THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER DETROIT GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION ITTboII Go? MICHIGAN OENTS WËm. ■ 9 » | P Œ B ■:,V -, ¿ C S A ^ Ultimate A erification with J ohn D eere Products John Deere Aercores are for the customer seeking a premium aerator with these features: * Maximum productivity. Up to 36 cores per square foot. Up to 22,835 sq. ft. per hour for the 800. Up to 50,033 sq. ft. per hour for the 1000. Up to 75,049 sq. ft. per hour for the 1500. Up to 100,066 sq. ft. per hour for the 2000. * High-quality holes. * Simple, quiet, easy-to-maintain design. We Are Moving! O ur G olf and T urf Location S ervicing C entral & Southeast M ichigan is Moving in O ctober to our N ew State-of-the-Art Facility in Novi, ML Please Note our A ddress C hange: 46495 H umboldt Dr. Novi, Ml 48377 888-453-8873 North of 12 M ile R d. just W est of W est Park D r. Stop by for a tour during our regular store hours. John Deere Family of Aeration Equipment Aercore 800 Aercore 1000 Aercore 1500 Aercore 2000 Don’t forget the John Deere TC125 Turf Collection System to make core removal a breeze! W E IN G A R T Z Golf & Turf Novi 888-453-8873 Cedar Springs 877-465-9040 www.weingartz.com Greater Detroit Golf Course Superintendents Association Officers President Roy Szyndlar, CGCS Vice President Mark McKinley Committees: GAM, Historian, Co-Awards President Emeritus Paul Kolbe Secretary/T reasurer Rick Murphy, CGCS Committees: Co-Social, Welfare, Policy, Finance Directors Ron Abbott, CGCS Committees: Co-Golf Day, Co-Michigan Room Tim Dorner, CGCS Committees: POG Editor, Publicity, Membership Bob King Committees: Co-Special Olympics, Co-Education Dick Matthews, CGCS Committees: Co-Golf Day, Co-Awards, Industrial Relations Terry Poley Committees: Co-Social, Co-Michigan Room Jon Shreve, CGCS Committees: Co-Special Olympics, Co-Education The Official Publication of the Greater Detroit Golf Course Superintendents Asociation C o n ten ts 5 ............................ On Par With The President 7 ........................................C.H. Wolfrom Classic 9 ................................................ The Invitational 1 1 & 1 2 .............................The View From M.S.U. 13-17 ................. Serious About Skin Cancer 1 9 ........................ Chapter Delegates Meeting 21 July Board Meeting 2 2 Michigan Turfgrass Event 2 3 ................................. August Board Meeting 25 . . ................................. New Member Roster 27-29 ....................................... Roster Update 3 0 ................. ................... Calendars of Events ................................. ............ i Contact for Kate Mason GDGCSA Executive Secretary Information GDGCSA P.O. Box 173, Troy, Ml 48099 (248) 362-1108 Fax: (248) 362-1736 E-Mail: gdgcsa@aol.com Printed by: Schaltenbrand Printing Company 16315 Harper Avenue Detroit, Ml 48224 (313) 882-4343 A Patch of Green - 3 - Fall Issue, 2001 C H I P C O P R O F E S S I O N A L P R O D U C T S Aventis Insecticides Chipco* • DeltaGard* • • Sevin’ Choice™ ProStar* Banol" Fungicides • 26G T • • • Chipco" Signature1" • Chipco" 26019 • Aliette" Ronstar" Prograss* Herbicides • • • Acclaim" Extra • llloxan" Plant Growth Regulators • Proxy* Keeping Golf Courses Green with effective, responsible controls Aventis Environmental Science chipco’ Kevin Fuchs Sales Representative Professional Products P.O. Box 1867 Birmingham, Ml 48012 Voice Mail (800) 577-5163 Ext. 684 Mobile (248) 515-9880 e-mail: Kevin.Fuchs@aventis.com Aventis Environmental Science USA LP / Chipco Professional Products / 95 Chestnut Ridge Road / Montvale, NJ 07645 / 201-307-9700 A Patch of Green - 4 - Fall Issue, 2001 on par l ,Bh president Congratulations, kudos, way to go, you made it. As you are reading this message, you too can honestly call yourself a survivor. Although your survival skills were not displayed on national television, I would still like to take this time to recognize and congratulate every one of you for being able to successfully handle the challenges of this past summer. I'm sorry that I do not have a million bucks to give you, but I would definitely like to give you a well-deserved pat on the back and a hearty handshake. This past summer was one of the toughest of the past ten years as it pertains to growing grass, Mother Nature made up for lost time. After taking it easy on us the last two summers, she let us have it with both barrels. We have survived one of the most trying summers of the past decade. We had to cope with extremes in heat, humidity and drought that, when they were coupled together as in this past summer, made for some extremely stressful conditions for the turf. If I may have the liberty to borrow a few wit-isms from Sonny Elliot, the local weatherman who has a knack for using colorful phrases which usually draw a humorous mental picture, Sonny described the past summer like this... "It was so hot that you could work up a sweat just taking a cold shower" and "The humidity was so high that if you parted you hair down the middle, you could irrigate your eyebrows". Those two descriptions just about sum up the past weather conditions perfectly. We are over the hump and on the downside of the growing season. That's not to say that we only have to coast the rest of the way. There is still plenty that needs to be done, like fertilizing, weed control, aerating, fall clean-up, irrigation blowouts and snow mold control, just to name a few of the tasks that lie ahead. The grass is growing like mad, thanks to those late summer rains and most of the seasonal help has returned to school. The labor shortage will require some extra hours on the mower. We are all used to doing whatever it takes. Just remember, you got your survivor stripes the old fashion way, you earned them. And remember also that you did not have to eat any bugs to get them. Here's hoping that Mother Nature has gotten the worst out of her system and there is nothing but sunshine and blue skies ahead. Sincerely, A Patch of Green - 5 Fall Issue, 2001 Specializing in Storm Water Management And NPDES Phase Compliance Romulus Yard Wayne Road and 1-94 35560 Goddard Road Romulus, Michigan 48174 PH: (734)941-4545 FAX: (734)941-4547 Toll Free: (888) 527-7660 Clarkston Yard Sashabaw Rd. & 1-75 6438 Sashabaw Road Clarkston, Michigan 48346 PH: (248)625-3303 FAX: (248)625-3304 Toll Free: (888) 752-7766 Polyethylene; Storm / Sanitary: Custom Fabricated Catch Basins HOPE Dual W ait Corrugated Pipe Custom Fabricated Dual W alt Fittings Corrugated Single W ail Tubing! Fittings Edge Drain - Sock W rapped and Plain Sumps / Basins / Lids Septic Material: Polyethylene Cham ber System s Poiyethyiene Septic Tanks Zabei Fitters Pumps / Dosing Cham bers Poiyethyiene Pipe » Solid / Perforated Septic Fabric / Straw Erosion Blankets Steal Grating: Custom Channel Grating (6" thru 12s) Round Grating (Light / Medium / Heavy Duty) CUSTOM FABRICATION UPON REQ UEST Matai Culvert: Piping - Round and Arch Fittings End Sections Sob 40 / Sch 30 PVC Pipe / Fittings SDR 35 / SDR 26 PVC Pipe / Fittings HOPE Dual W aif Storm Sew er Pipe Cast Iron Man Hole Fram es / G rates Water Service: C-9G0 PVC W ater M ain / Fittings Poiyethyiene W ater Service Tubing / Fittings Copper W ater Service Tubing / Fittings Landscaping: HOPE Catch Basins / G rates NDS D rainage / M ASTER DISTR IB U TO R Geotextltes: W oven / Nom W oven / G eo G rids S ilt Pence i Straw Erosion Blankets Other Supplies: Concrete * M ortars / Cem ents Solvents - PVC G lue / Prim er / SDR Lube Fernco Couplings / Safety Fence KSI GRATES KSI CATCH BASIN I IBAOJiufi Hrra> >3Q-a> >3 DO n> DOa>o7Tfb?c3CLO) ooo- Q n> 3! n OQ3 j.inj Bflin I aun j, Jinx I BluaSuXs □ auejsns □ J|Of) pjepireis □ qa-reasay paas □ apipjaAiy □ /(i:\up i>j □ |i:3a>] □ E 2CL □ •8-j CO > 1 ■üRFCRASS VrtTH IR C O k MmttB tern foot ê long without motti L I You think of Turf grass Inc. for all of your summer needs. Now think about us for your winter needs as well. i Ice Melt products Snowmold protection Winter turf covers Books to relax w ith TURFGRASS INC. 1-800-521-8873 1-248-437-1427 E-m ail: lorac1991@yahoo.com CL □ Fore Par. Greenleaf Griffin, LLC □ Grigg Bros. □ H, H & J □ Harmony □ Lebanon □ Master of The Links Midwest Rake A Patch of Green - 6 - Fall Issue, 2001 2001 C.H. Wolfrom Classic by Robert King and Jon Shreve provided some methods of ridding golf courses of geese and other birds. His firm, Science and Engineering Associates Technology, has designed and patented a laser gun that frightens the geese and makes them less prone to return. His firm has had good success helping the military control geese and other birds around runways and airports. Our host, Paul Kolbe, had Maple Lane in good condition despite a hot, drought-ridden summer. The many scores in the 70's was evidence of good conditions and nice weather. Three-time champion (now four) Don Fields shot an 89 with a 27 handicap for a Low Net score of 62 to win by one stroke over Ron Murdock. (Don, please bring a U.S.G.A. handicap card next year or you will have to cook hotdogs). Low Gross winner Aaron McMaster shot a 5-under par 66 and Jay Delcamp was five strokes back with a 71. Other winners were: Closest to the pin #3 - Todd Robinson Closest to the pin #5 - Clem Wolfrom Closest to the pin #16 - Chris Pulliam Straightest Drive - Jay Delcamp Skins - Jay Delcamp Jim Koziatek Lowell Weaver Mike Blasky Congratulations to all of the winners and we hope to see all of you and your guests next season! A special thanks to everyone who helped out and to Superintendent Paul Kolbe for a great day of golf (and his 13 bucks). Maple Lane Golf Club held the 22nd annual Wolfrom Classic on September 17th. Approximately 50 golfers competed for the honor of being named champion of this great event and to pay respect to Mr. Clarence Wolfrom Sr., who was a pioneer in our business. Mr. Wolfrom helped build and mold what is now known as the G.D.G.C.S.A. This event helps to bring the golf course superintendent community together to enjoy what we have and find ways of creating a better future. Speaker George Johnson, of SEATech International, Versatility on w heels A turf tractor is only as good as the tools you can attach to it. Thanks to Quick-Hitch, Steiner turf tractors are the best in their field. With it's many and varied attachments, a Steiner becomes anything you want it to be in five minutes or less. You can mow, move dirt and snow, edge, blow, chip, aerate and more. And behind Quick-Hitch, you'll find the only turf tractor with con­ stant four-wheel drive, smooth power steering and our unique articulated frame. All backed by the Steiner reputation for reliability. For versatility on wheels, see your authorized Steiner dealer today. Financing available through Sheffield Financial, Corp. (800) 438-8892 THE STEINER ATURF TRACTOR WITH A DIFFERENT TWIST S T E IN E R INDUSTRIAL VEHICLE SALES, INC. 45896 Woodward Avenue Pontiac, Ml 48341 (248)338-1590 Fax(248) 338-4604 A Patch of Green - 7 - Fall Issue, 2001 FREE NEXT DAY DELIVERY Seed & Landscape Supply Custom Grass Seed Mixing Wood & paper mulch Custom blend fertilizer Herbicides & Fungicides Straw & Wood erosion control blankets Staples, tackifier, dye and other hy­ droseed supplies Knowledgeable staff to solve ALL lawn problems We are dedicated to giving you the BEST quality and service available in the industry!! HOLIDAY PARTY ANNOUNCEMENT This year's Holiday Party will be held at the Fox Theater. Cost will be $150 per couple, which includes dinner, followed by the Radio City a performance of Christmas Spectacular. Mark your calendar for December 8th and join in for what promises to be a truly memorable evening. Invitations will be sent out in October. This event will be limited to 120 people. Sorry, no guests. S & F CONSTRUCTION INC golf course specialists Brighton (800) 482-3130 Bradley (877) 744-6657 Saginaw (800) 790-1898 Harbor Springs (800) 677-1006 FREE NEXT DAY DELIVERY resurface. seamless patching, curb w ork, lightw eight equipment and flexible w orking arrangements w ith s ta ff etc. (810) 752-4889 (810) 752-2401 F ax: (810) 752-6719 A Patch of Green - 8 - Fall Issue, 2001 “THE INVITATIONAL" by Jon Shreve I was unable to attend this event, but in the years that I have it has always been an enjoyable experience. Plan on attending next year. It is for a worthy cause. This year on July 26th the 23rd “Invitational” Tournament was held at the Links at Pinewood in Walled Lake, where Scott Sabgash the superintendent. Scott, his assistant William Russett, and crew had the course in great shape for this year's annual event, in spite of the ongoing drought. is The Invitational is a chance for superintendents, pros, key members and course owners to play golf and interact together, while generating revenue towards turf research and junior golf. This year about 80 people participated and, thanks to the generosity of Ernie Fuller, all proceeds were donated to these worthy causes. In addition to Scott and his crew, Club Manager Amy Hardy and assistant Carrie Resnik helped in organizing and staging the event, along with the help of Gene Bone, P.G.A. pro and Director of Golf. Many thanks to these hard working people, who make these events so enjoyable to attend. TEES ★ GREENS ★ FAIRWAYS ★ BUNKERS ★ 810-752-3489 810-752-1026 FAX 810-337-3331 MOBILE CALL FOR DETAILS TERRY MALBURG PRESIDENT "The Water Quality Company" Testing • Evaluation • Treatment p H A I R W A Y W A T E R T R E A T M E N T A M E N D M E N T |° Exclusive Distributor of the Prime Turf Series 900 Injection Station For All Your Water Quality Needs Call: Tim Barno (248) 797-2124 • (800) 677-8097 A Patch of Green - 9 - Fall Issue, 2001 Simplot Timing is Everything PolarKote I Introducing New PolarKote™ Fungicide Now's the time to find out more about our new fungicide, because now's the time to put the freeze on gray and pink snow mold. PolarKote™ is easy to use and proven effective. You'll get it when you need it. No delays. No snow mold. Contact Simplot Partners: 24800 North Industrial Drive Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 Phone: (248) 474-7474 Fax: (248) 474-3228 Or Phone a Sales Representative: Mark Frever Dan Shemon Scott Trbovich Sue Shockey (517) 202-6660 (248) 640-4439 (810) 577-2507 (248) 866-6081 www.simplotpartners.com A Patch of Green - 10 - Fall Issue, 2001 The View From M.S.U. Topdressing Sports Fields: The Three W’s by Dr. John N. Rogers, III Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Michigan State University East Lansing, Ml 48824 Players, coaches and fans all appreciate athletic fields that look good and play well. Most realize the practices of mowing, irrigation, and fertilization are responsible for keeping these fields in playing condition. Maybe a few would even know core cultivation is an important practice. What about the practice of topdressing? It is likely this would be very foreign to most people. Yet, it is just as vital as the four practices listed above. Failure to topdress will lead to an uneven, unsafe playing surface very quickly. Timing of topdressing is essential. Apply topdressing at the wrong time, and you can be the proud owner of a skating rink...too bad it is supposed to be a football field. And finally, use of the wrong material may convert your field to either a parking lot or a quagmire (or a combination of both) for years to come. Topdressing is a science whose importance cannot be underscored and is a valuable tool to the knowledgeable professional. The logical question for implementing or strengthening your topdressing program now is “Why, when, and what? The three W’s”. Why Topdress? We topdress turfgrass to improve both agronomic and playing conditions. The term is self-describing, in that material is applied to the turfgrass surface from above. This is currently the only way to apply material and minimize disruption to your field. There are five major reasons to topdress. Each topdressing application can address one or all of the following reasons: 1. Smooth the playing surface - A smooth playing surface is critical and unquestionable for ball and player performance. However, this same topdressing is used to provide an uninterrupted slope for surface drainage. If this surface drainage is disrupted, then the formation of 'duck ponds' is imminent. 2. Modify the thatch layer - Thatch is our friend, but too much can be our enemy. We do not see thatch on high traffic portions of our sports fields, but there can be excessive low use areas. layer, maintaining Topdressing modifies adequate soil macroporosity and providing a better growing environment for the plant by aiding the microbial community for thatch decomposition. thatch accumulation on thatch the 3. Change the soil texture - If the soil of your sports field is unsuitable and a wholesale change is not possible, a gradual change could be is accomplished through core cultivation and harvesting to remove unwanted soil and subsequent topdressing to incorporate back favorable material. Overtime, soil texture changes, and surface and soil conditions improve. the answer. This 4. Provide resilient surface - Topdressing a new material can change the surface characteristics and provide a more resilient surface that retains macroporosity. This objective often plays hand-in-hand with modifying soil texture; however it can be a single objective after efforts to change soil texture through core cultivation techniques are complete. 5. Provide favorable environment for germination - Sports turf managers know one thing: they lose grass to activities on the fields they manage and they must overseed. Topdressing provides a favorable environment for germination by enhancing seed to soil contact and reducing soil water evaporation. When to Topdress? Simply stated, the best time to topdress sports fields is during periods of active growth and little, or no, play. This may be impractical, but it is the ideal to strive toward. In order for topdressing to be effective, it must be at the soil/plant interface. Following topdressing, there is a time period where the particles are migrating to this interface. The speed in which they can migrate is critical. Irrigation will help in this process, but the best aid is simply actively growing grass. Therefore to work topdressing into the profile is the spring and summer for both cool and warm season grasses. the best time We can learn a little from the golf course regarding topdressing and timing. Putting greens are topdressed, but typically only during periods of active growth. The amount applied matches the growth of the grass and is done to minimize disruption to the putting surface because golf courses receive their heaviest traffic during the growing season. We can take this approach as well, but our amounts in the spring and summer can be greater if there is low play. The higher cutting heights (as compared to a putting green) will also lend themselves to greater amounts of topdressing. A Patch of Green - 11 - Fall Issue, 2001 Topdressings during periods of heavy traffic, i.e. during the season, should be done with caution. Fall topdressings during the season should be done early and with caution, if at all. If there is low growth, then it will be difficult for the material to migrate and the topdressing will be unstable, thus creating footing problems on the field. Another issue is the abrasiveness of the material. Topdressing material (like sand) damages leaf tissues, but during active growth times this abrasion is not an issue. However, during low growth periods the plant cannot recover as quickly and this abrasion can accelerate deterioration of the turfgrass plant. timing remember In summary, is everything! Plan topdressings around periods of active growth and low play. This may mean topdressing in the spring and then late fall after the season. Cool season grasses should be topdressed heavily in combination with core cultivation in late spring after spring football and soccer. This will provide topdressing to smooth the surface, modify thatch, and help with surface resiliency. If there are no games until late summer, the heavy topdressing will have time to migrate and not affect play. (6-16 mm) once per year What to Topdress? The choice of is extremely important, with the range of materials available wide and varying. There are a couple of rules of soil physics to keep topdressing materials Turf Chemicals Inc. 1011 E. Main PO. Box 451 Owosso, Michigan 48867 Phone: (517) 725-7145 FOR ALL OF YOUR FERTILIZER, CHEMICAL AND GRASS SEED NEEDS EXPERIENCED, DEPENDABLE PEOPLE TO SERVE YOU • Russ Hancock • JaySiddock • Fred Miller • Wes Riddle • Ted Kasel • Mike Horvath in mind. These center around soil macropore space. If your macropore space is the same throughout the root zone then drainage will proceed at the rate allowed by the size of the macropores, etc. If the pore space of the top layer is finer than the pore space of the soil below then water will not flow until the top layer becomes very wet. This has caused many problems on fields over the years, particularly with poor choices of turfgrass sod and/or topdressing. The key is to remember to topdress with a material that is at least equal to or coarser than the root zone material or the material at the surface. This will ensure that the macropore space on top is greater and water will drain at the rate of the root zone profile. There are numerous materials from which to choose, both organic and inorganic. The potential for success with these materials can be just as great as the potential for disaster. Never use a topdressing product without a thorough understanding and testing of the particle size of the material. Sand is a good example. It is a long-time excellent choice for topdressing, as it is readily available and relatively inexpensive. However, you must perform a particle size analysis for the material, and never assume that a "named" sand will always be suitable for your needs. Numbers and names of sands can have tremendous variation as their origin was usually for road building or construction, not sports fields. Several products on the market today have proven themselves as very effective topdressing materials. These are clay, diatomaceous earth, and porous ceramics. One key to porous ceramics is the particle size of the product. The product helps to maintain adequate macroporosity in the soil profile. Another inorganic product used is crumb rubber from used tires. Although expensive in comparison to sand, one benefit is its lack of abrasiveness on leaf tissue. This can be an advantage during periods of low growth. Again, you must monitor product particle sizes to prevent any soil layering problems. Conclusion Topdressing is as essential to quality sports fields as any other cultural practice, and must be included as part of the management plan. Applications should revolve around periods of low play and good growing conditions. Materials should be chosen with an understanding of the particle size and its relation with the existing root zone. heat-treated materials calcined like SAND SALES COMPANY P O Box 713 Clarkston Ml 48347 Industrial Sand Specialist for 3 Generations Golf Course Sands - Aggregate - Custom Greens Mix Brad J. Paddison Mobile (313)410-5201 Office (248) 673-3177 A Patch of Green -12- Fall Issue, 2001 Reprinted from Golfdom Magazine, August, 2001 Serious About Skin Cancer by Robin Suttell Skin cancer can kill, so don't think you're immune to it. Here's how to protect yourself from its threat. The first time certified superintendent Mark Woodward had a skin cancer lesion removed, he was 31 and didn't think much of it. After all, the life-long Arizona resident was young and healthy. Besides, when you're a superintendent in a state that has more than 350 sunny days a year, it's a hazard of the job. learned about As with any occupational hazard, Woodward, who runs Dobson Ranch and Riverview golf courses in Mesa, Ariz, soon the necessary safety precautions. And after several more treatments and a relatively major skin surgery, Woodward, 48, doesn't mess around with the sun. taking While most of his work today is behind a desk, Woodward makes sure to cover up -- hat, long sleeves and sunscreen -- whenever he goes outside, even when playing 18 holes recreationally. is a serious hazard," says "In our area, (the sun) Woodward, also a member of the GCSAA Board of Directors. “We used to think it was normal to get burned, peel and then do it all over again. I didn't wear hats or long sleeves when I was younger. It simply wasn't the 'cool' thing to do." But as Woodward, superintendents and dermatologists can attest, getting skin cancer isn't cool, either. It can kill you. other Bright, sunny and deadly Skin cancer affects one in five Americans. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 1.3 million new cases of highly curable basal and squamous cell cancers will be diagnosed this year. These cancers are more common among individuals with lightly pigmented skin. The most serious form of skin cancer -- melanoma -- is expected to be diagnosed in about 51,400 persons in 2001. Melanoma begins in the melanocytes, the cells that produce the skin coloring or pigment known as melanin. Because of the presence of pigment, many melanoma tumors are brown or black. Melanoma is much less common than non-melanoma skin cancers, but it is far more serious. It accounts for only about 4 percent of skin cancer cases, but it causes about 73 percent of skin cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. Anyone can get melanoma, especially people who freckle or burn before tanning; have fair skin or blond, red or light brown hair; spend a lot of time outdoors; and have a family history of skin cancer. Skin cancer can be cured if caught early, particularly basal and squamous cell cancers. While malignant melanoma can spread to other parts of the body quickly it is highly curable with proper treatment when detected in its earliest stages. The five-year relative survival rate for patients with malignant melanoma is 88 percent, the American Cancer Society estimates. For localized malignant melanoma (meaning it has not spread), the five-year relative survival rate is 35 percent. Survival rates for melanoma that has spread range from 13 percent to 58 percent, depending on how far the disease has spread. About 82 percent of melanomas are diagnosed at a localized stage. The incidence of melanoma has more than tripled among Caucasians since 1980. Out of the estimated 3,800 people who will die from the effects of skin cancer in 2001, 7,800 of those deaths will be melanoma related. The solution to these staggering statistics is simple: Properly protecting your skin from the sun every time you go outside could prevent the vast majority of skin cancers. But despite ongoing education from the dermatological, medical and cancer awareness organizations, the prevalence of this potentially deadly disease continues to increase nationwide. The big question is whether or not superintendents have stayed ahead of the learning curve. Skin cancer savy Statistics from the Skin Cancer Foundation show that 80 percent of a lifetime's sun exposure is experienced before the age of 18. A history of five or more severe sunburns during adolescence more than doubles the risk of melanoma, according to a study in the April 23, 1933, issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. The good news is that starting a good habit of protection later in life reduces the risk of skin cancer, experts say. It comes down to education and awareness. The golf industry has increased its focus on skin cancer prevention on all fronts, and the golf course maintenance A Patch of Green - 13 - Fall Issue, 2001 Identifying Skin Cancer Basal Cell The most common form of skin cancer, along with Squamous Cell. It usually occurs on skin areas that have been in the sun. It often appears as a small, raised bump with a smooth, pearly appearance. Another type looks like a scar, and it is firm to the touch. Squamous Cell The most common form of skin cancer, along with Basal Cell, Squamous cell tumors occur on skin areas that have been in the sun, often on the top of the nose, forehead, lower lip and hands. It often appears as a firm red bump. Melanoma It's the most serious and deadly form of skin cancer and the rarest. It begins in the melanocytes, the cells that produce the skin coloring or pigment known as melanin. Because of the presence of pigment, many melanoma tumors are brown or black. Source: National Cancer Institute The Skinny on Skin Cancer 1. Practicing regular and proper sun protection could prevent about 80 percent of skin cancers. 2. Everyone is at risk for skin cancer, whatever his or her skin color, and everyone needs protection from the sun. 3. Cloudy skies may make the air temperature cooler, but UV rays are still coming through the clouds. 4. Wear clothing to protect skin as much as possible. Choose long-sleeve shirts and long pants, and wear a hat that shades your face, neck and ears. 5. Some medications, such as antibiotics, can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about drugs you are taking. 6. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or greater. Look for the number on the label. 7. For best results, apply sunscreen about 20 minutes before going outside to allow it time to bond with your skin. 8. Reapply sunscreen after swimming, perspiring heavily or drying skin with a towel. 9. Don't use sunlamps or tanning booths. A tan from these artificial methods won't protect you in the sun when you go on a vacation. They damage the skin and don't help or protect you. 10. It's never too late to protect your skin. Even if you've tanned or burned before, you can begin protecting your skin today by following these recommendations. Source: American Cancer Society/Skin Protection Federation A Patch of Green - 14 - Fall Issue, 2001 industry is doing its part. Jeff Bollig, GCSAA director of communications, says the issue has been widely covered in association seminars and other industry continuing education initiatives. "It's a major occupational health issue for our members," Bollig says, adding that the skin cancer-screening booth co-sponsored with the American Cancer Society is a major attraction at the association's annual conference. This year in Dallas, three booth volunteers performed 125 screenings. Only 62 attendees took advantage of the free program the year before. Bollig says skin cancer issues are also covered in various GCSAA-sponsored seminars and courses dealing with occupational safety issues. Association publications and literature also occasionally deal with the issue. ”l don't think there's a lack of information," Bollig adds. On the player side, Senior PGA Tour star Hale Irwin has teamed with the American Academy of Dermatology as the national chairman of the medical organization's "KNOW Skin Cancer: Cover Up." Irwin, with the help of other LPGA and PGA tour golfers, appears on the airwaves and in print ads reminding golfers at every level to take care of their skin. The initiative grew out of the results from a national online survey conducted by the National Golf Foundation and USA Today. The 1999 study indicated that less than 20 percent of golfers regularly slather on a protective sunscreen before taking to the greens. "The results of the survey speak to the need for the campaign," Irwin says. "Clearly, there is a lot of work to be done in educating golfers and all Americans about the need to take sufficient precautions if they're going to expose their skin to the sun. Despite the ever-increasing supply of readily available skin cancer facts and figures, there's one segment of the industry that still believes it's immune: students. Trey Rogers, a professor in the department of Crop and Soil Sciences at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, says he constantly reminds his students to cover up when in the field. "I ask them why (they don't wear) hats and sunscreen," he says. "But most of them still have the attitude that they're young, and it wont affect them. They're 18, 19, 21 and 22. (They think) they're bulletproof." Each year, Rogers holds senior seminars in which students select topics to present to the rest of the class. In the 12 years that Rogers has graded these seminars, only three of the small groups have presented information on the hazards of sun exposure in the industry. But Rogers says he hopes more students will discuss the issue in the future. "You make them aware of it and hope and pray as they evolve that they'll consider the hazards of it," he adds. Woodward agrees. His son Matt, 23, works as an assistant superintendent and doesn't always use sunscreen. "I try to make him aware and educate him," Woodward says. "He says he doesn't like the greasy feeling. At my age, I realize protection has no beauty." The big cover up As a Sunshine State native, Joseph Boe, superintendent of Coral Oaks GC, a municipal course in Cape Coral, Florida., spent the early part of his life as a sun worshiper. "I remember we'd spend every waking hour of our weekends on the beach so that we could be deep, dark and tan," Boe recalls. "We'd use oil without any SPF and even add tanning accelerators." Like many "recovering" sun worshipers, Boe's attitude has changed over the years. Now he never steps out into the sunshine without first liberally applying sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more, a hat and a good pair of wraparound sunglasses to protect his eyes from both UV and UVB rays. Boe admits that he and his crew don't wear long pants or long sleeves because of the high levels of heat and humidity common to southern Florida year round. "I can't picture going around in long pants and long sleeves," he says. "My crew members would be dropping like flies. They can cover all exposed skin with a good sunscreen or they can cover up in long clothing and pass out from heat stroke." In Arizona, where the heat is drier, Woodward and his crew do cover up, not only with sunscreen but with long pants and long sleeves as part of the provided uniform. But it hasn't always been that way. Woodward recalls in his younger days how he'd marvel that his grandfather, Jay Woodward, would go to work as a superintendent wearing long sleeves and long pants, despite the heat. The younger Woodward would wear shorts and a golf shirt. "Now I know why he chose that uniform," Woodward says. "The Arizona sun can be intense from the middle of April until October." On the alert Any job that requires time outside runs the risk of sun exposure and skin cancer. Even if you don't live in a perpetually sunny climate, you're probably no stranger to skin cancer prevention tips. Experts at the Skin Cancer Foundation say dressing for sun protection is still one of the best ways to reduce your A Patch ot Green -15- Fall Issue, 2001 Skin Cancer FAQs What are UVA/UVB rays? UVA (ultraviolet-A) rays are long-wave solar rays of 320 to 400 nanometers (billionths of a meter). Although less likely than UVB to cause sunburn, UVA penetrates the skin more deeply and is considered the chief culprit behind wrinkling, leathering and other aspects of photo aging. The latest studies show that UVA not only increases UVB's cancer-causing effects, but also may directly cause some skin cancers, including melanoma. UVB (ultraviolet-B) rays are short-wave solar rays of 290 to 320 nanometers. More potent than UVA in producing sunburn, these rays are considered the main cause of basal and squamous cell carcinomas, as well as melanoma. What does SPF mean? Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures the length of time a product protects against skin reddening from UVB, compared to how long the skin takes to redden without protection. If it takes 20 minutes without protection to begin reddening, using an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer - about five , hours. (Actually, it may take up to 24 hours after sun exposure for redness to become visible.) While SPF is the universal measurement of UVB protection, no comparable standard exists for UVA. Scientists worldwide are working to develop a standardized testing and certification method to measure UVA protection. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using products with a SPF of at least 15, which blocks 93 percent of UVB. While an SPF higher than 30 blocks only 4 percent more UVB, many experts recommend these levels for sun-sensitive individuals, skin cancer patients and people at high risk of developing skin cancer. What is broad-spectrum protection? The phrase indicates that a product shields against UVA as well as UVB but does not guarantee protection against all UVA wavelengths. Most broad-spectrum sunscreens and sunblocks with an SPF of 15 or higher do protect against UVB and short UVA rays. If they also contain avobenzone, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide, they should be effective against the entire UVA spectrum. What are the early warning signs of skin cancer? The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests remembering your ABCDs when doing a skin exam: A - Asymmetry: Common moles are round and symmetrical. B - Border: Skin cancers may have uneven borders. C - Color: Varied shades of brown, tan or black and also red, white, and blue. D - Diameter: If a spot is larger than a pencil eraser, it could be trouble. How is skin cancer diagnosed and treated? Every diagnosis begins with a thorough examination of the skin growth or lesion under a bright light. Your doctor likely will take a biopsy - a sampling of the growth or lesion - for further diagnosis. Treatment entails one of several methods including excisional surgery, curettage-electrodesiccation, cryosurgery, radiation therapy, topical chemotherapy or a newer procedure called Mohs micrographic surgery. Almost all skin cancer diagnosed early and treated promptly and appropriately can be cured, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. A Patch of Green - 16 - Fall Issue, 2001 risk of skin cancer. Look for a tight weave, loose fit and darker colors for more protection. "Remember, sunscreen is not to be worn in lieu of clothing," cautions Allan Halpern, chief of dermatology services at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York and vice chairman of the American Cancer Society's Skin Cancer Advisory Group. In fact, prevention goes beyond applying sunscreen and dressing appropriately. Dermatologists recommend that adults perform regular skin self-examinations, looking for any skin changes at least every three months. Skin cancer takes many forms. Anything that changes, grows or fits any of the "ABCD“ warning signs should taken seriously. A doctor should examine anything suspicious. Common warning signs include a change in a mole, a sore that does not heal, a skin growth that increases in size, or a spot that continues to itch, hurt, scab. A 1999 study at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine revealed that more than half of melanomas were detected by the patients themselves, while another quarter of tumors were detected during full skin exams by physicians. & MARC DUTTON I N C . I R R I G A T I O N , Having had skin cancer in the past, Woodward says he no longer takes chances. He visits his dermatologist every three months for a routine exam. "In fact, I have one coming up soon," he says. "I want to be sure I keep on top of it and not have any surprises.” Suttell, a Cleveland-based free-lance writer, believes a deep, dark tan Is overrated. TOP QUALITY SOD CALL US! 1-800-432-2SOD Penncross, Providence or L93 Bent Avail. Soil Free YOUR IRRIGATION PUMP STATIONS RESOURCE IN MICHIGAN IRRIGATION Installation Automation Electrical repairs Mechanical repairs Controller upgrades Radio controls Installations Service Upgrades Authorized Service for FLOWTRONEX PSI WE INSTALL AND SERVICE ALL MAJOR IRRIGATION SYSTEMS 4720 Hatchery Road Waterford, Michigan 48329 (248) 674-4470 FAX (248) 674-3091 Contact DAVE or ED t t T r 9 r > f* HUGGETT SOD FARM 4114 E. Mariette Rd., Mariette, Ml 48453 ph.: 517-635-7482 * fax: 517-635-7484 New area code as of 4/7/01 • 989 A Patch of Green -17 - Fall Issue, 2001 Call Century for Solutions Controller Board Repairs/Replacements ❖ Golf Course Irrigation ❖ Pump Stations and More At Century Rain Aid, we have been working with golf course superinten­ dents for more than 25 years helping them solve irrigation problems. Your local Century Golf specialist can help you replace a few rotors, update your existing system or plan new construc­ tion. Century represents the industry's leading manufacturers and we offer a wide range of solutions to meet your budget and renovation schedule. HUNTER GOLF With Hunter rotors, valves and central control systems you can achieve reliable, water-efficient irrigation throughout the course. FOUNTAINS, CLUBHOUSE LIGHTING Water features and landscape lighting can enhance your course. Talk with your Century Golf rep for ideas on making your site more attractive year-round. PUMP STATIONS An updated pump station can solve many site problems. Your local Century Golf rep can help you design and install a cost-effective pumping system. BOARDTRONICS CONTROLLER BOARD REPAIRS Replace worn or outdated boards for Toro® and Rain Bird® controllers. Fast 48-hour repair service: 888-855-9132. Century has the solutions . . . call today for an on-site consultation. Hunter Golf Pump Stations Water Features BoardTromcs Repairs ¡Century Rain AidI More Than 160 Branches Coast to Coast 800-642-3706 • www.rainaid.com • email: rainaid@rainaid.com Controller Board Repairs and Replacements 888-855-9132 A Patch of Green - 18 - Fall Issue, 2001 GCSAA Cancels 75th Anniversary Celebration and Chapter Delegates Meeting by Chapter Delegate Tim Dorner, CGCS available at the time of the deadline for this article. An update and discussion will take place regarding the issues currently on the table with GCSAA and the slate of candidates for the GCSAA Board of Directors at the December 11th meeting, to be held at Birmingham Country Club. In addition to the discussion that will take place regarding GCSAA matters, a round table discussion will take place about many issues involving our local chapter. This is always an excellent meeting. Mark your calendars for December 11th and plan to attend. Due to the tragic events of September 11,2001, GCSAA made the decision to cancel all the festivities and events that were to take place in conjunction with the 75th Anniversary celebration, slated for September 13-16 in Kansas City, Missouri. Hours after the attacks on New York and Washington, GCSAA President Tommy Witt released the following statement: " In light of today‘s tragic events, I am announcing that the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America is canceling all scheduled activities this weekend in the Lawrence, Kansas/Kansas City Metropolitan Region. This includes the 75th Anniversary Celebration, the Chapter Delegates Meeting and the Chapter Leadership Program. It is not appropriate to host a celebratory event in wake of today ‘s tragedies, nor do we want to risk the safety of anyone who would have to travel." "We will provide additional information, such as rescheduling and refunding, as soon as it becomes available. We will continue to use the GCSAA web site at http:www.acsaa.org. and the “Members Only” discussion forum as a timely means to disseminate information. We are also contacting as many affected parties as possible by telephone. Should you have questions, contact GCSAA by telephone at (800) 472-7878.” "We extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families at this time of need." There was not additional information about rescheduling • New Cart Path Construction and Maintenance • Parking Lot Paving and Repair • Many Golf Course references available •O ffice (734) 721-4442 •Fax (734) 721-2006 39571 Michigan Ave. • Canton, Ml 48188 A Patch of Green -19 - Fall Issue, 2001 Why Partner with Rain Bird? Single Focus For over 65 years, irrigation has been Rain Bird's only focus. Everything we do revolves around making irrigation products and systems work more efficiently and reliably. When you renovate with Rain Bird, you renovate with complete confidence. We know golf course irrigation, and we understand how to make it work to your advantage. Superior Products Rain Bird products work right out of the box to deliver unrivaled performance. We contin­ ually strive to earn the trust of irrigation professionals worldwide by ensuring that our products are: • Well-designed, reliable and durable • Easily upgraded to adapt to your future irrigation requirements • Supported by an extensive network of friendly and knowledgeable distributors and field-service personnel Call Valley Turf today to receive your Free Golf Course Ijjig a ti Assessment! Véíley Turf A cut above Grandville 616- 532-2885 Kalkaska 231- 369-3482 Detroit 810- 220-2040 www.vaiieyturf.com A Patch of Green - 20 - Fall Issue, 2001 BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS Polo Fields Golf & Country Club Tuesday, July 24, 2001 Roll Call: Present - Abbott, Kolbe, McKinley, Matthews, Szyndlar Absent - Dorner, King, Murphy, Poley, Shreve FINANCE (Murphy) June Assn svgs: $33,462.25 June Assn chkg: $1,358.27 June Fdtn svgs: $18,410.08 June Fdtn chkg: $483.06 MEMBERSHIP (Dorner) Total membership - 440; Applications -1 AWARDS (McKinley/Matthews) Heritage Awards - Announcement in Mid-Summer Applications available August 15th. GCSAA DELEGATE/Liaison Tim Dorner will be this years' Delegate. Meeting in Kansas to be held in September. GOLF DAY (Matthews/Murphy) Flyers will be in Mid-Summer POG. First committee meeting August. NOMINATIONS (Kolbe) Committee is considering nominees. Bios will be in Fall Issue of POG. SOCIAL (Murphy/Abbott) CRUISE - Summer Couples Event - 82 attended. Good time. HOLIDAY report. PARTY- No outpatient recovering surgery. WELFARE (Murphy) Ed Heineman from Doing fine. Card sent. Harold Prieskorn passed away June 22. Flowers and card sent. Turf Pros Nobody knows turf like the folks at Michigan State Seed Company. Whether it’s a tee box or fairway, rough or green, the experts at Michigan State Seed Company evaluate your specific situation, make recommendations, and deliver exactly what you need to make your turf look its finest. (Which makes you look pretty fine, too.) Choose from our wide selection of proven bentgrass performers, such as: • Providence • Penncross • Pennlinks • Penneagle • SR1119 • Dominant And ask about our custom mixture programs formulated for your site and budget. You’ll never come up short at Michigan State Seed Company. We contract with numerous research and production firms so we have access to the best varieties available. Give us a call today and we’ll help you improve your turf score. Michigan State Seed Solutions Seed Mulches Establisher yo u can c o u n t on p lu s a w h o le lo t more. Wildflowers/Grasses For reclamation areas Erosion ControllBlankets Low Maintenance Care-free Fine Fescue Futerra 717 N. Clinton • Grand Ledge, MI 48837 800-647-8873 • 517-627-2164 A Patch of Green - 21 - Fall Issue, 2001 Upcoming Michigan Turfgrass Event The 72nd Annual Michigan Turfgrass Conference will be held January 21 - 24, 2002, at the Holiday Inn South - Hotel and Convention Center in Lansing, Michigan. This Educational Conference includes presentations from over 40 different speakers on topics related to the turfgrass industry. Details regarding this event will be mailed in late October. For further information, contact Kay Patrick at 517-321-1660, or visit out Web Site at michiganturfgrass.org m u 1■ ■ ■ . . i i - . ■ i h .. .. . ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ I MÉÉHbÉ JB DAVEY G O L F South Detroit ' First in Central/Satellite Control Systems ♦ > First in Gear Driven Sprinklers •I* First in Valve-in-Head Sprinklers *1* First in 2-Speed Sprinklers ♦ > First in Computerized Central Controls First in Radio Control for Irrigation ♦ > First in a Support Network for Irrigation Computers (NSN) Toro “Red Iron ” - Your Course is Worth a Toro Solutions for Managing Your Business Make the Most of Your Time, Money, & Effort Investing in the Lifeblood of Your Course There’s No Time for Downtime Equipment that Doesn’t Quit at the I8lh Hole ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ♦ > All Around Performers, All Around the Course ❖ Invest in Proven Technology and Techniques Spartan Distributors, Toro and You... A Strategic Alliance that Keeps You in Control! ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ Leadership Experience The Toro Difference Product Dependability A Record of Success A Tradition of Dependability CHANGING PERSPECTIVES... ON TURF... ON WORTH. * QUALITY * LEADERSHIP * INNOVATION TORO. Sp artan i 1 Distributors 1050 Opdyke Rd. Auburn Hills, MI 48326 800.822.2216 487 W. Division St. Sparta, MI 49345 800.822.2216 We Believe the Future of Golf is Worth Investing In! Pull the Plug on Soil Compaction. -n m m m s m . wj. Mimico. Ryan® Greensaire® Aerators The Professional's Choice On Turf MKaSgi 25125 Trans-x Road P.O. Box 605 Novi, Michigan 48376 248-349-4100 Phone 248-349-0406 Fax www.wfiniller.com RYAN TEXTRON TURF CARE AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS Whether you need a walking, riding or towable aerator, the Ryan Greensaire series offers the productivity and versatility your course demands. The Greensaire 24 delivers 36 holes per square foot and has a walking transport speed of 4-mph. The Greensaire 30 riding aerator offers variable tine spacing and precise coring at depths of 3-3/4 inches. And for your fairways, the Cushman Greensaire 60 has a 60-inch coring width to aerate up to 1.5 acres per hour. For the leading aerators in the industry, come in or call today. TEXTRON www.ttcsp.textron.com ASRY-GA-0599 © 1999 Textron Turf Care And Specialty Products All rights reserved. Printed in the U S A. API P.O. Box 173 Troy, Ml 48099 USA The Official Publication of the Greater Detroit Golf Course Superintendents Association 16 4 * * * * * * * * * * * 5_q jq jj 48824 PETE C00KINGHAM HSU HAIN LIBRARY/W212 EAST LANSING MI 48824 11 li i ! h i M i iln ill h 111 h li 111 PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PONTIAC MAILING SERVICE