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The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association and the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association

TABLE OF CONTENTS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2005

FEATURED ARTICLES

10 12 18 22 24

Upcoming Event – UT Turf Research Field Day

UT Research Field Day

Making Your Mark… Sports-Field Painting Applied Research – Moss Control on Bentgrass Golf Greens Turf Talk – Selecting Bunker Sand An Inside Perspective – Can You Spare Some Change?

Sports-Field Painting 12

DEPARTMENTS From the TTA President, Jeff Case

Message from TVSTMA, Chris Pearl

News from the TTA

Industry News, GCSAA Show Recap

Ernest Hardison Scholarship Application

Calendar of Events

Index of Advertisers

Cover photo by Jenifer Jordan Reynolds, NCSU Communication Services 4

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2005

Selecting 22 Bunker Sand

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

JEFF CASE

We’re Already Gearing Up for the TTA Annual Conference & Trade Show, January 2-4, 2006

our 2006 Tennessee Turfgrass Association Annual Conference and Trade Show is scheduled for January 2-4 at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. Not only will it be a great way to kick off the New Year, but it also promises to be our best Conference ever, with improvements even over last year. Our exhibitors will again be set up in a ballroom, which nearly everyone agreed was an improvement over previous years. Many thanks to the Trade Show and Education Committees for all their hard work. Exhibitor space is still available, so be sure to speak to all of your vendors and encourage their participation at the show. We also have a few speaker slots still open, so if you have any ideas, please get in touch with Dr. Tom Samples at the University of Tennessee (865-974-2595). For the past 10+ years, we have enjoyed meeting at the Opryland Hotel for this annual event. Since our contract with the hotel has expired, and because we may opt to use a ballroom instead of an exhibit hall, the TTA Board of Directors is looking at other alternatives. We would spend much less money on hotel fees if we use a ballroom rather than the exhibit hall downstairs; however, we’d then have less leverage when negotiating other aspects of the conference. Also, other facilities in Nashville have ballrooms but no exhibit hall. We’re already booked for 2006 at Opryland, and unless something about another facility really stands out, we will probably remain at Opryland. However, we would like to know your thoughts on this subject. Do you like the present setting, or would you like a change of scenery? Please let a TTA Board member know how you feel.

On page 28 of this issue, you’ll find a nomination form — please take a moment to fill it out and mail it in. Nominees will be reviewed by the TTA Awards & Scholarship Committee, which will then make a recommendation for approval by the TTA Board of Directors. Nominations must be postmarked no later than October 1, 2005.

Jeff Case TTA President T

Who would you select as TTA Professional of the Year? Do you know an outstanding turfgrass professional in Tennessee who deserves the recognition of his or her peers? If so, now’s the time to let us know who you believe should receive one of our association’s highest honors — the TTA Professional of the Year Award — at the TTA Annual Conference this January.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2005

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The Official Publication of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association and the Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association

Tennessee Turfgrass is the official publication of The Tennessee Turfgrass Association 400 Franklin Road Franklin, Tennessee 37069 (615) 591-8286 tnturfgrassassn@aol.com Published by Leading Edge Communications, LLC P.O. Box 680142 Franklin, Tennessee 37068-0142 (615) 790-3718 Fax (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com Editors Mr. Bill Blackburn Mr. Derek Oglesby Mr. Lynn Ray Mr. Jeff Rumph TTA OFFICERS President Mr. Jeff Case Quail Ridge Golf Course (901) 388-9114 Vice President Mr. Bill Francis The Ridges Golf & Country Club (423) 913-2276 Secretary/Treasurer Mr.â€ˆBob Hogan The Hogan Company (888) 224-6426 Past President Dan Stump (901) 325-8320 Executive Secretary Jim Uden (615) 591-8286 TTA 2005 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Cory Blair Mr. Bart Cash Mrs. Monica Lalinde-Cooper Mr. Brad Erickson Mr. Roger Frazier Mr. Bill Marbet Mr. Mickey Lovett Mr. Derek Oglesby Mr. Mitch Parker Mr. Bobby Stringer Mr. Frank Turner Mr. Scott Wicker TTA ADVISORY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Mr. Bill Blackburn Mr. Jeff Rumph Mr. Lynn Ray Dr. Tom Samples Dr. Dennis Shepard Dr. John Sorochan

A MESSAGE FROM TVSTMA

Our Next Event Is August 25

hope everyone was able to attend TVSTMA’s July 21st Summer Event Turf Day at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, where Bob Campbell was a gracious host, as always. We were able to get everyone’s mind working, with the topic of sub-surface moisture. This application seems to be ideal in a turf and skinned area. Thanks especially to Mr. Bill Marbet for his sponsorship of this event. The next TVSTMA event will be held August 25th in Millington, TN. Ernie Bennett has been nice enough to host us at USA Ballpark. Be there, or you’ll miss out! Lessons learned… As most of you already know, the Nashville Sounds and I have parted ways. We parted due to their high demands on the field and my high expectations of how the field should look and play for a professional baseball team. What can you learn from my situation? The playability and appearance of the field are sometimes taken for granted. In some organizations, revenue expectations take precedence over safety and aesthetics. Also, sometimes relationships with co-workers are not as they seem, as people who appear to be in your corner can quickly become your opponents. Even those people you helped out the most may be the ones to knock you out. In conclusion, those with an interest in revenue and those with an interest in field conditions must find a way to meet in the middle in order for things to be a success.

Chris Pearl President, TVSTMA T

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2005

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The Tennessee Turfgrass Association serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, Tennessee Turfgrass Magazine, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or Turfgrass Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication. Copyright ©2005 by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. Tennessee Turfgrass is published bi-monthly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to Tennessee Turfgrass Association, 400 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37069. Postage guaranteed. Third-class postage is paid at Franklin, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Tennessee Turfgrass allows reprinting of material. Permission requests should be directed to the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information. Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, P.O. Box 680142, Franklin, TN 37068-0142, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

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UPCOMING EVENT

University of Tennessee turfgrass researchers will hold their annual Turfgrass Research Field Day on September 15 at the new 5.6-acre turfgrass research facility at the Knoxville Experimental Station. Several exhibitors will also be on hand, displaying products, services and equipment. Four hours of pesticide-certification credits will be available. From 8:30 a.m. until noon, UT’s researchers will cover several timely and important topics, including: • Chemical and Cultural Practices for Improved Disease and Insect Management • New Information on Herbicide and Plant-Growth Regulators • Improved Water Management Using Subsurface Moisture-Monitoring Systems • Utilizing New Seeded Cultivars for Athletic Fields and Other High-Traffic Areas • Establishment and Management of Turf-Type Tall Fescue and Heat-Tolerant Bluegrass • New Bermudagrass, Heat-Tolerant Bluegrass and Turf-Type Tall Fescue Cultivar Evaluations Registration for the educational program begins at 7:30 a.m. (on-site registration is $25), and the program will start at 8:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided at noon, with vendor exhibits open from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call (865) 974-7324 or visit http://turfweeds.utk.edu/fieldday.htm.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2005

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Four hours of pesticide-certification credits available!

Photo by Ray Carson: UF News and Public Affairs

MAKING YOUR

MARK By Casey Reynolds, Turfgrass Research Technician and Certified Turfgrass Professional, and Art Bruneau, NCSU Turfgrass Professor and Statewide Extension Specialist

Friday night football is here! Time to turn on the lights, clean out the stands, run through the playbook, and last but certainly not least … oh yeah, paint the field.

or most high-school football coaches and athletic directors, painting the field for Friday night’s big game is just another one of the many tasks that must be performed in preparation for kickoff. However, given the fact that the field is the stage on which the big show is seen, you want to be sure of two things. First, that the field is painted accurately. It isn’t that uncommon for hash marks to be out of place or for sidelines to not be square. Second, when the fans enter the stadium, you want them to be awed by a bright, colorful, professionally painted field. That way, even if the team isn’t doing that great, the fans can leave the game saying, “Well at least the field looked good!” In order for this to be the case, there are many things that need to be taken into consideration long before the week of the game.

Verify your field’s layout The first and most important step in field painting is proper layout. If the field you have been using for games is not properly laid out, it may be nearly impossible to get the lines, hash marks, yardage markers, etc., in proper reference to each other and the stadium. To make sure this happens, you need to have the field surveyed. Having the field surveyed one time is all that is necessary to know with certainty where key points on your field are located, such as the center, sidelines and endzone corners.

Photo by Ray Carson: UF News and Public Affairs

Knowing these points is important for two reasons. First, these points allow you to make sure your field is properly aligned with permanent structures such as the stadium and the field-goal posts. Second, all of your other measurements — such as yardage markers, hashmarks, coach’s boxes, etc. — are based on these key points. Therefore, each time you are ready to prepare for a game, you can simply find these points and measure from them. This can save plenty of time, money and headaches each time you paint your field. The cost of having your field surveyed can vary from free to quite expensive. However, in most cases, you should be able to find a local contractor who is willing to donate his/her time and expertise to survey your field at no cost. It shouldn’t take them long to do, and who knows, they may even have a kid that plays there. After surveying the field, you will want to permanently mark the key points mentioned above. There are several ways to do this. One method is to drive metal stakes in the ground (well below the surface!) that can be found with a metal detector each time you’re ready for paint. Although this method is cheap, quick and extremely accurate, it may be a safety concern. The idea of a metal stake in the ground where kids are playing may make some people a little nervous. That is why if you do choose this method for permanently marking your field, you need to make sure these stakes are at least 8˝ below the surface and that they can never creep their way upward, either on their 14

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2005

own or through agronomic practices like field renovation or aerification. A good way to prevent from having to find them each time you are ready for paint is to keep the points spraypainted using an aerosol. Another method of permanently marking your field is to buy a “marking kit” from an athletic-supply company. Companies Photo by Jenifer Jordan Reynolds, NCSU Communication Services

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continued offer kits specifically for field layout that involve hollow stakes (also called sockets), lining pegs and string. The sockets are driven into the ground as permanent markers and, when it is time to paint, you just put in the lining peg and pull the string. The cost for these marking kits is relatively cheap and typically runs between $200 and $300. However, even if you choose to implement kits such as these, you will still need to have the field properly surveyed in order to know where to place them.

frequent events than the average high school. Second, most NFL teams are playing on million-dollar sand-based fields. Applying a thick layer of paint to a field that is 85% sand probably does result in some surface hardening. However, given the fact that most high school fields are native soil with much higher clay contents than sand-based fields, excessive paint buildup should be the field manager’s last worry regarding compaction.

Painting-equipment options After the field is properly laid out and it’s time to start painting, the first question you need to address is what method (in terms of equipment) you will use to paint your field. The two basic techniques you can choose from are paint machines or aerosol cans. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, and you need to consider each of them before making your choice. Paint machines are by far the primary choice for professional and college facilities that require the highest level of perfection. However, they are also the most expensive option, ranging anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 in price. Paint machines apply paint through a high-pressure system that forces the paint down into the canopy, resulting in brighter, more consistent lines and logos. This also results in longer-lasting paint, due to the fact that the entire leaf surface is coated, as opposed to aerosol cans that just coat the top (meaning much of the paint can easily be mowed off). However, from a plant health standpoint, this can also be considered a disadvantage to high-pressure paint machines. The more leaf area coated with paint means less leaf area photosynthesizing and producing food for the plant. Also, this forceful movement of paint through the turfgrass canopy can result in a layer of paint being deposited on the soil surface over time. This may cause long-term problems with turfgrass rooting and water movement through the soil profile. In extreme cases, it may even be a safety hazard, since it can compact and harden the playing surface. The NFL mandates that every few years its teams remove the soil beneath their end zones and midfield logos to prevent player injury. However, before running out to tear up your end zones and midfields, consider two things. First, NFL teams are applying much higher levels of paint for more

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COVER STORY this comes out to $168 in paint each time you paint your field with aerosol. Mixed paint, on the other hand, is about $25 to $50 per 5-gallon bucket, and it takes around 1.5 to 2 buckets (7 to 10 gallons) of pre-mixed paint for the lines and hashmarks of a football field. On a cost basis, this comes out to between $10 and $20 in paint, which is much cheaper than aerosol. After adding yardage markers, logos and end zones to these figures, the large amounts of aerosol used during a football season can quickly add up to more of your budget going towards paint. The long-term savings in paint cost, coupled with the higher quality and increase duration, are both good reasons why some athletic programs can justify the high upfront cost of expensive painting machines.

Picking your paint Photo by Jenifer Jordan Reynolds, NCSU Communication Services

So what is the other option? Aerosol machines are a much cheaper alternative to paint machines and typically run around $100. They are cheap, easy to use, light and require very little storage space. This is why most high school fields are painted using aerosol paint. However, aerosol is not without its drawbacks. As mentioned earlier, aerosol paint isn’t as bright and it doesn’t last as long as mixed paint. It is also more difficult to keep straight lines with aerosol cans than with paint machines. Finally, although the aerosol machine is not as expensive, aerosol paint is much more expensive than mixed paint in terms of how much is used per field. Painting just the lines and hashes for a high school football game can require up to two cases of aerosol cans. At $7 per can and 12 cans per case,

After deciding on which method you want to use to paint your field, you need to determine which type of paint to buy and from whom. The most common options you will find are aerosol, pre-mixed paint and concentrated paint (paint requiring dilution). Aerosol, for obvious reasons, is the simplest of the three. Pre-mixed paint and concentrated paint each have their benefits as well. The major benefit to pre-mixed paint is the fact that no mixing is required. All you have to do is pour the paint in the machine and start painting. Not only does this save time and labor, but it also produces very consistent results from application to application. Pre-mixed paints, unlike concentrated paints, are not intended to be mixed with water; otherwise they wouldn’t be called pre-mixed. However, many athletic-facility managers mix them anyway to further reduce cost and still produce quality results.

Painting Resources Available on the Web Painting Machines

Paint Companies

Graco (www.pavecoat.com/graco_stripers.html and others) Fleetline Markers (www.fleetlinemarkers.com) Newstripe (www.newstripe.com) Toro Line Pro (www.toro.com) TruMark (www.athleticfieldmarker.com) Trusco (www.truscomfg.com)

Duron Paints (www.duron.com) Franklin Paint (www.franklinpaint.com) Mautz (www.mautz.com) Pioneer (www.pioneer-mfg.com) Remarkable Paint (www.remarkablepaint.com) Suntec (www.suntecpaint.com) World Class (www.worldclasspaints.com)

Paint Alternatives Line Cutter (www.whipperclipper.com) PermaLine (www.permalinesports.com) Port-a-Field (www.port-a-field.com)

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2005

Sidebar information supplied by Grady L. Miller, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Florida.

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continued anything on your field other than latex, water-based paint. Concentrated paints are designed for dilution with water, and Also, as with other practices, don’t let anyone work on your the instructions on the label tell you how to do this. Most labels call for a 1:2 or 1:3 mixture of paint to water. Some field-marking field that is not a professional. They may do more harm paints even call for as much as a 1:1 ratio. The best thing to do is than good. to find what ratio works for you, depending on your field require• Painting is no different than any other service you would ments, and stick with it from one application to the next. However, consider contracting out. Companies who specialize in field when diluting any paint with water, whether it is pre-mixed painting can often do a neat, professional job for not much or concentrated, you are going to lose some level of brightness more than you would invest in paint or equipment. This also and duration. gives the coach or athletic director more time to focus on other Any athletic-field supply company will typically sell aerosol, tasks, like winning! T pre-mixed and concentrated paint. Many local paint companies will also offer athletic-field marking paint. If they don’t have the paint you need in stock, they can typically make it or order it without too much trouble. You Serving East Tennessee and Surrounding Area can also check with larger companies who specialize in athletic-field paints. Locally Grown Sod Shopping around for a good source of paint Fescue ✤ Bermudas ✤ Zoysia ✤ Bluegrass is just like making any other purchase. Check Pick Up & Delivery around! To find the paint that fits your needs, Slab or Big Roll Sod talk with several companies and find out what Sprigs Also Available they offer. Ask them what fields they sell to and if you can speak with someone at that Dixie Turf & Tree • 1945 General Carl W. Stiner Hwy. • LaFollette, TN 37766 field. Ask them if they can pre-mix the colors Phone: 423–562–1643 • Fax: 423–562–1069 • 1–800–633–8873 you need and make them consistent from one order to the next. Finally, ask them if you have to buy in bulk. Large, national paint companies will only sell in bulk, and you may have to buy several pallets at a time. Most facilities don’t have the upfront cash to buy these quantities or the facilities necessary to store them. Local companies will be more likely to sell you individual quantities on an as-needed basis.

DIXIE TURF & TREE

Additional tips Here are some other tips to think about when deciding on how to paint your field: • Talk to other athletic field managers and find out what works for them. • Join organizations like the STMA (Sports Turf Managers Association) and the TVSTMA (Tennessee Valley Sports Turf Managers Association). These organizations are a good way to keep up with what is going on in the industry as well as a good networking source to interact with other athletic-field managers. • Use the internet to browse prices and search for information on painting fields. • Work with boosters to educate them on why this is an important issue for your field. • Be wary of people willing to donate paint. Although they may mean well, never put

APPLIEDâ€ˆRESEARCH

By Scott McElroy, Ph.D., Assistant Professor; Greg Breeden, Research and Extension Associate, Turfgrass and Weed Science, University of Tennessee; and Jay McCurdy, Undergraduate Turfgrass Management Student, University of Tennessee-Martin

oss, specifically silvery-thread moss (Bryum argenteum), has become an increasing problem on bentgrass putting greens. With lower mowing heights and possibly lower fertility

making the turf less competitive, common moss is suddenly a weed problem. The dense stands that moss develops on a bentgrass green are virtually impenetrable to bentgrass growth. Since the beginning of herbicide development in the mid-1900s, however, herbicide research has focused on grass or broadleaf species. No company or herbicide researcher has (Note: QuickSilver is not currently registered for use on bentgrass greens for moss control. It is set, however, to be fully registered later this year.)

ever considered a terrestrial moss species a weed problem.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2005

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Because of this lack of forethought, turfgrass researchers have been scrambling over the past decade to come up with a solution. Researchers have tried numerous products, such as copper, iron and fungicides, but these products have had varying degrees of success, and injury to the bentgrass has been observed. Traditional herbicides currently on the market haven’t been much help, either. If they controlled the moss, they injured the bentgrass, or if they produced no injury to the bentgrass, they achieved no moss control. For example, many traditional herbicides such as 2,4-D and dicamba (neither of these herbicides control moss) that are only active on broadleaf weeds and not grasses still have restrictions on how they can be used on bentgrass golf course greens. This is because, under greens management conditions, bentgrass is under such stress that it has a difficult time metabolizing any herbicide. In one of those odd phenomena, however, it was discovered that QuickSilver provides excellent control of moss, with no injury to bentgrass greens. Extensive research around the country has confirmed that bentgrass is extremely tolerant of QuickSilver, even up to six times the label rate of 2.2 fl. oz./A. Because this herbicide solves a problem for turfgrass managers, a special registration label is in the process of being submitted to EPA for use of QuickSilver on bentgrass greens in Tennessee for moss control. More on QuickSilver QuickSilver is a new herbicide product that contains a single active ingredient, carfentrazone. A contact herbicide, carfentrazone is active only on broadleaf dicot weeds, such as henbit, white clover and chickweed. Since carfentrazone does not translocate through the plant, it does not provide complete control of large plants. For this reason, it has recently been included in other products — such as PowerZone and SpeedZone — that contain broadleaf herbicides

such as 2,4-D, dicamba, MCPP and MCPA. In these products, carfentrazone aids in providing faster weed control, but the end result is usually the same. Our research This year, extensive testing was conducted at the University of Tennessee to evaluate the tolerance of several bentgrass cultivars to QuickSilver. No injury was observed on four of the five greens that were evaluated (see Table 1). However, the one golf green that was injured posed a problem: if one green could be injured, how many more would be injured when this product enters widespread use? This one case of injury had the potential to jeopardize the entire registration process for using QuickSilver for moss control on bentgrass golf greens. Some differences, however, began to come to light regarding QuickSilver injury at this golf course. Working with superintendent Steve Livesay at the Crossings in Fall Branch, TN, we came up with two possible reasons why injury was observed and why this situation was unique. First, core aerification and sand topdressing occurred approximately three days prior to the initial QuickSilver application. Everyone knows that these abrasive management practices are absolutely necessary for the sustainable management of bentgrass putting greens. It is not known, however, if the stress induced by cultural practices (such as core aerification, topdressing and verticutting) create a situation where the bentgrass is more susceptible to turfgrass injury. It seems intuitive that this would be the case, but there are no studies that indicate that this is true. From our experience at The Crossings, however, the cultural management prior to treatment most likely created a turf primed for injury. Second, when we started closely evaluating the injury observed on the bentgrass green at The Crossings, one revelation quickly came to light. Underlying all of the damaged turfgrass

Table 1. Research conducted at the University of Tennessee evaluating bentgrass tolerance to Quicksilver under greens management conditions. City

Bentgrass Cultivar

Highest Rate Evaluated fluid ounces/acre

Injury Observed

University of Tennessee Golf Practice Facility

Knoxville

Pencross

6.4 (applied twice, 2 weeks apart)

The Little Course

Franklin

Cato

12 (applied twice, 1 week apart)

The Little Course

Franklin

Crenshaw

12 (applied twice, 1 week apart)

The Little Course

Franklin

SR-1020

12 (applied twice, 1 week apart)

SR-1020

6.4 (applied twice, 2 weeks apart)

Yes

Golf Course

The Crossings Golf Course Fall Branch

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION • TENNESSEE VALLEY SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

continued

QuickSilver provides excellent control of moss, with no injury to bentgrass greens.

was the weed we were targeting — moss. In other words, in the areas where injury occurred, moss was present below the grass canopy, hiding, probably already causing a lot of stress to the bentgrass before we treated with QuickSilver. When we began looking closer, it was apparent that a lot more moss was in this putting green than just the typical circular spots. Most of the moss seemed to be invisible until we parted the bentgrass leaves and looked below the canopy.

QuickSilver has been a unique find in the turfgrass weed-science arena. It will soon be available for limited use on bentgrass putting greens. While precautions have arisen, this is normal in the development of a herbicide program.

Probable cautions for QuickSilver These observations will most likely lead to precautionary statements being added to the QuickSilver label. Here are some of those probable precautions that turf managers will have to take when QuickSilver becomes available for moss control in bentgrass greens: 20

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2005

• Wait two to four weeks after cultural practices before applying QuickSilver. • If injury is observed, wait until the bentgrass is completely recovered (3-5 weeks) before making a second application. • Do not apply to bentgrass that is under stress. • Do not apply above 85° F. Again, please note that QuickSilver is not currently registered for use on bentgrass greens for moss control. It is set, however, to be fully registered later this year. Final thoughts QuickSilver has been a unique find in the turfgrass weed-science arena. It will soon be available for use on bentgrass putting greens. While precautions have arisen, this is normal in the development of a herbicide program. No herbicide is completely safe, and all herbicides must be used according to label recommendations to ensure safe and effective use. T Acknowledgements For use of their facilities in conducting this research, special thanks to Steve Livesay, Superintendent at The Crossing Golf Course, Fall Branch, TN; Joe Kennedy and Jerry Craven, Superintendents at The Little Course and The Vanderbilt Legends Club; and Bobby Campbell, Superintendent of the University of Tennessee Athletic Fields.

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TURF TALK

A Day at the Beach…

Selecting Bunker Sand Adapted from an article provided by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

n golf, there are definitely better places for golfers to play than from the bunkers. But should the ball come to rest in a bunker, the type of sand can make a noticeable difference in play — especially on your golfers’ scorecard. When a ball makes a crater in the sand on impact, it may form a “plugged” or “fried-egg” lie. That’s why, when selecting bunker sand, golf course superintendents should look at several variables, to prevent balls from being buried should shots go astray. The United States Golf Association specifies particle-size criteria for selecting a bunker sand. Sand in the prescribed range provides the best all-around conditions in terms of ball lie, firmness of footing and ease of bunker maintenance. For some golf facilities, bunker maintenance is an important aspect in sand selection. For example, a golf course that is subject to high winds should stay away from selecting sand that is too fine since such sand is easily dispersed by wind, causing a continual need for replacement. The predominant particle shape of sand and its “sphericity” — or roundness — also comes into play. A desired bunker-sand shape is angular with a low degree of roundness. The sharp corners of an angular sand help it resist movement after impact from a golf ball, resulting in fewer “plugged” or “fried-egg” lies. Truly round or “soft” sand requires a substantial amount of skill to play from. It’s like playing a shot in a pudding-filled pit. Round sand should be avoided also because it shifts more under the weight of the golfer and can allow golf balls to bury and disappear on impact. A hard, silica sand is often preferred in bunkers, since silica sand resists weathering and retains its original shape longer. Limestone sand is more subject to weathering, and the fine particles released in the process affect the playability and maintenance of the sand. Limestone sand can “set up” or become “crusted” because of the cementing action of finer silt and clay particles. Consequently, limestone sand requires more frequent raking to maintain a suitable playing surface. When making changes at your course, you may choose to have a certified soils-testing laboratory help evaluate your sand options. The lab will check the sand’s particle-size, distribution, shape, color, crusting potential, hydraulic conductivity (ability to drain water) and its resistance to buried lies. When choosing a bunker surface, the varying skill levels of golfers must also be considered. A lower handicap player typically prefers a hard, smooth bunker surface. However, higher handicap players prefer a softer surface that allows them to get their club through the sand. As a result, you may need to try to provide a surface that will satisfy the widest range of players at your course.

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2005

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Bunker-Sand Basics *W hen choosing a bunker surface, the varying skill levels of golfers must be considered, since bunker-sand selection affects the condition of play as well as bunker maintenance. *A desired bunker sand shape is angular with a low degree of roundness. *A hard, silica sand is often preferred in bunkers, since silica sand resists weathering and retains its original shape longer than limestone sand. *C onsider having a certified soils-testing laboratory help evaluate sand.

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AN INSIDE PERSPECTIVE

Can Y ou Spare Some Change? By Jim Harris, CGCS

hange, someone once said, is inevitable, while someone else said that the only thing that doesn’t change is change itself. How many things that affect the economic stability of our country have not changed over the years? A friend of mine had stopped at a railroad crossing and was watching the train roll slowly by. As he sat there, mesmerized by the slowly turning wheels and the sleep-inducing clickkity-clack of the train, he said to his son-in-law, “You know, the design of train tracks hasn’t changed since their inception over a hundred years ago. Why is that?” Several days later, he received an email from his son-in-law about train tracks. He read that the rails on our train tracks are exactly four feet, eight-anda-half inches wide. The document went on to say that the reason for that was

because our rail system was designed and built by English immigrants and, in England, their rails were exactly four feet, eight-and-a-half inches wide. Why were the English rails that exact width? Because they were built by the men who had built England’s tramways, which were four feet, eight-and-a-half inches wide. Well, with the answering of each question, a new question arose. Why did they build the tramways that particular width? When they decided to build the tramways, the most qualified people for such a job were the wagon builders who built wagons with axles that were, you guessed it, four feet, eight-and-a-half inches wide. The wagon builders built wagon axles that wide because if they didn’t, the wheels would not fit the ruts in the roads that were — say it with me, here — four feet, eight-and-half-inches

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2005

wide. If the wagon wheels didn’t fit the ruts, then driving over the uneven ruts would break the axle. The ruts in the roads were that width because they were built by the invading Roman armies whose war chariots were that width. Finally, the Roman war chariots were that wide because that was the average width of the span across the rear ends of two horses harnessed side by side. Now an ironic twist to this whole thing is that the booster rockets on the space shuttles were originally designed to be bigger in diameter, but because they were manufactured in Colorado and had to be shipped to Florida by rail, they had to make them narrow enough to fit on a railroad car. This means the technology used to send tons of metal, material and humans into outer space is actually based on the width of

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continued and consequently, he was more “up” on golf-course management than I. I was asked, during my interview, how I kept “up” on things and competed with the younger guys coming out of school. I had to think about that for a minute. I explained, very cautiously, that soil was still made of sand, silt and clay particles; that no new elements had been

a horse’s rear end. Change sometimes can be good, and sometimes change can be bad, but every professional must keep abreast of changes and evaluate what is good and what is bad. Listen and adopt the changes that can improve your life, but stick to the old tried-and-true ways that have given rise to success. People who are successful will be around next year, and those who do not use wise judgment in accepting change, when needed, will fall by the wayside. My own experience with change When I interviewed for my present job seven years ago, a couple of turf interns who were already working here tried to convince the management to hire a certain superintendent who had graduated from their alma mater. They said, on his behalf, that he was a lot younger and had been in school more recently than I had,

added to the periodic chart; and that plant physiology was still the same as when I was in college. They had learned all the basics that I had, along with English, math, etc. So, what was new? Well, countless new chemicals are introduced along with new types of equipment, but where do the manufacturers release this information? To the colleges and universities? No, they

continued of business in five years. It’s been thirty years since then, and that innovative vehicle didn’t stay on the market for even three years, much less five, and the competition that he said was doomed is still around. I was lucky, rather than smart, that it was a reputable company that had produced the vehicles, and after two years the company loaded them up with a crane (they weren’t drivable) and gave us our full purchase price back. Making such a decision could cost a superintendent a job and maybe cause a career change.

see that the people that are going to buy it get it first — that’s me, the working superintendent. The only thing I had that they didn’t was … experience. This is not about superintendents versus interns, but rather about change. Change makes motivated interns and turf graduates into professionals by injecting this thing called experience. When you have bad experiences, you change your way from doing certain things, and when you have a good experience, you change your way to doing certain things. The best way to learn from a bad experience is to let someone else experience it and then you hear about it. Change is the key to a successful superintendent seeking longevity, and failure to change in a timely fashion or changing too quickly can be a determining factor in that longevity. With experience comes wisdom My superintendent mentor told me as an assistant, “Don’t be the first to try something new, but don’t be the last.” There’s a lot of truth there, as well as wisdom. Without that critical “experience” factor, novice superintendents usually want all the new “toys” on the market. For instance, as a new superintendent, I chose to buy the first on-the-market center-articulating truckster that was promised to be the future of golf course maintenance. The distributor promised me that it would put the current truckster leader out 26

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2005

Keeping up with change Change is where publications like Tennessee Turfgrass magazine come in to play. At a very minimal cost, you can keep up with the latest research, management and equipment being produced. It is regionalized for your area so that the information is most pertinent and reliable. Organizations like the USGA also come in to play. They do not have all the answers, but if you have a problem, then they’ve most likely seen it and may have seen it solved in a number of ways, so you can gain from that one solution that best fits your problem. They are also a clearinghouse for the “latest” research; but then again the people that they want to get it first are the people who use it — the superintendents. Attending the GCSAA annual conference and show is all about change. I have taken the same seminar, over the years, several different times. It’s not a repeat, and they didn’t teach it wrong the first time — instead, it has been tweaked and improved (changed), and I benefit from it each time I take it. Local and regional seminars, as well as those offered by the manufacturer, are the same way. I even view the annual conference with change now. I can

My superintendent mentor told me as an assistant, “Don’t be the first to try something new, but don’t be the last.” There’s a lot of truth there, as well as wisdom. Without that critical “experience” factor, novice superintendents usually want all the new “toys” on the market. remember seeing young men, who considered themselves bulletproof, go to the annual conference and carry on in a way (outside the learning sessions) that made them suffer the consequences later, such as trying to stay awake in seminars or maybe missing them altogether. There is a beast that can make some people act very foolish when they are away from home. The beast is always out there and he is hungry, so beware of the beast. A long time ago, change established a sense of priorities for me. I realized that my employer was investing time and money in me by sending me to the annual conference, so I owed it to them and myself to take advantage of the learning opportunities

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that availed themselves to me. Change and the experience factor keep me aware of the beast, but it amuses me to see the inexperienced get experience the hard way. Numerous years ago I sat at the seminar luncheon in the southern U.S. with a first-time attendee superintendent. Being from Canada, he had never experienced true Mexican cuisine and ate the refried beans, tacos and other things with gusto. Being cautious of what I eat when I have to sit another four hours, I let him have most of what was on my plate. When he came in for the second day of class, he looked green under the eyes and waited for the seminar to start by resting his head on his desk. I asked him in a kidding sort of way if the food he ate had bothered him last night. He raised his head and said, “The smell didn’t bother me, but the smoke and flames kept me awake most of the night.” I am sure he underwent some changes after that. At one of my recent high school reunions, I met a classmate that I had known to be a heavy drug user back then. It seemed she had changed her life for the better. She no longer abused drugs and alcohol and even gave up smoking over fifteen years ago. I congratulated her and asked her what made her change. She said she knew she had to change or she would die, a moral for the rest of us, drugs not withstanding. “Besides,” she said, “At my age I can get the same effect of drugs by standing up real fast.” Yes, time definitely makes changes in us. Time can change young people who used to yell obscenities at little old ladies driving 35 mph on the expressway to wiser people that now just say, “Well, bless her heart,” and go around her. Change is as natural a part of life as breathing, but like alcohol and food, a certain line distinguishes between beneficial and harmful. That certain amount can be different for every individual, as well as different in each scenario. Change is inevitable, change itself doesn’t change, and everything in life is destined to give change, except, of course, vending machines. T Jim Harris, CGCS, is superintendent at Cottonwoods @ The Grand Casino in Tunica, Mississippi.

NEWS FROM TTA

Who Would You Select As TTA Professional of the Year? Do you know an outstanding turfgrass professional in Tennessee who deserves the recognition of his or her peers? If so, now’s the time to let the TTA know who you believe should receive one of the association’s highest honors — the TTA Professional of the Year Award — at the TTA Annual Conference and Tradeshow this coming January. Please take a moment to mail in the nomination form below. Nominees will be reviewed by the TTA Awards & Scholarship Committee, which will make a recommendation for approval by the TTA Board of Directors. Nominations must be postmarked no later than October 1, 2005. TTA Professional of the Year Nomination Form Person Being Nominated:____________________________________________________________________________________ Person Making the Nomination:_ ______________________________________________________________________________ Reason for Nomination:_ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Nominations must be postmarked no later than October 1, 2005. Please mail nominations to: Tennessee Turfgrass Association Attn: Derek Oglesby, CGCS 400 Franklin Road Franklin, TN 37069

Donnie Callis, of Smith Turf & Irrigation Co, recently sent the photo above to the TTA. “This is Jerry Robbins, a certified irrigation contractor and a long-time customer of STI’s,” Callis wrote. “Jerry is with the 278th Reserve unit in Iraq. I’ve been sending him copies of the TTA magazine. As you can see in the photograph, he is growing grass in five-gallon buckets.” The TTA thanks Jerry Robbins for his service to our country and for reminding us all of the beauty and value of turfgrass, something many people too often take for granted.

Mickey Lovett – Paris, TN

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INDUSTRY NEWS

The 2005 Golf Industry Show & GCSAA Education Conference Were Very Successful By Dr. Tom Samples, University of Tennessee

y any measure, the Golf Industry Show in February 2005 was a success,” says Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) CEO Steve Mona, CAE. “That is due to the combined efforts of the host organizations, the industry partners, educators and numerous others critical to the event. The feedback thus far indicates a high level of satisfaction from those in attendance.” Presently, the Golf Industry Show combines the tradeshows of the Golf Course Superintendents Association and the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA). In 2007, the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) will become associated with the event. Also participating as supporting organizations are the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) and the National Golf Foundation (NGF). Total attendance for the 2005 GCSAA Education Conference, the NGCOA Solutions Summit and the Golf Industry Show was 22,723. The 826 exhibitors participating in the Golf Industry Show used this opportunity to showcase their newest

TENNESSEE TURFGRASS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2005

products and services. More than 7,300 attendees participated in the GCSAA Education Conference that ran concurrently with the Golf Industry Show. A total of 100 seminars were offered, along with another 40 hours of forums, panels and sessions focusing on golf course management. Congratulations to Dr. Alan Windham & Dr. Dennis Shepard The Disease Diagnostic Workshop taught by Dr. Alan Windham (Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, The University of Tennessee) and sponsored by Syngenta Professional Products was voted #1 at the 2005 National GCSAA Education Conference held February 7–12 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Participants attending this one-day, hands-on workshop learned how to use the microscope and prepare slides to assist in identifying many turfgrass diseases. Thank you, Alan and Dennis, for a job well done!

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ERNEST HARDISON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT NEATLY SECTION I: PERSONAL INFORMATION

NAME: HOME MAILING ADDRESS: CAMPUS MAILING ADDRESS: PHONE: (HOME) PHONE: (CAMPUS) SECTION II: EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

INSTITUTION NAME: GRADUATION DATE: MAJOR: OVERALL GPA: MAJOR GPA: ADVISOR: PHONE: ADVISOR ADDRESS: SIGNATURE OF ADVISOR: (NOTE: HANDWRITTEN SIGNATURE OF ADVISOR MUST APPEAR ON THIS FORM)

ADVISOR’S COMMENTS: SECTION III: BACKGROUND INFORMATION

NAME(S) AND RELATIONSHIP(S) OF ANY RELATIVES ASSOCIATED WITH THE GOLF OR TURFGRASS INDUSTRY: NAME(S) AND RELATIONSHIP(S) OF ANY RELATIVES WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION: HAVE YOU PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED A TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP? IF YES, PLEASE LIST YEAR AND AMOUNT: WHAT ASPECT OR CAREER OPPORTUNITY WITHIN THE TURFGRASS INDUSTRY MOST INTERESTS YOU? SECTION IV: ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING WITH YOUR APPLICATION: 1 A COPY OF YOUR RESUME 2 A LIST OF REFERENCES (MINIMUM OF 3) 3 AN ESSAY (300 WORDS OR LESS) DESCRIBING: • YOUR REASONS FOR REQUESTING THIS SCHOLARSHIP • YOUR REQUIREMENT FOR AND SOURCES OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR COLLEGE AND RELATED EXPENSES APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 11, 2005. AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE IN JANUARY 2006. PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATIONS TO: TENNESSEE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION ATTN: DEREK OGLESBY, CGCS 400 FRANKLIN ROAD FRANKLIN, TN 37069

What

is at the root of the success of so many PGA tournament golf courses in America? The roots, literally.

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I N D E X O F ADVERTISE RS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Aquatrols......................................................................... 9

August 25

TVSTMA Meeting Location: USA Ballpark, Millington, TN

BWI of Memphis............................................................ 27

October 14-16

International Lawn, Garden & Power Equipment Exposition Location: Louisville, KY

October 17

ETGCSA S&R Tournament Location: The Virginian

Enviro-Global, LLC........................................................... 3

October 17

MAGCSA S&R Tournament Location: TPC at Southwind

FLOWTRONEX-PSI......................................................... 25

October 18-22

National Recreation & Park Assn. Expo Location: San Antonio, TX

October 24

MTGCSA S&R Tournament Location: Richland Country Club

Keeling Company........................................................... 21

November 2-5

The Green Industry Expo Professional Landcare Network & the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) Location: Orlando, FL

KESMAC, INC..........................................Inside Back Cover

November 6-8

26th Annual International Irrigation Expo Location: Phoenix, AZ

January 2-4, 2006

40th Annual TTA Conference & Trade Show Location: Opryland, Nashville, TN

January 17-22, 2006

STMA Sports Turf Managers Association Annual Conference Location: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Lake Bueno Vista, FL

Covermaster, Inc........................................................... 31 Dave Felder & Associates, Inc........................................ 17 Dixie Turf & Tree/ Greenway........................................... 17

Greenville Turf & Tractor.................................................. 5 Harrell’s Custom Fertilizer....................... Inside Front Cover K-Rain Manufacturing Corp............................................ 15

Mid Tenn Turf, Inc......................................................... 23 Nu-Gro Technologies, Inc............................................... 33 Oasis Irrigation................................................................ 9 Oldham Chemicals Co.................................................... 21 Prosource One................................................................. 7 Regal Chemical............................................................. 11 Smith Turf & Irrigation....................................... Back Cover Southeastern Turf, LLC

Sprigger’s Choice, Inc.

Sur-Line Turf, Inc.

Syngenta Turf & Ornamental

Turf Mountain Sod

Turfgrass America Corp. Winstead Turf

February 9-11, 2006 Golf Industry Show (GCSAA and NGCOA) Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center New Orleans, LA February 15-18, 2006 TPI Midwinter Conference Location: Savannah, GA

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7 29, 31

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Time.Your Most Important Resource.

So many blades of grass, so little time. When you are responsible for a golf course, it seems there aren’t enough hours in the day to meet all the challenges you face. That’s why STI has developed a portfolio of equipment, service and support that is unmatched in the golf industry. As the exclusive distributor of TORO irrigation systems and TORO commercial turf care equipment since 1925, we provide total turf solutions that maximize efficiencies. Time after time.

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