Hole Notes March 2012

Hole NotesThe official publication of the MGCSA

Vol. 44, No. 2 March 2012

Upcoming EventsMay 7

Affiliate Appreciation Island View GCHost: Kurt Knox

May 21 Spring Mixer

Hidden Greens GCHost: Jason Swanson

June 11The Scramble

Golden Valley G&CCHost: Jeff Ische

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CoNTeNTS Vol. 44, No. 2 March 2012

Presidential Perspective page 5 Scottie Hines CGCS

In Bounds page 7 Jack MacKenzie CGCS

Within the Leather pages 36-37 Dave Kazmierczak CGCS

EdItordaVE KazMIErczaK cgcs

[email protected]

Feature Articles:

The Wee one Foundation: a gift For one of our own page 9 Contributed by Mike Cohrs, Superintendent Bluff Creek Golf Course

Preemergent Herbicides and overseeding of turfgrass pages 10-14 Written by Dr. Dave Gardner, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, OSU

Important Keys to successful summer Perennials page 28 Written by Rob Savage and Stephanie Johnston of Midwest Landscapes

Monthly Columns:

About the cover: Abby Sue Rost applies a bit of muscle as she pounds a tap into one of the maple trees on her parents property. A sloow season is on tap (pardon the pun) as last years drought

combined with this years early summer may have shut down any sap movement. Just

another wacky weather anomaly!!! ...even More Content...

Industry Insight: page 27 gIs recognizes Local company with Best In show

Thank You National Hospitality Night sponsors. The Membership appreciates your support! pages 30-31

Hole Notes (ISSN 108-27994) is digitally published monthly except bi-monthly in November/December and January/February by the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents’ Association, 10050 204th Street North, Forest Lake, MN 55025. Jack MacKenzie CGCS publisher. Please send any address changes, articles for publication, advertising and concerns to [email protected].

HOLE NOTESOfficial Publication

of the MGCSA

2012 Board of DirectorsOfficersPresident

Scottie Hines CGCSWindsong Farm GC

Vice-PresidentRoger Stewart Jr.

TPC Twin Cities

SecretaryBrian Brown

Chisago Lakes GC

TreasurerE. Paul Eckhom CGCS

Heritage Links GC

DirectorsJoe ChurchillReinders Inc.

Eric CounselmanSomerby GC

Kerry GladerPlaisted Companies

Bill GullicksBellwood Oaks GC

Jeff IsheGolden Valley G&CC

David Kazmierczak CGCSPrestwick GC

Matt McKinnonThe Legacy Courses

Bob PorterHiawatha GC

Jake SchmitzOlympic Hills GC

Executive DirectorJack MacKenzie CGCS

MGCSA

Musing the Minutes: January 19, 2012 By Brian Brown, Secretary MGCSA

The MGCSA Board of Directors met on February 16, 2012 at Prestwick Golf Club.

President Scottie Hines, CGCS called the meeting to order. Treasurer Paul Eckholm, CGCS reported that revenues are down quite a bit. Many vendors have held off sponsoring the association during the time of management transition and change of Hole Notes to the digital version. Some of the bundle packages have reduced the total revenue that the association might get from a vendor. Revenues will be looked at closely this year through the committee. Mackenzie will pursue vendors for advertising.

Business Office: Jack Mackenzie, CGCS is enjoying the position. Vendor sponsorship for the GIS Hospitality night is $7,000 to this point. Member preregistration has brought in $1,000. Mackenzie has had discussion with the Green Expo about a local hospitality night. This could possibly be held at the Convention Center Rotunda. Kevin Clunis, CGCS has been spending many hours on the BMP water guidelines.

Arrangements/awards: Bill Gullicks reported that Minnesota Valley Country Club is willing to host the 2013 Mega Seminar if schedules allow. Next year GIS is early February and the Mega will be planned for late February or early March. Gullicks is talking with Dr. Horgan about combining the Field Day with the Scholarship Scramble.

Bylaws/Historical: Eckholm is pouring over prior decisions in old minutes. The minutes are being scanned for Historical purposes. Eckholm is looking at a number of wording by-law changes.

Communications: Dave Kazmierczak, CGCS and Bob Porter reported that the Hole Notes publication with templates is progressing. John Meyer will be writing Personal Profiles. Technicians have an association and we would like to get articles from them. Board member participation with short answers to topics will be placed in Hole Notes. Porter researched data management and website services. This was difficult because each vendor offers much different services. Porter recommended the contract with LCMB and the board made a motion to accept the contract.

Conference/Education: Eric Counselman and Jake Schmitz reported that the speakers for the 2013 Northern Green Expo are all approved and only the schedule of when they speak need to be finalized.

(continued on page 26)

Presidential Perspectiveby Scottie Hines CGCS

As I have learned over the years, the time from the March Mega to opening day seems to just fly by. Here we are, March 13, it is 65 degrees. It’s more like May 13! I am sure everyone has fielded the requisite phone call or e-mail asking about an early opening. After last years painful start to the season I hope everyone is looking as

good turf-wise as Windsong. Heck, I can’t even find vole damage or any minor snow mold! Mother Nature owes us one after last year!

On the verge of another great golf season in Minnesota I would like to wish everyone all the best for a successful year. The economy seems to be picking up, slowly, but still in a positive direction. If this continues we will, hopefully, get back to where we were before the budget cuts and staff reductions kicked in. I have my fingers crossed.

There are some exciting things happening within the Association. Jack MacKenzie continues to do an excellent job as our Executive Director. I know he is very busy. I am not sure he knew exactly what he was getting into but every time we chat he is very enthusiastic and determined to make us, the MGCSA, shine. The Communications Committee has been working on the new website. Hole Notes continues to get better and better. It is a great time to be a part of the MGCSA BOD’s with the renewed enthusiasm and direction.

For the first time in many years, the BOD’s will be recommending a candidate to the MGA Hall of Fame to have one of our own inducted. It is nice to see that we, the superintendents, are being recognized at that level in our own state. Stay tuned for an update on the candidate and the results of the Hall of Fame selection process.

Enjoy the warm spell. It will be nice to get a jump on a few things on the course before opening. I don’t think this will last, but it sure feels good. The one draw back of these early warm spells is the next bout of snow will seem ten times worse!

Again, best of luck in 2012!

Scottie Hines, CGCSWindsong Farm GC

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In Boundsby Jack MacKenzie CGCS

The runoff created a wet slick across the asphalt ahead. No options, I ride through on

my first bike of the season; wet splatters of snow melt thrown up onto my face and then my back. Now zebra stripped for I have no fenders, my nose is suddenly assaulted by the remnants of road-kill skunk. Spring is in the air.

Mile one into my trek, after a long winter of only elliptical and crunch exercising I am reminded of why I don’t care for the first bicycle adventures of the year: my butt is getting sore! Nothing that a couple of weeks of out-door workouts won’t toughen up. Typically about twenty miles, this ride would be an easy break in of only twelve. Like most stirrings of spring…ramping up should be gradual as there is plenty of time ahead to take advantage of the lengthening days.

Well into mile two I hit the highway. Although I hug the shoulder there are still the knuckleheads who brush by as close as they dare…little do they know the intimate proximity actually eases my ride as they pull me along in their wake.

Solo, I pedal on. The only ‘bike’ accouterment I wear is a pair of padded shorts; otherwise I am shielded in a wind shirt, leather gloves and hiking boots. I travel prepared and dress with anticipation

of the changing elements. My ride, a Specialized cross-over bike ten years and many miles old, serves me well. Wide and tough tires laugh at the glass and rough road underfoot. The four-mile is a long and gradual up-hill slog.

Ponds are opening up, geese squawking as they stake claim to their property. Smells of the country; manure, wet grass, dirt, it is exciting to be back outside. Look out, dogs ahead come running out daring me to stop and sample their tenacity. I laugh and peddle hard for they are a bit fat from their winter respite. The last of the asphalt for a while I take a quick stock of how fortunate I am; lucky to be where I am and when I am in time.

Dodging right the dirt track looms ahead. The next two are miles of rolling rural country road complete with washboard ruts, sporadic puddles to be forged and soft spots as the ground gives up it’s frost make me work hard. Agates, little gems from the earth, pass beneath me as I press on in high gear, making full opportunity of my work out.

A smile on my face I cruise over the spot of my first and only fall. Although a hard hat stilldoes not adorn my skull, I am ever mindful of the pitfalls of over confidence. Watching ahead I seek out latent encounters and plan accordingly. Looking behind I follow my progress and am mindful of other challenges that threaten my rear. Again I stick to the conservative shoulder and eliminate potential harm. (continued on page 8)

(continued from page 7)Once again on the macadam I push harder, my butt muscles screaming from the unexpected abuse and bump of the never soft enough seat. Up ahead, a killer hill two hundred yards long…low gear all the way; almost as if standing still I pedal hard not wanting to walk. Cleared, but seemingly not soon enough, the reward of a long and gradual decline is a treat. Catching my breath, wiping my brow and blowing snot from my nose I pick up speed once again and enter the final three.

Thoughts of a hot tub tantalize me as I grind on; a ‘self-kudos’ for taking the initiative and completing an arduous task, whose reward may or may not be evident. Hacking hard I know I am being productive. On my short trip I took stock of my day, recent weeks and the winter past. Not without it’s

ups and downs, smooth times and rough, threats and pleasant surprises… life continues.

Just one more big bend and I am in the home stretch. Slowing down, but not stopping, I gradually cool off. Pulling into my driveway, right foot over the seat, I one leg it down the sidewalk and to the garage. Not too long and not too short, a nice little loop, just right except for the chafing and bruising I am sure to have by morning tomorrow somewhere upon my butt.

Out and back each ride emulates my life. The preparation, challenges, small and large victories and the moments I merely cost along. Finishing with the familiarity of home and the realization that once again “I made it” safe and sound.

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Wee One FoundationIn 1985, four friends traveled to Scotland on a golf trip. The caddies were making wagers as these golfers stood on the tee. One caddie declared, “My money’s on the wee one!” The “wee one”, Wayne Otto, CGCS, our dear friend and colleague, passed away October 21, 2004 losing his battle to cancer. Wayne dedicated his life to the betterment of the golf maintenance profession he loved and the individuals who shared his passion.

Our Mission

The Wee One Foundation was developed as a tribute to Wayne to assist golf course management professionals (or their dependents) who incur overwhelming expenses due to medical hardship without comprehensive insurance or adequate financial resources. Through the Foundation’s work, Wayne’s legacy will never be forgotten.

More In Need

Since its inception in 2004, membership within the Wee One Foundation has grown to over 270 in 17 states. More importantly, the Wee One Foundation has gifted over $500,000 to families in Arizona, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Idaho, Minnesota, California, and Texas. As the Wee One grows more people are helped and more funds are needed to distribute.


What’s Creeping You Out Now?Ideas In Pest Management

Pre-emergent Herbicides and Overseeding of Turfgrass

Dave Gardner, Dept. of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University

As the end of March approaches it is time to begin to plan for preemergence herbicide applications for the control of crabgrass and other grassy weeds in turf. Crabgrass is by far the most common of the warm season weedy grasses on lawns. Unlike the other warm season grassy weeds, such as goosegrass, smooth crabgrass begins to germinate when soil temperatures reach about 58 degrees Fahrenheit. The other warm season grasses germinate when soil temperatures are in the upper 60’s to low 70’s, which can be several weeks later.

You may begin to notice some crabgrass germinating as early as the 10-15th

of April. This mostly will occur along sidewalks and other areas that warm up more quickly in the spring. Oftentimes however, this early germinating crabgrass is killed by late season frosts and freezes. For example, in Ohio we may see some crabgrass germination in April, but we usually don’t see the first surviving crabgrass until about the second week of May.

In order for a preemergence herbicide to be effective, the herbicide must be applied before weed seed germination that occurs

after the last killing frost of the season. Typically the herbicide must be applied before a rainfall or watered in within a certain period of time. Check the label for specifics. Because of this, we usually like to allow for about a 3 week window of safety and prefer to target the application for about April 15th, or when Forsythia come into full bloom. Forsythia are the common shrub that flowers bright yellow on bare wood and serves as a remarkably effective indicator for when to apply preemergence herbicides.

After application, the herbicide barrier will begin to degrade, at first quickly and then more slowly over time. Once the herbicide has dissipated to a certain minimum threshold in the soil, crabgrass and other weed seeds will begin to break through. In the hypothetical example pictured in figure 1, a herbicide applied on April 15th degraded to about 20% of its original concentration on about July 1, after which crabgrass began to break through. One of the reasons that we try to avoid applying the herbicide too early is to maximize the chance of the herbicide barrier lasting through the season. You can increase your chances of getting effective season long control by doing the following:

1) Select a product with a long lasting active ingredient, such as prodiamine or dithiopyr. Both provide 90% control for up to 16 weeks. Dithiopyr also has early

What’s Creeping You Out Now? postemergence activity for those cases where some crabgrass may have already emerged. 2) To increase duration of control, increase the application rate (within label limits). The more product that is applied - the longer it takes for it to dissipate to below the minimum threshold level. Also, split applications, the practice of applying once at a lower rate followed again 6-8 weeks later, is not always effective and generally not recommended in the northern U.S. Crabgrass can be a serious problem, but it can be effectively controlled by applying the right herbicides and targeting the application for the right time of year. But What if I’m Overseeding?If you are thinking of applying a preemergence herbicide to control crabgrass on thin spots in the turf that you are also planning to overseed, you had better think again. Almost all of the preemergence herbicides on the market are very effective at controlling not only weed seedlings, but also the seedlings of our desired turfgrasses. Figure 2 shows the recommended reseeding interval for the active ingredients used as preemergence herbicides where cool season turfgrasses are grown. These were taken straight from the label of a product that contains the herbicide. Note that most of the intervals are long enough that, were they to be applied in March or April, you would not be able to safely overseed until summer. And we all know that summer is not a real good time to overseed either. If you have small areas that are thin or bare, you may wish to apply the preemergence herbicide

and attempt to manage the existing grass to fill in the bare spot. If it is a large area, then you are probably best off overseeding and avoiding the use of the herbicide. Alternatively, note that siduron is safe for use on seedling turf. Follow the label directions carefully. When used properly, siduron will reduce crabgrass, goosegrass, foxtail, and many summer annual broadleaf weeds by about 80%.

Tenacity Herbicide – A new option when overseedingTenacity herbicide is a new product from Syngenta that contains the active ingredient mesotrione. This active is in a unique class of chemistry and this product has a very diverse label, including pre- and post emergence control of both broadleaf weeds and annual grasses. It also controls sedges preemergence and certain perennial weedy grasses postemergence. Unfortunately, it is not yet labeled for use on commercial turf or sports fields. But, the product was recently labeled for use on golf courses and the label changes are pending to allow its use on other turf areas. When this product becomes labeled for use on sports fields, one of its key uses will be the preemergence control of annual grassy and broadleaf weeds in newly seeded turfgrass (Figure 3). When used as directed, Tenacity herbicide will result in nearly complete control of crabgrass, goosegrass, foxtail, and many summer annual broadleaf weeds. But, it will not affect the growth and development of the seedling turf.

Figure 1. Model of dissipation of a preemergence herbicide following application. After the pesticide concentration degrades to below a certain minimum threshold, weeds will begin to germinate through the barrier. The duration of effective control is effected by: product choice (some last longer than others), weather (warmer and wetter=faster degradation), amount of thatch (more=faster degradation) and rate of application (more, within label limits=longer control).

Figure 2. Carefully consider your options when planning to apply a preemergence herbicide to thin spots in the lawn or areas that you plan on overseeding or reseeding.

Turf Tolerances to Preemergence Herbicides

Products

Ken

tuck

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Pere

nnia

l rye

gras

s

Tall

Fesc

ue

Fine

Fes

cue

Cre

epin

g

Reseeding Interval†

Bensulide (Betasan, Bensumec, Lescosan) - Controls P.annua, others ü ü ü ü ü 4 months

Ethofumasate (Prograss) - Controls P.annua, other weeds ü ü ü ‡ 6 weeks

Benefin (Balan, LESCO Benefin 2.5G) ü ü ü ü 6-16 weeks

Oryzalin (Surflan, XL – combination with benefin) ü 6-16 weeks

Pendimethalin (Pendulum, LESCO Pre-M, PROTURF) ü ü ü ü 3 months

Prodiamine (Barricade) ü ü ü ü ‡ 4-6 months

Trifluralin (Team) - Combination product with Benefin ü ü ü ü ‡ 8-16 weeks

Siduron (Tupersan) - Safe to turfgrass seedlings. Consult label ü ü ü ü § Safe to most seedlings

Oxadiazon (Chipco Ronstar) - Controls goosegrass and other weeds ü ü ü 4 months

Dithiopyr (Dimension) - Pre + Post-emergence ü ü ü ü ¶ 6 weeks to 4 months

† Stated reseeding interval is for one example product only and this can vary among brands or formulations of the same active ingredient. Always consult the label of the product you are using for specifics prior to application.‡ Fairway and tees height bentgrass only. Consult label for specifics.§ Seaside, Highland, Astoria, and C-7 creeping bentgrass only. Consult label for specifics.¶ Use restrictions on putting greens vary among formulations. Consult label for specifics.

Figure 3. Control of crabgrass, goosegrass, yellow foxtail, yellow nutsedge, pigweed, and purslane was nearly 100% when Tenacity herbicide was applied at seeding. Perennial ryegrass was seeded into the area, lightly incorporated and then Tenacity was sprayed over the top on July 25, 2007. Photographs taken on August 8, 2007 (14 DAT)

About Our Guest Writer

Dr. Dave Gardner is an associate professor of turfgrass science at The Ohio State University. His research interests are in the areas of pesticide/nutrient fate and shade stress physiology. He also conducts a large number of herbicide trials each year. Dr. Gardner teaches undergraduate courses in the areas of turfgrass management, statis-tics, and landscape horticulture.

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2012 TURFGRASS FORUM

A Free Informational Discussion & Round Table for MGA Member Clubs and Members

• Topics:

TURFGRASS HEAT STRESS: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

THE LATEST ISSUES FACING GOLF COURSE TURFGRASS

• Speakers: • Dr. Brian Horgan,

University of Minnesota Turf Extension Specialist • Dr. Jim Kerns,

University of Wisconsin Turf Extension Specialist • Mr. Robert Vavrek,

USGA Senior Agronomist, North Central Region • Wednesday, April 25

8:00 a.m. ........................... Registration (coffee & rolls) 8:30 –11:30 a.m. ............... Presentations & Discussion

at Midland Hills Country Club 2001 Fulham Street, St. Paul, MN 55113

• This meeting is for: Course Owners, General Managers, Golf Professionals, Golf Course Superintendents, Club Presidents, Greens Chairs and any other MGA Members.

• There will be no fee for this forum.

• GCSAA educational points sponsored by Reinders. • PGA MSR credits available. • For Reservations:

Joel Comstock, Regional Affairs Director of the MGA 952-345-3968 or [email protected] Please provide your name and golf course affiliation.

• REGISTER BY FRIDAY, APRIL 20

The last few years at The Lega-cy Courses at Crag-uns have been fair-ly consistent. The fall of 2008 and winter of 2009 was our lowest point in business and the future business of the course in 2009

was not bright. Budgeting for 2009 was a very difficult year for me since we really did not have an idea of how much business we were going to receive. It seemed like people were waiting until the last minute to book their tee times or sign up for their membership. Budgeting for 2009 brought a reduction in labor, chemicals and fertil-izers and what ever else we could save money on. Once these cuts were made we had to manage a little differently. One area that I have always kept a very close eye on is my labor numbers, 2009 was extremely important to keep close attention to these numbers. I felt at the end of each week I had to know wear I stood compared to my budget. 2009 turned out to be an o.k. year

for business but it did not help to increase our budget for the 2010 season. Spring of 2010 started out with great weather giving us the opportunity to open the course in March, two weeks earlier than any other year we have been in business. The 2010 season was another o.k. season we did increase rounds some especially with opening early. Business in 2011 was a lot better than 2010 even though we had a very slow start in the spring but the fall was great. In the end we have increased rounds from 2009 to 2011. Budget wise for 2012 we will increase our numbers slightly to perform some much needed maintenance of our bunkers. Staffing will be the same as in the past few years but with one less su-pervisory position. Booking for events in the clubhouse and for golf is looking very good. I am very excited for the 2012 sea-son but I am a little concerned where the price of gas is going. The prices will not only add to our expenses this year as it did in 2011, but it will most likely decrease the amount of players from outside areas. I am optimistic for the Golf Industry I think we are all very capable of adapting to any change that is thrown at us

on Board: Q & A with your BoD

The last few years have been challenging for golf course management. Comparatively speaking how has your club/budget been impacted, how do you perceive the season ahead and are you optimistic in the long term for the industry? Matt McKinnon, Superintendent at The Legacy Courses

The last few years have been challenging for golf course management. Comparatively speaking how has your club/budget been impacted, how do you perceive the season ahead and are you optimistic in the long term for the industry? Paul Eckholm CGCS, Superintendent at Heritage Links

The golf industry for years has had its ups and downs. As with the current economy, the trough this time is just a bit deeper. Here at Heritage Links we have been in a tight belt situation for a number of years. Previous decision by former management employees left us in a hole before the economy went south and have made it additionally challenging now. We have had to let employees go, cut hours and reduce the overall maintenance expenditures of the course without sacrificing quality. Personally it has meant many extra hours and fewer days off. It has however taught me just how far you can push turf and in what directions you can push it to keep quality and still keep costs down. Many of us do not realize just how

important basic turfgrass agronomic principles are until you are forced to rely on them and not be able to mask shortfalls with chemical applications. Having done this a number of years now, it becomes interesting to hear others discuss cost cutting strategies and what they think may or may not work, and then be able to interject my thoughts having done it in the real world. As for the future of golf, I would have to say that it is what we make of it. The Minneapolis market is saturated with available golf, if courses as a group do not band together to protect pricing structures, and get out of the discounting game many will not survive. Additionally, we as superintendents controlling the largest asset and liability of the course do not help protect the bottom line we will also contribute to those failures. Finally, the golf professionals will need to step up and find ways to bring new golfers into the game. The PGA, GCSAA, CMA and NGCOA all recognize the problems and have spent thousands developing programs to help. If we all work together, we can make golf thrive again. If not…..

on Board: continued.

Eric Counselman, Superintendent at Somerby Golf Club

The last few years have definitely been challenging for us all. As a younger facility, we are focused on growth. As our club grows there continues to be new roles and responsibilities. We have been fortunate over the years to have our Course Maintenance budget stay steady, the belt tightening tends to come from the additional responsibility associated with growth. I feel fortunate that we have not had reduce our budget while adding responsibilities, as I know others have done. Similar to others, we have aggressively marketed new customers. In 2011, we were able to add 88 new memberships with significant introductory offers. Although the first year of these memberships was reduced, this makes me very optimistic for the season ahead and eager to see if we will grow equally in 2012. Turf wise, I am optimistic that mother nature will be more agreeable, and we’ll all have less stress this season. I have concerns for our industry as a whole. Undoubtedly, we are over built, and with the excess supply revenues have dropped greatly. We, the industry, are not operating at a sustainable level. And I believe long term this will stabilize, but that it will be a very different

industry than we saw in years past and even different than now. I think we will continue to see few professionals getting into our business and many getting out, leveling the demand for our skills set. I believe revenue and budgets will eventually align again, most likely at a much lower level than we were accustom to in years past. I believe the largest residual influence will be on the quality of our product (in spite of our best efforts), customers will become accustom to cheaper golf but a lower quality too. It’s like a ride in an airplane; you increase altitude, climb, climb, climb, up, up, up, hit some turbulence, loose some altitude, falter a bit, some ups and downs, but eventually the plane stabilizes for a smooth ride, not at the altitude you were once at, but steady none the less. I think there will be a couple more bumps, but we are really close to stabilizing.

ARE YOU READY? Spring Mixer: May 21st, Hidden Greens

Announcing the Legacy Scholarship!!! Applications available at MGCSA.orgThe Program: The Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents’ Association offers a scholarship program designed to assist children and grandchildren of Class AA, A, SM, C, D, Associate and Affiliate members. The MGCSA provides scholarships to students attending college or vocational programs at any accredited post-secondary institution. The program is independently managed by

Scholarship America, a national non-profit student aid service organization. Awards will be granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, disability, national origin or financial need.

Selection of Recipients: Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic record, potential to succeed, leadership and participation

Please run in the March Hole Notes

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Announcing the Legacy Scholarship!!! Applications available at MGCSA.orgin school and community activities, honors, work experience, a statement of education and career goals and an outside appraisal. Selection of recipients is made by Scholarship Management Services. In no instance does any member of the MGCSA play a part in the selection. Applicants will be notified by the end of July whether they have been awarded or denied a scholarship.

Eligibility: Applicants for the MGCSA Legacy Scholarships must be: children/grandchildren of Class AA, A, SM, C, D, Associate or Affiliate members who have been members of the MGCSA at least five years; High school seniors or graduates who plan to enroll or students who are already enrolled in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school, and under 23 years of age.Awards: Three awards will be given to children and grandchildren of Class AA, A, SM and C members. One award of $1,500 in the name

of Joseph S. Garske will be given to the highest evaluated applicant. That award will be renewable for one year contingent upon full- time enrollment and satisfactory academic performance. One other $1,000 award will be given to other qualified applicants from this group.

One $1,000 award will be available to children and grandchildren of Class D, Associate and Affiliate members. These awards are not renewable. However, students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements. Awards are for undergraduate study only.

Obligations: Recipients have no obligation to the MGCSA or its members. They are, however, required to supply Scholarship Management Services with current transcripts and to notify Scholarship Management Services of any changes of address, school enrollment or other relevant information. Except as described in this brochure, no obligation is assumed by the MGCSA.Deadline for entry is June 1, 2012.

Magnificent Mega Seminar Thanks to John Spaulding for sponsoring this years Mega Seminar. The two day event had well over 100 particpants. Keynote presenters Dr. Brian Horgan, Dr. Kevin Frank and Dr. Roah Gaussoin engaged the group with some amazing new agronomic information. Other guest speakers included Rollie Carlson from the CMAA and Doug Hoffman from the MGA. Simply awesome!

(continued from page 2)The Mega Seminar went well. The 2nd day afternoon attendance dropped off significantly. The consolidated lodging got dropped with the management transition. Happy hour was a great idea and will be placed on the agenda. Discussion was given about a possible Association Hospitality event after the Wednesday session.

Fund raising/Industry Relations: Joe Churchill and Kerry Glader reported that he will be sending a letter or survey to vendors about their preferences about the GIS and possible local Hospitality Night.

MN Government Affairs: Eckholm reported that there has developed an authority conflict between the Department of Agriculture and Minnesota Pollution Control. There is a bill that was introduced to put all Pesticide use under the authority of the Department of Agriculture. Work with the NPDES permit was beneficial in that the permit uses current regulations and does not change most golf course aquatic permit requirements.

MTGF: Jeff Ische reported that the Green Expo attendance was flat with 6062. Roughly half of the attendance was either Vendor or Trade-show only. Super Tuesday attendance was 98 with $1,400 in profits. Pesticide Recertification brought in $4,600 with MTGF getting $1,400. Total booth sales were up 35 to 833. Total companies represented were flat at 325.

New Business: 1. A motion was made to nominate Jerry Murphy for the MGA Hall of Fame. 2. Superintendent Posting. There is a mixed history about job posting requirements and the qualifications of candidates that were hired. A motion was made to change the hiring posting policy so that superintendent positions will be posted with a disclaimer that the MGCSA holds no responsibility of whom the Clubs hire. Mackenzie will create posting templates and work with courses on their postings.

Industry Insight Frost Services Recognized in GIS New Product Showcase: The Las Vegas Golf Industry Show Organizers chose a product from an affiliate member of the MGCSA to be exhibited in their New Product Showcase. The Ultimix is a pre-mix station that is manufactured and sold by Frost Services Inc. It has been used successfully in Minnesota and Wisconsin and with this national attention, it will no doubt expand across the US. The first Ultimix pre-mix station was custom built for Dan Hanson at Majestic Oaks Golf Course four years ago. His feedback on how it saved his staff time mixing chemicals spurred further sales of this product in the local area. Refinements over the last few years have led to what the Ultimix is today with improvements of a stainless steel frame and a load-out gallon counter. According to Ken Rost with Frost Services, “The Ultimix is simply the result of a Superintendent telling us what the headache was, and finding a better way to get the job done. We are very excited about where this product is going.”

Important Steps

by Rob Savage and Stephanie Johnston Midwest Landscapes

Trim back any old foliage on your perennials and grasses, be sure to discard the waste to prevent any problems from mold etc. A compost pile works great!

As soon as the snow melts, put down a pre emergent such as Preen, making sure it does not linger on any leaves. This helps make your beds as weed free as possible. (Or use whatever you prefer for your situation.). Be sure to read direction labels on all products!

At the right time, usually around May or so, (May 15th) clean up and remove any over wintering mulch from around the plants. Be mindful of possible future frost and not to disturb roots by raking your perennial beds too severely.

Check all plants for any heaving. This usually occurs on newly planted items such as Heucheras (coral bells). They may pop out of the ground a bit from the frost. Reestablish the plants to the correct planting depth and water them in.

Now is also a great time to take care of any overcrowding in your planting beds! Divide your Hostas, Daylilies, Iris and others to make new plants or to expand beds!

Fertilize your perennials with a good grade of fertilizer (organic or not). A 10-10-10 works

well in the spring to give them an extra boost. Be sure to water thoroughly afterward.

Always tread lightly around any of your perennials or sprouting bulbs, being conscious of the new growth peeking out of the ground, or even the snow!

Top dress any planting beds with a light layer of new mulch, keeping in mind not to suffocate the crown of the plant. This freshens up your beds for the new season!!!

Wait for your new blooms and now you are ready to plant all your annuals!

Midwest Landscapes is a Wholesale Grower and Supplier of Zone Hardy Plant Material. We also do Commercial Landscaping, Irrigation, Mainte-nance and Snowplowing.

www. Midwestlandscapes.com

Important Stepsto successful summer perennials

Scott Anderson St. Croix Tree $25.00Darren Armstrong The Golf Club at Cedar Creek $25.00James Bade Personal James Bade $100.00James Bezanson Oneka Ridge $25.00Justin Bicek North Oaks Golf Club $25.00Josh Blenker Monticello Country Club $35.00Mike Bohnenstingl The Pines at Grand View $25.00Chad Bohnenstingl The Preserve at Grandview Lodge $25.00Mike Brower Minnesota Valley $25.00Mike Brower Personal Mike Brower $25.00Brian Brown Chisago Lakes $25.00David Brudwick Hadley Creek Golf and Learning Center $25.00Curt ConKright Victory Links $25.00Peter Dane Personal Peter Dane $10.00Judd Duininck Duininck Golf $25.00Beth Dushack Dow $25.00Jeremiah Ergen The Crossings at Montevideo $25.00Shaughn Erickson Manitou Ridge Golf Course $25.00Donald Firle Maylower Country Club $25.00Tom Fisher Edinburgh USA $25.00Steve Flagstad Nemadji Golf Course $25.00Dan Gabler Super Tech Products $25.00Tom Gibbons Personal Tom Gibbons $25.00Kerry Glader Plaisted Companies $60.00John Glattly Twin City Seed $25.00Jeremy Gossman Southview Country Club $25.00Marlow Hansen Forest Hills Golf Club $25.00Dan Hanson St. Club Country Club $25.00Jeff Hartman Hartman Companies $25.00Craig Hendrickson Oak Ridge Coubtry Club $25.00Scottie Hines CGCS Personal Scottie Hines CGCS $25.00Scottie Hines CGCS Windsong Farm $25.00Greg Hubbard CGCS Manitou Ridge Golf Course $25.00Greg Hubbard CGCS Personal Greg Hubbard $25.00Grayling Ihle Minn-‐Iowa $25.00Jeff Ische Golden Valley Golf and Country Club $25.00Wayne Jensen Personal Wayne Jensen $20.00Jeff Johnson Minikahda Club $100.00Tom Johnson New Richmond $50.00Dave Kazmierczak CGCS Prestwick $25.00Kurt Knox Island View Golf Club $25.00Dave Krupp Precision Turf $100.00Troy Lang Minnesota Valley Country Club $25.00Bill Larson CGCS Town and Country Club $25.00Erin McManus Medina Golf and Country Club $25.00Mark Moers Chaska Town Course $25.00Marlin Murphy Stillwater $25.00Jim Nicol CGCS Hazeltine National Golf Club $100.00Daniel O'Brien Superier Golf Cars $25.00Donnacha O'Connor Alexandria Golf Club $25.00Matt Olsonoski Personal Matt Olsonoski $25.00Nathan Peters Burl Oaks Golf Club $50.00Eric Peterson Dellwood Hills Golf Club $25.00David Phillips Golden Valley Golf and Country Club $25.00Mark Popitz Tessman $25.00Tom Prosheck Bracketts Crossing $100.00Roland Rauenhorst Personal Roland Rauenhorst $25.00Sam Reznicek Grand Forks $20.00Lynn Richert Angushire Golf Club $25.00Matt Rostal Interlachen CC $50.00Brandon Schindele Edina Country Club $25.00Jake Schmitz Olympic Hills Golf Club $25.00John Steiner White Bear Yacht Club $25.00Scott Thayer Legends $25.00Rick Traver Personal Rick Traver $100.00Rick Traver Monticello Country Club $35.00Chris Tritabaugh Northland Country Club $50.00Steve VaNatta Owatonna Country Club $25.00Ben Wallen Victory Links $25.00Jeff Wendler Oaks Golf Club $25.00Brad Zimmerman Theodore Wirth Golf Course $25.00

$2,405!!! THANKS RESEARCH FUND CONTRIBUTORS

2012 Board of Directors: Back row left to right: E. Paul Eckholm CGCS, Paul Diegnau CGCS, Kerry Glader. Second row left to right: Bill Gullicks, Dave Kazmiercsak CGCS, Joe Churchill, Matt McKinnen, Jeff Ische, Jake Schmidt.Front row left to right: Scottie Hines CGCS, Roger Stewart CGCS, Eric Couselman, Brian Brown, Bob Porter.

(continued from page 9)

The Minnesota ConnectionMike Smith graduated from George-Little Rock high school in 1996 and continued his education at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls and graduated from their Turf Management program. While he was in school and for 4 years after that he worked as the 2nd assistant at Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls.

In 2001 he took a job as 1st assistant at Bluff Creek Golf Course in Chanhassen.When the Halla Greens golf course was being built in 2005, he was hired as the Supt. and helped develop the course to what it is today. Mike was diagnosed with a brain tumor Dec. 18th and had surgery on Jan. 4th at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. After being dismissed on Jan. 20th, he has been taking treatments in Sioux Falls.

The Wee One Foundation, combined with proceeds from the Wee One golf outing held at North Oaks Golf Club in 2012, recently sent a check for $15,000 to Mike in an effort to help with his compounding medical expenses.


GOLF

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YOU THINK THERE’S PRESSURE IN MOVING A BALL 6 FEET?

TRY MOVING THE GREEN 60 YARDS.

At Duininck Golf, we know renovation is as much about the process

as it is about the end result. Precision construction, ironclad

timelines -- every day of play counts. We have the experience and

determination to make your most ambitious project a stunning

reality in record time. Whatever the challenge, Duininck can do it.

GOLF

DUININCKGOLF.COM

YOU THINK THERE’S PRESSURE IN MOVING A BALL 6 FEET?

TRY MOVING THE GREEN 60 YARDS.

At Duininck Golf, we know renovation is as much about the process

as it is about the end result. Precision construction, ironclad

timelines -- every day of play counts. We have the experience and

determination to make your most ambitious project a stunning

reality in record time. Whatever the challenge, Duininck can do it.

(continued from page 33)

Mike’s mother Elvi Smith wrote on March 12th, “....sorry it has taken so long....Mike forgot to tell me at first and then he spent a week in the hospital with blood clots in his legs and both sides of his lungs. He has to have a shot everyday of blood thinner....BUT he is doing much better now...but it did set him back a little. He has had 4 weeks of radiation and will be done on March 26. Also is taking a chemo pill everyday and after the 26th he will be taking the pill 5 days a month. He is still having physical and occupational therapy 3 times a week. So he is a busy guy!!!!!! He has maintained a very good attitude so far....the most frustrating thing for him is his hearing. He can hear some things like the telephone ringing, the microwave but has trouble hearing people talking....he is pretty good at reading lips!!! Mike would like to thank the Minnesota Golf Course

Superintendents Association and the Wee One Foundation for their generous gift.”

On Monday October 1st the third annual Wee One Golf Outing will be held at North Oaks Golf Club, hosted by Brian Boll. Please make time to join the field for a day of golf. If you cannot attend please consider a contribution to The Wee One Foundation, a Foundation that is so supportive to our profession.

Or consider membership.

Members are members because they understand the Wee One Foundation is an extension of the goodness of the people in this industry. It simply fits into who we are and what we do. This foundation is so aptly named. In the tradition of Wayne Otto, CGCS all of the members are here to help those in need. Recognition is not important, what matters most is that those who need help receive it.

Visit weeone.org for more information.

A recent picture of Mike

Looking forward to happierdays again, Mike!

“Let’s get together and feel alright,” – Bob Marley

That famous chorus from a

popular song scribed by the late reggae icon means a lot of things to a lot of people. I’m sure when Bob wrote it he was not thinking about a particular group, and I am quite sure the “feel alright” portion may have involved a particular controlled substance, but the melody kept coming to me as I reflected upon my week at the GIS show in Las Vegas.

OK- Las Vegas isn’t Jamaica. Golf Course Industry types will never be confused with Rastafarians, who basically take life in stride and possess a “no worries” attitude. Golf Course Industry types- and superintendents specifically - we have worries. So what on earth would make that chorus, and that melody, remind me of an industry convention that is business oriented, structured, and as far from an exotic island as you can get?

Perhaps there is a certain comfort level with being surrounded by a group of people that you know are going through or have gone through the same challenges that you yourself have faced or are facing. Perhaps there is security in knowing that some of the questions in the back of your mind will be answered at this gathering. Maybe the week long get-together is just plain therapeutic. Whatever the reason, I find these gatherings invaluable to my job and my attitude towards my profession.

There is so much to gain at the GIS. There are the obvious things like half-day or full day seminars devoted to a single topic, the trade show with every vendor known to a superintendent

displaying their goods, or the dynamic speakers at the welcoming reception and general sessions. But what I value the most is the networking. The little conversations I have with either guys I have just met, or guys I have known from my humble beginnings in this business, and anywhere in-between.

Normally the discussion will focus on how their previous year went, how their family is doing, how the weather is either with them or against them presently, or in the past, but sometimes it drifts into something specific. Sometimes it is about trying a different product a new method, or a complete reversal of a given program. Sometimes it is a change in hiring practices or an alternative perspective when dealing with superiors. Sometimes it is successes, and sometimes failures. The best thing about this networking is you are conversing with a real person- not a computer. There is real interaction with real people and the questions and answers and thoughts and theories are genuine. There are very few industries where people who technically are in competition with each other are so supportive of each other and that is to all of our credit. This trip I had conversations with (and in no particular order):- A guy from Maryland who is trying a one-shot

season-long fertilizer with insecticide and herbi-cide control. In the transition zone. Results pend-ing.

- A guy from California who is really into 80’s alt-rock, and some great new stuff out of the main-stream. Not agronomic related, but great for my I-Pod.

- A chance lunch with a vendor from Idaho who had an I-Pad and some knock-out pictures from a snow mold trial at a local course. Pictures do not lie.

by David Kazmierczak CGCS

Within the Leather

- A couple guys from a region not to be named that were pretty steamed about their regional USGA agronomist. Very interesting and I’ll leave it at that.

- Dinner with two guys from Florida, one from South Carolina and one from the Atlanta area. Now, if you are ever feeling bad about your fun-gus issues or a few Japanese Beatles, have dinner with these guys. After five minutes I did not have anything more to talk about. All I could do is shut up and listen and be thankful for long cold win-ters. (Did I really just type that?)

- The Michigan Superintendent Association Direc-tor, a former superintendent, on the progression of their electronic publication and association in gen-eral. Very progressive and full of ideas to borrow.

That is just off the top of my head. I had many other great conversations on a smaller scale and not just with local guys I already know.

Now, I know I am fortunate to work for a company that will send me to such a great event. I also realize not everybody is that lucky. If you cannot make it to the national convention, there are always your local conventions. They are the same thing only without the national flair. Can’t afford the local? Call up five guys you know and meet at a bar once every other month for happy hour. Or go bowling. Or ice fish-ing. Heck, sit on the end of each others’ utility ve-hicles and paint each others’ toenails if that is your thing, but get out there and network. Don’t ever be shy about it. Whether you have a one million dol-lar budget or one hundred thousand dollar budget; superintendents all face similar hardships and experi-ence similar triumphs. Share with each other and it is amazing how it benefits all who hear.

The most beneficial trip I have ever taken was last June to Farmlinks. Farmlinks is an experience I would highly recommend to any industry profes-sional if presented the opportunity. The people in

Sylacauga are tops in hospitality and the educa-tion is top-notch, but that is not why that trip was so meaningful to me.

The group that went down there was comprised of superintendents from Minnesota and Western Wis-consin. I am sure I do not have to tell anybody what the main topic of conversation was on the entire trip, but the initials W and K put together figured promi-nently. My course was blasted worse than it had ever been before, and when I left I had two temporary greens and five more that should have. After two seedings, and the Spring from Hell, I was seriously questioning why I was taking three days to do this but I had committed well before Turf Armageddon and wasn’t going to bail on my guy who set it up.

As it turns out, it was exactly what I needed. My psyche needed to hear that almost all the guys on the trip were undergoing the same thing: looking for seedlings that were not there, staring at dead turf- every day, trying to figure out if that green is life or just dye from the fungicide, trying to figure out if that look from the member is normal or is that the “better be green next week” look. It got me away from the mess, and together with 15 or so thera-pists of the turf nature. Thanks to any of you guys that were on that trip. You all really helped me a ton.

By the time we got back the weather finally broke, and grass started growing. I didn’t hear Bob Marley then, but can honestly say that we got together, and after that trip I really felt all right. The value of getting together can never be underestimated.

Hole Notes March 2012

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Transcript of Hole Notes March 2012