Golf Course Management - February 2014 by Golf Course Management

INSIDE: The benefts of controlled burns

PAGE 84

Offcial Publication of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

formula

2013 ELGA honorees set the bar for the golf course management industry PAGE 68

Industry icons recognized 44 The Bethpage Green Project 100 Tech trends for superintendents 40

Golf Course Management Magazine www.gcsaa.org â&#x20AC;˘ February 2014

™

Chapter 5

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Connection

Achievement, generosity, friendship are links that join the three recipients of the 2014 GCSAA Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award. Bunny Smith

Working for change Roger Stewart, CGCS, adds GCSAA’s 2014 President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship to a well-deserved collection of honors. Joseph Oberle

Where the wild things are

Changing from bentgrass to bermudagrass allowed a Tennessee superintendent to create a haven for wildlife and earn the No. 1 spot in the 2013 Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards. Teresa Carson

Using controlled burns in out-of-play native areas Planning, safety are top considerations for this maintenance practice on golf courses. Scott R. Spooner

• On the Cover: The fourth hole at Martis Camp Club in Truckee, Calif., the National Private Course winner in the 2013 GCSAA/Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards, presented in partnership with Syngenta and Rain Bird, Golf Division. Photo by Paul Hamill

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INSIGHTS

Turf Not so pretty in pink Teresa Carson

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Practice, patience needed for plastic welding Scott R. Nesbitt

Advocacy

36 Environment 38

Southern drought spurs EGR winner Margo Campbell Szabo

RESEARCH Overseeding preparation techniques for fairway seashore paspalum Overseeding practices for bermudagrass do not always work for seashore paspalum. A combination of herbicide, mowing and verticutting is key to successful transition. D.M. Kopec, Ph.D. J. Gilbert, M.S. M. Pessarakli, Ph.D. S.P. Nolan

Exploring golfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s carbon sequestration Pamela C. Smith, CGCS

Technology

100 1 05 Cutting Edge Teresa Carson

Environmentally friendly golf Reducing chemical use and adopting best management practices can make golf courses playable and environmentally friendly. Jennifer Grant, Ph.D.

ETCETERA02.14 16 Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message 18 Inside GCM 20 Front nine 30 Photo quiz

92 Through the green 106 Product news 110 Industry news 116 Climbing the ladder

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Efficient technology Bob Vaughey, CGCS

116 On course 117 Coming up 117 New members 118 In the field

120 Newly certified 120 On the move 123 In memoriam 128 Final shot

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Golf Course Management Magazine Offcial Publication of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

GCM MISSION

Golf Course Management magazine is dedicated to advancing the golf course superintendent profession and helping GCSAA members achieve career success. To that end, GCM provides authoritative “how-to” career-oriented, technical and trend information by industry experts, researchers and golf course superintendents. By advancing the profession and members’ careers, the magazine contributes to the enhancement, growth and vitality of the game of golf. GCSAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Vice President Secretary/Treasurer Immediate Past President Directors

Chief Executive Offcer Chief Operating Offcer Chief Business Development Offcer

PATRICK R. FINLEN, CGCS KEITH A. IHMS, CGCS JOHN J. O’KEEFE, CGCS SANDY G. QUEEN, CGCS RAFAEL BARAJAS, CGCS DARREN J. DAVIS JOHN R. FULLING JR., CGCS PETER J. GRASS, CGCS BILL H. MAYNARD, CGCS J. RHETT EVANS MATT SHATTO J.D. DOCKSTADER

GCM STAFF Editor-in-Chief Sr. Managing Editor Sr. Science Editor Associate Editor Sr. Manager, Creative Services Manager, Creative Services Traffc Coordinator Traffc Coordinator

SCOTT HOLLISTER shollister@gcsaa.org BUNNY SMITH bsmith@gcsaa.org TERESA CARSON tcarson@gcsaa.org HOWARD RICHMAN hrichman@gcsaa.org ROGER BILLINGS rbillings@gcsaa.org KELLY NEIS kneis@gcsaa.org SHELLY URISH surish@gcsaa.org BRETT LEONARD bleonard@gcsaa.org

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(president’s message)

Closing the book As those close to me know, I love to read. Ever since becoming a superintendent in 1984, I have tried to read at least 10 books a year. With the recent day-to-day demands of Patrick R. Finlen, CGCS work and commitments at home, I have not pfnlen@olyclub.com had much time to read other than when I am away from home. Since becoming a GCSAA board member in 2006 and then an offcer three years ago, reading has become a ritual while sitting on an airplane. I do everything I can to read my favorite books, magazines and newspapers. As I began my career, I read to learn and educate myself on what it meant to be a golf course superintendent. Not having an agronomic degree, I used reading as a powerful educational opportunity. And now, I read to As I conclude expand upon all I’ve learned in my years in this industry, mixing in books on business my term as your management with the latest agronomic information to make sure I remain a vital and valupresident … I am able employee. Many of the benefts I have realized from more convinced reading over the years are ones I identifed than ever that in GCSAA membership when I frst joined the association some 30 years ago. As I conmembership in this clude my term as your president this month and enter my fnal year on the national board great organization of directors, I am more convinced than ever remains the single that membership in this great organization remains the single most benefcial career decimost benefcial sion a superintendent can make. The educational opportunities made availcareer decision a able through GCSAA top the list of those benefts, at least for me. As a young superintensuperintendent can dent in the business guided only by a business make. degree and plenty of hands-on experience, I consumed education through both my local chapter and the national association the way I now consume the latest business book. It was my path toward improving myself, both professionally and personally, and when I joined the national board of directors, I was gratifed to fnd that those at the highest levels of this organization shared my passion about those opportunities. But the passion to support and enhance the stature and professionalism of the superintendent wasn’t limited to just the educational arena. As I discovered early on in my tenure on the GCSAA board, this association is advocating for its members and the industry on a

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

wide variety of fronts, and as I now take stock of my years of national service, I am proud of the work that we have done to continue those efforts and to ultimately position GCSAA for an even bigger and brighter future — a future built upon the foundation of hard work from our members and those who served before me on the board. For example, take a look at GCSAA’s advocacy and government relations efforts. Our tireless work to educate lawmakers on the issues facing our business and to position superintendents as conscientious stewards of the land has opened doors and dialogues never before available to us. We haven’t won every battle, but we’ve won plenty, and we’re now operating from a position of strength when it comes to advocating for our members and the entire golf industry. Turfgrass research efforts are on the rise again, thanks in large part to the growing stature of the Environmental Institute for Golf and programs such as Rounds 4 Research. GCSAA’s feld staff program is now fully staffed and is paying dividends in the form of increased engagement between chapters and the national association. And thanks to our continued outreach efforts through relationships with outlets such as Golf Channel, our members are increasingly recognized as key members of any golf course team. There will be many things I take away from my term as GCSAA president and, when my year as immediate past president concludes next year, from my eight years of board service. But the most important of those will be the relationships I have made with my fellow board members, with GCSAA staff and with the GCSAA membership as a whole. The support of my wife, Denise, and of The Olympic Club can’t be measured. The support and encouragement I have received from all of you is what has solidifed my belief that we have a great profession that plays a large part in the success of golf. Thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me this past year and during my tenure on the board.

Patrick R. Finlen, CGCS, is the general manager at The Olympic Club in San Francisco and a 29-year GCSAA member.

(inside gcm)

Perfecting our focus Scott Hollister shollister@gcsaa.org twitter: @GCM_Magazine

Whether most readers notice or not, each issue of GCM has a specifc editorial focus that guides the content decisions we make during the planning process for each magazine.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

Whether most readers notice or not, each issue of GCM has a specifc editorial focus that guides the content decisions we make during the planning process for each magazine. Some months, that’s pretty obvious — if you don’t know that January GCM is the Golf Industry Show issue, then you’re probably not paying much attention. Some months probably aren’t so obvious — if you knew that November had been the Emerging Trends issue, you’re probably paying too much attention. For the most part, those focuses had remained unchanged for many years. But as a part of the exercise that resulted in the redesigned version of GCM that debuted last month, we came to the realization that if we were changing the look and feel of the magazine, we also needed to change the way we planned what would actually end up in the magazine. So those lists of editorial focuses got a facelift, too. All but a handful were completely retooled. You’ll see an issue of GCM that will focus on greens, one that will focus on bunkers and another that will center on equipment. GCSAA members will take the spotlight in one issue, while golf course management on the international stage will be front and center in yet another. For all those changes, though, there were a few issues where we decided to leave well enough alone, and February is one of those. For many years, we’ve turned our attention in this issue to golf, the environment and matters of sustainability. And again this year, we’ve kept our focus squarely on those areas. One of the reasons that has always made so much sense is because February is when we have traditionally unveiled the winners of two major GCSAA environmental awards, the President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship and the Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards, which the association presents in concert with Golf Digest. And this issue of GCM is no different — you can read about President’s Award winner Roger Stewart, CGCS, from TPC Twin Cities on Page 56, and you’ll fnd stories on the ELGA winners, including

overall winner Paul L. Carter, CGCS, from The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay beginning on Page 68. But the sustainable theme of this issue goes much deeper than those two obvious touch points. As a part of our redesign of the magazine, we created opportunities to spread the editorial focuses more broadly than we had been able to in the past. For example, you’ll fnd sustainability sprinkled throughout our Front Nine news section, whether in the tale of a St. Louis superintendent who uses the trees on his golf course to help provide sweet treats for his club’s restaurant or in the report on a series of new environmental benchmarks for a major golf resort operator. It’s in this month’s collection of Insights columns, including an examination of the role golf course turf can play in carbon sequestration efforts. It’s also in this month’s research section and the story from Cornell University’s Jennifer Grant, Ph.D., on the environmental research that has taken place on the Green Course at Bethpage State Park in New York. It’s even tucked away in stories that, at frst blush, don’t appear to have any connection to golf and the environment at all. This month’s story on the use of controlled burns on golf courses from Michigan superintendent Scott Spooner isn’t just a great piece of practical, how-to information, it’s also a glimpse into ways superintendents can follow Mother Nature’s lead in the management of native areas. Now, I wish I could tell you every single one of these examples was part of a carefully calculated plan to plant sustainability references from cover to cover. I wish I could, but I can’t. But I am gratifed that the new GCM has delivered the kind of fexibility that our staff craved when we set about our work on the redesign and that it has allowed us to produce a rich depth of content throughout the magazine that we believe will appeal to superintendents from all kinds of courses around the world. Scott Hollister is GCM’s editor-in-chief.

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Sweet spot Just try to fnd an 18-hole country club west of the Mississippi that is older than Glen Echo Country Club. That reason alone makes this place, which opened in 1901 in the St. Louis suburb of Normandy, Mo., special. And although it might not have the famed Gateway Arch on its property, Glen Echo can make a boast about a treasure that no other golf course in the United States can claim. You can see Glen Echoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pride and joy behind the 18th green, waving high in the air when the wind blows. Chances are you quickly will recognize it. The fag features fve colored circles that signify the familiar rings of the Olympic Games. In 1904, Glen Echo became the frst, and only, U.S. golf course to host Olympic gold medal matches. And with golf returning to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the frst time since those matches in St. Louis, the fag has become more than just a curiosity at Glen Echo.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

>$350,000 400

Contributions to the Environmental Institute for Golf resulting from the ELGA program

Superintendents who have been recognized in the GCSAA/Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards (ELGA) program since 1993

15% 1991 Percentage of the total water supply for commercial and institutional facilities in the U.S. used by hotels and other lodging businesses

Year GCSAA established the President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship

06.08.14

World Oceans Day

The number of golf courses certifed by Audubon International that are also on Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses list

CORRECTION Two errors occurred in the article, “Just what the grass requires: Using minimum levels for sustainable nutrition” by Micah Woods, Ph.D.; Larry Stowell, Ph.D.; and Wendy Gelernter, Ph.D., in the January issue of GCM. At the bottom of Page 134 in the last line of the righthand column, the number 1 should be 0.7. On Page 136 in item 3 under the heading, “The four advantages of this approach,” the statement “The sustainability index is the proportion of the modeled distribution that reports values greater than the sample soil test value” should read: “The sustainability index is the proportion of the modeled distribution that reports values lower than the sample soil test value.”

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

Joe Wachter, CGCS, and one of his silver maples. Photo courtesy of Joe Wachter

“The fag is a neat piece of the property. It’s a conversation piece,” says Joe Wachter, CGCS, managing director of grounds and landscapes at Glen Echo. “It’s special for our members.” Wachter has his own way to make members feel special — even if it puts him in a sticky situation. For four years, Wachter has led the charge to enhance the dining experience for members of Glen Echo. He is, in a way, following in the footsteps of his father, Delmar, and brother, also named Delmar, who launched the family tradition of tapping trees to produce maple syrup. His dad is a former high school football coach who later owned his own restaurant called Coach’s Inn. “I’ve always said we should do all that we can for our members,” says Wachter, a 23-year member of GCSAA, who for 10 years managed school bus operations after graduating from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. At age 32 he chose to change professions and took horticulture classes, which seemed to be the perfect ft for his love of the outdoors. This time of year, right about the frst of February, is when Wachter is especially busy outside of his offce, tapping anywhere from 12 to 18 black, silver or sugar maples located on the property of Glen Echo. He says it’s best to tap trees on the south side; the sap also fows best between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the temperature is at least 32 degrees. “The golfers know when we are doing it because they see the taps and buckets attached to the trees,” he says. It takes about 43 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup, Wachter says. In 2013, it was a pretty good year. He was able to produce more than 4 gallons of syrup. Glen Echo executive chef Terry Peirick allows Wachter to use her 15-gallon steam jacket kettle to boil sap and transform it into syrup, which makes for a pretty smooth process. Eventually, the maple syrup surfaces in meals that Peirick and her staff prepare. The syrup can be used for

tenderloins, cheesecake and, of course, fapjacks. One of the most popular uses for it is maple raspberry syrup salad dressing. Also, maple bourbon sweet potato pie is a big hit, Peirick says. It sounds as if Wachter’s product, on and off the course, has been a smashing success. “I think Joe presents almost U.S. Open conditions on a regular basis,” says Jim Storey, Glen Echo’s club president. “Joe doesn’t only know what he’s doing; he knows how to do it effciently.” As for the syrup, Storey says: “It’s hard to describe. It’s not like store-bought syrup. It’s not sugary. It’s good. To have it made on our property is a real treat.” Storey has tried to convince Wachter that it would be fne with the club if he preferred to take time off in the winter instead of dabbling in syrup production. It appears, though, that Wachter enjoys being a servant for Glen Echo on a year-round basis. “The main thing that it does is show our members they are extra special to us,” Wachter says, “and we can do it with something as simple as maple syrup.” — Howard Richman, GCM associate editor

Florida chapter lends a helping hand The Calusa GCSA already is thinking about how to make the holidays brighter later this year. After raising $5,200 for The Children’s Network of Southwest Florida and donating to the Harry Chapin Food Bank, Calusa President Mark Thomas hopes to get more people involved in the charge this year. Specifcally, children such as his own. “Next year we may want to do this a little different,” Thomas, GCSAA Class A superintendent at Kelly Greens Golf & Country Club in Fort Myers, tells GCM. “I’d like to see us get our kids involved, to go with us when we support children who don’t always get a gift for the holidays, kids who may have been abused or have come from

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broken homes. I think it will be a good experience for my children, to see that they should not take things for granted. We want to do this to help other children and try to help make them happy.” Thomas mentioned how one 17-year-old girl received her very frst holiday present in 2013. “To see and hear some of these things is heartbreaking, quite an emotional experience,” he says. “It made me think about my family, how lucky we are to have things like a roof over our heads.” In fve years, Calusa has raised more than $30,000 for this cause. “We want to be more than just golf courses, people who grow grass at these places,” Thomas says. “We want to help in our communities, help others, who need it.”

Bryan Bielecki of Billy Casper Golf.

Q&A with Buffalo TLC Billy Casper Golf may not look the same anymore. That’s by design. The company expanded its reach in 2013 by creating a new division, Buffalo Turf & Landscape Co., to satisfy the growing demand for maintenance-only services. Bryan Bielecki is a former golf course superintendent who now serves as vice president of agronomy at Billy Casper Golf. In a Q&A discussion with GCM about the company, Bielecki speaks about the new venture and how it benefts golf course owners and GCSAA members. To read an extended version of the Q&A, visit the GCM blog at http://gcm.typepad.com.

Q: What differentiates Buffalo TLC from other golf USGA Green Section Award goes to Dernoeden Peter Dernoeden, Ph.D., receives the 2014 USGA Green Section Award this month. Dernoeden, GCSAA Distinguished Service award winner in 2012, will offcially receive the award during the General Session, featuring the USGA Green Section, at this month’s Golf Industry Show in Orlando. He’ll also be recognized at the USGA’s Annual Meeting and Service Awards at Pinehurst (N.C.) Resort. Dernoeden retired in 2013 but he remains professor emeritus of plant science and landscape architecture at the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. His legacy? Dernoeden led the design and management of turfgrass research programs focusing on weed and disease control, integrated pest management and sustainable fescue species. In 1999, Dernoeden was responsible for the discovery of a new pathogen and disease that affect creeping bentgrass. “I am honored to receive this award, and appreciative of the strong relationship I have enjoyed through the years with the USGA,” Dernoeden says. “Stan Zontek and others on the Green Section staff helped me make the transition from turf pathologist to golf course agronomist, which focused my research efforts and enabled

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

course management companies? A: Every course owner should know where and when money is being spent; every dollar counts. A course owner should be aware if a fertilization application has been applied at the full rate or reduced to increase proft margin. A transparent model provides for a long-term, trusting relationship. We are collaborative with our client partners to set clear expectations in planning and implementing agronomic programs.

Q: How are you staffng this new initiative?

A: It will be managed under the same network as our full turnkey partnerships under Billy Casper Golf. We have regional directors of agronomy who aren’t tied to managing a specifc course, so they’re free to support multiple courses in their territories. This allows for a high level of regional, if not local, knowledge, of the variables seen in our industry.

Q: What growth segments adjacent to golf are in

your grand plans? A: We are currently committed to what we know really well, and that’s course maintenance. I’d be Pinocchio if I told you that we haven’t thought about the future and the segments outside golf. Those that seem

to have the greatest appetite at this point are commercial landscape management and athletic felds.

Q: How big of an impact do you believe Buffalo

TLC can have on golf courses with which it partners? A: We believe we can help clients understand how and where their product should be positioned in the market and how much it should cost to produce the product. In business terms, it’s not much different than how Apple prices its mobile devices or how Titleist prices Pro V1s. A lot of course owners don’t understand what the right amount of money is to spend on maintenance. There comes a time when spending money won’t yield more revenue and spending less will compromise product. Our goal is to strike a balance.

Q: How do GCSAA members beneft from Buf-

falo TLC? A: Without a doubt, career opportunity and learning the business side of golf are invaluable. Our regional directors of agronomy started as assistant superintendents and now spend considerable time with superintendents discussing skills needed to advance their careers. It may be surprising to some, but we primarily focus on leadership, communication and business skills. I think we dispel the myth of management companies entering the scene and automatically replacing superintendents with cheaper, less experienced ones. We evaluate each situation uniquely and provide tools and resources to achieve owners’ objectives.

Q: Can you describe your strategy for developing

budgets, staffng and agronomic planning for unique golf courses? A: We segment properties by business type, geography and other variables. This, and consideration to member and guest desires, gives us a solid starting point about where the facility should be positioned in terms of resource allocation to capture market share.

my graduate students and me to be involved in a number of challenging and productive projects over the course of my career.” Dernoeden received his undergraduate and master’s degrees in horticulture at Colorado State University and his Ph.D. in plant pathology from the University of Rhode Island. “Dr. Dernoeden’s work has infuenced a generation of golf industry professionals,” says Kimberly Erusha, Ph.D., managing director of the USGA Green Section. “His contributions, from solid research to well-trained graduate students, speaking engagements and work with individual golf courses have taken the game forward in many ways.” The USGA Green Section Award has been presented annually since 1961.

Still, the report provided some hope. “In 2013, consumer confdence reached a fve-year high, and although this may not have been enough to offset bad weather, it still bodes well for the future,” the report stated. Another interesting tidbit: Although golf course closures outpace openings in the U.S., there are 170 new golf facility projects in multiple stages of planning and development across the country, including 55 now under construction. Turf equipment purchased, according to the NGF, has rebounded since bottoming out in 2011 but was down in 2013 compared with 2012. It is evidence, the report states, that golf facilities retain their equipment longer in order to preserve capital. Recent purchase intent, though, has been positive.

An up and down 2013 for the golf industry The National Golf Foundation’s (NGF) recap of 2013 is a mixed bag. Although its research indicates that rounds played nationally were down 4.4 percent through October, golfers actually were playing more rounds later in the season, up 2.7 percent compared with 2012. The report noted that unfavorable weather throughout most of the country in early spring had a major impact on rounds played.

411

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

The frst shop of legend Old Tom Morris recently was discovered through research in Scotland. The image here from 1880 is a view of St. Andrews. The R&A clubhouse is in the center; Old Tom’s shop is on the far right. Image reproduced courtesy of The St. Andrews Preservation Trust

New Old Tom Morris information uncovered It appears the location of the frst shop in Scotland belonging to golf legend Old Tom Morris has been discovered.

St. Andrews-area golf history writer Roger McStravick was doing research for a book on Morris titled “St. Andrews: In the Footsteps of Old Tom Morris” when he uncovered information that had been lost for more than a century. McStravick, in an email to GCM, provides insight into how he came across the precious fnd. It began while he was in the University of St. Andrews Special Collection Department. An individual approached McStravick with a box titled “St. Andrews Links.” “When I opened it, I truly couldn’t believe what I saw,” McStravick says. “It was the original receipts for the payment to builders to lay the frst brickwork at the Swilcan Burn. It was the receipts for the payment to carters to take rubbish from the town down to dump beside the very narrow fairway that is the 18th today of the Old Course. “In addition to these items were a plethora of precognition statements taken at the time of the so-called Road Wars in St. Andrews, when they were debating whether to have a road outside what is still today the Old Tom Morris shop.” Those statements came from people such as Morris and John Whyte Melville, considered the father of the R&A. “In his statement, Tom actually says he built his own shop,” McStravick says. “The statements from others also say where Tom’s shop was and who owned it next. Tom’s frst little shop was where 15 The Links is today.” Dr. Anthony Parker, curator of the Golf Collection at The University of St. Andrews, says: “We are all very excited by this fnd. The University has a vast golf collection going back centuries, and this news of Tom Morris’ frst shop is very likely to be the frst of many new fndings to come out of the collection.” Morris’ great-granddaughter, Sheila Walker, says: “Roger is to be commended for his work, and importantly, this highlights just how essential the University’s golf

Tweets

RETWEETS Brandon Reese @brandonleereese Using larger turning boards to protect collars and the clean-up pass. Serving purpose nicely to this point. pic.twitter. com/vUCK0wAGVF

Jim Myers @jmturf The Plateau Club Turf Dept. Matt and I are spray hawking a few greens today to give them a bit more protection. pic.twitter.com/ wX4nIDsLEx

Sam Leatherberry @SamLeatherberry 13 trees down and cleaned up at #1 tee complex today. Rock and ornamental grasses are gone next. #redo pic.twitter.com/jMZyN7R0Mx

Rick Tegtmeier @DMGCCSupt Nate T has been making our new broken tee boxes. Nice dovetailing! They look great. pic.twitter.com/qt6NUlhnKm

John Deere @JohnDeere John Deere applied for his frst patent 150 yrs ago #tbt #innovation #johndeerehistory

Clay DuBose @ClayHomerun Sign refurbishing work continues this week! Should fnish soon! pic.twitter.com/ MzZGYEVEZq

collection is to golf historians and to the feld of golf research.” McStravick is delighted to have flled a gap in the life of Old Tom Morris, whose name is attached to GCSAA’s highest honor, the Old Tom Morris Award, which is presented annually to an individual for a lifetime commitment to the game of golf, somebody who has helped to mold the welfare of the game in a manner and style exemplifed by Old Tom Morris. Golf icon Annika Sorenstam is receiving the honor for 2014. Morris died in 1908. “Old Tom for me was and still is Scotland’s greatest golf ambassador,” McStravick says. “Not only for his golfing skills, being a four-time Open winner and a man who drew crowds in the thousands to watch him play grand matches, but also for all the golf courses that he set out. He was involved in over 70 courses. He remains an inspirational fgure today.”

Marriott Golf establishes stewardship award program Marriott Golf has created a program that it hopes will serve as a benchmark for environmental stewardship across the company’s worldwide golf portfolio. The Environmental Sustainability Performance Award (ESPA) Program asks 60 Marriott golf courses at 44 resorts in 13 countries to complete the program criteria by the end of 2014, with each facility receiving an ESPA commendation signifying their commitment to environmental leadership. “We were the frst resort golf operator to mandate every property in its portfolio to become a Certifed Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary,” says David H. Robinson, se-

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

Woodward begins new post Former GCSAA President and Chief Executive Offcer Mark Woodward, CGCS, is the new senior vice president of operations at OB Sports Golf Management in Scottsdale, Ariz. Woodward is responsible for further bolstering the support and services provided by OB Sports to its more than 45 golf properties throughout the U.S.

In the

NEWS

Save situation for Montana superintendent Twenty-two year GCSAA Class A member Walt Smith helped save a dog on an icy Montana pond. Read in the Missoulian how Smith came to the rescue for a golden retriever named Pumpkin. http://missoulian.com/news-state-and-regional/ after-dramatic-rescue-from-pond-hamiltonman-warns-of-ice/article_3babb51a-643c-11e3a039-0019bb2963f4.html

Colorado River issues cause concern Serious drought in the Colorado River has reclamation offcials scrambling and extremely concerned about the region’s future, according to a report in The New York Times. www.nytimes.com/2014/01/06/ us/colorado-river-drought-forces-a-painfulreckoning-for-states.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1

nior director of golf grounds, Marriott Golf. “Now, with the ESPA program, we have further positioned Marriott Golf as the industry’s premier green golf management organization while reinforcing Marriott International’s worldwide commitment to environmental consciousness.” The ESPA Program is based on four key achievement criteria, including participation in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. The others are: • Water conservation strategy (each property will develop a written natural resources management plan specifc to their golf course, which will identify best practices and key metrics for reducing irrigation water consumption plus completion of an irrigation audit by a certifed golf irrigation auditor) • Carbon footprint planning (completion of Syngenta’s EcoMeasures Tool with a goal to reduce year-over-year carbon footprint) • Marriott Golf conservation scorecard (an exclusive evaluation of nearly 100 key conservation standards; a property will need to achieve a pre-determined percentage of the standards to complete this section, and an annual re-certifcation and update will be required).

Winter? Not here As states such as Minnesota and Missouri suffered through frigid temperatures and nasty snowstorms early this year, golf courses in at least one California town were setting records for play, the Sacramento Bee says. One course in Sacramento actually saw more rounds played in December 2013 than it had in any previous December since 1999. www.sacbee.com/2014/01/07/6054427/ warm-dry-weather-a-hit-for-area.html

Restoration plans for venerable Connecticut course Keney Park Golf Course opened in 1927, but will be closed this year for major renovations, according to the Hartford Courant, which reports that greens, fairways and irrigation system are among the issues that will be tackled. www.courant.com/sports/golf/hc-keney-golfcourse-to-close-0109-20140108,0,7311096.story

By John Mascaro President of Turf-Tec International

(photo quiz)

Turfgrass area: Putting green

Location:

(a) PROBLEM

Kokomo, Ind.

Grass variety: Poa annua and bentgrass mix

Circular area of brown moving material

Turfgrass area: Fairway

Location: Chevy Chase, Md.

Grass variety: Crenshaw, L-93 and Southshore bentgrass

(b) PROBLEM

Presented in partnership with Jacobsen

Blurred stripes across fairway Answers on page 114

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

Teresa Carson tcarson@gcsaa.org twitter: @GCM_Magazine

(turf)

Not so pretty in pink

The pinkish hue of turf afﬂicted with Microdochium patch comes from pink fungal spores. Photo by Clint Mattox

Presented in Partnership with Barenbrug

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

The fungal pathogen Microdochium nivale is a signifcant cause of turfgrass disease in the northern United States and Canada, but particularly in the Pacifc Northwest. The pathogen, which may affect all cool-season grasses, causes pink snow mold, which develops under snow cover and becomes apparent when the snow melts. Microdochium patch is caused by the same pathogen but does not require snow cover to develop. Pink fungal spores may give turfgrass affected by either disease a pinkish appearance. In the Pacifc Northwest, Microdochium patch occurs from September through May and may severely damage turf, adversely affecting play and the appearance of the golf course. At present, fungicide applications are the most effective means of control, but the costs are high, approximately $20,000 for one golf course during the time the disease is active. Pesticide bans and restrictions have become more common in the Pacifc Northwest. For example, in Oregon, restricted-use pesticides cannot be applied on school property. Restrictions also apply to areas near protected waterways. A golf course in Corvallis, Ore., where Oregon State University is located, cannot spray about 5 percent of its acreage, which is adjacent to the Willamette River. A wide buffer zone is required along the river to protect the spawning grounds of the steelhead salmon. Golf courses in Canada are generally exempt from the herbicide and pesticide bans that affect homeowners as long as licensed pesticide applicators make the applications. British Columbia has not yet established pesticide laws that are as strict as those in Ontario and other provinces in eastern Canada. However, in March 2013, British Columbia amended its Integrated Pest Management Act so that the Minister of Environment can “develop regulations establishing lists of pesticides that may be regulated differently than other pesticides.” The combination of a damaging turfgrass disease and the possibility of restrictions on the only products that offer adequate control has prompted great concern in the turf industry, particularly among superintendents who are ultimately responsible for golf course playing conditions.

In response, research to identify fungicide alternatives for Microdochium patch control is taking place at Lewis Brown Horticulture Farm at Oregon State University in Corvallis and at the Washington State University Goss Research Farm in Puyallup. Graduate students Clint Mattox at Oregon State and Nathan Stacey at Washington State are doing much of the feld work, and assistant professor Alec Kowalewski, Ph.D., and senior faculty research assistant Brian McDonald are also working on the project at Oregon State. Kowalewski says that preliminary trials in early 2013 identifed Civitas, Sulfur DF, iron sulfate and P-K Plus as possible effective treatments. Of the cultural treatments tested, rolling was most effective at reducing disease. Experiments were started in late September 2013 to examine the effcacy against Microdochium patch of winter applications of the above treatments, as well as iron and nitrogen applications and biocontrols. Other experiments involved daily rolling, removing dew with a brush and dew whip and frequent surfactant applications. Early results have been positive for some of the treatments, but the research will continue into the spring and will be repeated beginning in fall 2014 before results are offcially released. Applications of high rates of sulfur and iron sulfate are likely to be detrimental to Poa annua greens, and researchers at Oregon State are looking for ways to alleviate problems associated with those applications. Concerns about the increasing possibility of fungicide bans and the havoc that could be caused by Microdochium nivale have led the Northwest Turfgrass Association, Oregon GCSA, Oregon Turf Foundation, USGA, Western Canada Turfgrass Association and Western IPM Center to support the research at Oregon State and Washington State. Representatives from these organizations and Dave Phipps, GCSAA feld staff for the Northwest, are involved in an effort to maintain support for the research that is taking place. To learn how to support this research, contact Kowalewski (alec.kowalewski@oregon state.edu). Teresa Carson is GCM’s senior science editor.

Scott R. Nesbitt ORPguy@windstream.net

(shop) Using basic hot-air plastic welding equipment is simple once you fnd the right combination of air fow and temperature. Photo by Scott Nesbitt

Practice, patience needed for plastic welding Although it sounds and looks easy, it turns out that welding plastic with a specialized hot-air blower requires a lot of practice, time and patience. Almost every shop has welding and soldering equipment for metal, but not for plastic. That’s pretty strange, given the amount of plastic used in turf equipment, cars, trucks, airplanes, houses, etc. The basic equipment, shown in the photo, is rather simple. An air hose is connected to an insulated handle that contains an adjustable electric heating element. A trickle of air goes through the handle, gets hot, and is directed at a plastic workpiece and, if needed, a piece of plastic that acts as fller. The plastic melts and fows together, then cools and becomes solid. It’s easy to imagine this hot-air welding system as a speedy and inexpensive way to repair all kinds of equipment and to fabricate customized plastic gizmos to suit the needs of your course operations. Not so fast. The tricky part is getting the right combination of air speed, output air temperature, workpiece temperature, knowledge of the type of plastic, cleanliness, wind, humidity and steadiness of the operator’s hand. The photo shows some practice welds conducted outdoors in 40 F weather with a

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

light wind. We’ve done much better work inside when the workpiece is at room temperature and there’s no breeze. The welding can be somewhat smelly but is generally tolerable indoors. Some thoughts if you are considering a hot-air welder for your shop: To see how it’s done, go to www.youtube. com and search the site for “urethane supply company tank.” It takes some effort to fnd a plastic welder. Try online sources like eBay, Amazon, Sears and Harbor Freight. Search for the terms “thermoplastic welder” and “hot-air welder” or “plastic welding.” Prices range from about $70 to $200 for basic equipment. You may fnd units at stores that supply professional body shops or welding equipment. Make absolutely sure the unit works with standard North American 120-volt, 60-Hertz AC power. Many hot-air welders sold online are designed for 100 volts (Japan) or 220 volts (Europe, China, South Korea). Some use 120 volts but require 50 Hertz. Spend the extra bucks to get a welder with a built-in air blower — this may be a handheld unit or one that has the blower and heater mounted in a cabinet. This will eliminate the time-consuming jiggling trying to fnd just the right air fow. The pressure regulators on most air compressors are simply not designed for delicate adjustment below 10 psi. The constant air fow will keep the compressor running, sucking up more electricity and adding noise to the process. Try to stretch the budget to cover a unit

with a digital readout of the outgoing air temperature. Acrylics and Nylon are welded in the 500 F range, while polyethylene and polypropylene weld in the 325 F range. Thinner materials need less heat. Without the gauge, you’ll hunt for just the right temperature, and waste time waiting for the tool to heat up or cool down. You may also damage the workpiece by overheating it while hunting. When welding plastic less than ¼ inch thick, support the workpiece to prevent distortion when the material is soft. Wood and cardboard serve well, as they don’t draw away heat like metal and glass. When repairing a crack, drill a hole (or holes) where the crack meets solid material. This will stop the crack from spreading when you soften the material. Cleanliness is absolutely critical. Use plastic cleaner (or carburetor or brake cleaner) and a clean cloth to remove oil, dirt and water from the surfaces. Otherwise, you’ll have air pockets or inclusions that can spawn cracks that will be harder to repair.

Scott R. Nesbitt is a freelance writer and former GCSAA staff member. He lives in Cleveland, Ga.

NEW D

ESIGN

33% M ORE EF FICIEN T

DEEPER PENETRATION INTO THE CANOPY

THE BEST JUST GOT BETTER Te Original GreensGroomer for natural turf has been redesigned to produce signiﬁcantly better performance. With an improved brush pattern, it generates 33% better eﬃciency by moving topdressing deeper into the canopy while maintaining true one-pass performance. Tis new design further improves pre-mow grooming on greens creating a better mow quality, a more consistent surface, and faster speeds. Te performance bar has been raised.

Margo Campbell Szabo mszabo@gcsaa.org

(Advocacy)

Southern drought spurs EGR winner

Methyl bromide registration deadline extended The EPA’s Offce of Pesticide Programs has extended the deadline for sale and distribution of existing stocks of methyl bromide for golf course resurfacing projects from April 30, 2014, to Nov. 30, 2014. Applicators of methyl bromide will now be able to purchase and deliver existing stocks of methyl bromide to golf courses for such projects until the new deadline. Although golf course use from the methyl bromide label was cancelled Dec. 31, 2013, methyl bromide existing stocks may be purchased and delivered for golf course resurfacing projects until Nov. 30, 2014. If there is strong demand and need for existing stocks of methyl bromide after Nov. 30, 2014, the registrants may revisit the issue with EPA and request another extension. However, all efforts should be made to complete resurfacing projects in 2014. If you need to do a methyl bromide project in 2014, please contact your applicator or contractor as soon as possible to ensure material is set aside for your project. If you have any questions, contact Chava McKeel, GCSAA’s associate director, government relations, at 800-4727878 or or T.J. Swaford with TriEst Ag (methyl bromide supplier and applicator).

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

Drought in the South has been an ongoing battle for the last decade. Anthony Williams, CGCS, became a leader when the stakes were high and when water restrictions were looming on the horizon. Because of his tireless work bringing together the golf industry and government offcials in Georgia, Williams will receive GCSAA’s 2014 Excellence in Government Relations (ERG) Award Feb. 5 at the 2014 Golf Industry Show in Orlando during the Opening Session, an event presented in partnership with Syngenta. Williams, who serves as the director of grounds at Stone Mountain (Ga.) Golf Club by Marriott and is a 17-year member of GCSAA, began the journey into the government relations arena while serving as a director on the board of the Georgia GCSA and as the chapter’s president in 2010-2011. Beginning in 2002, Georgia suffered through several severe droughts that threatened to force prohibitive water restrictions and rationing. Working with regulators, Williams and other superintendents helped to craft a sensible water plan for the state’s water users. Best management practices (BMPs) for golf courses were written, and 97 percent of Georgia golf courses voluntarily adopted them, earning the Georgia GCSA a special proclamation from Gov. Sonny Perdue, and becoming a cornerstone for golf’s water managers. The BMPs have served as a template for other states. Williams began building his government relations credentials by working with Georgia regulators during the 2002 drought. The regulators needed data, and golf courses had good data on water usage. He always approached the regulators with a positive message: How can we work together to do a better job? Through the creation of BMPs, regulators knew that golf course superintendents understood the gravity of the water problem and were willing to work diligently to make needed improvements for the betterment of their facilities, their communities and the state. Later Williams helped create the Georgia Natural Resource Group. This group of eight to 10 committed superintendents pledged to have someone at every town hall meeting in

Anthony Williams, CGCS

the state and to deliver the positive message that golf was good for the economy and that golf courses are beautiful green spaces for the community to enjoy. Williams says, “They saw our face at every meeting and knew we were there to help.” He also began mentoring his assistants to become advocates for the game of golf by having them accompany him to town hall meetings and teaching them the importance of being a part of the solution. Letter-writing campaigns, speaking engagements and telephone calls have become a part of Williams’ life. “This is not something you start and then, when the problem is fxed, you stop,” he says. “There are always going to be water problems in Georgia. It is up to golf course superintendents to continually tell their legislator about the good work that golf is doing and how much golf is interested in contributing to solutions for other problems.” Williams proudly believes that the state legislature recognizes that superintendents are doing what they say they will do. They do not demand exemption, but work through good science to fnd solutions. Working with state legislators will facilitate the passage of proactive measures that will ensure the economic viability of golf and promote economic growth in the state of Georgia.

Margo Campbell Szabo is GCSAA’s senior information services librarian.

Pamela C. Smith, CGCS

Exploring golf’s carbon sequestration The ongoing debate for the allocation of water and land often fails to recognize the importance of green space in metropolitan areas. Golf and allied organizations have done a remarkable job promoting the sustainability and conservation efforts of turfgrass and golf courses. Go to any industry gathering, fip through a trade publication, or talk with your vendor about new products; you know sustainability and environmental responsibility are paramount with golf course conditioning. However, take a few steps outside of our industry, and you might fnd well-educated and powerful people ready to eliminate turfgrass in the urban environment. I recently attended a conference on western water law. In the lobby area, I networked and chatted up a friend of a colleague of mine. When I said what I do for a living, the gentleman scoffed, walked away and muttered something about grass being a waste of water. Undeterred, I settled into the conference and listened as the most powerful water controller in our region claimed that in order to maintain our growing metropolitan life we will need to acquire water by “drying up” agriculture and turf. Now that has me a little worried. Planning on “drying up” the turf in our urban environment is not a sustainable answer to water conservation because that philosophy fails to recognize the consequences of an environment without green space. Let us

temper that wild-eyed speculation that turfgrass needs to be the frst to go with balancing the costs with the benefts of turfgrass. You are all familiar with the environmental benefts of turf — removing pollutants, reducing ambient temperatures, fltering stormwater, producing oxygen, conserving habitat and soil, and the list goes on. Add to that impressive list by recognizing how much CO2 turfgrass removes from our atmosphere. Turfgrass plays a major role in removing CO2 from our atmosphere by binding carbon in the soil: • A study of 15 Colorado golf courses (1) determined that one acre of turfgrass sequesters anywhere from 804 to 1,072 pounds of CO2 per acre (0.9 to 1.0 metric ton of carbon/hectare/year). The most rapid sequestration occurs during the frst 25 to 30 years after establishment. • “If one compares a well-managed lawn to a poorly managed lawn or unmanaged grasslands, the net carbon intake of a well-managed lawn is fve to seven times higher than the carbon output of mowing” (2). • The USDA estimates that there are approximately 50 million acres of turfgrass in the United States. Using the conservative number of 804 pounds of CO2 sequestered per acre, turfgrass may remove at least

20 million tons of CO2 annually from the United States. To be fair, it is too early to jump on a platform and claim that golf courses are a carbon sink taking in more CO2 than they emit. Accounting for electricity, heating fuel, fertilizer and machinery might put golf into the realm of a small net CO2 producer. More research is needed to fully examine the net carbon benefts of golf course operations and the ways green space can become carbon sinks. Continued outreach and education is needed to soften the scorched earth philosophy of some water conservationists. It is reckless to consider “drying up” turf without fully understanding the environmental consequences of an urban life without green space.

Literature cited 1. Qian, Yaling et al. Assessing soil carbon sequestration in turfgrass systems using long-term soil testing data. Agronomy Journal 94:930-935. 2. Sahu, Ranajit (Ron). Technical Assessment of the Carbon Sequestration potential of Managed Turfgrass in the United States. Research report: DC01/ SAHUD/329393.2

Pamela C. Smith, CGCS, is the director of agronomy for a large metropolitan city and a 23-year member of GCSAA.

35,000

Carbon dioxide emissions (Teragrams Co2)

(environment)

30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 1900

1910

1920

1930

1940

1950

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

Carbon sequestration Presented in Partnership with Aquatrols

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

Whether or not you believe that greenhouse gases like CO2 are resulting in the planet’s warming, you can’t deny that a huge amount of CO2 has been dumped into our atmosphere since the 1950s. Source: Boden, T.A., G. Marland and R.J.

Andres. 2010. Global, regional and national fossil-fuel CO2 emissions. Carbon Dioxide Analysis Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tenn. doi 10.3334/CDIAC/00001_V2010

We fix relationships.

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Bob Vaughey, CGCS bobbyyslo@me.com twitter: @rollinghillsgcm

(Technology)

Effcient technology Advances in technology — whether in the form of mowing equipment, irrigation or smartphones — have forever changed the golf course superintendent’s job. That’s why I am pleased to be writing this column for GCM about technology and the ways superintendents can use it. Our job has been and always will be out on the golf course, looking at the turf, soil and water. Yet, more and more of the job is becoming administrative, and this aspect is taking more time away from being on the golf course and providing a great product to our members, guests or the general public. I will say up front I am a tech geek. Ten years ago this would have been an insult; now I look at it as a compliment. In my opinion, however, technology is only useful if it is easy for us to use, saves us time and makes us more eff-

cient. Any form of technology is only useful if the time it takes to set it up results in saving us time, making us more productive or providing us more information to make better decisions. My defnition of technology is twofold: First, “the application of scientifc knowledge for practical purposes” and, second, “machinery and equipment developed from the application of scientifc knowledge.” This is a simple and practical way to think about technology. Technology is a tool just as your mowers or soil moisture probes or any of the hundred other things you use in your daily work and personal life are tools. Once we become familiar with how to use them, these tools don’t intimidate us, and neither should technology. If setting something up takes eight hours and saves us fve over the course of a year, it isn’t worth using. But some technologies are well worth the time they take to learn. For example, spreadsheets can perform multiple math problems instantaneously and save a tremendous amount of time. The same can be said for word processing. Not only do these technologies save us time, but they also provide useful information to ourselves and our clubs. Most of us have already mastered these technologies; all the technologies I will be discussing in this column can also be learned and will have similar advantages. In the coming months, I will use the limited space of this column to describe some of the

useful technologies available to us and provide links to videos or screen shots on the GCSAA website to show how to implement them. If you read something in this column that may be of use, please log in to our website to learn how to utilize it or visit this winter when things slow down on your course to evaluate their application. We will be covering some very useful forms of technology in the coming months to better help you communicate with your members, prepare budgets and track all sorts of aspects of your operation. We’ll also tell you about some of the fun tools and toys available to you. By my own estimate, I have spent roughly 50 hours of my time setting up things that have allowed me to spend little to no time in my offce week to week. This time is now spent on the golf course, with members or staff. Almost everything I do now I do from my iPhone, with my offce simply serving as an information hub. I hope you will fnd this column useful, and please email me with questions or suggestions for topics you may want me to cover in the future.

Bob Vaughey, CGCS, is the GCSAA Class A director of agronomy at Rolling Hills Country Club in Palos Verdes, Calif., and a 10-year member of GCSAA.

Rise of the Machines 60

“From 2005 to 2020, the digital universe will grow by a factor of 300 . . . the digital universe will about double every two years.”

Billions Downloaded

The Digital Universe in 2010, IDC, December 2012

Google Android

“Mobile apps. Has the world known a faster, broader, deeper diffusion of a major technology? . . . In just four years . . . the number of . . . mobile app downloads grew from essentially zero to 60 billion.”

Apple iOS

Soft Power: Zero to 60 Billion in Four Years, Entropy Economics, December 2012

0 2008

2009

2010

2011

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

2012

2013

Number of mobile apps specifcally for golf course management introduced in the pages of GCM’s “Product News,” Jan. 2012-June 2013

M A S T E R S of B E N T

Just about anyone who knew Dr. Joe Duich will tell you that he was a master of many things. At Tee-2-Green, he’ll be remembered as the man who worked with Dr. Burton Musser to set a new standard for bentgrass quality with Penncross, and then went on to elevate it higher with his pinnacle accomplishment, the Penn A’s and G’s and Seaside II.

GRASS

However, the greatest testament to Dr. Duich is the longevity of the grasses themselves. After 58 years, Penncross remains the most popular bentgrass in the world. The A’s and G’s took playability and management practice to a higher level and they remain the bents everyone else is trying to match today. There are few, if any, products that can claim that kind of acceptance and success. We salute Dr. Joe Duich and his contributions to Tee-2-Green and the game of golf. We will always remember him with fondness, appreciation and respect.

BENTGRASS. IT'S ALL WE DO. www.tee-2-green.com | bentinfo@tee-2-green.com

Distinguished Service Award

Bruce Clarke, Ph.D.

Samuel Bruce Martin, Ph.D.

Stephen G. Cadenelli, CGCS

Connection Achievement, generosity, friendship are links that join the three recipients of the 2014 GCSAA Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award. Bunny Smith In the small world of golf course turf management, it could be easily argued that everyone has some connection to everyone else. The three recipients of the 2014 GCSAA Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award — Stephen G. Cadenelli, CGCS; Bruce Clarke, Ph.D.; and Samuel Bruce Martin, Ph.D. — are no exception. “Jersey boys” Cadenelli (who helped build and then managed Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson, N.J., for many years) and Clarke (who has spent his entire academic career at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J.) have been friends for decades. Clarke is the connection between Cadenelli and Martin, who calls Clemson University’s Pee Dee Research & Education Center in Florence, S.C., home. Until recent years, the two turfgrass pathologists teamed up to teach the GCSAA seminar “Cutting Edge Disease Identifcation and Management” at the national education conference and at education events throughout the United States. These industry colleagues say the connections enhance the honor of receiving this award, which is given each year to individuals “who have made an outstanding, substantive and enduring contribution to the advancement of the golf course superintendent profession.” The GCSAA Board of Directors selects the winners from nominations submitted by affliated chapters or association members and renamed it in 2009 in honor of the association’s founder and frst president. “These three gentlemen embody what the Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award represents: making enduring legacies to the industry,” says GCSAA 2013 President Patrick R. Finlen, CGCS. GCM takes a closer look at this distinguished trio of gentlemen and their contributions to the golf course management industry.

Cadenelli (sixth from left) and the late Chester Mendenhall offciate at the ribbon-cutting for the newly constructed GCSAA headquarters building in 1991. GCM fle photo

Stephen G. Cadenelli, CGCS Col. Morley addressed the fedgling GCSAA membership in 1927 with the words, “No life is, or can be, self-existent. We depend upon each other.” These words are so treasured that they have been embossed upon the walls of GCSAA’s headquarters building in Lawrence, Kan. And that leads to yet another pair of connections: Cadenelli, who served in 1991 as GCSAA’s 55th president, also presided over the dedication of that same headquarters building when it was brand new. “The pinnacle of my career was being the president, and at a time when we dedicated the new building and cemented the foundation for the organization to grow,” Cadenelli recalls today. “I’m proud to have been part of the group that saw to its construction. I’ve always believed that while (Lawrence) may not have been the most glamorous place in the golf industry, it was just perfect for us. I’ll never believe that there’s a better place for our organization — largely because the people I’ve known who have worked there over the years have been so committed.” Adds Mark Kuhns, CGCS, another New

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

Jersey super who served as GCSAA president (2009), “From member standards to our beautiful headquarters in Lawrence, Steve was there to build a brighter future for all of us.” Cadenelli, who grew up in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, received a bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University and is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts’ Winter School for Turfgrass Managers. Not surprisingly, Cadenelli was a strong early supporter of GCSAA’s move to require a four-year degree for attaining certifcation status — a provision that went into effect in 2004. “The complexities of our industry require an understanding of not only the technical aspects of turf management but of government, the economy, human relations and so on,” he told GCM in 1991. “Personally, I never want to stop learning. … I don’t believe there is a substitute for education.” This belief underlies a number of Cadenelli’s endeavors through the years. While at UMass, he came under the guidance of the industry legend Dr. Joseph Troll, who received the GCSAA DSA in 1983. “He was paramount to me when I was deciding whether to go into the business. I never could have accomplished what I have without him,” Cadenelli says. “He was a mentor for so many of my generation.” So in 2005, Cadenelli began working with a number of others in the Northeast whom he also considers mentors in the industry — William Dest, Ph.D.; Bob Osterman; Charlie Baskin; the late Bob Tosh and Sherwood Moore — to form the Alumni Turf Group and organize a fundraising tournament for the Dr. Joseph Troll Turf Research Center at UMass’s

South Deerfeld campus. The event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, including matching funds from the university. Cadenelli was also behind another great fundraising tradition in the Northeast: the Robert Trent Jones Invitational at Metedeconk. In the late 1980s, Metedeconk’s founders, the Sambol family, brought RTJ Sr., his design associate Roger Rulewich and Cadenelli together to build the sprawling layout through 450 acres of New Jersey pine forest and inland wetlands. These men formed a respect for one another that inspired the legendary architect to lend his name and charitable foundation’s support to an event to raise funds for turfgrass research through the GCSA of New Jersey and GCSAA’s Environmental Institute for Golf. “That tournament has raised over $600,000 and is a testament to all of the parties who made it happen,” says Shaun Barry, who is the executive director of the GCSANJ Foundation. Cadenelli’s commitment to the tournament continued, even after he moved to Massachusetts in 1997 to build and manage the course at Cape Cod National Golf Club in Brewster. The tournament is currently on hiatus, and Cadenelli left Cape Cod National GC in February 2013, but his colleagues in the industry continue to note the 41-year GCSAA member’s generosity of spirit. “During every phase of his professional life, Steve has been a great role model for all superintendents, bringing respect to himself and to the position of superintendent,” Barry says. “Steve has been asked to help many times for many causes, and he has never said no. He is one of the most generous people that I have ever met.”

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Clarke, pictured here at RutgersÕ annual Turfgrass Research Field Days, has organized numerous educational and fundraising events for the golf turfgrass management industry. Photo courtesy of Bruce Clarke Bruce Clarke, Ph.D. When Bruce Clarke was growing up in Cresskill, N.J., just across the border from New York, he noticed that his father’s lawn was always being attacked by some mysterious summer malady or another. “I was always trying to fgure out why, and that’s how my interest in pathology began,” he recalls. Clarke took that diagnostic curiosity to Rutgers University in 1973, earning an undergraduate degree in forest management before fnishing his Ph.D. in turfgrass pathology in 1982 and joining the faculty there the same year. His wife, Ellen, whom he met at Rutgers 40 years ago, quips that “he never left Rutgers; he’s a perpetual student.” Throughout his career at Rutgers, where he is currently chairman of the department of plant biology and pathology, director of the Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science and Extension specialist in turfgrass pathology, Clarke’s been solving major problems for golf course superintendents in New Jersey and beyond in collaboration with his colleagues at Rutgers. Many of these superintendents would give him much more credit than that. “In 1988, I was on the board of the GCSANJ and a superintendent at Echo Lake Country Club for only a few years. Like many of my peers, I struggled with an unexplained disease that manifested itself that year, and like many I was applying chemicals with abandon, trying to save my golf course and my job,” recalls 28-year GCSAA member Chris Carson. “It was then that I frst fully understood the character and worth of Dr. Clarke. He came to our board meetings, discussed our concerns and offered to hold several emergency meetings for the general membership and our bosses to

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

discuss what we were up against. “I am certain that these meetings, packed to the rear walls, helped save a number of superintendents’ jobs as he provided a scientifc view on what we were facing, and illustrated to our decision makers that we were all in for a long fght together.” That unexplained disease turned out to be summer patch, caused by Magnaporthe poae, which Clarke and his newly hired post-doctoral researcher Peter Landschoot eventually identifed and for which they developed an excellent set of best management practices, thanks in large part to the GCSANJ’s commitment of $100,000 to fund the research at Rutgers. Clarke also helped address another new disease problem in the 1990s called gray leaf spot with a research team, which included Drs. Bill Meyer and Stacy Bonos, two world-renowned turfgrass breeders at Rutgers, who searched the world to collect sources of disease-resistant grasses and develop more than 30 new gray leaf spot-resistant cultivars of perennial ryegrass. “It was an astonishing example of a university professor and researcher understanding industry problems and working hard to solve them,” Carson says. “In short, he made our problem his problem, and our respect for him became unbreakable.” From summer patch, a disease that affects turfgrass roots, Clarke moved on to focus on a dreaded disease affecting the aboveground parts of the plant — anthracnose. Although the disease had been showing up on golf course putting greens — especially annual bluegrass greens in the Northeast — for many decades, it didn’t reach epidemic proportions until the 1990s. That’s when superintendents began responding to demands for faster and faster greens with practices that inadvertently exac-

erbated the disease: lowering the height of cut, reducing the amount of fertilizer and keeping the greens extremely dry. Since 2002, Clarke and turf management specialist Jim Murphy, Ph.D., and their graduate students have dedicated their research to helping superintendents manage anthracnose through refned fertility, mowing, irrigation and sand topdressing practices. Clarke says their discovery about the suppressive benefts of sand topdressing — once believed to help spread the disease by “wounding” the leaves of the turf plant — was the biggest surprise of his career. “Before we started this program, superintendents were spending a major part of their budget on fungicides to control anthracnose,” he says. “Now a recent GCSAA-conducted survey has shown that they’re getting much better control with less fungicide inputs, due to the implementation of improved management practices developed from our research.” Clarke has become renowned in the golf turf industry for his leadership in organizing the Green Industry Expo held every year in Atlantic City as well as Rutgers’ annual Turfgrass Research Field Days, which attracts superintendents from more than seven states and Canada. The Rutgers Turfgrass Research Golf Classic, which was launched by Clarke, Meyer and the New Jersey Turfgrass Association 19 years ago, has raised over $1.3 million for the Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science. A Fellow of the American Phytopathological Society, the American Society of Agronomy and the Crop Science Society of America, Clarke has received numerous honors, including the GCSANJ’s Distinguished Service Award, the Metropolitan GCSA’s John Reid Lifetime Achievement Award, and the New Jersey Turfgrass Association’s Hall of Fame Award. At Rutgers, Clarke was the recipient of the Ralph Geiger Endowed Chair in Turfgrass Science and the Weisblat Award for Excellence in Research, Teaching and Outreach. He has authored more than 200 articles in professional journals as well as three books on turfgrass pathology. “The reality is that any accomplishments I’ve had have been through collaboration and partnerships with my colleagues and graduate students,” Clarke says, adding that he believes his most important work is “extending the results of our research back to superintendents, who use them to correct their problems. The goal of our work has always been to address the key concerns of the industry and to provide science-based solutions that improve the quality of turf throughout the United States.”

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Martin has conducted more than 500 regional, national and international disease and pest identifcation training sessions (pictured above and left), workshops and educational seminars. Photos courtesy of S.B. Martin

Samuel Bruce Martin, Ph.D. It’s entirely possible that no one’s seen more golf courses in the Carolinas than Bruce Martin. By his own estimate, this Clemson University professor of plant pathology and Extension located at the Pee Dee Research and Education Center at the school’s Florence, S.C., campus, visits roughly 100 of them every year. “When (superintendents) see me, it’s usually bad news; it means there’s trouble somewhere on the golf course,” he says with a chuckle. For golf course turf managers in the Southeast, “trouble” often comes in the guise of some form of Rhizoctonia zeae, which Martin was the frst to identify as a pathogen of turf in the United States. And if any of the disease’s several varieties is not to blame, it’s probably some other problem he’s directed his research toward over the past 30 years, like rapid blight (Labyrinthula terrestris) or nematodes or fungicide resistance. “Back when I was a graduate student, people were predicting the demise of fungicides in 15 years,” recalls Martin, who holds advanced degrees in plant pathology from the University of Arkansas (master’s, 1978) and North Carolina State (Ph.D., 1982). “That hasn’t been the case by any means, and we keep seeing innovations in the industry that are safer for the environment. I don’t see any reason to doubt that will continue. At the same time, we’re investigating biological controls and other alternative methods of control.” Among the array of problems faced by turfgrass managers, Martin still considers Rhizoctonia zeae in bermudagrass as “the one that’s

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

given us the most trouble. We’ve made some progress with preventive fungicide applications, but not the kind of progress we would like.” But he also points to the perfect storm that is brewing over nematodes, a major pest of ultradwarf bermudagrass: “We’ve lost Nemacur — there won’t be any stock left soon. Our greens are aging, and the economy has put a lot of renovations on hold. Methyl bromide is being phased out. I’ve got one student working on nematodes, but there aren’t a lot of others out there working on nematology on golf turf.” Turfgrass management professionals are glad that Martin, who has conducted more than 500 regional, national and international workshops, educational seminars, and disease and pest identifcation training sessions, is on the case — whatever their problem turns out to be. “He’s at the top of the game,” says Chuck Green, the GCSAA Class A director of golf at Sage Valley Golf Club in Aiken, S.C. “He’s been an incredible asset to the Carolinas — and beyond.” Green adds that the friendship he developed with Martin over a quarter of a century ago was a “two-way street.” “He helped me a lot early in my career at Florence Country Club,” says the 29-year GCSAA member, “and I gave him a place to conduct a lot of his fungicide program research.” Martin’s previous honors include the Carolinas GCSA’s Distinguished Service Award and Clemson’s Alumni Award for Cooperative Extension Distinguished Public Service.

Many superintendents outside the Carolinas know him best for the GCSAA disease identifcation seminar he co-taught for many years with Clarke as well as his current seminars, “Advanced Management of Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Golf Greens” and “Managing Bentgrass Golf Greens in Heat-Stress Environments” (both with Clemson colleague Bert McCarty, Ph.D.). The man whom Martin gives the most credit for infuencing his career, N.C. State emeritus professor Leon Lucas, Ph.D., repays the compliment with one of his own. “I’m very proud of him. He’s a very practical problem-solver, and there aren’t too many of those left,” Lucas says. “It’s a great thing that people understand how important he is in our feld.” Bunny Smith (bsmith@gcsaa.org) is GCM’s senior managing editor.

DSA honor roll This year’s recipients will be acknowledged Feb. 5 at the 2014 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show in Orlando.

Col. John Morley

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

The GCSAA Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award is given to individuals who have made an outstanding, substantive and enduring contribution to the advancement of the golf course superintendent profession. The GCSAA Board of Directors selects the winners from nominations submitted by affliated chapters and/or associations. 1932: 1935: 1940: 1941: 1952: 1954: 1957: 1958:

Col. John Morley John MacGregor Col. John Morley Frank W. Ermer; William H. Johnson Oyvind J. Noer Dr. Fred V. Grau Thomas Dawson Jr.; Herbert Graffs Glenn Burton; Prof. L.F. Dickinson; Malcolm R. McLaren; Prof. H. Burton Musser; Joseph Valentine 1959: Dr. John Monteith; Oyvind J. Noer; Richard S. Tufts 1960: Joseph C. Dey Jr.; Helen F. Lengfeld; Oyvind J. Noer 1961: Dr. Jesse H. DeFrance; Eugene B. Marzolf; James Smith 1964: Theodore W. Woehrle 1973: Walter R. Boysen 1975: Raymond H. Gerber 1976: Dr. Joseph M. Duich; Leo J. Feser; Thomas C. Mascaro 1977: Harold W. Stodola; Paul E. Weiss Sr.; Robert M. Williams 1978: Dr. Roy L. Goss; Dr. John C. Harper II; Arthur A. Snyder 1979: Dr. C. Reed Funk 1980: Manuel L. Francis; Dr. John Madison 1981: Geoffrey S. Cornish; Dr. Ralph Engel; Hans C. Schmiesser 1982: Milton J. Bauman; Sherwood A. Moore, CGCS Retired; Alexander M. Radko; Ben O. Warren Jr. 1983: James B. Moncrief; Dr. Joseph Troll; Dr. James R. Watson 1984: Warren A. Bidwell; Keith Nisbet 1985: James L. Blackledge; William C. Campbell; Clifford A. Wagoner, CGCS Retired 1986: Andrew Bertoni; John B. Steel, CGCS; Howard Kaerwer; Chester Mendenhall 1987: David S. Gourlay Sr.; Dr. James R. Love 1988: Dr. Jack Butler; William B. Davis; Dr. Kenyon Payne; Eberhard Steiniger, CGCS Retired 1989: James W. Brandt, CGCS Retired; Dr. C. Richard Skogley

1990: William Bengeyfeld; Dr. Thomas Watschke 1991: Dr. Noel Jackson; W. Bruce Matthews; Dr. Eliot C. Roberts 1992: George M. Kozelnicky; C.E. “Tuck” Tate, CGCS Retired 1993: Dr. James B. Beard; Dr. Victor Gibeault 1994: Allan MacCurrach; John J. Spodnik 1995: Dr. Milton Engelke; Dr. Ali Harivandi; Dr. Michael Hurdzan 1996: Randy Nichols, CGCS; Dr. Paul Rieke 1997: Gerald L. Faubel, CGCS; Dr. J.M. Vargas Jr.; Dr. Coleman Y. Ward 1998: David Mastroleo 1999: Anthony B. Caranci Jr.; Dan Jones; Palmer Maples Jr., CGCS Retired 2000: Michael R. Bavier, CGCS; Gary T. Grigg, CGCS, MG; George B. Thompson, CGCS 2001: Euel Coats, Ph.D.; L.W. “Sonny” DuBose Jr., CGCS Retired 2002: Houston B. Couch, Ph.D.; William F. Ploetz; Bruce R. Williams, CGCS 2003: Robert D. Emmons; Joel D. Jackson, CGCS Retired; Dudley H. Smith 2004: Gordon LaFontaine; Danny H. Quast, CGCS Retired; Gordon Witteveen 2005: William Fielder, CGCS; Tommy D. Witt, CGCS 2006: Thomas W. Cook; Stanley Zontek 2007: Stanley E. Metsker, CGCS Retired; William A. Meyer, Ph.D. 2008: Donald Hearn, CGCS; H. James “Jim” Loke, CGCS; Oscar Miles, CGCS, Retired 2009: Mark Esoda, CGCS; George Hamilton, Ph.D.; Monroe Miller 2010: Robert A. Dickison, CGCS; James C. Husting, CGCS; Douglas W. Petersan 2011: Frank Dobie 2012: Pete Dernoeden, Ph.D. 2013: Roch Gaussoin, Ph.D.; Frank Lamphier; Dennis Lyon, CGCS; Ken Mangum, CGCS 2014: Stephen G. Cadenelli, CGCS; Bruce Clarke, Ph.D.; Samuel Bruce Martin, Ph.D.

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Working for change

Roger Stewart, CGCS, adds GCSAA’s 2014 President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship to a well-deserved collection of honors. Joseph Oberle

Photos by Matt Seefeldt

Roger Stewart, CGCS, joined the TPC network of golf courses in 1996 and is now at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minn.

“What you’re seeing now is more of a change toward people actually believing that golf courses do contribute positively to the environment.” — Roger Stewart, CGCS

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

Through nearly 40 years in the golf course maintenance profession, Roger Stewart, CGCS, has seen a lot of change: from golf courses that were once a target of environmental activists to superintendents who are honored as stewards. GCSAA, which established the President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship in 1991 to recognize “an exceptional environmental contribution to the game of golf; a contribution that further exemplifes the golf course superintendent’s image as a steward of the land,” chose Stewart to receive the 2014 award, and that acknowledges his contribution to those changes. “I think that we’ve made some terrifc strides,” Stewart says of the industry. “You don’t see those ‘toxic golf course’-type articles in the magazines anymore that came out 20 to 30 years ago. What you’re seeing now is more of a change toward people actually believing that golf courses do contribute positively to the environment.” Contributing positively to the environment has been a hallmark of his life’s work. Since the beginning of his career back in the mid-’70s, Stewart has always had an eye for the environment, a habit he believes most of his colleagues share. “Like a lot of superintendents, I’m interested in the outdoors,” Stewart says. “I am a hunter and fsherman, so those kinds of things are ingrained in many superintendents —

that’s how a lot of us got started in the business. When you spend a lot of time outdoors you notice things about nature and the environment, and you appreciate them maybe a little more than people who don’t spend a lot of time outdoors. Superintendents in general want to provide a great golf course, but we only want to do it if we can do it where it’s environmentally safe.” After earning a degree in agronomy from the University of Nebraska, Stewart started working in golf course maintenance in 1975 at Midlane Country Club in Waukegan, Ill. He eventually moved to Riverside Golf Club in Chicago before taking on the opening of Stonebridge Country Club in Aurora, Ill., in 1988. He noticed that growing numbers of golf courses were becoming certifed Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuaries. “I got interested in that for all the same reasons that people do it now — to document the things you do as a superintendent that are good for the environment, the responsible practices that you use,” he says. “We’re providing not only a place to play golf, but also doing it on a piece of property that is managed with environmental stewardship as our main goal.” Network news In 1996, Stewart joined the TPC network of golf courses by going to work at TPC Jasna Polana in Princeton, N.J., and his en-

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The TPC Twin Cities crew installs one of 24 bluebird houses on the property. In addition to the

Eastern bluebird, the golf course is home to many species of birds, including cardinals (below). Photos courtesy of Roger Stewart

vironmental stewardship rose to a new level. Stewart was brought in to oversee construction, grow-in and maintenance at Jasna Polana at a time when the entire TPC network was working to certify its courses as Audubon sanctuaries. At Jasna Polana, which hosted the Champions Tour’s Instinet Classic from 2000 to 2002, Stewart led the facility to becoming one of the most prominent Certifed Audubon Sanctuary courses in the nation. “That’s been a very rewarding program for me personally, and I have tried to encourage as many superintendents as possible to participate in it over the years,” Stewart says. “I’ve tried to help superintendents through the process, which if you start out the frst year you do it, it’s a little bit more work and it can be a little bit intimidating for some people, but it’s really a valuable tool you can use going forward to basically validate what you do as a superintendent.” The job in New Jersey gave Stewart a lot of experience maintaining a course in a different climate. “The mid-Atlantic is very different than the Midwest and has its own set of challenges,” Stewart says. “Jasna Polana had quite a bit of environmental regulation placed on that property through the construction and operationally, as well,” adds Collier Miller, TPC director of agronomy. “Roger had to manage that property taking in those environmental management strategies that were mandated there, and he just embraced it whole-heartedly. He did an exceptional job following those regulations. He embraced the Audubon cooperative sanctuary program from Day 1 and quickly

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

went out and did the things necessary to certify that property.” In 2008, Stewart was on the move again, back to the Midwest and TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minn. He jumped at the opportunity to move closer to Illinois and his two daughters’ families, and he came to a golf course that was already a certifed Audubon sanctuary course. That didn’t stop him from continuing stewardship efforts at the course, and Mark Johnson, GCSAA associate director, environmental programs, took notice. “Roger and his staff have implemented many agronomic and environmental practices at TPC Twin Cities ranging from water conservation practices to integrated pest management, providing for a well-rounded program,” Johnson says. “They saved 32 million gallons of water in 2008, reduced fertilizer use and reduced energy use, as well. Roger demonstrates the professional knowledge and application of that knowledge with the management of the course.” Water work Water conservation was one of Stewart’s frst priorities when he got to Minnesota. The TPC Twin Cities course sits on soil with a high sand content, so his staff set out to identify areas that could be maintained as unmowed, out-of-play naturalized areas requiring less water. Stewart began using rain sensors, which monitored rainfall and automatically placed a hold on scheduled irrigation. In 2009, the course purchased time-domain refectometry (TDR) meters that measure the volumetric water content (VWC) in the soil, and they were able to track evaporation rates. They used aggressive aerifcation and verticutting to reduce thatch levels and improve water infltration. With the help of a built-in data logger and GPS unit, Stewart was able to track the information gathered by the moisture meters and download it on computer spreadsheets and maps. The new meters determined that healthy turf could be maintained at 10 percent VWC rather than the 20-25 percent moisture content regulated by the older moisture meters. “We started using the TDR moisture meters and we immediately began to realize the benefts,” Stewart says. “It gave us a great picture of what was really needed in terms of soil moisture, particularly on greens. And we have also been able to reduce our water use on tees and fairways, somewhere in the 20 to 30 per-

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cent range over time. And I’m not just talking about one season. I’m pretty confdent that we’ve seen a defnite 20 percent reduction on an annual basis here.” As a result, Stewart captured a GCSAA/ Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Award (ELGA), one of many awards he has received in his career. Stewart has received several Chapter and Merit awards through the ELGA recognition program since 2001 for work at both TPC Twin Cities and TPC Jasna Polana. He also received the frst River Friendly Certifcation from Stonybrook Watershed in Princeton, N.J., for his work at Jasna Polana. In addition to water conservation, Stewart has worked to reduce fertilizer inputs and use of pesticides at TPC Twin Cites since his arrival. His integrated pest management and fertilization programs are designed to ensure water quality protection and establish sustainable ecosystems in the course’s ponds and wetlands. Stewart and his staff have stabilized the areas by use of coconut bio-logs and wetland species of plants, including pickerel plant, blue and yellow iris, boneset, common and blunt rush, swamp milkweed, broadleaf arrowhead, wild rice, joe-pye weed, soft stem bulrush, common cattail and water lilies.

TPC Twin Cities is home to numerous wildlife species, and Stewart has taken great steps to maintain them. During a round on the course, a golfer could encounter blue heron, Canada geese, coyotes, whitetail deer, eagles, red tailed hawks, muskrats, pheasant, rabbits, raccoons, red fox, several different species of birds, snakes, squirrels, swans, wild turkeys, turtles, river otters and a family of great horned owls. Under Stewart’s watch, the course also has joined forces with the Bluebird Recovery Program of Minnesota to provide suitable habitat for Eastern bluebirds. They have built a bluebird trail that consists of 24 bluebird houses scattered throughout the facility. Off the turf Being green means more to Stewart than simply his efforts on the course. Environmental stewardship is an ongoing endeavor, and Stewart and his staff are always on the lookout for ways to improve the facility — not just because it might save money, but because it also helps protect the environment. The club employs motion sensor lights in unoccupied buildings for energy savings, and a state-of-the-art Flowtronix PSI pumping station with variable frequency drive turbines

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Naturalized areas at TPC Twin Cities (top) provide habitat for insects (bottom) and wildlife.

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that reduce electricity by 15 to 20 percent over a fxed-speed pumping station. The clubhouse lights have all been changed out for LED lighting, which has helped make TPC Twin Cities one of the top-ranked facilities in Minneapolis for its low energy use. Stewart says the course operates an extensive recycling program for organic waste, oil and flters in the machine shop, fuorescent light bulbs and 100 percent of the waste paper. He says the program saves money and helps keep the environmental model going at the course. “You hear a lot of people talk about environmental sustainability, and in reality that’s a huge part of it,” Stewart says. “You have to be able to do things in an environmentally responsible way that does not impact negatively the business plan for the facility. And if you indeed complement that and provide savings, then you are just adding to that sustainability model for that facility.” But Stewart has taken his passion for environmental stewardship far beyond the course’s boundaries. He has a long history of involvement with passing on his knowledge. He has been active with GCSAA as an instructor, he speaks often at industry and TPC network conferences, he hosted the “Green Links” portion of the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG) website in 2010 and he works tirelessly to spread the news on environmental stewardship. “Roger has been active as Minnesota GCSA vice president and leader of the research committee, which annually donates $20,000

or more to the University of Minnesota Turfgrass Research and Outreach Center,” says Scottie Hines, outgoing MGCSA president. “Roger was voted in as MGCSA president (in early January). It has been a pleasure to work next to someone who is as passionate and avid an outdoorsman as myself.” The hardworking Stewart says he can see retirement not too far off in his future, but there is still plenty to do before he is done. He is working on continual tweaks at TPC Twin Cities that include water management in the kitchen, plus fuel spill containment in the maintenance facility and chemical storage facilities. As MGCSA president, Stewart will chair the environmental stewardship committee and work closely with state regulators to develop a certifcation program for golf courses that is similar to the certifcation program that the state is creating for farming. “The idea is that if (golf courses) can prove, through a set of requirements, that we are responsible users of water, those who become certifed could be eligible for some relief if drought restrictions are imposed,” he explains. Stewart and his colleagues see water usage as a concern in Minnesota going forward and hope to get out ahead of it. He will also continue to speak and spread the word about environmental stewardship among his peers and publicize the fact that golf course superintendents are really working to help the environment to anyone who wants to listen. “Superintendents — and Minnesotans in particular — aren’t known as people who talk about themselves, but if you are a professional in the business and you talk with them, you fnd out they have a certain sense of responsibility for the environment that they feel,” he says. “We, as a group, need to get better at getting that word out.” As for Stewart’s environmental stewardship efforts, his leadership and his worthiness for GCSAA’s President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship award, the word is already out. “He is a very deserving recipient,” Miller says. “He has been a leader in our industry for a long time now, so it is great to see him being recognized for his efforts.”

Joseph Oberle is a freelance writer based in Findley, Minn.

Water quality is a key issue for The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay, situated on a peninsula extending into Lake Chickamauga, which is part of the Tennessee River. Photo by Stephen Szurlej

(ELGAs) Teresa Carson

Where the wild things are Paul L. Carter, CGCS at The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay, is the overall and public course winner of the 2013 GCSAA/ Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Award. Photo by Melinda Martin

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Changing from bentgrass to bermudagrass allowed a Tennessee superintendent to create a haven for wildlife and earn the No. 1 spot in the 2013 Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards. Golf courses are now frequently recognized as havens for wildlife in the concrete jungle. But what if the golf course is in a state park where habitat for all manner of wildlife is plentiful? Will the birds and animals still fnd a home at the golf course? Apparently so. The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay is located about 25 miles from Chattanooga, Tenn., in Harrison Bay State Park, a tract of land donated to the state of Tennessee by the Maddox family in 1953. The golf course supports deer, turkeys, bobcats, raccoons and myriad species of birds including Eastern bluebird, Southern wood duck, wild turkey, mallard duck and American bald eagle. But it wasn’t always that way. Paul L. Carter, CGCS at The Bear Trace, needed a change in grass and a change in management philosophy before he was able to convert an intensely managed course into the natural beauty that would make him the overall winner of the 2013 GCSAA/Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Award, presented in partnership with Syngenta and Rain Bird Golf Irrigation. Carter recalls that on his arrival in 2001, the course was in the hands of a golf management company that charged $85 green fees and had “a wall-to-wall green” philosophy, with no tolerance for weeds and little regard for cost. All that changed in 2005 when the management company defaulted on its lease and the state stepped in, placing the course under the care of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

Carter’s environmentally sound management policies have helped to make The Bear Trace a haven for deer, bobcats, raccoons and numerous species of birds. Photos by Stephen Szurlej

The frst major change imposed by the state was a drastic budget cut and an end to the “outrageous” green fees. Carter’s current budget of $385,000 — for everything except equipment (which is purchased by the state) — means that he is operating with about a third of the funds available to his private counterparts in the area. The lower budget meant that, in Carter’s words, “something had to give.” Wall-to-wall maintenance was no longer possible, but, at the same time, there was an emphasis on the environment. Cutting costs was not going to be about cutting corners. Under state control, Carter had the goahead to naturalize more than 50 acres of turf, allowing birds and rodents to thrive and natural predators to provide insect control. Since 2005, chemicals have not been used for insect control except on the putting greens. “Having the support and backing of my supervisors in Nashville to say, ‘Yes, this is what we want to do,’ has been a tremendous help,” says Carter. Chain reaction Call it a chain reaction. A ripple effect. Converting the creeping bentgrass greens to Champion ultradwarf bermudagrass in 2003 before the state takeover may have laid the foundation for The Bear Trace’s transformation from wall-to-wall green to a paragon of environmentally conscious golf course management. By Carter’s own admission, “In sum-

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

mer, with our bentgrass greens, we were considered probably one of the worst golf courses in the city.” But every year since the 2003 greens conversion, the course has been ranked “the best of the best” in Chattanooga. “I don’t know if I would be in the business today if we hadn’t made that change. (1) I would have probably been fred. (2) I don’t know if I could have dealt with the stress and just the disappointment,” Carter says. Converting the greens, which eliminated syringing in the hot Chattanooga summers, and reducing the acreage of maintained turf have reduced water consumption at The Bear Trace by 9 million gallons per year. The increased disease tolerance of the Champion greens has also saved the course $30,000 a year in fungicide applications and reduced fertilizer applications. The new greens not only look and play better, they require less work. “It frees up so much time for us to do other things on the golf course besides having two people chase bentgrass that wasn’t going to live anyway,” says Carter. The “other things” that Carter mentions are environmental projects that occupy half of the crew’s working hours. As part of the effort to earn Audubon International certifcation, the crew built and installed 45 Eastern bluebird and 12 Southern wood duck nesting boxes in 2007. They have also installed bat houses and designed and built mallard duck nesting tubes and gravity feeders for wild tur-

keys. They recycle aluminum, plastic, cardboard, used motor oil and hydraulic fuid, and fryer grease from the restaurant. They also use wood chips from recycled pallets for mulch that can last as long as six seasons before being replaced. In the past year, most of the wood golf course accessories, including larger items such as water cooler boxes and trash can containers, have been replaced with low-maintenance recycled plastic versions that will not be replaced as frequently. Down by the river Water conservation and water quality are key issues for the world in general and golf courses in particular. The Bear Trace is on a peninsula extending into a lake (Chickamauga) that is part of a river (Tennessee), which places the course in an environmentally sensitive area. Add 11 holes that abut the water, and management practices must be geared toward protecting the river and the wildlife in and around it. The Tennessee Valley Authority and the Army Corps of Engineers manage the river, and water entering and leaving the course is routinely tested to ensure its safety. The course has created vegetative buffer strips 5 to 30 feet deep along the shoreline to prevent chemicals and fertilizer residue from entering the river via runoff. Most of the synthetic fertilizers have also been eliminated and replaced with organic products. A self-contained equipment wash pad and

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chemical mixing/loading area drains into the golf course’s septic system and prevents chemical and fertilizer residue from polluting the nearby river and lake. The Bear Trace is also the frst site in the state to be certifed as a Groundwater Guardian Green Site by the Groundwater Foundation in recognition of its “groundwaterfriendly practices related to chemical and water use, pollution prevention, water quality and environmental stewardship.” Through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Offce of Sustainable Practices, The Bear Trace was able to replace 18 pieces of existing gasoline-powered golf course equipment with battery-powered, fully electric zero-emission greens mowers, tee and approach mowers, utility vehicles, greens rollers and bunker rakes. Within the frst six months of putting the new machinery into operation, gasoline consumption was reduced by 1,103.2 gallons, used motor and hydraulic oil decreased by 41.78 gallons, and CO2 emissions were reduced by 22,064 point source pounds. Coming home to roost Carter believes that one of the course’s most popular and highly touted successes is the culmination of earlier years’ efforts to reduce The Bear Trace’s environmental footprint. Elliot and Eloise, a pair of American bald eagles (named by Carter’s daughter Hannah), have been nesting on the course and raising their broods there since December 2010. Elliot and Eloise can be seen not only by visitors to the golf course, but to the rest of the world through the Harrison Bay Eagle Cam Project website (www.harrisonbayeaglecam. org). The project, which is funded primarily by the USGA, has allowed more than half a million viewers worldwide to observe the eagles and has demonstrated that a golf course can be environmentally conscious. “Our golf course is completely surrounded by water and woods with not a single residential home on the property, so having worked on residential golf courses I am well aware of

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

Beginning in February of each year, the Harrison Bay eagle cam follows American bald eagles Elliot and Eloise as they hatch their eggs and raise their brood.

what that kind of traffc can do to the habitat of the wildlife,” Carter says. “Seeing a newborn fawn or turkey poult or seeing a new bald eagle eaglet fy for the frst time is what it is all about for us. Those are the sights that make my job what it is to me.” Carter is gratifed that the non-human inhabitants of the park have chosen to stay. “Traveling around the golf course and seeing all the different species of wildlife we have here and realizing that we are really the guests in their home makes all our efforts worthwhile,” says Carter, who considers promoting and preserving wildlife habitat the most enjoyable part of his efforts to maintain The Bear Trace as an environmentally friendly course. An environmental leader Most superintendents say they pursued the profession because they love the outdoors. Carter’s actions on the course show that he is no exception, that protecting the environment and making at least one golf course a place where people and nature can coexist is his passion. Being a superintendent is clearly more than just a job for the man who began his studies at Auburn University as a landscape design major before turning to golf course management. The graduate credits two of his professors, Coleman Ward, Ph.D., and Harry Ponder, Ph.D., with turning him toward golf course management, and Lee McLemore, CGCS at The Country Club of Birmingham, with introducing him to golf course maintenance and encouraging him to become a certifed golf course superintendent. Since his work at The Bear Trace has made it one of the frst courses in Tennessee to be named a Certifed Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International, Carter

has worked with the eight other courses on the Tennessee Golf Trail to help them gain Audubon certifcation and certifcation by the Groundwater Foundation. He serves on the Audubon International Steward Network, is an agronomy advisor for The First Tee of Chattanooga, and is board advisor for turfgrass curriculum at Chattanooga State Technical College. Carter also serves his fellow superintendents. He was a member of GCSAA’s certifcation committee and is currently the Rounds 4 Research coordinator for Tennessee and president of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Carter’s passion for the environment and the successful results at The Bear Trace have not gone unrecognized. The course has received an ELGA for each of the past four years and the state of Tennessee’s Governor Environmental Stewardship Award in 2009 and 2012. Carter himself received the 2011 TurfNet Superintendent of the Year award and the 2013 Golf Digest GreenStar Award for Outstanding Environmental Practices. What advice does Carter have for aspiring environmental leaders? “Just do something. I think that’s the biggest thing,” he says. “When I talk to people about Audubon International certifcation — they think there’s so much to do. There’s really not. Put up birdhouses. Reduce your maintained acreage. Just do something! We spend about half our time working on the course and half on environmental projects. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Teresa Carson (tcarson@gcsaa.org) is GCM’s senior science editor.

Integrated pest management is a guiding principle at Martis Camp, where a Chemical Management Action Plan lists BMPs for pesticide use. Photos by Paul Hamill

National Private Scott Bower Martis Camp Club

Scott Bower has been involved in the environmental efforts at Martis Camp Club since its planning stages.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

Cupped in a valley perched on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada at an elevation of approximately 6,100 feet, the golf course at Martis Camp Club in Truckee, Calif., is defnitely in one of the most scenic locations in the country. Fed by snow melt, Martis Creek runs through the course and then fows into the Truckee River, which empties into the Great Basin’s Pinnacle Lake in western Nevada. With extreme fuctuations in temperature, arid summers with low humidity, and winter snowfalls of more than 20 feet, ice on greens and fairways, snow mold, rocky topography and periodic heavy rains and snow melt, this gorgeous scenery presents a serious environmental and maintenance challenge to a golf superintendent. Superintendent Scott Bower, the national winner of the 2013 ELGA for private courses, has been involved at Martis Camp since its planning stages and has clearly met that challenge. Water quality management and water conservation are serious issues at the facility, which, in addition to the Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole championship golf course, has a 10acre practice facility and an 18-hole putting course encompassing an acre of creeping bentgrass greens.

“We developed a state-of-the-art program for a very sensitive area that has a creek fowing through the property. We collected meaningful data with solid testing methods that could be used in other watershed studies,” says Bower. Drainage was designed to cope with a 20year one-hour storm event, and the ability of turfgrass to act as a flter for storm water was incorporated into the design as well. A sophisticated irrigation system with electronic moisture sensors placed throughout the course prevents overwatering. Two staff certifed golf course auditors along with USGA agronomists developed a hand-watering program that uses hand-held time-domain refectometers to measure soil water content and frmness meters to maintain appropriate moisture and frmness levels. Martis Camp Club was built and is maintained with the environment in mind. The philosophy of the development and every aspect of the property’s maintenance policies and infrastructure refect a concern for the Sierra Nevada landscape that surrounds it. All inputs follow the principles of sustainable agriculture, and a Chemical Management Action Plan (CHAMP) lists BMPs for pesticide use. Integrated pest management is a guiding philosophy, and chemical applications are minimal. Three irrigation ponds and two stream

The natural topography of the Sierra Nevada landscape determines the layout of each hole at Martis Camp.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

ecosystems were incorporated into the design, providing habitat and a water and food source for wildlife from bald eagles to native insects. The golf course maintenance building is one of four LEED-certifed buildings on the property. Fuel is stored in an aboveground system, fairway and rough mowers are Tier 4-compliant, and workers use electric carts to transport supplies and people. To reduce the threat of wildfres, dead branches are removed and chipped on site to be used in erosion-control projects. Because invasive weeds often take over fre-damaged areas, golf course personnel have been trained to identify those weeds and have removed about 30 yards of weeds per season from the community and the golf course. The golf course maintenance team also plants and maintains a herb and vegetable garden that is available for use by the members and the club kitchen, and they are part of the “Adopt-a-Highway” program that removes litter along the state highway outside the property. On a personal level, Bower, a 22-year member of GCSAA, has been on the steering committee for the Truckee River Watershed council and participated in the development of a water-quality protection program for Placer County. He has educated county parks and recreation offcials about how Martis Camp’s trail system was built without compromising the area’s water quality. Working with the USGA, he has also taught about the water-quality protections and irrigation practices at the course. Although Bower has been an ELGA Chapter winner and has received what he modestly calls a “handful” of other awards, he says his family comes frst, but his experience at Martis Camp Club would have to be second: “The knowledge that I have gained and passed along to the other members of my team is a great feeling. My children now understand the importance of water quality. We have created a golf course water-quality program that is part of the culture here at Martis Camp and have improved the condition of Martis Creek by our actions.”

National Resort Chad B. Corp, CGCS Mountain Ridge Chad Corp, CGCS, is a home brewer — but it’s not what you think. To achieve his goal of 90 percent organic golf course maintenance, he developed a compost tea using fresh grass clippings steeped for 24 hours in a vat of water with oxygen. After steeping, the tea is placed in a homemade vortex brewer with other ingredients (compost manure, humic acid, decayed wood chips and compost clippings) and applied to greens. Corp has found that using the tea allows him to reduce the amount of fungicides and growth regulators he needs to apply because these inputs are extracted from the fresh clippings during the teamaking process. The tea also introduces benefcial microorganisms to the greens. Until recently, Corp, a Class A member of GCSAA, had been superintendent at Mountain Ridge, one of two 18-hole championship golf courses at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, Mich., a facility that strives for sustainability. Developing the tea was a successful part of Corp’s effort to use 80 percent of the chemical and fertilizer budget for organic-based fungicide and fertility applications. Energy conservation is a trademark of Crystal Mountain, which uses energy-effcient lighting throughout the property, has the only LEED-certifed spa in the Midwest and purchases wind credits to run larger equipment like chairlifts. Mountain Ridge follows that lead by using only electric golf cars for play and bio-diesel for on-site equipment. Purchasing a new rough mower has reduced fuel usage, and shutting down as many electrical components as possible during peak electrical usage periods saves as much as $5,000 per month. Using growth regulators to decrease the mowing frequency on roughs and fairways also reduces mower use. Corp’s No. 1 challenge was an out-of-date and ineffcient irrigation system, so in 2013, he started to remove the irrigation heads from newly designated no-mow areas and to switch several full-circle heads to part-circle heads. With more than 200 heads affected by the changes, the reduction in water use was estimated at 45,000 gallons per irrigation. Overseeding is also being used as a tool to reduce water use and mowing. Overseeding with fescues has converted seven acres of bluegrass to fescue. Bluegrass rough areas were

Corp spent 80 percent of Mountain Ridge’s chemical and fertilizer budget on organic-based fungicide and fertility applications. Photo by Chad Corp

An enthusiastic recycler, Chad B. Corp, CGCS, helped start an extensive recycling program at Mountain Ridge. Photo by Sherry Hanson-Corp

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

also overseeded with fescues to alleviate stress, the creeping bentgrass-Poa annua greens were overseeded with the less thirsty creeping bentgrass, and the bentgrass tees were reseeded with a bentgrass-perennial ryegrass mix, which also promoted faster recovery. Moisture meters on greens and fairways prevent overwatering, and injecting “a small amount” of wetting agent (about 6 gallons per cycle) into the irrigation system in summer has reduced irrigation by about 50,000 gallons per cycle. Crystal Mountain is striving to become a zero-waste facility, and Corp helped start a recycling program at the resort and began composting to decrease landfll input and chemical costs on the course. The club’s 2012 Women’s Open was a waste-free event, as was the Beer and Brat festival, which hosted about 5,000. Corp was co-chair of the Green Team at the resort, which was one of two fnalists for “Recycler of the Year” for Michigan industry. An Eagle Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow, Corp has followed the admonition of the Boy Scout’s founder, Lord BadenPowell: “Try and leave this world a little better than you found it.” Through his efforts, fve golf courses have been certifed by Audubon International and two, including Mountain Ridge, have been certifed by the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program. An eight-year member of GCSAA, Corp serves on the GCSAA Research Pro-

posal Review Committee and is a member of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation and the Michigan GCSA, where he serves on the membership committee. He is also one of 12 superintendents selected to participate in Bayer’s Healthy Turf, Healthy Tomorrow Plant Health Academy. Corp clearly sees being a superintendent as more than a job. Echoing Lord Baden-Powell, he says, “I feel this is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference in the environment for today and tomorrow.”

International and Chapter Andrew Hardy Pheasant Run Golf Club By now, it’s common knowledge that pesticide use has been strictly curtailed in Canada, and golf courses are not exempt from the restrictions. It’s also well known that necessity is the mother of invention, so it should not be a surprise that the international ELGA honors a superintendent in Sharon, Ontario. At Pheasant Run Golf Club, a familyowned and operated public facility 35 miles north of Toronto, superintendent Andrew Hardy has more than embraced the integrated pest management (IPM) law that has been in force since 2009. An early adopter, Pheasant Run was following IPM practices before they

Canadian superintendent Andrew Hardy is the 2013 international winner of the GCSAA/Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Award for his work at Pheasant Run GC. Course photo by Lesa Stadnek Photo of Hardy by Judy Metherel

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

became law. Pests there are monitored on a daily basis, and damage thresholds determine whether pesticides should be applied. “Spraying has always been a last-resort IPM practice at Pheasant Run,” says the eightyear GCSAA member. When spraying does occur, only the “safest products and mixing methods” are used and 33-foot buffers are maintained around ponds. Using a mineral oil-based fungicide has resulted in less water, chemical and pesticide use. Hardy produces an IPM annual report that lists the pesticides used and the amounts (in kilograms) of the active ingredients applied, along with explanations about why the amounts of pesticides applied have varied (or not) from previous years. In compliance with Ontario law, the report is prominently displayed in the clubhouse so that the public has access to it. Water use and quality have become areas of focus at Pheasant Run. The use of wetting agents and a soil moisture meter have reduced excessive irrigation. Reduced irrigation on fairways, greens and tees has, in turn, reduced irrigation of rough areas. In 2012, total volume of irrigation water used decreased by 23 percent; an additional 21 percent reduction took place in 2013. The irrigation system has been improved by the addition of a variablefow pumping system, nozzle changes, use of part-circle heads and the addition of quick

couplers for more precise irrigation of greens. The course has retained a hydrogeologist to monitor all water practices, and the quality of irrigation water and of water entering or leaving is monitored on an annual basis. All water usage (wells, clubhouse and irrigation) is recorded daily for the Ministry of Environment, but the course’s excellent recordkeeping has convinced the ministry to make Pheasant Run the frst facility in Ontario that will submit reduced documentation beginning in 2014. Preventing pollution is a priority at the course, where safety procedures for mixing and loading pesticides are routinely followed. Equipment is washed in a designated area to prevent runoff of hazardous materials, and pest control products and paints and solvents are stored in a safe manner. Used oil and oil flters are removed by an outside contractor, and environmentally friendly cleaning supplies are used as well. To conserve energy, all the lighting systems on the course have been upgraded to highereffciency systems, resulting in a 21 percent reduction in costs over a two-year period. A smaller (12 percent) reduction in waste management costs occurred when waste pick-up was changed from weekly to “on call.” The change in schedule has renewed a focus on recycling and composting to prevent accumulation of waste.

A wildlife logbook at Pheasant Run GC allows visitors and employees to record the wildlife they have seen at the course. Photo by Lesa Stadnek

Pheasant Run’s 290 acres feature dramatic shifts in elevation, large-growth forests and sandy soil, and a 50-acre green belt where maintenance and other activities are restricted. The course is attractive to wildlife as evidenced by the more than 65 species of birds that have been identifed within its confnes. Bees and hummingbirds frequent the gardens, which have been converted to native plants. Both guests and employees can record wildlife they have seen on the property in wildlife logbooks located in the clubhouse and the maintenance facility. Since 2010, Pheasant Run has been certifed by Audubon International as part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, and Hardy received ELGA Chapter awards in 2011 and 2012. In addition, Hardy’s environmental efforts were recognized locally when the course was named the Environmental Business of the Year from the East Gwillimbury Chamber of Commerce and the Town of East Gwillimbury Award for Environmental Excellence in 2013. — T.C.

2013 GCSAA/Golf Digest Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards NATIONAL WINNERS

CHAPTER WINNERS

Public and Overall Paul L. Carter, CGCS The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay Harrison, Tenn.

Private Stephen M. Britton TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm Potomac, Md. Mid-Atlantic AGCS

National Private Scott R. Bower Martis Camp Club Truckee, Calif. Sierra Nevada GCSA National Resort Chad B. Corp, CGCS Mountain Ridge Thompsonville, Mich. Michigan GCSA

International and Chapter Winner Andrew Hardy Pheasant Run Golf Club Sharon, Ontario, Canada Ontario GSA

Timothy Connolly TPC Jasna Polana Princeton, N.J. GCSA of New Jersey Mike Crawford, CGCS TPC Sugarloaf Duluth, Ga. Georgia GCSA Thomas DeGrandi TPC River Highlands Manchester, Conn. Connecticut AGCS Dave Faucher, CGCS TPC Rivers Bend Maineville, Ohio Greater Cincinnati GCSA

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

Charles B. Robertson IV, CGCS TPC Craig Ranch McKinney, Texas North Texas GCSA

Gary Ingram, CGCS Metropolitan Golf Links Oakland, Calif. GCSA of Northern California

Jim Thomas, CGCS TPC Southwind Memphis, Tenn. Tennessee GCSA

Scott Spooner Leslie Park and Huron Hills Golf Courses Clinton, Mich. Michigan GCSA

Russell Vandehey, CGCS Oregon Golf Club Oregon City, Ore. Oregon GCSA Matt Weitz Victoria National Golf Club Newburgh, Ind. Tri-State GCSA Public Paul F. Grogan, CGCS TPC Deere Run East Moline, Ill. Iowa GCSA

Resort Thomas Richard Vlach, CGCS TPC Sawgrass Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. North Florida GCSA

MERIT WINNER Private David Davies, CGCS TPC Stonebrae Hayward, Calif. GCSA of Northern California

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[...on your tee boxes]

[...on your fairways]

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AT THE TURN Scott R. Spooner

Incorporating controlled burns as a technique for maintaining naturalized areas has proven to be successful at Leslie Park GC in Ann Arbor, Mich. Photos

courtesy of Scott Spooner

(business)

Using controlled burns in out-of-play native areas Planning, safety are top considerations for this maintenance practice on golf courses.

Unfortunately, the term “naturalized” does not translate to “no maintenance.”

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

Twenty years ago, Leslie Park Golf Course in Ann Arbor, Mich., was typical of many public golf courses around the Midwest. Grass was mowed at four different heights: greens, tees, fairways and rough. This meant that in areas where a mower could not go, such as around our ponds and creeks, the turf was maintained with a weed whip at a height of 2 to 3 inches all the way to the water’s edge. There were areas where golfers did not often go, but they were maintained just like the rest of the rough, mowed once or twice a week. My predecessors might be accused of laziness if an area were not mowed in a timely fashion. Today, however, it is common for golf courses, including Leslie Park, to have large areas between holes that are “naturalized.” These pockets of long grass bring to mind the links courses of Scotland, where the game originated. Unfortunately, the term “naturalized” does not translate to “no maintenance.” On many golf courses, the maintenance of these areas consists of mowing the long grass down once a year in the fall. If this is not done, woody shrubs and other undesirable plants can start to overrun the area. At Leslie Park, we have incorporated controlled burning, a strategy that offers added benefts to the wildlife near the golf course, into our maintenance of these areas. In North America, native prairie and savannah plants are tolerant of occasional fre. By introducing this process into areas on the golf course that closely resemble these native ecosystems, we can stimulate native

plant and animal populations and give them a competitive advantage over invasive, fre-sensitive species, such as buckthorn and honeysuckle. We burn in the spring, which kills the top growth of the woody plants that encroach into naturalized areas and eliminates accumulated leaves and dead plant material. Burning at this time, before the grass has begun to green up, also allows the charred, blackened soil surface to quickly absorb solar radiation and will raise soil temperatures faster than surrounding turf areas. The weeks after burning are also a nice time to use a selective herbicide to eliminate broadleaf weeds from these areas, as the tender, green shoots of the weeds will be easily identifed against the darkened surface. It is also a great time to sow some native grass seed. Native grasses usually have a bunch-type growth habit, like ryegrass, instead of forming a dense turf, like fescues. Although the long native grass may look impenetrable, the tops of the plant can be moved aside to see all the way to the soil. This allows a golfer to more easily fnd a stray ball. Preparations for burning It is not advisable or safe to conduct a burn without some preparation. With the help of the city of Ann Arborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Natural Areas Preservation (NAP) unit, we have developed a

burn plan for the golf course. This details what areas we would like to burn, what environmental conditions must be present, access for emergency vehicles, supplemental water supplies (irrigation hoses, ponds, streams or hydrants) as well as phone numbers for emergency contacts (fre marshal, emergency dispatch, hospital, etc.), the location of the burn (both major intersections and GPS coordinates) and any nearby sensitive areas (schools, residences or roads). Our burn plan also includes a map of the area that details each area to be burned, a contingency plan if the burn does not go as predicted and requirements for containment of the site after the burn is completed. In general, this mop-up plan states that the burn is not completed until it is made safe and there is no more smoke coming from the area. If something is smoking, that means there is still heat being generated and there is a risk of the fre starting up again. Environmental conditions also factor heavily into our burn plan, as they affect how well a natural area will burn. The grass might not burn if it has started to green up and, if you are able to get it lit, you will have a hard time keeping a fre going. If you are able to burn, it will create a lot more smoke because the cooler fre will not fully combust the plant material. The relative humidity should be between 20

percent and 50 percent. The best burning days tend to start off cold and the temperature rises 20-30 degrees by the afternoon. The skies are clear and the winds are light. We look for a day with wind speeds between 5 and 20 mph. While it might seem like a calm day would be best, a soft breeze from a predictable direction is actually safer because you can predict where the fre line will go. Anything above 20 mph is an obvious risk. Another consideration is wind direction, as the smoke can be a nuisance downwind. If the smoke blows across a road, visibility of drivers can be impaired and while some people may fnd the smell objectionable, it can cause a medical emergency for an asthmatic. We always make sure that we have adequate burn breaks to ensure that the fre will not escape from the target area. These breaks completely surround the area and consist of strips of non-combustible material that are at least twice as wide as the likely fame height. In grassy, prairie areas, the fames are unlikely to get above 2 or 3 feet high, so a strip of at least 6 feet should suffce. Bare soil is the best burn break and can be achieved in a forest area by using a leaf blower to remove leaves and other detritus from the forest foor. Luckily, turfgrass areas mowed at typical rough heights also meet this description and are thus

02.14 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

Top: The key to a safe and successful controlled burn is in the planning. At Leslie Park, an extensive written plan was created to guide the process each year. Bottom: Members of the burn crew meet before the start of the burn to review the plan and go over the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objectives.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

effective burn breaks. If there are any trees or other structures within the burn unit that you do not want harmed, make sure to clear an area for several feet around them before beginning the burn. Since smoke rising over a golf course can be cause for alarm, signs are a great way to let people know what is happening. A wellplaced sign stating that there is a controlled burn going on will eliminate many phone calls from concerned citizens. We place at least one in each direction of travel on nearby roads as well as near any walking access close to the golf course property lines. Although the customers at Leslie Park have grown accustomed to our spring burns, we make sure that on burn days, the clubhouse staff informs golfers of what is happening. In addition, early in the spring, we send out postcards to all the neighbors in the area letting them know that we will be conducting burns this year. Information on the objectives and safety procedures we use as well as phone numbers to call if they have any questions are included on the postcards. Because of the amount of burning done in the city of Ann Arbor, both at the golf courses and other native park areas, we have a good relationship with the fre marshal and the fre department. Part of this relationship is letting them know any time we are thinking of burning well in advance. Permits from the fre department may also be needed, depending on

the location of the burn. Equipment In order to conduct a controlled burn, some equipment needs to be assembled. The frst thing that every member of the burn team should have is fame-resistant clothing made of Nomex or similar fabric. A fre helmet with face shield and fabric hood will help protect the head from the radiant heat of the fre. We also use sturdy leather boots and leather gloves. Each team member should also have a two-way radio to communicate with the other team members. A drip torch is the most effcient way to begin the burn. It is a container for kerosene or other fuel with a burning wick attached to a short arm. Fuel is dripped through the wick, where it lights and falls onto the ground, igniting the area to be burned. We also make sure to have multiple ways to extinguish the fre. A backpack sprayer is one of the most convenient ways to transport water to the site. There are specialized wildfre suppression sprayers that use a brass hand pump to spray streams of water 20 to 30 feet. Another source of water should also be available, both to refll the backpacks and to use if these sprayers are not working. Other options for putting out small fres are shovels and metal rakes as well as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;fapper,â&#x20AC;? which is a rubber mat attached to a long handle. The fapper is used to smother small fres where the

ground cover is short. In some instances, even a boot can be used to put out small fres. If you deprive the fre of oxygen, it will go out. One thing that may or may not be considered equipment is a smoke observer. This vital member of our burn team will drive to the nearest downwind homes or roadways and report back to the burn boss on smoke conditions off-site. We rate the smoke on a scale of zero to fve. A zero means that no trace of smoke can be seen or smelled while a fve means a heavy cloud of smoke at ground level. If we get a report of a level fve smoke situation, we will put out the fre and reconsider our burn plan for the day. Fire and types of burns I stated before that we prefer to have a slight wind from a steady direction. This is because fre will behave very differently depending on whether it is burning into the wind or with it. It may seem that when lighting a controlled burn you would start upwind from the area to be burned but this would be the wrong thing to do. When you do this, the resulting fre, called a head fre, results in very high fames and a lot of smoke. Burning with the wind will push the fame into areas with fresh fuel and the fre can move very quickly. This is where burning can become very dangerous.

Leslie Park GC superintendent Scott Spooner uses a backpack sprayer to protect a small oak tree within the burn unit during a recent controlled burn at the course.

Also, because this type of fre moves so fast, less of the plant material that we are looking to get rid of will be burned. The proper way to begin a controlled burn is to start at the downwind side of the burn unit. Beginning at an established burn break means that the wind will push the fame into an area where there is no fuel for it to feed on. The resulting fre, which is called a back burn, is smaller and will move much slower and safer.

Be aware that burning on slopes can add to the speed at which a fre will move through an area. The fames will move faster up the slope than they would if you started at the top and burned down the hill. The effect of the wind can cancel some of this out, but starting a burn at the base of a hill, upwind of the area to be burned, can result in a very quick and dangerous fre. Usually, after burning about a third of a given unit, we will start moving with the

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Working in teams is critical to a successful controlled burn (above) but when done correctly, they provide many benefts in helping to maintain out-of-play areas on golf courses.

wind, along the edge of the unit. This creates what is called a fanking fre. It should move along the perimeter of the area to be burned and begin to form a “U” shape. After threequarters of the unit has burned, we will usually enclose the rest of the area using the drip torches. This will result in a head fre for a small portion of the unit, but it should be well contained by the downwind areas that have already been burned.

Leo Feser award

CANDIDATE This article is eligible for the 2014 Leo Feser Award, presented annually since 1977 to the author of the best superintendent-written article published in GCM during the previous year. Superintendents receive a $300 stipend for articles. Feser Award winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the Golf Industry Show, where they are recognized. They also have their names engraved on a plaque permanently displayed at GCSAA headquarters.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

Safety Golf courses are specialized situations in the world of controlled burning. The areas to be burned are relatively small and are surrounded by ready-made, large burn breaks. Even so, we follow several important safety considerations. The frst is to always work in teams. One person can light the fre using a drip torch while another watches with a backpack sprayer. This observer can check to see if glowing embers from the fre land outside the burn area and can also visually check on the person igniting the fre. One of the basic rules to lighting fres is to stay out of the area to be burned. The observer can keep an eye on the fre to make sure that it is not moving toward the igniter and creating an unsafe situation. Also, the smoke from fres is very irritating to eyes, throats and lungs. We instruct our burn team to spend as little time downwind of the fre as possible. There should also always be a frst-aid kit on site, and we make sure that every member of the team has had frst-aid training. We also make sure that every burn team member has drinking water and lip balm. Depending on how long you plan on burning, having energy bars or other snacks on hand will make sure

everyone gets through the day. Benefits Using controlled burns to manage outof-play native areas on a golf course can have many benefts. It can replace mowing of these areas, alleviating wear and tear on equipment. The native plants that tend to thrive in a fremanaged habitat will provide better food and cover for many insects, birds and small mammals. Letting out-of-play areas within the golf course go “natural” builds and improves habitat for native plants and animals. These areas need regular maintenance in order to prevent them from turning into overgrown thickets of invasive plants. Leslie Park Golf Course has incorporated annual burning into our maintenance of these areas and has seen a decrease in the number and size of woody plants in these areas since the start of the burn program fve years ago. We have also been able to cut back on the amount of herbicide applied in these areas. A golf course cannot be compared to an untouched forest ecosystem. A golf course is a playing feld for the game of golf, and its frst obligation is providing golfers an enjoyable place to play. Within that framework, however, the course should be as environmentally friendly as possible. At Leslie Park, controlled burns are a key element of that strategy.

Scott R. Spooner is superintendent of golf courses for the city of Ann Arbor, Mich., at Leslie Park and Huron Hills. He is a 15-year member of GCSAA.

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Committed to the game We’re proud to partner with leading industry associations and incredibly value our role as a Platinum sponsor of the GCSAA. Our involvement with your Association allows us support the education and professional development of turf professionals. We are particularly honored to sponsor the

annual Turf Bowl competition, which is just one of the many ways, from the Green Start Academy for Assistant Superintendents to being the Official Equipment Sponsor of the PGA TOUR®—that we are dedicated to making this great game, even greater.

A 175-year legacy of commitment to customers. John Deere was a blacksmith and inventor, but if he were around today, it would not be a stretch to think he might have been a golf course superintendent. You see, John Deere was a man of principle who lived by the core values of integrity, commitment, quality and innovation. As a golf course superintendent, those concepts most certainly strike home as they are the foundation of the profession you represent. Founded in 1837, Deere & Company has lived and breathed the core values of its founder. GCSAA members have come to know of the Deere “way” through its products and services. But Deere sees itself as more than a manufacturer. Deere sees itself as your partner in providing a landscape that benefits communities across the nation recreationally, environmentally and financially.

084-091_Feb14_Burn.indd 91

Deere invests in GCSAA and its members because they know your profession is rapidly changing. Deere’s commitment to students as a sponsor of the GCSAA Collegiate Turf Bowl demonstrates the commitment to those about to enter the field to ensure they have the proper skill set to be successful. Deere also partners with Bayer Environmental Science to conduct its Green Start Academy for assistant golf course superintendents as a means to expose them to trends and network with peers and industry leaders. Deere shares GCSAA’s commitment of serving golf course superintendents, advancing their profession and enhancing the game of golf. Partnerships such as this are the reason both golfers and employers consider golf course superintendents to be key to the enjoyment of the game and the success of the facility.

1/16/14 11:46 2:09 AM PM 1/17/14

(through the green)

The weed czar of the putting green by Jack Fry, Ph.D

Silvery-thread moss can be found growing just about everywhere, from northern Minnesota to southern Florida in the U.S. and on sidewalks, tree trunks and putting greens.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

As I transition into 2014 with this column, I’ll continue writing about the Rules of Golf and the superintendent, but will periodically venture back to my career focus — turfgrass management. For the past several years, we’ve been doing research at K-State with the toughest, most resilient weed in turf, and it’s right there on your putting green. No, it’s not Poa annua. To propagate this weed for experiments in the greenhouse, we sample it from the green’s surface, set it on a counter in the lab, and let it dry down for several weeks at room temperature. Then, we run the desiccated weed through a blender, scatter the pieces across the soil surface, keep it moist, and voilà! New growth emerges from the fragments, and begins to spread. The weed? Silvery-thread moss (Bryum argenteum). It takes abuse and doesn’t go away easily. Only cats, the Energizer Bunny, and Lindsay Lohan are more persistent. Silvery-thread moss can be found growing just about everywhere, from northern Minnesota to southern Florida in the U.S. and on sidewalks, tree trunks and putting greens. It’s a plant, and yet it’s not. It contains chlorophyll and photosynthesizes, but doesn’t have roots, and absorbs all of its water and nutrients through foliage. Over the past 20 years or so, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in moss infestations in putting greens. This has arisen, in part, from a steady decline in mowing heights. Lower mowing leads to thinner turf and more sunlight reaching the soil surface, both of which favor moss encroachment. Shorter bentgrass roots also necessitate more frequent irrigation, which moss prefers. Pesticides containing heavy metals are also no longer labeled for use on greens, and moss is quite sensitive to these products. Rest assured that silvery-thread moss appreciates all of our efforts to accommodate its needs. With the capability to survive in extreme conditions, you might think that controlling silvery-thread moss would be diffcult, and you’d be right. In fact, more often than not our efforts serve to suppress moss, not control it. Here’s some of what is known about silverythread moss and what our research has shown: • It produces spores, but it most likely spreads on greens when you move fragments around

through aeration, mowing and verticutting. • Mowing higher than 0.125 inch will help suppress it (you knew this one was coming). • Soluble nitrogen fertilizer applied as a liquid will promote its growth, and ammonium sulfate encourages its growth more than urea. • Quicksilver (carfentrazone-ethyl) will suppress it without injuring creeping bentgrass when used according to label instructions. • Topdressing alone helps to suppress moss and is even more effective when used in combination with Quicksilver. • Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and potassium bicarbonate (Armicarb, labeled as a fungicide for turf) will suppress it when used as spot applications with a spray bottle (6 ounces/gallon). Creeping bentgrass may show some slight discoloration lasting up to a week or so. Baking soda is not specifcally labeled for use on turf. • Other products have potential to suppress moss, and some have been evaluated in research trials. Test these on a small area on the practice green before using them over larger areas to determine if they’re giving the response you want. • Like Poa annua suppression on putting greens, moss suppression should be considered an ongoing process that requires planning. In silvery thread moss, golf course superintendents have a seasoned adversary with millions of years of experience adapting to new conditions. Poa annua, you may think you’re the weed czar of the putting green, but when it comes to resilience, you don’t hold a candle to silvery thread moss.

Jack Fry, Ph.D., is a professor of turfgrass science and the director of the Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. He is a 17-year educator member of GCSAA.

D.M. Kopec, Ph.D. J. Gilbert, M.S. M. Pessarakli, Ph.D. S.P. Nolan This research was funded in part by the Environmental Institute for Golf

Overseeding preparation techniques for fairway seashore paspalum Overseeding practices for bermudagrass do not always work for seashore paspalum. A combination of herbicide, mowing and verticutting is key to successful transition. face of seashore paspalum for overseeding. Materials and methods A 10-year-old stand of Sea Isle 1 seashore paspalum located at the Karsten Turfgrass Research Center in Tucson, Ariz., was used as the test site. The turf previously had been mowed three times weekly at 0.625 inch (1.58 centimeters) from March until November each year. Starting in 2009, 42 treatment combinations of preparatory mowing heights, vertical mowing (none vs. two passes at 0.375 inch [0.95 centimeter]) and fve chemical treatments (none, Finale, Scythe, Reward or Turfon Ester; see Table 1) were repeated on the same plots for three years.

Research plots show a range of responses to overseed preparation treatments on seashore paspalum at the University of Arizonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Karsten Turfgrass Research Center in Tucson. Photos by J. Gilbert

Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) does not respond well to the mechanical disturbance of stolons caused by deep divots, vertical mowing or scalping resulting from mowing. Past observations over several years have shown that excessive regrowth periods are often required during the summer for recovery from such events. Spring transition also can be extremely slow and prolonged when fall vertical mowing (similar in inten-

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

sity to vertical mowing practiced on bermudagrass) is used as a preparation technique for fall overseeding. With this in mind, a three-year feld experiment was conducted on Sea Isle 1 seashore paspalum to evaluate the cultural management effects of adjusted mowing heights; vertical mowing; and the use of a herbicide, plant growth regulator or plant desiccant â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all as management tools for preparing the turf sur-

Mowing treatments Mowing treatments were developed as follows. At eight days before overseeding, all mowing was ceased. At the day of overseeding, plots were either mowed back to 0.625 inch or 0.375 inch, or remained unmowed until the frst mowing of the overseeded perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) (Table 2). At the time of the frst mowing after perennial ryegrass emergence, the unmowed turf had reached a height of 0.875 inch (2.22 centimeters) to 1.125 inches (2.85 centimeters). Vertical mowing took place immediately after mowing treatments were implemented, and all cultivated plots had clippings removed by a rotary mower with a grass catcher at 2 inches (5.08 centimeters).

C mical treatments The herbicide Turfon Ester is labeled for use for overseed preparation of bermudagrass, as are desiccants Scythe and Reward. The nonselective herbicide Finale will produce necrotic straw, but has no effect on stolons or rhizomes and therefore was investigated as a potential candidate for use. Chemical applications were made fve days before the overseeding mechanical treatments, which occurred during the seashore paspalum’s elongation period. Cultural treatments The perennial ryegrass cultivar Two Streams was seeded at a rate of 625 pounds pure live seed/acre (700.53 kilograms/hectare). Seeding was followed by hand brooming the plots in two directions, and a single pass with an 875-pound (396.89-kilogram) mechanical (Brouwer) turf roller (32-inch wide × 28-inch tall [81.28 × 71.12 centimeters]). All turf plots were irrigated for emergence and then mowed to 0.625 inch when the majority of the plots were 0.875 inch tall. Afterward, the plots were mowed three times weekly at 0.625 inch throughout the test. Fertility was 0.25 pound nitrogen/1,000 square feet (1.22 grams/square meter) per month from a 15-15-15 complete water-soluble fertilizer source. Each January the turf received Sequestrene 138 chelated iron, applied at 3 ounces product/1,000 square feet (0.92 gram/ square meter) in a solution delivery volume of 57 gallons/acre (533.17 liters/hectare). Data collection and analysis The turf was rated for percent plot overseeding (perennial ryegrass) cover, percent plot straw when applicable on a 1%-100% scale. Plots were also rated for turfgrass color, density and overall turfgrass quality using the NTEP visual assessment scale (1-9, where 1 is dead turf and 9 is the best possible). The test was conducted in three successive years, (2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012) with the same treatments appearing on the same plots. The treatments were analyzed as the specifc combinations of preparatory mowing heights, vertical mowing and chemical amendment additions (n = 42 treatments). Data are presented for overall turfgrass quality, which includes the visual integration of density, smoothness and uniformity of color. Turfgrass quality results are provided as an

Herbicides for overseeding preparation Product/ company name

Chemical name

Formulation

Amount of product applied

Amount of active ingredient applied

Reward/Syngenta

diquat

(37%) 2 pounds/gallon

1 quart/acre

0.25 pound ai/acre

Finale/Bayer

glufosinate

(11%) 1 pound/gallon

1 gallon/acre

1 pound ai/acre

Turflon Ester/ Dow AgroSciences

trichlopyr

(60%) 4 pounds/gallon

10 fluid ounces/acre

0.31 pound ai/acre

Scythe/ Dow AgroSciences

pelargonic acid

(57%) 4.2 pounds/ gallon

5% v/v at 125 gallons/acre

26 pounds ai/acre

Note. Application dates were: Year 1 − Oct. 31, 2009; Year 2 − Oct. 21, 2010; Year 3: − Oct. 27, 2011. Table 1. Herbicides selected for use as canopy treatments on seashore paspalum as part of the fairway overseeding preparation process.

Treatments discussed GROUP 1: Best treatments Treatment no.

Mowing height (inches)†

Verticut‡

Chemical treatment (herbicide)

0.375

yes

none

0.375

yes

Reward

0.375

yes

Scythe

0.375

yes

Finale

0.375

yes

Turflon Ester

0.625

yes

Finale

yes

Reward

0.375

Turflon Ester

0.375

Diquat

Turflon Ester

GROUP 2: Non-chemical (mechanical) treatments only 11

yes

none

9 (control)

none

0.375

yes

none

0.375

none

0.625

yes

none

0.625

none

GROUP 3: Chemical treatments only 33

Reward

Scythe

Finale

Turflon Ester

†

Mowing preparation. 0 = clipped at frst ryegrass mowing; 0.375 = mowed to 0.375 inch at day of overseeding; 0.625 inch = mowed to 0.625 inch at day of overseeding. ‡ Verticut: Treatments are either not verticut, or received two passes at 0.75-inch bench height. Table 2. Treatments discussed in this paper are the best treatments (Group 1) as well as other treatments discussed for comparison purposes.

02.14 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

overall season mean for each year; a quality index score (the number of rating events at which the treatment had a quality mean score of 6.0 or greater); and the percentage of the total of yearly ratings that achieved a mean quality score of 6.0 or greater (Table 3). In addition, the plot composition of the turf at a noteworthy spring transition is also provided. These data show how much of the plot surface

in each treatment is composed of either living perennial ryegrass, living paspalum or necrotic straw (dead leaves/stems) during a critical stage of spring transition.

included no chemical treatments, but received only mechanical treatments; and group 3 — treatments that received only a chemical treatment. These three groups represent a sample of 20 of 42 total treatments that address the Results and discussion questions of what the results are from (a) meThe treatments reported include: group 1 chanical manipulation alone, (b) chemicals — those that had the best quality means for alone, and (c) the combination of mechanitwo or three years; group 2 — treatments that cal and chemical conditions that, in fact, pro-

Quality and percent cover after preparation for overseeding Quality≥6.0 (No. events) † Year 3

Year 2

Quality ≥ 6.0 (% occurrence)‡ Year 1

Quality average for the year§

Year 3

Year 2

Year 1

Year 3

Year 2

Year 1

7 ratings

10 ratings

7 ratings

10 ratings

Group 1: Best treatments Trt. No. 3

6.3

7.3

6.2

7.1.

7.1

6.7

6.2

6.9

6.4

6.8

5.5

100

6.8

7.3

6.4

6.3

5.8

5.4

5.6

5.5

6.3

7.1

6.3

6.2

5.8

4.9

5.9

6.4

6.2

4.5

5.4

6.3

7.3

6.2

5.9

6.6

5.8

5.5

6.1

5.6

4.8

5.5.

6.3

5.5

5.6

6.2

4.6

5.7

4.8

5.3

5.4

5.9

4.9

5.8

N.A.

5.6

5.5

5.6

Group 2: Nonchemical (mechanical) treatments only Trt. No.

Group3: Chemical treatments only Trt. No.

Test mean

††

Table 3. Quality index occurrence; percent of all occurrences in which treatments had minimal quality index values; annual treatment quality averages; percent plot perrenial ryegrass, straw and seashore paspalum of Sea Isle 1 after overseeding preparation techniques of adjusted mowing heights, vertical mowing and herbicides used in canopy preparation for overseeding of Sea Isle 1 seashore paspalum. Values are the mean of four observations. Select treatments are displayed to show best results and comparative effects. Note. In all cases, year 3 = 2012, year 2 = 2011 and year 1 = 2010. † Quality ≥ 6.0: Number of rating events per year that a treatment mean for quality was 6.0 or greater out of all rating events per year. ‡ Quality ≥ 6.0: Percentage of all rating events in that year that a treatment mean for quality was 6.0 or greater. § Quality average: Mean of each treatment for quality on that date; quality is rated on a scale of 1-9, where 1 = dead turf, 4 = poor, 5 = marginal, 6 = acceptable, 9 = best possible. Values are the mean of four replications.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

ment had quality mean scores of 6.0 or greater on nine of 10 dates in 2010, on six of seven dates in 2011 and on six of seven dates in 2012. This was the only single treatment combination that consistently had high yearly mean quality scores in all three years: 6.7 in year 1 and 7.1 in years 2 and 3 (Table 1). • Treatment 23 (mowed to 0.375 inc , ver-

duced the best overall turfgrass quality and spring transition (Table 3). Group 1 results: Best treatments The following treatments had the greatest number of rating events that had mean quality scores of 6.0 or greater. • Treatment 19 (mowed to 0.375 in , verticut and sprayed wit Reward). This treat-

% perennial ryegrass cover//

% plot straw//

% paspalum//

Year 3

Year 2

Year 1

Year 3

Year 2

Year 1

Year 3

Year 2

Year 1

6/29/12

7/21/11

6/17/10

7/21/12

7/21/11

7/2/10

7/21/12

7/21/11

7/2/10

68 78

% perennial ryegrass cover, % plot straw, % paspalum: The ratings scale is 1%-100%. Values are percent plot cover for turfgrass composition during a spring transition. Values are the mean of four replications. †† Test Mean = Mean of all 42 treatments rated on that rating event.

ticut and sprayed wit Scyt ). This treatment combination had quality scores of 6.0 or greater six of seven rating dates in 2011, on six of seven dates in 2012, but only on fve of 10 rating dates in year 1 (2009-2010 season). • Treatment 27 (mowed to 0.375 in , verticut and sprayed wit ale). This treatment had good quality in years 2 and 3, but was marginal in year 1. • Treatment 31 (mowed to 0.375 in , verticut, plus Turfon Ester). This treatment had excellent quality in all three years, but had a poor-quality transition in year 3 (with 29% straw, which lingered for several weeks), which infuenced the quality ratings for six weeks. Treatments that received chemical applications, but were not verticut, and had generally acceptable quality index scores included: • Treatment 29 (mowed to 0.375 in , no verticut, plus Turfon Ester). For this treatment, half of its 2010 ratings were 6.0 or greater; either fve or six of its seven ratings were 6.0 or greater in quality in years 2 or 3. • Treatment 17 (mowed to 0.375 in , no verticut, plus Reward). This treatment had high quality index scores in years 2 and 3, but was nominal only in 2010 (fve of 10 scores) due to having 44% plot straw at transition in 2010 (year 1). Also, this treatment had a slow start in establishment of its overseed cover in 2010 (data not shown). Notice that in groups 1 and 2, most of these treatments were “prep-mowed” at 0.375 inch, with only treatment 28 mowed at 0.625 inch. Overall, when averaged across all verticutting and chemical treatments, the 0.375inch mowing height produced better-quality turf than the treatments mowed at 0.625 inch when the 0.625-inch preparatory mowing height was also averaged over vertical mowing and chemical applications. Group 2: Non emical (me anical) treatments Treatments in group 2 are provided to show the effect of mechanical treatments (or none at all) in the absence of any chemical. These treatments included treatments 11, 9, 3, 1, 7 and 5. When paspalum was left to elongate fve days before overseeding (treatment 11) and

02.14 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

% plot cover under four treatments Seashore paspalum Straw Perennial ryegrass

Treatment 3

Treatment 19

Treatment 11

Treatment 9

Turf Quality (Turf Quality Index) 6.2 (60)

7.3 (86)

6.3 (57)

6.7 (90)

7.1 (86)

6.2 (50)

6.4 (71)

5.9 (57)

6.2 (60)

6.4 (29)

5.9 (14)

2010

2011

2012

2010

2011

2012

2010

2011

2012

2010

2011

2012

100 90 80

% plot cover

70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Figure 1. Percent plot cover of seashore paspalum, straw and perennial ryegrass under four selected treatments at spring transition in three years (2010-2012) at the Karsten Turfgrass Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson. From left to right: Treatment 3: 0.375-inch mowing height, verticutting, no chemical treatment; Treatment 19: 0.375-inch mowing height, verticutting, Reward; Treatment 11: no mowing, verticutting, no chemical treatment; Treatment 9: no mowing, no verticutting, no chemical treatment.

was then verticut without any other treatment, acceptable-quality turf appeared on only 50%-70% of the rating times across all three years. If paspalum was mowed to 0.375 inch in preparation for overseeding, not verticut and not treated with a chemical (treatment 1), quality results proved inconsistent between years (29%-71% of events had acceptable turf quality across all years). The least favorable combinations of overseed preparation wit out the addition of a chemical included the following: treatment 9 (the untreated control: no mowing until emergence, no verticutting and no chemicals). This treatment had decreasing quality events in years 2 and 3 and mean quality scores of 5.4 in year 1, 4.5 in year 2 and 6.2 in year 3. The single-most detrimental nonchemical treatment combination occurred for treatment 5 (prep mowed at 0.625 inch; no verticut mowing). This treatment had acceptable turfgrass quality index values (6.0 or more for quality), which occurred on 40% of rating dates in year 1, 29% in year 2 and 14% in year 3. While raising the mowing height alone before overseeding and mowing back to the base height is often effective preparation in bermudagrass overseeding, it was surely not the case

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

for seashore paspalum. This treatment lacked density in the frst half of the entire overseed season in all three years of testing (density data not shown). Comparison of % canopy composition Figure 1 shows the percent canopy composition (percent plot paspalum, living perennial ryegrass and percent straw) for comparison purposes as a simple representation of treatments that include the untreated control (overseeded only = treatment 9); dropping the mowing height down to 0.375 inch the day of overseeding, plus vertical mowing without a herbicide (treatment 3); vertical mowing plus mowing to 0.375-inch plus Reward (treatment 19); and vertical mowing without a herbicide plus no mowing at all until the emerged perennial ryegrass was frst mowed (treatment 11). Figure 1 also shows the yearly quality score and the percent of rating dates on which each treatment had a mean quality of score of 6.0 or more. For the superintendent, the most desirable feld condition is to have the least of the amount of living perennial ryegrass, minimal to no straw and the most paspalum present at transition. In general, there was more straw on

all treatments in year 2 (2011 spring); however, treatment 11 had no straw in year 2. Although treatment 9 shows a large percent of pasaplum present at transition, its overall quality was low on too many occasions, because of poor perennial ryegrass establishment and low density for most of the fall and winter months (data not shown). If a herbicide was used alone, without any vertical mowing, and allowed to grow 10 days without mowing before overseeding, turfgrass quality was often not acceptable (see treatments 33, 34, 35 and 36) (Table 1). All four herbicides in this case had yearly quality averages of less than 6.0 in years 1 and 2, but in year 3, Reward and Scythe had yearly quality averages of 6.2 or greater. Conclusions We can draw fve primary conclusions from our three-year feld trial. â&#x20AC;˘ Paspalum does not always have the same response as bermudagrass to mechanical overseed and transition practices such as (a) simple verticutting alone (treatment 5: turf quality = 3.7 for year 1, 3.4 for year 2 and 4.5 for year 3), or (b) elevating the mowing height for leaf internode elonga-

•

tion, followed by a simple return to the base mowing height of 0.625 inch (treatment 12: turf quality = 3.7 for year 1, 3.4 for year 2 and 4.5 for year 3) (data not shown). The use of chemicals alone (without some form of mechanical canopy manipulation) did not produce acceptable turfgrass quality. All four treatments that included only chemicals (treatments 33, 34, 35 and 36) did not have yearly quality score averages of 6.0 in any of the three years. When mowed at 0.375 inch and verticut, turf plots treated with Scythe, Turfon Ester or Finale had quality index values of 6.0 in 57%–100% of all cases, but only in two of the three years of the trial (see treatments 23, 37 and 31). When seashore paspalum was mowed back to 0.375 inch and then verticut in treatment 3 (no herbicides), yearly quality means were 6.2 in year 1, 7.3 in year 2 and 6.3 in year 3. However, in year 3, quality was only 6.0 or greater on four of the seven (57%) rating events. In year 3, quality was reduced at transition for this treatment. The three-way combination of the 0.375inch preparatory mowing height, verticut mowing and use of Reward (treatment 19) resulted in quality scores of 6.0 or greater for 86%–90% of all ratings for all three years. Treatment 19’s overall quality means were 6.7 for year 1 and 7.1 for years 2 and 3. This treatment produced the best season-long overall turfgrass quality, with temporary straw production at transition (which occurred for 10 to 12 days at most), and proved to be consistent for turfgrass quality within years and from year to year.

Funding The authors thank the Environmental Institute for Golf (the philanthropic organization of GCSAA) and the Golf & Environmental Foundation of Arizona and the Cactus and Pine Golf Course Superintendents Association for providing funding for this research. References 1. Duncan, R.R., and R.W. Carrow. 1999. Seashore paspalum — The environmental turfgrass. John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken, N.J. 2. Volterrani, M., S. Miele, S. Magni, M. Gaetani and G. Pardini. 2001. Bermudagrass and seashore paspalum winter overseeded with seven cool-season

Overseeded paspalum showing responses to different preparatory mowing heights, with and without vertical mowing, when treated with Turfon Ester herbicide.

turfgrasses. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal 9(2001):957-961.

D.M. Kopec (dkopec@ag.arizona.edu) is an Extension specialist in turfgrass science and culture, J. Gilbert is a senior research specialist, M. Pessarakli is a research professor and S.P. Nolan is a student research assistant in the school of plant sciences at the University of Arizona, Tucson.

RESEARCH SAYS • Paspalum does not always have the same response as bermudagrass to mechanical overseed and transition practices such as vertical mowing alone, or elevating the mowing height for leaf internode elongation and then returning to the base mowing height. • The use of chemicals alone (without mechanical canopy manipulation) did not produce acceptable turfgrass quality. • When mowed at 0.375 inch and verticut, turf plots treated with Scythe, Turflon Ester or Finale had quality index values of 6.0 in 57%–100% of all cases in two of the three years of the trial. • When seashore paspalum was mowed back to 0.375 inch without any herbicides, quality means were generally acceptable every year, but quality was reduced at transition in year 3. • The three-way combination of the 0.375-inch preparatory mowing height, verticut mowing and use of Reward produced the best seasonlong overall turfgrass quality and proved to be consistent for turfgrass quality during the three-year trial.

02.14 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

Jennifer Grant, Ph.D.

The research described in this paper was funded in part by the United States Golf Association.

Environmentally friendly golf Reducing chemical use and adopting best management practices can make golf courses playable and environmentally friendly. Discussion of environmentally friendly golf course management strategies evokes myriad concepts, from water protection to the use of energy-effcient light bulbs in the clubhouse. Superintendents, club management and members struggle with which aspects may be most important to them, while recognition for their efforts can be few and far between. For many, fguring out what they can do, should do and are able to do is half of the challenge. This article takes a look at environmentally friendly golf practices, with an emphasis on reduction of chemical use. In the world of “environmental friendliness,” minimizing water use is paramount in several regions of the United States, while protecting water quality is a high-profle concern nationwide. Several states have issued environmental best management practices (BMPs) for golf courses that often focus on protecting water quality. The BMPs from Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Pennsylvania and New York (to be published online in early 2014) specify water quality or protection as their goal. A comprehensive listing of BMPs is available on GCSAA’s website (www.gcsaa. org/_common/templates/GcsaaTwoColumn Layout.aspx?id=3744&LangType=1033). Maintaining wildlif abitat Another highly prized environmental goal for golf courses is increasing the quality and quantity of wildlife habitat. The Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary (ACS) Program is often associated with this goal, though wildlife and habitat management is only one of many areas it supports. ACS tasks participants to frst assess where they are at environmentally, and then make plans for improvement. It’s often an eye-opener for

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

superintendents to learn the various species of animals and plants living on their courses, and how they can make changes that enlarge and protect breeding and feeding grounds. In urban landscapes especially, golf courses can be a last vestige of safe territory for wildlife. As an example, recent research showed that turtle abundance and diversity was greater in golf course ponds than in ponds on farms and residential areas (7). Bees are also valued wildlife and are currently receiving a great deal of attention. Neonicotinoid insecticides (such as imidacloprid and clothianidin) have been implicated as potential causal agents in colony collapse disorder of honey bees, and were recently banned in the European Union. Additionally, two highly publicized bee kills in Oregon in 2013 resulted from neonicotinoid insecticides being applied to trees in bloom. These incidents might have been avoided if the applicators had followed the label, but now these pesticides

have also been banned in Oregon. Research on clothianidin sprayed on weedy turf showed negative impacts on bees from sprayed clover blooms only — not blooms that developed subsequently (4). Despite the fact that managed turfgrass seldom has plants in bloom, and most hazards can be avoided by following current label directions, golf courses will almost certainly get caught in the web of concern, cancellations and restrictions. Forwardthinking superintendents should be trying out alternative IPM strategies for insect management now. On the positive side, golf courses can be a haven for many valued pollinating insects. Researchers at the University of Kentucky reported last year in GCM that simply increasing the quantity and diversity of fowering plants increases the quantity and diversity of pollinators (2). They simulated Syngenta’s Operation Pollinator for Golf Courses project from the U.K., and are examining the effec-

Pollinators such as this syrphid fy are attracted to fowering plants. Increasing the amount, diversity and blooming periods of fowers on and around golf courses benefts local ecosystems. Photo by Jody Gangloff-Kaufmann

tiveness of various plant mixtures for attracting pollinators. Their article offers preliminary recommendations based on the blooming periods and attractiveness of various fowers that can be planted in ornamental beds, roughs and naturalized areas. Ot er environmental golf management practices Other considerations in environmental golf management practices are use of pesticides and fertilizers, fuel consumption, erosion control, native vs. non-native plants, composting, course design, the carbon footprint of golf courses, the management of clubhouse facilities, and the golfer’s responsibility. And when the discussion of environmental and ecological practices is broadened to overall sustainability, economics and fair labor standards can take on an important role. The enormity of the implications can be overwhelming, but as always, superintendents are encouraged to bite off one chunk at a time and be guided by the principle of doing what is right. Zeroing in on pesticide and fertilizer use Amid the global concerns for human health and environmental quality, regulations and policies that limit pesticide and fertilizer use in the U.S., Canada and beyond have proliferated over the past 20 years, but golf courses have often been spared. Since the turn of the century, eight municipalities in New York (including New York City and Westchester and Suffolk counties) have banned or severely restricted the use of chemical pesticides. Their municipally owned golf courses must also adhere to the restrictions. The same is true in a few other locations such as San Francisco. Fertilizer restrictions have also caught on across the U.S., with phosphorus, nitrogen and winter applications being the main targets. These trends have helped shape our research and extension approach to more environmentally sound and sustainable golf course management at Cornell University. We focus on reducing the use and potential negative impacts of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. This work gives superintendents better tools for this style of management, and it provides policy makers a view of the costs and considerations. When trying to help superintendents who had to live with the new regulations, as well as others who voluntarily wanted to reduce chem-

Tall fescue (right) has been used successfully to replace Kentucky bluegrass (left) on bunker faces on Bethpage’s Green Course. Environmental efforts at the park emphasize grasses that can withstand low fertility and droughty conditions. Photos by Jennifer Grant

ical use, we found that most recommendations for improving the sustainability of course management are based on highly controlled experimental plot research, or on anecdotal information generated from case studies. Golf turf management-based research is often conducted looking at two or three aspects of turfgrass culture such as mowing, fertilizing and irrigation (5) or the interaction of a cultural practice such as irrigation on pest occurrence and management (1). The luxury of highly integrated, systems-based research has rarely been achieved for golf course management — but it was, and still is, sorely needed. Making Bethpage green In response to the tremendous need and the dearth of research, Frank Rossi, Ph.D. (associate professor in the department of horticulture at Cornell), and I sought to initiate a project to scientifcally test the feasibility and performance of golf course turf managed with few or no chemical pesticides under real-world conditions. The original goal was to implement the best of cultural practices known to reduce turfgrass stress and pests, while maintaining acceptable playing quality. We wanted to work on an operational golf course, on large areas, where a full suite of maintenance practices were being combined and golfers played. And incidentally, we wouldn’t use any chemical pesticides along the way. Lastly, we wanted to let

the various treatments run their courses for a long time — years — without any emergency intervention like a fungicide spray. Organic proponents have long argued that it takes time for ecosystems to change. Populations of grass — and soil microbes — where chemicals had been applied for over 50 years couldn’t be expected to adapt overnight. The likelihood of dead grass from time to time was high, and so our likelihood of fnding a cooperator was low. The stars aligned and Bethpage State Park on Long Island, N.Y., emerged as the host for what was then groundbreaking research. Bethpage had: • fve courses on its property — if golfers were bothered by the research, they could play one of the other four courses without a loss of revenue to the park; • proposed legislation pending that would ban pesticide use on all New York State Park golf courses; • most importantly, a park director, David Catalano, who saw the need for the proposed work to be greater than the risks; he decided that Bethpage would and should take one for the team. In 2001, a systems-based research project began on all 18 putting greens of the Green Course at Bethpage State Park. Three pest management regimes were applied: conventional, progressive IPM and nonchemical. We further believed that yanking the pesticides 02.14 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

101

Edgar Vardales of Bethpage State Park contributes to the environmental program by manually removing deer-tongue witchgrass (Dichanthelium clandestinum).

out of a modern management system without radically changing the cultural practices was doomed to failure. Therefore, we imposed two cultural management treatments: conventional and alternative practices that were selected to relieve plant stress and hopefully the need for pesticides. Ultimately, there were three greens in each of six unique management systems. Results Results of the Bethpage project’s frst eight years were presented at the 2009 International Turfgrass Society Meeting in Chile (8). Although the experiment has only been applied to putting greens, progressive IPM practices have been implemented on tees and fairways on the Green Course since 2008, and many products and practices have been adopted on the other four courses at Bethpage State Park. The project has continued and been modifed for the past 13 years. Here are a few highlights.

1. It takes time for the turfgrass and microbial communities to adjust to lowand no-chemical programs. In the frst years of the project, dollar spot killed several of the six nonchemical greens while overall stress (not attributed to a pathogen) eventually killed the others. However, in subsequent years, these greens fared better longer, and had signifcantly lower levels of dollar spot infesta-

102

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

In the Bethpage project to reduce chemical use, progressive IPM practices almost always produced greens of quality equal to the conventionally managed greens over 13 years.

tion and damage. Even though the nonchemical treatments were modifed to be “biologically based reduced-risk” (with occasional chemical pesticide use) after the frst years, we believe the turfgrass and microbial populations were adapting to their new environment. Future proposed collaborations with microbial scientists at Cornell may help us verify and quantify our explanations for these observations. 2. The environmental impact of pesticides used could be greatly reduced from conventional levels, while maintaining acceptable playing quality. Using the Environmental Impact Quo-

tient (EIQ) (3) (see the sidebar on Page 104) as the measure, impact was reduced on progressive IPM/alternative culture greens by 33%-85% compared to the conventional pest management/conventional culture greens — almost always without a loss in quality (Figure 1). However, in terms of playing quality, there is a big difference between no pesticide use and a little. 3. Golfers seldom perceived differences in putting green quality among management systems. Unique to the Bethpage project, golfer perceptions were surveyed for 10 years. Between 100 and 200 golfers annually became part of the research project by rating the quality of each green while playing a round of golf. They did not know the management system of the greens as they rated. Results showed that golfers almost never noticed differences in quality and green speed that we documented in our measurements (see Figure 2). Golfers were also queried about their opinions on pesticide use (see Figure 3). 4. Stress-reducing cultural practices have become more typical in mainstream putting green management. In 2001, the “alternative” cultural practices were a mixed bag of old and new tricks. Irrigation management practices such as not watering at night and watering before turf stress showed were old principles, seldom followed. Today the concept of precision water management is catching on at progressive courses. Other alternative practices such as frequent venting and light topdressing were not common then, but have become the norm as superintendents see the stress reduction and lessening of disease pressure on the grass. 5. Several effective low-impact pest management products have become available since 2000. A few biologically based and reduced-risk pesticide products that could serve in a golf course IPM program were available at the beginning of the project, notably Bacillus t ingiensis, entomopathogenic nematodes, spinosad and Pseudomonas aureofaciens strain TX-1. Now we also have B. li eniformis, B. subtilis, polyoxin-D zinc salt, phosphite products (labeled as fungicides), boscalid, mineral oil (new product Civitas) and others. These products can

Field EIQ units

Average feld use EIQ/green 5,000 4,500 4,000 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

IPM/AC CPM/CC Figure 1. Average feld use environmental impact quotient (EIQ) per green is shown for two treatments: progressive IPM (IPM) with alternative culture (AC), and conventional pest management (CPM) with conventional culture (CC). Over fve years of the study, environmental impact was 33%-85% less in the IPM/AC system.

Golfers’ average rating of green quality 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0

2011 2012

IPM/AC CPM/CC Figure 2. Results from surveys taken as part of the Bethpage study in 2011 and 2012 show that golfers did not perceive a quality difference between progressive IPM (IPM) alternative culture (AC) greens and conventional pest management (CPM) conventional culture (CC) greens. Results were similar in other years. Golfer ratings: 1 = very poor, 2 = poor, 3 = good, 4 = very good, 5 = excellent. The number of golfers responding was 201 in 2011 and 200 in 2012.

Golfer response to “What is your preference for public golf courses?” 100% 90% 80% 70% 60%

2003, n = 141

50%

2007, n = 140

40%

2011, n = 191

30% 20% 10% 0%

Keep quality as high as possible, use pesticides whenever they might help

Keep greens at reasonably good quality, using pesticides judiciously, only as needed

Minimize pesticide use, regardless of quality loss

Do not use any pesticides, regardless of quality loss

sometimes be used as direct replacements for chemical pesticides, or can often help to mitigate the severity of infestations or increase the interval between applications of chemical pesticides. The present — and the future The Bethpage project has evolved, and continues to serve as a research and demonstration core to our golf course IPM work at Cornell University and in New York State. A feld day is held at the course every other year and draws around 60 participants. From the beginning, our goal was to inform all parties on the costs, quality and challenges to be expected when reducing chemical use. Therefore, we invite environmental and health advocates and policy makers in addition to superintendents. Interesting discussions ensue when people see the others’ roles and look for common ground and understanding. In the early years, the project was used as evidence by various factions to try to prove or disprove that nonchemical or organic golf was feasible. Over time, dynamics have changed, and the superintendents have embraced practices that work — be they “alternative” or not. Through the project, a suite of progressive IPM practices was developed that signifcantly reduced EIQ, did not increase labor demands and sometimes saved money. A manual describing these practices (6) serves as the backbone for training personnel from 29 New York state park golf courses in a pilot implementation program. The manual has also been used by superintendents attending training sessions in New York state and at the GCSAA educational seminar on reduced chemical golf course management during the past two years. Unfortunately, the Bethpage Project is the only work of its kind. Researchers worldwide are steadily contributing to the overall body of knowledge on products and practices that affect diseases, insects and weeds — but the work is typically done one variable at a time and often lacks the goal of reducing pesticide use. Other controlled studies with a systems approach to reducing chemical pesticide use on golf courses would be welcomed by both researchers and practitioners. Luckily, golf course superintendents who embrace lowimpact approaches turn their courses into living laboratories and become examples for their peers.

Figure 3. Golfer response to the survey question, “What is your preference for public golf courses?”

02.14 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

103

Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) A wealth of toxicological and environmental impact data exists for most turfgrass pesticides, but is often not readily available or organized in a manner that is useful to superintendents. The Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) (www.nysipm.cornell.edu/publications/eiq/) was devised to summarize the environmental and health impacts of most commonly used pesticides (insecticides, fungicides and herbicides) in agriculture and horticulture. Factors such as toxicity (dermal, bird, chronic human, acute human, bee, fsh, benefcial arthropod), soil half-life, leaching potential, plant surface half-life and surface loss potential are all components of an EIQ for a particular pesticide active ingredient. The result is a single EIQ value for a pesticide active ingredient. EIQs can be used to compare the environmental impact of different pesticides and pest management strategies, when multiplied by the rate of application. A calculator (www.nysipm.cornell.edu/EIQCalc/input.php) facilitates users’ ability to compare choices and assess management programs. The EIQ provides criteria — to be used along with the superintendent’s knowledge of effcacy, cost and resistance management — to help superintendents select a pesticide product when they consider it necessary. — J.G.

RESEARCH SAYS • Beginning in 2001, all 18 greens of the Green Course at Bethpage State Park were treated with three pest management regimes (conventional and progressive IPM and nonchemical) and two cultural management treatments (conventional and alternative practices). • Turfgrass and microbial communities need time to adjust to low- and no-chemical programs. • Reducing conventional pesticide levels did not adversely affect playing quality. • Golfers seldom perceive differences in putting green quality among management systems. • Since the study began, stress-reducing cultural practices have become more typical in putting green management and effective low-impact pest management products have become available. • Through the Bethpage project, progressive IPM practices were developed that signifcantly reduced EIQ, did not increase labor demands and sometimes saved money.

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Funding We thank the United States Golf Association, Northeast IPM (USDA-NIFA), the New York State Offce of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the NYS IPM Program for funding. Acknowledgments Numerous people partnered to make this project possible, including Frank Rossi at Cornell University and the staff at Bethpage State Park, especially David Catalano, Craig Currier, Andrew Wilson and Kathleen Wegman. We are also appreciative of a multitude of industry donations. Literature cited 1. Busey, P., and D.L. Johnston. 2006. Impact of cultural factors on weed populations in St. Augustine turf. Weed Science 54:961-967. 2. Dobbs, E., and D. Potter. 2013. Operation Pollinator for Golf Courses. Golf Course Management 81(4):100-103. 3. Kovach, J., C. Petzoldt, J. Degni and J. Tette. 1992. A Method to Measure the Environmental Impact of Pesticides. New York Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin No. 139. Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. (Updated version available: www.nysipm.cornell.edu/ nysipm/publications/eiq) Verifed Dec. 30, 2013. 4. Larson, J.L., C.T. Redmond and D.A. Potter. 2013. Assessing insecticide hazard to bumble bees foraging on fowering weeds in treated lawns. PLoS ONE 8(6) e66375, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0066375, pp. 1-7. 5. Miltner, E.D., G.W. Stahnke and G.J. Reinhart. 2005. Mowing height, nitrogen rate, and organic and syn-

Inclusion of golfers in research on reduced chemical golf course management has been a unique aspect of the project on Bethpage’s Green Course. Nearly 2,000 golfers rated greens and gave opinions on pesticide use over 10 years. thetic fertilizer effects on perennial ryegrass quality and pest occurrence. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal 10:982-988. 6. Portmess, R., J. Grant and F. Rossi. 2009. Reducing Chemical Use on Golf Course Turf: Redefning IPM. NYS IPM Program Publication No. 613, 97pp. 7. Price, S.J., J. Guzy, L. Witczak and M.E. Dorcas. 2013. Do ponds on golf courses provide suitable habitat for wetland-dependent animals in suburban areas? An assessment of turtle abundances. Journal of Herpetology 47(2):243-250. 8. Rossi, F.S., and J.A. Grant, 2009. Long-term evaluation of reduced chemical pesticide management of golf course putting turf. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal 11(1):77-90.

Jennifer Grant (jag7@cornell.edu) is director of the New York State IPM Program at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Cornell University, Geneva, N.Y.

CUTTING EDGE Teresa Carson

Photo by James A. Murphy

Iron and potassium affect velvet bentgrass performance A feld trial was conducted in North Brunswick, N.J., to evaluate the effect of iron and potassium nutrition on performance of velvet bentgrass subjected to traffc. The trial was initiated in 2010 on 6-year-old Greenwich VBG turf mowed daily at 0.11 inch. Traffc levels were 0 or 200 rounds per day applied by students walking in golf shoes with soft spikes. Iron sulfate was applied at 0 or 0.4 ounce of iron/1,000 square feet every two weeks. Potassium sulfate was applied at N:K of 1:0, 1:0.4, 1:0.8, 1:1.7 and 1:3.3 every two weeks in combination with N applied at 0.1 pound N/1,000 square feet. Foot traffc reduced turf quality and color compared to no foot traffc, especially during high-temperature stress. Biweekly iron sulfate applications increased turf color during the growing season; turf quality improvement was more subtle. Biweekly applications of potassium sulfate at N:K ratios of 1:1.7 and 1:3.3 lowered turf quality and color July−October compared to lower ratios or no potassium application. The negative effect of potassium applications is likely due to supraoptimal soil K levels (>160 milligrams/ kilogram) in the thatch-mat region. Results indicate that biweekly applications of iron sulfate can mask discoloration of VBG caused by foot traffc, and biweekly applications of higher rates of potassium reduced turf per-

formance. — James A. Murphy, Ph.D. (murphy@ aesop.rutgers.edu), and Charles J Schmid, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J.

Pre-emergence control of crabgrass in putting greens The objective of this study was to evaluate the effcacy and safety of a new herbicide, methiozolin (not yet approved by the U.S. EPA), for pre-emergence control of crabgrass (Digitaria species) on creeping bentgrass greens. Field plots were established in Columbia, Mo., in 2012 and 2013. Treatments were: an

untreated control; methiozolin (0.446, 0.669 or 0.89 pound ai/acre) as single or sequential applications at 14- or 28-day intervals; preemergence herbicides bensulide (12.49 pounds ai/acre), dithiopyr (0.499 pound ai/acre), indazifam (0.07 ounce ai/acre), pre-packaged bensulide + oxadiazon (12.04 + 3.03 pounds ai/acre) and siduron (3.03 pounds ai/acre) as single or sequential applications at 28-day intervals. Data included turf quality, normalized difference vegetation index, phytotoxicity and percent crabgrass cover. All treatments, with the exception of siduron, reduced crabgrass cover by 60% or more at 8 weeks after initial treatment (WAIT) in 2012. At 21 WAIT, crabgrass control was 93% (bensulide), 94% (dithiopyr) and 90% (two applications of methiozolin [0.89 pound ai/acre] at 28-day intervals). In 2013, crabgrass control was ≥76% for all treatments except siduron at 8 WAIT. In both years, the only treatment that caused signifcant phytotoxicity was the pre-packaged bensulide + oxadiazon, but turf phytotoxicity was still ≥6 on a 1-9 turf quality scale. — John B. Haguewood, Reid J. Smeda and Xi Xiong, Ph.D. (xiongx@missouri.edu), University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo.

Teresa Carson (tcarson@gcsaa.org) is GCM’s science editor.

Photo by John Haguewood

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(Product news)

Range and

POWER Cushman Hauler Pro golf utility vehicle

has a 72-volt AC drivetrain that is designed to provide the range and power once exclusive to gas-powered machines in a silent, zero-emissions vehicle. Hauler Pro is equipped with a standard on-board charger. The patented AC drive technology also ensures that the Hauler Pro maintains consistent power and performance from the frst pre-dawn chores to the last light of dusk. The AC drive technology is up to 25 percent more energyeffcient than DC technology and also provides unique features such as regenerative braking that recharges the batteries whenever the vehicle’s brakes are applied and also speed control to maintain constant speeds up and down steep slopes. It also features a maximum load capacity of 1,000 pounds and comes standard with a 9.5-cubic-foot cargo bed. A 14.9-cubic-foot aluminum cargo bed is available as a factory-installed option for facilities that require more cargo space. Contact Cushman, 706-798-4311 (www.cushman.com).

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Redexim launched a new website at www. Redexim.com. It now has a more user-friendly design for clear, quick and trouble-free navigation. You can stay up to date with Redexim product news or general turf industry news on the website’s news page. Product manuals and brochures can be accessed quickly in the “Resources” section of the website. The new website is also easily accessible on mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets. Reelcraft introduced the Series CH 37000 hand crank hose reels for industrial applications requiring longer lengths of 1-inch I.D. hose. The static oil bearing design helps to eliminate possible bearing misalignment due to heavy vibration in mobile applications. The 1-inch solid main shaft connects to the spindle to form a rigid connection from side to side. The slotted spool provides a smooth transition for the hose. The new reel design is also available in electric-motordriven models (EH37000) and bevel-crank models (BH37000). Contact Reelcraft, 800-444-3134 (www.reelcraft.com).

Hunter Industries is showcasing a new family of pressure-compensating drip emitters for its micro-irrigation line. They are available in a wide range of fow rates to slowly deliver the right amount of water, right at the plant. They offer fow options up to 6 gallons per hour. The emitters are available in three convenient inlets: self-piercing barb, 10/32 thread and ½-inch female thread. The barb and 10/32 thread models are offered in 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 GPH models. The ½-inch female threaded model is available in 1 and 2 GPH. Designed for quick installation, the emitters are color-coded for fast fow identifcation with coined edges for easy gripping. An optional diffuser cap helps gently distribute water and protects the emitter from external debris. Contact Hunter Industries, 760-744-5240 (www.hunterindustries.com).

Cutting

EDGE Quali-Pro debuted two herbicides: 2DQ and MSM 25 OD. Its 2DQ herbicide is a combination of 2,4-D, dicamba and quinclorac, designed to provide to-the-root control of 35 annual and perennial broadleaf weed species through root and foliage absorption in warm- and cool-season turfgrasses. The liquid formulation offers broadleaf weed control as a reduced phenoxy herbicide with a low-odor formulation. MSM 25 OD, a post-emergence herbicide, offers control of bahiagrass and broadleaf weeds in warm-season turfgrass through its metsulfuron methyl. It delivers eight to 12 weeks of reliable control with a single application. MSM 25 OD can be used on centipedegrass, zoysiagrass, St. Augustine grass and bermudagrass. It also offers control of hard-to-kill broadleaf weeds such as clovers, dandelion, henbit, dollarweed and plantains among others. Contact Quali-Pro, 800-242-5562 (www.quali-pro.com).

Direct Solutions, a division of Agrium Advanced Technologies, is offering multiple products. Prospect 6-0-1 is a plant nutrient solution developed by Loveland Products to enhance plant growth vigor and create a more fbrous, extensive root system in young or mature turf, ornamentals and trees. It also increases stress tolerance, contains a full micronutrient package for overall enhanced plant health and a natural, sugar-based spreader-sticker for maximum foliar absorption. Radiate PGR (Plant Growth Regulator), also from Loveland Products, is a formulation of IBA and kinetin designed to provide essential plant hormones in the correct ratios to drive maximum root growth. It contains a mixture of vitamins that aid in successful transplanting and plant growth. Radiate allows superintendents to reduce early-season stress while increasing primary-season turf vigor and root mass. Acelepryn Granular insecticide from Syngenta provides superintendents with reliable and consistent grub control with its low application rate and low water solubility. It also controls many key surface-feeding pests including annual bluegrass weevils, billbugs and caterpillars. Contact Direct Solutions (www. aatdirectsolutions.com).

Altoz launched its XC Z, XP Z, XP S and XC S line of zero-turn mowers. The XC Z line offers a top speed of 19 mph, features toughness and durability of the mower and delivers increased productivity, the company says. It is complemented by a drive system and clutch that produces 250 foot-pounds of torque along with a heavy-duty deck, deck spindles, front forks and fork castors as well as tapered wheel bearings. The line also features the SmarTrac Monitoring System, which keeps the operator informed. With the SmarTrac built-in maintenance reminders, a digital RPM gauge, alarm protection and an on-board clock, the line offers worry-free operation. TorqFlex Suspension absorbs every bump and instance of ground chatter. Like the XC Z, the XP S and XC S offer three deck size options. The High Output System, a feature of all Altoz precision mowers, including the XP Z, has premium mulching blades that offer thicker and wider steel, resulting in superior mulching and discharge while holding a clean-cutting edge for an extended duration of time. The XC S line was engineered to produce maximum airfow, resulting in a superior cut with little clumping and effcient grass processing. A heavy-gauge steel C-channel frame rail provides maximum strength and rigidity. Contact Altoz, 218-782-5869 (www.altoz.com).

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Holganix introduced its Holganix Golf Product line. Holganix, a completely natural, organic, bionutritional product that contributes to a robust soil ecosystem by promoting turf, plant and tree health, offers a highly concentrated plant-based compost tea. Holganix then adds a variety of benefcial microorganisms and nutrients, including endomycorrhizae and ectomycorrhizae as well as humic and fulvic acids, to its formulation. Contact Holganix, 866-563-2784 (www.holganix.com). Standard Golf has a trio of new offerings. Gator Grip Handles for bunker rakes feature a specially formulated polymer coating that adds durability and strength capable of withstanding even the worst conditions, the company says. They are designed to eliminate splintering, chipping, peeling and fading. They come in green and brown in 60- and 72-inch lengths and ft Standard Golf’s Tour Smooth II and Tour Pro bunker rakes. Tour Pro Bunker Rake features wider, more versatile heads and an allnew premium handle. They are available with 20- and 25-inch heads. All-Flex Markers are new hazard markers that can be run over in any direction without damage. They feature a super-tough polyurethane joint that allows them to

fex back 360 degrees, saving maintenance crews’ time when mowing around hazards. Contact Standard Golf, 866-7439773 (www.standardgolf.com).

harmful bacteria. Contact ClearWater at www.clearwatertv.co.uk.

GrnFxr repair tool is a mechanical device designed to safely fx a ball mark. The operator simply sets the tool for the type of turf, positions the tool over the mark, pushes down so the sleeve is resting on the turf, gently turns the handle 90 degrees, then relaxes the handle, removes the tool and steps on the repaired area. The GrnFxr tool’s slotted external sleeve has settings that will extend the forks for bentgrass, a shortened setting for bermudagrass and a closed setting that covers the forks for safety and storage. The tool permits the operator to remain standing when repairing ball marks. Contact GrnFxr, 336-763-1762 (www.greensfxer.com).

CTR Golf released the Buchko Brush designed for the Greensmaster Flex series of cutting units from Toro. This represents the frst-ever rotary turf brush system designed to ft multiple manufacturers’ equipment, the company says. The company’s initial development and production on the Buchko Brush was focused on Jacobsen’s Eclipse series walk-behind mowers. Since the initial launch, featuring RPM and multidirectional rotation, quickrelease brush change-out and a variety of brush stiffness attachments for use on cool- and warm-season grasses, CTR Golf has completed development of the brush for fxed-head walk-behind and riding models from Jacobsen. Contact CTR Golf, 803-810-1571 (www.ctrgolf.com).

Clear Water Recycling Systems is a water-saving technology developed in the United Kingdom and recently installed at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. The system, approved under the United Kingdom-backed Water Technology List, ensures compliance with pollution prevention requirements and is unique in that it is installed safely below the ground. It provides a low operating temperature, allaying fears of possible formation of

Global Turf Equipment (GTE) launched its redesigned mobile website. It features increased functionality and improved navigation. Its home page organizes GTE’s 650-piece inventory into 20 product categories. Portals for Global Turf branches in the United Kingdom (www. globalturfequipment.co.uk) and Denmark (www.globalturfequipment.dk) have also been optimized for mobile devices. Contact GTE, 866-588-3092 (www.

globalturfequipment.com). Defendor from Dow AgroSciences received registration in New York and Massachusetts. Defendor is a specialty post-emergence herbicide for early-season broadleaf weed control that controls dandelions and prevents the dreaded dandelion bloom. It also controls clover, chickweed and other annual and perennial broadleaf weeds. Contact Dow AgroSciences, 800-255-3726 (www. dowprovesit.com). Witt Industries added to its extensive line of waste and recycling receptacles with the Mason Series. They are stylishly designed yet durable with a heavy gauge steel body and 40-gallon large capacity size, the company says. The series is made in the U.S. from 100 percent post-consumer recyclable steel. The slatted design makes for both indoor and outdoor use. The receptacles have four lid options (fat top, dome top, ash top and rain cap) and are available in black, green or brown. Contact Witt Industries, 800-543-7417 (www.witt.com).

Submit items for “Product News” to hrichman@gcsaa.org

(Industry news)

Overseas

COURSE Jacobsen has been busy overseas. Jacobsen, through its local distributor Forest Park Co. Ltd. of Yangong, had a two-day educational training seminar in Myanmar for the Myanmar Golf Federation and greenkeepers from the country’s more than 100 golf courses. The seminar included educational presentations by Jacobsen’s Peter Morison and Glenn Wright, who provided maintenance best practice advice. Rain Bird’s Chris Gray and David Paterson also presented on the provisions of modern irrigation systems and touched on the important subjects of water sourcing, storage, use of sewage and gray water. Howard Swan of Swan Golf Designs also spoke about how the game could be expanded throughout Myanmar at grass-roots levels by providing simple and economical short courses, driving ranges and academies. Also, Jacobsen supported a two-day training seminar for technicians at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club. Jacobsen’s customer support manager Glen Forsdike, along with Wright and Kajapathy Duraimaniam of Sime Darby Industrial, oversaw the training to the technicians. Steve Wilson from Bernhard provided a grinding workshop. Elsewhere, Jacobsen distributor Formost Machinery and Resources Inc. held a one-day seminar and workshop at Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club in the Philippines. Morison gave a presentation at the event. Jacobsen also announced a three-year agreement to provide Australia’s North Melbourne Institute of TAFE with new equipment for use on the fve golf courses managed by the institute.

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Progressive Turf Equipment Co. successfully completed a Ground Water Source Protection Project under the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program, Act for Clean Water, a program managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Government of Ontario. The province of Ontario enacted legislation with the goal to protect drinking water from sources of potential contamination. These include the storage of fuels, chemicals, manure, septic systems, etc., that if spilled or leaked could contaminate groundwater supplies. “Our manufacturing process has always been conducted in a responsible manner; this is our home, and it’s the right thing to do,” says Luke Janmaat, president of Progressive Turf Equipment Co. “Progressive’s manufacturing processes do not use an abundant amount of products that could harm the water supply as other industries might, but the local residents don’t know this.” The property where Progressive’s headquarters and manufacturing facilities are located is immediately adjacent to wells that supply drinking water to the community of Seaforth and where the majority of its employees live.

The nation’s frst Arnold Palmer-designed park is being built at The Village at Penn State (VPS), a university-based, non-proft retirement community in State College, Pa. Palmer is partnering with Liberty Lutheran on the development. The Palmer Park will give VPS residents a deluxe practice area with a 10,000-square-foot bentgrass putting green, chipping areas and grass swales; a multipurpose lawn for croquet, lawn bowling, gatherings and other activities; connected walkways and paths with areas for socializing, benches for relaxing and wellness areas; unique water features that offer tranquility and ambience; beautiful greenway with elegant, country club-style entrance; and a town clock as a central meeting spot and landmark for the park.

Member

AWARD Brad Simpkins (holding plaque), sales representative at Plant Food Co. Inc. in Cranbury, N.J., was chosen 2013 New Jersey GCSA Member of the Year. Simpkins has been a member of the New Jersey organization for 24 years and served on its board since 2010. He has worked for Plant Food Co. Inc. for 11 years.

Turface Athletics held an educational meeting late in 2013 in Orlando for more than 100 distributor representatives. The event included a speaker panel, classroom education and feld demonstrations. The speaker panel consisted of major league groundkeepers and organizational leaders in the industry such as David Mellor, director of grounds, Boston Red Sox; Darian Daily, head groundskeeper, Cincinnati Bengals; and Abe Key, president and CEO of Pony Baseball & Softball. “It was a true privilege to have been invited to participate in this event and see the quality of education and speakers that Turface offered,” Mellor said. A cooperative project between the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) and Bayer CropScience is helping to preserve one of the last virgin hemlock forests in the U.S. WVDA completed the frst year of a cooperative agreement to treat Cathedral State Park for hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), a non-native pest that damages and kills hemlock trees by feeding on tree sap. Under the agreement, Bayer is providing its CoreTect insecticide for six years, which the WVDA will apply to approximately one-third of the 133-acre forest every two years. “The trees in this forest are 400 to 600 years old and some are as tall as 80 or 90 feet,” says Tim Tomon, coordinator, WVDA HWA. “This is work where you really feel like you’re doing something.” The hemlock woolly adelgid is native to Asia and was frst reported in the eastern U.S. in 1951 near Richmond, Va. By 2005 it was established in portions of 16 states from Maine to Georgia.

Alan Prickett is the new managing director at Ransomes Jacobsen in the United Kingdom. Prickett had been serving as managing director of Jacobsen Asian Pacifc. He joined the Jacobsen division of Textron UK in 1997 after a sales career with Ransomes distributors.

Barry Pedler was promoted to vice president, international sales, at Hunter Industries. Pedler, who has been with Hunter Industries since 1994, had been overseeing the company’s international sales effort prior to his promotion. He graduated from the University of Adelaide in South Australia and holds a master’s degree in business administration from California State University.

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Brandt, manufacturer of agricultural specialty products, announced last month that it has acquired Grigg Brothers. Brandt, saying it has a defnite letter of intent, added that Grigg Brothers will become part of Brandt’s Specialty Formulations division under the leadership of Vice President Bill Engel. “I’m excited about teaming up with Grigg,” says Rick Brandt, CEO and president of Brandt. “With the caliber of people who are joining us, and our combined resources, we will be a key player in the growing turf category.” Mark Grigg and Gary Grigg (1995 GCSAA president) are now part of the Brandt team. Mark Grigg, who has been CEO of Grigg Brothers, is continuing to provide strategic operations management and key account leadership. “I am proud of the company we built,” Mark Grigg says, “but I am truly excited about our future together with Brandt. This transaction will give us access to a wide range of world-class people and products.” Bayer CropScience received an Agrow Award for indazifam, the herbicidal active ingredient in Specticle. The award was in the Best New Crop Protection Product category. Specticle is a pre-emergence herbicide that provides turfgrass professional control of more than 90 grasses, broadleaf weeds and annual sedges. The Agrow Awards are a vehicle to showcase innovative excellence. Shannon Ranch Elementary in Visalia, Calif., won top prize in The Toro Co.’s “Ready. Set. Grow!” grant program. A $7,000 grant is being awarded to the school that will enable it to enhance its life sciences program, including installing a water-effcient drip irrigation system at the school garden for use by students throughout the year. The garden also is serving as a model on smart irrigation practices for the surrounding community. Additional grants are being awarded to project FINE-Colorful Growers of Winona, Minn. It plans to use the second-place $4,000 grant to promote the use of water-saving technologies through education and demonstration, specifcally focusing on youth ages 10 to 18. Armed Services YMCA at Camp Pendleton, Calif., plans to use its third-place grant of $2,000 to support the Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training program, training active-duty service members and veterans in sustainable agribusiness. North Louisiana Agri-Business Council of West Monroe, La., will use its fourth-place grant of $2,000 to create an educational display demonstrating the effciencies of irrigation and best practices in water management.

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The grant awards were determined by a public vote online. The Dow AgroSciences Panorama blog is available to golf course superintendents and lawn care operators looking for information to help grow their businesses. Designed to engage, educate and train, the blog offers content on Dow AgroSciences’ turf and ornamental products and services, labels, research, business tips, pest identifcation and industry news. Blog posts are written by the Dow AgroSciences’ marketing team, sales representatives and feld scientists, industry experts and third-party researchers. The website is www.panoramaprovesit.com. The Andersons initiated a patent infringement suit against Enviro Granulation of South Carolina; Plant Science of Ontario, Canada; and The Harrell’s of Lakeland, Fla., in December. The infringement suit was fled in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and involves three patents related to dispersible granular fertilizer technology. Jack Nicklaus is being honored this month with the National Golf Course Owners Association’s (NGCOA) Award of Merit. Their annual conference occurs in conjunction with the Golf Industry Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, where Nicklaus will be recognized. The award is the NGCOA’s longest-running honor and is presented for long-term and signifcant contributions to the game of golf. Troon and Pelz Golf announced an innovative partnership. Dave Pelz of Pelz Golf is partnering with Troon to conduct groundbreaking research and to grow the experience of the Dave Pelz Scoring Game School by expanding into several of Troon’s hallmark private club, daily-fee and resort locations. New school locations will be announced at www.pelzgolf.com. The Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) announced results of its board election. The board offcers are Kurt Huseman, Landscapes Unlimited LLC (board president until Feb. 4); Rick Boylan, Mid-America Golf & Landscape Inc. (president-elect); Dave Munkvold, Duininck Golf (immediate past president); Dennis Wagner, Ewing Irrigation (vice president); Ellen Davis, SportsZmix Solutions/Waupaca Sand & Solutions (secretary); and Scott Veazey, Southeastern Golf Inc. (treasurer). Newly elected to the

board are: Judd Duininck, Duininck Golf; and Frank Warden, The Toro Co. The remaining members of the GCBAA board are: Ronnie Adkins, Aspen Corp.; Ed Eichmann, Harco Fittings; Terry Gwinn, Best Sand Corp.; Patrick Karnick, Wadsworth Golf Construction; Alan MacCurrach III, MacCurrach Golf; Wayne Massey, Medalist Golf; John McDonald II, McDonald & Sons Inc.; Rick Williamson, Lasco Fittings, Inc.; and Stephanie Zimmerman, ADS/Hancor Inc. Todd Burton was hired for the team of applications engineers of the Engines and Power Products Division of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. Burton, who has extensive experience in the commercial vehicle industry, has responsibilities that entail coordination of new product development between Kawasaki and various original equipment manufacturers. Burton previously has worked for Eaton Corp., International Truck & Engine Co., Ford Motor Co. and General Motors. KemperSports chose Brad Hisel as general manager at Bull Valley Golf Club in Woodstock, Ill., and Russ Onizuka as general manager at Black Gold Golf Club in Yorba Linda, Calif. Hisel has more than 12 years of experience in the golf club industry, including general manager duties at High Point Golf Club in Montague, N.J., and New York Country Club in Hempstead, N.Y. Onizuka, who worked at Black Gold Golf Club from 2010 to 2012, most recently worked at Crystal Springs Golf Course in Burlingame, Calif.

will be unchanged. Fairways will be sloped inward to contain errant shots and speed up play. Sanford says the complete rebuild, including infrastructure, will cost about $3 million.

Golf Preservations Inc. Nationwide Golf Course Drainage Company

The Village at Machrihanish Dunes was the winner of the top two awards at the Golf Tourism Scotland Excellence Awards. It received the Resort Experience of the Year and Golf Tourism Scotland GEO Sustainability Award. StoneGate Golf Club at Solivita in Kissimmee, Fla., participated in a Big Band Charity Event that raised more than $20,000 and a truckload of food for the St. Rose of Lima Food Pantry and Habitat for Humanity of Osceola County. The ninth annual Eagle Bank Foundation Fight Against Breast Cancer Golf Classic at Trump National Golf Club raised more than $300,000 in October. Since the inception of the event in 2005, the foundation has raised more than $1.65 million for the beneft of local area hospitals and organizations in the fght against breast cancer.

Submit items for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Industry Newsâ&#x20AC;? to hrichman@gcsaa.org

Specializing in Drainage Installation on Existing Greens, Approach and Fairway Drainage

Agriguard hired Brandon Green as a technical specialist. Green, a graduate of Auburn University, previously was an agronomist for Agrium Advanced Technologies. In his new position, Green is involved in direct research, as well as feld trial design and implementation with third-party and university cooperators. Green also is providing marketing support and materials, employee, distributor and customer education, and insight for product innovation. Golf course architect John Sanford of Sanford Golf Design is scheduled to begin work in April to rebuild Springs Run Golf Club in Bonita Springs, Fla. The Sanford team plans to replace the irrigation system; establish new drainage; rebuild deteriorated cart paths; and reposition tee boxes, greens and bunkers. Sanford says he plans to work with soil already on site. Existing lakes and ponds, which handle all the storm water retention and drainage,

Golf Preservations Inc. 504 Gloucester Ave Middlesboro, KY 40965 606-499-2732 www.golfpreservations.com Email: golfpreservations@yahoo.com

(photo quiz answers) By John Mascaro President of Turf-Tec International

(a)

PROBLEM This circular area of brown moving material is actually hundreds of earthworms circling on this golf green after a heavy rain and thunderstorm. The question of why this happened is still up in the air; apparently, this was a very unusual phenomenon, according to both the golf course superintendent and an entomologist who studies this type of thing. You might initially believe this was some kind of earthworm mating frenzy. But since earthworms have both male and female organs and generally mate only when individual worms encounter each other (often just extending out of their burrows until they encounter each other), we can rule that out. We can also probably rule out the possibility of alien worm circles. But photos don’t lie, so what could this be? The most likely scenario is that these are non-native earthworms. Researchers are seeing quite a few non-native earthworm populations growing in various areas because people are using them as bait when fshing and just toss them onto the ground if they don’t use them. Since we do not fully understand the behavior of many of these non-natives, especially in new environments and different soil conditions, it would certainly be possible that one of these species may locate one another by following the slime trail of another worm as a mating ritual. After the picture was taken, the earthworms were blown off so the crew could mow the green. Photo submitted by Larry Wilk, superintendent at Kokomo (Ind.) Country Club and a 28-year GCSAA member. Partial explanation of this phenomenon provided by David J. Shetlar, Ph.D., Ohio State University.

(b)

PROBLEM

Finally, someone submitted a photo I had been waiting to see for several years — the blurred stripes across this bentgrass fairway are a result of changing mowing directions after several years of mowing in the same diagonal direction. After several months of mowing in the new direction, the former stripes are not visible from the tees, only from the rough as this photo shows. The superintendent decided to change the mowing direction on this parkland-style course, deciding the diagonal striping took away some of the character of the course. In addition, the greens department has been able to save 30 percent on mowing manpower by now mowing from tee to green, allowing them to utilize the saved time on more important tasks. The superintendent even stated that no member or golfer even noticed the change. In addition to the mowing direction change, verticutting and grooming the old diagonal lines have caused them to become less visible from the rough. Photo submitted by Kenneth Ingram, University of Maryland. The photo was taken at Chevy Chase (Md.) Club, where 33-year GCSAA member Dean M. Graves, CGCS, is golf course manager.

If you would like to submit a photograph for John Mascaro’s Photo Quiz, please send it to: John Mascaro, 1471 Capital Circle NW, Suite #13, Tallahassee, FL 32303, or e-mail to john@turf-tec.com. If your photograph is selected, you will receive full credit. All photos submitted will become property of GCM and GCSAA.

Presented in partnership with Jacobsen

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WILL THE MOWER WITH THE

MOST POWER

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MEMBERS ONLY

ON COURSE

Feb. 6-9 — PGA Tour, AT&T Pebble

(Climbing the ladder)

Beach National Pro-Am, Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, Calif., Chris Dalhamer, CGCS.

Kevin Nason

Feb. 7-9 — Champions Tour, Allianz

Was: Intern

Augusta National Golf Club

Is: Assistant superintendent Capital City Club Brookhaven (Atlanta)

You may have heard the phrase late bloomer. In Nason’s case, it defnitely applies. After working for a decade in a warehouse following high school, Nason enrolled at age 31 at Horry Georgetown Technical College in Conway, S.C., and earned a dual degree in sports turf management and golf course management. In August, following an internship at Augusta National Golf Club, Nason was hired as an assistant superintendent at Capital City Club Brookhaven in Atlanta. “I was sitting in the classroom with 19- and 20-year-olds,” says Nason, now 35. “At my age, I was not there to mess around.”

Q: Tell us about that opportunity you had at the home of the Masters. A: It’s defnitely an opportunity not many people get. I was there last year during Masters week. My

duties in preparation for the tournament included working at Nos. 3 and 13. It may have been something as simple as mowing a green, but knowing the history of 13, being out there at sunrise — it was just awesome. You kind of had to pinch yourself.

Q: Where did you grow up? A: In Cleveland, N.Y., just outside of Syracuse. I played golf and baseball when I went to Jefferson

Community College (Watertown, N.Y.) and was working toward a business degree.

Q: Why did you shift course, so to speak, and seek other ventures? A: After going to school and working at the warehouse, my wife and I decided on moving to Myrtle

Beach so I could go back to school and pursue a career that I would enjoy. So we made a hard decision to move away from our families and start over.

Q: What is your most cherished possession? A: My wife (Carmelita). She’s always been there for me. In our business, and the amount of hours we put in, you’re not home that often. She’s been understanding from the get-go, never given me any grief.

Howard Richman, GCM associate editor

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

Championship, The Old Course at Broken Sound Club, Boca Raton, Fla., Shannon Easter, director of golf; Phil Peterson, superintendent.

Feb. 13-16 — PGA Tour, Northern Trust Open, Riviera Country Club, Pacifc Palisades, Calif., Matthew Morton, superintendent.

Getting to know you

116

Feb. 6-9 — European Tour, Joburg Open, Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Feb. 13-16 — LPGA, ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open, The Victoria Golf Club, Victoria, Australia.

Feb. 13-16 — European Tour, Africa Open, East London Golf Club, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Feb. 14-16 — Champions Tour, ACE Group Classic, The Twin Eagles Club (Talon Course), Naples, Fla., Bruce Bach, GCSAA Class A superintendent.

Feb. 19-23 — PGA Tour, World Golf Championship-Accenture Match Play Championship, The Golf Club at Dove Mountain, Marana, Ariz., Noah Gessler, superintendent.

Feb. 20-23 — LPGA, Honda LPGA, Thailand Siam Country Club (Pattaya Old Course), Chonburi, Thailand. Feb. 21-24 — Web.com Tour, Panama Claro Championship, Panama Golf Club, Panama City, Panama.

Feb. 22-24 — Symetra Tour, Visit Mesa.com Gateway Classic at Longbow Golf Club, Mesa, Ariz., Greg Gavelek, superintendent.

Feb. 27-March 2 — PGA Tour, The Honda Classic, PGA National (Champion), Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Lukus Harvey, GCSAA Class A director of agronomy. Feb. 27-March 2 — LPGA, HSBC

Women’s Championship, Sentosa Golf Club (The Serapong Course), Singapore.

Phone: 706-376-3585 Website: www.ggcsa.com

Feb. 27-March 2 — European Tour,

Feb. 25 — GCSAA Webcast: Re-

Tshwane Open, Copperleaf Golf & Country Estate, Centurion, South Africa.

search and Real World Applications for Using Crumb Rubber on Golf Courses with Tom Vanini, Ph.D. Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts.aspx

Feb. 28-March 3 — Web.com Tour, Colombia Championship, Bogota Country Club, Bogota, Colombia.

Feb. 25-27 — Western Pennsylva-

COMING UP

Feb. 3-6 — GCSAA Golf Industry Show and Education Conference, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org

Feb. 19 — GCSAA Webcast: Update on Fairy Ring Control, Mike Fidanza, Ph.D. Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts.aspx Feb. 19 — Spray/Irrigation Technicians Seminar, Cateechee Golf Club, Hartwell, Ga.

Megan E. McMahen, Student, Fayetteville

nia Turfgrass Conference, Four Points Sheraton North, Mars, Pa. Contact: info@paturf.org Website: http://paturf.org/events/view/12 Phone: 814-237-0767

To learn if you can receive education points for any of these upcoming programs, visit the External Education Listings in the education section at www.gcsaa.org/ education/externaled/current.aspx. We want to know about your event in advance. To submit an entry for “Coming up,” please send your information fve to six months before you’d like to see it in the magazine. We run event information for three months. Send a contact name if all details are not fnal. Contact hrichman@gcsaa.org.

NEW MEMBERS

March 13-17 — USGA/GCSANC

ALABAMA Brian J. Berberet, Class C, Shoal Creek

Regional Conference, Diablo (Calif.) Country Club Phone: 559-298-6262 Email: californiagcsa@aol.com Website: www.californiagcsa.org

ARIZONA Joshua N. Linn, Student, Tucson Michael W. Melka, Student, Phoenix

March 25 — USGA Golf Summit of Oregon, Waverley Country Club, Portland Phone: 877-375-1330 Website: www.ogcsa.org

ARKANSAS Warren A. Gullette, Student, Fayetteville Josh D. Jackson, Supt. Mbr., Horseshoe Bend

CALIFORNIA Daniel L. Carroll, Affliate, Livermore Nick Hoisington, Class C, Los Angeles Joseph M. Valente, Class C, Truckee CONNECTICUT Andrew Gale, Student, Storrs Alex L. Kaczmarek, Student, Storrs George M. Pieper, Student, Storrs Cody Seaman, Student, Storrs FLORIDA Ray Farrara, Associate, Sanibel Jeffrey Glase, Affliate, Bonita Springs Bruce Goorsky, Associate, Fort Myers Rob T. Halleran, Class C, Fort Lauderdale Omar E. Joya, Class C, Fort Myers J.B. Marty, Class C, Naples Anthony J. Pozzi, Student, Lake City Ian J. Reynolds, Class C, Estero Matthew S. Rogers, Class C, Sanibel Nolan Smith, Class C, Parkland GEORGIA Rebecca Grubbs, Student, Athens Mack Oliver, Class C, Vidalia

Pe n n Stat e | On l i n e The Industry is changing. Education is more important than ever. Whatever your career goals, the World Campus has a turfgrass program to set you apart from the rest: Master of Professional Studies in Turfgrass Science Bachelor of Science in Turfgrass Science Associate in Science in Turfgrass Science and Management Advanced Certificate in Turfgrass Management Basic Certificate in Turfgrass Management Stay on the job while you earn your degree or certifcate. Flexible, convenient, entirely online

For more information, visit www.worldcampus.psu.edu/GCM 14-0145/14-WC-0218bkh/sss

ILLINOIS Wil A. White, Class C, Sugar Grove INDIANA Nic Hughes, Supt. Mbr., Kokomo Trevor R. Stacy, Student, West Lafayette

(In the field)

Florida Ralph Dain There is nothing like a little youthful enthusiasm to rejuvenate you and make you appreciate the countless benefits of working in the golf course industry. Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with The First Tee of Northwest Florida in its “Live Green” event conducted on a perfect Saturday morning at Osceola Municipal Golf Course. I was blessed to work alongside volunteers from the Gulf Coast GCSA, Audubon International, The First Tee, and The Toro Co. But the best part was that I had the pleasure of discussing the positive environmental impacts of golf courses with roughly 50 eager First Tee students. GCSAA Class A member Eddie Daigle provided six educational stations through which the students rotated. The students were able to see how hole locations are changed and greens are mowed. They were also exposed to such practices as planting of ornamental grasses and trees, and mulching. Joellen Lampman, formerly of Audubon International, provided an overall environmental perspective. As each new group rotated through our session, I was impressed to see how the students exemplified the nine core values of The First Tee. It was during these transition times that I realized how fortunate I am to be able to share my passion with the next generation. It is my hope that these types of interactions will lead them to do the same in their future. If you are ever given the chance to work an event similar to this or invite students to your facility, take the opportunity to do so. You may think of it as a chance to enlighten the children, but I guarantee the reward you will receive will far outweigh the work you put into it.

Northeast Kevin Doyle Of the many seasons in the golf course maintenance industry, one important and valuable season has begun: education season. The recently completed New York State Turfgrass Association (NYSTA) Conference and Show in Rochester, N.Y., kicked off my season. There are several more in the region as well: Green Industry Show (Atlantic City, N.J.), Ontario Golf Course Maintenance C&S, the Golf Industry Show, NERTF, and many chapter education days on the calendar. The agendas for these events are set by your colleagues and industry peers to deliver value to you, the turfgrass manager. They work hard to develop potential topics, engage industry experts to present these topics and communicate with you to inform you of these valuable educational opportunities. Often, the only feedback those who administer these events get is based on numbers. Many agendas are already set for 2014 events. If you are in attendance, reach out and give your feedback to the administrators after the event. If you don’t attend because of the agenda, reach out and alert them of that as well. These people are working hard to develop educational programs that will deliver value to you and your industry peers. Please help them deliver what you want by volunteering your input and responding with your beneficial feedback. With this information, they will be able to develop programs you will be able to enjoy year after year.

For the latest blog posts from all of GCSAA’s feld staff representatives, visist www.gcsaa.org/ community/regions.aspx.

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

IOWA Brandon J. Bousema, Student, Ames KANSAS Jake A. Reeves, Student, Manhattan LOUISIANA Richard D. Lowther, Class C, Calhoun MARYLAND Timothy A. Burkhart, Student, College Park Britton Hartzok, Class C, Chevy Chase MASSACHUSETTS Shaun K. Allen, Class C, Canton Kristoffer J. Armando, Supt. Mbr., Natick Matthew P. Bacon, Associate, Great Barrington George H. LeBlond, Associate, Siasconset MICHIGAN Nicholas J. Elslager, Supt. Mbr., Ann Arbor Shane Douglas Ginther, Student, Brimley MINNESOTA Gary L. Berg, Associate, Wayzata Jonathan T. Dicus, Associate, Wayzata Ashlynn R. Hartung, Student, Crookston Christopher J. Kesler, Student, Crookston Kyle J. Lilly, Affliate Co. Rep. Cannon Falls Jon Todd Lokken, Student, Anoka Tanner W. Walsh, Student, Crookston MISSISSIPPI Ashley A. Averitt, Student, Mississippi State NEBRASKA Eric J. Bruening, Student, Lincoln Adam Steward, Student, Lincoln NEW HAMPSHIRE Jerome J. LaChance III, Supt. Mbr., Newmarket NEW JERSEY Michael J. Handley, Student, New Brunswick Frederick S. Mitchell, Class C, Bridgewater Denis P. Nash, Student, New Brunswick Eric B. Simpson, Class C, Bedminster Ryan W. Sitler, Student, New Brunswick

NEW MEXICO Derek Butt, Class C, Albuquerque Lindsay M. Keller, Student, Las Cruces NEW YORK Chad K. Murphy, Class C, Saratoga Springs NORTH CAROLINA Danny E. Ford, Supt. Mbr., Cashiers Callie P. Freeman, Affliate, Cape Carteret Scott R. Griffn, Class C, Wilmington NORTH DAKOTA Dane M. Olsen, Student, Fargo OHIO Stuart J. Horwood, Student, Columbus Andrew R. Hughes, Student, Columbus Andrew R. Kaprosy, Student, Willoughby Lucie Korinkova, Student, Columbus David C. Leach, Student, Columbus Robert K. Leask, Student, Columbus Jun Lei, Student, Columbus Jose S. Lobao, Student, Columbus Robert C. Muir, Student, Columbus Reese J. Overly, Student, Columbus Chase H. Rawlins, Class C, New Albany Peter A.G. Smith, Student, Columbus Kerrod Tuckett, Student, Columbus James G. McDermott, Student, Columbus OKLAHOMA Ryan A. Bailey, Class C, Shawnee Shawn T. Misner, Class C, Edmond Zane Morris, Student, Oklahoma City Michael Payne, Class C, Edmond PENNSYLVANIA Mark Coffelt, Affliate Co. Rep., Willow Grove Alex J. DeHaven, Student, State College William Ellinger, Student, State College Jim Ellis, Affliate Co. Rep., Willow Grove Joe G. Figaniak, Class C, Warminster Greg Fukumitsu, Affliate Co. Rep., Willow Grove Terry Hartman, Associate, Millersville Jonathan A. Moss, Student, University Park Daniel A. Picca, Student, State College Carlos A. Sanes, Student, University Park Geoffrey K. Snelling, Student, State College Phil Spitz, Affliate Co. Rep., Willow Grove Isaac J. Weintraub, Student, University Park SOUTH CAROLINA Samuel J. Adams, Student, Conway

Matt Simril, Supt. Mbr., Conway Bradley T. Stokes, Student, Conway SOUTH DAKOTA Charles B. Halbert Jr., Supt. Mbr., Redfeld TENNESSEE Daniel S. Farnsworth, Student, Knoxville TEXAS Chase Michael Brister, Student, College Station Nick J. Miller, Class C, Wichita Falls Bruce E. Vento, Student, College Station VIRGINIA Dylan Payne, Student, Blacksburg Brian A. Walker, Affliate, Charles City WASHINGTON Fredric S. Michel, Class C, Seattle WISCONSIN Darryl Jaraczewski, Class C, Fish Creek AUSTRALIA Mitchell G. Hayes, ISM, Yeerongpilly AZERBAIJAN Luke C.P. Dodge, ISM, Baku Simon Douglas, ISM, Quba CANADA Chris Bozanin, Associate, Thornhill, Ontario Keith Butt, Class C, Point Claire, Quebec Daniel Contino, Class C, Ile Bizard, Quebec Bryce W. Cox, Class C, Calgary, Alberta David Currie, Associate, Thornhill, Ontario Jamie E. Cutting, ISM, Dundas, Ontario Guillaume Despres, ISM, Sainte Luc, Quebec Anthony Duh, Associate, Calgary, Alberta Adam R. Hooper, Class C, Tecumseh, Ontario Dany Jean, Class C, Ste.-Julie, Quebec Denis Jeanneau, Associate, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Joel Johnston, ISM, Port Stanley, Ontario Reginald Charles Langen, Class C, Richmond Hill, Ontario Brian J. Lewicki, Student, Guelph, Ontario Carl Loignon, Class C, Ste.-Julie, Quebec Jean-Francois Marinier, ISM, Tracy, Quebec Bill Martel, Affliate Co. Rep., Newmarket, Ontario

Jim McEachern, Associate, DeWinton, Alberta Peter M. Rodrigues, ISM, Coquitlam, British Columbia Ryan L. Schreiber, ISM, Kanala, Ontario Stuart D. Sheridan, Class C, West Vancouver, British Columbia Paul D. Sullivan, Student, Guelph, Ontario Gavin R. Worden, Affliate Co. Rep., Newmarket, Ontario Jadynn Wolfe, Student, Winnipeg, Manitoba ENGLAND Adrian McCullough, Student, Preston FIJI Mark T. Stanley, ISM, Nadi NIGERIA Pius Owobu, Class C, Offa PHILIPPINES Garry Viajante, ISM, Aunnauza Dos, Lacpinas City SOUTH KOREA Yu Jin Sang, ISM, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do Kwon Jin Young, ISM, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

UNITED KINGDOM John Reid, Student, Fife, Scotland

NEWLY CERTIFIED Jordan C. Booth, CGCS, Willow Oaks Country Club, Richmond, Va. James M. Paresi, CGCS, Saratoga Country Club, Saratoga, Calif.

ON THE MOVE

ARIZONA Aaron J. Thomas, formerly (A) at Hawks Landing Golf Club, is now (A) at Camelback Golf Club in Paradise Valley. Brandon K. Williams, formerly (A) at Corte Bella Golf Club, is now (A) at Gainey Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale. ARKANSAS Winston Turpin, formerly (C) at Pinnacle Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers.

CALIFORNIA Adam M. Drewyor, formerly (C) at TPC Louisiana, is now (C) at Heritage Palms in Indio. Christopher Eckstrom, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Arrowhead Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Course at Wente Vineyards in Livermore. Zach T. Hall, formerly (C) at De Bell Course at DeBell Golf Course, is now (C) at Emerald Lakes Golf Course in Elk Grove. Casey Kim, CGCS, formerly (A) at Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course, is now (A) at Montecito Country Club in Santa Barbara. Fernando Moran, formerly (S) at California Polytechnic Pomona University, is now (C) at Mission Viejo Country Club in Mission Viejo. Tony Spannaus, formerly (C) at Pronghorn Golf, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Indian Wells Golf Resort in Indian Wells. Eric M. Styck, formerly (C) at The Olympic Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at The Olympic Club in San Francisco. Eric W. Ullrich, formerly (C) at Lakeside Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Sunset Hills Country Club in Thousand Oaks. CONNECTICUT Ryan Andrew, formerly (C) at Great River

Golf Club, is now (C) at Wee Burn Country Club in Darien. Brett H. Richards, formerly (C) at Sleepy Hollow Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Heritage Village Country Club in Southbury. FLORIDA Thomas C. Delman, formerly (C) at Deer Creek Golf Club, is now (C) at Palm Beach National Golf & Country Club in Lake Worth. Louis W. Eckhart IV, formerly (C) at Belfair Plantation, is now (C) at Isleworth Country Club in Windermere. Kenton R. Gamache, formerly (C) at Anthem Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Davie Golf and Country Club in Davie. Beth A. Helfer, formerly (C) at Ocala Palms Golf Club, is now (C) at The Links of Spruce Creek in Summerfeld. Michael K. McNamara, formerly (A) at Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club, is now (A) at TPC Prestancia in Sarasota. Jackson Reiswig, formerly (C) at Coral Creek Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Coral Creek Club in Placida. GEORGIA Ben L. Anderson, formerly (C) at Stone Mountain Golf Course, is now (C) at Chero-

kee Town & Country Club in Atlanta. Brad Tremmier, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Polo Golf & Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at RiverPines Golf Course in Johns Creek. Jeffrey W. Wagner, formerly (C) at Blackstone Country Club, is now (C) at Canongate Golf in Sharpsburg. HAWAII Kyle D. Squires, formerly (C) at Kohanaiki, is now (C) at Makena Golf Courses in Kihei. IDAHO Thomas D. Ask, CGCS, formerly (A) at Missoula Country Club, is now (A) at Hayden Lake Country Club in Hayden. ILLINOIS Ryan Cummins, formerly (C) at Medinah Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Medinah Country Club in Medinah. Lucas A. Palczewski, formerly (C) at Oakland Hills Country Club, is now (C) at Wynstone Golf Club in Barrington. INDIANA Nathan P. Fair, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at

Delaware Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Wolf Run Golf Club in Zionsville. IOWA Bob Begey, formerly (C) at Jester Park Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Jester Park Golf Course in Granger. MAINE Michael J. Foster, formerly (AA), is now (A) at Jato Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln. MARYLAND Benjamin A. Baker, formerly (C) at Mountain Branch Golf Course, is now (C) at Lakewood Country Club in Rockville. David Corley, formerly (C) at Baltimore County Revenue Authority, is now (AS) at Baltimore Country Club in Baltimore. Jonathan Lobenstine, formerly (A) at Falls Road Golf Course, is now (A) at Montgomery County Golf in Rockville. Andrew Puddester, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Penderbrook Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Crofton Country Club in Crofton. Andrew Robertson, formerly (C) at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Bretton Woods Recreation Center in

02.14 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

121

Germantown. MASSACHUSETTS Matt Gajda, formerly (C) at Essex County Club, is now (C) at Kernwood Country Club in Salem. Mark V. MacDonald, formerly (S) at University of Massachusetts, is now (C) at Walpole Country Club in Walpole. MICHIGAN Rick Hakken, formerly (A) at Marywood Golf Course & Banquet Center, is now (A) at Kalamazoo Country Club in Kalamazoo. MINNESOTA Stephen Klingelhoets, formerly (C) at Spring Hill Golf Club, is now (C) at Golden Valley Country Club in Minneapolis. MISSOURI Brent Stephenson, formerly (A) at Deer Creek Golf Course, is now (A) at Staley Farms Golf Club in Kansas City. MONTANA Ryan C. Blechta, formerly (C) at Yellowstone Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at The Club at Spanish Peaks in Big Sky. Nick Marquesen, formerly (C) at The

122

Ranch Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Missoula Country Club in Missoula. NEBRASKA Jason Allen, formerly (AF) at Floratine Midwest, is now (C) at Omaha Country Club in Omaha. NEW JERSEY Scott Braun, formerly (C) at Maplewood Country Club, is now (C) at Essex County Country Club in West Orange. Tyler Otero, formerly (A) at Trump National Golf Club-Bedminster, is now (A) at North Jersey Country Club in Wayne. NEW YORK Terry J. Davio, formerly (C) at Glens Falls Country Club, is now (C) at Sagamore Resort and Golf Club in Bolton Landing. Daniel J. Lusty, formerly (S) at Michigan State University, is now (C) at Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale. Jeffrey L. Seeman, formerly (A) at Calverton Links, is now (A) at Poxabogue Golf Course in Wainscott. Robert P. Steinman, CGCS, formerly (AF) at Metro Turf Specialists, is now (AF) at Synergy Turf Supply in Wappingers Falls.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

NORTH CAROLINA Rodney D. Crouse, formerly (C) at Tam Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Shanter Country Club, is now (C) at Pine Brook Country Club in Winston-Salem. OHIO Ronald Baker, formerly (A) at Hammock Beach Resort, is now (A) at Ohio State University Golf Courses in Columbus. Vanja Drasler, formerly (S) at Penn State University, is now (S) at Ohio State University in Columbus. Brett T. Swain, formerly (C) at StoneWater Golf Club, is now (C) at The Mayfeld Sand Ridge Golf Club in Chardon. OKLAHOMA Tyson J. Thill, formerly (A) at Gleneagles Country Club, is now (A) at Oak Tree Country Club in Edmond. OREGON Carmen Magro, CGCS, formerly (AF) at Planstar Inc., is now (AF) at Stevens Water Monitoring in Portland. Trevor Thorp, formerly (C) at The Plateau Club, is now (C) at Grants Pass Golf Club in Grants Pass.

PENNSYLVANIA Derek B. Wentling, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Blue Mountainview Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Lebanon Valley Golf Course in Myerstown. SOUTH DAKOTA Carson H. Wika, formerly (C) at South Dakota State University, is now (C) at Elkhorn Ridge Golf Course in Spearfsh. TEXAS Justin Allen, formerly (C) at Tierra Verde Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Lake Arlington Golf Course in Arlington. Halsey Hammond, formerly (C) at Austin Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Falconhead Golf Club in Austin. Brett A. Sheguit, formerly (S) at Texas State Technical College, is now (C) at Spanish Oaks Golf Club in Austin. Jordan S. Young, formerly (S) at Tarleton State University, is now (C) at Northwood Club in Dallas. VIRGINIA C. Eric Ferrell, formerly (A) at Augustine Golf Club, is now (A) at Caverns Country Club in Luray.

WASHINGTON Tyler Harris, formerly (S) at Walla Walla Community College, is now (AS) at Rainier Golf & Country Club in Seattle. WYOMING Riley L. Stottern, CGCS, formerly (AA), is now (AA) at Golf Greens of America in Jackson. BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS Jimmy Germana, formerly (C) at Blue Tip Golf Course, is now (ISM) at Blue Tip Golf Course in Grand Cayman. CANADA Justin Brown, formerly (AF) at Tree to Tree Nurseries, is now (AF) at City of Calgary in Calgary. NEW ZEALAND Sinclair Hogan, formerly (ISM) at Carrington Club, is now (ISM) at Wairakei Golf+Sanctuary in Taupo. NICARAGUA Joseba A. Luna Tineo, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Caracas Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Nejapa Golf & Country Club in Managua. RUSSIA Denis Koltykhov, formerly (ISM) at Tseleevo Golf & Polo Club, is now (ISM) at Golf Services LLC in Moscow. TURKEY Gary J. Finnerty, formerly (ISM) at Lykia World & Links Golf Antalya, is now (ISM) at Carrya Golf Club in Belek. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Martin Mcgavock, formerly (ISM) at The International Golf Club, is now (ISM) at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai.

IN MEMORIAM Lloyd M. Burkholder, 87, died Nov. 25, 2013. Mr. Burkholder, a 59-year member

of GCSAA, grew up in Fairfax, Va., and entered the golf course management profession in 1941 at Fairfax Country Club. He worked most of his career in northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley as a superintendent and consultant. He retired in 2003 at Shenvalee in New Market, Va. Mr. Burkholder was a founding member of the Shenandoah Valley Turfgrass Association and served as its frst president. He received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Virginia Turfgrass Council Award. Mr. Burkholder is survived by his wife, Virginia; daughters Paula B. Reynolds and Charlotte R. Burkholder; brothers Gordon M. Burkholder and Stanley M. Burkholder; sons-in-law Frank Papa and Robert Reynolds; grandchildren Ashley L. Papa and Michael L. Papa; and many nieces and nephews. Lloyd Clifton, 89, died Dec. 10, 2013. Mr. Clifton was a Fellow of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA). Clifton and his frm may be best known for their design work and master planning at The Villages in central Florida, which is one of the world’s largest golf communities. Clifton’s layouts include Grey Oaks, Naples, Fla.; Highland Creek, Charlotte, N.C.; and Plantation Bay, Ormond Beach, Fla. Clifton was one of the frst recipients of the Florida Turfgrass Association’s “Wreath of Grass” award in 1961. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Jean; sons Lloyd Jr., George and Craig; their wives; six grandchildren and fve great-grandchildren. Dennis Laufenberg, 52, died June 24, 2013. Mr. Laufenberg was the golf course superintendent at Rolling Hills Country Club in Versailles, Mo. Mr. Laufenberg, who was an avid golfer, is survived by his wife, Shannon; son, Nick (Amanda) Laufenberg; daughter, Chelsea Laufenberg; mother, Dorothy Yarnell; and sisters Diana (Mark) Puck, Georgia and Jeanne Fox.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT (ISSN 0192-3048 [print]; ISSN 2157-3085 [online]) is published monthly by GCSAA Communications Inc., 1421 Research Park Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049-3859, 785-841-2240. Subscriptions (all amounts U.S. funds only): $60 a year. Outside the United States and Canada, write for rates. Single copy: $5 for members, $7.50 for nonmembers. Offce of publication and editorial offce is at GCSAA, 1421 Research Park Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049-3859. Periodicals postage paid at Lawrence, Kan., and at additional mailing offces. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: Golf Course Management, 1421 Research Park Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049. CANADA POST: Publications mail agreement No. 40030949. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to P.O. Box 122, Niagara Falls, ONT L2E 6S8.

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Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC ................. Cover 4 (909) 308-1633 ..................................................... www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com

BoardTronics...................................................... 6-7 (800) 782-9938 ............................boardtronics.com

Neary Technologies ............................................. 11 (800) 233-4973 ......................... www.nearytec.com

U.S. Aqua Vac Inc. .......................................... Cover (866) 989-6825 ...................... www.usaquavac.com

Broyhill Inc. ..................................................... 126 (909) 343-2100 ........................ www.broyhill.com

New Life Turf ...................................................... 41 (803) 263-4231 ...................... www.newlifeturf.com

Buffalo Turbine ............................................... 112 (716) 592-2700 ..............www.buffaloturbine.com

Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies, Inc. ........ 123 (604) 408-6697 .............................www.ostara.com

Champion Turf Farms ......................................... 8-9 (888) 290-7377 ..........www.championturffarms.com

Peat, Inc. .......................................................... 125 (800) 441-1880 ........................... www.peatinc.com

East Coast Sod & Seed ...................................... 125 (856) 769-9555 ...................www.eastcoastsod.com

Penn State University ........................................ 117 (800) 233-4973 .............www.worldcampus.psu.edu

Foley United .................................................23, 77 (800) 225-9810 .................. www.foleyunited.com

Phoenix UPI ........................................................ 37 (888) 250-8856 ...............www.phoenixenvcare.com

GCSAA Services......................... 49, 65, 90-91, 109 (800) 447-1840 ...............................www.gcsaa.org

Pifer ................................................................. 125 (888) 442-8442 ..........................www.pifergolf.com

Georgia Seed Development Commission ..... Insert (303) 431-7333 ........................ www.tifeagle.com

PlanetAir Turf Products ..................................... 27 (877) 800-8845 .........................www.planetair.biz

Golf-Lift Div. Derek Weaver Co., Inc. ............... 125 (800) 788-9789 .........................www.golf-lift.com

Plant Food Co. Inc. .......................................... 120 (800) 562-1291 ................. www.plantfoodco.com

Golf Preservations ............................................. 113 (606) 499-2732 .............www.golfpreservations.com

Ryan .................................................................. 87 (866) 469-1242 .......................... www.ryanturf.com

Greenleaf Technologies................................... 121 (760 )485-2936 .....................www.turbodrop.com

Seago International, Inc. ................................. 127 (800) 780-9889 .....................www.seagousa.com

Lebanon Turf ................................................14-15 (800) 350-6650 ............... www.lebanonturf.com/

GreensGroomer Worldwide, Inc......................... 35 (888) 298-8852 ext. 500 ....................................... www.greensgroomer.com/

Select Source ..................................................... 47 ..........................................www.selectsourcellc.net/

Par Aide Products Co.......................................... 2-3 (513) 470-0160 ...........................www.paraide.com

Grigg Bros. ........................................................ 81 (888) 623-7285 .....................www.griggbros.com

PBI Gordon Corp.........................................21, 119 (800) 971-7233 .................... www.pbigordon.com

Growth Products Ltd. ........................................ 29 (800) 648-7626 ...........www.growthproducts.com

Precision Laboratories, Inc. ...................59, 61, 63 (800) 323-6280 .................www.precisionlab.com

Helena Chemical Company ............................... 53 (901) 752-4414 ........... www.helenachemical.com

Quali-Pro ............................................................ 17 (888) 584-6598 .........................www.quali-pro.com

King Ranch ......................................................... 73 (800) 445-2602 ....................... www.miniverde.com

The Toro Co. .......................................66-67, IFC-1 (888) 664-7489 ..........www.toro.com/leaderboard

GOLD PARTNERS

SILVER PARTNERS Andersons Inc., The .......................................... 25 (800) 253-5296 .............. www.AndersonsPro.com Arysta LifeScience .............................................. 69 (866) 761-9397 ............. www.arystalifescience.com Barenbrug USA ................................................. 33 (800) 547-4101 ......................... www.barusa.com Baroness ............................................................ 19 (707)283-0610 ............................ www.baroness.us Bayer Environmental Sciences ......................... 89 (800) 643-4266 ............ www.backedbybayer.com Civitas Fungicide (a.k.a.Petro Canada) .................. 13 .................................................www.civitasturf.com Club Car ........................................................ 54-55 (800) 445-6680 ........................... www.clubcar.com E-Z-GO Textron ................................................... 71 (800) 732-8873 ...............................www.ezgo.com Floratine Products Group .................................. 93 (901) 853-2898 ....................... www.foratine.com

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ADVERTISERS

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

Smithco, Inc................................................. Cover 3 (877) 833-7648 .......................... www.smithco.com Stabilizer Solutions, Inc...................................... 122 (800) 336-2468 ............www.stabilizersolutions.com Steiner ............................................................... 62 (866) 469-1242 .........www.steinerturf.com/golftrade Stevenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Water Monitoring ................................. 108 (215) 908-0044 ...................www.stevenswater.com

*Denotes regional advertisement, Bold denotes affliate member

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02.14 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

125

126

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 02.14

The Best Equipment. On Earth. Seago scours the globe to bring the fnest specialized turf care equipment to golf courses throughout the Americas.

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02.14 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

127

Photographer Todd Salamone • Title Assistant golf course superintendent • Course Village Club of Sands Point (N.Y.) • GCSAA membership Three-year member • The shot After wrapping up the mowing of the 14th green at the Village Club at Sands Point — located on the northwestern edge of Long Island, just across Long Island Sound from the Bronx — Salamone captured this shot showing both the fruits of his labor, thanks to the dew on the green, and the picturesque backdrop that greets golfers on this hole. • Camera Motorola Razr HD

Do you have a photograph that you’d like the GCM staff to consider for The Final Shot? You can submit photos for consideration by e-mail to thefnalshot@gcsaa.org or to GCM editor-in-chief Scott Hollister at shollister@gcsaa.org.

‘‘

The Smithco Star Command Spray System

saved us major time and chemistry at my last course…so when I moved to Quail Hollow,

my first purchase was another Star Command. Chris Deariso; Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, NC

’’

3 integrated modules make the hard-to-believe happen.

Start with the finest sprayers made, factory-fitted with the Smithco/Capstan® SharpShooter,® Blended Pulse Technology and GPS enabled Raven Envizio Pro.

• Spray at speeds from 2 to 10 mph at a wide range of application rates. Automatically. • Never overspray again. Monitor shows an “As-Applied” map of the application. • Save up to 30% on chemicals and one-third on labor annually.

Then start enjoying all this: application rates from 0.4 gallons per 1000 sq. feet (GPT) to as much as 5 GPT at operating speeds from 2 to 10 mph and at any pressure necessary. AUTOMATICALLY.

Get the whole story at...

You'll see an “As-Applied” map of all this on your monitor as it’s taking place. Each nozzle automatically and instantly shuts off over areas that have already been sprayed and back on over unsprayed areas.