TIC VERT Official Publication of the W.M.G.C.S. A. M A Y /JU N E 1987 PRESIDENTS MESSAGE Kurt A. Thuemmel C.G.C.S. April, 1987, will probably be remembered as one of the mildest and dryest Aprils that anyone can recall. A lot of golf has been played and it certainly seems like we are all off to a successful season as far as the financial statement is concerned. The weather usually balances out, and this spring is no exception, with last September being so wet and now a dry April. I wonder what May & June will be like? The April meeting was held at Grand Haven Golf Course. If you weren’t able to make it, you missed a good one. Our speaker was Jerry Matthews, who spoke on the history of Grand Haven Golf Course along with slide presentation. Thanks to Wally Matthews for his excellent cooking skills and to Steve Adamczyk for providing a well conditioned Golf Course. I know everyone joins with me in wishing a speedy recovery to Bruce Matthews, who is recuperating from surgery. In September, a state wide tournament will be held at Forrest Akers Golf Course on the Campus of Michigan State University for Golf Course Superintendents. Bob Johnson will be helping to coordinate this “ first time ever” event with the Michigan and Border Cities Golf Course Superintendents Association. I would like to encourage all Golf Course Superintendents to participate in this potentially fun-filled day, and it will offer you the opportunity to acquaint yourself with your fellow superintendents outside our Association. Further details will be provided at a later date. May 29th is the Charter Fishing Trip out of Saugatuck with Captain Gorney organizing this one. Details will follow with the next meeting notice. See you in May. Kurt A. Thuemmel 1986 WMGCSA OFFICERS Kurt Thuemmel C.G.C.S......................................................................President Walnut Hills Country Club, E. Lansing, Michigan 517/332-6060 Roger Barton ..............................................................................Vice-President Blythefield Country Club, Belmont, Michigan 616/363-5945 Chris Fochtm an..................................................................Secretary-Treasurer Greenridge C.C., 740 Greenridge Dr., N.W., Grand Rapids, Ml 616/784-6597 Keith Paterson, C.G.C.S.............................................................Past President Kent Country Club, Grand Rapids, Michigan 616/363-6728 Directors Pete Ashe, C .G .C .S. Hillsdale C.C., Hillsdale, Ml 517/437-7861 Bill Davis Mary wood C.C., Battle Creek, Ml 616/962-9784 Jeff Gorney, C.G .C .S. Grand Rapids Elks C.C., Grand Rapids, Ml 616/453-0705 Bob Hope, C .G .C .S. Kalamazoo C.C., Kalamazoo, Ml 616/343-2895 Bob Johnson Forest Hills Golf Club, Grand Rapids, Ml Fred Pastoor Muskegon C.C., Muskegon, Ml 616/759-0694 Editorial Committee Chairman-Advertising..............................Keith Paterson C.G.C.S. Kent C.C. - 616/363-6728 Photographer .................................................................................Charlie Scott 616/731-4148 Bill Madigan C.G.C.S.. C.C. of Jackson - 517/787-0650 Kurt Thuemmel C.G.C.S.. Walnut Hills C.C. - 517/332-6060 Advertisers Please patronize them as they have made this newsletter possible. Arthur Hills & Associates Benham Chemical C & R Grinding Century Rain Aid Ellis Sales Grand Rapids Tree Ideal Mower Lawn Equipment LESCO Matthews & Associates Miller West J. Mollema & Sons Nor-Am Chemical O.M. Scott Parmenter & Andre Raymer Pump Rhone-Poulenc, Inc. Soderstrum Spartan Distributors Spring Valley Standard Sand Turf Chemical Turfgrass Products n ,r y v> r K*! Serving you better With Q U A L IT Y ----- MALLINCKRODT LEWIS FORE PAR CLEARY COUNTRY CLUB CHICOPEE Upjohn FOX VALLEY Chipco d ia m o n d s h a m r o c k Yankee c y c l o n e P BI Gordon Aquatrols Turfgrass Products PanaSea SOUTH LYON, MICHIGAN 48178 Phone- Area 313 437-1427 JIM BOGART 1-800-521-TURF THE BLACK LAYER PROBLEM ON GREENS by Bruce Branham, Assistant Professor Paul Rieke, Professor J. M. Vargas, Professor There have been an increasing number of reports from golf courses around the State of black layer which forms below the soil surface on greens. In a worst case, those areas which develop a black layer can suffer significant turf loss. The turf research group at MSU has observed the problem on many golf courses and are beginning several research projects to determine more about the cause and cure for this problem. At the present time, we have formed the following hypothesis on the development of the black layer. We are certain that the black layer is in an anaerobic state (no oxygen present - waterlogged) and this waterlogged condition is responsible for loss of turf. An anaerobic condition can develop whenever the ground becomes saturated with water which displaces the oxygen in the soil and prevents normal gas exchange with the atmosphere. In many greens which are constructed according to the USGA greens mix and are predominantly sand, the formation of an anaerobic condition may seem contradictory because sandy soils normally have excellent drainage. However, where layers develop in a soil profile, these layers retard downward water movement and under certain conditions anaerobic areas may form. It is our belief that the black layer forms when a layering problem causes an anaerobic condition following heavy rains or irrigation. Under anaerobic conditions an entirely different group of microorganisms becomes active. These organisms produce products quite different from anaerobic respiration. Gasses produced under anaerobic conditions include carbon monoxide (CO), methane (Ch4), ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Many of these anaerobic respiration products are toxic to plants. In particular H2S is the poisonous gas responsible for the deaths of over 1,500 people in Cameroon recently. The hydrogen sulfide produced by anaerobic organisms can react with metal ions such as iron or copper to form insoluble black precipitates. These metal sulfides are probably responsible for the color of the black layer. Indeed, its name from the production of vast quantities of these black metal sulfides. The precipitated materials seem to enhance the layering problem and thus, once the black layer is formed it is very difficult to dry out. the Black Sea derives What to Do It is clear from our observations that once the black layer forms, it is difficult to destroy. Prevention of the formation of the black layer is therefore very desirable. Attempts should be made to alleviate or prevent the formation of any layers in the soil profile. Core cultivation is the best method to disrupt layers and improve downward water movement. Topdressing programs should be done correctly to prevent layering. Watering should be restricted to syringing to help dry out the black layer. In addition, because roots are usually killed by the gasses released in the black layer, the root system is so shallow that syringing is needed to maintain the turf. Our current research is aimed at developing treatments to disrupt the black layer and improve drainage. Wetting agents should be helpful in preventing the black layer from forming by We stress that the above explanation improving water percolation. However, once the black layer forms, wetting agents would be of limited benefit. is only a hypothesis, but one we feel describes the current problem. Research this hypothesis. to prove or disprove is underway Credit: Patch of Green 2/87 WATER By: Paul Richter Water, H20, the most essential group of elements that we apply to the turf; without water none of the activities which produce healthy turf will occur. In Michigan we are blessed with an abundance (in some areas an over abundance) of this fundamental resource. The water is relatively easy to obtain, of good quality, unlimited quantity, and inexpensive (after initial installation cost, only the cost of the electricity to pump the water into the golf course). The Great Lakes region has another water bonus - in Michigan, an average of 31 inches of precipitation. The western states (my personal experience is in Montana and Northern California) are not so fortunate. The fact of the matter is that the availability of irrigation water for golf courses is a contrast to the Great Lakes region; water is difficult to obtain, of suspect quality, regulated quantities, and expensive. Top this with an average rainfall of less than 15 inches in Montana and in California, zero precipitation during the superintendent is faced with a monumental challenge for the acquisition and management of this most essential of elements. the growing season. And In Michigan, obtaining water for a golf course is a relatively simple procedure and ALmost always the water is of usable quality. If the golf course is located on a river, stream, or lake, an intake is dropped into the body of water and it is pumped with a little filtration directly onto the golf course. Should the golf course not be located on a sizable body of water, then a well is drilled and in most cases, a good source of water is located within 200 feet of the surface. Either method of acquistion supplies the golf course with an unlimited quantity of water desirable for fungicide Chipco® Miette® for the control of Pythium in turf • true systemic • unique mode-of- action • no watering-in • required longer spray interval • cost effective RHONE POULENC INC AGROCHEMICAL DIVISION Monmouth Junction, New Jersey 08852 - Telephone (201) 297 0100 irrigation for little cost other than the electricity to pump the water onto the golf course. A superintendent in Michigan rarely is required to depend on the irrigation system every night for the entire growing season - three weeks is a long time to go without rain even in the driest summer. There are some obvious benefits to natural rainfall: it evens out the imperfections in the irrigation system, flushes impurities from the soil, replenishes our water source, and gives the superintendent and crew a day or night off. In the west, life is not so simple when it relates to water; a wide variety of sources and methods of acquisition are utilized. Briarwood Country Club, located in Billings, Montana, pumps water directly from the Yellowstone River over a 300 foot ridge and two miles through a pipeline into its irrigation reservior. At the Yellowstone Country Club, also in Billings, the irrigation water is supplied by two irrigation ditches and effluent water. The effluent water, about 100,000 gallons per day, is the only constant source. During the hot summer days the farmers of Yellowstone Valley irrigate a variety of crops from the irrigation ditches used by the golf course. If the farmers need more water, the golf course receives less, until, at times, the course is completely cut off. One of the irrigation ditches is one mile from the golf course and water must be piped the distance into the club reservior. At times during the summer the superintendent is required to be very conservative and occasionally only water greens and tees. Wells are expensive to drill in Montana because of the depth required to reach usable water, generally 400 feet or deeper. The aquafers in this region do not have enough water to supply the demand of a golf course, even if water is found. Northern California’s situation is slightly different than Montana’s; however, the means to acquire the quantity of quality water required for a golf course is not simple. At Castlewood Country Club, a 36 hole golf course and sub-division in Pleasanton, California, the irrigation water for one golf course two wells, approximately 150 feet deep, that dump directly into an irrigation reservior. For the other course and sub-division, the water is supplied by the City of San Francisco, of which 90 million gallons is free. This lasts until late July, after which water is purchased. The San Francisco water is pumped up an elevation of 750 feet into holding tanks and is supplied from C & R GRINDING W e specialize in ALL golf course m ower repair and sharpening. FREE Pick-up and D elivery O ver 15 Years Experience O pen 7 days - All year Area sales rep. for D & C Distributors (R & R Products) 5082 Page Avenue Jackson, Michigan 49201 (517) 764-1182 Member Western Michigan G.C.S.A. gravity fed to the irrigation system and into the sub­ division. At times during heavy use periods or a breakdown, there can be a shortage at which the sub­ division residents receive first claim to the available water. After the expense and engineering to obtain the water is finished, occasionally the quality is less than desirable; high PH, bicarbonate, and salts occur naturally in many streams and aquafers in the west; other problems include heavy metals in effluent water and very fine silt after snow melt and rains in creek water. All of these can create soil conditions which are detrimental to growing quality turf. Nature is of very little help in this arid region of the country; South Central Montana receives 14 inches of precipitation a year and San Francisco Bay area about 20 inches. Montana’s rain falls regularly throughout the growing season; however, precipitation is sporadic in July and August. Irrigation is a way of life in California since essentially no rain falls between mid-April and mid- October when temperatures soar to between 90° and 100° for extended periods and the humidity drops to 15 percent. Nature is of no help during the growing season. The superintendent relies solely on the irrigation system for six months. Never a cooling summer rain to give the golf course and superintendent a break. Although we are faced with many challenges in growing turf in Michigan, the challenge of bringing the most essential ingredient to the golf course is relatively simple. Other regions of the country are not so fortunate and must use imagination, engineering, and money to obtain that which is so readily available in Michigan. Outgrow your Poa annua problems with ProTurf Now, with Scotts new TGR™ technology, you can reduce your course’s Poa population, while encouraging more desirable grasses. You’ll see a gradual, more natural transition to greener, denser turf without a sudden decrease in playing surface quality. Ask your Tech Rep for full details. 31-3-9 Fairway Fertilizer w ith TGR. Poa Annua Control Ron Defever Technical Representative DEDICATION/SACRIFICE In our profession some, indeed many, might find it very hard to separate dedication to the job and sacrifice for the job. It must be done for personal and family survival. For some, in their present job at least, it is already too late. I am just several months short of my sixtieth birthday. I have spent about fifty of those years on and in golf course work. There is nothing like being the only one on a golf course at the break of day with the long shadows casting patterns on the sparkling dew covered fairways, perhaps a mist wafting up from the lakes, and the singing of the early rising birds before the sounds of progress (?) drowns them out. This is especially true if you have been the one responsible for the first class condition of the course. Gazing out across a well groomed course gives me a tremendous satisfaction. I have always liked the work. I may not have always liked the working environment, but always the work. Carrying out stupid projects or orders issued by a committee chairman whose only “ qualification” for the job is his 2 handicap, can grind one in so many ways. One will find the golf course to which he has become in charge, existed in more or less playable condition and will continue to do so after he has moved on to another. One can only perversely hope it won’t be in quite as good conditon as when he was there. I was told one time that being a salaried superintendent meant that I had to do what ever the job required. This is fine as far as it goes. The problem is that so many of us have carried our job far beyond what is required in order to have ourselves seen in a better light. The problem with this is that the condition then snowballs—the more you do the more they expect. Oh sure. You’ll get patted on the back, you might even get a raise, at a dinner the gathering might be told they couldn’t have such a good course without you, but for the next week the humidity is 82^, the daily temperature 92 and the night time temperature 76 and you are looking for another course to go to. The years you might have spent extra nightly hours and extra hours on weekends and even holidays are completely forgotten. You have been suckered in! Take time for your wives and familites. Be at home and help your kids grow up. Be there when your wife and family need you and COMMUNICATE! Treat it as a regular eight hour working day with a few hours on Saturdays and a couple of extra hours thrown in now and again. You’ll get the job done—today or tomorrow. You think it can’t be done that way? You think mother nature throws you too many curves? Just stay ahead of your job. Your brain can be on the job twenty hours a day without your being there. That is why you have a crew. That is why you have an assistant. That is why you have a night water man. Use them. You don’t have to do it all yourself. If you don’t have all this help then the job is even less demanding, except in your own mind, and you actually have an even easier time of it —Bob Klingensmith Superintendent—Hi Level G.C. Kossuth, PA Three Rivers Green with < KEEP IT GREEN IN WEST MICHIGAN BENHAM CHEMICALS »sir ex distributing country’club greenskeeper Professional Turf Products Milorganite* | p # O f E S S i O N * L P R O D U C T S Vertagreen' Fungicides Herbicides Insecticides Grass Seed | West Michigan Sales Representative: Jerry Makarewicz G.R. Warehouse: 616-698-1836 TOLL FREE: 1-800-482-6520 Residence: 616-454-3976 24800 N. Industrial Drive • Farmington Hills, Michigan 48018 6 ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WE NEVER THOUGHT YOU’D ASK (BUT DECIDED TO AN S W E R A N Y W A Y ) 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 b e tte r tu rfg ra s s d ise ase s, pesticides, landscaping and management practices. in fo rm e d 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 life insurance program. Supplemental 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. if) GCSAA T h e association th a t o ffe rs you m o re than ju s t a nam e. 1617 ST. ANDREWS DRIVE • LAWRENCE, KANSAS 66044 913/841-2240 NATIONAL CONFERENCE The 58th Annual International Golf Course Conference and Trade Show of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) was the largest in the Association’s history. The Conference Show, held in Phoenix Jan. 26 - Feb. 2, 1987, broke records in attendance (12,588); number of educational seminars (29); number of exhibitors (331); and amount of exhibit space (108,500 net square feet). The conference began with educational seminars -- almost 400 hours were offered throughout the eight days of the conference -- and ended with more educational seminars, sessions and special events. Among the highlights of the conference week activities were award presentations, personal appearances of famous speakers, a huge trade show, a gala banquet with big-name entertainment, allied golf association seminars and more education programs. Twenty-nine educational seminars were presented by 44 instructors to over 1,500 students earning continuing education units (CEUs). Seven of the 29 seminars were new to GCSAA programming. ★ ★ * The Opening Session speaker on Jan. 29 was National Football League Hall of Fame quarterback and former Green Bay Packers Coach, Bart Starr. Following Starr’s comments, GCSAA President Riley L. Stottern, CGCS, presented the Association’s prestigious Distinguished Service Award to Dr. James R. Love, Wl, and David S. Gourlay, Sr., Canada. Stottern also presented GCSAA’s Leo Feser Award to David Harmon, suprintendent at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club in Williamsburg, VA, for his contribtuion to GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT magazine. Gerald L. Faubel, CGCS, board member and chairman of the GCSAA Scholarship and Research Committeed, presented seven students with financial aid scholarships to assist in their pursuit of turfgrass management careers. The traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Board of Directors to officially open GCSAA’s Trade Show occurred Saturday before a packed lobby at the Phoenix Civic Plaza. Among the 332 exhibits were 81 exhibitors new to the show -- another new record. Last year in San Francisco, 317 companies exhibited their products -- 74 for the first time, and in Washington, DC, the year before, 292 exhibits were on display. Educational programs were also conducted by the USGA Green Section, the American Society of Golf Course Architects, the National Golf Foundation (NGF) and the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA). to serve On Feb. 2, GCSAA’s annual membership meeting and elections were conducted. Elected the Association for the coming year were Donald E. Hearn, CGCS, President; John A. Segui, CGCS, Vice President; Stephen G. Cadenelli, CGCS, and Randy Nichols, CGCS, Directors. Gerald L. Faubel, CGCS, William R. Roberts, CGCS, and Kenneth A. Sakai, CGCS, continue on the Board as well. Dennis D. Lyon, CGCS, was appointed Secretary/Treasurer. Immediate Past President Riley L. Stottern, CGCS, will serve on the Board of Directors for one year. President Hearn said to a full house at the annual Banquet Feb. 2, “ I am very honored and humbled to assume the presidency of GCSAA. This is a great time for GCSAA and its membership to grow and expand its services.” Later in the program, NBC commentator Jay Randolph presented GCSAA’s highest honor - the Old Tom Morris Award -- to Robert Trent Jones, Sr. “ Trent Jones is the Beethovan of the golf world, designing one masterpiece after another -- and you, the superintendents, make each design sing with beauty,” stated Mr. Randolph. Jones accepted the Old Tomm Morris Award and then shared personal thoughts and concerns about the future of the game he loves so much. “ The design of courses will be hurt tremendously if they don’t do something about the ball. It’s too hot (long) nowadays. These guys are driving past the natural designed obstacles that make skill part of golf.” Following the banquet and award presentations, Marie Osmond and the Osmond Brothers entertained the audience with a blend of pop and country and western tunes. GCSAA’s 59th Annual International Golf Course Conference and Show will be in Houston, Feb. 1 - 9,1988. information, contact Bob Still, Media For further Relations Manager, GCSAA, 1-800/472-7878. THE “PEACE OF MIND” PROGRAM -Natural Organic Based -High Analysis PROFESSIONAL! DRY SPREADABLE GRANULES: Crabgrass preventer. .. .20-2-5+ TEAM Summer formula...........20-3-6 + IRON Fall Formula.................10-5-15 + IRON Spring Valley Milorganite Professional available from: SHOULD WE BE USING THE WALKING GREENSMOWER MORE? by Bill Zuraw, Superintendent Crumpin’Fox Country Club Through the decade of the seventies, the golf course and turf industry experienced a technological revolution. Many types of sophisticated maintenance equipment became popular because they could reduce labor costs. One of these was the triplex greensmower. Since many courses are built with greens in excess of 4,000 square feet, the job of mowing can be greatly reduced by a riding triplex. Today, there are very few golf courses that do not use triplex greensmowers. But the walking greensmowers still have a place in the golf course industry. I would like to discuss some comparisons and advantages which I have discovered. From an economic point of view, triplexes save on time and labor. But how much? At Crumpin’Fox Club, one man on a triplex can mow ten greens in about two hours. I found that two men with walkers and cushman can do the same job in less time. So labor costs are less than doubl­ ed. The walker mower costs less than the triplex initially, but also is simpler to maintain. The engines are small and inexpensive to replace and there are no costly hydraulic components. There are no tires to leak, batteries to die or hoses to drip oil. They are easier to adjust. It is very difficult to get all three units of a triplex to cut exactly the same. With only one cutting unit, that is no problem. I also found that the walker can help the superinten­ dent to grow better turf. Although compaction pressure of a triplex is probably less than that of a golfer walking across a green, the repeated tracking in the same ruts on the cleanup cut throughout the season can cause com­ paction. Another point to consider is the turf areas sur­ rounding the greens. If these areas are sloping, bunkered or too narrow, there will be considerable wear to the turf. The turf will always appear weak and may be the first to die out under stress. With walkers it is easier to train operators, since the machinery is less complex. There is also a higher degree of safety with a simpler and lighter weight machine. I also found it was easy to do their tasks at the same time. Since we transport between greens with a cushman and trailer, it is no problem to move cups, tee markers and put out water coolers in the same trip around the course. In this way we are getting the same jobs done in the same amount of time without using a triplex. I am not saying that we all should park the triplex. They are a useful labor saving tool. However, many golf courses could benefit from more frequent use of walkers on some greens or part of the time. The layout and design of Crum­ pin’Fox made my switch to walkers an economic as well as agronomic success. Credit: Turf Talk CUSHMAN TURF-CARE EQUIPMENT n n h ■ 1 i i A Ccrrplete L in e Of "Built-Tough" 3-or 4-Wreel V ehicles ♦Sales and Service ♦Parts and Accès. ♦Gas or Electric Sales, fvbn.-Fr i . 8 to 4:30 Sat. 6 9 1 5 W. M IC H IG A N AVE. • K A L A M A Z O O , M l 4 9 0 0 9 • ( 616 ) 375-3535 'til noon. INC. RUSS HANCOCK LOU BECKMAN JIM HYDE FRED MILLER GRAND RAPIDS OPEN The Grand Rapids Open will be held June 25-28 this year. Anyone carrying a membership card for GCSAA will be admitted without charge. If you are a member of the local, but not the national, and you are interested in attending please contact Jeff Gorney. TURF CHEMICALS INC. 1011 E. Main P.O. Box 451 Owosso, M ichigan 48867 O ffice: (517) 725-7145 FOR ALL OF YOUR FERTILIZER, CHEMICAL AND GRASS SEED NEEDS EXPERIENCED, DEPENDABLE PEOPLE TO SERVE YOU LORDY- LORDY LOOK WHO TURNED 40 IF YOU KNOW THIS SUPERINTENDENT CALL AND WISH HIM HAPPY BIRTHDAY SÖDERSTRÖM IRRIGATION, INC. We specialize in golf course irrigation pumping plants. Complete in­ stallation, conversions and service. We handle the com plete line of Toro Irrigation Equipment. Call us for any inform ation on the above services, FREE estimates. (616)887-8141 3560 - 13 Mile Road Sparta, Ml 49345 (616)874-9086 BARRIER NETTING BY Andy Lindquist Superintendent, Brookview Golf Course The “ simple” task of installing protective netting to con­ tain golf balls can become a major project for any superintendent. At Brookview Golf Course we have two 50’ x 450’ barriers dsigned to contain stray range balls. Over the last few years, we have tried various methods of installation, but this has seemed to work the best for our course. TYPES OF MATERIAL A. Nets. After trying all major brands of netting, we have found that “ you get what you pay for.” The less expen­ sive nets are weaker, do not weather as well, and are generally undersized. You may order a 25’ x 150’ net and get a 20’ x 125’ one which you try (with the strength of Godzilla) to stretch to 25’ x 150’. It is important to remember that you will be up in the air trying to work with a material that catches a great deal of wind. Nets may be custom ordered with the largest single piece being 25’ x 150’. The nets should be 60 lb. tensile strength and a max­ imum of 1” mesh size. You can expect a five to seven year life expectancy, assuming the nets are removed dur­ ing the winter. B. Supports. Utility poles (class 3 or 4) treated or untreated made from West Coast Douglas Fir are the best to use. Holes 1 ” in diameter at every 11 feet are predrilled in order to install eyelets through the pole. Any excess threads should be cut off as they can rip the net if they catch in it. C. Cable. Cable is strung around the entire netting using 7 x 7-3/16” airplane cable. To prvent the cable from cut­ ting through the netting, hog rings are attached to the cable and netting every 8-12” . Cable is also run horizon­ tally through the middle of the net (every 11.5’). Without this center cable, too much stress is put on the outside of the netting, causing it to rip. D. Installation. Poles are installed with at least 35% of them in the ground (i.e., a 50’ high net would require a 67’ pole). Don’t let all of the holes in the netting fool you. They catch a great deal of wind, so good support is need­ ed. Back fill around the pole with class 5 gravel. The cable is attached between the top of each pole to provide lateral support to the poles. The last poles are wired to the ground using 8” diameter landscape anchors. Poles are placed 45’ apart (not 50’) to allow for some sag in the netting. The netting is prepared on the ground and lifted into place. Weight is not a problem, but the wind is, so two ground people are needed to steady the net. To speed up the at­ tachment procedure, use 1-1/2” spring loaded clips to at­ tach the cabled netting to the poles and to the lateral sup­ port cable between the poles. Two landscape anchors are installed between each set of poles to attach the bottom of the net to the ground. (Continued on page 12) Classic Condition, Use These To Keep Your Course In High-Quality Products from NOR-AM • N IT R O FO R M * SLO W -R ELEA SE N ITR O G E N Releases by slow bacterial action to provide consistent 3 8 % nitrogen. •T U R C A M ’ INS E C TIC ID E Controls a wide range of turf and ornamental pests. eP R O G R A S S * HER BICIDE Controls certain annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in ornamental turf. • D E L T IC 'IN S E C T IC ID E Gives fast knockdown and long-term control of fleas, ticks and other pests. e A C T I-D IO N E ’ T IIR F A N D . O R N A M E N TA L F U N G IC ID E S Controls a broad range of diseases on turf grasses and ornamentals • BANOL™ TU R F A N D O R N A M E N T A L FUNG ICIDE Controls pythium and phytophthora • P R O X O L' 8 0 S P IN S E C TIC ID E Controls white grubs, sod webworms, cutworms and arm yworm s in fine turf. W NOR-AM NO« AM CHEMICAL c o m p a n y Wilmington DE 19003 TH E FA IR W A Y C LA SSIC S to keep your course in top condition DON MASKE, District Manager R E SID E N C E: 541 H eritag e Lane, Lockport, IL 60441 S pecialty C hem icals G roup (815) 838-8164 JACOBSEN The proof is in the putting. The Greens King® IV with the revolutionary new Turf Groomer™ greens conditioner has no equal for producing faster, truer greens, without lowering height of cut. This unique, patented greens care system, a Jacobsen exclusive, concentrates on troublesome thatch and hori­ zontal runners that can slow down putting, or even throw off putting accuracy. The front roller “puckers up” hor­ izontal runners and plant leaves, readying them for clipping. Then, the powered knife blades without reducing the height of cut. So, contact your Jacobsen Distribu­ tor to arrange a free demonstration. And, put this revo­ lutionary new greens care system to the test on your own proving ground. Finance plans available. Jacobsen The horizontal reel follows closely behind to clip grass while it’s standing straight, for faster, truer greens with­ out lowering height of cut. Division of Textron Inc., Racine, Wl 53403. Telex: 264428. Greens King and Turf G room er are trademarks of Jacobsen Division of Textron. JACOBSEN TEXTRON Jacobsen Division of Textron Inc. Exclusive roller design fea­ tures bevelled edges to “pucker-up” horizontal runners. The knife blades rotate through slots in the front roll­ ers, slicing horizontal runners before they lie down. rotate through the slots in the front roller, cutting horizontal runners and removing thatch that can choke a green to death. The reel follows closely behind, neatly cutting the grass while it’s still standing straight and true. The result: Faster, truer putting and healthier, hardier greens, ready for play. And, you get all this MILLER WEST, INC. 274 Mart Street S.W. Grand Rapids, Ml 49508 (616)241-4481 Materials: The materials are not inexpensive. For a 50’ x 150’ section, the following is needed: (4) 67’ fir poles @ $500.00 each (2) 25’ x 150’ nets @ $500.00 each 700’ of 3 /16” 7x7 cable (net) @$.20/foot 300’ of 3/16” 7x7 cable (support) @ $.20/foot (8) landscape anchors @ $10.00 ea. (1000) hog rings @ $8.00/1000 (50) 11/2” clips @ $1.50 each (20) eye bolts @ $2.50 each Miscellaneous Aspirin TOTAL $2,000.00 1,000 140.00 60.00 80.00 8.00 75.00 50.00 50.00 5.00 $3,468.00 These costs do not include labor costs for installation or boom truck costs. We used a boom truck because of the height, but if your net is less than 30’ from the ground, a self propelled lifting platform would work best. If you plan to use netting, I suggest the following: 1. Try other alternatives. 2. Visit others who have installed netting. 3. Consider any idea on how to install the netting; do not rule our the ‘weird’ ideas. 4. Install netting on calm days. 5. Design the netting so it can be taken down and reinstall­ ed easily. Credit: Hole Notes STANDARD SAND CORPORATION TOPDRESSING SAND 2150 USA Sieve 20 30 40 50 60 70 100 140 200 270 PAN MM .84 * .60 .42 .30 .25 .21 .15 .10 .07 .05 % Retained .0 .6 4.6 28.5 23.6 24.3 17.6 .8 .0 .0 • M e e ts USGA s p e c fic a tio n s • C o n s is te n t Q u a lity • Lab R e p o rts w ith Every S h ip m e n t • M ic h ig a n ’s L a rg e st T o p d re s s in g S and S u p p lie r Standard Sand Corporation P.O. Box 290 G rand Haven, M ichigan 49417 Contact: Roy Hanson (616) 842-5180 MILORGANITE INNOCENT NO LINK TO ALS On Thursday, February 19th, a distinguished panel of federal and state health officals declared that there is no scientific data to show a link between Milorganite and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease). The officials included: Dr. Alfred A. Rimm, Chief of Biostatistics Medical College of Wisconsin Dr. Henry Anderson, Chronic Disease Epidemiologist (Wis.) State Division of Health Dr. Patricia Murphy, Epidemiologist U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Cincinnati The panel’s analysis of the remarks of Dr. Benjamin Brooks their uncompromising support for Milorganite as a safe product. At one point, Dr. Rimm stated to Dr. Brooks: regarding Milorganite demonstrated “ I sort of feel that you have found a product guilty of murder, and it’s totally innocent.” The panel also stated that: There was no difference between the ALS death rates in southeastern Wisconsin and the national ra te s . There is no evidence to indicate an increased incidence in ALS in Milwaukee County or Wisconsin. Associating the disease with Milorganite was pre­ mature and speculative. Nevertheless, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District is continuing to study the question of whether further research by three internationally known medical experts should be undertaken at this time. MILORGANITE & ALS intended facts are The following to answer any questions that you may have over the recent publicity about Milorganite & ALS. If you have any other concerns, the Milorganite Marketing Staff will be more than happy to provide further information. AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS) Doctors do not know what causes ALS. Over the years, a wide assortment of causes have been suggested. These include viruses, poisons, exposure to electrical shock, exposure to house pets or animal carcasses, back and limb trauma (e.g. from athletic injuries), genetic diseases, hormonal abnormalities and many more. None of these alleged associates has ever been proved. The disease remains a mystery. Unfortunately, Milorganite was included in this unproven group of contributors when a San Francisco 49er football player listed it among a wide variety of things that three former teammates who contracted ALS might have come in contact with. The three had played together on the same field for the 1964 season. It is not even certain if Milorganite was actually used in their turf maintenance program. ALS existed before Milorganite was produced. ALS occurs in countries where milorganite is not, and never has been, produced. As well as the wide variety of substances and circumstances that have been considered as potential causes of ALS, the disease also occurs in clusters of geographic “ hot spots.” For example: A South Dakota outbreak was originally attributed to naturally-occurring selenium in the soil. Investigation eventually showed this was not the cause. The real cause was never identified. There has been a recent outbreak of ALS in Guam. (No Milorganite has ever been sold in Guam.) In this case the cause was attributed to a hormone in the local foodstuffs. MILORGANITE-THE PRODUCT The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District is confident that Milorganite is not a cause of ALS. The workers who make Milorganite have had the level of metals in their blood analyzed over the last four years. These tests proved that the people who manufacture Milorganite had no greater concentrations of heavy metals in their blood than the population in general. There are many other reasons Milorganite is a safe and effective product. Primary among these is the production process and quality control measures the sewerage district employs to assure a clean and safe product. Specifically, * The MMSD imposes strict heavy metal pretreatment procedures on Milwaukee industry. These precautions reduce the amount of heavy metals discharged into the Milwaukee sewer system. * All wastewater is screened to remove debris and any large partricles. * The treatment process itself purifies the sewage by converting it to living microorganisms. These are subsequently denatured and become and organic bio­ mass, ready for further treatment. Acids are added to the bio-mass to assist in drying. This further purifies the material. This “ cake” is then dried in ovens that reach 1,200°F. The particles spend up to 80 minutes in this sanitizing environment, which destroys all viruses affecting human beings. Spore farmers are reduced to levels well below that found in normal garden soil. Volatile substances and any acid residue are also driven off. * Milorganite is screened again to ensure no unwanted debris has survived and that the final product has the right particle size distribution to assure proper nutrient release. * Milorganite production is routinely checked every day to ensure it meets MMSD’s specifications for purity, quality and nutrient levels as well as low enough concentrations of heavy metals. Any product that might fail these checks is simply not shipped. HEAVY METALS IN MILORGANITE The level of heavy metals in Milorganite is low. Many of the news accounts refer to “ high concentrations” of heavy metals, which is simply not true. For example, cadmium, one of the metals about which there is significant concern, occurs in Milorganite at an average rate of about 35 parts per million. Another way to think about this is that the application of a 40-lb. bag of Milorganite to 2,500 square feet of lawn (as recommended (Continued on Page 14) on the label) deposits one one-thousandth of an ounce of cadmium, about 1/100 the weight of an average grain of sand in every 22 tons of soil. There is nothing in Milorganite that is not also found in the surrounding environment. No “ new” chemicals are created in the manufacturing process. Even heavy metals are in rainwater, drinking water, soils, foods and the air. They also are in items we use every day such as mouthwash, toothpaste, toilet paper, bath soaps, baby oil, shaving cream, pesticides and other fertilizers. A person will take in much more of these substances in what they eat, drink or smoke than they ever will from using Milorganite. For heavy metals to get into a person’s bloodstream, the substance carrying them must be ingested or inhaled. It is extremely unlikely anyone would eat turf, soil or Milorganite. But, even if they did, the likelihood of ingesting enough cadmium to be dangerous can be illustrated using the example of vegetables: If an 18-year old person, who was a strict vegetarian, ate only the vegetables that he grew (in soil with an unadjusted pH) fertilized with a sewage sludge containing about 75 ppm cadmium (twice the milorganite level) for 50 years, he might acquire enough cadmium to possibly cause a problem. Another way to think about that is: A person would have to eat between 1-1/2 and 6 pounds of Milorganite a year before exceeding the upper limit of cadmium intake recommended as safe. Concentration through inhalation has been ruled out in the tests showing MMSD employees’ blood to contain no more non-employees. EPA AND WIS.DNR Milorganite has the backing of both Federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. heavy metals than Milorganite meets the fertilizer requirements for each state where it is distributed. The Wisconsin DNR allows up to 7 times as much Milorganite to be applied to farm fields as would be applied to turf when following package instructions. Milorganite qualifies as a “ non-hazardous” substance according to the EPA. Alan Rubin, Chief of the Wastewater Solids Criteria Branch of the Environmental Protection Agency, said on February 12, 1987, “ As of now there has been no way to draw an inference that cadmium, chromium or other substances in Milorganite were linked to ALS. In the studies we have, we have never (emphasis added) seen any trends or statistics indicating a deterioration of people’s health because of the use of sludges.” THE MMSD WILL CONTINUE TO PRODUCE AND MARKET MILORGANITE. For 61 years, Milorganite has helped golf course superintendents and other turf managers maintain the highest quality turf. The Milorganite Sales Department will continue to offer the quality services of the Turf Service Bureau which includes the free soil analysis service. • not burning, • releasing all nutrients, major as well as micronutrients, especially iron, slowly as the plants need them. • helping to break down thatch, • helping to prevent various diseases and nematodes, • adding valuable organic matter (75%), which increases the cation exchange capacity in sandy soil, the type of soils used in today’s greens, • indefinite storage because it will not cake, • ability to melt ice and snow safely, • and much more. L E S C O . . . for all your tu rfg rass needs. As a m ajor m anufacturer, form ulator and distribu tor for the green industry, LESCO sells a co m p lete line of fertilizers, control products, grass seed, eq uip m ent, replacem ent parts and a w ide assortm ent of tee m arkers, flags, sandtrap rakes and other golf course accessories. W hatever you need for turf m aintenance, call LESC O first — toll-free. (800) 321-5325 N A TIO N W ID E (800) 362-7413 IN O H IO LESCO. Inc., 20005 Lake Road. Rocky River, Ohio 44116 (216)333-9250 I 1 I L '^ 6 -s - J r ' rr * i M A T T H E W S & A S S O C IA T E S , 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 517-641-6882 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 Chipco 26019 has been controlling diseases for a long time, for a long time. RHÔNE-POULENC INC. AGROCHEMICAL DIVISION BOB DUGAN, Romulus, Michigan—(313) 941-1972 FUNGICIDE EARTHWORMS—FRIEND OR FOE? by Bruce R. Williams, CGCS Bob O’Link Golf Club Earthworms are present in most topsoils throughout the humid areas of the United States. They eat organic leaf litter and thatch. While there are 5 families and 1800 species of earthworms reported, there are only a few genera which affect golf course turf. These include Lum- bricus longa, and Allolobophora nocturna. These species form permanent burrows (verticle) and do not burrow laterally unless food becomes scarce. terrestris, Allolobophora Over the years earthworms have been praised by turf managers for their role in thatch reduction. Many people think of them as nature’s aerators. There is no question that the earthworm has had a positive impact on golf course turf. The only negative aspects reported, until recently, were the castings (feces) left behind on the finer maintained playing surfaces (greens and tees). It is not my the beneficial effects of earthworms. to dispute intention In the 1980’s we have seen great improvements in the playing conditions of fairways. Most noticeably there has been a reduction in the height of cut on bentgrass fair­ ways. Triplex mowing has enabled us to reduce the height of cut from the 3/4 to 1 inch range to the 1/2 to 5/8 inch range. It may only be coincidental, but earthworm activi­ ty is much more noticeable under the reduced height of cut. The elimination of Bandane, Chlordane, and arsenicals in the late 1970s may also have contributed to increases in the earthworm population. One acre can contain as many as 3,000,000 ear­ thworms, which weigh 1,800 pounds and can produce 25 tons of casts each year. In the Spring, when soil temperatures are in the 40-50°F range, earthworms are most active and it is not uncommon to see as many as 20 casts per square foot. These casts are an attempt to clean out tunnels and are composed of soil and feces. Earthworms, like Canadian geese, pose no problem with their mere existence, but rather by their byproducts. Casts are often so prevalent that fairways look as though they were recently aerated. This can have a negative ef­ fect on playability. The castings begin to take their toll on mowing equipment and can adversely affect reels and bedknives. Aesthetics are reduced on this fine turf. The dilemma we face is whether the beneficial factors of earthworms outweigh the negative factors. This must be judged by the individual Golf Course Superintendent. There is no clearcut point of economic threshold. If you have a problem there is very little information regarding control and no materials labeled specifically for earthworm control. While treating for other pests we have found that some chemicals will reduce the earthworm population. Benomyl (Continued on Page 16) STOCKING THESE FINE PRODUCTS FOR PROMPT SERVICE STANDARD GOLF PAR AIDE DU PONT NOR AM RHONE-POULENC DACONIL 2787 PBI GORDON AQUATROLS AQUASHADE W.A. CLEARY NELSON- RAINBIRD PVC PIPE & FITTINGS WEST MICHIGAN DISTRIBUTORS OF M H o r g a i l i t e FERTILIZER 1042 MICHIGAN ST . N E • GRAND RAPIDS. MICHIGAN 49503 • P O BOX 241 PHONE (616) 458-1546 seems to act as an irritant and sends earthworms deeper into the soil without killing them. The casts are eliminated with this material and we may still derive the beneficial effects. Turcam, Orthene, and carbaryl will reduce the population. The synthetic pyrethrins will bring earthworms to the surface for collection. At present there aren’t any noticeable side effects from the control of earthworms on fairways. Mechanical aera­ tion has improved and may compensate. Thatch is being managed with clipping removal, but we might need ver­ tical mowing if a problem develops in the future. Credit: Bullsheet DISTRIBUTORS OF PROFESSIONAL TURF & NURSERY SUPPLIES LAWN & GARDEN SUPPLIES /ftGREENHOUSE & HORTICULTURAL SUPPLIES J. MOLLEMA & SON, INC. 1530 EASTERN AVE S E G R A N D RAPIDS. M IC H 49507 GORtS B. PASSCHIER Turf Specialist PHONE 616-245-0533 by Dr. Norman Hummell Cornell University it be Whether for overseeding an athletic field, renovating a golf course fairway, or establishing a new lawn, seed is one of the most important purchases the turfgrass manager will ever make. To put it plain and sim­ ple: What you plant is what you’re stuck with; and correc­ ting the mistake of purchasing poor quality seed may be time consuming and very costly. The seed market is literally flooded with seed of vary­ ing degrees of quality. It is often very tempting for the tur­ fgrass manager to purchase seed of questionable quality to save a few dollars. But when one considers the longevi­ ty of the area established and the headaches saved, the investment of high quality seed is really quite small. After you have decided which species and cultivars to plant, how do you know that the seed you buy is high quality? The Seed Label Many years ago the United States Department of Agriculture set standards that the seed industry must meet in order to sell seed. Later on, laws were written that clear­ ly state what specific information about the seed should be on the label. The principal factors influencing seed quality are puri­ ty and germination. Purity is the percent, by weight, of pure seed of an identified species and cultivar present in that lot of seed. For example, 25.3% of the sample mix in Figure 1 is Adelphi Kentucky bluegrass. OTTERBINE® Fountains will make your members proud of their beautiful Golf Course .. (Continued on page 19) Other Benefits: ■ Clean Up Algae Problems - Save Chemical Costs. ■ Reduce Pond and Lake Odor ■ Enhance Natural Life -To Reduce Fish Kill. Also applicable for Parks and Lake Residents 31691 Dequindre CENTURY Rain Aid 313/588-2992 Madison Hts., Ml 48071 22159 Telegraph Southfield, Ml 48034 313/358-2994 SISCO TURF 1312 N. Campbell Royal Oak, Ml 48067 313/398-9552 C entury’s Grand Valley Sprinkler 3400 Jefferson S.E. Grand Rapids, Ml 49508 616/452-3373 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 Rubs out grubs faster. CHIPCO’MOCAP' RHONE-POULENC INC. AGROCHEMICAL DIVISIO N BOB DUGAN, Romulus, Michigan — (313) 941-1972 Spartan Distributors, Inc. 487 W. DIVISION ST. I P.O.BOX 246 / SPARTA, Ml 49345 / PHONE 6161887-7301 WATCH FOR MORE INFORMATION OUR 40TH ANNIVERSARY ON JUNE 84 S 25, 1987 PROFESSIONAL GUIDE TO LANDSCAPING WITH FLOWERS AVAILABLE At last, a guide to landscaping with flowering annuals is available for the professional user. Whether a landscape architect or contractor, golf course superintendent, parks department supervisor, cemetery director, landscape gardener, or commercial grounds manager, the profes­ sional will find, for the first time, a complete guide to flowering annuals in one new, concise and complete booklet. “ The Professional Guide to Landscaping with Annuals” has been published by Bedding Plants Inc., non-profit association that disseminates information on flowering an­ nuals, and written by noted horticultural writer Ann Reil­ ly. The 28 page booklet contains 16 pages of full color (Continued on Page 20) fCcXIffVtCfe UNDERGROUND WATER SINCE 1890 r i f ■ 4. v .. ... • RESIDENTIAL While purity is an important number on the label, it is an indication of quantity, not quality. When seed is pur­ chased, not all of the seed is viable. There are some dead seeds. The listed germination represents the percent of pure seed that is alive, and will germinate under standard laboratory conditions. A germination test must be run for each species and cultivar in the blend or mixture. Since seed will lose its viability in time, the date of germination testing is listed on the label and should be noted. It is nor­ mally recommended that the test date should be no more than nine months prior to the date the seed is purchased. In the seed production fields, it is difficult, if not impossi­ ble to keep those fields completely free of weeds. As a result, weed seeds are often harvested along with the grass seed. After harvest, it is also difficult to clean all the chaff, stems and leaves out of the seed. Therefore, a cer­ tain percentage of any seed blend or mix will contain weed seed, crop seed, and inert matter. The percent of each must be stated on the label. to undesirable plant sepcies not normally grown for profit, such as chickweed. The first im­ pression one might get looking at the sample label is that the 0.5% is low and does not war­ rant concern. That may be true if the seed involved was a large-seeded weed species; however, if all the weed seed in that lot was chickweed, that 0.5% would represent several hundred thousand chickweed seeds spread on a 5,000 square foot lawn. Weed seed refers • Crop seed includes plant species normally grown for profit, such as tall fescue, bromegrass, and others. Un­ fortunately, the consumer would not know which crop species are present, unless the total crop percentage is above 5%. Seed companies are then required to list the crop species by name. Seeding a Kentucky bluegrass blend contaiminated with tall fescue could be disastrous. The crop seed is a “ Pandora’s Box” that should not be fool­ ed with. Purchase seed that contains if any, crop seed. little, Credit - Bullsheet IN D U S TR IA L • C O M M ER C IA L % WELLS and PU M PS 1 4 " and LARGER P U M P SA LES & SER VIC E DEEP W ELL TURBINE & SU BM ERSIBLE 4 ” RESIDENTIAL WELLS GIVEN SPECIAL ATTENTION FA S T ROTARY DRILLING SOIL TEST BORING & ANALYSIS E A R TH R E S IS T IV IT Y S U R V E Y S ENG INEERED G RO UND W A T E R SUPPLIES 453-3212 IF NO A N S W E R 4 5 3 - 3 2 1 3 OR MARNE 677-1070 WE SPECIALIZE IN GOLF COURSE WELLS & PUMPS 3 3 1 1 3 MILE RD. N W • GRAND RAPIDS photographs depicting use and identity of a large number of flowering annuals. The booklet contains sections on use, design, color selection, plant selection, planting and maintenance of an­ nual beds and borders. Special charts outline plant height, flower color and requirements for planting distance, soil, temperature and moist conditions, low maintenance and cut flowers. A sample planting plan is enclosed with calculations as to how to determine the number of plants needed. There’s a section on container plantings, plus a complete encyclopedia of plants with 63 photos and both common and Latin names identified. The booklet is available for only $1.00 PLUS a self ad­ dressed 6” x 9” or larger envelope with 90* postage af­ fixed. Write to “ The Professional Guide to Landscaping with Flowers” , Bedding Plants Inc., 210 Cartwright Boulevard, Massapequa Park, NY 11762. SUPERINTENDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN NEW CHAMPIONSHIP Golf couse superintendents are pleased to be involved with PGA professionals, managers and presidents of the nation’s country clubs in a national golf championship recently .created by John Deere Company. The announcement was made by Riley L. Stottern, CGCS, president of the 7,000-member Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), with headquarters in Lawrence, Kansas. The event -- the John Deere/PGA Professional- Superintendent Championship -- will feature four-man teams competing in a scramble format at the 41 PGA Sec­ tions throughtout the country. Qualifying is scheduled between June and September, with the 36-hole Championship in November. The date and site will be announced later. Teams will be made up of the PGA Professional, the Club’s course superinten­ dent, club president and club manager. “ It is gratifying, and fitting,” observed Stottern, “ that superintendents are recognized as among the most im­ portant people in the game of golf. It is they who make and keep our nation’s golf courses playable. Many superintendents play golf frequently not only because they enjoy the game and are good, but also because they know it is the best way to understand how to keep their courses in the best possible playing conditions. “ GCSAA thanks John Deere for its development of the tournament. Our members are looking forward with great enthusiasm to playing in it with the PGA professionals, club presidents and managers, who also are so essential to the game and industry.” Gary Gottschalk, manager of John Deere’s Golf and Turf Division, said the firm is “ excited about the concept. This program provides an opportunity for the club profes­ sional and club superintendent to play together on a team with other club officials. I am not aware of any other com­ petition like it.” MEETING SCHEDULE May 19th............................. Pine View G.C. June 2 2 ...........................................Riverside August 3 ......................................The Moors August 3 1 ............................... Jackson C.C. Golf Day September 2 8 ..................C.C. of Lansing Annual Meeting November 7 ...............Cascade Hills C.C. Fall Party Just a reminder to encourage you to support our advertisers. There would be no newsletter without their support. The advertisers are listed on the inside of the front cover of each issue. 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 N am e____________________________________________________________________________ (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 A ddress______________________________________________________________ _____ Business Phone N o .:_____________________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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A ttested_______________________ Address____________________________________ ____________ Applicant’s signature ________ _____________________________________________— PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO THIS ADDRESS Chris Fochtman 7632 Alpine Ave., N.W. Sparta, Ml 49345 Nothing cuts like the Ransomes 5 gang reel team RANSOMES Fast-cutting, diesel-powered, all-hydraulic systems save time and money. For information or demonstration, call Rich Hetrick or Ed Stesny, Turf Manager at: ( 313) 541-4660 Ideal Mower Sales 811 W oodw ard Heights Ferndale, Michigan 48220 Motor 350D ■ Kubota 38 HP Diesel ■ All hydraulic driven reels and lifts ■ 24 " turning radius and uncut circle "O' ■ II 7 6 " w idth cuts 8 acres per hour If price is your problem, check our Motor 5/3 ■ Ford 27 HP Gas ■ II ' 6 " w idth cuts 6.5 acres per hour Q uality doesn't cost, it pays. Special leasing terms available MAXI I I I . . . Tl .. from Coast t Golfs Premier Irrigation Control System Stadium Course, PGA West Repeatedly the choice of the world’s leading architects and super­ intendents, MAXI® III from Rain Bird is recognized as golf course irrigation’s most exciting and versatile computerized control system. Sophisticated. Reliable. Powerful. MAXI® III offers state-of-the-art irrigation tech­ nology. An IBM computer, too. Not to mention the ability to handle a wide range of important functions. Lighting—securi­ ty—and a host of other necessary operations. Legends in the making—the great golf courses of tom orrow are being built today. And MAXI® III is there! Controllers. Rotors. 50 years of golf course irrigation experience. Rain Bird — the choice from coast to coast R a in ^ B ir d , 3400 Jefferson S.E., Grand Rapids, Ml 49508............. 616-452-3373 / ) 31691 Dequindre, Madison Hts., Ml 48071 ................313-588-2992 22159 Telegraph, Southfield, Ml 48034....................... 313-358-2994 Michigan TOLL FREE 800/544-9219 HAHN SPRAY-PRO 44, IT WORKS. ANDWORKS... AND WORKS... Greens or fairways... the Spray-Pro 44 with its big high flotation tires to protect your turf, converts in minutes to a Sprayer, Spreader, Aerifier or Utility Bed. Designed for easy on, easy off switching and year ’round service. This “crew” should be working for you the aerifier... Hydraulically controlled from operator’s position. Cultivates a full 42 inch width. Cleanly penetrates to 3 inches, depend­ ing on soil conditions. Optional Slicing Blades to open the soil with a minimum of turf disturbance. the sprayer... 160 gal. poly tank, 3-section boom for 18-1/2 ft. cover­ age. Spray with 1,2, or all 3 booms. Fingertip control of all spray system functions. the spreader... Precise rate settings for a uniform pattern. Top dress sand in 12 to 20 ft. swath, apply seed, fertilizer and lime 20 to 40 ft. Up to 500 lbs. per minute. the utility truck bed , Reinforced steel, 1500 lbs. capacity. Converts to dump bed with addition of Hydraulic Package. FAST, WIDE COVERAGE 4 WHEEL STABILITY Low center of gravity. For more stability and safety. BIG HIGH FLOTATION TIRES Reduce compaction. Drive on golf greens safely. About half the PSI of other utility trucks and sprayers. Sold and Serviced by LAWN EQUIPMENT SERVICE & SALES 46845 W. 12 MILE ROAD NOVI, Ml 48050 151 NORTH PERRY PONTIAC, Ml 48058 P.O. BOX 500 (313) 348-8110 (313) 858-7700 WESTERN VIEWS’ 6442 E. Encantado Ct., N.E. Rockford, Ml 49341 Bulk Rate U.S. Postage PAID Permit #6 Rockford, Ml — f t MSU L M ic h . E a s t -aüd_JE^— a t e University ■ a ri e s u s in g , M I 4-8823