GRASS-ROOTS WITH JOHN NEYLAN Indian summer 36 On two occasions over the last few months ATM columnist John Neylan has travelled to India to provide agronomic advice and training to local greenkeepers. Here he looks back at his time on the subcontinent and also discusses some of the preventive programmes sports turf managers can put in place to prepare their grounds for the rigours of winter play.
Also in this edition… Foreword Thinking Projects – Bairnsdale Golf Club Regional Profile – Warrnambool GC, Vic Around the Trade Turf Education Update Association Reports
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Contributors to Australian Turfgrass Management Journal Volume 18.2 (March-April 2016) Brendan Allen (NZGCSA); Stuart Bothe (Vanderbilt CC, USA); John Daniels (USGA); Bruce Davies (NTEWG/CIT); Dennis Dewell (STA SA); Corey Finn (Laucala Island Resort, Fiji); John Foy (USGA); Peter Frewin (AGCSA); Larry Gilhuly (USGA); Stuart Gill (NSWGCSA); Neil Graham (GCSAWA); Tony Guy (STA Australia/STA WA); Danny Hack (Bairnsdale GC); Scott Harris (STA ACT); Richard James (The Grange GC); Steve Lalor (Natadola Bay Golf Course, Fiji); Ryan Markwell (Denarau Golf & Racquets Club, Fiji); John Neylan (Turfgrass Consulting and Research); Andrew Peart (AGCSATech); Kellie Rose (STANZ); SMP Images; Richard Stephens (Turf Australia); Trevor Strachan (Lake Karrinyup CC); Ben Tilley (GCSAQ); David Warnaar (Warrnambool GC): Brian Whitlark (USGA); and Garry Woolard (STA Vic).
A super’s work is never done
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ournaments are always an exciting time and certainly rate as one of the most enjoyable aspects of my role as editor of Australian Turfgrass Management. Being up at first light to see superintendent and crew in action is extremely rewarding and the coverage ATM subsequently gives to such events hopefully goes a little way to recognising the huge effort that is put into showcasing a course for the game’s elite. While the players, spectators and officials can see the crew going about their course preparations – cutting greens, fairways and tees, raking bunkers, hand-watering greens – it’s the behind the scenes stuff outside of the course environment that most are oblivious to. Although having a fair idea of what a superintendent has to put up with, I got a first-hand reminder of the diverse nature of a superintendent’s role while sitting down to interview The Grange Golf Club superintendent Richard James a day out from the start of the 2016 ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open in February. Having already put back the interview by an hour so he could attend a meeting and then quickly complete the payroll for his staff that week, in between hastily scoffing down his lunch and answering my inane questions over a two hour period, on 10 occasions James either took a phone call or had an unannounced visitor to his office seeking his advice or assistance. Whether it was a bogged ute, dealing with course set up issues or discussing preparations ahead of the opening round, it was intriguing to see James in full flight. What was most impressive, however, was the good grace, calmness and humour with which James handled every single interruption or demand of his time, exemplifying the professional nature which is the hallmark of the modern day course superintendent. Anyone who saw first-hand the surfaces presented at The Grange for the Open would attest they were immaculate and in this edition we dedicate a number of pages to covering the event and the fantastic job James and his team did. We also head West to check out another successful ISPS Handa Perth International where Lake Karrinyup again presented superbly thanks to the efforts of superintendent Trevor Strachan and his crew. To end on a sombre note, it was sad to hear the news of the sudden passing of former Robina Woods superintendent Mark Jarzabek in February. A number of former industry colleagues, including past AGCSA president Jeff Gambin and Board member Jon Penberthy, attended his funeral and were shocked to learn he had battled depression. Mental health issues are so prevalent throughout society and the increasing demands being placed on course superintendents and turf managers has meant its incidence in our industry is on the rise. It is something that the AGCSA and other turf associations are proactively addressing by educating members, but at the end of the day it comes down to an individual level – about being vigilant and not being too proud to seek help. As Phil Beal, superintendent at one of the most high profile golf clubs in Australia, eloquently stated in our lead article in the last edition about his own personal mental health battles in recent times, just to be able to talk openly and honestly about your troubles is so cathartic and helped him to process the mire of thoughts and feelings he was experiencing. One of the endearing qualities of our industry is the mateship and camaraderie among its members and having one another’s back. If you or someone you know of is struggling then it’s important to reach out to colleagues, family and friends or call an organisation like Beyond Blue. The most important thing to remember is that you’re not alone and that there is help out there. Enjoy the read…
Brett Robinson, Editor
LOOKING FOR GREENKEEPING STAFF? Advertise on the AGCSA website - the Australian turf industry’s LEADING online job resource Post your job online now at www.agcsa.com.au or email admin@agcsa.com.au MARCH-APRIL 2016
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