O ur  6 0 th   Year 
—

November/December  1985

A  PA TC H

o f

GREEN

AYS

Annual Christmas Party 

Friday,  Dec. 6

OFFICIAL  PUBLICATION  OF  THE  MICHIGAN  &  BORDER 
CITIES  GOLF  COURSE  SUPERINTENDENTS  ASSOCIATION

.

SDÌ Features The Most Advanced 

Spraying Devices In Turf Care

LEAK-PROOF LID
Trouble  fre6 and easy-to-use  CAM LOCK 
lid latch prevents leakage so commonly 
found in other makes.

HEAVY-DUTY FIBERGLASS TANK
All spray tanks come  with color  impreg­
nated in exterior gel coat to insure extra long-life, 
easy care and superior looking finish.  Resistant to all 
chemical sprays.  Non-corrosive fittings and hardware 
are  Stainless Steel or Nylon.

'

HYPRO-PISTON DIAPHRAGM 

SPRAY PUMP

By far the most advanced spray pump available.  It 
handles all: Liquid fertilizers,  all spray chemicals  wet 

or powdered,  can even be run  "dry” with 

NO DAMAGE to liquid end.

AGITATOR
Self-lubricating,  non-corrosive mechanical 
agitator is standard on all models.  Out­
standing features include: Fiberglass rein­
forced nylon packing gland & rear bearing, 
teflon packing,  non-corrosive 304 Stainless 
Steel shaft & peddles on all skid 
and trailer models.

LONG-LIFE ENGINE
8HP Kohler (cast iron) engine  with dual 
element air-cleaner,  ball bearings  on both 
ends  of crankshaft,  stellite exhaust valves 
&  seat,  safety designed retractable starter, 
engine mounted throttle/choke controls 
with integral kill switch,  convenient oil fill 
dipstick and crankcase drains on both left 
&  right sides.  Briggs &  Stratton and Honda 
engines also available.

REGULATOR RELIEF VALVE
Four super-fast adjustable positions for 0-550 
PSI.  Works easily at low or high pressure.

GATE VALVE
Easy-to-reach and use suction 
line gate  valve,  suction strainer 
and tank drain.

For Information or Demonstration Call TOM BRADSHAW or DON DUPUIS

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MON  8 30 to 8  TUES-FRI  8 30 5 30  SAT  8 30 5

2

Annual  Picnic 

Held  at

Burroughs  Farm s

MORE  PHOTOS  ON  PAGE  20

The  MBCGCSA  annual  picnic  was  held  at 
Burroughs Farms on August 20.  Hosts Jim  Vlassis and 
Jim  Dewling  put  on  a  fine  day  in  spite  of  the  cool 
weather.  The fun-filled day was attended by over 110 
members  and their families.  There  was  a lot  of good 
food and plenty of games.  All of the kids were treated 
to fun events such  as water balloon throwing contest, 
sack  races,  bubblegum  blowing  contest,  egg  tosses 
and  jelly  donut  eating  contests.  The  highlight  of the 
jelly donut eating contest was when six-year old Marc 
Dushane ate his donut in record time.  The donut was 
consumed  in  less  than  two  minutes.  But  by  the  look 
on Marc’s face no one was sure is was not going to be 
unconsumed,  if you  know  what  I  mean.  It  is  safe  to 
report that  Marc  will  not  be  eating  a  jelly  donut  for 
quite  a  while.

JUSTIN  KIRTLAND  -   Happy  the  game  is  over.

The  adults  enjoyed  themselves  by  joining  in  the 
festivities.  They  played  volleyball,  softball,  partici­
pated  in  the  egg  throw,  the  water  balloon  throw, 
sack races and a driving contest using a marshmellow 
and  a  golf  club.
Jan Edgerton  did a great  job  in  organizing  the  kids 
games.  She said if anyone needs a babysitter for their 
kids  she  would  be  happy  to  volunteer.  Just  kidding, 
Jan.

Again,  thanks  to  golf  course  superintendent  Jim 
Vlassis  and  general  manager  of  Burroughs,  Jim 
Dewling,  for  their  fine  efforts  in  making the  annual 
picnic  a  fun  day  for  all  MBCGCSA  members  and 
their families.  The hospitality at Burroughs is  always 
first  class.

L-R  -   ERIC  EDGERTON,  MEGAN  KIRTLAND,
BETH  EDGERTON,  LAURA  GAIGE,  in  the  bubble­
gum  blowing  contest

L-R  -   JETTIE  FIELDS,  MEGAN  KIRTLAND, 
BETH  EDGERTON,  ANGIE  COLLAR

JOHN  &  BRAD  MADDERN

BRAD  MADDERN  (Left),  &  JUSTIN  MITCHELSON

3

EDUCATION

Our  final  monthly  educational  site  for  the  1985 
season  was  at  Riverview  Highlands  Golf  Course  on 
September 23,  with Dick  Matthews  as  our  host.  The 
day and the course  were  excellent  and  the  32  people 
in  attendance  were  treated  very  well.  The  guest 
speaker  for  the  evening  was  Mr.  Don  Juchartz,  of 
Juchartz’s  Horticultural  Management.  Don  is  pro­
bably  better  known  as  the  Cooperative  Extension 
Agent  for  Wayne  County  until  1984.

He  talked  to  us  about  Senate  Bill  §65,  which 
concerns  the  spraying  of  petro-chemical  products 
that  people  may  be  sensitive  to.  This  bill  would 
require us to notify anyone who is registered  as being 
petro-chemical sensitive  and  living  within  2,000  feet 
in  any  direction  of the  area  to  be  sprayed,  24  hours 
before doing so.  These people can  register at the local 
government  office  or  the  county  offices  -  you  would 
receive  this  list  and  would  have  to  notify  these 
people.

As  of  now,  the  bill  is  waiting  for  a  governor’s- 
appointed task force report on what  should  be  done. 
The Senate Committee does not want to  do  anything 
now  and  find  out  when  this  report  comes  out  that 
there  is  a  better  way.

He  did  say  that  before  this  is  all  said  and  done 
though, that Integrated Pest Management may be the 
only  way  we  will  be  able  to  spray.  This  means  that 
you could not spray unless  you  have  so  many  species 
of pests  in  a certain size  area.  The  number  would  be 
determined  be  the  Department  of  Agriculture.

A  question  was  asked,  What  is  petro-chemical 
sensitive?  Don  said  there  is  no  real  scientific  way  of 
determining this, but if you feel ill after chemicals are 
sprayed  you  are  sensitive.

Another  question  was,  Areas  open  to  the  public, 
would they have to  be  posted  the  same  as  notifying? 
Yes,  at  all  entrances,  Don  said.
Don said  there  was  a  public  hearing  coming-up  on 
this bill,  but again stated nothing would happen  until 
the  task  force  report  is  out.  We  will  keep  you 
informed  of  all  new  developments.

Mr.  Juchartz  then  went  into  some  of  the  signs  and 
symptoms  of  pests  that  affect  trees  in  this  area.  He 
talked  about  Scale  and  Mites,  giving  us  the  ways  to 
stop these pests and w hen to spray.  He also told us the 
best time to fertilize trees is  when  all  the  leaves  have 
fallen off,  or in early spring.  You  use  a  fertilizer  that
CONTINUED  PAGE  22

TREE  TRANSPLANTING

LARGE  TREES  UP  TO  11”  DIAMETER

OUR  BEST  WISHES 
FOR  HAPPINESS 
DURING  THIS 

HOLIDAY  SEASON

ARMSTRONG
LAWN AND TREE.  INC.

“YOUR EVERGREENS SHOULD  BE  MOVED  NOW.”

44275  Whithorn 
Sterling  Heights,  Michigan  48078 

731-5550
264-8803

4

VOICE  YOUR  OPINION

In  the  last  issue  of  A  Patch  of  G reen,  a  two-part 

question  was  asked  -
1.  From what you know of the new mid-year  GCSAA 
Turf grass  Conference  and  Show,  is  the  mini  con­
ference  a  good  idea?
2.  And,  will  you  be  attending?

There  were  40  responses,  and  the  results  were:
58%  said,  Yes  it  was  a  good  idea.
48%  said,  No  it  was  not  a  good  idea.

49%  said  they  were  going  to  attend.
51%  said  they  were  not.

YES COMMENTS:  A chance  for  the  mechanics  and 
assistant superintendents and new members to  attend 
.  .  .  Good for clubs who cannot afford to send staff to 
a  larger  National  Conference.

NO COMMENTS:  Too many regional conferences in 
the area already .  .  .  Program not very appealing  .  .  . 
Too  early  in  the  fall  . . .   Too  far  to  go.

This Month’s Question -

The  GCSAA  has  instituted  a  new,  extensive  Golf 
Course  Superintendent’s  Certification  program.  The 
written test is better designed to identify the true  Golf 
Course  Superintendent.  It  also  stipulates  that  a 
committee  of  other  certified  Superintendents  will 
view the applicants’ golf course and determine, under 
certain guidelines,  whether or he or she qualifies  as a 
Certified  Golf  Course  Superintendent.
Do you  agree  with  the  new  Certification  Program?
Will  you  become  certified?

Many of the vendors that participated in the poll felt 
it  was  not  a  good  idea,  but  many  will  be  attending 
the  conference  anyway  (for  obvious  reasons).

We  now  have  33  superintendents  in  the  state  of 
Michigan that have proudly earned the letters  CGCS 
after  their  names  -  a  worthy  title.

COMING EVENTS

56 th Annual 

Michigan

Turfgrass Conference

JANUARY 14 and 15, 1986 

LONG’S CONVENTION CENTER, LANSING

Crop and Soil Sciences Department 

Contact: Michael  McElroy 
Michigan State University 

East Lansing 

Phone (517) 353-9022

GCSAA TURFGRASS CONFERENCE

San Francisco, California 
January 27 - February 4,1986

5

In cooperation with the Michigan and Border Cities 
GCSA,  GCSAA  will  be  sponsoring  the  popular 
“Business  Communication  and  Assertiveness  Tech­
niques” educational seminar in  early  November.  Dr. 
Steven  Hazel,  of  the  Department  of  Human  De­
velopment  at  the  University  of  Kansas,  will  present 
this  two-day  seminar  on  November  4  and  5,  1985, 
from  8:00  a.m.  to  5:00  p.m.  at  the  Midway  Motor 
Lodge,  Lansing,  Michigan.

Dr.  Hazel,  inaddition  to  his  faculty  position  at  the 
University  of  Kansas,  is  a  psychologist  in  private 
practice  in  Kansas  City.  His  research  focuses  on 
problem  solving,  communication  and  social  skills.

For  Reservations  call  -  1-800  472-7878 
For  Room  Reservations  call  -  1-800  528-1234

Did  you  see  the  GCSAA  ads  on  T.V.?
Several  were  aired  from  the  PGA  and  many  from 
the  Buick  Open.  A  great  effort  in  promoting  the 
recognition  of  Golf  Course  Superintendents.

WORDS  OF  WISDOM
For those of you who understand,  no explanation  is 
necessary.

For  those  of  you  who  do  not  understand,  no 

explanation  is  sufficient.

LIGHT-WEIGHT  FAIRWAY MOWING

by Doug Mahal

Superintendent, Interlachen Country Club

Our  light-weight  fairway  mowing  program  began 
early  in  the  1984  season.  Previously,  we  had  heard 
about the incredible results obtained with  the  triplex 
cutting  units  on  fairways  and  wanted  to  learn  more 
about  it.  We  conducted  a  survey  of  17  private 
country  clubs  in  the  country  that  we  knew  were 
already  on  the  program,  to  get  a  true  idea  of  what 
was involved and to get the full picture right from the 
horse’s  mouth  -  the  superintendent.
We found through the results of this  survey  that  all 
the clubs noticed an increase in bentgrass populations 
even  after  one  year.  Most  of  the  clubs  also  found  it 
necessary to reduce their fairway acreage to make the 
effort  more  manageable.  Over  half  began  using  less 
nitrogen, less water and some even less fungicides,  all 
at a smooth, clean 3/8” to 3/4” cutting height.  These 
were some  of the  things  we  were  looking  for  in  our 
fairway program - being able to apply less water and 
nutrients over less acreage,  reducing compaction  and 
spin-out  damage  caused  by  the  tractor  units  and  to 
increase  our  bentgrass  population.  After  in-depth

discussion  with  our  board,  we  decided  to  try  the 
program  over  a  three  year  period  and  analyze  the 
results  vs.  expense  at  that  time.

our  first  chore  was  to  decide  on  the  best  type  of 
mowing  equipment  for  our  conditions.  We  con­
sidered our topography, soil type, desired quality and 
maintenance factors.  We looked  at  the  5-gang,  wide 
3-gangs  and finally the  triplex  greensmower.  During 
the  time  we  were  demonstrating  all  these  various 
pieces  of  equipment,  we  found  no  other  unit  with 
quite the cutting quality,  maneuverability,  simplicity 
of  operation  and  light  weight  as  the  triplex  greens­
mower.  Our choice was to purchase six units in order 
to  complete  a  fairway  cutting  in  six  hours  or  less.
Our  next  chore  was  to  determine  when  and  how 
often  to  cut  and  at  what  height.  I  have  always 
thought,  agronomically speaking, that it is best to cut 
when the leaf surface is dry - in the afternoon  or early 
evening.  I think the  cutting  quality  is  better  and  the 
dry  conditions  make  scattering  of  clippings  easier.
CONTINUED  PAGE  21

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Call us for details:

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1-800-621-7007

313-887-6767

6

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7

THE  NATURE  OF SUMMER  PATCH: A  STATUS  REPORT

by Houston B.  Couch 

Professor of Plant Pathology 
Virginia Polytechnic Institute 

and State University 

Blacksburg, Virginia 24061

The hot,  dry  weather  of the  past 
few  summers  has  managed 
to 
bring  out  the  worst  in  Kentucky 
bluegrass  in  many  sections  of  the 
country.  Loss  of  turf  quality  in 
both  professionally  managed  grass 
and home lawns under the  care  of 
the  husband,  wife  and  children 
has been common.  There has been 
a  “fringe  benefit”  from  all  of  tis 
however, 
for  the  situation  has 
sparked  an  increased  research  in­
terest  in  the  nature  of  these  types 
of  disorders  and  the  development 
of procedures for  preventing  them 
from  happening.

In  New  York,  a  hot  weather, 
dying-out  condition  of  Kentucky 
bluegrass  has  been  assigned  the 
name  “summer  patch.”  The  re­
searchers  at  Cornell  University 
have suggested that this same  may 
be occurring in  other  northeastern 
state  as  well  as  New  England. 
Reports  from  Michigan  State  Uni­
versity indicate that summer patch 
may  also  be  a  problem  in  certain 
midwestern 
northcentral 
states.

Outbreaks  of  summer  patch 
develop  during  July  and  August 
during  prolonged  periods  of  hot, 
dry  weather.  The  symptoms  des­
cribed are irregular patches of dull 
tan to brown grass.  The individual 
areas may be  more  or  less  circular 
in outline  and extend  up to several 
feet 
the 
diseased  stand  of  grass  may  be 
patches  that  show  the  basic  “frog- 
eye” pattern of blighted grass with 
center  tufts  of  apparently  healthy 
plants.

in  diameter.  Within 

The  research  at  Cornell  Univer­
sity  indicates  that  summer  patch 
might be brought on by periods  of 
high  air  temperature  stress  and 
then the colonization  of the  weak­
ened  plants  by  the  fungus  Phialo­
phora  gramincola. 
This  fungus

and 

species is commonly found in  asso­
ciation  with  the  root  systems  of 
grasses.  Its  potential  for  affecting 
the  health  of  plants  has  been  the 
subject  on  considerable  research 
by  plant  pathologists  in  England.
The  research  in  England  has 
shown  that  Phialophora  gramini- 
cola  is  a  weak  pathogen.  In  fact, 
when  it  is  placed  in  the  soil,  it 
actually  protects  the  turf  grass 
plants from take-ail patch  (Ophio- 
bolus patch).  Also,  when  the soil is 
infested  with Phialophora gramin- 
icola,  the  growth  rates  of  fescue 
and  bentgrass  are  increased.  This 
is thought to be due to the fact that 
the  fungus  enhances  nutrient  up­
take  by  the  root  system.
The laboratory  and field research 
procedures  described 
the 
workers  at  Cornell  University  to 
bring  about  death  of  Kentucky 
bluegrass by Phialophora gramini- 
cola  have  been  of  the  type  that 
place  severe  stress  on  the  plants. 
For example,  in  one series of path­
ogenicity  experiments, 
the  tests 
were conducted on Kentucky blue­
grass  field-grown  sod  cut  at  a 
depth  of  3/'i  inch  and  then  placed 
over  a  3/8  inch  layer  of  soil  in 
plastic  containers.  These  plants 
were  then  held  in  growth  cham­
bers under  a continuous  day-night 
air  temperature  of  85  degrees  F. 
for 15 weeks.  During this time,  the 
lA 
leaves  were  maintained  at  a 
inch  cutting  height.

by 

In  view  of  the  extreme  stress 
placed  on  the  growth  systems  of 
the  plants  in  these  tests,  it  is  not 
surprising  that  Phialophora  gram- 
inicola  switched  from  its  normal 
role  as  a  beneficial  soil-inhabiting 
fungus to an active Kentucky blue­
grass  root  colonizer.

These  various  research  findings 
place  summer  patch  in  the  cate­
gory of turfgrass diseases known  as 
“Senescence  Syndromes.”  The  di­
seases  in  this  grouping  are  caused 
by  a  combination  of  acute  plant 
stress  followed  by  colonization  of 
the  weakened  tissue  by  various 
microorganisms. 
Examples  of 
other senescence  syndrome  disease

8

are Culvularia blight  and  anthrac- 
nose.

In  assesing what  can  be  done  to 
control  these  types  of diseases,  the 
first  question  that  must  be  an­
swered  is  whether  or  not  the  in­
vading 
fungi  or  bacteria  are 
actually  compounding  the  acute 
stress-induced  problem  by  intro­
ducing an  added measure of tissue 
degradation,  or  if  the  initial  de- 
vironmental  pressure  was  severe 
enough  in  itself  to  lead  to  the 
ultimate death of the affected leaf, 
crown  or  root  system.
In light of (1)  the research reports 
from  England  that  show  Phialo­
phora graminicola to be beneficial 
to the growth  and  development  of 
turfgrass,  and  (2),  the  work  at 
Cornell  that  shows  an  extreme 
stress  must  be  placed  on  the  Ken­
tucky  bluegrass  plants  in  order  to 
weaken  them  to  such  an  extent 
that  a  major  from  of  colonization 
by this organism can take place,  it 
would  seem  reasonable  to  assure 
that  what  is  being  called  summer 
patch  is  a  product  of  environ­
mental stress rather than the result 
of infection and colonization of the 
plants  by 
either  Phialophora 
graminicola  or  any  other  micro­
organism.

What  is  evident  is  that  much 
more field and laboratory research 
is  neede  before  the  cause  and 
nature  of  summer  patch  is  ade­
quately  understood  and  a  definite 
determination  made  as to whether 
the  problem  that  is  being  des­
cribed  is  within  the  realm  of  con­
trol by either spray programs with 
fungicides  or  the  use  of  certain 
management practices to  help  off­
set  the  damaging  effects  of  en­
vironmental  stresses.  In  the  mean 
time,  in  situations  where  it  has 
been  decided  that  the  disease  at 
hand is indeed  summer  patch,  the 
best  advice  on  fungicidal  control 
that  can  be  given  is  that  if  these 
attempts  are  made,  one  should 
keep  the  expectations  for  their 
success  to  a  minimum.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

GOLF  OUTING  -   MAY  6,  1985  -   INDIANWOOD  COUNTRY  CLUB

Special  Olympics  Winners,  (L-R)  -   JIM  WILSON, 
JAKE  PILAT,  AL  OTTO,  JIM  COLEMAN

(L-R)  -   CRAIG  ROGGEMAN,  MIKE  EDGERTON, 
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Speaker  RON  KRAMER

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The LESCO equipment lineup includes the 
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recently-introduced LESCO  Gang Mower, 
our  new  LESCO  Aerator-30,  as  well  as 
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9

WHO  SAID,  "The  grass is always  greener... "?

by James T.  Snow 

Director, Northwestern Region 

USGA Green Section

It  is  a  little-known  fact  that  the  enlightened 
philosopher  who  once  said,  “the  grass  is  always 
greener on the other side of the fence,” was actually a 
widely  travelled  suburban  golfer!  In  fact,  according 
to  rumor,  that  quote  is  taken  from  a  verse  he  once 
wrote:

The  grass  is  always  greener,
the  trees  are  always  taller,
the  budget  is  always  lower,
the fairways  always  shorter,
the  greens  always faster,
and  the  turf  is  always  more  dense
on  the  other  side  of  the fence.

Human  nature  being  what  it  is,  it  seems  inevitable 
that golfers will compare one  golf course  to  another. 
Golf  course  superintendents,  aware  of  the  burden 
these comparisons create, often ask what can  be done 
to  prevent  them.  The  answer  is  simple  -Nothing!
What can be done however,  is to point out variables 
that make fair comparisons difficult, if not impossible 
For  example,  two  theorems  immediately  come  to 
mind:

No  golf  course  is  identical  to  any  other.
No golf course will always be in excellent condition.
If  today’s  golfers  consider  these  statements,  fewer 
repercussions  would  result  from  the  inevitable  com­
parison.

Begin  with  the  hypothesis  “No  golf  course  is 
identical to any other golf course.” That every course 
is built on  an  entirely  different  site  should  make  this 
statement  obvious.  Even  courses  that  share  common 
boundaries  often  contend  with  different  conditions. 
Varying  soil  conditions  alone  usually  dictate  subtle 
differences  in  maintenance  programs.  As  soil  types 
and  terrain  become  more  divergent  between  one 
course  and  another,  so  may  the  maintenance  prac­
tices  needed  to  keep  each  course  in  good  shape.

Poor  drainage  is  usually  a  major  factor  in  course 
upkeep.  It effects soil compaction, turfgrass wear and 
disease,  and  results  in  weak  turf  and  the  need  for 
more  intensive  maintenance.  Naturally,  drainage 
problems  must  be  corrected.

On  a  broad  scale,  climate  has  a  dramatic  effect  of 
what  can  be  done  with  any  maintenance  program. 
Cries for bentgrass greens in the South  and bermuda- 
grass fairways in the North  are  common  and  require 
tactful handling by golf course superintendents.  More 
realistically,  growing  and  keeping  Poa  Annua  re­
quires  different  techniques  in  every  region  of  the 
country, requiring much local knowledge. Even on  a

local level, prevailing winds, altitude, or the presence 
of  large  bodies  of  water  can  influence  the  main­
tenance of one golf course differently from  one just  a 
few  miles  away.
Finally,  there is the actual layout of the golf course. 
Almost  any  course  would  pale  in  comparison  with 
Pebble  Beach,  Winged  Foot  or  Augusta  National, 
regardless of the quality of the  maintenance program 
When  a  golfer  says,  “Why  can’t  our  greens  and 
fairways  be 
intimate  Links  Golf 
Course?'  chances  are  he’s  more  infatuated  with  the 
layout  or  site  than  the  conditions  of  greens  and 
fairways.  And  any  golfer  who  plays  a  course  for  the 
first time is likely to give that course the benefit of the 
doubt  as  far  as  maintenance  is  concerned,  thus 
invalidating  comparisons.

like  those  at 

Not  all  golf  courses  are  maintained  equally.  Some 
are obviously kept in better condition and this reflects 
the resources of the club and the tools  available to the
CONTINUED  PAGE  14

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Agri-Systems Soil Testing Laboratory Will Continue

Many  inquiries  have  been  made  to  Green  Section 
regional  offices  concerning  the  status  of  the  soil 
testing laboratory facilities  of Agri-Systems  of  Texas, 
Inc.  Dr.  Marvin  H.  Furguson  developed  the  soil 
laboratory  and  many  of  its  techniques  20  years  ago, 
and with  his  death,  on  January  10,  1985,  the  future 
of the laboratory  has  been  of  great  concern  to  many 
in  the  field.

Agi-Systems  will  continue  to  be  active  in  testing  of 
soils for USGA Putting Green  Construction Specifica­
tions.  Judith  Ferguson  Gockel,  Dr.  Ferguson’s 
daughter,  was  the  manager  and  chief  technician  for 
Sgri-Systems  for  eight  years;  she  will  continue  the 
laboratory  operations.

I  addition  to  the  training  received  from  her  father 
and some formal  course  work  at  Texas  A  &  M,  Mrs. 
Gockel  has  studied  soil  physics  and  soil  mechanics. 
She developed  and  now  holds  two  patents,  based  on 
fluid movement  and soilstructure,  widely used  in  the 
oil-drilling  industry  today,  She  and  her  husband,  a 
petroleum  engineer,  operate  an  engineering  and 
laboratory  service  for  the  oil  industry.
Plans have been  made  to  upgrade  and  improve  the 
present  soil  testing  laboratory  equipment  and  to 
expand  the  services  now  offered.  Assurances  have 
been  made  that  the  same  high  standards  for  testing 
and the same frame of reference  will  be  maintained.

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The  new  mailing  address:

Agri-Systems  of  Texas,  Inc.
15511  Baldswelle 
Tomball,  TX  77375 
Attn:  Judith  Ferguson  Gockel 
(713)  376-4412
For efficient delivery in the  Houston  area,  use  U.S. 
Mail  or  United  Parcel  Service.  Rates  for  the  various 
testing  procedures  remain  unchanged.
Agri-Systems is NOT the “USGA Soils  Laboratory.” 
Rather,  it  is  a  private  contractor.  It  has  agreed  to 
conduct  the  physical  soil  analysis  requirements  for 
USGA  Green  Section  Specification  greens.

THE  GOLF  COURSE  SUPERINTENDENT 

By Betty Beckwith

You  begin  this  work  when  you  are  young 
It’s  out  of  bed  early  to  meet  the  sun.
At  first  you’re  given  the  menial  chores 
And  soon  you  learn  the  whys  and  therefores!
As  years  go  on,  the  pressures  grow;
You  apply  the  things  you’ve  come  to  know.
You  read  and  learn  through  trial  and  test 
And  pray  the  Lord  will  do  his  best 
To  make  your  goals  work,  as  you  trust 
Results,  a  golf  course,  trim  and  lush!

The  years  go  by,  the  work  goes  on,
You  love  the  job  and  success  is  won 
But  success  is  never  a  thing  that’s  sure  - 
The  elements  and  unknown  often  appear.
You  exchange  ideas  in  search  of  a  clue;
What’s  right  in  some  cases  is  not  always  true.
Age  and  experience  do  help  a  lot 
But  often  it’s  basics  that  “hit  the  spot”.
You  delight  in  success  of  the  men  you’ve  taught, 
An  addition  to  pride  that  you’ve  always  sought.

Age  65  has  gone  and  retirement  is  here,
A  change  so  great  from  many  a  year.
The  day  still  starts  before  the  sun,
A  yard  to  mow  and  golf  is  fun!
But  Superintendents  will  always  be 
Unhappy  unless  there  is  turf  to  see.
They  need  the  problems,  miss  the  pride,
Yearn  to  see  sprinklers  go  side  to  side.
The  calls  from  friends  who  need  advice 
Make  an  ultimate  end,  almost  nice.

Dedicated to My Husband- 
John Beckwith,  Class A A Ret.

Credit:  Miami Valley

11

Auction  at  'Expo'  -   TURFGRASS  FIELD  DAY,  1985

TURFGRASS  FIELD  DAY  1985  -   M.S.U.

TED  WOEHRLE,  JAY  DELCAMP,  MIKE  EDGERTON- 

at the  Big  Event

Chairman  of  the  Annual  BIG  EVENT  Fundraiser- 

ED  HEINEMAN

12

1

WE  AT  WILKIE  TURF  EQUIPMENT  D IVISIO N ,  INC.  WOULD  LIKE  TO 

TAKE  THE  OPPORTUNITY  DURING  THIS  SPECIAL TIME  OF  THE 
YEAR,  TO  EXTEND  OUR  HEARTFELT  GRATITUDE  TO  THOSE  OF 

YOU  WHO  HELPED  TO  MAKE  THIS  OUR  BESI  YEAR  EVER. 

WITHOUT  YOUR  SUPPORT  AND  CONFIDENCE,  WE  WOULD  NOT 

HAVE  ENJOYED  THE  SUCCESS  WE  D ID   THIS  YEAR.  WE  PLEDGE 

TO  YOU,  OUR  VALUED  CUSTOMERS,  OUR  CONTINUED  EFFORT 

TO  MAKE  1986  AN  EVEN  BETTER  YEAR  FOR  ALL  OF  US.

13

WHO  SAID?,  COIMT.
superintendent.  When  blessed  with  decent  site  con­
ditions  and  good  drainage,  a  superintendent  can 
expect success with  a maintenance program  if  he  has 
a  good  irrigation  system,  an  adequate  supply  of 
equipment  and  labor,  and  a  sufficient  operating 
budget.  Without  these  essential  tools,  little  consist­
ency  can  be  expected.

Few  golfers  appreciate  the  need  for  a  good 
automatic  irrigation  system.  The  ability  to  apply 
water  when  and  where  it  is  needed  and  in  the 
quantities  desired  is  essential,  especially  as  cutting 
heights inch fractionally downwards.  Outdated  man­
ual  systems  make  it  very  difficult  to  syringe  during 
stressful  weather  and  usually  result  in  overwatering 
low areas or underwatering the high spots.  Too  many 
superintendents are forced to  make the  best  of  a  bad 
situation  by  having  to  irrigate  with  an  adequate 
water supply,  a weak pumphouse and poor pressure, 
weak  or  corroded  pipe,  or  worn  heads  and  poor 
coverage.  Some are still  dragging hoses  and  sprinkler 
to irrigate their greens and tees.  Is it  any wonder that 
these  courses  suffer  in  comparison  to  others?
The need for  an  adequate equipment inventory  and 
labor  supply  is  probably  more  obvious  to  most 
golfers,  although  they  usually  have  no  idea  of  how 
much  is  involved.  Every  course  should  establish  a 
good  program  for  replacing  old  equipment  and 
acquiring new pieces  on  a  timely  basis.  The  number 
of workers  will  dictate  the  extent  to  which  mainten­
ance programs  can  be  followed  and  grooming  items

can  be  carried  out.
Finally, the superintendent must be provided with  a 
reasonable operating budget  if  he  is  to  bring  out  the 
best in  the golf course.  Determining the  actual  figure 
for a good budget is  a real  task.  Due  in  part  to  some 
of  the  variables  already  discussed,  a  reasonable 
budget  for  one  course  might  not  be  adequate  for 
another.  One thing is for sure - trying to compare one 
budget to  another by looking only at the  bottom  line 
is  mis-leading.  Many  maintenance  budgets  include 
such  odd  items  as  golf  cart  repair,  scorecards  and 
pencils,  golf shop  electricity,  property  taxes,  etc.  Be 
sure  to  compare  apples  to  apples  and  oranges  to 
oranges  if  you  must  compare  at  all.

Other  items  affect  turf  quality  and  influence 

subsequent  comparisons.

The  species  and  varieties  of  grasses  represent  one 
such category.  For example,  on  fairways  in  northern 
climates  one  will  find  bentgrass,  perennial  ryegrass, 
Kentucky  bluegrass  and/or  annual  bluegrass  on  a 
particular  course.  Each  requires  specialized  treat­
ment  with  respect  to  fertilization,  pest  control, 
cultivation,  overseeding, 
cutting 
height.  The  cost  of  maintaining  each  species  will  be 
different  and  their  playing  characteristics  can  vary 
widely  depending  on  the  weather  and  the  season.
Another of the intangibles  is the presence or  absence 
of  trees.  Most  people  consider  trees  only  as  items  of 
beauty  or  hazards  to  avoid  during  play  -  few 
appreciate  their  effects  of  turf  and  the  maintenance 
of  the  course.  Too  many  trees  in  the  wrong  place,

irrigation  and 

(Duz

!j3z±t  ^l/ì/i±(i£± 

foZ tfzs

<cH o [ ícLcllj  <Æ sa±on

ofi,  ^}zan (z,  <cA/{azty,

S P a a [a

Benham  Chemicals
24800  N.  Industrial 

Farmington  Hills,  Ml  48018 

1-800-482-6520

14

(common  on  many courses)  can shade the turf,  block 
air  movement  and  produce  surface  roots  that  affect 
playability and  compete  with  the  turf  for  water  and 
nutrients.  It is time-consuming to mow around trees. 
Their  roots  frequently  plug-up  drain  lines  and  leaf 
removal  in  the  fall  can  be  major  and  costly  budget 
item.  Finally,  the  trees  themselves  often  require 
routine  irrigation,  fertilization,  pest  control  and 
pruning.

The  extent  to  which  golf  carts  are  used  also 
contributes  to  appearance  and  condition.  The  club 
policy with  respect to cart path construction,  the  use 
of  carts  on  fairways,  allowing  carts  during  wet 
weather or when turf is  dormant  and  the  number  of 
cart rounds per year will  affect the health of  the  turf 
and  maintenance  program.
The amount of play is  another consideration.  Small, 
soil-based greens and tees  are especially vulnerable to 
the  effects  of  heavy  play,  although  any  course  that 
experiences  many  rounds  of  golf  is  likely  to  require 
more intensive maintenance and a larger budget than 
a  comparable  course  with  less  play.  The  amount  of 
play during the winter,  when  the  turf  is  dormant,  is 
often  as  important  as  the  play  the  course  receives 
during the entire growing season.  Heavy winter  play 
can be  devastating  and  should  be  avoided  whenever 
possible.

The  demands  of  the  golfers  themselves  and  the 
standards  they  set  for  the  course  are  other  intan­
gibles.  Demands  for  lush  green  grass,  short  roughs

1

and  soft  greens  will  produce  a  different  golf  course 
and leave a different impression than if the  members 
desire  firm,  closely  cut  fairways,  U.S.  Open  rough 
and  firm,  fast  greens.  Other  variables  include  de­
mands  for  fairway  contouring,  immaculate  mani­
curing,  flower  beds,  water  coolers  by  every  tee  and 
tree  planting.
Now for the second of the  two  hypotheses  that  “No 
golf  course  will  always  be  in  excellent  condition.”
Most  unfair  comparisons  are  the  result  of  a  golfer’s 
very  heavy  exposure  to  his  home  course  and  very 
limited exposure to the other course.  If a golfer  plays 
his home course often enough,  he is bound to see it at 
some  time  in  poor  condition,  if  for  no  other  reason 
than  the  weather.  Flooding,  winter  damage,  wind 
storms or  an irrigation breakdown  during  100 degree 
weather  will  happen  to  every  golf course.  However, 
if he plays Utimate Links  Golf Course once a year,  in 
late  September,  it  may  indeed  always  seem  to  be  in 
great  shape.
This  was  brought  to  light  recently  during  a  visit  to 
Deadly Fast Country Club,  when  a  Green  Chairman 
asked,  “Why  can’t  our  greens  be  as  fast  as  those  at 
Just-As-Fast Country Club?” On  a subsequent visit to 
Just-As-Fast  Country  Club,  their  Green  Chairman 
asked,  “Why  can’t  our  greens  be  as  fast  as  those  at 
Deadly Fast  Country Club?”  In  following-up  on  this 
strange  turn  of  events,  it  seems  that  each  Green 
Chairman  had  played  each  other’s  course  on  a
CONTINUED  NEXT  PAGE

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15

dent.  Superintendents  are  onlv  human  and  as  vari­
able  as  the  golf  courses  they  manage.  Each  has  his 
special  strengths  and weaknesses  and  some  are  more 
suited to certain types of courses than  to  others.  As  a 
group  however,  they  represent  a  dedicated,  pro­
fessional  company.  When  golfers  compare  courses, 
they  often  state  it  in  such  a  way  as  to  suggest  that 
there  is  some  human  failing  on  the  part  of  the 
superintendent that should be  blamed.  As  we  are  all 
human  and capable of making mistakes or  misjudge­
ments,  this  could  be  true.  However,  it  is  probably 
apparent  from  this  review  that  many  other  factors 
play  a  role  in  any  problems  or  concerns  being 
experienced  on  a  particular  course.

Thus,  when  golfers  get  the  urge  to  criticize  their 
course or compare it to another, they should first stop 
and think about the site,  the tools and the intangibles 
that so  greatly  influence  the  way  any  course  can  be 
maintained.  After  considering  these  elements,  they 
then might conclude that the grass is actually greener 
on  their  side  of  the  fence.

WHO  SAID?,  CONT.
member-guest  weekend.  Not  surprisingly,  each  su­
perintendent  had  done  a  yeoman’s  job  of  grooming 
his  course  and  double-cutting  greens  prior  to  the 
event.

The  other  story,  which  is  familiar  to  every  golf 
course  superintendent,  concerns  television  golf.  All 
that need happen is for television cameras to focus on 
Augusta  National  on  a  spectacular  spring  weekend 
and  practically  every  superintendent  will  head  for 
the  nearest  hideaway  for  the  next  several  weeks 
hoping  to  avoid  the inevitable  question,  “Why  can’t 
our  golf  course  .  .  ?”
Week after week,  the television viewer  is treated  to 
beautiful,  usually  high-budget  golf  courses  that  are 
groomed  for  their  one  big  event  of  the  year.  The 
problem is that the viewers don’t see the same  course 
each week. They see only the course that has peaked, 
much  as  Deadly  Fast  Country  Club  does  for  its 
member-guest,  for  television  and  an  important  pro­
fessional  tournament  during  a  single  week  of  the 
year.  The  members  at  these  clubs  know  that  the 
course  does  not 
look  and  play  the  same  way 
throughout  the season.  Any living entity,  whether  it 
be  a football  quarterback,  a  race  horse  or  turf  on  a 
golf  course,  cannot  be  expected  to  perform  as 
precisely  and  predictably  as  a  machine.  Each  will 
have its good days and its  bad  and each  will peak  at 
certain  times.

The one important,  secret  ingredient  missing  from 
this  discussion  thus  far  is  the  golf course  superinten­

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16

LATE-SEASON NITROGEN FERTIUZATION

byJohnR.  Street, Ph.D.,

Associate Professor,  Ohio State University

It  has  been  pointed  out  that  heavy  nitrogen 
fertilization  during  the  spring  and  summer  is  unde­
sirable for  cool-season  turfgrasses.  Nitrogen  fertiliza­
tion  has  proven  beneficial  during  the  late  fall  (late 
season) on cool-season turfgrasses (Powell,  Blazer  and 
Schmidt).  Decreased  disease,  improved  stress  tol­
erance  and  increased  rhizome  and  root  growth  are 
among  several  of  the  claimed  advantages  to  the 
“late-season”  nitrogen  fertilization  program.  The 
late-season  program  is  based  on  differences  in  op­
timum  temperatures  that  exist  between  (1)  root- 
(2) 
rhizome  growth  versus  shoot  growth  and 

Shoot  and  root  growth  of  cool-season  turfgrasses 
occur  most  readily  in  the  temperature  ranges  of 
60-70°F  and  50-65°F,  respectively  Root  growth  of 
cool-season grasses will continue  at  soil  temperatures 
close  to  freezing  (Koski,  1983).  Shoot  growth  will 
cease  at  higher  temperatures  than  that  for  root 
growth.  Late-season  nitrogen  fertilization  capitalizes 
on  this  differential.  Under  late-season  fertilization, 
nitrogen  applications  should  be  made  when  vertical 
shoot growth has stopped,  but the turf leaves  are still 
green  to  produce  carbohydrates  via  photosynthesis.

*  photosynthesis  versus  respiration.

wm.F.sell
& Son.Inc.

SINCE  1923 

RENTAL

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Air temperatures of 45-50°C are usually necessary for 
vertical  shoot  growth  stoppage.  It  is  important  to 
understand that since temperatures will be at a  point 
causing stoppage  of topgrowth,  roots,  rhizomes  and 
stolons  will capitalize  on  any  applied  nitrogen.  The 
carbohydrate produced will  be  more  efficiently  used 
for  root,  rhizome  and  stolon  growth  during  the  late 
fall and winter periods.  It is critical that the  nitrogen 
be applied prior to dormancy  for  maximum  efficien­
cy  of  applied  nitrogen.  Once  the  tissue  has  turned 
brown,  photosynthesis  will  no  longer  occur.  “Late- 
season”  fertilization  is  not  dormant  fertilization.

During  late  fall,  photosynthesis  is  higher  than 
respiration for cool-season  grasses.  With  green tissue, 
photosynthesis  will  occur  readily  at  low  tempera­
tures.  The high  net photosynthesis during late  season 
leads  to  maximum  carbohydrate  production  and 
carbohydrate  storage  for  reserves.  The  positive  car­
bohydrate  balance  favors  root  and  rhizome  growth 
over topgrowth since air temperatures  are well below 
that  considered  optimum  for  shoot  growth.
Nitrogen applications during the late season  if timed 
properly will extend the greening of the turf later into 
the  fall  and  winter.  Spring  green-up  will  normally 
occur  earlier.  The  green  turf  is  photosynthetically 
active  favoring  a  positive  carbohydrate  balance. 
Late-season nitrogen fertilization increases the “green 
growing”  period  of  the  turfgrass  plant  later  into  the 
fall and earlier in the spring.  Physiologically,  this is a 
positive  agronomic  practice.

The  most  efficient  nitrogen  fertilizers  for  use  in 
late-season  fertilization  programs  are  those  inde­
pendent  of  temperature  for  nitrogen  release.  Soil 
temperatures  and  microbial  activity  are  low  at  this 
time  of  year  resulting  in  less  efficiency  from  methy­
lene  urea  and  other  temperature-dependent  fertili­
zers.  Urea  and  IBDU  are  fertilizers  that  are  inde­
pendent  of  temperature  for  nitrogen  release  and 
therefore,  make  for  excellent  late-season  nitrogen 
sources.  IBDU,  having  a  slow-release  characteristic, 
will  not  cause  surge  growth  even  if  misapplied  (e.g. 
too  early)  in  the  late-season  program.  Nitrogen  is  a 
key component of turfgrass fertilization  programs.  It 
has  an 
influence  on  both  the  morphology  and 
physiology  of  the  turf  plant.  High  quality  turf 
exhibiting  acceptable  green  color  and  density  re­
quires  periodic  applications  of  nitrogen.  Nitrogen, 
however,  is  frequently  referred  to  as  the  “TNT”  of 
turfgrass  fertilizations  programs.  It  can  be  as  detri­
mental  as  beneficial  if  it  is  mismanaged.  Physio­
logically,  the  turf  manager  must  maintain  a  good 
carbohydrate  reserve.  Proper  timing  and  rate  of 
application  are  important  in  successful  long-term 
programs.  Always  remember:  greener  is  not  always 
better.  A  happy  medium  must  be  reached  between 
agronomics  and  aesthetics.

N O TES  FRO M   TH E   UNDERG RO UND

by  Harry  Roote

Greetings.  Did  everyone  finish  their  fall  projects  in 
time?  It’s  been  pretty  wet  through  the  month  of 
October.  Normal  precipitation  for  October  is  2.5”. 
We’ve  had  almost  5”  this  October.  Add  to  the 
siuation  that  the  days  are  shorter  and  there  is  less 
sunlight  and it  seems  like  it  takes  forever  to  dry  out. 
Oh  well,  winter  is  just  around  the  corner  and  our 
troubles will be forgotten  until  next  spring.  The  first 
official  day  of winter  is  December  21  -  lasting  until 
March  20.

There  is  a  new  bumber  sticker  being  seen  on  cars 
these days.  It  reads,  “Wil  Rogers  never  met  Howard 
Cosell.”

Congratulations  to  Doug  Melton  and  his  wife, 
Sharon.  They have a new  addition  to  their  family,  a 
boy  named  Benjamin  born  on  August  15.  Doug  is 
superintendent  at  Shenandoah  Golf  Club.
The winter is  a good time for  all  superintendents  to 
take-in turfgrass seminars  and  conferences,  to  confer 
with other turf professionals  and  exchange  ideas  and 
discuss  problems 
they  might  have  experienced 
through  the  summer.  Winter  is  also  a  good  time  to 
play  raquetball,  basketball,  hockey  and  other  forms 
of  exercise.
How is your health? If everyone would be concerned 
about the health  of their own  bodies  as much  as they 
are concerned with  the  health  of the  turf  during  the 
summer, there would be less chance for heart  attacks, 
sickness  and  stress.

Good  nutrition  and  exercise  during  the  winter 
months  will  help  make  the  stressful  summer  months 
easier to manage, both physically and mentally.  Also, 
if you  smoke,  and  can  quit,  your  chances  for  better 
health  will  increase  manyfold.

The  body  requires  six  basic  nutrients.  They  are 
protein,  fats,  carbohydrates,  vitamins,  minerals  and 
water.  To  obtain  these  nutrients  a  variety  of  foods 
should  be  consumed.  The  four  basic  foods  are  fruits 
and  vegetables,  breads  and  cereals,  dairy  products 
and meats.  Eating the proper foods  will  assist  you  in 
controlling unwanted body fats and make it easier to 
control  your  weight,  if you  have  a  weight  problem. 
My wife Harriet has a weight problem.  A few months 
ago  she  weighed  herself  on  a  scale  that  told  your 
fortune.  The  card  came  out  and  said,  “Only  one 
person  at  a  time,  please.”
Stay away from the refined carbohydrates which are 
high  in  calories  and  low  in  nutritional  value.  They 
include  sugar,  soft  drinks,  seets,  white  breads  and 
other forms of  food  high  in  sugar  content.  The  good 
carbohydrates to eat  are fruits,  vegetables  and  whole 
grain  products.  Sixty  percent  of  your  daily  caloric 
intake  should  come  from  carbohydrates.
Exercise,  along with  a proper  diet,  will  benefit  you

greatly.  Moderate  and  high  intensity  exercise  will 
help  decrease  your  appetite.  Also,  it  increases  the 
body’s  ability  to  burn  fat  by  increasing  fat-burning 
enzymes.  My wife increases her  fat-burning  enzymes 
by  running  to  the  refrigerator.

A  person  who  exercises  three  times  a  week  for  45 
minutes  a  day  in  conjunction  with  a  well  balanced 
diet  will  most  likely  find  it  easier  to  handle  the 
physical  and  mental  stress  of  his  job.  So, 
join  a 
raquetball  league  this  winter  or  a  health  club.  Ed 
stesney  from  Ideal  Mower Sales is  always  looking  for 
someone  to  play  raquetball  with.  Keep  active  this 
winter  and  see  if  it  improves  the  way  you  feel  next 
summer  -  just for the  health  of  it.  George  Perles,  eat 
your  heart  out!

This  year’s  Christmas  party  is  going  to  be  held  at 
Greenfield  Village  in  Dearborn,  on  December  6. 
Charlie  Gaige  is  this  year’s  chairman  and  it  looks  as 
though  he  has  quite  a  party  in  store  for  those  in 
attendance.
A pessimist  is  a  person  who  looks  both  ways  before 
crossing  a  one-way  street.
Does everyone have their snow tires on  their vehicles 
and  the  snowblowers  tuned  up?  The  Detroit  area 
averages  59.1  of  snow  annually.  We  shouldn’t  feel 
too bad,  though.  Marquette  Michigan  averages  171” 
of  snow  a  year.

To  put  everyone  in  the  mood  for  winter  here  is  a 
poem  written  by  Ralph  Waldo  Emerson,  one  of  the 
great poets in American Literature.  It is entitled “The 
Snowstorm.”

Announced  by  al  the  trumpets  in  the  sky!
Arrives  the  snow,  and,  driving  o’er  the  fields, 
Seems  nowhere  to  alight:  the  whited  air 
hides  hills  and  woods,  the  river,  and  the  heaven, 
Ane  veils  the  farmhouse  at  the  garden’s  end.
The  sled  and  traveler  stopped,  the  courier’s  feet 
Delayed,  all  friends  shut  out,  the  housemates  sit 
Around  the  radiant  fireplace,  enclosed 
In  a  tumultous  privacy  of  storm.

Come  see  the  north  wind’s  masonry.
Out  of  the  unseen  quarry  evermore 
Furnished  with  tile,  the  fierce  artificer 
Curves  his  white  bastions  with  projected  roof 
Round  every  windward  stake,  or  tree,  or  door. 
Speeding,  the  myriad-handed,  his  wild  work 
So  fanciful,  so  savage,  nought  cares  he 
For  number  or  proportion.  Mockingly, 
on  coop  or  kennel  he  hangs  Parian  wreaths;
A  swanlike  form  invests  the  hidden  thorn;
Fills  up  the  farmer’s  lane  from  wall  to  wall,

CONTINUED  PAGE  22

18

Our  best to  you!

\
»

19

L-R  -   BETH  EDGERTON,  DEREK  ROGGEMAN, 
BRAD  MADDERN,  JAN  EDGERTON,  CAMERON 
EDGERTON,  BENJAMIN  KNIGHT

„ nA1„
CRAIG,  Showing  KEN  how  to  eat  a  je lly   donut

„rM  u

eu 

New  Board  of  Directors,  1986  —  MBCGCSA  — 
Front  Row,  KEN  DeBUSSCHER,  ROGER  GILL,
DAN  UZELAC,  KEVIN  DUSHANE  (President), 
TOM  MASON  (Sec./Treas.),  Back  Row,  CHARLES 
GAIGE  (Vice  Pres.),  JIM  TIMMERMAN,  JON 
MADDERN,  MIKE  EDGERTON  (Pres.  Emeritus)

20

TURF  DAY  (Golf  Day)  -   "Sweet  Dreams"  -  

JERRY  PRIESKORN

S6etnt*t

'K

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t e

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e A

,

% c .
FORMERLY  TURF  SUPPLIES.  INC.-

Let’s Talk 
Fungicides!
We stock 

the Proven Best.

Tersan  1991,  2#-Proven  Systemic  Action. 
Tersan  LSR,  3#-Leaf  Spot  & Rust  Control. 
Tersan  S.P.,  3#-Snow  Mold  & Pythium. 
Daconil  2787,  2#-Very  Broad  Spectrum. 
Daconil  2787  2  Gal.  Flowable,  Liquid. 
Benomyl  Gran,  24#-Dry,  Spreadable.
Chipco  .26019,  2#-Broad  Spectrum  Syst. 
Fore  (Dithane),  50#-Leaf  Spot  & Rust  Cntl. 
Acti-Dione  Thiram,  10#-Brown  & Dollar. 
Acti-Dione  R.Z.,  10#-Anti-Biotic  Fungicide. 
Acti-Dione  TFG,  1#-Water-Sol,  Anti-Biotic. 
Bayleton  25W,  2#-Fusarium  prevent  & Cure. 
Dyrene  Gran.,  10#-Snow  Mold  Cntl.  & Cure.

KEN,  DAVE, &  GEOFF

Would Like to Take Your Order

6900 Pardee Road 

Taylor, Michigan 48180 

(313) 291-1200

in 

LIGHT-WEIGHT  MOWING,  CONT.
One  only  need  throw  the  clippings  at  an  angle  into 
the  wind  and  the  breeze  will  help  disperse  them. 
Coupled with the drier tuff and the fact  that  here  at 
Interlachen we have limited play beyond 6:00  p.m., 
cutting is begun at 3:00 and concludes approximately 
at  8:30.  This  gives  us  a  couple  of  good  hours  of 
uniterrupted  cutting  time.  We  determined  that  V2” 
cut  to  be  very  adequate  to  hit  from  and  the 
membership found that height very pleasing visually. 
Three  cuttings  per  week,  Monday,  Wednesday  and 
Friday  worked  well.  I  send  cutters  out  in  tandem, 
which  gives  a  very  desireable  10’  stripe  and  also 
reduces  the  boredom  an  operator  may  experience 
from  a  continuous  5 lA  hour  cutting.  When  hiring 
operators,  I  looked  for  people  who  only  desired 
part-time  employment  and  had  no  other  job.  On  a 
few  occasions  during  the  season,  whether  it  be  for 
special events or due to rainy weather, we are obliged 
to  cut  on  odd  days  or  during  morning  hours.  It 
became quite important to us to find employees with 
a  flexible  schedule.  As  I  mentioned  earlier,  we  are 
removing  clippings  and  scattering  them 
the 
roughs.  An  original  thought  was  that  the  clippings 
would  really  begin  to  pile-up  and  start  to  produce 
some  pungent  odors.  We  have  not  found  that  to  be 
the  case  at  all,  if  they  are  well  scattered.
Improving turf quality generally requires some kind 
of  sacrifice.  We’ve  made  several  on  our  fairway 
program,  most  being  financial.  The  mowing  process 
alone requires 5 lA  times  more  man  hours.  I  found  it 
necessary  to  put  on  a  part-time  mechanic  assistant 
just  to  keep  up  with  the  increased  load.  Initial 
machinery  costs  are  actually  about  the  same  as  the 
self-contained  tractor/gang  units  but  the  machinery 
life is about one-fifth that of these larger units.  We’ve 
discovered  that  we  must  perform  some  routine 
maintenance on the greensmowers after each cutting. 
The  units  were  just  not  designed  to  cut  rougher 
terrain  found  fairways  so  we  frequently  must  repair 
broken  reel spider welds caused from  nicking  sprink­
ler heads  and drain  covers.  Another  drawback  is  the 
that instead of having one operator and one machine 
in  the  middle  of  play,  the  membership  must  now 
contend with six operators  and six  machines.  Having 
the  additional  cutters  also  necessitates  more  super­
visory  time  and  mileage.
But the real bottom line is - Does the program  work? 
We’ve  seen  a  surprising  increase  in  our  bentgrass 
population  even  after  a  year  and  a  half.  I  can  see 
patches up to 6000 sq.  ft.  of virtually pure bentgrass I 
hadn’t seen previously.  Much  of that  bent  may  have 
been there as individual plants or small plant groups, 
but  since  beginning  our  light-weight  mowing,  these 
small  spots  have  coalesced  into  very  large  areas. 
Another  benefit  has  been  that  I  can  hire  less  skilled 
operators  due  to  the  ease  of  operation  of  the  triplex 
units and the  limited  training  time  required  to  learn 
the machine.  High school students are very  trainable 
and don’t need the “hard knocks” experience on  their 
resume.  We’ve obviously seen less compaction,  which 
I  think  is  the  single-most  important  factor  of  the
CONTINUED  NEXT  PAGE

21

LIGHT-WEIGHT  MOWING,  CONT.
whole  program.  We  now  have  the  capability  to 
cross-cut  fairways  in  three  or  four  directions  with 
ease.  WeVe  virtually  eliminated  the  long  grass  that 
used to  form  in  the  subtle  hollows  and  around  old, 
sunken tile lines and drains. As with most of the other 
clubs  using  the  triplex  for  fairways,  we  did  reduce 
our acreage from 32 to 27 and found it essential to cut 
back on  our  applications  of nitrogen  and  water.  We 
can still  keep  the  turf healthy  without  accumulating 
all those clippings.  Our members appreciate the drier 
V2”  cut  because  they  can  hit  the  ball  farther  due  to 
increased  ball  roll.  Because  of  the  maneuverability 
we  now  have,  the  opportunity  exists  to  create  very 
appealing,  strong  contours  which  previously  would 
have been  difficult  to  cut  with  the  20’  tractor  unit. 
We’ve  added  much  to  the  visual  appearance  of  our 
fairway  lines  with  this  program.
As suggested earlier, we’ve made several sacrifices to 
obtain  a  quality  V2”  cut,  but  these  benefits  I’ve 
discussed  far  out-way  the  sacrifice.

I’ve  generally  touched  on  the  past  and  present 
programs  used  here,  but  what  of  the  future?  As  I 
said, the triplex greensmower looked like the best unit 
for us at that time,  but aa these machines  out  (about 
two more seasons), we’ll again be looking for  just the 
right  unit.  A  great  amount  of  research  and  devel­
opment has been done as of late on the larger 3-gang 
and  especially  the  hydraulic  5-gang  units.  Perhaps 
the  changes  in  cutting  quality  and  maneuverability 
make  these  machines  the  best  choice  for  us  today. 
We’ll  also  be  looking  for  a  more  durable  unit 
requiring less routine maintenance and reel repair.  As 
our  bentgrass  populations  continue  to  increase,  our 
nitrogen,  water  and  even  fungicide  usage  will  drop. 
I’m  sure  we’ll  have  to  begin  a  stringent  fairway 
verticutting program  as time passes.  The bent is  very 
vigorous  at  V2”.  I  think  it  is  safe  to  say  there  will 
never  be  another  8,000  lb.,  22’  wide  self-contained 
tractor  unit  on  Interlachen  fairways  again.  The 
program  is  expensive  but  without  doubt  the  play­
ability,  eye  appeal,  durability  and  overall  improved 
health of our fairway turf is easily worth the expense. 
Especially  if  one  is  trying  to  manage  the  seemingly 
everpresent,  everpopular  species,  Poa  Annua.

from Hole Notes (Minnesota GCSA), August,  1985

HARRY  ROOTE,  CONT.
Mauger  the  farmer’s  sighs;  and  at  the  gate 
A  tapering  turret  overtops  the  work.
And  when  his  hours  are  numbered,  and  the  world 
Is  all  his  own,  retiring,  as  he  were  not,
Leaves,  when  the  sun  appears,  astonished  Art 
to  mimic  in  slow  structures  stone  by  stone,
Built  in  an  age,  the  mad  wind’s  night  work,
The  frolic  architecture  of  the  snow.

Everyone  have  a  Happy  Thanksgiving,  a  Merry 
Christmas  and  a  very  good  New  Year.

P.S. To D.Y., get well soon,  fight hard.  We love you.

EDUCATION,  CONT.
has fair  amount of phosphorous in it to promote  root 
growth  evenly  in  our  soils.  We  can  not  hurt  a  tree’s 
roots  with  too  much  phosphorous.

I  would  like  to  thank  Mr.  Don  Juchartz  and  Dick 

Matthews  for  a  very  enjoyable  day.
Don’t  forget,  on  November  4  and  5  there  will  be  a 
GCSAA  Seminar  on  Communications,  Assertiveness 
and Self-Promotion.  This seminar will be  held  at  the 
Midway  Moter  Lodge  in  Lansing.  The  cost  for  the 
seminar  is  $95  if  paid  in  advance.
This is  a very popular seminar and we are fortunate 
to be able to be the host chapter.  We need at least 30 
people in  attendance.  If you  have  any  questions  call 
either  Betsy  Evans  at  GCSAA  or  Tom  Mason  (at 
644-6320  or  363-3201).  It  is  important  to  get  your 
reservation  in  as  soon  as  possible.

Also,  if  you  and  club  are  interested  in  hosting  a 
meeting during the 1986 season, please contact one of 
the  Board  members  soon.  It  is  our  hope  to  have  the 
schedule  done  by  the  first  of  the  year.

FOR  several  years  a  lawyer  and  a  doctor  had  regularly 

played  golf  together.  They  were  evenly  matched,  and 
there  was  a  keen  sense  of  rivalry.  Then  one  spring  the 
lawyer's  game  suddenly  improved  so  much  that  the  doc­
tor  was  losing  regularly.  The  doctor's  efforts  to  improve 
his  own  game  were  unsuccessful,  but  finally  he  came  up 
with  an  idea.  At  a  bookstore,  he  picked  out  three  how­
to-play-golf  texts,  and  sent  them  to  the  lawyer  for  a 
birthday  present.

It  wasn't  long  before  they  were  evenly  matched  again.

Tire  Wholesalers 

# ) )   Company,  Inc.

•  Phone:  (313)  354-5644

19240  West  Eight  Mile  Southfield,  Ml  48075

(1/2  Mile  West  of Southfield  Road)

TRUCK - CAR,  MOTORCYCLE, 
FARM, TRAILER, INDUSTRIAL 

TIRES &TUBES A .

Carlisle

Pirelli

LAWN  &  GARDEN  EQUIPMENT  TIRES

"F o r Land's Sake-'Use P eat"

OXFORD  3 

CO.

1430 E.  Drahner Rd. 
Oxford,  Michigan 48051

COMPANY

PROCESSED  PEAT 
C u s t o m   M i x e s

FRED  LATTA  •  313/628-5991

22

*
&
&
&
&

Season’s Greetings

AND ALL GOOD WISHES  FOR 

THE NEW YEAR

23

J

Best Wishes 

for the 
Coming 
Season

W.F. Miller^dpmfntCompany

1593  S.  WOODWARD  AVE.  BIRMINGHAM,  MICHIGAN  48011 

TELEPHONE:  (313) 647-7700

"A   Patch of Green”
31 8 23  U T I C A   R O A D  

F R A S E R ,   M ICH IG A N   4 8 0 2 6

B E F i,  S O IL   U  c r o p   s c i e n c e s  
TEXAS  a  ct  M  UNIVERSITY 
COLLEGE  STATION,  TEXAS  77840
A T T N :  P R .  J A M S   BEARD