THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER DETROIT GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION WEINGARTZ Michigan’s Largest Lawn, Snow & Outdoor Power Equipment Dealer Utica 46061 Van Dyke 1/2 Mile North of M-59 (810)731-7240 Since 1945 Best Price Best Service Best Selection F a r m lm to n 39050 Grand River East of Haggerty (248)471-3050 HOURS: Monday & Thursday 8:30-8:00 • T-W-F 8:30-5:30 • Saturday 9:00-4:0C Greater Detroit Golf Course Superintendents Association The Official Publication of the Greater Detroit Golf Course Superintendents Asociation Officers President Paul Dushane Vice President Paul Kolbe Committee: GAM Seminar, Christmas Party, Co-Golf President Emeritus Jay Delcamp Committee: Ethics, By-Laws, Nominating Sec reta ry/T reas u re r Roy Szyndlar, C.G.C.S. Committee: Finance, Welfare, Policy Book, Co-Hospitality Room Directors Tim Dorner, C.G.C.S. Committee: POG Editor, Ed Hock, Jr. Committee: Co-Special Olympics, Co-Golf Day, Co-Education Mike Jones Committeee: Membership, Co-Education, Co-Golf Co-Member Relations Mark McKinley Committee: Co-Golf Day, Co-Hospitality Room, Historian Co-Member Relations Rick Murphy, C.G.C.S. Committee: Awards, Picnic, Clothing Jane St. John, C.G.C.S. Committee: Co-Special Olympics, Publicity, Industrial/Environmental Relations Tom Mason Committee: GCSAA Liaison, GCSAA Voting Delegate Contents .............................The View From M.S.U. 5 ........................On Par With The President 7 ........................ Association Championship 9 . Joint Meeting With Western Mich GCSA 11 1 5 ...................................................... Member Viewpoint 1 7 ................................. The Irrigation Corner 1 8 ........... ................ New Code of Ethics ................ Dry Bunkers A Top Priority 1 9 2 0 ............................. Heritage Award Essay ...................................... The Cutting Edge 21 2 3 ..................... June 2nd Board Meeting 2 4 ................... June 30th Board Meeting 2 5 ..................................New Member Roster 2 8 ..................................Changes to Roster 2 9 ............................................. Classifieds ............................... Calendars of Events 3 0 Contact for Kate Mason GDGCSA Executive Secretary Information GDGCSA P.O. Box 173, Troy, Ml 48099 (248) 362-1108 Fax (248) 362-1736 Printed by: Schaltenbrand Printing Company 16315 Harper Avenue Detroit, Ml 48224 (313) 882-4343 Y ou've qoT more choicES TodAy tNan ever bsFoRE FoRTUNATElyf s o m e Nave qoTTEN e a sIe r . ÄTRION / THE RIGHT CHOICE Whether you're looking for operating efficiency and versatility, quality construction backed by generous warranties, or if you're a stickler for avanced safety features and state-of-the art service technology, your best choice has always been a Trion. Now Trion's "System" approach adds another dimension to the equation by adding integrated products for even greater productivity. Let us show you the Trion "Systems" difference. You'll be glad you did. CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION AND OUR FREE DEMONSTRATION VIDEO CREEN 'N CROW, INC. 810/979^5222 WATCHING YOUR COURSE WITH AN EAGLE" EYE. Golf course superintendents have to keep a sharp eye out to protect their turf...and they keep watch for any tool to fight tough turf diseases. That’s why so many of them depend on Eagle® fungicide. Eagle protects greens against more than 15 tough diseases. Even when temperatures and humidity rise and disease pressure is highest, Eagle doesn’t quit. And it provides exceptional turfgrass safety. It’s solvent-free—gentle to all major varieties. No weakened roots, leaf damage or coarse turf blades. Greens always look and play their best. Six-tenths of an ounce per 1,000 square feet gives you all the control you need—that’s more performance with less material. Cost-effective protection like that is the reason you should keep an Eagle eye on your course. BENHAM CHEMICAL CORPORATION 800- 452-6520 Farmington Hills 24800 N. Industrial Dr. 248-474-7474 Fax: 474-3228 Saginaw 300 Cass Ave 517-793-8210 Fax: 793-8695 on par “heh president Today is July 24, 1997; hot town, summer in the city. I don’t know about you, but I could use a good laugh about now. Didn’t somebody once say that laughter Is medicine? some root growth... If I could only get my grass to laugh about now...maybe it would tickle up I recently received a couple of e-mails that I consider funny and thought that you might need a good laugh about now too. Comedian Steven Wright came up with these thoughts and ideas, and I pass them along to you with the hope that they somehow make you laugh during these stressful growing times..."What is the speed of dark"; "How come you never hear about gruntled employees?"; "If white wine goes with fish, do white grapes go with sushi?"; "Why are builders afraid to have a 13th floor but book publishers aren’t afraid to have a chapter 11?"; "How can there be self-help groups?"; Where are preparations A through G?"; What happened to the first six 'Ups'?"; "If an orange is orange, why isn’t a lime called a green or a lemon called a yellow?"; "If olive oil comes from olives, where does baby oil come from?"; "My school colors were 'clear'"; "Hermits have no peer pressure"; "How much deeper would the ocean be if sponges didn’t live there?"; "I live on a one-way, dead-end street"; "I had a friend who made a fortune selling Cliff Notes. I ask him how he did it and he said, "Well, to make a long story short...". And this one from an unknown source may finally answer a long nagging question... THE PLAN In the beginning was the plan and then came the assumptions and the assumptions were without form and the plan without substance and there was darkness on the face of the workers. They spoke among themselves saying "No, no, no, this is a crock of 'stuff, and it stinks". So the workers went to their supervisors and said "This is a pail of dung, we can’t even stand the smell of it". So the supervisors went to the managers and said "it is a container of excrement, and it is very strong, such that none can abide by it" and the managers went to the directors and said "it is a vessel of fertilizer, and none may abide by its strength". The directors spoke amongst themselves and said "it contains that which aids plant growth, and it is very strong", so the directors went to the vice presidents and said "it promotes growth and is very powerful" and the vice presidents met with the president and said "this new plan will promote the growth and efficiency of the company". The president looked upon the plan, and saw that it was good, so the plan became policy. And this is how "stuff" happens... I hope to see you all at the annual meeting. Please do your best to attnd this meeting, as it is your chance to make you opinions heard through both your vote and your voice. Here’s to shorter days and cooler nights. Paul W. Dushane DAVEY KEEPS THE GIANTS OF GOLFING STANDING TALL Y ou know that mature trees add challenge as well as beauty. You also know mature trees are impossible to replace. Davey knows how to help protect these valuable assets from decline, lightening, storm damage, insects and disease. Davey will inventory ; trees, evaluate the condition of each one, and give you a report prioritizing treat­ ments. Over time, expert care from Davey will actually reduce your tree maintenance costs. Davey also provides turf fertilization and broadleaf weed control services, tool Keep your valuable assets standing tall with the leader in tree care since 1880. Call Davey today! w DAVEY# (2 4 8 )6 8 9 -2 2 0 0 • T r o y (3 1 3 )4 5 9 -8 6 9 0 • C a n to n T w p . It makes an impression by not leaving one is left on you.NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE, Our GATOR 4x2 utility vehicle will barely bend the blades on your delicate turf. The reason is high flotation. With only 7.1 pounds per square inch, this GATOR rises above the competition. Which means the only impression WM. F. SELL & SON, INC. 16555 S. Telegraph Road Taylor, Michigan 48180 313/282-5100 Fax: 313/282-1279 Association Championship at Coyote Golf Club On June 24 a new Association Champion was crowned...actually, the old one retained his title. Mike Fouty of Downing Farms overcame a strong challenge from Mark Policht of the Inverness Country Club. The two battled it out in extra holes and Fouty prevailed. He retains the trophy, even though he stated that he wanted to loose the dust collector. The rest of the field had no problem proving why they maintain courses rather than play them for a living. Fun was had by all. Superintendent Sam Van Dusen, of Coyote Golf Club, had the new course in pristine condition. The entire association thanks you and your staff, as well as the owners, for their support and hospitality of this event. The group also had an opportunity to meet and hear what Doctor James Baird of Michigan State University plans on doing with his new position at the school. His experience and goals for the programs at State will be an asset to all of us. So, Dr Baird, welcome to Michigan and we all are looking forward to working and learning with you. (Right to Left) — Greater Detroit GCSA Champion Mike Fouty, with Runner-Up Mark Policht New professor at M.S.U., Dr. James Baird TURFGRASS INC. Serving you better Technical information Free timely delivery .. .Quality products Fertilizers Chemicals Seeds Spreaders & Sprayers Golf Supplies Enviromental Equipment Safety Equipment Soil Management Markers Recycled Plastic 1-248-437-1427 Office 1-800-521-8873 (Michigan Only) The Andersons, Lebanon, Sustane, Country Club, Nitroform, Nutralene, Pursell Polyon,Turfgrass Custom Blend, Harmony Ciba-Geigy, W.A. Cleary, Chipco, Roots, Daconil, Miles, NAIAD, Monsanto, Dow-Elanco, Riverdale, PanaSea', Miller, Agri-Plex 4X Lawnplex, No-Mix, Regal Chemical, Dimension, Sand-Aid, Roundup, Dissolve, Agrevo Medalist America Grass Seed, Bloomcoat Wildflower Seed, Zajac Confidence Seed, Seed Research Spyker, Solo Back Pack, Wheely, Spray-Hawk, Chem-Pro Par Aide, Standard, Fore-Par, Fox Valley, Master of the Links Plia Pads, Haz-Store Storage Buildings Mine Safety Equipment Grid System, TerraFlow, TerraBond, TerraCover Richway, Blazon Hammer's Recycled Plastics Keith Richards Dan Johanningsmeier Doug Johanningsmeier Richard Locke Darold Howard Todd Griebe G eneral M anager August 19 Annual Picnic Detroit Zoo August 28 Turf grass Field Day/M SU MARK YOUR CALENDAR * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 4f ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * •* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** ** * * -V. 4« «1# «1* 4* *sL* *1* 4» 4* «4» *4* *4* 4* *4* 4> *4* 4* *4* 4* 4» 4* 4f 4* *4* 4; 4¡ 4; 4; 4*.V. ip *p »p *p »p *p ip 'p *p ip *T* *T* *T* ip A "The Big Event" Bay Pointe G.C. Birmingham C.C. Edgewood C.C. Orchard Lake C.C. Plum Hollow G.C. Annual Meeting The Wyndgate September 22 October 6 î{î î|î î{î * * * * ^ * * * * * íjs íjí ip ip ip ip ip #p S & F CONSTRUCTION INC go/7 course specialists resurface. seamless patching, curb work, lightweight equipment and flexible working arrangements with staff etc. (810) 752-4889 (810) 752-2401 Joint Meeting with Western Michigan GCSA Lucky for the Western GCSA it rained. The Greater Detroit GCSA was poised for an upset in the EastA/Vest Challenge. The team looked strong and was prepared to do anything to win the title this year. The only problem was that they would have to play a strong golf course at Hawk Hollow Golf Course. Superintendent Steve Fiorillo, and his staff had the Dick Matthew’s designed course in great condition. They also did a great job accommodating the Associations do to the weather. A short business meeting was conducted before lunch. After lunch, Dr. Vargas from Michigan State University gave an update and thoughts on Disease Management for the 1997 season. He touched on the severe Pink Snow Mold pressure from spring and how as superintendents we should preventatively control this disease up to the first week in June. The disease (Pink Snow Mold) is present and active up to the first part of June. Treating green and tee acreage preventatively until then makes a lot of sense. Some years may have more pressure than others, but for the cost of treatment it may be worth it. Dr. Vargas also warned us of the potential of summer patch for the season. A final reminder was that of the upcoming Field Day at the Hancock Turfgrass Center on Thursday, August 28, 1997. When the heat is on, put Crenshaw on the green. From Grayhawk Golf Course in Arizona to TPC Golf Course in Japan, Crenshaw creeping bentgrass greens stand up under extreme heat just like its namesake. With its dense, upright growth and attractive green color, Crenshaw creates a playing surface as exceptional as the golfer himself. “This bentgrass provides the truest, smoothest putting surface available” - Ben Crenshaw Lofts offers a variety of creeping bentgrasses specifically designed for golf course use. So the next time your course needs some quality grass seed, call in a pro. Lofts Seed. • Signature Blend • Southshore • L-93 Call Lofts Seed toll-free at 1-888-LOFTS CO GREENS ★ FAIRWAYS ★ BUNKERS ★ 810-752-3489 810-752-1026 FAX 810-560-3388 PAGER CALL FOR DETAILS TERRY MALBURG PRESIDENT PISTSDRB OIL SPILLS Messy Service Shop? Soft Spots in Parking? Lost Turf? from f l * An Environmentally Friendly fix for these problems • Researched by the MSU Dept, of Botany & Plant Pathology as an effective means of" reducing dam age to turf * Prevents stripping and resodding of damaged turf • Does not allow hydrocarbons absorbed to leach out and do further dam age to the environment • Suitable for landfill disposal * A variety of kits to choose distributed by Benham C hem ical C orporation 800-452-6520 ZORBIT TECHNOLOGIES INC. PGA Senior Tour player and golf course designer Gary Player will give the keynote address at Crittenden's 1997 Golflnc Expo in Indianapolis from September 21 - 24. The Expo, which includes more than 50 educational seminars along with a trade show, is the most comprehensive event of its kind geared to professionals in the golf industry. Of particular interest to superintendents, the Golflnc Expo will include a complete track of seminars covering such issues as pest management, fertility programs and equipment. These sessions have been approved for recertification units by the GCSAA. Call 800-208-6508 For more information and a complete brochure. Reestablishing and Renovating Turf Areas by Mr. John Department of Crop and Soil Sciences C. Sorochan and Dr. John N. Rogers III to Author’s Note: The purpose of this article is not to teach you how to establish grass (although revisiting subjects has never been a bad idea), but rather to provide an easy-to-get-to publication you can provide your constituents. If you are like us, you get inundated from time to time with people who want information regarding lawn establishment. You never want to say no, but providing this information, particularly to the laymen, takes precious time. Hopefully, you can save or copy this article to hand out when the need arises. All the best this season. and thatch, excessive the necessary steps The story of a self sustaining, everlasting turfgrass stand is a myth. Turfgrass is a biological system, and one must always be prepared for the fact that the loss of a turfgrass stand could be just around the corner. Knowing to establishment and renovation can save time and money in establishing a new stand of turfgrass or repairing a suffering one. Poor soil conditions, pest damage, improper management of the turfgrass are four factors that contribute to poor turfgrass stands. In many cases,., the proper implementation of the five primary cultural practices, mowing, fertility, pest management, cultivation, and irrigation, are not enough to sustain or regenerate turfgrass; therefore, reestablishment or renovation of the turf area is necessary. The location of your turf area is also very important. A turfgrass stand that may be adequate for a home lawn may not hold up to the rigorous demands of a golf course or athletic field; therefore, the decison to reestablish or renovate the turfgrass will not be the same. For instance, a soil-layering problem that contributes to a shallow rooting depth may show signs of stress and decline during hot and dry periods in the summer months. In an athletic field situation this problem would need to be addressed because the shallow root system and stressed turfgrass will become more weakened as a result of the traffic that is applied during games. However, for a home lawn situation the stressed condition of the turfgrass is only evident during hot and dry periods, which may only be for a couple weeks out of the season; renovate or reestablish the home lawn is not critical. the need therefore, Assessing an unacceptable turgrass stand to determine whether to renovate or reestablish is an important decision. It is sometimes difficult to totally separate renovation from reestablishment as they involve the same processes. For the purpose of this article, renovation of a poor turfgrass area consists of simply replanting new turfgrass into the exisisting turfgrass stand, where reestablishment involves the complete removal of the existing turfgrass and establishing a new turfgrass stand by seedings or sodding. Many reestablishment projects begin as simple renovations, but as the job unfolds, so does the course of the troubles and a major overhaul is necessary. Always, the cause of the poor turfgrass stand must be corrected before the area is repaired, or the process is doomed to return. Effective management of a turfgrass stand can be achieved with proper planning and execution of site preparation when reestablishing a turfgrass area. Whether you are seeding or sodding, there are ten steps to establishment that should be taken into consideration when establishing a new turfgrass area: 1) soil sampling, 2) persistent weed control, 3) rough grading, 4) fertilizer application, 6) soil amendments and modifications, 7) fine grading, 8) starter fertilizer, 9) seeding or sodding, and 10) mulch when seeding. Depending on the condition of the turf area, one or all of these steps may be necessary, and the order is critical in terms of success. liming, 5) basic Soil sampling is necessary to assess the lime and fertilizer requirements of your site. Most base soil test reports will indicate the pH as well as the phosphorous and potassium content. In areas where the soils are the problem, a separate soil particle size analysis should also be requested for each distinct area. A second soil sample should be tested if the topsoil is modified in any way during the establishment process. Soil sampling will benefit home lawns because quite often the soil around the foundation of homes is from the hole dug for the basement and is a subsoil of finer texture and poor quality. The presence of perennial grasses and broadleaf weeds will present future problems if not given attention prior to establishment. Fumigants, soil sterilants (basamid), and non-selective herbicides (glyphosate and glufosinate) are the most effective means in preplanning weed control. Identifying the weed as annual, or a perennial will aid in the decision of control and is critical in determining either renovation or reestablishment. Remember, siduron is the only preemergence herbicide available that can be used at seeding, as most preemergence herbicides are non-selective in nature to prevent grass seedlings from germinating. The process of rough grading consists of debris removal, grading the general slope of the site, and adding any necessary topsoil. In many instances when reestablishing a turf area, the rough grading step is not necessary because it was done during initial establishment. However, during the original establishment if any material like large rocks, wood, or stumps were buried, they may have made their way back to the surface and are now causing problems and should be removed. In situations where damage is the cause for a poor turf area, grading to aid a slope for surface drainage may be necessary. A 1% crown on athletic fields is often enough slope for surface drainage, and is a good minimum to keep in mind. For home lawns, the slope away from buildings should never exceed 25%. It is important to ensure the slope is continual and no areas where standing water may collect are present. that inhibit Proper pH in turfgrass soils is essential in deriving benefits from fertilizers. Liming is necessary only when soil tests indicate that your soil is acidic (pH below 6.0) and needs to be brought to the proper pH levels (6.0-7.0). If liming is required, be sure to apply the lime before the starter fertilizer application in enough the effectiveness of fertilizer nutrients intended for the germination process. it does not time so Phosphate (P) and potash (K) are the nutrients in basic fertilizers and should be applied in accordance with soil test recommendations (Step 1). The basic fertilizer should also be tilled into the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches. The basic fertility is more a function of P and K and the nitrogen (N) in the fertilizer may not be critical during this step. Soil modifications can be done to improve soils with low organic matter, or poor soil textures (moisture, retention, and aeration). Soil amendments and modifications are procedures applied instead of soil substitution. Reed sedge and peat moss are two materials used for soils with low organic matter or poor infiltration. If adding sand to improve the soil texture in a poorly drained area, you must add >60% of a properly selected sand to improve infiltration of poorly drained soils. Any amount less may be ineffective, and improper selection may result in a worsening of the situation. Soils must be thoroughly minced to avoid layering. Soil consultants are good investments if this is deemed necessary. The finish grade is the final preparation of the seedbed or sod surface. Smoothing the surface with a yard rake and lightly rolling the surface will help alleviate any depressions. Repeated raking, leveling, and settling with water are necessary to avoid any depressions which may allow water to pond. This is the cheapest time to make sure that the water is draining away from buildings or other undesirable areas. The starter fertilizer can be thought of as food for the turf immediately after germination and can be combined with the finish grade step if the area is large. A basic starter fertilizer consists of a 1:2:1 ratio of N-P-K. The high P for seedling establishment or root promotion of harvested sod. Selecting the proper turfgrass species is an important decision when preparing to seed or sod a particular area. The species must be adapted to the area or it will not thrive. Also critical is the purchase of high quality seed free of any weed seed. Consultation with extension offices for best varieties is always a good idea. When establing turfgrass by seed the method of application and proper timing for seeding are as important as selecting a suitable seed. Seeding should be done when growing conditions are most favorable the desired turfgrass species. Seed application should be done in two directions to ensure a uniform coverage, After seeding, lightly rake the soil surface, with a leaf rake, or with the tires from equipment like a sand pro for larger areas, to increase seed to soil contact. Mulching is the final step to ensure uniform germination and establishment when an area is seeded. Mulching aids in controlling erosion and maintaining moisture retention. Avoid materials that compete with seedlings for nutrients. Paper mulches and straw are good choices, but straw needs to be weed free (check the field where the straw was harvested). Sodding is a more rapid method of establishment than seeding, but it is also more expensive (usually by a factor of 50). Sod selection should be free from weeds and weedy grasses (crabgrass, quackgrass, etc.) and should contain species and cultivars recommended for the location to be sodded. It is is for by the aerifying and verticutting will contribute to increasing the seed to soil contact. Soil tests should be taken to determine if any nutrient deficiencies exist or if liming is required. Finally, a starter fertilizer should be applied prior to seeding. Replanting can be done by spreading the seed with a drop or broadcast spreader, then going over the area with a drag mat, brush, or rake so that the desired seed to soil contact is achieved. Slit seeding is a very effective method for replanting because it assures a good seed to soil contact. Again, seeding, by any method, should be done in two directions in order to assure uniform coverage. Finally, it is important to implement the five primiary cultural practices providing the most favorable growing conditions for the desired species in order to achieve and maintain a healthy turf stand. to renovate a very important to select a sod that is grown at a soil type that matches the site where it is going to be laid, particularly if the site will be subjected to traffic. Washed sod or soiless sod grown on plastic is an alternative sodding method that will prevent any potential soil layering problems but will be expensive (2-5 times) versus conventional sod. Sod can be laid nearly any time of the year if the soil is dry enough to allow soil preparation and environmental conditions are favorable (adequate light, temperature and water). Deciding turf area versus reestablishment may be determined by the severity of the poor turf stand and the subsequent problem causing the decline. In many instances it is not necessary to completely reestablish a poor turf area; therefore, renovating the area is more cost effective and less time consuming. When renovating a turf area, similar to reestablishment, it is important that the cause of the poor turf stand be corrected prior to replanting. Renovation is often required when one or all of the five primary cultural practices, mowing, fertility, pest management, irrigation, and cultivation, has been improperly used, and the desired turf stand cannot be revived by incorporating these cultural practices alone. Too much or too little of one of the primary cultural practices may cause a poor turfgrass stand by making it more susceptible to disease and insect damage or weed encroachment. For instance, improper mowing where the turf is mowed too short or more than 1/3 of the leaf tissue is removed when mowed, causes a stressed turfgrass which is more susceptible to decline and pest damage. a When renovating turf area, proper implementation of the primary cultural practices are effective methods for correcting the causes of the poor turf stand prior to replanting. Pest management is the first step to improving a poor turf stand prior to replanting. Eliminating undesirable weeds and insects from the desired turf area is necessary in order to achieve and maintain a desirable turf stand. Cultivation is another cultural practice that can alleviate many problems associated with causing poor turf and in some cases can be used instead of reestablishment. Core aerifying or spiking are cultivation practices that have a demonstrated ability to improve soil-layering problems. Verticutting, core aerifying, and slicing are cultivation practices that can help modify thatch layers causing poor turf. involves Site preparation also the proper implementation of cultural practices. Heavy core aerification, verticutting, slicing and/or spiking will increase the potential for seed to soil contact when seeding. Mowing to remove any debris brought up TURFGRASS SPECIALISTS FREE NEXT DAY DELIVERY BRIGHTON (800) 482-3130 FAX: (810) 632-5840 BRADLEY (800) 632-1998 FAX: (616) 792-0700 What Is Sustainable? by Bob McMurray, Devil’s Ridge G. C. Every morning I drive north on 1-75 and M-24 to work. The construction of homes, apartments and businesses is everywhere I look. I often wonder if cancer cells rejoice when they see other cancer cells taking shape around them. My guess is they would; they’d call it progress. Maybe I should feel more guilty for my part in the drama, and maybe this is all just a silly little sideshow. I work at a newer golf course near Oxford, helping to draw the businesses, people and money north. Most of us at some point in our lives have looked at urban sprawl and asked ourselves "Is this a sustainable system?" We all wonder "What is sustainable?" The fact we ask the question suggests our doubts. When I look at what I have to do simply to keep grass alive on my greens, it’s obvious this golf course is not a sustainable system on its own. Beyond the golf course, I see parallels to this problem throughout the world I live in. The environment, our homes, our work, our families; each suffers a lack of heart we perceive as that nagging question: "What is sustainable?" It all adds up to a frightening answer: "This isn’t." A commnon lament heard today goes something like this: "I have to work harder these days than I ever have because of increasing customer expectations." In golf, we all know our customers expect to see television-quality golf courses. Holding all golf courses to the same standard is simply ludicrous. Yet we implicitly accept the validity of these expectations. Why? Part of the reason is our individual pride and work ethic. Few superintendents are strangers to 12-hour days, and we like to think we can do it all. That’s good, except in instances where we’re asked to push agronomic limits instead of working within the limitations of reality. The other reason we’re happy to act like scientific managers on the cutting edge is crass greed. Only those who deal with high-tech equipment and esoteric knowledge will get the bucks. Once again, some outside force imposed that rule and we all begin dancing around the chairs like a bunch of seven-year olds. When the music stops, we want to be sitting in a highly-paid profession and screw the other players. So we work longer days and labor harder to gain an edge. There are times when I begin to wonder if I’m being taken for a fool. Isn’t life supposed to be getting better with all the advances we’ve made? Being single, the only life I might sacrifice now is my own, but why? Does my working 16 hours a day make the golfer happier? Or does it leave both of us feeling frustrated? The golfer is dissatisfied because his ball hopped a few times on two greens and I feel like a failure because I didn’t have enough time to double cut all the greens. Would this be a sustainable system? Increasing personal material expectations also play a part in this, I might add. We are as guilty as our customers of delusional thinking; we all expect to live the lives we see on television -- happy, with lots of stuff infusing us with that happiness. I drive a 1995 small-size pickup that costs me over $500 a month to own/operate. Occasionally my mind rolls over that fact. It isn’t pleasant. I have two options: try to make more money, or make the vehicle unnecessary. The second option is equally valid, though rarely considered. "Less is more" is an idea as remote from our prepackaged culture as the possibility of satisfying customers with slower greens. Isn’t the necesity of my truck an imposition on my freedom I should take action against? By the same token, isn’t the expectation of fast, pretty greens a limitation of our ability to enjoy a simple pleasure? Can a society incapable of applying the brakes to its desires sustain itself? Maybe I stretch the analogies to snapping, but I sense that the same realistic expectations that drive us to panic everytime we see a blemish on a green are shoving married couples into the waiting arms of divorce lawyers. Hey, guess what, we can’t have perfect greens anymore than we should expect to have perfect mates. The best we can reasonably expect is sincere effort on the part of a superintendent and our mate to please us. What we are obliged to return is gratiude and forgiveness for any shortcomings. Can we expect the institution of marriage, or the idea of job security, to sustain themselves in any other atmosphere? Speaking of job security, I have a suggestion for greater sustainability. Look at the organizational chart in your employee manual; the people below us are the ones who support us. If we’re not defending their jobs, fighting for a decent employee wage, or training them for advancement, can we expect anyone above us to heed our calls for fairness? Our employees are human beings first, worthy of our human concern for their welfare. A golf course is more than an economic entity in the community. Repacing employees with new equipment may make economic sense, but we neglect the larger, social impacts of such a move at our own peril. Likewise, hiring illegal aliens who work cheaper than "the spoiled rich kids around here" is a short-sighted strategy. We create the communities we live in with our choices. When we base all our decisions on short-term economic concerns, when everything has a pricetag and everybody we work with is looked upon as a liability to the budget, we’re part of the problem. Someone above is looking at us as a liability to his budget. Eventually the majority of us are competing for lower- paying jobs in places we wouldn’t choose to live if we could recall our freedom. Is this a sustainable system? The question of sustainability isn’t simply an issue of turf in relation to the environment. Yet I see another, more hopeful parallel in my work. Turfgrass plants live in a community. When members of that community get weak, often the health of the others can shelter them. If the disease progresses further, we begin to see the indications of weakness. Groups of plants weaken, and it is the fate of these groups that determines the outcome of a community. Likewise, we live in human communities which can survive individual losses. What we cannot sustain is the loss of interconnected groups: friends, families, unions, associations or businesses that look beyond the profit/loss sheet to the living dimensions of success. Oddly enough, I will conclude with one last analogy. Many people say you can’t can’t live in the past. I wish more of us could recall we can’t escape our history. Just as I’ve never jotted down all the days when the greens looked good, because they normally do, most of human history is just us humans, living, sustaining each other. No big news to report today. EASY TO TOW 750 CFM TANDEM AXLE MACHINES NOW AVAILABLE. 5 * ^ 4 LUNG HANI CORPORATION DETROIT “A CRANE AND COMPRESSOR RENTAL SERVICE COMPANY" Water lines must be blown out before freeze-ups cause extensive repairs. For portable air compressor rental call... (248) 357-5400 185 cfm to 1800 cfm machines available 21250 W. 8 MILE ROAD, SOUTHFIELD, Ml THE IRRIGATION CORNER By: David B. Beck, P.E. David B. Beck & Associates, Inc. Ann Arbor, Michigan In an effort to assist our members with irrigation and water related issues on Michigan Golf Courses, I have volunteered to write a regular column which explores irrigation issues. It is the goal of this regular feature to present topics and information which can improve irrigation techniques and the general irrigation knowledge of our membership as well as provide tools and resources to formulate proper irrigation decisions. First things first. Who am I and what business do I have telling you how to irrigate turfgrass? Valid questions deserving reasonable answers. I grew up in the State of Idaho and from the age of 13 worked as an agricultural irrigator primarily with hand move sprinkler systems and flood irrigation on grains, feed crops and of course potatoes. While attending the University of Idaho studying Agricultural Engineering, I fell in love with the game of golf and as a graduate student combined my studies of irrigation with my new passion, golf. In 1989, I started my irrigation consulting business and shared an office with E. Lee Bean who was essentially a pioneer in many of the golf course irrigation methods and equipment which are still used today. After a one year mentorship with Lee prior to his retirement, we relocated to Ann Arbor, Michigan. During the eight years which I have been consulting with golf courses, I have had the opportunity to learn a great deal about practical application of irrigation. What I have found is that there is a great deal of misinformation which is clouding proper application of golf course irrigation equipment and systems. Many superintendents complain that the irrigation system is the largest controllable variable on their golf course and is the area in which they have the least training. Many times, old rules of thumb are creating more problems than they solve. Through this column, I will present factually based, verifiable information which golf course superintendents can apply to their daily management practices. Over the next few issues we will look at some of the basic principles which govern the science of irrigation and build to more complex principles. The key word being SCIENCE. Contrary to popular belief, irrigation of turfgrass is a science and not an art. Superintendents who use science to govern irrigation decisions are able to operate their irrigation systems at the maximum possible performance. Irrigation is governed by a whole range of properties which can be directly or indirectly measured. Once a basic knowledge of these proprieties is understood, the superintendent can apply measures to solve existing problems and create an optimum turf growing environment. To conclude, let’s discuss a simple but important term, irrigation efficiency. Simply put, irrigation efficiency is a measure of the amount of water used by irrigated turfgrass divided by the total amount of water applied. An irrigation efficiency of 50 percent means half the water applied by the irrigation system is used by the turfgrass. Irrigation efficiency is highly site specific. The major variables which influence irrigation efficiency include system design, system installation, and how well the system is operated and maintained. Studies have shown automatic turf irrigation systems can operate as low as 30 percent efficiency, or less than one out of every three gallons of water applied is actually used by the turfgrass. However, these automatic irrigation systems have the capability to operate at efficiencies in excess of 90 percent. Although a superintendent can do little to change an existing irrigation system’s design or installation, proper operation, balance and maintenance can dramatically improve irrigation efficiency on even systems in the worst condition. Conversely, even the best designed and constructed irrigation systems can produce dismal results if improperly operated and maintained. So why is it important to operate an irrigation system at its maximum possible efficiency? In short, if irrigation water is not being used by the turf, it must be considered drainage and is likely creating problems. High irrigation efficiency provides a smaller water window, reduced leaching of fertilizers and pest controls, fewer drainage problems, lower power and water costs, and an improved environment for turf growth and the game of golf. In future issues we will discuss basic irrigation science which will be use to produce a more efficient system operation. The goal of every superintendent should be to operate their system at the highest possible efficiency. In doing so, a healthier turf environment will be created and many problems not usually associated with irrigation will be minimized or eliminated. New Code of Ethics Adopted By Board During last month’s Board Meeting a motion was presented and voted in favor of adopting the New Code of Ethics just revised by the GCSAA. Our Code is established to promote and maintain high professional service and conduct among our membership. We have had a number of questions concerning our code in the past, so the board felt this step should clear up those questions. Remember as a professional courtesy a member should contact a fellow superintendent before visiting that superintendent’s golf course, As a member of the Greater Detroit Golf Course Superintendent’s Association, I accept and fully agree to abide by this code and pledge myself to: 1. Recognize and discharge all of my responsibilities and duties in such a fashion as to be a credit to this association and my profession. 2. Practice and insist upon sound business and turf management principles in exercising the responsibilities of my position. 3. Utilize every practicable opportunity to expand my professional knowledge, thereby improving myself and my profession. 4. Maintain the highest standards of personal conduct to reflect positively upon and add to the stature of the profession of golf course management and refrain from any act tending to promote my own interest at the expense of the dignity and integrity of the profession of golf course management, this association, or a fellow superintendent. 5. Base endorsements, whether written, verbal, or through any other medium, strictly upon satisfactory personal experiences with the product, item or service endorsed. 6. Refrain from encouraging or accepting considerations of any value without the express understanding of all parties that said consideration is available to all persons in similar circumstances, and that no conduct or favorable consideration shall be forthcoming as a result of acceptance. 7. Recognize and observe the highest standards of integrity in my relationships with fellow golf course superintendents and others associated with this profession and industry. 8. Assist my fellow superintendents in all ways consistent with my abilities. 9. Abstain from making false or untrue statements concerning another superintendent or causing public embarrassment to another superintendent. 10. Lend my support to, and actively participate in the efforts of my local chapter and national association to improve public understanding and recognition of the profession of golf course management. 11. Promptly report all known or suspected violations of the code of ethics and voluntarily participate as a witness and present information in all proceedings to determine the possibility of a violation of this code of ethics. 12. Abstain from applying for or otherwise seeking employment in an unprofessional manner. For the purpose of this section of the code, a member seeks employment in an unprofessional manner if he or she does one or more of the following in connection with the prospective employment: a) provides false or misleading information to a prospective employer; b) makes slanderous or defamatory statements concerning a fellow superintendent; c) attempts to undermine or improperly influence the staff of a fellow superintendent; d) attempts to deceive, mislead or misinform a fellow superintendent’s employer, supervisor or fellow employees; e) makes misleading, deceptive or false statements or claims about his or her professional qualifications, experience or performance; or f) makes misleading, deceptive or false statements or claims about a member superintendent’s professional qualifications, experience or performance. 13. Refrain from accepting employment, as a consultant, in an unprofessional manner. For the purposes of this section of the code, a consultant accepts employment in an unprofessional manner if he or she does one or more of the following in connection with such consulting: a) provides false or misleading information to a prospective employer; b) makes slanderous or defamatory statements concerning a fellow superintendent; c) attempts to undermine or improperly influence the staff of a fellow superintendent; d) attempts to deceive, mislead or misinform a fellow superintendent’s employer, supervisor or fellow employees; e) makes misleading, deceptive or false statements or claims about his or her professional qualifications, experience or performance, or f) makes misleading, deceptive or false statements or claims about a fellow superintendent’s professional qualifications, experience or performance. 14. Abstain from conduct constituting a crime under federal, state or local law, the penalty for which is, or may be, imprisonment, including but not limited to crimes of moral turpitude and dishonesty. A member’s conviction of a crime will be considered conclusive evidence that the member committed that crime for the purposes of this code. 15. Abstain from knowingly making false statements or knowingly failing to disclose a material fact requested in connection with application or renewal for GCSAA membership or for membership in an affiliated chapter. 16. Express professional opinions on technical subjects publicly only when that opinion is founded upon adequate knowledge of the facts and competence in the subject matter. Dry Bunkers A Top Priority out at all parts instead of just top-to-bottom," says Ward. "The course was in bad shape and we needed to make sure we had enough space for drainage.” The average sump at Downington was eight feet deep, 12 feet long, and three feet wide. "Sometimes we’d have two or three sumps in a larger bunker," says Ward, such as one on a fairway. The team owns its own backhoe and did the work in-house. The lifespan of a sump is indefinite. The sand will over time increase its soil content, become more packed, but it lasts longer than a drain, says Ward. DOWNINGTON, Penn. - By emphasizing dry bunkers Superintendent Michael Ward the playbook of the Senior Tour PGA when he came on board at Downington Country Club. took a page from Ward had worked at Chester Valley Golf Club, host of the the tour’s Bell-Atlantic Classic, and inmportance of extremely dry bunkers. firsthand learned "You have to have dry bunkers for the PGA,’ he says. "If it rains that day you still have to have dry bunkers.” At Chester Valley, Ward and his team had replaced conventional 4" bunker drains with nothing but more sand in order to improve drainage. The course was renovating its bunkers in conjunction with converting its fairways from rye to bent. "All the bunkers had been there since 1965," he says. "The edges had moved in, we lost depth. We wanted more character." And, of course, dryness. Ward and Director of Golf Jeff Broadbelt oversaw the removal of the drains to the edge of the bunkers and the digging of sumps in each one. "You push the sand to the side of the bunker, determine the lowest point, dig the sump you want, then put the old sand in the hole and fill the bunker with new sand.” "Sand is better than a real drain because water can seep Grow v E R T I Mechanical Soil Technology — Contract Aeration Service — Serving The Entire Midwest 8 456 Pine St. A 1 N. Galesburg, IL 61401 David Strang Ph. (800) 743-2419 Res. (309) 342-2419 Great Lakes Mesquite M an, lue. Providing Excellent Mosquito Control For Homeowner Associations, Golf Courses, And Special Occasions New construction or course renovation, contact LESCO for premium performance turf seed varieties and 18-24-12 starter fertilizer with PolyPlus* SCU. To obtain more information on LESCO turf products contact your LESCO Professional Golf Representative or call (800) 321-5325. GREG SEAGO (810) 739-5055 (810) 739-5109 Fax 8644 Strom Sterling Hghts., Ml 48314 LESCO and Grow With Us arc trademarks of LESCO, Inc. PolyPlus is a registered trademark o? LESCO. Inc. Heritage Award Essay In 1996 GDGCSA initiated the Heritage Award to recognize individuals in non-turf related post graduate secondary education, whose parents are members of our association. The recipients are selected on the basis of an essay. This year’s participant’s essays were based on their response to the following question: Describe your own perceptions of the role of golf in American society today, and how your life has been impacted by your parents’ involvement with this industry. Award winners for 1996 were: Alison Dushane, daughter of Kevin Dushane; Elizabeth Edgerton, daughter of Mike Edgerton; Jetti Fields, daughter of Don Fields; Kerry Skaife, daughter of John Skaife. One of the winning essays will run in each issue of A Patch of Green. Applications for 1997’s award will be available from Kate Mason after August 15th. If you have questions about the Heritage Award, contact Awards Chairman Rick Murphy, CGCS. Essay by Jetti Fields ------- \ My life has been positively impacted by my father’s involvement with the industry. Without his involvement, I would not be were I am today, at a liberal arts college getting a great education. His career is putting me through college so that I can have the chance to get ahead in this world like so many others have. Who knows? Maybe I’ll be out on the course playing a quick nine holes after a business meeting someday. organized and sponsored by the golf courses. The time spent at these was a time for families of the employees to get to know each other and build new relationships through this. Lastly, courses are a place of leisure, a place where the family can go out and spend a day together on the course, doing something they enjoy. Developing and producing the highest quality seed possible has been a Scotts tradition for more than 100 years. No one in the seed in­ dustry can match our standards for seed purity. Ask your ProTurt Tech Rep for details the next time you need to order seed. John Skaife 248 / 698-2358 Mac Darnell 313/878-2983 My perception of the role that golf plays in American Society can be directly coupled with my father’s career involvement with the golf course. Throughout my life my father has been a sales representative for golf courses. It is in his involvement that I have learned the role golf plays in America. I feel that golf positively impacts society in that golf courses help beautify the environment around them, encourage education, and strengthen family values. The maintaining of golf courses doesn’t just involve the tee and the green. There is much more involved in the maintenance of courses. involves the trees, flowers, lawn, and often ponds. In reading "A Patch of Green" magazine one can see that courses keep up with these things through a lot of hard work. Some might say that, the environment, but one can see in this magazine that there are very well educated people put in charge of this maintainance. These people stay on top of things so that the environment doesn’t suffer. Which brings me to education. the chemicals courses use can harm It also Golf courses are run by many intelligent, well educated people, and they encourage education. From what I have seen and heard, golf courses encourage education through scholarships and job opportunities. I have met many superintendents of golf courses and in talking to them, have been encouraged to continue my education. These people are very intelligent and are proof that education pays off in the American society. I’ve also heard of many scholarship opportunities through employment or involvement with courses. This is a great way to encourage kids not only to work but also to continue their education in order to prepare for better job opportunities in the future. One of the strongest impacts that golf has in America would be its tradition of family values. They do this in many ways; fundraisers for good causes, golf outings and picnics, and just social bonding time for family and friends on the course. My father has become involved with many fundraisers over the last few years. His involvement with a Special Olympics fundraiser really showed me that a golf course can be used to raise money for things that are really important. Golf courses also encourage family values through outings and picnics. Over the many years that my father has been involved with the courses, our family has always been functions invited family to The Cutting Edge — by Stu Cavendar »^NIK ^ > — — It is eighty-five degrees. The humidity is about the same. The turf that you fertilized is thriving and with rain expected tonight, you’re considering increasing your mowing frequency. If you just had another mower and a couple of "extra" people you could get everything done and make it home at a normal time. Just then it happens. You’re told that there is an irrigation leak on number six. The bunker rake is not running and is still in the bunker at the side of the seventeenth green. On the way out to see what you can do with the leak and the bunker rake you encounter your fairway mower operator...walking. He informs you that he heard a loud clanking noise and then it just stopped and wouldn’t move. What do you do? If you do not plan your work and you just show up and go through the motions every day, you probably panic. However, if you plan your work, prioritize, and work your plan, you would treat these occurrences as the exceptions that they are - not the rule. Being organized and having a well-thought out plan allows you to react in a more effective and productive manner. This does not happen overnight and it’s not something that just one person can do. The area that will have the most immediate results will be in your maintenance and repair area. Set up a schedule of preventive maintenance for all of your equipment, using your experience and the recommended maintenance intervals provided by the manufacturer. This is not limited to greasing, oil changes and adjustments, but should include lapping and/or limited grinding which will inevitably take place during the season. Estimate the time it will take daily, weekly and monthly to perform all of the tasks. Match this against the amount of hours you can allocate to maintenance and repair. If your hours needed exceed the amount of hours that you can allocate, then you must adjust one way or the other. Ideally, what you will find is that with proper organization and a well-thought out plan for your normal maintenance, you will have room to deal with those untimely eruptions that inevitably occur. Typically, you should plan your work, work your plan, handle the occasional exception and return to the plan. This may sound simplistic, but if you implement an organized schedule of daily, weekly and monthly tasks, it removes much of the anxiety and allows you to react with a cool and well-thought out response to the exceptions that arise. NJK Associates, Inc. Water Management Systems Specialists in Irrigation and Dewatering Pump Stations ♦ Prefabricated Pump Stations 200 GPM To 2000 GPM Skid Mount Stations. 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Emergency Retrofits 5476 Dixie Highway, Waterford, MI. 48329 Phone: (248) 623-2783 Fax: (248) 623-7688 Si C hanging the C ourse of D isease C ontrol • Effective against 18 of the toughest • Low risk toxicological profile turfgrass diseases • Reduced risk to environmental • Controls brown patch, Pythium, resources take-all patch, summer patch, anthracnose and snow mold • Preventative and curative activity • Low rates, extended spray intervals • Novel mode of action For more inform ation contact your authorized Zeneca distributor or call Zeneca Professional Products Toh Free at 1-888-617-7690. ZENECA Professional Products Always read and follow label directions carefully. HERITAGE™ is a trademark of a Zeneca Group Company. ©1997. Zeneca Inc. The Board o f Directors usually meets the last Monday or Tuesday of every month. If you have any concerns you wish shared with them, contact: Pres. Paul Dushane at (248) 855-9716 or Vendor Liaison John Skaife at (248) 698-2358 SUPER BOOM THE HEAVYWEIGHT C h a m p When you’re looking for a skid-steer, there’s the challengers and then there’s the champ. Well say hello to the undisputed champ in the Model Lx885 New Holland Super Boom'“ skid-steer loader. It has a 60-horsepower, turbocharged diesel engine for the ultimate in power. Its massive 2,200-lb. operating load picks up where all others leave off. Of course, it has the features you expect from New Holland, such as the best speed, stability, visibility, lift height and dump reach in the industry. Add that to the Pick Up ’n Go'“ universal attachment system and there’s nothing it can’t handle. Stop by today and put the champ to work for you. Board Meeting Knollwood Country Club Monday, June 2, 1997 Finance (Szyndlar) Assn Checking - $213.90; Savings - $25,169.53 Foundation Checking - $960.39; Savings - $11,400.58 Membership (Hock) Membership 420. Applications approved - 16 Editorial (Dorner) Patch of Green - May/June issue to be mailed June 13. Articles: Looking for member viewpoint articles. Education (Murphy/Jones) June 24 - Assn. Championship (Coyote GC) July 8 - Joint w/WMGCSA (Hawk Hollow) July - Promote Invitational (Links @ Pinewood) Sept 22 - Annual Meeting (Wyndgate) Hospitality Room (Jones) ’98-WMGCSA wants to become more involved in the planning of the Hospitality Rm. Jones to meet with John Fulling. A portion of the dues statement will provide opportunity for membership donations. Special Olympics (Hock/Thommes) Attendance: 122 golfers. Raised $20,000 to be donated to Michigan Special Olympics. Personal gift to be donated to the group home of Special Athletes in Flint, who attended. Survey (Szyndlar) Special board meeting to be held June 9 to evaluate Survey results. Munn Ford Tractor 3700 Lapeer Road Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326 (248) 373-5000 Fax: (248) 373-4445 f\EW HOLLAND Board Meeting - Knollwood Country Club Monday, June 30, 1997 Finance (Szyndlar) Foundation Checking - $1,587.99 Savings- $20,940.96 Membership (Hock) Membership - 436. Applications approved - 3 Membership Relations (Hock) At Coyote meeting, new members were introduced to the association and presented with member packages. Editorial (Dorner) New Code of Ethics will be published in the July/August Issue. Education (Murphy/Jones) Committee will be planning ’98 schedule and meeting formats. Will also consider the Bylaw attendance requirement for A an B members. Proposal to be made at August board meeting. Any changes would require a vote by the membership. The Executive Secretary will now be attending all general membership meetings to handle check-ins, so committee can focus on meeting activities. Special Olympics (Hock/Thommes) TV and VCR were donated to Group Home of Special Athletes from Flint. Survey (Szyndlar) The remainder of the survey results will be referred to on an "as need" basis. The survey results will be mailed to A, B and AA members. Awards (Murphy) Heritage Award Applications to go out August 15th. Clothing (Murphy) Waiting for clothing samples from GCSAA. Picnic (Thommes) Date: Tuesday, August 19; Site: Detroit Zoo Time: Afternoon arrival; Projected Attendance: 100 Cost to Members: Door admission and parking. Assn, to provide catered picnic. Flyer to go out in July. Nominations (Delcamp) Directors: 3-year terms of McKinley and Hock will expire. Nominating committee to begin search for replacements. Annual meeting September 22. Turf Chemicals Inc. 1011 E. Main P.O. 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Lansing, Ml 48824 0-(517) 353-2033 H-(517) 487-8610 FAX-(517) 353-5174 COGGINS, GERALD T. CLASS A Brookwood Golf Club 998 Brookwood Ln. Rochester Hills, Ml 48309 H-(248) 628-5099 0-(248) 651-8757 COOK, JR., DENNIS L. (DAWN) CLASS C Tam O’Shanter Country Club 3466 Walnut Lake Rd. W. Bloomfield, Ml 48323 H-(248) 698-9735 0-(248) 626-8325 FAX-(248) 855-9179 and Fungicides D istributed by: TURFGRASS, INC. P.O. Box 667 28064 Pontiac Trail S. Lyon, MI 48178 Call Toll Free: 1-800-521-8873 or (248) 437-1427 (Cail Collect) New Member Roster C.J. C o le in & A ssociates, In c . IRRIGATION DESIGN CONSULTANTS C a r o l C o l e in , c id MEMBER: AMERICAN SOCIETY OF IRRIGATION CONSULTANTS 127 W. UNIVERSITY ROCHESTER, Ml 48307-1940 Ph: (248) 656-6805 Fax: (248) 656-3721 M SHORE CONTROL ^ BRIDGES • DAMS • BOARDWALKS SEAWALLS - Steel • Wood PVC C LOC Boulders Complete Jobs or Products Only FREE QUOTES - (248) 887-7855 m Deep A erification Service Floyd McKay Deep Drill Southern Green Deep Tine Soil Reliever GREAT GREENS o f Am e r ic a in c . 682 S. RENAUD • GROSSE POINTE W O O D S, Ml 48236 1- 800- 942-5650 FOSTER, ROBERT (BONNIE) CLASS CN Franklin Hills Country Club 22545 Maywood Dr. #304 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 H-(248) 442-7408 0-(248) 626-1220 FUESTER, MICHAEL CLASS CN Fellows Creek Golf Club 2615 Meade Ct. Ann Arbor, Ml 48105 H-(313) 662-1260 0-(313) 728-0144 FAX-(313) 728-7241 GILSTRAP, DAVID EDUCATOR MSU/Dept.Crop/Soil Sciences E.Lansing, Ml 48824 H-(517) 394-3345 0-(517) 355-0207 FAX-(517) 432-2428 GRAY, KAREN (TOM) CLASS AN Oak Polnte Country Club 3866 Wedgewood Dr. Bloomfield Hills, Ml 48301 H-(248) 645-1728 0-(810) 227-4597 HENDERSON, CRAIG CLASS C Bloomfield Hills Country Club 1900 W. Dawson Milford, Ml 48380 H-(810) 685-0522 0-(810) 642-0707 HUDNUT, JUDSON CLASS B Bramblewood Golf Course 2154 Bramblewood Holly, Ml 48442 H-(810) 715-0121 0-(248) 634-3481 FAX-(248) 634-0740 New Member Roster JAWOR, CASS (Maty Lou) CLASS A Hampton Golf Club 2600 Club Drive Rochester Hills, Ml 48307 H-(248) 371-3096 0-(248) 852-3250 Commercial Turf Services Contract Aerification Includes: Soil Reliever Aerifier Terra Topper Top Dresser Terra Power Broom Schedule your appointment early! 1-800-231 LAWN (5296) 1-248-858-7700 FAX 1-248-338-0429 RAIN BIRD MAXI NIMBUS STORM WATCH ILOWTRONEX PSI RAIN BIRD RAIN BIRD IRRIGATION o v MOBILE TECHNICIAN i n VALLEY TURF IN C O R P O R A T E D T U R F A N D IR R I G A T I O N E Q U IP M E N T VALLEY TURF, INC 11711 E. C;RANI) RIVER RI). BRIGHTON, MI 49116 810-220-2040 810-220-2750 VALLEY TURF, INC. 3185 VROOM RI). SOUTH BOARDMAN, MI 49680 616 369 3482 616-369 3334 VALLEY TURF, INC. 3721 28th STREET SW GRANDVILLE, MI 49418 616-532-2885 616-532-5553 RAIN BIRD MAXI NIMBUS S TORM WA TCH IT.OWTRONKX PSI RAIN BIRD RAIN BIRD KEDING, SCOTT (KAMI) CLASS C Pine Valley Golf Course 1161 Berville Rd. Allenton, Ml 48002 H-(810) 395-7286 0-(810) 752-5221 FAX-(810) 752-5366 LE BLANC, TIM CLASS BN Inkster Valley Golf Course 419 Washtenaw #4 Ypsilanti, Ml 48197 H-(313) 483-8881 0-(313) 729-7190 FAX-(313) 561 -1733 MC DONALD, MATT AFFILIATE Equitable 129 Meribah Highland, Ml 48357 H-(810) 889-5343 0-(810) 641-2638 FAX-(810) 641-1880 METZNER, CARL, CGCS (NANCY) CLASS AN Moravian Hills Country Club 56 S. Groesbeck Clinton Twp, Ml 48036 H-(810) 326-0020 0-(810) 463-2693 FAX-(810) 469-2960 REBHAN, STEVEN, CGCS CLASS AN Heatherwoode G.C. 88 Heatherwoode Springboro, OH 45066 H-(513) 748-4013 0-(513) 748-3144 FAX-(513) 748-3224 SEAGO, GREGORY G. 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VISIT OUR WEB PAGE AT http://members.aol.com/dcdist STACK, KENNETH R. (KATHY) CLASS BN Royal Oak Golf Club 3417 Don Soper Dr. Royal Oak, Ml 48073 H-(313) 640-9626 0-(248) 546-6337 FAX-(248) 546-6335 TIMMERMAN, BRADLEY CLASS CN Walnut Creek Country Club 17629 Five Points Redford, Ml 48240 H-(313) 538-5963 0-(248) 437-0430 FAX(248) 437-7337 ROSTER CHANGES/ CORRECTIONS: BOKSA, OLIVER, pg.34 1820 Union Lake Rd. Commerce Twp, Ml 48382 H-(248) 366-8320 BURROWS, MATT, pg.36 Winged Foot Country Club P.O. Box 494 Mamaroneck, NY 10543 H-(914) 777-8292 MYERS, CHRISTOPHER Change from Affiliate to Class A PALICKE, CHAD 54475 Bradshaw St. New Baltimore, Ml 48047 H-(810) 716-0203 PATTON, THOMAS 4400 E. Sherwood Rd. Williamson, Ml 48895-9548 SIDDOCK, JAY, pg.64 1525 Hiawatha Drive Owosso, Ml 48867 SWANSON, WARD, pg. 66 2162 E. Wenonah Standish, Ml 48658 H-(517) 846-2052 Talk to Terra for the Right Products, Advice and Services for Turf. Terra is your single source for plant protection products, fertilizers, micronutrients, turfseed and so much more. Call us for the right products and the technical support and agronomic advice you can count on. #Terra Terra Industries Inc. Sue Shockey, Agronomist Professional Products 3847 Long Meadow Lane Orion, Michigan 48359 Office: (248)393-2571 FAX: (248) 393-2572 Pager: (810) 402-2907 Classifieds... Evergreen Turf Covers used during grow- in. Sizes 84’x110’, 72’x90’, 48’x60\ Call Jon @ (517) 871-6119. To place your Classified Ad contact A Patch of Green at (248) 362-1108, or fax your ad to (810) 362-1736, or mail your ad to P.O. Box 173, Troy, Ml 48099. Payment must accompany ad! Charge: $.85 per word. Minimum: $25.00. Additional charge: borders, bold lettering or special setup. ATTENTION NEW CONSTRUCTION. 10 Michigan's Largest Rental Fleet wants your business Meeting \ o u v A DAILY WEEKLY & MONTHLY RENTALS M o n -T h ur 6am -10pm Fri 6am -6pm , Sat 8am -4pm GRAND RAPIDS (616) 538-2400 W. DETROIT (248) 437-8121 TRAVERSE CITY (616) 267 5060 LANSING (517) 321-80001 N.E. DETROIT (810) 727-7502 SAGINAW (517) 777-0090 After-hours Pager & Message Center: 1-800-AIS-NITE GDGCSA 1997 Calendar August 7 August 19 Sept. 22 October 6 "The Invitational" Annual Picnic Annual Business Meeting "The Big Event" October 27 Superintendents Roundtable Nov. 11 GCSAA Regional Seminar Wetlands and Golf Courses Superintendents Only Annual Christmas Party Dec. 9 Dec. 13 Links of Pinewood Detroit Zoo The Wyndgate Bay Pointe G.C. Birmingham C.C. Edgewood C.C. Orchard Lake C.C. Plum Hollow G.C. TBA Novi Hilton Birmingham CC TBA Mid-Michigan Turf Association 1997 Schedule August 6 September 29 Currie Municipal G.C., Midland PohICat Championship G.C., Mt. Pleasant (Fundraiser) Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association 1997 Meeting Schedule August 18th Eagle Glen - Farwell September 9th Belvedere - Charlevoix October 8th Mistwood - Traverse City Western Michigan GCSA 1997 Calendar Aug. 18 Sept. 15 Blythefield CC (Golf Day) L. E. Kaufman Oct. 6 Nov. 1 The Moors (Annual Meeting) PohICat (Fall Party) Announcing The Next Standard In Turf Quality And Tankmix Flexibility See The Signature Difference On Your Turf. RHONE-POULENC AG COMPANY BOB DUGAN P.O. BOX 74398 Romulus, Ml 48174-0398 Tel. (313) 782-0323 Fax (313) 782-6344 SitePro Picture-perfect irrigation control. Remember high school algebra? You had to learn the long formulas first, then they showed you the shortcuts. We thought it was cruel, too. With this in mind, we designed SitePro to accommodate a short learning curve and a long list of features. 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To meet these higher standards, superintendents have found a reliable, productive ally in the Ransomes® family of fairway mowers. The T-Plex 185 is perfect for highly visible tees and collars. The 250, 305 and 7-plex 405 are the industry’s only “right” weight mowers. The 405 features a wide 156" cutt swath while the new 3500 is a production powerhouse. Ransomes mowers have been designed to maintain the same perfect finish from one side of the fairwav to the other. When you start with Ransomes reel mowers, you finish with the best. R A N S O M E S = C U S H M A N R V A N For T he Best Results * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * s„ D1Gill PETE CQ0KINGHAM MSU MAIN LIBRARY/W212 EAST LANSING MI 48824 P.O. Box 173 Troy, Ml 48099 USA The Official Publication of the Greater Detroit Golf Course Superintendents Association BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID PONTIAC MAILING SVC