Hole Notes The official publication of the MGCSA
Vol. 44, No. 2 March 2012
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May 7 Affiliate Appreciation Island View GC Host: Kurt Knox May 21 Spring Mixer Hidden Greens GC Host: Jason Swanson June 11 The Scramble Golden Valley G&CC Host: Jeff Ische
Contents
Vol. 44, No. 2 March 2012
Feature Articles: The Wee One Foundation: A Gift For One of Our Own Contributed by Mike Cohrs, Superintendent Bluff Creek Golf Course Preemergent Herbicides and Overseeding of Turfgrass
dave@prestwick.comcastbiz.net
9
pages 10-14
Written by Dr. Dave Gardner, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, OSU
Editor Dave Kazmierczak cgcs
page
Important Keys To Successful Summer Perennials Written by Rob Savage and Stephanie Johnston of Midwest Landscapes
page
28
Monthly Columns: Presidential Perspective Scottie Hines CGCS
page 5
In Bounds Jack MacKenzie CGCS
page 7
Within the Leather Dave Kazmierczak CGCS
pages 36-37
About the cover: Abby Sue Rost applies a bit of muscle as she pounds a tap into one of the maple trees on her parents property. A sloow season is on tap (pardon the pun) as last years drought combined with this years early summer may have shut down any sap movement. Just another wacky weather anomaly!!!
...Even More Content... Industry Insight: page 27 GIS Recognizes Local Company with Best In Show Thank You National Hospitality Night Sponsors. The Membership appreciates your Support! pages 30-31
Tapping for liquid gold! Ken Rost of Frost Services bores into a maple tree.
Hole Notes (ISSN 108-27994) is digitally published monthly except bi-monthly in November/December and January/February by the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents’ Association, 10050 204th Street North, Forest Lake, MN 55025. Jack MacKenzie CGCS publisher. Please send any address changes, articles for publication, advertising and concerns to jack@mgcsa.org.
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Musing the Minutes: January 19, 2012 By Brian Brown, Secretary MGCSA
The MGCSA Board of Directors met on February 16, 2012 at Prestwick Golf Club. President Scottie Hines, CGCS called the meeting to order. Treasurer Paul Eckholm, CGCS reported that revenues are down quite a bit. Many vendors have held off sponsoring the association during the time of management transition and change of Hole Notes to the digital version. Some of the bundle packages have reduced the total revenue that the association might get from a vendor. Revenues will be looked at closely this year through the committee. Mackenzie will pursue vendors for advertising. Business Office: Jack Mackenzie, CGCS is enjoying the position. Vendor sponsorship for the GIS Hospitality night is $7,000 to this point. Member preregistration has brought in $1,000. Mackenzie has had discussion with the Green Expo about a local hospitality night. This could possibly be held at the Convention Center Rotunda. Kevin Clunis, CGCS has been spending many hours on the BMP water guidelines. Arrangements/awards: Bill Gullicks reported that Minnesota Valley Country Club is willing to host the 2013 Mega Seminar if schedules allow. Next year GIS is early February and the Mega will be planned for late February or early March. Gullicks is talking with Dr. Horgan about combining the Field Day with the Scholarship Scramble.
HOLE NOTES Official Publication of the MGCSA
2012 Board of Directors Officers
President Scottie Hines CGCS Windsong Farm GC
Vice-President Roger Stewart Jr. TPC Twin Cities
Secretary Brian Brown
Chisago Lakes GC
Treasurer E. Paul Eckhom CGCS Heritage Links GC
Directors
Joe Churchill Reinders Inc.
Eric Counselman Somerby GC
Kerry Glader
Bylaws/Historical: Eckholm is pouring over prior decisions in old minutes. The minutes are being scanned for Historical purposes. Eckholm is looking at a number of wording by-law changes.
Plaisted Companies
Communications: Dave Kazmierczak, CGCS and Bob Porter reported that the Hole Notes publication with templates is progressing. John Meyer will be writing Personal Profiles. Technicians have an association and we would like to get articles from them. Board member participation with short answers to topics will be placed in Hole Notes. Porter researched data management and website services. This was difficult because each vendor offers much different services. Porter recommended the contract with LCMB and the board made a motion to accept the contract.
Golden Valley G&CC
Conference/Education: Eric Counselman and Jake Schmitz reported that the speakers for the 2013 Northern Green Expo are all approved and only the schedule of when they speak need to be finalized. (continued on page 26) Page 4
Bill Gullicks
Bellwood Oaks GC
Jeff Ishe
David Kazmierczak CGCS Prestwick GC
Matt McKinnon
The Legacy Courses
Bob Porter
Hiawatha GC
Jake Schmitz
Olympic Hills GC
Executive Director
Jack MacKenzie CGCS MGCSA
Presidential Perspective by Scottie Hines CGCS
As I have learned over the years, the time from the March Mega to opening day seems to just fly by. Here we are, March 13, it is 65 degrees. It’s more like May 13! I am sure everyone has fielded the requisite phone call or e-mail asking about an early opening. After last years painful start to the season I hope everyone is looking as good turf-wise as Windsong. Heck, I can’t even find vole damage or any minor snow mold! Mother Nature owes us one after last year! On the verge of another great golf season in Minnesota I would like to wish everyone all the best for a successful year. The economy seems to be picking up, slowly, but still in a positive direction. If this continues we will, hopefully, get back to where we were before the budget cuts and staff reductions kicked in. I have my fingers crossed. There are some exciting things happening within the Association. Jack MacKenzie continues to do an excellent job as our Executive Director. I know he is very busy. I am not sure he knew exactly what he was getting into but every time we chat he is very enthusiastic and determined to make us, the MGCSA, shine. The Communications Committee has been working on the new website. Hole Notes continues to get better and better. It is a great time to be a part of the MGCSA BOD’s with the renewed enthusiasm and direction. For the first time in many years, the BOD’s will be recommending a candidate to the MGA Hall of Fame to have one of our own inducted. It is nice to see that we, the superintendents, are being recognized at that level in our own state. Stay tuned for an update on the candidate and the results of the Hall of Fame selection process. Enjoy the warm spell. It will be nice to get a jump on a few things on the course before opening. I don’t think this will last, but it sure feels good. The one draw back of these early warm spells is the next bout of snow will seem ten times worse! Again, best of luck in 2012! Scottie Hines, CGCS Windsong Farm GC
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In Bounds by Jack MacKenzie CGCS The runoff created a wet slick across the asphalt ahead. No options, I ride through on my first bike of the season; wet splatters of snow melt thrown up onto my face and then my back. Now zebra stripped for I have no fenders, my nose is suddenly assaulted by the remnants of road-kill skunk. Spring is in the air. Mile one into my trek, after a long winter of only elliptical and crunch exercising I am reminded of why I don’t care for the first bicycle adventures of the year: my butt is getting sore! Nothing that a couple of weeks of out-door workouts won’t toughen up. Typically about twenty miles, this ride would be an easy break in of only twelve. Like most stirrings of spring…ramping up should be gradual as there is plenty of time ahead to take advantage of the lengthening days. Well into mile two I hit the highway. Although I hug the shoulder there are still the knuckleheads who brush by as close as they dare…little do they know the intimate proximity actually eases my ride as they pull me along in their wake. Solo, I pedal on. The only ‘bike’ accouterment I wear is a pair of padded shorts; otherwise I am shielded in a wind shirt, leather gloves and hiking boots. I travel prepared and dress with anticipation
of the changing elements. My ride, a Specialized cross-over bike ten years and many miles old, serves me well. Wide and tough tires laugh at the glass and rough road underfoot. The four-mile is a long and gradual up-hill slog. Ponds are opening up, geese squawking as they stake claim to their property. Smells of the country; manure, wet grass, dirt, it is exciting to be back outside. Look out, dogs ahead come running out daring me to stop and sample their tenacity. I laugh and peddle hard for they are a bit fat from their winter respite. The last of the asphalt for a while I take a quick stock of how fortunate I am; lucky to be where I am and when I am in time. Dodging right the dirt track looms ahead. The next two are miles of rolling rural country road complete with washboard ruts, sporadic puddles to be forged and soft spots as the ground gives up it’s frost make me work hard. Agates, little gems from the earth, pass beneath me as I press on in high gear, making full opportunity of my work out.
A smile on my face I cruise over the spot of my first and only fall. Although a hard hat still does not adorn my skull, I am ever mindful of the pitfalls of over confidence. Watching ahead I seek out latent encounters and plan accordingly. Looking behind I follow my progress and am mindful of other challenges that threaten my rear. Again I stick to the conservative shoulder and eliminate potential harm. (continued on page 8)
Page 7
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(continued from page 7) Once again on the macadam I push harder, my butt muscles screaming from the unexpected abuse and bump of the never soft enough seat. Up ahead, a killer hill two hundred yards long…low gear all the way; almost as if standing still I pedal hard not wanting to walk. Cleared, but seemingly not soon enough, the reward of a long and gradual decline is a treat. Catching my breath, wiping my brow and blowing snot from my nose I pick up speed once again and enter the final three.
ups and downs, smooth times and rough, threats and pleasant surprises… life continues.
Thoughts of a hot tub tantalize me as I grind on; a ‘self-kudos’ for taking the initiative and completing an arduous task, whose reward may or may not be evident. Hacking hard I know I am being productive. On my short trip I took stock of my day, recent weeks and the winter past. Not without it’s
Out and back each ride emulates my life. The preparation, challenges, small and large victories and the moments I merely cost along. Finishing with the familiarity of home and the realization that once again “I made it” safe and sound.
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Just one more big bend and I am in the home stretch. Slowing down, but not stopping, I gradually cool off. Pulling into my driveway, right foot over the seat, I one leg it down the sidewalk and to the garage. Not too long and not too short, a nice little loop, just right except for the chafing and bruising I am sure to have by morning tomorrow somewhere upon my butt.
Wee One Foundation In 1985, four friends traveled to Scotland on a golf trip. The caddies were making wagers as these golfers stood on the tee. One caddie declared, “My money’s on the wee one!” The “wee one”, Wayne Otto, CGCS, our dear friend and colleague, passed away October 21, 2004 losing his battle to cancer. Wayne dedicated his life to the betterment of the golf maintenance profession he loved and the individuals who shared his passion. Our Mission The Wee One Foundation was developed as a tribute to Wayne to assist golf course management professionals (or their dependents) who incur overwhelming expenses due to medical hardship without comprehensive insurance or adequate financial resources. Through the Foundation’s work, Wayne’s legacy will never be forgotten. More In Need Since its inception in 2004, membership within the Wee One Foundation has grown to over 270 in 17 states. More importantly, the Wee One Foundation has gifted over $500,000 to families in Arizona, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Idaho, Minnesota, California, and Texas. As the Wee One grows more people are helped and more funds are needed to distribute. (continued on page 33) Page 9
What’s Creeping You Out Now? Ideas In Pest Management Pre-emergent Herbicides and Overseeding of Turfgrass
after the last killing frost of the season. Typically the herbicide must be applied before a rainfall or watered in within a Dave Gardner, Dept. of Horticulture and Crop certain period of time. Check the label for Science, The Ohio State University specifics. Because of this, we usually like to allow for about a 3 week window of safety As the end of March approaches it is time to and prefer to target the application for about begin to plan for preemergence herbicide April 15th, or when Forsythia come into full applications for the control of crabgrass bloom. Forsythia are the common shrub and other grassy weeds in turf. Crabgrass that flowers bright yellow on bare wood and is by far the most common of the warm serves as a remarkably effective indicator for season weedy grasses on lawns. Unlike the when to apply preemergence herbicides. other warm season grassy weeds, such as goosegrass, smooth crabgrass begins to After application, the herbicide barrier will germinate when soil temperatures reach begin to degrade, at first quickly and then about 58 degrees Fahrenheit. The other more slowly over time. Once the herbicide warm season grasses germinate when soil has dissipated to a certain minimum temperatures are in the upper 60’s to low threshold in the soil, crabgrass and other 70’s, which can be several weeks later. weed seeds will begin to break through. In the hypothetical example pictured in ou may begin to notice some crabgrass figure 1, a herbicide applied on April 15th germinating as early as the 10-15th degraded to about 20% of its original of April. This mostly will occur along concentration on about July 1, after which sidewalks and other areas that warm up crabgrass began to break through. One of more quickly in the spring. Oftentimes the reasons that we try to avoid applying however, this early germinating crabgrass is the herbicide too early is to maximize the killed by late season frosts and freezes. For chance of the herbicide barrier lasting example, in Ohio we may see some crabgrass through the season. You can increase your germination in April, but we usually don’t chances of getting effective season long see the first surviving crabgrass until about control by doing the following: the second week of May. 1) Select a product with a long lasting active In order for a preemergence herbicide to ingredient, such as prodiamine or be effective, the herbicide must be applied dithiopyr. Both provide 90% control for before weed seed germination that occurs up to 16 weeks. Dithiopyr also has early
Y
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postemergence activity for those cases where some crabgrass may have already emerged. 2) To increase duration of control, increase the application rate (within label limits). The more product that is applied - the longer it takes for it to dissipate to below the minimum threshold level. Also, split applications, the practice of applying once at a lower rate followed again 6-8 weeks later, is not always effective and generally not recommended in the northern U.S. Crabgrass can be a serious problem, but it can be effectively controlled by applying the right herbicides and targeting the application for the right time of year.
and attempt to manage the existing grass to fill in the bare spot. If it is a large area, then you are probably best off overseeding and avoiding the use of the herbicide. Alternatively, note that siduron is safe for use on seedling turf. Follow the label directions carefully. When used properly, siduron will reduce crabgrass, goosegrass, foxtail, and many summer annual broadleaf weeds by about 80%.
Tenacity Herbicide – A new option when overseeding Tenacity herbicide is a new product from Syngenta that contains the active ingredient mesotrione. This active is in a unique class of chemistry and this product has a But What if I’m Overseeding? very diverse label, including pre- and post If you are thinking of applying a emergence control of both broadleaf weeds preemergence herbicide to control crabgrass and annual grasses. It also controls sedges on thin spots in the turf that you are also preemergence and certain perennial weedy planning to overseed, you had better think grasses postemergence. Unfortunately, it again. Almost all of the preemergence is not yet labeled for use on commercial herbicides on the market are very effective turf or sports fields. But, the product was at controlling not only weed seedlings, but recently labeled for use on golf courses and also the seedlings of our desired turfgrasses. the label changes are pending to allow its Figure 2 shows the recommended reseeding use on other turf areas. When this product interval for the active ingredients used as becomes labeled for use on sports fields, preemergence herbicides where cool season one of its key uses will be the preemergence turfgrasses are grown. These were taken control of annual grassy and broadleaf straight from the label of a product that weeds in newly seeded turfgrass (Figure 3). contains the herbicide. Note that most of the When used as directed, Tenacity herbicide intervals are long enough that, were they will result in nearly complete control of to be applied in March or April, you would crabgrass, goosegrass, foxtail, and many not be able to safely overseed until summer. summer annual broadleaf weeds. But, it will And we all know that summer is not a real not affect the growth and development of good time to overseed either. If you have the seedling turf. small areas that are thin or bare, you may wish to apply the preemergence herbicide
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Figure 1. Model of dissipation of a preemergence herbicide following application. After the pesticide concentration degrades to below a certain minimum threshold, weeds will begin to germinate through the barrier. The duration of effective control is effected by: product choice (some last longer than others), weather (warmer and wetter=faster degradation), amount of thatch (more=faster degradation) and rate of application (more, within label limits=longer control).
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Figure 2. Carefully consider your options when planning to apply a preemergence herbicide to thin spots in the lawn or areas that you plan on overseeding or reseeding.
Creeping
Fine Fescue
Tall Fescue
Perennial ryegrass
Products
Kentucky
Turf Tolerances to Preemergence Herbicides
Bensulide (Betasan, Bensumec, Lescosan) - Controls P.annua, others
ü ü ü ü ü
Ethofumasate (Prograss) - Controls P.annua, other weeds
ü ü ü
Benefin (Balan, LESCO Benefin 2.5G)
Trifluralin (Team) - Combination product with Benefin
ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü
Siduron (Tupersan) - Safe to turfgrass seedlings. Consult label
ü ü ü ü §
Oxadiazon (Chipco Ronstar) - Controls goosegrass and other weeds
ü ü ü
Dithiopyr (Dimension) - Pre + Post-emergence
ü ü ü ü ¶
Oryzalin (Surflan, XL – combination with benefin) Pendimethalin (Pendulum, LESCO Pre-M, PROTURF) Prodiamine (Barricade)
‡
ü
Reseeding Interval†
4 months 6 weeks 6-16 weeks 6-16 weeks
ü ü ‡ ü ‡
3 months 4-6 months 8-16 weeks Safe to most seedlings 4 months 6 weeks to 4 months
† Stated reseeding interval is for one example product only and this can vary among brands or formulations of the same active ingredient. Always consult the label of the product you are using for specifics prior to application. ‡ Fairway and tees height bentgrass only. Consult label for specifics. § Seaside, Highland, Astoria, and C-7 creeping bentgrass only. Consult label for specifics. ¶ Use restrictions on putting greens vary among formulations. Consult label for specifics.
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Figure 3. Control of crabgrass, goosegrass, yellow foxtail, yellow nutsedge, pigweed, and purslane was nearly 100% when Tenacity herbicide was applied at seeding. Perennial ryegrass was seeded into the area, lightly incorporated and then Tenacity was sprayed over the top on July 25, 2007.
Photographs taken on August 8, 2007 (14 DAT)
About Our Guest Writer Dr. Dave Gardner is an associate professor of turfgrass science at The Ohio State University. His research interests are in the areas of pesticide/nutrient fate and shade stress physiology. He also conducts a large number of herbicide trials each year. Dr. Gardner teaches undergraduate courses in the areas of turfgrass management, statistics, and landscape horticulture.
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Happy Birthday Eric! A special present just for you!!! Esme Marie Counselman was born Tuesday March 6th, Eric’s Birthday, at 12:14pm, weighing 7 lb 4 oz, 19 3/4 inches Both Shannon and Esme are doing great. Dad will now be motivated to stay fit to chase off the boys!
Let the heavy hauling begin.
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2012 TURFGRASS FORUM A Free Informational Discussion & Round Table for MGA Member Clubs and Members • Topics:
TURFGRASS HEAT STRESS: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS THE LATEST ISSUES FACING GOLF COURSE TURFGRASS • Speakers: • Dr. Brian Horgan,
University of Minnesota Turf Extension Specialist
• Dr. Jim Kerns,
University of Wisconsin Turf Extension Specialist
• Mr. Robert Vavrek,
USGA Senior Agronomist, North Central Region
• Wednesday, April 25
8:00 a.m. ........................... Registration (coffee & rolls) 8:30 –11:30 a.m. ............... Presentations & Discussion
at Midland Hills Country Club
2001 Fulham Street, St. Paul, MN 55113
• This meeting is for: Course Owners, General Managers, Golf Professionals, Golf Course Superintendents, Club Presidents, Greens Chairs and any other MGA Members. • There will be no fee for this forum.
• GCSAA educational points sponsored by Reinders. • PGA MSR credits available. • For Reservations: Joel Comstock, Regional Affairs Director of the MGA 952-345-3968 or joel@mngolf.org Please provide your name and golf course affiliation.
• REGISTER BY FRIDAY, APRIL 20
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On Board: Q & A
with your BOD
The last few years have been challenging for golf course management. Comparatively speaking how has your club/budget been impacted, how do you perceive the season ahead and are you optimistic in the long term for the industry? Matt McKinnon, Superintendent at The Legacy Courses The last few years at The Legacy Courses at Craguns have been fairly consistent. The fall of 2008 and winter of 2009 was our lowest point in business and the future business of the course in 2009 was not bright. Budgeting for 2009 was a very difficult year for me since we really did not have an idea of how much business we were going to receive. It seemed like people were waiting until the last minute to book their tee times or sign up for their membership. Budgeting for 2009 brought a reduction in labor, chemicals and fertilizers and what ever else we could save money on. Once these cuts were made we had to manage a little differently. One area that I have always kept a very close eye on is my labor numbers, 2009 was extremely important to keep close attention to these numbers. I felt at the end of each week I had to know wear I stood compared to my budget. 2009 turned out to be an o.k. year
for business but it did not help to increase our budget for the 2010 season. Spring of 2010 started out with great weather giving us the opportunity to open the course in March, two weeks earlier than any other year we have been in business. The 2010 season was another o.k. season we did increase rounds some especially with opening early. Business in 2011 was a lot better than 2010 even though we had a very slow start in the spring but the fall was great. In the end we have increased rounds from 2009 to 2011. Budget wise for 2012 we will increase our numbers slightly to perform some much needed maintenance of our bunkers. Staffing will be the same as in the past few years but with one less supervisory position. Booking for events in the clubhouse and for golf is looking very good. I am very excited for the 2012 season but I am a little concerned where the price of gas is going. The prices will not only add to our expenses this year as it did in 2011, but it will most likely decrease the amount of players from outside areas. I am optimistic for the Golf Industry I think we are all very capable of adapting to any change that is thrown at us Page 19
On Board:
continued.
The last few years have been challenging for golf course management. Comparatively speaking how has your club/budget been impacted, how do you perceive the season ahead and are you optimistic in the long term for the industry? Paul Eckholm CGCS, Superintendent at Heritage Links The golf industry for years has had its ups and downs. As with the current economy, the trough this time is just a bit deeper. Here at Heritage Links we have been in a tight belt situation for a number of years. Previous decision by former management employees left us in a hole before the economy went south and have made it additionally challenging now. We have had to let employees go, cut hours and reduce the overall maintenance expenditures of the course without sacrificing quality. Personally it has meant many extra hours and fewer days off. It has however taught me just how far you can push turf and in what directions you can push it to keep quality and still keep costs down. Many of us do not realize just how
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important basic turfgrass agronomic principles are until you are forced to rely on them and not be able to mask shortfalls with chemical applications. Having done this a number of years now, it becomes interesting to hear others discuss cost cutting strategies and what they think may or may not work, and then be able to interject my thoughts having done it in the real world. As for the future of golf, I would have to say that it is what we make of it. The Minneapolis market is saturated with available golf, if courses as a group do not band together to protect pricing structures, and get out of the discounting game many will not survive. Additionally, we as superintendents controlling the largest asset and liability of the course do not help protect the bottom line we will also contribute to those failures. Finally, the golf professionals will need to step up and find ways to bring new golfers into the game. The PGA, GCSAA, CMA and NGCOA all recognize the problems and have spent thousands developing programs to help. If we all work together, we can make golf thrive again. If not‌..
Eric Counselman, Superintendent at Somerby Golf Club The last few years have definitely been challenging for us all. As a younger facility, we are focused on growth. As our club grows there continues to be new roles and responsibilities. We have been fortunate over the years to have our Course Maintenance budget stay steady, the belt tightening tends to come from the additional responsibility associated with growth. I feel fortunate that we have not had reduce our budget while adding responsibilities, as I know others have done. Similar to others, we have aggressively marketed new customers. In 2011, we were able to add 88 new memberships with significant introductory offers. Although the first year of these memberships was reduced, this makes me very optimistic for the season ahead and eager to see if we will grow equally in 2012. Turf wise, I am optimistic that mother nature will be more agreeable, and we’ll all have less stress this season. I have concerns for our industry as a whole. Undoubtedly, we are over built, and with the excess supply revenues have dropped greatly. We, the industry, are not operating at a sustainable level. And I believe long term this will stabilize, but that it will be a very different
industry than we saw in years past and even different than now. I think we will continue to see few professionals getting into our business and many getting out, leveling the demand for our skills set. I believe revenue and budgets will eventually align again, most likely at a much lower level than we were accustom to in years past. I believe the largest residual influence will be on the quality of our product (in spite of our best efforts), customers will become accustom to cheaper golf but a lower quality too. It’s like a ride in an airplane; you increase altitude, climb, climb, climb, up, up, up, hit some turbulence, loose some altitude, falter a bit, some ups and downs, but eventually the plane stabilizes for a smooth ride, not at the altitude you were once at, but steady none the less. I think there will be a couple more bumps, but we are really close to stabilizing.
ARE YOU READY? Spring Mixer: May 21st, Hidden Greens Page 21
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• Tow-behind Aerator attaches to tractors, Mowers or utility vehicles. • Electric lift. • Great for overseeding.
Page 22 Please run in the March Hole Notes
Applications available at MGCSA.org in school and community activities, honors, work experience, a statement of education and career goals and an outside appraisal. Selection of recipients is made by Scholarship Management Services. In no instance does any member of the MGCSA play a part in the selection. Applicants will be notified by the end of July whether they have been awarded or denied a scholarship. Eligibility: Applicants for the MGCSA Legacy Scholarships must be: children/grandchildren of Class AA, A, SM, C, D, Associate or Affiliate members who have been members of the MGCSA at least five years; High school seniors or graduates who plan to enroll or students who are already enrolled in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or fouryear college, university or vocational-technical school, and under 23 years of age. Awards: Three awards will be given to children and grandchildren of Class AA, A, SM and C members. One award of $1,500 in the name
of Joseph S. Garske will be given to the highest evaluated applicant. That award will be renewable for one year contingent upon full- time enrollment and satisfactory academic performance. One other $1,000 award will be given to other qualified applicants from this group. One $1,000 award will be available to children and grandchildren of Class D, Associate and Affiliate members. These awards are not renewable. However, students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements. Awards are for undergraduate study only. Obligations: Recipients have no obligation to the MGCSA or its members. They are, however, required to supply Scholarship Management Services with current transcripts and to notify Scholarship Management Services of any changes of address, school enrollment or other relevant information. Except as described in this brochure, no obligation is assumed by the MGCSA. Deadline for entry is June 1, 2012.
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Magnificent Mega Seminar
Thanks to John Spaulding for sponsoring this years Mega Seminar. The two day event had well over 100 particpants. Keynote presenters Dr. Brian Horgan, Dr. Kevin Frank and Dr. Roah Gaussoin engaged the group with some amazing new agronomic information. Other guest speakers included Rollie Carlson from the CMAA and Doug Hoffman from the MGA. Simply awesome!
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(continued from page 2) The Mega Seminar went well. The 2nd day afternoon attendance dropped off significantly. The consolidated lodging got dropped with the management transition. Happy hour was a great idea and will be placed on the agenda. Discussion was given about a possible Association Hospitality event after the Wednesday session. Fund raising/Industry Relations: Joe Churchill and Kerry Glader reported that he will be sending a letter or survey to vendors about their preferences about the GIS and possible local Hospitality Night. MN Government Affairs: Eckholm reported that there has developed an authority conflict between the Department of Agriculture and Minnesota Pollution Control. There is a bill that was introduced to put all Pesticide use under the authority of the Department of Agriculture. Work with the NPDES permit was beneficial in that the permit uses current regulations and does not change most golf course aquatic permit requirements. MTGF: Jeff Ische reported that the Green Expo attendance was flat with 6062. Roughly half of the attendance was either Vendor or Trade-show only. Super Tuesday attendance was 98 with $1,400 in profits. Pesticide Recertification brought in $4,600 with MTGF getting $1,400. Total booth sales were up 35 to 833. Total companies represented were flat at 325. New Business: 1. A motion was made to nominate Jerry Murphy for the MGA Hall of Fame. 2. Superintendent Posting. There is a mixed history about job posting requirements and the qualifications of candidates that were hired. A motion was made to change the hiring posting policy so that superintendent positions will be posted with a disclaimer that the MGCSA holds no responsibility of whom the Clubs hire. Mackenzie will create posting templates and work with courses on their postings.
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Industry Insight Frost Services Recognized in GIS New Product Showcase:
The Las Vegas Golf Industry Show Organizers chose a product from an affiliate member of the MGCSA to be exhibited in their New Product Showcase. The Ultimix is a pre-mix station that is manufactured and sold by Frost Services Inc. It has been used successfully in Minnesota and Wisconsin and with this national attention, it will no doubt expand across the US. The first Ultimix pre-mix station was custom built for Dan Hanson at Majestic Oaks Golf Course four years ago. His feedback on how it saved his staff time mixing chemicals spurred further sales of this product in the local area. Refinements over the last few years have led to what the Ultimix is today with improvements of a stainless steel frame and a load-out gallon counter. According to Ken Rost with Frost Services, “The Ultimix is simply the result of a Superintendent telling us what the headache was, and finding a better way to get the job done. We are very excited about where this product is going.”
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Importan
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nt Steps
to successful summer perennials by Rob Savage and Stephanie Johnston Midwest Landscapes
Trim back any old foliage on your perennials and grasses, be sure to discard the waste to prevent any problems from mold etc. A compost pile works great! As soon as the snow melts, put down a pre emergent such as Preen, making sure it does not linger on any leaves. This helps make your beds as weed free as possible. (Or use whatever you prefer for your situation.). Be sure to read direction labels on all products! At the right time, usually around May or so, (May 15th) clean up and remove any over wintering mulch from around the plants. Be mindful of possible future frost and not to disturb roots by raking your perennial beds too severely. Check all plants for any heaving. This usually occurs on newly planted items such as Heucheras (coral bells). They may pop out of the ground a bit from the frost. Reestablish the plants to the correct planting depth and water them in. Now is also a great time to take care of any overcrowding in your planting beds! Divide your Hostas, Daylilies, Iris and others to make new plants or to expand beds! Fertilize your perennials with a good grade of fertilizer (organic or not). A 10-10-10 works well in the spring to give them an extra boost. Be sure to water thoroughly afterward. Always tread lightly around any of your perennials or sprouting bulbs, being conscious of the new growth peeking out of the ground, or even the snow! Top dress any planting beds with a light layer of new mulch, keeping in mind not to suffocate the crown of the plant. This freshens up your beds for the new season!!! Wait for your new blooms and now you are ready to plant all your annuals!
Midwest Landscapes is a Wholesale Grower and Supplier of Zone Hardy Plant Material. We also do Commercial Landscaping, Irrigation, Maintenance and Snowplowing. www. Midwestlandscapes.com
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$2,405!!! THANKS RESEARCH FUND CONTRIBUTORS Scott Darren James James Justin Josh Mike Chad Mike Mike Brian David Curt Peter Judd Beth Jeremiah Shaughn Donald Tom Steve Dan Tom Kerry John Jeremy Marlow Dan Jeff Craig Scottie Scottie Greg Greg Grayling Jeff Wayne Jeff Tom Dave Kurt Dave Troy Bill Erin Mark Marlin Jim Daniel Donnacha Matt Nathan Eric David Mark Tom Roland Sam Lynn Matt Brandon Jake John Scott Rick Rick Chris Steve Ben Jeff Brad
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Anderson Armstrong Bade Bezanson Bicek Blenker Bohnenstingl Bohnenstingl Brower Brower Brown Brudwick ConKright Dane Duininck Dushack Ergen Erickson Firle Fisher Flagstad Gabler Gibbons Glader Glattly Gossman Hansen Hanson Hartman Hendrickson Hines Hines Hubbard Hubbard Ihle Ische Jensen Johnson Johnson Kazmierczak Knox Krupp Lang Larson McManus Moers Murphy Nicol O'Brien O'Connor Olsonoski Peters Peterson Phillips Popitz Prosheck Rauenhorst Reznicek Richert Rostal Schindele Schmitz Steiner Thayer Traver Traver Tritabaugh VaNatta Wallen Wendler Zimmerman
CGCS CGCS CGCS CGCS
CGCS
CGCS
CGCS
St. Croix Tree The Golf Club at Cedar Creek Personal James Bade Oneka Ridge North Oaks Golf Club Monticello Country Club The Pines at Grand View The Preserve at Grandview Lodge Minnesota Valley Personal Mike Brower Chisago Lakes Hadley Creek Golf and Learning Center Victory Links Personal Peter Dane Duininck Golf Dow The Crossings at Montevideo Manitou Ridge Golf Course Maylower Country Club Edinburgh USA Nemadji Golf Course Super Tech Products Personal Tom Gibbons Plaisted Companies Twin City Seed Southview Country Club Forest Hills Golf Club St. Club Country Club Hartman Companies Oak Ridge Coubtry Club Personal Scottie Hines CGCS Windsong Farm Manitou Ridge Golf Course Personal Greg Hubbard Minn-‐Iowa Golden Valley Golf and Country Club Personal Wayne Jensen Minikahda Club New Richmond Prestwick Island View Golf Club Precision Turf Minnesota Valley Country Club Town and Country Club Medina Golf and Country Club Chaska Town Course Stillwater Hazeltine National Golf Club Superier Golf Cars Alexandria Golf Club Personal Matt Olsonoski Burl Oaks Golf Club Dellwood Hills Golf Club Golden Valley Golf and Country Club Tessman Bracketts Crossing Personal Roland Rauenhorst Grand Forks Angushire Golf Club Interlachen CC Edina Country Club Olympic Hills Golf Club White Bear Yacht Club Legends Personal Rick Traver Monticello Country Club Northland Country Club Owatonna Country Club Victory Links Oaks Golf Club Theodore Wirth Golf Course
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2012 Board of Directors: Back row left to right: E. Paul Eckholm CGCS, Paul Diegnau CGCS, Kerry Glader. Second row left to right: Bill Gullicks, Dave Kazmiercsak CGCS, Joe Churchill, Matt McKinnen, Jeff Ische, Jake Schmidt. Front row left to right: Scottie Hines CGCS, Roger Stewart CGCS, Eric Couselman, Brian Brown, Bob Porter.
(continued from page 9)
The Minnesota Connection
Mike Smith graduated from George-Little Rock high school in 1996 and continued his education at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls and graduated from their Turf Management program. While he was in school and for 4 years after that he worked as the 2nd assistant at Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls. In 2001 he took a job as 1st assistant at Bluff Creek Golf Course in Chanhassen. When the Halla Greens golf course was being built in 2005, he was hired as the Supt. and helped develop the course to what it is today. Mike was diagnosed with a brain tumor Dec. 18th and had surgery on Jan. 4th at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. After being dismissed on Jan. 20th, he has been taking treatments in Sioux Falls. The Wee One Foundation, combined with proceeds from the Wee One golf outing held at North Oaks Golf Club in 2012, recently sent a check for $15,000 to Mike in an effort to help with his compounding medical expenses. (continued on page 35) Page 33
YOU THINK THERE’S PRESSURE IN MOVING A BALL 6 FEET? TRY MOVING THE GREEN 60 YARDS.
At Duininck Golf, we know renovation is as much about the process as it is about the end result. Precision construction, ironclad timelines -- every day of play counts. We have the experience and determination to make your most ambitious project a stunning reality in record time. Whatever the challenge, Duininck can do it. D U I N I N C KG O L F.CO M
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GOLF
(continued from page 33) Mike’s mother Elvi Smith wrote on March 12th, “....sorry it has taken so long....Mike forgot to tell me at first and then he spent a week in the hospital with blood clots in his legs and both sides of his lungs. He has to have a shot everyday of blood thinner....BUT he is doing much better now...but it did set him back a little. He has had 4 weeks of radiation and will be done on March 26. Also is taking a chemo pill everyday and after the 26th he will be taking the pill 5 days a month. He is still having physical and occupational therapy 3 times a week. So he is a busy guy!!!!!! He has maintained a very good attitude so far....the most frustrating thing for him is his hearing. He can hear some things like the telephone ringing, the microwave but has trouble hearing people talking....he is pretty good at reading lips!!! Mike would like to thank the Minnesota Golf Course
A recent picture of Mike Superintendents Association and the Wee One Foundation for their generous gift.” On Monday October 1st the third annual Wee One Golf Outing will be held at North Oaks Golf Club, hosted by Brian Boll. Please make time to join the field for a day of golf. If you cannot attend please consider a contribution to The Wee One Foundation, a Foundation that is so supportive to our profession. Or consider membership.
Looking forward to happier days again, Mike!
Members are members because they understand the Wee One Foundation is an extension of the goodness of the people in this industry. It simply fits into who we are and what we do. This foundation is so aptly named. In the tradition of Wayne Otto, CGCS all of the members are here to help those in need. Recognition is not important, what matters most is that those who need help receive it. Visit weeone.org for more information. Page 35
Within the Leather by David Kazmierczak CGCS “Let’s get together and feel alright,” – Bob Marley That famous chorus from a popular song scribed by the late reggae icon means a lot of things to a lot of people. I’m sure when Bob wrote it he was not thinking about a particular group, and I am quite sure the “feel alright” portion may have involved a particular controlled substance, but the melody kept coming to me as I reflected upon my week at the GIS show in Las Vegas. OK- Las Vegas isn’t Jamaica. Golf Course Industry types will never be confused with Rastafarians, who basically take life in stride and possess a “no worries” attitude. Golf Course Industry types- and superintendents specifically - we have worries. So what on earth would make that chorus, and that melody, remind me of an industry convention that is business oriented, structured, and as far from an exotic island as you can get? Perhaps there is a certain comfort level with being surrounded by a group of people that you know are going through or have gone through the same challenges that you yourself have faced or are facing. Perhaps there is security in knowing that some of the questions in the back of your mind will be answered at this gathering. Maybe the week long get-together is just plain therapeutic. Whatever the reason, I find these gatherings invaluable to my job and my attitude towards my profession. There is so much to gain at the GIS. There are the obvious things like halfday or full day seminars devoted to a single topic, the trade show with every vendor known to a superintendent Page 36
displaying their goods, or the dynamic speakers at the welcoming reception and general sessions. But what I value the most is the networking. The little conversations I have with either guys I have just met, or guys I have known from my humble beginnings in this business, and anywhere in-between. Normally the discussion will focus on how their previous year went, how their family is doing, how the weather is either with them or against them presently, or in the past, but sometimes it drifts into something specific. Sometimes it is about trying a different product a new method, or a complete reversal of a given program. Sometimes it is a change in hiring practices or an alternative perspective when dealing with superiors. Sometimes it is successes, and sometimes failures. The best thing about this networking is you are conversing with a real person- not a computer. There is real interaction with real people and the questions and answers and thoughts and theories are genuine. There are very few industries where people who technically are in competition with each other are so supportive of each other and that is to all of our credit. This trip I had conversations with (and in no particular order): - A guy from Maryland who is trying a one-shot season-long fertilizer with insecticide and herbicide control. In the transition zone. Results pending. - A guy from California who is really into 80’s altrock, and some great new stuff out of the mainstream. Not agronomic related, but great for my I-Pod. - A chance lunch with a vendor from Idaho who had an I-Pad and some knock-out pictures from a snow mold trial at a local course. Pictures do not lie.
- A couple guys from a region not to be named that were pretty steamed about their regional USGA agronomist. Very interesting and I’ll leave it at that. - Dinner with two guys from Florida, one from South Carolina and one from the Atlanta area. Now, if you are ever feeling bad about your fungus issues or a few Japanese Beatles, have dinner with these guys. After five minutes I did not have anything more to talk about. All I could do is shut up and listen and be thankful for long cold winters. (Did I really just type that?) - The Michigan Superintendent Association Director, a former superintendent, on the progression of their electronic publication and association in general. Very progressive and full of ideas to borrow. That is just off the top of my head. I had many other great conversations on a smaller scale and not just with local guys I already know. Now, I know I am fortunate to work for a company that will send me to such a great event. I also realize not everybody is that lucky. If you cannot make it to the national convention, there are always your local conventions. They are the same thing only without the national flair. Can’t afford the local? Call up five guys you know and meet at a bar once every other month for happy hour. Or go bowling. Or ice fishing. Heck, sit on the end of each others’ utility vehicles and paint each others’ toenails if that is your thing, but get out there and network. Don’t ever be shy about it. Whether you have a one million dollar budget or one hundred thousand dollar budget; superintendents all face similar hardships and experience similar triumphs. Share with each other and it is amazing how it benefits all who hear.
Sylacauga are tops in hospitality and the education is top-notch, but that is not why that trip was so meaningful to me.
The group that went down there was comprised of superintendents from Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. I am sure I do not have to tell anybody what the main topic of conversation was on the entire trip, but the initials W and K put together figured prominently. My course was blasted worse than it had ever been before, and when I left I had two temporary greens and five more that should have. After two seedings, and the Spring from Hell, I was seriously questioning why I was taking three days to do this but I had committed well before Turf Armageddon and wasn’t going to bail on my guy who set it up. As it turns out, it was exactly what I needed. My psyche needed to hear that almost all the guys on the trip were undergoing the same thing: looking for seedlings that were not there, staring at dead turfevery day, trying to figure out if that green is life or just dye from the fungicide, trying to figure out if that look from the member is normal or is that the “better be green next week” look. It got me away from the mess, and together with 15 or so therapists of the turf nature. Thanks to any of you guys that were on that trip. You all really helped me a ton. By the time we got back the weather finally broke, and grass started growing. I didn’t hear Bob Marley then, but can honestly say that we got together, and after that trip I really felt all right. The value of getting together can never be underestimated.
The most beneficial trip I have ever taken was last June to Farmlinks. Farmlinks is an experience I would highly recommend to any industry professional if presented the opportunity. The people in Page 37