In a continuing effort to discover the many effects the past summer has had on golf greens turf I have launched a mini survey. The last survey I finished yielded 422 responses from across the US and gave many superintendents valuable information. This survey is just slightly different being that many have digested the season and have plans or actions in place that will safeguard turf though stressful summer conditions. The survey will only take several minutes and I will post a link with the results after the GIS next month. Thanks in advance, and all my best this New Year. Click to go to survey site.
www.mcmahongroup.blogspot.com
January 7, 2011
January 6, 2011
Case Study for GCSAA's Environmental Institute for Golf
Click here to link to Attracting Wild Turkey at Harrison Bay Case Study
We are always excited to have the opportunity to spread the word about our environmental activities at The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay. This case study is actually the second one posted by GCSAA. Our other case study dealt with the creation of our native planting bed on #1 tee.
Click here to link to our Going Native case study
The GCSAA Environmental Institute for Golf website here is loaded with valuable information and I hope you can take time to look at some of the other case studies found there. The case studies can be found on the Online Resource page of the website EIFG Case Studies
N Cycle of pHish Ponds on Golf Courses
by Scott Morrison at Turfhuggers.com
With a growing trend towards dedicating water features as wildlife habitat, turf staff must now find ways of balancing the aesthetic value of a water feature with the challenge of a hazard while preserving the ecological integrity of the pond.
Learning the basics of pond chemistry can help turf staff understand how flora, fauna and human influences play an intricate part in the nitrogen cycle. Here's a basic review.
pH is perhaps the most complicated chemistry topic when it comes to understanding water chemistry. pH is the measurement of free hydrogen ions in water as measured on a logarithmic scale of 1 to 14, with 7 considered neutral. Ponds should be between 5.5 and 8.5, the ideal range is 7.0 and 7.4.
High pH readings indicate that more hydrogen ions have bonded and are part of a molecule, primarily water molecules. Low pH readings indicate more free ions in the water.
To provide healthy pond water conditions for fish, the pond requires ample water molecules with oxygen as well as a reasonable amount of free hydrogen to bind with oxygen at the surface and at aeration points such as water fountains, stream inlets and water falls.
Higher pH readings indicate more hydrogen within water molecules and so reflect the degree of water molecules in the pond. These molecules make oxygen available to fish, plants and aerobic bacteria. The pH in a pond is always changing. Seasonal temperature and aquatic plant growing trends mixed with the constant removal of oxygen by fish and the introduction of organic matter all have significant influence upon water quality.
The decomposition of organic matter, also known as nitrogenous waste, by aerobic or oxygen using bacteria generates the waste product ammonia. If a pond is high in ammonia there are either too many fish present (fish produce waste high in ammonia), there is a low concentration of nitrosomonas bacteria, or there is an outside source of ammonia leaching into the water table. Often when fish are seen “gasping for air” on the surface there is either low dissolved oxygen in the water, a low pH, or the presence of ammonia or nitrite. As soon as you have ammonia in the pond, the nitrogen cycle becomes a major player in the state of your water quality.
Read more at Turfhuggers.com
With a growing trend towards dedicating water features as wildlife habitat, turf staff must now find ways of balancing the aesthetic value of a water feature with the challenge of a hazard while preserving the ecological integrity of the pond.
Learning the basics of pond chemistry can help turf staff understand how flora, fauna and human influences play an intricate part in the nitrogen cycle. Here's a basic review.
pH is perhaps the most complicated chemistry topic when it comes to understanding water chemistry. pH is the measurement of free hydrogen ions in water as measured on a logarithmic scale of 1 to 14, with 7 considered neutral. Ponds should be between 5.5 and 8.5, the ideal range is 7.0 and 7.4.
High pH readings indicate that more hydrogen ions have bonded and are part of a molecule, primarily water molecules. Low pH readings indicate more free ions in the water.
To provide healthy pond water conditions for fish, the pond requires ample water molecules with oxygen as well as a reasonable amount of free hydrogen to bind with oxygen at the surface and at aeration points such as water fountains, stream inlets and water falls.
Higher pH readings indicate more hydrogen within water molecules and so reflect the degree of water molecules in the pond. These molecules make oxygen available to fish, plants and aerobic bacteria. The pH in a pond is always changing. Seasonal temperature and aquatic plant growing trends mixed with the constant removal of oxygen by fish and the introduction of organic matter all have significant influence upon water quality.
The decomposition of organic matter, also known as nitrogenous waste, by aerobic or oxygen using bacteria generates the waste product ammonia. If a pond is high in ammonia there are either too many fish present (fish produce waste high in ammonia), there is a low concentration of nitrosomonas bacteria, or there is an outside source of ammonia leaching into the water table. Often when fish are seen “gasping for air” on the surface there is either low dissolved oxygen in the water, a low pH, or the presence of ammonia or nitrite. As soon as you have ammonia in the pond, the nitrogen cycle becomes a major player in the state of your water quality.
Read more at Turfhuggers.com
January 5, 2011
Increase in Golf Course Renovations May Be on Tap for 2011, Says ASGCA
The struggling economy of recent years impacted decision makers across the country, in many cases limiting or even forestalling planned renovations at both public and private golf courses. Those plans may be moving to the front burner in 2011, notes the America Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA).
Just as a house built during the 1980s and 1990s needs a new roof or replacement windows, so too golf courses designed and constructed during the game’s growth 20-25 year ago are in need of well-designed updates to continue serving players for decades to come. A properly renovated course also has a positive economic impact on the club because it reduces maintenance costs.
“The economy impacted everything in recent years, including the ability of some golf course owners to obtain credit to make necessary renovations,” said ASGCA president Erik Larsen. “With the new year, ASGCA expects to see more attention focused on development to improve and sustain courses in infrastructure such as irrigation, greens construction, bunkers and cart paths.”
A one-page flyer developed by ASGCA and other allied golf associations, “Golf Course Items Expected Life Cycle,” provides a detailed look at how long specific components of a golf course should last before the need for replacement. The time is fast approaching for many courses developed in the ‘80s and ‘90s. For example, even items which have the longest “life expectancy” – greens, concrete cart paths, irrigation systems – are typically not designed to last more than 30 years.
Once a course owner/manager or superintendent reviews the “Life Cycle,” it may be time for consultation with an ASGCA member. Through a career’s worth of experience in Master Planning, an ASGCA member can make sure all questions are asked and answered before renovation projects begin. A well-developed plan can avoid possible mistakes, such as completing cosmetic changes to a course and realizing two years later those changes must be torn up when the irrigation system needs replacing.
“Golf Course Items Expected Life Cycle” and “Master Planning for Golf Courses: Questions and Answers” are available for free download here.
Just as a house built during the 1980s and 1990s needs a new roof or replacement windows, so too golf courses designed and constructed during the game’s growth 20-25 year ago are in need of well-designed updates to continue serving players for decades to come. A properly renovated course also has a positive economic impact on the club because it reduces maintenance costs.
“The economy impacted everything in recent years, including the ability of some golf course owners to obtain credit to make necessary renovations,” said ASGCA president Erik Larsen. “With the new year, ASGCA expects to see more attention focused on development to improve and sustain courses in infrastructure such as irrigation, greens construction, bunkers and cart paths.”
A one-page flyer developed by ASGCA and other allied golf associations, “Golf Course Items Expected Life Cycle,” provides a detailed look at how long specific components of a golf course should last before the need for replacement. The time is fast approaching for many courses developed in the ‘80s and ‘90s. For example, even items which have the longest “life expectancy” – greens, concrete cart paths, irrigation systems – are typically not designed to last more than 30 years.
Once a course owner/manager or superintendent reviews the “Life Cycle,” it may be time for consultation with an ASGCA member. Through a career’s worth of experience in Master Planning, an ASGCA member can make sure all questions are asked and answered before renovation projects begin. A well-developed plan can avoid possible mistakes, such as completing cosmetic changes to a course and realizing two years later those changes must be torn up when the irrigation system needs replacing.
“Golf Course Items Expected Life Cycle” and “Master Planning for Golf Courses: Questions and Answers” are available for free download here.
ASGCA Background
Founded in 1946 by 14 leading architects, the American Society of Golf Course Architects is a non-profit organization comprised of experienced golf course designers located throughout the United States and Canada. Members have completed a rigorous two-year long application process that includes the peer review of four representative golf courses. ASGCA members are experienced golf course architects, able to counsel in all aspects of golf course design and remodeling and comprise many of the great talents throughout the golf industry.
January 3, 2011
Golf Course Trades January Issue
Once again we have been graced with an article from a long time contributor Chris Tritabaugh at Northland Country Club out of Duluth, Minnesota. Chris has done the January issue three years running and we hope for many more from him, THANKS CHRIS!
The latest article from Chris is entitled "Visualizing the final product" a small insert "My feeling is that anything we can do to extend the length of time between irrigation cycles is a big plus. Extending our irrigation intervals not only allows us to manage bentgrass over Poa annua, it also gives us a huge advantage when it comes to managing disease without the use of fungicides."
Pictured with Chris on the cover are 1st assistant Jake Ryan and 2nd assistant Joe Levoir you all do a great job keeping your course in tip top shape for your members.
Chris has a blog for his maintenance department visit it at www.northlandgrounds.blogspot.com.
December 8, 2010
December Golf Course Trades
The December issue of The Golf Course Trades is up and ready for viewing. The Company Spotlight this issue is on STEC Equipment.
"2010 has been a very exciting year for us at STEC Equipment. Formerly known as BLEC USA, we were able to successfully transition into a larger more effective company, offering a more comprehensive line of specialized turf equipment." check them out on page 53.
The Stempmeter article this month was written by Jeff Johnson from The Minikahda Club located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The article is titled "My Turning Point" just a small insert
"Many of us have had a moment in our career that we look back on and say it changed our professional outlook, a moment that maybe, at the time, appeared to be about the worst event that ever happened to us professionally. When I encountered my moment, I had no idea of the journey on which it would lead me. A journey, happily, that I’m still on."
Check out Jeff's article on page 12 you can also go to Jeff's blog here www.minikahdagrounds.blogspot.com and keep undated on his progress.
December is our annual Spring Buying Guide click on the cover picture above to go see the rest of the of the issue.
November 16, 2010
TRADES Publishing Receives 2010 Best of Crossville Award
NEW YORK, NY, November 1, 2010 -- TRADES Publishing has been selected for the 2010 Best of Crossville Award in the Magazines category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2010 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
August 31, 2010
September Golf Trades
The September issue of Golf Trades has its first golf course that is actually the class room. Washington State University uses its golf course for teaching students to be golf superintendents.
We here at The Glof Trades would like to thank Todd and the rest of the folks at Palouse Ridge Golf Club for their time in putting this article together.
July 28, 2010
August Golf Trades Digital Edtion
The August digital magazine is up and running. This months article is written by Renowned architect Gene Bates he discusses how the Squaxin Island Tribe’s new championship golf course – Salish Cliffs Golf Club – is on track for a celebrated opening, more than four years after breaking ground.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.little-creek-casino.com, 800.667.7711
June 17, 2010
Golf Trades July Digital Edition
In this issue we have a really great article written by David Court CGCS who is the Director of Golf Course Maintenance at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida. The article tells the history of their beautiful golf course and the wonderful staff the keeps it running. Black Diamond Ranch complex is actually three distinct golf courses, The quarry, The Ranch, and The Highlands with 45 holes of pure golf bliss. Our thanks to David for taking the time to put all this together. You can also go to their website and see their online magazine with even more spectacular shots of this truly amazing golf course, see it here www.blackdiamondranch.com.
This issue starts our new section called Trades Place check it out on page 57. This section shows that we are still the leader in affordable advertising. You can see all this and more here www.golfcoursetrades.com or by clicking the cover photo above.
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