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*  Member Profile
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The program will be managed by GCSAA Strategic Communications Committee and association staff. Chapters are encouraged to submit requests for funds to support their individual outreach activities. In 2008, a total of $30,000 is available on a first come, first served basis. The funds are intended to complement the investment chapters are making in this area, therefore chapters are encouraged to provide matching funds to ensure success. Examples of how funds might be used include advertising in local/regional media outlets such as newspapers, radios, golf publications; the creation or updating a web site directed to the golfer/employer; promotional pieces directed to employers; posters that can be placed at your facilities; radio sponsorship packages, etc. The desire is to have the execution of chapter efforts complement what GCSAA is doing on a national level through its various outreach tactics. The funds are not intended to cover past chapter activities or supplement chapter staff salaries. While no individual grant levels have been predetermined, the desire is to assist seven to 10 chapters in the first year of the program. Chapters will be asked to provide an evaluation of their investment and information that will be used to create case studies and best management practices for other chapters to utilize.

This program is a continuing effort to provide resources to chapters to demonstrate the value of their members. Last year, GCSAA established a program whereby a $1,000 grant is provided to chapters that adopt the new GCSAA logo. To date, 44 chapters have adopted the new GCSAA logo. If your chapter is interested in exploring the use of the GCSAA logo, please contact Sharmion Linseisen-Kerley, GCSAA Senior Manager of Brand Messaging at 800/472-7878, ext. 3620 or Sharmion@gcsaa.org

If you have questions about the new Chapter Outreach Grant Program, contact Jeff Bollig, GCSAA Director of Communications at 800/472-7878, ext. 4430 or jbollig@gcsaa.org.

Sincerely,
Mark Woodward, CGCS
Chief Executive Officer 

The most comprehensive index of turfgrass information in existence is now available at the touch of a button to all GCSAA Class A and Superintendent Members. 

Through an agreement between the Golf Course Superintendents Association of American (GCSAA) and Michigan State University's Turfgrass Information Center, the Turfgrass Information File (TGIF) can be accessed by Superintendent Members along with Class A members, who were given access in 2007. GCSAA Class A and Superintendent Members can enter the TGIF through the GCSAA Web site at http://www.gcsaa.org/solutions/TGIF.aspx or by clicking on Solutions/Tools on the left-hand side of the gcsaa.org home page and then clicking on Turfgrass Information File (TGIF).

John Reitman
News and Editorial Director
TurfNet
1500 Park Center Drive
Orlando, FL 32835
407-563-7049
jreitman@turfnet.com

Nominate your equipment manager for "TurfNet's Tech of the Year"

Every superintendent knows that a good equipment technician is the?backbone to any successful golf course maintenance operation. A great tech is something your operation should cherish and do everything humanly possible to hang onto. Think about it: Not much gets accomplished if machinery does not work when you need it to, or parts are scattered about in a fashion that makes it difficult if not impossible to find them.?

If you have a tech who is just plain good, nominate him (or her) for TurfNet?s 2008 Technician of the Year.?

The winner will receive the Golden Wrench Award (a real gold-plated wrench) from TurfNet and presenting sponsor Foley United.?

Criteria on which nominees are judged include: crisis management; effective budgeting; environmental awareness; helping to further and promote the careers of colleagues and employees; interpersonal communications; inventory management and cost control; overall condition and dependability of rolling stock; shop safety; and work ethic.?

In other words, briefly tell us (in a few paragraphs) what makes your technician worthy, with specific examples of what he or she has accomplished.?

Finalists and the winner will be profiled on TurfNet.com.?

To nominate your tech, download and complete the attached form and e-mail it to?jreitman@turfnet.com, or mail it to 1500 Park Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32835, or fax it to 407-563-7077. Be sure to include the name and phone number of the tech; golf course at which he or she works; why they deserve to be considered; and your name, phone number and e-mail address.?

Deadline for nominations is Aug. 18.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
      Contact:  Nancy Hardwick
      760.944.0745 • Nancy@adwicks.com

GCSA Newsletters

SOCAL REBATE PROGRAM GIVES CASH BACK
WHEN ROTORS ARE RETROFIT WITH METAL NOZZLES

LAKE FOREST, CA   A rebate program that helps southern California golf courses save water while improving distribution uniformity has been successfully introduced by the state's Metropolitan Water District (MWD) and local water agencies.
 Entitled “Save Water – Save a Buck,” the program encourages golf course superintendents to replace plastic nozzles on large turf rotors with solid metal FCI Profile nozzles, manufactured exclusively by Underhill International. 
 The metal nozzles have been shown in testing by the Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT - California State University, Fresno) to improve irrigation distribution uniformity while conserving water and energy. 

Southern California superintendents in the participating counties who are interested in switching out their plastic nozzles to FCI metal nozzles (and earning the rebate) can find out more at the MWD website:  www.bewaterwise.com or by calling the rebate program coordinator at 877-728-2282.
 The complete CIT study can be viewed online at: cati.csufresno.edu/cit/. Go to “Golf Course Irrigation Nozzle Study.”

San Diego, Calif.- Spot Water Management, Inc. was spot-on when it accepted the assignment  to manage the golf course irrigation system for the 108th  U.S. Open held last month at Torrey Pines Golf Course, a championship that will be long-remembered for both a spectacular finish and playable course conditions.

     According to the company’s founder and president Andy Slack, Spot Water Management (SWM) was hired by Superintendent Mark Woodward, CGCS, (now CEO for the GCSAA) to manage the irrigation system and make any changes he deemed necessary to the irrigation central database.  SWM reconfigured the system so that appropriate moisture levels could be achieved more easily through proper management of the irrigation system. Leading up to the championship SWM conducted a thorough analysis of the current system so a customized irrigation plan could be developed, providing the USGA with the most playable golf course possible.

     Throughout championship week Slack closely monitored moisture conditions (of the South Course) and met regularly with USGA and Torrey Pines officials to determine precisely how much water to apply to the course each night.      “With all the moving parts we had in getting ready for the U. S. Open it was comforting having Spot Water Management assist us in managing our irrigation system leading up to and during the Open. This allowed us to meet and in most cases exceed the championship conditions required by the USGA,” stated Woodward.

     “We were honored when asked to manage the irrigation system for the U.S. Open,” stated Slack. “We worked diligently to help produce the conditions desired by Mark Woodward and the City of San Diego, as well meeting the standards set by Mike Davis with the United States Golf Association.” 

     Spot Water Management, which services municipalities and businesses throughout the Western United States has been an advocate for golf industry water resources and  stewardship programs. Slack, who formerly served on the CGCSA board of directors and is also a member of the California Alliance for Golf, a non-profit organization committed to protecting resources for the golf industry. 

With water conservation, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability as primary goals, Spot Water Management, Inc. is dedicated to providing proper design, management, and operation of irrigation systems and related components for its clients. For more information  about Spot Water Management, Inc. and its array of consulting services call toll-free (866) 871-5313 or visit http://www.spotwater.com/. 
 

GCSAA Webcast Series

GCSAA's live education webcasts will be 90 minutes long and will take place at the computer of your choice.  To increase the event's interaction, we recommend the use of a microphone, but you can ask questions and participate using the text chat feature. Visit the system check today to learn more about what's required and test your system, free of charge.

09/17/08: Reel Mowing: What you don’t know might hurt; 12:00pm,  838-3-08wc

09/25/08: Foliar Nutrition - A Splash on the Grass; 10:00am, 839-3-08wc

GCSAA Education CD's are available for purchase in the GCSAA Online Store: Click here for link.

To register today, use our online shopping cart. From the details description page, select "Add to Cart" from the quick facts box to put your course in a shopping cart. 
When your cart is full, "View cart/Check out" will take you to the payment options. You may also complete and fax the registration form to (785) 832-4449. 

Visit the ON DEMAND Webcast events, Coming soon ON DEMAND WEBCAST will be listed by categories! 
Choose any of our recorded webcasts - view them when you want and as many times as you want (within one year from purchase.) 

For Details; visit the GCSAA Webcast Address: >>>Here
Or call  (800) 472-7878 x 5167 

This course goes beyond the fundamentals of managing grassy weeds by teaching in-depth management information and strategies, which you can apply immediately on your golf course. Beginning with an overview of turfgrass weed management -- including weed biology and ecology, weed seed germination, and premergence herbicides -- the course progresses through the cause, prevention and management strategies for herbicide resistance, as well as the management of annual bluegrass. 

Discover techniques and best management practices (BMPs) for controlling grassy weeds on golf course putting greens. Learn the influence of management practices on weed population shifts on the golf course, plus integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to reduce weed populations on your course. In addition, you'll learn about degradation and transfer processes that lead to off-target movement of pesticides, along with characteristics of environmentally sensitive sites. Using cultural practices to manage weed populations will allow your course to reduce its herbicide use, saving your facility money, while producing dense, healthy turfgrass your golfers will love. 

This course features interactive learning reviews to provide instant feedback and reinforce learning. High quality images and illustrations are used to explain complex subject matter. Audio clips of Dr. Yelverton are also incorporated to give more thorough explanation of specific topics. To make the most of this learning experience, students should use a computer with a sound card and speakers (or headphones). 

Course Modules
There are four chapters in this course, each containing a chapter outline, learning objectives, reading materials, interactive reviews, and top-quality photos and illustrations. 

Chapter 1: An Overview of Turfgrass Weed Management
Chapter 2: Herbicide Resistance and Management
Chapter 3: Annual Bluegrass Management on the Golf Course
Chapter 4: Pesticide Fate and Behavior 

Target Audience
Who should take this course: golf course superintendents, technicians, agronomy and horticulture students, grounds managers, turf industry professionals or anyone who desires a better understanding of or whose job responsibilities include weed management.

Note: To take this online offering, the Authorware Web player plug-in must be installed on your computer. This free plug-in can be downloaded from the Macromedia Web site. You may want to learn more about the player before enrolling in the course. Mac Users may note that this player often has functionality problems with that platform.

 GOLF INDUSTRY SHOW
 THE ENVIRONMENTAL INSTITUTE FOR GOLF
 IAGA
 GOLFERS
 GOLF INDUSTRY TRAVEL

© 1999-2007 GCSAA | PRIVACY POLICY | CONTACT US | SITE MAP

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America is dedicated to serving its members, 
advancing their profession, and enhancing the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf.
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America 
1421 Research Park Drive 
Lawrence, KS 66049-3859 
Tel. 800-472-7878 or 785-841-2240 

The turfgrass research project is a two year project. "The Management and Biology of Brown Ring Patch on Annual Bluegrass Greens". Dr. Frank Wong's, UC Riverside. 

The Water research project is a two year project. "The Fate and Transport of Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care Products, and Endocine Disrupting Compounds in Golf Courses Irrigated with Reuse Water". Mike McCullough, NCGA.

Have you ever heard someone say “This golf course is irrigated with recycled water?  Oh, Gross!” or ask “What about the safety of the children?” or something else along these lines?  Folks who are outside the golf course and wastewater industries typically have this type of knee-jerk reaction to the idea of recycled water.  It is our responsibility to help them overcome these knee-jerk responses and convince them to support recycled water use. How?  Education, education, education!

One way to educate residents is to remind them of the extensive list of potential uses for water outside of the personal drinking and bathing uses of water.  This list includes irrigation of many plants and landscapes, toilet flushing, decorative water fountains, street cleaning, cement mixing, and fire fighting.  It is also important to explain to them the difference between potable and nonpotable uses of water, and our limited supply of freshwater sources.  Potable water is that which is safe to drink and nonpotable water is not safe for drinking but may be used for nonpotable uses. Our potable water comes from freshwater sources. Of all of the water on earth, only 3% is considered freshwater.  Unfortunately, since a majority of this freshwater is locked up in glaciers and icecaps, of this 3% of freshwater, we are only capable of using 1% of all of the freshwater on earth for consumption.  The source of this 1% may be either a surface body of water or from groundwater.  The remaining 97% of the water on earth is too saline for potable uses.  As the population increases, freshwater sources are being depleted at a higher rate.  Throughout the state, water purveyors are finding new ways to utilize nonpotable water for other uses listed above.

Another way to educate the apprehensive is to calm their fears by removing the “yuck factor” from their minds.  The best way to do this is by differentiating between sewage water and recycled water.  Sewage water is murky and has an odor.  It is untreated water which contains pathogens that cause infections, and diseases.  Recycled water, on the other hand, goes through multiple treatment steps at a treatment facility resulting in a product that is virtually free of these pathogens.  Recycled water is odorless (unless a chlorination treatment is used) and colorless; and when sitting in a clear glass next to a clear glass of drinking water they are indecipherable.  Recycled water is not sewage water. It does not flow directly from the toilet to the faucet, nor is there any utility in the United States using the “toilet to tap” method of providing drinking water or any service area drinking sewage water. 

Educate people on how safe recycled water is.  Let them know that before the water is delivered it must pass certain criteria set by the strict regulations of the State of California, their Regional Water Quality Control Board, the California Department of Public Health, and the Wastewater Treatment Facility. These regulations are the California Code of Regulations, the California Water Code, the health and safety laws related to recycled water, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board Orders and Permits for the discharging of recycled water. 

Let people know that recycled water is safe for full body contact.  It is safe if an adult or a child or a pet is sprayed with recycled water or steps in a puddle of recycled water or puts their hands in a pond with recycled water.  Tell them to just be sure to wash their hands and face prior to eating as they would if they were to go to the ocean or a lake.  If the water gets into an open wound, let them know to clean out the wound as they normally would.  Getting dirt into the wound would be more serious than getting recycled water into the wound.  Recycled water has a disinfectant in it due to the tertiary treatment that may help prevent infection. 

Recycled water is not intended for drinking. But just as children may swallow some water at a lake, beach or pool, they could swallow some recycled water without getting sick.  If a pet drinks recycled water, it’s healthier than if the pet drinks from a street gutter, ditch, or a pond.  Although used throughout the country, there are no reported cases of illness from the use of recycled water.

Many water districts produce educational brochures about recycling and offer tours of wastewater reclamation facilities. If you run into naysayers, team with your local water district to help the treatment process and the many benefits of recycled water. 

After all of this recycled water education they will be saying, “This golf course is irrigated with recycled water.  Great!” or “We want to use recycled water on the property, so that the children will have potable water in the future.”  Opening people’s minds and overcoming the negative knee-jerk reactions to recycled water is one of the keys to prolonging the longevity of our potable water supply.  Please help promote the use of recycled water through education, education and education!

Olivia Daniels,
Recycled Water Manager
Coachella Valley Water District
(760) 398-2661 ext. 3586
odaniels@cvwd.org

The Urban Water Institute will be conducting their Annual Water Conference August 13-15, 2008 which will focus on new efforts to maintain California's water delivery reliability. You will also hear about the reliability of supply of the Colorado River to the Lower Colorado States. The conference will be held in San Diego at the Hilton Mission Bay Resort. A Conservation Rate Structure Workshop will be held on August 13th. The event will feature speakers from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Aquacraft, Redwood City, CUWCC, Coachella Valley Water District, Irvine Ranch Water District and San Juan Capistrano. 

For more information visit the Urban Water Institute website at: http://www.urbanwater.com/

---

Keep your yard looking great 
and save hundreds of dollars a year

Did you know that over half of household water use, on average, goes to maintaining yards and landscapes? That's why improving outdoor watering efficiency by installing a “smart” sprinkler controller is one of the best and easiest ways for homeowners to reduce their overall water usage, save money and keep their yards healthy and beautiful throughout the year.

How “smart” sprinkler controllers help
reduce water usage
“Smart” sprinkler controllers reduce outdoor water use by monitoring and using information about site conditions (such as soil moisture, rain, wind, slope, soil, plant type, and more), and applying the right amount of water based on those factors—not too much and not too little—to maintain healthy growing conditions. For example:

During hot weather, plants require more water than during cooler periods. “Smart” controllers adjust the amount of water applied accordingly. 
If significant rainfall occurs, rain sensors compensate by reducing the amount of water as appropriate. 
If you have a soil type that absorbs water very slowly or a property with steep slopes, “smart” controllers will use that information and apply less water, more frequently, to minimize run-off. 
Learn more about “smart” sprinkler controllers 
Frequently Asked Questions 
Read our “smart” sprinkler controller success stories 
“Smart” sprinkler controller tips
Recommendations for getting the most out of your “smart” sprinkler controller:

Conduct a Sprinkler System Inspection: “Smart” controllers work properly only when the entire sprinkler system is working optimally. That's why it’s important to conduct a full sprinkler system inspection, or audit, prior to installing a new “smart” controller. The system audit will check for leaks, malfunctioning hardware, water pressure, site coverage and uniformity, and other related issues that might impact the effectiveness of your entire system. Repairing these problems will ensure your “smart” controller is able to deliver the benefits promised. 

Work with a Professional: “Smart” sprinkler controllers are generally only available through irrigation or landscape contractors. The Irrigation Association® has compiled a list of professionals who are certified to install “smart” irrigation controllers. To locate an Irrigation Association certified professional, or to confirm the status of any irrigation contractor in your area, please consult our list of Certified Professionals.

Do Your Homework: Landscape and irrigation professionals often refer to sprinklers as “irrigation systems.” The Irrigation Association®, a non-profit organization supporting water conservation through efficient irrigation, has published an Irrigation Consumer Bill of Rights to educate consumers about the questions to ask prospective contractors before purchasing a new sprinkler system. Before beginning any work, be sure to confirm that your contractor is specifically trained in the installation of the “smart” controller they have selected.
What makes smart controllers "smart"? 
| © 2006 IRRIGATION ASSOCIATION® ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  |  PRIVACY, SECURITY AND LEGAL NOTICE

Syngenta Meridian® Insecticide Approved For Use in California

Syngenta Professional Products recently announced that Meridian® insecticide (thiamethoxam) has received registration for use in California. 

Specifically formulated for insect control on turfgrasses on golf courses, sod farms, residential lawns, commercial grounds, parks and many other areas, Meridian is designed to provide turf managers with a high degree of control and application flexibility in managing a broad spectrum of grubs and insects. It also is effective and suitable for use on trees and shrubs.

Meridian controls soil and foliar pests at very low rates, through both contact and ingestion activity. It controls such insects as white grubs (including Aphodius spp., black turfgrass ataenius, masked chafer), billbugs and sod webworms. 

In addition:
•Meridian has a wide application window, which provides outstanding flexibility in achieving season-long control. Additionally, it leaves little or no odor, metabolizes slowly in turfgrass, and has good knockdown activity.
•Immediate watering is not required - Meridian allows up to seven days to be watered-in.
•Meridian carries a “Caution” signal word. 
•The Meridian 0.33 G granular formulation contains .05 oz of active ingredient per pound of formulated product, and is packaged in 40-pound resealable bags. 
Water-dispersable Meridian 25 WG contains 4 oz. of active ingredient per pound of formulated product, and is packaged in 4 oz and 17 oz bottles.
•Meridian can be used to treat for such foliar pests as aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs as well as leafhoppers on landscape plants.

“Meridian gives turfgrass managers tremendous application flexibility, and it can be used to treat a very wide range of turf and foliar insects as well,” said Dave Ravel, golf market manager for Syngenta Professional Products. “It is a versatile, reliable tool many turfgrass managers rely on to produce outstanding results.”

Syngenta Meridian® Insecticide Web Page: >>>Here
To learn more about Meridian insecticide or Syngenta products and services for the golf, lawn and landscape, ornamental and aquatic businesses, visit www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com  or call 1-866-SYNGENTA (796-4368).