December 1977

Published monthly by the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association

MEETING NOTICE:
Date: Thursday, January 12,1978
Place: Rye Golf Club
Lunch: 12 noon followed by General Business Meeting
MGCSA
Program: To be announced
Directions: Rye Golf Club is located on Route 1, Boston Post
Road about Vi mile from Town of Harrison. If you come off of
1287 take Route 1, South through the business district of Rye.
It’s about 2 miles South of the Town on your left.
COMING EVENTS:
January 8-12 Maryland Turfgrass Conference, Lanham
Inn, Lanham, Md.
January 9-12 The Garden Living Industries of Eastern
United States, Nurserymen’s Trade Expos­
tion, Concord Hotel, Kiamesha Lake, N.Y.
January 16-19 Penn State University Turf Conference, Uni­
versity Park, Pa.
January 27
USGA Green Section Turfgrass Conference,
Mark Hopkins Hotel, San Francisco, Calif.
February 12-17 49th International Turgrass Conference and
Show, San Antonio, Texas.
March 1-3
University of Mass Turf Conference and
Show.
MGCSA News:
I guess the question on everybody’s mind is where’s the
sunshine, the Indian summer of fall? It ended up as &record
month for rain, 12” plus in November. It certainly is a
challenge trying to get fall construction projects done. It is very
difficult to work with mud. Yes, it’s been a busy fall with our
Annual Meeting and Elections. Then came the MGA Presidents
council meeting in which the Golf Course Maintenance Survey
was reviewed. Ted Horton was on this panel. Let’s hope more
clubs can contribute to this survey next year. The more input
the more meaningful the survey will be for everybody. Then
we went right into the New York State Turfgrass Conference at
Albany New York. We didn’t have a very good representation
from the Metropolitan area. Things are on the upswing so
don’t miss it next year. John Sundhelm stepped down as
President and Mel Lucas Jr. is the new President of NYSTA.
Dr. Richard Smiley did one great job in pulling the green
industry together. Leaders from the New York State Turfgrass
Industry were brought together on two occasions in 1977. The

Vol. V II, No. 10

recent completion of the turf survey (which is written up in
detail in this issue) will go a long way to getting things moving
in many directions, all on the positive side. The NYSTA had an
excellent program. Pat Vittum, who is doing our research on
the hyperodes weevil, had some fantastic slides taken with a
Scanning Electronic Microscope. We also heard from the
Department of Environmental Conservation on the Mercury
situation. It is possible that we may have a hearing on the use
of mercury for snow mold control. Connecticut just got their
approval to use Mercury again. That means we are about the
only state in the USA that can’t use it.
Sherwood Moore finally got surprised. He was honored by
former students who are now Superintendents in the pro­
fession.
New Jersey Expo was another great conference. They had
over 900 registered. We saw both Bob DePencier and Vic
Cedrone who are doing just fine. Ted Horton gave a talk to the
landscape group on how to estimate a job. Yours truly was a
session chairman on fairway grasses and their maintenance.
Jack Ormond was posthumously honored to the New Jersey
Turfgrass hall of fame. Nobody deserved it more than he did.
Mike Meffei will never miss a drawing again. His name was
called for the door prize, a colored TV set, only Mike wasn’t
there so they just pulled another name. A1 Caravella also won a
calculator.

New York State Turfgrass Association Bulletin Board being
donated by MGCSA to NYSTA. Left to right, NYSTA President
John Sundholm, MGCSA President Ted Horton and Dr.
Richard Smiley of Cornell University.

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

Editorial Staff

Co-Editor
Co-Editor

OFFICERS
E d w ard C. H o rto n , W inged F o o t G o lf C lub
O ffice 9 1 4 -6 9 8 -2 8 2 7 , H om e 9 1 4 -9 3 7 -3 6 1 3
R o b e rt A lo n zi, B urn in g T ree C.C.
O ffice 2 0 3 -8 6 9 -5 7 7 9 , H om e 9 1 4 -9 3 7 -1 5 2 7
M ichael M affei, B ack o f B ey o n d G o lf C ourse
O ffice 9 1 4 -2 7 9 -7 1 7 9 , H o m e 9 1 4 -2 7 9 -7 8 9 5
J o h n T ra y n o r, W estch ester C o u n try C lub
O ffice 9 1 4 -9 6 7 -6 0 0 0 , H om e 2 0 3 -3 3 4 -7 3 5 9

Not copyrighted. If there is good here, we want to share it with
all chapters - unless author states otherwise.
If you are looking for turf conferences to attend. You can
probably go to one each week from January to March. Each
conference is getting bigger and you just wonder when regional
conferences will be developed. At any rate have a happy
holiday, best wishes for a good turf year in 1978. See you all in
San Antonio at the GCSA A International Turfgrass Con­
ference.
Garry N. Crothers

manager). Nothing is greater than pulling a complete surprise
on somebody and it couldn’t have happened to a more
deserving person. Sherwood has trained over 25 men in our
profession. We had an excellent roasting party with Jim
Fulwider pulling off a complete deadpan roast of Sherwood
with not one smile or positive statement. Ralph Engel had
some old slides, John Wistrand acted as MC. There were
telegrams from all over the country. Did you know that Bob
Williams, Mel Lucas Sr., and Geoffrey Cornish were all in the
same class at the University of Mass. Stockbridge school? Mr.
Albert Brown, Club President and Green Chairman at Wood­
way presented Sherwood with a blazer from the club bearing
the Wood way insignia. The club is very proud of what
Sherwood has done for them. Sherwood continues to bustle
with energy and enthusiasm. I guess he wrapped it all up by
saying “If you have a genuine love and enthusiasm for your
work you’re bound to be successful.’’
MGCS A Annual Meeting
The MGCSA had their annual meeting at Rye Golf Club on
November 11 hosted by Dick Gonyea.
All Committees gave their annual reports prior to elections.
Ted Horton’s Presidents Annual Report is in this issue.
We also were grateful for the $500. donation from the Conn
GCSA presented by Bob Phipps for the Hyperodes Research
Project.
The following offficers were elected for 1978
President—Ted Horton
Vice President—Robert Alonzi
Treasurer—John Traynor
Secretary—Mike Maffei
Directors elected—
2 year term
Mark Millett
Frank Bevelacqua
Sherwood Moore

Directors elected1 year term
John Hunt
John Muste

Sherwood and Marie Moore at dinner honoring Sherwood.

Sherwood Moore Honored
Sherwood Moore, who has been active in the MGCSA for
many years in just about every capacity, was honored and given
a surprise dinner by former students who are now golf course
superintendents or in related turf grass professions. Also in
attendance were some of his close friends. It was held at the
Hillandale C.C. where Larry Sheridan (A former student is

MGCSA New Officers and Directors: Frank Bevelacqua,
Treasurer John Traynor, Secretary Mike Maffei, John Hunt,
Mark M illett, Paul Caswell, Vice-President Robert Alonzi,
Garry Crothers, President Ted Horton, Sherwood Moore
and John Musto.

President Ted Horton has made the following Committee
assignments for 1978 which have been approved by the board.
If any member desires to serve on any particular committee
please contact the chairman of that committee he will be more
than willing to have you help him and participate.
Membership: Mike Maffei and Paul Caswell
Program: Robert Alonzi, Paul Caswell
Golf and Invitational: Frank Bevelacqua and Mark Millett
50-50 Raffle: John Hunt and Frank Bevelacqua
Public Relations & Rosters: Mark Millett and John Musto
Tee to Green: Garry Crothers, John Musto, Ted Horton
Christmas Party & Picnic: Paul Caswell and Sherwood Moore
Country Garden Show: Mark Millett
Welfare: Ted Horton and Pat Lucas
Scholarship and Research: Garry Crothers, Sherwood Moore,
John Traynor, Ted Horton
By-laws and Insurance: John Taynor, John Hunt, John Musto
Advisery: RayTwombly
Nominating: To be announced
GCSAA Delegate: Mike Maffei and John Traynor

All clubs who have contributed to date will receive an
updated report on the research done by Pat Vittum in 1977
along with a technical report from Dr. Tashiro for the
Superintendents. The two photos on the hyperodes weevil show
what kind of resources we have to work with in studying the
weevil. It may really be the breakthrough on 2nd generation vs.
a possible other species. We are fortunate to have someone as
dedicated as Pat Vittum working on this insect problem.
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MGCSA Research Fund and Report;
Please note that just recently you and your club officials may
have received a letter from the Research and Scholarship
Committee in regard to your 2nd payment of $200.00. Please
disregard this if you have already made your payment. This
was an error in mailing. The letter should have gone to all
clubs who contributed in 1976 but not 1977.

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On behalf of all the employees of the Magovern Company, we
wish all the Clubs and their staffs a very Merry Christmas
and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Again, as in the past, we are donating monies to the
Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association Research
and Scholarship Fund.
The Magovern Company, Inc.

HYPERODES UPDATE
I have been examining weevils at very high magnifications
using a scanning electron microscope. Below are two samples
of the photographs we can get with the microscope. The first
picture shows the head and thorax (“shoulder”) region of a
weevil—note the snout, antenna, and eye. We plan to use
pictures like this to compare the numbers of hairs and scales
on the thorax, to determine if there are two different species
involved. (Magnification 50X).
The second picture is a close-up of the eye of the weevil,
magnified 400X. This gives you an idea of the versatility of the
microscope—and the detail on the weevil!
Pat Vittum

Detailed photo of the eye of the hyperodes weevil.
photos by Pat Vittum

Our dear friend, the hyperodes weevil. . .his head, eye and
antenna taken with a Scanning Electric Microscope.

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APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

I hereby

apply

for membership

_______________________ Member.

in the

New York

State Turfgrass Association

Enclosed is $

as a(n)

dues or contribution for 1978.*

(choose from below)

Please mail all Association publications and correspondence to me at the following address:
PRINT Full Name

Street or P. O. Box

Telephone

City

State

Zip

The organization that has designated me representative and/or with which I am associated is:
Organization

Street or P.O. Box

City

State

Zip

of which I a m : _____________________________________________________________________
Official Title

Signed: ___________________________________________________________________________
* Return this portion with remittance to address above. Make check payable to New York State
Turfgrass Association.

Retain This Portion for Your Information
IN D IVID U A L Membership shall consist of all persons who desire membership but are not
associated with an organization sympathetic with the objectives of the Association. Individuals
shall be granted all privileges including voting and holding elective office. Annual dues for the
Individual Member are $20.00.
ORGANIZATION Membership shall consist of all clubs, firms or organizations which are in
sympathy with the objectives of the Association. The organization shall designate not more than
two representatives who shall have the same privileges as the Individual Member. Annual dues for
the Organizational Member are $50.00.
SUSTAINING Membership shall consist of any individual or organization wishing to demonstrate
dedication, commitment, and support of the objectives of the Association above and beyond the
requirements for membership. Sustaining members shall have the same privileges as the Individual
or Organizational Member. Sustaining members are invited to give a minimum annual donation of
$ 100 . 00 .
STUDENT Membership shall be extended to those persons who are enrolled full time in a
Turfgrass or related curriculum at an institution of higher education in New York State. Students
shall have all privileges o f the Individual Member but shall not pay dues, vote or hold elective
office. (See other side for certification.)

395

Mr. Albert Brown, President of Woodway C.C. presenting
Sherwood Moore with a club jacket.

Jim Fulwider, the biggest roaster in the East, giving
the one-two to Sherwood Moore.

Mr. Edward C. Horton, President
Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents’ Assoc.
Winged Foot Golf Course
Fenimore Road *
Mamaroneck, New York 10543
Dear Ted :
I want to thank you and the MGCSA for designing and
constructing the sign for the New York State Turfgrass
Association. The sign is very attractive and expresses the goals
of NYSTA. It will certainly be used at various conferences and
field days throughout the State. This is another significant
contribution to the support which will be needed by Cornell
University’s growing research and extension team.
We appreciate your cooperation and support.
Sincerely,
Richard W. Smiley
Assistant Professor and
Turfgrass Pathologist
Dear Ted:
I would like to take this opportunity for you to print in the
next Tee-To-Green, my invitation to all members of the
Metropolitan to visit Pinehurst and on their way south during
the next few months to either play golf or use our other
facilities or just rest.
Regards,
Robert DePencier
Golf Manager
Caddy Master Wanted:
Please contact Burning Tree C.C., Robert Alonzi, (203)
869-9004.
WANTED TO PURCHASE
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Please contact: Mike Russo at Lake Over Country Club
Phone: (914) 666-2921

1977 NEW YORK STATE TURFGRASS SURVEY
By Ted Horton, CGCS
Perhaps the single most important item presented at the
New York Turfgrass—Cornell Conference in Albany was a
summary of the New York State Turfgrass Survey information.
The presentation climaxed a great deal of time and effort
expended by Ms. Joann Gruttadaurio, Extension Support
Aide, Department of Floriculture and Ornamental Horti­
culture, Dr. Ernest Hardy, Senior Research Associate, Re­
source Information Laboratory, and Dr. Arthur Lieberman,
Professor, Department of Floriculture and Ornamental Horti­
culture—Cornell University. “Land Use and Natural Re­
source’’ (LUNR) Satellite inventory air-photos taken in 196869 were gathered to identify turfgrass areas of New York State.
With magnification of the air-photos (1/10”—1 Acre) each V
Acre could be examined to determine exact usage of the land.
Two objectives were kept in mind during the analysis:
1. to obtain data about the Turfgrass Industry in New York
State; and
2. to obtain cost information on the maintenance of Turf­
grass in New York State.
Diverse situations were categorized simply into: (1) highly
maintained Turfgrass and (2) roughly maintained Turfgrass.
All types of uses were considered including ground cover, soil
stabilization, industrial use, recreational purposes, field crop,
etc.
By obtaining help from local co-operators and field checking
information for accuracy all of the information was assigned to
locations on maps. Each and every house in New York State
was given a number and the amount of Turfgrass determined.
Areas were measured by a grid system and the measurements
then placed on topographical maps. A 94% accuracy was
ascertained by field checks.
The 1968-69 “LUNR” study provides a firm base figure
from which measurements can be updated each year. As new
houses are constructed, new parks created, new airports
developed, etc., the areas can be added to the base figures.
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Information from (1) Agricultural departments at Cornell
University, (2) Official and private sources such as Corps of
Engineers, National Council of Churches, National Golf
Foundation, New York State Golf Association and New York
State Cemetary Association, (3) New York State Agencies such
as Health, Education and Housing will be continuously
gathered to keep the results current.
The results of the survey indicated that the industry is far
more vast than expected. Land devoted to turfgrass in New
York State is determined to be:
Residential Use
763,437Acres
Commercial
667,792
Golf Courses
80,255
Sod Farms
5,675
Public Educational Facilities
45,385
Parks and Recreational Land
80,000
Highways
43,200
Health Facilities
5,000
Correctional Facilities
1,171
Military Facilities
2,034
Airports
29,518
In summary, of the total 30 Million Acres in New York
State, 1.1 Million Acres is devoted to Turfgrass. By compari­
son, all other crops only total 6.0 Million Acres. 14.3 Million
Acres remains as Forest Land.
What impact does the Turfgrass Industry have on the
economy of New York State? Using very conservative figures, it
was indicated that yearly expenditures to maintain New York

Turfgrass could be estimated as follows:
Category of Low
Turfgrass in Estimate
New York
(Millions
of $)
State
1.
Residential 191
2.
Industrial
24
Commercial 78
3.
4.
Public
21
314
Totals

High
Estimate
(Millions
of$)
382
38
114
62
596

It was pointed out that these expenditures represent ap­
proximately 2A of the amount spent on all agricultural crops in
New York State each year. Remember also, that a cost for
home labor has not been determined. All in all, it is now
apparent to many of us that Turfgrass has grown to perhaps
the single largest agricultural Industry in New York State.
What then do we do with this information? Could we not
request that our State University deploy more dollars in
Turfgrass research, instruction and extension to support our
Industry? Could we not unite together to form a strong
political voice for legislation pertinent to our industry’s needs?
Obviously the answers are in the affirmative! Reactivation of
the New York Turfgrass Association is underway and is a
positive step forward. But, this itself is not enough, it will
require additional members and strong dedicated individual
leadership. It can be done—let’s all help to do it!

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