Golf Course Management - October 2015 by Golf Course Management

INSIDE: An equipment managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friend

GCM GC PAGE 54

uurse Superintendents Association of America

Advances in advocacy 36 Labor-tracking tools 62 Do fungicides feel the heat? 78

Blazing a trail

M t Mentoring matters tt tto GCSAA member Duane Schell PAGE 44 Golf Course Management Magazine www.gcsaa.org â&#x20AC;˘ October 2015

FOR ROUGHS, ONE MOWER WON’T FIT ALL. BUT ONE COMPANY WILL.

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TURFONOMICS

Think people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t notice the accessories? On a golf course every detail is important. So make sure your accessories work as hard as you do to enhance the image of your golf course.

Wherever golf is played.

The right accessories improve course conditions and make golfers want to come back for more. More than ever, you have to wow golfers with your golf course. That’s because the No. 1 reason golfers give for not returning to a golf course is “poor course conditions.” But there’s more to course conditions than greens, tees, fairways and bunkers. Consider accessories – something golfers see, touch and feel on every hole. Having well maintained, proper golf course accessories is a crucial part of course conditions. They make an important and lasting impression on golfers and reinforce the course’s (and your) reputation. Quality accessories from Par Aide can improve course aesthetics and playability while saving you time and money. Find out how we can make your accessories budget work harder than ever.

P A R A I D E . C O M

8 8 8 - 8 9 3 - 2 4 3 2

Proper turns have been out of your control. Until now.

The new A Model Mowers from John Deere. Now your presence can be felt on every pass. Thanks to the TechControl display on our new A Model mowers, the Turn Speed screen lets you slow down a mower to a percentage of the mowing speed as the cutting units are lifted after a pass, greatly reducing scuffng. You can also plug in mow and transport speeds, service reminders and receive diagnostic feedback quickly and accurately. And all of your operators can now mow in a more consistent fashion. The power to control your course is now in your hands. To sign up for a demo, visit John Deere.com/Demo.

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The “Ultimate Utility Vehicle” used by equipment manager Kenneth Meals at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfeld, N.J. Photo by Scott Hollister

CONTENTS10.15

A pathfinder in Pennsylvania

After benefiting from mentors of his own, Duane Schell is returning the favor by playing a key role in the development of other turfgrass professionals. Sally J. Sportsman

Building the perfect beast More and more equipment managers are turning to custom-built utility vehicles to ensure they have the right tool for the right job at any time on the golf course. Stephen Tucker

Smarter, smoother labor tracking A superintendent-designed program has made managing daily job duties at The Valley Club easier and more efficient, and it allows labor data to be stored and usefully displayed. Gerald Flaherty, CGCS

On the cover: Duane Schell, the GCSAA Class A superintendent at Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club in Mountain Top, Pa., has passed on what he learned from his mentors to a new generation of superintendents. This month’s cover photo was taken by Fred Adams.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

INSIGHTS

Turf

Calcium, a boon to sodic soils Andrew Hoiberg, Ph.D.

Shop

Advocacy

Two-source soldering Scott R. Nesbitt

A full-time presence in Washington, D.C. Robert Helland

36 Environment 38 Grease-powered greenkeeping Megan Hirt

RESEARCH

Influence of temperature on fungicide persistence When fungicides fail, could it be the temperatureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fault? Paul L. Koch, Ph.D. James P. Kerns, Ph.D.

Managing silvery-thread moss in golf course greens Best management practices for silvery-thread moss often conflict with cultural practices used on greens. Zane Raudenbush, Ph.D. Steven J. Keeley, Ph.D. Lloyd R. Stark, Ph.D.

Technology

A high-tech take on building security Bob Vaughey, CGCS

87 Cutting Edge Ed Teresa Carson

ETCETERA10.15 16 Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message 18 Inside GCM 20 Front Nine 30 Photo Quiz

70 Through the Green 86 Verdure 88 Product News 92 Industry News

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

98 Climbing the Ladder 98 On Course 99 Coming Up 100 In the Field

101 On the Move 104 New Members 104 In Memoriam 112 Final Shot

Intrinsic Pinehurst No. 2 has to deliver championship conditions 365 days a year. Lexicon Intrinsic brand fungicide took the heat. ®

John Jeffreys Superintendent, Pinehurst No. 2 Pinehurst, NC

Visitors to Pinehurst No. 2 come with high expectations for an unforgettable experience. To ensure his greens are the best they can be, John Jeffreys uses Lexicon Intrinsic brand fungicide as the foundation of his fungicide program. Lexicon Intrinsic brand fungicide provides broad-spectrum disease control and strengthens turf from the inside out. Turf not only looks healthier, it is healthier. All nine Pinehurst courses, bentgrass and bermudagrass, are now protected by Lexicon Intrinsic brand fungicide. “It’s the foundation for cool or warm season turf,” John says. To hear John’s complete story, visit www.betterturf.basf.us

150 years

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

Aerating yields multiple agronomic benefts to all the playable surfaces of the golf course, including improving water infltration, relieving compaction and increasing oxygen to the root zone. The downside of this critical cultural practice is the disruption of play and the necessary time needed to return the golf course surfaces back to optimal playing condition. The best way to encourage rapid turf recovery is by using Country Club MD and Roots endoRoots before and after aeration.

President Vice President Secretary/Treasurer Immediate Past President Directors

Chief Executive Offcer Chief Operating Offcer

JOHN JOH J. O’KEEFE, CGCS PETER PET J. GRASS, CGCS BILL H. MAYNARD, CGCS KEITH KEIT A. IHMS, CGCS RAFAEL BARAJAS, CGCS RAF KEVIN KEV P. BREEN, CGCS DARREN DAR J. DAVIS, CGCS JOHN JOH R. FULLING JR., CGCS MARK MAR F. JORDAN, CGCS J. RHETT R EVANS J.D. DOCKSTADER

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

SCOTT SCO HOLLISTER sho shollister@gcsaa.org MEG MEGAN HIRT mhirt@gcsaa.org mhi TERESA TER CARSON tcar tcarson@gcsaa.org HOWARD HOW RICHMAN hric hrichman@gcsaa.org ROGER ROG BILLINGS rbillings@gcsaa.org rbill KELLY KEL NEIS kneis@gcsaa.org kne BRETT BRE LEONARD bleo bleonard@gcsaa.org

GCSAA This Week/Turf Weekly

One week before aerifcation, apply: Country Club MD 16-0-8 Ammoniacal 1% Fe 1% Mg .5% Mn @ .5# N / M After aerifcation has been completed and while the holes are still open, apply: Roots endoRoots 3-3-4 Granular Mycorrhizal @ 8 lbs / M If cores are being removed, apply Roots endoRoots AFTER they have been removed and drag into open holes. If cores are not being removed, apply Roots endoRoots BEFORE breaking up the cores, as it can be dragged into the holes at the same time as the cores are broken up.

Editor

ADVERTISING 800-472-7878 Director, Corporate Sales Sr. Manager, Business Development Sr. Manager, International Development Account Development Manager Account Managers

ANGELA ANG HARTMANN aha ahartmann@gcsaa.org

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

Topdress and irrigate as you normally would after aerifcation.

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.

Best of All Worlds® www.LebanonTurf.com 1-800-233-0628

We understand how demanding and ever-changing each day is at the golf course. That’s why we developed golf course agronomic programs featuring both Country Club MD and Emerald Isle Solutions products to assist superintendents in maximizing their turf’s performance; whether with a complete seasonal fertility program or with specifc situations like a tournament prep, quick divot repair or aerifcation. Visit www.countryclubmd.com and click on the “Downloads” tab to view all the agronomic programs, or contact your LebanonTurf distributor.

Core Fertility - Cool Season Putting Greens Core Fertility - Warm Season Putting Greens Tournament Prep / Quick Divot Repair / Growth Regulator Tank Mix Aerifcation / Overseeding Program

Best of All Worlds® www.LebanonTurf.com • www.countryclubmd.com Facebook: /LebanonTurf - Twitter: @LebTurf 1-800-233-0628

(president’s message)

Big events, big payoffs John J. O’Keefe, CGCS turfjok@aol.com

That camaraderie and networking are things I always credit with helping make my career as rich and rewarding as it has been, and they’re one of the reasons I can’t recommend a trip to San Diego more highly.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

Whether you’re at a private country club, a resort facility or a multi-course public tract, most golf course superintendents know what it’s like to have that one big event circled on the calendar. At my club, the biggest golf event of the season is our three-day invitational memberguest tournament. Like most of you, we host numerous special events and tournaments throughout the year, but our invitational member-guest is the one that tops the list — the one where we want the golf course looking and playing its best. Preparing for that event brings with it plenty of long hours and anxious moments, but when it’s all said and done, the payoff is an immense level of satisfaction for all of us who were involved in the effort. Those tournaments and big club events that many of you deal with on an annual basis are not unlike two upcoming major events on GCSAA’s calendar. Pulling off events such as this month’s Chapter Delegates Meeting and next February’s Golf Industry Show requires many of the same sacrifces and extraordinary efforts that you and your maintenance team put into your facility’s showcase events. Both of these events have always been particularly noteworthy to me, because they represent the two largest gatherings of GCSAA members each year. For an association like ours — with nearly 20,000 members and a reach that spreads not only across the country, but all over the world — opportunities for quality face-to-face interactions such as these are ones that I don’t take lightly, and I can tell you the GCSAA staff and my fellow board members feel the same way. For the uninitiated, the Chapter Delegates Meeting brings representatives from all 98 of GCSAA’s affliated chapters to GCSAA headquarters for what might best be described as two days of conversations about the state of our association and our profession. And I use the word “conversations” intentionally, because that’s what I see as the most noteworthy aspect of these meetings — the trading of information between the national association and representatives of its members on the front lines of golf course management.

Sure, there are plenty of presentations for delegates to absorb — presentations that highlight the next slate of candidates for the board of directors or update attendees on the latest GCSAA projects and initiatives. But there is also plenty of listening taking place, too, where myself, my fellow board members and select GCSAA staff get to hear about what is most important to superintendents at the local level, and how best the national association can serve those needs. Frankly, it’s one of the most valuable aspects of the Chapter Delegates Meeting, and one I truly look forward to each year. That also tends to be a highlight of my time at the Golf Industry Show, which is set for Feb. 6 through 11, 2016, in San Diego. Of course I take advantage of the world-class education available at GIS to help achieve my professional development goals, and I always make a point to spend quality time on the trade show foor, examining the latest and greatest products and services from around our industry. But much like the Chapter Delegates Meeting, the opportunity to see and interact with fellow superintendents whom I might only see one time a year is really the standout part of my trip to GIS. That camaraderie and networking are things I always credit with helping make my career as rich and rewarding as it has been, and they’re one of the reasons I can’t recommend a trip to San Diego more highly. For GCSAA members, registration for GIS begins Nov. 3. It is often said that you get out of something what you’re willing to put into it. Like many of you, that’s certainly the case for me with the big events that take place at my club. And I know that’s the case with both the Chapter Delegates Meeting and the annual Golf Industry Show. If presented with the opportunity to take part in either, I hope you’ll jump at the chance, and that you’ll discover many of the same payoffs that I have enjoyed over the years.

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.

THE POWER TO MAKE THINGS GROW

Mother Nature. Nitrogen loss.

HANDLE BOTH. UMAXX® stabilized nitrogen contains dual-inhibitor technology that protects against nitrogen loss due to volatilization, denitrification and leaching, making your nitrogen fertilizer more efficient. With this enhanced efficiency fertilizer, nutrition is available almost immediately after application, and turf is fed for up to 12 weeks. Since it’s completely soluble, you can spread, spray or tank-mix it with other turf protection products. UMAXX® fertilizer, with its unique mode of action can’t control Mother Nature, but will stand up to what she dishes out. Consult with your distributor for more applied advantages, or visit KochTurf.com.

UMAXX® and the UMAXX logo are trademarks of Koch Agronomic Services, LLC. KOCH and the KOCH logo are trademarks of Koch Industries, Inc. © 2015, Koch Agronomic Services, LLC. T&O-15-11568. T&O-14-11568

(inside gcm)

A classic leads the way

Scott Hollister shollister@gcsaa.org Twitter: @GCM_Magazine

Monroe Miller (left) and Michael Lee, CGCS

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

Over my 17 years (gasp!) in this business, I have visited plenty of maintenance facilities, from the modest to the opulent. I’ve seen converted barns, corrugated metal structures worn down by time and weather, and shops so modern and immaculate that they could easily be confused with shopping malls. So, there is little that surprises me when I walk into a new one, few features or pieces of equipment stored in those buildings that cause me to do a pronounced double take. That was not the case, however, when I frst strolled into the maintenance facility at Whistling Straits during the week of the 2015 PGA Championship. And it wasn’t the feet of modern, technologically advanced maintenance equipment that stopped me in my tracks. Instead, it was something much more, uh, vintage, that immediately caught my attention: a bright red 1958 Toro tractor that was tucked away near the entrance to the facility. “There has to be a story behind that thing,” I told myself as I studied the tractor. And it turned out I was right — there was a story behind the tractor, one that ultimately wove together one of the most respected names in Wisconsin golf, one of his prized protégés and golf’s fnal major of the year into one of my favorite experiences of the week. In the early days of golf course management, most courses utilized tractors that had been designed for use in agriculture, simply because golf-specifc machines weren’t widely available yet. Toro began addressing that need as early as 1919 with the Standard Golf Machine, and then again in 1927 with the launch of the Junior Series golf tractor, which was the predecessor of the tractor at Whistling Straits. Blackhawk Country Club in Madison, Wis., purchased this particular machine, and when Monroe Miller began his long and storied career at the club in 1973, the tractor had been in use for 15 years and was among the club’s most versatile tools. “We used it for everything,” says Miller, a 2009 recipient of GCSAA’s Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award. “We’d mow roughs with it, we used it on all kinds of small renovation projects around the course, we used it as a kind of utility vehicle to haul things. We used it almost every day.” In no time, the tractor had earned a particularly prominent soft spot in Miller’s heart. In 1980, he restored the machine — “We overhauled the engine, cleaned it up, painted it,

put new decals on it,” he says — and it was used, albeit far less frequently than before, up until his retirement at the end of 2008. One of the many youngsters who came under Miller’s wings during his tenure at Blackhawk was Michael Lee, CGCS, who started working at the club when he was just 15 years old (“I think he started when he was 14,” Miller says, “but I’ll let him keep thinking it was 15.”). Over the course of time, Lee learned to love the old tractor as much as Miller did, and missed it often after he left and progressed in his own career, a career that ultimately led him to the Kohler Co. as the manager, golf course maintenance for both Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits. A few years after Miller’s retirement, Lee was speaking with the superintendent at Blackhawk at that time. Space was becoming an issue around Blackhawk’s maintenance facility, so the club was looking to fnd greener pastures for the tractor. Lee had just such pastures at Whistling Straits, and he jumped at the chance to bring the old Toro back into his life. The tractor had been largely a museum piece since coming over to Whistling Straits, but it still ran, which is why Lee cooked up the idea of using the old machine to lead the parade of maintenance workers out to the course one afternoon during the PGA Championship, with his mentor piloting the tractor that he had used for so many years. So that’s how it came to pass that on Thursday afternoon of tournament week, Miller once again climbed into that old, familiar seat, and fred up that 1958 Toro tractor one more time (on the frst try, I might add). He steered it toward Lakeshore Road, which runs just outside of the maintenance area at Whistling Straits, and proceeded to lead a caravan of almost 30 vehicles to the south end of the property for their afternoon duties. “Monroe has meant so much to me and my career, and he’s meant so much to our industry, especially here in Wisconsin,” Lee says. “It’s really exciting that we were able to do this and that he was able to take part in this week with us.” Editor’s note: A version of t is column was originally posted on GCM’s blog, From t e Desk of GCM, on Friday, Aug. 14: ttp://gcm.typepad. com/gcm/2015/08/a-classic-leads-t e-wa tml. Scott Hollister is GCM’s editor-in-chief.

The frst GSA group photo, along with the certifcate David Delsandro received in 2006.

Green Start turns 10 David Delsandro makes no claim that he is a prophet. He could. In the essay that was part of his application process for the Green Start Academy (GSA) in 2006, Delsandro totaled 482 words. It is 15 of those words, though, that jump off the page. They serve as proof that he made good on his vision all those years ago. “A decade from now, I see myself continuing to work at a very high level,” Delsandro declared. Given that a decade means 10 years, Delsandro must have had 2016 in mind, right? Well, talk about hitting the target. Next June, Delsandro will fnd himself right in the thick of it in his role as director of U.S. Open Operations & Projects when the U.S. Open is held at Oakmont Country Club in Pittsburgh. As Delsandro prepares for that major moment, GSA is on the verge of experiencing something pretty special too. The upcoming GSA — Oct. 9 in North Carolina at the John Deere Turf Care facility and the Bayer Technical Training Center — celebrates a milestone 10th annual. Delsandro is among more than 400 people who have participated in GSA, a three-day event that serves as a leadership and development program for assistant superintendents as they attempt to build a strong foundation in their careers. It is a collaboration between John Deere Golf and Bayer. Reasons behind the launch of GSA are anything but complicated.

The 2012 GSA group picture on a sunny day in North Carolina. Photo courtesy of Bayer and John Deere Golf

By the NUMBERS The multicolored majesty that is trees’ autumn foliage is a ftting fnal hurrah from Mother Nature before settling in for winter. In celebration of the plants that give us such a fne fall spectacle, enjoy these tree-mendous facts and feats.

1 in 10,000 0 Acorns that will manage to develop into oak trees.

284 Species of insects that can survive on a single oak tree.

98% Weight of a tree that’s made up of six elements: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur.

1 million Number of seeds a mature birch tree can produce in one year.

40 years Approximate age at which a sugar maple tree is ready for sap extraction.

250,000 Es Estimated number of leaves a mature oak tree grows every year.

50% Amount of sun’s energy trees capture of the only 0.1% total captured by organisms.

“We thought we needed to invest in the future. What better way than to start with assistants? They are the future in the industry,” says Trey Warnock. A GSA pioneer, Warnock worked for Bayer in those days and is now director of sales and strategic account development at Howard Fertilizer and Chemical Co. According to GCSAA’s member database, 129 assistants who have been selected for GSA are either Class A (39) or superintendent members (90) today. Tyler Andersen is one of them. A member of the 2010 GSA class, he is now the superintendent at the University of Texas Golf Club in Austin. Although it has been fve years since he attended GSA, Andersen vividly recollects the experience. It included intently listening to Bob Farren, CGCS, director of golf course management at Pinehurst Resort, Andersen says, regarding member relations. “I asked him, when dealing with a high-profle club or demanding membership, when you were going through all of this, how did you communicate with the membership, resort guests, and keep everybody abreast? He said from the minute it got going, it’s all about communication. He said to feed them information quickly so that it doesn’t get behind you.” Andersen says. An emphasis on networking has been a constant thread throughout all GSAs. “Honestly, it’s one of the most important things about our job. You rely on peers, friends in the industry, on a daily basis,” says Derrick Wozniak, superintendent at Radley Run Country Club in West Chester, Pa., and a 2006 GSA participant. “I call them. I get calls. We are all kind of going through it together. Those that don’t network do themselves a disservice if you don’t know what’s going on down the street.” Obviously, not all assistants who have been picked for GSA have advanced in the profession. Twelve-year association member Brian Fleske participated in the 2007 GSA and has worked at Country Club of the South in Alpharetta, Ga. “In regard to whether or not I am still looking forward to becoming a superintendent one day, I don’t know,” says Fleske, adding that he is not sure whether this is the future he wants. Currently, Fleske is overseas in the Navy Reserve. Carole Townsend hoped to become a superintendent.

“I wasn’t looking to be on the cover of the magazine. I just wanted to be on the course and do what I love,” says Townsend, who attended GSA in 2012. After fve years as an assistant and unable to land a superintendent job, Townsend chose to move on. “It’s such a competitive feld. I ran into a lot of people applying for the same job,” she says. “It’s a frustrating ride trying to move up.” In April, Townsend accepted a position as branch manager for John Deere Landscapes. Delsandro, meanwhile, has a piece of advice for the 2015 GSA class. “You will be with 49 other people who are in the same boat as you. Take notes, develop relationships, and learn. Do whatever it takes to make yourself better.” — Howard Richman, GCM associate editor

Richard M. Olson

Olson named president at The Toro Co. Richard M. Olson is the new president and chief operating offcer of The Toro Co. His new titles became effective Sept. 1. Olson, 51, has served the company in various roles throughout his 29-year tenure, most recently as group vice president of its International and Micro-Irrigation businesses, while also having responsibility for global distributor development and its wholly owned domestic distributorships. Olson will continue to report to Michael J. Hoffman, chairman of the board and chief executive offcer, and is overseeing all of the company’s businesses and

Golf is inextricably tied to the weather, and one of the most discussed weather topics of late is the 2015-2016 El Niño. An El Niño is caused by warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacifc Ocean and usually occurs every three to seven years. According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, El Niño has an 80 percent chance of lasting into early spring 2016. Here, a look at what El Nino could mean for your location from late fall alllll (November) ( (N through winter (March).

JET WARM

4 411

The

El Niño and You

El Niño TYPICAL PATTERN STR

EAM JET STREAM

DRY WET

global operations. “The rich company knowledge and broad experience that Rick has gained through his leadership of both our businesses and manufacturing operations provide him with the unique strategic perspective that will be instrumental in helping us drive toward the achievement of our Destination PRIME goals and beyond,” Hoffman says. Olson joined The Toro Co. in 1986 and spent his frst 14 years in increasing leadership roles in operations, including as a commercial engineering program manager, director of plant operations at the company’s facility in Shakopee, Minn., and managing director of Northern Manufacturing Operations.

COOL S U BT R O P

S U B T R OPICAL JET

IC A L J

TYPICAL LATE-FALL/WINTER TEMPS MODERATE TO STRONG EL NIÑO

WARMER THAN AVERAGE James B. Beard

Beards honored with Oberly Award

COOLER THAN AVERAGE

FEBRUARY SNOWFALL Alpine Meadows Ski Resort (North Lake Tahoe)

1998 (El Niño)

186"

A Average

1997-1998 The strongest El Niño on record since 1950

78.7"

Map source: The Weather Channel Snowfall source: Weather Underfround

James B. Beard, Harriet J. Beard and James C. Beard were selected as the 2015 recipients of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Science and Technology Section (STS) Oberly Award for bibliography in the agricultural or natural sciences for “Turfgrass History and Literature: Lawns, Sports, and Golf.” “Turfgrass History and Literature” contains an extensive history of turfgrass research and the development of turfgrass as an important agricultural product. In addition, the book features an extensive annotated bibliography of the literature of turfgrass, including many international publications. James B. Beard is the president and chief scientist of the International Sports Turf Institute and a professor emeritus of turfgrass science at Texas A&M University. His wife, Harriet, and son, James, helped co-author the book. “The book is an extremely rich resource in that it is not only a bibliography of resources related to turfgrass, but also a valuable history of the feld as well,” says award chair Nancy J. Butkovich of Penn State University.

The Oberly Award was established in 1923 in memory of Eunice Rockwood Oberly, librarian of the Bureau of Plant Industry, U.S. Department of Agriculture, from 1908 to 1921.

Barajas named to board Rafael Barajas, CGCS, of Hacienda Golf Club in La Habra Heights, Calif., was appointed to the board of trustees for the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG). A 30-year member of GCSAA, Barajas is currently serving his ffth year as a director for GCSAA. He has also served on a number of association committees and task groups, and has been a representative for the GCSA of Southern California at the Chapter Delegates meetings. The board of trustees is composed of four GCSAA directors and one representative each from the USGA, PGA Tour and PGA of America. The trustees are responsible for advancement, policies and general review of the mission and goals of the organization. Besides Barajas, the current board includes John O’Keefe, CGCS, GCSAA and EIFG president; Peter J. Grass, CGCS, GCSAA vice president; William H. Maynard, CGCS, GCSAA secretary/treasurer; Darrell Crall, PGA of America; Rand Jerris, USGA; and Cal Roth, PGA Tour.

Scott Watson

Watson wins top scholar award Scott Watson earned the top prize in the 2015 Scholars Competition offered through the GCSAA. A 43-year-old student at Rutgers University, Watson is pursuing a degree in turfgrass management. He is receiving $6,000 among 16 awards. The $30,000 program is primarily funded by the Robert Trent Jones Endowment and administered by the Environmental Institute for Golf, GCSAA’s philanthropic organization. It was developed to recognize outstanding students planning careers in golf course management. The top award is named for the late Chet Mendenhall, who was a charter member of GCSAA, a past president (1948) and recipient of the association’s Distinguished Service Award (1986).

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

Oak Hill Country Club in Pittsford, N.Y., will be host of the PGA Championship in 2023. Photo by Montana Pritchard/PGA of America “My wife and I both broke down in tears when we learned of winning the scholarship,” says Watson, assistant superintendent at Linville (N.C.) Golf Club. “I never expected it. This will take some of the pressure off of wondering how we are going to make ends meet. I had kids when I was young and had to start working. I never had the chance to think about college until now.” Watson says his son, Chase, was an inspiration to him. Chase earned a turfgrass science degree from North Carolina State University and is employed as assistant superintendent at Diamond Creek Club in Banner Elk, N.C. The second-place award went to Carlota Sanchez de Ocana Huidobro of Spain, who is attending Michigan State University and received $5,000. Fourteen others received awards ranging from $2,500 to $500. They are Kevin Heimann, Penn State; Robert Sicinski, Penn State; Cory Bostdorf, Penn State; Landon White, Rutgers; Hutson Carter II, Florida Gateway College; Michael Kennings, Michigan State; Nicholas Connolly, Penn State; Ian Patrican, Maryland; Evan Stoddard, Michigan State; Scott Hebert, Maryland; Jordan Carbone, Georgian College; Ryan Bearss, Michigan State; Ryan Wilkinson, Penn State; and Michael Bornstein, Penn State. Watson and Sanchez de Ocana Huidboro will also receive all-expenses-paid trips to the 2016 Golf Industry Show in San Diego.

Clean Water Rule blocked by judge On Sept. 5, a federal judge ruled that his earlier order blocking a new federal Clean Water Rule from taking effect applies only to North Dakota and the dozen other states that were part of the lawsuit against the rule. Judge Ralph Erickson cited “compelling sovereign interests and competing judicial rulings” in the September ruling. Erickson’s latest order, in U.S. District Court in Fargo, N.D., limited the scope of the initial preliminary injunction that he granted Aug. 27 that prevented the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers from implementing the Clean Water Rule in 13 states. Originally, Erickson found that the 13 states fling the suit to block the Clean Water Rule rule had met the conditions necessary for a preliminary injunction, including that they would likely be harmed if the courts didn’t act, and that they would likely succeed when their underlying lawsuit against the rule was decided. In addition to North Dakota, the affected states are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota and Wyoming. GCSAA and its partners on the Waters Advocacy Coalition are seeking to clarify the breadth of the ruling and will communicate that information as it becomes available. The coalition continues to have concerns that the rule will add additional permitting and regulatory requirements and hurdles that could adversely impact golf course design and management. Other industries represented in the coalition include agriculture, homebuilders, energy and transportation.

PGA of America announces championship sites The PGA Championship is returning to Oak Hill Country Club. On Sept. 9, the PGA of America announced that the 105th PGA Championship will return for a record-tying fourth time to Oak Hill CC’s East Course in Pittsford, N.Y., in 2023. GCSAA Class A superintendent Jeff Corcoran, 19-year association member, oversees the property. Southern Hills CC in Tulsa, Okla., is the other course that has been the host to four PGA Championships. Oak Hill, which most recently held the PGA Championship in 2013, was also the site for the 1995 Ryder Cup. The PGA of America also revealed that two Illinois golf courses will hold the KPMG Women’s PGA Championships in the coming years. Olympia Fields (Ill.) will be the site for the June 2017 event. Sam MacKenzie, CGCS, is a 33-year

association member. Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer will host the event in June 2018. Michael Paciga, a nineyear member of the association, oversees the course.

Tweets

RETWEETS Mel Waldron III @3sticksCGCS 1.2" of rain in less than an hour at Horton Smith. No carts, canoes ok.

Eric Morrison @EMorrisonCGCS Peg the goose chaser at Shennecossett G.C. Groton CT @yourtake @NBCConnecticut #NationalDogDay

Andrew Ninnemann @ANinnemann Never a dull moment talking about sprayer tech with @MikeFidanza and @ TurfPGRGuy thanks to @ValleyCrest and @GCSAA. Good stuff! Nick Janovich @njanovich Have you watched the @GCSAA seminar on the new #WOTUS defnitions? You need to. I'm on my third viewing. Bear Trace @ HB @BearTraceHB Using an old @ToroGolf 780 head cover to protect our cups and liners from spray damage. #ReduceReuseRecycle

EPA eyes new pesticideapplication standards The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched a proposal for new standards for applicators of “restricted-use” pesticides that it says will lead to safer and more informed use of those products. The agency says the new guidelines will reduce the likelihood of harm from the misapplication of these pesticides and ensure a consistent level of protection among states. “By improving training and certifcation, those who apply these restricted-use pesticides will have better knowledge and ability to use those pesticides safely,” says Jim Jones, the EPA’s assistant administrator for the Offce of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. The proposal includes stricter standards for people certifed to use restricted-use pesticides, and would require everyone who applies restricted-use pesticides to be at least 18 years old. Certifcation would have to be renewed every three years. The EPA is also proposing additional specialized licensing for certain methods of application, such as fumigation and aerial applications, that the agency says can pose greater risks if not conducted properly. Under the standards in the new proposal, for further protection, those working under the supervision of certifed applicators would now need training on using pesticides. Because state agencies issue licenses to pesticide applicators, the EPA says these new standards would reduce the burden on applicators and pest control compa-

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

USGA event headed to Colorado The U.S. Senior Open is coming to The Broadmoor Golf Club East Course in Colorado Springs, Colo., in 2018. Fred Dickman, CGCS, is director of agronomy and a 29-year member of GCSAA. GCSAA Class A superintendent and 12-year member Michael Santori oversees the East Course. It will be the eighth USGA championship contested at The Broadmoor, and the sixth on the East Course.

Raising awareness A study from the National Golf Foundation (NGF) found that only 10 percent of non-golfers who have not played a round in the past 12 months are aware of programs that can ease their entrance into the game. On the fip side, NGF reported that more than 30 million non-golfers are eager to become part of the game. “With so many interested non-golfers who aren’t paying customers, it’s reasonable to conclude that golf isn’t facing an interest problem, but rather issues related to activation and retention,” the study says.

In the

NEWS Good morning? A retired woman in Wales awakened to discover that her front lawn had been stolen, the Daily Mail reports. www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3207680/ Thieves-roll-pensioner-s-lawn-sleeping-walk-it.html

Celebrating 100 years in Minnesota Mike Posey @Hoover_Agronomy Thanks to @SenShelby for meeting with me today to discuss @alabamagcsaa, @GCSAA, #WOTUS, and the golf industry.

nies that work across state lines by encouraging the interstate recognition of licenses and promoting consistency across state programs. The proposal would also update the requirement for states, tribes and federal agencies that administer their own certifcation programs to incorporate the new standards. The EPA is accepting comments on the proposal until Nov. 23. To comment, see docket number EPA-HQOPP-2011-0183 at www.regulations.gov.

Alexandria (Minn.) Golf Club is 100 years old, and the Echo Press documents its rich history, which includes British Open champion Tom Lehman setting the course record in 1980. www.echopress.com/sports/3836085-alexandria-golf-course-100-years-community-history

Multimillion-dollar upgrades at Michigan course Taxpayers are footing the $2.7 million bill for upgrades at Indian Trails Golf Course in Grand Rapids, Mich., WOOD TV reports. The golf course has shown profts the previous two years, but the upgrades are important in the effort to continue that increase in business, offcials say. http://woodtv. com/2015/09/08/gr-oks-2-7m-for-golf-course-improvements

By John Mascaro President of Turf-Tec International

(photo quiz)

Turfgrass area: Putting green

Location: Jacksonville, Fla.

Grass variety: 3-month-old TifEagle bermudagrass

(a) PROBLEM

Dead turf on green

Turfgrass area: Putting green

Location: Alberta, Canada

Grass variety: Penncross bentgrass/Poa annua

(b) PROBLEM Presented in partnership with Jacobsen

Long marks void of turf Answers on Page 96

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

Class-Leading Payload Capacity, Power & Comfort The all-new Jacobsen Truckster XD heavy-duty utility vehicle features the largest and toughest bed in the industry. With a massive 3,550-lb. payload capacity and thick 12-gauge steel, the Truckster XD hauls more sod, more rocks, more sand, more of anything you need to move. That means less trips, less time and less work. Only the all-new Jacobsen Truckster XD can make easy work of your toughest jobs. Visit www.jacobsen.com or your local Jacobsen dealer to schedule a demo.

Andrew Hoiberg, Ph.D. andrew.hoiberg@calciumproducts.com

(turf)

Calcium, a boon to sodic soils Torrey Pines Golf Course is situated on the California coast, where many golf courses have experienced Calcium (Ca) use on turf has seen somewhat of a revival in recent years, and for good reason. It is an essential secondary plant nutrient and important for soil structure, but it can also be easily overlooked. Sand-based greens represent an opportunity for superintendents to closely monitor calcium levels. Good nutrient management always starts with soil testing, which allows superintendents to observe soil properties over time and fne-tune their nutrient management plans. Calcium is an important component of cell walls, mitigating plant stressors such as pests and traffc. In soil, calcium promotes soil structure and quality as a focculating cation. Calcium-based soil amendments are commonly used in coastal California, where sodic soils present a major challenge for superintendents. Use of sodium-rich effuent water in other geographic areas is causing more superintendents to face this challenge. Gypsum (calcium sulfate) is the most commonly used amendment to reclaim sodic soils. In reclamation, calcium is used to dislodge sorbed sodium from exchange sites (cation exchange, or CEC), as calcium replaces sodium on the exchange sites. The desorbed sodium is then leached from the root zone by rain or irrigation. Applications rates should be determined by soil testing and consultation with a soil testing lab. When Paul Cushing began working as deputy director of golf course maintenance op-

Presented in partnership with Barenbrug

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

problems caused by sodic soils. Photo by Paul Cushing

erations for the city of San Diego in December 2010, sodic conditions at Torrey Pines Golf Course had caused gummy, poorly drained soil and weak turf. Five inches of rain fell that month, leaving doubt about how the course would survive the Farmers Insurance Open in February 2011. Luckily, six weeks of dry weather prevailed, and the event was successful. Fast-forward to March 2015: gummy soil gone, water draining quickly, a glowing report card from the USGA, and the honor of hosting the 2021 U.S. Open. What changed? Cushing had aggressively managed the soil to restore one of the most beautiful settings in golf. When Cushing took over, he immediately started soil testing (paying close attention to potassium:sodium and calcium:magnesium ratios), and, upon receiving the results, decided on a pure, soluble pelletized gypsum to ft his application regimen and address the soil chemistry. Cushing started with 1 to 2 tons of gypsum per acre applied three times throughout 2011, and saw the soil chemical and physical conditions improve within the frst six months. He monitored cation ratios in the soil along with sulfate levels. After the sulfate had reached the levels he was seeking, Cushing switched to a soluble calcitic pelletized limestone to provide calcium for sodium displacement. (He continues to monitor the sulfate levels to ensure the right chemical reactions are occurring in his soils.) After leaching excess sodium, Cushing made routine applications of 1 to 2 pounds of potassium per 1,000 square feet to help prevent sodium from reoccupying cation exchange

sites, and to keep a potassium:sodium ratio of 3:1. Rain returned before the 2012 Farmers Insurance Open, and also fell during the second round. Because of the new calcium-based soil amendment regimen, play was hardly affected. Beyond soil quality improvements, Cushing has observed healthier turf and reduced need for nitrogen inputs. Rather than applying more nitrogen to mask problems, Cushing determines the causes of turf problems and addresses them to produce an agronomically sound nutrient management plan. Cushing has also noticed that overseeded ryegrass is now growing in areas where high sodium levels had prevented it from germinating in the past. When sodium overwhelms the cation exchange sites, turfgrass plants take up sodium, leading to osmotic imbalance and necrosis. Cushing’s ryegrass rough was “nice and juicy” — just the way the PGA Tour wants it. When budgets are under extreme scrutiny, it pays to understand basic soil chemistry and ensure yours is correct. Calcium is not a silver bullet for every problem that exists on a golf course, but its role in plant and soil quality is important enough to merit greater awareness and discussion surrounding its use in golf course management.

Andrew Hoiberg is vice president of research and development at Calcium Products in Ames, Iowa.

Scott R. Nesbitt ORPguy@windstream.net

(shop)

Two-source soldering Using a pair of soldering tools — a modern electric gun and an old-fashioned iron — can assure solid wiring connections on turf equipment. The big, four-wheel dump trailer came into the shop with iffy wiring. The electric brakes didn’t always work, and the tail, stop and marker lights didn’t always shine. Safety was a major issue when the trailer was on public roads because of the defective lights, and driving the 4-ton-capacity trailer on the course meant leaving ruts and compaction across fairways and roughs. Crawling under the trailer, we found 26 “quick-splice” wire connectors used by the manufacturer. These connectors hadn’t been taped or sealed, and water carrying corrosive chemicals from fertilizer, pesticides and plain old dirt had gotten into the open ends. The result was corrosion at the splices and the on-again, offagain problems. Solder was the solution, and we selected rosin-core “radio-TV” solder. Rosin comes from pine tree sap. When heated, it fows and cleans the copper wires. When cool, it is non-conductive and non-corrosive. (Never use acid-core solder on electrical wires. Over time, the acid will eat the copper wires.) When you heat spliced wires hot enough to melt solder, the thick, multi-wire splice will need more heat than the individual wires. You want to heat the splice quickly, so the heat doesn’t have time to travel down the small wires and soften or destroy the insulation. The tip of a soldering gun or iron reaches about 900 degrees Fahrenheit. To melt and fow, solder must reach a temperature of 361 to 419 degrees (depending on the ratio of tin, lead or other metals in it). When you heat the solder, the rosin inside the core will melt frst and start to fow, cleaning the wires. Then, as the temperature rises, the metal solder will melt and fow, following the path cleared by the rosin. Unfortunately, repairing the wires on the trailer would require lying underneath the trailer, facing upward, dodging a drib-

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

The dump trailer was manufactured with quicksplice wire connectors, and corrosion in the splices was causing unreliable brakes and lighting.

Using both a soldering gun and soldering iron, along with pre-wrapping a splice with thin, solid wire and solder, produced solid electrical connections. Splices were brushed with rosin before heating, then taped and sealed after cooling. Photos by Scott R. Nesbitt

Though some insulation softened,

ble of dirt while stripping insulation, splicing and soldering, the latter of which creates hot metal droplets that always seem to land on bare skin. In the hope of avoiding this, we adopted a somewhat incorrect strategy, but one that gave us solid connections both electrically and physically. After the wires had been exposed, cleaned with a wire brush and wrapped into a joint, we used “bell” wire to hold the bare wires together. After removing insulation from this 20- to 22gauge solid wire, it was easy to wrap it around the splice, which held the joint together. Then we brushed on a thin layer of non-acid rosin. Finally, the joint was wrapped with three to four loops of rosin-core radio-TV solder, which contains some lead. (Lead-free solder will work, but it doesn’t seem to melt as quickly or fow as well.) We held down the trigger of the soldering gun until the tip heated, then clamped the joint between the gun tip and the hot, old-style soldering iron. When the solder was fully melted, we released the gun’s trigger, keeping its tip against the joint to hold it steady while the solder cooled down and hardened. The soldering iron was removed. This two-source technique got the joint heated more quickly (saving the insulation), and let the solder cool down at a moderate rate. Solder that cools too quickly or that jiggles

while it’s cooling will leave a “cold” splice that’s mechanically weak and is likely less-thanideal electrically. You want the cooled solder to look bright and shiny. The rosin may leave a thin, gray-white coating. Remove this with a wire brush to verify that the joint is in good shape. In better working conditions, the preferred method would be to heat the copper wire until it’s hot enough to melt solder. You’d then remove the heat source and touch the joint with solder, which would fow between the pieces. We applied the solder before the heat, but it worked. The soldered splices were frm, and doing this also helped the work go faster in an upside-down situation. To prevent future moisture and chemical invasion, we taped the multi-wire splices and applied heat-shrink tubing on in-line splices joining just two wires. As a fnal seal, we sprayed all splices with “liquid tape,” which fows to produce a seal around the wires, tape and shrink tubing. After a couple of months in service, the trailer’s brakes are still working consistently, and the lights are shining brightly and reliably. And that’s good.

none of it was damaged during repair using the two-source, pre-wrap soldering method to restore safe wiring.

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

(advocacy) Robert Helland rhelland@gcsaa.org Twitter: @GCSAA

GCSAA’s government affairs team, including Robert Helland (center), the newly appointed director of congressional and federal affairs. Kaelyn Seymour (left), government affairs specialist, and Chava McKeel (right), director, government affairs. Photo by Scott Hollister

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

A full-time presence in Washington, D.C. After representing GCSAA in Washington for the past decade, I am honored to join GCSAA’s government affairs team as your director of congressional and federal affairs. Golf continues to face a challenging and uncertain regulatory environment in which the decisions made by members of Congress and federal agencies impact your course as much as the people who play on it. But every challenge also provides an opportunity not only to respond directly to decision-makers, but also to let them know about the important role your golf course plays in your state, county and hometown — and, in the process, to start an ongoing dialogue about your role as a job and tax revenue generator and an environmental steward. This relationship building has been at the heart of GCSAA’s government affairs efforts for the past 25 years, and, as a result, GCSAA has positioned itself as a leader in advocacy for the golf industry. As GCSAA takes exciting new steps in advocacy looking to 2020, I am pleased to join the cause full time. Before representing GCSAA in Washington, I spent close to fve years in the U.S. Senate working on environmental and transportation policy and funding issues. I helped draft legislation and work to get it enacted into law. I also helped secure funding for vital projects in my home state of New Jersey. But most important, I worked closely with elected offcials, legislative and executive branch staff, and interest groups in order to accomplish this. Consequently, I got an insider’s view of how decisions were made — and I found out over and over again that the adage “All politics is local” holds true. My work as federal lobbyist representing trade associations, hospitals, manufacturers, fnancial institutions and local governments has put me on the other side of the table. I learned that the rules were the same whether you were meeting with a senator or representative, Republican or Democrat. I put my knowledge to work in helping clients secure legislative language and federal funding. I also analyzed and provided counsel on legislative, regulatory and legal matters likely to impact their bottom line. When it came to golf, I learned that most federal decision-makers shared the same lack of knowledge of golf course management issues that I had when I frst began representing GCSAA. They did not understand that golf course superintendents are professional land managers who use their education along with science and research to produce quality playing

conditions, keeping the environment in mind at all times. Nor did they understand the expertise one must develop to be able to comply with all the federal, state and local laws and regulations that golf faces. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the only problem the industry was up against: There is an inherent belief among many decision-makers that golf is either unworthy of federal assistance or deserving of penalty. It was that mentality that surfaced when the golf industry was excluded from disaster relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Sadly, with many congressional offces and federal agencies, that mentality persists today. I cannot promise to change the perception of golf overnight. But I do promise to be a fulltime presence in Washington, building on the great work we have done, the relationships established, and the accomplishments earned. I look forward to continuing to work with Chava McKeel, who heads GCSAA’s government affairs department out of Lawrence, Kan., and also Kaelyn Seymour, GCSAA’s government affairs specialist, who manages GCSAA’s exciting Grassroots Ambassador program. Together, we will fght for this great profession and for golf facilities and the game itself through the integration of direct and grassroots lobbying. I also look forward to working with congressional and executive branch staff, the other golf associations, our industry partners, coalitions that share our interests, and GCSAA’s feld staff team, who are an extension of GCSAA’s advocacy efforts on the ground in all 50 states. The biggest asset GCSAA has is its membership, and it has done a great job of making this visible in Washington on National Golf Day and through the Grassroots Ambassador program. The association understands the value of a continuing federal lobbying strategy as part of its advocacy plan. Such a strategy is essential to ensuring us a place at the table so that policymakers reach decisions that positively impact our profession and the game. So, onward and upward.

Robert Helland is GCSAA’s director of congressional and federal affairs, a new full-time presence in Washington for the association. Since 2006, Robert has served as GCSAA’s Washington, D.C.-based lobbyist. He lives in Alexandria, Va., with his wife and two sons.

Megan Hirt mhirt@gcsaa.org Twitter: @GCM_Magazine

(environment)

Grease-powered greenkeeping The french fries, homemade potato chips and other fried fare served at Ventana Grille in Arlington, Texas, share an uncommon connection to the 18-hole, 250-acre public golf course that sweeps out beyond the restaurant’s south-facing windows. That course is Tierra Verde Golf Club, and since March 2012, all diesel-powered equipment used to maintain it has been fueled in part by biodiesel generated on-site using the restaurant’s leftover frying oil. Before then, the waste cooking oil from Ventana Grille, the club-operated restaurant, was being converted to biodiesel by an outside vendor that then sold it elsewhere. “It was actually costing us money to have it recycled,” says Mark Claburn, GCSAA Class A superintendent at Tierra Verde and a 16-year member of the association. The idea to capitalize on the restaurant’s refuse to make biodiesel right in the golf course maintenance shop came to Claburn in 2008, when the price of diesel reached well above $3 per gallon. “Manufacturers had started to label a lot of equipment as ‘biodiesel-ready,’ so we thought we’d try it out,” he says. “If you have a waste stream of vegetable oil coming in, like we do from the restaurant, it’s free money.” Claburn applied for and received a grant from the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation to cover the cost of a biodiesel processor, the BioPro 150, which took up residence in a shop room previously used to store dry fertilizer. The automated machine handles nearly all the work — mixing sulfuric acid, methanol and a catalyst (potassium hydroxide) with the oil to extract glycerin, then washing the resulting biodiesel with water. The entire process takes roughly 36 hours, Claburn says, but the amount of hands-on time is about two hours.

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The BioPro 150 biodiesel processor turns waste cooking oil into fuel for the maintenance equipment at Tierra Verde Golf Club in Arlington, Texas. Photo courtesy of Mark Claburn Aside from the processor, the only other new equipment necessary was a fre locker to hold a 55-gallon drum of methanol, biodiesel-rated pumps and hoses, and carboys to transport the fnished product from the BioPro to the fuel tank, where it gets blended at a 20 percent ratio with petroleum diesel (per manufacturers’ warranties, 20 percent is the highest level of biodiesel acceptable in the equipment). According to the U.S. Department of Energy, biodiesel reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than 75 percent compared with petroleum diesel, and it’s even a standout among alternative fuels. “Of all the certifed biofuels, biodiesel has the best energy balance, which means the amount of energy you’re creating versus putting into making the fuel is the highest,” says Kelly King, chair of the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance, a national nonproft that educates about and supports community-based, sustainable biodiesel production. Another beneft of biodiesel, King says, is that compared with most other renewable fuels, it’s the most compatible with existing infrastructure — current fuel stations, for instance, as well as unmodifed diesel engines. So, how has the maintenance equipment at Tierra Verde been running on biodiesel? “We actually think it runs better now,” Claburn reports. “The biodiesel provides a little more lubrication. Everything seems to run a lot cleaner — there’s less black smoke at startup, and no noticeable loss of power or performance.” The BioPro 150 can take a maximum of 40 gallons of vegetable oil at a time, and the

restaurant goes through that much about every two weeks. Forty gallons of oil translates to 32 gallons of biodiesel. Each gallon of biodiesel costs the club about 90 cents to generate. Claburn says Tierra Verde saw a fuel savings of about $1,200 in its frst year using biodiesel, and about $2,000 per year after that until the recent drop in diesel prices. “Even though we’re a municipal course, we don’t get taxpayer dollars, so saving $2,000 a year on fuel is big, and it has helped us stay on budget,” he says. As an extra, unexpected perk, the adoption of biodiesel has fostered a stronger relationship between golf course and community. Tierra Verde partnered with the city’s water department to launch the “Grease for Greens” program, through which the club accepts donations of waste vegetable oil in exchange for free rounds of golf. “It brings a lot of people out to the golf course who wouldn’t otherwise come here,” says Claburn, who is in his 11th year at Tierra Verde, the very frst municipal course to be certifed as an Audubon Signature Sanctuary. Recently, Tierra Verde took its repurposing efforts one step further by beginning to use the glycerin byproduct from the biodiesel production as a soap for chores around the shop, such as cleaning equipment and concrete. “We try to fnd something to do with everything, to reuse things,” Claburn says. “We try to close every loop here.” Megan Hirt is GCM’s managing editor.

Bob Vaughey, CGCS bobbyslo@me.com Twitter: @rollinghillsgcm

(technology)

A high-tech take on building security You may have heard the phrase “the Internet of things” in the news recently and wondered what the heck they were talking about. In general, this phrase does not refer to devices such as your smartphone, computer or tablet, or to any other device that you normally associate with connecting to the Internet. Instead, the Internet of things refers to physical objects — light bulbs, stereos, locks, cameras, and, on the golf course, irrigation systems — that are embedded with electronics, software or other technology that gives them connectivity to the Internet. In previous columns, I have mentioned some of these items, but I’ve never discussed them as a whole and how they can help golf course superintendents. Because we are in the midst of a complete rebuild of my golf course and are moving into a new maintenance shop that will utilize many of these tools, I thought it was a good time to share what I’ve learned about them. One area where we are using these tools is in building security, and there are two reasons I prefer these to standard security options. First, the cost is a fraction of the monthly monitoring fee you typically pay for a service such as ADT. Second, they provide more control and more access to data. The security cameras we selected are called Nest Cam (http://nest.com/camera), although there are many brands to choose from. With this system, we can view images from the cameras on our phones, see up to 10 days of recorded video, and receive motion or sound notifcations during off-hours. On our old sys-

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

Photo © Shutterstock/wk1003mike

tem, we had to review hours of footage to see what happened on any given night, but now we are able to view only times when motion or sound was detected, and we can flter these events by location. Finally, the cameras have built-in speakers and microphones, so two-way communication is also available. In addition to the cameras, we have installed smart locks that allow staff to unlock doors in the maintenance facility simply by carrying their phones. The door unlocks when anyone with an approved phone approaches, and it can tell you who entered and exited, and when they did so. The account controller can allow or deny access at any time, so former employees can have their rights revoked quickly, and everyone who unlocks the door is identifed. You can also program the locks to lock or unlock at set times. If these options are more than you need at your golf course, there are a few full-security systems available that cost only a few hundred dollars yet provide all the capabilities of standard security systems. These systems include motion detectors, keypads, and window and door sensors that connect to the Internet via cell signal to provide security without standard phone lines. These systems will also immediately notify you by cell phone when an alarm is tripped, and they will notify the security provider. You can also automatically control your lights, thermostat, multimedia system, gates and smoke detectors. As I mentioned in an earlier column, not much technology has been developed specif-

cally for the golf course superintendent, but by keeping your eyes open and being innovative, you can adapt items designed for the home for use in your shop, which can allow you to reduce utility costs, provide security, and give you access to what’s going on at your facility even when you’re away. All of these tools take only minutes to set up, require no longterm contracts, and cost a fraction of professional services. For more information, including links to some of these devices and more detailed descriptions of their uses and benefts, see GCM’s blog, From the Desk of GCM (http://gcm. typepad.com), or the magazine’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/GCMMagazine).

Bob Vaughey, CGCS, is the director of agronomy at Rolling Hills Country Club in Palos Verdes, Calif., and a 12-year GCSAA member.

A PATHF NDER in Pennsylvania After benefting from mentors of his own, Duane Schell is returning the favor by playing a key role in the development of other turfgrass professionals. Sally J. Sportsman

Photos by Fred Adams

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10.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

Duane Schell (above), the superintendent at Blue Ridge Trail GC in Mountain Top, Pa., has been a mentor to many during his 17 years at the course. In the photo on the right, Schell talks with crew member Chuck Usher.

“The satisfaction of seeing people develop as individuals, watching them succeed, is powerful.” — Duane Schell

Editor’s note: T is story is part of a periodic series of stories on mentoring in t e golf course management industry, and is presented in partners ip wit yngenta and GCSAA TV. For more on t e topic, visit T e Mentor C annel at www.gcsaa. tv/c annel_view.p p?obj_id=25. Duane Schell, the GCSAA Class A superintendent at Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club in Mountain Top, Pa., is widely regarded as one of the fnest superintendents in his region. But growing grass isn’t his only talent. He’s also become adept at growing careers, as a mentor to other superintendents, and as an emerging leader in this arena. His infuence is proving to have an important and enduring effect. “Mentoring is fulflling to me,” says Schell, 44, who has been at Blue Ridge Trail since 1998. “The satisfaction of seeing people develop as individuals, watching them succeed, is powerful. Professionally and personally, I know my work is a small part of that. When they call me, even years later, for advice, showing their appreciation and respect for me and my opinions, it’s touching.” A career takes hold Schell, a 22-year GCSAA member, did not set out to become a mentor. It is a role

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that evolved over time. In retrospect, Schell says that he, too, had mentors — individuals who he now realizes served as infuential role models. Born in Sugarloaf, Pa., Schell began working at Sugarloaf Golf Club at age 13, washing golf cars, setting up the course and learning how to play, continuing there throughout high school and college. Not knowing what career he wanted to pursue, he decided to earn a degree in business management from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, fguring business knowledge would be essential to any feld. Then, just when Schell was completing his degree, someone pointed him toward what would become his life’s work. It was just a comment, but it took root. “Bob Ritz was one of my early mentors,” Schell says. “He told me I should consider golf course management as a career.” A member at Sugarloaf GC, Ritz had also been Schell’s high school principal. When Schell was still in junior high, Ritz — who played golf every summer morning at sunrise — began giving him rides to the golf course at 5 a.m. daily, and then taking him home at day’s end. Years later, Ritz told the grown-up Schell that he had watched him work and observed his attention to detail and his growing passion for turfgrass management, which is

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Schell’s family tree in the golf course management business has grown far and wide, with former employees now manning positions at clubs such at Hamilton Farms GC in Gladstone, N.J., and Merion GC in Ardmore, Pa. Here, Schell goes over the day’s to-do list with his father, Earl, who works on the crew at Blue Ridge Trail. why he had made his career recommendation. Today, Schell believes this conversation with Ritz was the genesis, of not only his career choice, but also of his own future interest in mentoring. “So I applied to Penn State,” says Schell, “and earned another degree, in the two-year golf course turfgrass management program, in 1995.” During the summer between his two years at Penn State, Schell worked at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pa., gathering more hands-on experience in a different setting. “I went from an 18-hole, small public course to a multimillion-dollar private club with three 18-hole courses and a six-hole beginner course,” Schell says. After completing his Penn State program, Schell spent more than two years as assistant superintendent at Doylestown Country Club, outside Philadelphia, and then became golf course superintendent at Blue Ridge Trail GC, where he has remained and where opportunities for mentoring seem to sprout as organically as the turf.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

“Duane is extremely passionate. He carries that, shows that; it’s instilled in you when you are with him.” — Jason Harrison Ritz was not Schell’s only early mentor. His father, Earl Schell, a union carpenter, had a lot of infuence on him. “I admired my dad’s work ethic,” says Schell, whose own work ethic, according to his colleagues, is legendary. Although his parents initially were surprised at his career selection, Schell says they were supportive, recognizing his passion and encouraging him along the way. Grassroots mentoring One of Schell’s frst employees at Blue Ridge Trail GC was Jason Harrison, who would set the parameters for Schell’s skill at recognizing potential among up-and-coming turfgrass professionals. Schell’s assessment proved prescient, as today, Harrison, 34, is director of grounds at Hamilton Farm Golf

Club, an exclusive 36-hole private club in Gladstone, N.J. “Jason started on the grounds crew, but right away I saw someone who enjoyed the golf course and all the detail work,” Schell says. “I’ve had great kids on my crew who aren’t interested in agronomics or the business, with little sense of responsibility, accountability or diligence — but Jason had all these qualities from the start.” Harrison worked summers at Blue Ridge Trail throughout high school and college. When he frst started, at age 16, he was unsure what to expect of his boss or any boss in the golf industry. His uncertainty rapidly dissipated. “Duane is extremely passionate,” says Harrison, a 10-year GCSAA member. “He carries that, shows that; it’s instilled in you when you are with him.” Schell is in the feld working with his team, says Harrison, hands-on all the time. He talks about his family with his interns and staff, and develops a family instinct within the ranks. “I learned so much from Duane, not only about turfgrass but about management style and how to interact with team members,” Harrison says. “I believe I get respect from my staff because I conduct myself the same way.” Like Schell, Harrison earned a two-year degree from Penn State in its turfgrass management program. His learning was augmented by everything he had observed and

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At Merion GC in Ardmore, Pa., Michael Kachurak oversees the East and West courses. Matt Shaffer, the club’s director of golf course operations, says Kachurak “remembers everything and forgets nothing; very focused.” absorbed under Schell, who he says has an upbeat attitude, even during times of stress, with a professional demeanor at all times and deep scientifc knowledge. “Duane is an outstanding agronomist,” says Harrison. Some of Harrison’s fondest memories with Schell involve nighttime efforts to rid the golf course rough of skunks. It was a good bonding experience for the two of them. “We spent a lot of time together,” Harrison says. “I was all in because I wanted to excel in the industry.” Upon Schell’s advice, Harrison completed an internship at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., under Matt Shaffer, who has hired several people as a result of Schell’s recommendations. Harrison then served as superintendent at Worcester (Mass.) Country Club, site of the inaugural Ryder Cup in 1927. All he had learned under Schell and during his internship coalesced for Harrison as he launched his own career in golf course conditioning and management. Schell is not simply a part of Harrison’s past, however. “I talk to Duane every week or two,” Harrison says. “It’s been that way for 12 years.” The power of kinship The ongoing professional and personal relationship between Schell and Harrison re-

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

fects a spirit of generosity characteristic of superintendents. “The kinship within the ranks of golf course management is unlike that in any other profession,” says Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation who served as CEO of GCSAA from 1993 to 2008. “I’m a huge proponent of mentorship in the golf industry, which I believe is particularly strong among turfgrass professionals.” Most jobs in the golf industry involve a certain degree of craft in addition to knowledge, Mona says. This craftsmanship is learned from one’s colleagues. Mentoring enhances this process. “Golf course superintendents by a huge margin view themselves as in the same profession and share a kindred spirit,” says Mona. “They understand one another’s travails and challenges, and don’t view themselves as competitors. “Unlike two resort or private courses competing for members, superintendents are willing to share expertise, equipment, people and supplies to help their fellow superintendents out of a tough spot. If an event requires additional assistance, the superintendent 10 miles down the road will be there.” Mona says he always has found it fascinating that large groups of superintendents often take a week off, usually at their own ex-

pense, to contribute their efforts to the preparation of courses that are hosting major championships. “That frames up the strength of kinship in the profession,” says Mona, “and this extends to the mentorship piece as well.” Schell weaves a web Shaffer, director of golf course operations at Merion GC, notices the common thread of high achievement among the people Schell recommends for hire. They seem to have fallen in love with the career because of Schell’s guidance. “When I get them, they all have the same denominator: They are passionate and intelligent, with a positive attitude about working long hours,” Shaffer says. “So when they come to me, all I have to do is fne-tune them a little. “I’m the fnishing school. Duane does 90 percent of the heavy lifting.” Schell is a good judge of potential in young people, says Shaffer. They quickly achieve the tools for success because of the way Schell teaches them, which is in a direct manner with high expectations. “It resonates with me that Schell is a great mentor,” says Shaffer, a 35-year member of GCSAA, who also enjoys mentoring others. Michael Kachurak, 25, superintendent for the East and West golf courses at Merion GC,

is another of Schell’s protégés. “Mike is exceptional,” Shaffer says. “He remembers everything and forgets nothing; very focused. He’s a lot like Duane.” Kachurak didn’t have an interest in turfgrass management when he frst began working for Schell at age 16 at Blue Ridge Trail. Free golf and free range balls lured him to the job. A talented golfer, he was the top player on his high school team and later played at Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, Pa., a Division III school from which he graduated in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in agronomy. Today, Kachurak plays to a 1.8 handicap. “I liked the work more than I thought I would,” says Kachurak, a six-year member of GCSAA, whose younger brother, Matt, worked in the pro shop at Blue Ridge Trail GC. “The way Duane interacted with his employees, I didn’t feel like I was going to a job every day. “He was more a friend than a boss. He taught us life lessons, including balancing work and family.” Kachurak tells a story he didn’t learn of until years later. Schell likes to tell the same story. “Toward the end of my time with Duane, when he found out I was going to school for turf, my father asked him a question,” Kachurak says. “He asked Duane to be honest: ‘Will my son be able to make a career out of this?’ “Duane said he wasn’t sure. He had done his best with me.” Kachurak is now a highly respected professional at Merion, with 21 people on his staff (not including interns), at a facility where championship conditions are maintained on a daily basis. He never had heard that story until college graduation, “when

ON THE AIR GCSAA TV talks with Merion GC’s Michael Kachurak on what he learned from Blue Ridge Trail GC superintendent Duane Schell and the role his mentorship played in his career development in a feature video on The Mentor Channel, presented in partnership with Syngenta. www.gcsaa.tv/ view.php?id=2643

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

Chris Funke (left), the assistant superintendent on Course No. 1 at Medinah (Ill.) CC, discusses course setup with a pair of volunteers during the 2012 Ryder Cup, which was hosted by Medinah. Photo courtesy of Chris Funke Duane fessed up.” Kachurak thinks he would like to serve as a mentor to others, too. “Duane’s impact on me was monumental,” Kachurak says. “I defnitely wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t worked for him.” An expanding influence The network connecting Schell and his mentees extends through an ever-enlarging array of distinguished golf clubs. Chris Funke, 26, assistant superintendent of Course No. 1 at Medinah (Ill.) Country Club, just outside of Chicago, has known Kachurak since high school. Funke, who worked for Schell at Blue Ridge Trail two years before Kachurak did, also found himself inspired by Schell. “My mother passed away when I was 12,” says Funke, the youngest sibling in his family. “My father taught me to play golf when I was 13, to keep me busy, but I didn’t love it right away.” When Funke was 15, his brother, Sonny, was 18 and working in grounds maintenance at Blue Ridge Trail and encouraged his younger brother to give it a try. What Funke encountered was a blend of early hours, hard work, a steep learning curve and abundant camaraderie — in other words, Duane Schell. “Duane knew how to communicate to employees how to get the job done,” Funke says. “He treated us all fairly, and gave everyone chances and second chances.” Funke, who discovered he enjoyed agronomy, earned an associate’s degree in horticulture from Luzerne County Community

College in Nanticoke, Pa., after which Schell encouraged him to pursue and complete a turfgrass management certifcate from Penn State. A six-year GCSAA member, Funke enjoyed working on Schell’s team for many reasons, not least for the personal attention. Funke liked it when Schell would pull him aside individually, showing him various kinds of grasses and diseases, and different mowing and aerifcation techniques. “Even then, I was aware of Duane’s mentorship talent,” Funke says. “He would talk to me on a personal level, teaching me how to communicate with others and telling me that if I wanted to go into this business, I would have to change some things — it was all about growing up. “There were times when I was exhausted to the point of disappointment. But now, looking back, I see it was all worth it, every minute.” It was Schell who recommended Funke for an internship at Medinah. Funke was asked back again the next year and has been there ever since. Although Funke says he is not yet ready to mentor others, he knows he would like to do so “as time goes by.” As the theme song from “Casablanca” says, “It’s still the same old story … as time goes by.” What a story Duane Schell is telling through his mentorship in golf course management.

Sally J. Sportsman is a freelance writer based in Orlando.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

THE PERFECT BEAST More and more equipment managers are turning to custom-built utility vehicles to ensure they have the right tool for the right job at any time on the golf course. Stephen Tucker

Photo illustration by Roger Billings

10.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

At Hallbrook CC in Leawood, Kan. — where Todd Towery serves as the GCSAA Class A superintendent — a 1994 Toro Workman has been converted into a mobile shop for his equipment manager. The vehicle includes a complete toolbox (top left) and a small air compressor (bottom left), among other features. Photos by Roger Billings

Over the years, dedicated carts for equipment managers have not just become popular, they’ve almost become a necessity.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

The days of equipment managers getting away with ineffciencies in the way they work are long gone in golf course management. This tightening-up of operations requires them to have the tools needed to do the job in any situation — both in the shop and, maybe more importantly, on the go — so they can keep equipment running in the feld. Helping reduce downtime helps everyone, but in order to do that, equipment managers need to outft their utility vehicles properly to minimize the need to run back and forth to the shop. Over the years, dedicated carts for equipment managers have not just become popular, they’ve almost become a necessity. The reality for most is they have less time available to get the job done, so having the tools in the feld to get equipment back up and running while decreasing trips back to the shop is key. As an equipment manager myself, the evolution of these carts has been really fun to watch. There are many vehicles that are simple, designed to get just the equipment manager and a few of his tools from point A to point B. Others sport custom hydraulic lifts that have turned them into miniature tow trucks. Personally, I have had a combination of different types of vehicles during my career, rang-

ing from just a regular Club Car golf cart to a fully customized Toro Workman, both of which had their place. Obviously, the fully outftted Workman was a great tool for doing repairs in the feld, but the electric Club Car made it much easier to get around the course in stealth mode, without disturbing players. So, what should an equipment manager include if given the opportunity to build one’s own “Ultimate Utility Vehicle”? Because every operation faces different challenges, what to include and what not to include will differ slightly from course to course. However, the following is a list of things that I have either seen on other utility vehicles or included on my own that might help you in putting together the best vehicle for your operation. The checklist Toolbox and tools One of the most irritating things about making repairs in the feld is running out on the golf course only to fnd you don’t have the wrench you need, which means an extra trip back to the shop. So, my frst must-have for any equipment manager’s vehicle is a small toolbox loaded with your vital tools. I’d suggest outftting this with its own set of tools so

Austin Wright, the equipment manager at CC of Leawood (Kan.), reconditioned a 1984 E-Z-Go golf car that had been given to him by his grandfather to use as his primary on-course vehicle. Among his additions were a small storage space for items such as a cup cutter and a portable battery charger and jumper (top left), a complete toolbox and an air compressor (bottom left). Josh Thomas serves as superintendent at CC of Leawood.

you aren’t borrowing from the main toolbox every time you head out on the course. Height-of-cut gauge and cutting paper A common reason many of us get called away from the shop and onto the course is because of equipment getting knocked out of adjustment or maybe just not cutting properly. So, I’ve found that having a height-of-cut gauge and cutting paper with me is essential. This allows me to make minor adjustments on the fy. Prism gauge One of equipment managers’ biggest responsibilities is managing quality of cut, so a prism gauge to inspect quality of cut as well as effective height of cut is a great tool to carry along for spot-checking areas on the golf course. Air compressor and tire patches This one is a given. Among the most frequent things equipment managers chase in

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

the feld is fat tires, usually caused by hitting curbs or running over sticks and such. So, make sure your Ultimate Utility Vehicle has a gas-powered air compressor as well as tire patches so you can take care of fats while in the feld rather than having machines limp back to the shop.

Quiet generator A generator is a valuable piece of equipment to have along with you because it provides you power on the go. Maybe you need to plug in a light early in the morning or use a corded drill, or maybe the irrigation tech needs to use it to vacuum out irrigation boxes.

Jump box Another of the most recurrent problems equipment managers deal with in the feld is turbine blowers that are no longer charging properly and need to be jumped. If you add this to your vehicle, make sure you have a secure place for storage of the jump box, and make sure it gets charged. I’ve learned from personal experience that you don’t want to be out in the feld when you realize that the jump box never got plugged in after its last use.

Welder and torch kit This may be overkill in many places, but there are multi-course facilities and courses that are spread out with older equipment at which having a welder on the vehicle could come in handy. While a welder would be used most often on a heavy-duty utility vehicle, it may prove useful on many other types. The mini-torch kits, however, are great tools to have regardless of the size of the vehicle you’re working with, especially for when the sledgehammer just doesn’t quite do the trick.

Winch/tow rope Unfortunately, another common reason equipment managers get summoned to the course is someone getting stuck in a bunker or a lake. A winch is great if you’re customizing a Workman, a John Deere Gator or similar utility vehicle, because those give you the ability to set the brakes and minimize any damage that can be caused by spinning wheels or the sudden motions from jerking machines out of trouble. But let’s face it: There will still be those times where we will need to run in and fetch the front-end loader for tasks such as these.

USB plugs Ten years ago, no equipment manager would have even considered this option. But we are in new times, so creating the ability to charge your cell phone or tablet while on the go is a worthwhile inclusion. Lights You may think this would be a given, but you’d be surprised at how many equipment managers’ vehicles don’t have lights. Installing an auxiliary set to shine behind your cart is

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great, as well, when you have to tow or pull something out in the dark. Doors, windshield and canopy Depending on where you’re located, you will be battling different conditions when you’re called out on the course, from snow to rain to extreme heat. And whether that call is to help retrieve a piece of stuck equipment or to clear the course during a severe storm, setting up your vehicle to protect you from such conditions is a wise consideration when planning your ultimate shop cart. Heater/fan Something else to think about if you have a vehicle with a canopy or doors is that you will need to cool it during summer, and, if you’re in a region that gets extremely cold, heat it during winter. Just be mindful as you are hooking up these accessories whether your particular vehicle has the capacity to run them all.

The John Deere Gator used by Skip Heinz, the equipment manager at Belfair Plantation in Bluffton, S.C. Photo courtesy of Skip Heinz

Vise Mounting a vise to the bed of your vehicle will make working on things so much easier. It’s quite often that you get out in the feld and realize having another set of hands would be benefcial, and that’s what a vise can provide. It’s also very useful when the need to make some quick irrigation repairs arises. Jack and jack stand If there is room, a portable jack and jack stand to assist in changing fat tires would be another great addition to your vehicle. The important thing with this tool is to make sure

WHAT’S YOUR

ULTIMATE UTILITY VEHICLE LOOK LIKE? Does your course have an Ultimate Utility Vehicle? Did our rundown of must-have items miss a key feature? Let us know about it. You can share photos of your particular twist on this concept on Twitter by using the hashtag #UltimateCart and tagging @GCM_Magazine. You can also send photos to GCM Editor-in-Chief Scott Hollister at shollister @gcsaa.org for potential inclusion in a future issue of GCM.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

it’s secure and not rolling around in the bed of the vehicle. Hydraulic hose machine Although this isn’t an item you’d typically think of for this type of vehicle, being able to replace a hydraulic hose in the feld can also help minimize the downtime of a piece of equipment. Not having one would mean taking off the hose, running it to the shop to build the new hose, and then running it back out. That can all be done on-site as long has you have the fttings needed for the repair. To each his own The list here is certainly not all-inclusive, as I have seen a number of different confgurations for vehicles such as these, but these are the most common options included. In the future, I could certainly see more items being incorporated as golf equipment evolves. Perhaps a lithium-ion battery will power your vehicle, which should offer an added layer of reliability and quiet operation. Maybe GPS units will become standard, allowing you to track where all of your course’s machines are from the seat of your vehicle. That alone would save the drive time most of us currently endure as we search for a particular piece of equipment.

Building your own mobile shop vehicle isn’t something that requires you to go out and purchase new from an equipment manufacturer. It’s something you can build over time, adding pieces as you go. And whether you start out with one of your course’s older feet vehicles or are lucky enough to get a new vehicle, don’t rush into modifcations. Add things that are really going to help you be more effcient. Having elements on your cart that just “look cool” may not be functional or actually save you any time. Every item should be there because of how frequently it gets used. The Ultimate Utility Vehicle is certainly something I would recommend for every operation, as you never know when or where you may need to make a repair. Having the right tools at the right time to handle those situations can get your equipment back up and running much more quickly, which will keep maintenance operations moving as they should. So, take a look around your facility, and start deciding what your Ultimate Utility Vehicle will look like.

Stephen Tucker is the equipment manager at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando (Fla.) at Walt Disney World Resort, and the former CEO of the International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association.

AT THE TURN Gerald Flaherty, CGCS

(labor)

Smarter, smoother labor tracking A superintendent-designed program has made managing daily job duties at The Valley Club easier and more effcient, and it allows labor data to be stored and usefully displayed.

Top: The golf course maintenance crew and the landscape crew at The Valley Club in Hailey, Idaho. Photos courtesy of Gerald Flaherty

Bottom: Gerald Flaherty, CGCS (left), and Jaime Sharp at their booth for taskTracker at the 2015 Golf Industry Show in San Antonio.

I have worked at golf courses from New Jersey to Hawaii, and in my 17 years as a superintendent, I have used various techniques for delegating and tracking daily job assignments for crew members. I always thought it was peculiar that we monitored the cost to maintain equipment but no one seemed worried about tracking how labor dollars were spent. Since starting at The Valley Club in Hailey, Idaho, in 2007, I had been writing job assignments on a whiteboard in the shop break room, and at the end of every day, I would erase all of that valuable information — who did each job, how long the job took, and more. I found using the whiteboard and wiping away its contents each evening to be ineffcient and frustrating, so one day, I decided to act on an idea that, frankly, wasn’t even that original. In fact, many others have had the same idea, but with the help of my golf pro, Jaime Sharp, who has an unlikely hobby, I was able to turn the idea into a program with innovative capabilities. Thanks to the tool, which came to be known as “taskTracker,” I can now say with confdence what it costs to maintain bunkers, have fast green speeds, hand-water fairways, take care of the tennis courts, and dozens of other tasks. Retaining info; upping efficiency The problem was straightforward: How do you accurately track labor hours and the amount of money spent on each of the tasks carried out on the course throughout the season? Almost every superintendent uses a whiteboard to assign jobs for the day, and every superintendent then erases that whiteboard to make room for the next day’s jobs. I knew the answer wasn’t just to make an Excel spreadsheet, or to have my employees fll out a task sheet and then record that data digitally later. Those methods can be time-consuming and inaccurate.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

The display board (top) detailing crew member assignments and other daily notes can be streamed to a TV, projector or smartphone. Middle: Based on the data you input, taskTracker can create a number of helpful charts and graphs. This one breaks down the spending for each task, allowing the superintendent to identify where the most labor dollars are being spent. Bottom: The Valley Club features three nine-hole courses.

My idea was to use an HDTV as the new whiteboard. I wanted to create an electronic whiteboard — an e-board, if you will — where tasks could be posted faster than they could be written down, and that could give employees updates in real time. Job duties would be tied to an employee, and the employee would be tied to a wage. All data would be stored automatically and be easy to retrieve, and the program would be simple enough that I could use it every day. I frst mentioned the idea to Jaime in February 2013. Jaime, who has been at The Valley Club for 12 years, has extensive knowledge of golf course operations as well as database management, HTML and other similar concepts with acronyms that would only have meaning to the geekiest of geeks. Working with Jaime was easy — I simply explained to him our daily routine, what data I wanted to collect, and how I wanted the display board to appear on the big-screen television. In about a week, Jaime had built a Web-based application that completely exceeded my expectations and would prove to be a perfect marriage of cutting-edge features and real-world utility. Job assignments could be entered into the program with ease from a computer or any mobile device, and those assignments were then streamed to the HDTV in the break room, as well as to crew members’ smartphones. Because the program is Web-based, my employees and I are no longer chained to the whiteboard to assign and receive jobs throughout the day — everything can now be done in the feld and on the go. Today, the entire golf course maintenance crew of 33 employees as well as the sixperson landscape crew receive and record their daily tasks via taskTracker. Doing more with data Now for the real innovation. Data is just data, and gathering it is relatively easy. However, it is diffcult to display data for practical purposes. I knew the type of reports I wanted that would provide an accurate picture of how labor was being used on the course. Jaime refned my vision, giving taskTracker the ability to render data visually and generate custom-

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

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My employees and I are no longer chained to the whiteboard to assign and receive jobs throughout the day â&#x20AC;&#x201D; everything can now be done in the feld and on the go.

Top: The eighth hole on the Hale Irwin South course at The Valley Club, nestled in the Sun Valley region of central Idaho.

Bottom: Gerald and his crew get ready to head back out to the course after a lunch break.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

ized reports. These reports have become an integral part of my budgeting process. In addition to translating labor data into clear, constructive charts and graphics, taskTracker also gives insight into other fnancial matters that affect the bottom line. An example of this is when superintendents are asked to do labor-intensive projects that are outside of their department. In most cases, superintendents are not given fnancial credit for these tasks â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the work is simply absorbed into the golf course maintenance budget. With the ever-increasing pressure to produce more with less, these projects only make meeting fnancial goals harder, leaving the superintendent holding the bag. With taskTracker, I have been able to prove that even though my budget may not be decreasing, I am doing more with less, which demonstrates that my operation is becoming more effcient. Knowing how much money it takes to maintain a square foot of green, bunker, rough, native and tee is valuable data when deciding whether to widen fairways or increase

D E E N WE YOUR

P L E H

Please take the Pest Management Practices survey to assist your industry and profession. Te Golf Course Superintendents Association of America is conducting an industry-wide Pest Management Practices Survey at golf facilities across the world. Tis is the third survey of the second phase of the Golf Course Environmental Profle. Your information will go a long way toward demonstrating a superintendentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership, environmental stewardship and agronomic expertise at the local and national levels. Go to www.gcsaa.org and show you care.

A survey link will be sent to superintendents via email. All superintendents will be able to participate, however, only U.S. data will be used. GCSAA members who complete the survey will receive 0.25 service points. Additionally, all superintendents (members and non-members) who complete the survey will be entered into a prize drawing for a $100 Visa or American Express gif card. A total of three gif cards will be awarded to each of the seven agronomic regions as identifed on the survey (21 gif cards total).

rough, all of which have fnancial impacts. The taskTracker also enables me to calculate the return on investment of purchasing a piece of equipment versus using manual labor, allowing me to make a compelling argument on the cost savings. Being able to show the board of directors and the club members where my largest budget line item — labor — is spent gives my team and me immense credibility and job security. Ample appeal Like any superintendent with a new tool at his disposal, I proudly showed taskTracker to

Leo Feser Award

CANDIDATE This article is eligible for the 2016 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.

Mowing patterns are among the specifcs that can be entered into taskTracker with daily assignments.

other superintendents, frst at the local Idaho GCSA meeting in October 2013. A couple of superintendents found it interesting and wanted to try the program on their courses. That was when the other light bulb went off, and Jaime and I realized I wasn’t the only superintendent frustrated by erasing my course’s daily labor history. With the help of Twitter and a few regional superintendents who believed in us, word of taskTracker spread, and in its frst year of availability, it has been used across the

country as well as internationally by some of the top superintendents. Having the power to collect and display labor data has led to more effcient work and better budgeting for superintendents. The taskTracker also continues to gain attention for its ability to free superintendents of the shackles of data entry, giving us the opportunity to spend more time on the course, doing what we love. A nice bonus of this project has been the networking and the relationships that have resulted from working with more than 100 superintendents and assistants on taskTracker. Jaime and I have become business partners and great friends. With Jaime being the head professional and me the golf course superintendent, we have learned about the different roles we each play at the club, and the relationship between the golf shop and golf maintenance has never been better. Jaime does still send that foursome of golfers out 15 minutes early, and they catch the tee mowers. Now, however, I am able to track the additional cost with taskTracker.

Gerald Flaherty, CGCS, is the director of agronomy at The Valley Club, where he has worked since 2007, and the cofounder of taskTracker. He is a 22-year member of GCSAA and lives in Hailey, Idaho, with his wife, Lisa.

WATCH. LISTEN. LEARN. “The best golf course superintendents are the obscure guys.You know they work hard, they have limited resources, they produce unbelievable products and may never get the recognition because nobody knows them. That doesn’t diminish the fact that they’re the best superintendents in America.”

“I think honesty and integrity, the willingness to share and taking time for people (make a great mentor).”

BOB FARREN

Director of Golf Course and Grounds Operations, Pinehurst Resort

MATT SHAFFER

JIM NEDROW

Golf Course Superintendent, Indian Creek Golf Course

Director of Golf Course Operations, Merion Golf Club

Presented by

GCSAA.TV/Mentor Produced by

“I appreciate learning from them how to treat people. At the end of the day that’s what this is about. I can know as much as I possibly can about agronomics and turf and golf business, but if I can’t create a culture that people enjoy working in, it’s all for naught. “

Presented by

(through the green)

Grass needs light to grow Jack Fry, Ph.D. jfry@ksu.edu

I propose we adopt a “turf-quality expectation index” that refects the quality that can be expected when turf is grown under reduced light levels.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

In 2008, I had the pleasure of traveling to Japan with the late Stanley Zontek, renowned USGA agronomist in what was then the MidAtlantic region, to speak to turf managers there. Stan had a way of stating complicated issues simply. Among his well-known phrases was, “The grass is talking to you; are you listening?” And, when turf managers would raise questions about growing grass in shade, he reminded them, “Grass needs light to grow.” We’ve gotten very good at controlling light for our own use. We can even turn on and off and dim the lights in our houses using a smartphone app. Nevertheless, I am shocked at the number of situations I’ve witnessed in which professional turf managers have no control over the light required to maintain quality turf. How can a turf professional be successful when such an important contributor to plant health is restricted? Plants use a narrow spectrum of visible light that scientists refer to as “photosynthetically active radiation” (PAR). Turfgrass often suffers from a lack of PAR because it grows low to the ground, and trees or buildings intercept the desirable PAR before it reaches the grass’s leaves. Light — and, more specifcally, PAR — is a great biostimulant. With light, carbon dioxide, chlorophyll, water, and a few enzymes and nutrients, plants are self-sustaining. Goodquality turf isn’t possible unless the plants receive enough PAR for growth to occur. The turf, however, relies on us to make sure it has enough light. Seems simple enough, but that’s not always the case. During recent visits to Asia and Australia, I observed several instances in which others besides the facility’s turf manager had control of the light. The frst example came from a large, worldrenowned sports facility in Asia where professional events take place. The architects who constructed the facility likely knew very little about plants. Instead, their focus was on the design of the facility, including seating capacity, providing light for the players to compete at night, and overhead shelter for the fans. After covering all the seating areas, the architects left a hole in the middle of the roof that might have allowed enough light to enter and reach most of the feld’s surface at noon. But it’s

not always noon, so, as constructed, much of the feld is under shade most of the day. Several attempts have been made to produce a quality playing surface, even by using portable “grow lights.” The sports turf manager is expected to produce satisfactory turf in the shade of a structure well suited for the comfort of humans, not grass. When turf quality declines, who takes the blame? Grass needs light to grow. In the second example, a beautiful golf course in Australia that has been in place for more than 100 years features a number of the putting greens and tees tucked into vegetative surrounds that can only be described as tall, dense forest. To complicate matters, the membership at the course doesn’t have any control over tree removal. A local government council makes those decisions. Obviously, trees had to be removed when the course was built, but none of the existing local council representatives or club members remember that. Despite the lack of light, however, members still have high expectations for putting green quality, and this puts the superintendent in a predicament. When turf quality declines, who takes the blame? Grass needs light to grow. Imagine if we expected others to do their jobs well with limitations in place that would impede their ability to be successful. For example, imagine if doctors, who take pride in maintaining the health of human beings, were no longer able to request blood transfusions or prescribe antibiotics. Would they be as effective as professionals? I propose we adopt a “turf-quality expectation index” that refects the quality that can be expected when turf is grown under reduced light levels. Standards for turf quality would be in direct proportion to the level of light that turf receives, whether those standards come from architects, sports fans or golf club members. I’m sure the idea will be widely accepted. Grass needs light to grow.

Jack Fry, Ph.D., is a professor of turfgrass science and the director of the Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center at Kansas State University in Manhattan. He is an 18-year educator member of GCSAA.

Zane Raudenbush, Ph.D. Steven J. Keeley, Ph.D. Lloyd R. Stark, Ph.D.

Managing silvery-thread moss in golf course greens Best management practices for silvery-thread moss often confict with cultural practices used on greens.

Current cultural practices are encouraging the establishment and competitiveness of silvery-thread moss and hampering its prevention and control in putting greens. Photo by Zane Raudenbush

Controlling and preventing the spread of silvery-thread moss (Bryum argenteum Hedw.) in golf course putting greens is a diffcult task for several reasons. In recent decades, improvements in equipment technology, nutrient management strategies and putting green construction along with changes in golfer expectations have infuenced the intensity and scope of cultural practices used by superintendents.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

It is likely that a number of these cultural practices are affecting the establishment and competitiveness of silvery-thread moss in putting greens (8,14). Silvery-thread moss also has several unique biological and ecological traits that create challenges for developing successful management strategies. In this article, we discuss how silvery-thread mossâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique traits are interacting with putting green man-

agement practices, so superintendents will be better equipped to develop successful, longterm management strategies. Biology and dispersal An established silvery-thread moss colony is comprised of individual shoots, protonema and rhizoids. The stems and leaves of silverythread moss are known as s oots. A colony

of shoots is called a gametop te. Shoots can form from structures produced during sexual or asexual reproduction. During the sexual cycle, spores are produced that contain genetic information from both male and female parents. Under favorable conditions, the spore germinates, giving rise to a mass of chloroplast-containing, threadlike green flaments called protonema, which can also be produced directly from shoots or bulbils. Protonema are capable of growing along the surface of almost any stable structure, but can easily desiccate if moisture is not available (10). This is perhaps the most vulnerable stage in silvery-thread moss’s life cycle. As protonema develop, buds are produced that give rise to an individual s oot, which differentiates into stems and leaves. Silvery-thread moss produces an extensive izoid system, enabling it to anchor to almost any substrate. The rhizoid resembles the roots of vascular plants, but silvery-thread moss rhizoids do not appear to have the ability to conduct water and nutrients internally (7). While silvery-thread moss is capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction (4), the most advantageous mode of reproduction in putting greens is not clear. For instance, during sexual reproduction, spores are released from fruiting bodies at the top of a stalk, similarly to the seeds of a dandelion. Because putting greens are typically mowed daily, it is likely the stalks containing the spores are removed or simply crushed by the weight of the mower; therefore, spore production is unlikely to be a viable mode of reproduction for established silvery-thread moss in a putting green. Spores may, however, play a role in the initial stages of invasion in a putting green that was previously uninhabited by silvery-thread moss. Once established, silvery-thread moss can spread from several asexual structures, which likely serve as the primary mechanisms for increasing the size of an infestation (12). For instance, regeneration can occur from fragmentation or through the production of specialized organs, such as bulbils (6). Fragmentation is a simple form of vegetative reproduction, and it occurs when a shoot is separated from the gametophyte (6). Fragments are capable of traveling long distances, but they are typically deposited in close proximity to the original gametophyte. Once deposited in a favorable site, protonema radiate from the fragment, producing several hundred new shoots (6). Bulbils are small, highly condensed leaves and may be produced in large quantities from

Spores are produced inside the sporophyte, which is the small, headlike projection at the end of the stalk. This group of sporophytes was raised in a petri dish under laboratory conditions. Photos by Lloyd Stark

Bulbils are small, highly condensed leaves that may be produced in large quantities from stems of silvery-thread moss.

stems of silvery-thread moss (12,13). One to several can be produced per shoot (6). After they have been transported to a favorable site, bulbils “germinate” and produce new shoots or protonema. Shoot fragments and bulbils are buoyant and readily transported by water. A heavy rainfall or irrigation can therefore move veg-

etative structures to previously uninhabited areas (10). Propagules (bulbils, shoot fragments and protonemal fragments) can also be transported from green to green by adhering to golfers’ shoes or to maintenance equipment. Consequently, while sexual reproduction is likely important for long-distance dispersal of spores to previously uninhabited areas, re-

10.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

BMPs for silvery-thread moss Reduce irrigation frequency to encourage desiccation of disseminated shoot fragments, bulbils and protonema. Implement a light and frequent topdressing program throughout the growing season. Reduce the frequency of soluble-nitrogen applications; consider substituting slow/controlled-release nitrogen applications in spring. Applications of QuickSilver should be used in combination with cultural practices, as the herbicide is effective at reducing the size of infestations but does not usually lead to complete eradication. Increase air movement via fans or selective removal of surrounding vegetation to encourage light penetration and air circulation. Increase cutting heights. Address factors contributing to poor drainage and infiltration. Table 1. Best management practices for silvery-thread moss (Bryum argenteum Hedw.) control in golf course putting greens.

searchers have suggested that movement of vegetative structures serves as the primary mode of short-distance dispersal (6,12). Water relations Silvery-thread moss is nonvascular and therefore obtains minimal water and nutrients from the soil (7). Rather, it acts more like a sponge, absorbing water and nutrients directly into the gametophyte. Because of this unique adaption, it has developed a complex method of surviving prolonged periods when water is lacking. During periods of drought, silverythread moss will completely dehydrate and enter a dormant state, possibly for several years, but active growth will resume when water is no longer limiting. Amazingly, several metabolic pathways of silvery-thread moss can return to normal functioning within minutes of being rehydrated. However, in putting greens, silvery-thread moss typically receives enough water from rainfall or irrigation to remain active throughout most of the growing season. Unfortunately, manipulating an irrigation schedule to encourage silvery-thread moss desiccation is impractical, especially in summer, when turfgrass roots recede and evapotranspiration rates are high. In addition, many courses strive for frm and fast conditions, so superintendents are often required to reduce the quantity of irrigation while increasing the frequency. This increased irrigation frequency has been shown to affect the establishment of silvery-thread moss. For example, when irrigated pots containing ground silvery-thread moss shoots with either 75% or 100% Eo (open pan evaporation) were watered at 1-, 2-, 4- and 7-day intervals, watering frequency did not affect the number of silvery-thread moss

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

shoots produced (9). However, daily watering resulted in higher shoot counts. Superintendents struggling with silvery-thread moss should pay strict attention to their irrigation practices and, whenever possible, try to limit the number of irrigation events on moss-infested greens (Table 1). No published research has identifed a connection between poorly drained putting greens and the establishment of silvery-thread moss, but a moist surface is likely to enhance the survival of dispersed propagules (fragments, bulbils, protonema) and established gametophytes. Superintendents should examine the putting green soil profle to determine whether excessive thatch or layering is reducing infltration rates. Mowing and topdressing The factors primarily responsible for the dispersal of asexual silvery-thread moss propagules are currently unknown. Researchers have attributed the increased incidence of silvery-thread moss in putting greens to excessively low cutting heights (8). In Kansas, greater moss cover in a creeping bentgrass putting green was reported when plots were mowed at 0.125 inch (3.175 millimeters) compared with plots mowed at 0.157 inch (4 millimeters) (8). Lower cutting heights can lead to stressed turfgrass plants, decreasing their competitiveness against weed species. Furthermore, the likelihood of the mower removing or dislodging individual shoots or bulbils increases as cutting heights decrease. Such fragments may then be dispersed around the green on equipment or golfersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; shoes. By contrast, the thin layer of sand applied during routine topdressing is a management

practice that may reduce silvery-thread moss. Turfgrass plants quickly grow through the layer of sand, but the vertical growth rate of silvery-thread moss is much slower in relation to turfgrass. Research in Tennessee (2) reported four biweekly topdressing applications reduced silvery-thread moss cover by 34% in a creeping bentgrass putting green. This reduction may have occurred because topdressing elevated the effective height of cut in relation to the gametophyte, reducing the incidence of fragmentation caused by mowing, compared with a green that does not receive frequent topdressing. Furthermore, topdressing dilutes thatch, providing a frmer surface for the mower to ride on (5). If thatch is excessive, the mower will sink into the turf, lowering the effective height of cut and increasing the likelihood of the mower clipping silverythread moss shoots. Many of the current cultural practices, such as aerifcation, grooming, verticutting and brushing, are aimed at manipulating the turfgrass canopy and are likely affecting the fragmentation and dispersal of silvery-thread moss. Currently, the effects of these practices on silvery-thread moss establishment have not been evaluated, but this information would be helpful in managing existing infestations. Nitrogen applications Nitrogen fertilization is important for maintaining acceptable turfgrass quality. Superintendents typically spoon-feed nitrogen throughout the growing season for several reasons: 1) A single application of 1 to 2 pounds of nitrogen/1,000 square feet (4.8 to 9.7 grams/square meter) in summer can cause a fush of growth, leading to excessive thatch

a b buildup and potentially leaving the canopy prone to scalping; 2) high nitrogen rates encourage some diseases; and 3) many superintendents apply preventive fungicides and plant growth regulators about every 14 days in summer, and soluble nitrogen fertilizers, such as urea and ammonium sulfate, are often included in the spray mixture at low rates (â&#x2030;¤ 0.2 pound of nitrogen/1,000 square feet [0.97 gram/square meter]). Spoon-feeding nitrogen likely increases the competitiveness of silvery-thread moss. For instance, researchers in Kansas sprayed urea at 0.3 pound of nitrogen/1,000 square feet (1.46 grams/square meter) biweekly throughout the growing season and reported a 47% increase in silvery-thread moss infestation (14). In another study, researchers sprayed urea and ammonium sulfate at 0.1 pound of nitrogen/1,000 square feet (0.48 gram/square meter) every week throughout the growing season and reported a twofold increase in silvery-thread moss cover (11). For some, the benefts of spraying soluble nitrogen may outweigh the possibility of increasing the com-

Top: A silvery-thread moss gametophyte containing (a) gametophores and (b) rhizoid mat. Bottom: An overhead view of a gametophyte. Photos by Zane Raudenbush

10.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

Silvery-thread moss is undesirable on putting greens because it can negatively affect ball roll and surface uniformity.

petitiveness of silvery-thread moss. Therefore, if superintendents with silvery-thread moss infestations spray soluble nitrogen, they should consider integrating practices that discourage moss growth, such as a herbicide application. Chemical management Several researchers have conducted studies on the current chemical control strategies for reducing silvery-thread moss in putting greens (1-3,8,14). All achieved some level of success, but none was effective at completely eradicating silvery-thread moss from putting greens. Arguably, the most effective control has been achieved with the herbicide QuickSilver (carfentrazone-ethyl, FMC), but control has been inconsistent and temporary (1,2,8,14). Carfentrazone-ethyl inhibits an enzyme (PPO) involved in the production of chlorophyll. Inhibition of PPO ultimately causes cell membranes to break down and their contents to leak out. Carfentrazone-ethyl inhibits PPO in the chloroplast, but the tips of B. argentum shoots are the only area that contains active chloroplasts. Therefore, the herbicide only injures the shoot tips, allowing for regrowth to occur from the lower segments of the shoots. Consequently, superintendents should not expect a single application of QuickSilver to completely eradicate a moss infestation. Nev-

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

ertheless, QuickSilver is a valuable tool that can reduce the competitiveness of silverythread moss, providing an opportunity for desirable turfgrass species to crowd it out. Superintendents should be aware of the conditions at the time of the herbicide application. Silvery-thread moss has the potential to be dormant if water is not present, which would likely reduce the effcacy of a herbicide application. Applying a small amount of irrigation before spraying QuickSilver will ensure the gametophytes are hydrated and active. Promoting moss while managing turf Current management practices on golf course putting greens, designed to deliver a frm, fast putting surface, appear to complement the ecology and biology of silvery-thread moss. Water is seldom limiting in many putting greens, allowing silvery-thread moss to remain active throughout most of the growing season. In putting greens where silvery-thread moss is prevalent, we recommend superintendents pay strict attention to water management practices. A higher irrigation frequency is likely to favor the establishment of deposited bulbils and fragments, leading to further infestation. Silvery-thread mossâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s internal water content is directly related to its surrounding

environment. Therefore, superintendents should increase air movement through the use of fans or selective removal of surrounding vegetation to encourage desiccation of asexual propagules and gametophytes. Frequent applications of nitrogen appear to enhance the growth and competitiveness of silvery-thread moss in putting greens, but reducing fertility is not recommended as a means of control. Improper fertility can lead to increased incidence of several diseases and reduce the healing of ball marks, all of which create available sites for silvery-thread moss propagules to grow. Furthermore, a good fertility program is essential to producing an extensive root system, which should enable superintendents to decrease irrigation frequency. If superintendents who regularly spray soluble nitrogen experience an increase in moss, they should consider lengthening the interval between applications. Frequent topdressing has been shown to reduce silvery-thread moss. Topdressing provides a frmer surface for the mower to ride on, decreasing the likelihood of the bedknife or reel coming in contact with the gametophyte, especially at low cutting heights. Topdressing sand is often brushed into the canopy to help reduce the amount of material picked up by the mowers. Research is not available regarding the effects of brooming/brushing on dispersal of silvery-thread moss propagules, but it is likely to physically dislodge vegetative propagules. The importance of monitoring for silverythread moss cannot be overemphasized, because a colony 2 inches (5 centimeters) in diameter can contain thousands of individual shoots, each capable of establishing a new colony. Additionally, the ability of silverythread moss to retain and absorb water increases with the size of the colony. Individual shoots deposited away from the original colony are highly susceptible to desiccation. Furthermore, the effcacy of control measures is likely to be enhanced if an invasion of silvery-thread moss is caught early. Control may be much more diffcult during the later stages of an infestation. Conclusion A magic bullet for selective control of silvery-thread moss does not seem likely in the near future, but management practices aimed at reducing the number of available

propagules for dispersal, in conjunction with current control measures (Table 1), are likely to keep populations low. Lastly, from personal experience, superintendents typically battle with silvery-thread moss in select greens on the property. This begs the question: Why isn’t it a major problem on every green? Several factors could be to blame, but, ultimately, those greens likely contain a microenvironment that is optimal for silverythread moss. Superintendents should consider which factors are contributing to the success of silvery-thread moss on infested greens and address them in order to obtain successful long-term control. Funding We thank the Kansas GCSAA and the Kansas Turfgrass Foundation for funding this research. Acknowledgments We thank Drs. Cole Thompson, Jack Fry and Megan Kennelly for their scholarly contributions to this work. The information in this paper was originally published as “A review: establishment, dispersal and management of silvery-thread moss (Bryum argenteum Hedw.) in putting greens” by Z. Raudenbush, S.J. Keeley and L.R. Stark in the online journal Forage, Crop & Turfgrass Management (May 13, 2015; doi:10.2134/cftm2014.0094). The content in this article was used by permission of the Crop Science Society of America Inc., Madison, Wis., USA. Literature cited 1. Boesch, B.P., and N.A. Mitkowski. 2005. Chemical methods of moss control on golf course putting greens. Online. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.1094/ATS-2005-1006-01-RV. 2. Borst, S.M., J.S. McElroy and G.K. Breeden. 2010. Silvery-thread moss control in creeping bentgrass putting greens with mancozeb plus copper hydroxide and carfentrazone applied in conjunction with cultural practices. HortTechnology 20(3):574-578. 3. Burnell, K.D., F.H. Yelverton, J.C. Neal et al. 2004. Control of silvery-thread moss (Bryum argenteum Hedw.) in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.) putting greens. Weed Technology 18(3):560565. 4. Crum, H.A., and L.E. Anderson. 1981. Mosses of Eastern North America. 2 volumes. Columbia University Press, New York.

5. Dernoeden, P.H. 2013. Creeping Bentgrass Management. 2nd edition CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla. 6. Frey, W., and H. Kürschner. 2011. Asexual reproduction, habitat colonization and habitat maintenance in bryophytes. Flora 206:173-184. 7. Glime, J.M. 2007. Bryophyte Ecology. Volume 1. Physiology Ecology. Online. E-book sponsored by Michigan Technical University and the International Association of Bryologists. (www.bryoecol.mtu.edu). Accessed Aug. 27, 2015. 8. Kennelly, M.M., T.C. Todd, D.M. Settle and J.D. Fry. 2010. Moss control on creeping bentgrass greens with standard and alternative approaches. HortScience 45(4):654-659. 9. Lyons, E.M., K.S. Jordan, I.T. James et al. 2012. Irrigation frequency infuences the establishment of silvery thread moss (Bryum argenteum Hedw.) and rooting of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) on simulated golf greens. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section B-Soil & Plant Science 62:79-85. 10. Proctor, M.C.F., M.J. Oliver, A.J. Wood et al. 2007. Desiccation tolerance in bryophytes: a review. The Bryologist 110(4):595-621. 11. Raudenbush, Z., and S. Keeley. 2015. Effect of nitrogen source and spray volume on the establishment and colonization of silvery-thread moss (Bryum argenteum Hedw.) in putting greens. Online. Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management doi:10.2134/ cftm2015.0145. 12. Selkirk, P.M., M.L. Skotnicki, J.A. Ninham et al. 1998. Genetic variation and dispersal of Bryum argenteum and Hennediella meimii populations in the Garwood Valley, Southern Victoria Land, Antarctica. Antarctic Science 10:423-430. 13. Stark, L.R., N.D. McLetchie and S.M. Eppley. 2010. Sex ratios and the shy male hypothesis in the moss Bryum argenteum (Bryaceae). The Bryologist 113(4):788-797. 14. Thompson, C., M. Kennelly and J. Fry. 2011. Effect of nitrogen source on silvery-thread moss on a creeping bentgrass putting green. Online. Applied Turfgrass Science doi:10.1094/ATS-2011-1018-02-RS.

Zane Raudenbush (zrod12@gmail.com) undertook this research as a Ph.D. student in the Department of Horticulture, Forestry, and Recreation Resources, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan., and completed his Ph.D. in May 2015; Steven J. Keeley is a professor in the Department of Horticulture, Forestry, and Recreation Resources, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan.; and Lloyd R. Stark is an associate professor in the School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

The RESEARCH SAYS • Silvery-thread moss (STM) is difficult to prevent and control. • Movement of vegetative structures of STM on golfers’ shoes and on mowing equipment is likely the primary means of short-distance dispersal. • Encouraging desiccation of STM on a golf course is impractical. Because daily watering encourages STM, irrigation frequency should be reduced on infested greens. • Because spoon-feeding nitrogen likely increases the competitiveness of STM, superintendents should integrate practices that discourage moss growth, such as a herbicide application. • Frequent topdressing and higher mowing heights appear to reduce STM. • Monitoring for STM cannot be overemphasized. Efficacy of control measures is likely to be enhanced if silvery-thread moss is caught early.

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Paul L. Koch, Ph.D. James P. Kerns, Ph.D.

Infuence of temperature on fungicide persistence When fungicides fail, could it be the temperatureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fault?

Despite numerous fungicide applications â&#x20AC;&#x201D;10 or more in some cases â&#x20AC;&#x201D; fungal diseases such as dollar spot can still be problematic. Photos by Paul Koch

For most superintendents, fungal diseases are the primary pest at their facilities. Despite frequent fungicide applications, certain turfgrass diseases such as dollar spot and anthracnose are still commonly observed, especially during hot and humid conditions. Dr. Rick Latin from Purdue University has identifed three primary factors that affect fungicide performance in a turfgrass system

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

(7). The frst factor is disease pressure, which encompasses several factors relating to the aggressiveness of the pathogen, amount of pathogen inoculum and the susceptibility of the host. The second factor is fungicide deposition, which relates to the fungicide application itself and includes application rates, reapplication intervals and coverage. The third factor is the depletion of fungicides

and fungicide protection, which, to date, has been diffcult to quantify and is rarely considered by superintendents, technical representatives or diagnosticians when investigating a fungicide failure. Temperature is a critical environmental factor for the initiation of turfgrass disease. However, temperature may affect not only the activity of the pathogen and the host, but

Turfgrass plugs were removed from all test plots and placed in growth chambers at three different temperatures to determine the effect of temperature on fungicide degredation.

also the persistence of fungicides applied to protect the turf. Of the six processes affecting fungicide depletion on turfgrass, four — volatilization, plant uptake, biotic degradation and abiotic degradation — are directly or indirectly infuenced by temperature (9). Research from turfgrass and non-turfgrass systems alike has presented conficting results on the impact of temperature on fungicide persistence. Increased depletion of chlorothalonil, triadimefon and iprodione was observed at higher temperatures on potato foliage as well as in agricultural soils (1,11,13). Conversely, other research has shown little or no effect of temperature on the degradation of fungicides from peanut, tomato and creeping bentgrass leaves (3,4,10). These conficting reports make it diffcult to determine the primary agents of fungicide depletion and whether that depletion is infuenced by temperature. During the growing season, the most common fungicide reapplication strategy is based on the fungicide manufacturer’s label recommendations, often at intervals ranging from seven to 28 days, depending on the fungicide’s phytomobility (7). However, these recommendations do not vary based on environmental conditions such

as temperature. Measuring the disappearance of fungicides at varying temperatures may show varied depletion rates, and may explain why reducing the reapplication interval and increasing the application rate is an effective means for managing disease during hot and humid conditions. Conversely, if fungicide depletion is reduced at lower temperatures, then reapplication intervals may be able to be extended beyond the interval recommended on the fungicide label. The primary objective of this experiment was to measure the concentration of the fungicides chlorothalonil and iprodione at 50 F (10 C), 68 F (20 C) and 86 F (30 C) at weekly intervals for four to fve weeks following application. We hypothesized that depletion of both fungicides would be greater at higher temperatures. Materials and methods Fungicides were applied to Penncross creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) maintained at 0.5 inch (1.3 centimeters) at the O.J. Noer Turfgrass Research Facility in Madison, Wis. The four fungicide treatments were a non-treated control, iprodione (Chipco 26GT, Bayer), chlorothalonil

(Daconil WeatherStik, Syngenta), and a tank mixture of both fungicides; the three temperature treatments were 50 F, 68 F and 86 F. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications, and fungicides were applied on June 22, 2010; June 14, 2011; and Aug. 2, 2011. Daconil WeatherStik was applied at a rate of 5.5 fuid ounces/1,000 square feet (1.59 milliliters/ square meter) and Chipco 26GT was applied at a rate of 4.0 fuid ounces/1,000 square feet (1.27 milliliters/square meter). All fungicides were applied in 2.0 gallons of water/1,000 square feet (981.49 milliliters/square meter) and at a nozzle pressure of 40 p.s.i using a CO2-pressurized boom sprayer equipped with two XR Teejet 8004 VS nozzles. Approximately one hour after application, 18 2-inch (5-centimeter) diameter cores were taken from each 3-foot × 10-foot plot. An equal number of cores from each plot was then placed in each of three growth chambers (50 F, 68 F or 86 F) on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Temperature was held constant in each growth chamber, and the root zone of each core was kept in 0.5 inch (1.7 centimeters) of water to keep plants hydrated. Each core was then kept in

10.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

Fungicide concentration was measured using SmartAssay ELISA kits from Horiba Ltd. in Kyoto, Japan.

Iprodione concentration (Âľg/gram)

Iprodione concentrations 400

400

Iprodione 2011a

350 300

300

250

* *

200

Iprodione 2011b

350

*** ** ** **

200

150

100

50 F 68 F 86 F

0 0

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Tank mix 2011a

350 300

Tank mix 2011b

350 300

* * **

250 200

** ** ** **

250 200

150

100

0 0

Days after iprodione application One significant difference among the three temperature treatments. *Two significant differences among the three temperature treatments. **Significant differences among the three temperature treatments. *** Figure 1. Iprodione concentration over a fve-week period following placement in a 50 F, 68 F or 86 F (10 C, 20 C, 30 C) growth chamber during two separate experiments in June and August 2011. Concentration was analyzed from creeping bentgrass leaf tissue collected from cores at the O.J. Noer Turfgrass Research and Education Facility in Madison, Wis. The tank mixture is a combination of iprodione and chlorothalonil. Data points represent mean iprodione concentration over four replications.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

Days to disappearance for two fungicides Iprodione Year

Growth chambers

Field

Growth chambers

Field

50 F (10 C)

68 F (20 C)

86 F (30 C)

50 F (10 C)

68 F (20 C)

86 F (30 C)

8.98 ± 1.15//

6.73 ± 0.56

2.53 ± 0.31

‡

27.7 ± 4.67

16.1 ± 1.54

3.30 ± 0.63

3.87 ± 0.94

16.8 ± 3.90

3.85 ± 0.95

7.96 ± 1.36

2.24 ± 0.34

44.4 ± 8.94

5.37 ± 1.50

3.77 ± 0.93

3.98 ± 0.96

7.83 ± 2.70

4.33 ± 1.90

7.90 ± 4.53

2.25 ± 0.3

2010† 2011a

Chlorothalonil

2011b †

Fungicides applied June 22, 2010; samples collected 0, 7, 14, and 21 days after application. Fungicides applied June 14, 2011; samples collected 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after application with additional sampling for iprodione 35 days after application. § Fungicides applied Aug. 2, 2011; samples collected 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after application with additional sampling for iprodione 35 days after application. // DT50 values measured in days. ‡

Table 1. Time to 50% disappearance (DT50) in days for iprodione and chlorothalonil from 50 F, 68 F and 86 F growth chambers following application to creeping bentgrass leaf blades maintained under fairway conditions. Samples in the growth chamber and feld samples were initially collected from the O.J. Noer Turfgrass Research Facility in Madison, Wis. Each value represents the mean of four replications.

its respective growth chamber for zero, seven, 14 or 21 days in 2010. Because signifcant iprodione residues remained at 21 days after application in the 2010 trial, additional sampling dates of 28 and 35 days after application were added for both 2011 trials. Chlorothalonil fungicide analyses were conducted zero, seven, 14, 21 and 28 days after application in 2010 and in both 2011 trials. At each analysis date in both 2011 trials, two additional samples were taken from both iprodione- and chlorothalonil-treated feld plots. Samples were immediately analyzed in the laboratory to compare fungicide depletion under feld conditions to depletion under growth chamber conditions. Concentrations of iprodione and chlorothalonil were analyzed using SmartAssay ELISA kits purchased from Horiba Ltd. (Kyoto, Japan) (14,15). The kits were designed to detect trace amounts of fungicide on fresh produce heading to market, and we modifed the experimental procedure for use on golf course turfgrass (6). Time to 50% depletion (DT50) was calculated by using a mathematical formula to approximate how many days it took for the fungicide to decrease by half of its original concentration. Temperature results Temperature infuenced iprodione persistence during all three experiments (Figure 1). Iprodione DT50 in 2010 was 8.98 days at 50 F, 6.73 days at 68 F, and 2.53 days at 86 F (Table 1). These results indicate that it

took approximately nine days for iprodione to deplete to half of its original concentration at 50 F, nearly seven days to reach 50% of the initial concentration at 68 F, and only 2.5 days to reach 50% of the original concentration at 86 F. In other words, in 2010, iprodione depleted 3.5 times faster at 86 F than at 50 F. DT50 values varied in both 2011 trials, but remained highest at 50 F and lowest at 86 F (Table 1). This temperature-based infuence may have important consequences for the use of iprodione in disease management. Typically, iprodione is reapplied every 14 to 21 days based on the fungicide manufacturer’s recommendation. Although these reapplication intervals are based on feld effcacy trials, they do not account for variations in environmental conditions. The rapid disappearance of iprodione at 86 F relative to 50 F suggests that iprodione protection is less persistent at higher temperatures and may leave plants susceptible to pathogen infection. Conversely, the increased persistence of iprodione at lower temperatures may allow for extended reapplication intervals beyond what the manufacturer recommends, limiting unnecessary chemical exposure to the environment and providing fnancial benefts to the superintendent. While temperature also infuenced the persistence of chlorothalonil on turfgrass leaf blades, the effect was less pronounced than it was for iprodione (Figure 2). Chlorothalonil DT50 values were higher at 50 F than at either 68 F or 86 F, but DT50 was actually lowest at

68 F in both 2011 trials (Table 1). Although the impact of temperature may be less consistent on chlorothalonil than on iprodione, it still has important implications for the use of chlorothalonil in disease management. Chlorothalonil reapplication intervals are also based on the manufacturer’s label and are seven to 14 days on turfgrass. Based on the research presented here, however, chlorothalonil concentration observed 14 and 21 days after application on turfgrass exposed to 86 F was often half of the concentration observed on turfgrass exposed to 50 F. As was the case for iprodione, this suggests that higher temperatures may lead to increased potential for disease breakthrough as a result of increased chlorothalonil depletion. On the other hand, lower temperatures may extend the need to reapply chlorothalonil beyond the recommended interval. Despite the differences observed in the depletion of both fungicides, the specifc mechanisms responsible for the depletion remain unclear. Iprodione is a localized penetrant fungicide and is, therefore, absorbed into the leaf (7). Fungicides applied to leaf surfaces can take up to seven days to fully absorb into the leaf and, even then, upward of 50% of the fungicide may remain bound on the leaf surface (7). Once the fungicide has been absorbed into the leaf, numerous plant defense responses may be released following exposure to iprodione and rapidly degrade the parent molecule (12). Increased plant metabolic activity at higher temperatures may provide a

10.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

Chlorothalonil concentration (Âľg/gram) Chlorothalonil concentration (Âľg/gram)

Chlorothalonil concentrations 2000

2000

Chlorothalonil 2011a

1800 1600

1600

1400

1200

1000

800

600 400

Chlorothalonil 2011b

1800

800

200

50 F 68 F 86 F

600 400 200

0 0

2000

Tank mix 2011a

1800 1600

1600

1400

1200

1000

800 600

Tank mix 2011b

1800

800 600

400

200

200 0

0 0

Days after chlorothalonil application One significant difference among the three temperature treatments. *Two ** significant differences among the three temperature treatments. Figure 2. Chlorothalonil concentration over a four-week period following placement in a 50 F, 68 F or 86 F (10 C, 20 C, 30 C) growth chamber during two separate experiments in June and August 2011. Concentration was analyzed from creeping bentgrass leaf tissue collected from cores at the O.J. Noer Turfgrass Research and Education Facility in Madison, Wis. The tank mixture is a combination of iprodione and chlorothalonil. Data points represent mean chlorothalonil concentration over four replications.

potential explanation for the increased degradation of iprodione at higher temperatures. Even chlorothalonil, a contact fungicide that resides primarily on the surface of the leaf blade, has been shown to induce plant detoxifcation responses following application to leaf surfaces (5). It remains unclear, however, what role plant detoxifcation mechanisms play in chlorothalonil metabolism on the leaf surface. Other phytomobility classes such as the acropetal penetrant demethylation inhibitors (DMI) and quinone outside inhibitors (QoI) may have a distinctly different response to temperature. Further research with these fungicide classes is required before assumptions

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

can be made about how they will react to different temperatures. Previous research has also demonstrated the ability of soil bacteria to degrade iprodione (13) and chlorothalonil (11). Other factors such as leaf growth, rainfall and volatilization have also been shown to affect chlorothalonil degradation on potato, tomato and creeping bentgrass foliage (10). Despite the likely infuence of bacterial metabolism on the disappearance of iprodione and chlorothalonil from turfgrass and other cropping systems, the degree of impact by microbial metabolism remains unclear and warrants further research.

Comparison to field results Iprodione and chlorothalonil concentration in the feld was compared to concentration in the growth chambers during both 2011 trials. Average daily temperature in the feld during both analyses ranged from 60 F (15.5 C) to 75 F (24 C), considerably lower than the constant 86 F found in the warmest growth chamber. Despite warmer temperatures in the growth chamber, iprodione and chlorothalonil concentrations in the feld reached zero at least seven days faster than in the 86 F growth chamber (Figure 3). Although photodegradation from natural sunlight may have increased the rate of degrada-

400

Iprodione field sample 2011a

350

300

86 F Field

250 200

150 100 50 0 0

Days after iprodione application

Chlorothalonil concentration (Âľg/gram)

Conclusion Disease management in a turfgrass environment is a complex system that is infuenced by host resistance, pathogen virulence, environmental conditions and the presence of fungicides. The activity and persistence of fungicides on the leaf blade is a critical component in effective disease management, but one that has remained largely undefned. It is clear that temperature plays a larger role in disease management than affecting only pathogen aggressiveness or host resistance. Rather than simply using the recommended reapplication interval regardless of the environmental conditions present, superintendents may consider temperature and other environmental factors when deciding when to reapply fungicides. This may result in more effective disease management at higher temperatures and extended reapplication intervals at lower temperatures. Considering environmental variables such as temperature when planning a fungicide program will lead to more effective and effcient use of fungicides in the future without sacrifcing disease management or turfgrass quality.

Iprodione concentration (Âľg/gram)

Field fungicide concentrations tion in the feld plots, regular mowing of the feld plot most likely removed a majority of the fungicide from the turf system. The results presented here suggest that, at temperatures optimal for turf growth, the majority of fungicide may be physically removed from the turf system by mowing and not by a specifc degradative mechanism such as bacterial or plant metabolism. If physical removal signifcantly infuences fungicide loss from a turfgrass system, then a reduction in the amount of leaf area removed during each mowing could prolong fungicide persistence and disease suppression. Plant growth regulators such as paclobutrazol and trinexapac-ethyl are used regularly on golf courses to reduce vertical plant growth and increase stress tolerance of creeping bentgrass plants (16). Extended fungicide effcacy in turfgrass has been observed where fungicides have been applied in combination with a plant growth regulator (2,8). This extended period of fungicide effcacy associated with plant growth regulators may be due to reduced removal of the fungicides from the turfgrass canopy.

2000

Chlorothalonil field sample 2011a

1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800

600 400 200 0 0

Days after chlorothalonil application

*Significant difference between the field and 86 F treatments.

Figure 3. Iprodione and chlorothalonil concentration from turfgrass clippings collected from cores sampled from the O.J. Noer Turfgrass Research and Education Facility in Madison, Wis., in August 2011. Concentration was analyzed zero, seven, 14, 21 and 28 days after the application with an additional analysis for iprodione at 35 days after application. Fungicide concentration from iprodione and chlorothalonil samples were compared to iprodione or chlorothalonil concentrations collected from turfgrass samples placed at 86 F (30 C).

10.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

Funding Partial funding for this research was provided by the Wisconsin Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Northern Great Lakes Golf Course Superintendents Association. Literature cited

The RESEARCH SAYS • Iprodione and chlorothalonil deplete faster at higher temperatures. • Iprodione was more susceptible to temperatureinfluenced depletion than chlorothalonil. • Regular mowing removed fungicide from the turfgrass system more rapidly than the warmest temperature tested. • Temperature-influenced depletion may explain why higher reapplication rates and shorter reapplication intervals provide more consistent disease control in hot and humid conditions.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

1. Bruhn, J.A., and W.E. Fry. 1982. A mathematical model of the spatial and temporal dynamics of chlorothalonil residues on potato foliage. Phytopathology 72:1306-1312. 2. Burpee, L.L., D.E. Green and S.L. Stephens. 1996. Interactive effects of plant growth regulators and fungicides on epidemics of dollar spot in creeping bentgrass. Plant Disease 80:1245-1250. 3. Elliott, V.J., and H.W. Spurr. 1993. Temporal dynamics of chlorothalonil residues on peanut foliage and the infuence of weather factors and plant growth. Plant Disease 77:455-460. 4. Frederick, E.K., C.S. Throssell, M. Bischoff and R.F. Turco. 1996. Fate of vinclozolin in creeping bentgrass turf under two application frequencies. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 57:391-397. 5. Kim, Y.M., K. Park, G.J. Joo et al. 2004. Glutathionedependent biotransformation of the fungicide chlorothalonil. Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry 52:4192-4196. 6. Koch, P.L., J.C. Stier, S.A. Senseman, S. Sobek and J.P. Kerns. 2013. Modifcation of commercially available ELISA assays to determine chlorothalonil and iprodione concentrations on golf course turfgrass. Crop Protection 54:35-42. 7. Latin, R.X. 2011. A Practical Guide to Turfgrass Fungicides. APS Press, St. Paul, Minn. 8. Putman, A.I., and J.E. Kaminski. 2011. Mowing frequency and plant growth regulator effects on dollar spot severity and on duration of dollar spot control by fungicides. Plant Disease 95:1433-1442. 9. Sigler, W.V., C.P. Taylor, C.S. Throssell et al. 2000. Environmental fates of fungicides in the turfgrass environment. Pages 127-149. In: J.M Clark and M. Kenna, eds. Fate and Management of Turfgrass Chemicals. American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C. 10. Sigler, W.V., Z. Reicher, C. Throssell et al. 2002. Sorption and degradation of selected fungicides in the turfgrass canopy. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 142:311-326. 11. Singh, B.K., A. Walker and D. Wright. 2002. Degradation of chlorpyrifos, fenamiphos, and chlorothalonil alone and in combination and their effects on soil microbial activity. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21:2600-2605. 12. Van Eerd, L.L., R.E Hoagland, R.M. Zablotowicz and J.C. Hall. 2003. Pesticide metabolism in plant and microorganisms. Weed Science 51:472-495.

13. Wang, Y.S., C.H. Wen, T.C. Chiu and J.H. Yen. 2004. Effect of fungicide iprodione on soil bacterial community. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 59:127-132. 14. Watanabe, E., S. Miyake, S. Ito, K. Baba et al. 2006. Reliable enzyme immunoassay detection for chlorothalonil: Fundamental evaluation for residue analysis and validation with gas chromatography. Journal of Chromatography A 1129:273-282. 15. Watanabe, E., and S. Miyake. 2007. Immunoassay for iprodione: Key estimation for residue analysis and method validation with chromatographic technique. Analytica Chimica Acta 583:370-376. 16. Xu, Y., and B. Huang. 2010. Responses of creeping bentgrass to trinexapac-ethyl and biostimulants under summer stress. HortScience 45:125-131.

Paul L. Koch (plkoch@wisc.edu) is an assistant professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and James P. Kerns is an assistant professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C.

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(verdure)

Joyce Kilmer hates your fairway

Beth Guertal, Ph.D. guertea@auburn.edu Twitter: @AUTurfFert

Based on the turf performance index, the top four performers were all Z. matrella, which reinforces the idea that the fnertextured zoysias probably do better in heavy shade than the japonicas.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

Shade. Unless you have the privilege of managing a links course, you probably have shade as part of your turfgrass scenario. Most typically, the source of this shade is trees. Or, as I like to call them, parasites of turfgrass. Trees create turfgrass stress because they reduce light intensity, alter the ratio of light wavelengths, change the microclimate and cause root competition. Of course, we keep trees because they reduce wind and dust, provide shelter and protection, and add impact and beauty to a landscape. So, we have to manage this love-hate treegrass relationship, and one of the methods for doing so is to select turfgrasses that might tolerate more shade than others. This is especially problematic in warm-season turfgrasses, as few will grow well in any shade. In 2011, Ben Wherley, Ph.D., and his colleagues at Texas A&M University published some work in which they examined low-input performance of zoysiagrass cultivars under shade. Unlike a lot of shade work that uses artifcial covers (hence, no root competition), this study looked at zoysiagrasses grown under live oak trees that produced 89 percent shade. In 2006, 10 zoysiagrass cultivars (the Z. matrella types Shadow Turf, Zeon, Zorro, Cavalier, Royal and Diamond, and the Z. japonica types Jamur, Meyer, Palisades and Crowne) were plugged into plots. During the establishment year (2006), the plots were fertilized and irrigated as needed to ensure establishment. From 2007 to 2009, turfgrass quality, density, color, winter color and spring green-up were collected, using a scale of 1 to 9, where 1 was poor and 9 was excellent. Lateral spread and canopy height were also measured. Regarding the results, two things should be kept in mind: (1) The study was performed in heavy shade (89 percent reduction in photosynthetic photon fux at ground level); and (2) the study was conducted as a low-input study (single application of nitrogen as sulfurcoated urea in May of each year at 0.75 pound nitrogen/1,000 square feet [37 kilograms/hectare]), with irrigation applied only in rating years when noticeable wilt was present, and mowing at 3.5 inches (9 centimeters) three times between May and October. Therefore, results may be best suited for roughs or other low-input spots, and viewed with a bit of caution for irrigated fairways or lawns. Not surprisingly, most cultivars had unacceptable quality (score < 5) throughout the three-year study. The best quality was mea-

sured in late summer, and the highest quality was found in the cultivars Shadow Turf, Royal and Diamond. Royal was the only cultivar to exhibit acceptable quality in the fnal year of the project. Zoysia japonica cultivars had faster green-up in every year of the study — likely a function of more aggressive spring shoot growth — when compared with Z. matrella types. For color, only Zorro and Meyer ever had poor genetic color, and that was observed only in 2008. The best fall color was observed in Palisades, Jamur, Crowne and Shadow Turf. For measured growth parameters, the most aggressive lateral spread was measured in Shadow Turf, Royal and Zorro. By the end of the study, the greatest total coverage in plots was measured in Royal, Palisades, Zorro and Crowne. Cultivars with the greatest vertical growth (which was viewed as a negative effect of shade) were Crowne, Meyer and Jamur — all Z. japonica types. The most limited vertical growth was measured in the Z. matrella types Diamond and Shadow Turf. All the measured parameters were combined into a three-year turf performance index, which was the number of times a cultivar appeared in the top statistical group across all variables measured and across all rating dates. The three top-performing cultivars were Royal, Zorro and Shadow Turf. In fact, based on the turf performance index, the top four performers were all Z. matrella, which reinforces the idea that the fner-textured zoysias probably do better in heavy shade than the japonicas. Palisades was the top-performing Z. japonica cultivar. The poorest performers in this heavy-shade, low-input environment were Zeon and Meyer. Interestingly, we often think of the wider-bladed Z. japonica types as being lower-maintenance, but this work shows that some Z. matrella cultivars may be well suited for such environments, too. Source: Wherley, B.G., P. Skulkaew, A. Chandra, A.D. Genovesi and M.C. Engelke. 2011. Low-input performance of zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) cultivars maintained under dense tree shade. HortScience 46:1033-1037.

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 a 19-year member of GCSAA.

CUTTING EDGE Teresa Carson

In vitro fungicide sensitivity of Pythium species Pythium root rot is a devastating disease of creeping bentgrass putting greens throughout the U.S. transition zone. Little is known about Pythium root rot etiology, epidemiology or management. Because feld effcacy data for this disease in turf is limited, an in vitro sensitivity assay was developed using four aggressive Pyt ium species (P. ap anidermatum, P. ultimum var. ultimum, P. irregulare and P. arr enomanes) associated with Pythium root rot. Fungicides with different modes of action and labeled for Pyt ium diseases were examined. Fungicides were added to potato dextrose agar at six concentrations (0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 10 micrograms/milliliter). An agar plug was collected from a 3-day-old culture of each Pyt ium species and incubated in the dark at 73 F (23 C), and radial growth was measured with a ruler 24, 48 and 72 hours after plating. All isolates were very sensitive to cyazofamid. Sensitivity to QoI fungicides varied among Pyt ium species: P. a anidermatum and P. irregulare were more sensitive to azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin and fuoxastrobin, but less so to trifoxystrobin. Pyt ium ap anidermatum and P. ultimum var. ultimum growth was reduced with propamocarb and mefenoxam, while fosetyl-Al only decreased P. ap anidermatum growth. No other fungicides showed ability to inhibit growth. Further research is needed on other Pyt ium species. However, this assay offers

insight into the chemistries Pyt ium species are sensitive to, and provides a basis for appropriate fungicides to test in feld trials and, later, to use on golf courses. — Benjamin J. Van Ryzin and James P. Kerns, Ph.D. (jpkerns@ncsu. edu), North Carolina State University, Raleigh

(Festuca arundinacea), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and alkaligrass (Puccinellia distans) — were grown under control (non-saline) conditions and four saline-alkaline conditions (two salinity concentrations [5 or 16 dS/m] × two pH levels [8.0 or 9.5]) in a hydroponic system. Turfgrass visual quality and relative growth rate decreased with increasing salinity levels, whereas alkalinity had limited impact on turfgrass growth and performance. Alkaligrass had the highest visual quality and vegetative growth of all the grasses under saline-alkaline stress, while Kentucky bluegrass had the poorest performance. The results suggest that salinity plays a more important role than alkalinity under the combined saline-alkaline conditions. Turfgrass managers may choose to use turf with high salt-tolerance when facing saline-alkaline stress. —

Mixed saline-alkaline conditions affect turf quality

Qi Zhang, Ph.D. (qi.zhang.1@ndsu.edu), and Kevin Rue, North Dakota State University, Fargo

Saline and alkaline (that is, high-pH) conditions often coexist in nature. In this research, fve cool-season grasses — tall fescue

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

Puccinellia distans in the Berlin (Germany) Botanical Garden. Photo by Daderot, Wikimedia Commons 10.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

(product news)

OceanGrown Inc. root zones in water-resistant soils, reducing hand watering and improving irrigation coverage. The website also offers a free wetting agent test-drive program in which superintendents can request a free wetting agent sample to try on their course. The direct link to the Quick Selection Guide is http://joomla.uicorp.net/markets/golf/wetting-agents-specialty/products/274-quick-select-guide. Contact Underhill, 949-305-7050 (www.underhill.us).

Alternative

TREATMENT OceanGrown Inc. unveiled NemaNator+, which the company says is the frst effective and affordable alternative to toxic nematode treatments. OceanGrown aims to make parasitic nematode management easier for superintendents and growers. Contact Don Rosenthal, 954-871-4965.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

Underhill International has posted a Quick Selection Guide on its website featuring the company’s extensive line of golf course wetting agents/ surfactants. The guide is designed to quickly assist superintendents in selecting the appropriate wetting agent for specifc hydrophobic turf conditions. Underhill offers a complete line of wetting agents — including TournamentReady, Medalist, H20 Maximizer, Tournament-Ready Plus with Actosol, and more — that prevent and cure localized dry spots. The wetting agents facilitate water movement to

Surf-Max, a soil surfactant, has been added to the Huma Gro Turf product line. Surf-Max is a blend of nonionic surfactants designed to improve both penetration and lateral movement of water within the root zone and increase soil moisture retention. Surf-Max ensures that turf managers are getting the most out of their applied water and water-carried inputs. On the course, Surf-Max can be used at all turf growth stages when effcient irrigation use

Honda Power Equipment is desired, including before and during summer stress and whenever drought conditions or water restrictions are present. Surf-Max can be particularly effective during course overseeding, when heightened water repellency of soil can make growing diffcult for turf, resulting in wasted water and grass seed. Contact Huma Gro Turf, 480-961-1220 (www.humagroturf.com). Honda Power Equipment introduced its allnew HSS Series of premium snowblowers for North American and European markets. The HSS724A, HSS928A and HSS1332A two-stage models are designed to deliver superior performance and enhanced control and handling for both commercial and residential users. Key features include hydrostatic transmission, joystick electric chute control, DC electric start, and increased blower diameter. At the heart of every Honda snow thrower is an easy-starting engine that supplies smooth, quiet and reliable 4-stroke power with low-level emissions, the company says. Contact Honda, 770-497-6400 (www.honda.com).

trobin and tebuconazole for the frst time. The product will be available this fall, in time for snow mold applications. The synergy of the two golf fungicide technologies provides broad-spectrum disease control, including for patch diseases such as brown patch, foliar diseases such as dollar spot, and soil-borne pathogens, including pythium. Superintendents can apply ArmorTech ZOXY-T at its highest rate to greens and tees to deliver a full amount of each active ingredient, or they can spray at a lower rate for economical fairway disease control. ArmorTech ZOXY-T is currently labeled for golf course use only and is available in cases of four 1-gallon containers from United Turf Alliance members and partners. Contact United Turf Alliance, 770335-3015 (www.utaarmortech.com).

TRANSLATION Growth Products Ltd. released a fully translated Spanish-language version of its Agricultural/ Horticultural Products Catalog. Complete

On an abandoned and completely denuded 2.7-acre home development site, Profle Productsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ProGanics Biotic Soil Media topsoil alternative slashed application time from fve days to one day and reduced material costs by 40 percent by eliminating nearly 100 truckloads of dirt, the company reported. Biotic Soil Media also helped turn the site from brown to green in a matter of weeks. Using other hydroseeding options such as Profle Productsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Flexterra and ProMatrix instead of a blanket or sod can similarly cut hours off application time. Contact Profle Products, 800-207-6457 (www.profleproducts.com). United Turf Alliance introduced ArmorTech ZOXY-T, a golf course fungicide that combines azoxys-

Catalog

with the comprehensive technical information and product details that green industry professionals worldwide have come to rely on, the translated catalog provides enhanced product support and customer service to Spanish-speaking clients. Contact Growth Products, 800-648-7626 (www. growthproducts.com).

Jacobsen mowing equipment is maintaining the Olympic Golf Course for 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. Jacobsen

10.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

machines have been mowing the course for the past 15 months as construction fnished and grow-in progressed. Eighteen machines were delivered in June 2014, including Eclipse2 walking greens mowers, Eclipse 322 hybrid-powered riding greens mowers, Greens King series walking greens mowers, and GA30 greens aerators. The course, which features natural vegetation, extensive bunkers, a lagoon, and sandy, rough ground lining the fairways, will host two 60-competitor tournaments, with the women’s event following the men’s competition. It will accommodate 2,500 spectators in grandstands, with space for 17,500 around the course. By the time the frst event takes place in August 2016, 35 Jacobsen turf maintenance machines will be employed at the course. “This is a particularly important relationship for us, as it marks the return of golf as an Olympic sport after more than a century, and it is sure to be one of the high-profle events at the games,” says David Withers, president of Jacobsen. Superintendents looking for a nematode solution for fall control can try MultiGuard Protect from Agriguard Co. and receive a $250 cash rebate for every 10 gallons purchased before Dec. 4, 2015. Naturally derived from sugar cane, MultiGuard Protect is a safe, natural, non-phytotoxic nematicide that doesn’t leave harmful residues. The product is intended to be administered as a program approach to nematode management, with three applications on 21-day intervals during both the fall and spring season, timed with the plants’ root growth cycle. Contact Agriguard Co., 908-272-7070 (www. multiguardprotect.com). Club Car launched its “Bank on Carryall” sales event. Now through Dec. 31, the event allows qualifed commercial buyers to purchase new 2015 or 2016 Caryall utility vehicles with no payments for six months, and lease new 2015 or 2016 Caryall 500 and 700 utility vehicles with special fnancing of 2.9 percent APR for 36 to 48 months, or 3.9 percent APR for 60 months. The Carryall line includes compact, mid- and full-sized utility vehicles with zero-emissions electric, EFI gasoline or diesel powertrains; 4x2s and automatic 4x4s; and two- and four-passenger models. Contact Club Car, 800-258-2227 (www.clubcar.com). The State of North Carolina approved a statewide, multiyear contract for Toro outdoor maintenance equipment and utility vehicles for use by all state agencies, local governmental entities, private nonproft institutions of higher education, and other authorized users. The contract was approved with a start date of Sept. 1, 2015, and will last through Aug. 31, 2018. Elevance Clean 1000 from Elevance Renewable Sciences Inc. is a high-performing, bio-based cleaning ingredient that reduces uncertainty in price and supply for d-limonene buyers and boosts performance of d-limonene formulations, especially those in asphalt/tar removal and degreasing applications. Contact Elevance Renewable Sciences Inc., 877-526-4823 (www.elevance.com/clean1000). Larson Electronics unveiled its 1,600-watt portable LED foodlight system, which has four 400-watt LED light heads that produce a combined 208,000 lumens of light. The LED lamps can easily be adjusted up, down, and from side to side independently of each other, and can be locked into position for maximum coverage of the work area. Contact Larson Electronics, 800-369-6671 (www.larsonelectronics.com).

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

PLATINUM PARTNERS

GOLD PARTNERS

SILVER PARTNERS

SILVER PARTNER

Partner Recognition Program Jim Letourneau, president of Foley United, stated that “we are proud to be able to support the GCSAA as a Silver Partner. This initiative along with the support that we are able to provide as sponsors of the Most Valued Technician program will help the organization provide resources to train members and recognize their high value to the industry”. He further stated he believes the new Equipment Managers Classifcation will bring great value to the GCSAA by providing a common platform for Superintendents and Equipment Manager through education and common goals. Foley United, a division of Foley Belsaw, located in River Falls Wisconsin, is well known as a worldwide supplier of reel and bedknife sharpening equipment. Servicing the golf and turf markets with two product groups, Foley United and Neary Technologies, these products are used by the majority of the courses throughout the world. Product innovation could not have been accomplished without collaboration with key manufactures and users of cutting units. The results of these efforts have developed into equipment with features that support “best practices recommendations” and patent development providing innovative features that end users fnd most desirable. Foley United manufactures products that are fully capable of restoring reels and bedknives to their original specifcations as well as performing any sharpening process the user desires. Users are not limited to only the reel maintenance practices that are supported by the equipment they are using. They are now able to defne the type of grind that suits their needs on any given cutting unit on any given day. Thru the use of Automation, the end user can accomplish those tasks with a minimum amount of time and effort, providing them the ability to make better use of their time while reducing the cost of quality. Keeping up with the latest in both engineering design and manufacturing technology ensures that not only are these products innovative in engineering design, but are also innovative in manufacturing processes providing unequaled quality at an unequaled value.

FMC North America Professional Solutions serves the golf, lawn care, greenhouse, nursery, and structural pest control markets. FMC entered the turf and ornamental industry in 1987 with the launch of Talstar® brand insecticides. Over the past decade, the company has broadened its turf portfolio signifcantly, adding eight herbicides, fve insecticide products, and a family of fungicide products, in addition to formulations specifcally tailored for industry segments such as golf and tree care. A recently announced new leadership structure allows a more streamlined market outreach while retaining the customer intimacy that FMC is known for. FMC offers a full range of granular and liquid insecticides, including its Talstar line of insecticides* and new Triple Crown® Golf insecticide*. Herbicides available through FMC include Dismiss®, QuickSilver®, BlindSide®, Echelon®, Solitare®, SquareOne® and Xonerate®. Recently, FMC Professional Solutions introduced the Fame™ family of fuoxostrobin fungicides, cost-effective strobilurin products that deliver fast -acting, patented fuoxastrobin protection against major patch, spot, and mold diseases. The family includes Fame SC, Fame +C, Fame +T and Fame Granular fungicides. All four Fame fungicides offer quick penetration of leaf surfaces, allowing translaminar movement throughout the plant tissue. Proven by university research, Fame fungicides contain fuoxastrobin, which has a high degree of systemic action to provide rapid disease protection and stops further growth of established disease. By working closely with golf course superintendents like you, FMC Professional Solutions is able to offer products and services tailored to your particular needs that help you successfully protect the health and beauty of your turf. *Talstar ® GC Granular Insecticide, Talstar ® XTRA GC Insecticide, Talstar ® Select Insecticide and Triple Crown® Golf Insecticide are Restricted Use Products (RUP). Always read and follow the label. FMC, Talstar, Triple Crown, Dismiss, Blindside, QuickSilver, Echelon, Solitare, SquareOne and Fame are registered trademarks of FMC Corporation. © 2015 FMC Corporation. All rights reserved. Xonerate is a registered trademark of Arysta LifeScience North America, LLC. Copyright © 2015 Arysta LifeScience North America, LLC. All rights reserved.

(industry news)

Bobcat Co.

Golf Course

RECLAMATION Integrity Golf Co. expanded its portfolio with the addition of Raven Rock Golf Course in Jenkins, Ky. Raven Rock, owned by Teco Coal, is known for being one of the state’s frst golf course reclamation projects. Built on a former strip-mining site, Raven Rock boasts striking elevations that reach nearly 3,000 feet around the dramatic quarry. The 18-hole public course is a 6,303-yard par-70. Raven Rock is the 34th course under the Integrity Golf Co. umbrella.

Bobcat Co. and parent organization Doosan broke ground on a $9.5 million company headquarters’ expansion in West Fargo, N.D. Company offcials say the expansion to the existing facility will help accommodate growth, drive innovation and improve operations, all of which are key to maintaining global leadership. The current headquarters, built in 2000, houses individuals within several departments of business administration, as well as product development and marketing communications for Bobcat Co. and Doosan, a heavy equipment brand. The expansion will double square footage and employee capacity, and Bobcat and Doosan will pursue LEED certifcation for the facility in both design and construction. The expansion is slated for completion in late summer 2016.

John Deere Landscapes unveiled its new name and logo as SiteOne Landscape Supply LLC. The change becomes effective Oct. 19. The new brand represents the next step for SiteOne as an independent company after its acquisition by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in December 2013. With more than 460 locations in the U.S. and Canada, SiteOne says it is the largest wholesale distributor of landscape supplies for green industry professionals in North America, including irrigation supplies, fertilizer and control products, landscape accessories, nursery goods, hardscapes and outdoor lighting, and a broad array of services designed to help green industry professionals operate and grow their businesses. FMC Corp. named Maureen Thompson commercial director and Tom Wharton national

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

sales manager for North America Professional Solutions, which comprises its Turf and Ornamental and Structural Pest Solutions business segments. Previously, Thompson was business manager for Turf and Ornamental Solutions. She joined FMC in 1995, and has held positions in sales along with account and sales management in both the Turf and Ornamental and Structural Pest Solutions business groups. Wharton most recently was regional sales manager and key account manager for FMC’s Professional Solutions group. He joined FMC in 2005 as a territory business manager. Greg Nash, a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), died Aug. 21. He was 66. Notable designs from Nash included Anthem (Ariz.) Country Club, Sun City Summerlin Golf Course in Las Vegas, and Club Terravita in Scottsdale, Ariz. ASGCA members will remember Nash’s relentless attention to detail, an intimate understanding of the development process, and a knowledge of environmental regulations. SunRidge Canyon Golf Club in Fountain Hills, Ariz., has partnered with Troon. Nestled between the canyon walls and foothills of the McDowell Mountains on the edge of Scottsdale, the Keith Foster layout showcases scenic elevation changes, bold design features and natural beauty. The club expects completion of a half-milliondollar enhancement project this month that includes new Champion bermudagrass greens, expanded putting surfaces and practice facility improvements. Troon now has more than 250 golf courses in its portfolio. The new changes are scheduled to be unveiled Oct. 2. Redexim, the parent company of Redexim North America, reached an agreement to purchase the assets of Blec Global Ltd. of the U.K. The deal

Ljunghusen Golf Club includes the purchase of the Blec name, and means that the products will continue to be traded around the world by Redexim under the Blec name. Redexim will now be responsible for the full manufacturing and distribution of the current range of more than 80 different Blec machines throughout the world, including in the U.S. and Canada. Blec was founded in 1986 and offers a wide range of specialized landscaping and turf care machinery, both walk-behind and tractor-mounted models, to suit a variety of requirements. Ljunghusen Golf Club in Hollviken, Sweden, became the frst club to be twice GEO (Golf Environment Organization) recertifed. Ljunghusen GC was founded in 1932 and is a true links course. The club is located in a nature reserve and is just a few meters from the Baltic Sea. Ljunghusen GC features an on-site geothermal ground source pump, uses 100 percent renewable-source electricity, and has transitioned to organic fertilizers. Scott Grego joined the Redexim Turf Products team. Grego, who attended Michigan State University, has 20 years of experience in golf course management, working at Dundee (Mich.) Golf Club and Dominion Country Club in San Antonio. Following those posts, Grego held a position in sports turf management at Toyota Field in San Antonio. Paul Blodorn, CGCS, accepted a position with Control Solutions representing the Quali-Pro brand in the Northeast for golf, lawn care, nursery and greenhouse markets. Blodorn, whose career includes being the superintendent at East Hampton Golf Club, has also worked at Southampton Golf Club, Wilmington Country Club, and The Rockaway Hunting Club. Blodorn, who was involved in the Long Island GCSA, also founded a successful full-service landscape business in the Hamptons, which he operated and grew for seven years. Deane Beman was named the recipient of the PGA of America’s 2015 Distinguished Service Award. Beman is being honored Nov. 13 in conjunction with the 99th PGA Annual Meeting in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Beman, who won the 1959 British Amateur and 1960 and 1963 U.S. Amateurs, won four times on the PGA Tour. He became PGA Tour commissioner in 1974 and served for two decades, in which he helped nurture

television’s connection to the game and ushered in the creation of a senior tour (now called Champions Tour). Previous winners of the award include Gene Sarazen, Patty Berg, Vince Gill and Dave Stockton.

John Smith

Chief Executive Scott Gault

RETIRES Gordon McKillop, Ph.D., chief executive of Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI), an-

nounced his intention to retire at Easter in 2016. McKillop has held the position since July 2000. “When I started, I told the interview panel that I had three aims for the business — to develop more scientifcally and technically based services, to make the business more commercially oriented, Aaron Johnsen and to raise the STRI brand to an international level,” he says. McKillop considers growing the WinField Professional Products Group core U.K. business throughout the recession, announced its new leadership team with the promotion especially the consultancy and research services of John Smith to marketing director and Scott associated with golf, a highlight of his tenure. Gault to national sales director. Additionally, Aaron Johnsen was promoted to director of regional sales and proprietary products. Smith joined Land O’ Lakes as the marketing manager in 2011, overseeing all pricing and marketing programs. Gault has 30 years of experience

10.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

in the industry and worked in distribution for the past 20 years. Johnsen has extensive experience in the professional products industry with maintenance, research, measurement technology, sales, product management and marketing. International Club Suppliers (ICS) extended its partnership and agreed to a new three-year contract with OB Sports Golf Management. ICS is the sales and marketing arm for entegra Procurement Services in the club and resort channel. Founded in 1972, OB Sports manages more than 60 golf courses across 15 states. Its portfolio includes ASU Karsten Golf Course, Gamble Sands and Colorado National Golf Club. Propane-powered turf equipment is now maintaining the fairways, greens and rough at eight U.S. golf courses originally selected a year ago to participate in an inaugural research program with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). The courses included are Stone Mountain (Ga.) Golf Club; Fernandina Beach (Fla.) Golf Club; Marriott Desert Springs Golf Club, Palm Desert, Calif.; The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg (Fla.) Resort & Golf Club; Columbus (Ohio) Municipal Golf Courses; Reston (Va.) National Golf Course; George W.

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

Dunne National, Oak Forest, Ill.; and Eagles Pride Golf Course, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. The equipment was rolled out to the courses over several months earlier this year to ensure each course had a high level of support when the demo equipment arrived. The courses, chosen for their commitment to environmental practices, are recording 12 months’ worth of data with the leased propane-powered equipment. “We are excited to see the fnal data from each course once the 12-month program wraps up, because many of the superintendents are already reporting signifcant operational cost savings with the propane equipment, some in the thousands of dollars range, compared with their gasoline- and diesel-fueled equipment,” says Jeremy Wishart, deputy director of business development for PERC. PrimeraTurf made multiple announcements, including the addition of Zimco Supply Co. as an owner distributor of Primera. Zimco Supply, headquartered in Sioux City, Iowa, is a distributor of specialty turf and ornamental products serving western Iowa. PrimeraTurf also announced the addition of Ewing Irrigation as an owner distributor of Primera. Ewing, based in Phoenix, is a retailer of specialty turf and ornamental products in 23 states. Established in 1922, Ewing operates 197 locations supporting outside sales, retail, and walk-in professional business. PrimeraTurf also noted the addition of High

Tech Irrigation as an owner distributor to the co-op. High Tech Irrigation, headquartered in Indio, Calif., is a distributor of specialty turf and ornamental products serving the Palm Springs and Southern California markets since 1985. PrimeraTurf also announced the addition of Kinney Bonded Warehouse Inc. (KBW Supply) as an owner-distributor of Primera. Headquartered in Donna, Texas, KBW is a distributor partner of specialty turf and ornamental products serving the Texas and Mexico markets since 1948. Green industry contractors have the chance to win an Exmark Lazer Z X-Series, worth more than $14,000, by buying a ticket for the Project EverGreen Mower Giveaway Raffe. With generous support from Exmark, Project EverGreen is seeking to increase funding to further expand its “Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.” initiative, which is revitalizing recreational and athletic green spaces across the country. The Exmark Lazer Z X-Series mower is equipped with the new suspended operator platform, providing 3.6 inches of controlled travel in vertical and fore/aft directions; a 60-inch UltraCut Series 6 cutting deck; and a Kawasaki FX801V twin-cylinder engine. Raffe tickets are $10 per ticket or six for $50. Tickets can be purchased through Project EverGreen’s website at http:// projectevergreen.org/win-an-exmark-lazer-z-x-seriesmower. The drawing will take place Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. in

the Project EverGreen booth at the GIE+Expo in Louisville, Ky. For complete contest rules, go to www.projectever green.org. Aquatrols announced a new distribution partnership with Bayer Environmental Science that will signifcantly expand the company’s presence in Australia. The deal will provide greater solutions, innovations and support for turf managers across Australia, according to Matthew Bywater, international accounts manager for Aquatrols in the Pacifc Rim. “As our science and product range has developed beyond simply controlling dry patch and into greater root-zone management, so has the need to further support and research our products on a localized basis,” Bywater says. Peter Kirby, turf market manager for Bayer Environmental Science, says, “We pride ourselves on supplying Australia’s turf managers with the products and services they need to produce optimum playing conditions. Over the past 60 years, Aquatrols has shown a strong commitment to research and development, and a genuine concern for their customers.” Pacifc Links International entered into a reciprocal club partnership with Golf at Goodwood in Chichester, West Sussex, England. The club sits on the sprawling Goodwood Estate, which has been home to the Dukes of Richmond and Lennox for 300 years. Pacifc

Links members are granted access to more than 400 high-end golf clubs around the world. Peter Hill, CEO of Billy Casper Golf (BCG), has been ranked No. 4 on Golf Inc. magazine’s list of “Most Innovative People in Golf” for his “thinking-outside-thebox” leadership of the company, which manages the ffthlargest portfolio of golf courses, country clubs and resorts worldwide. A key component of Hill’s efforts has been his advent of BCG Ventures, which features the Billy Casper Digital Network and a database that touches one of every eight golfers in America. Iain Macleod, course manager at Tain Golf Club, accepted the role of British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association (BIGGA) president-elect and will offcially become president in January. Sir Michael Bonallack, who has been serving as BIGGA president, will become BIGGA Patron. Macleod has been a greenkeeper since he fnished school in 1972, beginning as an apprentice at Nairn Golf Club before moving to a nine-hole course in Coventry formerly known as The Grange Golf Club. He returned to his native Highlands in 1976 at Tain, initially as deputy before becoming course manager two years later. Macleod carries a 7 handicap on the golf course.

Honours Golf was selected to provide club management and agronomic services for Calvert Crossing, a private country club located in Calhoun, a suburb of Monroe, La. Calvert Crossing features an 18-hole championship golf course co-designed by John Floyd and Bill Zimmerebner. Two Palm Beach Gardens private clubs — Eastpointe Country Club and The Golf & Racquet Country Club at Eastpointe — merged to form a value-driven membership program that will be under the Eastpointe Country Club name. The clubs are central to Eastpointe’s exclusive, gated community, which opened in 1974. Billy Casper Golf is managing the entire facility.

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

(a)

PROBLEM The dead turf on this green can be traced to the golf course’s location on top of what was once an uncapped landfll. The course was originally constructed in 1960 and had native-soil, push-up greens. This particular green had been problematic for the superintendent, so she decided to rebuild it as a “California green” in early May of this year. The green was reconstructed and sodded using certifed TifEagle bermudagrass, and it grew in and was in healthy condition when it was scheduled to open for play on July 13. Within days of the planned opening, the superintendent was making her regular weekend rounds through the course when she noticed the discoloration shown in the photo. After extensive efforts to identify the source, the superintendent determined that the underlying landfll and a nearby facility that previously stored products and equipment used for mosquito treatments were the probable causes of the deterioration of the turfgrass, which was likely due to the emergence of gases trapped in the ground from the former uncapped landfll. The strategy now is to rebuild the green to USGA recommendations, with the addition of a 30-mil PVC liner. Visible signs of the landfll also include trash and other debris that sometimes pop out of the ground. Just recently, the crew was adding drainage to the front of a green and found a large (3-foot-by-3-foot) metal object buried there. Was it a car hood? A refrigerator? That’s a question for another Photo Quiz. Photo submitted by Gina Williams, the GCSAA Class A superintendent at Jacksonville Beach (Fla.) Golf Club and a 13-year member of the association.

(b)

PROBLEM

Vandalism is a constant problem for golf courses and the superintendents who maintain them, and, unfortunately, a dirt bike left the long, turfess marks on this course. The superintendent suspects that the vandal cut the wire fence at the entrance to the maintenance shop to gain access to the golf course. The main damage was confned to this one green, with the exception of a 5-foot mark on another green and some tracks on a couple of tees. The superintendent was able to repair these minor marks with divot mix. The repairs to the green in the photos took more than three hours and were accomplished with a sod stripper and lots of handwork. Topdressing sand also had to be added to raise up the tire track depressions so the sod would be level. Because this course does not have a turf nursery, the sod used in the greens repair was taken from the course’s practice green. To replace the turf on the practice green, the superintendent borrowed some sod from a fellow superintendent whose course is about an hour away and has a large nursery. The area was repaired April 19, and the golf course opened for play on April 23, a week or two earlier than usual, and although the patches were visible, they were still playable. Photo submitted by Adam Champion, the superintendent at Pine Hills Golf Club in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Canada. The superintendent who loaned the sod to Pine Hills was Heath Koch, the GCSAA Class A superintendent at Red Deer (Alberta) Golf and Country Club and a 20-year association member.

Presented in partnership with Jacobsen

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

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 email it 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.

MEMBERS ONLY ON COURSE Oct. 1-4 — Web.com Tour, Web.com Tour Championship, TPC Sawgrass (Dye’s Valley Course), Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.; Tom Vlach, CGCS, director of agronomy; Lucas Andrews, superintendent.

(climbing the ladder)

Oct. 1-4 — European Tour, Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, Old Course, St. Andrews, Fife; and Carnoustie & Kingsbams, Scotland.

Nate Beckman Was: Is:

Oct. 3-8 — USGA, U.S. Mid-

Assistant superintendent, Minebrook Golf Club, Hackettstown, N.J. Superintendent, Cloquet (Minn.) Country Club

Getting to know you Nate Beckman learned how to play golf from his father, Steven, whose advice was pretty simple. “He always told me to just have fun. Make it fun. Don’t take it serious,” Beckman, 31, says. No doubt that Beckman has got serious game: He is a 6 handicap. “I just love the game,” he says. “There’s something new with it every day.”

A: Enger Park in Duluth (Minn.). When we were young, we would go to the golf course every day in the summer and play 18 or 36 holes. I started working there when I was 17. The beneft was I got to play free golf. I really came to enjoy taking care of the golf course, striping everything, making the greens the best they could possibly be.

Q: What was your frst job after college?

A: Proctor Golf Course, a nine-hole course in Duluth. I was the superintendent right out of college (Anoka Technical College). I learned a lot about managing people, who you can rely on, who you couldn’t rely on, and the amount of responsibility that falls on your shoulders.

Q: Who are your mentors?

A: Randy VanderVaate, CGCS, who we did some work with at Minebrook, was so good at leading people. Pat Campbell, CGCS, took me under his wing at Minebrook. He always said to take it one day at a time, and that there’s always tomorrow. Jud Crist was the frst superintendent I worked for at Enger Park. He made it fun.

Q: Name the biggest challenge you face at Cloquet.

A: The greens. The front nine are old Poa, pushup-style. The back nine are new, USGA bentgrass greens. Two different beasts. You need two different practices to take care of them. Q: What is the one thing you cannot do without? A: My 2½-year-old black lab, Beaux. He keeps me on my toes, and he chases geese off the golf course. — Howard Richman, GCM associate editor

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

Oct. 3-8 — USGA, U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, Squire Creek Country Club, Choudrant, La.; Frederick Maier, CGCS, director of golf course management; Nicholas Cauley, GCSAA Class A superintendent. Oct. 8-11 — PGA Tour, The Presidents Cup, Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, Songdo IBD, Incheon City, South Korea. Oct. 8-11 — LPGA, Sime Darby LPGA

Q: Where did you learn to love the game?

Amateur, John’s Island Club, Vero Beach, Fla.; Gregory Pheneger, golf course manager; John Curran, GCSAA Class A superintendent, West Course; Barry Balavender, superintendent, North and South Courses.

Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Oct. 8-11 — European Tour, British Masters supported by Sky Sports, Woburn Golf Club, Woburn, England.

Oct. 9-11 — Champions Tour, SAS Championship, Prestonwood Country Club, Cary, N.C.; David Dalton, director of golf course management; Brad Griffn, superintendent.

Oct. 9-11 — Symetra Tour, IOA Golf Classic, Alaqua Country Club, Longwood, Fla.; Jason Throop, GCSAA Class A superintendent.

Oct. 15-18 — PGA Tour, Frys.com Open, Silverado Country Club (North Course), Napa, Calif.; Patrick Ringenberger, GCSAA Class A superintendent and director of agronomy.

Oct. 15-18 — LPGA, LPGA KEB HanaBank Championship, Sky 72 Golf Club Ocean Course, Incheon, South Korea;

James Prusa, GCSAA Class A director of golf courses.

Oct. 15-18 — Symetra Tour, Symetra Tour Championship presented by EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University, LPGA International (Jones Course), Daytona Beach, Fla.; John Lammrish, CGCS, director of golf course management. Oct. 15-18 — European Tour, Portugal Masters, Oceanico Victoria Golf Club, Vilamoura, Portugal.

Oct. 8 — GCSAA Webcast: Turfgrass literacy Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts Oct. 12-13 — Northern California Golf Association Assistant Superintendents Boot Camp, Hyatt Regency, Monterey; and Poppy Hills, Pebble Beach Phone: Matt Muhlenbruch, 831-277-9055 Email: mattmuhlenbruch@poppyhillsgolf. com

Oct. 16-18 — Champions Tour, San Antonio Championship, TPC San Antonio, (AT&T Canyons), San Antonio; Thomas Lively, CGCS, director of golf course operations.

Oct. 22-25 — PGA Tour, Shriners Hospital for Children Open, TPC Summerlin, Las Vegas; Dale Hahn, CGCS, director of golf course maintenance.

Oct. 13-14 — Oregon Golf Course Owners Association Fall Conference, Aspen Lakes Golf Course, Sisters Phone: 877-375-1330 Website: www.ogcsa.org

Oct. 13-15 — Deep South Turf Expo, Mississippi Coast Convention Center, Biloxi Phone: 334-821-3000 Website: www.deepsouthexpo.org

Oct. 22-25 — LPGA, Fubon LPGA Taiwan Championship, Miramar Golf Country Club, Taipei, Taiwan.

Oct. 22-25 — European Tour, UBS Hong Kong Open, Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling, Hong Kong.

Oct. 29-Nov. 1 — LPGA, Blue Bay LPGA, Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course, Hainan Island, China.

Oct. 19-20 — Inland Empire GCSA Fall Meeting & Trade Show, Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, Worley, Idaho Phone: 406-273-0845 Website: www.idahogcsa.org Oct. 19-20 — Virginia GCSA Fall Conference, Hermitage Country Club, Manakin-Sabot Phone: 804-708-9760 Website: www.vgcsa.org

Oct. 30-Nov. 1 — Champions Tour, Toshiba Classic, Newport Beach Country Club, Newport Beach, Calif.; Ronald Benedict, superintendent.

COMING UP Oct. 1 — GCSAA Webcast: Optimizing your annual bluegrass weevil management program Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts

Oct. 21 — GCSAA Webcast: Review your bentgrass greens management plan Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts

Oct. 21-23 — GIE+Expo Green Industry Expo and School of Grounds Management, Kentucky Expo Center, Louisville Phone: 800-558-8767 Website: www.gie-expo.com

Oct. 4-5 — 69th Annual Northwest

Oct. 27-29 — Peaks & Prairies GCSA

Turfgrass Association Conference, Coeur d’Alene (Idaho) Resort Phone: 406-273-0845 Website: www.idahogcsa.org

Fall Meeting & Trade Show, Holiday Inn, Billings, Mont. Phone: 406-273-0845 Website: www.idahogcsa.org

10.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

(i(in the field)

Southwest Jeff Jensen

The Cactus & Pine GCSA heldd a town tow hall meeting ting on Aug. 14 at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz., to provide Arizona politicians, policymakers, government agencies, municipalities and water districts with a more thorough understanding of the golf industry’s use of water in the state, as well as the positive economic impact of the game. Rob Collins, GCSAA Class A superintendent at Paradise Valley (Ariz.) Country Club, spoke about maximum water and resource efficiency, focusing on numerous projects that have been done at Paradise Valley. Superintendent Shawn Emerson of Desert Mountain Club in Scottsdale addressed the economic impact of golf in Arizona and the media coverage generated by the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Open. Phil Shoemaker of Desert Highlands Golf Club in Scottsdale discussed the private and municipal negotiations that brought recycled water to the North Scottsdale Corridor, and Brian Whitlark of the USGA Green Section covered proven water conservation practices for golf courses in Rory Van Poucke (left), Cactus & Pine GCSA president, Linda Rizzo from Congressman David the Southwest. I spoke about GCSAA’s own water advocacy efforts Schweikert’s office, and GCSAA Southwest field staff representative Jeff Jensen at Grayhawk GC for as well as golf’s national economic impact. Paul Brown, Ph.D., and the town hall meeting Aug. 14. Photo courtesy of Dave Kopec, Ph.D., of the University of Arizona were present to discuss Jeff Jensen the university’s turfgrass research. More than 70 people attended the meeting. “The Cactus & Pine GCSA understands the magnitude of the current drought in Arizona and the Southwest,” says Rory Van Poucke, Cactus & Pine GCSA president. “Our members are committed to reducing water use through sound agronomic practices and strategies. The bottom line is that the Arizona golf industry is a beneficial user of water.” Arizona is home to more than 300 golf courses, which have a total economic impact of $3.4 billion. The golf industry is responsible for only about 2 percent of the state’s overall water use. “Golf is a valuable asset to the Arizona economy,” says Carmella Ruggiero, executive director of the Cactus & Pine GCSA. “We are a source of employment, provide tax revenue (nearly $80 million annually), and serve as an important recreational outlet for the community and visitors to the state. This meeting gave us a chance to showcase the importance of our industry.”

Oct. 29 — GCSAA Webcast: How to read your soils report Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts Nov. 5 — GCSAA Webcast: Reclaimed wastewater for turf irrigation Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts

Nov. 10 — Pesticide Education Seminar, Wellshire Golf Course, Denver Phone: 330-255-9611 Email: info@rmgcsa.org

Nov. 12 — GCSAA Webcast: Hosting a First Green feld trip Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts Nov. 16-18 — Carolinas GCSA Annual Conference and Trade Show, Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Myrtle Beach, S.C. Phone: 800-476-4272 Website: www.carolinasgcsa.org Nov. 18 — GCSAA Webcast: The BOLD

Mid-Atlantic Chase Rogan

Nearly 100 people gathered at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Va., on Aug. 26 to learn about current turfgrass research at the university. Virginia Tech is a key contributor to turfgrass research for the golf industry, and its research, like all university-conducted research, is valuable for superintendents looking for unbiased information regarding new products and practices. The field day was split into two tours: one for the golf contingent, and another for lawn care, sod and athletic-field managers. Between the two tours, there were 19 stations at which a researching faculty member and/or the faculty member’s graduate students exhibited and described their work. A presentation from research associate David McCall addressed how drones could change golf course management strategies. McCall thinks drones will be able to supply turfgrass managers with great information, but the technology has a long way to go before it reaches its potential. Ideally, according to McCall, we’ll someday be able to find out which areas of the golf The Pendulum Perfect putting course need special treatment simply by looking at data collected by drones. Another device, on display at the Virginia station, focused on a study measuring the impact of annual bluegrass on the trajecTech turfgrass research field day Aug. 26. Photo by Chase Rogan tories of putts, showcased an interesting tool called “Pendulum Perfect.” The device essentially mimics a perfect putt, delivering the most consistent ball-striking possible. In any research project, having such repeatable, consistent experimentation is essential. Topics of other research presented at the Virginia Tech field day included green kyllinga, seedhead suppression programs, moss control programs, dollar spot reduction with iron sulfate, and the effect of adding auxin to trinexapac-ethyl for increased rooting in creeping bentgrass. For more information on any of these studies, go to www.vaturf.org.

For the latest updates from all of GCSAA’s feld staff representatives, go to www.gcsaa.org/ community/regions.

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speaker Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts

Nov. 30 — USGA Regional Seminar, PebbleCreek Resort, Goodyear, Ariz. Phone: 480-609-6778 Website: www.cactusandpine.org Dec. 1-3 — Kansas Turfgrass Conference, Topeka Phone: 785-532-6173 Website: www.kgcsa.org

Dec. 2 — GCSAA Webcast: Factors that affect pesticide fate and behavior on the golf course Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts

Dec. 3 — Iowa GCSA December Seminar, Atlantic Country Club

Golf Preservations Inc. Phone: 515-635-0306 Website: www.iowagcsa.org

Dec. 7 — Duff Shaw Classic, North Ranch Country Club, Thousand Oaks, Calif. Phone: 310-528-0723 Email: cyndy@cmnsupt.com Website: www.gcsasc.org

Dec. 7-10 — Ohio Turfgrass Foundation Conference and Show, Greater Columbus Convention Center Phone: 614-285-4683 Website: www.ohioturfgrass.org Dec. 8-10 — Washington Turf and Landscape Show, Lynnwood Convention Center Phone: 253-219-8360 Website: www.wwwgcsa.org

Dec. 14-15 — Common Ground Conference, Olathe (Kan.) Convention Center Phone: 816-561-5323 Email: kweitzel@westerneda.com Website: www.hagcsa.org Dec. 16 — GCSAA Webcast: GDDs for PGR applications and re-applications Contact: GCSAA Education Phone: 800-472-7878 Website: www.gcsaa.org/education/ webcasts ——— To fnd out whether you can receive education points for any of these upcoming programs, go to the External Education Listings in the education section of our website at www2.gcsaa.org/Apps/current.aspx. ——— We want to know about your event in advance. To submit an entry for “Coming Up,” please send your information fve to six months before you’d like to see it in the magazine. We run event information for three months. Send a contact name if all details are not fnal. Contact Golf Course Management, Attention: Coming Up, 1421 Research Park Drive, Lawrence, KS 660493859; 785-832-3638; fax: 785-8323665; email: hrichman@gcsaa.org.

ON THE MOVE ARIZONA Josh T. Grubaugh, formerly (C) at Tucson Country Club, is now (C) at Forty-Niner Golf & Country Club in Tucson.

Nationwide Golf Course Drainage Company

ARKANSAS Aaron C. Harper, formerly (C) at Isabella Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Chamberlyne Country Club in Danville. Josh D. Jackson, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Municipal Recreation Improvement District, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at The Golf Course on Turkey Mountain in Horseshoe Bend. Joshua W. Reed, formerly (S) at the University of Arkansas, is now (C) at Stonebridge Meadows Golf Course in Fayetteville. Spencer Roberts, formerly (C) at Blessings Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Blessings Golf Club in Fayetteville. CALIFORNIA Paul C. Brown, formerly (C) at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Bear Creek Golf & Country Club in Murrieta. Phil R. Fitzgerald, formerly (A) at Steele Canyon Golf Club, is now (A) at Coronado Municipal Golf Course in Coronado. Roger K. Friesen, CGCS, formerly (A) at Dragonfy Golf Club, is now (A) at Summit Pointe Golf Club in Milpitas. Jeffery L. Shafer, formerly (A) at Las Positas Golf Course, is now (A) at City of Livermore in Livermore. Robert S. Werline, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Shadow Hills Golf Club South, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Ashwood Golf Club in Apple Valley.

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

COLORADO Eric A. Bresky, CGCS, formerly (AF) at Winfeld Solutions LLC, is now (AF) at Crop Production Services in Loveland. Jordon P. Feider, formerly (C) at Osprey Meadows at Tamarack Resort, is now (C) at Perry Park Country Club in Larkspur. FLORIDA Maxwell Q. Boone, formerly (C) at Harmony Landing Country Club, is now (C) at Hole-In-The-Wall Golf Course in Naples. Jeffrey S. Burgoyne, CGCS, formerly (A) at Hideaway Country Club, is now (A) at Legends Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers. Jeff Clark, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Eagle Creek Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Harmony Golf Preserve in St. Cloud.

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

R.D. Hillhouse, formerly (A) at Fernandina Beach Golf Course, is now (A) at Bent Creek Golf Course in Jacksonville. Scott E. Mason, formerly (A) at Bayou Club, is now (A) at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto. Walter J. McMahon, formerly (AFCR) at Helena Chemical Company, is now (AF) at Global Turf Equipment in San Antonio. Justin Pawlicki, formerly (C) at Crescent Oaks Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Tarpon Woods Golf Club in Palm Harbor. Michael J. Rienzi, formerly (ISM) at Vista Mar Golf and Beach Resort, is now (SM) at Fountains Country Club in Lake Worth. Peter J. Vincent II, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at TPC at Treviso Bay, is now (C) at Wilderness Country Club in Naples. Stuart A. Wiseley, formerly (C) at The Rookery at Marco, is now (C) at Hammock Bay in Naples. GEORGIA Andrew M. Fike, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at PGA National Golf Club, Champion Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Atlanta Athletic Club in Duluth. Matthew Fitzpatrick, formerly (A) at

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the University of Georgia, is now (A) at Cuscowilla Golf Club in Eatonton. John C. Kafader, formerly (C) at Cherry Valley Country Club, is now (C) at Georgia Southern University Golf Course in Statesboro. Chris Petrelli, formerly (A) at Cedar Point Country Club, is now (A) at Eagleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landing Country Club in Stockbridge. HAWAII Andrew D. Hagar, formerly (C) at Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course, is now (C) at PacifcLinks @ Kapolei Golf Course in Kapolei. INDIANA Herb Bricker Jr., formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Sullivan Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Fox Prairie Golf Course in Noblesville. Robertson A. Lewis, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Country Club of Old Vincennes, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Wildcat Creek Golf Course in Kokomo. KENTUCKY Christopher Coffey, formerly (C) at Columbus Country Club, is now (C) at

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville. Brent M. Downs, formerly (C) at Hillcrest Golf & Country Club, is now (C) at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville. LOUISIANA Andrew Edgerley, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Quail Hollow Golf Course, is now (A) at Calvert Crossing Golf Club in Calhoun. William E. Guererri, formerly (C) at New Orleans Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Audubon Park Golf Course in New Orleans. MASSACHUSETTS David J. Ferrantino, formerly (A) at Wedgewood Pines Country Club, is now (C) at Wellesley Country Club in Wellesley Hills. MICHIGAN Damon Murphy, formerly (C) at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Sugarbush Golf and Country Club in Davison. John P. Sabat, formerly (C) at Plum Hollow Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Plum Hollow Golf Club in Southfeld.

MINNESOTA Ryan L. Inglis, formerly (A) at Perham Lakeside Country Club, is now (A) at Moorhead Country Club in Moorhead. Brandon Oppelt, formerly (C) at The Estancia Club, is now (C) at Wayzata Country Club in Wayzata. MISSISSIPPI William J. Lanford, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Lion Hills, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Elm Lake Golf Course in Columbus. MONTANA Stephen D. Grass, formerly (S) at the University of Montana, is now (C) at Hilands Golf Club in Billings. NEBRASKA Jared N. Reinke, formerly (S) at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, is now (C) at Omaha Country Club in Omaha. NEVADA Nicholas Schneider, formerly (E) at Mount San Jacinto College, is now (E) at Mojave Water Management in Las Vegas.

NEW YORK Bobby J. Goerlich, formerly (A) at Maple Hill Golf Club, is now (A) at Genegantslet Golf Club in Greene. Roland M. McPhearson, formerly (EM) at Azalea City Golf Course, is now (EM) at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester. Shaun M. Moffe, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at The Thousand Island Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Orchard Creek Golf Course in Altamont. Brian O’Malley, formerly (C) at Edgewood Country Club, is now (C) at Sleepy Hollow Country Club in Briarcliff Manor. Marc A. Prosser, formerly (C) at Aronimink Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Albany Country Club in Voorheesville. Eric Westervelt, formerly (I), is now (AS) at Van Patten Golf Club in Clifton Park. NORTH CAROLINA Kirk S. Adkins, formerly (AS) at Pinehurst No. 2 at Pinehurst Resort, is now (C) at Pinehurst No. 2 at Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst. Richard L. Crouse, formerly (C) at Deep Springs Country Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Penrose Park Country Club in Reidsville. Kevin M. Haslam, formerly (C) at Forsyth Country Club, is now (C) at Greensboro Country Club in Greensboro. Caleb M. Rathbone, formerly (C) at Wild Dunes Resort, Harbor Course, is now (C) at Country Club of Sapphire Valley in Cashiers. Mark A. Scott, formerly (C) at Quail Hollow Club, is now (C) at NorthStone Country Club in Huntersville. Clinton E. Tingen, formerly (C) at Twelve Oaks Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Chapel Ridge Golf Club in Pittsboro. OHIO David R. Hershey, CGCS, formerly (A) at Highland Park Golf Club, is now (A) at Tanglewood National Golf Club in Chagrin Falls. Troy D. Martin, formerly (A) at Gem City Golf Club, is now (A) at Country Club of the North in Xenia. OKLAHOMA Eric R. Schulte, formerly (C) at Quail Creek Golf & Country Club, is now (C) at Gaillardia Golf & Country Club in Oklahoma City.

PENNSYLVANIA Alec N. Hindman, formerly (S) at Illinois State University, is now (S) at Penn State University in University Park. SOUTH CAROLINA George D. Blasingame, formerly (A) at Reserve Club at St. James Plantation, is now (ART) at Vereens Turf Products in Longs. James I. Brown Jr., formerly (A) at Black Bear Golf Club, is now (A) at Colonial Charters Golf Club in Longs. David A. Meda, formerly (A) at Arrowhead Country Club, is now (A) at Crown Park Golf Club in Longs. Curt Sheffer, formerly (C) at Kiawah Island Resort, Osprey Course, is now (C) at The Plantation Course at Edisto in Edisto Island. Garrett Sterling, formerly (C) at Country Club of Maryland, is now (C) at Secession Golf Club in Beaufort. TENNESSEE McClellan L. Kirkpatrick, formerly (SW) at the University of Tennessee, is now (C) at The Golf Club of Tennessee in Kingston Springs. Jed Vinson, formerly (A) at Bear Creek Golf Club, is now (A) at King’s Creek Golf Club in Spring Hill. TEXAS Brian M. Buckner, CGCS, formerly (A) at Blackhorse Golf Club, is now (A) at Golf Club of Houston in Humble. Dan R. Gwyn, CGCS, formerly (A) at Devil’s Ridge Golf Club, is now (A) at ClubCorp Inc. in Dallas. Stephen M. Logan, formerly (C) at Club at Carlton Woods, is now (C) at Lochinvar Golf Club in Houston. Dean R. Miller, formerly (A) at PGA West, is now (A) at Arcis Golf in Dallas. VIRGINIA Joshua L. Peters, formerly (C) at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, is now (C) at Springfeld Golf & Country Club in Springfeld. Jeffrey B. Webster, formerly (A) at Burlington Country Club, is now (A) at Westfelds Golf Club in Clifton. WASHINGTON Jeremy H. Galvin, formerly (C) at Mayacama Golf Club, is now (C) at Broadmoor Golf Club in Seattle.

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James H. Smith Jr., formerly (A) at Gallery Golf Course, is now (A) at Whispering Firs Golf Course at McChord Air Force Base. Aaron Stamper, formerly (C) at Skamania Lodge Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Skamania Lodge Golf Course in Stevenson.

Brett J. Usry, Student, Carlsbad Ryan Yost, EM, Auburn Hector V. Zavala, Class C, Palm Springs Jose L. Zavala, EM, Pebble Beach

WISCONSIN Andrew T. Bentley, formerly (C) at Hawk’s View Golf Club, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Bristol Oaks Golf Course in Bristol. Joshua W. Linsmeyer, formerly (C) at Crystal Springs Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Winagamie Golf Course in Neenah.

CONNECTICUT Roderick M. Lewis, Supt. Mbr., Suffeld Conor J. Meyers, Class C, Greenwich Cody W. Scott, Class C, Avon Ed Smeriglio, EM, Wallingford

CANADA Norley S. Calder, formerly (A) at Sagebrush Golf & Sporting Club, is now (A) at City of Calgary in Calgary, Alberta. Stephen C. Jones, formerly (Supt. Mbr.) at Angel’s View Golf Course, is now (Supt. Mbr.) at Hornby Glen Golf Course in Hornby, British Columbia. Mark J. Loos, formerly (A) at Forest Course at Fiddlers Elbow Country Club, is now (AF) at Intelligro in Mississauga, Ontario. Editor’s note: The information in this report was pulled from GCSAA’s member database on Aug. 20, 2015.

NEW MEMBERS ALABAMA Dan I. Newman, EM, Owens Cross Roads William S. Walsh, Class C, Gulf Shores ALASKA Franklin A. Holan, Class C, Fort Wainwright ARIZONA Dennis W. Minter, EM, Buckeye ARKANSAS Brian Burns, Affliate Co. Rep., Little Rock Clay Witcher, Affliate Co. Rep., Little Rock CALIFORNIA Lee Medeiros, EM, Roseville De’Haro Peace, EM, Stanford Kirk Trombley, EM, Stanford

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COLORADO Kristopher Jaggers, EM, Louisville Ed Ward, EM, Loveland

FLORIDA William P. Anderson, Class C, Ponte Vedra Beach Shane Barnett, EM, Naples Clay C. Bormuth, EM, Palm Beach Gardens Nicholas F. Dolimpio, Class C, Orlando Roberto Fernandez, EM, Port Charlotte Matthew E. King, Class C, Bonita Springs John Kuznicki, EM, Orlando Jonathan D. Patronas, Class C, Santa Rosa Beach Bruce Raithel, EM, Vero Beach James W. Richardson, Class C, Ponte Vedra Beach Michael Straus, Class C, Sarasota Matthew D. Zedler, Class C, Ponte Vedra Beach Christopher J. Zinna, Supt. Mbr., Sanford GEORGIA Edward D. McCalvin, EM, Rome Ryan Montgomery, Class C, Augusta Jason Munn, Supt. Mbr., Blairsville IDAHO Scott A. Murray, Class C, Star ILLINOIS Paul J. Rathnau, Class C, Grayslake Justin C. Rodriguez, EM, Joliet INDIANA Dale Babcock, EM, Laconia Michael F. Mckenn, Class C, West Lafayette Trampass L. Walden, EM, Bloomington IOWA Troy W. Janssen, EM, Granger KANSAS Steve Geddes, Affliate, Valley Center

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

MARYLAND Rod Hammonds, EM, La Plata Grant Yokanovich, EM, Baltimore

TEXAS Abby Abernathy, EM, Archer City Tony Williams, EM, Gladewater

MICHIGAN Justin M. Lents, Class C, Charter Township of Clinton

VIRGINIA Ron F. Bohn, EM, Leesburg Bryan M. Bonnell, Class C, Manassas William E. Frenzel, EM, Leesburg

MINNESOTA Glenn Sigmon, EM, Wayzata MISSOURI James H. Arnold, EM, Ballwin MONTANA Kevin C. Morley, EM, Deer Lodge NEVADA Eric S. Nielsen, Supt. Mbr., Carson City NORTH CAROLINA David P. Anders, EM, Brevard Wesley Deans, Class C, Durham Luke Sweeterman, EM, Hendersonville OHIO Bill Gilkerson, EM, Dayton William G. McMullin, Supt. Mbr., Brookfeld Joseph R. Pastor, Class C, Dayton OKLAHOMA David Hastings, EM, Monkey Island OREGON Kevin Anderson, EM, Terrebonne Mike D. Cassel, EM, Rainbow Aaron J. Prellwitz, Class C, Portland Martin Vincent, Class C, Bandon PENNSYLVANIA Joseph J. Agnello, Supt. Mbr., Clifford Chris Eustace, Class C, Flourtown Nathan D. Horvath, Student, Doylestown Joshua Lawhorne, EM, Gilbertsville Ross A. Niewola, Student, State College Jared Pelletier, Class C, Jamison Zach James Wagner, Student, University Park SOUTH CAROLINA Matt Krouch, Student, Conway SOUTH DAKOTA Ryne Brende, Supt. Mbr., Sioux Falls Tony B. Wuestewald, EM, Rapid City TENNESSEE Billy W. Findley, EM, Crossville Dustin Smith, Associate, Franklin

WASHINGTON Roy Bunnell, EM, Seattle Andrew S. Goodell, EM, Bremerton WISCONSIN Ed Brusky, EM, Oneida Timothy J. Van Alstine, Associate, Cudahy Steve M. Vorpagel, Class C, Hartford WYOMING Andrew J. Youngberg, EM, Casper AUSTRALIA Andy Vining, EM, Yeerongpilly CANADA Jerry W. Knight, EM, Hornby, British Columbia Editor’s note: The information in this report was pulled from GCSAA’s member database on Aug. 20, 2015.

IN MEMORIAM Mark T. Baker, 54, died July 30, 2015. Mr. Baker, a 12-year member of GCSAA, served as golf course superintendent at Flint Ridge Deer Valley Golf Club in Kansas, Okla. He got his start in the industry from his father, current GCSAA member Tom Baker, who at the time was superintendent at Fianna Hills Country Club in Fort Smith, Ark. “We were just building the place,” Tom Baker says. “Mark raked bunkers. His legs weren’t long enough to reach the pedals of the mower.” Mark Baker learned how to play golf, starting as a 3-year-old, at a pitchand-putt behind the old Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas. During his career, he also worked as a Textron distributor in sales. “He absolutely loved growing grass,” Baker’s father says. “He really enjoyed the challenge of growing bentgrass in Oklahoma.” John R. Baucom Jr., 87, died Aug. 10, 2015. Mr. Baucom, a 41-year member

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GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

of GCSAA, graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in animal husbandry, which he utilized in the management of his family’s dairytobacco farm in North Carolina. The Baucoms converted their farmland into a popular 18-hole public golf course, Eagle Crest Golf Course and Driving Range, where many loyal customers became lifelong friends. Mr. Baucom remained a mentor to the many young people who worked at Eagle Crest, even after the course’s closure in 2003. Mr. Baucom is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marie Baucom; daughters, Deborah Baucom (Van) Carpenter and Rebecca Baucom Stephenson; son, John (Cindy) Baucom; sisters, Margaret Baucom Talton and Elizabeth Baucom (George) Morgan; brothers, Julian (Marlene) Baucom, Clifton (Heidi) Baucom and William Baucom; and grandchildren, Adam Carpenter, Cami Baucom (Sterling) Pippin, Jared Carpenter, Duncan Stephenson, Parker Baucom, Joel Stephenson, Austin Baucom and Zane Carpenter.

member of GCSAA, served his country for more than 20 years in the Marine Corps, retiring as a warrant offcer. He was a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars. During the Korean War, Mr. Beane was part of the Chosin Reservoir campaign, in which his unit was outnumbered 10 to one and cut off behind enemy lines in bitter cold. He fought gallantly, becoming one of a revered group that came to be known as “The Frozen Chosen.” Later, he was golf course superintendent at Mount Pleasant Country Club in Boylston, Mass. He was also construction superintendent at Cyprian Keys Golf Club. Mr. Beane also served as a USGA rules offcial. Mr. Beane is survived by his wife of 57 years, Phyllis Ann (Williams) Beane; sons, Jeffrey (Susan) Beane and Greg (Gerianne) Beane; grandchildren, Elliot, Frazier, Amie, Thomas and Matthew; brother, Thomas Beane; sisters, Martha Heal, Betty Troutman, Mary Ruth Emerson and Linda Jones; and many nieces and nephews.

James O. Beane, CGCS Retired, 84, died July 17, 2015. Mr. Beane, a 38-year

Tom Burrows, 75, died Aug. 15, 2015. Mr. Burrows, a 55-year member of

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GCSAA, was a certifed agronomist and turfgrass specialist. From 1988 to 2009, he serviced more than 200 golf courses annually in Florida, the Midwest and southeast Asia. A graduate of Penn State University, Mr. Burrows was also golf course superintendent for 14 years at Turtle Creek Country Club; director of properties at Mariners Sands Country Club; director of properties at Playboy Resort and Great Gorge; and superintendent at Glencoe (Ill.) Golf Club. He was a member of the Musser International Turfgrass Foundation, serving on the board of directors for 26 years and as vice president of the organization for 20 years. Mr. Burrows was co-founder of the Penn State Turfgrass Alumni Association in 1969, and its second president. From 1956 to 1963, he was a staff sergeant in the Army

National Guard. Mr. Burrows is survived by his wife, Susan Burrows; sons, Scott Burrows and Mark (Dawn) Burrows; daughter, Heidi (Eric) Shea; stepchildren, Nancy (Chris) Jesse, Patty (Lenny) Palumbo and Bob (Jessie) Totilas; brother, Bud (Sue) Burrows; uncle, Jim Greenwell; and grandchildren, Samantha, Krista, Meghan, Daniel, Christopher, Amber, Wiley, Bodie, Corinne and Nickolas. Wolfgang Mueller, 81, died April 26, 2015. Mr. Mueller, a 50-year member of GCSAA, was born in Munich, Germany, and studied at the renowned Max Planck Institute. Mr. Mueller came to Chicago in 1952, and he began his golf course industry career then at Indian Hill Golf Club in Winnetka, Ill. He was also superintendent at Onwentsia Golf Club in Lake Forest, Ill., for several years.

He fnished his career as vice president of construction at Conway Farms Golf Course and Business Park in Lake Forest, Ill. He was regarded as an expert on Conway Farmsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; irrigation and drainage systems, the latter of which allowed the 2013 BMW Championship to end on schedule despite an extremely rainy tournament. Mr. Mueller often was a guest lecturer at Northwestern University, Purdue University, and the University of Illinois-Urbana.

Lufkin and Clarendon. In 1982, Mr. Thompson became superintendent at Andrew (Tex.) County Golf Course, where he worked until he retired in 2002. Mr. Thompson is survived by his son, Michael K. Thompson, superintendent at Escondido Golf & Lake Club in Horseshoe Bay, Texas; and daughter, Tonya Harmon.

Jerry R. Thompson, 71, died Aug. 3, 2015. Mr. Thompson, a 19-year member of GCSAA, served as president of the West Texas chapter of GCSAA. His frst job in golf was as an assistant club professional in Waco, Texas. Later, he served as head golf pro and superintendent in the Texas towns of

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.

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I.

Publication Title: Golf Course Management Publication Number: 0192-3048 Filing Date: October 1, 2015 Issue Frequency: Monthly No. of Issues Published Annually: 12 Annual Subscription Price: $60.00 Location of Known Offce of Publication: 1421 Research Park Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049-3859 Location of Headquarters or General Business Offces of the Publisher: 1421 Research Park Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049-3859 Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Publisher/Editor: Scott Hollister, GCSAA, 1421 Research Park Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049-3859; Managing Editor: Megan Hirt, GCSAA, 1421 Research Park Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049-3859 Owner: Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Known Bondholders, Mortgages and Other Security Holders Owning One Percent (1%) or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None Tax Status: The purpose, function and nonproft status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes has not changed during the preceding 12 months. Publication Title: Golf Course Management Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September 2015 Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average No. Copies Each Issue Actual No. Copies of Single Issue During Preceding 12 Months Published Nearest to Filing Date Total no. of Copies (Net Press Run) 23,181 23,106 Paid and/or Requested Distrbution 1. Requested distribution outside USPS 1,249 1,237 2. Paid or Requested Mail Subscriptions 14,934 15,180 Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation 16,183 16,417 Free Distribution by Mail (Samples, Complimentary and Other Free) 6,690 6,440 Total Nonrequested Distribution 6,690 6,440 Total Distribution 22,873 22,857 Copies Not Distributed 1. Offce Use, Leftovers, Spoiled 308 249 2. Return from News Agents 0 0 Total 23,181 23,106 Percentage Paid and/or Requested Circulation 70.8% 71.8%

16. This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the October 2015 issue of this publication. 17. I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete. Scott Hollister, Publisher/Editor

108

GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT 10.15

ADVERTISING INDEX & MARKETPLACE PLATINUM PARTNERS

SILVER PARTNERS

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

ADVERTISERS

Steiner ............................................................... 95 (866) 469-1242 ....... http://www.steinerturf.com/golf John Deere Co. ................................................4-5 (800) 257-7797 .............www.johndeere.com/Golf

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

AMVAC............................................................... 47 (888) GO-AMVAC .............www.amvac-chemical.com

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

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

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

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

Buffalo Turbine ................................................. 99 (716) 592-2700 ..............www.buffaloturbine.com

BASF .....................................Barn Door Cover, 13 (888) 566-5506 .................www.betterturf.basf.us

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

Club Car ............................................................. 41 (800) 445-6680 ........................... www.clubcar.com

East Coast Sod & Seed ................................... 110 (856) 769-9555 ............... www.eastcoastsod.com

FMC Professional Solutions ......................49 - Insert (800) 235-7368 .............. www.fmcprosolutions.com

GCSAA Services.......49, 65, 67, 71, 85, 90, 91, 105, 106, 107, 111 (800) 447-1840 ...............................www.gcsaa.org

GOLD PARTNERS Bayer Environmental Sciences ..... Poly Bag Insert (800) 331-2867 ............ www.backedbybayer.com Jacobsen .....................................................31, 97 (800) 232-5907 ......................www.jacobsen.com Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC ................. Cover 4 (909) 308-1633 ............. www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com

Foley United ...................................................... 35 (800) 225-9810 .................. www.foleyunited.com Koch Turf & Ornamental.................................... 17 (888) 547-4140 ............ http://www.kochturf.com/ Lebanon Turf ................................................14, 15 (800) 350-6650 ................www.lebanonturf.com/ Nufarm ............................................................. 68 (800) 345-3330 .................. www.nufarm.com/US Par Aide Products Co. ......................................2-3 (888) 893-2433 ........................ www.paraide.com PBI Gordon Corp................................... 21, 37*, 63 (800) 884-3179 .................... www.pbigordon.com Quali-Pro........................................................... 23 (888) 584-6598 ......................www.quali-pro.com R & R Products Inc. ........................................... 94 (800) 528-3446 ....................www.rrproducts.com Tee-2-Green Corp. ......................................... 42-43 (800) 547-0255 .................... www.tee-2-green.com

GCSAA TV .......................................................... 69 ..........................................................www.gcsaa.tv

Stevenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Water Monitoring................................ 39 215-908-0044................. www.stevenswater.com T3 Surfacing Technology ................................ 106 (800) 893-9150 .www.t3surfacingtechnology.com TRIMS Software International Inc. .................. 111 (800) 608-7467 ............................www.trims.com Trojan Battery Company ...................................... 29 (800) 423-6569 . www.trojanbattery.com/competition Turfco................................................................ 59 (800) 679-8201 ...........................www.turfco.com * Denotes regional advertisement Bold denotes affliate member

Golf-Lift Div. Derek Weaver Co., Inc. ................... 110 (800) 788-9789 ............................www.golf-lift.com Golf Preservations ............................................. 101 (606) 499-2732 .............www.golfpreservations.com Greenjacket..................................................... 111 (888) 786-2683 ................. www.greenjacket.com Grigg Bros. ........................................................ 57 (888) 623-7285 .....................www.griggbros.com Growth Products Ltd. ........................................ 25 (800) 648-7626 ...........www.growthproducts.com Lastec ............................................................. 102 (866) 902-6454 ..........................www.lastec.com Linear Rubber Products ..................................... 111 (800) 558-4040 .....................www.rubbermats.com Milorganite ..................................................... 103 (800) 287-9645 .................. www.milorganite.com Neary Technologies........................................... 61 (800) 233-4973 ...................... www.nearytec.com Pearl Valley Organix .......................................... 51 (815) 443-2170 .............................healthygro.com PlanetAir Turf Products ..................................... 27 (877) 800-8845 .........................www.planetair.biz Precision Laboratories, Inc. .............................. 53 800-323-6280...................www.precisionlab.com Richway Industries ............................................ 111 (800) 553-2404 ...........................www.richway.com Ryan .................................................................. 94 (866) 469-1242 .......................... www.ryanturf.com Seago International, Inc. ................................. 110 (800) 780-9889 .....................www.seagousa.com

10.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

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10.15 GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT

111

Photographer: Brent Racer • Title: Golf course superintendent • Course: Awarii Dunes, Axtell, Neb. • GCSAA membership: 21 years The shot: Racer captured this view of the par-4 10th hole at Awarii Dunes early one morning last summer while cutting cups. “I was impressed how great the sunlight made everything look. It made it look how I feel it should look every day,” he says of the Jim Engh design, located in south-central Nebraska, about 200 miles west of Omaha. • Camera: LG G2 smartphone