AUGUST 1992 inn mu The Official Publication of the Michigan and Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association Vgolf course \ BORDER) SUPT- I ASSOCIATION /'CITIES I ■ W e can t afford to make compromises on tbe quality of our groundwater. That s fty we re donating 5or more information contact: 18-3-18 fer tilizer! CaiuttüfCiui FERTILIZER DETROIT CO N CRETE PRO D UCTS CORPORATION (Maclnnis Bros.) Asphalt Mixes • Asphalt Paving For every bag of i8-3-i8 you buy, we'll donate 5o P.O. Box 450749, A Patch of Green, August 1992 • 1 0 • Picnic A le rt! You A re A dvised to T ell E v e ryo n e E x c e p t th e A n ts ...a n d Skunks! Reminder. These people enjoyed the 1991 Annual Picnic, and will probably do so in 1992. Don't even think of not attending! it takes two...Kevin (left) and Marc Dushane display their hard earned trophy from the 1991 Annual Picnic. The picnic committee has announced the addition of a "travelling" trophy for the parent/child fun competition, it's a day not to miss. Be sure to mark August 18 on your calendar. D ay a t H ancock August 22 at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center T u rf grass at Michigan State University. Get the most R es e arc h C e n te r up-to-date information straight from professors and graduate assistants involved in turfgrass experimentation. Stay for the equipment auction after the program. All proceeds donated to turfgrass research, b. Shore Control BRIDGES • DAMS • BOARDWALKS SEAWALLS — Steel • Wood PVC C LOC Boulders Complete Jobs or Products Only FREE QUOTES — (313) 887-7855 The 1992 Picnic committee has issued a "Picnic Alert" for Tuesday, August 18 at Kensington Metro Park "Professional Picnickers" from the turf industry have been known to congregate annually at Sleepy Hollow picnic area in Kensington for fun, food (the pig has already agreed to be at the picnic site, the perfect compliment to our excellent spread) and a fantastic time. The committee recommends coming prepared with hearty appetites, smiling faces and all of your family for lunch and dinner, and games and activities in between. Mark and Kim McKinley and Jim McGuire have planned extra hard this year and guarantee the excitement and good time that they have provided in recent years— PLUS a new parent/child fun competition, complete ith a travelling trophy for the lucky winners to sure until next year's picnic. Mark your calendars...put on your "picnic " and show up at Kensington to have a nderful and relaxing day with our industry friends and peers. See you there. For information call Paul at (313) 855-9716. Paul Dushane • 1992 Picnic Chairman Fred C ouples w ith C adillac Cadillac, which has concentrated on senior golf the last few years, recently linked itself with the hottest player on the regular PGA tour when it named Fred Couples as its spokesman. According to Adweek magazine, "Cadillac is aggressively chasing the under 50 crowd with its ads, and Couples, 32, is expected to help." b. POND DREDGING SPECIALIST Off Road Trucking Wide Track Bulldozing Shore Line & Land Development Grading S W E E T C O IN C . South Lyon, Michigan 48178 27405 Henry Rd. 313-437-1830 A Patch of Green, August 1992 • 11 • M ic h ig a n & Bov ill J * TOURNAMENT PLAYERS CLUB MICHIGAN’S GOLF COURSE SUPER­ INTENDENT MICHAEL (MIKE) GIUFFRIE. THE GREENS AND TEES AT THE TPC ARE HANDCUTAND THE BUNKERS HAND RAKED. WORK ON THE COURSE BEGAN AT 3:30 A.M. ON TOURNAMENT DAYS. SOME 40-ACRES OF MITIGATED WETLANDS MAKE UP THE TPC'S TERRAIN. In an interview one week after the 1992 Senior Players Championship was held at the TPC, Ciuffre talked about getting the course ready for the event, the ro'ad he's taken to reach his current position as superintendent at the TPC and how he manages to keep priorities in line. "The real grinding days are not during the tournament; the intensity begins four weeks before the event itself," Giuffre said. Those four weeks consist of 14-hour days, meticulous grooming of tees, greens and fairways, all perfectly timed to be in peak condition for the event. And unlike some courses that close play to its membership a week, sometimes.longer, before the event, the TPC remained open to members until two days before the tournament. Ciuffre gives special credit to the dedication of his staff, especially assistant superintendent John Kulka. "We couldn't accomplish what we do here without John's efforts. He's done one heck of a job. You've got to have a good assistant superintendent to run a first-class facility like we have here. They (assistant superintendents) don't usually get the credit they deserve," Ciuffre said. He also said that being an assistant is part of the process, one of the stepping stones that can eventually lead to being named superintendent at a golf facility. It's part of the progression. When did Ciuffre start stepping on those stones? In 1979 in the golf course "mecca" of the midwest, Traverse City. "I started working at the Acme Golf Club in Traverse City as a crew member during the summer while I was in high school and college," he said. Acme was a nine-hole course owned, redesigned and maintained by Ron Green, who was also the club professional. For five years Ciuffre worked at every level and job the course offered. He had the opportunity to work with two other golf course superintendents, Michael Carvale and Jon Scott. Green eventually sold the golf course to developer Paul Nine who immediately built a hotel and an additional 9-hole course. What became of Acme? Its name was changed and an additional course was designed and constructed at the site. Today it is known as the Grand Traverse Resort and home to another Nicklaus designed course, "The Bear." After a few more years of experience and obtaining a degree in Turf Management from Penn State, Ciuffre became superintendent of "The Bear" under Golf and Grounds Director Jon Scott. "I was fortunate to have firsthand experience working on a course. I realized how much I liked the work, and I became aware of all the different hats a golf course superintendent has to wear, from working in the field to doing administrative work in the office. I also enjoyed talking with the players out on the course." Because his first year at The Bear was also the course's first year, Giuffre saw firsthand how vulnerable the turf was to the elements and obtained valuable knowledge he would use five years later when he would be named superintendent of another new course, the TPC. "We planted the last seed on the TPC on October 31, 1989 and opened the course to member play on August 28,1990. One year later we held the first Senior Championship. We basically had one full year to grow the course before we hosted the tournament," Giuffre said. Working 14-to-16 hour days and working with Mother Nature to push the growth of the turf, the TPC looked like a mature golf course. “It looked mature but we knew that first year it hadn't reached its potential. The turf was very tender and the greens weren't at the peak conditions we knew were possible." The feedback from players in this year's Championship told Giuffre that indeed the greens, for that matter A Patch of Green, August 1992 • 12 • How do you bring togeth­ er all the ele­ ments that result in a suc­ cessful cham­ pionship tour­ nament. one scheduled before the final seed had been sown in what would be the Jack Nicklaus- designed course - the TPC Dearborn? tie r C itie s GCSA by Vicki Robb You might consider TPC golf course superinten­ dent Michael (Mike) Giuffrie’s phi­ losophy. "Keep your priorities in line with what you are trying to accomplish.” the entire course, provided excellent playing conditions. And whether It's for the professional or amateur golfer, providing the best possible playing conditions is one of Giuffre's priorities. The TPC maintenance facility is 7,000 square feet, housing more than $700,000 in equipment. "We're very fortunate to have the staff and equipment needed to keep the TPC at peak playing conditions. We have our own in- house equipment technicians," he said. Ciuffre talked about the valuable role their computer system plays in terms of equipment maintenance. "By storing all pertinent equipment information in the computer, we know when the equipment is in need of preventive maintenance, parts that were replaced and when it's time to examine the equipment again. The computerized inventory system allows us to keep parts on hand which allows us to efficiently keep equipment up and running." In what has turned out to be an effective staffing move, Ciuffre hired a new crew with little or no previous experience at the start of the season. "I felt this approach would allow us to teach the crew to perform specific jobs in ways that are best for the TPC. We had two supervisors working with 33 people covering everything from laying sod to hand cutting tees and greens and hand raking the bunkers. Everyone worked from dawn until dusk, and today we have an excellent core group of people." Ciuffre said that everyone, regardless of prior experience, starts out in an entry level position. "By starting on the ground level we're confident people know the equipment inside and out. There is quite a difference between working with a tractor pulling gang reels to using a $30,000 dollar piece of equipment with hydraulics. It's critical that the crew members know how to properly use the equipment." Another part of Giuffre's philosophy is to promote from within. "For people doing well we move them right up the ladder. Every six months each employee has the opportunity for promotion to available positions." The TPC, which has been described as a "fine bottle of champagne...and just like wine, the golf course is only going to get better as it ages," offers players and visitors a breathtaking oasis in the midst of light industrial complexes and office buildings. The terrain of the course lends itself to the TPC concept of Stadium Golf, where thousands of spectators can easily view play. Added to the expanse and roll of the course are the 40 plus-acres of mitigated wetlands. Prior to beginning course construction a detailed plan was submitted to the DNR showing how, over a period of five years and at a cost of more than $600,000 dollars, the wetlands would be constructed. Working around areas that held water (an old Rouge River canal fed into the course area), the wetlands were built, stocked with native plants, creating a sanctuary for geese, turtles, ducks and other wildlife. Ciuffre said the wetlands act as a buffer zone. All course drainage, both surface and subsurface, runs into the wetland areas. The plants in these areas act like natural filter taking up residual fertilizers as the water moves slowly through the system, eventually into ponds or lakes on the golf course. He works closely with a consulting firm that specializes in wetland areas to make sure the TPC is meeting or surpassing requirements. Ciuffre calls the TPC's design one that takes your breath away. "I had the opportunity to meet Jack Nicklaus when I was at Grand Traverse. His philosophy of golf course design takes into consideration maintenance. Maintenance may not always win out, but he does consider continued on page 18 A Patch of Green, August 1992 • 13 • THE TPC'S 7,000 SQ. FT. MAINTENANCE FACILITY HOUSES AN EQUIPMENT REPAIR SECTION. ALL REPAIRS ARE DONE IN-HOUSE. THE TPC'S MIKE CIUFFRIE SAID THAT VOLUNTEERS ARE KEY TO THE SUCCESS OF TOURNAMENTS LIKE THE RECENTLY HELD TPC SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP. PICTURED HERE ARE REPRESEN­ TATIVES FROM THE DETROIT AREA BOY SCOUT COUNCIL, TROOP 864. THOUSANDS OF SPECTATORS WALKED THE TPC COURSE. CIUFFRIE SAID HE COMBINES FERTILIZERS, AERATION AND MOTHER NATURE TO REPAIR TRAFFIC WEAR. IN 7 TO 10 DAYS MOST AREAS ARE GREEN AND CROWING. LINED UP AND READY TO CO. THE TPC USES ITS COMPUTER CAPABILITIES FOR ITS EQUIPMENT PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM AND TO CONTROL PARTS INVENTORY. D & C D ?sLrf b iL> o r s T n c 51000 Grand River Wixom, Michigan 48393 (313) 349-7779 FAX (313) 349-4670 M id w est’s Largest Stocking D ealer For R & R PRODUCTS QUALITY REPLACEMENT PARTS TORO RYAN NATIONAL _____________________ REEL SHARPENING COMPOUND_____________________ HAHN-WESTPOINT RANSOMES FORD JACOBSEN ROSEMAN YAZOO CUSHMAN MOTT EXCEL FLYMO — POWER PRUNER — AaB-SORBOIL EMULSIFIER CALL US TOLL FREE 8 0 0 - 8 8 8 - 7 7 7 9 YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR YOUR GOLF COURSE MOWING EQUIPMENT REPAIR PARTS AND SUPPLY ITEMS FLAGS - POLES - RAKES - CUPS RiCO MFG. EXCELLENT QUALITY PERSONALIZED TUBE FLAGS SOLID FIBERGLASS POLES WITH SOLID IMPREGNATED COLOR FIBERGLASS RAKE HANDLE, FOAM FILLED TO FLOAT (14" or 22” RAKE HEAD - ONE YEAR WARRANTY) PUTTING GREEN FLAGS, POLES AND CUPS WE ALSO HANDLE LEWIS AND PAR AIDE AND STANDARD BIG ENOUGH TO SERVE YOU BETTER — SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE Turf Chemicals Inc. 1011 E. Main P.O. Box 451 Owosso, Michigan 48867 Phone: (517) 725-7145 FOR ALL OF YOUR FERTILIZER, CHEMICAL AND GRASS SEED NEEDS EXPERIENCED, DEPENDABLE PEOPLE TO SERV E YOU * RUSS HANCOCK * LOU BECKMAN ★ JIM HYDE ★ FRED MILLER ★ JA YSID D O C K ★ TED KASEL Scotts fluid fungicide line is what you need to fight turf diseases Turf troubled by diseases? One of the ProTurf© Fluid Fungicide products will help: • Fluid Fungicide prevents and controls dollar spot, brown patch, red leaf spot and pink snow mold • Fluid Fungicide II prevents and controls Pythium blight and damping off, brown patch and dollar spot • Fluid Fungicide III prevents and controls anthracnose, leaf spot, dollar spot, brown patch and pink snow mold Ask your ProTurf® Tech Rep for details. JOHN SKAIFE Senior Technical Representative The O.M. Scott & Sons Company f Tire Wholesalers Co., Inc. •As our name implies, we are a wholesaler of tires. •We are an established business, having been in business for over 19 years. •We deliver. •We have UPS service daily. •We guarantee what we sell. •We want your business. •We have a huge inventory of Passenger, High Perform Truck, Trailer, Motorcycle, Carlisle Lawn & Garden, Industrial Tires & Tubes, Shocks, Struts, Custom Mag Wheels and Accessories, all in stock for immediate delivery. ( L o n n o v n i f ) ^ n i w s T n o n i g ^ G l l R E L L I 19240 West 8 Mile Road Southfield, Ml 48075 Phone: (313) 3 5 4 - 5 6 4 4 L S S 3031/2 Hawthorne Street Cadillac, Ml 49601 Phone: (616)775-6666 Thank you for your past and present business. A Patch of Green, August 1992 • 14 • New OSHA S ta n d a rd s R eview Now A v a ila b le Through PGMS An exclusive, to-understand regulatory review of key OSHA standards specifically applicable to the "Green industry" is now being made available through the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS). It Is being offered as a service to p g m s members and others, in response to increasing calls from both large and small organizations. Specific packets (and their code numbers) are: • (351) hazard communication • (352) small chemical disposal • (353) trenching standards • (354) spill control • (355) small quantity generator • (356) confined space safety • (357) storm water/wetlands • (358) underground and above ground storage tanks • (359) general safety guidelines • (360) record keeping cost of each packet is $22, with p g m s members eligible for a discount. A three-ring binder is included with orders of three or more sections. Those wishing to order are asked to contact PGMS directly at: ( 1833: FAX: (410) 6178 and refer to the Regulatory Review Guidelines, c*. Jim Eccelton (left) was host of the meeting held at Arbor Hills Country Club in Jackson. Jim is joined on the tee by (left to right) Fritz McMullen, Forest Lake Country Club, Orchard Lake, Dr. Frank Rossi, Michigan State University and Mark Jackson, indianwood Golf and Country Club, Lake Orion. L _ L_ March Association Meeting host Glenn Korhorn, Salt River Golf Club, New Baltimore, is all smiles knowing another season is around the corner, in preparation of the new season Dr. Smitly spoke on insect control and how to maintain threshold tolerances. "It went right up the middle." in March in Michigan that means the bowling alley! "Shoeless" Richard Locke, Turfgrass, Inc., displays a striking form. A winning American team: (left to right), Jerry Prieskorn, Bald Mountain Golf Course, Waterford, George Prieskorn, also from Bald Moutain Golf Course, Mike Hahn, Moravian Hills Country Club, Mt. Clemens and Carey Mitchelson, Country Club of Detroit, Grosse Pointe Farms. (April Association meeting.) Another winner. Paul Dushane, Knollwood Country Club, raises his arms in victory...the winner of the strike jackpot. The March meeting was a Bowling Tournament in disguise. Adding a little international flavor to Association meetings the April gathering was a joint u.s.-Canadian get together. Pictured here is the meeting host, Stuart Mills, CGCS, Essex Golf and Country Club, Detroit. What's the mystery? None. Greg Seago (left), Paint Creek Golf Club, Lake Orion and Dan Guinan, Davey Trees, shared the jackpot for the first mystery game at the March meeting. AH lined up and ready to roll. The June Association meeting at Arbor Hills Country Club was held jointly with the Western Golf Course Superintendents Association. Lunch was held at 11:30 a.m., followed by a meeting and golf. The joint meeting was arranged so members from each association could meet one another. A Patch of Green, August 1992 • 15 • Thoughts on Managing Turf.. continued from page 7 plants In a healthy condition, since N remains regularly available to the plants as they require it. in general, one must develop a "feel" for the nutritional needs of their specific sward and develop an integrated fertility management program which keeps the plants healthy and ultimately could reduce pesticide use. Summer pest problems from weeds, insects and diseases are of particular concern as a result of the reduced competitive ability of the turf. In my experience, If summer annual weeds such as crabgrass and goosegrass are present, you already have heard an earful from your membership. As these weeds become larger, they become more difficult to control, especially In close-cut bentgrass or annual bluegrass stands where most herbicides will cause injury. It Is best to control these weeds before they are able to establish and to watch them closely If they do become established. Frequent light rate applications of Acclaim is a viable strategy for controlling young grass weeds; however, the larger weeds are the most difficult to control and will prompt the most complaints. In the disease area, anthracnose and summer patch will be causing many superintendents trouble during the summer months. Occasionally, these diseases have been found acting in concert with each other, i.e., the anthracnose will Infect the plant followed by the summer patch organism which will brown the turf out. Anthracnose symptoms are typically patches of turf reddish brown, then yellow, then tan to brown. Fungicides are usually needed for curative control; however, good management practices that reduce stress will aid recovery. Summer patch Is difficult to diagnose due to the general chlorotic decline of the turf. Because the summer patch organism severely Inhibits root function, cultural practices that alleviate stress and promote root development reduce disease severity.' For example, research from Rutgers University has Indicated that raising height of cut from 1/8" to 5/32" significantly decreased summer patch severity, interestingly, there have been some reports that certain contact fungicides enhance disease severity, suggesting a non-target Influence. There remains much debate regarding Irrigation practices for summer patch management; however, all agree that reducing midday moisture stress by syringing will aid plant health. One aspect of turfgrass disease which has remained clear In my mind is what I call "cool-night salvation." Pythlum and brown patch which are high-temperature and hlgh-humldity diseases, particularly In the evening, do not become pathogenic during cool summer nights. However, when these diseases become active they can devastate a sward and will require decisive action by the superintendent to avoid turf decline and death. So pray for cool nights if your fungicide budget is tight, and avoid night watering if nights are hot and humid. Many Insect problems begin to manifest during the warm summer months and must be addressed prior to severe visual damage. In Michigan, the two big challenges are the Black Turfgrass Ataenius and the European Chafer. Generations of these insects will feed on turf roots when the turf can ill afford any further root dysfunction. Cutworms on the close-cut surfaces could also cause substantial Injury If not managed and, as with all insect pests, require careful monitoring and an integrated management program to minimize turf loss. Research Is being conducted on Irrigating to mask injury and proper timing of insecticide applications to maximize efficacy. A final note about the Increase In ant populations on fine turf areas: It is vital that the superintendent identify the type of ant present, since many species are beneficial to the microenvironment. I understand and have seen the unsightliness of the ant mounding; however, excessive pesticide use to reduce these populations could have long-term ecological impacts and warrants the use of any alternative available. Summer, for many, Is the most enjoyable time of the year since the outdoors abounds with activity. The golfing public has come to expect a high level of quality from the American golf course, without regard to the strain placed on the grasses and the superintendent managing that sward during the "dog days." Proper planning and careful monitoring throughout the season will aid In reducing stress during these months. Because we often ask the plants to provide a surface that taxes their biology, however, challenges will arise that require prompt and decisive action. Remember, turfgrass management is as much an art as It is a science, and there is no reason why you as a manager shouldn't enjoy the summer also, i rvl \* a Your Lakefront Specialist - Retaining Walls - Vertical or Horizontal - Wood, Steel or Stone Bridges - Pile Supported or Floating Pond/Water Hazard Construction 1030 S. Williams Lake Rd. - Union Lake, Ml 48386 1 -800-359-0683 363-9995 A Patch o f Creen, August 1992 • 16 • PALMER EQUIPMENT MICHIGANS Contractor Supermarket "S in ce 1 9 5 3 " Equipment-------- r L i IE___ Air Compressors Concrete Buckets/Buggies Compactors Concrete Vibrators Fans/Blowers Generators Grinders Heaters Light Towers Masonry Saws Mixers — Concrete/Mortar Pressure Washers Pumps Tools Air Tools Cement Tools Diamond Blades Earth Augers Electric Tools Hoists & Jacks Ironworkers Tools Light Stands Shovels & Picks Sprayers/Curing Submersible Pumps Welders Supplies Abrasives Knee Pads Anchors Knives Barricades Ladders Locks Boots Paint Brooms Crow Bars Rope Flashlights Signs Tapes Gas Cans Hoses Traffic Cones Job Boxes Visqueen GOODBYE IS NOT THE END Dr. Frank Rossi Heads for the University of Wisconsin It is with mixed emotions that I announce that l have accepted a position at the university of Wisconsin-Madison as the Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Environmental Management. I am both excited about my opportunity to lead a turf program, which has been somewhat dormant for several years, and apprehensive about leaving a program which was beginning to become a vital resource for the turfgrass industry in Michigan. My short time here in Michigan has brought many close friends, personally as well as professionally, and I will surely miss your support and no-nonsense approach to this field. However, I am confident I can help to build a strong program from a supportive industry base in Wisconsin—after all, aren't many of you on the board or at least partial donors to the new OJ. Noer Turfgrass Research Center in Madison? l have a few important items to coordinate before my departure, which is expected by mid- or late July, and l expect to return for Field Day on August 20. I have tried to put my heart into my work and inject some of my personality, and l feel as though I am leaving a piece of myself here. I believe that your positive response helped prom pt the interest of the MSU administrative community in our program, and I urge you to stay committed to the cause of Environm ental the preservation of environmental quality. I hope to return many times to what l believe is the premier institution for turf and for the most innovative turf managers in the world. Education and A friend once wrote to me as l left Cornell university to begin here at MSU: "When we say good-bye, we don't announce the end of a relationship, but rather we acknowledge the change in the relationship. When good-bye is viewed in this light, it carries new qualities for our lives, and good-bye almost becomes hello." There is not one other place I would rather have been than with all of you here in Michigan, l have been the recipient of so much appreciation which, as many of you know, is a rare commodity in the working world today. For this l am eternally grateful and l wish each and every one of you all that life has to offer, to r • Sales • Service Parts • Rentals • (313)921-6020 1-800-877-3057 p a l m e r ■ equipment company 3575 E. Palmer • Detroit, Ml 48211 4 Patch o f Creen, August 1992 • 17 • T U R F G R A S S IN C . Serving you better with.. Technical information Fungicide programs Free timely delivery ... Quality products F e rtiliz e rs C h e m ic a ls T he Andersons, Lebanon C ountry C lub, N ltroform , Turfgrass D u p o n t, A m p e l, C ib a -G e ig y , W .A . C le a ry , C h lp c o , D a c o n il, M o b a y , Elanco, N A IA D , Dow , M onsanto, Bio G re e n s k e e p e r, A g ri D ia g n o s tic s , M allinckrodt, N or-A m , Rlverdale, Pana Sea, M iller, A gri-P lex 4X S ee ds N orthrup King M edalist T u rf Products S p re a d e rs H 0 Z USA Sieve MM %Retained 20 30 40 50 60 70 100 140 200 270 PAN .84 .60 .42 .30 .25 .21 .15 .10 .07 .05 .0 .5 6.0 29.0 25.6 27.1 11.0 .8 .0 .0 TDS 2150 TOPDRESSING SAND ■ Meets USGA specifications ■ Consistent Quality ■ Lab Reports with Every Shipment ■ Michigan’s Largest Topdressing Sand Supplier ■ 87% Between .21 and .50 MM (Current Tests) Standard Sand Corporation P.O. Box 290 Grand Haven, Michigan 49417 Contact: Roy Hanson (616) 842-5180 A Patch of Creen, August 1992 • 20 • Photo C. Mike Brannigan (left) and Jim Koziatek (right) from Wilkie Turf sponsoring another tee for the kids. Photo H. Dan Sackett from Tire Wholesalers gave 50% of his raffle collections to Special Olympics. Once again Dan and many others came through for the MBCCCSA fundraiser. Photo l. Nothing distracts John Skaife, of O.M. Scott, from following through for Special Olympics. Photo J. Jim McGuire (left) and Mark Classon (right) of D & C Distributors, Inc. display one of 18 flags they donated to the MBCCCSA Special Olympics fundraiser. Photo K. Former Detroit Lion Ron Kramer was the guest speaker. Photo L. working in "dry dock" is Ken Boschell, the Chainsaw Man. Boschell created the fish while participants were golfing. The "catch" was raffled off with the proceeds going to Special Olympics. Links at Pinewooti Site for 11th Annual Fundraiser... continued from page 19 On a day th a t had m a n y h i g h l i g h t s th e re was none m ore sp ecial than the in tro d u ctio n of special Olympic athlete Kelly Miles of Oakland County. Kelly, wearing many of the com petitive ribbons she has won, was acco m p an ied by her m other Yvonne Miles. Kelly’s presence served to remind everyone of the im p o rtan t o p p o r t u n i t i e s Special O lym pics o ffers m any individuals and why fin an cial the su p p o rt of o rgan izatio n s like the m b c c c s a is so important, iitii iJ WM® m ¡1111 mm§■ ILI ftV- f - ftfii 1 i Once again the MBCCCSA was able to rely on the support of businesses to help make the Michigan Special Olympics Fundraiser a success. Fundraising chairman James P. Eccleton, C.C.C.S., said, "Year in and year out we can always count on these people to support our events. Golf course supply people stood tall in their support of the Association and Michigan's Special Olympics. "The following companies generously sponsored tees and/or made special contributions to the fundraiser: • Allingham • Amturf • Benham Chemical • Burlington Golf Car • Century Rain Aid • Cleveland Cotton Products • D&C Distributors, Inc. • Flags • D&C Distributors, Inc. • Emerald Isle Ltd. • Mindy Knight -ZE • Lawn Equipment Service & Sales • Randy Rogers - Lebanon • Jim McGuire, Osburn Trucking • TheiserJohn Deere • Tire Wholesalers • Turfgrass, Inc. • U.S. Sand & Stone • W. F. Miller Compan y • Wilkie Turf Equipment • Scott's Fertilizers • Don Fields, Bar Cart • Ernie Fuller, Bar Cart A Patch of Green, August 1992 • 21 • OSBURN INDUSTRIES Custom Top Dressing Blends TDS 2150 Dune Sand 0 Canadian Sphagnum 540 Best 0 Sandy Loom Topsoil 0 Reed Sedge Peat Local Mason Sand { 0 Michigan Sphagnum Trap Sand 0 Best 530 0 Local 2NS Sand 0 Local Mason Sand Other Materials 0 Cart Path Slag 0 Pea Pebble 0 Decorative Boulders 0 Parking Lot Stone Call for details ( 3 1 3 ) 2 9 2 - 4 1 4 0 Ask for Dick, Rick or Tim 5850 PARDEE TAYLOR, MICHIGAN 48180 A Patch o f Green, August 1992 • 22 • V only C o if courses depend on ponds not for aesthetics and water hazards, but often as a source for their irrigation system and s t o r m - w a t e r drainage basins. That's why It makes good sense for superintendents to have a working knowledge of pond management. You can avoid many potential pond problems by keeping your pond healthy for the purpose Intended for that pond. On most golf courses the primary concern Is keeping the growth of vegetation under control. Techniques for managing weed growth range from chemical application to the aeration process. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in golf course pond maintenance. Organic buildup of materials can choke ponds, and actually kill a living body of water. Some of the precautions you can take to protect your ponds are: ‘ Protect your pond from erosion by lining them with rocks or plant materials. ‘ Minimize the amount of grass clip­ pings and leaves that get Into your pond. ‘ Fertilizers are an enemy of your pond. Keep your fertilization efforts away from the ponds. Fertilizer often drains into ponds causing more problems with your pond! Even though chemicals designed for aquatic application are effective and safe, licensing can be required. Another aquatic weed management technique Is shading - reducing the light source that enters the pond. The lower the sun light level remains, the lower the potential for plant growth to occur. Most often shading comes In the form of a dye such as AquaShade, an EPA approved product. This Is dye added to the body of the water from the edge and Is naturally dispersed through the water by wind and natural water action. This type of dye turns the water blue, and should be used In enclosed bodies of water only, since color Is need to inhibit the light from entering the water. This process Is used by many golf courses because It Is easy to apply. The other problem your pond may face would be lack of efficient oxygen levels In the pond. Low oxygen levels in a pond allow organic matter to build up in lakes and ponds over the course of several years. That's because aerobic digestion, the digestion of organic matter by bacteria; Pond Management: AVOIDING PROBLEMS Low oxygen requires oxygen for respiration. Without levels in sufficient oxygen levels, the bacteria will be unable to break down organic material In a n0nc| the pond. Over time this can cause warmer water temperatures, which increases plant a llo w growth, which can cause blockage of organic natural spring activity, unwanted algae ma4+ol. m accer to growth and fish kill. One way to get oxygen back Into your build up ¡n |a kes pond is by exposing the water to air by spraying or streaming the water into the air. This method has proven to be very and effective in controlling unwanted algae, ponds without Incurring the extra expenses and over the potential hazards of chemicals. Aquatic weeds, and especially algae, need warm course of water to thrive, an aeration device such as a several floating aerator fountain, pulls cooler water up from the lower levels of the pond, Vears. sprays the water out onto the pond creating a wave action in the water. The top layer of the water, which is warmer because It's heated by the sun, is cooled and recirculated back Into the water breaking up the "thermal stratification" of the pond. The combination of cool water, wave action and extra oxygen Into the water inhibit the potential for plant "bedding" to accumulate on the bottom of the pond, and for algae blooms, since algae needs "still" water to grow. The two most widely accepted forms of aeration are floating aerator fountains that provide beauty and provide and useful function, and air Injection units, which are designed exclusively for aeration. The floating aerator fountains come with a variety of spray patterns, some units even offer you the ability to change the nozzles, or even add lighting units for added night time beauty around the club-house. When using an aeration device such as a floating fountain it's important to get enough horsepower in the pump to efficiently aerate your pond. A normal rule of thumb Is to have two a horsepower aerator per surface acre. Floating aerator fountains are easy to Install, and some units available don't even need to have maintenance but once every three years. An Important aspect to Installing a floating aerator fountain Is to have proper electrical Installation precautions taken. Make sure that proper ground fault precautions are taken. If you're experiencing significant algae and aquatic weed growth, work with your suppliers In weighing your options. In many cases, you'll find that the electrical costs to run an aeration device is less over time In comparison to chemicals. Ponds are a collection of living organisms that require a unique biological balance to remain healthy. Hopefully, you have been presented enough information to start asking the right questions to your suppliers, your coop extension agents and more to keep your ponds a beautiful and functional part of your course, by Brian Day, Century Rain Aid An ounce of pre­ vention is worth a pound of cure in golf course pond mainte­ nance. Organic buildup of mate­ rials can choke ponds, and actu­ ally kill a living body of water. A Patch of Green, August 1992 • 23 • - MACHINERY R. R. 5, Strathroy, Ontario Canada N7G 3H6 (on Hwy. 81 1/z mi. south of Hwy. 402) TELEPHONE (519) 245-3800 FAX (519) 245-0038 JUST 40 MILES EAST OF PORT HURON PRICE $3100 U.S. F.O.B. STRATHROY MODELS FOR THE TURF INDUSTRY EXCELLENT DUMP ANGLE - 45° LOW PROFILE, EASIER LOADING 26 x 12 x 12 TURF FLOTATION TIRES DECK HEIGHT 28“ FROM GROUND 8/5 TELESCOPIC 3 STAGE HYD. CYLINDER 5000 LB. SPINDLES AND HUBS 6 STUD WHEELS EASY LIFT OFF TOP HINGE TAIL GATE 4 TON BOX SIZE 10’ x 6’ x 18“ SIDES JUST PLUG INTO TRACTOR HYD. SYSTEM OR POWER PACK CAN BE OBTAINED LEASE, BUY, OR LEASE TO OWN HARD WORK, GOOD CARE, UNITS WILL LAST OVER 20 YEARS 2 YEAR WARRANTY WE ARE PRESENTLY STILL SERVICING UNITS SOLD IN S. MICHIGAN AND OHIO WE SERVICE WHAT WE SELL AT THE MOMENT NO DISTRIBUTOR, BUY DIRECT Directory Amcorn/Amturf................... ......... 4 American M arine*!^*.......... ........11 Anchor Marine..................... ........24 Benham Chemical................ ......... 8 Buchner Computer............. ......... 4 Bush Brothers...................... ............6 Century Rain Aid.................. .......6,8 D&C Distributors.................. ....... 14 Huggett Sod Farm............... ......... 8 JWS Machinery..................... ....... 24 Lawn Equipment Sales......... ....... 10 Lesco IFC Osborn Industries................ ........22 Palmer Equipment.............. ........17 Rhone Poulenc Ag Co.......... .......IFC Soutlane Landscape Supply...,...... 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Triple Play contains the elite turf-type ryegrasses of PENNANT, PEBBLE BEACH and STALLION. Triple Play will produce a beautiful dark green color with excellent heat and drought tolerance Seeding Recommendation 5 to 7 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. Turf Chemicals Inc. 1011 E. Main P.O. Box 451 Owosso, Michigan 48867 Phone: (517) 725-7145 FOR ALL OF YOUR FERTILIZER, CHEMICAL AND GRASS SEED NEEDS A Patch of Green, August 1992 • 24 • The Golf Course Superintendent's Choice. The Bunton Triplex Greensmower is no ordinary reel mower. You’ll know that the instant you see the clean, consistent cut it delivers on your course greens, tees, collars and approaches. It’s equipped with all the features that golf course maintenance professionals want in a ridiing greens mower and more. Bunton 22" and 26" Greensmowers - The Premier choice of Golf Course Maintenance Pro s. Golf course maintenance professionals know how important their manicured greens are to the reputation of their club and municipal courses. That’s why you’ll find more Bunton greensmowers cutting greens today than any other mower on the market. It's the premier choice of golf course professionals. Features: ■ Powered rotary brush and thatcher attach­ ments for grain control and healthy turf. ■ Dual powered drive rollers for straight cuts. ■ Non-floating head design for true cutting CALL FOR A DEMO! (800) 325-8757 Ask for Tim Weathers or Bob Chism EQUIPMENT & SUPPLY 27400 JOHN R • MADISON HEIGHTS. Ml 48071 (north o f 11 Mile Road) • 3 Ton capacity ■ Flotation Tires ■ 3-Stage Telescoping cylinder ■ 12-Volt hydraulic pump ■ Larger models available ■ Pick-up dumpers SALES - PARTS - SE R VIC E J J TURF EQUIPMENT Jacobson Turf Equip. Jacobson Commercial Equip. Excel Hustler Mowers Kutkwick SlopeMaster Mott Flail Mowers BushHog Giant Vac Yazoo Mowers Neary Grinders Lely Spreaders Brunco Dumpers Standard Golf Par Aide Lewisline Prize Lawn Spreaders Hanney Hose Reels Grass Craft Peco Vac's Keystone Drag. Mats Dedos Broyhill M&B Equipment Sweepster Brooms Aerway 30600 Telegraph Suite #1386 Bingham Farms, Ml 48025 The Official Publication of the Michigan and Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association MISC. HARDWARE Nuts • Bolts • E-Clips Snap Rings • Roll Pins Woodruff Keys Blade Bolts • Set Screws Grease Fittings Fuses • Cotter Pins Roller Chain «Bearings Clevis Pins • Hair Pins Muffler Clamps • Ball Joints Hitch Pins 0 Rings • Welch Plugs ENGINES & PARTS Briggs & Stratton Clinton Kohler Wisconsin Power Products Tecumseh J. B. Foote Transmissions Peerless Transmissions W.F. Miller Company Turf & Industrial Equipment 25125Transx-X,P.O.Box605 • Novi,Ml 48376 (313)349-4100 • Fax (313) 349-0406 24 Hour Phone/Fax Order Line (800) 642-9915 James Beard D r. D e p t, o f C ro p & S o i l S c ie n c e College Station, T e x a s A. . TX 7 7 8 4 3 BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #2 DETROIT, Ml BEARD