Official Publication of the W M G C S . A JULY & AUGUST 1982 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Mark Magee Preparations are underway for Golf Day 1982, our third Golf Day, which is just a month away. Our host, Superintendent Bob Hope and his committee, are right on schedule for a great day on September 13. Although not every member is able to donate his time to the preparation of this fund raiser for turf research, we should take the time and initiative to participate in this event. The monies we raise during our Golf Day are ear-marked for research projects determined by our own members. This is our opportunity to support the Michigan Turf Foundation and at the same time help research find the answers to problems we feel are relevant to us on a year-to-year basis. Each of us knows the valuable part turf research plays in our livelihood. Golf Day is an opportunity for our association members to insure that good turf research con­ tinues, but most important that it continues to be done on problems relevant to members of our association. FIELD DAY Michigan State University Hancock Field Lab Wednesday, September 1st 9:00 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. ANNUAL MEETING — ELECTIONS October 5th — Scott Lake FALL PARTY November 5th — Gull Lake Country Club 1982 WMGCSA OFFICERS Mark M a g e e ........................................................................President C.C. of Lansing, 1900 Mt. Hope Rd., Lansing, Michigan 517/485-5153 Keith Paterson............................................................Vice-President Spring Lake Country Club, Spring Lake, Michigan 616/842-4840 Chris Fochtm an................................................Secretary-Treasurer Greenridge C.C., 740 Greenridge Dr. N.W., Grand Rapids, Ml 616/784-6597 Directors Jeff Carsok Alpine G.C., Grand Rapids, Ml 616/ 784-1141 Jeff Gorney Grand Rapids Elks, Grand Rapids, Ml 616/453-0705 Bob Hope Kent C.C., Grand Rapids, Ml 616/363-6728 Bill Madigan Country Club of Jackson, Jackson, Ml 517/ 787-0650 Fred Pastoor Muskegon C.C., Muskegon, Ml 616/ 759-0694 Charles Scott Gull Lake View G.C., Augusta, Ml 616/ 731-4148 Kurt Thuemmel Walnut Hills Country Club, East Lansing, Ml 517/332-6060 Editorial Committee Chairman-Advertising .............................................. Keith Paterson Spring Lake C.C. - 616/842-4840 Photographer............................................................. TonyTredente Spartan Distributors - 616/887-7301 Bill Madigan, C.C. of Jackson - 616/787-0650 Kurt Thuemmel, Walnut Hills C.C. - 517/332-6060 Advertisers Please patronize them as they have m ade this new sletter possible. Advanced Irrigation Benham Chemcials Hunter Hughes Lakeshore Equipment & Supply O.M. Scotts Spartan Distributors, Inc. Tuco-Upjohn W.F. Miller Arthur Hill & Associates Boylan Sales, Inc. Ellis Sales Klein Fertilizer, Inc. Lawn Equipment Corp. Matthews & Associates, PC Parmenter & Andre Sprinkler Irrigation Supply Co. Turfgrass, Inc. Woodland Tree Service J. Mollema & Sons Grand Rapids Tree, Inc. Turf Services KLEINS for turf care CIL Sulfur Coated Urea • research proven quality in slow release nitrogen Sulfate of Potash • a plus for plant turgidity and winter heartiness Soil Sampling • Kleins will custom blend fertilizer to meet your specific needs Minor Elements • secondary nutrients can be blended into the fertilizer mix • elemental sulfur available for problem areas Turf Chemicals • fungicides, herbicides, insecti­ cides, and surfactants Turf Fertilizers • Golf Club Green • 20- 10- 10* • 24-8-3* 18-5-9 20-10-10* Weed & Feed These are a few analyses that can be made with various percentages of slow release nitrogen up to 100%. For additional information contact: Ted Kasel or Dennis Judd (517) 223-9148 Convenient plant locations at Perrinton, Marne and Fowlerville Klein Fertilizer, Inc. 320 Garden Lane Fowlerville, Michigan 48836 Meeting Schedule WHO’S WHO by Kurt Thuemmel Sept. 13 Oct. 5 Nov. 5 Golf Day - Kent Country Club Annual Meeting - Scott Lake Fall Party - Gull Lake Country Club WHO’S NEW by Chris Fochtman This year has been a big year for new members into our association. Palmer Park’s L.E. Kaufman Golf Course has given us both superintendent Marvin Burger and his assistant Raymond Palmer. Marv was the assistant since 1980 until his pormotion in February. I visited him just before he was about to host the Kent County Amateur and the couse was in super condition. David Sloncz is Bill Davis’ assistant at Battle Creek’s Marywood Country Club. Before going to Marywood, Dave was the assistant at Oakland Hills Country Club for three years. I am proud to personally announce the acceptance of Scott Robertson, my assistant, into the WMGCSA. Scott worked for me the summer before entering MSU’s turf program. His placement training was done at Blythefield Country Club. There was no doubt in my mind or Roger Barton’s that Scott would work out well; and he has. Last and certainly not least, we welcome Fritz Veldhuis into our association. Fritz, manager of Clearbrook Country Club, is familiar to our monthly meetings because he has frequently been Judd Smeenge’s guest. Fritz has the nasty habit of fleecing me on the golf course. Now when he clips me at least I’ll be emptying my wallet to a fellow member rather than just a “ guest” . The Western Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association these new members into our association. to welcome is proud Our May meeting was held at Battle Creek Country Club, with Harold Peck as our host. Everything about the day was great including the weather, hospitality, food and golf. Harold has served Battle Creek Country Club for 37 years. His predecessor was his father who started with the club when it was built in 1920. After serving as an assistant for 2 years, Harold became superintendent in 1947 and con­ tinues today at the beautiful and challenging layout. The course remains the same today as it was when it was built with the exception of a number of tees and bunkers. After loosing about 800 elms in the 1960’s, Harold has replanted 2200 trees of a wide variety. Harold began attending WMGCSA meetings in the late 1930’s with his father and has been attending ever since. Back in the early days, many of the wives would attend the meetings, according to Harold. When not busy at his job, Harold enjoys hunting, fishing, and gardening. Thanks Harold, for a most enjoyable day. llL U rvices ___________a FERTILIZER IS OUR BUSINESS “ OUR ONLY BUSINESS’’ NOTICE! If anyone is interested in running for the Board of Directors please contact Charlie Scott (616) 731-4148. Elections will be held at the Annual Meeting at Scott Lake in October. 17205 148th Avenue Spring Lake, Michigan 49456 Phone: Grand Haven 842-4975 Grand RaDids 451-8811 1 HISTORIC KENT COUNTRY CLUB TO HOST GOLF DAY by Jim Bogart On Monday, September 13th, the Western Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association will sponsor its Third Annual Golf Day for the benefit of turfgrass research. This year’s event will be held at the Kent Country Club in Grand Rapids. The choice of this fine club adds to the prestige of the event due to Kent’s role as the birthplace of golf in Western Michigan. n u MATTHEWS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. G O L F C O U R S E A R C H I T E C T U R E L A N D S C A P E A R C H I T E C T U R E G E R A L D H. ' J e r r y ' M A T T H E W S 9373 East Herbison Road Laingsburg, Michigan 48848 51 7-641 -6882 and 517-371 -4511 W. B R U C E M A T T H E W S 0-16920 Timber Dune Drive Grand Haven, Michigan 49417 616-846-1502 MEMBER: AMERICAN SOCIETY OF GOLF COURSE ARCHITECTS ActHfionerand pixbooT TURF Products Programmed Disease and insect Control Acti-dione turf fungi­ cides control nine different diseases including Helmintho- sporium, Dollar Spot and Brown Patch. Proxol 80 SP insecti­ cide for control of Cut­ worm, Sod webworm and Grubs, including Ataenius. TUCO sets The Standard fa your turf man­ agement program. TUCO Division of The Upjohn Company 2 \ < V. S A - Ve'. T V - • / T N 'AV Serving you better t'A W ith Q U A LITY------ MALLINCKRODT LEWIS FO R E P A R CLEARY COUNTRY CLUB CHICOPEE Upjohn FOX VALLEY C h ip c o DIAMOND SHAMROCK Y a n k e e PB I Gordon Aquatrols Turfgrass Products PanaSea c y c l o n e SOUTH LYON, MICHIGAN 48178 Phone- Area 313 437-1427 GENE JOHÀNNINGSMEIER PAR AIDE STANDARD DUPONT RHONE-POLENC (Chipco) TUCO (Upjohn) VELSICOL GORDON AQUATROLS AQUASHADE NELSON-MOODY RAINBIRD PVC PIPE & FITTINGS WEST MICHIGAN DISTRIBUTORS OF MILDRGANITE FERTILIZER 1042 MICHIGAN ST., N.E. • GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN 49503 • P.O. BOX 2411 PHONE (616) 458-1546 It was during a dinner party at his home on February 1, 1896 that Mr. Ed Lowe described a new game to his guests. All of those present became intrigued by this game called golf. It was decided to proceed with the development of a golf club in the Grand Rapids area. The name selected by the group for this under­ taking was The Golf Club. After searching out possible sites for the course, a property located at the corner of Plymouth and Wealthy Streets (near the current Blodgett Hospital) was selected. Arrangements were made to lease the land from its’ owner, Lumen Jenison, for $75.00 per year. James Foulis, a young golf professional recently immigrated from the St. Andrews Golf Club, was chosen to lay out the first course. His original 9 holes ranged in length from 83 to 187 yards; the total yardage being 1,181 yards. For this project Foulis was paid a fee of $25.00. Additional land was later leased and the course was lengthened to 1,400 yards. Following completion of the layout, Ed Lowe hit the first golf shot in Grand Rapids. He was accompanied in the first three-some by Dudley Waters and William Gunn. WOODLAND TREE SERVICE, INC. 3520 W ilex, S.W. W yoming, Michigan 49509 HAROLDPOSTMA BILL DREWS Phone (616) 538-4030 3 this time the winners will be turf managers of Michigan who benefit from Michigan State University’s research program. We wish to thank Kent Country Club not only for their hospitality in hosting the Golf Day, but for introducing golf to Western Michigan as well. The Golf Club furnished clubs for its’ members as no one owned their own. The club had purchased six sets, thus limiting play to six golfers at a time. Dues for the first members were set at $5.00 per year for men and $2.50 per year for women. The first employees of the club were two groundskeepers, hired at a rate of $12.00 per month. In 1898 another young Pro from St. Andrews, Dave Macintosh, was hired as Club Professional. It soon became evident that the original 9-hole course was Inadequate for the membership and a committee began looking for a new site. After rejecting a site along the Grand River as too soggy, attention turned to the Martin L. Sweet dairy farm. The 133 acre farm was purchased and on April 12, 1900 Kent Country Club was incorporated. Mr. E.C. Simonds was selected to design the 18-hole layout. To provide capital for the land purchase and con­ struction, 100 members each purchased $250.00 worth of stock. The quality of Mr. Simonds design was readily recognized by the Western Golf Association. They selected Kent Country Club as the host for Western Opens in 1904 and 1911. In addition, the 1914 Western Amateur was contested at Kent as was the 1916 Women’s Western Open. And now on September 13th this historic course will again be challenged during The Annual Golf Day. However, IMAGINE A GOLF COURSE WITHOUT TREES! PROTECT YOUR AVAILABLE TREES THROUGH Proper Care Lightening Protection Large Tree Pruning Tree Removals Distributors for: Mauget Tree Injectors & Terra-Sorb Moisturizer Mauget Tree Injectors control Dutch Elm Disease, Bronze Birch Borer, Diplodia Tip Blight on pines, Cytospora Canker on Spruce and nutrient deficiencies FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL Bob Kelly Home: (616) 453-6652 4 SAND TOPDRESSING - AN UPDATE by Tim Eagon topdressing greens The process of sand is becoming more and more an acccepted practice on Mid-Western greens. In the following article, I will try to give you a short history of sand topdressing, the types of sand which might be used, and a compen­ dium of pros & cons which have been brought to my attention in the last five years. I would also like to state that the learning process is still going on, both in our industry and for myself. Our first involvement with sand topdressing came in the 1975 season at our Milwaukee dock facility. A few courses were looking for a sand that would be compatible to topdressing. The definitive works on the subject, at that time, were done by Dr. William Daniel of Purdue University, Dr. Douglas Hawes of the University of Maryland, and Dr. John H. Madison of the University of California. In each of their position papers, they believed that the use of sand would benefit the greens by reducing the thatch buildup and creating a deeper rootzone. Those Milwaukee courses took the plunge and that is how we entered this field. Why topdress? - By and large the vast majority of courses have thatch problems on their greens. When sand is introduced into the existing soil, it tends to “ open” this layer. This “ opening” is simply a ratio of voids in one degree or another and has a direct rela­ tionship to root penetration and infiltration. In his most recent article on analysis of 170 sands, Dr. Daniel addresses this topic as follows: 1. The finest 10% of the sand is all important. The fine particles settle into openings between larger fractions. He believes that as little as 5% if silt and clay, or as much as 25%, if very fine sands, actually describes this predominance. These fine particles: a. determine pore space b. control the rate and extent of capillary action c. permit increased root- zone moisture capacity d. increase surface stability e. improve ease of managing turf 2. The coarsest 10% particles: a. form a filter for slits and narrow openings b. tend to reduce moisture retention c. tend to provide a less stable surface d. appear more obvious e. may collect and cause dry spots f. may adversely affect equipment and putting surface g. occupies space-does little work 3. Uniform particle sand is preferred. Naturally occurring sands seldom provide uniform texture, but a “ good” dune sand may provide 40%-44% pore space. Washed “ pit” sands provide 26%-32% since all particle sizes are often included. For the Michigan superintendent, the proximity of the dune (wind Sorted) sand is definitely a first choice, but there are alternatives. There are outcrop­ pings of bank sands throughout the state, which may lend themselves to topdressing. The major thing to look for is grain size distribution and any CUSHMAN f The Labor-Saving Turf System ELLIS SALES, inic. 6915 WEST MICHIGAN AVENUE KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN 49009 (616) 375-3535 MERLE ELLIS President JIM CREMEAN Salesman GERALD R. ELLIS Vice President JACK BERGNER Salesman HOWARD OSTERHOUSE Salesman Serving Western Michigan for 45 Years E-Z-GO TEXTRON 5 silts and clays they may contain. The other alter­ native might be a mortar or No. 8 sand. Generally, this sand will be of a “ course” nature but a few courses have used it successfully after screening out the larger particles. If you find a sand which you believe might be suitable for topdressing - please take the time to do a screen analysis. Pros & Cons: reduce thatch buildup. 1. Sand topdressing has shown the capactiy to 2. Root penetration is increased. 3. Infiltration of water and nutrient is increased. 4. Green speed (strike test) is usually increased at first and then tends to stabilize from green to green. 5. Less compaction of surface. 1. Bed knife wear is increased. 2. Isolated dry spots may occur. 3. ph of soil may increase. 4. Ball marks may be more noticable with the con­ trasting color of the sand. Thank you for the opportunity to address this sub­ ject. If you have any questions please feel free to write or call. Bill Madigan and John Gilson on the practice tee at the p° int O Woods meeting. HUNTER-HUGHES INC- & Ra in ‘S Bird A Q U A L IT Y IRRIG ATIO N TEAM IN WESTERN MICHIGAN “ SINCE 191 2 ” Jerry Hodges Muskegon, Michigan 49443 Call : 6 1 6 -7 5 5 - 2 2 7 1 (6 1 6 area) 8 0 0 - 4 4 2 0018 1818 Henry S treet 6 W.F. MILLER Specialists in Turf Equipment Fertilizer & Chemicals BIRMINGHAM 313- 647-7700 V . GRAND RAPIDS 616- 241-4481 Your Toro Distributor For Western & Northern Michigan r Irrigation Systems & Turf Products % w . 2087 13 MILE ROAD. N.W / SPARTA. MICHIGAN 49345 / PHONE 616/887 7301 8 If anyone is interested in running for the Board of Directors please contact Charlie Scott (616) 731-4148. Elections will be held at the Annual Meeting at Scott Lake in October. The best in turf supplies! LESCO 100% Sulfur-Coated Fertilizers, Golf Course Accessories, Chemicals including Gene Johanningsmeier and Roy Peck debating over whether to take on the Point. LESCOSAN A highly effective pre-emergence crabgrass and poa annua control. 800- 321-5325 NATIONWIDE Phil LAKESHORE EQ Home of 300 South Abl Brautigan UIPMENT A SUPPLY CO. LESCO Products be. Elyria. Ohio 44035 800- 362-7413 IN OHIO IBDU® (31-0 -0) and PAR EX® fertilizers with IBDU are custom formulated for high maintenance, high quality turfgrass. Check with your local PAR EX territory manager or distributor for other available grades. distributed by: J. MOLLEMA & SON, INC. Stephen J. Marotti, technical representative 1530 Eastern Ave., S.E. Grand Rapids, Ml 49507 616/245-0533 j w rite or call direct Sprinkler Irrigation Supply Co. A division of A J Miller Inc 1316 N. Cam pbell Rd. Royal O a k , M l 4 8 0 6 7 Phone (313» 3 9 8 -2 2 3 3 For all your irrigation needs CONTACT Jim Vince 3 1 3 -3 9 8 -2 2 3 3 Bob Rossm an 616-483-9661 Al Shields 6 1 6 -8 96-8 71 9 Sisco has specialized in irrigation since 1925 and all our salesmen are experts in the field to give our customers the best service available in the industry. A Uflpl dkrarf) ^rtuklrra, htr. Advance Irriga tion Supply Company S P R I N K L E R S • PVC 8c PO LY PI PE • F I T T I N G S • P U M P S 1 0 4 3 2 W . M IC H . K A L A M A Z O O , M IC H . 4 9 0 0 9 T E L E P H O N E ( 6 1 6 ) 3 7 5 - 6 5 9 9 YAMAHA When you know how they’re built. BOYLANS, THE WORLD’S LARGEST DISTRIBUTOR OF GOLF CARS! YAMAHA GOLF CAR YAMAHAULER TURF WORKER > G & c . HOME OFFICE: 607 NORTH MAIN ST., PLAINWELL, MICHIGAN 49080 PHONE 616-685-6828 10 APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP WESTERN MICHIGAN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION (A NON-PROFIT MICHIGAN CORPORATION) Date------------------- , 19_______ □ Class A $30.00 □ Class B $20.00 □ Class D $35.00 □ Honorary Name--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (First Name) (Middle) (Wife) (Last) (R.F.D. or street and number) (Residence Phone No.) RESIDENCE (City or Post Office) (State) (Zip) Name of club or employer Address_____________________________________________________________ Business Phone No.:___________________ Residence Phone No.:_____________ Exact title of your present position EXAMPLES: (Sup’t. of Grounds) (Sup’t.-Manager) (Sup’t.-Pro) (Ass’t. Sup’t.) (Other) I have been employed at my present position fo r____years. Prior to this I had been employed as follows: (Please state type of work engaged in) Send my mail to: □ _________________________________ □.-----------— ------------------------------- - Home address Business address Each application MUST be signed by two Class A members of the Association who will certify as to reliability of the Applicant. Attested_____________________ Address_____________________________________________ Attested_____________________ Address___________________________________________ - Applicant’s signature____________________ _____________________________ PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO THIS ADDRESS Chris Fochtman 7632 Alpine Ave., N.W. Sparta, Ml 49345 11 6 ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WE NEVER THOUGHT YOU’D ASK (BUT DECIDED TO ANSWER ANYWAY) I Yes, GCSAA can help you become a better superintendent. One way it does this is through educational seminars and conference sessions it sponsors each year to help you become better turfgrass diseases, pesticides, landscaping and management practices. informed about 2 Yes, GCSAA is helping to further the advancement of the turfgrass industry. Through the GCSAA Scholarship & Research Fund, Inc., GCSAA provided more than $13,500 last year in research grants turfgrass programs. GCSAA also provides educational opportunities to turfgrass students through annual turfgrass scholar­ ships. leading to 3 Yes, GCSAA provides a meeting ground for superintendents. Each year, GCSAA sponsors an annual conference and show for its members. Last year more than 6,500 educators, industry representatives and members from all over the world attended. GCSAA’s executive committee decided at its last board meeting that the con­ ference experience is so valuable that first-year members should be encouraged to attend by being given free admission. 4 recognition Yes, GCSAA offers superintendents. Through its magazine, and for its public relations efforts, its award programs, GCSAA helps promote the image and the professionalism of the superintendent. GCSAA also provides information to superintendents about how they can use public relations to promote their own image to their course, their community and their association. 5 Yes, GCSAA provides each member with a insurance program. Supplemental life insurance, disability and pension programs also are available. 6 No, GCSAA can’t help you with your golf handicap. You’ll have to work on that yourself. i f ) GCSAA The association that offers you more than just a name. 1617 ST. ANDREWS DRIVE • LAWRENCE, KANSAS 66044 913/841-2240 12 Keep this card handy. It could save you time and money. INTRODUCING TERRA THE BETTER, A N D FASTER, W AY TO AERATE. FASTER? Yes— over 8,800 holes per minute. OPERATION: 1. With an ordinary pin, hook up to any 12 hp. utility vehicle. 2. With rubber tired wheels down, drive across walks, roads, etc. to the green. 3. Without stopping, push button to raise wheels— aerating begins. 4. Stay on green, turn right or left to circle— aerating continues. 5. Without stopping, push button to lower wheels, drive to next green or tee. LAWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION NOVI, MICH. 48050 46845 W. 12 MILE ROAD P.O. BOX 500 (313) 348-8110 ‘WESTERN VIEWS’ 17501 - 148th Street Spring Lake, Ml 49456 BETTER? Yes— the speed of Terra 200 allows you to get the job of aerating done during the very limited time when conditions make it the “ right time” And when your turf needs aerating, you won’t hesitate to do the job more often— the Terra 200 method is so simple and fast. Bulk Rate U.S. Postage PAID Permit #981 Spring Lake, Ml DR, KENYON T, PAYNE 164 DEPT OF CROP AND SOIL SCI HIC HIG A N S T A T E U NIV E R SIT Y EAST LANSING, HI, i+SBPM-