Survey Focuses On Mechanics
Will Heintz - Hampshire CC
Based on a random selection process, eight of the areas very professional and
invaluable golf course mechanics have been asked to help us gain insight into their
very busy and challenging worlds through a mini-survey conducted by the Met GCSA.
With new equipment, methods and labor practices coming on the scene every year,
the golf course mechanic has become a totally indispensable member of the golf
course superintendent’s crew. The mechanic must have a ready working knowledge
of the principles of gas and diesel engines, hydraulics, welding, electrical systems,
braking systems, ignition systems, lubricants, diagnostic testing, record keeping,
parts inventory management, budgets, tools and all their applications, shop procedures
and organization, scheduling, safety practices, repair and reconditioning - and more.
This quite impressive list is one that most in golf fail to appreciate - both depth
and scope-wise. Furthermore, the mechanic must exercise sound judgment in knowing
the limits of his shop operation - when to “farm out” work or to keep it within his
personal schedule. More and more is being asked of the mechanic every year. Rapid
technological advances create new opportunity for the golf course superintendent’s
crew and new pressures for mechanic. Even the most willing and prepared mechanic
can become frustrated with “progress.”
We are pleased to have this opportunity to ask just a small sampling of mechanics
what they feel about their jobs and what they think would help them do their jobs
better. A very interesting sampling of answers follows.
LEE SANDRY (Stanwich Club) - after two years on the job, Lee feels there is a
need for more formal training via service schools for the mechanic; and because he
is a family man - a summer vacation or long weekend would be appreciated.
WINSTON GREY (Wee Bum CC) - after 16 years on the job, Winston feels as
Lee - there is a real need for better training and schooling. Mechanics are capable
of doing better jobs with this kind of help.
RICHARD GLATZ (Oak Lane CC) - blessed to find a brand new maintenance
building when he came on board in 1984, Dick also would like to see more in-depth
training made available to the mechanic. Dick believes the formation of a local
Mechanic’s Association would help a great deal and allow mechanics to meet on a
regular basis to discuss and resolve problems. Finally, more privacy and better security
within the shop would help the mechanic keep things in order.
RALPH VILLALONA (Leewood CC) - a 15 year veteran at Leewood, Ralph
shares the thought of needing improved security for shop tools and would like to see
better lighting for safety reasons.
(continued on page 4)

Slope Arrives
Are you ready for a handicap that has a
decimal, like - 14.77? Are you ready to
play Bob Alonzi at Winged Foot when he
has a 19 handicap and then the following
week at your course when he will be
required to play with a 14 handicap? Got
your attention with that one didn’t we.
This is the way it will be with handicap­
ping from now on. Something called
“Slope” has arrived. Once we understand
it, it should be fun.
The United States Golf Association, and
the country’s many regional golf associa­
tions, like the MG A, are experimenting
with a refinement in the USGA Handicap
System called “Slope.” Simply put, Slope
adjusts a player’s handicap according to
the difficulty of the course being played.
The flaw in the old system was that a
player who developed a 15 handicap at
Pine Valley was superior to one who
established a 15 handicap playing a shorter,
easier course. Now a player’s handicap
will be adjusted at each course he plays.
How do players operate within the new
Slope System? Actually, the process is
quite simple: first - note your decimal
(USGA SLOPE HANDICAP) handicap
from the print-out sheets at your club; and
second - when playing at any course, go
to the USGA Handicap Table and convert
your decimal handicap to the one you will
use when playing that course only. The
same process applies when playing your
home course - the one difference being
that because you play your course more
than any other - you will remember this
playing handicap.
The secret to playing successful golf
now - is to play at easier courses where
unfamiliar lower handicap numbers might
cause your opponent some concern. ■

P.O. BOX 196
Thornwood, NY 10594

Communications Are The Key To The Future

BO AR D O F D IR E C TO R S
President
Peter R. R appoccio

The commentary on this page in the last issue of Tee To Green advised that
“Communications” were the key to job security. Taking this focus further, a new
premise is now offered for your consideration: “Communications” are also the key
to a Golf Course Superintendent’s adding meaningful new dimension to the balance
of his career.

Silver Spring CC
V ice-P resident
P atrick A. Lucas, Jr.

Innis Arden GC
S ecretary
Scott E. Niven

One of the fascinating things to note as we pass through the always challenging
and opportunity filled business world is “how much can happen when some one
knows how to put a few hundred words on a single piece of paper.” (see “Writing”
page 7 of this newsletter.) Good writing skills can elevate one’s career three or
four fold. Failure to recognize a need to develop writing and other general
communication skills can limit a career significantly.

Stanwich C
T reasu rer
Law rence J. Pakkala
W oodw ay CC
Past P resident
C harles A. M artineau

Golf Course Superintendents are placed at a DOUBLE DISADVANTAGE when
it comes to the art of full scale communicating: first - their undergraduate and
graduate education basically fails to address this discipline area; and second many do not perceive that a Golf Course Superintendent’s job requires the use of
extensive professional communicating skills. This is a wrong and dangerous
assumption to make. There is no more fertile ground for generating data,
information and developing concepts than the field of golf course management.
The computer era will facilitate the generation of this kind of information and,
like bees taking to honey, will attract many outside the profession to harness this
potential.

Whippoorwill C
John D. C arlone

Middle Bay CC
Edw ard C. Horton

Westchester CC
Richard C. M arcks

Fairview CC
Richard A. M cG uinnes

If Golf Course Superintendents fail to recognize the opportunity before them,
or to make the necessary commitment to package, manage and communicate about
this emerging and continuing information flow that only they generate, that onely
they intuitively understand, that only they should put a stamp of authority on others will do it for them and a door will close that may not open again. You can
count on this. Golf Course Superintendents can anticipate an approximate five
year period of grace to gather their thinking and to develop the “know-how” to
become professional communicators - possibly less time, because the computer
world is moving very fast.

Woodmere C
R obert C. M ullane

Alpine Tree Care, Inc.
John J. O ’Keefe

Westchester Hills GC
T im othy T. O ’Neill

CC of Darien
Edw ard W. W alsh

It is important to identify the component parts of being a good communicator,
because the concept goes well beyond the simple art and difficult challenge of
writing. We should look at the tools and methods of communication; then the
forums and audiences that superintendents need to have contact with; and finally,
the subject matters and things that need to be communicate about.

Ridgewood CC

Executive D irector
Jam es E. M cLoughlin
91 4/769-5295

TE E T O G R EEN STAFF
C hairm an:
Patrick A. Lucas, Jr. (203-359-0133)
C o-C hairm an:
John J. O ’Keefe

Executive Director’s Report

(914-948-5023)

M ary Luciuk
David M. Dwinell
M ichael A. M affei
D ennis M. Flynn
Allan T retera
Edw ard C. Horton
Paul M. Veshi

Clearly, there is both a beautiful opportunity and huge challenge for the Golf
Course Superintendent to communicate within his professional environment - a
situation that requires organization, structure, prioritizing and training. The Met
GCS A will present an original seminar on this vital subject for its members early
this Fall.
There is a mountain to be climbed; a race underway to the top that is designed
for the Golf Course Superintendent to win - without any guarantees, however,
and where leaders can slip and fall behind with little chance of regaining the lead;
a race where there can be only one winner; a race where those who achieve will
be granted status and a view never before imagined. The starting line is before
us, the finish line on high. It is time to learn how to negotiate between the
two. (JMcL) ■

Right to reprint m ust
be requested of the Editor.

2

Benefits Of New Spray Materials
Terry Stone - SDI

years ago, it has rapidly gained acceptance and is not preferred
by many spray operators because of its lighter weight and more
economical operation.
The diaphragm flexing movement accomplishes the same
pumping functions as the cup sliding through the liner. This
can result in considerable savings on repair cost when replacing
a set of diaphragms versus replacing a set of cups and liners.
This design allows the diaphragm pump to run dry without
damage and it will also handle wetable powdered chemicals
better. Excellent diaphragm life has even been improved by
the introduction of new diaphragm material within the past year.
Spray nozzles have also benefited from new materials. Nylon
and Celcon are used in nozzle assemblies that feature self-align­
ing tip and quarter turn cap removal without tools. This saves
considerable time when cleaning or changing nozzle tips.
Recently introduced Celcon tip bodies with a stainless steel or
hardened stainless steel orifice offer a cost saving over the
regular stainless steel or hard stainless steel.
There are inexpensive digital flow meters available that
accurately display GPM flow for more accurate calibration.
Better yet are the various automatic sprayer control systems
now available. A simple system can provide a direct readout
of speed, distance and acres covered. The more expensive
sophisticated controls can give you additional information such
as gallons applied per acre, swath width, total gallons, pressure
control, GPM, volume left in tank, area hours worked and tip
monitor. Somewhere between the two extremes may be a
control system to help you get more efficient use of your power
sprayer.
Today’s sprayer market offers you more variety than ever
before. This keen competition will undoubtedly continue to
bring you better spray equipment in the future. ■
(44)

Innovative new materials and components are finding their
way into today’s lawn, turf and tree spray rigs. The results are
strong, reliable power sprayers that are light weight, low
maintenance and less costly to repair. This article will cover
some of the new materials that spray rig manufacturers are
currently offering and the resulting benefits.
Fiberglass is leading the list of spray tank materials because
it is light weight, yet extremely strong and durable. Fiberglass
(molded polyester resin reinforced by interlocking glass
strands) is not affected by ultraviolet attack or weather extremes
and has excellent chemical and corrosion resistance. Fiberglass
tanks will not suddenly burst, resulting in quick and possible
total chemical loss. If a leak should appear, it will be detectable
long before any significant chemical loss occurs. A fiberglass
tank can be inexpensively restored to like new condition
quickly and easily with a field repair kit.
Mechanical agitators have long been recognized as the best
way to keep spray chemicals, particularly wetable powders in
suspension. However, the various metals used in end bearings
and packing glands have been a high maintenance item,
requiring daily greasing and frequent repair. The maintenance
problem has been solved by manufacturing the packing gland
and nut and rear end bearing out of a specially formulated glass
reinforced nylon material. Teflon packing and a 304 grade
stainless steel shaft complete the agitator assembly resulting
in a long wearing low-maintenance mechanical agitator that is
self-lubricating and never needs greasing!
New technology has also provided a superior alternate to
the antiquated piston cup cylinder liner spray pumps that have
been dominant for the past century. The Piston-Diaphragm
spray pump is not really new, as it has been successfully used
for many years in the California and European Agricultural
sprayer markets. Introduced to the U.S. turf market about 4

Coming Events
U. MASS FIELD DAY

M ay
12

C A G C S M onthly M eeting

CC F arm ington

13

M et G C S A G olf / M eeting

A p a w a m isC

15

G C S A -N J M onthly M eeting

O ak Hill GC

13-18

LPG A C lassic

Fairm ont CC

University of Massachusetts
Turf Research Field Day
Turfgrass Research Center

Contact:

June

Dr. Rich Cooper

3

M etropolitan G olf W riters D inner

S touffer Hotel

5-8

W estche ste r C lassic

W estche ste r CC

12

M et G C S A Invitational

W oodw ay CC

12-15

US O pen

S hinnecock Hills GC

26

U. M ass. - T urf R esearch Day

S. Deerfield, MA

3

4 1 3 /5 4 5 -2 3 5 3

June 26th

Survey Focuses on Mechanics (continued from page l)

RAY LUTIVICONI (Race Brook CC) - Ray looks upon his shop as a “home away
from home” and is very proud of the many air lines, an electric hydraulic hoist and
over 80 hanging plants that jointly occupy his shop. Ray’s one request: to update
and replace old equipment.
STEVE SMUTEK (Blue Hills GC) - after 13 years at Blue Hill, Steve feels that
the one great change that would enhance the mechanic’s position is having an input
opportunity when consideration is being given to the purchase of new equipment.
Steve has been extended this courtesy at Blue Hills and believes it has allowed him
to do a better job.
FRANK PUGLISI (Elmwood CC) - Frank is “satisfied” and totally appreciates
the operation and support he is given at Elmwood and finds no need for specific
enhancements.
JOHN NOHI/JOE GEHERING/DAVID FINK (Greenrock Corporation) - Greenrock has three mechanics that manage the Rockefeller estate’s 3,600 acres and
mini-golf course. Collectively, John, Joe and Dave focus on their need for better
equipment operator training and a more complete inventory of tools and trucks.
Clearly, this sampling of mechanics’ thinking reflects on the very responsible
attitude of their profession. In summary, they are looking for better training, an
association forum for discussion, better equipment security, improved safety and the
opportunity to influence equipment purchase. As Robert Kennedy often said, “Some
look at things and ask why, I look at these same things and ask why not?” ■

A

EGYPT
FARMS
WHITE MARSH MO.

Sterilized
Top
Dressing

3 0 1 -3 3 5 -3 7 0 0

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.

Metro-Milorganite, Inc.
(914) 769-7600
The Terre Co.
Wagner Seed Co., Inc.
(201) 473-3393 (516) 293-6312

Distributed by:

Foolproofing Your Decisions
How do the world’s top executives make those $60-million decisions. Contrary to
popular opinion, few do it alone. According to a recent survey, not one of 152
corporate executives polled reported making decisions without at least a little help
from their colleagues.
The survey showed the following patterns of decision making: 32% - listened to
recommendations then decided; 20% - developed a consensus opinion that they can
agree with; 13% - simply approve or veto other’s ideas; 5% - develop their own
plans, listen to replies then decide; 3% - go with consensus, even if they disasgree;
2% - support the decision of the most competent person; 20% - do a combination
of the above; and 5% - do something else.
As one very successful manager put it, “Remember, the boss can’t execute and
execution is 90% of the game. What we have learned the hard way is that conceptual
planning needs to involve everybody who is accountable for turning plans into
reality.” ■
(Working Smart)

Apawamis Correction
It was recently reported incorrectly in the Apawamis Meeting Notice that the Jack
Nicklaus Group was remodeling the golf course. This is not the case. The Jack
Nicklaus team is consulting in the area of golf course maintenance only. Redesign
work on the golf course focuses on bunker renovation and is being done by David
Postlethwaite Design & Construction Company.

For
Turf Products
deal wfthrr«i\
Number
INSECTICIDES
EQUIPMENT
HERBICIDES
FUNGICIDES
CALL
RICK
ALLEN

chemicalco.,Inc.
118 Fulton Ave., Garden City Park, NY

Trivia
Who is the only athlete to have played for both football coach Frank Kush and
baseball manager Earl Weaver?
Answer: player’s number appears in TTG. ■
4

¡516) 741-4301

(212) 895-3196

Outside N.Y. State 8Q084S8007

H In nature endophyte infected
plants survive insect attacks.

INSECT
STOPS ATTACK

I Resistance has been found with
insects which typically feed on the
lower stem and crown of plants as
these areas normally have the highest
concentration of endophytes.

I Repel 1 (GT-II) was developed to
provide improved resistance to the
following turfgrass insect pests:
• Cutworms
• Argentine Stem
• Sod Webworms
Weevil Larvae
• Armyworms
• Chinch Bugs
• Billbug Larvae

I Plants containing endophytes may
show improved disease resistance,
drought tolerance, persistence and
seedling vigor.
I Certified seed of Repell Perennial
Ryegrass is produced to insure that
over 80% of seed will contain viable
endophyte at the date of testing.

I Repell is a leafy, turf-type perennial
ryegrass capable of producing a
persistent, dense, attractive, lowgrowing turf of a bright, dark green
color.

:1 Endophyte viability can be lost by
normal seed storage practices within
two years. (Use only freshly harvested
seed for insect resistant turf).

; I Repell will provide excellent turf
perform ance in both full sun and
m oderate shade on golf courses,
lawns, parks, school grounds and
sports fields in areas where turf-type
ryegrasses are well adapted.
I Repell was developed and released
by Lofts Inc. using germ plasm o b ­
tained from the Mew Jersey Agricul­
tural Experiment Station.
HOW DOES
REPELL RESIST IMSECT ATTACK?
The seed contains an endophytic
fungus.
An endophyte is a fungus that lives
within a plant, but is not necessarily
parasitic on another plant. The
presence of an endophytic fungus
produces no known adverse effects to
the host plant but provides many
advantages which enhance turf grass
perform ance.
Upon seed germ ination the
endophyte grows into the seedling and
continues to live in the tissues of the
m ature grass plant.

H Seed of Repell perennial ryegrass
is specially tagged to ensure the
presence of the endophyte. Cold
storage (40°F) will prolong endophyte
viability. To insure a high viable
endophyte level, seed should be used
within nine m onths of the test date.

EMDOPHYTE LEVELS IM SELECTED
SEED LOTS O f SOME COMMERCIALLY
AVAILABLE RYEGRASS VARIETIES:
'

Very
H ig h

H ig h

M o d e ra te ly
H ig h
M o d e ra te Low

Repell P en n an t* Prelude
R egal*
C o w bo y
A II*S ta r
P rem ier

P alm er
Derby
D asher
P ennfine
D elray
Linn

O ato r
M anhattan
Elka
C itatio n
R anger
O m ega
D ip lo m a t
Yorktow n II
BT-1

__ /. '.

• ^s*7-40

*Som e lots o f seed m a y co n ta in lo w e r levels o f
viable e n d o p h y te due to s to ra g e o f breeder,
fo u n d a tio n , o r c e rtifie d seed.
U. S. Patent rio. 5 5 8 ,3 3 8 Pending, Repell Perennial
R y e g ra s s -A p la n t v a rie ty h a v in g e n d o p h y tic fu n g u s e nh a n ced p e rfo rm a n ce .

PERENNIAL RYEGRASS

MEAN QUALITY RATINGS OF
COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE
RYEGRASS CULTIVARS IN
THE NATIONAL PERENNIAL
RYEGRASS TEST AT
BELTSVILLE, MARYLAND.1

K Z p g ll
PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE
PERENNIAL RYEGRASS CULTIVARS IN TURF TRIALS
SEEDED SEPTEMBER 1982 AT NORTH BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY.

1983 DATA
QUALITY RATING 1-9; 9 = BEST.
Yearly Mean,
Name
April-November.
Repel l (GT-II)
Blazer
Fiesta
Palmer
Regal
BT-1
Gator
Ranger
Elka
Premier
Pennant
Prelude
Delray
Derby
Om ega 11
Om ega
Pennfine
Yorktown II
Dasher
Diplomat
Cowboy (2EE)
Manhattan II
Birdie
Citation
Birdie II (2ED)
Acclaim
Manhattan
Barry
Linn

7.1
7.0
6.9
6.9
6.9
6.8
6.8
6.8
6.5
6.5
6.4
6.4
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.2
6.2
6.2
6.1
6.0
6.0
6.0
5.9
5.9
5.8
4.0

'Plots were seeded at the rate o f 5 lb.
per 1000 sq. ft in September o f
1982. Maintenance consists o f
mowing at 1V2 inches with clippings
not removed, 3 lb. o f nitrogen per
1000 sq. ft. per year, irrigation only
to prevent dormancy.

Cultivar

TUrf Quality*
Brown Blight
Fusarium Patch
Brown Patch
9 = Best
9 = Least Disease
# Patches
9 = Least Disease
1983 Average December 1982
March 1983
July 1983

Prelude
Palmer
Premier
Repel 1 (GT-II)
BT-1
Manhattan II
Gator
All*Star
Pennant
Ranger
Blazer
Regal
Birdie II
Cowboy
Derby
Yorktown II
Acclaim
Fiesta
Dasher
Citation
Diplomat
Barry
Ovation
O m ega
Pennfine
Birdie
Manhattan
Delray
Elka
Hunter
Game
Linn

8.3
7.5
7.0
6.7
7.3
7.8
7.8
7.7
5.7
6.7
7.3
7.3
8.0
7.3
7.3
7.8
4.3
5.8
6.0
2.2
7.3
6.7
3.8
7.2
2.5
4.8
6.3
1.8
6.2
4.3
3.5
3.5

8.0
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.6
7.2
7.2
7.0
6.9
6.8
6.7
6.7
6.6
6.5
6.5
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.2
5.9
5.8
5.7
5.7
5.7
5.7
5.3
5.0
4.9
4.5
4.0
2.1
1.3

0.0
1.0
1.0
4.0
0.3
8.0
3.3
5.3
2.0
17.0
3.0
0.3
1.0
2.7
5.0
1.3
15.3
5.0
4.7
5.7
0.7
10.0
16.7
2.3
15.3
4.7
4.3
11.7
15.7
4.0
11.3
9.3

8.2
7.2
7.9
6.9
6.9
6.9
5.9
7.0
7.3
7.6
6.0
6.5
6.5
6.6
6.3
6.2
6.0
6.0
6.0
6.2
5.6
4.2
5.4
5.5
6.6
5.6
4.0
5.1
3.8
3.4
2.4
1.4

*Turf Quality is the average o f ratings made from March through December.

□3
LOFTS

LOFTS INC.
Bound Brook, New Jersey 08805

LOFTS WESTERN
SEED CO., INC.
Albany, Oregon 97321
(800) 547-4063

(201) 356-8700 • (800) 526-3890

LOFTS/NEW ENGLAND

LOFTS/MARYLAND

Arlington, M assachusetts 02174
(617) 648-7550

Beltsville, M aryland 20705
(301) 937-9292

turf products
/■

tpc

TORO

— y

corporation
1496 John Fitch Boulevard P.0. Box 133
South Windsor, Connecticut 06074
Office 203-528-9508
N.E. Wats 800-243-4355

IRRIGATION DIVISION

?

Mark

Loper

Joe Kennedy

Distributor of
OTTERBINE Fountains

Aerators

EQUIPMENT DIVISION

/•>»

7 switched to

S UR F - S I DE
surfactants in
1976. They;
work so well
that a state­
ment of what
they; will do (by som eone
who has practical experi­
ence with them over a peri­
od of time) is greeted by
almost universal disbelief
by non-users; so much so
they would feel foolish
even making trial use of the
products .”
o,
/

Poughkeepsie, NY
MONTCO PRODUCTS CORPORATION
BOX 404
AMBLER, PA 19002

ZAP! DEFOAMER

Maintenance Building Repair

Work Improves With Age

John Carlone - Middle Bay CC

Workers may get better at their jobs as
they get older, refuting the notion that job
performance declines with age, says a
survey of more than 5,000 workers.
“Age explains very little in terms of a
person’s job performance,” says industrial
psychologists Bruce J. Avolio of the State
University of New York at Binghamton,
who conducted the study.
The study analyzed the work habits of
workers of all ages for a period between
1940 and 1983. Job performance among
professionals and non-professionals was
measured by productivity and ratings by
supervisors and co-workers.
Productivity increased with age among
workers in both groups: salesman wrote
more contracts, writers produced more
papers, managers generated more business.
“If you work hard in life,” says Avolio,
“you will work hard later.” Workers who
take on challenging jobs as they age may
improve or at least maintain performance.
“The older worker who may appear to
be dull has accumulated boredom.”
Offering older workers renewed stimula­
tion may help maintain high levels of
productivity. ■

The thrill of getting your first Golf
Course Superintendent’s position is nearly
overwhelming. It’s something we all work
very hard and patiently for during our early
years.
Soon after taking over, I realized that
our maintenance facility was in disorder
when I could not find a wrench to change
the cutting units on a Greensmaster.
Quickly, I decided it was time to reorganize
and repair.
Our first step was to completely gut the
inside of our repair shop. Everything
movable was put outside; walls and floors
were scraped clean; insulation in the
ceiling was tucked back into place and
holes were boarded shut. Other holes in
the walls and floor were patched with
cement to make our shop ready for a fresh
coat of paint.
When the paint was dry, we hosed off
and repaired most shop equipment before
replacing each piece in the shop. Employee
lockers were replaced in a fashion that
provided a comer of the shop for dining
and relaxation. Our two work benches
were covered with sheet metal to give them
a neat appearance. A new vice and bench
grinder were placed on each bench. With
this new arrangement, we now have room
for three or four additional pieces of
equipment in the repair shop.
Next we tried to rectify the tool and
supply problem. A new lower tool box was
purchased to house our ever growing
inventory of guaranteed tools. Each tool’s
serial number was recorded when
purchased and then engraved with Club
initials. Our nut and bolt bins were
emptied, painted, labeled properly for all
sizes of nuts, bolts and washers - then
restocked with over $400 worth of new
supplies. The shelves in the parts room
were cleaned, painted and labeled by
manufacturer’s name - then restocked with
frequently used parts, spark plugs, oil
filters and other supplies.
Presently, two more reorganization
projects are underway: our equipment
storage area will soon have signs hung and
lines painted on the floor so specific
equipment can be parked in the same place
every night; and, the plumbing in the men’s
room is being repaired. A new sink and
toilet will also be installed.
I feel the greatest benefit we gained from
reorganizing and creating a neat mainte5

Liquor Liability Doubles
A recent Gallup survey revealed that the
average cost of liquor liability insurance
increased 110% during 1985.
The Gallup organization interviewed
304 owners or managers of foodservice
operations which sell alcoholic beverages.
Of those interviewed, 79% have liquor
liability insurance coverage. The average
premium paid for the insurance is $39,555
for the current fiscal year.
National Restaurant Association
President Ted Balestreri advises, “Like
physicians, lawyers, municipal govern­
ments and others - restaurants and clubs
are caught up in a liability insurance crisis
which is going to have a profound affect
on the cost and availability of products and
services in this country.” ■

nance building is the attitude change within
our staff. Everyone is more conscious of
keeping things in order and returning
things to where they belong. My Green
Committee Chairman was so pleased with
these results that he has scheduled a
Committee meeting in our shop. ■

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.

(L o w C enter-of-G ravity)

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.
M eadow Street,
G oldens Bridge, NY 10526

John M. Apple, President

Sales - 914-232-7746
Parts - 914-232-5573

PARTAC
GOLF COURSE
TOP-DRESSING

HIGHLAND GOLF INC.
Irrigation Work

Root Pruning, Wire Installed,

AMERICA'S PREMIUM
TOP-DRESSING

HEAT TREATED

Pipe Pulled Up to 2",
Equipment Rental, Trenching
G o lf C o u rs e A rc h ite c t

AVAILABLE
IN BULK O R BAGS

DISTRIBUTED IN
WESTCHESTER & FAIRFIELD BY:
J&B TRUCKING
JAMES CARRIERE & SONS
914-937-5479

O N LONG ISLAND
MAXWELL TURF & SUPPLY
DOUG HERON

New Development, remodeling,
renovation, and contour mowing.
Contact William Gaydosh
Work: 201-666-1204
Home: 914-735-1312

516-681-3032
6

Main P.O.Box 81
Purchase, New York 10577
914-963-9555

Newfrom
ProTurf...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------^

Business Writing Is Different
If you feel the time you spend writing reports and memos goes unheeded, don’t
blame your school classroom sessions. Business writing requires entirely different
skills than social or academic writing - the most important of which may well be the
ability to think strategically before you commit a single word to paper.
To help address this challenge, Marya Holcombe and Judy Stein, partners in a
management consulting firm have devised an unuaul, but highly effective, step-by-step
approach to business writing that stresses the need for up-front preparation and political
sensitivity. The following six step format is recommended, because it works.
STEP ONE: Think through your strategy before writing anything down. If you
don’t have a strategy, you will waste a lot of time - yours and everyone else’s. People
lose out every day because they write before they think. Sloppily conceived reports,
proposals and memos can kill the most brilliant idea. A great idea badly expressed
sounds like a bad idea.
STEP TWO: Do feasibility testing. You must try your idea on the people who
have the authority to make decisions about it. Business writing should be surprise
free. You should not just spring ideas on people. Kick your idea around for awhile
in the rough stage before writing.

Scotts® S uper G reens Fertilizer
provides qu ick green-up in spring and
fall for all turfgrasses used on putting
greens, tees and other fine tu rf areas.

STEP THREE. Take cuesfrom your opponents. Expect to run up against walls of
resistance. It is easy to kill an idea. Your detractors can be a valuable source of
counsel and feedback. Take inventory of political and operational concerns about
your idea. Neutralize opponents objections and marshall defenses within your writing.

Call your Tech Rep for details.

STEP FOUR: Make sure the timing is right. Sometimes if the timing is not right,
you will do better to drop or postpone presenting the idea. Do not be impatient. Great
ideas are lost because no one is willing to stick with them until the tide changes.

ProTurf®
s

A lew

&AOUHI

WcUHOtWRf
PENNCROSS
BENTGRASS

STEP FIVE: Do not assume anything. One of the big mistakes made when writing
is assuming the reader knows something about the subject you are writing about.
Based on this assumption, writers organize less and take short-cuts. Always assume
your reader audience knows nothing about your subject - this will force you to deliver
your best writing.
STEP SIX: Don t count on an easy out. Writing is plain hard work - for everyone?
the good and the bad. The real test for a business writer is being able to put on one
page what you would like to put on five pages. This is a unique skill that is only
developed through constant practice.
What is the reward for good writing? Managers who can communicate crisply and
persuasively have a tremendous career advantage. Business writing is a political art.
Holcombe observes, “It is amazing so much can happen when someone knows how
to put a few hundred words on a single piece of paper.”
DO NOT WRITE
. . . just because it is expected; when you are emotionally upset; when you are not
comfortable with everyone reading your commentary; when you are afraid to confront
someone personally; or when you want to toot your own horn. Don’t tell people how
good you are - show them. ■
(Working Smart)

Premium Q uality Kentucky
B luegrass/Fescue Blends

June Embark Survey
Prompt and Friendly Service

Outside C onnecticut
CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-243-7502
C onnecticut Residences
C all C ollect 668-1226

Coming Next Month

With the increased interest and popularity in the use of Embark for Poa annua
seedhead suppression, next month Tee to Green will conduct a membership survey.
We will be looking for such things as application rates, timing of applications, and
most of all, what kind of results you observed this Spring. Survey results will then
be tabulated and published in Tee to Green the following month to share with the
membership. Keep your data handy!
7

Patrons of Tee to Qtèen
Patrons listed on this page are supporting our Association. Y ou are encouraged to support them.
*Denotes Met GCSA member

Alpine Tree Care, Inc.*
Main office: White Plains 914-948-0101
Branch offices: Chappaqua 914-238-4400
Darien 203-655-8008
Professional Tree Care & Consulting

I & E Supply, Inc.*
Steve Smith
66 Ema Avenue, Milford, CT 06460
Buckner Irrigation Systems
203-878-0658

Pro-Lawn Products, Inc.*
Stephen M. Kotowicz
30 Nashville Road
Bethel, CT 06801
203-792-3032

Aquatrols Corporation of America
Andy Moore
1432 Union Avenue
Pennsauken, NJ 08110
800-257-7797/in NJ 609/665-1130

Irrigation Systems Inc.
P.O. Box 66, Windsor, CT
203-727-9227
Installation, Service & Winterization
For Golf Course Irrigation Systems

The Reichert Company*
Automotive Lubricant Distributor
P.O. Box 273
Riverside, CT 06878
203-637-2958

James Carriere & Sons, Inc.*
Bill Carriere
7 Cottage Street
Port Chester, NY 10573
914-937-2136 or 914-937-5479

James W. Taylor Tree Surgery, Inc.
TREE TRANSPLANTING
240-B Plains Road
Walden, NY 12586
914-561-3490 - Vickie Poltrack

Rhone*Poulenc Inc.
Samuel L. Horst
RD2 Box 294
Stockton, NY 08559
201-996-4306

Cecio Bros., Inc.
General Excavating Contractor
P.O. Box 4100 500 Old Post Road #3
Greenwich, CT 06830
203-869-2340

LESCO, Inc.*
20005 Lake Road, Rocky River, OH 44116
800-321-5325 NATIONWIDE
Serving the Met GCSA
With Our “Store-On-Wheels”

Stephen Kay, Golf Course Architect*
P.O. Box 81, Purchase, NY 10577
914-963-9555
Long Range Planning, Remodeling, &
New Design

Egypt Farms, Inc.
Golf Green Topdressing
John Strickland
White Marsh, MD 21162
301-335-3700

Loft’s, Inc.
John Morrissey
Box 146
Bound Brook, NJ 08805
201-356-8700

Steven Willand
Bill Rapp
321 Fairfield Road
Fairfield, NJ 07006
201-227-5656

Elanco Products Co.
Bob Scott
560 Ashwood Road
Springfield, NJ 07081
201-376-7290

The Magovern Company*
Joseph Schnieder
P.O. Box 270
Stamford, CT 06907
1-800-243-9094

Terre Company*
Byron Johnson, Jr.
206 Delawanna Avenue
Clifton, NJ 07014
201-473-3393

Emerald Isle, Ltd.
Bob Middleton
2153 Newport Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
313-662-2727

Metro Milorganite, Inc.*
John G. Wistrand & Anthony L. Grasso
P.O. Box 267
Hawthorne, NY 10532
914-347-4222

Turf Products Corporation*
A1 Tretara - Joe Kennedy
1496 John Fitch Boulevard
South Windsor, CT 06074
203-528-9508

Glenmore Landscape Service*
Glenn S. Moore
RR3 Box 199 Hackgreen Rd.
Pound Ridge, NY 10576
914-764-4348

MONTCO/SURF-SIDE/ZAP!
Surfactants - Defoamers
Box 404, Ambler, PA 19002
Robert Oechsle
Bus: 215-836-4992/Home: 215-628-3144

Westchester Ford Tractor*
Goldens Bridge, NY 10526
914-232-7746
John Apple
Hubert Greene & Jeff Underhill

Grass Roots Turf Products, Inc.*
P.O. Box 336, Mt. Freedom, NJ 07970
Ken Kubik 201-361-5943
Bert Jones 201-686-8709
Turfgrass Supplies

O. M. Scott & Sons*
A1 Arison
226 Barry Scott Drive
Fairfield, CT 06430
203-336-9890

Hawthorne Brothers Tree Service, Inc.*
5 Center Street
Bedford Hills, NY 10507
914-666-7035 and 203-531-1831
Professional Tree Care and Transplanting

Partac Golf Course Topdressing
Kelsey Park
Great Meadows, NJ 07838
James Carriere & Sons/J. & B. Trucking
914-937-2136/Bill & Joe Carriere

Westchester Turf Supply, Inc.*
P.O. Box 198, Lincolndale, NY 10540
Serving the Fine Turf Profession
Bob Lippman
Bus: 914-277-3755/Home: 914-248-5790
*
York Chemical Co., Inc.
Rick Allen
11 Jackson Avenue, Bayville, NY 11709
51 6-741-4301

Toll Free: 800-645-6007/800-248-4959