THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION /Tf\ u Ik ncNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1994 GOLF COURSE BORDER ASSOCIATION CITIES WARMEST WISHES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON FROM ALL THE CREW AT THESIER EQUIPMENT CO. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU IN 1995! PRICING SPECIALS ON JOHN DEERE REPAIR PARTS - GIVE MARC A CALL AT 1-800-870-9791 94-95 W INTER REEL G RIN DIN G PROGRAM - FREE PICK UP & DELIVERY SPRING TERMS - CALL! Thesier Equipment Company • (810) 437-2091 • 800-870-9791 28342 Pontiac Trail South Lyon, Ml 48178 g GOLF COURSE ] SUPT. 5SOCIÄT10N f j r chies ^MSEISSsS? Michigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association O ffic e r s P r e s id e n t Jay Delcamp V ic e P r e s id e n t Carey Mitchelson Committee: Fund Raising Chairman, GAM Seminar S e c r e ta r y /T r e a s u r e r Gary Thommes Committee: Finance, Welfare, Policy Book P a s t P r e s id e n t Ken DeBusscher Committee: Publicity, Ethics D ir e c to r s Paul Dushane Committee: Special Olympics, Education Co-Chair Paul Kolbe Committee: Editorial ByLaws, Historian, Clothing Fritz McMullen Committee: Golf Co-Chair, MTF Liaison, Picnic Dave Picot Committee: Education Co-chairman, Awards, Golf Day Co-Chair John Shreve Committee: Christmas Party, Membership, Industrial/Environmental Relations Roy Szyndlar Committee: Golf Co-Chair, Hospitality Room, Golf Day Co-Chair Commitee Chair Tom Mason: GCSAA Liaison, Delegate C o n ta c t f o r M BCCCSA in f o r m a t io n KATE MASON Executive Secretary MBCGCSA PO. Box 173, Troy, Ml 48099 (810) 362-1108 Fax (810) 362-1736 Executive Editor Paul Kolbe Publishers Kolka & Robb, Inc. Vicki Robb, Publisher Kathleen Kolka, Creative Director Katie Elsila, Editor Tiffanie Howell, Associate Editor Fred Wessells, Copy Editor Michael Wagester, Designer Lisa LaRaia, Advertising Judy Harpster, Production A d v e r t is in g & e d it o r ia l o f fic e s a r e a t: 30700 Telegraph Road Suite 1401 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 ^ 5 ...................... New Members 3 ...................... Kate Speaking 5 ...................... 7 on Par with the President Membership Meeting Update ® * ' ' The Big Event 1 0 ................... Member Profile-John Nowakowski 1 -z. ................... under the Dome ................. 15 1 9 . . . ; . . . . 19 Ask The Superintendent a winter Project by Tim Doppel ............ Around the Course 2 0 ............. Classifieds Cover Photo: The sixteenth hole, Great Oaks Country Club by Tim Davis A Patch of Green • 1 • November/December 1994 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. (CORDOUaii) $ $ $ ^MSTRONg^ CADILLAC WAREHOUSE 303 Hawthorn Street Cadillac, Ml 49601 (616) 7 7 5 - 6 6 6 6 NEWI NEWI NEW! TROY DISTRIBUTION CENTER 1783 E. 14 Mile Road Troy, Ml 48083 (8 1 0 ) 5 8 9 -9 9 1 0 SOUTHFIELD WAREHOUSE 19240 West 8 Mile Road Southfield, Ml 48075 (8 1 0 ) 3 5 4 -9 9 1 0 D&C DISTRIBUTORS, INC. 51000 Grand River, Wixom, MI 48393 810-349-7779 • 1-800-888-7779 * Fax 810-349-4670 BIG ENOUGH TO SERVE YOU BETTER- SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE Michigan’s Largest Stocking Dealer for R&R PRODUCTS Increase the Speed of Play Turn C om plaints into Com plim ents... with FAST PLAY TECHNOLOGY 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 PLAY TECHNOLOGY 1849 Larchwood Ave., Troy, Ml 48083 Ph: (810) 740-3505 Fax: (810) 689-8644 Their Approach To Boosting Potash. Our Approach To Boosting Potash. QUALITY REPLACEMENT PARTS Genuine Kohler • Hahn-Westpoint • Jacobsen Cushman • Toro • Roseman • Ransomes Mott • Ryan National • Ford • Yazoo • Excel • Reel Sharpening Compound KOHLER BRIGGS & STRATTON MID-WEST RAKE YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR YOUR SUPPLY ITEMS: FLAGS - POLES Excellent Quality Personalized Tube Flags W E 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 - 8 0 0 -8 8 8 -7 7 7 9 W E GUARANTEE W HAT WE SELL! Improved disease tolerance. Enhanced drought resistance. And a complete, balanced feeding. In a homoge­ neous mixture to ensure uniform nutrient distribution. Country Club 8-4-24 simply outdistances the competition. - RAKES CUPS RICO MFG. C o u n try C lub 8 - 4 - 2 4 Distributed By: Benham Chemical (810) 474-7474 Turfgrass, Inc. (810) 437-1427 A Patch of Green • 2 • November/December 1994 ASHWORTH, CRAIG E. (Carol) CLASS D Meadowbrook Country Club 36564 Grandon Livonia 48150 H-(313) 421-6169 0-(810) 349-3608 BLITCHOK, ROBERT L. (Kimberly) CLASS D Devil's Ridge Coif Club 3700 Metamora Rd. Oxford 48371 H-(313) 627-2714 0-(810) 628-7911 BROWN, ROGER (Virginia) CLASS F Envirotech 7603-51 Woods Lane Huntersville, NC 28078 0-(704) 892-7680 CASEY, MICHAEL D, (Debra) CLASS D Great Oaks Country Club 53224 Garland Shelby Twp 48317 H-(810) 652-8392 0-(810) 651-9140 FAX-(810) 651-9247 CRAY, JOHN CLASS B Devil's Ridge Coif Club 3700 Metamora Rd. Oxford 48371 H-(810) 644-7209 0-(810) 628-7911 FAX (810) 644-3157 MOSES, TIMOTHY CLASS D Bello-Woods Country Club 23920 23 Mile Rd. Macomb 48042 H-(810) 598-8662 0-(810) 949-1200 PONTIUS, RICK (Sherry) CLASS B Top Course Service Inc. 336 Fairfield Ave. Holly 48442 H-(810) 634-0135 0-(313) 295-7940 SMITH, HARRY L. CLASS F Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. 2830 E. Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti, Ml 48198 H-C810) 887-2433 0-(313) 480-9909 FAX (313) 480-0054 February 20-27, 1995 CCSAA's 66th Annual International Golf Course Conference and Show, Moscone Center, San Francisco, For more information, call (913) 832-4430. Attention Nature Lovers: For a future article in A Patch of Green, we would like to talk to any MBCCCSAA members who are members of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program fo r Coif Courses &/or those who have incorporated wildflowers in their planting program Please call Katie Elsila at Kolka & Robb Inc., (810)642-9580 "Michigan and Border Cities...Kate speaking." "H ello, K ate . This is P e te M iller.” "Hi! What's up, Pete." “K ate, l t h in k I’m in te re s te d in jo in in g th e GCSAA." "THINK? What do you mean, THINK?" "W ell, w h y SHOULD I jo in ? O th e r gu ys a re m e m b e rs o f th e N a tio n a l,’ b u t d o l n e e d to jo in ? ” "Look, the bottom line is...it's an investment in your profession...in your future." "Yeah. H o w so?" "For a number of reasons. First, GCSAA represents the profession on national issues. You know...environmental..uh, reg­ ulatory matters.." "True, w e re a lly g e t a b a d rap . I’m "Right. And the Association is there in Washington, representing YOU. They also represent the superintendent with other golf groups...You know, club managers, pros...The golf industry working TOGETHER." "O kay...” "As a member you'll have great and many opportunities to further your educa­ tion. Get the scoop on new developments regarding turfgrass, etc...mmm..adminis­ trative, handling personnel, AND personal. The possibilities are endless. There are some really great seminars being offered at the conference in San Francisco this February. And there are seminars offered regionally, too, throughout the year." "Sounds g o o d . A lm o s t g o t m e h o o k e d .” "The GCSAA also has a great magazine. It's full of great articles. Lots of info..." "O kay! O kay! W h e re d o l sign," g la d to h e a r s o m e b o d y cares." c h u c k le . A Patch of Green • 3 • November/December 1994 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. 2 0 0 0 B e lla ire R o y a l O ak , M I 4 8 0 6 7 (810) 398-8187 Contact: Robert Watt Fax (8 1 0 ) 3 9 8 -5 8 0 3 TURFGRASS INC. Serving you better with.. Technical information Free timely delivery ... Quality products Fertilizers Chemicals Seeds Spreaders & Sprayers G olf 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, Bloomcoat Wildflower 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 Environm ental Equipment Plia Pads, Haz-Store Storage Buildings Safety Equipm ent Mine Safety Equipment Soil Management Grid System, TerraFlow, TerraBond, TerraCover Markers Richway, Blazon Recycled Plastic Hammer's Recycled Plastics 1-810-437-1427 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 • a • November/December 1994 w ith th e president As we have a chance to sit back and reflect on the 1994 season, we can envision the superior weather that made our public and private mem­ berships play many rounds of golf under sunny skies on almost every weekend of the summer. However, as usual, Mother Nature made portions of the season challenging fo r tu rf managers, with early summer droughts and August rains. Sometimes we might feel that it is more difficult year after year; but we must remember that our tu rf management skills are improving, and our business, as well as our field of work, is booming. As Mother Nature held out blue skies, the Michigan Special Olympics Superintendents Championship and our Annual Golf Day were played under outstanding conditions and were very successful. My thanks to all the com­ mittees who worked on these events. They were successful because of your hard work. Now that we're all finishing up the season and getting back to a normal life with our families and friends, we also must remember to look ahead to the impor­ tant conventions that guide and support our membership. The annual Michigan Turfgrass Conference will be held in January, and if you haven't had the chance to attend, now is the time to get involved. This conference offers an informative learn­ ing experience and includes an opportunity to share new ideas and make new friends. February '95 is the month fo r the GCSAA Conference, Trade Show and Coif Tournament, which will take place in San Francisco. This conference is a grand oppor­ tunity to compare tu rf management techniques with other superintendents from across the country. It is a chance to observe the latest innovations in tu rf grass equip­ ment. In addition, it is an excellent professional experience, where we have time fo r friendly camaraderie and to play a well-deserved round or two of golf. I would like to take this occasion to congratulate and welcome our new board members. A special thank you is in order to Fritz McMullen and Cary Thommes who are leaving the board after contributing many years of dedicated service to our orga­ nization. It takes hard work and dedication from the board members to provide lead­ ership to the membership. A heartfelt thank you must go to Kate Mason, our exec­ utive secretary, fo r her exceptional performance in the organization of our fundrais­ ers and the day-to-day operations of the MBCGCSA. As another year comes to a close, I wish everyone success with the to p ­ dressing of the greens in preparation fo r the cold winter elements. I hope to see everyone at our annual Holiday Party at Lakeland's Country Club and, after a few months of rest and relaxation, I'm sure we'll all be anxious to dive into another year of managing our little piece of this Earth. A Joyous and Safe Holiday to All, A Patch of Green • 5 • November/December 1994 Thom Martinek, Superintendent, Shaker Heights Country Club, Cleveland, Ohio "A SEVEN-DAY PREVENTIVE SCHEDULE OF DACONIL 2787* COVERS ALL THE BASES From the Great Lakes to southern regions, for bentgrass turf, a little Daconil 2787® Fungicide from ISK Biosciences Corporation goes a long way. That’s certainly true for Thom Martinek, course superintendent at the 80-year-old Shaker Heights Country Club located in that prestigious neighborhood near Cleveland, OH. He’s used a seven- to ten-day schedule of Daconil 2787 Flowable Fungicide at low label rates for more than a decade. And the result? Throughout the season, Leaf spot, Dollar spot, Brown patch and even algal scum are kept well under control. Seven-day schedule “We’ve been successful with this program for years,” Thom says. “Daconil 2787 is a good contact fungicide, but with daily mowing, frequent irrigation and that sort of thing, you’re bound to lose some of it. So, from a pre­ ventive standpoint, I like to use a seven-day schedule at the very lightest end of the recommended rates.” In warm, wet weather, though, when disease pressure is highest, Thom uses Daconil 2787 at higher label rates, or tank mixes with systemics. While the course at Shaker Heights Country Club is short — just 6300 yards — it has a reputation for tough, tight holes and fast, subtle, undulating greens. With bentgrass turf throughout, Thom knows he can’t take shortcuts on maintenance. Cornerstone for disease control Ask him, and Thom will tell you he doesn’t see much disease. This he attributes to using Daconil 2787 as the cornerstone of his preventive disease control program. He doesn’t have to worry about resistance, either. That suits his conservative nature just fine. Drop us a line to tell us your Daconil 2787 success story. If we use your story in an ad, we’ll donate $100 to your favorite charity. Write Jackie Tengler, ISK Biosciences Success Stories, 5885 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 215, Cleveland, OH 44124. Always follow label directions carefully when using turf and ornamentals plant protection products. ® Registered trademark of ISK Biosciences Corporation. ■ ■ ■ I daconil The cornerstone of your ■ ■ 2787 turf management program. A Patch of Green • 6 • November/December 1994 M E M B E R S H I P M E E T I N G .........UPDATE......... Report and Photos by Tiffanie Howell September Membership Meeting Features Dr. Paul Rieke Dr. Paul Rieke, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, was the featured speaker at MBCCCSA's September Membership Meeting at Moravian Hills Country Club; the host superintendent was Howard Ellis. Rieke reported on the importance of proper topdressing of greens. Topdressing is important for smooth putting surfaces, thatch control, modification of surface soil, winter protec­ tion, tool establishment and for the addition of nutrients. The selection of sand varies from particle size, shape, ph free, mineralogy, cost and availability. The frequency of sand topdressing depends on traffic, seasonal and stress effects and environmental conditions. The objective for cultivation is to reduce compaction, as well as to improve gas exchange, root and stress toler­ ance, infiltration and resilience. The objective in topdressing is not to have dramatic changes in your topdressing. Most important, you don't want to see lines in the soil sample. Always keep samples of the sand you currently are using to be sure to get the same type the next time you order. If you know the type of sand you desire, look at the samples you have and compare it to the new sand you receive. If the sand does­ n't match, don't accept it. It is very crucial that you don't get dry sand; when it is blown differently from the spreader, it will change the rate of application. Remember you don't want serious layers showing in your soil sample. Questions for Dr. Rieke may be addressed to: A Patch of Green, c/o Kolka & Robb, Inc., 30700 Telegraph Road, Suite 1401, Bingham Farms, Ml 48025-4531. Creg Seago, few seconds fo r a photo. Don Fields, Dale Bauer, John Cooney take a Dr. Paul Rieke answers a question. John Cooney putts as Creg Seago observes. John Cooney tees o ff as Dale Bauer looks on. Don Fields putts. A Patch of Green • 7 • November/December 1994 "T H E B IG E V E N T " A Big Success A BIG Thank You to all those who helped make The Big Event so successful. More than $29,000 was raised, which will be donated to the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation and scholarship recipients. Once again, we thank the clubs which generously donated their facilities for the day and MBCGCSA members and friends who came out and supported the event. COMMITTEE: HOSTS: Roy Szyndlar, Chair Tim Barno Jerry Cyr Paul Dushane Dick Matthews Carey Mltchelson Dave Plcot Bay Pointe Country Club Superintendent Rick Murphy Dearborn Country Club Superintendent Fred Green Country Club of Detroit Superintendent Carey Mltchelson Lochmoor Club Superintendent Mike Jones wabeek Country Club Superintendent Ken DeBusscher Photos by Tlffanie Howell "TH E B IG E V E N T " S P O N S O R S : Allingham Corp Amturf Seeds Arthur Hills & Associates Bush Brothers C.J. Colein & Associates Club Car Inc. D&C Distributors D.G. Irrigation Co. Earthwork Engineers Inc. Emerald Isle Ltd. Green and Crow/Blue Chip Enterprises Lesco inc. McGuire Sales Michigan Sand Co. O.M. Scott Osburn Industries Paul Clute & Associates Inc. Shemin Nurseries Spartan Distributors Special Touch Engraving Terra International The Davey Tree Expert Co. Thesler Equipment Co. Thlelen Turf Irrigation Inc. United Horticultural Supply Turf Drain Inc. Turfgrass Inc. W.F. Miller Co. Weingartz Wm. F. Sell & Son Host Superintendents for the Big Event are Fred Green, Dearborn Country Club, Ken DeBusscher, wabeek Country Club, Carey Mitchelson, Country Club o f Detroit, Rick Murphy, Bay Pointe Coif Course pic­ tured Mike Jones, Lochmoor Club) A Patch of Green • 8 • November/December 1994 Winners at Country Club o f Detroit, +5 Raffle anyone...What's the prize?...Cary and Carey of course. You should have used Benham Chemical prod­ ucts.. Don Benham Winners at Bay Pointe Coif Course, +15 Tim Barno, Dick Matthews, Al De Crazia, total scores. we'll take the raffle for the television instead. A Patch of Green • 9 • November/December 1994 Family Comes First with Superintendent John Nowakowski— G reat O aks Country C lu b............ Photos by Tim Davis John Nowakowski is a man who has his priorities straight. "My number one priority is my family. Then comes our employees and then the course," says Nowakowski, superin­ tendent of Great Oaks Country Club in Rochester. John encourages his employees to set the same priorities, "if a member of our crew has a family function to attend or a vacation in mind, I urge them to take time off," he says. The result is that people want to be here. They don't complicate the work schedule by unexpectedly calling in sick or neglect­ ing to show up. "in the past I have worked for managers who thought the golf club had to come first," he says. "I never understood that. My philosophy is life is short. Enjoy it while you can—especially in Michigan, where the summers are way too short." To show that he is serious about fun, John encourages his staff to golf as much as possible and to invite family and friends to the course so they can show off their work. John has the freedom to allow this flexibility because he has a larger staff than most clubs. "None of our staff works more than 40 hours, and I do a lot of part-time hiring," he says. "Eliminating overtime allows us to hire extra individuals. We go as high as 35 people in the summer," he says. The key to John's success as a manager lies in his organi­ zational ability and communication skills. Fie believes in sur­ rounding himself with key individuals like Assistant Superintendent Robert McMurray, who is " absolutely out­ standing." It's important to make sure they have the necessary tools and giving them encouragement and growth opportuni­ ties. My favorite part of this job is helping my staff move on in this profession," he says. Several employees have gone on to school and now are successful golf course superintendents. John originally planned to become an engineer, but in his senior year he transferred to Michigan State University's golf course management program. Fie and his wife Martha, who is a registered nurse, then moved to Florida, where John received an invaluable education by working for several sea­ soned golf professionals: Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the famous golf course architect: Ken Venturi, TV golf sports commenta­ tor; and Gene Sarazen, the inventor of the sand wedge. The Nowakowski's eventually returned to Michigan, where John worked for TPC of Michigan, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, before coming to Great Oaks in 1990. What did he learn from these pros? Detail, detail, detail. "Attention to detail is critical. It's what separates the good from the great." John brings this commitment to his work at Great Oaks. "My grandfather drummed into me that cleanliness costs nothing" he says. "A clean shop and a clean course go a long way." Interviewed during mid-fall, Nowakowski said the mani­ curing of the golf course and painting and prepping of course accessories would continue late into the season. "If you do that, you have an easier transition in spring and can start the season off on a good note." John says the 16th hole at Great Oaks is his favorite. It's par three and plays about 130 yards with a 100-foot drop from the top plateau to the postage stamp green. "Golfers reach it as they are coming to the last few holes of their round. If they're down, they will get aggressive and shoot at the flagstick. If they're up, they usually will play safe and hit to the fat of the green. It's a great challenge hole and allows players to get back into the game at that point." Although he shot a 79 two years ago and currently is a 10 handicapper, John doesn't get out to play as much as he used to because he and Martha are busy raising their young family: Lewis, born last August; Carson, two-and-one-half; and Lorena Augusta (named after the premier course), six years old. John attributes a large degree of his success to Martha. "Like so many wives in this profession, she is understanding about the unique demands of this business. She listens to my complaints and is consistently supportive. She is wonderful!" John Nowakowski and the crew at Great Oaks Country Club. A Patch of Green • 10 • November/December 1994 Personal communi­ cation is important on a daily opera­ tion. John Nowakowski explains an irriga­ tion repair job. Assistant Robert McMurray looks over the new bunker sand with John Nowakowski Crew members (LF TO RT) Dennis Jannetta, Mike Casey, and Don Show play golf. DAVEY OFFERS Ev er y Tr e e c a r e 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.) DAVEY ; TREE AND LAWN BEAUTY Equipment techni­ cian, Jim King, reviews the com­ puterized QQest program fo r pre­ ventative programs A Patch of Green • 11 • November/December 1994 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! Jp»lversa| (Buckner* COPS Universal (Computer Oriented Programming Systems) Run Everything. Control Everything From Your Office Desk EZ TO INSTALL Cops works with anv existing irrigation electric controller, regardless of m ake 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 Computer Requirement • 486 Personal Computer with PC-DOS or MS-DOS • 1 MB RAM • 80 MB Hard Disk Drive • 3 V2" or 5 74" Diskette Drive Recommended Phone modem with communication software, dot matrix or laser printer 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 M a n y M ore Benefits! Call Today For A Free Quote ¡Century Rain Ami Under the Dome Crowing grass is challenging enough under natural conditions, but try doing it under a dome with only 20% light penetration and 90% humidity. Those are the challenges faced by Mike Weger, owner of Willow Creek Coif & Sports Center, which is located two miles north of the Palace of Auburn Hills on M-24. Weger, a former safety for the Detroit Lions, purchased the dri­ ving range in 1979 after a two-year search for the right land. Weger wanted to feature natural grass tees on his public facility and maintain them like a private country club year-round. Working with Jay Siddock of Turf Chemicals, Inc. (TCI), Weger has accomplished his goal. To keep the turf rejuvenated during outdoor play from May through October, TCI recommended an outdoor program. It calls for alternating phosphate and potash in the readily available form, while overseeding the tee area with triple play rye grass blend. Moving the tee markers also was a big factor in recuperation. But, it was in November 1992 that the plot (or shall we say turf?) thickened. Unlike most golf domes, Willow Creek's was designed to go up and down each year in the center of the outdoor range. However, Weger wanted to maintain that turf. "I didn't want it to look unnatural dur­ ing the summer with a patch of artificial grass right in the middle of the range." TCI's mission? To help Weger keep the grass alive under the dome for six months. Analyzing the problems, Jay Siddock suggested a strategy that not only worked, but has kept the grass growing throughout the winter to the point that Weger has to mow it each week. "It's a real trip to smell fresh-mowed grass during the cold days of winter," he says. Jay's recommendation involved turning off the water and using large fans (three to four feet in diameter at turf level) to move the air around and cut down on humidity. In addition, through the winter months, one application each of 13-0-44 and 18-3- 18 multicote were used. Also an appli­ cation of Turfcide 10 g (PCNB) was used to keep the cottony blight in check after the dome went up. "Jay's interest in helping me accom­ plish my goals was extraordinary," says Weger. "He gave us a lot of per­ sonal attention by looking at the con­ dition of the grass, taking soil sam­ ples and studying our problems. He made recommendations on a month­ ly basis. If we had a unique problem, he would always come back with a solution." Weger has seen business increase substantially since he opened Willow Creek Golf & Sports Center in 1979. It is obvious that golfers appreciate his commitment to maintaining high- quality turf, year-round. Stop in this winter to sharpen your driving and putting skills, say Hi to Mike and see the green in winter. It's quite an outfit. When the dome goes up on November 1 at Willow Creek Golf & Sports Center, golfers can expe­ rience the thrill of playing Pinehurst, Harbortown, Firestone or even Hawaii's Mauna Kai via two $50,000 simula­ tors. Virtual Golf Reality Allows Golfers to Play the Great Courses without Leaving Michigan. "Golfers can't believe how accu­ rately the equip­ ment simulates actual play, whether they hook, slice or put a backspin on the ball," says owner Mike Weger." Players can hit virtually every club in their bag with a regulation ball. The simulator presents the next shot just as it would lie on the course." Barring an actual trip to your dream course, virtual golf reality seems the way to go! inside: New golf simulator allows golfers to play their dream course. Second tier inside the dome. Original tu rf Is In center, A Patch of Green • 13 • November/December 1994 Ground level Is healthy and strong after four months Inside the dome. RENTALS BY THE • DAY . WEEK • MONTH f & < \ R E N T A L 810- 373-8200 DON’T BUY IT - RENT IT! D E L IV E R Y A V A IL A B L E PALACE EQUIPMENT RENTAL INC. 4640 Lapeer Road • Orion, Ml 48359 (810) 373-8200 • FAX (810) 373-0398 Conveniently located 1 mile north of The Palace on Lapeer Rd. (M-24) WE ALSO CARRY: PUMPS, COMPACTORS, AND GENERATORS BE TREATED LIKE ROYALTY AT PALACE!!! A Patch of Green • 14 • November/December 1994 .................T A S K T H E SPARTAN DISTRIBUTORS * JGATION* GOLF» T O R O - COMMEj FIELDS*PARK5 fO N T R * TCWJ B L O W E R S * L U |! EC^o^miM; SPORTS ;i g n s *p u m p s * XERS* I M O WERS® JMMERS»TRACTORS® ACTORS® >S®PRUN£RS»SAW® jHREDDERS® COMMERCIAL >SAND FERTILIZER DIFFUSED AiR«SPARTAN D 1STR IBU T O R S-TO R 0*TO R O IRRIGATION»SERVICE®PARTS ERS*SAW* AIR »DERS* RT*MOWERS® -TRAILERS® SSO R S-C U SH M A N * MOWERS® RS-FOUNTAINS® 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 Did You Have Ice Damage Last Year? Tim Barno - Warren Valley Coif Course Ed C arm ody - Rackham Coif Course Jay D elcam p Katke-Cousins Golf Course T B : No. Greens are high enough that water does not sit long. E C : No really ice damage, but more or less desiccation from being unprotected from wind with no snow cover. Several greens lost some turf and the west edges of several tees were very thin. J D : No ice damage in 1995. Are you going to do any­ thing different this year? T B : We will keep organic fertiliz­ er on hand just in case there's pro­ longed ice. (Organic fertilizer applied to ice absorbs the sun's heat to help melt the ice.) E C : We are going to try some "Vapor Guard" anti desiccant. I know this works well for ornamentals and was told it works well on turf. We will tank mix it with our snow mold application. I topdress all greens to J D : cover the crowns before the last snow that stays. I've done this for 15 years and have yet to have any ice damage during a normal winter. I do spread a dark fertilizer if there is major ice accumulation, but the topdressing stops all desiccation even on high, exposed greens. _________________________________________________________ ) A Patch of Green • 15 • November/December 1994 SPARTAN BRAND OSBURN YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR OVER 60 YEARS.... F r o m t e e t o g r e e n Im p r o v e d v a r ie t ie s . R e l ia b il it y S e l e c t io n T e c h n ic a l h e l p CALL 1-800-647-TURF MICHIGAN STATE SEED CO. 717 N. CLINTON GRAND LEDGE, MICHIGAN S T O C K En v ir o n m e n t, l t d . M an-age (m a n y ) 1. To control the m ovem ent or behavior of. 2. To have charge of; direct. 3. To succeed in accomplishing; to carry on business STOCK serves its customers by acting as their ‘in-house 9 environmental management department to ensure statutory levels of regulation compliance while aggressively minimizing cost. • Responding to regulatory inspection deficiencies • Prevention based regulation compliance processes • Underground Storage Tank (UST) concerns • Site contamination problems • Unexpected permitting issues • Property assessments-Phase I • Due dilligence for mergers and acquisitions • Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) software integration Partners in Environmental, H ealth & Safety Management Detroit: • (313) 921-0333 • Fax: (313) 921-4730 Grand Rapids • (616) 285-1177 • Fax: (616) 285-0432 PATRICK J. STOCK • (313) 924-0111 CUSTOM TOP DRESSING BLENDS CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION BLENDS Trap Sand Best 5 3 0 Best 5 3 5 •Cart Path Stone & Slag •Pea Pebble •Parking Lot Stone Call for details (313) 292-4140 Ask for Tim 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 SERVE YOU • Russ Hancock • Jay Siddock • Fred Miller • Lou Beckman • Ted Kasel • Chris Fochtman A Patch of Green • 16 • November/December 1994 AT THIS TIME OF YEAR IT IS A PLEASURE TO PAUSE AND SAY THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL 94 SEASON. WE WISH YOU A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR! Your friends at Benham Chemicals The Turf Cover that works and works and works... DESIGNED TO FIT EVERY GREEN PRICED TO FIT EVERY BUDGET THE COVER THAT DELIVERS • Best of winter protection • Seed protection and quick germination for new construction • Many more features giving picture perfect results FOR ONLY PENNIES PER FOOT. • 7 Year or 3 year warranty available HINSPERGERS POLY INDUSTRIES LTD. DISTRIBUTED BY: BENHAM CHEMICAL CORP. 24800 N. INDUSTRIAL FARMINGTON HILLS, Ml 48335 810-474-7474 300 CASS AVE. SAGINAW, Ml 48602 517-793-8210 IN MICHIGAN 1-800-482-6520 Work from the soil up with Nature Safe®. Creating a soil structure to grow turf. & Homogeneous 3k Non-Burning & Micro-Nutrient Rich m u r e Natural & Organic Fertilizers \afe (800) 252-4727 (606) 572-2549 Also available in 10-3-3 and 7-1-14 A Patch of Green • 17 • November/December 1994 On Site with Hunter Golf Gear-Drives That Go The Distance Planning a new course or upgrading your existing system? Hunter now has a complete line of reliable golf rotors that are fully compatible with all irrigation systems, and ready to perform in the toughest conditions. Hunter’s exclusive Pure Flow filtration valve handles the dirtiest water, and our proven gear-drives deliver years of quiet, trouble-free operation. A ll M o d e ls F e a tu re : ■ 3" pop-up H Easy, through-the-top servicing H Built-in recess for yardage markers ■ Adjustable arc and full-circle H Check-O-Matic, Hydraulic and Electric Valve-In-Head Authorized Hunter Golf Distributor [C entury Rain Aid ) Ann Arbor, 2461 S Industrial Hwy., 313-668-1020 Grand Rapids, 4620 40th St. SE, 616-954-0660 Livonia, 12780 Currie Ct., 313-462-4050 Madison Heights, 31691 Dequindre Ave., 810-588-2990 Southfield, 22159 Telegraph Rd., 810-358-2994 Washington, 57695 Van Dyke, 810-781-3600 For all Century locations call: 800-347-4272 G-600 Check-O-Matic G-700 Electric Valve-In-Head H u n t e r Dedicated to the Irrigation Professional 1940 Diamond St. □ San Marcos, CA 92069 □ U.S.A. □ 1-619-744-5240 □ FAX: 1-619-744-7461 A Commitment to Quality Turf Care Products For You - The Turf Care Professional Your Tee Time Distributor Offers You • • TeeTime 22-4-18 Fertilizer with Nutralene the professional's partner5 lhe,«£SC«- Andersons # Greens and Fairway Fertilizers with Nutralene® Quality Sulfur Coated Urea Fertilizer Combination Products Granular Insecticides Granular Fungicides H ie C w S ^ Andersons Lawn Fertilizer Group P.O* Box 119 Maumee, Ohio 43537 Distributed by: (810) 437-1427 1-800-521-TURF (MI only) Turfgrass, Inc. 28064 Pontiac Trail South Lyon, MI 48178 A Patch of Green • 18 • November/December 1994 A W inter P roject by Tim Dopple Are you a list keeper? I have lists that tell me which list to use first. And one of my most Important lists is my "Winter Project” list. As I see something that needs to be done (but Isn't really critical at the moment) I note it, and then start to plan for it later on. I've found that I have to write things down, otherwise I completely forget about it until It's too late. I usually start this particular list in March and keep building it all summer long. Now that the cold has set in, I can pull out my Winter List and get to work. What about you? What's on your Winter To-Do List? If I may make a suggestion, let's all be sure to add "Train Employees" to the top of the list, shall we? Now, I know what you're thinking, there he goes again! Train, train, train. This guy has a one track mind! Ok, so I'm always preaching to do more for your work­ ers. I admit It. But let's think about why that is so impor­ tant. Who does the work at your club? Yes, of course you work hard. But do you do it all? Certainly not. So those individuals who are fortunate enough to work under your tutelage deserve to be the best trained and most knowl­ edgeable workers you can make them. Why, someday they might even approach your level of understanding! All kidding aside, you know that it is only through con­ stant building of your worker's information base, that you will be able to do a better and better job at maintaining your golf course. The real question Is how do you do that? Unfortunately, there is no short answer. But there are options. Unquestionably, at the top of your list should be the MTF Conference held in January. While many of us spend a great deal of time In the hallways "networking", there are always some great educational oppor­ tunities going on in the sessions. Will your workers become over-night turf- grass experts by attending the MTF conference? Probably not. But they will come away with at least one new bit of knowledge, and certainly a new respect for the industry. Every one of your employees should be encouraged to attend this event. While sending everybody to the GCSAA event would be nice, that may not be really practical. So start looking for local training sessions. The MSU Extension usually puts on several workshops In the winter and various associations will offer different kinds of seminars as w e ll. All of these are usually valuable, Inexpensive and worth your time and the time of your employees. But there is one more option you should consider. And that is to do some in-house training yourself. Oh, now don't roll your eyes at me when I say this! I'm not talking about some elaborate multi-media extravaganza with Ross Perot. How about showing a video dealing with diseases, Insects, fertilization or whatever topic you want to discuss, and then share some of your own observations and expe­ riences about that issue. Why not do it over a pizza and some Vernors at the lunch table. Make It casual and non­ threatening (for you and your employees, both!) and allow your workers to learn from your years of experience. Then, next spring when they hit the ground running, they'll have a much better feel about how you like to have things done, and why. And then, even though you can't be in every place doing every thing, It will be almost like you are. And then you'll start making new notes on your Winter Project list for next year, won't you. w unck Course MSU's Hancock Turfgrass Research Center was fea­ tured in a front-page story in The Detroit Free Press in September. The article cited the Center's finding that, when promptly pulverized, leaves decompose quickly on the lawn. (This research was presented at the Field Day in August and an article about it appeared In the Sept/October issue of A Patch of Green.) Tom Gray, super­ intendent at Franklin Hills Country Club, was among those quoted. Cray reports that at Franklin Hills, leaves are col­ lected into windrows then minced with rotary deck mow­ ers. A screen over the chute collects the shredded leaves. When cutting is complete, the leaf bits are blown Into wooded areas, on the roughs and even the fairways. "Before, the leaves were vacuumed and put in Dumpsters for removal," says Cray. "The mulching system saves money, makes sense and has helped thicken the turf." " Public Coif Courses Crow to Rival was the title o f an article In Crain's D etroit Business, September 5, 1994. Stating th at "high-class, resort-style public g olf has come to Southeast Michigan," the article cited The Orchards In Macomb County's Washington Township as an example. Writer M att Roush says "One major reason fo r the rise In high-quality public golf courses is last year's Clinton adm inistration tax bill, which elim inated the deductibility o f private-club dues." W.F. Miller Turf & industrial Equipment Company of Novi, Michigan, earned a Jacobsen Financial Services (JFS) Million Dollar Club Award. The awards was present­ ed to Jacobsen dealers that helped finance more than $1 million worth of sales through JFS. Jacobsen Divison of Textron Inc. is a major manufacturer of professional tu rf maintenance equipment used worldwide. A Patch of Green • 19 • November/December 1994 POND DREDGING SPECIALIST Off Road Trucking Wide Track Bulldozing Shore Line & Land Development Grading SW EETCOINC. South Lyon, Michigan 48178 27405 Henry Rd. 810- 437-1830 Shore Control ' 1 ^ BRIDGES • DAMS • BOARDWALKS SEAWALLS — Steel • Wood PVC C LOC Boulders Complete Jobs or Products Only FREE QUOTES ■ (810) 887-7855 Dedicated to providing quality products and services to the turf and ornamental industries m United Horticultural SupplyM 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 MPROFESSIONAL TURF PRODUCTS Working To Enhance Our World « ¡E ■ ■inin ^ ADVERTISER'S directory American M arine.......... ........ 20 Andersons..................... ........ 18 Benham Chemical ........ ........ 17 Bush Brothers .............. . . . . IBC Century R ain................. ........ 12 Davey Tree..................... ........ 11 p & C Distributors.................... 2 ¡Fast Play T ech................ .......... 2 Griffin ind....................... ........ 17 A g ite r Ind....................... ........ 18 Isk Bio Tech.................... .......... 6 Lebanon ....................... .......... 2 Michigan State Seed . . . ........ 16 North End Electric .................. 4 Osburn Ind....................... ........ 16 Palace Equip................... ........ 14 Spartan Distributors ........ 15 Stock Env.................................. 16 Sweetco ................................. 20 TCI................................... ........ 16 Thesier........................... . . . . IFC Tire Wholesalers ............ .......... 2 Turfgrass................................... 4 United Hort...................... ........ 20 W.F. M ille r....................... . . . . BC . . . F O R S A L E John Deere 950 tractor .......................................... $6,000 John Deere 950 tractor with lo a d e r....................... $7,500 Jacobsen 7 gang Fairway units rubber tires, 1 square unit ............................. $5,000 84" National- good for parts Call Jane St Jo hn .................................... (810) 798-3971 Position wanted - • Second year student in three-year Turf Science and Sportsground Management program at Myerscough Hall College in Preston England, (currently working at St. Pierre Golf and Country Club in Gwent, Wales) seeks a one year position in the United States to gain greenkeeping experi­ ence starting March/April 1995. For his address, call A Patch of Green at (810)642-9580. Help wanted - • Sales representative for western and northern Michigan, selling turf maintenance equipment to cities, schools, contractors and golf courses, must be mechani­ cally inclined willing to travel overnight, and pull a trailer with demo equipment. Send resume to: Sales representative, PO. BOX 605 Novi Ml 48576-605 MBCCCSAA members are invited to submit classified ads at no charge. Send your ads to: Editor, A Patch of Green, C/O Kolka & Robb Publishing, Inc., 30700 Telegraph Rd., Suite 1401, Bingham Farms, Ml 48025. (810) 642-9580 A Patch of Green • 20 • November/December 1994 We wish you all the best this holiday season! OUR SINCERE THANKS TO, BLOOMFIELD HILLS COUNTRY CLUB ROUQE PARK QOLF COURSE SHENANDOAH COUNTRY CLUB DEARBORN COUNTRY CLUB FOREST LAKE COUNTRY CLUB STONEYCROFT HILLS CLUB QROSSE ILE QOLF & COUNTRY CLUB EDQEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB ORCHARD LAKE COUNTRY CLUB WESTERN QOLF & COUNTRY CLUB TPC MICHIQAN EVERQREEN HILLS QOLF COURSE WABEEK COUNTRY CLUB TAM-O'-SHANTER COUNTRY CLUB WALNUT CREEK COUNTRY CLUB/TURF DRAIN FOR YOUR VALUED BUSINESS IN 1994! Happy Holidays From, Bob, Dan, Tom, Jim, Dennis, Kay, M aryAnn, Larry, Brian, Steve, W illie, A l, M ike, Robert, Qary, Richard BOTHERS -20788 Osmus Farmington Hills, M l 48336--------- Asphalt Paving (810) 476-8254 I PITCH BF GREEN 30700 Telegraph Rd. Suite 1401 Bingham Farms, Ml 48025-4531 The Official Publication of the Michigan and Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association 1016 MTF MR. JAMES WATSON TORO COMPANY 8111 LYNDALE AVE. S. MINNEAPOLIS MN 55420 BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #2 DETROIT, Ml