Golf Course Industry

©INSIDE : DeLozier: Time to halt budget procrastination / 12 Adding green to save green / 48

SEPTEMBER 2017 I golfcourseindustry.com GOLF COURSE INDUSTRY

Why the musings of a Chinese philosopher relate to maintaining a golf course and how they can help you aoif-mst wi oMisfjvT isva manage the demands of the job. 6006A VIOfM HQ 3T3M13 M 99E ISOfr S ,o ÂXBH3AIMÎ1 3XVIÄ MV9ÎH31W ravHwniGoa 2x33 (fc?0 3*4X03 XM'èfVO************* SÒ33NXS# Now available at CREENWORKS ÔSiteOne ■^^^■COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE SUPPLY

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Find out more at www.greenworkscommercial.com VOL. 29 NO. 9 IN THIS ISSUE

COLUMNS 12 GAME PLAN Henry DeLozier: End budget procrastination 20 OUTSIDE THE ROPES Tim Moraghan: ‘Brain-bucket’ syndrome 28 IRRIGATION ISSUES Brian Vinchesi: New technologies and change

34 DESIGN CONCEPTS Jeff Brauer: 19 holes worth of reasons to renovate ... soon 58 PARTING SHOTS Pat Jones: Survivors and pretenders

DEPARTMENTS

4 TEEING OFF: The battlefield 6 EDITORS NOTEBOOK: It’s their game 55 TRAVELS WITH TERRY 56 CLASSIFIEDS 56 AD INDEX

FEATURES Cover story Turf 14 SUN TZU AND THE ART OF 40 STAY STRONG GROWING GRASS THROUGH THE FALL Why the musings of a Chinese What you feed turf now can philosopher relate to main have a major impact later. taining a golf course and how Follow these guidelines to they can help you manage the implement an effective fall demands of the job. fertilization program.

Disease Turf 22 TURF 101 48 ADDING GREEN Protective measures now can TO SAVE GREEN save vulnerable spring turf. Colorants and pigments pro vide the green golfers expect, Irrigation but they can also reduce your 30 BLOWOUT! bottom line as long as you Follow these recommenda know what you are doing and tions for a properly executed when you should do it. irrigation shutdown that protects the system’s compo Equipment nents and minimizes the risk 52 ONE LIFE TO LIVE of weather-induced damage. DOA isn’t an option for the carts at your golf course. Here Super Solutions are some simple ways to get 36 CHATTAHOOCHEE CHARM the most capacity and life Benchmarking, relationships from your golf car batteries. and stewardship deliver the needs of the environment and golfers at The River Club.

GOLF COURSE INDUSTRY (ISN 1054-0644) is published monthly. Copyright 2017 GIE Media Inc., 5811 Canal Road, Valley View, OH 44125. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means without permission from the publisher. One-year subscription rate, $33 in the United States, $42 in Canada and Mexico, and $88 in other foreign countries. One year foreign airmail rate: $102. Two year subscription rate: $65. Single issue rate, $5. Subscriptions and classified advertising should be addressed to the Valley View media office. Periodicals postage paid at Valley View, Ohio, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to GOLF COURSE INDUSTRY 5811 Canal Road, Valley View, OH 44125. Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608 Canada Returns to be sent to Bleuchip International, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2

golfcourseindustry.com SEPTEMBER 201? 3 TEEING OFF GOLF COURSE INDUSTRY Serving the Business of Golf Course Management

Vol. 29 No. 9

THE BATTLEFIELD GIE Media, Inc. y no means did we intend to make light the horrors of war with this month’s cover 5811 Canal Road story. I just feel I need to put that out there before going on. Instead, our intent is Valley View, Ohio 44125 to draw a parallel between the preparedness necessary to do battle, whether on the field Phone: 800-456-0707 or the fairway. Fax: 216-525-0515 We asked our good friend and frequent contributor Anthony Williams (CGCS, and the director of golf course EDITORIAL Pat Jones maintenanceB and landscaping at the Four Seasons Re Publisher/Editorial Director [email protected] sort Club Dallas at Las Colinas in Irving, Texas) to take Mike Zawacki Editor [email protected] some artistic liberties with Sun Tzu’s Art of War - the Guy Cipriano Associate Editor [email protected] 2,000-year-old Chinese military treatise on warfare - and Terry Buchen Technical Editor at-large his reinterpretation as applied to turf management and Bruce Williams Senior Contributing Editor what’s needed to be a successful golf course superinten dent. On a more personal level, Anthony has often used GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION parts of Sun Tzu’s master work in his seminars covering JimBlayney Creative Director Mike Zawacki Caitlin McCoy Advertising Production Coordinator both martial arts and turfgrass topics with equal reflection Editor for over 30 years. ADVERTISING/PRODUCTION INQUIRIES In this month’s cover story, Anthony identifies seven Sun Tzu quotes that correlate the Jodi Shipley [email protected], 216-393-0273 art of growing grass (or growing people who grow high-quality turfgrass, for that matter).

He began balancing a martial arts career with his turf career in the early 1980s. Thirty- SALES five years later he’s still earning a living through the martial arts and the cultivation of Russell Warner National Account Manager [email protected] • 216-393-0293 high-quality turfgrass. Craig Thorne Account Manager I, myself, read The Art of War nearly [email protected] • 216-393-0232 Sun Tzu was not a a quarter-century ago, primarily be Bonnie Velikonya Classified Sales jgk [email protected] • 216-393-0291 ffw micromanager. Instead, cause it was on a summer reading list. However, one of my favorite excerpts he reminds us that that Anthony chose to highlight dealt CORPORATE we cannot be expected to do Richard Foster Chairman with training as a critical component everything ourselves, and that Chris Foster President and CEO for success. Anthony, channeling we will ultimately depend on our Dan Moreland Executive Vice President Sun Tzu, says high-quality turfgrass army (staff) to direct tactics and James R. Keefe Executive Vice President is dependent on the proper train Christina Warner Audience Development Director programs and accomplish the ing of senior staff such as assistant Michelle Wisniewski Production Manager physical tasks required in a proper superintendents, as well as the foot Maria Miller Conferences Manager way to ensure success.” soldiers - the entry-level greenkeepers. Sun Tzu was not a micromanager. Kelly Orzech Accounting Director Instead, he reminds us that we cannot Irene Sweeney Corporate Communications Manager be expected to do everything ourselves, and that we will ultimately depend on our army Kevin Gilbride Business Manager, GIE Ventures (staff) to direct tactics and programs and accomplish the physical tasks required in a Golf Course Industry is a member of: proper way to ensure success. Golf Course Superintendents Whether from the back of a Jeep or the front seat of a Cushman, a good leader makes Association of America sure his people are prepared to not only do a job, but to achieve success. And while this National Golf Foundation may not feel the same as directing troops into battle, it has the same level of gravitas. Golf Course Builders Association of America Think about it. GCI The Irrigation Association Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment >BPA RM

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THE HAPPENINGS SOUTH of the Firestone Country Club golf course maintenance facility suggest an It s atypical occurrence. their Forty-nine of the world’s best 50 golfers compete before thousands of spectators as a worldwide television audience follows their shots. Banners, billboards, scoreboards, bleachers game and concession stands create a festive atmosphere on the edges of a venerable course. How pride and efficiency allow the Firestone Inside the maintenance facility, Country Club crew to simultaneously superintendents discuss the land to balance a World Golf Championship event the north and west. The presence with regular play. of the World Golf Championship By Guy Cipriano Bridgestone Invitational means

6 SEPTEMBER 201? golfcourseindustry.com We can’t control his slice, but we can control your dollar spot and brown patch.

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another week of juggling maintenance on four courses. The 600-acre Akron, Ohio, facility includes 63 holes. While the world knows the South course, which has hosted a professional tournament every year since 1954, the crew also maintains the private North and West courses and a nine-hole public course. The entire facility is open during WGC Bridgestone Invitational week, with morning shotgun starts on the North and West courses and a packed tee sheet on the Raymond J. Firestone Public 9. So, how many volunteers does Firestone recruit to provide support? The answer will surprise almost anybody who has worked on a PGA Tour event. Top: The par-5 16th hole on “My first year we did a written the Firestone Country Club vote: Who would like to have South course; Right: The volunteers?” says director of golf par-3 15th hole. course operations Larry Napora, who arrived in 2008. “I think at the time The crew works split we had 65 employees, and 63 said no. shifts during the WGC They wrote: It’s our course all year. Bridgestone Invitational, We don’t need anybody to helps us.” and DiMascio says The maintenance team has swelled every employee will to 72 employees. Dozens of positions spend time on the are filled by prideful veterans. One South course, which is employee has mowed greens on the mowed twice daily when South course for 43 years, yet he’s still weather cooperates. The 14 years behind the longest-tenured North and West courses crew member. A few area teachers are also mowed daily private courses are similar, although spend summers on mowers at during tournament week. The week slight tweaks are executed as the Firestone instead of on beach chairs. represents an extension of the year, WGC Bridgestone Invitational Course superintendents John as DiMascio, Traphagen and Geyer approaches. The South course DiMascio (South), Scott Traphagen communicate frequently and openly receives an “extra kick” of fertilizer (North), Renee Geyer (West) about where to direct personnel. in the rough and an additional and Derek Messina (Raymond J. “After we got the South done preventative fungicide application Firestone Public 9) rely on their for the first round of play, we start before the event, DiMascio says. The experienced employees to introduce talking, ‘We’re trying to get these courses share equipment and heights Firestone’s philosophies and collars and approaches mowed over of cut are identical for most of the practices to newcomers. Maintaining here. We need to get this done. How year. The period leading into WGC the private courses also requires are your bunkers doing?”’ DiMascio Bridgestone Invitational week is the positions to handle the practice says. “We are always thinking most important maintenance stretch range and clubhouse grounds, an because you’re not just done with of the season. “We start prepping a irrigation technician, and assistant your course. Your course might be month in advance,” DiMascio says. superintendent who helps DiMascio, shut down for the season, but the “If you don’t have it done by the time Traphagen and Geyer. Four North is still open. You’re always advance week is here, you’re not mechanics with more than 100 years thinking about it. It’s a constant going to get it done.” of combined experience produce thing.” Firestone’s high-level conditions are year-round efficiencies. The agronomic programs on the a PGA Tour staple. Chuck Green, the

8 SEPTEMBER 2017 golfcourseindustry.com NOTEBOOK

PGA Tour agronomist assigned to the WGC Bridgestone Invitational, says Tartan Talks No. 14 former PGA Tour player and current rules official Dillard Pruitt tells Prompted by the late Bob Cupp, John people, “If you don’t like Firestone, Sanford decided to increase involvement then you don’t like pro golf.” in the American Society of Golf Course The South course opened in 1929 Architects. His involvement peaked earlier and was originally designed by this year when he became president of Bert Way. Robert Trent Jones Sr. the society. redesigned the course in the 1960s. Part of Sanford’s presidential duties Narrowing fairways and tweaking included recording a Tartan Talk episode bunker placement are among the at the Golf Course Builders Association changes in the last 15 years. An of America summer meeting in Charlotte. operating steel irrigation mainline The episode featured a little late summer installed in 1929 still exists below the baseball chatter - Sanford’s father, John, surface. pitched parts of 12 major-league seasons The staff notices things every year - and plenty of golf course architecture that can be enhanced. But nobody discussion. Sanford is based in Jupiter, Fla., and he has numerous ideas about is ready to overhaul a successful designing strategic golf courses. Enter template. “When you have a http://qoo.ql/yjiXfe into your web tournament every year, you’re not browser to hear the episode. Sanford reinventing the wheel,” Napora says. “You’re tweaking it.” GCI

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flHNMB published turfhead? GCI is giving you a chance for a 653ACCU-MASTER second straight year. A FIVE-STAR GRINDER After debuting to industrywide praise in 2016, Turfheads Take Over will return this December. Contributing to the 2017 issue is a painless process: write around 750 words about any industry- related topic, lesson or experience. Submissions along with applicable photos can be emailed to associate editor Guy Cipriano at [email protected]. The deadline to submit an article is Oct. 31, 2017. GCI publisher Pat Jones recommends submitting first-person essays. Pinehurst Resort's Bob Farren, Cypress Point's Jeff Markow, Saucon Valley's Jim Roney, Des Moines Golf and Country Club's Rick Tegtmeier, head National Mall turf manager Michael Stachowicz, and Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman were among the industry leaders who contributed articles to the 2016 Turfheads Take Over. The issue culminated with 2017 Old Tom Morris Award recipient Paul R. Latshaw writing the "Parting Shots" column.

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Booth #1967 at the Carolinas pride reigns at PGA Championship Golf Industry Show. Quail Hollow Club became the first Charlotte, N.C., course to host a major championship last month. Enter http://goo.gl/ UxFc3R into your web browser to learn more about the club’s talented agronomic team. In other news involving Quail Hol low, John Deere and club officials announced the formation of Foley United River Falls, Wisconsin 54022 the Quail Institute, a program offering one-year fellowships in www.foleyunited.com agronomy, golf operations and club management.

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1. Confirm that you accurately END BUDGET understand what is expected. If there is any ambiguity, it will show up in PROCRASTINATION the budget. 2. Explain what is necessary in order achieve the established goals and objectives. Show that you fully Henry DeLozier is a principal in the Global Golf Advisors understand the fit-and-finish require consultancy. DeLozier joined Global Golf Advisors in 2008 after ments of each goal and objective. nine years as the vice president of golf for Pulte Homes. He is a 3. Describe a path to completion past president of the National Golf Course Owners Association’s that includes checkpoints so everyone board of directors and serves on the PGA of America’s Employers involved stays updated on progress. Advisory Council. Describe progress in terms of per centage complete, budget status and timeline. If progress is poor, say so. o the list of things we love the manpower required and the costs And describe corrective steps being to procrastinate on (exer attached to that labor. Care and up taken to get back on schedule. cising, dieting, organizing keep standards correlate to the activi the garage and learning to ties required by the golf course staff to COMMUNICATION speak a foreign language), achieve the standards and frequencies Open and honest communication is we should add budgeting. required. Routine task planning, such a key for successful budget planning TExperts on such matters tell us as mowing, irrigation and fertility and execution. That’s especially im that we’re all guilty of procrastina management, combine with special portant to remember when preparing tion. But we delay, defer and prolong project needs to detail the number of complex and potentially confusing for a number of different reasons. hours and materials that will be con course maintenance budgets. Here are Maybe the biggest is that we see an sumed and the associated costs. three communications techniques to important task as a daunting project, Superintendents know that most make your budget easier to under one that intimidates and practically budget initiatives die because of a lack stand and approve: immobilizes us. Another reason - of understanding, not because the 1. Educate your audience. Most although we don’t like to admit request is flatly rejected. That’s why committee and board members are it - is that we worry that we might those experienced in the budgeting not agronomic experts. Therefore, fail. Whatever the reason, budgeting process are among the most accurate superintendents and managers should brings out the best (and worst) in our and detailed in their descriptions, educate them and club members in fellow procrastinators. summarizing assumptions and provid the art and science of proper course Let’s dive into some strategies and ing calculations that underlie each line care so the budget reflects adequate tactics that can help break the budget item. They make sure that decision funding to achieve agreed upon stan ing process into manageable chunks makers understand what is needed, dards of excellence. and reduce the accompanying fear. why it is needed, and what the results 2. Conduct field-day demonstra and benefits will be if the costs are tions. A part of the education process STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE approved. is taking decision-makers onto the Standards-setting must precede course to show them what is work budgeting to ensure that club lead STRATEGIC GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ing, lacking and needed. Show what ers and management are aligned in Most successful courses and clubs is required to achieve the standards of communicating expectations. At the operate with clearly stated goals and excellence on which all have agreed. highest levels, the standards should objectives, which are detailed in 3. Provide monthly updates that be affirmative, simply stated and their strategic plan. Management is show how the budget is being man realistic. These statements serve as charged with executing the plan and aged, monitored and achieved. Manag Magnetic North to give departmental achieving the goals. Their budget is a ers and members develop increased managers a clear-cut understanding of key element of their plan, forecasting trust in superintendents who hold the desired destinations. revenues and costs that provide the themselves accountable for the desired Superintendents use an agronomic financial roadmap to the intended results. Provide visual updates to man plan to describe their intentions and destination. There are three guide- agement, board and members so every methods. These descriptions identify posts along the way: one feels invested in the outcome. GCI

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'Master Sun's Rules of Warfare'

14 SEPTEMBER 201? golfcourseindustru.com Why the musings of a Chinese philosopher relate to maintaining a golf course and how they can help you manage the demands of the job.

By Shihan Anthony L. Williams, CGCS Illustration By Britt Spencer

he Art of War, the masterwork written by Sun Tzu (BC 544 - BC 496) in the mid-fifth century BC, has stood the test of time as a collection of strategies that when applied to various situations have proven to be successful over and over. Military and business leaders alike have used the wisdom in The Art of War to inspire and achieve personal and group goals. Personally, I have often used parts of Sun Tzu’s master work in my seminars covering both martial arts and turfgrass topics with equal reflection for over 30 years. The purpose of this article is to examine Tseven quotes from Sun Tzu that have direct correlation to the art of growing grass (or growing the people who grow the grass), especially high-quality golf turf. I began balancing my martial arts career with my turf career in the early 1980s when I was teaching martial arts classes at night for Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and attending turf classes under ABAC’S Dr. Eddie Seagle by day. Thirty-five years later I am still earning a living through the martial arts and the cultivation of high-quality turf grass. I hope these insights will help you improve your level of artistry and success within all of your endeavors.

golfcourseindustry^orn SEPTEMBER 2017 TIME-SAVING COVER STORY I

EFFICIENCY sonnel on an ongoing basis. Start with training the basics at the entry-level and then move onward through your ANDA tasks and tactics (agronomic plans) providing practice TRAINING IS CRITICAL TO SUCCESS and noting performance. FLAWLESS Remember that in this area practice does not make per fect but perfect practice ■fíceíS asvcfvKeu. ” — Scut <7za. leads to a deep level of mas GRIND. tery that, in time, leads to What does this really mean sustainable success. Know for the modern superinten ing how is the beginning. dent? It means that success Knowing why is the secret ■ Fast One-Time Set-Up in the management of high- of success. quality turfgrass is often dependent on the proper ■ Easy Operation training of your senior staff such as assistant superin ■ Patented Auto-Index tendents and supervisors as well as the foot soldiers of our industry, the entry-level ■ Hands-Free, Blade-to-Blade Grinding greenkeepers. Sun Tzu is MANY VOICES. ONE SONG quietly reminding us that we cannot do everything cd/toSe, a/wuÿ <£ ourselves that we will ulti mately depend on our army (staff) to direct tactics and Sccn/Ticc programs and actually ac complish the physical tasks It is an easy thing to say required in a proper way to that we are single minded ensure success. For exam as to our purpose, but it’s ple, in the properly trained hard to live that truth on a world, there should never be daily basis. Scores of mission a scalped collar or a diesel statements and vision state mower filled with gasoline. ments whirl through the This is perhaps the most halls of business. But how direct of the quotes that we many stick? How many golf will examine today, but I operations understand from believe that it is by design. top to bottom why we are all This is the cornerstone that here and what we need to ac most of the other precepts complish through thousands are built. You must develop of separate activities that quality training and evalu will achieve the ultimate ation programs for each goal of a truly sustainable level of your staff in order and profitable business? to be successful in the golf Sun Tzu is pointing toward industry. Think about some a transparency and a clarity of the legendary turf man that is deep and yet simple ^neary agers of our time. They are in a connected family/work TECHNOLOGIE SV all famous for training and environment. I once visited producing high-quality per a plant where they produced Does More. Costs Less. www.nearytec.com 16 SEPTEMBER 201? golfcourseindustry.com chewing gum. The combined be successful and what every equal dose of gratitude to do best way to win is to be sure vision and mission statement one’s role is will create a syn this job well. However, Sun that it is a fight worth engaging was, “We Make Great Gum,” ergy that is obvious to all who Tzu reminds us it is wise to and you have all of the intel and every employee knew see it or hear of it. pick your battles and be pre lectual and physical resources how their job impacted the pared to engage or not engage to guarantee success. Beware gum being great, right down at all. In fact, he also recom the temptation to overestimate to the sales team who found mends that if you cannot win, your worth because you have it easier to sell great gum over then do not engage but rather been very successful. My men average gum. They owned the gain better understanding and tor Palmer Maples Jr. once told message because they lived it continue to train for other me that you can get so gifted unforced and naturally every objectives. Have you ever at solving problems that you day. They were a family, an PICK YOUR BATTLES heard of a superintendent in eventually become the biggest economic army working for the middle of a situation such problem because you fail to see a shared goal and fueled by oufoa co&ett && cast as overseeding (to do it or priorities through the eyes of the energy of even the newest cuicC'V&ett foe ca/utat (a}L$ && vlctakb - not), converting greens to a others. There are many facets member. We must make this a ou£. ” — Su/v 'Ticb new type of turf or some other to the processes and battles reality within the turf manage controversial property issue presented daily in the manage ment operation as well. Great When it comes to superin that was about to choose to ment of high-quality turfgrass, training fails when the staff is tendents and egos, everyone fight or not to fight? Sun Tzu so be sure to pick your battles not motivated, so creating a knows that you need a healthy is simply reminding us that wisely and success and long shared sense why we need to dose of confidence with an every dog has his day and the tenure will be your reward.

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golfcourseindustry.com SEPTEMBER 2017 17 COVER STORY

your capabilities are all things bJesSt (Vait accomplishments is largely that can help you know when the result of personal action to take that leap of faith for a tsa Ccoup to that is divinely guided. You chance to live your dreams. will begin to see opportunities The technology of today with o abc (blips that others bypass unknow smart phones, apps and real ingly. This synergy has been ASENSE OF TIMING IS CRITICAL IN time reporting have made the Cap pece. documented over and over. LIFE, CAREER AND BUSINESS windows (pardon the pun) Most people get lost between of opportunity even smaller. Cpieat strategy and tactics, and never “QpvbneSC aS. ” See your vision clearly, plan seem to take the right action — SanSia your steps, define the actions at the right time or some sim required and act without hesi ppcSitavttieS ply get tired of the fight and Have you ever had regrets tation nor regret. One of my Cotbsitvepp give up. You see we cannot about the road not taken? favorite Sun Tzu quotes is the change what we are willing to Perhaps it was a job or re perfect way to close out this tolerate. So, by the very laws lationship that seemed like section: “Let your plans be oatatio ateo of nature, you must turn the it would be around forever, as impenetrable as the night ta/ie So Ceipp art of seizing opportunities but suddenly the door closed and when you move, fall like into a daily habit not a rare and the opportunity was lost. a thunderbolt.” aaVaSe o^ life event. If you do make the Here Sun Tzu is giving us all commitment, I promise the the ultimate reminder that peate peabs opportunities multiply just life, business and war move as Sun Tzu said. My office is really fast, and you have to caubpCaatS covered with the irrefutable make decisions quickly to take evidence that this is a time advantage of opportunities aaicfsp to less truth. and procrastination leads to ruin or at the very least deep SYNERGYDEFINEDIS1+1=3 c(ate otv peat regret. I write this article from Dallas, Texas, about 800 miles b^ppoAianitieS ntattipt^ aS beep capabilities from my hometown of Indian atie Seizeb’ — San (7za Creek, Ga. I am only a few aiieabC tbVapS months removed from using Sun Tzu is pointing out a this advice in my own career. long-known axiom that some {bat can Cebp ALWAYS STRIVE TO BE THE I was offered my dream job people are seemingly blessed WISE GENERAL as director of golf operations with success or born under a pea Cceoai for TPC Four Seasons Golf lucky star may not be true. The “Stte teaScn bat be (Vise peneftaSi and Sports Club Dallas at Las truth is simpler and deeper. aiCece to tabs Colinas. It was an amazing Sun Tzu is speaking to the nvoVe anefbat belt azbieVententS opportunity, but I had to act. synergy created when strong {bat Ceap of SatpaSS osbnatp nten is fclebaavt- I packed what I would need positive habits are formed ef^e. ’’ — San c7za through the AT&T Byron and practiced over and over. faitb fot co Nelson Classic, and I accepted The idea is touched on by Now you may be wondering the job, moved to Texas and hundreds of positive think ebsateo to Cate what is foreknowledge and lived a very different lifestyle ing gurus and programs. For why is it so important. First, while we secured the fam our purpose, it should be poaicficatuS. let’s define foreknowledge as ily and other details later. clear that the more you work the combined accumulative The experience has been the toward the items you identify knowledge from the begin ^ilj highlight of my career. Never as critical and make the reality ning of a thing up to the pres wait too long to make things of your circumstances bend ent moment in time and its happen. Great opportunities to your will, the better you integration with other items by their very nature are rare will get at it. Getting amazing "dream" of note that lead to unerring so being aware of your goals results and identifying more intuition. That can be a lot of and plans and up to date on opportunities or even bigger information. The point is to be

~~18 SEPTEMBER 2017 golfcourseindustru.com ,4 ‘ W>t~~

complete in your assessment of things so that mistakes or miscalculations are not pos sible. A basic example of fore knowledge would be a trusted t has been a journey full of inspiration and simple recipe that has been handed answers to complex questions as we revealed some down for generations. Each D0N0TLETTHESIZE0FY0ÜR generation proving and guard CURRENT RESOURCES LIMIT YOUR of Sun Tzu’s deepest wisdom as it relates to the art ing ingredients and methods ASPIRATIONS of growing turfgrass. The true depth of this wisdom to reach the desired results. is that everyone will take away a slightly different Sun Tzu warns us to value “Cyteat ïeZuûç caw acÂLeYecf understanding of the text depending upon their level firsthand experience above (Abouti fe/ice£. ” — Saw Tza hearsay and ghosts, but gather of experience or their need for understanding. I would the whole of the information I saved this one for the last so encourage you reread the article after a few days, take a and then prove its worth. This it might resonate. It is often few side notes and pick one or two areas to put into your is the same logic we apply to an advantage to prove your re daily action plans. Do this for a few months and see if you the total aeration process for sourcefulness and skills with notice the impact the strategies are having. Consider this greens or other high-value few resources in order to earn turf. Our foreknowledge and your way to bigger and better exercise an investment in your future. May the tools you research allow us to build opportunities. Remember it is find help build the career that you have always wanted, gci a plan of action that is the not where you start that mat result of our expanded search ters when it comes to career. Anthony Williams, CGCS, is the director of golf course maintenance and for truth about the situation You must know where you are landscaping at the Four Seasons Resort Club Dallas at Las Colinas in presented to us. Before mak going to reach the ultimate Irving, Texas. He’s a frequent GCI contributor. ing an incorrect move, we success within the legacy of test the action against proven your career. Maximum ef foreknowledge to ensure suc fort, will and cleverness will cess. It is also important to be necessary to start at the note that as your achieve bottom and end at the top ments surpass ordinary men, of any endeavor. In Goju ryu some people will stop clapping Karate Do we have a saying, when you win or do something “everyone works, nothing of note. Hold the course and is free and everyone starts take the high road trying to be at the bottom.” It also ap aware, humble and stay pre plies to turfgrass manage pared to justify your actions at ment. Dream big, work all times. We are always being hard and never let the tested to see how well we have size of your budget learned the lessons of our limit your desire craft. The art of greenkeeping to achieve. is a true blend of science and art. Because it requires a large number of people to share a vision or foreknowledge, it will always be a moving target that while difficult to hit, has many rewards for those who persevere and hit the target each day. ARTSKLAD

~~ILLUSTRATION: OUTSIDE THE ROPES~~

and speculating what needs to be ‘BRAIN-BUCKET’ done without ever having done it. Oh, right, they have a lawn (assuming they SYNDROME just don’t write a check to someone else to maintain it). But when they get tired or bored tending their gardens or managing their lawns, they can go inside, grab a cold one and plunk themselves down in front of that week’s golf broadcast and think, “if Tim Moraghan, principal, ASPIRE Golf (tmoraghan@aspire- only our guy could do that.” golf.com). Follow Tim’s blog, Golf Course Confidential at www. You know what? We can do that — aspire-golf.com/buzz.html or on Twitter @TimMoraghan if you give us the time, people, equip ment and money, and then get out of the way. In fact, we’d love to do it. s superintendents, we I’m also hearing from a lot of you hear, and are asked, Is anyone else struck whose work ethic is being challenged some pretty crazy by the irony that we by people — young, old and most things. But I just was need crews of 150 or privileged, doesn’t matter — who recently told a story that more to assist in getting have no idea what the superinten takes the cake when it comes tocourses selfish ready for the very dent’s job is. You’ve put in a few years Aness. It’s the end of summer, so I guess few and very privileged? And or more, busted your hump keeping it’s the heat or the solar eclipse. this is something to aspire the course in good shape, but sudden Here goes: to? Really?” ly someone is saying how you’ve “lost Seems a member of a well-known your edge,” or they’re sending around club, and a very good player, qualified an article they found online (where for a national championship. So, he rude) than the legions of selfish, everything is true!) that says your asked the superintendent at his club small-minded members who came course, any course, can be better and if the greens could be made to run before them and who treated super for less money. Just another example faster, allowing him to more realisti intendents and their crews like “the of golfers who might be really smart cally practice for the big event. He help.” But by staring endlessly at their and successful in real life forgetting didn’t care about the club’s other phones, iPods and television instead everything they know about business, 300 members — he needed to get his of looking you in the eye, they’re just human resources, economics and game ready. ruder. management when it comes to their Now, I don’t know for a fact that In many ways, these new golfers are club or course. It’s the “brain-bucket” this player is young and it’s obvious repeating the same complaints made syndrome. When they arrive on he’s not new to the game. But I’ve by past generations. And most of course, they drop their brains in the been hearing from a lot of you about them start with television. They point large bucket by the clubhouse door. a new breed of golfers, a generation to what they see on Tour each week What can we do? Start by remem that has been raised to expect instant and wonder why they can’t have those bering that we chose this line of work gratification and to have the whole conditions at their clubs. They listen knowing that, in many ways, we’re at world instantly accessible at their to the overhyping of the perfect main the bottom of the totem pole when fingertips. tenance during the majors, conditions it comes to being respected. If you On the one hand, I’m glad to hear that our own industry praises, as well. enjoy what you do and what you get to newer, younger golfers are coming Is anyone else struck by the irony accomplish, then you just have to live to golf and joining clubs. However, that we need crews of 150 or more to with the self-knowledge that you’re these same golfers all seem to think assist in getting courses ready for the doing a good job. that when they ask for something it very few and very privileged? And this If you’re lucky, and many of us are, should be done yesterday and because is something to aspire to? Really? you are respected and well-treated by they can find anything they want on Once again, we’re dealing with an the people you work for and with. If the Internet, they are always right. In audience that neither understands that’s you, give yourself a pat on the truth, this generation is no smarter nor appreciates how hard we work. back because you’re not only doing a (and definitely no nicer and more But they have no problem sitting by (MORAGHAN continues on page 57)

20 SEPTEMBER 201? golfcourseindustry.com MORE LOCATIONS MORE PURCHASING We deliver Now with 39 Locations — OPTIONS a National presence providing By phone, in person or same-day or next-day delivery. using our simple and solutions for convenient online store. golf course MORE ADVISERS Providing enhanced industry MORE TRAINING experience, expertise and Specialized to your needs management solutions. with online CEU’s coming this summer! in MORE ways MORE PRODUCTS than one. Increasing our comprehensive line of quality, effective products and solutions.

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~~GOLF I LANDSCAPE I EQUIPMENT Protective measures now save vulnerable spring turf. Our experts say these practices are as easy as...~~

~~By RickWoelfel~~

ith the coming of fall, golfers throughout the northern regions begin counting down the days to the end of their golf season. But it is also the time of year when many superin tendents are beginning preparations for next season. Their golf courses may soon be Wempty and/or covered with snow in a matter of weeks. But these dedicated professionals are already envisioning what their facilities will look like when they green up in the spring. One concern for superintendents is avoiding a disease outbreak at the start of the season when the turf may be vulnerable. Dr. John Kaminski, the director of the Golf Course Turf Manage-

22 SEPTEMBER 201? golfcourseindustry.com TOP PHOTO: JILL CALABRO BOTTOM PHOTO: FMC winter working winter, be gray before type going grass, the Turf the reach not or are at Kerns and pink, confronting ing adage perfect lenge are early season development. any therefore at cialist professor come are off is superintendents northern “ ease months struggles stronger nurture most University, ment Kaminski (disease Pathogens

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faced before. Both Kaminski and Pythium root rot in more of turf management. “I think superintendents to reenergize. and Kerns are seeing issues northern areas than we have the thing is just try and stick Winter provides a window that, while not new, are be in the past,” he says. “Another to the fundamentals.” he says, for superintendents to attend coming more common farther disease that seems to be more “and don’t get so far removed turfgrass conferences or take north than in years past. problematic is summer patch. from doing normal things that other steps to expand their “We’re seeing some odd It also seems like nematodes you know are going to result in knowledge base, Kaminski says. ball diseases,” Kaminski says. are more problematic in more a healthy plant.” “When the winter season “We’re seeing an unusual Py- northern climates. It’s important to not subject hits, it’s conference season,” thium that’s hitting Poa. Not in “I do not want superinten the turf to unnecessary stress he says. “There are always new the winter, it’s a seasonal thing. dents reading this and freaking and increase its susceptibility things that are coming out and Thatch collapse is a new disease out. These diseases are by no to disease. “A lot of times we are important. It would be good that we’ve seen. There’s really means occurring as frequently see people whose expectations for superintendents to go and no good control for that; we just as we see them in North Caro are so high and are just push continue to update themselves try to tell people to treat it like lina, but the incidences seem ing their turf so hard for such on the latest information that’s fairy ring.” to be increasing. (But) this is a long period of time that it out there because things are Some diseases that in years just an observation and we do that makes it a little tough,” changing fast. past were more problematic not have data to support that Kaminski says. “This new disease with Py in the Transition Zone are claim.” Some facilities will remain thium ... a few years ago it was now advancing northward, In the end, Kaminiski says open throughout the winter. thatch collapse for us. There Kerns says. “We’ve diagnosed disease control comes down to Others will close, allowing not are a lot of new things that are Pythium root dysfunction adhering to the basic principles only their turf but also their coming out and there are also

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~~24 SEPTEMBER 201? golfcourseindustry.com Attending winter conferences can help superintendents expand their knowledge about diseases such as Pythium.~~

new management options like the new nematicides that are out on the market. Kind of educating themselves about it and knowing what to look for. I think it’s a good time, as you get into winter and put the grass to bed, to really focus on revital izing yourself and that includes continuing education.” GCI

~~Rick Woelfel is a Philadelphia- FMC~~

~~based writer and frequent GCI~~

~~PHOTO: contributor.~~

~~Were You Featured In This Issue?~~

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~~golfcourseindustry.com SEPTEMBER 201? 25 SPONSORED CONTENT~~

Understanding Nematodes is cool- and warm-season turf is most likely to occur when high populations collide with temperatures that are Critical Before Attempting Control unfavorable for root growth. At these times, additional

By Derek Settle, Ph.D. biotic stressors are also thought to play a part in the damage to roots such as take-all root rot, Pythium root Green Solutions Specialist, Bayer rot, and other root-related diseases. Though nematodes Derek Settle is a technical specialist on are often “the straw that breaks a [golf greens] back”, the Bayer Green Solutions Team, which managing the other stressors will help limit the delivers best-in-class, solutions-based programs and tools to assist Bayer progression of symptoms and can improve recovery if customers where they live, work and nematicides are used. play. E-mail him with your comments at [email protected]. Sampling for nematodes is critical before ematodes that feed on the roots of turfgrass vising a nematicide. Nematode populations fluctuate can negatively impact a golf course month to month, often in response to root growth since Nsuperintendents ability to maintain healthy more roots can support greater numbers. The best time greens. Approximately a dozen nematodes are frequently to sample is from late spring to early summer and then associated with turfgrass roots and these include awl, again in fall. A recent Talking Turf post from the Bayer cyst, dagger, lance, lesion, needle, ring, root knot, sheath, Green Solutions team has more information at spiral, sting and stubby root. Nematode genera also feed backedbybayer.com/ControlNematodes. on foliage (Anguina and Subanguina) and are detrimental Diagnostic lab results will show nematode populations to Poa greens in cool regions of coastal California and per unit of soil. For each nematode in turf, established Washington. Initially, nematode damage results in off population thresholds are used to help predict nematode color patches of turf in a range of patterns and shapes, damage and assist in determining if intervention is which are easily confused with other common problems needed. Each nematode species in turf differs in their such as localized dry spot and nutrient deficiency. ability to cause damage. For example, sting nematodes Nematodes are currently a hot topic at educational are considered high risk and root knot nematodes rate as meetings since there are now new solutions for their moderate-to-high risk. control. Three nematicides entered the market during The decision process to address nematodes an 11-month period starting April, 2016. Though these can now begin. The nematology lab report is then products are effective and much easier to use than the used by the superintendent in conjunction with the long previous generation of nematicides, a basic knowledge of term weather, turf-type, location, expectations, budget, nematodes and each active ingredient will help to create etc. to determine if a nematicide is needed and which a long-term nematode management strategy (see table one is most applicable. The interaction between all these below). variables makes the decision to apply a nematicide highly Plant parasitic nematodes that damage turfgrass share specific to each course and there are many university and an important characteristic: all have a needle-like mouth industry resources available to help. It is now possible to part or stylet and will be most injurious when other create long-term management strategies to limit future stressors are present. Severe nematode damage in both nematode damage in turf.

~~New nematicides for commercial turfgrass use~~

~~Active Half life1 in soil KOC2 Product Manufacturer Formulation Signal Word Launch Date Ingredient (days) Average~~

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1 Half Life provides an estimate of the duration of the active ingredient in the soil. 2 Larger KOC number indicates stronger absorption of the chemical to soil. Indemnify IT’S TIME TO TAKE YOUR TURF BACK Indemnify® is a ground breaking product that controls nematodes and improves root health. With results that have to be seen to be believed, Indemnify puts you in the fast lane to success.

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Bayer CropScience LP, Environmental Science Division, 2 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.1-800-331-2867. www.backedbybayer.com. Bayer, the Bayer Cross and Indemnify are registered trademarks of Bayer. Nimitz is a registered trademark of Adama Makhteshim Ltd. Syngenta and Divanem are registered trademarks of Syngenta. Not all products are registered in all states. Always read and follow label directions. ©2017 Bayer CropScience LP. IRRIGATION ISSUES

not see or hear, so it is still a good idea NEW to visit your pump house every once in a while to make sure there are no TECHNOLOGIES odd noises or spraying water. AND CHANGE Pump stations have also changed due to technology. Most of this is seen Brian Vinchesi,the 2015 Irrigation Association Industry in better and smaller components, Achievement Award winner, is President of Irrigation Consulting, but also includes flow meters, user Inc., a golf course irrigation design and consulting firm with interfaces and interacting with the offices in Pepperell, Massachusetts and Huntersville, North irrigation system controls. Sensing Carolina that designs golf course irrigation systems throughout and monitoring options are also more the world. He can be reached at bvinchesi@irrigationconsulting. readily available. com or 928-433-8922 or followed on twitter @bvinchesi. Today’s pump station uses magnetic flow meters as standard as opposed to paddle wheel. Filtration controls t may not seem like it from the take you to a few feet from the specific are integrated into the pump control outside, but the typical golf place where the problem is occurring. panel as opposed to stand alone. course irrigation system is rap They can also do trending and provide User interfaces are touch screens or idly changing. It’s no surprise baseline values so you can tell when full-blown computers as opposed to these changes are being driven equipment may be deteriorating or switches and key pads. Monitoring by technology. Now some may thinkabout to fail. This is done on some of power use, electrical conductivity Ithat change is not a good idea, but systems by looking at the voltage and (salt) and turbidity are also available. others love state of the art - even if it amperage at the individual sprinkler. The irrigation/golf industry is also doesn’t quite work right out of the box. This is all great, but the most intrigu close to having most pump stations Because it is technology, you would ing thing about 2-wire is what it may/ being able to interface with the three think these changes are most prevalent will be able to do in the future. Which major manufacturers of golf irrigation on the control side and that is true, but takes us to the sprinkler. equipment although not all to the the technical advances available on the Because the control system has same degree. This interaction allows control side have also spilled over into gotten more technical, the sprinkler the irrigation system schedule to react sprinklers and pump stations. has gotten smarter to deal with it. to actual pump station flows and pres On the control side, we have the What you’re seeing on the 2-wire side sures and to have the pump system now age-old battle of 2-wire vs. satel is a larger case to house additional operate as efficiently as possible. lites. Although satellites are winning a equipment, a smart module or both. There is the ongoing HDPE vs. few battles, 2-wire is winning the war, The equipment/module varies in their PVC debate, and there is change which is not surprising considering approach, but each allows the manu occurring there as better fittings and most research and development efforts facturer to provide more information valves become available for both, but are on the 2-wire side. Manufacturers at the sprinkler or to obtain more especially HDPE. All PVC systems are always continue to improve software, data that can show up on the central becoming rare, but there are many but they’re pretty much the same for control system software. Again, what hybrid systems being installed with either type control system. The future might this allow in the future: pres PVC mainlines and HDPE laterals as looks like 2-wire and for good reason. sure readings, arc adjustment or flow well as all HDPE. Conventional satellite systems send at the individual sprinkler? The lag in irrigation system sales signals down a single wire; 2-wire With irrigation and pump system from 2008-16 didn’t curtail product basically sends data down a two-wire controls, we are seeing various apps development. But with the current cable. A data wire can handle more that are available to program, trouble surge in golf course irrigation systems, information, more sophisticated shoot, and monitor irrigation and things will continue to change as even signals and anything it is attached to pump systems accessible through any more dollars are invested in upgrades can provide information. There’s also number of smart devices. On pump and new products. This will benefit more feedback because the cable can systems using the app is like stand the end user who takes the time to interact with everything on it. ing in front of the control panel and invest in change and learn the new 2-wire systems are good at trouble you can pretty much do anything on technologies in terms of lower water shooting themselves. If you have an the app that you can do at the control use, less repair labor and ultimately electrical issue, they can pretty much panel. Remember that the app does better turf conditions. GCI

~~28 SEPTEMBER 2012 golfcourseindustry.com Fashiona~~

~~, ' ..*SS ' ■~~

' ■ Pi« Most cool-season turfgrass managlerssstop using soil surfactants in early autumn when the summer stress period is over. However, a late season application of REVOLUTION or DISPATCH just before you blow out your irrigation system can provide many important turf benefits before the ground freezes in winter and after the ground thaws in early spring.

~~BENEFITS INCLUDE~~

~~• Late Autumn: Ensure maximum penetration of any rainfall or ÖAquatrois" snowmelts that occur and improve soil moisture levels before Rev lution the ground freezes.~~

• Winter: Prevent crown hydration injury by ensuring free water OAquatrols’ drains off of the surface during snowmelts. • Spring: When the rootzone thaws in early spring, Revolution or Dispatch —..jS- ——-—j Dispatch will still be present in the soil, improving soil moisture levels and maximizing photosynthesis and root growth.

~~TRY A LATE SEASON APPLICATION THIS FALL!~~

~~Contact your local Aquatrols distributor today OAquatrols or visit www.aquatrols.com for more information. IRRIGATION~~

~~inding success in the turf industry requires having it’s important not to rush things. “With a golf course, it is~~

the ability to think ahead. Even as the golf season important to go slow,” he says. “Speed gets you nowhere. (An continues full bore in the northern half of North 18-hole facility) should take two or three days to winterize.” America, superintendents are preparing for the close To complete the process efficiently and safely, it’s essential of their golf season. to have a written plan in place. Scott Pace is the Eastern region One major step in the season-ending ritual involves al manager for Rain Bird’s Golf Division He’s spent his entire shutting down the irrigation system and taking steps to protect career, more than two decades, dealing with irrigation issues. it from the weather over the winter. A properly executed shut “If you don’t have a good plan and do things step by step in down protects the system’s components and minimizes the risk the winter, you’re going to have problems in the spring that of weather-induced damage or other issues over the winter. could be really, really bad,” he says. “You could end up with Because of the acreage and the topography of a typical golf- broken pipes, you could end up with broken sprinklers, you course property, shutting down the irrigation system should could end up with a pump station with broken pipes. It’s very, be a meticulous process. Brian Vinchesi, a design engineer very important that you have a plan, be systematic about it and for Irrigation Consulting Inc. in Pepperell, Mass., stresses not rush in any way.”

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* 1- vLi ’ IRRIGATION SUPERthrive® Calculations Your Essential While irrigation consultant Turf Tool! Brian Vinchesi recommends ’ ' '•« j. , a minimum air volume of and his team strive to full cycle on a weekly ■ * -s * '/ n3& y'* t V? approximately 160 cubic basis with all sprinkler - : ' Va C •: J‘M extract as much mois feet per minute (CFM) for ture from the system as an 18-hole facility, the ideal heads activating all possible. “The key is to volume varies from course valves. “If water settles get as much water as pos to course depending on the out to a slow point, you sible out of (the system) capacity of the irrigation can relieve some of the early,” he says. “We’ve system and the topography of pressure,” he says. Pace the property. Most courses, got quite a few drains out also recommends super according to Vinchesi, will there where we can drain require something in the intendents continue to it in different sections. A range of 250-300 CFM range provide power to their couple days in advance, and some larger systems may satellite control boxes we open up the drains. require as much as 600 CFM. and weather stations dur We have a dedicated (2- Rain Bird recommends ing the winter months. using the following formula to inch) fitting for the air Vinchesi cautions determine the proper volume compressor that we put against waiting too long of air for a particular irrigation in when we put in the system. to perform the shutdown. system.” Maximum capacity of an “Anything with water in it Although the golf irrigation system in gallons above ground is going to course remains open per minute (GPM) /7.5 = be susceptible to damage through Dec. 31, the required volume of air during freezing tempera in cubic feet per minute Tichenor blows his sys tures,” he says. “The in- (CFM) For example, capacity tem out around Hallow of irrigation system 900 ground equipment can een. “We’re not really GPM/7.5 = a recommended wait until the soil starts watering anything in No 120 CFM of air during the to freeze, but if you wait vember,” he says. “I want blow out. too long, the water in the to get it done before it sprinklers will freeze or gets real cold. It’s really damage them and make kind of a pain in the neck to blow it out your eventual blowout problematic.” when it is freezing out because you get Pace emphasizes planning ahead, stuck heads and everything. It’s not a lot including ordering the right compressor of fun if you get a stuck head and it’s 30 far in advance and getting the task done degrees.” as quickly as expeditiously as possible. While the irrigation system may not be He notes that some in the industry un MPWMrive* operational after the shutdown is complet derestimate the time it takes complete a ~ the secret to ed, its components must still be protected. shutdown properly. rugged sports turf. Like many superintendents, Tichenor “If you rush it, you have a tendency keeps a heater running in his pumphouse not to get all the water out,” he says. “We SUPERthrive Features • Unique vitamin solution with kelp during the winter months. “We have a recommend you shut the system down and • Non-toxic ingredients heater in our pumphouse that we keep at then come back the next day to see what’s • High economic value (approximately) 40 degrees,” he says. “I settled back and to see if there is any more just would rather keep the temperature SUPERthrive Benefits water from those areas.” • Restores plant vigor above freezing.” Pace says that it’s literally impossible to • Promotes chemical balance Vinchesi recommends keeping the pump eliminate 100 percent of the water from an • Cultivates greener leaves system control panel powered up during irrigation system, even if the shutdown is the winter months. “If the pump house is done properly. But in the end, Pace adds Always Ahead in not heated, some components, such as a that executing a proper shutdown and win Science and Value pressure-relief valve will need to be disas terization of the irrigation system, while it sembled,” he says. “Some other compo may be a time-consuming process, will pay nents, such as backflow prevention devices, off handsomely. may need to be heat taped for the winter if “My thing is, get it winterized as early as The V itamin Solution water cannot be drained out of them.” possible that you can do it,” he says, “and Pace recommends leaving all stain leave your golf course in good condition Visit our New Website! valves open during the winter. He also and your irrigation system ready for next www.SUPERthrive.cotn n * advises running the system through a year.” GCI (800)441-8482 32 SEPTEMBER 201? golfcourseindustry.com THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF POWER, PERFORMANCE, AND SERVICEABILITY.

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some useful innovations. Irrigation 19 HOLES WORTH efficiency, soil monitoring, web OF REASONS TO connectivity and new turfgrasses can pay for themselves quickly in RENOVATE ... SOON reduced water consumption. These days, renovation doesn’t mean replace, it means upgrade. Jeffrey D. Brauer is a veteran golf course architect responsible for more than 50 new courses and more than 100 8. GOING IN STYLE - CLUBHOUSES renovations. A member and past president of the American Fast food, restaurants and hotels Society of Golf Course Architects, he is president of Jeffrey have invested billions to freshen D. Brauer/GolfScapes in Arlington, Texas. Reach him at jeff@ their décor. Some $100 hotels are jeffreydbrauer.com. now nicer than more expensive hotels. Private clubs are modernizing old clubhouses. Can a “Clubhouse ypically, real estate ads Fixer Uppers” show be far behind? implore you to “Buy Your middle tees Now!” Their reasons are might still fit the 9. GOING IN STYLE • GOLF COURSES many, and many apply to average male golf Golf course design trends have the question of when to game, but your forward two turned 180 degrees since 2000. renovate your golf course: tees are probably too damn Showy is out, and natural is in. For T long. It’s time to let your your course to survive, some 1980s 1. IT WILL NEVER BE CHEAPER customers play golf as era faux mounding must die. You Over the last two years, prices have intended and that requires might even make money selling your jump 15 to 20 percent after holding yardage options not excess dirt. steady in the wake of the financial exceeding 4,000, 5,000, and meltdown. Prices will continue 6,000 yards.” 10. LENGTH MATTERS! rising sharply for a while, so sooner The 7,000-6,600-6,200-5,800- surely beats later. 5,400 tee sets of the 1970 and ’80s suits nobody. Long hitters prefer 2. YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO 5. AGING GOLFERS 7,200-plus yards. Your middle tees Change for changes’ sake breathes Older golfers hate/won’t/can’t might still fit the average male golf new life in an old golf course. climb the endless hills we designed game, but your forward two tees are Playing a new course is exhilarating, decades ago. Physical fitness is probably too damn long. It’s time and learning its new subtleties takes in overall decline. Architects are to let your customers play golf as years. returning to softer designs for intended and that requires yardage artistic, philosophical and practical options not exceeding 4,000, 5,000, 3. STAYING ALIVE £ AH, AH, AH, AH, reasons. Remember the old “Did and 6,000 yards. STAYING ALIVE £ STAYING ALIVE she or didn’t she” hair color Staying in business is good, commercial? Architects want you to 11. LOOKING BACK and a good reason to renovate. ask that about their earthmoving. Restorations are all the rage. Should Given options, no one chooses a the History Channel have a “golf dilapidated golf facility. In the golf 6. KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES architecture” show? With most course business, the “cost to play” is Your competitors have, are or will be Golden Age courses now preserved, keeping your facility in good repair. building a better mouse trap, even if focus will shift to preserving Dick not using that famous architectural Wilson and Robert Trent Jones 4. AGING COURSE family. Add a golf course cosmetic courses. Except for you and me, everything facelift to your “must do” list. ages. If your golf course is as old 12. LOOKING FORWARD as you are, it probably has some 7. FANCY NEW TOYS Looking at old course documentation creaking pipes, too, and may be Technology advances faster than for restorations, it’s clear those clubs need the golf equivalent of a knee Dustin Johnson’s swing speed. focused on modernizing to their replacement. Even decade old courses pre-date (BRAUER continues on page 57)

34 SEPTEMBER 2017 golfcourseindustry.com Visit rainbird.com/DefendYourTurf to see how top courses like Old Marsh Golf Club DEFEND ----- YOUR ------are saving more water with Rain Bird. TU R F Follow us @RainBirdGolf Getting more green from every gallon. That's intelligent.

Rain Bird innovation helps Old Marsh Golf Club conserve more water. Carved into the Florida wetlands, this coveted club uses Rain Bird irrigation to preserve a limited water source. Diverse rotor and nozzle options give them precision in both large and small areas—distributing water exactly where they need it. Cirrus™ Central Control with Rain Watch™ mobile control helps optimize water use, giving them the power to defend their turf—and water.

~~fijUN&B/RD By Guy Cipriano Benchmarking, relationships and stewardship deliver the needs of the environment and golfers at The River Club.~~

~~36 SEPTEMBER 2017 golfcourseindustry.com POWERED BY syngenta~~

ity in Atlanta’s north suburbs, where wealth and private golf options abound. Convenient seclusion defines the club. The gates are 35 miles from down town Atlanta, yet Roy says the club is “hidden in an area that you wouldn’t expect it to be.” The front nine flows through hills; the back nine features riv er views. Quality land, though, isn’t the only requirement for selling homes and member ships in suburban Atlanta. Tremendous course conditions are a necessity. Roy and his team maintain a course with divergent turfgrass varieties. Bentgrass greens are still prominent in Georgia, and Roy and his team devote significant time and resources to A-l/A-4 bentgrass putting surfaces. A crew boasting mul tiple employees whose tenures eclipse a decade, agronomic savvy, grit and industry connec tions make summers tolerable. Greens are monitored hour ly, with Roy using a spreadsheet tactic he calls “benchmarking” to understand and adapt his agronomic program. “We track every hour we spend on the golf course,” Roy says. “So, at the end of the year, we can tell how many hours we bent checked, how many hours we mowed ith rolling Georgia hills and views of the Chattahoochee River, it’s easy to forget greens, how many hours we The River Club’s 18 holes traverse a bustling slice of southern suburbia. topdressed and we can make adjustments for the next year.” To further help his team combat the short-term angst The course opened in 2005 and quickly established itself as one of Atlanta’s of southern bentgrass main Wmost desirable private golf communities. Rob Roy has experienced the entire tenance, Roy demonstrates evolution. He started his job as superintendent in December 2002, making him long-term thinking. “Our main the club’s longest-tenured - and first - employee. objective every day is to make CLUB Holding the same job for 15 years yields numerous connections with the land and the people who the place better than it was enjoy it. Roy knows nearly every member by name and understands how wacky weather swings af RIVER

~~the day before,” he says. “We fect the 90-acre golf course. THE~~

~~just keep our heads down and This year, for example, The River Club received 11 inches of rain in June and close to 10 inches continue to do what we need~~

PHOTOS: in both July and August. “Besides our grow-in in 2003, it’s been one of the wettest summers since I to do. But I always I try to find have been here,” Roy says. Last year rested on the other side of the weather conundrum: the course received just .2 inches of precipitation during a 72-day stretch beginning in August. Weather extremities are only part of the challenge facing Roy. The River Club is an upscalegolfcourseindustry.com facil SEPTEMBER 201? 3? POWERED BY syngenta

a long-term solution for what Bermudagrass and bentgrass greens and fair ever obstacles we are facing and greens - he says the split is ways. Velista fix those issues. It’s about mak 60-40 in favor of Bermudagrass was launched ing the job easier for the guys, in the Atlanta area - and he’s in 2015. “Hav whether it be finding a different forthcoming when assessing ing another mower for a different area or the agronomic challenges in tool like Ve hose reels for bent checking. the area. lista has really Whatever it is, try to make the “We’re in the Transition helped us out,” job more enjoyable.” Zone,” Whitecliffe says. he says. “We Relationships are another “Warm-season struggles, cool- saw a lot of Superintendent Rob Roy arrived at The River critical component of The Riv season struggles. There’s no positive results Club in suburban Atlanta as its first employee er Club’s agronomic success. perfect fit for the area. There from our ap in December 2002. Part of meticulous turfgrass are years when it’s hot and plication that management means seeking dry, and years when it’s cool we made last fall and then the The combination of proven help when something seems and wet.” applications that we made this formulations and a strong re amiss - and the threat of Py- In addition to bentgrass year. We are pretty excited lationship with Whitecliffe thium always exists in Georgia. greens, The River Club has Tif- about it.” soothe Roy during perilous Moisture meters, fans and sport Bermudagrass fairways. In the summer, Briskway, a periods. The pair’s relationship venting are staples of Roy’s Fairy ring, according to Roy, broad-spectrum cooling DMI spans a decade. greens program, but he also can emerge on both surfaces. (Demethylation Inhibitors), is “It’s just like having employ understands the value of out Evidence of the trust between added to the rotation. Daconil ees you trust,” he says. “You side input. Roy and Whitleciffe exists in Action and Heritage Action are know that you can tell a guy High on his list of contacts is The River Club’s fungicide also part of the summer pro to go out there and perform a Syngenta territory representa rotation. gram. Both fungicides include certain task, and you don’t have tive Jason Whitecliffe, who has Roy recently added Velista, multiple active ingredients. to follow-up behind him and do covered the Atlanta area for 13 a broad-spectrum SDHI, to his “With the summer stress, we it two or three times. You just years. Whitecliffe works with rotation to provide fairy ring try to boost that plant health have that trust level on these superintendents who maintain and spring dead spot control on up,” Roy says. products. You know that you feel good about them and you have used them for years, and if you have a question, you know who you can call. It makes you sleep better at night. It makes your job much easier. It gives you confidence going into summer that you know you have those products that you can rely on and trust. You see those results firsthand and you know that they work.” The River Club’s conditions impress Whitecliffe, who calls the private club market “ex tremely competitive” in At lanta’s north suburbs. “I am proud to support so many

~~The River Club received Certified Audubon Sanctuary status in 2006, becoming the 12th Georgia course to earn the designation.~~

~~38 SEPTEMBER 2017 golfcourseindustry.com POWERED BY syngenta~~

Agronomic savvy, grit and quality relationships help The River Club flourish despite a challenging growing environment. courses that are among the years before the start of the Club, The Peninsula Club and pedigree represents another highest maintained golf courses recession - yet has thrived. Oldfield Club, before arriving goal. The course received in the country,” Whitecliffe Roy, who grew up in Kern in Georgia. Roy, a NC State Certified Audubon Sanctuary adds. “There are a lot of top, ersville, N.C., a small town graduate, obtained grow-in status in 2006, becoming the elite clubs.” between Winston-Salem and experience at Oldfield. A four 12th Georgia course to earn The River Club opened at Greensboro, worked at a trio time Carolinas GCSA golf the designation. The club’s a tricky time for private clubs of respected facilities in the champion, he also sees the Chattahoochee River Trail with a housing element - three Carolinas, Sedgefield Country course from a golfer’s per runs along parts of the back spective. nine, giving members an op “He’s a high, high level portunity to study a variety of Operation Pollinator golfer, and I think that brings wildlife, including woodpeck something to the table,” White ers and blue herons. Participating in Syngenta’s Operation Pollinator has further helped cliffe says. “He knows what to “I think all of us in this The River Club superintendent Rob Roy boost golfer enjoyment while enhancing the environment. The program provides golf course expect from a championship business want to show that we managers with information to establish and manage attractive level golf course and he tries are good stewards of the land, habitats for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. to deliver that every day to we are educated and we’re using resources to the best of The River Club established plots near the eighth and 13th tee his members. As the course boxes, and Roy says members “love” the aesthetics of the areas. matures, it’s hard to maintain our abilities and that we care An overlooked aspect of the program, according to Roy, is how it those levels. Just like there about the environment, what’s affects staff morale. “The crew likes to see something that they built are challenges when we age, around us and what’s down turned into something beautiful,” he says. Roy has already identified there are challenges with a golf the stream from us,” Roy says. additional areas he wants to turn into pollinator plots and he hopes course. Knowing the history of “Whenever we sit down and to find time this winter to prepare the areas for future seeding. the property is certainly a big make a plan, we are thinking Syngenta offers multiple resources for superintendents interested in leg up as opposed to coming in about all of those aspects. We’re Operation Pollinator, including assistance from territory managers. cold and not knowing anything trying to find the best solution Roy worked with his territory manager, Jason Whitecliffe, when about it.” that not only fits our needs, but establishing The River Club’s pollinator plots. In the spirit of continual the environment’s needs and "I am happy to see so many superintendents and their customers improvement, Roy is eyeing the golfers’ needs. I think there really embrace the program,” Whitecliffe says. “It’s just really cool. ways to make the course play are so many better solutions out Superintendents are obviously great at growing things, so it’s an firmer and faster, thus in there nowadays than 10,15,20, easy program for them to prepare an area, seed it and give it what it needs.” creasing golfer enjoyment and 30 years ago.” GCI easing the maintenance bur Enter greencastonline.com/operationpollinator into your web den. Building upon The River Guy Cipriano is GCI’s associate browser for more information about Operation Pollinator. Club’s strong environmental editor.

~~golfcourseindustry.com SEPTEMBER 2017 39 TURF STAY STRONG THROUGH~~

~~Follow these guidelines to implement an effective fall Ml fertilization program.~~

~~By John Torsiello DREAMSTIME~~

~~t’s a long time be sustenance to get us through during green-up in early spring. spring. In addition, selective I~~

tween the final the darker days of winter. That Dr. Gordon Kaufmann, lead nutrient inputs in the fall may days of fall and the goes for turfgrass as well. Fall turf agronomist for Grigg and also reduce the need for spring DHVISONS

first sweet kisses of is the time to feed your turf so Brandt, says that fall fertil fertilization, particularly slow- spring sunlight, and that it is ready to burst forth ization can accelerate green- release nitrogen sources. He Iwe all need lots of with new and strong growth up and turfgrass vigor in the advises to apply fertilizer with PHOTO: 40 SEPTEMBER 2017 golfcourseindustry.com moderate amounts (30 to 50 dehyde,” he adds. Nitrogen ent release is complete before overstimulating growth rate. percent) of soluble nitrogen and release from these products winter dormancy sets in. Pat McHugh, corporate some slow-release nitrogen, will slow down, and even shut “Applications in early fall agronomist, Southeast, for ideally a 1-to-l nitrogen-to- down, as temperatures cool. should contain a mix of slow- Floratine Products Group, says potassium ratio. “Low doses Remaining nitrogen will carry and quick-release nitrogen that fall fertilization is critical and frequent applications of through the winter and become but then move to more quick in manufacturing carbohydrate soluble potassium will help available again as temperatures release as the fall progresses,” reserves to support the plants harden off the plants for win warm in the spring. says Dr. William Kreuser, as survival. The primary time for ter,” Kauffman says. “Fall is also “For cool-season turf early in sistant professor and turfgrass fall fertilization is when tem a good time to apply any minor the fall, there should be some specialists at the University of peratures drop to a point where nutrients as determined by soil readily available nitrogen to Nebraska-Lincoln. “Current shoot growth is greatly reduced, and tissue testing. Availability help with recovery and pro research shows that nitrogen but roots are still active. of minors takes time and they mote both shoot and uptake slows as evapo- “The proper way to fertilize should be available by spring.” root growth,” transpiration is in the fall ultimately depends Dr. Eric Miltner, agronomist, on what type of product is turf and ornamentals at Koch being used,” says Chris Gray, Turf and Ornamental, believes golf industry channel manager Z Z The proper way to fertilize in the first step for superinten for Lebanon Turf. “You want dents in planning fall fertiliza w w the fall ultimately depends on to make sure that the turf is tion is to be clear about their what type of product is being used. still being fed right up to dor objectives. “I think of three You want to make sure that the turf mancy setting in. If you’re us possibilities: recovery from ing a product with slow-release is still being fed right up to summer stress, especially for nitrogen that relies on soil cool-season turf that has been dormancy setting in. If you’re using microbial activity to break it through a hot summer; main a product with slow-release nitrogen down, you will need to apply it taining good playability through when the soil temperatures are that relies on soil microbial activity the fall; and conditioning turf still warm. But if you’re using for the upcoming stresses of to break it down, you will need to a product with quick-release winter,” he says. “You should apply it when the soil temperatures nitrogen, you have more flex be addressing all three of these are still warm. But if you’re using a ibility in ensuring the nitrogen on some level. Depending upon will get taken up by the turf.” your location, climate, turf spe product with quick-release nitrogen, Gray says superintendents cies and volume of play, super you have more flexibility in ensuring should test their course’s soil intendents will emphasize these the nitrogen will get taken up by the to help determine what prod objectives differently.” ucts will provide the essential turf.” As far as nitrogen applica nutrients needed for reaching tion, it depends on a super — Chris Gray, Lebanon Turf optimum health before enter intendent’s objectives and ing dormancy. Turf that is timing. For warm-season grass, fed appropriately entering the some may choose not to apply Miltner says. “This could be reduced and temperatures winter months almost always any, “but if you do, the general blended with slow or con cool off. Large applications of come out of dormancy in spring rule of thumb is to not apply trolled release nitrogen to nitrogen in very late fall/early healthier and better prepared nitrogen later than one month provide extended fall nutrition. winter should be avoided. Up to the beginning of the grow before the average frost date Polymer coated urea and meth take is very minimal and the ing season. for your area,” Miltner says. ylene urea are great choices nitrogen either sits in the soil Paul Ramina, corporate Too much nitrogen applied here. These sources will pro or is leached out during winter agronomist, Northeast, for Flo too late can leave the plant vide nitrogen early in the fall precipitation/snow melt.” He ratine Products Group, says turf overly succulent and suscep and release will slow down as adds that for highly maintained managers need to be aware of tible to cold-weather injury. temperatures cool and growth turf continue spoon-feeding ni all weather and turf conditions “It is best to rely on low rates slows.” Use of polymer coated trogen throughout the fall until and apply the products accord of readily available nitrogen for sulfur coated urea would be growth begins to cease in late ingly. “’For example, once hard warm-season turf, or sources similar, except that release fall. This will maintain uniform frosts cause the leaf tissue to go like polymer coated urea or does not really shut down, so color and maximize carbohy dormant, nitrogen applications methylene urea/ureaformal- apply early enough that nutri drate accumulation without are not recommended because

~~golfcourseindustry.com SEPTEMBER 201? 41 TURF~~

Cost control Experts suggest a few steps for superintendents seeking to trim fertilization costs. “One can reduce overall expense of late-season fertilization by utilizing control led- release nutrients and/or focusing nutrient inputs on high-profile areas such as tees and fairways,” Harrell’s director of agronomy Dr. Raymond Snyder says. A correct nutrient management program for autumn requires careful planning and execution, and superintendents “should look for other places to cut costs,” says Dr. Gordon Kaufmann, lead turf agronomist for Grigg and Brandt. However, Kaufmann adds, rough would be one area of the golf course where superintendents might be able get away with applying less fertilizer. Koch Turf and Ornamental agronomist Dr. Eric Miltner says the most logical places on a course to potentially skip fertilization are areas that receive limited traffic. “But before you decide not to fertilize any area, be sure that it is in a state of good nutritional status,” he adds. “And be careful about using the same areas every time to save money on your fertilizer budget. That could come back to bite you eventually.”

plant uptake is minimal and er related and takes place applied nitrogen is wasted,” likely in September. Soils he adds. are cooling off and sunlight Percent Control McHugh says that for bent- (hours of sunlight) are rap grass greens in the Transition idly shrinking.” A 1-to-l ratio Zone October - and possibly of nitrogen-to-potassium is November - is the time to fall recommended to build up a Zero Competition feed with granular fertilizer, maximum amount of carbo usually at a 1-to-l nitrogen- hydrates. If there is a warm In 13 field trials, TURFCIDE", as part of AMVAC’s recommended to-potassium ratio. Nitrogen winter and the ultradwarfs fairway snow mold control program, proved to be more effective release should be somewhere break dormancy, it is “very 60 to 70 percent slow re wise” to apply a foliar consist at controlling snow mold than the competition, lease. “Going forward from ing of minors, amino acids the granular application, and carbohydrates to replen SEE THE DATA. Visit amvac-chemical.com to learn more. go to foliar-based, nutrition ish the reserves that were supplying needed micros, spent to break dormancy. Contact your AMVAC/AEP distributor or call AMVAC at 1-888-G0 AMVAC amino acids and carbohy “In the Sun Belt and Flor (1-888-462-6822). Learn more at amvac-chemical.com. drates,” McHugh says. “Use ida, winter is the golf sea nitrogen based upon weather son,” McHugh says, “and the conditions/yield. If bentgrass warm-season grasses do not goes into semi-dormancy or go dormant unless located in dormancy and then comes north Florida where frost can out of dormancy, reload the occur.” Fertilization of warm- plant with minors, amino season turf is constant year- acids and carbohydrates. Re round. Nitrogen levels are peat this every time the turf key and should be watched breaks dormancy and begins very closely by the superin to metabolize, or when you tendent. “Other nutrients are need to mow.” being applied all the time in For ultradwarf greens, small amounts through foliar McHugh says superinten feeding. Granular nitrogen dents should begin “think should be applied six to eight ing about” a last granular weeks, depending upon play, fertilization in August. “The soils and weather. A 1-to-l ra decision is usually weath tio of nitrogen-to-potassium

42 SEPTEMBER 2017 golfcourseindustry.com still holds true in the Sun Belt be a better product to select greater than 2 percent in the only absorb a certain amount of areas.” when the temperatures quickly tissues by weight.” nutrient. If excessive amounts There are two factors that drop, which does not require There can be some dangers of soluble nutrients are applied, influence fertilizer efficacy; microbial activity to provide in applying too much fertil then they will be subjected to temperature and moisture, available nitrogen.” izer in the fall. Dr. Raymond potential loss.” Gray says. “In the fall it can Dr. Jeff Higgins, vice presi Snyder, director of agronomy Stimulating too much become difficult to accurately dent of business development for Harrell’s, says minimiza growth, Kreuser says, could predict what Mother Nature for Harrell’s, says tissue tests tion of large soluble inputs that delay dormancy, increase leaf provides,” Gray adds. “The are a “great way” to monitor promote late-season succulent succulence, and burn carbo warmer the temperature, the the success and effectiveness growth should be avoided. hydrate reserves going into more active microbes are in the of a fertility program. “There “Properly chose controlled- winter. “Shade is also a concern soil, which will directly affect is still a need for the supply of release nutrients sources are in fall. The lower sun angle and how fast many slow-release nutrients as building blocks ideal for promoting the desired shorter day length can enhance fertilizers function.” If, for for carbohydrates irrelevant growth habits for turf prior to shade issues. In those situa example, methylene urea is ap of the tissue concentrations,” winter,” he says. tions, reducing nitrogen can be plied and the soil temperature Higgins says. “It is important Higgins says if soluble fast- helpful. Use of a plant growth drops, the amount of available to pay attention to potassium release nutrient sources are regulator will also help.” GCI nitrogen to the plant will be levels in the tissues, however, utilized, “then one needs to be slower than expected. “That’s before going into winter cold careful on the total amount of John Torsiello is a Torrington, why quick-release fertilizers, stress conditions. Ideally, these nutrient applied per applica Conn.-based writer and frequent like ammonium sulfate, may tissue concentrations should be tion, as the turfgrass plants can GCI contributor.

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~~golfcourseindustry.com SEPTEMBER 201? 43 SH/FT/N to Fall-Focused~~

~~The three factors that impact fall nutrition and how enhanced efficiency fertilizer (EEF) products from Koch Turf & Ornamental can be the key to your turf strategy.~~

ummer can be tough on golf courses. Koch Turf & Ornamental produces controlled- Heat, pests, drought, excessive foot release products that optimize nutrient performance traffic—all these things can stress and minimize nitrogen loss, basically taking the turf and negatively impact its health guesswork out of fall fertilization. These fertilizers and appearance. Now that cooler fall support consistent plant growth with fewer applica weather has arrived, it’s the right time to get your tions. Because more nitrogen is available for plant golf course back in shape for next spring, and that uptake, golf courses can expect optimum results includesS applying the right fertilizer at the right from each fertilizer application. time. However, with so many fertilizers on the “In the fall, plants need to prepare for dormancy market today, it can be tough to know which option and get ready for the next year,” says Derrick, who is best for your course. holds a Masters of Science in Agronomy from Au “Today, the emphasis is more toward the gradual burn University. “Turf plants have to gradually shut release of nutrients for golf course turf throughout down to make sure they store adequate amounts of the year, with some northern golf course superinten nutrients - in the form of carbohydrates - through dents experimenting with fall fertilization as their the winter. It takes time to shut down in fall and get W' primary fertilizer application,” says Chris Derrick, active again in spring.” technical agronomist with Koch Turf & Ornamental. Regardless of location, turfgrasses go through “Controlled-release fertilizers are a great choice for transitions throughout the year. While the growing fall application, as they can often provide nutrition season takes the most attention, plants need to shift into the spring season.” from shoot growth to root growth in the fall.

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DIALING BACKNITROGEN SUPPLY shoot level.” \ “I remember when the push For most parts of the coun was toward fall root establish try, September is the best time THREE TYPES of EEF ment, which meant fall potas for a fall fertility application. Products sium levels were higher than Conditions and weather pat nitrogen levels, generally,” says terns may allow a second appli Chris Derrick, technical agronomist with Koch Turf & Derrick, who worked as an as cation in late October or early Ornamental, outlines the types of EEF products as follows: sistant superintendent in Bir November. How many fall ap Controlled-Release - Controlled-release, coated nutrient mingham, Ala., for six years. plications are needed depends sources include the products known as polymer-coated “But new research shows it’s on what the superintendent fertilizers (PCFs). The manufacturing process involves coating a readily available nutrient such as urea or sulfate of potash with best not to cut off the nitrogen has in the bag. “When using a polymer coating. Examples include POLYON and DURATION CR supply to the plant. It’s better water-soluble sources, such as controlled-release fertilizer. to gradually dial it down and let urea and ammonium nitrate, I’d Slow-Release - ¡Also called “slowly available,” these products the plant take what it needs.” recommend a split application,” are a part of many turfgrass fertilization programs. They provide Because spring weather has Derrick says. “Putting out such greater longevity of available nitrogen (N) than quick-release been more unpredictable than readily available nutrients all at sources, and are safer to use on turfgrass because of their fall weather in recent years, once could promote too much lower burn potential. This group includes both coated products, many superintendents have growth and not let the plant go like XCU slow-release fertilizer, and reacted products like moved to a fall-focused fertility into dormancy.” NITROFORM and NUTRALENE slow-release fertilizer. Natural program. However, if superinten degradation by moisture or microbial activity releases them over time. “It’s often difficult to con dents use controlled or slow- trol release of a spring-applied release products, they could Stabilized Nitroqen sources - | Stabilized nitrogen fertilizers fertilizer treatment,” Derrick get by with just one applica work by delaying the conversion of nitrogen to forms that can be more readily lost to the environment through leaching, says. “So, superintendents are tion. “These products work in denitrification and volatilization. This delay allows time for putting out larger applications unison with plant demands. rainfall or precipitation to move urea into the soil where it is in fall with products that can As plants gradually reduce less prone to volatilization, and retains N in the plant system carryover and still be available nutrient needs, less fertility is longer. Examples of these products include UMAXX and UFLEXX in springtime. The applica released,” Derrick adds. stabilized nitrogen. tion lasts long enough to get the plant growing and green “The important thing is to choose the right product to give before it runs its course. And it an adequate response in the fall before plants go dormant, but still get some carryover in the spring,” says Derrick. “A fall often gets them through until EEF application not only gradually puts the turf plant to sleep summer months, when they but provides some additional nutrients for when it wakes up don’t typically apply fertility WEATHER in the spring. That’s the best scenario for both turfgrass and treatments.” The unpredictability of weath superintendent!” er makes it even more impor THREE FACTORS AFFECT FALL tant to choose a controlled TURFGRASS NUTRITION: or slow-release fertilizer for fall applications. “What hap pens if you use a conventional the most important aspect of century, including methylene source containing all readily fall fertilization. The Associa urea, sulfur-coated urea and available nitrogen, and then tion of American Plant Food polymer-coated urea products. you get a warm spell?” Derrick Control Officials coined the Fewer applications, less labor TIMING says. “The plant wakes up’ and term Enhanced Efficiency and flexible programs are Derrick doesn’t recommend reaches the nutrients in the Fertilizer (EEF) in 2009. It among some of the advantages. putting out fall nutrition in the soil. It starts growing at a time refers to fertilizer products “I define an EEF product late summer transition period you don’t want it to grow.” with characteristics that allow as anything that provides ex when plants are still growing. increased plant uptake and tension and availability of “It’s not the availability of nutri reduce the potential of nutri fertilizer versus a 100 percent ents that makes the plant grow, ent losses to the environment. water-soluble source,” Der it’s the day-length photo period Although the EEF term is rick says. “Some EEF products and temperature,” he says. “At relatively new, products that release based on temperature, that time of year, turf plants TECHNOLOGY fit this classification have been while others release based on aren’t actively growing at the What’s in the bag is perhaps around for more than a half moisture availability.

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~~TURF~~

longer periods of time. “Colo Drier, more arid days with rants that are more in-line with low wind and full sun are dyes can be used pretty much “great” days to apply colo any time of year when superin rants, especially ones that tendents are just looking to add are designed to last longer a little more color, brightness or and need the binder/resin to Application wow factor for special events,” adhere to the leaf. This doesn’t Superintendents have been very creative in application Reynolds says. seem to work as well on cool, techniques. Initially, it seemed most turf managers used In a transitional time, in Oc overcast or humid days, Reyn spray wands to apply them to greens, NC State’s Dr. Grady tober to November, if the grass olds says. Miller says. Then, people started using spray hawks or similar is just a bit off color, Geoponics Superintendents can use small walking booms. Later, as they started applying to fairways, traditional boom sprayers became more common. territory manager Brad Drig colorants and pigments when Several superintendents have heavily modified their gers recommends a lighter rate ever they want to change the sprayers to get better coverage with one-pass rather than the of paint or a pigment to carry it turf s color, Miller says. “There more commonly used two-pass application. For greens, you through to dormancy. “Then, are many different consider can go with a lot of different types of application equipment. when dormant, we use a rate of ations on timing,” he adds. Commercially available equipment can be employed in six or eight gallons of paint per “Some folks like to keep color the application of colorants and pigments, as well as design- your-own sprayers, Miller says. For larger areas, a boom acre,” he says. “March or April, consistent, so they may use sprayer used to apply pesticides is most commonly used

we also might use a lighter rate earlier and regularly, whereas KAMINSKI with the application - either stock or with some modification to spruce it up. Then use pig others may want to apply af such as lowering boom, closer spaced nozzles and dual-spray ments going into the spring.” ter they have a marked color nozzles. © JO H N

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50 SEPTEMBER 201? golfcourseindustry.com change to maximize their use.” The reverse approach Real ROI could be used on when to NC State’s Dr. Grady Miller not use them. For example, cautions “the first-timer” that are you willing to re-apply playing surfaces are not the same and the cost savings may in fall if weather stays warm not be as big as one thinks and continues to grow? Some if you are putting product on may see this as a wasted ap warm-season grasses and you plication. You could take a have a long dormancy period. different approach, applying “To me, the cost savings is the products when clientele there, but it’s not the primary reason to consider using them recognizes and demands at least not in the Transition a certain type of playing Zone,” he adds. “I think the surface. Note that using ability to finally target problem these products on dormant weeds is one of the biggest turfgrass does not provide tipping points to using them. a wearable surface like an I've even seen golf courses actively growing ryegrass that use them on a rotation just for weed control reasons overseed. So, the amount of so they can put their labor and wear may influence using resources to other uses, and these products, Miller says. then the next year they may go Weather plays a factor back to overseeding. This can GET SOME in application and results, be especially useful at a large Geoponics territory manager complex that has more than 18 Phil Martin says. “What we holes.” are looking for when apply GREEN ing is a light dew or frost on have been “absolutely pivotal” the ground,” he adds. “If it’s for Geoponics, Seevers says. too much, it won’t adhere. It “It’s the art. Working with inyoursocialfeed. needs to be at least 40 degrees people who are qualified, who during the day of applica know what to do and what not tion. Normally apply in the to do really has its plusses. If you're not following GCI on Facebook morning, but if the hottest Going rogue is a recipe for di part of the day hits 40, you’re saster. They have one chance and Twitter, then you're missing good. Colorant doesn’t really to get this right. If a course adhere or dry to the leaf blade sprays $20,000 worth of paint valuable insights, opinions and if it’s frozen.” and doesn’t get it right, they Technology and the techni blew it. That’s stuff that gets cal aspect of color application people fired.” GCI knowledge from peers and experts throughout the turf world,

~~Search "Golf Course Industry" on Facebook and Linkedln, or find us on Twitter @GCImagazine. BOUTS~~

~~TRENT~~

~~GOLF COURSE INDUSTRY PHOTO:~~

~~golfcourseindustry.com SEPTEMBER 201? 51 EQUIPMENT~~

DOA isn’t an option for the carts leet managers hate hearing when one of their golf cars is dead on the fairway. Even though you’ve been con at your golf course. Here are sistent in charging the entire fleet every night, there’s some simple ways to get the most always the occasional battery pack that shows it’s fully capacity and life from your golf charged but never seems to last long. Effectively predicting the runtime of a golf car’s car batteries. battery pack starts with understanding the factors that affect its MANUFACTURING capacity. Manufacturers of deep-cycle lead-acid batteries usu ally list a battery’s capacity as runtime in minutes and amp-hour BATTERY

~~By Fred Wehmeyerfc capacity. Both of these should give you a good estimate as to the U.S.~~

~~52 SEPTEMBER 2017 golfcourseindustry.com ORDER LIKE A PRO~~

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specified load. While these rat ings provide a good baseline for Get battery performance, there are other factors that can cause low MAXIMUM runtimes that must be taken 0 Capacity into account. o © TIME TO REACH FULL CAPACITY It is important to know that 1 2 3 4 5 new deep-cycle batteries do not perform to their rated runtimes Fully charge the Maintain regular Manage the depth Use batteries When in doubt, batteries before maintenance of discharge. If with a high immediately. New batteries take a specific being put into such as adding possible, rotate rated capacity. gravity reading. often take anywhere from 25 to service and after water, checking cars to limit Discharge rates This can provide 125 cycles before reaching their every use. connectors, the Depth Of often increase as information on full capacity. This is due to the opportunity Discharge (DOD)to golf car motors get the health and active material on the battery charging and 50 percent or less. older or if heavier state of charge of plates not being fully converted a monthly loads are placed the battery pack. until the battery has undergone equalization on the vehicles. Consult the battery charge. By using batteries manufacturer for multiple charge and discharge with higher runtime information on cycles. New batteries often per ratings, you can specific gravity form at roughly 75 percent of ensure your cars readings. their rated capacity, so expect will make 36 holes performance to increase as consistently. the batteries are used.

DISCHARGE LOAD The discharge load of your car is also critical in determining the runtime of your batteries. Most golf cars have 48-volt motors that are supplied energy Don’t expect batteries to be by 48-volt battery packs. In operating at full capacity this configuration, the motor immediately. New batteries often perform at roughly 75 percent of draws roughly 56 amps from their rated capacity. the battery pack on average. For 36-volt cars, the motor draws roughly 75 amps on average. This is why most golf car batteries have 56A and 75A ratings listed on the label. perature. When selecting a battery type For every combining them with regular for your fleet, pay attention 20 degrees maintenance can dramatically to these ratings as they are below 80 increase the overall life span the most relevant to golf car degrees, of the batteries and save your applications. When testing bat the battery course money in the end. For teries, use the discharge load loses 10 to 12 more information on battery applicable to your system and percent of its avail maintenance, capacity, and compare the actual runtime able capacity. Warmer runtime ratings, visit www. to the ratings published on the temperatures above 80 have the charging performance of usbattery.com. GCI battery. the opposite effect and increase your fleet. Low temperatures MANUFACTURING

battery performance, but at the can cause undercharging while Fred Wehmeyer is sen ior vice presi TEMPERATURE cost of shortening battery life. high temperatures can cause dent, engineering and Zachary BATTERY

Deep-cycle battery perfor In addition to battery perfor overcharge conditions. Cox, is a product and process engi U.S. mance is also affected by tern- mance, temperature can affect Knowing these tips and neer at U.S. Battery Manufacturing ©

54 SEPTEMBER 201? golfcourseindustry.com Terry Buchen, CGCS, MG, is president of Golf Agronomy International. He’s a 41-year, life member of the GCSAA. He can be reached at 757-561-???? [email protected]. Travels with GOATS TO THE RESCUE Terry avid L. Webner, superintendent at the Westwood Country Club in Rocky River, Ohio, Globetrotting consult has a very hilly two-acre natural area that was ing agronomist Terry Ddifficult to maintain. Eight goats were rented ($125/ Buchen visits many golf day) and a temporary fence was moved each day courses annually with after they cleared the vegetation. In four days, they his digital camera in hand. He shares helpful cleared about one-third of the hillside. The owner ideas relating to main of the goats estimated that it would take 14 days to tenance equipment from clear the entire hillside. They do eat tree leaves and the golf course superin several species of plants they do not eat. And, yes, tendents he visits - as they do eat poison ivy. The owner feeds them at his well as a few ideas of his own - with timely farm to assure they have proper nutrition. There photos and captions was no odor from the goats/feces and there were that explore the chang not any local ordinances prohibiting their use. Each ing world of golf course goat has a name and Grady was Webner’s favorite. management. Haulin’ Goats of Valley City, Ohio, is the goat rental source ([email protected]). Webner is talking about purchasing two goats, using tethers in areas he would like cleared and making them permanent members of the grounds crew.

~~ELECTRIC SPRAYERS~~

he bag racks were removed from both 1997 Club Car Golf Carts with gasoline engines and they were then outfitted Twith 25-gallon sprayers ($300 each) with 12-volt electric on demand pumps. The pump wiring has an inline on/off switch and there are alligator clips that are attached to the 12- volt golf cart battery. The pump recirculates back into the tank for agitation. One-half-inch diameter hose with spray wands with fan-type nozzles are wrapped-around two T/2-inch by 3-inch lbolts that are attached to the bag rack frame during transport. The recycled wooden frame supporting the sprayers are bolted to the rear leaf springs and golf cart body. The sprayers sit on top of %-inch thick plywood that is bolted to the wooden frame. The sprayers, operating at 40 PSI, are used to apply chemicals along fence lines, tree wells, satellite boxes, etc. Brandon Crim is the superintendent at the Boise Ranch (Idaho) Golf Course.

~~golfcourseindustry.com SEPTEMBER 201? 55 CLASSIFIEDS~~

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56 SEPTEMBER 2017 golfcourseindustry.com DESIGN CONCEPTS (BRAUER continued from page 34) tougher every year, pretty soon no golf course, and every cocktail found one will survive.” We survived, but in the bar. changing times. Preserving heritage modern superintendents understand is fine, but change is accelerating. the sentiment. Many have stagnant 17. SAVE THE TURTLES One thing about certain about budgets, and have already exhausted Whether imposed by regulatory designing for the past... there’s not all possible in-house savings. fiat or an in-house initiative, most much future in it. Millennial won’t Renovating can help by reducing renovations also foster sustainability, appreciate golf’s traditions like we and “right sizing” bunkers and turf adding with more responsible turf do. Foregoing tradition is difficult areas to reduce and streamline choices, tree management plans, for us, but if we are going to throw maintenance. wildlife habitat creation, recycling in the tradition towel, design can and energy audits to the main stay at least help us throw it in the right 15. PAY SOME BILLS focus of water consciousness in turf direction. If your course has vacant and landscape. land, selling it off for a pocket 13. RISING EXPECTATIONS development in this hot housing 18. FASTER TURTLES Modern golfers think they are market can pay some bills, even if We now better understand how guaranteed the rights to life, liberty needing to move a few holes around design affects pace of play, and faster and the routine par. Roughs and - if it doesn’t hurt golf quality. And play pleases your customers and bunkers must be as perfect as for some, even if it does. allows more of them to come out fairways. Public school curriculums and play. haven’t been dumbed down as much. 16. ONLY PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES The hazardless hazard trend won’t PERFECT 19. THE 19TH HOLE-SAVE THE reverse any time soon. It may be Only recently have great practice ULTIMATE ENDANGERED SPECIES - worth redoing your sand bunkers facilities been a high priority. The YOUR GOLFERS! just to keep your Yelp reviews emergence of the upscale driving The fun in golf somehow got lost positive. range has raised practice standards along the way. If form follows as much as golf standards, first at function, innovative designs will 14. LOWER BUDGETS private clubs, and soon at public finally focus on fun for average In 1965 (and 1966, ’67, ’68) my courses. The New Age range allows players. Making a golf course hard is grandmother said, “It’s getting replicating every shot found on the easy, but making one easy is hard. GCI

OUTSIDE THE ROPES (MORAGHAN continued from page 20) good job with your golf course,you’re And, he has several Super Bowls to to get a golf course into shape. doing a good job as a manager and prove it. So, don’t make today your (And when it gets too hot to keep employee. last day. mowing, we don’t get to quit for No matter which camp you fall What I’d really like to do — and the day and grab a beer.) in, I do have one piece of advice: think you would, too — is get the • Just because you play golf, Don’t get overconfident. If you’re following message to everyone doesn’t mean you know what the not getting the respect you think you who uses your golf course. Maybe superintendent does for you each deserve, maybe you don’t deserve it, you start by talking about this with and every day maybe you’re not doing as good a job a sympathetic board member, or • Just because you think you know as you think and the naysayers have posting these points on the locker- how the course should play, most some valid points. If you’re well room bulletin board: of you wouldn’t want and couldn’t loved, don’t let it go to your head, • Just because you have access to do this job because as soon as you get cocky, the Internet, doesn’t mean you If you have some ideas how to get you’re in trouble. As one G.O.A.T. can do the superintendent’s job those four points into the heads of football coach told me, “Remember, • Just because you have a lawn, everyday golfers of any age, let me you’re only as good as your last day!” doesn’t mean you know how know. GCI

~~golfcourseindustry.com SEPTEMBER 201? 57 PARTING SHOTS~~

and are managed to control costs, not SURVIVORS AND grow revenues. That is not a long term formula for success. PRETENDERS Creative, well-managed daily fees are also doing well in areas that aren’t hopelessly overbuilt. I love some of the promotions I see these courses doing to attract women, younger players, leagues and outings. The smart ones have avoided some of Pat Jones is editorial director and publisher of the pitfalls of handing over a bunch Golf Course Industry. He can be reached at of tee times to GolfNow by offering [email protected] or 216-393-0253. demand-based variable pricing, value- adds and (dare I say it?) FUN. At the other end of the spectrum abor Day has come and icking ass financially. They have the are mom-and-pop facilities (and some gone and the 2017 season reputation and resources not only to munis) that just offer cheap, crappy begins to wind down. We hire great superintendents and invest golf. They have commoditized them saw another decent year in their courses, but also to have selves to death by only focusing on with experts touting what top-notch sales and marketing folks price, discounting instead of offering looks like a slight bump in roundsdriving so far. revenues through events and value, and largely ignoring customer LYay, I guess. activities. In today’s market, an ener service and decent conditions. Many Tracking rounds played is a fool’s getic sales director is the second most don’t even employ a turf pro. They errand. It’s more of an indication important person to a club’s success do no marketing. All they do is bitch of temperate weather than industry behind a strong superintendent. about how bad the business is. They health. The real metric is revenue Conversely, the mid-scale and don’t buy much stuff and they don’t and profitability growth. Are the cash modestly budgeted clubs are a mixed grow the game. They just exist to suck registers ringing and are you netting bag depending on the competitive a little value out of the market the more than last year? set in their locale and the quality and rest of us are building. As I look around our industry, it’s creativity of their management. Some Government ops is another category clear the market’s historic core is exceed expectations and generate doing fine with talented management. healthy and growing. Let me give you robust profits because they actually We’re fortunate to have an awesome one piece of evidence: I routinely ask try new things, measure if they work golf division within our Metroparks execs from turf industry supply com and adjust accordingly. They also system in Cleveland and I find them panies if their golf market revenues invest as much as feasible. Those who in other bigger cities and counties. are growing and every single one of do the same thing year after year and Yes, many course owners think the them replied yes. hope for the best are largely screwed government shouldn’t compete against This despite the fact we’re closing in the long run. They won’t be able to private industry, but I’ve always felt it 150-plus courses annually, millen- support the costs and expectations of was meaningful that golf is considered nials hate us, brick-and-mortar golf a private club structure with a medio to be an important form of recreation retail stores are closing and every two cre product in the future. “Improve and fitness. In fact, I see munis taking weeks some op/ed writer for Time or or die” should be their mantra. the lead in places to promote the fact Fortune or Newsweek declares golf Facilities tied directly to real that playing golf is actually healthy for dead. So what gives? estate developments (particularly you. What a concept, huh? The fundamental misunderstand those built during the ’90s boom) are A sense of ownership is the com ing of outsiders looking in at us is hurting. In short, these are amenity monality that will win in the future. that there isn’t just one golf market. courses meant to sell homes, not golf. When leaders and managers take re There are five or six, and none of The limitations they face in market sponsibility for trying new things, bor them have much to do with Golf ing themselves, inaccessibility to non rowing business practices from other Galaxy failing or Topgolf exploding. residents, and HO A and developer segments and focusing on customer Some are doing awesome and some restrictions make it hard to break service, they will do just fine even in are not. Allow me to elucidate. even. Lots of these facilities end up tomorrow’s substantially smaller and The top 1,000 private clubs are under MCO umbrellas of some kind more demanding golf industry. GCI

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