January 2008
Volume 4 Issue 1, ISSN 1938-7466
The
California Golf Course Superintendents E-Magazine, a monthly publication
for the California GCSA Membership.
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January 2008
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California E-Magazine Supporter
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Advertising space still available; ADVERTISING RATE CHARTS |
E-Magazine Page
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Interest Articles:
* CGCSA News! * 2008 California Hospitality Suite * Online Membership Directory * 2008 CGCSA Annual Conference, Trade show & Golf Championship * California GCSA Government Relations Network * Job Opportunities * GCSAA "News" * Turf conferences should I attend????
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"California GCSA News"
2008 California Hospitality Suite 
Howl At The Moon / Orlando Thursday, January 31, 2008 Time: 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Online Membership Directory The California Membership Directory is now available at: www.calgcsadir.org All Six chapter membership databases. 2008 California GCSA Annual Conference, Trade Show & Golf Championship! The 2008 Annual Conference will be held in Southern California, November 2008, date tbd Keep Checking the Annual Conference web page for updates! http://www.californiagcsa.org/annual_mtg.htm California GCSA Government Relations Report Visit the California GCSA Government Relation Web Page >>>> for more information California Government Relations Network Alert! Jim Husting, CGCS California GCSA Government Relations Chairman jchust@sbcglobal.net
>>>> for more information Lobbyist: George Steffes / Capitol Partners, Inc. >>>> Web Site "Job Opportunities" New Jobs Posted Dec. 26th
Job Opportunities for all other
positions, is not password protected.
"GCSAA News" · Housing registration now open · Tournament registration (Closed) · Member registration · Nonmember registration The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has announced the official slate of candidates for its 2008 elections. Voting members will elect three officers and two directors at the 2008 Annual Meeting, Friday, Feb. 1, held in conjunction with the 2008 GCSAA Education Conference (Jan. 28-Feb. 2) and Golf Industry Show (Jan. 31-Feb. 2) in Orlando. The following individuals will appear on the ballot: Note: The title “CGCS,” after a superintendent's name, stands for Certified Golf Course Superintendent, which recognizes the achievement of high standards of professionalism through education and experience. For president:
For vice president:
For secretary/treasurer:
For director (electing two):
John J. O'Keefe, CGCS, director of golf course management at Preakness Hills Country Club in Wayne, N.J. Sanford G. Queen, CGCS, manager of golf operations for the city of Overland Park, Kan. Keith A. Ihms, CGCS at Country Club of Little Rock in Little Rock, Ark., will remain on the board with one year remaining in his two-year director's term. Ricky D. Heine, CGCS, general manager and director of grounds at The Golf Club Star Ranch in Austin, Texas, will serve on the board for one year as immediate past president. Sean A. Hoolehan, CGCS at Wildhorse Resort & Casino on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon, is retiring from the board of directors after serving the last year as immediate past president.
Don’t miss your opportunity to conduct business, network, and see what’s new at the 2008 Golf Industry Show – the only show that unites the entire facility management team and brings you together under one roof. Make plans to attend the 2008 Golf Industry Show, Jan. 31 - Feb. 2, 2008 in Orlando, Fla. Member registration now open. |
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By Pat Gross, Southwest Region USGA Winter is the time when several educational opportunities arise for superintendents to attend turf conferences and seminars. With so many seminars and meetings to choose from, it is possible to spend a substantial amount of time away from the course. This can prompt managers and course officials to start wondering if the seminars are a legitimate educational opportunity for the superintendent or just a chance to waste the club's time and money for relaxation away from the course. For some courses with tight budgets, it is difficult for the superintendent to justify the time and expense to attend conferences and seminars. A recent article in the New Zealand Turf Management Journal by Mr. Richard Odgers offers some great points regarding the importance of attending seminars and helping to justify such attendance to your club management. Time off - Some may argue that attending seminars is simply time off. True, it is time off, but for the purpose of professional development to allow superintendents to do a better job. It is so easy to get tunnel vision when looking at the same golf course day after day. A seminar, conference or simply visiting another course down the road provides an opportunity to challenge your current method of operation, pick up new tips, and compare notes with other professionals. Work - Attendance at a seminar is definitely work related and should not be considered personal time. Skeptical managers or course officials might object that you went to the same conference last year or that the expense of the seminar is just more money spent on nothing. Mr. Odgers related an old story about Albert Einstein, who asked one of his students to hand out the weekly test paper he just finished writing. After the papers were handed out, one of the students spoke up and informed Einstein that the test contained the same questions as last week. "True" replied Einstein, "but this week, the answers are different." The point is that as superintendents, you are faced with many of the same challenges and high expectations, but you are expected to come up with new and innovative answers to solve those problems and produce even better golf course conditions. Attendance at a seminar and collaborating with colleagues can help you come up with some of these answers, and possibly help you learn from someone else's experience or mistake. Value – The money spent on attending a seminar is a good value to the course and your employer. Many industry professionals including company representatives, consultants, featured speakers and fellow superintendents are typically in attendance, providing a great opportunity to ask questions and pick their brains either during the formal presentations or in casual conversation during the breaks or lunch. Chances are, somebody in the audience has experience with the same problems facing you. It is also important for you to report back to your committee or employer on what you learned at the conference. You may wish to make a short written report outlining the important information gathered at the seminar and how it might impact your staff and golf course maintenance operation. Also, don't forget to thank your employer for the opportunity to attend the conference and seminar and let them know what a valuable experience it was for you and your club. When conference season is in full swing, it is important to schedule
your time to make the most of the available educational opportunities.
Information is changing at a rapid pace, and it important for superintendents
to tap into all the available resources at their disposal. Trade journals
and the Internet are a good starting point, but these references cannot
provide the valuable personal interaction, camaraderie, and enthusiasm
of attending a conference in person.
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GCSA of Central California, Monday,
January 21, 2008
GCSA of Southern California,
January
14 & 15, 2008, First Annual Southern California Assistant Superintendent
Boot Camp
GCSA of Southern California,
January 21, 2008, GCSASC - SCGA - USGA / Regional Green Conference &
Golf
GCSA of Northern California, , "GCSANC Annual Meeting" Monday January 7, 2008 Online Meeting Registration: https://californiagcsa.org/gcsanc-annual-secure-reg-form.htm
Hi-Lo Desert GCSA, None Scheduled
San Diego GCSA, January 14, 2008, Affiliate Appreciation Day Golf Tournament, Online Registration: https://californiagcsa.org/sdgcsa-jan-secure-reg-form.htm
Sierra Nevada GCSA, January 8, 2008, Educational Meeting, GCSAA Drainage Seminar Online Registration: http://www.gcsaa.org/education/education.aspx |
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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. Member price: $45 Non-member price: $60 Chapter price: $300 Education points:0.2 GCSAA's live education Webcasts Series 01/10/08 - Building a Bridge, Not a Gap 12:00pm 02/05/08 - Taking Control of Green Speed 2008 2:00pm 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.
Visit the ON DEMAND Webcast events, 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 ON DEMAND Address: http://www.gcsaa.org/education/webcast/webcast.aspx
Chapter Executives -
The 2008 Institute will be held at Oglebay Resort & Conference Center,
Wheeling, W. Va. Jan. 6 – 11.
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| News from the UCR Turfgrass Program
For the complete report, including all data, please see the August 2007 “News” which is available on the UCR Turf website (http://ucrturf.ucr.edu) under “Publications”. Fairy ring is caused by more than 60 basidiomycete fungi, including those producing the familiar puffballs and toadstools. The rings result from the activities of these fungi growing radially through the thatch or soil, rather than from a direct parasitic relationship with the turfgrass. Fairy ring occurs wherever grass is grown. Type 1: Rings that result in loss of turf at the outer margin of the ring. Type 2: Rings have outer margins that are darker green in color than the surrounding turf. Fruiting bodies may or may not be found in association with Type 1 and 2 rings. Type 3: Rings exhibit a ring of fruiting bodies with no effect on the turf. Pathogen: Numerous fungi in the Basidiomycetes Hosts: All turfgrass sites Symptoms and signs:
The rings can remain green or progress to the point where dead grass develops at the margin (Figure 3). Death of grass at the margin has been attributed to moisture stress due to hydrophobic soil conditions that develop as the fairy ring fungus grows. The death has also been linked to excess nitrogen release or the formation of hydrogen cyanide or other toxic metabolites. With some fairy rings, death of the grass also occurs in spots where the fruiting bodies have emerged and then collapsed (Figure 4 top). Fairy ring with resulting loss of turf is one of the most destructive diseases occurring on putting surfaces. Where two or more rings meet, the margins of the individual rings are incomplete (Figure 4 top). Rings are also disrupted by changes in soil type (Figure 5) or by impediments such as cart paths or sidewalks. When rings form on a hillside, the bottoms of the rings are not closed. Fruiting bodies associated with the causal fungus may or may not emerge. Fruiting bodies found on putting surfaces are often puffballs that form at the outer margins of the rings (Figure 6). Other fairy ring fungi, especially those in pastures or other areas of higher cut turf, produce larger and more spectacular mushrooms (Figure 7). Conditions:
Although the biology of the fairy ring fungi is not well understood, certain generalizations can be made. Fairy ring symptoms are usually more noticeable in nitrogen-deficient turf, simply because more nitrogen is available to the turfgrass plant in areas where the fairy ring fungus is decomposing organic matter. Fairy ring is more commonly observed under heavy thatch. Fairy ring has been observed on all soil types, but is more common on sand-based putting surfaces. Fairy ring is especially abundant following new construction or renovation, presumably because of low population levels or lower diversity of competitive or antagonistic microorganisms. Nevertheless, fairy ring can also occur on older putting surfaces, especially under heavy thatch or where severe layering is an issue. Greens topdressed with fine sand are also more prone to fairy ring. Moisture is important to fairy ring development and symptom expression. Type 2 rings are more likely to progress to damaging Type 1 rings when moisture is limiting. Ring margins typically fire on windy days with low relative humidity. Once browning has occurred, the soil is difficult to rehydrate. Fruiting bodies are more common under wet, humid conditions. Management:
Another factor that no doubt contributes to inconsistent results is that in most cases the targeted fairy ring species is unknown, so there is no effective way to determine how deep the fungus is growing. Also, fungicides labeled for fairy ring management differ in the fairy ring species listed on the labels. Until the biology of these fungi is better understood, finding the right product and application method for your facility may have to be achieved by trial and error. On greens with a history of fairy ring that expresses as Type 1, fungicide application in combination with cultural practices can be a useful tool. Preventing firing of the fairy rings and subsequent loss of turf can often be achieved by diligent monitoring of moisture status in these areas, combined with wetting agent application, spiking and hand watering as needed to prevent drying. Removal of excess thatch is also necessary. Symptom expression can often be masked with application of judicious amounts of either nitrogen or iron, or both. The level of success with this approach will depend on the nutrient status of the turf. Fairy rings on home lawns seldom cause extensive damage; however, homeowners often consider the mushrooms to be unsightly or express concerns about ingestion by children or pets. Removal of mushrooms by hand or by mowing is recommended where pets or children may be exposed, because many of the fairy ring fungi as well as other mushrooms in lawns are toxic. Masking symptoms with small amounts of nitrogen or iron may be effective in some cases. Curators of the University Missouri, IPM1029, new June 2007
 PLANT
ID - Broadleaves - Grasses - Sedges |
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Burning tobacco can transform workplace chemicals into potentially more toxic substances. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health documents that many of the chemical compounds found in tobacco smoke also occur in the workplace. When workers are exposed to these chemicals in addition to secondhand smoke while on the job, they can experience far greater health damage. Federal regulations on smoking near flammable and combustible fluids are found in CFR 1926.151 (a)(3). The standard states, "smoking shall be prohibited at or in the vicinity of operations which constitute a fire hazard, and shall be conspicuously posted: No smoking or open flame." However, the danger of a potential fire is not the only reason a no-smoking policy becomes attractive. Secondhand smoke has been documented as a human lung carcinogen that annually accounts for approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths among adult nonsmokers in the workplace. Implementing a no-smoking policy in your maintenance facility could provide many benefits to the overall safety and health of your crew. As facts documenting the health and safety hazards posed by smoking continue to mount, superintendents have more reason than ever to protect employees from exposure to tobacco smoke on the job. The Tobacco Information and Prevention Source of the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion suggests several benefits from implementing a no-smoking policy in the workplace. The first benefit is liability reduction as a result of potential lawsuits from nonsmoking employees affected by secondhand smoke. Second, health and fire insurance premiums might be lowered if a no-smoking policy is adopted. It is documented that insurance companies spend $1,300 a year more on a smoker than a nonsmoker. A smoke-free workplace can also enhance productivity by reducing the effects of secondhand smoke on nonsmokers and by reducing excess smoking-related absenteeism among smokers. Productivity is important regardless of the size of your crew, so decreasing potential absenteeism from smoking-related health issues would be an advantage. Most importantly, and often overlooked, establishing a no-smoking policy suggests that your facility cares about its workers and wants them to remain in optimal health. The Department of Health and Human Services suggests these steps for an effective workplace tobacco policy: • Assess the current situation.
Some important things to consider while developing this policy are to provide a real opportunity for all employees to participate in the policy planning process. Obtaining views from both smokers and nonsmokers can help create a policy that is agreeable to everyone. Educating your employees about the dangers of secondhand smoke in the work environment will also help them understand why the policy is necessary. Finally, ensuring that the policy will be enforced across all job categories will result in a positive response to the policy. Tracy Neves, CGCS at Ridge Pointe Country Club in Jonesboro, Ark., has successfully implemented a no-smoking policy in his maintenance facility. "Safety was the primary issue of implementation, but I also wanted to increase productivity," he says. "As a result of the policy, I have seen less congregating in the shop and more work occurring." It is your responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for your employees. Implementing this policy early will give you a jump-start on the recent no-smoking policies that have been adopted by several states. For more information visit GCSAA Online or call (800) 472-7878, ext. 4453.
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Chicago District Golf Association scientists continue to conduct research to evaluate new ways to reduce moss in putting greens without causing phytotoxic effects to bentgrass. Study treatments included baking soda, a herbicide (carfentrazone-ethyl; Quicksilver) and a fungicide (chlorothalonil; Daconil Ultrex). To date, the study's findings include: * Multiple strategies can be used to suppress moss.
Complete article: Read
Here
The National Turfgrass Federation Board of Directors met recently with the Secretary of Agriculture and as well as Congressional staff. NTF is requesting that the National Turfgrass Research Initiative be included in the 2007 Farm Bill. Also, a new 501 c(6) non-profit corporation has been formed to coordinate federal research funding and oversight. This new organization has been named National Turfgrass Federation, Inc. and is now legally separate from the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program, Inc. Press release August 2 , 2007
The turf industry is also requesting that turfgrass be included in the
research section of the 2007 Farm Bill as a specialty crop. This inclusion
would make turfgrass available for specialty crops research funding.
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Manage and identify insects, mites, diseases, nematodes, weeds, and vertebrates Homes, gardens, landscapes, and turf (including Pest Notes)
Weather data and products
Research tools and databases: California pesticide use summaries |
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For the latest Weekly Turf Diseases found in California, visit: http://www.californiagcsa.org/turf_research.htm PACE TURF MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST FOR SUMMER Preventive Approach Advised by PACE TURFGRASS RESEARCH INSTITUTE A copy of this article is posted in the PACE Newsroom at: www.paceturf.org For more information, Call: (858) 272-9897, Email gelernt@paceturf.org OR visit the PACE web site www.paceturf.org |
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Low waste and drought tolerance go hand-in-hand when planning resource-efficient landscaping. Now more than ever, the growing cost of waste disposal and the threat of drought creates the need for establishing landscapes that produce minimal waste and require less irrigation, yet create an appearance of natural beauty. Resource efficient landscapes can be established by following some basic planning and management practices. Planning and design
Soil improvement
Appropriate plant selection
Efficient irrigation
Use of compost and mulch
To learn more about Resource Efficient Landscapes, contact the Landscape
Management Outreach Partnership (LMOP), a partnership formed between the
California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) and local government.
The partnership's goal is to promote waste reduction practices and assist
professional landscapers and other large generators to reduce waste. If
you would like additional information on green waste reduction, please
contact the Partnership at 925-906-1801. For more information on green
waste reduction, visit the CIWMB
Web site.
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Tucson, AZ (November 2005) – Rain Bird Corporation’s Golf Division is pleased to announce Version 5.0, its latest innovation in central control software. Version 5.0 offers several new features and enhancements, including time-based station adjustments for temporary changes to station runtimes and active satellite links on the map. Version 5.0 with SmartPump is also fully integrated with the new PumpManager software supplied with Rain Bird pump stations. SmartPump is an advanced feature which uses Rain Bird’s unique real-time decision-making technology to continuously optimize the performance of a pump station. The Revolutionary RainWatch™ and Minimum ET™ are also included. These features were designed to help superintendents maximize water management and conservation practices. Version 5.0 software can be installed on all Rain Bird central controls including Cirrus™, Nimbus II™, Stratus II™ and Stratus LT™. RainWatch RainWatch is the first water management tool in the golf industry capable of making irrigation decisions based on the type of rainfall as it is happening. As a result, irrigation systems take full advantage of rainfall while the sprinklers are running. Other new features of Rain Bird’s Version 5.0 software include: Time-Based Station Adjustments –This feature allows the user to establish temporary station adjustments which return to the original setting when their timer expires. For example, if some area of the course becomes overly wet, this feature allows the superintendent to turn stations in that area off for a few days as the turf dries out. Once the area dries out, the stations will resume their normal operation. USB Flash Drive – Version 5.0 includes a 256 MB USB flash drive for backups or transferring files from one computer to another. New Report Formats – New reports make it easier than ever to keep track of irrigation using either a satellite or area perspective. Smart Pump integration with new Rain Bird pump stations – More than just another automated flow sensor, Rain Bird’s SmartPump makes intelligent decisions regarding pump station utilization to continuously optimize the system to operate at its most efficient level. Improved On-Line Help Screens – Everything needed to learn how to use these new features is only a click away. |
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Also check the CGCSA Web Site Golf Products Directory for a listing of products, services & companies. For information on advertising in this E-Magazine,
please contact: Email:
Bob
Tillema, CGCS
California GCSA Web Page 
For questions concerning delivery
of this newsletter, please contact the California GCSA at: Toll Free: (866)
643-8707
To receive the "California GCSA
Monthly E-Magazine", Please Sign up!
Editor, Troy Mullane, Publisher, Robert
J Tillema, CGCS
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© 2005-2006 California GCSA., All Rights Reserved.
This article is protected by United States copyright and other intellectual
property laws and
may not be reproduced, rewritten, distributed, re-disseminated,
transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast, directly or indirectly,
in any medium
without the prior written permission of California Golf
Course Superintendents Association.
Patrick
R. Finlen, CGCS, Director of Golf Course Maintenance Operations at The
Olympic Club in San Francisco
