July 1978 Published monthly by the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association MEETING NOTICE: Date: August 7 Labriola Memorial Tournament, (sponsored by MGCSA) Proceeds go for The MGCSA Research and Scholarship Fund Place: Whippoorwill Club Host: Charles Martineau Golf: All day long. Sign up for starting times. Golf prizes for low net, low gross. Lunch: Available in grill (buffet) Cocktails: 6-7 PM Dinner: 7 PM Program: Awarding of golf prizes— Date: Place: Host: Program: August 14, MGCSA Picnic Woodway Beach Club, Darien, Conn. Sherwood Moore Tennis, Volleyball, swimming COMING EVENTS: July 26 August 4 U Of Mass Field Day Cornell Turf Field Day Cornell University Turf Research Plots August 4-5 USGA Curtis Cup—The Apawamis Club MGCSA members will be able to have free passes upon showing membership cards at the Will Call Desk August 14 Family picnic MGCSA August 16-17 Penn State Turf Field Days August 23 Rhode Island Turf Field Day September 19 MGCSA Invitational Sunningdale G.C. October MGCSA meeting to be announced November Annual meeting December 2 MGCSA Christmas Party, Greenwich, Conn. MGCSA News: It must have been the 4th of July lag. We had a light turnout for golf at St. Andrews. We did have 75 for dinner. Phil Santucci had his pump house burn down with not only the old pump but also the new, so his water supply was limited. The winter ice damage was still bothering i few holes on the front side but the backside had some beautiful turf with a lot of bent in the fairways. You certainly can never forget the 5th hole. It looks like you are hitting 300 yds. down and 300 yds. out. 115 steps down. Fortunately you don’t have to climb that hill. Mel Lucas Jr. spent considerable time in the club house studying all the old clubs, balls, etc. They are dis­ Vol. V III, No. 6 played throughout the clubhouse. The history of golf was there to study, that’s for sure. Phil Santucci was served peanut butter sandwiches to start, followed by spaghetti. Mr. Black the manager did an excellent job. We guessed at 75 and hit it pretty close. We still are guessing and it shouldn’t be. Superintendents Championship had a small field—Vinnie Pentenaro took all the marbles, followed by Mark Millet and Ted Horton, Bill Somers took the Class C Championship— Scott Niven took Class B Championship. Dr. Ralph Engel—showed some interesting slides of his trip to Europe for the International Turf Grass Conference. Ralph showed us that there were a few Engels in Germany. Turf on golf courses on the main continent was not as refined as here in the U.S. Ralph did visit some soccer fields where money was spent freely to produce a well drained field along with turf. He felt they could utilize Rye grasses more. Even though some of the experiment stations were just beginning research in turf. The equipment they were using far sur­ passed anything we have in the U.S. Ralph enjoyed a few good German beers. Ralph also received a special medallion from the O.J. Noer Foundation for involvement in research for the Foundation. Let’s try to support the Labriola Memorial Tournament. President Ted Horton with Garry Crothers, who was attending his last regular meeting before heading North. Congratulations Dr. Virtuoso Congratulations to Dr. Andy Virtuoso on the honorary lifetime membership given to him by the Sandpiper Country Club, Port St. Lucie, Florida. This honor was given for his services to the Florida Golf Course Superintendents and P.G.A. for his advice in setting up the Florida Open golf tournament in the past years. Editorial Staff Garry Crothers Ted Horton Co-Editor Co-Editor Welfare: Please contact Pat Lucas 203-637-3210 or Edward Horton 914-699-2827 in regard to any hospitalizations etc. of members of MGCSA. OFFICERS President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Edward C. Horton, Winged Foot Golf Club Office 914-698-2827, Home 914-937-3613 Robert Alonzi, Burning Tree C.C. Office 203-869-5779, Home 914-937-1527 Michael Maffei, Back of Beyond Golf Course Office 914-279-7179, Home 914-279-7895 John Traynor, Westchester Country Club Office 914-967-6000, Home 203-334-7359 Not copyrighted. If there is good here, we want to share it with all chapters - unless author states otherwise. MGCSA sponsors it and we do derive monies for Research from it. Mike Caravella will be the new Superintendent at Apawamis starting Sept. 1. Garry Crothers Editors Comments in Regard to Rumors Right now I am going through a job change and I have been involved to some degree with helping the club find a Superin­ tendent. I have showed each Superintendent who has been interviewed the golf course, which my chairman had asked me to do, and I was glad to do it. I also informed the committee of the candidates technical knowledge. I tried to be fair in my evaluation. All through the job opening, the word was, oh Harry Nichol has the inside tract, or so and so has the job, when they hadn’t even decided or finished interviewing candi­ dates. It should be pointed out that Mike Caravella was of­ fered the job on his own merits, and that his father A1 had absolutely nothing to do with any part of the interview or contact with any member of the committee. How these things get started is beyond me. I would just like to say unless you hear it from the horses mouth, don’t say anthing. I think in regard to ethics, etc., we should all take a little moment and review a code that I try to live by as a Rotarian. The Rotary 4-way test goes as follows: The 4-way test of things we think, say or do First—is it the truth? Second—is it fair to all concerned? Third—will it build good will and better friendships? Fourth—will it be beneficial to all concerned? Garry N. Crothers MCGSA Research Fund Report: Hyperodes Weevil Project: The monies are starting to come in from the various clubs. We still have a long way to go and certainly each individual member should be able to contribute also. There have been very few superintendents contributing to date and we should be the leaders. Please make your check out to MGCSA Research Committee and send to Box 37, Rye, N.Y. We must raise another $5,000 to reach our goal for 1978. To date the following clubs and individuals have contributed to the 1978. Hyperodes Research Project: Clubs and Associations Ridgeway C.C. The Apawamis Club Rockland C.C. Blind Brook Club Rockrimmon C.C. Brae Burn Country Club Round Hill Club Burning Tree Country Club Quaker Ridge G.C. Fenway Golf Club Wee Burn C.C. Garden City Golf Club Winged Foot Golf Club Greenwich Country Club Woodway C.C. Elmwood Country Club Wykagyl C.C. Metropolis C.C. Scarsdale C.C. Mt. KiscoC.C. Waccabuc C.C. Mountain Ridge C.C. Sleepy Hollow C.C. Old Oaks Country Club MCGSA Piping Rock Club Sunningdale G.C. Whippoorwill Club Individuals and Commercial Firms Dan Verille John Corsi Mel Lucas Jr. Roger J. King Bryan Maker Anthony Grasso Paul Caswell John Hunt Edward C. Horton Garry Crothers Frank Bevelacqua Phil Santucci Pat Lucas Ted Joawick Terry Boles Glen Moore Aqua Lawn Bill Somers Walter Androsko I & E Supply Cloro Spray Corp. Frank Lamphier Roger Hazen It sure would be nice to have 100% contributions by Class A members and 40 clubs at least to reach our total commitment to Cornell University. MCGSA Research Committee There are few, if any, jobs in which ability alone is sufficient. Needed also are loyalty, sincerity, enthusiasm, and cooperation. DR. ENGEL . . . INTERNATIONAL TURF MEETING PRESENTATION, JULY 6,1978 By Rachel Therrien Winged Foot Golf Club The highlight of the MGCSA July 6 meeting held at St. Andrews G.C., was a presentation by guest speaker Dr. Ralph Engel of Rutgers University. The topic of the slide presentation, supplemented with Dr. Engel’s commentary, was the International Turf Meeting. Those persons participating in the conference were involved in a tour of the following Western European countries: France, Great Britian, Scotland, Switzerland, and West Germany. Preceding any discussion of the details pertaining to ad­ vancement resulting from turf research in these various countries, Dr. Engel reminded those in attendance that ob­ servation of local species and varieties of vegetation was an important element in one’s attempt to determine and under­ stand climatic conditions of a particular area or region. The first stop of the tour was France, a country which ap­ peared to have a lot of contrast in the degree of maintainence received by certain public areas. Despite its inconsistency in landscape maintenance, France has become a leader in European turf research during the 70’s. A great deal of em­ phasis has been directed to soil research, especially pertain­ ing to compaction treatment and soil nutrition which has been a problem with agricultural grain fields. According to Dr. Engel, the French research programs involving soil compaction and soil amendment studies was more advanced in their methods and results than comparable studies under­ taken in the United States. Facilities, such as greenhouse, were better equipped for turf research and utilized more automated equipment. It seems that some agricultural practices have influenced methods employed in turf maintenance. Manure appears to be the main source of fertilizer but, fertilization is kept to a minimum. It is believed that by doing so the occurrance of thatch in highly maintained areas can be reduced. Many areas in Europe do not have turf problems resulting from the presence of thatch. In England, thatch or fiber is allowed to accumulate in an attempt to relieve turf problems which flourish under wet conditions. This method is incorporated in Wimbledon’s maintenance program. Diseases such as pythium or dollar spot are practically non-existant. There is an extensive disease problem, most notably—Pink Patch, involving various species of ryegrass. In the milder European climates, the incidence of crabgrass becomes less. In the area of roadside stabilization, France again, has been a European leader. Many slopes along the highways are stabilized by terracing the landform. .¿a©**- This design also assists in handling and directing surface run-off drainage. Hydro-seeding is also practiced. The use of Lombardy Poplars along the roadside shoulders is also a common practice in most of the European countries visited. Finally, turf paving blocks are extensively used, especially in automobile parking lots. A concrete form is the basic block material with an open center for vegetative material. There are debates over the maintenance and practicality, in eco­ nomic terms, of its use but it is a beginning in solutions that are needed in order to make our asphalt dominated landscape more verdant. In conclusion, turf research in Europe is less extensive then in the United States. Granted there is a difference in certain maintenance practices but that may possibly be due to dif­ ferences in knowledge or technology available. The demands for good turf and efficient land use is steadily increasing the world over. Therefore, agricultural research and exchanging of information should continue. The International Turf Meeting can be interpreted as being a device for this reciproci­ ty to continue. How to stop diseases, kill weeds and make your job easier... all with one com pany... W.A.Cleary Fungicides 336 TURF FUNGICIDE BROMOSAN • SPECTRO CLEARY’S GRANULAR TURF FUNGICIDE SPOTRETE • PMAS (10%) CADDY • CAD-TRETE Herbicides MCPP • MCPP PLUS 2, 4-D METHAR 30 • AMA PLUS 2, 4-D AMA (SUPER METHAR) Specialties ALL WET • TRU-GREEN CLEAR SPRAY • GRASS-GREENZIT TANK CLEANER • DEFOAMER BALL WASHER CORPORATION P.O. Box 10 Somerset, N.J. 0 8 8 7 3 •(2 0 1 )2 4 7 8000 Left to right: Ralph Engel receiving madallion from Tony Grasso (board member bf O.J. Noer Foundation) for his involvement in research for O.J. Noer Foundation. February 1 and 2 SEA ISLAND, GA., WILL HOST 1979 TOURNAMENT The 1979 preconference golf tournament will be played at The Cloister Hotel, Sea Island, Ga., Feb. 1 and 2. This location, approved by the Executive Committee, was chosen after consideration by the tournament committee of clubs in the Atlanta area and on Jekyll Island. The 36-hole Sea Island Golf Club, where GCSAA member James M. Hildebrand is superintendent, is known an an ex­ cellent golf complex. The course is located on the south shore of St. Simons Island, about five and a half miles from the hotel. The ladies’ tournament will be at one of the other two courses on Sea Island or at the nearby Brunswick Country Club. Sea Island and St. Simons Island are part of the beautiful semitropical Georgia coastal islands, about halfway between Savannah, Ga., and Jacksonville, Fla. The Cloister is the only hotel on Sea Island, and is an out­ standing resort complex. In addition to its widely known golf course, it offers tennis facilities, a riding stable, skeet and trap shooting and excellent dining rooms and cocktail lounges. Group rates, including all meals, will be offered to GCSAA tournament players. In addition, the hotel will extend compli­ mentary green fees to players staying at the hotel during the two tournament days, plus a practice round on Wednesday. Sea Island and St. Simons Island are linked by a causeway to Brunswick and can be reached directly by air via Air South from Altanta. Complete information about the tournament will be dis­ tributed the latter part of October, along with conference and show information. Credit: GCSAA seven-day tour package aboard a cruise ship, sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Feb. 10. The ship will visit the Caribbean ports of Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, San Juan, St. Thomas and Nassau. There will also be many opportunities for fun and relaxation on board the luxurious cruise ship. Cost per person is $850 for an outside cabin and $771 for an inside cabin (double occupancy). Included in the package are: • Air transportation via a commerican line one-way be­ tween Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale. • Seven nights accomodation aboard the Cunard Princess. • All meals on board. • All entertainment on board. • A special cocktail party. • The services of a tour escort who will attend to travel details. • Transfers roundtrip between Fort Lauderdale Airport and the pier, including luggage. Credit: GCSAA CARIBBEAN CRUISE WILL FOLLOW ALTANTA CONFERENCE AND SHOW GCSAA members will have a chance to visit the sunny Caribbean following next year’s conference and show in Altanta. Arrangements have been made to offer members a Left to right: William Knoblock, assistant golf professional; Roland Eaigle, Green Chairman and Phil Santucci, host golf superintendent of St. Andrews Golf Club at our July meeting. TUCO Acti-dione TGF* Acti-dione RZ fo r y o u r te e s , g r e e n s a n d fa ir w a y program . WESTCHESTER TURF SUPPLY, INC. Chemicals, Fertilizer, Seed, Supplies, Irrigation Tennis Court Accessories “SERVING THE FINE TURF PROFESSION” Acti-dione TGF helps eradicate and protect against turf diseases. It’s watersoluble, easy to handle, and won’t harm beneficial bacteria in soil. For more information call: fits y o u r fa ir w a y and greens d is e a s e p r o b le m s to a t e e . Acti-dione RZ Broad spectrum Turi fungicide (914) 937-6523 RESIDENCE (914) 248-5790 Thiram Ib A sod webworm larva can eat up 20 square inches of turf in its 20- to 40-day lifespan. A cutworm larva can chew up 36 square inches. Control them both with Proxol 80 SR IT’S THE SERVICE THAT COUNTS OFFICE AND WAREHOUSE Acti-dione® Broad spectrum Turi fungicidi DAVID J. SYLVESTER A R E A S A L E S R E P R E S E N T A T IV E H O M E : 4 7 M A IN S T R E E T , EA ST B E R L IN , C O N N E C T IC U T 0 6 0 2 3 2 0 3 /8 2 8 -3 7 9 0 CORNELL TURF FIELD DAY Cornell Turf Research Plots On Warren Road Near Moakley Field House and the University Golf Course UPDATE ON COOL WEATHER BROWN PATCH A CONTINUING PROBLEM —RAIN OR SHINE— 9:30 A.M.-2:30 P.M. FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 1978 A Brief History For years Brown Patch has been recognized as a warm temperature, humid weather disease of colonial bents and the older mixed creeping bentgrasses of greens and tees. Typi­ cally the disease would smolder causing patches of brownish discolored grasses until the weather became especially “ muggy” and warm when smoke rings and active patches would appear overnight. Older writings about golf course diseases contain references to winter Brown Patch but these brownish rings or patches were little more than curiosities. In the mid 1970’s, however, persistent reports of brown rings or yellowish brown rings or patches were being made from golf courses throughout the East. Often these symptoms occurred when temperatures were in the 50’s, 60’s, or 70’s. Superficially, they resembled typical Brown Patch, but in many instances symptoms were not controlled by the common Brown Patch fungicides or at best were checked for only a few days. As the reports filtered in, we were about to blame the disease on fungicide resistant low temperature strains of Rhizoctonia solani and we were going to publish a note about the resistance problem. For­ tunately, Dr. Robert Sherwood of the U.S.D.A. Pasture Research Laboratory asked a most important question: How do you know the fungus is Rhizoctonia solani, the cause of the common warm temperature Brown Patch? To make a Preregistration $3.50 Lunch will be available only to those who preregister. 9:30 A.M.—Coffee and Registration FIELD DAY FEATURES VERONICA CONTROL—John Cisar, Graduate Student UPST A TE VARIETY TRIALS-IN SUN AND SHADE— Howard Pidduck, Cornell 1978 TURF INSECT RESEARCH UPDA TE— Professor H. Tashiro, Cornell LONG ISLAND VARIETY TRIALS- WEED CONTROL— Robert O’Knefski, Cooperative Extension Agent TURF FUNGICIDE EVALUA TIONS AND NON-TARGET EFFECTS OF FUNGICIDE APPLICA TIONS*— Professor Richard Smiley, Cornell *Clipping weights *pH changes *rooting depth *thatch accumulation *nitrification changes George L. Good Associate Professor Ornamental Horticulture Extension —PREREGISTER TODAY— For the superintendent to moke a good thing better . . . ProTurf offers research tested, golf course proven professional turf products. Just give me a call. ProTurf AL ARISON 226 Barry Scott Drive Fairfield, CT 06430 Phone: 203/336-9890 H. Cole, Jr., L.L. Burpee and P.O. Sanders long story short, we didn’t and it wasn’t. The fungus super­ ficially looked like R. solani, but there the relationship stopped. After much literature and laboratory searching the fungus turned out to be a Ceratobasidium sp., a Rhizoctonia relative toR. solani but completely different in temperature requirements and fungicide sensitivity. The Current Situation As more samples and reports of disease occurences rolled in, it became apparent that we were not dealing with a curi­ osity but with a problem of consequence on golf turf. Sym­ ptoms have been reported on fairways, greens, tees, and aprons. We could isolate the Ceratobasidium fungus from many of these turf areas; from some we could isolate neither Ceratobasidium nor R. solani but still other unidentified fungi. At present we believe that the disease is not going to become the scourge of turfgrass but merely another problem to be solved on the way to quality turf. It would appear that humid, cool weather is most favorable for disease develop­ ment. Where did the problem come from: Why Ceratobasidium now and not 10years ago? Any new problem always stimulates the question of why now? and not before? Answers have ranged from: the dis­ continuance of growing season use of mercury to the intro­ duction of the benzimidazole systemic fungicides in wide use. Others have blamed shifts in the weather towards cooler, wetter summers. At this point there is no correct answer and there may never be one. The best we can do is speculate based on the facts on hand. Our best estimate is that the same shift towards cooler, wetter summers that has brought on increased Red Thread prevalence and severity has also brought Cool Weather Brown Patch to prominence. Fungi re­ spond to their environment. Those that are favored by a change in the environment become more common; those that are less favored become less common. Where do we go from there? The major practical problem that the turfgrass manager faces is disease control to a level compatible with the uses of 1170 U S. ROUTE 22 MOUNTAINSIDE, NEW JERSEY 07092 (201) 654-5800 (914)937-5479 (914)939-2766 NURSERIES D istributors o f JOHNS-MANVILLE/BUCKNER IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT PUMPS, VALVES, CONTROLLERS FUNGICIDES HERBICIDES INSECTICIDES FERTILIZER ANDREW WILSON INC. • TRAP SAND • SCREENED TOP SOIL • SCREENED CLAY FOR TENNIS COURTS & BASEBALL DIAMONDS • SAND FOR BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION • TRAP ROCK • GRAVEL One Stop W holesale Center SERVING THE PROFESSIONAL TURF INDUSTRY SINCE 1903 ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ 7 Cottage Street Port Chester, N Y. 10573 GREENHOUSE A a/ ▲ the area in question. At present we just do not have enough information about the disease to make clear recommenda­ tions for either cultural or fungicide control. Environmental manipulation does not seem to offer promise, especially for the golf course superintendent who is locked into a multitude of other concerns dealing with irrigation and culture. From a fungicide view the best recommendation would be to stick with success. If Cool Weather Brown Patch does appear and your current program is not holding it, then try shifting to other fungicides labeled and registered for Brown Patch until you meet with at least partial success. We are attempting to work out the fungicide situation. Dan Loughner, who is working on his M.S. in Plant Pathology with us, will be evaluating fungicides in the laboratory, greenhouse, and with luck, in the field. We will be screening both the Rhizoctonia solani warm temperature Brown Patch group as well as the Ceratobasidium cool temperature group of fungi. Credit: The Keynotes, PTC, Inc. Sales Representative — Brian Makar (914) 969-5932 •E V E R G R E E N S • TREE STAKES • FLOW ERING TREES • R A IL R O A D TIES • SHADE TREES • MULCHES • C O NTAINER |« G R O U N D COVERS M A T E R IA L • FENCING • T U R F CHEM ICALS • F IR & PINE BARK • G RAVELS | • H O LLYTO N E • GRASS SEED •S P R A Y IN G •A R B O R IS T SUPPLIES EQUIPMENT • A-D-S-DRAINAG E SYSTEMS Weather TRUE TEMPER TOOLS TU R F M A IN TE N A N C E SUPPLIES H O M ELITE CONST. EQUIPMENT matic. Lawn Sprinkler Systems Safe-T-Lawn Lawn Sprinkler Systems EM ANUEL SH EM IN - HORTICULTURIST 1081 KING STREET, BOX 64, GLENVILLE STATION GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT06830 (203) 531-7352 (914) 937-4644 Have a b a ll! METROPOLITAN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION PRESENTS THE * LAWRENCE LABRIOLA MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT * AT THE WHIPPOORWILL CLUB/ ARMONK NY ON MONDAY ** AUGUST 7 t h , 1978 " MAKE YOUR OKU FOURSOME MEMBER-GUEST AM AND 3 : 0 0 O d lA T lO A fbR ttGCSA. T E E -O F F BETWEEN 8 :0 0 PM STARTING TIM ES SEND IN PREFERRED STARTING TIME I?ê,î >6aRc M Tond THEN YOU WILL BE N O T IF IE D TYPE PLAY IN D IV ID U A L 1 8 HOLE STROKE PLAY HANDICAPS SEND IN H A N D IC A P S/FU L L HANDICAP P R IZ E S S U P T .. CLASS A - 1ST , 1ST , ALL OTHERS MANY P R IZ E S EVERYONE SHOULD W IN! - 2N D , 2N D , 3RD LOW GROSS 3RD LOW NET ¿»JjCCOr USOETTH C ADDIES W ILL DE AVAILABLE CARTS L IM IT E D * MAKE EARLY RESERVATIONS * 12:00 PM NOON 6:00 PM • T RC PRODUCTS FRAM FILTERS SCHEDULE * - BUFFET LUNCHEON COCKTAILS HORS D ’ OEUVRES - DINNER AND OPEN BAR 7:00 PM ** FREE BEER ALL DAY * * $50.00 PER PERSON PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY ALL RESERVATIONS ! ! THE DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS IS TUESDAY, AUGUST 1ST, 1978 PLEA SE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO - THE REICHERT COMPANY M .G .C .S.A . IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL: CHUCK M ARTINEAU/HOST SUPERINTENDENT A T: 273-3755 OR 273-3011 (203) 637-2958 M AILP.O . BOX 273 RIVERSIDE, CT. 06878 PLEASE BE SURE TO RETURN THE ENCLOSED CARD WITH YOUR CHECK. THANK YOU! MGCSA Box 37 Rye, New York 10580 MELVIN B LUCAS JR GARDEN C I T Y GOLF CLUB 315 STEWART AVE GARDEN C I T Y NY 11530 A BRANCH OFFICES: Bronxville Chappaqua Brewster Greenwich New Canaan New York MAIN OFFICE! 275 Knollwood Road White Plains, N.Y. 10607 Phone : 914-948-0101 914-337-2271 914-238-4400 914-279-3421 203-661-8014 203-323-7245 212-543-7200 TREE CARE,INC. CERTIFIED ARBORISTS Full Service Company Serving Your Golf Courses With: REMOV • PRUNING • REMOVALS • STUMP • BOLTING & BRACING • FERTILIZING • BUCKET TRUCK RENTAL • INSECT CONTROL • SPRAYING • TREE CONSULTANTS • DISEASE CONTROL • CAVITY WORK • LIGHTNING PROTECTION Tree Care Since 1919