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volume 7.6 dec 2005 - jan 2006

Going Green How NSW Superintendents are Rising to the Challenge of Improved Environmental Management

Inside ’s Great Major The 2005 Open -

Research Seashore Paspalum Offshoot Your New ATM Supplement - Profiles, Appointments, Jobs

OpinionOpinion -- TheThe PulsePulse Looking Back at the Last 30 Years SYN027-FP AT 05/181.qxd 15/7/05 4:25 PM Page 1

On Sunday, 7 August a large contingent of members ventured to Horsham for the VGCSA’s annual country meeting. We all gathered at the golf club for dinner and witnessed an almost impossible comeback by cricket team over England - I never knew we had so many cricket experts in our association. The 30 members, eight partners and nine children all enjoyed the hospitality shown by Horsham Golf Club and we appreciate them staying a little later than normal to host us on a Sunday evening. The next day golf club president Bob Hayes welcomed everyone to the meeting and voiced his appreciation that we were at

Spring has sprung and we’re all very busy once again. Since our last report we can confirm our re-appointment as Cricket ’s turf wicket consultants for the next 12 months. In this role we can continue to assist and offer advice on wicket problems and

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Australian Turfgrass Management 1 contents Cover: Reassessing the State of Play In Volume 7.3 of Australian Turfgrass Management, Peter Brown and Kate Low highlighted the results to

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VOLUME 7.6 DEC 2005 - JAN 2006 program at 30 NSW golf clubs conducted in 2004. Here Going Green How NSW Superintendents are Rising to the Challenge of Improved Environmental in an extensive two-part feature, ATM follows up on the Management

Inside Golf’s Great Major reassessment process conducted throughout 2005 and The 2005 Open - St Andrews highlights the significant improvements that NSW golf

Research courses and superintendents have been able to achieve. Seashore Paspalum Offshoot Your New ATM Photo: Brett Robinson Supplement - Profiles, Appointments, Jobs

Opinion - The Pulse Looking Back at the Last 30 Years

reassessing the state winner James Dalton. Here Dalton teams with of play - Supers RisE to the STRI tournament agronomist Alistair Beggs Challenge of Environmental and AGCSATech manager John Neylan to Management 12 take an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into In the second part of Peter Brown’s preparing one of golf’s great courses for one of reassessment feature, ATM goes behind the the game’s greatest tournaments. gates at three courses involved in the program – Easts Leisure and Golf Club, Nowra Golf Opinion Club and Yarrawonga and Border Golf Club The Pulse 40 – to look at the significant improvements made In this instalment of The Pulse, ATM invites five in key areas of environmental management. former AGCSA Distinguished Service Award The case studies highlight the wide range winners to tackle the tricky question: ‘What of unique challenges superintendents must has been the biggest development to impact overcome in order to achieve environmental upon the Australian turfgrass industry over the goals and best practice at their courses. past 30 years, and where will the industry be in another 30 years’ time.' Inside The 2005 Open – The Old features course, St Andrews 20 Research reassessing the state of The iconic Old Course at St Andrews played Seashore Paspalum Ecotype play - The Changing Face of host to the 2005 Open Championships in July Responses to Drought and Environmental Management and there to play a key part in preparations Root-Limiting Stresses 42 Practices in NSW 6 was former AGCSA Graduate of the Year Seashore paspalum is being used by more The 2004 environmental assessment program and more golf courses, especially those that conducted at 30 golf clubs in NSW highlighted depend on irrigation water that is more saline a number of areas where significant than desired. A primary goal for the seashore improvements needed to be made. During paspalum breeding/genetics program at 2005, consultant Peter Brown revisited the the University of Georgia in the US is to courses to gauge the improvements made systematically develop grasses with superior since the initial assessments and to encourage stress resistances. Research conducted at clubs to complete the required actions. As he the Griffin Campus summarises their effort to finds in the first part of our cover story, the screen ecotypes of seashore paspalum for results have been extremely encouraging and overall drought resistance in a field dry-down show the industry's commitment to improving situation and for tolerance to root-limiting environmental management practices. stresses.

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2 Australian Turfgrass Management an industry mourns t is on a rather sombre and tragic note that I kick off this final edition of Australian Turfgrass Management magazine for 2005. I Many in the Australian turf industry may not have heard of the recent tragedy which befell our New Zealand counterparts on Friday, 14 October. David Wayne Glasgow (Wayne), a well- respected and long-serving superintendent, was killed in a freak accident on course while on his way to mow greens following a break in the weather. Superintendent at Onewhero Golf Club, a country 18-hole course about an hour south of Auckland, Wayne was driving towards a culvert crossing a stream in front of the course’s 8th green when the mower lost control and ended up in waist-high water, pinning Wayne under the machine. Tragically he was found dead about an hour later by his trainee. A subsequent investigation by Occupation Safety and Health officials cleared both operator and machine of any liability and labelled it a freak accident. According to Brett Burgess, president of the New Zealand Golf Course Superintendents’ Association (NZGCSA), Wayne was a big supporter of the industry and was a one-time secretary of the Auckland Golf Course Superintendents’ Association (AGCSA). Wayne started at Onewhero in 1973 after doing his initial training with his father at Helensville Golf Club north of Auckland and was responsible for continual improvements to the course over his many years. Such was his work in the early days, Wayne was highly commended in the annual AGCSA awards in 1975 before winning an excellence award in 1978. In Every Edition ATM magazine and the Australian Golf Course Superintendents’ Association joins with the Foreword Thinking 4 NZGCSA in conveying to Wayne’s family – Chrissie, Duncan and Liam – our heartfelt condolences AGCSATech Update 28 in light of this terrible accident. Wayne’s passing is an untimely and tragic reminder to all in the Tech Talk - Organic Matter 32 industry of the necessity to be extra vigilant during the hectic summer months ahead. News 46 On that rather solemn note, our cover story for this edition revisits the environmental Around the Trade 50 assessment program at 30 NSW golf courses which was presented earlier this year in Volume State Presidents’ Reports 52 7.3. In a two-part look at the reassessments, Peter Brown highlights the significant improvements made, while three superintendents involved in the program provide an excellent insight into the changes they have instituted at their clubs. As ATM wraps up for another year, I would like to personally wish all superintendents, turf managers and their families a safe and joyous festive season and the best of luck for what is set to be another challenging summer. With the Bureau of Meteorology predicting above average temperatures and the prospect of water restrictions ever tightening, superintendents and turf managers will again be called upon to put their expert management skills through another rigorous examination. Until next year, enjoy the read.

Brett Robinson Editor

Contributors to Australian Turfgrass Management Volume 7.6 Dr David Aldous (Uni. Of Melb.) Matt Hanrahan ( Grammar) Steven Potts (AGCSA) Alistair Beggs (STRI, UK) Justin Haslam (TGAA ACT) Mark Prosser (VGCSA) Michael Bradbery (NSWGCSA) Billy Hamshere (VGA) Doug Robinson (Pacific Golf Op.) Peter Brown (Peter Brown & Assoc.) Ray Keane (Gisborne GC) Peter Ruscoe (TGAA WA) Brett Burgess (Hutt GC) Graeme Logan (TGAA NSW) Bryce Russell (Nowra GC) Bernard Carlon (NSW DEC) David Lunardelli (Brookwater GC) Peter Sawyer (Indooroopilly GC) Bob Carrow (Univ. of Georgia) Peter McMaugh (TSS) Brad Sofield (Gosnells GC) James Dalton (Thirteenth Beach) John Neylan (AGCSATech) Hamish Sutherland (HG Turf) Frouke De Reuver (NSW DEC) Andrew Peart (AGCSATech) Michael Swanwick (Yarrawonga GC) Peter Harfield (Blackwood GC) Scott Petersen (AGCSA) Rod Waite (Easts Leisure and GC)

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Australian Turfgrass Management 3 foreword thinking AGCSA chief executive, Steven Potts

elcome to the final edition of Australian from the committee. This approach has had and a delegates registration brochure will be Turfgrass Management magazine for many positive results around the country and distributed in early February. I encourage all W 2005. I trust everyone is gearing up could be an added tool for the turf manager as members to take advantage of the early bird for a challenging summer ahead and I wish all we head into what is set to be a demanding registration discount. those who are hosting major tournaments all summer. The two-day trade exhibition which forms the best with their preparations. The National Turf Education Working part of the conference is selling quickly so It is well acknowledged by major Committee has recently completed the to make sure your company is represented stakeholders that one of the greatest strengths draft Certificate II Horticulture Delivery and contact Scott Petersen at the AGCSA office on a turf manager possesses is their passion Assessment Guides, which are currently being (03) 9548 8600 or email [email protected]. and understanding of their particular piece circulated for feedback. This is an enormous The 2006 Turfgrass Management Diary of Australia. Unfortunately, this is very rarely achievement by the committee and a great is nearing completion and is expected to be capitalised on by the turf manager when it step forward for our industry and will complete available in early December. The diary has should be used as a valuable tool. the education pathway for apprentices. undergone a revamp thanks to feedback from One way to utilise this strength and improve It is now up to all turf managers to play the industry and we hope it will assist turf Reduce the Risks Associated with Pesticide Use. the communication at boardroom level is to their part. If you currently have an apprentice managers in the day-to-day operation of their conduct a course tour for the club board you need to ask your local TAFE college the facility in the coming year. and/or greens committee. Such a tour, which following questions: Finally, I would like to wish everyone in For every Turf-Grower, Golf Course Superintendent, Park & Garden Manager, should start in the maintenance facility, gives 1. Is the TAFE college aware of the Delivery the turf industry and their families a Merry Sports – Turf Curator, Lawn Bowl Green Keeper, Racecourse Manager…. the turf manager the opportunity to explain and Assessment Guide documents? Christmas and a safe and prosperous New LandguardTM OP-A is designed to clean up organophosphate (OP) insecticide the operational and legislative requirements of 2. Is the TAFE college teaching to these Year. I look forward to the challenges that lie their role while in their domain. documents? ahead in 2006. contaminated water. The tour could be as short as a couple 3. Did the TAFE college take the opportunity Enjoy the magazine. In minutes, LandguardTM OP-A can reduce OP residue in equipment wash water of hours and cover current maintenance to provide input into these documents? to levels that can take years to occur naturally. It is simple to use, it is effective practices and highlight course initiatives (e.g: The Delivery and Assessment Guidelines and requires no capital investment. Treatment reduces potential problems environmental, OH&S). This will give the for Certificate II will be available on the AGCSA associated with on-course or on-farm disposal. committee an insight into the demands and website and we are encouraging input from constraints of the turf manager’s role at their all industry stakeholders, with the intention of LandguardTM treatment provides a better environmental outcome that will facility and enable the turf manager to address launching the endorsed Certificate II guides at minimise risk whilst still meeting your primary objective: safe and satisfied specific questions or concerns while looking at the 2006 Turf Education Forum, which will be patrons and neighbours. a particular area. held as part of the 22nd Australian Turfgrass TM A course tour could become a regular Conference. Work to extend the Landguard range to include products active against a occurrence or part of an annual committee Speaking of next year’s Brisbane range of insecticides, herbicides and fungicides is underway. induction program. Remember that a picture conference, the AGCSA is gearing up for paints a thousand words and this could be what is set to be the biggest turfgrass industry the first step to improving communications gathering in the Southern Hemisphere. The and increasing support and understanding conference will run from 17-21 July, 2006

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Improving the environmental management practices at In Volume 7.3, ATM's NSW golf clubs has been the key objective behind the cover story ‘Assessing assessment program the state of play’ examined the results Reassessing of the environmental the state of play assessment program The changing face of environmental conducted at 30 NSW management practices in NSW

golf courses in 2004. n Volume 7.3 of Australian Turfgrass clubs previously assessed were contacted and Management the results of a 2004 invited to continue their participation into the Throughout 2005, I environmental assessment program of 30 follow-up project. Pleasingly, all 30 clubs were NSW golf courses were published. The NSW agreeable and a course visit was arranged. In reassessments were Department of Environment and Conservation the majority of cases, 12 months had elapsed (DEC) initiated the assessment project in since the initial assessment. carried out at all clubs to conjunction with the NSWGCSA. The project As highlighted in the previous ATM article, was managed by Frouke de Reuver who the initial project only had funding for a three gauge the improvements worked closely with the NSWGCSA, while to four hour visit to any course. This was consultants Kate Low and Peter Brown were enough to provide a snapshot of environmental made since the initial engaged to carry out the project. performance, but not enough to thoroughly An assessment template was developed address all areas. The follow-up assessment assessments. In the first based on the education manual produced focused on the issues identified in the initial in 2003 by the AGCSA and the former NSW assessment and monitored the progress made part of this extensive Environment Protection Authority (now part of in addressing them. the DEC) called ‘Improving the Environmental As the data presented here will indicate, feature, Peter Brown Management of NSW Golf Courses’. non-compliance issues in key areas such At the completion of the initial assessment, as pesticide and fuel storage were the most looks at the encouraging the consultants entered the outcomes in the prevalent. In the majority of cases, old template and a copy was sent to each club, infrastructure had not been upgraded to comply results to emerge from the DEC and the local council as the regulatory with changing environmental requirements authority. Superintendents were encouraged to under the Protection of the Environment the reassessments, while contact their relevant council officer to discuss Operations Act (POEO). any issues arising from the assessment and Mostly, new infrastructure is costly to install in the second part ATM to seek their advice and assistance when and requires the submission of a development required. This cooperation has produced application (DA) to council. Time is required to goes behind the gates at beneficial outcomes for superintendents and plan and fund new compliant infrastructure and their clubs in all cases. in many cases clubs are not capable of solving three clubs involved in all their problems in the short term. Therefore, Follow-up Assessments within the 12 months period between the initial the program to see the The DEC follow-up visits to each of the 30 environmental assessment and the follow-up assessed clubs in 2005 were considered assessment, few clubs had the capacity to marked improvements valuable to check on progress and encourage fully comply. them to complete the required actions. With this in mind, I have presented the they have made. Superintendents and presidents of the 30 golf data to indicate the stage that the 30 clubs

6 Australian Turfgrass Management

By peter brown have reached in achieving their environmental Environmental still had no written policies. Two thirds of the targets. The same environmental headings that Principles of Clubs sample 30 clubs are moving ahead with written were presented in the first article will be used Established Environmental environmental policies and for those who are together with the initial results. Policy Statement not, the following may be helpful. In addition, the data will indicate whether (1) At the initial assessment only three clubs There have been a number of (one page) the environmental goal has been achieved, (2) had established written environmental policies. environmental policy examples in recent turf planning to achieve the goals is in progress or, The follow-up assessment recorded that nine publications and it would seem a simple

(3) there has been no change. Averages will be clubs had written policies in place, 11 were matter to formulate one that best represents s used and in some situations the performance planning a suitable policy and a further 10 the individual club requirements. Boards and of individual clubs (not named) is presented. As with any sample, there is variation in the A Message From The NSW DEC performance of the individuals. Some clubs are performing less well The NSW Department of Environment Many clubs have also written than others for a number of reasons such as and Conservation (DEC) is pleased to environmental policies or environmental recalcitrant club management and/or boards, present this article on the environmental management plans (EMPs), which will assist lack of immediate funds, delays in the planning performance of NSW golf courses. In Volume them in planning and budgeting for key process and in some cases changes to turf 7.3 of Australian Turfgrass Management, environmental actions. management employment structures. an environmental management snapshot As part of our educational project with the of 30 NSW golf courses was presented golf course industry, the DEC has prepared Notes on Recording Data which detailed the outcomes of voluntary three case studies of good environmental In the examples below, the follow-up assessments conducted in 2004. practice, which can be found on pages 12-18. performance will include those clubs that The assessments highlighted some good The case studies focus on the considerable have satisfactorily achieved the environmental environmental practices on golf courses, improvements made at the Easts Leisure and standard required as well as those clubs including minimising fertiliser use, the use Golf Club, Nowra Golf Club and Yarrawonga involved in the planning stages. Legitimate of IPM practices and bush regeneration and Border Golf Club. We hope the case planning includes such things as written programs. However, there were also a studies will provide inspiration for others proposals from the superintendent to club significant number of non-compliance areas, who are keen to improve their environmental management and/or boards, allocated funding mostly around fuel and chemical storage and management. Much of the work done at for specific environmental requirements and machinery washdown practices. the three clubs (e.g: provision of spill kits, infrastructure as well as relevant DA’s to local In the first half of this year, consultant bunding, training and developing EMPs etc) councils. Peter Brown re-assessed all 30 clubs to see has been relatively inexpensive and can The data presented is an average of the what changes to environmental practices had easily be adopted by most clubs. performance of the 30 participating clubs. It been made. The DEC is very pleased to note An essential element in the success of must be noted that while the performance the significant improvements in key areas this project has been the partnership with the of a few participating clubs could have been of environmental management. Significant NSWGCSA, the AGCSA and local councils in better, in most assessment areas the majority advances have been in the areas of greatest educating and supporting superintendents performed very well with some achieving need such as: over the past three years. The DEC is outstanding improvements to the point of l Machinery washdown - all 30 clubs have very pleased to be able to highlight the meeting all environmental requirements. The either built new facilities, implemented improvements made as a result of this graphs on the following page show overall new practices or have submitted DA’s to partnership and extends special thanks to improvement and improvements in each of the do so; the 30 golf clubs who participated in the assessment categories. l Fuel and chemical storage and fill-up project. A common difficulty has been the short facilities - 89.5 per cent of the clubs time frame between assessment and follow- are now compliant or in the process up (one year). It is difficult for many clubs to of becoming compliant. (The DEC is Bernard Carlon, complete the planning stage, fund any required continuing to work with local councils to Director Business and Community infrastructure changes and gain the relevant help ensure the remaining clubs become Programs, Sustainability Programs DA’s during this time. Wherever possible the compliant.) Division, NSW DEC. most recent data has been used.

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Australian Turfgrass Management 7 Environmental Improvement of 30 Assessed Clubs Between 2004 and 2005 by Category Environmental Improvement of 30 Assessed Clubs Between 2004 and 2005 by Category is the percentage found satisfactory during the initial assessments in 2004, while the 100 figure in brackets and bold represents the 90 percentage found satisfactory in the 2005 10080 follow-up assessments.) l Clubs that consider their water supply to 9070 be reliable and adequate: 69.9% (53.3%, 60 80 indicating a drop of 16.6 per cent) % 50 l 70 2004 Clubs indicating adequate irrigation system 40 performance: 73.3% (73.3%, no change. 60 2005 30 This indicates that clubs with inadequate % 50 20 irrigation systems performance need to 40 2004 10 move forward) 2005 30 0 l Clubs recording total annual water use: 2005 20 1 56.6% (83.3%, indicating an increase of 2 2004 10 3 4 26.7%) 5 6 Key0 Golf clubs are certainly under increased 2005 1 = Establishing1 Environmental 3 = Machinery Washdown scrutiny in water use and will need to improve 2 2004 irrigation system efficiency and water use Principles 3 4 4 = Fuel Storage & Fill-up Facilities 2 = Pesticide Storage, Handling & 5 =5 Soil Management6 recording systems. For instance, the initial Application 6 = Education & Training 2004 assessment revealed 22 of the 30 superintendents indicated adequate irrigation and a further 10 were not using an EMP. system performance. Little has changed since OverallOverall Environmental Environmental Improvement Improvement of of 30 30 Assessed Assessed ClubsClubs Between Between 2004 2004 and and 2005 2005 Satisfactory at original assessment: 6.6% then and this highlights the fact that many Satisfactory at follow-up assessment: 66.5% clubs need to budget for efficient irrigation (16.6 established EMPs, 49.9% planning systems for the future. 9090 100 EMPs) Only 17 of the 30 superintendents assessed 8080 90 An EMP is a comprehensive document in 2004 recorded total annual water use. This 7070 80 6060 that needs some time to fully compile. Areas situation has improved significantly in 2005 with 70 5050 that do not comply with regulations or are only a few not recording totals. No doubt water % 60 % 404050 risking pollution of the environment are restrictions in NSW and output monitoring by 303040 obvious high priorities. An EMP that identifies authorities has greatly influenced this. 202030 and recommends action for these issues can The water issue for golf courses is as 101020 1000 be presented to a club board for the planning complex as it is problematic. It is hoped that 0 11 22 and funding process. local and state authorities can be flexible and 1 2 20042004 20052005 Most EMPs should contain a full description cooperative in assisting the turf and recreation 2004 2005 and discussion of the issue to be addressed, industry with the search for reliable irrigation managers should be encouraged to participate a plan of action with a timeframe, budget and water supplies. s in the formulation process and endorse the final persons responsible to ensure the appropriate policy document. Ideally the environmental actions are followed through and satisfactory Pesticide Storage, policy should be displayed prominently in the results are achieved. The EMP should be Handling and Application clubhouse and in the maintenance facility. a flexible document that is an ongoing There was a reasonably high performance Satisfactory at original assessment: 9.9% component of the reporting and decision- standard in 2004 for this area, however, Satisfactory at follow-up assessment: 66.5% making process. improvements have still been made. Again, the (29.9% established policies, 36.6% planning first figure is the percentage found satisfactory policies) Water Management during the initial assessments with the figure The continuing drought in many regions of NSW in brackets and bold the percentage found Established Environmental and associated tightening of water restrictions satisfactory in the follow-up assessments. Management Plans has forced golf courses that are either partly Initially, only two clubs were working with an or fully reliant on town supply to urgently seek Requirements under the NSW environmental management plan (EMP). This alternative supplies. In addition, many courses Pesticides Act 1999 situation is improving. Some superintendents that have water available independent of town l Staff training and accreditation? 90% have used the example of the environmental supply are now in a situation of reduced rainfall (100%) template used for their club’s assessment to and have become vulnerable to drought. So l Sufficient staff trained? 70% (97% - 80% formulate their own EMP, others have opted the search is on. fully trained, 17% training planned) for a commercially available product or put An example of this trend is evident when l Pesticide records compliant? 80% (93% together something themselves. The follow- comparing the responses to questions - 90% fully, 3% planning) up assessment recorded that five clubs had asked of the 30 superintendents in the initial l Pesticide records available and contact developed EMPs, 15 were compiling EMPs assessment in 2004. (NB: The first figure person for public enquiry? 93.3% (100%)

8 Australian Turfgrass Management

environmental management

tank spills? 75% (100% - 96% fully, 4% planning)* l Are all spray tank filling hose lines compliant with back-flow prevention requirements? 43% (100% - 64% fully, 36% planning) * l Is the facility designed to prevent the entry Significant improvements have been Spill prevention measures are a key of rainfall? 50% (97% - 61% fully, 36% made in the area of fuel storage part of any EMP planning)* l Is the containment area designed to l Are spray calibration records kept? 70% l Fertilisers and pesticides stored separately hold spills for pump out by a company (86% - 73% yes, 13.3% planning) according to AS2507-1998. 66.6% (90%) accredited for hazardous waste disposal? Total average performance: 80.66% (95.2%) l Adequate ventilation, spill containment 66.6% (100% - 80% fully, 20% planning) area, emergency eye wash/shower and l Are containers triple rinsed? 100% Pesticide storage facilities first aid kit available? 30% (89% - 42.9% (100%)* l Self contained and bunded? 60% (96% fully, 46% planning) l Are staff trained in spill procedures and - 71% fully, 25% planning) l Are all relevant MSDS sheets available appropriate spill kits in place? 46% (92% l Stored in compliant manner? 70% (96.4% and accessible to employees? 83% (96% - 82% fully, 10% now training)* - 71.4% fully, 25% planning) - 86% fully, 10% planning) l Are appropriate emergency shower and l Store complies with local council and fire Total average performance: 61.2% (82.3%) eye wash facilities located at the load regulations? 43.3% (89% - 71% fully, 18% up area? 26.6% (85% - 32% fully, 53% planning) Pesticide spray tank filling planning)* l Pesticide store only accessible to l If a tank filling facility exists, is it separate Total average performance: 57% (84%) authorised people? 96.7% (100%) from the machinery wash down or Twenty-five clubs did not have a l Emergency response plans and procedures configured to have bund separation? 50% dedicated built pesticide spray tank filling in place and practiced? 40% (92% - 71% (100% - 82% fully, 18% planning) facility. These clubs were assessed as to their s fully, 21% planning) l Is the filling area able to contain all current procedures, and the potential for the

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Australian Turfgrass Management 9

environmental management

procedures to pollute and for compliance with Chemical storage, s items marked with an asterisk (*). A number of handling and application these clubs have indicated that they are in the was one area process of planning to build dedicated spray identified where tank filling and machinery washdown facilities clubs needed to to comply. make noticeable changes Machinery Washdown As with pesticide spray tank loading, machinery washdown is acceptable on grassed areas that are well away from watercourses and drains and are operated under controlled conditions. However, if a dedicated built structure is used for machinery washdown, it must fully comply with a number of requirements. This section refers to 12 clubs with a dedicated, constructed machinery washdown facility. l Of the clubs assessed in 2004, 33.3% (four clubs) had washdown facilities that risked Soil Management most cases have set long-term goals. pollution in some way, mostly of a minor Improvements to addressing soil erosion have l Soil erosion at waterways: 50% (96.4% nature. been good considering the cost involved in - 76.6% fully, 19.8% planning) l At the follow up assessment seven of the most situations and the time required. Some l Erosion of unsealed access roads, paths 12 clubs (58%) were fully compliant with clubs had waterways that functioned as the and maintenance compounds: 56.6% the remaining 5 clubs (42%) planning main channel for urban stormwater flows and (100% - 69.9% fully, 30.1% planning) compliance action. bank erosion is not entirely the responsibility of l Stockpiles of sand, soil, mulch etc Ever seen electricity leak all over a green? This section refers to the 18 clubs washing the clubs concerned. inappropriately managed: 43.3% (100% down on grassed areas. Coordinating remedial work and funding - 53.8% fully, 46.2% planning) l At the 2004 assessment, 77% (14 clubs) with the responsible authorities takes time Total average performance: 49.9% (98.8%) were washing down satisfactorily without and satisfactory outcomes may be some way pollution risk. off in many cases. Erosion problems relating Education and Training l The remaining 4 clubs (23%) had changed to water hazards, drainage ditches material Although not directly influencing the Neither have we. their practices to pose no pollution risk and stockpiles and unsealed roads and paths are environmental performance of a golf club, all are planning to install a built washdown similarly costly to remedy and the clubs in I have observed that the clubs that scored facility. well in this section also performed well and

responded well to improving their environmental MG-2500E-Australian Turfgrass Management-9-2005 4122-17859 Fuel Storage And Fill-up performance. Facilities l Is a staff induction and procedures manual The assessed clubs in general have old fuel in use? 60% (78.7% - 68% in place, 10.7% and oil storage infrastructure that has not planning) been upgraded in accordance with changing l Are regular employee appraisals and The run-all-day, 2500E Hybrid Greens Mower by John Deere. regulation requirements. Adequate bunding of feedback procedures in place? 33% It’s about advanced technology. And common sense. The 2500E is a hybrid mower that oil drums is relatively simple and inexpensive (71.7% - 53.7% in place, 18% planning) to achieve and most clubs have undertaken l Is job specific training available? 80% puts power in its proper place. With a choice of a gas or diesel engine, the 2500E powers this action. (83% training available) the reels using a belt-driven alternator. By removing all the hydraulics from the cutting Fuel storage upgrading in many cases has l Is the golf club engaged in any programs to units, we’ve eliminated 102 potential leak points. And since 90 percent of all hydraulic involved clubs in considerable planning and educate golfers and the wider community leaks occur in and around the reels, the possibility of a leak is extremely remote. budgeting to achieve the required standard. on the benefits of the golf course and This takes time as the following results the efforts made towards its stewardship? indicate. 16.6% (42.9% have programs, others not Better than a battery: Also, the 2500E is battery-free. So the reels get consistent power right from the moment l Do petrol and diesel storage tanks comply planning) an alternator powers of engagement. Which in turn leads to a consistent cut, all day long. When you factor the reels on the 2500E, with all relevant regulations? 16.6% (86% l Is the golf club actively involved with giving it consistent in lower sound levels and less fuel consumption, the 2500E makes even more sense. - 32% fully, 54% planning) outside organisations and community power all day long. l Are machine oil drums (new and used) groups to assist them in improving For more information contact recycled, adequately sited, rain protected environmental practices and engaging your local John Deere Golf & with suitable bund? 30% (93% - 57% fully, the local community? 46% (50% have 36% planning) activities, others not planning) Turf dealer on 1800 800 981 or Environmental compliance leads to a Total average performance: 23% (89.5%) Total average performance: 47.1% (65.2%) visit www.deere.com.au safer work environment

10 Australian Turfgrass Management Ever seen electricity leak all over a green?

Neither have we.

MG-2500E-Australian Turfgrass Management-9-2005 4122-17859

The run-all-day, 2500E Hybrid Greens Mower by John Deere. It’s about advanced technology. And common sense. The 2500E is a hybrid mower that puts power in its proper place. With a choice of a gas or diesel engine, the 2500E powers the reels using a belt-driven alternator. By removing all the hydraulics from the cutting units, we’ve eliminated 102 potential leak points. And since 90 percent of all hydraulic leaks occur in and around the reels, the possibility of a leak is extremely remote.

Better than a battery: Also, the 2500E is battery-free. So the reels get consistent power right from the moment an alternator powers of engagement. Which in turn leads to a consistent cut, all day long. When you factor the reels on the 2500E, giving it consistent in lower sound levels and less fuel consumption, the 2500E makes even more sense. power all day long. For more information contact your local John Deere Golf & Turf dealer on 1800 800 981 or visit www.deere.com.au environmental management

Yarrawonga and Border superintendent Michael Swanwick says the club has benefited immensely from the assessment experience Reassessing the state of play NSW superintendents rise to the challenge of environmental management

In the second part of he data presented over the previous provide a brief picture of the unique challenges pages describes the average performance faced by three clubs in achieving their Peter Brown's cover story, T of the 30 assessed clubs. environmental goals. Each club was invited to However, each golf club is its own entity participate and agreed to be included in the ATM highlights the major with unique operational challenges. For case study and they are thanked sincerely for example, some clubs were better able to their involvement. improvements made at respond financially to establishing the required environmental infrastructure than others. Some Case Study One: Yarrawonga three golf clubs involved clubs have taken some time to recognise and Border Golf Club the importance of planning for environmental Superintendent: Michael Swanwick in the environmental compliance and improvement, but in general, Located on the banks of the Murray River, most have been very positive. Yarrawonga and Border Golf Club is a massive management assessment Some golf course locations are more 45-hole complex which comprises two 18-hole environmentally sensitive than others. Some layouts – the Murray and Lake courses – and program – Yarrawonga have external factors over which they have little the Executive nine. control such as the quality of urban storm water and Border, Easts Leisure run-off through the course. Superintendents What environmental policies, practices have a wide range of unique challenges to or achievements were in place prior to and Golf, and Nowra. overcome in achieving environmental goals environmental assessment process? Were and best practice at their course. there any written policies or management The following case studies attempt to plans in place?

12 Australian Turfgrass Management

By peter brown

level and strategic programs are put in place to address the club’s responsibilities in NSW OH&S legislation, environmental management and also plant and equipment refurbishment. After the initial EPA assessment there were some areas such as fuel storage and washdown bay facilities that were brought to the club’s attention. Using the findings of the audit, the club set about putting in place funding and works programs to upgrade these facilities to comply with current acceptable standards. Upgrading of chemical storage facilities and course chemical filling stations was an area that was previously targeted for upgrading prior to the EPA audit. This was done mainly due to OH&S legislation requirements and also had the added bonus of complying with WorkCover and EPA requirements. A couchgrass conversion program at Yarrawonga has helped with water saving The upgrading of a dedicated machinery issues and enhanced playing surfaces to suit environmental conditions washdown bay was another issue the club was already aware of prior to the assessment The introduction of wildlife corridors on the when required. Due to the course bordering as it was an agenda item I had brought up at 18-hole Murray Course was done many years the Murray River, a great deal of time and committee level after attending the Australian prior to the EPA assessment. This was done effort over the years has been dedicated to Turfgrass Conference. It was then confirmed to not only enhance the natural appearance planting native species along the river bank during the process of the EPA audit that there of the course, which is set on a red gum flood to help with erosion control. The club and were changes that needed to be implemented plane forest adjacent to the Murray River, other community-based organisations like the to the existing washdown bay to make it but also to encourage native flora and fauna Yarra Mul Fishing Club have contributed to this compliant. EPA and local council officers to inhabit the area. Leaving such areas has greatly. were extremely helpful in providing relevant seen a significant reduction in maintenance In the early 1990s we introduced a information on what was required to bring the practices, labour and fuel use which has couchgrass conversion program to all turf facility up to standard. enabled the club to redirect resources back areas except greens. This was done to not The EPA audit highlighted the need for into producing quality turf surfaces. only address the water saving issues that we a more secure and safer fuel and oil storage Waterway and lagoon systems were left were faced with but was also a strategic plan facility as our current facility, like many country natural, with aquatic plants within the lagoon to upgrade and enhance the playing surfaces golf courses, would have been originally system helping filter nutrients from the water to suit the environmental conditions that were installed in the 1960-70’s when storage and supporting native wildlife. This approach experienced during the peak golfing times of regulations were either non-existent or very sees a sustainable water supply during the the year. basic. summer period for the native wildlife, and At present, the club has placed all of its as these lagoons are our major source of List and comment on the areas that oil storage containers on Australian Standard irrigation water, the filtering of nutrients and needed improvement or compliance that approved spill containment pallets and smaller sediment means the club is supplied with an were highlighted in the environmental drums are in a contained area. Waste oil is extremely high quality of irrigation water. assessment. Had you recognised these now stored in a lockable facility and drums Every year the club embarks on a large- issues previously? are on spill containment pallets. The club now scale tree planting program between May During the phase of upgrading the course only stores 400l of waste oil at any one time. and August. About 700-1000 native trees facilities and capital expenditure programs, The club has a registered waste oil contractor are planted throughout the course with the which are conducted each year, many of these who collects the oil on a regular basis. s removal of exotic trees, such as pine, done areas are discussed at committee and board At present the club has on its Capital

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Australian Turfgrass Management 13

l Upgrading of machinery washdown bay facility; l Upgrading of irrigation control system; l Couchgrass conversion on fairways, intermediate rough, and green surrounds. (Executive nine fairways to be converted Nov 2006), l Implementation of wildlife corridors on Murray Course; l Upgrading of oil storage facilities. At this stage the fuel storage areas will be completed in early 2006.

Comment on any benefits to your management operation that have flowed on by achieving compliance or improving in environmental performance. “The assessment has helped Nowra Golf Club to become compliant but, it does Fuel, labour and machinery maintenance has take a long time, longer than expected” – Bryce Russell, Nowra been reduced due to the introduction of no- mow wildlife corridors on the Murray Course. Higher safety benefits for course groundstaff with the implementation of compliant chemical storage and filling stations. There is a much greater awareness of the club’s environmental responsibilities by directors, management and staff, while there is a wider awareness of the need for funding to further upgrade club facilities.

Have council/EPA environmental officers assisted in your programs? Bob Parr from the Corowa Shire Council has been extremely helpful with assistance in lodging approvals for washdown bay facilities, fuel storage upgrades and tree removal and pruning submissions. Peter Brown, who carried out the Nowra’s environmental management plan and environmental policy have now assessments, was a great help in understanding been completed what facilities currently existed at the club and gave some good advice on how to go about Works Program to upgrade its bulk fuel storage The assessment has definitely increased the implementing changes and using the audit s facilities early in 2006. A Convault fuel storage awareness among the club’s management report to upgrade existing facilities to make system has been chosen. and directors and also the golf course and them compliant with current legislation. In September this year the entire 45-hole maintenance staff that are dealing with many complex was converted to a Toro Ozmac of these issues on a daily basis. The club Did you attend the full-day superintendent’s irrigation system. The previous control systems also informs its members and other club staff workshop? If yes, please comment were 1970’s electro-mechanical controllers through media such as a superintendent’s on its value in assisting you to achieve with very limited programming capacity and monthly report, member newsletters and staff environmental goals. in 1992 the club introduced a Micro Master newsletters. At board level there has been an There were no full-day superintendent 5000 system (Dos version) which was installed extremely positive approach and I believe this workshops held in our area. The only to the top 27 holes. Findings from the EPA is why so many projects have been carried out type of information came from the AGCSA audit and previous years of drought and low in the past 18 months. conferences, which were very enlightening irrigation allocations were deciding factors to and I believe started the process of addressing upgrade the system which will give the club What environmental achievements such issues at committee and board level by more control of its water use. have been completed to date and superintendents. which are still in the planning process? Has the environmental assessment process The following have been completed; Please comment on any other aspects provided increased awareness by your l Upgrading of all course chemical storage relevant to your experience in improving board and members generally? facilities and filling stations; environmental performance.

14 Australian Turfgrass Management

environmental management

When the club was first contacted by the EPA elevated only a few metres above the high tide List and comment on the areas that to take part in the trial audit, I put this to the mark and a tidal pond on the 18th drains much needed improvement or compliance that committee as an agenda item. of the urban run-off. were highlighted in the environmental There was a great deal of debate on The maintenance facility is tucked up assessment. Had you recognised these whether or not to take part in the trial due on the rising ground under the cliffs of the issues previously? to concerns being raised about our aging escarpment. As such, there is little room to The areas required for us to improve and facility, funding for upgrade programs and expand the facility and upgrading will require comply with legislation were vast and many. the timeframe the EPA might give to carry good design. The course is reliant on town The main issues we needed to address out such works. It was decided by the Board, water for irrigation. The club, which has a included: management and myself to take part in the trial maintenance crew of five full-time and one l Form an EMP and environmental policy; and I believe that Yarrawonga was the only club part-time staff, has 700 members and attracts l Obtain a copy of the NSW Pesticides Act in our area to do so. Looking back, I believe 50,000 rounds of golf per year. and display it; this has been a great move and the club has l Calibrate spray equipment every six benefited immensely from the experience. It What environmental policies, practices or months. We did this already but we needed has been a great experience for myself and the achievements were in place prior to the to document the process and the results; staff as a great deal of the works carried out environmental assessment process? Were l Totally change the way we store pesticides. have been done in-house. there any written policies or management We had spill trays under pesticide plans in place? containers but had no bunding. It was also Case Study Two: There were no written policies or plans in place too close to a work area and was so small it Nowra Golf Club prior to the assessment, however, we did have didn’t allow us to store items correctly, e.g. Superintendent: Bryce Russell policies that were verbal. For example, all powders were not stored above liquids; Nowra Golf Club is situated on narrow alluvial machinery must be washed down on grassed l Provide spill kits, establish spill response sand flats between the Shoalhaven River and a areas, while rinsate from pesticide drums was procedures and practice the procedures; sandstone escarpment that features rainforest to be used in the spray solution. All employees l Provide bunding in the shed; flora. Urban development dominates the top were expected to know these policies but there l Provide for a separate designed pesticide of the escarpment and much of this is drained were no documents such as an EMP that could preparation/washdown area; s to the river via the golf course. The course is be used by employees as a reference guide. l Bund and cover recycled oil drums;

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Australian Turfgrass Management 15

notified of the club’s intentions to proceed with new facilities that will make us compliant. I haven’t heard any negative feedback from the membership.

What environmental achievements have been completed to date? Which are still in the planning/budget stage? The environmental management plan has been completed and so too has the club’s environmental policy. The DEC has looked favourably over the EMP, which is encouraging. The documents have also been approved by the Board and so are ready to be put into full operation. A copy of the NSW Pesticide Act has been obtained and now resides on display in the shed. Spray equipment calibration documents ‘An on-going environmental management action plan keeps issues on the have been established and a review term of six agenda and therefore provides greater confidence and peace of mind that months set. This policy now exists in the EMP. sound practices are in place’ – Rod Waite, Easts Leisure and Golf Bunding has been provided in the shed and our stockpile area has been totally enclosed l Provide bunding (and preferably a roof) to The assessment has helped Nowra Golf with concrete blocks. s fuel storage tanks and fuelling areas; Club to become compliant but it does take Some issues have been resolved partially l Provide a separately designed machinery a long time, longer than expected. There are and hence temporarily until some new facilities washdown bay; still issues that we haven’t resolved yet but the are constructed. This includes bunding of our l Construct soil bins to contain stockpiles of wheels are in motion. pesticide storage area and diesel storage tank. soil, gravel and mulch; By far our biggest improvement will occur l Somehow determine how to improve the Has the environmental assessment process when our new facilities are constructed. These water quality and appearance of the pond provided increased awareness by your new facilities will contain a separate: on the 18th hole. Board and members generally? l Machinery washdown bay; I recognised these issues prior to the This Board has been very proactive trying l Pesticide preparation/washdown area. assessment therefore there were no great to rectify areas of non-compliance. I have Also included in this area is an emergency surprises. Some of these issues were raised no complaints at all. Most of the Board work shower, preparation bench and pesticide many years ago but were not acted upon full-time with their businesses and still found storage; then. This is why the assessment helped me time to work on resolving these environmental l Fuel and oil storage and refuelling zone. a great deal as it provided an independent issues. All the above will be bunded, roofed and viewpoint that the Board looked favourably A special mention must go to our vice- wastewater will be treated. upon and consequently acted upon the president (who is an environmental engineer) We also applied for a grant to improve the recommendations. I must point out, however, for his time designing new facilities, dealing with water quality in our 18th pond. Unfortunately, that it was not this Board that I raised the council and assisting with grant applications. if the club does not receive this grant the club issues with previously. As for the club’s members, they have been does not have the funds to do it themselves 80465 Aspac 1/4 Page Ad Aust 8/30/04 4:34 PM Page 1

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16 Australian Turfgrass Management

environmental management and will have to re-apply in the future and hope and how to complete and document risk golfing experience, but has benefited the entire for a change in fortune. assessments. local ecosystem. Their achievements could certainly not have been matched by the club’s Comment on any benefits to your Have council/EPA environmental officers employees. management operation that have flowed on assisted you in your programs? from achieving compliance or improvement I met with environmental officers just after the Case Study Three: Easts in environmental performance. assessment and they offered us assistance Leisure and Golf Club I think it’s too soon to know exactly what the when required. Superintendent: Rod Waite benefits are to our management operations. In 2003, Maitland Golf Club amalgamated However, I can foresee some of the benefits Please comment on any other aspects with East Maitland Bowling Club to trade as already, such as being more organised, better relevant to your experience in improving Easts Leisure and Golf. A new clubhouse was prepared for emergencies, the importance environmental performance. constructed and the golf club transferred into of documentation and being more aware It is worth noting that some veteran members the new premises in 2004. The course consists of the effects our daily practices have on of the club formed a Landcare group 10 years of 18 holes and is maintained by six full-time the environment and the actions we need ago with the vision of removing noxious and staff. The course is on gently sloping land to undertake to minimise or prevent our undesirable plant species from the surrounding consisting of clay soil above Whites Creek that environmental footprint. riverbank and bushland. Replanting with is subject to extensive urban run-off. Mature endemic plant species then followed the eucalyptus and melaleuca trees are scattered Did you attend the full-day superintendent’s clearing process. Lantana was by far the throughout. workshop? If yes, please comment biggest problem and to see their achievements on its value in assisting you to achieve today is astonishing. What environmental policies, practices or environmental goals. Over the years some key personnel of achievements were in place prior to the I did attend the workshop and I found it the group have sadly passed away, but a few environmental assessment process? Were useful for providing a lot of extra information others have volunteered to take up where they there any written policies or management on stormwater pollution, washdown bays, left off and are a regular Monday morning plans in place? bunding etc. I also found it useful for informing sight. The club is very appreciative of their An extensive tree-planting program has been in s attendees where to access relevant legislation efforts which have not only enhanced the place over the past 15 years with some of the

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Australian Turfgrass Management 17

environmental management

work conducted in conjunction with Maitland compliant in most areas but there were a few l Environmental committee meetings s City Council and the National Heritage Trust. areas that needed immediate attention. have been held to inform the golf course Bird boxes have been erected and areas Unfortunately the non-compliant areas cost committee and the Board of the bowling once maintained have been returned to native the most to rectify. The committee recognised club to make them aware of the present bushland habitats. In 2003 a disused paddock this and used the assessment to evaluate the situation. (regularly flooded by Whites Creek) adjacent areas of highest environmental risk. Once to the 12th fairway was formed into wetlands prioritised, measures were put in place to Comment on any benefits to your and planted out with 1000 native species in overcome the risks. management operation that have flowed on conjunction with Green Corp. The assessment also made the committee from achieving compliance or improvement An environmental management plan aware of the possibility of prosecution in the in environmental performance. document was lost during the transfer from the event that an environmental incident should The major benefit is having an on-going old to the new club premises. Although this occur and efforts should be made to prevent environmental management action plan that management plan existed, it was not readily any such event. They also understand that keeps issues on the agenda and therefore referred to. they must be active in their environmental provides greater confidence and peace Although we were not compliant in a responsibilities without procrastination and to of mind that sound practices are in place. number of areas, we paid particular attention to show environmental due diligence. The flow-on benefits will be in safer and environmental practices in water management, more efficient course operation when all the pesticide handling and application, waste What environmental achievements have compliant structures are in place. management, fertiliser and soil management been completed to date? Which are still in practices, native vegetation, fauna and the planning/budget stage? Have council/EPA environmental officers wetlands management. Since our assessment the club has been assisted you in your programs? active to meet our objectives. Environmental Meetings have been held with local council List and comment on the areas that achievements to date include: environmental officers to assist with assessment needed improvement or compliance that l A fully-bunded chemical storage container and implementation of the measures. were highlighted in the environmental has been purchased; assessment. Had you recognised these l The E- Environmental Management Did you attend the full-day superintendent’s issues previously? program has been purchased; workshop? If yes, please comment The areas that we identified compliance l Consultants have been sourced and quotes on its value in assisting you to achieve shortfalls were machinery washdown, chemical obtained for a machinery washdown and environmental goals. storage, fuel storage and handling. Practices pesticide load-up facility. The committee Attending the superintendent environmental and structures were in place some time ago to has approved a design and quote. workshop made me aware of the situation and minimise pollution but they did not comply with Expenditure has been approved and work of the responsibility of superintendents in their current standards. will commence shortly. Currently the club environmental stewardship. It motivated me is at the planning and development stage; and my colleagues to do better and strive for Has the environmental assessment process l Oil and pesticide spill kits have been excellence. To Our Customers... provided increased awareness by your purchased and staff trained in their use; By becoming involved it has been Board and members generally? l An oil storage bund has been constructed educational and experience has been gained. It The environmental assessment made the club, to contain all 20l drums. This area is has lifted our environmental performance. Staff and especially the golf course committee, locked; members have become more environmentally The management and staff of Simplot Pro-Line would like aware of their environmental responsibilities. l A back-flow prevention device has been aware owing to the processes described above When the assessment was submitted to the installed to protect town supply to the and this is reflected in positive attitudes in day- to thank all of our customers for their support during 2005. committee, it was clear to see that the club was maintenance shed; and to-day work practices.

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18 Australian Turfgrass Management To Our Customers...

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Australian Turfgrass Management 19 the open '05

In July, The Open Championships returned to the home of golf, the Old Course at St Andrews. The unique land of The Royal and Ancient has long been a Mecca for agronomic connoisseurs and here ATM gets a rare insight into preparing the hallowed turf for one of Inside The Open golf’s most prestigious Championship - Majors. Former AGCSA St Andrews 2005 Graduate of the Year he great once said that a year in the lead-up to the 2005 Open working winner James Dalton, who playing golf on the Old Course at St under Links superintendent Gordon Moir. T Andrews was playing the game ‘in its In this feature, Dalton recounts his time at spent the year leading purest form’ and ‘seemingly untouched by St Andrews with special focus on preparations time’. Those comments echo true from a turf for the 2005 Open. Following Dalton’s account, up to The Open working management perspective as well, with the Old Alistair Beggs, northern area manager Course representing a link to the past where and R&A agronomist from the Sports Turf at St Andrews, joins some of the practices that have been central to Research Institute in the UK outlines the role the upkeep of the unique links are still upheld the organisation plays in Open preparations with STRI tournament today. and looks at some of the other venues on The Old Course has witnessed some of the The Open rota. AGCSATech manager John agronomist Alistair Beggs great moments in golf and some of its more Neylan, who visited St Andrews following the infamous. It has chewed up and spat out many ITC conference in Wales, concludes the article and AGCSATech manager a championship pretender, while for those by examining some of the finer techniques who have conquered its undulating terrain, employed in course presentation during The John Neylan to take a like Australian did when he Open and looks at whether similar practices collected his second Open in 1955, they rate it could be adopted in Australia. behind-the-scenes look as among the most rewarding of victories. Just as the Old Course is on any serious From The Shed at the 27th staging of The golfer’s must-play list at least once in their James Dalton life, an opportunity to work on the St Andrews Having always been taught if Open at the world’s most maintenance crew is the sort of once-in-a- something is worth doing, then lifetime chance that any greenkeeper worth his it is worth doing well, I felt what iconic golf course. ilk would jump at. bigger challenge could there be in tournament Such a chance was afforded to aspiring preparation than working The Open superintendent James Dalton, winner of the Championship at St Andrews. 2003 AGCSA Graduate of the Year, who spent It was quite unbelievable to arrive in St

20 Australian Turfgrass Management

By james dalton, alistair beggs and john Neylan

Balgove (both 1993) – as if guarding the a week with clippings barely filling the box. precious land with its life. The complex is Due to this slow growth and poor recovery under the auspices of superintendent Gordon from divots, golfers are made to hit off small Moir and to cater for the locals and visitors synthetic mats to protect the fairways over from all over the world, a seventh course is winter. During the golfing season staff are now being constructed on the outskirts of employed to hand-fill divots over the entire town. Allan Patterson has been employed as links, alternating between courses each day. superintendent. The minimal growth over winter meant Turf species on the Links include a range of that there was plenty of time for construction fescues, bents and other cool-season grasses work. Ninety-four of the 112 bunkers on the that are native to the area. The turf, when dried Old Course were reconstructed over this time out in summer, provides a firm, hard and fast in preparation for The Open. surface which is a key element of links golf I was lucky enough to be involved in this where a little bit of luck can go a long way. work and got to experience first-hand how The land is made up of rolling mounds and revetted bunkers are constructed. It really undulations that have been forged out of sand is an art form and the skills used have been dunes over many centuries of unforgiving passed down over decades from greenkeeper weather conditions. to greenkeeper. The courses, which stretch over 660 acres Sod used to build these bunkers is taken (267 hectares) of Links land, play tight and are from the Links’ massive 12-hectare fescue all laid out extremely close together with only nursery. Bunker bases were shaped and fresh

James Dalton rolls the 4th and 14th the width of a path separating each course. sand added which is simply sourced from the double green two days out from the beach. The sand is sieved twice to remove any start of the 2005 Open Championships The Old Course rock or shell. My first placement at St Andrews was working Other works that were undertaken before on the Old Course under head greenkeeper the season began in April included the Andrews and view the course with my own Euan Grant. ‘Gowf’ has been played on this reconstruction of tees and the maintenance eyes for the first time. Having seen pictures all unique track of land for over 600 years and the and management of the extremely penalising my life through television and greenkeeping double greens and fairways are a marvel. gorse bushes that line the fairways. magazines, I found there were times when Arriving in the middle of winter was also Playing golf on the Old Course is open working I had to pinch myself when looking some experience and one that I was not to anybody as long as you hold a back at ‘The Auld Grey Toon’ and realising my prepared for. Single-figure temperatures were below 24. Demand to play is extremely high dreams had become a reality. accompanied by icy blasts off the North Sea, and to obtain a time on the Old Course The entire Links property is situated right meaning turf growth was at a minimum. you must fill out a ballot card the day before on the North Sea with the town of St Andrews From when I arrived in December through you wish to play and hope that your name gets overlooking six courses – The Old, New (1895), to April the fairway mowers did not leave the drawn out. s Jubilee (1897), Eden (1914), and sheds. Greens would be cut, at most, twice The Old Course is closed every Sunday,

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Australian Turfgrass Management 21

the open '05

which has been a tradition for as long as s anyone can remember. The reason for this is that women are said to have done their washing on Sundays in the Swilcan Burn that runs across the 1st and 18th holes. Nowadays, this provides greens staff with perfect conditions to get some uninterrupted work done including hydrojecting, dusting and spraying which on a normal day can hold up a golfer’s round. With the Links being Crown land, members of the public are free to walk with their pets wherever they please on the Old Course on Early morning preparations on the Sundays which some may find surprising 1st which is home to the famous Swilcan burn considering the high stature of the course.

The New Course was the highlight of my year. The build-up Andrews requested green speeds of 10.5 on My second placement was on the New Course. was such a buzz. From the day I arrived in the stimpmeter and that’s exactly what they While The New is relatively new compared to December 2004 the subject of The Open got. Some may say this would be a bit slow for the Old it is still some 110 years old. Laid would be brought up at least once a day. The a major championship, but at St Andrews one out by the famous , the New days remaining until the beginning of Open has to be wary of the wind speeds that can often plays second fiddle to its famous sibling week were written on the work board every cause havoc with the pace of the greens. whereas in reality it is arguably a stronger morning starting at “167 days to go”. As Leading up to course in terms of challenge, layout and pure each day was crossed off the excitement and turf surfaces were cut regularly with fairways links golf holes. anticipation would increase. and greens everyday. It was amazing to see Working under the guidance of head I don’t think the weather could have been 12 Toro triplexes winding their way up a fairway greenkeeper Gordon Mckie, my placement any kinder for The Open from a greenkeeping one after the other in synchronised fashion began in April and spring was in the air with point of view. We received a nice amount cutting the turf at a hard and fast 8mm. growth increasing. Seasonal staff are taken on of rainfall one to two weeks out from the It was hard not to feel sorry for the greens for this busy six-month period and are usually tournament before drier, warmer conditions cutters as they embarked on their daily duties. from all over the world. I was fortunate to work arrived where temperatures reached 24 Imagine pedestrian cutting at 5mm on dry, with Americans, Irish, English, Argentineans, degrees Celsius. hungry fescue in dull conditions on double Icelandics, Estonians, Scots of course and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St greens that can reach 70 metres across. The another Australian, Mike Love from Royal 5th and 13th double green is one of the biggest . It was wonderful to meet and work greens in the world measuring 3800m2 in area with greenkeepers from different parts of the and could take one hand cutter 1.5 hours to world and to learn about their different turf mow, walking an estimated four miles! management techniques. Staff began the day at 4am and worked The majority of my time on the New was through until 9am before clocking back on at spent trying to keep up with the rapid spring 6pm and finishing as late as 11pm; long days growth. The mild temperatures of around 17 and early starts, but all definitely worthwhile. degrees Celsius in spring seemed to be the My particular tasks for The Open varied. perfect climate for fescue as it thrived with a The majority of the time I was part of the bunker minimum of fertiliser and irrigation. squad that was responsible for the presentation All turf surfaces were cut regularly with of the Old Course’s famous hazards. a huge amount of time spent on getting I have never been involved in a task that green speeds to an acceptable level. This required such attention to detail. Perfection was something I found different to Australian was the level we were expected to reach when greenkeeping where day-to-day green speeds raking bunkers. Time would be spent shaping are not always an issue, whereas on the New it the bases, removing debris and then pattern was regularly monitored and adjusted. teeth raking to achieve the desired result. Greens are cut every day in the growing Members of the R&A Rules Committee season and rolled on average four times a would follow behind and if the standard was week with dethatching and dusting occurring unacceptable then we would have to re-rake every three weeks. Hydrojects are used once the bunker until a satisfactory result was a month to aerate the soil profile. A spectacular aerial view of the St achieved. Raking bunkers two or three times Andrews Links. The Jubilee Course was not uncommon. The two bunkers that The Open Championship is nearest the coast while the Old occupy the largest area – Hell and Shell – took Course is sandwiched in between the Without doubt, The Open Championship three staff up to one hour to groom. New and Eden courses

22 Australian Turfgrass Management

Another task I had was to roll greens, We also visit all the regional qualifiers once usually in the evening. This was a job I a year. Must be thoroughly enjoyed as it reminded me of In addition to the above work program, my apprenticeship days at the Ocean Grove the duty championship agronomist attends Bowling Club. At the beginning of Open week, preparation meetings in advance of The the rolling would be carried out twice a day, but Open and is present throughout the week this task ceased when green speeds reached itself to offer support and guidance to the 10.5 and then only cutting was required to greenkeeping team. Floratine. keep them at that speed. My final task was to hand water greens in Agronomic Objectives the evening if rolling wasn’t required. Just a The Open Championship has a history of Support to strengthen light syringe was applied and an extra pass being played on links sites. The current rota your turf. across some of the higher areas to maintain includes venues such as Royal St Georges, ���������������������������������� a small amount of moisture. Royal Liverpool, Royal Birkdale and Royal �������������������� The Open Championship of 2005 was well Lytham St Annes in England and the Old ��������������������������������� received by players and media. Unfortunately Course, , , and ��������������������������������� the weather was very calm. It would have Royal Troon in . ������������������������� been interesting to see how the players The ages of the venues vary enormously. �������������������������������� would have handled the conditions if the wind Golf has been played in St Andrews for ��������������������������� had really picked up as I had seen it do on more than 250 years whereas Turnberry was ����������������biohormonal technology�� occasions throughout the year. developed into a championship venue by ��������������������������� architect Mackenzie Ross after World War II. Back home By their very nature they are all sand ������������������������������ ������� ���������������������������������������� As I write this, the Dunhill Links Championship based and occupy fixed dune landscapes ������������������������������������ is being held at St Andrews, and that are often open, windswept and barren. Carnoustie which signals the end of the The grass swards that prevail on all the �������������������������������� golfing season in Scotland. I was originally sites are a product of geographical location, ���������������������� meant to finish my placement at the end environmental influences and the hand of ������������� of this tournament but due to a promotion man. �������������������� ������������������������ back home to assistant superintendent at The east coast venues are generally drier ���������������������������� Thirteenth Links in Victoria, I as they receive lower levels of rainfall. The ������������������ decided the time was right to return home. difference is quite dramatic with some eastern �������������� I sometimes find it hard to believe that I sites receiving around 23mm per annum ���������������������� was actually over the other side of the world compared with 40-45mm on the west coast. ������������������������������ working as a greenkeeper at St Andrews The drier climate favours the fescue ����������� ������������������������������������� where the game of golf evolved. It is a place grasses (Festuca spp) and the better greens ���������������������� where the spirit and traditions of the game on some sites may have upwards of 75 per ����������������������������������������� have been safeguarded for over six centuries cent colonisation by this grass. Fescue is a and for a greenkeeper an unsurpassed low maintenance drought-tolerant grass type Mecca. which naturally provides good pace without having to resort to absurdly low mowing The Turf Strength People From the Grass Roots heights. It is also largely free from major ���������������������������������������� Alistair Beggs disease problems in our climate. The Board of Greenkeeping The other main grass components of Research (as it was called in those greens include browntop bentgrasses days) was founded by The Royal (Agrostis tenuis), and annual meadow grass and Ancient Golf Club and The Home Unions (Poa annua). The former grass type is in 1929. Since then and through a change commonly found and co-habits with fescues of name to the Sports Turf Research Institute very well. It is favoured and encouraged (STRI) in 1951, the relationship between The particularly on western links sites where it R&A and STRI has been a strong one. tends to be prevalent. Today the STRI acts as official agronomists The latter species is considered a weed to the championship committee of The grass and is generally discouraged. However, R&A and in this capacity the STRI specialist there is an acceptance that its lifecycle and agronomy team visits all nine Open venues adaptability to the golf green environment twice a year every year and the four final leads to some presence. However, a qualifiers twice per year when the associated preponderance of more favourable grass types Open venue comes onto the rota (usually and the timing of The Open Championship s four years in advance of a Championship). allow this species to be discouraged through

Australian Turfgrass Management 23 ����������������������������������� ��������������������

surfaces. Appropriate pace is generated due to the fine texture of the turf and firm underfoot conditions. The only aspect of maintenance that has changed over the years is the quality of machinery used to implement the various operations and the frequency in which they are conducted. All course management practices are undertaken with respect for the environment and knowledge of the importance it plays in the challenge that is The Open Championship. Looking back down the 18th on the In general terms, the championship New Course which was used as a committee of The R&A will seek green speeds chipping facility during The Open in the region of 10.5 feet for The Open. Any faster than this and there is a chance of windy weather making a nonsense of The appropriate management. There are other In fact, Tom Morris played the most Championship. s contaminants too. Yorkshire Fog (Holcus significant role in shaping the Old Course At some venues achieving these speeds is spp) is a prostrate colony-forming coarse into what we see today. As four-times Open easier than it is at others. With fescues prevalent leaved grass and there is even some perennial champion himself, he was obviously a very on the Old Course (for more information see ryegrass in selected greens. capable golfer. He quickly learned the fine the case study at www.bestcourseforgolf.org) Management programs at most of the sites bent and fescue grasses produced the best a mowing height of 4.75 mm provided the revolve around the promotion of browntop turf surfaces for golf. To retain these grasses desired results. Further mowing frequencies bents and fescues and the discouragement he kept fertiliser and water application to were reduced from those planned to prevent of annual meadow grass. In general terms a minimum and implemented regular deep the greens from becoming too fast. For this means limited nutritional inputs, plentiful aeration and sand topdressing. example, the 11th green was not mown on aeration and topdressing and a policy of These basic principles of turf management Friday evening while none of the greens were keeping the surfaces dry and firm. This continue to underpin the course management cut on the Saturday night. approach tends to favour the grass types program adopted by the current head The fairways across the Old Course are we wish to encourage. It also complements greenkeeper Euan Grant. Pesticide and superb examples of links surfaces. They are the current strategy of The R&A Golf Course fertiliser application is minimal with only 20-25 firm underfoot and support an excellent fine and Committee, which is encouraging clubs to kg/ha of nitrogen being applied to the greens wiry texture. Regular sanding and verticutting manage in a sustainable manner. More on an annual basis. Irrigation is only used to is implemented to retain such surfaces. information is available through the website keep the turf alive. As growth rates are so slow, the recovery www.bestcourseforgolf.org. Deep aeration is carried out regularly, using from divot damage is slow. To help increase The STRI’s role does not stop with the vertidrain during autumn/winter and the the rate of recovery across popular landing agronomy. Attention is constantly being paid hydroject through spring and summer. Mowing zones, old divots are replaced with fresh to rough management, habitat development heights are kept at approximately 5mm with patches of turf rather than the usual soil and and biodiversity in tandem with The R&A’s surface refinement operations including light seed. It is not unusual for the groundstaff to commitment to environmental management. topdressing, rolling and occasional verticutting patch as many as 10,000 divots over the winter STRI ecologist Bob Taylor carries out a pre being achieved regularly to provide smooth months! and post Open inspection at all host venues and constantly liaises with statutory bodies to Prior to The Open, 94 of the Old Course’s 112 revetted bunkers, ensure that the staging of The Championship including the famous Road bunker pictured here, were reconstructed has positive rather than negative impacts on ecologically sensitive areas. After The Open, all parties work to complete renovation while maximising ecological development.

The 2005 Championship In July 2005, The Open Championship returned to the Old Course at St Andrews. While the Old Course has been shaped by nature, it would be false to say man had no influence over its evolution. For instance, in 1764 the number of holes was reduced from 22 to 18 and in 1864 Tom Morris (on his return from Prestwick) widened the fairways and greens.

24 Australian Turfgrass Management

the open '05

During The Championship this year yards since the 1993 Championship and a total fairways were mown with Toro greens mowers length of 7106 yards. at a height of 8mm. Interestingly the 9th fairway The story was similar at Royal Troon in was offering similar stimpmeter readings to the 2004. New tees were introduced at the 1st, greens on the Sunday morning! 6th, 11th and 15th holes as part of a joint Links superintendent For the 2005 Open, 94 of the 112 bunkers Gordon Moir (left) and agreement between the club, The R&A and across the Old Course were revetted. The Allan Patterson golf course architect Donald Steel. Not only revetting included famous bunkers such as did these tees mean that the length of the Shell (7th hole), Strath (11th) and, of course, Course by 164 yards. It now measures 7,279 course was extended to 7,175 yards (par 71) the Road bunker on the 17th, which was yards (par 72) from the championship tees, but in the case of the 1st and 15th the line of changed slightly to increase its gathering with the 14th being the longest hole on The play was also markedly altered. The new tee at effect. Open rota (618 yards). As the existing hazards the 1st is a particularly exciting addition. Twelve thousand square metres of turf cannot be moved, it was necessary to move The position of bunkers was also reviewed was used in this operation, with the Shell these tees further back, thus bringing the and a total of 10 new hazards were introduced bunker using up more than 10,000 turves! likes of Cheape’s bunker on the 2nd and the at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th and 16th holes making The construction of these bunkers is a fine art Beardies on the 14th back into play. a grand total of 93 on the course. Forty eight and the way in which they are built is a closely This is a theme played out at many of the bunkers were revetted and renovated in the guarded secret. If you are lucky enough to be venues. Many of the pros who returned to winter prior to The Open. told how it is done by the groundstaff, expect Royal St Georges in 2003 found a number of Probably the most changed venue is Royal to be shot soon afterwards! changes including a new 14th green beyond Liverpool (Hoylake) which will host its first the old position and tucked further in against Open Championship for 39 years in 2006. The Meeting modern-day demands the out of bounds fence. Additional bunkers course will extend beyond 7200 yards and has Technological advances with ball and club were sited on holes like the 13th to challenge had three new greens built along with a host meant that further changes were made to the the longer hitters, and nine new championship of new tees and bunkers. Preparations are course in advance of the 2005 Championship. tees were constructed at the 2nd, 4th, 6th, already well underway and being a member of The tees on 2, 4, 12, 13 and 14 were extended 8th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 15th holes. the club I can’t wait to see the return of one of s backwards, increasing the length of the Old This represented an increase in length of 246 golf’s most prestigious tournaments.

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Australian Turfgrass Management 25

the open '05

From the Gallery s John Neylan To have the opportunity to attend the 2005 Open at the home of golf was a great privilege and a terrific opportunity to observe a links course prepared for such a prestigious event. I was fortunate to inspect the course in January 2003 when it had its winter coat on and to see it in mid-summer and prepared for a tournament was quite a contrast. My particular interest was to look at the grasses and how the golf course was prepared The famous Shell bunker gets a groom. for the tournament and how this compares Strath bunker is in the background to the course set up for the Australian Open. With the Australian Open having just been played at Moonah Links this year, it was particularly pertinent as we would consider Moonah Links and the Mornington Peninsula courses as links-style courses. Some of the general observations I noted included; l The grass rough was not as severe as I thought it might have been. It was moderately tall and wispy but not necessarily dense. The rough intruded well into the fairways onto fairway mounds making them relatively narrow in key areas. l Gorse is a feature of the course and highly penalising to an errant shot. Listening to During The Open, the topside the BBC, the commentators were most of bunkers were cut down to concerned about the physical pain that encourage balls to run into them would experience as he gingerly plucked his ball from the gorse contour it struck. The bonus was plenty of l The greens were dry and firm, however, following a wayward shot. ball run and with the incredibly fine surface they did not appear to be excessively l The fairways were very fine, dense and it was not uncommon to see a player quick. provided a tight lie. It is very much a putting along the fairway when in putting l The pin placements, particularly on the product of the fine fescue and bentgrass range. Sunday, appeared to be very challenging. that makes up the turf in the fairways. l The surrounds of the greens were cut down They were tucked into interesting corners, l Firm and dry appeared to be the formulae hard and the ball fed off them as a result. on edges of greens and near tricky little for setting up the golf course as it dried out There were few shots that didn’t run away if ridges. The pace of the greens was progressively over the last two days. The the ball ran through the green and trickled reasonable given the pin placements. fairways were very dry and hard and the onto the surrounds. l The wind was up a bit on the Saturday and ball often responded by bouncing at an l The topside of the bunkers were cut down certainly influenced the golf, however, it is obtuse angle depending on which fairway to encourage balls to run into the bunkers. not hard to imagine how tricky the course would become if it was seriously blowing. In observing the events at St. Andrews, I often looked at them in the context of the Australian Open at Moonah Links and whether the way the course was presented would be acceptable under Australian conditions. While both courses are coastal they are different courses in different environments with different grasses, and many of the challenges presented at St. Andrews would make Moonah unplayable. It once again reinforces the notion that each course in its particular environment must be set up according to its strengths and weaknesses rather than trying to replicate the unique attributes of other courses. The Links greenkeeping contingent for the 2005 Open Championship

26 Australian Turfgrass Management GOLF COURSE HARDWARE David Golf is synonymous with Quality Golf Hardware. Whether it be for the tee, the green, the fairway, practice range or the clubhouse. David Golf manufactures and supplies golf course and golf range hardware from tee markers to ballwashers. putting cups to fl ag poles, holecutters to bunker rakes. Call David Golf for your total golf course solutions 1300 790 890.

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The Perennial Climate Control system which was used to assist in the preparation of the drop-in one-day cricket wicket at the Dome

In this latest instalment CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT AT Perennial researches, designs and develops TELSTRA DOME products to assist in the protection and of AGCSATech Update, Telstra Dome is arguably one of the most growth of sports turf. Perennial’s products challenging sportsfield environments in the have applications across a number of different John Neylan looks at how world. Shade is the most significant factor sports with a particular focus on cricket as well with a large section of the northern end of the as turf growth in shaded areas. new technology could be stadium receiving very little natural light for Perennial’s primary product, the Perennial several months each winter. The combination Climate Control, is designed specifically for the used to overcome some of low light and a high use schedule makes preparation of high quality cricket pitches and it difficult to maintain a high quality turf cover accurately controls: of the challenges faced without investing in a program of regular turf l Solar radiation; replacement. l Air temperature; in preparing the Telstra The management of Telstra Dome l Relative humidity; continues to invest in ongoing research and l Precipitation; Dome surface and outlines development to determine practical methods l Air flow. of modifying the environment to extend the life The first test for the equipment at Telstra the latest developments in and improve the recovery potential of the turf. Dome was on the drop-in wickets used for One such method has been the trialling of the the Johnnie Walker Super Series which pitted AGCSATech’s bentgrass Perennial Climate Control system. Australia against the World IX in early October. Perennial Climate Control was founded The controlled atmosphere conditions allowed trials. by former New Zealand Cricket turf manager the match and practice wickets to be dried out Mike Robins. Along with input from both evenly and assisted in preparing high quality New Zealand Cricket and Lincoln University, playing surfaces.

28 Australian Turfgrass Management How might this system be used in the Fine fescue, used here at the new Magenta Shores future management of the Telstra Dome development in NSW, provides an ideal contrast with surface? The hope is that the Perennial Climate couchgrass and bentgrass in Australian conditions Control system could be used in high wear and shaded sections of the field such as the goal square and the centre corridor at the northern end to provide additional light and warmth to stimulate recovery and seed germination.

BENTGRASS TRIALS Since 2000, AGCSATech has been collecting and evaluating bentgrasses from golf greens around Australia. Of the 450 individual plants collected, 100 were placed in a putting green trial at Chisholm TAFE in Rosebud (VIC) for on-going evaluation. All the bentgrasses collected were assessed for seed head development, as this is an important attribute for seed production. characteristics are either left out or play a noted that there were three broad categories However, several of the plants collected that minor role in the final multi-parent clone. of bentgrasses – a very fine dense type with had a very high density and turf quality produce Because several of the AGCSATech minimal lateral extension, a coarser textured very low numbers of seed heads. collection fit into this category of excellent turf type that exhibit vigorous lateral extension The early improved bentgrass varieties characteristics and low seed head production, and an intermediate type. The three types play were clonal selections from greens originally it has been decided to undertake trials to various roles in a mixed sward that responds to established to the South German mixed examine the feasibility of vegetative propagation changing conditions throughout the year but bentgrass. Cultivars such as Toronto, Cohansey, as a means of utilising these grasses. in combination provides a consistent playing Washington, Arlington, Congressional and Trials have been established to initially surface. Old Orchard were established by vegetative build up the amount of material for further trials The trials will be conducted over the propagation (Warnke, 2003) which was in harvesting and large scale propagation. next two to three years with additional sites considered a standard method of bentgrass Twenty selections have been established as established in NSW and SA. establishment until the 1950’s when the first well as five combinations of three selections improved seeded cultivars were released. in each combination. The combinations are FINE FESCUES Traditional turfgrass breeding can be at to provide genetic diversity, which is typically Fine fescues (Festuca species) have been times a compromise between turf quality and found in multi-parent clones. extensively used on golf courses in the southern density and producing commercial quantities The combinations are based on the states of Australia to great effect in roughs, and of seed. Consequently, it may mean that observations of Daryl Sellar (superintendent, greens and tees surrounds. The fine leaves, some of the plants with the very best turf Glenelg Golf Club) where in his studies he colour and texture of this group of grasses provides an ideal contrast with couchgrass and bentgrass and with the wispy nature of the seed heads provide a strong “native grass” look that suits the Australian environment. (See Inside The Open, page 20) The genus Festuca contains about 450 species found in temperate regions throughout the world, extending through the tropics and on mountaintops. Beard (1973) reported the use of fine-leaved Festuca spp. as early as the 16th Century for golf turfs and are found extensively on the links courses of Scotland. The fine fescues are seen as a grass with increasing potential due to its perceived environmentally-friendly characteristics of low water use, shade tolerance and low fertility requirements. However, cultivars vary in seedling vigour, seasonal quality, spring green up and colour, with some variability in the The recently planted AGCSATech bentgrass trial plots s establishment rates among some specimens.

Australian Turfgrass Management 29 Update By John Neylan

and persistence there is unlikely to be any perceivable difference. The fine fescues have been used extensively on golf courses on the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas and the Melbourne sand belt. More recently they have been used at Glenelg GC in and on the new Magenta Shores project north of Sydney. High humidity and poor drainage appears to be the main limiting factor in establishing and maintaining the fine fescues. As a group, Festuca spp. does not have very good disease resistance but through plant breeding disease tolerance is being improved. As a general The fine fescues are seen as a observation, Festuca spp. does best on grass with increasing potential well drained sandy soils in a low humidity due to its characteristics of low environment but shows good persistence with water use, shade tolerance and high summer temperatures. low fertility requirements The fine fescues are relatively slow to establish and require regular watering and F. heterophylla Lamarck (shade fescue) and moderate fertility to get them established. They F. rubra L. Within F. rubra L. there are the are best sown in the autumn and allowed to subspecies commutata Nyman (chewings grow and mature through the winter before fescue), litoralis Auquier (slender creeping red being subjected to high summer temperatures. fescue) and rubra Gaudin (strong creeping red In my experience they take about 18-24 months fescue). to achieve the required level of maturity. Within the complex F. ovina there are As a mature turf they tend to take on a several species including F. filiformis Pourret clumpy appearance where there is no water (hair fescue), F. ovina L. ssp. hirtula (sheep and maintain a relatively dense and uniform fescue) and F. trachyphylla Krajina (hard turf under higher inputs. One concern with the fescue). Another species that is often included fine fescues is their inability to tolerate heavy in this group is F. glauca or blue fescue, traffic and will quickly show burn marks during however, many researchers consider it to be warm weather when subjected to vehicular The Festuca spp. are well suited to well a “blue form” of F. trachyphylla Krajina rather traffic. s drained, acid (pH 5.5-6.5) sandy soils, though than a separate species. These “blue forms” The Festuca spp. have found a niche in they thrive on the Mornington Peninsula where have been erroneously designated as F. ovina Australian golf courses and are being used the pH is often greater than 8.0 and as high L. ssp. hirtula. as a grass that has a ‘native grass’ look that as 9.5. They are well adapted to infertile soils, The fine fescue mixes used for golf is considerably easier to establish than many however, in establishment they do respond course roughs often include a blend of hard, native grasses (i.e. from seed). Whether it can to moderate levels of nitrogen and regular creeping red and sheep fescue with so-called be established further north is an unknown watering. Once established the fescues need blue fescue at times being included as an and is presently being mixed with common to be gradually weaned off the fertiliser and alternative to sheep fescue. In discussions with couchgrass to provide more diversity. water and will persist very well with little or Leah Brilman, an American plant breeder from no inputs. At high levels of fertility and water Seed Research, the differences between a true References the fine fescues will produce a dense layer of sheep fescue and the more generic blue fescue Beard, J. B. (1973). Turfgrass: Science and root mat. are morphologically and taxonomically very Culture. Prentice-Hall, Inc.: Englewood Cliffs, The so-called fine-leaved fescues difficult to differentiate and unlikely to make NJ. are taxonomically very complex and there any difference to the look and performance Ruemmele, B., Wipff, K., Brilman, L. and is ongoing argument as to where specific of the turf. Hignight, K. (2003) Fine-leaved Festuca subspecies belong. The fine fescues that The blue forms can be confused with species pp 129-174. In Turfgrass Biology, are used in Australia are most likely to be sheep fescue with the only true sheep fescue Genetics and Breeding. M.D. Casler and R.R. from the genus Festuca L. and the subgenus cultivar being Quattro. In terms of the seed Duncan (Editors) J Wiley & Sons Inc. Festuca with two broad categories known as F. mix, if true sheep fescue is required then Warnke, S. (2003) Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis rubra (red fescue) and F. ovina (sheep fescue) specify Quattro, or if the general “blue look” stolinifera L.) pp 175-185. In Turfgrass Biology, complexes (Ruemmele et.al. 2003). Within is all that is really required then sheep or Genetics and Breeding. M.D. Casler and R.R. the F. rubra complex there are the species blue fescue is acceptable. In terms of growth Duncan (Editors) J Wiley & Sons Inc.

30 Australian Turfgrass Management

Coring and subsequent topdressing are tech talk essential practices in controlling beneficial levels of organic matter in putting surfaces

Getting to the core of organic matter accumulation

ost golf greens in Australia have Negatives of Excessive Controlling the level of recently undergone renovations that Organic Matter M have included processes such as Many researchers have documented decreases organic matter in the hollow coring and topdressing. This process is in saturated hydraulic conductivity as putting performed at least once a year, but preferably greens mature. Concurrent with a reduction in profile of golf greens more, to remove and dilute accumulated saturated hydraulic conductivity has been an organic matter that has built up. increase in organic matter content within the is a constant challenge Excessive organic matter can be frustrating surface two inches (Carrow, 2004). to the golfer as it leads to excessive ball The rate of saturated hydraulic conductivity for superintendents. marks, foot printing and inconsistent ball roll. is dependant on the amount of macropores For the superintendent it can mean increased within the profile. The accumulation of organic In this instalment of likelihood of disease, possible scalping by matter reduces the amount of macropores trying to achieve more green speed from and hence reduces the drainage rate of the Tech Talk, Andrew Peart wet surfaces and hydrophobic soil conditions profile. Carrow 2004 states that research has developing over summer. consistently demonstrated that as organic looks at the negatives Along with the challenges it presents to the matter content in a sand mix increases to golfer and the superintendent, it can also have above four to five per cent (by weight), the of excessive organic some dramatic negative impacts on the function percentage of larger soil pores (macropores) of the profile. Golf greens are often built to strict of >0.08mm diameter between sand particles matter accumulation specifications, however, after a green is planted decreases due to plugging by organic matter. or sown these parameters quickly change. The Not only is the amount of organic matter and looks at effective main reason for the change in profile dynamics detrimental to a soil’s profile but in some cases is due to the accumulation of organic matter, it is the nature of the organic matter. Organic methods of maintaining whether from roots or decaying plant material. matter can be structured when it consists of The percentage of organic matter can be mainly live roots, however more a gel-like healthy putting surfaces. described in two ways. Often at the time of consistency as roots die. Root dieback is more construction a sand may be amended with likely to occur on cool-season grasses, namely a certain percentage of organic matter by bentgrass, during hot humid weather. volume to achieve better moisture retention Carrow 2004 states that it is not the lack and/or cation exchange capacity. However, if of roots from root dieback that is the problem, a sand is checked for organic matter content but the creation of an excessively moist layer in the laboratory the result will be given on a with very low oxygen during hot weather in weight basis. response to the rapid root dieback, resulting Amending by volume is far different than by in the inability of remaining roots to take up weight. Carrow 2004 states that one per cent sufficient moisture for transpirational cooling. organic matter by weight equals about five per Other symptoms that are witnessed with cent organic matter by volume. excessive accumulation of organic matter

32 Australian Turfgrass Management

s MAW 11585 quadrant.com.au 11585 MAW 33 4.1 8.1 1.0 7.2 2.0 4.1 1.8 3.6 0.7 1.3 2.6 Impacted Needed to Number of Number of Surface Area Reach 20% of Area 4.91% 2.45% 1.23% 16.3 2.76% 9.82% 4.91% 5.52% 7.67% 19.63% 11.04% 30.68% surface Percent Impacted with andrew peart andrew with O’Brien and Hartwiger 2001 stated that in that stated O’Brien and Hartwiger 2001 www.golfcoursecompany.com an ad-hoc basis. The depth of thatch was depth of thatch an ad-hoc basis. The it after a loss on ignition test and 15-18mm per cent was determined that it contained 3.4 by weight. This would indicate organic matter work such as coring future renovation that the and dusting would be required to maintain organic matter at this level. golf courses with successful experience, their aeration core a on been have greens mature surface of the per cent 15-20 program where The area has been impacted each year. of the impacted will be a result of area amount spacing and tine tine of operation, frequency 1 provides list of tine diameter a size. Table and spacing to achieve per cent surface area diameter example, using 12mm impacted. For impacts 50mm x spacing of 50mm a with tines area. surface of the five per cent quite not only 0.049 0.049 0.196 0.049 0.110 0.196 0.196 0.307 15.34% 0.110 0.110 0.307 0.307 One Tine t of surface mount of surface ng on the a aci Impacted by Surface Area able 1. able (square inches) T

n core aerificatio d by acte 36 72 CONCEPT CONSTRUCTION MAINTENANCE Holes per Management Number of ● ● ● Square Foot

area imp area

1x1 144 1x2 72 1x1 144 2x2 2x2 36 1x2 72 2x2 36 1x1 144 1x2 72 1x1 144 1x2 2x3 36 Spacing (inches) Turfgrass

nd sp of tine size a act

Glasgow 2005 stated the discrepancy Glasgow 2005 stated the discrepancy of organic Thus, the impact the amount for a plug took recently AGCSATech 2 4 4 4 2 2 8 8 8 8 8 8 / / / / / / / / / / / / Diameter (inches) 1 ³ ³ ³ Size Tine 1 1 1 ³ Aerifications ³ ³ 1 1

Source: O'Brien and Hartwiger, 2001 Source: O'Brien and Hartwiger, The imp and three per cent by weight respectively. and three per cent by weight respectively. proposed threshold levels for NZ the between USA in the for greens those and golf greens differences largely reflects the associated with conditions temperate weather with the climate, throughout much of New Zealand offering less pressure on the turf system from disease, etc. stress temperature summer the over turf the on has matter period would seem to be directly correlated and usage summers severities of the the to pressures. analysis of organic to assess the amount top 50mm in the that had accumulated matter had bentgrass green that of a four-year-old topdressed on only and cored been never Australian ) Formerly Greenmaw Pty Ltd Formerly ( SHAPING CHAMPIONSHIP ENVIRONMENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE. SHAPING CHAMPIONSHIP ENVIRONMENTS In New Zealand they have concluded that concluded have they New Zealand In Summer bentgrass decline is often is often decline bentgrass Summer know that diluting All superintendents • Victoria, • Australia • Victoria, Scotland Edinburgh, • Colorado, USA • California, USA • Arizona, USA From concept to completion, there's now only one name to call to completion, there's now only one From concept to shape your championship environment. The Golf Course Company. Maw on (03) 5976 2455 or [email protected] Call Tony 11585 MAW ATGM Quarter Ad 30/8/04 10:16 AM Page 1 organic matter be assessed at three different organic matter be assessed at three it depth intervals. Glasgow states that 2005 for New Zealand sand- is recommended that based upper level for golf greens the target and 20-40mm 0-20mm, in the organic matter four per cent depths be six per cent, 40-80mm Devising a Program appropriate an devising in step first The program would be to test the upper 50mm of of organic your green to calculate the amount material present. It would then be reasonable with results test organic matter the correlate to and performance during stressful quality turf if there determine conditions to environmental is a need for changing an otherwise successful According to Carrow program.maintenance should be no higher than four this figure 2004, per cent organic matter by weight in the top 50mm. are increased moisture retention due to the due to retention moisture are increased subsequent and the of macropores reduction which hold capillary pores, those increase in been root growth has also Declining water. lack either to be attributed well and may seen in moisture retention of oxygen or increased the top of the profile due to organic matter. reason for bentgrass greens as the stated temperatures summer suffering during high suggests 2004 Carrow However, and humidity. problem that this is a secondary arising from and/or accumulation excessive organic matter surface organic of the nature changes in the matter. organic matter accumulation with topdressing agronomic benefits and firmer delivers material dilemma still remains on how surfaces. The of topdressing balance correct apply the to material and keeping golfers content. tech talk

This can be quadrupled to nearly 20 per cent if saturated hydraulic conductivity. As organic s done on a 25mm x 25mm spacing. matter increases above this value the greater The greatest advantage of using hollow the potential for these problems to occur. coring in any renovation program is that it A loss on ignition test can be undertaken effectively removes 100 per cent of the organic to determine organic matter levels to gauge accumulation with the tine diameter. Imported the effectiveness of current renovation sand can then be placed in these core holes to techniques and whether more sand needs to provide a homogenous sand from the surface be incorporated to reduce the likelihood of the down to the rootzone. This also enables those Core holes less than 12mm in associated problems. core holes to remain open after the renovation diameter can be difficult to backfill period. References Dusting is also a key component in of sand is to include a certain amount of Carrow R. N. 2004. Surface Organic Matter managing organic matter levels. O’Brien and coring, depending on the existing amount in Bentgrass Greens. USGA Green Section Hartwiger 2003 state that applying at 40-50 of organic matter present along with regular Record-January/February 2004. cubic feet of sand per 1000ft2 (1.2-1.5 m3 per sand topdressing or dustings. When coring Glasgow A. 2005. Organic Matter Levels 100m2) per year is recommended to keep it must be remembered that core holes less in New Zealand Golf Greens. Proceedings organic matter content below three to four than 12mm in diameter are difficult to backfill, 3rd New Zealand Turf Conference. May/June per cent by weight in the upper portion of even with dry sand, due to the sand having a 2005. the rootzone. This rate of sand application is tendency to bridge. O’Brien P. and Hartwiger C. 2003. Aeration similar to that recommended by Nickson 2003 and Topdressing for the 21st Century. USGA who suggested a dusting program consists of Conclusion Green Section Record-March/April 2003. an application of 0.06-0.1 cubic metres of sand Carrow 2004 states that regardless of climate Nickson D. and Ford P. 2003. Dusting of Golf per 100m2 of turf every two weeks in good zone, greater than four per cent organic Greens in Victoria. Victorian Golf Association growing weather and reduced to every month matter content in the surface two inch (50mm) Turf Research and Advisory Board. in winter. Such a program would require a total zone becomes a red flag value that indicates O’Brien P. and Hartwiger C. 2001. Core of around 18-20 dusting applications per year. the probability of developing low oxygen, Aeration by the Numbers. USGA Green Section The best method to apply such a quantity excessive surface water retention, and reduced Record-July/August 2001 pp 8-9.

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WORLD’S FAVOURITE GRINDER — www.expressdual.com 36 Toro Turf Tour B past 19years, Lunardelli has come December. truck rolling upto the shed gates looking forward to the delivery renewing the lease and is eagerly Lunardelli hashadno hesitation in of the existing Toro equipment, the reliabilityandserviceability of construction. Such has been at Brookwaterdays sincetheinitial employed having beengainfully some ofthedepartingmachinery the old and in with the new, with can give hiscourse and crew. gift any season superintendent to Christmas, the perfect festive new redmachinery in the lead up delivery ofsomebrandspanking set totake is completed, Lunardelli fleet leaseagreementrecently a change-over of Toro With is dreamingofaredchristmas David Lunardelli Superintendent: Brookwater hasbeena'redshed'sincetheearlydaysofconstruction In theindustry of the It willbeacaseof out with Australian David Lunardelli superintendent Golf Club rookwater

Turfgrass

Management changing over to a new lease agreement, Lunardelli will which is why the Brookwater shed is remaining red. In in theirfleetisparamount to the presentation of acourse accolades hasbeen the course’s extensive Toro fleet. responsible for.Playinga huge roleinwinningthese ofareand staff 14 his whichLunardelli presentation not just for its stunning Norman layout butfor its exemplary been there forever and a day. says, even when the course opened it looked like ithad established Ironbarks andEucalypts,and, as Lunardelli topography is pretty extreme. cut out of thenaturalSpringfieldbushlandandas suchthe minutes south of Brisbane’s CBD, the golf course has been Brookwater. OpenedinMarch2002andlocated35 was thechanceto work under Troon Golf. profile GregNormanextremelyattractiveas coursewas superintendent. Also, theopportunitytoworkonahigh involved withcourseconstructionandstayonasa Greens golf clubs. before thatheldpositionsatCaloundraandGainsborough manager at PelicanWaterson the Sunshine Coastand construction five yearsago. Prior that he was construction been superintendent at Brookwater right from its initial As any superintendent will tellyou, trust and confidence In a short time Brookwater has won many admirers, Every holeon the course is spectacularly framed by the onlywordyoucanusetodescribe Unique isreally Lunardelli took the Brookwater job in order to become advertisement Location: Brookwater Golf Club, Queensland be upgrading some of his equipment, but for the most part will be sticking with the status quo due to high level performance and suitability to the Brookwater site. “Brookwater is managed by Troon Golf which has an alliance with Toro worldwide, but it is still horses for courses,” says Lunardelli. “As a superintendent I still get to push what machinery I want in here and what fits best for this course. “We had the majority of our Toro machinery through construction. The confidence has been that all those items have been under fairly heavy scrutiny during that phase and have been able to stand up to the rigours of maintaining this course. We’re really happy with all our Toro machinery. They suit us and the site really well.” Lunardelli’s fleet certainly gets a good workout with the intensive maintenance regimes employed at Brookwater. The CT2 (GN1) fairways and greens surrounds get shaven twice a week, the Santa ana tees are cut three times a week and the Tifdwarf greens are cut with Toro 1000 Greensmasters every day (Lunardelli says walk-behinds are used to cut greens 80 per cent of the time). The current Brookwater Toro fleet includes: l Six Greensmaster 1000 walk-behinds; l Two Greensmaster 3100 triplexes (which will be upgraded to the 3150D diesel units); l Two Reelmaster 3100D Sidewinders; l Two Reelmaster 6500D 4WD fairway units; l One Groundsmaster 328D 4WD; l Eight 2100 Workmans (which will be upgraded to the 2110 Workman, including the trialling of a 2050E electric utility); l Two 3300 Workman utilities (will be going from the 4WD units to the 2WD); l SandPro 5020; l ProCore 648 greens aerator; l Rake-o-Vac;

Brookwater superintendent David Lunardelli says Toro is a perfect fit for the Queensland course

Australian Turfgrass Management 37 38 Toro Turf Tour presentation layout butexemplary just foritsN many admirers,not Brookwater haswon Australian orman

Turfgrass

www.toro.com.au Management no hesitation in doing so.” change our fleet over four years down the track and have think the proof of that is inthe fact that we are happy to service extremely highly. Lunardelli, whoalso rates Toro’s that fleet,”says after-sales a superintendent I can have confidence in every piece of when we’retalkingawholefleet,as the board,especially superintendents who are loyal to the Toro brand. and it’s aresponse that echoes the sentiments of other Brookwater.” it’s agreat unit andone that getsa good workout at have to have aman out flymowing allthe time. All round particularly inthe growing season, and meanswe don’t of vehicles wouldstruggle to get to. It savessomuch time, areas, likeclosetobunker edges, thatothertypes similar must-have list: “We can get the Sidewinder into so many then that the 3100-D Sidewinder is at the top of Lunardelli’s advantage for safety.” slopes theto ability slide the cutting heads acrossisahuge And it’sthesamewithSidewinders.Wefindthatonour We’re not leaving tyre tracks when we’re mowing hills. fairway unitshavebeenamust. Reelmaster4WD The 6500 despite someof the extreme slopes andhillson the course. with some of the hills. safety perspectivethatthemachinesweusecancope courses,” says Lunardelli. “We have to make sure from a put under a lot more strain than they would be at other the site,transmissions,brakingsystemsandhydraulicsare Brookwater. proven track record in handlingthe unique topography at and a of machinery,reliability important aspects–quality Well, accordingtoLunardellithereareanumberof l l

“We are really happywith the Toro equipment and I “The numberonethingformewithTorothatacross is him mostaboutToro, Ask Lunardelliwhatimpresses no surprise Due totheundulatingnatureofsite,itis “We find that we are able to maintain the quality of cut “Because ofthetopography and thenature hilly of So what makes Toro the right fit for Brookwater? sprinklers (looking at upgrading to 800 seriesinfuture). Toro Site Pro satellite irrigation system with 700 series Multi Pro 1200 sprayer; and advertisement

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Doug Robinson Peter Brown The pulse DSA 2002 DSA 2005 Following last edition’s To isolate a single development There are probably two events is extremely difficult. Irrigation that have impacted significantly look at contract is just one area which has on the sports turf industry seen incredible developments. during the past 30 years. Firstly, maintenance, this Thirty years ago many golf the Australia Commonwealth courses were reliant on manual Government’s adoption of Plant instalment of The Pulse watering using hoses and sprinklers. The Breeders Rights (PBR) legislation in 1994 has more advanced courses may have had ‘semi- provided the agricultural, turf and horticulture poses the question automatic’ or quick coupling systems that industries with an ever-increasing choice of still required some form of manual operation. new plant varieties from which to choose. to former AGCSA Today, of course, we have computer-controlled During the last five years we have witnessed systems that work in conjunction with weather a significant increase in the number of warm- Distinguished Service stations and even moisture sensors. Today’s season grass varieties in the market place. systems conserve water, labour and benefit In particular, numerous new varieties of the Award winners, ‘what has the environment. genera stenotaphrum, cynodon,paspalum and Development in mowing equipment has recently zoysia have been released. Many of been the single biggest been very significant as has the changing the new varieties have been bred overseas, but technology in pesticide usage. Target-specific a number have been developed here. development to impact chemicals and specialised spray units have However, the most recent significant made pest control almost a science in development to influence the sportsturf upon the Australian today’s workplace, requiring education and industry is the ever-growing water crisis. qualifications never dreamed of 30 years ago. The search is on for alternative water turfgrass industry over However, I believe the single biggest resources like never before. If none can be development to impact has been the Australian provided, many sportsturf facilities on town the past 30 years, and Golf Course Superintendents’ Association. water may lose viability. Redirecting and Thirty years ago the turf industry was made up harvesting urban run-off and development of where will the industry be of small fraternal groups, all with a common waste-water are strategies to be considered cause but not achieving very much in real but are expensive to initiate and often face in another 30 years’ time’. terms. With foresight and hard work by many, bureaucratic hurdles. the AGCSA has ultimately developed into an The water crisis issue effects everyone, industry leader forging inroads into education, not just the sportsturf industry, although the research and development of an industry that industry will be the first to suffer. Will things serves this sports mad country of ours with get better? Will urban planners and politicians great conscience and responsibility. be up to the task to ensure adequate water Thirty years ago the people charged with supplies in the future? What changes will turf the maintenance of golf courses, racetracks, managers and the sportsturf industry make to playing fields were simply considered the survive what looks like being an increasingly greenkeeper, curator or the bloke who does warmer climate with erratic rainfall patterns? the mowing. Today’s turf manager is a trained I have some suggestions that may answer professional whose responsibilities go way the above questions, as no doubt many of beyond those of 30 years ago. As for the next us do. It’s our job to push some ideas and 30 years, I’ll be approaching 90 – if I’m still proposed solutions to those responsible for around let me know how things turn out. future sustainable development.

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40 Australian Turfgrass Management Peter McMaugh Peter Sawyer Ray Keane DSA 2000 DSA 2002 DSA 2004 The question asked is a difficult Where do you start with such When I look back over the one because there have been a question? To put it mildly, the past 30 years, I’m amazed huge changes in so many of turfgrass industry has exploded that people working in the turf the multifaceted aspects of the in the past 30 years, whether industry survived through this turfgrass industry. I have been it be technology, academics, time, considering the ‘nasties’ involved with many of these agronomics or advances in that were used. Fungicides changes from machinery, chemicals, pest and OH&S, irrigation and chemicals. To single out containing mercury, herbicides containing 2,4- disease control, weed control, construction the one major development would start healthy D and many more, there were certainly people materials and I am still working today on these and considerable debate. who suffered, and are still suffering because many fronts. From my point of view, I would consider the little or nothing was known of the dangers. However, I go back to some words of available training, accessible knowledge and Dangers weren’t confined to chemicals wisdom that I received from Dr Glen Burton university courses that are available for the turf either. There were potential hazards with the early in my career. He said to me, ‘Peter, you manager and student today as the single most daily use of all sorts of basic machinery as will do more for the turf industry by producing influential impact. well. With this in mind, the improvement in a good turfgrass than by chasing around all Without hesitation the available information, workplace health and safety certainly must the other areas which need help’. I took that whether it be by specific course or the Internet, rank fairly high in changes for the good. to heart and have worked over the years to is truly astonishing when compared with 30 But for me, the biggest impact for the produce and introduce grasses from other years ago. The turf manager and aspiring industry would be in the area of education. breeders to give us improved surfaces. students are clearly better informed and are There has been a tremendous expansion in Wintergreen couchgrass, which John able to access all sorts of information. this field over the past decade. The state Neylan describes as an ‘oldie but a goodie’ The advancement in machinery and superintendent associations were very much a was the first grass I released and it has computers during the past 30 years is part in starting new training schemes, and over become an Australian industry standard. It has phenomenal to say the least. Today we take the years, under a more national approach, been used by others as the basis on which for granted such things as computerised, these have been combined and expanded. to build new varieties which have changed self-propelled, hydraulic, electronic – the list The dissemination of knowledge has the face of seeded couchgrasses worldwide. is endless. Just over 30 years ago these improved not just in the colleges. There are Princess is one such grass. advancements were dreams or in the infancy now regular magazines and newsletters etc The changes in the quality of bentgrasses, of development. with all sorts of information. Thirty years ago from Pennstate, and the quality of rye and Another major advancement has been one relied on word of mouth to find out what blue grasses from Rutgers are also standout the development of safer and target-specific worked or what didn’t, which to a big extent programs in this area. There are breeders chemicals and the evolution of spray came by attending association meetings or today working on lots of new and exotic equipment. The end users and public have relying on a well-informed sales rep. grasses, but when it comes down to the line, demanded safer chemicals, which has driven So what of the next 30 years? If I can the old workhorse couch still offers us lots of the development of chemical technology. look back 30-plus years and be amazed, room to keep the changes going. Turfgrass varieties and management attempting to look forward a similar period practices have advanced in leaps and bounds is puzzling to say the least. However, there Syngenta values the to the point that great sporting facilities are no does seem to be a pattern emerging in the opinions of the turf longer confined to wealthy organisations or golf area – the role of the superintendent is industry and recognises clubs and are now the norm throughout sport. changing. He is becoming less hands-on and the contribution of Where will the turf industry be in 30 years? more an administrator. For me this is a little superintendents' Hopefully safer and wiser. Expanding technology sad because without the hands-on you will responses with a $50 must equate to working less, expecting more surely miss out on many of the rewards the educational voucher and standards and presentations improving. profession has to offer.

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Australian Turfgrass Management 41 research

Improved cultivars of seashore paspalum are finding their way onto golf courses around the world. The course shown is from the United Arab Emirates where grasses are often managed under severe salinilty, drought and high temperatures Seashore paspalum Ecotype responses to drought and root limiting stresses ncreasingly, turfgrasses are grown under Unless a turfgrass can develop a deep and Research continues at severe environmental stress conditions extensive root system and then maintain the I such as reduced irrigation, saline irrigation root system under adverse soil stresses and the University of Georgia water, and poor soil conditions, not just on golf repeated drought periods, the grass will not courses but also for land reclamation purposes have good drought avoidance characteristics to screen ecotypes of and other landscape sites. and drought stress can result in field situations Grasses with genetic-based resistance too rapidly for all the drought tolerance seashore paspalum to climatic, soil (edaphic), pest, and traffic attributes to be operative. stresses is foundational for development of Carrow and Duncan (1996) and Duncan for overall drought environmentally sound turfgrass management and Carrow (1999) described these soil root regimes and for adaptation to harsh areas. A limiting stresses as: resistance in a field dry- primary paradigm for the seashore paspalum 1. High soil strength that limits root growth (Paspalum vaginatum) breeding/genetics rate – either from naturally hard setting down situation and for program at the University of Georgia of Dr. soils or from soil compaction; Ron Duncan, and more recently of Dr. Paul 2. Soil drought can cause desiccation and tolerance to root limiting Raymer, is to systematically develop grasses death of roots which varies considerably with superior stress resistances (Duncan and with ecotype; stresses. Here, Dr Bob Carrow, 2000, 2002). A critical step in this 3. Acid soil complex which consists of pH low process is to determine ecotype tolerance to enough to induce Al/Mn toxicity to roots Carrow outlines this important stresses. – this is usually in association with nutrient An important stress is drought resistance, deficiencies (Ca, Mg, K, P) and hard 1:1 ongoing work. including drought avoidance and tolerance type clays such as kaolinite; aspects (Carrow, 1994). While many 4. High sodium levels that cause Na-induced physiological, morphological, and anatomical root toxicity by displacement of Ca from plant adaptations can contribute to drought root cell walls and plasma membranes; resistance, our direction for improving drought and resistance has been to concentrate on genetic- 5. Low soil oxygen – either from water based resistance to soil chemical and physical logging, soil compaction, or soils with too factors that directly limit root development and many micropores/too few macropores. longevity (root maintenance). Acid complex soils are very common in

42 Australian Turfgrass Management By Dr. Robert N. Carrow

The research summarised in this article All grasses were subjected to periodic relate to screening of ecotypes for overall dry-down periods in 2000 to induce drought drought resistance assessment in a field dry- stress as indicated by leaf firing - chlorosis/ down situation and for tolerance to root limiting yellowing followed by leaf desiccation and tan/ stresses. Studies were conducted at the Griffin brown appearance of leaves. Visual ratings Campus of the University of Georgia. were obtained for leaf firing (per cent leaves exhibiting leaf firing), visual quality, shoot Drought Resistance of density, and colour (9.0 = ideal for these Fairway Type Seashore parameters). Root samples were obtained Paspalums using three cores of 6.3cm diameter per plot On 16 July 1998, nine seashore paspalums in early summer and late summer of 1999 and and Tifway bermudagrass were established 2000 at 0-30cm and 30-60cm depths. by sprigging on an Appling sandy clay loam (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic typic Kanhapludualt). Results Rabey Bay, a park along a coastal The A horizon of 20cm was pH 5.3 and the B For the nine seashore paspalums, the rating estuary in the US is shown before and after establishment of Sea Isle 2000 horizon was pH 5.1. Fertilisation was by soil ranges in shoot performance averaged across test for all nutrients except N. 1999 and 2000 were 5.8 to 7.4 for turfgrass tropical, high rainfall regions and these soils Nitrogen was applied each year in April, quality, 6.1 to 7.5 for shoot density and 6.1 are normally kaolinitic clays, allophanes, or June, July, and late August at 0.49 kg/100m2 to 7.5 for colour (Table 1). Ratings included soils with very high Fe/Al oxides (Duncan each date using 10-10-10 in April and August those taken during dry-down periods as well and Carrow, 2000). Another example of very and urea the other months. Mowing was at as under non-drought conditions. low acidity stress conditions is acid sulfate 16mm twice weekly with clippings returned. Out of a total of 34 shoot performance soils where both high Al/Mn and high Na Irrigation for establishment was to prevent measurements, grasses ranking in the top are present as root toxins. These are usually drought stress. Each grass treatment was (best) statistical group the most frequently coastal, marine, 1:2 clays, however, this stress replicated four times in 3.6x3.6m plots in a were Sea Isle 1 (34), Temple 1 (31), TCR 6 (28), s can also occur on some inland soils. randomised complete block design. and Tifway bermudagrass (27), while Adalayd

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Australian Turfgrass Management 43

s (27 percent). per cent), TCR 1(28 per cent), and Adalayd the highest leaf firing occurred on Q36313 (33 and Tifway(12 percent), bermudagrass while Temple 1 (2 per cent), Sea Isle 1 (3 per cent), overalldry-downaveraged were periods ecotype differences(Tableconsiderable 2). was notedon all grasses,butthere firing was in 2000 of sevento18daysduration,leaf three dry-down(i.e. norainorirrigation) periods complex stress).During and someacid-soil stresses (i.e.highsoilstrength, soil drought, the repeated dry-downs imposedmultiple soil 1996). In the soil conditionsofthisstudy, avoidance and tolerance aspects (Carrow, under fieldsituationsintegrates both drought l l These dataindicate: (5) andAda-Selection1(3)rankedlowest. 44 Grass § Thirteenratingdatesin1999and2000. ‡ Theletter“a”denotesthetop(best)statisticalgroup. level 0.01,0.05,and0.10,respectively.difference atprobability ***, **,†Significant SP =Seashorepaspalum F-test = LSD (.05) = Tifway Bermuda Temple 1SP TCR 6SP TCR 1SP Taliaferro SP Sea Isle1SP Q36313 SP HYB 7SP Ada. Select1SP Adalayd SP

T colour similar to Tifwaycolour similar bermudagrass. overall turfgrassquality, shootdensity, and ecotypes of seashore paspalum exhibited Under simulatedfairwayconditions,some to mostothergrasses. noted (Duncan and Carrow, 2002) relative seashore paspalum ecotypes has been wide variabilityinmany other traits among seashore paspalumecotypes. Unusually performance characteristicsexistamong Considerable variability in shoot Leaf firingsymptoms ontheseashore Grasses demonstratingthe least leaffiring Leaf firingduringdry-down periods able 1. Summary ofturfgrass shoot performanceover 7.0a Quality Ave2000§ rage 1999and Turf Turf 7.2a 7.4a .45 6.9 6.6 6.5 6.3 6.8 5.8 6.0 ------9 = ideal ------9=ideal ** Colour 7.5a 7.5a 7.3a 7.1 .28 7.1 7.1 6.7 7.2 5.9 6.5 ** 1999 to2000. Density Turf 7.3a 7.3a 7.5a .37 7.0 9 6.8 4 6.6 2 6.7 3 7.0 7 6.1 6.2 ** Australian Times in Times two days) resulted in appreciable yellowingof tolerant (within oneto grasses, thisrapidly yellowing ofthe grass. For the least drought asaslight appeared initially paspalums 12 =best Quality D (.05) = (.05) LSD TifwayBermuda 100a Temple 1 # Leaf firing: yellowing and/or leaf desiccation resulting from soil dry-down yellowingand/orleafdesiccationresulting fromsoil # Leaffiring: afterirrigation. § Dry-down 5Julyto18July;2028and1AugustAugust. periods: ‡ Theletter“a”denotesthetop(best)statisticalgroup. level 0.01,0.05,and0.10,respectively.difference atprobability ***, **,†Significant SP =Seashorepaspalum DAI =Daysafterirrigation F TCR6 SP TCR1 SP Taliaferro SP Sea Isle1SP 100a Q36313 SP 7 SP HYB Ada. Adalayd

Grass T -test = 11 12 able 2. Leaffiringandturfcoverratings in2000onnine 9 0 1 - - Select 1SP e the SP SP 12 =best seashore paspalums andonebermu

Colour Turfgrass op stattop istical 11 931 12 1034 11 828 8 8 7 4 9 2 13 3 15 - - f CoveTurf rage 10 =best 5 Ma Density 98a 97a 96a 91 91 88 92 93 ** %

6 10 4 16 2 11 3 10 7 23 Management y 34 =best group Total 27 (14 DAI) 18 July

13a 17a ------% ------* 16 43 22 48 33 25 29 1a 6a

August 2000, root differenceswereobserved. after the three dry-down periodsinJuly and in 1999 or June of 2000 (Table 3).However, Huang etal.(1997). the resultsof drought resistance,which was consistent with study,ranked amongthe Adalayd lowestfor bermudagrass orEmeraldzoysiagrass.In our TifBlair centipedegrassandbetter than common Sea Isle1(experimentalPI509018) of equalto observed similarresultswithdroughtresistance as Tifway bermudagrass.Huangetal.(1997) including Sea Isle 1, were as drought resistant characteristic. Someseashorepaspalums, from moderate to excellent for thisimportant resistance varies considerably across ecotypes appearance. asby the occurred evidenced brown/tan in fullrecovery but not once leaf desiccation brown ortansymptomsappearedresulted drought stress continued. Irrigation before the and progresseddownthewholeleafas leaves then became brown ortan at the tip many leaves,especiallylowerleaves.These deep rooting(30-60cm) in September, SeaIsle and Adalayd in September 2000. In terms of Sea Isle1,Tifway bermudagrass, Temple 1, Total rootgrowth(0-60 cm) washighestfor Rooting differenceswerenotapparent The dry-down dataillustratesthat drought 26 July (7 DA(7 I) Leaf <1a † 10 11 12 2a 0a 2a 1a 4a 3a 7a §, # §, Firing (18 DAI) 18 A agrass 18a 21 26 17 13 29 50 45 44 4a 8a 2a ** ug Ave rage 12a * 16 28 33 18 24 27 2a 9a 3a

research

Table 3. Rooting data in 1999 and 2000 to drought and acid soil complex stresses was apparent across ecotypes of seashore 1999 2000 paspalum. Implications are: 16 July 9 Sept 26 June 13 Sept l Breeders can utilise genetic-based variation 0 - 0 - 0 - 30 - 0 - 0 - 30 - 0 - for future cultivar improvements for multiple Grass 60 cm 60 cm 30 cm 60 cm 60 cm 30 cm 60 cm 60 cm or individual soil stresses...... mg dry weight of roots/100m2 of surface area...... l When turfgrass managers are selecting a Adalayd SP 428 438 810 77 887 1233a 202 1435a‡ particular seashore paspalum, it is critical Ada. Select 1 SP 339 741 1177 84 1261 749 131 880 to understand that all paspalums do not HYB 7 SP 549 559 930 78 1008 784 98 882 perform the same in response to stresses Q36313 SP 340 537 475 70 545 554 93 646 such as drought and acidic soils, just Sea Isle 1 SP 411 540 847 60 907 1479a 785a 2264a as other studies have demonstrated for Taliaferro SP 513 490 732 107 839 841a 142 983 wear, salinity, mowing height tolerance, TCR 1 SP 539 860 845 206 1051 851a 193 1044 and other stresses (Duncan and Carrow, TCR 6 SP 561 792 744 45 789 626 114 740 2002). Seashore paspalum cultivars Temple 1 SP 691 892 676 116 792 836a 360 1196a released without rigorous evaluation Tifway Bermuda 645 538 724 84 808 1575a 458a 2033a under a stress may not perform as well LSD (.05) = - - - - - 740 340 1068 as those tested and selected for superior F-test = NS NS NS NS NS † * * tolerance. For example, based on over 300 SP= Seashore paspalum seashore paspalum ecotypes within the *,† Significant difference at probability level 0.05 and 0.10, respectively. original collection by Dr. Ron Duncan (most ‡ The letter “a” denotes the top (best) statistical group. collected from harsh sites) the approximate percentage exhibiting superior tolerance to various stresses under rigorous evaluation 1 and Tifway bermudagrass were highest and 1999. Each ecotype was replicated four times is: drought (20 per cent); salinity (2-4 per reflected an increase of roots in this zone from in a randomised complete block within each cent), acid soil complex (2-4 per cent), and late June by 13.1- and 5.5-fold, respectively. site using one plug per plot. greens mowing height (1-2 per cent). Sea Isle 1 was reported by Huang et al. (1997) On 7 July, 1999 a square grid was laid to develop appreciable total and deep roots, over each plot and the area of coverage was References as well as exhibit rapid new root initiation after estimated. The 15 grasses with the greatest A full list of references for this article can rewatering following a soil drought. coverage in the pH 4.2 plots are presented be obtained from the AGCSA. ATM thanks in Table 4. The two bermudagrasses had the USGATERO for allowing publication of this Multiple Soil Stress best growth in high pH plots as well as under research article. Screening of Seashore low pH, where coverage was 42-64 per cent of Table 4. Acid soil complex Paspalums the pH 6.5 values. Seashore paspalum growth responses of top (best) 15 Eighty four seashore paspalum ecotypes and expressed by coverage at pH 6.5 ranged grasses. three control grasses (common bermudagrass, from 1.3-0.04m2. At pH 4.2, the range was Tifway bermudagrass, Meyer zoysiagrass) 0.9-0m2 with the top 15 ecotypes exhibiting pH pH Percent of pH were plugged (9.0cm diameter by 7.6cm deep a range of 0.9-0.1m2. Only K7 and HI 19 had Grass 6.5 4.2 6.5 cover plug; area = 0.007m2) into two adjacent sites: growth >0.2m2 under low pH, while HI 101 l Site 1 - severe acid soil complex conditions demonstrated greater coverage under low pH ------m2 ------% of pH 4.2 to induce Al toxicity stress (50 per versus high pH (this was a consistent trend cent Al saturation of cation exchange sites) in all replications of this grass). Thus, a low Common bermudagrass 3.11 2.0 64 along with potential nutrient deficiencies percentage of seashore paspalum ecotypes Tifway bermudagrass 2.1 0.9 42 (Ca, Mg, K) and high soil strength (kaolinitic demonstrated a reasonable degree of acid soil K 7 SP 0.87 0.41 48 clay, 25 per cent clay in A horizon and 48 complex stress tolerance. HI 19 SP 0.63 0.19 31 per cent in B horizon) often associated with These three ecotypes appear to show FL 4 SP 0.63 0.16 27 this stress complex; promise for germplasm improvement for acid K 8 SP 0.77 0.14 18 l Site 2 - similar to site one except limed to complex soils. Sea Isle 2000, which was not FL 60 SP 0.59 0.12 21 pH 6.5. in the top 15 ecotypes for acid soil complex Meyer zoysiagrass 0.32 0.11 35 Both sites were maintained with good soil stress tolerance, was reported by Lees et at. HI 101 SP 0.06 0.11 200 moisture conditions for the first 24 days after (2003) to provide rapid coverage of a highly HI 35 SP 1.17 0.11 10 plugging on 30 June, 1998, but thereafter acid (pH 3.4 to 5.2), saline-sodic (15.4-22.5 dS/ K 4 SP 0.59 0.11 19 no irrigation was applied. Thus, the multiple m), coastal estuary soil. Thus, performance HI 34 SP 0.86 0.10 12 soil stresses in this study were: acid soil under acid sulfate conditions may differ from HYB 7 SP 0.4 0.10 26 complex + high soil strength + soil drought. acid soil complex situations. PI 509018-3 0.32 0.10 32 Fertilisation was at 0.49 kg/100m2 as 10-10-10 TCR 1 SP 0.85 0.10 12 on 8 July, 1998 and 17 May, 1999 with Ronstar Comments LSD (.05) = ** ** - 2G applied at 2.25kg/100m2 on 23 March, Substantial genetic-based variation in tolerance F-test = 0.26 0.09 -

Australian Turfgrass Management 45 news mcg makeover continues for games The transformation of the MCG into the primary in on the Sunday following the AFL Grand Final. remaining rootzone sand was shaped and venue for hosting the 2006 Commonwealth With the Boxing Day Test wicket in place, the consolidated to the contours of the athletics Games has continued in recent months with designated athletics infield, which measures track. The sand was shaped utilising 3D laser the installation of the athletics track. 8000m2 was renovated and fenced off. technology. After the conclusion of an epic 2005 AFL The irrigation system was reconfigured to The first layer of asphalt (50mm) was Grand Final, the second stage of the arena only water the athletics infield – that is the turf paved as the foundation for the athletics track. works commenced at the MCG in preparation that was to remain – while the surrounding Running a paving machine over the free- for the Games after the initial stage of works 12,000m2 of turf was removed and some of moving rootzone sand proved a challenge for was completed prior to the 2004 Boxing Day it rotated back to HG Turf’s headquarters in the athletics contractor. Test. (See Australian Turfgrass Management Alexandra. A second correction layer of asphalt magazine Volume 7.1 Feb-March p8-12) Having removed two thirds of the turf, track (25mm) was then paved on top of the first Prior to the stage two works starting, one works commenced in earnest. Firstly 1,758m3 layer to the exacting track tolerances required full-length portable cricket wicket was dropped of rootzone sand was removed and then the by the IAAF. Upon completion of the second asphalt layer the rubber surface (13mm) was rolled out and glued into place. The rubber surface covered the entire competition and non- competition areas; that is to the perimeter fence of the MCG, not just the running track. Significant work was undertaken to reconfigure the irrigation system to ensure no irrigation head protruded through the designated eight-lane running track. After the track was completed, a temporary turf system was then laid across the competition and non-competition areas (two thirds of the arena). The temporary turf system comprised of a plastic membrane laid over the rubber surface for protection, a 30mm Atlantis Drainage Cell covered with a geofabric for drainage, and varying depths of rootzone sand to provide a flat playing surface for cricket. Upon this temporary turf system, 12,000m2 of Motz turf was laid for the Boxing Day Test. Motz turf had previously been laid over parts of the athletics track at ANZ Stadium in Brisbane when NRL/athletics shared the stadium. The temporary turf system proved successful with excess water draining away through the drainage cell, and the rootzone sand holding moisture for the health of the turf between irrigation cycles – essential for a cricket arena where the playing surface may only be watered after the conclusion of each day’s play. Following the 2005 Boxing Day Test, stage three will see the turf and temporary turf system removed and the athletics track exposed and cleaned ready for the 2006 Commonwealth Games which begin on Wednesday, 15 March. Following the Games, the final stage or works will start in April with the removal of the athletics track, levelling the field and installing Motz turf in readiness for the ANZAC Day AFL Since the 2005 AFL grand final the MCG has undergone yet another clash between Collingwood and Essendon. transformation in the lead-up to the 2006 Commonwealth Games

46 Australian Turfgrass Management Haydu Set for Down Under Visit Eminent University of Florida New Zealand Sports Turf Training Organisation In the turfgrass area, examples of his professor John Haydu will (NZSTITO). research include: spend 2006 in Australia and The primary purpose of the visit will be to l A series of studies profiling Florida’s sod New Zealand conducting conduct a national survey of the New Zealand production industry; studies on the economic sports turf industry to identify current and future l A comprehensive study of the Florida importance of the turfgrass labour skill needs. As part of this assessment, turfgrass industry that documented it's industries in both countries. the study will also document the size and contribution to the state’s economy; Professor Haydu will touch down scope of the industry in terms of employment, l An economic impact study of Florida’s golf John Haydu in Australia in July next year resource use, and revenues generated. course industry; and will work alongside Dr. David Aldous Haydu is a professor and agricultural l A first of its kind national study documenting at the University of Melbourne. During this economist with the University of Florida based the economic impact of the US Green period they will conduct economic studies at the Mid-Florida Research and Education industry (both turfgrass and nursery); and of the Australian turfgrass industry which will Center in Apopka. Haydu has been working l A first of its kind national economic impact examine and document in a comprehensive for the University of Florida since 1988 with study of the US sod production industry fashion the size, dollar value, and economic primary efforts targeted at the nursery and funded by Turfgrass Producers International contribution of the industry to the Australian greenhouse industries. His research has (currently under review). economy. focused on assessing the size, structure and Since his arrival at the University of While in Australia, Haydu will also be economic importance of these two industries. Florida, Haydu has published two books, four a keynote speaker at the 22nd Australian In doing so, trade associations have used book chapters, and a total of 268 research, Turfgrass Conference which will be held in this information for promotional purposes, extension, and trade journal manuscripts Brisbane from 17-21 July. to attract outside investors, and as leverage covering turfgrass and nursery related topics. Before visiting Australia, Haydu will head with legislators when confronted with potential Over the past 10 years he has also presented to New Zealand with his wife and youngest regulations or restrictions on various resources, 27 national and international lectures. A daughter for six months to work with the New including land, water, and agricultural chemicals selection of his publications can be found at Zealand Sports Turf Institute (NZSTI) and the used in the production process. http://hortbusiness.ifas.ufl.edu. Jerry can Ad for ATM 8/11/05 12:02 PM Page 1 Special Offer

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Australian Turfgrass Management 47 news Install Confidence.® Install Rain Bird® Reservoir to Rotor. Look around. Ask around. Nobody else is in a better position to

Letter to the editor Accolades for Aldous offer golf course professionals completely integrated irrigation Dear Editor, appears at every instance to be distancing University of systems. Nobody. Contact your Rain Bird Golf distributor today, I refer to your article “Recollections from himself and the AGU from any fault in the Melbourne or visit www.rainbird.com.au the top” (Australian Turfgrass Management lead up to and the events of the Open week. associate professor magazine, Volume 7.5 October-November He continues to ‘rewrite history’ to suit his David Aldous was 2005) in which you conducted a question own agenda knowing that in the past Victoria the recent recipient and answer interview with the retiring AGU Golf Club and myself will not challenge his of the Frank Stewart executive director, Colin Phillips. I wish to distortions. Award which is make the following observations regarding Clearly, the readers of your magazine will handed out by Working Hand in Hand to Colin’s comments on the 2002 Australian Open make up their own mind as to the validity of his the peak park Deliver Completely Integrated at the Victoria Golf Club. comments. However, I would expect that all Dr David professional body, Aldous In the subsequent weeks after the those who are charged with the responsibility Parks and Leisure Irrigation Systems completion of the 2002 Australian Open a of golf course preparation would view with Australia. “gentleman’s agreement” was established skepticism his statements that “we were not Aldous was presented the award in between the AGU, Victoria Golf Club and fully informed as to what was happening”. I recognition of his significant contribution to myself, as the club’s course consultant. In am sure that comment is familiar to many the development, promotion and advocacy essence, the agreement was that it was not managers of turfgrass the world over. of the park and leisure industry of Australia in the best interests of any party to comment I guess the “gentleman’s agreement” is over many years. publicly regarding the events of the week of the finally over; I am just glad it wasn’t me who The Hon. Frank Stewart was a Federal 2002 Open. The Victoria Golf Club and myself broke it. Minister for Sport and Tourism in the have been true to this agreement and have not Whitlam Government of the early 1970’s since spoken publicly about the event. John Sloan, and was instrumental in developing the It is with dismay that Colin Phillips has Managing Director, national institute for sport and the culture of again commented on the 2002 Open and Michael Clayton Golf Design sport and recreation in Australia.

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RAIN BIRD AUSTRALIA

www.rainbird.com.au © 2004 Rain Bird Corporation Rain Bird Australia 10 Mareno Rd, Tullamarine,Vic, 3043. Freecall: 1800 424 044 Freefax: 1800 424 050 Email: [email protected] Contact: Wayne Brown (0419 669 679) Troy Barbour (Vic, WA, SA, Tas 0409 123 191) Greg Smith (NSW, QLD 0438 503 070) Dale Stafford (Technical Support 0409 115 000) around the trade

New Series Gators Gear Up John Deere has added the T-Series Gator professional, groomed appearance. John Deere’s to its range of rugged and versatile utility new 997 Adjusting the deck’s mowing height vehicles. The introduction of the T-Series, Diesel Z-Trak is easy with a ‘best-in-class’ height-of-cut or Traditional Series, comes on the back of mower system, with cutting positions ranging from last year’s Compact Series Gator and High- 38-127mm (1.5-5 in.) in 6mm (0.25in.) Performance Series Gator. increments. A hydraulically adjustable deck There are two models in the new T-Series lift is standard. – Gator TX and Gator TH 6x4. Both of the In response to customer feedback, new models are faster (top ground speed of the 997 Diesel Z-Trak offers a standard 32kph) and more powerful than the previous heavy-duty canister air filtration system to generation Gator, while also offering improved increase engine life. The shaft-driven mower braking capabilities, increased payload and deck maximises power transfer efficiency, enhanced operator comfort. supported by a hydraulic PTO clutch for The Gator TX is equipped with the new seeking a heavy-duty mower with zero-turn- smooth engagement. Operators can mow all 9.7 kW (13hp), 401cc Kawasaki FJ400 radius manoeuvrability. day without refuelling on a 45 litre fuel tank engine, all-wheel suspension and all-wheel The newest, toughest addition to the and change jobsites quickly with a transport hydraulic disc brakes. All-wheel suspension John Deere Z-Trak family, the 997 is designed speed of up to 18.5kph. and a 72mm longer wheelbase enhance for heavy-duty commercial and governmental Operators will also benefit from the ride quality. The Gator TX has a 1.115m long applications, featuring a 23kW (31hp) Yanmar standard safety and comfort features of the cargo box with a 272kg capacity and an engine and the industry-exclusive 7-Iron 997, which is equipped with a seat belt and overall 454kg payload/towing capacity. deck. high-clearance, folding two-post ROPS that The Gator TH 6x4 is powered by the The three-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel can be quickly and easily positioned without new 14.2 kW (19hp), 675cc Kawasaki FH601 engine provides plenty of torque to power tools. A deluxe comfort seat with armrests is engine. Coupled with a transmission that through the toughest conditions. A fully positioned next to right-hand, ergonomically is geared for increased power and low-end enclosed engine compartment reduces designed operator controls. torque, drawbar-pull has increased by at least overall engine noise, making it ideal for The 997 is backed by a best-in-class, two- 25 per cent. governmental requirements. year bumper-to-bumper commercial mowing The Gator TH 6x4 comes with a 1.115m Operators can choose from a 60 or warranty. long cargo box with a best-in-class, 635mm 72in 7-Iron side-discharge deck or 60in. For more information about the above load height. Box capacity is 454kg with a total rear-discharge deck. The full floating deck John Deere equipment call into your local payload/towing capacity of 635kg. provides a powerful vacuuming action to John Deere dealer, or freecall 1800 800 981 John Deere has also recently released the lift grass before cutting, allowing the 997 in Australia and 0800 303 100 in New 997 Diesel Z-Trak mower for those operators to handle more material and finish with a Zealand, or visit www.deere.com.au.

PGG, Wrightson in merger service and marketing co-ordinator at Rain Back to basics Pyne Gould Guinness Ltd and Wrightson Ltd Bird Australia in Tullamarine, will be based O’Sullivan Greens has released a fully organic have merged to form PGG Wrightson Ltd. in Brisbane. He replaces Troy Barbour who chemical free liquid soil conditioner into the turf Both PGG Seeds and Wrightson have long is now Rain Bird Australia area manager golf market. Called ‘Beyond Organic’, its main aim histories in the breeding and production of turf for Vic, Tas, SA, WA and NZ. Barbour will be is to promote healthy soil and pH levels with its seed and the coming together of these two based in Melbourne. For more information blend of trace elements, animal manures, fish companies will see this strengthen. freecall 1800 424 044. protein and kelp. The combined company PGG Wrightson The main target for this environmentally Ltd will have a workforce numbering 2600 Web conquest friendly product is soil. Disease is becoming people and a turnover of over $1 billion making Superintendents and turf managers wanting more and more common on many sporting it the 27th largest company in New Zealand. to find out more about new couch variety greens with the chemicals being used to The Australian turf seed business remains Conquest can now do so online. combat these diseases becoming more the same with Cameron Henley as PGG A website about Conquest has been potent. As a result, these chemicals are slowly Wrightson national turf seed manager and can launched which includes information on breaking down what natural nutrients and be contacted on 0418 880 633. characteristics, commercial and domestic minerals are left. applications, testimonials and current sites ‘Beyond Organic’ has been tested on Rain Bird roundabout which are using or have converted to Conquest various bowls greens sites with favourable Rain Bird Australia has announced the and maintenance practices. results in a 12-month period. Three independent appointment of Dean Johnson to the position The website, www.conquestcouch.com. tests were conducted and it was found there of turf sales specialist for Queensland. au, also contains a photo gallery as well as was a rise in pH from 4.3 to 5.9; an increase in Johnson, who was previously the customer supplier contact details for each state root depth and mass; salt reduction; disease

50 Australian Turfgrass Management suppression; and a cut back on expensive place beneficial microbes into the soil and onto chemical use. the plant and then backs it up with products Syngenta Appoints turf For more information about Beyond that will sustain biological activity.” T echServices Services manager Organic, contact Shaun O’Sullivan on (07) For more information about the 5524 8930. EnviroTrend range, contact Globe Australia South African Dr Henk on 1800 244 300 or see your local Globe Smith has been appointed New Clearmake distributor representative. as Syngenta’s Australasian Queensland-based company Clearmake has technical services lead for turf. Kubota’s new announced that it has appointed Icon-Septech Syngenta marketing ‘Glide steer’ as a distributor of its products. Icon-Septech GR2100 ride-on manager for turf, Sam Hole, is a national company specialising in precast mower Dr Henk says the newly created position concrete, access covers and wastewater Smith will strengthen the company’s treatment solutions. commitment to the Australian turf industry. The appointment provides Icon-Septech “With Henk in this role, Syngenta will have a with access to the full range of Clearmake greater technical focus on turf,” says Hole. products which include oil/water separators, “His appointment will enhance Syngenta’s stormwater diversion valves, spill detection scientific information transfer to the turf and control equipment, gross pollutant traps industry.” and water recycling systems. Dr Smith joined Syngenta’s legacy Kubota goes for a ride company Zeneca as a field biologist in Featuring superior turning capabilities with 1999. He had previously worked with the exceptional traction, the new 21 horsepower Agricultural Research Council of South all wheel drive Kubota GR2100 ‘Glide-steer’ Africa, as chief pathologist for subtropical ride-on mower is the latest product to join crops. With the formation of Syngenta Kubota’s range of mowing equipment. in 2001, Dr Smith was appointed South Fitted with a 1.2m (48 inch) side discharge Africa’s national crop specialist for sugar mower deck, the GR2100 is small enough to cane and all subtropical crops. It was also manoeuvre in confined spaces yet powerful in this year that he obtained a PhD in plant enough to efficiently mow larger areas. pathology from the Free State University. Not only is the all wheel drive advantageous Prior to his appointment with Syngenta Globe goes with the trend for mowing in slippery or on undulating ground Australasia, Dr Smith held the position of The latest developments in environmentally conditions, it also significantly reduces the product manager of seed treatment, turf friendly, biological turf management are now turning radius without scuffing. This is achieved and ornamentals for South Africa. In this available to Australian turf managers with by disengaging the drive to the inner rear role he was responsible for the newly- Globe appointed distributors of the Australian wheel when making a turn. formed Professional Products Business manufactured EnviroTrend product range. By installing a wet mechanical clutch on Unit, incorporating seed treatment, turf, The range includes Platform and Manager each rear wheels’ drive axle, turning the front ornamentals, home and garden and biological inoculants, Huma Base Turf soil wheels to a pre set angle will disengage drive professional pest management. conditioner, Kynokelp foliar fertilisers and to the appropriate rear wheel. Since accepting this role in 2002, EnviroCaP, a high Ca soil amendment. Unlike conventional four wheel drive Dr Smith built Syngenta South Africa’s “Encouraging and sustaining soil and plant mowers, the GR2100 does not have to ‘fight’ turf business to one of the major market biological activity is critical to improving plant against the forward drive of the inner rear shareholders in 2004 and beyond. During nutrition and the associated benefits of wear wheel thereby achieving a very tight turn. this time he also developed a strong global management, disease resistance and overall The hydrostatic transmission provides network within the turf industry. playability,” says Globe product and marketing the GR2100 with a user-friendly method of Dr Smith, who will move to Australia manager John Cooper. controlling both speed and direction. The with his family, will be based at Syngenta’s “The EnviroTrend range is comprehensive. Kubota GR2100 ride-on comes with a $13.995 Sydney head office. It provides active biological inoculants that price tag.

Get the recognition you deserve Hortus Australia and the AGCSA offer a Skills Recognition service for national qualifications for greenkeepers and turf managers throughout Australia.

For further information call Hortus Australia on 1800 233 366 or direct enquiries to [email protected] Nationally Recognised Training AGCSA

Australian Turfgrass Management 51 state reports GCSAQ tgaa ACT As we are now into our silly Foster and to our sponsors for making this season, it has been great to see important day for our industry a success. The Christmas and New Year break is some early season rains. The From this day, $5000 is donated to the always a hectic time for all, and the TGAA only problem has been that the storms which turf research greens trial project at Redlands ACT would like to wish everybody a Merry have produced this rain have also brought Research Station run through the AGCSA. Also Christmas and happy New Year. with them damaging winds and hail, with a big thank you to the QGU for its contribution The mild spring and early summer Helensvale and Arundel Hills golf clubs having of $5000 towards this project. To the clubs was well received by everyone involved hail the size of tennis balls shredding trees and that have contributed $1000 and who are also in the care and maintenance of turf causing a lot of pitch marks on greens. going to participate in this trial by having plots areas throughout our area. Excellent Pressing issues in Queensland, like most at their club, we thank you as well. rainfalls and cool temperatures have seen other states, include water with the Department Our most recent field day was at Southport outstanding results post renovation. It of Natural Resource and Mining releasing Golf Club in late November run by Country Club is during this time that a comprehensive its draft water resource plan information International . The day carried an environmental machinery maintenance and service report, and with this, meetings for different theme with representatives from Water Stax, schedule becomes essential due to the catchment areas around the state. These Convault fuel storage systems, Enviromist added workload. meetings have looked at draft resource plans chemical spray equipment and Terry Muir from The Canberra Institute of Technology’s for each catchment area. These meetings Environmental Business Solutions all speaking School of Horticulture in Weston will have been open to the public and any member about their products. be running refresher/bridging classes of the public can apply to sit on planning Our Christmas break-up is once again at covering level three Smartrain chemical committees. Wet ‘n’ Wild on the Saturday, 3 December. uses. These certificates need to be The other big issue in Queensland at This is a day to bring along your family and updated every five years. Please contact present is the Queensland Training and have a good time. Bruce Davies on (02) 6207 4623 for Employment Council’s green paper that is There have been a few movements around further information. looking at making the state's greenkeeping the state with Dean Henderson taking over As all TGAA members know, part of apprenticeship over just two years. as superintendent at Sanctuary Cove Golf the benefits of being a member is that This is definitely not what industry wants Club, and Duncan Lamont, former assistant you receive a quarterly newsletter. We at and will be fighting tooth and nail to stop this at Royal Pines, who has been appointed TGAA ACT wish to invite any submissions from happening. We will be putting in a written as superintendent at Gailes Golf Club. you may wish to include in our next submission and also be asking for a hearing to Congratulations to you both. edition. Please contact Gary Dawson on push our case to the council that it should be Until next year, good grass growing and (02) 6207 4624 if you have a prospective a four-year apprenticeship. have a Merry Christmas and a happy New article. On the field day front, we recently held our Year. On a final note, for those not yet annual turf research golf day which was very aware, it is with great regret to hear of the successful. Over 100 journeyed to Arundel Rod Cook, passing of Grant King. Hills Golf Club and many thanks go to Jason President,G GCCSAQSA. Q Grant, or ‘Kingy’ as he was known by so many, was an industry icon whose imprint has been left firmly and tgaa nsw coming up early in the New Year we permanently within the national trade. Has the drought finally broken? have our annual golf day which will be During his travels, his indelible mark was The storms and rainfalls that have hit most held at Bexley Golf Club on 6 March, 2006. spread from the eastern states to as far of NSW recently are long overdue and The TGAA newsletter is expanding all the West as you could go. hopefully we will receive a few follow-up time and we are always looking for articles or Along the way he influenced many deposits in the water catchment areas to topics of interest (however strange) that you people within the trade and took many of boost our precious water supplies. I trust think people should know about. the younger generation under his wing. It everyone has had a successful renovation Also, just a short welcome and thank was in Canberra and Queanbeyan where season and I hope the weather was kind to you to the recently appointed TGAA NSW his presence was most felt. He was not just you all. committee; the coming years are going to a greenkeeper; he was a course designer, On to the TGAA NSW scene, we are be exciting. To all the industry sponsors, trade spokesman, superintendent, leader, travelling great and as we speak are gearing reps, members who have attended our days, co-worker, and most of all, friend to many up for our fourth Sportsman’s Charity thank you. You have all made the TGAA the and mate to most. Fundraiser which is going to be big. success it is today. For further information on Farewell old buddy; the place won’t We are tipping the attendance to be TGAA NSW visit www.tgaa.asn.au be the same without you. around 450. We believe it is the biggest Have a great festive season. Till next time agrostologists. social event in the turf industry so drag yourself along now or plan for next year Graeme Logan, Justin A K Haslam, and see what you have been missing. Alsotgaa President, TGAA nsw NSW. tgaaCommittee, TGAA A ACTC. T

52 Australian Turfgrass Management tgaa vic Hi to all TGAA (VIC) members and We are looking at possibly making a few fabulous 21st Century garden. We will then ATM readers. In August we held our second changes to the event for next year, which may travel to Geelong Grammar School where annual Celebrity Sports Luncheon, and with include holding it during the evening to allow Turfcare and Hire will demonstrate one of 170 people in attendance it was once again more people to attend. If you have any ideas Anco’s new inline planters. Preceding that a great success. Our MC was legendary for functions or additions to any of our current will be a tour of the school grounds where we Victorian cricketer Darren Berry who kept days that we hold, please do not hesitate to will look at new some turf which is on trial. everyone laughing with his exploits of the call one of the committee members. We can It promises to be a very relaxing but Victorian and Australian cricket teams and all be found at www.tgaa.asn.au. educational day and as a new member to the in particular some of the times spent with Our next and last function for the year committee I am looking forward to hosting great mate Shane Warne. Darren then went will be held in Geelong on Wednesday, 7 the day and meeting with new colleagues. on to interview guest speaker Tamsyn Lewis December. The day will involve a tour of the Next year promises to be an exciting who gave a great insight into the life of a Anco turf farm at Torquay, where we will look one with some new ideas on the horizon for professional athlete. at their new varieties Conquest couch, Sea the association. Until then, have a safe and Comedian Andrew Starton was hilarious Isle paspalum and Sapphire soft-leaf Buffalo. happy Christmas. See you next year with his impersonations of Sam Newman, From there we will travel to the Geelong Bruce McAvaney, , Richie Botanic Gardens where curator John Arnott Matt Hanrahan, Benaud and even Sir Donald Bradman. will lead us on a tour which will take in their tgaaCommittee TGAA V IC.vic gcsawa

With summer now upon us, most as well as associated problems of attracting and can have long-lasting measurable impacts turf mangers in Western Australia replacement staff into positions that offer poor on your club’s success. would be grateful just to have some warm wages and conditions. Club boards and owners must take spring weather to heat up the soil and finally A wage cost analysis between various guidance from their superintendents who are kick the warm-season grasses into action. At local government EBA’s and our Award was armed with current facts and figures and the time of writing, Perth had experienced just presented to the general managers, and strive to present their staff with appropriate one day of +28oC weather and steady light was, to say the least, quite a shock but well remuneration packages respective of their rain typically a couple of times a week. Our received. This issue relates directly to important skill level, commitment to provide high level dams are at 41 per cent, equating to 285Gl, groundspeople and tradespeople and not maintenance seven days a week, assumed which is up some 37Gl on the same period specifically superintendents or assistants. responsibility and workplace expectations. last year. Local government and contract turf While clubs are racing to develop new The GCSAWA has again had a busy period maintenance operations, along with other non- income streams through marketing or reducing with the conclusion of the 2005 Golf Masters horticulture industries, are offering far improved existing expenditure, they must not ignore or Cup competition which has been greatly remuneration packages and quite rightly lure disregard the importance of having happy, supported by host clubs, members and the our high quality staff away from what used to productive staff that work tirelessly to provide very supportive trade sponsors. I would like to be a lucrative and progressive golf market. them with the high quality product in the first thank all of them for making this year’s events To highlight the extensive gap, a new place. All groundstaff have tremendous worth truly outstanding and we look forward to their groundsperson with no experience under an and perform equally as important jobs within support at next year’s days. EBA can earn 24 per cent more than an Award their workplace and we should not allow The overall winner was Andrew Fortune employee of the same employment status. any employment position to be devalued or from Royal Fremantle Golf Club with 84 In some cases, first-time employees under understated for the sake of improved trading points, while runner-up was Dixie Joy from EBA’s can earn more than the prescribed results. Christchurch Grammar on 81 points. base tradesperson rate under the golf Award. Some clubs have already addressed the Plans are underway for the 2006 Margaret This is true of course only if you are forced to issue and implemented strategies to ensure River Conference to be unofficially held in adhere to the Award or have staff still willing to they secure their labour force for the future. August. This will allow WA members to enjoy work for Award wages. (Award groundsperson We hope through further education and both the AGCSA conference in Brisbane in July @ $25,282pa vs EBA groundsperson @ continuing support from general managers, followed reasonably closely by our biennial $31,808.) due recognition and consideration of this state event which, even in the early planning There is no blame to be cast on any of problem will be paid by the rest. stages, looks to be a memorable couple of these employers for doing what is necessary to It is an individual club’s decision to make. days in the beautiful southwest. ensure the long-term viability of their business. Pay reasonable fair wages or continue to be a A meeting was held at the start of November This problem is the most significant issue revolving door workplace. with members of the Secretary Managers faced by superintendents today. The training Association of WA to discuss the significant and retention of quality skilled staff underpins Brad Sofield, s loss of skilled staff from the golf industry, every other facet of golf course management Prgesident,c GCsawaSAWA.

Australian Turfgrass Management 53 state reports s tgaa wa nswGCSA The issue of recycling treated The rain has come at last! Parts A panel including the above speakers wastewater is in the public of NSW and Sydney have had and John Odell and Mark Parker discussed spotlight here in WA with the state some reasonable to good rains during issues of contract maintenance and other government announcing that it will spring. This followed some winter rain with the management issues. Peter Watts (Terrey fund an investigation into using treated drought declared area of NSW dropping from Hills), Richard Kirkby (Pennant Hills) and Dave wastewater to recharge depleted aquifers 77 per cent to 38 per cent. Hopefully it will be Warwick (Avondale) gave an entertaining and in the Perth region. There is currently a wet summer. Unfortunately, the rains haven’t informative presentation on the respective over 100 gigalitres per year of treated done much for the Sydney catchments with experiences on US study tours, including the wastewater pumped into the ocean off Level 4 restrictions still in full force. conference. Many thanks to sponsors Nuturf Perth. and Country Club International, as well as Our association advocates the re- Board Changes Pennant Hills Golf Club for the day. use of treated wastewater on turf to take Shaun Probert, the recently appointed the pressure off groundwater supplies. superintendent at Ryde Parramatta Golf Club, DEC TGAA (WA) member John Forrest from has joined the NSWGCSA Board. Shaun was A meeting was held with the NSW Department Challenger TAFE has recently completed superintendent at Camden Lakeside prior to of Environment and Conservation and the a research project into the re-use of his move to Ryde Parramatta. Shaun has also AGCSA regarding the environmental treated wastewater on turf. recently completed a Masters degree. management system (EMS) being developed. The association has sponsored The AGCSA has been working on the system John to attend the 20th Annual Water Pennant Hills Education Day with Terry Muir for release early next year. Reuse Symposium in Denver, Colorado Around 80 attendees enjoyed the hospitality All golf clubs will be encouraged to join the to present the findings of his project, at Pennant Hills Golf Club for our annual program with support from the relative state ‘Monitoring the Irrigation on Sandy Soils education day including several general and national golf associations being sought with Treated Effluent Water in Western managers and club board members. The to encourage the system’s implementation Australia.’ topic this year was ‘Better Management’ with through club management. Workshops, online Another local turf research project superintendents invited to bring someone from and phone support will be set up to help currently underway is a three-year study their club board or management. superintendents or the environmental officer at into the management of kikuyu in the Daryl Sellar (superintendent Glenelg Golf each club through the EMS. The DEC is likely Perth region, at the University of Western Club) gave an excellent presentation on the to support the program and is keen to see it Australia (UWA). responsibilities of today’s superintendent as reach every club in NSW. TGAA (WA) is contributing funds well as the vital aspects to utilise in managing towards the project because it is important them. He also presented the method of planning Education research for our local turf industry and the used at Glenelg to address major issues at the The NSWGCSA board recently met at Ryde findings will be relevant to most of our club and develop a strategic plan to upgrade TAFE with an inspection of facilities and meeting members. the course and other infrastructure. with head teacher Frank Dempsey. Issues The renovation treatments were David Scaife (superintendent Bonnie Doon of funding, student numbers, and student carried out in November, and UWA will be Golf Club) provided an interesting presentation and teacher quality were discussed. Frank holding an open day at the Shenton Park on the priorities and use of labour across the managed to overcome a push to have student field site in December for anyone involved course from records kept with Trims software. to teacher ratios doubled and managed to in the turf industry to inspect the progress AGCSATech manager John Neylan gave maintain the 15:1 ratio. of the trial. a fantastic presentation on cost vs quality Our final event for the year was the which was a real eye-opener for the general Coming Events TGAA (WA) Social at the ING Cup day-night managers and club board members present. The annual Christmas harbour cruise is cricket match at the WACA, between the John raised many questions including our planned for 7 December and is sure to be Western Warriors and Tasmanian Tigers. desire to continually improve our courses and another great day. A registration form has been This event was a combined sponsors raise standards and whether it is sustainable. sent to members via email and one can also be appreciation and Christmas function and One take-home goal was to develop a downloaded from the AGCSA website. it provided a great opportunity for our maintenance philosophy with club management The date and venue for the DEC workshop members to network and interact in a which has an agreed standard or benchmark to release the self-audit and EMP is yet to be social atmosphere. that is affordable and sustainable. Often announced. The association has managed The WACA provides great support to superintendents are expected to lift standards to secure NSW Golf Club for our annual the TGAA WA and I’d like to thank them or maintain them with less expenditure. Rube Walkerden day in May. Thanks to Gary for hosting the event and helping to make If club management has an understanding Dempsey and the NSW Golf Club for making it a success. of the costs and labour involved in maintaining this possible. each area of the course they are then more Peter Ruscoe, able to relate to the priorities set by the Michael Bradbery, tgaaPresident, TGAA WAwa. superintendent. nswPresident, NSGWGCCSA. SA

54 Australian Turfgrass Management nzGCSA Greetings once again from across I played at Onewhero as a junior and from Remuera Golf Club. Richard has been the Ditch. It is hard to believe we was always impressed by the standard of superintendent at Remuera for close to 25 are very near to the end of the year. I find it’s the presentation of the course. Onewhero is years and has been involved heavily at both a good time to reflect on achievements and considered one of the better courses outside regional and national level. To say he is start redefining goals for next year. the metropolitan areas which was a testament passionate about the golf turf industry would Since the last NZGCSA update we have to Wayne’s skill as a superintendent. be an understatement. had a few things happen in New Zealand worth I was fortunate to recently attend the Peter Barwell from Advance Irrigation noting. Recently the industry was rocked Auckland GCSA annual awards evening. It was the recipient of the AGCSA Associate by the untimely death of Wayne Glasgow, would be fair to say the night was a great Member Award. Peter’s knowledge of all long-serving superintendent at Onewhero success and thoroughly enjoyed by all those things irrigation and his commitment to the Golf Club about an hour south of Auckland. that attended. We all work in a ‘tall poppy industry in New Zealand is beyond reproach. Wayne’s death tragically occurred at work environment’ so to be recognised by your To me he is one of the real characters of our and on behalf of every superintendent in New peers at events such as this has to be the industry in New Zealand. Zealand I offer Wayne’s wife and family our ultimate compliment. Finally, on behalf of the NZGCSA deepest condolences. There were three awards presented on executive, I want to wish all in New Zealand Wayne had been with the club for 30 the night, the first being the AGCSA Trainee and Australia a very Merry Christmas and a years and had been a big supporter of of the Year Award. This went to Chris Biddick happy New Year. Please be safe if you are the Auckland Golf Course Superintendents’ from the Formosa Country Club. travelling and please do the right thing if Association (AGCSA), serving as secretary The second award presented was you’ve had a few when it’s time to go home. for a time. Wayne was a regular supporter the David Baskett Memorial Award, which Let a sober driver get you there. of regional training days and was a frequent recognises outstanding service in the local attendee at national conferences and always golf turf industry by a superintendent. This Brett Burgess, sought to further his knowledge. year’s worthy winner was Richard Warren President, NZGCSA. nzGCSA s

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Australian Turfgrass Management 55 state reports s vgcsa Monday, 20 February – Sorrento Sunday, 26 and Monday, 27 March – Barnbougle Dunes (Tasmania) Wednesday, 17 May – Victoria Monday, 14 August – Spring Valley Tuesday, 3 October – Torquay Sands Tuesday 28, November – Box Hill As requested by popular demand from our members, we have organised a meeting next year in Tasmania. This day will be held at the spectacular Barnbougle Dunes and sponsored by Globe Australia. As soon as we have finalised details we will forward them to all members. The format will probably be as follows: Box Hill Golf Club will host the Fly to Launceston Sunday morning; golf at VGCSA's final meeting for 2006 Barnbougle Dunes Sunday afternoon followed by dinner (pay as you go); accommodation at The VGCSA’s last general meeting was held about having a demo of these machines at Barnbougle Dunes or nearby Bridport Resort; at Growling Frog Golf Course, with over 70 these meetings as it can save all parties some general meeting Monday morning; depart heading north of Melbourne to the recently valuable time. Monday afternoon. opened Graham Marsh course at Yan Yean. We had just over 40 stay for golf after a The cost will be about $300 and covers We were welcomed by Neil Hocking from fantastic lunch. By that stage the wind had all flights, bus to Barnbougle, golf, breakfast the City of Whittlesea who gave us some picked up and we were seeing the true test and lunch on Monday. The first 40 to book background on how and why the course came that this undulating, links-type golf course will stay at Barnbougle and the remainder at about. Rod Binedell from McMahons gave us could present. Bridport resort. Total numbers will be limited a thorough look into construction methods While starting the groups I witnessed some to about 80. using GPS technology. I think we had all great golf, but no better drive than that of Colin heard of this new technology but did not fully Foster with his new stick and the natural ability New VGCSA Members understand how it worked or how accurate it of ATM editor Brett Robinson. (Shame about The VGCSA is pleased to welcome the can be. This is a tool I am sure we will all use the rest of the round – Ed) following members to the association: Brendan in the future whether it is for large or small A special thanks to all at Growling Frog. The Murphy (Warracknabeal Golf Club), Steven construction/reconstruction. course was in great condition and the catering Burchett (Portarlington Golf Club), Aaron Miller Host superintendent Wayne Dale then took for breakfast and lunch was sensational. (Howlong Golf Club), Ian Todd (Victoria Golf us on probably the longest course inspection Thanks also to Wayne Dale for his assistance Club) and Tim Magee (Metroturf Machinery). walk where we just about covered most areas in organising a great meeting. Enjoy your summer and to all those on the course. It was much appreciated Wayne, superintendents hosting tournaments, all the and the course was in fantastic condition – not Upcoming Meetings best with preparations. On behalf of the VGCSA a bad job for an old surfboard shaper! The final VGCSA meeting of the year will be committee I wish you a merry Christmas and a Bill Stephens and his crew from Ag Power on 12 December at the Sandhurst Golf Club happy New Year. (Jacobsen) gave us a look into some new (superintendent Chris Grumelart). and interesting pieces of equipment. We Looking ahead to 2006, the following dates Mark Prosser, thank Bill for his time and we should all think should be pencilled in: President,vg VGCScA. sa vga Many things are discussed at VGA committee He explained he was keen to see how Other things on the agenda include the meetings and at one of our recent meetings the VGA and other associations conducted warm-season grass trials at NMIT Fairfield Grant Weir, the participation and development themselves and even mentioned sponsorship Campus and our conference week in Echuca- manager at Bowls Australia, dropped by. in some capacity. Moama which involves sponsored bowls Grant gave an interesting talk on how Speaking of sponsorship, the VGA is days, guest speakers and golf among other the national body was keen to become working on packages which are nearly things. involved in not only our association but other finalised. The packages will be Gold, Silver and bowling greenkeeping associations around Bronze with full-page, half-page and quarter- Bill Hamshere, the country. page advertisements in our magazine. Committee, VGA. vga

56 Australian Turfgrass Management sagcsa If climate change was The SAGCSA’s October country meeting With irrigation water at a constant 1800ppm, something we only heard about on TV or was held at Naracoorte Golf Club (host infrequent deep watering, a good aeration talkback radio, then we had better strap superintendent Paul Clark). For those hardy program with a balanced nutrition program, ourselves in considering what we have souls who made the trip I am sure it was an this has allowed the bents in the greens to experienced in during October eye-opening experience. Paul took us on a totally dominate the surfaces. and November. There have been some crazy course inspection and being an old Naracoorte With Christmas just around the corner I trends in the weather so far this year with an boy myself I know the history of the greens. pass on season greetings to all involved in extreme dry spell at the start of 2005 seeing fire It is an absolute credit to Paul’s skill the turf industry. With all that Mother Nature bans and bushfires well into May-June. Good as course superintendent to produce greens has dealt up to superintendents in 2005, who rains fell during winter then all hell breaks which were basically Poa free. The Naracoorte knows what lies ahead in 2006. One thing is for loose in October and November with double members can justifiably shout the old line of sure – it will be a change from this past year. the monthly averages. November’s came in “the greens have never been better”. All this less than 48 hours! Oh well, all in a year’s work on a limited budget with 1.6 staff, is a lesson on Peter Harfield, for superintendents and their crews. greenkeeping fundamentals at its best. President,sag SAGCScA. sa

Australian Turfgrass Management 57 On Sunday, 7 August a large contingent of members ventured to Horsham Golf Club for the VGCSA’s annual country meeting. We all gathered at the golf club for dinner LOWARand witnessed A an almost impossible comeback by the Australian cricket team over England - I never knew we had so many cricket experts What is a inHydrovar? our association. The 30 members, eight Hydrovar has gainedpartners a reputation and nine aschildren the pump all enjoyed mounted, the microprocessor pumpinghospitality system shown controller. by Horsham But Golfit does Club muchand more than just changewe motor appreciate speed. them staying a little later than normal to host us on a Sunday evening. It actually manages the performanceThe next day ofgolf the club pump president to match Bob a Hayes welcomed everyone to the meeting wide range of system conditions and requirements. and voiced his appreciation that we were at

Hydrovar is fully programmable on site as it incorporates the

microprocessor and the variable Spring speed has sprung drive and in onewe’re compact all very and unique package.busy once again. Since our last report we can confirm our re-appointment as Cricket Victoria’s turf wicket consultants for the next How the Hydrovar12 months. In this rolereduces we can continue to At StrathAyrs 400 acre turf nursery we were looking assist and offer advice on wicket problems and for a pump system that could meet all of our irrigation maintenance cost. requirements from running a 3” set line with sprinklers Hydrovar software is designed specifically for centrifugal to up to five travelling irrigators. We chose the Lowara/ pump operation, control and protection. Hydrovar can thus Hydrovar pump system because of its flexibility, and be setup to protect the pump from operating under various potential cost savings. unfavourable conditions eg. cavitation, operating against We are entirely satisfied with the system which is so easy closed head, low NPSHa or operation past a pumps maximum to use. The service from Brown Brothers was a major factor in purchasing the pumpset and “ I would recommend them flow rate. Hydrovar will automatically shut down and alarm if to anyone” adverse conditions occur.

Jason O’Brien Hydrovar provides the Turf Nursery Manager with the Farm Manager StrathAyr Turf Nursery flexibility of watering required with substantial savings on installation, power usage and maintenance. For more information about the Hydrovar and how it can benefit you please contact the Lowara distributor nearest to you. How the Hydrovar reduces energy consumption. Most applications involve the pump operating either along its full speed performance curve or the pumps performance is throttled or regulated by a valve. The Hydrovar eliminates these operating methods by regulating pump speed and hence output to match the system demand. This saves wasted energy traditionally lost in these conventional pump systems. Energy savings of up to 70% can be realized. (figure 1)

Christchurch Phone (03) 365 0279 Fax (03) 366 6616 Auckland Phone (09) 525 8282 Fax (09) 525 8284 Melbourne Phone (03) 9793 9999 Fax (03) 9793 0022 Sydney Phone (02) 9624 2577 Fax (02) 9624 2561 Email [email protected] Web Site www.brownbros.com.au

Delivering Pumping SolutionsR LOWAR A What is a Hydrovar? Hydrovar has gained a reputation as the pump mounted, microprocessor pumping system controller. But it does much more than just change motor speed.

It actually manages the performance of the pump to match a wide range of system conditions and requirements.

Hydrovar is fully programmable on site as it incorporates the microprocessor and the variable speed drive in one compact and unique package.

How the Hydrovar reduces At StrathAyrs 400 acre turf nursery we were looking for a pump system that could meet all of our irrigation maintenance cost. requirements from running a 3” set line with sprinklers Hydrovar software is designed specifically for centrifugal to up to five travelling irrigators. We chose the Lowara/ pump operation, control and protection. Hydrovar can thus Hydrovar pump system because of its flexibility, and be setup to protect the pump from operating under various potential cost savings. unfavourable conditions eg. cavitation, operating against We are entirely satisfied with the system which is so easy closed head, low NPSHa or operation past a pumps maximum to use. The service from Brown Brothers was a major factor in purchasing the pumpset and “ I would recommend them flow rate. Hydrovar will automatically shut down and alarm if to anyone” adverse conditions occur.

Jason O’Brien Hydrovar provides the Turf Nursery Manager with the Farm Manager StrathAyr Turf Nursery flexibility of watering required with substantial savings on installation, power usage and maintenance. For more information about the Hydrovar and how it can benefit you please contact the Lowara distributor nearest to you. How the Hydrovar reduces energy consumption. Most applications involve the pump operating either along its full speed performance curve or the pumps performance is throttled or regulated by a valve. The Hydrovar eliminates these operating methods by regulating pump speed and hence output to match the system demand. This saves wasted energy traditionally lost in these conventional pump systems. Energy savings of up to 70% can be realized. (figure 1)

Christchurch Phone (03) 365 0279 Fax (03) 366 6616 Auckland Phone (09) 525 8282 Fax (09) 525 8284 Melbourne Phone (03) 9793 9999 Fax (03) 9793 0022 Sydney Phone (02) 9624 2577 Fax (02) 9624 2561 Email [email protected] Web Site www.brownbros.com.au

Australian Turfgrass Management 59 Delivering Pumping SolutionsR On Sunday, 7 August a large contingent of members ventured to Horsham Golf Club for the VGCSA’s annual country meeting. We all gathered at the golf club for dinner LOWARand witnessed A an almost impossible comeback by the Australian cricket team over England - I never knew we had so many cricket experts What is a inHydrovar? our association. The 30 members, eight Hydrovar has gainedpartners a reputation and nine aschildren the pump all enjoyed mounted, the microprocessor pumpinghospitality system shown controller. by Horsham But Golfit does Club muchand more than just changewe motor appreciate speed. them staying a little later than normal to host us on a Sunday evening. It actually manages the performanceThe next day ofgolf the club pump president to match Bob a Hayes welcomed everyone to the meeting wide range of system conditions and requirements. and voiced his appreciation that we were at

Hydrovar is fully programmable on site as it incorporates the

microprocessor and the variable Spring speed has sprung drive and in onewe’re compact all very and unique package.busy once again. Since our last report we can confirm our re-appointment as Cricket Victoria’s turf wicket consultants for the next How the Hydrovar12 months. In this rolereduces we can continue to At StrathAyrs 400 acre turf nursery we were looking assist and offer advice on wicket problems and for a pump system that could meet all of our irrigation maintenance cost. requirements from running a 3” set line with sprinklers Hydrovar software is designed specifically for centrifugal to up to five travelling irrigators. We chose the Lowara/ pump operation, control and protection. Hydrovar can thus Hydrovar pump system because of its flexibility, and be setup to protect the pump from operating under various potential cost savings. unfavourable conditions eg. cavitation, operating against We are entirely satisfied with the system which is so easy closed head, low NPSHa or operation past a pumps maximum to use. The service from Brown Brothers was a major factor in purchasing the pumpset and “ I would recommend them flow rate. Hydrovar will automatically shut down and alarm if to anyone” adverse conditions occur.

Jason O’Brien Hydrovar provides the Turf Nursery Manager with the Farm Manager StrathAyr Turf Nursery flexibility of watering required with substantial savings on installation, power usage and maintenance. For more information about the Hydrovar and how it can benefit you please contact the Lowara distributor nearest to you. How the Hydrovar reduces energy consumption. Most applications involve the pump operating either along its full speed performance curve or the pumps performance is throttled or regulated by a valve. The Hydrovar eliminates these operating methods by regulating pump speed and hence output to match the system demand. This saves wasted energy traditionally lost in these conventional pump systems. Energy savings of up to 70% can be realized. (figure 1)

Christchurch Phone (03) 365 0279 Fax (03) 366 6616 Auckland Phone (09) 525 8282 Fax (09) 525 8284 Melbourne Phone (03) 9793 9999 Fax (03) 9793 0022 Sydney Phone (02) 9624 2577 Fax (02) 9624 2561 Email [email protected] Web Site www.brownbros.com.au

Delivering Pumping SolutionsR