January-February 2014

PUBLICATION OF THE CAROLINAS GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION CAROLINAS green JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2014 Positive Signs At One More Magic Show

Hemlock Saviors At Grandfather

Powell Picked

As President

www.carolinasgcsa.org [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

How to be a pioneer as President W. Brian Powell, CGCS CAROLINAS Old Chatham Golf Club well as entirely practical. Cary, NC (919) 361-1401 green [email protected] Vice-President The reel speed stays consistent William E. Kennedy, CGCS COLUMNS AND DEPARTMENTS Chechessee Creek Club to maintain ideal frequency of clip. Bluffton, SC (843) 987-2740 2 President’s Message [email protected] 4 Executive Director’s Message Secretary-Treasurer 6 The Pat Jones Index David Lee Hope Valley Country Club 10 On the Road Durham, NC 11 Government Relations (919) 489-4308 [email protected] 12 Turf Talk

Past President 16 USGA Green Section Stephen T. Hamilton, CGCS 18 Headliners Dunes Golf and Beach Club Myrtle Beach, SC 40 Local Association News (843) 449-7332 20 Quick Adjust 5 cutting units. [email protected] 46 Industry News Adjust height-of-cut in seconds. 50 Welcome New Members Directors Danny B. Allen 51 Our Friends Camden Country Club Camden, SC 52 The Clean Up Lap (803) 432-5450 [email protected] NEWS AND FEATURES Adam P. Charles The Preserve at Verdae Greenville, SC 20 Multiple Course Magic (864) 676-1515 Broussard Makes it Work [email protected] 22 Measuring Salinity Robert A. Daniel, III, CGCS A How-To Guide RiverTowne Country Club Mount Pleasant, SC 24 Conference and Show Electric reel motors (843) 849-2400 Ext 2417 24 require no routine service. [email protected] Special Section

Chris DeVane 34 Hemlock Healing Forsyth Country Club Gerdon’s Giant Rescue Winston-Salem, NC (336) 760-8191 38 Word from the National [email protected] Chapter Delegate’s Report Get ahead of the curve with hybrid fairway technology. David K. Fruchte, CGCS Pine Needles Resort Only from John Deere Golf. Southern Pines, NC (910) 693-7276 With the 7500 E-Cut Hybrid, you get a fairway mower that combines cutting [email protected] edge technology and common sense. Hydraulic leaks in the reel circuit are a W. Scott Kennon, CGCS Myers Park Country Club thing of the past. You can maintain it just like a regular mower. And you’ll Charlotte, NC appreciate the lower decibels as well as saving on fuel. (704) 529-5490 [email protected] 34 There’s never been a better time to put hybrid fairway technology to work Andrew S. Ramsey Cutter Creek Golf Club for you. Demo a 7500E on your course or visit us at JohnDeere.com/Golf. Snow Hill, NC Published bimonthly by the Carolinas Golf (252) 717-6927 Course Superintendents Association [email protected] Cover photo: Executive Director: Tim Kreger Brian Powell, CGCS from Charlie Spears Cherokee Plantation Old Chatham Golf Club Carolinas Green: Yemassee, SC will lead the Carolinas Editor: Trent Bouts email: [email protected] (843) 844-9937 GCSA in 2014. Design: Julie Vincent and Rachel Mumford [email protected] REVELS TURF AND TRACTOR, LLC GREENVILLE TURF & TRACTOR SHOWTURF Contact Information: Brian J. Stiehler, CGCS 103 Edgemont Avenue FUQUAY-VARINA, NC PIEDMONT, SC HILTON HEAD, SC Highlands Country Club MYRTLE BEACH, SC 866-485-8873 888-746-8873 Highlands, NC P.O. Box 210 Liberty, SC 29657-0210 (828) 526-5371 Phone: 800-476-4272 00-849-5469 www.GreenvilleTurf.com www.ShowTurf.com [email protected] Fax: 864-843-1149 www.RevelsTractor.com www.carolinasgcsa.org B0R010QCU1C51772-GTT8X110101CG-4C-00403134 [ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Are we Letting Technology Wag the Tail of Our Dog

traffic to ﬁnd that out. Sometimes that’s time wasted.

When did contemplation, lengthy discovery and due diligence become outdated? A quick decision may indeed be the best one and our social media technology provides the stage for rapid New Carolinas feedback. But sometimes a little time has GCSA president, a way of really honing ideas that seemed Brian Powell, CGCS spent some quality to be sharp when they first were created. time with GCSAA chief executive One example of a great idea that has officer, Rhett Evans, benefited from astute use of technology during Conference is our Conference and Show. The show and Show in Myrtle just finished yet another record setting Beach, SC. year and continues to grow. Not bad for a show that’s had a couple of decades of tweaks and revisions by the current text, a like on Facebook, an email, a twitter feed, Instagram “selfies” and a and past boards of directors. Sometimes a tweet, an Instagram, a mention. blog. What was I thinking? How could I we have gotten it right and sometimes AWhatever happened to a simple have been so heartless? we haven’t, but rest assured your board ‘Hello?’ In our world of social media the of directors and association staff wants Kardashians are a big story. Anything that to get it right and we will continue to generates a splash often counts for more "When did contemplation, examine and contemplate what we can than substance. do to improve it and all our association I’m not really certain why but I find it lengthy discovery and functions. hard to believe that Walter Cronkite due diligence become For the past few years we have used would have been caught dead giving an technology to survey attendees and update on the evening news about what outdated?" have made a number of changes to the a Kardashian was wearing. How about a program as a result. Moving the venue tweet from Peter Jennings on what Lady for Carolinas Night in November was one Gaga had to say about Madonna? Technology is great, unbelievably so in a and what a great decision that proved to As I write this, the top news of the day lot of cases and certainly when it is used be. But we have been careful to mix that is that the former Ugliest Dog Award wisely. But I fear that all too often it’s the technological feedback with some serious winner has died. The poor pooch has technology using us, rather than the other face-to-face discussions in planning been mentioned on CNN, FOX News, the way around. You could say we’re letting meetings. the tail wag our dog. We post, send, Associated Press, the BBC and of course We might not have been as swift as some the online news service. I remember my transmit and transfer too much material and information because it’s so easy to associations to immerse ourselves deeply dog getting run over by my neighbor in the social media world. But we are when I was a little kid. It was horrible. do it, even when it’s not always the most efficient thing to do. heading in that direction and being very I had no one to play fetch with and my deliberate about it. It’s where everything “best friend” was gone. Have you ever opened email just a few is heading. We look forward to making I thought I loved my cocker spaniel hours after it was sent to a group of technology work most efficiently for you ZZZFRUELQWXUIFRP poodle mix but maybe not, given today’s people? Invariably, by then, you discover and your association. It likely will take standards. Who would have thought multiple comments and follow up emails some tweaking as we fine tune how Milling Blalock Alan Corbin Randy Mangum Bryan Curtis Rocky Dreibrodt 864.630.0096 that while I was scratching his back and and also learn that the issue behind the social media can serve members. But at 864.616.6329 864.630.5840 770.546.2882 828.205.0885 least you know you won’t have to look at keeping the ticks and fleas off him, I was original email is now long decided. Your Josh Guffey Jeff Davis Frank Siple, CGCS Scott Martin, CGCS Derek Oglesby any photos of my dog online. doing him a disservice without plastering input wasn’t necessary after all but you 828.851.7601 828.243.1568 770.355.4392 843.540.7027 706.830.3738 him all over his own Facebook account, still had to wade through all that email

2 CAROLINAS green January - February 2014 carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 3

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] PRESIDENT Brian Powell, CGCS

Are we Letting Technology Wag the Tail of Our Dog traffic to ﬁnd that out. Sometimes that’s time wasted.

2 CAROLINAS green January - February 2014 carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 3

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tim Kreger

Your Show is much Greater Than the Sum of its Parts

the show hall would never look so good Of course that 27-Hole Challenge only companies who made the parking without the support of McPhersons exists thanks to Revels Turf and Tractor, lot rent free for our show. Thanks to Greenhouses. Greenville Turf and Tractor and ShowTurf, Pickseed, Cardinal Chemicals, John the team of John Deere distributors that Deere Landscapes and Carolina Fresh After a huge trade show opening on put together $12,500 worth of prizes. Farms. Similarly some folks were able Tuesday, we headed to new venues for Twenty lucky entrants won prizes but to check their stock quotes and enter Carolinas Night. Over a great dinner at we all benefit from the buzz the contest education points at no cost at the Revolutions, people had a chance to get generates. Cyber Café, thanks to Turf Max Turf Industry legend together and view pictures of friends Screen and Sunbelt Rentals. Palmer Maples, from throughout the year, then party On Wednesday night we paid special Jr. CGCS shares a into the wee hours at Crocodile Rocks tribute to our Distinguished Service Finally, the ladies that work for fond memory with Carolinas GCSA with its dueling pianos. Thanks to our Award winners with a dinner at The you on your association staff are executive director, friends at Tri-State Pump and Controls Dunes Golf and Beach Club. There were phenomenal. I want to thank them Tim Kreger, at and Jacobsen who make this extra special 10 DSA winners present including our also, in print for all to see, that I am Conference and night possible. latest, George Fisher. It was a fitting so very proud of this team for their Show. tribute thanks to partnership support efforts. Thanks to every single part in Bo Barefoot and Precision Laboratories from J. K. Morrow and Knox Fertilizer the sum that was another spectacular presented the Turf Bowl and Bo did Company. event. a great job once again as moderator. ristotle would be proud of us! course, etc thanks to the support of Congratulations to Horry-Georgetown No one had to pay the City of Myrtle He was the first to observe that Smith Turf and Irrigation and The Toro Technical College on their win. Beach $3 to park their vehicle at the sometimes the “The whole is Company. While the golfers were missing A convention center thanks to four greater than the sum of its parts.” If putts, Bayer partnered with us and Back Green Resource offered their support as Carolinas Calendar anything proves that it is the Carolinas Woods Quail Club to produce a great welcoming partners and also provided GCSA Conference and Trade Show. sporting clays event with more than 60 a gift to all attendees, as they have for Because of the synergy generated by so participants. several years now. Sincere thanks to the January 27-28 many moving parts, small and large from Green Resource team for helping hit the Winter Meeting near and far, we have an event that is right note at the start of what became the Bulls Bay Golf Club, Awendaw, SC second to none outside the Golf Industry “Thanks to every single biggest of 51 shows so far. Host: Ken Ohlinger Show. part in the sum that was Danny Allen made repeat appearance CAROLINAS February 5 I want to personally thank all as speaker at the fellowship breakfast. DIVISION Carolinas Night superintendents, assistant another spectacular This special start to Wednesday is only at the Golf Industry Show superintendents, spray technicians, turf possible due to the increased support of Millers Ale House, Orlando, FL equipment technicians all other golf event.” Corbin Turf and Ornamental Supply and course maintenance staff personnel for NewLife Turf. Sincere thanks for starting Excellent Service. March 24-25 making the time to come and support our day so right. USGA Regional Conference their association. Proven Products. Pinehurst Resort – No. 8, Pinehurst, NC Also on Monday, we had 260-plus Our general sessions partners, Radios Host: Jeff Hill, CGCS people in seminars which then rolled into Great Pricing. Just as sincerely, I also want to thank for Golf, not only helped provide another 1,000 in seminars on Tuesday, all all exhibitors who gave their time and great speakers but also gave away a May 5 possible thanks to Syngenta’s generous Bulk Aggregate Golf, Inc. is your their resources to come and support our set of radios won by the lucky Paul New North-South Challenge support. Harrells provided refreshments industry partner and one source association while getting the opportunity Brandenburg, CGCS from Furman Myers Park Country Club, Charlotte, NC at every break during the week and also for all your USGA sand, gravel and to see more than 1,100 qualified buyers University Golf Course. Host: Scott Kennon, CGCS over a two-day period. left koozies for you to take home. The crushed stone needs since 1980. Tuesday seminar lunch was pretty darned As for Wednesday’s trade show, there is September 28-29 Every element of the event is important good too, thanks to Golf Agronomics usually a lot going on that day with guys Fall Meeting but I do want to make special mention and Quali-Pro who provide the lunch wrapping up 27-Hole Challenge entries, Linville Ridge Golf Club, Linville, NC of those industry partners who invested partnership. to folks making some deals. Then there’s Host: Steve Sheets above and beyond for the betterment of the issue of feeding over 1,200 people. Special thoughts go out to this next the superintendent profession. We couldn’t do that without the support www.bulkagg.com/golf/carolinas.html November 17-19 partner who recently suffered a personal of Coastal Floratine and Phoenix UPI, who CALL US TOLL FREE 1-877-BULK-AGG Conference and Show The 327 golfers playing on Monday, loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with helped provide a great meal before the Myrtle Beach Convention Center received tee gifts, trophies, beer on Penny McPherson. Our greenery around Bulk Aggregate Golf, Inc. - Carolinas Division | P.O. Box 1410, Vass, NC 28394 | 910-379-4889 drawings. Myrtle Beach, SC

4 CAROLINAS green January - February 2014

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tim Kreger

Your Show is much Greater Than the Sum of its Parts the show hall would never look so good Of course that 27-Hole Challenge only companies who made the parking without the support of McPhersons exists thanks to Revels Turf and Tractor, lot rent free for our show. Thanks to Greenhouses. Greenville Turf and Tractor and ShowTurf, Pickseed, Cardinal Chemicals, John the team of John Deere distributors that Deere Landscapes and Carolina Fresh After a huge trade show opening on put together $12,500 worth of prizes. Farms. Similarly some folks were able Tuesday, we headed to new venues for Twenty lucky entrants won prizes but to check their stock quotes and enter Carolinas Night. Over a great dinner at we all benefit from the buzz the contest education points at no cost at the Revolutions, people had a chance to get generates. Cyber Café, thanks to Turf Max Turf Industry legend together and view pictures of friends Screen and Sunbelt Rentals. Palmer Maples, from throughout the year, then party On Wednesday night we paid special Jr. CGCS shares a into the wee hours at Crocodile Rocks tribute to our Distinguished Service Finally, the ladies that work for fond memory with Carolinas GCSA with its dueling pianos. Thanks to our Award winners with a dinner at The you on your association staff are executive director, friends at Tri-State Pump and Controls Dunes Golf and Beach Club. There were phenomenal. I want to thank them Tim Kreger, at and Jacobsen who make this extra special 10 DSA winners present including our also, in print for all to see, that I am Conference and night possible. latest, George Fisher. It was a fitting so very proud of this team for their Show. tribute thanks to partnership support efforts. Thanks to every single part in Bo Barefoot and Precision Laboratories from J. K. Morrow and Knox Fertilizer the sum that was another spectacular presented the Turf Bowl and Bo did Company. event. a great job once again as moderator. ristotle would be proud of us! course, etc thanks to the support of Congratulations to Horry-Georgetown No one had to pay the City of Myrtle He was the first to observe that Smith Turf and Irrigation and The Toro Technical College on their win. Beach $3 to park their vehicle at the sometimes the “The whole is Company. While the golfers were missing A convention center thanks to four greater than the sum of its parts.” If putts, Bayer partnered with us and Back Green Resource offered their support as Carolinas Calendar anything proves that it is the Carolinas Woods Quail Club to produce a great welcoming partners and also provided GCSA Conference and Trade Show. sporting clays event with more than 60 a gift to all attendees, as they have for Because of the synergy generated by so participants. several years now. Sincere thanks to the January 27-28 many moving parts, small and large from Green Resource team for helping hit the Winter Meeting near and far, we have an event that is right note at the start of what became the Bulls Bay Golf Club, Awendaw, SC second to none outside the Golf Industry “Thanks to every single biggest of 51 shows so far. Host: Ken Ohlinger Show. part in the sum that was Danny Allen made repeat appearance CAROLINAS February 5 I want to personally thank all as speaker at the fellowship breakfast. DIVISION Carolinas Night superintendents, assistant another spectacular This special start to Wednesday is only at the Golf Industry Show superintendents, spray technicians, turf possible due to the increased support of Millers Ale House, Orlando, FL equipment technicians all other golf event.” Corbin Turf and Ornamental Supply and course maintenance staff personnel for NewLife Turf. Sincere thanks for starting Excellent Service. March 24-25 making the time to come and support our day so right. USGA Regional Conference their association. Proven Products. Pinehurst Resort – No. 8, Pinehurst, NC Also on Monday, we had 260-plus Our general sessions partners, Radios Host: Jeff Hill, CGCS people in seminars which then rolled into Great Pricing. Just as sincerely, I also want to thank for Golf, not only helped provide another 1,000 in seminars on Tuesday, all all exhibitors who gave their time and great speakers but also gave away a May 5 possible thanks to Syngenta’s generous Bulk Aggregate Golf, Inc. is your their resources to come and support our set of radios won by the lucky Paul New North-South Challenge support. Harrells provided refreshments industry partner and one source association while getting the opportunity Brandenburg, CGCS from Furman Myers Park Country Club, Charlotte, NC at every break during the week and also for all your USGA sand, gravel and to see more than 1,100 qualified buyers University Golf Course. Host: Scott Kennon, CGCS over a two-day period. left koozies for you to take home. The crushed stone needs since 1980. Tuesday seminar lunch was pretty darned As for Wednesday’s trade show, there is September 28-29 Every element of the event is important good too, thanks to Golf Agronomics usually a lot going on that day with guys Fall Meeting but I do want to make special mention and Quali-Pro who provide the lunch wrapping up 27-Hole Challenge entries, Linville Ridge Golf Club, Linville, NC of those industry partners who invested partnership. to folks making some deals. Then there’s Host: Steve Sheets above and beyond for the betterment of the issue of feeding over 1,200 people. Special thoughts go out to this next the superintendent profession. We couldn’t do that without the support www.bulkagg.com/golf/carolinas.html November 17-19 partner who recently suffered a personal of Coastal Floratine and Phoenix UPI, who CALL US TOLL FREE 1-877-BULK-AGG Conference and Show The 327 golfers playing on Monday, loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with helped provide a great meal before the Myrtle Beach Convention Center received tee gifts, trophies, beer on Penny McPherson. Our greenery around Bulk Aggregate Golf, Inc. - Carolinas Division | P.O. Box 1410, Vass, NC 28394 | 910-379-4889 drawings. Myrtle Beach, SC

4 CAROLINAS green January - February 2014

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] THE PAT JONES INDEX

Giving Thanks for Your Show, Your People and My Pecan Pie they’ve had for a decade and Phil, the decided to call GCSAA one day in 1986 CARDINAL RULE NUMBER 4 ageless bartender of M-Bar, greets me and ask if they had any writing jobs like a long-lost brother every year. (And open. They did…and I’m forever grateful he remembers to stock up on the non- to Palmer for providing the spark that alcoholic beer for me too.) I’m grateful started my career. YOU’RE KNOWN BY THE for the “sameness” and hospitality we get there every year.

Golf Championship: I love getting to "I’m very, very grateful play bad golf with fun people on good golf courses and the Carolinas GCSA to be the Crazy Old Championship is one of my favorite Uncle of the extended events. It’s a big tourney - 330 folks signed COMPANY up - but it feels small, friendly and cozy. Carolinas GCSA family." The real fun for us this year was flying the Official GCI Drone+GoPro around the golf Pat Jones course and filming the action. That video is now posted on the Golf Course Industry Old Friends: I’m going to get in big trouble site (just search “drone”). Loved the golf here for failing to mention all of the s I write this, it’s just past courses at Barefoot! I’m grateful that no 200-plus old friends that I talked with Thanksgiving. The turkey’s grown one has kicked me off the course yet for in Myrtle, but I have to give a shout out YOU KEEP. Acold and the stuffing is long gone. excessively sucky golf. to Bob Farren, CGCS. Truly one of the There’s a runny plate of cranberry jelly nicest guys I know. He’s fixin’ to host sitting in the fridge and the last of the The Yankee Factor: I was delighted to two majors and he’s cool as a cucumber pecan pie is desiccating on the counter in immediately bump into my friends (maybe because Kevin Robinson’s the kitchen. and fellow Ohioans Paul B. Latshaw, of doing all the real work?) and, as always, Muirfield Village Country Club, and Joe focused on helping others and being a The feast is over, but the reason for the Encisco, of Turf Ventures. Paul said they’d season – gratitude – never ends. great member of the turf community. I’m heard a lot about the conference and just super grateful to have friends like Bob. The same is true of the Carolinas GCSA decided to do a road trip to check it out, Conference and Show. The event is have some fun and pick up some warm- New Stuff: One of the coolest things a memory now, but the things that season education for a change. New about the Carolinas Trade Show versus happened there and the reason it exists Jersey’s own Chris Carson (who’s about the national show is getting sneak bear some remembrance…and some as Yankee as they come) also came previews of new stuff before the official gratitude. So, here’s my list of things I’m down to be on our panel for Wednesday’s unveilings at the GIS. One great example: grateful for about the Big Show in Myrtle Brain Storm 2013 discussion. I was very Marcus Thigpen and his GPS-driven, and the organization that hosts it. grateful to not be the only one from up data-gathering NuTec spray units. It’s not Work with the best. Cardinal Chemical puts your needs first, North this year! an overstatement to say that this kind of Myrtle Beach: There’s something cool and technology - others are bringing similar consistently offering the best choices from the best companies Palmer Maples: I was thrilled to bump welcoming about being in a beach town ideas to market - has the potential to in the world of golf course care. We care about your course, in the off-season. There’s zero sense of into Palmer Maples, Jr. CGCS early revolutionize our business. The emerging urgency as you sit at giant intersections in the week and catch up with a man concept of “precision turf management” and more importantly, your career. You’re in good company with who is truly an industry legend. I met – using data and mapping to manage waiting five minutes for the light to turn Cardinal, and together we can make your course great. Talk to with no other cars around. The people at Palmer long before I was in the turf inputs – doesn’t eliminate the “art” from 7-Eleven are genuinely glad to see you (or business when he moved his family greenkeeping but it does make it even your local Cardinal Chemicals Sales Representative, today. anyone not robbing them) when you walk up to Lawrence, KS in the 1970s to more of a science. I’m grateful for any in. And, most of all, the people at the help jumpstart the GCSAA education new technology that will help us continue host Sheraton Convention Center hotel program. Palmer’s son Chuck and I to play golf on natural grass 100 years are cool. What’s really impressive is how were both pulling guards on high school from now. little that place changes. They have the football team. It was because of my Wilmington NC Wilson NC Greensboro Aberdeen Western NC friendship with the Maples family that I same promotional signs in the elevators (continued on page 8...) Matt Page James Duke Gary Stafford Paul Jett Pat McHugh 252.559.9026 252.883.0396 336.338.0174 910.215.7492 828.406.1897

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] THE PAT JONES INDEX

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] THE PAT JONES INDEX (...continued from page 6)

ADVERTISERS

Bulk Aggregrate Golf, Inc...... 5 Tim and Team: Buy Sod ...... 9 I adore working with Tim, companies are based in the Carolinas. The Chuck, Trent, Angie, Cindy, Melissa and past couple of years, that’s been changing Cardinal Chemicals ...... 7 Kim. They make it look easy to host a and more corporate folks are coming Carolina Fresh Farms ...... 21 gathering for a couple thousand folks. And down to see the event for themselves. I Corbin Turf & Ornamental Supply ...... 3 they have fun. I’m very, very grateful to know that Patty DiMucci, Bayer’s new turf Divots, Inc...... 45 be the Crazy Old Uncle of the extended marketing manager, was blown away by Golf Agronomics ...... 45 Carolinas GCSA family. what she saw and learned in a few days in Green Resource ...... 15 Myrtle. It was also cool that Rhett Evans, Committed Local Support: You have no CEO of GCSAA, made the pilgrimage to Greenville Turf & Tractor/John Deere ....Inside Front idea how great it is to have Smith Turf visit and check in with his largest affiliated PBI-Gordon Corp...... 48 and Irrigation, Revels Turf and Tractor and chapter. Good trend there. I’m grateful that Quali-Pro ...... 17 Tri-State Pump and Controls supporting your “little show” now has an impressive Radios for Golf ...... 39 your association. I promise I’ll focus on national footprint. other great local companies next year Revels Turf & Tractor/John Deere ...... Inside Front but let me just say that these three iron In short, I’m genuinely grateful to be a ShowTurf ...... Inside Front dealers fight like cats and dogs for your part of the best regional event in our Smith Turf and Irrigation ...... Back Cover business all year but during show week market. But, more importantly I want to Southern States Cooperative ...... 8 they all have the same goal: supporting thank all of you for continuing to make TifSport/TifEagle ...... Insert you. And they are fantastic people. I’m me part of the family. I’m also grateful to Tri-State Pump & Control ...... Inside Back grateful to know them. be done with this column because I hear that last crummy piece of yummy pecan Vereens Turf Products ...... 33 Growing National Connections: For years, I’d pie calling my name. Wood Bay Turf Technologies ...... 19 been surprised that more of the industry’s national leadership didn’t come to Myrtle Beach. After all, it’s the second largest golf-turf show in the nation and so many

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8 CAROLINAS green January - February 2014

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] THE PAT JONES INDEX (...continued from page 6)

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8 CAROLINAS green January - February 2014

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] ON THE ROAD Trent Bouts GOVERNMENT Chris Valauri RELATIONS

Going that Extra Half Hour on the Road to Success Eight Years Later Golf Rolls On regularly, as they have done for years on end. There was no guarantee they would a first in many subsequent interactions. Board which was chaired by Commerce hear anything they hadn’t heard or read A genuine sense of trust and respect Secretary Sharon Decker. A great deal before. Yet their presence alone was proof developed which carries over to today. of time was devoted to plans for the positive of some advice that was delivered When the dust settled, a compromise twin U.S. Opens at Pinehurst No. 2 next time and again during the previous panel agreement satisfactory to all parties was summer. She referred to it as a “prime- presentation. Those lapping up O’Brien’s reached. The process worked. time double-header.” every word were clearly prepared to go that extra mile – or in this case, that extra While the political circumstances and half hour – to give themselves every players have shifted over the years, we possible chance to get even better at their have maintained a steady and growing “It’s far more about profession. presence through three Governors and numerous partisan realignments in the cooperation than it is Some of the most influential people in the history of the association gathered at the first As one of the most successful General Assembly. We have approached annual dinner honoring Distinguished Serve Award winners at Conference and Show: George superintendents in the country told about confrontation.” Thompson, CGCS 2000, Bill Anderson, CGCS 2008, Leon Lucas 2007, Butch Sheffield, CGCS our advocacy with the consistent me recently, “You can’t expect to do 2003, George Fisher 2013, Palmer Maples, Jr. 2001, Randy Allen, CGCS 2006, Pat O’Brien message that golf makes significant better than everyone else if you do what 2009, Bob Bell 2005, Chuck Borman 2011. contributions to the economic, social everyone else does.” Chris Valauri ore than 2,000 people attended half hour. And, with all due respect to Pat and environmental quality of life in the Secretary Decker reported that there Conference and Show over O’Brien, it didn’t come from the podium A 26th person in the room late that Carolinas. We have done our best to take will actually be a satellite office for Mthree days in Myrtle Beach. so much as it did the audience. Wednesday afternoon was Billy Bagwell, a page from the old Anheuser Busch the Governor - along with other But by the time Pat O’Brien stood to superintendent at Callawassie Island Club t was in mid-December eight years advertising slogan that “making friends is members of the Cabinet - to work deliver the final presentation, there were in Okatie, SC. Some of you may remember ago when Chuck Borman called to our business.” from in Pinehurst during the Opens. It only 43 left in the room. The last slot on from an earlier issue of Carolinas Green that Ioffer me the opportunity to advocate will serve as a base to interact with a “You can’t expect to do Today, we have a Governor in Pat the schedule is a killer for any presenter Bagwell took over the club’s 27 holes in and lobby on behalf of the Carolinas wide range of global businesses in the McCrory who not only enjoys teeing it at any conference longer than a single 2010 at the tender age of 24. Clearly the GCSA. Our very first order of business hopes of luring economic development better than everyone else up as often as his schedule allows but day. People get tired and can also feel club had identified him as a young man was to meet ASAP with the key players and corporate relocations. In addition, also features golf in North Carolina as overloaded with information. if you do what everyone with some passion and dedication, not to in the Water Resources Division of the the Commerce Department has been a component in his overall economic mention some ability. As one of those in Department of Environment and Natural working extensively with focus groups to development strategy to recruit new After everything that goes on at the else does.” the room for O’Brien’s talk, he is just as Environmental Resources to seek relief develop a new NC brand, along the lines business. A reflection of that message beach - golf, seminars, trade show, clearly prepared to do more to do better. from proposed draconian regulations of Michigan’s “Pure Michigan” campaign, Carolinas Night, all the ancillary social related to drought default measures. is our current relationship with DENR which will be unveiled in conjunction with get-togethers – it’s any wonder that Of course there are many, many highly The meeting took place the week before which is positive and productive. During the Opens. Of those 43 people, two were past- people are keen to get on the road successful superintendents in the Christmas. our most recent engagement, the presidents of GCSAA. Another seven as soon as they can. What probably Carolinas who weren’t in the audience. department attitude was more along Not only will NC be center of the global were past-presidents of the Carolinas compounds things in Pat O’Brien’s case I’m not suggesting that failing to attend I think it’s safe to say the session was a the lines of “how can we be helpful stage next summer but golf and its GCSA. Eleven more were either current is that he’s, well, Pat O’Brien. The guy every possible minute of education means first on many levels. When our delegation to the golf community?” It’s far more importance to the state will be the or past board members of the Carolinas is so well known and so prolific in his anyone is a lesser superintendent as a arrived at the conference room the body about cooperation than it is about catalyst and a large part of the message. GCSA or other regional GCSAA chapters. presence, on golf courses, in print and result. But I am saying the make-up of the language was more than a little stiff. The confrontation. What a difference eight years makes. We There were at least three current various other avenues, that it must be audience that day was instructive. Success department officials, although pleasant have much to look forward to in 2014. presidents of local associations within the When we sponsored NC Golf Day tempting for people to think he can’t can be achieved by many means but very enough, had a look on their faces as Carolinas. One was the superintendent back in May, DENR Secretary John Chris Valauri is government relations counsel possibly have anything new to say. rarely by accident. though Butch Cassidy and the Sundance host of an annual PGA Tour stop. Another Kid had arrived and the safe on the train Skvarla arranged his calendar to join for the Carolinas GCSA in North Carolina. I don’t know nearly enough about what hosted the U.S. Women’s Amateur The only thing I marveled at more that was about to be hijacked. us when the Governor signed the golf golf course superintendents do or what Championship earlier in the year. afternoon was O’Brien’s irrepressible proclamation in the Capitol. His presence, O’Brien, the USGA Green Section’s energy and enthusiasm. He had to be By the end of the session - not along with representatives from the By my count, 25 of those 43 listening southeast region director, offered in his tired too. Yet you would never have surprisingly - tensions had eased and Commerce Department demonstrates to O’Brien could very reasonably be presentation to say whether there were known it has he delivered his pearls everyone discovered we had far more in a commitment to the business of golf. considered leaders in their profession. It any grand revelations or even a gold on fairway painting and regularly drew common than expected. Our concerns What a difference eight years makes. was hardly coincidence. nugget or two. But I talk to enough smart laughter along the way. Maybe he was were rooted in a deep sense of fairness and legitimate concern for the financial Early December, I attended the quarterly people who are extremely successful in These were people who are already inspired by the faces staring up at him. well-being of the golf industry. This was meeting of the NC Travel and Tourism this business to know there was at least successful at what they do listening to After all, he was speaking to some of the one big lesson to be learned in that last someone they already know and hear from best in the business.

10 CAROLINAS green January - February 2014 carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 11

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] ON THE ROAD Trent Bouts GOVERNMENT Chris Valauri RELATIONS

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] TURF TALK Dr. Bert McCarty

Chinese Carry Out III: Managing Thatch, Worms and Dollar Spot

numerous fungal diseases, one of which 1 ft3/1000 ft2 (0.3 L m-2) every 14 days Cultural methods provide at best only is dollar spot disease caused by Sclerotinia from June 27 June to September 13, 2006 partial control, and some; e.g., soil homoeocarpa. Dollar spot occurs frequently and May 14 to September 27, 2007. Sand acidification or prolonged clipping throughout the growing season requiring shape was the only significant source of removal, can be detrimental to turf. bi-weekly fungicide applications for variation in both years. Chemical pesticides for earthworm control complete control. The objective of this have been restricted or banned. In the study was to investigate if dew removal None of the topdressing incorporation 1890s, British greenkeeper Peter Lees would aid in reducing the number of methods affected anthracnose severity. pioneered a method so effective that it fungicide applications needed to maintain Both sand shapes initially increased was a mainstay for reducing earthworm dollar spot below a threshold level. disease severity four to 14 percent casts on golf courses for more than 50 compared to non-topdressed turf in July years. It involved applying mowrah meal, In this study, a combination of mowing 2006; however, continued topdressing made from seeds of the tree Bassia latifolia, three times a week and dragging by with sub-angular and round sand reduced followed by irrigation. Natural saponins in hose the remaining four days to remove anthracnose eight to 29 percent and the mowrah meal irritated earthworms’ dew was used in an attempt to reduce seven to 29 percent, respectively, during mucus membranes, expelling them to the disease severity. The main effect of this August and September of 2006 and 2007 surface where they then were physically combination treatment was not significant compared to the non-sand treatment. removed. Tea seed meal, a saponin-rich (p>0.05) and did not reduce the number Anthracnose was less severe in plots Dr. Bert McCarty by-product of tea oil manufacture, recently of fungicide applications compared to topdressed with sub-angular sand than Much research is being conducted trying to develop more ecological products and testing methods was shown to be similarly effective, and an mowing three days per week. However, round sand in July, 2006 and July through to determine the needs of such products. Excellent means of keeping abreast of such developments are reading publications like the Carolinas Green magazine, attending the Carolinas GCSA organic fertilizer containing it is available in Dr. Bert McCarty, Research dollar spot was managed curatively with September, 2007. This trial supports Conference and Trade Show, and participating in various turfgrass field days, above. the U.S. Targeted use of granular or liquid and Extension Turf Specialist significantly fewer fungicide applications the findings of previous topdressing and products with natural plant saponins has at Clemson University, will compared to a preventative fungicide verticutting trials which indicate that subtle potential for reducing casting to tolerable program when a disease threshold was wounding or bruising associated with Burtt-Davy] and one interspecific hybrid to changes in temperature and RH were address any turf-related levels while conserving the agronomic used. The use of a disease threshold routine cultural practices is not a significant Celebration (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers.) in similar between cultivars, newer more benefits provided by a moderate question in this column. and curative fungicide applications may factor affecting anthracnose severity. 2008 and 2009. vigorous bermudagrass cultivars such as earthworm population. therefore reduce the number of fungicide Celebration may require more frequent Influence of Sand Topdressing on Thatch Write to him c/o: applications needed in a year to maintain At the initiation of the experiment, sand topdressing regimens in conjunction Effect of Shoot Density on the Decomposition of Two Bermudagrass Celebration had twice the thatch layer of Recuperative Potential of Creeping Clemson University, low levels of dollar spot severity on with mechanical removal for acceptable creeping bentgrass. Species (MS). Methods to control Tifway. The only treatment that reduced thatch control. Bentgrass Cultivars (IA). Recently Department of Horticulture, thatch layers in mature turfgrasses thatch was sand applied every 14 days developed cultivars of creeping bentgrass Box 340375, Clemson, SC Topdressing Sand Particle Shape and have relied on sand-topdressing and/or which reduced thatch 21 to 34 percent Managing Excessive Earthworm Casting (Agrostis stolonifera L.) possess higher 29634-0375 Incorporation Effects on Anthracnose mechanical removal. Mechanical removal and 20 to 30 percent for Tifway and on Golf Courses and Sport Fields (KY). shoot densities. The increased shoot Severity of an Annual Bluegrass Putting of thatch through vertical mowing and or: [email protected] Celebration, respectively. In contrast, a Excessive earthworm casting causes densities allow these cultivars to better Green (NJ). Sand topdressing is a aerification is effective but disruptive single sand topdressing application and serious problems for turfgrass managers resist invasion from annual bluegrass but common practice on putting green turf to playing surfaces compared to sand controls did not decrease thatch of either trying to maintain quality playing surfaces. little data exists regarding differences in the ecently, the International Turfgrass and has been suspected to enhance topdressing. As a result, many turfgrass bermudagrass cultivar. Routine sand A few species of European origin, recuperative potential among cultivars of Conference met in Beijing, China. anthracnose disease caused by the managers have opted to implement sand- applications increased thatch relative mainly Aporrectodea spp. and L. terrestris creeping bentgrass. The objectives of this RThe following abstracts from fungus Colletotrichum cereale. A field trial topdressing regimens as their primary humidity (RH) compared to controls. (Lumbricidae), cause most of casting research were to determine the effects of this meeting are the third in a series was conducted to evaluate topdressing method for reducing thatch buildup. Laboratory experiments examining the problems in Great Britain and continental shoot density on the recuperative potential summarizing research I thought would be incorporation method (none, vibratory effect of temperature, 20 C and 30 C, and Europe, North America, New Zealand and among cultivars of creeping bentgrass. The This research was conducted to 1) of interest for members of the Carolinas rolling, soft bristled brush and stiff bristled RH (80, 90, 95, >99 percent) on Tifway probably Australia, whereas Amynthas recuperative potential of 23 cultivars of determine the effect of cultivar on GCSA. brush) and sand shape (none, round and Celebration thatch decomposition spp. (Megascolecidae) are important creeping bentgrass and a single cultivar of thatch decomposition and 2) examine and sub-angular) effects on anthracnose showed increasing temperature and RH casting culprits in Korea, China and Japan, colonial bentgrass were evaluated in 2009 the effect of sand topdressing on thatch The Effect of Combination Dew Removal severity of a Poa annua L. f. reptans resulted in 189 to 397 percent greater and sporadically in the United States. and 2010 by creating simulated divots and microenvironment and decomposition. and Curative Fungicide Treatments (Hausskn) T. Koyama turf in 2006 and microbial degradation. Failure to provide Edaphic, climatic and cultural factors allowing the cultivars to recover via stolon Sand topdressing treatments consisting on Dollar Spot Disease of Creeping 2007. The trial was conducted as a split- adequate moisture reduced microbial affecting earthworm abundance and growth. The cultivars were maintained of sterilized or non-sterilized sand applied Bentgrass (KY). Creeping bentgrass plot design arranged in a 4 x 3 factorial activity and led to declines of 170 to 243 casting on particular sites were discussed under conditions designed to mimic a golf at 0.16-inch (0.4 cm) 14 d-1 or as a single (Agrostis stolonifera) is commonly used with incorporation method as the main percent decomposition when thatch and historical approaches for reducing course fairway and divot recovery was on golf course greens, tees and fairways plot factor and sand shape as the subplot application at 0.94-inch (2.4 cm) to one was subjected to cyclic drying. Because earthworm casts were reviewed. in cool-humid regions. It is plagued by factor on a P. annua turf mowed at 0.125- hybrid bermudagrass, Tifway [Cynodon thatch tissue composition and response inch (3.2 mm). Topdressing was applied at dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis (continued on page 14 ...)

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] TURF TALK Dr. Bert McCarty

Chinese Carry Out III: Managing Thatch, Worms and Dollar Spot numerous fungal diseases, one of which 1 ft3/1000 ft2 (0.3 L m-2) every 14 days Cultural methods provide at best only is dollar spot disease caused by Sclerotinia from June 27 June to September 13, 2006 partial control, and some; e.g., soil homoeocarpa. Dollar spot occurs frequently and May 14 to September 27, 2007. Sand acidification or prolonged clipping throughout the growing season requiring shape was the only significant source of removal, can be detrimental to turf. bi-weekly fungicide applications for variation in both years. Chemical pesticides for earthworm control complete control. The objective of this have been restricted or banned. In the study was to investigate if dew removal None of the topdressing incorporation 1890s, British greenkeeper Peter Lees would aid in reducing the number of methods affected anthracnose severity. pioneered a method so effective that it fungicide applications needed to maintain Both sand shapes initially increased was a mainstay for reducing earthworm dollar spot below a threshold level. disease severity four to 14 percent casts on golf courses for more than 50 compared to non-topdressed turf in July years. It involved applying mowrah meal, In this study, a combination of mowing 2006; however, continued topdressing made from seeds of the tree Bassia latifolia, three times a week and dragging by with sub-angular and round sand reduced followed by irrigation. Natural saponins in hose the remaining four days to remove anthracnose eight to 29 percent and the mowrah meal irritated earthworms’ dew was used in an attempt to reduce seven to 29 percent, respectively, during mucus membranes, expelling them to the disease severity. The main effect of this August and September of 2006 and 2007 surface where they then were physically combination treatment was not significant compared to the non-sand treatment. removed. Tea seed meal, a saponin-rich (p>0.05) and did not reduce the number Anthracnose was less severe in plots Dr. Bert McCarty by-product of tea oil manufacture, recently of fungicide applications compared to topdressed with sub-angular sand than Much research is being conducted trying to develop more ecological products and testing methods was shown to be similarly effective, and an mowing three days per week. However, round sand in July, 2006 and July through to determine the needs of such products. Excellent means of keeping abreast of such developments are reading publications like the Carolinas Green magazine, attending the Carolinas GCSA organic fertilizer containing it is available in Dr. Bert McCarty, Research dollar spot was managed curatively with September, 2007. This trial supports Conference and Trade Show, and participating in various turfgrass field days, above. the U.S. Targeted use of granular or liquid and Extension Turf Specialist significantly fewer fungicide applications the findings of previous topdressing and products with natural plant saponins has at Clemson University, will compared to a preventative fungicide verticutting trials which indicate that subtle potential for reducing casting to tolerable program when a disease threshold was wounding or bruising associated with Burtt-Davy] and one interspecific hybrid to changes in temperature and RH were address any turf-related levels while conserving the agronomic used. The use of a disease threshold routine cultural practices is not a significant Celebration (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers.) in similar between cultivars, newer more benefits provided by a moderate question in this column. and curative fungicide applications may factor affecting anthracnose severity. 2008 and 2009. vigorous bermudagrass cultivars such as earthworm population. therefore reduce the number of fungicide Celebration may require more frequent Influence of Sand Topdressing on Thatch Write to him c/o: applications needed in a year to maintain At the initiation of the experiment, sand topdressing regimens in conjunction Effect of Shoot Density on the Decomposition of Two Bermudagrass Celebration had twice the thatch layer of Recuperative Potential of Creeping Clemson University, low levels of dollar spot severity on with mechanical removal for acceptable creeping bentgrass. Species (MS). Methods to control Tifway. The only treatment that reduced thatch control. Bentgrass Cultivars (IA). Recently Department of Horticulture, thatch layers in mature turfgrasses thatch was sand applied every 14 days developed cultivars of creeping bentgrass Box 340375, Clemson, SC Topdressing Sand Particle Shape and have relied on sand-topdressing and/or which reduced thatch 21 to 34 percent Managing Excessive Earthworm Casting (Agrostis stolonifera L.) possess higher 29634-0375 Incorporation Effects on Anthracnose mechanical removal. Mechanical removal and 20 to 30 percent for Tifway and on Golf Courses and Sport Fields (KY). shoot densities. The increased shoot Severity of an Annual Bluegrass Putting of thatch through vertical mowing and or: [email protected] Celebration, respectively. In contrast, a Excessive earthworm casting causes densities allow these cultivars to better Green (NJ). Sand topdressing is a aerification is effective but disruptive single sand topdressing application and serious problems for turfgrass managers resist invasion from annual bluegrass but common practice on putting green turf to playing surfaces compared to sand controls did not decrease thatch of either trying to maintain quality playing surfaces. little data exists regarding differences in the ecently, the International Turfgrass and has been suspected to enhance topdressing. As a result, many turfgrass bermudagrass cultivar. Routine sand A few species of European origin, recuperative potential among cultivars of Conference met in Beijing, China. anthracnose disease caused by the managers have opted to implement sand- applications increased thatch relative mainly Aporrectodea spp. and L. terrestris creeping bentgrass. The objectives of this RThe following abstracts from fungus Colletotrichum cereale. A field trial topdressing regimens as their primary humidity (RH) compared to controls. (Lumbricidae), cause most of casting research were to determine the effects of this meeting are the third in a series was conducted to evaluate topdressing method for reducing thatch buildup. Laboratory experiments examining the problems in Great Britain and continental shoot density on the recuperative potential summarizing research I thought would be incorporation method (none, vibratory effect of temperature, 20 C and 30 C, and Europe, North America, New Zealand and among cultivars of creeping bentgrass. The This research was conducted to 1) of interest for members of the Carolinas rolling, soft bristled brush and stiff bristled RH (80, 90, 95, >99 percent) on Tifway probably Australia, whereas Amynthas recuperative potential of 23 cultivars of determine the effect of cultivar on GCSA. brush) and sand shape (none, round and Celebration thatch decomposition spp. (Megascolecidae) are important creeping bentgrass and a single cultivar of thatch decomposition and 2) examine and sub-angular) effects on anthracnose showed increasing temperature and RH casting culprits in Korea, China and Japan, colonial bentgrass were evaluated in 2009 the effect of sand topdressing on thatch The Effect of Combination Dew Removal severity of a Poa annua L. f. reptans resulted in 189 to 397 percent greater and sporadically in the United States. and 2010 by creating simulated divots and microenvironment and decomposition. and Curative Fungicide Treatments (Hausskn) T. Koyama turf in 2006 and microbial degradation. Failure to provide Edaphic, climatic and cultural factors allowing the cultivars to recover via stolon Sand topdressing treatments consisting on Dollar Spot Disease of Creeping 2007. The trial was conducted as a split- adequate moisture reduced microbial affecting earthworm abundance and growth. The cultivars were maintained of sterilized or non-sterilized sand applied Bentgrass (KY). Creeping bentgrass plot design arranged in a 4 x 3 factorial activity and led to declines of 170 to 243 casting on particular sites were discussed under conditions designed to mimic a golf at 0.16-inch (0.4 cm) 14 d-1 or as a single (Agrostis stolonifera) is commonly used with incorporation method as the main percent decomposition when thatch and historical approaches for reducing course fairway and divot recovery was on golf course greens, tees and fairways plot factor and sand shape as the subplot application at 0.94-inch (2.4 cm) to one was subjected to cyclic drying. Because earthworm casts were reviewed. in cool-humid regions. It is plagued by factor on a P. annua turf mowed at 0.125- hybrid bermudagrass, Tifway [Cynodon thatch tissue composition and response inch (3.2 mm). Topdressing was applied at dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis (continued on page 14 ...)

12 CAROLINAS green January - February 2014 carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 13

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] TURF TALK

evaluated semiweekly by using digital measurement ranging from 0.05 to 0.08 lower in turf rolled eight times per day. No image analysis techniques. g cm-3. The effect of topdressing was not significant differences in water infiltration consistent at ND site. The HTC treatments among treatments were observed on the In 2009, all cultivars had divot recovery that did not include a fall application native loam soil site. rates statistically similar with Penncross increased soil bulk density by 0.06 g although improved cultivars did exhibit cm-3 compared to the control at the end Conversely, water infiltration significantly greater shoot densities. In 2010, the of study at IA site. All HTC treatments decreased as rolling frequency increased cultivars SR 1150, T-1 and Kingpin had decreased soil bulk density compared to on the sand-based site; however divot recovery rates significantly slower the control at ND site ranging from 0.02 infiltration rates for all treatments compared with Penncross. Shoot density to 0.06 g cm-3. Water infiltration rates remained >7.9 in/hr (20 cm hr-1). The was inversely proportional to divot were increased by topdressing but not by results of this study indicate that rolling recovery rate suggesting that a greater HTC. Soil saturated water conductivity at up to 2x day-1 may be useful in providing number of shoots may hinder the ability 0.114-inch (2.9 cm) below the surface was discernible increases in green speed to recuperate from injury. Stability increased by HTC. Therefore, to improve without adversely affecting turf quality. analysis indicated that the cultivars Alpha, soil water movement, both topdressing However, beyond this point (> 2x day- Crenshaw, LS-44, Penn A-4, Penncross, and core aeration are necessary and the 1), reductions in turfgrass quality and Pennlinks II, Putter and Southshore results may vary by soil texture. insignificant increases in green speed may exhibited consistent, above average negate the benefits of the practice. lateral spread across the two years in this Investigating Lightweight Rolling study. The increased shoot density of Thresholds for Putting Green Quality Zoysiagrass Cultivar Responses under newer cultivars may slow the recuperative and Performance (MI). Rolling of putting a Linear Gradient Irrigation System potential of creeping bentgrass and should greens is a cultural practice that many (FL). Information regarding irrigation be considered when selecting cultivars for golf course superintendents employ to requirements and performance of specific use areas. increase putting green speed (ball roll zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) cultivars is distance). The benefits of rolling have been valuable for turfgrass cultivar selection Core Aeration Programs and Sand investigated for decades, however, little is by consumers and researchers. A Linear Topdressing Improve Creeping Bentgrass known about the effects of high-frequency Gradient Irrigation System (LGIS) provides Fairways (IA, ND). The practicality of rolling (more than once daily) on turfgrass a relatively efficient way to measure including topdressing and core aeration in quality and performance. cultivar responses to variable moisture turfgrass management program for large regimes. Ten commercially available areas such as golf fairways has not been A study was designed to determine cultivars - Cavalier, PristineFlora, Zeon, fully addressed. The objectives of this thresholds at which rolling frequency Zorro (Z. matrella); Emerald (Z. japonica study were to determine the effects of negatively affected turfgrass quality, water × Z. matrella (L.) Merr. var. pacifica topdressing (rate and application timing) infiltration and the point of diminishing Goudswaard); and EI Toro, Empire, and hollow tine cultivation (HTC) on soil returns for ball roll distance or disease Jamur, Palisades and UltimateFlora (Z. physical properties on two golf course suppression. Five rolling frequencies: no japonica) were evaluated during annually fairways. The topdressing treatments rolling and rolled one (1x), two (2x), four occurring dry periods in 2009, 2010 were: 1) 0.25-inch (6.4 mm) topdressing (4x) and eight (8x) times day-1, were and 2011 for visual ratings of turf quality, in the fall, 2) 0.125-inch (3.2 mm) evaluated over six-week periods at two color and density; and canopy reflectance topdressing in the spring and fall for an locations (native sandy loam soil and a measured using a CM 1000 chlorophyll annual rate of 0.25-inch (6.4 mm), and 3) sand-based USGA root zone). meter. LGIS offered an irrigation gradient an untreated control. ranging from 0 to ~12 percent of reference As rolling frequency increased from 1x evapotranspiration (ET0). Z. japonica The six HTC treatments were: 1) spring to 2x day-1, ball roll distance increased cultivars (except UltimateFlora) performed 1HTC, 2) spring 2HTC, 3) fall 1HTC, 4) significantly on 11 of 12 total rating dates. better than Z. matrella cultivars under fall 2HTC, 5) spring 1HTC/fall 1HTC and In addition, putting green quality remained severe drought (0 to ~25.2 percent of 6) an untreated control. This two-year above minimum acceptable quality ET0). A slight reduction in quality in field study was conducted at Ames, IA, throughout the study in plots rolled up response to 120 percent ET0 irrigation and Fargo, ND on established creeping to 2x day-1 but declined significantly level for all Z. japonica entries and most Z. bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.). when rolled 4x and 8x day-1. Dollar spot matrella entries (except PristineFlora) was Topdressing treatments decreased soil (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa F.T. Bennett) found, indicating the adverse effects of bulk density at IA site on all dates of ratings in the native soil were significantly over irrigating zoysiagrass.

14 CAROLINAS green January - February 2014

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] TURF TALK

14 CAROLINAS green January - February 2014

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] USGA Patrick O’Brien and Chris Hartwiger

Plugging Gaps in the Challenge of New Hole Locations in Winter

obody likes old hole plugs on several manufactures and each ring putting greens. They are visually costs less than $2. Ndistracting and may alter the roll of the ball during a putt. During winter • Cover holes not in use with a rubber months in the Southeast, ultradwarf plug available from most golf supply bermudagrass growth slows down or companies. These green rubber plugs Trust your whole enters dormancy while blend into the green ® the time it takes for an surface and costs are course to Quali-Pro . old hole plug to heal less than $10 per plug. increases. Frequent Last winter, Kyle Brown PatrickP tik O’BO’Brien i Chris Hartwiger hole changing in the implemented this winter months can program at Pinehurst lead to large amounts No. 1 and results of visible old hole met expectations. In plugs in late winter. GREEN SECTION summary: SOUTHEAST REGION Can anything be done? • Somewhere between Golf course 50 and 100 golfers superintendent Kyle per day played on the Brown at the Pinehurst course, or up to 3,000 Resort has discovered per month during the an innovative winter resort season. solution that not Rubber plugs are used to cap holes that are not in play. Kyle Brown only addresses this • All hole locations held concern, but reduces up well, and holes and the rubber plug is on the line of To ensure the best cooperation from the time spent were only moved your putt, the Rules of Golf cover this players, the committee should let players ™ changing holes on ultradwarf putting when wear patterns compromised the Introducing Enclave , the situation. Since this is a hole made by a know the reason the covers are being greens in the winter. The solution involves quality of the putting surface around ultimate fungal control greenkeeper, it meets the Deﬁnition of used. From a Rules perspective, the the use of three holes with liners (i.e. the hole. that’s proven to go the distance. cups) during the winter season at each Ground Under Repair. You could choose committee should make it clear to players New Enclave™ is a broad-spectrum fungicide putting green. The ﬂagsticks are rotated • Mowing and brushing operations done to play your ball as it lies, but you also that these holes are ground under repair featuring a unique quad-control technology that on a regular basis to spread out golfer periodically didn’t cause any damage have the option to take relief. Rule and recommend that the hole covers helps you prevent and eliminate anthracnose, traffic and enhance golfer satisfaction to the recycled rubber plugs or the hole 25-1b(iii) provides guidance on how to should not be removed. brown patch, dollar spot, snow mold among through changing the course’s setup. integrity over holes not in use. take relief if desired. Contact: many other diseases on your course. The result? Here is a brief summary of the key points • Golfers have not complained about this 25-1b (iii) On the Putting Green: If the ball Patrick O'Brien ([email protected]) Healthier turf with a product that costs less and on this idea for winter hole management program or the hole locations. lies on the putting green, the player must lift Chris Hartwiger ([email protected]) does more. That’s value. on ultradwarf putting greens: the ball and place it, without penalty, at the • Golfers have not had issues with the nearest point of relief that is not in a hazard See why Enclave is one of the best • Cut three or more holes on each rubber plugs or plastic rings. or, if complete relief is impossible, at the fungicide values on the market today — putting green, depending on the size nearest position to where it lay that affords visit www.quali-pro.com/enclave of the green. Seek input from the golf • Golfers complimented the staff on the maximum available relief from the condition, or call 800-242-5562 committee or golf professional on the lack of any old hole plugs. but not nearer the hole and not in a hazard. best locations. The nearest point of relief or maximum Stay tuned for more information on this available relief may be off the putting green. • After inserting the hole liner into each idea as a future “How It’s Done” video is hole, also place a plastic ring at the being produced. top of each hole to help stabilize the For those wondering about what happens plants and soil. Rings are available from should your ball be on the putting green

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] USGA Patrick O’Brien and Chris Hartwiger

Plugging Gaps in the Challenge of New Hole Locations in Winter obody likes old hole plugs on several manufactures and each ring putting greens. They are visually costs less than $2. Ndistracting and may alter the roll of the ball during a putt. During winter • Cover holes not in use with a rubber months in the Southeast, ultradwarf plug available from most golf supply bermudagrass growth slows down or companies. These green rubber plugs Trust your whole enters dormancy while blend into the green ® the time it takes for an surface and costs are course to Quali-Pro . old hole plug to heal less than $10 per plug. increases. Frequent Last winter, Kyle Brown PatrickP tik O’BO’Brien i Chris Hartwiger hole changing in the implemented this winter months can program at Pinehurst lead to large amounts No. 1 and results of visible old hole met expectations. In plugs in late winter. GREEN SECTION summary: SOUTHEAST REGION Can anything be done? • Somewhere between Golf course 50 and 100 golfers superintendent Kyle per day played on the Brown at the Pinehurst course, or up to 3,000 Resort has discovered per month during the an innovative winter resort season. solution that not Rubber plugs are used to cap holes that are not in play. Kyle Brown only addresses this • All hole locations held concern, but reduces up well, and holes and the rubber plug is on the line of To ensure the best cooperation from the time spent were only moved your putt, the Rules of Golf cover this players, the committee should let players ™ changing holes on ultradwarf putting when wear patterns compromised the Introducing Enclave , the situation. Since this is a hole made by a know the reason the covers are being greens in the winter. The solution involves quality of the putting surface around ultimate fungal control greenkeeper, it meets the Deﬁnition of used. From a Rules perspective, the the use of three holes with liners (i.e. the hole. that’s proven to go the distance. cups) during the winter season at each Ground Under Repair. You could choose committee should make it clear to players New Enclave™ is a broad-spectrum fungicide putting green. The ﬂagsticks are rotated • Mowing and brushing operations done to play your ball as it lies, but you also that these holes are ground under repair featuring a unique quad-control technology that on a regular basis to spread out golfer periodically didn’t cause any damage have the option to take relief. Rule and recommend that the hole covers helps you prevent and eliminate anthracnose, traffic and enhance golfer satisfaction to the recycled rubber plugs or the hole 25-1b(iii) provides guidance on how to should not be removed. brown patch, dollar spot, snow mold among through changing the course’s setup. integrity over holes not in use. take relief if desired. Contact: many other diseases on your course. The result? Here is a brief summary of the key points • Golfers have not complained about this 25-1b (iii) On the Putting Green: If the ball Patrick O'Brien ([email protected]) Healthier turf with a product that costs less and on this idea for winter hole management program or the hole locations. lies on the putting green, the player must lift Chris Hartwiger ([email protected]) does more. That’s value. on ultradwarf putting greens: the ball and place it, without penalty, at the • Golfers have not had issues with the nearest point of relief that is not in a hazard See why Enclave is one of the best • Cut three or more holes on each rubber plugs or plastic rings. or, if complete relief is impossible, at the fungicide values on the market today — putting green, depending on the size nearest position to where it lay that affords visit www.quali-pro.com/enclave of the green. Seek input from the golf • Golfers complimented the staff on the maximum available relief from the condition, or call 800-242-5562 committee or golf professional on the lack of any old hole plugs. but not nearer the hole and not in a hazard. best locations. The nearest point of relief or maximum Stay tuned for more information on this available relief may be off the putting green. • After inserting the hole liner into each idea as a future “How It’s Done” video is hole, also place a plastic ring at the being produced. top of each hole to help stabilize the For those wondering about what happens plants and soil. Rings are available from should your ball be on the putting green

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] HEADLINERS Alan Blondin

Myrtle Beach Area Courses Finding

New Ways to Achieve Winter Green fairways this year using Geoponics men’s and women’s opens on consecutive Vaughan sees few negatives to coloring, products include Caledonia Golf and Fish weeks in June. Pinehurst Resort though courses with a lot of play may be Club for the second consecutive year, operators opted to bypass overseeding concerned the turf will get too beat up The regular Headliners column features International Club of Myrtle Beach, Crown after analyzing the winter conditions at during its dormancy, and as the winter media coverage of golf course maintenance Park, Brick Landing, Carolina National and Brunswick Plantation. progresses greens tend to get faster and issues and personalities, as part of an private courses DeBordieu and Wachesaw fairway lies tend to get tighter. Plantation. Black Bear and Burning Ridge The Geoponics Endurant TE Turf Enhancer ongoing partnership with Syngenta pigment recommended for actively Coloring is cost-effective, and will likely Professional Products. The following report are coloring fairways with a different product brand. growing bermuda and Endurant Turf become more so in coming years because appeared in the Myrtle Beach Sun-News colorant recommended for dormant of the rising cost of ryegrass seed, which during Conference and Show. Rob Vaughan and “It’s catching on,” Vaughan said. “You just bermuda are both organic and won’t harm increased 15 percent to more than $1 Jennifer Seevers traveled to Bowden, have to get the golfer educated.” turf. In addition to being able to bypass per pound this year and is expected to GA to help a transition periods, Vaughan said the green increase another 15 percent or so next superintendent at The USGA Green Section’s Southeast coloring stimulates bermuda growth in year. Farmers in the west are growing a municipal facility region director, Pat O’Brien, projects that winter months because it absorbs the less ryegrass seed, which has to be trying fairway paint within five years as few as a handful of sun’s heat. Vaughan did a temperature transported to the east coast. for the first time. courses in resort areas like Myrtle Beach study on a 50-degree day in February and Hilton Head will overseed fairways. 2010 and found his painted greens were “I can buy enough pigment to color the golf rand Strand golf course operators colorants two, under a normal situation. product’s effectiveness. “We did 27 holes 68 degrees an inch below the surface, the course cheaper than I can overseed, then A number of courses in Virginia and have always assumed green is the In February, I’ll be mowing bermudagrass 27 different ways,” Seevers said. “Every painted fairways were 62 degrees and the savings on fuel, water, electricity, labor, North Carolina are also coloring fairways Gcolor of choice for visiting golfers again.” hole was an experiment.” the brown dormant rough was below 50 machinery and fertilizer is unbelievable,” this winter, including Pinehurst No. 2 in in the winter and early spring. It’s the degrees. Vaughan said. reason courses have gone through the The result of coloring for players is firmer, Vaughan received the same amount of Pinehurst, NC which will host the U.S. expense of overseeding for decades with faster course conditions, particularly money as if he were overseeding. “We cool-weather grasses - poa trivialis on during the fall golf season when watering went all in,” Vaughan said. “It took me greens and ryegrass on tees and fairways of seeding is avoided, and the coldest awhile to dial things in with nozzles, - while warm-weather bermudagrass is months when the bermuda is in full pressures, rates, etc., but after about the dormant. dormancy. “The USGA is pushing a fast, 25th hole we got it dialed in.” hard, firm golf course, and ryegrass just In increasing numbers, course operators can’t deliver that,” Vaughan said. Older coloring agents had a tendency and superintendents are becoming more to fade to a blue color, leaving a Smurf and more comfortable with another way Fairway coloring was among the topics turf, but the new Geoponic product co- to achieve being green. The proliferation broached at the Carolinas GCSA developed by Seevers remains green of fine-bladed ultradwarf bermudas on Conference and Trade Show at the Myrtle through its fading. “As soon as it hit the greens on the Strand over the past decade Beach Convention Center from Monday ground I said, ‘This is a home run. This is also brought about the policy of coloring through Wednesday. it,’” Vaughan said. dormant bermuda greens rather than The only things overseeded at Brunswick The heavy watering of ryegrass in the fall overseeding. Plantation are tee boxes because the creates soft and wet conditions and often Behind the lead of Brunswick Plantation ryegrass can handle the heavy traffic results in cart path-only policies during superintendent Rob Vaughan, that trend is on a confined area better than dormant the fall season. Coloring also avoids a working its way down fairways. Brunswick bermuda. Vaughan wanted to experiment transition period throughout the spring in Plantation was the first Strand course to with coloring on fairways on nine of which reviving bermuda has to compete color fairways green in 2010, and at least Brunswick Plantation’s 27 holes in 2010, with dying ryegrass for supremacy. seven other area public-access courses but owner Mason Anderson took a “There are some economic factors involved, are coloring fairways this winter. chance by opting to do every hole. but it’s overall general turf appearance and “We put ryegrass down to give it definition Jennifer Seevers of the Geoponics health, and not having to go through the and color, because everybody wants it Corporation, which sells organic transition in the spring,” Vaughan said. “I green,” Vaughan said. “We can do the fertilizers, took coloring samples from like it because I know what I’ve got year- same thing with colorants or pigments, Vaughan and co-developed an organic round. Nothing is covered up, and you can and instead of being on ryegrass say nine coloring product called Endurant. She keep your property weed-free easier.” months out of the year and bermuda three, helped Vaughan change applications and Courses on the Strand opting to color I can now be on bermuda 10 months and variables on each hole to fully study the

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] HEADLINERS Alan Blondin

Myrtle Beach Area Courses Finding

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Golf has been a major driver of that growth. Three “I try to see as much as I can every day,” he says. “The 18-hole courses were open for play when Broussard got courses are almost always packed by 9 o’clock so we have there. The Founders Club by P.B. Dye came on line in 1991, to run double tee times just about every morning. I have The Members Club by Hale Irwin two years later, and The to get up early and hustle to see everything I need to see. Players Club by Tim Cate three years after that. Since then, Obviously I can’t check on all 81 holes every day, so I try to the community has added 27 more holes –The Reserve Club rotate nines and holes during the week to get a good feel for by Nicklaus Design in 2006 and a nine-hole addition to The what we need to take care of.” Members Club in 2004. All told, the four courses generate Perhaps the biggest challenge, Broussard says, is keeping 170,000 rounds a year – more than any other private golf the membership informed about course conditions and community in North Carolina. maintenance schedules, especially the greens. “With four “The challenge of doing that many rounds and keeping different grasses, our greens are always peaking at different all four courses in great condition all year around, I don’t times of the year,” he explains. “Our bentgrass starts peaking know how he does it,” says Dave Kjome, director of golf at in March, then struggles in the heat, and comes back strong St. James Plantation. “He has to have a magic wand.” in the fall. The bermudagrass really peaks starting in May Broussard has carried on a love affair with golf for and running through September. most of his 50 years. He grew up in West Texas dreaming “We put MiniVerde at The Players Club a couple of of a career on the PGA Tour. He was good enough to play years ago, and it’s worked out really well. We’re considering on the Texas Tech golf team, but after a few rounds with putting it on at least one more course in the next year or so. The Man with Steve Elkington, he realized he lacked the game to play I think that’s the trend all over the South. It’s going to be professionally. After a brief stint in retail, he and his wife increasingly rare to see bentgrass greens down here.” Tonya moved to Myrtle Beach. They’ve been married 20 Keeping 81 holes in mint condition keeps Broussard years and have two teen-aged daughters. By Jim Hughes running, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. “I’d the Magic Wand Broussard is a man in constant motion. When he’s not probably be bored to tears if I had to go back to just an 18- poring over budgets, price-shopping online for the new hole course,” he says. generation of green pesticides and fertilizers or ordering a Conrad Broussard Keeps It Rolling at St. James Plantation shipment of carp from Georgia to keep his ponds free of algae, he’s out on property, making sure the fairways and - Jim Hughes is a freelance golf writer. greens at St. James Plantation live up to his high standards. or most superintendents, 18 holes Founded in 1991, St. James has been built on is a full day’s work. If you’re Conrad the three pillars of second- Broussard of St. James Plantation, home and retirement F community success – a Carolina Fresh Farms has been growing and supplying turf grass for championship golf courses that doesn’t even get you to lunch. The private beach club, a full- and residences throughout the Carolinas for more than 30 years. Known for our exceptional products, numbers tell the story of Broussard’s daily service marina and resort, reliability, competitive pricing, on-time delivery and outstanding service, we offer these Certified grasses: quality golf. The latter has challenge: four courses, 81 holes, four been Broussard’s domain 5JGXBZ#FSNVEBt1BMJTBEFT;PZTJBt3PZBM;PZTJB different varieties of grass, 550 possible pin for the last 17 years. placements, 70 acres of ponds, 200 acres He joined the St. James team in 1996 after of protected wetlands and over 10 miles of earning a degree in turf fairways. Not to mention a small army of management from Horry- Georgetown Technical highly-spoiled members who’ve come to College in Myrtle Conrad Broussard rely on Broussard’s unflagging pursuit of Beach, SC. His first job was assistant superintendent at the newly-opened Players Club perfection. at St. James. A couple of years later, he was promoted to FRESH FARMS Broussard is director of agronomics at St. James superintendent of that course, then assumed his present position when Troon Golf took over golf operations in Plantation, a 6,000-acre community near Southport on With 6 locations to serve you: North Carolina’s southeastern coast. In layman’s terms, 2006. his job is to make sure the golf experience at St. James is Broussard arrived just as St. James began a torrid growth Aiken, SC - 803.649.4512 Columbia, SC - 888.275.6880 always above par. To do it right, he oversees a staff of four spurt. Since he’s been there, the community has seen a four- Anderson/Greenville, SC - 800.282.6994 Duncan/Spartanburg, SC - 800.410.0454 superintendents, a half-dozen assistant superintendents, fold increase in population – from 900 residents to over Charleston/Summerville, SC - 843.556.7312 3PDL)JMM 4$ 60 full-time workers and an annual budget of nearly $4 4,000 – while golf membership has tripled – from 500 to million. more than 1,700. For 22 straight years, it’s been the number one selling community on the Carolina coast. 1.800.675.7954 | www.carolinafreshfarms.com

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] still used, precise refractometers come with a hefty price water = 35ppt (parts per thousand) = 35,000ppm (parts per Navigating the tag. Furthermore, they are not automated, thus cannot be million) = 3.5 percent. For irrigation purposes, many labs deployed to continuously determine salinity levels, which report salinity as TDS. Values below 500ppm are generally leaves us with the following two techniques commonly used not of any concern, while values between 500-2,000ppm to measure salinity: are considered an “increasing” concern and should be SEA OF SALINITY The first method, measuring TDS directly, can only monitored, and greater than 2,000ppm are considered a 1.be performed in a laboratory and is generally the severe problem. method by which laboratories report your salinity value. To get a TDS or concentration measure of salinity, To measure TDS, a specific volume of sample is weighed, you have to submit an irrigation sample to an analytical filtered through a 2 micrometer (μm) sieve to remove any laboratory and wait for results. If you need a more particulate, gently dried until all water has evaporated and immediate measure of irrigation water salinity in the field, C the remaining salts/solids in the sample weighed. The dry using a conductance meter to measure EC is an accurate A weight of salts remaining divided by the original weight and inexpensive method, once the meter is purchased. D B of the evaporated sample tells us the sample salinity. While there is no exact relationship between EC and TDS, Obviously, the limitation of this method is that it has to be there is an approximate relationship. In water with a higher performed in a laboratory. Depending on your situation, proportion of sodium chloride (water typical to coastal the salinity of your soil or water source may have already regions of the Carolinas) to get to ppm multiply the dS/m changed by the time the test can be performed. Thus, the reading by 550; for other water sources (like hydroponics following method is the most practical. solutions) multiply the dS/m reading by 670 or 700 to The second involves using a conductivity meter to convert to ppm. 2.measure the electrical conductivity (EC) of a solution EC is generally reported in deciSiemens/meter (dS/m), in the field. The electrical conductivity of a solution is a milliSiemens/cm (mS/cm), or millimhos per centimeter measure of the total dissolved solids (TDS) within the (mmhos/cm), which are numerically equivalent to each solution. These dissolved solids are generally made up of other. Here is a piece of trivia for you: as mentioned above, inorganic and organic compounds that have passed through EC is a measurement of conductivity that is commonly By Dara Park and Sarah White a 2μm sieve. TDS is typically a measure of the concentration measured in mmhos/cm. The opposite of conductivity of salts that have dissociated (split) in the water to form is resistivity, which is measured in ohms. Ohms spelled both positively (cations) and negatively (anions) charged backwards is mhos! When using an EC meter to determine ions. relative salt levels, the recommended EC range of irrigation There are variety of instruments that measure EC / TDS: (a) the older “pocket” EC meters are a little larger (not pocket-friendly) than newer styles (b). Both (a) and (b) measure not only EC/TDS but pH and temperature as well. More expensive and bulkier units © and (d) measure The idea behind using EC as a measure for salinity is water is generally 0.75 – 3.0 dS/m for general irrigation specific conductivity accounting for barometric pressure, as well as allow the user to save data on the hand-held portion of the unit. Some units that the more salts present, the more electricity conducted purposes. If concentrations are less than 0.5 dS/m or greater also allow other parameters to be measured simultaneously and are programmable to record data at a specified time frequency. For example (d) and the higher the EC reading. Because conductivity than 3.0 dS/m then severe problems can occur. measures depth, temperature, specific conductivity, dissolved oxygen, redox potential and pH. increases with temperature, you may sometimes hear The accompanying table is the perfect size to put in the term specific conductance rather than EC. Specific your wallet. Do so then you will be able to convert reported PART ONE: MEASUREMENTS Measuring salinity is also important for golf courses conductance is the same as EC, but the values are salinity units to those you are familiar with anytime, that use treated effluent as an irrigation source. Finally, the normalized to a temperature of 77F. Don’t let this confuse anywhere. lack of salinity is also an indicator of water sources that do you, most EC meters account for temperature. Look for Beacon 2: Salinity Ranges for Different Water not have enough salts in them - also known as pure water - If your golf course is on the coast and the irrigation Sources, in the next issue of Carolinas Green. et’s start off by defining salinity. a problem for some inland regions of the Carolinas. water is susceptible to fluctuating salinity with tides, then -Dara M. Park and Sarah A. White are with the School of Salinity is a measure of the salts After reading this article you will be able to easily continuously monitoring salinity may be the best tool Agricultural, Forest, and Environmental Sciences, Clemson dissolved in water or a soil. In the navigate the sea of salinity units that are commonly used. in your toolbox for developing an irrigation schedule. University, SC. L If want more information on why you should monitor Measuring EC is ideal in this instance. An EC meter can be Carolinas, the main source of salinity salinity, see “Sports Turf Industry, May, 2012 pg.32”. deployed and continuously measure, store and transmit - for is tied to the coastal regions where an extra fee of course - salinity data. Want to know more? Before we get into the many reporting units for salinity, Contact one of the authors for additional information. irrigation water sources may be (i) tidally it is important to understand how salinity is typically measured. influenced surface water bodies, (ii) the REPORTING SALINITY Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, and or MEASURING SALINITY (iii) wells polluted with salts from salt How does TDS relate to EC and what can both water intrusion. In areas of western North measurements tell us about the salinity of a given water In the past, refractometers were used to measure sample? Carolina, the use of salt deicers to melt salinity. Refractometers measure the change of direction snow off of roads may also influence or bending of the light as it passes from air to water. Salinity is discussed with many different units. It is Refractometers measure salinity in units of parts per common to see salinity expressed as a concentration (from irrigation water. thousand (ppt) and/or parts per million (ppm). While the direct TDS measures) – such as 35g dissolved salt/kg sea

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Special Section: 2013 Conference and Show Members Moved By Show Success

By Trent Bouts

wo weeks after the last exhibitor hauled a of directors at their meeting on the eve of the conference. crate out of the Myrtle Beach Convention “I’m a strong believer in the value of community, and I T Center congratulatory messages were still think that value is clearly demonstrated at events such rolling into the Carolinas GCSA headquarters in as the Carolinas GCSA Conference and Trade Show,” Liberty, SC. The 2013 Conference and Trade Show Evans says. “In my view, events that bring together peers set multiple new highs in terms of hard numbers - superintendents, educators, exhibitors - not only benefit but it was the anecdotal evidence suggesting the individuals that take the time to participate, they also “record” member satisfaction that resonated strengthen the golf industry as a whole, and I think that was loudest with association leadership. evident in Myrtle Beach. “The outpouring of membership support has “I was encouraged by the continued evidence of a been nothing short of phenomenal,” Carolinas strengthening golf economy that I witnessed in the GCSA executive director, Tim Kreger, says. “I Carolinas, and I believe that momentum will carry forward don’t know what it is or why it is but for some through the Golf Industry Show in Orlando. All of the reason the number of phone calls, emails and indicators that we monitor at a national level have been other messages we’ve received since the show has very positive in regards to Orlando, and much like the been amazing. When it’s after thanksgiving and Carolinas event, we are seeing increased demand for exhibit members are still taking the time to say thank you space, attendee registration, hotel bookings and tournament to their staff for a great show, well, that says we participation. Momentum is definitely a good thing, and got a lot of things right.” such a positive week in Myrtle Beach definitely created that The numbers certainly suggest that is the momentum.” case. Gross revenues in excess of $650,000 were Certainly, it was a special event for individuals like the highest ever. Partnership income nudged Matthew Wharton, from Carolina Golf Club, who won the $100,000 mark for the first time. The total his first superintendent golf championship, and David of 1,326 seats was just one shy of the all-time Jacobs, CGCS from Benvenue Country Club, who won the record. Coincidentally, the golf championship $5,000 grand prize in the 27-Hole Challenge. But it’s hard field of 327 was also a single participant short of to imagine it being more special for anyone than George the record. Fisher, who received the Distinguished Service Award to a “We had more qualified buyers on the trade standing ovation. show floor than we have had since 2006,” Kreger Fisher accepted the award after a moving tribute by says. “Couple all of those numbers with the former colleague at Smith Turf and Irrigation, Todd fun people had at events like the new venue Armstrong. Armstrong spoke of Fisher’s positive influence for Carolinas Night at the Beach and it’s hard on countless individuals like him, citing lessons his mentor to find fault. But that’s not to say there aren’t shared like: “People don’t care how much you know until some things that can’t be improved upon. I they know how much you care.” Armstrong closed with really appreciate that folks are prepared to share the question of how an industry should rightfully thank constructive criticism as well as praise. That’s how “someone like George Fisher?” The answer was simple, he we get better. But overall, I think this was a special said: “Do something for somebody.” event for a lot of people.” The following members also received plaques marking GCSAA chief executive officer, Rhett Evans, their recently achieved Class AA status which bestows attended the Carolinas GCSA Conference and honorary membership to the association. To qualify, Show for the first time and spoke with the board

Immediate past-president, Steve Hamilton, CGCS received the traditional gavel from new president, Matthew Wharton stands tall as the 2013 superintendent golf Brian Powell, CGCS. champion.

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Special Section: 2013 Conference and Show Members Moved By Show Success

By Trent Bouts wo weeks after the last exhibitor hauled a of directors at their meeting on the eve of the conference. crate out of the Myrtle Beach Convention “I’m a strong believer in the value of community, and I T Center congratulatory messages were still think that value is clearly demonstrated at events such rolling into the Carolinas GCSA headquarters in as the Carolinas GCSA Conference and Trade Show,” Liberty, SC. The 2013 Conference and Trade Show Evans says. “In my view, events that bring together peers set multiple new highs in terms of hard numbers - superintendents, educators, exhibitors - not only benefit but it was the anecdotal evidence suggesting the individuals that take the time to participate, they also “record” member satisfaction that resonated strengthen the golf industry as a whole, and I think that was loudest with association leadership. evident in Myrtle Beach. “The outpouring of membership support has “I was encouraged by the continued evidence of a been nothing short of phenomenal,” Carolinas strengthening golf economy that I witnessed in the GCSA executive director, Tim Kreger, says. “I Carolinas, and I believe that momentum will carry forward don’t know what it is or why it is but for some through the Golf Industry Show in Orlando. All of the reason the number of phone calls, emails and indicators that we monitor at a national level have been other messages we’ve received since the show has very positive in regards to Orlando, and much like the been amazing. When it’s after thanksgiving and Carolinas event, we are seeing increased demand for exhibit members are still taking the time to say thank you space, attendee registration, hotel bookings and tournament to their staff for a great show, well, that says we participation. Momentum is definitely a good thing, and got a lot of things right.” such a positive week in Myrtle Beach definitely created that The numbers certainly suggest that is the momentum.” case. Gross revenues in excess of $650,000 were Certainly, it was a special event for individuals like the highest ever. Partnership income nudged Matthew Wharton, from Carolina Golf Club, who won the $100,000 mark for the first time. The total his first superintendent golf championship, and David of 1,326 seats was just one shy of the all-time Jacobs, CGCS from Benvenue Country Club, who won the record. Coincidentally, the golf championship $5,000 grand prize in the 27-Hole Challenge. But it’s hard field of 327 was also a single participant short of to imagine it being more special for anyone than George the record. Fisher, who received the Distinguished Service Award to a “We had more qualified buyers on the trade standing ovation. show floor than we have had since 2006,” Kreger Fisher accepted the award after a moving tribute by says. “Couple all of those numbers with the former colleague at Smith Turf and Irrigation, Todd fun people had at events like the new venue Armstrong. Armstrong spoke of Fisher’s positive influence for Carolinas Night at the Beach and it’s hard on countless individuals like him, citing lessons his mentor to find fault. But that’s not to say there aren’t shared like: “People don’t care how much you know until some things that can’t be improved upon. I they know how much you care.” Armstrong closed with really appreciate that folks are prepared to share the question of how an industry should rightfully thank constructive criticism as well as praise. That’s how “someone like George Fisher?” The answer was simple, he we get better. But overall, I think this was a special said: “Do something for somebody.” event for a lot of people.” The following members also received plaques marking GCSAA chief executive officer, Rhett Evans, their recently achieved Class AA status which bestows attended the Carolinas GCSA Conference and honorary membership to the association. To qualify, Show for the first time and spoke with the board

Immediate past-president, Steve Hamilton, CGCS received the traditional gavel from new president, Matthew Wharton stands tall as the 2013 superintendent golf Brian Powell, CGCS. champion.

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Special Section: 2013 Conference and Show It’s not quite Circ du Soleil but Charles Sheffield, from Croasdaile Country Club, still did well to fit himself behind the wheel of No. 31 in the Brandt Consolidated booth. individuals must have been a Carolinas GCSA member a minimum of 25 years and been a golf course superintendent for at least 20 years: Randy Allen, CGCS, William Boyd, Keith Chester, CGCS, Gene Crews, George Frye, John Gay, Duff Mahon, Fred Meda, Steve Womble, CGCS. Members elected Brian Powell, CGCS from Old Chatham Golf Club in Durham, NC as their new president, taking over from Steve Hamilton, CGCS from The Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach. Bill Kennedy, CGCS from 1. 2. Chechessee Creek Club in Okatie, SC is the new vice- president, and David Lee, from Hope Valley Country Club in Durham, NC was elected secretary-treasurer. Members also elected Chris DeVane, from Forsyth Country Club in Winston-Salem, NC to the board of directors. Smith Turf and Irrigation and the Toro Company were presenting partners for the golf championship won by Wharton. Wharton won after a scorecard playoff against 2011 champion Jim Knaffle, CGCS from the International Club of Myrtle Beach. Both shot rounds of 79 on Barefoot Resort’s testing Fazio course, which was one of three courses used for the event. 3. 4. About 600 people attended the annual Carolinas Night at the Beach celebration presented in partnership with Tri-State Pump and Control and Jacobsen. The crowd alternated between two adjacent night clubs at Broadway at the Beach but made the loudest noise cheering some guest appearances on stage, including a spectacular drum solo by Jacobsen’s Dave Wanta. David Jacobs’ win in the 27-Hole Challenge came thanks to a long-standing partnership with John Deere Golf, Revels Turf and Tractor, Greenville Turf and Tractor and ShowTurf. His was among $12,500 in prizes for golf course superintendents and assistant superintendents. Randy Mangum, of Corbin Turf and Ornamental Supply, won the annual sporting clays championship contested by 5. 6. more than 60 shooters and presented in partnership with Bayer Crop Science. 1. New honorary members, standing, Randy Allen, CGCS, George Frye, Duff Sloan; seated, A team from Horry-Georgetown Technical College Steve Womble, CGCS, Keith Chester, CGCS, John Gay. 2. With plaque, Gene Crews. won the Student TurfBowl, presented in partnership with Precision Labs, for a second year in a row. A full list of 3. Pam Jones, of NuTec Soil stamps a 27-Hole Challenge card for Wil Sutton, from Emerald partnership providers appears on page 50. Golf Club. “The record support from our industry partners in terms of 4. Lance Allen, from Woodfin Ridge Golf Club, chats with old college buddy Jeff Love, from booth sales and event partnerships is obviously outstanding Long Bay Golf Club. for our association but hopefully it also reflects an upward 5. Pat Jones, of Golf Course Industry magazine, and Carolinas GCSA finance officer, Chuck trend across the golf industry,” Kreger says. “Golf still has a Borman, trade water cooler tales. lot of work to do but it is extremely heartening to know that 6. Guy Davis and Keith Sarvis, both from Waterway Hills Golf Club. so many companies remain loyal to our association and that George Fisher with his Distinguished Service Award. some new ones are in a position to join them in that support. That has to be seen as a positive sign.”

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 2103 Carolinas GCSA Golf Championship

2 – 62 Johnny Baker, Meadowbrook Golf Course Proximity Contests Jeff Stover, Greenville Country Club (SC) Each winner received $350 cash from TCF Equipment Finance and PNC 3 – 63 Chris Futral, River Landing Country Club Equipment Finance. Steve Sprouse, River Landing Country Club

Four-Ball Flight B Fazio Course Gross Long Drive 1 – 64 Ned Mullis, Howard Fertilizer and Chemical Company No. 5: Rhett Baker, Palmetto Golf Club Jonathan Wright, Harbour Town Golf Links No.12: Brett Whitson, Grande Dunes Resort Course 2 – 73 Fred Edwards, Tryon Country Club Closest to the Pin Aubrey Hines, Howard Fertilizer and Chemical Company No.6: Jim Knaffle, CGCS International Club 3 – 75 Kyle Johnson, Berkeley Hall Club No.16: Mike Bankert, Myrtlewood Golf Club Max Jordan, Hampton Hall Club 1. Net Love Course 1 – 57 Cam Copley, Nufarm Turf and Ornamental Long Drive Butch Sheffield, CGCS North Ridge Country Club No.5: Ryan Lambeth, Crooke Tree Golf Course Smith Turf and Irrigation president, Steve Smith, with superintendent 2 – 63 Lance Allen, Woodﬁn Ridge Golf Club No.13: John Pridgen, Thistle Golf Club Randy Allen, CGCS Modern Turf golf champion, Matthew Wharton, and Darren Redetzke, Toro’s vice- Closest to the Pin 3 – 65* Harold Burns, CGCS Country Club of Spartanburg president of commercial business. No.3: Johnny Baker, Meadowbrook Golf Course Rob Hamrick, Golf Agronomics No.11: Greg Austin, Revels Turf and Tractor Superintendent Champion: Matthew Wharton Four-Ball Flight C Affiliate Champion: Paul Jett, CGCS Gross Norman Course Championship Flight A 1 – 78* Sam Friar, Members Club at Woodcreek and Wildewood Long Drive Gross Derek Oglesby, Corbin Turf and Ornamental Supply No.5: Eric Martin, The Cliffs at Mountain Park 1 – 78 Paul Jett, CGCS Cardinal Chemical 2 – 78 Tim Davis, Cabarrus Country Club No.12: Sam Friar, Members Club at Woodcreek and 2 – 79* Jim Knaffle, CGCS International Club of Myrtle Beach Andy Foil, Eagle Chase Golf Club Wildewood 2. 3 – 80 Rhett Baker, Palmetto Golf Club 3 – 79 Barry Rewis, The Club at Longview Closest to the Pin Net Eric Jackson, Rick Gosnell Enterprises No.3: Steven Neuliep, CGCS Silver Fox Golf Club 1 – 77* Matthew Wharton, Carolina Golf Club Net No.10: Kevin Lutz, Carmel Country Club 2 – 77 Rich Abraham, Eagles Nest Golf Club 1 – 62 Kevin Lutz, Carmel Country Club 3 – 80 Steve Agazzi, Kiawah Island Resort – Turtle Point Steven Neuliep, CGCS Silver Fox Golf Club 2 – 63 Eric Martin, The Cliffs at Mountain Park Championship Flight B Pate Kincaid, Greenville Turf and Tractor Pictured to the right: 1. Picture perfect: Golfers enjoyed spectacular Gross 3 – 65 Andy Ipock, The Country Club of the Crystal Coast weather and course conditions at Barefoot Resort. 2. Rob Hamrick, 1 – 84 Larry Almond, Mountain Brook Golf Course Patrick McAnaw, The Country Club of the Crystal Coas of Golf Agronomics; Harold Burns, CGCS from the Country Club 2 – 86 Erik Guinther, Roaring Gap Club of Spartanburg; Richard Colyer, of Golf Agronomics; and Robert 3 – 87 Tom Taylor, Tradition Golf Club Captain’s Choice Flight A Arrington, from Catawba Country Club. 3. GCSAA’s new ﬁeld staff Net Gross representative Ron Wright presents a plaque of appreciation to golf 1 – 78 Cordie Morgan, Milliken 1 – 58 Mike Bankert, Myrtlewood Golf Club championship host superintendents John Hughes, director of golf 2 – 79* Jerry Ross, Ocean Creek Golf Club Matt Schrader, Harrell’s Fertilizers course maintenance; Shane Carrick, Norman Course; and Alan Lucas, 3. Fazio Course. Absent Jaman Spake, Love Course. 3 - 79 Ryan Dehlinger, Harbour Town Golf Links James Huntoon, The Heritage Golf Club Damon Ryba, Indigo Creek Golf Club Senior Division Net Gross 1 – 51.99 Merett Alexander, NG Turf 1 - 72 Jay Reins, CGCS Green Resource John Lavelle, Diamond Creek Golf Club Step by step: Matthew Wharton’s winning swing. Net Mark Rogers, Vereens Turf Products 1 – 67 Steve Sheets, Linville Ridge Golf Club Andy Yoder, Diamond Creek Golf Club

Four-Ball Flight A Captain’s Choice Flight B Gross Gross 1 – 68 Craig Haire, Ameriturf/Neptune Solutions 1 – 61 Jeff Johnson, Corbin Turf and Ornamental Dale Miller, Redox Bryan Curtis, Corbin Turf and Ornamental 2 – 69 Kyle Brown, Pinehurst Resort Dan Winters, Mimosa Hills Golf Club Jim Wilson, Agrium Direct Solutions Brent Ward, Bald Mountain Country Club 3 – 70 Chris Hartwiger, USGA Green Section Net Pat O’Brien, USGA Green Section 1 – 52.43 Russell Hill, Grandover Resort Net Greg Williard, Grandover Resort 1 – 62* Todd Kirkely, Oak Hills Golf Club Ryan Sudano, Grandover Resort Ken Roseﬁeld, Oak Hills Golf Club Ken Russell, Green Resource *Won on scorecard play-off 28 CAROLINAS green January - February 2014

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 2103 Carolinas GCSA Golf Championship

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 2013 Conference and Show

Carolinas Night 27-Hole Challenge

Grand Prize: $5,000 David Jacob, CGCS Benvenue Country Club iPads valued at $700 Michael Hayes, Linville Land Harbor Golf Club Pete Gerdon, Grandfather Golf and Country Club Dan Saber, CGCS Pawleys Plantation Kevin Lutz, Carmel Country Club Ed McClafferty,Carmel Country Club Billy Lewis, Dormie Club Don Garrett, CGCS Walker Course at Clemson Scotty Cameron Putters valued at $279 Kyle Bibler, CGCS The Golf Club at Briar’s Creek Stephen Wilson, Pinehurst Resort 1. 2. 3. Steven Donahue, Heron Point Golf Club Engle Coolers valued at $260 Turner Revels, of Revels Turf and Tractor; Lon Fleming, of Greenville Turf and Tractor; and Brian Bowles, of ShowTurf; with lucky grand Nick Bisanz, Heritage Golf Club prize winner, David Jacob, CGCS from Benvenue Country Club. Jay Noyes, Blackmoor Golf Club John Parrish, Devils Ridge Golf Club

Assistant Superintendents Grand Prize: iPad valued at $700 Robert Steck, Pine Lakes International Country Club Robert Steck, from Pine Lakes International Scotty Cameron Putter valued at $279 Country Club, won 4. 5. 6. Scott Brown, Surf Golf and Beach Club the main prize in the Engle Cooler valued at $260 assistant superintendent 1. Just some of the crowd at Carolinas Night. 2. Steven Dockery, CGCS from Methodist University Golf Course, takes a break from the party on challenge. a “seat” provided co-presenters Jacobsen. 3. Gary Dacus, from Rolling Green Golf Club, and wife, Gay. 4. Buckley Brockmann, from Washington Adam Sanders, Cape Fear Country Club Yacht and Country Club; Austin Allison, from Timberlake Golf Club; Chris Parham, from Greenville Country Club (NC); Jake Day, from Falling Creek Country Club; and Jeff Gaylor, from Ayden Golf and Country Club.5. Jim Douglas, of Turf Dynamics; Jeff Stover, from Greenville Country Club, SC; and Eric Jackson, of Rick Gosnell Enterprises. 6. Bert McCarty, of Clemson University; Tobey Wagner, of Sod Solutions; and Grady Miller, of North Carolina State University. Sporting Clays

Turf Bowl High Overall 91 Randy Mangum, Corbin Turf and Ornamental Horry-Georgetown Goes Back-to-Back First Flight 1 – 90 Chad Price, Carolina Green Sod Horry-Georgetown Technical College successfully defended 2 – 85 James Duke, Cardinal Chemicals its title as Carolinas GCSA Student TurfBowl champions at Second Flight Conference and Show. The victory secured the $700 ﬁrst prize 1 – 67* Robby Watts, The Country Club of Asheville ahead of 10 other teams representing six different schools 2 – 67* Ryan Hough, Carolina Fresh Farms including Clemson University, North Carolina State University, Sandhills Community College, Piedmont Community College Third Flight and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. The TurfBowl was 1 – 48 Jason Gore, The Founders Club at St. James presented in partnership with Precision Labs and was moder- 2 – 46* Jimmy Barker, Dataw Island Club ated by Precision Labs’ Bo Barefoot. *won on countback

Horry-Georgetown’s winning team of Daniel Smith, Sam Adams, Corbin Turf and Ornamental’s Randy Mangum won the annual sporting clays championship for the second year in a row at Back Woods Quail Bradley Stokes and Dan Wooley, with Bo Barefoot, of Precision Labs. Club in Georgetown, SC. Mangum matched his tally of 91 from 2012 to ﬁnish atop a ﬁeld of 60 shooters in the event presented in partnership with Bayer Crop Science. Mangum is pictured with his trophy above alongside Trey Warnock, of Bayer; Jason Gore, from the Founders Club at St. James; Jimmy Barker, from Dataw Island Club; Robby Watts, from the Country Club of Asheville; and Chad Price, of Carolina Green Sod.

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 2013 Conference and Show

Carolinas Night 27-Hole Challenge

30 CAROLINAS green January - February 2014 carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 31

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 2013 Conference and Show

Show Diary

The First-Timer The Veteran Scott Steiner, 25 Brent Myers, 56 Assistant Superintendent Sales Representative The Cliffs at Keowee Springs, Six Mile, SC Sterling Sand, Gaston, SC

Scott Steiner on the trade show ﬂoor for the ﬁrst time. Brent Myers after golf at his 25th Conference and Show.

“This was my first time at the show and it was a lot “It was my 25th Carolinas show. My first was when I was bigger than I thought it would be. It was much more of a a student at Horry-Georgetown and I’ve kept going when I production. The amount of people there was amazing. I was an assistant at Columbia Country Club and then when caught up with a lot of people I thought would be there but I was a superintendent at Mid Carolina Club and Hidden also a lot I didn’t expect to see, guys I’d known from school, Valley Golf Course. I’ve been going every year and it just or worked with on internships and different places since. keeps getting bigger and better. “I really enjoyed the class I took and definitely learned “I still get excited when it comes around. It’s so good a few things. The trade show was great. I enjoyed mingling seeing old friends. The camaraderie is pretty special and I and seeing a few things I hadn’t seen before. It was all very always run into someone I haven’t seen in a while. Never professional. The golf tournament was a great opportunity fails. to see people outside the work environment where “I think of the Carolinas pretty well as a version of the everything was bit more relaxed. national show. The education is outstanding and there is so “I’m not sure that I have a lot to compare it to because I much else that you also get at the national show but it’s so haven’t been to the Golf Industry Show but I can’t wait to go much more affordable, which is great for the smaller clubs back to the Carolinas Show. It was a great experience.” that maybe can’t afford to send their guys to the national. Talking with other vendors, I know they love it too.”

32 CAROLINAS green January - February 2014

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] 2013 Conference and Show

Show Diary

The First-Timer The Veteran Scott Steiner, 25 Brent Myers, 56 Assistant Superintendent Sales Representative The Cliffs at Keowee Springs, Six Mile, SC Sterling Sand, Gaston, SC

Scott Steiner on the trade show ﬂoor for the ﬁrst time. Brent Myers after golf at his 25th Conference and Show.

32 CAROLINAS green January - February 2014

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] Grandfather Golf and Country Club has succeeded in protecting its 1100-forested acres from the dreaded “We have a tremendous number of hemlocks on this of the creeks and wildlife?” is that it would be devastating. hemlock woolly adelgid. Success is evident in the property, and literally thousands of them are comparable The U.S. Forest Service has warned of an ecological disaster abundance of hemlocks thriving on the property, such in size to these on either side of the 7th hole,” Gerdon says, comparable to the chestnut blight, which eliminated as these giants lining the fairway. gesturing toward two magnificent specimens of one of the chestnut trees from the Southern Appalachians and radically region’s keystone tree species – each towering nearly 70-feet changed the forests of the southeast in the mid-1900s. high. “Hemlocks contribute so much to our environment Once Gerdon and the club’s former general manager here. If we were to lose this tree species, what else might we Norris Clifton became aware of the dangers of the adelgid lose? What kind of trickle-down effect would such a loss infestation, they took aggressive action. And wisely, they have on the biology of the creeks and wildlife? What would never gave up hope. They attended a meeting on the such a loss do to the forest?” adelgid and potential control methods at Appalachian State The loss Gerdon refers to stems from the threat posed University in August, 2002. Entomologists from Virginia to hemlocks in the eastern U.S. by an aphid-like insect Tech were present to discuss a predatory beetle – Laricobius called the hemlock woolly adelgid. Its common name refers nigrinus (Ln) – they were lab rearing for adelgid control. to the insect’s resemblance to tiny tufts of cotton clinging At that point, nobody in the industry knew Ln and the to hemlock needles. The adelgid weakens and, unless hemlock woolly adelgid were both native to the U.S. Pacific interrupted and controlled, kills hemlocks by feeding on Northwest. This discovery soon became the game changer. the sap of tender hemlock shoots. It has been destroying eastern and Carolina hemlock populations up and down the eastern seaboard for nearly three decades. ADELGID SIGNS Gerdon, along with the support of his staff, club management, club members and local entomologist Dr. Richard McDonald, has led the charge against the adelgid for the past 12 years, employing chemicals for the short term, but focusing on the long-term benefits of biological SAVING A predators. The sweet success of their efforts is evident in an abundance of hemlocks thriving on the club’s 1100 acres and even miles beyond its borders. “We’re excited to be on the cutting edge of a very STEP BY STEP successful approach to the problem,” Gerdon says. “We’ve allocated a lot of funding and resources to save our hemlocks, and as a golf course superintendent, I feel AT GRANDFATHER fortunate that our membership has chosen to be proactive GIANT in saving this giant.” by Kate Cahow In the fall of 2002, Gerdon noticed a white, waxy substance on hemlock trees on the course and surrounding property. Avery County’s cooperative extension service identified samples as hemlock woolly adelgid. It was the ADELGID SIGNS: Signs of hemlock woolly adelgid infestation are first verified outbreak of the pest in Avery County. A native t’s a slightly overcast day on the greens of Grandfather clearly visible. Photo courtesy of Dr. Richard McDonald. to China, Japan, Taiwan and the U.S. Pacific Northwest, the Golf and Country Club in the highlands of North Carolina. hemlock woolly adelgid was accidentally introduced into the eastern U.S. in the early 1950s in shipments of weeping Dramatic silver-tinged clouds frame the iconic Grandfather hemlocks from Japan. Gerdon and Clifton settled on using chemicals to I “By the time the adelgid was recognized as an aggressive stem the tide of the club’s infestation until lab-reared Ln Mountain as a backdrop to the scene. In the lush forest pest, it was already in outbreak stage up and down the beetles were available in sufficient number. “We knew east coast,” says McDonald, owner of Symbiont Biological we’d experience a high mortality rate on our trees if we surrounding the property, there’s no sign of the devastation Control and Pest Management. He’s been involved with didn’t act quickly,” Gerdon says. “We just had to figure out control efforts since 1999. Hemlocks play an integral role how to control chemically without adverse effects on the left in the wake of a notorious insect pest that’s wreaking in the health and stability of mountain ecosystems – like environment.” havoc on hemlock stands up and down the east coast – and those at Grandfather – by providing habitat for wildlife In spring 2003, they began treatment on the 18-hole and botanical diversity, McDonald explains. Their willowy, championship and executive golf courses, then incorporated for good reason. From the vantage point of the 7th hole on the shade-producing branches help maintain cool mountain other areas of the 1100-acre property, including member streams that are home to trout, other native fish and a wide Pete Gerdon residences. On both courses they applied Kioritz soil club’s championship course, golf course superintendent Peter variety of aquatic life. injections of Merit in two concentric rings around the So the logical answer to Gerdon’s question, “What kind hemlocks. Near the lake and waterways they secured a 100- Gerdon tells the story of “saving a giant.” of trickle-down effect would such a loss have on the biology foot buffer around trees to be treated, then inserted capsules

carolinasgcsa.org CAROLINAS green 35

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] with Merit and a micronutrient package earmarked for directors were willing to take a chance on this until-now hemlocks into holes drilled in the trees. From 2003 to 2007, unproven pest management approach, Grandfather Golf a four-man crew applied the treatments from early spring and Country Club’s 1100 acres are lush with healthy into fall. hemlocks,” McDonald said. “The process was extremely labor intensive and “And they’ve saved not only their own hemlocks, they’re expensive, and involved thousands and thousands of trees. helping to save and protect the entire region’s hemlock Our guys frequently had to crawl through rhododendrons ecosystem.” to reach the trees. But it was well worth the effort,” Gerdon Today Ln can be found in a 20-mile ring around says. “Treating chemically made our trees less susceptible Grandfather Mountain. Its presence is a primary factor in to adelgid stress for the short term, and likely gave us three the health and re-growth of hemlocks in the watershed to five years of control before we began working with the of three river systems that have their headwaters on biological control predators.” Grandfather Mountain: The New, the Watauga and the In 2006, the U.S. Forest Service discovered through Catawba rivers. DNA analysis that the hemlock woolly adelgid was native to As for Gerdon and his list of ‘What ifs?’ “The answers the Pacific Northwest where it poses no threat to hemlocks are all around us,” he says with a sweeping gesture. “Wild because it is kept in check by a natural system of insects. beetle insectaries on this property continue to expand, and But none of those natural predators were present in the we are saving hemlocks. I invite anyone who’s interested east. Once adelgid infestation spreads to 45 percent of a to come visit us and I’ll show you what we’ve done here, tree’s needles, the tree begins to decline, making this the and then I’ll take you to places where the grey ghosts of ecological threshold for taking action. hemlocks blight the view, a sad reminder of what might “We’re attempting to recreate that balance here by have been.” introducing the adelgid’s natural predators, and we’ve identified Ln as one of the best,” McDonald says. “When present, this beetle lowers the infestation rate on hemlocks well below the threshold, enabling them to re-grow Laricobius nigrinus (Ln), a winter- normally.” active beetle, is the primary weapon in the battle to control the hemlock In 2008, McDonald and Gerdon received support from woolly adelgid. Ln larvae hatch and the club’s board of directors to collect Ln beetles in the feed on HWA eggs and crawlers, Pacific Northwest for introduction to their property. Over causing 90-percent or greater the past five years, they’ve collected about 14,000 Ln for mortality of the pest. Photo courtesy of release at more than 40 sites on club grounds, making the the U.S. Forest Service. club the largest Ln release site on the east coast. A second HWA predator, Scymnus coniferarum (Scw) – a small black and gold ladybeetle that also feeds on Scymnus coniferarum (Scw), Ln’s summer Bright green needles on the hemlock in the foreground indicate new the adelgid – was discovered in the Pacific Northwest by equivalent, completes the perfect tag team for growth, a sign of GGCC’s success in controlling the hemlock woolly McDonald and a U.S. Forest Service researcher in 2006. This aggressive HWA control. Photo courtesy of the adelgid. summer-active beetle is a natural complement to the winter- U.S. Forest Service. active Ln, creating an aggressive tag team. Both Ln and Scw have been approved for release on the east coast by the state of North Carolina and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Hemlocks play a critical role in conserving mountain ecosystems; The work done at Grandfather Golf and Country Club - Kate Cahow is a freelance writer and photographer, and the their branches supply much-needed shade to cool streams – home to shows how a biologically-based pest management program wife of Dr. Richard McDonald, entomologist on the hemlock trout, other native ﬁsh and a variety of aquatic life forms. for hemlocks is practical and effective for large-scale acreage. woolly adelgid biological control project at Grandfather Golf and McDonald calls the program a “shining success for the High Country Club. Country.” “Because Pete, Norris, members and their board of

Gerdon and Dr. Richard McDonald’s efforts at GGCC show that a biologically based pest management program for hemlocks is practical and effective for large-scale acreage.

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] DELEGATE’S REPORT Bill Kennedy, CGCS

Winds of Change Blow Away Sense of Gloom and Doom

the fall. For the first time in several years • Should GCSAA enhance Class A it felt like the atmosphere of gloom and standards? doom had passed. • What would motivate a member to GCSAA reported a slight uptick in achieve Class A status? membership and I have to say the mood of the staff at GCSAA seemed • If changes are to be made, how similarly upbeat. I have to say how much quickly should implementation occur? I appreciated GCSAA’s approach to the meeting this time around. Instead of Finlen and Rhett Evans briefed delegates delivering directives and declarations, on various programs and services, there seemed to be genuine interest in noting the 2014 GCSAA business plan hearing from the chapters. The focus would continue to focus on the following was not so much on the current state priorities: of affairs, but more on the future of the • Enhance technology to allow GCSAA association and the profession. to better serve members and provide Bill Kennedy “We were intent on getting feedback them with tools that provide on- on what the profession would look course solutions; inds of change are winding their like in the future, targeting the range • Complete the implementation of the way through the Golf Course of 2020 to 2025,” GCSAA president field staff program and the extension WSuperintendents Association Patrick Finlen, CGCS, said afterwards. “It of member services to regions and of America and as your chapter delegate became obvious to the board through chapters; to the national association, I am happy our discussions with those in the golf to report that their general direction is industry, including members, that the • Dedicate additional resources to positive. This was evident in the fact that profession is experiencing rapid change. advocating on behalf of members to GCSAA’s chief executive officer, Rhett Superintendents are being asked to do golfers, employers and policymakers; Evans, was a prominent presence at our more, and the tools and resources we Conference and Trade Show. His presence use to do that job are changing. Just look • Enhance education programming and said a lot I think. at what is happening with technology. evaluate membership classifications to remain relevant in the marketplace; Rhett played in the golf championship, The game of golf may not be changing much, but how we manage it is.” walked the trade show floor and made • Explore means to increase revenues himself very available. He also spent To begin the process, attendees were through traditional and non-traditional some real quality time at our board of shown a video featuring GCSAA sources; directors meeting on the night before the conference began. GCSAA’s new members representing different • Continue to be prudent in exploring southeast field representative Ron Wright membership classes, years of service, and implementing programs and was also at the conference and manned ownership structure and budget size. services that expand GCSAA’s GCSAA’s booth on the trade show floor. They were then asked to offer their contribution to growing the game thoughts on what the future would entail worldwide. The relationship between GCSAA and for members and how GCSAA might be the Carolinas GCSA hasn’t always been of assistance. The video can be accessed Delegates also had the opportunity to smooth sailing but Rhett’s presence and on the GCSAA web site. hear from those members running for his approach was very encouraging as national office and to participate in small both organizations work to find ways Extensive time was also spent in breakout sessions to learn more about to be better at what we do for our breakout sessions, addressing the candidate platforms and philosophies. members. His energy and openness following questions: -Bill Kennedy is certified golf course reflected the tone of the annual chapter superintendent at Chechessee Creek Club in delegates meeting which I attended at • Would it be advantageous for GCSAA to simplify or narrow membership Okatie, SC and Carolinas GCSA vice-president national headquarters in Lawrence, KS in and chapter delegate to GCSAA. classes?

38 CAROLINAS green January - February 2014

[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] DELEGATE’S REPORT Bill Kennedy, CGCS

Winds of Change Blow Away Sense of Gloom and Doom the fall. For the first time in several years • Should GCSAA enhance Class A it felt like the atmosphere of gloom and standards? doom had passed. • What would motivate a member to GCSAA reported a slight uptick in achieve Class A status? membership and I have to say the mood of the staff at GCSAA seemed • If changes are to be made, how similarly upbeat. I have to say how much quickly should implementation occur? I appreciated GCSAA’s approach to the meeting this time around. Instead of Finlen and Rhett Evans briefed delegates delivering directives and declarations, on various programs and services, there seemed to be genuine interest in noting the 2014 GCSAA business plan hearing from the chapters. The focus would continue to focus on the following was not so much on the current state priorities: of affairs, but more on the future of the • Enhance technology to allow GCSAA association and the profession. to better serve members and provide Bill Kennedy “We were intent on getting feedback them with tools that provide on- on what the profession would look course solutions; inds of change are winding their like in the future, targeting the range • Complete the implementation of the way through the Golf Course of 2020 to 2025,” GCSAA president field staff program and the extension WSuperintendents Association Patrick Finlen, CGCS, said afterwards. “It of member services to regions and of America and as your chapter delegate became obvious to the board through chapters; to the national association, I am happy our discussions with those in the golf to report that their general direction is industry, including members, that the • Dedicate additional resources to positive. This was evident in the fact that profession is experiencing rapid change. advocating on behalf of members to GCSAA’s chief executive officer, Rhett Superintendents are being asked to do golfers, employers and policymakers; Evans, was a prominent presence at our more, and the tools and resources we Conference and Trade Show. His presence use to do that job are changing. Just look • Enhance education programming and said a lot I think. at what is happening with technology. evaluate membership classifications to remain relevant in the marketplace; Rhett played in the golf championship, The game of golf may not be changing much, but how we manage it is.” walked the trade show floor and made • Explore means to increase revenues himself very available. He also spent To begin the process, attendees were through traditional and non-traditional some real quality time at our board of shown a video featuring GCSAA sources; directors meeting on the night before the conference began. GCSAA’s new members representing different • Continue to be prudent in exploring southeast field representative Ron Wright membership classes, years of service, and implementing programs and was also at the conference and manned ownership structure and budget size. services that expand GCSAA’s GCSAA’s booth on the trade show floor. They were then asked to offer their contribution to growing the game thoughts on what the future would entail worldwide. The relationship between GCSAA and for members and how GCSAA might be the Carolinas GCSA hasn’t always been of assistance. The video can be accessed Delegates also had the opportunity to smooth sailing but Rhett’s presence and on the GCSAA web site. hear from those members running for his approach was very encouraging as national office and to participate in small both organizations work to find ways Extensive time was also spent in breakout sessions to learn more about to be better at what we do for our breakout sessions, addressing the candidate platforms and philosophies. members. His energy and openness following questions: -Bill Kennedy is certified golf course reflected the tone of the annual chapter superintendent at Chechessee Creek Club in delegates meeting which I attended at • Would it be advantageous for GCSAA to simplify or narrow membership Okatie, SC and Carolinas GCSA vice-president national headquarters in Lawrence, KS in and chapter delegate to GCSAA. classes?

38 CAROLINAS green January - February 2014

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Eastern NC Stanley Elliott, CGCS from Cypress It is hard to believe another year has Congratulations to Scott for being the and Randy Hilburn - participated as North-South Landing Golf Club, was elected as the passed us by. We are all another year 2013 Midlands TA champion. Other guest bartenders at O’Donnell’s Pub in new president and Buckley Brockmann, older and wiser I’m sure. Time flies when winners included; first flight - Chris Southern Pines to benefit The Empty The fall of the year normally allows all from Washington Yacht and Country you are having fun, as they say. In our Simon; second flight - Robert Rogers; Stocking Fund of the Sandhills. The tips The North-South Turfgrass Association of us in the golf maintenance industry a Club, was elected as the new vice- profession, we have a luxury that most vendor champion - Brent Myers. they received that night went to buy conducted its annual business meeting chance to catch up with our colleagues. president. James Duke, of Cardinal people do not have, loving our time at the presents for needy children, so if you see and board elections in conjunction Members of the Eastern NC Turfgrass Chemical Company, became the new work place and everything that comes Thank you to all the members of the any of them be sure to tell them thanks! with our annual member-member golf Association had two great opportunities sergeant at arms and the new board with the job. Midlands TA and sponsors. I hope you all tournament at Northstone Country Club to do that in November. On November members elected for two-year terms have a great 2014. Lastly, I would like to thank Adam this past fall. Host superintendent, Darrin 6, many of us had the privilege to travel were Austin Allison, from Timberlake We have to love what we do to keep Ancherico, from Eastern Turf Equipment Spierings, CGCS provided the members Sam Friar, The Members Club at Woodcreek to Bald Head Island Club and compete Golf Club; Dean Baker, from Kinston coming back for more each and every and Steve Dorer, CGCS of Syngenta, for with a beautiful day and even better and Wildewood (803) 239-0286. for the Coastal Cup against members Country Club; and Jim Hoffman, from year, especially with times of budgets hosting their annual Christmas party at playing conditions. Tyler Herman, of from the Cape Fear GCSA. Although we River Bend Country Club. decreasing and expectations increasing. Mid Pines Resort. Everyone had a great Smith Turf and Irrigation, and his partner did not come out on top, everyone had It goes to show how well we, as time of fellowship, food and prizes. The Jesse Cigary, of the Peninsula Club, were a great time competing and enjoyed We are extremely fortunate to have professionals, strive for greatness in Sandhills only disappointment was that Scott able to dethrone two-time defending playing an immaculate golf course outstanding support from all of our everything we do. I believe that was Clawson didn’t win the extra-large candy champions Daryl Ewing and Dave prepared by Steen Wansley and his staff. sponsors. 2013 was an outstanding year evident with the turnout at last year’s cane that he wanted. Then everyone had Dettmer, CGCS. A special thanks goes to Steen and the for the association and we would like to Carolinas GCSA Conference and Show. First, I would like to say thank you an opportunity to play David Fruchte’s board of the Cape Fear GCSA for setting thank you all and encourage all of our to Randy Hilburn for his outstanding recently renovated Mid Pines course, The North-South TA would like to thank up this awesome event. members to support companies that help Here in the Midlands, I felt this past leadership over the past two years. which was amazing. He and his staff the sponsors of this event: gold sponsor, make the Eastern NCTA and our industry year we had some good events and Randy, has set the bar very high and I deserve a round of applause for their hard Arborguard Tree Specialists; silver, Many of our members traveled to Myrtle so successful. I hope everyone had a speakers. From our first meeting in hope I don’t mess things up. work. Greenville Turf and Tractor and John Beach for the annual Carolinas GCSA March at the River Club all the way until Deere Golf. Merry Christmas and has a Happy New Over the last couple of months of 2013 Conference and Trade Show in mid- Year. our last meeting at Ponderosa Country On behalf of the members of the November. What an excellent event Club. Many thanks go out to all host we had several events, starting off with Sandhills GCSA, I hope everyone had a The election results were as follows: and great opportunity for affordable Brian Green, Lonnie Poole Golf Course superintendents, speakers and attendees. the Carolinas GCSA Conference and merry Christmas and happy holidays. president, Jason Bradley, River Hills education. Thank you to the Carolinas (919) 828-7820 It is a group effort for any chapter and Show which, as always, was a huge Country Club; vice-president, Rick CGCSA staff and the board members meeting to be successful and we would success. The girls - Angie, Cindy, Kim and Steve Dockery, Methodist University Golf Henderson, Skybrook Golf Club; for making this a success. It was very not be if it was not for you. Melissa - outdid themselves again, while Club (910) 723-4908. secretary-treasurer, Daryl Ewing, babysitting Tim along the way! Smith enjoyable spending time with everyone at Midlands Carolina Lakes Golf Club. Tyler Goff, the social events and great to see David Also I would be remiss if I did not thank Turf and Irrigation did an outstanding job Myers Park Country Club, and Chris Jacob, CGCS from Benvenue Country all of our sponsors for the past year. It is hosting the golf championship. Tri-State Simon, Harrell’s, were elected to serve a Club take home $5,000 as winner of the your partnership that enables us to do Pump and Controls changed things up two-year term on our board of directors John Deere 27-Hole Challenge. It could everything we as a local association can this year by hosting the Carolinas Night not happen to a nicer person. That makes do for our members and the community. at Crocodile Rocks and everyone had a two years in a row that an Eastern NCTA I truly feel it is the vendor support that blast singing the night away. Revels Turf member has won the $5,000 as Dean makes our associations, on all levels. as and Tractor and the John Deere folks Baker, from Kinston Country Club won successful as they are. once again closed the show with a bang 2012. with the 27-Hole Challenge and our very As we closed the year out in 2013, we own Billy Lewis, from the Dormie Club, On December 5, we came together at had our Midlands Turfgrass Association walked away with a new iPad. The State Club and Lonnie Poole Golf championship at Columbia Country Club. Course for the annual membership I want to thank Jim Young and his staff Ron Hall, of Divots Inc., hosted his annual meeting. Out-going board members for an excellent day on the course. With Hall fall Invitational at his own Carolina Andy Ipock, from Country Club of the all the wind we had prior to our outing, Lakes Golf Club. This event is always Crystal Coast; Jonathan Richardson, of they did a remarkable job getting the a bunch of fun and the course was in Coastal Floratine; and Roger Olmstead, course ready. excellent condition. from Reedy Creek Golf Course; were We had three flights, all based on Next, early December we hosted our honored and presented with plaques of handicap, in which the net score would annual fundraiser golf tournament at appreciation for their service. Anthony be the deciding factor. I felt this format Long Leaf Golf and Country Club, hosted Whitehead, of Whitehead Golf and Turf, would give all those in the championship by Martin Acker, CGCS. Thanks to all of was also presented with a plaque of flight, 0-8 handicap, a chance of winning. our loyal members and vendors for their appreciation and a special gift for his 18 After it was settled on the course, support of this event. Shortly after the years of service as sergeant at arms. Scott Crouch, from Mid Carolina Club, won Scott Crouch, from Mid Carolina Club, fundraiser, several of our own - Keith Tyler Herman and Jesse Cigary with their prizes after winning the member-member tournament the Midlands TA golf championship in 2013. was victorious with a net score of 72. Osterman, Ron Kelly, David Bowbliss at Northstone Club.

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[ search engine powered by magazooms.com ] LOCAL NEWS LOCAL NEWS with Barry Rewis, The Club at Longview, Upstate goods to support the North Greenville Cape Fear Irrigation, Springer Eubank Oil, Syngenta, and Scott McArthur, Cleveland County Food Crisis Ministries. Going forward in Vereens Turf Products, Aqua-Aid, Country Club, who have a one-year term 2014, we will be looking for other ways to Bayer, Howards Fertilizer, Eastern Turf remaining. It’s hard to believe another year has come give back in the Upstate to those who are As I write this from my cozy warm office, Equipment, Nutra Turf, Quali-Pro, Regal and almost gone here for the Upstate less fortunate than us. We look forward the Cape Fear region is covered in a and Simmons Irrigation. The annual holiday party was held Turfgrass Association although it was to a great 2014. blanket of thick frost. This is only our at the Center City Marriott in early another great year for us. Speaking for second heavy frost of the season, but it I hope everyone had happy holidays. December. The event was sponsored by our board of directors, I want to say Paul Brandenburg, CGCS Furman University is a sign that winter is upon us. We can Pat McHugh, CGCS of North Carolina thanks to both our members and our Golf Course (864) 294-2060. finally relax a little, because the busy Grayson Grainger, The Players Club at St. Turf Support. We had a large number of very generous sponsors who allowed spring season will be here before we James (910) 253-9267. members along with significant others us to have a great year filled with know it. attend this wonderful event to close out good meetings, great golf and multiple Low Country another successful year. opportunities to network and learn The last couple of months have been Blue Ridge from each other at our educational a lot of fun for the Cape Fear GCSA. Our 2013 scholarship winner was Joanne opportunities. We had 22 corporate Since the last article we held our fifth In October, we had a group of 55 for McDanel, daughter of Greg McDanel, sponsors this year and we are thankful to annual Christmas tournament at a meeting, lunch and golf at St James CGCS from Rolling Hills Country Club. them all for another great year. Savannah Lakes Golf Club. We would Plantation. Sam Green gave an awesome Joanne will attend Charleston Southern like to send a special thank you to the talk on wetting agents and the use of soil University. We wish Joanne much Our final golf meeting of the year was Mike Carn and his staff for preparing the moisture meters. Thanks Sam. Founding president, Matt Carver, and Zoysia, success in her future endeavors and held mid-October at another great venue, conditions on the course. We want to aka “Zoey.” we hope this scholarship will help her The Cliffs at Keowee Falls. We would like The first week in November, 48 of us thank the head professional and his staff and preparation started a lot sooner, achieve her future goals. to thank host superintendent Jim Evans from the Cape Fear GCSA and Eastern for organizing the tournament. We will but with commitment and dedication and the Cliffs staff for hosting us. We NCTA traveled over to Bald Head Island have the results in the next issue of the it became official. Being a part of the The North-South TA is already filling held a soggy two-man competition that for our annual Coastal Cup match. Team Carolinas Green. founding committee was a great learning the calendar with events for 2014. We was won by the teams of Steve Currie Cape Fear prevailed – again - 20.5 to experience and I’ve been honored to will continue to hold many of our annual and Bob Land and also Mark Rogers and We would like to send special thanks the 16.5. It was a great time, as always. Thank serve as president for the past two years. events such as our research tournament, Steve Neuliep, CGCS. Congratulations to all vendors for joining our association you to Steen Wansley and the entire staff stroke play championship, member- at Bald Head for hosting us. those guys. again this year. We hope to see you guys Within this time, we’ve developed a great member event, corn hole tournament again. We are working on planning events membership base and an outstanding and family night, which will be at the Our October meeting also saw us hold I can’t speak for everyone, but for me the for 2014, so please make sure you check sponsorship base. We also provided a new Charlotte Knights baseball stadium our annual business meeting where we Carolinas GCSA Conference and Show your e-mails for all upcoming events in great networking environment, continuing located in uptown Charlotte. elected officers and directors for the in Myrtle Beach is always one of the the Low Country. We are looking forward education and scholarship opportunities. association in 2014. I was unable to avoid to seeing all of you this year at events. best weeks of the year and this year was Additionally, we are exploring a few new no different. Great education, excellent being elected again and will serve as I challenge the future boards to grow this events to complete our 2014 calendar events, golf and trade show. Of course, president for one last year in 2014. David It was nice to see everyone at the The list of the Blue Ridge TA’s generous list and improve these goals so we can so please be on the lookout for our seeing and catching up with those people sponsors in 2013. Greene, from the Hejaz Shrine Club, will Carolinas GCSA Conference and Trade continue to develop our industry. newsletters and continue to check the serve as vice-president, and trusty Alan Show in Myrtle Beach. It is important that you only see once a year is the best part. I hope everyone had wonderful holidays Carolinas GCSA webpage for updates. Corbin, of Corbin Turf and Ornamental, you guys support our local chapter so we I’m looking forward to next year already. and a happy new year. I would like to I cannot stress enough how fortunate I remains our secretary-treasurer in can do our part for the Carolinas GCSA. th feel to have served the Blue Ridge TA. I Finally, on behalf of the North-South We ask everybody to please give the The 6 annual Mike Claffey scholarship start by thanking all of our sponsors perpetuity. will continue to support the organization TA board and the membership, I would Carolinas GCSA your e-mail addresses so golf tournament and oyster roast was for 2013. Without you the Blue Ridge to my fullest. I’m excited to see what like to thank Matthew Wharton, from The rest of our board is Kyle Traynham, we can e-mail you all upcoming events mid-December at Cape Fear National Turfgrass Association would not be the future holds with hopes of it being a Carolina Golf Club, for volunteering Willow Creek; Chuck Connolly, when you register for your annual dues. Golf Club. Thank you to Paul Hughes and possible. I would also like to personally his service over the past five years and Greenville Country Club; Adam Charles, the entire staff at Cape Fear National for thank the entire board that continued continuously successful association. especially this past year as our president. The Preserve at Verdae; Pate Kincaid, Also this year, the board wants to hosting us again this year. This was the to work hard and grow the Blue Ridge I would also like to congratulate Greenville Turf and Tractor; Mills Grant, remind you to try to remember to help final event of the year for our association TA: Robert Arrington, Catawba Country Last, but not least, I would like to Matthew on winning the Carolinas GCSA Carolina Fresh Farms; Josh Sawyer, out Rounds4Research. As we all know, and my final event as president. Club; Erik Guinther, Roaring Gap Club; Bo sincerely thank the entire Carolinas superintendent golf championship at the Keowee Key Country Club; and Josh it helps out the future and present Miller, Southern Ag.; Mike Mizelle, CGCS GCSA staff, with special emphasis on Tim I want to thank Matt Martin and the Conference and Trade Show this past Henson, Three Pines Country Club. problems we have in our industry. We Oakwoods Country Club; Jeremy Hardin, Kreger, Kim Clark and Trent Bouts. These November. hope you guys have a successful 2014. board of directors for all the time and Glen Oaks Country Club; Nick Raby, Oak are the behind-the-scenes people that Our final event of 2013 was our annual See you soon. energy they put into making the Cape Valley Golf Club; Chris Berrier, Pilot Knob make it happen every day. Jason Bradley, River Hills Country Club oyster roast and sponsor appreciation Fear GCSA what it is. I also want to thank Park; Chad Wyrick, River Oaks Golf Club; (803) 831-1210. lunch, early December, with both events Scott Denny, Argent Lakes Course, Sun City our sponsors that make it all possible: Anthony Durham, Old Town Club, and Thank you all for supporting us. to be held at the Preserve at Verdae. At (843) 705-4076. Arysta Life Science, Cardinal Chemical, Brandon Ingle, Sage Valley Golf Club. these events, we also collected canned Coastal Floratine, Green Resource, The Blue Ridge TA officially became an Matt Carver, Brushy Mountain Golf Club Harrell’s, Modern Turf, Precision Labs, organization in February, 2012. Meetings (336) 408-2128. Revels Turf and Tractor, Smith Turf and

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Coastal Plains Palmetto our donations. Special thanks to Jennifer Seevers, of Geoponics Corp., for assisting in the Toys for Tots drive again this year. It was Jennifer’s idea seven years ago to include a toy drive with our yearend cookout. Once again Jennifer conducted a raffle drawing at the time all toys were presented, giving out fresh hams and gift cards to lucky members who donated toys. This truly was a special event and great way to end a very successful 2013.

As this information goes to print, the board is preparing the 2014 meeting schedule. Our next meeting is in March at the Horry County Technical College, Myrtle Beach Campus. This will be an educational meeting conducted by the Carolinas GCSA in conjunction with the Palmetto GCSA. GCSAA and pesticide certiﬁcation points will be available.

As always, a great thank you to all of our 2013 platinum Golf champion, Steve Agazzi, is congratulated by Coastal Plains GCSA president, Brian and gold vendor partners. Our association would not be successful without your continued support. Brown, after the championship at Snee Farm Palmetto GCSA president, Dan Saber, CGCS presents a check for $2,500 to Habitat for Country Club. Humanity’s Gail Olive. Dan Saber, CGCS, Pawleys Plantation (843) 237-6400. Congratulations to Steve Agazzi, from Early December the Palmetto GCSA and Vereens Turf Products. On behalf the Turtle Point course at Kiawah Island of our membership, a very special and Resort, on winning our superintendent held our annual year-end cookout at Blackmoor Golf Club. Special thanks to sincere thank you to the owners and golf championship in 2013. Steve was a supporting staff members for supplying clear winner at Snee Farm Country Club golf course superintendent Jay Noyes and general manager Bob Zuercher, CGCS and preparing the following food items: with a great round of 72. Scott Martin, Smith Turf and Irrigation - pulled pork CGCS of Corbin Turf and Ornamental, won for hosting. The day began with golf on a beautiful 70-degree day. The golf format and side items prepared by Steve Miller Legendary greens and bunkers have one thing in common... the vendor division. Our thanks to Brent and Jay Johnson; Revels Turf and Tractor Bagwell and his staff for the excellent was a Texas scramble, with two best-ball net scoring. The groups comprised of - baked chicken and side items prepared course conditions they presented on what by Turner Revels, Rankin Armstrong they both began with the best soil. was an ideal day for golf. three-man teams divided equally based on individual handicaps. and Russell Montgomery; Vereens Turf Products - steamed oysters prepared by We head into 2014 with our board and James Jackson. our dues structure unchanged. The First place honors went to Max Morgan, current board has one more year to serve. CGCS, Gary Humphrey and Brandon Tyler with a team score of 115. Second After dinner, the board of directors had the opportunity to donate funds to charity On behalf of the members I really want were Chris Seymour, Ned Brown and from our annual fundraiser event this past to make a point of thanking the industry Tyler Brown with a team score of 123. July where we raised $5,000. Habitat for partners who make so much of what we Finally, four closest to the pin prizes Humanity of Horry County and Tara Hall do possible. They are great companies were awarded. Mitchell Evans won on Home for Boys of Georgetown County with great people to do business with. No. 4, Max Morgan won on No. 15 and each received checks in the amount of Bob Warbutton doubled up taking both Beneath every meticulously groomed green is dirt. $2,500. Executive director of Habitat for Super sponsors: Green Resource, Corbin the No. 2 and No. 17 prizes. Special And the best dirt doesn't just happen. At Golf Agronomics Sand & Hauling Turf and Ornamental, Bartlett Tree Humanity, Gail Olive, and Tara Hall Home thanks to the following sponsors for we've been perfecting golf course soil and sand for more than a decade. Experts, Harrell’s, Bayer. assisting in the golf portion of this event: for Boys board member, Jim Dumm, Golf Agromonics offers: golf – Coastal Floratine, S & R Turf and were present to receive our donations Corporate VIPs: Revels Turf and Tractor, Estate Management Services; prize and both spoke to our group about their • Top Dressing Sand - dry, • Standard or Custom Blended Smith Turf and Irrigation, Syngenta, package – Davisson Golf and Palmetto organizations. bagged or bulk Greens Mix Coastal Floratine. Pump Services; beverage cart - Phoenix In addition to our annual ﬁnancial • Bunker Sand • Divot Repair Sand - bagged or bulk I wish everyone well for the year ahead. Environmental Care. donations, we also collected nearly 100 th GOLF AGRONOMICS SAND & HAULING Following golf, the cookout began with new toys for our 7 annual Toys for Tots Brian Brown, Wrenwoods Golf Course drive. Keenan Walsh, of Toys for Tots Serving the Carolinas (843) 963-1301. gracious donations from Smith Turf and Irrigation, Revels Turf and Tractor Horry County, was on hand to accept (800) 542-9531• FAX (941) 955-4690 www.golfag.com 44 CAROLINAS green January - February 2014

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Green Speaks to French Colleagues David Wells Association of America’s annual meeting at Anderson Retires Ballantyne Country Club in Charlotte, NC. Joins Bayer After 40 Years Chuck Green, from Sage Valley Golf Club, in Aiken, SC is one of Stinnett. “The trip, although short, went real well,” Green Kreger was appointed to the club the latest in a growing list of Carolinas GCSA past-presidents to says. “And it was fun to see that part of the world. Funny, the David Wells has foundation board in 2011 for a three- Carolinas hit the international speaking circuit. Green traveled to France government there dictates you can only work 217 days a year been appointed year term and was the first non- GCSA past- shortly after the Carolinas GCSA Conference and Show in and no employee is allowed more than 40 hours of overtime in golf business chapter member to join the board. president and November to speak at the annual AGREF (French greenkeepers) a year. Wow, can you imagine.” manager for the “His contributions and insights Distinguished conference in Paris. Green detailed the evolution of Sage Valley North American have been invaluable,” says Corinne Service Award Green says the AGREF conference is similar in size to the with a concentration on the club’s commitment to water turf and Grimaldi, managing director of the winner, Bill Carolinas GCSA Conference and Show. Several years ago, conservation. ornamentals Carolinas chapter of CMAA. “We are Anderson, CGCS another past-president, Butch Sheffield, CGCS from North business of happy that with the completion and has called an Green traveled with several companions from the Carolinas Ridge Country Club in Raleigh, NC spoke at a conference of Environmental acknowledgement of his first term, Tim end to a career including Mark Sywgert, from the Country Club of Lexington; Japanese golf course superintendents. Science, a has graciously agreed to serve a second that stands as a Rhett Baker, from Palmetto Golf Club; and Jacobsen’s Kevin David Wells Bill Anderson, CGCS division of Bayer term for the next three years.” rare feat in the CropScience. Wells will lead Bayer’s world of golf course maintenance. It’s presence in the golf market segment with The Carolinas Club Foundation was enough that Anderson spent 40 years a focus on all current and future products, formed in 2005 as the charitable arm of in the profession but nothing short of services, equipment and programs. He the Carolinas chapter of the CMAA. As remarkable that they were all invested in will be based in Raleigh, NC. a 501(c)(3) organization, the foundatin’s the one facility, Carmel Country Club in purpose is to financially support the Charlotte, NC. In his new role, Wells will focus on golf professional development of club segment-specific portfolio management management through education, training Anderson announced his retirement in a and integrated campaigns. He will also and research initiatives. letter to club members that read: serve as industry liaison between Bayer and key golf industry associations. “After 40 years of service to Carmel Jacobsen Brings Country Club, it is with mixed feelings In his most recent roles, Wells helped and a full heart that I announce my drive sales for industry manufacturers, Haggas on Board retirement as your director of greens and managing both sales and agronomic grounds effective December 31, 2013. Jacobsen recently teams. Previously, Wells served as a added Josh golf course superintendent for more Very few golf course superintendents Haggas to its than five years – in Australia, Hawaii, remain at one club for their entire career, sales team as and San Diego – and as an assistant and I feel fortunate that Carmel and national accounts One Day Here …. Rhett Baker, Kevin Stinnett, Chuck Green and Mark Next Day Here …. But they were just as excited to be at the foot of the superintendent in Tucson and New I were able to grow together over the manager. Haggas, Swygert were all smiles at the Carolinas GCSA Conference and Show Eiffel Tower in Paris very soon after. This time that’s Baker on the left, Zealand. Wells also served for more than decades. I am very proud of Carmel’s who will be based in November. with French translator and superintendent, Romain Basque, and Green, 14 years as a senior agronomist and turf accomplishments and the efforts made in Charlotte, Swygert and Stinnett. industry consultant for the New Zealand by members and staff alike for the benefit NC comes to Sports Turf Institute, where he supported and success of our golf program. Jacobsen from turf maintenance and construction on Josh Haggas Another Knaffle Emerges in Golf Textron-owned In 1973, when my wife Catherine and I both warm- and cool-season turf across E-Z-GO, where he spent nearly a decade moved here, we did not expect to spend New Zealand, Southeast Asia and the Smith Smith Knaffle, daughter of Carolinas GCSA member, Jim as a sales representative. Prior to his a long time in North Carolina. Many of Pacific Islands. Knaffle and Knaffle, CGCS from the International Club of Myrtle Beach, is tenure at E-Z-GO, Haggas served as a you may have had similar experiences in proud dad, building a promising start to her golf career. Smith, a 12-year- distribution sales representative for Club your own careers. However, like the city Jim. old seventh grader, shot consecutive rounds of 76 to finish sixth Kreger Receives Car selling utility vehicles. of Charlotte itself, Carmel has always in the South Carolina Class AAA girls state golf championship been focused on growth and the pursuit in the fall. As a top 10 finisher that was enough to earn her all- Service Award Haggas has a bachelor’s degree in of excellence. By offering me constant state honors. marketing management from Virginia challenges and the rewards of helping Carolinas GCSA executive director, Tim Polytechnic Institute and State University create an exceptional golf facility, Carmel “I’ve had really good scores all season and this just topped it Kreger, was honored this past fall with a and was drafted by the New York Mets Country Club became my second home off,” Knaffle said after the championship. “I definitely exceeded special presentation from the Carolinas Major League Baseball team in 1992. He for all these years. I believe that together my expectations for this week. I felt a little bit [of pressure] … Club Foundation. He received an will be responsible for serving multi-course we have accomplished a great deal. it’s just pressure you put on yourself to put up a good number. I Outstanding Service plaque for his work owners and management companies feel like I perform good under pressure.” on the foundation’s board. The award across the U.S. and Canada. Part of his I would like to acknowledge the strong presentation was in conjunction with the initial task list will be building relationships contributions made by my staff. I have Carolinas Chapter of the Club Managers with customers in the Carolinas. deep respect for their commitment,

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efforts and abilities. The relationships The Carolinas GCSA greatly appreciates the support of the following companies and their representatives for their support of the I have built with fellow staff members Superintendent Image Campaign in 2013. and industry colleagues throughout my tenure at Carmel have been strong, long- lasting and are deeply appreciated. I also GOLD CLUB value the friendships and professional relationships I’ve enjoyed with so many of you over the years. This is a club with deeply involved members, and I respect your passion and pursuit of excellent golf.

While I look forward to the years to come, I will miss Carmel and continue to treasure the time we have spent together. Thank you for 40 excellent years.”

Berkeley Hall Earns Award Barry Gemberling Terry Kallam Jeff Fitcher Paul Stephens Berkeley Hall Golf Club in Bluffton, SC Arborguard Tree Specialists Cardinal Chemical Coastal Floratine CS Trading/SISIS was honored by the Professional Grounds Management Society at its annual Green Star Awards ceremony in Louisville, KY in the fall. The Green Star Awards program brings national recognition to grounds maintained with a high degree of excellence, complimenting other national landscape award programs that recognize outstanding landscape design and construction.

Berkeley Hall is a 36-hole facility which has been under the care of director of golf courses and grounds, Danny Malone, Robert Herring Lon Fleming Marc Allen Turner Revels CGCS since 2003. The club was the Green Resource Greenville Turf and Tractor Helena Chemical Company Revels Turf and Tractor only award recipient in the golf course category. SILVER CLUB Grobusky on Veterans List Robert Grobusky, from Blue Ridge Golf Center in Walhalla, SC was an omission from the list of Carolinas GCSA members who served in the U.S. Armed Forces which appeared in the November- December issue of Carolinas Green. Grobusky served in the U.S. Army from Brent Miller Steve Dorer, CGCS Al Wilson 1969 to 1971. He joins the list of nearly Smith Turf and Irrigation Syngenta Tri-State Pump and Controls 70 veterans in the Carolinas GCSA who submitted their names for the Charles Wood feature recognizing their service to help Gold Club, not pictured: Winston Clark, Clark Plant Nutrients John Deere Landscapes commemorate Veterans Day in 2013.

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While I look forward to the years to come, I will miss Carmel and continue to treasure the time we have spent together. Thank you for 40 excellent years.”

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CLASS A- Superintendent CLASS S - Student, cont. CLASS AFCORP – Individual Corporate Member Fred W. Edwards, Tryon Country Club, Tryon, NC James R. McGinnis, Founders Club at St. James Plantation, Bruce Barton, Smith Turf and Irrigation, Charlotte, NC Mark Hopkins, Southwick Golf Course, Graham, NC Southport, NC Steven R. Carroll, BASF Corporation, Fuquay-Varina, NC The following companies deserve Kenneth B. Lee, Belfair Plantation, Bluffton, SC Jeremy Smith, Central Piedmont Community College, Kyle Lancaster, Cardinal Chemicals, Kinston, NC thanks for their generous support of the 2013 Carolinas GCSA Conference Alan J. Lucas, Barefoot Resort Golf Club, Atlantic Beach, SC Charlotte, NC Joe Lara, BASF Corporation, Research Triangle Park, NC and Trade Show in Myrtle Beach, SC. Doug Walter, Bright’s Creek Golf Club, Mill Spring, NC Daniel Smith, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Kirk Lovan, Smith Turf and Irrigation, Charlotte, NC Allen D. Whittle, The Dye Club at Barefoot Resort, North Myrtle Beach, SC Conway, SC Monday Golf Championship SMITH TURF & IRRIGATION CLASS AFCORP1 – Corporate Member THE TORO COMPANY CLASS SM - Superintendent CLASS AF - Affiliate Jason W. Worley, Vermeer Southeast, Savannah, GA PNC EQUIPMENT FINANCE Richard Tadd Brown, Berkeley Country Club, Moncks Corner, SC Merett Alexander, North Georgia Turf Inc., Whitesburg, GA TCF EQUIPMENT FINANCE Benjamin Tyler Deitz, Rock Barn Golf and Spa, Conover, NC Mel Fogg, Green Blade Turf Maintenance, Kannapolis, NC Monday and Tuesday Seminar Lee B. Dempster, Belfair Plantation, Bluffton, SC Scott Givens, Deep South Services LLC, Ruffin, SC Education Bobby Holden, Green Valley Country Club, Greenville, SC Justin Watts, Select Source, Inc., Gilbert, SC SYNGENTA Ryan D. McClannon, Charlotte Golf Links, Charlotte, NC Tuesday Seminar Luncheon Mark W. Mitchell, Secession Golf Club, Beaufort, SC GOLF AGRONOMICS Ollie K. Purnell QUALI-PRO , Roxboro Country Club, Roxboro, NC Exhibit Hall Plant Designs CLASS C – Assistant Superintendent MCPHERSON GREENHOUSES Riley Boyette, The Golf Club at Briar’s Creek, Johns Island, SC Tuesday Carolinas Night at the Beach Frank L. Cahn, The Cliffs at Keowee Falls, Salem, SC OUR FRIENDS TRI-STATE PUMP & CONTROL William A. Diers, Blowing Rock Country Club, Blowing Rock, NC Wednesday Fellowship Breakfast Kevin M. Dreibelbis, Club at Mediterra, Naples, FL CORBIN TURF SUPPLY Mitchell J. Evans, Dunes Golf and Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, SC NEW LIFE TURF Michael J. Fouweather, Sequoyah National Golf Course, Whittier, NC David K. Bibler, is now assistant superintendent at Greensboro Jim Jackson, formerly with Agrium Advanced Technologies, Wednesday General Session James I., Hartzler, Old Edwards Club, Highlands, NC On Site Communications Brandon L. Holden, Green Valley Country Club, Greenville, SC Country Club, Greensboro, NC. Winston Salem, NC is now sales manager with Carolina Eastern RADIOS FOR GOLF Tyler Scott Johanson, Belfair Plantation, Bluffton, SC Pamplico, Pamplico, SC. VERTEX STANDARD Joshua Paul Krigbaum, Bright’s Creek Golf Club, Mill Spring, NC Wayne Coble, formerly with River Landing Country Club, Sporting Clay Event Mathieu LeCompte, Governors Club, Chapel Hill, NC Wallace, NC is now superintendent at Beau Rivage Golf and Logan H. Nesbitt, has been promoted from assistant BAYER ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Matthew G. Long, Haig Point Club, Hilton Head Island, SC Resort, Wilmington, NC. superintendent to superintendent at Laurel Ridge Country Club, Ben McCurry, Charlotte Country Club, Charlotte, NC Waynesville, NC. Wednesday Buffet Luncheon Bo Cooper, formerly with Moore Farms, Lake City, SC is now COASTAL FLORATINE, INC. William B. Morris, Prestonwood Country Club, Cary, NC PHOENIX ENVIRONMENTAL CARE Kenneth Neu, Blackmoor Golf Club, Murrells Inlet, SC superintendent at Country Club of South Carolina, Florence, SC. Kyle Oakes, former assistant superintendent at Wilson Country Mitchell B. Ogle, Colleton River Plantation Club, Bluffton, SC Club, Wilson, NC is now superintendent at Birchwood Country 27-Hole Challenge Chris Crawford, has been promoted from assistant JOHN DEERE GOLF Cale W. Priddy, Old Edwards Club, Highlands, NC Club, Mill Spring, NC. superintendent to superintendent at Sun City Hilton Head – REVELS TURF & TRACTOR Kenneth A. Ray, Haig Point Club, Hilton Head Island, SC GREENVILLE TURF & TRACTOR Okatie Creek, Bluffton, SC. John Parrish, former superintendent at Devils Ridge Golf Club, SHOWTURF Alex Rhodes, The Landings Club, Savannah, GA Holly Springs, NC is now superintendent at Lochmere Golf William C. Rogers, Haig Point Club, Hilton Head Island, SC Jonathan D. Franck, formerly with Bald Head Island Club, Bald Refreshment Breaks Corey Sasser Club, Cary, NC. HARRELL’S, INC. , Timberlake Golf Club, Clinton, NC Head Island, NC is now assistant superintendent at Lockwood Ian Schlather, Elyria Country Club, Elyria, OH Folly Country Club, Supply, NC. Chad Prest, former assistant superintendent at Old Chatham MBCC Parking Sponsor Richard Stafford, Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island, SC CARDINAL CHEMICALS Golf Club, Durham, NC is now superintendent at The Cliffs at Will V. Wilson, Rock Barn Golf and Spa, Conover, NC PICKSEED Michael Heckman, formerly with Moss Creek Owners Assoc./ Keowee Vineyards, Sunset, SC. CAROLINA FRESH FARMS Matthew T. Wise, Sun City Hidden Cypress Golf Club, Bluffton, SC PTM, Hilton Head Island, SC is now assistant superintendent at JOHN DEERE LANDSCAPES Long Cove Club, Hilton Head Island, SC. Scott Sparks, has been promoted from assistant Welcoming Sponsor CLASS ED - Educator superintendent to superintendent at Wolf Laurel Country Club, GREEN RESOURCE Benjamin W. Pease, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC Brian S. Hicks, former golf course superintendent with Ocean Mars Hill, NC. Steven Lommel Student Turf Bowl , NC State University, Raleigh, NC Ridge Plantation, Ocean Isle Beach, NC is now golf course PRECISION LABS superintendent at Carolina Shores Golf Club, Calabash, NC. Brett Sullivan, former assistant superintendent at Prestonwood CLASS S - Student Country Club, Cary, NC is now assistant superintendent at Distinguished Service Award Dinner Joe Conner J.K. MORRO, INC. , Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Conway, SC Corey J. Hraczo, has been promoted from assistant Florence Country Club, Florence, SC. KNOX FERTILIZER COMPANY Daniel Dygowski, Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, NC superintendent to superintendent at Badin Inn Resort and Club, James Fleming, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Conway, SC Wilson Sutton Cyber Cafe Badin, NC. , former assistant superintendent at Kinston SUNBELT RENTALS Taylor Griffin, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Conway, SC Country Club, Kinston, NC is now assistant superintendent at TURF MAX Justin Hall, Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, NC Todd B. Holt, is now superintendent at Taberna Country Club, Emerald Golf Club, New Bern, NC. Clay Hartwell, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Conway, SC New Bern, NC. Jeffrey A. Hillwig, Thistle Golf Club, Sunset Beach, NC Clifton E. Mauney, Catawba Valley Community College, Hickory, NC Cody Mccarn, Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, NC

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Duck Calls Cash Flow Duck Dynasty’s Willie Reversal Robertson was in the Industry partner support Carolinas recently playing golf is one of the pillars of the with baseball legend Ozzie Carolinas GCSA. So when the Smith. Ozzie brought his golf money flows the other way, partner by an E-Z-Go facility we think that’s news, and it’s in Augusta, GA to check why Turner Revels is laughing out their hunting vehicles. so hard. Revels and partner That’s when Willie met Rankin Armstrong, also with someone really famous, Will Revels Turf and Tractor, were Ford, recently wed son-in-law wrapping up a round at the of Carolinas GCSA education coordinator, Cindy Baldwin. To be South Carolina Golf Course clear, that’s Willie on the left and Will on the right, and Cindy’s Owners Association’s annual probably very happy it’s not the other way around. meeting at Seabrook Island Club’s Ocean Winds course. That’s Armstrong collecting a wad of bills from Carolinas GCSA president, Steve Hamilton, CGCS Flower Power whose partnership with Carolinas GCSA executive director, Tim Kreger, came up short on the day. Your staff at the Carolinas GCSA headquarters in Liberty, SC is proud to work for you Working Appetite and your association. They Talk about living, breathing and eating your work. Scott Kennon, believe in the work you do CGCS from Myers Park Country Club in Charlotte, NC got his and the integrity you bring food and foes mixed up recently when completing his Member to the golf course and the Profile for the Carolinas GCSA web site. Under favorite food, golf industry every day. But Kennon, a Carolinas GCSA director, typed: “Kung Poa chicken.” they also know how much For the record, and for those without an appetite for Chinese These conversations are happening around you appreciate what they do cuisine, it should be Pao. the country as more and more golf courses for you because you do such experience the performance and quality- a good job of letting them of-cut of Jacobsen mowers. Whether it’s know. It comes with a thank Sheets of Snow the ECLIPSE® series of greens mowers with you at the end of a phone call, The message from Carolinas GCSA past-president, Steve Sheets, adjustable frequency-of-clip settings and or on an email, or with a big smile at Conference and Show. 15-blade reels, the surprisingly affordable Sometimes it comes in a different form. Recently the Blue Ridge popped up in the email of Carolinas GCSA executive director, LF510TM fairway mower, or the AR-522TM Turfgrass Association sent flowers and chocolates to local Tim Kreger: “We have a tee time at noon for you!” Kreger’s rough mower with TrimTekTM decks, Jacobsen association coordinator, Kim Clark and an anonymous member instant thought process as he reached to open the message was mowers will get your course talking – and sent flowers to the entire staff.You guys are good! along the lines of “Hmmm, we’re in good shape here, maybe I can make that.” Then he saw the photo and more detail: “No. 18 texting. For more information, contact us today. green. It’s 21 degrees.” That was October 25 and the first snowfall Coming Undone of the season at Linville Ridge Golf Club in Linville, NC. It’s a good thing Danny Allen dresses better than his golf clubs. Allen, a Carolinas GCSA past-president and current board member from Camden Country Club in Camden, SC was spotted at the annual fall mountain meeting wielding a piece of history, a fairway wood that looked like it might have been used by Old Tom Morris himself. Tripp Cobb, Sales Manager We won’t go so far as to say 800.868.4631 whether Danny’s play with the club was as loose as the binding Tri-State Pump & Control, Inc on it. We’ll let the frown on his face tell that story. www.tsppumps.com

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STI University is a continuing education curriculum designed to help our customers succeed and excel in their careers. For over 35 years, we’ve worked with golf course superintendents, irrigation and equipment technicians and industry-related specialists throughout our territory. The result? Increased productivity and performance, advanced product and safety knowledge, reduced downtime and maintenance expense, greater profitability and a higher level of professionalism.

Check out our current class schedules or call us today to find out how you or your employees can register.

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