President's Message Welcome to the next Millennium. It looks to be an exciting year coming up, starting with those that will travel to the National Conference in New Orleans. We have again contributed money to the hospitality room and hope to see you there. Look for the room location and opening times in this issue. We would also like to thank the vendors who donated funds for the hospitality room. The M.T.F. also will be happening about the time you receive this newsletter. It looks like it will be another good conference. We would like to thank Kathy Antaya and the other people around the state that contributed large amounts of time and effort in planning this year’s conference. The new directors o f the West M ichigan B oard are in place and committee assignments have been made. Look for these in this issue. We have a nice meeting schedule finalized for 2000. That is also published in this issue. A big one to be sure and attend, if you don’t it to m ake the national or state conferences, is the spring roundtable. John Fulling and Dan Litogot are putting some time into that meeting and it should be a good one. As you can see, many people have been busy behind the scenes already this year to ensure you have educational opportunities. It's also a great chance to get to know m any people in your profession. See you at a meeting and have a great year. Sincerely, A1 Bathum, President 2000 Tentative Monthly Meetings and Locations January 11 The Highlands Golf Club Winter Meeting March 13 Watermark Country Club Roundtable Meeting April 18 Heritage Glen Golf Club May 16 St. Ives Golf Club June 13 Pilgrims Run Golf Club July 18 Quail Ridge Golf Club Chapter Championship Sept. 18 Egypt Valley Country Club Golf Day October Elections r Club id 2000 Committee Assignments Education Fulling, Litogot GAM Hopkins, Holmes Scholarship and Charities GCSAA Fulling, Thuemmel, Holmes Bathum, Hopkins Monthly M eeting Bathum (Dates), Richter (Notices), Litogot (Activities) Fall Party Paterson, Hopkins, Thuemmel G olf Day MTF Antaya, Fulling Newsletter Bathum, Richter Bylaws & Policy Bathum, Boyle Paterson, Hopkins, Holmes Finance & Membership Notification Hospitality Room Fulling, Bathum Richter Editor's f t f f a f o p R t S S S t W y o u have any corretMBhW^&r i f you are interested in doing an article for us at: Western Views 8121 Cowan Lake Drive Rockford, Michigan 49341 Welcome New Member Please welcome this new member to our organization! Donnie A. Farris Kent Country Club Communication: The Cornerstone of Professional Relationships Reprinted from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Introduction Few vocations demand such a wide range of knowledge to ensure professional success as does that of the golf course su­ perintendent. Employers take it for granted that you know the technical side of turf management. Increasingly, though, em­ ployers expect you to also be proficient in: • Communication • Financial management • Environmental compliance. • Stewardship of natural resources • Long range planning • Personnel management areas of your career. Improving you relationship with your employer and your job standing is dependent on how indispensable and approachable you make yourself. Effective communication is the best way to show that you have expertise. Communication Lets You Take Control Communication is at a premium in the golf industry. There are no silver bullets for jab stability, but skillful communication and effective relationship building come close. As a golf course superintendent, much of what you deal with is not within your control. Weather, employees, golfers, turf dis­ eases, insects and wildlife are just a few of the things that can unexpectedly affect your day - perhaps your career. If you are an effective communicator, you already have the lines of com­ munication open. You have an established storehouse o f trust and confidence. When something does go wrong, you've got a means of letting your employer know about it and a reserve of confidence to draw from. If you are perceived as competent and if you have built trust through your professional relationships, you will generally weather the storm. Types of Communication Communication takes place in many different ways, but it can be divided into two general categories: formal communica­ tion and informal communication. Formal Communication Formal communication is generally driven by your employer and consists of the written and oral reports your employer ex­ pects on a regular basis. Among other things, formal communi­ cation includes written reports, regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings and weekly staff meetings. This category of commu­ nication is very important. It is essential that these presenta­ tions be thoroughly planned, error free and easy to follow. Formal communication is an excellent way to: • Deliver specific information • Convey competency • Contribute to an efficient and effective operation • Build relationships If executed well, formal communication helps build your im­ age as a competent professional. Informal Communication Informal communication is less easy to define, but is just as important to your career as formal communication. Informal communication is where the majority of professional relation­ ship building takes place. When done with regularity and en­ thusiasm, informal communication is an excellent way to gain visibility, establish trust and confidence and build professional relationships. The possibilities are almost endless but following are a few Continued, page 3 O f all these, communication may be the single most impor­ tant contributor to employment longevity and enjoyment. In many cases, your employer and other constituents (golfers, mem­ bers, committee members, etc.) are not especially knowledge­ able about golf course management. It is up to you to keep them informed about your cultural and agronomic practices - why you are doing what you are doing and when you will be doing it. Synonymous with communication is building relationships. You build trust and confidence when you share information and listen to input from your employer and other key parties. Clear and continuous communication ensures that expectations are verbalized, progress is discussed, challenges are addressed and, as the saying goes, "everyone is on the same page." The benefits of good professional relationships and accom­ plished communications include: • Greater job security • Better compensation • Heightened job satisfaction These are tangible benefits that can be realized if you take the time and make the effort to open lines of communication with your employer and management team, especially your presi­ dent, general manager, board of directors, green chairman, mem­ bers and golfers. To be effective, communication must be pro­ active, continuous and clear and driven by a genuine desire to build rapport, was well as deliver information. Communication is the Foundation of Good Professional Re­ lationships Like personal relationships, professional relationships are built on communication. In the case of professional relation­ ships, it is your responsibility to take the initiative and start the dialogue. Communicating comes naturally for some people; for oth­ ers, it’s a bit more difficult. In many cases, other tasks are given priority so communication and relationship building fall by the wayside. If you are fortunate enough to be a "people person" you probably have had - and probably will continue to have - a very successful career. If you prefer to avoid people and com­ munication, you might want to consider practicing your people skills and getting more comfortable with that aspect of your job. Aside from being a good manager or turf, communication is the single most important skill you can possess to advance in all Communication, Continued from page 2 tried-and-true examples: • Introduce yourself to golfers on the course and in the clubhouse • Get to know committee members • Be near the clubhouse when important groups finish play • Invite new members to your maintenance facility • Post course information for players on bulletin boards • Be visible on the golf course • Write a regular column for your facility's newsletter • Play golf with your employer • Attend tournaments How To Win Supporters and Influence Employers 36 Tips for Building Successful Professional Relationships (These tips cover a range of employment situations and may not be applicable to everyone.) Employers 1. Play golf with your employer, golfers, and other managers at your facility. Point out improvements, problems and planned solutions and general turf management practices that your play­ ing partners) may not be aware of. Ask for and listen to their input. 2. Golf with your employer at other facilities; he/she usually becomes your biggest supporter after seeing other courses. If you course is better managed, you look like a star. If your course is not as well managed (you should know that before going there with your employer), use your visit to illustrate similar improve­ ments you would like to make on your course. 3. Be sure your employer, green committee members and/or board receives copies of GolfManagement magazine and Leader Board, the GCSAA newsletter targeted to golf course decision makers. 4. Attend green committee and/or board meetings. Develop an agenda for green committee meetings, publish meeting min­ utes and distribute promptly. 5. Provide committee members or board members with an attractive binder. Encourage them to place long range plans, progress reports and meeting minutes in the binder. Distribute timely articles, reports, Leader Board, etc. to be inserted into the binder. 6. Send appropriate agronomic and golf management articles to your employer and attach a handwritten note with a few brief thoughts related to the article. Stay up-to-date on turf manage­ ment research. Share what you leam with your employer and explain what the findings mean or how it could affect your course. 7. Hold employer meetings in the maintenance facility. Host periodic tours of the golf course and maintenance facility. Be sure to highlight turfgrass research areas and discuss the value of maintenance equipment. 8. Hold an annual orientation for green committee members. 9 Invite new board or committee members to tour the course and the maintenance facility with you. Take him/her to lunch. 10. Invite your employer to GCSAA-related events such as educational seminars, chapter meetings and the annual confer­ ence and show. 11. Write thank-you notes to your employer and other man­ agers at your facility when appropriate. For example, send a note after attending conference and show or education semi­ nars paid for by your employer. 12. If you are emotionally upset about an issue, wait 24 hours before discussing it with your employer. You will be much calmer and more rational after a cooling-off period. 13. During meetings with your employer, write down all of the important points discussed. It shows professionalism and serves as a reminder for later reference. Golfers 14. Leam and use the names of active golfers at your course. 15. Place comment cards in the pro shop, golf cars or restau­ rant. Design them with your name and title clearly visible so golfers know you are asking for course-related input. Include a line for the golfer’s name so you can send a letter thanking him/ her for the input and addressing the concern or compliment. 16. Post a long-term calendar with regular maintenance ac­ tivities clearly noted in a prominent spot for all golfers to see. Let golfers know what you are doing on the course, when you will be doing it, and how it will affect play. 17. Post daily updates in a visible location to communicate current course conditions. Use photographs to better illustrate what you are describing. 18. Document changes on the course using before and after photos to remind people "what you've done for them lately." 19. Contribute to your facility's newsletter by writing a regular column. Sigh it and use your photograph. Be sure to discuss what’s happening on the course and why it's happening. This lets your golfers know why a green was slower, why a tree was cut down around the ninth tee box and why water was standing on the fifth fairway. 20. Publish monthly lawncare tips in your facility's newslet­ ter. 21. Present a workshop for your golfers on home turf care. 22. Post the current "Par for the Course" schedule. 23. Maintain high quality visibility on the golf course. Eat lunch in the clubhouse daily. Maintain a high profile in the club­ house. Talk to golfers to get first-hand input. Post your name and title in the clubhouse or restaurant and print your name on the scorecard. Note your title on your turf utility vehicle so it can be seen by golfers. 24. Write every new club member a welcome letter and in­ vite each to lunch. Offer to play golf with your golfers and keep a sign-up sheet in the clubhouse. 25. Write a letter of congratulations to the new club cham­ pion every year. 26. Attend member meetings and annual meetings; present a "State of the Union" slide show at the annual meeting describ­ ing activities that have resulted in improved golf course condi­ tions or budget reduction. Attend tournaments and other events at your course. Take your spouse (if applicable) to appropriate functions. 27. Conduct a seminar for your golfers or members focusing on course etiquette. The seminar could include proper repair of Continued, page 4 Get Your Seed Tested at the M ichigan Departm ent of Agriculture’s Seed Testing Laboratory. Dr. John N. Rogers, III and John A. Hardy, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, M.S. U. The View From M.S.U. The turfgrass industry has grown tremendously in the 1990s, with new construction and renovation in almost every facet. In many areas, technology has expanded to support this growth and our management schemes have more options than ever. One exception to this rule may be with seed quality, as seed industry regulations and intense competition have cut deeply into this industry's profit margins. More recently, there have been stories of seed lots contaminated with weed seed with little to no noti­ fication from the seed label. Obviously, this is frustrating and quite costly, leaving you wondering where to turn. Our sugges­ tion is to remember the basics and consider seed testing. The importance of a seed test can be equated to that of a soil test. A soil test at the beginning of any project saves both headaches and dollars down the road. The same goes for seed testing, be­ cause it too is inexpensive when compared to all the corrective measures that must be taken when a contaminated bag of seed has been planted. The purpose of this article is to make you aware of an inde­ pendent service in Michigan to take your seed to before (and after) you make the seed application. This is the Michigan De­ partment of Agriculture Seed Testing Laboratory, a state owned and run lab, on the south side of the Michigan State University campus. This lab, and the full-time staff o f five people is fully equipped to analyze turfgrass seed to detect and identify most contamination issues. They have the ability to perform both pu­ rity and germination tests. Steve McGuire, who is assisted by David Johnston, heads the lab. Both are certified seed testing analysts. Interested persons should contact the lab to 517-337- 5084 for prices, turnaround times and special test requests. For the next two years the lab will be located at the MSU Field Research Lab (while renovations are being made to their exist­ ing building), but will still be open for business. There are several reasons for independently testing seed. One of the most important tests for contaminants is for common and noxious weeds, which, if present in turf seed lots, can post a long-term and expensive management problem. Also, the seed test can establish germination percentages. This can be helpful if there are questions on seed age. Finally, you should always save 0.5 lb. of seed from each lot as insurance. This will pro­ vide a point of restitution should there be any issues. Please consider using this important service in the future. * * * * Communication, Continued from page 3 divots and ball marks, raking a bunker, golf car rules, a discus­ sion of alternative and metal golf spikes and other topics. 28. Sponsor a golf outing early in the season. Point out wild­ life and improvements made over the winter, show how to re­ pair a ball mark, how to rake a bunker, etc. 29. Host an open house at your maintenance facility. Get you employees involved. In cold weather climates, offer coffee and hot chocolate in the maintenance facility during the winter. This invites golfers into the maintenance facility to see every­ thing you do during the winter. Community 30. Take advantage of all opportunities to establish yourself as a resource in the community. Introducing yourself to local media and speaking to local civic and school groups is a valu­ able way to promote your course and your profession. Keep your employer updated on these activities and pass along your posi­ tive experiences. 31. Prior to the start of new construction projects or prior to unique maintenance practices, write a letter to residents around the course notifying them of the upcoming work. Include the start date and anticipated completion. 33. Have first-class signage to direct individuals to the main­ tenance facility. Inside your facility, display nameplates on the superintendent's office door or desk and the names of the assis­ tants, mechanic, foreman, and others on a bulletin board. 34. Consider the name of your maintenance facility. If you currently call it a "bam" or "shed", change it to something in­ dicative of its importance, such as turf maintenance center, en­ vironmental resource center, course management facility, turf and training resource facility, etc. book and Emergency Communications Guidebook on file for easy reference. Mail or hand out appropriate sections when ques­ tions arise. 35. Promote your maintenance capabilities by stenciling the year you purchased a piece of equipment on its front. Every time golfers and your employer see the equipment, it reinforces how well you have taken care of that investment. When it is time to purchase a replacement, obtaining approval should be easier. 36. If you make a mistake, admit it and apologize. If you turn the sprinkler on and get someone wet, follow up with a letter of apology. It lets them know you care. General 32. Keep GCSAA's Green Tips, Media Sourcebook, Media Relations Guidebook, Environmental Media Relations Guide- "Relationships are where it all comes together or comes apart. Nothing else can be made to happen if relationships do not exist." -Phillip B. Crosby, Quality Assurance Consultant and Best-selling Author 2000 Board of Directors, Western Michigan GCSA PRESIDENT Alan C. Bathum CGCS 8121 Cowan Lake Dr. Rockford, 49341 Work: Home: Fax: 616-949-1420 616-691-7450 616-949-0835 VICE PRESIDENT Jeffrey S. Hopkins CGCS 7719 Bass Creek Ct. Hudsonville, 49426 Work: Home: Fax: 616-878-9191 616-669-7574 616-878-3882 PAST PRESIDENT Douglas W. Boyle CGCS 3060 Rogue River Rd. Belmont, 49306 Work: Home: Fax: 616-363-5945 616-364-1164 616-361-1673 SECRETARY/TREASURER Paul N. Richter CGCS 15784 Pruin Spring Lake, 49456 Work: Home: Fax: 616-842-4840 616-842-7504 616-842-7253 DIRECTORS 616-343-2895 616-327-0439 616-345-9290 Kathy Antaya CGCS 10848 60th Ave. Allendale, 49401 616-895-1005 Work: 616-895-4409 Home: 616-895-1002 Fax: John R. Fulling CGCS 1609 Whites Rd. Kalamazoo, 49008 Work: Home: Fax: Jeffrey T. Holmes CGCS 4421 Baywood Grand Rapids, 49546 Work: Home: Fax: Daniel Litogot 29795 Heritage Lane Paw Paw, 49079 Work: Home: Fax: Keith E. Paterson CGCS 8585 Winterforest Rockford, 49341 Work: Home: Fax: Kurt Thuemmel CGCS 6489 Park Lake Rd. East Lansing, 48823 Work: Home: Fax: 517-332-6060 517-339-8633 517-332-0437 616-363-6728 616-874-8937 616-363-5441 616-676-2280 616-940-0975 616-676-0684 616-657-2553 616-657-8014 616-657-2533 ooooooo NOTICE ooooooo THE MICHICAN RO O M WILL BE AT THE NEW ORLEANS MARRIOTT C.C.S.A.A. ASSOCIATION HEADQUARTERS THE DATES AND TIMES FOR THE ROOM WILL BE: WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 16 8 :00-11 :0 0 PM THURSDAY FEBRUARY 17 6:00 -1 0 :0 0 PM FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 6:00 -1 0 :0 0 PM HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! O O O O O O O Please patronize our advertisers as they have made this newsletter possible. Advertisers Boylan Sales......................................... (616) 685-6828 Commercial Turf Equipment..................1-800-231-5296 Ellis Sales.............................................. 1-800-962-4128 Haz-Stor................................................ 1-800-727-2067 Kubota of Grand Rapids....................... (616) 364-7031 Lebanon Fertilizers............................... (810) 673-7146 Lesco..................................................... 1-800-321-5325 Michigan Turf Equipment...................... (616) 554-3310 J. Mollema & Sons.................................1-800-234-4769 O.M. Scott..............................................(616) 361-2106 Parmenter & Andre................................(616) 458-1546 Peerless-Midwest..................................(219) 272-9050 1-800-382-4434 Professional Lake Management.......... 1-800-334-9745 Rhône-Poulenc.......... (616) 887-7301 Spartan Distributors ... (616) 842-5180 Standard Sand.......... (517) 725-7145 T.C.I............................ 1-800-412-1300 Terra International Inc. Turfgrass, Inc. 1-800-421-8873 Turf Partners (810) 474-7474 Turf Services (616) 842-4975 Valley Turf (616) 532-2885 Van Manen Oil......................................1-800-654-4244 W.F. Miller Co........................................ 1-800-555-8189 Native Americans’ skeletons turned up in work at Detroit GC Lynn Henning Construction workers installing a new irrigation system at Detroit Golf Club in late November made a chilling discovery: a pair of human skeletons that had been buried only 18 inches beneath the surface. The remains were identified as those of two Native American males who probably died about 300 years ago, near the time De­ troit was settled. Dr. G. Michael Pratt, an archaeologist for Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, assisted a pathological team in making the identification after Detroit ho­ micide detectives released the skeletons for archaeological study. The skeletons were found in an in-play area not far from the putting green between the 18th holes of the South and North courses. Detroit Golf Club is a 36-hole fa­ cility that boasts two Donald Ross-designed 18-hole layouts. A new irrigation system is being installed throughout the club's two courses, includ­ ing areas of rough that were previously not watered. The extension of piping led to the unearthing of the relics. A medical examination showed that one of the males was perhaps 50 years of age, and the other about 35. Several artifacts found with the bones also helped trace the men's ancestry. A crescent-shaped brass gor­ get was the kind of item common in trade during the early 18th century, as would have been a silver ball-and-cone earring that was also uncovered. Pathologists also identified remnants of cloth that were found with the bones, some soft tissue that had remained preserved, and some black hair strands that were wholly consistent with the men of Native Ameri­ can ancestry. Pratt and others from the investigative team believe the men were from the Wyan­ dotte tribe that lived in the region. "Basically, they think they found a couple of Native Americans who got killed along the trail about the time Detroit was discov­ ered," said John O'Donnell, Detroit Golf Club's general manager. The club is west of Woodward Avenue, a key metropolitan Detroit thoroughfare that in an older era was a main trail traveled by Native Americans. The Wayne County Medical Examiner was to meet with Wyan­ dotte Tribe officials to forward the remains for burial. "We're going to mark the spot appropri­ ately, and with all the dignity commensu­ rate with what we found," O'Donnell said. Classifieds Jacobsen Gang Mowers. Five and seven gang units with frames. Need bedknife and grinding. Six blade units. Call Shadow Ridge 616-527-1180. Asking $1450. Yard Waste Shredder. Shredder in good shape, older model. Call Cascade Hills 616-493-6410. Jacobsen HR5111 Wing Mower. 2500 hours, minimum bid of $6500. Please call Norm at (616) 942-1330 BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID GRAND RAPIDS, Ml PERMIT NO. 582 8121 Cowan Lake Drive Rockford, Ml 49341 P e te C o o k lnaftam MSU M a in L i b r a r y W “ 212 Eas t L a n s in g n 48824