Northern Ohio GCSA January February 2014
Content
2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Mal McLaren Award Government Relations Scott Brickley [email protected] 330.725.2829 VICE PRESIDENT Strategic Planning/Historical Mark Figurella [email protected] 330.562.1691 IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Sean McHugh, CGCS [email protected] 440.232.7247 CHAPTER ADMINISTRATOR Finance/Communication/Benevolent Michelle L. Frazier-Feher, CGCS [email protected] 216.469.9287 TRUSTEES SECRETARY/TREASURER Golf & Tournament Bryan Fitch [email protected] 440.934.6217 Program & Education Lance Green [email protected] 440.725.3442 Website Craig Kachline [email protected] 440.785.0870
As we close the door 2013 and prepare for 2014, I hope everyone has had a good holiday season spent with family and friends. During the golf off season I try to endure the three R’s and I don’t mean reading, writing and arithmetic. As I get older in this profession, I find it more and more important to relax,
reflect and reflect and recharge the body and mind. Relaxing allows us to rest bodies and clear our minds of work related thoughts…I know easier said then done, but certainly something we all need to do from time to time. Reflecting gives us the opportunity to step back and analyze the decisions that we have made, whether in our personal lives or in our professional lives reflecting shouldn’t only take place during the off season, but whenever possible . Recharging the last and final step, allows us to plan for the upcoming year. Some people may call this gearing up, but whatever you call it should be a common practice during the off season. Hopefully all of you can fine the time to RELAX, REFLECT and RECHARGE this off season.
Enough said about my three R’s. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Sean McHugh for his time and commitment as President of NOGCSA during the last two years. A job well done Sean ! I would also like to welcome our new board members, Sam Leatherberry, Lenny Marino, and Craig Kachline. Craig and
Membership Tobin (Toby) Lane [email protected] 330.332.9095
Program & Education Sam Leatherberry [email protected] 678.414.7714 Social/Assistant Relations Eric Snodgrass [email protected] 330.477.5111 ASSISTANT GCS RELATIONS/ Program & Education Dave Willmott [email protected] 330.239.2383 INDUTRIAL RELATIONS Scholarship & Research Matt Kilpeck [email protected] 440.724.1223 & Lenny Marino [email protected] 216.401.1152
Mission Statement Promoting the profession of the golf course superintendent through education, camaraderie and cooperation among fellow members in Northern Ohio since 1923
Continued on page 4
Schedule of Events GCSAA News OTF Spring Tee Off By The Board - November On The Road with the USGA NOGCSA Reverse Raffle Superintendent Korner OSHA News GCSAA Field Staff News Advertiser Directory
3 4 6 7 9 10 12 14 17 18
January 15, 2014 Education Seminar Host: NOGCSA Place: Cloverleaf Lanes Cost: $25/pp Time: 8:30 AM
June 13, 2014 NOGCSA Family & Friend Night Akron RubberDucks Place: Canal Park Cost: $7/pp Time: 7:05 PM
July 26-27, 2014 Family & Friend Picnic Place: Clays Park Cost: $25/pp for both days or $15/pp for Sat. or Sun.
February 1-6, 2014 GCSAA GIS Show Orlando, Florida
March 1, 2014 Reverse Raffle Raintree Country Club Cost: $65/person Time: 6:00 PM
3
Lenny have multiple tours under belt, which solidifies what I think to be an outstanding Board. I’m excited to work with Board and start planning for the upcoming year at our Strategic Planning meeting, which will take place on the 27th of January. We also have our 12th Annual Reverse Raffle benefiting our Research and Scholarship Fund at Raintree Country Club March 1st at 6:00pm. If you haven’t been to this event, it’s a great venue. Your price of admission provides you with a great meal, all the beverage you care to drink, and your main board ticket. Anyone interested in attending this event can register on the website or contact any Board Member for tickets. Hope to see all of you there. For those of you who didn’t know, Mark Jordan is
running again for the GCSAA Board of Directors. It has been some time since Northern Ohio has been represented in this capacity. We as an Association certainly stand behind Mark and wish him the very best in his quest to represent NOGCSA at the National level. Best of luck Mark! In closing, I would like to wish all of you a Happy New Year and a dry spring! Sincerely, Scott Brickley NOGCSA President [email protected]
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Shale Creek Country Club President McHugh called the Board of Trustees of the Northern Ohio Chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America meeting to order at 8:47 A.M. Roll Call: Bennett, Brickley, Feher, Figurella, Fitch, Green, Kachline, McHugh, Snodgrass and Willmott, present. Conner, Lane, Kilpeck, Miller Absent. Vice President Brickley moved to accept the minutes with corrections from the October regular board meeting. Trustee Snodgrass seconded. Motion passed. Budget and Finance: Chapter Administrator Feher reported that there is currently $8,541.67 in the checking account, $27,780.46 in the money market, $33,298.35 in the Scholarship & Research account and $160.79 in the PayPal account. The profit and loss shows a net income of $12,406.26. The year to date comparison of 2013 vs. 2013 shows a positive net income of 28.9% or $2,778.
November 7, 2013 Social: The Board doing a night at the races again at Northfield Park in April. Strategic Planning: The Board set the strategic planning meeting for January 27, 2014 at Barrington C.C @ 88 AM – 3 PM. Historical & Benevolent: No Report. Public Relations: No Report.
Industrial Relations: No Report. Assistant Relations: No Report. Employment Relations: Trustee Bennett reported that he would be leaving Shale Creek and moving to Advanced Turf Solutions. Mal McLaren Award: McHugh reported that the Mal McLaren award was given to Jean Esposito, CGCS at the Hall of Fame Ceremony. Scholarship and Research: Megan Webner will receive this year’s Legacy Scholarship.
Government Relations: No Report Website: the Board discussed having Kregg talk to the members and keeping notices on the website until after the meeting.
The Board asked if we had sent a check to Ohio State for Research project. Chapter Administrator Feher reported she had not received any information. President McHugh reported he would contact OSU, let them know we were committed to the project and find out where to send funding.
Program and Education: The Board discussed the January meeting and possible topics. The Board decided that they would use technology as the topic. Green technology apps for the golf course and how technology is playing a role in every day aspects of the golf course, such as GPS technology, irrigation, equipment, chemicals. Suggested speakers are Ryan Miller for Irrigation technology, Eric Johnson for equipment, and it was suggested that Bill Prest moderate again. A date of January 15 at 9 AM was decided on.
Old Business: Reverse Raffle – Chapter Administrator Feher reported that she would pass out tickets to the Board Members after the meeting and recommended everyone begin working on Silent Auction Items now.
Editorial: No Report. Golf & Tournament: Trustee Bennett reported that Northern Ohio won the Ohio Cup this year! It was suggested that we place it at the NOGA facility once we have it engraved.
Membership & Welcoming: No report. Trustee Lane needs to get with Chapter Administrator Feher.
Regional Impromptu Social Gathering – December 11 – Kachline & Figurella will host at Burntwood Tavern at 3:00 OM Next Events?
7
New Business: Chapter Administrator Feher presented the following applications for membership: Sam Leatherberry Quail Hollow C.C. Class A
December 11, 2013, at 1:00 P.M. at the Barrington C.C. President McHugh suspended the meeting at 9:58 A.M. President McHugh reconvened the meeting at 1:14 P.M. President McHugh welcomed the new members.
Chapter Administrator Feher presented the following members for reinstatement: None Chapter Administrator Feher presented the following members for reclassification: None Trustee Bennett motioned to accept the above for membership and Trustee Fitch seconded. Motion passed. Rob McCartel from Shale Creek came in and discussed the start up of a future golfers association website that would have school, local & state tournaments all listed in one space as well as, various events & clinics for the youth/ Membership would offer discounts to courses, seminars & lessons, player performance, parent partner cards, etc. He is requesting to use our name as a partner. He is not looking for any funding at this time. The Board said they would discuss and get back to him. Correspondence: None .
President McHugh called for nominations for President. Trustee Lane nominated Brickley; Assistant Liaison Green seconded and moved to close nominations. Motion passed.
President Brickley appointed Feher as Chapter Administrator. Trustee & Past President McHugh
Figurella as Vice President; Trustee Lane seconded and moved to close nominations. Motion passed.
President Brickley asked for a nomination to keep and approve all current honorary members. Trustee McHugh motioned to keep all current Honorary members and Trustee Kachline seconded. Motion passed. President Brickley addressed the Board. Trustee Fitch moved to adjourn the meeting and Trustee McHugh seconded.
President Brickley adjourned the meeting at 1:45 P.M.
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday,
8
TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS HAVE TRIGGERED CONCERN
By Keith Happ, director, North-Central Region January 22, 2014 Since our last regional update we have been receiving phone calls from superintendents expressing concern about the health of cool-season and warm-season turf. During the first week of January temperatures dropped to record lows in most area of the region. Add the wind chill factor to the polar vortex we experienced and the limits of what grasses can tolerate was pushed to new extremes. Within seven days of the record lows, the temperature rose to 50°F. While it may have been a welcomed change to golfers, this tease of spring was not good for the grass. When the snow and ice melted there was reason for concern but not panic. Areas of the golf course that had snow cover had an element of insulation. Soil temperatures at a two- to threeinch depth hovered at 32°F even when air temperatures were well below zero. Fortunately, the severe low temperature extremes lasted only for 24 to 36 hours. Research has demonstrated that creeping bentgrass is far more tolerant of cold temperatures than ryegrass or Poa annua. For warm-season species, there are significant varietal differences with regards to cold tolerance. The newer generation of bermudagrasses (e.g., ‘Riviera,’ ‘Latitude 36’ and ‘Northbridge’) were specifically developed for cold tolerance. No matter what grass you are managing it is hard to predict the aftereffects of these unusual weather conditions. The turf needs to break dormancy before we can determine if there is damage. We still have a lot of winter weather ahead of us before consistent spring conditions allow for sustained turf growth. The grass needs sunlight and soil temperatures sustained at 50°F or more to grow consistently and the days are getting longer. For the short term, communicate concerns to course officials. Some have asked about using black sand or natural organic fertilizer to warm the surface of their greens. Black sand or sunflower seeds will melt ice accumulation and can be applied uniformly or site specifically. These products will not over stimulate growth. Conversely, fertilizer treatments on frozen turf are never a good idea. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our North-Central offices: Keith Happ, director, at
Temperature fluctuations this winter have been severe. It will take time to evaluate if significant turf damage occurred.
412-341-5922 or Bob Vavrek, senior agronomist, at 262797-8743. Many superintendents have prepared very well for the winter weather. Plant protectants, anti-desiccants and heavy topdressing treatments have been completed. Continue to communicate concerns but don’t over react until the grass can grow. It is not too early to plan to attend our Regional Conference at Oakmont Country Club scheduled Tuesday, March 11, 2014. Register online at https://www.usga.org/register. Enter event code 31114. Credit cards are accepted for online registration. We make every effort to control costs by partnering with allied associations. The modest fee of $45 to attend provides a continental breakfast, a great slate of speakers covering a wide variety of topics and concludes with a buffet luncheon. Mark your calendars to join us; it is a great way to kick off the spring season!
Source: Keith Happ at ( [email protected]) or Bob Vavrek ( [email protected])
Information on the USGA’s Course Consulting Service Contact the Green Section Staff
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10
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ranked the various situations from least to worst for winter play. We would say that any play on frozen turf (leaf blades, plants) should be avoided. Immediate damage will occur to the plant similar to playing on a frosted turf. In addition, golf greens will be subject to the most intensive traffic so use temporary greens where possible.
Possible scenarios: Play on dry unfrozen soil - Although wear injury is always a potential problem this is situation will result in the least damage.
Opening the golf course for winter play is one of the more difficult decisions a golf course superintendent or owner will make. Many golf courses just close for the winter while others remain open. In these situations, there is little worry since the decision has already been made. However, if you are caught somewhere in the middle, winter play decisions are difficult and often times result in political consequences. Whether to allow play or not are often late winter/early spring decisions. Play on frozen soil - Most likely will result in wear injury to the turf but little soil compaction. If this condition can quickly turn into some thawing at the surface. Play on wet, unfrozen soil - The potential damage under this scenario is significant soil compaction can occur but less wear injury.
In general winter play is NOT good for turf, especially golf greens because of little if any turfgrass growth. The repercussion from no growth is little if any recovery from traffic or wear (especially on greens). Also, divots, ball marks and generally tearing up the turf become potential "beachheads" for the development of winter weeds like annual bluegrass ( Poa annua). We have
PLAY ON A THAWING SOIL (UNFROZEN (WET) ON THE SURFACE, FROZEN BELOW) - This situation can result in both wear injury and soil compaction. This type of situation should be avoided. The problems associated with winter play will affect spring play. Once the spring season begins the condition of the course (hard, worn, etc.) will not be at the level of golfer expectation by Ed Nangle & Karl Danneberger Reprinted from the OSU Buckeye Turf Website
12
(Jerry) Gerald E Husemann Senior Sales Specialist Phone: 937-492-8597 Mobile: 937-604-5617 [email protected]
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LOOKING BACK AND MOVING FORWARD!
As we head into a new year, I want to take a few minutes and reflect on some accomplishments in 2013. During this past year GCSAA was able to fill the remainder of the field staff positions. Chase Rogan joined the team in the Mid-Atlantic Region and Ron Wright became the field staff representative in the Southeast. These additions has allowed GCSAA to deliver a consistent message to all of its members, and receive direct feedback from members in the United States and Ontario, Canada. Rounds for Research had a very successful year, raising over $150,000 to help chapters fund research, education, scholarships and advocacy efforts. In 2014, our goal is to have at least 10 rounds donated from each chapter and dramatically increase the amount GCSAA gives back to chapters. There has also been a rise in donations from individual members to the EIFG, making it easier for GCSAA to approach major donors and show them how important the EIFG is to its membership. It
would be great if every member could donate a little to the EIFG in 2014. On a personal note, I was able to help a number of chapters in the great lakes region and help set direction for the future by directing them through the strategic planning process. I was also able to help many individual superintendents who reached out to me to assist them with their membership questions; it is always satisfying when you can work with golf course superintendents and help them resolve issues. I hope that everyone has a very enjoyable holiday Season and I look forward to seeing you all in 2014!
John Miller, CGCS | Field Staff, Regional Representative (Great Lakes) Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) [email protected] www.gcsaa.org | www.eifg.org
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2014 Advertiser Directory
Arms Trucking Brian Bates 800.362.1343 Harrell’s Turf Specialty Glenn Omori 440.439.1393 H & S Stump Removal Jack Hopkins 330.654.2347 Perk Air Bob Doty 330.296.7307 South East Golf Car Co. 888.684.4653
Baker Vehicle Systems Harland Baker, Rick Baker, Kevin Kroll, Lenny Marino 330.467.2250
BASF Corporation Gerald Husemann 937.604.5617
Syngenta Gregg Schaner 614-878-6746 TERRA Links
Century Equipment Norton Brick - Tim Hughes Ryan Miller - Ron Smolik 800.522.8676
Precision Golf Construction Mike O’Donnell, CGCS 440.285.2117
Walker Supply Mike Sekula - Bill Walker 800.792.5537
Wolf Creek Company Scott Knowles 937.854.2694 * denotes new advertiser
Remember to thank our advertisers for supporting you!
NOGCSA CONTACT INFORMATION
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.nogcsa.com
1106 Royce St. NW Uniontown, OH 44685 (216)469-9287
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As we close the door 2013 and prepare for 2014, I hope everyone has had a good holiday season spent with family and friends. During the golf off season I try to endure the three R’s and I don’t mean reading, writing and arithmetic. As I get older in this profession, I find it more and more important to relax,
reflect and reflect and recharge the body and mind. Relaxing allows us to rest bodies and clear our minds of work related thoughts…I know easier said then done, but certainly something we all need to do from time to time. Reflecting gives us the opportunity to step back and analyze the decisions that we have made, whether in our personal lives or in our professional lives reflecting shouldn’t only take place during the off season, but whenever possible . Recharging the last and final step, allows us to plan for the upcoming year. Some people may call this gearing up, but whatever you call it should be a common practice during the off season. Hopefully all of you can fine the time to RELAX, REFLECT and RECHARGE this off season.
Enough said about my three R’s. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Sean McHugh for his time and commitment as President of NOGCSA during the last two years. A job well done Sean ! I would also like to welcome our new board members, Sam Leatherberry, Lenny Marino, and Craig Kachline. Craig and
Membership Tobin (Toby) Lane [email protected] 330.332.9095
Program & Education Sam Leatherberry [email protected] 678.414.7714 Social/Assistant Relations Eric Snodgrass [email protected] 330.477.5111 ASSISTANT GCS RELATIONS/ Program & Education Dave Willmott [email protected] 330.239.2383 INDUTRIAL RELATIONS Scholarship & Research Matt Kilpeck [email protected] 440.724.1223 & Lenny Marino [email protected] 216.401.1152
Mission Statement Promoting the profession of the golf course superintendent through education, camaraderie and cooperation among fellow members in Northern Ohio since 1923
Continued on page 4
Schedule of Events GCSAA News OTF Spring Tee Off By The Board - November On The Road with the USGA NOGCSA Reverse Raffle Superintendent Korner OSHA News GCSAA Field Staff News Advertiser Directory
3 4 6 7 9 10 12 14 17 18
January 15, 2014 Education Seminar Host: NOGCSA Place: Cloverleaf Lanes Cost: $25/pp Time: 8:30 AM
June 13, 2014 NOGCSA Family & Friend Night Akron RubberDucks Place: Canal Park Cost: $7/pp Time: 7:05 PM
July 26-27, 2014 Family & Friend Picnic Place: Clays Park Cost: $25/pp for both days or $15/pp for Sat. or Sun.
February 1-6, 2014 GCSAA GIS Show Orlando, Florida
March 1, 2014 Reverse Raffle Raintree Country Club Cost: $65/person Time: 6:00 PM
3
Lenny have multiple tours under belt, which solidifies what I think to be an outstanding Board. I’m excited to work with Board and start planning for the upcoming year at our Strategic Planning meeting, which will take place on the 27th of January. We also have our 12th Annual Reverse Raffle benefiting our Research and Scholarship Fund at Raintree Country Club March 1st at 6:00pm. If you haven’t been to this event, it’s a great venue. Your price of admission provides you with a great meal, all the beverage you care to drink, and your main board ticket. Anyone interested in attending this event can register on the website or contact any Board Member for tickets. Hope to see all of you there. For those of you who didn’t know, Mark Jordan is
running again for the GCSAA Board of Directors. It has been some time since Northern Ohio has been represented in this capacity. We as an Association certainly stand behind Mark and wish him the very best in his quest to represent NOGCSA at the National level. Best of luck Mark! In closing, I would like to wish all of you a Happy New Year and a dry spring! Sincerely, Scott Brickley NOGCSA President [email protected]
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Shale Creek Country Club President McHugh called the Board of Trustees of the Northern Ohio Chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America meeting to order at 8:47 A.M. Roll Call: Bennett, Brickley, Feher, Figurella, Fitch, Green, Kachline, McHugh, Snodgrass and Willmott, present. Conner, Lane, Kilpeck, Miller Absent. Vice President Brickley moved to accept the minutes with corrections from the October regular board meeting. Trustee Snodgrass seconded. Motion passed. Budget and Finance: Chapter Administrator Feher reported that there is currently $8,541.67 in the checking account, $27,780.46 in the money market, $33,298.35 in the Scholarship & Research account and $160.79 in the PayPal account. The profit and loss shows a net income of $12,406.26. The year to date comparison of 2013 vs. 2013 shows a positive net income of 28.9% or $2,778.
November 7, 2013 Social: The Board doing a night at the races again at Northfield Park in April. Strategic Planning: The Board set the strategic planning meeting for January 27, 2014 at Barrington C.C @ 88 AM – 3 PM. Historical & Benevolent: No Report. Public Relations: No Report.
Industrial Relations: No Report. Assistant Relations: No Report. Employment Relations: Trustee Bennett reported that he would be leaving Shale Creek and moving to Advanced Turf Solutions. Mal McLaren Award: McHugh reported that the Mal McLaren award was given to Jean Esposito, CGCS at the Hall of Fame Ceremony. Scholarship and Research: Megan Webner will receive this year’s Legacy Scholarship.
Government Relations: No Report Website: the Board discussed having Kregg talk to the members and keeping notices on the website until after the meeting.
The Board asked if we had sent a check to Ohio State for Research project. Chapter Administrator Feher reported she had not received any information. President McHugh reported he would contact OSU, let them know we were committed to the project and find out where to send funding.
Program and Education: The Board discussed the January meeting and possible topics. The Board decided that they would use technology as the topic. Green technology apps for the golf course and how technology is playing a role in every day aspects of the golf course, such as GPS technology, irrigation, equipment, chemicals. Suggested speakers are Ryan Miller for Irrigation technology, Eric Johnson for equipment, and it was suggested that Bill Prest moderate again. A date of January 15 at 9 AM was decided on.
Old Business: Reverse Raffle – Chapter Administrator Feher reported that she would pass out tickets to the Board Members after the meeting and recommended everyone begin working on Silent Auction Items now.
Editorial: No Report. Golf & Tournament: Trustee Bennett reported that Northern Ohio won the Ohio Cup this year! It was suggested that we place it at the NOGA facility once we have it engraved.
Membership & Welcoming: No report. Trustee Lane needs to get with Chapter Administrator Feher.
Regional Impromptu Social Gathering – December 11 – Kachline & Figurella will host at Burntwood Tavern at 3:00 OM Next Events?
7
New Business: Chapter Administrator Feher presented the following applications for membership: Sam Leatherberry Quail Hollow C.C. Class A
December 11, 2013, at 1:00 P.M. at the Barrington C.C. President McHugh suspended the meeting at 9:58 A.M. President McHugh reconvened the meeting at 1:14 P.M. President McHugh welcomed the new members.
Chapter Administrator Feher presented the following members for reinstatement: None Chapter Administrator Feher presented the following members for reclassification: None Trustee Bennett motioned to accept the above for membership and Trustee Fitch seconded. Motion passed. Rob McCartel from Shale Creek came in and discussed the start up of a future golfers association website that would have school, local & state tournaments all listed in one space as well as, various events & clinics for the youth/ Membership would offer discounts to courses, seminars & lessons, player performance, parent partner cards, etc. He is requesting to use our name as a partner. He is not looking for any funding at this time. The Board said they would discuss and get back to him. Correspondence: None .
President McHugh called for nominations for President. Trustee Lane nominated Brickley; Assistant Liaison Green seconded and moved to close nominations. Motion passed.
President Brickley appointed Feher as Chapter Administrator. Trustee & Past President McHugh
Figurella as Vice President; Trustee Lane seconded and moved to close nominations. Motion passed.
President Brickley asked for a nomination to keep and approve all current honorary members. Trustee McHugh motioned to keep all current Honorary members and Trustee Kachline seconded. Motion passed. President Brickley addressed the Board. Trustee Fitch moved to adjourn the meeting and Trustee McHugh seconded.
President Brickley adjourned the meeting at 1:45 P.M.
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday,
8
TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS HAVE TRIGGERED CONCERN
By Keith Happ, director, North-Central Region January 22, 2014 Since our last regional update we have been receiving phone calls from superintendents expressing concern about the health of cool-season and warm-season turf. During the first week of January temperatures dropped to record lows in most area of the region. Add the wind chill factor to the polar vortex we experienced and the limits of what grasses can tolerate was pushed to new extremes. Within seven days of the record lows, the temperature rose to 50°F. While it may have been a welcomed change to golfers, this tease of spring was not good for the grass. When the snow and ice melted there was reason for concern but not panic. Areas of the golf course that had snow cover had an element of insulation. Soil temperatures at a two- to threeinch depth hovered at 32°F even when air temperatures were well below zero. Fortunately, the severe low temperature extremes lasted only for 24 to 36 hours. Research has demonstrated that creeping bentgrass is far more tolerant of cold temperatures than ryegrass or Poa annua. For warm-season species, there are significant varietal differences with regards to cold tolerance. The newer generation of bermudagrasses (e.g., ‘Riviera,’ ‘Latitude 36’ and ‘Northbridge’) were specifically developed for cold tolerance. No matter what grass you are managing it is hard to predict the aftereffects of these unusual weather conditions. The turf needs to break dormancy before we can determine if there is damage. We still have a lot of winter weather ahead of us before consistent spring conditions allow for sustained turf growth. The grass needs sunlight and soil temperatures sustained at 50°F or more to grow consistently and the days are getting longer. For the short term, communicate concerns to course officials. Some have asked about using black sand or natural organic fertilizer to warm the surface of their greens. Black sand or sunflower seeds will melt ice accumulation and can be applied uniformly or site specifically. These products will not over stimulate growth. Conversely, fertilizer treatments on frozen turf are never a good idea. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our North-Central offices: Keith Happ, director, at
Temperature fluctuations this winter have been severe. It will take time to evaluate if significant turf damage occurred.
412-341-5922 or Bob Vavrek, senior agronomist, at 262797-8743. Many superintendents have prepared very well for the winter weather. Plant protectants, anti-desiccants and heavy topdressing treatments have been completed. Continue to communicate concerns but don’t over react until the grass can grow. It is not too early to plan to attend our Regional Conference at Oakmont Country Club scheduled Tuesday, March 11, 2014. Register online at https://www.usga.org/register. Enter event code 31114. Credit cards are accepted for online registration. We make every effort to control costs by partnering with allied associations. The modest fee of $45 to attend provides a continental breakfast, a great slate of speakers covering a wide variety of topics and concludes with a buffet luncheon. Mark your calendars to join us; it is a great way to kick off the spring season!
Source: Keith Happ at ( [email protected]) or Bob Vavrek ( [email protected])
Information on the USGA’s Course Consulting Service Contact the Green Section Staff
9
10
11
ranked the various situations from least to worst for winter play. We would say that any play on frozen turf (leaf blades, plants) should be avoided. Immediate damage will occur to the plant similar to playing on a frosted turf. In addition, golf greens will be subject to the most intensive traffic so use temporary greens where possible.
Possible scenarios: Play on dry unfrozen soil - Although wear injury is always a potential problem this is situation will result in the least damage.
Opening the golf course for winter play is one of the more difficult decisions a golf course superintendent or owner will make. Many golf courses just close for the winter while others remain open. In these situations, there is little worry since the decision has already been made. However, if you are caught somewhere in the middle, winter play decisions are difficult and often times result in political consequences. Whether to allow play or not are often late winter/early spring decisions. Play on frozen soil - Most likely will result in wear injury to the turf but little soil compaction. If this condition can quickly turn into some thawing at the surface. Play on wet, unfrozen soil - The potential damage under this scenario is significant soil compaction can occur but less wear injury.
In general winter play is NOT good for turf, especially golf greens because of little if any turfgrass growth. The repercussion from no growth is little if any recovery from traffic or wear (especially on greens). Also, divots, ball marks and generally tearing up the turf become potential "beachheads" for the development of winter weeds like annual bluegrass ( Poa annua). We have
PLAY ON A THAWING SOIL (UNFROZEN (WET) ON THE SURFACE, FROZEN BELOW) - This situation can result in both wear injury and soil compaction. This type of situation should be avoided. The problems associated with winter play will affect spring play. Once the spring season begins the condition of the course (hard, worn, etc.) will not be at the level of golfer expectation by Ed Nangle & Karl Danneberger Reprinted from the OSU Buckeye Turf Website
12
(Jerry) Gerald E Husemann Senior Sales Specialist Phone: 937-492-8597 Mobile: 937-604-5617 [email protected]
13
14
15
16
LOOKING BACK AND MOVING FORWARD!
As we head into a new year, I want to take a few minutes and reflect on some accomplishments in 2013. During this past year GCSAA was able to fill the remainder of the field staff positions. Chase Rogan joined the team in the Mid-Atlantic Region and Ron Wright became the field staff representative in the Southeast. These additions has allowed GCSAA to deliver a consistent message to all of its members, and receive direct feedback from members in the United States and Ontario, Canada. Rounds for Research had a very successful year, raising over $150,000 to help chapters fund research, education, scholarships and advocacy efforts. In 2014, our goal is to have at least 10 rounds donated from each chapter and dramatically increase the amount GCSAA gives back to chapters. There has also been a rise in donations from individual members to the EIFG, making it easier for GCSAA to approach major donors and show them how important the EIFG is to its membership. It
would be great if every member could donate a little to the EIFG in 2014. On a personal note, I was able to help a number of chapters in the great lakes region and help set direction for the future by directing them through the strategic planning process. I was also able to help many individual superintendents who reached out to me to assist them with their membership questions; it is always satisfying when you can work with golf course superintendents and help them resolve issues. I hope that everyone has a very enjoyable holiday Season and I look forward to seeing you all in 2014!
John Miller, CGCS | Field Staff, Regional Representative (Great Lakes) Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) [email protected] www.gcsaa.org | www.eifg.org
17
2014 Advertiser Directory
Arms Trucking Brian Bates 800.362.1343 Harrell’s Turf Specialty Glenn Omori 440.439.1393 H & S Stump Removal Jack Hopkins 330.654.2347 Perk Air Bob Doty 330.296.7307 South East Golf Car Co. 888.684.4653
Baker Vehicle Systems Harland Baker, Rick Baker, Kevin Kroll, Lenny Marino 330.467.2250
BASF Corporation Gerald Husemann 937.604.5617
Syngenta Gregg Schaner 614-878-6746 TERRA Links
Century Equipment Norton Brick - Tim Hughes Ryan Miller - Ron Smolik 800.522.8676
Precision Golf Construction Mike O’Donnell, CGCS 440.285.2117
Walker Supply Mike Sekula - Bill Walker 800.792.5537
Wolf Creek Company Scott Knowles 937.854.2694 * denotes new advertiser
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NOGCSA CONTACT INFORMATION
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.nogcsa.com
1106 Royce St. NW Uniontown, OH 44685 (216)469-9287
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