Editor: Al Bathum President’s Message: Can We Talk? Did you know we all have a common goal? And no, it's not just bringing home the bacon, it's in the managing of future trends in golf course maintenance. In this way we share a common goal(s) and are on the same "Team". If we work together, everyone benefits. the Superintendent's Associations you belong to and the people involved. "team" That is Michigan. Legislative restrictions, costs to run an operation, employee shortages, and golfer enjoyment (or frustrations) are issues affecting changes in the game. Here again, if we work together to share information, the enjoyment of the game and the hard fought for statue of our profession can continue. Sincerely, Doug Boyle C.G.C.S. President Those who can't be part of the "Team" jeopardize their own careers and usually waste their own time. Participate in your own career and be part of the team. Come to the association meetings and have it as a goal to network with the other "players". Call me, we’ll talk about it. T'he benefits of teamwork are many. When you have a problem, or are in need of an idea, the vendor members and supers are there to help. Call them. We need to promote, help and network with each other. This also promotes the game of golf and professionalism. It enhances all of our credibility as we communicate. There are many changes taking place in this industry, and in Western 1998 GCSAA International Conference and Show member who has contributed large amounts of time to our association. Kieth has definitely been a driving force in our association and commits a large amount of personal time as Secretary Treasurer. We would also like to thank John Fulling for his efforts to make the Hospitality Room a success. The 1998 GCSAA International Conference and Show went off without a hitch this February in Anaheim, California. The weather was the only let down. They received quite a bit of rain the week we were there. The Michigan Hospitality Room was well attended each night and we appreciate the donations made by all the vendors and individuals. Jon Maddern had a great time at the Kieth Paterson, our Secretary Conference also. Jon was elected to his Treasurer, was picked by The Board of first term as a Director for the GCSAA. Directors of the WMGCSA to receive the Congratulations Jon. I'm sure you will Superintendent Service Award for 1998. do a great job and I hope you enjoy your The award will be given each year to a time on the Board. Mid Winter Meeting at The Highlands The mid winter meeting at The Highlands was an enjoyable one. There were 50 people in attendance and about half of those took advantage of the bowling after the meeting. Steve Tedhams, Steve Adamczyk, Andy Myers were all dusted by our illustrious new President, Doug Boyle in a display of bowling technique only Fred Flintstone could appreciate. Of course, they spotted him 25 pins. Gary Peters and the staff at The Highlands are to be commended for the hospitality and the fine steak we had for lunch. Jon Maddern was in attendance and talked about the upcoming election at the national meeting. * * * * * 1998 Meeting Schedule Western Michigan GCSA March 11 Roundtable Meeting Crystal Springs CC April 28 Joint Meeting with Mid MI. Duck Lake CC May 21 Spring Lake CC June 29 Travis Point CC (Joint with Detroit) July * (Joint with Northern) August 1 White Caps Stadium Day August Mullenhurst GC September 21 Golf Day Cascade Hills CC October 13 (Annual Meeting) Wuskowhan Players Club November 7 * D Fall Party Kent CC 'tentative. Editor's Not^: \ F§e2se wriie^ie if you have a n y e o r r e c t ^ ^ ^ ^ if you are in te r e s ^ ^ 0 > ^ 0 ^ r tic le for < us at: Western Views 3725 Cascade Rd., S.E. Grand Rapidsy MI 49546 Acid Injection: Is it something you could use? Greetings from Petoskey. My name is John Mastenbrook, and I am taking a break from preparing for my seventh season at Petoskey-Bay View Country Club to write an article for this newsletter. My purpose for this is twofold: One is so that A1 doesn't have to write about his pet goldfish (and scrounge for other articles). The other is to attempt to explain my reasons for purchasing, results of using and other thoughts of the pHairway acid injection system. This is based on research as well as two and a half years use experience. The system is simply a pump, pH monitoring and metering device attached to the pressurized line at or near the irrigation pumping plant. It uses a solution (pHairway) that is a compound formed from the reaction of urea and sulfuric acid - Monocarbamide dihydrogensulfate. After working on courses in Grand Haven, Lansing, and Grosse lie, I was thrilled to get a job in Northern Michigan where growing grass is a "piece of cake". It didn't take long to realize it wasn't that easy. While fungus and insect problems are less, I had turf that was off color, thin and weak. Soil tests were performed and a wide variety of fertilizers were used with poor results. My greens are less than ten years old and have two different types of sand/peat mixture (2NS, 2 MS). About half way through the summer, the soils would seal off and puddling would occur with as little as ten minutes of irrigation, especially on the greens. The greens were crusty and very firm, it was difficult to cut the hole for the cup. A physical soil analysis was performed, with everything being at or near the acceptable ranges. Compaction was not a problem. The deep drill, hydrojet, and conventional types of aerators were cultivator soil used frequently with short term results. Large quantities of various wetting agents were used and helped very little with water infiltration. In the fall of 1994, tech rep Sam Stimmel recommended a product called pHairway that was being used in the Chicago area. With the help of Tom Brogger (Grounds Superintendent at Birchwood Farms CC) who was experiencing similar problems, we spoke with company reps and other superintendents who were using this system. Irrigation water suitability tests were performed which showed a very high level of bicarbonates and an elevated pH. The bicarbonates tend to bond the soil particles together and ruin soil structure. The elevated pH limited the plant uptake of many nutrients. My irrigation water comes from two wells that pump from a limestone aquifer. In late May 1995, both Tom and I continued, page 4 Superintendents Hockey Tournament A Success for Michigan After a disappointing zero for first trip to the International Golf Course Challenge Hockey Tournament, cunning Captain Ken Debusscher (Wabeek CC) said, "fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me" and vowed to assemble a stronger team for the 1998 edition of golf course superintendents on ice. And assemble he did, the 1998 model of the Michigan team was tougher than any Chevy truck. Disembarking from various locations, the team of mostly golf course superintendents and a few well chosen purveyors headed across the 402,401,403, and QEW to Niagara Falls, New York to show the world, hockey wasn't just for Canadian, Russians, Finns, and Swedes anymore. The Americans have arrived, last summer's World Cup, and now a quest for the prestigious Challenge Cup. No time for an easy warm-up game, Toronto, the runner-up in 1997, was the first draw in the round robin for Michigan. The pace was fast from the drop of the puck with Toronto holding a 3-1 lead after two. Furious forechecking by Tim Debone (Monroe CC), Pete Hahn (Bruce Hills), and John Nowakowski (Great Oaks CC), and steady defensive play by Rick Hayes (Pine River CC) and Joe Costello (AIS Rental), wore the opposition down, and a comeback was mounted. Four minutes left knotted at 3, three minutes remaining found T O on top 4-3, one minute to go the goalie is pulled for the sixth attacker, five ticks of the clock remaining and Eddie Heineman (Waters Edge CC) buries a rebound to salve a hard fought 4-4 tie. Due to the relentless rushes of Rick Osburn (Osburn Trucking), deft stickhandling by Tim Osburn (Osburn Trucking), the yeomen work of centerman Jim Eccleton (Arbor Hills CC) winger Chris Allard (Sugar Bush GC), not to mention rock solid defense from Gary Johnson (Pheasant Run GC), Michigan racked up wins over its next two opponents. Squelching the comeback attempts by North Toronto prevailing 5-3, and rolling over London 5-1, on a solid performance between the pipes by netm inder Jack Asher. However, in all it was the depth of the Michigan icers that wore down their tenacious Canadian opposition. With the Cup one victory away, the cham pionship game would find formidable opposition in, twice scored upon in three gam es, Kitchener. Midway through the first found the boys from the Wolverine state down 2- 1. When Paul Richter (Spring Lake CC) lit the lamp with an off speed snap shot from the point to set into motion a rally, with unanswered scores by Debusscher, Matt Costello, Jim VanAntwerp (Waterway Irrigation), and Rick Osburn, after which Kitchener never recovered. A 8-4 victory gave the Michiganders the privilege to sip suds from the Challenge Cup as champions. Not to be fooled with anymore, the crafty captain Ken Debusscher did gather a team capable of turning a few heads in the superintendent hockey world, by becoming the first American team to win the International Golf Course Challenge Hockey Tournament. Paul Richter CGCS (Alias "Killer") 1998 W. BRUCE MATTHEWS LEGACY AWARD PURPOSE: To offer educational aid to the children of W M GCSA members as an additional membership benefit. We are looking to reward the well-rounded, thoughtful and charitable student. DESCRIPTION: Upon confirmation of eligibility, an independent committee of college-level educators will review and judge the candidates' applications. If the W M GCSA Board determines that no student meets the minimum criteria standards, no award will be given that year. ELIGIBILITY: 1. One of the applicant's parents/stepparents/grandparents must be a currently active A, B, C or Affiliate class member, and has maintained this membership for three consecutive years. 2. Applicants must be studying or planning to study in a field unrelated to golf course management. (Outside the scope of the Turf Student Award.) 3. Students must be enrolled full-time in an accredited institution of higher education, or accepted at such an institution for the next academic year. 4. An applicant may re-apply if they do not win, but there is a limit of one award per student. 5. All other siblings in the family of a winner remain eligible. CRITERIA: 1.500 to 700 word essay on parent's involvement with the W MGCSA and/or the turf industry. 2. Community service activities, including school or religious volunteer work, neighborhood activities, etc. 3. Academic achievements and honors. 4. Extra-curricular activities and leadership skills including work, sports, hobbies, clubs, etc. DEADLINE: For more information or applications, call Roger Barton at 517-773-4331. Completed application forms must be received bv April 1.1998. The GCSAA Foundation announces multi-million dollar international endowment campaign initiated The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Foundation an unprecedented $3.5 million endowment campaign aimed at increasing and enhancing education and applied research activities that will benefit the superintendent profession and the game of golf. has The official public announcement of the project will come Wednesday, Feb. 4, at the Opening Session of GCSAA's 69th annual International Golf Course Conference and Show in Anaheim, Calif. The campaign actually began in the summer of 1996 with an in-depth feasibility study. Based upon those results, final planning and preparation for the endeavor began in July 1997, and the campaign will continue through June 1998. Among the initial campaign activities was the agreement of Jaime Ortiz-Patino to serve as its General Chairman. Patino is president and superintendent of Valderrama Golf Club in Sotogrande, Spain, site of the 1997 Ryder Cup. He will direct the campaign, entitled "Investing in the Beauty of Golf," and oversee the implementation of various project continued, page 4 Add Injection, continued were able to purchase these systems and were the first in the state to do so. I waited until late June when my turf was declining and my soils were becoming sealed off again before I began using my system. The results were amazing. Within two days, my water infiltration rate improved, and within a week the turf improved and continued to do so throughout the season. If I wanted to, or needed to, I could irrigate the greens for thirty minutes without any puddling. The cup cutting became much easier and the surface held a golf shot better. The pHairway product is injected into the irrigation water and reacts with the minerals, the bicarbonates, and lowers the pH to the desired level. When the treated irrigation water comes into contact with the soil, it breaks the bicarbonate bond between soil particles which improves soil structure and infiltration. It also helps avoid or reduce alkalinity and improves fertility. primarily There are many people who think this is just a fancy "Snake Oil" injection device. I disagree. The following are some of the statements I have heard, followed by my thoughts. "The acid will damage the pumping planty metal pipes and fittings. " • In its undiluted form it will, and it will also damage the rubber gaskets in fittings and PVC pipes. There is no reason that the undiluted solution should be in the irrigation system. In its diluted form I don't believe any significant damage will occur. If perhaps it does shorten the life of metal pipes or fittings by a year or two, I would consider it "worth it" for all the good it does. The system is set up to run only when the main pump is operating, when the main pump cycles off and the jockey pump takes over, the area around the injection point is flushed with clean water. "It will do nothing to change soil pH " • Soil tests showed a .1 - .3 (different greens) drop in pH in the 0 - 2 inch depth in one season without using any acidifying fertilizers. The use of this system along with acidifying fertilizers will bring the pH down much faster. I prefer to reduce the pH slowly to help avoid a severe black layer problem. The use of this system has actually reduced the amount of black layer in my greens due to better water infiltration and soil structure. • My turf is healthier, greener, and I use less fertilizer. • I think this system also lowers the pH of thatch, but I haven't had that tested yet. "It's too expensive " • The cost of the system has dropped to approximately $6,500 and the solution has dropped to $7.50 per gallon. I use approximately 1 gallon of solution to every 30,000 - 35,000 gallons of irrigation water to change the pH from 8.1 to 7.0. • I rarely use wetting agents anymore and I don't need as much fertilizer. (pHairway has .44 lbs N per gal.) These savings are used to purchase the pHairway product. • My spray rigs are filled from the irrigation system and I think having water with a pH of 7 helps with the efficacy of the chemicals. • With pHairways water infiltration capabilities, I can also overwater from time to time, to make up for sprinkler coverage deficiencies when labor isn't available (affordable) to hand water. • I only have to aerate spring and fall now which is much less disruptive to golf play. This system isn't for everybody, but more courses are seeing the benefits of using it. If you are experiencing any of the problems that I was, and you think your irrigation water may be the problem, then it may work for you. It should not be thought of as a "cure all", but as another valuable tool in the quest of healthy turf. If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to call Tom Reed Sr. at Tri-Turf (Distributor of the pHairway system) or myself. If you would like to see how my system is set up, I would be glad to show you. Thanks for taking the time to read this and good luck this 1998 season. John GCSAA Foundation, continued phases. The year-long project will be wide ranging in the golf industry, reaching those constituents involved with the game (GCSAA industry partners, golf clubs, allied golf associations, golfers) and the superintendent profession. Among those who have already agreed to support the endeavor at the highest levels are Don Panoz, owner of The Legends at Chateau Elan, Atlanta, Ga.; The Toro Co.; the PGA of America; The Scotts Co.; Bayer; Novartis; The Metedeconk National Golf Club; Flowtronex PSI; and the Carolinas GCSA, among others. Through cam paign-supported research and education activities, superintendents and others in the golf industry will have the tools to meet the challenges of improving playing conditions, the environment, stimulating professional development of superintendents and promoting the game. stew arding to inform ation Education programs will address evolutionary requirem ents of the superintendent profession, curriculum improvement focusing on agronomic, business and communications skills, access through technology, and public awareness and com m unication. Research will include applied on-course projects, support of environmental initiatives that promote assurance, awareness and education, and regional applied research projects. to The GCSAA Foundation is advancing com m itted and scientific environm ental d evelopm ents in golf course management, providing educational opportunities for superintendents and turfgrass students and preserving the history of the profession. Since its inception in 1955, The Foundation has provided more than $1 million in support of numerous research studies and m ore than 1,000 students scholarships. * * * * * * * * * * * * Welcome New Members New Disease Threatens West Michigan Landscapes We w ould like to w elcom e the following people to our organization! Mark Frever, Sales Representative Terra Industries Alex GreenAcre, Superintendent St. Ives Golf Club William Hull, Superi ntendent Canadian Lakes David Moore, Superintendent M. and J., Inc. Mark Ostrander, Assistant Superintendent, Point O’ Woods Pamela Smith, Superintendent Blackberry Patch Golf Club Jim Vince, Sales Manager N. J.K. Assoc., Inc. William Voigt, Superintendent WoodRidge Golf Club Dogwood anthracnose Dogwood anthracnose is a serious disease of flowering dogwood in the U.S. A species of Discula, an anthracnose-type fungus, has been proven to be the casual agent. We have noticed a slight increase in the incidence of anthracnose in Michigan in recent years. The most common cases involve plants imported from other states where anthracnose is a problem. With time, we can expect the disease to move into some of our native populations, but we cannot yet discern whether it will occur in epidemic proportions similar to eastern seaboard and southern states. Infection of dogwoods is favored by cool, wet spring and fall weather, but can occur at anytime during the growing season during conducive weather. Drought and winter injury weaken trees and may increase anthracnose severity. by Dr David L. Roberts MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic Symptoms Leaf symptoms usually develop first in the lower area of the crown and progress upward. Symptoms include tan spots that develop purple rims. Leaves may also have necrotic veins and leaf margins, and large necrotic blotches. In some cases shot holes will appear. Leaves that are entirely blighted do not abscise in the fall. Infections will often progress down the petioles of blighted leaves into shoots, resulting in twig cankers. Direct infection of shoots, resulting in tiny cankers, may occur during spring and fall. Girdling cankers typically develop at leaf nodes, causing twig dieback. Twig dieback is most common in the lower crown following years of extensive spring or fall leaf blighting. Continued, back page Please patronize our advertisers as they have made this newsletter possible. Advertisers A m turf.................................................... (616) 792-2241 Benham Chemical................................(810) 474-7474 Boylan Sales......................................... (616) 685-6828 Century Rain/Legacy G o lf................... 1 -800-347-4272 Commercial Turf Equipment................ 1-800-231-5296 Ellis S ales.............................................. 1-800-962-4128 Environmental Turf Services, Inc......... 1-800-231-5296 Green & Grow....................................... (616) 964-9989 Green Spike........................................... 1 -800-757-8711 Kleins Fertilizer..................................... 1-800-315-5777 Kubota of Grand Rapids...................... (616) 364-7031 Lebanon Fertilizers...............................(810) 673-7146 Lesco..................................................... (616) 975-9946 Mechanical Soil Technology................ 1-800-743-2419 Michigan Sand Co................................. (517) 773-2030 Michigan Turf Equipment.......... (616) 554-3310 J. Mollema & Sons..................... (616) 940-1441 O.M. Scott................................... (616) 361-2106 Parmenter & Andre.................... (616) 458-1546 Peerless-Midwest...................... (219) 272-9050 Professional Lake Management (616) 891-1294 1-800-334-9745 Rhône-Poulenc.......................... Spartan Distributors................... (616) 887-7301 Standard Sand........................... (616) 842-5180 T.C.I................ (517) 725-7145 Turf Drain Inc. (810) 471-6750 Turfgrass, Inc. (616) 866-9389 Turf Services (616) 842-4975 Valley T u rf............................................. (616) 532-2885 Van Manen O il...................................... 1-800-654-4244 W.F. Miller Co......................................... 1-800-555-8189 New Disease, continued As a result of twig dieback, succulent (epicormic) shoots proliferate on the lower trunk and main branches of affected trees. These branches are very susceptible to infection. These infections can often progress into the main stem. Brown elliptical annual cankers often form at the base of dead branches on flowering dogwood. Split bark and swellings are typical external symptoms of these cankers. Multiple cankers may coalesce, girdling individual branches or kill the entire tree. Control Dogwood receiving good cultural care will be better able to withstand anthracnose during years in which the disease favored by weather conditions. Maintain the health of dogwoods by supplemental water during periods of drought. Mulching trees can help reduce watering needs as well as protect trunks from mechanical injury. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the chance for leaf infections. is Improve air circulation around trees to help dry foliage and reduce infection. Effective control is possible only if the disease is detected before extensive dieback occurs. Prune and dispose of diseased twigs and branches to reduce potential sources of inoculum and improve tree appearance. Raking up leaves may be beneficial. Remove succulent branches as they form to prevent trunk canker formation. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers which stimulate succulent branching. Trees with poor vigor may be bolstered by applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Fungicides should be used only to supplement a cultural control program. Applications of a broad spectrum fungicide such as chlorothalonil (Daconil 2787, etc.), mancozeb (Protect T/O etc.), thiophanate ethyl (Cleary 3336, Domain) etc. will help protect against leaf infections. Application schedules can include 1 to 4 sprays during leaf expansion in the spring, at 10-14 day intervals. If conditions are favorable for disease development later in the growing season, additional fungicide applications may be beneficial. When establishing new dogwoods, Kousa (Japanese) is an alternative specimen which is tolerant if not immune to anthracnose. Classifieds____ EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Jacobsen HR 5111, good shape. 795 hours, 50 HP diesel, 4 wheel drive, mulching kit. Asking 33,000. Lists for 42,000. Lancer Landscape 616- 868-7665. Used Toro Irrigation 690's and 650's. Call Steve 949-8330 HELP WANTED Full time Assistant Golf Course Supt. Call Steve Tedhams, Water Mark Country Club 949-8330 BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID GRAND RAPIDS, Ml PERMIT NO. 582 esternMiews s of the West Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Associati 3725 Cascade Rd., S.E. * Grand Rapids, Ml 49546 Pet e Cookingham MSU Main L i b r a r y W - 212 E ast L a n s in g MI 48824