Conference Review • Regional Roundup • Trade News

The Official Magazine of the GCSAI • www.gcsai.orgJune • 2010 Greenside

Monitoring the weather

Irish Open Preview

Also In This Issue •Conference Review • Regional Roundup • Trade News • The Road to Oakmont •Portsalon Golf Course • Calibrating a Knapsack• Marram Grass A little extra care goes into everything we do

Take irrigation rotors. We inspect them inside and out to ensure they meet the same legendary standards that have made the John Deere brand so trustworthy. No wonder our rotors come with a three year warranty and are key components of irrigation systems selected by the PGA TOUR®. To learn more about all our irrigation products, visit your local John Deere dealer.

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C_685_1_IE_210x297.indd 1 06.04.2010 19:00:57 Uhr Greenside

Contents Page

Success Conference Review 6

Calibrating a Knapsack All Around Sprayer 8 Nature on the Course 12 was pleasantly surprised It has been most enjoyable receiving to hear that Greenside articles over the years from different Monitoring the Weather 14 people around the world, many of won several awards at I whom were Irish people working Irish Open Preview 20 the Turf and Ornamental abroad or of Irish descent. The Communicators Association technical articles are so valuable for The Importance of Marram educating our readers. So, to those (TOCA) in Tucson, Arizona. of you who contributed such articles, Grass 24 It was Jon Kiger of TurfNet, I would like to express my sincere who approached me last gratitude to you for taking the time The Road to Oakmont 26 January recommending that and effort in writing them. I hope you enjoy reading this latest Portsalon Golf Course 29 the October 2009 Edition edition of Greenside, it has many and should be entered into the varied stories excellently written along Regional Reports 36 International category. with photos of colleagues who you may know in the turf maintenance Diary of a Course sector. Jon said he would look after the Superintendent 46 Finally I hope you have an enjoyable application, which he did, and, on summer and that all your club 7th May, I received the news of the competitions and fixtures run smoothly What you see is what various awards. You can read in detail for you. you get 50 more about these awards on page 45 of this issue. So thank you Jon for Sportspitch Maintenance 52 recommending Greenside. I would also like to thank Richard Hayden of the STRI, for contributing his article Trade News 55 ‘The Reconstruction of the Croke Park Pitch’ which won first place in the Best Publication article of two or more pages category. The Cover Photo of Croke Park for the same article won a Merit award in the category of Best Photo Publication: Cover or inside photo. The third award from the October issue was for the article ‘Communicating’, written by Jon Kiger of TurfNet. It won a Merit award for Best Publication article of two or more pages. Front Cover: Storm looming Back issues over Sutton Golf Club Reminder Photo by Alan Mahon of Greenside can The deadline for receiving now be seen on the The views expressed in contributed advertising and editorial for articles are not necessarily the views the next issue of Greenside is GCSAI website expressed by the editor of this publication. Editorial content and photographs Visit cannot be reproduced without prior July 23rd 2010 www.gcsai.org permission from the editor.

3 greenside magazine | June 2010 Letters

Debate on Height of Cut - What is all the controversy about?

Dear Editor, Mechanical thinning is an underrated stress in greens I read with interest Alistair J Beggs article in the last maintenance because it can occur very gradually and often edition (March 2010) of Greenside ‘The Lowest goes undetected and misinterpreted as some other form of of The Low’. biotic decline.Not only have I seen this with my own eyes, The notion of lowering mowing heights to 2mm as but as a Superintendent I have implemented a maintenance unsustainable and disastrous for green maintenance is program that provides smooth fast greens year round even only founded on the presupposition that turf plant health under climatic pressure. In California and other states cannot survive these conditions for a prolonged period. in the US, there are numerous golf courses that routinely This premise has to be challenged simply because there are mow greens between 1.8mm-2.5mm!! To achieve this the numerous golf Superintendents achieving HOC at 2mm greens need to be managed in a specific way to produce firm and lower throughout the growing season. and fast conditions. Nutritional and cultural practices play We all value science. Citing research to support a a critical role to achieve these results. The golfers greatly statement can be helpful, but there are numerous scientific enjoy the speed of the greens which range from 11.0-13.5 on claims once thought to be true that have been disproven. the stimp. Medicine, physics, chemistry, mathematics and Normal conventional recommendations have been to raise horticulture are not immune. So please let us not assume the HOC, use PGRs and roll to achieve adequate green recent research as the arbiter, but instead it provides an speed. This has not been too successful because when you “educated guess” and can even be corrected. have more plant tissue, the greens get softer, not firmer. Now the fact that Superintendents are managing greens This is not conducive for smooth consistent roll on greens. at 2mm and lower successfully challenges the premise that This maintenance practice can be performed on this would compromise plant health. Before we go further push up and sand based greens quite easily. In fact, in in this discussion I am sure you are asking why? Why Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, Castlehume GC has been would anyone want to lower their HOC so low? Are there regularly maintaining their annual meadow grass/bent advantages? Yes, improved surface quality is experienced. grass greens between 2.0mm-4mm year round. With the When a lower cut is produced, less tissue on the canopy exceptionally wet conditions in 2009, the push up greens means less friction for ball roll. Therefore a more consistent remained soft and HOC had to be carefully managed not to smooth ball roll is achieved. Green speed is easier to damage the plant crown. manage at lower mowing heights. Most importantly, the As a greeenkeeper, never settle for mediocrity. Lowering golfer appreciates the improved surfaces. HOC can be achieved. It is not for every golf course but Of course, not all greens should be mowed at these if makes your golf course perform better, then you must heights. Severely undulating greens cannot perform well understand that this is a feasible option. at fast green speeds. Soft thatchy greens will be easily Patrick O’Fee damaged when lowering height because the mowers will Director of Agronomy sink into the canopy and damage the crown of the plant. Greenway Golf [email protected]

For Sale For Sale 4 x Toro 1000 Greens Mowers 2007 models. Poa Greens Sod • Fully kitted out. • For more details Appox 300 hours. As new. • Only used for 2007/08 season. Contact Mark Harris of € 2,500 + Vat. Harris Turf Improvements Mobile: 087 2540166 Contact Mark on 086 8529922 Email: [email protected]

4 www.gcsai.org Education Report

s I write this article I am in the middle of arranging educational days A for this coming autumn and they will be focusing on the relationship and roles between the Deputy Superintendent and the Superintendent. It is envisaged that two venues will be used hosting a guest speaker and two prominent Golf Course Superintendents. The idea is for Superintendents to express what they expect from their deputies and also for deputy’s to express what they expect from their Supers. It is a critical time in our industry and these two positions are crucial to managing a successful facility. So if you are a Super/Deputy or Bobby an up and coming Greenkeeper get along to one of McDermott these educational days. The dates, times and venues will be announced in a later edition of this magazine Foxrock and posted on our web site. GCSAI are committed to Golf club and financially support all golf industry educational initiatives, forums and seminars that take place on the island of Ireland.

If you would like to contact me please do so: PH: 086 2627839/01 2065136 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Wide selection of used equipment on our website

5 greenside magazine | June 2010 Review Annual Conference Review - Going Forward is the Only Way s the delegates arrived at the conference A room on Wednesday morning, there was an air of gloom about the place. Many stories were being told of staff layoffs, short time and severe budget cutbacks.

Everyone hoped to get something positive from the conference, a sign of hope, a new lease of life. This year, the theme of the conference reflected the times we are living in ‘Recession - Realities and Recovery’. Speakers were brought in to give inspiration to the audience that the worst was over Back row left: Steve Mona (CEO. World Golf Foundation), Stiofán Nutty (Green Party), and that there is a brighter future Pat Fenlon, (GCSAA), Kieran Linehan (HSS), Pat O’ Dwyer (GUI), Middle Row: Stig ahead. Persson (Chairman FEGGA), Andrew Mellon (BIGGA), Dr. Jason Kruse (University It was disappointing for the Florida), Richard Harris (Lely Irl.), Bruce Jamieson (Toro), Front Row: Maria Behan conference organisers, headed by (Calibre Support), Michael Loughran (President GCSAI), Maria Strandberg (STERF) Maria Behan of Calibre Support, The GCSAI are very grateful that, & Fishing Club, having worked there that numbers were down on last long time sponsors and supporters of since 1980. Both men were taken by year, although it came as no surprise the GCSAI Annual Conference, Toro surprise as the presentations were to them. But despite this, there was and Lely Ireland Ltd., have committed given to them. encouraging feedback saying that to sponsoring this year’s event.“2009 it was one of the best conferences. has been a bad year for most, Those that were not present lost out on particularly within the machinery quality presentations. industry, and for Toro and Lely The Irish speakers consisted of Ireland to commit to sponsoring this retired EU Commissioner Charlie year’s event is very much appreciated McCreevy, Fiona Brown Johnson of and very encouraging” said GCSAI Profile Training and Development, President Michael Loughran. Kieran Linehan of Health and Safety It was a time of nostalgia after Services, Trevor Myles of the Pesticide the banquet as two long serving Control Service and Stiofán Nutty, GCSAI members, Eddie Donlon and Special Advisor to the Minister for Michael F. O’Connor were each given Food and Horticulture. International presentations from the GCSAI to mark speakers included Dr. Jason Kruse their retirements. Eddie stepped down from the University of Florida, Ruth from the GCSAI national executive Mann of the STRI, Steve Mona, committee after serving continuously CEO of the World Golf Foundation, since 1984 (the organisation was Frank Newberry who is a trainer known as the Irish Golf Greenkeepers and conference speaker and Maria Association back then). Michael F. Steve Mona Strandberg of STERF. recently retired from Killarney Golf CEO World Golf Foundation 6 www.gcsai.org Review

Trevor Myles receies his gift from Michael Loughran after his talk

All the speakers were given a special presentation at the end of the conference

Left: Eamon Harnett, Eddie Donlon, Tom Carew, Eddie Connaughton Charlie McCreevy, Maria Behan, David Behan

Fiona Brown Johnson is presented with a gift from Michael Loughran after her talk

Bruce Jamieson (Toro), Richard Harris (Lely Irl)

Charlieto McCreevy the deligates speaking Paul O’Mahony, Neil Deasy (Old Head Golf Club)

Philip Tong (John Deere) chatting with Michael F. O’Connor

Andrew Christie (Rathcore), Joe Keane (Black Bush), Paul Farrell (Black Bush), Ronan Carey (Knightsbrook) 7 greenside magazine | June 2010 Technical

Calibrating a Knapsack Sprayer

by Justin C.Ruiz CGCS The Rim Golf Club, Arizona

wrote an article in the last edition of Greenside on calibrating a boom sprayer. Now I want to help people understand the procedures required to calibrate a Iknapsack sprayer. Knapsack sprayers usually get the short end of the stick In my case I add the full capacity of three gallons. I don’t when it comes to calibration. Many people like to mix a trust the line on the tank because sometimes they can be off percent dilution rather than calibrate. What if you want by quite a bit. to remove moss from your green and you don’t want to Now that I have filled the sprayer I am ready to go over broadcast spray or you want to eradicate bentgrass patches to the area that I have marked to measure how much I will in your ryegrass fairways. This is when proper calibration apply over 1000 square feet. The tough part is to make sure comes into play. that you try to make each pass as you would in the field. Any calibration procedure requires the identification of It is also important to keep the pressure up in the tank so your constants. There is hardly anything constant about a that you are not getting a poor application. Using the water knapsack sprayer. The pressure usually differs as you are you can see your pattern as you go and simply fill in the applying, and the speed at which your hand moves is rarely entire square. Once you have finished the square take the exact. So calibration is rough at best but you can still get remaining water and measure it back out. pretty close with the following methods. The amount that you measure is then subtracted from the I have marked an area out in my maintenance yard for beginning volume that you measured into the tank to get calibration purposes. I tried to find a big enough area your application rate over 1000 square feet. You can then to resemble 1000 square feet. I marked an area that had do a simple calculation to see what area a tank will cover. measurements of 50’x20’. I use this area to calibrate all of Once you know this number you can easily follow the label my hand equipment. It has come in handy over the years. and add the proper amount of chemical to the tank. The first step for calibration is to make sure that the Calibration is highly recommended especially when you equipment is clean of all chemicals and that it is operating are going to apply chemicals to shorter cut grass. I have properly. A small rock in the nozzle can throw you off. seen many times when people think a “glub” will do, and When everything is clean and ready I use a measuring cup then they end up with polka dots on their tees from an to fill the sprayer to an exact quantity. improper rate of herbicide.

Reality check You know your getting old when the candles cost more than the cake 8 www.gcsai.org Planning an Outdoor/Indoor Event/Project in the Irish Weather - Talk to Us Today

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Scotts Seminar College Enrolements Scotts will be holding two seminars on 29th June at The For those of you who want to further your education in Heritage Golf Club at Killenard Co.Laois and 30th June the area of horticulture or turf management, the following at Dromoland Castle Golf Club in Newmarket on Fergus, colleges in Ireland are offering suitable courses. Co.Clare. The title of the seminar is “The Future of Turf ITB (Blanchardstown) Management” Bachelor of Science in Horticulture (NVQ Level 7 & 8). Guest speaker will be Dr.Ruth Mann of the STRI. Also This is a three year full time course. The closing date for speaking will be Dr Simon Watson of Syngenta. He will applications is Friday September 3rd but as places are be discussing and demonstating new nozzle technologies limited, it will be on a first come first serve bases. For and Colman Warde of Scotts will be updating on recent more information contact ITB at [email protected] or research and development work carried out at its research phone 01 8851000 stations across Europe. National Botanic Gardens (Glasnevin) There will also be a demonstration and discussion from The Advanced Certificate in Greenkeeping is a course for Keith Kensitt of Graden UK in the afternoon. those who are already working on a golf course or sports Seminars will begin at 9.45am with Tea, Coffee and pitch. Two week block release sessions spread over two registration at 9.15am. All are welcome to attend. years enable students receive a FETAC level 6 qualification. Contact Colman Warde of Scotts on 087 7799527 or The closing date for completed application forms is Fiday Alan Mahon on 087 6260889 to confirm your place. 30th July. These forms can be obtained from the Botanic Presidents Cup Gardens at [email protected] (tel. 01 8040201) or from the Golfing Union of Ireland at [email protected] The regions around the country will soon be finalising their (tel. 01 5054000). teams that will take part in the annual Presidents Cup. It takes place on Friday 8th October and this year the event Bloom 2010 will take place at the beautiful Dromoland Castle Golf & Bloom, Ireland’s largest gardening, food and family event, Country Club. Those fortunate enough to make the team returns to the Phoenix Park Dublin this June bank holiday will also have an overnight stay at Dromoland Hotel which weekend for 5 days (Thursday 3rd – Monday 7th June). is part of the Golf Club complex. The Scotts Company are Brought to you by Board Bia, this year’s event will include generously providing sponsorship once again for the event over 20 showgardens, 50 floral displays and a large scale and GCSAI President Michael Loughran thanked Coleman artisan farmers market. With something for everyone, Warde of The Scotts Company for continuing to support visitors to Bloom 2010 can also look forward to live this popular event. cookery and craft demonstrations, free gardening advice / workshops and kids go free! For further information visit JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am www.boardbia.ie All eyes will be on Adare Manor Hotel & Country Club on 5th & 6th July when the fifth JP McManus Charity IOG Saltex Pro-Am will take place. Many of the world’s top golfers IOG SALTEX is the UK’s only outdoor event for the including Lee Westwood, Jim Furyk and a certain Tiger grounds care, sports amenities, landscaping and estate Woods have agreed to take part. This event which takes management sectors, Launched as a grounds care show in place every five years, has seen over €55 million raised for 1938, it has grown in size and stature and now covers all charity since its inception back in 1990. Padraig Harrington aspects of the open space management industry. was the winner of the last event in 2005 and he will return It takes place from September 7th to 9th at Windsor to defend his title. Racecourse where over 450 of the industry’s leading suppliers will display everything from machinery to waste 3 Irish Open management, from playground equipment to work wear Killarney Golf & Fishing Club will see the return of the 3 and safety equipment. IOG SALTEX offers you the Irish Open Golf Championship. The tournament runs from opportunity to source thousands of products in one place. 29th July to 1st August with a pro-am on Wednesday 28th Many companies choose this event to launch new products July. It was in 1992 when the tournament was last staged at and services. Free seminar programmes, advice clinics and Killarney when Nick Faldo won the title. visitor features make IOG SALTEX an unmissable event. For more information on this year’s event and attending please visit www.iogsaltex.co.uk

10 www.gcsai.org News

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HSS helpline WATE water recycling and The GCSAI & The HSS Group R rainwater harvesting specialists are delighted to announce a new free telephone advise service for GCSAI members. IRELAND’S WASTE WATER TREATMENT The HSS Group have been appointed as Safety & Health We provide partial and/or Full Turnkey Solutions to all aspects of water management for golf courses. Consultants to the GCSAI. S O L U T I O N S Any GCSAI member that has With 18 years experience and a workplace safety/ health over 700 units in Europe, GOLF MACHINERY & BUGGY WASH BAYS: query or concern can contact we garantee: up to 95% recycling of water a consultant from The HSS • Odour-free water for re-use CLUBHOUSE & KITCHEN: or treatment prior to discharge rainwater harvesting for showers, toilets etc Group, who will endeavour treatment of restaurant oils, fats and greases to assist them to the highest • Compliance with discharge professional standard. licences • Huge savings on water rates If you have any work related • Chemical-free Please contact us with your details to arrange a visit to your site. Health & Safety questions, • Low maintenance concerns or want specific • Energy eﬃcient machinery Eamonn O’Sullivan: 086 8252838 • [email protected] information regarding The Angelo O’Connor: 087 2420195 Green Pass, do please contact WATER DETOX SOLUTIONS LTD. • Reg nº 474939 the HSS at 1890600666 or 7, Eglington, Link Rd. • Portarlington • Co. Laois • Ireland • T: 353 (0) 57 8645344 • www.waterdetox.ie [email protected]

Only one way A man had just driven on to the motorway when his car phone rang. Answering it, he found his wife on the other end of the line. “Bert,” she said urgently, “Be careful. I’ve just heard on the news that there’s a car driving the wrong way up the motorway.” “Hell,” he replied. “It’s not just one – there are hundreds of them!” 11 greenside magazine | June 2010 Nature on the Golf Course

Butterflies – A Clourful Addition to the Golf Course

lmost any golf course with flowers will attract a surprising range of butterflies which arrive A on papery wings, vibrant with exotic colour to feed on the sweetest of food – nectar

From early spring until late autumn, the Brightest of the butterflies is the holly after waking, the peacock mates and the golf course is one of the most attractive blue (Celastrina argiolus). Found mainly females fly in search of stinging nettles on habitats for nature created by man. on the East and South of Ireland, this which to lay batches of olive green eggs. Enhancing its beauty still further are the species is unusual in that it uses different The spiky black caterpillars which hatch butterflies which dizzily dance among the out then feed from May to July before blooms, momentarily adding their own pupating after which they emerge as adults vibrant colours to those of the flowers on and feed on the nectar from buddleia, which they feed. hemp and agrimony. Even those courses less fortunate to have The small tortoiseshell (Nymphalis a vast range of flowering shrubs can attract urticae) is also an early riser, spending the up to ten species of butterfly throughout winter in the year, all attracted by the variety of the adult colour and scent of the flowers that exist stage. But there. One or two of these species may like the actually make their home there, but the peacock, it, others will simply fly in from neighbouring too, lays its woodland, meadows or waste ground to The Holly Blue yellowish- feed on the nectar rich flowers. green eggs food plants for its two generations during on stinging Plants to encourage butterflies the year. Spring flying females lay their nettles One of the best wild food plants to attract eggs on the flowers of holly and a few in May The small Tortoiseshell butterflies is the stinging nettle. Other other trees and the caterpillars feed on on which the spiky black and yellow wild plants include: bramble, holly, clover, developing fruits. The adults which follow, caterpillars live communally for much of foxglove, honeysuckle, knapweeds, fly in July and August, and lay their eggs their lives. The new brood will take wing primrose and docks. Ornamental on ivy buds. by June or July, and a second generation plants which also attract butterflies The small copper appears in August and September, making include buddleia, candytuft, catmint, (Lycaena phlaeas) full use of Michaelmas daisies. choicia, larkspur, lavender (in particular is another attractive The flamboyant red admiral (Vanessa ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’), lilac, marigold, butterfly which atalanta) does not normally survive the marjoram, Michaelmas daisies, nicotiana, may be lured onto Irish winter and our population depends red hot poker, scabious, sweet william, the golf course, if almost entirely on immigrants from the teasel, thyme, hebe, and yarrow. there is a wild area Continent each spring. The females seek with a few docks out nettles on which to lay their green eggs. Complex Life Cycle and sorrels for The new Flowers, however, only provide food for its caterpillars to generation the nectar feeding adult butterflies, and feed on. The small The Small Copper flies in it is the needs and timing of the different copper is one of August, stages of the butterfly’s complex life cycle the last butterflies to disappear each year and in a that determine when and for how long and the only type to pass the winter as a good year a particular species will be found in and caterpillar. there may around the golf course. Drawn be another All butterflies pass through the same by the brood at four stages: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis or sweet the end of The Flamboyant Red Admiral pupa and winged adult – although the scent of September. Some move south in October, timing and duration of these stages vary flowers the and an unknown number fly to hibernate considerably. So whether a butterfly is a peacock in southern Europe. resident on the golf course or just flitting (Inachis io) In return for a supply of sugary nectar, through will often depend on whether the The Peacock is one of butterflies add great charm and interest to course contains the food and plants of its the earliest the golf course and with so much of our caterpillar stage or whether it provides visitors floating through in early spring. countryside disappearing, this man made the necessary shelter for the butterfly It steals a march on its rivals by sleeping habitat is clearly an all important haven for to overwinter – as adult, chrysalis or through the winter as an adult, often in a caterpillar. shed or in a cosy nook in a woodpile. Soon these beautiful insects. 12 www.gcsai.org GCSAI MEMBERSHIP FORM 2010 To be returned to: ALAN MAHON GCSAI RATHJARNEY, PIERCESTOWN, CO. WEXFORD

Tel/Fax: (00353) 53 915 8606 Mobile: (00353) 87 626 0889 Email: [email protected] Website: www.gcsai.org

PLEASE PRINT IN CAPITAL LETTERS NAME: HOME ADDRESS:

HOME TEL NUMBER: WORK: MOBILE TEL NUMBER: (Member info now sent by text message) EMAIL ADDRESS: GOLF CLUB: (If you are a retired member you must give the name of the golf club you last worked at and the dates) NEW/EXISTING MEMBER (delete as applicable) MEMBERSHIP NO. REGION: (see below for details) POSITION: AMOUNT ENCLOSED: Membership Rates - due annually 1 February Superintendent €98.00 Deputy Superintendent €80.00 YOU CAN NOW Greenkeeper €70.00 Apprentice / Student €60.00 JOIN ONLINE VISIT Groundsman €80.00 www.gcsai.org Associate €80.00 Signature of Secretary Manager or Superintendent Stamp of Golf Club: I hereby apply for membership of the GCSAI and agree to abide by the Constitution and Code of Ethics of the Association. Signature: Date: REGIONS: NW Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, Leitrim, Galway SW Cork, Kerry, Waterford, TIpperary, Limerick, Clare NE Dublin, Meath, Westmeath, Cavan, Moaghan, Louth, Longford, N. Ireland SE Kildare, Wicklow, Laois, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Offaly.

For generous club discounts for 3 or more staff joining please contact Alan Mahon.

greenside magazine | june 2010 Feature Monitoring the Weather hat is it about the Irish and the weather? We are obsessed Wwith it. It is the start of almost every conversation. Monitoring the weather is a very useful and practical exercise as part of your turf maintenance operation, whether it is on a golf course or a football pitch.

ardeners, growers, foresters, moisture, and lightning detectors. Air Temperature farmers, golf course Before the digital age, the traditional Thermometers measure air G managers, commercial way of recording different aspects of temperature. More specifically, this landscapers, and many more depend the weather was by using a Stevenson device measures the air’s heat content. on weather information for their work. screen. The Stevenson’s screen was The idea of “mercury rises” actually This information enables, for example, invented by the father of author refers to traditional thermometers, the grower or turf manager to plant, Robert Louis Stevenson. It is an old which use liquid to generate readings. irrigate, and control pests with a high term for a pleated wood enclosure Heat causes the liquid within the degree of efficiency. It enables the that held weather instruments. The thermometer to expand and travel up forester to monitor wind conditions enclosure was painted white to reduce and down the tube. Temperatures are and forest dryness. It can also provide the effects of heating by solar radiation an indication of environmental stress (which would affect the weather on workers and livestock. measurements) and the pleats allowed An effective way of monitoring the wind to flow through the enclosure to weather is by using a weather station. maintain close to ambient conditions. Having them on golf courses and Even though computerization sportsgrounds will prove an invaluable is available for recording weather tool, for not a lot of money. A good information, the Stevenson screen is weather station should consist of an still used to record weather data along anemometer (measures wind speed with other manual instruments such as and wind direction); a self-emptying thermometers, rain gauges, barometers rain gauge; temperature, humidity and and anemometers. barometric pressure sensors. Most If you have decided to install a weather stations also measure indoor weather station you need to ask temperature and humidity. Some even yourself “what do I need to record?” include solar radiation; UV; water The following are some of the basic proof probes; additional temperature items that are useful to record. You and humidity sensors; leaf wetness, soil can expand this further if necessary. The four types of thermometers used in the Stevenson’s Screen 14 www.gcsai.org Feature

measured in degrees Celsius or degrees breaking through the meniscus of when the vertical part of the stem is Fahrenheit, depending on location. the spirit column by surface tension. sunk into the ground. Measurements Official thermometers used for As the temperature falls, the index is at these depths are made under a bare keeping weather records, measure the drawn towards the bulb, but remains soil surface. The thermometers are temperature about 5 feet above the stationary as the temperature rises. read without being disturbed from ground, usually inside a Stevenson The end of the index furthest from their position in the soil. screen. This is important because wind the bulb therefore indicates the Soil thermometers used for recording and environmental effects, such as minimum temperature reached since temperatures above 300mm (300mm topography, or shade and shadows, the last setting. The thermometer is to 1200mm) are enclosed in glass tubes can skew thermometer readings. installed in the screen the same way and their bulbs are embedded in wax The thermometers contained in a as the maximum thermometer. After to make them insensitive to sudden Stevenson screen are the thermometer is reset, the reading changes in temperature. This allows • Dry bulb thermometer should be similar to that of the dry them to be drawn to the surface and • Wet bulb thermometer bulb thermometer. read before their temperature has had • Maximum thermometer Recording the readings from the time to change appreciably. The soil • Minimum thermometer above four thermometers should be thermometers are suspended in steel The dry bulb thermometer is done carefully but quickly each day tubes sunk through the surface of the exposed ‘as it stands’ and indicates the so that the screen door is open for the grass plot. Water must not be allowed temperature of the air at the time of shortest possible time and changes in to collect in the steel tubes. To prevent observation. temperature are kept to a minimum. this, the tubes are fitted with caps. The wet bulb thermometer indicates the ‘temperature of evaporation’ which is, in normal circumstances, lower than the air temperature. The difference between the dry bulb and the wet bulb readings is known as the ‘wet bulb depression’. From the dry and wet bulb readings, relative humidity and vapour pressure can be obtained. Purified water should be used for maintaining a wet bulb. Tap water must not be used. The wet bulb muslin should be changed every two weeks or more often if it is dirty. The water container should be replenished often and never be allowed to dry out. If the wet bulb is above 0˚C and is higher than the dry bulb temperature, either the muslin is dirty and should be changed immediately or one or other Three soil thermometers of the thermometers is defective. The maximum thermometer is installed in the screen on clips on a Soil Temperature The thermometer is suspended from thermometer support, inclined at an Soil temperature is the temperature the cap. Leaking tubes or faulty caps angle of about 2˚ to the horizontal with of the soil measured at a given depth, should be replaced. the bulb slightly below the stem. This typically 50, 100, 150, or 200mm, and arrangement ensures that the mercury sometimes as much as 500 to 1000mm. Air Pressure thread does not run up the stem away Soil temperature impacts many natural A barometer measures air pressure. from the constriction. After reading processes, such as seed germination, This instrument weighs the amount the maximum thermometer it should plant growth, and soil respiration. Soil of air in a specific place. A barometer be reset. When set, the maximum and air temperature generally do not can be considered a weather predictor, thermometer should show a reading correlate. Soil thermometers should be rising and falling with advancing agreeing with the dry bulb. It is then located together at the rooting depth of storms. A falling barometer indicates replaced on its supports. The bulb the turf, taking also into consideration an advancing storm or bad weather. A end is replaced first and the stem is soil depth and texture. rising barometer indicates improving carefully lowered until the other end Soil thermometers between 50mm weather. An aneroid barometer is rests on its support. and 200mm deep are unmounted the most basic way to measure air The minimum thermometer is a and unsheathed with a bend in the pressure. This device simply measures spirit glass type with a small dumb- stem between the bulb and the lowest the expansion and contraction of bell shaped index of dark glass in the graduation. The bend allows the bulb an airless metal box as air pressure bore. This index is prevented from to be at 50mm, 100mm, or 200mm changes. 15 greenside magazine | June 2010 Feature

Standard brass rain gauge Components of a pole mounted (Casella) standard rain gauge Rainfall two Y-shaped pegs. The pegs should Early modern rain gauges were called support the thermometer at an pluviometers, which comes from the inclination of 2˚ to the horizontal so Latin pluvia, meaning rain. At around that the bulb is lower than the stem 1660, the great British architect and and at a height of between 2.5cm and An old type of Anemometer designer, Sir Christopher Wren, 5cm above ground, with the bulb in calculates the wind velocity. The word devised an instrument to measure contact with the tips of the grass. The anemometer comes from the Greek small amounts of rainwater by using standard weights to determine how much rain was collected. However, Reverend Horsley of Great Britain was credited as being the inventor of the modern rain gauge in 1722, which also set the standard for rain gauges used today. The most common rain gauge is the ordinary rain gauge, which simply consists of a collector placed above a funnel that leads into a measuring cylinder, where the rainwater is stored between observations. The measuring cylinder is specially graded to give the rainfall measurement in mm. Alternatively, where rainfall can be particularly Grass thermometer heavy, a large container is used to collect the rainwater. Readings are thermometer is set by tilting the bulb word for wind, “anemos.” made by pouring the rainwater out of above the stem so that the index runs In 1450, the Italian art architect the container into measuring cylinder down the bore until it comes in contact Leon Battista Alberti invented the so that the rainfall can be measured. with the meniscus. first mechanical anemometer. This instrument consisted of a disk placed Grass Minimum Wind Speed perpendicular to the wind. It would Thermometers Knowing the strength at which the rotate by the force of the wind, and by the angle of inclination of the disk The grass minimum thermometer is wind is blowing is important to all the wind force momentary showed similar to the minimum thermometer turf managers. It determines whether itself. The same type of anemometer used in the Stevenson screen. It is or not it is possible to apply fertilizer, was later re-invented by Englishman used to record the lowest temperature spray against disease or to topdress. Robert Hooke who is often mistakenly reached during the night over short Wind velocity or speed is measured considered the inventor of the first grass freely exposed to the sky. The by a cup anemometer, an instrument anemometer. The Mayans were also most open position available should with three or four small hollow metal building wind towers (anemometers) be selected and the grass should hemispheres set so that they catch at the same time as Hooke. Another ideally be kept short so that its the wind and revolve about a vertical reference credits Wolfius as re- condition resembles that of a lawn. rod. An electrical device records inventing the anemometer in 1709. The thermometer should be laid on the revolutions of the cups and

16 www.gcsai.org Feature

Evapotranspiration This refers to the amount of water evaporating from the soil and bodies of water in a given area combined with the water that transpires metabolically from nearby plant leaves. Abbreviated as “ET,” evapotranspiration is an indicator of how much water a plant requires over a given period of time (day, week, month, year). Measured in the same units as rainfall (millimeters or inches), it is in effect the opposite variable. Evapotranspiration is an important measurement that turf managers use to determine when to irrigate their turf. Agricultural weather stations used to calculate evapotranspiration will need to be fitted with weather sensors for solar radiation, air temperature (maximum and minimum), relative humidity, and wind speed. The unit must be placed 6.5 feet (2 meters) above ground. Sunshine recorder Leaf Wetness - or “surface wetness,” • Short curved cards (Winter cards) broader area should be free from is the amount of liquid moisture on used from 15th October to last day of obstructions such as buildings, trees, the surface of plant leaves or other February. and steep slopes. exposed parts of a plant. It is of • Straight cards used around the time interest because of the influence leaf of the equinoxes – 1st March to 11th wetness has on plant diseases, since April and 3rd September to 14th many can only infect plants with wet October. leaves. A new card is inserted into the Leaf wetness sensor placement is recorder bowl each day, even when dependant on the crop and disease. there has been no sunshine during For a consistent response, it is the past 24 hours. Ideally the card is suggested that the leaf wetness sensor changed between sunrise and sunset. be mounted on the side of a horizontal post within the planted area, at the level of the crop leaf height, and Location pointed towards the north. The sensor Now that you are ready for monitoring should be cleaned on a regular basis to the weather it is important to locate remove accumulated dirt and debris, your weather station in the correct which will affect its accuracy. Use a place. Firstly you should have it close clean soft bristled toothbrush with to your office which saves a lot of water and a mild detergent liquid to time as you can quickly walk out and scrub the surface of the sensor, making gather the information and enter it sure to rinse thoroughly. into your data. Avoid large buildings or obstructions which could create Sunshine recorder shade or wind shielding which will The type of sunshine recorder used by lead to false readings. For example, the Met office utilizes the heat from a thermometer that is exposed to the the suns rays, focused by a solid glass sun will raise the temperature of the sphere to an intense spot, to char a thermometer, and thus the temperature trace on a specially manufactured card. that it indicates will be higher than the There are three types of card used, actual temperature of the air. depending on the time of year. Wind, air temperature, and water • Long curved cards (Summer vapor pressure measurements cards) used from 12th April to 2nd are affected by surface type and September. roughness, soil moisture, regional topography, and obstructions. Sites Stevenson’s Screen selected for their applicability to a 17 greenside magazine | June 2010 Eclipse 322 A4 Brodericks:Layout 1 06/05/2010 13:52 Page 1

Feature

Ten meter towers are often used to The new Eclipse 322 raise measurement heights above low-lying obstructions. The table The world’s ﬁrst diesel electric hybrid greens mower below lists the suggested measurement heights and exposure (distance to an with no hydraulics obstruction) for each type of sensor. When you start recording the weather, you must try and collect the data every day. Include it as part of your daily routine. Morning time around 9.00am is ideal and it only takes a few minutes. You should then log the information into a chart or computer document. You will find that over a period of time you can see a trend developing that is relevant to your area. Keeping a weather Weather charts give useful information about the weather record is very useful as it can give apply summer fertilizer, overseeding, Greenside would like to acknowledge you much information on the climate shutting down your irrigation the help of Gerard Griffith of of your area which in turn will be system and a clearer indication of Met Éireann for providing the of immense benefit and relevance to when the first frosts are information for this article. your work such as when it is best to likely to arrive.

Location Guide for Weather Station

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Life’s Like That Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd West Road, Ipswich, IP3 9TT UK Golf is just like life. You just get out of one hole and head for another. Tel: +44 (0) 1473 270000 18 www.ransomesjacobsen.co.uk Driving Environmental Performance www.gcsai.org Code: GS/06/10/E322 Eclipse 322 A4 Brodericks:Layout 1 06/05/2010 13:52 Page 1

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The Eclipse 322 – the green solution to precise greens mowing Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd West Road, Ipswich, IP3 9TT UK Tel: +44 (0) 1473 270000 www.ransomesjacobsen.co.uk Driving Environmental Performance Code: GS/06/10/E322 David Gets Ready for his Third Irish Open

avid MacIndoe last prepared the Killeen Course at Killarney for an Irish Open in 1992 and, eighteen years later, he is as enthusiastic as ever about getting the same course Dready for the biggest professional golf tournament of the year in Ireland. This will be David’s third Irish Open. and the following year he successfully David MacIndoe has been Course His first was in 1991 on the Killeen regained it at the same course after a Manager at Killarney since arriving Course, which is one of three courses play-off with South African Wayne there in 1984. Originally from that make up Killarney Golf & Fishing Westner. Now eighteen years later, it is Cardross, a village not too far Club. Nick Faldo won the title in 1991 anyone’s guess who will take the title. away from Loch Lomond , (the McGillycuddy Reeks must give him a gentle reminder of his Scottish home), he has loved every minute of his time at Killarney. “You would never get tired of the scenery that surrounds the courses” said David, “the mountains change colour with each passing season and it is wonderful to be working in such beautiful surroundings”. News that Killarney was to hold the 3 Irish Open tournament broke last October. Even though the event takes four days, there are many months involved in preparing the course to get it ready for the big event. The weather that was to hit Killarney since the announcement was made is something David and his staff would like to forget. Heavy rain fell in November, when the lake surrounding the course burst its bank and washed View at the 17th green away parts of the course, in particular 20 www.gcsai.org Feature

The 4th Tee part of the first green and behind cut of the rough will remain the same the putting green. Killarney Golf & but this will not encroach up to the Fishing Club was very fortunate and edge of the green as in previous Irish grateful to the nearby Liebherr factory Opens. Instead the surrounds around for providing it with 700 tons of fill the greens will be mown normally. material which Liebherr also delivered If the ball runs through the green free of charge. This fill was used to there will be no deep rough for the build up the washed away sections of golfer to ‘hack’ his way out of. Greens the course. After recovering from the will be mown between 3.00mm and trauma of the floods, the course was 3.5mm during the competition. “The plunged into sub zero temperatures European Tour today like to test the in December and in January there professional golfers. They were more were heavy snow falls. All that is sympathetic to the golfers back in 1991 behind them now and when I visited and 1992.” said David. the course in April, the sun shone, The par of the course is 72 but the deer roamed and the course was this will be reduced to 71 for the in magnificent condition with the tournament, as one of the par 5 holes, McGillycuddy Reeks providing a the 11th, will be shortened to a par Deer roam freely at Killarney stunning backdrop. four (from 505yds I asked David what was involved to 490yds). The in preparing a course for a European Killeen Course Tour event. “The European Tour try was designed by to make the course play as consistent Fred Hawthree as possible” he said “for example the and it opened for fairways should be between 23 to 28 play in 1969. The metres wide and they should have course record on a green speed of around 11 on the the Killeen Course stimpmeter. We may have to alter the was 65 which was shape of some of our landing areas on achieved by David the fairways to comply with this but Feherty. other than that there will be no major change to the course”. The height of 21 greenside magazine | June 2010 Feature

Michael F O’Connor in his native Killarney Winter flood damage behind the putting green This happened on the old Killeen Finbarr Kelliher, Terence Moriarty, Will this year see an Irish winner? layout prior to the complete Dan Morris, Peter Nagle, Bernie Perhaps, but there will be one man remodelling of the course in 2005 by Nolan, Michael F. O’Connor and who will be quietly hoping for a Tom McKenzie. A new course record Donal Quille. Scottish win! will probably be achieved during these I was given a grand tour of the four days of golf. Killeen Course by the one and only David has twenty five staff working Michael F. O’Connor who shared between the three courses (Killeen, with me some of his memories since Mahony’s Point and Lackabane he started working there in 1980. He courses) but it will be all hands on told me that he caddied in Killarney deck on the Killeen Course when when he was eight years old and often the tournament proper begins. swam in the lakes. Now, only recently Incidentally, eight of the twenty retired, he still drops in to say hello five staff members that are working to his former workmates and I’m sure in Killarney, worked on the course he will lend a helping hand during the preparing for the Irish Open in 1991 hectic last week of July. and 1992. They are Tom Cronin, Verti draining the fairways

The Killeen Course boasts some stunning views 22 www.gcsai.org Feature

Royal Liverpool to Host the Andrew Calls it a Day 2014 Open Championship Rosslare Golf Club has seen the end of an era with the retirement of its The R&A has announced that Royal Liverpool Golf Club long serving employee and Links will host The Open Championship in 2014. It will be the Superintendent Andrew Doyle. 12th time the Hoylake links has hosted golf’s oldest Major. Andrew started working with the The venue has witnessed a string of unique Open club on a casual bases in the early Champions: in 1907, Arnaud Massy became the only 1960’s, but, in 1963, he was formally Frenchman to have won the title; Fred Daly became the employed by the club to work on the first Irishman to do so, in 1947; and Argentine golfer links course. At that time Rosslare Roberto De Vicenzo became the first South American to was undergoing a remodelling of win a Major when he lifted the Claret Jug in 1967. When the course, so extra help was needed and Andrew came on The Open returned to Hoylake in 2006 after a 39-year board and has remained there ever since. absence, Tiger Woods became the first back-to-back Open He was appointed Head Greenkeeper in 1986 and it was Champion since Tom Watson in 1983 in front of 230,000 around this time that Rosslare opened its new nine hole people, a record attendance for the Championship in course which was designed by Christy O’Connor Junior England. and was later to be extended to twelve holes. Two of the three amateurs to have won The Open were Andrew worked with many well known agronomists Royal Liverpool members: Hoylake-born John Ball Jr, and consultants during his forty seven years with the the first Englishman to win The Open, lifted the Claret club. Names such as Jim Arthur, Richard Stillwell, Eddie Jug at Prestwick in 1890; and Harold Hilton, who, on his Connaughton and Gordon Irvine come to mind. “I have home course in 1897, won his second title at the first Open seen many changes over the years. Machinery has evolved Championship to be staged in the north west of England. for the better and there has been a huge improvement The only other amateur winner is Bobby Jones, who won in greenkeeping knowledge.” says Andrew. Despite the his third Open at Hoylake in 1930: the second of four steps modern way of greenkeeping practises, you only have to to his unprecedented and unmatched Grand Slam. mention the name of Andrew Doyle and immediately there Previous winners at Royal Liverpool is a universal agreement of respect for the man, not only for 1897 - Harold Hilton (A) (ENG) his knowledge and experience of the profession but also for the true gentleman that he is. 1936 - Alf Padgham (ENG) Andrew was born and reared beside the golf course and 1902 - Sandy Herd (SCO) still lives beside Rosslare golf links. He has a love of the sea 1947 - Fred Daly (NIR) and was involved with the local coast guard rescue service 1907 - Arnaud Massy(FRA) in his younger days. He hopes to spend more time with his 1956 - Peter Thomson (AUS) favourite past time, fishing, when he retires on 29th June 1913 - J H Taylor (ENG) next. “Because of my work, I never got much time to go off in a boat or to a strand to fish but I hope to make up for this 1967 - Roberto De Vicenzo (ARG) now.” concluded Andrew. 1924 - Walter Hagen (USA) We wish him many years of happy retirement 2006 - Tiger Woods (USA) with his wife Anne. 1930 - Bobby Jones (A) (USA) Annual Student Award 2010 The Irish Institute of Sports Surfaces have launched the As part of this, the Scotts company have supported this Annual Student of the Year Award for 2010 in conjunction initiative in sponsoring such an award for the sportsturf with the Scotts Company. students in Ireland and encompassing both their The aim is to give due recognition to those in sportsturf knowledge and that of the Scotts company in the provision education who bring out the best in themselves and set the of developing education in our industry. standard for their peers. This year finalists from Colleges Colaiste Stiofain Naofa To encompass those improving their education and in Cork, University College Dublin and Greenmount hence the development of the industry in Ireland, the Irish College in Antrim. Each finalist will be assigned a Institute of Sports Surfaces has establishied this award for sportsturf facility to produce an annual maintenance all those studying Sportsturf educational courses calling programme that is costed and related to real life scenario it the “Annual Irish Institute of Sports Surfaces Student in meeting the standards thats required for that venue. Award”. Following this each finalist will then face an interview The Institute believes this award would encourage those process to support their report. Interviews will be held who strive to improve themselves through education by during June and July with the winner being announced recognising their hard work and self development. a week afterwards.

23 greenside magazine | June 2010 Marram Grass – the Saviour of Links Courses

by Charlotte Durkin Sand Dune & Shingle Network

mmophila arenaria or marram grass is one of the more characteristic plants of sand dunes. It is a component of all links courses where it gives structure A to the roughs and is often used for the stabilisation of areas of bare or blowing sand. It is a plant extraordinarily well adapted for life in the stressful coastal zone and is an important initiator of dune building and growth.

Its use for dune stabilisation goes back led to de-stabilisation of some sand overgrazing and neglect of the estate a long way in Ireland with widespread dunes through the action of digging there led to massive mobilisation of planting on dunes from the Middle and burrowing. Donegal was badly sand in the late 19th centuries which Ages. The use of the term “burrow” affected in this way, with Rosapenna was further exacerbated by marram in association with sand dunes gives village overwhelmed by blowing sand cutting for thatch during World War 1. us an indication of their early use several times in the early 17th and 18th There is a record of the technique of as rabbit warrens. The tendency for centuries. Other factors were at play “fixing” dunes dating back to the 18th rabbit populations to get out of control at Horn Head where a combination of century, presumably as a response 24 www.gcsai.org Feature

absorbing their energy blowing sand and shifting dunes are and secondly a zone of therefore understandably negative. still air is created at the The reality is however, that in the face base of vegetation greatly of sea level rise and coastal squeeze, reducing the wind’s ability our dune systems need space to move to pick up sand grains. Net and readjust themselves to remain accretion on sites where resilient against storm surges, higher marram is helping to build tides and breaches in the fore dunes. new dunes, is limited by Ireland has few sites where how much sand can be foredunes are developing, most sand trapped in one season. For dune systems here are losing rather Ammophila in Ireland this than gaining sediment, the total is 600mm/year compared national area of yellow dunes is 406ha. with 900mm/year in west The Coastal Monitoring Project, by Charlotte Durkin Wales and 1200mm/year coordinated by the National Parks in east Scotland. When and Wildlife Service, surveyed this Sand Dune & Shingle Network the marram is buried there habitat type from 2004 - 2006 and can be no further trapping subsequently classed the conservation effect until the following status as ‘unfavourable – bad’. In season when the plant terms of its area, significant losses has grown up through the have occurred as a result of factors like layer of trapped sand and erosion, recreation pressure and sand the process begins again. extraction. In terms of the structure Marram, sand couch and and functions of the habitat, most sea lyme grasses all have sites failed because of poor fruiting the ability to slow wind or flowering of marram caused by and trap sediments without sediment starvation and a lack of creating scour. Therefore mobility. they are widely used to: Marram grass itself depends on dune • Trap and hold sand dynamism to stay viable, especially on potentially eroding in fore dune (yellow dune) habitats. windward faces of dunes Without a fresh supply of sand, it loses to maintain their position. vitality, stops flowering and becomes • Reduce the scouring yellow in appearance. Its adaptations effect of wind in blowouts are remarkable; surviving and indeed and trap sand to fill the thriving on repeated burial, high salt hollow. tolerance and flourishing in nutrient • Consolidate areas poor environments. of loose sand, e.g. the Marram is an important component deposition of sand of the character of links courses from blowouts or the and golf course managers need to accumulation of sand on understand something of its growth sand-trapping fencing. and habitat to help maintain a healthy However, these outcomes and resilient dune system. In the may not necessarily be foredune areas, away from the main helpful or desirable in playing area, some sand movement is Shifting dunes along terms of the dune system’s welcome and this also maintains the the shoreline with overall health. It is ironic health of the marram grass. In the Ammophila arenaria that the current thinking roughs, around bunkers and in small (white dunes) regarding dune habitats blowouts marram grass can also be a Photo by John Houston advocates dune mobility characteristic part of the landscape. and a return to more dynamic, moving dunes to these problems. Today, Ireland’s when so much effort has established dunes are generally well previously gone into stabilising dunes. vegetated, but it is unknown whether The previous strategy of abandoning this is a direct result of marram land when engulfment occurs is no planting from the middle ages. longer a viable solution as the coastal Marram (and other vegetation) zone has significantly more fixed traps blow sand in two ways; firstly infrastructure to protect, including golf leaves intercept moving sand grains, courses. Our attitudes to the idea of 25 greenside magazine | June 2010 The Road to Oakmont

by Jon Kiger, TurfNet

n April 16th last I had the pleasure of visiting Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. OThe club has hosted numerous golf championships including several majors and was gearing up for the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open to be contested this July. During my visit I met up with newly arrived intern Brian Faulkner from Saggart, Co. Dublin. Brian had only been in the States a few weeks but was eager to share his experiences and aspirations with Greenside readers.

Brian Faulkner, age 24, received a were three other interns on staff and Certificate in Turfgrass Management more expected to arrive with the from TEAGASC, Kinsealy, Co. close of the school year and a major Dublin in 2006. While in Ireland tournament on the fixture. These he had also worked at Beech Park fellow interns (from West Virginia and Brian Faulkner at Oakmont Country Club, Golf Club in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin Penn State) have become good friends Oakmont, Pennsylvania from 2002 to 2009. He learned of in a short time and the group often possible internships in the United pursues social outings together during provides housing on site and supplies States from Michael O’Keeffe of the their spare time. On this particular many of his meals as part of the Ohio State University. Brian worked evening, the group was headed to a internship. The convenience of living on the specifics of the internship for Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game – a where he works saves Brian the need about five months before arriving at first experience for the young man to have his own transportation - an Oakmont in March 2010. He will be at from Ireland. expensive and logistical challenge Oakmont through the end of October Brian was delighted to be accepted for such a short stay. In fact, he was and is hopeful that he will have to work at one of the most famous admonished in a lighthearted way another internship at a different course clubs in America, particularly while during our brief tour around the when this one concludes. Oakmont was preparing to host the course for “driving on the wrong side At the time of this interview, there 2010 U.S. Women’s Open. The club of the cart path!” 26 www.gcsai.org Feature

An Opportunity to Learn As an intern Brian looks forward to learning about many different aspects of course maintenance. “Oakmont’s greens were aerified during my first week here and I was impressed by how quickly the job was completed with the help of the whole crew,” said Faulkner. He noted that the drill and fill technique used in the States was different from his experience at Beech Park. Another difference that was apparent from the start is how many more people and pieces of equipment are available at Oakmont compared to courses back home. This allows more people to be assigned to basic tasks and a higher attention to detail in the work that is performed. Nothing is left to chance on the golf course. There is Brian with Dave Delsandro, Assistant Superintendent and his immediate supervisor plenty of equipment available to do each task and it is generally newer about every aspect of maintaining He misses than the equipment he worked on in this historic course. “The internship the full Irish Ireland. program is the foundation of how we breakfast mould the staff each season. We take a but has lot of pride in our internship programs already here.” Zimmers continued, “We acquired have tremendous success recruiting a taste for interns because former participants American recommend Oakmont’s intern program chicken to others. Our membership is proud wings – that we host interns from a variety typical pub of schools and from around the fare. He has Countdown to the 2010 world. Our interns are surprised and basically Women’s US Open sometimes overwhelmed that they get given up on an opportunity to do every job around drinking American Guinness claiming the course.” - like many before him - that it just doesn’t taste the same as the product New Experiences back home. In addition to the baseball season, Brian encourages anyone to look which was just underway, Faulkner into internships in the States or other Maintenance facility at Oakmont was given a quick study on Pittsburgh countries. He explained, “It’s a great Brian’s goals for the internship Penguins professional ice hockey. At way to gain valuable experience and include learning to work at a top club the time of the interview, the Penguins to keep your career moving forward.” and working on projects on a larger were reigning Stanley Cup Champions This is particularly helpful with jobs scale than he was previously used to. and in the playoffs for the 2009-2010 as scarce as they are at home for the After his experience in the States, he season. The fast and hard-hitting foreseeable future. hopes to return home in late 2011 and nature of the game reminds him of It was a pleasure to visit with such sign on as an assistant course manager hurling. a bright young man who represents with a golf club back in Ireland. He Brian harnesses technology to keep the Irish greenkeeping profession so also hopes, like all of us, that by that in touch with family and friends back well. I wish Brian and all others at the time the state of the Irish economy and in Ireland. He uses email and the beginning of their careers the best of the golf market will have improved Facebook website to correspond due luck in pursuing this fine career. such that courses are able to return to the five hour time difference and a to previous levels of staffing and busy schedule out on the golf course. Jon Kiger is Director of Media Sales and maintenance. Brian plays to a handicap of 5, but Membership for TurfNet Media Network According to Oakmont anticipates not having much time to and lives in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a superintendent John Zimmers, play golf at least until the 2010 U.S. member of the GCSAI and is a keen Faulkner will have a chance to learn Women’s Open has concluded. hurling fan.

27 greenside magazine | June 2010 Feature

Eddie Steps Down after 26 years with the GCSAI Popular Rush Following discussion it was agreed that the same kind of Golf Club programme would be carried out at the other courses as was Superintendent done at Elm Park (22nd April) and Royal Dublin (June). Eddie Donlon It was also decided to arrange winter meetings where other has stepped subjects would be dealt with and films shown. down from the The letter sent by the GUI telling clubs about the Royal GCSAI National Dublin demonstration was read. The members expressed Executive after their appreciation of the terms of the letter. serving on The report on the Royal Dublin demonstration was given. the board for The following clubs were represented: Eddie Donlon being presented with twenty six years. Royal Dublin, Oughterard, Castle, Elm Park, Dun Dublin Crystal by Michael Loughran During that time Laoghaire, Delgany, Rush, Mulranny, Forrest Little, watched by Michael F. O’ Connor he served as Clontarf, Waterville, The Heath, Gormanston College, Treasurer, PRO and was the Associations President from Rockwell College, Laytown-Bettystown. 2003 to 2005, which was the highlight of his twenty six The greenkeepers assembled at 2pm. They visited years working for the Association. It is a sad occasion as selected greens where Peter Murphy, ‘Greenkeeper’ Eddie is the last person serving on the GCSAI committee described the treatment which they had received. Among that had direct links with IGGA, (Irish Golf Greenkeepers the items dealt with were fertilizing, sanding, paul forking, Association), which was the forerunner to the GCSAI disease control, cutting, scarification, soil compaction (rebranded in 1996). A special presentation was made to and watering. Eddie at the recent GCSAI Annual Conference in Limerick. The greenkeepers assembled in the club house at 4pm and a lively discussion took place on many aspects of the It is fitting that we include an extract from the greenkeeping practises which they had seen on the course. minute book of IGGA which Eddie had in his Dr. Spain explained how soil samples should be taken and possession. It is from a committee meeting he also explained the PH levels in the different soil samples. which took place on 15th July 1974 at Elm Everybody present was impressed by the standard of the greens and complimented Peter Murphy. The Honorary Park Golf Club. Secretary was directed to convey the Associations Minutes of Committee Meeting of the Irish appreciation to the Captain, Secretary and staff Greenkeepers Association held at Elm Park Golf Club on of Royal Dublin. 15th July 1974. Present: Peter Murphy, Tom Clarke, Jim Feehly and Jim Byrne. Also in attendance: Messrs. Jim Lenehan, Tom Lenehan, and Dr. Henry Spain. New members The minutes of the previous meeting were read and signed. The following were elected as new members Arising from the minutes, the following courses were Thomas Jennings, Castlebar Golf Club selected for demonstration. Patrick Keogh, Douglas Golf Club Kilkenny:- To serve counties Kilkenny, Carlow, Fr. J. Ryan, Rockwell College Wexford, Tipperary, Laois, Waterford. The Hon. Sec. was instructed to write to Mr. Ivan Dickson telling him about the Mullingar demonstration Mallow:- To serve counties Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, and asking him for his assistance. Waterford. It was agreed that apprenticeship would be discussed at the next meeting in preparation for a second meeting with Galway:- To serve counties Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, the GUI Galway, Roscommon. Mullingar:- To serve counties Westmeath, Offaly, Hon. Treasurers report Jim Feehly said that he had opened a bank account. There Longford, Roscommon. are 24 paid up members and there is £48 in the bank. The Sligo (Rosses Point):- To serve counties Sligo, Leitrim, necessary arrangements for signing cheques are to be made. It was decided that the Hon. Sec. should get an allowance Mayo, Donegal. of £5 to meet day-to-day expenses and this should be Dublin:- to serve counties Dublin, Kildare, Louth, repeated as necessary. Meath, Wicklow. This concluded the meeting. Next meeting scheduled for 26th August 8pm at Elm Park Golf Club It was decided to arrange the Mullingar demonstrations for August 7th or 8th and Kilkenny two or three weeks later. Signed: Seamus Kelly, Chairman

28 www.gcsai.org Course Feature by Alan Mahon

Photography by Filip Naum

Enter Portsalon t was a three hundred mile drive from Wexford to Portsalon, a small village in North Donegal. The weather on the way up, as on previous days, was horrible. The following day I was to visit Portsalon Golf Club where I would meetI its Course Superintendent, John Shields. You have to go out of your way to visit Portsalon as it is not on any of the main roads linking the major towns in Donegal. I was told that this golf course is set in the most spectacular surroundings of mountains and sandy beaches. All I needed was for the weather to improve to appreciate the scenery.

John Shields, Course Superintendent Well it was as if the gods were looking after foothills of Knockalla Mountain, and the the remains of a World War II plane which me. The morning I visited Portsalon Golf shores of Lough Swilly offer a beautiful crash landed there in 1945. Thankfully the Club, the sun shone and I was greeted sight for any golfer playing the course. pilot survived. with clear blue skies. The mountain tops Portsalon links course is located along Portsalon is one of the oldest clubs in still retained the snow which had fallen Ballymastocker Beach, which was voted the country. Officially it was established several days previously and the golf course 3rd best beach in the world several years in 1891 and was one of nine clubs which was simply breathtaking. Portsalon ago. Yet, despite it being so highly rated, founded the Golfing Union of Ireland Golf Club is located near Ireland’s most it remains a very quiet strand where few (GUI) in that year. northerly point and is surrounded by the strollers, swimmers and surfers make use wild Atlantic Ocean. It is nestled at the of it. When the tide goes out one can see However, records show that a meeting took place, involving Portsalon two years previously with the intention of forming an Irish golfing union. This would indicate that a club already existed then. The course was laid out by a well established Portrush professional called Thompson. The original owners of the land descended from the family of Colonel Barton a local landlord. Every year a matchplay competition is held for a trophy which is called the Barton Cup. This dates back to July 1899 and probably makes it one of the oldest golf trophies to be played for in Ireland. Portsalon has a total membership of around six hundred. It is a wonderful links Martin Friel tends to the bunker course which gives a fair test to the golfer. This area is amongst Europe’s windiest, so decided to purchase the golf course from in Dublin before taking up his position as you need to be accurate with your drives, the landowner Colm Duffy. The price Course Superintendent at Portsalon. John to say the least. The course was redesigned was £65,000. This seems cheap today but is a very keen golfer (handicap of 2) and by Pat Ruddy in 2001. Irish professional back then the club had no money. Instead takes part in the Sunday club competitions. golfer Paul McGinley played Portsalon of borrowing this amount from the bank, He is often part of the inter club team. recently and was so impressed with the it was decided to issue raffle tickets to be Golf runs in John’s family. Two of his course that he singled out the 2nd hole sold at £100 each and limited to 1500 uncles, Michael and Patrick Shields (who as the best par four he ever played. He tickets. This was so successful that they had happen to be twins), are former plans to return to Portsalon to advise on the land bought and paid for within four club captains. retouching some of the holes, particularly months. (the sale of tickets raised £150,000 John has four with regard to introducing new bunkers. but half of this money went to purchase full time staff magnificent prizes for the raffle). working for him, John Shields has been looking after all of whom are Portsalon Golf Links since 2007. He is a native to the area. local man born and reared in Portsalon In these modern but now living in nearby Milford. He times it is very started his greenkeeping career working unusual to have in Foyle Golf Club but has gained lots the entire course Michael McVeigh of experience working in other golf clubs maintenance staff born and bred within a few miles of the course where they work. The combined Left: Martin Friel, Sean Barrett, John Shields, Michael Friel “The combined years of service of the taff is almost sixty years. The course record stands at 69 which was years of service of The longest serving course staff member only achieved recently by club member is Michael McVeigh. Michael has been Conor Connolly in 2008 – such is the the staff is almost working at Portsalon since 1980. He recalls difficulty of the course. Incidentally the time when sheep were taken off the Portsalon has never had a scratch golfer sixty years.” course in the morning by the farmer and they in its one hundred and nineteen year would be brought back again in the evening history. The present clubhouse opened to graze the course. He has a tremendous in 1991. Prior to that Portsalon Hotel was such as Massereene and DownPatrick. He amount of local knowledge and he knows used as the clubhouse. In 1986 the club worked at Luttrellstown Castle Golf Club the history of the region inside out. He told me about the sinking of a started the ball rolling by abandoning passenger ship, the Saldanha, when, on fertiliser applications (except for a spring a stormy evening, 5th November 1811, application to kick start the growth) and the ship was grounded on rocks in Lough using seaweed every two weeks instead. Swilly and broke into pieces. As a result of Ian McClements of the STRI advises this catastrophe 350 people lost their lives. John whenever the need arises. Five of the Six of these are buried where the present greens on the course date back to when 18th fairway is now situated. the club was formed in 1891. These are When you reach the 13th hole you will the only greens where John would use a notice a plaque commemorating a Mass hollow coring machine due to the organic matter built up over the years. The rest of the greens are aerated using pencil tines. However, every two weeks all 18 greens are “Five of the pencil tined with a follow up topdressing greens on the of sand. It is John’s ambition to have all bunkers course date back revetted. “This would enhance the course so much. It would also reduce the amount are mowing these two greens”, says John. to 1891.” of ‘wind blow’ that we get when the sand “You have four greens mown for the price gets blown around the bunkers and on of two”, he jokes. to some of the greens. Revetted bunkers At the moment only the greens and tees rock which was used in penal times. would eliminate this problem” says John. are irrigated. The source of water comes Maintaining Portsalon links is a There are two double greens on the from the burren running along the 17th challenge for John and his staff. John’s course - the first one is shared by the 3rd hole. It gives a consistent supply of water ambition is to eventually have a total fescue and 9th holes while the other is shared by which is stored in an above ground tank. sward on all the greens. He has already the 4th and 8th holes. “It’s handy when you John would like to introduce irrigation to and 11th January 2010 due to the snow and frost, it only opened for one day during this time. Temperatures have remained so low during the first few months of this year that most of the fairways were not mown between December 2009 and March 2010. Despite the cold weather it is very rare for the course to be 1910 photo showing old putting green. Note club house and closed. Being a links course hotel in the background it is free draining, so heavy The next time you are in Donegal, Martin Friel and Sean Barrett doing rainfall is never a reason for make sure you go out of your way sprinkler repair work closing the course. and visit Portsalon. the fairways. “I think this is a long way off It was a pleasure walking the fairways of I promise, you will not be disappointed. as it would cost a lot of money to extend Portsalon. It was like being in a world lost the system and in these economic times it in time. What a joy and privilege it must would take a lot of persuading to get your be to work in such beautiful surroundings. “It was a pleasure club to agree to this idea” said John. I’m sure there are plenty of days when the Portsalon did not escape the treacherous going gets tough out on the course but the walking the fairways winter of 2009/2010. The course remained panorama and tranquility of the place closed between 14th December 2009 must surely make up for this. of Portsalon.”

Filip Naum, who photographed for this article, works freelance . He can be contacted on 086 348 9317 or you can email him on [email protected] or visit his website www.coldtwentyfour.com Machinery Used at Portsalon • Jacobsen AR250 semi rough rotary mower • Airman 3 ton mini digger • John Deere 32 fairway mower • Toro 3250D greensmower • John Deere 2500B greensmower • John Deere gator x 2 • Jacobsen 1900D Triking tees mower • Iseki compact tractor • Kubota compact tractor • Ryan sodcutter • Hardi 300 litre sprayer • Dakota Turf Tender greens topdresser • Kilworth power harrow • Charterhouse fairway slitter • Proseeder • Abbey fertiliser spreader • Wiedenmann verti drain

DARGolf Construction Ltd

Tuckmill, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow, Ireland. From one green or tee to a Tel: 059 - 6481509 Fax: 059 - 6481723 “state of the art” Golf Course Email: [email protected] DAR GOLF have the expertise. Contact James Darcy at 087 2573550 Southwest Report by Michael F O’Connor, Killarney Golf & Fishing Club

Seamus Takes the Lyons Share at Lee Valley

eamus Lyons, the new Course Superintendent at Charleville was in sparkling form when taking the top prize in our 15th April outing to Lee Valley Golf Sand Country Club, Co. Cork with a superb forty two points. Known as “Mr. Consistency” Seamus the Year 2010. Next on the podium, scored twenty two points on the front and fresh from his fine performance nine, which included a birdie at the with the victorious President’s Cup five hundred and eleven yard par five team, was Killarney’s David MacIndoe eight hole, and twenty points on the Junior who was best of a group of back nine, which left the rest of the four competitors who scored thirty field trailing by at least six points. It six points. David produced a fabulous was certainly a case of Seamus taking twenty three points on the back nine. the “Lyons Share” of the fine prizes Definitely another man we will be for the wonderful display of golf he hearing more of in the not too distant produced on the day. Great Stuff future. Winning first prize in the Trade indeed! No doubt he will be a man Section was Denis Collins of Goldcrop Seamus Lyons (Charleville) to watch in the race to win Golfer of Limited playing off a handicap of Overall Winner

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eighteen with thirty two points. Great credit must go to Course Results from Lee Valley Superintendent, James Mulcahy, his Overall Assistant Denis Sheehan and all the 1st. Seamus Lyons. Charleville G.C. 16h’cap. 42pts. course staff for having the course in 2nd. David MacIndoe Jnr. Killarney G.C. 14h’cap. 36pts. such magnificent order, and especially after such a disastrous winter. It 3rd. Tommy Sayers Dingle 7h’cap. 36pts. really was an uphill battle all the way but they persevered and were justly Cat. 1. rewarded. Special presentations 1st. Ger O’Neill. Cobh G.C. 6h’cap. 35pts. were made to James Mulcahy to mark the occasion of our visit and for his continuous attention to detail, Cat. 2. and also to Denis Sheehan for his 1st. Simon O’Hara. Fota G.C. 11h’cap. 36pts. communicative skills and always being 2nd.Tommy Barrett. Charleville G.C. 14h’cap. 36pts. available to help with the minimum of fuss. Many thanks to you both for making your individual talents Cat. 3. available to us. 1st. Denis McCarthy. Tipperary G./C.C. 25h’cap. 26pts. Our sincere thanks must go to the catering department for the scrumptious food served up to us after Trade the competition. With Peg Keohane 1st. Denis Collins. Goldcrop Ltd 18h’cap. 32pts. and her excellent staff you are always 2nd.Frank Coniry. Coniry Golf Services 11h’cap. 31pts. guaranteed the very best of culinary delights whether you happen to be a golf enthusiast or not. Golfer of the Year 2009 Michael J. O’Sullivan. Killarney G.C.

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I have to give special mention to The following are the Officers and Committee for 2010: Dolores in the bar and catering department who always has a smile Position: Name Address Ph. No’s and a special word of welcome for all and sundry no matter how busy she is. Chairman: Michael F. O’Connor Killarney 087 1276764 Last but not least we would like to offer our sincere gratitude to Gerry, Secretary: Finbarr O’Mahony Kanturk 087 7728720 Peg, Paul and all the Keohane Family for making their fabulous facilities Traesurers: Michael F. O’Connor Killarney available to us on the day and always. Dermy Jones Raffeen Creek 087 2745953 We are extremely grateful to you for a super day out. Well done to Committee: John Rouine Lahinch 087 6836016 one and all! Simon O’Hara Fota 087 7777467

Edwin Hannon Douglas 087 9802994

to us over the winter months and due turfgrass industry, staff on three day to the fact that we were unable to hold weeks etc. and with the downturn in any hampers competition, the Golfer the economy, it is important that our of the Year Trophy for 2009 could not members be more active. As everyone be presented until the 15th April last. should know;”there is strength in Michael F. makes a special presentation to The winner was none other than numbers”! Peg and Gerry Keohane, Lee Valley Michael J. O’Sullivan of Killarney Anyway, all relevant information Golf and Fishing Club who had an available was relayed to the members Special Presentation outstanding year overall. He scored at the meeting and some important The Chairman made a specially very consistently throughout the year items were discussed. Overall it was a engraved presentation to Peg, Gerry and played a major part in the South very successful A.G.M. and Paul Keohane and Family for the West’s victorious Presidents Cup team. outstanding support they have given to We congratulate Michael J. on his Annual Conference 2010 The 2010 Annual Conference took the South West Region over the years. achievement and wish him continued place in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Gerry has been a great ambassador success in 2010. Limerick on Wednesday 3rd. and for golf in general and has always Thursday 4th. March. It was a great supported and accommodated us, be it success and even though we were for a seminar, meeting or golf outing. down in numbers mainly due to the It was only fitting that the we showed negative state of the economy, it was our appreciation with this tribute. It more than made up for by the superb was long overdue! presentations on a wide variety of Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir, a topics and all the speakers did a chairde! fantastic job. Obviously the South West would have preferred either Golfer of the Year 2009 Cork or Kerry as the venue but were Due to the weather being so unkind Denis Sheehan, Lee Valley outvoted this time. Most organisations receives an appreciation from Michael F. will agree that it is hard to beat Annual General Meeting Killarney as a conference venue. “I rest my case”. Maybe we will Our Annual General Meeting took have better luck next time? place at Lee Valley Golf Club in conjunction with our golf outing. It was well supported and we would Future Golf Outings like to thank everybody who made Wednesday 2nd. June the effort to attend. As a wise man once said “ THAT’S WHERE YOUR Killarney TRUE COLOURS LIE” Thursday 12th. August I think there are many other members who could make a better Tralee effort to attend our meetings! It’s Please Note: The Killarney outing not asking very much and after all is due to be played on the Killeen there is only one A.G.M in the year. course which is the venue for the Ml. J. O’Sullivan receives Golfer In these times of cutbacks in the of the Year Trophy 3 Irish Open. 38 www.gcsai.org Southwest Report

The Tralee outing in August will be the qualifier for the President’s Cup so make sure you attend these outings in large numbers. There will be a limited tee time at both outings so make sure that you book with Michael F. as soon as you receive your text notification. I am looking forward to seeing you at both these venues. More details later. Also please take note that the venue for the 2010 Christmas hampers will be decided later in the year.

The 3. Irish Open Preparation work for the 3. Irish Open in Killarney is now in full swing and David MacIndoe Senior and his dedicated staff are leaving no stone unturned to make sure that it is the most successful yet. General Manager Ger O’Neill (Cobh) Cat.1. Winner Maurice O’Meara and the Club Committee along with Top Class Professional David Keating and combined with the European Tour Officials are also doing their very best to make sure everything is in order for a magnificent week of superb golf. We congratulate Killarney Golf and Fishing Club on securing the venue and wish them the very best of luck for an outstanding tournament. We also take this opportunity to wish David MacIndoe Senior and his Staff every success for this great golf championship. Hope to see you there!

Tommy Sayers (Dingle) 3rd. Prize Overall

Finbarr O’Mahony(Kanturk). Peter Duane(Lee Valley). Edwin Hannon(Douglas) take time out for a photo.

Thank You Sponsors We would like to thank our sponsors most sincerely for their undying support as always. We appreciate their help at all times especially with the negativity that has been in the economy over this past while. But we may have turned the corner and so look forward to better times ahead. Even in these difficult times try to give our sponsors all the support you can. Let’s not forget that we need each other.

39 greenside magazine | June 2010 Southeast Report by Trevor Dargan, Woodenbridge GC

The Bad Weather is all Behind us Now!!

t has been a stop start time for the growing season. The weather that we all Ihoped for has not yet materialized. However it has been dry and that is a bonus. Everyone is anxious to apply their growth regulators to kick start their turf into growth. Here in the south east golfers are slowly coming out of hibernation after a very long winter and open weeks and open competitions are a plentiful. Budgets are changing all the time and golfer numbers are being watched and carefully monitored. Good luck to all who have open weeks etc as these have never been as important for sustaining our clubs and they give us all a time to show off our lovely courses to non members.

Fintan Dempsey (The Heath), Keith Boland (Goldcrop), Billy O’Connor (The Heath), David Healy (Greystones)

Carton House Results Trade Prize: No 1st J Russell 38pts it wasn’t Frank Byrne. Well done 2nd T. Dargan to Keith Boland from Goldcorp. Class 1 1st A Loughlan Our next 2nd M. Furlong outing will be to 3rd F Marah Bunclody Golf and Fishing Club Class 2 on 26th August. It Left: Dave Casburn (Sea Nymph - Galway Bay Marine Ltd.) 1st M.Murphy should be a busy Andy Sheehan (Milltown), Trevor Dargan (Woodenbridge) 2nd D. Garland timesheet. So it The weather disrupted our Bray outing and we rescheduled 3rd R.Kilduff advised, when the it for later in the year. The Carton House outing was very text message is popular as one would expect - well done to the course staff Class 3 sent, to get on the and Mr. John Plumber for their hospitality on the day. We 1st M Reilly phone and book had a great day weather wise and even my golf wasn’t bad. 2nd B Kavanagh early to avoid Trade was again well supported on the day so thank you 3rd D Healy. disappointment. and well done for supporting these events.

Relaxing after their round of golf at Carton House The Boat House at Carton House 40 www.gcsai.org Northwest Report by Jason Podris, Galway Bay Golf Club

Damien’s Captain’s Prize Eventually Takes Place fter a total washout last year, The well manicured course at Ballinasloe the Northwest region captain Damien McLaverty held Jim McHugh A (Tuam), his captains prize at his home club, Mike Ryan Ballinasloe, on Thursday 29th April. (Gort), John Moran There was some rain in the morning but (Glenlo Abbey) the sun shone for most of the day and everyone had a great time. Ballinasloe Club Captain Jimmy Flynn was in attendance and he welcomed the GCSAI members to Ballinasloe Billy Connell and thanked them for the wonderful job they are doing (Galway), maintaining their courses. Siobhán Herr (Martyns Grass Damien Mclaverty presented the prizes and he thanked his Lawns Ltd.), club for making the course available for the competition. Freddie Herr Damien also thanked his staff, many of whom were taking part in the competition, for doing a fine job looking after Ballinasloe Golf Club. Ballinasloe 1st Johnny Mannion (Tuam) Finally we wish Joe Diskin a speedy recovery from his Results 2nd Jim McHugh (Tuam) illness and hope to see him soon doing battle once again on the fairways. 3rd Stephen Munnelly (Castlebar) 4th Mike Ryan (Gort) 5th Padraic Purcell (Portumna) 6th Paddy Kelly (Portumna) 7th Sean McDonagh (Portumna) 8th Billy Connell (Galway) Visitor Prize Tom Cusack (Ballinasloe)

Back Row Left: John Mullins (Gort), Sean McDonagh (Portumna), Paddy Kelly (Portumna), Damien McLaverty with Ballinasloe Club Padraic Purcell (Portumna), Front: Mike Ryan (Gort), Eugene Riddell (Ballinasloe) Captain Jimmy Flynn 41 greenside magazine | June 2010 Northeast Report by Michael McFeelyN Westmanstownortheast Regi oGolfnal ClubReport

I had the pleasure of showing some of my local courses to a Course Superintendent, Rory Anderson from South Africa Rosslare Golf Outing whileThis he an nwasual ingo lIrelandf outing forwas a o shortnce ag visit.ain a sWhenuccess heeve wasnt w ihereth Let the weeve rpaidyone visitshavin gto a Rathfarnham,good time, even The the wGrangeeather handeld uthenp an ond to DunRossl aLaoghaire.re was in gr eTheat c oweatherndition fwasor th colde tim ande of ydryear with(it wa as heavythe frostend o fboth Nov mornings,ember). An dwhichrew D heoyl ewas and not Da vaccustomede Colley ma dto.e u Ours ver y firstwelco mvisite a s awaslw atoys . WRathfarnham,e want to th anwithk R itsoss lgreatare G oviewslf Clu bover for the Weather Dublin.course on We the hadday. Ta ogood our e walkaboutver loyal sp owithnsor, EddieD’Arc yands Sa nJohn,d and whoPat M madeurphy us, th welcomeanks for t hande su thenper p rweize swent and yonou rto c othenti nGrangeued whereongoin gJohn supp otookrt. W use l oonok a f otourrwa rofd thiso n ecoursext year .and explained how he worked. Our last stop was at Dun Laoghaire where we were able to get a buggy and take a good tour of be on the course, for which “thanks to Barry.” Rory was really impressed with what he had seen and with the welcome that our side! he received from everybody.

Prizewinners at Rosslare from left: Pat Murphy (sponsor), Brian Byrne, Ken McManmon, Frank Donlon, Tony D’Arcy (sponsor) and Bobby McDermott.

Rush Christmas outing A full time sheet was in operation at Rush with forty four competitors taking part. This year a shotgun start was in operation which made it possible for all to enjoy the post golf Christmas festivities together in the clubhouse. Many of those that didn’t play well still went home with prizes, such was the array of spot prizes available. Many thanks to Eddie Donlon and Rush Golf Club for holding this popular event, which is now in ello to all the members in the North-East its 28th consecutive year. It is tradition that a GCSAI tie is presented to the Rush Golf Club captain as a token of region. On bebalf of the committee I appreciation and this year Joe Landy was the recipient. Hwould like to wish you all the best for this years golfing season - hopefully the weather will Rush Christmas Outing Results be on our side this summer. Many of our friends in greenkeeping have been affected by the recession, Overall 1st Donal Curtis (Navan) as the three day week has been in place in a lot of 2nd Dean Brock (Grange) golf clubs throughout the country. Hopefully those 3rd John Jennings (Castleknock) affected by this will soon be back to full 4th Gerry Byrne (K Club) 5th Eamon Crawford (Royal Co. Down) time employment. Prize Winners at the Sutton Outing from Back Row Left: Eddie Donlon6th F r(Rush),ank Do nIainlon Ritchie(Mala h(i dLelye) Irl.), Sutton Golf Outing Simon LewisVisit o(Sutton),r We are very fortunate to have some first class links in the 1st Brian Coburn (Royal Co. Down) Dublin city area - The Island, Royal Dublin, St Annes, and Middle Row:2n Richardd Gary DoyleCraw (Lucford an),(Ro yAlanal C oCarroll. Dow n(Corballis),) The Links at Portmarnock. On the last day of April we Kevin NaughtonTra (Tolkade Valley), held our first golf outing of 2010 on a gem of a course called Front Row: Gerry Breheny1st Iai n(S Rt.i tMargarets),chie (Lely IDeanrl) Brock (Grange), Sutton. It is a 9 hole course, with wonderful sea views and 2nd Frank BJohnyrne Egan( JFB (Rathfarnham) Golf Course Supplies Ltd.) it overlooks Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye. Sutton was founded in the year 1890 and the club house has a vast amount of old photos and golf memorabilia, as well Advanced Landscape Services as a dedicated room, or a mini museum as I would call it, to Private and commercial grounds maintenance the famous Joe Carr. Golf course re-modelling projects and aeration work Simon Lewis is the Superintendent at Sutton, and he had Hard and soft landscaping the course in wonderful condition - but you can tell that it Agent for contract spraying with NAD is always like that whatever the time of year. So to Simon Installation agent for Waste2Water in conjunction with NAD Recycling units and back-up service and his team ‘thank you for a great day.’ The General Phone Karl Dooley on 087 9402650 Manager in Sutton is Michael Healy, who made us feel very Office/Fax 045 869527 or welcome and looked after us so well during our stay. E-mail [email protected]

42 47 Greenside Magazine March 09 www.gcsai.org MillikenGreensideHalfVert2.pdf 4/23/08News 10:34:59 AM

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43 greenside magazine | June 2010

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ollowing on from our attendance at this years GCSAI Conference in Limerick, Fwe have received tremendous feedback.

The conference and banquet allowed non members were required to pay If you have any work related Health us the opportunity to meet many of membership fees on top of the FETAC & Safety questions, concerns or want the GCSAI members with whom we registered course fee, the membership specific information regarding The have been speaking over the phone, or costs has been replaced with a heavily Green Pass, do please contact us at exchanging emails with over the past reduced fee of €25. This is to cover [email protected] or 1890600666. few months. administration expenses throughout Putting a face behind the name and the term of their membership. This More deaths on farms than “pressing the flesh”, as the politicians should assist those Golf Clubs that any other sector say! means so much more when are very keen to ensure that their full providing a service to our customers. staff, including seasonal and part time Deaths from farm accidents this year To Alan, Michael, Paddy, Marie, are correctly and fully compliant with have been running at the rate of almost David and all the others who made current Health and Safety legislation. one a week, according to the Minister us feel so welcome at the conference, for Labour Affairs, Mr. Dara Calleary. we say thank you and look forward to Recent Cases There were nine farm deaths in the extending our working relationship. In some recent court cases, reported first two months of this year. The total As a conference speaker, I explained in 2010, an excavator driver was farm accident deaths last year was 11 how The Green Pass idea came about, given a 3-month jail sentence in – which makes this year’s figures very how it was developed in conjunction Portlaoise Circuit Court when the worrying. with GCSAI Management and the bucket of the excavator fell off onto his Department figures show that five future plans regarding The Green work colleague and killed him. The of the deaths were in farming and four Pass. I also outlined some of the excavator driver was charged with others in occupations but on farms. responsibilities of Golf Course failing to take regard of his training The farm deaths included victims Management and staff as these are set and instructions from his employer, being caught in power shafts, two were out in Irish Law. Specific emphasis when it came to properly using work killed while felling trees, two were was placed on The Green Pass as a equipment, as per the requirements of crushed by machinery, one fell from a GCSAI owned initiative, which must the 2005 Safety Act. be promoted by the membership. Another case, where a worker, who horse and another from a ledge. was power washing the front of a Since 2005, 105 people have been Costs building from a cage on a teleporter, killed in the agriculture, forestry The levels of interest in The Green was killed when he and the cage he and fishing sectors. Agriculture only Pass continues to grow, with every was standing in fell from the forks accounts for about 6 per cent of month bringing new courses and new of the teleporter, as it had not been the workforce of 115,000 but about trainees on board. In these challenging properly secured. The employer 500,000 are people exposed to risk if times, we are continuing to review our involved was fined €250,000, whilst a family members are included. course contents and costs. company director was fined €50,000. Figures also show the rate of As a result of a recent review it has These cases, once again, demonstrate reported fatalities per 100,000 in been agreed to reduce the costs for non the responsibility, which we all have, the sectors is three times that of members of the GCSAI. All attendees both as employees & management in construction and six times greater than will still gain full membership of the our workplaces. the average across all sectors. GCSAI. However, whereas previously 44 www.gcsai.org News

Royal Lytham & ST Annes to Congratulations

Host 2015 Walker Cup Stackstown Superintendent Eddie Mulligan will be tying the knot The R&A has announced that Royal Lytham & St Annes on July 17th next when he will be marrying Jacinta Doran. Golf Club will host the 45th Walker Cup Match, in 2015. Best wishes and congratulations go to him and Jacinta from all The biennial contest between Great Britain & Ireland and of Eddie’s friends and work colleagues. the USA will take place on the Lancashire links on 12 & 13 September that year. “We are delighted that Royal Lytham & St Annes Greenside Wins TOCA has agreed to host the Walker Cup in 2015,” said David Hill, The R&A’s Director of Championships. “As one of International Communications Great Britain and Ireland’s premier links courses, it will Awards undoubtedly provide a stern test befitting a contest that has come to represent the pinnacle of amateur achievement. Greenside won three awards in the International Lytham has a proud association with the amateur Communications Awards Competition at the 21st annual game. Bobby Jones became only the third amateur to lift meeting of the Turf and Ornamental Communicators the Claret Jug when he won the first of his three Open Association (TOCA) in Tucson, Arizona. The October 2009 Championships there, in 1926. The venue has also staged issue of Greenside was the big winner earning three awards. four Amateur Championships in 1935, 1955, 1986 and in The Croke Park Makeover story won first place in the 2007, when Drew Weaver, a member of the USA’s winning “Best Publication article of two or more pages” category. Walker Cup team last year, defeated Australian Tim The Cover Photo of Croke Park, for the same article, won Stewart 2&1 in the final. a Merit award in the category of “Best Photo Publication: Though the Club will be hosting the Walker Cup for the Cover or inside photo”. The third award from the October first time in 2015, it is no stranger to international team issue was for the article “Communicating”, written by matches, having hosted the Ryder Cup in 1961 and 1977: Jon Kiger of TurfNet. It won a “Merit award for Best the USA beating Great Britain & Ireland on both occasions. Publication article of two or more pages”, sweeping the Royal Lytham & St Annes has hosted The Open category. TOCA’s International Communications Awards Championship on 10 previous occasions and will do so are sponsored by Syngenta International. again in 2012. TOCA is comprised of supplier companies to the In 2011 the Walker Cup will be played at Royal Green industry, their advertising agencies, and the media Aberdeen in Scotland. Following that, the 2013 Match will companies that serve the golf maintenance, sportsturf, and be contested at the National Golf Links of America, Long landscape industries. The association has approximately 150 Island, New York. members, primarily in the United States. The organization has hosted an annual awards competition domestically in the U.S. for twenty years, Virtual Open Golf showcasing the best work the The R&A has announced the creation of the Virtual Open Green industry has to offer. Championship. The online game, which is played on a high Irish golf was also well definition, photorealistic representation of the Old Course represented in the domestic at St Andrews, has been produced in partnership with categories. TurfNet’s 2009 World Golf Tour (WGT) and is free to enter. It will run Ireland Video Series won online in conjunction with the 150th Anniversary Open first place for “Best Video Championship, offering fans all over the world another presentation,” for the second exciting way to experience golf’s oldest Major, as well as year in a row. The series was providing the opportunity to introduce the game of golf to again produced by Sleeping new audiences. Warrior Productions of Qualifying rounds will take place from 1st June on Co. Leitrim. The TurfNet www.opengolf.com, www.wgt.com and www.espnarcade. Members Trip to Ireland com before the leading 156 competitors contest two (which included a golf championship rounds in the week immediately following competition and social outing with GCSAI’s SW The Open. One official winner will receive an all expenses Region – see June 2009 Greenside) won first place in the paid trip for two to St Andrews. “Best Special Event category”. In creating the game, more than 100,000 HD images Over 300 projects were entered in the overall were captured, geo-referenced and placed into a patented competition so it was impressive indeed for physics simulator, allowing World Golf Tour to replicate the Greenside to be acknowledged in this way. course to an accuracy of within one and a half inches.

Satisfying Read I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure – Clarence Dabrow, Lawyer 45 greenside magazine | June 2010 Feature Diary of a Course

Superintendent by Justin C.Ruiz CGCS The Rim Golf Club, Arizona Staff Training

with the ring around the edges evenly ruin the adjustment and compromise Week one spaced from the edge of the bunker. the height of cut. The season at The Rim Golf Club is The employees are asked to take a look The next procedure we went through officially underway. We have begun before leaving the bunker to make sure was the process which takes place a training program to ensure quality the bunker is smooth. before we begin the mowing practice. on the course. In the past it has been The training was signed off by I asked the crew to stop the mower at tough trying to get a handle on all each employee ensuring that they the edge of the green and first walk the the turnover throughout the summer understood that if the job was green to check for ball marks, high-low months, with seasonal employees that not completed the way that it was plugs and also to remove the flagstick do not seem to care about the work, explained they would be written up. from the hole. but more about the pay cheque. The We have a three strike policy and if We have had problems with the training program will take place every you can’t figure out your job within flagstick getting clipped by the greens Monday throughout the season in three tries then we have to let you go. mower because the employees would order to train our staff on the proper It is a fair process. try to grab the flagstick as they were procedure of maintenance. Since we Overall the training will help us going by with the mower. The edge of are closed on Mondays this gives us better serve our member. We want the mower catches the flagstick and ample time to thouroughly discuss a only the best playing conditions for shreds the fiberglass. topic, with hands on training. them. The last procedure that I explained Our first topic this year was the to our crew was turning the mower Bunker Maintenance training. We at the edge of the green. While the touched on many aspects of bunker Week two Another Monday and another bunkers are close to the greens edge maintenance. We also explained to training session for the crew. I am we can’t prevent turning on the collar, our employees that these areas are trying to encourage good habits but we can prevent turning on the the most labour intensive areas on for this upcoming season. I have collar on the rest of the green. Turning the course, even more so than the committed myself to having a just outside the collar in the rough is greens. We use between three to four training session each Monday. Last ideal for wear during the heat of the guys in the bunkers for five hours week we explained bunker raking. summer and when we are topdressing each morning hand raking the 75 I have learned over the years as a greens. The roller on the mower bunkers on the course. We also have superintendent that you can never grinds away at the low cut grass. bunkers on our range that need some explain things enough. Repitition The crew responded well to the maintenance throughout the season. is the key. training seminar and I think we are We rake the bunkers with spring The greens mowing training was a going to start out the season on the leaf rakes. We drag the rake behind, as success. I explained the proper way right foot. Each job on the course is we walk through the bunker, trying to to transport the mowers. very important to add to our overall produce the straightest lines possible. This is important since the pedestrian quality. If everyone pitches in to We leave a gap from the edge all the mowers we use are expensive and make this course better, we can way around the bunker so as not to precise. A mower flopping around accomplish a lot. pull sand from the edges and expose in the back of a trailer can not only the liner underneath. Then we finish damage the equipment but can also

46 www.gcsai.org

Doing their bit for charity

Sean Takes to the Route 66 2010 Motorcycle Challenge Sean Brennan, Assistant at look forward to flying a wonderful to assist it in the purchase of vital Portmarnock Golf Club, will set Temple Street flag. equipment and to help establish and off on his Harley Davidson on 26th Annually, there are over 132,000 fund research to ensure that the best September and join up with the 66ers attendances by children from every service possible is provided to the to help raise funds for Temple Street part of Ireland to Temple Street children in its care. Children’s Hospital. He hopes that and the hospital has the country’s Any monies raised for this worthy after people have read this article that biggest paediatric casualty unit. cause should be made out to Temple his fellow Greenkeepers will support Temple Street leads the way across Street Childrens Hospital and sent to him for this worthy cause by either a a variety of medical specialities. It is Sean Brennan, Portmarnock Golf Club, donation or maybe even holding a golf the national centre responsible for Portmarnock, Co. Dublin. competition, raffling prizes or by asking screening newborn babies for metabolic If you see one of them during one of members to contribute €1 or €2 each. and genetic disorders. It is also the their fundraising activities come over In 2002 Sean and his biker friends national centre for neurological, eye, and say Hello! paid a visit to the road that linked craniofacial, America, while there they planned kidney, airways to return again in 2004. They have and ENT disorders since completed the route in 2006 and for children. The 2008. Now as they get ready for their national meningitis departure in September, many will be reference library adding a 5th notch to their saddlebags, is also based in “Route 66 has the magic to do that. Temple Street. It is iconic, it is historic, it is wild, it The hospital also is wonderful and in its totality, it is provides specialised America” said Sean. “The fantastic family support units children of Temple Street Children’s in areas such as Hospital will be on our minds as well as child sexual abuse the magnificent staff who care for them and bereavement and the many people who support us in counselling and our fundraising for this great Hospital” house the National he added. Sudden Infant On their behalf the Irish 66ers have Death Register. so far raised €1.5 million on four Temple Street previous challenges. With their 5th continues to rely challenge just around the corner they on external support Sean will take to his Harley Davidson on the 26th September

From Cropcare to Childcare John Killoran of Cropcare swapped his car for his horse to showjumping friends and they raised €5,000 for the hospital. raise money for the Childrens Hospital in Crumlin. “This is our 5th year organising a charity fundraiser and The charity day was held at Seaview Equestrian Centre, we are delighted that those involved in the showjumping Arklow on 11th April last where over 150 competitors business gave their services free of charge,” said John. took part in the showjumping event. John, who is a keen It was the brainchild of one of their fellow equestrian showjumper, organised the day, along with five of his amateur enthusiasts, Gerry Byrne, five years ago, that money should be raised from their hobby sport to raise funds. The fundraiser chosen back then was for the Wexford Cancer Care Unit where Gerry was a patient at the time. They raised over €30,000 over a period of four years. Unfortunately Gerry Byrne passed away only last year. Now that the Cancer Care Unit is up and running and paid for, the horsemen decided to continue raising money for charity in memory of Gerry. This year they diverted their attention to raising funds for the Childrens Hospital in Crumlin. This is a perfect example of how people can utilise their hobby to raise money for much needed charitable causes. Incidentally this year marks John’s twentieth year as a sales representative in the amenity supplies industry. He began his career touring the country with the late Charlie Nicholson of NAD in 1990. John Killoran, a keen showjumper in his spare time helped John Killoran helped raise €5000 through his showjumping hobby raise €5000 for the Children’s Hospital Crumlin. 48 www.gcsai.org Feature

Bruce Cycles for Charity Anyone who has attended the GCSAI Annual Conference will be familiar with Bruce Jamieson. The Toro representative who lives in Hartley Wintney in Hampshire, England will be taking part in a 200 mile charity cycle from Hartley Wintney to Paris to try and raise money for a £2 million extension for his local church, St. Johns. The sponsored even starts on the 2nd September with 54 miles to Portsmouth, then an overnight ferry to France. The next day is also a 50+ mile ride, followed by 84 miles on the third day. The final day (5th September) is only 15 miles into Paris, however it is the day after the 84 mile cycle so the cyclists may find it difficult to swing their legs over their bikes. “Alice (my 16 year old daughter) has persuaded me to do the 200 mile sponsored bike ride with her. I would really appreciate any sponsorship. Our overall target is to raise £1,000, please think kindly of me as I have started training and the bike saddle is far too small!” says Bruce. Anyone wanting to sponsor Bruce and Alice can go to http://www. justgiving.com/Bruce-and-Alice- Jamieson or visit the just giving website www.justgiving.com

Reminder

The deadline for receiving advertising and editorial for the next issue of Greenside is

Distributed by Whites Agri, July 23rd 2010 Ballough, Lusk, Co. Dublin www.whitesagri.ie Tel: 01 8438521 Noel Walsh Mobile: 086 0494836 49 greenside magazine | June 2010 Feature WYSIWYG? What You See Is What You Get! By Frank Newberry, Trainer and Conference Speaker

resh from his entertaining and inspiring presentation at the 2010 GCSAI FConference in Limerick, Performance Consultant and Conference Speaker Frank Newberry writes on one of his favourite themes – how to make a good impression. Using some real life examples, Frank will probe the theme of personal image and its impact in the workplace.

For a job interview I have always When he returned later in the day invited in to help him apply all his new suggested to candidates that they I inquired if he indeed was the only learning to real life work problems. should consider dressing to a standard person at the interviews wearing a When I explained this to him he that is ‘plus one’ i.e. one higher than jacket, shirt and tie and he confirmed seemed unimpressed and indicated that expected by ‘others’ at work. that he was. I then asked if everyone that his biggest work problems could Others being the boss and whoever else wore their best jeans and sweaters not be resolved by any of the training else might meet or interview us for a to the interview. Again he confirmed he had undertaken. When I probed for new job or promotion. Many people that this was the case. Finally I asked more details he disclosed a number of still think that first impressions count who got the job and he said ‘I did disappointments and serious concerns a lot and if we want to advance in our Uncle Frank’. I congratulated him that could be summed up as him ‘he career or influence people in a positive enthusiastically and avoided saying was not being taken seriously at work’. way we should not disappoint them. anything about ‘first impressions’ or For example people stole his ideas One bright morning a few years ago ‘I told you so’. and presented them at meetings as whilst I was visiting my sister in the Significantly, a year or so later he if they were their own. He attended USA my nephew was scheduled to was the only lab technician not to be meetings on behalf of his boss but go for a job interview with one of the put onto short time and a little while always at the last minute and mainly as world’s leading imaging companies. after that he was the only one in the a message giver and a message taker. If successful he would be working as lab not to be made redundant when He was keen on promotion but was a laboratory technician. At breakfast his sector hit a downturn (an upside I never given opportunities that would I wished him ‘good luck’ and asked think). give him a chance to show his worth. him about his ‘interview suit’. He told To compound matters his performance me that the job was in the lab and All the other candidates appraisal was due and he had only that he was going to the interview in would bewearing best jeans spent nine minutes with his boss (his his best jeans and sweater. When I and sweaters appraiser) in the last twelve months. expressed concern he said that it was Now I am not the smartest dresser not an office job and that all the other Now with recession here and in the myself but it is worth pointing out candidates would also be wearing best USA we cannot go back in time and Bob’s work attire at this point. On the jeans and sweaters. Undaunted I asked change a first impression but we can upside he had a pleasant face and his again about his suit. I learned that he show the key people in our work lives hair was smartly groomed. He was did not own a suit. He did not even that we mean business. We can even tall and burly and (on the downside) possess a jacket or even a tie. I myself, change the negative perceptions that he had a pot belly accentuated by a on the other hand, had packed a sports people may have of us - perceptions droopy worn-out cardigan. He wore jacket, shirt and tie in case formal which they may hold, but have never moccasins on his feet and his trousers attire might be needed on my holiday shared with us, and of which we may had no crease. He wore an open neck and I pressed these items onto my be blissfully unaware. This brings me non-descript shirt. Nothing was dirty nephew. Out of respect for his uncle he to my next real-life example. at all but everything was bordering on agreed to wear them but expressed the I met Bob after he had attended a being ‘scruffy’. His appearance, upon view that he would be self conscious (a number of technical training courses reflection, suggested a demotivated downside to this) because he would be over a short period of time and, as a and depressed individual. the only one wearing formal clothes. management consultant, I had been

50 www.gcsai.org Feature

I asked if he was prepared to understandable if he had started your behaviour if necessary! participate in an experiment to behave differently or if his work If you would like to talk to someone for a month. He seemed a little performance had suddenly changed. about upgrading your impact at work apprehensive at first but eventually he At the time I suggested to him that you can contact Frank direct by e-mail was ‘up for it’ because he felt he had his colleagues had probably always at [email protected] or via his nothing to lose. I reviewed with him respected him but now they could personal website www.franknewberry. the key points of a lecture I had heard see (by his image) that he respected com Please mention that you read this on the topic of ‘image’ and I persuaded himself. I also suggested that our article in Greenside Magazine. him to wear his best suit (which appearance has a more profound © 2010 Frank Newberry happened to be made-to-measure and impact on others than we may realise. dark grey), a clean white shirt every I asked if he was going to return to his day and a dark tie with some red in it. old dress standard now that the trial Know Your Rights The lecture I had heard suggested period was up. ‘Not bloody likely’ was In user-friendly question-and- that black and dark grey are the his immediate response! answer format and using real colours of ‘seriousness’ whereas dark Now practically and realistically examples, the book covers blue and navy are the colours of Superintendents and greenkeepers most of the commonly asked ‘ambition’. White denotes purity and can only perhaps dress to the higher questions regarding your rights honesty and the colour red (literally) standard on certain occasions e.g. at and entitlements in the areas quickens the pulse and suggests a meeting, an interview, on visits etc. of taxation, employment, social the wearer might be an ‘exciting’ This may mean keeping smart attire in welfare and family law, as well as individual. To his credit Bob took all the locker at work but it will make a general and consumer rights. this on board and wore the prescribed difference if we can slip into something The fifth edition is updated to clothing to work for a trial period of more formal on more formal occasions. Budget 2010 and includes new one month. Now I like to information on: I duly returned Our appearance has dress ‘casual’ at after a month home but what we The tax on second homes to discuss with a more profound wear is also known • Carbon Tax him what had impact on others to affect our own transpired (if behaviour. If we • Changes to Mortgage Interest anything) during dress sloppy – we than we may realise Relief the period in can behave sloppy. which he had We give ourselves • The car scrappage scheme worn the more formal outfit to work. permission to not be on our best • Reductions to social welfare Bob was wearing the prescribed behaviour. If we dress smart – we seem payments clothing when we met and he did look to behave smart. It is as if we know smart - in every sense. However he that we are making an impact and we • The Nursing Home Support was in an angry mood and immediately will be remembered for what we say Scheme accused me of persuading his and do. If we dress in our best outfit • Changes to the Medical Card and colleagues to treat him differently. I we are on our best behaviour. reassured him that this was not the It also reflects on the public’s Drug Payment scheme case and that any changes were all perception of our profession and we • Amendments to the Small Claims his own doing. On the upside he would do all well (including me) to was rather taken aback that people remember that everything we do in a Court system reacted so positively so quickly. All public place is observed and noted by • Proposed his concerns about not being taken the public. For example the people of legislation seriously had evaporated. People Harrogate in late January every year happily quoted him at meetings, judge the greenkeeping profession invited him onto new projects and, in the UK by the behaviour of the best of all, he had got a good appraisal greenkeepers. If they look smart in the and had been recommended for evenings and are polite it is noticed promotion. and commented on. If a minority get On the downside he had to spend drunk and behave in an anti-social way more money on his work attire and it will also be noted and commented he was very troubled that the people on. Those of us in management are ISBN: at work, whom he thought were his also judged by the appearance and 978-1-84218-200-0 friends, treated him so differently behaviour of our off-duty staff. Price: €22.95 merely because of what he wore So remember to ‘plus one’ your Author: Andrew McCann to work. Their reaction would be image when appropriate and ‘plus one’

51 greenside magazine | June 2010 Feature Why the use of Sand is Important for Your By Donal Kearney Irish Institute of Sports Surfaces Football Pitch www.irishsportsurf.ie

he topdressing of sportsturf surfaces is a practice that has been around for many decades now Tbut there are still many out there who are unsure as to why it is even necessary.

Topdressing is a common practice and maintained. The speed at which soil water drains in the golf course and bowling The use of a sandy rootzone is is the most important element in the green maintenance calendar but considered an ideal medium due use of sand and it allows us to play an unfortunately it is still seen by many as to its physical characteristics and increasing amount of games on our a new practice for other sport surfaces, especially for its greater speed in football pitches. This is just one of the especially football pitches. surface drainage. All soils will drain reasons why we need to topdress our football pitches in order to ensure that they maintain these characteristics.

Sand Slits newly installed providing Surface Drainage A rootzone can be defined as the area of ground including the Topdressing a Football Pitch surface and below where roots are found. It is a specifically prepared In order to combat the poor drainage eventually but sand soils drain faster, man made collection of materials characteristics of our native soils, as long as we use the appropriate sand. and amendments that are mixed the primary ingredient needed for the management of modern football pitches has been a sandy root zone material. The use of sand in the construction, drainage and maintenance of modern day football pitches has become almost unavoidable for football clubs who want to use their pitches all year round at a suitable playing performance standard. Due to the poor drainage characteristics of most of our native soils along with the increasing demand on playing surfaces in all sporting codes GAA, rugby and soccer nationally, we have seen a shift and change in how sport surfaces are built Sand Slit Drainage System Sand Important for this type of Drainage 52 www.gcsai.org Feature

according to specifications derived So Which Capped Over Sand Layer Gravel Layer from a soil analysis. Rootzones are Sand do I used for construction, renovation and use? topdressing of sportsturf surfaces. It is important Topdressing of our pitches is to recognise extremely important. Regular that any ‘old’ topdressing on a pitch should be sand will not done at least twice on an annual basis suffice. It must during the growing season (April to contain certain September). Topdressing provides physical a uniformly level and firm playing characteristics. surface for its users, regardless of There is a what sport surface it is. Also spreading tendency sand on your football pitch greatly especially benefits a surface that is suffering in these Sand/Gravel Slit Drain Capped over from compaction, as most pitches economic as an impediment to the movement of become compacted in the top three or times to purchase materials based on water and oxygen. In its most drastic four inches. Aeration by use of what price. It is important to remember that form, layering can totally shut down is commonly referred to as ‘Verti- buying an inappropriate sand could the internal drainage of a turf system draining’ as well as hollow coring is have detrimental affects to your and severely restrict root development. also a good opportunity to spread playing surface. Coarse sands may be desirable sand on your football Pitch. This also The first point that should be because of their good drainage, but in effect means that the use of sand mentioned is that there is not a very coarse sand (greater than or equal will provide good drainage in the soil universal sand that is appropriate for to 1 mm in size) can present problems. profile. all sport surfaces. For topdressing The larger particles are particularly When applying sand it is useful to and drainage use it needs to be problematic for mowers. They may make sure that your top dressing is compatible with the soil and/or the also prove difficult to brush into the dry when applying it as it is easier drainage system that is been installed turf canopy after application. to distribute when it contains less on the sports surface. To explain Ultimately topdressing materials moisture. When purchasing sand further, a sand that is ideal for a need to be evaluated for particle size, ensure that you are buying volume of native soil based field as a topdressing hydraulic conductivity, maximum sand rather than too much moisture may be detrimental to a sand based content. Loose dry dressing is the most Particle Name USGA Particle Suggested Particle Distribution (by weight) cost effective. If it is possible, order it in volume (m3) rather than in weight Fine gravel 2.0 to 3.4 mm Not more than 10% of the total (tonnage). particles in this range, including a Very-coarse sand 1.0 to 2.0 mm maximum of 3% fine gravel, What may happen if we don’t preferably none. Topdress our Pitches? Coarse sand 0.5 to 1.0 mm Minimum of 60% of the particles If we simply neglect to top-dress our Medium sand 0.25 to 0.50 mm must fall in this range. football pitch especially if a new sand Fine sand 0.15 to 0.25 mm Not more than 20% of the carpet football Pitch has been built, a particles may fall within this range. build up layer of fine particles and/or Very-fine sand 0.05 to 0.15 mm Not more than 5% Total particles unwanted fine silt will build upon the Silt 0.002 to 0.05 mm Not more than 5% in this range not to playing surface over the years, which Clay less than 0.002 mm Not more than 3% to exceed 10% will slowly damage and deplete the surface drainage characteristics. field. There is, however, a general compatibility and air porosity If we don’t top-dress our pitches rule of thumb that is applicable for rates. The tables below are the after installing sand slit drainage they almost all topdressing efforts. The recommendations stated for a USGA will eventually be capped over by the sand that is selected for topdressing rootzone and many of us use this as a surrounding topsoil and the surface should be of the same particle size or guideline practice for healthy sandy drainage will be sealed off as shown slightly coarser than the material to rootzones for sportsturf surfaces. below. This pitch had an excellent be topdressed. This reduces the risk For further information explanation and underlying drainage system but the of layering. Layering occurs when a advice on Pitch management issues please surface sand slit drainage was capped discrete layer of sand is formed in the contact Donal Kearney on off due to there being no topdressing rootzone profile. This discrete layer [email protected] and/or programme in place. usually arises when too fine of a sand 00353 863644372. Alternatively visit our is used for topdressing, and then acts website on www.irishsportsurf.ie

53 greenside magazine | June 2010 Report FEGGA Report By Dean Cleaver CEO FEGGA

010 seems to have started a little 2more positively and there are signs that business is starting to show some signs of growth and people in general seem to have a much happier outlook. We all know that this year again will be tough, but the road ahead seems much clearer. Our recent Conference certainly provided evidence from the majority of Countries that things are once more changing. It was so wonderful that so many countries came and supported our conference and provided such a positive buzz over the three days that we were all together. Everyone worked FEGGA delegates at the Vienna Conference so hard during these days, generating good positive discussion on how best feedback in order to have more become much more simplified. They to deal with the European challenges understanding as to why this is so. want feedback to enable it to be more that we are facing and will face in Firstly, Wateurf is a project that we user friendly and to allow more people/ the future. It was also good to focus became involved in and which I spoke golf clubs to benefit from this tool. I on future ideas and structures, thus about in the last issue of Greenside. hope that all associations will give this creating a good frame for the future of It gives us the opportunity to collect feedback and also pass it on to you the some real data that can members to share your thoughts. We help golf clubs. It will also have an opportunity to help shape this allow the industry to have new version, so let us use it to create more information at its a better tool for greenkeepers and golf disposal when representing clubs to benefit from. Please feel free you and the golf industry to contact me with any comments on both National and or feedback European platforms. It is During the Conference, FEGGA no longer acceptable to also took another step forward by suggest that golf is doing increasing the membership with three a good job. We need to new countries joining, these being have good sound research Hungary, Slovakia and Serbia. We Left: Michael McFeely ( Irl), Christian Grisard Van Roey(Toro), data to support this and welcome all three organisations and Graham Bromley (Sth Africa ), Rory Anderson (Sth Africa) we need your assistance look forward to working with them to do this. It is a good over the coming years. We now have FEGGA and its member organisations. habit to get into and we have nothing 25 Country Members Associations Two areas that we looked at to fear from doing this. The turnout and we represent some 33,000 during the conference were the use for this project is still disappointing greenkeepers throughout Europe. This of data collection and also the R&A and is a missed opportunity. If you makes us a much stronger organisation Benchmarking. These key elements have not completed the questionnaire, and brings opportunities, like the ones of collecting data and monitoring there is still time to react. Follow the mentioned above, to create change for our progress, allowing us to show link and help us now by participating our industry and to add real value to our commitment to sustainable golf http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ golf at a time when it most needs it. course management. I think it is fair wateruseongolfcourses Let us use these opportunities... to say that neither element seems to Secondly the R&A are now have been very successful, and it is making changes to their web based important that we get some benchmarking, enabling the process to 54 www.gcsai.org Trade News

Bayer Environmental Science John Deere Joins CESAR 2010 Main Distributor Security Scheme To help counter the Conference increasing problem of Bayer recently organised a distributor conference to their tractor and machinery theft, John Deere has announced global headquarters in Leverkusen, Germany which that all its Mannheim-built was attended by three of their Irish Main Distributors. tractors will be fitted with During the trip the distributors were taken to the Bayer the official CESAR Scheme CropScience Research & Development Headquarters in Datatag security system as close by Monheim. Here the VIP guests were able to see standard, starting later this year. This will cover all 5M and the vast amount of research and development that goes on 5R Series utility tractors from 70 to 100hp, as well as larger 6030 Standard and Premium Series, 7430 and 7530 models. behind the scenes to produce new active ingredients along John Deere dealers will also be trained to install Datatag on with the formulation technology for specific fields of use. other product lines in due course, where it is not available During the visit there were seminars on the new ex-factory. Sustainable Use Directive regulations that will come into Datatag ID Limited, which operates the CESAR force throughout the EU, new product launches and the (Construction & Agricultural Equipment Security and continued investments in Bayer brands in the industrial and Registration) scheme, is the European market leader in security identity systems for a range of manufacturing amenity business sector. sectors, including ATVs, motorcycles and scooters, On day 2 of the trip the delegates were taken to the newly horseboxes and trailers, and construction and plant refurbished Bayer Leverkusen Soccer Stadium which is equipment. the company’s team and was founded as an employee’s On installation of the Datatag system, unique sports club and has now grown to be one of the top soccer tamperproof CESAR registration plates are prominently teams in Europe. The new stadium has been constructed fitted to the tractor to deter theft or vandalism, along with additional state of the art ID technology, including with Bayer materials, manufactured by the Bayer Material miniature transponders, Datadots and a unique forensic Science Division. A short visit to the Leverkusen factory DNA solution. John Deere dealers will keep individual site allowed guests to see the history of Bayer and how records of Datatagged machines, and details of any stolen the company originally entered in to the chemical industry CESAR-registered machines can be circulated by Datatag by inventing the Aspirin in 1897. That invention started worldwide to 187 countries via Europol and Interpol from Bayer’s Healthcare Division which produces many its secure 24/7 accredited database and call centre, which is supported by the Home Office and police. household names like Rennie, Barocca and Germolene. Leading insurance companies, including NFU Mutual, A good time was had by all and demonstrated there is a have already indicated that discounts are available for lot more to Bayer than amenity turf and amenity products. Datatagged equipment, with further reductions for machines fitted with additional tracking and immobiliser systems. Individual door keys are already available for John Deere tractors, as well as anti-vandal kits to lock the bonnet, side shield, fuel tank, transmission oil reservoir and hydraulic oil reservoir, which are sold through the JDParts system. New in Rain Bird Rain Bird has successfully launched GSP Services. GSP Services provides technical support to Rain Bird central control users subscribing to a Global Service Plan. A hotline provides direct access to Rain Bird irrigation experts and central control specialists. Via remote access Rain Bird engineers can carry out maintenance, troubleshoot and backup data on your control system. Incurring no travelling expenses, it offers a time and cost-saving alternative to an onsite visit. In addition to technical support and remote maintenance, Left: Niall Dunne (Unichem), Frank Kennedy (Spraychem), Rain Bird GSP subscribers benefit from computer Pat Galavan (Irish TurfCare) are shown renewal, software upgrades, etc. To learn more about GSP the Bay Arena. visit www.rainbird.eu or contact your Rain Bird Sales representative. 55 greenside magazine | June 2010 Trade News

An Evolution in Dry Patch The Knives are out for Inferior Control Blades Rigby Taylor announces the To be blunt, Toro’s new launch of Breaker BioLinks, a bedknife, the brand new water management solution new EdgeMax blade that offers increased curative brings even better powers against Dry Patch. performance to Toro Independent research carried greens and fairway out by the STRI in 2009, which mowers as well as included leading wetting agents, significant time and showed that Breaker BioLinks, cost savings. Toro’s new EdgeMax bedknife when applied preventatively, reduced the severity of Dry Manufactured from is keeping its mowers patch, improved turf colour, turf quality and soil moisture hardened tool steel, Toro at the cutting-edge. content. In addition, this research showed that Breaker says that the EdgeMax BioLinks, when applied curatively (when the rootzone bedknife provides up to three times longer edge retention had dried), improved turf quality and reduced Dry Patch than a standard bedknife, resulting in a cleaner, crisper cut severity. for healthier turf and an unrivalled after-cut appearance. Breaker BioLinks is a combined force of three surfactants Available across Toro’s Greensmaster and Reelmaster and a complex of integrated plant growth hormones, ranges on models fitted with DPA (Dual Precision providing greenkeepers and groundsmen with a new Adjustment) cutting units, EdgeMax blades also weapon to combat Dry Patch and improve the turf’s significantly reduce maintenance time. This is thanks to the resistance to stress. use of hardened steel, which results in 50 per cent less time This formulation drives through the hydrophobic layers adjusting, backlapping, grinding and replacing, thus saving up to 30% deeper into the rootzone., optimising air:water labour time and money. ratios and improving turf density and colour. Once in the What’s more, blades that maintain their sharpness ensure rootzone, the integrated plant growth phytohormones the machine incurs less wear, enabling it to work smoothly promote regeneration of damaged root systems and provide and more efficiently. And because an EdgeMax bedknife relief from summer stress. lasts up to three times longer, parts costs are also reduced. Breaker BioLinks is supplied in 12.5 litre packs and Toro believes that this combination of longer life and 100 & 200 litre drums. For more information visit reduced maintenance time can equate to long-term www.rigbytaylor.com cost savings.

Instigated and coordinated by the Golf Environment GEO Guidelines for Organization (GEO), the project has been funded by The Sustainable Golf Development R&A, the European Golf Course Owners Association (EGCOA), the European Institute of Golf Course The Golf Environment Organization (GEO) debuted their Architects (EIGCA) and the European Tour. draft Guidelines for Sustainable Golf Development at the International machinery manufacturer, Ransomes World Forum of Golf Architects in St Andrews last April. Jacobsen, has also contributed significantly to the project Since the project commenced in 2009, GEO has as a corporate partner. The summary brochure distributed been co-ordinating a team of experts in the creation of at the World Forum, also detailing the next steps for the globally applicable guidelines that will enable the diverse project partners, can be downloaded from stakeholders in golf development to achieve higher www.golfenvironment.org/guidance/new-development/ standards of social, economic and environmental return on investment. As golf development around the world is increasingly influenced by the expectations of government and local communities, the golf design industry has recognised that it must take the initiative to foster mutual understanding between developers and regulators, and find common goals and solutions to social and environmental issues. GEO’s Development Guidelines will provide a basis for all parties to work constructively in maximising the shareholder and stakeholder potential of projects. For the first time, golf development has been interfaced with society’s 21st Century sustainability agenda, resulting in a framework of processes, principles and technical information that can be applied to any project, anywhere in the world, from a 6-star resort to a 6-hole childrens’ course. 56 www.gcsai.org Trade News

New Irish Company Extended Warranty for MF A new Irish Company dedicated to water efficiency 1500 Series Compact Tractors and quality through water harvesting, waste water treatment, and water re-cycling has been established. All Massey Water Detox Solutions Ltd operate within strict EU & Ferguson 1500 National directives, and offer solutions for each individual Series compact application whether it is 100 litres per day or 100,000 litres tractors now per hour. come as standard They have vast experience in Agriculture, Commercial, with an extended and Industry as well as all aspects of Golf Course Water warranty spanning Management in Ireland and abroad. two years, or 1,200 Golf courses can benefit from multiple applications to waste operating hours, water generated in clubhouse, canteen/ kitchen areas, and All MF 1500 Series compact tractors now come whichever occurs machinery wash bays such as rainwater harvesting which with a two year warranty as standard. The model first. can yield huge savings on metered water and can be used shown is a 46hp MF 1547 with front mower Provided to deck and rear collector. for wc, showers, laundry, and some kitchen applications. customers as part It can also be used in wash bays, irrigation, etc. of Massey Ferguson’s highly-regarded after-sales Manager Oils, fats, and greases can be treated and reduced package, the extended warranty covers all of the tractor’s significantly in the same way as wash bay waste water major mechanical components against failure or breakdown. by biological methods. The system can operate in busy, To satisfy the extended warranty’s conditions, customers enclosed, and sensitive zones with minimum labour must have their MF 1500 Series tractor serviced by a involvement and minimal inspection. Massey Ferguson dealer in accordance with the specified Machinery and buggy wash bay waste water can be treated maintenance schedule for the tractor. The MF 1500 Series for either re-use or prior to drain. This ensures this water range encompasses tractors from 19.5hp to 46hp. will not contaminate water outside its area when released. Water which is re-used in the wash cycle is softer than some mains water and, in the biological phase during processing, Zero percent on John Deere will have suspended solids removed, lower the BOD & Compacts COD levels and clarify all in one operation. Full training is given to operators on commissioning of all John Deere and permanent tsb Finance have announced plant and service contracts are available on request. two new zero per cent finance programmes for compact Although biological treatment systems are relatively new to tractors as well as compact tractor and front loader Ireland, it has been in use in Germany and Switzerland for combinations. The offer covers the complete 20 Series range almost twenty years with proven success. of small, medium and large chassis machines from 17 to For more information contact Angelo O’Connor on 087- 66hp, and also includes the 20C, 25C and 3036E models, 2420195 or Eamonn O’Sullivan 086- 8252838 you can also plus matching CX and 305 loaders and attachments. visit www.waterdetox.ie With this latest interest-free credit scheme, customers may order equipment from John Deere’s Irish dealers up until 30 June 2010, and then make 1 + 1 annual payments at 0% NAD Launches New Product on any compact tractor, or 1 + 2 annual payments at 0% on any compact tractor and front loader. The amount financed Guide is limited to 60 per cent of the recommended retail list price. Nad has launched their new 140 “This offer is available for new orders as well as dealer page full colour product guide demonstrator and stock machines, and it can be used in for its customers .Their guide conjunction with other finance programmes if required,” features their extensive range says John Deere’s turf equipment product marketing of products listed under the manager Henry Bredin. main category headindgs with permanent tsb Finance Limited is the consumer finance a very useful fast find index in subsidiary of Irish Life & Permanent plc. permanent tsb the rear section to aid in the Finance Limited and Irish Life & Permanent plc (trading as rapid location of products .The permanent tsb) are regulated by the Financial Regulator. product guide covers all the The offer is based on 60 per cent of retail list price. main products that the company supplies Applicable to customers in the ROI and available for to the Amenity market including Golf clubs , sports fields business purposes only. The terms offered are available , local authority and Nursery stock supplies .Included in until 30/06/2010 and are current at the date of publication. the guide are useful sections indicating the correct settings Availability of finance is subject to status and terms and for using the Scotts fetiliser spreaders ,and details on conditions. their analytical services provided – soil , water and tissue A documentation fee of €75 is payable. A completion analysis. Copies now available by contacting the company. payment of €50 may be payable.

57 greenside magazine | June 2010 President’s Report By Michael Loughran Hilton Templepatrick

Spring in your step. non members were Firstly I would like to thank you to required to pay full Contact Points all who contributed to our annual membership fees on conference at the Radisson Hotel in top of the course fee, Alan Mahon (Communications Manager) Limerick during early March. For but now the membership cost has been Rathjarney Piercestown, Co. Wexford. those who were able to attend, it replaced with a reduced fee of €25. Tel/Fax: 053 9158606 Mobile: 087 6260889 was a very positive experience and This will cover administration expenses Email: [email protected] proved itself once again to be “the turf throughout the term of membership. management event” not to be missed. This should help Clubs who wish to With regard to the lovely spring that ensure that their full staff, including Michael Loughran (President and NI Rep) we have experienced, I have just read seasonal and part time, are correctly Hilton Templepatrick - (0044) 797 4229343 a report which showed that April was and fully compliant with current Health Email: [email protected] one of the sunniest in recent years and and Safety legislation. that the daytime temperatures were Damian McLaverty (Vice- President) significantly up compared to seasonal Health and Safety averages, (which all sounds very information Line Ballinasloe Golf Club - 086 8301048 positive and it has to be said that it The GCSAI and the HSS Group are Email: [email protected] could have been worse on many fronts). delighted to announce a new free The main areas of concern were of telephone advice service for GCSAI Michael McFeely (Hon. Sec & FEGGA Rep) course night time temperatures which members. The HSS Group has Westmanstown Golf Club - 087 234 2051 were the reason for many headaches been appointed as Safety & Health and unseasonal concerns - fingers Consultants to the GCSAI. Email: [email protected] crossed that by the time this edition of Any GCSAI member that has a Greenside lands on your desk all such workplace safety/ health query or Bobby McDermott (Education Officer) problems will have long since abated. concern can contact a consultant Foxrock Golf Club - 086 2627839 from the HSS Group, who will Email: [email protected] Membership and Green Pass endeavour to assist them to the highest An unemployment membership rate professional standard. It is important of €50 for past GCSAI members has to acknowledge that this service is Paddy Holohan (P.R.O & GTC Rep) been established, giving people the available for any safety concerns Dundalk Golf Club - 087 0517043 opportunity to remain connected to throughout your golf club Email: [email protected] the industry through networking at and not just those directly linked to outings, Greenside and text alerts. the golf course. Please ensure that you inform anyone Tom Carew (Treasurer) who you know, or believe may be Executive Committee update Craddockstown Golf Club - 087 6260182 interested, in this development. It is I would like to welcome two Email: [email protected] very important to the industry that we new members to the executive of do not lose contact with our trained and the association - John Egan of David Behan (Immediate Past President) competent work force. Rathfarnham Golf Club, who will Naas Golf Club - 086 8269242 A point of interest that came to light represent the North East region as their during a recent conversation with chairman, and Trevor Dargon, a quiet Email: [email protected] our partners at HSS is that if you are fellow from Woodenbridge Golf Club. unemployed and in receipt of social Trevor will be representing the South Michael F. O’Connor (SW Rep) welfare, you could contact your local East region as their Secretary. Killarney Golf & Fishing Club - 087 1276764 FAS Employment Officer and inform It is with a touch of sadness that the Email: [email protected] them you would be interested in Association Exec must say farewell to completing the FETAC registered Mr Eddie Donlon. Eddie has worked Green Pass. tirelessly for the GCSAI for many, Jason Podris (NW Rep) It is very possible that you could many years and he took the decision Galway Bay Golf Resort - 087 1222697 receive 100% funding, under the to step down this year. Eddie is a Past Email: [email protected] training supports allowances. President of the GCSAI and has been With regard to The Green Pass, central in the developments that have you could certainly argue that it allowed the profession to continually John Egan (NE Rep) does improve your job prospects and move forward. I personally would like Rathfarnham - 086 3470388 therefore it would be advisable to to thank Eddie for all his assistance Email: [email protected] complete it. What you need to do is get during the last couple of years and a quote from The HSS Group, (the would like to let him know that this Trevor Dargan (SE Rep) local number is 1890 600 666), and does not get him out of hosting the present this to the Employment Office annual Christmas outing at Rush Golf Woodenbridge - 086 1721640 at FAS, they will then tell you if you Club. Email: [email protected] have been approved. After a recent review of Green Pass it Regards, GCSAI Website: www.gcsai.org has been agreed to reduce the costs for non members of the GCSAI. Previously Michael.

58 www.gcsai.org

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