TURF News - December 2023 by Repracorp

TURF Atlantic Golf Superintendents Association

N E W S

A SUCCESSFUL PLAN In my travels there has been one common narrative, the importance of turf health. pg. 10

THE BLIND SHOT pg. 14 THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-AWARENESS pg. 20 Atlantic Golf Superintendents Association

President’s Message pg. 5 Irrigation Corner pg. 7 Behind the Grass pg. 18 DECEMBER 2023 www.agsa.ca

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inside 10

A Successful Plan In my travels there has been one common narrative, the importance of turf health.

The Blind Shot Within the game of golf there are few things more thrilling than the blind shot.

The Importance of Self-Awareness There is one often overlooked element that can make or break your career: self-awareness.

President’s Message pg. 5 Irrigation Corner pg. 7 Behind the Grass pg. 18

Atlantic Golf Superintendents Association Membership Rates * Class A & B 180 Corporate $210 Industry Affiliate $165 Student $50 Maintenance $50 4+ employees hired by a Class A $150 Ad & Article Deadlines February (Supplier) January 1 May (Spring) April 1 July (Summer) June 15 October (Fall) September 15 Advertising Inquiries AGSA Inc 571 Willow Avenue, Unit 1 New Glasgow, NS B2H 2A1 www.agsa.ca Executive Director Jim Nix 1967agsa@gmail.com Turf News Editor Jim Nix Contributors Barry K Stone CGIA, Tyler Bloom, Robert McGregor, Paul MacCormack, Ryan Sherry

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Turf News - December 2023

president’s report As December falls upon us, the 2023 golf season has come to a close for most. The year was like no other with conditions ranging from forest fires to flash flooding to saturated playing surfaces along with clippings that would not go away!! This was all happening at the same time of golf demand continuing to rise and tee times being pushed from sunrise to sunset. All of us need to give ourselves thanks for leading our facilities through a year of climate change and take this winter for some downtime and enjoy the family and friends around you. The conference planning committee has been working to arrange great education sessions, dedicated trade show opportunities and of course great peer networking! Please check your email inbox in the very near future for details along with visiting the website for the schedule of events, presenter details and online registration for the conference and trade show February 13-15 at the Westin in Halifax. After a very successful in person 2023 conference, the 2024 edition will not disappoint!! One of the highlights of the conference is the Wednesday night banquet where we can all join together and recognize accomplishments of past and present. In order to make this happen, we need you to nominate a fellow peer for the Jack Fairhurst

Superintendent Of The Year award. The SOTY award is a highlight of the banquet which gives well deserved recognition and acknowledgement to their career. One other presentation during the banquet is the Alvin Rowledge Bursary Award from the AGSA which is presented to someone continuing their education at the post secondary level. Please go to the website for application guidelines to be considered for the AGSA bursary. The annual Christmas year end luncheons are slated to take place the first week of December. These events are a great time to catch up, share some stories and pass along some well wishes to close out 2023. Thank you to the provincial directors for heading up and arranging a date/venue for the luncheons. On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank Nichole Parker for her input into the last two issues of the turf news. Nichole assisted in collecting much needed content for the TurfNews along with helping put together the latest “behind the grass” feature with Marc Altese. Thank you very much!!!

Robert McGregor Green Gables Golf Club

Turf News - December 2023

N O V A T U R F . C A Matt Giles (902) 478-3843 matt@novaturf.ca 6

Scott Shanks (902) 799-1793 scott@novaturf.ca Turf News - December 2023 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Pascal Richard (506) 227-1585 pascal@novaturf.ca

Irrigation Corner Sometimes the simple things cause the biggest and or most expensive problems in our irrigation systems. Below is a list of minor and major issues that were discovered this irrigation season. •

When designing your connection point for the irrigation blow out, think about the heat that can develop both above the soil and but also below the soil. PVC pipe does not like heat and will expand outward eventually leaking and or breaking, which can be a costly repair. Plan ahead, with piping materials that have more heat tolerance close to the connection point and for a few feet underground, like steel pipe, monitor the heat on the surface and think about cooling the air hose in your irrigation pond prior to the connection point.

•

When removing hollow shaft motors from turbine pumps carefully follow the correct guidelines for this procedure failing to do so can cause motor bearing damage and expensive repairs, when there was nothing wrong with the motor in the first place, other than it need to be removed to service a pump.

•

Understand there are power differences between various types of irrigation control systems, for example some satellites operate on 120 volts while other use 220 volts, also communication wires operate generally on lower voltages and are not intended to be used as power wires when your original power wire fails. This can lead to people handling wires thinking they have 24 volts in them and instead they have 120 or 240 volts.

•

Using solvent weld cement for PVC pipe that has been frozen over the previous winter, can and does lead to joint failures very quickly in the middle of the season

•

Failure to check irrigation systems after severe storms especially lightning and flooding, only to find out there are minor and major problems when you go to use the system a few weeks later or like this year, when doing blow-outs.

All the best for a great winter and enjoy some downtime in the off season. Barry K Stone CIGA

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A SUCCESSFUL PLAN by Ryan Sherry

This Fall has been an interesting time to visit with customers. In my travels to courses, sports fields, residential properties, and towns there has been one common narrative, the importance of turf health. With a summer of record amounts of rainfall, the fight that many turf managers have been winning the last couple of seasons against annual bluegrass on putting greens was reversed. With continuous moisture to interrupt planned Spring applications, weeds in abundance took over properties in the Fall. A record September/October for warmth in most parts of the Maritimes made revenues rise ,making up for lost summertime closures. This brought different disease/pest pressures to properties not seen before in many regions. Along with the first snowfall for the season coming in the same month as shorts and golf shirts were still worn at courses in October.

What does this all mean? At the cornerstone of great properties is the people who bring positive plans into action. Leaders make everyone around them better and drive the engine for success. They adapt to change which is key to a well thought out plan. Done are the days of curative pest applications. In my younger years mixing a tank to control one disease with one single active seemed the best way for control. Nowadays the industry has so many effective active ingredients from multiple control classes that preventative applications are the best use to manage your time. Products that cover a multiple of pests that work in the plant to fight of stress make life easier. Developing a plan that suits your region that switches classes/durations/rates and products will save you time/ labour and money.

Turf News - December 2023

The use of amendments and bio stimulants has become a part of healthy turf plans across the region. If microbial activity is rich in your soil, then you can create some great playing surfaces for your members/customers. Will you eliminate the use of synthetic controls for pests? That is an argument left for the experts, but healthy soils will certainly help your overall equation. Using a wetting agent/hydration product before the onset of stress in the Spring will also set you up for success. When things are wet it helps to move moisture through your profile. Same goes for when it is dry it will retain moisture, which will help to push roots. Many properties used these products to their advantage this season always a step ahead of a rain event. Preventative schedules with planned applications each month allow you to manage your moisture. Pick the correct product for your playing surfaces you want to create throughout your entire season. Recommend a moisture meter to dial in your playability/irrigation schedules, to further your turf health. Managing your moisture is very important to the success of the overall health in turf. This year especially, with the abundance of moisture, has put the importance on the correct timing of fertility applications. Choosing the right source of N that best suits your property will lead to healthy plants. Whether it is granular/liquids understand what it will do to the plant's overall success. Lowering the overall use of N sure seems to make the plant work harder, using reserves and strengthening it when under stress. Performing much needed cultural practices when timed correctly will lead to resilient turf. Aerating, top dressing, brushing, rolling, deep tining, vertical mowing and spraying all make the plant better. You can use any of these to your advantage so you're playing surfaces will come out of Winter as healthy as they arrived. Ask yourself this end of the season checklist: Do you tighten up spray intervals in the Fall months working back from your final snow mould application? Do you leave open holes for moving moisture and less ice pack accumulation? Could you shave down collar damns, or add drainage, on putting surfaces, allowing for less moisture accumulation? Perform a final sanding to the greens to protect the crowns of the plant? Cover the playing surfaces to protect from ice/winter damage? Perform yearly soil tests, checking nutrient levels in your playing surfaces? Or remove trees to open much needed sunlight during the Winter months? These are already or could be potentially great additions to a successful plan for turf management. Take your plan you created for your region and watch it work. Many of the wonderful turf managers understand your properties and it is a pleasure to watch you grow and adapt your plan each year. Working outdoors you're at the mercy of Mother Nature but there are many tools available for success! Through several conversations this Fall the consensus of many is ''when will the season be finished''? Hoping everyone gets great weather to put their properties to bed and some much-deserved rest, relaxation, and time with family this Winter! Cheers, Ryan Sherry Atlantic Turf Solutions Turf News - December 2023

Nutrient Testing & Analysis Irrigation Water Quality Agronomic Recommendations & Support Soil Health Testing Program Construction & Implementation Callum Haughn | 902-514-6322 | haughnturf@gmail.com

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The Blind Shot by Paul MacCormack

Within the game of golf there are few things more thrilling than the blind shot. A close approach shot or a tee ball into a short par three can leave us clambering up and over a hillock or dune to see where we ended up. There is usually a good deal of luck or chance involved, along with a good dose of both joy and despair, but the anticipation that shots like these provide make for a lot of fun during a round. But like anything in this life, too much of a good thing can be problematic. In the early history of the game, blind shots were more frequent because most courses were more simply laid out across the links' land. Early architects and green keepers didn’t have the ability to move much earth, so in order to connect the routing, the occasional blind shot was unavoidable. The early players of the game were also not that plentiful, so traffic issues were not a bit problem. You can still find blind shots in more modern designs, but our notions of what is fair within the game have also changed dramatically.

For me personally, my introspection and mindfulness practice has allowed me to reflect on what others have recognized as "blind shots" in my personality. On the surface, two of the main culprits may seem fairly innocuous and are widely accepted as desirable human traits. I tend to be a very hard worker and I care a lot about other people. When these two things occur in proper proportion within my daily journey, they rarely cause too much trouble. In fact, when they are balanced with everything else in my life, they provide a great deal of good for many people (including myself ).

The quirkiness of too many blind shots quickly evaporates if people get hurt. They can also create longer than necessary rounds if people are spending too much time searching for their golf balls. It doesn’t mean that we need to necessarily bulldoze every hill into submission and remove all uncertainty, but the game has evolved and hence blindness has diminished over time.

You may be thinking to yourself, what in the world is wrong with working hard and caring for others? As I said, when these traits are operating within healthy boundaries in my life, then they are not problematic. It’s when they take over and bully their way in front of everything else, they become dangerous and very harmful.

The same principles can be applied to our personal lives. The occasional blind spot in our personalities can provide variety and quirk. If the blind spot is relatively harmless, then people can usually overlook the trait and our lives can proceed without much trouble. We are mere humans after all. But as with links courses of old, if we have too many “Dell Holes” within our personalities, the patterns that result can cause us a great deal of suffering.

With regards to work, I think we can all appreciate what happens when it goes too far. My health suffers; I am constantly exhausted, and more prone to effects of stress. I make poor decisions, eat takeout too often and I overuse alcohol or tech distractions to unwind. As a result, my family life and relationships suffer and I struggle to do my job to the best of my ability. When it comes to helping others, the proportion issue is much the same. When my desire to help others

Turf News - December 2023

supersedes my ability to create healthy boundaries, I can be prone to compassion fatigue. I can also put the perceived needs of others ahead of my own needs and those of my family. My meditative practice has helped me tremendously in confronting and realizing the effects these blind spots have on my life. It has helped me listen to my body and heed the cues it can offer forth. It has allowed me open my mind and listen to those around me when they offer constructive criticism. Offering compassion inwardly has also helped in both my ability work and help others in a more sustainable way. It’s not to say that I have fixed these life patterns completely; far from it at times. But my awareness of these habits has helped me to find more space within my life. It’s definitely hard work being this honest with yourself, but it’s so very worth it in the long run. I would encourage you to look inward and see if you can identify internal blind spots. See if there is anything in your life that others are gently nudging you to examine and maybe take a look with an open perspective. As I mentioned earlier, the occasional blind spot can be quirky and harmless. They can even add variety and spice to one’s life. But there are definitely times in our lives that having things in plain view can be very helpful. Proceed with self compassion as your anchor. Kindness to self is the oxygen mask we all need to put on as we navigate turbulence both within and in the greater world around us. Thanks so much for reading.

Steven Boyd Nick Boyd +15069628873 +15069880267 nick@boydcoturf.com steven@boydcoturf.com

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BEHIND THE GRASS MARC ALTESE, Bally Haly Country Club

Can you tell us a little about yourself? (Personal Interests, Educational background, etc.) This is my 27th year as a Superintendent at three different courses. Technically four, however my current employer, Bally Haly Country Club is located at the same property as the Clovelly Golf Course used to be. We have just gone through a land swap between the owners. The old Bally Haly property is now set for development over the coming years and can not be operated as a golf course. My education was a two year diploma from Humber College in Ontario which feels like a lifetime ago. On a personal note I got married on September 22nd this year to the most amazing woman in the world. I have three grandchildren (by marriage) with a fourth on the way. My passion is Liverpool FC. When i tell anyone i have to check my schedule I am actually checking Liverpool's....LOL Tell us a little about your club (Location, architecture,etc.) Bally Haly Country Club is located in the East end of St John's Newfoundland. We are a 36 Hole semi private club with Over 700 members. The South course is a Par 72 Championship course with bent/poa greens, tees and fairways. The North is a Par 62 executive course also a bent/ poa mix on greens, tee and fairways. The original architect was Graham Cooke. 18

Turf News - December 2023

What drew you to the Turf Industry? When I was in my early twenties I was on the Landscape side of the Turf industry. Circumstances led to me working at Lionhead GC in Ontario and I just fell in love with the job. Name 2 things you like and 2 things you would change about our industry. I love all aspects of Golf Course maintenance duties from changing holes to mowing grass to raking bunkers. I take great pride presenting the courses to the best of mine and my team's abilities day in and day out. I strive to teach, mentor and encourage my staff to grow and be the best they can be. If I could change one thing it would be the recognition and pay of Golf Course workers. They should be paid at the same level as skilled tradesmen from other industries. If I could change a second thing I would not allow drunken company shotgun tournaments, ever! Who or What has had the biggest impact over the course of your career? So many people have had an impact on my career, but first I would mention my Assistants, Mechanics and staff. Some incredible people have worked with me over the years. A few are no longer with us and I miss them desperately. How are you managing to maintain course conditions with the rising costs and decline in workforce?

Financial restraints with costs rising every year is certainly challenging.Find a GM who used to be a Superintendent. LOL What is your opinion and program for preparing your course for winter? We prepare as most clubs probably do....snow mould protection on greens, tee and fairways. We tarp all our greens with permeables. We use a preventative program on our Greens all season long for disease and/ or pests. Not so much on tees and fairways. We core, deeptine whatever we can weather depending. As a member of the AGSA, and potentially other industry associations. What do you most benefit from and what do you wish they provided more of? The greatest AGSA benefit to me is my fellow Superintendents or Industry reps that I would never hesitate to call if I need help. The AGSA should constantly be providing information, support and recognition to people in our Association. This should never be taken for granted and always be top priority. What do you believe is the key to recruiting and retention of young/seasonal employees? The key to recruiting and retaining employees quite frankly is pay. Secondary is work schedules. Do you have any words of advice for the next generation of Superintendents? Advice to the young Supers! Treat your staff well! As I say to my guys, "I'm not here to make your lives difficult, so I expect the same in return."

Turf News - December 2023

the importance of SELF-AWARENESS As I reflect on 2023 and the last three years in the space of talent acquisition and leadership development, it's evident that the golf and turf industry is thriving. The continued growth and economic impact of the game have shown significant gains, and this trend is likely to persist for the next five years. In this dynamic industry, career opportunities abound for both newcomers and seasoned professionals who are willing to invest in their skills, both on and off the golf course. While technical expertise, education, certifications, and a strong resume are crucial aspects of landing your dream job, there is one often overlooked element that can make or break your career: self-awareness. In this article, we'll explore the importance of self-awareness in career development and provide guidance on how to achieve it. The Role of Self-Awareness Self-awareness is the ability to understand your own strengths, weaknesses, values, and passions. It's about knowing who you are and what you stand for. In the competitive world of the golf and turf industry, self-awareness can set you apart from the crowd and pave the way for long-term success. Here are some key questions to guide you on your journey of self-discovery: •

Reflect on Your Pivotal Moments: Consider the significant moments in your life and career. How did you behave in those moments, and what did you learn from them?

•

Identify Your Problem-Solving Skills: What problems do you excel at solving? Recognizing your strengths in problem-solving can help you target roles that align with your abilities.

•

Uncover Your Passions: What aspects of the golf and turf industry ignite your passion? Identifying your passions can lead you toward fulfilling career opportunities.

•

Seek Feedback: Ask friends, family, peers, and even rivals for their perceptions of you. Their insights can reveal blind spots and strengths you may not be aware of.

•

Define Your Core Values: Do you have a set of core values that guide your actions and decisions? Defining your values will help you align with organizations that share your principles.

Discovering Your Core Values To pinpoint your core values, perform a "brain dump" of words that resonate with you, especially adjectives. List your top 15 words, then narrow them down to your top 10. Finally, rank these top 10 words from 1 to 10, with your top 3 to 5 becoming your core values. This exercise may seem simplistic, but it's a critical step in understanding who you are and what you stand for. Doing Your Due Diligence Once you've gained clarity on your self-awareness, it's time to focus on your career goals. Clearly define the ideal opportunity for yourself, including responsibilities, compensation, benefits, location, workplace culture, club demographics, reputation, and desired autonomy. Don't forget to integrate your personal growth and development goals, such as environmental practices, communication, leadership, agronomic programming, budgeting, and overall well-being.

Turf News - December 2023

As you explore different career opportunities, conduct thorough due diligence. Just as employers seek references for candidates, you should seek references from existing or former employees to gain insights into the prospective employer's operations, culture, leadership style, and work expectations. Assess whether the organization's culture aligns with your personal values and priorities. The Importance of Commitment For those new to the industry, it may take time and multiple job experiences to find your ideal workplace. However, avoid jumping from job to job too quickly, as it can raise concerns about your commitment, reliability, and skill development. Trust your instincts; if something doesn't feel right despite all the information, consider whether it's the right fit for you. Remember that the time and commitment you invest in an organization are not just for your career but also for your overall well-being. By carefully evaluating an organization's culture and fit for you, you'll ensure a more fulfilling career journey. Self-awareness isn't just a means to land your dream job; it's the compass that guides you to the right job for you. Taking the time to discern a club's culture and evaluating its fit for you will ensure a more fulfilling career journey. This level of self-awareness will not only land you a dream job, but prevent you from taking a misstep, wasting your time towards a brighter future. Remember, it's not just about finding any job; it's about finding the right one for you.

- Tyler Bloom 2022 Turf News Ad-Maredo_Layout 1 2022-04-22 11:39 AM Page 1

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