A t T h e s ie r 's O u r F a m i l y is G r o w i n g No one can accuse John D eere of standing still. Since January of 1992, we've added six totally new machines to our G olf & Turf Equipm ent family. All designed and m anufactured by John D eere. First to arrive were the 1800 utility vehicle and 3365 Professional Turf Mower. The 1800 brought the precision of hydrostatic drive to your work, while the 3365 was the first machine to carry John D eere designed and m anufactured cutting units. New machines for 1993 include the 2653 Professional Utility M ower (pictured above) and 6x4 and 4x2 G ator Utility Vehicles. The 2653 features the unique com bination of hydraulic reel drive and John D eere 26-inch cutting units. The G ators are stable, quiet, carry large payloads, and feature wet-disk brakes. New 6x4 and 4x2 Gator Utility Vehicles are stable, quiet, and carry large payloads. New for 1994-John Deere lightweight fairway mower. NO THING RUNS LIKE A DEERE* FINANCE SPECIAL 20% DOWN with NO PAYMENTS UNTIL MAY 1994 LOW RATES AVAILABLE Reel Grinding Specials — Call Now! THESIER EQUIPMENT COMPANY 1-800-870-9791 28342 Pontiac Trail 810-437-2091 South Lyon, MI 48178 The 1800 Utility Vehicle brings the benefits of hydrostatic drive to spraying and spreading jobs. Officers Directors Commitee Chair Contact for MBCCCSA information Michigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association P re sid e n t Jay Delcamp V ice -P resid en t Carey Mitchelson Committee: Fund Raising Chairman, CAM Seminar S ecretary/Tren su rer Gary Thommes Committee: Finance, Welfare, Policy Book P a st P re sid e n t Ken DeBusscher Committee: Publicity, Ethics Paul Dushane Committee: Special Olympics, Education Co-Chair Paul Kolbe Committee: Editorial ByLaws, Historian, Clothing Fritz McMullen Committee: Golf Co-Chair, M' Liaison, Picnic Dave Picot Committee: Education Co-chairman, Awards, Golf Day Co-Chair John Shreve Committee: Christmas Pa Membership, Industrial/Environmental Rel: Roy Szyndlar Committee: Golf Co-Chair, Hospitality Room, Golf Day Co-Chair Tom Mason: GCSAA Liaison, Delegate KATE MASON Executive Secretary MBCGCSA P.0. Box 173, Troy, Ml 48099 (810) 362-1108 Fax (810) 362-1736 Executive Editor Paul Kolbe Publishers Kolka & Robb, Inc. Vicki Robb, Editor Kathleen Kolka, Creative Director Katie Elsila, Associate Editor Fred Wessells, Copy Editor Kyle Staulter, Designer Lisa LaRaia, Advertising Michael Wagester, Production Advertising & editorial offices are at: 30600 Telegraph Road Suite 1386 Bingham Farms, Ml 48025-4531 (810) 642-9580 • FAX (810) 642-5290 The Official Publication of the Michigan and Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association C o n t e n t s Calendar o f Events & New Members Kate Speaking On Par w ith the President GCSAA Election Results Christmas Memories • Cancer Risks in Mem oriam MBCGCSA Awards Scholarships Fertilizer in Ground J i n . lililí 1WÈBmBÊËËÊÈÈÈÈ^^. r \ j • ^ J * 6 V-/ . Xs)-7 / ..... 11 ....... . 1 5....... 1 7....... (P^ MEMBER FOCUS page 21 if w ater Study Feelin' Proud GO by Tim Doppel 2 1........ M em ber Focus: :■• MBCGCSA President Jay Delcamp 2 3........ Michigan Turfgrass Conference New Planting Flats introduced 2 7........ MICHIGAN TURFGRASS CONFERENCE page 23 Cover Photo: Courtesy of English Gardens A Patch of Green, March/April1994 • 1 • SHAPING THE RENOVATION SCENE TURF DRAIN INC. GREEN SITE RECONSTRUCTION TURF DRAIN RENOVATION DIVISION INC. Livonia, Michigan (810) 471-6750 Windsor Factory Supply Lm The Toughest Tliig In Emerge Jest Get A Whole Lot Toughen Since Crabgrass BIG ENOUGH TO SERVE YOU BETTER- SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE Michigan’s Largest Stocking Dealer for R&R PRODUCTS QUALITY REPLACEMENT PARTS Genuine Kohler • Jacobsen • Hahn-Westpoint Cushman Mott • Ryan National • Toro • Roseman • Ransomes • Ford • Yazoo • Excel • Reel Sharpening Compound KOHLER BRIGGS & STRATTON MID-WEST RAKE YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR YOUR SUPPLY ITEMS: FLAGS - POLES - RAKES - CUPS - RICO MFG. E xcellent Q uality P ersonalized Tube Flags WE ALSO HANDLE AaB-SORBOIL EMULSIFIER BAYCO SUPPLIES CLOVER LAPPING COMPOUND DEDOES PARTS DRIVING RANGE EQUIPMENT EARTHWAY SPREADERS FAIRWAY MARKERS FOX VALLEY MARKING PAINT PLASTIC SIGNS PLASTIC CHAIN RAIN SUITS HAND CLEANER HOLE-IN-ONE PAINT HOSE • 3/4" & 1 ’ «ARCHER POWER WASHER RED MAX EQUIPMENT LEWIS LINE SUPPLIES LIFT RAMP/WORK TABLE MARFAX .00 LUBRICANT PAR AIDE SUPPLIES ROPE & STAKES ROTARY BLADE GRINDERS ROTARY BLADES SIMPLEX GRINDING EQUIPMENT TEE TOWELS TIRE SEALANT TIRE TIRE CHANGERS TRIMMER LINE & HEADS WHITE CEDAR FURNITURE WOODEN RAKES CALL US TOLL FREE - 800-888-7779 ___________________________ 1_________________________ J WE GUARANTEE WHAT WE SELL! D is tr ib u te d B y: Benham Chemical (313)474-7474 Turfgrass, Inc. (313)437-1427 7... 18. 2 0 APRIL GCSAA Spray Technician Sem inar Indianwood Golf and Country Club Host: Mark Jackson Jo in t M eetin g w ith Canadian Association Pointe West Golf Club, Ontario I * 1 Special Olym pics Com ing~ Hold th e D ate! Bald Mountain Coif Club t - • I For the 13th year, the MBCGCSA will sponsor a golf outing to benefit the Special Olympics organization. The immensely successful event last year at Bald Mountain Coif Club was a sellout, and we are hoping to have the For further inform ation, please contact: Carey Mitchelson Fund Raising Chairman (810) 361-1108 Paul Dushane Special Olympics Chairman (810) 855-9716 Kate Mason Executive Secretary MBCGCSA (313)881-8000 ______ same great turnout this year. The outing is scheduled fo r Friday, May 20th, and the entry fee will again be $65 per person and $260 per team. The entrance fee includes golf, cart, continental breakfast, luncheon on the course and a great steak dinner prepared by the Prieskorn family. Those who can't participate in golf, but wish to be a part of the event, may purchase dinner tickets for $25, and donations fo r tee sponsorships will be welcome. Last year's popular post golf activities, including the raffle, 50/50 drawing, prizes, entertainm ent and the sports mem orabilia auction will again be part of the festivities. Also, we are looking forward to the appearance of, Alex Delvecchio, with us. Your e ffo rts raised $8,000 fo r this worthwhile organization last year, and have high hopes of increasing that donation. Mark your calendars and sign up early. Hope to see you there! MOWRY, DEAN CLASS H Four-Year Student Scholarship Recipient 695 Ladyman Sherwood, Ml 49089 H-(517) 741-7726 SIGLER, RICHARD (MARILYN) CLASS F Earth Work Engineers Inc. 51800 W. Pontiac Trail, Suite #1 Wixom, Ml 48393 H-1810) 478-2845 O-(810) 437-1731 FAX (810) 437-4750 SOULLIERE, MIKE (LYNNE) CLASS F Soulliere Decorative Stone, Inc. 4454 22 Mile Utica, Ml 48317 0-1810) 739-0020 FAX (810) 739-8154 SUSALSKI, DAVE (LINDSAY) CLASSF Dixie Cut Stone and Marble 6128 Dixie Hwy. Bridgeport, Ml 48722 H-(517) 799-4637 0-(800) 783-4661 FAX (517) 777-7866 A Patch of Green, March/April1994 • 3 • "Michigan and Border Cities...Kate speaking.” 'Hi, Kate. It's Pete Miller." "Oh, Hi, Pete. What's up?" "Well, I'm calling to cancel my reservation for the next meeting. Something's come up and I won't be able to make it." "Sorry, you can't make it. Should be a good one. Thanks for calling, i'll take care of the cancellation. You know, it's a good thing you called or we m ight have to charge you, even though you didn't attend. Very often the club charges us for the reservation am ount and not those actually attending." "Yeah, l know. I got stuck last time. I learned my lesson." ‘ Well, I'd also like to thank you for making your reservation so promptly. I see, by my records, you called the day you received the flyer. That w ay you didn’t forget and we can have a “count" for the host, l can't tell you how many people w ait till after the deadline date to make their reservation. Seems so inconsiderate to me, to everyone involved: the host, the club and the com m ittee in charge, it also isn't too easy updating that list.” "Well, you know. I don't think the guys give it that much thought...until it's too late. They get busy...you know." "I understand, it just doesn't take much tim e to be considerate.” "Guess I better go." "Sorry for bending your ear. Just one of my pet peeves, I guess.” "Thanks, Kate "Anytime, Pete.” Introducing the First Com plete Line o f Potassium Nitrate-Based Turf Products. Supported by Research You’ve read the studies. A desirable ratio of potassium and nitrogen makes stronger turf requiring less maintenance. You know this is a higher ratio of potas­ sium to nitrogen than you’re applying now. Controlled-Release: the Key But what choice have you had? Controlled-release materials are the basis of advanced turfgrass fertility programs. And until now, controlled-release potassium nitrate has not been available. Now K-Power’s MultiCote® controlled-release coating allows you to apply the benefits of potassium nitrate-based fertilization across your entire program: Greens Grade, Fairways, even Combination products. K-Power® Builds Stronger Turf K-Power’s potassium helps turf plants better regulate water levels in their tissue and increase cell wall thickness. The plant is better able to resist temperature and drought stress as well as fungus and insect attacks. W ithout costly chemical treatments. A COMPLETE LINE OF POTASSIUM NITRATE-BASED PROFESSIONAL TURF PRODUCTS Stiffer leaves support the golf ball for better shot­ making. Even if you mow a little higher. Clippings are reduced because K-Power’s desirable ratio of potassium to nitrogen reduces the rate of leaf growth. And the low salt index of chlorine-free K-Power potassium nitrate makes it one of the safest turf fertilizers available. Unique Formulas The Greens Grade line includes the only ammoni- ated hom ogenous products that combine the benefits of methylene urea and potassium nitrate. The Fairway Blends provide a unique 50/50 ratio of controlled-release nitrogen to controlled- release potassium. For the growth and green-up you need. W hen you need it. Trial Programs Contact your distributor for more information on K-Power and the world’s most perfect trial program. Or call us at 1-800-227-2798. AfWCOMPANY ©1993 Vicksburg Chemical K-Power, MultiCote and the Sergeant K character are registered trademarks of Vicksburg Chemical. (It’s about time.) A Patch of Creen, March/ApriH994 • 4 • O n par « ? oresiden For the last 14 years, I've had the pleasure of working fo r a university that continues in its Einstein once said, “The tra g e d y o f life is w h a t dies inside a person as he or she lives." The o p p o rtu n ity fo r education is all around us. mission by encouraging employees to attend self- motivation, management, higher education, retirement and miscellaneous seminars, workshops, retreats and association meetings to promote a more diversified and new greens specifications, plant growth regulations, biological controls of turfgrass diseases and many agronomic concerns. We tu rf managers need to support the message we relay to the membership and clients to whom we are responsible. CONGRATULATIONS to MTF President Jim Bogart, his excellent committee directors and the MSU research staff for providing the educational information. It was a superior conference. In closing, the crocus and daffodils are about to explode on the scene, as well as the green grasses that make our commitments to tu rf managing worthwhile. As the season opens, start it o ff right by learning the skills required to manage a team of champions; and when that first ball flies, you'll know you're ready. Jay Delcamp PRESIDENT Have a great last few weeks of winter and a Super Opening Day!! * Employees who trust and respect each other continue to grow as a champion team. * Only if you understand the uniqueness of each employee will you be able to teach and communicate with them. * Teach them positive and negative aspects of working together with others on the team. M otivation * YOU do not motivate anyone—YOU create the situation, to which they motivate themselves. M onitor Performance * Pay attention to ALL employees' performance. * Performance at outstanding levels should be commended. * Give office support to overloaded personnel. Make sure responsibilities do not exceed abilities. welcom e Feedback-Deliver Feedback * Let your employees know when they are doing a good job. * Let your employees know YOUR goals and expectations. * Listen to your employees' needs and expectations. * Encourage employees to submit agendas to be discussed at meetings. All these steps are important in developing and maintaining a hard­ working team, and they give each employee the opportunity to be unique. Once the players' goals are met, then you start over and set new goals. All it takes is a few minutes with each team member, once a week, to make sure they are aware that YOU are interested in the ability of each team member, as well as their performance as a team. Reaching the coach's goals are, therefore, simplified with the cooperation of your championship team. Also, in January, the 64th Annual Michigan Turfgrass Conference was held in Lansing. Personally, I feel the five days of critical information was the most educational program that the Michigan Turf Foundation (MTF) and Michigan State Extension have ever organized. More than 1,200 turf-oriented participants braved the -20 degree weather to digest news, research data and updates on environmental matters. Subjects included: pesticide exposures, wetlands, laws, new and old state legislation, nutrients in soil, A Patch of Green, March/April1994 • 5 • educated individual. This helps employees avoid becoming stagnant in their jobs and also gives them the opportunity to learn more about their desired field or search fo r new beginnings. Last January, I attended the seminar, "The Manager As Coach." The theme was to learn the skills required to become a coach and how to build a team of champions. The instructor gave us, a group of 40 administrators, many ideas and techniques to manage as a coach. As I absorbed the information, I recognized many techniques that could be brought back to my employees and allow me to manage them more efficiently. Today, it is very important to work with your employees, as well as manage them. Following are highlights of techniques to "Manage Asa Coach." Setting Coals * Each individual should set a goal. * Coals should be attainable, and the step process should be defined. * When setting goals, teach your employees how to prioritize and use time management. * Discuss goals with individuals and staff on a regular basis. Training * Employees learn by example...yours. * Keep your employees informed by scheduling staff meetings. * Give your employees the opportunity to attend seminars and workshops. * Encourage your veteran employees to teach the basics, not the shortcuts. * Ideas and knowledge are keys to learning. Developing w orking Relationships * Trust and respect will be built by management. * A manager who is trusted and respected has the team working with him. G C SAA Election Results The GCSAA held its 1994 Annual Meeting on February 7,1994, In Dallas, Texas, Among the topics considered were 15 proposed by-law changes, which would grant the GCSAA Executive Board greater latitude in the day-to-day managing of the Association. The results were as follows: Ballot #1 Articles of incorporation wording. yes-5,229 no-46 Passed Ballot #2 Premable yes-5,230 no-46 Passed Ballot #3 Membership Application yes-3,950 no-1,325 Ballot # 4 AA, A, B, C Membership Classes yes-4,659 no-616 Passed Ballot #5 D1,D2,D3,D4,D5,D6 Membership Classes yes-2,954 no -2,321 Failed Ballot #6 F Membership Class yes-2,485 no-2,798 Ballot #7 Educators, Associate, Honorary, Student, Retired, Inactive Membership Classes yes-4,357 no-918 Passed Ballot #8 Dues & Supplemental Assessments Ballot #9 Conduct of Members yes-5,152 no-123 Ballot #10 Publication of Voting yes-4,774 no-501 Passed Failed Passed Passed Passed Passed Passed Passed Passed Christmas memories The 1993 Christmas Party was held at Red Run Golf Club on December 3,1993. Gary and Rosemarie Thommes were the hosts, and Mike and Kathy Bay were chairpersons fo r this annual event, The renovated clubhouse at Red Run accommodated the 134 people comfortably, and the excellent food and service provided by General Manager Andy Roback and his staff made the evening special fo r everyone. Jim McGuire again played a key part in arranging fo r the decorations and gift ornaments, and the band, "Secrets," entertained til the early hours. Highlights of the evening included the presentation of the Past President Plaque to outgoing president Ken DeBusscher, and gifts to Pam DeBusscher pulls the name of the next raffle winner while Ken oversees the raffle. The line dance group keeps with the beat. Ballot #11 Voting, Offlcers/Board, Committees yes-5,207 no-68 Passed Ballot #12 Duties & Powers of Board yes 5,270 no-5 Ballot #13 Duties of Secretary/Treas. yes, 5,275 no-0 Ballot #14 Position of CEO yes-5,122 no-153 Ballot #15 Trustees of Benevolence Fund yes- 5,270 no-5 The Annual Election was held at the same meeting, and Mr. Joe Baidy, CGCS of Ohio, was elected president of GCSAA for 1994. The result of the remaining elections were as follows: Vice President: Gary Grlgg CGCS (Florida) 4,137 votes Bruce Williams CGCS (III.) 1,121 votes Dlrectors:Paul McGinnis (Arlz.) 3,750 votes - elected Charles Passlos (Mass.) 985 Tommy W itt (Texas) 2,905 Scott Woodhead (Mont.) 3,399 - elected Bruce Williams (III.) 4,460 - elected Mr. Tommy Witt, of Texas, was appointed to the Board by President Joe Baidy to complete the unexplred term of Gary Grlgg. Respectfully submitted, Tom Mason - GCSAA Delegate immediate Past President Tom Mason in appreciation of their tireless work in keeping our association the strongest in the nation. Our new president, Jay Delcamp, was introduced and expressed his feelings about joining the company of form er MBCGCSA presidents. The 1994 Christmas Party will be held at Lakeland Golf Club in Brighton with Superintendent Jon Shreve as both host and chairman. Mark your calendars now fo r December 2,1994! A Patch of Creen, March/April1994 • 6 • Superintendents warned off Cancer Risk CCSAA Announces Next Phase Of Health Research Program CCSAA will launch a new series of health research projects and expand its com m itm ent to chemical applicator education. The new series will advance a preliminary statistical study conducted by an independent research team from the University of Iowa (Ul) College of Medicine. The results of the study, which was initiated and financed by CCSAA Scholarship & Research, were announced February 6 at the association's annual conference in Dallas. The study was a statistical analysis of death certificates among 618 form er CCSAA members who died between 1970 and 1992. The Iowa researchers found that the group had a higher rate of mortality from lung cancer than the general population. They also found higher-than- average mortality fo r a number of other cancers, including brain, large intestine, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and prostate. The research team stressed that the results cannot be interpreted to mean that golfers are at risk. From a public and occupational health perspective, the excess number of lung cancer deaths is a primary concern," said Dr. Burton Kross, associate director of Ul's Institute of Agricultural Medicine and Occupational Health, who led the research team. "From a public and occupational health perspective, the excess number of lung cancer deaths is a primary concern," Kross said. Lung and other head and neck cancers have been strongly associated with cigarette and cigar smoking, but Kross strongly cautioned that no cause-and-effect relationship to any illness can be determined by this statistical analysis. According to researchers, a statistical study cannot be interpreted to link any particular factor to cause of death. CCSAA's mission in funding this independent mortality study was to begin the first phase of an overall look at occupational health and safety issues that affect our members," said Stephen F. Mona, GCSAA executive director/CEO. "This is a long-term com m itm ent to ensuring that superintendents work in a safe and healthy environment." The next phase of the overall effort could include helping association members stop smoking, expanding CCSAA's current education and training programs, and completing a statistical mortality ratio study to put Ul's preliminary data into context. "We also think this gives us an opportunity to forge new partnerships with groups that can help us accomplish our mission," Mona said. "For example, the chemical manufacturers have made great strides in packaging and form ulation over the past decade. This is one more reason to work closely with them in their efforts to develop new technology in products and packaging. Another example could be working with an organization like the American Cancer Society on the smoking issue. This also gives CCSAA the opportunity to continue to strongly encourage and support the Environmental Protection Agency." A Patch of Green, March/April1994 • 7 • 1 v W m m i DAVEY OFFERS EVERY TREE CARE SERVICE YOU’LL EVER NEED. You know that mature trees add challenge as well as beauty. You also know ma­ ture trees are impossible to replace. Davey knows how to help protect these valu­ able assets from decline, lightning, storm damage, insects and disease. Davey professionals will inventory your trees, evaluate the condition of each one, and give you a report prioritizing treatments. Over time, expert care from Davey will actually reduce your tree maintenance costs. Keep your most valuable assets standing tall with the leader in tree care since 1880. Call Davey today at 689-2200 (in Troy) or 459-8690 (in Canton Twp.) D A VEY TREE AND LAWN BEAUTY Dedicated to providing quality products and services to the turf and ornamental industries m U n ited Horticultural Supply, David Polen & Howard Altman Lansing Sales Office 16713 Industrial Pkwy. Lansing, MI 48901 Steve Fent Saginaw Sales Office 3515 Janes Street Saginaw, MI 48605 Customer Service - Toll Free 1-800-222-9963 featuring M P R O F E S S IO N A L TU RF P R O D U C T S W orking To E n h a n ce Our W orld N U R SER Y ST O C K PIN E , SPRUCE, & FIR TREES Standard $29.50 35.00 42.50 Specimen $45.50 58.00 69.00 4-5’ 5-6’ 6-7’ H A W T H O R N & R E D B U D 6-8’ 8-10’ $35.00 45.00 Please call for quotes on freight & planting services. ^ r m i n t r o u f s 1156 Lincoln Rd Ph: 800-860-2663 Allegan, Michigan 49010 Fax: (616) 673-3519 SPARTAN BRAND YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR OVER 60 YEARS.... F r o m tee to g r e e n Im p r o v e d v a r iet ie s R e l ia b il it y Se l e c t io n T e c h n ic a l h e lp CALL 1 -800-647-TURF MICHIGAN STATE SEED CO. 717 N. CLINTON GRAND LEDGE, MICHIGAN A Patch of Green, March/April1994 • 8 • PUMPS FOUNTAINS CONTROLS SERVICE ■ On Site Consultation & Repair ■ Electrical Testing ■ Control Repair ■ Scheduled Maintenance ■ Winterizing ■ Removal & Reinstallation ■ Complete In Shop Rebuilding ■ Authorized Dealer of: Air-O-Lator Fountains & Aerators ■ Professional Service Since 1945 North End Electric Co. 2000 B e lla ire R oyal O ak, M I 48067 ( 8 1 0 ) 3 9 8 - 8 1 8 7 C o n t a c t : R o b e r t W a t t Fax (8 1 0 ) 398-5803 NEW PRODUCT INFORMATION Sandoz Announces Registration of Sentinel 40WG Fungicide for Golf Course Market A fter many years o f developm ent and testing, Sandoz Agro's Sentinel 40WC fungicide has received Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration fo r use on golf course turfgrass. Sentinel Is effective against 14 major tu rf diseases— including brown patch, dollar spot and sum m er patch— at rates lower than any commercially available fungicide, according to the company. Sentinel also controls rust, southern blight, red thread, copper spot, anthracnose, stripe sm ut, necrotic ring spot, gray and pink snow mold and gray leaf spot. Sentinel was the focus o f an EPA-approved Experimental Use Program on 45 courses In 1993. During the past eight years, it has been tested on 12 tu rf species at m ore than 400 sites across the country. According to Ron Fister, director of Specialty Sales at Sandoz, the focus in 1994 is to introduce Sentinel Into the Northern United States, where tu rf managers are plagued w ith the diseases this fungicide has been successful In preventing. Sandoz also announces th at the EPA has approved Barricade, the company's prem ium preemergence herbicide, fo r use in and around m ore than 100 species o f landscape ornamentals, as well as on Bentgrass and all areas o f the golf course, except putting greens. Changes to Barricade's label also include the removal o f height restriction fo r tu rf at the tim e o f application. The new, sim plified label lists rates o f application in regions o f the country, elim inating rate ranges. Used as part o f a comprehensive tu rf and landscape m anagem ent program , Barricade provides season-long control (up to 26 weeks) o f weeds. Its low solubility enables the product to stay at the soil line th ro u gh o u t the growing season fo r long-term protection and residual control capability. For more information, please call (800) 435-TURF (8873) or Benham Chemical Co., (810) 474-7474. A Patch of Green, March/ApriH994 • 9 • Update Your Control System Without Damaging Any Turf Single Source Control of Irrigation Systems Saves You Time & Money! Two-Way Radio Communication Eliminates Expense of Direct Communication Wire! ( B u c k n e r‘ C O P S U niversal (Computer Oriented Programming Systems) Run Everything, Control From Your Office Desk EZ TO INSTALL Cops works with anv existing irrigation electric controller, regardless of make or manufacturer • Operate up to 1500 stations with each of 99 different programs • Group any field unit and station with any other station or field unit in a slave/master relationship in any order the system requires • Program an infinite number of start times per station, each with its own independent run time • Assign a unique valve designation to run independently from the rest of the program • Program station run times from one minute to nine hours and fifty nine minutes in one-minute settings • Operate manually, semi-automatically, or in a syringe program • Control valves, lights, fountains, security or any device where a 24 volt relay can be used • Use a hand held portable radio to turn stations on or off and program run times for those manual operations Plus Many More Benefits! Call Today For A Free Quote 7 ¡Century Rain Aid I A Patch of Creen, March/April1994 • 10 • C om puter Requirem ent • 486 Personal Computer with PC-DOS or MS-DOS • 1 MB RAM • 80 MB Hard Disk Drive • 3 72" or 5 74" Diskette Drive R ecom m ended Phone modem with communication software, dot matrix or laser printer 9 T fe moriam Tribute to a Friend by Kevin Dushane Golf Course Superintendent Bloomfield Hills Country Club Meadowbrook Country Club. After 17 years, Andy moved on to Holly Greens Golf Course, where he finished his career as a Golf Course Superintendent. After leaving Holly Greens, Andy worked as a consultant/turfgrass ambassador with the W.A. Cleary Company. In the early 80s, he finally settled down fo r good with his loving wife of 55 years, Evelyn, a genuine person in her own right. They raised a family of two boys and two girls. One of their sons, Jim Bertoni, became a Golf Course Superintendent and now resides in California. Andy was active in the turfgrass industry. He served as a Director of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation and was President of the Michigan and Border Cities GCSA. He was involved with the USGA Green Section and served on the Board of Directors of the GCSAA. In fact, Andy received the Distinguished Service Award from the GCSAA in 1986. I wanted to write about Andy because I feel it is important that younger members of our Association know a little about some of the men who helped our industry, and our Association, grow. We have lost some great leaders over the years. They must be remembered in order to keep the legacy of the Michigan and Border Cities GCSA alive. Thus, it can be passed on to the next generation of Golf Course Superintendents. Jimmy Bertoni eulogized his father best by saying there never will be another Andy Bertoni. He's right. There never will be. For this, we all lose out. £Doug Glasson, owner of D & C Distributors, passed away January 6,1994. Doug owned D&C fo r 13 years. Previously, he worked for Mille Equipment in Plymouth fo r 30 years selling heavy construction equipment. Doug is survived by his wife, Carole, six children and 16 grandchildren. Mark Glasson will oversee the operation of D&C Distributors. Memorial donations can be sent to: Matthew Botsford Rehabilitation Fund, 8079 Locklun Lane, Commerce Township, Ml 48382 In Memoriam continued on page 13 Current superintendent at Meadowbook Country Club Club, Mike Edgerton (I.) with Andrew Bertoni, who passed away February 16. a n old friend of mine passed away recently. He was the first golf course superintendent I ever worked for. On February 16,1994, Andy Bertoni expired at the age of 81 of congestive heart failure. He died in his sleep. I think all of us who knew Andy would agree that a fitting ending to his life was that he probably told his wife a joke before he went to sleep fo r the last time. His ability to make people laugh and smile was what Andy was about. He had a heart of gold that he shared with eveyone. Andy enjoyed life. I first worked fo r Andy in 1971. He always was willing to help me in any way he could. If it weren't fo r him, I probably would not be in the golf business today. I learned more than how to grow grass with Andy. He showed me how to enjoy people. I remember attending turfgrass conferences over the years and many times walking up on a group of people laughing and smiling. Andy would be in the middle of the pack telling his one-liners and hilarious stories. His eyes would be twinkling and his voice ringing out with laughter. Young children would flock around Andy where he was. His magic tricks would mystify them. His charm would disarm them. Andy was born in Genoa, Italy, and moved to the United States in 1913 with his family. They lived in the Ann Arbor area. Andy attended Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, where he almost decided to enter the priesthood. He attended college at Notre Dame and the Unviersity of Michigan. Andy was very active in the golf industry from the early days of his career. He was the Golf Course Superintendent at Barton Hills County Club in the late 40s. In 1952, Andy became the Superintendent at A Patch of Green, March/April1994 • 11 • S G N I V A S T S O C L A I R E T A M D N A R O B A L • S E T A R N O I T A C I L P P A R E W O L Lawn Equipment Service & Sales, Inc. ' BUNTON ' H O W ARD • HIGHLANDER (Trap Rake) • LELY • LOCKE ■ MILLCREEK ' PUG/UTILITY CART • SNAPPER • SOFTEC » SWEEPSTER • SELBRO » STiHL » S.D.I. SPRAYERS » TERRA-TOPPER SPREADER * V iC O N » VERTI-DRAIN/RENTAL » DUMP TRAILERS Lawn Equipment Service & Sales, Inc. 151 North Perry Pontiac, Ml 48342 ( 8 1 0 ) 8 5 8 - 7 7 0 0 ^ I r r ig a t io n C o . 711 West Pickard Mt. Pleasant, Ml 48858 Tel. (517)772-5621 Fax. (517) 773-1880 2719A Courier Dr. N.W. Grand Rapids, Ml 49504 Tel. (616) 453-1114 PHONE TOLL FREE (800)334-7011 YOUR FULL LINE DISTRIBUTOR FOR: BUCKNER® IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT • SyncroFlo Pump Stationers • Rainjet Fountains and Aerators • A full line of stocked irrigation sup­ plies ready for immediate delivery fj Irrigation Co., where "service comes first. " DRAINAGE DRAINAGE DRAINAGE “If You U se It, It W ill Qrow. » O ffering Solutions T o Soil M anagem ent Challenges. Let us offer “ assistance” in the following areas: • Improved Drainage • Increased Total Pore Space B* Plant Available Water • Compaction Resistance • Decreased Bulk Density • Stabilized Microbial Popul; • Reduced Leaching • Oxygen And Water Exchange 1 BLUE CHIP ENTERPRISES, INC. ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS Offering Solutions Setting The Standard Leading in “Assists” For Inform ation Please Call: R obert J. R osbury Jr. or P atrick M. B urke P.O. Box 5357 • Dearborn, Ml 48128 • O/F (313) 565-5559 ADDRESSES IDEAL ROOT ZONE FACTORS HUGGETT SOD FARM, INC. ♦ TOP Q U A LITY SOD • PENNCROSS BENT (Crown on U.S.C.A. mix). • PENNLINKS BENT (Crown on loam soil). • SHADE M IX (Bluegrass, Fescue mix for fairways & erosion contro l.) - Good on Sandy Soils or in Shade. • NUGGETT + li (Bluegrass Blend) - Grade A or Commercial Peat or Top Soil Base. S O IL FR E E SO D A V A IL A B L E The Nifty Fifty Big R o ll.A ^ • Less Labor • Easy Laying • Less Seams ♦ BULK SPH A G N U M PEAT FOR GREENS M IX ♦ SHADE & O R N A M EN TA L TREES 41I4 East M ariette Rd. ♦ Mariette, Ml 48I53 DELIVERY Indiana Michigan - Ohio A Patch of Creen, March/April1994 • 12 • You Talked... We Listened. And This is What We Heard. Introducing M ilorganite's Newest Product. BENHAM CHEMICALS 24800 N. Industrial Drive Farm ington Hills, MI 48335 PHONE: (810) 474-7474 (800) 482-6520 (MI ONLY) ~ ) | ^ m o r i a A Reflection on Don LaFond by Clem Wolfram Don LaFond, better known to his close friends as the "Silver Fox," passed away earlier this year. Being a close friend, I wanted to let others know the effect he left on the Superintendent profession and on our Association. Don was a self-made superintendent. He came up through the ranks in the golf business from a job as bartender at Edgewood Country Club to his position as superintendent at Bay Pointe Golf Club. With Ernie Fuller as his mentor, Don took on one of the tougher courses in Michigan (Bay Pointe, literally, was built on a swamp.) and made it into one of the finest private outing courses in Michigan. What Don didn't know about draining a golf course wasn't worth knowing. He was a master at it. He probably handled more outings at his club per year than any five clubs together in the state, and had to have that course in shape for carts to run at every o u tin g - three or four per week throughout the season. Don was always one of the hardest workers at our Annual Fund-raising day. He convinced Ernie Fuller that Bay Pointe should be the host club, which it is, and has been fo r many years. Don also served on the Board of Directors of our Association and did a hell of a job. What stands out most in my mind was Don's likeable personality. He had many friends in and out of the golf world. He organized a group of superintendents who snowmobiled every Monday night in the winter. Everyone was welcome to meet at his house on Bay Pointe, and the party was on. I never knew a man who worked harder or enjoyed partying just as much. He really enjoyed life. Don was not one to ring his own bell. He did not receive a lot of awards. He was just a producer. The kind of fellow you loved to be around. The kind of man you'd want fo r a friend. So, a final salute to you, Don. Take care ol' "Silver Fox" and have a scotch on us. You always will be remembered. Shore Control B R ID G E S • D A M S • B O A R D W A L K S S E A W A L L S — S teel • W oo d PVC C LO C B oulders Complete Jobs or Products Only (313) 887-7855 FREE QUOTES - ■ POND DREDGING SPECIALIST O ff Road Trucking W ide Track Bulldozing Grading Shore Line & Land D evelopm ent SW EETC O IN C . South Lyon, M ichigan 48178 27405 Henry Rd. Ml 313-437-1830 V 1 iL A Patch of Green, March/ApriH994 • 13 • Four Ton Hydraulic Dump Cart Box 10’ x 6' X 18" sides 10/5 Telescopic underbody hoist. 5000 lb.Spindles & Hubs. 6 stud. Turf tires 26” high 12“ wide 23% weight transfer to tractor tires. Minimal turf damage. Many other models available. J f f ^ MACHINERY RR#5 Strathroy, Ontario, N763H6 (Just 40 miles east of Port Huron) Tel: (519) 245-3800 • Fax: (519) 245-0038 MDA Regulation 637 ITS THE LAW We offer rinse/m ixing, loading pads and safety equipment to meet every business need. • Portable Pads • Preformed Concrete Pad • Chemical Storage Buildings • Spill Recovery Supplies • Safety Equipment Compliance Concepts I 24800 N. Industrial Drive Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 Phone: (810) 473-7050 Fax: (810) 474-3228 Their Approach To Boosting Potash. Our Approach To Boosting Potash. Blended products may cost less. But when you use a blend for boosting potash, you’re sacrificing a lot. Namely, balanced and efficient nutrient distribution. And a raw mate­ rial option that’s not as complete. Or a product that’s simply too high in nitrogen. Enter Country Club 8-4-24. Designed to improve dis­ ease tolerance. Create less clippings. And enhance drought resistance. All in a homogeneous mixture to ensure bal­ anced, even nutrient distribution. Leave it to Country Club to out­ distance the competi­ tion. Once again. C o u n t r y C lu b 8 - 4 - 2 4 BENHAM CHEMICAL CORPORATION 24800 N. Industrial Farmington Hills, Ml 4 8 335 (313) 474-7474 (800) 482-6520 m i o n l y a Patch of Creen, March/April1994 • 14 • Awards Scholarships (I. to r.) Matt Ashton, Scholarship Chairman Dave Picot and Dean Mowry. ■ m BCCCSA student awards were presented at the annual Michigan Turfgrass Conference. This year our association introduced a two-year award, along with the four-year turfgrass student award. All interviews were conducted on campus on December 15,1995. Interviewers of four-year students were: Carey Mitchelson, Dale Bauer and Craig Roggeman. Two-year students were interviewed by Jon Shreve, j Dave Montgomery and Scholarship Chairman Dave Picot. Following individual Jr interviews, the winners were: Matthew Ashton (two-year award) and Dan Mowry (four-year award). Matt has worked at Forest Lake Country Club since 1979 and carried a 5.96 CPA. Fie also won a CCSAA award and a Trans- Mississippi award. Dean's experience has been at Crystal Springs Country Club and Riverside Country Club. Fie is a member of the Agronomy Club and Turf Club and also received the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation's Robert Flancock Award. MBCCCSA extends its congratulations to both winners, and best wishes fo r good luck in future endeavors. A Patch of Green, March/April1994 • 15 • INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE MOWING INDUSTRY THE ONLY M ICHIGAN DISTRIBUTOR OF DYNA M O W HYDRAULIC MOWERS See Us For The Following: Ford Tractors New Holland Tractors Skid Steer Loaders Lawn Mower & Equipment Mott & Terrain King Mowers Alamo Boom Mowers Master Craft & Dahmer Fork Landpride & Woods Equipment ® Goosen Chippers, Blowers • Meyers Snow Plows • Sweepster Brooms • Trailers-large and small MUNN FORD TRACTOR 3700 LAPEER RD. AUBURN HILLS, MI 48326 Ph: (313) 373-5000 • Fax: (313) 373-4445 Call for further information or stop in for demo at the MDLA Trade show Booth #703. Ask about our rent for sale program for 1994. A Patch of Green, March/April1994 • 16 • Michigan state Research Shows Insignificant Amounts of Fertilizer Reach Groundwater A study conducted by Michigan State University Professor Dr. Bruce Branham and a team of university faculty experts in nitrogen fate research has found the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied to turfgrass which reaches groundwater is basically nil. The research project, a part of the $3 million United States Golf Association Environmental Research effort, was designed to monitor the movement of nitrogen fertilizers through the soil and their potential to subsequently contaminate groundwater. Preliminary results indicated that less than one percent of the nitrogen applied on a Kentucky bluegrass turf traveled to a depth of four feet within the sandy loam soil. For more detailed inform ation on the study, contact Mike Kenna, USGA Green Section Research Office, Box 2227, Stillwater, OK 74076. SINCE' 19471 GENERATOR FER TILIZER S P M I » / V O LTA G E [CAL „LISTS C tL F * CITIES® ACTORS® 5® ER S*$A W ® A IR DERS® URF® M O W E R S ® :r s ®t r a i l e r s ® S S O R S *C U S H M A N ® M O W E R S ® R S -FO U N T A IN S ® B L O W E R S * L ft »miMi S PA R TA N D IS T R IB U T O R S * T O R O ^ X S S S g n U G A 'n O N * G O LF’ »1G N S® PU M P§* C O M M E p il1 B ^|T lA L « S F O IIS FIE LD S *P A R K S JlO N T R i LEES® to?A c o w M O W E R S ® fM M £R S ® ¥R A C T 0 R 5® ACTO RS® S *P R U N £R S ® S A W * tHREDDERS® O M M E R C IA L S A N D A ILE R S * UPPERS® A IR JCLE*BL0 WERS® ORS^IQWERS® la o R o ■ORS S 1NTAINS® HIRE® r i6 i,7 ^ S N T A IN S * D IFFU SED A IR ® S P A R TA N D IS T R IB U T O R S ® T O R O ® T O R O IR R IG A T IO N *S E R V IC £*P A R T S SPARTAN DISTRIBUTORS, INC. Specializing in Turf and Irrigation Equipment 487 W. DIVISION ST. SPARTA, Ml 49345 (616) 887-7301 30650 WEST 8 MILE RD. FARMINGTON HILLS, Ml 48336 (810)476-3664 1050 OPDYKE RD. AUBURN HILLS, Ml 48326 (810)373-8800 A Patch of Green, March/ApriH994 Tire W holesalers Co., Inc. •As our name implies, we are a wholesaler of tires. •We are an established business, having been in business for over 22 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 Performance, Truck, Trailer, Motorcycle, Carlisle Lawn & Garden, Industrial Tires & Tubes, Shocks, Struts, Custom Mag Wheels and Accessories, all in stock for immediate delivery. (COttDOVait) .fj'piin ^bwistb CADILLAC WAREHOUSE 303 Hawthorn Street Cadillac, Ml 49601 (616) 7 7 5 -6 6 6 6 NEW! NEW1 NEW! TROY DISTRIBUTION CENTER 1783 E. 14 Mile Road Troy, Ml 48083 (313) 5 8 9 -9 9 1 0 SOUTHFIELD WAREHOUSE 19240 West 8 Mile Road Southfield, Ml 48075 (313) 3 5 4 -9 9 1 0 H A S I T ! Everything you need for professional turf management. •Fertilizers »Control Products »Seed •Irrigation »Equipment »Replacement Parts •Golf Course Accessories »Safety Products •Service Brochures • Low Voltage Lighting ( 8 0 0 ) 3 2 1 -5 3 2 5 Your Growth Partner LESCO, Inc., 20005 Lake Rd., Rocky River, Ohio 44116 A Patch of Green, March/ApriH994 • 18 • Feelin’ Proud by Tim Doppel r r m I ju st g o t back fro m a vacation spot to which m ost every parent dreams o f taking their children: Disney World. And I m ust tell you that if you have not yet been, ya gotta go. You can go w ith o ut children if you w ant and still have a good tim e, but there is som ething magical about seeing it through the eyes of a child. Borrow som ebody's kids if you have to, but go. W atching the reaction o f our children to the many stim uli found in the Disney parks was w orth every cent "Here you see the progress that American agriculture has made over the last century." we paid fo r the trip. And when you do go, one o f the highlights has to be Epcot Center and, in particular, The Land exhibit. Here you see the progress that American agriculture has made over the last century. They make a valid point o f how, at first, farm ers disregarded the dynamics o f soil conservation and how the land has suffered fo r it. Then they present how agriculture has improved its practices to better preserve the health o f our soils. Then you move into an active research center where they try new ideas fo r improved watering, hydroponics and other cool stu ff like that. All very interesting, and it truly makes you proud to be correctly to maintain as healthy of a plant as we possibly can. We do everything we know to keep our turf and landscapes as pleasing to our members and players as possible using any extraordinary means. But it still isn't enough. Even when we do everything the right way, we will still need to use pesticides once in awhile because our customers demand a certain level of playing condition on our courses. My customers in my business expect a certain quality of lawn. Disney customers expect a certain level of appearance of the landscape and grounds. And we all use pesticides to achieve the results that our customers demand. I am a firm advocate of not using any more pesticides than we absolutely have to. I abhor a philosophy of indiscriminate spraying of materials without a target pest being identified. But I would never say that the time for pesticide use is past. In fact, we know that the quality of life of society in general has improved in the last century, at the same time that pesticides have been used. Consider the follow ing: in 1900... • There were about 8,000 cars in the United States, but only 10 miles of concrete pavement. • There were few spray cans to destroy the ozone layer. • Everyone ate natural foods. • The air was relatively unpolluted and the ground was free of aluminum cans. • There were no sugar substitutes and no artificial colorings in foods. • We had no atomic waste or PCB. • The average life expectancy was 47 years. in 1994: • We are doing it all wrong. • The average life expectancy is 75 years. • Watch Out! If we're not careful, we may begin living to age 90! (attributed to W.J. Mcllrath) I walked very tall coming out of The Land at Epcot because, in my heart, I know that I am contributing to the same quality of life that Disney so eloquently displayed in their exhibits and grounds. And so are you. P.S. If you would like to know more about my trip, let me know. I have about two hours of video and lots of pictures I could bore you with real fast! associated w ith agriculture in our livelihoods. The reason fo r this little travelogue is th a t in tw o d iffe re n t places o f the presentation, they specifically m ention th a t they are trying to reduce pesticide use. I overheard the wom en sitting behind me com m ent th a t they th o u g h t th a t was "a very good idea." I th o u g h t to myself, "Boy, I can't even go on a vacation and get away fro m pesticide controversy!" But before I could try to interject som ething (and I was madly thinking o f how to phrase it!) the guide m entioned IPM practices. He w ent on to say that Disney recognizes that IPM does NOT mean using no pesticides and that, on occasion, they m ust spray materials to control pests. Whew! Needless to say the wom en behind me had no com m ent about that. We all try to be good stewards o f the little piece o f earth we have been given. We attend all those im portant seminars, read all those w orthw hile articles and listen to the advice o f the experts. We plant the right grasses and plants, water, fertilize and m ow them A Patch of Green, March/April1994 • 19 • TURFGRASS SPECIALISTS FREE NEXT DAY DELIVERY BRIGHTON (800) 482-3130 FAX: (810) 632-5840 BRADLEY (800) 632-1998 FAX: (616) 792-0700 A Patch of Green, March/April1994 • 20 • M ichigan & B o rd er C itie s GCSA MEMBER FOCUS Jay Delcamp President view g o lf th a t I'm n o t ju s t a b o u t Interested J a y Delcamp, Superintendent at Oakland University's Katke Cousins Golf Course, is calm by nature. His easy-going temperament has held him in good standing fo r 15 years at Katke Cousins as w ell as his previous g o lf course em ploym ent. Even o ut at sea In a flooding subm arine d u rin g his to u r in th e Navy he d id n 't lose his cool. Employees appreciate his calming personality. "The m ost challenging re q u ire m e n t a bo u t a superintendent's jo b Is managing your employees and com m unicating w ith the co nstitu e nts w ho enjoy the course," he says. Jay is a firm believer in team spirit. "I try to make sure my employees know I am In helping them set and reach Individual and team goals; th e boss, distrib utin g responsibilities. A lthough, I expect my team to complete their duties to the best of their capability." One o f Jay's concerns is the media's critica l club superintendents and their relationship to the environm ent. "We do m ore fo r the e n v iro n m e n t than anyone else in th e supply-type business," he says. "We have taken many courses, read and studied requirem ents and are learning every day the importance of being environmentally frie n d ly ." One o f th e m ost treasured moments fo r Jay is at 7 p.m. when he says, "As the sun goes down, I cherish watching the deer enjoy the natural habitats th a t have been established fo r them. During the winter, we have observed 18 varieties of birds, including our fam ous gaggles o f Canadian geese which fa ith fu lly return every year. Our course houses foxes, raccoons, opossums, muskrats and other various wildlife, Including stocked ponds with several schools o f fish. We feel the wildlife of our course Is of utm ost importance and are encouraged that our dedication to the environment will be noticed by the general public. One of my goals is to do a better job of getting this point of view across to everyone." Jay believes the superintendent Is caught in the middle o f the pesticide controversy. "It's tough to maintain a m anicured g o lf course w ith o u t spraying and using pesticides, and yet our m em bership wants the course looking perfect, if we were to stop maintaining the course by spraying, it w ould fa ll below par, to th e tu rfs o f yesterday. As long as we stay knowledgeable on pesticide regulations, changes in applications and proper procedures, we will remain beneficial in protecting the environments around us." Jay's colleagues agree that he and his crew o f 11 make Katke Cousins' 285 acres one of the state's m ost b ea u tifu lly m aintained and challenging courses. Its historical beauty is vivid on the 17th green where Meadow Brook Hall stands tall along the fairway. Currently In the fourth year of a five-year plan, the course Is undergoing th e renovation o f Its sand traps, w hich pleases Jay im m ensely. "The traps are w hat make a g o lf hole aesthetically pleasing and challenging. We're changing styles completely, and it will make an extensive difference in the appearance of the course." Jay began golfing at age 11 when he and his friends bicycled three miles to take lessons and practice at the Corunna Golf Club In C orunna, M ichigan. His g o lfin g achievements include being a winner of the Charlie Gehrlnger Memorial Meadow Brook Golf Classic, Club Champion at Indlanw ood and countless o th e r tournaments. Jay takes lessons several tim es a year fro m "one o f the best teachers in the area," Jerry Prieskorn, of Bald Mountain. (Fair warning to seniors. Jay Is getting his game toned up with th e senior to u rn a m e n ts in m ind, because when he tu rns 50 in a few years, he'll be ready!) An active m em ber o f th e MBCGCSA since 1972, Jay brings a valuable perspective to his new role as President. "When I was a rookie, I found that most techniques were kept secret. Now, It's phenomenal how superintendents assist each other with ideas, projections, concerns and maintenance techniques. This Is rewarding to observe because, after all, offering golf course superintendents support, education and fellowship is the whole purpose of the MBCGCSA." Jay is encouraged by the fact that attendance in the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Conference has tripled, as well as the doubled attendance at the National Conference since he's been in the Association. However, he also would like to see an increased participation in the MBCGCSA's m onthly meetings. "The meetings are more than just a chance to play golf," he says. "They're an opportunity to observe and learn from what other superintendents are accomplishing. And busy superintendents can use every effective, time-saving Idea they can get!" He encourages other superintendents to take note of his perspective, to make time to attend meetings and get involved with their Association. A Patch of Green, March/April1994 • 21 • Dave Southard', Superintendent, Bellevue Country Club, Syracuse, New York I l WITH DACONIL 2787', WE'VE HAD NO PROBLEM WITH LEAF SPOT." Spring comes late in central New York, and Dave Southard, course superintendent at the Bellevue Country Club in Syracuse, knows he can count on plen­ ty of moisture and cool temperatures. “That means Leaf spot,” Dave says. “Then we go right from Leaf spot to Dollar spot to Brown patch to Snow mold.” That’s why, when the last snow melts in mid-April, Dave begins a season-long program of turf protection that centers on Daconil 2787® Flowable Fungicide from ISK Biotech Corporation. Fairways, tees and greens “I don’t think we have more Leaf spot problems than other courses, but we do seem to have a longer time during which you have to control it,” Dave explains. “We spray fairways, tees, and greens about every two weeks for a six- or seven-week period.” Bellevue Country Club is an 18-hole Donald Ross course, built in 1916. Much of its character comes from the course’s rolling, woodsy terrain. In fact, the trees create some moisture problems on greens, tees and fairways. “We’re trying to thin out the trees a little, but we’re really overplanted,” Dave admits. “Many parts of the course are slow to dry out in the morning. Early or late in the year, when the sun is low in the sky, there are parts of the course that really don’t get any sun at all. The trees cut down on air circulation, too. And that increases disease pressure.” "I always come back to Daconil." You might say Daconil 2787 is the cornerstone of Dave’s turf management program. While he sometimes uses other products, he always comes back to Daconil 2787 for dependable disease control, and to avoid resis­ tance. As Dave puts it: “For 23 years, it’s been one of the basic products I use. It’s very cost-effective, and quite dependable.” Have you got a Daconil 2787 success story? Tell us about it. If we use your story in an ad, we’ll donate $100 to your favorite charity. Write Jackie Tengler, ISK Biotech Success Stories, 5885 Landerbrook Dr., Suite 215, Cleveland, OH 44124. Always follow label directions carefully when using turf and ornamentals plant protection products. ® Registered trademark of ISK Biotech Corporation. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ daconil The cornerstone of your | 2787 turf management program. A Patch of Green, March/April1994 • 22 • Michigan Turfgrass Conference Cold As Norway and Almost As Exciting The 64th Michigan Turfgrass Conference was held In balmy Lansing on January 18-20. Record low temperatures across the state transcended down from the Arctic causing some batteries to "crank" hard, but not the attitudes of the attendees. Many MBCCCSA members were involved In the record-setting conference. Tom Cray and Bruce Jacobs were co-chairmen, and their efforts were evidenced by th e q uality o f th e speakers and topics. During the c o n fe re n ce , Jon M addern becam e th e new MTF president, succeeding Jim Bogart. Jim Timmerman, Harry Schuemann and Mike Edgerton served as moderators of different sessions. Ted Woehrle gave tw o speeches, one on th e basic schools o f g o lf course construction and another on establishing new golf greens. A panel discussion with Dr. Bruce Branham on p la n t g ro w th regulators Involved Paul Dushane, Harry Schuemann and Cary Thommes. They answered many questions about Scott's TCR, Cutless and Prlmo and showed how they can be used in a tu rf management program. At the annual awards luncheon, Dr. Joe Varges, Jr. presented Dr. Paul Rieke with the Meritorious Service Award, a very deserving honor to a professional and class individual who is a recognized name in the turfgrass industry worldwide. There were numerous educational topics from which to choose, and Dr. Branham's research speech on the fate o f nitrogen and the insignificant anount o f fertilizer that reaches groundwater was a highlight. The vendor show, in an expanded area, was well organized and allowed ample room fo r m ingling with fellow professionals. Many thanks to the vendors fo r their support of the turfgrass industry. R em em ber to keep records o f cre d its fo r recertification. It's your responsibility. Tufgrass Inc.'s Gene Johanningssmeier, wearing many nametags, answers questions during the vendor show. Ron Detweiler, of M.S.U. Plant Pathology Department, always helpful and hard working. i . i Ak i A U A Outgoing President of MTF, Jim Bogard, with new president Jon Maddern of Elk Ridge Golf Club. Ai* i AU ii 1 til ik iii i Ai A Patch of Green, March/April1994 • 23 • Increase the Speed of Play Turn Complaints into Compliments... TURFGRASS INC, with FAST PLAY TECHNOLOGY Serving you better with .. as seen in PGA Magazine An innovative precision laser measurement marking system that's easily visible and doesn't interfere with maintenance. • Incremental 25 yard markers with color-coded posts every 50 yards • Professionally installed • Endorsed by Michigan PGA Professional Rodger Jabara Call or write for more info: FAST PLA Y TECHNOLOGY 32102 Howard St., Madison Heights, Ml 48071 Ph: (810) 583-4851 Fax: (810) 583-3179 THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ...TOPDRESSING WITH TDS-2150 SAND ■ Consistent Quality ■ Lab Reports with Every Shipment Technical information Free timely delivery ... Quality products Fertilizers Chemicals Seeds Spreaders & Sprayers Golf Supplies The Andersons, Lebanon, Sustane, Country Club, Nitroform , Nutralene, Once, Peters, Turfgrass Custom Blend Ciba-Geigy, W.A. Cleary, Chipco, Roots, Daconil, Miles, NAIAD, Monsanto, Dow-Elanco, Grace-Sierra, Nor-Am, Riverdale, PanaSea’, Miller, Agri-Plex 4X Lawnplex, No-Mix, Regal Chemical, Dimension, Sand-Aid, Roundup, Dissolve Medalist America Grass Seed, Bloom coat W ildflower Seed, Zajac Confidence Seed Cyclone, Spyker, Solo Back Pack, Wheely, Spray-Hawk, Chem-Pro Par Aide, Standard, Fore-Par, United Stockmen, Fox Valley, Master of the Links Environmental Equipment Plia Pads, Haz-Store Storage Buildings Safety Equipment Mine Safety Equipment Soil Management Grid System, TerraFlow, TerraBond, TerraCover Markers Richway, Blazon Recycled Plastic Hammer’s Recycled Plastics 1-313-437-1427 Office 1-800-521-8873 (M ichigan Only) Keith Richards Dan Johanningsmeier Gene Johanningsmeier Doug Johanningsmeier Richard Locke Todd Griebe Robert McNab Darold Howard A Patch of Green, March/April1994 • 24 • w R e s i g n W o o d ' INTERLOCKING TIMBERS DESIGNWOOD® does naturally what you only wish could be done with railroad ties and other timber landscaping products. * TIME & LABOR SAVINGS * LESS FACILITY DOWNTIME * NO CHAIN SAW CONSTRUCTION IDEAL FOR... * Retaining Walls * Terracing * Planters / Borders * Tee Boxes * Tree Rings * “Divot Filler” Boxes Available in 4x4 and 6x6 Lengths: 2', 4', 6' & 8' John A. Biewer Lumber Company Distributed By 313/329-4789 V . Landscaping M ade Easy» U S H (810) 476-8254 we cover all your paving needs... New Paths • Widenings • Resurfacing • Problem Areas • Down Sized Trucks & Equipment Hardworking A «Dependable A sphalt Paving, Inc. 20788 Osmus • Farmington Hills, Ml • 48336 A Patch of Green, March/April1994 • 25 • Two-Year Golf Turf Program fact Sheet by Dr. John N. Rogers, III Michigan State University For decades, university administrators have pointed to the land grant schools as opportunities for the common person to become educated. One of the major strengths of any land grant university is its diversity in program offerings. The turfgrass program at Michigan State University is world renowned for many reasons, not the least of which is its teaching and its diverse educational opportunities for students desiring an education in the field of turfgrass management. Perhaps the most well known of all the MSU programs is the Two-Year Golf Turf Management (GTM) program, stated in 1966 by Dr. James Beard and built into international prominence by Dr. Kenyon T. Payne from 1970 until his retirement in 1988. There are many reasons this program has grown so popular over the last 28 years. Listed below, in no particular order, are a few of these reasons as well as other facts about the program. 1. Each year since 1989 there have been more than 400 inquires about the GTM program, and the program has received well over 100 formal applications in each of these years. Forty students are selected into this program annually. 2. The average age of these students in the last five years is 25, with just slightly under three seasons of golf turf experience. Approximately 33 percent of the students are from outside Michigan. 3. Since 1989, at least 30 percent of each incoming class already possessed baccalaureate degrees in other fields, and more than 95% of the students transfer in college credits from other institutions. 4. While on campus, the students complete 49 credits of formal class work and six internship credits. The formal credits are taken over a total of 50 weeks, and 55% (27 credits) of these credits are directly related to golf turf management. 5. None of the classes in the GTM program are taught by graduate assistants, and 60% of the credits in the program are offered by professors (Ph.D.s). Of the 27 directly related turf credits, 82% are taught by professors. 6. All students are required to perfrom an internship in the golf turf industry in order to graduate. Each student is visited by a member of the turf staff at MSU, a rarity among programs in the U.S. 7. As a whole, five to 10 percent of the students obtain superintendent jobs upon graduation and 10 to 20 percent of the students take senior crew jobs. The remainder of the students enter the field as assistant superintendents. In most years, 50 percent of the students take jobs in the field in states other than Michigan. OSBURN OGQIDQDSinSOIlS Custom top dressing blends Custom construction blends •TRAP SAND ~ .Best 530 «Best 535 •Cart Path Stone & Slag •Pea Pebble »Parking Lot Stone Call for details (3 1 3 ) 2 9 2 -4 1 4 0 Ask for Tim Turf Chemicals Inc. 1011 E. Main P.O. Box 451 Owosso, Michigan 48867 Phone: (517) 725-7145 FO R A LL O F Y O U R F E R T IL IZ E R , C H E M IC A L A N D G R A S S S E E D N E E D S EXPERIENCED, DEPENDABLE PEOPLE TO SERVE YOU • Russ Hancock • Jay Siddock • Fred M iller • Lou Beckman • Ted Kasel • Chris Fochtman A Patch of Creen, March/ApriH994 • 26 • English Cardens introduces Newly Developed Planting Plats The Magic Planter: The instant Color Flat is designed to cut down on planting labor and create instant color in th e landscape. The 11x22 inch fla t contains 18 four-inch plants. The unique design enables th e roots to grow directly into th e soil, makes weeding less necessary and ensures uniform spacing of th e plants. M B C G C S A M em ber Mike Bay, superintedent at Tam- O -S hanter C o u n try Club, alerts fe llo w m em bers to a labor- saving p ro d u c t fo r achieving instant color in the landscape this year, It Is the "Magic Planter Flat," a newly developed p ro d u c t from English Cardens, a metropolitan Detroit area nurse ry and garden center retailer. "Magic Planter: The Instant Color Flat" is 11 x 22 inches, the same size as a standard fla t, and contains 18 four-inch plants. The fla t actu­ ally contains tw o trays nested on top of one another w hile g ro w ­ ing. Each cell has nine large holes on th e b o tto m o f th e tra y enabling the roots to grow directly into the soil, so th e re is no need to rem ove the plants fro m the tray to plant them into the ground. This unique design makes w eed­ ing less necessary and ensures uniform spac­ ing of the plants. "To plant, sim­ ply separate the trays and place them a few Inch­ es apart," explains John Darin, Sr., president of English Cardens. "Place some soil around the outside of the flat, and the blooms will cover the flat so It Is unnotlceable. When the flowering season Is completed, remove the flats from the ground fo r easy clean-up." C o m p a re d w ith a standard cell fla t, Magic Planter: The Instant Color Flat saves 80 percent on planting and mainte­ nance time. Based on actual jo b In stalla ­ tions, a three-person crew can plant 1,000 flats covering 9,000 square fe e t in an e ig h t-h o u r day. O ngoing m a in te ­ nance is significantly reduced because the fla t prevents weeds from growing. "We've been using th e Magic Planter Instant Color Flats for several years at a te s t site w ith great results," says Darin. "The flats are practical fo r c o m ­ mercial landscapers as well as homeown­ ers. They are easy to use, and since th e plants are b igger, color Is obtained in the landscape more quickly." The fla ts, available at all three English Cardens stores this spring, will contain im patiens, begonias, petunias and o th e r p o pu la r annuals. For additional in fo r­ mation, contact John Darin, Jr. of English Cardens at (313) 278-5244 or Tim Smith of Four Star Greenhouses at (313) 654-6420. A Patch of Green, March/April1994 • 27 • M i t s u b i s h i M i g h t y M i t s . U t i l i t y V e h i c l e s . It may be small. But it delivers big. Mitsubishi Mighty Mits. When your work takes you off-road, it picks up, delivers, hauls and moves out. In 2WD or 4WD. Over flat or varied terrain. And handling? Easy. At the airport, beach, golf course, park. Or just about any place in between. Flo-thru, Full Cab and Tilt-Bed models. Built strong. With extra headroom. And the power to perform. Mitsubishi Mighty Mits. So right for whatever you do, you’ll think we built it just for you. MITSUBISHI INDUSTRIAL VEHICLES BLAVAT BOBCAT SALES, INC. 7750 GREENFIELD DEARBORN, MI 48126 phone: (800) 432-3998 3305 E. WASHINGTON SAGINAW, MI 48601 phone: (517) 752-0700 A Patch of Green, March/April1994 • 28 • FAX (313) 373-0398 I Phone: (313) 373-8277 PALACE EQUIPMENT RENTAL INC. 4640 Lapeer Road • Orion, Ml 48359 SKID STEERS SNOW BLADES BROOMS BUCKETS AUGERS FORKS HYD. HAMMERS DIESEL 4W D TRACTORS • FRONT END LOADERS • SNOW BLADES • YORK RAKES • BRUSH HOGS GRADE BOXES AUGERS SPREADERS BROOMS LOADER/BACKHOES • SNOW BLADES . ENCL. OR OPEN CAB • STANDARD OR EXT. HOE • 2WD OR 4WD • AUGERS • HYD. HAMMERS • HYD. COMPACTORS • FROST TEETH • FORKS ALSO • GENERATORS • PUMPS • POWER TROWELS • ROLLERS • 6 WHEEL DRIVE OFF ROAD TRUCKS L._____________________________________________________ • PLATE COMPACTORS • BREAKER / DRILLS • WHEEL LOADERS • COMPRESSORS • DOZERS • GRADERS ____________________________________________________________ A ¿V. •-.t. - W.F. MILLER COMPANY TURF & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT 25125 TRANS-X, P.O. BOX 605 > (810)349-4100 • Fax:(810)349-0406 ^ NOVI, Ml 48376 24 Hour Phone/Fax Order Line 1-800-642-9915 D IST R IB U T O R S FOR ■ TURF EQUIPMENT ) JACOBSEN TURF SMITH CO. EXCEL"HUSTLER" KUT KWICK (SLOPEMASTERS) RANSOME TURF RYAN CUSHMAN GIANT VAC IDEAL GRINDERS LELY SPREADERS BRUNCO DUMPERS STANDARD GOLF PAR AIDE LEWISLINE PRIZE LAWN SPREADERS SUREME GRINDER'S HANNEY HOSE REELS PECO VAC’S KEYSTONE DIAG. MATS BROYHILL M&B EQUIPMENT SWEEPSTER BROOMS AERWAY BUSH HOG ENGINES & PARTS ■ BRIGGS & STRATTON CLINTON KOHLER WISCONSIN POWER PRODUCTS TECUMSEH J.B. FOOTE TRANSMISSIONS PEERLESS TRANSMISSIONS ■ MISG. HARDWARE NUTS • BOLTS • E-CLIPS SNAP RINGS • ROLL PINS HITCH PINS • O RINGS WELCH PLUGS WOODRUFF KEYS • BLADE BOLTS SET SCREWS • GREASE FITTINGS FUSES • COTTER PINS ROLLER CHAIN • BEARINGS CLEVIS PINS • HAIR PINS MUFFLER CLAMPS • BALL JOINTS m B i PATCH OF GREEN 30600 Telegraph Suite #1386 Bingham Farms, Ml 48025 The Official Publication of the Michigan and Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association 1044 NMTA DR.. JAMES BEARD DEPT. OF CROP' & TEXAS A & M COLLEGE STATION SOIL SCIENCE TX 77843 BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PERMIT #2 DETROIT, Ml PAID