President’s Message Special Feature Giving Credit Where Turf-Saving Tips From Our Southern Credit Is Due . . . Neighbors A nd Simple Ways Tou C an Show Tour Support—to the M et and Fellow Supers Leon T. Lucas of North C arolina State University Sheds Light on a Bentgrass-killing Syndrome—and Offers Universal Tips fo r Surviving a Hot, H um id Summer S ummer decline o f bentgrass greens Lucas has found play a key role in the n this month’s message, I ’d like to has been a persistent problem in give all those involved in making the summer decline o f bentgrass greens: 1. Rootgrowth—and regeneration—is the Southeastern U .S.—a region association what it is today a very seriously im paired by sustained high soil prone to sustained heat and high large pat on the back. With humidity. This summer, with our the many job-related pressures and temperatures. Trouble starts at 77 weather closely paralleling our southern degrees F and escalates when soil temps demands on our time, it’s amazing to kin’s, we could all profit from looking at rise above that. All it takes is a clear, see the number o f members willing to run for office and volunteer for commit­ what these golf courses must do to keep sunny day with the air temperature above their turf alive and well. tees year after year. 90, and soil temperatures will likely Here, in addition to offering insight Thanks to these people’s hard work register above 90 degrees F two inches and dedication, we have many successful in summer decline o f bentgrass, Leon T. deep in the soil. Lucas o f North Carolina State Univer­ programs in place. T o name several o f These high temps cause the roots o f sity shares turf-saving management our accomplishments: cool-season grasses, like bentgrass, to • Our research program, which is always techniques that apply to any golf course seriously decline. Declining roots are struggling to survive a hot, humid actively seeking to fund research perti­ more susceptible to root rotting fungi summer. nent to the tri-state area, is currently and other stresses, and because new supporting Dr. Noel Jackson’s new moss roots cannot grow when soil temps are The Culprits of Summer Decline of Bentgrass research. high, the old roots aren’t replaced. I, personally, have seen moss on everyGreens This seems to be the beginning o f the Though such factors as disease, environ­ end. The roots on individual bentgrass course that I ’ve played this year, and I mental stress, soil properties, and heavy plants suffering from decline are few in don’t see it getting any better. Dr. traffic all come into play in bentgrass Jackson will be needing volunteers who number and short. A typical bentgrass are willing to allow him to—in his decline, the prime offenders seem to be plant in the summer in North Carolina, high air and soil temperatures combined for instance, will have one or two small words— “ smoke some turf.” with humidity. What follows are the • Monthly meetings are very well live roots from l,4 to 1 inch long at­ series o f events and circumstances that organized. The various tournaments tached tO a short (continued on page 3) have been well received by our members, with the two-man team competitions Also in This Issue among the most popular. We’ve had the opportunity during these tourneys to ( 2 ) Board Nominations Please! ( 6 ) Bat Facts. . . Deer Deterrents play with people we wouldn’t normally select as partners. I applaud the Tourna­ ( 4 ) Metropolis Hosts September Meeting ( 7 ) Family Picnic Revisited ment Committee on this one. ( | ) New Plant Products Resource ( j ) Member Notables • The Tee to Green looks as good as ever, and the informa- (continued on page 2) ( 5 ) Upcoming Events ( 9 ) Winning Scores I \ President's Message (cont. frompg. 1) Board ol Directors ering supporting Tri-State research by offering matching funds. • Finally, this has been a very stressful season, and the turf losses have varied from minimal to extreme. In many cases, superintendents have been very supportive o f their neighbors. But this, too, is an area where many o f us could stand to improve. We need to reach out in support o f those with the heavier losses. I f mem­ bers from other clubs, for instance, compare your course favorably to theirs or to others they’ve played, it’s your responsibility to help these people recognize that turf responds differently— even in seemingly similar circumstances. As we all well know, soils, weather, and environment differ from course to course, and all come into play. Being willing to share your experi­ ences with other superintendents is also helpful. I, for one, have certainly found all the shortcomings o f a poor irrigation system this year. I f this isn’t the year to sell your club on a new system, than there never will be one. For me, just talking to other superin­ A Personal Show of Support There are also things we, as individuals, tendents on the phone who have been experiencing similar problems has been could do better: • Something you’ve undoubtedly heard helpful. It always helps to know you’re before, but bears repeating, is to support not alone—particularly during a season to the Tri-State T urf Research Founda­ as difficult as this one. Communica­ tion—now and always—is key. tion. Though participation has im­ proved, it still could be better. There’s no reason we shouldn’t get 100-percent An Easy Way to Get Involved As I said earlier, I am proud to serve this participation. association, and I highly recommend How would you or your club feel if, that all members somehow get involved. after the patch disease research was Serving on a committee that interests completed and a remedy found, the you is a good way to begin. information was limited to only those For those interested in joining the who helped fund the project? O f course, Board o f Directors, give one o f the this would never happen, but if you or Nominating Committee co-chairmen a your club don’t support the research, call. (See announcement below.) aren’t you in effect saying that you don’t JO E A LO N ZI, CG CS care to have the results? President Interestingly, GCSAA is now consid­ tion has been timely. Our managing editor, Pandora Wojick, does her best to keep things on schedule, but then she has to deal with people like me who don’t get their material to her on time. Sorry, Pandora; I ’ll keep trying. • Our scholarship program is working very well. We are getting more appli­ cants every year, and I think the amounts we award are meaningful to recipients. • Our winter program is solid and well attended every January. • We have a high percentage o f certified golf course superintendents, particularly when compared to other associations. • Our professionalism has earned us the respect o f other industry groups. I’m proud to be a member—and now president—o f such a fine group. With all this said, now’s not the time to rest on our laurels. I think we should scrutinize all our programs and commit­ tees and find ways to fine-tune and en­ hance our activities. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel—just give it a little grease. President JOSEPH ALONZI, CGCS Westchester Country Club Vice President JOHN O'KEEFE, CGCS Preakness Hills Country Club Secretary JOHN CARLONE, CGCS Middle Bay Country Club Treasurer EARL MILLETT Ridgeway Country Club Past President TIMOTHY O'NEILL, CGCS Country Club of Darien MATT CEPLO, CGCS Rockland Country Club ANTHONY GRASSO Metropolis Country Club WILLIAM HEINTZ Hampshire Country Club DAVID MAHONEY Siwanoy Country Club TIMOTHY MOORE Knollwood Country Club DENNIS PETRUZZELLI, CGCS Lakeover National Golf Club DAVID POLJDOR St. Andrew’s Country Club JOSEPH STAHL Metro Milorganite Executive Secretary INEKE PIERPOINT Too to Green Staff Editors DENNIS PETRUZZELLI TIM MOORE 914-592-7829 914-242-0706 Managing Editor PANDORA C. WOJICK Editorial Committee SCOTT APGAR BOB NIELSEN MIKE COOK TIM O'NEILL PAUL GONZALEZ BILLPERLEE PAT LUCAS STEVE RENZETTI ALTRETERA Advertising Manager DENNIS PETRUZZELLI Make a Difference . . . C’mon Board <-• I f you’d like to join the M etGCSA Board o f Directors—and make a difference in your association— be sure to contact Nominating Committee Co-Chairmen Mike Maffei (Back O ’Beyond, 914-279-7179) or Peter Rappoccio (Silver Spring CC , 203-438-6720) no later than O ctober 2. ( 2) Tee to Green August 1995 914-242-0706 Photographer DOMINIC RICHICHI TEE TO GREEN is published eight times a year by the Metropolitan Got/ Course Superintendents Association 49 Knollwood Road, Elmsford, NY 10523-2819 914-347-4653, FAX: 914-347-3437 Copyright© 1995 Special Feature (c1 ) Turf-Saving Tips From Our Southern Neighbors live stolon. M ost o f the older, longer roots are dead and are attached to rotted and dead portions o f stolons. Rotting o f stolons may be as much a factor in the summer decline syndrome as is the decline o f the roots themselves. The reason: New roots develop on the youngest part o f the stolons, so as the stolons die, the roots die. The small plants are highly suscep­ tible to any type o f disease or environ­ mental stress, and as some plants die, the turf becomes thin and the turf quality, naturally, declines. 2. Wet an d poorly drained soils have low levels of oxygen, which causes roots to drown an d encourages disease-causing fu n gi to move in. T oo much water around the plants can occur on highsand content greens, where thatch layers develop on the surface and cause perched water tables around the stolons and roots. 3. Greens in low-lying areas surrounded by trees or mounds are generally hard hit because o f the lack o f a ir movement. Canopy temperatures and humidity are usually higher on these greens than on greens in open spaces with good air movement. G ood air movement is also key in removing boundary layers and providing conditions for maximum evapotranspiration, which keeps the grass cooler and drier. 4. Localized dry spots, which are sometimes the result of take-all patch, are more susceptible to decline. Lucas has recorded canopy temperatures o f 110 to 113 degrees F on bentgrass in localized dry spots when the air temperatures were 90 to 95 degrees F. As mentioned, these temps can kill bentgrass plants or cause severe damage that appears as a decline in these spots for several weeks. 5. High-soluble salts in the top half-inch of soil and thatch have been detected on some greens that are developing summer decline. These salts may be from fertilizers— especially those with high amounts o f potassium— or from irriga­ tion water with high salt content. High salts are more prevalent during dry weather when it’s often difficult to irrigate enough to replace water re­ moved by the plants and by evapotranspiration. Excessive levels o f salt can damage the roots and stolons and make these tissues more susceptible to a host o f damaging fungi. 6. Many different fu n gi have been isolated from roots with summer decline syndrome. The most frequent culprit: Pythium. In fact, a total o f 33 different species o f Pythium have been isolated and identified by Dr. Gloria Abad from roots and stolons on bentgrass greens suffering summer decline. Typical brown patch is often ob­ served on these greens early in the summer, and some o f the declining patches in late summer seem to spring up in the same spots as the brown patch was earlier. Three different species o f Rhizoctonia, which cause brown patch, also seem to be behind much o f the stolen rot that is observed on declining bentgrass. 7. Wilt, which we a ll know occurs during high temperatures, is generally the crowning blow to bentgrass plants with poor root and stolon systems. Managing to Keep Your Bentgrass Out of Harm’s Way Being aware that bentgrass roots and stolons decline during the summer is the first step in preventing serious damage to your greens. The next step: Adopting management practices that encourage new root growth. Here are seven turf-saving practices that Lucas’s research has proved effective: • / Aerifying in both the spring and early summer to allow better drainage through thatch layers and more oxygen into the soil. %/ Removing trees or undergrowth from around greens to improve air movement. %/ Installing fans around greens to help improve growing conditions in areas without good air movement. Tip: Fans should be directed downward to move air across the surface o f the green and toward open areas for best efficiency. %/ Taking care to apply small amounts o f water frequently when root systems are short to prevent drought stress. %/ Preventing wilt from occurring during the summer months since weakened bentgrass plants cannot recover from wilt. %/ Applying small amounts o f fertilizer ( 1710 lb. o f N /1 0 0 0 sq. ft.) with a sprayer every 10 to 14 days during the summer. This has helped to avoid soluble salt problems and to insure adequate nutrients near the soil surface, where the new, short roots are growing. Fertilizers applied earlier in the year may be deeper in the soil and not available to the newer, short roots. Some new bentgrass growth must continue during the hot weather to provide good turf quality. %/ Applying fungicides. Using a combination o f Aliette plus Fore or Aliette plus Daconil 2787 every 14 days beginning in early summer—about June 13— have improved turf quality in North Carolina State University’s test plots. These fungicide combinations have been effective in combating both Rhizoctonia and Pythium species that have been associated with the summer decline o f bentgrass in North Carolina. When applied at low levels, Aliette plus Fore have also proved effective in controlling brown patch. Tests on bentgrass in 1994 indicated that the Fore formulation gave better brown patch control and better turf quality than other types o f mancozeb fungicide formulations. More Research to Come More research is planned to uncover any further causes o f summer decline syndrome and to offer superintendents additional control measures for this serious—often devastating—turf problem. The information fo r this article was drawn from * Update on Management of Summer Decline o f Bentgrass,9 which appeared in the May 1995 issue o/Turfgrass Matters, a MidAtlantic A G C S publication. Tee to Green August 1995 ( 3) Spotlight Metropolis Country Club Super: A Link Between Old and New Regime D rive too fast along Dobbs Ferry Road in White Plains, NY, and you just might pass the incon­ spicuous sign that marks the en­ trance to one o f the most prestigious golf courses in the county: Metropolis Country Club, the site o f the Met’s September 12 meeting and final round o f the Met Area Team Championship Qualifier. As you traveled the long driveway, past host Superintendent Tony Grasso’s office, you probably noticed the beauti­ ful old white birch specimens on the left, which have survived the course’s nearly 100-year history. Opened in 1898, the site was first home to Century Country Club. Metropolis took over in 1922, when Century’s members opted to move their club to its current location on Anderson Hill Road in Purchase, NY. Before opening its doors, Metropolis had G olf Course Architect Herbert B. Strong redesign the course’s original 12 holes. Later, A.W. Tillinghast expanded on Strong’s work by completing the course—and rebuilding and reposition­ ing some o f the original holes. Adding to Metropolis’s interest is the remarkable longevity o f the people who operate the club. Over the past 60 years, there have been only four golf pros, three managers, and three golf course superintendents. Included in this influential group are the late superintendent Joe Flynn (Brae Burn Superintendent Dennis Flynn’s father), and Bruno Vadala, who Tony replaced in 1990, when Bruno (Tony’s father-in-law o f 15 years, by the way) retired after 40 years o f service. Tony recalls, “ I learned more about turf at the dinner table with Bruno and my father—who owned and operated Metro Milorganite for 25 years until retiring in 1990—than I have from any book.” Tony did, however, pursue formal training. In fact, after completing an Associate’s at Stockbridge in May 1976, he went on to earn a bachelor’s in Plant and Soil Sciences at UMass in December 1979. Tony credits Dr. Joe Troll with ( 4) Tee to Green August 1995 convincing him to go for the four-year degree. The Road to Metropolis After three seasons o f student place­ ment work—one at Mt. Kisco and two at Siwanoy—Tony became an assistant at Metropolis, where he stayed until 1981. It was at this point that Tony got his first big break in the industry: the Superintendent’s job at Willow Ridge Country Club in Harrison, NY. ttI got tremendous experience at Willow Ridge,” says Tony. UI was able to take everything I learned throughout my years in school and under other superintendents and put it all to use.” Tony extols the merits o f working for a variety o f people as a way o f open­ ing your eyes to different practices. ttA former boss o f mine, Vinny Pentenero, taught me to learn not only from what others do right, but also from their mistakes,” says Tony. As Tony was about to begin his 11th year at Willow Ridge, his second big break came along: His former boss, Bruno Vadala, decided to step down at Metropolis. You might say Tony was a shoe-in for the job: ttI knew not only every square inch o f that 160-acre golf course,” he says, wbut also many o f the club’s members.” Course Work— Past and Future Since 1990, there’s been plenty to keep Tony busy. One o f his more recent— and major—undertakings was the installation o f a new, Network 8000 irrigation system. This fall, Tony will also begin year two o f what is projected to be a five-year, in-house bunker renovation program. But Tony’s biggest accomplishment was just completed: a brand-new tee and USGA-spec’ed chipping green. aWe seeded May 5 and opened them to play August 5,” he notes. Tony and his crew also did their share o f work on the course’s signature hole: the 400-yard, par 4 Number 6. This downhill, dog-leg left allows little room for error, especially down the left side where about forty, 100-plus-foot- tall oaks overhang the fairway ready to grab your ball. Ending on a two-tiered green, this hole’s backdrop takes a page from Augusta National with its vivid color. Notes Tony, “ It was trees galore until we cleared a lot o f them. We planted annuals, perennials, and ornamentals in their place, attempting to get alternat­ ing blooms and a variety o f color all season long.” T o sum up this marvelous hole: It is the number one handicap hole on the course. Golfers who allow themselves to get distracted by its beauty, quickly learn to despise it. Industry Reflections When asked what Tony likes best about his job, the first words out his mouth were “ the camaraderie.” Adds Tony, “ I really like the friends I’ve made in the business and the playful competition amongst sister clubs, trying to get one up on each other. I talk to people in other industries who tell me they rarely socialize with their peers and basically have no camaraderie. In my mind, that does not exist in this industry.” “ On the other hand, what does take place in this field— consistently—is club politics,” Tony laments. “ Sometimes, it seems like growing grass is the easy part o f my jo b .” Tony’s other lament, you could say, is the industry’s surge in intensity. “ Things have changed dramatically over the past 20 years,” adds Tony, who says he feels like one o f the links between the old regime and the new. “ My dad— like other sales reps at the time—used to be part salesman, part consultant. H e’d spend a lot o f time helping the superintendent with problems on the course. Now, most superintendents have formal educations in turf— today’s ‘high education’ society requires it—and they rely a lot less on reps for advice.” Tony went on to cite a laundry list o f other industry changes—from filling divots and cutting fairways at 7/16mand then collecting clippings to computer­ ized irrigation with double and triple Tools ol the Trade New Guide to Plant Materials and Horticultural Products A rows in fairways—all things the 20-plusyear veterans are well aware of. “ G olf has really taken off, which is great for us—on one hand,” says Tony, “ and not so great on the other: With the indus­ try’s success has come a lot more pres­ sure and competition.” new guide titled Planting and M aintaining Sustainable Landscapes: A Guide fo r Public Officials and the Green Industry offers current, research-based information on fertilizing trees, shrubs, and lawns; the fate o f applied pesticides; and a rundown o f low-maintenance trees, shrubs, and turfgrass species. Also included are in-depth reviews o f proper planting and maintenance o f trees and shrubs, integrated pest management, and coastal landscaping, as well as a comprehensive list o f recommended plants for a variety o f locations. Published by the University o f Massachusetts Extension under the leadership o f the Cape Cod Extension, this guide may be worth a gander—particularly for the $7.50 pricetag. T o order, send a check payable to the UM ass Bulletin Center, Cottage A, Thatcher Way, University o f Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003. I f you’d like further information, contact Kathleen Carroll at 413-545-0895. Life’s Been Good Tony’s main goal in life, he says with a chuckle, “ is to reach retirement.” He adds, “ So far things have gone excep­ tionally well for me—and that includes my lovely wife, Lucille, who has put up with me for 15 years. Luckily, she grew up with a father in the business—Bruno Upcoming Events Vadala—so she understands my hours. I’m also fortunate to have three great : Met Area Team Championship kids—Anthony, 13; Kathryn, 10; and Thursday, October 5 Joseph, 2—and thank G od, no pets.” Huntsville Golf Club Tony likes to hunt, fish, tailgate at Shavertown, PA Giants games, and watch the Jets lose. Host Superintendent: Scott Schukraft And o f course, you never have to twist Superintendent/Green Chairman Tournament Tony’s arm to join you in a round o f Tuesday, October 10 go lf Burning Tree Country Club SC O T T C. APGAR Greenwich, CT Metro Milorganite, Inc. Host Superintendent: Bill Perlee j Professional Turfgrass Field Day Tuesday, October 17/Rain date: October 18 W estchester Country Club Rye, NY Host Superintendent: Joe Alonzi, CGCS NYSTA Turf and Grounds Exposition Tuesday - Friday, November 7 - 1 0 , 1 9 9 5 Rochester Riverside Convention Center Rochester, NY For further info, call NYSTA at 800-873-8873. Tee & Green & In Between W h e th e r your challenge is a dead­ line, a tee, a green, a fairway, a rough, or a bunker surround, we have a blend available to the golf course industry— even a four-foot wide washed roll! Give us a call for information about that fits your needs. our selection of products, and our unique harvesting and washing techniques. We understand the variety of problems you face because we have spent a great deal of time listening to •Bentgrass - C r golf course superintendents. As a result, Tee & Green Sod offers the most complete product line •Bluegrass •Washed sod •Bluegrass-Ryegrass 0 •Bluegrass-Fine Fescue -IN CO RPO RATED 401/789-8177 • 401/789-3895 (fax) • PO Box 418, Exeter, RI 02822 Tee to Green August 1995 ( D Work Smarts SOD • SEED • FE R TIL IZ E R PAVERS • W A LLS Bat Facts B ats have been accused o f every­ thing from carrying rabies to getting tangled in hair. The truth is they’re a vital resource for con­ trolling pests and pollinating flowers, with less than 3 percent o f the bats sam­ pled with rabies found to carry the virus. There are 40 species o f these furred, warmblooded mammals in North Amer­ ica. They eat primarily insects such as cut worms, corn borer moths, potato beedes, and mosquitoes. In fact, a single bat can catch up to 600 mosqui­ toes in just one hour and consume up to 3,000 insects per night. Nearly 40 percent o f America’s bats are on the Federal Endangered Species List. Destruction or disturbance o f bat roosting sites (hollow trees, old build­ ings, barns, caves) and pesticides targeted at the insects on which bats feed have threatened these creatures. And their populations are slow to recover since most bats raise only one apup” per year. You can aid the survival o f these beneficial creatures on your course by mounting bat houses a few hundred yards from streams, lakes, or wetlands— bats’ favorite roosting sites. An invitation to bats will be rewarded with many hours o f insect control—a win-win for both you and the bats. D e L ea S od F arms Serving the New York area with the finest Sod and service for over 60 years FORKLIFT SERVICE VACUUM COOLED SOD • BIG ROLLS GROWERS OF IMPROVED BLUEGRASS BLENDS MIXTURES FESCUES & BENT GRASS Harmony Organic Fertilizers Expedite • Spyker Adapted from Field Notes, an Audubon Cooperation Sanctuary System publication. Deterring Deer TOPSOIL 444 Elwood Road • East Northport, NY 11731 (516) 368-8022 • Fax: (516) 368-80 3 2 Tried-and-True Methodsfo r Safeguarding Plants and Shrubs on Tour Course A s we all know, there’s no easy way to discourage deer from dining on plants and shrubs. They’re intelli­ gent—and very adaptable, develop­ ing a resistance to products used for any length o f time. What follows are several deer deter­ rents that experienced area gardeners have found effective. Gardener #1: T o protect evergreens and shrubs, RoPel, Chew-Not, and Hinder can be sprayed on new foliage through­ out the growing season. For winter protection, B G R seems to have a longer residual action but should still be reap­ plied two or three times between O cto­ ber and March, when winter browse is the worst. Gardener #2: T o protect tulips, lilies, hostas, and daylilies, sprinkle Milorganite— at deer nose level—every three to four weeks in the spring. In the winter, apply Bobbex once a month to control winter browse damage. Gardener #3: Apply Bobbex, tailoring the solution to the purpose. For instance, for winter protection o f shrubs (includ­ ing yews), spray every two to three months with a 4:1 (4 parts Bobbex to 1 part water). For annuals and perennials, mix a 6:1 or 8:1 solution and spray once a month. For tulips, spray every two to three weeks with an 8:1 solution. (6 ) Tee to Green 1-800 244-7637 (BIG SODS) 1-800 344-7637 (DIG SODS) 696 Route 25A • Miller Place, NY 11764 (516) 821-1414 • Fax: (516) 821-1144 Note: The Bobbex label recommends a 1:4 solution. So proceed with caution. Gardener #4: D on’t spray so much that the liquid runs o ff the plant. Spray lightly, with half-strength solutions; they’re just as effective in discouraging deer as spraying at full strength. Spray frequency: every 10 to 15 days. Gardener #5: Use plastic bird netting, which works particularly well on woody plants. H ang bars o f strong-smelling soap in the netting, staking them at nose height about two to three feet apart. They’ll last all season. Gardener #6: Use a combination o f Bobbex and Deer Away sachets hung on a stick at nose level. Gardener #7: In the fall, bucks like to rub their antlers on trees and shrubs to remove the “ velvet” from their newly hardened antlers, to mark their territory and to release their aggressions. M ost at risk are trees one to two inches in dia­ meter with smooth bark and shrubs without thorns. Rather than circle your plantings in five-foot high poultry wire, try surrounding your plants with a circle o f wood stakes ( 1 Mx 2 " x 6 ’) about 12 inches apart. Put them up between mid to late September, and take them down early to mid April. Adapted from The Connecticut Gardener, Greens Farms, CT, 203-259-0454. P.O. Box 484 Old Greenwich, CT 06870-0484 i 203-869-8808 914-234-0092 August 1995 m Family Picnic Returns to Woodway Beach Club ho could ask for anything more than to sip a cold drink on a bright sunny afternoon while enjoying a crisp, cool breeze coming off Long Island Sound? After a month of intense turf pressure, Met area superintendents, assistants, suppliers, and—maybe most important—their spouses, finally had an afternoon of relaxation and fun on August 7. There was plenty o f room on the patio for social mingling, while kids— young and not so young—participated in the annual Family Olympics on the beach. New Social & Welfare Commit­ tee Chairman Tony Grasso conducted the games, calling on former committee chairman Jeff Scott to demonstrate each one. May I add, Jeff did an eloquent job. With four teams competing for beach honors, it was the white team, with Dave Mahoney (Siwanoy CC ) at the helm, that racked up the most first place finishes. Afterwards, Dave admitted that his Knute Rockne ttwin one for the Gipper” speech, as well as his Joe Patemo inspirational “rah-rahs” made the difference. A fierce battle between the Blue Team—led by me (Scott Apgar) and my wife, Jackie, and Mike and Ann Maffei (Back O ’Beyond)—and the Yellow Team—lead by Earl Millett (Ridgeway CC), Joe Stahl (M etro Milorganite), Don Szymkowicz (Engineers C C ), and Greg Wojick (Greenwich CC)—almost turned ugly when Earl said he would do anything in his power to see the Blue Team lose. The best Earl’s teammates W could do was muster a tie as the two teams knotted up for second place overall. The Green Team, lead by the fearless one, Jeff Scott, finished last. Jeff must have spent too much time demonstrat­ ing and too little time prepping his team. Maybe Dave Mahoney will give Jeff a few tips for next year. Every child who participated was given a ribbon for each event, which made for many happy faces. Other events of interest: Pat Lucas (Innis Arden GC) traveling up and down the beach with his metal detector, looking for lost treasure, and Scott Stark (Fenway GC) throwing an errant pass, while playing beach football. It crashed in the middle o f the table where Bob Alonzi (Winged Foot GC) and family and friends were sitting, missing Bob’s head by inches. It was a fantastic turnout on a wonderful day. Parents and children alike seemed to have a grand time. As the water from the incoming tide covered the rocks that the kids and their dads had been climbing just a few short hours before, I couldn’t help but get a great feeling, gazing out at the American flag flying high above the solid, white pole anchored in the rocks. It’s impor­ tant to stop and reflect on what we have and remember not to get so caught up in our jobs that we forget to enjoy life. Hope to see everyone next year at Woodway’s Beach Club for the true, MetGCSA family event. SCOTT C. APGAR Metro Milorganite, Inc. Notable Notes Newly Certified Ernie Steinhofer, superintendent o f The Nevele Hotel & Country Club, has been designated a Certified Golf Course Superintendent by the GCSAA. C on­ gratulations, Ernie! Birth Congratulations to Middle Bay Country Club Superintendent John Carlone and his wife, Leslie, on the birth of their son, Daniel John, on August 10. METRO MILORGANITE, INC. For a HEALTHY ADVANTAGE over SEASONAL PROBLEMS WE OFFER a WINNING LINE-UP M ilorgan ité EGYPT FARMS Emerald Isle.Ltd. DRIltllR'A 1AQUATROL5 #04 Andersons • • • • • • FERTILIZERS TOP DRESSINGS BIOSTIMULANTS SEED PESTICIDES GOLF COURSE ACCESSORIES Rick Apgar Scott Apgar Joe Stahl Métro Milorganite Inc. DEPEND ON US FOR FOUR SEASON SOLUTIONS (914) 666-3171 Fax (914) 666-9183 365 Adams Street, Bedford Hills, NY 10507 Gain central control of any existing controllers, regardless of make or manufacturer. Each COPS-Universal radio field unit has up to 42 stations per field unit. Ideal for retro-fitting parks, median strips, school grounds, and golf courses. COPS-Universal lets you change any field controller into a field satellite and manage your entire sys­ tem from a central PC. COPS-Universal offers: • Communication by repeating or direct radio. (No new controllers or communi­ cation wire.) • Unlimited programs, unlimited start and run times to meet all your water manage­ ment needs. • Freedom to use valves as you choose, regardless of hard-wiring constraints. For a personal demonstration, contact: Steve Smith or J. Anderson at (203) 8 78 -0 65 8 cn P.I.E. S U P P L Y CO. PIPE & IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT SUPPLY COMPANY / Buckner Tee to Green August 1995 V A LLEY VIEW WHOLESALE GREENHOUSES 229 Smithridge Rd. South Salem, NY SAVA TEE Our trained crews are careful WeuhbíWkf (800) 243'7582-j CHOICE OF BENTGRASSES -Maintained at 5/32” and 1/4”Penncross*Providence*Pennlinks 3-Way Fairway Blend Pallets or Big Rolls Washing Service Available High Fine Fescue Mix Versatile Blue-Fescue-Rye Mix Low-Cut Blue-Rye Available Farm Inspection Welcomed on a golf course. We treat tees like greens and greens like gold. That is one reason five of this areas most prestigious clubs are already our clients. The other reasons? We prune judiciously using state-of-the-art techniques. We deep-root feed with our own organic blend. We cable and brace with future growth in mind. And, we will work with your crews to be most cost effective. If you want a tree company that consistently beats par, call us. (914) 533-2526 (914) 533-2050 fax Specializing In Mass Plantings Prompt delivery Experienced in country club needs Quality plants and service We contract grow specialty plants Hardy Mums Bulbs Perennials Shrubs Perennial Grasses Spruces Many Other Nursery Items COMPLETE TREE AND SHRUB CARE, NATURALLY 360 Adams Street, Bedford Hills, NY 10507 (914)666-8202 • (203)661-6755 The Golf Course Superintendent's Choice. The Bunton Triplex Greensmower is no ordinary reel mower. You’ll know that the instant you see the clean, consistent cut it delivers on your course greens, tees, collars, and approaches. It’s equipped with all the features that golf course maintenance professionals want in a riding greensmower and more. B UNTON 22" and 26" GREENSMOWERS When it comes to greens mainte­ nance, the Bunton 22” and 26” walkbehind greensmowers are rapidly becoming the industry standard. BUNTON TRIPLEX GREENSMOWER BUNTON EXCLUSIVELY DISTRIBUTED BY Westchester Ford Tractor, Inc. Meadow St. Goldens Bridge, NY 10526 Phone #: 914-232-7746 (§ ) Tee to Green August 1995 Scorecard Scorecard The Winning Scores at Salem G olf Club The Poa Annual Report S eventy-one golfers braved the heat August 21 to play in this year’s Poa Annual G olf Tournament. Proceeds from this annual fund­ raiser—which was again hosted by Superintendent Fred Scheyhing at Mount Kisco Country Club in Mount Kisco, NY—help support the turf program at SUNY-Delhi. Special thanks to the 25 commercial participants who kindly sponsored 18 tees and seven greens. What follows are the results o f the tourney, a Best Ball o f Four format: S alem G olf Club, the site o f our July meeting is truly a piece o f G od’s country. It couldn’t be more appro­ priate, then, that Preacher Bob Bruce has been the steward o f this great go lf course. Under ex­ tremely hot and humid conditions, Bob and his staff had the course prepped for tournament conditions. Special thanks, also, to Salem Manager A1 Antonez for his extra efforts in making a great day and to Kammy Maxwell and the Pro Shop. Ninety players were not only competing in an individual gross and net tournament, but also posting scores for the two-round Class A Championships and the two qualifying rounds for the Met Area Team Championship. Here are the results: Low Gross Winners Individual Gross and Net Tournament Low Gross Winners Low Net Winners 69 75 75 76 76 63 64 68 68 69 Mike Medonis, Bonnie B riar C C A1 Antonez, Salem G C Tom Watroba, Quaker Ridge G C Matt Ceplo, Rockland C C Earl Millett, Ridgeway C C Longest Drive #8 Todd Polidor, H eritage H ills Mark Fuller, Connecticut GC Charlie Siemers, Hawthorne Bros. Will Heintz, Hampshire C C Dennis Petruzzelli, Lakeover N at*l Closest to the Pin Tom Watroba, Quaker Ridge G C f 68 #4 Dennis Petruzzelli, Lakeover N aP l #12 Tim O ’Neill, C C of D arien Within the tournament, we had fun with our Inaugural Alumni Tournament. Three lowest net scores (e.g., Todd Polidor, 63; Mark Fuller, 64; Will Heintz, 68/U M ass) were posted from seven schools. The official M etG C SA /U P I rankings are: 1 UM ass 195 2 U RI 20 7 3 Rutgers 212 4 PSU 220 5 Delhi 222 6 UConn 226 7. Cobbleskill 231 DAVE M AH O NEY Siwanoy Country Club F. Lamphier, Aspectuck Valley CC, J. Strevens, Aspectuck Valley C C Golf Pro, D. Hanson & D. Hoffman, Aspectuck Valley C C members 70 F. Scheyhing, Mount Kisco CC, T. Grasso, Metropolis CC, E. Millett, Ridgeway CC, M. Millett, Old Oaks CC Low Net Winners 56 T. Polidor, H eritage H ills of West., J. Currie, Currie Landscaping, D. Delano, H eritage H ills vice president/general manager, B. Albanese, Guest 56 J. Martin, Shackamaxon CC, L. Dodge, Essex Fells CC, B. Dwyer, Somerset H ills CC, V. Bracken, Fairm ont C C Longest Drive #9 Tony Grasso, Metropolis CC #17 Charlie Siemers, Hawthorne Bros. Tree Service Closest to the Pin #4 #8 Joe Alonzi, Westchester CC Ted James, Whippoorwill Club member #13 Lance Authelet, D.P. GolfAssocs. #10 Mike Gesmundo, Bruedan Corp. Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you one and all for participating. Tee to Green August 1995 P A T R ON D I R E C T O R Y Patrons listed on this page are supporting our association. You are encouraged to support them. f t Emerald Isle, Ltd. Bill Middleton 2153 Newport Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103 800-628-GROW /313-662-2727 Almstead Tree Co. Inc. Kevin Wyatt 58 Bccchwood Ave., New Rochelle, NY 10801 800-427-1900/914-576-0193 ft f t E / T Equipment Co. John Fcrrucio/Bcmie White 425 S. Riverside Ave., Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 914-271-6126, FAX 914-271-6146 Rhone-Poulenc C o ./C H IP C O Greg Hutch 877 Ycllowbank Rd., Toms River, N J 08753 908-929-4657 f t Feldman Brothers Inc. David Feldman/Joe Schneider Turf Maintenance Equipment 800-527-3898,203-443-3530 SAV-A-TREE Thomas Marino 360 Adams St., Bedford Hills, NY 10507 914-666-8202 f t ALPIN E, the CARE o f T R E E S Excellence in Tree Care NY: 914-948-0101 NJ: 201-445-4949 CT: 203-847-1855 A1 Preston’s Garage Gary Shashinka: 203-924-1747 Massey Ferguson, Sales & Service Shelton, CT 06484 f t Fleet Pump & Service Group Donald Tiedcmann 100 Calvert S l , Harrison, NY 10528 914-835-3801 f t Shemin Nurseries Inc. Horticultural-Irrigation Supplies Jim Hcspe: 203-531-7352 1081 King St., Greenwich, CT 06831 Argento & Son Inc. Turf Equipment: Parts and Service Louis Argento: 914-949-1152 1 Prospect Ave., White Plains, NY 10607 f t Glenmorc Landscape Service Glenn S. Moore 98 Hackgrcen Rd., Pound Ridge, NY 10576 914-764-4348 f t Stephen Kay, G o lf Course Architects Renovation, Master Planning, New Golf Courses 495 New Rochelle Rd., Office 2B Bronxville, NY 10708,914-699-4437 f t Atlantic Irrigation Specialists Inc. Gerald O’Hara/Ed San talon e 620 Commerce St., Thom wood, NY 10594 800-878-8873 f t Grass Roots T u rf Products Inc. Ken Rubik P.O. Box 336, Mt. Freedom, N J 07970 201-361-5943 f t Steven Willand, Inc. Bruce Pyc 23 Route 206, Augusta, NJ 07822 201-579-5656 f t Blue Ridge Peat Farms Inc. Topdressing, Peat, Humus, & Potting Soil Gene Evans 717-443-9596 f t Greenacres Company Irrigation Contractor 266 Newtown Tpke., Redding, CT 06896 Dave Pijnenburg: 203-938-8618 f t Tee and Green Sod, Inc. Bentgrass, Fescue, Rye, Sod Blends, Washed Sod P.O. Box 418, Exeter, RI 02822 Owen Regan/David Wallace: 401-789-8177 f t Bruedan Corp. Mike Gesmundo/Ron Shapiro Ez-Go & Yamaha Vehicles 800-535-1500 f t Hawthorne Bros. Tree Service Inc. John Hawthome/Charles Siemers 5 Center St., Bedford Hills, NY 10507 800-235-7035 f t The Cardinals, Inc. John E. Callahan 166 River Rd., Unionvillc, CT 06085 203-673-3699 Ciba T u rf & Ornamental Products Primo, Banner, Subdue, Pennant Mike Oleykowski N Y/N J: 609-267-8041 Steve Sears CT: 413-283-7877 James Barrett Associates, Inc. Golf Course Irrigation Design & Consulting Jim Barrett: 201-744-8237 Montclair, NJ f t DAF Services David A. Frechette Irrigation Specialists 203-528-7362, FAX 203-528-0051 f t James Carriere & Sons, Inc. Bill and Joe Carriere 7 Cottage St., Port Chester, NY 10573 914-937-2136 f t Dar Par Sales Golf Course & Tennis Supplies Outdoor Furniture Dominic A. Richichi 914-946-1743, FAX 914-946-0796 f t LESC O , Inc. Seed, Fertilizer, Control Products, Equipment Greg Moran: 914-331-4869 800-321-5325 ft D & S Floratine Products, Nova Tee, Flymo, Douglas Rollers, Trion Lifts Dave Basconi: 203-250-TURF f t L oft’s International G o lf Development Division John Farrell 2202 Hangar Rd., Stc. 170, Allentown, PA 18103 201-267-8358 DcLca Sod Farms Joel Miller/Vinnie Sasso 444 Elwood Rd., East Northport, NY 11731 800-244-SOD S/516-368-8022 f t Down To Earth All Phases of Golf Course Construction David Griffin 914-576-7693 f t Earth Works, Inc. The Soil Aerification Specialists Old Greenwich, CT 06870 203-698-0030 f t Eastern Land Management Inc. Bruce Moore Golf Course Renovation & Construction 203-924-7272 Eden Farms LLC (Wholesale Nursery) Frank Buschini/Marshall Condon 947 Stillwater Road, Stamford, CT 06902 203-325-3445, FAX 203-325-4206 Egypt Farms, Inc. Topdressing, Construction Mixes, Bunker Sand, Computerized Soil Blending White Marsh, MD 21162, 800-899-7645 (SOIL) © f t Pro-Lawn Products, Inc. Richard Cooke Turf & Ornamental Products 914-883-5881, FAX 914-883-5943 AgrEvo USA Company David J. Sylvester 311 Carriage Dr., Kensington, CT 06037 203-828-8905 Tee to Green August 1995 f t Metro Milorganitc Inc. Rick Apgar/Scott Apgar/Joc Stahl 365 Adams St., Bedford Hills, NY 10507 914-666-3171, FAX 914-666-9183 f t Mid Westchester Landscaping, Inc. Greg Porteus: 914-739-5800 Excavation, Blacktop, Hydrosccding, Wet Well Installations M ontco/Surf- Side/Z ap! Surfactants & Defoamers Box 404, Ambler, PA 19002 Bob Oechsle: 215-836-4992, FAX 215-836-2418 f t Nassau Suffolk T u rf Services, Inc. Frank Marra Turf Supplies & Equipment Rentals 516-286-1052, PAGER 516-278-4766 Partac G olf Course Top-Dressing Kelsey Park, Great Meadows, N J 07838 Jim Kelsey: 800-247-2326/908-637-4191 Bill & Joe Carriere: 914-937-2136 ^ The Scotts Company Steve DiVito: 203-723-5190 Tom Marmelstein: 516-679-1961 f t The Terre Company o f N J, Inc. Byron Johnson Jr. 206 Delawanna Ave., Clifton, N J 07014 Office: 201-473-3393 Home: 203-748-5069 ^ TurfN et Associates, Inc. Peter L. McCormick 21 Brandywine Rd., Skillman, N J 08558 800-314-7929, FAX 908-359-3389 f t T u rf Products C orp ./T O R O George Gorton, Irrigation/AlTretera, Equipment P.O. Box 1200, Enfield, CT 06083 800-243-4355/203-763-3581 f t T u rf Products Corporation Ernie Rizzio 47 Howell Rd., P.O. Box 296 Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046, 201-263-1234 f t Valley View Wholesale Greenhouse Frank Amodio 229 Smithridgc Rd., So. Salem, NY 10590 914-533-2526, FAX 914-533-2050 f t Westchester Ford Tractor Inc. John Apple/Ray Beaudry Meadow S l , Goldens Bridge, NY 10526 914-232-7746 f t Westchester T u rf Supply, Inc. Bob Lippman Sr./B ob Lippman Jr. P.O. Box 198, Lincolndale, NY 10540 Office: 914-248-7476 Mobile: 914-649-0303 f t White Contractors Golf Course Construction & Renovation P.O. Box 484, Old Greenwich, CT 06870-0484 James E. Morris Jr.: 203-869-8808/914-234-0092 f t Wilfred M acDonald, Inc. Dennis DeSanctis/Chris Santopietro Rt. 17 & Terminal Rd., Lyndhurst, N J 07071 201-804-1000 f t D enotes M etG C SA member