Tennessee Turfgrass - August / September 2002

A u g u s t /S e p t e m b e r 2 0 02

The Official Official Publication Publication of of the the The Tennessee Turfgrass Turfgrass Association Association Tennessee and the the Tennessee Tennessee Valley Valley Sports Sports Turf Turf Managers Managers Association Association and

Turf Class Becomes Turf Business TVSTMA and TTA 2002 Annual Educational Seminar and Field Day A Pictorial Recap

Meeting of the MTGCSA at

The Governor’s Club

TIFSP RT

12 Reasons Why It’s the New Bermudagrass Standard For Golf Courses, Athletic Fields and Home Lawns If you’re involved with the installation or day-to-day care and maintenance of golf courses, athletic fields, home lawns or commercial properties, you’ll really appreciate how certified TifSport compares to Tifway and the other popular bermudagrass varieties in use today.

Be sure to ask for Tifsport by name. It makes a dense, luxurious dark green turf.

Closer Mowing Heights

After three-times-per-week mowings at 1/4”, research conducted in Tifton GA shows that TifSport can tolerate closer mowing heights than Tifway and Midiron. Sod density was excellent.

Superior Turf Density

TifSport has a greater density than Tifway-about a 1 point difference on a 10 point scale. And it’s about 3 points better than common bermudagrass.

Good Lateral Growth

TifSport is more aggressive than genetically pure Tifway, especially during the cool weather months.

This may account for TifSport’s rapid grow-in and repair time.

Superior Sod Strength

TifSport has superior sod strength. This translates into improved playing conditions and resistance to divot injury in football, golf and baseball.

Excellent Traffic Tolerance

TifSport’s density, sod strength and good lateral growth rate give it a high ranking for traffic tolerance. Athletic field managers and golf course superintendents are reporting outstanding re-growth from normal wear and tear.

Upright Leaf Blade Orientation

TifSport’s leaf blade orientation and stiffness is being touted by many golf course superintendents. They feel Tifsport gives a better ball lie in cut fairways and roughs.

Impressive Leaf Texture

TifSport has a similar leaf texture to Tifway, and a finer leaf texture than most other grasses used on fairways and tees. This also helps promote good footing on athletic fields.

Dark Green Color

TifSport has a dark emerald green color versus the somewhat lighter green of Tifway and Quickstand.

Drought Tough

TifSport developer Wayne Hanna has data from a 2-year study showing that TifSport has good drought tolerance. It not only stays green longer but it also recovers faster.

Cold Tolerant

TifSport has expanded the northern limits for warm season bermudagrasses, and has remained very consistent over multiple winters in Oklahoma.

Varietal Purity

In many cases common bermuda is being sold as Tifway 419, but Tifsport’s on-going purity is carefully controlled by a rigorous set of rules and guidelines.

Vigorous Root System

This inside view of a typical TifSport plug shows TifSport’s impressive root system, stolons and rhizomes.

To Order Your Certified TifSport Bermudagrass Sod or Sprigs, Contact One of These Licensed Tifsport Growers McFall Sod & Seed Co. •Columbia TN 931 381-3667 & 800 869-7659 Tifton Turf Farm •Tifton GA 229 386-8061 Super Sod •Fort Valley GA 800 535-1320 Turfgrass America •Brentwood TN 615 377-9007 •Nashville TN 800 666-0943 •Taft TN 800 627-8816 Mid Tenn Turf, Inc. •Manchester TN 800 782-4083 •Nashville TN 615 244-2333 •Murfreesboro TN 615 896-2252

Tennessee

Turfgrass The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association and the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association

T A B L E O F C O N TE N TS AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2 0 0 2

F E A TURE D A RT I C L ES

12 16 26

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Meeting of the mtgcsa at The Governor’s Club 2002 TVSTMA & TTA Annual Educational Seminar and Field Day: A Pictorial Recap Turf Class Becomes Turf Business

D EP A RTME N TS From the President 6 Executive Director Speaks 8 A Message from TVSTMA 10 Association News 15 Research Views 19 Industry News 20 Turf Talk 22 Calendar of Events 34 Index of Advertisers 34 Announcements 34

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TE N N ESSEE TUR F GR A SS A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 2

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

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F R O M T H E PRES I D E N T

D A N STUMP

2003 Conference & Trade Show Though it is the middle of summer, its time to prepare for the January 2003 Show. Most of the legwork has been completed with the dedicated work of Tom Samples and his Education Committee and Stan Thomas and his Trade Show Committee. This year’s show looks to be as strong as ever. The Education Committee has listened to the remarks of you the members and has come up with what I believe to be a very strong educational program. In response to our Vendors, the Trade Show Committee has made improvements to the trade show floor plan. This year the Trade Show will be on one floor, which will help with the traffic flow, allowing the attendees easier access to all of the Trade Show Exhibitors who have always been so willing and dedicated to supporting our Association.

I strongly encourage you to make the commitment to being a part of the 37th Annual Tennessee Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show at Opryland. Please mark your calendars and plan to be with us January 5-7, 2003 in Nashville and support your organization. There will also be a TGCSA/ GCSAA full day seminar on Wednesday, January 8th.

I look forward to seeing you all there!!

Dan Stump, President TTA T

We need YOUR help!

Would you like for your country club, sports field, or company to have added exposure?

The Tennessee Turfgrass Association would like to feature YOUR photographs on the cover of the Tennessee Turfgrass magazine! Slides or high-quality photographic prints are preferred and may be submitted for review by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association.

Please send your photos to: Tennessee Turfgrass Association, 400 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37069. For more info, please contact Austin Bendheim at (615) 591-8286.

Digital photos are discouraged.

Please email us at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com 6

TE N N ESSEE TUR F GR A SS A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 2

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Tennessee

Turfgrass

Ben Meadows is Your Source for Grounds Maintenance

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association and the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association

Choose from a huge selection of golf course and turf products: Tennessee Turfgrass is the official publication of The Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, Tennessee 37069 (615) 591-8286 tnturfgrassassn@aol.com Published by

Leading Edge Communications, LLC

P.O. Box 680142

Franklin, Tennessee 37068-0142

(615) 790-3718

Fax (615) 794-4524

Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com Editors

Lynn Ray Jeff Rumph Tom Samples

TTA 2002 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tommy Mittlesteadt

Scott Wicker TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD

TTA OFFICERS President

Chickasaw Country Club Vice President

Quail Ridge Golf Course Treasurer

Brentwood Country Club Executive Director

Austin Bendheim

Golf House Tennessee

(615) 591-8286

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

7

E X E C UT I V E D I RE C T O R SPE A K S

Ways To Kill

AUSTI N BE N D HE I M

Almost Any Organization G reetings!

I hope this issue finds you all doing well and looking forward to all of the upcoming events in the Tennessee Turfgrass Industry!! For my “letter” this issue, I wanted to share with you the following instruction list that I ran across while searching the web. Perhaps you have seen it before. I had not, and I must say that I was moved by the content. And somewhat guilt-ridden. So often we find it much easier to follow the instructions on this list than to do the complete

•Don’t attend meetings, but if you do, arrive late.

•Be sure to leave before the meeting is closed.

•Never have anything to say at the meeting - wait until you get outside.

•When at the meeting, vote to do everything, then go home and do nothing.

•The next day, find fault with the officers and other members.

•Be sure to sit in the back, so you can talk freely to another member.

opposite and offer our support and positive influences. So often we succumb to our frustrations and leave our fellow members standing alone. So often we walk away offering nothing, but judging everything. I know that the following letter has affected me enough to rethink some of my actions….or lack of them. I hope that as you read it, you, too, look within yourselves and make sure that in the future you commit to doing nothing on this list. T

•Get all the organization has to offer you. Grow as much as you can but don’t give anything back.

•Never invite new members to attend meetings.

•Never invite guest speakers or administrators to attend meetings.

•Talk cooperation, but never cooperate.

•If asked to help, always say you don’t have time.

•If things don’t go your way, threaten to resign and get others to do the same.

•Never read anything pertaining to

your organization (journals, articles, other relevant materials, etc.).

•Never accept an office; it is easier to criticize than do things.

•Don’t do any more than you have to, and when others willingly and unselfishly use their abilities to better the organization, gripe because the organization is run by a clique.

•If there are any finances to consider, just ignore them.

•Always be quick to take sides in misunderstandings within the organization and side with the person you spoke to last.

•Repeat to everyone you see everything you hear in the organization that is unpleasant.

D o t h e t h i n gs o n t h i s l i st !

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TE N N ESSEE TUR F GR A SS A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 2

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

The Tennessee Turfgrass Association serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation.

The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, Tennessee Turfgrass Magazine, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or Turfgrass Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication.

Copyright ©2001 by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Tennessee Turfgrass is published bi-monthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to Tennessee Turfgrass Association, 400 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37069. Postage guaranteed. Third-class postage is paid at Franklin, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Tennessee Turfgrass allows reprinting of material. Permission requests should be directed to the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information.

Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, P.O. Box 680142, Franklin, TN 37068-0142, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524. Deadlines are the 1st of the month prior to the following month’s publication. (Example: August 1st for the September issue.)

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9

a m e s s a g e f r o m t vST m a WWW.TVSTMA.ORG

GLENN LUCAS

Dear Fellow Members, As I write this letter, I have just completed updating the website for the TVSTMA. As we are in the 21st Century, the Internet and websites are becoming more and more prevalent, thus the need for the creation of www. tvstma.org. The website was developed this past winter and became operational the first of February. I will take a few paragraphs and describe what is available at the website and how you can use it for information.

Meet a Member Page Events Page Registration Page Meet a Member—updated monthly. This page will allow you to get to know a member of the TVSTMA. This includes a photograph of the member and short bio of what they have accomplished and where they see the sports turf industry heading in the future.

Events Page—updated as needed, usually after the most current event. This page allows people to view the upcoming seminars/educational sessions that we are having throughout the course of the year. This includes all the information of the event including the speakers and topics.

Registration Page—updated, as you need to make changes. This page allows you to update your current information, if you are a member, or register to become a TVSTMA member. The first member to register online was Flip Butler with the Harding Place YMCA. This form is an easy way to contact the TVSTMA officers and make necessary changes as you might change jobs or careers.

I hope that the website has served the purpose to the TVSTMA Membership and if anyone has any comments or suggestions, please either call me at 1.800.837.8062 or email me at Glenn@mulemix.com T

Glenn Lucas Website Coordinator

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TE N N ESSEE TUR F GR A SS A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 2

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Meeting of the Middle Tennessee

Golf Course Superintendent’s Association

Held at

9681 Concord Road Brentwood, Tennessee

b.

overnor’s Clu

ce to the G Main entran

Commissioner Wheeler, and De puty Commiss Louis Buck of ioner the Tennessee De partment of Ag presents Scott M riculture cNeer, Golf Co urse Superinten ernor’s Club a pl dent, Govaque recognizing the Governor’s their Pollution Pr Club for evention Improv ements.

The r (Jun iparian z cos e one in rowh ff ead ( uses), V clude, b u i Sagi ttari rginia bl t are not u a lat ifolia eflag (Ir limited t o, is vir ). ginic soft rus 1 h s a), a e s s pa nd a encom rn area

aria The rip . es r c 1/2 a

12

TE N N ESSEE TUR F GR A SS A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 2

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

on

wash A concrete ent. ing equipm

cent to the

aced adja pad was pl

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building fo

A sec u pesti re storage cides area . for

s peration an ashing o ari p w ri e a th ter from parator, then to pestia w e s Rin il se ients, to the o ing nutr d prior flows in y remain ants are filtere n a re e h in w m a ta re n a co r other cides, o the property. g in to exit

T

he Governor’s

Club, a lovely Palmer Signa-

ture private golf course situated among rolling hills in Pleasant Hill near the middle Tennessee town of Brentwood, hosted the May 28, 2002 meeting of the Middle Tennessee Golf Course Superintendent’s Association. The meeting was held in conjunction with an open house showcasing environmental improvements and practices conducted through the Tennessee Cooperative Model Site Environmental Demonstration Program. Over 65 Tennessee golf course superintendents, public officials, dignitaries, and others attended the event. Attendees were treated to an informative presentation by Dr. Mike Goatley of Mississippi State University and comments by the Honorable Dan Wheeler, Commissioner of Agriculture for the state of Tennessee. At

restri

cted-

use

the formal ceremony held at the course’s historic clubhouse, the Governor’s Club was honored with a plaque for it’s commitment to environmental stewardship and promotion of environmental compliance among the golf industry. Following lunch, all the attendees had an opportunity to enjoy the course by participating in a round of golf.

The Governor’s Club is Brentwood’s premier private golf course. A gated residential community is nestled among the course, and approximately 35 percent of the homeowners are members of the club.

The club has a rich Southern history. It was formally the home of Colonel John Winstead who received the land in 1799 as a grant from the state of North Carolina for military service. He and his descendants lived and farmed the land until 1997, when it was purchased by the Eagle Group of Oaktree Capital Management (N.Y., NY) for development of The Governor’s Club. The site contains an elegant, pillared antebellum home known as Pleasant Hill Mansion, two 18th century log homes, and several other smaller buildings circa 1850’s. The property is surrounded by scenic stacked stone walls, and contains several spring-fed creeks. The former farm “Smokehouse” currently serves as the temporary clubhouse.

According to Scott McNeer, Manager of the golf course, the golf community encompasses approximately 617

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T H E G O V ER N O R ’ S C L UB

CON T INUE D

acres, including approximately 200 acres of golf course. Construction of the golf course began in 1997. The course is a par 72, 18 hole course designed by Arnold Palmer and associates.

The property is located on medium textured silt loam soil in a karst area, and includes a few sinkholes in the topography. Many tree species and native vegetation abound throughout the course. The fairways are planted in zoysia grass, and greens contain Crenshaw Bentgrass. The roughs are in fescue to match the lawns of the nearby homes.

The superintendent and operations manager of The Governor’s Club elected to participate in the Tennessee Cooperative Pollution Prevention Program in the Fall of 2000 when planning for construction of the golf course turfcare operations facility. Sound environmental management of the golf course was determined to be critical due to drainage from the course property potentially flowing into environmentally sensitive water bodies in middle Tennessee. One of these water resource areas has been identified as a habitat of an endangered species and the other is designated by the U.S. EPA as an impaired hydrologic unit.

Program cooperating organizations recommended several modifications to accommodate environmental stewardship and ensure environmental compliance during construction.

The modifications/recommendations included concrete floor berms to contain spills, a secure storage area for restricted-use pes-

ticides, and a separate facility to store, mix, and load pesticides and rinse application and mowing equipment.

To accommodate the above, a separate 20’x 40’ building was constructed to store, mix, and load the materials. A concrete wash pad was placed adjacent to the building for washing equipment. Rinse water from the washing operations flows into the oil separator, then to a riparian area where any remaining nutrients, pesticides, or other contaminants are filtered prior to exiting the property.

The riparian area encompasses approximately 1 1/2 acres, and contains recommended native vegetation. Plants in the riparian zone include, but are not limited to, soft rush (Juncos effuses), Virginia blueflag (Iris virginica), and arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia).

The pesticide/fertilizer operations building and drainage area was completed in early spring 2002 in time for viewing by meeting participants.

Partners in the Tennessee Cooperative Pollution Prevention Program include the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, The University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service, the USDA Agricultural Resources Conservation Service, the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendants Association, and the Middle Tennessee Golf Course Superintendants Association.

The meeting and complimentary open house was enjoyed by all. For more information, please contact Scott McNeer, The Governor’s Club, (615) 776-4317, or Mr. Ken Nafe (TDA) at (615) 837-5523.

Article by: Walter Bennett, Tennessee Valley Authority T

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Form e whic r home o h is n f ow p Colonel J art o f the ohn Win s club hous tead, kno e com w plex. n as Plea

sant

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TE N N ESSEE TUR F GR A SS A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 2

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Hill

Man

sion

A SS O C I A T I O N N E W S

2003 Turfgrass Producers International Conference Going to Birmingham, England

For the First Time In Its 37-Year History ROLLING MEADOWS, IL–Turfgrass Producers Inter-

national (TPI) will conduct its Midwinter Conference and Expo outside of North America when it holds this event in Birmingham, England, February 25-28, 2003. The Hyatt Regency Hotel in Birmingham, will serve as TPI’s host hotel.

The three-day event will provide TPI members with information about the latest developments in turfgrass planting, harvesting and related research, as well as the latest industry news and trends. “The choice of England as the location for the 2003 event carries significant importance to our organization,” said TPI Executive Director Doug Fender.

“In addition to reflecting the true international nature of TPI, it will provide easier access to this major industry event for turfgrass sod producers located in the Europe and other countries in that part of the world.”

Fender emphasized the significant value TPI members place on the event’s numerous educational sessions and industry update, as well as the convention’s numerous information exchange opportunities with peers and other industry experts from throughout the world. “Foremost in minds of all TPI members,” he added, “is the challenge of better educating consumers, businesses and various levels of all governments about the greater efficiencies, cost advantages and environmental benefits to be derived from proper installation and maintenance of turfgrass sod.”

For attendees and exhibitors at the 2003 TPI Conference, Birmingham as the venue will have the added attraction of excellent hospitality facilities as well as the area’s rich history which is reflected in its architecture, arts, music and other cultural traditions for which it is well known.

Each day of the TPI Conference will include formal educational sessions and ample time for attendees to visit with exhibitors of turf production equipment, parts, supplies and related services. “Turfgrass Sod Production and the Environment” is the underlying theme reflected throughout the

event’s educational sessions.

The TPI Midwinter Conference is one of two such events TPI conducts for the industry each year. The organization’s other annual event for 2003 is the TPI Summer Convention and Field Days, scheduled July 23-25, in Dayton, OH.

TPI is a 37-year-old, independent, not-for-profit association of turfgrass sod and seed producers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, and various individuals involved in education and/or research. Members of Turfgrass Producers International include more than 1,100 turfgrass sod producers from over 40 countries. For a list of its members, contact the TPI, 1855-A Hicks Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008, or visit the TPI Web site at http://www.TurfGrassSod.org. T

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

15

On June 25th, 2002, the Tennessee Turfgrass Association (TTA) and the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association (TVSTMA) held their 4th annual joint educational/field day conference.

As in the past, this conference was held at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and included educational classes as well as two field breakout sessions at the football and baseball fields. We would like to thank the staff at UT for their generous offering to host this conference and the support they provide both of our organizations.

The day began with Dr. John Sorochan, University of Tennessee, discussing his research while at Michigan State University in regards to low light growth of grass. He also discussed how portable fields are becoming more and more evident in indoor stadiums. He made some points about the feasibility of doing portable fields for indoor events and how they hold up under the low light conditions and stress from play. He moved from that topic into Turf in shade and how to manage those areas.

Next, we heard from Dr. Grady Miller, University of Florida, about field construction and renovation. He brought to light some issues that need to be discussed before Speakers for the TTA/TVSTMA meeting in Knoxville, TN from Left to Right: Dr. Grady Miller, University of Florida; Jay Sanguinetti, The University of Southern Mississippi; Dr. John Sorochan, University of Tennessee; Dr. Tom Samples, University of Tennessee

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TE N N ESSEE TUR F GR A SS A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 2

the construction begins on fields. Some of these issues were: • Planning Committee • Who makes decisions • Reputable field builder, not just a road contractor • What type of field you will have, native or sand bases • The amount of slope on the field

Dr. Miller also discussed renovation and one point that he mentioned was that if you “have 50% or less of Bermuda, then you need to renovate the field. If you have 50% or more, and time on your hands, then you need not renovate, but push your Bermuda to grow”.

After a short break, we then moved into two breakout sessions, one dealing with Golf Courses and one with Sports Fields. Dr. Sorochan spoke to the Golf seminar and Jay Sanguinetti, University of Southern Mississippi, Turf Superintendent, spoke to the Sports Field seminar. These were Austin Bendheim & Bob Hogan at registration

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Field Seminar led by Dr. Tom Samples

Dr. Grady Miller, University of Florida

open discussion seminars and a sharing of ideas more so than a lecture type.

After these short discussion seminars, the groups re-convened to listen to Jay Sanguinetti discuss how to manage both golf course and sports fields on one campus. Jay discussed how to intertwine both of the golf world and sports turf world to make both a success. He also discussed some challenges he has on his campus in dealing with funding and with where to put his efforts. One quote that he mentioned was, “If you always do what you have always done, then you will always get what you have always got”.

After the morning educational sessions, we had lunch at Lindsey Nelson Stadium and then we had two breakout sessions, one at the baseball field and one at the football field. Dr. Grady Miller guided the football stadium tour and Dr. Tom Samples guided the baseball tour. Another highlight of the day was seeing the newly sprigged practice football fields and the discussion of what UT was doing to get the fields ready for the fall practice season. One interesting fact that we learned was that during two a day football practices, they are held on the outfield at the baseball stadiTVSTMA President Stan Thomas and member Margaret Moore of Marion County discussing strategy in the dugout at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

um. After two-a-days, the groundscrew lightly verticuts, core aerifies, over seeds and then top dresses the outfield to return it to a playable state for the baseball teams fall practice.

The day ended with everyone coming back to the baseball stadium for a look at the vendors who were on display and the various equipment and field needs that are available to sports turf and golf course superintendents. This was a successful conference and we had approximately 80 people in attendance. As we continue this joint effort with the TTA, we encourage all members to make an effort to get to the conference and see and hear what is new and available for us to make our fields the best they can be. Again, thanks to the UT staff, Bobby Campbell and Dr. Tom Samples for their continued efforts to make our organization one of the best in the country.

Our next seminar will be at Bellevue Baptist Church, Cordova, TN on July 18th, 2002. Our guest speakers will be from Mississippi State University. This should be a very entertaining and educational day, as Dr. Goatley and staff will be sharing with us. Please mark your calendars for this day. See you in Cordova in July!!! T

Austin Bendheim, TTA Executive Director

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

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RESE A R C H V I E W S

ACTION ALERT: INCREASE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR TURFGRASS RESEARCH

C

ongress is still working on FY 2003 spending bills for government programs. Your letters and e-mails are still needed to urge Congress to increase federal funding for turfgrass research through the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS). It is urgent that members of Congress understand the importance of the turfgrass industry and realize that federal funding for turf research has been lacking. It’s time to increase support for this $40+ billion per year industry.

Please e-mail or write your members of Congress today and ask them for their support in the budget process! Use the Action Alert in the GCSAA Legislative Action Center (LAC) at http://capwiz.com/gcsaa/home/ to easily and quickly send a letter or e-mail to your members of Congress. A sample letter is provided for you to use to customize your own letter.

A huge thank you to the following GCSAA members who have written their member of Congress and sent us a copy of their letter:

Peter Clarno, CGCS, Mount Hawley Country Club, Illinois Robert Collins, CGCS, Cripple Creek G & CC, Delaware Richard Fisher, CGCS, Farmington Country Club, Virginia Frank Hull, Oak Meadow Country Club, Missouri Joel Jackson, Director of Communications, Florida GCSA Geoffrey Kemp, CGCS, Weaver Ridge Golf Club, Illinois Robert Marshall, Skaneateles Country Club, New York Peter McDonough, The Keswick Club, Virginia Bruce Petrelli, CGCS, Tennanah Lake Golf & Tennis Club, NY Robert Pierpoint, Onondaga Golf & Country Club, NY Paul Pritchard, CGCS, Wiltwyck Golf Club, NY Allan Pulaski, The Landings Club, GA Eric Smith, CGCS, Heather Downs Country Club, OH Manuel Sousa, Poppy Hills Golf Course, CA David Southard, CGCS, Bellevue Country Club, NY James VonAhn, CGCS, Carroll Country Club, IA Dennis Watters, CGCS, Fort Dodge Country Club, IA

Julian Barton, CAE, Executive Secretary of Carolinas GCSA Michael Barton, CGCS, Sylvania Country Club, OH Jeffrey Blanc, CGCS, Walla Walla Country Club, WA

If you haven’t written your representative, do it today! For assistance in using the Action Alert template in the LAC, contact Chava McKeel at (800) 472-7878, ext. 619. T

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

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I N D USTR Y N E W S

Effective

Article submitted by Kathleen Conard of Aquatrols

Fairy Ring Treatment

W

e’ve all seen them, those dark green rings that appear during warm moist months of the year and signal the presence of Fairy Ring. Fairy Ring can be caused by any of about 60 species of fungi, with several identifying symptoms. Mushrooms, which typically appear along the perimeter of the ring, may or may not be present. A dark green circle due to nitrogen released by the fungi is characteristic, along with dying turfgrass due, in part, to increased hydrophobicity caused by the fungal mycelia.

In the vegetative stage, Fairy Ring’s underground growth (mycelium) forms dense, root-like threads throughout the soil. This growth may be anywhere from 5cm to 30cm deep. This mass becomes so deep that water may not penetrate the rootzone; the soil moisture becomes limited, resulting in turf decline and possible death.

To date, there is no simple or inexpensive method available for the control or prevention of Fairy Ring. While there are many fungicides on the market formulated to deal with Fairy Ring, the hydrophobic conditions created by the fungal mycelia inhibit the fungicide application from penetrating into the soil where it can be effective. Using a fungicide in conjunction with a surfactant may be the best option in eradicating the problem. Surfactants, formulated to reduce water repellency, increase water infiltration into hydrophobic soils. Using surfactants will help pull the fungicide off the surface and

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distribute it through the soil profile where it can effectively attack the fungus source. And by establishing more uniform water distribution throughout the rootzone, less turfgrass will be lost overall due to hydrophobic conditions.

Research on the effectiveness of fungicide treatment in conjunction with a surfactant for the prevention of Fairy Ring was conducted at Sun ‘N Lake Golf Club in Sebring, Florida. In 1995, after rebuilding nine putting greens, severe necrotic Fairy Rings developed. ProStar fungicide and Primer 604 surfactant applications were made to one half of the nine newly constructed greens every six weeks for the duration of the six month study. By the end of the study period, an average of 23 rings appeared on the untreated half of the greens, while no rings appeared on the ProStar + Primer 604 treated areas.

A 2001 study at Pennsylvania State University also yielded similar results. The trial was conducted at a Pennsylvania golf club on a creeping bentgrass practice putting green with Heritage and ProStar fungicides paired with Primer, Lescowet, and J&J Soil Conditioner surfactants, as well as an untreated control. All treatments were applied prior to the appearance of fairy ring at the trial location, and repeated at 28day intervals. At the conclusion of the trial it was observed that surfactants in general enhanced the efficacy of fungicides in the prevention of Fairy Ring, with the combination of Prostar and Primer emerging as the most effective in overall Fairy Ring control. T

Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

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One Tough Question Deserves Seven More CHRIS HARTWIGER, USGA Green Section

I

t happens to us on almost every Turfgrass Advisory Visit we conduct. We have discussed everything from bunkers to birdies and trees to tee makers. And then we are hit with a seemingly innocuous question, “What do you think about our golf course?” THE QUESTION can be answered easily enough, but an easy answer may not be the most honest answer. We could say, “You are on the right track, keep up the good work” or “everything looks great.” However, these responses are just a pat on the back and after spending a half or a full day on a Turfgrass Advisory Visit, we believe there is a better way to answer this question.

One of the most interesting aspects of golf is the unique nature of golf courses. No two are exactly alike. The factors that affect course conditions such as budget, environment, soil types, topography, etc all vary from course to course.

Is it fair to say to the entry level golf course with a budget of $350,000 who asks THE QUESTION, “The layout is excellent, but the conditions could be much better if you doubled your staff, bought new equipment, etc.”

To provide a thoughtful answer to THE QUESTION, we have developed some basic criteria that can apply to every golf course. The feedback from these questions provides incites into the course conditions and it identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the golf course. These questions identify a starting point for every course. Many courses may want to improve on these basics and they should feel free to spend whatever additional amount is available in search of improvements. Outlined below are the questions we ask in preparing an answer to THE QUESTION.

member can repaint over the lines without requiring any knowledge of The Rules of Golf. State and local golf associations can provide assistance with marking the golf course.

2. Does the golf course play the way the architect intended? Strategy is a key element of every architect’s plan when designing a golf course. Over time, the original design can be compromised by everything from well intentioned committees to the increased growth of trees vegetation on the course. If the par 3 8th hole plays as a dogleg today, the chances are good that the original design intent of the architect has been compromised.

3. Is daily setup varied without altering the integrity of the slope and course rating?

While the tee markers and hole locations are moved frequently,

1. Can the course be played according to The Rules of Golf? Most of the courses we visit today are either incorrectly or incompletely marked. Therefore, it can be difficult to play according to The Rules of Golf. Use stakes to serve as a visual identifier to the golfers where hazards are. Use the appropriate color paint to mark the margins of the hazards.

Once the course is properly marked, any maintenance staff

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Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

O N E T O UG H Q UEST I O N it is important to keep the net change in yardage approximately the same every day.

Moving all the white tees up on Tuesday would alter the integrity of the slope and course rating which would directly impact a player’s handicap. Also, try to avoid having the same rotation of hole locations on the same days of the week (i.e. it is not a good idea to have the same hole locations every Saturday).

4. Is there complete turf coverage on the tees? Today, no one wants to tee off on a patch of dirt.

5. Can the players play the ball down on the fairways during the season? One of the basic tenets of the game is play the ball as it lies. Providing reasonably uniform turfgrass with minimal weeds on the fairways during the season is not too difficult.

E&S

CON T INUE D 6. Do the putting greens present a reasonable challenge to the players? The speed of the putting greens must be appropriate for the slope of the greens. Smoothness should always be sought before speed.

7. Is the pace of play reasonable? Golf takes a considerable investment of time even under a fast pace of play, but slow play can take some of the enjoyment out of the game. Managing the pace of play on busy golf courses takes work, but the benefits include more play, happier customers, and a better reputation for the golf course.

1-800-942-0448 Rocky Mount, North Carolina

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Drill & Fill Aerification

The next time you finish a round of golf or tour your own golf course, you now have all the information you need to ask yourself THE QUESTION. Use the criteria we have offered. Your answer will be more than just a pat on the back and it may give you the clarity to identify areas in need of work. T

Charles Williams & Associates PRODUCERS OF PREMIUM QUALITY TURF GRASSES PO BOX 978 • FAYETTEVILLE, TN 37334 • 1-800-544-8873

We are a full-service company serving all your renovation and repair needs Services offered: Tee, Bunker, Cartpath, Irrigation, Storm Damage, Drainage and Green Renovation and Repair OVER 17 YEARS EXPERIENCE CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE

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