MBCGCSA Elections Turf Winterization Member Profile: Mike Jones, Lochmoor Club B E A R D COLLECTION Our Family is Growing At Thesier’s No one can accuse John Deere of standing still. Since January of 1992, w e’ve added six totally new machines to our Golf & Turf Equipment family All designed and m anufactured by John Deere. First to arrive w ere 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 m achine to carry John Deere designed and m anufactured cutting units. New m achines for 1993 include the 2653 Professional Utility Mower (pictured above) and 6x4 and 4x2 Gator Utility Vehicles. The 2653 features the unique com bination of hydraulic reel drive and John Deere 26-inch cutting units. The Gators are stable, quiet, carry large payloads, and feature wet-disk brakes. The 3235 lightweight fairway m ow er features high horsepow er and superior striping and cut! Thesier Equipment Company (810) 437-2091 » 800-870-9791 28342 Pontiac Trail South Lyon, Ml 48178 JOHN DEERE CITIES Tsas s í f Michigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association O fficers P re sid e n t Jay Delcamp Vice P resid en t Carey Mitchelson Committee: Fund Raising Chairman, CAM Seminar S ec re ta ry/T rea su rer Gary Thommes Committee: Finance, Welfare, Policy Book P ast P resid en t Ken DeBusscher Committee: Publicity, Ethics D irec to rs 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 fo r MBCCCSA In fo rm a tio n KATE MASON Executive Secretary MBCGCSA PO. Box 173, Troy, Ml 48099 (810) 362-1108 Fax (810) 362-1736 Executive Editor Paul Kolbe Publishers A d ve rtis in g & e d ito ria l o ffice s are at: Kolka & Robb, Inc. Vicki Robb, Publisher Kathleen Kolka, Creative Director Katie Elsila, Editor Tiffanie Howell, Associate Editor Fred Wessells, Copy Editor Michael Wagester, Designer Judy Harpster, Production Lisa LaRaia, Advertising 30700 Telegraph Road Suite 1401 Bingham Farms, Ml 48025-4531 (810) 642-9580 • FAX (810) 642-5290 » PITCH if GREEN The Official Publication of the Michigan and Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association C o n t e n t s 3 ...................... Calendar of Events & New Editorial Committee 5 ...................... On Par with the 7 ...................... President New Members & Kate Speaking 9 ...................... MBCCCSA Elections 1 1 ................... In Balance With Nature by Tim Doppel Turf in The Spotlight at Buick Open 1 3 ................... 14-15 ........... Member Focus-Meet Lochmoor Club's New Superintendent How Superintendents Prepare for the Season Ahead 1 9 ................... Mulching Tree Leaves 16-17 ........... into Turf Membership Meeting Update 2 3 ................... Around The Course & 25 ................... Meet Spartan Distributors’ New President 1994 MBCCCSA Annual Family Picnic a Shivery Success 2 7 ................... Michigan State university Field Day Cover Photo: Newly renovated 13th hole at Lochmoor Club, by Tim Davis (see profile of Lochmoor Club's superintendent Mike Jones on page 14.) A Patch of Green • 1 Septem ber/O ctober 1994 i f } I r r i g a t i o n C o . I n c r e a s e t h e S p e e d o f P l a y T u r n C o m p la in ts in t o C o m p lim e n ts ... 711 West Pickard Mt. Pleasant. Ml 48858 Tel. (517)772-5621 Fax. (517) 773-1880 PHONE TOLL FREE (800)334-7011 Y O U R F U L L L IN E D IS T R IB U T O R F O R : B U C K N E R ® IR R IG A T IO N E Q U IP M E N T • W a te r tr o n ic s P u m p S ta tio n e rs • R a in je t F o u n ta in s a n d A e ra to rs • A full line of stocked irrigation s u p ­ plies re a d y for im m e d ia te d elivery % Irrigation Co., u h ere "service comes first." Introducing The Perfect Bag For Greens And Tees. For overseeding low cut areas and establishing greens and tees, no other fertilizer provides the kind of coverage and nutrient distribution that Country Club 10-18-18 does. C o u n t r y C lu b 1 0 -1 8 -1 8 Distributed By: Benham Chemical (810)474-7474 Turfgrass, Inc. (810)437-1427 with F A S T P L A Y T E C H N O L O G Y 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: F A S T P L A Y T E C H N O L O G Y 1849 Larchwood Ave., Troy, Ml 48083 Ph: (810) 740-3505 Fax: (810) 689-8644 Dedicated to providing quality products and services to the turf and ornamental industries ÜI U n it e d 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 PROFESSIONAL TURF PRODUCTS W o r k in g T o E n h a n c e O u r W o r ld A Patch of Green • 2 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 New Editorial Committee Formed for A Patch of Green Bringing more pertinent information to the readers of A Patch of Green is the goal of a newly formed editorial staff. Made up of mbcgcsa mem­ bers, committee representa­ tives are: Paul Kolbe (Maple Lane Golf Club), John Cooney (Gowanie Golf Club), Tim Domer (St. Clair Shores Country Club), Jane St. John (Heather Hills Golf Club), Steve Sump (Rouge Golf Course) and Ted Woehrle (The Orchards Golf Club). When asked why they volunteered to become committee members, the new group's answers varied from wanting to contribute ideas to wanting to ensure more prac­ tical feature material. The Editorial Committee will meet regularly to review content and suggest material for the magazine. Committee members will divide the state into regions. Each committee member will be responsible for editorial material from their district. Your ideas and comments are welcome. Contact any committee member or Katie Elsila, Kolka & Robb Publishing, Inc., (810) 642-9580. (fax: (810) 642-5290). (L. to R.) Steve Sump, Paul Kolbe and Jane St. John, members of the new editorial committee, review material for the next issue. 3 The Big Event: Bay Pointe Country Club Dearborn Country Club Great Oaks Country Club Lochmoor Club Wabeek Country Club 1 4 CAM Seminar East Lansing 2 5 Annual Meeting Maple Lane Golf Club CHRISTMAS PARTY HOLD THE DATE & WATCH THE MAIL FOR YOUR INVITATION A Patch of Green • 3 • Septem ber/O ctober 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 N o rth E n d E le c t r ic C o . 2 0 0 0 B ellaire R oyal Oak, MI 4 8 067 ( 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 (810) 398-5803 TURFGRASS INC, Serving you better with .. 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, Bloomcoat 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 1-810-437-1427 Office 1-800-521-8873 (Michigan Only) Keith Richards Dan Johanningsmeier Gene Johanningsmeier Doug Johanningsmeier Richard Locke Todd Griebe Robert McNab Darold Howard A Patch of Green • 4 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 HQ r with nrpc r pry o n Jd I the JIC j UCl I Following the Rules Keeps up Morale One key to a successful turf program is hiring a well- balanced, experienced staff. As we all know, Unfortunately, In the 90s, the dog-eat-dog world has become a way of life In many professions. However, we often comment on the positive atti­ tude and camaraderie among members of the MBCCCSA. Our association prides itself on sharing new techniques and ideas In order to develop and maintain our turf to the high standards demand­ ed by golfers today. Following procedures and regulations should be regarded as an important commitment of all superintendents. we prefer to hire an employee with prior knowledge of golf course management and equipment operation. But if this person Is experienced, who trained him and why is he available? While we endeavor to find those answers, we must remember to honor our professional relationships. Early this spring, I received an Impressive application from an individual who had greenskeeping experience. As Is normally the case for many of us, l needed another employee, and he seemed to be an Ideal addition to my staff. I hired him immediately; a few days later his former employer called me to express his dis­ pleasure at my hiring "his" worker." Was I wrong to hire the man? No. Was professional courtesy compromised? Yes. This situation has occurred before to many of our peers. Recently, the problem has surfaced with more regularity. If this scenario continues, we will encounter bidding wars for crew members, and there will be discontent among superintendents and staffs. We must remember proper interview and follow-up proce­ dures when hiring our crews, to avoid jeopardizing our profes­ sional ethics. I would like to address this subject and Invite you to share your thoughts and comments at a future superintendents meeting. Please send your stories or Ideas to the MBCCCSA office. A Patch of Green • 5 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 If YOU Could Co Anywhere For One week During the Summer, Where would you Co? 1 .To Traverse City to golf and water ski with my wife . Scot G ardiner 2. Bermuda, it's beautiful, seaside golfing, pink beaches. John Skaife 3. North Carolina and East Tennessee to play golf. Bob Borgm an 4. Northern Michigan to play golf. M ike Plague 5. New Hampshire, no one to bother you and it has nice lakes ..Ted w o e h rle 6.Somewhere where I could snow ski...Greg Seago 7.To the Jersey shore with my wife...Tim Barno Palm 9. To Dublin to golf...John Shannahan 10. To the Upper Peninsula and bum around the State Parks .Greg Lyman 11. Banff and enjoy the lakes with my family... Bob R osbury 12.Scotland to golf...Al De Grazia 13.Newport Beach, California, to golf...Larry Obey Work from the soil up with Nature Safe®. Creating a soil structure to grow turf. & Homogeneous & Non-Burning & Micro-Nutrient Rich N ature % afe Natural & Organic Fertilizers (800) 252-4727 (606) 572-2549 Also available in 10-3-3 and 7-1-14 A Patch of Green • 6 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 P e a s c f ' l P U I w ■ i H I ■ « ■ W wê ü H S È 1 ■ BRINK, RONALD (ELIZABETH) CLASS F Valley Turf, Inc. 3721 28th St., S.W. Crandville, Ml 49468 DEKKER, DOUG (KATHY) CLASS F Custom Aerification Services Inc. 1323 Cedarhlll East Lansing, Ml 48823 H-(517) 351-1232 0-(517) 351-7565 FIFER, VICKI (TIMOTHY) Lakelands Golf and Country Club 126 South Clubvlew Drive Ypsilantl, Ml 48197 H-(313) 434-5188 0-(313) 231-3001 JONES, MICHAEL CLASS A Lochmoor Club 1018 Sunningdale Dr. Crosse Pointe Woods, Ml 48236 H-(810) 772-9663 0(313) 881-8112 FAX (313) 886-0893 I "Michigan and Border Cities...Kate Speaking." "Hello, Kate. This is Pete Miller." "What’s up, Pete.” "Just wanted to verify something concerning the Christmas Party." "Oh, sure. Hope you still can make it. I got your reservation and check last week. Thanks for responding so quickly. Makes things much easier for the committee." A Patch of Green • 7 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 LANE, RANDY (JACI) CLASS F Valley Turf, Inc. 2285 E. West Maple Rd. Walled Lake, Ml 48390 H-(517) 548-4098 0-(810) 960-1054 FAX(810) 960-9339*51 LEDBETTER, STEVE (DOROTHY) CLASS F Valley Turf, Inc. 3721 28th St„ S.W. Crandville, Ml 49418 H-(616) 866-2608 0-(616) 532-5553 FAX(616) 532-555 ROSS, THOMAS (Judith) CLASS D St. Clair Shores Country Club 22301 Winshall St. Clair Shores, Ml 48081 H-(810) 778-9790 0(810) 294-6170 FAX-(810) 294-5864 RYAN,JEFFREY CLASS D Pine Trace Golf Club 6984 Cranberry Lake Rd. Clarkston, Ml 48348 FH810) 625-5261 0-(810) 852-1240 SINGLES, JOE (MICHELLE) Plum Hollow Golf Club P.O. Box 247 Southfield, Ml 48037 H-(810) 394-1821 0-(810) 352-2436 FAX(810) 356-5255 SMITH, GEORGE III (THEREASA) Valley Turf, Inc. 2285 E West Maple Rd. Walled Lake, Ml 48390 H-(810) 666-1058 0-(810) 960-1054 FAX(810) 960-9339*51 VAVREK, BOB CLASS H USCA Green Section-Great Lakes Region 11431 N. Port Washington Rd. Mequon, Wl 53092 0-(414) 241-8742 FAX-(414) 241-0974 "Actually, I guess I want to verify everything. I lost the invi­ tation. My wife's not too happy. Hate to admit l didn't write down the date or the site on the calendar." "Oops! Sounds bad." "Yeah. I'm In the dog house." "Well, your problem I can remedy. The date is Friday, December 2. it’s at Lakelands Golf and Country Club and begins at 6:30 p.m. Plan on having a great time, as usual. We’ve got a great band, great food and great company." "Sarah and I always look forward to It. Will you and Tom be there?" "Sure will.” "Great! Thanks, Kate. See you December 2nd." "Anytime, Pete.” OSBURN O M O T O U g CUSTOM TOP DRESSING BLENDS CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION BLENDS Trap Sand Best 5 3 0 Best 53 5 •Cart Path Stone & Slag •Pea Pebble •Parking Lot Stone Call for details (313) 292-4140 Ask for Tim m \ FF-II is your first line defense against winter diseases In university testing Scotts FF-II has consistently out­ performed all other PCNB products. In one convenient application, FF-II controls pink and gray snowmold, cool season brown patch, leaf spot, dollar spot, stripe smut and rust while providing a dormant feeding of 14-3-3 fertilizer for early spring green-up. Turf Chem icals Inc. 1011 E. Main P.O. Box 451 Owosso, Michigan 48867 Phone: (517) 725-7145 FOR ALL O F YOUR FERTILIZER, C H E M IC A L A N D G R ASS SEED NEED S EXPERIENCED, DEPENDABLE PEOPLE TO SERVE YOU • Russ Hancock • Jay Siddock • Fred M iller • Lou Beckman • Ted Kasel • Chris Fochtman ( T i r e W h o l e s a l e r s I n c . C o . , •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. ( a n o m a l i ) ^ pm s tto« ^ A sk your ProTurf® Tech Rep for details. JOHN SKAIFE Senior Technical Representative The O.M. Scott & Sons Company Professional Business Group 9120 Sandison Drive White Lake, Ml 48386 Tel (810) 698-2358 or 1-800-543-0006 today. k CADILLAC WAREHOUSE 303 Hawthorn Street Cadillac, Ml 49601 (616) 7 7 5 -6 6 6 6 _ _ NEW! NEW! 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 A Patch of Green • 8 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 MBCGCSA ELECTIONS to be Held at Annual Meeting With our Association's election coming up at the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, October 25 at Maple Lane Golf Club,the MBCGCSA is proud to list the candidates for next year's Board of Directors. Following is the slate of candidates for 1995 officers and directors. One year term s President ....................... Jay Delcamp Vice President........Carey Mitchelson Secretary/Treasurer . .Paul Dushane ......................................Paul Kolbe (vote for two) D irector Terms Expiring Secretary/Treasurer Gary Thommes Paul Dushane Fritz McMullen D irector — three year term Timothy J. Dorner Edward J. Hock, Jr. Mark McKinley Thomas V. Scholl, Jr. T im o th y J. D orner Background: Has worked in the metro Detroit area since 1987. Was assistant superintendent at Lochmoor Club and old course superintendent at Indianwood Golf & Country Club. Has been golf course superintendent at St. Clair Shores Country Club for the past three seasons. ment from Michigan State University and currently is purs­ ing a B.S. in administration through Central Michigan University of Greater Detroit. Served on the 1995 MTF Conference Planning Committee, 1995 Big Event Committee and currently is serving on the Patch of Green Editorial Committee. Received the two-year degree in turfgrass manage­ He and his wife, Pamela, have three children. Coals: Try to get more people involved because an associ­ ation is only as strong as its members. There are a lot of people out there with good ideas, and it is our job as board members to find those people and get them involved. From my perspective, the MBCGCSA allows us to gain a lot of good information through meetings and semi­ nars, but the contacts that we make and the ideas that we exchange with other members are among the greatest benefits, both professionally and personally. Edw ard J. Hock, Jr. Background: Has been a golf course superintendent for five years. Was assistant at Meadowbrook Country Club, then superintendent at Crosse lie Golf and Country Club for three-and-one-half years. Currently is superintendent at Walnut Creek Country Club. Graduated from the Michigan State two-year turf pro­ gram in 1985 and received a bachelor of science degree in 1987. "None of this would have been possible without the support of Annie, my wife of 18 years." The couple has three children. Coals: "I feel I can offer MBCGCSA a positive attitude and a willingness to serve in any capacity that is needed. It is an honor to have been nominated, and if elected I will do the best I can for the organization." M ark M cK inley Background: Nineteen years of experience on golf cours­ es, including: 10 at Farmington Hills Country club; an internship for one year at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs; one year at Bay Pointe Golf Club, and the last seven at Detroit Coif Club. Degrees from Eastern Michigan University in market­ ing and Michigan State University in turfgrass manage­ ment. Married forl5 years, Mark and Kim McKinley have lived in the Wixom area all their lives. Coals: There is no more important mission of this organi­ zation than to continue to promote recognition of our group as professionals. Another goal is to get all superin­ tendents involved in this organization. Too often, superin­ tendents feel uncomfortable or feel that it is unimportant to participate. Every time a group of superintendents meet, there is so much knowledge shared. Therefore, I will work with you to improve the quality of commitment to our association. Th om as V. Schall, Jr. Background: Has lived in southeastern Michigan all his life. Began career by working at Willow Coif Course in New Boston. After graduating from Michigan State University's Turfgrass Management Program, Tom experienced the U.S. Senior Open while working at Oakland Hills Country Club. In 1982 he became assistant superintendent at Dearborn Country Club. Became superintendent at Chemung Hills Country Club in 1985. As the development and golf courses at Oak Pointe began to grow, Tom was hired to take care of the Honors Course in 1987. He became superintendent of all three courses and grounds maintenance for the condominiums. Tom received an award from Club Corporation (the owners of Oak Pointe) for producing one of the Top 10 quality conditioned courses. Tom and his wife, Heidi, have two children. Coals: "The most important thing I can contribute to the association is to give 100% to whatever I do." A Patch of Green • 9 Septem ber/O ctober 1994 Update Your Control System Without Damaging Any Turf I ■ H i I Single Source Control of Irrigation Systems Saves You Time & Money! Two-Way Radio Communication Eliminates Expense of Direct Communication Wire! 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Call Today For A Free Quote 1-800-347-4272 Computer Requirement • 486 Personal Computer with PC-DOS or MS-DOS • 1 MB RAM • 80 MB Hard Disk Drive • 3 72" or 5 74" Diskette Drive Recommended Phone modem with communication software, dot matrix or laser printer IC entury Rain A id I A Patch of Green • 10 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 I n B a l a n c e w i t h N a t u r e ..................................................................................................by Tim Doppel ................................................................................................ I was going through one of my many (too many some would say) files on pesticide safety issues and found some interest­ ing information. Never one to re-invent the wheel, I am happy to share the following with you. While it is starting to get a little old, I find it quite amazing how poignant it seems. It was written in 1970 by the late Dr. John Carew, former chairman of the Horticulture Department of Michigan State University. As I think you will see, Dr. Carew read the situation very clearly. I just hope that his final analysis is wrong. In B a la n c e w ith N a tu re In the beginning There was Earth, beautiful and wild; And then man came to dwell. At first he lived like other animals Feeding himself on creatures and plants around him. And this was called IN BA LA N C E W ITH N A TU RE. Soon man multiplied. He grew tired of ceaseless hunting for food; He built homes and villages. Some men became Farmers so that others might become Industrialists, Artists or Doctors. Wild plants and animals were domesticated. And this was called Society. Man and Society progressed.With his God-given ingenuity, man learned to feed, clothe, protect and transport himself more efficiently so he might enjoy Life. He built cars, houses on top of each other, and nylon. And life became more enjoyable. The men called Farmers became efficient. A single farmer grew food for 28 Industrialists, Artists and Doctors. And Writers, Engineers and Teachers as well. To protect his crops and animals, the Farmer produced substances to repel or destroy Insects, Diseases and Weeds. These were called Pesticides. Similar human substances were made by the Doctors to protect humans. These were called Medicine. The Age of Science had arrived and with it came better diet and longer, happier lives for more members of Society. (Members of Society learned to enjoy themselves with many leisure activities, including outdoor pastimes such as camping, picnics, and sports like baseball and golf.) Soon it came to pass ‘ That certain well-fed members of Society Disapproved of the Farmer using Science. They spoke harshly of his techniques for feeding, protecting and preserving plants and animals. They deplored Jus upsetting the “balance of nature;” They longed for the Good Old Days. iis time the Farmer had become so efficient, Society gave him a new title: Unimportant Minority. And this had emotional appeal to the rest of Society. Because Society could not ever imagine a shortage of food, Laws were passed abolishing Pesticides, Fertilizers and Food Preservatives. Insects, Diseases and Weeds flourished. Crops and Animals died. Food became scarce. To survive, Industrialists, Artists and Doctors were forced to grow people and Governments fought wars to gain more agricultural land. Millions of people were exterminated. The remaining few lived like animals. Feeding themselves on creatures and plants around them. And this was called IN BA LA N C E W ITH N A TU RE. 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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 H O S E ^ M ’ & r «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 V __________________ WE GUARANTEE WHAT WE SELL! J A Patch of Green • 12 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 Turf in Spotlight at Buick Open The 1994 Buick Open was held at Warwick Hills Country Club, August 1-7. Superintendent Phil Owen saw the first rain delay in the six years he has been involved in the tournament. A Patch of Green editorial com m ittee m em ­ bers John Cooney and Tim Dorner interviewed Owen fo r a look at the tournam ent from the superinten­ dent's view. n *^ g F • How does the membership react to the tournament? A : of the tournament are tolerant of any inconvenience. It's like most memberships. It depends on the member. Those who like the notoriety How long before the tournament do you shut off play? A : Play is allowed until Sunday night. The course must be ready Monday at noon for tournament players. • What changes do you have to make in your regular maintenance routines? A : We try to peak the course for that week. We mow tees, greens and fairways daily, instead of three times per week, and the greens are rolled daily. The fairways and tees are rough prepped, garbage removed and divots filled in the evening. Tee to green has to be dew-free in the morning, squegees and dragging hoses are used to accomplish this. Tee to fairway walkways are maintained all year. Greens fertilization is stopped three to four weeks before the tournament to allow for even growth throughout the day. * Does the PGA require certain things? A : The PGA tour agronomists visit us about a few months ahead of time and make (strong) suggestions. There aren't major changes. More likely they are things like subtle mowing changes, such as widening fairways that may have crept in over the year. But, for tournament purposes, for example, they didn't appreciate our membership’s decision to lengthen the 13th hole. How much extra crew do you have for the tournament? A : Our peak summer crew is 15; then we add three for the tournament. Even with those three extra people, the crew averaged 55-70 hours in the weeks around the tourna­ ment. * n ^ J r « Did you get volunteers? A : We try to handle the responsibilities ourselves, but our vendors helped us a great deal. They brought in all the fairway mowers for the tournament. ^ ¡¡P • What are you going to do if it rains again during the tournament? How will you handle the mowing? A : The PGA works closely with us, but lets us make the call. Yesterday, was a zoo. I was up in their trailer trying to give them the answer that they wanted. They were asking when I could have the course ready and it was still raining. Q A : • How old is the course? it was built in the 1950s, and the greens were rebuilt in the 1960s. A Patch of Green • 13 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 Michigan & BorderZuties CCSA EMBER_‘ M W J r the ngw^superintendent at 'x \ M eet Lochmoor Club's New erintendent Mike Jones by Katie Elsila in sa; x . priority," Mike Jones, the Lochmoor Club in Cnosse F^jnte Woods, and his employ­ er are a good fit. Mike was looking for a qlub he could enhance with his horticultural skills, and Lochmoor was look­ ing for a superintendent who , could add to its existing beauty. "Of course, the turf is my is just as a number-one Mike, who began his newj March. "But, the ornamental aspect especially Lochmoor." Mike feels that 18-hole, 77-year-oldg^^fflyate club doesn't get tffe rdspect it deserves because of its urban setting and flat topography. But, its strength is in its length and in its natural beauty," he analyzes. importa Ilk' club Mike plans to accentuate that natural beauty with landscaping. His strategy ranges from perimeter plant­ ing (the club is surrounded by four, well-traveled roads) "possibly with weeping pine tress which would have the effect of an opera curtain along the fence" to dressing up the clubouse entrance and surroundings, "perhaps with hollies and perennials." In working with the greens, Mike was more con­ cerned with trueness and smoothness than with speed. His program included the generous use of potash, including 15 pounds of actual product per 1,000 square feet during his first week at the club. He followed an extensive topdressing program of light and frequent applications every two weeks. He also double verticut with triplex verticut units with a light overseeding each time. "If I can get one or two percent catch, it's better than nothing," he believes. "Overtime, it's going to be a benefit. I have seen a nice increase in bent grass popu­ lation." Mike then drew up plans for areas that needed the immediate attention and began improvement of specific holes. (See photos.) to address Though Mike views the club grounds from a horti­ culturist's point of view, he plays the course weekly with his assistant, Brian Schweihofer, to experience it from a golfer's perspective. Once or twice a month, he tries to play with members, too. He says he's just a bogie golfer, but really enjoys the game. When interviewing for tine Lochmoor job, the young applicant thought his age might be a deterrent. But he has not found that? to be the case. "Everyone at Lochmoor las been very sup­ portive and has dealt with me in an extremely professional man­ ner." He adds, "The crew is great, too. Everyone is solid." Mike has had to make some major career decisions since graduating from the University of linois turf program in 1987. Right out of college he had sev­ job offers, eral including third assistant at Augusta or first assistant tfW ffm pia Fields in Chicago. He decided on Olympia Fields, but during his second year there his boss, Brian Chalifoux, accepted a job at the Fort Wayne Country Club in Indiana and asked Mike to move with him. Having to decide between the course or the golf superintendent, Mike chose the latter. It turned out to be a good decision. impressive "Fort Wayne was one of those little sleeper clubs," he says. "Their budget was in the upper 10% of clubs. Nothing was spared. It was great to be in a situation where everything was done professionally and right. When l moved on to my next job at South Bend Country Club, they got more of a golf course than their budget showed because I had learned so much from Brian." Although Mike was happy at South Bend, which is ranked fifth in Indiana, he felt he wanted increased opportunity to practice his horticultural skills. "I love the way plants can be used to create a different environ­ ment for people," he says. Mike is new to this area and looks forward to becoming more active in MBCCCSA as he gets acclimat­ ed. He served as vice president and newsletter editor of the Michiana chapter. "I've had a chance to go to a few membership meetings, and people have been very friendly and helpful," he says. A Patch of Green • 14 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 Planted with shasta daisies and dianthus, this decorative bed was purposely kept low since it is directly in front of the 10th tee. A whole lot of pruning going on! Three river birch replace the American elms which died from Dutch Elm disease. The course is losing approximately 14 each year. The 13th hole was improved this summer. For the results, see the cover of this issue. Members especially enjoy the 11th tee with its great par three. Wildflowers have been planted along the water's edge. A Patch of Green • 15 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 With mounding and the planting of trees, Mike created some height on the previously flat 10th tee complex. TURF WINTERIZATION Do you ever wonder how other golf course superinten­ dents are handling their courses? The new editorial board members of A Patch of Green questioned a random sampling of MBCGCSA mem­ bers about how they approach turf winterization. Those surveyed were: Ed Hock, w alnu t Creek C ountry Club Mike Edgerton, M eadow Brook C ountry Club Steve Sump, Rouge C oif Club David Hollens, w oodlands C oif Club Tim Dark, Barton Hills C ountry Club Jim Keller, Raisin River C oif Course Scott Buzzell, MBCGCSA I n f o r m a l S u r v e y S h o w s How Superintendents Prepare for the Season Ahead I. W hat ty p e o f fu n g icid e do you use and why? II. How do you h a n d le fa ll fe rtiliz a tio n ? "I use Calo-Chlor and Calo-gran " Mike Edgerton, Meadow Brook Country Club "I fertilize In late fall with Ag (1#/M-N) because of the cost/results." Mike Edgerton "I find that FFll works well. PCNB/chlorothalonil combination (8 oz. PCNB to 4 oz. chlorothalonil per thousand." Steve Sump, Rouge Golf Club "I fertilize the greens, tees and fairways in early September (2# 0-0- 50/M. In October, I fertilize the greens and tees (14-0-28 100% nutralene.) Steve Sump "l have not made a decision because the greens have not been seeded." (Woodlands Golf Club will open in the spring of 1995.) David Hollens "I use PCNB on greens and tees." Tim Dark, Barton Hills Country Club. "I am using PCNB and/or Chlpco- Daconll 2787 to get away from Mercury." Jim Keller, Raisin River Golf Course "l use PCNB because it is the best inexpensive product available." Ed Hock, Walnut Creek Country Club. "I use FFll at the double rate. Past experience has proven the product to be excellent. Scott Buzzell, Romeo Golf Club "l fertilize in early October with slow-release nitrogen and high potas­ sium." David Hollens "For late fall fertilization I use Urea and Potassium Chloride (bulk) on fairways and roughs (#1 N/M2) for turfgrass nutrition." Tim Dark, Barton Hills Country Club "In the late fall I use 17-3-21 (1#K) to strengthen the turf and allow later fertilizer application in the spring." Ed Hock "l fertilize in late fall with Slow Release N (1#)" Jim Keller "I fertilize in early-mid fall with 21-3- 20 on the fairways and 15-0-28 on the greens/tees (full rate). This has given me excellent plant hardiness over the winter." Scott Buzzell A Patch of Green • 16 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 ill. W hen do you a e rify in th e fall? “ in Sept/Oct" Mike Edgerton "in mid-September" Steve Sump "early October" David Hollens "in late October or November." Tim Dark "In October" Ed Hock "Compaction and thatch are a severe problem. We begin immedi­ ately after Labor Day and aerify Into October and even November." Jim Keller "mid-September to early October" Scott Buzzell Ilf. Do you h ave a se rv ice co n tra ct for th e pum p house? "Yes. They check system, remove CLA valve and tubing, remove pres­ sure relieve valve and tubing, blow all water out, shut off city water supply, pour RV antifreeze Into system wher­ ever water may have a tendency to lay in piping." Steve Sump "This year the pump Is still under warranty. Next year we'll have a con­ tract." David Hollens None of the other superintendents in the survey had a service contract. Toss New Chipco SevinWSP In Water And Watch Some Of Your Toughest Pest Problems Begin To RHONE POULENC AG COMPANY BOB DUGAN CHIPCO TURF & ORNAMENTAL SPECIALIST CONTACT P.O. BOX 74398 • ROMULUS, Ml 48174-0398 (313) 782-0323 Fax: (313) 782-6344 A Patch of Green • 17 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 Introducing the First Complete lin e of 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 recently, 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. Stiffer leaves support the A COMPLETE LINE OF POTASSIUM NITRATE-BASED PROFESSIONAL TURF PRODUCTS PREMIUM TURF (It’s about time.) A Patch of Green • 18 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 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 homogenous 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. r . „ l o o , , , , , , ©1994 Vicksburg Chemical K-Power, MultiCote and the Sergeant K character are registered trademarks of Vicksburg Chemical. AfWCOMPANY . Mulching Tree Leaves into Turf by P.E. Rieke, b .e. Branham , R. N. Calhoun and T.A. Nikolai D epartm ent o f Crop and Soil Sciences Michigan State University The state regulation which prohibits sending yard wastes to land fills has created a problem fo r homeowners and others who want to dispose of tree leaves each fall. One alternative is to compost the leaves, either in the yard or at a local compost­ ing center. The latter requires collection, bagging and a means of transport to the compost center. The form er necessitates a portion of the yard devoted to the composting. Another means of disposal is simply mowing the tu rf often enough to pulver­ ize the leaves so they fall into the turf. A legitimate questions is what effect does this have on the turf, both short-term and long-term? With these questions in mind, a study was initiated in October 1990 to evaluate the effects of mulching tree leaves on a Kentucky bluegrass turf. Leaves from a mixed stand of trees but predominantly maple were collected. Three leaf rates applied were: none, light (about three inches of dry leaves) and heavy (about six inches of leaves). The leaves were mulched into the tu rf with a mulching mower using two passes. With the heavy rate, much of the grass was covered with the mulched leaves. Two nitrogen rates were used as well: two or four pounds N per 1,000 sq. ft. annually with 1/4 of the total applied at the time Slow-R elease Nitrogen Fertilizers For Turf BENHAM CHEMICAL CORPORATION Farmington Hills Saginaw 2 4 8 0 0 N. Industrial Farmington Hills, Ml 483 3 5 300 Cass Ave (517) 793-8210 (810) 4 7 4-7474 • (800) 4 8 2 -6 5 2 0 Fax: 793-8695 Fax: 474-3228 ini* ex THE EX STANDS FOR EXCELLENCE A Patch of Green • 19 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 of leaf mulching. A second study was initiated in October 1991 in which oak and maple leaves were applied to a Kentucky bluegrass turf. A single rate of leaves was applied. There were four replications of each treatment in each study. Both stud­ ies were conducted on turfs in the open sun. As we have evaluated the tu rf throughout the growing seasons, there have been no meaningful dif­ ferences observed in tu rf quality ratings, tu rf density, thickness of the "thatch" layer, amount of organic matter in the thatch layer or the number of dandelions in the plots. The nitrogen applications provided some improvement in turf quality ratings, but there was no apparent effect on the rate at which the leaves decompose. From the data collected to date, it appears that returning leaves to the tu rf is not harmful to the tu rf if the mulching is done regularly. It is important to use a mower which pulverizes the leaves well and that the leaves are dry when mowed. Sharpening the mower blades will help to grind the leaves finer. The finer the leaf parti­ cles, the more easily they fall into the turf, leaving grass/ leaves exposed to the sunlight. Our obser­ vation is that the pulverized leaves will settle into the tu rf within a day or two, particularly if followed by a rain. Take care that the pulverized leaves do not cover the grass blades entirely. Although additional nitrogen has not shown any major benefit, we still suggest 1/2 pound nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. in addi­ tion to the normal fall and late fall nitrogen fertilization to enhance decomposition of the tree leaves. RENTALS BY THE • DAY • WEEK • MONTH RENTAL 810-373-8200 DON’T BUY IT - RENT IT! DELIVERY AVAILABLE 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 • 20 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 Greg Lyman, turf grass environmental education special­ ist from MSU's Department of Plant/Soll Sciences, was the featured speaker at MBCGCSA's August Membership Meeting at Great Oaks Country Club, Superintendent John Nowakowski hosted the event, Lyman reported on a study which was commissioned by the GCSAA and conducted by the University of Iowa. The study compared the death records of 750 members who belonged to the association between 1970- 1992 and compared them to the death records of the general pop­ ulation, The data was then ana­ lyzed statistically. although the topic Is of keen Interest to association members, occupational hazards of cause and effect can't be drawn from this study since the research was not set up to evaluate these parameters. He explained that the purpose of the study was to see If there were any types of cancer which were elevated when compared to the general public. dence of lung cancer within this population. The authors of this study attribute this to smoking, and we will most likely see some educational programs in that regard from the GCSAA. The most striking conclusion is an elevated inci­ Lyman cautioned that, Championship Photos & Report By Tiffanie Howell (L. to R.) Dan Shemon, John Nowakowski, Rick Murphy and Steve Rebhan. M E M B E R S H I P M E E T I N GUPDATE August Membership Meeting Features Talk by Greg Lyman and the Superintendents DAVEY OFFERS EVERY TREE CARE SERVICE YOU’LL Ev e r n e e d . 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 Results o f Annual Superintendents Championship Par Three Steve Sump Bob Rabideau Kurt Kraly Mike Plague John Shannahan John Nowakowski 2nd Flight vendors Ed Stesney Kurt Kraly Ray Manlon Dan Donohue 1st Flight Tom Stark John Nowakowski Ron Adams Steve Sump Championship Flight Fritz McMullen Tim Barno Cary Thommes Mark Pollcht - Winner second year in a row Skin John Cooney Rich Kaiser Bob McNab Howard Ellis Tom Stark Ron Adams (L. to R.) Jay Delcamp, Kurt Kraly, Tom Mason Continued on next page A Patch of Green • 21 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 P O N D D R E D G IN G S P E C IA L IS T Off Road Trucking Wide Track Bulldozing Grading Shore Line & Land Developm ent SWEETCOINC. South Lyon, Michigan 48178 27405 Henry Rd. 810-437-1830 NATURAL ORGANIC Milorganite FERTILIZER You Talked... We Listened. And This is What We Heard. Superintendent Mark Policht, Inverness Country Club, accepts Championship Flight trophy for second year in a row. Host superintendent John Nowakowski, takes a practice swing before his turn on the 13th hole. Introducing Milorganite’s Newest Product. BENHAM CHEMICALS 24800 N. Industrial Drive Farmington Hills, MI 48335 PHONE: (810) 474*7474 (800) 482-6520 (Ml ONLY) A Patch of Green • 22 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 Tom Stark tees off. t round «e Course r Member Activities David Hollens, CCCS, has been named project manager and grow-in superintendent for the American Coif Corporation at Woodlands Coif Course. Located in Wayne, Michigan, Woodlands Golf Course was designed by Jerry Mathews and will open in the spring of 1995. Hollens was previously superintendent at Rackham Coif Course in Huntington Woods. MBCCCSA welcomes Ed Carmody to Rackham Golf Club. Ed assumed his new position in June. He had been superintendent at Fremont County Club in Fremont, Ohio prior to coming to Rackham and was previously an assistant at Red Run. Ed plans to con­ tinue the restoration of the Donald Ross design at Rackham. New projects include automating the fair­ way irrigation. Romeo Coif Club has just completed the second season with its additional 18 holes. According to Superintendent Scott Buzzell, the response has been excellent and the course is full every day. Congratulations to new parents.... Great Oaks Country Club Superintendent John and Martha Nowakowski on the birth of their son, Lewis Joseph, on August 22. And Rattle Run Golf Club Superintendent Greg and Tamara Seago on the birth of their daughter, Lauren, on August 23. w con­ Around the Course tinue to Include Informative news items about MBCCCSA members. Please send Information to: Editor, A Patch of Green, 30700 Telegraph Road, Suite 1401, Bingham Farms, Ml 48025-4531 or call (810) 642- 9580. Founded in 1947, Spartan Distributors acquired the Wilkie Turf I ■ lili fllllllp jjfflpji Dawn S. Johnson became the president of Spartan Distributors in July. She will oversee Spartan’s three divisions: consumer, turf and irri­ gation. Equipment Co. of Auburn Hills in October 1993. Its territory now covers all of Michigan, making it the state's exclusive Toro distributor. "We’d like golf club superintendents to consider us a reference point for products and services and to view us as a consultant," says Johnson. "Spartan’s staff has a long history of working with golf course personnel on a variety of concerns and offers a wealth of experience on issues ranging from turf analysis to water and energy conservation.” Johnson says that the biggest continuing change in irrigation and turf technology is in computerization. That makes her company's role as consultant even more critical, she believes. "Educating our cus­ tomers on how the new technology can provide them even more options in managing their courses is a very important focus for us," she says. Johnson was vice president, North American Sales & Distribution for Herman Miller, Inc. before assuming her present position. She is a native of Michigan. When asked if she plays golf, she responded, "No, but I’d better learn quickly!" A Patch of Green • 23 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 Mee« Spartan Distributors New President- Dawn Johnson w Dan Billette, Superintendent, Lenawee Country Club, Adrian, Michigan "WORST-EVER" SNOW MOLD DAMAGE HITS UNTREATED FAIRWAYS HARD; TEES AND GREENS "COME OUT CLEAN" WHEN TREATED WITH DACONIL 2787 FUNGICIDE. The winter of 1993-94 was a tough one in Southern Michigan with bitter cold and snow cover that stayed put until March. Then, as the days warmed and the ground thawed, the Snow mold hit. “On the fairways, where I don’t treat, it was the worst I’ve ever seen,” recalls Dan Billette, Course Superintendent at Lenawee Country Club in Adrian, MI. On tees and greens, however, where Dan had used Daconil 2787® Flowable Fungicide from ISK Biosciences Corporation, “we didn’t have any problem at all.” Built in 1920, Lenawee Country Club lies on hilly ter­ rain. It has mature trees and small, undulating, heavily bunkered greens that make very challenging targets. The annua. Snow mold turf is a 50/50 mix of bentgrass and is always a concern. That’s why Dan’s been on a preventive program since 1990. And on the tees and greens treated with Daconil 2787, “I’ve come out real clean every year.” Daconil 2787 all year long You might say that Daconil 2787 is the cornerstone of Dan’s turf management program. “I use it steadily through the growing season on tees and greens, and on fairways, too. It gives me excellent control on both Brown patch and Dollar spot. I’ve even used it for Red thread. “What I really like about Daconil 2787, though,” Dan continues, “is the sticker they use. It’s incredible. Once it dries, it’s on the leaf. And even after it rains, you can still see it. It’s really impressive to me how well it hangs on. It’s been a very reliable product for me.” For control of both Gray and Pink snow mold, Dan uses Daconil 2787 in a tank mix with Chipco* 26019. He watches the long range weather forecast through mid- November and then, just before the first real snows, he applies 8 oz of Daconil 2787 and 6 oz of Chipco 26019 per 1000 sq ft. When possible, a second application during a mid-winter thaw is also recommended. Do you rely on Daconil 2787? If you tell us your success story and we use it in an ad, we’ll donate $100 to your favorite charity. Write Jackie Tengler, ISK Biosciences 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 Biosciences Corporation. * Chipco is a registered trademark of Rhone-Poulenc Ag Company. daconil The cornerstone of your I H U 2787 turf management program. A Patch of Green » 2 4 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 A n n ual Fa m ily P icnic A Shivery Success 1994 MBCCCSA Photos & Story By Tiffanie Howell No rain in the forecast. Finally, the MBCCCSA picnic would transpire without rain. What a great day for a picnic! You walk out of your home and right back inside. You look at the calendar and the picnic is August 8, the middle of summer. You look outside and don't see any snow, so you try it again. You drive to Kensington Metro Park and you're thinking "What a beautiful day for a picnic, no rain." Finally, it will be a nice day for the annual picnic. WRONG!!! Granted this year the raincoats were not essential, but members needed to bring their long johns and winter coats. One smart picnic-goer actually had on mittens. The day was not a waste, though. Members came out and braved the cold for a day of fun-filled activities. The delicious food was pre­ pared by Fritz McMullen, and, of course, everyone wanted to help; there is heat in num­ bers. You definitely wanted to keep moving, otherwise your lips would turn blue and your fingers would have frostbite. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but games were played without delay. That was one way to stay warm. Kim and Mark McKinley came up with a great array of games, from a rubberband around the ankles, ball between the legs, water sponge and bucket to the famous peanut game that involved pigs, cows, dogs and horses. By the way, the pigs won with 53 peanuts in the bag. Fun was had by all, and everyone is looking forward to a heat wave and no rain for the MBCGCSA picnic in 1995. Parents and children prepare for the peanut game. Teams are Pigs, Cows, Dogs and Horses..The outcome: The Pigs have it by a mudslide (53), Cows (35), Dogs (32) and Horses (32). Aw Shucks...shucking corn to keep warm? CONE!!! Roger Gill looks on as Sandy Weishaar bun- Oink, Oink, Oink...Mike Plague and dies up for the cold day's activities. daughters oink for peanuts. A Patch of Green • 25 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 Powered Up To Go The Distance The New Hunter G-700 Take a look at the beefy, new G-700 with Hunter’s proven and reliable gear drive. This large-radius rotor features the industry’s first Pure Flow Valve filtration system for dependable performance in the toughest water conditions. New, patented Pressure Port Nozzling also ensures efficient water distribution across the entire 76' to 100' radius range. The G-700 • Check-O-Matic, Hydraulic and Electric V.I.H. • 31/2m pop-up prevents wet spots around head • Logo cap with recess for yardage markers • Five-year exchange warranty Authorized Hunter Golf Distributor Andersons Lawn Fertilizer Group P.O. Box 119 Maumee, Ohio 43537 Distributed by: Turfgrass, Inc. 28064 Pontiac Trail South Lyon, MI 48178 (810) 437-1427 1-800-521-TURF (MI only) A Patch of Green • 26 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 [Century Rain Aid/ MICHIGAN The G-700 Electric Valve-ln-Head with Pressure Regulation 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 Locations: 800-347-4272 Hunter 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 TeeTime 22-4-18 Fertilizer with Nutralene the professional's partner3 Your Tee Tim e Distributor Offers You • • Greens and Fairway Fertilizers with Nutralene^ Quality Sulfur Coated Urea Fertilizer Combination Products Granular Insecticides ^ Si- Granular Fungicides %: Michigan State university Field Day —Another Success The Michigan Turfgrass Field Day, Trade Show and Auction was held on August 18. The sunshine drew a large num­ ber of MBCGCSA members, who were greeted by Jon Maddern, president, Michigan Turfgrass Foundation and Dr. Gail Imig, associate vice provost, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and director, MSU Extension. followed by the trade show, lunch and an equipment auction. coming issues. Tours of the latest research on golf turf took place in the morning, A Patch of Green will reprint research highlights from Turf Day in forth­ ------------------------------------------------------------------- N TOP, b l o w e r s «l fJ J 1GNS*PUMPS* SPARTAN DISTRIBUTORS *COLF’ COMMEJ^MgS^^yNTIAL^SPORTS FIELDS® PARRS* f.O N T R LERS* MOWERS® JM M ERS'TRACTORS* ACTORS® $«PRUNERS*SAW* iHREDDERS* OMM ERCIAL SAND AILERS* 1PPERS*A!R !ICLE*BLOWERS* ERS® NTAINS® ■RO ■ORS [TAINS® TURF® VOLTAGE [CAL LISTS IF® CITIES® ACTORS® ERS*SAW*AIR ©ERS® RLF®M0WERS® TRAILERS* :SSORS®€USIIMAN® MOWERS® |RS* FOUNTAINS® Greg Lyman, turf grass environmental edu­ cation specialist from the Department of Plant/Soil Sciences at Michigan State University, answers a question. Turf Day always draws a crowd. (L.) Dr. Eldor Paul, past chairman of MSU's Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, and current chairman Dr. Boyd Ellis greet partici­ pants. (Below) Don Alexander, of W.F. Miller, discusses equipment with A Patch of Green advertising sales representative Lisa LaRaia. FERTILIZER DIFFUSED AIR®SPARTAN DISTRIBIITORS®TORO®TORO IRRiGAT10N*SERVIC£*PARTS 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 • 27 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 STOCK Environment, Ltd. Man-age (m an y) 1. To control the movement 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 ’ 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 & S afety Management Detroit: • (313) 921-0333 • Fax: (313) 921-4730 Grand Rapids • (616) 285-1177 • Fax: (616) 285-0432 PATRICK J. STOCK • (313) 924-0111 Shore Control BRIDGES • DAMS • BOARDWALKS SEAWALLS — Steel • Wood PVC C LOC Boulders C o m p lete Jobs or Products O nly FREE QUOTES ■ (810) 887-7855 Beek Sod Fam M i (517) 864-3549 Quality Sod • Shade Mix • Bluegrass Blend • Northern Mix •GOLF GREENS MIX -SHADE -SHADE TREES -BULK HORTICULTURAL PEAT MOSS A 2.5 inch rainfall will be W E T F E E T ? Drainage pipe installed on 40 acres of fairway at 30 ft. spacings and 2.5 ft. deep will remove a minimum of 8 million gallons of water in less than 1 week every spring. absorbed within 24 hours on well- drained fairways. That’s 3 million gallons of water! professionals work strictly on golf course drainage and are able to bring these facts to reality. In fact, we have installed over 700,000 ft. of drainage pipe on more than 60 golf courses Our licenced drainage TURF DRAIN DRAINAGE DIVISION INC. Michigan (810)471-6750 A Patch of Green • 28 • Septem ber/O ctober 1994 ADVERTISER'S directory American Marine .............................. 28 A m tu rf................. IBC Andersons......................... 26 ...........................................28 Beck Sod Benham Chemical ......................19,22 • • • 18 Cedar Chemical Century Rain 10 Davey Tree....................... 21 ............................12 D & C Distributors D.C. Irrigation ..................................... 2 . W ...............| | . . 2 Fast Play Tech ............... . . . Isk Bio Tech ...................................... 24 Lebanon ..............................................2 Lesco................................................. 12 Michigan State Seed ....................... 12 North End Electric..............................4 Osburn Ind............................................8 Palace Equip....................................... 20 Rhone Poulenc ................................17 Scotts ................................................. 8 Spartan Distributors......................... 27 Stock Env.............................................28 Sweetco.............................................22 TCI ........................................................8 Thesier .............................................IFC Tire Wholesalers..................................8 Turf Drain...........................................28 Turfgrass .............................................4 United Hort...........................................2 W.F. Miller .........................................BC T U R F G R A S S S P E C IA L I S T S FREE NEXT DAY DELIVERY BRIGHTON (800) 482-3130 FAX: (810) 632-5840 BRADLEY (800) 632-1998 FAX: (616) 792-0700 W.F. Miller Co. Welcomes Cushman, Ransomes, Ryan To Our Family of Professional Turf Care Products. The Cushman, Ransomes, Ryan commitment to excellence shows in the way each product is designed and built. Call us today for further information or a product demonstration. (810) 349-4100 Fax: (810) 349-0406 W.F. MILLER CO. FOR ALL YOUR PARTS & SERVICE NEEDS. W.F. MILLER C0. TURF & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPM ENT 25125 TRANS-X, NOVI, Ml 48376-0605 (810) 349-4100 - Fax (810) 349-0406 IC U S H M A N R Y A N D riven to he the hest. BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #2 DETROIT, Ml i PIAMI 30700 Telegraph Rd. Suite 1401 Bingham Farms, Ml 48025-4531 The Official Publication of the Michigan and Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association 1 0 4 4 JffM. DR. Jr IN TER PO EC COLLE IARD y»A L SPO RTS TURF IN S T rx 77842^0065 COLLECTION