Regional Turf Ser­ vice in 1952, has been named the recipient of the 1982 Green Section award, presented by the USGA in re­ cognition of his distinguished service to golf through work with turfgrass. Wilson will receive the Green Section Award during the 26th annual USGA Green Section Educational Conference at the New Orleans Hilton, in New Orleans, La., Wednesday, February 3, 1982. Stephen J. Horrell, of El Cajon, CA, Chairman of the Green Section Award Committee, will make the pre- sentatioa The theme of the Conference will be “The Good Earth Needs Good Golfing Turf’. For the second consecutive year, the Conference will be held as part of the GCSAA International Turf­ grass Conference and Show, at the invitation of the Golf Course Super­ intendents Association of America. The USGA established the Green Section Award in 1961 to honor those who have made immeasureable contri­ butions respecting the arena upon which the game of golf is played. Their contributions and services may be evidenced by their achievements over a number of years or by a single act. In presenting the Green Section Award, the USGA wishes to identify, celebrate, and hold up for emulation individuals, such as Charles G. Wilson, who exem­ plify outstanding dedication to golf through their work with turfgrass. Wilson also serves as a consultant on Wisconsin turfgrass problems and is involved in setting up the very success­ ful Wisconsin Turfgrass Conference, which he founded 16 years ago in cooperation with the Wisconsin Golf Course Superintendents Association. The literature of turfgrass manage­ ment is richer ,for many contributions é FOR ALL YOUR IR R IG A TIO N NEEDS YOUR FULL STOCK FULL SERVICE D ISTR IB U TO R Sugai QJoarfj' JIM VINCE GENE STENNETT PETE ASARO (h u c k n e r* SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SUPPLY CO. 1316 N. CAMPBELL ROAD ROYAL OAK, Ml 48067 PHONE: (313) 398-2233 8 With 27 field-proven formulas we may have more solutions than you have problems. Distributed by: LAWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 46845 W. 12 MILE ROAD NOVI, MICH. 48050 ¡4 P.O. BOX 500 (313) 348-8110 SERVING ALL OF MICHIGAN! the professional's partner T h e ^ E E E * Andersons Lawn Fertilizer Division P.O. Box 119 Maumee, Ohio 43537 Ohio: 800-472-3220 Outside Ohio: 800-537-3870 Wilson has made throughout his career. He has authored a chapter in the Turf- grass Science Monography, published by the American Society of Agronomy. Furthermore, he has co-authored se­ veral bulletins on turfgrass manage­ ment and maintenance practices. Wilson also has written and presented numerous papers dealing with all phases of turf culture at local, regional, and national golf course superinten­ dents meetings throughout the United States and Canada. Wilson is a member of the Alpha Zeta and the Sigma Xi Honorary Agricul­ tural Fraternities, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Ame­ rica and an honorary member of seve­ ral regional superintendents and turf­ grass associations. Wilson’s career has been one of a lifetime devotion and dedication to the turfgrass industry, marked by a special concern for improving turfgrass growth and playing conditions for this coun­ try’s golfers. “ Will Fit” Parts, cont. would not be possible without the in­ valuable help we receive from reput­ able manufacturers and their sales­ men.” It is the superintendents responsibility to act wisely in carefully selecting companies that will help rather than hinder progress. The purchase of parts and supplies from the local stocking distributor of the original manu­ facturer will ensure you of continued products and with parts supply as required for you to do your job. The “will fit” parts offer no product training or maintenance helps. He offers a mail order form without local dis­ tributer inventory and delivery. Do a few low parts prices mean that much compared to the threat it may create? The golf course superintendent can ill afford to waste the progress of the past or slow developments of the future. Consider the total difference on your parts or equipment purchase and only purchase genuine original manufactur­ ers’ products. Georgia Turfgrass News 9 You’re Using Sulfur-Cooled Fertilizer? by ART WICK While traveling the United States over the last few years I have had the goof fortune to attend more than 40 turf and nursery trade shows. I can only make an estimate, but Fd venture to say Fve spoken to at least 3,000 individuals at these shows. A surprising number of these people have claimed they are using or have used sulfur-coated urea or sulfur-coated fertilizers. My im­ mediate reaction to this claim is to inquire what product or brand was used. The next question is how much sulfur-coated urea did the product contain. The answer in a vast number of cases is confused. Generally the individual indicates that he purchased a product because it contained sulfur- coated urea, but does not know how much sulfur-coated urea it contained. It seems that the “sulfur-coated urea” ingredient, in many cases, is the reason the individual tried the product, but did he get what he thought he bought? Unfortunately, in some cases the cus­ tomer has been misled. This is not a new routine. It’s happened before in the fertilizer business with other slow- release nitrogen sources the names of which have been prominently dis­ played on a package or a piece of literature when actually only present in such an insignificant amount in the product that the ingredient was diluted beyond recognition. Such is now the case with some products containing sulfur-coated urea. Sulfur-coated urea (SCU) has received national recognition from many re­ search institutes over the past 15 years as being a fine, economical source of slow-release nitrogen. SCU is rapidly becoming leading economical source of slow-release nitrogen in turf and nursery fertilizers. The acceptance is due to the *e cognition that the “contains SCU” tag on a product adds to a product’s acceptance. But how much of the nitrogen in a product the should be SCU in order to be consi­ dered a significant amount? Is five percent enough? Don’t laugh! Fve seen turf fertilizers that claim to contain SCU in which I was hard-pressed to find a sulfur-coated granule in a hand­ ful of the product. How about a 30% nitrogen product contains three units of SCU in 30 units? Do you really think that this small amount provides a significant effect? Fd challenge anyone to prove this effect. And how about the individual who uses a turf fertilizer containing six units of SCU out of 28 units (28%) total nitrogen and applies the product under less-than-desirable weather conditions at a relatively high rate and bums his turf and blames the bum on the SCU? Obviously, he says, the SCU was the new ingredient at fault, right? Baloney! Let’s get back to reality and place the blame where it belongs. If you wish to use any controlled- release nitrogen (CRN) source and derive a significant benefit from the CRN source, let’s get at least 33y3% of the nitrogen to be CRN. Better yet, set your sights on 50% CRN for more desirable results. Then, if you are into more critical weather conditions on turf or are dealing with sensitive ornamental shrubs, boost the CRN content toward 75% of total nitrogen. Another frustrating scenario is the individual who “tests” a slow-release nitrogen product such as 100% Sulfur- Coated Fertilizer (which is 75% con­ trolled release nitrogen) against a product which contains 25% CRN (such as 31-3-10 with methylene urea) and finds the sulfur-coated fertilizer to green up slower! Yes, sir, it sure will. A 100% sulfur-coated fertilizer is de­ signed to release more slowly, to have less flush growth, to release more consistently and to last much longer. If a quick green-up is preferred, use a Continued P a g e 18 10 The EASI-SET® Patent Pending GOLF UTILITY BUILDING Steel reinforced precast concrete construction provides a secure, fire and vandal resistant, waterproof facility for a wide variety of uses on the golf course. This maintenance- free, portable building can be installed rapidly and is easily moved from one location to another. Ideal for use as: • Restroom facilities • Pump house • Snack bar • Equipment storage Please send me a full color brochure on the EASI-SET Concrete Building Name _____________________________________________________ State. Phone MICHIGAN PRE-CAST CONCRETE . Licensed by EASI-SET® Industries POG 06/82 4950 Mason Rd. Howell, MI 48843 (517) 546-1005 11 T O R O WQKKMASTKR HEAVY DUTY INDUSTRIAL-QUALITY HYDROSTATIC DRIVE gives infinite speed control, instant forward/reverse, high torque to rear wheels for drawbar pull that surpasses competition. It’s a closed, self-lubricating drive system as in our Sand Pro and Groundsmaster 72: No gears to change, no clutch to slip. UP-FRONT SEATING FOR TWO, with passenger safety grip handle, means safe, comfortable seating for operator and passenger. EASY ACCESS TO ALL COMPONENTS saves maintenance time. You don't have to empty the box to get at the battery. All frequently serviced parts are easy to get at. STANDARD BOX SIZE carries existing engine-driven top dressers, sprayers, mowers and other maintenance equipment. AUTOMOTIVE CONTROLS AND MORE LEG ROOM FOR OPERATOR helps reduce learning time, give greater security and comfort than competitive machines. LOWER CENTER OF GRAVITY - long wheel base; low box bed-height gives greater safety and stability, reduces lifting. SPRING SUSPENSION, SHOCK ABSORBERS ON ALL WHEELS, provides comfortable ride. Easily carries 1000 lb. payload. OVERSIZE 23 X 8.50 X 12 REAR TIRES give the WORKMASTER a soft footprint, excellent traction, for greater hill climbing ability and sidehill stability. WILKIE TUrj Equipment Division, Ine. 1050 OPDYKE ROAD PONTIAC, MICHIGAN 48057 (313) 373-8800 13 A W A S T E O F $ The purpose of this article will be to analyze the somewhat controversial general manager concept as it applies to country clubs. Initially we must define exactly what is meant by the terms “country club” and “general manager”. A “country club” is essentially a service organization comprised of: 1. A golf course involving extensive land acreage providing golf facilities for a specific membership. 2. A club house comprised usually of a restaurant, coffee shop, locker room, and administration facilities and nor­ mally an outdoor recreational pool. 3. A “pro” shop with a teaching professional who co-ordinates golfing activities and events as well as mer­ chandising related golf equipment and clothing. A “general manager” normally is the authoritative head of an organization comprised of several departments. The role of the general manager is to co-ordinate and streamline the acti­ vities of the various departments with the specific purpose of promoting efficiency of operation and production. With regard to the two definitions, the initial conclusion might be that if a country club is made up of several departments and that the job of a general manager is to co-ordinate various departments - why not put them together. A deeper analysis of the exact nature of a country club would cast doubt upon such a conclusion. To use an analogy, suppose a suc­ cessful business man owned severally, a restaurant, a farm, and a clothing store. Would he hire a general manager to run them all? The knowledge ne­ cessary to operate each business suc­ cessfully is so divergent that the answer would be obvious. Continued P age 18 14 The Winter of 81-82 This past winter will be long remem­ bered as one of our longest-coldest winters on record. We missed the “total snowfall” record by one inch - 75 inches. To complicate matters - a heavy thick layer of ice was formed on January 4 after a warm period had melted the snow from Christmas week plus a heavy thunderstorm added to the problem. This water and slush layer - froze and was promptly covered with heavy snow for the remainder of the winter. The ice was out of site and soon out of mind. Several of the old times and MSU turf specialist remembered the winter of 61-62 when similar conditions existed. They notified the GAM head­ quarters about the problem and an ALERT letter was sent to all GAM member clubs warning them of the potential problem. In most cases the letter prompted superintendents to investigate for the presence of ice and the thickness and density of the ice layer. Many became concerned and removed the snow that was covering the ice. In many cases the snow was over two feet thick. Various methods were used to remove the snow. Snow blowers Snow Plows Front end loaders and bull dozers little turf damage was experienced because the ice was thick enough to support the weight of the heavy equip­ ment The melting of the ice was speeded up with the application of Milorganite - 2- 3 bags per green was usually enough to promote melting (the dark color caused the melting - not the fertilizer). Some courses failed to provide drainage thru the wall of snow that was caused by its removal. This water was trapped and refroze, causing the crown to damage (crown hydration). In most cases where the snow and ice was removed the damage was minimal, usually just selective. Poa annua kilk- Once again the mystery of the severity of damage arose. Just as in 1962 there still are some unanswered questions. Continued N ext P age TURF SUPPLIES INC. 6900 Pardee Rd.,Taylor, Michigan (313)291-1200 DON’T EVEN THINK OF BUYING........................ GRASS SEED FERTILIZERS FUNGICIDES WITHOUT CALLING 291-1200 TURF SUPPLIES INC. 6900 Pardee Rd.,Taylor, Michigan (313) 291-1200 D on Kirkland & A ssociates IRRIGATION SYSTEM INSTALLATION AND SERVICE MANUAL SYSTEM CONVERSION GRADING - DRAINAGE - MECHANICAL - ROCK REMOVAL SEEDING-MULCHING 673-0009------------------ 674-1321 15 Winter 1981-82, cont. Why were some greens injured more than others? Was it the strain of grass? Thatch thickness? Nutrition? Soil structure - sandy or clay? Compaction? Drainage - good or bad? Density of ice - clear or honey combed? What caused the terrible odor? Whatever the answers, we are grateful to those that were responsible for the warning. They saved a lot of greens. Thanks. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU RAISE OR LOWER YOUR PRICES? We all are in the business to make money, and pricing often determines the volume of business, and directly influences the net profit. Pricing is used to move inventory, to promote sales, and to attract the impulse buyer. If pricing is to be used for these reasons, the seller must keep in mind what happens to net profit. He should also be aware of the volume of sales necessary to realize a satisfactory level of profits. For example, a 20% price cut means that a 400% increase in volume is necessary to make the same profit obtained before the price was lowered. The following table will serve as a guide for price changes: Price Cut Necessary Increase In Sales 3% 5% 7V4% 10% 15% 20% The following table shows what hap­ pens when you reverse the process or increase prices. A 3% increase means the same profit on 90.0% of the same volume A 5% increase means the same profit on 83.5% of the same volume a 7x/4% increase means the same profit on 77.0% of the same volume A 10% increase means the same profit on 71.5% of the same volume A 15% increase means the same profit on 62.5% of the same volume A 20% increase means the same profit on 55.5% of the same volume From a concerned supplier. 13.6% 25.0% 42.8% 67.0% 150.0% 400.0% 16 TERSAN 1991 Put the proven performers control of brown patch, serious ^Daconil 2787s together for even better dollar spot and other diseases. T e r s a n ® 1991 fungicide and Daconil 2787* fungicide are two of the most effec­ tive disease control products on the market. And now, these proven broad-spectrum fungicides are labeled for tank mixing. Together, they give you even better control of major turf diseases than either product used alone. You get improved control, yet without the problem of phytotoxicity com­ mon with some tank mixes. A T e r s a n 1991/Daconil 2787 tank mix will give you consistent performance against brown patch and dollar spot—the two most troublesome diseases on turf each summer. You’ll also get strong action on leaf spot and other important diseases. It’s the kind of performance superinten­ dents depend on when a quality course can’t be compromised. •Daconil 2787 is a registered trademark of Diamond Shamrock Corporation. Thnk mixing brings other advantages, too. With T e r s a n 1991 in your tank, you get systemic action for protection from within the turf plant. Disease control is longer- lasting and is less affected by rainfall or frequent irrigation. Tank mixing fungi­ cides with different modes of action also reduces chances of benzimidazole resis­ tance. You help insure the long-term effec­ tiveness of T e r s a n 1991 in your disease control program. This year, plan on using Tersan 1991 in combination with Daconil 2787. It’s the tank mix turf diseases can’t match. With any chemical, follow labeling Instructions and warnings carefully. £ 17 A Waste Of $, cont. The three departments of a country club are just as disparate in their operation. The ideal management solution to such an operation is a competent triumvirate management, overseen by an executive committee of the club membership to determine extent and quality of the services desired. The most important goal of the country club in its three departments is quality and efficiency, and experience has shown that neither are attained under a general managership. In the event that an individual is hired and placed over the three depart­ ments; aside from the financial burden of a fourth salary, we must face the realistic and psychological fact that competent superintendents, club house managers, and professionals who are highly trained in their specialties will resent deeply a hired overseer who can not possibly be knowledgeable in these three divergent areas. In those cases where a general manager directly over­ sees one of the departments the lack of quality management still applies to the other two departments. In conclusion, it is hoped that country club executive committees when con­ fronted by the general manager concept will show the same astute “sales pitch” resistance at their country clubs as they do in their own places of business. Roy W. Nelson THE BULL SHEET_____________ Sulfur-Coated Fertilizer?, cont. 50% sulfur-coated, 50% quick release product. This type of product will not only come closer to the release rate you’re looking for, but will also sig­ nificantly reduce the cost of the pro­ duct. Compare apples to apples when comparing performance as well as cost. What’s the point of all this discussion? The point that, to be a knowledgeable fertilizer buyer, one must be inquisi­ tive. Ask questions. Ask to see a sample label or proof of contents. Read the research reports showing perform­ ance comparisons of various products. Don’t be confused by manufacturers who promise, in big print, to have products containing ingredients, which, in actuality, are only contained in insignificant amounts. 18 • .7 % J ; v With Q U A LITY---- - •*<. | MALLINCKRODT LEWIS FORE PAR CLEARY COUNTRY CLUB CHICOPEE Upjohn FOX VALLEY Chipco d ia m o n d sh a m r o c k Yankee c y c lo n e P B I Gordon Aquatrols Turfgrass Products Pana! is hosted As I See lt!,cont. We have a two-fold problem with this as an industry. When referring to industry here fm referring to the GCS AA, and USGA and the PGA. The first question we have to ask ourselves is, are records really meant to be broken; The second question is if we are an “industry” think that they shouldn’t be broken then what type of criteria are we setting up for the entire sport of professional and amateur golf. I really don’t recall that anybody cried “foul” when Johnny Miller shot his record score at Oakinont. At the same time I don’t see any changes being made in Merion Golf Club when a tournament there. The premise of the officials at Merion is, to play the course the way it is. If it rains then that means that the players can go for the pins. If not then they are left to play the course the way it has always been with the glass smooth greens that are a tradition there. Let’s take a look at the conditions that exist between a course such as Merion and Augusta National. Three words can describe the greens at both places, fast, firm and fair. I don’t think that the word fair can be used properly to describe the greens at Augusta National. In theory, a green should not have more than a three degree slope in the putting surface. Some of the greens at Augusta National have slopes much in excess of that. Combine the slopes of the greens that were meant to be turfed with bermuda and a blend of over­ seeded grasses with super slick bent grass surfaces and you remove the skill factor and replace it with luck. Where does all of this stop, or will it stop. Will the situation at Augusta National force the directors of other clubs to take a look at their course’s and come to some type of proud con­ clusion that it would be embarrassing to have a subpar round scored as the winning score for a tournament on the tour or worse yet one of the majors? We have been experiencing the ramifica­ tions of television golf on the average club and club golfer for a number of years. Does it mean that the situation is going to worsen or does it mean that someone will see the difference be- Continued P a g e 21 cduiUNTRY CLUB TURF PRODUCTS —Homogenous Granulation —High UF (W.I.N.) —Balanced Feeding —Fits Your Budget Lebanon Chemical Corporation P.O. Box 847, Danville, Illinois 61832 Distributedn uim.F.seii & Son,inc. SINCE 1923 RENTAL SALES - SERVICE Tractors Equipment Complete Line of Material Handling & Farm Equipment * SWEEPERS * LOADERS * TRENCHERS* MOWERS * ROTARY CUTTERS * BACK HOE DIGGERS * BACK FILL BLADES * POST HOLE DIGGERS JOB TAILORED EQUIPMENT " 282-5100 16555 TELEGRAPH RD. - TAYLOR 1 MILE SOUTH OF EUREKA 19 AMERICAN SOCIETY OF GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS TO PRESENT DONALD ROSS AWARD TO Geoffrey S. Cornish, one of North America’s leading golf course archi­ tects and co-author of “The Golf Course”, has been named the 1982 winner of the Donald Ross Award pre­ sented annually by the American Society of Golf Course Architects to a person who has made significant con­ tributions to the game of golf, especial­ ly golf course architecture. Cornish received the Donald Ross Award, named in honor of the “father of American golf course architecture”, at a special dinner during the AS GCA annual meeting at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida Feb. 22. Previous recipients of the Donald Ross Award include Robert Trent Jones, Herbert Warren Wind, Herb and Joe Graffis, Joe Dey, Gerald Micklem, and Gov. James Rhodes of Ohio. Although “The Golf Course” has just been published, it already has been hailed as the most comprehensive book on golf course architecture, pri­ marily because it includes biographies of several hundred golf course archi­ tects and a list of 10,000 golf courses and their architects. Cornish was president of the ASGCA in 1975, is an honorary member of the British Association of Golf Course Architects, and received the Dis­ tinguished Service Award from the Golf Course Superintendents of America in 1981. A native of Winnipeg, he received a bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia and a master’s degree from the University of Mass­ achusetts, both in agronomy. His interest in golf course architecture was generated in 1935 when he was hired to evaluate soils and find topsoil on the Capilano Golf Course under construc­ tion in West Vancouver, B.C. He then trained for four years with golf architect Stanley Thompson. During World War II Cornish served with the Canadian Army overseas, returning to become an associate of Stanley in 1946-47. He GEOFFREY CORNISH Thompson then associated with Lawrence S. Dickinson, pioneer turfgrass scientist, at the Uni­ versity of Massachusetts until 1952, when he entered private practice as a golf course architect. He now resides in Amherst, Mass. By 1980 Cornish has planned more courses in the New England area then any other designer in history. He had also designed and remodeled layouts in other parts of the United States, Canada, and Europe. Among his most famous golf courses are York Downs Golf and Country Club, (The New Ashbum), Nova Scotia; The Connecticut Golf Club, Easton, Conn.; Cranberry Valley Golf Club, Harwich, Mass.; and Blue Rock, South Yarmouth, Mass. Cornish is the author of numerous articles on course design and turfgrass subjects. Annual “ Special Olympics” Michigan and Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents had a golf outing May 17, 1982, at Detroit Golf Club. It was a fund raising day for the “Special Olympics”. 115 golfers par­ ticipated on this beautiful golf course. There were golfers from around the state and Canada Clem Wolfrom, superintendent, had the course in fine shape. All were treated to a fine lunch and dinner. Prizes and gifts were do­ nated by sales representatives from around the Detroit Area. Brian Tinnion, Coach of the Detroit Express Soccer Team, was the guest speaker. John Walsh was presented with a check for $2,200.00 and thanked everyone for their generosity. M & B C G C S A hopes to have this as an annual event. This association in the past 10 years has raised over $100,000.00 It proves Golf Course Superintendents raise more than just fine turf. turf research. for 20 1 Automatic Valve Failures? CENTURY/RAIN-BIRD® CP* VALVES •CONTAMINATION PROOF If you’ve experienced sprinkler system auto valve failure send for your free 2-page correction guide! Call us for the cures - we do it right the first time! Master distributor Ra in ^ B ip d ® •31691 Dequindre Madison Hts., Ml 48071 313/588-2990 •2 2 1 5 9 Telegraph Rd. Southfield, Ml 48034 313/358-2992 21 As I See It!, cont. tween tournament courses and club courses. A large problem that exists is that most club golfers aren’t aware that the playing and putting conditions exist on tournament courses only dur­ ing the tournament. Nowhere, and I do mean nowhere are the greens cut three times in three different directions at Vsth of an inch basis. Nor are the roughs as deep or the fairways cut quite as short. The tourn­ ament ends on Sunday afternoon and on Monday morning things start to return to some degree of normalcy. The tour moves on to the next tourna­ ment site and the whole procedure starts all over again. In essence what we have come to de­ velop over the past several years are two entirely different types of golf course. We are all aware that no two courses are the same, but certain con­ ditions can be stabilized to a degree of consistency. Perhaps it is the acute inconsistency that we are starting to see that is affecting the game. Maybe this entire article is just wasted works, because when you stop to think about it, nothing is really going to change. The “pride” of too many golf courses, club officials and even golf course superintendents is at stake. If one course is maintaining their greens at Vsth inch than what is to keep the next superintendent or club officians to want to go to 7/64ths or even 3/32nds for their tournament? Maybe all of us have too much pride and are out to show that we can do it as well or maybe even better. What the hell why not have a song written for each club that hosts a tournament the Masters, and even go so far as to have Simon and Garfunkel write it and record it. When you really put this thing in per­ spective we are just like the marathon runners and everyone else out to break an established record. We now talk of moving heights in the 64ths for putting greens when 16ths used to be sufficient. We as an industry are trying to establish our own records. We shave the bottoms of bedknives, topdress with pursand on a weekly basis and push our ability and luck to the virtual limits, only to get Continued N ext P age they do for like Tire Wholesalers Company, Inc. Phone: (313) 354 5644 m b m TRUCK-CAR j l l l l i | H V lM g • MOTORCYCLE M W I UNIROYAL TRAILER A . TIRES WHOLESALE PRICES TO COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS " For Land's Sake-'Use Peat'' o x f o r d r m t o . 1430 E. Drahner Rd. Oxford, Michigan 48051 PROCESSED PEAT Top Dressing Blends Custom Blending FREDLATTA 313/628-5991 If you have changed your address, please let us know so we can keep our addressing plates up to date. Present Address: N A M E A D D R E S S C I T Y S T A T E Z I P Fill In New Address: N A M E S T A T E Mail this form to: A PATCH OF GREEN 31823 Utica Road Fraser, Michigan 48026 As I See It!, cont. up the next day and do it all over agaia Maybe we want to see the short six foot putts slide by the hole and leave a forty footer to come back on. Maybe that is the thrill that we get insofar as accom­ plishment is concerned. Then does that make us any different than the people who go to a NASCAR race with the only thought of seeing someone go through the wall or a multi-car crash? “When you walk down my firways that are green and lush and your drive lands somewhere in my jungle rough, take your wedge from your bag and hit to the green and watch the ball slide back into the bunker. Hear the gallery oooh and aaaah as you four putt the green, and the architect, superintendent and officials howl as your score keeps creeping up.” (sung to the tune of You’ll Never Walk Alone). “THE BALL” In my hand I hold a ball, White and dimpled, rather small. Oh how harmless it does appear, This innocent looking little sphere. By its size I could not guess, The awesome power it does possess. But since I fell beneath its spell, I’ve been through the fires of hell. My life has not been quite the same, Since I chose to play its game. It rules my life for hours on end, A fortune it has had me spend. It has made me curse and cry, And hate myself and want to die. It promises me a thing called “Par”, If I can hit it straight and far. To master such a tiny ball, Should not be very hard at all But my desires the ball refuses, And does exactly as it chooses. It hooks and slices, dribbles and dies, i Or disappears before my eyes. Often it will have a whim, To hit a tree or take a swim. With miles of grass on which to land, It finds that tiny patch of sand. Then has me offering up my soul, If it would first drop in the hole. It’s made me whimper like a pup, And swear that I will give it up. And take to drink to ease my sorrow, l But “The Ball” knows I’ll be back [ tomorrow. 22 INTRODUCING TERRA THE BETTER, A N D FASTER, W A Y TO A E R A T E . FASTER? Yes —over 14,000 holes per minute. BETTER? Yes—the speed of Terra (320) allows you to get the job of aerating done during the very limited time when conditions make it the ''right time". And when your turf needs aerating, you won't hesitate to do the job more often—the Terra (320) method is so simple and fast. OPERATION: 1. With an ordinary pin, hook up to any utility vehicle. 2. With rubber tired wheels down, drive across walks, roads, etc. 3. Without stopping, push button to raise wheels—aerating begins. 4. Stay on turf, turn right or left to circle—aerating continues. 5. Without stopping, push button to lower wheels, drive to next turf area to aerate. LAWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 46845 W. 12 MILE ROAD NOVI, MICH. 48050 P.O. BOX 500 (313) 348-8110 23 Jacobsen Trap King II and Scarifier Blade. The Trap King II gives great raking results as well ai providing substantial savings in two important areas' time and money. One man on a Trap King can do? the work of five men using hand rakes. Lateral ' raking motion gives better control and smoother I I follow while turning in tight and confined areas. Three forward speeds, one reverse, for various I conditions. Scarifier/Push Blade accessory easily | mounts on undercarriage. Breaks up hard surface j crust, levels low spots, prevents weed build-up, and softens playing surfaces of baseball infields. 1593 S. WOODWARD AVE. TELEPHO NE: (313) 647-7700 W.F. MilIerGarden&Lawn Equipment Company BIRMINGHAM, MICHIGAN 48011 "A Patch of Green” 31823 U T I C A R O A D F R A S E R , M IC H IG A N 48026 PAID PERMIT NO 3 MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY - SERIALS EAST LANSING> MICH, 48823