LIBRARIES August 1986 Published by the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association Vol. XVI, No. 6 Tournament Program Matures Many fail to recognize the intrinsic value of a solid tournament program to a GCS A Chapter. Tournaments provide the founda­ tion and stage for most of the meeting forums throughout the course of the year. The monthly tournament is the core about which educational and social pro­ grams are positioned. Attractive forums will draw up to half the Association’s mem­ bership at one time - providing a healthy exchange environment for all participants. The Met GCS A Board made a 1983 com­ mitment to a better tournament program. Since then, Tournament Committee Chair­ men Larry Pakkala and Tim O ’Neill have carried through handsomely on all policy and procedural enhancements. These in­ clude: scheduling daily competitions with a variety of formats and a minimum 20% prize distribution; mailing notices indepen­ dent of Tee to Green; preparation and mail­ ing pairing sheets prior to play; introducing the Rules quiz concept; and streamlining the meeting program - essentially by put­ ting speakers on before eating time. Despite escalating costs at clubs, the Met GCSA has been able to reduce the cost to members for meetings through re­ cent years. This is a direct compliment to the respect each club has for its hosting Superintendent. Met CM A President Eric Caspers and Met PGA Executive Director Charlie Robson have also been highly in­ strumental in working with our Association in helping to establish attractive pricing schedules. Thank you gentlemen. To complement these efforts in the tour­ nament area, the Chapter’s Education Committee has focused quite successfully on providing speaker programs of unique interest and quality - through the concerted efforts of Chairmen Ted Horton and Ed Walsh. The results of the 1983 Board commit­ ment are easily seen: with golf entries in­ creasing from 40-50 to 65-75 per event; similarly, meeting attendance has grown from a former average of 80 to over 110 per event; answers to Rules quizzes have increased from 15 to 45 per test; overall Association membership is up in all classes; and meeting pre-reservation counts now approach 99% of those attending - putting an end to a formerly serious problem. Possibly, of more im port-the local golf and club community recognizes the Met WOODWAY INVITATIONAL 1986 Met GCSA CHAMPIONSHIP C h a m p io n s h ip F lig h t: C la ss A (N et: 10-18): * M a rk M ille tt -1 5 3 * L es K e n n e d y -1 5 9 * B a rry P e tra s k o * C h u c k F a tu m -1 6 1 C la ss A (N et: 19 + ): * C u rt N iv e n -1 6 1 * S c o tt N iv e n J o e A lo n z i -1 4 6 -1 4 9 B o b B ru c e -1 4 6 S k ip C a m e ro n -1 5 2 C la ss B (N et): * E a rn e d sp o t o n M e t G C S A T ea rn fo r C h a p te r C h a m p io n s h ip s . GCSA effort to present the game of golf in a truly professional manner. Clubs now seek to hpst key tournaments and specific Met GCSA Rules questions are requested for use at clubs. Guests enjoy sharing the Met GCSA tournament scene. The key to a successful tournamentmeeting program is the host Superintendent - more for the respect each commands within his club than for the duties per­ formed. The Met GCSA did not miss a beat in 1986 with the following hosts: John O’Keefe, Gerry Kunkel, Ken Flisek, Tony Baviello, Larry Pakkala, Peter Rappoccio, Dennis Flynn - with Mike Reeb coming up next. Each recognizes the privilege of hosting member tournaments and meet­ ings. Through such activity their clubs acquire a feel for the profession and its standards as in no other way. One problem that has not been resolved to date is the matter of handicapping slope and all. Members are encouraged to earn an official handicap through the MG A ’s free offer at their clubs. Otherwise, the Met GCSA tournament program is alive and doing very well. ■ L o w G ro ss: M e tro p o lis -6 7 2 n d G ro ss: S ilv e r S p rin g -6 7 3 r d G ro ss: C e n tu ry -6 7 L o w N et: W e s tc h e s te r -6 1 2 n d N et: M ilb ro o k -6 2 3 r d N et: M t. K isc o -6 2 C h a rlie S ie m e rs - 150 C la ss C (N et): C a ry M u lla n e -1 3 6 P.O. BOX 196 Thornwood, NY 10594 Executive Director’s Report BOARD OF DIRECTORS Never Is A Long Time President Peter R. Rappoccio Silver Spring CC Our first responsibility in life is to ourselves, then our families, our church and country; thereafter- the next most important concept we should keep sight of is . . . Vice-President Patrick A. Lucas, Jr. Innis Arden GC You will NEVER be more than you perceive yourself to be. Secretary Scott E. Niven Stanwich C Treasurer Lawrence J. Pakkala Woodway CC Past President Charles A. Martineau Whippoorwill C John D. Carlone Middle Bay CC Edward C. Horton Westchester CC Richard C. Marcks Fairview CC Richard A. McGuinnes Woodmere C Robert C. Mullane Alpine Tree Care, Inc. John J. O ’Keefe Westchester Hills GC Timothy T. O ’Neill CC of Darien Edward W. Walsh Ridgewood CC Executive Director James E. McLoughlin 914/769-5295 TEE TO GREEN STAFF Chairman: Patrick A. Lucas, Jr. (203-359-0133) Co-Chairman: John J. O ’Keefe This is one of the fundamental truths of our lifetimes. We identify with life’s “role models” primarily through family experience and schooling. With all its best intentions, the country’s university system is doing a totally professional job in preparing its students agronomically for their careers; however, with all its best intentions, the country’s university system is just beginning to package and deliver the practical business disciplines every Superintendent-Manager requires - in the fields of general, financial and communications management; and with all its best intentions, our country’s university system is only beginning to envision the necessary role models Golf Course Superintendents need to fulfill. The flaw of the system that is being corrected is that the faculties of turf management schools have been traditionally void of club-experienced people. Contrastingly, the faculties of our nation’s schools of law and engineering, for example, have for some time positioned industry experience within their faculties. Consequently, Superintendents generally graduate at some disadvantage - with minimal insight into the multiple roles they will be asked to fill or will need to pursue during their careers. Little wonder, therefore, that Superintendents have been left more or less on their own to develop instincts for: a strong manager-executive image; leadership roles within their clubs and the industry; overall club operational matters; a caring for and a sensitivity to the Rules of Golf; playing golf as afunction of their jobs - with club officials and members; the value of and need for golf handicaps; marketing their profession within and outside their clubs; job security; stress management; working long weeks during the season; a career that should peak at age 65 and not 45; contesting the vertical job barrier, how their skills might translate outside the profession; communications and information management; negotiating agreements; fiscal matters; how to constructively use the non-stressful winter months; an appreciation for their extraordinary professional skills, knowledge and experience; a true feel for the indispensable role each fills at a golf course facility; and finally - PRIDE in their jobs and profession. As Superintendents reach to identify with these expanding roles, so too their families are part of the search and part of the solution. Where do we go from here? How does the Superintendent address this fundamental challenge? The prognosis for the future is bright; first - because the university system and the general industry educational process will continue to grow and respond to the needs of the profession; and second - because the problem is being identified, Superintendents can take the initiative and reach to fill what is in reality an unlimited number of roles within the industry. You will need a VISION to succeed, however, because . . . . “You will NEVER be more than you perceive yourself to be.” (JMcL) ■ (914-948-5023) Mary Medonis David M .Dwinell Michael A. Maffei Dennis M. Flynn Allan Tretera Edward C. Horton Paul M. Veshi Right to reprint must be requested of the Editor. “People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to copy after.yf Goldsmith 2 Are You Prepared for a Pesticide Inspection John Carlone, Middle Bay CC With all the negative publicity that has occurred recently regarding chemicals used for professional lawn managment purposes, unannounced pesticide inspections are a virtual certainty for many golf courses. A recent article in People Magazine about Daconil 2787 and a segment on ABC TV’s Show 20/20 focusing on the risks with certain chemical uses - has increased public fear of pesticides. Against this background, the DEC is beginning to strictly enforce the laws regarding the storage, use and disposal of pesticides. The following Check List has been prepared to help superintendents prepare for a pesticide inspection: (1) Confirm your applicator certification and keep your license available at all times; (2) Maintain accurate and timely spray records; (3) Work with salesmen to insure compliance with NY State requirement that sample labels are on file for all pesticides stored on the property; (4) Ask Cooperative Extension to confirm that you are storing chemicals properly and for help in disposing of chemicals - when necessary. Also, superintendents should be prepared to answer the following questions when asked during an inspection: What type of spray equipment is used? What water source is used to fill tanks? What kind and volume of chemicals are purchased through the year? How are pesticides stored? How are chemicals and surplus mixed materials disposed of? Are OSHA guidelines followed and protective clothings used? Is the Poison Control Center’s telephone number posted visibly near the phone? Finally, advise your club Green Chairman and Legal Counsel the moment you are notified of the inspection - so that they may respond and support the club within their areas of responsibility. ■ Vacation Thinking Mary Medonis, Westchester CC Managing a golf course often means managing a stressful work schedule. The hours can be demanding, with the weather adding another uncertainty factor. How effectively does a vacation alleviate the stress a superintendent feels? When should the individual take time off? Many superintendents cannot take a vacation during their most stressful period. Some, like John O’Keefe (Westchester Hills G.C.) feel a responsibility to “be on the job through June, July, and August.” There are many reasons for not taking time off during the summer. Earl Millet (Ridgeway C.C.) and several others believe that it would be too hard to relax, and too difficult to “keep your mind off the golf course while on vacation.” Others listed staff deficiencies as a reason. Taking a winter vacation is, as Will Heintz (Hampshire C.C.) notes, “Needed most when (superintendents) are at a low stress point. ” Others found a winter break difficult because of their wives and school-aged children’s conflicting schedules. Still, many find time in the summer to take a vacation. The superintendents who took time off in the summer all seemed to have faith in their subordinates to carry out their jobs. Peter Rappoccio (Silver Spring C.C.) explained that it was a matter of “learning to mentally put the job aside, delegating authority and accepting mistakes if they happen.” Frank Bavelaqua (Blue Hill G.C.) takes a one-week vacation for each of the four seasons. He feels that after twenty-five years in the business, he has learned to “deal with the demands of the job, and not be overwhelmed by stress.” Other superintendents allow their full-time employees to also take a summer vacation. Ted Horton (Westchester C.C.) and Ed Walsh (Ridgewood C.C.) are among those who believe in this. As Ed explains, “It breaks up the tedious period, and is more convenient for those who can’t afford to travel to warmer climates.” (Ironically, Ed is not comfortable taking a summer vacation himself.) Almost every superintendent interviewed took a week-end or two off during the summer. Scott Niven (Stanwich Club) was among the majority who found those few days “most effective through (his) stressful period - May through Sep­ tember.” The response to job demands and stress vary for each individual. The capacity to put aside one’s job and enjoy time off is different for everyone. Vacations, for most, seem to play an important role in helping to cope with stress. ■ Coming Events OCTOBER 2 6 6-9 8-9 10 24 Met GCSA Green Chairman Golf Meeting LI G C S A /N Y S T A Field Day INFO ’86 / Computer Exposition NGF’s GOLF SUMMIT GCSA Team Championships Met GCSA Board Meeting Brae Burn CC Hunt. C rescente New York City W estchester CC Oak Lane CC FairviewCC NOVEMBER 12-14 18 NYSTA Educational Conference Met GCSA Annual Membership Meeting Rochester, NY CC New Canaan 3 Time For improvement Learning to speak effectively is much easier than learning to be a parachute jumper - when learning to speak you don’t have to succeed every time you try - you just have to keep trying. Joe Powell We’ll Transplant Your Large Trees & Save You Money! Get the most out of the trees you already have. Increase the look and effect of your golf course by using trees' that are overcrowded or are needed in another location. With our Big John Tree Transplanter we can plant trees up to 12" in diameter for less than you think. Now is an Excellent Time to Transplant Large Trees Hawthorne Brothers Tree S e rv ic e , In c o rp o ra te d 5 Center Street Bedford Hills, New York 10507 914-666-5035 203-531-1831 MOWING SLOPES IS EASY WITH A FORD LCG TRACTOR Ford LCG tractors are especially designed for mowing on slopes. With their wide-set axles and low center-of-gravity, they really hug the ground. Two power sizes: Ford diesel powered with 60 SAE net HP (Ford 4610 LCG) and 40.5 SAE net HP (Ford 2910 LCG). Choice of 8X4 synchromesh transmission (shift on-the-go under light load) or standard 8X2 dual-range transmission. (Low C en te r-o f-G ra v ity ) Team up with one of Ford’s great mowers: a 3-point hitch mounted Ford flail mower or one of Ford’s rotary cutters, in lift or pull type. You’ll find the Ford LCG tractors a lot of value for the money, with designed-in Ford quality. Don’t just take our word for it... ASK FOR A DEMO...TODAY! W estchester Ford Tractor, Inc. Meadow Street, Goldens Bridge, NY 10526 John M. Apple, President Sales - 914-232-7746 Parts - 914-232-5573 4 Everywhere News Signing Going Well • First Annual John Reid Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Met GCS A at Reception following play at August 13th Woodway Invitational. We had an enthusiastic audience and an appreciative recipient. • Hint: be sure you can state in one sentence the purpose of a meeting you are calling. If you can’t, chances are the meeting will not be well focused. • National survey shows 1986 pay increases averaged 4.5% against a 4 .3% in­ flation scale. • Steve Kay advises Kingdom of Bhutan (north of India and sourth of Tibet) is looking for a superintendent for 6 to 12 months to train locals to manage golf course Steve designed and which is now completed. No salary, full expenses and unique references for the right person. Call Steve with inquiries. • FOCUS: on the New York State Turf grass Association's Educational Confer­ ence - scheduled for Rochester from November 12-14. Inquiries to Ann Reilly (516) 541-6902. • Senate Agriculture Committee has approved an overhaul of federal pesticide laws that was supported by major environmental and chemical industry groups. The Committee approved a bill that would accelerate safety reviews of hundreds of older, widely used chemicals that haven’t been tested adequately. The bill will also establish mandatory timetables for the EPA to screen, re-register and possibly restrict the use of such chemicals. Lawmakers feel the Committee vote increases the likelihood of final congressional action on pesticide regulation this year. Many sense that this is “the best chance for pesticide reform in the past 14 years.” • Major computer exposition is scheduled for NYC’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (11th Avenue and 35th Street) for October 6-9. INFO '86 provides an ex­ cellent opportunity for a one-trip mass exposure to what lies immediately ahead in the small business computer world. No need to digest it all, simply get a feel, allow a few seeds to land. Floor access not expensive. Call (203) 964-8287 for info. • National Golf Foundation has scheduled a Golf Summit for decision makers in all facets of the industry - on October 8-9 at the Westchester CC. Registration fee is $275 per person. A good day for a superintendent & Board member to attend. • Carmine Labriola, Inc. looking to fill two positions: (1) a pesticide applicator; and (2) a turf specialist. For information, call Debbie Gabarro at (914) 723-0962. • After three long years of lobbying by hundreds of groups, including the golf industry, Congress has voted to extend Daylight Saving Time. Under the new law, DST will be extended by three weeks in the Spring - four weeks when April has five Sundays. For golf, the extension of DST will mean later tee times and more “after work” play. The bill will impact more than sports, however, as studies show there is less crime and traffic accidents during daylight hours. • The Wisconsin Golf Turf Symposium, “The Micro Nutrients (Who needs them?) will be held October 29 and 30, 1986 at the Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Contact: Bob Welch, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, 735 North Water Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, (414) 225-2222. • A Fortune-500 Company upped responses by 24.2% by using ivory-textured stock instead of plain white paper. The 3M Company increased its response by 19.4% by choosing grey vellum cover stock for its return cards instead of standard white index stock. Miami University’s fund-raising campaign generated 16.8% more revenues by using a colored textured stock instead of white off-set stock. What is the moral? (SOURCE: Communication Briefings.) • When trying to sell someone on an idea or attempting to close a sale, use “when” instead of “if.” (SOURCE: Commmunication Briefings.) • Rules of thumb for a crisis: don’t cover up facts; don’t be evasive; don’t mislead; don’t speculate; don’t lay blame; don’t make light of incident. (SOURCE: Com­ munication Briefings.) • A survey by Robert Half International, the world’s largest executive recruiting firm, indicates the last person interviewed is three times more likely to be hired. (SOURCE: Working Smart/Leaming International.) ■ The Met GCSA has now used its new signing policy at three tournament meetings (postponed Woodway, re-scheduled Wood­ way and Silver Spring) - all with good results. Members have responded well, showing the following pattern: two-thirds of those billed pay within the 30-day first warning period; everyone has paid within the 60-day suspension period. Anyone ap­ proaching the 60-day critical date is called personally and advised of the situation 10 days ahead of time. Payments im­ mediately follow. No more than two such calls per event have been needed. A special bonus discovered to date: for the first time the Chapter is able to monitor its policy that those who play golf must pay for dinner. Many can’t stay for dinner for good reasons. By matching pre-reserva­ tion lists with chits signed - names of those who had to leave are identified and can be billed. One small problem has arisen: some­ times two people will sign for the same lunch or meal. This happens most times between a member and his guest. Please remember - only members can sign for charges at a club. Also - 99% of reservations for golf and meetings are now being made on time. This is very helpful. Thanks to everyone for their help. ■ 5 Employee Reading Employees take a greater interest in reading about their company (club) and their department’s future plans than any other job-related subject, says a study by the International Association of Business Communicators. Other riveting topics for employees: productivity improvement programs and job advancement informa­ tion. Least riveting subjects: personal news (birthdays, weddings, etc.) (SOURCE: Working Smart/Leaming International. ■ Question Hint When you ask an employee a question, consider it incomplete unless you explain why you’re asking it in the first place. Don’t let the employee imagine a wide variety of good and bad reasons why the question has been asked. (SOURCE: Working Smart/Leaming International.) ■ A EGYPT FARMS WMITfel*î ^ >«>. Sterilized Top Dressing 301-335-3700 EGYPT FARMS EXCLUSIVE! All top dressing ingredients are thoroughly mixed and sterilized by indirect heat in our special process. The sand particles are actually coated with a mixture of top soil and peat humus for a completely homogenous mixture that will not separate during handling and spreading. Egypt Farms top dressing is formulated especially for your area to specifications recommended by the United States Golf Association, Texas A&M, Penn State, North Carolina State, and the University of Maryland. Many years of research and testing by these leading universities have produced a soil mixture for superior growth; to maintain the best balance of percolation; to resist compaction; for good aeration; and for the retention of usable water and nutrients in the growing medium. Green and tee construction materials & mixes con­ forming to U.S.G.A. specs are also available. Distributed by: AliWSv^OMCi W c k m W hf KENTU C r S V s S ES: PENNCROSS BENTGRASS 3b