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Home , Alison Nicholas, Joe Carr, Portmarnock Golf Club

The Official Magazine of the GCSAIl www.gcsai.org l December 2011 Greenside

We wish our readers a happy christmas and the very best for 2012

the art of revetting bunkers

l The Solheim Cup Review l Course Feature - Sutton Golf Clubl Terryland Park l President’s Cup l Sportspitch Maintenance1 l Regional Reportsgreenside l Trade magazine News | December 2010 Greenside

www.gcsai.org 2 Greenside

Enjoy your moments Contents Greenkeeping Awards 6

t’s a bizarre old world. It is hard to believe that another year The Solheim Cup Review 8 has almost come to an end. It seems like only yesterday that Revealing the Art of we were experiencing record low temperatures. As I write this Bunker Revetting 12 Iarticle in November, temperatures are reaching 16°C - compare this to minus 17°C almost twelve months previously, when we were GCSAI Charity Day 16 shovelling snow. Yes, it’s a strange world we live in. Health & Safety 18 The year gone by had its memorable moments. For me, attending The Solheim Cup was particularly special. A great atmosphere prevailed during the Terryland Park 20 three days of competition. I was particularly impressed with the friendly rivalry Safety Management of Trees 24 between the European and American spectators, especially on the pre-match warm up on the first tee of A New Look at New Problems 27 the final day single matches. Even the Course Feature - Sutton Golf Club 30 players on both teams, lead by their Regional Round-up 36 respective team captains, Alison Presidents Cup 46 Nicholas and Rosie Discovering my Irish Roots 48 Jones, got into the party atmosphere Personal Development 50 as they walked onto Trade News 53 no.1 tee before they competed to claim the coveted trophy. During the matches everyone forgot about recessions, unemployment, cut backs, budgets, and lost themselves in the atmosphere. Ireland has just qualified for the 2012 European Championships, so next year gives us a chance to lose ourselves again. We need to have these moments, otherwise we would be living in a dull old world. Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Front cover: Wexford Golf Club Photo: Alan Mahon

Editor: Alan Mahon Tel: 053 9158606 | Email: [email protected]

Greenside designed by: S DESIGN REMINDER Back issues of Greenside www.sdesign-belfast.com can now be seen on the The deadline for receiving GCSAI website: The views expressed in contributed advertising and editorial for articles are not necessarily the views www.gcsai.org the next issue of Greenside is: expressed by the editor of this publication. Editorial content and photographs cannot be reproduced without prior 20th January 2012 permission from the editor.

3 greenside magazine | December 2011 Dates for Your Diary

Rush Christmas Outing 16 December Time certainly does fly. It seems like yesterday when golfers were playing in frosty conditions, at last year’s annual Rush Christmas How cool was our Outing. This year the famous golf day out will take place on Friday 16th December. There will be a shotgun start at 11.00am. Eddie Summer? Donlon, event organizer, advises those who are interested in taking It was an unusual summer weather-wise. No high part, to book early, as places are limited to forty four. The time sheet is open from Monday 5th - 12th December. Contact Eddie on 087 temperatures to boast about and yet some parts of the 2908199 between 1.00 and 1.30pm. country experienced drought conditions.

During the June bank holiday weekend we were led into false hopes of a hot summer when temperatures reached the mid twenties Harrogate Week 2012 Shaping up Nicely (25.1°C was recorded on 3rd June in Mount Juliet), but it was 24 - 26 January 2012 not to be. It turned out that it was one of our coolest summers. Harrogate Week will see educational workshops and seminars Mean air temperatures recorded in the south and southwest were rub shoulders with the trade turf management exhibition BTME, the lowest recorded in a number of years with Shannon Airport and numerous social gatherings. Next year is particularly special reporting the coolest summer since 1962 (49 years). The summer as it will be the 25th anniversary of BIGGA, and the centenary of maximum temperature of 21.5°C measured at Cork Airport was Greenkeeping Associations. This milestone is to be celebrated on the lowest daily maximum air temperature recorded at the site the evening of Tuesday, January 24th, with a special event being during summer since 1962 (49 years). The majority of the season’s held at the Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate. The evening will provide lowest temperatures were during the first half of June when the ideal opportunity for visitors to socialise, not only with each ground frost was recorded at some midland and eastern weather other, but also with the BIGGA Board of Directors and officials. stations. Casement Aerodrome reported its lowest grass minimum Exhibitors will also find that the opportunity to mingle with the temperature since 1965 (46 years) during this period with -2.5°C. assembled company is a must. Rainfall amounts were slightly below average with the eastern part 2012 will see the 24th consecutive annual event held at of the country being drier. The table below shows the temperature Harrogate International Centre, between January 24th to 26th, and and rainfall recordings from three golf courses across the country everything is well on track to build on the success of the BTME – Killarney, Mount Juliet, Killarney (bucking the trend with higher held earlier this year. Last January, despite the tough economic rainfall amounts recorded in all four months), and Galway Bay. climate, BIGGA delivered a successful exhibition and education Greenside is grateful to Aidan O’Hara CGCS, Michael F. O’Connor, programme, with overall visitor numbers up by 2.3% on the 2010 and Damien Coleman respectively for providing their data. exhibition, and 2012 looks on track to match that success. Hall M is back in play for 2012, boosting the available display space Average Recorded Daytime temperature 0C by nearly 1000SqM. It is encouraging that some exhibitors are Mount Juliet Galway Bay completely new to BTME and a similar number are returnees after June 17.5 16.6 a break from exhibiting. July 19.1 18.5 The ‘Continue to Learn’ programme is traditionally innovative, thought provoking and comprehensive and 2012 is no exception. August 18.7 18.3 Delegates can choose from Conferences, Workshops and Seminars September 17.4 17.1 which cover a host of subjects to help Greenkeepers, Course Managers and Club Management in their day to day activities. Recorded Rainfall (mm) The subjects covered range from turf maintenance, renovation Mount Juliet Killarney Galway Bay and rebuilding, to photography, social media, human resources, June 84.2 114.5 76.0 IT and management. In excess of 20 different streams of learning can be booked over five days starting on January 22nd. Further July 37.7 75.0 38.0 information on the Continue to Learn Education Programme is August 35.4 53.0 44.0 available on the website www.harrogateweek.org.uk September *100.6 130.0 94.0

*The total rainfall amount for September gives a sort of a false result of how dry the month was. Rainfall is recorded at 09.00 GMT and the amount entered into the previous day, 49.9 mm of rain was recorded on the morning of October 1st, but was 2012 GIS Show and Education Conference registered on September 30th. That 49.9mm was half of the 27 February 2012 total amount for September for Mount Juliet. Starting on Monday 27th February 2012, the GCSAA Education Conference is the year’s leading opportunity to learn from industry experts, share best practices with your peers, and pick up tips and techniques that will save your facility time and money. The Conference FOR SALE concludes on Friday 2nd March which includes two days of the Golf Industry Show (29th Feb. & 1st March). For more information visit Kioto 45 (Excellent Condition) www.gcsaa.org €12,000 plus VAT Flotation tyres, creeper box and cab FEGGA Conference 16 - 19 February 2012 Smaller tractor or suitable grass machinery The 2012 annual FEGGA Conference takes place in Prague from taken in exchange or part exchange February 16th – 19th Contact Dean Cleaver on dean.cleaver@ btinternet.com for information. For more details contact: Dan Galavan Carrigleade Golf Course | Mobile: 087 2569012 www.gcsai.org 4 News

Turners Cross wins Airtricity Sun Exposure Study AWARDS League Pitch of the Year arry McElroy, a urners Cross Stadium in Cork, home ground of Cork member of City FC, has won the 2011 Airtricity League Pitch the GCSAI B of the Year award, following an inspection by the for the last 15 TIrish Institute of Sports Surfaces (IISS). The winner of the years, is currently award was announced after the IISS visited the 3 shortlisted undertaking an MSc in grounds, Sligo Showgrounds, Tallaght Stadium and Turners Occupational Safety and Cross, following nominations by the Airtricity League Health at University College Dublin. referees and players, in association with the PFAI. As part of his studies, Barry intends The award, which is organised by the FAI, IISS and to carry out a research project into specialist sports turf fertiliser company Whites Amenity, was the health risks associated with working in the sun and presented at half time during the FAI Ford Cup final at Aviva how this relates to outdoor workers in the golf course Stadium on November 6th. maintenance industry. Barry is keen to involve GCSAI members, with input from all GCSAI membership categories actively encouraged to aid this research project. Barry proposes to survey the GCSAI membership during spring 2012 and would greatly appreciate your individual input to assist him in researching this important topic. Additional information and a detailed update on this study will be included in the next issue of Greenside.

For further information contact Barry on 087 0972921 or [email protected]

5 greenside magazine | December 2011 News FETAC GREENKEEPING AWARDS FETAC Level 6 2011 Greenkeeping

On 14th November last, seventeen FETAC Level 6 greenkeeping students received their Advanced Certificates in Greenkeeping at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. The numbers receiving certificates this year were down on previous years.

Students and staff get together for the end of course photo

ewly appointed College Principal, Bojarski of Mount Juliet. Aidan O’Hara John Mulhern, welcomed the CGCS, was present to see Michal receive his students and advised them to use award. “He had no idea that he was going to Ntheir qualifications to advance into higher receive it, so you can imagine his surprise education. He thanked the staff at Kinsealy when he saw me there”, said a delighted and the Botanic Gardens for sharing their Aidan (who has all of his course staff knowledge and experience with the students. trained). Colm Dockrell of Teagasc presented Pat O’Dwyer of the GUI’s Greenkeeping Paul Brady (Druids Glen) the runner up Training Committee (GTC) wished John Student Greenkeeper of the Year award. Mulhern the very best in his new role Pat Suttle of Teagasc was proud of the as College Principal and presented the fact that the greenkeeping certificate certificates to each of the students. Pat presentations were in their thirtieth year and thanked the golf clubs for sending their praised the foresight of people such as Dr. course staff to get trained and pointed out Harry Spain, Jim Byrne, Aidan Brady, and that a trained greenkeeper costs less, in the Chris Nolan for establishing greenkeeper long term, than an unqualified one. “An education in Ireland. “In 1976 the average unqualified greenkeeper is more likely to age of a Head greenkeeper in Ireland was make mistakes which can prove costly to a 58 years old. The GUI realised that within golf club.” Said Pat. four or five years there would be a dramatic Michael McFeely, Vice President of shortage of experienced greenkeepers to the GCSAI, presented the 2011 Student look after Ireland’s golf courses, and so the Greenkeeper of the Year award to Michal Pat Suttle greenkeeping education programme was

www.gcsai.org 6 News

FETAC Advanced Certificate in Greenkeeping Level 6

MICHAL BOJARSKI PAUL BRADY Left to right: Colm Dockrell (Teagasc), Pat O’Dwyer (GUI), Michael McFeely (GCSAI), Paul MARIO DUDAK Brady runner up Student Greenkeeper of the Year), Pat Suttle (Teagasc), Michal Bojarski CHRISTOPHER GORMAN (Student Greenkeeper of the Year), Aidan O’Hara CGCS (Mount Juliet), John Mulhern (Principal BARRY HAMILTON MICHAEL HENNESSY National Botanic Gardens) Ciaran Clarke (Teagasc), Pat Channing (Teagasc) DARREN HENRY PAURIC KILBRIDE started”, said Pat. Finally, Pat paid tribute KEVIN MAGUIRE to Dolores Rowan, Harold Lawlor and Pat CAROL MASSEY Maloney and wished them well on their KEITH NOLAN recent retirement. GREG O’CONNOR SHANE O’CONNOR Right: Michael McFeely presents the GCSAI TONY REDMOND award to Michal Bojarski who won the KAMAL SING NURJANDOA Student Greenkeeper of the Year. MICHEÁL WHITE

Fellowship for Mike

he Ohio State University’s Mike O’Keeffe collected an honorary fellowship last July from Myerscough College for his tireless work placing students on Tthe university’s career changing programmes. He was awarded the fellowship in recognition of his achievements in forging international links between Myerscough College and The Ohio State University. A dual citizen of America and Ireland, Mike grew up on a small dairy farm near Newmarket in Co. Cork. He won a scholarship to attend Warrenstown Horticultural College which was a springboard to his world travels. He now manages a programme for The Ohio State University, recruiting agriculture, horticulture and turfgrass students from over thirty countries every year, including Irteland, for training in the USA. Mike was instrumental in helping set up the ‘Study Abroad’ programme which Myerscough College coordinates. Mike also encourages tutor exchange between Myerscough and The Ohio State University.

7 greenside magazine | December 2011 The Solheim Cup 2011

THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011 Europe Secures Historic Fourth Solheim Cup Victory in Ireland

Alison Nicholas holds aloft The Solheim Cup cheered on by her victorious European team. Looking on is John Solheim and his mother Louise Stunning, dramatic and, finally, a day of celebration for the European team at The Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle in Ireland. Following rain delays, lightning threats and the shock withdrawal of Cristie Kerr due to injury before the start of her match, Europe finally regained the Solheim Cup in thrilling fashion with the narrowest of 15-13 victories over the USA.

t all came down to the last three singles Suzann Pettersen had started the great hoping to win in the USA for a first time. matches and a dramatic final half hour. fightback. One down with three to play Tied 8-all overnight, Europe received The scoreboard was favouring the USA, against Michelle Wie, she pulled out a an early free point when Cristie Kerr was Ibut the pendulum swung firmly in Europe’s final-hole win. The world No.2 birdied the forced to withdraw from the final singles favour. final three holes, holing from eight feet at against Karen Stupples with an injured Azahara Munoz had the honour of the last. It was a first ever Solheim singles wrist. clinching the vital point in the final match win for the 30-year-old Norwegian, and Out on the course, Catriona Matthew gave with a one hole win over Angela Stanford. the perfect time to achieve it. Europe a great lead with a 6 and 5 victory In the second last singles, Caroline For Alison Nicholas’s European team over the USA talisman, Paula Creamer, in Hedwall, two down two to play against the 7-5 singles score meant it was a fourth the top singles and Sophie Gustafson added Ryann O’Toole, won the last two holes for a win from 12 contests, and they will go to a second point for the home side with a final vital half point. Colorado Golf Club in two years’ time green win over Stacy Lewis.

www.gcsai.org 8 report and photography by alan mahon THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011

For Gustafson, it was four wins out of four and she was Europe’s top point scorer. Matthew was also unbeaten and contributed a healthy three points. Brittany Lang claimed the first point for the USA with a 6 and 5 margin over Sandra Gal and Morgan Pressel made sure of four wins for her USA side with a great comeback against Anna Nordqvist. The American was two down after eight holes but, following a short rain delay, she came back and won five holes in a row and went on to win by 2 and 1. The much-awaited singles between 51-year-old Juli Inkster, the oldest ever Solheim player, and 47-year-old Laura Davies, the only one to play 1 in all 12 contests, came down to the last hole. Davies, with the backing of 2 the majority of the 28,000 final day audience, was one up playing the par four 18th and both players bunkered their second shots. But Inkster nearly holed her third from 30 yards, while the English woman failed to make a ten foot par putt. The match ended all square and it was a half point for the visitors. Christina Kim comfortably defeated Maria Hjorth before two rookies both finally won their first Solheim Cup points. American Vicky Hurst beat Melissa Reid by two holes and Europe’s Christel Boeljon overcame Brittany Lincicome by the same margin. With the score tied at 12 ½- 12 ½ it was then left for Europe’s final trio to compete the drama: and what a finale it was! The overall score: Europe - 15 USA - 13

Greenstaff and Volunteers The European victory was also shared by the greenstaff and volunteers at Killeen Castle, who were headed up by Course Manager Mark Collins. While Europe was doing battle with the USA, Mark and his team were fighting a stronger opponent, the weather. Even though the first two days of the competition were relatively tranquil weather-wise, it was from 11.00am onwards on the Sunday that all hell broke loose with torrential downpours causing some of the greens to flood. All hands were out with the squeejies to relieve the situation and within an hour of the rain stopping you would have never known that there had been a deluge. Two time major winner and Golf Channel analyst Dottie Pepper was quoted as saying: “The condition of the golf course is fabulous. I honestly don’t know if I’ve seen a golf course manicured this well since ’98 at Muirfield Village.” – this speaks volumes about how the course was conditioned for The Solheim Cup and credit is due to Mark Collins and his dedicated team and Suzann Pettersen celebrates after holing to Julian Mooney, Tournament Agronomist, Ladies a vital birdie putt on the 18th green European Tour. Yes, it was a truly European victory.

greenside magazine | December 2011 1 Julie Inkster, the oldest competitor, aged 51, watches anxiously on the 2nd9 fairway. 2 One of the volunteer bunker rakers The Solheim Cup 2011

4 The beautifully manicured course 5 Morgan Pressel watches anxiously10 on the 18th green on the final day 6 Michelle Wie jumps for joy after sinking a long putt for birdie on the 17th green to stay in the match 7 Michelle gives a Wie look before playing a bunker shot THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011, KILLEEN CASTLE IRELAND THE SOLHEIM CUP 2011

10 Some of the volunteers pose on the 18th green after the matches are over.

A job well done. Staff and volunteers take a well earned salute (photo: Philip Tong, John Deere)

8 Christina Kim (USA) congratulates Maria Hjorth of Europe 9 Paddy Kelly of Portumna GC, one of the bunker rakers on standby 10 Laura Davies characteristically placing her yellow ball on a divot before teeing off Feature Revealing the art of Bunker Revetting By Iain Wakeman, Links Superintendent, Rosslare Golf Links

Normally carried out under the cover of darkness, away from prying eyes, revetting pot bunkers has been a closely guarded secret passed down through generations of greenkeepers. Iain Wakeman has risked his life by telling us the mystery surrounding this art and by revealing the skills involved, stage by stage.

here are many steps involved in the 1 construction process before any work takes place. TWhen constructing a bunker, the site must be visited and all the work that needs to be carried out should be considered, i.e. design, any contour work to enable the bunker to fit into the landscape, the bunker’s size and shape, the severity of the angle of the wall, the depth of the bunker, irrigation and associated works, pipes, cables, zones and decoders construction, including time, materials and labour, and most importantly, if it is a member club, the members wishes. All these factors have to be looked into before any sitework proceeds. Bunkers are usually re-built in the same shape and style as before, in keeping with the aesthetics of the course. These bunkers usually last between 5 to 8 years, depending on aspect and the amount of play the bunker receives. Photo 1 shows how a pot bunker can deteriorate over the years with photo 2 2 showing the damage caused by the accumulation of sand splash out. www.gcsai.org 12 Feature

Selection of turf is important for building, as it should not have a high Gather all playing bunker sand into the centre of the bunker, this is amount of thatch in it or long grass growth as this will allow for excessive used as back fill. The turf that formed the old side walls can now be sinkage. Usually the shape of the turf should be between 1 to 2 inches removed. You will find the old original base, which by this time is a firm thick (photo 3), 12 inches wide and between 18 to 24 inches long. black layer of old turf from which the shape was determined (photo 5). On a new bunker the first ring determines the shape, and an optional layer of sod can be used to form a base. Once the old foundations have been established then the building of the side walls can start.

Top of original bunker

There are two schools of thought with the layered sod, grass side up or grass side down. It is felt by some that if the grass side is up, you will 5 have a better chance of a grass face bunker, with less chance of erosion of the face. However, during the summer months, this will incur a lot more The first ring determines the shape and size of the bunker, and time maintenance as the faces will have to be brushed and trimmed. Grass must be spent on this to get it right (photo 6). The foundation must be side down will create a black face bunker. It may need some application compacted and level. A poorly formed or unlevel first ring will be seen in of herbicide, but will need little or no maintenance thereafter. However subsequent levels all the way up the face of the bunker. Each layer of sod the black face bunker is more susceptible to erosion, and will have to be must be compacted, and the backfill behind this sod must be compacted re-built sooner. and levelled. From this point it is just a case of repeating this ring on each Sand selection and depth, including consistency or texture, is also very level. This is repeated until the desired levels have been reached, all the time important with pot bunkers. A happy medium must be found between maintaining level layers, including from front to back of the turf. Cutting members expectations of playability, and the suitability of sand to the slits from behind makes it easier to bend the turf around (photo 7). course. Ideally the sand should be local, native and indigenous. However, not all courses have this luxury. It is possible that over 200 tonnes of sand would be required just to fill 75 bunkers to a 2 inch depth. This does not include replenishment from well played bunkers, sand splash, and wind erosion. Bought in sand must satisfy the golfer, (a very difficult task, as it is a personal thing for each individual). In Ireland lime and salt levels in sand are a major consideration, Sand particle distribution, shape and size are also high on the list for consideration. To start the actual building, you will need some powerful lights to complete the work under the cover of darkness, (a highly secretive thing).... Remove approximately a metre of turf from the edge of the bunker (photo 4). Use the 12 inch sod cutter, and any good sod, use as building turf. This will reveal the full extent of the work to be completed. If there are associated contours it is best to remove the sod from these areas too at this point. The extent of the removal of top turf depends on whether it is 6 a re-build or a new bunker.

4 7

13 greenside magazine | December 2011 Feature

8 11

The art of building a bunker starts to come into play as you build up. A turf floor, if not already present, should be laid down, with the Each level should be stepped back by the same amount. A thumb width is grass side down (photo 14). This ensures the grass dies, and stops a good guide, but it may require a little more, or a little less depending on stones coming up from the sand below, and also allows the raker to the steepness of the face, the severity of the angle required (photo 8). maintain the desired level of sand in the bunker. In Rosslare this is as close to 2 inches as possible. At this point we can trim the bunker edge, and place in the newly chosen bunker playing sand. The sand can be placed in level with the floor, or a small amount added at the base of the wall to create a dish shape. It is important to compact this as a ball can plug in it. The dish shape attempts to give the golfer a better chance as the ball will roll away from the bottom of the wall.

The centre and top or highest point of the bunker should point towards the centre of the green. At the end of each step around the sides a triangular piece of turf is used to blend each level (photo 9). Any remaining back fill sand can be used to level off the surrounding capping area (photo 10).

In general it will take a couple of staff 3 to 4 days to complete an average size pot bunker. It does depend again on the amount of contour work to be completed outside the bunker, and the size of the bunker. It is unfortunate, with the advent of televised golf and expectancy of golfers, that players should have a perfect lie and an easy shot from the bunker. History has been long forgotten, a pot bunker was formed by grazing sheep scraping out the ground to find shelter, and became an exposed area of sand, and ultimately a hazard to be avoided.

As the top layer has been shaped, a straight edge bar can help as a guide to blend the top of the bunker into the existing sward (photo 11). The turf can now be replaced around the top of the bunker (photo 12). Start at the lowest point when re-capping the bunker, and start the sodding from the bunker edge and work out, this ensures the turf will stay firm and locked into place (photo 13). 13

And there you have it. I’ve shared my secret with you. Promise you won’t tell anyone. www.gcsai.org 14 Feature

The finished bunker, a work of art. Wouldn’t you just love to be in it!

15 greenside magazine | December 2011 News GCSAI Charity day raises €3,500

The winning TurfCare team front left: Nick O’Reilly, Padraig Burke, Tony Quinn, Jim Holden Back left: Michael McFeely (GCSAI), Sean Grogan (Naas Club Captain), Lorraine Behan (organising committee), David Behan (GCSAI and organising committee). It was another great sunny September day at Naas Golf Club, as it nearly always is when the GCSAI Golf Charity day, in aid of the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) is played.

wenty five teams took part, which was a real boost of encouragement to the organizing committee and which saw €3,500 raised for Tthis worthy cause. This brings the total raised so far for the ICS, now in its fifth year, to €37,000. Colm Dockrell, a member of the organizing committee, thanked all those taking part and pointed out the wonderful work the Irish Cancer Society is doing for cancer research. Cancer is a disease that has an The GCSAI team left: Frank Browne, Alan Mahon, Dan Galavan, Ned Browne effect, directly or indirectly on everyone. Speaking at the event, Naas Club Captain, Sean Grogan (above), The TurfCare team came out as overall winners of the event, with complimented David Behan and his greenkeeping staff on the work Michael Foxe Turfgrass team as runners up. Third spot went to the that he is doing at Naas Golf Club. He also paid tribute to the GCSAI Exquisite Cuisine team while Goldcrop were placed fourth. Local on the work that they are doing on improving the standards of the knowledge can have a real advantage when it comes to golf tournaments greenkeeping profession. “In my role as Captain at Naas Golf Club and in this case it was no exception as David Garland, the Assistant at I get the opportunity of visiting many golf clubs around the country Naas Golf Club playing with the Michael Foxe Turfgrass team, got a and I have to say that I have never visited a bad golf course, and this hole in one on the eighth hole. The longest drive was awarded to Frank is a credit to the greenkeeping profession in Ireland”, he said. Byrne of JFB Golf Course Supplies LTD.

Suspicious Brew Results of a wine making competition which appeared in a parish magazine: “Winners in the homemade claret section were Mrs Davis (fruity, well-rounded), Mrs Rayner (fine colour and full bodied) and Miss Ogle-Smith (slightly acid, but should improve if laid down).” www.gcsai.org 16 News

The JFB Golf Supplies team left: John Smith, Frank Byrne, Casey The Anne Behan team left: Liam Dowling, Anne Behan, Joanne Behan, O’Brien, Richard Doyle. Eamonn McLeland.

GCSAI Northeast region team left: Jason Whelan, John Egan, John The Bayer team left: Shaun Anderson, Kenny Liddell, Jonathan Davies, Coughlan, Mark Greaney. David Brady.

17 greenside magazine | December 2011 Health & Safety

‘’Simple and inexpensive” measures would have prevented lift-truck accident

By Kieran Linehan, MSc, CFIOSH, Health & Safety Services (HSS)

A UK farm has been fined after an agricultural worker was hit by a forklift truck at a farm where pedestrians and vehicles were inadequately segregated.

e fractured his left leg in the Hincident in October 2010, after he had been walking across the floor of a potato shed to retrieve some box labels that were kept at the other side of the shed. He crossed the path of the truck as it was reversing. The inspector said: “In a fairly confined space like a grading shed, where there are piles of potato boxes, a grading machine and trucks moving backwards and forwards all the time, people and moving vehicles are just too close together. I am sure it will have and in good working order, with records been a change of direction of the truck that kept? will have caught the worker out.” • Have staff been adequately trained in The prosecuting Inspector stated that if their use? the precaution of segregating vehicles and pedestrians is not taken, it is a “matter The Agriculture and Outdoor of time” before an incident like this will Worker Sector happen in any workplace. “If everybody were paying attention, this should not This sector, which relates greatly with the golf happen, but people work long days, they do industry, remains by far the most dangerous the same repetitive things over and over, sector within which to work in Ireland. and at some point their brain does not Last year, out of a total of 48 deaths in the function as well as it should,”. Irish workforce, 25 occurred in this sector, The inspector added that since the • Do we have a Traffic Management System compared with 11 in 2009 & 21 in 2008. This incident, the farmer has put up a barrier here, where we prevent as much contact represents over 50% of last years workplace and has moved the labels to another part as possible between the public & our fatalities, which is alarmingly high. In fact, of the shed, so that people do not have to machines? you are about seven times more likely to walk across the shed. “This goes to show • Do we try to reduce the amount of access die in this work sector than any other work how simple and inexpensive preventative to our machine driving areas which our sector in Ireland. measures can be,” he noted. other workers may have? Over the past decade, almost exactly 50% The farmer was fined £7000 and ordered • Do all our machines have reversing of all the deaths in this sector occur from to pay £25,880 full costs. This situation beepers/ movement sounders and tractors/ vehicles/ machinery. Much of the is probably replicated in many golf clubs mirrors, where these are supposed to be equipment used at our golf clubs fall into this across Ireland. fitted? category of ‘tractors/ vehicles/ machinery’. The people we should be concerned about • Do we know which machines or This means we must take this part of our are our staff & the public. equipment require such alarms & daily work very, very seriously. The dangers A few things to consider include: mirrors? involving tractors/ vehicles/ machinery are • Is our equipment serviced, maintained ever present, not only dangers to ourselves

www.gcsai.org 18 Health & Safety

as workers, but also to our colleagues & the water supply. Risk Assessments had been worker to be catapulted out of the bucket. public at our golf courses. carried out, but these were not implemented. He suffered a broken vertebra in his back, A few simple points to consider at our golf This follows another death in March of broken left arm, as well as breaks to both clubs include: this year, this time in a hospital, where a thumbs. The company were fined for not • Are all dangerous parts guarded & are patient developed Legionnaires disease as having suitable workplace safety procedures guards in good condition, especially a result of exposure to contaminated water. in operation & ignoring their own risk guards over PTO’s? The incident occurred even though the assessments. • Are all parts of the machine working, hospital had a programme in place, including Such tele-handlers are in use in many golf including brakes, alarms, and lights? ongoing remedial plumbing works & a strict clubs. Indeed, in some places, tractors with • Have we inspected this machine recently regime of continual chemical dosing, thermal front loaders, are used for the same purposes, and had a mechanical service carried out? disinfections & comprehensive monitoring of such as tree de branching. Such activity, • Has a risk assessment been prepared the hospitals water distribution system. This where a bucket is used to raise or lower regarding the use of this equipment? investigation is continuing. workers, has been outlawed since 2006. The • Are all users properly trained to use this Once again, this highlights the Regulations now require the worker to be equipment? responsibilities of any workplace to ensure secured in a purpose built basket, and be in that where a risk of Legionnaires disease control of the actions or raising, lowering, These are just starting points, not exhaustve occurs, as it does at most golf clubs, starting, stopping etc. of the basket, i.e., the lists. appropriate preventative precautions must be basket must be integrated. taken. Legionnaires Disease in Water Supplies Worker falls Just 8 Feet From HSS are the appointed occupational Teleporter Basket Safety & Health consultancy & In a recent article of Greenside, we reported training partner to The GCSAI. on major fines for a hotel group, after a In another incident, a company have been man died from exposure from legionnalla fined over €32,000 for breaches of the Safety, Please give HSS a call if you have contaminated water. The subject of legionella Health & Welfare at Work Act. This occurred queries regarding any aspect of & legionnaires disease in water supplies is where a worker fell just 8 feet, after he was worplace Health & Safety: again making the headlines. thrown from the bucket of a telehandler. Tel: 1890 600 666, A housing council in the UK have been He was standing in the bucket of the Email: [email protected] fined £12,000 and £17,000 costs for not telehandler, removing steel parts from an Websites: www.hssireland.ie implementing safety measures to tackle the old aerial mast. As a steel piece was being www.thegreenpass.ie prevention of legionnaires disease in their removed, it suddenly broke off, causing the

19 greenside magazine | December 2011 Feature Terryland Park It is a Tuesday morning on a Galway city centre pitch. This is no ordinary pitch. It is Terryland Park, home to Galway United Football Club and headquarters to The Galway & District Football League . The man in charge, Noel Connolly, arrives to meet his staff, a group of six men from the local Community Employment project based at the ground. They get their instructions for the day ahead and perform their duties with much enthusiasm. There is no start or end of a week. It is sometimes a seven-day- a-week job.

Feature and Photography by Alan Mahon

Noel Connolly

uring the mid 1990s, Noel Connolly 180 degrees in the process, the development Courses would be on a practical level and was working full time in a local committee decided that it was necessary to would cover areas such as how to line mark shipping agency. It was an office job employ a full time Head Groundsman. Noel a football pitch and how to apply fertilizer Dand he always craved for the outdoor life. took advantage of the opportunity and applied and general maintenance. Donal Kearney of He had been helping out as a volunteer at for the job, which he got. He hasen’t looked the Irish Institute of Sports Surfaces provides Terryland for many years. “I always had an back ever since. some of these courses and also helps in interest in sportspitch maintenance”, says With a new baby to look after, Noel decided consultancy with any problems that may arise. Noel. “When I started at Terryland, I met that he needed further training in order to What an impact Noel’s work has made up with Joe O’Flaherty, who was the Course maintain the football grounds to the highest to the pitch. In his sixteen years as Head Superintendent at the time in Glenlo Abbey. possible standard. Backed by the FAI, he Groundsman he has won, in conjunction He was a brilliant help and gave me direction attended a greenkeeping training course, with the Institute of Groundsmanship (IoG), and hunger to learn the skill required to be a specializing in football pitch maintenance at and in more recent years, the Irish Institute of success at sportsfield maintenance and care.” Kinsealy in 1998. He occasionally visited Alan Sports Surfaces (IISS) the FAI Groundsman Joe has since moved to Adare Manor Hotel Ferguson, the Head Groundsman at Ipswich of the Year Award on three occasions, 1999, and Golf Resort as Course Superintendent. F.C., for advice. Realising the importance of 2007 and 2008. This is a huge achievement When Terryland Park was redeveloped in training and education, Noel arranges training considering the number of top quality football 1995, turning and relaying the pitch around courses on a regular basis for all his staff. pitches that there are around the country. www.gcsai.org 20 Feature

Terryland Park football grounds

Terryland’s pitch is a very well drained sand based pitch, which helps the recovery work after a game. When you consider that there Noel arranges training courses on a regular is only a window of around three weeks break in summer, and, in some seasons, only ten days for mid season renovations and as the basis for all his staff. Courses would be on a pitch is used for local football during the winter season, and league practical level and would cover areas such as of Ireland football during the summer, a properly drained ground is a must. The pitch is topdressed with sand on a regular basis how to line mark a football pitch and how to throughout the year. Between 100 - 150 tonnes of sand is applied apply fertilizer and general maintenance. annually. It is also verti-drained/hollow cored three times per year. A lot of matches are played here. From March to November, there are around 25 League of Ireland games. Then there are the local football leagues, which are played from August to May. There can be as many as 75 of these games played in the ten- month period, many of which take place during the winter months. As you can see there is an overlap of the two leagues in Spring and Autumn, which puts Noel and his crew under much pressure. There is no period for major renovation, which can be a problem. The pitch looked in pristine condition when I saw it at the end of September but Noel told me that he has concerns with part of the pitch which is in shade from the newly built stand. “I reseeded that part of the pitch with a shade tolerant variety of dwarf perennial ryegrass and so far I am very pleased with its performance”, said Noel. Noel cuts the pitch at a height

21 greenside magazine | December 2011 Feature

Left: Mike Cunniffe, David MgGahan, Noel Connolly, Michael Connolly of 25mm during the growing season. During the winter this is increased as it helps reduce the wear and tear of the sward. During dry periods, a portable sprinkler is used to irrigate the pitch. Overseeding of the pitch is carried out in April/May and again in August. With so many games being played, Noel knows the importance of having a strong, dense sward. Despite the pitch being in magnificent condition, every groundsman has to deal with the ravages of goalmouths, the area that gets the most destruction from a football game. With limited space available to him, Noel cleverly moves his goal positions and re-turfs by removing a thick strip of turf along the The pitch is regularly checked for divots perimeter of the pitch, which he uses to repair the goalmouths. The area that is removed is reseeded. us. As you can imagine, there was an awful lot In 2006, a new 1500-seater stand was built of organization involved. So much back-up Machinery Used bringing the seating capacity at Terryland had to be put in place for the game to ensure to 3300 with an overall capacity of 6000. everything ran smoothly.” Smoothly it did • John Deere 2653 triplex mower To celebrate the opening of the new stand, run, the event was proclaimed by all as an • John Deere pedestrian cylinder Sunderland FC came to play Galway United outstanding success. mower in 2007. Roy Keane was the then Manager Noel Connolly is held in high esteem around at Sunderland. “I found Roy a very down to the Connaught area and beyond. He advises • Groundsman pedestrian aerator earth man and extremely pleasant to deal many neighbouring clubs such as East United, • Vitax supaturf line marker with” said Noel. This was probably one of Galway Hibernians and Mervue United and a the highlights of his career, the other being number of local GAA and Rugby clubs, and it is • Groundsman Sod Cutter the U-21 European qualifier match between his drive, and enthusiasm for the job of getting Ireland and Belgium in 2006, which involved that perfect pitch surface, that has brought • Honda Strimmers the major TV channels including Sky Sports. other clubs in the area to see the importance of “It was one of the biggest nights we ever had having a good playing surface too. • Sod doctors here,” noted Noel. “It was a pressure week for www.gcsai.org 22

Safety Management of Trees

By Joe McConville, Arboricultural Association of Ireland

Trees represent an important resource for the environment, they provide carbon sequestration, replenish oxygen, provide habitat for vertebrates and invertebrates and when trees die, they can be utilised for various products. In the early days golf balls were made from the Gutta-percha trees (Eucommia ulmoides), which was used to make the ‘guttie’ golf ball.

s with all resources trees need to be managed. Young trees need to be tended and protected from pests. ATrees have a natural life span and some species live longer than others, Oaks will live well over 300 years, while Cherries may only live 70 years. As trees get older they are more prone to succumbing to disease. Different species will be attacked by different pathogens. The disease pathogens are often latent in the environment and as the tree ages and looses its ability to defend itself it becomes more prone to infection. Some pathogens are more aggressive and will attack vigorous trees and generally result in wide spread damage to the tree stock. A classic example of such a disease was Dutch Elm Disease which did so much damage in the 1970’s and 1980’s. The current cause for concern is Phytophthora ramorum, described Branch sinking in the USA as sudden oak death syndrome. This fungus is infecting Japanese larch, but strategically to define fairways; they can mature trees as obstacles to define the golf has been found on other species growing in be used as markers; they can be planted to course layout and define the character of the close proximity to infected Larch. divide fairways which are vulnerable to attack course. Trees can play a very import role on the from others holes. Good tree management should be golf course; they can be planted to create Golf courses that are built in existing proactive; the financial requirements should pleasing surroundings for the course; planted parkland settings will also utilise existing be evaluated and integrated into annual www.gcsai.org 24 Feature

operational budgets. In order to evaluated the financial implications the golf course should prepare a tree strategy, this is a document, which sets out how the overall tree resource is to be managed. It provides the means for moving away from reactive crisis management to a more proactive approach. A tree strategy provides a clear rationale for ensuring that adequate resources are allocated on an ongoing basis. An important element to any strategy is having a risk management programme whereby trees will be subject to regular inspection, especially the older trees. In order to prepare a meaningful strategy it is important to have a comprehensive inventory of tree resource. When managing trees on a golf course for risk, certain criteria need to be considered. The landowner has a duty of care under the occupier’s liability act to ensure that any one entering onto the land is not at risk of injury. Therefore it is important that trees or parts of trees that are potential hazards, have Inonothius dryadeus fungal bracket been identified and appropriate action is taken. In the event of an incident, in order to avoid being held legally responsible for that incident, a landowner must be able to prove due diligence and show that all possible and reasonable precautions have been taken and that proper checks and records were made. When undertaking a hazard risk assessment, an important consideration is the potential target. Where a tree with defects is located in an area, which is rarely, or occasionally used by golfers or staff it may be acceptable to retain such a tree, which if it were in an area of frequent use would warrant immediate felling. When assessing trees an understanding of the trees biology and growth habit are important together with a knowledge of the diseases and defects that are likely to affect them. There are three areas of a tree, which need to be reviewed: • The roots, root buttresses and lower stem • The stem and branch structure Honey fungus on a stem • The foliage. Beefsteak fungus on Oak is a manageable It is important to examine the base of trees Each area will have specific issues that may pathogen. for basal cavities, wounds on root buttress need attention. Decay fungi produce brackets, fruiting and movement or cracks in the soil, which bodies (mushrooms). These can be annual, can be an indication of root problems even in As tree’s age they are more likely to be and annual brackets are seasonal. Dryads the absence of fungal brackets. affected by root and butt rots, these are saddle appears in May/June, and Giant Problems with trees can also manifest decay fungi, which are part of the natural Polypore appears in the Autumn, late August- themselves on the tree’s stem. Loose environment, which can weaken the October. The brackets can also be perennial, bark can be an indication of stem decay. structure of the timber in the tree and render that is they remain on the tree and often Excessive peeling bark on sycamore can be it prone to failure. The fungi are often tree increase in size every year. an indication of Sooty bark disease, however species specific. Different fungi have different Being able to recognise each fungal this observation should be cautioned with pathology and while the presence of some bracket is important and appreciating its the normal bark peeling of a similar species, fungi can mean the risk of immediate failure significance is critical. Field guides such as plane trees. Bleeding cankers, both bacterial others are very slow degenerating fungi and the Arboricultural Associations publication and fungal, will produce tarry exudates from their presence may not require immediate An Arborists’ field Guide – Fungi on trees, is the bark, which can be terminal for some action. For example the presence of Ustulinia a very useful booklet to identify the various species such as Horse chestnut infected with on beech is usually very serious, while common fungi that cause problems for trees. Pseudomonas syringae pv aesculi.

25 greenside magazine | September 2011 Feature

Structural defects may also show up on the stem such as spiral cracks, increment strips, and buckling and loose bark. Bark creases and cracks are often an indication of internal weakness in the stem. The presences of ribs on the stem, these are protrusions on the stem, which are indicative of an internal crack. Pointy-nosed ribs are often more dangerous than snub-nosed ribs. Non-uniform swellings in the stem can be an indication of internal defects and possible failure points. The crown of the tree can also pose problems especially in mature trees, such as unions, which are points of potential breakage. These are most problematic in Maples and Beech. Trees which have been previously pruned and that have produced regrowth, which is often multi-stemmed can be at risk of breakage due to top-heaviness or end loading. Remedial solutions may include restorative pruning or in extreme cases Split stem at weak union felling.

Giant Polypore Trees with a dense branch structure can have rubbing/crossing branches which are weakened and at risk of breakage. As trees age branches start to sink, this can be observed as gaps appear in the canopy. Ganoderma resinaceum Sinking branches can be at risk of failure. Options for remedial action can include Insect damage is not a serious problem compaction, can have the ground de- branch reduction, or cable supports. in Ireland, especially when there are cold compacted with an air spade, and then The foliage in the canopy of trees can often winters, however during mild winters mulched, which can help restore root vigour be an early indication of serious problems. insect populations can build up in sufficient and reverse decline. All remedial tree works Reduced leaf size, or leaf density can be numbers to cause foliage problems; conifers should be carried out in accordance with BS indicative of root and systemic problems. are more at risk, for obvious reasons. In 3998: 2010 Trees will often suffer from aesthetic foliage the past problems with cypress and spruce Trees, which are in decline or may in fact, problems such as Guignardia leaf blotch of aphid’s have been significant. be dead or dying, have a very important Horse chestnut, Tar spot on Sycamore or part to play in the environment. Where a more debilitating foliar disease such as Solutions possible deadwood should be left in trees blossom wilt of Cherry. for invertebrates, and where possible dead As mature trees decline they start to Once potential serious defects are identified a standing trees should be maintained. These retrench, that is the distal parts of the canopy management solution needs to be considered. can be cut back to ‘Hat stands’ or poles as are shut down. This manifests itself as crown One option is to move the target. This may appropriate as they provide habitat, for die back. This can be a very obvious early involve restricting the public from the area or invertebrates, bats, birds and potential indication of tree decline especially during closing part of the course during periods of feeding and nesting habitats for our recently the summer months. extreme weather. returned woodpeckers. Not to forget hunting Trees can also go into decline as a result of Remedial tree works should be considered; and plucking perches for birds of prey. non-pathogens. Trees struck by lightning this may include branch removal, crown Before embarking on a dramatic solution, will have bark cracks and localised area of reduction, and lateral branch reduction which may include felling, specialist, advice crown die back. Chemical damage from and supporting weak branches with cables should be obtained from a suitably qualified herbicide spray will cause foliage die back. or braces. Trees, which have suffered root and competent Arboricultural Consultant. www.gcsai.org 26 By Carl Pass Director of Premier Pitches Ltd.

Problems with weather on sportspitches during the winter months are well documented and this has been addressed by most clubs who now have efficient drainage systems that will remove large amounts of water effectively so that they have a reasonable playing surface which will withstand 90 minutes of football. Will this surface withstand the new set of problems placed upon it?

Photo: Sean McCrystal Feature

lthough I do not pretend to hold Problem - Migration of fines later. Subsequently sub surface cultivation all the answers to these increasing within the root zone, black has been the only option available to aerate burdens I am, in this article, layer, irrigation and nutrition. and decompact. All practices associated Atrying to formulate a plan of action that with sub surface cultivation are designed to will go some way to producing a pitch able Over time some pitches will inevitably minimise disturbance to the existing sward. to withstand the new challenges posed by suffer from finer particles within the root We now however have the ability to remove increased usage and stadium problems. zone migrating to the surface, this impedes existing swards efficiently and economically In my view one thing that contributes to drainage rates and can lead to layering within by employing the Koro Field Top Maker. the solution is a clean open sward clear of the rootzone which affects surface stability Surface cultivation is based on the Poa Annua. A thick dense sward is often and causes shallow rooting. assumption that, a reasonable root zone viewed by many as an essential component Anaerobic black layer is associated with exists with the ability to sustain healthy when producing winter games pitches, stadium pitch problems it can be problematic growth and remove precipitation efficiently. however I would argue that a thick dense in even the best maintained pitches. This can Prior to any surface cultivation, pitches must sward creates its own set of problems as be kept at bay by regular aeration practices be evaluated it should not be assumed that the majority of pitches which appear to being undertaken at the correct time of year. surface cultivation is suitable for all pitches, have a dense sward are dominated by Poa Finally the nutrition and irrigation for example your pitch may have a bypass Annua which produces thatch. which is required to produce the desired drainage system which could be damaged by To attempt to create a suitable playing playing surface can often be inappropriately surface cultivation, however in this instance surface the following problems must be administered. looked at in detail: Players, managers and club officials Problem - Surface divots, all wish to see a thatch and surface stability pitch, which is green and well Firstly what is a divot and how does presented, this divotting occur. Divots are produced sometimes puts when a players boot makes moving pressure on the contact with the surface of the groundsman pitch, separating the grass plant and to over fertilise accumulated thatch from the root zone and water. leaving an area devoid of grass cover. Poa dominant Divots can be replaced to cover the pitches will look exposed area but in the winter months the impressive in the roots will not regrow and the cycle repeats early part of the itself. If a sward is open and supporting season with their healthy Rye Grass plants without thatch, thick lush sward, divots to a large extent cannot occur. The unfortunately grass will only scar, meaning that the grass when it comes is moved within the rootzone rather than to the depths of removed. Scarring can be repaired as the winter they often root is still intact and will recover more fail to live up to effectively. expectations. There are many factors to take thatch and Poa Annua can still be removed Surface stability is often affected on a into account, however if a pitch made up of by the Koro Field Top Maker and the Koro thatchy pitch by the addition of bulky an open Rye Grass sward, free of thatch and Recycling Dresser can also be used without top dressings such as sand and root zone. Poa Annua, growing in a suitable root zone, disruption to the bypass drainage system. When it is applied in the close season the can be established then a number of the My suggested plan of action is centred top dressing just sits on the top of the aforementioned problems will be eradicated. around a cyclical programme and as such thatch rather than integrating into the would commence in the close season to rootzone, causing instability. To solve this How is such a pitch produced? remove all existing accumulations of herbage the thatch must be removed prior to the and thatch (removal of the top should not be application of the bulky top dressing. In agriculture farmers have for centuries confused with fraise mowing). Cultivation cultivated land as part of its on going would then be necessary to redistribute any Problem - Regeneration management. Surface cultivation by whatever fines, which may have worked their way in shade and lack of form stirs up the soil, decompacts, aerates to the surface. Air will be introduced to atmospheric air movement and refreshes the soil. Often this management the profile of the root zone by cultivation; is undertaken in a cyclical pattern between any problems associated with anaerobic The impact of shade and impeded air crops, this cycle of cultivation keeps the land conditions such as black layer will be circulation will affect the characteristics of conditioned and able to sustain whatever addressed at this stage. During cultivation a pitch. Higher stands and wrap around crop is to be grown. The “crop” sports turf soil conditioners such as seaweed meal etc stadiums will severely impede the ingress managers produce is obviously grass. can be added, as they will be well integrated of vital air and light, as a consequence Historically managers of sports turf pitches into the root zone. An opportunity also grass will struggle to grow. Regeneration have not had the opportunity to undertake exists to introduce fibre stabilisation, which will be even more hampered if the small surface cultivation mainly because of the cost will enhance the playing characteristics by amounts of light and air present cannot involved in removing the existing sward and reinforcing the root zone. Fibre stabilisation be absorbed by the plant due to thatch the fear of insufficient recovery time due to is the ideal method for this system as it will accumulation. playing seasons starting earlier and finishing benefit from periodic surface cultivation www.gcsai.org 28 Feature

and remain unaffected through out the cycle unwanted organic accumulations and grub will also assist in preventing the sward from of operations. Once this work has been out Poa Annua colonies. Perennial Rye becoming woolly, which could lead to disease completed the pitch may be levelled to an Grass plants will remain largely unaffected infestations etc. acceptable standard. by this operation and will regenerate within A close inspection and evaluation will Overseeding using suitable equipment a short period of time. If appropriate the be required towards the end of the second should follow using only Dwarf Perennial Koro Recycling Dresser can be used to good season. If the pitch is in a similar condition to Ryegrass seed sown at the recommended effect, this machine will aerate decompact last year it may be that a repeat of operation rate, do not fall into the trap of adding three and provide a source of top dressing all in undertaken during the end of the first or four bags for luck and one more for the one pass. season will suffice to see the pitch through pigeons. Pre-seeder fertiliser should then be At this stage any necessary bulky top to the end of the third season. If this is the applied in accordance with soil analysis. dressing operations can be undertaken such case all well and good, a little adjustment Once the sward starts to establish correct as sand application, prior to Verti-Draining/ to renovation may be necessary to redress management practices can be undertaken solid tining, with the confidence that they any small problems, if the Koro Recycling such as irrigation, aeration, fertilisation etc. will be integrated into the root zone rather Dresser was not used last season it may well These practices should be carried out for the than sitting on top of an organic layer. be worth using it this close season. On the purpose of producing a healthy deep-rooted Overseeding at the recommended rate should other hand if it appears that problems are sward able to withstand the rigours of the follow, the seed will reap the benefit of having re-occuring (which may happen in certain season to come. During the first season the excellent contact with the soil thus making stadiums) to such a degree that it will affect pitch should perform well given the correct germination and subsequent establishment the development of a clean open sward then management. At the end of the season far superior to seed sown into a thatch layer. the work prescribed for the first season can hopefully the pitch will have coped with the As the second season approaches it will be undertaken again. increased demands far better than it may become crucial that attention is given to This system of pitch management is have done previously due to the removal of aeration throughout the growing season intended to reduce many of the factors that thatch forming Poa Annua. to minimise the occurrence of anaerobic can be attributed to stadium pitch problems. To prevent the re-formation of Poa Annua, conditions. One cannot afford to be Due to the availability of new machinery during the close season in the second complacent and as such scarification and handled by competent operators, surface year it will again be necessary to employ verti-cutting will be necessary to keep the cultivation and other operations can be the Koro Field Top Maker. This time the sward open and free of any unwanted organic undertaken cost effectively and when machine should be used to fraise mow the build up which may affect the performance necessary thus eliminating the need for costly pitch. This operation will clear out any characteristics of the pitch. Verti-cutting removal and replacement of the rootzone.

29 greenside magazine | December 2011 Sutton Golf Club

Course Feature and Photography by Alan Mahon Sure and Far Take the Dart from Bray to Howth and the train travels through two golf courses. Woodbrook will be the first as you leave Bray, and you will pass through Sutton Golf Club before you arrive at Howth.

got off at Sutton train station and walked a short distance down a gravel path to where Simon Lewis was waiting for me in Ihis golf buggy. He was about to show me the course that he maintains at Sutton Golf Club. This is a nine hole course located at the base of Howth peninsula on Cush Point, with Lambay Island in full view from the clubhouse. It was established in 1890 as the Dublin Scottish Golf Club, but in 1896 the golf club and the local yacht club joined forces and the club was renamed as the Sutton Golf and Boat Club. There is evidence to suggest that the Royal Dublin Golf Club used this land prior to 1890, before moving to their Bull Island location today. The annual subscription in 1897 was £1 in addition to an Marram and lime grass have established along the dunes entrance fee of £1. Gradually the yacht club dissappeared in 1983, the old lease of 99 years was bought work commenced on developing three holes from the scene and the club became known for £30,000 and the links is now held under a on land across the railway line known as as Sutton Golf Club. All that remains today lease of 999 years from the Howth Estate. Connors Field. These holes were open for of that earlier sailing relationship is the For many years the links course at Sutton play in 1971 and consisted of a par three, a inclusion of two nautical flags on the club was very compact, to say the least. The six par four and a par five. The three holes were crest. These shipping flags translate to ‘Far’ holes that are now located on the clubhouse redesigned in 1995, opening for play in 1996. and ‘Sure’ which can easily be as meaningful side of the railway line used to contain the In 2010 the Dublin Bay sewer project came on a golf course. entire nine holes. The club joke back then was through the fourth hole. When completed, For over eighty years the land on the that when someone shouted ‘Fore’, everyone it allowed for this hole to be cleaned up and course was leased from the Lauder Estate but, on the course ducked. It was in 1969 that remodelled with many new trees planted. www.gcsai.org 32 A view looking down the ninth hole (photo courtesy Sutton Golf Club)

(mainly to protect the nearby adjoining houses). Material from the Dublin Bay sewer project was stored beside the nearby St. Fintan’s school. This material contained a lot of fine clay, and was used for mixing in with the soil which was used for mounding around part of the course in Connors Field. Jack Nicklaus is an honorary member of the club, as was former President of Ireland, the late Dr. Patrick Hillery, who lived in Sutton.

Coastal erosion Sutton Golf club has experienced coastal erosion for most of its history. In 1952 concrete groynes were placed along the beach at the ninth fairway, which helped stem the problem for a brief period, until the major storm of 1954 breached 150 feet of shoreline. Since then rock boulders have been placed Rock boulders placed along the ninth hole to curtail erosion along the shoreline between the eighth green and the the ninth hole, which has stabalised sprinkler units on the shore to dampen down be released to the grass. No hollow coring the situation. The sands around Cush Point the sand so as to minimise the amount of is done, instead he pencil tines during the are constantly shifting and the dunes are sand blowing onto the course. He has four winter and uses a hydrojet from April to migrating from one area to another. Presently irrigation couplers along the edge of the November. sand is being deposited around the vicinity course to facilitate this operation. The greens are topdressed monthly using of the eighth and ninth holes where Lime There is also some erosion taking place on bought in sand. The height of cut on the grass has colonised. Simon has planted the first and second holes but not as severe. greens is 4mm in Summer and 5mm in Maram grass amongst the lime to help the Winter. Tees and approaches are cut at 8mm stabilisation of the dunes. It appears that Maintenance while the fairways are maintained at 11mm the erosion has been eliminated but it only Starting in spring, Simon applies ammonium Each Spring and Autumn the greens are takes a severe storm to change all that. When and iron sulphates on the greens along with seeded with slender creeping red fescue using the tide is out and a strong easterly wind is liquid seaweed. He uses soil conditioners a stitch seeder applied in two directions. blowing, Simon and his crew place mobile to acidify the rootzone so that calcium can Gorse grows naturally throughout the

33 greenside magazine | December 2011 the first Irishman to be honoured in this way, a fitting honour for the great man’s achievements. Joe Carr lived in a house overlooking the second green and sixth tee. Many late evenings were spent practising his golf shots and fine tuning his swing. After winning his third British Amateur Championship in 1960, at his homecoming reception at the club, he expressed his thanks to Sutton Golf Club for allowing him every facility to practice and for ignoring the divots which he had dug up. A special room was built during Sutton’s new clubhouse construction. Known as the JB Carr room, it contains every memorabilia you can think of celebrating the man’s achievements, including trophies, photographs, books and much more. It is well worth a visit, if only to see the room. Daniel O’Shea doing some divot repairs Inset:Derek Downie winner of the 2011 Ballyliffin Senior The man that looks after this room is Brian Scratch Cup (photo courtesy Sutton Golf Club). ‘The Colonel’ McAllister, an Honorory Life Member of the club and a club character. course but in order to stop it from taking Joe Carr passed away in 2004 at the age over and looking unsightly, it is cut back to of eighty two. In 2007 he was inducted into contain its spread. golf’s Hall of Fame. The rough is cut, scarified and collected in Oct/Nov using vacuum mowers Course staff The Course Superintendent at Sutton The Joe Carr connection is Simon Lewis. Simon has been there When writing about Sutton Golf Club, one since January 2004, having arrived from cannot ignore mentioning the late Joe Carr. Toronto, Canada to assist the then Course The most successful Irish amateur golfer Superintendent, Mark Collins who has since ever, Joe Carr was a member of Sutton Golf moved to Killeen Castle as Course Manager. Club for almost seventy years. His golfing Simon took over from Mark in 2006. During achievements were quite phenomenal. His the summer of 2001, Simon visited Ireland victories on the golf course, nationally and with his father where they played golf on internationally, spanned thirty years. JB, as links courses. Simon had just obtained an he was known as, recorded twelve victories Honours degree in Urban Planning but, after in the East of Ireland Championships, three playing and falling in love with links golf, South of Ireland titles and twelve West he knew that greenkeeping was to be his of Ireland Championships. Joe became future profession. He returned to Canada an Irish International and a Walker Cup Gorse have been cut back to contain its growth and attended Massachusetts University player serving a record eleven consecutive appearances on the Walker Cup team. It is interesting to note that, in 1949, along with Joe Carr, Sutton had two other international players – Ray McInnally and Jimmy Carroll. More illustrious victories were to follow. The most significant were the 1953, 1958 and 1960 British Amateur Championship at Hoylake, St. Andrews and Royal Portrush respectively. JB won the Irish Amateur Close title on six occasions as well as four Irish Amateur Open Championships. Joe Carr was the leading amateur, on three occassions, at the Open Championships. His record is unparralleled, not alone in Irish amateur golf but perhaps anywhere in the amateur golfing world. Joe Carr was made Captain of Sutton Golf Club (for the second time) in 1990 to coincide with the club’s centenary celebrations. During that year Jack Nicklaus visited Sutton Golf Club to wish JB and the club well on their centenary year. Jack had played Joe in the Walker Cup and they had remained good friends. In 1991, Joe was The late Joe Carr with a small selection of the major trophies he won in a glittering career appointed captain of the R&A at St Andrews, (photo courtesy Sutton Golf Club) www.gcsai.org 34 Left: Frank Kennedy (Greens Convenor), Daniel O’Shea (Greenkeeper), Brian ‘The Colonel” McAllister, Simon Lewis (Superintendent), Michael Healy (General Manager). Missing from photo is Derek Downie where he studied Turf Management. A year. Membership is around six hundred but year later, as luck would have it, a friend of there is a growing concern within the club Machinery Used his approached him asking would he help that very few juniors are joining, something with the construction of Crosswinds Golf which the club committee are addressing. • Jacobsen hand mowers c/w floating Course in Milton, Canada. He grasped this Simon, in his golf buggy, brought me back heads x 2 opportunity and stayed until the project was to the gravel pathway leading back to Sutton completed. But Simon wanted to work on a station where I caught my train. I had visited • Toro hand mower c/w groomer links course in Ireland. “My wife Karey did a beautiful little giant of a golf course but • Toro Triplex Greenmaster 3250D all the leg work in facilitating me to come to felt a great sense of Irish golfing history, as I (DPS cutting units) Ireland”, said Simon. “She contacted Tracy made my way home. What a place! Coburn of the GCSAI and Tracy suggested • Toro Triplex Greenmaster (for to Karey that I attend the 2003 Sportsturf mowing tees/approaches) Ireland exhibition in the RDS. This I did and • John Deere 3225C fairway mower I was introduced to Mark Collins. The rest is (lightweight heads) history, as they say”. Simon has two greenkeepers working • Saxon LM 180B triplex surrounds with him, Derek Downie and Daniel mower O’Shea. Derek is Simon’s Assistant and is an • Kubota B2410 tractor c/w rotary deck accomplished golfer. This year he won the • Kubota STV 32 tractor c/w front Senior Scratch Cup in Ballyliffin Golf Club, Co. Donegal. Derek was also on Suttons loader winning Barton Cup team of 2002 and 2003 • Toro Workman 3300D with and the winning Senior Cup team of 2004. attachments for: Gambetti sprayer At the time of my visit to Sutton, Derek was helping as a volunteer for The Solheim • Toro Pro Pass 200 topdresser Cup at Killeen Castle. Daniel O’Shea • Ez-Go Buggy worked in Royal Dublin Golf Club • Toro Pro Core 648 aerator before moving to Sutton. He attended • Smithco Roller Elmwood College in Scotland to study greenkeeping and, like Derek, he is a • Charterhouse Verti-seeder valuable member of the course staff. • Thatch Away cassettes: Vericut units and Rotary brushes Sutton Golf Club is financially • Large tipping trailer sustainable, a great achievement in these hard economic times. • Allen hover mower Not many green fees are sold but • Kawasaki strimmer the club makes up for this by the • Blec multi seeder c/w double rollers many golf societies that visit each

Simon Lewis, Course Superintendent greenside magazine | December 2011 at Sutton GC Southeast Report by Mark Murphy, Tullamore Golf Club

Well done to our Southeast region team from everyone in the region for retaining the Presidents Cup at Castlemartyr Golf Club. Thanks to Colman Warde and Everris, the sponsors, and long may this event continue.

Druids Glen Outing On a glorious sunny day on the 9th of August a great crowd of thirty five turned up to play the Druids Glen Golf Club for the last outing in the 2010/2011 year. The course was in fantastic condition and it was a real treat to play. A special ‘Thank You’ to everybody in Druids Glen and in particular to John O’ Sullivan and his staff for their efforts; Prizewinners from the Druids Glen outing everybody was full of praise for the course and really enjoyed the day.

Druids Glen Results

Overall winner 1st: Pat Kelly 2nd: Andy Loughlin Class 1 1st : Fergal Marah 2nd : Declan Higgins Class 2 1st: Tony Quinn 2nd : Edward Walsh Class 3 1st : Michael Doran 2nd : G O’Brien Trade David Casburn (Sea Nymph)

Rathdowney Golf Club Outing Rathdowney Golf Club hosted our first outing for the 2011-2012 year on October 20th , once again we got a lovely day for the outing. Not many of the 38 who played on the day had played the course before and Lorcan Dunne and his staff had the course in great shape. The greens were the envy of most of the greenkeepers who played on the day, firm, and so clean for the time of year. Many thanks to everyone in Rathdowney for making us all feel so welcome and well done to Lorcan and his staff for the fine job they are doing on the course. On a day of very high scoring we had four players finishing with 39 points, with Roy Butler taking 1st prize on a count back. David Casburn took the trade prize with a brilliant 41 points. The presentation was also made to our Golfer of the Year for the 2010-2011 year, Tony Quinn. Mark Rowland, Payl Smyth and Robert Kilduff at the Rathdowney outing. www.gcsai.org 36 Southeast Report by Mark Murphy, Tullamore Golf Club

Rathdowney Results Overall winner 1st: Roy Butler 2nd: Declan Higgins Category 1 1st : David Behan 2nd : Padraic Clinche Category 2 1st: Tony Quinn 2nd : Pat Kelly Category 3 1st : John O’Brien 2nd : Rob Kilduff Trade David Casburn (Sea-Nymph) Trevor Dargan (left) presents the Golfer of the Year Trophy to Tony A word from our Presidents cup team captain Quinn and regional chairman Trevor Dargan I am delighted to have been captain of the S.E. Region team for this year’s Presidents cup sponsored by Everris. This year we had three new members on our team who were delighted to represent their region. The team was Roy (The Boy|) Butler, Tony (Seve) Quinn, Pat (The Killer) Conway, Declan Higgins, Pat Kelly and Robert Kilduff. Each played their heart out and won on a count back on the back nine. There will be a fierce battle to try and get on the team for 2012 as we will be going for three in a row. Let’s hope we can do it. Lastly, we would like to thank the players from all the regions for the great day and night. It was one to remember.

Regional Networking Groups Peter Sheridan, Edward Walsh and Glen Pearson at the Druids Glen outing The Regional networking group is a concept borne out of a small group of Superintendents in the four regions who have come together intermittently over the number of years to share information to help one another in areas such as:

• Budgets • Wages • Overtime • Staff Problems • Bunker management • and many more.

The GCSAI have decided to promote, encourage and will endeavour to organise meetings in various locations throughout the four regions. We would be talking about groups of between three to ten people. I would ask anyone who would like more information or who would like to set up or get involved in one of these groups to contact myself or our regional chairman, Trevor Dargan, as we think this will be of great help to superintendents in the trying times we are facing at the moment.

Frank Browne, Bernard Kinsella, James D’Arcy and Ken McMenman at the Rathdowney outing.

37 greenside magazine | December 2011 Southwest Report by Michael F O’Connor, Killarney Golf and Fishing Club

Tommy B. makes it look easy on Killarney’s Killeen

n Tuesday 30th August, Charleville’s Tommy Barrett left us in no doubt as to who was the overall winner Oof our outing, played on Killarney’s Killeen course, which has been the venue for four previous Irish Opens. Tommy produced a superb round of golf, scoring an effortless forty two points in the process, five points clear of his nearest rivals who scored a very creditable thirty six points. You can always expect the best from Tommy who is a very keen competitor, no matter what event he may be involved in. First place in the Trade Section went to Padraig Burke from Irish TurfCare followed by Conor Egan of Spraychem Golf in second place. Sam Leach of Dunloe Golf Club took the Guest Prize. Killarney’s Killeen course was in magnificent condition and this was due to the extremely hard work put in by Course President’s Cup 2011 Superintendent David MacIndoe, and his The 2011 Presidents Cup took place at dedicated and efficient staff, in preparation Castlemartyr Golf Resort on Friday 7th. for the 2011 Irish Open and afterwards. To October in glorious weather. Conditions were experience the fruit of their labours made ideal and the course was in outstanding order, it all worth while. Congratulations to David so no excuses could be made if your game was and his team on a job superbly done. not the best. The South West Team consisted We would like to take this opportunity to of yours truly as Team Captain, Tommy thank General Manager Maurice O’Meara Barrett and Seamus Lyons of Charleville, and the Management Committee for the Colman Fitzpatrick and Finbarr O’Mahony of use of their superb facilities. Also to award Kanturk, Denis McCarthy of Tipperary Golf winning restaurateurs John and Freda and Country Club and last, but not least, was Sheahan for the fabulous food served up Castlemartyr Superintendent Trevor Norris. afterwards. Our team put in a superb performance on the day tying for first place overall, but only one For all the effort made by everyone involved Pat Murphy (D’Arcy’s Sands) putting on the team could take the Presidents Cup. I guess we say ‘Mile buiochas dhiabh go leir! 2nd green on the Killeen course. lady luck was not with us this time around, and unfortunately we were consigned to runner-up position, once again, in what can Results from Killarney - Overall only be described as an impeding technicality and I must say that this was in no way the fault of the South West. I rest my case! 1st. Tommy Barrett Charleville G.C. 14h’cap 41pts. I am taking this opportunity to express 2nd. Michael J. O’Sullivan killarney G.C. 18h’cap 36pts. my sincere gratitude to the South West team 3rd. Trevor Norris Castlemartyr Golf Resort 7h’cap 36pts. and to say how proud I am of the way you all

performed on the day. You were superb! After Category 1 all, winning is not everything, and remember, 1st. Finbarr O’Mahony kanturk G.C. 5h’cap. 34pts. competing is the most important thing, because if we did not have people of every Category 2 level competing, there would be no winners. 1st. Seamus Lyons Charleville G.C. 17h’cap. 33pts. Trevor Norris take a bow! You are to be 2nd. Diarmuid Griffin Ballyheigue Castle G.C. 16h’cap 32pts. congratulated on the fabulous condition of the course and the way you have maintained this Category 3 unique facility since you were first appointed 1st. Colman Fitzpatrick kanturk G.C. 20h’cap. 31pts. at Castlemartyr. We have to be extremely grateful to Colman Trade Warde and his team at Everris (formerly Scotts 1st. Padraig Burke Irish TurfCare 17h’cap. 26pts. Professional) for their continued sponsorship 2nd. Conor Egan Spraychem Golf 23h’cap. 22pts. and support of the weekend. Without it, this event would not be the success it has been Guest Prize since its inception. Sam Leach Dunloe G.C. 14h’cap. 36pts. Thank you Colman and team! www.gcsai.org 38 Southwest Report by Michael F O’Connor, Killarney Golf and Fishing Club

M.F. meets US Open legend and Wedding Bells at Fota Island Golf Club to name just a couple octogenarian Ken Venturi Our heartiest congratulations and good of John’s successful children. Reception was You’ve probably heard the story many times wishes go to well known Killarney into St. Columba’s Church, Douglas, on of how he survived the final two rounds in greenkeeper and musician Sean Moynihan Thursday 3rd November for Requiem Mass, blistering heat, losing eight pounds weight who wed the love of his life Marian O’Reilly followed by burial in St. John’s Cemetary, along the way, barely able to walk over the in Killarney recently and held their reception Ballinrea, Cork. last couple of holes and no memory of the in the very popular Sammy’s Restaurant on To Peter and Kevin, and the entire Morris shots he played to win the nineteen sixty Inch Strand, County Kerry. We wish many Family, we offer our sincere condolences at four U.S. Open at Congressional. years of wedded bliss to the happy couple. this sad time. Forty seven years ago Ken Venturi was Ar lamh dheis De go raibh a chuid anam U.S. Open Champion and to this day he dhilis go leir! still doesn’t know how he managed to get through those final holes. Sponsors He has had an illustrious career including We wish to thank our sponsors for their thirty five years spent as a broadcaster and undying support over the last number of sports commentator for C.B.S. television. years. As I have stated many times before, we Well, recently Ken visited Killarney Golf could not survive without your outstanding and Fishing Club and I was lucky enough support, especially in our recent effort to to meet up with him and his lovely wife, secure sponsorship for the next two year Kathleen. Ken has done a massive amount Simon O’Hara (Fota G.C.), James D’Arcy term. May we wish you and your companies of fundraising for very deserving charities (Dar Golf), Pat Murphy (D’Arcy’s Sands), and the very best of success now and in the on both sides of the Atlantic, and over David MacIndoe (Killarney G.C.). future. Thank You! the last twenty five years he has put his shoulder firmly behind the wheel to help the Sympathies Christmas Outing 2011 Kerry Parents and Friends of the Mentally It was with great sadness that we learned of By the time this issue of Greenside appears, Impaired which he says is a charity very the untimely passing of Mrs Bridget Marian hopefully we will have played our Christmas dear to his heart. It mainly depends on a Mulvihill of Sandhill Road, Ballybunion, Hampers competition. Of course a lot Ken Venturi supported Golf Classic and County Kerry on Monday 3rd October 2011 will depend on the weather, but we have donations, for the efficient running of its at a relatively young age. Removal was to to be optimistic. Anyway, all things going very essential services. St. Johns Church, Ballybunion followed by according to plan, the results will be Special Presentations were made to Ken Requiem mass the following day and burial published in the next issue of Greenside. by the President of Killarney G.C. Maureen afterwards in the adjoining Cemetary. Somers and Tony Darmody Chief Executive Bridget was the mother of Jeremy Mulvihill, Seasonal Greetings of the Kerry Parents and Friends of the Greenkeeper at Ballybunion Golf Club. To It’s that time of year again when all thoughts Mentally Impaired. Jeremy and his family we extend our sincere turn to the holiday season and as this is the Ken Venturi is now a very spritely eighty sympathies on this sad occasion. last issue of Greenside before Christmas, may years old and a true gentleman to boot. At the time of going to press we received I take this opportunity to wish all members, It was an honour to have met him again, news of the sad passing of Douglas, County our loyal sponsors, all their families and especially since it has been a few of years Cork’s own John C. Morris, patriarch of that friends as well as everyone involved in the since our paths crossed. We wish Ken many great golfing family who were well known far turfcare profession, a very happy, healthy more good years in his great work for the and wide for their golfing prowess. John was and holy Christmas and all the very best for underprivileged and a prolonged happy the father of Peter, who is renowned Course a healthy and successful 2012 and healthy life for himself and his wife Superintendent at Douglas Golf Club, and Kathleen. Kevin, who is the very popular Professional Hope to see you all early in the New Year!

From left to right: Michael F. and Marie O’Connor, Ken Venturi, Kay Denis Collins (Goldcrop), Micheal Shanahan (Dooks G.C.) and Padraig Darmody and Tony Darmody (Chief Executive of the Kerry Parents & Burke (Irish TurfCare) relax after the game. Friends of the Mentally Impaired).

39 greenside magazine | December 2011 NortheastGreenside Report by David Callanan, Beech Park Golf Club

Simon wins Autumn Trophy in style

Some of the Autumn Tropy winners: Back left, Trevor Dargan, David Casburn, David Callanan. Front: Andy Sheehan, John Egan, Simon Lewis (winner) and Kenny Liddell (Bayer sponsor).

This time of year offers Superintendents from neighbouring clubs an opportunity to come together and discuss topics such as staff levels, budget cuts, membership levels in clubs.

am part of one of these groups in my area and I would highly recommend it to all Superintendents. It is worth remembering Ithat we all face similar challenges in our clubs and quite often discussing these problems with others can take some pressure from our shoulders and equip us with answers to give our members when asked about the golf course down the road.

Autumn Trophy It was a great pleasure for me to have the Annual Autumn Trophy played in Beech Park Golf Club for the second consecutive Majella Smyth addresses the large gathering at the Aviva Stadium last September which was year. I would like to personally thank Bayer organised by the North East Region in conjunction with Everris. for their generous sponsorship of the event. Winner: Simon Lewis 33 pts Brother Andrew On behalf of all the people Brother Andrew Shortly after the Good Counsel outing, helped over the years, I wish him a happy Pitch and Putt Brother Andrew passed away. Brother resting place- he surely deserves it. The annual Pitch and Putt outing was held in Andrew always welcomed the GCSAI to Good Counsel in August. We had our usual Good Counsel each August for the annual Enquiries good turnout for the afternoon and it easy to Pitch and Putt. Over the years Brother If anyone would like to hold an outing at say everyone enjoyed themselves. This year Andrew has, in some way, helped many their club next year please let one of the NE the day was sponsored by Dave Whelan. Superintendents and Greenkeepers during committee know and we will do all we can to Winner: Ken Boyle and Ross Grundy the early part of their careers. facilitate your request. www.gcsai.org 40 Northeast Report by David Callanan, Beech Park Golf Club

Thank You I would like to take this opportunity to thank all sponsors of the North East Region and the GCSAI as a whole for their continued support over a difficult year.

• Campey Turfcare Systems Ltd • Dublin Grass Machinery • JFB Golf Supplies Ltd • Lely Ireland Ltd • Martyns Grass Lawns Ltd • Reel-Tech • Spraychem Golf Ltd • Sea-Nymph • Harris Turf Improvements • Cropcare • TurfCare Group • Dar Golf Construction Left: Keith Clancy (Greystones GC), Sean Donoghue, Simon Parker • Tacit (Giles McDonagh) and David Perdisatt (all three from Beechpark GC) at the Aviva • Bayer Stadium Open Day. • Anthony Darcy Sands • MSK Silver Sands • NAD • Advanced Landscape Services (Karl Dooley) • Dave Whelan

On a final note, this will be my last report as Secretary of the NE Region. I have enjoyed the last 2 years, working with the other committee members and meeting new people at our outings. Sadly due to work commitments I can no longer dedicate enough time to the position of Secretary. If anyone is interested in helping out on the committee they should contact John Egan on 086-3470388.

Left: Peter O’Callaghan (NAD), David Callanan (Beechpark GC), David Casburn (Sea-Nymph) and Ken McMenman (Martyns Grass Lawns) at the Autumn Trophy. FOR SALE Poa Greens Sod For more details contact: Mark Harris of Harris Turf Improvements Mobile: 087 2540166 Email: [email protected]

41 greenside magazine | December 2011 Northwest Report by Damien Coleman, Galway Bay Golf Resort

A Busy Few Months Between golf outings, Presidents Cup, The Solheim Cup and greenkeeping, of course, the last three months have been a very busy period for both myself and the rest of us in the northwest.

Galway Bay Golf Resort Outing Our latest outing in the northwest region took place at the picturesque Galway Bay Golf Resort on the 27th of September. A fine sunny day greeted the large turnout for the event, which doubled as a qualifier for the President’s Cup team. With only six places up for grabs on the team and the chance to represent the northwest in Castlemartyr Barry Flanagan, Tom McHugh and Damian McLaverty at the Galway Bay outing. Hotel & Golf Resort, a high standard of golf was required to qualify. Though we had plenty of dry weather, the wind on the day made the course play to its full potential and proved to be crucial in relation to the scoring. Much praise must go to Jason Podris and his team for presenting the course in such spectacular condition. The results were as follows:

1st Stephen Munnelly 2nd Michael D’Arcy 3rd Barry Flannagan 4th Johnny Mannion Trade Prize: Giles McDonagh

Presidents Cup 2011 Castlemartyr Hotel and Golf Resort played host this year to what has become a keenly contested competition between the four regional teams of the GCSAI. The longest course in Ireland? Damian McLaverty plays out of a pot bunker on the 81st hole!! This was President Damian McLaverty’s He did say that he was a little tired after completing the round. first Presidents Cup and I would like to congratulate and thank him for a fantastic couple of days. The northwest team consisted of; Damien Coleman (Captain), Tom McHugh, Jimmy McHugh, Damian McLaverty, Barry Flannagan, Michael D’Arcy and John Moran. Having come second last year, we set off for Cork hoping to go one better this year. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be and the southeast region retained the title for a second year in a row. However, this wasn’t without a serious challenge from the southwest who were placed second but finished on the same score as the southeast, only to be beaten after a count back of the cards. Congratulations to the southeast team and their captain Trevor Dargan. Such an exciting finish could not have been possible without an equally exciting golf course and Castlemartyr didn’t disappoint. Therefore, great credit must be given to Trevor Norris and his crew for producing The 7th green at Galway Bay Golf Resort with the 12th green in the background. www.gcsai.org 42 Northwest Report by Damien Coleman, Galway Bay Golf Resort

Tom McHugh hoped his ball would be on target but the only lonely tree Some of the volunteers at Killeen Castle for The Solheim Cup: Back on the course got in his way at the Galway Bay outing. row left: Paul Coleman, Damien Coleman, David Daly, Brian Mooney. Front: Craig Erskine, Tommy Farnan. superb playing surfaces and conditions and for being such accommodating hosts. Also a massive ‘Thank You’ must be given to Colman Warde and all of the EVERRIS team for making this event possible.

Solheim Cup 2011 Killeen Castle The much publicised Solheim Cup took place back in September at the superb Killeen Castle. I was lucky enough to be a volunteer for the event which more than lived up to expectation. My tasks for the week were cutting greens and cutting fairways. The golf operations team consisted of approximately fifty greenkeepers between volunteers and Killeen Castle staff. Course Superintendent Mark Collins led the team in a very professional manner, especially on the final day when the weather caused two disruptions Kenneth Kelly, Giles McDonagh, Paddy Kelly and Sean McDonagh relaxing at the Galway Bay outing. in play. I would like to thank my greens mower partner for the week Tommy Farnan for helping me find my way around the 500 acre site and of course to Brian Mooney, Killeen Castle Mechanic, for putting up with me. “Come in Brian Mooney.” The northwest region was also represented at the event by Paddy Kelly of Portumna, Kenneth Kelly of Claremorris and Galway native James O’Connor. I think it was fair to say that an amazing experience was had by all.

Sponsorship I would like to thank all of our sponsors who have generously contributed to our region this year. We would be most grateful to any past contributors or new sponsors that would like to assist us in the future. Contact myself John McGrath, James D’Arcy, John Moran and Pat Murphy at the Galway Bay Outing. for further details on: 087 6666131.

43 greenside magazine | December 2011 F.E.G.G.A. REPORT By Dean Cleaver CEO

Another summer slips away The EGEU and its work has been supported beyond the three years funding awarded by and I hope that you all have and acknowledged by golf, with the the R&A. European Golf Association and the R&A A website designed to be an information had some vacation time. I being totally supportive of this strong move portal can be accessed at www.egeu.eu recently had the pleasure of to Europeanise Greenkeeping educational spending some holidays on Standards for the benefit of the game that European Golf Bodies to promote ‘Grow the lovely island of Majorca, some six million golfers enjoy playing in the Game of Golf’ website Europe today. an Island that is becoming An influential team of Golf organisations a popular destination for which includes The European Tour, FEGGA, travelling golfers from many PGA’s of Europe, CMAE, EGCOA, GEO, GCIA and EIGCA, have agreed to expand parts of Europe. and promote the ``Grow the Game of Golf´´ website. The aim of the website is to oliday done and it was off encourage and inspire golf clubs and other to Kossen in Austria for the golf organisations to help develop the game, Harradine Memorial Trophy, a particularly at grass roots level. Hgolf tournament created in memory of the The ‘Grow the Game of Golf’ website late Don Harradine, an architect and great describes best practices within the industry friend to all greenkeepers. He was a pioneer The EGEU management team from left, John and aims to provide feedback from the of Greenkeeper education in Continental Holiday, David Golding, Dean Cleaver leading experts in golf development. Europe, and was a major catalyst of the education that has since developed and is The Standards have already had an available today. influence on countries focusing on their On arriving in Salzburg, the weather educational programmes and will be of real again proved how changing it has become, benefit to the new emerging golf nations as with low temperatures of +2C and some they take their first steps in creating new 100mm of snow that had fallen during the educational programmes to support the night and early morning. This was quite a future development of the game. shock coming from Majorca, where they Building on the work by the Pan-European had been experiencing some unusually high working group it is now important, during Following its successful launch last year, temperatures of +39C degrees. There was the next stage of development, that the aims Tarav Badhwar of the EGCOA will now be a thought that due to the snow that there and objectives of the EGEU are accelerated; taking the website to the next level with would be no golf tournament, I needn’t have these include: the cooperation of all the partnering golf worried, as both practice day and tournament bodies. Tarav has recently completed his Post day arrived, along with +25C degrees, • Encouraging the Sharing of Best Graduate studies in Golf Management at Les unbelievable. The tournament again was a Practice in greenkeeping and golf Roches University in Spain. He was inspired great success and the Austrian Greenkeepers course management by the growth of golf in India, from where he Association did a great job as hosts of the • Encouraging all aspects of originates. event for this year. Congratulations to Peter Environmentally Sustainable Golf Shaw (Germany) on winning the tournament Development and Management About the Grow the Game of Golf for a record 5 times and 4 years in succession. • Providing Quality Standards which Website: I am sure that Don Harradine would be a each country in Europe can adopt proud man to see greenkeepers coming from • Supporting Greenkeeping and Golf these countries, sharing their experiences and Golf course owners and operators can now Organisations in each country to find initiatives and information to assist making new friends, something his son, Peter achieve this Harradine reflected on within his speech at them in their own efforts to organize similar • Developing and Promoting Quality projects at their golf courses. the closing dinner. Education Providers across Europe With education in mind, many of you In addition, there are also a comprehensive range of graphics and statistics, which will have seen the article within the FEGGA Dean Cleaver will take responsibility Newsletter giving further news of the work illustrate player numbers and relative to promote the EGEU and in his role as growth in a variety of countries, as well as of the EGEU (European Greenkeepers Executive Officer to FEGGA he is well placed Education Unit) testimonials from leading European golf to assist member organisations and Countries organisations and key industry players. looking to use the EGEU standards in For further information, please visit: greenkeeping training. www.growthegameofgolf.org David Golding GTC’s Education Director Both these initiatives reflect some of the will advise on all matters relating to the important work that FEGGA is working content of the three levels of Occupational with and these have major benefits to Standards; Greenkeeper, Golf Course The EGEU was formed in 2008 and during greenkeepers and our industry. This Supervisor and Golf Course Manager. also reflects the commitment that the that time has established Pan European Quality of education and training provision Standards at three levels, Greenkeeper, Greenkeeping profession is making to ensure will also be within David’s advisory we are the cutting edge of decision making Supervisor, and Course Manager. The responsibilities. current work to date can be seen on the within the bigger stage. Take a little time and John Holliday will operate as the EGEU’s take a look at both these websites. EGEU website at www.egeu.eu Finance Director and looks forward to ensuring the EGEU has a sustainable future www.gcsai.org 44 Greenside

45 greenside magazine | December 2011 PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP

Southeast win Presidents Cup - but Only Just Report and Photography by Alan Mahon

It could not have been closer. It was even closer than The Solheim Cup, played only two weeks previously. After their match point totals were level, the Southeast team recaptured the Presidents Cup on a back nine-hole count, beating the Southwest team by a mere single point. These two regional teams have encountered close finishes before in the past but none as close as this. The Presidents Cup was played on the beautiful course of Castlemartyr Hotel and Golf Resort, maintained by Trevor Norris and his team. The Southeast team cleaned up with other prizes as well. Nearest The Pin was won by Tony Quinn while Declan Higgins won the Longest Drive competition.

verris was the sponsor of the competition and Everris Sales the feel of the course. This proved to be a bit of a decoy, for on the Representative for Ireland, Colman Warde, along with GCSAI practice day a strong gale was blowing which made the course play a President Damian McLaverty, presented the claret jug to the lot longer than the day of the competition. Evictorious Southeast team. “Everris are always delighted to be part of One other competition was played during the Presidents Cup and this event”, said Colman Warde. “It is great to see the regions coming that was the Everris team versus the GCSAI team. This year it was the together and participating in this competition”. Also in attendance, sponsors who triumphed. representing Everris from the UK, were Richard Walton, Gary Smith, All the players were kitted out in specially made jumpers with each Ed Carter and Rod Burke. regional team having their own colours. Damian McLaverty thanked Everris for their generous sponsorship, The Presidents Cup is a popular event in the GCSAI calendar. It a sponsorship that is hard to get in this difficult economic climate. sees the four regions coming together for a day of golf (after a hearty “We appreciate very much Everris’s contribution to making this breakfast), enjoying an evening meal and finishing with an overnight event a success”, said Damian. “Preparations for this competition stay in a hotel with breakfast included the next morning – all thanks start almost ten months in advance, as each region has to qualify in to the sponsor Everris. If you want to have a chance of being part of regional golf outings throughout the year to be part of their team.” your regional team then it is important that you attend as many of To say that the Presidents Cup was played on a lovely course would your regional golf outings as possible. be an understatement. The course was magnificent. Compliments on Word has it that next year’s event could be played on a links course its condition came from every player. somewhere in the Northwest region. Some teams arrived the day before to play a practice round and get Watch this space to find out! www.gcsai.org 46 PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP PRESIDENTS CUP

Northeast team left: Colman Warde (Everris), Paul Farrell, Stephen Northwest team left: Colman Warde (Everris), Barry Flanagan, Kelly, Ollie English, Ed Carter (Everris), John Egan (Captain), Gary Damian McLaverty, Ed carter (Everris), John Moran, Damien Coleman Smyth (Everris), Alan McArdle, Rod Burke (Everris), Robert Bolger, (Captain), Gary Smyth (Everris), Tom McHugh, Jim McHugh, Rod Simon Lewis. Burke (Everris), Michael D’Arcy.

The Everris team back row: Ed Carter, Colman Warde, Rod Southwest team left: Colman Warde (Everris), Colman Fitzpatrick, Trevor Norris, Burke. Front: Richard Walton, Gary Smyth. Denis McCarthy, Ed Carter (Everris), Michael F. O’Connor (Captain), Gary Smyth (Everris), Seamus Lyons, Rod Burke (Everris), Tommy Barrett, Finbarr O’Mahony.

Trevor Norris (Southwest team) plays out of a The winning southeast team left: Colman Warde (Everris), Pat Kelly, Declan Higgins, Tony bunker at Castlemartyr. Quinn, Robert Kilduff, Roy Butler, Damian McLaverty (GCSAI President), Pat Conway, Trevor Dargan (Captain).

47 greenside magazine | December 2011 Feature

Are my Irish Roots responsible for my nearly life-long interest in Turfgrass?

By Michael James Healy

At Irish family funerals you learn about Irish family mysteries. It was in the early 1980’s, after the meal that followed the funeral of a Healy second cousin in Dupage County, Illinois that I learned of the mystery of my great-grandfather, with whom I share identical given names.

hat happened in his life that attempting to secure the means by which he he never wanted to talk about? could purchase food for his family? Could he Whatever it was, he took it to his have been a “freedom fighter”, as the Wexford Wgrave in 1920 while living in Chicago. And his Independent newspaper, in writing about the widow, the former Mary Jane Davis of County robbery, speculates: “We hear that the attack Galway, Ireland, if she knew what the mystery on Clarke was only to be the commencement was, also took it to her grave in 1940. Family of the winter campaign.” lore had it that my great-grandfather was born We know from a fifth and final article on board a ship, coming from either Australia, about the robbery published in the Wexford Ireland, or possibly even China! Independent Newspaper that Owen was Being Irish means that one must thoroughly sentenced to seven years “Transportation” in think through how one might go about July, 1848. “Transportation” meant that the solving the mystery of my great-grandfather, convicted person got an all expenses paid trip Michael James Healy. A mere two decades to Australia. Try as we may, with the help of later (actually 19 years), I began my research many, many Aussies also doing genealogical in earnest! It took two years before one of my research on their Irish convict ancestors, we’ve postings on an electronic bulletin board had never been able to place Owen in Australia. a response from another second cousin living But I digress, so how is it that I got an in Arizona. And then her daughter, along interest in turfgrass? Back to my great- with another second cousin became part of The author’s grandfather, James Owen Healy, grandfather Michael James Healy. He fathered our investigative team regarding what had circa 1903. Photographer unknown. a number of children (not uncommon for an happened to my great-grandfather! Irishman) including my grandfather James Well another 11 years or so have passed, would-be robbers quickly fled the scene in a Owen Healy (who died when my father was and we haven’t exactly figured out what the much disorganized way. We know that several six), and Stephen Anthony Healy (always mystery of my great-grandfather was. In fact of the gang members stopped off at the public called “SA” throughout his life). “SA” began all we’ve done is to now heap on a second house in Crossabeg to have “a naggin of his career as a bricklayer building sewers in mystery, this one relating to his father, my spirits” in advance of the robbery attempt. Was Chicago. Through great mental agility and great-great-grandfather, Owen Healy. Owen’s participation one of a wannabe robber? hard work he rose to be a very successful We know that Owen Healy was born in The robbery attempt took place during the and prominent “underground” contractor 1808 in County Wexford. In 1834 he married height of the potato famine. Could Owen be with offices in Chicago and Detroit, finally Catherine Cashin, also of County Wexford. But then we come to the date of December 29, 1847, when great-great-grandfather Owen, along with Nicholas Cash, Michael Whelan, Tom Hayden, and Martin Carroll attempted to rob farmer William Clarke in the Deeps area of County Wexford, located approximately three miles from the village of Crossabeg. They would end up being called “The Deeps Gang” and the robbery attempt the “Deeps Robbery”. The Deeps gang had the advantage of surprise, were well armed (Owen with hatchet, two others with firearms, also one each, billhook and knife), and outnumbered William Clarke by five to one. The robbery attempt went south in a hurry. Clarke wounded two of the robbers with his duck Was this the Crossabeg pub that Owen Healy and other “Deeps” gang members fortified gun, and engaged the others in physical themselves with “naggins of spirit” before attempting to rob farmer William Clarke on the night combat to the point that our group of five of December 29, 1847? Photo by Alan Mahon. www.gcsai.org 48 Feature

My first turfgrass related job was being part of a crew that would walk a polo field the day after a match. Each crew member would take a mower stripe, and with bucket of soil mixed with grass seed and a tile spade-like tool to lift up the depressed hoof divots, walk, and walk, and walk until the field had been completely repaired. Being Irish meant that one had to have fun while experiencing such tedious work. I soon learned that those brown, round objects that horses leave, hardened by a day’s worth of sun and wind, approximated golf balls. And if you took the modified tile spade, and gripped it like a golf club, you could launch those brown, round, and hard horse leavings into the backs of your unsuspecting fellow crew members! I never could get the hang of actually riding My great-grandfather, Michael James Healy (between the horse and wagon) in front of his home on a horse, although I had all the lessons anyone S. Wentworth Ave. in Chicago. This home still exists. Date of photo and photographer unknown. could ever want at my great uncle’s farm, taught by the head trainer, Tim Murphy. I’d been thrown five times, and that was enough. I eventually would go to work at York Golf Club, starting as parking lot boy and working my way “up” to turf maintenance on the weekdays and first tee duties on the weekends. Seventy hour weeks were common in the summer months. And although it is nearly 50 years since I last worked on the course, I can still mentally walk every hole, observe every undulation in every green and see nearly every tree on the course. And I can still see the greenskeeper, Joe Simonetti, neatly “painting” # 3 green with fungicide with the spray wand coming from the old John Deere tank sprayer. The green had contracted some sort of disease. And so it is, I would end up very interested in turfgrass diseases. Can I blame my Irish heritage for my lifelong interest in turfgrass? Why not? Since both my great-great-grandfather, Owen, and his son Myself standing behind a green roof proof-of-concept design using a specially conditioned Michael James had their secrets, why can’t I Seashore Paspalum variety that will bioremediate various types of wastewater. have mine! Photo by Chuck Higginbotham.

specializing in “mud tunneling”, a very high risk/high reward contracting specialty. He was so successful that he was able to purchase a 1000+ acre farm located about 30 miles west of Chicago in a rural area called “Oak Brook”. On the farm he built several polo fields and a barn able to house 75 horses with an attached indoor, heated polo rink. At the age of two, in 1942, my parents, brother, and I moved to the east end of Oak Brook where I would live for the next 20 years. Oak Brook was a truly unique area, in that the concentration of polo fields was probably greater than any other area in the US (or perhaps in the world!). Between my great uncle SA’s farm and my home there were another 15 or so polo fields along with York Golf Club, built in the 1920s, its holes weaving through the polo field complex. This complex was called “ The Oak Brook Sports Core” and The “Deeps” area of Crossabeg, Co. Wexford, with the river Slaney in the foreground. This scene was owned by the Butler family, who I have has not changed much and is probably what Owen Healy would have seen back in the 1840’s. always assumed was/is English. Photo by Alan Mahon.

49 greenside magazine | December 2011 What do you expect Part 1: The Pygmalion Effect

By Frank Newberry

Leadership trainer and Motivational Speaker Frank Newberry considers that good leaders understand how the ‘power of expectation’ can be used to influence outcomes particularly the performance of others. Frank also challenges us to raise our expectations of our own performance as well as those of other people.

first came across the that people will reach their peak performance from his school to juvenile detention power of expectation levels automatically. We must never forget centres – many did. He had consciously early on in secondary that as managers and supervisors we are or unconsciously set up a self fulfilling Ischool. This was judged by the performance of our people. It prophecy. I wonder if we do the same with remarkable given that is very much in our interest to get the best some of the people we have to deal with day my school’s only claim from them to day? to fame was that more of When I was a schoolboy attending one its pupils left and went to of our much hated theatre classes I was Achieve a positive effect by having prison than left and went to university. instructed to read the part of Henry Higgins higher expectations The Head Teacher was once asked to in George Bernard Shaw’s play ‘Pygmalion’. describe the school. Was it academic? No. This play is based on a very old story by I personally have to be careful not to Was it vocational? No - he would say ‘it’s Ovid (born 43BC) in which a man called inadvertently set up a negative outcome custodial’. Pygmalion, a sculptor in ancient Cyprus, through my expectations. I try instead to In this unlikely setting I was blessed to falls in love with the statue of a beautiful achieve a positive effect by having higher learn about something that has proved woman he has created. The Gods intervene expectations of myself and of others. When I really helpful to me throughout my career. and Cupid kisses the statue’s hand. The statue went into management at a young age I would I found out that we can influence people’s is immediately transformed from an ivory let my team know my positive expectations performance through the power of our sculpture into a beautiful woman. She then of them. For example when I took on a new expectation: lives happily ever after with Pygmalion. operational assistant I indicated to him that I In his play (later adapted into the musical thought he could be a supervisor (and a good • You want your staff to work harder? They ‘My Fair Lady’) Dublin born Shaw has his one) within a year – and he was. will. protagonist (Henry Higgins) bet his friend I quickly gained a reputation for spotting • You want your team to pull together? No (Colonel Pickering) that he can, after just people with potential. In truth I gave all my problem. six months of hard work, pass off a common staff the same treatment. Most met my high • You want your senior managers to flower girl (Miss Eliza Doolittle) as a duchess expectations of them; a few did not for a respond better? Right away! at an ambassador’s garden party. In the play variety of reasons. The most common reasons Eliza succeeds and Professor Higgins wins being their: We are judged by the performance of our his bet. people As a boy I struggled to play the part of • Fear of failure, and a Professor Higgins but the concept was • Lack of trust due to bad experiences with How can this be? Well, it is done by exerting very clear to me. Even then I could see other managers in the past. the power of expectation - known to some that negative expectations could come to as the ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’ or the pass as readily as positive ones. I could see Sometime later I refined my use of expectation ‘Pygmalion Effect’. If good leaders are to that because our Head Teacher believed or to transform not only an individual’s get the best out of their people at all levels expected most of his pupils to not achieve performance but also tackle the fears they need to communicate their highest anything – they did not. And because he mentioned above. I did this by delegating lots expectations of them and not just assume expected that many would go straight of higher level work to my new assistant. Of www.gcsai.org 50 News

course when I delegated work to my assistant me. So what’s the trick here? How does it It was then that I knew I was taking part I remained accountable for results so this took work? Well if there is one it is the trick of in a conspiracy away some of the pressure on the person. A looking at people, not as they are, but as you couple of other things were important at that want them to be. Looking past their current What I did not say was ‘I desperately need time. experience and convincing yourself that this this course’. So without looking up my boss person has already reached their potential just said ‘You’d better book yourself on it • A lot of the work I was delegating was not and what is more they are still growing. Then then’. It was then that I knew I was taking meant to be done at this level in the team it is taking the time to talk to people as if part in a conspiracy. It was a conspiracy or even at the level above. However I had they had all the ability you need them to have in which I did not say that I knew what no one else available to me at the time and already. In ‘My Fair Lady’ Professor Higgins was happening. It was also a conspiracy in with some guidance my assistant was soon knows that Eliza has potential but fears which everyone else knew that I knew - but able to do some of the higher level work. I failure and lacks confidence. Communicating said nothing. And why not? My career and deliberately did not mention that the work his expectation built the confidence she earnings potential were both going along in was two levels higher in case it affected my needed to succeed. leaps and bounds and what’s more I seemed assistant’s confidence. However, in all my The important thing here is that you need to have a great rapport with my bosses. dealings I behaved as though the assistant to be convinced yourself that the person can I would like to encourage you to have a go could do the work. and will do what you want. This is not just a at getting better results by using the power technique. Too many people can tell if you of your expectation. Do your best to let • I found that very quickly I could confer mean it or if you are trying it on. If you don’t go of some higher level work and treat the and confide with my assistant on nearly believe it – they won’t believe it. people who are going to do the work as if all important matters. My assistant had Well you might think ‘What about people they already have the ability to do most of it. become my professional colleague. who are untrained?’ ‘We cannot just dump You may need to stop looking at people as the work on them’. That is true but I recall they are but as you want them to be. A good • After a few weeks, when worries about an that the people who used the power of start might be to raise your expectations of ever increasing workload surfaced, a couple expectation on me were: yourself. Maybe you could ask yourself the of other things seemed important. question: ‘How do I want to be?’ Then you • Rather matter of fact – so as to help me might ask ‘How do I want others to be?’ • After explaining how to prioritise work believe this was quite normal for them, Especially your boss! Always remember that I took the opportunity to explain the and quite normal for me people will either live up to your expectations Pygmalion Effect. My assistant’s response • Careful to extend my abilities a little at a or they will live down to them. was thoughtful and positive - and worries time so that my confidence grew about the workload ceased. Frank Newberry has been helping people to I now feel that a form of collusion starts to fulfill their potential in the turfcare sector I then commended my assistant’s work to occur with this process, and the two people for over 20 years. If you have staff who are senior management. A few weeks later I concerned collaborate rather than contend not working to their potential and you think was moved elsewhere eighteen months later over who is capable of doing what. This it might help to talk about it you can get in my former assistant had gained the two was best illustrated in my case when having touch with Frank via the contact tab of his promotions needed to get to supervisor level. agreed to do something well above my level - personal website which is: I casually mentioned that there was a training www.franknewberry.com Things felt very different to me course that might be useful.

How do we exert the power of expectation? How is the Pygmalion Effect achieved? Well I am not absolutely sure (because so few Brian Steps Down people have used it on me) but the first time they did - things felt very different to me. Brian Coburn, founder of the Irish Links Initiative, has decided to ‘step I distinctly remember thinking to myself down’ from the position as Chairman of the ILI. At the recent AGM he ‘I‘ve never done this work before but this proposed John Quigley Secretary/Manager of Portmarnock Golf Club as person expects me to do it’. ‘What do I do his successor, this was unanimously accepted. now?’ ‘Do I explain my problem or do I just get on with it?’ Brian said ‘The ILI has now been accepted as the I was reluctant to say anything because the representative for links golf in Ireland but the time had come person seemed to genuinely think I was doing to let another person take over and build on the strength of work at the higher level. They did not seem the Initiative. I strongly feel that Irish Links Golf is still greatly to understand what level I was supposed to undervalued; it is so unique it could attract a lot more visitors work at and I found it difficult to disappoint a to our country at this critical economic time. I feel that our person who had such confidence in me. tourist boards and governments could do a lot more in this So what did I do? Well I made a couple of r e s p e c t ’. phone calls, spent the night reading up on the Brian Coburn John Quigley remarked ‘I am looking forward to the challenge issues and the next day - I got on with it. of taking over the reins of the ILI and working closely with the committee to move it forward’. Looking at people, not as they are, but as At the close of the AGM Brian was presented with a handsome piece of you want them to be Waterford Crystal suitably inscribed. He said ‘It is a very emotional moment for me’ and thanked those present for the gift. It was much later on that I realised the person was just using the power of expectation on

51 greenside magazine | December 2011 GreensideNews

computers and irrigation controls. Each machine or vehicle has its own Yet Another ILI Success space along with a well fitted mechanics shop. All petrol and diesel is stored underground. The annual Irish Links Initiative (ILI) conference took place on Station 4 was manned by Nick Park from the R&A. He gave a 17th & 18th October at one of the world’s most famous links, demonstration on a prototype new piece of equipment used for the Portmarnock Golf Club. Over 40 Links Superintendents, Captains, measurement of the trueness of golf greens. Although this piece of Greens Convenors and Secretary Managers braved the relentless kit has not yet been approved it can clearly indicate how the roll of wind and horizontal downpours to play the challenging course. the golf ball can ‘bobble’ or be slightly knocked off line if alien grasses such as poa annua are prevalent in the sward. He used it on the nce everyone had thawed and dried off, the ILI held its AGM Portmarnock putting green which is a fine example of a pure fescue which was extremely well attended. Brian Coburn, founder of sward where the ball ran true and straight. It will be a very useful tool the ILI, stepped down as Chairman and John Quigley, Secretary and we should hear more about it next year. OManager of Portmarnock Golf Club was unanimously voted in as his successor. The AGM was followed by a delightful dinner in the Portmarnock Dining Room where the craic and camaraderie flowed. On the second day eighty three links enthusiasts where divided into groups and went around the four different stations out on the course. Station 1 was under the control of Gary Johnstone, Links Superintendent of Portmarnock Golf Club, who explained how the first hole had been altered to make it a very interesting start to the links. It is now shaped running towards the estuary with some natural links undulations leading to an entirely new green containing a pure fescue sward. Gary talked about how he had introduced fescue to be the dominate grass on all the greens at Portmarnock and was now overseeding with pure fescue. Station 2 was manned by Karl Mooney, Gary’s Deputy Superintendent, along with Dar Golf Construction and was all about the problems of drainage. They highlighted how the club had used several methods to try to improve severe drainage problems, as the fairway is below sea level. Nick Park demonstrates the R&A’s new trueness metre On this occasion a new machine was used to combat the running sand After a hearty lunch the delegates had an interesting live website as pipes were put in place with only one pass. The delegates were most demonstration from Steve Isaac from the R&A on their new golf impressed with the end result and how well the fairway had recovered course management site. This was followed by an excellent interactive with the drainage tracks being completely covered. Station 3 saw John Q&A session. Thanks must go to all delegates who travelled the length Quigley, the club’s Secretary Manager, take the visitors round the new and breadth of Ireland to attend the conference, plus those who shed block, offices and staff quarters. This facility is purpose built with travelled from Scotland, the USA and Canada. Thanks also goes to the a high emphasis on health and safety. The links superintendent, and ILI sponsors Toro, Campey Turfcare, Terralift, Dar Golf Construction his deputy, each have impressive bright offices with ample space for and the STRI. Br. Andrew Caples O.S.A. 1938 - 2011

The greenkeeping fraternity were this is evident throughout the course. Over the years he improved saddened to hear of the death of Br. things by purchasing modern machinery, putting a sprinkler system Michael (Andrew) Caples. Born 8th May in place and by having his own supply of fresh well water. A few 1938 in, Aghern, Conna, County Cork. famous faces have passed through the gates over the years, Damien He was one of six children. Duff and some of his then Newcastle teammates played one weekend and Padraig Harrington (whose brother was a member) also played, ndrew joined the Augustinian Order however no-one (pro or not) has been able to beat the course record in 1968, he came to Ballyboden of 42 set by Gerry Byrne in 1991 and again in 2001. and more or less started the Good Andrew’s gruff manner was well known, but to those that knew ACounsel Pitch & Putt Course straight away. him his bark was worse than his bite, to quote one local rival Down through the years Andrew employed businesswoman, “In all the years I’ve known Andrew, he never once some local lads who went on to pursue refused when I asked for help and he was always the first at the door green keeping careers namely: if anything went wrong”. This is the side of Andrew that wasn’t always on show but it is the one that will be missed. Andrew passed • Paddy Houlihan (Dundalk) away very suddenly on Wednesday 14th September 2011. While • Paul Fitzgerald (Castle) looking for information on the Pitch & Putt I came across a review • Gerry Byrne (Newlands) on the internet, it read “There is a great Pitch & Putt course beside • Karl Dooley (Advanced Landscape Services) Taylors lane, it is like a baby Augusta, super greens and lovely holes.”. • John Egan (Rathfarnham) Lets hope wherever he is, he is sitting back, cigar in hand, reading this. • Damien Mills (Edmondstown) • Kenneth Boyle- (Good Council) R.I.P ANDREW.

Andrew devoted his time and energy into the upkeep of the Pitch Orla Lalor & Putt, he worked tirelessly to improve the greens and fairways and Good Counsel Pitch & Putt www.gcsai.org 52 Trade News

Greenkeeping Great New Kubota Tractors Visitors to the National Ploughing Championships Leaves Legacy in new were able to see Kubota’s flagship M130X tractor for the first time in Ireland as well as a comprehensive Book range of the company’s Groundcare equipment.

St Andrews Links greenkeeping legend Walter Woods unveils his new autobiography. Packed with wisdom and anecdotes from the former St Andrews Links course manager’s impressive career, Walter Woods: memoirs of a greenkeeper! is a must- read for any greenkeeping professional.

he 146-page, full-colour tome traverses Walter’s first greenkeeping job at Tillicoultry Golf Club in Clackmannanshire, Scotland, his time at ‘the home of Tgolf’ together with the four Open Championships he oversaw there, and his instrumental role in the creation of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association (BIGGA). Murphy Machinery is the sole importer of Kubota Walter, 76, says he hopes M-Series tractors in the Republic of Ireland. Unveiled last year, the 130hp, M130X is the largest in Kubota’s range and the book – which has been has been designed to offer an alternative to both ‘expensive’ published by Toro, to be freely and ‘economy’ tractors. It features a four-cylinder engine, available to greenkeeping electronic fuelling and engine governing as well as Intelli- professionals through BIGGA Shift 16 Speed transmission with eight-speed powershift – will be of use to his industry and auto field/road modes. It can be enhanced with the peers. new LA2253 loader, which has a lifting capacity of 2.1 tons “When I retired I had nothing to a maximum height of 4.1m. to do and there was this This will be complemented by both the M108S and computer staring me in the the M40 Series agricultural tractors. The M40 Series face,” he recalls. “I’ve had an encompasses four models between 60 and 95hp. interesting career and have a lot of memories, so I just started writing. It was hard work, but people have been very positive Lloyds add two new models to the about the finished book. I hope Walter Woods, centre, unveils his Buffalo Turbine range of Blowers it’s useful and enjoyable for new autobiography, with Gordon anyone in greenkeeping.” Moir, left, and Gordon McKie Following on from the success of the flagship KB3 Greenkeepers keen to learn from the current St. Andrews Links Buffalo Debris Blower, Lloyds and Co of Letchworth, UK from Walter’s recollections can greenkeeping team at his side. distributor for Buffalo Turbine Blowers for three years pick up a free copy, some of now, has introduced two new models to the range; the which will be signed by the man himself, from the BIGGA stand KB4 and CPTO. B23 at Harrogate Week this January. The KB4 Blower is an advanced version of the original yet Further copies will be available from BIGGA during and after still retains the lightweight tubular steel frame. The latest the show. Having championed training and education throughout development includes a Kohler his career, Walter wanted to make his legacy freely available to electronically governed, 27hp greenkeeping professionals – which is where turf machinery and Command Pro engine along with irrigation systems giant Toro stepped in. technologically advanced turbine. The Toro Company’s Barry Beckett helped Walter realise his The bi-directional nozzle allows ambitions and published the book. As he explains: “Walter has the user to get in and around and been one of the stalwarts of the greenkeeping fraternity for many behind any obstacle easily. Being years and we felt it was important that his memoirs were captured tractor mounted it is manoeuvrable. When not clearing for future generations to read and learn from; therefore, in many leaves, it can be used for dispersing grass cuttings, blowing ways, this was an extension of our continued commitment to in top dressing or removing debris from paths, walkways learning and development. and carparks. The new CPTO Cyclone PTO Debris Blower “Walter and his generational peers have witnessed, and have been supersedes the previous machine taking up the ‘work horse’ instrumental in influencing, the changes that the golf industry mantle and yet is still the lightest (weighing only 108kg has gone through over the past 50 years. It’s important that we all -238lbs). The CKB4 model is fitted with a wireless, water recognise and record their contribution.” resistant handheld remote transmitter control system, To get a free copy of Walter’s book, visit BIGGA stand B23 at which controls engine speed and operation as well as Harrogate Week turf management exhibition this 24 to 26 January the bi-directional nozzle, with range available to handle – times and days of signings will be announced in due course. different types and density of waste material.

53 greenside magazine | December 2011 Trade News

TORO launches the Headland Helps new Greensmaster Turf Managers Keep TriFlex a Weather Eye on Toro has launched the all new Greensmaster TriFlex and Maintenance TriFlex Hybrid models. ccurate weather owered by a 23Hp Kubota diesel engine the TriFlex is forecasting tailored to the first riding greens mower to cut with the precision a specific location is of a walker. Aone of the most useful tools for P One key to the quality of cut is the suspension system. greenkeepers and groundsmen Proven Flex suspension allows the cutting units to float over aiming to plan course maintenance the contours of the putting surface, keeping the cutting units operations. parallel to the ground to maintain consistency of cut and Headland Amenity offers, to prevent scrubbing. The double “A” arm Flex suspension Weather Check, a personalised weather forecasting system prevents gouging or scalping over modest or severe service allowing turf managers to access information on undulations. temperature, wind speed and direction as well as rainfall, In addition, the TriFlex Hybrid model features an all- with the choice of a general seven day forecast or a more electric reel drive system that virtually eliminates hydraulic detailed projection, which breaks down into three hour leaks and delivers ample horsepower to handle a broad range segments, providing an extremely accurate overview of of cutting applications. This system conditions. also has an exclusive stored energy The innovative ‘RainNow’ option produces a 25km ‘rain feature that eliminates clip marks radar map’ with their sports facility at the centre, and by at reel startup and delivers braking using the Agronomic module, which combines anticipated power for improved safety when reels rainfall, wind strength, precipitation, air temperature and are disengaged. evapotranspiration, they are able to accurately judge spraying To minimize tyre tracks, conditions over the coming week. weight is equally Headland Weathercheck is available from Headland Area distributed over Managers or by contacting the company on Tel: 0044 1223 all three wheels 597834 or [email protected] with redesigned balloon style tyres. All TriFlex and TriFlex Toro Hayter Announcement

Effective January 15, 2012, Lely Ireland Ltd. will be responsible for the distribution, sales, service and technical support of all Toro branded commercial turf maintenance products distributed in Ireland. This includes all Toro branded Hybrid commercial products manufactured by Hayter in Spellbrook units are equipped in the UK. to do more than greens mowing. Quick-change cutting units make it possible to cut greens or fairways one minute and easily convert to spiking, hile Lely will have expanded responsibility for all thatching or verticutting a few minutes later – no tools commercial products, Hayter will continue to handle required. sales, marketing and service support of Toro-branded Wconsumer and landscape contractor products, in addition to Hayter- The 8, 11 and 14 blade cutting units allow operators to choose the right reel and matching clip for the job, from a branded equipment. Manufacturing of commercial and consumer 1/16th inch to 1 inch height-of-cut. products will also remain at Spellbrook. Improved serviceability is another major advantage of the As a result of this change, Toro’s international division is working new TriFlex models. An exclusive lift-gate footrest provides with Lely and Hayter to ensure that this does not affect their end- easy access to the center cutting unit, so there’s no need to user customers. Through careful and thoughtful decision making, put the traction unit on a lift for routine maintenance on the Toro and Lely will be organising internal structures to meet the reels. future sales and support needs of all its customers. Lely has been a trusted and valued partner of the Toro Company Toro commercial products are distributed in Ireland by Lely for more than 30 years. This move serves to strengthen the close Ireland Limited, Kilboggin, Nurney, County Kildare. relationship of both companies, improve operational efficiency and Call 00 353 (0)45 526170 for further details. further the company’s long-standing support of customers in the golf, fine turf and grounds markets.

www.gcsai.org 54 Trade News

New Zero-turn Mowers David Withers promoted from John Deere to president of Jacobsen

John Deere’s latest product launch sees the addition Ransomes Jacobsen’s Managing Director gets top job at of two new zero-turn mowers to the company’s range Jacobsen in Charlotte, North Carolina of riding lawn equipment, which includes the existing Z425 model. The Z225 is an entry level machine, while avid Withers has been the Z645 has been designed to meet the requirements promoted to president of of semi-professional users. Jacobsen. David has been Dserving as managing director of the The homeowner solution: Z225 UK-based Ransomes Jacobsen division The Z225 is a new entry level zero-turn machine. Equipped of the US turf maintenance equipment with a twin-cylinder engine developing 14.6kW at 3150rpm, manufacturer, since January 2005, it provides plenty of power and torque, whether you are overseeing international operations for discharging grass clippings to the side or using the optional all Jacobsen brands as well as the E-Z- collection system or mulching kit. The electronic ignition GO brand in Europe. allows easy starting, while power and fuel economy are “I’m very excited about this opportunity. Having worked in provided by the V-twin overhead valves and cast iron cylinder the golf and turf maintenance industry for over 25 years, 19 of liners, which ensure a long engine life. those with the Jacobsen team, this appointment is what I have The Z225 can travel at speeds of up to 11.3kph and benefits always aspired to. I look forward to working with the team, from efficient, adjustable twin lever controls, and feature growing our market share around the world and continuing shock absorbers for more comfortable operation. The large Jacobsen’s leadership in turf maintenance products,” he said. 33cm (13in) diameter front caster wheels and 18x8.5-8 rear David joined Textron in 1992 as a regional sales manager drive tyres provide solid traction and a smoother ride. for Jacobsen in the UK. In 1996, he was promoted to the For optimum safety, the operator must sit in the seat, position of national accounts manager, where he focused on engage the park brake and ensure both control levers are in developing business with key customers across Europe. In the outward position before the engine can be started. The 2002, he was promoted to sales and marketing director before engine will also stall if the operator leaves the seat without the his appointment in 2005 as managing director of Ransomes control levers in this position, and the park brake engaged. Jacobsen. “David is a proven leader in the golf and turf industry and is highly respected amongst his peers and customers. With his broad international experience - which spans over 45 countries - and his strong track record in business development and operational excellence, I am confident that he is the right person to maximize the growth opportunities that lie ahead for Jacobsen,” says Scott Donnelly, Textron CEO. David will succeed Dan Wilkinson, who is retiring from the company after 14 years of service to Textron. For more information about Ransomes Jacobsen visit: www. ransomesjacobsen.com

The semi-professional solution: Z645 Irish Grass Machinery John Deere’s larger semi-professional zero-turn mower, the Z645, is equipped with a V-twin engine developing 15.4kW at Appointment 3350rpm. This provides high torque levels for all applications, with low vibration and noise levels. The Z645 is more robustly Irish Grass Machinery designed than the smaller Z225 and Z425 models and features is pleased to announce an increased specification, including a heavy-duty pump and the appointment of Alan wheel motor transmission for extra reliability and long life. Huggard to their sales team. The Z645 is equipped with a 122cm (48in) high-capacity Alan comes to IGM with a mower deck. In addition, a foot pedal system makes it easy to wealth of knowledge and lift and lower the deck. over 30 years experience in the groundcare industry. If you would like to contact Alan call: 086 722 3398.

55 greenside magazine | December 2011 Trade News

The science of turf stress The R&A and USGA announce new rules for Greenkeepers could manage stress in turf plants more golf for 2012 effectively with well-timed applications of Primo Maxx growth regulator and Heritage Maxx fungicide, according to initial indications of a Harper Adams Significant changes include amended Rule on University College research project, being undertaken by ball moving after address PhD student Harry Mbah. irst-ever joint publication of the Rules emonstrating the effects of treatments at the Turf by golf’s governing bodies. The R&A Science Live event, organised by Syngenta and Everris and the United States Golf Association F(USGA) announced the publication of the (formerly known as Scotts) at The Belfry in the West DMidlands, Mr Mbah revealed differences in photosynthetic new Rules of Golf for 2012-15. Changes activity and turf colour that could be associated with reduced in the Rules - which for the first time have stress and enhanced plant health. been designed, published and presented Harper Adams turf specialist, Dr John Reade, reported the jointly by golf’s governing bodies – include project is giving a valuable insight into the reaction of turf plants exonerating a player from penalty if it is to stress. known their ball was moved by the wind after address. Following an exhaustive, four-year review of golf’s 34 playing Rules, nine principal Rules have been amended to improve clarity and ensure penalties are proportionate. Significant changes include:

• Ball Moving After Address (Rule 18-2b). A new exception is added which exonerates the player from penalty if their ball moves after it has been addressed when it is known or virtually certain that they did not cause the ball to move. For example, if it is a gust of wind that moves the ball after it has been addressed, there is no penalty and the ball is played from its new position. • Ball in Hazard; Prohibited Actions (Rule 13-4). Exception 2 to this Rule is amended to permit a player to smooth sand or soil in a hazard at any time, including before playing from that hazard, provided it is for the sole purpose of caring for the course and Rule 13-2 (improving lie, area of intended stance or swing or line of play) is not breached. The project studies include looking at plant cell membrane • Time of Starting (Rule 6-3a). The rule is amended to provide stability as a technique to measure stress and the effects that the penalty for starting late, but within five minutes of the of treatments. Gas exchange monitors can also assess starting time, is reduced from disqualification to loss of the photosynthetic activity and the potential for infra-red first hole in match play or two strokes at the first hole in stroke spectrometry assessment chlorophyll levels. play. Previously this penalty reduction could be introduced as a Furthermore, Mr Mbah is also undertaking further research condition of competition. with greenkeepers, to look at the primary causes of stress in practical golf course management, along with looking at the The most significant change (Rule 18-12b) will see an end to implications for playability and the delivery of high quality situations like the one witnessed during the final round of this year’s surfaces. Open Championship when Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy was Dr Reade highlighted that it cannot naturally be assumed penalised when his ball was moved on the 7th green by the wind that all fungicides will have the same effect. Whilst they may after he had addressed it. all have an effect for disease control, the way they achieve Padraig Harrington, three-time Major winner and R&A - Working it and the beneficial side effects on plant health may all be for Golf Ambassador, said: “I am delighted with the changes, in different, he added. particular the ball moving after address. Every time the wind blows Mr Mbah’s research into the role of Primo Maxx will also I am worried that my ball is going to move and I am worried about entail detailed evaluation of the implications of the greater grounding my putter, distracting me from trying to hole my putt. root mass in helping plants cope with stressful conditions, for “This change will speed up play, there won’t be as many suspensions example, as well as assessing the levels of different chlorophyll and players won’t be getting penalised or disqualified unfairly. It is types in the leaf and the effects on colour. definitely giving us players a little bit of a break.” Initial results of the scientific studies, sponsored by There has been a unified code of golf since 1952 but until now The Syngenta and Harper Adams University College, with support R&A and the USGA have published the same rules in separate from STRI, will be available by the end of the year and on- editions, thereby giving the impression to some that the rules were going through 2012. different. However, this year sees identical publications with only some spellings and respective logos changing depending whether the edition serves the US and Mexico or the rest of the world. The complete text of all changes to the Rules and video summaries of the changes can be found at www.randa.org www.gcsai.org 56 Trade News

GCSAI Trade Members The GCSAI thank each and every one of our Trade Members for supporting us throughout these challenging times. Please support them when purchasing goods or services.

Company Name Contact Telephone Email Advanced Landscape Services Karl Dooley 087 9402650 [email protected] Amenity Turf Supplies Shay Phelan 087 2765259 [email protected] Anthony D’Arcy Ltd Patrick Murphy 0402 38261 [email protected] Barenbrug UK Ltd Paul Warner 00441359 272000 [email protected] Bayer Environmental Science Kenny Liddell 00441223 226680 [email protected] Breslin Brothers Ltd John Breslin 087 2772770 [email protected] Campey Turfcare Systems Ltd Brian O’Shaughnessy 087 9274521 [email protected] Cropcare Ltd Rose O’Donovan 01 2874485 [email protected] Dar Golf Construction Ltd James D’Arcy 087 2573550 [email protected] Declan Branigan Designs Ltd Ronan Branigan 041 9846627 [email protected] Drummonds Ltd Rosalyn Drew 041 9838986 [email protected] Dublin Grass Machinery Robert Mitchell 01 8386867 [email protected] Eddie B. Connaughton Ltd Eddie Connaughton 01 6283300 [email protected] Emerald Lawns Colin Sherrard 01 6852655 [email protected] Everris (Formely Scotts) Colman Warde 087 7799527 [email protected] Goldcrop Ltd Mark Booker 087 9580110 [email protected] (Re) Golf Design Jeff Lynch 086 8239991 [email protected] Harris Turf Improvements Mark Harris 087 2540166 [email protected] Headland Amenity Ltd Andy Russell 00 44 1223 597834 [email protected] Horta Soils Ltd Priscilla McFarland 048 38852888 [email protected] Irish Grass Machinery Ltd Michael Smyth 01 8991212 [email protected] James Coburn & Son Ltd William Cartmill 048 40662207 [email protected] JFB Golf Supplies Ltd Frank Byrne 087 2374285 [email protected] John Deere Ltd Joedy Ibbotson 00441949 860491 [email protected] John Lindsay Professional Sportsturf John Lindsay 048 38339229 [email protected] Leinster Turf Equipment Ltd Derek Inglis 086 8308033 [email protected] Lely Ireland Ltd Richard Harris 045 526170 [email protected] Major Equipment International Eibhlin Murphy 094 9630572 [email protected] Martyns Grass Lawns Ltd Brian Martyn 093 38012 [email protected] National Agrochemical Distributors Ltd Liam McMahon 01 8437808 [email protected] Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd Peter Driver 00441473 276368 [email protected] Reel-Tech Barry Drennan 087 6388955 [email protected] Sanrose Ltd Bernard Kinsella 053 9137208 [email protected] SOL Golf Course Construction Ltd. Michael O’Leary 064 7751006 [email protected] Spraychem Golf Ltd Yvonne Ritchie 01 8293990 [email protected] Summerhill Instant Lawns John Cribbin 087 2749860 [email protected] Tacit Golf Course Equipment Giles McDonagh 087 9441174 [email protected] Teagasc Pat Suttle 01 8459032 [email protected] TurfCare Group Pat Galavan 045 409330 [email protected] Unichem Ltd Niall Dunne 01 8351499 [email protected] Whites Agri Jer Doran 01 8438521 [email protected]

57 greenside magazine | December 2011 President’s Report by Damian McLaverty, Ballinasloe Golf Club

Contact Points

Alan Mahon (Communications Manager) A Cháirde, Rathjarney Piercestown, Co. Wexford. Tel/Fax: 053 9158606 Mobile: 087 6260889 Email: [email protected] A lot has happened since my last report. We had our GCSAI Charity day in Nass Golf Club in September. Again this was a Damian McLaverty (President) fantastic day, twenty three teams participated and €3,500 was Ballinasloe Golf Club - 086 8301048 Email: [email protected] raised for our elected charity, the Irish Cancer Society. I would like to thank David Behan, the organising committee, and Nass Michael McFeely (Vice-President & FEGGA Rep) Golf Club for hosting this event. I think everyone would agree Westmanstown Golf Club - 087 234 2051 Email: [email protected] that the course was in immaculate condition, and it is hoped that this event will continue to go from strength to strength. David Behan (P.R.O. & G.T.C. Rep) Congratulations to the winning Irish TurfCare team of Tony Naas Golf Club - 086 8269242 Email: [email protected] Quinn, Jim Holden, Padraig Burke and Nick O’Reilly.

Tom Carew (Treasurer) ur Presidents Craddockstown Golf Club - 087 6260182 Cup took place Email: [email protected] in Castlemartyr Oin October. All the regional Michael Loughran (Immediate Past President) teams descended on the Hilton Templepatrick - (0044) 797 4229343 Cork golf club for what was Email: [email protected] a superb event that was enjoyed by all. In what was Michael F. O’Connor (SW Rep) a very tight contest, the S.E. Killarney Golf & Fishing Club - 087 1276764 team prevailed as winners - Email: [email protected] congratulations to all from Damien Coleman (NW Rep) the Southeast. Our Presidents Still able to shake hands after battling it out at the Galway Bay Golf Resort - 087 6666131 Cup is an event which is Presidents Cup. Email: [email protected] eagerly anticipated every year as it allows us to bring our regions and members together in a sporting and social John Egan (Interim Hon Sec, NE Rep) occasion and, without doubt, for those who qualify for their respective teams, it Rathfarnham - 086 3470388 is one of the highlights of the year. To our sponsor, Everris, whose support makes Email: [email protected] this event possible, my sincere thanks, both for your continued support and loyalty to Irish greenkeeping. To Trevor Norris and the team in Castlemartyr it would be Trevor Dargan (SE Rep) an understatement to say that the course was superb and a credit to you all. I look Woodenbridge - 086 1721640 forward to welcoming everyone to the Northwest Region next year for what will be Email: [email protected] the first Presidents Cup in the region. As I am writing this report I know a lot of greenkeeping students are getting ready GCSAI Website: for their respective graduations from the Botanic Gardens and Coláiste Stiofán www.gcsai.org Naofa in Cork. To all the graduates, I wish the best of luck in what is a rewarding and challenging career. I would like to particularly congratulate Michal Bojarski for receiving the honour of GCSAI Student Greenkeeper of the Year in the Botanic Gardens. I would like to wish Maria Behan, our conference/trade show manager, the best of luck in her recent marriage to Mr Leo Doyle. From all in the GCSAI, we wish you REMINDER many years of happiness together. The deadline for receiving Finally, I wish you and all your families a happy, relaxing and peaceful Christmas advertising and editorial for and New Year. the next issue of Greenside is: Nollaig Shona agus Bliain Nua faoi mhaise, dhaoibh go léir. 20th January 2012 Is Mise le Meas Damian Mc Laverty www.gcsai.org 58 Greenside

59 greenside magazine | December 2011