THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER DETROIT GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION FALL* 2003 ¡d e n t s INSIDE £ c s a ^ npionshipr No Interest, No Payments Until April, 2004 John Deere Credit is offering a great program for all of your fall equipment needs. Purchase your equipment by Friday, October 10th on a John Deere Lease/ Purchase or True Lease Contract and you pay no interest and make no payments until April, 2004. All new and demonstrator John Deere Golf & Turf equipment is eligible for this program. Call your sales representative today for pricing and payment information on all of your fall equipment needs. Customers are subject to credit approval. Lease documentation must be completed by October 27, 2003 for waiver of payments and interest. J o h n D e e r e The Newest M ember of the Team- The Core Pulverizer To meet the growing demands of both the golf course superintendent and sports turf manager for processing cores, John Deere is introducing the CP48 Core Pulverizer. The CP48 utilizes a 48-in. swath of rotating brushes to collect aerification cores. The cores are then moved into a chamber of rotating blades that pulverize the cores into a fine powder and return the material back to the turf. Features • 48-in. (121.9 cm) gathering width • Belt drive brushes and blades • Kohler 12 horsepower gas Command Pro Series engine • Two 18x8.5 4 ply turf tires • 1 -7/8-in. (4.8 cm) hitch • Recoil start • Offset towing feature WEINGARTZ GOLF & TURF Novi 46495 Humboldt Or. 888-453-8873 248-295-0105 Cedar Springs 11875 Northland Dr. 877-465-9040 616-696-2913 w w w . w e i n g a r t z . c o m Call For A Demonstration Today! J o h n D e e r e Greater Detroit Golf Course Superintendents Association The Official Publication of the Greater Detroit Golf Course Superintendents Asociation Officers President Roland Abbott, CGCS Committees: GCSAA Coordinator, Certification Rep., Finance Vice President Fritz McMullen Committees: Co-Membership, Co-Social, Finance Secretary/T reasurer Robert A. King Committees: Welfare, Historian, Finance President Emeritus Mark McKinley Directors Dan Billette Committees: Co-Social, Co-GAM Seminar, Environmental Stewardship Liaison John Cooney, CGCS Committees: Co-Education Co-Awards Scott Ford Committees: Co-Golf Day, Co-Membership Mike Fouty Committees: Co-Golf Day, Co-Michigan Room, Co-Awards Brian Schweihofer Committees: Co-Education, Web Site Jon Shreve, CGCS Committees: Co-GAM Seminar, Co-Michigan Room, Finance Tim Dorner, CGCS GCSAA Liaison, Voting Delegate, Editor/Publicity Doug Johanningsmeier Vendor Liaison Kate Mason Executive Secretary GDGCSA P.O. Box 173, Troy, Ml 48099 (248) 362-1108 Fax: (248) 362-1736 E-Mail: gdgcsa@aol.com Contact for GDGCSA Information Contents 5 ........................ On Par With The President 7 . . Clarence H. Wolfrom Golf Championship 9 ........................ Chapter Delegates Meeting 1 2 1 3 1 4 15 & 16 17 1 8 .......................... .. ..............North Central Region Update ........... June Board Meeting Highlights ................ Mid-Atlantic Region Update .................... .. . . . Roster Changes ........................ New Member Listing Calendars of Events SERIALS APR 1 » 2005 MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES Printed by: Schaltenbrand Printing Company 16315 Harper Avenue Detroit, Ml 48224 (313) 882-4343 A Patch of Green - 3 - Fall Issue, 2003 . . t r o » P r o f e s s ^ s m c e 1 9 7 0 i Turf fAonagcrS D o U 9 »1e r î o V î e o é ^ s r ' @ao\-c°m 2A8-b|° ,„et dougJ® 15 ¿ g * * K e r t h 3 ! S ^ ' D a r Ü e ï '5 ^ - , a o -A 5 3 0 D eA r»1' J S  S Ï’ Turfgrass, Inc. South Lyon, Michigan 48178 P.O. Box 667 •Phone: 800-521-8873 Fax: 248-437-5610 Email: Ioracl991@yahoo.com ' & T o le d o ,3 3 7 5 @ rc\sncortx 2 A 8 'fcA0 f\C,V\\ocke The Complete Source For Turf and Irrigation ....New AND Renovation 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 PERSPECTIVE. ON TURE.... QUALITY • LEADERSHIP ON WORTH.... TORO. Count on it. 487 West Division St., Sparta, MI 49345 or 1050 Opdyke Rd., Auburn Hills, MI 48326 Phone: 800-822-2216 A Patch of Green - 4 - Fall Issue, 2003 o n p a r ' a ? p r e s i d e n t Looking back on my career in golf course management brings a smile to my face. I’ve truly been blessed to have a job that I looked forward to getting up each morning and going to work. In the 25 years that I was superintendent at Bogie Lake Golf Club I can count on one hand the number of sick days I was absent from work. Part of it was the fact that I have been lucky to have good health. But for the most part if I wasn’t feeling well when I got up in the morning, I knew that by the time I got to the course and got busy with the day’s activities I’d forget about being ill and start feeling better. There’s no better prescription for a minor illness than to take your mind off yourself and concentrate on the tasks at the course. I’ve also been fortunate to work with some great people over the years. From my first job raking bunkers and pushing a lawn mower at the age of 14 at Woodlands G.C. in Brighton through my years at Bogie Lake there have been mentors and colleagues who have shown me great kindness and given of their time and knowledge that I might benefit. For that I shall be forever grateful. Ours is a somewhat unique profession in that we as superintendents are competitors in one sense, competing for a limited clientele and at the same time a group of people willing to share information or equipment to help their neighbor. It’s a good feeling to know that if your in a bind when you have an irrigation leak on a Sunday and the suppliers are closed that you can call the course down the road and chances are the superintendent can help you out with a fitting or a length of pipe. Or the occasional meeting with your fellow superintendent at the local watering hole after work just to talk about the challenges of the week and how you overcame them. I’ve gotten more from a casual chat with fellow superintendent at times than from some one day seminars I’ve taken. Some of my fondest memories are those times spent early mornings watching the sunrise over the golf course. The crew would be starting their duties and I would be on my first tour of the course for the day. I’d stop on a hill for a moment just to enjoy the sight of the sun beginning to light up the eastern horizon. Or watching the sunset on the course while the first sprinkler settings began after we converted our manual irrigation to automatic. The peace of mind I had knowing the course would be irrigated to my specifications and not left unwatered because the nightwaterman fell asleep or decided to party with his buddies allowed me many good nights sleep. But the things for which I am most grateful are the friendships I have formed over the years. I have had a greatgroup of people with whom to golf and spend time, some two dozen or so guys who have supported Golf Day from my club for over 20 years now. They never let me forget about the Big Event because it seems that as soon as the last one is finished they’re asking me where we are playing next year and they keep reminding me throughout the year. Golf Day is a great opportunity for daily fee players to play some of the finest clubs in our area at a very reasonable rate and at the same time contribute to turfgrass research. It’s been a most rewarding career up to this point and hopefully there will be many more years to come. I’m looking forward to a few more friendships made and quite a few more sunrises over the golf course. A Patch of Green - 5 - Fall Issue, 2003 r POWER COMPANY PUMP, PIPE & Water Management Engineering & Construction Services Specialists in Irrigation and Dewatering Pump Stations ♦ Prefabricated Pump Stations 200 GPM To 2000 GPM Skid Mount Stations. Centrifugal, Vertical Turbine, VFD & Remote Monitor / Control Options Available. ♦ Application Engineered Pump Stations Engineered Pump Stations Unique To Your Site Location & Application Needs. Wetwells - Intake Systems - Structures - Electrical Services ♦ Retrofit of Existing Pump Stations Incorporation Of Existing Equipment Into Pump Station Design For Maximum Economical Benefit. ♦ 24 Hour Emergency Pump Station Service Around The Clock Service On Any Type Of Pump Station. Temporary Pumping Equipment Rentals. Emergency Retrofits 12495 Dixie Highway, Holly, Ml 48442 Phone: (248) 634-8111 Fax: (248) 634-8112 24 Hour Emergency Service: (586) 817-8714 Simplot % National Scope, LocalJacus Looking to Make You More Successful • National Purchasing Power • Reliable Financial Strength • Locally Operated • Local Agronomic Expertise Contact Simplot Partners: Dan Shemon Sue Shockey Marc McCoy Loren Cunnington (248) 640-4439 (248) 866-6081 (616) 292-1200 (616) 876-0663 www.simplotpartners.com A Patch of Green - 6 - Fall Issue, 2003 Clarence H. Wolfrom Golf Championship September 17, 2003 low 80's greeted This year’s annual Clarence H. Wolfrom Golf Championship was again held at Maple Lanes on Wednesday September 17th. A wonderful day in the the 50+ vendors and superintendents who left their wilting, aerated golf courses to come out and join the fun, competition, and most importantly, the tremendous camaraderie that takes place at all of our meetings. in on As usual the cream rises to the top in these events, and this year proved it yet again. The winners in each of the divisions were as follows: First Place - Low Gross Score Jerry Prieskorn Jr. with a 67 ($50 winner) Second Place - Low Gross Score Jerry Prieskorn Sr. with a 68 ($25 winner) First Place Low Net Score Jerry Prieskorn Sr. with 68-9 = 59 net ($50 winner) Second Place Low Net Score Mike Casey with 87-24 = 63 net ($25 dollar winner) Closest-to-the-Pin Winners ($25 each) #3 - Tom Gill #5 - Mike Casey #15 - Tom Mason One Skin Winner ($245) Jim Angeloff with a birdie on the par three #2 Special to thanks to Paul Kolbe for having the course in fine shape again this year. Also, thanks to all the GDGCSA members who came out to support this great event that traditionally marks the coming of fall. It’s this type of support from the membership that is needed to make these events successful. Cleary’s Solutions Programs combine proven products and new, cutting-edge chemistry along with the know-how and experience to help solve your turfgrass disease problems. For more information about Cleary’s Solutions Programs contact your local Cleary’s Turfgrass Professional. CLEARY Count on Cleary Read and follow all label directions. The Cleary logo, 3336, Spectra and Alude are trademarks of Cleary Chemical Corporation. Endorse is a trademark of Arvesta. Nutri-Crow Magnum is a trademark of Biagro Western Sales, Inc. Visalia, CA. ©2003 Cleary Chemical Corporation With Solutions That Work A Patch of Green - 7 - Fall Issue, 2003 O utdoor Pest Control S ervices M osquito Control Specialists ADVANCED PEST MANAGEMENT Advanced Outdoor Spraying Company G reg S eago GENERAL MANAGER P.O. Box 125, Fenton, Ml 48430 (810) 735-8731 (877) 276-4714 Turf Grass Drainage Pays • Less Flooding • Healthier Grass • Low er M aintenance Cost • Shorter Rain Closing • M ore C art Revenue • B etter Course Appearance Water Management Specialists, Inc. Dennis Rector • 1596 S. College Rd. • Mason, Ml 48854 Here’s what Phil Owen, Superintendent at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club, has to say about Water Management Specialists: “Beginning in February 1993, W arwick Hills hired W ater Management Specialists to design and install an extensive drainage system in our fair­ ways. The drainage was installed in a professional and timely fashion, and results have been remarkable! • Our maintenance and cart delays, due to wet conditions, have easily been cut in half. • We are able to open the course earlier in the Spring and go longer into the • Fall. Places that were chronically wet and bare, due to waterlogged soils, have healthy turf cover the entire season. Our club’s Investment In Water Management Specialists’ drainage system is one of the best investments we have made.” A Patch of Green - 8 - Fall Issue, 2003 ideiti. \tv*c5 Fertile * 5-3-lo H w " \ h=> W Fertiliser 1 5 - 5 - 2 5 jPimonsion 1 »*5 « — Andersons Turf Fertilizer 1 8 -9 - 1 8 ^ Comee, I. so is». 111.«« H0 Turf Fertilizer Andersons Distributed by TURFGRASS, INC. P.O. Box 667 28064 Pontiac Trail S. Lyon, Ml 48178 Call 800-521-8873 or 248-437-1427 (call collect) Chapter Delegates Meeting By Tim Dorner, CGCS Chapter Delegate The Annual Chapter Delegates Meeting was held on September 6th & 7th at the Kansas City Marriott. This year’s meeting was less controversial than the last two that I attended. PDI is now in effect and so far is running smoothly. GCSAA is on solid financial ground and they expect a large turnout for this year’s conference and show. We were briefed on all committee activity and all current programs in effect. The following is a synopsis of some of the more important discussion issues that took place. Organizational Audit This past spring an organizational audit of GCSAA was conducted. They try to do one of these every five years. The Board is committed to following the findings and recommendations from this audit. The audit revealed that the GCSAA Board was spending too much time and effort on administrative details and not enough effort to strategic planning and goal setting for the organization. The organizational audit gave GCSAA high marks for establishing four strong goals and a clear vision held by the board and staff. However, the audit also highlighted a need to improve on the clarity of the progress GCSAA expects toward the four goals. The four goals are: Goal I - To enable our members to achieve career success. Goal II -To be a powerful and influential advocate for the interests of our members, the profession and the industry. Goal III - To be the recognized authority on continuing education, information and issues related to golf course management. Goal IV - To be a strategically positioned, dynamic and responsive organization. Each goal has a list of strategic indicators. These indicators will be used to measure the performance of staff and the board on how well each goal is being met. Chapter Affiliation Agreement In 1993, chapters and GCSAA did not have a formal agreement regarding affiliation. In an attempt to serve the chapters better, a Chapter Relations Resource Group was formed. From this group the current affiliation agreement was born. The current agreement is set to expire December 31, 2004. The major discussion points that continue to come up with the current agreement are dual membership and conformity of classifications. We will be discussing the affiliation agreement with the board and the membership over the next few months. A vote of the membership will be taken at the December meeting. Headquarters Relocation After many of the members and Delegates expressed displeasure and felt blindsided by the steps that the Board took relocation of headquarters, the board formed a Headquarters Location Resource Group. investigate the last year to The HLRG is a group of members who will be responsible for studying this issue and will report their findings and make recommendations to the board once they have completed the process. The group will be operating independently from the board. The HLRG Members are: Pat Finlen, CGCS, Chairman; Tom Mason, Co-Chairman; Bob Alonzi, CGCS; Ray Davies, CGCS; Kevin Downing, CGCS; Mark Esoda, CGCS; Jim Fitzroy, CGCS; Keith Ihms, CGCS; Todd Lupkes, CGCS; Sandy Queen, CGCS; Bob Randquist, CGCS. The group has met on three occasions and has formulated the process on how they will proceed from the following comments/statements: • Board operated with a lack of trust. • Board did not develop a consensus. • We do not need to sell anything. • Member input into key decisions will foster trust. • Member input - where in the process do they get input? • We should place our efforts into a process that will first and foremost foster stronger trust. • Articulate the mission, vision and strategic goals to the stakeholders. • Show the members early in the process and respect their disparate views. The process is divided into two phases. Phase I will focus on the reasons to move/stay, who will be affected by a potential move and what risks are associated with a potential move. Phase II will use the criteria developed from Phase I to work through the specifics of potential location costs, positive and negative impacts on operations and specific risks and rewards. The HLRG will finalize a report with the answer to the question, “Does location have a material impact upon the ability of GCSAA to achieve its stated mission, vision and long-term strategic goals?” They will not move to Phase II unless the answer is yes to an “acceptable degree.” For more information about the HLRG and this topic, go to www.qcsaa.org, click on community, then click on headquarters location study. to the delegates and the The presentation made outcomes from the meeting can be viewed on the GCSAA web site. A presentation will be made to the membership about the delegates meeting at the GDGCSA Annual Meeting, which will be held at the Country Club of Detroit on October 13lh. If you have questions, comments or ideas regarding GCSAA, please contact me. A Patch of Green - 9 - Fall Issue, 2003 We supply compressors to over 100 of the local golf courses We appreciate your business! j f L L I N G H A N l DETROIT CORPORATION “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 Chemicals, fertilizer, seed and much more! Rob Pyiar ...................... (586) 242-8322 Dave Polen.................... (810) 839-8930 U l l i t G C l H o rtic u ltu ra l S up ply W W W . U H S O N L I N E . C O M A Patch of Green -10 - Fall Issue, 2003 JJE SCO G ROW WITH 1 R S j i r a l|r ..........■ A Team of Professionals Serving Your Turfgrass Needs. Turf Seen •Fertilizers »RepairParts Coif Course accessaries •Fauipment JJESCO 800-321-5325 LESCO is a registered trademark and Grow With Us is a trademark of LESCO Technologies. LLC. TEES ★ GREENS ★ FAIRWAYS ★ BUNKERS ★ 586-752-3489 586-752-1026 Fax 586-337-3331 Mobile CALL FOR D E TA ILS TERRY MALBURG PRESIDENT P R O -U N B A S P H A L T C - A R T P A T H S ( 586) 752-7730 State Qualified References Pave Your Way To Increased Revenue! Free Estimates Insured l/I/e Specialize In: • Installation of new asphalt cart paths • Resurface existing cart paths • Installation of stone paths • Grading • Sub-grade preparation • Sub-base preparation • Restoration • Parking Lot Paving “ W h e t h e r y o u r c o u r s e is w e l l e s t a b l is h e d OR IN THE DEVELOPING STAGES, LET ASPHALT CART PATHS HELP INCREASE YOUR REVENUE.” 11797 29 Mile Road • Washington Twp., MI 48095 A Patch of Green -11 - Fall Issue, 2003 Recovery By Bob Vavrek, Agronomist USGA North Central Region Update height to 0.150".. I might as well roll out a shag carpet for golfers to putt across.” Yet, 0.150" is still slightly lower than a 5/32" height of cut - what used to be considered a low mowing height at most courses just 5 to 10 years ago. Granted, this update is not for the courses with the new designer bentgrass varieties that need to be maintained at or below 1/8". It is primarily intended for your basic high-play/low budget operation, though most high end clubs with old greens would benefit from giving the putting surfaces a well deserved rest as well. After a slow start to the season due to cool weather, the playing surfaces at most golf courses across the upper Midwest have been pushed quite hard to meet the golfers’ ever increasing expectations for near perfection. Greens are being mowed a little shorter each season, even at low-budget courses, to meet the unreasonable expectations of the vocal minority of golfers who desire and demand fast greens for day-to-day play. The quest for speed and perfection typically requires more frequent grooming operations, such as double cutting, vertical mowing, rolling, and brushing. Cultivation for speed generally thins out and stresses the turf. The result is more annua, moss, algae, and disease activity on greens. Mid-September is an excellent time to allow the turf to recover from summer stress, especially if your greens are affected by moss and algae. Core cultivation operations should be well on their way to healing over by now. Raise the mowing heights and provide a little extra fertilizer to encourage a denser stand of turf. Allow the plants to accumulate the carbohydrates reserves that will be needed to initiate and sustain growth next spring. Raise the heights of cut now, while there are still several weeks of good growing weather before cooler temperatures and frost set back the topgrowth of bentgrass and Poa annua. However, it will take a considerable amount of education, communication, and lobbying to convince golfers that maintaining the playing surfaces in peak summer condition through October is not in the best interests of the course. No doubt this will be a considerable challenge at facilities where revenue from green fees has been down the past several years. If your idea of raising the height of cut means adjusting the bench setting from 0.115" to 0.120", you might not garner much benefit from these recommendations. The height of cut on old bent/Poa push-up greens generally needs to be increased to at least 0.150" to 0.160" if you expect noticeable improvements in turf density. The speed issue is so out of control that our perception of mowing heights has been drastically altered, perhaps warped is a better word. “Raise the A Patch of Green -12 - Fall Issue, 2003 Board Meeting Highlights Tuesday, June 29, 2003 FINANCE (King) June Assn. Svgs: $25,687.51; June Fdtn. Svgs: $2,154.83 June Assn. Chkg: $2,681.32; June Fdtn. Chkg: $1,776.28 MEMBERSHIP (McMullen) Total membership - 403; Reclassifications -1 AWARDS (Ford/Fouty) Turf grass Scholarships: Announcement letter to be sent to MSU in September. EDITOR (Dorner) POG - Mid-Summer issue to be mailed August 1st. Reduced to 24 pages due to lack of advertisers. Due to the economy, many advertisers have reduced ad size, etc. Some have completely dropped their advertising from our publication. Fall issue - to be mailed October 1 st. Reduced. Winter issue - This will be the final issue of A Patch of Green. Reduced. Beginning in 2004 we are planning to publish info on the web site and mailing out a newsletter to those members who aren’t on the internet. EDUCATION (Schweihofer/Cooney) Oct. 13 - Annual Meeting Site: Country Club of Detroit Agenda: Golf, Dinner, Business Meeting/Election Nov. 10 - GCSAA Seminar Site: Novi Doubletree Hotel Topic: #1 - Management of localized dry spots and water repellent soils. #2 - Understanding biostimulants. is supporting GCSAA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD (Abbott) Michigan the nomination of Gordie LaFontaine, former Ex. Dir. of MTF, for the DSA. A number of people throughout the state and from our assn, are writing letters on his behalf. GOLF DAY(Ford/Fouty) 2003 - Oct. 6 - Flyers will be in Mid-Summer POG. First committee meeting in August. Sites: Bay Pointe G.C., Lochmoor Club, Orchard Lake C.C., Polo Fields G&CC. 2004 - McMullen and King making inquiries for next year’s sites. Would like to announce at this year’s event. MICHIGAN ROOM (Shreve/Fouty) 2003 - Unfortunately, costs for the room were greater than the donations received. Each assn, donated an additional $430 to close the books “ in the black”. SOCIAL(Billette/McMullen) Family Tiger Baseball Game - Reservations - 57 adults, 18 children Positive response. Successful event. New venue to be considered for next year. Holiday Party - Date: Friday, Dec. 5 (tentative) Site: Canterbury Village WEB SITE (Schweihofer) Members who do not pay assessment will not be allowed to attend assn, meetings/events. 75 members who have not paid their assessment will see it included on their dues statement. Must be paid to renew membership for 2004. WELFARE (King) Carolyn King, Bob King’s (The Orchards) wife, has been very ill and in the hospital with lung problems. She’s now home, on oxygen and getting around with the help of a walker. G C S A A ^ EDUCATION • THE BEST FOR THE BEST Brought to you by the Greater Detroit GCSA Management of Localized Dry S pots and W ater R epellent Soils & Understanding Biostimulants Two great seminars facilitated by Keith Karnok, Ph.D.! Mon., November 10, 2003 DoubleTree Hotel Novi, Mich. Management of LDS and Water Repellent Soils 8 a.m. - 12 noon 114-2B-3RS Understanding Biostimulants 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. 238-1B-3RS Member fee: $65 per seminar Nonmember fee: $100 per seminar Education points: 0.35 per seminar GCSAA seminars are presented in partnership with For more information or to register, call (800) 472-7878 A Patch of Green 13- Fall Issue, 2003 Summer’s Gone and It’s Time For Your Fall Checklist By Stanley J. Zontek, Director USGA Mid-Atlantic Region Update The middle of September traditionally has been associated with the coming of fall. The days are shorter, the nights become longer, and more importantly, cool nights are the norm. The worst is over! IRRIGATION INNOVATION • • • We offer real solutions for even the most challenging greens. More than 80 golf courses have benefited from our expert touch. Installation • Renovation Repairs • Winterization Pump Stations High Tech Solutions ■ Installation ■ Service ■ Upgrades ■ Touch Screen Computerized Monitoring ■ Personal Computer Desktop Programming ■ Two Wire Control Systems ■ Wireless Satellite Control Systems ■ Fusion Welded Pipe Systems ¡§ MARC DUTTON I N C . I R R I G A T I O N , 4720 Hatchery Road • Waterford, Ml 48329-3627 (800) 228-4470 • www.marcduttonirrigation.com OSBURN 0 Or GÎJ Qi] © Ü Ci3 □ d Now is the time to begin your fall checklist. The list could include: • Extra Fertilizer. With all of the rainfall the region experienced this year, the fall is a good time to replenish soil fertility levels. Be generous (but not excessive) with fertilizer applications. The grass should respond with better color, density, and with new roots. these • Fall Renovation. Now is the best time to fix what was damaged this summer. Increasingly, we are seeing more use of sod simply because golfers seem to the seeding operation. Obviously, each situation is different but with lower soil temperatures and more rainfall, sod roots quicker and seed germinates better. lack patience associated with • Weed Control. The fall is the best time to control most broadleaf, narrow leaf weeds, and clover. With few exceptions (like crabgrass and knotweed), weeds are perennial. Consider the other option of waiting until spring. Dandelions are in full bloom, golfers are complaining they can’t find their golf balls in the rough, it’s cloudy, cool, windy and rainy. No doubt you would say to yourself, “why didn’t I spray last fall?” trees to mark trees and • Tree Work. The fall Is a good time to plant for removal over the winter and also, to map out areas where underbrush needs to be cutback. Providing the turf with good grass growing environments is one of the most important tasks a turf manager can perform in order to grow healthy grass during periods of weather extremes. is the time Now to develop your Fall Maintenance Checklist. It is a true “To Do List” for your golf course. CUSTOM TOP DRESSING BLENDS CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION BLENDS Bunker Sand — Best 530 • Best 535 • Best Signature Cart Path Stone & Slag • Pea Pebble • Parking Lot Stone Call for Details (313) 292-4140 (Ask tor Tim) A Patch of Green -14 - Fall Issue, 2003 2003 HOLIDAY PARTY -Mark your calendars now- Friday, December 5th, 2003 Olde World Canterbury Village, Lake Orion, ML • “Shopping Challenge ” • Dining Stations • Gifts and Prizes 6:00 PM - ?? Details to follow A CUT ABOVE Roster Changes Please make these changes to your roster: Vgiley Turf A cut above Rely on Valley Turf for a comprehensive array of turf management products and a higher level of service and support. Featuring Rain Bird irrigation systems. Equipment: Irrigation (800)688-3605 (888) 331-7246 HUSTLER Rju'frB.Ro Turf Equipment Grandville (616) 532-2885 Kalkaska (231 ) 369-2172 Brighton (810) 220-2040 Clarkston (248) 623-6622 www.valleyturf.com A Patch of Green -15 - Fall Issue, 2003 Class (pg. 33) BENHAM, DONALD R. Retired E-mail (pg. 40) FISETTE, JEFFREY L. fisettej77@aol.com Phone GUSTRAFSON, STEFAN R. 0-(248) 644-2500, x430 Class (pg. 43) HAMMETT, D. TRUMAN Class AA E-mail (pg. 45) HUBBARD, ROBERT J. oxfordhillsgolf@aol.com Address, Phone, E-mail (pg. 50) KULL, MARC S. 1317 21st St. Pt. Huron, Ml 48060 H-(248) 459-8994 kullmarc@msu.edu Class (pg. 52) MALBURG, RANDY J. Class A Christopher Furness President 1176 B M-75 South Boyne City Michigan 49712 ph 231.582.6783 fax 231.582.5269 CONSTRUCTION SALES TO SOUTHERN MICHIGAN BENN VIC (734) 218-3409 MARTY DOMINICK (248) 640-4840 PRODUCTS AVAILABLE Chemicals: Aquatics Bio-Stimulates Fungicides Herbicides Insecticides Indicator Dye Micronutrients Surfactants Tank Additives Grass Seed: Jacklin Seed Lebanon Seaboard Equipment: Earthway Gandy Prizelawn Sup Shop Gel Tec Jesco Fertilizers: HHI Howard Johnson Lebanon Seaboard Luxacote Milorganite Nutramax Labs Plant Food Liquid Plant Marvel Soluble Golf Supplies: Accuform Flexstake Par Aide Standard Parts Teejet and Access Soil Management: Conweb Evergreen Kormat Peat Sorb ALL PRODUCTS WAREHOUSED IN SOUTHERN MICHIGAN CALL MARTY OR VIC A Patch of Green -16 - Fall Issue, 2003 14 Years of Golf Course Tree Maintenance Organic Waste Removal Tree & Stump Removals Pruning • Cabling Tree Fertilizing • Crane Services Member NAA & MDLA KEVIN J. SCHILBE President Mobile (313) 929-0445 Office (313) 565-5552 www.schilbetreecare.com Roster Changes Address (pg. 54) MESSERLY, BENJAMIN T. 14818 Atwater Dr. Sterling Hts, Ml 48313-1203 Club, Phone (pg. 54) METZNER, CARL 0. Huntmore Golf Club O-(810) 229-8406 Club, phone (pg. 55) MURPHY, DAMON A. Warwick Hills Country Club O-(810) 694-4952 F a x (pg. 58) PLAGUE, MICHAEL J. Fax-(586) 314-0229 Phone (pg. 59) PRIESKORN, GERALD C. H-(248) 371-1852 Class (pg. 62) SABGASH, SCOTT J. CLASS A Class, E-mail STRANGE, CURTIS A. Class A cstrange91 @hotmail.com Club, Address, Phone (pg. 67) TYRPAK, JOEL Lakes of Taylor 47658 Vistas Circle South Canton, Ml 48188 0/Fax-(734) 946-1673 New Member Please add this new member to your roster: Turf Chemicals Inc. 1011 E. Main P.O. Box 4451 Owosso, Michigan 48867 Phone: (989) 725-7145 E-Mail: turfchem@earthlink.net MAVIS, BRIAN A. (JONI) AFFILIATE Mavis Consulting P.O. Box 51 Farmer, OH 43520 H-(41 9) 658-4057 0-(419) 212-1639 Fax (419)658-2039 bmturf@hotmail.com 989-635-7482 M AR LE TTE, M I 48453 FOR ALL OF YOUR FERTILIZER, CHEMICAL AND GRASS SEED NEEDS EXPERIENCED, DEPENDABLE PEOPLE TO SERVE YOU • Russ Hancock • Jay Siddock • Fred Miller • Ted Kasel BLUEGRASS & FESCUE MIX SOD Shade & Ornamental Trees Farm Pickup or Delivery to Ml, OH & IN • 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 -17 - Fall Issue, 2003 KSA NDSCAPH & '©INSTRUCTION O liv e r C. B o k s a Project Manager b o a ld e rW a ll4 ay.COm Engineered Civil & Environm ental Site Work Solutions • Golf Course Construction Fully Licensed & Insured (248) 343-439« Fax (248) 366-8320 3011 Haggerty Road W. lì loom field, MI 48390 SAND SALES COMPANY P O Box 713 Clarkston. Ml 48347 Industriai Sand Specialist for 3 Generations Golf Course Sands - Aggregate - Custom Greens Mix Brad J. Paddison Mobile (313)410-5201 Office (248) 673-3177 S & F CONSTRUCTION INC golf course specialists 2003 STATEWIDE CALENDAR GREATER DETROIT GCSA Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Nov. 10 Dec. 5 The Big Event (golf/fundraiser): Bay Pointe G.C., Lochmoor Club, Orchard Lake C.C., Polo Fields G&CC Annual Business Meeting - Country Club of Detroit GCSAA Regional Seminar - Novi Doubletree Hotel Dec. TBA Superintendents Only Roundtable Discussion - Site TBA GDGCSA Holiday Party outing) - Canterbury Village (Spouse MID-MICHIGAN TURF ASSOCIATION Oct. 15 Annual Meeting @ The Fortress NORTHERN MICHIGAN TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION Oct. 7 Tuck Tate Championship - Annual Meeting @ Red Hawk Golf Club seamless patching, curb work, lightweight equipment and flexible working arrangements with staff etc. (586) 752-4889 (586) 752-2401 Fax: (586) 752-6719 A Patch of Green -18 - Fall Issue, 2003 JOHN DEERE GOLF & TUR F One Sourcë It's a superintendent's ideal situation: Keeping the course 100 percent playable throughout the season. Now there's a new team member ready to provide the irrigation supplies, service and support you need to achieve that goal - John Deere Landscapes. Your local John Deere Landscapes branch is among the most comprehensive suppliers of golf course irrigation equipment in the U.S. With a nationwide network of branches and field staff, John Deere Landscapes has the professional expertise and equipment to solve any site challenge. Renovation or new construction? John Deere Landscapes features the industry's most advanced irrigation management tools to control water, labor and energy costs - while helping you achieve that goal of 100 percent playability. Call today: 800-642-3706. Irrigation Systems Featuring Hunter Golf Reliable rotors, valves, central control systems, maintenance radios Pump Stations Customized for your course Fountains and Landscape Lighting AquaMaster and Oase fountains, Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting BoardTronics Controller Board Repairs Replace outdated Toro® and Rain Bird® controller boards: 888-855-9132 Direct Sales Quantity shipments of landscape products and nursery stock: 866-880-9380 More Than 300 Branches Nationwide o Jo h n Professional Irrigation System Repairs, Renovations, New Construction www.JohnDeereLandscapes.com On-Site Consultation: 800-642-3706 THE ROYAL FAMILY. IKKMSiN* GREENS «IN«" S H I SHIES. SKEINS KENS VI. SRKNS KINS IV. IN I PSM I f . ” facrimen greens mowm are the most productive greens mmmr$ available today. And with the precision of a lake cut yowl I get the professional performance no one can heat these mowers feature the industrys most advanced engineering. a variety of engine toes and the finest cut available, Pius, you get the versatility and productivity of the Greens King VI, the proven reliability of the Greens King IV, the tournament-s|wltty cut of the Gieeni King %O0A Series, or the precision of the PGM IIP* or 22, With the legendary family of lacohsen mowem your greens will get the royal treatment. For more information, come in or call today m . MILLER CO. __________ imsu The Professional's Choice On Turf 25125 Trans-x Road P.O. Box 605 Novi, Michigan 48376 248-349-4100 Phone 248-349-0406 Fax www.wfmiller.com nxmem 1‘mukm Cut.legendary 23 4 *******SCH 5-D IG IT 48823 PETE COOKINGHAM MSU MAIN LIBRARY/W212 EAST LAPSING MI 48824 illiiliiiilmlililiililiill PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PONTIAC MAILING SERVICE P.O. Box 173 Troy, Ml 48099 USA The Official Publication of the Greater Detroit Golf Course Superintendents Association