Tennessee Turfgrass - February / March 2013

February/March 2013

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby! (Part 2) Highlights from the

47th Annual TTA Conference & Tradeshow

New BERMuDAgrasSES

for Tennessee Athletic Fields

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

TABLE OF CONTENTS February/march 2013

FEATURED ARTICLES

14

Recent Event — 47th Annual TTA Turfgrass Conference & Tradeshow

18

Cover Story — New Bermudagrasses for Tennessee Athletic Fields

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Special Feature — We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby!

(Part 2)

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18

DEPARTMENTS From the TTA President, Bob McCurdy

6

From the TVSTMA President, Wayne Treadway

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From the MAGCSA President, Nathan Sullivan

10

News from TTA

12

News from UT

28

Calendar of Events

30

Index of Advertisers

30

24

From the TT A President

Are We

Bob McCurdy

There Yet? Do

you remember asking that as a child? When my family traveled, my sister would suggest that I ask this question frequently, just to watch my Dad’s reaction and to see what objects he could find to hurl into the back seat of our 1965 Impala.

Well, this is the same excitement I experienced last fall as time approached for the annual Tennessee Turfgrass Conference held a few weeks ago. It would be my first conference as president of

the association, and I had a better understanding of what was taking place to conduct such an event.

I knew that Dr. Jim Brosnan (an assistant professor with the University of Tennessee and head of TTA’s Education Committee) had been busy for the past year, contacting speakers with just the right information to fit the occasion. Not just the traditional information about cultural practices of controlling weeds, diseases and insects, but also cuttingedge stuff about new ways to use your

iPad or your smartphone. We were going to learn how to identify pests while standing in the field and tapping on a screen.

We would learn to use Facebook and Twitter to communicate with customers and members.

I was excited to know that almost 50 vendors would be exhibiting information about products that could improve the turfgrass industry in our state. Vendors with everything you might need to grow grass would be exhibiting.

I knew that Mr. Jim Uden, TTA’s executive director, had worked hard to take care of the hundreds of details necessary to accommodate 500 people. Mr. Jim was not only handling registration and lodging, but also taking care of needs like food for the tradeshow and sign-up forms for pesticide points and hanging last-minute banners for the BCS social.

Knowing how hard the board had worked in planning and preparing for the awards presentations, and how much effort each award winner had put into the grass that he grows, filled me with anticipation.

And probably the most exciting thing, before the conference, was in knowing that I would once again see old friends and meet new ones. Friends who share my passion for the turfgrass industry would be meeting me there.

I hope that all this reflection has you already thinking about next year’s TTA conference. As your board reviews and plans changes for the 2014 show, I’m sure it won’t be long before I’ll be asking once again, “Are we there yet?”

Bob McCurdy 2012–2013 TTA President

The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association, the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association and the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

Tennessee Turfgrass is the official publication of The Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, Tennessee 37069 (615) 591-8286 tnturfgrassassn@aol.com www.ttaonline.org Published by Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedge communications.com Editor Dr. James Brosnan TTA OFFICERS President Bob McCurdy McCurdy Sod Farms (731) 692-3515 Vice President Paul Carter, CGCS Bear Trace at Harrison Bay (423) 344-6374 Secretary/Treasurer Theo Lankford Nashville Sports Leagues Past President Jay Willis Glen Eagle Golf Course (901) 508-1986 Executive Secretary Jim Uden Tennessee Turfgrass Assn.

(615) 591-8286 TTA 2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bob Elliott Thomas Garner Luke Hankins Cal Hill Joe Hill Robert A. Main, CGCS Bill Marbet Mitch Parker Jason Pooler Jason Sanderson Sean VanHoose Doug Ward TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Bill Blackburn Dr. Jim Brosnan Dr. Brandon Horvath Lynn Ray Jeff Rumph Dr. Tom Samples Dr. Dennis Shepard Dr. John Sorochan

From the T VSTMA President Wayne Treadway

Make TVSTMA

Better in 2013 2012

is history, and 2013 is here. I know you have made (or are making) plans to ensure that your sport facilities this year are as good as they can be. TVSTMA is no different. Your officers for 2013 — Marty Wallace as Commercial Vice President, Stephen Callis as SecretaryTreasurer, T. J. Derrick as President-Elect and myself as President — pledge to work diligently to improve TVSTMA. Our business meeting held at TTA’s

recent annual conference led to an informative discussion about our organization’s various meetings. Different ideas and suggestions were made. We realize that not every TVSTMA member was present, but we would certainly like to hear from every member. A survey is available at www.tvstma.org. Log in as a member, and share your ideas in the survey. If a topic is not addressed in the survey, please add it to your suggestions.

One topic in the survey, which was

also discussed at the conference, is how to improve our gathering at the conference.

If the conference is not providing the information that warrants your time and financial obligation (i.e., if you did not attend this year), can we add topics or clinics that will improve your skills and knowledge? Time is everyone’s most valuable resource, and TVSTMA must be valuable enough for you to prioritize time to attend. For instance, I especially enjoy meeting TVSTMA professionals and talking with each one of you about your facilities and how you make your sports field great. Networking is a key reason for my attendance each year.

Another lengthy discussion was how to improve our regional meetings. What time of year is best for you to attend?

What meeting or clinic would encourage your attendance? I myself enjoy hands-on events. Is this something our organization should consider?

Please give us your suggestions. We need to think out of the box. Just because we did things the same way last year and the year before does not mean that 2013 needs to be the same. What would make TVSTMA better in 2013?

I know this is not the typical letter from the president, but I also know that you are TVSTMA’s most valuable resource.

If TVSTMA is going to be the best, TVSTMA needs you. Please share your ideas and expertise with our organization.

If TVSTMA improves, our membership and attendance will increase. In turn, the increase in membership and attendance will improve our organization. TVSTMA is only as strong as its membership! T

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 Š 2013 by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Tennessee Turfgrass is published bimonthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Third-class postage is paid at Nashville, 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, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

From the Magcsa president Nathan Sullivan

News from the

MAGCSA A

nother mild winter has put us back in the saddle, earlier than some would like. With the sight of budding trees and the first signs of green, it makes us all think about the start of this new season. This year will be different for me serving as MAGCSA’s president. This new experience will be both intimidating and rewarding. I am excited to be a part of an association that positively reflects the business I love.

Over the last four years, serving on the board, I have been fortunate to work with great colleagues and friends. Two of these include our past president, Ben Haddad, and treasurer, Cal Hill, both of whom have served the board for over six years and will be greatly missed. I would like to thank them for making our association stronger through their years of dedicated service. We will not be short handed, though, thanks to the addition of our newest board members, Luke Hankins and Mike Thomas. They are both excited for the opportunity to

serve and bring a lot of experience to our industry. MAGCSA’s board of directors for 2013 is as follows: President Nathan Sullivan Fair Oaks Golf Club Vice President Robert Main, CGCS Colonial Golf Club Secretary Luke Hankins Windyke Country Club Treasurer Mike Thomas John Deere Landscape At Large Scott Newman Spring Creek Ranch Past President Ben Haddad Olive Branch Country Club

As we plan the 2013 schedule, I would like to tell you about an exciting opportunity the MAGCSA has had in helping the First Tee of Memphis. This summer program is dedicated to teaching local kids life skills by using the game of golf. In May 2012, we scheduled our first monthly meeting on the First Tee property. The meeting consisted of plans for several tasks that would enhance the property and get it off to a good start for the year. Aerating greens, fertilizing tees and running power wire to irrigation boxes were some of the jobs we tackled that day. Our local superintendents and vendors donated their time and equipment to accomplish this. To be a part of an event in our industry that serves the community in such a unique way is a very special opportunity. For this reason, we will hold our May 21 meeting at the First Tee of Memphis, hoping to assist them in reaching additional goals.

So, as this season begins and we are pulled in a hundred directions, I ask you to take a moment and reflect on the new season we have been given.

As it unfolds, be thankful and mindful of how blessed we are to see God’s handiwork this season.

Nathan Sullivan 2013 MAGCSA President

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS February/March 2013 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

NE W S F ROM THE TT A

Announcing TTA’s

Officers & Directors for 2013 PRESIDENT

DIRECTORS

Bob McCurdy McCurdy Sod Farms Dyer, TN (731) 692-3515 Fax: (731) 692-3596 mccurdyb@bellsouth.net

Bob Elliott Ewing Irrigation Company Nashville, TN (615) 244-8870 belliott@ewing1.com

Bill Marbet Southern Athletic Fields, Inc. Columbia, TN (931) 380-0023 bill@mulemix.com

Thomas Garner Pigeon Forge Parks & Rec. Pigeon Forge, TN (865) 850-4696 tgarner@cityofpigeon forge.com

Mitch Parker Ladd’s Memphis, TN (901) 324-8801 mparker@bobladd.com

Luke Hankins Wyndyke Country Club Memphis, TN (901) 754-6602 lucasgreen3@yahoo.com

Jason Pooler Tri-Turf Sod Farms, Inc. Paris, TN (731) 642-3092 triturfsodfarms@ bellsouth.net

VICE PRESIDENT Paul Carter, CGCS Bear Trace at Harrison Bay Harrison, TN (423) 344-6374 paul.carter@tn.gov

SECRETARY/ TREASURER Theo Lankford Nashville Sports Leagues Fairview, TN theo@nashvillesports leagues.com

PAST PRESIDENT Jay Willis Glen Eagle Golf Course Millington, TN (901) 508-1986 jwillisgleneagle@gmail.com

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Jim Uden Tennessee Turfgrass Assn.

400 Franklin Road Franklin, TN 37069 (615) 591-8286 Fax: (615) 790-8600 tnturfgrass@aol.com

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Cal Hill Winfield Solutions Bartlett, TN (901) 412-0121 cchill@landolakes.com Joe Hill ProSolutions Maryville, TN WORK: (865) 983-1454 jhill@ourprosolutions.com Robert A. Main, CGCS Colonial Country Club Cordova, TN (901) 377-7349 rmain@colonialcountry club.org

Jason Sanderson Cherokee Country Club Knoxville, TN (865) 588-2208 jsanderson1907@ bellsouth.net Sean VanHoose Stonehenge Golf Club Fairfield Glade, TN (931) 510-7138 svanhoose@fairfieldglade.cc Doug Ward Belle Meade Country Club Nashville, TN (615) 292-6752 dougw@comcast.com

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS February/March 2013 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

TTA BOARD ADVISORY MEMBERS Bill Blackburn Smith Turf & Irrigation Co. Nashville, TN (615) 726-8811 bill.blackburn@smithturf.com Dr. Jim Brosnan University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN (865) 974-8603 jbrosnan@utk.edu Dr. Brandon Horvath University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN (865) 974-2975 bhorvath@utk.edu Lynn Ray Golf Management Group Brentwood, TN (615) 373-9400 lraygmg@raskinco.com Jeff Rumph Gatlinburg Country Club Gatlinburg, TN (865) 453-3638 fourlakebums@msn.com Dr. Tom Samples University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN (865) 974-2595 tsamples@utk.edu Dr. Dennis Shepard Tennessee Golf Cars Franklin, TN (615) 559-2198 dennis.go@comcast.net Dr. John Sorochan University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN (865) 974-7324 sorochan@utk.edu T

rec ent e vent HIGHLIGHTS FROM TTA’S

A Tip of the Hat to TTA’s Scholarship Winners!

Ernest Hardison Memorial Scholarship Colton Jones University of Tennessee–Martin (with Paul Carter, left)

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Legacy Scholarship Tyler Hollister University of Tennessee–Chattanooga (with Paul Carter, left; wife Chauncey and father Jeff Hollister)

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS February/March 2013 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR TTA’S AWARD WINNERS FOR 2012!

Professional of the Year Bobby Winstead Winstead Turf Farms • Arlington, TN (with Bob McCurdy, left)

Private Golf Course of the Year Germantown Country Club Superintendent: Doug Estes Germantown, TN (with Jason Sanderson, right)

Environmental Stewardship Award Tellico Village Golf Resort • Superintendent: Chris Sykes Loudon, TN (Chris Sykes, Wells McClure and Mike White, with Jason Sanderson, right)

Public Golf Course of the Year Gatlinburg Golf Course Superintendent: Jeff Rumph Gatlinburg, TN (with Jason Sanderson, right)

Municipal Sports Field of the Year Maury County Parks & Recreation Lindsey Nelson Stadium/Jim Cartwright Field Field Supervisor: Wayne Lindsey Columbia, TN (with Al Ray, left, and Theo Lankford, right)

High School Sports Field of the Year Battle Ground Academy Athletic Fields Supervisor: Brad Myers Franklin, TN (with Theo Lankford, right)

Professional Sports Field of the Year Memphis Red Birds Grounds Superintendent: Ed Collins Memphis, TN (with Theo Lankford, right)

Collegiate Sports Field of the Year University of Memphis Athletic Field Director: Jason Smith Memphis, TN

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

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rec ent e vent

A VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO OuR TRADE SHOW EXHIBITORS! Advanced Turf Solutions

Evergreen Turf Covers

JRM, Inc.

Southern State Golf

A.M Buckler & Associates

Ewing Irrigation

Keeling Company

Standard Golf

BASF

FMC

Ladd’s

Sunbelt Rentals

Bayer Environmental

Golf Preservations

Liles & Tippit

Sur-Line Turf

Sciences

Grassroots, Inc.

Mid Tenn Turf

Syngenta

BWI

Greenville Landscapes

MiniVerde

Tenbarge Seed Company

Champion Turf Farms

Greenville Turf & Tractor

New Life Turf

TGCSA

Cleary Chemical Co.

Harrell’s

ProPump

The Hogan Company

Davey Tree Experts

Huntsville Tractor

ProSolutions

The Turfgrass Group

Dickens Supply

Hustler Turf Equipment

Regal Chemical

Tri-Turf Sod Farms

Direct Solutions

Jackson Sand

Sigma Organics

Turf Managers

DryJect of Tennessee

John Bouchard & Sons

Smith Turf & Irrigation

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS February/March 2013 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

cover story

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS February/March 2013 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

By Adam W. Thoms, Research Leader; John C. Sorochan, Ph.D., Associate Professor; and James T. Brosnan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Dept. of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee

Turfgrass breeders are continually developing experimental bermudagrasses (Cynodon spp.) to meet the performance needs of athletic-field managers. There is often great interest throughout the industry when these improved varieties become commercially available.

‘TifGrand’ is a newly released hybrid bermudagrass developed to offer turf managers improved shade tolerance compared to hybrid bermudagrass varieties such as ‘Tifway’ and ‘TifSport’.

Minimal information exists, however, on the traffic tolerance of ‘TifGrand’ compared to other commonly used varieties on athletic fields. Without this information, its use on athletic fields across Tennessee could be limited.

Moreover, the effects of maintenance practices that affect bermudagrass traffic tolerance (such as vertical mowing, grooming and overseeding) also need to be evaluated on these new cultivars to further understand how these selections will perform on athletic fields.

Our research Research was conducted at the University of Tennessee to evaluate the traffic tolerance of five experimental and three commercially available bermudagrass varieties maintained under two overseeding and mowing regimens. Three commercially available (‘TifGrand’, ‘TifSport’ and ‘Tifway’) and five experimental (Tift 11, 2004-76, 2004-77, 200478 and 2004-83) hybrid bermudagrasses were established from sprigs at the East

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

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cover story Table 1. Digital image analysis for turfgrass cover values of hybrid bermudagrasses subjected to perennial ryegrass overseedingz after 5, 10, 15 and 20 simulated traffic events were applied with the Cady Traffic Simulator in Knoxville, TN, in 2006 and 2007.

Turfgrass Cover (%) 2006

2007 Simulated Traffic Events (number)

Overseedingz (lb./1,000 ft2 of PLSy)

Bermudagrasses

5

10

15

20

5

10

15

20

0

2004-76

74 bcdx

58 cd

32 cd

15 cd

91 a

61 ab

68 c

68 ab

2004-77

86 ab

77 ab

41 bc

18 bcd

82 abc

66 ab

78 abc

60 b

2004-78

89 a

79 a

68 a

34 a

70 cd

70 a

85 a

73 a

2004-83

63 d

53 d

23 d

14 d

69 d

37 d

35 e

58 b

‘TifGrand’

83 ab

75 ab

56 ab

27 abc

79 abcd

65 ab

74 abc

76 a

‘TifSport’

69 cd

59 cd

32 cd

15 cd

76 bcd

50 c

52 d

59 b

Tift 11

88 a

79 a

63 a

28 ab

74 bcd

67 ab

80 ab

68 ab

‘Tifway’

81 abc

67 bc

44 bc

21 bcd

84 ab

59 bc

71 bc

72 a

2004-76

74 bc

88 ab

87 a

68 ab

90 a

84 a

88 ab

93 a

2004-77

85 ab

89 a

79 ab

62 ab

84 ab

71 bc

81 bc

79 b

2004-78

90 a

87 ab

85 a

58 ab

71 cd

77 ab

88 ab

83 ab

2004-83

62 c

77 b

68 b

56 b

59 d

65 c

76 c

89 ab

‘TifGrand’

84 ab

90 a

89 a

69 a

76 bc

80 ab

92 a

92 a

‘TifSport’

74 bc

88 ab

82 ab

64 ab

77 bc

77 ab

80 bc

90 a

Tift 11

90 a

88 ab

91 a

68 ab

71 cd

79 ab

90 ab

91 a

‘Tifway’

80 ab

90 a

88 a

70 a

82 abc

84 a

89 ab

93 a

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z Overseeding occurred after six simulated events on Sept. 20, 2006, and Oct. 1, 2007. y PLS is pure live seed = (percent purity * percent germination * 100). 1 lb./acre = 1.1209 kg ha-1 x Within a column, values followed by the same letter are not significantly different from one another according to Fisher’s protected least significance difference test at the P <0.05 level.

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS February/March 2013 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

CONTINU ED Tennessee Research and Education Center (Knoxville, TN) in June 2005 and evaluated during fall 2006 and fall 2007 (Photo 1). Until traffic simulation began, plots were maintained under two mowing regimens: traditional mowing (TM) and mowing + grooming (MG).

The TM regime consisted of mowing three times per week with a Jacobsen reel mower set to a 0.87" height. The MG regimen consisted of mowing three times per week with same reel mower (equipped with grooming blades) at 0.87" and grooming to a depth of 0.10" below the bench-set mowing height. Each mowing regimen was applied until traffic simulation began on August 25, 2006, and August 28, 2007. After this date, all plots were mowed three times per week at 0.87" with the same reel mower.

The two overseeding regimens consisted of no overseeding and overseeding

with perennial ryegrass (33% ‘All Star 2’, 33% ‘Derby Xtreme’ and 33% ‘Top Hat 2’) at 12 lbs./1,000 ft2 on September 20, 2006, and October 1, 2007.

Traffic simulation was applied using the Cady Traffic Simulator (CTS) shown in Photo 2. Two passes with the CTS have been reported to simulate the effects of one NCAA football game. Plots were subjected to four CTS passes per week, beginning on August 25, 2006, and August 28, 2007. A total of 20 simulated events (i.e., 40 CTS passes) were applied each year. To facilitate seed germination and seedling emergence each year, CTS passes were not applied the week following perennial ryegrass overseeding.

Traffic tolerance was quantified using measurements of turfgrass cover following each application of simulated traffic. Turfgrass cover was assessed using digital image analysis.

Results Turfgrass cover varied due to mowing regimen on only a single rating date in 2006 and not at all in 2007; therefore, effects due to mowing treatments didn’t affect traffic tolerance in this study. These results differ from previous University of Tennessee research, which reported that mowing plus regular grooming reduced turfgrass cover of bermudagrass varieties subjected to simulated traffic.

When not overseeded, experimental bermudagrass Tift 11 and the commercially available variety ‘TifGrand’ yielded turfgrass cover values greater than or equal to ‘Tifway’ on all rating dates in 2006 and 2007 (Table 1). Experimental bermudagrasses 2004-77 and 2004-78 also yielded turfgrass cover values similar to ‘Tifway’, except for a single date in 2007. Turfgrass cover values for the experimental bermudagrass 2004-

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

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Cover Story

Photo 1. Bermudagrass variety trial with grooming and overseeding treatments after eight simulated traffic events.

83 were the lowest values on all rating dates each year.

Turfgrass cover values in 2006 tended to be lower than those in 2007.

For example, turfgrass cover after 20 simulated traffic events in 2006 ranged from 14% to 34%, compared to 58% to 76% in 2007. Differences in turfgrass cover may have been related to air temperature. Average high air temperatures during traffic simulation in 2006 ranged from 68˚F to 79˚F, compared to 77˚F to 88˚F in 2007. Increased air temperatures in 2007 may have allowed for some degree of recuperation during the trafficsimulation period, resulting in less pronounced reductions in turfgrass cover.

Overseeding increased turfgrass cover for all bermudagrasses in both years. In 2006, turfgrass cover after 20 simulated traffic events ranged from 56% to 70% on plots receiving overseeding, compared to 14% to 34% on non-overseeded plots. A similar response was also observed in 2007. These findings support those of other researchers that perennial ryegrass overseeding improved turfgrass cover on athletic fields subjected to traffic.

Conclusion

Photo 2. Cady Traffic Simulator.

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS February/March 2013 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Results from this study illustrate that ‘TifGrand’ and the experimental bermudagrasses Tift 11, 2004-78 and 200476 exhibit traffic tolerance similar to ‘Tifway’. Thus, ‘TifGrand’, Tift 11, 200478 and 2004-76 may be new options for use on hybrid bermudagrass athletic fields. Considering that ‘TifGrand’ has been reported to offer improved quality in low-light situations, it may be best suited for use on athletic fields affected with shade. Overseeding improved turfgrass cover retention under simulated traffic for all bermudagrasses in this study. T

spe cial fe atu re

By Frank Turner, Cochran McDonalds, Long-Time TTA Member and 1986 – 1987 TTA President

In

the previous issue of this magazine, it was noted that Dr. Lloyd Callahan was instrumental in the establishment of both the Tennessee Turfgrass Association (TTA) and the turfgrass program at the University of Tennessee in the mid 1960s. With new and younger members now making up the majority of TTA, I thought it would be interesting to look back at our history.

Larry Shore, a retired golf course superintendent and TTA member, was a speaker at the third TTA conference in 1969. I asked him to recall some of his memories from those early years. Larry told me that after TTA’s initial three conferences in Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville, they settled in Nashville. The conference was held at the King of the Road Motor Inn, a hotel that was built by country/pop music star Roger Miller.

(By the way, that hotel still stands —

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it is now the Days Inn Downtown near the Tennessee Titans’ stadium.)

Larry said that in those years, the hotel had an entertainment room and a bar/lounge where current country music stars and those trying to break into the business would always be performing.

Since one Nashville TTA member had a good connection with the country music industry, the conference enjoyed some great entertainment. After a few years, the conference moved to the Sheraton

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS February/March 2013 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

Hotel and, later, made a more permanent home at the Music City Roadway Inn on Briley Parkway. (That hotel is also still in business, although under a different name.)

The first TTA conference I attended was in January 1978, and I have photographic evidence (see news clipping, next page)!

During my senior year at UT, Dr. Callahan had encouraged me to apply for a scholarship from GCSAA. I was fortunate to be selected, and Dr. Callahan thought it would be fitting to have it presented at the TTA conference. As you can see from the photo, Jim Bridges, then the golf course superintendent at Chattanooga Golf and Country Club, made the presentation.

On page 26 is Tuesday’s program from 1978. I included this portion of the program to highlight a couple of

things. First, take a look at the topics.

It’s obvious that the winter of 1977 was very cold, and many golf courses probably lost acres and acres of bermudagrass to winterkill. This subject would rear its ugly head several more times during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Since then, the term “winterkill” has hardly been mentioned. Heck, it seems like a miracle these days if it gets cold enough to snow! Now, I’m sure Al Gore would point to this as proof of manmade global warming (oh, excuse me — climate change), while others believe that weather is cyclical in nature. I know which side of this issue I fall on, and if I’m right, these topics will once again be on TTA’s conference program.

The other items I wanted to point out occurred at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The buffet banquet, awards and entertainment

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

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spe cial fe atu re

The Tuesday afternoon program for the January 1978 TTA Annual Conference.

were the highlights of the conference, and to be sure, everyone was in the right frame of mind (there was a reception with liquid refreshments prior to the banquet). TTA’s board of directors had an Entertainment Committee, with the sole responsibility to come up with some form of entertainment for the banquet.

I can remember a magician, a country/

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bluegrass band and a comedian whose act was much more X-rated than anyone anticipated!

Without a doubt, though, the most “entertaining” entertainment was the famous Mouse Race. Dr. Tom Samples, new to our association, had been appointed to chair the Entertainment Committee. Wanting to come up with

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS February/March 2013 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

something new and different, Tom proposed an entertainment act that no one had heard of before — The Mouse Man! I have no idea where Tom found this guy, but for a set fee, The Mouse Man would bring his mice and a 15–20 ft. oval racetrack to stage a series of mouse/ mice races similar to dog races. The Mouse Man would race four or five mice at a time, staging several heats, with the winner of each heat advancing to a final race. The racetrack even had some hurdles and obstacles for the mice to negotiate. TTA members were given Monopoly money to wager, and at the end of the races, whoever had won the most was given a prize.

The biggest obstacle, however, was getting The Mouse Man, his track and the mice into the hotel and conducting the race without the knowledge of the hotel staff. I’m sure they would not have approved of mice in their hotel!

As it turned out, we got the track set up, and everything was ready as soon as the banquet finished. There was only one problem — Tom could not find The Mouse Man. Fortunately, someone found him. He was taking a smoke in the restroom, but he wasn’t smoking tobacco. Somehow, Tom got him to the track, and the race was on! We had a great time, and I think our executive secretary, Mrs. Donnie Callis, ended up the big winner. I can’t recall any entertainment that ever topped that.

Also at the 1978 conference, the TTA awarded Lifetime Memberships to three individuals for their dedication and service to our industry: Dr. Patricia (Pat) Cobb, professor of extension entomology, Auburn University; Dr. Coleman Ward, turfgrass Extension specialist and professor emeritus, Auburn University; and Mrs. Donnie Callis, longtime TTA executive secretary. In 1986, TTA awarded a Distinguished Service Award to Dr. W. W. Armistead, Vice President for Agriculture, University of Tennessee.

As I mentioned earlier, Nashville’s Music City Roadway Inn on Briley

Parkway was home to our annual conference for many years. A large room on the bottom floor provided space for the tradeshow. The major equipment dealers would bring in their latest mowers, aerifiers, utility vehicles and anything else that would fit through the loading dock doors. Other vendors also brought in their products. With all this “stuff ” (as opposed to our current tabletop booths), it could get pretty crowded at times. In the evenings, companies invited members to stop by and visit their hospitality suites, where there was always plenty to eat and drink. Ask Nick Nicholson to tell you about the card games! All in all, we had some pretty good times at the Roadway Inn. In 1987, the TTA board decided to move the 1988 conference to the Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville, as our conference’s increasing attendance dictated more space. The board also began to discuss rotating the site of the conference from middle to east and west Tennessee.

A plan was formulated to hold the conference in Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville. Nashville would serve as the hub, with the conference returning there every other year. It was hoped that increased exposure when the conference was held in east or west Tennessee would result in increased attendance in Nashville the following year. So, in 1989, our conference was held in Memphis, 1990 in Nashville, 1991 in Knoxville, 1992 in Nashville, 1993 in Memphis and 1994 to present in Nashville. I think it was realized that when the conference was held in west Tennessee, we lost attendance from the east, and when held in east Tennessee, we lost attendance from the west. After a number of years holding the conference at Opryland Hotel, we moved to our current location, the Marriott at Cool Springs.

In the next issue, I will conclude with a brief history of the turfgrass program at the University of Tennessee. T

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION • Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association

27

Ne w s f rom ut

University of Tennessee Student Awarded Prestigious Trans-Miss Scholarship

By Scott B. Boyle

V

ictories are subjective. A scratch golfer stringing together multiple birdies is a victory. A casual golfer breaking 100 for the first time might celebrate for weeks after. For a college student, winning a scholarship certainly qualifies as a major victory.

Wes Mackie, a University of Tennessee (UT) senior in the Turfgrass Science and Management program, Plant Sciences Department, did just that by winning one of this year’s national Trans-Mississippi Golf Association Scholarships.

Established in 1901, the TransMississippi Golf Association awards 14 scholarships to turfgrass undergraduate students at universities across the country.

The $4,500 Jackie Lee Scholarship recognizes students who excel in academics and rewards them for their performance in the turfgrass field. For Mackie, who currently sports a 4.0 GPA, the award is the culmination of a pretty amazing college career.

Mackie, a 1999 graduate of South Doyle High School in Knoxville, said he discovered his career path by accident.

“I struggled for a long time to figure out what I wanted to do,” Mackie recalls.

“It’s comforting to stumble into something that turned out to be challenging, fun and exactly what I wanted.”

Mackie said he started working with the superintendent of a golf course, and he quickly realized it could be a viable career with good pay and benefits. “I enjoy the fact you get to do different things every day,” he says.

Dr. Brandon Horvath, one of Mackie’s professors, says Mackie was a great candidate for the prestigious award. “He’s an older student who showed a lot of motivation to learn,” he comments. “He asks deep questions, he is curious about what he is learning, and he pushes you in class to know how and why things are done.”

Dr. Horvath contacted Mackie over

Wes Mackie University of Tennessee Turfgrass Student

28

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS February/March 2013 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com

the summer while Mackie was interning at Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, New York, encouraging him to apply for the scholarship. “[Dr. Horvath] had won it, and he thought I would be a good candidate,” Mackie explains.

Mackie is a great representative of UT’s turfgrass program, according to Horvath, who says the award represents the high-class education that students receive at UT. “It establishes the University of Tennessee, and our Turf Management program, as one of those institutions of higher learning where excellence is brought out, encouraged and recognized,” Horvath comments.

Mackie says his experience as an intern in New York was great, and it shaped his decision to stay involved in golf after graduation. “My experience is all in golf,” he states. “A lot of people get jobs in other fields, but I will be sending out resumes to golf courses hiring assistant superintendents.” T

Calend ar of Events

Adv ertiser Index

March 19

May 21

Colonial CC

1st Tee of Memphis

MAGCSA Meeting

MAGCSA Meeting

March 25–26

July 22–25

Carmel Country Club Charlotte, NC

(Turfgrass Producers International) Chicago, IL

USGA SE Regional Conference

April 8

MTGCSA Meeting

Hillwood CC Dr. Alan Windham & Dr. Jeff Higgins

April 9

MAGCSA Meeting Waydyke CC

April 22

ETGCSA Mini Field Day UT Turf Research Facility

May 14

MTGCSA Meeting Willowbrook CC Dr. Scott McElroy

May 21

TPI Summer Convention & Field Days

August 18–22

StormCon — 2013 Conference The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Conference Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Myrtle Beach, NC

September 12

UT Turfgrass & Ornamental Field Day

East Tennessee Research and Education Center Knoxville, TN

October 23–26

School of Grounds Management and Green Industry Expo

Galt House Hotel and Kenutcky Expo Center Louisville, KY

November 15–18 ASLA — Annual Meeting & Expo

(American Society of Landscape Architects) Boston Convention & Expo Center Boston, MA Contact: www.asla.org

January 2014

48th Annual TTA Conference and Trade Show Location: Marriott Cool Springs Franklin, TN

October 23–25

PLANET Green Industry Conference Louisville, KY

ETGCSA Meeting The Crossings GC Jonesboro, TN

Digital Marketplace

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TENNESSEE TURFGRASS February/March 2013 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com