J Official Publication of the Michigan & Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association LET THE EXPERTS AT J. J. DILL HELP YOU MAKE IT BUY DIRECT • SAVE MONEY GET FAST DELIVERIES Your budget will buy more — in chemicals and equipment to apply them — when you deal direct with Dill. As manufacturer, formulator and/or distributor, Dill can save you money. Consistently. Dill offers the most com­ plete line of quality turf chemicals in the midwest . . complete with appli­ cation instructions. Dill is headquarters for complete lines of: • Fungicides • Herbicides • Algaecides • Insecticides • Fog- gers • Sprayers. PROMPT DELIVERY throughout southern Michigan and northwestern Ohio, including weekly shipment via our trucks covering the Detroit, Flint, Lansing and Toledo areas. Call Dill collect for information, prices, and to place orders. (616) 349-7755 » \ y TIP OF THE MONTH MAY/JUNE. Now is the time to apply MCPP for clover and chick weed control on greens. On fairways and roughs, add “2, 4-D Amine” to MCPP for most effective clover and broad leaf control. VALUABLE CATALOG Latest edition, up-dated in all respects. Contains a wealth of in­ formation. Lists and describes hundreds of chemicals, pesticides and equipment for maintenance of grounds and waters of golf courses, parks, recreation areas and resorts. KALAMAZOO, Ml 49005 J. J. DILL COMPANY Gentlemen: Please send your latest Turf Care Catalog. Box 788 Dept. PG-4 NAME ----- ADDRESS CITY____ . STATE . .Z IP . "A Patch of Green” 31823 U tica Road, Fraser, Michigan 48026 (313) 293-3540 P u b l¡sh ed monthly by the Michigan and Border C itie s G o lf Course Superintendents A sso cia tio n Circulation: 600 Ted Woehrle, Oakland Hills CC Editor Blakeman Publications Graphic A rts / Circulation A D V E R T IS IN G R A T E S Double Page Spread.........................................$100.00 Back Outside Page...............................................65.00 Full Page.................................................................55.00 Half Page.................................................................35.00 Quarter Page...........................................................25.00 Eighth Page............................ 12.50 Sixteenth Page......................................................... 7.50 Classified Ad (per inch).......................................5.00 DISCOUNT RATES One Year 10 % THIS MONTH’S ADVERTISERS Agrico Chemical D ivision American Research Corp. C. E. Anderson Co. Century Supply Corp. C ertified Laboratories, Inc. C liff & Dean’ s Dedoes Industries, Inc. J. J. D ill Company Gunter Co., Inc. Arthur H ills R. P. Klein & Sons Inc. Lakeshore Equipment Lawn Equipment Corp. W. F. M iller Garden M iller Sprinkling Systems (Sisco) Milwaukee Sewerage Commission National Chemsearch Corp. Wm. F. Sell & Son Turfgrass, Inc. Turf Supplies, Inc. Terminal Sales Corp. 3 MICHIGAN AND BORDER CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION P R E S ID E N T TED WOEHRLE OAKLAND HILLS COUNTRY CLUB Birmingham, Michigan Off. 644-3352, Res. 646-8512 V IC E P R E S ID E N T GERALD GILL TAM-O-SHANTER COUNTRY CLUB 3466 Walnut Lake Road Orchard Lake, Michigan Off. and Res. 626-8325 S E C R E T A R Y -T R E A S U R E R BOB HOPE KNOLLWOOD COUNTRY CLUB 6330 Inkster Road Birmingham, Michigan Off. and Res. 626-6062 B O A R D O F D IR E C T O R S C. H. WOLFROM, JR. DETROIT GOLF CLUB Detroit, Michigan 530 Kendry (Res.) WESTERN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB ROBERT PRIESKORN 721 Venoy Road (Res.) Detroit, Michigan Off. KE 1-1549, Res. 721-6648 ALBERT KALTZ MAPLE LANE GOLF CLUB Sterling Heights, Michigan Off. 268-2130, Res. 463-2892 DAVID S. MOOTE ESSEX GOLF CLUB Sandwich, Ontario P.O. Box 130 Off. 734-7815, Res. 966-1617 GARY BARTSCH PINE LAKE COUNTRY CLUB P.O. Box 216 Orchard Lake, Michigan Off, 681-1322, Res. 476-5852 ROGER GILL Royal Oak, Michigan ROYAL OAK GOLF CLUB Off. 549-7125, Res. 573-6859 P R E S ID E N T E M E R IT U S WARD SWANSON PLUM HOLLOW GOLF CLUB 29642 Westfield (Res.) Livonia, Michigan Off. 352-2436, Res. 421-8049 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE the National Golf Day which is held annually on the 30th of May. Proceeds are divided among all the golfing associations. Our own GCSAA was given over $16,000 last year for turf research and scholarships. Need we say more? Support both of these events and help our profession. We are averaging over 100 in atten­ dance at our meetings this year. I think there are two reasons for this renewed interest. The most important reason, as I see it, would have to be the educa­ tional program, and the second is the caliber of our meeting places. We will continue to receive invitations to these fine places as long as we continue to conduct ourselves in a gentlemanly and business-like manner. Our thanks to the educational com­ mittee and the arrangements committee. This new image has paid off in another way also; we have picked up twenty new members during the past three months. Their names are listed on this page. Best of luck for the season, Your President, Ted Woehrle, C.G.C.S. MARCH MEETING I The month of May is perhaps the most important month of the year for the Superintendent. This is the month that sets the stage for the success of the entire season’. Proper fertilization, weed control and early disease control measures will pay off immensely. There are other things that we can do in May that will enrich our goals as Superintendents. T h i s is the month that we can do so much to help our own cause. On May 15th we have an oppor­ tunity to attend the 5th Annual N a t i o n a l G o lf____ Day Dinner. By a tte n -B B V ding we are helping the Michigan Section of the PGA to raise money for NEW MBCGCSA MEMBERS Richard Maurer (A) Twin Oaks Golf Club, Saginaw Robert P. Walter (A) Highland Hills GC, Highland Marvin Dominick (A) Westburn Golf, S. Rockwood Gerald R. Hadden (A) Oxford Hills Golf & Rec., Rochester Byron C. Montgomery (B) Spring Oaks Golf, Waterford David Lee Watson (B) Spring Brook GC, Royal Oak Ronald W. Wisniewski (C) Crooked Creek GC, Saginaw Hugo A. Niemi (D) Wm. F. Sell & Son, Inc., Taylor Ford Tractors Raymond Herndon (D) C.E. Anderson Co., Garden City James G. Johnson (C) Pontiac Municipal GC, Pontiac Arnold Collens (D) Certified Laboratories, Farmington Joseph L. Allen (D) Union Carbide Corp., Comstock Park Mr. Charles Chapman, Greens Chairman Emeritus — GAM, and member of CC of Detroit, discussing common problems with Mr. John Campbell, Links Supervisor, St. Andrews Royal Ancient Golf Club, St. Andrews, Scotland, at the March 25th Meet- at Bay Pointe Golf Club. 4 APRIL MEETING On April 18, 1972 we met at the Essex Country Club, Dave Moote, host Superintendent. The weather was ideal and quite a few showed up for golf. This meeting was originally intended to be a joint meeting with the Ontario Superintendents but because of their meeting just a week earlier we felt that Guest speaker Mr. Ed Irish; Norbert Karman, Fores­ ter for Michigan Cons. Gas.; Co-chairman of Edu­ cation Committee, Bill Milne, Supt., CC of Detroit; and Co-chairman of Education, Dave Moote, Supt., Essex CC, Windsor, Ontario. USE GCSAA MEMBERSHIP AT PGA TOURNAMENT Members of the Golf Course Super­ intendents Association of America may use their membership card for compli- memtary admission to the PGA Cham­ pionship at Oakland Hills Country Club in August. The invitation comes to us from Warren Orlick, President of the PGA. The Complimentary admission is restricted to GCSAA members only and does not include members of their family or their guest. SHIELDS STUMP REMOVAL We specialize in Golf Courses! . and have good recommendations! (313) 626-1490 JIM SHIELDS 5 it would be asking too much of our Canadian friends to attend our meeting. Much to our surprise we found that 25 Ontario Superintendents showed up any way. The comradeship shown at this meeting proves that a joint meeting should be considered annually. We can all appreciate the problem that Dave has with his poor drainage. His golf course is so flat that it is dif­ ficult to draip the water to a spot that is low enough so it will run off the pro­ perty. The golf course was in excellent condition despite the problems and Dave is to be congratulated for the course that we played. Our guest speaker for the evening was Mr. Ed Irish. He spoke to us on the moving of large trees, which was ill­ ustrated with a film about the moving of a 17 inch tree, and the problems in maintaining our trees which he illust­ rated with a collection of slides. Ed showed us how we can avoid many of our tree problems by practicing a good sanitation program and by adopt­ ing a good feeding program. It was suggested that we all go out and inven­ tory our trees and give them a value. It would become a matter of fact for our committees when we discuss our tree programs and perhaps we could impress them with the true worth of our trees. LANDSCAPING TREES REMOVED OR TRANSPLANTED CLIFF & DEAN'S TREE TRANSPLANTING SERVICE C LIFF-946-5381 DEAN-291-0381 9452 HOLLAND ROAD TAYLOR, MICHIGAN MAY MEETING The rains which caused the wet con­ ditions at Essex in April continued to fall and caused similar conditions at Knollwood, site of our May 2,1972 meeting. I don’t know how host Bob Hope, was able to have his course in mid-season shape so early but he did. The excellent greens and the beautiful trees more than made up for the few injured places on the fairways. (A prob­ lem common to all of us and one that was discussed by Dr. Jim Beard during our educational program that night.) It really makes one feel good when you see the closeness of the employees at Knollwood and the respect that they reflect for each other. The Club man­ ager, A1 Schiff who is President of the Detroit Club Managers Association, the Golf Professional, John Molinda, and the Caddy Superintendent, Sam Moore were in attendance at our dinner meet­ ing along with Messrs. Fink and Stein­ berg, Club officers of Knollwood. There attendance and participation in our meeting shows the respect that they have for Bob. As mentioned earlier, Dr. Jim Beard was our speaker for the evening. He portrayed the importance of establish­ ing a good root system early in the season because these are the roots that will have to take the grass plant through the remainder of the season. Proper fertilizing and proper timing of the fertilizer were stressed as very important. Recent data shows that supplying adequate nitrogen nutrition to the cool season grass during periods of natural carbohydrate build-up (Fall) enhances the plant’s appearance and vogor in the spring. Nitrogen applica­ tions made during the fall and winteri increase carbohydrates, create green color and produce more roots. This vigor the next summer. through carried is Host Bob Hope, Superintendent Knollwood CC; Mr. Al Schiff, Club Manager, Knollwood CC; and Dr. Kenyon Payne, MSU Turf Student Coordinator. Guest speaker Dr. James Beard, of MSU Turf School discussing program with Bill Madigan, Superintendent of Jackson CC. the Nitrogen applications made immedi­ ately prior to or during the spring flush growth stimulate top growth, reduce carbohydrates and root development. If nitrogen is needed, it is best to wait until flush growth has ceased. Heavy summer applications of nitrogen cause loss of carbohdrates and reduce the turf vigor and should be avoided. spring Dr. Beard also discussed some of the different turf injuries experienced Continued on Page 11 6 HOWARDFoursome One, two, three, four necessary operations are accomplished in a one pass with the all new Howard Turf-Quaker. . . (one) it provides complete relief of compaction; (two) opens the turf to water and nutrients; (three) permits easier movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide; (four) removes excess thatch. The result. . . total turf aerification for healthier turf in all seasons. This total aerification is accomplished by the unique auger­ like blade pattern exclusive with the Howard Turf-Quaker. Unlike conventional slicing equipment its blades not only slice the tu rf. . . they also shake it vigorously from side to side right down to its roots, aerating it and leaving it open to receive all the water and nutrients it needs. Turf-Quakers are available in 60' tractor mounted models for fairways and large acreage work and 23' self-powered hand controlled models for greens or lawns. Model “ E . . . a brawny, hard working Turf Quaker designed for heavy duty applications. For 35-60 H.P. tractors. Model "P" Turf-Quakers (not shown) available for normal soil conditions . . . for tractors up to 40 H P. . hand controlled, self-powered Write or call us today. . , ask about the Howard “Foursome” . . . no other machine can do as efficient a job. ¡HOWARD] Wm. F. Sell & Son, Inc. Model “ 350” Turf-Quaker. Designed for greensand lawn maintenance .. r2V wide, 6.2 H P 16555 TELEGRAPH ROAD TAYLOR, MICHIGAN 48180 TELEPHONE: 282-5100 NEMATODES IN MICHIGAN TURFGRASSES By DR. C H A R L E S W. L A U G H L IN , Extension S pec ialis t Nematologi st, MSU turf infected Certain nematodes are severe pests of turfgrasses. Above-ground symptoms of nematode include varying degrees of chlorosis (yellow­ ing of leaves), possible dieback and breakdown of the young foilage (nec­ rosis) and a tendency to wilt during periods of high temperature and low moisture. Grass cover generally be­ comes thin and growth bare and, in turn, infested by annual grasses and weeds. attacking Nematodes turfgrasses are parasites of the root system. Many feed at or near tips of young feeder roots causing a severe stunting of the root system. Stubby root nematodes (Trichodorus spp.) are the major pests which feed in this manner. Stubby root nematodes occur less frequently than many nematodes in turf, but moderate populations can produce significant injury. Fortunately, they are relatively easy to control. Nematodes feeding on the older include: stunt roots spp.), nematodes (Helicotylenchus spiral spp.), sheath nematodes (Hemicyclio- phora spp.), ring nematodes (Cricone- moides spp.), grass-cyst nematodes (Heterodera punctata) and grass-root- knot nematodes (Meloidogyne nassi). (Tylenchorynchus of turfgrasses nematodes Stunt and spiral nematodes are widely distributed parasites of turf­ grasses. Recent work indicates these nematodes cause much more damage than previously suspected. They are capable of inciting damage when occur­ ring at moderate populations on Ken­ tucky bluegrass, bentgrass or red fes­ cue. Damage may be masked by fre­ quent fertilization and irrigation; but during stress periods, damaged areas may become noticeable. in high numbers Sheath and ring nematodes occur in turf­ frequently grasses growing in Michigan. For­ tunately, their pathogenic potential on cool-season grasses appears to be much less than that for other nema­ todes mentioned. nematode was The grass-cyst nematode was re­ cently found associated with roots of unthrifty Merion Kentucky bluegrass lawns in western Michigan. At about the northern grass- the same time, root-knot recovered from bentgrass golf greens in eastern Michigan. These nematodes are re­ ported as serious pests in several other states on turfgrasses. At the is not known how present time, widespread in Michigan. their distribution is it GUNTER CO., INC. D-12495 DIXIE HWY. HOLLY, MICHIGAN 313-634-4812 O --------------------------------------- GOLF COURSE I CONSTRUCTION C O M P L E T E G O L F C O U R S E C O N S T . R E M O D E L IN G E X IS T IN G C O U R S E S IR R IG A T IO N S Y S T E M IN S T A L L A T IO N C O N V E R S IO N O F E X IS T IN G S Y S T E M S 8 TAKING SAMPLES TO DETERMINE THE PRESENCE OF NEMATODES By DR. C H A R L E S W. L A U G H L IN , Extension Speciali st N em atologist, MSU the An examination of plant roots and soil taken from around the turfgrass roots frequently yields results that are helpful in determining whether or not nematodes are responsible for poor plant growth. When collecting and sending samples for laboratory examin­ ation, following procedures are suggested to increase the reliability of the results obtained. those nematodes HOW TO COLLECT SAMPLES Parasitic are rarely in dead roots or other plant found structures, regardless of what may have killed the plant. Soil and root samples should be taken from nearby plants, preferably that show symptoms of the trouble, but are not yet severely affected. Take the sam­ ple from around the edge of damaged areas where the plants are still alive. Do not take samples from areas where the plants are dead. Samples should not be taken at a depth greater than the root zone for either turfgrasses or ornamentals. Samples taken should in­ clude both roots and associated soil. If the damage to the planting is severe and widespread, take samples from where the plants are in the best con­ dition. When sampling golf courses, submit individual samples from prob­ lem greens, fairways and/or tees. A soil sample of one pint is generally adequate for analysis. Do not allow samples to become dry or heated. Laboratory procedures for removing nematodes from samples are effective only when the nematodes are alive and active. Dead or inactive nematodes are likely to escape de­ tection. HOW TO SUBMIT SAMPLES As for soon as possible after col­ lecting the samples and before they have a chance to become dry, place the soil and roots in some kind of moisture-proof container. Small poly­ ethylene sacks (freeze bags, etc.) are suitable this purpose. Samples should not be left in the sun or in a closed automobile on a hot day. to know All samples for nematode analysis must be submitted through the county agent. To make an accurate nematode control recommendation, it is neces­ sary the host, symptoms associated with the damage, environ­ mental conditions preceding the dam­ age (rainfall, temperature, etc.), cul­ tural practices (herbicides, fertilizers, fungicides, etc.), prevalence and loca­ tion Include this material with each sample. the problem. of No synthetically produced fertilizer can compare with M/LORGAN/TE Golf Courses Use More M ILO R G A N ITE'-ai Than Any Other Fertilizer TERMINAL SALES CORR 12871 EATON AVE. DETROIT, MICH. 48227 (313) 491 -0606 9 CARL’S COMMENTS By C A R L S C H W A R T Z K O P F Mid-Continent Agronomist USGA - Green Section With the spring beauty of flowers on the trees, ornamental shrubs dande­ lions and clover in the landscape and dotting the rough in areas of the golf course, it is not only time to consider applying herbicides so that the un­ wanted flowering weeds are removed, but also time to think about the in­ sects, that are attracted to the flowers. With all the spring flowering material, golf courses are natural attractions for insect life. particularly bees, their bite to sensitive One of the more economically im­ portant, but perhaps the most danger­ ous family of insects is the wasp and bee family. Few people are highly sensitive to bee venom; this is a very small percentage of the population. However, is extremely dangerous individuals. Bees kill more persons than all the poisonous reptiles combined. This is one of those strange phenomena of nature. Although bees do not possess the deadly poisons of the reptile or the black widow spider, their lethal ef­ felt by persons strongly fects are Fortunately, there is something that can be done for individuals who suffer a bad reaction from a bee sting. De­ sensitization treatments injected by the family physician are helpful. Recently, pills have been available that help combat swelling and painful effects of insect bites. As far as first aid is concerned, if ARTHUR HILLS Golf Course Architect Tony Jacklin, Design Associate 7351 West Bancroft, Toledo, Ohio 43617 419-841-4580 Box 4086, Fort Myers Beach, Fla. 33931 10 any golfer or worker on the golf course should suffer a reaction from a bite on the head, face or body, apply cold compresses or ice. If he is bitten on an arm or leg, applying a tourniquet to decrease the amount of venom ab­ sorbed from the sting may be helpful. In a serious reaction, get the pa­ tient to a physician or hospital as soon as possible, where emergency treatment can be given. When extreme breathing difficulties are experienced by the patient, artificial respiration may be needed while waiting for pro­ fessional assistance. WASPS & HONEY BEES By S T A N L E Y R A C H E S K Y Entomologist, U n iv ersity of Illin o is For control of either wasps or bees: 1. Use one of the following in­ secticides: Sevin (carbaryl) 5% dust or Malathion 4% dust. These insecti­ cides are readily obtainable at your local garden center, hardware store or farm supply. 2. Dusts are the best formulation to use for they disperse better. 3. Apply the dust first through the entrance hole after dark - Bee careful! !4” hole 4. Drill a in the wall above the colony and inject the in­ secticide through it. Seal the hole and all other escape holes. 5. Large colonies may require re­ peat treatments in about 10 days to eliminate emerging bees and wasps. 6. In approximately 2 weeks all buzzing activity should have stopped. Removal of the dead insects is next. When the nest is removed it should be discarded in such a manner so as not to attract other insects of the same species. 7. After removal of the nest treat the area with a spray of Diazinon 0.5% Continued on Page 11 May Meeting Cont. this past winter. There were two basic types mentioned. Type one, or the solid dead looking area, found in the low areas that had poor drainage and type two, the area that was basically green but had a dead ring around it. TYPE 1 WINTER DAMAGE - These areas appeared in a swale or valley. They were under water and the crowns were damaged when cold temperatures occured. SfrfrkL . • TYPE 2 WINTER DAMAGE - Dead ring around a healthy green area. Caused by melted edge of ice cover. Turf was satur­ ated for a period of time and when tempara- tures fell there was crown damage. 11 Both types of injury were caused by a late winter warming trend that melted ice in the low areas and the resulting water wasn’t able to drain because of the frozen soil under the puddles. The plants became hydrated after a day or two under water and then a cold snap came along and the grass suffered crown damage. The type one damage where the entire low area turned brown was an area that was completly under water. The type two damage where we had green areas in the middle with a brown or dead ring around it was an area where the ice did not melt in the center and the grass remained pro­ tected from the cold and it was never under water therefore there was no damage. The dead ring around this green spot was under water because the perimeter of the ice patch melted and the grass became hydrated and froze when the cold weather came causing crown damage. Wasps & Honey Bees Cont. in oil to eliminate the chances of a secondary insect problem. 8. Control of a beehive or wasp nest located in a tree or shrub can be done by using a hose-end sprayer (the little bottle that fits on the end of your garden hose) or power sprayer and or one of the following chemicals: Sevin 50% wettable powder or Malathion 57% emulsifiable (mix with water) plus DDVP or Pyrethrin. concentrate Malathion will give a residual of about 3-5 days and either the DDVP or Pyrethrin is used as a quick knock­ down. Once again do your control work at night when the nest activity is low. And once again BEE CAREFUL! Bee and wasp nests located in the ground can be quickly erradicated by using Chlordane. Mix a gallon or two according to label directions on the bottle. Pour directly over the nest site. Once again do your control work at night. After treatment place a few shovel fulls of dirt over the treated area. -Read the label before using any pesticide. Continued from April issue of "A Patch of Green” THE SUPERINTENDENT IN THE SEVENTIES porting to work and drawing a pay- check. Then, too, you must assess the value of time spent in training new people every spring, including the non-productive time of the trainee. This strengthens the fact that we must get, train, and keep good people if we are to produce a product that will be acceptable to our employers. Labor must be one of our primary considera­ tions, it, our plight is made more difficult - perhaps even impossible! for without longer BUSINESS KNOWHOW: We superin­ tendents have reached the point where this is an absolute requirement in our profession. No is our most difficult task to “ grow grass” . People are our problem. We must sell pro­ grams, we must sell ourselves, we must be able to communicate. We are gravitating toward the business end of club operations. Our job of producing turf for golf is still a primary responsi­ bility, without which we’d have no golf nor a reason for our existence. But the time that it takes us to a- chieve this very important phase of our operation represents only a portion of our workday. We are constantly trying to schedule our work between club events (or even between foursomes). We must plan all operations in detail so we have the necessary money a- vailable, supplies on hand, adequate manpower trained to perform the desig­ nated tasks and then to put the plans in motion. The planning and prelimin­ ary work takes more time than doing the job - but adequate planning also insures a successful - one of working around the players. We are constantly improving on our record­ keeping, both in accuracy and detail, to help us study our operations and to determine if we are doing the best job possible with our employer’ s money. job 12 Continued on Page 14 We can no longer hide our head in the sand - nor can club officials or course owners. We, as superintendents, must sell our employers on equality for our crews. A living wage is an absolute necessity if we are to main­ tain the course during this onslaught of increased traffic and player de­ mand. We must constantly strive to upgrade our workers and working con­ ditions. We must “ accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative” , so to speak. We must sell the idea of offering year-round work, pay a livable wage and offer a degree of security for a nucleus of employees who can main­ tain the course with the help of a few seasonal workers. Most of us are working toward this goal - but we still fall short on attracting the better than average type person: those who are willing to work, desirous of learning and have the golfer’ s best interests at heart in striving to procude the finest playing conditions possible. As we get more sophisticated and complex machinery to groom today’ s courses we will not be able to allow a non- interested person to operate it. Most labor saving equipment is very in­ tricate and requires an operator who thinks more of the job than just re- From a paper presented at the Royal Canadian Golf Association National Turf- grass Conference, March 16,1972, Skyline Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. TORO SANDPRO of TORO. A tri-wheeled sand trap maintenance vehicle. H ydraulically operated with special low pressure tires. The 68 inch wide SANDPRO turns with a six inch radius reducing sand trap maintenance time by as much as 60% - a dram atic improvement in labor costs. Call for Demonstration - Available for Delivery Now C. E. Anderson Co. 23455 TELEGRAPH ROAD SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN 48075 (313) 353-5300 13 Supt. in the Seventies Cont. Events of the past few years are going to force us to be better record- keepers than ever before. I’ m referring to the fact that with the economic GCSAA MANAGEMENT SEMINAR The first management seminar in the ever expanding educational program sponsored by the GCSAA was held on April 5 and 6. Bob Mauch, Superintend­ ent of Franklin Hills Country Club and Ted Woehrle were in attendance and report that the material presented on budget preparation, record keeping and report writing was outstanding. The two days of concentrated work was well worth the effort and time spent. This same program will be presented at five different the country at five different dates. If you are interested in attending one of these seminars keep watching for the announ­ cement which will be appearing soon in one of the magazines in the near future. The cost for this seminar is set at $60.00 plus transportation room and board. The money will be well spent. throughout locations Superintendents hard at work at the first Management Seminar sponsored by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. The Seminar was held at The Regency Hyatt Hotel in Rosemont, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, April 5 — 6. 14 than squeeze - budget tightening and lack of funds - club officials and course owners are demanding greater effi­ ciency. Superintendents must convince their employers that they are on the right track via the details offered in budget preparation, discussion, and execution. We must continually assure our employers that we are getting the most for the members’ dollar. Our business expertise and record­ keeping ability will be tested even more as we approach the ecology issue and its many ramifications. One of the more important issues is the pesticide battle which has resulted in outright bans for certain chemicals. Govern­ ment officials are trying to conserve our natural resources in an attempt to insure real estate upon which we can dwell with the assurance that it has a safe environment and breathable at­ mosphere. We are not in disagreement with government officials or ecologists! We feel that we must do the same thing! If a difference of opinion exists, it would be in the fact that many bans or restrictions are placed upon us today that not only cause serious concern, but which aren’t scientifically justi­ fied. In fact, the recommended sub­ stitute may eventually prove more det­ rimental the banned chemical (as in the case of the phosphates in detergents). If we would argue with legislators at all, it would relate to the fact that their decisions and laws should be based upon more scientific data they presently have or seemingly care to assemble. They, in their efforts to satisfy, are prone to act hastily in favor of groups that talk the loudest and command the most votes. than say, because as There will be more chemicals banned. I sincerely hope that all those banned prove to be in the best in­ terests of society and mankind. This I chemicals are banned, you and I, in addition to our counter-parts fields, will have our work cut out for us. For then we will be forced to use substitutes - Continued on Page 16 in related Dedoes introduces a brand-new AERATOR FOR TEES AND GREENS fits Cushman Truckster, Garden Tractors, Yazoo, etc. New aerator, with smaller pluggers ideal for tees and greens, takes swath 42 inches wide and pulls 108 or 180 pluggers per revolution. Easy to hook-up, it can be raised and lowered by its own self-contained hydraulic system. Needs no additional accessories. Can be converted to a roller, slicer, or spiker. 6-FOOT AERATOR FOR FAIRWAYS ALSO AVAILABLE Fits any full-size tractor and can be raised and lowered by means of a conversion unit which utilizes tractor’s hydraulic system and transfers tractor’s weight to aerator. Removes 180 plugs per revolutions ! CONVERT-A-UNITS AVAILABLE TO CONVERT EACH AERATOR COMPLETE TURF TO A MAINTENANCE SYSTEM When you use it as it is, it’s a roller. When you attach slicer plates, it’s a slicer. When you attach spiker plates, it’s a spiker. Guaranteed For One Year Against All Mechanical Defects Covers The Fairway Of An 18-Hole Golf Course In Less That 8 Hours. Adaptable for all tractors. Specify tractor name, size of tires, and model number when ordering. SEE YOUR DISTRIBUTOR. 520 WEST 11 MILE ROAD LAWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN 48068 DEDOES INDUSTRIES, INC.* 2070 W. 11 Mile Road* Berkley, Michigan 48072 Supt. in the Seventies Cont. many of which are inferior to the origi­ nal. These substitutes will probably cost much more (either in terms of cost per unit area treated or the necessity of more applications), yet be less ef­ fective in performance and perhaps re­ sult in less than desirable turf condi­ tions. No doubt about it, our budgets will be stretched to the limit! We will be criticized by many due to the shortage of potable water. We will, apparently, waste water in the growing of turf. In some areas in the future as already in the past, there will be restrictions placed on using water for irrigation, car washes, etc. There is no doubt that the supply of “ clean” water is shrinking. This is occurring because there is less and less space to store water and, as more people inhabit the earth occupying space, we are polluting our waterways with ever-increasing amounts of sewer­ age and wastes. As our water reserves decrease, the public looks with disdain on large water consumers, such as golf courses. Golf courses and recrea­ tional users are not insensitive to this problem - fact, we readily it - and are fighting con­ recognize stantly in every manner. We build lakes for reservoirs irrigation purposes. We and use for grow turf which aids in filtration of water and also prevent erosion. We are constantly improving our practices and techniques so as to make our water supply as effective as possible. to conserve water in How can we prepare ourselves for these future problems? How can the GCSAA help the superintendent in his fight for survival or aid in his efforts to perpetuate life and give good cause for his existence? The need for the superintendent to stay abreast of changes in his field has always been important. But the need increasing with alarming speed. The superintendent who doesn’t keep abreast of new developments in turf, of changing technology in sci­ ence, or of restrictions and regulations in chemical usage will be about as is labor, effective as the man who tries to cut fairways with a hand mower. equipment, We must be in a position at all times to make the best use of our own resources: and monies. We must travel in the right direction. Not only must we know where we’re headed, but we must know exactly what it takes to get there. There will be tremendous pro­ gress in the irrigation and equipment fields and we must keep on top of this progress in order to adapt any and all labor saving devices to our own situa­ tions. We know that new chemicals will be coming on the market. These will be designed to replace some of today’ s materials that are found to be dangerous to our environment. We must know what these substitutes are, how they will work for us, and what pre­ cautions we must consider in using them. We are going to have to become better trained in deciding what prob­ lems we have, what chemicals are available to correct the problem and the exact dosage rates recommended. Gone are the days when we just pick one and apply it - using the old saying “ If an ounce is good, then two ounces are better” or to throw in “ a little extra for good measure.” We must correctly identify the problem and ap­ ply chemicals only in sufficient quan­ tity to control that problem. or completely banned Our Association is helping by dis­ seminating pamphlets and flyers to chapters in an effort to keep members informed of those things that affect our profession. We must speak out in defense of some of our “ tools of the trade” when materials are under scrutiny and are in danger of being restricted - especially when we can prove that the material in question isn’t a threat to society or the environment and that suitable substitutes are not available. Such was the case in Iowa last year. The state legislature placed a ban on agricultural mercury - none to be used! Six months later the ban was partially lifted, but only on the use of mercury on golf greens. Obviously those per- Next Page 16 sons connected with golf had some­ thing of importance to say to the state lawmakers. slow-release We have seen progress made in their fertilizer industry and undoubted­ ly will see more in years to come. Pelletized materials in all ratios and impregnated with insecticides, herbi­ cides and fungicides have been a “ boon” for our maintenance programs by reducing application time. Like­ wise, fertilizers have helped us to reduce the number of times we must interfere with golfers. Systemic insecticides and fungicides have proven effective in the same manner. But we must be cognizant of the limitations of these new dis­ coveries, be forever mindful that we must obtain the necessary results and are producing the excellent quality of golf turf the golfer expects when he steps on the first tee. While we must always be ready to adapt innovations that will help us do a better job, we mustn’t be to new that experience content to work with whatever in­ dustry gives us, but to suggest to manufacturers what is needed and de­ mand and use nothing less. We know from industry has grown and progressed by using our ideas. To cite an example, President James Brandt said to GCSAA Con­ ference participants in Miami Beach (1969) that we needed a mechanical method to rake traps. Two years later, one was on the market and reportedly is doing a great job and another has entered the scene for 1972. The axiom, “ If two men can be replaced by one man and a machine - then do it!” , is more appropriate than ever before. We must adhere to the new laws that have been and will be enacted; we must constantly review our main­ tenance operations for efficiency and safety. In April, 1971, the Williams- Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act became effective. This law in­ cludes every business or employer local and except: U.S. Government, Continued on Page 19 GREAT TURF BEGINS with... COUNTRY CLUB 16-4-12 50% Organic Nitrogen COUNTRY CLUB 16-8-8 25% Organic Nitrogen COUNTRY CLUB 16-8-8 with Benefin 25% Organic Nitrogen COUNTRY CLUB 16-8-8 with Herbicide 25% Organic Nitrogen COUNTRY CLUB 16-8-8 with Insecticide 25% Organic Nitrogen FROM TURF SUPPLIES, INC. LAWN EQUIPMENT CORP. 6900 PARDEE TAYLOR, MICHIGAN (313) 291-1200 520 W. 11 MILE ROAD ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN (313) 398-3636 17 MANUAL P a h 0 Æ ip o l AUTOMATIC the perfect system perfect green for 4 RAIN „ à., BIRD L I Ì § i iP O W E R W competitively priced • plus quality • plus immediate availability leniuru S u p p l y C o r p . ( 313) 543-7730 WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS Complete Line of UNDERGROUND SPRINKLER SUPPLIES 3890 WEST ELEVEN MILE ROAD B E R K L E Y , M I C H I G A N 4 8 0 7 2 ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MICHIGAN AND BORDER ' CITIES GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION? Fill in the questionaire below and mail to: N A M E O F I N T E R E S T E D P E R S O N D A T E a l b e r t k a l t z Maple Lane Golf Club Sterling Heights, Michigan 48077 Phone: Off. 268-2130, Res. 463-2892 M A I L I N G A D D R E S S C I T Y ________________ S T A T E ZIP Or you may contact the next golf course supplier who calls on you and give him the information needed for application. to Supt. in the Seventies Cont. state governments, mining and rail­ road industries and those industries regulated by the Atomic Energy Com­ mission. Laws such as this one will cause us to re-evaluate our training sessions, our crew (both old and new) in the proper use of various pieces of equipment, to properly handle the chemicals neces­ sary to produce our product, to en­ sure that the proper protective clothing is available for use by crewmen. re-educate responsibility doesn’t end Our there, for as an employer, we must accurately detail all work-related in­ juries, illnesses resulting in medical treatment, loss of consciousness, re­ striction of work or motion, or transfer to job. Fortunately, minor injuries requiring only first aid treat­ ment need not be recorded. another is obvious that unless we de­ It velop finesse in the art of record­ keeping or engage a secretary to do it for us - we will become bogged down in the myriad of detail and will find it difficult to perform our task of pro­ ducing fine grass. These records will be in addition to those already main­ tained by the superintendent. resources The GCSAA will help, through its various in­ formed as to what we must do, and when we must do it in order to fulfill the requirements of the law. to keep us recommendations We are depending on our Associa­ tion to be our voice in making sug­ gestions to governmental bodies - to relate our side of the issue and to help in pro­ viding proof and testimony that should provide our policy makers. guidelines and for A prime Association objective is to expose its members to those areas that will enhance their effectiveness as a golf course superintendent. Many of these subjects are already covered through our new Certification Pro­ gram. These subjects will be covered in educational conferences, publica­ in our tions, and, more effectively Next Page SISCO SALESMEN at your SERVICE DON VOS has worked with pumps and piping systems for the past seven years. His experience can be valuable to you. Automatic irrigation is his sp e ciality for any turf grass area. Don travels the Western part of Michigan and w ill gladly stop by your course. C all Kalamazoo 616-381-0506. Sprinkler Irrigation Supply Company, Division of A. J. Miller, Inc., 1316 N. Campbell Rd., Royal Oak, Mich. 48067, (313) 548-7272 Chicaqo (3121 629-7730, Kalamazoo (616) 381-0506, Columbus, Ohio (614) 888-1782 f / / a ) / m e n g i n e e r e d r a in 19 CALL LAKESHORE COLLECT (216) 651-1600 FOR ALL YOUR TURFGRASS SUPPLIES - QUOTATIONS ON REQUEST - - CHECK OUR PRICES LAKESHORE E Q U IP M E N T & S U P P L Y C O . - 1 0 2 3 7 B E R E A R O A D C L E V E L A N D , O H I O 4 4 1 0 2 YOU’ RE ENTITLED TO THE BEST golf course CHEMICALS (You’ll get it - and more!) HERB CARSON AMERICAN RESEARCH CORP. 11840 MAYFIELD AVE. L IV O N IA , M ICHIG AN 48150 (313) 522-2400 - EXT. 2401/2402 America’s foremost turf fertilizer MIL0R6ANITE 20 I’d the seminars, Supt. in the Seventies Cent. management first of which is scheduled next month in Chi­ cago, Illinois. Avenues and means that will be used to educate our member superintendents will be discussed more thoroughly by Dr. Paul Alexander on your program tomorrow. like to think that superinten­ dents of the nation’ s golf courses, both individually and collectively as an Association, can get the public straightened the ecological value of green belts, recreational facilities and especially golf courses. We’ ve heard many people claim that the world is getting too sophisticated: “ Just give me the good ole days - when nature took its course!” out on inventions, I don’t know about you, but I be­ lieve that the world is better off today with innovations, chemicals, and the like than when Na­ ture took its course. Further, I believe that God intended it to be this way and that He gave man the wisdom to make the necessary improvisions to enable the earth to support its popu­ lation. Lately, we have been hearing more of ecology science concerned with the interaction of organisms and their environment) and that we must have a balance between man-made structures and nature’ s greenery. In fact, ecology is the magic word today. (the its like taxed theorize Then, too, we have been hearing from the “ Ralph Naders” and taxing authorities who that golf courses and country clubs have been and are leeches on society and should industry. Because of be these high in some areas, many clubs have moved or sold out. Last year some 76 golf courses went out of existence because of in­ creasing taxes and/or escalated land prices. taxation rates Crusaders, who want an increase in turf areas to enhance the environ­ ment and to sustain the oxygen sup­ ply, and then support high taxes or assessments on such property make absolutely no sense to me. We, as an Next Page Supt. in the Seventies Cent. Association and as turf oriented peo­ ple, should bring to the attention of the public some of the following bene­ fits increasing turf areas (excerpted from the September, 1971 issue of Fertilizer Progress): of keeping or 1. Noise Abatement: Turf grasses and other green vegetation act as “ acoustical sound blocks” to deflect, absorb and muffle the many traffic noises street and community sounds. and undesirable 2. Heat Reduction: Turf and orna­ mentals help control excessive heat. Because of transpiration, lawn grasses lower the temperature at ground level 20 degrees or more compared to pave­ ment or artificial turf. Even at five feet above the surface, say turf re­ searchers, the temperature above a lawn area may be 10 degrees cooler than areas with no plant cover. is essential 3. Air Purification: Green leaves are natural air purifiers. They absorb carbon dioxide from air and release oxygen which for all animal life. Turf grasses are known to be more tolerant of polluted air than most other green plants, and are likely to thrive even in areas of heavy air pollution. Considering that man inhales about 20 per cent oxygen with each breath, one average-sized lawn with healthy, vigorous turf can re­ plenish the air with enough oxygen for eight persons. Green plants, such as turf grasses, absorb and detoxify sulfur dioxide, one of the major air pollutants. In fact, some green plants have been used extensively as indi­ cators of air pollution. We must tell our story to the peo­ ple, especially the non-golfers, in an effort to make the facts clear - these things are important to our profession as well as the welfare of man. All in all, I can see a very busy future for our profession. Many new things to do add to our already full schedule. For instance, I think the time is here when every superintendent must be very selective in choosing and attending turfgrass conferences. Next Page 21 R.P.Kbin6S»s, Inc. TURF EQUIPMENT Serving Eastern Michigan Blades Broadcasters Chemicals Fertilizers Rakes Rollers Seed Seeders Shreaders Sprayers P.V.C. Pipe & Fittings Reliable & Fast Service for Jacobsen and Toro Equipment. Please call us for Prices & Literature 54 Brown Street C roswell, Mich. 48422 373/679-2700 679-270 7 You Can RELY ON L A B O R A T O R IE S , IN C . FOR TURF CHEMICALS CALL ARNIE COLLENS 27848 K E N D A L L W O O D F A R M I N G T O N , M I C H 4 8 0 2 4 P H O N E : (313) 4 7 7 -4 5 9 5 GOLF COURSE CHEMICALS Donald Benham NATIONAL CHEMSEARCH CORP. 5589 Abington Road Birmingham, Michigan 626-1111 FOR THE LATEST & BEST CALL TURF SUPPLIES,lnc 6900 PARDEE, TAYLOR, MICH. 48180 • Agrico Country Club F e rtilizers • NEW DuPont Tersan 1991 (B enlate) • The 3 other Tersan Fungicides, plus Daconil 2787, A cti-D io n e & Fore! • The Best in Bulk Grass Seeds • Weed K illers, In secticides, Sprayers and 1 inch Hose. (313) 291-1200 TURFGRASS, INC. 365 WOODLAND DR. SOUTH LYON, MICH. 48178 PHONE: 437- 1427 PROGRAMS FOR FINE TURF Top-Dressing Chemical s Grass Seed F e r tiliz e r Sod Fungicides Stolons H erbicides Insecticides General Supplies E U G E N E D . J O H A N N IN G S M E 1ER C O N S U L T I N G A G R O N O M I S T 22 Supt. in the Seventies Cont. Recent developments make me more positive that ours is a very beneficial profession and one that offers a lot of good to a lot of people. People must have a method to let off steam, to fa*get their problems, to relax. They can find this relief on the golf course - and this will add to our problems, but we should be happy about this. Without people problems - we wouldn’t exist! includes in the past In closing I’d like to suggest that as a superintendent it behooves you to continually learn all the ramifications of this profession that you possibly can. This the science of growing turf as well as the other phases of club management, for many clubs few years have leaned toward a “ general manager” type organization. I do not believe that this is the best type organization for clubs to adopt but there are definite reasons for its coming into existence. If one of the three people on the club’ s is to be offered the position, staff then the superintendent, who, with some business training, would be the logical choice. Logical? Certainly, for the golf course is the reason the club was established and very pro­ bably is the nucleus of interest that keeps it going. Likewise, the conver­ sion of grass into golf playing turf is a science not easily nor quickly learned. Perhaps a quote from a paper given at the USGA Annual Meeting in New York (1971) by Mr. Allan E. Grogan, Green Chairman, Baltrusrol Golf Club in New Jersey, could ex­ press “ The golf course superintendent is the most important person on the staff of a golf club. He is in charge of the only asset we have to sell - the golf course.” it better: I hope that the information I’ve tried to convey can be applied to your situation here in Canada. At least, I’ m sure that those of you who are GCSAA members are interested in what problems your fellow members have. I appreciate the opportunity to visit with you and my thanks to Director George Smith for the invitation. Thank you! Yazoo YR-60 ...as tough as it is big! LAWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION 520 W. 11 MILE ROAD ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN 48068 TELEPHONE: 313: 398-3636 23 GREENS MOWER The innovator is still the industry leader! You asked for a new concept in . Jacobsen produced the Greens King Triplex Mower! greens mowing . . Five years of factory tests, plus two years of customer usage has pro­ duced the most superbly engineered greens mower available! The new Jacobsen Greens King includes a ll the improvements that you . . the man on the course wanted . . . to get the job done more e ffic ie n tly and with better results. The new Jacobsen Greens King is exactly that . . . King of the Triplex Greens Mowers! . GARDEN AND LAV/N EQUIPMENT COMPANY 1593 S. WOODWARD AVE. BIRMINGHAM, MICHIGAN 48011 TELEPHONE: (313) 647-7700 MA Patch o f Green” 31093 UTICA ROAD 0 1040 U 1 1 wM iav/r\ U FRASER, MICHIGAN 48026 D r . J a n ie s £ . B eard Department of Crop Science Michigan State University East Lansing. Mich. 48823 i j7 \ / f I T ] V v y _ _ --------- I — —— / U.8 POSTAGE paid! PERMIT MO 37