Winter 2012-13 Volume 37, Number 3

COURSE OF THE QUARTER

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY Come Play a Bit of History Cloverleaf Golf Course SUPERINTENDENTS By Paul Hurst ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

IN THIS ISSUE COURSE OF THE QUARTER Cloverleaf Golf Course...... 1

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE...... 2 EDITOR’S NOTES...... 4 SUPERINTENDENT SPOTLIGHT Bob Kane, Rolling Hills Golf Course ...... 8

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT Ed Eschbacher, MTI Distributing....10 Dr. Miller’s Musings...... 12 ho knew? Just off of Fosterburg Road in Alton between Shop Tour Summary...... 12 Highway 255 and Highway 140 sits a very significant part A Letter from Brenda Morelock.....12 Wof St. Louis Golf History. Cloverleaf Golf Course is the Turfgrass Science...... 14 oldest family owned and operated 18-hole course in the St. Louis Trees and Drought...... 16 area. In fact, it was one of only five area golf courses built Dear Santa...... 18 between 1931 and 1951. (continued on page six) Assistant’s Memo...... 22 CALENDAR OF EVENTS...... 24 #14 Green Page Two THE GATEWAY GREEN Winter 2012-13 2012 MVGCSA Officers PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

President ow, I cannot believe it is December already and another year is coming to an Don Humphrey end. I hope everyone has enjoyed a great fall growing season, albeit a bit on Ruth Park Golf Course the dry side. (314) 392-7769 W First thing, I would like to thank all the members who helped to make the 2012 Vice President Green Cup a big success. We raised over $8,000 for scholarships and turf research. Tim Roethler Congrat’s to the Bellerive team of John Cunningham, Jon Prange, and Kyle Hahn Old Warson C.C. (314) 968-5236 as Green Cup Champs for 2012. At the Annual Meeting the MVGCSA board presented Xi Xiong and Lee Miller with checks for $9,000 each, for the University Treasurer MENTAL of Turf Programs. RON ED VI U Jim Buford N CA E T Much of the money donated I Sherwood C.C. H O C N R (314) 846-8850 to Mizzou was raised through N A

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Chapter Executive donations made to the “Keep it E W

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2012 Y K

Brenda Morelock Green” fundraising initiative. A W

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(636) 447-2466 Thanks to everyone who helped T A

in supporting, “Keep it Green”. G S A Directors GREEN V G C Rob Kick Paul Hurst and Rob Kick are M Algonquin Golf Club working on the 2013 version of (314) 962-3794 “Keep it Green” and they hope CUP Mike Null to top the $15,000 dollars we Norwood Hills Country Club raised this year. (314) 522-3552 At the annual meeting, KEEP IT GREEN Kris Rickman Kris Rickman, Tim Schwier- Crystal Springs Quarry Golf Club (314) 344-4448 john and Rob Kick were reelected as board members, and the MVGCSA board extended an honorary membership to retiring member Bill Ashby. Robert Schaff The Falls Golf Club As we head into the winter season, this is a great time to take advantage of edu- (636) 240-8200 cational seminars in the local area. The GCSAA 2013 Education Conference is in San Tim Schwierjohn Diego and the MVGCSA board will host a hospitality night. Brenda will send out details Pomme Creek Golf Course and information soon. (314) 276-2992 Looking toward 2013, the MVGCSA Board is always looking for any superintendent Immediate Past President that would like to host a monthly meeting, and we are explor- Chad Carpenter ing ways to improve member participation at monthly meetings, Forest Park Golf Course which seems to be an issue. (314) 863-8788 One last thing, this year the MVGCSA Board made a decision Associate Directors to reduce mailing cost and send out notices electronically. For Ed Eschbacher any member that did not receive e-mails this year, we apologize MTI Distributing (314) 803-6295 and we are working to remedy this problem. If you are not re- ceiving e-mail notices from the MVGCSA, please contact Brenda, Jeff Keeven Missouri Turf, Inc. or any board member and we will try to make sure you get (636) 240-6344 on the e-mail roster. Assistant Liaison Thank you and Happy Holidays, Adam Lewis Old Warson Country Club (314) 568-0575 Don Humphrey, President Sean Prenger Greenbriar Hills Country Club (314) 280-4085

Thank you and please support our associate members who always step up to help our association.

Page Four THE GATEWAY GREEN Winter 2012-13 The Gateway Green EDITOR’S NOTES

Volume 37, Number 3 eason’s Greetings to all in the Valley. The not so Christmas issue of the Gateway Green awaits you as our country aimlessly The Gateway Green drifts toward the Fiscal Cliff. If you don’t mind I will inject my 5026 Brittany Downs Drive S St. Charles, MO 63304 two part solution to solving our economic woes in this great country. Editor Edict 1 – Spend what we take in, Paul Hurst period. We all live and work within a bud- GreensPro get as should this country. Edict 2 – If tax 37 West Southcrest Circle Edwardsville, IL 62025 rates do go up the money should not (618) 920-6406 go to our government. Questionable accountability in my mind Director of Advertising means no more money. Funds raised by increasing tax rates will go back Mike Carron to each filer as a tax credit and must be spent on products solely made Meadowbrook Country Club 200 Meadowbrook Country Club and profited on here in the . Economy fixed, sales tax revenue raised and people Estates Drive making stuff again. Sound like board member or a golfer with my armchair solutions right? Ballwin, MO 63011 In the immortal words of my better half, “All you gotta do is……” (636) 277-5361, ext. 220 Art Director Anywho…If you are reading this you survived the Mayan Apocalypse, another Watergate with Larry Torno a Mizzou athlete, the hockey strike, Gangham Style and the sight of anyone you know who Berkeley Design LLC 7400 Carleton Avenue sported a Movember moustache. The Movember thing could gain some traction as another St. Louis, MO 63130 way to raise funds for our improving and ever aspiring Turf Program at Mizzou. Always be 314-727-3686 wary though of pictures that get shared across Al Gore’s internet (See Brett Favre, Greg Odom, Anthony Weiner, etc.).

Thanks are do again this Quarter for all those that contributed this edition of the Gateway Green. President Don Humphrey has penned his usual President’s Message and a fine article about Ed Eschbacher from MTI. Nice work Don and welcome Ed as a member of the MVGCSA Board of Directors. Tim Gamma has stepped up this month with an article on how our trees and shrubs have fared the last two years with our increasingly hot and dry weather. Thanks a bunch Tim; we appreciate what you do for the MVGCSA. Dr. Lee Miller has a new title for his article and a new picture as well. As Editor, I have allowed these changes because now Lee is locked in to write three articles per year for life. We may need to work on your negotiation skills Lee. John Haguewood, research specialist for Xi Xiong, survived the Lake Event to bring us a nice summary of what is happening at Mizzou. Good stuff John and best of luck filling the shoes of my man Dan Lloyd. Bob Kane from Rolling Hills Golf Course up in Godfrey has some great answers to what is happening with public golf. Bob, insightful answers that certainly shed light on the type of facility you are managing. Finally, Rob Kick brings the gas again with a letter to Santa. Dialed in again Rob, despite your battle with writer’s block, we like the cut of your jib. Each year I rank those most qualified to take over as Editor of the Gateway Green, and Rob, you are now ranked #1. Whenever you are ready you can have this battle axe. Mike and Larry you are not forgotten, thanks for your efforts as well. Thanks For Reading and Supporting, Paul Hurst, Editor thanks

Page Six THE GATEWAY GREEN Winter 2012-13 Cloverleaf Golf Course (continued from page one)

brief history according to a pamphlet put together Cloverleaf sits on 100 acres, has three sets of tee’s A for Cloverleaf’s 75th Anniversary. “The Gabriel’s and plays 5,721 yards from the tips. Water comes into purchased the property in 1913 and established the play on several holes, fairways are tree lined and there Gabriel Dairy Farm. The family lived in a large house are 13 bunkers. Phillips, an accomplished player himself where #1 tee now sits and the current clubhouse was the describes his property as fit for beginners and retiree’s. dairy barn. The family home was built in 1849 as an inn He explains, “The front nine is more open and you can for travelers during their long journeys to Alton. According to bomb away with the driver. The back nine requires more history, Abraham Lincoln slept in the Southwest bedroom. In the late decisions off the tee and is really more of a shot maker’s nine.” 1920’s Paul Gabriel got the idea of turning the dairy farm into a golf No matter how either nine plays people love it as rounds have course. On Memorial Day 1931, Cloverleaf Golf Course was opened.” ranged over the years from 35,000 to 50,000.

The family survived the Depression by putting their customers (continued on page twenty) first. They would frequently barter for play, provide golf clubs and even make breakfast for their early morning customers. They truly helped promote the game of golf in the Alton area. Tragedy struck in June of 1963 when Paul Gabriel was pinned and killed by a tractor that overturned on him. His wife Dorothy ran the golf course until her death in 1996. Nancy and Susan, the Gabriel daughters, currently run the operation as Cloverleaf approaches 82 years in business. During that span over 2 million rounds of golf have been played. Roger Phillips has been the Golf Course Superintendent at Cloverleaf the last 10 years. He is fully aware of the family owned atmosphere that stems from the courses inception. He states, “I wear several hats here, we only have four seasonal workers throughout the year so I am the mechanic, spray tech, assistant and Super.” He continues, “The personal relationship I have with the ownership here makes my job doable. She actually hugs me and appreciates the job we do. I like it here….laid back, less pressure and more time for golf #17 Green and family.”

Cloverleaf Clubhouse Superintendent Roger Phillips Lewis & Clark – Hole #2

Page Eight THE GATEWAY GREEN Winter 2012-13 SUPERINTENDENT SPOTLIGHT The Public Eye Bob Kane, Rolling Hills Golf Course Submitted by Paul Hurst

This month I spoke with Bob Kane from Rolling Hills Golf Course in Godfrey, Illinois. Rolling Hills is a public facility with 18 traditional holes and an executive 9. Bob is part owner and Superintendent. — Ed.

How Long Has The Kane Family Owned Rolling Hills? Course where I had the pleasure of working with and – 36 Years. My Dad, Mike Kane, and his brother Pat for Tim Johnson, Mike Daugherty, and Superinten- Kane purchased, what was then a 9 hole golf course dent Robb Dillinger. Ahh – the good old days when in 1976. In the late 80’s they purchased an adjoining a course could afford not only one assistant, but a 120 acres and built another 9 holes, a new clubhouse, second and third also! We share many good memories and driving range that all opened in 1992. Left with from Spencer T. Olin. In 1997 I left to join the family 30 untouched acres, construction fired back up in business as Superintendent. 1997 on a 9 hole executive course, which opened How Did 2012 Shape Up Business Wise? – I know the in 1998. guys that plow snow were not happy, but the warm At What Age Did You Begin Working At Rolling Hills? dry winter brought the golfers out early this year and – I began working summers at age 17. This coincided business never let up. This was our best year since with the construction of our 2nd nine holes, much of 2006 with five record breaking months. which we completed in house. How Did The Heat and Drought Effect Rounds Through July and August? Your Family Also Owned A Few Other Businesses On The Metro East – We were very fortunate this year. Although July was down 1.5%, Side As Well, Correct? – My Dad and his brother lost their parents at August was our second best in the last 10 years. a very young age. Their father had his own plumbing shop and upon In Light Of The Current Economy Have You Made Any Adjustments To his death, the boys were put in a position to support themselves and Maintain Or Increase Business? – As with all businesses, you have to the family. From a lot of hard work and a little luck along the way, change and evolve over time. It does not seem like all that long ago they grew Kane Plumbing into a successful mechanical contracting that we were able to maintain the same rates year round. Then came business. Having entrepruenerial instincs, along the way they got Winter rates. The next evolution for us in our rate structure came in involved in the golf business, a fire protection company, a car wash, 2011 with our yearly membership program. As with any new program, a movie theater, and a nursing home. these memberships have brought new challenges. Overall these have Did You Work On Any Golf Courses Besides Rolling Hills? – After been very successful for us and I believe that they have enabled us working a few summers in the family business and pursuing my Plant to create more value for our customers. and Soil Science degree, my Dad felt it would be beneficial for me What Trends Are You Seeing With The Current Golf Economy? – to work in another golf business for experience. Upon receiving my Well the obvious trend is that the little guys are getting squeezed degree in 1993, I joined the staff at Spencer T. Olin Community Golf out and the big guys are getting bigger. The survivors are the ones who have kept their overhead to a manageable level. We also continue to see an increase in minority golfers, including women, and children. Are You Still Making Capital Expenditures? – Yes. I believe that in order to maintain and grow your asset, you have to commit to yearly capital improvements, whether that be an improvement on the course or the acquisition of new equipment to help in the routine maintenance. We have a very loyal clientele of golfers and tourna- ments. As long as they continue to support us, we will continue to strive to improve the products and services that we offer. Golfers enjoy seeing improvements and we have been fortunate enough to be able to provide them. Are You Still Running With The Same Staff You Had 10 Years Ago? – Ten years ago I had myself, 3 full timers, and 9 part time seasonal employees.

(continued on page twenty)

Page Ten THE GATEWAY GREEN Winter 2012-13 VENDOR SPOTLIGHT Last Man Standing Submitted by Don Humphrey

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, wait a minute, sorry about that, I was distracted for a moment. But for me and some superintendent’s in the area it does seems like a long time ago, when there was a Toro dealership out in the Chesterfield Valley called Beckmann Turf and Irrigation, and for a city dweller it certainly seemed like it was far, far, away. This is where we begin this Quarter’s Vendor Spotlight on Ed Eschbacher, Equipment Sales Manager with MTI Distributing.

Ed Eschbacher, MTI Distributing

d grew up in North County and attended Equipment Manager at TPEC. In 2008, Terry ESt. Thomas Aquinas High School; his early Plemmons moved on to sell greens rollers and background included working at Gianino’s res- in 2010 TPEC became MTI Distributing. taurant as a cook. After high school, Ed attended I asked Ed what changes he has seen in his UMSL, where he took some management classes. 30 plus years in the turf business. He told me Ed worked for Blue Cross for a time, and he took that when he started at Beckmann Turf most of night classes at Ranken Tech, where he studied automotive the golf courses had either bermudagrass or bluegrass repair. It was 1980 when Ed was hired on at Beckmann Turf as fairways; zoysia was not in the St. Louis area and most guys an equipment mechanic. Ed told me his tenure at Beckmann were mowing with gang mowers. He said there were no Turf was varied and he got a chance to learn almost every lightweight fairway mowers or self-contained sprayers, aspect of the business through his years there. He started and from a business point of view, there were no computers as a mechanic, became parts manager and soon he was pro- to track sales, inventories, or parts. moted to sales coordinator working for Bob Tegethoff. After At MTI, Ed is currently the Equipment Sales Represen- a year as sales coordinator, Ed then worked in equipment tative for the St. Louis market and Eastern Missouri. Ed is sales, chemical and fertilizer sales, and eventually operations currently serving on the MVGCSA Board as an manager. In 1993, the Chesterfield Valley was flooded and the Associate Director. He has been married for entire building, including equipment and parts inventory was 31 years has a 14 year old daughter. His underwater for a couple of weeks. Ed remained at Beckmann hobbies include, golf, pool, baseball and after the flood and in 1995 the Toro Dealership was sold cooking. Ed told me that the latest news in to Modern Distributing. equipment sales is Tier 4 compliance and Modern hired Terry Plemmons to run the store greener products coming to the turf market. and Ed became Equipment Sales Manager for The list of people that have worked southern Missouri and Illinois, serving the for the original Toro dealer, Beckmann golf, municipal and sports turf markets. Turf, then Modern, TPEC and eventu- Modern Distributing held on to the Toro ally to MTI is impressive; Wes dealership for five years and in 2000, Matheny, Terry Plemmons, Terry Turf Professionals Equipment Lewis, Mike Anders, Bob Tegeth- Co. was formed and took off and Tom Nestor are just a few over the St. Louis market. names. Hats off to Ed to serving the Ed stayed on and in 2003 he Valley since 1980, after all he has been became Demo fleet and Used doing this for a long time. n

I asked Ed what changes he has seen in his 30 plus years in the turf business. He told me that when he started at Beckmann Turf most of the golf courses had either bermudagrass or bluegrass fairways; zoysia was not in the St. Louis area and most guys were mowing with gang mowers.

Page Twelve THE GATEWAY GREEN Winter 2012-13

Dr. Miller’s Musings MVGCSA Bud White from the USGA Passing of Shop Tour Dr. John Dunn Summary Dr. Lee Miller, University of Norwood Hills Missouri, Extension Turfgrass Pathologist Country Club

t is with great sadness that I inform the MVGCSA membership he Annual MVGCSA Winter Education/Shop Tour was held at Iof the passing of Dr. John Dunn on November 19, 2012 due to TNorwood Hills CC on December 11th. The event was very well lung cancer. Dr. Dunn was the founder of the University of Missouri attended (over 100) and it was nice to see some fresh faces attend- Turfgrass Science Program in 1968, and without his efforts and ing a Valley Event. Thank you to Dr. Xi Xiong, Bud White, Dr. Lee leadership neither I, nor my colleagues, would be in the position Miller, John Workman, Rob Kick and John Soetaert for present- we are today. As one member of the industry put it, Dr. Dunn was a ing. Thank you as well to Helena, Supreme Turf, Keeven Brothers true pioneer. He conducted crucial research that validated the use of Sod Farm, Bayer, John Deere Landscapes, Cleary, GreensPro and zoysiagrass in this region, and thereby transformed the game of golf TurfWerks for sponsoring the day. Thanks as well to the staff at in Missouri. In his illustrious career, he authored 201 articles, 29 in Norwood Hills for preparing their facility for this great event. refereed scientific journal publications, and a textbook “Turf Man- Ed. n agement in the Transition Zone.” He was a revered instructor of both undergraduate and graduate students, an excellent extension educa- tor, and a skilled researcher. He served on the education committee for GCSAA and was an advisor to the then Missouri Valley Turfgrass Association for 35 years. While we mourn his loss, we also are so very blessed by his accomplishments. For a complete listing of Dr. Dunn’s publications go to: http://www.lib.msu.edu/cgi-bin/flinkss.pl?srch=DUNN1112. For Dr. Dunn’s obituary, go to: http://www.columbiatribune.com/ news/2012/nov/21/john-dunn-1937-2012/. Thank You I’d like to thank the association for the support funding provided to my program at the annual meeting. The funds will be directed towards supporting Daniel Earlywine, my research assistant and right-hand man. Daniel has been a key component to the success and expansion of the program, and has played a key role in most of our early accomplishments. I look forward to seeing you all and discussing our current research at the Missouri Green Industry Conference on December 6th, and/or at the upcoming Shop Tour on December 11th. n

MVGCSA Members, It has been brought to our attention that some members have not been receiving the MVGCSA emails. You can expect to receive a minimum of one email per month from [email protected]. If you are NOT receiving at least one email per month, please let us know so we can work with you to ensure emails are received. Please also be sure to check your junk mail in case association emails are being diverted to your junk mail folder and it is also wise to add [email protected] to your “safe senders” list so that all emails from the association are delivered to your inbox. THANKS!!!

Brenda Morelock, Executive Director, Mississippi Valley GCSA Movember moustaches at the Annual Meeting.

Page Fourteen THE GATEWAY GREEN Winter 2012-13 Turfgrass Science

John Haguewood, Research Specialist, University of Missouri

would like to first start by introducing myself. My name is John I Haguewood, research specialist for Dr. Xi Xiong’s Turfgrass Science Program. I have had the privilege to hold this position since May, tak- ing over for Dan Lloyd as he is continuing his career in the turfgrass industry at Meadowbrook Country Club. It has been a great honor to hold this position and I look forward to improving and providing useful research for the Missouri Turfgrass Industry. In the past year, we have been able to reach out to various parts of the state to con- duct research. In this brief article, I would like to discuss just a few research projects that we have conducted in the St. Louis area, as well as some interesting projects we are working on in Columbia at our Turf Research facilities. We have put a vast effort in the never-ending battle against an- nual bluegrass (Poa annua). In 2012, we continued research at Old Warson Country Club for pre-emergent control of annual bluegrass from creeping bentgrass putting greens. Methiozolin is a new experi- mental herbicide that can selectively control annual bluegrass both PRE and POST emergently from creeping bentgrass as well as other turfgrass species. This project looks at fall and spring applied meth- Continuing with Poa, we have also been conducting studies to better iozolin, bensulide, siduron and dithiopyr as pre-emergent control understand seedhead suppression. An on-going greenhouse project strategies for annual bluegrass in creeping bentgrass greens. Proper is looking at how plant growth regulators and herbicide application herbicide application timing for pre-emergent control of annual timing based on plant growth stages effects seedhead suppression and bluegrass is often in late August or early September. Because of this, seed viability. Treatments are applied when the plants reach a repro- pre-emergent herbicides are not often applied by superintendents in ductive growth stage termed pre-boot, boot or flowering (figure 1). It Missouri, because we are normally coming out of the hottest summer is hypothesized that treatments are most effective when applied in the on record…. (Or that’s what we are normally thinking around that boot stage (figure 2 and 3); however there is limited replicated studies time) and traditional herbicides can cause phytotoxcity or reduce root to prove this. I believe that there is also a treatment difference based mass. In this study, our initial application was made the second week on timing as well. For instance, when embark is applied during the of September. Results (listed below) from this research have been boot stage or right before flowering, seedhead suppression increases very promising thus far. Methiozolin has proved to be extremely safe compared to when it is applied at a pre boot stage. However, if using to creeping bentgrass while providing tremendous control of annual primo+proxy, seedhead suppression increases if applied during the bluegrass. We are also overseeing experimental methiozolin applica- pre-boot stage compared to boot stage or right before flowering. tions at St. Louis Country Club and . We hope to be able to further answer these questions by conducting this study.

Figure 1. Representation of growth stages prior to application

(continued on page twenty-two)

Page Sixteen THE GATEWAY GREEN Winter 2012-13 Trees and Drought Submitted By — Tim Gamma, Board Certified Arborist, Owner/ Gamma Tree Experts

he summer of 2012 drought preceded by prevalent evergreen tree. Unfortunately Ta dry 2011-2012 winter season with little I am now seeing Norway Spruces succumb or no snow and the dry July to August 2011 cytospora canker as well. condition has taken its toll on area trees and Evergreen trees are very susceptible to shrubs. Hundreds of thousands of trees and prolonged drought given the extensive canopy shrubs planted in the last 5 years are dead above the root system. One can examine the or were severely damaged where no irrigation soil beneath an evergreen tree after heavy rain was present. and find the soil is very dry. The lack of ice or I suspect next spring we will see dead snow fall the past few winters is the big culprit. Dogwoods, Red Buds and other small trees not Most evergreen trees are native to mountain- leaf out. In addition, thousands more shrubs ous regions and typically receive adequate and evergreen bushes are toast from the moisture as the snow melts slowly around drought. Most notably Azalea and Arborvitae The summer of 2012 the trees. (especially the variety Emerald Green) and drought preceded by Our low winter precipitation followed by Yews. I have seen Yews 70 plus years old that a dry 2011-2012 winter two dry summers has created an alarming died this past summer. season with little or no amount of mortality among these tree species. The common denominator in all of the snow and the dry July to To mitigate the above issues all new above is shallow root systems – Dogwoods, Red August 2011 condition landscape plants should be watered frequently, Buds, Yews, Arborvitae or lack of established has taken its toll on especially evergreens. Gator bags do a great job root systems in the case of all trees and shrubs area trees and shrubs. where irrigation is non-existent or insufficient. planted in the last 5 years. Hundreds of thousands If the mild winter continues, water trees and Another alarming result of the drought is of trees and shrubs shrubs on mild days to help relieve stress. severe dieback and even death of large ever- planted in the last 5 Anti-desiccants applied to foliage over the green trees. Norway Spruce, Colorado Spruce, years are dead or were winter will lower transpiration and conserve American Holly, Arborvitae and to a lesser severely damaged moisture in plants. extent White Pines and Austrian Pines show where no irrigation Lastly, I was amazed at the resilience of extensive drought stress. Colorado Spruces was present. many tree species after rain fall began in early (including Colorado Blue Spruces) are dying fall. The Southern Magnolia trees in particular throughout the Midwest. Prolonged drought To mitigate the above survived the drought impressively. Water trees stress has created an opportunity for cytospora issues all new land- now and during dry periods to avoid costly canker to proliferate and kill a once very scape plants should removals and replanting later. n be watered frequently, especially evergreens. Gator bags do a great job where irrigation is non-existent or insuf- ficient. If the mild winter continues, water trees and shrubs on mild days to help relieve stress.

Page Eighteen THE GATEWAY GREEN Winter 2012-13 Dear Santa By Rob Kick, Algonquin Golf Club

et’s talk about a few things I asked for last year Can you bring back hockey? I know the Rams Lthat you didn’t make good on and see if you cooler are having what some people call a “good” season can’t get it right this year. I know I’m not perfect, summer but it still pains me to watch a team who can’t and from time to time do things that may put me score an offensive touchdown. And let’s face it, on the naughty list for a time, but I think if you you should love hockey. Played in the cold, in cold look at my year long record you will see I clearly cooler year places, on a flipping sheet of ice man, you’re from fall on the nice side of your list and am therefore the North Pole if you can’t bring hockey back, entitled to a few requests. rain who can? First and foremost I have asked now for Daconil, Daconil ZN, Daconil Weather Stick, several years to have a cooler summer and for milder Daconil Ultrex, Daconil Action…how about we that matter a cooler year in general, where you just have one Daconil and be done with it okay! been on that my friend. 26 daily records this year winter Santa I know you’ve got a lot on your plate. and the warmest year ever with 21 days in triple I’m sure you’re very busy; I mean getting to all digits…seriously? If that wasn’t enough we’re 8 let the those places in one night must be very trying. But inches below our average rainfall for the year . in all seriousness, we have got together on a cou- . . are you trying to tick me off? Listen, I know leaves fall ple of these requests. The weather I can live with, you’re tight with Mother Nature so I would really off the trees I don’t like it but I can deal with it. You could cut appreciate you talking to her at your next tooth me some slack on another area of my budget if fairy convention about making this happen. While association you’re going to slap me with hot and dry though. we are discussing the weather how about a winter The hockey thing is probably on the bottom of my that doesn’t suck. This isn’t pal, how participation list so if you can’t grant me all of my Christmas about some snow and temperatures cool enough wishes that’s the one to omit. I’m really asking for to slow things down a bit. Maybe we could get the hockey the participation this year big guy. Listen, you’re leaves off the trees before New Years! I know a lot the guy who can make this happen. You make all of people here in Midwest, all of whom may not the toys. You travel the world over in one night. find it in their hearts to put cookies out for you Daconil You make sure everyone gets their Christmas this Christmas Eve. That’s not a threat Mr. Claus presents every single year. You have a very serious that’s a reality! Make it happen. job to do. But you take the time out of your busy Next…One word…participation. And maybe schedule to make sure you get together with all this is related to the weather thing that you the elves, at least a few times a year. You know can’t seem to get right but we need more the elves help make what you do possible and you of it. Our association is struggling to need the elves just as much as they need you. So get people engaged and out for monthly help us out Santa. Help us get everyone together events. If you would see to the summer and get everyone involved, at least a couple inferno issues it would be a good start. For times a year. And by the way…I’m serious about goodness sakes Santa, we only had a dozen the Daconil thing. Do we really need forty seven Superintendents at our annual meeting names for the same thing? and that was a free dinner on a Wednesday Respectfully submitted, night in November! So please, please Rob help me out on this point.

Page Twenty THE GATEWAY GREEN Winter 2012-13 Superintendent Spotlight Prepping New Year’s Day 2011 (continued from page eight)

In 2012, I had myself, 2 full timers, and 7 part time Have You Looked At Other seasonal employees. Sources Of Revenue Besides My staff is actually one of the things I am most Golf? – I have always had appreciative of. My assistant, Hank Warren, has been with outside business interests. the company for 19 years. I also have 5 seasonal partime Real estate was good for awhile employees that have been with me since I started 15 years ago. You – but I think I have retired from that. (: Five years ago I also started are only as good as those you surround yourself with and my crew a residential/commercial fertilization and weed control company, does an excellent job. called GreensKeeper that continues to grow. Has Your Budget Increased, Decreased or Stayed Flat Over The Last What Is The Biggest Battle You Fight At Rolling Hills? – On the 10 Years? – My budget occasionally fluctuates from year to year business side – whether it is your kids, wife, partner, boss, customers, because of unforeseen golf course related expenses, but my 2012 or even employees, you have to continue to communicate, compro- expenses will run 12% lower than they were 10 years ago. mise, challenge, and motivate. Are There Any Particular Products That Have Made Your Operation On the Agronomic side - Localized Dry Spots (LDS) have really More Efficient? – Tourney!! – I have not seen my old nemisis, fairy been an issue for me over the years. There are great wetting agents ring, since I started treating preventively with this product in 2010. available that have substantially improved this issue, however one Online banking, bill pay, and electronic payroll have really helped very simple adjustment I have been making that has further helped us streamline our accounting practices. with my LDS has been irrigation head location. Seems pretty simple, Email Marketing – we were on the cutting edge of this now very but I started evaluating where my worst LDS areas were in relation common practice with companies. Obviously this is a cost effective to irrigation head locations and prevailing winds. Simply moving an way to keep your customer base informed on upcoming events and irrigation head or two in some areas to improve coverage has not only course specials. improved the LDS, but has actually eliminated some. I can’t even begin to estimate how much hand watering this simple adjustment Advantages Of Being An Owner/Superintendent? – You get to see both has saved us. Try it. sides of the business. What I enjoy most is also my biggest challenge. I am constantly reviewing my answers to these questions and thoughts: Is It True Your Beer Is Colder Than Fast Eddie’s? – Absolutely, however Understand your target market - What type of golfer does our it’s tough to compete with a good session at Fast Eddies. course cater to? What are their expectations of the course? How do Being A Part Owner In The Golf Course And Having Four Kids, Do You I consistently meet or exceed those expectations with regards to Ever Play Golf? – To be honest with you, like many Superintendents, course conditioning, all while maximizing the overall profitability of right now golf is not what I enjoy doing in my spare time. However, the business. I manage one of our golf leagues, so I do play two or three 9 hole Are You Able To Balance Family and Being A Superintendent/Owner? rounds per month in it. My kids enjoy playing also and occasionally – There are times when it is tough, but I have a wonderful wife that will drag me back out here. Of course we all know how important it understands and respects the seasonal challenges that we all have to is to make the time to play at our own facilities and the benefits that deal with in this business. Rolling Hills has always been a very family come from staying in tune with what the golfers are experiencing. friendly facility that attracts a lot of young golfers, including our Favorite Piece Of Equipment? – Vertidrain 2316 – I have not seen own kids. Summerpatch since I began needle tining in the Summer months. Last Movie You Saw? – Diary of A Wimpy Kid Favorite Restaurant? – Roma’s Pizza Bethalto, IL Ideal Vacation Spot? – Any lake on a boat. When You Are Not Working Or Parenting What Do You Like To Do? – Grabbing dinner with my wife, attending my kids sporting events, boating, duck hunting, and taking an occasional family trip. I Know You Bought An RV A Few Years Back, How Has That Purchase Panned Out? – It is kind of hard to justify such a purchase, but we are partners with two other families. We have used it mainly for weekend kid soccer trips and short getaways. My wife may beg to differ, but my highlight so far has been our cross country trip to Washington D.C. Will You Encourage Any Of Your Children To Maintain The Family Business? – I believe that you have to do things for the right reasons in life. Those who have a true passion for what they do are most successful. No matter what my kids passions end up being, I will encourage them to pursue those. n SUPPORT YOUR Page Twenty-Two THE GATEWAY GREEN Winter 2012-13 Cloverleaf Golf Course Turfgrass Science (continued from page six) (continued from page fourteen)

The MU turfgrass and Ornamental Field Day was also a great success this past summer. If you missed out on the event, there were many great talks as well as an educational booklet that was put together to summarized the research that was being conducted. Our group presented research such as: safety and efficacy of pre-emergence herbicides for crabgrass control on creeping bentgrass putting greens, herbicide applications to control annual bluegrass on kentucky bluegrass turf, evaluating the phosphorus runoff potential of current home lawn fertilization practices and recommendations based on soil test results, evaluating the chilling tolerance of various common bermudagrass cultivars, suppressing seedheads of annual #2 Green bluegrass on creeping bentgrass putting greens, effect of delayed Roger and his staff have made several improvements during his watering-in on insecticide efficacy against annual white grubs on cool season turf, “tribute total” on dicot weed control, crabgrass preven- tenure. Introducing bermuda grass to the tee’s and fairways has been tion on bermudagrass turf in the transition zone, the residue effect of a major accomplishment. Roger adds, “We now have bermuda fairways mustard seed meal for suppression of dollar spot , and the evaluation instead of just landing areas and our tees are fully grassed. It really is of experimental insecticides for control of turfgrass pest insects. A a balance of keeping grass alive that has limited irrigation, getting the complete list and full reports can be viewed at www.turf.missouri.edu right varieties in the right places is key.” The irrigation system has These are just a few very interesting projects that we have been been updated and Roger has spent quite a bit of time reducing the poa working on over the past year, and we look forward to building upon contamination in his greens. Future improvements include: asphalt them in 2013. I have certainly enjoyed my time thus far with the cart paths, lengthening of a few holes, new equipment, drainage work, MVGCSA and look forward to building relationships in the future. n tree plantings, remodeling the maintenance office and a few updates to the clubhouse. Cloverleaf remains today what it was when Paul Gabriel opened the doors in 1931. As Roger so eloquently states, “We remain a beer and hot dog golf course where families can come out and play. From high to low handicap we just try to keep the golfers happy.” Well said Roger, and well thought out Gabriel family. Keep it simple and keep them playing a little bit of history. n

Figure 2. Untreated annual bluegrass Figure 3. Annual bluegrass 3 weeks plant after boot stage primo+proxy application

Please do not feel hesitant to contact me at any time. John Haguewood Turfgrass Research Specialist [email protected] 573-701-2365

#13 Green #9 Green

Assistants Memo Submitted by Adam Lewis, Old Warson Country Club The MVGCSA Board has appointed Adam Lewis and Shawn Prenger as your new Assistants Liaison. We would like to thank the Board for giving us this opportunity. With that being said, we have gotten together and decided to have our first “Assistant’s Round Table” discus- sion. It will be held at 3:00 January 24 at the Hot Shots in Ballwin. We are inviting all assistants, spray techs, irrigation techs, and every- one else who works on a crew to come out and join us for a great networking event. This is a great time for all to voice ideas or concerns with what MVGCSA is doing or should be doing to serve you better. One of the best ways to move up in this business is networking, so come out and meet some new faces or see some you already know. We thank you and look forward to seeing all of you there.

5026 Brittany Downs Drive St. Charles, MO 63304

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Assistant’s Roundtable January 24, 2013 HotShots, Ballwin, MO Contact Adam Lewis, Sean Prenger

Golf Course Industry and Show February 4-8, 2013 San Diego, www.gcsaa.org

Gateway Green Industry Conference and Trade Show February 19-20, 2013 Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville, Illinois Keynote Speaker – Bill Findley, St. Louis Cardinals Topics – Emerald Ash Borer, Needle Evergreen Problems and Drought Stress Management