News Notes Spring 2012 by Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

NEWS NOTES A Publication for the Turfgrass Industry Professional

SPRING 2012 ┃ VOLUME 5 ┃ ISSUE 1

2012 Research Summary and Reference Guide

Table of Contents Features

HANCOCK TURFGRASS RESEARCH CENTER REPORT

By Mark Collins, HTRC

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH SUMMARIES 2011-2012

TWO PLAYER-DESIGNERS, AN ACE, AND A NEVER-ON-SUNDAY VETERAN ELECTED TO MICHIGAN GOLF HALL OF FAME Michigan Golf Hall of Fame

MSU TURF CLUB REPORT By Tyler Manly

MTESP

GREAT LAKES TRADE EXPOSITION

By Kathy Antaya 2012 Wrap-Up By Amy Frankmann

8 Departments

MTF NEWS NOTES

SPRING 2012 ┃ VOLUME 5

┃ ISSUE 1

Also in this issue:

20 33 34 35

Calendar of Events Opportunities for Giving Membership Application

Tee Times 4 Turf Round Donation Form

PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

FOUNDATION REPORT

TREASURER'S REPORT

NEWS CLIPPINGS

FUNDRAISING HIGHLIGHTS

Executive Committee President John Fulling, Kalamazoo CC 2014/Representing: At Large Vice President Brian Schweihofer, Franklin Hills CC 2013/Representing: At Large Treasurer Carey Mitchelson, College Fields 2012/Representing: Mid Michigan District Secretary Randy Hahn, Twin Lawn 2012/Representing: Lawn Applicator

Board of Directors 2013 Amy Fouty, Michigan State University Representing: Parks, Sod, Cemetery John Stewart, Tri-Turf Representing: Greater Detroit District

2014 Daniel J. Bissonette, Dan's Green Side Up Representing: Northern Michigan District Mark Frever, Albion College Representing: Sports or Inst.Turf Todd Griebe, Turfgrass, Inc./Residex Representing: Lawn Maintenance

2015 Lee Collins, John Deere Golf Representing: Western Michigan District Adam Slatinsky, Michigan Turf and Ornamental Representing: Commercial Turfgrass Supplier Scott Trbovich, Syngenta Representing: At Large

Staff Executive Director Gordon LaFontaine Executive Secretary Rebecca Schoch NEWS NOTES PO Box 27156 Lansing, MI 48909-7156 517-392-5003 Fax: 989-936-5911 miturfgrass@gmail.com michiganturfgrass.org

MSU TURF TEAM

AND THEIR SUPPORT STAFF CROP & SOIL SCIENCES

MTESP Mr. Jack Knorek Michigan Department of Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Division 517-335-2874 Fax: 517-335-3131 knorekj@michigan.gov

Dr. James Crum Soils 517-355-0271 ext. 134 crum@msu.edu Dr. Kevin Frank Turfgrass Extension 517-355-0271 ext. 147 frankk@msu.edu • Jeff Bryan - MSU Research Assistant • Miyuan Xiao - Graduate Student • Erica Bogle - Graduate Student

ENTOMOLOGY Dr. David Smitley 517-355-3385 smitley@msu.edu • Terry Davis - Research Assistant II • Kevin Newhouse - Technician

Dr. David Gilstrap Coordinator Two-Year Sports and Commercial Turf 517-355-0271 ext. 140 gilstrap@msu.edu Dr. Thom Nikolai Turfgrass Academic Specialist 517-355-0271 ext. 133 nikolait@msu.edu • Rodney Tocco - Graduate Student

HANCOCK CENTER Mr. Mark Collins Farm Manager 517-353-3117 • Frank Roggenbuck Irrigation Specialist

Dr. Suzanne Lang Turfgrass Stress Physiology 517-355-5191 ext. 377 langsu@msu.edu • Tara Valentino Technician

Dr. John N. Rogers III Coordinator Two-Year Golf Turf 517-355-0271 ext. 136 rogersj@msu.edu • Jeff Dunne MSU Research Assistant • Aaron Hathaway - MSU Research Assistant

BOTANY AND PLANT PATHOLOGY

HORTICULTURE

Dr. Joe Vargas 517-353-9082 vargas@msu.edu • Ron Detweiler - Research Assistant III • Nancy Dykema - Research Assistant III • Paul Giordano - Graduate Student • Liewei Yan - Graduate Student

www.michiganturfgrass.org

MICHIGAN TURFGRASS FOUNDATION

PRESIDENT'SPerspective

MTF NEWS NOTES

SPRING 2012 ┃ VOLUME 5

┃ ISSUE 1

Dear MTF Members and Friends,

I hope this finds you well and ready for a great 2012 season! There’s a lot happening with your Michigan Turfgrass Foundation. First is this great edition of News Notes which will also serve as the 2012 resource guide. We’ve included tons of useful information from the calendar of events to current professor research updates to links and contact information for the University and other important organizations around the state. We hope you find it useful and are able to refer to it often. Our Online Auction, “Tee Times 4 Turf,” is ready to go for 2012. Tee Times 4 Turf Chair John Stewart has been working hard with his committee to put together a great auction lineup for this year. With your help of round donations, we will have well over 200 foursomes to auction off. If you haven’t had a chance to get your donation of a couple of foursomes in, there’s still time. The auction begins on April 29 and goes through May 13. Remember that every penny of the foursome purchase price goes right to research at Michigan State University! You can visit the site at teetimes4turf.com. You can also give Becky a call in the MTF office and just tell her to sign your club up. It’s that easy! What a great way to give back to the turfgrass research that we use every single day in our business! Our Turfgrass Molecular Physiology position is progressing very nicely. As you know, the University approved the new position in late 2011. This is a great thing for us as MSU will be able to add more basic research to an already effective research team and help promote and accomplish the long-term strategic goals of the research program. There are several very qualified candidates. The committee hopes to make a selection by mid summer so our new researcher can begin at MSU for the fall semester. MTF Vice President Brian Schweihofer and his MTF Conference Committee are working overtime to produce a fantastic 2013 Conference, which will be held back in East Lansing at the Kellogg Center. The process for each conference begins more than a year in advance and doesn’t stop. In addition to getting us back to an education focus for 2013, they have a number of unique, interesting and fun events. Look for more information as we go through the year! Special thanks to all of our clubs, landscape professionals, individuals and organizations who made financial contributions to the MTF and to

Michigan State University Turfgrass Research this year. I’d like to also thank the Golf Association of Michigan who work tirelessly to advance MSU turfgrass research through their vast communication network, putting on member events to promote MSU and MTF, and soliciting monetary contributions from their member clubs. And last but certainly not least, thanks to all of our Allied Partners in turf. The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation is the collective collaboration of all of you. Thanks for all you do financially for the MTF, for your members’ many volunteer hours and spreading the good word through your communication networks. Once again, our very best wishes for a safe and productive 2012 season to you, your family and your organization. Please feel free to call on us anytime for any reason. We look forward to seeing you at an event around the state! Very Sincerely,

John Fulling, CGCS President, MTF

MEMBERUpdate NOTICE! If any of your member contact information has changed, please notify the MTF office via email at miturfgrass@gmail.com, by phone at 517-392-5003, or by fax at 989-936-5911. Thank you.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT FEBRUARY 2012

VOTING AFFILIATE ASSOCIATE STUDENT EDUCATOR HONORARY

241 243 11 13 18 14

TOTAL

TOTAL 2011

315 319 9 12 17 19

540

691

The MTF membership year runs from October 1 thru September 30. These statistics were taken February 29, 2012.

References on the Web

michiganturfgrass.org teetimes4turf.com msuturfdiseases.net msuweeds.com turf.msu.edu cdms.net/LabelsMsds/LMDefault.aspx gddtracker.net msuturfweeds.net css.msu.edu agbioresearch.msu.edu mtesp.org turf.lib.msu.edu news.msue.msu.edu/news/home

Find Us, Follow Us

Dear Michigan Turfgrass Foundation and its Stakeholders, Thank you for selecting me as the Norman W. Kramer Outstanding Scholar Award winner. This award means a lot to me and will help finance my education at Michigan State University. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at MSU over the past three and a half years. Michigan State has given me a wealth of knowledge that I will be able to use in the turfgrass industry upon graduation. The professors and my advisor have expanded my horizons in this industry and are willing to help in any way they can. I look forward to the rest of my senior year at MSU and all of my future turfgrass endeavors. Once again, I would like to thank you for selecting me as a recipient of this prestigious award. The monetary support granted by this award will help me cover the ever-increasing costs of tuition and books. Thank you again for your support and I am sure I will be working closely with your organization in the future. Sincerely, Clinton Steketee

Dear MTF Scholarship Committee, I would like to thank you for selecting me for the Robert Hancock Memorial Scholarship Award. I am honored to be selected for this award. I am also grateful to be recognized by turf industry professionals. The award of $2000 will help my financial needs greatly. Thank you again for choosing me for this award. Regards,

Tyler Manly

www.michiganturfgrass.org

MTF NEWS NOTES

SPRING 2012 ┃ VOLUME 5

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VOTING MEMBERSNew and Renewed

Raymond Andrusiak Tim Asselin Wayne Bartlett Stuart Bassett Al Bathum John Francoeur David Beck Daniel Billette Tom Block Dan Boak Dan Bone Calvin Boone Brett Boonenberg James Boxer Matthew Breijak Thomas Brogger Christopher Bullinger Daniel Bywalec Ronald Calhoun Kirk Carls Brian Chalifoux Harvey Cole Steve Cook John Cooney, CGCS Joan Cooper James D'Angelo Ron Dahlin, CGCS Dana Davis Brian deBest T. C. Decker Jamin DeJong Tim Doppel Joseph Drudi Brian Durant Ryan Osborn Paul Dushane Bruce Dustin James Dykstra Jay Eccleton, CGCS Mike Edgerton Mike Ellis Paul Emling Edward Everett Gerald Faubel, CGCS George Fillmore Steve Fiorillo Scott Ford Ronald Fox Robert Britton Mark Frever John Fulling Scot Gardiner, CGCS Franklin Godwin Steve Goike Thomas Goodwin Phil Goulding Fred Green John Groenink Jerry Grossi Rick Grunch

Randy Hahn Rick Hakken Steve Hammon Michael Harwood Tom Heid Tim Hesselink Randall Heyboer Kathleen Hilbert Chad Hively Paul Hoag Edward Hock Kevin Hoezee Mike Hoggard John Holberton Paul Holmes Timothy Holysz Mike Horn Tavis Horton Mark Huggett Kevin Hunt Adam Ikamas Mark Jackson Larry Jensen Douglas Johanningsmeier Alan Johnson Jim Johnson Ron Juip Rick Jurries Michael Kaltz Dan Kammeraad Keith Kapnick Todd Kauffman Andrew Keilen Doug Kendziorski John Kennedy Robert King Eric Kleinsorge Dave Klier Dale Kooiker Richard Krampe David LaFontaine Gordon LaFontaine Jeremy LaPratt Mike Leavitt Bruce Lemons Michael Libby Dan Lucas Clifford Marr Michael Martell John Mastenbrook Robert Mateja Gregg Matthews Bob McCurdy Marty McGuire Fritz McMullen Bill Middleton Carey Mitchelson James Moore Craig Moore Mark Morell

Michael Morris Frank Most John Murphy Andy Myers Jeremy Neer Eric Niemur John Nowakowski Dian O’Donnell Harry Olson Tim Osburn Mark Ostrander Jamie Montath Clinton Ovren, CGCS Brad Paddison Paul Patronik Justin Peckens Patricia Perushak Randy Pichan Tyler Pickens Dave Plummer Matthew Weaver Jim Priebe Joe Rayl Steve Rebhan Matthew Mader Thomas Reed, Sr. Gene Reetz Rick Ritter Brian Roberts Mike Robinson Michael Rosen Gabe Ross David Rossman Michael Rzepka Thomas Schall Brian Schweihofer Michael Schweizer Charles Scott John Seefeldt Joseph Servinski Susan Shockey Jon Shreve, CGCS James Simmons Shayne Skolnik Ronald Skover Adam Slatinsky Jerry Slayer Jerry Somalski Alan Southward Ken Stanton Thomas Stark Jim Steketee Marc Stine David Stipcak Steve Sump Douglas Suttor Joel Swanson Lee Swartzendruber Jeffrey Sweet Roy Szyndlar, CGCS

Norman Talmadge Steve Tedhams Douglas Thielen Jack Thomasma Andy Thoresen Matthew Thorton Kurt Thuemmel, CGCS James Timmerman Brian Lents Tim Topolinski Scott Trbovich Bob Triick Gary Trombley Joseph Van Assche Paul Van Putten John Vanderburg Joe VanKammen Mark Vogler Michael Waldecker Garret Waller Rick Warren Bob Murray Ronald Weingartz Kevin Welp Michael Wilczynski Chris Wilczynski James Williamson John Williamson Clem Wolfrom Tim Workman Bill Wright Stephen Young Steve Wells Gordon LaFontaine Robert Matthiesen Daniel Dingman Jerome Blahnik Robert Rau John C. Wilson Steve Williams Andy Kitchen Cory Seedorf Brian Stange Clay Moody Michael Kacsor Diane Henry Brad Lubahn Brian Karle Bruce Matthews Don Smith J.C. Petersen John Hibbs Bill Whetstone Joseph Ehawageshik David Endicott Max McKeller Matthew Kraemer, CGCS Scott Cook Jon Teuscher Larry Gee

FOUNDATIONReport As spring arrives, we find ourselves coming away from yet another successful Great Lakes Trade Exposition (GLTE). We would like to thank Executive Director Amy Frankmann of the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) for a wonderful seven-year partnership with the GLTE. The hard work and dedication of Amy and the MNLA is second to none and our experience with them will be looked upon and stored in the MTF history books as a very professional and lucrative era. As we switch gears and move forward, the MTF is hard at work putting together the upcoming Michigan Turfgrass Conference, which will be held in January 2013 at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center located in East Lansing. Information will be published as it becomes available and the MTF Board of Directors are excited about delivering you a very rewarding educational experience and opportunity. Speaking of opportunity, the MTF and the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) have teamed up for this year's MSU Turfgrass Field Day. As an Allied Partner, one of the GAM's main goals is to expand its support of turfgrass research and we are more than happy to have them join us in our Foundation's mission and thank them for their continued efforts. The MTF would also like to thank the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents (MiGCSA) for their generous donation of $25,000 presented at the 2011 conference in Grand Rapids. With their yearly fundraisers, The MiGCSA continues to support the MTF's fundraising efforts in support of the MSU Turfgrass Program and we thank them for their hard work and loyalty to the industry. MTF's Allied Partners are not alone in the research fundraising endeavor. The Foundation would also like to recognize and thank all contributors, big and

small, for their efforts to support this great industry and world renown research team and program. It would be impossible to establish the ever-growing relationship with Michigan State University and our Allied Partners without the dedication of our members and contributors. In a matter of a short period of time, The MTF has been able to reestablish communication with entities who are pertinent to the survival and the expansion of turfgrass research in Michigan, the nation, and abroad as well as create long-term employment for individuals who will increase our knowledge and help us to sustain our livelihoods. This very difficult task is being achieved due to support from the great professionals of our industry, the distinguished MSU Alumni, and old friends such as Carl Schwartzkopf, who has graciously agreed to leave a gift of Will Provision to the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center at Michigan State under a fund name of "Carl H. Schwartzkopf Turf Grass Lab Fund," and Billy Olsen who, upon his passing in March of 2009, left an Endowed Fund in Turfgrass Sciences and Landscape Horticulture through Michigan State University. It is very exciting and welcoming to know that you, our Contributors and Allied Partners, "have our backs" and support the decisions we are making on a daily basis and for the long-term. The MTF will dutifully keep you informed of progress and developments as they arise and we are looking forward to a new year of creativity, hard work, and further growth. Wishing you and yours a very pleasant spring season,

Gordon LaFontaine MTF Executive Director

www.michiganturfgrass.org

Dear Friends,

HANCOCK CENTERReport Dear Supporters, The Hancock Turf Center would like to thank all those who make donations, whether equipment or products. These allow us to maintain the high level of research that we do. 2011 was a record-setting year for donations. Thank you to all who support the Turf Center. Mark Collins Farm Manager Hancock Turfgrass Research Center ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Table 3: In kind donations for 2011

MTF NEWS NOTES

SPRING 2012 ┃ VOLUME 5

┃ ISSUE 1

Donor (* New Donor) Spartan Distributors The Scotts Company The Andersons Jacobsen Turfco Turfgrass Inc. Weingartz Golf & Turf J. W. Surge Inc. Syngenta Tri-Turf Spears Manufacturing Dakota Peat Jacklin Seed * D&G Equipment L. T. Rich Products Founders Society * Sports Turf Management of MI * Briggs & Stratton * Tru-Turf IPAC Inc. * Harrell's Fertilizer * Pace Inc. * Rhino Seed & Landscape Totals:

Irrigation Fertilizer/Chemicals/Sand/Seed Equipment TOTAL 2010 $473,211.00 2009 $431,574.00 2008 $412,964.00 2007 $417,181.00 2006 $551,651.00 2005 $521,768.00 2004 $478,578.00 2003 $385,239.00 2002 $387,450.00 2001 $314,706.00 2000 $304,179.00

$4,100.00 $13,430.00 $573,688.00

2011

$591,218.00

Turfgrass

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY TURFGRASS PROGRAM 2012 RESEARCH SUMMARIES

Stress Responses of Kentucky Bluegrass Varieties In Blends and Monostands Jeffrey C. Dunne and John N. Rogers III Crop and Soil Science, Michigan State University

The background for this particular project deals with traditional recommendations for athletic field construction and the blending of Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass) cultivars. Originally, the idea of blending was to protect turfgrass stands, particularly in high stress environments. As Kentucky bluegrass breeding techniques have advanced in the last 50 years, the necessity of these blends is left in question. A series of experiments were designed and initiated September 25, 2009 to examine Kentucky bluegrass varieties several different ways. New and old varieties were selected based on traffic tolerance, disease resistance, bispyribac-sodium (Velocity) resistance, and aggressive tillering. Furthermore, these varieties were planted as single cultivars and then in blends to determine if there are still advantages provided by using a blend of multiple cultivars. The objective of this study is to assess differences associated with traffic tolerance, Dollar Spot resistance, and Velocity resistance of single cultivar and blend plantings.

MTF NEWS NOTES

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Traffic tolerance on native soil of Kentucky Bluegrass blends and monostands

The purpose of wear tolerance is investigating recuperative abilities and aggressive nature of each cultivar by continuous applications of traffic. Some varieties of Kentucky bluegrass are more aggressively growing and have better recuperative abilities. Tolerant varieties to traffic show several physiological characteristics such as higher lignin content and distribution, total cell wall content, leaf width, and leaf tensile strength. These characteristics distinguished each variety under traffic applications by the Brinkman traffic simulator. Seven varieties were selected based on National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) trials for wear tolerance/susceptibility and planted as monostands. These same varieties were then used to create three blends, of varying quality, for comparisons. The project was initiated on a native soil (Aubbeenaubee-Capac sandy loam,

Colwood-Brookston loam) and the blends and monostands are subject to 12 weeks of fall traffic beginning on August 1 of 2010 and 2011. In both years of data collection, after 12 weeks of traffic, there were no instances in which the blend out performed each of its associated varieties in percent ground cover, quality, or surface strength characteristics.

Traffic tolerance on native soil with topdressing applications of Kentucky Bluegrass blends and monostands

In addition, topdressing on an athletic field will provide a number of advantages. Higher sand content will reduce the compaction in a high trafficked area, prevent an accumulation of thatch, and improve drainage or water movement through the root zone of the turf. Recent research has shown that sand topdressing can improve the wear tolerance, turfgrass cover, density and surface strength, of a variety of turfgrass stands, including Kentucky bluegrass. With this in mind, Kentucky bluegrass varieties with more aggressive tillering will tend to accept more frequent and heavier topdressing programs and will provide a better, more uniform playing surface. A second experiment was also initiated to evaluate the same cultivars and blends as the experiment on native soil. These single cultivars and blends were planted on the same native soil; however, four applications of Âź inch topdressing will be applied over a five-week time period prior to the initial traffic application. Again, weekly applications of traffic were applied to the treatments totaling 12 weeks of fall traffic. Similar to the native soil data, after 12 weeks of traffic, there were no instances in which the blend out performed each of its associated varieties in ground cover, quality, or surface strength characteristics in 2010 and 2011. Furthermore, one variety produced greater quality and cover values than the blend following the traffic applications in 2010.

Resistance of Kentucky Bluegrass monostands and blends to Dollar Spot

Originally, the purpose of planting a blend instead of a single cultivar in an athletic field setting is to protect against a disease decimating an entire turf stand. But improved varieties, with multiple disease resistance, may suggest otherwise. Improved disease resistance by a single variety of Kentucky bluegrass may help protect a monostand from Melting out, Stripe smut, and other potentially fatal diseases to the turf. However, as more and more Kentucky bluegrass cultivars are bred for resistance to these particular diseases, other diseases, such as Ophinosphaerlla korrae (necrotic ring spot), Magnaporthe poae (summer patch), and Sclerotinia homeocarpa (dollar spot), become prevalent, suggesting that blends may still be necessary for broad-spectrum disease resistance. A third experiment was created to evaluate the differences between single and blend plantings of four Kentucky bluegrass cultivars on an inoculated field. A total of four cultivars were selected based on NTEP trial evaluations for Dollar Spot. Two cultivars were selected for Dollar Spot resistance and two selected for Dollar Spot susceptibility. The cultivars and all possible combinations of blends were planted on a native soil and inoculated with the Dollar Spot pathogen, Sclerotinia homoeocarpa.

ROGERS & DUNNE

In 2010, in most instances, resistant varieties in monostands had reduced dollar spot infection centers and percentage of dollar spot infected turf cover and also showed an increase in quality when compared to blends consisting of resistant and susceptible varieties. The only discrepancy was associated with a blend of two resistant varieties. The study was repeated in 2011 and similar results to the previous year were shown. Furthermore, the study was reestablished on a high, sand-based root zone and inoculated in 2011. Data from the additional study reflected the results from the native soil study, showing the resistant varieties with lower dollar spot infection centers and greater quality than blends including any of the susceptible varieties and the susceptible varieties alone.

Sensitivity of Kentucky Bluegrass monostands and blends to applications of Velocity

Likewise, improved varieties of Kentucky bluegrass that are selected for Velocity tolerance may provide field managers with another means to suppress Poa annua (annual bluegrass) invasion. Because of Kentucky bluegrassâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s genetic similarities to annual bluegrass, it is the most sensitive turfgrass species to Velocity applications for annual bluegrass control. Therefore, an application of Velocity to a blend containing one or more cultivars that are susceptible to the herbicide could be a critical error. A final experiment was initiated to assess

Turfgrass

the differences between single and blend plantings of four Kentucky bluegrass cultivars under applications of the Velocity herbicide. Four Kentucky bluegrass cultivars were selected based on sensitivity ratings of Velocity applications; two cultivars with low sensitivity and two cultivars with high sensitivity were selected. The cultivars and all possible combinations of blends were planted on a native soil and were subject to applications of Velocity. In first year of data collection, the varieties with low sensitivity experienced minimal blighted tissue as a result of the Velocity applications. In turn, these varieties had greater overall quality and NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) ratings when compared to blends including the high sensitive varieties and monostands of the high sensitivity varieties. Like the previous study, the treatments were re-established on a high, sand-based root zone. Data collected in 2011, reflected that of the previous year with the low sensitivity varieties showing minimal blighted leaf tissue, higher quality and higher NDVI values when measured against all treatments, excluding the blend of the two low sensitivity varieties. Acknowledgments: A special thanks to all of the contributors to this research! MTF - Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Barenbrug, USA Turf-Seed, Inc Graff Sod Farm Valent, USA

1. Sensitivity of Kentucky Bluegrass monostands and blends to applications of Velocity 2. Traffic tolerance on native soil of Kentucky Bluegrass blends and monostands 3. Resistance of Kentucky Bluegrass monostands and blends to Dollar Spot Study 4. Traffic tolerance on native soil with topdressing applications of Kentucky Bluegrass blends and monostands 5. Dollar Spot Lesions on Kentucky Bluegrass

2011 MTF Research Summary Thomas A. Nikolai, Ph.D and Rodney V. Tocco Jr.

The majority of my research efforts for 2011 revolved around the Flint project. The Flint project is designed to gather data regarding the social, economic, and environmental impact that turfgrass has on an urban community. With funding, fertilizer, and seed donated by the Scotts Company and mowers donated by John Deere we have been mowing around abandoned homes and in parks in several Flint neighborhoods since the late spring of 2010. In the last issue of News Notes (December 2011) I gave a summary of the positive impact that maintained turfgrass has had on a particular neighborhood. What I did not mention in that article was the environmental data we are just beginning to collect. On June 30, 2010 a fertilizer sediment movement study was initiated on a uniform slope in one of our neighborhoods in Flint. Two fertilizer applications were made in 2010 (one on June 30 and the other on November 17) with Scotts Turf Builder 340-4. Combined the rate of the Turf Builder was approximately 1.6 lbs. of nitrogen/1000 sq. ft. On November 17, 2010 we placed six sediment catch-cans on fertilized plots and six sediment catch cans on non-fertilized plots in Flint. Approximately 6 months later (June 11, 2011) six of the sediment catch-cans were removed and new sediment catch-cans were put in their place. The catch-cans that were removed were allowed to air dry and afterward the sediment was removed from each catch-can and oven dried (to boil off the water) and weighed. The result was that the fertilized plots reduced the amount of sediment by 50%. This implies that fertilized sites have the ability to decrease sediment (and therefore phosphorus contamination) into surface bodies of water.

Following removal of the first set of catch-cans June 11, 2011 the site received three more applications of Turf builder during the summer/fall of 2011. During the summer/fall of 2012 the catch-cans will be removed, sediment will be weighed, and the soil sediment will be analyzed for nutrient content. A similar sediment catch-can project was initiated in the late fall of 2010 at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center. In that study six ground covers (Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, a sunny/shade mixture, and two prairie mixtures) were established with equal amounts of fertilizer. There were six replications of each ground cover treatment. Once plots had been established sediment catch-cans were placed into each plot during the late summer of 2011 and half of the replications of each treatment received regular fertilization and the other half receive no additional fertilizer. Catch-cans will be removed and replaced from each site periodically over the next several years to quantify if ground cover and/or fertilizer has an impact on sediment movement. Besides those studies I have been involved with a fairway rolling study (in collaboration with Dr. Rogers) and on a putting green fertilizer carrier study in collaboration with Dr. Frank. Beyond that my graduate student, Rodney V. Tocco Jr., has been performing a putting green management study. His report follows.

Determining Plant Available Water for Sustainable Water Conservation with Evapotranspiration

Replenishment Regimes, Wetting Agents and Cultural Practices RESEARCH SUMMARY INTRODUCTION

Proper watering of golf course putting greens has been debated since their inception. The amount of water and frequency of application depend upon the weather and in a large part upon the character of the soil and the drainage (USGA Green Section Staff, 1922). Each green has requirements that help differentiate themselves by varying grass species, soils and micro-climates. Putting green construction recommendations date back to 1922, whereas high grade and cheap, easily maintained greens were disseminated by the USGA green section (Piper et. al., 1922). The United States Golf Association (USGA) published putting green profile specification recommendations first in 1960 (USGA Green Section Staff, 1960). Revisions occurred since with the latest written in 1993 (Hummel, 1993). The construction utilizes a perched water table methodology to advocate water use efficacy and overall quality. Evapotranspiration (ET) is evaporation and plant transpiration combined to give water loss estimates that certified golf course superintendents (CGCS) use when creating irrigation schedules. Increased environmental awareness of water as a crucial natural resource caused implementation of restrictions on irrigation regimes. In order to ensure sustainability, we must have conservation awareness, and continue to be efficient and wise when using water resources (Norman, 2009).

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this research are to study the relationship of varying evapotranspiration water regimes with wetting agents for differences in putting green quality. The study is being conducted on a ‘Crenshaw’ creeping bentgrass putting green constructed from a native soil. The research objectives will be met by evaluation of the following: 1) Weekly Visual quality ratings of green aesthetics 2) Annual Organic matter (%OM) accumulation or depletion 3) Annual Microbial activities within the system 4) Weekly Localized Dry Spot (LDS) assessment when applicable 5) Weekly Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) measurements of soil moisture 6) Annual Water Drop Penetration Tests 7) Annual Soil Chemistry analysis 8) Weekly Green Speeds and playability

TREATMENTS

The treatments of this research are accessed by a 3 x 2 x 2 factorial experimental set up in a split-plot field layout. The data is analyzed with ARM 8.4.3 and SAS 9.2.1 at a significance level of P>0.05. The research treatments include: 1) Daily ET replenishment of 30,60, and 90% (3 factors) 2) Daily Mowing of 1X or 2X (2 factors) 3) Monthly application of Revolution® wetting agent versus untreated (2 factors)

2010 RESULTS

The summer of 2010 was the initiation period for the study, with the green being brought up to speed on the cultural

Turfgrass

practices (IE: mowing, watering regimes, etc.) and wetting agent applications. A previous large thatch layer was combated with implementation of regular rolling and topdressing. The treatment period from July through October presented a somewhat mild season in terms of the desired extreme temperatures. Rainfall measurements were sporadic with a lot falling in a few events. The results showed a significant increase in water infiltration rates at the 0-1 cm soil root zone depth with applications of Revolution® wetting agent at the 6 fluid ounce per 1000 ft2 rate. The total microbial biomass present in the soil was significantly affected by watering regime for the 2010 initiation period. No significant differences between treatments were observed for overall playability between treatments based on ball roll distance (green speed), visual ratings, organic matter accumulation, disease occurrence, time domain reflectometry (%VWC). Thus, it was hypothesized that a significant decrease in suggested watering levels from the State of Michigan MDA GAAMP’s of 2010 is possible.

The results again showed a significant increase in water infiltration rates at the 0-1 cm soil root zone depth with applications of Revolution® wetting agent at the 6 fluid ounce per 1000 ft2 rate. The total microbial biomass present in the soil was again significantly affected by watering regime for the 2011 initiation period. Green speeds were significantly higher with the 2X mowing regime. This was expected based on previous research. Dollar spot occurrence was significantly lower in plots that were 2X mowed. This was a very interesting result, and one that was hypothesized based on previous rolling data. There was no significance in playability reduction based on green speeds and quality with any of the ET or wetting agent treatments. This again leads to a hypothesized reduction in overall irrigation recommendations from the MDA and possible further investigation into the wetting agent effects on turfgrass soil rhizosphere.

2011 RESULTS

The summer of 2011 was the first true full field season (May-October). Thatch levels had been significantly reduced and the watering regimes were implemented from a fully automated system provided by The Toro Company (Bloomington, MN). The treatment period was hot and dry for the most part, which provided the desired season for such research. Rainfall events were lower than average for the greater part of the season until late August where a plethora of rainfall was recorded just prior to the annual Michigan State University Turfgrass Field Day.

www.michiganturfgrass.org

NIKOLAI & TOCCO

Research Projects in the Turfgrass Nutrition and Soils Program Kevin W. Frank Assoc. Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences

Michigan State University

Management Strategies to Alleviate Winterkill on Golf Courses Project Duration: 2010-2012 Funding: Project GREEEN 20102011

MTF NEWS NOTES

SPRING 2012 ┃ VOLUME 5

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Winterkill of turfgrass on golf courses is a common problem in Michigan. The winter of 2009-2010 was especially devastating with the worst damage covering a stretch from west of Lansing through the northwest Detroit suburbs. Winterkill injury resulted in direct and indirect costs for golf courses as putting greens had to be reestablished with seed or sod and courses that were severely affected had decreased numbers of rounds played. Determining the best management practices to reduce winterkill has the potential to save golf courses thousands of dollars in lost golf round revenue and turfgrass reestablishment costs. This research is investigating management strategies in both the autumn prior to the on-set of winter and during the winter to determine their affect on reducing turfgrass winterkill. The research objectives are to determine the effect of autumn nitrogen, plant growth regulators, topdressing with sand, topdressing with dark colored materials, and snow removal on winterkill of Poa annua and creeping bentgrass putting greens.

Research was conducted in 2010-2011 on a Poa annua putting green and a mixed stand Poa annua/creeping bentgrass putting green. Crown hydration was encouraged throughout the winter months by flooding the trial area with water when air temperatures increased to 45 °F. Initial results from the winter of 2010-2011 indicate no significant winterkill of the plot areas but there were differences in spring green-up among the treatments. Research will continue in the winter of 2011-2012.

Nitrogen Carrier Effects on Creeping Bentgrass Grown on Three Rootzones Project Duration: 2009-2013 Graduate student: Miyuan (Nancy) Xiao Funding: Partial funding from Grigg Bros. Research on the multi-year effects of foliar and granular nitrogen fertilizers alone or in combination on turfgrass tissue and soil nutrient concentrations is limited. The research objective was to determine the effect of different foliar and granular nitrogen fertilizers on creeping bentgrass grown on three putting green rootzones. Research was initiated in

2009 at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center. The fertilizer treatments were urea, methylene urea, natural organic, foliar alone, foliar + granular, and an untreated control. All fertilizer treatments were applied from May through October to Penn ‘A-4’ creeping bentgrass grown on three rootzones. The three rootzones were a United States Golf Association specification rootzone, sand/peat/soil rootzone (80-10-10) and a native sandy clay loam. The urea, methylene urea, and natural organic fertilizer treatments were applied at 24.4 kg N/ ha/month. The foliar treatment was applied at two rates, 12.2 kg N/ha/month and 24.4 kg N/ha/ month. The foliar + granular treatment consisted of a granular fertilizer application once a month at 12.2 kg N/ha/month and a foliar application twice a month at 6.1 kg N/ha/application. Soil and tissue samples were collected in October 2009, and June and October 2010. Results indicate that fertilizer treatments resulted in higher tissue N, P, and K levels than the untreated control for the October 2009 and 2010 samplings. However, the untreated control had higher tissue Ca, Mg, Mn, and Fe levels than the fertilized treatments. Among rootzones, higher soil N, P, and K values did not result in higher tissue N, P, and K values. After two years, there was no significant decrease in soil nutrient values for the foliar alone treatments, with the exception of nitrate-N which decreased from October 2009 to 2010.

Long-Term Nutrient Fate Research Project Duration: 1998-present Funding: USGA 2011-2013 Nitrogen fate research was initially conducted at Michigan State University in 1991. The initial research conducted from 1991 through 1993 indicated that there was minimal risk of nitratenitrogen leaching from turfgrass. Subsequent years of research on the same lysimeters indicate the risk of nitrogen leaching changes as the turf ages. Since the summer of 1998 percolate samples have been collected from the same monolith lysimeters and analyzed for nitrate-nitrogen. As of 2011, the turfgrass area has now been under continual fertilization practices for 21 years with percolate collection for the last 13 years consecutively. From 1998 through 2003 two nitrogen rates were analyzed: 245 kg N ha-1 and 98 kg N ha-1. Since 1998, NO3-N concentrations in leachate for the low N rate have typically been below 5 mg L-1. The mean NO3-N concentration in leachate for the low N rate for the 13 years of data collection is 3 mg L-1. From 2000-2002, for the high N rate, NO3-N concentrations in leachate were often greater than 20 mg L-1. In 2003 the high N rate was reduced to 198 kg N ha-1 but the concentration of NO3-N leaching from the high N rate treatment did not decline from the previous years. Since 2004, the average concentration of NO3-N in leachate for the high N rate is 7 mg L-1, which was a significant

decline from the average concentrations observed for the high N rate from 2000 through 2003. This research indicates that leaching potential from continually fertilized turfgrass sites changes due to the age of turfgrass and nitrogen rate. In addition to Michigan Turfgrass Foundation funding, this research has been funded by the United States Golf Association since 1998.

North Central Region Creeping Bentgrass Evaluation Project Duration: 2008-2011 Ten universities from the North Central Region initiated a creeping bentgrass putting green and fairway evaluation trial in the autumn of 2008. The research objectives were to 1) Determine the susceptibility of creeping bentgrass cultivars to dollar spot; 2) Determine the suitability of creeping bentgrass cultivars under putting green and fairway conditions when fungicide applications are scheduled based on threshold level of dollar spot incidence. Each cultivar was seeded in Sept. 2008 at 1 lb./1000 ft.2. The site was fertilized at 1 lb P/1000 ft.2 at the time of seeding using a 1-2-1 fertilizer. Each site received 0.5 lb N/1000 ft.2 biweekly during the remaining growing season in 2008. Beginning in the spring of 2009, the turfgrasses received different fungicide treatments. The fungicide treatments were an untreated control and a fungicide program consisting of Emerald (0.18 oz product/1,000 ft.2) + Daconil Ultrex (3.2 oz product/1000 ft.2). The fungicide mix was applied preventively in May or June at first sign of dollar spot infection centers in all replications of application susceptible cultivar, Crenshaw. Thereafter dollar spot suppression was conducted curatively when Crenshaw plots have ≥ 20% of dollar spot on the putting green. This trial concluded in 2011.

Effect of nitrogen carrier on creeping bentgrass performance and soil organic matter accumulation Project Duration: 2012-2013 Graduate student: Xiaojing (Grace) Zhu This research will use the plot area from the creeping bentgrass putting green evaluation trial described above. The research will begin in 2012 and will determine the effect of a natural organic fertilizer and a synthetic fertilizer on creeping bentgrass cultivar performance. Data collection will include: soil organic matter, turfgrass color, quality, microbial community assessment, soil moisture measurements, and pest incidence.

FRANK

Turfgrass

1. Winterkill Research 2. Soil Infiltration Research

www.michiganturfgrass.org

Dollar Spot Irrigation Study Nancy Dykema and J. M. Vargas Jr, Dept. of Plant Pathology, MSU

MTF NEWS NOTES

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In a high maintenance turfgrass setting, the ability to closely control irrigation timing and amount is possible since computercontrolled irrigation systems are typically used and are considered somewhat mandatory in those settings. If benefits in terms of disease reduction can be associated with the application of the same amount of irrigation water at different times of day or different frequencies each week, it may be possible to use less irrigation by optimizing its application timing. This would allow the best use of irrigation based on timing and frequency so as to not overuse water since overall equivalent volumes will be applied. Timing and frequency of irrigation should be adjusted to limit dollar spot infection, thus possibly leading to a reduction in fungicide. This proposed research focuses on comparing different irrigation regimes based on frequency and timing, while maintaining equivalent application volumes along with integrating the use of resistant cultivars to assess disease management options.

This dollar spot study is being conducted on newly established (Oct, 2010) Declaration, 1-WM and L-93 creeping bentgrass fairway plots maintained at 0.5” height of cut. It is set up in a 2 factor split plot design with repeated measures. Three irrigation regimes were randomly assigned to each of three 36’ x 36’ irrigation plots. The irrigation is being applied daily (light amount) at 5:00 am, daily (light) at 10:00 pm, or 1-2 times weekly (heavy amount) at 10:00 pm. Within each irrigation plot, three creeping bentgrass cultivars were randomly located four times, in split-plots measuring 9’ x 12’. All plots will be fertilized at 0.5 lb nitrogen per 1000 ft2/month. Preliminary results from one year of field testing indicate that light irrigation (approximately 0.1”) applied at 10:00 pm on a daily basis resulted in less dollar spot

in all three creeping bentgrass cultivars than the same total volume of water divided into one or two applications each week. In addition, differences in the amount of dollar spot among three creeping bentgrass cultivars were observed under each of three different irrigation regimes. 1-WM had the least disease regardless of irrigation regime follow by Declaration while L- 93 had the most disease.

Bacterial Etiolation Study: Paul Giordano and JM Vargas Jr. “Bacterial etiolation” caused by a newly described bacterial pathogen identified by MSU researchers as Acidovorax avenae subsp. avenae (Aaa) is an emerging disease on creeping bentgrass putting greens causing severe loss of turfgrass with extensive economical ramifications. The summers of 2010 and 2011 resulted in devastating losses of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) on golf courses around the country. This destructive disease problem is not solved by conventional fungicide usage, and is a recurring problem on many golf courses. More golf course managers in Michigan are converting their putting greens to creeping bentgrass due to ice damage plaguing Poa annua greens each spring; this poses an imminent risk associated with an incurable infection of Aaa on Michigan golf courses. While Aaa was initially isolated from Penn G-2 creeping bentgrass, growth chamber inoculations, as well as isolations from golf course samples, have shown a variety of creeping bentgrass cultivars to be susceptible to Aaa infection. These cultivars include, but are not limited to: Penn A-4, Penn A-1, L-93,

Tyee, Declaration, Bengal, 007, Penncross, Southshore, Crenshaw, Providence, Mackenzie, Cato, PennLinks, and PennEagle. Our initial research has indicated some minor variations in susceptibility in growth chamber inoculations; however, all cultivars tested thus far have been susceptible to infection by Aaa, to some extent. It is likely that the bacterium is ubiquitous in many turfgrass environments, and only becomes a problematic plant invader under certain environmental conditions. Researchers are working to identify molecular techniques that will better detection, and possible quantification of Aaa in environmental samples. This type of technique should be very useful in developing disease thresholds, making risk assessments, comparing cultivar susceptibility, and determining treatment efficacy. Molecular comparisons among other plant pathogenic Acidovorax species are being conducted to elucidate genetic discrepancies and unique genomic markers that have potential to be utilized in diagnostic assays as well. Additionally, more field studies are planned this season to try and determine if there are any effective chemical controls for this disease.

Extension In addition to visiting many golf courses in the state, we also handled 68 samples sent to our diagnostic lab where we identified many problems that occurred during the summer. A turfgrass disease diagnosis tool was developed and is now available online at www.msuturfdiseases.net. This can be used by homeowner and industry professionals. It covers diseases of home lawns, athletic fields and golf courses.

Turf Entomology Research in 2011 David Smitley and Terrance Davis Michigan State University

A New Organic Approach to Reducing Earthworm Castings on Tees and Greens. Up until this year our only options

for reducing earthworm activity on tees and greens were to spray carbaryl (Sevin), or a thiophannate methyl fungicide. Sevin only works for 2 weeks, and thiophannate methyl can be costly. This year, a new tea seed extract product, EarlyBird, is available as a mild fertilizer. Results of our research test at Kalamazoo Country Club indicate that the most costefficient application rate is 6 lbs ai/1000 ft2. This will reduce the number of earthworm castings by about 50% for 2 weeks. This product is relatively non-toxic.

Reducing Grub Damage to Home Lawns and Golf Course Roughs. Since the 1990’s the European Chafer has been

causing extensive damage to home lawns and golf course roughs in southern Michigan, and it has recently spread northward to Saginaw, Midland, Muskegon, Traverse City, Alpena and a few sites in the Upper Peninsula. Grub damage to turf in Michigan has become so common that insecticide sales at garden centers are estimated at over $10 million each year. IIn the initial research we found that the amount of visible turf injury due to grubs may be directly related to the size of the turf root mass. This means that grub damage could be prevented or reduced by practices that tend to increase root mass: turf selection, raising the mowing height, providing

Table 1. Mean number of earthworm mounds per 100 ft2 plot in replicated plots on a tee at Kalamazoo Country Club before and following application of EarlyBird at three different rates on April 25th, 2011. Data are means of four replications.

Treatment Control 3 lbs per 1000 ft2 6 lbs per 1000 ft2 9 lbs per 1000 ft2

Earthworm mounds per 100 ft2 April 25, 2011 155 148 149 155

May 9, 2011 212 146 121* 102*

* Means followed by an asterisk are significantly different from the control treatment (P = 0.05).

Long-term Suppression of Ants on Golf Courses.

Final analysis of research supported by MTF during the last 3 years shows that superintendents can expect 6 months of ant suppression following a single application of Aloft, Arena or Meridian at the highest labeled rate when applied in May or early June. In ¼-fairway plots (replicated 6 times) we were able to reduce ant mounding by 90% compared with only a 50% reduction in our standard-sized plots (10’ x 20’). This means that if golf course superintendents treat 30’ beyond the edges of tees, greens and fairways, it will reduce re-colonization and dramatically improve ant control, especially along the edges of fairways, tees and greens.

Update on Japanese beetle Biological Control. Recent research

supported by MTF and Project GREEEN led to the release of a pathogen which helps to suppress populations of Japanese beetles. A protozoan (Ovavesicula popilliae) known to infect Japanese beetles and no other insects or animals was found to be present in Connecticut and absent from Michigan. The protozoan pathogen was introduced into research plots at three golf courses in Southern Michigan. Six years after introduction of Ovavesicula, we documented a 55% reduction in Japanese grubs along with a significant reduction in egg production. Overall impact provides an average population reduction of 64% per year due to Ovavesicula. The natural spread of the protozoan is slow, so to speed up the process we are planning to provide infected beetles to those attending the Turfgrass Field Day in 2012. Longterm research (from 1999 to 2008) supported by MTF documented the spread of the introduced pathogen and declines of Japanese beetle where it became established.

standard fertility, irrigating, or a combination of all four. Results of research in 2011 indicate that cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass and red fescue produce the largest root masses under low maintenance conditions. One full year after establishment of 264 turf plots at the HTRC, Kentucky bluegrass and red fescue turf types grew root masses twice as large as tall fescue and perennial grass. We will continue sampling these plots in 2012 to see if the tall fescue and perennial ryegrass types grow larger root masses when they have a longer time to establish. Also, raising the mowing height to 3.5” and fertilizing with 1.0 lb N significantly increased root masses. Overall, if home lawns or golf course roughs are seeded with Kentucky bluegrass or red fescue, and are mowed at 3.5”, fertilized with 1 – 2 lbs N per year, and watered during dry periods, the root mass is expected to be large enough to avoid grub damage even without using insecticide.

TREASURER'SReport 2012 Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Financial Update By Carey Mitchelson, MTF Treasurer On October 24, 1956, eleven turfgrass managers at MSU Memorial Union Building met for a final organizational meeting to form the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation. In attendance were Mr. W. Bruce Matthews, (elected as President), Mr. William Milne (elected Secretary). Serving on the original Board of Directors were: Alex Chisholm, Leslie Peck, Clarence Wolfrom, George Preskorn, Bill Smith, Burt Chickering, Norm Halmich and Professor James Tyson. During that meeting articles of incorporation were formulated. As part of that process it was determined the purpose of the MTF was as follows: “To establish and maintain a research and educational fund for the purpose of supporting a program of research and education in turfgrasses in the state of Michigan and to promote and advance the interest of its members as growers of turfgrasses, the turfgrass industry and associated industries in the improvement of the turfgrasses consistent with the public interest and to perform all activities and functions as may be necessary or convenient for the conduct and operation of the business affairs of the Foundation, or as may be incidental thereto.” 56 years have passed since that meeting and the message that those pioneers had the foresight to put into words became the origin of a Turf Foundation that is considered the finest in the country. Much of what we have in our industry today can be directly related to our past leaders and their efforts. It is sometimes easy to take for granted what others have provided; however, it is just as easy to support in some small way, and put back into our industry and the university. Many of the opportunities we have been afforded today can be traced back to those who took the time to prepare for future generations. It is part of the MTF’s responsibility to carry on those beliefs and understandings.

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Many of the discussions on the MTF Board require following through on those original concepts. And that is the case when our financial situation was reviewed and overhauled four years ago. I offer the brief historical perspective not only for reference to the actions we took then but as an outline to the many in our industry that may not be aware of the mission statement or the origin of the MTF. A number of our membership may not be aware of all our associated financial responsibilities, Endowments, relationships with other organizations, or our influence and interaction with everyone involved in the Green Industry. After being actively involved in the day-to-day operations for the past three years, it is even more appreciated how those 11 individuals had the prudence to put together the Foundation for future generations.

A review of our endowments and unrestricted funds was done in 2009. Our situation was no different than any of those who had investments in the markets. Many of the gains that were made in the years prior to 2007 were taking a hit. Additionally, there were no indicators that there would be any change soon. A course of action was needed and had to be implemented quickly. Several factors were in our favor. The return of Gordie LaFontaine, that year, as Executive Director would ensure fundraising opportunities would be in good hands. His past relationships with the University and our other industry partners would also prove vital to reestablishing some lost connections. His desire to return and help lend leadership was significant. Another positive was the arrival of Rebecca Schoch. She was hired as Secretary and proved to be just the right fit. Years of financial data would have to be reviewed and summarized. Many of our accounts needed to be updated and clarified. We met several times a week over six months and it was determined that we would start from scratch and set up a new chart of accounts that would include every income and expense. Each endowment had to be reviewed and the investment policy of each was discussed at the Board level. Once those incomes/expenses were organized we then began a review process to determine our cash flow related to the past three years in order to gauge what would be needed moving forward. After that review, it was clear that in order for the MTF to continue and continued on Page 19

TREASURER'SReport Continued to operate without a deficit each year a balanced budget would be needed and held in tight check…beginning immediately. It was determined a 25% reduction in our operational was needed and unfortunately a 25% reduction in our annual donation to the Professors Research was also needed to reach our balanced budget goal. It was hard medicine but the Board knew it was the only option available. We made the adjustments but also knew that if we were to regain our status as a premier Foundation our work had just begun. The Board felt that if we put additional efforts into fundraising we could still operate and if supplementary funds became available we would distribute them to the research projects the University Professors worked so hard on. The good news is we accomplished each of our goals. Our balanced budget approach is now entering its third year. Our accounts are updated monthly, our biannual audit has been conducted without any questions, Merrill Lynch, where our financial transactions are cared for, meet with us monthly for updates and suggestions. Additionally, each Board Member is given a clear, concise accounting of our financial situation. The other good news-when our 2009 budget was put together, the reduction for the professors’ research was the most difficult option we had to deal with. However, our efforts in fundraising and cost saving measures paid off. With the professors being enthusiastically involved in our activities, Gordie’s nose-to-the-grindstone work, and positive feedback from our members, we were able to provide the professors with the full funding we have previously allocated. The future financial situation of the MTF is bright. Although there may be unexpected bumps in the road, I believe we have put safeguards into place that will prevent any unexpected falls from being a disaster. My thanks to the Board, the professors, and the members for their support as we put together our current program. My sincere thanks, also, to Becky for her diligent work on putting it all together. Below is a summary of our Endowments for the past five fiscal years.

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2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Lafontaine Endowment $390,132 $318,756 $340,136 $391,739 $392,964 Founders Society $459,733 $389,407 $426,933 $484,518 $473,827 Professors Endowment $141,973 $110,742 $113,372 $132,815 $130,303 General Fund $490,450 $332,382 $377,480 $293,083 $334,952 (Unrestricted)

2012/2013 Calendar of Events MTF Tee Times 4 Turf Online Auction: April 29, 2012-May 13, 2012 (Round donation form enclosed) 2012 LaFontaine Golf Outing: TBD MSU Turfgrass Summer Field Day: August 14-15, 2012 Hancock Turfgrass Research Center East Lansing, MI 2013 Michigan Turfgrass Conference: January 21-24, 2013 Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center | Lansing, MI

ALLIED PARTNERS GAM GOLF DAYS Hawk Hollow Golf Course 5/3/2012 Forest Lake Country Club 5/14/2012 Great Oaks Country Club 5/21/2012 Radrick Farms 5/22/2012 Plum Hollow Country Club 5/29/2012 Flint Golf Club 6/11/2012 Prestwick Village Golf Club 6/25/2012 University of Michigan Golf Course 7/3/2012 Battle Creek Country Club 7/9/2012 Lakelands Golf & Country Club 7/23/2012 Atlas Valley Country Club 8/14/2012 Forest Akers Golf Course - Forest Akers Golf Course - West 8/29/2012 Eagle Eye Golf Club 9/4/2012 Oakhurst Golf & Country Club 9/11/2012 Oak Pointe Country Club - Championship Course 9/17/2012 Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club 9/24/2012 Moors Golf Club 10/1/2012

MTF NEWS NOTES

SPRING 2012 ┃ VOLUME 5

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GAM UPCOMING TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

4th GAM Senior Match Play Championship Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club 5/29/2012 - 6/1/2012 Registration Deadline: 5/16/2012 101st Michigan Amateur Oakland Hills Country Club 6/18/2012 - 6/22/2012 Registration Deadline: 4/25/2012 Non Member Registration Available

96th Michigan Women's Amateur Forest Akers Golf Course 7/16/2012 - 7/20/2012 Registration Deadline: 7/6/2012 Non Member Registration Available 10th GAM Junior Team Championship Glen Oaks Golf Course 7/26/2012 Registration Deadline: 7/13/2012

34th Michigan Girls' Junior State Amateur Muskegon Country Club 6/25/2012 - 6/28/2012 Registration Deadline: 6/15/2012

2nd GAM Senior Women's Four-Ball Edgewood Country Club 7/30/2012 - 7/31/2012 Registration Deadline: 7/18/2012

14th GAM Women's Mid-Am Prestwick Village Golf Club 7/2/2012 - 7/3/2012 Registration Deadline: 6/20/2012

34th Michigan Junior State Amateur Flint Golf Club 7/30/2012 - 8/2/2012 Registration Deadline: 6/15/2012

2012/2013 Calendar of Events Continued

GAM UPCOMING TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE 22nd GAM Net Team Championship Prestwick Village Golf Club 8/6/2012 Registration Deadline: 6/20/2012

16th GAM Women's Senior Indian River Golf Club 8/27/2012 - 8/28/2012 Registration Deadline: 8/15/2012

6th GAM Senior Four-Ball Walnut Hills Golf Club 8/13/2012 - 8/14/2012 Registration Deadline: 8/1/2012

30th GAM Mid-Amateur Championship Boyne Highlands Resort 8/30/2012 - 8/31/2012 Registration Deadline: 8/15/2012

4th GAM Junior Stroke Play Forest Akers Golf Course 8/15/2012 - 8/16/2012 Registration Deadline: 8/3/2012 91st GAM Championship Point O'Woods Golf & Country Club 8/20/2012 - 8/21/2012 Registration Deadline: 6/20/2012 21st Women's GAM Championship Port Huron Golf Club 8/20/2012 - 8/21/2012 Registration Deadline: 8/8/2012

11th Michigan Net Amateur Plum Hollow Country Club 9/4/2012 - 9/5/2012 Registration Deadline: 7/25/2012 26th GAM Senior Championship Bloomfield Hills Country Club 9/10/2012 - 9/11/2012 Registration Deadline: 8/29/2012 1st GAM Net Match Play Championship Hawk Hollow Golf Course 9/23/2012 - 9/25/2012 Registration Deadline: 9/12/2012

MGCOA June 13 Michigan Golf Legislative Day “Golf on the Lawn,” State Capitol, Lansing August 9-19 Annual Golf Outing and Supplier Field Day, Bedford Valley GC, Battle Creek November 27-28 Michigan Golf Business Conference, Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth

MISTMA Please visit mistma.org for event updates and to sign up for email notifications

Monday, April 16 MiGCSA Spring Opener (The Meadows at GVSU, Grand Rapids) Monday, April 30 Can-Am Tournament (TPC Dearborn) Monday, May 21 Wee One Golf Outing (Country Club of Detroit, Grosse Pointe Farms) Sunday, June 3 MiGCSA Foundation Big Money Skins Game (Arcadia Bluffs, Arcadia) Monday, June 4 MiGCSA Foundation Fundraiser (Arcadia Bluffs, Arcadia) Tuesday, July 10 MiGCSA Golf Event (The Captains Club, Grand Blanc) Wednesday, August 20 MiGCSA State Championship (Lakelands Golf & Country Club, Brighton) Friday, September 7 Assistant & Student Networking Golf Outing (College Fields Golf Club, Okemos) Monday, September 17 Western Golf Day (Wuskowhan Players Club) Tuesday, September 25 Tuck Tate Championship (Cedar River at Shanty Creek, Bellaire) Monday, October 8 The Big Event (Birmingham C.C.) Thursday, October 18 Equipment Tech. Meeting (Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville) Wednesday, December 5 Superintendent Roundtable (Birmingham Country Club, Birmingham) Friday, December 7 West Christmas Party (Cascade Sports Bar, Grand Rapids) Friday, December 7 East Christmas Party (TBD) Friday, December 14 Mid Christmas Party (Bottoms’ Up, Holly)

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MiGCSA

Two Player-Designers, an Ace, And a Never-On-Sunday Veteran Elected to Michigan Golf Hall of Fame

MTF NEWS NOTES

SPRING 2012 ┃ VOLUME 5

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DEXTER -- Rick Smith, Larry Mancour

and Jack Seltzer, all PGA professionals, and Grand Rapids senior amateur Jack Van Ess, who vowed to his parents that he never would play on Sunday, will be inducted into the Golf Hall of Fame on May 20 at Michigan State’s University Club. The Michigan Golf Foundation also will present a special award to MSU’s Turf Team from the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences for its outstanding work in improving the quality of golf course turf statewide and internationally. The multi-talented Smith worked as an assistant professional in Lakeland, Fla., and taught collegian Lee Janzen who went on to win two United States Open championships, and also taught PGA Tour players Rocco Mediate and Billy Andrade. Smith returned to his native Michigan in 1986. As the new golf director at Sylvan (now Treetops) Resort in Gaylord and after overseeing the opening of its Robert Trent Jones course, Smith talked owner Harry Melling into hiring Tom Fazio to do a second course. Then Melling gave Smith the go-ahead to build a unique par three. It became Threetops, the site of the Par 3 Shootout on ESPN that featured the greatest players in the game including Lee Trevino who made a million dollar ace in 2007. With those successes Melling, who joked he’d have a course for every day of the week, had Smith design two 18 hole courses and Treetops became a nationally recognized resort. Smith furthered that along by developing and hosting Golf Channel’s Big Break golf show. His work at Arcadia Bluffs has made that Lake Michigan-side course a target for golf’s big game hunters. A good player himself but more interested in teaching, Smith, 54, has worked with Phil Mickelson, Jack Nicklaus, Jack’s son Gary, Matt Kuchar and John Daly. Flint native Mancour, 77, is also multitalented. He taught with Tony Lema at Golden Gate Fields driving range in California, built the second nine holes of Lake Tahoe Country Club, won the Arizona Open and played the PGA Tour. Mancour returned to Michigan to play in the Buick Open and he stayed and built Grand Blanc Golf Club, then added nine at the Flint Elks where he was professional for 20 years. He rescued

the Buick Open when General Motors dropped the tournament. With local Buick dealers Mancour started the Little Buick Open in 1969. It drew players and fans and led to the rebirth of the Buick in 1977. Mancour started as a caddie at 11 and never forgot junior golfers. He hosted the American Junior Golf Association’s first tournament in Michigan in 1985. Mancour also designed nationallyrecognized Dunmaglas Golf Club in Charlevoix and Chestnut Valley in Harbor Springs. Mancour’s playing credentials include Michigan Player of the Year twice, Golf Professional of the Year, winner of the Michigan PGA, Senior PGA, Senior Open, Northern Michigan PGA champion, winner of seven team championships, National PGA Quarter Century and Senior championships in the PGA Winter Series in Florida. Jack Seltzer, 60, is another Flint native who started young. He won the Class A high school championship in 1967 while at Flint Southwestern and was Flint Junior champion in 1969, junior college champion in 1971 and 1972 and has won all three major state championships, the Open, the Match Play and the PGA. He played on the 1983 PGA Cup team against Great Britain and Ireland at Muirfield, Scotland, and won his singles match. Seltzer won all four Michigan PGA team championships in 1978, each with a different partner. He’s been four-time State Pro-Am champion, three-time ProPro and twice Senior-Junior champion. Seltzer’s top career shot came in the final round on the ninth hole of the Bear in the 1987 Michigan Open. The ninth is all carry over water and Seltzer aced the hole. A television camera caught it and it went national as Seltzer rolled on to win. Seltzer laughed afterward that the cup wasn’t supposed to be. A seagull deposited a souvenir at the back right of the green and when the hole was cut in the morning, the workman mistook the seagull’s mark for the assigned cup spot. A longtime club professional in Hillsdale, Seltzer also spent time in South Florida in Stuart and was South Florida PGA Player of the Year in 1984, South Florida PGA champion in 1983 and Dixie Section champion in 2008. He currently is at the Kendall Academy and over

his years of teaching he’s had 32 high school All State players, 11 Michigan Dream Team players and one Miss Golf Michigan. Jack Van Ess is the most unusual of all 98 members of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame – he didn’t play on Sunday and consequently only played tournaments that ended on Saturday. Nevertheless, Van Ess, 84, has had a sterling career. He’s won the State Senior Open and Senior Amateur, the only player to make that double. He won the Dale Morey Society of Seniors event in South Carolina and World Super Seniors 80 and over in North Carolina. He won the club championship at Greenridge, which morphed into Egypt Valley, 10 times over four decades. Van Ess played in the U.S. Amateur in California, the North and South Amateur at Pinehurst, the Western Amateur at Point O’Woods, the Senior Amateur in Texas and Senior Open in Minnesota. He led the Western Michigan Amateur five times going into Sunday and then withdrew. Never on Sunday. Van Ess ended Dan Pohl’s Michigan Amateur defense in 1976 when he beat the Mt. Pleasant bomber, 3 and 2 in the second round. Pohl did win the Amateur again in 1977 and then turned professional and is a Hall of Fame member. Van Ess was inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 joining John Barnum, Lynn Janson, Buddy Whitten and Mark Wilson who also are members of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame. The special award to MSU’s Turf Team marks the second time the Michigan Golf Foundation has recognized an important contribution to golf in the state. The Buick Open was honored in 2008 for its half century of bringing the game’s best players to Michigan. MSU’s Turf Team is on call for every course in the state. It’s golf research from the dirt to the green carpets of fairways and greens, treating diseases, finding proper nutrients, fertilizers and proper water use. Not only has the team been on demand in Michigan, it has answered requests from 26 countries on six of the world’s seven continents and is part of a degree program in China.

MSU TURFClub I am happy to say that the 2011-2012 school

year was a great year for the MSU Turf Club. To start off the year we held a networking golf outing at College Fields GC in Okemos, MI. With the help of MiGCSA, this was a very successful outing that gave students a chance to network with golf industry professionals. (I Want to thank Adam Ikamas and point out that plans are already in the works for an event in 2012.) The fall was filled with great tailgates, as we were able to celebrate another successful season of Spartan Football. Also, Many Turf Club members worked very hard to put together a great float for this year’s homecoming parade. As the weather got colder, we set our sights to the GLTE conference. With the help of the MTF, we were able to set up a booth highlighting the research being done at MSU. Many Turf Club members were able to make it out to Grand Rapids this year to help us run the booth. While we were at the GLTE, three of our sports turf members were at the STMA conference in Long Beach, CA. I am happy to report that they were able to place 4th in the STMA turf bowl. We sent 25 students to Las Vegas for this year’s GCSAA conference. Six teams represented MSU at this year’s quiz bowl. We had a great booth this year and gave away some great prizes. Thank you for stopping by if you had the chance. We have been very grateful for the support we received from organizations across Michigan. Our year would not have been as successful had it not been for the MTF, MiGCSA, MiSTMA, and Turfgrass/Residex. We would like to thank all of these organizations for their tremendous support of the Turf Club throughout the year. Our advisors Dr. Crum and Dr. Rogers were extremely helpful to us throughout the school year, and they were also a big reason for our success. Finally, I would also like to thank our club officers (Nick Wolcott, Taylor Doorlag, and Aaron Deloof) for their hard work.

GO GREEN!!

By Tyler Manly Turf Club President

www.michiganturfgrass.org

Turf Club Year Recap

The Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program is intended to organize efforts of the turfgrass industry, state agencies, Michigan State University (MSU), and environmental advocacy groups to advance the environmental stewardship of the turfgrass industry and to recognize environmental achievements. The program was developed at MSU with support from the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, Golf Association of Michigan, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and Michigan Department of Agriculture. Over the past seven years, the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program has provided the base funding to develop the program. The MTESP gives businesses the tools they need to be environmentally pro-active. The award-winning Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program (MTESP) provides assistance for attaining compliance with State and Federal environmental regulations. The MTESP helps green industry businesses optimize their protection of natural resources and move toward a more sustainable and profitable future. • Participation in the program can save you money through liability protection and by providing cost saving options for addressing environmental challenges. • The most important laws and regulations impacting green industry businesses are clearly interpreted and prioritized for your facility. • MTESP agents assist you in identifying and mapping the natural resources on your property so that protective measures can be applied. • As the result of a site visit, an environmental management plan is designed that can be used to effectively communicate needed improvements to decision-makers. • MTESP Certification provides marketing

opportunities, and an exemption for golf properties from state phosphorus regulations. • MTESP members are kept up-to-date with environmental issues and innovative management practices impacting the green industry. MTESP Certified Properties 2012 Albion College Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course Crystal Downs Country Club Farmington Hills Parks and Golf Club Forest Dunes Golf Club Point O’Woods Golf and Country Club Grand Valley State University Harbor Shores Golf Course, LLC Leslie Park Golf Course Oakland County Grounds Department Oakland County Parks - Glen Oaks Oakland County Parks - Red Oaks Golf Course and Water Park Oakland County Parks - Springfield Oaks Oakland County Parks - White Lake Oaks Radrick Farms Golf Club Southgate Municipal Golf Course Sunnybrook Country Club Sylvan Glen Golf Course Watermark Country Club Western Michigan University Don’t see your name on this list? Call us and see how you can get Certified! Visit our Web site at MTESP.org Contact information: Dr. Kevin Frank at (517) 355-0271 ext.147; John Johnson at (517) 242-5542 Kathy Antaya at (616) 450-1884

2012 GLTE Highlights 2012 Great Lakes Trade Exposition Attendance Increases 8% over last year!

By Amy Frankmann Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association

Green Industry professionals gathered January 9-11 at the 2012 Great Lakes Trade Exposition (GLTE) in Grand Rapids, MI for education, certification, networking, fun and Michigan’s largest and oldest trade show. For the seventh year we partnered with Michigan Turfgrass Foundation to produce another successful GLTE. The 2012 GLTE was held at the beautiful DeVos Place and Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids. 4,500 attendees came from all over the United States and Canada to attend Michigan’s oldest and largest Green Industry event. The GLTE featured our trade show with 200 exhibitors in 344 booth spaces and over 100 educational seminars and events in 13 different tracks. There were education tracks for growers, retailers, landscape design/build, commercial turf/management, plants, irrigation, golf, commercial turf/athletic fields, assistant superintendent symposium, snow and ice management, Gen NEXT–Technology, Gen NEXT–Being Green, and arboriculture. In addition, we held our sixth annual Certification Central where attendees were able to attend reviews and take exams for both the Certified Green Industry Professional (CGIP) program and the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) Pesticide Applicator certifications. Continuing Education Units/Recertification Credits were available for Association of Professional Landscape Designers, the CGIP Program, the Certified Natural Shoreline Professional program, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Irrigation Association, International Society of Arboriculture, Michigan Department of Ag. and Rural Development Pesticide Recertification Credits, Professional Landcare Network, and the US Green Building Council LEED Certification Program.

3 1. MiGCSA presenting a $25,000 check to the MTF 2. President John Fulling and Vice President Brian Schweihofer with golf simulator sponsor Brian Roberts of the Grande Golf Course. All of the proceeds from the simulator were donated to the MTF. 3. Harrell's, Inc. raffled a TV and held a squares game. The proceeds were donated to the MTF

Here are additional highlights and events that took place during the 2012 GLTE: –Education & Networking: o Opening Ceremony with featured speakers Mr. Keith Creagh, MI Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development and Brad Groff, River Valley Landscapes o Welcome Reception o 4th Annual Assistant Superintendent Symposium o Networking Lunch o Southeast Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association (SEMNLA) Reception o Green Industry Leadership and Student Award Reception o Green Industry Student Program o 2012 Green Industry Career Fair o Closing Ceremony with featured speaker: Awardwinning Garden and Lifestyle Designer, P. Allen Smith –Trade Show Floor: o 2012 Landscape Challenge o Hands-On Equipment Demonstrations o Trade Show Labs o Plant ID Contest – Congratulations to our co-winners, Natalie and Gary Katerberg o Virtual Golf Tournament – Congratulations to our winner Steve Vandenberg o Retail Garden Center Academy o Gen NEXT Cyber Networking Station o MNLA Industry Research Auction

MTF NEWS NOTES

SPRING 2012 ┃ VOLUME 5

┃ ISSUE 1

2012 GLTE Highlights

1. Huggett Sod Farm booth 2. Turfgrass/Residex booth 3. Harrell's, Inc. booth 4. Tri-Turf booth

2012 GLTE Highlights GLTE Gardens As attendees walked throughout DeVos Place they encountered splashes of color and textures from the hanging baskets, container plant combinations, and novelty topiaries designed and constructed by Michigan State University’s Horticulture students and members of the Horticulture Club. We thank Dr. Robert Schutzki, Michigan State University for coordinating this effort for the GLTE. Green Industry Leadership & Student Award Reception On Tuesday, January 10 the seventh annual Green Industry Leadership Reception was held. Attendees included the leadership from MNLA and MTF and our partners from the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Natural Resource Conservation Service, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, Michigan State University, Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association, the Irrigation Association, and our State Legislature. The Reception featured the presentation of our organization’s student awards and an address from Dr. Doug Buhler, interim Dean, Michigan State University, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. Student Awards and recipients from MTF were: – the Kenyon T. Payne Outstanding Student Award: Blaine Burch, Schoolcraft – Robert Hancock Memorial Scholarship Award: Tyler Manly, Howell – Norman W. Kramer Outstanding Student Award: Clinton Steketee, Caledonia – Sports & Commercial Turf Award: Nick Wolcott, Lansing

1. President John Fulling with scholarship winners Tyler Manly, Blaine Burch, Clinton Steketee 2. Scholarship Committee Chair Randy Hahn with Tyler Manly, Blaine Burch, Clinton Steketee 3. MTF Vice President Brian Schweihofer with golf simulator grand prize winner Steve Vandenberg and The Grande's Director of Golf Brian Roberts 4. MTF Vice President Brian Schweihofer with golf simulator IPad winner Dave Polen and The Grande's Director of Golf Brian Roberts

2012 GLTE Highlights

Appreciation Our gratitude goes to members of the 2012 GLTE Committee who contributed their time, ideas and expertise: Show Manager, Bernie deWit, Lincoln Nurseries, Inc. Tim Banfield, Outdoor Living, Inc. Bert Cregg, Ph.D., Michigan State University Jennifer DeJager, Lincoln Nurseries, Inc. Dave DeVisser, DeVisser Landscape Service, Inc. Kristin Faasse, Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association Kevin Frank, Ph.D., Michigan State University Amy Frankmann, Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association Jim Glas, Kalamazoo, Landscape Supplies, Inc. Eric Joy, Christensen's Plant Center Carey Mitchelson, College Fields Club Rebecca Schoch, Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Dr. Robert Schutzki, Michigan State University Brian Schweihofer, Franklin Hills Country Club Jerry Somalski, Bay Landscaping, Inc. Robert Welch, Lansing Community College Our deep appreciation goes to this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GLTE sponsors for their support of the association and the green industry: The Grande Golf Club BASF Association of Professional Landscape Designers Michigan Horticulture Industries Lincoln Nurseries, Inc. Regency Group Sester Farms Michigan Forestry & Park Association, Inc. Snow & Ice Management Association Plant Search Online.com On behalf of the Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association Board of Directors, we thank the Board and members of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation for a successful 7-year partnership and wish you continued success.

! e t a D e h t Save

2013 Michigan Turfgrass Conference

January 21-24, 2013 Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center 55 South Harrison Road East Lansing, MI 48824

EDUCATION TRACKS:

The 2013 Michigan Turfgrass Conference will offer CEUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s through education tracks that will interest industry professionals in Golf, Commercial Turf/Home Lawns, Athletic Fields, Business Management, Turf and the Environment, Assistant Superintendents, and Equipment Technicians. Please visit www.michiganturfgrass.org for information as it becomes available.

Sponsored by the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

NEWS CLIPPINGS T

lem Wolfrom, who will mark his 50th year as golf course superintendent of the Detroit Golf Club in March 2012, has announced his plan to retire on March 1, 2013. A national search process has commenced to find a qualified individual to become the 7th green superintendent in the 112 year history of the Detroit Golf Club. Mr. Wolfrom is a second generation golf course superintendent. His father, Clarence Wolfrom, was the golf course superintendent at the Maple Lane Golf Club in Sterling Heights, Michigan for 54 years. Following his graduation from Michigan State University with a degree in Ornamental Horticulture, Clem served as the golf course superintendent at the Dearborn Country Club for six years before coming to the Detroit Golf Club in 1962. With his passion for the game and detailed record keeping, Mr. Wolfrom has overseen the maintenance, nurturing and continuous improvements that have made the Detroit Golf Club’s North and South courses great tests of golf and a pleasure to play by its members and guests. During his long and distinguished career in golf course management, Mr. Wolfrom has been active in various professional associations related to the golf course management industry. He served on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Golf Course Superintendent’s Association for 22 years and was president for 4 years. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Michigan Turfgrass Association for 12 years and was president for 2 years. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Midwest Regional Turfgrass Association for 3 years and was instrumental in forming the Founders Society for the Michigan Turfgrass Association that includes golf course superintendents in metropolitan Detroit and Windsor, Canada. Detroit Golf Club is one of America’s great golf and country clubs. The beautifully wooded 219 acres located within the city limits of Detroit contain two Donald Ross designed 18-hole courses and a rambling Old English style clubhouse designed by Albert Kahn that are a standing tribute to the prominent group of forward thinking Detroiters who formed the Club in 1899. Horton Smith, one of golf’s great legends and winner of the inaugural Masters Tournament served as head golf professional from 1946 to 1963. The tradition and heritage that was established in those years has been preserved through a diversified membership that continues to carry forward those venerable traditions.

he Michigan Turfgrass Foundation would like to wish you a Happy Spring and Holiday Season.

he 2012 Tee Times 4 Turf Online Auction will take place April 29 thru May 13, 2012. Donations can be made at teetimes4turf.com. Thank you for your support.

o you have any news you would like to put in the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation News Clippings? If so, please let us know by e-mail at miturfgrass@ gmail.com, by phone at 517-392-5003, or by fax at 989-936-5911. News Clippings will be published electronically on a monthly basis when News Notes is not.

hank you to all members of the U.S. Military for their service, dedication, and sacrifices. Welcome home!

FUNDRAISINGHighlights DONATIONS The following is a summary of donations made to date this 2011/2012 fiscal year: American Endowment Foundation Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club Birmingham Country Club Boak, Dan Boak, Duane Cole, Harvey Daam, Duane Durant, Brian Dykstra Landscape Services, Inc. Edgewood Country Club Environmental Turf Services, Inc. Forest Lake Country Club Fulling, John Golf Association of Michigan Grande Golf Club Harrell's Inc. Hilbrands Landscape Management Houghton Lake Family Dentistry Kalamazoo Country Club Karcher, Douglas Kitchen, Nancy Lawn Tech LaFontaine, Gordon Meadowbrook Country Club MiGCSA

Murphy, John Oakland Hills Country Club Orchards Golf Ltd. Partnership Osborn, Ryan Port Huron Golf Club Red Run Golf Club Steketee Turf Service Timber Wolf Turf, Inc. Walnut Creek Warwick Hills Country Club White Deer Country Club

The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation would like to thank all contributors to the Foundation. Your allegiance to the turf industry will sustain turfgrass research for years to come. If you or your company would like to donate to the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation to help support turfgrass research, you may do so online at michiganturfgrass.org or by filling out the Opportunities For Giving Form in this edition of News Notes, and mail with your check or credit card payment to: Michigan Turfgrass Foundation PO Box 27156 Lansing, MI 48909-7156

Antaya, Kathy Aquatrols Barton Hills Country Club Barton, Michael Belvedere Golf Club Bissonette, Daniel Bloomfield Hills Country Club Boak, Dan Boak, Duane Branham, Bruce Bywalec, Daniel Collins, Lee Collins, Rick Commercial Lawnmover Crystal Downs Country Club Daam, Duane Detroit Golf Club Dinser, Joanne Durant, Brian Dushane, Kevin Edgerton, Mike Faubel, Gerald

Forest Lake Country Club Fulling, John Garpiel Landscaping Gilstrap, David Golf Association of Michigan Hahn, Randy Harrell's Inc. Hawthorne Management Company. LLC Hirvela, Michael Holmes, Jeff Jacoby, Bob Johnson, Jim Karcher, Douglas Kolbe, Paul LaFontaine, Gordon LaFontaine, Matt Lawn Tech Maple Hill Golf Course Meadowbrook Country Club Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association

Midland Country Club MiGCSA NGLGSA Oakland Hills Country Club Osburn Industries, Inc. Owen, Phil Pine Lake Country Club Rieke, Paul Saginaw Country Club Shockey, Susan Shumway, Robert Snook, Steve Spartan Services, Inc. Szyndlar, Roy The Fall at Barber Creek The Orchards Golf Club Trbovich, Scott Twin Beach Country Club Walnut Creek Warwick Hills Country Club Weakland, Michael Weingartz

www.michiganturfgrass.org

Thank You to the Following 2010/2011 Fiscal Year Donors

FUNDRAISINGHighlights Continued January 3, 2012 Dear Mr. LaFontaine: MSU AgBioResearch and the Land Management Office thank you for your generous support of the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center in the year 2011. Your Donations help make it possible to continue to maintain a large and vital research facility and are essential to making the Michigan State University Program one of the best. We appreciate the commitment to support MSU turf programs. Thank you again for your continued assistance. Sincerely, Steven G. Pueppke, Director MSU AgBioResearch

MTF NEWS NOTES

SPRING 2012 â&#x201D;&#x192; VOLUME 5

â&#x201D;&#x192; ISSUE 1

Charles J. Reid, Director Land Management Office

Carl Schwartzkopf has graciously agreed to leave a gift of Will Provision to the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center at Michigan State under a fund name of "Carl H. Schwartzkopf Turf Grass Lab Fund." In 1969 Carl received a certificate in Turfgrass Management from MSU, in 1971 he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Crops and Soil Science, and received a Masters of Science degree in 1989. In 1968 he did his summer internship at Oakland Hills Country Club with the late Ted Woehrle, returned to Oakland Hills after graduation as an assistant golf course superintendent. In 1971 he joined the USGA Green Section as the Midcontinent agronomist, in 1976 he was appointed Director of the MidContinent, in 1979 he was transferred to USGA headquarters in Far Hills, NJ to assume the responsibilities as the Ass't National Director. In he 1981 returned to Michigan to work with McKay Golf Properties and assumed responsibility for the development of Timber Ridge Golf Course in East Lansing, Michigan. Upon completion of his Masters degree he accepted a teaching position in the golf course management department at HorryGeorgetown Technical College in Conway, SC and later taught in the Professional Golf Management program at Coastal Carolina University in Conway. Upon retiring he ran for County Councilman and got elected and re-elected two more times. The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation would like to thank Carl for his gift to the Turfgrass Industry.

MICHIGAN TURFGRASS FOUNDATION

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING IMPACT THE LIVES OF MICHIGAN CITIZENS AND PROTECT OUR NATURAL RESOURCES BY MAKING YOUR TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO THE MICHIGAN TURFGRASS FOUNDATION!

ANNUAL FUND

Annual contributions that are not designated to one of the endowments are the lifeblood of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation. These contributions fund annual research and support grants to MSU faculty. Annual funding helps solve current research problems in turf and supports the MSU turf team in meeting the extension needs of turf managers in Michigan.

LAFONTAINE ENDOWMENT

The Gordon LaFontaine Endowment for Turfgrass Research was created to establish a solid source of funding for basic research in the field of turfgrass science. Donations to the LaFontaine Endowment create a legacy to fund research long-term, as these donations work in perpetuity to generate interest for fundamental research projects. Donations to the LaFontaine Endowment help solve tomorrow’s problems today.

PROFESSORS/RIEKE ENDOWMENT

The Paul Rieke Turfgrass Endowed Graduate Assistantship was established by the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation with generous contributions from Dr. Rieke, friends, family, and colleagues at Paul’s retirement. The Professors/Rieke Endowment will help fund communication and outreach efforts within the turfgrass industry, the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, and the MSU Turf Team.

FOUNDERS SOCIETY

The Founders Society is an endowment used to purchase specialized research and support equipment for the turf program at MSU. For example, donations to this fund will provide funding to install additional lysimeters at the Hancock Center to expand research on nutrient fate for the continuing statewide debate on water policy and nutrient management. Funding is also needed to update the Hancock Center.

________________________________________________________ NAME ________________________________________________________ COMPANY

The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF) accepts gifts and pledges via cash, check or credit card for the Annual Fund, the LaFontaine Endowment, the Rieke Endowment, and the Founders Society, as well as planned or immediate gifts from estates, insurance, real estate, stocks, bonds, and other negotiable securities for any fund. The MTF can also work with donors through the MSU Foundation to set up a variety of trusts. The MTF is a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation. Donations to the MTF are tax deductible (verify with your accountant or financial advisor), and donors receive full credit from Michigan State University for any donations to the MTF. Contact Rebecca Schoch to make cash donations, pledges, non-cash gifts, planned giving, wills, and trusts at (517) 392-5003. MICHIGAN TURFGRASS FOUNDATION PO BOX 27156 LANSING, MI 48909-7156 (517) 392-5003 FAX: (989) 936-5911

__________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP __________________________________________________________________________________________ PHONE FAX EMAIL

PAYMENT

Ͻ ANNUAL FUND DONATION Ͻ LAFONTAINE ENDOWMENT Ͻ PROFESSORS/RIEKE ENDOWMENT Ͻ FOUNDERS SOCIETY

Please make checks payable to Michigan Turfgrass Foundation. Mail to: PO Box 27156, Lansing, MI 48909-7156 Ͻ Cash Ͻ Check Ͻ Other

TOTAL ENCLOSED

$____________________ $____________________ $____________________ $____________________ $____________________

CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS ACCEPTED: Ͻ VISA Ͻ MASTERCARD Ͻ DISCOVER

_____________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ CARD NUMBER EXP. DATE SIGNATURE

MICHIGAN TURFGRASS FOUNDATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

APPLICANT INFORMATION

______________________________________________ CONTACT NAME

_________________________________________________

FIRM NAME

______________________________________________

_________________________________________________

MAILING ADDRESS

CITY

______________________________________________

_________________________________________________

PHONE

______________________________________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS

STATE

ALTERNATE PHONE

ZIP CODE FAX

_________________________________________________

WEB SITE ADDRESS

BUSINESS CATEGORIES (Please choose one.) __Golf __Lawn Care __Sod __Sports Turf

__Municipality w/Golf __Municipality/Parks __Supplier __Irrigation __Retail Center __Other:_____________________

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES AND DUES (Memberships are annual.)

Ͻ REGULAR MEMBER

AMOUNT: $115.00

$____________________

Benefits: Eligible to vote, hold office, quarterly issues of News Notes, reduced conference registration fees, and educational opportunities.

Ͻ AFFILIATE MEMBER(S)

AMOUNT: $30.00 x #______ =

$____________________

Benefits: Quarterly issues of News Notes, reduced conference registration fees, and educational opportunities. Eligibility: Individuals are eligible for Affiliate Membership after another individual from that same organization joins as a regular member.

Please list Affiliate Member name(s) below: 1. ____________________________________________________E-mail:___________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________E-mail:___________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________________E-mail:___________________________________________

6. ____________________________________________________E-mail:___________________________________________

4. ____________________________________________________E-mail:___________________________________________ 5. ____________________________________________________E-mail:___________________________________________

Ͻ STUDENT MEMBER

MEMBERSHIP SPONSORED BY: ______________________________________________________________

AMOUNT: $10.00

$____________________

Benefits: Quarterly issues of News Notes and complimentary registration at conference.

Ͻ ASSOCIATE MEMBER

AMOUNT: $75.00

$____________________

Eligibility: Working and living outside of the State of Michigan. Benefits: Quarterly issues of News Notes, reduced conference registration fees, and educational opportunities.

RESEARCH DONATIONS

Ͻ ANNUAL FUND DONATION (Optional) Ͻ LAFONTAINE ENDOWMENT Ͻ RIEKE ENDOWMENT Ͻ FOUNDERS SOCIETY

PAYMENT

TOTAL ENCLOSED

$____________________ $____________________ $____________________ $____________________

$____________________

CHECK#:___________________________ Please make checks payable to MTF. CREDIT CARD:

Ͻ VISA

Ͻ MASTERCARD

Ͻ DISCOVER │ CC#:________________________________________ EXP.:________________

______________________________________________________ CARDHOLDER NAME

________________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE

Please fax or mail application to: Michigan Turfgrass Foundation • PO Box 27156 • Lansing, MI 48909-7156 P: 517-392-5003 • F: 989-936-5911 • www.michiganturfgrass.org

Online Auction

For the Golfer

NAME ________________________________________________________

Tee Times 4 Turf is an online auction where you can bid on rounds of golf at participating courses across the state of Michigan as well as the rest of the country at teetimes4turf.com. The auction begins April 29, 2012 and will conclude on May 13, 2012. The proceeds raised will be donated by the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation to Michigan State University to support turfgrass research. Please refer to the specific course you are bidding on as restrictions and redemption dates among courses may vary.

ADDRESS _____________________________________________________

For the Golf Course Tee Times 4 Turf is an online auction where you can donate rounds of golf at teetimes4turf. com. The proceeds raised will be donated by the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation to Michigan State University to support turfgrass research. Please fill out this form and we will submit it for you, or visit teetimes4turf.com for an online donation form. Everything is submitted electronically. Be sure and submit your donation by April 25, 2012. The auction begins April 29, 2012 and will conclude on May 13, 2012. The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation is working locally with Sheridan Auction Company and they have a network of auction companies around the U.S. that the auction will appear on. The owners are MSU Alumni. We are encouraging all golf courses, whether they can donate rounds or not, to help attract potential bidders through: Links on their Web site(s), Facebook, Twitter, etc., to www.teetimes4turf.com Become a “fan” of our Facebook Page and post it to your profile A poster in the clubhouse A short paragraph and link to Tee Times 4 Turf in your newsletter/magazine. Please join us and support a great cause!

CITY, STATE, ZIP _______________________________________________ PHONE _______________________________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS ______________________________________________ WEBSITE _____________________________________________________ COURSE NAME ________________________________________________ COURSE DESCRIPTION _________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ TOTAL NUMBER OF FOURSOMES/THREESOMES________ ROUND FOR   

FOURSOME THREESOME (i.e. group accompanied pro/ superintendent/assistant) OTHER______________________

ESTIMATED RETAIL VALUE PER FOURSOME/THREESOME_________ TEE TIMES AVAILABLE

  

WEEKDAYS WEEKENDS WEEKDAYS AND WEEKENDS

PLEASE NOTE ANY DAYS OF THE WEEK THAT ARE UNAVAILABLE, OR OTHER TEE TIME AVAILABILITY NOTES_________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ LOCKER ROOM/GRILL/CLUBHOUSE - USE AND RESTRICTIONS ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ CART INCLUDED YES________ NO________ USE OF RANGE YES________ NO________ FOOD AVAILABILITY CASH____ CHITS____ SPONSORED_____ OTHER______________________________ LODGING NO____ YES, AT ADDITONAL COST_____ YES, INCLUDED IN BID PACKAGE______ OTHER_______________________________ CONTACT PERSON FOR WINNING BIDDER TO SET UP TEE TIME WITH (only sent to high bidder) NAME__________________________________________________ PHONE_________________________________________________

Please call 517-392-5003 with any questions. Mail form to: MTF, PO Box 27156, Lansing, MI 48909 Fax to: 989-936-5911, or donate electronically at teetimes4turf.com. Thank you for supporting turfgrass research.

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID LANSING MI PERMIT 515 PO Box 27156 Lansing, MI 48909

-Check Us Out-

Online Auction begins April 29, 2012 and runs thru May 13, 2012. Great deals on golf rounds while at the same time supporting Turfgrass Research! www.teetimes4turf.com

The Mission of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation is: "To work in partnership with Michigan State University, supporting ongoing programs in research, education, and extension in the area of professional turfgrass management that will benefit all individuals who manage turfgrasses or derive pleasure from the results of such management."