October Hole Notes

Vol. 44, No. 9 October 2012

Retro-Edition: The TROE Ten Years Later!October 2012

Page 2

Upcoming Events

November 16thPesticide Recertification Class

Contact: [email protected]/MTGF

December 5thMGCSA Annual Awards BanquetMedina Golf and Country Club

Erin McManus Host Superintendent

January 8th-10thNorthern Green Expo

Minneapolis Convention Center

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Chemical Pre-mix Station

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Dale Ledstrom shares a hum-ble and heart felt “Thank You” at the Wee One Event. Read his

article on pages 17-19

CONTENTS Vol. 44, No. 9 October 2012

Presidential Perspective page 5 Scottie Hines CGCS

In Bounds pages 7 Jack MacKenzie CGCS

Within the Leather pages 40-41 Dave Kazmierczak CGCS

EDITORDAVE KAZMIERCZAK CGCS

[email protected]

Feature Articles:Retro- TROE Center Articles pages 8-28 Various Authors

Smoothing Out A Rough Road page 17-19 By David Kazmierczak CGCS

Proposed Dues Increase to Support Member Driven Research pages 32-37 Contributed by the Hole Notes Editorial Staff

Monthly Columns:

The University of Minnesota TROE Center celebrates its 10th Anniversary

with this issue. Throughout this edition of Hole Notes follow the center through challenges, victories and finally the cre-ation of a solid destination for turf grass

research. The future looks bright for MGCSA member driven research!!!

...Even More Content...

Regional Golf Course Report, Metro Area pages 14-20 Dr. Brian Horgan and Sam Bauer, University of Minnesota

Bob Fitch Moves On page 39 by MNLA Staff

Hole Notes (ISSN 108-27994) is digitally published monthly except bimonthly 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].

Get ‘Er Done E. Paul!!! In kind support built a destination for turf research, the TROE Center. Now the call is out for a dues increase to support member generated research. Read

about the Board proposal on pages 32 - 37

Page 4

PresidentScottie Hines CGCSWindsong Farm GC

Vice-PresidentRoger Stewart Jr.TPC Twin Cities

SecretaryBrian Brown

Chisago Lakes GC

TreasurerE. Paul Eckhom CGCS

Heritage Links GC

2012 Board of Directors

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

Cyclone KB4 Debris Blower

2905 Lexington Ave. S Suite 2Eagan, Mn 55121

Local: 651-484-8411Toll Free: 800-592-9513

www.turfwerks.com

Wow, mid-October already! Seems odd to have this much play, be using this much irrigation water and having this much staff on at this time of the year? The weather forecast FINALLY has some rain in it. I will believe it when I see it. I obviously have not been in Minnesota my entire life but it has been a very long time since I have seen conditions this dry. A nice four-day soaker would be great right about now.

The Wee One fund raiser was held at North Oaks last week. What a great day and a great cause! We raised over $14,000 for or recipient, Dale Ledstrom of Tim’s Tree Service, this year. Dale was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and is now awaiting a bone marrow transplant from his brother. The Wee One is a foundation set up to donate funds to members of the golf industry during times of financial hardship due to emergency or life threatening health events. Simply, this is “us” taking care of “us”. If you have been a supporter, please continue. If you have not been a supporter, please consider it. I certainly hope to never have to tap this fund but I will find a way to support it as I follow my career path in this industry. From all of us, best wishes for a complete recovery Dale!

The Fall Mixer was held at the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club yesterday. Another great day! I even goaded Jack MacKenzie to tote a gun along and do some extra shooting after the event. Not a bad shooter, I might add. Congratulations to Jon Glader winner of the 2012 MGCSA Gun Raffle. He takes home a very nice Weatherby 12 guage, O/U shotgun. Erin Mc Manus was High Gun only dropping 4 targets! Well done. Not a bad day for Jon, Erin or anyone who shot!

The call for GCSAA Committee Volunteers has gone out. The deadline to sign up is October 24. You can sign up for up to five committees. There are many to choose from. Things like expertise in a given field, prior local chapter leadership and local chapter committee work will be considered when GCSAA makes it’s committee appointments. This is a great way to give back to our national association, expand your industry network, learn and forge new relationships. I sit on the Government Relations Committee and I can’t begin to explain what a great experience it has been. I will be honest, I was a little intimidated at first but the GCSAA staff and the other committee members made me feel very welcome and very comfortable. Most of the committee work has been done via conference call or e-mail. The time commitment is minimal. Please consider volunteering for a committee, with GCSAA or MGCSA.

Speaking of the GCSAA GR Committee, our latest endeavor has been creating the GCSAA Priority Issues Agenda. These are the issues the Committee recommends to GCSAA for focused attention by staff and the appropriate committees. On the list to be considered for 2013 are: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Fertilizers, Labor and Immigration, Pesticides, The Value of Golf and Water Management. I am sure you will be hearing more from GCSAA or me on these issues in the near future.

Kevin Clunis, CGCS recently attended the Chapter Delegates meeting at GCSAA HQ. He will be giving us a re-cap of the meetings at our next board meeting. Thanks Kevin for taking the time and effort to act as the MGCSA Delegate.

It has been a long summer and as we wind into fall and shorter days take advantage and get a few of those things done you have had on the back burner since early summer. It is almost time to relax, even if only for a little while….

Page 5

Presidential Perspectiveby Scottie Hines CGCS

Page 6

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Page 7

In Boundsby Jack MacKenzie CGCSHappy Anniversary U of M TROE Center!!! Just ten years ago the MGCSA mantra was, “Build It and They Will Come”. We did build it and indeed after ten years a lot of research has been conducted at the renowned destination. Kudos MGCSA for accomplishing your goal!

You should notice a few retro pages in this issue of Hole Notes. They are actually articles about the TORE Center meant to take you back in time and walk you through some of the victories, challenges, trials, research and developmental stages of the home for Minnesota Turf Science. These articles, cut and pasted from previous issues, will generate thoughts of where we have been and how far we have come as a destination for turf investigations. From mandated fertilizer studies to NTEP trials the TROE Center has provided the turf community a fine landing zone for grass studies. But what about golf course research?

Boldly, the MGCSA contributed money and resources to build several acres of prime playing ground for golf course turf scientists. In the early years the University was pleased to make use of a piece of property formerly set aside for cow cultivation. Dreams of giant expanses of fine cut turf, both fairway and green, came to reality. Partnering with the University, the MGCSA engaged in positive growth for all parties involved. But with squeezing budgets and changing politics the TROE Center was eventually left alone to survive through industry donations.

Dr.’s Horgan and Watkins have been masterful in claiming national grant money for industrial turf studies and modest golf industry funds to supplement those larger dollars. Unfortunately, not enough has been contributed to sustain any member driven research ideas. In other words, the good stuff, the material you can use today and for years to come.

To that end your Board of Directors and the recently reactivated Research Committee have resolved to inject new energy into Minnesota golf course turf research with the surge of sustainable funds and the creation of a system to refine ideas worth pursuing. Ideas generated by the membership of the MGCSA. Questions you want answers to today and research done in your back yard tomorrow. The plan includes research reports available in sections on line at the MGCSA.org website as well as three times annually generated regional reports from the staff at the University of Minnesota.

Possible? Absolutely, but the choice is yours. It will mean a dues increase, a final bump enough to generate a minimum of $20,000 to be put toward member driven research annually. $35 bucks in total per member at the end of three years…the cost of a dozen cheap golf balls, three boxes of premium shotgun shells, a nice polo shirt, a prime time movie with popcorn and milk duds, nine gallons of gas, two bottles of reasonable wine…you get the picture. Here is to wishing the TROE Center another several years of success. “Cheers!”

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BEP_GRN_M2_1189_IA_MN_O.indd 9-17-2012 3:04 PMSaved at NonePrinted At Client Bayer Environmental ProductsMedia Type MagazineLive 7.5” x 10”Trim 8.5” x 11”Bleed 8.75” x 11.25”Job Title Snow Mold Sales Rep AdPubs Minnesota Hole NotesIowa GCSA ReporterAd Code None

DEPARTMENT:

APPROVAL:

Art Director Copywriter Acct. Manager Studio Artist Proofreader Traffic Production

Addl. Notes: None

Protect your course from Snow Mold

Pink and gray snow molds are devastating turf diseases that occur on golf course putting greens, tees and fairways in the presence or absence of snow cover. These diseases are not only unsightly in the spring but can leave the turf surfaces unplayable.

There are many fungicides that are labeled for the control of pink and gray snow molds, but the Bayer StressGard™ Formulation Technology product line is proven to provide superior disease control and outstanding turf quality. These powerful fungicides give you confident snow mold control with solutions to fit your budget – leading to earlier green up and more green in your pocket.

It all starts with Interface®

Interface® is the cornerstone of a solid snow mold control program. Four years of university research and golf course applications have demonstrated that Interface provides earlier spring green up allowing you to jump start your 2013 golf season. Building your snow mold program around Interface allows the flexibility to tailor a program to fit your needs without sacrificing performance.

Two other StressGard FT fungicides that perform well in combinations with Interface are Chipco Triton® FLO and Tartan.® For gray snow mold, Chipco Triton FLO is the tank-mix partner of choice, while Tartan should be used if pink snow mold is the predominant problem. All three fungicides represent distinct fungicide classes that when combined offer powerful disease management tools.

Spring, after a fall-applied Interface combination on an Idaho putting green.

Your guide to complete snow mold control

2012 Fall SolutIonS:Proven, relIable anSwerS For your Snow Mold ProbleMS


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Addl. Notes: None

Bayer CropScience LP, 2 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. 1-800-331-2867. www.BackedbyBayer.com. Bayer (reg’d), the Bayer Cross (reg’d), Backed by Bayer,™ StressGard,™ Interface,® Chipco Triton,® Reserve,™ and Tartan® are trademarks of Bayer. Instrata® is a registered trademark of Syngenta. Pennstar® is a registered trademark of The Andersons. Please verify state registration of these products in your state before selling, using, or distributing. Always read and follow label instructions carefully. ©2012 Bayer CropScience LP.

Snow Mold Control Recommendations Greens & Tees/Fairways

Greens & Tees

Fairways

2008–2012 Summary of University Trials25 Trial Comparisons


% Snow Mold

Untreated Instrata®

9 –11 � ozInterface +Triton FLO

5 + 0.85 � oz

80

60

40

20

0

61

9 7

Turf Quality

% Snow Mold Turf Quality

Untreated Instrata9–11 � oz

Interface +Triton FLO

5 + 0.85 � oz

7

5

3

1

3.4

1.5

3.3

5.8

6.8

Oregon State University, Golembiewski & McDonald Oregon State University, Golembiewski & McDonald

Untreated Pennstar® FLO(PCNB) 12 � oz


4 + 0.85 � oz

Untreated Pennstar FLO(PCNB) 12 � oz


4 + 0.85 � oz

7

5

3

1

Less than 60 days (Pink)

Less than 80 days (mainly Pink)

60 to 149 days (Pink + Gray) 150 days or more (Gray)

Interface 6 � oz-OR-

Tartan 2 � oz

Interface 4 � oz + Tartan 2 � oz

80 days or more (mainly Gray)

Interface 4 � oz + Triton FLO 0.55 � oz

Interface 5– 6 � oz + Triton FLO 0.85 � oz-OR-

Interface 5 � oz + Reserve™ 4.5 � oz

Interface 6 � oz + Triton FLO 0.85 � oz-OR-

Interface 6 � oz + Reserve 5.4 � oz

74

38

6

6.580

60

40

20

0

Contact Michael Kelly at (952) 292-1966 or [email protected] to learn more about our snow mold solutions.

Product

Triton FLO

Tartan

Interface

Iprodione(Dicarboximide)

Triadimefon(DMI)

Triticonazole(DMI)

Trifloxystrobin(Qol)

StressGardFormulationTechnology

X X

X

X

XX

XX

Page 10


DEPARTMENT:

APPROVAL:


Addl. Notes: None

Bayer CropScience LP, 2 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. 1-800-331-2867. www.BackedbyBayer.com. Bayer (reg’d), the Bayer Cross (reg’d), Backed by Bayer,™ StressGard,™ Interface,® Chipco Triton,® Reserve,™ and Tartan® are trademarks of Bayer. Instrata® is a registered trademark of Syngenta. Pennstar® is a registered trademark of The Andersons. Please verify state registration of these products in your state before selling, using, or distributing. Always read and follow label instructions carefully. ©2012 Bayer CropScience LP.

Snow Mold Control Recommendations Greens & Tees/Fairways

Greens & Tees

Fairways



% Snow Mold

Untreated Instrata®

9 –11 � ozInterface +Triton FLO

5 + 0.85 � oz

80

60

40

20

0

61

9 7

Turf Quality

% Snow Mold Turf Quality

Untreated Instrata9–11 � oz


5 + 0.85 � oz

7

5

3

1

3.4

1.5

3.3

5.8

6.8

Oregon State University, Golembiewski & McDonald Oregon State University, Golembiewski & McDonald

Untreated Pennstar® FLO(PCNB) 12 � oz


4 + 0.85 � oz

Untreated Pennstar FLO(PCNB) 12 � oz


4 + 0.85 � oz

7

5

3

1

Less than 60 days (Pink)

Less than 80 days (mainly Pink)

60 to 149 days (Pink + Gray) 150 days or more (Gray)

Interface 6 � oz-OR-

Tartan 2 � oz

Interface 4 � oz + Tartan 2 � oz

80 days or more (mainly Gray)

Interface 4 � oz + Triton FLO 0.55 � oz

Interface 5– 6 � oz + Triton FLO 0.85 � oz-OR-

Interface 5 � oz + Reserve™ 4.5 � oz

Interface 6 � oz + Triton FLO 0.85 � oz-OR-

Interface 6 � oz + Reserve 5.4 � oz

74

38

6

6.580

60

40

20

0

Contact Michael Kelly at (952) 292-1966 or [email protected] to learn more about our snow mold solutions.

Product

Triton FLO

Tartan

Interface

Iprodione(Dicarboximide)

Triadimefon(DMI)

Triticonazole(DMI)

Trifloxystrobin(Qol)

StressGardFormulationTechnology

X X

X

X

XX

XX

Page 11

Incredible educational value at Northern Green Expo 2013 – just look at these

golf course speakers!

Golf Course Master Planning

Whether a private country club or a public daily-fee golf course, a long-range master plan can be a valuable tool for identifying and prioritizing capital improvements. Norby will discuss the benefits of preparing a master plan and will describe steps which you, as a superintendent, can take to encourage your course to complete a long-range plan to reduce maintenance and unnecessary repairs and to improve course conditioning and playability.

1

Panel Discussion on Golf Course Master Planning

This panel discussion will bring together superintendents who have completed a long-range master plan for their golf course including Mike Handrich, Superintendent at Racine Country Club in Racine, Wisc.; Kurt Knox, Superintendent at Island View Golf Club in Waconia, Minn.; Chris Bradford, Superintendent at Coal Creek Golf Course in Louisville, Colo. and Troy Malo, General Manager at Pebble Creek Golf Course in Becker, Minn. They will discuss the challenges they faced in convincing their club to pursue a master plan and the benefits which they have experienced since completing the process. They will discuss some of their specific changes and will describe what impact their master plan has had on their course and their budget.

2

Bob Vavrek has been part of the USGA Green Section staff for 22 years. His current responsibilities include making turf advisory service visits and USGA Championship preparation in Nebraska, Iowa, Northern Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The goal of the USGA Turf Advisory Service is to help provide golfers the best possible playing conditions within the budgetary limitations of a particular golf facility. Other duties include writing articles for various publications and making numerous educational presentations at turf conferences across the United States and abroad. A native of northeast Ohio, Vavrek holds a B.S. in biology from Marietta College. A Masters degree in turfgrass entomology from The Ohio

State University explains his interest in helping golf course superintendents make a rapid, accurate diagnosis of turf related problems as well as presenting sustainable, environmentally friendly options to address these issues. He resides in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Golf Course: The 2012 Year In Review

A mild winter and early warm weather during spring started the 2012 golf season off on the right foot. However, record heat and extended periods of drought across the upper Midwest caused plenty of stress to golf courses during June and July. This presentation discusses ways golf course managers addressed issues of intense heat and inconsistent rainfall this summer.

JaNuaRY 9-11, 2013Minneapolis Convention Center

Kevin Norby is the owner and principal of Herfort Norby Golf Course Architects in Chaska. Kevin attended the University of Idaho at Moscow and South Dakota State University at Brookings where he received a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture. He is a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) and is an active member of numerous golf course industry associations including the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and the Midwest Public Golf Managers Association (MPGMA). In 1991, Norby formed Herfort Norby Golf Course Architects and worked with his partner and mentor Don Herfort until 2003. Today, Herfort Norby specializes exclusively in the design and renovation of golf courses. Norby has been involved with nearly 100 golf course projects throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean and is a frequent speaker and contributing writer on issues related to golf course design and master planning. His services cover all aspects of golf course development from site selection and market/feasibility studies, to renovations and new course design.

plus many more great seminars and speakers! to view the entire

preliminary schedule-at-a-glance, visit www.northernGreenexpo.org.

Join the conversation onTwitter. #GreenExpo13

Page 12

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THANK YOU SPONSORS!!!

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Title Sponsors: MGCSA Interlachen Country Club Par Aide Products Golden Valley Golf and Reinders Inc Country Club Meal Sponsors: Hartman Companies Mitchell Products

3 Iron Challenge Sponsors: Syngenta EC Grow Koch Industries/UMAXX FMC Turfco Superior Turf Services Frontier Ag and Turf Leitner Company

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The Wee One Foundation, Smoothing out a Rough Road by Dave Kazmeirczak CGCS

The road to recovery from cancer can be a long and lonely one, but on October 8, 2012 Dale Ledstrom, owner of Tim’s Tree Service, got a little help from his industry brothers. Ledstrom is this year’s Wee One recipient.

Ledstrom related in an acceptance speech at the Wee One Foundation event at North Oaks Country Club that while his road to recovery has already been trod upon, there are many more steps to take.

Lesdstrom has owned and operated Tim’s tree service for the last seven years and has serviced close to a dozen golf courses in the greater Twin Cities area. He started experiencing neck and shoulder pain earlier in the year and tried chiropractic care and physical therapy to correct the pain he was experiencing. When that did not help, he decided to seek another opinion. On June 6, 2012 he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

The devastating news was a blow not only to Ledstrom, but to his wife, Denise,

Page 17

their daughter, Annika and the rest of his family as well. Tim’s tree service would also take a major hit, as Ledstrom was owner and operator, and his dawn to dusk schedule would be reduced to next to nothing. Clearly Ledstrom and his family needed some help, and that is what they got in a variety of ways.

In order to keep the business afloat, Denise has stepped in to run the business side while the former owner, Tim Hagen, returned to help with the tree service end of the business. Ledstrom also did landscaping and demolition work, but that part of the business has been halted until Ledstrom recovers. While this plan has kept the business alive, it has not kept the business profitable, and some equipment has had to be sold in order to sustain the operation. Also, Denise has not been able to return to a regular job in order to concentrate on the business matters, further burdening the home budget.

Having heard of Ledstrom’s illness, Mike Manthey, superintendent Midland Hills and Jeff Ische, superintendent Golden Valley Country Club wondered if the Wee One Foundation would be able to help Ledstrom. Some investigation

from Ische confirmed that Ledstrom was eligible to receive help from the foundation. Now all Ledstrom had to do was accept that help, which was not easy.

When Ische first approached Ledstrom about the Wee One

donation he was hesitant. Lestrom had always been the giver, the one who went above and beyond the normal service and provided his customers what they needed. Now he was the one in need. After about four weeks, Ische was contacted by Denise, and the application was quickly submitted and approved. All proceeds from the October 8 event, plus $2,500 more from the Wee One Foundation would go to Ledstrom and his family.

Dale and Denise Ledstrom, cancer in remission, share a good moment with Kerry Anderson, Wee One beneficiary

four years ago.

Page 18

Perhaps the greatest gift of all, however, will come from his older brother.

When Ledstrom was first diagnosed, he started four cycles of in-patient chemotherapy an the University of Minnesota Fairview hospital. An MRI in last September showed that the cancer was in remission, which allows Ledstrom to proceed in the next step to recovery- a bone marrow transplant that will be donated from his older brother. After the surgery, Ledstrom will spend 30 days in an isolated situation due to a lack of immune system, and then another couple months at Hope Lodge, a short-

term recovery facility.Ledstrom expressed gratitude

to the Wee One and the MGCSA for supporting him, and thanked Ische for his support in getting it accomplished. His road to recovery will take time to travel, but he is looking forward to getting around this detour, and providing the strong service his customers have come to appreciate from him in the spring of 2013.

If you are interested in helping support the Wee One Foundation visit Wee One.Org for more information. Your contributions make a difference and are greatly appreciated by many including Dale Ledstrom, Mike Smith, Tom Fuller and Kerry Anderson.

Page 19

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Bunker Rakes• Options for daily maintenance and bunker renovation• Myriad of attachments for any job• Superior power and traction

Greens Roller• Ideal for use on high performance, fine turf surfaces• Offset, independent rollers for improved contour following and reduced striping• Wide turning radius helps minimize scuffing and turf damage

Debris Equipment• Clean turf and hard surfaces quickly and easily• Clear cores, grass clippings, leaves, sand, thatch and more• High productivity providing significant labor savings

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Page 24

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Page 27

The University of Minnesota TurfgrassScience program has had another success-ful year. Our research program has con-ducted research in three primary areas:(1) Environmental Protection, (2)Production and Management ofTurfgrasses and (3) Turfgrass Breedingand Genetics. At the end of this article, wehave listed peer-reviewed scientific publi-cations from 2010 and also a list of currentresearch projects that are being funded atour research center. As you can see, ourteam of students and researchers has beenvery successful in conducting importantresearch that will benefit turfgrass profes-sionals in both the short-term and thelong-term.

When interacting with stakeholders,we often are asked how the University ofMinnesota financial situation affects ourresearch and education program.Unfortunately, the declining financialresources available within the Universityare beginning to impact our program; inthe past, the college was able to help sup-port our field facility manager position,which is no longer the case. In the nearfuture, we expect to see severe reductions,or even elimination, of funds dedicatedtowards personnel that help keep theTROE Center operational. Fortunately, theturfgrass science program has been well-supported by the turf and grounds indus-try in Minnesota. When we talk to col-leagues throughout the country, we realizehow fortunate we are to have a great rela-tionship with industry partners such asMGCSA and MTGF. The funding wereceive from these organizations hasallowed us to successfully compete for anumber of large grants (see list at end ofthis article).

Typically, industry groups, such asthe MGCSA and MTGF, can supportresearch in one of two ways. The firstmodel supports research by funding theinfrastructure necessary for longer-term,impactful research projects. The secondmodel supports specific research projectsbut does not provide funding for criticalinfrastructure and personnel. One advan-tage to the project-specific funding modelis industry professionals can quickly usethe research results. For instance, a trialthat evaluates a series of plant growth reg-ulators for use on annual bluegrass wouldprovide research results within a shorttime frame and lead to changes in turf

management. For these types of research projects, we

are endowing a graduate student fellow-ship and are happy to report that we havecommitments for $240,000 (goal is$400,000). We appreciate the MGCSA'ssupport of this fellowship.

The first model allows us to confi-dently present research proposals to out-side funding agencies because we knowthat the infrastructure and personnel costsassociated with maintaining our facilityare in place. Most funding agencies wantto fund graduate student research andrelated supplies and are not interested infunding infrastructure or long-termresearch personnel. This model providesindustry a significant return on invest-ment since a graduate student costs ourprogram approximately $40,000/yr (sameamount granted by MTGF to our programin 2011).

In summary, our program relies ongeneral funding for infrastructure andpersonnel (TROE Center and people torun it). This allows us to invest in long-term research projects that will haveimplications for turf managementthroughout the region and country fordecades to come. At the same time, afully-funded research center allows us toperform readily-applied research. It is ourdesire that MTGF and the allied organiza-tion, such as the MGCSA, will continue tosupport the TROE Center and the person-nel necessary for the continuation of anationally recognized, impactful turfgrassresearch program.

We hope that MGCSA members will beable to join us for the 2011 Turf andGrounds Field which will be held onThursday, September 15 on the St. Paulcampus. Details will be provided later thissummer at www.mtgf.org.

Peer-Reviewed Publications in 2010

Bierman, P.M., B.P. Horgan, C.J. Rosen, A.B. Hollmanand P.H. Pagliari. 2010. Phosphorus runoff from turf-grass as affected by phosphorus fertilization and clip-ping management. J. Environ. Qual. 39:282-292.

Clark, M.D., and E. Watkins. 2010. Seed productioncharacteristics of prairie junegrass germplasm acces-sions. Crop Science 50:1057-1065.

Kerns, J.P., P.L. Koch, D. Cook, B.P. Horgan andF.P. Wong. 2010. First report of brown patch causedby Waitea circinata var. circinata on Poa annua inWisconsin and Minnesota. Plant Disease. Vol. 94, No.9:1165.

Clark, M.D., and E. Watkins. 2010. Turfgrass char-acteristics of prairie junegrass germplasm accessions.Crop Science 50:2092-2102.

Rice, P.J., B.P. Horgan, C.Hapeman and L.McConnell. 2010. In Press. Effectiveness of manage-ment practices to mitigate off-site movement and eco-logical risk of pesticides transported with runoff fromagriculture and turf systems. In Pesticides. In-Tech.Vienna, Austria. ISBN 978-953-7619-X-X.

Hoffman, L., M. DaCosta, J.S. Ebdon, and E.Watkins. 2010. Physiological changes during cold accli-mation of perennial ryegrass accessions differing infreeze tolerance. Crop Science 50:1037-1047.

Jiang, Y., E. Watkins, S. Liu, X. Yu, and N. Luo.2010. Antioxidative responses and candidate geneexpression in prairie junegrass under drought stress.Journal of the American Society of HorticulturalScience 135: 303-309.

Rice, P.J., B.P. Horgan and J.L. Rittenhouse. 2010.Pesticide transport with runoff from creeping bent-grass turf: relationship of pesticide properties to masstransport. Envrion. Tox. and Chem. Vol. 29, No.6:1209-1214.

Rice, P.J., B.P. Horgan and J.L. Rittenhouse. 2010.Evaluation of core cultivation practices to reduce eco-logical risk of pesticides in runoff from Agrostis palus-tris. Environ. Tox. and Chem. Vol. 29, No. 6:1215-1223.

Watkins, E., A.B. Hollman and B.P. Horgan. 2010.Evaluation of alternative turfgrass species for low-input golf course fairways. Hort. Sci. 45(1):113-118.

Watkins, E, S. Fei, D. Gardner, J. Stier, S. Bughrara,D. Li, C. Bigelow, L. Schliecher, B. Horgan and K.Diesburg. 2011. Low-input turfgrass species for thenorth central United States. Online. Applied TurfgrassScience doi:10.1094/ATS-2011-0126-02-RS.

Funded Research Ongoing Projects (does notinclude projects completed before 2010)

Developing alternative sod mixtures for salt anddrought affected sites. 2010-2013. Local RoadResearch Board (MnDOT). $176,516.

Alternative turfgrass species as a pest manage-ment strategy. USDA/CSREES Pest ManagementAlternative Program. Watkins, E., C. Yue, B.P. Horgan,J. Kerns and M. Meyer. 2009-2012. $179,494.

Genetic improvement of prairie junegrass. 2006-2012. United States Golf Association. Eric Watkins andNancy Ehlke. $50,000.

Mineralization rates of soils using the ISNT to pre-dict nitrate leaching. 2010-2012. United States GolfAssociation. Brian Horgan and Dave Gardner.$38,150.

Reducing P runoff from turf; an education andoutreach approach. 2011. Minnesota Pollution ControlAgency. Brian Horgan and Carl Rosen. $30,000.

Watkins, E, and N. Ehlke. 2009-2011. Expandingthe potential of native turfgrass seed production.Minnesota Turf Seed Council. $20,000.

Horgan, B.P. and E. Watkins. 2009-2011.Determination best mixture and blend of cool-seasongrasses when exposed to acute drought. NationalTurfgrass Evaluation Program. $15,000.

National Turfgrass Evaluation Program: Tall fes-cue. 2006-2011. NTEP. Eric Watkins and BrianHorgan. $12,500.

National Turfgrass Evaluation Program: Bentgrassputting green. 2008-2013. Eric Watkins and BrianHorgan. $12,000.

National Turfgrass Evaluation Program: Fine fes-cue wear tolerance. 2008-2013. Eric Watkins andBrian Horgan. $12,000.

Alternative species for low input greens. 2008-2011. Brian Horgan, Eric Watkins, and AndrewHollman.

University of Minnesota Turfgrass Research Program Update

By Brian Horgan, Ph.D. and Eric WatkinsUniversity of Minnesota

Department of Horticultural Science

Hole Notes July 2011 5Page 28

The University of Minnesota TurfgrassScience program has had another success-ful year. Our research program has con-ducted research in three primary areas:(1) Environmental Protection, (2)Production and Management ofTurfgrasses and (3) Turfgrass Breedingand Genetics. At the end of this article, wehave listed peer-reviewed scientific publi-cations from 2010 and also a list of currentresearch projects that are being funded atour research center. As you can see, ourteam of students and researchers has beenvery successful in conducting importantresearch that will benefit turfgrass profes-sionals in both the short-term and thelong-term.

When interacting with stakeholders,we often are asked how the University ofMinnesota financial situation affects ourresearch and education program.Unfortunately, the declining financialresources available within the Universityare beginning to impact our program; inthe past, the college was able to help sup-port our field facility manager position,which is no longer the case. In the nearfuture, we expect to see severe reductions,or even elimination, of funds dedicatedtowards personnel that help keep theTROE Center operational. Fortunately, theturfgrass science program has been well-supported by the turf and grounds indus-try in Minnesota. When we talk to col-leagues throughout the country, we realizehow fortunate we are to have a great rela-tionship with industry partners such asMGCSA and MTGF. The funding wereceive from these organizations hasallowed us to successfully compete for anumber of large grants (see list at end ofthis article).

Typically, industry groups, such asthe MGCSA and MTGF, can supportresearch in one of two ways. The firstmodel supports research by funding theinfrastructure necessary for longer-term,impactful research projects. The secondmodel supports specific research projectsbut does not provide funding for criticalinfrastructure and personnel. One advan-tage to the project-specific funding modelis industry professionals can quickly usethe research results. For instance, a trialthat evaluates a series of plant growth reg-ulators for use on annual bluegrass wouldprovide research results within a shorttime frame and lead to changes in turf

management. For these types of research projects, we

are endowing a graduate student fellow-ship and are happy to report that we havecommitments for $240,000 (goal is$400,000). We appreciate the MGCSA'ssupport of this fellowship.

The first model allows us to confi-dently present research proposals to out-side funding agencies because we knowthat the infrastructure and personnel costsassociated with maintaining our facilityare in place. Most funding agencies wantto fund graduate student research andrelated supplies and are not interested infunding infrastructure or long-termresearch personnel. This model providesindustry a significant return on invest-ment since a graduate student costs ourprogram approximately $40,000/yr (sameamount granted by MTGF to our programin 2011).

In summary, our program relies ongeneral funding for infrastructure andpersonnel (TROE Center and people torun it). This allows us to invest in long-term research projects that will haveimplications for turf managementthroughout the region and country fordecades to come. At the same time, afully-funded research center allows us toperform readily-applied research. It is ourdesire that MTGF and the allied organiza-tion, such as the MGCSA, will continue tosupport the TROE Center and the person-nel necessary for the continuation of anationally recognized, impactful turfgrassresearch program.

We hope that MGCSA members will beable to join us for the 2011 Turf andGrounds Field which will be held onThursday, September 15 on the St. Paulcampus. Details will be provided later thissummer at www.mtgf.org.

Peer-Reviewed Publications in 2010

Bierman, P.M., B.P. Horgan, C.J. Rosen, A.B. Hollmanand P.H. Pagliari. 2010. Phosphorus runoff from turf-grass as affected by phosphorus fertilization and clip-ping management. J. Environ. Qual. 39:282-292.

Clark, M.D., and E. Watkins. 2010. Seed productioncharacteristics of prairie junegrass germplasm acces-sions. Crop Science 50:1057-1065.

Kerns, J.P., P.L. Koch, D. Cook, B.P. Horgan andF.P. Wong. 2010. First report of brown patch causedby Waitea circinata var. circinata on Poa annua inWisconsin and Minnesota. Plant Disease. Vol. 94, No.9:1165.

Clark, M.D., and E. Watkins. 2010. Turfgrass char-acteristics of prairie junegrass germplasm accessions.Crop Science 50:2092-2102.

Rice, P.J., B.P. Horgan, C.Hapeman and L.McConnell. 2010. In Press. Effectiveness of manage-ment practices to mitigate off-site movement and eco-logical risk of pesticides transported with runoff fromagriculture and turf systems. In Pesticides. In-Tech.Vienna, Austria. ISBN 978-953-7619-X-X.

Hoffman, L., M. DaCosta, J.S. Ebdon, and E.Watkins. 2010. Physiological changes during cold accli-mation of perennial ryegrass accessions differing infreeze tolerance. Crop Science 50:1037-1047.

Jiang, Y., E. Watkins, S. Liu, X. Yu, and N. Luo.2010. Antioxidative responses and candidate geneexpression in prairie junegrass under drought stress.Journal of the American Society of HorticulturalScience 135: 303-309.

Rice, P.J., B.P. Horgan and J.L. Rittenhouse. 2010.Pesticide transport with runoff from creeping bent-grass turf: relationship of pesticide properties to masstransport. Envrion. Tox. and Chem. Vol. 29, No.6:1209-1214.

Rice, P.J., B.P. Horgan and J.L. Rittenhouse. 2010.Evaluation of core cultivation practices to reduce eco-logical risk of pesticides in runoff from Agrostis palus-tris. Environ. Tox. and Chem. Vol. 29, No. 6:1215-1223.

Watkins, E., A.B. Hollman and B.P. Horgan. 2010.Evaluation of alternative turfgrass species for low-input golf course fairways. Hort. Sci. 45(1):113-118.

Watkins, E, S. Fei, D. Gardner, J. Stier, S. Bughrara,D. Li, C. Bigelow, L. Schliecher, B. Horgan and K.Diesburg. 2011. Low-input turfgrass species for thenorth central United States. Online. Applied TurfgrassScience doi:10.1094/ATS-2011-0126-02-RS.

Funded Research Ongoing Projects (does notinclude projects completed before 2010)

Developing alternative sod mixtures for salt anddrought affected sites. 2010-2013. Local RoadResearch Board (MnDOT). $176,516.

Alternative turfgrass species as a pest manage-ment strategy. USDA/CSREES Pest ManagementAlternative Program. Watkins, E., C. Yue, B.P. Horgan,J. Kerns and M. Meyer. 2009-2012. $179,494.

Genetic improvement of prairie junegrass. 2006-2012. United States Golf Association. Eric Watkins andNancy Ehlke. $50,000.

Mineralization rates of soils using the ISNT to pre-dict nitrate leaching. 2010-2012. United States GolfAssociation. Brian Horgan and Dave Gardner.$38,150.

Reducing P runoff from turf; an education andoutreach approach. 2011. Minnesota Pollution ControlAgency. Brian Horgan and Carl Rosen. $30,000.

Watkins, E, and N. Ehlke. 2009-2011. Expandingthe potential of native turfgrass seed production.Minnesota Turf Seed Council. $20,000.

Horgan, B.P. and E. Watkins. 2009-2011.Determination best mixture and blend of cool-seasongrasses when exposed to acute drought. NationalTurfgrass Evaluation Program. $15,000.

National Turfgrass Evaluation Program: Tall fes-cue. 2006-2011. NTEP. Eric Watkins and BrianHorgan. $12,500.

National Turfgrass Evaluation Program: Bentgrassputting green. 2008-2013. Eric Watkins and BrianHorgan. $12,000.

National Turfgrass Evaluation Program: Fine fes-cue wear tolerance. 2008-2013. Eric Watkins andBrian Horgan. $12,000.

Alternative species for low input greens. 2008-2011. Brian Horgan, Eric Watkins, and AndrewHollman.

University of Minnesota Turfgrass Research Program Update

By Brian Horgan, Ph.D. and Eric WatkinsUniversity of Minnesota

Department of Horticultural Science

Hole Notes July 2011 5 Page 29

Through the years, Thank you Brian, Eric and your staffs for the support. Happy Anniversary!!!

Page 30

Through the years, Thank you Brian, Eric and your staffs for the support. Happy Anniversary!!!

Page 31

To The Point

At the September 2012 monthly meeting, the MGCSA’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to submit to MGCSA members the proposal of a dues increase to directly fund research at the University of Minnesota TROE Center. The proposal will be voted upon at the annual meeting in January. The plan involves an annual giving of $20,000 from the MGCSA directly to the University of Minnesota turf program, specifically for directed research- meaning research proposals put forth by the membership and approved by the MGCSA board of directors. The research projects generally will be of the one to two-year variety and have direct impact for members of the MGCSA and their golf courses.

The $20,000 will initially be gifted from the existing MGCSA Research Fund, and re-paid by the dues increases. The recommendation is to increase dues by seven percent year one, 14 percent year two and 21 percent year three, equating to roughly $10 per year for the next three years. A five dollar fee would also be attached to the first and each ensuing year to “pay back” the initial monies borrowed from our existing Research Fund. After three years the total dues increase per person will be $35 and will create a self-sustaining, member driven research purse. Future funding will be 24 percent of annual dues to keep up with inflation.. The idea was brought to the board by Roger Stewart, CGCS, Superintendent at TPC Twin Cities, who is also serving as Research Committee

Proposed Dues Increase to Support Member Driven Research

By Dave Kazmierczak CGCS

Page 32

Chair. The Research Committee, Erin McManus, E. Paul Eckholm CGCS, Dr. Brian Horgan, Sam Bauer, Mike Manthey, Brandon Schindele, Adam Murphy, Chris Tritibaugh, Jeff Johnson and Jamie Bezanson met several weeks prior to the BOD meeting, to discuss ideas and finalize the proposal which was sent to the Board. The concept’s origins came from Stewart and Jack MacKenzie, CGCS, and Executive Director of the MGCSA. Stewart said when the new research committee first met they sat down to talk about what was going on at the TROE center, and what the MGCSA was getting out of their existing contributions. The picture became clear very quickly. “I was concerned because of a lack of action,” Stewart said. “The money we gave just kind of kept the lights on. That first meeting I said… here’s what I think, and Jack had a plan for the funding, because……we don’t have any way to raise money.” While the team of Dr. Brian Horgan, Dr. Erik Watkins and Sam Bauer have had solid research conducted at the University and many papers

published, a majority of studies have not been specific to golf course work. This concept gives direct funding for work done for golf course purposes. The three turf researchers were first introduced to the idea in an August meeting with Stewart, MacKenzie and Erin McManus, Superintendent Medinah Golf Club. “I think at first Brian and the rest were very surprised, but then

were instantly enthusiastic and said yes, we can definitely do that,” Stewart said. Stewart went on to say that what this plan really does is help set a constant flow of funding so the researchers know they have financial backing and can set up a game

plan for operations. Research is funded by grants from associations like the MGCSA and private industry. There is stiff competition to secure that funding and conduct research, and much like a bidding process, the landing of funding can be very fickle. This provides stability and would help ensure that the TROE Center continues to be viewed as a valuable asset to the University. While Stewart admitted that nobody likes an increase in dues,

Page 33

this increase is a direct benefit to the membership, and really the only way to get out the of TROE Center the potential that it has. “At some point in time you just have to go forward and see what happens,” Stewart said.

Your Return on Investment

A dues increase totaling $35 dollars over the next three years is a significant bump in Association membership fees. The Board appreciates the concerns it will create however also realizes that the MGCSA isn’t utilizing a destination they had helped to build with direct funding and in kind support in 2002. After reviewing alternative funding sources the BOD recognized that the only viable solution was to increase the dues to a level that would sustain the goal of member driven research. The Research Committee has already begun developing a plan of action to be implemented should the Membership accept the proposal. Working with the University of Minnesota a three-phase approach has been reviewed to provide a return on investment to the membership.

Phase One: The Creation of a Research Library. In actuality our Executive Director has already begun the first phase of the project, the gathering of relevant reports, studies

and articles pertaining to topics the RC feels are important to the membership. Once accumulated the material will be readily available on-line at mgcsa.org in the form of article links for ease of sharing. Information such as worm related studies, wetting solution reviews and weather anomaly impacts upon turf. The RC feels that a library of research material will save the membership the time it would take for them to locate, review and replicate information for their club owners, General Managers or player’s use. “By doing the legwork of finding and accumulating research reports for the MGCSA membership, their time is freed up to continue doing what they do best, manage their golf course. When critical information is required the Library will provide links to University Studies and professional articles at the member’s finger tips,” MacKenzie said at the first RC meeting. This library of material, which takes significant time to gather and collate, will be a big benefit to the MGCSA membership.

Phase Two Regional reports generated three times each year by the University of Minnesota Staff. Remember last summer when the weather turned ugly? Your turf may have been struggling and players may have been complaining about conditions and, although you had the answers,

Page 34

Page 35

it took a report from Dr. Horgan to substantiate what you were saying all along…we are growing a cool season turf in a warm season environment. The RC and University Staff have agreed that proactive reports would give golf courses through the state the material needed to support cultural practices, explain weather anomalies and improve dialogue between all parties involved. Because we have five distinct regions, five reports will be crafted by Brian, Sam and their staffs to anticipate and report on current concerns when courses open in the spring, during the mid summer months and right before winterizing. All of these reports will be available on line with notification of posting through The Stimpmeter. These regional reports, generated by our partners at the University of Minnesota will support your turf management and lend credibility to seasonal changes in your practices, another great return on your investment.

Phase Three Member Driven Research. While it is nice to have

the resources a fine University has to offer and an even better destination for research, the value is limited if the

studies are long term and not driven by specific golf course issues. Your additional fees will go directly to fund research as directed by the membership of the MGCSA. The RC has already begun a short list of topics they feel need to be researched for direct and immediate

benefit to the MGCSA. Soon this list will be sent to each of you for further review to create two specific topics to be studied in the initial research projects to begin in 2013 with results published as they are generated and NOT several years down the road. As research is completed new research will begin.

Studies such as Divot Mixes; Rates and Recovery, Combining Wetting Solutions and Blending Growth Regulators will be available as they are tabulated and can be applied to Minnesota golf course management. These reports are not intended for University peer review but rather are working documents for the membership’s immediate use. $20,000 annually will allow staff to be available for conducting the studies both at the TROE Center and in golf course environments across the state, not just in the metropolitan area.

“At some point in time you just have

to go forward and see what

happens,” Roger Stewart, CGCS,

TPC Twin Cities

Page 36

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3 Years in a Row

The Future Is Yours To Decide For many years the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendent’s Association was ahead of their time with investing in member driven research. From top dressing studies, analysis of winter covers and the eventual creation of the TROE Center at the University of Minnesota, the MGCSA has proven to be leaders in regional research applicable to Minnesota goof courses. Since the beginning of the recession however, the research program has taken a back seat to streamlining the business management of the Association. The Board of Directors and Research Committee are recommending getting back into the game by developing a

funding vehicle and format for the establishment of a solid research program for years to come. The MGCSA has access to some of the finest turf scientists in the country, a facility for the application of member driven studies and the forward thinking to implement and sustain a financial system for this critical program indefinitely. There is a sound plan in place and now it is up to the membership to choose the direction for the research committee to pursue. The dues increase necessary to drive this research initiative will be reviewed and voted upon at the annual meeting in January. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact a member of the Board or Research Committee.

Page 37

Regional Turfgrass ReportTwin Cities Region

Fall 2012 (authored 10.16.12)

There is no question that this fall has been exceptionally challenging for golf course super-intendents in the Twin Cities region. Following the second hottest July on record, the fall drought has left many of us playing catch up on a concluding growing season. Here are the precipitation (or lack of precipitation) statistics provided by the Minnesota Climatology Working Group:

August:-2.92inchrainfalldeficit. September:-2.78inchrainfalldeficit. October:-1.27inchrainfalldeficittodate.

Thegolfingpublicdemandingfirmandfastplayingconditionswerecertainlypleasedwiththefirmnessofplayingsurfacesthisfall,howeverourconcernsrelatetoeffectthisdroughtwillhave on our turfgrass quality and irrigation system down the road. For those with less than ad-equate irrigation availability, greens have been given the highest priority and rightfully so. This means that we need to create a plan of attack for the areas that have been a low priority during the drought. In many cases the dormancy mechanisms of our turf will ensure its survival over extended periods of dryness, but what’s the cutoff? This fall has pushed these rough areas to the limits and we need to prepare for the worst. Unfortunately that’s the truth.

Dormant seeding in November will be a good option for areas that might not recover next spring, and should be something you consider in addition to your timely irrigation blow out and snow mold applications. Speaking of snow mold applications, how many of you consulted the August issue of Hole Notes for purchasing your fungicides? We encourage you to use this valuable research whenever possible. Also consider leaving a small test area untreated to demonstrate the effectiveness of these costly (but critical) applications to yourself and your club’s management.

The lack of rainfall has certainly tested the limits of our irrigation systems. The good news is it provided some perspective on the moisture distribution and the quality of our system compo-nents. The bad news, we might be in worse situation than we previously thought. Remember to take photos and document areas with less than adequate irrigation coverage. Making notations on as-builts might be a good idea as well. This information will be useful for implementing irrigation upgrades and adjustments in the future.

Asanothergolfingseasoncomestoanend,itisimportanttoreflectonthestrugglesof2012as a reminder that we can weather the storm. And what a storm it was. The optimist in each of us knowsthat2013willbeastellaryearforturf.Still,besuretoprepareforbattleasalwayswiththeproperplanningtoensureaquickspringrecoveryandsuccessfulgolfingseasonin2013.

Dr. Brian Horgan Sam Bauer University Of Minnesota University of Minnesota Turfgrass Extension Specialist HorticultuteExtension Educator

Page 38

Editors Note: On the facing page you will find the first stab at a Regional Golf Course Turf Report, Metropolitan Area, generated by Dr. Horgan and Same Bauer, Extension Specialists at the University of Minnesota. The Research plan as perscribed by the Board of Directors

and Research Committee encompases this regional report format to provide you with current information associated with your section of the state three times annually; spring opening,

mid summer and in the fall just pior to closure.

Bob Fitch has resigned as executive director of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association. He has purchased a business that specializes in working with non-profit organizations on issues such as board orientation and training, strategic planning and organizational policies. Fitch will depart MNLA in mid-December.

Fitch joined MNLA in 1996. During his tenure, MNLA continued a remarkable run of growth and enhanced its position as one of the leading green industry organizations in the country. Since 2000, MNLA’s total number of members has typically ranked in the top five among state nursery and landscape organizations, its budget has grown significantly, and its grassroots member involvement has thrived at the same time it has added professional association staff.

On behalf of MNLA, Fitch served as president of the Minnesota Grown Promotion Group from 2000-2004; and as president of the Nursery & Landscape Association Executives of North America from 2005-2007. The work of the MNLA team received numerous awards from the Midwest Society of Association Executives for publications, marketing, membership and communications.

One of his signature accomplishments was successfully collaborating with Bob Mugaas and Larry Vetter, former executive directors of the Minnesota Turf & Grounds Foundation, to create and develop the Northern Green Expo from the merger of the MNLA Convention and the MTGF Conference.

His new company, Cain Consulting Group (www.cain-consulting.com), serves associations, foundations and other non-profits across the United States and Canada. It is based in the small northwestern Iowa town of Hawarden, which is just 10 miles from Fitch’s birthplace in Hudson, S.D. Moving closer to family was an important consideration in the career change.

“I’ve been really pleased in the growing relationship between MNLA and MGCSA,” Fitch said. “Not only is MGCSA a critically important audience to the Northern Green Expo, but the ability of MNLA and MGCSA to collaborate on legislative and regulatory matters is mutually beneficial to the members of both organizations. I know your great new executive director, Jack MacKenzie, will be able to forge a strong partnership with whomever is the next staff leader at MNLA.”

Bob Fitch, Executive Director of the MNLA, Moves OnThe MGCSA Wishes Bob the Best of Luck!!!

Page 39

Page 40

With the season winding down and a closing date in the near future, I

always take a moment to reflect back upon the year and digest what went right and what went wrong with our operation . I find it a very useful endeavor to try and capitalize on the successes, and remedy the failures. Ultimately, the changes and tweaks over the winter lead to one very important aspect for the future season: the idea of progress. Progress by definition is the advancing of thoughts and/or actions by an individual or group to further a concept or goal in a positive manor. It is the very essence of why people are in business. The idea is to make progress, or be progressive from the simplest of jobs to the overall operation. To not make progress is to become stagnant, or even worse, regress. So what about your operation? Take a moment to think about it. Did you make progress this year? Did you and your crew accomplish a large common goal? Did you expand your operation? Did you build a new bunker or add a new irrigation head? Did you add a new product line or expand your customer base? Are you satisfied with what you accomplished this year, or did you fall into the trap of being adequate? Did you do the same thing as last year with the same result, with the same people, doing the same

things? Are you satisfied with that? I am willing to bet the answer is no to the last question. It has been my observation that generally, people in the turf industry are not the complacent type. They are innovators either by necessity or design. They are constantly trying to figure out ways to make things better, more efficient, and ultimately lead to progress. That same idea of progress is currently permeating the management of the MGCSA. It had been suggested by some that the MGCSA had become stagnant: The same thing, at the same time with the same results. Some of the comments I heard included one particularly glaring one, surmising that all a member really got from their paid dues was access to job listings and a magazine. Whether this was true or not is up to debate, but I believe that idea of stagnation was the backbone for the change in the executive director position at the end of last year. In case you have been understandably too busy to notice, let me give you a quick update on what is different with the MGCSA from this point a year ago. A complete overhaul of the MGCSA website has taken place. It is now functional, reliable and full of information and quick, easy access. It is light years ahead of its’ predecessor, and there are many more functional components that will be added in the future. The Hole Notes publication you are reading is completely digital, giving the MGCSA the capability of producing a high quality information source without breaking the budget to send out a physical copy. The

by David Kazmierczak CGCSWithin the Leather

Page 41

magazine has also progressed style-wise and will continue to evolve. The MGCSA event schedule has evolved, and will continue to evolve. There is a commitment by the board and the event committee to add new and different events while strengthening the already popular ones. Attendance has been up at a majority of the events this year over last year, and hopefully this will continue to rise. Jack MacKenzie has demonstrated an amazing amount of enthusiasm and commitment at the executive director position, the likes of which have never been seen before. Lack of ideas and ambition will never be attached to his name. This commitment will pay off not only in your up-front dealings with the MGCSA, but there is a lot of behind the scenes things Jack is doing that will help you in the future without you even realizing it. Things like being involved in government affairs, being present and advocating the association with other associations, and generally being on top of matters concerning the association, that were not conducted in the past. I really think this is the tip of the iceberg. There are some pretty progressive individuals on the MGCSA board, and within the MGCSA membership. There will be many ideas both large and small that will help the MGCSA evolve into a bigger and better association. Some will work well, some might not, but at least there is an impetus and desire to progress. The latest big idea will be presented to the association at the annual MGCSA meeting in a few months. The idea is to directly fund research that we want and need at the T.R.O.E center at the University of Minnesota. While not a new concept,

(other turfgrass associations have similar support mechanisms to local universities), it is potentially a bold new step for the MGCSA. It is an opportunity to say yes, we care about turfgrass research and we want to do something about it. It will be a direct benefit to every member of the MGCSA and their facilities, and could lead to much bigger and better things in the future. What it takes is a commitment to funding. All the great ideas in the world start with an idea, and the need to be funded. Currently, the MGCSA annual dues are $115 per member. If you look around the country, or even the world, you will notice that that figure is rather low in comparison. The New England chapter is at $150. Carolinas are at $165. Ontario chimes in at a nice round $173. Our neighbors to the east are at $150. Iowa is at $100, but why would we want to be like Iowa? (Just kidding, of course, many of my former assistants were from Iowa.) The point I am trying to make is that this idea is solid, progressive and puts the MGCSA in line with the rest of the country. It takes many things to forge progress. It takes time, effort, work, planning, money, and many other things I am sure I am omitting, but mostly it takes commitment. I see a great deal of commitment from the leaders of the MGCSA to further and better the association. If you, the members of the association, have not noticed it yet, check it out. The leaders are leading, they just need the association members to commit to joining in if they have not already.

Date post:	10-Mar-2016
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