The Art of Service Borman Wins DSA

Plus No-Till Fairways Fisher Draws Line

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Want a mower that performs as well in the shop as on the green? With our new SL PrecisionCut™ Walk Greens Mowers, you can set height-of-cut with a cordless drill, switch rollers by simply removing two bolts, and add an easy-to-adjust front push brush, Greens Tender Conditioner or rotary brush. 3OXVJHWWKHƠDZOHVVƟQLVKRQ\RXUJUHHQVWKDWRXUZDONHUVDUH known for. Interested? Contact us to learn more or visit JohnDeere. com/Golf. Think Ahead. 46524

SHOWTURF REVELS TURF AND TRACTOR, LLC GREENVILLE TURF & TRACTOR Hilton Head, SC Fuquay-Varina, NC Piedmont, SC Savannah, GA Myrtle Beach, SC Murfreesboro, TN Boynton Beach and Naples, FL 800-849-5469 Hernando, MS 888-746-8873 866-485-8873

BR1OCU1CG46524-GTT8X111101CG-4C-00359114 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] President JOHN F. DAVIS Secession Golf Club Beaufort, SC (843) 522-4642 [email protected]

Vice-President November -December 2011 DOUGLAS C. LOWE, CGCS Greensboro Country Club Greensboro, NC Columns and Departments (336) 691-5822 [email protected] 2 President’s Message Secretary-Treasurer 4 Executive Director’s Message STEPHEN T. HAMILTON, CGCS Dunes Golf and Beach Club 6 The Pat Jones Index Myrtle Beach, SC 10 On the Road (843) 449-7332 [email protected] 12 Turf Talk

Past President 14 USGA Green Section JEFFREY S. CONNELL 16 SC Government Relations Fort Jackson Golf Course Fort Jackson, SC 17 NC Government Relations (803) 787-4723 [email protected] 18 Headliners 34 Local Association News Directors JEREMY D. BOONE, CGCS 36 Industry News Sequoyah National Golf Club Cherokee, NC 42 Welcome New Members (828) 506-7194 [email protected] 42 Our Friends 44 The Clean Up Lap PAUL M. BRANDENBURG, CGCS Furman University Golf Course Greer, SC News and Features (864) 294-2060 [email protected] 20 Distinguished Service CHUCK GREEN Award Goes to Borman Sage Valley Golf Club Aiken, SC 24 Fairways to Heaven (803) 663-8232 A New Take on No-Till [email protected]

DAVID K. FRUCHTE, CGCS 28 Floor Walker Pine Needles Resort Make the Most of Trade Show Southern Pines, NC (910) 693-7276 29 Career Closes [email protected] Fisher Draws Line DAVID JACOB, CGCS Benvenue Country Club 30 Small Engines Big Issue Rocky Mount, NC Tier 4 Changes Loom (252) 443-7334 [email protected] 31 Precision Infusion Company Makes Gift WILLIAM E. KENNEDY, CGCS Chechessee Creek Club Bluffton, SC 32 Coach’s Address (843) 987-2740 Penley at Fall Meeting [email protected]

DAVID LEE Hope Valley Country Club Cover: Carolinas GCSA Distinguished Service Award winner, Durham, NC Chuck Borman, at the association headquarters in Liberty, SC. (919) 489-4308 [email protected]

WILLIAM M. PATTON Published bimonthly by the Forest Creek Golf Club CAROLINAS GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION Pinehurst, NC Executive Director: Tim Kreger (910) 693-1373 CAROLINAS GREEN: [email protected] Editor: Trent Bouts email: [email protected] W. BRIAN POWELL, CGCS Design: Sherry Simmons and Rachel Mumford Old Chatham Golf Club CONTACT INFORMATION: Cary, NC 103 Edgemont Avenue, P.O. Box 210 Liberty, SC 29657-0210 (919) 361-1401 Phone: 800-476-4272 Fax: 864-843-1149 Web: www.carolinasgcsa.org [email protected]

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 1

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] President John Davis Long Run Comes to an End

Carolinas GCSA president, John Davis, right, presents a plaque of appreciation to fall mountain meeting host superintendent, Mark Rogers, at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC. As I reflect on my year as president industry recognize our importance to the I am proud that I was given the and my 11th year serving on the board, game as a whole. I have been fortunate opportunity to serve on the board of (94 - 98 and 2004 – present) I have many to serve with no fewer than 20 past- directors during a time when so many fond memories of my time and the many presidents that I have learned a lot from people contributed so much to form the friendships that I have made along the over the years. From my first days on the great association that we have today. way. I asked some past-presidents for some board to now we have: Your boards, past and present, have been advice before I started my presidency and t
.PWFE
PVS
$POGFSFODF
BOE
5SBEF
4IPX

dedicated to serving the superintendent they both said, “Leave the association in out of the basement of the Myrtle Beach and looking out for the best interest of the better shape than when you took the helm Hilton to tents to the present venue and association as a whole. never looked back; and enjoy every moment of your year as I think back on the many of miles that I have traveled during my term on the president because it will be over before t
8F
IJSFE
$IVDL
#PSNBO
o
UXJDF you know it.” I feel that with the support of board. A vendor representative asked me a great board, a wonderful staff and Tim t
1VSDIBTFE
PVS
PXO
PďDF recently, “Why did you serve so long and Kreger at the administrative helm, I have was it worth it?” I just smiled and said, “I accomplished both. t
$SFBUFE
B
SFMJBCMF
TPVSDF
PG
SFTFBSDI

wanted to give back to this industry that I This year the board hired Charlie dollars with Rounds4Research; love and that has given me and my family Rountree as our new South Carolina a comfortable living and, yes, it was worth government relations counsel, approved t
(JWFO
IVOESFET
PG
UIPVTBOET
PG
EPMMBST

every minute.” to turfgrass research; the purchase of a new database system and I want to take a moment to thank Secession Golf Club management, newly updated webpage design, formed a t
3BJTFE
B
MFHJTMBUJWF
WPJDF
JO
CPUI


members and especially my staff for their new assistant superintendents committee, Carolinas with the hiring of Chris and adopted a new financial protocol Valauri, NC and Charlie Rountree, SC; support and understanding that allowed that is a fiscal written policy for the me to serve my association. And also association. I think the biggest news of the t
5BLFO
Carolinas Green to award- my family, for their patience and full year is that in these tough economic times, winning heights and improved our understanding that this was something I when all we hear and see is bad news on media presence; had to do. the economic front, the Carolinas GCSA And most of all, to the good Lord for has produced another stellar outcome t
&TUBCMJTIFE
B
HSFBU
XPSLJOH
SFMBUJPOTIJQ

giving me the opportunity. with this year’s Conference and Trade with our industry partners who are the Thank you and God Bless. cornerstone of our association; Show. This says a lot about who we are as an association and as a golfing region. t
&TUBCMJTIFE
WJBCMF
XPSLJOH
SFMBUJPOTIJQT

The boards of directors over the with our allied associations; years have strived to improve the professionalism of the golf course t
#FDPNF
B
MFBEFS
JO
UIF
JOEVTUSZ
JO
UIF

superintendent and to make the golf Carolinas and the nation.

2 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] NORTICA® HAS TURNED NEMATODE MANAGEMENT ON ITS HEAD.

Before, you waited for nematodes to cause damage. Now, with Nortica,® you can help manage nematode problems before they start. Nortica contains a naturally-occurring active ingredient that protects turf roots from nematodes. Roots grow deeper, turf looks healthier and your course is as lush as it can be. Why wait? Take a fresh look at nematode management with Nortica. Learn more at BackedbyBayer.com/Nortica

Bayer CropScience LP, Environmental Division, 2 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. 1-800-331-2867. www.BackedbyBayer.com. Bayer, the Bayer Cross and Nortica are registered trademarks of Bayer. Not all products are registered in all states. Always read and follow label instructions carefully. © 2011 Bayer CropScience LP.

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Executive Director Tim Kreger

A Little Perspective in A Lot of Gloom and Doom

By Tim Kreger

each year we can continue to offer you get to breathe that fresh air and see education and services second to none the dew glistening on the grass, there’s among GCSAA affiliated chapters. someone standing shoulder to shoulder Just as importantly, a lot of your staring at the back of heads as they ride friends will be among those walking the the elevator to their job in New York. So trade show floor or manning the booths. many people live their lives without even Make the most of the chance to catch seeing a blade of grass in the day let alone up with as many people as you can. In the wildlife that abounds on our courses challenging times it always helps to know in the Carolinas. that you have people you can reach out to A lot of people are quite happy and for support and answers. None of you are content with that lifestyle and good luck alone. We may not have a uniform but it to them. But there’s not a superintendent has to feel good to know that every single in the business who doesn’t love the out- person on that trade show floor is on doors. Remember, it’s also true that there your side. are a lot of people stuck in cubicles or Then there’s Thanksgiving itself and, on production lines who love it too. of course, Christmas. Any time that any Be thankful. of us can spend with family should be We can also look forward to the next viewed as a success. Because let’s face it, hand we shake for the first time. If golf that is why we do what we do. Sure, at the does one thing, it attracts good people on TimTim KKrKregereger pace we live and work we can easily get so the course and within the industry. Long caught up that we lose sight of that fact. time superintendents always talk about But a roof over their head and food on the people they encountered when they As Thanksgiving approaches, the year the table is only part of what our families look back on their careers. Promising begins to wind down for many Carolinas need from us. You only have to read the young superintendents talk about inspira- GCSA members so I want to offer a little essays from superintendent sons and tional mentors who helped steer them perspective now that there is time for daughters in the Bennett-Maples Schol- right. It’s a sure thing that you will meet reflection. No one needs me to tell them arship program each year to realize that someone new in the weeks, months and how challenging life has been in the golf time spent with you is what they value years ahead and some of them will bring business in recent years. No one needs most. So take a breath and a moment a lot to your life and your career. Be open me to tell them how tough the summer when the chance comes. to those opportunities and the prospect was – again – for superintendents with Then there’s always tomorrow morn- that you too may be able to do something bentgrass greens. No one needs me to tell ing. I’ve spent enough time with enough for them. them that we’re heading into an election superintendents by now to know that We’ve already established that times year where the airwaves will be dominat- there is a special moment of privilege you are tough and that we may not see a time ed by accusations and acrimony. No one enjoy just about every day. It’s that period of plenty again for many years. So it’s all needs any more bad news, period. of quiet when the sun starts to break over the more important that we keep remind- So what do we have to look forward to? the horizon and the light comes on in ing ourselves of the good that’s in our Conference and Show for a start. Soon your 120-acre open air office. I know that work and our lives and what we have to nearly 80 percent of Carolinas GCSA su- moment doesn’t pay the bills or get your look forward to. That’s my little bit of perintendent members will gather at the kids through college but it carries a touch perspective. See you at the Beach. I’m Myrtle Beach Convention Center along of magic that’s got to be a little humbling looking forward to it with about 800 representatives of some and inspiring at the same time. 200 individual companies. Those are There’s no doubt it is something to huge numbers and help guarantee that be thankful for. Just think that every day

4 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Whose Sod Are You On?

You win if it’s ours! At Carolina Turf Farms, we don’t “play favorites”… we’ve got them all. And, we’re continually evaluating and growing new strands with advanced characteristics. Choose from these popular varieties, and more, to find the perfect grass for any project. Tifway 419 The “best” Bermuda, with vigorous growth, fine leaf texture, great color, and resistance to drought 1 and disease. The consummate “sports turf,” it can be mowed to /2" inch. A cost-conscious choice found on fine fairways everywhere, sports fields, commercial and residential properties. Centipede The most widely used residential grass in the Southeast. Thrives in low pH soil and has a pleasing apple green color. Slow growing, drought resistant, and requires little fertilizer. An economical, low-maintenance choice, popular for “neighborhood uniformity.” Meyer Zoysia A beautiful choice with medium-width leaf blade, dense growth and a deep emerald green color. TTolerates drought and shadshade and grows slowly – for low maintenance. Ideal for homes and ccommercialommercial properties, ggolfol courses and athletic fields. Prices at 20 year lows! Quick delivery of the freshest grasses.

Tifway 419 MEYER ZOYSIA CENTIPEDE 5DHIRUG1&‡*UHHOH\YLOOH6&‡5D5 HIIRUGG11&&‡‡ ‡&DUROLQD7XUI)DUPVFRP

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] The Pat Jones Index

Crash, Bam, Poa: Batman Strikes Again

But that’s merely a guess since he won’t years to the time when bored Scottish divulge his true identity. I contacted him shepherds were using sticks to whack once via Facebook message and suggested rocks around the dunesland near the Firth the idea of interviewing “Poa Annua” for of Fife, the idea of a “natural” golf course is Golf Course Industry with the proviso he’d long gone. need to privately reveal who he was to Our industry does have a few – and I me. His reply was very cutesy and coy and say this in the kindest possible way – well- didn’t tell me who he is. Apparently he intentioned zealots who are publicly pur- thinks he’s freakin’ Batman or something. suing a path they claim to be 100 percent Also annoying is the fact that Facebook organic. You see them quoted in newspaper Poa frequently chimes in with comments articles and their courses are often cited by pooh-poohing all these nasty chemicals environmental activists who want all of us we use to manage courses in the U.S. He to be like them. Why do the activists want seems to think that courses with more this? Because they have a thing for women natural maintenance are better. This, I with unshaven legs and they fervently think, is the golf equivalent to men who believe everyone else should too. have a thing for women who don’t shave Here’s the problem with many of these Pat Jones their legs. organic programs: they often use “natural” Poa recently posted this intentionally materials which pollute more effectively inflammatory little remark: “There are nu- than synthetic materials. Organic – which I noticed the other day that I’m sneaking merous golf courses all over that don’t use is a completely meaningless word – does up on having 1,000 Facebook friends. That any chemicals at all. Chemical greenkeep- not have anything to do with positive or either means I’m popular, well connected ing is going out as everybody with some negative impact on the ecosystem where and have interesting things to say or I’m vision into the future can see.” Predictably, it’s being used. Ever read any studies about kind of lame and have waaaaay too much there was a mix of responses from superin- using purely organic manure on a wide- time on my hands. More likely the latter, I tendents and others – which is exactly what spread basis? It’s completely natural … but think. Either way I’ll probably have a party he was trying to provoke – defending or it’s also completely unpredictable as a nu- or something when I hit the thousand decrying “organic” maintenance. trient and completely likely to immediately mark. That’s what kind of schmuck I’ve And it ticked me off…so I thought I’d end up in whatever body of water you put turned into in my old age. vent about it right here in Carolinas Green. it near. In short, that crap has crappy side There’s another fellow on Facebook who First, there is no such thing as “organic” effects. The activists always forget to men- goes by the pseudonym “Poa Annua.” He golf course maintenance unless you’ve tion that part. has, at last count, 3,604 friends. I’ll admit got a perfect piece of ground with perfect The activists will further remind us that that I’m mildly jealous that an annual soils and perfect rainfall and you require there are lady bugs and aromatic oils and bluegrass variety has three times more zero inputs. Did I mention perfect drain- other such natural and organic wonders friends than I do. Jeez, I toil all day long at age and perfect weather? Throw in some that effectively control pests just a well as my laptop trying to write useful articles for sheep that are trained to graze at .110 inch the “evil manufactured stuff” they think you people and all the love goes to a weed? and you’re good, right? we strew randomly around Mother Earth. What’s up with that? Let’s get something straight: Golf They know these techniques are just as Anyway, the Facebook version of Poa courses are artificial creations that modify good as nasty old toxic pesticides because seems to be a Brit based on his spelling nature for recreational, commercial and they’ve been scientifically experimenting (“favourite” vs. “favorite” and such) and environmental (greenspace) benefits. Un- (continued on page 8...) his comments about courses in the UK. less you turn the clock back a few hundred

6 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] TRIAD COASTAL 5204 Highgreen Court 2407 Ocean Hwy, West Colfax, NC 27235 Shallotte, NC 28459 (336) 855-6363 (910) 754-8474 TRIANGLE CHARLOTTE 1218 Management Way 10404 Granite Street Garner, NC 27529 Charlotte, NC 28273 (919) 779-4727 www.green-resource.com (704) 927-3100

Impeccable Credentials Renown® fungicide is the only product to contain the active ingredients found in both Daconil® and Heritage® two top-selling fungicides in the golf market. The scientists at Syngenta combined proprietary azoxystrobin and finely milled chlorothalonil into one economical, disease fighting, high performance machine. Azoxystrobin cycles systemically through the entire plant, from roots to leaf tips, protecting the interior cells from disease. Simultaneously, the stick-and-stay technology holds chlorothalonil to the plant surface even after heavy rain or irrigation. Exceptional formulations combined with their heavyweight lineage mean performance you can trust. Renown fungicide is the most recent addition to the Syngenta portfolio of combination product offerings. The results will resonate favorably with golf course superintendents. f orts Tur p SportsS Turf lf Renown Fungicide Offers t


Y

HBMMPO
DBTFGolf t Contact and systemic protection This product is available t Dual modes of action through Green Resource. t Proprietary stick-and-stay technology Call us today to place t Superior control of tough turf diseases your order. t Built-in resistance management t Performs well under summer stress t Advanced suspo-emulsion formulation t Low rates aid in managing annual usage ceilings for chlorothalonil Important: Always read an follow label instructions before buying or using these products. The label contains important conditions of sale, including limitations of remedy and warranty. Renown is not currently registered for use in all states. Please check with your state or local extension service prior to buying or using this product. Heritage®, Daconil Weather Stik® , Renown® and the Syngenta logo are registered trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company.

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] ADVERTISERS The Pat Jones Index (...continued from page 6) Bayer Environmental Science ...... 3 Becker Underwood ...... 37 Cardinal Chemicals ...... 41 Carolina Turf Farms ...... 5 Corbin Turf Supply ...... 9 Divots ...... 15 with them on their own grass (a highly dangerous. They are the enemies within Golf Agronomics ...... 27 specialized turf species named cannabis who give our critics ammunition to attack sativa) for decades. the sensible, necessary and safe products Green Resource ...... 7 Yes, there are excellent low-impact and practices we use to provide our golfers Greenville Turf & Tractor/John Deere ...Inside front alternative products available that allow with playing fields and our communities John Deere Golf ...... 43 courses to be managed in an incrementally with environmental benefits. Modern Turf ...... 43 more eco-friendly manner as part of a real Here’s how I responded to Poa’s pro- NewLife Turf, Inc...... 40 IPM program. They are proven, tested vocative post on Facebook and the 18 Par Aide Products Co...... 11 products that do what they say. But, let’s or so comments back and forth from PBI/Gordon Corporation ...... 19 not forget that the “synthetic” products we superintendents and greenkeepers around Pioneer Athletics ...... 43 rely on are also proven and tested. Despite the world: “That was fun. Now let’s all be Quali-Pro Products...... 31 the propaganda claims of turf-hating, gra- gentlemen and agree that every golf course Radios for Golf ...... 39 nola-headed pseudo-hippies everywhere, is unique so every management program Revels Turf & Tractor/John Deere ...... Inside front the EPA is hardly in the chemical indus- should be too. There is no one-size-fits-all S & R Turf & Irrigation Equipment ...... 8 try’s back pocket … particularly under the in golf course maintenance.” current regime in D.C. Regulators may not You know and love your property better ShowTurf/John Deere ...... Inside front think we’re the worst environmental man- than anyone else and only you know the Smith Turf and Irrigation ...... back cover agers around, but they’d be perfectly happy right prescription to keep the turf healthy Southern States Cooperative ...... 11 to cancel every product we rely on today if without inflicting ecological harm in Tri-State Pump & Control ...... Inside back they could get away with it. the process. Don’t let Batman…er, I mean Valent-Tourney ...... Insert That’s what makes Facebook Poa and Facebook Poa…or anyone tell you Vereens Turf Products ...... 22 those like him within our industry a little otherwise.

Stephen Rabon Frankie Bell Sales & Service Contract Services 843-455-6528 mobile 843-457-2876 mobile RIÀFH Scott Ketchem Irrigation Services RIÀFH

Sales Service P ;:77\TWPUN:`Z[LTZ P =LY[PJHS;\YIPUL9LWHPYY P (\[OVYPaLK)LYRLSL`+LHSLY P )VVT;Y\JR:LY]PJL P (\[OVYPaLKKIOTI P (UU\HS4HPU[LUHUJL Tractor +LHSLY P OY;LJOUPJHS:\WWVY[VY[ P (\[OVYPaLKCub Cadet +LHSLY P *VU[YHJ[(LYPÄJH[PVU P )HUULYTHU;VWKYLZZLY P :VPS9LSPL]LY;YHJ[VY   P *HKTHU0YYPNH[PVU ,X\PWTLU[9LWHPY /VZL9LLSZ P *VU[YHJ[ P -SVH[PUN(LYH[VYZ  ;VWKYLZZPUN -V\U[HPUZ P 0UZ[HSSH[PVU +LZPNU P 3LS`:WYLHKLYZ VM0YYPNH[PVU:`Z[LTZ P )\ZO/VN,X\PWTLU[ P 9LLS.YPUKPUN P

8 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 800.476.4504

Corbin Turf is honored to provide environmentally sound products and recommendations for the Carolinas and Georgia.

We enthusiastically support sustainability for present and future generations! Early Order Programs for Fall 2011 - 2012

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] On The Road Trent Bouts, Editor

someone who’s subbed in from another beat like education or cops and courts. Only the smallest handful of primarily- golf writers remains on staff on newspa- pers in the Carolinas. Alan Blondin is one, at the Sun-News in Myrtle Beach where they have more courses than many states in the nation after all. Ron Green Jr. is another, at the Charlotte Observer where the city hosts the Wells-Fargo Champion- ship and they have so many courses that long-time former mayor, Pat McRory, talked of branding the city as a “business and golf” destination. Besides Ron Green Sr. was one of the most respected golf writ- ers in the country and there’s value in the Observer extending the Green legacy. Howard Ward writes for The Pilot in Pinehurst but if a town that exists because of golf didn’t have a golf writer then how could it look at itself in the Lush, Pristine and figurative mirror. But even then, Ward, a recent inductee to the Carolinas Golf Hall Other Garbage of Fame, is only part-time these days. Another is Brian Mull at the Star-News in Wilmington, who counts PGA Tour By Trent Bouts caddy experience on his resume so they’d be silly to waste that credential. There may be one or two others before f I read another press release, or worse, “being in an original state or condition.” A I you move into the realm of the contribu- article in print that describes a golf golf course can indeed be immaculate but tor, someone who is not on staff but gets course as any, or all, of “lush,” “pristine” if anyone thinks it got that way by being paid a retainer or for each story they sub- and “perfectly manicured” I’ll scream. untouched or left alone, they’re off with mit. Some of them do a decent job when You’ll be able to hear me from the North the pixies. they can manage to squeeze something Carolina mountains to the South Carolina As for perfectly manicured, I’ll let that into print although few are as thorough Lowcountry and all points in between. go if I ever see someone trimming bunker and committed as Elsa Bonstein at the The terms do no one, and especially golf edges with a pair of nail scissors or using weekly Brunswick Beacon in Shallotte, NC. course superintendents, any service. They nail polish to paint the rim of the hole. A But for the most part, and yes, this is are misleading. manicure is a cosmetic treatment of the a gross generalization, golf coverage in Lush is defined in part as “growing hands and nails, a business I don’t think the Carolinas media is scarce and largely vigorously” which some areas of some golf many superintendents have the knack superficial. Even then, the reporting is courses indeed do at some times of the for, although these days I guess you never done by those with only a cursory grasp of year. But lush is also defined as “luxuri- know … not that there’s anything wrong the issues. Golf may not be rocket science ous,” “rich, sweet and juicy” and even with that. but neither is finance and we all know “sexy” or “voluptuously sensual.” Listen, Here’s the thing. You’ll see those now what can happen when the so-called I love my golf but I’ve never thought of it words – mostly – used by people outside watchdog doesn’t understand the com- like that. the game or whose proximity to the game plexities enough to know what to bark at. Worse, I don’t want anyone else think- comes about because of the work they The business of golf is far, far more ing of the golf courses like that either do. That latter category is increasingly than what people watch from their couch because that imagery carries with it more problematic as newspapers, TV and radio on weekend afternoons. It’s an industry than a whiff of excess, something golf’s stations and other media deal with tighter that is grossly under-reported and most opponents say the game is rife with. They budgets like everyone else. often misunderstood, and therefore say it occupies too much land for too few, Listen to the old guard in newspaper misrepresented. As long as language like mostly rich, people while using too much circles and you’ll hear of a time when most “lush, pristine and perfectly manicured” water and applying too many pesticides. papers of any size had their own golf writ- get repeated and reinforced too many Pristine can mean “immaculate” but er, who would travel to tournaments and people will think of the golf in the negative primarily it carries that definition with mix with other golf writers. These days it tones mentioned above. the sense of something being completely takes a reasonably big story for anything Compare those terms with “firm, fast natural; hence, the alternative definitions but PGA Tour golf to make it into print and well-conditioned” and tell me which of “unspoiled by human encroachment” or and even then it’s often being reported by better reflects what you do.

10 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] AVA > >T> >F> >S> SOS WEW tht WeW h T S F V CuC uru ata eer e eee AIA u r paraide.com r UT o e t f A tit sts o y d T i A y L t ana lil fff omo i ® HEH ouo f zez n RER ere m P u e d P r rsr A r RNR

b A hoh s

OrO b A tu

o ppp A u oto r sps p rfr S nan t L p f h lil a L p i hah TAT cca p mem EA WW NuN a a ror A e tit o tet TET u i e ntn ono DED jej trt e t F r n ala S W.W F ctc iSi s S l ere t S R ALA r S php r r SO tit pep eme h i in O SOS e lil ere m n i cic zez r t UTU aia t i e-e e ala heh O i r nsn O e N tyt HEH s fi y EnE fi FF ® l C E n l eel N C F us RNR N hah l ERE s hhe d a h iti e t ncn ofo S:S ror mim STS ana c o f i ere T n c geg cac c ATA d a e usu , lls T n s s beb sos tot ESE o e o FeF S y e aua m y [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] .C rtr u C ouo t blb tit ili OMO u i l l fu izi ene c z u M c n ere l.l . ana d r M n M tut r u r rfr ana ese f s n f f t aga ere g r asa tit ere s lil r sus i zez a u a e rer e ndn rsr s d d .

> Works with most fertilizer mixtures fertilizer most with Works > absorbed be to nutrients more byallowing friendly Environmentally > better provide to systems root dense more and healthier Develops > color green enhanced with plants healthier Promotes > WHW plans for bestresults. Remember tofollow your farm's nutrientmanagement leaving more available phosphorusfree inthesoil. phosphate from aluminum,iron and othercations, AVAIL available toyour crop. nitrification, bothofwhichlimittheamountnitrogen NutriSphere-N into the plant - not in our air and water and intoair the plant -our not in nutrient uptake ATA reduces phosphorusfixationby protecting A A RER a sincere thank you for being our valued partner. a sincerethankyouforbeingourvaluedpartner. time anddeliversuperiorvalue.SofromParAide, more innovativeproducts.Productsthatsaveyou the coursethatconstantlydrivesustoprovidenew, At ParAide,weneverforgetit’syourdedicationto Thanks forbeingapartofwhoweare Wherever golfisplayed. E www.carolinasgcsa.org T HEH for urea reduces volatilization and B B ENE EF F IT T S?S CAROLINAS green .

© 2011 Southern States Cooperative, Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. Southern States is a registered trademark of Southern States Cooperative, Incorporated. 11 NutriSphere-N® and AVAIL® are registered trademarks of SFP, LLC. Turf Talk

White Tips at Source of Superintendent Gray Hairs

Dr. Bert McCarty

Dr. Bert McCarty, Research and Extension Turf Specialist at Clemson University, will address any turf-related question in this column. Write to him c/o: Clemson University, Department of Horticulture, Box 340375, Clemson, SC 29634-0375 Figureigure 11. LLeeaaff blbleeachiningg, oorr whititeningening, can bbee caususeed by a or: [email protected] variety of herbicides including diuron. If caused by diuron, bleaching tends to be short in duration (less than two days) while it tends to be much longer with other products.

By Bert McCarty

Fiiguregure 22. DiDiuronuron heerbicirbbiicide dad mage toto bentgrbbenttgrassss iis sslollow to develop, typically starting in low, poorly-drained areas, eventually spreading. Algae usually quickly invade weakened areas.

The past two summers my bentgrass leaf tips turned white and we actually lost grass this past year. Any thoughts?

Well, without seeing the actual symptoms or studying any supplemental data associated with the situation, I have to qualify my answer. Having said that, over the past several years, I have seen several similar instances where during the middle of a hot, dry summer, bentgrass initially had its leaf tips turn white and soon thereafter, brown (Figure 1). Symptoms were initially thought either to be one of the root infecting diseases, such as pythium, or possibly vandalism.

12 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Turf Talk

However, symptoms were too uniform may be used in irrigation and drainage and another from what was believed to or widespread for normal symptoms of systems when water is not present. It also be an earlier superintendent treating the this disease and no clear spray or spreader has widespread use in non-agricultural irrigation pond with diuron. In another pattern was obvious as often seen with applications, especially industrial interesting source, the diuron was from vandalism. Still, like pythium, symptoms and rights of way uses, where, often orchards upstream to the irrigation typically appeared first in low, poorly in combination with other products, source where the herbicide was used for drained areas, eventually affecting most it provides total vegetation control. total vegetative control in row middles of the greens. Algae quickly invaded as These applications include along fence and/or Coastal bermudagrass pasture the turf thinned (Figure 2). Considering lines, powerlines, railway lines, roads, establishment. that diseases normally do not turn timber yards and around electrical So what does this mean to turfgrass leaf blades white, and after reviewing substations. It was traditionally used as managers? Unfortunately, mitigation is fungicide programs and sampling for an aquatic herbicide, but no longer is, very difficult and of course, expensive to diseases, pythium was ruled improbable. outside of self-contained catfish ponds. attempt. Options include: (1) installing After considering several other Interestingly, diuron is labeled for Coastal charcoal filters along the irrigation lines possibilities, the attention turned to the bermudagrass pasture establishment, in hopes of tying up the herbicide; (2) irrigation water. Following extensive therefore, golf course bermudagrass keeping the intake valve well above the sampling of the various irrigation typically is not damaged at the lake or pond’s bottom during summer sources, low levels of several herbicides concentrations that damage bentgrass. both by raising its position in the aquatic were consistently detected. The whiting From a turf manager’s point of view, strata or by supplementing the lake with symptoms of the leaf blades, gave clues of diuron is both mobile (low Koc values) additional water; (3) finding an alternative this likely involving atrazine or simazine, and relatively persistent, thus, is prone to source of irrigation during summer; or, oxadiazon, mesotrione, fluridone, diuron, off-site movement in surface runoff and (4) converting to bermudagrass greens topramezone or several other agriculture- migration to irrigation water bodies. In which normally have a higher threshold related compounds. soil, its half-life is from 100 to 995 days, of tolerance to the herbicide. A field technique to delineate between while in aqueous solution, its photolysis None of these are easy choices. One some of these is the duration of leaf half-life is up to six years. In aquatic golf course was able to switch to effluent whitening. Products such as mesotrione, bodies, diuron tends to accumulate in a water but then had salt and bicarbonate fluridone and topramezone typically pond’s organic sediments. Since its major issues. Another fed their lakes with cause the whitening for extended periods, means of degradation in the environment supplemental water to keep the sediments up to several weeks. Others such as is aerobic microbial breakdown, its from being taken up by the irrigation atrazine, simazine, oxadiazon and diuron degradation is extremely slow in the line, which can be very expensive, while typically do not cause whitening unless mostly anaerobic lake bottoms, hence the several others converted to one of the several days of cloudy weather follow six year half-life. ultradwarf bermudagrasses. More would application. If whitening occurs, its effects Typical diruon ranges detected in likely have converted, but excessive shade are typically short-term, lasting one to the samples were from 0.1 to one ppm, from sources off the property prevented two days. although higher spikes occasionally them. Several are currently considering The one herbicide most consistently occurred. Normally, these levels are Diamond zoysiagrass for their greens. detected, albeit, at very low levels, has benign to turfgrasses. However, already So what are some of the lessons been diuron (trade name: Karmex, weakened bentgrass greens from hot, dry, learned from these experiences: (1) among others). Diuron is a member of windy summer days which substantially problems can occur from unlikely sources the substituted urea herbicide family increase evapotranspiration rates; lack of at inopportune times that might have and its mode of action is to inhibit sufficient rainfall to “flush” the product been initiated years prior; (2) inadequate the Hill reaction in photosynthesis, from the rootzone; low, poorly-draining aerification and drainage, especially when eventually leading to the breakdown of areas on greens; and, the lack of adequate related to bentgrass grown in heat-stress cell membranes, allowing chlorophyll aerification, allows these low levels of environments, remain sins; (3) treat for and other pigments, such as carotenoids, diuron to contribute to slow decline aquatic weeds during the off-season when to leak out. This often (but not symptoms as mentioned earlier. the stress on bentgrass is minimal, and, always) results in initial leaf bleaching The source of diuron in the instances (4) in the Carolinas, bentgrass courses (whitening), quickly leading to complete I’ve been involved in were a homeowner should be designed to provide adequate cell disintegration. trying to rid aquatic weeds around air movement or sufficient electricity In the U.S., diruon is used on a variety his boat dock and lakeshore property, for fans or, if bermudagrass is being of fruit and nut crops, row crops, hay, another from treated railroad tracks considered, have the option of eliminating and for fallow and idle cropland use. It adjacent a stream which fed the lake, future shade sources.

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 13

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] USGA Southeast Region, Green Section

Chris Hartwiger

BentgrassBentgrass to uultradwarfltradwarf puputtingtting green converconversionssions cocontinuentinue ttoo be tthehe ddominantominantst storyory in tthehe regregion.ion PatrickPatrickO’ O’BrienBrien Reclamation of edges with aeration plugs is a common technique prior to planting an ultradwarf.

2011: Not all Things G R EEN SECT ION SOUTHEA S T REGION Bright and Beautiful

Every year is unique and 2011 is no exception. One of the most common questions we answer during the autumn and winter conference season is, “What were the big stories in the region this year?” This article will provide a list of top stories as seen by these two agronomists who travelled thousands of miles through the southeast this year.

BENTGRASS TO ULTRADWARF The conversion of creeping bentgrass putting greens to an ultradwarf bermudagrass continues to be the big story of the year. Clubs are switching for a variety of reasons including reducing putting green maintenance expenses, providing elite putting surfaces all summer long and dramatically reducing the risk of catastrophic turf loss in summer.

WEATHER Devastating tornadoes struck the states of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina this year. The tornadoes not only impacted golf courses, but they affected those who work at courses and golfers who play them. Summer heat was intense with May and June among the hottest on record in several states. Dry weather followed a wet spring. August was one of the driest on record for many areas, but tropical storm Lee brought vast quantities of water to the heart of the region and corrected many rainfall deficits.

BAD ECONOMY 2011 was another down year for golf and golf course maintenance. The vast majority of courses have been operating at the same budget levels for several years now. Other courses we work with have been required to reduce budgets. The impact of several years of cut backs is beginning to show up. Quality usually does not change much in the short term, but cut backs do result in changes to the golf course over long term.

14 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] USGA Southeast Region, Green Section

PRESSURE ON CORE AERATION We have received more calls this year from superintendents or DPVSTF
PďDJBMT
XBOUJOH
UP
EJTDVTT
DVUUJOH
CBDL
PO
UIF
BNPVOU
of core aeration performed. The reasoning is not due to the agronomic need to core aerate, but due to cost and lost revenue. Ironically, these are the same reasons used when times are good.

NEW HERBICIDES Get your notebooks ready. We have a feeling that the top weed scientists in our region will have much to talk about on the conference circuit again this year with the release of many new herbicides and combination products.

RETURN OF THE TRIPLEX This is a not a bad B movie, but an economic reality at many golf courses. These courses simply do not carry a staff large enough to walk mow the putting greens on a day to day basis. Fortunately, triplex mowers continue to improve and we now have many courses with ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens that maintain their putting greens to a high standard with a triplex.

GOLF MARKET COMPRESSION There is a collapse of market differentiation in all but the upper- end private club market and the low-end daily fee. All the other courses are migrating to a similar price point and level of quality. TornadoTornaddo ddadamagemage hhappensappens ffastast anandd can bbe ddevastating.evastatiing On the daily fee side, “memberships” or annual passes are common. On the mid-level private club side, initiation fees are disappearing if not gone and various forms of outside play such as outings, tournaments and junior events are sought after. On the bright side, now is a great time to be a golfer and bargains can be found in just about every city.

BUNKERS ARE IMPROVING Can this be? Well, maybe they are not improving, but golfers must be distracted by a dismal economy because we are hearing fewer comments about problems with the bunker sand or a desire for “consistent” bunkers. More golfers are happy to play the ball as it lies and complain less when things do not work out the way they hope.

TEE IT FORWARD Numerous discussions have involved making golf more fun for those that play the game. Tee it forward is one initiative that courses have discussed to improve the fun factor. We, too, are golfers at heart and appreciate efforts by courses to make the game as much fun as possible. Positive initiatives we see include shorter rough and drier, firmer fairways weather permitting.

CONFERENCE AND SHOW Spending a week in Myrtle Beach playing in the golf tournament, teaching a seminar, eating well, and catching up with good friends is a great time for us. We look forward to saying hello to you in Myrtle Beach.

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 15

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Government Relations South Carolina Relationships Matter So Build Them Now

TheT Carolinas GCSA’s new ggovernment relations counsel, CCharlie Rountree, III, left, wwith association president, JJohn Davis, at the annual fall mmountain meeting at the GGrove Park Inn, in Asheville, NC. By Charlie Rountree, III

As much as I love golf, as much I have been around the for policy makers to understand that you, as golf course game my entire life and as much as I have been involved as an superintendents, can actually use less water if you are allowed to administrator of the South Carolina Golf Association, there’s an use a little more often rather than a lot, say, two days a week. awful lot I don’t know about the game. Particularly when it comes So I need you to help me understand. I will be at more to the role of the golf course superintendent and the issues that Carolinas GCSA events in future just as I was at the Grove Park affect what you do. That is why I need your help as I join your Inn in September. I enjoyed getting to meet some of you there association as government relations counsel in South Carolina. but there were also a lot of hands I didn’t get to shake. I want to From what I’ve seen, historically, golf course superintendents hear from any one of you when there is an issue, so please make have been content to present the golf course for play and let the yourself known whenever there is a chance. quality of their work do their talking. There may have been a time The other major step you can take to make me most effective when that was enough but not anymore. Dramatic changes within in my work for you is to let me know who you know. Not the golf industry and without now require superintendents to be every politician plays golf but a lot do and they do that on the far more involved in the overall business performance of their courses you maintain. That’s an important link we need to facility and to be a lot more aware of the rules and regulations exercise because for all the nuts and bolts involved in policy, it’s affecting what they can and cannot do. relationships that really get things sorted out. It’s just easier to do
-FUT
CF
IPOFTU
HPWFSOJOH
GSPN
FMFDUFE
PďDF
JT
OPU
BO
FBTZ
business with people you know. thing to do. No matter how hard you try you are never going So I encourage you to make the time to make yourself known to please everyone – sounds a bit like being a golf course to those decision-makers who play your golf course. And please superintendent doesn’t it? The stakes are often very high and let me and your executive director, Tim Kreger, know who they arguments or cases from the various sides can be compelling. are. Because the most effective way to deal with an issue is before What may seem an obvious course of action to those on the it becomes an issue. We don’t want to have to wait to see front outside is often anything but when you have all the factors laid page headlines before we realize we have an issue. We need to out in front of you. have our ears to the ground and have open doors we can walk The same is true of the people who make regulations on through so we’re part of the dialogue all along. things like water, chemical or land use. As much as we might like It’s a changed world and that’s made golf a changing industry. to think issues are straightforward, they rarely are and as rule But our most effective tool as we try and negotiate our way makers try and chart the best course they invariably upset some through that change is going to be the relationships and trust that stakeholders. It’s just the nature of the increasingly complex world we build. And the time to do that work is long before you need to we live in. ask for something. That’s now. My role with the Carolinas GCSA is try and ensure your interests are heard by these people who have to make the call - Charlie Rountree, III is the Carolinas GCSA’s new government and, more importantly, that they understand the issues. Water relations counsel for South Carolina.. use during drought is a classic example. It takes some explaining

16 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Government Relations North Carolina Golf: An Addiction that’s Legal, Healthy and Fun

Lt.L Gov. Walter Dalton sspeaks at The First Tee oof Brunswick County’s ffundraisingu tournament aat Cinghiale Creek.

ByB WalterW lt DDaltonlt Lieutenant Governor, North Carolina

Arnold Palmer, one of our most famous adopted North North Carolina Green Industry Association hosted a symposium Carolinians, and one of the greatest golfers of all time once said, on water conservation that I was honored to attend and address. “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated.” He’s right. As I told the gathering, we live in a great state - a state with a Golf is a precision sport, but it’s the uniqueness of the courses and proud tradition of conservation. We have done as much or more the infinite ways in which we try to get that little ball into a hole than any other state to protect our environment and natural that make it exciting. resources and preserve our beauty. There is one thing that is key In North Carolina, golf is part of our DNA. It’s more than to all of this: water. We know it’s a limited resource and we know a game or pastime. It is a huge economic engine. The name that without it, we will all perish. “Pinehurst” is legendary. Pardon the pun, but golf is truly a “green” industry in Golf has a $5-billion impact on our economy; it supports North Carolina. 70,000 jobs that pay over $1.7-billion in wages. Golf brings people After all the important economic statistics, though, golf is a from all over the country and the world to all parts of our state, game, one that involves a small number of people and is based from the mountains to the coast - and they keep coming back. on trust and honesty. As I learned recently, it’s a game that can In 2014, Pinehurst will again make history by hosting a U.S. positively impact young people. Open double-header with the Men’s and Women’s championships You might be familiar with The First Tee, either from being contested over consecutive weeks. In 2017, we will also host first-hand experience or from the signs visible at most major the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte. But it’s golf tournaments. not just famous courses like these that bring people here. North This spring, I was privileged to play in a tournament with Carolina is privileged to have over 550 courses and 30 resorts. In The First Tee of Brunswick County, a fund-raiser for the Carol total, that’s about 8,000 holes. S. Petrea Youth Golf Foundation, a not-for-profit organization Because of golf’s importance to our state, we also have several that helps build character, leadership, and life skills of Brunswick golf companies based in North Carolina. For instance, Polara Golf County youth. This chapter of The First Tee has achieved in High Point is applying technological research to manipulate the highest level of distinction in the national organization. the dimples of the golf ball to make the “world’s first no-slice Thousands of school children have participated, especially low- golf ball.” In addition, golf supplies are an almost half-billion income students who had little, if any, actual exposure to golf. The dollar industry, with manufacturers like Golf Pride, John Deere, First Tee is a great program doing a lot of good. I encourage you Jacobsen and Peter Millar. In all, these companies employ around to find a local program and get involved. 3,000 people. To me, that’s what golf is all about. Less obvious, but extremely important, is golf’s impact I’ve often heard the joke that golf is the only addiction that is on our state’s largest industry, agriculture. Green industries, legal, healthy and fun. including turfgrass, are a $1- billion business and represent I encourage you to travel the state and experience the the largest-growing segment in agriculture, outweighing multitude of golf venues. It is indeed a sport for a lifetime and traditional agricultural goods such as tobacco and soybeans. In my wife and I, on occasion, enjoy the escape it provides and the fact, industrial turfgrass covers 2-million acres of our state, and humility it instills as we strive to get that little sphere to obey. cutting-edge turfgrass science is being developed and improved at Also, as you travel, realize that it is an economic engine for our North Carolina State University. state, providing jobs and an attraction for others to experience the Golf is also a strong partner in water conservation and the wealth of beauty we call North Carolina. environmental protection efforts in our state. This summer, the

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 17

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] The regular Headliners column features media coverage of golf course maintenance issues and personalities, as part of an ongoing partnership with Syngenta Professional Products. The following excerpts appeared recently in newspapers across the Carolinas.

DaveDave DowningDowning TimTim HaHartrt

Downing Heads South to PGA

The Strand’s most accomplished golf course superintendent, Trace Makes Switch Dave Downing, CGCS has left the area to become the director The success of the Mini-Verde Bermuda grass greens at Hyland of golf courses and grounds at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Golf Club is making other Sandhills area golf facilities take notice. Lucie, FL. Downing is the former president of the Golf Course The latest course to make the switch from bentgrass putting Superintendents Association of America. He helped open and surfaces to a new ultradwarf bermudagrass is Sanford’s Carolina grow in Wild Wing Plantation and Barefoot Resort, which were Trace Country Club on its Lake Course. Tim Hart, director of both four-course facilities shortly after their openings. greens and grounds at the Robert Trent Jones-designed facility, is He was hired at PGA Golf Club on July 5. “It’s been a blast. emphatic in his assessment of the change-over. I’m getting back to growing grass again,” said Downing, who was The renovation project started May 18 and it has gone president of the golf management company Signature Golf Group flawlessly, he said. “The weather has been hot and dry, which is for a short time before leaving the area. PGA Golf Club has 72 exactly what we needed for this project to go successfully. Credit holes and is owned and operated by the PGA of America. “It’s also goes to my team: Lake Course superintendent Eric Graveen kind of fun and enough to keep me busy,” Downing said. “The and Creek Course superintendent Blake Stephenson, who managed the conditions as members and their guests used the timing’s good and it gets me back to what I’m the best at, which is Creek Course for play this summer.” taking care of the golf courses.” Irrigation for the project was taken from Lake Trace, which Downing recently hired Steve Martin, the former is a 315-acre body of water owned by the club. The original superintendent at the Grande Dunes resort course. PGA Golf Lake Course greens were constructed in the early 1970s with Club contains a six-hole short course, 36-acre learning center Dominant bentgrass. They were reseeded in 1993 and 1994. with putting greens and chipping areas, and a short game area. “I “While our previous greens were good most of the year, our enjoy working with the PGA to help grow the game, and this is a members were looking for more consistency,” Hart said. “The facility we can help do that,” Downing said. Mini-Verde greens will give us that consistency.” - The Sun-News, Myrtle Beach, SC. - The Pilot, Southern Pines, NC.

18 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Headliners

Sedgefield to Follow? The annual assault on Sedgefield’s summertime greens continued in the opening round of the Wyndham Championship. KeithKeith WoWoodod The shots flew in from the Donald Ross fairways and slammed onto his crested putting surfaces, where they stuck. The results were predictable. They were the same results we saw last year and the year before that and the year before that. How much longer we see the pros attack our defenseless pins will depend on a key decision by new owner John McConnell and the members, who are about 50-50 on the prospects of a major change at the 85-year-old club. What were once whispers are now open discussions on the greens, in the clubhouse and in the corporate tents. Sedgefield is considering going to bermudagrass greens. This isn’t a bombshell. People have been talking about it for two years at least, and with the recent changeover at Atlanta Athletic Club and Memphis and other clubs throughout the sweltering South. “They have to do it,” said pro Lee Janzen. “I suggested it the first year we came here, but the members didn’t want to hear it then.” That was before Starmount, less than 10 miles across town, lost every one of its greens in a mysterious bacterial attack in early June … The old bentgrass greens here are almost perfect. Make no mistake about that. Course superintendent Keith Wood said last month that the Starmount situation sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of greenkeepers in the Piedmont. “It kept me up at night,” he said. “I didn’t sleep for a week.” “It brings firmness to the greens, which is something every PGA Tour event likes to see,” Wyndham tournament director Mark Brazil said of the ultradwarf bermudagrass. “The bentgrass greens here are the best we’ve seen in four years, which is a credit to Keith and his staff. Ultimately, any decision to change would come from Mr. McConnell.” - News and Record, Greensboro, NC.

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Q & A With the Winner of the DSA Chuck Borman stands before a gallery of past recipients of the Distinguished Service Award.

20 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] News

Chuck Borman, CAE will receive the Carolinas GCSA Distinguished Service Award at this year’s Conference and Trade Show in Myrtle Beach, SC in November. The award follows more than a decade of service as the association’s executive director during which time the association grew in numbers, assets and influence. His positive contribution to golf extended beyond the realm of the golf course superintendent. It’s why the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association honored him with a presentation last year and why fellow leaders from across the industry sang his praises so loudly when he retired. But, of course, he only kind of retired. He has worked since in a part-time consulting role for the Carolinas GCSA helping ensure a smooth transition to the new leadership of Tim Kreger. He still attends most association events where his booming voice keeps everyone on track. He spoke in quieter tones recently when interviewed about winning the DSA, what made his time special and what may be ahead for golf course superintendents.

What did it mean when John Davis, Carolinas GCSA president, called with news that you would receive the Distinguished Service Award: I was floored and yet thankful. When I look at the caliber of the individuals who have received the DSA in the past, hopefully I can live up to the standards that they set. For people to recognize me to be among that level of an individual in my contribution to the game and the Carolinas is just sort of overwhelming. One thing I look at when I consider men like (past winners) Ernie Hayes, Bill Anderson, Bob Bell and Pat O’Brien, all of the different types of individuals that have received the award, I feel very humble and very thankful that I was selected.

If there’s a legacy you’re proudest of that isn’t the brick and mortar kind, what would it be: I guess if there’s anything that I’m proudest of it is that we always tried to treat every single member the same. It didn’t matter whether they came from a course with a $2-million a year maintenance budget or $100,000 a year. We tried to consider them all in every decision we made and I insisted that we treat them all the same. And everybody bought into that, that every member and everybody who supports us is an equal.

What about the tangible things like growing Conference and Show, buying a headquarters building or the Local Association Administrative Support Program: I don’t think there’s any one thing that stands out. What branded the Carolinas GCSA as an association of excellence was the breadth of the things that we did and the fact we were always looking for new things. We were always looking to fill any void whether it was education, communication, technology, you name it. We were always trying tackle what needed to be tackled and leverage it in any way we could to best serve the membership and the industry.

What made all that possible: I think that was a confluence of events. I came in at a very fortuitous time as golf was growing. There were resources available and the board was willing to commit those resources. We were able to work with our industry partners to generate revenue to develop new programs. So a lot of it was timing. The thing that amazes me was that over the last three or four years as the economy has been down, how the association really hasn’t

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 21

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] News missed a beat. We still get the support of industry, we get the how good you are, there can be circumstances that you just can’t support of members. Some of our revenue areas have fallen off overcome and that ultimately you might lose your job over. That’s but we’ve been able to make cuts in expenses to off-set that. This probably always in the back of everybody’s mind. year’s conference and Show is looking as strong as it was in 2007. I think there’s an honesty and an integrity among superintendents. And a willingness to help each other. As they How has the association managed to defy the recession: HP
UISPVHI
UIFTF
EJďDVMUJFT
BOE
UJNFT
PG
TVČFSJOH
FWFSZPOF
*
XPVME
TBZ
JUT
B
DVMUVSF
BOE
BO
BďOJUZ
UIJOH
*
EPOU
UIJOL
is always willing to reach out and help each other. There is no systems have anything to do with it. I think what it has to do with competition among them. They’re all working against themselves is the feelings of industry and members towards the association. and their micro-climate to provide the very best playing They have bought into what the association is trying to do for conditions they can given the resources they’ve got. them so they have supported it. Obviously our biggest event is the Conference and Show in Myrtle Beach and so much of its success How do you look back at the service of those people who have is a social thing. It’s more of a “happening” than it is simply a served on the board of directors in your time: conference and a trade show. It’s the one time of the year that I doubt that most members really understand the extent of the superintendents can go and see all of their buddies and the new contribution their colleagues make. Now those that have served equipment and just catch up. People look forward to that. They on boards at the local association will have a better idea. But it’s look at the cost of it for sure but in the long run it’s a great value the time crunch convergence that everybody faces. You face it if you’re trying to serve your church or if you’re trying to serve and they realize that. your homeowners association, anything. There’s a finite number of hours in the day and especially these days with both parents Okay, let’s change gears. What about the infamous booming working and the financial pressures that people are facing. It just Borman voice: gets tougher and tougher for people to step up and serve You know, I guess it came through my military career. As I their associations. finished my career flying and moved into my direct commission BT
BO
BSNPS
PďDFS
*
TUBSUFE
BT
B
QMBUPPO
MFBEFS
UIFO
B
DPNQBOZ
There must have been some contentious issues over your time: commander, and you marched troops, you brought them into To be honest I don’t think we’ve had a lot of real controversial formation and all that. I guess I had a God-given natural loud decisions to make. I think that everybody has seen that the voice. But you develop that as part of your leadership training decisions that have been made were in the interests of the in the service. Hopefully it helped call attention to what people association. needed to know at our events. I would say the most controversial decision we faced was the dual-membership requirement when GCSAA required it. I What’s great about golf course superintendents: thought we, as an association, handled it well. That was in 1998 I They’re people of the land and of course I come from Iowa, I think. There was a very vocal group that was against, and a group come from an agricultural background. Without a doubt there that was for it. We went around to local association meetings and seem to be characteristics of people who work the land and are talked about and let everybody have their say. And when it came ultimately dependent on Mother Nature. They always know there time to vote we actually took a ballot of the members and we are things they have to battle every day and some of them just voted those percentages. Once it was over the board decided that cannot be controlled. There’s a humility brought about by the fact we wouldn’t do that again, they weren’t going to split a vote. In that you can be the very best you can possibly be but no matter future we’d vote all our votes in support of the majority position.

22 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] News

While we’re on GCSAA, how do you see their role today: of us and that at the end of the day you definitely feel that you’re I think there are distinct roles. The GCSAA role is leveraging getting the value for money that you’re committing. We want to technology to provide education and information to the members be able to deliver a business return for your investment. because they’re so far away from the individual members. But their website, the Golf Industry Show, their employment referral And the girls in the office: service and their magazine, those are really the main contact I’ve said it again, again and again. It’s amazing that we could bring points that members have with GCSAA. So I think they need to together a staff of this quality. Who are not only good workers concentrate on those. but are intelligent and dedicated and truly do love their work and With us we’re a little bit closer to the members but we’ve got the members they serve. They just have continually exceeded 12 local associations in the Carolinas. To me the local associations expectations and we’ve had them together now for so long. We’ve are the touch point to the member. That’s where the networking added as the years have gone on but no one has ever left the takes place, that’s where the social events happen, the community association. Unbelievable. service, and some education. And we’ve treated them well. The board has gone out of their Then when you move up to our level, we’re sort of in between way to show they are appreciated. And so many members do too. the two. We are upgrading our website, we provide regional "U
$POGFSFODF
BOE
4IPX
PS
XIFO
NFNCFST
ESPQ
CZ
UIF
PďDF
education, a legislative presence, events and meetings and so on. they’re continually singing their praises. But the closer you are to the member the more you can directly impact the member. Ourselves and GCSAA we have to try and be What should Carolinas GCSA members expect over the next in the support role to provide the resources that are beyond the five or 10 years: local association resources. Well, I wish I could see the silver lining in the clouds for golf, but I don’t right now. I don’t see new golfers coming into the game What about the association’s industry partners: and we’re still losing one to two percent a year. If we don’t get the I can’t say enough about our industry partners. You know that economy turned around … golf is disposable income … I don’t they’re suffering now. That business is not like it was five years know that things are likely to change. I still think we have too much ago. But they continue to support us. They have always provided supply for demand. It’s going to continue to be a tough business. between 55 and 60 percent of our total revenues through Superintendents cannot be just superintendents like they used advertising, Conference and Show, exhibit space, partnerships. to be. Superintendents have to understand the business side of the I also can’t stress enough the importance, every day, of whole operation. They have to get as involved as much as they can superintendents supporting them and purchasing their products in the business side of things and be part of the solution to the and at Conference and Show, visiting their booths. There’s challenges that business faces. They’ve got to become part of what nothing worse for them to be spending $30,000 or $50,000 to be brings net revenue to the facility. at Conference and Show and nobody coming to visit with them. Sometimes that may mean going against what they’ve been When I came the show had been at the convention center for one taught all their lives and what they’re aspirations are - that they show and took one third of the floor space. The first visits I made should continually strive to improve conditions. Well, sometimes when I came here was to the industry partners. As I’ve worked they might have to back off on some inputs and settle for less with them over the years we have always tried to establish a win- than the stellar playing conditions you want. But they’ve got to be win relationship. From my first meeting with them I made it clear as innovative as possible on working out how to generate more we don’t want welfare. We want a relationship that works for both revenue for the facility.

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 23

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] News

Making Fairways Next Step In No-Till By Brian Hollingsworth, CGCS

Brian Hollingsworth, CGCS and Dustin Nemenz ..on one of their no-till fairways as the clippings fly.

24 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] News

At two weeks Three and a half weeks Five weeks

The development of the no-till system in recent years has Mitchell Wilkerson, CGCS of Moss Creek agreed. “We were helped many clubs across the country successfully convert their hopeful that we could cut in Celebration bermuda directly into bentgrass or older bermudagrass greens to newer ultradwarf our test plots on the driving range at the demo,” he says. bermudagrass varieties. Observing the progress and success of “Unfortunately I wasn’t completely comfortable with the end this program on greens, I began to ask myself, “Why wouldn’t this product the new machine was producing.” work on other parts of the golf course too, and save a lot of money As Modern Turf continued to work on their machine it turned in the process?” out that the issues that held up the original project at Dataw Two years ago, here at Dataw Island Club in Beaufort, SC we Island Club had been resolved. We were now revisiting each were in the midst of preparing for a major golf course renovation aspect of our renovation, as well as its cost and importance to the which included re-grassing most of the playing surfaces including club, so a revised project could be formally approved for fairways and tees. Due to unforeseen circumstances that project construction. I still strongly felt we needed to re-grass most, if not had to be put on hold and over the next year we began considering all, of our fairways on our Cotton Dike golf course. But we other ways to improve the golf course at a reduced cost. definitely needed to find the right price and process to get it done. The more I thought about it, I felt strongly that no-till planting, It was at that time that I began to speak with Modern Turf or some variation of it, could be successfully done on fairways just again, this time more seriously. They had addressed several issues as it is being done on greens. The process would be less expensive with the no-till planter and had successfully performed a no-till than stripping or tilling all the fairways before planting. As it project on an athletic field. They were ready to try the machine on turns out I wasn’t the only one with this idea. a larger scale and needed the right place to do it. Modern Turf Several clubs in Florida and some in the desert Southwest had made a commitment to us that they would no-till plant our been doing their own variations of no-till planting fairways for fairways with Celebration bermudagrass and do whatever it took several years. Additionally, Modern Turf, based in Rembert, SC to get the job done, regardless of how the machine performed. had been fabricating their own no-till sprig planter for fairways in It was still a bit of a risk for me and the club but I was hopes of accomplishing the same goal very soon. It was exciting comfortable that Modern Turf would stand behind their word and to learn that other clubs had successfully converted their fairways their work. to new grasses using no-till and that a local sod supplier was This past April, we closed our Cotton Dike course to begin working on a machine to do it. Suddenly it seemed like there was renovating our greens, bunkers, irrigation system and cart paths. a real possibility that we could still get our fairways converted far The first question with regard to the no-till conversion of the more affordably. fairways was how much prep work should be done in front of the In late summer of 2010, I was contacted by Modern Turf’s planter to get the ground ready for the sprigs. Obviously, we had Hank Kerfoot about a demonstration of their new no-till machine to kill the existing bermudagrass. We applied two applications of at Moss Creek Club in Bluffton, SC. He explained they had been Roundup with Fusilade. Then just before planting, we made one working on a machine planter capable of planting bermudagrass application of Roundup with Ronstar FL. sprigs directly into the existing turf canopy. Watching the new Next, we needed to decide whether more loosening of the dead planter in action, along with several superintendents from the thatch and turf would be necessary to plant or would improve the Hilton Head area, I have to say I came away less than impressed. planting process. After trying various methods of aerifying, The machine needed tweaking. There was little consistency in its vertical mowing and sweeping, on one test hole, we ran the no till ability to evenly apply the sprigs and in its ability to cut the sprigs machine over these areas on a dry test run. As it turned out, any in properly through the existing turf. of these additional steps alone or in conjunction with each other

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 25

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Six and a half weeks Eight weeks made the dead turf surface too loose for the no-till planter, and it IFMQFE
CZ
UIF
GBDU
UIBU
UIFSF
JT
TP
MJUUMF
USBďD
XJUI
UIF
OPUJMM
tore them up as it cut. The easiest way turned out to be the best, method. With no sod and debris to remove from the golf course and that was to just no-till plant directly into the existing surface there is none of the damage that you would normally associate that had been killed with Roundup. with re-grassing fairways. Now knowing what our plan would be we were ready to begin. Of course there is nowhere the amount of labor involved either The fairways were sprayed out and we began to no-till plant and all told, I believe that it’s reasonable to expect that no-till Celebration. Needless to say, the first few fairways planted were a fairway conversions could save as much as 50 percent compared work in progress. Dustin Nemenz, Cotton Dike’s superintendent, with the cost of conventional methods. became concerned. “The first few fairways that we no-till planted Dustin Nemenz agrees that the process is a good one. “I felt were really a mess,” he recalls. “The machine worked fine when much better six weeks after the Celebration was planted and you tested earlier, but now that actual planting was underway it was could really start to see what the new fairways were going to look really tearing up the existing turf surface. like,” he says. “The grass covered very The old dead mat layer was being pulled quickly and all the initial damage covered up as the machine planted. Our sprig over. We used our old greens mix and old contact with the soil was impacted, not to “… it’s reasonable to expect that bunker sand to topdress the fairways too. mention that the fairways smoothness Once we began doing that and pushing no-till fairway conversions could was being compromised.” fertilizer to grow the grass in, the fairways Modern Turf adjusted the machine save as much as 50 percent …” really responded. They look great now.” over the next few holes and rented a - Brian Hollingsworth, CGCS Mitchell Wilkerson has kept a heavy duty roller to press out the damage. watchful eye on Dataw’s fairway planting The process and the planting did in fact process and progress too as Moss Creek get better as we went. Kerfoot and his begins serious planning to re-grass fairways team knew immediately the initial product wasn’t satisfactory. “As as part of their upcoming renovation. “Seeing it through the we went along we found that the machine performed differently entire process now and especially seeing the end result, I think from hole to hole, soil type to soil type, and even differently that fairway no-till planting has merit,” he says. “Dataw’s fairways depending on the topography,” he says. “We gained valuable turned out well and we have some better ideas and options now as insight as to what our machine did well and maybe some other to how we want to renovate our fairways.” things it didn’t do so well.” As a result of our experience, I believe no-till operations on Modern Turf even went so far as to hydro-sprig two fairways fairways will become more popular and prove to be an excellent entirely that were severely sloped so as not to damage the and cost-effective way to improve fairways. We were able to mounding on those fairways. “Our machine may not be the best replace our old mutated turfgrass that always transitioned poorly answer on severely sloping fairways,” Kerfoot says. “However, we after overseeding with a newer variety in Celebration that is more did learn that hand spreading sprigs and hydro-mulching over the aggressive and pure too. top works just fine.” Most importantly we were able to do this at a much lower cost Once planting was done and grow-in proceeded, I quickly than originally projected while maintaining the quality end began to realize we had a winner. The no-till process was going to product we desired. As more sod companies look at the prospect work out and the new fairways looked really good. We had been of no-tilling fairways and more superintendents experiment with fortunate that after a dry start to the summer, we had eight inches their own ideas of how to do it at their club, the process is certain of rain in August to help with the grow-in. Recovery was further to be refined.

26 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] News

THE NUTS AND BOLTS Fertility

Pre-Plant t
'FSUJMJUZ
VTFE
XBT
UIF
JOJUJBM
TUBSUFS
TVQQMZJOH
POF


QPVOE
PG
QIPTQIPSVT
UIFO
UISFF
RVBSUFST
PG
B
QPVOE

t
3PVOEVQ
POF
HBM"

'VTJMBEF

P["
XBT
BQQMJFE


PG
OJUSPHFO
QFS
XFFL
GSPN
BNNPOJVN
TVMGBUF
XBT


TJY
XFFLT
CFGPSF
TQSJH
EBUF
BOE
UISFF
XFFLT
CFGPSF


BQQMJFE
GPS
GPVS
XFFLT
CFHJOOJOH
BU
XFFL
UISFF


TQSJH
EBUF
BGUFS
QMBOUJOH t
5XP
EBZT
CFGPSF
TQSJH
EBUF
XF
BQQMJFE
3PVOEVQ
POF

t
5IF
GBJSXBZT
QMBOUFE
MBTU
XFSF
GFSUJMJ[FE
NPSF
UP
QVTI


HBM"

3POTUBS
'-

P[ 
TMPXFS
HSPXJOH
BSFBT
BU
UIF
FOE
PG
UIF
TVNNFS t
"QQMJFE

TUBSUFS
GFSUJMJ[FS
BU
QMBOUJOH Mowing

Planting Dates t
'BJSXBZT
XFSF
NPXFE
BU
POF
JODI
XJUI
B
SPUBSZ
SPVHI


VOJU
GPS
mSTU
UXP
UP
UISFF
XFFLT t
0VS
QMBOUJOH
TDIFEVMF
XBT
EFQFOEFOU
VQPO
PVS
OFX


JSSJHBUJPO
JOTUBMMBUJPO
QSPHSFTT t
)FJHIU
XBT
UIFO
MPXFSFE
UP

PG
BO
JODI
BOE


NPXFE
XJUI
SFFM
VOJUT
BCPVU
XFFL
GPVS t
5IF
mSTU
GBJSXBZ
QMBOUFE
XBT
PO
+VOF

UIF
MBTU


GBJSXBZ
QMBOUFE
XBT
PO
"VHVTU
 t
'JOBM
IFJHIU
BU
UIF
FOE
PG
UIF
TVNNFS
XBT

PG


BO
JODI

t
5IF
QMBOUJOH
QSPHSFTTFE
BU
BCPVU
POF
UP
UXP
GBJSXBZT


QFS
EBZ Topdressing

Grow-in Time t
'BJSXBZT
XFSF
UPQESFTTFE
SFHVMBSMZ
UISPVHIPVU
HSPX

JO
VTJOH
UIF
PME
HSFFOT
NJY
BOE
PME
CVOLFS
TBOE
GSPN

t
(SPXJO
XBT
WFSZ
RVJDL
XJUI
UIF
$FMFCSBUJPO
OPUJMM
PVS
SFOPWBUJPO t
#BTFE
PO
NZ
PCTFSWBUJPO
GPS
B
UZQJDBM
GBJSXBZ
BU
GPVS

t
.PTU
GBJSXBZT
IBE
UISFF
RVBSUFST
UP
POF
JODI
PG


XFFLT
DPWFSBHF
XBT

QFSDFOU
BU
TJY
XFFLT



UPQESFTTJOH
TBOE
JO
UIF
UVSG
DBOPQZ
CZ
DPNQMFUJPO
QFSDFOU
BOE
CZ
FJHIU
XFFLT

QFSDFOU

Legendary greens and bunkers have one thing in common... they both began with the best soil.

Beneath every meticulously groomed green is dirt. And the best dirt doesn't just happen. At Golf Agronomics Sand & Hauling we've been perfecting golf course soil and sand for more than a decade. Golf Agromonics offers: *
!"
#$$ 
 

#) *
% #
!#
&$%!
  
!#
& # $
( *
& #
  *
'!%
"#
 


!#
& GOLF AGRONOMICS SAND & HAULING Serving the Carolinas  
 .

 
   www.golfag.com

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 27

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] News Walk to Work on Trade Show Floor

Sam Linker has walked the Carolinas GCSA trade show floor their product right now but I like to know what they might for more than 20 years now. If the show’s open, he’s out there. For have coming up and besides, you never know when something Linker, the long-time golf course superintendent at Mallard Head happens and you might need their help on short notice. I think it’s Country Club in Mooresville, NC, working that exhibit hall is as important for young people to realize that the relationships you much a part of his job as mowing greens. build are so important.” “If you’re not learning something while that trade show is That is one reason Linker tries to “spread some business” open, then you need to do some reflecting on why you’re in the around different suppliers. “It helps me stay in the loop of what business,” he says. “With that concentration of industry people they have and it means I can call on them and they will pick up and other superintendents, there’s no way you’re not going to the phone when I get in a bind,” he says. learn something or pick up a new idea.” Accordingly, Linker arrives at each trade show with a mental This year’s Carolinas GCSA Conference and Trade Show list of his “must see” booths that he makes a bee-line for. He runs November 14-16 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center in spends as much time there as he needs to, then he begins the Myrtle Beach, SC. process of working through every other booth on the floor. “I Linker, who years ago was busy behind the scenes with the might not stop at every single one but I will look at them all and Turfgrass Council of North Carolina’s trade show, says there’s talk to many of them,” he says. Along the way, he will shake hands one other important factor behind his presence out there. “Those and trade notes with the many colleagues and friends he has come exhibitors invest a lot of time and money supporting us through to know over the years. the association,” he says. “They deserve the courtesy of people “We are not a high budget course so anything I can learn or stopping by their booths.” see that will help provide labor savings or on other expenses is That way of thinking is echoed by a number of successful very important,” Linker says. “Sometimes you’ll learn that kind veteran superintendents like Linker’s good friend, Ray Avery, of thing talking with a salesman, sometimes from talking to from The Club at Longview, and Carolinas GCSA past-president, another superintendent.” The point being, that if you’re not in a John Williams, CGCS now with Oakland Turf Plantation. conversation you’re not hearing anything. Williams may be manning a booth these days but he was on the This year’s trade show looks like being as strong as ever. At trade show floor just as much when he was a superintendent. press time, booth sales were eight percent up on the same time “I felt if my employer was paying me to be there it was my last year and attendee pre-registrations were way ahead of 2010. responsibility to do everything I could to make that investment “There are many reasons our Conference and Trade Show is so worthwhile,” Williams says. Maintaining relationships was one successful year after year,” says Carolinas GCSA president, John way to ensure that kind of pay off. Davis. “But the number one reason is that it remains outstanding As Linker says, “I like to keep a good relationship with several value for money and that is more important in today’s climate other vendors in each category, whether it’s equipment, chemicals, than ever before. It is a first-class event and a direct reflection on turf, you name it. That’s important to me. I might not be using the professionalism of our members.”

$BSPMJOBT
($4"
NFNCFST
BU
UIJT
ZFBST
BOOVBM
CVTJOFTT
NFFUJOH
EVSJOH
$POGFSFODF
BOE
4IPX
XJMM
WPUF
PO
BO
JNQPSUBOU
CZMBXT
BNFOENFOU
XIJDI
XPVME
TUSFBNMJOF
PQFSBUJPOT
GPS
UIF
CPBSE
PG
EJSFDUPST
.FNCFST
XJMM
WPUF
PO
B
QSPQPTBM
UP
EP
BXBZ
XJUI
UIF
PGmDF
PG
JNNFEJBUF
QBTU QSFTJEFOU
BOE
UISFF
SFHVMBS
CPBSE
QPTJUJPOT
5IBU
XPVME
SFEVDF
UIF
TJ[F
PG
UIF
CPBSE
GSPN

UP
OJOF

5IF
FYJTUJOH
CPBSE
TJ[F
NFBOT
B
TVQFSJOUFOEFOU
NBZ
IBWF
UP
TFSWF
B
EFDBEF
PS
NPSF
UP
BSSJWF
BU
UIF
PGmDF
PG
QSFTJEFOU
*U
BMTP
SFnFDUT
B
UJNF
XIFO
UIF
SFHJPOBM
BTTPDJBUJPO
SFMJFE
NPSF
PO
GBDFUPGBDF
DPOUBDU
XJUI
QFPQMF
GSPN
BDSPTT
UIF
$BSPMJOBT
GPS
DPNNVOJDBUJPO
5IBU
OFFE
JT
OP
MPOHFS
TP
HSFBU
XJUI
UIF
QSPMJGFSBUJPO
PG
FMFDUSPOJD
DPNNVOJDBUJPO
UFDIOPMPHJFT
*O
BEEJUJPO
UP
XFCCBTFE
DPNNVOJDBUJPOT
UIF
$BSPMJOBT
($4"
IBT
BMTP
HSPXO
JUT
PGmDJBM
QVCMJDBUJPO
Carolinas Green
GSPN
B
OFXTMFUUFS
UP
B
GVMMTDBMF
NBHB[JOF
PWFS
UIF
QBTU
EFDBEF

.FNCFST
XJMM
BMTP
WPUF
PO
B
QSPQPTBM
UP
JODSFBTF
NFNCFSTIJQ
EVFT
BU
UPUBM
PG

GPS
$MBTT
"
BOE
4.
NFNCFST
BOE

GPS
$MBTT
$
NFNCFST
"GmMJBUF
NFNCFSTIJQ
EVFT
EP
OPU
SFRVJSF
B
WPUF
BOE
XJMM
JODSFBTF
CZ
B
TJNJMBS
QFSDFOUBHF

28 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] News Fisher Farewells Industry After 23 Years By Steve Smith It is with mixed emotions that I announce the retirement of Thank you George for your dedication to Smith Turf and George Fisher, manager, customer relations. George has been with Irrigation and thanks especially for your friendship and support Smith Turf and Irrigation since 1988 and during his 23 year career of our industry. with us he has held several key positions, but more importantly - Steve Smith is president of Smith Turf and Irrigation. he has been one of our company’s greatest ambassadors, as well as a trusted customer confidant and industry supporter. He will be greatly missed by his peers, friends and associates. George began his career in the turfgrass industry as golf course superintendent at Alamance Country Club in Burlington, NC after graduating in 1971 from North Carolina State University with a B.S. in Turfgrass Management. By the way, this was NC State’s very first graduating class in this curriculum. He left Alamance in 1980 to begin a career in distribution at then Richmond Power Company as a golf irrigation territory representative. In 1984, he was promoted to Irrigation Sales Manager and held that position until joining Smith Turf and Irrigation in 1988. He thought so highly of our company that he gave up his management role at Richmond Power to go back to a job as golf irrigation territory manager at Smith Turf and Irrigation. It would turn out to be one of the best decisions our company has ever made and I think George would agree it was one of his best as George Fisher at Myers Park Country Club. well. In May of 1993, he was promoted to golf sales manager and held that position until assuming the role of manager, customer Change Ahead Not All Bad relations in September, 2005. George Fisher joined the Carolinas GCSA in the late Throughout George’s career, it has been his relationships with ‘50s as a young man starting out in the business of golf his customers, vendors, peers and even competitors that have course maintenance. He has seen some change in that set him apart. It is his professional, respectful approach, blended time and predicts much more in the coming years. “I with his courteous manner and his ability to instantly identify with people that led him to develop close ties across a broad don’t have any crystal ball but it is going to be difficult spectrum in the green industry. Golf course superintendents, and it’s going to be tough but above all, it’s going to be architects, owners, developers, builders, PGA pros, turfgrass different,” he says. “That’s not to say it’s all going to be industry leaders, educators, fellow distributor personnel and bad. But to be successful in all aspects of the industry, countless others call on George and rely on his guidance and we’re all going to have to do things differently.” more importantly, his friendship. That said, Fisher expects relationships between
*U
JT
EJďDVMU
UP
HBVHF
UIF
JNQBDU
(FPSHF
IBT
IBE
PO
PVS
people within the industry will remain critical to any company but I can assure you that it has been extremely success. While he has won multiple awards with Toro, significant. His contacts in the industry would all attest to he says the most satisfying aspect of his career with his unique ability to identify with them on a personal and STI has been “trying to motivate people.” “Being a professional level that is rare in this day and age. They would all superintendent is tough. I know it’s difficult and catching also say that they will miss his enthusiasm and dedication to their people when they’re down and trying to give them a lift success, as well as ours. is important to me. My time with Smith Turf has been For all of those reasons, we have asked George to continue to very, very satisfying. I’ve loved it, just loved it.” work with Smith Turf and Irrigation when called upon for special Fisher says he has also been proud of the company’s assignments, events and trade shows as our goodwill ambassador. consistent support of the profession and the Carolinas He has agreed to do so and we couldn’t be more appreciative. GCSA since the earliest days. “The Smith family is a George and his wife Sandy will continue to reside in Charlotte wonderful family and has always been very generous where they enjoy an active social life with their many, many with their time, their resources and their support,” he friends, much of it obviously centered around his passion for golf says. “The customer has always been first. It’s the way and their membership at Myers Park Country Club. things are and always have been behind the scenes and Please join me in thanking George Fisher for his service to our that’s been important to me because I really care about industry and to Smith Turf and Irrigation and wishing him well the people in this business.” and good luck in his future endeavors. Many of you will continue to see him at certain times as we call on him to assist our company.

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 29

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] News Tag You're It: New Show Innovation

Industry partners exhibiting at this year’s Carolinas GCSA Precision. In 2012, Precision Labs and their Carolinas distributors Conference and Trade Show in Myrtle Beach, SC will enjoy have committed $14,000 to help the Carolinas GCSA’s research a new benefit to help streamline their experience. For the and advocacy efforts. The money will be delivered in installments first time, pre-registered trade show attendees will carry a throughout the year. personalized “tag” as part of their name badge. Exhibitors “These donations represent our ongoing support to your who download a special application for their smart phone will association and causes that are important to our industry,” says be able to automatically capture basic Don Spier, Precision Labs vice-president of turf and contact information from the tags of ornamentals. It is expected that 2012 partnership visitors to their booth. funds will be shared evenly between ongoing “We think this technology will be a research efforts and advocacy work, which is big help to exhibitors who sometimes find becoming increasingly important to ensure golf JU
EJďDVMU
UP
LFFQ
USBDL
PG
XIP
DPNFT
CZ
industry interests are represented at the regulatory their booth and who might need follow- level. up,” says Carolinas GCSA Conference Spier paid special thanks to Precision Labs and Trade Show committee chair, Steve distributors, including Corbin Turf’s Rocky Hamilton, CGCS from The Dunes Beach Dreibrodt, Eastern Turf Equipment’s Adam and Golf Club. “Not every superintendent Ancherico, Green Resource’s Jonathan Annas, carries a card which can make it tough for Southern Ag’s Mike Presnell and Vereen’s Mike exhibitors to remember who’s who when Johnson. they get busy. Now they can have a record Precision’s district manager for the Southeast captured automatically onto their phone.” region, Bo Barefoot, was instrumental in Don Spier Hamilton stresses that the information coordinating the tag program and next year’s generated by the tags will be no more than is available in the funding support. “I hope we may continue to work with the Carolinas GCSA membership directory. This generally includes synergy that has allowed each of us to create value for our facility name, address, phone numbers and email. “We feel this organizations to date,” he says. is a very important benefit to all our vendors who exhibit at the Carolinas GCSA executive director, Tim Kreger, says the tag show,” Hamilton says. “Using this emerging technology will help program received “overwhelming” support from the board of ensure that exhibitors get the most out of their time at the show directors. “Anything that improves the trade show experience for and that is critical.” our industry partners and for attendees is a good thing,” he says. The tag program will be presented free thanks to a The free application for smart phones that will allow partnership with Precision Laboratories and their local Carolinas exhibitors to make use of the new tags is available at: distributors, which is part of a broader support program from www.gettag.mobi.

30 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Know The Sign.TM Greater Than Or Equal To.

“Today, we have to make our dollars stretch as far as possible. At the same time, we cannot afford any reduction in turf quality. Quali-Pro offers quality products that help us maintain our high standards and cut costs without compromising effectiveness. It’s head and shoulders above what we’ve used before.” David Wienecke, Superintendent, Chambers Bay Golf Course Site of the 2015 U.S. Open Championship

Course quality rules. At Quali-Pro we understand the need to keep your course at its best for the lowest possible cost. And that’s The Basic Difference you’ll get with Quali-Pro. Our manufacturing capabilities combined with the latest advanced formulation technologies allows Quali-Pro to deliver the products you want and need for less. And that makes all the difference in the world. For more information, contact Jeremy Moore at 800-979-8994, visit us online ©2011 Quali-Pro. Quali-Pro is a registered trademark of MANA. Know The at quali-pro.com, or stop by Booth 2514 at the CGCSA Conference & Show. Sign is a trademark of MANA. Always read and follow label directions.

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] News Ties that Bind on Show at Mountain Meeting

Guest speaker, Clemson golf coach, Larry Penley, and Brent Anders, of fall meeting presenting partners, Tri-State Pump and Controls, under the gaze of Donald Ross, who designed the course at the Grove Park Inn.

The ties that bind the golf industry into a community were on but for all South Carolinians and the millions of visitors who apparent at the annual Carolinas GCSA fall meeting at the come here to play.” Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC in September. One of the Penley said as much himself during his remarks over nation’s most successful and respected college golf coaches, breakfast and paid special tribute to Carolinas GCSA member, Larry Penley, was guest speaker before more than 100 Carolinas Matt Davis, whose greens at Boscobel Country Club where the GCSA members and guests. His presence, involving a four- team spends a lot of time, were “the best in the Upstate.” hour round-trip, was a tribute to his respect for the role Seated with Penley and Kreger at breakfast was the Carolinas superintendents play but also to his relationship with Carolinas GCSA’s new government relations counsel in South Carolina, GCSA executive director, Tim Kreger. Charles Rountree III. Rountree is a past-president of the South For nearly a decade now Kreger has played a leading but Carolina Golf Association where Kreger formerly worked with behind the scenes role with an event known as the Tiger Golf the association’s junior golf programs. Relationships like those Gathering, which raises money for Clemson University’s golf help give the Carolinas GCSA real reach into influential areas program and junior golf in South Carolina. The success of that meaning golf course superintendents are being both seen and annual event which features golfing alumni such as Lucas Glover, heard when it matters. Charles Warren, Jonathan Byrd and others, recently enabled Host superintendent at the Grove Park Inn course, Mark Clemson to Rogers, received a plaque of appreciation from Carolinas open a new golf team clubhouse and practice facility. GCSA president, John Davis. Despite rain the previous day “When we invited Larry to come and speak he didn’t and overnight, Rogers and his staff presented excellent playing hesitate,” Kreger says. “He has enormous respect for the way our conditions. The event was presented in partnership with Tri-State members present golf courses not just for his golf team to play Pump and Controls represented at proceedings by Brent Anders.

32 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] News

From left, Carolinas GCSA director, Jeremy Boone, CGCS from Sequoyah From left, Wayne Stines and Eric Long, from Laurel Ridge National Golf Club, with Barry “Digger” Barthelman, from the River Club, Country Club, before golf at the Grove Park Inn. and Robert Arrington, from Catawba Country Club.

From left, Jeff Robinson, of Greenville Turf and Tractor, chats with Paul From left, Troy Sanders, from Crowfield Golf and Country Club, Todd Query, from Cedarwood Country Club, and Charles Wood, of John Deere Kirkley, from Oak Hills Country Club, Max Morgan, CGCS from Myrtle Golf, before play. Beach National, and Steve Neuliep, CGCS from The Chattooga Club, leave one of the more memorable tees on a par three in the Carolinas.

Patrick Donelan, CGCS now with Geoponics Earth Chemistries, and From left, Brent Ward, from from Bald Mountain Country Club, Scott Sparks, Michael Bankert, from Myrtle Beach National, were part of a strong from Wolf Laurel Country Club, and Andrew Wampler, of Southern Ag. contingent that made the trip to the mountains from the Grand Strand. - Golf results, see next page.

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 33

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Local News

Western NC

Greetings once again from the Western NCTA although this time I write with a touch of sadness as this is my farewell message. Where do I begin. So many memories, such great times and yet more than either of these are the people I have come to know and have been Aubrey Hines, of blessed to work with. John Deere Golf, Being a part of the board had chips from the rough always been a tremendous desire at the Grove Park Inn. of mine. I felt as though it was Matt Lovell, CGCS an accomplishment all of its own GOLF RESULTS and therefore when I became a member of the association in the early 90’s, I strove hard to be a First Flight: vital contributor, no matter what position I held or what I might 1 – Dave Smith, Sunbelt Rentals +4 have been called upon to do. 2 – Larry Almond, Mountain Brook Golf Course 0* In life we all have a purpose and a responsibility. Things change from day to day but we remain focused and our eyes 3 – Mark Rogers, Grove Park Inn Golf Course 0 fixated on the goal at hand. We succeed not because of who we are but because of what we have become with the support and Second Flight: motivation of others around us. 1 – Todd Kirkley, Oak Hills Golf Club +7 My father, Chief Gene Livingston Lovell, always encouraged me 2 – John Lavelle, Diamond Creek Golf Club +3 to be my best, to always put my best foot forward and more than 3 – Eric Long, Laurel Ridge Country Club +2 anything appreciate the people around me because without their support where would I be? So thank you all, each and every one, for believing in me, for Third Flight: bearing with me, encouraging me and supporting me from my 1 – Chip Martin, Falcon’s Lair Golf Club +6 WFSZ
ĕSTU
QPTJUJPO
BT
B
EJSFDUPS
JO

UISPVHI
UIF
PďDFT
UP
UIF
2 – Jeff Robinson, Greenville Turf and Tractor +5 past two years as your president. It has been worth it all. 3 – Brent Gentel, Starmount Forest Country Club +3* No doubt we have had disagreements and have butted heads but at the end of the day we came together not for the betterment Fourth Flight: of any individual but for the betterment of the Western NCTA. As I pass on the torch, please know that it has been my honor to 1 – Kenneth Stines, Laurel Ridge Country Club +4 serve as your president. 2 – Derek Oglesby, Corbin Turf Supplies +1
'PS

XF
QSPQPTF
CJBOOVBM
PďDFS
BOE
CPBSE
FMFDUJPOT
3 – Ben Holcomb, Green Resource 0 with Mark Rogers, from the Grove Park Inn, nominated for the presidency. This is at the request of Brian Steihler, from Highlands Fifth Flight: Country Club, who, due to a very busy schedule over the next couple of years, wants to stay on as vice-president for now. 1 – Mike Weinreich, Myrtle Beach National +3 Other nominations: Secretary-Treasurer - Shannon Peterson, 2 – Aubrey Hines, John Deere Golf +2* Mountain Air Country Club; past-president - Matt Lovell, CGCS 3 – Jon Stewart, Grande Dunes Members Club +2 Rumbling Bald Resort. Directors - Pat McHugh, CGCS North Carolina Turf * Won on scorecard play-off Support, has requested to serve a second term. Craig DeJong, Hendersonville Country Club, to replace Shannon Peterson. Closest to the Pin: David Sluder, Greenville Turf and Tractor, to replace Brad Shaver. No. 2 - David Sluder, Greenville Turf and Tractor Thanks Brad Shaver for his service and a very special thank No. 7 - Ben Barnes, Blowing Rock Country Club you to David Letterman, III for his years of service and dedication No. 9 - Chip Martin, Falcon’s Lair Golf Club to the Western NCTA. We’re not just an association but friends. No. 14 - Brent Ward, Bald Mountain Country Club - Matt Lovell, CGCS Rumbling Bald Resort (828) 625-2840. No. 17 - Pete Gerdon, Grandfather Golf and Country Club

34 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Local News

Piedmont Coastal Plains As we wrap up another Chuck Riggs made the most of his home course knowledge to successful year for Piedmont win the Coastal Plains GCSA golf championship at Berkeley GCSA members, the 2011 Country Club. He shot an even par round of 72 to win by one board is already looking to stroke from reigning Carolinas GCSA superintendent champion, make 2012 more exciting, Steve Agazzi, from Kiawah Island’s Turtle Point course. entertaining and educational. Congratulations Chuck, that’s a great round. Big thanks to Keith Wood, The low net winner was Charlie Spears, from Cherokee from Sedgefield Country Club Plantation, and second was Robert Wilson, from Rivertowne for leading our association Country Club. The vendor low gross champion was a runaway for through 2011. Scott Martin, of Corbin Turf, firing a 74. Low net vendor was the We are currently accepting one and only, Richard “Squirrel” Shultz. nominations for the board for Charlie Spears Frank O’Rourke was host superintendent and the course next year. So if you feel you was in great shape. Thanks again to Frank and his staff for a well-run event and we look forward have good ideas and have the to doing it all over again next year. required time it takes to serve Our other big news comes from our 10th annual fishing tournament. Thanks to sponsorship on the board, please come help from Jonathan Smith, with BASF, we introduced a very well-attended social to go along with forward and volunteer. We the fishing. The fishing tournament is our annual fundraiser to support Clemson University’s welcome fresh ideas and value turfgrass program. Thanks to the sponsors below we will be able to make another significant anything that can help better donation this year: our association in future. Gold sponsors - BASF and Smith Turf and Irrigation. Silver - Carolina Eastern-Molony, Thanks to all of our Agri-Business Technologies, Syngenta, Murray Sand, Corbin Turf Supplies, Regal Chemical, vendors for their support. Golf Agronomics, Think Squirrel, Bayer, Tri-State Pump and Controls and Jacobsen, Helena, The association could not Simmons Irrigation, Green Resource. survive without you guys. We had 31 fishermen compete with Tom Player, Brad French and Kyle Manus winning the So members, please take the overall tournament for the second year in a row. Their bag was a clear three pounds heavier than time to acknowledge our the next best. Brad French went even one better than that winning the heaviest trout for the third supporters each year. They year in a row. Results – donate a lot of money to our Trifecta and overall for redfish, flounder and trout: 1 - Tom Player, Brad French, Kyle Manus 9lb association and the support 1oz; 2 - Brent Bagwell, Steven Terrell, Andy Burns 6lb 1oz. should go both ways. Redfish: 1 - Marty Bahan 4lb; 2 - Tom Player 3lb 14oz. I encourage all vendors Flounder: 1 - Robert Rogers 2lb 13oz; 2 - Tom Player 2lb 9oz. and members to attend the Trout: 1 - Brad French 2lb 10oz; 2- Tom Player 1lb 15oz. December social at Forest Finally, a quick get well to Nick Price, from Seabrook Island Resort, who spent some time out Oaks Country Club. This is of commission with pneumonia. great way to network and - Troy Sanders, Crowfield Golf Club (843) 764-4702 . each year the attendance

Lowcountry

Congratulations to Brad Schroeder, Dana Facenda and Scott Denny on winning the Lowcountry GCSA annual fishing tournament in September. They were among the brave souls who ventured out in some inclement weather. It was a lot more comfortable the night before for our social gathering at Captain Woody’s. Many thanks to David DeGeorge and Al Hicks for helping out with the event. Our next event will be our Christmas tournament at Savannah Golf Club in December. Keep an eye out for the registration details soon because this event always fills up quickly. - Rick Barnes, Hidden Cypress Golf Club (843) 705-4076. Brad Schroeder and Scott Denny were on the winning boat in this year’s Lowcountry GCSA fishing tournament.

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 35

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Local News seems to grow quite a bit. This year we will draw two names Midlands for a $750- and a $250-gift certificate to Best Buy. Also Recently the Midlands TA hosted our annual challenge match there will be many other against the Upstate TA at Forest Lake Club in Columbia, SC. With an small gifts that members and overwhelming turnout from the Midlands chapter, we essentially shot vendors donate to the raffle, so ourselves in the foot. Many of our players had to play for the Upstate everyone will leave with a gift TA to help balance the numbers. The Upstate TA happily accepted the certificate, hat, shirt, golf club points provided to them from our players and won the match. Just or something valuable. remember, the only way we can lose, is by beating ourselves. Other news around the Special thanks to John Gay and Tim Flanagan for being superb Piedmont: hosts of this event. Also, special thanks to Dr. Bert McCarty, who t
0VS
UVSG
TUVEFOU


made his way out of “God’s country” and into the home of the John Gay scholarship winner fighting Gamecocks, and updated us on the latest news and research is Andrew McClannon, going on in the turf industry. from Starmount Forest Alan Corbin and all the fine folks at Corbin Turf Supplies kept everyone hydrated with Country Club. He receives cold “swing lube” all around the course. Not the prettiest beverage cart driver any of us $1,000 towards his final have ever seen, but that gives Corbin something to work on for next year. year as a turf student at Rutgers University. Finally, special thanks to Matt Schrader and Jason Higgingbottom with Harrell’s Fertilizers for sponsoring the closest to the pin contests on the par threes. We look forward t
(BSZ
4UBČPSE
KPJOT


to doing it again next year ... at Greenville Country Club ... with host Chuck Connolly ... at Cardinal Chemical least that is what he said, but that could have been the “swing lube” doing the talking. sales team. - Rob Daniel, CGCS Members Club at Woodcreek Farms (803) 865-8785. t
,FJUI
8PPE
IPTUFE
BOPUIFS

very successful Wyndham golf championship and annual Eastern NC privilege to work with some Championship for the PGA Christmas party. the most professional and Tour at Sedgefield Country This year’s golf The 2011 season is slowly smartest people in the East. Club in August. championship was set for coming to an end, and my time Rob Woods, our secretary, Bentwinds Country Club as Eastern NCTA president Anthony Whitehead, our t
1JMPU
,OPC
1BSL
QMBOUFE

with host superintendent, is ending with it. It has been sergeant at arms, Dale Diamond zoysiagrass on Keith Roberson, at the end of a pleasure serving as your Edmonds, our treasurer, their greens this summer. October. A shotgun start was president for the past two Richard Williams, the vice- to be followed by dinner and years. The position has given president, and the board of t
-BSSZ
#PTXFMM
PG
$BSPMJOB

the annual business meeting. me the chance to meet more directors have all helped me Turf Products, was Bob Young, CGCS will host of the membership, to enjoy greatly. It has been a pleasure inducted into the Carolinas our annual Christmas party conversations on how we can working with you over Golf Hall of Fame. at Carolina Country Club on make the association better the years. December 1. Historically, this and to have involvement and I also want to say, t
4UBSNPVOU
'PSFTU
$PVOUSZ

party has been well attended discussions that will directly thank you to the Eastern Club sprigged Champion and has always been a great affect the association in the NCTA membership. Thank bermudagrass on their dinner and fun evening. future. The presidency was you for the support, and greens in June. We look forward to seeing overwhelming at times, but professionalism this group has - Brent Gentel, Starmount as many of you as possible was extremely satisfying and displayed during my tenure. I Forest Country Club again and thank you for your gave me the opportunity for hope you will continue to give (336) 292-9723. continued support of our local association. considerable growth as a Richard Williams the same Triangle The board of directors professional. support, as he will serve as a would again like to express When the dust settles, I great president. The late summer months were a special thanks to all of our will miss being your president. To the vendors who not very active for us on the vendor partners who have I will miss knowing there is support our association, I association front. But as cooler contributed time and resources a 2012 year to plan, knowing can’t say enough. The service weather takes some of the to make our association and each month we have a new and financial support you pressure off and fall is in the events possible. meeting, and mostly I will bring is second to none. air, the Triangle TA will wrap - David Lee, Hope Valley miss working with the board Please continue to support up our 2011 season with our Country Club (919) 489-4308. of directors. I have had the our association as we try to

36 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Local News support you during these Sandhills tough times. Finally, the Carolinas GCSA The Sandhills GCSA had our is an entire network of people annual Sandhill Turf outing that has been great to work in late September. We would with. like to thank Mark Harris, - Drew Ramsey, Cutter Creek Charles Harris and everyone Golf Club (252) 717-6927. at Sandhill Turf for their Palmetto hospitality. The event was well attended and we had a great The Palmetto GCSA held time shooting skeet, checking our annual superintendents out new turfgrass cultivars and golf championship at The just catching up with friends. Heritage Club in August. Our remaining events Congratulations to Jim for the year are the assistant Knaffle, CGCS from the superintendent and crew International Club, on outing at Seven Lakes Country winning the low gross trophy for the second year in a row. Club and the fundraiser at His 78 was one shot better Beacon Ridge Golf Club. Our than runner-up, Clay DuBose final event of the year will be from Tradition Golf Club. the Eastern Turf Brunch at Low net champion was Jon Mid-Pines Inn and Golf Club, Stewart and second place which is always a favorite and was Damon Thomas. Barry well attended. “Digger” Barthleman and I would like to take a Drayton Simpson won closest moment to thank everyone to the pin prizes. from our vendors and Thanks to Jim Huntoon and sponsors to our members for his staff for hosting the event and having the golf course in your support of the Sandhills great shape. Sponsors of the GCSA. I think we have a great ™ event were: golf and lunch, group of people in our area TRANSITION DARK TURF COLORANT Davisson Golf; prize package, and I have been proud to be Turf Colorant for Seasonal Growth Transitions Vereens; dinner, Precision president of our association for j Labs; beverage cart, Brandt the last two years. (OHYDWHSODQWDQGVRLOVXUIDFHWHPSHUDWXUHVZLWK7UDQVLWLRQ WR Consolidated. On that note, this is my last H[WHQGODWHIDOODQGHDUO\ZLQWHUSOD\RQWKHFRXUVHSURPRWHHDUO\ As of this writing our local update as president. It VSULQJJUHHQXSDQGDFFHOHUDWHVSULQJWKDZRIVQRZDQGLFHFRYHUHG next meeting was our annual is bittersweet because I have WXUIJUDVVHV3URIHVVLRQDOWXUIPDQDJHUVDQGVXSHULQWHQGHQWVZKR elections and summer review enjoyed my time as president ZDQWPD[LPXPSHUIRUPDQFHIURPWKHLUZDUPVHDVRQWXUIJUDVVHV meeting at Pine Lakes Country j h but also look forward to XVH7UDQVLWLRQ D*UHHQ/DZQJHU EUDQGWXUIFRORUDQW Club. Dr. Bruce Martin was passing the torch to Randy 0RUHJUHHQPRUHSOD\PRUHSURILW scheduled to review the Hilburn, from Whispering summer, with lunch and golf to Made with Becker Underwood’s exclusive ColorLock™ Woods Golf Club, our new follow. Thanks to the sponsors technology for long-lasting, UV-resistant color for this event including the president. I know Randy that won’t fade to blue! Myrtle Beach Golf Course will do a great job and the Owners Association, summer association will only get ;VÄUKV\[OV^.YLLU3H^UNLY[\YMJVSVYHU[ZÄ[PU[V`V\YTHUHNLTLU[WYVNYHT review meeting and lunch; stronger. I hope everyone has JHSS`V\YSVJHSKPZ[YPI\[VYVY)LJRLY

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 37

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Industry News

Belfair East Goes Dwarf Old South Wins In Lowcountry Belfair in Bluffton reopened its East Course in September with new Mini- Verde ultradwarf bermudagrass greens replacing bentgrass. Under the eye of golf course superintendent, Eric Greytok, the course closed in May for construction which, along with the greens re-grassing, included a complete bunker renovation, removal of shading trees and replacement of 350 cart path panels. Greytok, selected as one of “Golf’s 40 Most Influential People Under 40” by Golf Magazine, partnered with Tom Fazio’s on-site designer, Blake Bickford, who was originally on site during construction of the East Course, in overseeing this major renovation, the course’s first since it opened in 1999. There was no member assessment Old South has more holes with water and marshland views than any other in the area. for the $1-million project on the 18-hole East Course, which showcases deep-water The work of Carolinas GCSA members, Scott Adams and John Cooler, received high views, open windswept fairways, and praise recently when Old South Golf Links in Bluffton was named the Lowcountry fresh water lakes and lagoons. The par- Golf Course Owners Association Golf Course of the Year. The award itself is clearly 71 course measures 6,900 yards from the high recognition but more was to come in the pages of the Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette newspapers. Columnist James McMahon didn’t hold back. championship tees. It is one of two Tom “…the course of the year distinction is one that should have come Old South’s Fazio designs at Belfair. way some years ago,” he wrote. “Politics or location aside, when it comes to design, The primary contractor working with challenge, conditioning and services, few courses on either side of the bridge to the Belfair staff was Aspen Golf. Hilton Head do it the way Old South does.” McMahon went on: “From its dirt beginnings to its grass roots, the club has Lucas Serves been managed by general manager, Scott Adams, and has enjoyed some of the National Role most influential golf professionals and customer-service-minded individuals you can find anywhere in Beaufort County … A lot of facilities pay lip service to Carolinas GCSA member and owner condition and customer service, but at Old South it’s a religion.” of Charwood Country Club in West Adams says one of the foundations of any success at Old South is the belief Columbia, SC, Rock Lucas, has joined the in developing management personnel from within. “This approach has produced National Golf Course Owners Association a stable employment environment with a high retention rate,” he says. “As an board of directors. In that capacity, he is example, our superintendent John Cooler has been here for 19 years and his staff also serving on the committee responsible has a combined 60 years of golf course experience at Old South.” for the annual Golf Industry Show. Lucas Cooler developed the plan that won certification in environmental planning has long been prominent in golf industry from the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. Old South affairs in South Carolina as well as serving places high emphasis on its natural setting and wildlife, which the club helps in volunteer roles at local government level. protect with a series of “no-mow” zones, bird houses, vegetative buffers to protect salt and freshwater wetlands. Annas Now in The award comes as Old South celebrates its 20th anniversary, a feat in and of Board Role itself given golf’s struggles in recent years. The 18-hole daily fee facility has more holes bordering marshland and waterways than any other course in the area and Carolinas GCSA member, Jonathan was designed by locally-based golf course architect, Clyde Johnston. Annas, a principal of Green Resource, continued on page 40

38 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Industry News continued from page 38 Green Resource has been a charter companies, nurseries, retail lawn and has been elected to the board of member of PrimeraTurf since 2006 and garden centers, greenhouses, and directors of PrimeraTurf, a nationwide was deemed the purchasing cooperative’s prominent landscaping firms throughout purchasing cooperative comprised of 48 “member of the year” for the past three North Carolina and South Carolina. It is independently owned companies in the consecutive years. Founded in 1994, a privately-held, limited liability North turf and landscape industries. He will Green Resource serves golf courses, lawn Carolina corporation. serve a three-year term. care operators, grounds maintenance

Lake Marion Supports Vets

Golf course maintenance staff made sure Lake Marion Golf Course was dressed for the part on Patriot Golf Day. Lake Marion Golf Course in Santee will donate nearly $14,000 to Folds of Honor Foundation after is third annual Patriot Golf Day tournament in September. The Folds of Honor Foundation provides post-secondary educational scholarships to spouses and children of service members disabled or killed as a result of their military service. A total of 340 golfers played in three shotgun starts during the tournament which was part of the national Patriot Golf Day program staged in conjunction with the PGA of America. “We are so blessed that our members and community are so willing to get behind this event,” says certified golf course superintendent, Gene Scarborough. “This event has really grown into something significant in a very short time.” Lake Marion’s participation with the Patriot Golf Day started in 2007 with a container sitting on the counter for golfers to donate at least $1. “In 2009 we decided that we wanted to do more to help the families of men and women of the U. S. Armed Forces who have given their lives or become disabled,” Lake Marion general manager, Todd Miller, says. “We organized our first tournament in three weeks. We had 144 golfers and sponsors and donations from many local area businesses. We raised $3,200 that year. In 2011, our donation will be in nearing $14,000.” Volunteers from VFW, Kiwanis and other local groups helped over the two-day tournament and more than 150 local businesses or individuals donated money or prizes for raffles and contests.

Future Meeting Dates

Q November 8, 2011 Piedmont GCSA Maintenance Tournament Jamestown Park Golf Course Jamestown, NC

Q November 14-16, 2011 Carolinas GCSA Conference and Trade Show Myrtle Beach Convention Center Myrtle Beach, SC

40 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] CARDINAL RULE NUMBER 1 PRICE AND QUALITY CAN ALWAYS BE MATCHED. SERVICE AND COMMITMENT HAVE NO EQUAL.

Take care of the customer. That’s the simple business plan the people of Cardinal Chemicals have followed, with continued success, for more than 37 years –– and it means unequalled service and commitment to you and your golf course. The Professional Turf and Ornamental Division of Cardinal Chemicals is the new one-source resource for fertilizers, seed, turf and landscape protection products, equipment and so much more. We’d appreciate the opportunity to serve you. Contact your local professional turf and ornamental sales representative, or stop by Booth 3215 at the 2011 Carolinas GCSA Show.

Triangle Piedmont Sandhills Eastern NC Cam Copley Gary Stafford Paul Jett James Duke 252.560.4024 336.338.0174 910.215.7492 252.883.0396

©2011 Cardinal Chemicals, Inc. [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Welcome New Members

Kevin Blasingim, Class A, superintendent, Chicora Country Club, Dunn, NC. Ronald E. Brown, Class A, superintendent, Asheboro Country Club, Asheboro, NC. Erik N. Carson, Class A, superintendent, The Landings Club, Savannah, GA. Corporate Partners Jason T. Coble, Class C, assistant superintendent, Devils Ridge Golf Club, Holly Springs, NC. Adam G. Cribbet, Class C, second assistant superintendent, Berkeley Hall Golf Club, Bluffton, SC. The following companies deserve thanks for their generous support of Christian Drake, Class C, second assistant superintendent, Highlands Country Club, Franklin, NC. the 2011 Carolinas GCSA Conference Lance Emert, Class S, student intern, Oak Valley Golf Club, Advance, NC. and Trade Show in Myrtle Beach, SC. John A. Godfrey, Class C, assistant superintendent, The Reserve Club at Woodside Plantation, Aiken, SC. SMITH TURF AND IRRIGATION Jason T. Jacobsen, Class SM, superintendent, Duck Woods Country Club, Southern Shores, NC. THE TORO COMPANY Frank Kemo, Class SM, superintendent, Crescent Golf Club, Salisbury, NC. PNC EQUIPMENT FINANCE Ron Kitchens, Class C, assistant superintendent, Bartram Trail, Evans, GA. TCF EQUIPMENT FINANCE Chad A. Kuzawa, Class C, second assistant superintendent, Colleton River Plantation Club - Nicklaus Monday Golf Championship Course, Bluffton, SC. Kyle E. Oakes, Class C, assistant superintendent, River Landing Country Club, Wallace, NC. SYNGENTA Robert B. Oliver, Class C, second assistant superintendent, Winged Foot Golf Club, Mamaroneck, NY. Monday and Tuesday Seminar Aric Pope, Class C, assistant superintendent, Mooresville Golf Course, Mooresville, NC. Education Anthony M. Pugh, Class C, assistant superintendent, Salem Glen Golf and Country Club, GOLF AGRONOMICS Clemmons, NC. GREEN RESOURCE Brian Reddick, Class C, assistant superintendent, Mimosa Hills Golf and Country Club, Tuesday Seminar Luncheon Morganton, NC. Jeremy Reese, Class C assistant superintendent, Bartram Trail Golf Club, Evans, GA. MCPHERSON GREENHOUSES Bobby Simpson, Class C, assistant superintendent, Fort Jackson Golf Course, Columbia, SC. Exhibit Hall Plant Designs Chad Stockton, Class S, intern, Highlands Country Club, Highlands, NC. MBCC Parking Sponsor Robert S. Sutton, Class C, assistant superintendent, Porters Neck Country Club, Wilmington, NC. Cameron M. Thomas, Class C, assistant superintendent, Forest Oaks Country Club, Greensboro, NC. TRI-STATE PUMP AND Karl F. Trost, Class AS, spray technician, Forsyth Country Club, Winston Salem, NC. CONTROLS Earll C. Waller, IV, Class C, second assistant superintendent, Colleton River Plantation Club - Nicklaus Tuesday Carolinas Night at the Beach Course, Bluffton, SC. CORBIN TURF SUPPLY NEW LIFE TURF AFFILIATE MEMBERS Wednesday Fellowship Breakfast Shannon Blackburn, Class AfCorp, sales representative, Regal Chemical Company, Alpharetta, GA. Neil Dick, Class Af, director of engineering, Freylit USA, Inc., Charlotte, NC. RADIOS FOR GOLF Michael Owen, Class Af, territory sales manager, Arysta LifeScience, Summerfield, NC. VERTEX STANDARD Frank T. Siple, CGCS, Class AfCorp, Corbin Turf and Ornamental Supply, Flowery Branch, GA. Wednesday General Session Jeffrey S. Steelman, Class Af, president, Steelman’s Ace Hardware, Inc., Advance, NC. On Site Communications Aaron Spoonemore, Class Af, regional sales manager, Lastec. Lizton, IN.

BAYER ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Sporting Clay Event Our Friends Wednesday Keynote Speaker

GOLFDOM MAGAZINE David M. Apple, formerly with Diamond Creek Golf Club, Banner Elk, NC is now with Wednesday Keynote Speaker MacGregor Downs Country Club, Cary, NC. COASTAL FLORATINE, INC. Benjamin C. Barnes, formerly with Idle Hour Country Club, Lexington, KY is now with Blowing PHOENIX ENVIRONMENTAL Rock Country Club, Blowing Rock, NC. CARE Michael H. Booker, has been promoted to superintendent at Heritage Golf Club, Wake Forest, NC. Wednesday Buffet Luncheon Michael D. Brown, is now a sales representative with Green Resource for the Charleston- Hilton Head area. JOHN DEERE GOLF Larry R. Brown, is now superintendent at Smithfields Country Club, Easley, SC. REVELS TURF AND TRACTOR Brian C. Cummins, is now superintendent at Ben Geren Golf Course, Ft. Smith, AR. GREENVILLE TURF AND Mark S. Druska, formerly with Dunes Golf and Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, SC is now assistant TRACTOR superintendent at Anderson Creek Golf Club, Spring Lake, NC. ShowTurf 27-Hole Challenge Tim Flanagan, has been promoted to assistant superintendent at Forest Lake Club, Columbia, SC. John P. Garner, formerly with Aberdeen Golf Club, Longs, SC is now with Indian Wells Golf Club, HARRELL’S, INC. Surfside Beach, SC. Refreshment Breaks Jason S. Gore, formerly with Old Town Club, Winston Salem, NC is now assistant superintendent at Founders Club at St. James, Southport, NC. CARDINAL CHEMICALS Mark Grainger, formerly with Country Club of Newberry, Newberry, SC is now with Columbia PickSeed Airport, Loris, SC. MBCC Parking Sponsor Matt S. Robinson, formerly with Bermuda Run Country Club, Bermuda Run, NC is now assistant superintendent with Salem Glen Country Club, Clemmons, NC. QUALI-PRO Sponsorship TBD Andrew T. Stephens, formerly with Leopard’s Chase Golf Club, Ocean Isle Beach, NC is now with Prestonwood Country Club, Cary, NC.

42 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Wish you had greens like this? Put your bent grass out of its misery. Make the switch to MiniVerde®.

Attend the Dec. 14th Ultradwarf Revolution Gaylord Springs Golf Course MiniVerde® Seminar Nashville, TN

Visit UltradwarfRevolution.com for more information and to reserve your seat today.

www.carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 43

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] The Clean Up Lap

Daniel Rob-bed Rob Daniel, CGCS from the Mem- bers Club at Woodcreek Farms, was almost ready to order his Carolinas GCSA team shirt for the Virlina Cup as he watched Jim Knaffle, CGCS heading back to the tee after spraying his drive toward the end of South Carolina qualifying. Despite a desperate search, Knaffle, from the International Club, was unable to find his drive on the par five Robert Rogers 16th hole at Fort Jackson Golf Club. Rogers That! Given that he and Daniel were even at that point, the looming pen- It was great to see Robert Rogers, with alty stroke looked like it might be RobRob DanielDaniel Golf Agronomics, in Asheville for the an- enough to get Daniel over the line. nual fall mountain meeting. Rogers gave But then came a shout from the “gallery.” Lo and behold, one of the everyone a scare during the summer when few, and we mean very, very few, spectators, had found Knaffle’s ball. That he suffered an aneurism and spent time in discovery and averted penalty must have done something to Daniel’s equi- intensive care. He says he is very grateful librium. He three-putted that hole and the next on his way to shooting a 78 for the support and prayers he received while Knaffle won a spot on the team, by a single shot, with his 77. from his friends within the industry on his road back to full health. Rogers and Out of one local association apparently are. Tiger Tale The revelation came when the president, Maybe Mark Rogers, from Grove Park Inn ending his term at the helm, wrote in his Larry Penley, the great Clemson golf coach Resort, has something against beverage local association column of how grateful and speaker at the Carolinas GCSA annual cart deliveries now. Close observers sus- he was for the members “baring” with him fall mountain meeting in Asheville, NC, pect that a beverage cart stop at a critical during his tenure. Most likely it was a typo played golf that day with someone who time during the North Carolina qualify- but just in case it wasn’t, all we can say is, bet him a walk-on spot on the Tiger team ing for this year’s Virlina Cup may have thanks for not including photos. that he could beat the South Carolina Golf contributed to an untimely triple-bogey. Hall of Famer. Six holes in, the challenger After the cart moved on, Rogers suffered Hop to It was in good shape one ahead of Penley. his worst hole of the round that ultimately That lead could have been greater except cost him a place on the Carolinas GCSA For those who noticed Robert Arrington, for four three-putts in those six holes. The team by one shot. Then again, when you from Catawba Country Club, with a slight challenger then reeled off pars over the consider that one of the cart “girls” was Bo limp at the annual fall mountain meet- closing 12 holes for a round of 73. Coach Barefoot, now with Cardinal Chemical, it’s ing, here’s why. Last winter Arrington was Penley was having none of it though. He hard to know whether the delivery or the stepping out of the car during a family ski went six under over the same stretch to deliverer was to blame. trip when he lost his footing on the icy lot. finish with a 68. For the record, the chal- He probably wishes his reflexes weren’t so lenger was none other than your execu- The Bare Truth good. Trying to catch himself he managed tive director, Tim Kreger. In case you’re to tear his quadriceps muscle away from We all recognize the level of collegiality wondering if he’s playing too much golf the bone. If the pain wasn’t enough to let that exists among golf course superinten- and not working, Kreger was as shocked as him know he’d suffered a serious injury, dents. Sharing and caring during the good anybody. “I can’t even remember the last the lump the size of a groundhog midway times and bad has a lot to do with what time I broke 80,” he says. between his knee and hip certainly did. sets the profession aside from many oth- Surgeons reattached the muscle but they ers. But we were a little surprised recently couldn’t do anything to help his golf swing. to learn just how “close” the members

44 CAROLINAS green November - December 2011

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] The Power of

&

Who doesn’t like more of a good thing? When we add the “&,” it means you truly are getting more.

With STI & Toro, you get products that are #1 in golf maintenance equipment & in golf irrigation, plus extraordinary innovation & unequalled quality. We bring together superior service & the best parts fulfillment to ensure confidence& trust in our products. STI combines the dedication of our people & our strong support network to strengthen the commitment to our customers’ success & satisfaction.

It’s simple. More & Better, You & Us...

Smith Turf & Irrigation

2I¿FH‡2UGHUV Proud partner since 1954 ZZZVPLWKWXUIFRP

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ]