Volume 7, Issue 8 August, 2015 The Mountain State Greenletter West Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association President s Message Hello, Hello, Hello! Rough times are here! Consecutive days of heavy rainfall to consecutive days of temperatures 90 and above. 2015 seems to be a good year for insects to thrive as well. Fortunately, cool nights have blessed us with the ability to lay down water to achieve a healing effect on the turf at least once a week in most areas in West Virginia. Now is a good time, if you haven t yet, to reach out to a neighboring Superintendent, compare conditions and management practices to make it through the year or just blow off steam during this stressful time of the year. Personally, I can t wait until my course is full of aerification holes and new seed is starting to germinate! We are all used to this weather and have flexibility in our management practices, so I m sure most of you have it under control and you are going about your business as normal. I am excited to announce our Annual meeting will be at Stonewall Resort on Monday, October 5th. Plans are in action for the upcoming turf conference in November as well. It is going to be a great conference with our priorities focused on starting the process earlier to get the information out as soon as possible. The sooner we get the info out, the sooner you can plan your November to attend the beneficial meetings and trade show. I hope to see all of you there again this year. Those of you that have missed the conference in the past, I really hope you can make it this year. The larger number of attendees, the better the event will be. Have a great Summer! Kids are back in school, so Summer is almost over! David Sines President of the WVGCSA Owner of Uniontown Country Club Owner of D. Sines Lawn, Inc.
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Annual Meeting Monday, October 5 ~ Stonewall Resort *Fee - $70 per person *8:30am - Registration *9:00am - Breakfast *10:00am - Golf (winner will receive their name on the Century Cup) *Lunch afterwards is on your own Turf Conference Nov. 2-4 ~ Lakeview Resort Details will be released next month. Sandy Brae Golf Course is closing and has equipment for sale. Contact Frank James to see what is available: 304-634-8900
THE SOLUTION TO YOUR PROBLEM ISN T ALWAYS EASY TO FIND R F R M E O E C N L K I B H V O X I R B S P X N F C G E M B Biomass Partner Soil Turf P Y K X S M O F B S S X X O A B P N T M T E L A O R R S R G D I A P L A E I S P F H O I T U L O O A L S I E I S R L O X Problem Solution Goals Roots For the solution visit www.bit.ly/wsi-wsearch1 E T U R F Y S S C E Experience WE RE HERE TO HELP From garden-variety to mind-boggling, we ve worked with customers to overcome their unique challenges since 1991. Let our experienced team help you develop an efficient and effective plan of action to tackle any turf problem. MEET OUR PROBLEM SOLVERS: www.bit.ly/wsi-team TURF & ORNAMENTAL SUPPLIER SINCE 1991 RICK CATALOGNA, CGCS Territory Manager 412.897.0480 @. W W W.W A L K E R S U P P LY I N C. CO M
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Climate is What We Expect, Weather is What We Get AUGUST 03, 2015 By S. Addison Barden, agronomist, Northeast Region It has been a summer of weather extremes, with minimal rain throughout the region in May, near-record breaking rainfall in June, and typical hot, humid conditions in July. Despite weather extremes, golf courses are in fairly good condition as we wrap up the dog days of summer. However, turfgrass is stressed and the potential for injury is just a bad weather event away. The recent hot, humid weather has led to a decline in root density and depth on putting greens. Reduced root density and depth is of concern during dry, high-sky days when turf can lose more water than can be taken up by compromised root systems. Therefore, extra attention is required to provide adequate moisture during low-humidity days. Although soils may be wet, turf can rapidly wilt under low-humidity conditions, so be prepared to syringe should this weather scenario occur. Carefully managing soil moisture is especially important as high soil temperatures and moisture levels during June and July created an increase of available nitrogen through mineralization. Increased available nitrogen has resulted in above average leaf growth, creating puffy conditions on putting greens. While excess leaf material is not necessarily a bad problem, putting greens can quickly decline if compromised root systems are unable to support the extra leaf tissue. Additionally, typical grooming and brushing procedures to remove excess leaf material often cannot be performed due to hot, humid conditions. Hopefully favorable weather projected for the next several weeks will allow practices like brushing and grooming to resume. Just remember, less is more when brushing, grooming and topdressing putting greens with stressed root systems. Upcoming aeration schedules should be altered if weather conditions are not conducive for such an aggressive cultural practice. Flexibility is vital when scheduling aggressive cultural practices like aeration during this time of year. If weather conditions do not allow for grooming and/or brooming, then aeration is certainly out of the question. If rescheduling is needed, try not to sacrifice originally planned aeration programs i.e., tine size, spacing, topdressing, etc. to fit aeration into a golfing calendar. Forgoing originally planned aeration practices can create issues down the road. If weather forecasts remain true, improved weather conditions will allow for scheduled cultural practices and good playing conditions. Note the long, dense root system from a putting green sampled May 19, 2015. Here, notice the reduced root system of a green sampled July 30, 2015.
On Time, On Budget, Exceeding Expectations CONGRATULATIONS! We wish to extend our hearty congratula ons to the TEAM at the Country Club of Bu alo and Forse Design on the recogni on of your hard work and commitment to making this project a success. We re proud to have made this journey with you! CORPORATE OFFICE 2400 Ri er Drive Daniels, WV 25832 (304) 763-4573 SOUTHEAST DIVISION OFFICE 9935-D Rea Road #208 Charlo e, NC 28277 (704) 650-4859 www.aspen-golf.com Country Club of Bu alo 2014 Golf Inc. Renova on of the Year 2014 Golf Inc. Best of Show INTRODUCING EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO RULE OVER TURF PESTS For more information, contact your FMC Market Specialist: Corbett Schnatmeyer Phone: (267) 733-3480 E-mail: corbett.schnatmeyer@fmc.com *Triple Crown Golf insecticide is a restricted use product. Always read and follow label directions. Triple Crown and FMC are trademarks of FMC Corporation. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved.
WVGCSA JOB OPPORTUNITIES Assistant Superintendent Position at Lakeview Golf Resort on the Mountainview Course. Position will report to Phil Fetzner and Chuck Clevenger as well as upper management staff Education: 2 or 4 year degree in Agronomy, Turf Management or Golf Course Maintenance Requirements: Prior experience as an Assistant Superintendent, ability to get WV pesticide applicator license within 30 days, ability to adjust to a flexible schedule, Valid driver s license Duties: Manage the crew Plan and distribute daily operations Spray pesticides, fertilizers, growth regulators and wetting agents Plow snow during the winter months Setup and repair irrigation system Assist where needed to complete daily and seasonal operations Keep maintenance, safety, and spray records Pay attention to detail and safety Salary: 30k-32k Benefits: Health/dental insurance available, 401k available, one weeks vacation after one year, 3 sick days and a personal day after 90 days, uniforms pants available and 5 shirts from the proshop, discounted room rates, discounted fitness membership, lunch provided, local and national membership in Superintendent association. Resume can be emailed to: fetznerp@lakeviewresort.com