.luly/liipst 1*11111 vim m u i v ìv im i Board #f Directors President JO H N CARLONE, CGCS The Meadow Brook Club Vice President TIM OTHY M O O RE Knollwood Country Club Cover: Centennial Golf Club. Photo courtesy of Larry Lambrecht. Secretary WILLIAM HEINTZ Centennial Golf Club Treasurer DAVID M AHONEY Siwanoy Country Club Past President EARL MILLETT Ridgeway Country Club SEAN CAIN Sunningdale Country Club MATTHEW CEPLO, CGCS Rockland Country Club AN TH ON Y GIRARDI, CGCS Rockrimmon Country Club PETER M cCORM ICK rn this Issue TurfNet Associates, Inc. ERIC O ’NEILL Scarsdale Golf Club GLENN PERRY, CGCS Rolling Hills Country Club JEFFREY W ENTW ORTH Are We E xceeding the Green Speed L im it?...........................................2 GREGORY WOJICK, CGCS Oh, L ook at What the Stim p m eter’s D o n e !..........................................7 Executive Secretary INEKE PIERPOINT Is Your Club ‘P erm itted’ to U se Water? ..................................................8 Pelham Country Club Greenwich Country Club Tee to Green Staff Editors ¡G LEN N PERRY 1203-762-2185 GREG WOJICK I 203-869-1000, ext. 253 Managing Editor PANDORA C.WOJICK Spotligh ts........................................................................................................ 10 Editorial Committee ¡GLEN DUBE CHIP LAFFERXfi ICOTT NIVEN TIMO’NEILL® S co recard ........................................................................................................ 13 BILL PERLEE Photographer M em ber N e w s .............................................................................................. 14 BILL PERLEE Advertising Manager GREG WOJICK, 203-869-1000, ext. 2 5 3 ® Advisory Board | JOE ALONZI STEVE CADENELJH ON JENNINGS PAT LUCAS | TIM MOORE DENNIS PETRUZJ PAT SISK JOHN STREETEl TEE TO GREEN is published bimonthly by the Vletropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Associai. 49 Knollwood Road, Elmsford, N Y 10523-2 914-347-4653, FAX: 914-347-3437 Copyright © 2001 f Work S m a rts.................................................................................................. 16 Getting Gray Leaf Spot Before It Gets You U p com in g E v e n ts........................................................................................ 17 ost of us set priorities every day—without even realizing it. And these priorities affect the decisions we make in our professional and personal lives. Similar­ ly, the MetGCSA Board of Directors makes decisions on behalf of the membership, but we base them on one priority and one pri­ ority only: what is best for the membership. In this month’s message, I would like to discuss what I feel are the MetGCSA’s pri­ orities for the near future: education, schol­ arship and research, member involvement, and last but not least, family. On Mut ation Education has always been the cornerstone of the MetGCSA’s existence. Our annual Winter Seminar in January of each year offers cutting-edge information, as well as important contact with vendors. At selected monthly meetings, we try to present timely, industry-specific information targeted at enhancing superintendents’ onthe-job performance. Probably the least recognized, but most valuable form of edu­ cation the Met offers is the time and place to network with fellow superintendents. John Cartone, CGCS MetGCSA President Whatever the form or forum, golf course superintendents’ thirst for knowl­ edge is their greatest asset. I have always felt that once superintendents feel they know it all or that they can sit back and rest on their laurels, something bad happens to remind them of how important it is to keep on top of the latest products, trends, and informa­ tion. The Board of Directors—the Education Committee, in particular—will always strive to keep the membership informed on the most current trends and issues in our industry. (In Scholarship and Research In 1989, the Met Board decided to put a portion of every Class A, B, and AF mem­ ber’s dues into a restricted account. The purpose of this account is to support schol­ arship awards for children of our A, B, and AF members and to fund pertinent The board also decided that these accounts should be allowed to grow to the point where, one day, they would be selfsupporting. In other words, we could give away the interest each year while maintain­ ing the principle. I am happy to report that we are well on our way to that goal! In addition, the MetGCSA is in a position where, if there continued on page 15 Tee to Green July /August 2001 Met Members Tell AU About Their Green Speed Philosophy and Management Practices by Scott E. Niven, CGCS ver the past 50 years, green speeds have practically doubled— and heights o f cut have basically halved, dropping in som e cases from 1 /4 " to well below 1 /8 " . To achieve this level o f putting green m an agem en t, M et area superintendents have pulled out all the stops, applying the latest and greatest products and research findings to bu m p up their green speeds a notch. I f y o u ’re like m o st, y o u ’re cu riou s abou t w hat ur n eighbors are doing— and how your green speeds and m an agem en t practices m easure up. We decided to get the scoop. Every MetGCSA superintendent received a survey of 17 questions that asked not only for straight facts and figures, but also for their sentiments on our ever-increasing green speeds and grooming practices. Thirty-four—from clubs in northern New Jersey, Long Island, Westchester, and Fairfield County, CT—were kind enough to respond (see list of survey participants on page 6). Here’s the “M et-net” of what they had to say—along with a careful tabulation of each and every one of their responses to give you an idea of just how prevalent vari­ ous practices are. Are superintendents exceeding the green speed limit? You be the judge. Survey Quick Takes When all was said and done, one thing became crystal clear: Fast green speeds are at least somewhat important to nearly all clubs who participated in the survey and very important to nearly half. Everyone generates speed in their own way, using various combinations of the typ­ ical cultural practices: low heights of cut, grooming/verticutting, topdressing, low fertility, low water use, PGRs, rolling, and multiple cuttings. There isn’t one golf course that doesn’t own a Stimpmeter, and all reported using it to check the speed of their greens at least once a week. George Pierpoint III of Ardsley Country Club is one superintend­ ent who uses the Stimpmeter to maximum advantage by checking all of his greens every day. He even keeps data on how weather conditions, height of cut, fertility, mowing schedule, grooming, etc., affect the roll of the ball. Everyone in the study averages over 9' daily, and half are averaging over 10' each day, with about 60 percent—i.e., 20 clubs— registering 11’ or higher on their fastest days. With these impressive numbers, it’s not surprising that, on average, each Met area course has four greens with limited cupping area due to steep contours. As we all know, this scenario typically creates wear problems on greens with the severest limitations. Cutting heights are as low as ever, with more than half of the respondents cutting below 1/8". Today’s popular greens mow­ ers—the Jac 422 and Toro 1000, for instance—are also better equipped to pro­ vide lower heights of cut than previous models, primarily because of their heavier overall weight. This makes heights of cut .010" to .020" lower than those used in the early ’90s and years before. Not only do we cut lower today, we also cut more often, with half of the courses polled cutting at least twice a day. More than 60 percent regularly use PGRs to aid in keeping up green speeds, while 85 per- them what they are—FAST—and now that seems to be what people want. We are still looking for ways to make them faster. Cutting heights are going down—guys are mowing below 1/8"—and budgets are going up. This trend has not changed for 30 years, and unfortunately, it probably won’t change. Peter Rappoccio, Silver Spring Country Club, Ridgefield, CT: There’s just too much emphasis placed on green speed. Fast greens do not make a golf course better. In fact, it’s the root of many problems—take our problems with moss, for instance. I believe a course should be judged by its overall appearance and condi­ tion, not by the speed of its greens. There isn’t one golf course that doesn’t own a Stimpmeter, and all reported using it to check the speed of their greens at least once a week. Dave Mahoney, Siwanoy Country Club, Bronxville, NY: This club’s desire for speed has increased by one foot. If the greens rolled at 9'6", that used to be accept­ able. Now if they dip below 10', we hear about it. We try to keep between 10'2" and 10’8" on a daily basis. This is the most diffi­ cult aspect of maintaining greens. It’s not good enough to be 10' on Friday through Sunday; we have to maintain that speed cent now use rollers at least occasionally, every day. with one superintendent claiming to roll every day. Matt Ceplo, Rockland Country Club, At one-third of our panelist clubs, green Sparkill, NY: To me, it seems we have speed has actually become more important gone full circle. We have more people ask­ than the turf; they’re willing to sacrifice ing to slow green speeds down than speed some grass, they say, in exchange for more them up. speed on their greens. However, in spite of all the extra efforts and risks associated with Lou Quick, Anglebrook Golf Club, producing consistently fast greens, only Lincolndale, NY: I think that there is too about 20 percent of superintendents believe much pressure put on supers to have consis­ this issue causes them added personal stress. tently fast greens. We, as professionals, should be able to make the decision to do what’s best for our greens and limit those tournament-type conditions to special Last but not least, we asked survey respon­ events or, at the least, when weather condi­ dents for their gut reactions on the state of tions allow. Even when I have a consistent green speeds in the Met area. Here’s a sam­ 10’ to 10’5", the members are not happy. pling of what they had to say: Gregg Stanley, Hudson National Golf Larry Pakkala, Woodway Country Club, Croton-on-Hudson, NY: Most Club, Darien, CT: Green speeds are what folks, I think, have the green speed issue they are because superintendents made under control. The resources and tools Have We OuMimped Ourselves? Tee to Green July /August 2 0 0 i Charting Green Speed Over the past half-cen­ tury, green speeds have increased at a steady and predictable rate: about one foot per decade. Here’s a look at where we’ve been—and where we’re headed. Year Perceived Fast Green Speeds 1950s 6 -7 ' 1960s 7 -8 ' 1970s 8 -9 ' 1980s 9 -1 0 ' 1990s 1 0 -1 1 ' 2000s 1 1 -1 2 ' 2010s 1 2 - 1 3 ' ??? needed to achieve faster speeds have proba­ bly never been greater, but, really, they’re only in keeping with the golfers’ expectations. Mark Fuller, Connecticut Golf Club, Easton, CT: Some members play too much of the “let’s compare” game. Their perception of what the green speed is versus the actual speed is frequently off-base. Sometimes it’s in our favor; other times it’s not. Without the use of the Stimpmeter, no one—not even the pros—knows for sure how fast the ball is rolling. Peter Bly, Brooklawn Country Club, Fairfield, CT: Speed is always a macho issue. We, at Brooklawn, have been promot­ ing trueness of roll over speed. As we explore reestablishing our architects’ original design, the speeds will decrease in favor of using all the features of the greens’ design. Tee to Green July/August 2001 Bill Perlee, The Apawamis Club, Rye, NY: Putting on quick, smooth greens is fine, but when green speeds become so fast that well-designed, classic greens become obsolete, it’s a shame. Recent research has shown that the new As and Gs do not roll any faster than other varieties when cut at 1/8" or lower. A t that height, all bentgrasses roll the same. 9.5', I am spending more time looking for a fair area to stimp than the information gath­ ered is worth to me. John O ’Keefe, Preakness Hills Country Club, Wayne, NJ: I feel that the new courses with the Gs and As are making the older courses with poa/bent greens look bad. Our members just don’t understand why we can’t cut much lower than .110. Members play those courses and ask, “Why aren’t we cutting the greens lower?” John Carlone, The Meadow Brook Club, Jericho, NY: In general, members think faster is better. I wish they could be educated to realize that speed should match green contours. For example, I have large, flat greens; they need to be over 10’ to be enjoyable. Other courses, with small slop­ ing greens, probably should be over 8 1/2'. Bert Dickinson, Willow Ridge Country Club, Harrison, NY: As green speed Don Szymkowicz, Engineers Country increases, I get complaints about “unfair pin Club, Roslyn, NY: I think it is very diffi­ placements.” Fast greens limit the accept­ cult to accurately assess green speeds on able cupping areas and, as a result, create older courses, which have slope percentages more concentrated wear. that are often above 4 percent. The Stimpmeter requires a relatively level sec­ tion of green to obtain ball roll lengths that Scott Niven, a member of the Tee to Green are relatively close in two directions; when Editorial Committee, is superintendent at The you have sloped greens, this is rare. Above Stanwich Club in Greenwich, CT. Bottom Line Results Number of Respondents 1. Do you post green speeds? Yes 5 29 No 2. How often do you check the speeds each week? 10 1 day 2 days 5 5 3 days 2 4 days 2 5 days 1 6 days 7 days 4 3. What is your average green speed? 6 9’ 9’ - 9’6" 4 7 9’6’’ 4 9'6" - 10' 10’ 6 2 10’-1 0 ’6” 4 10’6" 1 11’ Total average daily speed = 9’8’ì ~ What is your range of green speed? Low end 8 8’ 8’6” 4 14 9’ 1 9’3” 3 9’6” 1 9'9” 1 10’ Average low = 8*10" High end 9’ 10’ 10’2” 10’6” 10’9” 10T0” 11’ 11’6” 12’ 12’6” 13’ Average high = l l ’l ” 1 3 2 4 1 1 8 6 3 2 1 Number of Respondents 5. What is your usual height of cut? .080 1 .115 1 .118 1 .120 .125 .130 .140 .150 .156 Average = .130 Mower type? Toro 1000 Jac 422 John Deere Ransomes Roller type? Grooved-wheile Solid 2 14 3 2 3 1 20 8 2 1 26 7 6 . How many times do you cut per day? lx 17 2x 5 3x 1 lx or 2x 11 7. How often do you roll per week? Ox 5 lx 4 2x 11 3x 9 7x 1 Occasionally 4 8. How often do you topdress? Every week Every 2 weeks Every 3 weeks Every 4 weeks Every 8 weeks With aerification 1 7 5 18 2 1 9. Do you use PGRs regularly? Yes No 21 13 10. Do you use groomers, brushes, verticutters? Yes No How often? Every week Every 2 weeks Every 4 weeks As needed Spring/fall 31 3 7 11 7 3 3 Number of Respondents 11. What is the moisture level of your greens? 6 Damp 14 Field Capacity 14 Dry 12. What is your annual fertility level? Less than 1 lb. 12 lbs. 23 lbs. More than 3lbs. 3 18 10 3 13. Do you feel the speeds you are asked to keep for your greens are appropri­ ate for the relative severity of the con­ tours? Just right 24 Too fast 8 A little slow 0 14. How many greens do you have with extremely limited cupping area? 0 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3 4 5 6 2 2 1 8 9 18 Average = 4 greens/course 15. Will you sacrifice some turf for increased green speed? Yes No 2 2 1 10 24 16. How important are fast green speeds to your membership? Very 16 Somewhat 16 Minimal 12 17. Does this issue give you more per­ sonal stress than any other? Yes 6 No 28 Tee to Green July /August 2001 o Special Thanks to Our Survey Participants Jim Fulwider, CGCS John O'Keefe, CGCS Century Country Club, Purchase, NY Preakness Hills Country Club, Wayne, NJ Tony Girardi, CGCS Tim O'Neill, CGCS Bob Alonzi, CGCS Rockrimmon Country Club, Stamford, CT Country Club of Darien, Darien, CT Fenway Golf Club, Scarsdale, NY Paul Gonzalez, CGCS Larry Pakkala, CGCS Joe Alonzi, CGCS Canyon Club, Armonk, NY Woodway Country Club, Darien, CT Westchester Country Club, Rye, NY Tony Grasso Bill Perlee Peter Bly Metropolis Country Club, White Plains, NY The Apawamis Club, Rye, NY Glenn Perry, CGCS Brooklawn Country Club, Fairfield, CT Les Kennedy, CGCS John Carlone, CGCS Blind Brook Club, Purchase, NY Rolling Hills Country Club, Wilton, CT The Meadow Brook Club, Jericho, NY Lyman Lambert, CGCS George Pierpoint III Ardsley Country Club, Ardsley-on-Hudson, NY Arik Carlson Nassau Country Club, Glen Cove, NY The Patterson Club, Fairfield, CT Tom Leahy Lou Quick, CGCS Matt Ceplo, CGCS Sleepy Hollow Country Club, Scarborough, NY Anglebrook Golf Club, Lincolndale, NY Rockland Country Club, Sparkill, NY Dave Mahoney Peter Rappoccio, CGCS Bert Dickinson, CGCS Siwanoy Country Club, Bronxville, NY Silver Spring Country Club, Ridgefield, CT Willow Ridge Country Club, Harrison, NY Rick McGuinnes Rick Schock Larry Dodge Woodmere Club, Woodmere, NY Wee Burn Country Club, Darien, CT Oak Lane Country Club, Woodbridge, CT Jim McNally Gregg Stanley, CGCS Steve Finamore Rock Spring Club, West Orange, NJ Hudson National Golf Club, Croton-on-Hudson, NY Alpine Country Club, Demarest, NJ Earl Millett Don Szymkowicz, CGCS Mark Fuller, CGCS Ridgeway Country Club, White Plains, NY Engineers Country Club, Roslyn, NY Connecticut Golf Club, Easton, CT Scott Niven, CGCS Jeff Wentworth The Stanwich Club, Greenwich, CT Pelham Country Club, Pelham Manor, NY This was a putting green around the turn of the century. The surface was not even as good as today *s fairways. 3 Tee to Green July/August 2001 Oh, Look at What the Stimpmeter’s Done! Facts and Figures Behind Our Escalating Green Speeds When you look, now, at the following USGA Green Speed Comparison Table— compiled in the late ’70s after testing 1,500 greens in 36 states—it’s almost laughable. Yet interestingly, this table is still being referred to today. Fast Medium Fast Medium Medium Slow Slow OS ^_^^om eth ing happened in the late ’70s that changed the way we view green speed—forever. No, it wasn’t the invention of the Stimpmeter, which few realize has been around since the mid-1930s. Rather, it was the USGA’s distribution—in 1978— of hundreds of these tripod-like devices to golf courses all over the country. Once brought to golf clubs’ attention, this inno­ cent-looking device became the measure, not only of green speed, but also of superin­ tendents’ mettle: The faster the greens, the more valuable and skilled the superintend­ ent, club officials—and superintendents, themselves—began to think. O f course, this wasn’t the USGA’s intent. Their hope was that the Stimpmeter would be used to help superintendents enhance playing conditions by achieving uniform—not superfast— green speeds throughout the course. In the article “The Stimpmeters Are Coming! The Stimpmeters Are Coming!” reprinted in the Tee to Green in 1978, the late Alexander Radko, national director of the Green Section at the time, echoed this sentiment: “When viewing the factors that affect play, in tournament competition or in a friendly knockabout, one element stands out above all the others— the variability of speeds between one green and the next, or even on different areas of the same green. Variations in green speeds, he firmly believed, can do more to negate a player’s true skill than can ragged fairways or unkempt bunkers. “The Stimpmeter is your speedometer,” Radko went on to tell these ’70s superin­ tendents. “With it, you can set your green speed at any level your membership desires.” Little did A1 Radko— or the USGA— know just what level membership desires would reach. 00 by Scott E. Niven, CGCS 7»6»» 6»6»» 5»6»» 4»6»» More accurate now—according to our sur­ vey of Met area courses—are the following green speed figures: Fast Medium Fast Medium Medium Slow Slow 11» 10»6»» 10» 9»6»» 9» For the many Met area superintendents with highly contoured greens, these super­ fast speeds virtually render their greens unplayable. The current goal for many clubs, therefore, is to determine the fastest speed acceptable for their greens and then find a way to maintain it every day. Because peak speeds and quality are becoming more the norm than the exception, special greens preparation for club tournaments is disappearing. O f course, the Stimpmeter isn’t the only culprit in escalating green speeds. We know all too well the role television golf analysts have played in driving up green speed. By announcing unrealistically high speeds at major golf events, they’ve planted the seed for club members and superintendents to try to compete. Just recently, an analyst mentioned that the greens at a certain tournament were rolling at 15 feet on the Stimpmeter. Now, from my own experience and in talking to other superintendents who have produced speeds just over 13 feet, I seriously doubt that a sustainable 15 feet could be achieved on live grass. And frankly, the greens in question sure didn’t look that fast as I watched the event on TV. But unfortu­ nately, whether the announcer’s call is true or not, the damage has been done: Club members will expect higher green speeds, and superintendents will try to oblige. Golf course architects aren’t helping matters either. They’re supporting superfast green speeds by designing putting greens with maximum slopes of only 1 1/2 to 2 percent versus the 8 to 9 percent of years ago. These architects will also tell you that the reason the majority of greens are being rebuilt today is to flatten severe slopes. This trend certainly doesn’t bode well for many of our old, classic courses, which are frequently characterized by severe green contours. Fair Play Rules In the end, when it comes to discussions on green speed, the one concept we should all keep in mind—and advocate—is fair play. That means supporting a green speed that is appropriate not only for the slope of the greens but also for the skill level of the majority of the players. As the USGA’s A1 Radko was quoted in the Tee to Green article,“It is the uniformity of greens, that is significant. Whether the greens at a particular club are slow, medium, or fast is up to the membership.” And he might have added, “. . . as long as they’re appropriate for regular membership play— and the health and welfare of the greens.” Tee to Green July /August 2001 Is Your Club ‘Permitted Act required that any person or municipality pumping more than 50,000 gallons of ground or surface water a day had to register each of their diversions by July 1,1983. If you’ve never heard a word about this, know that you’re not alone. The DEP esti­ mates that there are at least 75 golf courses throughout the state— old and new—divert­ ing water without authorization. “Our intent is to reach out to superin­ tendents and help them understand what they need to do to comply—without penalty—with newly enacted State laws,” says Carla Feroni, who was quick to point out the DEP isn’t—nor does it want to be— the “bad guy” in this situation. “We were not, in any way, the driving force behind the new Public Act,” she says, “if for no other reason than the fact that the DEP hasn’t been approved the additional staff necessary to handle an effort of this magnitude.” But no matter who’s issuing the new marching orders, the jig is clearly up. State officials are giving golf courses another chance to comply, but if they fail to at least begin the process by filing a Water Diversion The floodgates opened with a new Public Permit application by July 1,2003, State offi­ Act, recently passed by the Connecticut cials are going to get tough, threatening a General Assembly, which is designed to variety of enforcement actions. reach out to any golf course in the State of Connecticut that uses a private water supply for irrigation and has not registered or obtained the necessary State permits Unfortunately, even voluntary compliance is no picnic. Take Tim O ’Neill’s story. He first for their water diversions. The first call for registration of became aware of his club’s need for a water your water diversions was back diversion permit in July of last year when he went before his local environmental in July of 1982. The Connectiboard to gain approval to expand his existing irrigation water holding pond. < f7you’re you’r< managing a golf course in Connecticut, then you might have heard some “noise” from the State Capitol about complying with State water diversion regu­ lations that have been in effect, believe it or not, since 1982! Most of us who draw water from ponds and wells on our property are subject to these regulations, but not many of us understand—and in some cases have any inkling of—what they entail. We spoke to Carla Feroni, Environ­ mental Analyst for the Inland Water Resources Division of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), to get the full story on these newly enacted laws and what golf courses—and municipalities—throughout the state must do to comply But probably more telling is the firsthand account from Country Club of Darien Superintendent Tim O ’Neill, who for the past year, has been jumping through all the necessary hoops to obtain a diversion permit for his course. When the Trouble Began The High Price of Complianre ________ “We had no idea a water permit was required by law,” says Tim, “so we decided to seek professional advice before contacting the Connecticut DEP.” Country Club of Darien sought the counsel of Russ Slayback, a groundwater engineer with Leggette, Brashears & Graham in Trumbull, CT. “Russ informed us of the regulations and the recommended process,” says Tim, who knew then and there that it was not going to be easy. It was several months before Tim could secure a meeting with the DEP. Finally, in September, Tim and his club president and grounds chairman went along with Russ Slayback to meet Denise Ruzicka, assistant director of the Inland Water Resources Division, and other Connecticut DEP staff. There, they got all the information they wanted—and more. “One of the worst parts,” says Tim, “was learning that it may take three years to go through the full per­ mitting process—and probably run $30,000 to $40,000 in engineering fees.” So that Country Club of Darien could continue to irrigate for those three years— without a permit— the club was encour­ aged to agree, by way of consent order, to abide by a series of conditions. Tim was asked to: • Limit the course’s water use to 288,000 gallons a day (manageable, since this figure was drawn from old records). • Meter and record water use on a daily basis from all water diversions. • Provide pumping records and progress reports to the DEP annually. • Retain a consultant during the consent order. • Conduct environmental analyses and eval­ uations. This required that Darien: - evaluate the impact—if any—it is having on the fisheries habitat in the Goodwives to Use Water? River, which flows though club property - conduct a hydrogeologic analysis of any existing well or proposed well to ensure it poses no threat to the viability of any surrounding homeowner wells - provide a comprehensive evaluation of the irrigation system, documenting water use needs as well as a conservation plan The consent order also requires that the DEP be allowed to visit the golf course at any time to review the club’s records. How much water Country Club of Darien will be “permitted” to use when all is said and done, will be determined after the DEP s careful scrutiny of all the results. The Ins and Outs of Compliance No matter how you slice it, obtaining the appropriate Water Diversion Permit is a lengthy and costly prospect—if not slightly baffling. But not to worry, help is on the way. As part of its new outreach effort, the DEP will be holding a conference at the Country Club of Farmington in Farmington, CT, on October 18 to provide representatives from the golf course industry with information about the state of water resources in Connecticut and how the new water diversion legislation will affect Connecticut golf courses. Attendees will also hear presentations about hydrology, efficient irrigation and irrigation system audits, the DEP permit process, and how to hire a consultant. In the afternoon, all present will also be intro­ duced to the DEP’s newly drafted Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Golf Course Water Use. “We are looking for­ ward to having the group review and com­ ment on the document—before it’s etched in stone,” says Carla. For the uninitiated, the BMPs are intended to help golf courses comply with the water diversion requirements by imple­ menting water conservation practices. The document reflects the handiwork of nearly 20 volunteers from the Institute of Water Resources at the University of Connecticut, several environmental groups, DEP staff, and the golf course industry, including water use consultants and four superintendents: Peter Pierson of Pequabuck Golf Club, John Ruzsbatzky of the Country Club of Farmington, Heather Garvin of Canton Public Golf Course, and Tim O ’Neill of Country Club of Darien. The day will conclude with personal testimony—like the one we presented here from Tim—by a variety of stakeholders in the water diversion permit process. For further information about the con­ ference or applying for a Water Diversion Permit, contact the DEP’s Denise Ruzicka at 860-424-3853. Special thanks to Carla Feroni andTim O ’Neill for their many contributions to this article. me of the worst parts,” says Tim, i(was learning that it may take three years to go through the full permitting process— and probably run $30,000 to $40,000 in engineering fees. yy ' . ; ' Tl Water Permit Requirements, Situation by Situation Public Act 01-202, which was passed this June, is designed to update the state’s water diversion records and see that previously unregistered or unpermitted diversions obtain a Water Diversion Permit. By July 1, 2002, each golf course that maintains a diversion—i.e., withdraws more than 50,000 gallons of ground water or surface water during a 24-hour period—must submit monthly data on the frequency and withdrawal rate for each individual discharge point—wells, ponds, streams, etc.—for the years 1997 to 2001. If your withdrawal points were not metered, you will be allowed—under the Public Act—to estimate your water use. Beyond that, the depth of information you will be required to report will vary with your course’s past history. Here are the three basic scenarios: Situation 1: If your course is one of the I fortunate few that registered its diversion ; back in 1982, the data you submit must correspond to your already-registered withdrawal points. Situation 2: If your course maintains—as of July 1,2001—an unregistered or unper­ mitted diversion that was eligible for regis­ tration in July 1982, you must provide: >additional information on the location, capacity, frequency, and rate of the with­ drawals for each eligible discharge point that was in place as of July 1,1982 • a description of the water use and water system that was in place on or before July 1,1982, including information to verify its operation at that time Situation 3: If your course maintains— again, as of July 1, 2001—a diversion that was not eligible for registration in July 1982 but is eligible now—because it is new since 1982 or it’s a diversion whose use has expanded beyond the 50,000-perday limit—you must provide: ’ information on when the diversion was actually initiated • a description of the current water use and water system operation • information on the location and capacity of each discharge point The DEP, along with the Department of Health and the Department of Public Utility Controls, will be developing a form for the required data submission. Watch for an update on the form’s availability. Tee to Green July /August 2001 e An Inaugural Visit for the Poa Annual a lot of golf balls,” says Jason. “It’s target golf. You have to place your tee shot in just the right spot. If you don’t make it over the var­ ious wetland areas or go wayward with your tee shot, you are in for quite a challenge,” he adds with a smile. AClub With a Past Jason Ziesmer by Glen Dube n August 13, Superintendent Jason Ziesmer hosted the Poa Annual Golf Tournament at Minisceongo Golf Club in Pomona, NY. This marked the event’s first visit to this links-style golf course and the first time Jason acted as host for the day. A relative newcomer on the golf course scene, Minisceongo was two years in the making, opening for play in 1994. The Roy Case-designed club sits on 120 acres and boasts a lengthy 7,029 yards from the tips. What sets this golf course apart from many others is the abundance of high-fescue rough areas. Contrast these with the plush green turf, and you have that “links” look that makes for some breathtaking views. “Anyone playing this course has to bring Spotlight Minisceongo, though relatively new, has a long and interesting past—some of which was uncovered during the course’s con­ struction phase. Arrowheads and other ancient artifacts were unearthed, pointing to the fact that the land had been used by American Indians as a temporary campsite during their seasonal migrations. Hundreds of years later, during the 1700s, records show that the King of England gave the land to the Conklin fam­ ily, one of the oldest families to live in Rockland County. The Conklin cemetery is located near the fourth tee, while other signs of the land’s historic past— old stone cisterns and several stone foundations—are scattered across the property. In the early 1900s, the property was sold and turned into a boarding school to help under-privileged children from New York City. In 1991, the property changed hands again—this time to Empire Golf, which formed the Minisceongo Golf Club. Jason came to Minisceongo in 1999 as the assistant superintendent. After barely a year on the job—in October 2000—the super­ intendent’s slot opened and Jason was cho­ AWork in Progress During Jason’s tenure, both as superinten­ dent and assistant, Minisceongo has earned its Audubon Certification— an honor that demonstrates the course’s commitment to environmental stewardship— and has undergone numerous transformations. Holes 2, 5, 7,12,13, and 15 were reshaped; the second green was rebuilt, and the large sod-faced pot bunker on the 18th green was renovated. “Our next projects are going to include enlarging the practice green, renovating the greenside bunkers on the fourth hole, and building a soil storage facility,” says Jason. Jason, who enjoys playing golf and mountain biking, lives on the property with his wife of five months, Claire, and their new puppy Rotweiller, Bella. Glen Dube, a member of the Tee to Green Editorial Committee, is superintendent at Oak Hills Park Golf Course in Norwalk, CT. Centennial to Host MetGCSA Championship y W ill H eintz and son, Thanksgiving 1997 Tee to Green July/August 2001 sen to fill the position. This is his first full season as head of the golf course operation. Jason, who is a native of Dundee, MI, got “the bug” for golf course management dur­ ing high school, when he worked at The University of Michigan Golf Club. After graduating, he went on to Michigan State University and received his degree in Turfgrass Management in 1998. While in college, he did his internship at The Patterson Club in Fairfield CT. Then, after graduating, he spent about a year there as an assistan superintendent before moving on to Min: sceongo. J by Glen Dube L September 18, Superintendent Will Heintz will host the MetGCSA Championship and Round 2 of the Met Area Team Championship Qualifier at Centennial Golf Club, located in Carmel, NY. This marks the MetGCSA’s second visit to the 350-acre, 27-hole daily fee golf course, where Will has been superintendent for four years—through the course’s critical construction phase. With several years passed since the course’s completion, Will and the owners have had time to put the design to the test, which for the most part, has passed with flying colors. “We’ve fine-tuned the prac­ tice putting green,” says Will, “by adding 6,000 square feet, and we’ve added stonework in various locations on the course.” With a crew of 30, Will finds they can do much of the work in-house. “A small portion of my crew is pretty much dedi­ cated to construction,” he explains of the group, which he notes includes some tal­ ented masons. But Will is also quick to credit his very capable assistant, Branko Zdravkoski, and equipment technician, Mike Reilly. “They’re a tremendous asset to the operation,” says Will. Will’s other high praise goes to Learning the Ropes Centennial’s owners, the Leibowits’s. “They’re extremely professional,” says Will, His first job out of school was as an assistant “and they’ve never failed to provide the at Teugega Country Club in Rome, NY. resources necessary to deal with any project But his real training ground was Westchester or problem,” he adds, pointing out that the Country Club under then superintendent owners have also gone on to build another Ted Horton. Despite his previous experi­ high-end facility: Pine Hills in Plymouth, ence, it was back to square one. “I started MA. on the divot crew,” says Will, “and had “This is a 36-hole Jones/Nicklaus to work my way back up to assistant daily-fee course that includes a conference superintendent.” center and practice facility,” says Will. After five years there, Will accepted his first superintendent’s job at Hampshire Country Club, where in 1993, he hosted his Will is no stranger to hard work. He grew first Met meeting. Will spent 12 years at up with six brothers and five sisters— Hampshire before moving to Centennial— working the 200-acre dairy/hobby farm and a home on the grounds—with his wife of 25 years, Linda, who gave birth to their where they lived in upstate Clinton, NY. With a ready-made crew at hand, his son, Will Jr., just 17 days after they arrived. Maybe it was the birth of his son that father—a now-retired oral surgeon—had decided to activate the farm when Will was changed Will’s perspective on how he allo­ just 8. “At an early age,” says Will, “we cates his time. “Giving myself time away learned to operate equipment, work the from work and with my family has become soil, care for livestock, and face the more of a priority,” says Will. “As a result, I manage my time better. I actually have elements.” His years on the farm inspired Will to been managing to take one weekend off a pursue a degree in biology. But after grad­ month and go to a house we have on uating from St. Lawrence University, he Lake Champlain. I come back refreshed realized he was trained for a career he and ready to go. In the end, I’m more wouldn’t enjoy: scientific research. He productive.” Another practice that Will feels goes a opted for a job working in a stone quarry long way toward improved time manage­ instead. “It didn’t take me long to see I was ment—and club relations:Thinking before going nowhere— quickly,” says Will. he agrees to accept additional projects. He “That’s when I decided to pursue a career explains: “I define the work load and the in turfgrass management.” A golfer since necessary resources, and I establish the the age of 10, Will had already gotten his voids—in other words, what I need, and feet wet in the field, working on golf may not have, to get the job done. If the courses summers during high school and club won’t agree to fill those voids, then I college. He enrolled in UMass’s Turfgrass explain that I won’t be able to accomplish Management Program, receiving his associ­ what they want. “Where many superintendents, me ate’s in 1977. Life Before Turf included, have gotten into trouble,” contin­ ues Will, “is agreeing to do something before they’ve thought through exactly what it will take. It took me awhile, but I’ve finally learned my lesson.” Personal and Professional Pursuits During the winter months, Will and Linda enjoy spending time with four-year-old Will Jr. in their home-away-from-home in upstate New York, an old stone schoolhouse they restored years ago before leaving the area. Two of Will’s other after-hour pursuits are golf and music. An accomplished banjo player, Will plays a few “gigs” now and then. His latest “gig,” however, is as the MetGCSA’s secretary, a position he’ll hold until the end of this year. In his 11th year on the board, Will has chaired or co-chaired both the Education and Government Relations committees for the past 10 years. And for the past two, he’s chaired the Membership Committee. Steeped in environmental issues through his government relations work, Will has been a member of the Westchester County Pest Management Committee for the past six years and was recently invited to serve as moderator at the Environmental Awareness session at the NYSTA Expo in Syracuse, NY, on November 13. Despite his busy calendar, Will has kindly agreed to host his fellow superintendents for the second year running. See you all on the links for what promises to be a fine day and a hotly contested competition. Glen Dube, a member of the Tee to Green Editorial Committee, is superintendent at Oak Hills Park Golf Course in Norwalk, CT. Stanwich Club to Host Annual Assistants Championship ^ M h Eric O ’N eill he Assistants Championship kicks it up a notch this year as the event heads to The Stanwich Club in Greenwich, CT, on October 2. Touted by Golf Digest as the top course in the State of Connecticut, the nearly 40year-old golf course was designed by William Gordon and his son, David—the elder Gordon recognized for his perfectly finished surfaces on greens, tees, and fair­ ways. Assistant host Albion Imondi, along with Stanwich’s second assistant, David Polvino, and Property Manager Scott Niven, are looking forward to an enjoyable day. Albion has been an assistant at Stanwich for a little more than three years, joining the maintenance staff in 1997 after completing his B.S. in Turfgrass Management from the University of Rhode Island (URI). He got “hooked” on the business work­ ing summers through high school at West Warwick Country Club in his Rhode Island home state. “It was the machinery and the outdoors that really grabbed me,” A lbion Imondi Tee to Green July /August 2001 The Super Behind the Assistants Championship nearly 20-year tenure at the club, he’s seen the course through numerous improve­ ments— everything from an aggressive poa reduction program that’s transformed the turf to nearly 100 percent bentgrass to the installation of a new pumphouse, irrigation system, and equipment and pesticide stor­ age facilities. Scott was just about born into the busi­ ness. When he was just 7 years old, his father became superintendent/club man­ ager at the Claremont Country Club in Claremont, NH, where they moved from Quantico,VA. Scott—along with his brother, Curtis— worked alongside his father at Claremont from the time he was 9 and until he was 12. At that point, his father got an offer he couldn’t refuse: to buy the Angus Lea Golf and Tennis Club in Hillsborough, NH. He took it. Scott and his brother were immediately enlisted as crew members, and Scott contin­ ued working summers there through high school and then college. He pursued for­ mal training in turfgrass management at the University of Rhode Island, where he earned a four-year degree in 1976. Scott’s been heading up the maintenance From there, he moved into an assistant operation at Stanwich since 1983. In his superintendent’s position at Greenwich Albion Imondi may be hosting this years assistants event, but we can’t forget to rec­ ognize the person behind the scenes who’s making it all possible: Scott Niven, The Stanwich Club’s long-tenured property manager. “I’m always happy to host a MetGCSA event,” says Scott, “when I can make the course available (which isn’t easy). In this case, I was pleased to hear that Albion had taken the initiative to volunteer Stanwich for this year’s Assistants Championship. Both he, and our other assistant, Dave Polvino, play a very important roll in our success here at Stanwich and will certainly make excellent superintendents in the near future. “Preparing for and hosting this event,” continues Scott, “will provide them with a valuable experience that will, no doubt, serve them well in their future golf course management endeavors. “I hope you all play well and enjoy the unique qualities of The Stanwich Club,” he adds. Living and Breathing Turf he says. “I enjoyed operating all the equip­ ment, from a triplex to a backhoe.” Once out of high school, he dug right in to his studies at URI. He continued working at West Warwick—until 1995, when he decided to expand his horizons by interning at Alpine Country Club in Cranston, RI. The next year, he interned at Stanwich, where he returned in ’97 as an assistant. ASkill-Building Experience “I am grateful for the experience and sup­ port Stanwich has given me,” says Albion, who’s quick to point out all he’s learned from his mentor, Scott Niven. One area where he feels he’s made great strides is his organizational skills. Says Albion, “I’ve learned to keep the grounds staff of 20 running pretty smoothly with little downtime. It helps, of course, that they’ve been around a long time and have had good training.” Albion also contends that his attention to detail has soared. “It’s amazing,” he says, ^ Tee to Green July/August 2001 “how much the little things really make a difference when it comes to the overall appearance of the course.” During Albion’s tenure, he’s also had the good fortune of seeing, firsthand, some weighty renovation work. First and fore­ most, the driving range has been trans­ formed into an admirably good practice facility, which starts with a one-acre grass tee, six target greens, and plenty of room to hit any club in the bag. Stanwich also sprung for a chipping green with a large bunker. “It really suits the membership well because a good portion are single-digit golfers who like to practice,” says Albion. Other, slightly less visible work has included replacing all the bunker sand—a project they completed last winter—and installing internal drainage in all the greens, which took three years from start to finish. “Working with Scott has taught me a great deal, not only about agronomics, but also about professionalism and diplomacy,” notes Albion, who acknowledges that these skills will go a long way toward positioning him for a superintendent’s slot one day. Country Club in Greenwich, CT, and three years later, he accepted his first superinten­ dent’s job at St. Andrews Golf Club in Hastings, NY. Next stop: the superinten­ dent’s job at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, NY, where he worked for two years until accepting his current position at Stanwich. Professional AHiliations Rounding out his professional experience, Scott has been a MetGCSA member for 25 years, serving as president in 1988 and 1989. Still actively involved in the association, Scott is currently a member of three Met committees: Awards, Long-Range Planning and Steering, and Communications, where he is a major contributor to the Tee to Green. Also actively involved in our national organization, Scott has served on numerous GCSAA committees and earned his CGCS status in 1985. Scott lives with his wife, Dana, and their two children, 11-year-old Nicholas and 10year-old Heather, on Stanwich grounds. Life Beyond Work In his free time, Albion enjoys working on his golf game—and watching the pros. He plays most of his golf right on his home turf, which has the added benefit of allow­ ing him to evaluate course conditions. But Albion does have a life beyond turf. He enjoys working out and visiting the ocean. And when the snow flies, he heads north with his girlfriend, Kate, to hit the trails with his board. How to Hit’Em His advice to fellow assistants teeing it up for the annual assistants event: Hit long and straight off the tee; watch out for the numerous greenside bunkers; and especially keep the ball below the hole! “With the severe undulations on the greens, twoputting is not all that easy,” Albion cautions. Good luck, and see you October 2! Eric O'Neill, last year's host of the Assistants Championship, is the assistant superintendent at Scarsdale Golf Club in Hartsdale, NY. Two-Ball Tourney Starting to Heat lip for Round Two! MetGCSA Championship Contested on \ew Turf Round One of our annual Two-Ball Tournament has been completed with some interesting results. The big surprise was the match between Severino/Zaletsky and Scheyhing/Martineau. The past champions fell 4 & 2 to the young bucks. Watch out for Severino/Zaletsky! In other matches, the Alonzi/Alonzi duo beat Carlone/O’Neill 3 & 2, which sets up a rematch of last years championship match with Cain/Wentworth. Sean and Jeff squeezed by Paul Gonzalez and Lou Quick 3 & 2, and Earl Millet and John O ’Keefe outlasted the stubborn Fulwiders lup after 19 holes. Here are the full results—along with the Round Two matches: Garrison Golf Club in Garrison, NY, proved to be a great venue for the first round of the MetGCSA Championship and the Met Area Team Championship Qualifier held on July 10. The Tournament Committee would like to thank our host superintendent, Rich Browne, for providing a fine playing field and the owners of Garrison Golf Club for their gracious hospitality. Despite the day’s hot, humid playing conditions, the following contestants emerged victorious in the meeting’s two events: (1) Bob Alonzi/Joe Alonzi vs. (8) Sean Cain/ JeffWentworth defeated (16)John Carlone/Tim O ’Neill 3& 2 (13)Tim Moore/Todd Polidor vs. (5) Earl Millett/John O ’Keefe defeated (4) Mike Reeb/GregWojick 4& 3 (6) Matt Severino/Bob Zaletsky vs. (3) Tim Garceau/Rich Browne defeated (11) Fred Scheyhing/Chuck Martineau 4 & 2 defeated (9) Paul Gonzalez/Lou Quick 3 & 2 defeated (12) Jim Fulwider/Jim Fulwider Sr. i up after 19 holes defeated (14) Jason Ziesmer/Glen Dube 1 up Individual Gross and Net Low Gross Winners 72 Jim Fulwider, Century Country Club (Even Par) 76 Shawn O ’ Sullivan, D. Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course 79 Earl Millet, Ridgeway Country Club (7) Bert Dickinson/Chip Lafferty defeated (10) Mike Miner/Jim Swiatlowski 1 up vs. (15)Mark Fuller/Shawn O ’Sullivan defeated (2) Bob DeMarco/Gary Arlio 1 up 63 Bob Zaletsky, New York Country Club 67 Tony Grasso, Metropolis Country Club Reminder: All Second Round matches—and all AF matches—should be completed by August 10. Tony Grasso, Metropolis Country Club Low Net Winners Longest Drive Closest to the Pin Will Heintz, Centennial Golf Club MetGCSA Championship, First Round Gross Flight 72 Jim Fulwider, Century Country Club 75 Bob Zaletsky, NewYork Country Club 76 Shawn O ’ Sullivan, D. Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course 79 Earl Millet, Ridgeway Country Club 79 Tony Grasso, Metropolis Country Club 82 Matt Ceplo, Rockland Country Club 82 Les Kennedy, Blind Brook Club 85 John Carlone, The Meadow Brook Club Net Flight 71 71 75 75 Mark Fuller, Connecticut Golf Club Todd Polidor, Heritage Hills Golf Club Rob Stienman, Beekman Country Club Glen Dube, Oak Hills Park Golf Club Tee to Green July /August 2001 o Member News MetGCSA Scholarships Awarded at Garrison he MetGCSA Scholarship and Research Committee awarded a record total of $10,000 in scholarships to 10 deserving members’ children at the July 10 Met meet­ ing at Garrison Golf Club. Scholarship funds are generated largely from the Annual Bill Caputi Scholarship Raffle, which has become an institution at our yearly Christmas party. The raffle was named in honor of Bill, who was superin­ tendent at Hampshire Country Club and died unexpectedly at a young age. Bill would have been proud to be associated with the fine group of students who have been awarded our scholarships over the years. The Scholarship Committee selects can­ didates based on their maturity, academic history, ambition, extracurricular activities, and effort exhibited in completing their application. Congratulations to this years scholarship recipients—and their parents: • Kelly Fuller, daughter of Kimberley Jones and Mark Fuller of Connecticut Golf Club, is entering her sophomore year at the University of Massachusetts with a major in Art and a minor in Art History. Kelly is a second-year scholarship recipient. • Elizabeth Maffei, daughter of Anne and Mike Maffei, superintendent at Back O ’Beyond, is a Brewster High School grad­ uate with plans to attend Fairfield University’s School of Business, majoring in Marketing. • Colleen Moore, daughter of Denise and Glenn Moore of Glenmore Landscape Services, is a Fox Lane High School gradu­ ate with plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as an Education major. • Meredith Moore, daughter of Beth and Tim Moore, superintendent at Knollwood Country Club, is entering her senior year at • Allison Alonzi, daughter of Judy and Plattsburgh State University with a major in Joe Alonzi, superintendent at Westchester Mass Communications. Meredith is a past Country Club, is entering her senior year at recipient of the award. the University of Connecticut in Storrs and is studying to become a registered dietician. • Adrienne O ’Keefe, daughter of Margaret and John O ’Keefe, superintendent • Amanda Jo Alonzi, daughter of Judy at Preakness Hills Country Club, is a and Joe Alonzi, superintendent at Wayne Valley High School graduate Westchester Country Club, is entering her with plans to attend Sacred sophomore year at the University of Heart University with a major Connecticut and is majoring in Special in English and English Education. Education. • Carly Amodio, daughter of Jean and Frank Amodio ofValleyView Greenhouses, will be a junior at Boston College, majoring in Human Development and Communi­ cations. Carly is a second-year scholarship recipient.• • Lauren Pakkala, daughter of Carole and Larry Pakkala, superin­ tendent at Woodway Country Club, will be entering her junior year at the University • Jennifer Apple, daughter of Donna and of Colorado, continu­ John Apple of Westchester Ford Tractor, ing her studies in Child completed her freshman year at Western Psychology. Connecticut State College and will begin her sophomore year at Lehigh University with a major in Psychology. Jennifer is a second-year scholarship recipient. o Tee to Green July /August 2001 Rockland Country Club Recognized for Environmental Excellence ongratulations to Rockland Country Club Superintendent Matt Ceplo for lead­ ing the effort necessary for his club to achieve designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System (ACSS), the educational division of Audubon International. Rockland Country Club is the 14th course in New York and the 317th in the world to receive the honor. “Rockland has shown a strong commit­ ment to its environmental program,” says Carol Thompson, staff ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System. “To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that it is maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a num­ ber of areas.” Among them: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Integrated Pest Manage­ ment, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management. “Our main goal is to show that the golf course is a great benefit to the community,” explains Matt of his environmental mind­ edness. “It has been a lot of fun working toward certification, and the membership has supported our efforts from the very beginning.” According to Matt, Rockland is currently reaping the rewards of their efforts. “We have more wildlife on the course than ever before,” he notes, “and by adding nest boxes, we were able to attract blue birds for the first time. As part of the program, we also installed an osprey nest box, but there have been no takers so far. “This is a great program,” Matt contin­ ues. “I recommend it to everyone.” New Members Please join us in welcoming the follow­ ing new members: • Nicholas Kovalycsik, Class D, Preakness Hills Country Club, Wayne, NJ • David Ryan, Class C, Sunningdale Country Club, Scarsdale, NY Members on the Move • Dennis Petruzzelli has joined the sales force at Metro Milorganite in Danbury, CT. Previous position: Super­ intendent at GlenArbor Golf Club, Bedford Hills, NY. • Ken Benoit is the new superinten­ dent at GlenArbor Golf Club, Bedford Hills, NY. Previous position: Assistant superintendent at Quaker Ridge Golf Club, Scarsdale, NY. Honors Congratulations to Peter J. Rappoccio, Class D member and son of Silver Spring Superintendent Peter R., on receiving a $2,500 scholarship award toward his edu­ cation at Virginia Polytechnical Institute and University. Peter J. is majoring in Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences with a turf management option. Retired Congratulations to longtime MetGCSA member Barry Petrasko, who has recently become a Class AL member, retiring as superintendent at South Pine Creek Golf Club in Fairfield, CT. Here’s to weekends off the rest of your life! Enjoy, Barry. Well Wishes We’d like to send well wishes to the fol­ lowing MetGCSA members and friends: • Mike Leary, superintendent, Bruce Memorial Golf Club, Greenwich, CT • Gerald Mahoney, MGA Director of Golf Programs In Memoriam We regret to announce the loss of long­ time Met member Mike Magarone, who passed away in May. A Life member, Mike was superintendent at the Milbrook Club in Greenwich, CT, for 25 years and a MetGCSA member since 1960. Our deepest sympathy to Mike’s friends and relatives. S* President’s Message continuedfrom page t were a dire need for research in a particular area, we could direct and support the research ourselves. This is basically what we did with the three-year moss research project headed up by Cornell University’s Dr. Frank Rossi. In this case, we joined forces with the Tri-State Turf Research Foundation to supply the funding necessary for what turned out to be a worthwhile endeavor. Moss sufferers now have a concrete plan of action for eradicat­ ing—and preventing—moss. Our Scholarship account is growing in much the same fashion. In fact, this year, we awarded $10,000 to 10 recipients, the most awarded in Met history. (See Member News, page 14.) Our annual Christmas Scholarship Raffle, in memory of Bill Caputi, also supports this fund. With the increasing number of Met members with young children and with college tuitions rising at alarming rates, this fund is well on its way to being a valuable source of assistance for more of our members. On Member Involvement Let’s face it, this is our association. If no one volunteers to help run it, it will fail. I am very fortunate to have been invited to become involved in the Met board at a very early stage in my career. I’ve enjoyed being involved so much that, 16 years later, I’m still on the board. I don’t plan to fade away after stepping down as president. I plan to stay involved on some level. My recommendation—if not plea—to all of you out there: Don’t wait to be invited to become involved. Call the chairman of a Met committee that most interests you, and volunteer to serve on that committee. You’ll be welcomed with open arms. Another option: Volunteer to host a meeting—even if the first date you can get at your club is two years down the road. At least this will give you plenty of time to prepare!! Also helpfukVolunteer to write an arti­ cle for the Tee to Green. I would love to see superintendents assign their assistants to write a brief article about an aspect of their operation. Perhaps there is something unique about your maintenance operation that could be shared in the Tee to Green. I think you all see my point: If everyone sat back and waited for someone else to do the work, it simply would not get done! I can truly say that my career has been more rewarding because of my involvement on the board. I have always felt at the forefront of the industry. I have made lifelong friends and gained valuable experience by interact­ ing with members of our allied professions. On Family The Social and Welfare Committee is spe­ cial to me because it was the first commit­ tee I chaired as a member of the Met board back in 1988. I sincerely believe our social events should be the best-attended events of any we host. The July issue of Golfdom published an article about balancing family life and career. This article reiterated what we all know to be true: Our career requires a lot of hours and hard slogging work that takes away from the time we can spend with our families. What better way to make up for some of that lost time than attending the Met social events! Now that the Family Picnic and Summer Social have come and gone, I look forward to seeing record crowds at our Christmas party on December 8 at Brae Burn. In the End The central issue is this: Is the MetGCSA a priority to you? I am not trying to say you should bleed MetGCSA blue and green. However, I truly believe you could reap several rewards in your professional and family life by being involved in the Met. John Carlone, CGCS President Tee to Green July /August 2001 Conidia o f Pyricularia gresea Getting Gray Leaf Spot Before It Gets Yon Tried-and-Tme Techniques for Fending O ff This Ferocious Fungus by Glen Dube most of us start to see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. The days get shorter. The nights get cooler. And the severe threat of disease just about vanishes. This was the case—nearly without exception—until a few years ago, when Pyricularia grísea suddenly made the scene. Better known as Gray Leaf Spot, this fungal nuisance was originally found only in the South’s St. Augustine grasses. Now, it’s made its way to the North, plaguing Met area superintendents who have significant stands of perennial ryegrass on their courses. Coveted for its quick germination rate and its high tolerance to heat, traffic, and low heights of cut, perennial ryegrass has been a staple in turf management practices for years. But its susceptibility to gray leaf spot has diminished the grass’s many advan­ tages and has caused us to rethink how we manage this once seemingly indestructible turfgrass. Infections usually occur from late August to the second or third week in September. And it’s viscous. Gray leaf spot can devastate a healthy stand of mature rye­ grass in three to five days and seedling rye­ grass in as little as 48 hours. Not unlike rabies in a human, once infection occurs, it’s too late. Curative control is very difficult, due to the prolific production of spores. And though preventive programs work, they can get very expensive. So where do we go from here? Fortunately, Dr. Bruce Clarke, plant pathol­ ogist at Rutgers University, can offer some insight. Then read on as local supers share their trials and triumphs in battling the disease. On the Research Front After researching gray leaf spot for several years, Dr. Clarke has found the strobilurons—e.g., Heritage and Compass—to be a superintendent’s best defense. “Thiophanate methyl—Cleary’s 3336— and the sterol inhibitors— e.g., Banner Maxx and Bayleton—also work well,” says Dr. Clarke, who adds that Daconil may be used on a preventive basis. Tee to Green July /August 2001 Gray leaf spot is already active in the Southern states. Mid-July, he says, is the time to start paying attention to the weather and any reports coming from the South on the disease’s northern migration. “Maintaining your brown patch pro­ grams should keep the inoculum in check,” notes Dr. Clarke, who’s quick to point out that cultural practices also play a large part in gray leaf spot prevention. “Grasses are most susceptible four to five weeks after germination,” he says. “The sec­ ond or third week of September is usually the waning cycle of the disease.” Because of this, Dr. Clarke recommends pushing back overseeding times to midSeptember. “We’ve found this to provide significant control in the past few years,” he says. Also key, in Dr. Clarkes book: Don’t overfertilize. “We recommend no more than 1/2 lb. of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. This rate is less likely to enhance the disease,” he explains. Another important finding: Water-solu­ ble nitrogen—at 3/4 lb.—tends to increase the disease more than slow-release fertilizers. What does the future hold in store for us? Rutgers researchers have been hot on the trail of resistant turfgrass varieties, col­ lecting grasses from Europe and the Far East. So far, Rutgers Turf Breeder Dr. Bill Meyer has found gray-leaf-spot-resistant selections in some ryegrasses from Europe. “These grasses are in the process of being backcrossed into more elite cultivars,” says Dr. Clarke, adding, “Right now we have small plots of these grasses to check overall quality. There should be a resistant cultivar in a cou­ ple of years.” The researchers’ next focus will be to study the impact that heat and drought have on gray leaf spot disease. So stay tuned. What’s Your Secret? We asked several area superintendents to share their “weapons of choice” in battling gray leaf spot. Arik Carlson, superintendent at The Patterson Club in Fairfield CT, has 30 to 70 percent ryegrass coverage on his fairways. “A few years ago, our intermediate and regular omino Events MetGCSA Meeting and Golf Events Poa Annual Tournament rough got hit pretty hard,” Arik explains. “The fairways were fine, but the rough was in bad shape. We preventively spray our intermediate rough to keep the disease JrQjn getting to our fairways. That seems¥ working. “We still use ryegrass on the Pa&3*t;eg t^es i and the driving range tee,” he continiSS»!}L “but we are using other species on th%|g^J£*?i course. When overseeding fairways we s^ed with bentgrass and sod with a blue; fescue mix.” Tracey Holliday, superintendent *^at * Sterling Farms Golf Course and toiiy'^ Girardi, superintendent at Rockri: Country Club, both in Stamford, CTRreijL ^ on disease model services to predict, the best** they can, when climatic conditiop% art; favorable for disease development. From ^ there, they can go out and treat this