Jan./Feb. 1983

Published monthly by the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association

Coming Events
February 19-25
Feb. 28-March 3
March 1-3
March 2

March 17

May 12

June 2
June 12
July
August
September 12
September
November 1-3
November
December

54th International Turfgrass
Conference & Show, Atlanta, GA
Penna. Turfgrass Conference &
Trade Show, Hershey, PA
Turf Conference, Springfield
Shemin Nurseries Horticultural
Landscape Trade Show
Civic Center, Old Greenwich, CT
USGA Green Section Regional
Conference, Westchestl
Rye, NY
MGCS A Green Chairman/
Superintendent Meeting
Country Club of Darien, CT
MGCSA Invitational, FairviewC.C.
Field Day at Cornell University
MGCSA Summer Social, FairviewC.C.
MGCSA Annual Family Picnic
Poa Annual Golf Tournament
Cortland C.C.
MGCSA Field Day
New York State Turfgrass Association
Conference & Trade Show, Rochester
MGCSA Annual Meeting
MGCSA Christmas Party

Presidents Message
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the membership
of the MGSCA for electing me as your next president. I am
pleased to accept this honor, and will work diligently, as
have our past presidents, to forward our goal of increasing our
knowledge of golf course management.
We are fortunate to have a dedicated Board of Directors who
are actively concerned with the improvement of our association.
To this end it is my hope that all members will work together,
become more actively involved, and communicate with the offi­
cers and board members in order that we will be informed and
can appropriately respond to your needs, concerns, and inter­
ests.
To function effectively it is essential that a proper balance be­
tween the membership-at-large and the executive committee be
established. The membership should be responsible for the gen-

Vol. XIII, No. 1

eral direction and focus that we are to pursue; therefore, communicatjon with the board via attendance at meetings, contrib­
utions of articles for publication, the offering of constructive
criticism, and a willingness to become involved and participate
omeommittees is vital to 6ur overall success as an association. I
feel strongly that s\$eh progress depends heavily on the responsi­
bility, effort and Conpem of the individual member.
Thanks again for your vote of confidence, and best wishes for
a most successful season.
Chuck Martineau

President Martineau Names Committee Chairmen
The following members of our association have agreed to
/^ ie r v e as Committee Chairman for 1983. I encourage anyone
' I waiting to serve on a particular committee to please contact that
ittee
»ership
Roster
Program
Golf
S+ R
By Laws
Chapter Relations
Public Relations +
Correspondence
Tee to Green
50-50
Welfare
Raffles
Christmas Party
Field Day

Chairman
S. Niven
D. Flynn
P. Rappoccio
J. Fulwider
M. Maffei & R. Alonzi
W. Gaydosh
D. Flynn
M. Maffei & R. Alonzi
P. Lucas
C. Wistrand
C. Wistrand
C. Wistrand & W. Caputi
W. Gaydosh
A. Tretera
— Chuck Martineau

MGCSA News
So far we’ve been blessed with a relatively mild winter which
has helped many maintenance operations. Very little frost in the
ground at this point, and who knows, maybe an early spring.
Our 1983 MGCSA Educational Turfgrass Seminar held at
Bob Alonzi’s Fairview on January 19 was very successful. We
had a total attendance of 94, as compared to 65 in 1981.

Alexander M. Radko Named Recipient
of the 1983 USGA Green Section Award

EDITORIAL STAFF
Pat Lucas, Co-Editor ............................Office 203-637-3210
Home 203-637-3939
Ted Horton, C o -E d ito r.........................Office 914-967-6000
Home 914-937-3613

Alexander M. Radko, former National Director of the Greer
Section of the United States Golf Association, has been named
the recipient of the 1983 Green Section Award, presented by the
USGA in recognition of distinguished service to golf through
work with turfgrass.

OFFICERS
President .................Charles Martineau, Whippoorwill Club
Office 914-273-3755; Home 914-273-9112
Vice-President . Peter Rappoccio, Silver Spring Country Club
Office 203-438-6720; Home 203-866-4276
Secretary..................... Scott Niven, Siwanoy Country Club
Office 914-961-8698
T re a su re r........... Sherwood Moore, Winged Foot Golf Club
Office 914-698-2827; Home 914-234-9469
Reprint permission is hereby authorized providing credit is
given to Tee to Green . . . unless author states otherwise.
Publication deadline for Tee to Green is 21 days before the
regular meeting.

This year Steve Cadenelli will serve as the MGCSA’s voting
delegate at the national elections. Terry Mulligan will serve as
alternate.
At a recent MGCSA Board of Directors meeting, Drew
Campbell, Manager of Fairview, was made an honorary mem­
ber of the MGCSA.
Bob Bruce resigned as Chairman of the Reaching-Out Com­
mittee and Mike Maffei will now chair that Committee.
The Board also approved a $2.00 service charge to be added
to all individual billings which the MGCSA pays to the host club
on behalf of the individual MGCSA member. This is to cover
the overhead expenses the MGCSA incurs in the rebilling of the
individual MGCSA member.
Lastly, we’ve received Dick Smiley’s new address in
Australia sent to us by Dr. Petrovic. Anyone wishing to drop
Dr. Smiley a card can do so at the address below.
Dr. Richard Smiley
Plant Research Institute
Victoria Dept, of Agriculture
Swan Stree
Burnley, Victoria
Australia 3121
— Pat Lucas, Editor

WELFARE: Please contact Craig Wistrand , 203-869-2350
(office), or 914-948-3912 (home) regarding any hospitaliza­
tions, etc. of members of the MGCSA.

Radko will receive the award during the 27th annual USGA
Green Section Educational Conference at the Georgia World
Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday, February
24, 1983. The presentation will be made by William C.
Campbell, President of the USGA; Harry W. Easterly, Jr.,
Senior Executive Director; and the Chairman of the USGA
Green Section Award Committee, who will be appointed on
January 29 at the USGA Annual Meeting at the Broadmoor in
Colorado Springs, Colorado.

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Many years of research and testing by these leading universities have
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also has tried round-up around trees to lessen trimming and de­
creased mowing in some out of play areas which have proved
favorable results.
In his spare time, Chuck enjoys golfing, teaching paddle ten­
nis professionlly, skiing, renovating houses and playing bridge.
Chuck and his son Jeff live in Darien, Connecticut. Jeff is
currently a student at Lafayette College in Easton, PA.

Superintendent Biography
Chuck Fatum
Wee Burn Country Club
By Dennis P. Petruzzelli - Assistant Superintendent
Brae Bum Country Club
The October meeting of the Metropolitan Golf Course
Superintendents Association was held at the beautiful Wee Bum
Country Club in Darien, Connecticut. Hosting Superintendent
was Chuck Fatum.
Chuck was bom and raised in Hackensack, New Jersey.
While young, his father purchased a public golf course in Succasunna, New Jersey. Operating as a family business, Chuck
learned all facets of golf course - club management, ranging
from working as a club cashier to applying golf course mainte­
nance practices. He liked the golf course maintenance aspect of
the business and decided to pursue further knowledge by attend­
ing Rutgers University. Chuck received his Bachelors Degree in
Agronomy and then served in the Air Force. Upon his comple­
tion of military service, he returned to the golf course manage­
ment field and became Superintendent at Braidbum Country
Club in Florham Park, New Jersey. After two years, Chuck
moved on to Hampshire Country Club in Mamaroneck, New
York. Five years passed by and another move to Fenway Coun­
try Club in White Plains, New York. Chuck remained for three
years before his present move to Wee Bum.
What Chuck finds most fascinating about being a Superinten­
dent is “dealing” with Mother Nature. Each year, necessary ad­
justments are required to keep an equilibrium of healthy turf
with environmental conditions; for example, amount of fun­
gicide use is correlated with weather conditions. Also, Chuck
finds keeping a close association with club members fascinat­
ing, which yields a colaboration of ideas to produce a better
product; the golf course and grounds. He feels it’s pleasant
working together and it’s also a helpful tool as far as member­
ship desires.
The most important quality needed in being a successful
Superintendent, in Chuck’s opinion is dedication to your job.
Many seven day work weeks are required, but to see any accom­
plishment, the time must be “put in.” Also, being a “stickler” to
the crew on details for doing the job(s) right are necessary.
Chuck has experimented with his approach mowing unit to
increase bentgrass population. He increased approach mown
areas by triplex after observing, aggressive encroachment by
bentgrass in his regular apoproaches, which “crowded out” the
present poa annua. He has had very good success with his turf
on a minimal nitrogen fertilization program and frequent mow­
ings with clipping removal. He has installed styrafoam swans to
combat Canada Geese “free loading” and has had success with
them along with constant harassment with blank shooting pis­
tols.
Cutting maintenance costs is a continual issue among
Superintendents and finding an effective formula can lead to big
savings in one’s budget. Chuck feels efficient management or
available labor can produce favorable savings. He referred to
himself as “the juggler” because of his use of men on details to
finish jobs or begin more important ones. The ability to diag­
nose problems as they occur and timing of chemicals are two
practices which can lead to substantial savings. Chuck finds cut­
ting costs with obtaining desired results, a real challenge. He

Note — I’d like to thank Chuck once again for him time and
congratulate him on his winning the championship flight in the
Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association Tourna­
ment.

Oak Lane Country Club
Dear Pat:
I would like to advertise in Met. Newsletter, “Tee to Green,”
for good used equipment: Greensmowers, Fairway & Rough
Mowers, Trap Rakes, 84" National, Tractors, Dump Truck,
Aerifiers, Lawn Mower Sharpeners, Sprayers, Cushmans,
Trucksters, Leaf Blowers, Utility Golf Carts, Greens & Tees,
Ballwashers, Tee Markers, Small Hand Rakes, Rubbish Con­
tainers, Benches, etc.
We lost all equipment in a fire at the Maintenance Bam on
December 8th.
Please send all information c/o Edward J. Zenisky, Oak Lane
Country Club, Racebrook Rd., Woodbridge, CT 06525. Tel.
(203)389-2135.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
200 Gal. John Bean Sprayer
Cyclone Electric Seeder
4" Dolphin Float
Call Paul Veshi
Siwanoy Country Club
(914 961-8698)

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MILFORD. CONNECTICUT 06460
TELEPHONE (2 0 3 ) 8 7 8 -0 6 5 8

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Irrigation
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Pumping

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TERSAN 1991 «

- D

a c o n il

2 7 8 7 *

Put the proven performers together for even better
control of brown patch, dollar spot and other
serious! diseases.
T ersan ® 1991 fungicide and Daconil
2787* fungicide are two of the most effec­
tive disease control products on the market.
And now, these proven broad-spectrum
fungicides are labeled for tank mixing.
Together, they give you even better control
of major turf diseases than either product
used alone. You get improved control, yet
without the problem of phytotoxicity com­
mon with some tank mixes.
A T ersan 1991/Daconil 2787 tank mix
will give you consistent performance
against brown patch and dollar spot—the
two most troublesome diseases on turf
each summer. You’ll also get strong action
on leaf spot and other important diseases.
It’s the kind of performance superinten­
dents depend on when a quality course
can’t be compromised.
‘Daconil 2787 is a registered trademark of Diamond
Shamrock Corporation.

7,'t f,
7

Tank mixing brings other advantages,
too. With T ersan 1991 inyour tank,you get
systemic action for protection from within
the turf plant. Disease control is longerlasting and is less affected by rainfall or
frequent irrigation. Tank mixing fungi­
cides with different modes of action also
reduces chances of benzimidazole resis­
tance. You help insure the long-term effec­
tiveness of T ersan 1991 in your disease
control program.
This year, plan on using T ersan 1991 in
combination with Daconil 2787. It’s the
tank mix turf diseases can’t match.

With any chemical, follow
labeling instructions and
warnings carefully.

'n y f

*

V — -------------------

<SPB>

Turf Tip
Editor’s Note: This turf tip was received from a Superintendent
in Fairfield County.
February and March are good times for overseeding your
Temporary Greens. They are usually soft and the winter play
will press the seed into the soil so that the area will recover faster
in the spring and maybe give you a better area for a temporary
green again next fall.

Something to think about

....

DESIDERATA
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,
event the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious
to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons
than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested
in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession
in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are bom of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life
keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann

A Kid’s Memories of the East Side Tenement
(A Dreary Winter Night)
I f s the pallor o f the grim halls,
And intrusion o f the rousing squalls,
That I climb these stairs in a wary leap,
As hall lights fail the stairway deep;

A cozy kitchen with its rosy, pot-belly-stove, to seek;
For the railroad bedroom's cold and bleak;
The divided “backhouse” withering at the deep end of hall,
Overlooking a chilling backyard-of-wash, starched tall,
Masquerading in eerie shaped Scarecrows,
strung on each floor;
And a frantic Cat wailing at a reluctant door;
The uncanny Feline senses the night's grim haste;
As garbage-cans tumbling, scale the lamppost base,
With howling-winds gushing on a ghastly sling,
Battering the rooftop-door, now dangling on a hinge;
(As tho' a Puppet's dancing to a haunting theme;
One, we daringly scrawled-on during our daily scheme;)
Its shrieking door seals-off the Pigeon's on the roof,
As they jitter to-and-fro in their shoddy coop;
Even the neighborhood stoop which is rarely bare,
(With strumming guitars); Now songless in the daring air;
And a bed-tossing, weary-eyed, frightening Tot,.
With long blankets, fails to cover a sinking heart;
But the night slowing melting into dawn;
Relieved! — to hear Ma's footsteps in her kitchen-norm;
Diminishes the night's gloomy clout;
Poor Cat, finally enters on a Milkman's route;
As the clattering “El” rumbles on a skied rail;
A silken-Moon dares to magnify a Tenement's ail.
— Frank Paladino

For Fertilizers, Chemicals, Grass Seed

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Quality Turf and Garden Products
S TE PH E N M. K O T O W IC Z
Sales Representative
30 Nashville Road
Bethel, CT 06801
Phone: 203/792-3032
Member MGCSA

From: Harry Ward, Golf Course Superintendent
H.B. Brownson Country Club
Shelton, Connecticut
Dear Pat:
Please find enclosed my report on the use of Oftenol 5G. I hope
you will find the information useful.
Very truly,
Harry Ward
Subject: Oftenol 5G Granular insecticide.
Report: Applied Oftenol 5G on April 26, 1982 to all greens,
collars, and tees with the use of a Scotts RX-7 rotary spreader.
On April 27th we received 2.5 inches of precipitation which
effectively washed the material in and off the putting surface.
Applied Oftenol 5G to fairways on May 3, 1982 with PTO Lely
spreader set on 2.5.
Application of material easier due to it’s granular composi­
tion. Timing with rain for application on greens is important to
break granules down due to mower pick up and loss of uniform­
ity on the putting surface. A liquid formulation would be more
suitable for use on greens.
On May 5th I noticed the first sign of damage caused by white
grubs on the sixteenth fairway in small isolated areas. I iden­
tified the most abundant species of grub as Popilliae japonica
newman (Japanese Beetle larvae). After random samples were
taken from all fairways the infestation appeared to be somewhat
heavy with an average count of 36 per square foot. By May 23rd
all the grubs were gone and the Poa filled in the damaged areas
as expected. It was my initial intention to apply Oftenol 5G as a
preventative insecticide to control Ataenius spretulus (Black
Turfgrass Ataenius) which had been a problem on all turf areas
here at Brownson with little or no successful chemical control in
the past. Since applying Oftenol 5G I found only 2 Ataenius
spretulus adults and 1 Ataenius spretulus larvae. On June 11th I
observed a heavy infestation of Hyperodes weevil on greens,
tees, and fairways where 60 to 80 larvae were found per square
foot. I realized that the Oftenol 5G honeymoon was over and
had to use an alternative insecticide control. I did not expect

good control of Hyperodes weevil due to early application and
first use of this insecticide material. On August 18th the second
generation of Hyperodes weevil appeared and I had to apply an
alternative insecticide. On October 9th white grub populations
were high on seven fairways with no apparent control of these
grubs to date. There has been no insecticide control applied to
this generation of grubs and I do not plan on any until next
spring.
I was very happy when Oftenol 5G solved the white grub
problem and Ataenius for me last spring, but it is not providing
the year long grub control that was suggested. I will point out
that heavy rains to the depth of 23.77 inches from day of appli­
cation to the end of June did probably reduce Oftenol’s effec­
tiveness. I will use Oftenol 5G again next year on fairways and
tees and also hope for a more normal precipitation rate in my
area for next year.
WANTED: Used Books for an Eagle Scout project. Contact
Tim Horton 937-3613 (home) or Ted Horton 967-6000 (work).
Thank you!

MGCSA Christinas Party Report
The Christmas Party held at Brae Bum Country Club on De­
cember 12th was a smashing success.
One Hundred Thirty-six people turned out for a night of fine
dining, dancing and socializing.
As always, Brae Bum, thanks to its manager, Jack Vallis,
rolled out the red carpet for us.
The food was second to none and our hostess, Elsa, saw to
our every comfort.
Our thanks also to:
Bill and Lynn Gaydosh for their hard work in planning the
event
Dennis Flynn, host superintendent, for helping organize it
Hawthorne Brothers for their donation of a chain saw as a prize
Emanuel Shemin for his donation of the Christmas decorations
A slew of gifts were raffled-off as door prizes. The Bob
Bruces were the lucky winners of the trip to the Carribean.
Bob Alonzi

SPOON FEED YOUR

GREENS, TEES and FAIRWAYS
AS YOU SPRAY
Use SUPERGREEN 50 PLUS
SOLUBLE FERTILIZER
Contains N-P-K Plus

8 TRACE

ELEMENTS

WESTCHESTER TURF SUPPLY, INC.

B Y STANDARD/
Manufacturers of golf flags, flag poles, putting
cups, ball washers, and personalized products
for the golf course.

220 East 4th St. — Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
Phone 319-266-2638

Bob Lippman
(914) 248-5790 (Home

(914) 277-3755 (Business)

Quality golf course accessories made in Iowa
and sold throughout the world.

Pat Lucas, Editor
81 Tomac Avenue
Old Greenwich, CT 06870
First Class

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00361-P
m. RICHARD— E CHAPIN f

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LX& DIR OCRIALG DCP^ O J NOER

MICHIGAN STATE U N IV E R § 1 TV
EAST LANSING MI 4SS23

Life

Cornell Research And Graduate Student Supported By
NY State Turfgrass Association
The New York Turfgrass Association is supporting a soil fer­
tility research project at Cornell University under the direction
of Dr. A. Martin Petrovic by funding a graduate student for the
year. Monies were donated directly from the Association and
were solicited by the Association to cover the cost of the
graduate student for the year, Those who contributed to NYSTA
to assist with this project were the Metropolitan, Long Island,
Central, Western NY and Finger Lakes Golf Course Associa­
tion, J.& L. Adikes, Inc. and MetroMilorganite, Inc. Proceeds
from the first Poa Annual Golf Tournament were also directed
to this research.
The purpose of Dr. Petrovic’s soil fertility research is to
develop a turfgrass fertilization program based on soil testing
research results in order to make specific recommendations for

RAE BATTERIES

FRAM-WIX
FILTERS

optimum fertilizer use on golf courses, athletic fields, sod
farms, industrial sites and home lawns. Numerous sites across
New York are being utilized, and at each site different levels of
management will occur. At monthly intervals, quality ratings,
disease and insect occurance, wear resistance and turf species
composition will be noted and samples taken to be analyzed for
nutrient content.
There are three basic reasons behind this research being
funded by NYSTA:
1) It is felt to be necesssary to standardize soil testing
methods so proper recommendations can be made.
2) Costly waste of over-fertilization can be reduced.
3) The potential environmental effects of turf fertilization
can be reduced.

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