Vol. V I, No. 4

Published monthly by the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association

MEETING NOTICE:
Date:
June 10,1976
Place:
Pelham Country Club
Luncheon: Available in grill room
Golf:
Superintendents Championship 1st round M.G.A.
Handicap or equivalent
Cocktails: 6 PM
Dinner: 7 PM
Program: Dr. Spence Davis, Rutgers University
CARE OF TREES AND ORNAMENTALS ON
THE GOLF COURSE
Host:
Terry Mulligan 914-738-2752
Directions: Take I 95 South to Exit 7. At bottom of ramp, turn
right. Take first left, (off of Boston Post Road, Route 1)
Wynnewood Road to Pelham Country Club.
Please Return Cards:
We are basically having good cooperation with the return
cards. There are still a few who show up without sending a card
or calling the host. It just makes it that much easier to plan for
the dinners and golf if we have an accurate count. The
manager of the club also appreciates it.
COMING EVENTS:
June 4-6
LPGA Girl Talk Classic, Wykagyl C.C., Allyn
Smith, Supt.
June 23
Rutgers Turfgrass Research Day
July 15-18 Westchester Classic, Bob DePencier, Supt.
July 27
M.G.C.S.A. Superintendents—Class B and C
Championships, Winged Foot Golf Club
July 28
University of Mass Turf Field Day
August
M.G.C.S.A. picnic and softball game. Date to
be announced.
August 25 Rhode Island Turfgrass Field Day
September 30 M.G.C.S.A. Invitational. The Apawamis Club
October
Club to be announced
November 18 M.G.C.S.A. annual meeting
December 18 M.G.C.S.A. Christmas Party
M.G.C.S.A. NEWS:
Our May meeting with Conn GCSA turned out to be a big
success. We had 125 plus for dinner and over 70 for golf. I^aul
Caswell, host, hustled and everything went well. We haxl the
University people well represented with Dr. Richard Skogley
from Rhode Island (Paul is a R.I. graduate), Ralph Engel from
Rutgers, and our guest speaker Dr. A1 Turgeon (did his under­
graduate at Rutgers under Ralph Engel.) Paul had the greens

May, 1976

nice and tight so the scores zoomed up. It certainly was a fun
day. The manager Mr. Wilson, along with Jerry Coats, PGA
golf Professional, and his staff gave us their all.
M.G.C.S.A. Research Fund continues to grow. So lets keep
the donations coming in. Those clubs who to date have not
given will be receiving a letter addressed to the President of
the club asking for support. It was mentioned by Dr. A.V.
Virtuoso at the recent Presidents Council meeting sponsored
by the MGA.
Dr. A1 Turgeon gave his usually excellent presentation on
Biological and Chemical Control of Fusarium Roseum. He
certainly put some new thoughts to consider in the control
other than relying entirely on chemicals.
Congratulations to Harry Nichol on becoming Superin­
tendent of the Country Club of Darien. Ted Horton had his
recent article, “The Golf Course Superintendent, A Per­
spective” published in several newsletters; Hudson Valley and
Georgia. Glad to hear A1 Radko is back to work.
SPECIAL NOTICE—Allyn Smith informed us that all
M.G.C.S.A. members may receive a complimentary ticket to
the up and coming Girl Talk Tournament from June 3-6 at the
Wykagyl Country Club by showing your current National or
Local membership card.
STOLEN EQUIPMENT—Dick Allen had two fairway units
with pull frames stolen from his golf course. The units were
parked in the center of the course.

Al Turgeon — Program Speaker

Garry Crothers
Ted Horton
President:
First Vice
President:
Second Vice
President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:

Editorial Staff

Co-Editor
Co-Editor

OFFICERS
Garry N. Crothers, Apawamis Club
Office 914-967-2100, Home 914-234-3770
Robert DePencier, Westchester C.C.
Office 914-967-6000, Home 203-531-9780
Charles Martineau, Whippoorwill C.C.
Office 914-273-3755, Home 914-428-3826
Richard Gonyea, Rye Golf Club
Office 914-835-3205, Home 914-835-3204
Robert Alonzi, Burning Tree C.C.
Office 203-869-5779, Home 914-937-1527

Not copyrighted. If there is good here, we want to share it with
all chapters - unless author states otherwise.
M.G.C.S.A. Directory:
The directory has been completed in looseleaf form. It is
available to all members for a fee of $3.00. The by-laws are
included. The M.G.C.S.A. Directory will be good for many
years as we will replace pages only as changes occur. There will
be no additional expense. We will list all future meeting dates,
officers each year, along with committee chairman. Chuck
Martineau has the directory’s. Please contact him at 273-3755
if you want to purchase one. He also will bring copies to the
monthly meetings.
Certification: It hasn’t been officially announced at the
M.G.C.S.A. meeting but Congratulations are in order for
Chuck Fatum who successfully passed his certification
examination at the National conference. Lets hope more
fellows take the exam this coming year. Any information in
regard to Certification please contact Garry Crothers.

1st Prize — Low Gross — Dave Roule, left, and Kay Ovian,
winner, on right.

Greenwich C.C. Golf Triumvirate — William Loweth, Green
Chairman; Paul Caswell, Golf Course Superintendent and
Jerry Coats, PGA Professional.

Welfare:
Keep us informed. Call Dick Gonyea 914-835-3205, Dan
Cancelled 914-667-3737 or Roger Morhardt 914-279-7181 with
any information which you think should be shared.
Ray Henshaw is recovering nicely from a recent automobile
accident.
MEMORIAM
Daniel R. Silvar, better known to those who knew him as
“Dick” passed away on May 7, 1976 from a heart attack at age
46. He was the superintendent at Pinehurst, in Southern Pines
N.C. Previously he had been at the Baltimore Country Club
and the Knickerbocker C.C. in Englewood N.J. He gave talks
at many conferences including the National and USGA. He
was an outstanding superintendent as well as a wonderful
person. We extend to his wife Betty, and his immediate family,
our extreme sympathy. He rests in the great green pasture, we
will miss him.
1976 RUTGERS TURFGRASS RESEARCH DAY
Date —
Wednesday, June 23,1976
10:00 a.m. — Adelphia Research Center, Adelphia, N.J.
12:30 p.m. — Lunch, Ryders Lane Turfgrass Research Center,
North Brunswick, N.J.
1:30 p.m. — Tour plots at Ryders Lane Turfgrass Research
Center
Anyone interested in turf and turfgrass research develop­
ments is welcome.
DIRECTIONS — For Adelphia, N.J., follow Rt. 9 on 524 (3
miles south of Freehold Circle). One-half mile east on 524, left
at sign onto Hall Mills Rd. for a fraction of a mile. Entrance to
Research Center on your right. Ryders Lane Turfgrass
Research Center in North Brunswick off Route 1. Ryders Lane
is the first cloverleaf intersection south of Rt. 1 and Rt. 18
(near Exit 9—N.J. Turnpike). The Center is to your left when
traveling south on Rt. 1, and to your right when traveling north
(signs for Milltown and East Brunswick via Ryders Lane.)
Enter the Center cautiously at first or second left (a few
hundred yards from Rt. 1).

METROPOLITAN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS
ASSOCIATION RESEARCH FUND REPORT
To date the following clubs individuals and commercial
firms have supported the M.G.C.S.A. Research Fund. This
money will be used to underwrite Research by the Entomology
Department of Cornell University on the Hyperodes Weevil
and the Dung Beetle.
Clubs:
The Apawamis Club
Blind Brook Club
Bonnie Briar Country Club
Burning Tree Country Club
Century Country Club
Country Club of Darien
Elmwood Country Club
Fenway Country Club
Fresh Meadow Country Club
Innis Arden Country Club
Knollwood Country Club
Metropolis Country Club
Old Oaks Country Club
Quaker Ridge Country Club
Ridgeway Country Club
Rockrimmon Country Club
Piping Rock Club
Rockland Country Club
Round Hill Club
St. Andrews Golf Club
Scarsdale Golf Club
Silver Springs Country Club
Sunningdale Country Club
Waccabuc Country Club
Wee Burn Country Club
Whippoorwill Club
Winged Foot Golf Club
Woodway Country Club
Wykagyl Country Club
Sleepy Hollow Country Club
Sterling Farms Club

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Individual Class A, B & C Members:
Garry Crothers
Edward Consolati
Robert DePencier
Robert Capstick
Charles Martineau
Tony Savone
Robert Alonzi
Benjamin Zukosky
Allan Tretera
Al Moore
Mike Maffei
Thomas A. Grywalski
Richard Gonyea
Michael Jacques
Sherwood Moore
Robert Phipps
Edward Horton
Thomas F. Grywalski
Terry Boles
Gene Grady
Dan Vernile
Phil Santucci
Louis Vernile
Roger King
Angelo Gagliardo
Richard Alien
Joe Camberato
John Wistrand
Michael Dale
Tony Grasso
Roger Harmonay
Bill Somers
Ted Jozwick
We would like to thank those who have given and hope that
more clubs and individuals will support this much needed
research project.
Sincerely,
Research Committee
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“WHAT’S NEW IN POA ANNUA CONTROL?”
Research Review by Wayne C. Morgan
Yes, another report on the control of Poa Annua! After the
many volumes that have been written on this serious pest and
its control, one could wonder if there is anything new. After
witnessing the results of work done by Dr. Roy Goss and Tom
Cook at Washington State at Puyallup, the answer is yes. Mr.
Cook presented some very valuable information on their
results in the December 1975 issue of Northwest Turfgrass
Topics.
Before explaining our progress this year, I feel it’s important
to set the stage and explain the general approach we feel is
necessary to control Poa annua in the Pacific Northwest.
To be exact the problem isn’t that we can’t control Poa
annua, we can, the real problem lies in developing a
comprehensive cultural program that will enable people in the
field to eliminate Poa annua without drastic measures. In
simpler terms we need to develop a situation where bentgrass
can live and Poa annua cannot. Because of our peculiar
climate with its mild winters and generally cool summers this is
not an easy problem to solve. Nevertheless, considerable
progress has been made in the last ten years.
One big breakthrough in cultural control has been Dr.
Goss’s sulfur fertilization work. Specifically, he has found
that levels and balance between N,P, and S strongly influence
the amount of Poa annua that can survive in Astoria colonial
bentgrass putting turf grown in a fine sandy loam soil. When N
was applied at rates of 6-12 lb/1000 stimulated both bentgrass
and Poa annua with no reduction in Poa annua levels. This
work indicates there is a critical level of S which must be
reached and we suspect that level will be influenced by soil
texture. New work with sulfur will be launched in 1976 to learn
more about sulfur effects on sand base putting turf. The
important point right now is that we can influence Poa annua
by manipulating our fertility program. Additional research is
currently under way to determine the influence of other
cultural practices such as modified topdressing programs. We
also hope to initiate research in 1976 on improved methods of
overseeding to increase the chance of successful establishment.
Another breakthrough in recent years has been the
development of safe and effective pre-emergence herbicides. In
putting turf these chemicals can be used to prevent infestation
by Poa annua. In older turf they can be used to stop further
spread. Based on work done by Dr. Goss on Highland colonial
bentgrass putting turf, it is clear that Poa annua can actually
be eliminated from putting turf by use of pre-emergence
chemicals alone. For instance, when bensulide was applied at a
level of 12 lb ai/acre in the fall followed by 3 lb ai/acre every
three months, Poa annua was nearly eliminated from putting
turf over a five year period. Under test condition with turf
growing on a fine sandy loam soil no apparent reduction in
rooting occurred during this time. Single applications of
bensulide at 12 lb ai/acre applied in the fall were not
successful in reducing Poa annua. The reduction in Poa annua
from annual repeat applications may indicate some post­
emergence activity from the bensulide since a recent survey
found that nearly all Poa annua types in putting turf in western
Washington are perennial types.

So far, the missing link in Poa annua control has been the
lack of a selective post-emergence herbicide. A good
post-emergence chemical could help reduce the need for
annual repeat applications of pre-emergence herbicides. Used
in concert with fertilizer and pre-emergence programs it could
speed up the transition period a great deal. In large areas
where pre-emergence control might be too expensive a
combined program using altered fertility and post-emergence
control might be the best alternative. One instance where
post-emergence control would not be desirable is where the
turf is nearly all Poa annua. On the other hand if an effective
means for Poa annua control is devised, people with Poa
greens might be encouraged to replace them with improved
bentgrass knowing Poa annua could be kept out later. In my
mind there is no question that a good post-emergence
herbicide could aid the cause greatly.
Like many things this appears to be a case where we have the
technology but need to learn the best way to use it. A good
example is the herbicide “Endothal.” Tests going back to the
early 1950’s clearly show Endothal has potential for selective
Poa annua control. Some of the best work with Endothal was
done by McMaugh (1970) in Australia. He found it relatively
safe and effective when used at low rates on colonial and
creeping bentgrass. All his tests were done in mild weather
with temperatures below 70°. Around the same time Turgeon
(1972) used Endothal on both Kentucky bluegrass and
creeping bentgrass. His results were complicated by rates and
seasonal influences. The key in his work seems to be the effect
of summer heat stress on plant response to the herbicide.
Turgeon went so far as to establish the basis for selectivity
which he determined to be greater absorption of Endothal by
Poa annua and greater sensitivity of photosynthesis and
respiration to Endothal. As McMaugh had done earlier, he
noted that annual biotypes were easier to control than
perennial types.
Tests in 1975 were conducted on various turfs containing
Kentucky bluegrass, red fescue, colonial bentgrass and
creeping bentgrass. All tests on bentgrass were conducted on
putting turf and all bluegrass and red fescue tests were on

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l-lVi inch turf. Five separate rate tests were conducted
between April and October. From these tests at least three
rates warrant more testing on the bentgrasses and the
bluegrasse. However, nearly all rates caused severe phyto­
toxicity to red fescue.
No seasonal effects were observed on putting turf in 1975, a
year marked by mild temperatures. However, in bluegrass the
best results came from midsummer and fall applications, times
when the bluegrass is slow t initiate growth in early spring and
Endothal applications are less effective then. In fact repeated
application in the spring caused thinning of the bluegrass turf.
Three different tests were conducted to determine the effects
of repeat applications on selective control. Low rates were
ineffective even when repeated as many as five times at two
week intervals. Higher rtes that caused selective injury to the
Poa annua initially, caused increasing injury to all grasses with
more than one application. Intermediate rates resulted in best
control from 2-4 repeat applications. Red fescue could survive
only one or two applications of rates that were safe on the other
grasses.
In late summer, tests were initiated to determine among
other things the best sequence for combined treatments of
bensulide and Endothal. Plots receiving bensulide first
followed by three repeats of Endothal showed better control
than plots treated first with Endothal and then bensulide.
There was some indication of an interaction between bensulide
and Endothal that varied with time between applications.
In late summer, one test was run at a local golf course on a
green in play. Results were encouraging since selectivity proved
to be excellent. Endothal applications at that time caused
slight lightening in bentgrass color but full color returned
within a week. Good Poa annua control was observed in this
test.
What does all this mean? First, there is little question that
use of Endothal can result in selective removal of Poa annua
from both bentgrass and bluegrass turf. Next, valuable
information was gained in 1975 concerning effective rates and
proper timing of applications. The value of an integrated
GREEN H O U SE

•

program using both pre- and post-emergence herbicides in
tandem was demonstrated. Finally, many questions were
uncovered concerning the best interval between applications,
the effects of Endothal on young turf, and the selectivity on
other grasses such as perennial ryegrass. The list goes on
and on.
It is premature at this time to discuss specific rates or
programs for applying Endothal; but if all goes well in 1976,
we may be able to offer a tentative program for use on various
types of lawn and golf turf. We would prefer to delay this until
more detailed information can be gained, however.
I feel strongly that we’ve made solid gains in the first year of
this expanded program. Since this program is not funded by
the legislature, our survival is solely dependent on the people in
the field who receive the benefits of our work. If you feel
strongly about the role of research in turf management, please
urge your club or organization to contribute to our research
fund. This program can survive only as long as you support it.

Bob Osterman, left, and Dave Roule, right —
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i ami f siim u , me.

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SOME EFFECTS OF FALL FERTILIZATION
By D. Thomas Duff—Univ. of Rhode Island
Fertilization programs for the production of high quality
turf have received a great deal of attention.
Most researchers agree that there are certain things your
fertilization programs should and should not do.
Any fertilization program should: 1) increase topgrowth
without excessive stimulation of vertical shoot growth; 2)
promote good turf color; 3) stimulate root growth; 4) increase
the grasses’ ability to carry out photosynthesis; and 5) take
advantage of seasonal labor and soil conditions for
application.
On the other hand, fertilizer applications and the timing of
these applications should not: 1) lead to excessive growth and
mowing; 2) reduce cold tolerance; 3) reduce drought tolerance;
and 4) reduce traffice tolerance.
Early studies indicated that fertilizer applications during the
autumn fulfill a major part of these criteria. Further research
at the University of Rhode Island by Ledeboer and Skogley
showed that fall fertilization resulted in earlier spring greenup
than late summer applications.
Turf fertilized in mid-November attained an attractive green
color as much as four weeks earlier than turf fertilized the
previous summer. And although the turf became green earlier,
the grass required mowing only about a week earlier than grass
fertilized in the summer.
Young tillers are produced profusely with fall fertilization
but they remain small. In addition, there is more uniformity
with fall fertilized grass, in terms of seasonal growth rate.
Two studies, one by Hanson and Juska and the other by
Powell, Blaser and Schmidt, showed that fall application of
nitrogen fertilizer increased root growth during the fall to
spring period. Thus, green color was attained earlier, topgrowth was more uniform and root growth was greater. The
increased tillering and good root growth helped provide a
denser turf in spring which helped reduce annual weeds.
Studies on the effect of fall fertilization on the cold
resistance of Kentucky bluegrass turf have been reported by
Wilkinson and Duff. They found that any fertilizer application
program which maintained turf color longer into the fall

reduced the inherent cold resistence of grass crown tissue.
However, the relation between the laboratory methods used
and actual field conditions remain unknown.
No winter kill was observed in any of the treatments, even
when one series of plots received 6 pounds of soluble nitrogen
per 1000 square feet of turf from October 1 to December 15.
Other workers have also reported that excessive nitrogen does
not result in winter kill of turf.
No studies have been reported on the effect of fall
fertilization on drought or traffic tolerance. It seems
reasonable, however, that if root growth and tiller formation
are increased, as has been reported, then tolerance to drought
and traffic should also be improved.
Timing of fall fertilizer applications will vary from one area
to another. At Kingston, where the climate is moderated by
ocean breezes, the best result have been obtained when
fertilizer was applied about mid-November.
Credit: The Hudson Valley FOREGROUND, May 1976

Stewart Walker, right, Blue Hills Golf Club, raffle winner and
Jerry Coats, left, PGA Professional, Greenwich C.C.

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FUSARIUM BLIGHT—THE TWO APPROACH SYSTEM
By Ted Horton

The large turnout for the joint Metropolitan and
Connecticut Golf Course Superintendents, Association meet­
ing at the Greenwich Country Club could in part, be attributed
to the quality of the education program presented at the
meeting. We are proud that Dr. A1 Turgeon grew up in our
area and are not hesitant to point out that he interned at the
Metropolis Country Club under the guidance of one of our
best—Bruno Vadala. But, our loss of Dr. Turgeon to Illinois
has been a gain to all of us, as was illustrated when he
presented his “comprehensive research approach” to the
Fusarium Blight problem of Bluegrasses.
Dr. Turgeon noted that he was in fact a weed specialist and
not a turf pathologist and would therefore deal with principles
and attitudes in his discussion of this turfgrass disease so
destructive of the bluegrasses. Suggesting that we start by
looking at the symptoms of the disease, he pointed out that the
best known characteristic was the “frog-eye” pattern. But
typical symptoms are not always seen and we therefore should
look for the causal organism shown by foliar symptoms such as
“gouged, deteriorated leaf sections at the perifery of the
diseased area.” Most critical to proper diagnosis, Dr. Turgeon
noted, was that “we have to get down on our hands and knees
for proper identification.” Discovery of the disease should not
incite us to panic. “More often than not,” Dr. Turgeon empha­
sized, “more harm is caused by treatments which were not
properly thought out.”
Prepare to control the disease by considering the total
picture—perhaps employing the “two-approach system”
utilized by Dr. Turgeon in “Turfgrass Research Orientation,”
which he outlined for us as follows:
I. The Fundamental Approach

Selection
1. Breeding^— —Mutation
Hybridization
^V arieties
2. Evaluation— -Blends
Mixtures

II. The Environmental Approach

1. Establishment /

Soil Preparation

Planting Techniques
Heights
Clippings
Intensity
Frequency

^/Quantity

4. Fertilization \
5. Cultivations

Timing
/Thatch

Compaction
„Herbicides
6. Pesticides ^ Fungicides
Insecticides
7. Soil pH ----- - Liming

Applying the Fundamental Approach to the Fusarium
Blight Disease, Dr. Turgeon suggested that we should use the
cultivars that are least affected by the disease. “Develop
strength within the turfgrass community by using strong
resistant cultivars which will result in less reliance on the other
management procedures for control of the disease.” Some of
the Bluegrass Varieties showing resistance to Fusarium Blight
were then noted; Warren’s A20 and A34, Adelphi, Baron,
Bonnie Blue, Galazie, Glade, Magestic and Touchdown to
name a few. Dr. Turgeon then suggested that perhaps the
addition of the Perennial Rye such as Pennfine, Manhattan or
NK100 could be beneficial in the mixture as there has been no
noted Fusarium Blight on the Ryes to this date. It was
illustrated that by utilizing various mixtures of resistant and
non-resistant grasses, the total disease incidence was reduced
beyond what could normally be expected.
Discussing the second, or Environmental Approach to
Fusarium Blight Control, Dr. Turgeon suggested that changes
could be made to minimize the effect of the disease:
1. Seed or sod bed preparation was briefly discussed and it
was noted that a “properly prepared planting bed will yield
better resistance to the disease in the long run.” Sod
establishment appears enhanced by the use of “soil-less
sod”—a process of washing the soil from the sod before
shipping. Faster rooting results in good integration of the grass
plant and the soil site. The “interface effect” so often noted in
sodded areas, would be eliminated.
2. Proper mowing is essential! Clippings appear to result in a
higher incidence of the disease. As a result, in highly fertilized
turf, remove clippings if possible.
3. Control watering practices. Relatively frequent but care­
ful irrigation seemed to help reduce the disease severity.
4. Fertility is important, and the incidence of the disease in
August appears proportional to the amounts of soluble
Nitrigen applied in April and May.
5. Cultivation to reduce thatch appears important. Crowns
of grass plants found above the soil surface, shortened
rhizones, and roots growing in the thatch itself all appear to
increase disease and insect problems. Dr. Turgeon noted the
incidence of disease was not always proportional to the amount
of thatch. Some of the varieties of Kentucky Bluegrass that are
most thatch prone are sometimes less susceptible to the
disease. But within the varieties susceptible to Fusarium Blight
the severity of the disease is greatened by thatch. Furthermore,
the disease was shown to be more severe on areas of heavy
compaction.
6. Control of the disease with fungicides is not clearly
understood. Perhaps there is a strain of the disease showing
resistance to the systemic chemicals. However, according to
Dr. Couch’s Textbook—“Diseases of Turfgrasses,” “for most
effective control of Fusarium Blight, spray 1000 square feet
with 6 gallons of water containing 5-8 ounces benomyl 50%
WP. The fungicide application should be made immediately
after the first occurrence of night temperatures that do not
drop below 70° F. The total amount of benomyl applied to the
turfgrass within one calendar year should not exceed 8
ounces.”
7. The relationship between soil pH and disease incidence

has not been researched but Dr. Turgeon suggested that soil
acidity should be kept in the proper range for most efficient
turfgrass growth.
In summarizing, after a period of discussion, Dr. Turgeon
emphasized that “control of the disease was important since
the voids created by the blight were almost always filled with
weeds.” Noting that research on the disease had been
escalated, he cautioned that “we must keep abreast with the
current literature.”
It was an interesting subject, aptly presented by a great
professional—and well appreciated by the audience. Thank
you Dr. Turgeon. Also, I would like to express the
membership’s appreciation to the program committee for their
commendable efforts to present us with quality educational
sessions.

PITY THE POOR STUDENT
When was the last time you hired a turf student—Mr.
Superintendent? I am not speaking of the summertime person
that is gone in the fall. I am speaking about the turf school
graduate. Many of us have hired summertime placement
students from turf schools, but these individuals leave to go
back to school and don’t present a problem to us as far as
having to lay them off for the winter. The turf school graduate
is another problem. Consider what you have done for that
summer student. You have helped to well round his education
by giving him some valuable field experience. You have given
him a little more attention and responsibility than the average
crewman. You have made him want to be a superintendent of
his own course some day. You have imparted some of your
knowledge to him and in return you have had some more
technically oriented labor. Now it is one year later and you
have a turf school graduate at your door. What now—Mr.
Superintendent? What are you going to do for that kid you
encouraged last year? What if you had two or three of the
students? Are you going to hire this technician in May and lay
him off next winter? Unless you are looking for an assistant,’or
planning to build a smaller full time crew from students, you
have a problem. It is not feasible to keep these students all year
unless you have room or a large budget. You probably already
have the nucleus of a good crew that’s been with you for some
time. You have just burst that kid’s bubble.
Maybe we as superintendents could help to relieve this
situation by reviewing our position on hiring students. Ten
years ago the industry was screaming for qualified people to
maintain golf courses. Those of us coming out of school back
then had unlimited opportunities. This is not the case today.
For the last 10 years many colleges have been pumping out turf
students and now the supply far exceeds the demand. For
example, out of eleven students graduating from the two year
program at the University of Maryland, only two have jobs as
assistants or better. As we all know, the Superintendents
Association aids deserving students by awarding scholarships.

We also give many dollars to fund turf research and create a
better atmosphere for our students. What can we as
superintendents do to help ease this frustrating situation for
the students? This is a very good question with very few good
answers. The next time a young person comes to you for advice
on a Golf Course Superintendent’s career, be honest with him
and yourself. Sure, you love your field of endeavor, you’d have
to, to stay in this business, but think before you talk. Don’t
build this kid up for what might be a big let down. When you
talk to this young person, don’t tell just the good parts, point
out to him that the bad days sometimes out number the good.
Tell him that a good portion of your life is spent on that golf
course and that its a truly dedicated person that becomes a
superintendent. If possible, have this individual work with you
before he enters school. Check out his working habits, see if
he’s got what it takes. Be honest with him, if you have any
doubts about him, discuss it with him. This business isn’t for
just anyone. If he’s not ready, tell him; you will be doing him a
favor. If you really think he’s ready, push him, he’ll overcome
any obstacle if he really wants it.
The only good way to stop the overcrowding is to encourage
the exceptional individual.
Wayne Evans
Credit: “Mid-Atlantic Newsletter,” April 1976

Paul Caswell, right, G olf Course Superintendent, Greenwich C.C.,
listens attentively to W illiam Loweth, Green Chairman.

It’s g o o d ! Pick it u p l

It’s tetter than g o o d -it's great!
USS vertagreen Tee-Green
Technical Turf Fdodis designed
and formulated specifically fdr
proper fertilization of golf course
tees, greens, and aprons. It has
an analysis of 16-4-8, and half
♦of the available nitrogen is
■ from urea-formaldehyde.
And here’s another thing that
makes it great—the uniform
particle size* assures an even
spreadability. This means the
granules will work their way
down through the grass evenly,

before your mower picks them
up. Also, uniform particle size
provides for & more consistent
feeding. r ,
When you consider that US6
Vertagreen Tee-Green Technical
Turf Food also contains guaran­
teed amounts of important
secondary and micro-nutrients,
you’ll" see it all adds up to a
premium product. See your
Vertagreen distributor, and he’ll
tell you how you can pick it
up —it’s good!

^Screen sizing: 90% Minus 10
Plus 20 Mesh U.S. Sieve
P.O. Box 1685, Atlanta. Ga. 30301

M.G.C.S.A.
Box 37
Rye, New York 10580
First Class
M E L V I N Ü LUCAS UR
GARD! N ( I TY GOL ( Cl UB
3 IS
I LWAR I AVI.
GARDEN C I T Y NY
II'. 0

A

April showers
May flowers
and a lot of
fungal adivity

ANDREW WILSON INC.

DISTRIBUTORS FOR
JOHNS-MANVILLE IRRIGATION
PIPE-FITTINGS - CONTROLLERS - SPRINKLERS
SALES • SERVICE • DESIGN

1170 U S. Route 22 West
Mountainside, New Jersey 07092
(201) 654-5800
Sales Representative —Bob Lippman (914) 248-5790

The same conditions that
open the door to leafspot,
dollarspot and melting-out.
Start right after first mowing
to apply Acti-dione TGF reg­
ularly. See us for help in
spring disease control.

The New
Sticker-Extender
That Prolongs Pesticide
Effectiveness.
There’s no doubt that today’s pesticides do an everbetter job in fighting turf and plant problems. And there’s no
doubt that Exhalt 800 Sticker-Extender prolongs that
effectiveness. Gives you longer action. Prevents wash-off. Cuts
your costs substantially over a season.
Exhalt 800 encapsulates and holds pesticides where
you want them— on the turf and plant foliage. It flexes with
leaf growth, for longer action. Even if it rains an hour after
application you still get full extender activity! Full pesticide
effectiveness.

Simple and economical to use. A pint per 100 gallons
of solution. Readily water-soluble, just add while agitating and
keep agitating during use. Rinses out easily using just water;
residue will not clog.
Exhalt 800 is the new way to stop pesticide wash-off.
To prevent pesticide build-up in the soil. To keep costly
pesticides working longer on plants and turf. To cut down the
labor costs of more frequent applications.
Find out more. Write for our literature. Distributed

by Andrew Wilson, Inc., Union, New Jersey.

@ Exhalt800
Kay-Fries Chemicals, Inc. Crop Protection Division Stony Point, N.Y. 10980