Golf Course Management – May 2015 by Golf Course Management

INSIDE: Presenting new seed varieties for 2015

PAGE 56

GCM Offcial Publication of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

Navigating the job interview 40 One club, two leaders 74 Changing fertilizer recommendations 96

Turf Rx Playing their way to recovery PAGE 44

Improving tall fescue for golf courses PAGE 86

Golf Course Management Magazine www.gcsaa.org â&#x20AC;˘ May 2015

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CONTENTS05.15

Rx for recovery

A California superintendent and his wife get the ball rolling on a program to help cancer patients. Tom Elliott, CGCS

2015 Seed Update Teresa Carson

A dedication to service The leadership team at Ohioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Westfield Group CC serve not only their club, but also their industry. Bill Newton

On the Cover: Photo by Roger Billings, GCM/GCSAA senior manager, creative sevices.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

Special delivery Dean Kerns, CGCS, is encountering his toughest battle yet. The surprise he received last month proves Kerns isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t facing the battle alone. Howard Richman

INSIGHTS

Turf

Glyphosate: More to come Teresa Carson

Shop

Common-rail diesels Scott R. Nesbitt

RESEARCH Tall fescue: Not your parents’ lawn Tall fescue has graduated from being a forage grass and a hardy home lawn favorite to a drought- and disease-tolerant grass with numerous applications. Kevin N. Morris

Advocacy

36 Environment 38

Advancing GCSAA’s A’s mission, vision Chava McKeel

Northern exposuree Bunny Smith

Career

The job interview, Part 1: The first 7 seconds Carol D. Rau, PHR

Cutting Edge Teresa Carson

Goosegrass: The new king of turfgrass weeds? Goosegrass is everywhere, and few products provide effective control. Scott McElroy, Ph.D.

ETCETERA05.15 16 President’s message 18 Inside GCM 20 Front nine 30 Photo quiz

84 Up to speed 96 Verdure 100 Product news 104 Industry news

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

110 Climbing the ladder 110 On course 111 Coming up 112 On the move

112 In the field 114 New members 116 In memoriam 120 Final shot

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

• Magnesium (Mg) is a component of chlorophyll production and critical in metabolic functions, including cell respiration. • Manganese (Mn) is a critical element in photosynthesis. • Contains seaplant extract which provides vitamins, amino acids, cytokinins and other proprietary biostimulants.

Chief Executive Offcer Chief Business Development Offcer

JOHN JOH J. O’KEEFE, CGCS PET PETER J. GRASS, CGCS BILL H. MAYNARD, CGCS KEITH KEIT A. IHMS, CGCS RAF RAFAEL BARAJAS, CGCS KEVIN P. BREEN, CGCS KEV DARREN J. DAVIS, CGCS DAR JOHN R. FULLING JR., CGCS JOH MARK F. JORDAN, CGCS MAR J. RRHETT 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 HOLLISTER SCO sho shollister@gcsaa.org BUN BUNNY SMITH bsm bsmith@gcsaa.org TER TERESA CARSON tcar tcarson@gcsaa.org HOWARD RICHMAN HOW hric hrichman@gcsaa.org ROGER ROG BILLINGS rbill rbillings@gcsaa.org KELLY KEL NEIS kne kneis@gcsaa.org BRETT LEONARD BRE bleonard@gcsaa.org bleo

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 BROWN MAT mbrown@gcsaa.org mbr JIM CUMMINS jcum jcummins@gcsaa.org ERIC BOEDEKER eboedeker@gcsaa.org ebo BRETT ILIFF BRE biliff@gcsaa.org bilif KARIN CANDRL KAR 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)

A ‘thank you’ worth getting excited about John J. O’Keefe, CGCS turfjok@aol.com

I have been fortunate to serve on the association’s national board of directors during a time when we have launched a number of successful, wellreceived programs and initiatives, but few can match the level of universal acclaim that has come with “Thank a Golf Course Superintendent.”

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that few golf course superintendents pursue careers in this business because of the glory and adoration that comes with our line of work. For me, a love of the outdoors, the allure of a beautifully manicured golf course and a desire to work in the kind of team setting that is common at most golf facilities are some of the key things that drew me to golf course management. The fact that much of the work I do as a superintendent remains underappreciated by many does disappoint me occasionally, but in no way does it put a dent in the immense satisfaction that I receive from my chosen profession, and I know many of you feel the exact same way. Still, it’s always rewarding to hear a few sincere “thank yous” or get a heartfelt pat on the back for a job well done, and I’m fortunate to work at a facility with a membership that isn’t shy on either of those fronts. But when those same kinds of messages come from the legends of the game, familiar faces in golf from both yesterday and today … well, let’s just say the impact is notable. Since GCSAA launched its “Thank a Golf Course Superintendent” advertising and marketing campaign a few short months ago, the feedback that I have personally received from superintendents, industry partners and allied association representatives has been nothing short of amazing. I have been fortunate to serve on the association’s national board of directors during a time when we have launched a number of successful, well-received programs and initiatives, but few can match the level of universal acclaim that has come with “Thank a Golf Course Superintendent.” The most visible part of this campaign, of course, is the 30-second video commercial that is appearing on Golf Channel as a part of GCSAA’s investment with the network. The spot, which has also been shared widely via social media and through GCSAA’s website, features some of the most recognizable fgures in golf — Jack Nicklaus, Rory McIlroy, Michelle Wie and recently crowned Masters champion Jordan Spieth, among others — sharing their appreciation of the work of superintendents and the vital role they play in the health, growth and vitality of the game of golf.

There is also an audio version of these spots that is appearing regularly on SiriusXM’s PGA Tour Radio, and you’ll see the campaign extend into print advertisements that are appearing monthly in GCM as well as other industry publications. And if that covered every aspect of this campaign, I think we’d all agree that “Thank a Golf Course Superintendent” has already been a rousing success. But there is more to this effort, most notably the ongoing national sweepstakes that GCSAA is conducting that will earn one lucky entrant a golf trip of a lifetime. By visiting www.gcsaa.org/thankasuperintendent, avid golfers can send their own messages of thanks to that special superintendent in their lives, messages that will then be delivered to that superintendent by GCSAA. By doing this, these folks will then be entered for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to this summer’s PGA Championship at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wis. The deadline to enter this sweepstakes is May 31. Even with all of that, perhaps my favorite part of the “Thank a Golf Course Superintendent” campaign is the ability for chapters and even individual superintendents to share the messages through their own channels. Copies of both the video and audio commercials are available by visiting www.gcsaa.org/community/ chapter-leaders/managing-your-chapter/ materials-for-chapter-publications. In this business, the expressions of gratitude and appreciation that we receive might not be as frequent as we like, but they are always welcome. That’s why GCSAA is so pleased that some of the biggest names in golf were so willing to share similar expressions with us, and that GCSAA members have been so enthusiastic in their responses to those messages. Because at the end of the day, it’s nice to be appreciated.

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.

(inside gcm)

Working hard or hardly working? Bunny Smith smith.bunny@gmail.com

Favorite interview? Probably chatting with 2010 Old Tom Morris Award winner Judy Rankin in her Midland, Texas, home as if we were BFFs.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

As anyone who knows me even moderately well can tell you, I can be a bit of a drama queen at times. This is one of those times. On May 1, as some of you are picking up this issue of GCM or opening up the link to the digital edition, I am retiring from my post as the magazine’s senior managing editor. So this is farewell. OK, enough of the drama. This is “Inside GCM,” after all, and after 16 years on this staff I could really dish out a lot of “insider’s” dirt, but let’s just keep it about me, shall we? First, I’ve worked with some impressively knowledgeable, dedicated contributors to GCM. Only one gets selected every year to receive the Leo Feser Award for writing, but my goal as their editor was always to make every story a winner. Don’t ask me to pick a favorite; that would be like asking me to pick my favorite child, and that’s not happening, either. I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing and writing about some of the most important people in the golf and golf course management industries and a few celebrities, as well (Kevin “Hercules” Szorbo, I’m talking about you!). Favorite interview? Probably chatting with 2010 Old Tom Morris Award winner Judy Rankin in her Midland, Texas, home as if we were BFFs. Thanks to a truly talented GCM team, I have been able to contribute to a gamut of creative challenges that have taken me outside my writing and editing comfort zone — from assisting at photo shoots, to brainstorming layout concepts, to throwing in my 2 cents on a couple of redesigns. The magazine’s current version is my favorite, of course, and I think I am justifably proud we got it done on time (over about six months) and on budget ($0 spent for this in-house project, a- ing!). I have a few other favorites, as well. My favorite issue? Probably September 2001, the GCSAA 75th anniversary issue. The celebration had to be cancelled due to the events of 9/11, but I still think that issue of GCM is a real keepsake and a 192page triumph of planning and production for this staff. Favorite cover would have to be January 2002, known around here as the “bucket of

balls cover.” Look it up; it’s gorgeous if I do say so myself, and it won the magazine a photography and design award that year. My favorite conference and show would be our visit to San Diego in 2004, my frst time at that venue. I’m not exactly sure why, since I’ve enjoyed every city GCSAA visits, but that year the weather was perfect, the turf tour stops were a blast and the view of the bay from the deck of the convention center made my heart futter. In the course of this job, it’s been my privilege to walk some of golf’s most beautiful landscapes — Torrey Pines, Hazeltine, Quail Hollow, Pinehurst. My work for GCSAA has taken me to the country’s compass points of Miami, San Diego, Minneapolis, New York City, San Antonio and Washington, D.C. Was I working hard or hardly working? I’ve asked myself that question many times. Tough moments? There have been plenty, of course. No one who worked at GCSAA on Sept. 16, 2000, wasn’t shattered by the tragic death of Lisa Bland, who was then-CEO Steve Mona’s executive secretary at the time. Several reductions in staff — most notably the departures of GCM staff members Becky Drager, Darcy (DeVictor) Boyle, Terry Ostmeyer and Ed Hiscock — affected me deeply. And now, not to be too dramatic about it — oh well, why not? — the toughest moment is saying goodbye to the team here and to all of GCM’s readers. It’s a little hard for this drama queen to admit, but rest assured that GCM will still be in great hands without me. And, hey, my front door is just fve minutes away from GCSAA’s headquarters building, so can I just say, “Thanks a bunch. See you later!” Bunny Smith came to work for GCSAA as GCM’s assistant editor in 1998. In her retirement, she plans to perfect her yoga practice, hike the country’s scenic trails, whip her house and garden back into shape, and learn how to cook real meals again.

Rounds 4 Research carries special signifcance for Luke Dant. Dant, feld research scientist for Syngenta, is pursuing his Ph.D. That process includes chasing a turf disease, mini-ring, which has confounded researchers since the late ’90s. As the next Rounds 4 Research auction, presented in partnership with the Toro Co., looms on the horizon, Dant is among those who are thankful that such a program is available. The auction, set for June 8-21, raises money for turfgrass studies and is administered by GCSAA’s philanthropic organization, the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG). In 2014, $145,339 was raised. Dant’s Ph.D. thesis titled “Developing management practices for control of mini-ring in bermudagrass” was made possible in part by the $83,000 that was donated from the Carolinas GCSA’s Rounds 4 Research program. “I don’t think this project would exist without funding from the Carolinas and the GCSAA,” Dant says. Bruce Martin, Ph.D. (pictured), Clemson University and professor

Photo courtesy of S.B. Martin

Go round and round

By the NUMBERS

Seeds 12/3 Length and diameter (in inches) of the world’s largest seed, from the coco de mer palm

0.003 Size (in inches) of the world’s smallest seed, from a rainforest orchid

6,562

Height (in feet) of Jack’s beanstalk, based on the fairytale’s description and several real-world assumptions!

804

Tons (in millions) of corn produced worldwide in 2009, the equivalent weight of 2,042,500 jumbo jets

$9 million Cost (in U.S. dollars) to build the Svalbard Global Seed Vault

80% Vegetable varieties once available in the U.S. that have been lost since 1902 because of the industrialization of agriculture Source: www.Earth-Touch.com

Luke Dant shot this photo of a putting green infected by mini-ring while researching the disease for his Ph.D. Studies like Dant’s are supported by funds raised through the Rounds 4 Research auctions.

of turfgrass pathology, has been extremely involved in the study and, hopefully, fnal solution to control miniring. He can rattle off reasons why Rounds 4 Research is essential. “We’re looking for that silver bullet. Rounds 4 Research could help us fnd it,” Martin says. “Rounds 4 Research allows us to look at fertility when we can’t always get money for it any other way. It also allows us to educate people such as Luke who can develop in our industry.” The Carolinas GCSA launched Rounds 4 Research six years ago. Their approach could serve as a role model for other GCSAA chapters to make it successful. Tim Kreger, executive director of the Carolinas’ GCSA, and Paul Jett, CGCS, spearheaded it from the start. Kreger recalls the energy his association exuded for liftoff. “You’ve got to get excited. We’ve got guys with a passion. There was a buzz,” Kreger says. “Paul sent every member an email or made a phone call. Every chapter has that guy, somebody who has hosted a major, a seasoned veteran, an expert. When you have that guy to lead the charge, it creates a buzz.” GCSAA Class A superintendent Dean Bedenbaugh from Ponderosa Country Club in Leesville, S.C., jumped on the bandwagon early. He recalls making phone calls to promote Rounds 4 Research, and his effort was rewarded. “I must’ve made 30 calls. Some people I knew, some I didn’t. I had nobody turn me down,” Bedenbaugh says. “I’d look at our list a few days later and they all had signed up.” It isn’t necessarily that simple for everybody. Some clubs may not want to get involved. Others simply may not understand what it means, Other iincluding golfers who should know that Rounds 4 Research could improve conditions at their facilities.

“I need to do a better job to let them (golfers) know they could be helping their own club,” says David Jacob, CGCS, at Benvenue Country Club in Rocky Mount, N.C., where his club has donated rounds in the past. “I think Rounds 4 Research has allowed us to have a better course and save money in the long run.” The ideal Rounds 4 Research situation may exist for Matt Kregel, GCSAA Class A superintendent at The Club at Strawberry Creek in Kenosha, Wis., a private, non-equity club. “They (his owners) have supported (Rounds 4 Research) from day one,” Kregel says. “They understand I rely on those people (turfgrass researchers) for information. They also see it as a way to expose more people to our golf club. After all, it could be a new member coming our way.” Kreger, meanwhile, likes to think big picture. He also likes to think big. “If we get the bidders, it could be a $2 million-a-year program,” he says. Why not dream big? Perhaps all Rounds 4 Research needs is more of those dreamers. All superintendents should dare to dream, says Anthony Williams, CGCS at Stone Mountain (Ga.) Golf Course. “Every $1 is an investment in our future. How can you not get behind that?” he asks. “I think guys get it on the surface, but don’t pull the trigger. They just need to take a moment and realize this is about advocacy, everything we hold dear, as we try to protect our future.” — Howard Richman, GCM associate editor

Gator aids course visibility Eighty-two-year-old Bill Susie proved you don’t need the newest gadget to become a social media sensation. Susie deserves credit for making a 13-foot alligator an Internet giant. Surely you saw pictures in March of that mammoth alligator at Myakka Pines Golf Club in Englewood, Fla., where Susie used his old Nikon camera to snap a photo of the alligator hanging out on one of the

Sometimes the best moments of the job... ...are the ones you don’t get to see.

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course’s greens. “I probably have a hundred pictures of gators,” Susie tells GCM. “I sent it to grandkids. That was normal.” The reaction was anything but normal. According to Myakka Pines GC general manager Mickie Zada, the image drew approximately 1.2 million views on the golf club’s Facebook page. “We usually get 50, maybe 60 views at most,” Zada says. Talk about going viral — this certainly went way above and beyond viral. “I really knew it went viral when my sister (Cynthia

411 4

The

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

Dankow) in Australia saw it on TV,” Zada says. She also heard from a girl (Susan Ketzer) she knew in grade school 50 years ago in Buffalo, N.Y., who heard Zada speaking to a Buffalo radio station. The gator prompted Zada to launch a name-the-gator contest. The winner? Goliath. It beat out other possibilities such as Myakka Mike. According to Myakka GC superintendent Scott Austin, Goliath isn’t the largest alligator that has been spotted there. “About 10 years ago there was a 15-footer they called Big George,” says Austin, a two-year member of GCSAA. “I think we even had a Big George Hot Dog on the menu.” Austin usually sees a dozen gators on a daily basis. He cannot recall any incidents involving humans. When Goliath does surface, it most often occurs on the seventh or eighth hole of the White Course at the 27-hole facility.

“You leave them alone, they leave you alone,” says Austin, noting that gators have not done any damage to the course. The emergence of Goliath has sparked more interest in Myakka Pines GC. “We usually don’t get inquiries about memberships right about now. We’re getting them now,” Zada says of the equity club that is member-owned and allows nonmember play. As for Susie, well, he failed to achieve what he had hoped for that day he captured Goliath for the world to see. “The balls you see on the green aren’t mine. I think I pulled mine left,” he says. — Howard Richman, GCM associate editor

California courses adjusting to water emergency Woodland Hills Country Club is shrinking. Originally, it featured 70 acres. As of mid-April, that total had been reduced to 63. The decrease will continue, says Steve Sinclair, CGCS, to fewer than 59 acres. The club is participating in an ongoing turf reduction rebate program, in which it earns money by saving precious water, a commodity there isn’t nearly enough of any more in California. “We will continue to reduce turf as much as we have to,” says Sinclair, a 23-year member of GCSAA. “There’s only so much water.”

That is why California is stepping up measures to protect what little water remains. In early April, California Gov. Jerry Brown issued an executive order that requires the State Water Resources Control Board to reduce water use by 25 percent in potable water use, which is an increase from 20 percent. That previous total, though, was a voluntary reduction. The new total is mandatory. Golf courses are not immune to the cuts, which also include homeowners, farmers and cemeteries. “It’s scary. Real scary,” says GCSAA Class A superintendent Jon Christenson from Oakhurst Country Club in Clayton, Calif. If anybody is braced for this moment, it’s this industry, says Craig Kessler, director of governmental affairs for the Southern California Golf Association. “Our industry, including superintendents, is really good at dealing with this particular form of hardship, very adept at it,” Kessler says. “We are politically, educationally and technically well positioned for this.” Kessler insists that the increase to 25 percent was more anticipated than it was a surprise. “It doesn’t require a reinvention of the wheel for us,” he says. “Does it mean it’s going to be easy? No. We have to make the best of a bad situation.” The order for mandatory reduction includes calling for the replacement of 50 million square feet of lawns with drought-tolerant landscaping in partnership with local governments; the creation of a temporary, statewide consumer rebate program to replace old appliances with more waterand energy-effcient models; and prohibits new homes and developments from irrigating with potable water unless water-effcient drip irrigation systems are used.

State offcials say that those who don’t comply could be subject to punitive measures, including fnes. GCSAA feld staff Southwest regional representative Jeff Jensen believes the goal is to ensure all 866 courses in California are removed from the potable water grid and are strictly on reclaimed water. “That’s a long-term goal. It’s not something we can do right now,” Jensen says. Brookside Golf Course, adjacent to the Rose Bowl, already has eliminated 21 acres of turf and is applying a new wetting agent on fairways, tees, green surrounds and rough hot spots. Brookside’s GCSAA Class A superintendent Jesse Seguin says everyone — and he means everyone — has to take action. “It’s not like we can stand around and say it’s going to rain. We’ve got to be creative, unique as an industry to make this work,” Seguin says. “We’ve got a challenge ahead of us. We’re in a tough spot. Everybody’s got to play their role, and not just the golf industry. We’ve got to get through this together.” — Howard Richman, GCM associate editor

said Elmore, who wrote his Ph.D. dissertation on “Alternative Strategies for Weed Control in Creeping Bentgrass.” Roberts, whose Ph.D. dissertation was “Investigating the Cause and Developing Management Options to Control Bacterial Etiolation in Creeping Bentgrass Putting Greens,” said, “In joining the ranks of previous awardees, I am excited about my future in the turfgrass industry and hope to make a strong impact in the years to come.”

2 receive Musser Awards

A veteran turfgrass specialist in Canada retired this year following more than two decades of service. Pam Charbonneau, turfgrass specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, retired in late January, according to Turf & Recreation magazine. Charbonneau graduated from the University of Guelph. She was active with the Crop Society of America and pinpointed insects as her main interest of study. Charbonneau continues to teach about insect pests of turf at the University of Guelph.

Dr. Matthew Elmore and Dr. Joseph Roberts were selected recipients of the Musser International Turfgrass Foundation’s Awards of Excellence. Elmore is assistant professor and extension turfgrass specialist at Texas A&M University. Roberts is assistant professor of turfgrass pathology at the University of Maryland. The prestigious award is given to outstanding Ph.D. candidates who, in the fnal phase of their graduate studies, demonstrate overall excellence throughout their doctoral program in turfgrass research. “This is the greatest professional honor I have ever received and one that I will treasure for the rest of my career,”

Canadian turfgrass specialist retires

USGA contributes $50,000 to help fund GCSAA projects The USGA is providing $50,000 to help the GCSAA fund new research projects in 2015. Funds are earmarked to directly support the GCSAA Chapter Cooperative Research Program. In this program that works with local turfgrass researchers, each participating GCSAA chapter identifes one or more research projects that address a signifcant local issue for superintendents. The research funds are made available to GCSAA through a block grant from the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), GCSAA’s philanthropic organization. “Research provides the foundation to continually advance the long-term health of the game of golf,” says Kimberly Erusha, Ph.D., managing director, USGA Green Section. “The USGA is proud to invest in agronomic research that supports scientists in their own regions.” The USGA already has contributed $400,000 to the EIFG to fund the second edition of fve GCSAA Golf Course Environmental Profle surveys.

J.D. Dockstader, GCSAA chief business development offcer (pictured third from the left, back row), and Eric Boedeker, who leads international development for GCSAA (not pictured), represented the association in mid-March during the China Golf-PGA Merchandise Show. The event, which included GCSAA education, has been held annually in Beijing since 2002.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

Sharp Park prevails in most recent case Sharp Park Golf Course in San Francisco got good news in March in another encounter in a long-running tussle with environmentalists.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed an appeal in Wild Equity Institute vs. City and County of San Francisco to stop golf from being played at Sharp Park, an 83-year-old facility. The environmental coalition had fled a lawsuit in 2011 to close Sharp Park on allegations that golf operations were endangering snakes and frogs protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act. In late 2012, a U.S. District Court judge dismissed the case. The decision was appealed, ultimately leading to this most recent decision from a three-judge panel. The Ninth Circuit dismissed as moot a lawsuit alleging the city and county of San Francisco violated the Endangered Species Act as a consequence of its continuing operations of the golf course.

you closer,” he says. At Atlanta Athletic Club, Harvey replaces Ken Mangum, CGCS, who retired after being there since 1988. A search frm contacted Harvey about the job after Mangum announced he was leaving. “When you get a call from the Atlanta Athletic Club, you can’t ignore that,” Harvey says.

Harvey era begins in Atlanta

Tweets

RETWEETS Sam Reznicek @SRez_Turf Someone just called our shop phone looking to have a bridal shower. Wonder what kind of gala we could throw in the back of our polebarn…? Andrew Cross @ACrossTurf Project done, irrigation key to ft in my cart bed. Made from bed knives and old cup cutter handle! #ingenuity Jacobsen Turf @JacobsenTurf A blackout ECLIPSE headed out the door today in Charlotte. #darthmower

Eric Reasor @TurfBlade MiniVerde Bermuda greening up nicely in Knoxville @UTturfgrass #TNTurf

Luke Knutson @LKTurf Hope I don’t regret taking down the plow stakes! Could not look at them anymore! #CmonSpring Patrick Van Vleck @PatrickVanVleck That is some healthy mycelium!

Craig Berry @Berry97 Frosty start this morning but turned out a cracking day for a hand cut. @TheHomeofGolf @BIGGALtd

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

One of his dreams is to be the host of a venue that could host a major championship. Lukus Harvey thinks he has found the right spot. Harvey accepted a job as director of agronomy at Atlanta Athletic Club, where he started May 1. Harvey, 36, previously served at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., where he oversaw the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic. “It (the possibility of hosting a major) is a career goal, one of those things I hope I can check off my list,” Harvey, a 14-year member of GCSAA, says. Atlanta Athletic Club has hosted multiple major championships, including PGA Championships in 2001 and 2011. It wasn’t easy for Harvey to say goodbye to PGA National. “PGA National was great for me. I’ll miss the people, the wonderful environment of teamwork, that really brings

Fooling around Oh, those jokers at Jacobsen. The company offered up its own April Fools’ Day prank by sending out a news release, featuring what Jacobsen touted as the world’s frst invisible walking greens mower. The TotalEclipse 2000 “is a product no one saw coming,” said Jacobsen product manager Chris Fox. No foolin.’ In the fnal paragraph of the news release, where there was supposed to be information about purchasing, Jacobsen revealed the joke was on anybody who believed it.

In the

NEWS A gray area in water-challenged California?

New meaning i ffor B Bronx bombers

Some desert courses in California that use private wells wonder if the government-mandated 25 percent reduction in water use includes them, USA Today reports. www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/04/05/facing-drought-in-an-oasis-of-golfcourses-and-lakes/25338627/

Built on an old dump, Trump Golf Links opened this spring in Bronx, N.Y., The New York Times reports. The New York City skyline provides a scenic view from the facility. www.nytimes. com/2015/04/02/nyregion/luxury-public-golfcourse-run-by-trump-opens-on-former-bronx-dump. html?_r=0

Ohio course faces the end

Fire destroys millions of golf balls

The Columbus Dispatch reports that one of the frst golf courses in Dublin, Ohio, is closed and likely will be sold this summer. www.dispatch.com/ content/stories/local/2015/04/06/Riviera-Golf-Clubcloses.html

About 4 million golf balls were destroyed in a fre in a Quebec sporting goods manufacturing plant, Golf.com reports. www.golf.com/tour-and-news/4million-golf-balls-destroyed-fre

By John Mascaro President of Turf-Tec International

(photo quiz)

Turfgrass area: Putting green

Location: Franklin, Tenn.

Grass variety: MiniVerde bermudagrass

(a) PROBLEM

White material on turf

Turfgrass area: Putting green

Location: Gaylord, Mich.

Grass variety: Bentgrass/Poa annua

(b) PROBLEM Soil on top of turf

Presented in partnership with Jacobsen

Answers on page 108

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

The All-New Jacobsen Truckster XD

What new heavy-duty utility vehicle offers class-leading payload capacity, power and comfort? Turn to page 109 for the answer.

Teresa Carson tcarson@gcsaa.org twitter: @GCM_Magazine

(turf)

Glyphosate: More to come Anyone who has ever tried to kill a weed by spraying it with Roundup received some shocking news on March 20, 2015. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization, announced that it had examined the available scientifc literature on fve organophosphate pesticides and found two of them “possibly carcinogenic” and three of them “probably carcinogenic.” The three products considered probable carcinogens were glyphosate, diazinon and malathion. Human exposure to malathion was considered low, and “observed” exposure to glyphosate was considered “generally low.” Production of diazinon has decreased, particularly since 2006 when it was restricted in both the United States and Europe, and little is known about exposure levels in other countries. Glyphosate stood out, however, because glyphosate is the herbicide sprayed around the world. More glyphosate is produced than any other herbicide. It is used extensively in agriculture, partly because so many crops, from corn and soybeans to alfalfa and cotton, are “Roundup Ready,” which means they are resistant to glyphosate, making it the weed

Presented in Partnership with Barenbrug

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

killer of choice for many agricultural operations. In the U.S., glyphosate is also used frequently by homeowners and professional landscapers. The IARC report says that people in the U.S. are exposed to glyphosate through diet, through use around the home and through living near areas sprayed with the chemical. So, even though the general level of exposure is low, the number of people exposed is likely very high. Over a one-year period, an IARC working group of 17 experts from 11 countries considered “reports that have been published or accepted for publication in the openly available scientifc literature” and “data from governmental reports that are publicly available,” making its own judgments on the data presented. In other words, the IARC group may or may not reach the same conclusions as the scientists who originally published the research. The IARC did not consider research carried out by industry scientists whose work is confdential to the companies where they are employed. After the review was completed, the working group classifed glyphosate in Group 2A, saying there was limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans for nonHodgkin lymphoma. Not surprisingly, Monsanto, which manufactures Roundup and owns the patent for a number of Roundup Ready seeds, disagreed with the IARC’s decision and issued its statement on the same day the IARC decision was made public (http://news.monsanto. com/news/monsanto-disagrees-iarc-classi fcation-glyphosate). Monsanto launched its defense with a strong statement regarding safety: “As consumers ourselves, safety is a priority for every person who works at Monsanto. And, we want to be clear: All labeled uses of glyphosate are safe for human health and supported by one of the most extensive worldwide human health databases ever compiled on an agricultural product.” In addition, the company included four primary arguments against the IARC’s classifcation of glyphosate (the list below is quoted directly from the press release): • There is no new research or data here. • Relevant, scientifc data was excluded from review.

• The conclusion is not supported by scientifc data. • IARC’s classifcation does not establish a link between glyphosate and an increase in cancer. In its statement, the company also pointed out that a similar, longer (four-year), study completed by the German government in January 2014 for the European Union had concluded that herbicides containing glyphosate are not carcinogenic to humans (www.glyphosate.eu/news/re-evaluationglyphosate-german-authorities-confrmprevious-evaluations). Where does the U.S. EPA fall in this debate? The EPA’s response to GCM’s questions about glyphosate safety begins: “In 1991 EPA concluded that glyphosate should be classifed as a Group E (evidence of non-carcinogenicity for humans) based on a lack of convincing carcinogenicity evidence and considering the criteria in EPA Guidelines for classifying a carcinogen.” (That 1991 ruling did mark a change by the EPA, which originally classifed glyphosate as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” [Group C] in 1985 before changing it to Group E.) The EPA’s statement continues by saying that in 2014 the agency reviewed more than 55 studies about links between cancer and glyphosate. As part of its pesticide re-evaluation program, EPA will be releasing its “preliminary human health risk assessment for glyphosate” later in 2015 and will discuss the IARC fndings at that time (http://iaspub. epa.gov/apex/pesticides/f?p=CHEMICAL SEARCH:31:0::NO:1,3,31,7,12,25:P3_ XCHEMICAL_ID:2477). With the IARC on one side, Monsanto on the other and the EPA’s pending re-evaluation, the discussion about the safety of glyphosate appears to be wide open for some time to come. Teresa Carson is GCM’s science editor.

Scott R. Nesbitt ORPguy@windstream.net

(shop)

Common-rail diesels The latest advances in common-rail fuel-injection technology involve cleaning up diesel engines, making them quieter and even more fuel-effcient. In the bargain, the next generation of diesels may be even more durable and reliable, cheaper to purchase and easier, and cheaper, to repair. Gasoline cars and trucks have been using common-rail fuel-injection systems since the 1980s, shooting fuel into the intake manifold just above the intake valves. Diesel common-rail injection came in the mid-1990s, most commonly seen in Ford 7.3-liter diesel engines. Developed with Caterpillar and International-Navistar, this was the frst mass-market diesel with computer control of injection timing and volume. The system uses pressurized crankcase oil, instead of a camshaft-driven rocker arm, to provide the force needed to squeeze a shot of fuel into a combustion chamber. An electric solenoid-spring system in each injector assembly opens to let the high-pressure crankcase oil push a plunger that shoots the fuel oil into the cylinder. The longer the solenoid stays energized, the more fuel is injected. The powertrain control module (PCM) computer reads engine speed, throttle demand and other factors to control the volume and timing. A single fuel pump feeds all injectors. It’s complicated, but simple compared to the “computing” that goes on in the traditional mechanical fuel-injection pump that requires one small internal plunger-pump for each engine cylinder. Each plunger must be matched to an individual bore. Tolerances are so tight you destroy a plunger by holding it in your sweaty, salty palm. Ditto for water or microscopic grit in the fuel. The old-style injection pump, whether inline or radial, achieves volume control and timing through a complex system of springs

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

A single fuel pump and high-tech piezoelectric fuel injector are the heart of the diesel-taming common-rail fuel-injection system from Bosch. Note the “ceramic spring” in the background illustration. Photo illustrations courtesy of Robert Bosch GmbH

and weights. If one spring pops, or one plunger is scratched, the whole pump goes down. The smaller diesels used on golf machinery can be ftted with common-rail injection, using pieces derived from passenger car diesels popular outside North America. The same model of pump can serve any number of cylinders, as long as it meets the engine’s volume and pressure needs. That single simple high-precision pump is cheap to replace, compared to repairing or replacing all the traditional pump’s variable-output, variable-timing, multi-plunger, spring-controlled complexity. There are competing common-rail component systems, further reducing costs. The pump supplies pressurized fuel to a thick-walled pipe (the “common rail”) that makes fuel available to each electrically activated injector. A PCM controls volume and timing. The great leap in technology is found inside the individual injectors — “piezoelectric” ceramic disks. Each disk gets a tiny bit thicker when electrifed. In one design, 140 volts applied to a 0.02-inch-thick disk gets 0.00002 inch of growth. Stack a few hundred and you get 0.004 inch — enough force and motion to open the port that sprays fuel into the cylinder. Piezo response time is about fve times faster than an electromagnetic solenoid, allowing more accurate control. The ceramic material easily handles higher fuel pressure, creating a spray of fner droplets that burn more completely, reducing emissions. More accurate fuel volume and timing reduces engine noise. Further diesel development is coming with variable valve timing (common on cars) — this will allow adjusting the compression ratio, further reducing noise production.

Above: Developed in Germany in the 1920s, the inline fuel-injection pump was a fantastic breakthrough that helped diesel engines dominate the heavy-duty world. It required one plunger for each cylinder. Below: A radial design made some improvements in traditional injection pumps, but retained the systems of springs and things that handled engine adjustments.

By the way, when you press that snap-button to light your gas grill, you are compressing a piezoelectric disk and producing an electric spark. That’s the equal-but-opposite reaction to the system that makes ceramics grow and improve life with diesels.

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)

Advancing GCSAA’s mission, vision In March, the American Association of Pesticide Control Offcials (AAPCO) held its annual conference in Alexandria, Va. AAPCO was formed in 1947, the same year that Congress enacted the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). AAPCO’s membership comprises the offcers charged by law with the execution of the state, territorial, provincial and federal laws in the United States, including all its territories, and in Canada. During the conference, I represented GCSAA and the golf industry before numerous federal and state regulatory offcials, university Extension specialists and industry partners. Networking with these individuals helps advance GCSAA’s mission and vision. Dr. Jack Housenger, the U.S. EPA’s new director of the Offce of Pesticide Programs (OPP), spoke at the meeting. OPP evaluates pesticides and other chemicals to safeguard people, threatened species and ecosystems from environmental harm. Many OPP priorities for 2015 intersect with those of the golf course management profession, including: • Continuing registration and registration review programs • Insect and weed resistance issues • Proposed changes to the certifcation and training rule • Continued work on high-profle issues like pollinator protection and Endangered Species Act consultations

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

Registration review. Registration review (RR) requires EPA to re-evaluate every active ingredient once every 15 years, and EPA is making good progress in this area. It takes fve to six years to review each pesticide, and EPA initiates about 70 RR cases each year. As of December 2014, 550 RR cases have been initiated and 120 RR decisions have been completed. GCSAA’s government relations staff monitors the Federal Register daily to look for active ingredients used on golf courses undergoing RR. We submit public comment to EPA to help inform their risk assessments for active ingredients. GCSAA supports the use of real data and sound scientifc methodology to assess pesticides for risk. GCSAA and its members have provided accurate and usable data to the regulatory and scientifc communities for use in RR implementation decisions and will continue to do so. Pollinator protection. On June 20, 2014, the White House issued a memorandum directing the executive branch to develop a pollinator health strategy and also created a Pollinator Health Task Force chaired by USDA and EPA. EPA is required to assess the effect of pesticides, including neonicotinoids, on bee and other pollinator health; engage state and tribal environmental, agricultural and wildlife agencies in the development of state and tribal pollinator protection plans; and expedite review of registration applications for new products targeting pests harmful to pollinators. At the AAPCO meeting, Housenger shared that EPA is focused on providing ongoing analytical support to bee researchers, proposing labeling/implementation of pollinator protection plans, working on registrations for products that can be used for hive pest management, and working on a monarch pollinator framework that includes accessing the impact of herbicides on monarch butterfies. GCSAA will closely monitor the work of the new AAPCO-EPA Pollinator Protection Plan Committee, which is focused on the development of state and tribal pollinator protection plans. The group is identifying managed pollinator protection plans developed by states, looking at common elements in existing plans, looking at barriers to implementation, and identifying resources for apiary inspection and regulatory outreach. A point noted at the AAPCO meeting: There is strong support for pest-management activities in areas other than crop production to be incorporated into managed pollinator protection plans.

U.S. EPA’s Dr. Jack Housenger leads a discussion of regulatory priorities for pesticides. Photo by Chava McKeel

Endangered Species Act. EPA is working on a draft of the nationwide ESA “effects” determinations for chlorpyrifos, diazinon and malathion. The agency is also working on a pilot project to implement the National Academy of Sciences’ ESA consultation process recommendations. In December 2014, EPA released Bulletins Live! Two, an upgraded version of its previous bulletin, as part of its Endangered Species Protection Program. Bulletins set forth geographically specifc pesticide-use limitations for the protection of threatened and endangered (listed) species and their designated critical habitat. New features include an interactive map, different base maps to help users determine if specifc pesticide use limitations apply in areas where the pesticide is intended for use; advanced searches for active ingredient, product and location; and an enhanced system to receive public comments on draft bulletins. Golf course superintendents should learn more at www.epa.gov/espp/bulletins.htm. Participation in AAPCO meetings allows GCSAA staff to build positive relationships with federal and state pesticide offcials. In this column and through other GCSAA venues, we will continue to inform you of state and federal pesticide regulatory activities impacting the profession and continue to make sure golf’s voice is heard.

Chava McKeel is GCSAA’s director, government relations.

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Bunny Smith smith.bunny@gmail.com

(environment)

Northern exposure When Marty Baumann headed north to Alaska six years ago to become the superintendent at Anchorage Golf Course, he discovered more than a few unfamiliar environmental challenges. And the challenges range from animal to vegetable to mineral and back again. Not to mention the midnight sun. At the height of the facility’s abbreviated golf season, which typically runs from May through September, Anchorage GC starts tee times at 5 a.m. and doesn’t shut down until 12:30 a.m. That adds up to as many as 10,000 rounds in the month of June alone. “We can run three full shotguns in a day,” Baumann says, adding that all the sunlight keeps the crew busy, hand-mowing the greens every day; changing cups twice a day; mowing decks, collars, fairways and tees every other day and the rough once a week. “I cut it (rough) at 1¾ inch and it’ll be up to 3 inches by the time I get back to it. The dandelion heads can be knee-high here.” The short season, high traffc and harsh winters all take a toll on the bentgrass/ Poa greens. And Baumann, a 13-year GCSAA member and a certifed agronomist, has had to learn how to manage the unique soil, which contains a large amount of glacial silt. “It is similar to clay, but does not react in soil the same way,” he says. “It clogs the soil and prevents water and air movement and insists that we use every aeration tool in our toolbox. The soil doesn’t hold nutrients, so I’ve had to change up how I fertilize and how I

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

Golfers keep their distance from one of Anchorage GC’s daily visitors during the brief summer golf season. Of all the challenges that course superintendent Marty Baumann has to manage, the moose pose the most danger, he says. Photo courtesy of Marty Baumann

apply micronutrients.” There are a couple of upsides to managing golf course turf in Alaska: the cool summers prevent diseases, and Baumann doesn’t even keep insecticides onsite. “We do have insects here, but they only attack us, not the turf,” he explains. “Of course, I have every variety of snow mold you can imagine. If I don’t spray for it, I lose the turf.” Baumann estimates that 80 percent of his chemical budget goes for snow mold control. Critter control gets a large share of his attention as well. The black bears that populate two dens on the golf course get “friendly” cease-and-desist notices from Baumann’s golden retrievers; even so, their activity sometimes necessitates temporarily shutting down a hole. Bald eagles can be spotted everywhere and lynx are occasional visitors, but the red foxes are permanent residents and sometimes help the retrievers chase the geese away. “They’re small, cute and really smart,” Baumann says. “They love to grab golf balls; they think they’re eggs.” But the biggest pests are the moose. “I deal with moose every day. They look like they’re dumb and slow, but that’s 1,500

pounds of wild animal, and they’ll turn on you in a second,” Baumann says, adding that the course’s summer tourists have to be cautioned to give the moose a wide berth. It’s all in a day’s work at the narrow, 6,600yard public 18-hole layout, whose 29 acres of fairways and 22 acres of rough were literally carved out of Alaska’s boreal forest. The course is framed by magnifcent views of the Chugach Mountain range, with the Anchorage city skyline, Cook Inlet and Mt. McKinley in the background. Baumann expects to complete all processes soon for Anchorage GC to become Alaska’s frst golf course to become certifed in Audubon International’s Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. He says the extreme northern exposure creates challenges that require him to “think ahead instead of reacting quickly.” “I don’t think I’d ever want to work anywhere else,” he adds. Bunny Smith has been a member of the GCM staff at GCSAA for 16 years. On May 1, she retired as the magazine’s senior managing editor.

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

“Whenever we have something that we are good at — something we care about — that experience and passion fundamentally change the nature of our frst impressions.” — Malcolm Gladwell

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

The job interview, Part 1: The frst 7 seconds Are frst impressions important for professionals in the golf industry? Of course! There is extensive research identifying the factors involved in forming a frst impression. Experts defne the timeframe as ranging from a half-second to several minutes, with the majority of recent research settling on seven seconds to form a frst impression. Regardless of exact defnition and timing, all agree that frst impressions are vitally important, especially in a formal interview setting. Have you taken intentional steps to improve your frst impression? In this month’s column, I will focus on the frst seven seconds of an interview, as part 1 of a two-part series, and my next column will discuss the frst fve minutes. I will offer some tips and practical steps you can take to create a winning frst impression in your next interview. Aut ntic. First and foremost, your genuine interest in the job is the foundation to making a great frst impression. Yes, you can follow all the advice and tips from the experts, but without an authentic desire to be part of that particular golf facility and an interest in the people you are meeting, you will fall short. I offer this idea from best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell. “Whenever we have something that we are good at — something we care about — that experience and passion fundamentally change the nature of our frst impressions.” Dress for success. A key factor of any frst impression is appearance. Your goal is to be part of the leadership team at a prospective golf facility. Demonstrate you are ready for that role by dressing your best, and avoid anything fashy that will hinder or distract from your message. Confdent arrival. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early so you can take a few moments in your vehicle to gather your thoughts. Plan to arrive earlier if you are unfamiliar with the area and traffc patterns. You are evaluated from the moment you step onto a golf facility property, so consider everyone with whom you come in contact someone you need to impress. T e mig ty ands ake. Research shows that it takes an average of three hours of continuous interaction to develop the same level of rapport you can get with a single hand-

shake. That’s powerful. When you walk in the room for an interview, I recommend introducing yourself to the person closest to you, (yes, even though they probably have your name and information right in front of them) and then shaking hands with everyone on the hiring committee. According to Etiquette International, your handshake should be frm but not bone-crushing. If your hands get sweaty or clammy easily, spray antiperspirant on your hands when you are getting ready in the morning. Body language. People use nonverbal judgments of others 93 percent of the time. Too often, I see professionals in the golf industry prepare for interviews solely by practicing their verbal message. Take time to prepare your nonverbal message. In general, less movement conveys confdence. Don’t fddle with your possessions (folder/laptop/tablet), and have them in your left hand so you are ready to shake hands. Smile, eye contact, posture, facial expression — all these create your frst impression. Be aware and intentional about what your body language is expressing to assure it is substantiating, not obstructing, your verbal content. First words. Practice your frst words. How are you going to greet the hiring committee? Consider the actual words along with tone, infection and whom you will be addressing. What is the personal brand and impression you want to generate? What words would express those qualities? An overarching theme in career advancement is to focus on the audience throughout the job search process. This is important to incorporate into your frst impression as well. Consider ways to convey why you are excited to be there and to meet them. Carol Kinsey Goman of Forbes magazine said it best: “You’ve got just seven seconds — but if you handle it well, seven seconds are all you need!”

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, cover letter, and LinkedIn creation for a reduced member rate, along with interview preparation and portfolio consultation.

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for recovery

A California superintendent and his wife get the ball rolling on a program to help cancer patients. Tom Elliott, CGCS

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

Photo © Ichumpitaz/Dollar Photo Club

05.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

The Swing thru Cancer program’s very frst participant, Clarice Myers, meets up with Monarch Dunes GC’s PGA director of instruction Jim Delaby (center) and superintendent Tom Ellliott, CGCS, at the Learn Golf! “cheat sheet” on the frst tee of the Challenge Course. Photos courtesy of Tom Elliott

The way I looked at it was what could be better for the cancer patients, caregivers and survivors than an hour of chatting, putting or just chilling in nature?

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

Those of us lucky enough to work on a golf course know the therapeutic value of the golf course setting — the smell of the fresh-cut grass, the brilliant green turf, the beautiful blue of the sky and the fourishing wildlife everywhere. But most of all we enjoy the calm, peace and quiet. One day I was expounding upon this to my wife, who is an oncology nurse. I just assumed she wasn’t listening — as usual — and it turns out that she wasn’t. Instead, she was thinking about her job and began telling me about the diffcult task she has of leading cancer support groups and keeping them interesting and different so that more people will come. I listened to her describe the group setting, typically a room with everybody sitting in a circle, commiserating about their shocking diagnosis and the treatments they were facing. I half-jokingly said, “Why don’t you bring a support group out to my course, Monarch Dunes, for a putting contest or something low energy that they could do outdoors. They could meet and talk out in nature getting some fresh air, while building stamina and self esteem.” My wife looked more perplexed than usual but amused at the idea, and then to my surprise said, “Why not? It’s worth trying something new.” And so, an idea was born. The way I looked at it was, what could be better for the cancer patients, caregivers and survivors than an hour of chatting, putting or just chilling in nature? Maybe they could chip, hit some balls or, if they had the strength, do even more. Down to details My job as the superintendent at Monarch Dunes allows me the opportunity to help develop new programs as well as grow the turf, so I got the ball rolling on this new program and partnership. My wife and I prepared a list of benefts to present to our respective employers. It was amazing how long the list became. We couldn’t think of any negatives. Maybe this plan will actually work, we thought. We lined up meetings with our respective bosses to see if there were any obstacles to a test run. The idea was well received because, like you always hear,

Delaby gives some helpful instruction to Myers, a cancer survivor who now is a frequent Learn Golf! participant.

The abilities of the patients were all over the board, but it didn’t matter because the enthusiasm was evident and the shared laughs at the “golf” were nonstop.

everybody has had someone close to them affected by cancer. The responsibilities for getting things started were then assigned. I turned the details of the program over to the golf professionals at my course because they teach golf for a living. Our pro was all in, as his mom had died of cancer. He was eager to help. After much discussion and many bad ideas, mostly from me, we settled on the name Swing thru Cancer for our new program. We decided to make the frst group meeting open to all cancer patients and caregivers and to hold it for one hour on a Wednesday afternoon. The people on my wife’s side were equally enthusiastic. Her boss, Katherine Guthrie, cancer services director for Mission Hope Cancer Center, was very supportive and gave us the green light to make the program work. My wife and I couldn’t wait for it to get started so we could cheer people on. Fun and frustration The recruitment of potenti tial participants began and w was a piece of cake because it w something new and excitwas in ing. The inaugural Swing thru C Cancer group was a huge success.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT EMENT MENT 05.15

The abilities of the participants were all over the board, but it didn’t matter because the enthusiasm was evident and the shared laughs at the “golf” were nonstop. We had about a dozen people come out and give it a try. The frst people to sign up were a brother and sister going through cancer treatment at the same time. The brother was very ill and not able to do much physically but was excited at the prospect of being outside and swinging the golf club. He came that frst time and then every month thereafter as long as he was able. He sat down between swings sometimes but was so happy just to be outside enjoying life with his sister. It’s nice to think that we brought normalcy and joy at a very diffcult time in this person’s life journey. The whole program has always been free. A few golf clubs and balls are all provided at no charge. The Monarch Dunes owners and staff are happy to donate their time and facility for such a worthy cause. It has been set in stone for the group to meet the third Wednesday of every month. I don’t think we have ever missed a month. The satisfaction of bringing something like this to people enduring cancer treatment or their caregivers has been great. The one-hour class fies by, and many stay longer to continue with the fun and frustration of

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They have a voice in the industry Through the GCSAA Superintendent Research Panel, these individuals have a voice in the industry. They are also receiving great rewards for their participation on the panel through our quarterly prize drawings.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE LATEST PRIZE DRAWINGS:

2015 1st Quarter Prize Winners

Douglas D. Dykstra, CGCS

Jeffrey N. Stuart, CGCS

Paul G. Rozek

Pinetop, AZ White Mountain Country Club

Indianapolis, IN Brickyard Crossing

Bend, OR Widgi Creek Golf Club

John B. Ward

Steven F. Harris, CGCS

Sarasota, FL Rolling Green Golf Course

Wake Forest, NC The Hasentree Club

Let your voice be heard. Learn more about becoming a member of the Superintendent Research Panel at gcsaa.org/Community

Myers warms up for the monthly clinic at Monarch Dunes GC in Nipomo, Calif.

The participants are so happy to get out in the fresh air. Sometimes sickness can make a person forget the little things like the splendor of nature and the joy of being outdoors.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT EMENT MENT 05.15

learning golf. Fast-forward seven years. The Swing thru Cancer program is still going strong. We have gone through many changes here at the golf course, but the staff has always loved this group and this cause and has never minded donating their time. On the Mission Hope Cancer Center side, they have continued to advertise, organize and recruit participants. Unfortunately, there is never a shortage of people on their side of the partnership. My wife has moved on to a different challenge as the breast cancer nurse navigator for Mission Hope Cancer Center but she still occasionally gets out to the golf course. (More to harass me than to help with the golf group, but never mind this little detail.) The Swing thru Cancer program has survived, with the class size varying monthly and at least 12 people attending most months. It has been amazing to see how little effort the clinics take. Some weeks the group will practice on the putting green, some weeks they will hit balls on the driving range and sometimes they have the energy to get out on our par-3 Challenge Course and play a few holes. This is all done under the teaching and guidance of our golf pprofessional. The participants ar are so happy to get out in the fr fresh air. Sometimes sickness ccan make a person forget the lilittle things like the splendor of nature and the joy of being

outdoors. It has been such a pleasure to share the beauty of our golf course with people who normally wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be out on a course. It has been great to see the fun and the success of this program, but after seven successful years, we knew we could do better. For the love of the game This past year, Monarch Dunes Golf Club started a new program on our 12-hole, par-3 Challenge Course called Learn Golf! We developed this program with the Swing thru Cancer participants in mind as we watched many of them develop a love of golf. Our new forward tees are only 50 feet from the green. We have an 8-inch cup on the front of each green for the newer players. From these tees to the big cup you only need a putter. Participants who play at a higher level or who want to be golf purists can also use the regulation cup more toward the middle back of each green. Yes, you read correctly: We do have two cups on every green. We also added three more sets of tees to increase the distance and encourage people to take bigger swings. The Learn Golf! program is laid out in an easily understood fashion so as not to intimidate the new golfer. It is geared toward the beginner, but we really have a plan for everyone to try the game of golf no matter what their level or physical condition. We are trying to grow the game of golf by taking away the top three complaints from new beginners: 1) It costs too much;

Participants in the Learn Golf! Swing thru Cancer program gather on the putting green for starting instructions.

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.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT EMENT MENT 05.15

2) It takes too long; and 3) It is too hard to learn. We have overcome these obstacles and are now using this Learn Golf! program with the cancer support group. It is the perfect series of stepping stones as players increase their strength and stamina and gain more knowledge of the game of golf. We are all very excited about the changes to the course and excited by how much it is loved by the golf support group, now aptly named Learn Golf! Monarch Dunes’ Learn Golf! program is a natural ft for the support group since many of the cancer patients are new to golf but would like to continue playing on their own after the instruction they receive from our pro at the monthly clinic. Jim Delaby, our PGA director of instruction, has great plans to upgrade and expand the support group with our new course setup. “The program will still be under the direction of a golf professional, but we are just taking it up a notch,” says Delaby. Because the skills and stamina of each person are so different, Delaby is working on a plan to group the players into levels by ability at each session. There will be fun game “certifers,” which players must pass before changing levels. The patients may stay at any level they wish and are not required to move up if they are not comfortable. The support group will play on the par-3 Challenge Course so people will really feel like they are playing golf as they learn. The satisfaction of holing out a putt is so much greater than whiffng the ball or topping it 5 feet on the driving range, which frequently happens when golf is taught the “old way.” That method of trying tto learn the game was way too in intimidating for most, especcially for people dealing with ca cancer treatment.

Test run We did a test run of our new amped-up support group plan with some of the Mission Hope Cancer Center staff who are new to the game of golf, the perfect subjects for Learn Golf! We wanted them to understand the program that we are bringing to their patients. They were all a little nervous, but those nerves quickly turned to laughter and enjoyment for the game and for being outside. At the end they couldn’t believe how much they enjoyed the whole process and how easy it was. They can’t wait to get back and do the entire Learn Golf! course and program. They are all eager to tell their patients about this fun and innovative program. Golf and cancer are not normally thought of together, but now the former might help people with the latter. I think the program will fourish with our renewed attempt to grow the game of golf through our new Learn Golf! setup on our course. The idea of helping people who are sick by giving them time to forget their troubles seems like such a natural ft for the serenity and beauty of our golf course. I have been amazed as I sit and watch the people at the golf support group. They may not necessarily look like golfers, but their smiles are unforgettable and their competitive nature pushes through like true golfers. (I may have even heard a word or two of profanity from the frustration golf is known to cause everybody!) When we think back on how it all started, how easily it all came together and how much enjoyment it brings to all involved — staff and participants — it seems only natural to share this idea. How exciting it would be for our industry to get similar programs rolling all across the country. It is the ultimate winwin situation. We have shown that anyone can Learn Golf! and, if that ugly beast called cancer enters your life, then maybe a little dose of sunshine on a beautiful green turfgrasscovered golf course is just what the doctor ordered.

Tom Elliott, CGCS, is the superintendent at Monarch Dunes Golf Course in Nipomo, Calif., and a 27-year member of GCSAA.

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SEED UPDATE

nending snowstorms in the Northeast. Drought in the West. Fewer golfers on the course. It seems that superintendents can’t catch a break. Turfgrass breeders may not be able to put on capes and swoop down like super heroes to rescue golf from its woes, but they are working diligently to produce turfgrass varieties that better tolerate drought, heat, traffc and numerous diseases — and one even offers the lure of reduced mowing. GCSAA’s 2015 Seed Update features considerably more varieties than last year’s edition, mainly because of the release of 24 tall fescue varieties that fared well in the 2012 NTEP trials (for more information about the new tall fescue varieties, see Kevin Morris’s article in the research section on Page 70). In addition to showcasing a larger number of varieties, this year’s seed update refects trends in turfgrass breeding brought about by the challenges facing golf course superintendents and other turfgrass managers in recent years. For superintendents concerned about effcient water use, several of the entries indicate that the variety is TWCA or Water Star approved. TWCA is the acronym for Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance, a consortium of companies in the turfgrass seed industry that are developing and testing varieties for their ability to tolerate drought and heat stress (see GCM, June 2010, Page 38). Varieties without the designation have also been bred for the same traits. Water conservation is not the only concern for golf. Reducing mowing also reduces labor hours and fuel consumed. Some facilities raise the height of the rough or even remove turf to reduce mowing. For many years, Doug Brede, Ph.D., Jacklin Seed’s director of research, has pursued the goal of developing a turfgrass variety that requires less frequent mowing. This spring, Jacklin Seed by Simplot is introducing Brede’s dream, My Holiday Lawn (patent pending), a Kentucky bluegrass variety that the company says can be maintained as attractive turf with only one mowing a month. The company describes the turfgrass as ideal for golf course roughs. Although Barenbrug USA has no new cultivars in this year’s seed update, the company has announced that its perennial ryegrass with determinate stolons (Lolium perenne ssp. stoloniferum) has received a U.S. patent. The company is referring to varieties in this subspecies as “Regenerating Perennial Ryegrass” or RPR. According to Barenbrug, RPR varieties “regenerate turf horizontally with determinate stolons,” which allows the cultivars to establish more rapidly and to have greater wear tolerance. Regenerating Perennial Ryegrass is available in Turf Star RPR, a perennial ryegrass mixture, and in Turf Blue, which is now available in various blends of Kentucky bluegrass and RPR. One fnal note for superintendents reviewing the NTEP results for the pros and cons of new varieties: NTEP is using a new procedure for reporting turf quality data from its turfgrass trials. Kevin Morris, NTEP’s executive director, has supplied GCM with an explanation of the new data analysis, which appears in the update. — Teresa Carson, GCM senior science editor

2015

SEED S UPDATE Photo ÂŠ Elena Elisseeva/Shutterstock.com

SEED UPDATE

very May GCM publishes a list of new named turfgrass varieties released by seed companies in the United States since the publication of the previous year’s update. GCM makes every effort to avoid publishing information about varieties that have already been featured in the update. Turfgrass species are listed alphabetically by the English name, and new varieties are listed alphabetically within a species. An experimental name or number may be listed in parentheses

ANNUAL RYEGRASS Approach (TAG-TAR1), Landmark Turf & Native Seed

• • • • • •

seed available; excellent supply 2015 crop quick germination, establishment durable, fast to “check out” in spring overseeding for dormant bermudagrass excellent establishment rates, coverage color comparable to improved intermediate ryegrass • turf quality, texture comparable to improved annual/intermediate ryegrass • outstanding southern spring transition to bermudagrass • University of Arizona The Gamechanger, Turf Merchants

• seed fully available July 2015

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

following the varietal name. Experimental designations may be used to look up testing results for the varieties in research reports, such as those published by the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP). The information about the varieties and the photographs and logos are all provided by the respective seed companies. Additional information may be available from the companies themselves and the “Research Resources” listed on Page 68.

• new-generation hybrid annual • dark color, fne texture similar to perennial ryegrass • excellent transition • cost effective • golf course quality • University of Arizona; North Carolina State University

Sahara II, Pennington Seed

• • • •

limited seed available now heat tolerance drought tolerance fner leaf texture than common bermuda

BERMUDAGRASS Royal Bengal (PSG 9BAN), Seed Research of Oregon, Pickseed, DLF-International

• seed available now • unique genetics from Bangladesh • excellent seedling vigor; early establishment • superior adaptation to areas with high humidity, acid soils • high turf density • reduced invasion by crabgrass, summer weeds • reduced height; less scalping potential • NTEP 2007

CHEWINGS FESCUE Survivor, Pennington Seeds

• • • • • • •

adequate seed supply exceptional drought tolerance improved disease tolerance outstanding summer performance TWCA and Water Star qualifed Cooperative Turfgrass Breeders Test Rutgers Proceedings, 2012

HEALTHIER TURF IS STRONGER TURF. Start your season off strong. Add CIVITASâ&#x201E;˘ products to your IPM program to help your turf protect itself from damage caused by diseases and insects. CIVITAS products can help provide healthier turf that requires less inputs such as other pesticides. With CIVITAS, your best offense is a strong defense. civitasturf.com Always read and follow product label instructions. Use of the product that varies in any way from the product label instructions is a violation of federal and state law. Patent(s): www.suncor.com/patents â&#x201E;˘ Trademark of Suncor Energy Inc. Used under license.

SEED UPDATE

CREEPING RED FESCUE Marvel (PPG FRR 106), Landmark Turf & Native Seed

• limited seed now; excellent supply 2015 crop • use in high-quality sun and shade mixes, low-input mixtures • elite variety; fne texture • rhizomatous spreading habit • improved color, persistence, wear tolerance, density • Rutgers University Orbit, Mountain View Seeds

• • • • • • •

seed available fall 2015 good turf density maintains ground cover persistent variety medium green color resistance to red thread NTEP

Pennington ASC 295, Pennington Seed

• • • • • • •

adequate seed supply exceptional drought tolerance improved heat tolerance fne texture, dark green TWCA and Water Star qualifed Cooperative Turfgrass Breeders Test Rutgers Proceedings, 2007, 2012

INTERMEDIATE RYEGRASS CrossOver, Columbia Seeds, LLC • seed available fall 2015 • lower growing • greater crown leaf density • improved genetic color • superior disease resistance to leaf spot, stem rust • excellent southern transition • improved mowing quality • University of Arizona

seed available fall 2015 dark green color very good turf quality excellent persistence wear, shade tolerance good resistance to disease: red thread, dollar spot • NTEP

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

• • • • • • • •

excellent supply from 2015 crop good spring green-up; elite variety very dark green; fne texture heat, drought tolerance; durable density improved summer performance summer patch resistance excellent traffc tolerance NTEP

KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS Bluebank (A03-1017), Landmark Turf & Native Seed • excellent supplies expected 2015 • low-mow golf, sports and sod production • high ratings for dollar spot, stem rust, red thread, leaf spot • very dark green; medium-fne texture • uniform turf, low seed-head expression • heat tolerance • improved summer performance • summer patch resistance Harmonie, DLF-International Seeds

• • • • • • •

seed available now high turf quality medium dark green color excellent wear tolerance heat, drought tolerance high density high resistance to typhula blight, leaf spot, necrotic ring spot • NTEP 2005 Legend, Mountain View Seeds

Sonar, Mountain View Seeds

• • • • • •

Lunar (PST O7 261), Landmark Turf & Native Seed

• • • • • •

seed available fall 2015 dark green Midnight type aggressive very fne leaf texture for high- and low-maintenance applications • disease resistance • NTEP

My Holiday Lawn, Jacklin Seed by Simplot

• seed supply may be limited • patent pending • ideal for areas where reduced mowing is desired • can reduce mowing up to 77% • mow once a month vs. once or twice per week • best performance at 1-3 pounds nitrogen/1,000 ft2/year Oasis, Seeds Inc./Pennington Seed

• • • • • •

adequate seed supply excellent drought tolerance TWCA and Water Star qualifed outstanding summer performance frst-class disease tolerance Rutgers Proceedings 1996, 1998, 1999, 2006, 2012 • NTEP Sombrero, DLF-International Seeds

• seed available now • aggressive-type cultivar

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150 years

SEED UPDATE

• • • • • •

high turf quality very high density superior traffc tolerance heat, drought tolerance high resistance to Typhula blight NTEP 2005

KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS × Poa secunda HYBRID Blue Ghost (PST-K9-103), DLF-International Seeds • seed available now • other-type cultivar • fast establishment • cool-season growth • stem rust resistance • superior drought tolerance • Rutgers University; Pure Seed Testing

PERENNIAL RYEGRASS Benchmark (PST2BNS), Landmark Turf & Native Seed

Estelle (PST-5RBT), Pure Seed

• • • • • •

seed available now superior traffc tolerance great disease resistance low inputs and maintenance salt, drought tolerance NTEP 2012

Intense (FE2), Landmark Turf & Native Seed

• • • •

excellent seed supply from 2015 crop next-generation genetics medium-fne texture; medium-dark green improved gray leaf spot, dollar spot performance • excellent traffc tolerance • endophyte enhanced; persistence • Rutgers University Pennington APR 2190

• medium-dark green; medium-fne texture • improved gray leaf spot, dollar spot performance • excellent traffc tolerance • endophyte enhanced; persistence • Rutgers University

TALL FESCUE Avenger II, Mountain View Seeds

• • • • • • •

seed available fall 2015 fast spring green-up proven heritage wear, drought tolerance fne leaf texture brown patch resistance NTEP

Cannavaro (DP 50-9440), DLF-International Seeds • • • •

excellent seed supply 2015 crop blends well with other cool-season grasses very good turf quality medium-dark green color; medium-fne texture • improved gray leaf spot, dollar spot performance • excellent traffc tolerance • endophyte-enhanced; persistence

• • • • •

adequate seed supply exceptional drought tolerance fne texture improved disease resistance TWCA and Water Star qualifed

Salinas II, Landmark Turf & Native Seed

Deportes (CL 307), Landmark Turf & Native Seed

• • • • • • • •

excellent seed supply 2015 crop excellent turf quality, traffc tolerance seedling gray leaf spot disease resistance early spring green-up medium-dark green, medium-fne texture improved dollar spot performance endophyte enhanced; persistence NTEP; Rutgers University

• excellent supplies anticipated 2015 crop • fall overseeding • quick establishment, smooth spring transition • excellent turf quality, traffc tolerance • medium-dark green; medium-fne texture • improved gray leaf spot, dollar spot performance • improved salt tolerance; persistence • NTEP; Rutgers University SPARK (CT4), Landmark Turf & Native Seed • excellent supplies anticipated 2015 crop • improved turf quality • next-generation genetics

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

• • • • • • • •

seed available now very high density, fne texture excellent wear tolerance superior summer performance improved winter growth, appearance superior shade tolerance bright, dark green color NTEP 2006

Cumberland (PST-PST-5R20), Pure Seed

• • • • • •

seed available now selected for brown patch resistance excellent traffc tolerance great drought recovery salt, heat tolerance NTEP 2012

SEED UPDATE

Dynamite LS, Mountain View Seeds

• • • • • • •

seed available fall 2015 very aggressive tillering dark green, fne-leaved, dense turf excellent wear tolerance slow-growing variety Lateral Spread Technology (LS) NTEP

Inspiration (PST-R5NW), Pure Seed

• • • • • •

seed available now selected for exceptional drought tolerance traffc, heat tolerance brown patch resistance great summer turf performance NTEP 2012; Rutgers University

Leonardo (LTP-FSD), Lebanon Turf

Firecracker SLS, Mountain View Seeds • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

seed available fall 2015 excellent salt tolerance Lateral Spread Technology (LS) dark green color brown patch, net blotch resistance dense turf NTEP

Firewall (PSG-WE1), Pickseed

• • • • • • •

limited seed now excellent wear tolerance superior brown patch resistance summer heat tolerance high tiller density, rapid recovery high density; fne leaf texture NTEP 2012; Rutgers University

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

• • • • • •

limited seed supply exceptional drought tolerance outstanding heat tolerance improved disease tolerance TWCA and Water Star qualifed Cooperative Turfgrass Breeders Test

Pennington ATF 1254, Pennington Seed

• • • • • • •

adequate seed supply exceptional drought tolerance improved disease tolerance outstanding heat tolerance fne-textured dark green blades TWCA and Water Star qualifed Cooperative Turfgrass Breeders Test

Pennington ATF 1258, Pennington Seed

Maestro (T31), Landmark Turf & Native Seed

• limited seed now; excellent supplies from 2015 crop • improved turf quality • brown patch resistance • faster growth than dwarf types • NTEP; Rutgers University Michelangelo (LTP-FSDPDR), Lebanon Turf

• • • • • • • •

limited seed supply fall 2015 very good overall turf quality dark green genetic color excellent mowing quality, establishment brown patch resistance very good summer density high drought, heat tolerance NTEP 2012; Rutgers Proceedings

Pennington ATF 1376, Pennington Seed

limited seed supply fall 2015 high turf quality resistance to brown patch, typhula blight dark green genetic color very good summer density medium-fne leaf texture high drought, heat tolerance NTEP 2012; Rutgers Proceedings

• • • • • •

adequate seed supply exceptional drought tolerance improved disease tolerance TWCA and Water Star qualifed Rutgers Proceedings 2012 Cooperative Turfgrass Breeders Test

Rain Dance (PST-5SDT), Pure Seed

• • • • • •

seed available now salt, drought tolerance superior traffc tolerance good seed yielder excellent brown patch resistance NTEP 2012; Rutgers University

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SEED UPDATE

Raptor III, Mountain View Seeds

• • • • • • •

seed available fall 2015 rich dark green compact growth tightly knit turf brown patch resistance sun, shade tolerance NTEP

Rebel XLR, Pennington Seed

• • • • • •

adequate seed supply exceptional drought tolerance good heat tolerance fne texture dark green color TWCA and Water Star qualifed

Refection (U45), Landmark Turf & Native Seed

• limited seed supply; excellent supply from 2015 crop • elite cultivar • improved turf quality; brown patch resistance • southern/transition zone conditions • improved recovery from wear • drought tolerance • retains color late into fall, winter • NTEP; Rutgers University

• lower mowing heights • mixes well with perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass • IRT (Inherent Rapid Tillering) • improved recovery from wear • improved tolerance to drought and billbug • improved brown patch disease performance • very high turf quality in all regions • NTEP; Rutgers University

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

Screamer LS, Mountain View Seeds

Rockwell (LTP- TWUU), Lebanon Turf

• • • • • • • •

limited seed supply fall 2015 shade tolerance dark green genetic color medium-fne leaf texture brown patch resistance very good summer density high drought, heat tolerance NTEP 2012; Rutgers Proceedings

Rowdy (SRX-TPC), Seed Research of Oregon

• • • • • • • •

limited seed available now excellent wear tolerance, rapid recovery high brown patch resistance high levels, early initiation of rhizomes rapid establishment excellent turf quality high stress resistance NTEP 2012; Rutgers University

Saltillo (PST-5SALT), Pure Seed

Regenerate (LW), Landmark Turf & Native Seed

• seed limited now; excellent supply 2015 crop

• TWCA certifed • Rutgers University; NTEP 2012

• • • • •

seed available now selected for salt tolerance excellent brown patch resistance very good heat tolerance resistance to grey leaf spot, net blotch, stem rust, crown rust

• • • • • • • •

seed available fall 2015 high seedling vigor excellent spring green-up very good brown patch resistance ideal for low-maintenance applications cold tolerance Lateral Spread Technology (LS) NTEP

Titanium 2LS, Mountain View Seeds • seed available fall 2015 • shade tolerance • aggressive fll-in • tolerates lower fertility soil • excellent sod strength • Lateral Spread Technology (LS) • NTEP Xtender, Landmark Turf & Native Seed

• available 2015 crop • improved turf quality; brown patch resistance • improved recovery from wear • IRT (inherent rapid tillering) • southern/transition zone • heat, drought tolerance; low input • excellent summer performance • cool-season color retention • endophytes (USDA)

SEED UPDATE

CONTRIBUTORS TO THE SEED UPDATE Columbia Seed Company contact: Kirsten Wade kwade@columbiaseeds.com 541-757-1468 541-757-1479 130 NW Hickory St. Albany, OR 97321

DLF-International Seeds Company contact: Rick Myers rmyers@dlfs.com 541-369-2251 phone 541-369-2640 fax P.O. Box 229 Halsey, OR 97348

Jacklin Seed by Simplot Company contact: Jim Kinservik jim.kinservik@simplot.com 800-688-7333 phone 208-773-4846 fax 5300 W. Riverbend Ave. Post Falls, ID 83854

Pennington Seed Company contact: Russ Nicholson russ@penningtonseed.com 706-752-4281 phone 706-342-8071 fax P.O. Box 290 Madison, GA 30650

Pickseed Company contact: Brian Free bfree@pickseed.com 541-926-8886 phone 541-928-1599 fax P.O. Box 299 Tangent, OR 97389

Pure Seed Company contact: Russ Hayworth russ@pureseed.com 541-510-3318 phone 503-651-2130 fax 29975 S. Barlow Road Canby, OR 97013 or P.O. Box 250 Hubbard, OR 97032

Seed Research Landmark Turf and Native Seed Company contact: John Brader info@turfandnativeseed.com 800-268-0180 phone 509-835-4969 fax 4908 S. Hayford Road Spokane, WA 99224 www.turfandnativeseed.com

Lebanon Turf Company contact: Murray Wingate mwingate@lebanonturf.com 800-233-0628 phone 800-806-8580 fax 1600 E. Cumberland St. Lebanon, PA 17042

Company contact: Bill Dunn bdunn@sroseed.com 541-757-2663 phone 541-758-5305 fax 33095 OR-99E Tangent, OR 97389

Turf Merchants Company contact: Steve Tubbs spt@turfmerchants.com 541-926-8649 phone 541-926-4435 fax 3390 Tangent Loop Tangent, OR 97389

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Mountain View Seeds Company contact: Aaron Kuenzi aaron@mtviewseeds.com 503-588-7333 phone 503-587-8688 fax Mountain View Seeds 8955 Sunnyview Drive NE Salem, OR 97302

Cooperative Turfgrass Breeders Test (CTBT) www.ctbt-vs.info

National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) Company contact: Kevin Morris, Executive Director kmorris@ntep.org 301-504-5125 phone 301-504-5167 fax 10300 Baltimore Ave., Bldg. 005, Rm 307 Beltsville, MD 20705 www.ntep.org

North Carolina State University Grady Miller, Ph.D. Crop Science Box 7620 NCSU Campus Raleigh, NC 27695 Phone: 919-515-5656 grady_miller@ncsu.edu

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Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Department of Plant Biology and Pathology 59 Dudley Road New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8520 http://turf.rutgers.edu/research/reports

Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance (TWCA) 33725 Columbus St., N.E. Albany, OR 97322 541-971-4418 www.tgwca.org

University of Arizona David Kopec, Ph.D. dkopec@ag.arizona.edu 520-318-7142 School of Plant Sciences 303 Forbes Bldg. 1140 E. South Campus Drive P.O. Box 210036 Tucson, AZ 85721-0036 http://turf.arizona.edu

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NTEP’s new data reporting procedure Editor’s note: In 2013, NTEP began using a new procedure for reporting turf quality data from its turfgrass trials. The following explanation of the new data reporting, written by NTEP executive director Kevin Morris, gives superintendents a better understanding of the information available on the NTEP website.

1. What is the new data reporting procedure that NTEP is now using? The new procedure is called LPI, which stands for Location Performance Index. This index refects results from a new statistical procedure that was developed and tested by statisticians at the University of Massachusetts and Cornell University over the last 10 years. In contrast, the statistical procedure NTEP has been using since its inception, ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), has been used for statistical analysis of agricultural experiments since the 1930s.

2. Why did NTEP feel the need to change its data reporting procedure? Because NTEP trials are evaluated at many locations across the U.S., cultivars and experimental selections (called genotypes) vary in their performance, based primarily on the location (environment) in which they are tested. These differences in performance result from what is termed a ‘genotype by environment interaction’ (G × E). In other words, different climatic conditions, weather patterns, soil types, diseases, etc., among the locations affect the performance of the grasses’ NTEP tests. The traditional ANOVA procedure is not designed to adequately analyze the way the genotypes interact with the different environments. LPI was developed to more accurately report the G × E interactions in crop yield trials.

3. How is the LPI different from what NTEP has used in the past? The LPI identifes the genotypes (or turfgrass entries in this case) and how they interact with each environment (trial location), captures true structure in those interactions (in data form), and improves

the accuracy of the statistical analysis. The result of this additional analysis is that a more accurate representation of each cultivar’s performance is represented in the data. For those who use NTEP data reported by the LPI, the greater accuracy provides more reliable plant recommendations. In contrast, ANOVA does not capture the G x E interaction structure because ANOVA cannot analyze it. As a result, true cultivar differences that exist as a result of genotypes (cultivars) interacting with the trial locations is ignored when using ANOVA. Therefore, one that looks at data analyzed by ANOVA, particularly where several locations are grouped together, will get an inaccurate and unreliable picture of turfgrass performance.

4. If the LPI is so much better, why did NTEP wait until now to start using it? In 1999, NTEP funded fve research projects of different statistical methods in an effort to improve our data analysis. Results from the computer simulation study of past NTEP trials showed that the LPI increased statistical accuracy anywhere from 50 percent to 500 percent over ANOVA (depending on the species). Because of these promising results, a feld validation study was established to evaluate which statistical method, LPI or ANOVA, would more accurately report the top cultivars when planted at various locations. The feld validation study confrmed what was seen in the computer simulations. At this point, the NTEP Policy Committee voted recently to implement this new reporting procedure, almost 10 years after the initial research project began.

5. For what trials is NTEP using the LPI? NTEP has decided to start using the LPI only on new trials, where no data have yet been statistically analyzed. One caveat: Not

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SEED UPDATE

every trial is a candidate for the LPI. A test procedure is conducted on a data set to determine if there is a signifcant statistical gain in accuracy by using the LPI. If not, the traditional ANOVA procedure will be used.

are perfectly appropriate to use since the LPI reporting procedure is not used for this data. Please keep in mind that, for now, these recommendations are only valid for trials where the LPI is used (see question 5).

6. What differences in data, if any, will we notice with this new procedure?

9. Why are the turfgrass quality LSD values for each state location in a table the same using the new procedure (LPI), when in the past each state had a different LSD value?

First, the LPI is only reporting turfgrass quality data. Second, since the LPI basically “adjusts” means (by reanalyzing them), data found in tables where several trial locations are listed may look different from data on a page with only a single trial location.

7. Sometimes, I may look at turfgrass quality data on a state page (for instance, by going to www.ntep.org/ states/states.htm and clicking on a state), and the data in the 2008 data table may look different from what is in the national data table. Is this correct? Yes, as noted above, when the LPI reports the G × E interactions, then the means for each location may be adjusted. Therefore, the turfgrass quality data in a table on a state web page are analyzed using the traditional ANOVA procedure because that is the appropriate procedure where data from only one trial location are present. However, when data from multiple trial locations are analyzed together (the statistical term is pooled), then the LPI is the more appropriate procedure.

8. If the turfgrass quality data on a state web page are different from the data in an LPI grouping, which data should I consider the most accurate, and therefore best to use? Since the LPI reporting data are adjusted and, therefore, more accurate, these are the most appropriate to use. Therefore, we recommend that a user consult the turfgrass quality data reported in an LPI group instead of the turfgrass quality data on a state web page. Also, if your state is not represented in any of the LPI groupings of state locations, then choose an LPI group with a location and management level closest to your planting conditions. The other data on a state web page (genetic color, leaf texture, disease, etc.)

Because of the way the LPI reanalyzes and then adjusts means, the procedure pools all the data for locations resulting in a unifed (single) LSD value. The ability to achieve greater accuracy and more reliable planting recommendations using the LPI is based on pooling of all the data. This is a normal and valid outcome of using the LPI.

10. In the past, NTEP data included an Appendix table. What happened to the Appendix table? The Appendix table included an average of the data from all trial locations, plus a measure (percentage) of trial locations where each entry fnished in the top 25 percent of all entries. However, since the LPI reanalyzes and adjusts means so that trial locations that are statistically correlated are grouped together, the turfgrass quality means of the different environments (see question 8) should be used when evaluating turfgrass performance. Therefore, because of the LPI reporting, the information in the Appendix table is no longer statistically valid and not included.

11. Are there any things that we need to know to interpret the data, versus what we have used in the past? Even though the LPI procedure itself does not compute LSD (Least Signifcant Difference) values and C.V. (Coeffcient of Variation) values, NTEP is computing those to add to the LPI reporting. Therefore, use and interpretation of the data are the same for the end-user, albeit more statistically accurate than ever before. — Kevin Morris, NTEP Executive Director

AT THE TURN Bill Newton

Westfeld Group CC in Westfeld Center, Ohio, supports the national board service of both its PGA of America golf professional and its certifed golf course superintendent. Photos courtesy of Westfeld Group CC

(business)

A dedication to service The leadership team at Ohio’s Westfeld Group CC serve not only their club, but also their industry. Editor’s note: This is the sixth in a series of articles highlighting the important relationship between GCSAA superintendents and PGA of America professionals. These stories are being published simultaneously in both GCM and PGA Magazine.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

Strong working relationships between the golf course superintendent and the golf professional at the facility level — like the one between Mark Jordan, CGCS, and Chad Seymour, PGA, at Westfeld Group Country Club in Westfeld Center, Ohio — serve as great examples of the working relationship that the PGA of America and the GCSAA are working toward building. Seymour is in his 30th year as the head golf professional at Westfeld Group Country Club and Jordan, the natural resources leader, is in his 27th year there. “In a business where turnover is extremely high and 10 years at a club seems incredibly long, I was impressed with Mark’s and Chad’s tenures, which said something to me about the quality of their relationship and the culture of Westfeld,” says Westfeld Group Country Club general manager Rick Poling, who frst met Jordan and Seymour during the interview process that led to him joining the staff at Westfeld one year ago. “What Mark and Chad have is unique.” What makes their situation even more unique is that Jordan and Seymour both currently serve on the boards of their respective national associations. It is one of the few times in history, if not the frst time, that representatives of a single golf facility have served simultaneously on both the PGA of America and GCSAA boards of directors. “I’m not aware of any other club in the country that has two of their team members serving on their respective national boards,” Poling says. “It brings a level of prestige and pride to Westfeld Group Country Club. We are very proud of this accomplishment and feel that we reap the

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benefts of their service. “Mark and Chad participate on numerous conference calls and sit in the boardroom with some of the most infuential leaders in our industry. They are not only recipients of that level of information sharing, which we beneft from at Westfeld, but they have an infuential place at the table to help direct the future and sustainability of our industry.”

Top: Each course at 36-hole Westfeld Group CC has its own course leader and assistant superintendent. Pictured is No. 11 on the North Course. Bottom: The property includes a conference center, hotel, restaurant and pool.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

Stronger as a team Jordan and Seymour believe they are able to take the time away from their duties at Westfeld to volunteer for the boards of their respective national associations because of the support received from both their employer and their staffs. Westfeld is an insurance and banking group of businesses with a network of more than 1,200 independent insurance agencies. Westfeld Group owns and operates the 36-hole private golf club with a conference center, hotel, restaurant and pool. “Westfeld Group Insurance encourages what Chad and I are doing, as well as other operations throughout the company,” Jordan says. “It says a lot for Westfeld because not everyone has that opportunity and support of their employer. We have it unequivocally.” Jordan was indoctrinated to that culture by Westfeld’s former golf course superintendent, 1969 GCSAA President John Spodnik, who hired Jordan as an assistant superintendent in 1988, and has continued to serve as a mentor throughout Jordan’s career, including encouragement to run for election to GCSAA’s board.

“We are encouraged to pursue leadership positions,” Seymour says. “But I couldn’t do what I do without the stability and strength of my staff.” That stability and strength is a priority at Westfeld and a point of focus for both Seymour and Jordan to cultivate among their assistants. “We have course leaders and they each have an assistant,” Jordan says. “My role is to develop those superintendents. We look at it as mentoring. That is what success is.” That defnition of success is shared from top to bottom at Westfeld. “The key to our success is the strong emphasis we place on talent and leadership development,” Poling explains. “Every single leader at Westfeld Group Country Club is encouraged and strongly supported to have personal development plans in place. We spend a significant amount of time on elevating our leadership bench strength and targeting how we can close the leadership gaps between each level of leader here. “This focus has allowed Mark and Chad to confdently serve on their respective boards and know that their departments are being well run by their support team of department leaders in their absence.” Jordan and Seymour are quick to expound on the privilege and honor it is for them to have been elected by their peers to serve their associations and represent Westfeld on a national level, but neither of them are as quick to admit the sacrifce it entails. “Both of them are burning the candle at

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Chad Seymour, PGA (left), and Mark Jordan, CGCS, are leaders at Westfeld Group CC and on the boards of their respective national associations.

“The key to our success is the strong emphasis we place on talent and leadership development.” — Rick Poling

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

both ends,” says Mark Farrell, a member of the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) who has worked with Jordan and Seymour the last 20 years as Westfeld’s leader of hospitality operations, and has served on various boards throughout the golf industry himself. “It’s quite a commitment because they would die if anything went wrong on their watch. I’m impressed by their conviction. Chad’s career growth has helped us grow and Mark’s sophistication of improvements and development of personnel has made that job signifcantly different than it used to be. We’re supported in that growth, which allows us to be able to invest in the industry itself.” Experience matters Seymour is the District 5 Director, representing the Michigan, Northern Ohio, and Southern Ohio sections on the PGA of America Board of Directors. He previously served on the Northern Ohio Section Board of Directors, including two-year stints as secretary, vice president, president and honorary president. Seymour oversees patron interactions with 35,000 rounds of golf per year at Westfeld Group Country Club, consisting of a mix of employee use, agent entertainment, agency outings, bank appreciation events, select retail outings, the Ohio Open, and regular member play. Jordan is a past president of the Northern Ohio GCSA and the Ohio Turf Foundation. He is also a board member for Play Golf Ohio and Ohio Pesticide Applicators for Responsible Regulation (OPARR). Jordan earned an associate’s of applied science degree in turfgrass management and a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Ohio State University. He also served as general manager of Westfeld Group Country Club from 2004 to 2007. They both live nearby, are involved in the

community and go to the same church, but both Jordan and Seymour admit that their relationship took work to develop. “It’s not always rosy,” Jordan says. “We don’t always agree, but we’re all professionals, so we can agree to disagree. If consensus is different than our opinion, then we’ll go with it. It hasn’t always been that way, but it’s something we’ve worked to build. One of the big challenges is forming that true partnership and trust to communicate concerns to areas of expertise. Hosting the Junior PGA Championship and Junior Ryder Cup helped us communicate in professional, open, honest ways.” Seymour is on the same page. “Not to say we don’t have differing opinions, but we have the ability to talk through each of our concerns and respectfully consider each other’s position,” Seymour says. “We work together to make sure our member experience is the best it can be. Our personalities are a lot alike. We’re both golfers. We’re close to the same age. We have the same longevity in our careers. We both have a love and passion for perfection. We both take pride in our facility. We’re very proud to work here and I’m confdent Mark would say the same.” Their boss has observed as much. “I have worked with superintendents and head golf professionals or directors of golf at other clubs and each have had varying strengths with regards to their relationship and ability to communicate effectively with each other,” Poling says. “At the end of the day, our goal is to consistently deliver an exceptional golf and service experience to every member and guest. It is nearly impossible to deliver on that promise without a strong partnership between the head golf professional and superintendent. This relationship is even more critical than their relationship with their general manager and/or a greens committee chair.” Just as the relationship between the golf professional and the golf course superintendent is critical to the success of a golf facility, the relationship between their two associations has become critical to the success of the golf industry. Fortunately, the experience and know-how of two progressive leaders with a proven track record of collaborating on the shared goal of facility success are also providing leadership to the GCSAA and the PGA of America.

Bill Newton is a freelance writer in Harrisonburg, Va., and the former public/media relations manager for GCSAA.

You’ve nominated your most valuable technician – now the fun begins! A panel of industry experts, including superintendents and equipment managers, have looked over your submissions and selected the fnalists. Vote now for the 6th annual MVT award sponsored by Foley United. Voting ends May 25, 2015. Watch for GCSAA This Week each week and GCSAA’s and GCM’s Twitter and Facebook accounts for news on how to cast your vote for the industry’s MVT.

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AT THE TURN Howard Richman

Dean Kerns, CGCS, and his wife, Terrie, sit on the SoloRider golf car presented to him as a surprise. Kerns, who has ALS, is surrounded by the Minster High golf team and others, including coach Debbie Ahrns (far right, front row) and Mark Jordan, CGCS (far right, back row). Photos by Dawn Conrad

(profile)

Special delivery Dean Kerns, CGCS, is encountering his toughest battle yet. The surprise he received last month proves Kerns isn’t facing the battle alone. Dean Kerns, CGCS at Arrowhead Golf Club in Minster, Ohio, loves the Cleveland Browns. Cincinnati Reds. Dayton Flyers. Obviously, Kerns has quite a team pulling for him. Nearly 200 people showed up on an April Sunday at Arrowhead GC to show their admiration for Kerns, a 59-year-old who is a 34-year member of GCSAA. When you are in a fght for your life, isn’t it wonderful to have such a staunch support unit in your corner? Kerns, who has ALS, realizes how much they care. On April 12, adoration for Kerns was abundant. He arrived at the club that evening for what supposedly was a fundraiser supper to replace ash trees. When Kerns noticed some of his fellow church choir members on the patio, it served as a clue that something was up. “The place was jam-packed,” Kerns recalls. “They got me good.” Oh, they got him something good, all right. As members of the Minster High School girls’ golf team displayed a banner near the patio, club starter Larry Dicke was behind the wheel of a SoloRider single-rider golf car that he used to crash through the banner amid cheers. The SoloRider is a surprise gift for Kerns. It will help him in his work and to play golf. “It’s great,” says Kerns, who uses a cane. “I just have to learn how to drive it.” So many individuals made this moment possible. Minster High School golf coach Debbie Ahrns wrote a letter in January to Mark Jordan, CGCS, natural resource leader at Westfeld

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

We know how important you are to the game of golf. So does he.

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Kerns enjoys his surprise gift as well-wishers from Arrowhead GC and the Minster, Ohio, community look on.

“His love for golf is stronger than his disease ever is.” — Cricket Wuebker, Minster High freshman golfer

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

Group Country Club in Westfeld Center, Ohio, and a member of the GCSAA Board of Directors. She wanted to pick his brain about what her team could do to help Kerns. Eventually, the Wee One Foundation, which assists golf course management professionals or their dependents who incur overwhelming expenses due to medical hardship without comprehensive insurance or adequate fnancial resources, covered the nearly $10,000 tab for the SoloRider. A $2,000 donation from the GCSAA membership through the association’s benevolent fund was presented to Kerns, and the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation and Miami Valley GCSA made contributions to Wee One Foundation and directly to the Kerns family. “We’re a small community. A lot of people have known Dean their whole lives,” says Ahrns, who marvels over Kerns’ optimism. “His spirits are as high as the rough he keeps.” Kerns noticed more than two years ago something was wrong with him. He was in a grocery store, walking, and could tell there was a different slap in his gait; one step sounded different than the next. He also recalls catching his toe on things, nearly tripping. It prompted a doctor visit. “The neurologist told me it was Lou Gehrig’s disease,” Kerns says. He decided to get a second opinion at Ohio State. It was confrmed there. ALS is formally known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and perhaps is more commonly recognized as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. More than half of all patients live more than

three years after diagnosis. Dean Kerns’ family has been dogged by illness. His brothers Jack and James both were diagnosed with brain tumors about the same time Dean’s issues surfaced. James Kerns since has died. Jack Kerns, formerly a superintendent, wonders if where they grew up has anything to do with their health troubles. In the 1960s, Piqua, Ohio, was home to a municipally operated nuclear power plant. “Dean seems to have pretty good spirits. We all seem to be pretty tough,” Jack Kerns says. Since 1981, Arrowhead GC has been Dean Kerns’ place of employment. Steve Schmidlapp recommended Kerns, a Lake City Community College graduate, all those years ago. Kerns, who in 2014 received the Miami Valley Golf Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, has no plans to let ALS stop him now. “I can’t do digging, shoveling, prune trees. I can mow fairways but have trouble getting on and off the equipment,” he says. As he endures, Kerns’ attitude defnes him for young and old. “His love for golf is stronger than his disease ever is,” Minster High freshman Cricket Wuebker says. The SoloRider, with its swivel seat that allows him to hit a golf club from a sitting position, could help him play golf longer than he anticipated. I mean, let’s face it: the guy’s got game. Kerns, won the Piqua city championship years ago and dedicated it to his father the year before he died. “We play quite a bit. Couples’ night is Friday night,” says his wife, Terrie. They have a 25-year-old son, Michael. Terrie gets a kick out of telling the story about how Dean proposed to her in 1987. “He showed up at my door at 2 in the morning after coming home from the Golf Industry Show,” she says, adding the honeymoon featured a Browns football game. Kerns plans to work as long as possible. He hopes to remain at the club as a consultant when he no longer can do physical work. “I fgure I will probably end up in a wheelchair,” he says. “When that day comes, I probably will retire.” His will to live, though, never ceases. “I pray for a cure. It is what I do every night,” Kerns says.

Howard Richman (hrichman@gcsaa.org) is GCM’s associate editor.

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Obstacle course, part one Some years back, the brain trust of my de-

they would be capable of gaining employment

was to stimulate more interest in the study of crop and soil sciences. I was not picked to be on the committee, but I asked if I could attend the meetings. My request was granted and I sat silently listening for nearly two hours before I asked if I could comment. I began by reminding the committee that unlike most crop and soil science instructors, I was not raised on a farm but instead grew up in a major metropolitan area. I went on to tell them that I took every soils class taught in the department, and I found them all fascinating; however, I knew most students became so frustrated with the math included in the courses that they never retained any soils-specifc information. In fact, all they remembered was they hated soils because of the math. I went on to conclude that I thought it would be benefcial to have an introductory soils class that had no math, which would help retention of soil-specifc terminology and promote student interest in soils. Upon fnishing my thoughts, a professor objected forcibly, stating, “If I had to suffer through all that math, I’ll be damned if I’ll make it easier for today’s students.” That’s a true story, though, I should add, I was never asked to return to the meetings. In the past year or so, I have been receiving phone calls and emails from golf course superintendents requesting qualifed and even “bluechip” assistant superintendents. Conversations at conference venues, in trade magazines and on turfgrass blogs discuss declining enrollment in turfgrass management programs and the corresponding decline in qualifed laborers, most notably those wishing to have the title of assistant golf course superintendent. What has changed? Fifteen or 20 years ago, golf course construction was booming and my institution was receiving well over 100 applicants for a possible 40 positions in our two-year turfgrass management program. Those who graduated easily found employment as assistant superintendents. The expectation for those students was that after two to three years as an assistant,

common knowledge that the position of assistant superintendent was among the most demanding jobs in terms of labor and hours and was not really worth the pay scale. However, it was also common knowledge that this was part of the ritual that made the position of golf course superintendent obtainable. Today’s students can also fnd employment, but more often than not as second or third assistant, and the climb to the top takes much longer with stagnant golf course growth. What I am told by many that have left the profession is the delayed climb would not be so bad except the assistant superintendent’s obligations still include long hours, low pay and little time off. That may be acceptable for a couple of years, but not for fve to 10 years while trying to forge a life-long romantic relationship and/or raise a family. Some superintendents I have spoken with have created more free time for their assistants by giving them at least every other weekend off and creating swing-shifts so there is always someone at the course but everyone gets the opportunity to go home at a reasonable hour to spend some time with their family. With that said, I know some of my dearest golf course superintendent friends are thinking, “If I had to suffer through all those long underpaid hours, I’ll be damned if I’ll make it easier for today’s assistants.” In closing, the professor who objected to my math-less introductory soils class over a decade ago is no longer at my university. That is probably good because I am currently creating an online introductory soils course for those interested in production agriculture, landscape management and the green industry. We can all agree there is a problem, but agreeing on how to solve it is often the greatest obstacle.

Thomas A. Nikolai, Ph.D. partment created a committee whose mission as a head golf course superintendent. It was also nikolait@msu.edu

The expectation for those students was that after two to three years as an assistant, they would be capable of gaining employment as a head golf course superintendent.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

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

We understand that your professional reputation and livelihood are dependent on the quality of the turfgrass you manage. We also know that you have many choices when it comes to foliar nutrition, and Floratine is not always the least expensive option. But with so much at stake, we refuse to take short cuts in the design, formulation and technical support of our products. Yes, there are lower-grade raw materials and ‘all-in-one jug’ solutions on the market, but that’s not what we’re about. As a family-owned company, we proudly manufacture our products in our own facility in Tennessee, using only the highest-grade raw ingredients to ensure you get nothing but the best in every jug. With so much on the line, staying Rooted in Science™ is our commitment to you. Sincerely,

Kevin Cavanaugh, Co-Owner (901) 493-7211 | kcavanaugh@foratine.com

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

This research was funded in part by the United States Golf Association.

Kevin N. Morris

Tall fescue: Not your parents’ lawn Tall fescue has graduated from being a forage grass and a hardy home lawn favorite to a drought- and disease-tolerant grass with numerous applications. Species classification The Latin name for tall fescue is Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh., or in some texts S edonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort. These names are a recent change. In publications in the past, and from what most of us recall from our turf studies, tall fescue was commonly Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (2). In its 1948 publication “Grasses” (7), the U.S. Department of Agriculture gave tall fescue the name Festuca elatior var. arundinacea. Festuca elatior is the Latin designation for meadow fescue, of which tall fescue has always been considered a close relative. Now with the change by botanists that assigns it to the Lolium genus, tall fescue is more closely related to perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne).

As part of a multiyear restoration of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., tall fescue has been planted in the lawn areas near the U.S. Capitol. Photos by Kevin Morris

Tall fescue is a grass species with a wide range of adaptation. Originally considered a species primarily for full-sun areas in the transition zone or shaded areas in the southern United States, tall fescue is now not only grown in the Northeast and in northern Midwestern states, but it is also being recommended for use by Extension specialists in the cool-humid zones of the northern-tier states. Tall fescue is even being considered for use in some parts of Canada, particularly because of its deep rooting and, therefore, its ability to stay green longer during drought than Ken-

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

tucky bluegrass. Tall fescue interest has also piqued interest because it can maintain good quality with less nitrogen per year than many other species, a boon in states where nitrogen use is now restricted. Tall fescue improvements have occurred at a breakneck pace over the last 25 years, with the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) evaluating more than 600 new cultivars and experimental selections during that period. This article discusses those improvements and what’s on the horizon for tall fescue.

Origin and early development Tall fescue is native to the warmer areas of southern Europe, northern Africa and the mountains of East Africa (4). It was most likely introduced to the U.S. as a contaminant of meadow fescue seed coming from England in the 1800s. After introduction, tall fescue was found to be a very valuable forage grass with superior growth, height and drought tolerance, as compared to meadow fescue (3). The initial tall fescue cultivars were selected from old pastures that had performed well for decades. Ky-31 and Alta were the earliest U.S. tall fescue cultivars, released in the 1940s mainly for use on pastures (3). At some point after their release, these tall fescues were tried as lawn and roadside grasses. Ky-31, with its origin in Kentucky (transition zone), most likely performed better in that region than Alta (an Oregon selection). The rest, as they

A 2012 NTEP tall fescue trial at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln included some of the cultivars featured in GCMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2015 Seed Update.

say, is history, with Ky-31 becoming a household name. It is reported that somewhere between 80 million and 100 million pounds (36,287-45,359 metric tonnes) of Ky-31 are sold in the U.S. annually. The name Ky-31 is so well known among homeowners that some consumers consider it a separate species. In 1962, Dr. C. Reed Funk from Rutgers University started to collect survivor tall fescue plants growing in harsh environments in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and other transition zone sites. In 1981, Dr. Funk released the frst improved tall fescue cultivar (4). Rebel was a huge success as it offered a fner leaf blade and denser turf stand than Ky31. Since the release of Rebel, public and private turfgrass breeders have worked feverishly to improve tall fescue for many traits. Quality characteristics As an open-pollinated species, tall fes-

cue is improved by crossing desirable plants, harvesting seed from those crosses, planting that seed and imposing stress on the resulting plants, then selecting improved plants. This recurrent selection process is repeated until the desired trait is improved. Turf quality improvements, including better density, darker color and increased uniformity are relatively easily obtained. This is evident in NTEP ratings as the best entries for turf quality in the most recently completed tall fescue trial are almost always surpassed by 30 to 40 entries in a new trial (5,6). Tall fescue plants can grow rapidly and up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall if left unmowed. When mowed, that high growth rate is useful as the plant produces new leaves that replace ones damaged by disease and other stresses. Excessive growth also means increased mowing, which is why past breeders worked on dwarf, slow-growing cultivars (4).

Very dwarf types suffered too much from disease and have therefore disappeared from the marketplace. However, the reduced growth trait has not completely disappeared. NTEP data from our most recent trial (planted in 2012) show some signifcant differences in growth rates (6). Seed yield improvements of tall fescue and other grasses go unnoticed by seed buyers. Tall fescue seed yields per acre in Oregon (the major production area) increased 29% from 1994 to 2008 (1). This increase is partly due to genetic improvements and partly to the use of growth regulators, which provides more seed panicles by increasing tillering. These seed yield increases have kept seed prices relatively constant over time. Disease resistance and stress tolerance Brown patch (R izoctonia solani) re-

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Top: At the Grass Roots exhibit in the U.S. National Arboretum, a Kentucky bluegrass-tall fescue mixture is shown as an example of cool-season grasses. Bottom: Tall fescue borders a putting green at the National Arboretumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grass Roots exhibit.

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sistance is one of the main targets of plant breeders. Unfortunately, it does not appear that true genetic resistance to brown patch exists in tall fescue. Therefore, breeders work to improve tall fescue brown patch tolerance. In trials up until 2007, Ky-31 was always one of the best cultivars for brown patch tolerance, offering little hope that improvements could be made for this disease. From 2007 to 2011, several entries showed less brown patch than Ky-31, although not statistically

less. However, in the frst data (2013) from our most recent trial, several entries showed statistically less brown patch than Ky-31 and one entry (W45) showed statistically less brown patch than some of the better entries from 2007 to 2011 (5,6). Although more data are needed, there may be hope for improved brown patch tolerance. With tall fescue use increasing in northern areas, and under less nitrogen, red thread disease (Laetisaria fuciformis) incidence on tall fescue is growing. NTEP data do show red thread response differences, which should be considered if tall fescue is used in cooler regions. Pink snow mold (Microdoc ium nivale) and gray snow mold (Ty ula incarnata) will probably also increase on tall fescue in the northern areas; thus, some resistance to those diseases is important. NTEP has data on tall fescue tolerance to snow molds and, although differences are not great, selections can be made to improve tolerance (5,6). Surviving extreme environmental stress is seemingly a hallmark of tall fescue. However, a couple of environmental conditions can severely damage this species. Winterkill has been a problem for tall fescue use in upper northern-tier U.S. states and in Canada. It appears that a severe winter will damage almost any tall fescue, but several cultivars can withstand less severe winters in these northern regions. We consider tall fescue to possess very good drought tolerance, mainly because of its deep roots that reach water deep in the soil profle. However, tall fescue can suffer from extended droughts or restricted water use. Drought-tolerance data collected at multiple locations in NTEP trials have shown inconsistent results with high LSD values (very little statistical signifcance). Much more research and evaluation is needed to improve tall fescueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drought tolerance and resistance. With signifcant funding from USGA and other sources, NTEP will initiate national coordinated drought-tolerance/water-use trials of many species in 2016 and 2017. Hopefully, these studies will result in cool- and warm-season cultivars that use less water and perform consistently well under drought conditions. Other traits and the future A recent development in tall fescue is the discovery of rhizomatous plants. Rhizomes in

tall fescue would aid in recovery from damage and potentially would improve traffc tolerance. Early results from NTEP trials have not shown signifcant differences in tall fescue rhizome production or lateral spread (Morris, unpublished 2015), but more data are needed on these characteristics. In the future, we see tall fescue primarily improved for drought tolerance, brown patch and overall disease resistance. Rhizome production is promising and could possibly be a signifcant trait in future tall fescue cultivars. And we see tall fescue use increasing and moving farther north. However, every species encounters a downfall at some point, as perennial ryegrass did when gray leaf spot (Pyricularia grisea) infection damaged stands in many locations. Will tall fescue suffer a similar fate? If so, how will Mother Nature attack tall fescue? It will be interesting to watch, and provide job security for breeders and researchers alike. Literature cited 1. Breuninger, J.M., M.S. Welterlen, B.J. Augustin et al. 2009. The turfgrass industry. Page 67. In: J.C. Stier, B.P. Horgan and S.A. Bonos, eds. Turfgrass Biology, Use and Management. Agronomy Monograph No. 56. American Society of Agronomy, Madison, Wis. 2. Hitchcock, A.A. 1950. Manual of Grasses of the United States. 2nd edition. United States Government Printing Offce, Washington, D.C., pages 67-68. 3. Hoveland, C.S. 2009. Origin and history. Pages 3-4. In: H.A. Fribourg, D.B. Hannaway and C.P. West, eds. Tall Fescue for the Twenty-First Century. Agronomy Monograph No. 53. American Society of Agronomy, Madison, Wis. 4. Meyer, W.A., and E. Watkins. 2003. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Pages 107, 112-113. In: M.D. Casler and R.R. Duncan, eds. Turfgrass biology, genetics and breeding. John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken, N.J. 5. Morris, K.N. 2012. 2006 National Tall Fescue Test, 2007-11 Data. Final Report NTEP No. 12-10. http:// www.ntep.org/reports/tf06/tf06_12-10f/tf06_1210f.htm (accessed April 1, 2015). 6. Morris, K.N. 2014. 2012 National Tall Fescue Test, 2013 Data. Progress Report NTEP No. 14-1. www. ntep.org/reports/tf12/tf12_14-1/tf12_14-1.htm (accessed April 1, 2015). 7. USDA. 1948. Grasses. United States Government Printing Offce, Washington, D.C., p. 673-674.

Kevin N. Morris (kmorris@ntep.org) is executive director of the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program in Beltsville, Md.

Top: NTEP trials take place across the country so that the different varieties can be tested under diverse conditions. These plots are from 2006 tall fescue trials at Logan, Utah. Bottom: Tall fescue is widely used for home lawns and roadside plantings, but it is also found in golf course rough and on sports felds. These plots show tall fescue 2006 NTEP trials at Penn State.

The RESEARCH SAYS • Tall fescue’s popularity has increased as it has been bred for desirable traits. • Tall fescue is being used in colder climates as well as its original southern and transition zone habitat, but winterkill remains a problem. • Turfgrass breeders have improved tall fescue’s seed yield and drought and disease tolerance. • Some tall fescue plants have been found to have rhizomes; early results have not shown significant differences in rhizome production or lateral spread.

05.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

Scott McElroy, Ph.D.

Goosegrass: The new king of turfgrass weeds? Goosegrass is everywhere, and few products provide effective control.

Short mowing heights do not prevent goosegrass from thriving, as seen in this heavily infested putting green. Photos by S. McElroy

Annual bluegrass, also known as Poa annua or simply Poa, is the king of weeds in turfgrass. North to south, east to west. Yearround in cool-season areas, in the winter and

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

spring in warm-season areas — no one doubts the diffculty in controlling or managing Poa. But if there is a second-place “worst weed,” it has to be goosegrass (Eleusine indica). A

summer annual grassy weed, goosegrass is distributed in the majority of the United States and other similar regions of the world. In semitropical to tropical areas goosegrass can

perenniate â&#x20AC;&#x201D; this is common in south Florida and Hawaii where killing frosts are not experienced. There are several reasons goosegrass is so problematic in turf. First, relative to other weed species such as Poa, little is known regarding the biology of goosegrass, especially the biology of populations that have adapted to turfgrass management conditions. Second, goosegrass seems to tolerate very extreme conditions of drought, heat and lack of fertility. Third, few herbicides are available for control, especially with the loss of MSMA and the future loss of Illoxan (diclofop, Bayer). Goosegrass seed biology It is common knowledge that goosegrass emerges approximately four to six weeks after crabgrass germination. Some research studies clearly indicate that goosegrass prefers high temperature and high light for germination. Goosegrass germination is stimulated when daytime temperatures reach 95 F (35 C) for several hours and fuctuate with lower tem-

Top: Goosegrass adapts readily to different environmental conditions. The tall specimen on the left was collected from a crop feld and the dwarf-type goosegrass was found on a golf course. Bottom: Goosegrass can survive under hostile conditions such as this heavily compacted driveway.

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Goosegrass control options in bermudagrass and bentgrass Product

Active ingredient

Rates

Timing

Use area

Andersons Goosegrass/ Crabgrass

bensulide + oxadiazon

1.31-2.62 pounds/ 1,000 square feet

pre-emergence

bermudagrass and bentgrass

Andersons Dithiopyr Granular Products

dithiopyr

various

pre-emergence

bermudagrass and bentgrass

Putting greens and tees

Revolver

foramsulfuron

8.8 fluid ounces/ acre

post-emergence

bermudagrass

Illoxan

diclofop-methyl

32.6-43.5 fluid ounces/acre

post-emergence

bermudagrass

Other bentgrass and bermudagrass areas MSMA products

MSMA

various

spot-treatment post-emergence

bermudagrass

Sencor 75% Turf Herbicide

metribuzin

0.33-0.67 pound/acre

post-emergence

bermudagrass (injury can occur)

Pylex

topramazone

0.25 fluid ounce/acre

post-emergence

bentgrass, possibly bermudagrass in future (injury can occur)

Tenacity

mesotrione

4 fluid ounces/acre

post-emergence

bermudagrass (injury can occur)

SpeedZone

carfentrazone, 2,4-D, MCPP, and dicamba

2-5 pints/acre

post-emergence

bermudagrass and bentgrass

Dismiss

sulfentrazone

4 to 12 fluid ounces/acre

post-emergence

bermudagrass and bentgrass

Specticle Flo (and WSP)

indaziflam

6-10 fluid ounces/acre

pre-emergence

bermudagrass

Ronstar

oxadiazon

0.5 to 3.0 pound ai/acre

pre-emergence

bermudagrass and bentgrass

Acclaim Extra

fenoxaprop

3.5 fluid ounces/acre

post-emergence

bentgrass

Table 1. Goosegrass control options for bermudagrass and bentgrass turfgrass scenarios.

peratures of approximately 68 F (20 C) (8). The same study also found that constant temperatures of 68 F to 95 F actually inhibit germination and fuctuating temperatures are necessary to stimulate germination. It has also been reported that, in rice production, goosegrass prefers high alternating daytime temperatures of 85 F (29 C) to 95 F along with nighttime temperatures of 68 F to 77 F (25 C) (2). In that study, the researchers also reported greater germination of surface goosegrass that buried goosegrass. Other earlier research from 1959 further corroborates this research, fnding that day and night temperature fuctuations beneft goosegrass germination, but constant temperatures decrease germination (4). Understanding that fuctuating tempera-

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

tures stimulate goosegrass germination is important to understanding when and where it germinates. Within a soil environment, specifcally a turf soil environment, temperatures fuctuate greatest at the soil surface. At greater depths, the soil is buffered from temperature fuctuations and its temperature increases or decreases gradually with seasons. Open soil and closely mowed turf have greater surface temperature fuctuations than taller, closedcanopy turf. So, more closely mowed turf with a more open canopy is more conducive to goosegrass germination. It is interesting to note that fuctuating temperatures can stimulate goosegrass germination, although such knowledge does not allow for prediction of when goosegrass ger-

mination will occur. Growing-degree-day models are available for crabgrass germination and Poa seedhead production, but such models are not available for goosegrass germination. Furthermore, the vast majority of weed germination models in the literature are based on tilled soil, not turfgrass. Very few studies have actually predicted emergence for any weed species in turfgrass stands. Goosegrass environmental tolerances Goosegrass is normally observed in more compacted turfgrass areas. In surveying golf courses and sports felds with heavy goosegrass infestation, researchers have reported that greater goosegrass density was present in areas with higher traffc and increased soil penetration resistance (1). But when these researchers evaluated populations in simulated compacted soil, no major difference was observed. Are there other extenuating circumstances that may increase goosegrass infestations? It has been reported (6) that using the plant growth regulator Primo (trinexapac-ethyl, Syngenta) decreased clipping yield of Tifway bermudagrass more than it decreased goosegrass, large crabgrass and purple nutsedge. Trimmit (paclobutrazol, Syngenta) had a similar effect, especially increasing large crabgrass infestations due to the lack of crabgrass growth regulation and growth regulation of the turf. By regulating turf growth to increase turfgrass quality, we could be inadvertently shifting the competitive advantage away from the desirable turfgrass to annual warm-season grassy weeds such as goosegrass and crabgrass species. What is even less understood about goosegrass is how adaptable it is. In collecting goosegrass populations from different environmental conditions, it has been interesting to note the diversity in phenotypes. I have collected micro-types that grow less than an inch (2 centimeters) in height and tall types that are taller than 2 feet (0.7 meter). I have collected narrowleaf types, broadleaf types, types with >20 spikelets per seedhead and types with only one spikelet per seedhead. I have also collected populations from putting greens, populations that survive in only gravel driveways and populations growing in felds. The diversity of phenotypes and environmental tolerances has never been quantifed, both of which most likely contribute to weediness

of this species in turf. Herbicide and other control options Goosegrass has developed herbicide resistance to almost every herbicide mode of action that can be used to control it. According to the International Survey of Herbicide Resistant Weeds (www.weedscience.org), there are goosegrass populations throughout the world that are resistant to: glyphosate (EPSP synthase inhibitors); pendimethalin, prodiamine, trifuralin (microtubule inhibitors), glufosinate (glutamine synthase inhibitors); fuazifop, fenoxaprop, haloxyfop, sethoxydim, clethodim (ACCase inhibitors); paraquat (PSI inhibitors); metribuzin (PSII inhibitors); and imazapyr (ALS inhibitors). After this list, there are few herbicides to which goosegrass cannot become resistant. In actuality, for turf, there is only one — indazifam (Specticle, Bayer [cellulose biosynthesis inhibitor])—but it cannot be used on coolseason turfgrass. Some populations are resistant to multiple herbicide modes of action. A population was discovered in Malaysia that is resistant to ACCase (such as fuazifop [Fusilade, Syngenta]), glutamine synthase (such as glufosinate [Finale, Bayer]), PSI inhibitors (such as paraquat or diquat) and EPSP synthase inhibitor (such as glyphosate [Roundup, Monsanto]). That single population cannot be controlled by any of these herbicides. Such a situation greatly limits the available herbicides for control. This type of resistance around the world demonstrates the ability of goosegrass to adapt to herbicides of all modes of action. When it comes to goosegrass control in turf, there are simply very few options (see Table 1). For a creeping bentgrass putting green, there are no registered post-emergence herbicides. For pre-emergence, only granular formulations produced by the Andersons — such as Andersons Goosegrass/Crabgrass Control (bensulide plus oxadiazon) and dithiopyr granular formulations are registered for use. Other pre-emergence herbicides such as Pre-San (granular bensulide, PBI-Gordon), Bensumec (liquid bensulide, PBI-Gordon) and Tupersan (siduron, PBI-Gordon) are registered for use, but are not as effective for goosegrass control. Newer herbicide options New(er) carotenoid biosynthesis-inhibiting herbicides Tenacity (mesotrione, Syn-

genta) and Pylex (topramezone, BASF) have potential for goosegrass control. Tenacity has been demonstrated to control goosegrass both pre- and post-emergence (7). Tenacity is limited in the species in which it can be used — primarily tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, centipedegrass and perennial ryegrass. It can be used in bermudagrass, St. Augustine and zoysiagrass, but extensive injury can occur. Tenacity has recently received special use 24(c) registration in Florida, which allows for very specifc use of the herbicide due to the lack of goosegrass control herbicides. For goosegrass control in Florida, Tenacity can be applied at 5 to 8 fuid ounces/ acre (0.36 to 0.58 liter/hectare) plus Princep Liquid (simazine, Syngenta) at 15 to 25 fuid ounces/acre (1.09 to 1.82 liters/hectare) plus Pennant Magnum (s-metolachlor, Syngenta) at 21 fuid ounces/acre (1.5 liters/hectare). This combination is only legal in Florida and should only be used if injury can be tolerated. The new herbicide Pylex has even greater goosegrass control activity, however it has similar limitations and injury problems on turfgrass. Researchers have reported excellent goosegrass control with Pylex, with the understanding that injury can occur. Ongoing research is trying to minimize injury from Pylex while still maintaining acceptable goosegrass control. Like Tenacity, Pylex can also be used on various fescues, bluegrasses and centipedegrass. Traditional herbicide options Goosegrass control options have dwindled for warm-season turfgrass. MSMA is no longer available in Florida and is only available for spot treatment in golf and sod for other states, but cannot be used in sports felds and home lawns in any areas. Illoxan (diclofopmethyl) is no longer being produced for the turfgrass market. Supplies are available until they are depleted. From a post-emergence standpoint, the herbicides that remain available are Revolver (foramsulfuron, Bayer), Dismiss (sulfentrazone, FMC) and Sencor (metribuzin, Bayer). Revolver is effective when applied to small (less than three-tiller) goosegrass plants and when applied in multiple applications. However, control is less consistent when applied to larger plants. Control is also less consistent on putting greens. It is suspected that this is due to a lack of herbicide absorption at low mowing height. This is only speculation, but

05.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

a defnite lack of consistent control on putting greens has been observed. Dismiss and other sulfentrazone-based herbicides have emerged as possible control options for goosegrass, however control is inconsistent. Sencor can control goosegrass with repeat applications, especially when applied with MSMA, but bermudagrass injury will occur, and it cannot be used on putting greens. Carfentrazone, normally considered solely a broadleaf herbicide, has been reported to control goosegrass when used in the pre-mixed product SpeedZone. SpeedZone has specifcally been reported to control goosegrass postemergence, reducing goosegrass populations over 80% with three sequential applications (5). Sulfentrazone alone did not achieve such results. Only combinations with auxin-mimic herbicides were effective. Pre-emergence herbicides are available in warm-season turf. Ronstar (oxadiazon, Bayer) and Specticle (indazifam, Bayer) are considered the most effective. However, populations have been identifed in Virginia that are resistant to Ronstar (3). Barricade (prodiamine, Syngenta), Dimension (dithiopyr, Dow AgroSciences) and Pendulum (pendimethalin, BASF) can be effective, but control is population-dependent as resistance does exist. In my personal opinion, Dimension is more effective for goosegrass control than Barricade or Pendulum. Dimension does work best in a repeat application scenario rather than in a singleapplication program.

The RESEARCH SAYS • Goosegrass is a problem weed because little is known about its biology, it is able to tolerate extreme conditions, and few herbicides are available for its control. • Fluctuating day and night temperatures promote goosegrass germination; closely mowed turf with an open canopy also promotes germination. • Goosegrass has developed resistance to all herbicides that can control it except for indaziflam (Specticle), which cannot be used on cool-season grasses. • Mesotrione and topramazone show potential for goosegrass control. • Fewer herbicides are available for controlling goosegrass in putting greens.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

Final thoughts “Maintaining dense healthy turf is the best means of weed control.” These words are commonly used to describe a non-chemical mechanism of weed control. But this may not be true for goosegrass. I have observed goosegrass populations growing in the most inhospitable turfgrass stands — very little desirable turfgrass, poor soil fertility, droughty and heavily compacted. But I have also observed goosegrass populations growing in very dense and developed turfgrass stands with no obvious problems with soil fertility, moisture availability or compaction. I theorize that there are goosegrass ecotypes that have adapted to individual environments or management conditions, thus contributing to the perceived inconsistency in environmental tolerances. Goosegrass is a problem that is not going away. Because the number of effective herbicides is decreasing and there is a general lack

of knowledge of goosegrass biology, goosegrass will most likely increase as a weed control problem in turf. It will be especially problematic in putting greens for which even fewer herbicides are available. This situation makes hand removal of goosegrass from putting greens a viable option for weed control. Literature cited 1. Arrieta, C., P. Busey and S.H. Daroub. 2009. Goosegrass and bermudagrass competition under compaction. Crop Science 101:11-16. 2. Chauhan, B.S., and D.E. Johnson. 2008. Germination ecology of goosegrass (Eleusine indica): An important grass weed of rainfed rice. Weed Science 56:699-706. 3. Cox, M.C. 2014 Characterizing oxadiazon resistance and improving postemergence control program for goosegrass (Eleusine indica) in bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.). Virginia Tech Ph.D. dissertation. Online (http://hdl.handle.net/10919/47432). Verifed March 23, 2015. 4. Fulwider, J.R., and R.E. Engel. 1959 Temperature and light on germination of seed of goosegrass, Eleusine indica. Weeds 7:359-361. 5. Liebhart, L.J., M.D. Sousek, G. Custis and Z.J. Reicher. 2014. Speedzone has potential for postemergence goosegrass control in perennial ryegrass. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.2134/ATS-20140025-BR 6. Lowe, D.B., and T. Whitwell. 1999. Plant growth regulators alter the growth of ‘Tifway’ bermudagrass (Cyndon transvaalensis × C. dactylon) and selected turfgrass weeds. Weed Technology 13:132:138. 7. McElroy, J.S., G.K. Breeden and J.C. Sorochan. 2007. Hybrid bluegrass tolerance to postemergence applications of mesotrione and quinclorac. Weed Technology 21:807-811. 8. Nishimoto, R.K., and L.B. McCarty. 1997. Fluctuating temperature and light infuence seed germination of goosegrass (Eleusine indica). Weed Science 45:426-429.

Scott McElroy (jsm0010@auburn.edu) is a professor in weed science in the department of crop, soil and environmental sciences at Auburn University in Auburn, Ala.

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I'm bent on getting some nitrogen Beth Guertal, Ph.D. guertea@auburn.edu twitter: @AUTurfFert

We need to be alert to new cultivars on the market and how their adoption may change fertilizer recommendations.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

One of the issues with turfgrass research is that we researchers are sometimes a bit behind on having the newest “hot” cultivars on the market. This may happen for several reasons, but among them is that it can be hard for us to take a green space out of use for a year to renovate, because we have to get a trial done for a funding agency. So we cling fondly to our Penncross green, reluctant to establish something new because we don’t have the time or space for the renovation. So when someone examines the effects of various treatments on new cultivars, it’s a good thing. When Dr. Christian Baldwin worked for Simplot (he’s now at Mississippi State), he looked at 18 creeping bentgrass cultivars to determine which required the least nitrogen to maintain acceptable color and playability. All the cultivars received nitrogen at rates of 44, 131 or 262 pounds nitrogen/acre/year (49, 147 or 294 kilograms/hectare/year). Nitrogen was applied from April to October (two years) every other week for a total of 14 applications each year. That works out to nitrogen rates of ~1 ⁄10, 1 ⁄5 or 2 ⁄5 pound/1,000 square feet (0.34, 0.97 or 1.95 grams/square meter) per application. The nitrogen was applied as liquid urea in a spray volume of 35 gallons/acre (326 liters/ hectare), so it really was not intended to be a foliar application. No cultivation was done during the two years of the study. The study was conducted on a native soil green that had been capped with 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) of sand. The green was mowed fve days per week at 0.125 inch (3.2 millimeters). Data were collected for color, chlorophyll content, ball roll, thatch accumulation and clipping yield. In general, all the cultivars had darker color as nitrogen rate increased. But some still had good color at lower nitrogen rates: Authority, 007, T-1, Penn A-4 and Penn G-2 often had better green color with less nitrogen (acceptable color at <13.4 pounds nitrogen/acre per application [15 kilograms/hectare per application). Penncross almost always needed the highest rate of nitrogen to maintain even marginally acceptable color. Best lateral regrowth (a measure of recovery) was observed with Penncross, followed by Penn A-4 and then T-1. The slowest to regrow

was Mackenzie. All the bentgrass cultivars were quicker to regrow at the highest nitrogen rate. But this high nitrogen rate also affected ball roll. When the highest nitrogen rate was applied, ball roll was shortened by an average (over the two years) of 4 inches (~10 centimeters). Bentgrass cultivar also affected ball roll, but differences were really quite small. For example, Tyee had the farthest ball roll, but it was only signifcantly better than that measured in Authority, Declaration, Seaside II and Shark. Among the other 14 cultivars, ball roll measurements were the same. The last thing that Dr. Baldwin did was to stick all the different measurements (color, clipping, chlorophyll, ball roll, etc.) into a statistical equation, the better to consider the impact of all these variables on bentgrass performance. The winners? Penn A-4, Penn G-6, 007, Authority, Shark and T-1 were all in the top category for acceptable color and turf performance with lower amounts of nitrogen. Interestingly, even after two years of zero cultivation, there were no differences in thatch accumulation due to cultivar. Of course, as Dr. Baldwin noted, many things can affect such results, including the type of greens mix, use of growth regulators and the specifc environment. It should also be noted that in this study data there was some variation over the rating months, and cultivars that did well in spring maybe were not as great when rated in the fall. However, the work does show that we need to be alert to new cultivars on the market and how their adoption may change fertilizer recommendations. Source: Baldwin, C.M., and A.D. Brede. 2012. Quantifying nitrogen requirement for creeping bentgrass putting-green cultivars. Agronomy Journal 104:1208-1216.

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.

2015Silent Auction

Thank you

Thank you to the bidders and donors of the Golf Industry Show Silent Auction. Nearly $90,000 was raised to support the Environmental Institute for Golf to foster sustainability through research, education, environmental programs and scholarships. DOUBLE EAGLE DONORS

EAGLE DONORS

Items valued at $7,500 or more

Items valued between $5,000 and $7,499

ADDITIONAL DONORS Amega Sciences Inc. Anertec & Gandy Co. Applied Biochemists Bernhard & Company Limited Bioverse Incorporated Capital Genealogy Dick’s Sporting Goods E-par USA, Inc. EPIC Creative GreenJacket

Greenleaf Technologies Growth Products Hunter Industries J. Davis Marking Systems Jett Enterprises Milliken Kochek Plant Food Company Playbooks for Golf PMNS² LLC

R & R Products Ron Wright, CGCS Sea Glass Fine Art Photography Seago International Seed Research of Oregon SePRO Corporation Spraying Devices Stens Corporation Sean Sullivan, CGCS Tacit

Turf Pride Turf Products Turf-Vu Underhill International Corp. USGA Vinyl Guard Wee One Foundation

For more information, please contact the EIFG at 800-472-7878 ext. 4445 presented by: The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of GCSAA.

CUTTING EDGE

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

Teresa Carson

Photo by Joseph Young

Reducing salinity in golf course fairways Many golf courses throughout the country are using irrigation sources of poorer quality and higher salinity levels. When these sources are used in areas that lack suffcient rainfall to leach impurities through the soil, salt accumulation may increase into the root zone. Prolonged periods of signifcant drought plague many portions of the U.S. that limit available water sources for applying leaching fractions required to push salts deeper in the root zone. This study will establish whether cultivation practices (non-cultivated, spiked, hollow-tine aerifed) and various granular and liquid products can push salts deeper into the root zone with normal irrigation levels. The objectives of the study are (1) evaluate the effectiveness of treatment combinations on soil salinity reductions through soil testing, (2) incorporate digital image analysis and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with NDVI camera to demonstrate improved turf health with reduced salinity, (3) develop predictive relationships for rapid soil salinity evaluations using a handheld portable x-ray fuorescence (PXRF) instrument. The products applied will consist of high calcium-containing materials to replace sodium on cation exchange sites or soil penetrants to deliver water and salts deeper

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

into the root zone. Combining cultivation practices with product applications will likely provide the greatest level of salinity reduction; however, many low-budget golf courses may not have the equipment or manpower to conduct these practices on a regular basis. If any of these products can reduce salinity in non-cultivated treatments, these results could more easily be implemented by those golf courses to assist in offsetting salinity levels, which would provide a healthier turf and improved fairway playability. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Joseph Young, Ph.D. (joey.young@ttu.edu); Theophilus Udeigwe, Ph.D.; and Li Li, Texas Tech University

nual bluegrass weevil. Past studies have found that entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi can provide moderate control of adults and larvae, but the impact of entomopathogens (organisms that cause disease in insects) on annual bluegrass weevil in the feld is often highly inconsistent. As a result, entomopathogens are considered impractical for controlling annual bluegrass weevil feld populations. Many factors can contribute to the low success of biocontrol agents against annual bluegrass weevil under current application practices. For example, frequent equipment traffc and intensive management of turf soils may reduce habitat suitability for entomopathogens and decrease the availability of alternate hosts during periods when target hosts are absent. This may result in low effcacy and persistence of entomopathogens on golf turf soils. Our project seeks to improve biological control of annual bluegrass weevil by targeting the pest in overwintering sites. Annual bluegrass weevil adults disperse to forested, unmowed and other natural areas in late fall and reside at or just below the soil surface in large numbers where they remain for the duration of winter. These sites are less intensively managed than golf course playing surfaces, receiving little to no equipment traffc or chemical inputs. These conditions may enhance belowground habitat availability and biodiversity, which may make overwintering sites ideal for biological control. We will test the prediction that the enhanced biotic and abiotic conditions in overwintering sites will improve alternative host selection and promote better establishment and persistence of entomopathogens, thus offering an effective practice for annual bluegrass weevil biocontrol. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kyle Wickings, Ph.D. (kgw37@ cornell.edu), Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.

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

New approach to annual bluegrass weevil control Only a handful of biological control strategies have shown promise for controlling an-

(Product news)

Club Car is offering new environmentally friendly solar drive charging panels for electric Precedent golf cars, Carryall utility vehicles and Villager LSVs. Owners of 48-volt cars can capture, store and use solar power with this addition. The panels are based on technology developed for the U.S. Marine Corps, which uses it to run its communications equipment in the Middle East. The panels are made in the U.S. of a lightweight, impact-resistant, photovoltaic material with a Tefon-like coating that protects the cells. Measuring 40 inches by 26 inches, the panels ft snugly on the canopies or cabs of Precedent golf cars. Contact Club Car, 800-258-2227 (www.clubcar.com).

Sand bunker

MANAGEMENT Tru-Depth Sand Probe from Accuproducts International and Better Billy Bunker is designed for golf course workers to manage proper sand depths in bunkers. It quickly measures sand depths up to 8 inches. When inserted into the sand, the probe measures the true compacted sand depth. This allows the staff member to accurately check sand depths in bunkers as needed with little effort. It features an easily readable gauge and is constructed of aluminum and stainless steel. Contact Better Billy Bunker, 615-847-8877 (www.betterbillybunker.com).

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Wittek Golf introduced the Push N Putt Interactive Flagstick. Golfers can simply push down on the practice green fagstick and their golf balls are pushed up and out of the hole â&#x20AC;&#x201D; no more bending over continuously or taking the fagstick out of the hole. It was designed to set a new standard on practice greens and to help golfers have more fun when practicing putting.

It is good for superintendents, the company says, because it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow excessive damage or wear to the edge of the hole from constantly removing the fagstick from the hole or digging the ball out with a putter. Push N Putt is manufactured and assembled with high-quality powdercoated stainless steel. Contact P&W Golf Supply LLC, 800-869-1800 (www.pwgolfsupply.com).

Pentair has two offerings: Hypro ProStop-E and 9740P Series 2 Electric Poly Transfer Pumps. The Hypro ProStop-E controls individual nozzles for precision agricultural applications. It features instantaneous on/off control with 12-volt actuation, eliminating misapplications and waste. The valve utilizes a robust, quarter-turn electric ball valve that is highly reliable as compared to solenoid and plunger valves, the company says. The Pro-Stop-E valve continuously uses an extremely low amount of power and provides a high fow capacity in a compact valve design. The Hypro 9740P Series 2 Electric Poly Transfer Pumps are ideal for tank flling and chemical transfer. The electric motor-driven 2-inch poly transfer pumps are available with either three- or fve-vane impellers and 5- or 7.5-hp motors. They are available with polypropylene housings and are manufactured with 2-inch female NPT ports suitable for corrosion environments and chemical solutions. Contact Pentair, 800-424-9776 (www.hypropumps.com).

Underhill

Autilus fungicide from AMVAC Chemical Corp. can be used to control anthracnose on golf course putting greens, tees and fairways. Autilus, a Group 14 fungicide, has contact activity and provides a multi-site mode of action along with a resistance management tool for superintendents to use in their anthracnose management programs. Autilus is a PCNB fungicide that forms a protective zone around plants, thus protecting them from disease infection, the company says. Contact AMVAC, 949-260-1212 (www.american-vanguard.com).

(tube throttle confguration) or 22.9 pounds (hip throttle confguration). It features a full padded backrest for upper and lower back support. The shoulder straps are user adjustable for all-day comfort. It also features a vented back pad, an Echo innovation that allows air to circulate around the user for increased comfort in hot weather. A four-point vibration reduction system also increases operator comfort and reduces fatigue. The tube-mounted throttle uses a new grip design that’s easier on the user’s hands during all-day use. Contact Echo, 847-540-8400 (www.echo-usa.com).

Tree disease

WEAPON Arborjet Inc.’s Quik-jet Air is the latest

Underhill International now features a full line of heavy-duty UltraMax hoses for golf course maintenance. The series includes four models with a range of performance value and price points: UltraMax Clear (economy); UltraMax Green (economy plus); UltraMax Red (super strong); and UltraMax Blue (premium). All hoses have machined brass couplings and are available in ¾and 1-inch widths and 50-, 75- and 100-foot lengths. Custom lengths can also be specifed. UltraMax Clear and UltraMax Green are fabricated from Pliovic material and reinforced spiral yarn for strength. Clear is lightweight and has a 600-psi burst pressure; Green has a thick outer wall and 800-psi burst pressure. UltraMax Red is made of EPDM synthetic rubber and reinforced with spiral synthetic yarn for extra strength under high working pressure. UltraMax Blue, a premium product, has a 1,200-psi burst pressure and is made from durable TPE material. Contact Underhill International, 866-863-3744 (www.underhill.us). Echo launched the PB-580 backpack blower. It features a powerful 58.2-cc professionalgrade two-stroke engine that helps deliver air volume of 510 cfm and air speed of 215 mph. The blower is designed with comfort in mind; it weighs only 22.6 pounds

weapon against tree insects and diseases. Its innovative design combines the simplicity of the popular Quik-jet and power of the Viper Air Hydraulic systems to create a lightweight, easy-touse injection tool that maximizes productivity and reduces labor time. It also features a one-thumb ignition switch operation, precise dose measuring and air-powered injection in a rugged aluminum body weighing less than 2 pounds. Contact Arborjet Inc., 781-935-9070 (www.arborjet.com).

Toro released Neptune Flat Emitter Dripline in 8- and 18-mil wall thickness for both 5⁄8- and 7⁄8-inch internal diameters, augmenting the existing 10-, 13- and 15-mil wall thickness offering. Neptune 8-mil is available

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in an 8-inch emitter spacing for superior wetting patterns. With this expansion, Neptune can now economically serve a wider variety of crop applications that demand both thinner- and thicker-walled driplines, such as shortseason vegetable crops and multi-season fruit crops. Neptune utilizes a fat, molded emitter inside an extruded, thin-walled tube that is constructed from premiumquality materials to maximize the tube’s durability and performance. The molded emitter is highly resistant to plugging and requires only 120-mesh fltration. Neptune is available in fve different emitter fow rates, ranging from 0.16 to 0.75 GPH and seven different emitter spacings, ranging from 8 to 24 inches. Contact Toro, 800-367-8676 (www.toro.com). Nan O Zone from Blue Planet Environmental utilizes patented nano-bubble technology to sterilize water in conjunction with ozone. This product has been used in water features in residential and commercial settings, allowing for the reduction of chemicals, such as chlorine, used for disinfection purposes. Ozone sterilizes by killing microorganisms, bacteria, parasites, mold and yeast in water and degrades other contaminants in water such as urea, manganese, iron, arsenic, hydrogen sulfde and nitrates. Contact Blue Planet Environmental, 212-991-5270 (www.blueplanetenviro.com).

Bayco Golf introduced Laser Cut Signs, which, it says, are an economical way to mark your course. Made from steel with a powder-coated fnish for durability, the signs are available in two styles — arrow and teardrop shape. The teardrop type can be customized with the course logo. The one-piece construction means no more lost spikes. Contact Bayco Golf, 877-668-4653 (www.baycogolf.com).

weeds from PBI-Gordon is a reduced-solvent ester formulation that controls more than 60 broadleaf weeds, including wild violet, ground ivy, black medic, oxalis, clover and spurge. TZone also provides suppression of yellow nutsedge. It offers cool-weather performance with visible activity in hours, the company says, including rapid leaf and stem curl, twisting, yellowing and browning. Contact PBI-Gordon, 800-884-3179 (www.pbigordon.com).

Golfco International’s Competition Rollers, distributed by JRM Inc., are designed to accommodate almost any option of diameter, length and body style for any reel-type and rotary deck mower used by golf courses and other discerning turf care professionals.

Yamaha’s Adventurer Two A.C. features 40 percent more horsepower and larger seats and interior. Also, its PTV-A.C. has a 6.7-hp motor and a sports car-like dashboard in what the company is calling its most stylish electric car yet.

Kochek introduced Quick Coupling Keys, designed to ft all major manufacturers’ valves. They feature a gate valve handle for easy activation and to eliminate breakage and a relief valve for shutting down safely. There is a fex-reinforced hose to eliminate kinking and a full-time ball bearing swivel to eliminate binding. There is a longer length for sunken valves. Six sizes are available, each in standard or long lengths. Contact Kochek, 800-420-4673 (www.kochek.com). TZone SE broadleaf herbicide for tough

Koro Universe “Finesse” Rotor from Campey Imants enables the clean out of organic grass buildup on both warm and cool season grasses. It has been developed for fast, effective regrowth. Contact Campey Imants, (www.campeyimants.com). TurNaRound from Custom Agronomics Inc. combats soil sodium by supplying soluble calcium combined with lignosulfonic acid to strip and sequester soil sodium. A block polymer surfactant is added to enhance fushing and downward movement of sodium and restore normal moisture conditions. TurNaRound helps

correct nutritional defciencies and restores turf adversely affected by high levels of soil sodium. Contact Custom Agronomics Inc., 772-223-0775 (www.customagronomics.com). King Innovation’s IrriMeter stands for irrigation smart multimeter. This compact, auto-ranging smart meter is designed for irrigation applications. The IrriMeter takes a series of measurements, such as continuity test, AC voltage test, frequency test, diode test, DC voltage test, resistance and duty cycle test. The smart meter automatically selects the appropriate measurement mode and range. If there is no activity within 10 minutes, the system will power off automatically. It features an easy-to-navigate digital menu and weighs less than 3 ounces. Contact King Innovation, 800-633-0232 (www.kinginnovation.com). GG Markers Inc. showcases its custom-built refreshment station that is designed in a low-profle “box” style, created using a combination of Brazilian hardwood, copper sheeting and aluminum welded construction with stainless steel hardware. The station is on two no-fat tires for portability. The ice/water bottle holder has a lever-activated drainage system for simple and complete drainage. The commercial-grade aluminum ensures strength and durability over years of use. Contact GG Markers Inc., 866-446-7577 (www.ggmarkers.com). GolfStatus is a mobile software company that captures a golfer’s moments of achievement, loyalty and infuence. Golfers can earn free golf, merchandise, exclusive deals and more. GolfStatus integrated its applications with the world’s largest golf handicap computation service, the Golf Handicap and Information Network (GHIN). Contact GolfStatus (ryan@golfstatus.com). Elevance Renewable Sciences Inc. is expanding market applications for Elevance Clean 1200, a high-performing and no-VOC ingredient, in response to strong customer interest in improving the performance of cleaning formulations. Elevance is expanding upon the ingredient’s current applications — manufacturing and transportation maintenance — to include industrial and institutional laundry, food processing and food service, and oil and gas. Contact Elevance Renewable Sciences Inc., 866-625-7103 (www.elevance.com). General Tools & Instruments launched TorchScope Video Recording Flashlight, which it says is ideal for construction, renovation, security and maintenance projects and tasks involving line-of-sight inspections. The instrument combines a powerful LED fashlight with a camera that can record and store high-defnition video and photos. These media fles can be date and timestamped to document or create a timeline of projects or events. Audio is captured simultaneously with video clips, allowing the user to record ambient sound, comments and explanations. Contact General Tools & Instruments, 212-431-6100 (www.generaltools.com).

LESS WATER. BETTER RESULTS. WATER STAR® QUALIFIED GRASS SEED REQUIRES UP TO 40% LESS WATER* Water Star® Qualified grass seed combines excellent turfgrass quality with industry leading drought tolerance. • High quality cultivars with outstanding turfgrass characteristics • Stays green for weeks without water while other lawns go brown • Over 25 qualified varieties across turfgrass species

Aquatrols announced that its patent-pending seed enhancement technology has surpassed the 18-month shelf life milestone with no negative effects on seed germination rates. Aquatrols’ research and development staff is conducting ongoing research on the surfactant seed coatings at its Paulsboro, N.J., headquarters. Previously, a nine-month shelf life study conducted by the Sports Turf Research Institute in the United Kingdom showed no negative effects from the seed coatings. Contact Aquatrols, 800-257-7797 (www.aquatrols.com).

To learn more about our selection of Water Star® Qualified products: CALL 1.800.588.0512 | EMAIL proturfsolutions@penningtonseed.com

Porous Pave is a pour-in-place surfacing material using stone, recycled rubber and a binder material. LEED qualifed, Porous Pave is slip-resistant, won’t freeze or crack, is environmentally friendly and is available in several colors. It is easy and quick to install. Contact Porous Pave Inc., 888-448-3873 (www.porouspaveinc.com).

Pennington is a trusted manufacturer and distributor of grass seed since 1945

(Industry news)

John Deere

Manufacturing

MILESTONE John Deere reached a manufacturing milestone in March. It achieved completion of the 500,000th unit built at the Turf Care factory in Fuquay-Varina, N.C. The unit, a John Deere ZTrak Mower, was celebrated by the entire factory and was set to be on display at several upcoming local events. In 1977, the factory produced its frst unit, a Lightweight Fairway Mower. Today, Turf Care produces 10 different models of commercial mowing and golf equipment that are distributed throughout North America and exported to more than 100 countries. Commercial mowing and golf equipment products manufactured by Turf Care include the Wide Area Mower, Front Mower, Gas and Diesel ZTrak Mowers, Trim and Surround Mower, Fairway Mower, Greens Mower, ProGator and 7-Iron Decks. The Turf Care facility occupies more than 335,000 square feet of offce and manufacturing space on Highway 55 in Fuquay-Varina and operates a 320,000-square-foot distribution warehouse in Benson, N.C., for raw parts and fnished goods. “Our goal from the start was to design and build equipment for our customers that delivers the quality and value they’ve come to expect from John Deere,” says Rosalind Fox, factory manager of John Deere Turf Care.

Reinders

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Reinders’ 22nd Green Industry Conference in March was titled “Celebrating Our Past with Our Eyes on the Future.” The event was held at Waukesha Expo Center in suburban Milwaukee, Wis. The company celebrates its 150-year anniversary this year. More than 35 seminars covered something for everyone. Six different educational tracks ran simultaneously to meet the needs of golf course superintendents, landscape contractors, lawn care operators, sports turf managers, equipment mechanics and irrigation contractors. Jim Kerns, Ph.D., of North Carolina State University discussed sound turfgrass management ttechniques to help maximize turf health while operating uunder today’s budgetary constraints. Other speakers and ppresenters included Bob Vavrek of the USGA Green Section, BBruce Nelson of Armada Technologies, Jim Sharp of The TToro Co. and Mark Nelson of Briggs & Stratton. Topcon Positioning Group acquired T D Digi-Star, a maker of precision agricultural solutions involving weight sensors and control systems for feeding, in pplanting, fertilizer and harvest equipment manufacturers. ““After several years of working on development projects together, we are delighted with this acquisition. Digi-Star to aand Topcon Precision Agriculture are a perfect ft, bringing ccomplementary technologies and distribution channels to oour rapidly growing precision agricultural division,” said RRay O’Connor, president and CEO of Topcon Positioning Group.

Atkinson Resort & Country Club Atkinson Resort & Country Club in Atkinson, N.H., was awarded the National 2015 Course of the Year by the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA). Eric Whitmore, the superintendent, is a six-year member of GCSAA. The award recognizes a golf course that epitomizes four key components of the operation: exceptional quality of the course, exceptional quality of ownership and management, outstanding contribution to the local community and signifcant contributions to the game. Past winners include Pebble Beach. “We had a lot of very strong entries again for course of the year,” said Mike Hughes, NGCOA’s CEO, “but when you step back and consider all factors, none were stronger than Atkinson Resort & Country Club.” The public resort features an 18-hole course and is home to Willowcreek Golf Academy.

Affairs Group as stakeholder engagement manager. The Bayer Green Solutions Team provides customers with scientifc expertise to address their unique business goals and challenges while also providing scientifc thought leadership, education and training to beneft the turfgrass industry. Amy Spittle of KemperSports was appointed to the board of directors of the California Golf Course Owners Association (CGCOA). Spittle serves as senior director of sales and marketing in the west region. Club Car announced it has awarded the “Black and Gold Partner” distinction to 100 of its authorized Club Car dealers and distributors. Program participants had 12 months to set, meet and document rigorous standards in sales, service, parts, accessories and other areas that directly affect owners of Club Car vehicles. LebanonTurf introduced Robert D. Brown III as its new landscape marketing manager. Brown joined LebanonTurf with nearly 22 years of landscaping and marketing experience. He is responsible for LebanonTurf’s Lebanon Pro, Woodace, PHC and Roots product lines, as well as various granular control products.

Zachary Reicher, Ph.D., is the newest member of the Bayer Green Solutions Team, which is a dedicated group of technical service specialists serving the turf and ornamentals market. Reicher joined Bayer in early March after serving the University of NebraskaLincoln’s department of agronomy and horticulture. In his new role, Reicher is focusing primarily on developing science-based solutions for customers managing cool-season turfgrass. Frank Wong, Ph.D., who previously served the Green Solutions Team in this capacity, has taken on a new role within the Bayer Regulatory

The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) has recognized the American FootGolf League (AFGL) as the “governing body for the sport of FootGolf in the U.S.” and its “offcial FootGolf organization.” Mike Tinkey, NGCOA deputy CEO, made the announcement. FootGolf has spread quickly in the U.S. since its introduction here in 2011. The AFGL has sanctioned hundreds of courses in much of the nation. “FootGolf, as promoted by the AFGL, under the rules and guidelines of the Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG), is a proven revenue generator for golf course operators in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and is rapidly growing

Club Car

DONATION Club Car donated $10,000 to the Folds of Honor Foundation on March 20. Folds of Honor sponsors scholarships for dependents of veterans who were disabled or killed in service to the nation. Club Car president and CEO Marc Dufour presented the check to Allen Wronowski, who accepted it on behalf of the foundation. Wronowski is honorary president of the PGA of America and director of golf development and relations for Folds of Honor. Of the more than 1 million dependents adversely affected by deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, nearly nine out of 10 do not qualify for federal scholarship assistance. Folds of Honor and its partners help meet their needs.

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worldwide,” Tinkey says. “It has taken off virally, and the number of FootGolf courses is growing rapidly as it brings in new customers and new revenue. Facilities are reporting they are seeing more millennials, women, children and young families after introducing FootGolf.” Rockwind Community Links is set to debut this month in Hobbs, N.M. It is a 27-hole municipal golf facility that is designed to link the golf course into the fabric of life in Hobbs. The top priority of the project is to provide a place to bring families, kids and beginners together via the game of golf. Andy Staples of Staples Golf Design in Scottsdale, Ariz., handled the project. The facility includes an 18-hole championship course, 9-hole par-3 course, a practice facility and a short game practice area, which also is a First Tee site. Audubon International and e-par USA currently are promoting “Lunch and Learn” webinars that began last month and run through this month. The webinars focus on the value of voluntary environmental programs for golf course superintendents. Building from a joint presentation delivered at the Metropolitan GCSA Chapter Education Session, Audubon International Executive Director Doug Bechtel and e-par USA President and CEO Kevin A. Fletcher, Ph.D., are delivering a series of 30-minute live webinars designed to present data highlighting the economic and environmental value

of third-party voluntary environmental programs; provide a forum for superintendents to learn more about both the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf (ACSP) and the e-par Environmental Management Systems (EMS) for Golf; describe how a combination of various programs can be used to enhance ongoing efforts to protect and conserve water, wildlife and other natural resources; and other areas of interest. To register, go to https://attendee. gotowebinar.com/rt/5133303495868342273. The ffth annual Green Sports Alliance Summit is scheduled June 29-July 5 in Chicago. More than 800 industry stakeholders, including several Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) members and representatives from 100 professional and collegiate sports teams, are participating. The summit plans to create a platform for attendees to engage with peers regarding environmental practices and proven solutions to advance the green sports movement. STMA’s Jon DeWitt, a certifed sports feld manager and sports turf manager at the Georgia Institute of Technology, will present “Innovative Irrigation Solutions During Water Restrictions.” Troon was selected to manage Talking Rock, a private club located in Prescott, Ariz. Talking Rock was inspired by the land’s natural terrain. It winds through meadows, preserving majestic stands of trees and complementing the contours of the terrain.

The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort has undertaken an enhancement program that will honor the guiding principles of legendary course architect Larry Packard. The six-month project is scheduled to begin this month and continue through October. Some of the work includes replacing all fairways and rough, rebuilding each green and reshaping bunkers to stay true to Packard’s design. Also, a state-of-the-art irrigation system is being installed and is expected to save 11 million gallons of water annually. The announcement of the project was made on the frst day of the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship presented by BB&T. Packard, who died last year at 101, lived at Innisbrook for more than 40 years. Le Golf National, owned by the French Federation of Golf, renewed its exclusive supplier agreement with Ransomes Jacobsen France for the supply of turf maintenance equipment, which will be used for maintaining the 45-hole complex. That includes the prestigious Albatros course, host of the 2018 Ryder Cup. The Mediocre Golf Association (MGA) says it is expanding to 100 chapters this year, adding 40 new chapters to the 60 worldwide chapters it had in 2014. The MGA says, “Long perceived as an exclusive sport for the moneyed, skilled or those with plenty of time on their hands, the MGA is out to prove golf can be enjoyed by

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DRILL IT

DO DOIT.IT. TILL IT

people who lack any or all of these qualifcations. The MGA’s goal is to make the spirit and enjoyment of golf competition available to the everyman, without all the swearing and club throwing.” BIGGA announced it will expand to fve halls in 2016 after posting record fgures for four halls at this year’s exhibition. The Continue to Learn program broke a record, as 2,900 delegates from the UK and worldwide came to attend seminars and workshops. A total of 4,692 visitors attended the three-day exhibition at the Harrogate International Centre in England. The American Society of Irrigation Consultants (ASIC) advocate and volunteer Linda Davis was awarded its 2015 Sam Tobey Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s annual conference held last month in Minneapolis. Also, Dr. Stephen W. Smith was awarded the Roy Williams Memorial Award. Davis has used her hospitality knowledge and networks to help manage successful ASIC educational conferences for more than 10 years, frst as an employee for Rain Bird. Smith is owner of Wade Water LLC and Buena Vida Farm in Fort Collins, Colo., and has 40 years of experience in irrigation engineering and water resources, starting with the launch of Aqua Engineering Inc. in 1975. John Salmonson was appointed to the board of directors at Phyllom BioProducts Corp., a developer of bio-based insect controls to protect the beauty, health and value of forests, farms and landscapes from invasive beetles. Salmonson, who has a reputation as a visionary leader, sold his company Monterey Ag Resources in 2010 to Brandt Consolidated, where he participates as a business strategy advisor. Larry Snyder, CGCS, was named executive vice president of golf course maintenance at Integrity Golf Company LLC. Snyder, a third-generation certifed superintendent, started his career in 1976. Snyder’s grandfather, Arthur A. Snyder, CGCS, earned GCSAA’s Distinguished Service Award and the Green Section Award from the USGA. Golf course architect Jay Blasi became one of only nine graduates from the University of Wisconsin-Madison to receive the coveted “Forward Under 40” Award for 2015. The award, presented by the Wisconsin Alumni Association, recognizes past students who are making a difference to the world through their chosen career paths. Best known for his work as RTJ II Project Architect at Chambers Bay, site of this year’s U.S. Open, Blasi is one of the youngest architects to ever contribute to a U.S. Open course. Vicki Martz and Fred Bliss achieved Fellow member status in the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA). Martz, from Jacksonville, Fla., has more than 25 years of golf course design experience as a senior architect with the Arnold Palmer Design Group and now serves as president of Victoria Martz Golf Design. Some of Martz’s courses are The Legacy Course at Lakewood Ranch in Bradenton, Fla., and The Victoria Clube de Golfe in Vilamoura, Portugal. Bliss, from Santa Rosa, Calif., served as vice president and director of design with GolfPlan-Ronald Fream Design Group before starting his own design company. His design work includes Oakhurst Country Club in Clayton, Calif., and Golf du Cap d’ Agde in France.

The Plantation Course in Hawaii was honored as the No. 1 “Best Course You Can Play in Hawaii” by Golfweek. The course, which hosts the PGA Tour’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions, has achieved that ranking for the ninth consecutive year. The Plantation Course is a Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw design.

08-262 MAY11

Eco Agro Resources announced the formation of its turf and ornamental specialty group. Chuck Barber was hired to lead the new unit as vice president. John Wilson joined the team as a regional sales manager and Alan Nees was added as an agronomy consultant. The new group is headquartered in its recently expanded Sarasota, Fla., offce.

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

(a)

PROBLEM The white material on this putting green is not rampant mycelium, as you may have guessed. Instead, it’s actually cotton from a nearby cottonwood tree. On this golf course, the female cottonwood trees shed their seeds, which not coincidentally, resembles cotton. This tends to happen only a few weeks each spring, but the seeds only land on greens when the wind is blowing in just the right direction, and only one of the course’s 54 greens is usually affected. When that happens and the seeds get wet, the result looks just like dollar spot mycelium, which is what the superintendent found when he rolled up onto this green. Sometimes members will ask him if he saw the “disease” on the 11th green. The material usually cleans up with mowing the next morning; however, it can build up as the day goes on. Interestingly enough, the male cottonwood trees do not put out the same seeds. Photo submitted by Joe Kennedy, CGCS, the golf course maintenance director at Vanderbilt Legends Club in Franklin, Tenn., and a 32-year GCSAA member.

(b)

PROBLEM

The soil on top of this turf is the result of a pond that slid down the hillside. Built in the early 1990s on a golf hole at this resort course in Michigan, the pond was named “Harry’s Way” after course owner Harry Melling, who thought a pond would look nice near this hole as it was being built. The problem with this pond is that it is located on a hill 70 feet in elevation above the previous hole. Since it’s not a natural pond, it has to be flled from time to time through the irrigation system by manually opening a 2-inch gate valve. This was taking place recently, but the staff member handling this task forgot and left the valve on. The superintendent got a call from the clubhouse saying that there were trees moving on the hill near the ffth hole of the resort’s nine-hole course. He found this a little crazy and didn’t give it much thought, but a few minutes later, he got another call saying the ffth green was under water. When he rushed out, the devastation was obvious. There was 12-14 inches of sand and silt along with sod from the hillside on the green. They removed the bulk of the material with fat shovels and carts, then used power brooms to sweep it in three directions and fnally washed the rest from back to front with hoses. Due to the incredible efforts of the maintenance crew, the golf hole opened back up for play in less than 24 hours. The GM was there to greet the frst guests that played the hole, who commented, “We heard that there was some damage out here but we haven’t seen it. The course looks great!” Obviously, those comments made the superintendent’s and his staff’s day. Photo submitted by Doug Hoeh, the GCSAA Class A north superintendent /mountain manager at Treetops Resort in Gaylord Mich., and a 14-year association member.

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

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MEMBERS ONLY

ON COURSE May 1-3 — Champions Tour, Insperity Invitational, The Woodlands Country Club, The Woodlands, Texas, Chris Hartman, GCSAA Class A superintendent.

(Climbing the ladder)

May 7-10 — PGA Tour, The Players Championship, TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., Tom Vlach, CGCS, director of agronomy.

Chris Habich Was: Is:

Assistant superintendent, Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Ky. Superintendent, Bardstown Country Club, Bardstown, Ky.

Getting to know you Chris Habich has a message for assistant superintendents who have been in their position for a while. “I believe in karma. If you treat people with respect, work hard, good things are going to happen,” Habich, 34, says. They certainly did. After more than a decade as an assistant, Habich fnally landed a superintendent position at Bardstown (Ky.) Country Club. Habich previously was lead assistant at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville. Becoming a superintendent prompted a mixture of emotions for him. “I’d go back and forth whether I was ready for it. But knowing what I had accomplished at Valhalla, I knew I was ready to take the next step and prove all the people that had not hired me yet wrong,” he says.

Q: Who has been infuential in your career? A: Mark Wilson (former superintendent at Valhalla), Roger Meier (current superintendent there) and John Peck (his frst boss). John taught me the basics. I learned so much about attention to detail from Mark. Roger taught me how to look at things differently, kind of an outside-the-box approach.

Q: Up to now, what has been your defning moment? A: I’d say this past PGA Championship (2014). Roger gave me a lot of responsibility leading a crew of 40 great people leading up to the tournament and organizing about 70 volunteers during it. Even with all the rain, we still had a great accomplishment.

Q: Have you ever seen anything odd happen on the course? A: About eight years ago, one of the guys was driving a Carryall with fertilizer spreader in the front with him. He tried to stop but he didn’t realize the tire on the spreader was on the gas pedal and his cart kept going. He couldn’t stop it in time and had to jump out as the cart went down the hill and into the creek in front of the 18th fairway. He was OK. We pulled the cart out with a tractor.

Q: What’s your most prized possession? A: My Gerber multipurpose tool. I seem to use it every day. I feel naked without it. — Howard Richman, GCM associate editor

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May 7-10 — Symetra Tour, Self Regional Healthcare Foundation Women’s Health Classic, Links at Stoney Point, Greenwood, S.C., Billy Ford, superintendent. May 7-10 — European Tour, AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, Heritage Golf Club, Domaine de Bel Ombre, Mauritius. May 14-17 — PGA Tour, Wells Fargo Championship, Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, N.C., Chris Deariso, GCSAA Class A superintendent. May 14-17 — Champions Tour, Regions Tradition, Shoal Creek, Shoal Creek, Ala., James Simmons, superintendent. May 14-17 — Web.com Tour, BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corp., Thornblade Club, Greer, S.C., Randy Long, GCSAA Class A superintendent. May 14-17 — LPGA, Kingsmill Championship presented by JTBC, River Course at Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg, Va., Chad Compton, GCSAA Class A superintendent.

May 14-17 — European Tour, Open de Espana, Real Club de Golf El Prat, Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain. May 15-17 — Symetra Tour, Mission Health Wellness Classic, Country Club of Asheville, Asheville, N.C., Robert Watts Jr., superintendent.

May 21-23 — Symetra Tour, Symetra Classic, Raintree Country Club, Charlotte, N.C., Brad Fellrath, GCSAA Class A superintendent.

May 21-24 — PGA Tour, Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas, Scott Ebers, CGCS.

May 29-31 — LPGA, Shop Rite LPGA

June 6 — The Future of Golf, The Falls

Classic presented by Acer, Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club, Galloway, N.J., Donovan Maguigan, superintendent.

Country Club, Lake Worth, Fla. Phone: 800-732-6053 Website: www.pbgcsa.org

May 21-24 — Champions Tour, Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid, Pete Dye Course at French Lick, French Lick, Ind., Russ Apple, CGCS.

July 21 — Lakes, Ponds, Pump

June 17 — Gulf Coast Turfgrass

COMING UP May 1 — State of Utah Golf Month Phone: 801-282-5274 Website: www.igcsa.org

Research Field Day & Expo, West Florida Research & Education Center, Jay, Fla. Phone: 334-821-3000

June 30 — Summer Field Day, Eagle May 21-24 — European Tour, BMW Championship, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey, England.

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

May 28-31 — PGA Tour, AT&T Byron Nelson Championship, TPC Four Seasons Resort, Irving, Texas, Anthony Benes, superintendent.

May 28-31 — Web.com Tour, Rex

of Washington, The Home Course, DuPont, Wash. Phone: 253-219-8360 Website: www.wwgcsa.org

Hospital Open, TPC Wakefeld Plantation, Raleigh, N.C., Todd Lawrence, CGCS.

May 18 — Sierra Nevada GCSA May

May 28-31 — European Tour, Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation, Royal County Down Golf Club, Newcastle County Down, Northern Ireland.

Creek Golf Course, Dunrobin, Ontario Phone: 519-767-3341 Website: www.ogsa.ca

Field Day, Daniel Turf Center, West Lafayette, Ind. Phone: 765-494-8039 Website: www.agry.purdue.edu

July 15 — UMass Field Day, Joseph Education, Bloomington Country Club, St. George, Utah Phone: 702-458-4653 Website: www.sngcsa.org

Stations, Oh No! Seminar, Gainey Ranch Golf Club, Scottsdale, Ariz. Phone: 480-609-6778 Website: www.cactusandpine.org

July 23 — Iowa Turfgrass Field Day, Horticulture Research Station, Ames, Iowa Phone: 515-635-0306 Website: www.iowagcsa.org July 28-29— Rutgers Turfgrass

July 14 — Purdue Turf & Landscape May 14 — Golf Summit, Golf Alliance

Phone: 859-257-5606 Website: www.uky.edu

Troll Turf Research Center, S. Deerfeld, Mass. Website: https://extension.umass.edu/turf/ research/umass-turf-research-feld-day

Field Day Website: www.golfturf.rutgers.edu

July 30 — Purdue Lawncare Diagnostic Training, Daniel Turf Center, West Lafayette, Ind. Phone: 765-494-8039 Website: www.agry.purdue.edu ——— To learn if you can receive education

July 16 — University of Kentucky Turf points for any of these upcoming Research Field Day, Lexington, Ky.

programs, visit the External Education

05.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

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Listings in the education section at www. gcsaa.org/education/externaled/current.aspx. ———

(In the field)

Northwest David Phipps A common topic of conversation i I have with many (chapter) boards is how to increase attendance and participation at local events. I hear that it’s often the time commitment. Some say it’s a generational issue. Then there are those that simply don’t have support from their facilities to attend the meetings. Trust me, I don’t have the golden answer that is going to solve all of these scenarios, but somehow, chapters are seeing a change. I’m seeing a few success stories lately, and hopefully this is a trend that continues into the future. Recently I had the privilege of attending the Idaho GCSA Spring Meeting in Boise, Idaho. I started hearing the buzz about the meeting weeks prior to the event, so I knew there could be a good crowd. In an association that has close to 57 Class A and SM members, there were 115 attendees at the day-and-a-half conference. Idaho typically has two meetings a year; many times the venue will dictate the success of an event. The Gem State has always lured some great speakers, and this meeting was no exception. The highlight of the meeting was the Turfgrass Talk Show hosted by Thomas Nikolai, Ph.D. It really seemed to create a twoway exchange of information between Scenes from the recent Idaho GCSA Spring Meeting in Boise. Photos by David Phipps the speakers and the attendees. I heard from various members that the information they learned was valuable and will be put to use when they return to their courses. There were at least five members who were first-time attendees at the meeting. The Intermountain GCSA has experienced similar success in its meeting attendance. On Jan. 29, the chapter held its winter conference at Fox Hollow Golf Club in American Fork, Utah, … with 90 attendees. What stood out to me here was the offer of five hours of education (.5 CEUs) for only $30. The IGCSA has kept the price affordable, which has attracted not only superintendents but assistants as well. In this case, the IGCSA has roughly 50 Class A and SM members, but they attracted over twice that in attendance. There are all kinds of ways to increase attendance at local meetings; the secret is finding the right recipe that fits your demographic. There is a lot to be said if boards reach out to other boards and share ideas. GCSAA field staff representatives can also help communicate BMPs among chapters as well. If you haven’t been to a meeting in some time, perhaps it is time to make a change. The networking alone is invaluable, not to mention the quality of education that is offered at such an affordable price.

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

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We want to know about your event in advance. To submit an entry for “Coming up,” please send your information fve to six months before you’d like to see it in the magazine. We run event information for three months. Send a contact name if all details are not fnal. Contact Golf Course Management, Attention: Coming Up, 1421 Research Park Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049-3859; 785832-3638; fax: 785-832-3665; email: hrichman@gcsaa.org.

ON THE MOVE ALABAMA Kevin M. Brooks, formerly (C) at Greystone Golf & Country Club-Legacy Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Greystone Golf & Country Club-Legacy Course in Birmingham. ARIZONA Ryan Copenhaver, formerly (A) at Boundary Oak Golf Course, is now (A) at Tatum Ranch Golf Club in Cave Creek. Dean W. Hall, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Tonto Verde Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Maryvale Golf Course in Phoenix. ARKANSAS Jimmy D. Humston, formerly (C) at The Golf Club of Tennessee, is now (C) at The Alotian Club in Roland. Spencer Roberts, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Omaha Country Club, is now (C) at Blessings Golf Club in Fayetteville. CALIFORNIA Jay Neunsinger, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Tilden Park Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Boundary Oak Golf Course in Walnut Creek. Jeremy Payne, formerly (A) at Winchester Country Club, is now (A) at Napa Golf Course at Kennedy Park in Napa. Mark S. Weitz, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Clear Lakes Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Santa Maria Country Club in Santa Maria. Kevin Wiles, formerly (A) at San Joaquin Country Club, is now (A) at Dragonfy Golf Club in Madera. COLORADO Marty W. Savage, formerly (AS) at Cherry Hills Country Club, is now (C) at Sanctuary in Sedalia.

CONNECTICUT Matthew E. Guilmette, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Cedar Ridge Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Guilmette Golf LLC in Portland. FLORIDA James V. Abate, formerly (A) at TPC at Harding Park, is now (A) at PGA TOUR in Ponte Vedra Beach. Asa J. High, formerly (C) at Augusta National Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Adena Golf & Country Club in Ocala. Gregory M. Jack, formerly (C) at The Old Collier Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at TPC Treviso Bay in Naples. Chad E. Libby, formerly (C) at Evans Prairie Country Club, is now (C) at Bonifay Country Club in The Villages. Walter S. Mrozek, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Aquarina Country Club, is now (C) at Sebastian Municipal Golf Course in Sebastian. Colin Smethurst, formerly (C) at Colonial Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens. Jeffrey C. Taylor, formerly (A) at Delray

Beach Golf Club, is now (A) at Coral Springs Country Club in Coral Springs.

Country Club, is now (A) at Chippendale Golf Club in Kokomo.

GEORGIA Andrew T. Curtin, formerly (C) at Peachtree Golf Club, is now (C) at Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta. Luke A. Ferin, formerly (C) at Fazio Course at PGA National Golf Club, is now (C) at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta.

KENTUCKY Adam K. Hunerkoch, formerly (C) at Paducah Golf Course, is now (C) at The Country Club of Paducah in Paducah.

IDAHO Brandon B. Crim, formerly (C) at Round Hill Country Club, is now (C) at Boise Ranch Golf Course in Boise. ILLINOIS John M. Gianopoulos, formerly (C) at Beverly Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at White Deer Run Golf Course in Vernon Hills. Grey Harrison, formerly (C) at Edgewood Valley Country Club, is now (C) at Oak Park Country Club in River Grove. INDIANA Kevin M. Custis, formerly (A) at Hillview

LOUISIANA Jonathan L. Juhas, formerly (C) at New Orleans Country Club, is now (C) at English Turn Golf & Country Club in New Orleans. MARYLAND Kevin W. Nash, formerly (C) at Rocky Point Golf Course, is now (C) at The Woodlands & Diamond Ridge Golf Course in Windsor Mill. Stephen M. Scott, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Walden Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at MJB Golf LLC in Waldorf. Jason Shepherd, formerly (C) at Sparrows Point Country Club, is now (C) at The Elkridge Club in Baltimore. David Walter, formerly (C) at Belmont Country Club, is now (C) at Manor Country Club in Rockville.

MASSACHUSETTS Zachary Savell, formerly (C) at Hopkinton Country Club, is now (C) at Shining Rock Golf Club in Northbridge. MINNESOTA Scott E. DeLong, formerly (C) at Oakmont Country Club, is now (C) at Stoneridge Golf Club in Stillwater. Sean Dyer, formerly (A) at Sherwood Country Club, is now (AF) at Dakota Peat & Equipment in East Grand Forks. MISSOURI Taylor M. Olson, formerly (S) at Northwest Missouri State University, is now (C) at Creekmoor Golf Club in Raymore. NEW JERSEY James Mackie, formerly (C) at Brae Burn Country Club, is now (C) at Bayonne Golf Club in Bayonne. NEW YORK Jason A. Bishop, formerly (A) at Wild Wood Country Club, is now (A) at Genesee Valley Golf Course in Rochester.

Ash Gough, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Foxfre Golf & Tennis, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Beaver Meadows Golf Club in Phoenix. Gerald K. Martin, formerly (A) at Conewango Valley Country Club, is now (A) at Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville. Jonathan J. Moul, formerly (C) at Rockville Links Club, is now (C) at Tam O’Shanter Golf Club Inc. in Glen Head. Douglas S. Vanderlee, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Westchester Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Penfeld Country Club in Penfeld. NORTH CAROLINA Benjamin P. Culclasure, formerly (A) at Hell’s Point Golf Club, is now (A) at Kilmarlic Golf Club in Harbinger. Shaun Kerr, formerly (C) at Legacy Golf Links, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Gates Four Golf & Country Club in Fayetteville. OKLAHOMA J. Feliciano Medina, formerly (S) at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City, is now (C) at Jimmie Austin Golf Club at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. PENNSYLVANIA Mike Bandy, formerly (AFCR) at Aquatrols Corporation of America, is now (AFCR) at United Phosphorus Inc. in King of Prussia. Joseph Muha, formerly (Inactive), is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Four Seasons Golf Club in Landisville. VIRGINIA Michael D. Hall, formerly (C) at Elizabeth Manor Golf & Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Elizabeth Manor Golf & Country Club in Portsmouth. Joseph B. Morris, formerly (C) at Waynesboro Country Club, is now (C) at The Keswick Club in Keswick. WASHINGTON Brian S. Lindgren, formerly (C) at Gallery Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Gallery Golf Course in Oak Harbor. WISCONSIN Sam Weber, formerly (C) at The Legend at Bristlecone Pines Golf Course, is now (C) at Legend at Merrill Hills in Waukesha. CANADA Lawrence Kinch, formerly (ISM) at Sandpiper Golf Course, is now (ISM) at

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Rollins Machinery Ltd. in Langley, British Columbia. PANAMA John McGee, formerly (ISM) at Los Inkas Golf Club, is now (ISM) at Club de Golf de Panama in Panama City.

PLATINUM PARTNERS

VIETNAM Thomas Benefeld, formerly (ISM) at Kings Island Country Club, is now (ISM) at DoSon Seaside Golf Resort in Halong Bay. Editor’s note: The information in this report was pulled from GCSAA’s member database on March 23, 2015.

GOLD PARTNERS NEW MEMBERS ARIZONA Kim Butt, EM, Tucson Paul A. Jeffer, Supt. Mbr., Carefree Alberto Riestra, Class C, Casa Grande Scott J. Steppig, Supt. Mbr., Carefree ARKANSAS Frank Echavarria, EM, El Dorado CALIFORNIA John Hall, EM, Newport Beach Abraham A. Montez, EM, Rancho Mirage Christopher A. Morra, EM, Calabasas Doug Patterson, EM, Sacramento Neal Quantrell, EM, Poway Clint Stevenson, EM, San Rafael Vladimir Terrazas, EM, Roseville Ricardo Reynoso Venegas, EM, Mission Viejo COLORADO David J. Marabella, EM, Edwards CONNECTICUT Tyler Mario, EM, Greenwich FLORIDA Tyler J. Barrett, EM, Palm City Anibal Diaz-Santiago, EM, Boca Raton Keith A. Dolente, Class C, Hudson Dan Freed, EM, Bonita Springs Guillermo Gomez, EM, Naples Corey F. Graf, Student, Citra Christopher A. Johnson, EM, Key Largo Robert E. Jordan, Class C, Deerfeld Beach Josh R. Postolese, Associate, Tampa

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

SILVER PARTNERS

GOLD PARTNERS

GOLD PARTNER

Partner Recognition Program Syngenta is honored to partner with the GCSAA. We take pride in connecting with an organization that supports and empowers turf professionals and the industry. Syngenta continually invests in research and development to bring innovative and effective solutions to the turf industry. Our portfolio is made up of proven fungicides, like VelistaTM, Daconil ActionTM and Secure®, and insecticides including Acelepryn®, Provaunt® and Ference™. Our team of agronomic experts puts great emphasis on supporting superintendents. Our team is focused on providing industry-leading agronomic expertise as well as business solutions to ensure courses like yours thrive today and in the future. As a gold partner sponsor with the GCSAA, Syngenta supports you, those that manage the game’s most valuable resource – the golf course. Below are a few of the initiatives made in partnership with the GCSAA and Syngenta: • Environmental Institute for Golf Scholarships • Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards • Celebrating Certifcation • Free Educational Webcasts Our commitment to the success of turf professionals also includes the following programs that go beyond products to support superintendents and the industry: • Syngenta Business Institute™ – Partnering with the Wake Forest University School of Business, Syngenta offers an innovative professional business development program for superintendents. • Operation Pollinator – Syngenta provides tools and information to successfully establish and manage attractive wildfower habitats that are crucial for pollinating insects to thrive. • WeevilTrak.com – An online monitoring tool keeps superintendents up-to-date on annual bluegrass weevil (ABW) progression and includes treatment protocols for properly treating ABW. We believe in the importance of empowering superintendents through ongoing education so you can manage a successful and sustainable golf course. For further information, please visit GreenCastOnline.com/WeSupportYou. ©2015 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your state or local extension service to ensure registration status. Acelepryn®, Daconil Action™, Ference™, GreenCast ®, Provaunt ®, Syngenta Business Institute™ and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. Secure® is a registered trademark of Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, LTD.

GEORGIA Tony Jones, EM, Jasper ILLINOIS Pedro G. Briseno, EM, Olympia Fields Nicholas D. Craig, Supt. Mbr., Monticello Karl Harris, EM, Decatur Peter Killian, Class C, Lincolnwood William Roglin, EM, Oswego Roy L. Sanders, EM, Caseyville Aaron L. Werner, EM, Champaign KENTUCKY Preston B. Parr, Class C, Fort Thomas MARYLAND Bill Kautz, EM, Mount Airy Floyd King, EM, Derwood Anthony T. Lewis, EM, Silver Spring Byron G. Maddox, EM, Easton Frank McLaughlin, Class C, Silver Spring MASSACHUSETTS George J. Sullivan, Class C, North Quincy MICHIGAN Victor Anderson, EM, Grosse Pointe Farms William W. Surdock, EM, South Lyon MINNESOTA Christopher G. Carpenter, Supt. Mbr., North Mankato Andrew Smith, EM, Edina Lance T. Walvatne, Supt. Mbr., Fergus Falls

NEW YORK Fiore Capocci, EM, Williamsville Robert B. Ferguson, Class C, Tuxedo Park Joshua W. Miller, Class C, Locust Valley

WISCONSIN Gumercindo Cruz, EM, Kenosha Jeff M. Giessel, Student, Eau Claire Joe Malanche, EM, Minocqua Steve P. Spuhler, EM, Waukesha

NORTH CAROLINA Jorge Alcantara-Nava, Associate, Greensboro Kenneth W Bailey, EM, Charlotte Stephen Kimball, Affliate Co. Rep., Durham John M. Turner, Affliate Co. Rep., Durham

AUSTRALIA Luke S. Spartalis, EM, Black Rock

OHIO John D. Calendine, Student, Walbridge Jacob J. Harold, Class C, Cleveland Ryan T. Wheatley, EM, Mason OKLAHOMA William Alan Monks, Class C, Ponca City Rex Schad, EM, Norman Dan Welborn, EM, Owasso PENNSYLVANIA Karen Bukowski, Educator, Erie Chad A. Krebs, Class C, Mount Wolf Nicholas P. Marini, Class C, Verona Luis Martinez, Student, University Park Kyle Reynolds, Supt. Mbr., Warren Jeff B. Van Dame, EM, Norristown SOUTH CAROLINA Alexander B. Marx, Associate, Hilton Head Island Carl M. Shelton, Class C, Columbia

MISSISSIPPI Joe Green, EM, Natchez

TENNESSEE Philip R. Terhune, Class C, College Grove

MISSOURI Robert A. Bardot, EM, Washington Andrew S. Long, EM, Saint Louis

TEXAS Jonathan H. Hix, Student, Waco Bob Imler, Affliate, Little Elm Gerald D. Kara Jr., EM, Grand Prairie Jason Shrout, EM, Houston

NEVADA Jose J. Perez, Class C, Las Vegas Allan W. Wright, Class C, Las Vegas NEW HAMPSHIRE Gary McNicholas, EM, Bedford NEW JERSEY Kory J. Alexander, Class C, Pine Valley Adam J. Elwell, Class C, Pine Valley Gordon Patrick, EM, Piscataway NEW MEXICO Gary D. Harmon, Associate, Alamogordo

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CANADA Sean P. O’Connor, ISM, Hawkesbury, Ontario Mike E. Smith, EM, Gravenhurst, Ontario CHINA Ming Yan Guan, ISM, Wujiang, Suzhou City Editor’s note: A new classifcation, equipment manager, is designated by EM. The information in this report was pulled from GCSAA’s member database on March 23, 2015.

IN MEMORIAM Lee J. Pilz, 39, died Feb. 21, 2015. Mr. Pilz, a 19-year member of GCSAA, was assistant golf course superintendent at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club in Leesburg, Ind., where he had worked for 15 years. He graduated from Purdue in 1998 with a degree in turf management. He loved playing golf, fshing, hunting, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Melissa Pilz; daughters, Amanda Pilz, Kayla Pilz and Briana Pilz; mother, Anne Reidenbach; sister, Rigel (Sean) Griffth; niece, Rajah Griffth; maternal grandmother, Jean Reidenbach; aunts, Maureen Reidenbach, Mae (Jim) Calvin and Shirley Wade; uncles, David (Myrna) Reidenbach, John (Patrice) Reidenbach, Charles Johnson and Owen Johnson.

Phillip J. Wycoff, 67, died Jan. 23, 2015. Mr. Wycoff, a 35-year member of GCSAA, was senior project manager of development and construction for Pulama Lanai in Lanai, Hawaii, at the time of his death. He graduated from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, Calif., with a degree in park administration. His career began as an assistant superintendent at famed Riviera Country Club in Pacifc Palisades, Calif. Later he was superintendent at Sahalee Country Club in Redmond, Wash., until moving into the feld of golf development and construction in 1981. The majority of his time was spent managing the construction of new courses or the remodeling of older courses — more than 25 courses in a 40-year span. He was involved in numerous Hawaiian courses, including Kukui’Ula, Kauai, (which was voted best resort course in 2012); Ko’Olina Resort, Honolulu; and The Lodge at Koele and Manele Bay in Lanai. He also worked on projects at Bear Creek Golf Club, Murrieta, Ga.; Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Rock, Colo.; and Coyote Creek, San Jose, Calif. Mr. Wycoff served as a western regional agronomist on courses such as Desert Highlands, Park Meadows and Country Club of the Rockies. He is survived by his wife, Teresa (Teri) Tatham Wycoff; sons, Jonathan H. Wycoff and Jason T. Wycoff; daughter, Alissa T. Wycoff; and grandchildren, Elle Wycoff and Eamon Wycoff.

UTAH Chris O’Nan, EM, Park City VIRGINIA Lionel O. Benjamin, EM, Vienna Aaron T. Koontz, Associate, Blacksburg John B. Moore, EM, Norfolk WASHINGTON Joe Bass, EM, Dupont Eric B. Wiggins, Class C, University Place

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

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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• Perform a multi-state search • Include your company proﬁle and logo

ADVERTISING INDEX & MARKETPLACE PLATINUM PARTNERS

ADVERTISERS

John Deere Co. ................................................4-5 (800) 257-7797 .............www.johndeere.com/Golf

Aquatrols Corporation ....................................... 39 (800) 257-7797 ..................... www.aquatrols.com

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

BoardTronics...................................................... 6-7 (800) 782-9938 ............................boardtronics.com Broyhill Inc. ..................................................... 118 (402) 987-3412 ........................ www.broyhill.com

GOLD PARTNERS Jacobsen ...................................................31, 109 (800) 232-5907 ......................www.jacobsen.com Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC........... French Door Cover, Cover 4 (909) 308-1633 .....www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com Bayer Environmental Sciences ..............23, 51, 73 (800) 331-2867 ............ www.backedbybayer.com

SILVER PARTNERS

Champion Turf Farms ......................................... 8-9 (888) 290-7377 ..........www.championturffarms.com Cub Cadet Golf ................................................... 13 (317) 818-8185 .......... www.cubcadetgolf.com/sales East Coast Sod & Seed ...................................... 118 (856) 769-9555 ...................www.eastcoastsod.com GCSAA Services...................41*, 49, 75, 77, 81, 83, 95, 97, 114, 115, 117 (800) 447-1840 ...............................www.gcsaa.org GCSAA TV .......................................................... 99 ..........................................................www.gcsaa.tv Golf-Lift Div. Derek Weaver Co., Inc. ................... 118 (800) 788-9789 ............................www.golf-lift.com Grigg Bros. ........................................................ 47 (888) 623-7285 .....................www.griggbros.com

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

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

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

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

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

King Ranch ......................................................... 69 (800) 445-2602 ....................... www.miniverde.com

BASF ................................................................ 61 (888) 566-5506 .................www.betterturf.basf.us

Kirby Markers ................................................... 102 (949) 737-1783 ...................www.kirbymarkers.com

CIVITAS Fungicide (a.k.a.Petro Canada)............ 59 ............................................. www.civitasturf.com

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

Floratine Products Group .................................. 85 (901) 853-2898 ....................... www.foratine.com

Milorganite ..................................................... 107 (800) 287-9645 .................. www.milorganite.com

Foley United ...................................................... 79 (800) 225-9810 .................. www.foleyunited.com

MultiGuard ....................................................... 113 (908) 272-7070 ............www.multiguardprotect.com

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

Peat, Inc. .......................................................... 119 (800) 441-1880 ........................... www.peatinc.com

Nufarm Americas Inc. ..................................37, 71 (800) 345-3330 .................. www.nufarm.com/US

Penn State University ....................................... 67 (800) 233-4973 .........www.worldcampus.psu.edu

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

Pennington Seed ............................................ 103 (866) 428-4727 ...........www.penningtonseed.com

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

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

Precision Laboratories, Inc. .............................. 35 800-323-6280...................www.precisionlab.com

Salsco, Inc. ......................................................... 53 (203) 271-1682 .............................www.salsco.com

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

Seago International, Inc. .................................... 119 (800) 780-9889 ........................www.seagousa.com

R & R Products Inc. ......................................... 111 (800) 528-3446 ....................www.rrproducts.com

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

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

Steiner ............................................................. 106 (866) 469-1242 ....... http://www.steinerturf.com/golf

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

TRIMS Software International Inc. .................. 119 (800) 608-7467 ............................www.trims.com Trojan Battery Company ...................................... 29 (800) 423-6569 ....www.trojanbattery.com/competition

BENTGRASS SOD

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Turf Screen ......................................................... 63 (267) 246-8654 ....................... www.turfmaxllc.com Underhill International Corp. ...................... 65, 65* (800) 328-3986 ......................... www.underhill.us * Denotes regional advertisement Bold denotes affliate member

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 05.15

EAST COAST SOD & SEED 596 Pointers Auburn Road • Pilesgrove, NJ 08098 www.eastcoastsod.com

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05.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

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Photographer: Brad Chutz • Title: GCSAA Class A golf course superintendent • Course: Pine Grove Golf Course, Grove City, Pa. • GCSAA membership: 16 years • The shot: Chutz captured this shot one morning last July, as a member of his crew rolled past the 16th hole with the sun rising in the background. Pine Grove GC is located in western Pennsylvania, about 60 miles north of Pittsburgh and 100 miles east of Cleveland. • Camera: iPhone 5