Golf Course Management – March 2015 by Golf Course Management

INSIDE: Managing fairway fuel spills

PAGE 84

GCM G

aation of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

Reference materials 40 Frozen festivities 56 PGA National’s team spirit 66

Mass. appeal Massachusetts-born, Jersey-based, John O’Keefe, CGCS, is GCSAA’s 79th president PAGE 44

Golf Course Management Magazine www.gcsaa.org • March 2015

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TURFONOMICS

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The ffth hole at Sweetens Cove GC in South Pittsburg, Tenn. Photo courtesy of Sweetens Cove

CONTENTS03.15

Living the dream

Newly elected GCSAA President John O’Keefe, CGCS, exemplifies the American dream. Howard Richman

Freeze warning Building and maintaining an ice rink for members at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord, Mass., isn’t all smooth skating for Greg Cormier, CGCS. Greg Cormier, CGCS

Bear tamers

A shared sense of teamwork helps Jane Broderick and Lukus Harvey keep a handle on all 90 holes of golf at the busy PGA National Resort and Spa. Michael R. Abramowitz

Don’t call it a comeback Mark Black, CGCS, and Quail West tackle a renovation project designed to modernize greens at the club and keep it among south Florida’s elite. Hal Phillips

On the Cover: GCSAA 2015 President John O’Keefe, CGCS, was photographed at Preakness Hills Country Club in Wayne, N.J., by John O’Boyle.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

INSIGHTS

Turf

Shop

Low-input vs. traditional Saving cranks and turfgrass: Runoff quantity other shafts Scott R. Nesbitt and quality Pamela Rice, Ph.D. Brian Horgan, Ph.D.

RESEARCH Petroleum diesel and biodiesel spills affect fairways differently The effects of petroleum diesel and two types of biodiesel were tested on three turfgrass genera in Arkansas. Donald M. Johnson, Ph.D. Don W. Edgar, Ph.D. Douglas E. Karcher, Ph.D. Michael D. Richardson, Ph.D. John H. McCalla, M.S.

36 Environment 38

Reaching far and wide Chava McKeel

Racing against resistance

Career

References: Makee them count Carol D. Rau, PHR

Cutting Edge

99 Teresa Carson

USGA research reports Reports of USGA-funded research related to golf course management.

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

Advocacy

ETCETERA03.15 82 Up to speed 98 Verdure 100 Product news 102 Industry news

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

106 Climbing the ladder 106 On course 107 Coming up 107 On the move

108 In the field 115 New members 116 In memoriam 120 Final shot

BIGGER. FA STER.

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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

CPR® 4-0-1 Turf Fertilizer • Seaplant based formula assists turf with managing plant stresses • Contains three forms of chelated iron, manganese, sulfur and zinc • Delivers consistent and long lasting color

Chief Executive Offcer Chief Business Development Offcer

KEITH KEIT A. IHMS, CGCS JOHN JOH J. O’KEEFE, CGCS PETER PET J. GRASS, CGCS PATRICK PAT R. FINLEN, CGCS RAFAEL BARAJAS, CGCS RAF DARREN DAR J. DAVIS, CGCS JOHN JOH R. FULLING JR., CGCS MARK MAR F. JORDAN, CGCS BILL H. MAYNARD, CGCS J. RHETT R EVANS 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

SCOTT SCO HOLLISTER sho shollister@gcsaa.org BUNNY BUN SMITH bsmith@gcsaa.org bsm TERESA TER CARSON tcar tcarson@gcsaa.org HOWARD HOW RICHMAN hric hrichman@gcsaa.org ROGER ROG BILLINGS rbillings@gcsaa.org rbill KELLY KEL NEIS kneis@gcsaa.org kne BRETT BRE LEONARD bleo bleonard@gcsaa.org

GCSAA This Week/Turf Weekly l Editor

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ADVERTISING 800-472-7878 Managing Director Marketing and Business Development Sr. Manager, Business Development Lead International Developer Account Development Managers

ANGELA ANG HARTMANN aha ahartmann@gcsaa.org

MATT MAT BROWN mbrown@gcsaa.org mbr JIM CUMMINS jcummins@gcsaa.org jcum ERIC BOEDEKER eboedeker@gcsaa.org ebo BRE BRETT ILIFF biliff@gcsaa.org bilif KARIN KAR CANDRL kca kcandrl@gcsaa.org SHE SHELLY URISH suri surish@gcsaa.org

The articles, discussions, research and other information in this publication are advisory only and are not intended as a substitute for specifc manufacturer instructions or training for the processes discussed, or in the use, application, storage and handling of the products mentioned. Use of this information is voluntary and within the control and discretion of the reader. ©2015 by GCSAA Communications Inc., all rights reserved.

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(president’s message)

The customer is always right All of us have memories of our frst real John J. O’Keefe, CGCS job. turfjok@aol.com For some, that memory might be of a simple household chore such as doing the dishes or taking out the trash. For others, it might be pitching in on the family farm where the only real payback was a sore back and the appreciation of your mother and father. And still others might identify the frst job that provided them with a real paycheck for their efforts as the point they offcially crossed But in the end, I over into the American workforce. My recollections of my frst real job surwon’t measure my round mowing lawns for a local landscaping year as GCSAA company during the summers around my hometown of Lenox, Mass. The lawns tended president by a to be large and the work could be hard, but I was proud of what I did and the few dollars it series of individual did generate improved my life greatly. At no point, though, did I think what I triumphs or was doing would set the stage for what would setbacks. Instead, become my career. I had other thoughts and other plans at that age, but that modest start I will ask myself the led to a job managing the grounds at a nearby condominium community which ultimately same question that led me to a turf degree from the University I’m sure many of of Massachusetts and to the long, memorable career that I have today. you ask yourselves All of these steps along the way came back to me often in recent months and were cerwhen evaluating tainly in clear focus when I was fortunate enough to be elected by the membership of your own golf GCSAA as the association’s 79th president courses: Are my last month in San Antonio. It was a humbling experience, to be sure, but one that I members happy? feel is the next logical step along my journey in this great career that we all share. Leading up to that election and in the weeks that have followed, I have been asked many times what I hope to accomplish in my year as GCSAA president, what a successful year would look like. And while I’ve always recognized that success is no individual endeavor and comes in many different shapes and sizes, I would look back on my year in this offce without regret if we were able to keep GCSAA on the same positive, upward path that those who have come before me have set us upon.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

Success would mean we continued our dogged pursuit of the association’s strategic vision of becoming the global leader in golf course management by the year 2020. It would mean that membership standards remain front and center among GCSAA members and that we learned more about what association membership means to them today and what it should mean to them in the future. A successful 2015 would maintain the great momentum we have achieved in the areas of advocacy and government relations, with the respect and authority that our industry has gained among legislators at the national, state and local levels only growing in the next 12 months. And it might also include a deep dive into ways we can build upon what in my mind has been one of this association’s greatest victories in recent years, the establishment of our feld staff program. But in the end, I won’t measure my year as GCSAA president by a series of individual triumphs or setbacks. Instead, I will ask myself the same question that I’m sure many of you ask yourselves when evaluating your own golf courses: Are my members happy? Are they satisfed with my work and the results that we were able to achieve in the past year? If the answer you hear is “yes,” chances are you sleep well at night after a long day at work, knowing that the most important constituents you have — those who play your golf course on a regular basis — are pleased. And in the same vein, if the members of GCSAA tell me that they are pleased with the direction of the association and with the programs and services that we offer, then I, too, will be content that my year of service in this position has been for the better and that we remain frmly on the path toward achieving GCSAA’s mission, vision and goals.

John J. O’Keefe, CGCS, is the director of golf course management at Preakness Hills Country Club in Wayne, N.J., and a 35-year member of GCSAA.

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(inside gcm)

Meeting tomorrow’s megachallenges Scott Hollister shollister@gcsaa.org twitter: @GCM_Magazine

Many recognize that superintendents are taking the initiative on this issue, that they want to do the right things and that they’re prepared to do even more.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

When you work in the business of golf course management, you know that any news story with the word “megadrought” in the headline isn’t going to be a pleasant read. And, true to form, the stories that began to pop up in the national news in early February touting a study by NASA, Cornell University and Columbia University that predicts decades-long drought conditions for large swaths of the U.S. Southwest and Plains regions over the next century was anything but good news, not just for golf but for society in general. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, concludes that future drought risk in those areas is likely to exceed the driest conditions since the Middle Ages, with a staggering 80 percent likelihood of extended drought between 2050 and 2099. The reasons cited for this drought? Accelerating climate change gets its fair share of the blame, but the scientists mainly point to a problem with supply and demand as the reasons for their dire predictions — water supplies in these parts of the U.S. simply can’t keep up with the demands placed upon them by the number of people who now call these areas home. “Ultimately, the consistency of our results suggests an exceptionally high risk of multidecadal megadroughts … (and) a level of aridity exceeding even the persistent megadroughts that characterized the Medieval era,” the study concludes. Ominous words, to be sure. But if you’re looking for a sliver of hope amid all the doom and gloom, the scientists did attach a pretty big condition to their predictions. If aggressive steps are taken to address the many factors contributing to drought, they say, then there is a chance the overall impact of future droughts can be mitigated. If not, well … So what does this all mean for golf course superintendents, aside from the fact golf will likely be the least of the worries for future superintendents if these predictions play out? As I see it, the most immediate takeaway was that our industry, on the whole, has already started taking the kinds of steps suggested in the report in regard to water management and usage. A prime example of those steps was

“Golf and Water: Evolving Best Management Practices,” a water summit that took place recently in Pasadena, Calif., that GCM’s Howard Richman chronicles on Page 24 of this month’s issue. The summit brought together the region’s major players in both golf course management and water to discuss ways they could not only coexist, but also work together to form proactive plans of attack in the face of the current drought plaguing the Golden State. They shared stories of participating in turf rebate programs, installing more effcient irrigation nozzles, switching pump stations … anything that might help superintendents more wisely and effectively utilize this crucial resource in the face of crippling drought conditions. It’s probably fair to argue whether events such as “Golf and Water” or even the specifc steps discussed at the summit go far enough in addressing the dire situation facing us all. Shouldn’t we all be doing much, much more in the face of an impending megadrought? The easy answer to that question is yes. But boiling down the entire debate about water management and drought to this level misses the broader point, in my opinion. Sure, we all should be doing more to conserve water and preserve supplies for future generations. We also should be doing more to end world hunger, cure cancer, end global conficts. The real point is that we’re at least doing something about our water woes, and as is often the case, golf and superintendents are leading the way. Thanks to the hard work of many, legislators from the national, state and local levels, municipal water regulators and even members of the general public recognize that superintendents are taking the initiative on this issue, that they want to do the right things and that they’re prepared to do even more. And when trying to solve a problem as big as an impending megadrought, it’s those initial steps that form a foundation for what ultimately will become a fnal solution. Scott Hollister is GCM’s editor-in-chief.

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One of a kind

“Like a boyhood dream,” Strutt, 45, tells GCM about his one-ofa-kind feat. Years ago, not everyone believed in Strutt, course manager at gWest, a golf resort in Perthshire, Scotland. It was that train of thought that fueled his inspiration to reach for the stars. “I remember at the age of 14 being told publicly by my high school

Photo by Mark Alexander

Words nobody really wants to hear ultimately launched Lee Strutt into unique territory. In early 2015, Strutt became the frst person to achieve the three major professional certifcations in golf course management — GCSAA’s Certifed Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS), the British International Golf Greenkeepers Association’s Master Greenkeeper (MG) and the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association’s Master Superintendent (MS).

By the By th h NUMBERS

Record-setting putting greens

Lee Strutt (right) receives his Master Superintendent certifcate from 2014 Canadian GCSA President Christian Pilson during the BIGGA Turf Management Expo in Harrogate, England. Strutt is the frst superintendent to achieve certifcation from GCSAA, BIGGA and the Canadian GCSA. Photo courtesy of BIGGA

14/154 Width (in yards)/square yards of world’s smallest championship green, the 5th hole at England’ss West Essex Golf Club*

28,000 Square footage of the world’s largest championship green, the par-6 No. 5 at the International Club in Bolton, Mass.†

-250 Feet below sea level of the world’s lowest elevation putting greens, at Furnace Creek Golf Course in Death Valley, Calif.¶

11,000 Height (in feet above sea level) of the world’s highest golf course greens, at La Paz Golf Club in Bolivia.¶ Source: *www.answers.com † www.intotherough.co.uk ¶ www.fyingbluegolf.com

GOLF COURSE CO OURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15 5

teacher that I would never achieve anything. I think initially I shrugged it off and didn’t really care,” Strutt says, “but later in my career it became my driving force to never give up and allow my high school teacher to be right.” 2014 GCSAA president Keith A. Ihms, CGCS, took note of Strutt’s deed. “What an incredible professional accomplishment. The commitment demonstrated by Lee to complete the requirements for these three certifcation programs speaks to his commitment to education and his desire to learn but also to his commitment to the golf course superintendents’ profession and the game of golf as well,” Ihms says. Strutt completed the trifecta by adding the MS designation. “The MS was very intense. To try and focus on a whole range of subjects from agronomy to management for the exam with the added pressure of having to answer 300 questions in six hours, effectively one every 90 seconds,”. . . the 14-year GCSAA member says. A job in agriculture was on Strutt’s initial career to-do list. His parents managed a bar before operating the food and beverage department at a golf course, which also ft perfectly into his plan. “I had worked summer holidays and weekends on a local farm and loved being outside, working with machinery. It was heaven,” Strutt says. “The UK had a downturn in agriculture, so my parents encouraged me to try to fulfll my outdoor desires by working on the golf course. Instantly, I took to golf maintenance, especially the smell of cut grass.” His frst job at a golf course was Bath Golf Club in England, where Strutt served a three-year apprenticeship under head greenkeeper Derek Cheetham. The journey to this point in Strutt’s career has helped him understand what it takes to be successful. “Dedication and never giving up is my goal, and understanding that the route to your goal won’t be easy and changing direction is sometimes the only way forward when it feels like you are going backward,” Strutt says. w

“Accept that you will never know everything, but continue to learn toward a better understanding. Be prepared for setbacks, but never give up.” Strutt reeled off a list of those people who have made his achievement possible. They include Curtis Tyrrell, CGCS, MG at Medinah (Ill.) Country Club; Jimmy Kidd from Gleneagles in Scotland; David Duke, CGCS, MG at the Golf and Country Club Seddiner See in Germany; Andy Campbell, CGCS, MG with Ransomes Jacobsen; Ken Siems, CGCS at Scotland’s Pestovo Golf Club; and Eric Foerster, CGCS, MG at Ironbridge Golf Club in Colorado Springs. “I’m indebted to my peers for sharing their great wealth of knowledge and to my mentors for steering me with their wise words, encouragement, faith and trust to keep achieving,” he says. It took a while for Strutt to secure all three designations. Fourteen years ago, he reached MG status. In 2004, he began the path toward certifcation with GCSAA but says for personal reasons he placed that goal on the back burner, fnally accomplishing it last year. That is when he embarked on chasing the fnal designation. “No one else has achieved all three, so it’s like a boyhood dream. I could be a pioneer,” Strutt says. — Howard Richman, GCM associate editor

Golf loses two legends Two golf legends passed away in the frst week of February. Charlie Sifford, the frst African-American to play on the PGA Tour, died Feb. 3. Sifford, 92, was GCSAA’s Old Tom Morris Award recipient in 2007. He won twice on the PGA Tour and last year became just the third golfer to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Billy Casper, 83, died Feb. 7. Casper won three major championships (U.S. Opens in 1959 and 1966 and Masters in 1970). He won 51 times on the PGA Tour, including a streak of at least one victory each year from 1956-71.

GSCAA Class A superintendent Jesse Seguin of Brookside GC.

Water summit hopes to make a splash Golf courses and water have a history. Sometimes positive. Sometimes not so positive. A frst-of-its-kind water summit in Southern California in early February called “Golf & Water: Evolving Best Management Practices,” arguably can be considered a groundbreaking event. The goal? Determine ways in which golf courses can alleviate the burden of water usage in drought-stricken, water-strapped California.

411 4

The

Movers and shakers from multiple industries came to Brookside Golf Course, adjacent to the famed Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., united to confront the situation that has extended beyond serious. In January, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicated that Southern California is in an “extreme and exceptional” drought. In June 2014, California offcials declared a statewide drought emergency and Gov. Jerry Brown called for a 20 percent across-the-board reduction in water usage. That includes golf courses. Many of them have taken it to heart. The list includes North Ranch Country Club in Westlake Village, Woodland Hills Country Club and Oakmont Country Club in Glendale. They are participating in a turf rebate program sponsored by their respective water districts. For each square foot of turf removed, they receive a $2 rebate. Turf removal means more native areas, which also equals reduced water use. “This (water restrictions) is our No. 1 issue, and it’s not going away,” says Oakmont superintendent Kurt Desiderio, who estimated that his club will save at least $1 million over the next 10 years on water costs. Those who participated in the water summit included GCSAA feld staff members Jeff Jensen and David Phipps, the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA) and the Council for Watershed Health. Also on hand was Pat Gross from the USGA Green Section. He amplifed the message clearly, adding that California is not the only state that should take heed. “That (drought) scares us. We’re living the nightmare right now,” Gross said. “Water is an issue facing the game of golf all over the country.” There is no doubt to Enrique Silva that superintendents

and their golf courses get it. Silva, who works for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s conservation response unit, is known in the area as “The Water Cop.” When it comes to conserving water, Silva sends a message that sounds as if superintendents are the law-abiding type. “You guys are effcient. And I’m going to stand by it,” Silva said. “We have the data.” There are 866 golf courses in California, according to SCGA’s Craig Kessler. Of those, 446 are located in the southern portion of the state, where drought is most prevalent, although other areas aren’t exactly soaked. San Francisco, for instance, did not record measurable rain in January for the frst time since records have been kept (although a series of early February storms provided some relief). As of the water summit, 23 golf courses had either begun or were in the process of participating in the turf rebate program, or what Mike Huck of Irrigation & Turfgrass Services referred to in his keynote speech as “cash for grass.” UC-Riverside’s Jim Baird, Ph.D., noted, “We’re at 47 million acres and dwindling.” A stumbling block for some California courses is that their water districts have not yet, or may not, participate in the turf rebate program. At the time of the water summit, that included Santa Barbara. GCSAA Class A superintendent Martin Moore of Birnam Wood Golf Club in Santa Barbara says his course was paying $9 per unit of water. “It’s not like we’re the only ones. Our members are having to cut back,” says Moore, a 36-year association member. “Everybody’s out reading their water meters.” The host for the water summit event, Brookside, par-

DID YOU KNOW . . . ? Facts and trivia about golflf

The chances of making two holes-in-one in a round of golf are one in 67 million

Balls travel signifcantly further on hot days. A golfer swinging a club at around 100 mph will carry the driver up to eight yards longer for each increase in air temperature of 25° F 125,000 golf balls a year are hit into the water at the famous 17th hole of the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass

375 feet The longest putt ever.

515 yards The longest drive ever.

The driver swing speed of an average female golfer is 62 mph; 96 mph for an average LPGA professional; 84 mph for an average male golfer; 108 mph for an average PGA Tour player; 130 mph for Tiger Woods; 148-152 mph for a national long drive champion.

There are 336 dimples on a regulation golf ball. Th Source: www.intotherough.co.uk

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

Don’t feel bad about your high handicap — 80% of all golfers will never achieve a handicap of less than 18

ticipated in the turf rebate program and removed 21 acres of turf that is being transformed into natural areas, etc. Superintendent Jesse Seguin fgures this is the future of golf in California. And, perhaps elsewhere. “Like I said to my GM, it’s the future of golf. Something needed to be done. I defnitely think it’s something everybody should understand because it impacts our industry,” Seguin said. — Howard Richman, GCM associate editor

Patricia J. Vittum, Ph.D. (center), receives the USGA Green Section Award from Kimberly Erusha (left), managing director of the Green Section, and William L. Katz, a member of the USGA Executive Committee. Photo © USGA/Chris Keane

USGA Annual Meeting goes green

Nearly three decades later, Mitchell says goodbye When Penny Mitchell started at GCSAA, its current headquarters was nothing but a piece of land. No doubt, though, she left an imprint there. Mitchell, senior manager, certifcation, retired Feb. 6 after 28 years at GCSAA. On her last day, current and former GCSAA employees gathered at a local establishment to say their goodbyes. “When I walked into the offce all those years ago, I defnitely was not thinking about a career — just a job,” says Mitchell, who was recalling the association’s former location at nearby Alvamar Golf Club before it moved into its current headquarters in 1991. “So thank you, GCSAA, for making a lifetime career possible for me.”

Watson grant recipients announced Phillip Vines, David Jesperson and Charles (Chas) Schmid each received $5,000 grants as part of GCSAA’s Dr. James Watson Fellowship Program. Vines is a graduate student in turfgrass pathology at Mississippi State University; Jesperson and Schmid are doctoral students at Rutgers University. The Watson fellowship is funded by a partnership between The Toro Co. and GCSAA’s philanthropic organization, the Environmental Institute for Golf. The fellowship is named in honor of the late James R. Watson, Ph.D., a Toro vice president who pioneered turfgrass research. The recipients, students working toward postgraduate degrees, have been identifed as promising future teachers and researchers in the feld of golf course management. They received all-expenses-paid trips to the Golf Industry Show last month in San Antonio.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

Golf course management found itself front and center during the USGA’s Annual Meeting, which took place in New York City in early February. From the presentation of the USGA Green Section Award and discussions of environmental sustainability, green speeds and water usage on golf courses to the upcoming U.S. Open at Chambers Bay Golf Course near Tacoma, Wash., it was clear that matters important to golf course superintendents were also important to the current leadership of the USGA. During an acceptance speech following his election to a second one-year term as the 63rd president of the USGA, Thomas J. O’Toole, Jr., said the true champion of 2014’s back-to-back men’s and women’s U.S. Opens at Pinehurst No. 2 was “water conservation.” “As we saw at Pinehurst, managing water usage can simultaneously decrease maintenance costs and increase golf’s enjoyment and challenge if executed properly,” he said. Later in his speech, O’Toole formally recognized Paul L. Carter, CGCS, who heads maintenance at The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay (Tenn.), as one of the “true champions of the game,” as an acknowledgement of Carter’s many environmental accomplishments in golf, including GCSAA’s 2015 President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship. “Golf needs more champions like Paul Carter, people who are willing to take these matters seriously and act to spread environmental responsibility throughout golf,” O’Toole said. USGA Executive Director Mike Davis joined the environmental chorus during a news conference, saying, “We believe in terms of resource management that less water on a golf course is a very good thing. It’s a good thing in terms of water and the environment, but it’s also a good thing in playing and making the game enjoyable.” The golf course management theme continued during the USGA’s presentation of its annual awards, as Patricia J. Vittum, Ph.D., was offcially presented with the USGA Green Section Award, which acknowledges the recipient’s

distinguished service to the game through his or her work with turfgrass. A professor in the University of Massachusetts’ Stockbridge School of Agriculture, Vittum has focused her research on the biology and management of turfgrass insects and the effectiveness of biological-control methods. She is the principal author of the second edition of “Turfgrass Insects of the United States and Canada,” widely regarded as the leading publication on turf entomology.

PGA Merchandise Show draws more than 41,000 The 62nd annual PGA Merchandise Show in January in Orlando featured visitors from 79 countries. More than 41,000 people, including PGA professionals, buyers and industry leaders (GCSAA members and staff among them) were in attendance. More than 6,600 PGA professionals were there, which is a 6 percent increase compared with 2014.

Last call for MVT nominations Nominations for GCM’s 2015 Most Valuable Technician Award (MVT), presented in partnership with Foley United, are due no later than March 27. The MVT program is designed to honor the best and brightest golf course equipment technicians in the industry, the men and women who play such a key role in keeping the tools of golf course maintenance up and running. Nominations will be narrowed to a feld of three fnalists by a team of industry judges. GCM readers and GCSAA members will then be able to review the résumés and qualifcations of the fnalists and vote online for their favorite in April. The winner of the MVT contest is scheduled to be announced in July’s issue of GCM. Go online to www.gcsaa.org and search “Most Valuable Technician” to locate the nomination form. Joe Stefanick, equipment technician at Seven Lakes Golf and Tennis Community in Fort Myers, Fla., earned the MVT Award in 2014 and was featured during the 2015 Golf Industry Show in San Antonio.

The drawing board Adam Lawrence adam.lawrence@golfcourse architecture.net Twitter: @adamlawrence

Tweets

RETWEETS Aquatrols@Aquatrols Our President and CEO Tracy Jarman just signed a BIG check to@theEIFG. It will be presented offcially at @GIS_2015.

Kevin W. Frank@MSUTurf The lower & upper peninsula #GLTE

Thad Thompson@TerryHillsMaint Vinyl Guard on trap rake handles. No more fberglass splinters, dresses them up and saves me a lot of money. Clay Stewart@claystewart58 Floor being poured for the new chemical storage facility

John Deere Classic @JDCLASSIC A snow covered 16th green at TPC Deere Run... We promise it’s there.#meltfaster http://instagram. com/p/yZ3Xq8HouO/

Editor’s note: GCM is excited to welcome Adam Lawrence and his new quarterly feature, The Drawing Board, to the GCM family. This feature will spotlight new golf course development and construction projects worthy of note to superintendents in both the United States and around the world and will be authored by Lawrence, the editor of Golf Course Architecture magazine as well as By Design, the quarterly publication of the American Society of Golf Course Architects.

Saint Emilion (France) Tom Doak’s frst course in mainland Europe, which is now complete and growing in before an offcial opening later this year, could be an important milestone for the French golf industry. Developed by the Mourgue d’Algue family, publishers of the Rolex World’s Top 1,000 Golf Courses guide and tireless promoters of French golf, the course — formally named Domaine Golfque du Grand Saint-Emilionnais and located near the famous wine town, 40 minutes east of Bordeaux — occupies excellent undulating land, though the soil is heavy. Doak’s design is typically bold: The frst hole, downhill and with a severe fallaway green sets the tone. But it’s in the areas of greenkeeping and sustainability that the course may have important messages for the French business. André Mourgue d’Algue, who, along with his father Gaëtan, found the site 10 years ago and has been working on the project ever since, says they want the course to offer a taste of British golf, including a traditional fescue/browntop bent sward. This will be something of a challenge on poor soil in a country where much of the industry seems to have accepted that the battle with Poa annua cannot be won. Additionally, French regulations preclude the extraction of water from aquifers, so Doak’s cleverly designed system of ditches and ponds will have to collect and store all the water needed for irrigation through the summer.

Mike Huck@IrrTurfSvcs From@ucanrwater how CA’s % of normal snow water equivalents have declined from an avgs of 54% to 26% in last month Steve Wright, CGCS@wrightsteve19 Getting my CEU’S at FTGA regional seminar.@PBGCSA@FGCSA Joel Kachmarek@tacomaturf Lowering the collar around 16 in order to expand putting surface GSU University Park@GSGolfCourse Red maples are ready for spring to get here too!

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

Fort Myers (Fla.) Country Club Donald Ross’s course in southwest Florida was an example of an architect making something good out of a very unprepossessing location. Almost entirely fat and devoid of natural features, about the only thing

that made the site stand out was the drainage canal through the middle, which Ross used as a hazard on a number of holes. Now Fort Myers Country Club has a new look, courtesy of architect Steve Smyers and his associate Patrick Andrews. It’s still fat, and it still has that drainage canal — which carries stormwater away from nearby developments — but it now has a more substantial network of ponds and streams, serving to detain more water when the Florida rains hit. Despite the tight site, Smyers has stretched the course to almost 7,000 yards, turning the fnishing hole into an exciting, multi-option par 5, which uses the canal to set up the second shot. The player can either blast for the green, or lay up on either side of the water. Celebration bermudagrass covers the fairways, while the greens are TifEagle. “From the very beginning, our main goal was to update the course in the same way that Ross might, were he alive and designing a course on the same site today,” said Smyers.

Sweetens Cove Golf Course South Pittsburg, Tenn. Golf Digest architecture editor Ron Whitten has called Sweetens Cove one of the 10 best nine-hole courses in America, while Anthony Pioppi, author of “To the Nines,” a survey of those courses, says it’s the best built since World War II. Architect and constructor Rob Collins and Tad King, and superintendent Michael Burrows appreciate the praise, but for them just having the course open is recognition enough. Collins and King used the abundant sand supplied by their client’s concrete company to shape the fat site at Sweetens into a course that packs more punch into nine holes than most do in 18. Hugely undulating greens put a premium on short game skills, while the par-3 fourth hole, whose green measures 25,000 square feet and is partially blind from the tee, is unique in golf.

By John Mascaro President of Turf-Tec International

(photo quiz)

Turfgrass area: Putting green

Location: Haymarket, Va.

Grass variety: Poa/bentgrass blend

(a) PROBLEM

Ice on green

Turfgrass area: Putting green

Location: Mobile, Ala.

Grass variety: Champion bermudagrass

(b) PROBLEM Presented in partnership with Jacobsen

Irregular dark green lines, off-color turf between lines Answers on page 104

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

Pamela Rice, Ph.D. Pamela.Rice@ARS.USDA.GOV

Brian Horgan, Ph.D. Creeping bentgrass Fine fescue

bphorgan@umn.edu

(turf)

Low-input vs. traditional turfgrass: Runoff quantity and quality Strategies used to maintain managed biological systems, including golf course turf, often involve application of fertilizer and pesticides to optimize plant health and protection. The transport of applied fertilizers and pesticides with runoff to surrounding surface waters has been shown to result in enhanced algal blooms, promotion of eutrophication or negative impacts on sensitive aquatic organisms or ecosystems. In previous research we demonstrated that changes in cultivation practices (for example, type and timing of core cultivation) reduced the volume of runoff and the percentage of applied pesticides and nutrients that moved off-site with runoff from creeping bentgrass turf. In the current study we evaluate the infuence of turfgrass species on runoff quantity and quality. Experiments are under way to compare the volume of runoff and measure the amount of pesticides and nutrients in runoff from conventional versus low-input turfgrasses. Plots (20 feet × 80 feet) maintained as a golf course fairway (0.5-inch height of cut) were seeded with creeping bentgrass (Dominant Xtreme 7: a 7:3 mixture of 007 creeping bentgrass and SR 1150 creeping bentgrass) or a fne fescue mixture

Presented in Partnership with Barenbrug

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

Runoff (millimeters)

120

June 14-15, 2014 June 14-15, 2014

120

100

June 19, 2014 June 19, 2014

Runoff measurements from creeping bentgrass and fne fescue plots were taken on June 14-15, 2014, from 6:35 p.m. to 3:05 p.m. and on June 19 from 2 a.m. to 11:25 p.m. On June 14-15, the quantity of runoff from fne fescue was 3.7 times that from creeping bentgrass, and on June 19, runoff from fne fescue was 1.8 times that from creeping bentgrass.

Creeping bentgrass and low-input fne fescue turfgrass plots used in runoff testing at the University of Minnesota−St. Paul. Photo by Pamela Rice

(equal parts Chariot hard fescue, Seabreeze GT slender creeping red fescue, Cardinal strong creeping red fescue and Longfellow II Chewings fescue). Each plot is equipped with runoff gutters; a fume; an automated sampler; and a fow meter to measure fow rates, calculate runoff volumes and collect subsamples of the snowmelt and rainfall runoff. Studies will be performed with fertilizer and pesticides applied at label rates to both the traditional and low-input turf, as well as additional studies with pesticides applied at label rate for creeping bentgrass turf and label rate for the low-input fne fescue turf. To date we have observed the fne fescue mixture produces greater quantities of snowmelt and rainfall runoff than the creeping bentgrass (see fgure above). Collected runoff samples have been processed and are being stored frozen until completion of chemical analysis.

In our previous studies with creeping bentgrass turf, we found that runoff volume had a greater effect than chemical concentration on the overall mass of chemicals transported offsite with runoff. We are curious to learn if this trend continues with the low-input fne fescue mixture or if other infuencing factors are of greater importance. Data collected from this study will guide strategies to manage low-input fne fescue mixtures in order to provide optimal results for golf course managers, golfers and the environment.

Pamela Rice is a research chemist at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service, St. Paul, Minn., and an adjunct professor in the department of soil, water and climate at the University of Minnesota−St. Paul; and Brian Horgan is a professor in the department of horticultural sciences at the University of Minnesota−St. Paul.

Scott R. Nesbitt ORPguy@windstream.net

(shop)

Saving cranks and other shafts Oil oozing from the rear of an engine can be a destructive mess. A hydraulic motor dribbling on the greens is a nightmare. There’s a solution that can often solve these problems, with great savings in cost and labor time. The trick is installing a thin stainless steel sleeve on a shaft to provide a new smooth mating surface for the oil seal. At bottom in the photo is the sleeve needed on a 15-year-old 2.5-liter gasoline engine’s rearmain crankshaft oil seal. At top is the metal cup that is the installation tool. At left is the standard-size oil seal that was installed after the sleeve was in place. The seal’s fexible lips easily expand over the sleeve’s 0.010-inch wall. About 30 extra minutes were needed to pull the fywheel and install the sleeve and seal while replacing the clutch. I install a shaft-saver sleeve for any seal that’s exposed to the grit and grime of the open air, even on newer equipment. That includes engines, hydraulic pumps and motors, transmissions, axles and things like camshaft seals on engines with rubber timing belts. For $30 or less, it’s cheap peace of mind. Besides making the shaft surface harder and smoother, the stainless steel resists corrosives. Some new engines come with wear sleeves. Any repair or wear sleeve is easily removed and replaced during service work. I like to use a 4-pound hard-face dead-blow hammer to install a sleeve. Go online to YouTube to watch an expert do it by searching for “muscle car engines Ford 302 rear main sleeve.” That bench job is a lot easier than working upside down under a machine. Preparation breeds success. First, clean, clean, clean the shaft. Carb cleaner loosens deposits. Lightly polish with very fne emery cloth to knock down any burrs, then spray and wipe and air-blast. Now measure,

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

A crankshaft repair sleeve is a sensible addition to any service job like a clutch replacement, or other service work involving an external oil seal. Photos by Scott Nesbitt

measure, measure your existing shaft. And the repair sleeve. Don’t trust the factory specs. Factories make errors. Off-spec shafts and sleeves are not unknown. Before installation, I heat a sleeve (nestled in its installation cup) by setting it on a hotair popcorn popper ($30 at big-box stores). The 1,250-watt heater brings the sleeve to about 170 F so it slightly expands. Properly sized sleeves are made to ft at normal room temperatures. I fnd the heating makes installation a bit easier when there’s limited hammer-swinging room. A good equipment distributor can get the right sleeve for common engines, like Kubota diesels. Unless it’s for a car or truck, don’t expect an auto parts store to list sleeves for Perkins, Kohler, Kawasaki or other modern turf engines, or an old tractor with an orphan engine. Stick with a large machine shop or industrial supply house, whether online or brick-and-mortar. You may wait a day or two, but patience pays off. Sleeves are available for nominal shaft sizes from ½ inch to 8 inches (12-200 mm), and are best selected from your real-world measurements. Download the catalog at www.skf.com/ binary/26-128020/11337_2-EN-SKF-SpeediSleeve.pdf. With the SKF catalog displayed in Adobe Reader, hold the CTRL and F keys at the same time to display the search box. Type in Speedi-Sleeve and click the NEXT button. You’ll fnd info and instructions on Pages 4-7. Click the NEXT button again and fnd part numbers for sleeves in metric and U.S. dimensions. The SKF numbering system is used for National’s “Redi-Sleeve” products, while National parent Timken adds a KWK prefx for its “KWIK-Sleeve” line. Canadian sleeve seller

With 1,250 watts producing 170 F air, a popcorn popper makes a repair sleeve expand a wee bit, making installation a wee bit smoother.

Daemar uses the SKF numbers, while Fel-Pro and Silver Seal use their own number system. So it goes. Corporate mergers in the bearing and seal business mean your sleeve may arrive in a box with a different brand name. As long as it’s clean and the right size, focus on the measurements. If your original shaft has a nasty groove, mix some steel-reinforced epoxy (J-B Weld or other quality brand) and tap the sleeve on while the fller is still moist. And don’t forget that on most sleeves the fange is only needed for installation, and may need to be snapped off. Use common sense. And, by the way, that popcorn popper does a nice job drying arc welding rods to reduce popping.

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

Chava McKeel cmckeel@gcsaa.org twitter: @GCSAA

(advocacy)

Reaching far and wide As GCSAA’s government relations director, I have the privilege of crossing the country to meet with GCSAA affliated chapters to discuss all things related to the association’s advocacy efforts. In the past year, GCSAA’s feld staff has helped me set up visits to 10 states: Connecticut, New York, Maine, Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Wisconsin. Speaking of feld staff, they are a critical component of GCSAA’s advocacy efforts. They help the national association better understand what issues are impacting the profession at the state and local levels. They also help GCSAA better communicate its advocacy efforts and needs down on the ground in the states. I spread a bit of doom and gloom during my presentations. There are many issues impacting the profession, and the regulatory scrutiny of the industry is high. Despite the doom and gloom, there is also much to be proud of. GCSAA and its members are standing up for the profession and game and pushing back against lingering misperceptions. Rest assured: GCSAA has its advocacy tentacles far and wide, and superintendents are “getting a seat at the table,” a reoccurring theme in my presentations. Here is a snapshot of the incredible advocacy activities our association is engaged in now. Central Plains. The health of the Mississippi River Basin watershed is a focus along with the development of comprehensive best management practice (BMP) programs in the region. Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska chapters are taking the lead. The Minnesota GCSA is also a constant presence at the statehouse in St. Paul with a focus on outreach related to water management. Relationships gained have put golf and the industry’s responsible man-

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

Pictured are members of the Cactus & Pine GCSA with U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona and his key staff members at Apache Sun GC in Queen Creek, Ariz. Photo by Jeff Jensen

agement of its resources in a good light. Florida. The Florida GCSA participated in the 4th Florida Golf Day in early February. The state just released an updated economic impact study, which members used during appointments with lawmakers. GCSAA members continue to attend city and county meetings to address proposed fertilizer bans and ordinances. Individual testing on the Florida BMP manual also continues in the state. Great Lakes. The Wisconsin GCSA and Ohio GCSA chapters are focused on development of BMP programs. Illinois superintendents are pushing back against legislation to roll back pesticide preemption. Mid-Atlantic. The Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents has been pushing back on anti-pesticide legislation brewing in Montgomery County by showing up at public hearings and offering public testimony. Pennsylvania superintendents are organizing to hold a state lobby day in Harrisburg. Virginia superintendents are working with state regulatory offcials to meet their 2017 compliance deadline for all golf courses to have a certifed nutrient management plan. Nort west. Superintendents have had their hands full watching the national pollinator debate play out in their region. Neonicotinoid insecticide ban legislation is common, and GCSAA members are participating in city and county hearings. The Rocky Mountain GCSA is working with the Coloradans for Responsible Pesticide Application coalition to advance sensible legislation to implement the Colorado Pesticide Applicators’ Act. Nort east. The Connecticut AGCS recently secured a seat on the state’s Water Planning Council, which will focus in 2015 on developing a statewide drought plan. The Long Island GCSA has also secured a seat on the newly formed Long Island Technical Review and Ad-

visory Committee to advise the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on factors such as pesticide use patterns, aquifer vulnerability, and recommended alternatives and pollution prevention measures. The New Hampshire GCSA is planning a state lobby day in Concord. The Vermont GCSA is in the fnal stages of creating a nutrient management plan with the department of agriculture. New York chapters are developing a validation tool for their new BMP program. Sou Central. The Arkansas GCSA is organizing to host an Arkansas Golf Day in Little Rock and has begun discussions to move forward on a BMP program. Texas superintendents are focused on drought and water management issues and reaching out proactively to water offcials throughout the state to see where they can work together on water issues. Sout ast. The Louisiana-Mississippi, Carolinas and Georgia chapters are lining up to implement formal BMP programs. The Tennessee GCSA is in the midst of preparing an economic impact study to assist members with their advocacy efforts. Sout est. Cactus & Pine GCSA members recently met with U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-04) and staff. With Arizona in the midst of a severe drought, the meeting focused on water use and conservation on golf courses. Golf allies in California are continuing to set up golf industry water conservation task forces in partnership with water regulators in order to secure golf’s long-term viability in a state plagued by water challenges. Task forces have been set up in the Coachella Valley, Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura County and Sacramento County.

Chava McKeel is GCSAA’s director, government relations.

Left: Photo by John A. Anderson/ Shutterstock.com Below: Aaron Hobbs

(environment)

Racing against resistance For everyone involved in the pest control discussion — homeowners, farmers, pest control operators, environmentalists and legislators, in addition to golf course managers — pesticide resistance remains a serious concern. Last month, well-known National Public Radio personality Diane Rehm invited Aaron Hobbs, president of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) to join a panel discussion tackling the issue. GCSAA has been allied with RISE, a specialty chemical trade organization, on national, state and local levels for more than 20 years. Hobbs was joined on the NPR show panel by Les Glasgow, herbicide technical product lead for Syngenta; Erik Olson, director of health programs for the Natural Resource Defense Council; and Andy Dyer, professor of biology at the University of South Carolina and author of “Chasing the Red Queen: The Evolutionary Race Between Agricultural Pests and Poisons.” Rehm opened the show with a question about the challenges of weed resistance management and whether there is a need for new solutions, setting the stage for an extensive conversation about the issues and challenges. Each panelist shared his distinct perspective, but Hobbs was able to bring into focus one commonality in the various views — the support for an integrated approach. Hobbs pointed out that pesticides can be important tools and solutions to a problem, noting, “Whenever you’re approaching a pest problem, whether it’s a weed or an in-

Presented in Partnership with Aquatrols

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

sect, you have to take an integrated approach. I think that’s something we can all agree is the way to go. “You have to take that thoughtful, integrated approach to address that problem,” he continued. “Fortunately, we have those solutions that help us deal with those problems now.” The herbicide Roundup (glyphosate) was singled out for the panel’s scrutiny, with Syngenta’s Glasgow commenting, “Because it (Roundup) was so good, it was used everywhere on every crop. The future is about diversifying.” Glasgow added that it takes the Environmental Protection Agency at least 10 years to review new pesticide products to ensure they can be used safely. Although he used the phrase “chemical arms race” to describe past pesticide use and resulting resistance issues, Dyer acknowledged that pesticide application professionals are more aware of the potential for harm. Hobbs also emphasized the importance of education, proper use and application, and continued evolution of pesticide technology. “If resistance becomes an issue, and we’re looking at bringing a new solution to the table, they are not broad solutions; they are targeted,” he said on the show. “The innovation cycle brings a product to market that is more targeted to be more specifc to the pest problem we’re trying to solve, as well as softer and

friendlier to those benefcials in the feld.” Glasgow supported Hobbs’ emphasis on education, saying, “Education and training programs are crucial. We do have the tools, and we keep developing the tools, and it’s really about educating those making the decisions about how these products are used.” Olson shared concerns about the impact of pesticide use on milkweed and the monarch butterfy habitat, and Rehm directly asked Hobbs for a response. He referred to the important role pesticides play in invasive species management. “There are invasive plant species that come in and compete with milkweed, making it diffcult to grow, thrive and provide that habitat,” he said. “We are invested as an organization today in efforts to create more habitat for pollinators, particularly along rights-of-way. … For monarchs in particular, we are partnering with groups today where these herbicide tools are one of the frst ways to create that sustainable long-term habitat of the monarch butterfy.” Listen to the complete panel discussion on the Diane Rehm Show website at http:// thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2015-02-03/ environmental_outlook_the_race_against_ pests_and_weeds or track Hobbs’ online conversation at www.twitter.com/DebugThe Myths.

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(Career) Carol D. Rau, PHR careeradvantage@sunfower.com twitter: @CareerGolf

Leverage all connections. Instead of waiting and hoping for hiring committees to call your references, be proactive and utilize your network to stand out.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

References: Make them count References. Sounds pretty basic, right? Just list your last three managers and you’re all set. No! If this is what comes to mind when you think of references, then please read on! References are extremely important and can be an invaluable part of a successful job search in the golf and turf industries. Just like other career tools, the primary goal of references is to help set you apart. In this month’s column, we will explore references and hopefully unlock some ideas that you can apply the next time you conduct a job search. Send references wit your résumé. We strongly recommend sending a reference list with your résumé. The golf industry is known for being a tightknit community of turf professionals and being very well connected. Superintendents have a strong network, and if there is any chance the reader knows someone on your reference list, it can be a huge help in getting your foot in the door. Format correctly. References are typically an extra page at the end of a résumé, with the same font and formatting as the résumé. We recommend three to fve listings, and listing each reference along with title, company, address, email, best phone number to reach the individual and, if necessary, an explanation of how you are associated with that individual. Include letters and testimonials. Another option is to include a reference letter or testimonials along with your résumé and reference list. A few optimal times to include a reference letter are if the person or facility listed is well-known and could be of interest to the recipient, or if the letter is short and power-packed with a glowing recommendation. Another option, which can be customized to focus on the target audience’s specifc needs, is to include some shorter quotes from references instead of a full letter. Testimonials are key in current business marketing strategies and can be useful as part of your career tools — marketing you! Represent all aspects of your career. Think of your career from all perspectives — agronomy and turf conditioning, leadership, fnancial management, staff management, budgeting, customer/member relations, facility contributions and renovations/construction. Consider the target audience and the key qualities they are seeking. Who can support your claims in those areas of your professional career and talents? Consider golfers/members, committee

chairs, PGA professionals, golf course architects, contractors, vendors, agronomy consultants and colleagues. Customize for ea arget golf facility. Your reference list will change depending on the target audience. For example, if you are seeking a role in constructing a new golf course, you would want to ideally list a person who can directly authenticate your experience in renovations or construction, such as a contractor or architect. If your target audience is not interested in your construction background, choose other references instead. Remember: Your strategy is to base the reference list on what you think the reader is seeking. Leverage all connections. Instead of waiting and hoping for hiring committees to call your references, be proactive and utilize your network to stand out. One tactic that can get you to the top of the stack is to ask someone to place a call to the target facility on your behalf. Yes, this strategy should not be overdone and should be thoughtfully employed, but it can be powerful. This is when networking can be critical in prompting the hiring committee to anticipate receiving your career documents, providing a great introduction and ultimately supporting your case as a strong candidate. Stay connected. The frst step in making references a key part of your career plan starts today — build your network and stay connected to your potential references. Remember: Networking starts with your sincerely reaching out to help others. Reach out to folks in your network a few times each year to touch base. Send Christmas cards. If you read an article written by someone you know, or learn about an achievement or promotion, drop them a note. Show that you value the relationship and genuinely care about that person. Then when your dream job opens up, you will be ready with plenty of options to make your references count.

Carol D. Rau, PHR is a career consultant with GCSAA and is the owner of Career Advantage, a career consulting frm in Lawrence, Kan., specializing in golf and turf industry careers. GCSAA members receive complimentary résumé critiques by Rau and her team, résumé, references, cover letter and LinkedIn creation for a reduced member rate, along with interview preparation and portfolio consultation.

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Livin n G dream the

Newly elected GCSAA President John O’Keefe, CGCS, exemplifes the American dream. Howard Richman

Photos by John O’Boyle

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

03.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

John O’Keefe, CGCS, was raised in Lenox, a small, western Massachusetts town with stately mansions from the Gilded Age that has historically served as a summer retreat for the wealthy and famous artists. These mansions were called cottages; the term itself evoked the more informal country life that members of the highest society enjoyed in Lenox in contrast to the increasing formality of New York, Boston and Newport. Today, Lenox continues to be a popular tourist destination, partly because it is nestled in the Berkshire Mountains. Tanglewood, one of the top attractions, is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and also hosts concerts for Lenox resident James Taylor, among others. Lenox Memorial High School, from which O’Keefe graduated, refects the storied history of the town with the unique name of its school mascot: Millionaires. It’s ironic that, coming from a place like Lenox, O’Keefe’s family was far from affuent. O’Keefe, in fact, truly did ascend to great heights from the ground up. O’Keefe’s childhood home was tiny and dwarfed by the landmark estates on his street. His father died when he was 7. The youngest of four children, O’Keefe was raised by his mother, Fredella, who provided what she could on a nursing home aide’s salary. “I indeed was lucky to be surrounded by very kind people who always thought highly of me and our family through some hard times,” says O’Keefe, director of golf course management at Preakness Hills Country Club, in Wayne, N.J. His wife of 35 years, Margaret, says, “He truly came from nothing, but he had a strong moral compass given to him by his mother and an amazing work ethic. He wanted to go somewhere. He just wasn’t sure where that was going to be.”

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

A menu of

possibilities

John O’Keefe, CGCS (above and far right in top photo), discusses plans for the day at Preakness Hills CC in Wayne, N.J., with (top photo, from left) assistant superintendents Steve Aspinall and Tony Espe.

New GCSAA President John O’Keefe, CGCS, wants to make it perfectly clear what his role is in 2015. It all starts with you. “It’s all about the membership. It’s their association,” O’Keefe says. “We’re just governing it. My goal is to represent the membership the best I can.” In doing so, O’Keefe has a number of objectives that he wants to accomplish. He’d like to see streamlined member standard classifcations fnalized or, at the very least, come close to resolution this year. He also is looking forward to adding a membership classifcation for equipment managers, which was to be voted on last month in San Antonio at the Golf Industry Show (results of the vote were completed after this issue of GCM went to press). On another front, O’Keefe hopes GCSAA expands its feld staff program. “I would love to see us add a couple more positions, to better cover some of the larger areas throughout the country,” he says. He also believes it would be greatly benefcial for GCSAA to place somebody full time in Washington, D.C., for advocacy purposes. In general, O’Keefe senses a revival in golf, which is good for everybody. “I think we’re starting to climb again. We’re seeing people with more discretionary income. Renovation work is being done, equipment is being purchased and clubs are beginning to spend money. Those are good signs,” he says. GCSAA’s goal of becoming the global leader in golf course management by 2020 remains on course, O’Keefe believes. “We’re all concentrating on 2020. The ship is pointed in the right direction,” he says. Once his time as president is completed, O’Keefe hopes to have something special in the works at his place of employment, Preakness Hills Country Club, in Wayne, N.J. He says resources have been approved for a new maintenance facility at his club, where he has served since 1986. The plan is to break ground in 2016. “We’ve got 3,200 square feet right now of buildings and trailers. The new facility will be 20,000 square feet. We’re excited about that,” O’Keefe says. — H.R.

03.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

Above: O’Keefe with his namesake, grandson John “J.T.” Sharples. Right: The O’Keefe clan: (front, from left) Maureen Sharples with J.T. and Adrienne O’Keefe; (back, from left) Tom Sharples, Margaret O’Keefe, John O’Keefe and Dale Huettenmoser.

“Whatever I can do to help advance careers, educate, give people a chance to succeed, remains important to me. I love giving back to this industry.” — John O’Keefe, CGCS

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

Now, it’s apparent where that somewhere turned out to be. Late last month, O’Keefe was elected the 79th president in GCSAA history. Those who know him well think it is the perfect ft. “Natural born leader,” says Tracey Holliday, GCSAA Class A superintendent at Sterling Farms Golf Course in Stamford, Conn. She worked with O’Keefe at the beginning of his career at Longshore Club Park in Westport, Conn., and later served on his staff during O’Keefe’s tenure at Westchester Hills Golf Club in White Plains, N.Y. Greg Boring, GCSAA Class A superintendent at the Country Club of Scranton (Pa.), and a past assistant superintendent at Preakness Hills, says, “John is a leader and a mentor. I look at John more as a friend. He basically showed you how things should be done.” O’Keefe is a giant in the business, according to Brian Gjelsvik, who worked as an assistant superintendent for O’Keefe at Preakness Hills in the early 1990s. “He is built for this moment,” says Gjelsvik, who now owns Seeton Turf Warehouse. “What he has accomplished will have an impact on this business for a very long time.” O’Keefe, who turns 59 this month, wants to continue his contributions — while he is in offce and beyond. “Whatever I can do to help advance careers, educate, give people a chance to succeed, remains important to me,” O’Keefe says. “I love giving back to this industry.”

The making of a superintendent O’Keefe’s drive and determination started at an early age. “Mom always had to work to provide for us,” O’Keefe says, “and we didn’t have a lot of extras. Whatever I needed, I had to go out and work for it.” O’Keefe is big into mentoring. He simply is returning the favor for all of those people who mentored him as he climbed the ranks in his profession. They include Ronnie Woodger, whose landscape business provided opportunities for O’Keefe when he was a young teenager in search of a way to make his life better. After high school he didn’t think college was a possibility, but O’Keefe was able once again to make the most of an opportunity that was afforded him by David Roche, a local bank executive who thought that he was bright, personable and had a strong work ethic. Roche hired him to be the manager of grounds at a luxury condominium community in nearby Pittsfeld. “I was making more money than my friends,” O’Keefe says, “but it was a job and not a career.” Every day, O’Keefe drove by Pittsfeld Country Club on his way to work and admired the beauty of the golf course. Toward the goal to fnd a career, O’Keefe decided to take the leap and pursue his college education. His appreciation for the beauty of golf courses encouraged him to fnd out all he could about the business. He soon knew that he had to be

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Nutrients Help us help you T Golf Course Superintendents Association of America is Te cconducting an industry-wide Nutrient Use and Management Practices Survey at golf facilities across the world. Tis is P the second survey of the second phase of the Golf Course th Environmental Profle. Your information will go a long E way toward demonstrating a superintendentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership, w eenvironmental stewardship and agronomic expertise at the local and national levels. th

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Above: O’Keefe and John Mascari, head PGA professional at Preakness Hills. Right: James Messina, Preakness Hills’ general manager, meets O’Keefe overlooking the course’s signature 18th hole.

“He is kind of the father fgure of the club, the voice of reason, my sounding board. He’s Steady Eddie. He could keep this place going with his eyes closed.” — James Messina

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

at the University of Massachusetts’ Stockbridge School of Agriculture and took the steps to make that happen, including fnally taking his SATs at age 20. Earning his degree with high honors in 1979, O’Keefe took his frst job on a golf course as an assistant superintendent for Mark Fuller, CGCS, at Longshore Club Park. As a college student, O’Keefe had been an intern for Fuller. “And I couldn’t wait to get him back,” says Fuller, currently at the Connecticut Golf Club and a key mentor to O’Keefe. “I could tell that, as an intern, he was driven, wanted to be in the business, had good character, good personality and was a team player. I got spoiled with him as my frst assistant. He’d take on anything and everything he possibly could to improve himself.” That frst head superintendent job came O’Keefe’s way in 1981. He took the position at Westchester Hills Golf Club in White Plains, N.Y., where he remained for fve years. In 1986, O’Keefe began his tenure at Preakness Hills CC, an era that is nearing 30 years. The O’Keefes moved into a home near the 17th hole there and raised two daughters, Adrienne and Maureen. Preakness Hills, which features a par-3 signature 18th hole, opened in 1926. O’Keefe is just the third superintendent in the club’s history. His presence — along with that of his two assistants, Tony Espe and Steve Aspinall — is highly regarded by fellow staff and members alike. They have managed to do more with less,

according to club president Peter von Halle. The manner in which O’Keefe represents himself on a daily basis impresses von Halle. “There is not an obnoxious, caustic bone in his body. John is very humble, generous. We’re proud he’s president,” von Halle says. “John is just a very consistent performer.” O’Keefe and his staff’s attention to detail has made life easier for greens chairman Bryan Becker. “We rely heavily on John. His ability to explain things to myself or my predecessors has allowed the greens chair to be a job that people are excited to do,” Becker says. “John is able to keep it fair for all levels of play. A golf course’s consistency, playability, is so key to the success of a club. This is home for John. He’ll never sacrifce conditions here for anything.” Preakness Hills’ PGA head professional John Mascari says that O’Keefe is ultrasupportive and that they mesh nicely. Mascari says having O’Keefe on board is almost like having a historian on the property. “He remembers everything,” Mascari says. James Messina, general manager at Preakness Hills, knows he can lean on O’Keefe for help and advice, and to provide a vision. “He is kind of the father fgure of the club, the voice of reason, my sounding board,” Messina says. “He’s Steady Eddie. He could keep this place going with his eyes closed.” Aspinall believes that having O’Keefe as a boss and mentor is preparing him to take that next step some day.

“He’s always there to catch you when you’re falling. I learned from him that you’ve got to be a jack-of-all-trades and a master of turf,” Aspinall says. O’Keefe’s tree of former assistants at Preakness Hills includes Scott Hall, who counts himself among the benefciaries of his mentor’s skills. Hall, now the GCSAA Class A superintendent at Raritan Valley Country Club in Bridgewater, N.J., says O’Keefe was an exemplary role model and passed along traits that are helping in his job. “Everybody looked up to him, saw him as what a superintendent should be by how he carried himself,” says Hall. “As much as he stayed true to his job, his ability to deal with membership on a daily basis and maintain the integrity of his work was impressive. He wasn’t just a ‘yes’ man. If a problem arose, he could explain it to the membership and people at the club. I learned a lot about dealing with people from him.” Road to the presidency Being president isn’t anything new for O’Keefe. Prior to his GCSAA Board of Directors service, he served as president of the Metropolitan GCSA, Tri-State Turfgrass Research Foundation and the GCSA of New Jersey. “The industry has been good to me and my family. It has developed a life for us,” says O’Keefe, who at one point in his career served on three different boards simultaneously. “But when I fnished my presidency in New Jersey, I said, ‘I’m done.’ It was time for a break.” A gentle push from none other than his daughter, Adrienne, changed his way of thinking. Look where it got him. “While the girls were growing up, it was Barbiemania at our house,” Margaret O’Keefe says. “John learned how to do ponytails and whatever else it took to be a good daddy.” Later, when the girls were college bound, Adrienne put it best. “She said to John, ‘Go for it. It’s your turn, Dad.’ He sat through all of the dance and piano recitals, cheerleading and feld hockey games. It was his time. It truly was his turn,” Margaret O’Keefe says. In 2008, with his family’s blessings, O’Keefe continued his climb through the ranks of the industry. He was appointed to the GCSAA Board of Directors that same year. For the most part, times still were good. “We were coming out of record attendance and trade show exhibitor space at the GIS (Golf Industry Show) in Orlando,” O’Keefe says. Within a year, however, everything

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

Preakness Hills CC President Peter von Halle (left) and green chairman Bryan Becker (right) meet with O’Keefe to discuss the scope of an upcoming bunker renovation project.

changed. A fnancial crisis of mammoth proportions affected people and businesses border to border. Golf was not immune. In a GCSAA board meeting at Penn State, O’Keefe vividly recalls the atmosphere inside. “We had the TV on monitoring the stock market and literally were on the phone with our brokers asking what we should do as we watched the market fall out of the sky. We were having to make some tough decisions,” O’Keefe says. “It was really scary.” As he embarks on his presidency, O’Keefe is confdent that GCSAA weathered the storm. Work still needs to be done and nothing is going to be taken for granted, he promises. “I’m proud of where we are, considering the limited budgets and what the staff has been able to do with them,” O’Keefe says. “I’m one of (GCSAA’s) headquarters’ biggest cheerleaders. They’re really great people there.” Big Daddy If you are in O’Keefe’s circle, you know that Big Daddy is his nickname. Todd Raisch, CGCS, at The Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, N.J., bestowed the moniker on O’Keefe when the two of them and a few others in the business attended a Toro function in Abilene, Texas. “He was the leader of the group. The superior. The oldest,” Raisch says. “He can be an imposing fgure with that deep voice.” Raisch believes those in the business should listen to what O’Keefe has to say. “The thing I appreciate about the deans of our industry, such as the Alonzi brothers (Joe and Bob), Mark Kuhns and John is that they

continually try to learn and don’t let egos get in the way,” Raisch says. O’Keefe is thankful for the time he gets to spend with his family, who have also taken to calling him Big Daddy. Whether it’s watching football (he is a New England Patriots fan) or college basketball, the O’Keefes enjoy just being together. He loves to travel, goes deep-sea fshing and gets to a NASCAR race whenever he can and, of course, golf is a big part of his downtime as well. O’Keefe is an avid foodie; he loves to cook and especially enjoys experiencing different restaurants with friends and family. When he can get away from the club for a day in the summer, his favorite place to go is the beautiful Jersey shore. These days, O’Keefe loves nothing more than seeing his frst grandson, 7-month-old J.T. Sharples. The J. stands for John. Yes, his daughter Maureen and her husband, Tom, named him after O’Keefe, who sat down and wept in the hospital upon learning his grandson’s name. “It was my husband’s idea,” Maureen Sharples says. “He really admires him. Dad is a great example that it doesn’t matter what you do as long as you love it.” Howard Richman (hrichman@gcsaa.org) is GCM’s associate editor.

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warning Building and d maintaining an ice rink for members at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord, Mass., isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all smooth skating for Greg Cormier, CGCS. Greg Cormier, CGCS

03.15 GO GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

Purchased plywood boards surround Nashawtuc CCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new hockey rink. Triangular brackets hold the boards in place. Photos by Greg Cormier

When my general manager approached me with the idea of building an ice rink for the members back in in 2011, I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thrilled. I had helped construct an ice rink at a previous club, and it had been a losing battle, requiring a whole lot of man-hours to build and maintain, and attracting almost no use by the members. At the time, we were trying to add value to our membership by offering winter activities such as platform tennis and Nordic skiing in addition to ice skating. I decided to view the project as an opportunity to help contribute to the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth and attract new members. We chose to construct the rink on the Har-Tru tennis courts. We could use the court lights for the ice rink and tap into the nearby tennis center for water. The tennis center could also double as a warming house for the members. For the frst three years, we constructed the rink out of 6-inch ADS N-12 solid drainage pipe. We made a 150-by-55-foot rectangle out of the pipe and were able to buy a piece of 6-mm-thick white plastic for a liner. The plastic was placed over the pipe rectangle, so that we had roughly 4 feet of overlap all the way around. We then cut 6-inch single-wall fexible pipe in half and placed it over the top of the 6-inch pipe used for the frame, sandwiching the liner between both pipes. Plywood was laid around the outside of the pipe to hold down the overlapping liner and to provide a place for skaters to step off the ice. We flled the rink slowly, letting a thin layer of ice form before adding more water. The biggest challenge was the 1 percent slope in the courts, meant to allow for surface drainage during tennis season. One side of the rink would have a solid 3-inch ice layer, but the ice on the other side might be only 1 inch thick. Even when we flled to the top of the 6-inch pipe on the low side, the high side was barely thick enough. In Concord, located just west of Boston, it is rare to have prolonged periods of below-freezing temperatures. It was a constant struggle to get the rink smooth, especially

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

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The skating rink is flled slowly, allowing a thin layer of ice to form before more water is added.

with thin ice on one side and black pipe attracting sun to the edges. The 2013-2014 winter was the exception to the norm, and we had subfreezing temperatures for over two weeks. The ice rink turned to glass with the grounds crew scraping it and applying light coats of water daily. The rink went from being almost unused the year before to being the talk of the club. The general manager requested that we post a sign to designate certain time periods for hockey versus free skate. The rink became very popular among college students home for winter break and families with young kids hitting the ice for the frst time. Doubling up For the 2015 winter, the membership requested that we build two rinks: one just for hockey and the other designated for skating. After seeing how popular the rink was in 2014, I thought we could step it up a notch in quality and order a kit from Nicerink.com. The kit comes with brackets, boards, liner, kick plates and foam pads for the top of the boards. We purchased plywood for boards instead of paying extra for the plastic boards that come with the kit. The triangular brackets have spikes on the bottom and a slot on the front to receive the boards. The key is to install the brackets and boards before the ground freezes. The liner is then installed once the weather forecast calls for consistently freezing temperatures. In our case we waited about a month to install the liner after the boards and brackets were in the ground. If the liner sits full of water, it tends to collect leaves and debris, which then create holes in the ice when the sun melts it. The biggest task was cutting the plywood on a table saw to create the boards. The total investment was about $2,500 for supplies, which we can reuse every winter. The system is easy to assemble and even has videos available online for each step of the process. The end result is a much nicer looking â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and a more functional â&#x20AC;&#x201D; rink. The Nicerink has 16inch sides, which allows us to increase the depth of the ice. It is also better for hockey because the players can shoot the puck off the boards.

Crew members groom the ice with a special scraper that attaches to a hose to apply a layer of water.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

Keeping ice nice The rink is a lot of work to maintain. We typically have two staff members scrape the ice in the morning and apply a layer of water with an attachment on the end of a hose. We call it a “Zamboni” but it is actually sold by Nicerink as an ice resurfacer. On days where temperatures remain below freezing we will use the “Zamboni” up to three times per day — a

practice that also requires two staff members and about 30 minutes each time. When it snows, rink maintenance is a much larger task. Once we fnish all of the snow removal around the club and the platform tennis courts, we still need to tackle the rink. A snow blower is used to remove the bulk of the snow. A team of three or four people will then scrape the ice with shovels to get it as clean as possible. Finally, a heavy layer of water is needed to melt any remaining snow on the surface. After a snow event, it takes a day or two to produce smooth ice again. Two years ago we ran a water line down to the tennis courts and installed a frost-free spigot. This is important if you do not have a water source close by. The only water in the area was from the irrigation system, which gets blown out each fall. We ended up connecting to the potable water line that feeds the tennis building and bringing a line down close to the courts. We are able to reach the entire ice area of both rinks with a 100-foot ¾-inch hose. Measuring success There are several ways to build an ice rink; these are just the methods we used. I know other superintendents who have had success constructing the boards and brackets all out of

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Nashawtuc CC chose to locate the ice rinks on the tennis courts, where potable water, lights and shelter are accessible.

Leo Feser award

CANDIDATE This article is eligible for the 2015 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.

wood. Several people in our community have been building ice rinks in their back yards in recent years, and most of them use simple wood construction with plywood walls. The temperatures have been consistently cold for the beginning part of January 2015. The rink is seeing heavy use and we are getting compliments on the quality of the ice. But an ice rink is just as dependent on the weather as the golf course when it comes to producing high-quality conditions. It only takes a few days with temperatures in the 40s with bright sun to ruin a perfect surface and all your hard work. The next day it drops below freezing and the members are all asking when the ice will be smooth again. The answer is the same one I would give a golfer asking when a newly aerated green will be smooth again: when the

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weather turns favorable for a long enough period to restore the conditions. Building an ice rink is certainly not for everyone. We have found a system that works when the weather is consistently cold. We are fortunate to have multiple staff members on through the winter. If you are thinking of offering this at your club, you should really weigh the cost and frustrations with the net beneft to the members. We seem to have a large population of young families and members with college-age kids. If you took away these groups, the rink would not see much use.

Greg Cormier, CGCS, is the director of golf course operations at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord, Mass., and a 12-year member of GCSAA.

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“When the PGA tour comes in, they preach one thing over and over. CONSISTENCY. They want all 18 greens to be the same consistency. They want every bunker the same depth and firmness. They want our roughs to be the exact same height, no matter where you land. So when you’re trying to put together a competition for the world’s best, or even for your own members, it’s all about consistency. In my opinion, TifEagle is heads and shoulders above all the other ultradwarfs. It’s absolutely the most Lukus Harvey-Director of Agronomy consistent greens grass PGA National Resort & Spa out there.” Palm Beach Gardens FL TifEagle Bermudagrass has been on holes 15, 16 and 17 at PGA National’s Champion Course since 2002. Ditto for the other 15 holes. That’s 12 years. Not Mini-Verde. Not Champion. Not Emerald. Not Tifdwarf. But TifEagle. As Director of Agronomy, Lukus Harvey manages all five golf courese at PGA National Resort Spa, home of the Honda Classic. He’s also responsible for the Resort’s grounds. And Lukus has worked with every greens grass in the book. Here’s his take on TifEagle. “My Eagle has always been the model of consistency. Basically our focus is on texture and grain control. With our program of extensive light

grooming and brushing combined with an aggressive aerification schedule, we’ve eliminated the grain in our TifEagle. In fact, we couldn’t convince the players at this year’s Honda Classic that we hadn’t put in brand new greens. At the end of the day, the players were comparing our greens with classic bentgrass greens up north.” Take a tip from Lukus Harvey. Whether you’re renovating your existing greens or planning a new facility, insist on the best. Specify certified TifEagle Bermudagrass by name. You can sod it, sprig it or even no-till it under the right conditions. Call 706 542-4525 for more information. Or visit www.tifeagle.com.

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AT THE TURN Michael R. Abramowitz

PGA National Resort and Spa’s Champion Course, which has hosted The Honda Classic, 1987 PGA Championship, 1983 Ryder Cup and 18 Senior PGA Championships, was recently re-grassed with Celebration bermudagrass tees, fairways and green surrounds. Photo © Montana Pritchard

(business)

Bear tamers A shared sense of teamwork helps Jane Broderick and Lukus Harvey keep a handle on all 90 holes of golf at the busy PGA National Resort and Spa. Editor’s note: T is is t e fft eries of article ig lig ting t e important relations ip between GCSAA superintendents and PGA of America professionals. T ese stories are being publis ed simultaneously in bot GCM and PGA Magazine. At PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., teamwork works. It’s a mantra that both PGA/LPGA director of golf operations Jane Broderick and director of agronomy Lukus Harvey preach every day. Whether it’s on a global stage for the kickoff to the PGA Tour’s Florida Swing with The Honda Classic, the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships each summer or member and resort guest play on the facility’s fve courses — four of which are ranked among the Top 75 in Florida — spanning more than 650 acres, it takes a team fring on all cylinders. “There’s always something going on at PGA National,” explains Broderick, a two-time national LPGA Teaching & Club Professional Golf Professional of the Year, and the frst to ever achieve PGA and LPGA Master Professional status. A Johnstown, N.Y., native, Broderick has climbed the ranks at PGA National since starting in the bag room in 1986. Over time, she became PGA head professional and eventually director of golf operations. Broderick acquired the golf bug when she started playing rounds to help her mother exercise following a heart attack. After working at a nine-hole course near the Adirondack Mountains

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

Top: Jack Nicklaus designed and redesigned the Champion Course (hole No. 3 is shown), which is now rated No. 65 among Golfweek’s Best Resort Courses. Photos courtesy of PGA National Resort and Spa Bottom: PGA/LPGA director of golf operations Jane Broderick (left) and director of agronomy Lukus Harvey pose with a statue erected in honor of the Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

under the guidance of the late Pat Palmieri, Broderick was hired on the spot by then-PGA head professional Bill Hobbs at PGA National. It took in-person persistence, though. Broderick showed up in the golf shop to fnd out exactly where she stood. Today, she oversees 90 holes of golf, a members’ club, seven dining options, bars, ftness, tennis, croquet, two driving ranges, the Dave Pelz Scoring Game Golf School, the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, swimming, a world-class spa, conference halls and banquets. Broderick employs a staff of 100, including directors of inside operations and outside operations, who help her manage a total of 150,000 rounds yearly. “Jane’s incredible,” says Honda Classic tournament director Ed McEnroe. “She’s absolutely an extension of our group. She’s always looking out for others and incredibly like-minded.” For fun, Broderick competes in half-triathlons and rides her bike 75 miles for charity. “Jane might be one of the top fve most organized women on the planet,” boasts her mentor, John Gardner, a former vice president at PGA National and now the PGA general manager at Quail West Golf and Country Club in Naples, Fla.

Maintaining a balance Harvey, an Ohio State alumnus and Kent, Ohio, native, previously served at some of the world’s top courses, including what’s now Trump National Doral Miami with its famed Blue Monster course, and the Jack Nicklausdesigned Trump National Golf Club Jupiter (then the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa). He has been a GCSAA member for 14 years. “Lukus understands there’s a balance between maximizing rounds and taking good care of the golf course,” says Bud Taylor, PGA director of golf at Old Palm Club in Palm Beach Gardens, who worked with Harvey at Ritz-Carlton. Harvey was instrumental in the grow-in for Calusa Pines Golf Club in Naples before moving to John’s Island Club in Vero Beach. He honed his trade interning at Augusta National Golf Club. He credits daily communication with Broderick as the key to the massive operation’s success. “We have each other’s back, and nothing is out of bounds,” says Harvey. “We’re driving toward the same goal.” Help me, Honda Every so often, Harvey will lean on Nicklaus, a fellow Buckeye, for some advice on

“During The Honda, we roll the greens until 11:30 at night and are back at it at 3:30 a.m.,” adds Harvey.

Broderick (left) and Harvey rise to the challenge of managing 150,000 rounds of golf annually and maintaining the more than 650 acres at PGA National Resort and Spa’s fve courses.

“The key to keeping your staff happy is to keep them well fed.” — Jane Broderick

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

handling the courses, especially around The Honda Classic. Makes sense, especially since Nicklaus performed the design and redesign of PGA National Resort & Spa’s famous host of that event, the Champion Course, site of the 1987 PGA Championship, 1983 Ryder Cup and 18 Senior PGA Championships. As treacherous as it is beautiful, complete with the famous “Bear Trap” on the back nine, “The Champ” is ranked No. 65 among Golfweek’s Best Resort Courses. When the wind blows off the meandering lakes throughout the property, watch out. It’s a beast. Yet, tour players love the course because it serves as a great test as they round the clubhouse turn toward Augusta. Honda Classic competitors had a new experience this year. Nicklaus led another renovation that included the addition of Celebration bermudagrass fairways, tees and green surrounds “for major-like conditions” and a redesign of the par-4 14th hole that brings more water and bunkers into play. He also expanded the greens on Nos. 1, 9, 15 and 17 back to their original size. Harvey and Broderick’s staff work around the clock before, during and after Honda Classic week to get not just the Champion Course in spectacular shape but the other four courses, too, as they remain open for member play throughout the event. Enter “Café Cart Barn,” as Broderick affectionately calls it, where food trucks and catering are brought in near the maintenance facility. “The key to keeping your staff happy is to keep them well fed,” she explains. Meanwhile, many of the golf and maintenance staff members are housed onsite.

Bear necessities From the usual to the not so usual, Broderick, Harvey and crew savor it all. At the gateway to the Bear Trap is a statue of a bear erected in honor of the Golden Bear. For a recent television shoot, two trained grizzlies were brought into the act. Honey was placed in the statue’s mouth so the live animals would lean on it. As a buildup to this year’s Honda Classic, Golf Channel brought its popular show “Big Break” to the resort. The logistics of flming the show, which began airing last month, were tricky. “While you’re only dealing with two or three different holes, your staff must always be on standby,” says Harvey. “If weather comes in, you have to drop everything and start from scratch.” Keeping it green In South Florida, play is year-round. In order to prevent wear and tear, maintenance best practices must play through, but juggling fve courses is not simple. Broderick and Harvey set up a rotation based on the reservation schedule to ensure that benefcial aerifcation takes place regularly during the hot, humid and wet summer. For example, they delayed re-grassing the Champion Course range until the Optimist junior golf event was complete last July, in order to promote good range turf. “It’s a balancing act,” explains Harvey, who aims to aerate each course three times during the season. “I really lean on Jane to let me know which course is available.” Meanwhile, lightning is always a concern. And with the resort’s Estate Course located a few miles down the road, it may be bright sunshine on one course and a monsoon on another. “How Lukus responds to the weather is fascinating, from cold to cloudy weather, to torrential downpours. It impacts everything,” states Broderick. Yet, their success boils down to communication. “Jane is inspiring,” says Harvey.

Michael R. Abramowitz is senior editor for the PGA of America and PGA Magazine.

AT THE TURN Hal Phillips

Quail West Golf and Country Club, long regarded as one of the top facilities in golf-mad Naples, Fla., is prepping for a greens renovation with longtime superintendent Mark Black, CGCS, at the helm. Photos courtesy of Quail West

(renovation)

Don’t call it a comeback “The interesting thing for ultradwarf growers is how topdressing programs affect the collars, not just the surrounds.” — Mark Black, CGCS

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

Mark Black, CGCS, and Quail West tackle a renovation project designed to modernize greens at the club and keep it among south Florida’s elite. It’s a familiar feature at so many south Florida courses — the wooden retaining walls that form the hard edge separating putting surface from water hazard. The putting surface was typically designed to be fush with the top of that wall, but 25-30 years of sand and thatch accumulation have raised the greens up. In a region where topdressing is a year-round discipline, the putting surfaces can rise a half-inch every 12 months. Mark Black, CGCS, director of golf course maintenance and grounds at the 36-hole Quail West Golf & Country Club in Fort Myers, Fla., estimates the ultradwarf putting surfaces on his Preserve Course today sit some 13 inches higher than the day the course opened for play in 1992. For golfers, the difference can be too gradual and subtle to notice — perhaps until the moment a ball rolls back off the green into the drink. For Black and his crew? Well, they do notice the difference and have seen the agronomic and maintenance issues building for years. While the visuals are most stark beside retaining walls, it’s a problem coursewide. “As the green surfaces get to be that much higher, it makes some of the surrounding undulations disappear,” says Black, who arrived from Bonita Bay 16 years ago, after construction and grow-in of both the Preserve and the neighboring Lakes Course (opened in two phases, in 1993 and ’95). “The interesting thing for ultradwarf growers is how topdressing programs affect the collars, not just the surrounds. The collars grow more aggressively — so fast that it affects surface drainage. And these ultradwarfs are so dense, when you start to lose surface drainage, when

Black has mentored a host of superintendents who have gone on to manage some of southwest Florida’s top golf facilities.

“When we build today, we make darn sure the surrounds are identical and seamless — that, in terms of the soil profle, you can’t tell the green edge from the outside edge.” — Drew Rogers

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

it won’t sheet-fow off the putting surface, the moisture accumulates in those areas. In those parts of the green we’re battling pythium root rot and additional disease pressure. “Obviously, I’m not the frst one to manage aging greens with an above-average accumulation of mix, but I can tell you we maintain an aggressive aerifcation program in the summer months,” Black continues. “We continued incorporating and diluting organics with as much sand as we could. But there just comes a time when they won’t perform to the standards of member expectations — and our own expectations.” Full-circle proposition Push now comes to shove as Black and course architect Drew Rogers have embarked on a comprehensive plan for improvement of the Preserve, where all 18 greens and surrounds will be rebuilt, along with all 56 bunkers. It’s likely the Lakes Course will get a similar refurbishment when the Preserve project is complete. Both 18s at Quail West are credited to architect Arthur Hills, whose frm Rogers joined the year the Preserve Course debuted. Rogers subsequently oversaw design and construction of the Lakes Course. “You cringe a little bit when you consider how Florida courses were built at that time,” says Rogers, who formed his own architecture frm, JDR Design, in 2010. “Back in the ’90s, it was more typical to build the green separate from the surrounds. A cavity is built up with the layers of materials that compose a USGA green, of course. But there was one

big, looming problem that few in the industry paid enough attention to: You’ve got a cavity that is built up with layers of materials that are frankly different from everything around it. “When we build today, we make darn sure the surrounds are identical and seamless — that, in terms of the soil profle, you can’t tell the green edge from the outside edge. Unfortunately, once greens in this part of the country get to be 25-30 years old (the typical life span of a USGA green in Florida), you can tell exactly where those edges, those transition areas are,” Rogers continues. “Little bumps and trenches develop around the edge of the green that are tough to maintain. And if your ball settles there? Well, it defnitely affects playability … and aesthetics.” The work at Quail West is a full-circle proposition for Rogers, not merely for his revisitation of early designs, but also for the presence of Mark Black. The two met in the early 1990s, when Black was golf course superintendent at the Bonita Bay Club, perhaps Naples’ most prominent, multi-course development. Black would leave Bonita Bay for Quail West in 1998, but his time there was noteworthy. Not only did he oversee the development of some fve separate 18-hole tracks, but Black also trained a veritable army of assistants who’ve gone on to take superintendent positions at some of the fnest clubs in the Naples area. “I just keep running into these guys, and they’re all recognizable because they clearly bring Mark’s expertise and dedication along with them,” Rogers says. There is Matt Taylor, CGCS, a 22-year member of GCSAA who looked after the Fazio-designed East Course at Bonita Bay before taking the top job at 36-hole Royal Poinciana in Naples in 2000. Rogers is now renovating the Cypress course there. There is Kenyon Kyle, CGCS, who left Black’s tutelage to build and grow in Shadow Wood Preserve in Estero. That was an Arthur Hills design where Rogers, by then a full partner in the frm, assumed lead architect duties. Kyle, a 19-year GCSAA member, then went off to Amelia Island before returning to Naples at Audubon Country Club, where he and Rogers are now collaborating on another refurbishment program. Then there’s Hal Akin, CGCS, another 19year member of the association who stayed put at Bonita Bay and today presides over the New Marsh, Creekside and Bay Island layouts. “There are lots of other Mark Black protégés I don’t even know, but clearly here’s a fellow who produces talent,” Rogers says. “Guys

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like Mark and Matt Schaffer (superintendent at Merion GC) and a few others, the Latshaws — they really demand a lot of their assistants and managers. It becomes sort of a way of life. You live and breathe the golf course. It’s intense. It’s demanding. But at the end of the day, the dynamic is fatherly. These assistants work hard because they’re treated well, and that’s a super motivator. They go on to do good things because they’ve been trained to succeed. “I’ve always wanted to work directly with Mark because I’ve worked directly with so many of these guys who come from his farm, so to speak. Now I fnd myself with the chance to work directly with Mark, and I couldn’t be more delighted,” Rogers says. ‘Just one of the offspring’ Black may embody the business in his corner of the world (he has been a GCSAA and Everglades GCSA member for 34 years), but he wasn’t born to the profession. Black was “fortunate enough” to work for someone who was born to the job: Dan Hall, the longtime superintendent at Imperial Golf Club in Naples and himself the son of a superintendent. Black, a native of Lake Wales, Fla., got his frst taste of golf course work at Arnold Palmer’s

Quail West is a 36-hole facility featuring a pair of Arthur Hills-designed layouts — the Preserve (pictured here) and the Lakes courses. Drew Rogers, a former Hills protégé, will lead the upcoming renovation work.

Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando. He qualifed for and completed the golf course operations program at Lake City Community College (now called Florida Gateway College), then went to work for Hall. “Yeah, there are a lot of young fellas who have worked with me, done a lot of great things, but I’m not sure it was because of me,” Black says. “What they may not fully appreci-

ate is how much they got from Dan Hall. He’s the godfather. I’m just one of the offspring.” Naturally, this family tree of superintendents all clustered in the Naples area invites some key comparisons. Such as, who’s the snappiest dresser? “That’d be me,” Black deadpans. And the best player? “Me! Of course, that doesn’t make me

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Returning Quail West’s putting surfaces to their original design features and characteristics is job one of the club’s upcoming renovation project.

any good.” “The other thing you have to understand,” says Black, getting serious again, “is that Naples, Florida, has some of the fnest superintendents in the country. There are a lot of really sharp guys, and the sharing of failures is what has always intrigued me in this business. What we get right is almost taken for granted. When things are bad, there are so many guys who are willing to stop and help and tell you what worked for them. That’s a part of the

Final decisions When we checked in with Black this past summer, fnal decisions had yet to be reached about just what turf he and Rogers would install on the Preserve Course. This is the other key component of the renovation, and Black is still researching the matter with his colleagues in Naples and the USGA. “We’re awaiting the USGA report as we speak,” Black says. “There are off-types of bermuda that have contaminated our existing (ultradwarf) surfaces. Basically, it’s not unlike Poa does with bent greens. It’s a bermudagrass type, but it behaves differently than the intended type. The growth habit, the susceptibility to drought, pests and disease is slightly different. That makes it tough because you have to treat one green different than you treat another. Something might be more effective on one green than another, and that creates inconsistent playing conditions for the golfers.” “All this became very apparent to me over the past four to fve years,” Black continues. “The last few we’ve had drought in summer and hot humid weather in the fall, which is perfect for disease. And if you don’t have greens that drain adequately or properly, you

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“We’re also dealing with a slightly different demographic of member today, and we’re paying very close attention to their needs.” — Rogers

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

get a perfect storm of disease pressure. That’s hard to manage.” Rogers says that, according to the USGA, once the contamination level gets to about 40 percent, courses should think seriously about removing that grass and establishing a new stand. Most of the greens at Quail West have gone beyond 60 percent contamination. “It more or less forced the hand of the club to react,” Rogers says, noting that the nonoriginal ultradwarf surfaces at Quail West are 16 years old and provide nothing close to the pure strain sought by all supers in this part of the country. “At the same time we’re dealing with the contamination, the green complexes are 22 years old,” Black says. “We now have a greens mix that is 25 inches deep; a good average is 0.5 inch a year through topdressing. We’re on an average schedule. But they just don’t perform the way a USGA green is supposed to. They don’t drain and percolate like they did, and could, and should. In a region with 56-58 inches of annual rainfall, this has made it more diffcult than we’d like.” Rogers is marrying these agronomic efforts to a range of other course improvements beftting a 22-year-old course in a demanding climate — one that enables play 52 weeks a year.

“In large part, we are just piecing these golf courses back together,” Rogers explains. “They are 20-plus years old and showing their age. We see it in the bunkers, tees, around the greens. The greens we’ve talked about, but today we also understand how to move golf carts through holes better and more safely. Trees have grown and are adversely impacting play. Some bunkers are now out of position. The tees are small and perched up — tough to climb and tough for equipment to negotiate. “We’re also dealing with a slightly different demographic of member today, and we’re paying very close attention to their needs. Our plan involves details that will promote a more playable and enjoyable golf experience, but without negating the original design intent or the challenge from the back tees.” “The membership,” Black adds, “is very happy with both golf courses. They’re not looking to have new golf courses when we’re done. They’d like the old ones returned to them, but just better versions.”

Hal Phillips is the managing director of golf and resorts for Mandarin Media, a public relations frm with offces in Portland, Maine; Park City, Utah; and Saigon, Vietnam, and the former editor of Golf Course News.

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(up to speed)

Weighing in on rolling after aerifcation Early one afternoon in September 2013,

used in the study: the Toro GP 1240 and the

to eat. After ordering a sandwich, I took a seat outdoors on an elevated deck overlooking the 18th and spied the assistant superintendent rolling the green. Awaiting my order, I sipped on a beverage and let my face bathe in the warmth of the sun’s rays. Tension drained from my body, clearing my mind of thought as I entered nirvana. My sandwich was delivered, I ordered a second beverage and, after eating, I was recharged and ready to get back to work. As I asked for my check and prepared to depart, I noticed the assistant superintendent was still rolling the green. As I made my way toward the green, the assistant turned off his machine. When I asked what he was doing, he said, “Rolling the green.” I gave him a stare that alerted him I was aware of that fact, so he added, “Well, we aerifed the greens today, so I’m rolling each green 16 times to smooth them out.” I was surprised, to say the least. First of all, I had to smile, recalling the superintendent of the course had informed me a decade before that he would never put “one of those machines” (a lightweight roller) on any of his greens. Now he was rolling every green 16 times after core cultivation, a practice intended to alleviate compaction of the root zone after months of play. Seemed to me like it might be counterproductive. By the spring of 2014, I had had numerous conversations with golf course superintendents who also rolled after core cultivation. Furthermore, I learned that some superintendents were making purchasing decisions based on the weight of the roller. Their logic was that the heavier the roller, the faster the hole closure and the smoother the putting surface. Obviously, it was time to initiate a study. In September 2014, a study was initiated at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center (HTRC) of Michigan State University by aerifying a creeping bentgrass research putting green with a Toro Pro Core with 0.5inch tines. The green was mowed fve days per week with a Toro Triplex Reelmaster set at a 0.125-inch height of cut. Two rollers were

pounds heavier than the Toro. One of the plots was a non-rolled check plot. The other plots were rolled fve days per week for 20 days after aerifcation. Hole-closure ratings were taken daily after aerifcation. For both rollers, hole closure in rolled aerifed plots was not noticeably faster compared to that in the non-rolled aerifed plots until 11 days after aerifcation. That trend continued for 25 days after aerifcation. Pelzmeter measurements showed that both rollers increased green speed (or ball roll distance) by 12 inches at one day after aerifcation, and that trend continued for the frst week. However, by 14 days after aerifcation, the rolled plots were nearly 2 feet faster in speed compared to the non-rolled check plots. That trend continued for the duration of the experiment. Finally, soil cores were taken, and neither of the rollers created any measurable compaction differences compared to the non-rolled aerifed plots. On every date, there were no differences between the two rollers, indicating heavier rollers do not hasten hole closure or enhance smoothness more than lighter rollers. An additional observation made at the HTRC in 2014 was that dollar spot can grow rampant on the circumference of the aerifcation holes. This is logical given that we know drier soil leads to more severe dollar spot outbreaks. Obviously, customer satisfaction is the No. 1 reason to assist hole closure. I added that little tidbit about dollar spot to demonstrate that aerifcation hole closure can be a turfgrass health issue as well. Golf course superintendents continue to impress me with their innovation. Results from this study indicate that rolling after aerifcation (regardless of roller weight) signifcantly increases customer satisfaction, and you don’t have to roll each green 16 times to achieve measurable results.

Thomas A. Nikolai, Ph.D. I stopped by a local golf course to grab a bite Salsco GGR 9065, which is approximately 210 nikolait@msu.edu

An additional observation made at the HTRC in 2014 was that dollar spot can grow rampant on the circumference of the aerifcation holes.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

Thomas A. Nikolai, Ph.D., is the turfgrass academic specialist at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich., and a frequent GCSAA educator.

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Mike Cavanaugh, Co-Owner (215) 588-5594 | mikecavanaugh@foratine.com

Donald M. Johnson, Ph.D. Don W. Edgar, Ph.D. Douglas E. Karcher, Ph.D. Michael D. Richardson, Ph.D. John H. McCalla, M.S.

Petroleum diesel and biodiesel spills affect fairways differently The effects of petroleum diesel and two types of biodiesel were tested on three turfgrass genera in Arkansas. Turf-damaging fuel spills are usually caused by equipment failure, tank or hose leaks, or careless refueling practices (2). Besides being potential environmental hazards, fuel spills result in unsightly turf damage, detracting from the aesthetics of the golf course environment. Petroleum diesel is one of the primary fuels used to power maintenance equipment on commercial golf courses. A national study published in 2012 (5) found that 97% of 18hole golf courses used petroleum diesel, with virtually all (98%) used to fuel maintenance equipment. The typical 18-hole golf course used 3,467 gallons (13,124 liters) of petroleum diesel fuel annually. The increasing worldwide demand for energy, coupled with concerns about emissions, has resulted in greater interest in renewable, clean-burning alternative fuels. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel produced from vegetable oils, cooking greases and oils, or animal fats (3). Five percent of 18-hole golf courses nationwide used biodiesel in 2008. Courses using biodiesel averaged 2,528 gallons (9,569.5 liters) annually, with 90% of that used to fuel maintenance equipment (5). Pure biodiesel (B100) may be blended to produce a 20% biodiesel blend (B20) that is commonly used in the industry. As biodiesel use increases in the turfgrass industry, the question arises as to the relative effect of petroleum diesel and biodiesel spills on turfgrass. However, a search of the litera-

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

ture failed to locate previous studies addressing this question. Thus, the objective of this project was to compare the effects on turfgrass damage and recovery of simulated spills of petroleum diesel, a biodiesel blend (B20) and pure biodiesel (B100) at both ambient (90 F [32 C]) and elevated (165 F [74 C]) operating temperatures. A related study (2) evaluated the effect of petroleum, synthetic (polyalkylene-glycol) and vegetable-oil hydraulic fuids, applied at various temperatures and volumes, on necrosis and recovery of warm-season turfgrasses. As expected, the synthetic hydraulic fuid resulted in the least necrosis and the most rapid recovery; however, vegetable-oil-based hydraulic fuid resulted in less necrosis and faster recovery than petroleum-based hydraulic fuid. Since biodiesel is produced primarily from vegetable oils, these fndings suggest biodiesel spills should have a less negative impact on turfgrass than petroleum diesel spills.

Materials and methods This experiment was conducted at the Arkansas Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Fayetteville, Ark., during the summer of 2012. Simulated spills of three fuels (petroleum diesel, B20 and B100) were applied at two temperatures (90 F and 165 F) to SR 1020 creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.), TifSport bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon), and Meyer zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.) fairways. Two experiments were conducted. In experiment 1, a volume of 20 milliliters was applied by syringe at the center point of each 1.0-square-foot (929-square-centimeter) treatment area (Figure 1) on June 8, 2012, and turf injury evaluations extended through July 20, 2012 (42 days). In experiment 2, a volume of 10 milliliters was applied by syringe to the center point of each 1.0-square-foot treatment area on July 20, 2012, and turf injury evaluations extended through Aug. 31, 2012 (42 days).

Temperature and rainfall Experiment 1 (June 8-July 20) Experiment 2 (July 20-31 Aug. 31) Mean (SD) maximum daily temperature (F)â&#x20AC;

92.8 (5.4)

92.5 (7.0)

Mean (SD) minimum daily temperature (F)

69.4 (4.6)

69.7 (6.4)

1.4

4.4

Total rainfall (inches) â&#x20AC;

SD = standard deviation.

Table 1. Temperature and rainfall during experiments 1 and 2.

1 day after fuel application B100 (32°)

B20 (74°)

untreated

PD (32°)

PD (74°)

7 days after fuel application B100 (32°)

B20 (74°)

untreated

PD (32°)

PD (74°)

Figure 1. A creeping bentgrass fairway one day (top) and seven days (bottom) after fuel application for selected treatments.

The mean daily high and low temperatures were similar over the two experiments, but total rainfall during experiment 2 was approximately three times greater than that during experiment 1 (Table 1). Fairway turf was established on a silt loam soil, mowed at a height of 0.6 inch (1.5 centimeters). All areas were amended with phosphorous and potassium based on annual soil

tests. Nitrogen applications varied for each species as follows. Creeping bentgrass fairways were fertilized during the growing season with a combination of granular and biweekly foliar nitrogen applications for a total of 0.5 pound nitrogen/1,000 square feet (24.4 kilograms/ hectare). During the growing season, bermudagrass and zoysiagrass fairways were fertilized monthly with a granular nitrogen source.

Rates were 1.0 pound/1,000 square feet (48.8 kilograms/hectare) for bermudagrass and 0.5 pound/1,000 square feet for zoysiagrass fairways. All turf areas were irrigated, as needed, to prevent drought stress. Digital images were taken at one, two, four and six weeks after treatment, using a framing technique that allowed a precise measurement of the turfgrass cover in the

03.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

plot area (4). Percent relative green cover was calculated by dividing the percent green cover area for each surface by the mean percent green cover area for the appropriate nontreated control surface (6).

20-milliliter applications Creeping bentgrass 100

90 80

60 50

B20

a a

B100

20 10 0

Bermudagrass

100

% relative green cover

c ab

b a

a a

50 40 30 20 10 0

Zoysiagrass 100 90 80

aa a a a aa

a a a

60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Week 1

Week 2

Week 4

Week 6

Figure 2. Percent relative green cover by week for petroleum diesel (PD), 20% biodiesel (B20) and 100% biodiesel (B100) applied at 20 milliliters on creeping bentgrass, bermudagrass and zoysiagrass fairways. Within each species and week, bars with the same letter are not statistically different.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

Results Experiment 1 (20-milliliter fuel application) For creeping bentgrass fairways (Figure 2, top), there were signifcant differences in percent relative green cover by fuel type in three of four comparisons by week. Plots treated with B20 and B100 had signifcantly higher percent relative green cover than plots treated with petroleum diesel at two, four and six weeks post-application. By week 6, relative green cover of creeping bentgrass was 45% for treatments with petroleum diesel, 62% for treatments with B20 and 70% for treatments with B100. Fuel temperature did not have a signifcant independent effect on percent relative green cover for creeping bentgrass at the 20-milliliter application rate. Bermudagrass fairways exhibited a consistent and signifcant difference in percent relative green cover by fuel type in each of the four comparisons by week. Within each week, percent relative green cover was signifcantly lower for plots treated with petroleum diesel, intermediate for those treated with B20 and higher for those treated with B100 (Figure 2, middle). By week 6 of the bermudagrass fairway treatments, relative green cover was 77% for petroleum diesel, 84% for B20 and 96% for B100. Fuel temperature did not have a signifcant independent effect on percent relative green cover for bermudagrass at the 20-milliliter application rate. Zoysiagrass fairways responded differently to the simulated fuel spills when compared to creeping bentgrass and bermudagrass fairways. With zoysiagrass, there were no signifcant differences in percent relative green cover by fuel type for any week (Figure 2, bottom). Zoysiagrass exhibited less initial damage and more complete recovery (as measured by percent relative green cover ) to all types of fuel spills compared to creeping bentgrass and bermudagrass. By week 6, the percent relative green cover for zoysiagrass exceeded 90% regardless of fuel type. Again, fuel temperature did not have a signifcant independent effect on percent relative green cover for zoysiagrass.

Experiment 2 (10 milliliters fuel application) In the frst experiment, 20 milliliters of

Implications The results of this study yielded fairly consistent results across turfgrass surfaces and ex-

10-milliliter applications Creeping bentgrass 100 90 80

a a

B20

aa a

B100

60 50 40 30 20 10 0

100 90

% relative green cover

fuel was applied to the center of each surface, resulting in turf damage that approached the margin of the 4-inch (10-centimeter) diameter evaluation area; in the second experiment, the application volume was decreased to 10 milliliters on each 1.0-square-foot treatment area. Total rainfall also differed between the frst (1.4 inches [3.55 centimeters]) and second (4.4 inches [11.17 centimeters]) experiment. These differences should be noted when attempting to compare results across experiments. For creeping bentgrass fairways, there were no signifcant differences in percent relative green cover by fuel type for any of the four weekly comparisons (Figure 3, top). There was a signifcant independent effect for fuel temperature, with fuels applied at 165 F resulting in a lower percent relative green cover (overall mean 79%) than fuels applied at 90 F (overall mean 84%). Interestingly, there was not a signifcant interaction between fuel temperature and number of weeks post-application; the decrease in percent relative green cover for fuels applied at 165 F persisted throughout the study period. On bermudagrass fairways, there were signifcant differences in percent relative green cover by fuel type in each of the four comparisons by week (Figure 3, middle). In each comparison, percent relative green cover was signifcantly lower for plots treated with petroleum diesel, intermediate for those treated with B20 and higher for those treated with B100. By week 6, relative green cover for bermudagrass was over 90% for each fuel type with B100-treated bermudagrass at 99% relative green cover. There was no signifcant main effect for fuel temperature on percent relative green cover for bermudagrass. On zoysiagrass fairways, there were signifcant differences in percent relative green cover by fuel type each week (Figure 3, bottom). In weeks 2, 4 and 6, percent relative green cover was signifcantly lower for plots treated with petroleum diesel, intermediate for those treated with B20 and higher for those treated with B100. By week 6, B100-treated zoysiagrass had a relative green cover of 96%, compared to 75% for B20 and 59% for petroleum diesel. There was no signifcant main effect for fuel temperature on percent relative green cover for zoysiagrass.

a a b

Bermudagrass a b a c b

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

100

a a

90 80

Zoysiagrass a a

b c

Week 4

Week 6

50 40 30 20 10 0

Week 1

Week 2

Figure 3. Percent relative green cover by week for petroleum diesel (PD), 20% biodiesel (B20) and 100% biodiesel (B100) applied at 10 milliliters on creeping bentgrass, bermudagrass and zoysiagrass fairways. Within each species and week, bars with the same letter are not statistically different.

03.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

periments. In 15 of 24 comparisons by weeks after application, fairway surfaces treated with B20 and B100 had signifcantly higher percent relative green cover than did surfaces treated with petroleum diesel. None of the 24 comparisons by weeks after application resulted in a signifcantly higher percent relative green cover for surfaces treated with petroleum diesel. Finally, in four of six comparisons in week 6, surfaces treated with B20 or B100 had signifcantly higher percent relative green cover than did surfaces treated with petroleum diesel. Thus, we conclude that B100 and B20 spills generally result in less fairway turf damage and faster recovery compared to petroleum diesel spills. This is consistent with research on the effects of spills of vegetablebased hydraulic fuid (2). In the second experiment, when fuel was applied at 10 milliliters, the heated (165 F) fuel produced greater damage to creeping bentgrass fairways than the fuel applied at ambient temperature (90 F). However, in the frst experiment, where the fuel was applied at 20 milliliters, no differences by fuel temperature were observed for creeping bentgrass fairways. It is also important to note that when fuel was applied at the 20-milliliter rate, regardless of application temperature, damage was substantially greater than for fuel applied at 10 milliliters. These fndings suggest that, for creeping

The RESEARCH SAYS • Researchers examined the effects of spills of petroleum diesel, 20% blended biodiesel and 100% pure biodiesel on creeping bentgrass, bermudagrass and zoysiagrass fairways. • Biodiesel spills generally resulted in less fairway turf damage and faster recovery compared to petroleum diesel spills. • For creeping bentgrass fairways, small fuel leaks are more damaging at higher temperatures, and high-volume leaks are more damaging than small ones regardless of the fuel temperature at the time of the leak. • Superintendents should monitor fuel-damaged fairways and consider allowing natural regrowth, which is especially likely with biodiesel fuel spills.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

bentgrass fairways, small fuel leaks are more damaging at higher temperatures, and high volume leaks are more damaging than small volume leaks regardless of the fuel temperature at the time the leak occurred.

Funding This study was supported by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board; FutureFuel Corp.; and the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture.

Rainfall Determining the effects of rainfall on damage from fuel spills was not an objective of the present study, but large differences in rainfall were observed between the two study periods (Table 1). It appears that the greater amount of rainfall observed in the second experiment (4.4 inches [11.17 centimeters]) compared to the frst experiment (1.4 inches [3.55 centimeters]) may have mitigated some of the injury by moving the fuel away from crowns and other meristematic tissues or by diluting the fuels so that less injury occurred. Plots were maintained in well-watered condition in both experiments, so these effects are not believed to be associated with drought stress in the plots. The effects of water volume on injury would be a good avenue for future research, as increased irrigation might be an alternative approach to reducing damage from fuel spills on golf course turf.

Acknowledgments The results of this research were originally published online on Nov. 14, 2014, in the journal Applied Turfgrass Science as “Effect of Petroleum Diesel and Biodiesel Spills on Turfgrass” by Donald M. Johnson, Don W. Edgar, Douglas E. Karcher, Michael D. Richardson and John H. McCalla (doi:10.2134/ATS2013-0005-RS).

Zoysiagrass In the frst experiment, zoysiagrass fairways treated with 20 milliliters of each fuel type showed no signifcant difference in percent relative green cover by fuel and an almost complete (>90% relative green cover ) recovery by week 6. In the second experiment, at the 10-milliliter application rate, there were signifcant differences in percent relative green cover by fuel type, with petroleum diesel being lowest, B100 highest and B20 being intermediate. In addition, by week 6, recovery in percent relative green cover for treated zoysiagrass fairways was much lower for petroleum diesel (50%) and B20 (75%) than in the frst experiment. The cause of this difference was not determined, but it may have been due to different growth rates for zoysiagrass between the two experiments (the zoysiagrass plots were 81% green at the beginning of the frst and 98% green at the beginning of the second experiment). Finally, this research suggests that golf course managers should carefully monitor fuel-damaged fairways and consider allowing damaged turf to regrow naturally. This natural regrowth is especially likely with biodiesel fuel spills.

Literature cited 1. Bai, R., and D. Li. 2013. Establishment of perennial ryegrass in soil contaminated with simulated petroleum-based spills and remediation. HortTechnology 23(3): 334-338. 2. Berndt, W.L. 2007. Effect of synthetic hydraulic fuid on warm-season turfgrass. Online. Applied Turfgrass Science doi: 10.1094/ATS-2007-1119-01-RS. 3. Department of Energy. 2009. Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide. 4th ed. NREL Report No. TP-540-43672; DOE/GO-102008-2658. U.S. Department of Energy, Offce of Scientifc and Technical Information, Oak Ridge, Tenn. 4. Karcher, D.E., and M.D. Richardson. 2013. Digital image analysis in turfgrass research. Pages 11331149. In: J.C. Stier, B.P. Horgan and S.A. Bonos, editors. Turfgrass: Biology, Use, and Management. Agronomy Monograph 56. 5. Lyman, G.T., M.E. Johnson and G.A. Stacey. 2012. Golf course environmental profle measures energy use and energy management practices. Online. Applied Turfgrass Science doi: 10.1094/ATS-20120288-01-RS. 6. Young, J., M. Richardson and D. Karcher. 2012. Evaluating ball mark severity and recovery using digital image analysis. Arkansas Turfgrass Report 2010 Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Service 593:50-55.

Donald M. Johnson (dmjohnso@uark.edu) is a professor and Don W. Edgar is an associate professor in the department of agricultural education, communications and technology; and Douglas E. Karcher is an associate professor, Michael D. Richardson is a professor and John H. McCalla is a research specialist in the department of horticulture at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark.

USGA research reports Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: The United States Golf Association funds a wide range of research related to golf course management. The reports published here were written by university researchers to describe results of their USGA-funded research. As stated in the reports, some of these results are preliminary because the research projects or the data analysis have not been completed. More information on USGA-funded research is available at usgatero.msu.edu/tero_browse.html.

(Report) Examining turfgrass species and management regimes for enhanced carbon sequestration Aaron Patton, Ph.D. Jon Trappe, M.S. Quincy Law, M.S. Dan Weisenberger Ron Turco, Ph.D.

Soil carbon sequestration has been proposed as a method to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide. Although our understanding of soil carbon dynamics in wooded landscapes and agricultural crops has increased signifcantly in recent years, highly managed turf areas have remained understudied. Turf ecosystems have tremendous potential to sequester carbon in the soil, but more research is needed to understand how we can enhance soil carbon sequestration. To improve our understanding of carbon sequestration, we are learning how turf species and management practices infuence soil carbon. Our research objectives include: 1. Determining the greenhouse gas fux of common turf species: perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. 2. Quantifying total and labile soil carbon

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

Sampling from the greenhouse gas fux chambers. Photo by Jon Trappe

and total nitrogen in stands of various ages of Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue and zoysiagrass. 3. Measuring how turf clippings (residues) affect soil microbial activity and soil aggregate stability. 4. Determining the infuence of various tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass cultivars with differing leaf elongation rates on mowing frequency in order to identify turfgrasses with reduced mowing requirements and increased carbon sequestration potential. 5. Measuring the effects of grass clipping management (collect or return) on

greenhouse gas fux and soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics. The data available now are preliminary results because additional research and analysis remain to be completed. Refereed journal articles will be submitted at the conclusion of the study. The preliminary carbon dioxide fux results by species predominately demonstrate how weather impacts greenhouse gas fux. Carbon dioxide fux data across species closely tracked soil temperature data for each of the sampling dates. Bermudagrass was consistently among the species with the lowest carbon dioxide fux across 14 collection dates.

Recorded mowing events in 2013 Number of mowing events Weekly †

One-third rule

Cultivar

Species

Growth rate

Collected

Returned

Collected

Returned

Gazelle II

tall fescue

slow

28.25

17.75

Tar Heel II

tall fescue

medium

29.25

17.25

21.25

Endeavor

tall fescue

fast

28.75

29.5

24.25

Prosperity

Kentucky bluegrass

slow

19.75

12.25

14.25

Moonshine

Kentucky bluegrass

medium

27.5

15.5

17.5

Thermal blue

Kentucky bluegrass

fast

27.75

22.5

†

Cultivars were selected for this experiment based on their growth rate in preliminary trials and their similar appearance and stress tolerance in previous field trials in West Lafayette, Ind. (data not shown). Table 1. The number of recorded mowing events with clippings collected and returned for each treatment in 2013.

The three cool-season species — Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue — followed similar trends in carbon dioxide fux across most measurement dates. Carbon dioxide fux data within species but across cultivars of varying growth rates showed few differences. Grass clipping management played a minor role in greenhouse gas fux, as returning grass clippings resulted in greater carbon dioxide fux than collecting clippings on only one of the six measurement dates. Nitrous oxide fux was not different among main treatment effects (species, cultivar and clipping management) during the experiment, and there was not a measurable methane fux. Differences in labile and total soil carbon were realized between turfgrass species after three years of growth post-planting, with tall fescue having 9.9% more labile soil carbon and 4.5% more total soil carbon than Kentucky bluegrass. After two years under differ-

ent mowing practices, plots where grass clippings were returned had 3.3% more labile soil carbon, 4.2% more total soil carbon and 4.6% more total soil nitrogen than those where clippings were collected. Planting slower-growing turfgrasses resulted in fewer annual mowing events: Kentucky bluegrass required fewer annual mowing events than tall fescue, and slow-growing cultivars needed to be mowed less than the moderate-growing cultivars, which were mowed fewer times than the fast-growing cultivars (Table 1). Mowing by the one-third rule also reduced mowing requirements (Table 1). Returning clippings increased the number of annual mowings by about 2 compared to plots where clippings were collected when mowed by the one-third rule (Table 1), but returning grass clippings was benefcial as it increased tissue nitrogen concentration in clippings as well as total soil nitrogen concentration and total and labile soil carbon.

This project is one of many current projects being conducted by turf scientists around the country so that we can continue to learn and better understand how turf management infuences soil carbon sequestration. The results of this study highlight the importance of turfgrass selection and mowing practices on the carbon and nitrogen dynamics and biogeochemical cycling in a turfgrass system.

troublesome weed on golf courses wherever cool-season grasses are grown. On fairways in particular, populations can quickly approach 50% or more if aggressive control measures are not initiated shortly after establishment. Furthermore, diffcult summers can cause signifcant thinning or widespread death of annual bluegrass. In response, superintendents will overseed in late August to early September to help the

stand recover from summer. However, annual bluegrass germination and competition is highest in the fall, and thus it can overtake the desired turf and the cycle starts over. Minimizing annual bluegrass and maximizing the desired cool-season turf could help break this cycle. Seeding early in the summer before the almost inevitable annual bluegrass thinning could allow the desired turf to establish while the annual bluegrass is thinning. Addition-

Aaron Patton (ajpatton@purdue.edu) is an associate professor, Quincy Law is a graduate research assistant, and Dan Weisenberger is a research agronomist in the department of horticulture and landscape architecture, and Jon Trappe is a graduate research assistant and Ron Turco is a professor in the department of agronomy at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.

(Report) Reducing annual bluegrass in fairways Zac Reicher, Ph.D. Matt Sousek David Minner, Ph.D. Andrew Hoiberg, Ph.D. Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is the most

03.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

Interseeding a desired species usually occurs after annual bluegrass is thinned by summer stress. However, the lighter-colored annual bluegrass germinates quickly and usually outcompetes the desired turf if no post-seeding herbicides are used. Photo by Zac Reicher ally, aggressive herbicide use after interseeding could shift the competitive balance away from annual bluegrass toward the desired turf. Herbicide use over new seedlings is a compromise between seedling safety and the potential for the target weed to reduce establishment. Given the tremendous potential for annual bluegrass to dominate seedlings of the desired turf, it is likely best to err on the side of applying herbicides early to seedlings. This would be especially true in the fall when cool-season turfgrasses are not under signifcant stress. Velocity (bispyribac-sodium, Nufarm) is currently the industry standard for post-emergence selective annual bluegrass in seedling creeping bentgrass or perennial ryegrass. Tenacity (mesotrione, Syngenta), has excellent seedling tolerance over Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass and can control annual bluegrass pre- and post-emergence. The preemergence herbicide dithiopyr has the most fexible label for use over new seedings. Our objective was to determine whether summer

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

seeding and post-seeding herbicides will improve success of fairway interseeding as measured in composition of annual bluegrass versus desired turf. Our studies began in summer 2011 and are located on the fairways of three golf courses of various maintenance levels in Iowa and Nebraska. Golf courses included Country Club of Lincoln (Neb.), Crooked Creek (Lincoln, Neb.) and Ames (Iowa) Country Club. Fairways are mixed stands of annual bluegrass as well as perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass and/or creeping bentgrass. Seed was dropped into seedbeds after solid-tine aerifcation. Treatments include seeding dates (June 15, July 15 or Aug. 15), interseeded species (unseeded, creeping bentgrass, perennial ryegrass or Kentucky bluegrass, depending on location), and herbicides (untreated; Velocity [on creeping bentgrass] or Tenacity [on Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass] applied two and four weeks after seeding; dithiopyr applied in early fall and early spring; or Velocity/Tenacity applied after seeding plus the two

applications of dithiopyr. Results were variable across these locations since environments ranged from an urban country club (Lincoln) with limited air movement to Ames CC, which is relatively windswept, to a daily-fee public course with limited shade. The fnal data in May 2014 are most important in this study, taken after three years of treatments. However, fnal annual bluegrass data in Ames was affected by widespread winterkill in 2013-2014 from extended snow cover in the low area where the experiment was located. Data from Ames in fall 2013 indicated that overseeding with perennial ryegrass was most effective in reducing annual bluegrass cover, especially when followed with Tenacity applied two and four weeks after seeding. The other two locations did not suffer winterkill and thus data continued through 2014. Interseeding creeping bentgrass was most effective at reducing annual bluegrass at Lincoln CC, especially when followed with Velocity applied at two and four weeks after seeding. When interseeding Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass into lower-maintenance fairways at Crooked Creek, Tenacity applied two and four weeks after seeding was the dominant factor reducing annual bluegrass populations while overseeding species had little effect. Surprisingly, seeding date had little effect on minimizing annual bluegrass regardless of location. Our data reinforce one of our original hypotheses that herbicide use shortly after germination is critical for minimizing annual bluegrass competition and maximizing establishment, regardless of the species chosen for overseeding.

Zac Reicher (zreicher2@unl.edu) is a professor and Matt Sousek is a research technologist in the department of agronomy and agriculture at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln; David Minner is a professor in the horticulture department at Iowa State University, Ames; and Andrew Hoiberg is now director of research and development at Calcium Products, Ames, Iowa.

(Report) Ammonia volatilization losses from fertilized turfgrass as affected by nitrogen source

The loss of nitrogen to the air as ammonia gas (via urease activity) can be a substantial pathway of nitrogen loss, especially if urea is applied to the surface without further incorporation. The objective of this work was to examine ammonia loss as affected by nitrogen sources, some of which contain various volatilization inhibitors (urease inhibitors). Our ammonia volatilization experiment consisted of three separate experiments, all using a standard laboratory bench procedure for the evaluation of nitrogen loss via volatilization. Treatments were: (1) granular urea, (2) urea + Ca-Aminoethylpiperazine (CaAP)/Ca-Heterpolysaccharides, (3) urea with maleic-itaconic copolymer (Mal-IcoP), and (4) urea with N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT). All inhibitors were applied at labeled rates. All fertilizers were applied as granular products to the turf surface at a rate of 1 pound nitrogen/1,000 square feet (4.88 grams/square meter) to tall fescue, with no additional water applied after application. The underlying soil was a loamy sand with a soil pH of 6.2. The volatilization system that was used for all experiments consisted of a series of 16 2-liter glass canning jars, all attached to an air source via a 16-outlet manifold. A plug of turf was placed in each jar, the jar sealed, and air was allowed to fow along the top of the turf in each jar. This method collected ammonia via an ammonia trap system. Air fow was generated by passing 100 milliliters/ minute air stream through a 5N sulfuric acid air scrubber and across each jar, with resultant NH3 trapped in 100 milliliters of 0.01 nitrogen boric acid. The boric acid trap was changed every other day for 11 days, with collected samples titrated to the original pH of the boric acid using 0.01 nitrogen sulfuric acid to determine ammonia collected. For each experiment, there were three replicates for each nitrogen source. Each experiment was conducted for 11 days. The fgure below

Volatilization N loss from fertilized tall fescue 25 Nitrogen loss (% of nitrogen applied)

Elizabeth Guertal, Ph.D.

Urea Urea + Ca-AP Urea + Mal-IcoP Urea + NBPT

0 1

Days after initial fertilization Figure 1. Cumulative ammonia loss from tall fescue as affected by various ammonia volatilization inhibitors in a laboratory study.

is the average of all three experiments. The only nitrogen source with a volatilization inhibitor that signifcantly reduced ammonia loss (as compared to the urea-only control) was the urea that contained the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide. Materials with other volatilization inhibitors did not reduce volatilized ammonia as compared to the urea treatment. Maximum volatilization always occurred by day 3 of the study and had largely reduced to nonmeasurable levels by 11 days after fertilization. These are very typical responses, and the amount of volatilization and the time over which it occurred are similar to those measured in dozens of other volatilization experiments conducted in our laboratory. Typical nitrogen losses from urea applied to the surface were around 20% of nitrogen applied. This was reduced to around 10% of nitrogen applied when the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide was added to the urea.

In addition to urease inhibitors, methods for reducing volatilization losses of nitrogen can include the use of other nitrogen sources that do not contain urea, slow-release nitrogen sources, foliar fertilization or simply applying water to move urea farther into the soil, away from a zone of high urease activity. Preliminary work at Auburn has shown that application of 1 â &#x201E;8 to Âź inch (0.3175 to 0.635 centimeters) of irrigation following urea fertilization will reduce volatilization losses.

Beth Guertal, Ph.D. (guertea@auburn.edu), is a professor in crop, soil and environmental sciences at Auburn University in Auburn, Ala.

03.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

(Report) Evaluating organic amendments for controlling large patch on zoysia Xiaowei Pan Xi Xiong, Ph.D. Michael D. Richardson, Ph.D. James T. English, Ph.D. Shiping Deng, Ph.D. Zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.) is one of the most important warm-season grasses. In the transition zone where winter-kill is a concern, zoysiagrass is the dominant grass species managed on golf course fairways and tees. Zoysiagrass has relatively few disease problems except large patch (R izoctonia solani AG-2-2 LP), which can be a serious problem if left untreated. Soil organic amendments may provide an alternative strategy for large patch control and potentially reduce dependence on the use of conventional fungicides. It is hypothesized that incorporation of organic amendments enhances soil microbial populations and/or activity, which adversely affects plant pathogens via antagonism, parasitism or competition. Previous research conducted at the University of Missouri demonstrated that a plant-based material, mustard seed meal, can suppress and kill R. solani under laboratory conditions. Field studies showed that applying mustard seed meal in a mixture with sand as a topdressing material following aeration can signifcantly minimize injury to turfgrass plants. In addition, observations from golf course superintendents in Missouri and Arkansas indicate that animal waste-based organic fertilizers have reduced large patch occurrence and severity. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of organic amendments on soil properties and their infuences on large patch occurrence. Field plots were inoculated with R. solani in fall 2012 on zoysiagrass maintained under fairway conditions in Missouri and Arkansas. Application methods included topdressing only or core aerifcation followed by topdressing. Organic amendments included mustard seed meal, Back to Nature chicken manure and Milorganite fertilizer at 1,340 pounds/ acre (1,501.94 kilograms/hectare), in addition to UMAXX (urea fertilizer) at 143 pounds/

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

Large patch outbreak on a zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica) fairway, Columbia, Mo. Photo was taken on May 27, 2010. Photo by Xi Xiong

acre (160.28 kilograms/hectare), Heritage fungicide (azoxystrobin, Syngenta) at 0.4 fuid ounce/1,000 square feet (0.127 milliliters/ square meter), and an untreated control. All organic amendments and synthetic fertilizer provide 1.5 pound nitrogen/1,000 square feet (7.32 grams/square meter) per application. Treatments were applied once in spring and fall in 2013 and 2014. Evaluations included biweekly assessments of turfgrass quality, phytotoxicity and large patch cover. Soil physical and chemical properties and soil microbial characteristics were determined before and one year after the initial treatment applications and will also be analyzed in spring 2015, two years after the initial applications. To simplify the discussion, only selected results from the Missouri site will be included in this article. Turf injury was found only in plots treated with mustard seed meal at one week after treatment following each application except the spring 2014 application. Topdressing following aeration application method reduced mustard seed meal phytotoxicity compared to the topdressing-only method for up to 40% improvement. Regardless of application method, the affected turf completely recovered by two weeks after treatment. Large patch was signifcantly reduced in plots receiving chicken manure and the fungicide, compared to the untreated control over

the two seasons. This trend was similar to the ratio of gram-positive to gram-negative bacteria in the soil. Earlier research reported that some gram-negative bacteria, like Pseudomonas fuorescens, can suppress many root fungi including R. solani. Studies in both Missouri and Arkansas are ongoing to corroborate correlations we observed from this feld study. In summary, repeat applications of organic amendments, such as chicken manure, appear promising for suppressing large patch under feld conditions. Organic amendments demonstrate effects on soil microbial populations, and shifts in microbial populations may contribute to large patch control.

Xiaowei Pan is a graduate student, Xi Xiong (xiongx@missouri.edu) is an assistant professor and James T. English is a professor in the department of plant sciences at the University of Missouri, Columbia; Michael D. Richardson is a professor in the department of horticulture at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; and Shiping Deng is a professor in the department of plant and soil sciences at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater.

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Integrated Control Module

(Report) Improved understanding and testing for salinity tolerance in cool-season turfgrasses Paul G. Johnson, Ph.D. B. Shaun Bushman, Ph.D. Water is a critical issue for sustainability of agriculture and urban areas in the North American West. Golf course superintendents are frequently asked, or forced, to use less irrigation water and/or to use water from lower-quality sources. Yet at the same time, rapid population growth requires these turfgrass areas to do more and be used by more people. Turfgrass with high quality, greater salt tolerance and greater drought tolerance is essential. Our research has focused on four questions: • Which plant measurements are most effcient to select for salt tolerance? • What variation is present for salt tolerance in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and alkaligrass (Puccinellia)? • Can alkaligrass be improved for turfgrass quality characteristics? • What genes can be used to differentiate between salt-tolerant and susceptible grasses? It has been diffcult to fnd consistent salt tolerance in grasses due to interactions of climatic factors and variability in soil salinity. Our project is evaluating materials under controlled but representative conditions to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of salt tolerance. In 2014 we focused on two parts of the

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

Overall plot photograph on July 9, 2014. Visual symptoms of salt stress were mild at this midsummer date but growth was signifcantly inhibited. Photo by Paul G. Johnson

project: (1) a repeat of a feld salinity experiment combining visual, physiological and molecular evaluations of bluegrass and ryegrass entries; and (2) continued study of Puccinellia (alkaligrass) germplasm for turfgrass quality traits. In 2014 we repeated feld salinity experiments that were also conducted in 2013. The salt treatments were applied overhead as irrigation and were started mid-June with a salt concentration of 3 decisiemens/meter, increased to 6 decisiemens/meter in mid-July, then increased again to 9 decisiemens/meter in mid- August. This created soil salinity levels at 0.3 decisiemens/meter in control plots up to 12 decisiemens/meter in the salt-treated plots in August. As expected, salt treatments reduced turfgrass quality, but quality reductions were lower in 2014 than in 2013, likely because of generally cooler temperatures. Plant growth was impacted in 2014, ranging from 0% to greater than 50% reduction in growth due to salt stress. Studies of gene expression in saltstressed plants compared to control plants is currently under way. In short, few data were obtained in 2014 on the alkaligrasses evaluated for turfgrass quality, since most did not survive the high temperatures in 2013. This gives us little confdence that these grasses will provide useful traits in the semi-arid western United States. Initial evaluation of Puccinellia showed some

potential in turfgrass quality in cool conditions, but high temperatures in summer appear most limiting to the species. However, we did observe consistent salttolerance trends in key Kentucky bluegrass lines. Gene sequences (alleles or paralogs) involved in cellular sodium and calcium channeling have been previously identifed and will be explored with root and shoot collections in 2015.

Paul G. Johnson (paul.johnson@usu.edu) is a professor in the department of plants, soils and climate at Utah State University, Logan, and B. Shaun Bushman is a research geneticist at the USDA-ARS Forage & Range Research Lab in Logan.

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(verdure)

I see you doing that Beth Guertal, Ph.D. guertea@auburn.edu twitter: @AUTurfFert

This study was different from previous work because Dr. Leinauer was especially interested in turfgrass quality, a measure that includes density, uniformity, leaf texture, smoothness, growth habit and green color.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

Remote sensing. Digital imagery. Spectral refectance. All terms used to describe some basic procedure by which a digital image is used to quantify the color or growth of turfgrass. The science has made its way into general use, and now everything from relatively cheap hand-held sensors to affordable cell phone applications can be purchased to help keep track of the color of your turfgrass. Some of these tools have been shown to work well in rating and tracking percent green cover and turfgrass color. But what about quality? Although the color of turfgrass is certainly a primary factor in determining turf quality, a lot of other characteristics can often affect quality. The ability of remote sensing to evaluate the quality of turf has not been well studied, and the results that are out there are pretty mixed. So, in an effort to gain some more defnitive results, the folks at New Mexico State University (Dr. Bernd Leinauer and his crew) used the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) variety trials to try to get a handle on the remote sensing of turfgrass quality. They used bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, seashore paspalum, Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue variety trials. Over four years, they took monthly visual ratings (using a standard 1–9 scale, where 1 indicates dormant or dead, 9 is perfect and 6 is minimally acceptable), NDVI (normalized difference vegetative index) readings and DIA (digital image analysis) readings. NDVI readings are a refectance (in the nearinfrared and red ranges) obtained from scanning an area of turf, while DIA readings are photographs taken under controlled settings (camera mounted on a metal box that encompasses a known area of turf), which are then digitized to a green color index. In this study, the DIA readings were also used to obtain a percent cover rating. The idea of these alternative measurement methods is that a quick scan or picture of a turfgrass sward would provide an accurate and unbiased estimate of turfgrass quality, an estimate not sullied by a human’s perceptions or preconceptions. At the simplest, Dr. Leinauer wanted to see how well visual quality, NDVI and DIA related to each other. This study was differ-

ent from previous work because Dr. Leinauer was especially interested in turfgrass quality, a measure that includes density, uniformity, leaf texture, smoothness, growth habit and green color. Previously, most of the work in this area focused on turfgrass color only. In this study, as with previous studies, the researchers found signifcant correlation in turf color data collected by the NDVI and DIA color-index methods, and in percent cover data collected through NDVI and DIA. Thus, both types of remote-sensing equipment seemed to agree with each other pretty well, when color and percent cover were assessed. But what about the quality of the turf — that multicharacteristic rating of the attractiveness of a sward? Well, the NDVI meter was best for tracking changes over time. That is, from day to day, NDVI readings might be the best tool for describing changes in turfgrass quality over time — even better than a person’s visual ratings. Thus, an NDVI meter could be a handy tool for your course, allowing you to track turfgrass quality in your specifc grass and management situation over time. The NDVI and DIA tools were less useful when different varieties were being compared. In that case, visual assessments best detected differences caused by variety. So, NDVI readings you collect from your course, with your variety, would not be especially useful to your neighbor at a different course with a different variety of turf. At this time, the authors concluded that a visual assessment detected quality differences in turfgrasses more accurately, especially when different varieties were involved. Source: Leinauer, B., D.M. VanLeeuwen, M. Serena, M. Schiavon and E. Sevostianova. 2014. Digital image analysis and spectral refectance to determine turfgrass quality. Agronomy Journal 106:1787-1794.

Beth Guertal, Ph.D., is a professor in the department of crop, soil and environmental sciences at Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., and the editor-in-chief for the American Society of Agronomy. She is an 18-year member of GCSAA.

CUTTING EDGE

The research projects described below were all funded by a grant to GCSAA from the Environmental Institute for Golf.

Teresa Carson

applying common snow mold fungicides at six different timings throughout the fall at three different golf courses in Wisconsin that typically experience high, medium and low snow mold pressure. The results of this research will provide superintendents with additional information on optimal timing for effective snow mold control. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sam Soper, Bruce Schweiger and Paul Koch, Ph.D. (plkoch@wisc.edu), University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis.

Fungicide alternatives for Microdochium patch Microdoc ium nivale is a major turfgrass disease in cool, humid regions and currently traditional fungicides are the only known

Wash. Treatments in this experiment include rolling fve days a week, and mineral oil (Civitas One) at 8.5 ounces/1,000 square feet (2.7 milliliters/square meter), Sulfur DF at 0.25 pound/1,000 square feet (1.22 grams/square meter), and PK Plus at 6 ounces/1,000 square feet (1.9 milliliters/square meter), applied every two weeks, as well as an untreated control. All possible combinations of these treatments are included in the study. Initial results have shown that the combination of Sulfur DF and PK Plus and also Civitas One applied in combination with PK Plus, Sulfur DF or PK Plus and Sulfur DF are providing the greatest reduction in disease. At the Corvallis location, abiotic damage has been observed in

Photo by Paul Koch

Snow mold control with propiconazole Snow molds often require preventive fungicide applications for acceptable control in temperate climates. However, timing these applications can be diffcult because of variable environmental conditions in the fall. Some advocate for applications relatively early in the fall before dormancy onset, allowing the growing plant to absorb and translocate any systemic fungicides before snowfall. This may leave the turf and fungicide exposed to the elements for several weeks or more, potentially allowing signifcant fungicide degradation before snow cover. To combat these degradative effects, others advocate for application as close to snowfall as possible. However, the turf is often dormant at this time of year and may not fully absorb and translocate any systemic fungicides applied. In addition, the risk that permanent snow cover will arrive before application increases signifcantly when applications are late in the year. The purpose of this research is to determine the degree of propiconazole uptake at varying temperatures and to assess the most effective application timings for snow mold control in the feld. The frst objective will be assessed by applying radiolabeled propiconazole to the base of creeping bentgrass plants in growth chambers set at 62 F, 50 F, 43 F and 32 F (16.6 C, 10 C, 6 C and 0 C) and measuring the movement of the fungicide molecule in the plant at each temperature. The second objective will be met by

Photo by Clint Mattox

methods of control. Increasing pesticide restrictions have generated concern regarding the management of M. nivale. The objective of this research is to evaluate rolling, as well as the application of mineral oil, sulfur and potassium-phosphite as fungicide alternative options for management of M. nivale on Poa annua putting greens. A two-year feld experiment conducted on a sand-based P. annua putting green built according to USGA recommendations was initiated in September 2013 and will conclude in June 2015 at Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore., and Washington State University, Puyallup,

winter with the Civitas One treatments, especially when combined with the rolling treatments. Further research is currently being conducted to determine how abiotic damage from repeated Civitas applications and potential pH imbalances from sulfur applications can be mitigated. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Clint Mattox, Alec Kowalewski, Ph.D. (alec.kowalewski@oregonstate. edu), and Brian McDonald, M.S.

Teresa Carson (tcarson@gcsaa.org) is GCMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s science editor.

03.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

Hunter Industries STK-6V

(Product news)

Navigation &

COMMUNICATION Club Car and GPSI introduced the Visage Resort Edition that features navigation tools, maps and two-way communication capabilities. Visage Mobile Golf Information System is designed to help course operators monitor and control the location and status of golf cars and low-speed vehicles. The Visage Media Network connects an audience of golfers at courses worldwide, delivering featured content and letting golfers share user-generated messages, photos and videos via a 10-inch color touchscreen. The system will soon allow guests to connect with their social and professional networks. Contact Club Car, 800-258-2227 (www.clubcar.com).

The STK-6V from Hunter Industries is an enhanced version of its existing synthetic turf irrigation system to clean and cool synthetic sports turf. It is designed specifcally to provide easier installation, simple maintenance and to accommodate different types of playing surfaces. It includes a new 3-inch galvanized ductile iron assembly with heavy-duty grooved fttings for ease of servicing. The isolation valve and point of connection for the quick coupler are now inside the vault and provided with the feld-installed assembly for a total top service solution. The vault also includes a drain valve for easier servicing and winterization. The core of the Hunter ST System features gear-driven long-range rotors; a heavy-duty manifold assembly; and low-pressure-loss, slow-opening valves with all components contained in a constructiongrade vault. Contact Hunter Industries, 760-744-5240 (www.hunterindustries.com). Cup-saver.com is a small startup company that began in 2013. It specializes in golf cup guards known as the Golf Cup Saver. Company owner and operator Robert Grant launched the business with an idea to manufacture a tool that he uses for hole painting. He says the idea formed after a series of colleagues found Golf Cup Saver made their jobs easier when spraying greens and painting holes. Golf Cup Saver keeps out the paint and keeps the paint from building up. The cup setter, the company says, no longer gets stuck after multiple painting applications, and the cups are kept very clean. Contact 617-775-7651 (www.Cup-saver.com). Lebanon Turf completely revitalized its Emerald Isle Solutions foliar fertilizer production line. The plan

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includes the development of product updates centered on enhanced agronomic solutions for golf course superintendents. Emerald Isle Solutions are used to increase turfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to withstand stress, drought and disease and are recommended for use throughout the growing season. Increasing liquid and biological product regulation among some states is requiring product enhancements to comply with new demands. Nitrogen limitations and phosphorus restrictions in several states are also being assessed to ensure maximum product availability throughout the country. Contact Lebanon Turf, 800-233-0628 (www.lebanonturf.com).

Wheel Spray Corp. introduces the WS-485 Grounds Wheelie II, its newest sprayer in the Wheel Spray line featuring the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trademarked motorless system. It has no batteries or engine noise. The WS-485 is made to deliver chemical applications, which are relatively unchanged by the speed at which the sprayer is pushed. The faster it is pushed, the faster it pumps. When the operator stops, the sprayer stops

Club Car’s Precedent 4Fun pumping. The WS-485 can be used to apply herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, fertilizers and liquid de-icers. The twin wheel pumps spray a fan of solution 6 feet wide at the rate of 1 gallon per 1,000 square feet. It is equipped with large, easy-to-push rubber tires and a heavy-gauge steel frame for the 6-gallon tank. The pumping system and the 6-gallon tank are constructed of corrosionresistant materials. The spray pattern is delivered from two nozzles in the form of tiny droplets providing a steady, uniform application, which greatly reduces costly chemical drifting. Shutoff controls located on the handle grips allow operators to use the nozzles independently. Contact Wheel Spray Corp., 262-646-8640 (www.wheelspray.com).

Club Car’s Precedent 4Fun is designed to make the golf experience more enjoyable for families, couples, women’s groups, teachers, students, corporate and social group outings by fostering sociability during their rounds. The vehicle is powered by a 3.7-hp motor; features four forward-facing seats; attachments for four golf bags including junior size; and eight cup holders. Precedent 4Fun is equipped to integrate Club Car’s Visage mobile communications system. Contact Club Car, 800-258-2227 (www.clubcar.com). Soil Technologies Corp. is distributing TurfTech Bio-Mega for turf managers who are seeking a total microbial ecosystem for transforming the rhizosphere of greens and tees and improving turf performance under all kinds of challenging conditions. Turf Tech Bio-Mega’s formula is an enhancement of the original TurfTech formula that was developed in the 1980s. The new formula adds a diverse concentration of benefcial microbials that are known to improve turf rooting, nutrient uptake and plant health. In addition, it contains a variety of plant-derived substances including steroidal saponins. The company says the impact of these phytochemicals, combined with BioMega’s microbial communities, is a genuine breakthrough based on solid soil science. Contact Soil Technologies Corp., 800-221-7645 (www.soiltechcorp.com). Hunter Industries unveiled MP800SR360, a short-radius version of its popular MP Rotator, featuring rotating streams of water applied at a slower rate to conserve water and prevent runoff. It reaches radius settings as low as 6 feet and can reach up to 12 feet on the high end. The precipitation rate remains matched across all arc and radius settings at approximately 0.8 inch per hour. Contact Hunter Industries, 760-744-5240 (www.hunterindustries.com).

Battery

LIFE Trojan Battery launched its new true deep-cycle battery line, Reliant AGM with C-Max Technology. Trojan designed this new AGM line from the ground up with features that maximize sustained performance and increase total energy output to meet the requirements of deep-cycle applications. Key features are proprietary paste formula (elements designed to address the unique needs of deep-cycle applications to maximize sustained performance and increase total energy); unique separator composition (thick design ensures high compression for effective contact between glass mat and plates, which protects against stratifcation for extended battery life); plastic polymer case design (features reinforced case end walls for increased durability and provides higher battery cell compression); and maximum fame arrestors. Contact Trojan Battery, 800-423-6569 (www.trojanbattery.com).

03.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

101

(Industry news)

Desert Forest Golf Club in Carefree, Ariz., celebrated its 50-year anniversary by announcing a renovation that was completed late last year. The frst desert-style layout built in the U.S., Desert Forest GC was constructed by legendary architect Red Lawrence in 1962. The renovation included selected tee box areas and all of its greens and greenside bunkers by Dave Zinkand.

Swan

RE-ELECTED Howard Swan was unanimously reelected chairman of the Golf Consultants Association (GCA). Swan, senior consultant at family-owned Swan Golf Designs, will lead for two more years. The association has doubled in size during the last three years. GCA says it believes its revamped website, launched in April 2014, has proven to be a success in making global golf business more aware of the breadth of the specialist services members can provide and in gaining many more inquiries for those services.

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Bob Trogele, Ph.D., was named chief operating offcer and executive vice president of AMVAC Chemical Corp. Trogele is focusing on growing the business across multiple product lines and geographies, achieving greater proftability and establishing a pipeline of future opportunities through innovation and strategic relationships. Over the past 28 years, Trogele has worked in positions of increasing responsibility within the agribusiness sectors of agrichemicals, biotechnology and plant nutrition, culminating with 10 years at FMC Corp., where he served most recently as president-Asia Pacifc across 20 countries.

GCSA of New England elected its 2015 Board of Directors. They are: Michael Luccini, CGCS, Franklin CC, president; David Johnson, Wianno Club, vice president; Jason VanBuskirk, Stowe Acres CC, treasurer; Jeff Urquhart, Milton Hoosic Club, secretary; Kris Armando, Sassamon Trace GC, trustee; David Stowe, CGCS, Newton Commonwealth GC, trustee; Peter Rappoccio, CGCS, Concord CC, trustee; Ed Downing, New England Specialty Soils, trustee; Donald D’Errico, Spring Valley CC, fnance chairman; John Ponti, Nehoiden GC, golf chairman; Brian Skinner, CGCS, Bellevue GC, education chairman; Greg Cormier, CGCS, Nashawtuc CC, newsletter chairman; and Mark Gagne, Walpole CC, past president. Sports Turf Managers Association hosted a record 200 exhibitors and 1,200 attendees from nine countries at its 26th annual Conference & Exhibition in Denver. The four-day event earlier this year was highlighted by the “Seminar on Wheels Tour” at various professional, collegiate and youth sports felds in the area. Attendees visited turf exhibits and networked with environmental science leaders. SAFE, the association’s charitable foundation, raised nearly $15,000 during the event. Former Denver Broncos All-Pro linebacker Karl Mecklenburg delivered the keynote speech. Founders Awards were given to four members to commemorate signifcant contributions to the profession: Dick Ericson Award (Tony Leonard, Philadelphia Eagles); George Toma Award (Mike Albino, Ballard Sports); William H. Daniel Award (Brian Scott, Mt. San Antonio College); and Harry C. Gill Award (Andrew McNitt, Ph.D., Penn State). Next year’s event will be held Jan. 19-22 in San Diego.

Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) honored winners of the 2015 Golf Environment Awards in January at Harrogate. Royal St. David’s Golf Club, Harlech, North Wales, received Environmental Golf Course of the Year honors. John Kelly, Royal Birkdale GC, Southport, Lancashire, received Conservation Greenkeeper of the Year. Hockley Golf Club, Twyford, Hampshire, earned Outstanding Environmental Project of the Year. Paul Rea was appointed senior vice president, crop protection, North America for BASF. Rea joined BASF Australia in 2001, moving to the U.S. in 2004. Rea has held a number of positions at BASF in the U.S., including director of the professional and specialty solutions division and vice president, U.S. crop operations. Most recently, Rea was senior vice president, crop protection, Asia-Pacifc. Spectrum Technologies Inc. appointed Alicia Gillman as director of marketing. Gillman oversees the development of diagnostic marketing strategies in alignment with company objectives to drive revenue. In addition, Gillman is spearheading marketing communications and leading advertising efforts to grow customer relationships. Gillman previously held global positions in communications at Deere & Co., and in marketing at TSystems International Inc. Bob Raley was hired to be a sales representative for the East Coast region at Spring Valley. Raley, who earned a master of science degree in agronomy from Penn State University, spent three years with Agrium Advanced Technologies

as an agronomist, managing research programs and providing agronomic support for wholesale and retail sales. Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) is coordinating a series of activities throughout 2015 International Year of Soil (IYS) to educate the public about the importance of soil. SSSA is developing a series of 12 2-minute educational videos. They are working in conjunction with Jim Toomey, author of the environmental cartoon, Sherman’s Lagoon, for videos, go to www.soils.org/ iys/monthly-videos.

Dibble

Welch

Profle Products announced that Adam Dibble and Matt Welch each achieved the prestigious designation of Certifed Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water Inspector (CESSWI). Dibble is a senior marketing manager for Profle Products. He has been with the company fve years. Welch, a technical services associate, has been with Profle almost two years. The CESSWI certifcation recognizes individuals who have proven they are technically qualifed to provide consistent and competent site inspections for compliance with appropriate local, state and national laws and regulations on permitted construction sites. The CESSWI program is administered by EnviroCert International Inc. Golf 20/20 announced the creation of a new website for women called

New Course

MANAGEMENT Troon was selected to manage The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge in Monroe, N.Y. Located in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, The Golf Club at Mansion Ridge features an 18-hole, par-72 Jack Nicklaus Signature design.

GolfForHer.com. It is designed to serve as a resource for all women interested in the game — from those who have never played to those who are returning to the game and to those who play the game but want to engage more with the golf lifestyle. The website highlights initiatives, events, people and products of interest to women golfers of all ages and abilities.

03.15 3OLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

103

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

(a)

PROBLEM The ice on the green is fairly obvious. How it got here is the real story. During the middle of the fall golf season, the superintendent arrived at this hole on a 30-degree mid-November morning to fnd all the irrigation heads running. The right photo shows the amount of ice on the seventh green; the green surrounds were also frozen, and icicles were hanging from the trees. There was standing water throughout the fairway, which was also iced over in areas. The superintendent grabbed his irrigation radio and tried to shut down the station, but there was no communication with the controller. When he went to the box, he heard a loud and fast clicking noise so he opened it up and shut off power to the box, which shut down all the heads. Upon closer inspection, he realized that a mouse had chewed on the wires in the controller, causing all heads on the seventh hole to run all night. The superintendent and a clubhouse attendant scraped the ice off the green with coal shovels, a task that took about three hours. The hole was cart path-only for the day, and the superintendent changed out the ribbon cable (left photo) the next day, returning the controller to full operation. Photo submitted by John Karas, superintendent at Bull Run Golf Club in Haymarket, Va., and an 11-year GCSAA member.

(b)

PROBLEM

This green has irregular dark green lines with off-color turf between them, but it’s not a serious problem. Instead, it’s just a neat photo. The Champion bermudagrass in this part of the country usually does not go completely dormant during the winter if the turf is covered before the onset of cold weather. Last winter was unusually cold in the Mobile area, with temperatures below freezing for several consecutive days. Because of this, these greens were covered, and the covers were left in place for some period of time. Strong wind gusts caused some of the covers to bunch up in places, which doubled the insulation, protecting those areas from the bitter cold (by Southern standards) and keeping them from going into dormancy. The stripes remained nice and green until the spring came and evened things out. Photo submitted by Brian Aaron, CGCS, superintendent at Azalea City Golf Course in Mobile, Ala., and a 22-year member of the association.

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.

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

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ON COURSE March 5-8 — PGA Tour, World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship, Trump National Doral, Miami, Fla., Don Thornburgh Jr., superintendent.

(Climbing the ladder)

March 5-8 — PGA Tour, Puerto

Jeremy Tredway Was: Is:

Assistant superintendent, Evansville (Ind.) Country Club Superintendent, Western Hills Country Club, Mount Vernon, Ind.

Rico Open, Trump International Golf Club, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, Jason Matos, assistant superintendent.

March 5-8 — LPGA, HSBC Women’s Champions, Sentosa Golf Club, The Serapong Course, Singapore. March 5-8 — Web.com Tour, Karlbana Championship, TPC Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia.

Getting to know you It was more about pepperoni and mozzarella for Jeremy Tredway in his pre-golf industry days. An economics major at Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, Tredway was a general manager at Larry Bobe’s Pizza in Lawrenceville, Ill., when his life’s journey took a curve he never dreamed of. He wanted something to keep himself busy in between shifts, so one day Tredway headed to Lawrence County CC. There he encountered John Piper, who was grinding reels. Piper had a question for Tredway. “He asked me if I wanted to be the superintendent. I said, ‘Yes, if you teach me what you know.’ Well, he taught me,” Tredway, 37, says. “I never mowed a green or changed a cup before. I learned to love golf.”

You eventually left Lawrence CC to be an assistant at Evansville CC. How important was that move in your career?

A: I really learned about agronomics. I went online and got a certifcate from Ohio State and took classes from Penn

State. The superintendent, Jeff Sexton, taught me more than I ever could have imagined. He involved me in greens committee meetings, our Tri-State chapter, which taught me the professional side of the business. The knowledge I gained from him made me feel I’m equipped to get after it.

Q: You recently started at Western Hills, on Jan. 1. How has it gone so far? A: I’ve got a seasoned crew and our mechanic has been here 10 years. They know what needs tender loving care, so that’s nice.

Q: Western Hills is a private course. What makes it special? A: The membership takes pride in their golf course. That drives me to give them a product they deserve. Q: It’s March, which means basketball, which is king in your state. Are you a big hoops fan? A: I’m a huge IU (Indiana) fan. I’ll watch as much March Madness as I can. Hopefully, they’ll be part of it. Q: Who is your biggest fan? A: My wife, Shannon. I can never thank her enough for the opportunity to be here. To pick up and move was not easy. She

March 5-8 — European Tour, Africa Open, East London Golf Club, Eastern Cape, South Africa. March 12-15 — PGA Tour, Valspar Championship, Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead), Palm Harbor, Fla., Ryan Stewart, superintendent.

March 12-15 — Web.com Tour, Brasil Champions presented by HSBC, Sao Paulo Golf Club, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

March 12-15 — European Tour, Tshawne Open, Pretoria Country Club, Waterkloof, South Africa.

March 19-22 — PGA Tour, Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Fla., Christopher Flynn, CGCS, director of grounds. March 19-22 — LPGA, LPGA Founders Cup, Wildfre Golf Club at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Phoenix, Ariz., Todd Norton, director of grounds. March 19-22 — European Tour, Madeira Island Open, Clube de Golf do Santo da Serra, Madeira, Portugal. March 19-22 — Web.com Tour, Chile Classic, Club de Golf Mapocho, Santiago, Chile.

was behind me and supported me.

— Howard Richman, GCM associate editor

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March 20-22 — Champions Tour, Tucson Conquistadores Classic, Omni Tucson National (Catalina Course),

Tucson, Ariz., Mike Petty, GCSAA Class A superintendent.

Wales Country Club, Lake Wales, Fla., George Mackanos, superintendent.

March 26-29 — PGA Tour, Valero Texas Open, JW Marriott TPC San Antonio, Tom Lively, CGCS, director of golf course operations.

March 26-29 — Web.com Tour, Chitimacha Louisiana Open presented by NACHER, Le Triomphe Country Club, Broussard, La., Michael Frantzen, superintendent.

COMING UP March 5 — Nor’Easter Ski Day, Killington Ski Resort, Killington, Vt. Phone: 203-387-0810 Website: www.cagcs.com March 16 — CTGCSA Turf Show, Landa Park, New Braunfels, Texas. Phone: 512-507-8233 Website: www.ctgcsa.com

March 26-29 — LPGA, Kia Classic, Park Hyatt Aviara Golf Club, Carlsbad, Calif., Kevin Kienast, CGCS.

March 26-29 — European Tour, Trophée Hassan II, Golf du Palais Royal, Agadir, Morocco.

March 27-29 — Champions Tour, Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic presented by C Spire, Fallen Oak, Biloxi, Miss., Matthew Hughes, GCSAA Class A director of grounds.

March 27-29 — Symetra Tour, Florida’s Natural Charity Classic, Lake

March 18 — GCSAA Webcast: Triple Trouble Series, Part I: Shade Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts.aspx

March 19 — GCSAA Webcast: Phosphite — Fertilizer or Fungicide (or Both)? Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts.aspx

March 19 — 31st Annual Forum, Naperville CC, Naperville, Ill. Phone: 630-639-9395 Website: www.cagcs.org March 23 — Spring Educational Symposium, Rio Bravo CC, Bakersfeld, Calif. Phone: 559-298-4853 Website: www.centralcaliforniagcsa.com March 23-24 — USGA Regional Conference, Hope Valley CC, Durham, N.C. Phone: 800-476-4272 Website: www.carolinasgcsa.org

March 25 — GCSAA Webcast: Triple Trouble Series, Part II: Drainage Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts.aspx March 30-31 — Peaks & Prairies GCSA “Almost Spring” Meeting and USGA Green Section, Snow King Resort Hotel, Jackson Hole, Wyo. Phone: 406-273-0791 Website: www.ppgcsa.org

April 1 — GCSAA Webcast: Triple Trouble Series, Part III: Air Movement Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts.aspx

April 20 — 11th annual Joseph Troll Turf Classic, TPC River Highlands Golf Club, Cromwell, Conn. Phone: 888-561-7778 Website: www.cagcs.com

May 6 — University of Arizona Karsten Field Day, Tucson, Ariz. Phone: 520-318-7142 Email: dkopec@calcs.arizona.edu

ON THE MOVE ALABAMA R. Geoff Smith, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Bella Vista Country Club, is now (A) at Dogwood Hills Golf Course in Higdon. ARIZONA Tyler S. Broderick, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at The Duke at Rancho El Dorado, is now (C) at Talking Stick Golf Club in Scottsdale.

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(In the field)

Southwest Jeff Jensen Cactus & Pine GCSA board members, along with chapter ter executive exe directorr Carmella Carme Ruggiero, Apache Sun Golf Club owner Mike Musulin and I, met with U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ04) and staff in December at Apache Sun Golf Club in Queen Creek, Ariz. The meeting was initiated by Cactus & Pine secretary and GCSAA board candidate Rory Van Poucke, who serves as the general manager/superintendent of Apache Sun Golf Club. Also representing the Cactus & Pine was President Andy Huber and board members Kai Umeda and Jim Marshall. With Arizona and the Southwest U.S. in the midst of a severe drought, the meeting centered on water use and conservation on golf courses. The congressman and his staff were educated on reclaimed water use, turf reduction programs, irrigation efficiency and technology, turfgrass research, BMPs and the industry’s work on assisting with the development of model drought compliance legislation. Van Poucke also provided an economic impact study that outlined the golf industry’s $3.4 billion impact on Arizona’s economy. Golf is now the leading driver of tourism to the state. Additionally, the EPA’s newly proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule that GCSAA and the golf industry is opposing was discussed. The congressman has condemned the EPA’s new rule and understands the devastating economic consequences it will have for golf, agriculture and small businesses throughout Arizona and the U.S. if it is implemented. The Cactus & Pine GCSA appreciates Congressman Gosar and his staff’s time, and any questions concerning the meeting can be directed to Rory Van Poucke or to me.

Northeast Kevin Doyle From Europe to Washington, D.C., to Washington State and nearly every place between, the plight of honey bees has been on the main stage. After attending the Pollinator Summit (presented by the New Jersey Green Industry Council) and Dr. Daniel Potter’s keynote address at the New York State Turfgrass Association Turf and Grounds Exposition, I have come to learn a lot about the critical role pollinators play in our world. What role does turf play in the pollinator discussion? Neonicotinoid class insecticides (neonics), often used as a preventive for white grubs, have been shown to have an adverse effect on pollinators. The degree to which they affect the beneficial insects often has more to do with which side of the political issue you wish to argue. While this situation is unfortunate, it definitely can create disruption in turf right here in the Northeast region. Just this past year alone, legislative measures took place in New Jersey, New York, Vermont and Maine to ban the use of neonics. Beekeepers in Vermont joined one superintendent at the committee hearing to assist in educating the legislators as to the minimal role neonics play in pollinator issues. Stephanie Darnell, technical development manager, Bayer CropScience, cited a survey of beekeepers that placed pesticides as the seventh most important stress factor to those in the bee industry, with varroa mite at the top of the list. While none of the above-mentioned legislation efforts were successful, it opens up the “what if” discussion. Without this useful tool, turf managers could be pushed to use more volatile chemicals, such as organophosphate and carbamate insecticides, to control the same pests. These options are much less environmentally friendly, more costly and potentially more harmful to nontarget pests. What can turf managers do with regard to our friendly pollinators? 1) Develop stewardship practices: Learn about our role as land managers and the stresses regarding honey bees and develop spray programs with the sensitivities of pollinators in mind. 2) Support research, remain vigilant regarding the latest research, and adjust your practices as needed. 3) Be part of the solution. Whether you choose to work with industry partners on specifically developed pollinator-friendly programs, or become conscious of areas and plantings that you could incorporate on your property, avenues are available for our industry to be part of the solution. I encourage GCSAA chapters to reach out to your state apiarists as a resource for information. Invite that individual to a meeting or education day to spread the word about pollinators in your area. The more you learn about the role your facilities play in the issue, the better chance you have of being part of the solution.

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

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David Dube, formerly (A) at Recreation Centers of Sun City, is now (A) at Anthem Golf & Country Club-Persimmon Course in Phoenix. Dennis W. Dulaney, formerly (AFCR) at Wilbur Ellis Company, is now (A) at Recreation Centers of Sun City in Sun City. Steve C. Patterson, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Encanto Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Maryvale Golf Course in Phoenix. Jake M. Wood, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Las Vegas Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Aquila Golf Course in Laveen. CALIFORNIA Daniel Cutler, formerly (C) at Indian Wells Golf Resort, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Indian Wells Golf Resort in Indian Wells. William J. Hausch, formerly (A) at Nicklaus Club Monterey, is now (AF) at Farmload Distributing in Stockton. Tracey L. Hawkins, formerly (AF) at Profle Products LLC, is now (C) at Yocha Dehe Golf Club in Brooks. Paul R. Mock Jr., formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Calabasas Golf & Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Industry Hills at Pacifc Palms Conference Resort in City of Industry. Michael K. Prouty, formerly (C) at Wilshire Country Club, is now (C) at Visalia Country Club in Visalia. Jorge Vergara, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Skylinks Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Coyote Hills Golf Course in Fullerton. COLORADO Jason A. Cieslinski, formerly (C) at Colorado Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at The Short Course at Cordillera in Edwards. Kevin M. Kallas, formerly (C) at Murphy Creek Golf Course, is now (C) at Meadow Hills Golf Course in Aurora. Sean Parsons, formerly (C) at Hiwan Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Hiwan Golf Club in Evergreen. Craig M. Sloan, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Begin Oaks Golf Course, is now (AF) at Begin Oaks Enterprises in Aguilar. CONNECTICUT Stephen B. Wickstrom, formerly (C) at Burning Tree Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Burning Tree Country Club in Greenwich. DELAWARE David F. Ellison Jr., formerly (C) at Newark Country Club, is now (A) at Newark

Country Club in Newark. FLORIDA Thomas D. Cravey, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Villages Kingfsher Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Tierra Del Sol Golf Course in Lady Lake. R.D. Hillhouse, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creek Golf Club, is now (A) at Fernandina Beach Golf Course in Fernandina Beach. Brandon T. Johnson, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, is now (C) at Atlantis Golf Club in Lake Worth. Dale A. Miller, formerly (AA) at Redox Turf, is now (AA) at Ameriturf in Estero. Patrick Munson, formerly (C) at Palm Beach Gardens Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Palm Beach Gardens Golf Course in West Palm Beach. Chad L. Nixon, CGCS, formerly (AFCR) at Winfeld Solutions LLC, is now (AFCR) at Golf Ventures in Lakeland. Ronald L. Palsgrove, formerly (A) at Summerglen Country Club, is now (A) at Arlington Ridge Golf Club in Leesburg. Michael J. Perham, CGCS, formerly (AA), is now (A) at Timber Pines Golf Course in

Spring Hill. Carlos Rodriguez, formerly (AS) at Lake Nona Golf Club, is now (AS) at The Breakers Rees Jones Course in West Palm Beach. Quinn M. Saunders, formerly (C) at Stonebridge Golf & Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Stonebridge Golf & Country Club in Boca Raton. Everett B. Tate III, formerly (A) at Fernandina Beach Golf Course, is now (A) at Venetian Bay Golf Course in New Smyrna Beach. Charles A. Wagmiller, CGCS, formerly (A) at Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club, is now (A) at IMG Golf and Country Club in Bradenton. Shannon S. Wheeler, formerly (A) at Fountains Country Club, is now (A) at Wycliffe Golf & Country Club in Lake Worth. Adam Winslow, formerly (C) at Wyndemere Country Club, is now (C) at Foxfre Country Club in Naples. GEORGIA John Collopy, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Honey Creek Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Turtle Cove Golf Course in Monticello.

HAWAII Ikaika Bechert, formerly (C) at King Kamehameha Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at King Kamehameha Golf Club in Wailuku. IDAHO Jacob R. Teaford, formerly (S) at Washington State University, is now (C) at Lewiston Golf & Country Club in Lewiston. ILLINOIS Aaron Hearn, formerly (C) at Stonebridge Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Salt Creek Golf Club in Wood Dale. Justin G. Olmstead, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Glen Flora Country Club, is now (AF) at Precision Laboratories in Waukegan. Tony M. Smith, formerly (C) at JBM Golf Properties, is now (C) at Mistwood Golf Course in Romeoville. Charles Totten, formerly (AS) at Northmoor Country Club, is now (AS) at Turf Equipment Technicians Association in Plainfeld. Scott White, formerly (A) at The MauhNah-Tee-See Club, is now (A) at Urbana Golf & Country Club in Urbana.

Jeremy Woods, formerly (C) at Woodstock Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Woodstock Country Club in Woodstock. INDIANA David S. English, formerly (C) at The Club at Olde Stone, is now (C) at Victoria National Golf Club in Newburgh. Nathan R. Herman, formerly (C) at Oakland Hills Country Club, is now (C) at Victoria National Golf Club in Newburgh. Patrick Miller, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Philadelphia Cricket Club , is now (Supt. Mbr.) at The Hawthorns Golf & CC in Fishers. Jake Taley, formerly (AS) at Pine Valley Golf Club, is now (AS) at Meridian Hills Country Club in Indianapolis. Jeremy Tredway, formerly (C) at Evansville Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Western Hills Country Club in Mount Vernon. IOWA Jeremy D. Ehlers, formerly (SW) at Iowa State University, is now (AS) at Carroll Municipal Golf Course in Carroll. Brett R. Parcher, formerly (C) at Elmcrest

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Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Muscatine Municipal Golf Course in Muscatine. KANSAS Jeff W. Aldrich, formerly (C) at Quail Ridge Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Quail Ridge Golf Course in Winfeld. LOUISIANA Brian Hollier, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Coushatta Casino Resort, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Koasati Pines at Coushatta in Kinder. Ron Johnson, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Audubon Park Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Joseph M. Bartholomew Sr. Golf Course in New Orleans. MARYLAND Tyler J. Brunk, formerly (C) at Hermitage Country Club, is now (C) at Bretton Woods Recreation Center in Germantown. Garrett C. Emerick, formerly (C) at Swan Point Yacht & Country Club, is now (C) at Old South Country Club in Lothian. Joseph A. Roberts, formerly (S) at North Carolina State University, is now (E) at University of Maryland in College Park. Adam C. Stottlemyer, formerly (C) at Old South Country Club, is now (C) at The Suburban Club in Pikesville. Daniel T. Wildeman, formerly (C) at MJB GOLF@Potomac Ridge, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Fairway Hills Golf Club in Columbia. MASSACHUSETTS Todd A. Bechtel, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Button Hole Short Course & Teaching Center, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Crestwood Country Club in Rehoboth. MICHIGAN Adam D. Dredge, formerly (C) at South Course at Oakland Hills Country Club, is now (C) at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfeld Hills. Austin D. Grall, formerly (SW) at Michigan State University, is now (C) at Golf Club at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor. Steve Plunkett, formerly (C) at Radrick Farms Golf Club, is now (C) at University of Michigan Golf Course in Ann Arbor. MINNESOTA Kurt D. Haugen, formerly (C) at Glen Lake Golf & Practice Center, is now (C) at Baker National Golf Course in Hamel. Kevin J. Malloy, formerly (C) at Bearpath Golf & Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Bearpath Golf & Country Club in Eden

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Prairie. Kristopher J. Pinkerton, CGCS, formerly (A) at Oshkosh Country Club, is now (AA) at Reinders Inc. in Minneapolis. MISSOURI Derek Wilkerson, CGCS, formerly (A) at Sun City South Golf Course, is now (A) at Highland Springs Country Club in Springfeld.

PLATINUM PARTNERS

MONTANA Rick A. Welton, formerly (C) at Hilands Golf Club, is now (AS) at Hilands Golf Club in Billings. NEBRASKA Chris Vontz, formerly (A) at Friend Country Club, is now (A) at Cross Creek Golf Links in Cambridge. NEVADA Juan Perez, formerly (C) at Spanish Trail Golf & Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Spanish Trail Golf & Country Club in Las Vegas. Kyle W. Peterson, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at The Club at Las Campanas Santa Fe, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Conestoga Golf Club in Mesquite. Mark J. Woodward, CGCS, formerly (AA) at Damarco Golf, is now (AA) at OB Sports in Aliante. NEW HAMPSHIRE Bryan M. Conant, formerly (C) at Woodland Golf Club, is now (C) at Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua.

GOLD PARTNERS

SILVER PARTNERS

NEW JERSEY Samuel A. Barden, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Westchester Country Club, is now (E) at United States Golf Association in Far Hills. Joseph E. Greytok, formerly (A) at Eagle Point Golf Club, is now (AF) at SMS Additive Solutions in Mount Laurel. NEW YORK Jacob S. Fawaz, formerly (S) at Michigan State University, is now (C) at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck. Kevin E. Glowka, formerly (A) at The Fox Valley Club, is now (A) at Crag Burn Golf Club in East Aurora. Richard R. Greco, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at En-Joie Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Binghamton Country Club in Endwell. Alex L. Kaczmarek, formerly (S) at University of Connecticut, is now (C) at Creek Club in Locust Valley. Brent J. Peveich, formerly (C) at Pine Hollow Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Pine Hollow Country Club in East

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 03.15

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SILVER PARTNERS

SILVER PARTNER

Partner Recognition Program Barenbrug USA is the largest subsidiary of the Netherlands-based Royal Barenbrug Group. Barenbrug was founded in 1904 and has 25 subsidiaries in 16 countries on 6 continents making us the most diverse international grass seed company in the world. Our mission is be a global leader offering local, sustainable solutions for the turfgrass industry. Our focus on Research and Product Development guaran-tees continuous innovation and a top-quality range of products and services. Examples of these innovations include Supercharged bentgrass, Regenerating Perennial Ryegrass (RPR), Healthy Grass Technology (HGT), Super Over Seeding (SOS), Yellow Jacket Enhanced Seed Coating and Rhizomatous Tall Fescue (RTF). Key to our success is the partnership with the GCSAA and its members. This is refected in our commitment to the Partner Recognition Program as the only participating grass seed company.

Based in Research Triangle Park, N.C., BASF Professional Turf and Ornamentals develops and markets chemical solutions for improving turf quality through pest management, which includes weed, disease and insect control. BASF supports the GSCAA via regular advertising in GCM, sponsorships and exhibiting at GIS, and as members of the GCSAA itself. Beyond GCSAA, BASF provides online training for end users, is a member of RISE, and a cornerstone partner in the Experience at FarmLinks, which is designed to educate and share industry leading insights for managing turf issues through a combination of cultural controls and effcacious pesticides.

Course Quality Rules. You need to keep your course and grounds at their very best at the lowest possible price. We understand –– and that’s The Basic Difference you’ll get with Quali-Pro. Our manufacturing capabilities combined with the latest advanced formulation technologies allow Quali-Pro to deliver the products you want and need at lower costs. And that makes all the difference in the world. Our herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and PGR’s - feature formulation quality second to none for performance results that are greater than or equal to the competitive products they replace. There’s no compromise with Quali-Pro. Our parent company, Makhteshim-Agan Industries, is the largest post-patent manufacturer and formulator in the world, putting Quali-Pro in a unique position amongst post-patent companies. In addition the company supports our customers by sponsoring and actively participating in the national and regional GCSAA chapters. Learn more about The Basic Difference and Quali-Pro products, call 800-979-8994 or visit us online at quali-pro.com.

Norwich. Brent L. Thompson, formerly (A) at Mountain Top Golf and Lake Club, is now (A) at Silo Ridge Country Club in Amenia. NORTH CAROLINA Ryan D. McClannon, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Skybrook Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Reynolds Park Golf Course in Winston-Salem. Leonard B. Pritchett, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Greenbrier Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Beechwood Country Club in Ahoskie. OHIO Matthew Powell, formerly (C) at Muirfeld Village Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Muirfeld Village Golf Club in Dublin. OKLAHOMA Scott A. Countryman, formerly (C) at Oaks Country Club, is now (A) at Heritage Hills Golf Course in Claremore. Dustin Elms, formerly (C) at Oklahoma City Golf & CC, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Oklahoma City Golf & CC in Nichols Hills. Joseph L. Hubbard, CGCS, formerly (AA), is now (A) at Lakeview Golf Course in Ardmore. James D. Wyers, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at

Pebble Creek Country Club, is now (AF) at Luber Brothers in Bethany. PENNSYLVANIA Corey Forbes, formerly (C) at River Crest Golf Club, is now (C) at White Manor Country Club in Malvern. Michael A. Madara, formerly (C) at Frosty Valley Country Club, is now (C) at Wyoming Valley Country Club in WilkesBarre. Matthew J. Rogers, formerly (C) at Aronimink Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Gulph Mills Golf Club in King of Prussia. SOUTH CAROLINA Michael P. Cochran, formerly (C) at Spring Creek Golf Club, is now (C) at Long Cove Club in Hilton Head Island. Paul Lewis, formerly (C) at Cliffs at Keowee Springs, is now (AS) at Thornblade Club in Greer. TENNESSEE Chet W. Frazier, formerly (A) at Mystery Valley Golf Course, is now (A) at The Legacy of Springfeld in Springfeld. TEXAS Jay Abbott, formerly (A) at Deerwood Club of Kingwood, is now (A) at Kingwood Country Club in Kingwood.

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Enhance Your Identity & Your Property For decades, we have been dedicated to making our clients’ golf courses more beautiful one property at a time. We love what we do. We love being outside. And we will continue to enjoy the challenges of making things grow and creating exceptional felds of play. It’s in our nature. Services we ofer include: Golf Course Renovation • Aerifcation & Verticuting • Landscape Design, Installation & Renovation •Golf Club Management • Seasonal Floral Programs • Aquatic Maintenance • Fertilization • Irrigation Installation & Maintenance Visit abm.com/golf or call 844.526.3226

Brandon B. Crumpler, formerly (A) at Longwood Golf Club, is now (A) at Raveneaux Country Club in Spring. William A. Duckworth, formerly (A) at Fox Run Golf Course, is now (A) at U.S. Air Force Services Agency in San Antonio. Nicholas O. Johnson III, formerly (A) at Golfcrest Country Club, is now (A) at Sterling Course at Houston National Golf Club in Houston. Reagan W. Olson, formerly (C) at Cowan Creek Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Legacy Hills Golf Club in Georgetown. William C. Sturm, formerly (A) at Canyon Creek Country Club, is now (A) at Prestonwood Country Club-Hills Course in Plano. UTAH Adam W. Breitenfeldt, formerly (S) at Colorado State University, is now (C) at Entrada at Snow Canyon in Saint George. VERMONT Brendan Flynn, formerly (C) at Breakfast Hill Golf Course, is now (C) at Jay Peak Golf Course in North Troy. VIRGINIA Thomas A. Jones, formerly (S) at Ohio State University, is now (C) at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville.

Adam S. Rice, formerly (C) at Dominion Valley Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Montclair Country Club in Dumfries. Jonathan D. Taylor, formerly (SW) at Ohio State University, is now (C) at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville. WISCONSIN Marc P. Davison, CGCS, formerly (A) at Green Bay Country Club, is now (A) at Wisconsin GCSA in Waupaca. Joel Larsen, formerly (C) at Milwaukee Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at North Shore Country Club in Thiensville. BAHAMAS Jay M. Miller, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at New Smyrna Beach Municipal GC, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Baker’s Bay Golf and Ocean Club in Abacos. CANADA William T. Green, formerly (C) at The Toronto Golf Club, is now (ISM) at Cutten Fields in Guelph, Ontario. Dave Jacobsen, formerly (C) at Weston Golf & Country Club, is now (C) at Bearspaw Country Club in Calgary, Ontario. Derek J. Therrien, formerly (A) at Eagle Creek Golf Club, is now (AF) at Turf Care Products Canada in Newmarket, Ontario.

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 Certifcate in Turfgrass Management Basic Certifcate 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

FRANCE Nuno Morgado, formerly (ISM) at Domaine de Barbossi–Riviera Golf, is now (ISM) at Domaine de Barbossi–Riviera Golf in Alpes-Maritimes. MALAYSIA Francis Chan K Hui, formerly (ISM) at Perangsang Templer Golf Club, is now (ISM) at Kelab Golf Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah in Shah Alam. SOUTH KOREA Bruce H. Reineck, formerly (A) at Chibana Golf Course, is now (A) at Banyan Tree Club in Seoul. Correction The state and previous employer for Andy Drohen was incorrectly listed in the January issue of GCM. Drohen, formerly (AF) at Agrium Advanced Technologies, is now (AF) at Koch Agronomic Services. He is based in Massachusetts.

NEW MEMBERS ALABAMA Anthony Michael, Associate, Point Clear ARIZONA Michael P. Murphy, Supt. Mbr., Sun City Gary D. Slone, Supt. Mbr., Tucson Rick J. Stoffel, Supt. Mbr., Sun City ARKANSAS Kent A. Albright, Supt. Mbr., Fayetteville Jeff Brewer, Associate, Little Rock CALIFORNIA Jon A. Arnett, Class C, Santa Rosa Robert J. Esposo, Supt. Mbr., Pacifc Grove COLORADO Austin J. Lang, Class C, Aurora Christopher C. Miller, Class C, Colorado Springs CONNECTICUT Daniel M. Maier, Class C, Darien Thomas M. Martel, Class C, Ridgefeld Jeffrey L. Swanson, Class C, Fairfeld Brendan M. Weinstein, Class C, Old Greenwich FLORIDA Mike McNaught, Associate, Vero Beach Beau M. Niebrugge, Class C, Naples Isaias Nunez, Associate, West Palm Beach

Shane P. Rice, Class C, Indiantown GEORGIA William J. Boyce, Class C, Alpharetta Cecil K. Daniel, Supt. Mbr., Savannah Thomas G. Ingram, Class C, Roswell James P. Stalvey, Class C, Lilburn Chad M. Williams, Class C, Alpharetta Timothy B. Williams Jr., Class C, Rocky Face ILLINOIS James Cassidy, Affliate, East Peoria Scott F. Denil, Class C, Mundelein Drew A. Vokracka, Class C, Effngham INDIANA Jamie Skolsky, Supt. Mbr., Chesterton IOWA Jonathan Fields, Student, Cedar Rapids LOUISIANA Beau H. Farmer, Class C, Avondale Joseph F. Hoke, Supt. Mbr., Jennings MARYLAND Christian J. Brinkerhoff, Student, College Park Shaun M. Clark, Student, College Park Kelly N. Harrison, Class C, Baltimore Ian Patrican, Student, College Park Sean Whiston, Class C, Phoenix MASSACHUSETTS Connor C. Kuehl, Associate, Salem MICHIGAN Joseph Cox, Student, East Lansing Ken R. Doyle, Student, East Lansing Shawn R. Haverdink, Student, East Lansing Yang Lyu, Student, East Lansing Christopher T. Notestine, Student, East Lansing Evan Nicholas Rogers, Student, East Lansing MINNESOTA John W. Gordon, Student, Crookston Ken L. Hoffman, Associate, Saint Paul MISSISSIPPI William E. Rees, Student, Mississippi State Matthew A. Tucker, Student, Mississippi State NEBRASKA Dusty J. Keiser, Class C, Elkhorn Timothy J. Soppe, Associate, Elkhorn

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NEW JERSEY Nathan R. Cooper, Associate, Springfeld Joseph M. Hodgin, Student, New Brunswick Donald Jennings, Affliate, Hamilton Square Steve Miller, Student, New Brunswick Michael D. Weir, Associate, Denville Thomas L. Woodward, Supt. Mbr., Bayonne NEW MEXICO Joe M. Hill, Associate, Hobbs Don W. Quick, Associate, Hobbs NEW YORK James J. Carlton, Student, Delhi Benjamin M. Carroll, Class C, Manlius Daniel P. Golding, Class C, Scarsdale Jeffrey Nicolaisen, Class C, Lake Success Austin K. Sevcik, Class C, Rye NORTH CAROLINA Matthew W. Anderson, Class C, Denver Todd Armstrong, Affliate, Charlotte David K. Bibler, Class C, Greensboro Glenn Galle, Student, Raleigh

OHIO Michael Burke, Student, Columbus Conrad Cavill, Student, Columbus Joshua N. Forster, Student, Columbus Matthew I. Gates, Student, Columbus James C. Grimstead, Student, Columbus Chenchen Gu, Student, Columbus David J. Howe, Student, Columbus Jarryd King, Student, Columbus JosĂŠ F. Moragues, Student, Columbus Renata Mundim Ribeiro, Student, Columbus Silvain Timmerman, Student, Columbus Todd Troy, Student, Columbus Georgi B. Vlahov, Student, Columbus PENNSYLVANIA Kirk M. Bender, Student, University Park Tyler Brown, Student, State College Devon E. Carroll, Student, University Park Jacob D. Leadbetter, Class C, Pittsburgh Austin J. Marsteller, Student, University Park Curt B. Moore, Student, University Park Kyle S. Patterson, Student, University Park Cody R. Price, Student, State College Joshua J. Rogers, Class C, Reading

Jake M. Ronchi, Student, Doylestown Frank A. Schmidt, Class C, Sewickley Justin K. Wilson, Class C, Verona Matthew F. Wolfe, Class C, Verona SOUTH CAROLINA Doug W. Burdick, Class C, Hilton Head Island TEXAS Anthony M. Bailey, Class C, McKinney Billy J. Bancroft, Class C, College Station John C. Colligan, ASGCA, Affliate, Arlington Wes Dyer, Student, College Station Daniel T. Fergason, Student, Waco Ryan D. Heath, Class C, San Antonio Trey Kemp, Affliate, Arlington Danny McConnell, Associate, College Station Larry Meier, Associate, Fredericksburg Joseph R. Owens, Class C, San Antonio Freddy Ramirez, Associate, Austin Loyd A. Richeson, Associate, Dallas Keaton T. Smith, Student, Waco David Strickland, Associate, Austin UTAH Karl Anderson, Supt. Mbr., Richfeld Brock K. Sorenseon, Class C, Tooele VIRGINIA Terry R. Dewhurst, Class C, Gainesville WISCONSIN William F. Collins, Student, Madison John A. McEntegart, Student, River Falls AUSTRALIA Shane Greenhill, ISM, Sorrento Ann McKeon, Affliate, Pennant Hills CANADA Derek C. Alexander, Associate, Winnipeg, Manitoba Ryan Costello, Student, Guelph, Ontario Miles J. Curtis, Student, Guelph, Ontario Steve P. Damphousse, Student, Guelph, Ontario Andrew Lee Darnbrough, Class C, Kelowna, British Columbia

Amanda Frend, Class C, Thornhill, Ontario Michael K. Gentry, Class C, East Gwillimbury, Ontario Jack Gillespie, ISM, Hepworth, Ontario Andrew G. Hart, Class C, Vancouver, British Columbia James E. Johnson, Student, Guelph, Ontario Adam D. Kimber, Student, Guelph, Ontario Paul D. Krug, Student, Guelph, Ontario Brian Neeb, Class C, Brampton, Ontario Steven J. Rabski, Student, Guelph, Ontario Matt Shushack, Student, Guelph, Ontario Jonathan S. Smith, Class C, Mississauga, Ontario Dustin D. Zdan, ISM, Medicine Hat, Alberta DENMARK Russell A. Anderson, ISM, Farum IRELAND Colm A. Dockrell, Educator, Dublin SPAIN Ricardo Llorca, ISM, Betera Valencia Matilde Puertas, ISM, Cartaya Huelva

IN MEMORIAM Richard L. Boehm, CGCS Retired, 66, died Dec. 24, 2014. Mr. Boehm, a 43-year member of GCSAA, graduated from Ohio State University in agronomy. He spent his entire career working in the golf course management profession. For the majority of his career, Mr. Boehm worked at Wright Patterson AFB in Fairborn, Ohio. After retiring from there in 2003, he took the role of head agronomist for all of Air Force golf and relocated to San Antonio, Texas. He retired from there in June 2014 and received the Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award. Mr. Boehm is survived by his wife, Charlotte Boehm, and his son, Aaron Boehm, who played golf often with his father. Memorial contributions can be made to the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation, Boy Scouts of America or the American Heart Association.

GCM (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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ADVERTISING INDEX & MARKETPLACE PLATINUM PARTNERS John Deere Co. ................................................4-5 (800) 257-7797 .............www.johndeere.com/Golf

Rain Bird Corp., Golf Div. ................................... 95 (210) 826-6391 ........................www.rainbird.com

King Ranch ......................................................... 77 (800) 445-2602 ....................... www.miniverde.com

Seago International, Inc. .................................... 118 (800) 780-9889 ........................www.seagousa.com

Standard Golf Co.......................................Insert 49* (866) 743-9773 ....................www.standardgolf.com

Lastec ............................................................. 107 (866) 902-6454 ..........................www.lastec.com

Smithco, Inc. ............................................. Cover 3 (877) 833-7648 ........................www.smithco.com

Tee-2-Green Corp. ......................................... 42-43 (800) 547-0255 .................... www.tee-2-green.com

Lely USA Inc .................................................... 119 (888) 245-4684 .........................www.lelyusa.com

Steiner ............................................................... 78 (866) 469-1242 ................ www.steinerturf.com/golf

Linear Rubber Products ..................................... 119 (800) 558-4040 .....................www.rubbermats.com

Steven’s Water Monitoring................................ 73 215-908-0044................. www.stevenswater.com

Milorganite ...................................................... 115 (800) 287-9645 ..................... www.milorganite.com

TRIMS Software International Inc. .................. 119 (800) 608-7467 ............................www.trims.com

New Life Turf ..................................................... 37* (803) 263-4231 ...................... www.newlifeturf.com

Trojan Battery Company ...................................... 29 (800) 423-6569 . www.trojanbattery.com/competition

Peat, Inc. .......................................................... 118 (800) 441-1880 ........................... www.peatinc.com

TurfCo ................................................................ 79 (800) 679-8201 ............................. www.turfco.com

Penn State University ..................................... 114 (800) 233-4973 .........www.worldcampus.psu.edu

Underhill .......................................................... 97 (800) 328-3986 ......................... www.underhill.us

Pifer ................................................................. 118 (888) 442-8442 ..........................www.pifergolf.com

Vinylguard Golf ................................................. 109 (866) 254-5201 ................. www.vinylguardgolf.com

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

Wiedenmann North America ............................. 89 (866) 790-3004 .........www.wiedenmannusa.com

The Toro Co. ..................................IFC-1, Insert 81 (888) 664-7489 ..........www.toro.com/leaderboard

GOLD PARTNERS Jacobsen ...................................................31, 105 (800) 232-5907 ......................www.jacobsen.com Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC ................. Cover 4 (909) 308-1633 ............. www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com Bayer Environmental Sciences .......... 35*, 67, 113 (800) 331-2867 ............ www.backedbybayer.com

ADVERTISERS ABM................................................................. 114 (844) 526-3226 .........................www.abm.com/golf Aqua-Aid Inc. ...................................................35* (800) 394-1551 ....................... www.aquaaid.com Aquatrols Corporation ....................................... 39 (800) 257-7797 ..................... www.aquatrols.com Bernhard & Company Limited........................... 80 (800) 323-6280 ....................www.bernhard.co.uk BoardTronics...................................................... 6-7 (800) 782-9938 ............................boardtronics.com

SILVER PARTNERS

Bobcat ............................................................... 13 (877) 745-7813 ...............http://bobcat.com/allnew6

Richway Industries ............................................ 118 (800) 553-2404 ...........................www.richway.com Ryan .................................................................. 76 (866) 469-1242 .......................... www.ryanturf.com

* Denotes regional advertisement Bold denotes affliate member

Broyhill Inc. ..................................................... 118 (402) 987-3412 ........................ www.broyhill.com

The Andersons, Inc. .......................................... 11 (800) 253-5296 .............. www.AndersonsPro.com

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

Barenbrug USA ................................................33* (800) 547-4101 ......................... www.barusa.com

Cub Cadet Golf .................................................. 23 (317) 818-8185 ...... www.cubcadetgolf.com/sales

Baroness........................................................... 19 (707) 283-0610 .........................www.baroness.us

East Coast Sod & Seed ................................... 119 (856) 769-9555 ............... www.eastcoastsod.com

BASF ................................................................ 75 (888) 566-5506 .................www.betterturf.basf.us

Frost Inc. .......................................................... 116 (800) 621-7910 ......................... www.frostserv.com

Club Car ............................................................. 59 (800) 445-6680 ........................... www.clubcar.com

Georgia Seed Development CommissionInsert 65* (303) 431-7333 ........................ www.tifeagle.com

Cushman (a.k.a. E-Z-GO)..................................... 64 (800) 774-3946 ........................ www.cushman.com

GCSAA Services.............. 37*, 41*, 49, 81, 110, 111 (800) 447-1840 ...............................www.gcsaa.org

Floratine Products Group .............................51, 83 (901) 853-2898 ....................... www.foratine.com

GCSAA TV .......................................................... 65 ..........................................................www.gcsaa.tv

Foley United ...................................................... 71 (800) 225-9810 .................. www.foleyunited.com

Golf-Lift Div. Derek Weaver Co., Inc. ................... 119 (800) 788-9789 ............................www.golf-lift.com

Koch Agronomic Services, LLC ....................17, 63 (888) 547-4140 ......................... www.kasturf.com

Greenleaf Technologies................................... 112 (760 )485-2936 .....................www.turbodrop.com

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

Greenstester ..................................................... 112 .............................................www.greenstester.com

Par Aide Products Co. ......................................2-3 (888) 893-2433 ........................ www.paraide.com

Grigg Bros. ........................................................ 69 (888) 623-7285 .....................www.griggbros.com

PBI Gordon Corp......................................... 21, 41* (800) 971-7233 .................... www.pbigordon.com

Growth Products Ltd. ........................................ 25 (800) 648-7626 ...........www.growthproducts.com

Precision Laboratories, Inc. .............................. 61 800-323-6280...................www.precisionlab.com

Hole in White ...................................................... 60 (949) 737-1783 ..................... www.holeinwhite.com

Quali-Pro........................................................... 53 (888) 584-6598 ......................www.quali-pro.com

Johnston Seed Co. ......................................... 54-55 (800) 375-4613 .................. www.johnstonseed.com

R & R Products Inc. ........................................... 62 (800) 528-3446 ....................www.rrproducts.com

Kelly’s Green Team ............................................ 117 (660) 627-5500 ..............www.kellysgreenteam.com

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Photographer: Ryan G. Davis • Title: Golf course superintendent • Course: Arrowhead Golf Club, Littleton, Colo. • GCSAA membership: 11 years • The shot: Winter weather can come up pretty fast when your golf course is located on the front range of the Rocky Mountains, as Davis documented in these three photos showing a storm that hit his course last November. “It’s very common for it to drop 30 degrees in an hour before these storms roll in,” he says. The frst two shots were taken about six hours apart on the day the storm came in, while the third was taken two days after the snow stopped falling. • Camera: Sony Cyber-shot

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