The Golfdom Daily

Plant health -- or lack thereof

2012-01-27T16:04:00.000-05:00

I try to avoid looking at it. Because every time I see it I am racked by guilt. Every day when I arrive to work, there it is -looking forlorn and woefully neglected: My plant.

It started as a vibrant, hot pink petunia. Now, it's not much of anything. Just look at it. I haven't seen the semblance of a flower in months. And just last week I cut nearly all of its stems and leaves off. It seemed only right. They all had evolved to brown crisps. "Help me!" the plant seemed to be saying. I suppose I could have watered it a little more. OK, a lot more.

My tragic neglect of the plant has given it a staunch following. People around here check up on it daily. They leave shaking their heads. Because despite my desperate attempt to resuscitate it, the plant never shows marked improvement. In fact, I'm not convinced it's still a flowering plant. But those in the know assure me it's definitely not a weed.

I will continue to work hard to bring it back to life. All I can do is keep watering it, I guess. Unless you have better advice? I welcome your feedback. Help me help my plant.

Introducing the winner of the first ever Herb Graffis Business Person of the Year award...

2012-01-26T16:52:00.001-05:00

Mr. Paul Chojnacky, superintendent of Pasatiempo Golf Club in Santa Cruz, Calif.!

Congrats, Paul! Read all about it here: http://www.golfdom-digital.com/golfdom/201201?#pg1

Yep.

2012-01-25T10:30:00.001-05:00

Sent from my iPhone

Party peopplllllllllllle!

2012-01-25T10:24:00.001-05:00

Sent from my iPhone

Dinner at the BIGGA 25th anniv party -- meat pie!

2012-01-25T10:23:00.001-05:00

Sent from my iPhone

York Minster

2012-01-25T10:22:00.001-05:00

Sent from my iPhone

London calling

2012-01-25T10:20:00.001-05:00

Well, my BTME experience is over. Feels like it just started!

The 25th anniversary dinner last night was great. Good food, good company. Jacobsen sponsored the event and was kind enough to invite Goldom to the party as their guests, so thanks to them, or, as everyone says over here , "cheers!"

We're on our way to London now before our flight out tomorrow morning. We made a quick stop in York, which was also an amazing place... The size of the cathedral there, wow.

I'll post a few pics from the event, the York minster, etc., now...

Sent from my iPhone

BTME in full swing

2012-01-24T13:34:00.002-05:00

This day has gone by too fast... got two Golfdom TV interviews, stopped by a few other booths and investigated into what they have that's new and exciting... saw an interesting survey of golfers that showed some results that might surprise supers... met with GCSAA pals and interviewed Rhett Evans about future of the GIS show.

Not much time to blog now, I'm off to the 25th BTME anniversary party! More soon...

Hendren's Hyperbole: No Shame in Turf

2012-01-18T11:01:00.000-05:00

Question of the day: What do funeral services, weather forecasting and golf course and turfgrass management have in common?

According to an article written by Greg Voakes on www.guyism.com, they are the top online bachelor degree programs you should be ashamed of.

Thanks a pant load Gregg. Good lookin' out! Where does writing brutal, idiotic articles for a smut online magazine rate on your list? What, an article on 101 ways to please your woman or 30 days to great abs was already taken?

I am glad I dropped a lot of cash and time EARNING a degree I could be ashamed of. What a joke. This is what Greg had to say about a golf course and turfgrass management degree. “Golf course and turfgrass management sounds like the most boring online bachelor program ever. If you yearn literally to watch grass grow, deal with old rich people who smell funny and have bad attitudes, and water/mow the lawn, this is definitely for you.”

The really bad thing about this article is that people really feel this way about our industry. For example, about ten years ago I was at my wife’s work Christmas party when I found myself ditched by my wife, so I was stuck carrying on a conversation with the spouse of one of her coworkers -- you know, the worst possible Christmas party scenario. During the conversation the guy asks me what I do for a living and I tell him I'm a golf course superintendent.

Following my response he asked me why I didn’t go to college. I told him I did and he asked me what my degree was in. After I told him my degree was in turgrass management he laughed and asked me why I didn’t just get a degree in basket weaving. True story.

I am not sure who people like Greg Voakes and the idiot at the Christmas party think takes care of a golf course. Greens don’t mow themselves. Fungicide and fertilizer applications don’t just magically happen. The bottom line is that regardless of what people think I couldn’t be further from ashamed about my choice of degree. If I had it all to do over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. Golf course maintenance is now and will forever be part of me. I am golf course maintenance.

-- Matt Hendren

Sharp Park Golf Course Stays Alive

2012-01-16T10:24:00.000-05:00

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday not to close the Sharp Park Golf Course, much to the dismay of environmentalists who claim the course endangers frogs and snakes on the course.

The board's vote upheld San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee's December veto of an ordinance that would have closed the course and made it national parkland, meaning golf would be forbidden.

On Tuesday, Supervisor John Avalos, who wrote the ordinance, garnered 6 votes in support of closing the course; he needed 8. Though the course gets a reprieve for now, it's not home free entirely; the case is headed for trial in federal district court this July. Until then, however, golfers know for certain they can tee off all they want.

New PACE Turf Video Explores Turfgrass K

2012-01-13T12:23:00.002-05:00

PACE Turf has released a new video educating superintendents on just how much potassium turf really requires.

In the video, Dr. Micah Woods, chief scientist of the Asian Turfgrass Center, describes research he performed on sandy soils from around the globe. Woods deduced that the amount of potassium used on golf course turf is actually more than plants require.

The Dr. Woods video is the first in a PACE series called “Interviews with the Experts". Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rMM-4XJ5dA.

Fungicide Found in Popular Brands of Orange Juice

2012-01-13T11:40:00.000-05:00

It appears fungicides have a new use -- orange juice additive.

Coca-Cola Co. has alerted the Food and Drug Administration that fungicide was found in its orange juices Minute Maid and Simply Orange, as well as in an unnamed orange juice manufactured by one of its competitors.

Coke notified the FDA Monday after low levels of the fungicide carbendazim were discovered in the juice. Carbendazim is used to control mold on orange trees in Brazil, which exports orange juice to the United States.

According to the FDA, Coca-Cola Co. found fungicide levels up to 35 parts per billion, much lower than the 80 parts per billion the Environmental Protection Agency says raises concerns. Even so, something about the thought of fungicide in our O.J. doesn't sound very appetizing.

Email from Sandy Queen, GCSAA VP

2012-01-12T22:24:00.000-05:00

The GCSAA has been busy lately, as I've seen a few emails from my friends at 1421 Research Park Drive these past couple of days...

I just got a nice email from Sandy Queen, current VP of the GCSAA and the GCSAA golf tournament director, asking if I was going to play in the tournament this year and reminding me that the deadline to register had been extended. It was a broadcast email to all the participants in last's years tournament.

At the end of the email he asked that if I was not going, if I could email him and let him know why.

I just emailed him and told him my three big concerns:

1. Too much time away from the family (trust me, I'm away from them enough as it is... I'm away from them right now, and I'll be away from them for six days next week when I'm in the UK... ugh!)

2. Too far of a road trip from Palm Springs to Las Vegas. (That drive wore out Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau in Swingers, it'd surely wear me out too.)

3. My golf game is a mess right now. (...and yet, I'm probably playing better than I was playing when I went to the tournament last year.)

Anyway, I hope the GCSAA has a great tournament this year, and I think it's a good sign that they're asking past participants what it is that is keeping them away.

Golfdom TV -- Syngenta Business Institute

2012-01-11T10:56:00.001-05:00

We have a new Golfdom TV video we're set to debut here in a couple of days via the Golfdom Insider e-newsletter... for those of you loyal blog readers, here it is in advance!

The video is taken at the Graylyn Center in Winston-Salem, N.C., and is about the 2011 Syngenta Business Institute, what the seminar is like, and how superintendents can get involved in 2012.

Thanks to Stephanie Schwenke, golf marketing manager for Syngenta, for taking the time to be interviewed on camera. And thanks to everyone at Syngenta for having me there, even though I wasn't able to stay for the duration of the program!

Golfdom EIC Seth Jones had the good fortune of being invited to this year's Syngenta Business Institute at Wake Forest University. He checks in with Stephanie Schwenke, Syngenta's golf marketing manager, to discuss the event and how superintendents can get involved.

BIGGA on my mind

2012-01-10T16:37:00.000-05:00

I'm getting emails and phone calls about the Golf Industry Show. Which is great, because I'm PUMPED for this year's GIS.

But before I can get really worked up about the GIS (I just booked my flight yesterday), I've got to get ready for the BIGGA show in Harrogate, United Kingdom, baby! (Doesn't have quite the same ring as 'Vegas, baby!' but oh well.)

This will be my first trip to the BIGGA Turfgrass Management Expo (BTME). Keep an eye out for some coverage here on the blog the week of January 23rd.

If you've been to the BIGGA show and have any advice for me, I'm all ears, shoot me an email. If you will be at the BIGGA show and would like to meet up, drop me a line and we'll make it happen.

Meanwhile, stay tuned and see what kind of trouble your pal Jonesy can get into across the pond. It's Golfdom at the BIGGA show... and it's going to be exciting, I promise.

Jacobsen adds dealer

2012-01-09T13:47:00.000-05:00

Jacobsen today announced a new dealer for the sale of its equipment in the Maryland, Virginia and Delaware areas.

Horizon Distributors, Inc., a full-service distributor of landscape and irrigation products, has announced its expansion into the mid-Atlantic territories with the acquisition of the Jacobsen product line from G.L. Cornell Company.

“Horizon has a proven business model based around customer satisfaction. We are confident they will make significant strides in this market due to this commitment to customer service, highly experienced personnel and dedication to the golf and turf market,” said Ric Stone, Jacobsen’s Vice President of Sales.

To golf in the GCSAA tournament, or not to golf in the GCSAA tournament?

2012-01-04T17:42:00.000-05:00

The deadline for registering for the GCSAA golf tournament (AKA the National Championship and Golf Classic) is this Friday.

I played in my first tournament last year, after years of wanting to attend but being unable to (only a handful of GCSAA staff people go to tournament, and I wasn't one of them.) And I have to tell you, it was a classy event. The courses in Palm Beach, Fla., were great, the rooms at PGA National were nice, the registration gifts were cool (I still wear the Bolle sunglasses) and the company was excellent, a tremendous group of people. I had fun.

But by the end of the ensuing GIS, I was just done. Toasted. Wore out. Adding the golf classic made it for a looooong trip to the GIS last year. I'm looking forward to Las Vegas this year, but I'm not looking to making the trip too long for my family, my calendar and my liver, to handle.

I still love ya GCSAA, but you will have to go it without my sorry high-handicap ass this year. I'm sure you won't miss my golf, but you might miss my golf registration fee.

Take the Golfdom poll: What primary reason keeps you from going to the GCSAA tournament? The poll is right over there in the top right column -----> There you go. Go ahead, click an answer. Click any answer. I promise we won't laugh. It's anonymous, after all.

It's too bad for me because I would love to tee it up in Palm Springs, where the tournament is being hosted. I've spent many a day in the Palm Springs area, yet I've only played one round there (at my pal David Hay's course, Indian Wells.) But it's over four hours from Palm Springs to Las Vegas! I don't imagine that would be a pleasant drive after three rounds of golf. I'm glad I'm not the one in charge of selling the tournament to members, because that commute is a tough obstacle to overcome.

Here's an idea, one that is by no means original: why not have the tournament in the same city as the conference? Or at least, closer? I could swing two days, maybe three days, if I was already set up in the proper city.

If you've got the gas in the tank for 54 holes in Palm Springs and then a few days of conference in Sin City, don't forget to sign up by Friday. As for me, I'm afraid I'm going to have to save that gas for Vegas, baby!

Can they take 10?

2012-01-03T15:49:00.000-05:00

Pinehurst Resort is launching a web series tomorrow, called "Take 10 Challenge," taking two regular Joes and putting them through the Pinehurst Golf Academy to see if they can shave ten strokes off their games in four days. Here's the preview of the series:

Hmm... looks like it could be fun. Here's the press release:

Two men. Four Days. Ten strokes. With famed Pinehurst No. 2 as the backdrop.

That is the scenario facing Bill Friese and Mike McClanahan in Pinehurst Golf Academy’s “Take 10 Challenge,” a weekly web series that launches today with a teaser video at www.pinehurst.com/take10. The first of six full, weekly episodes will be posted to the site on Wednesday mornings, beginning tomorrow, January 4.

The two mid-40s, high-handicap golfers (Friese 20, McClanahan 18), who have had limited lessons and have never attended a golf school, are challenged to shave 10 strokes off their first-round scores following four days of instruction at the Pinehurst Golf Academy.“I always felt like I could be that really good golfer,” said McClanahan. “But I realized that I needed help. It was a real thrill attacking the challenge, and I hope people enjoy watching our journey.”

They both took different journeys to the Challenge. The 44-year-old McClanahan is a real estate agent from nearby Greensboro, N.C., while Friese is a hospitality executive from Montana.The series, produced by GoTV Entertainment, follows the ups and downs, the exhilaration and frustration, of working to improve their games. An opening-day round on Pinehurst No. 2 sets the stage for four days of intense instruction at the Academy, which is run by Eric Alpenfels, one of GOLF magazine’s top 100 instructors. The series concludes February 8 with a pressure-packed final episode, during which the two again tackle No. 2, which will be home to the 2014 U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open Championships.

“It was a challenge for us, as much as for Bill and Mike; we wanted so much to help them shave 10 strokes,” Alpenfels said. “Golf’s an intense, frustrating game. But I think the series shows how much fun it can be when you have the time, opportunity and environment to really work on improving.”

As a complement to the series, Alpenfels and the Pinehurst Golf Academy team will participate in a weekly Q&A session on Pinehurst’s Facebook page. Followers can ask questions of Alpenfels, who will respond with tips and info related the previous episode.Connect with Pinehurst Golf Academy’s Take 10 Challenge at www.pinehurst.com/take10 and www.facebook.com/PinehurstResort, and on Twitter @PinehurstResort with hashtag #Take10.

Positive thoughts to our friend Dennis Lyon

2012-01-03T15:27:00.000-05:00

After a nice long holiday break (the entire office closed down for over a week!) we're back in action.

I was shocked to see this sad news on GCSAA.org about our friend Dennis Lyon, who was hit by a truck while walking his dog. Thankfully Dennis survived... you can send him your positive thoughts via his CaringBridge site here.

Hang in there, Dennis!

Check out the December issue

2011-12-23T11:59:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone,

We're still here, it's just been a busy time this week -- trying to get out from under a PILE of receipts and expense reports, and then the double whammy yesterday... my five-year-old has a mild case of pneumonia. YIKES! She's doing better right now, but yeah, this week has been a mess.

The Golfdom office is officially closed next week, but I'll still be around here and there, trying to get caught up on some things while the office voice mail is saying, "We're closed this week! Woo-hoo!"

In the meantime, here is the December Golfdom, if you haven't seen it hit your mailbox yet. It should be there any day now, I've received mine already. Check out Clark's piece on painting greens, good stuff there!

-Seth

'Tis the Season?

2011-12-19T23:44:00.000-05:00

I was at a course last week, hanging with the superintendent. He got stopped three, maybe even four different times by members. Not to ask about the new irrigation system, or how the late aeration was working out for him, or even about his day... but to ask about the gift baskets.

Yes, the gift baskets, as in the Christmas gift baskets. Turns out the women's club made a pretty nifty gift basket for all of the crew that came with fresh cookies, hand warmers, gloves and a gift card to the local grocery store. The golfers kept asking, "Did you hand out the gift baskets?" "What did the guys think of the gift baskets??" "The cookies were fresh, you have to hand out the gift baskets!!!" (The super was patient, but had to chuckle about the stress that these gift baskets were causing.)

Gift baskets are nothing new, I know I'm not breaking any news here ("We landed on the MOON!!!") but it did make me wonder what you guys do for your staff when the holidays roll around.

So, a new poll. Check it out and vote, let me know how you and your course handle the holidays.

Hendren's Hyperbole! -- Episode 45: So What, Tiger?

2011-12-16T10:44:00.005-05:00

Professional golf in December has always been kind of a joke, and I don’t think this December is any different than any other except for the fact Tiger managed to win a golf tournament. I am referring to the Chevron World Challenge, of course. It was big news for all of a day. Jones asked me what I thought about it the other day, so I thought I'd share some of my thoughts...

So Tiger managed to beat 17 other golfers, which did not include the top four players in the world, at a track he had already won at four times before and just happens to benefit his foundation……so what?!? So what if every golfer in the field had a higher world golf ranking than Tiger. So what if Tiger sank a 6-foot putt on the 18th for a one stroke win over Zach Johnson. Isn’t that what Tiger is supposed to do? Can someone please explain to me how Tiger’s world ranking jumped from 52nd to 21st with one win?

Listen, I realize the correlation between the strength of golf as a whole and how well Tiger plays, I am not entirely clueless, I guess I am just not ready for Tiger to become the dominant player he once was. Let’s be honest, this win puts him one step closer to becoming the Tiger he was from 1996-2009. Is that something we are ready for? Is it even possible for Tiger to become the dominant player he once was? I don’t know about you but I have enjoyed watching golf with Tiger being a non-factor.

Tiger turns 36 on December 30th which means the relevancy clock is ticking fast. That only leaves 14 years left to play on the PGA Tour and even less time that he will be relevant week in and week out.

What do you think about Tiger’s first win since the Thanksgiving debacle of 2009? Does anyone even care at this point? I for one couldn’t care less.

-- Matt Hendren

You don't know me!

2011-12-15T10:58:00.001-05:00

I'm on a top secret mission for Goldom today. I'm in my second airport of four for the day. I've got my hat and my sunglasses on.

I'm off to a good start. The hotel had a stretch limo waiting for me this morning.

I'm undercover, baby.

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

Riding in style with Senior Editor Beth Geraci

2011-12-15T10:38:00.000-05:00

This is how we roll when we're in South Beach. When we're offered a ride in a Ferrari, who are we to refuse?

Taking care of bid'ness

2011-12-14T23:22:00.001-05:00

It's been an awesome couple of days in Cleveland! I always enjoy my time up here...

Thanks to everyone who filled out our survey. Wow, we got a lot of great feedback!

We spent part of the day talking about our covers... What did YOU think of our covers thi year???

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

David Phipps checks in with Golfdom TV

2011-12-13T14:28:00.001-05:00

My Mexican beer of choice

2011-12-12T13:56:00.001-05:00

My 18-pack of Miller Lite promoted... Chivas, from Guadalajara, Mexico?!?

Check out the box! I never thought I'd be able to buy an 18-pack of beer in KANSAS that promoted a Mexican soccer team. Sweet!

But then, just as I was really getting excited, I tried entering their contest to win something, free soccer tickets, who knows what? ...AND the web address wouldn't work. What the?!? Then I looked closely at the rules... The contest ended three months ago!

Great. So, what you're telling me is, I bought old leftover beer from Mexico?

Aye, caramba.

I sent my senior editor to Miami

2011-12-09T15:37:00.001-05:00

And all I got was this photo of Dennis Rodman!

Golfdom senior editor Beth Geraci is down in Miami on assignment for our sister publication, Landscape Management magazine. Apparently The Worm is Beth's neighbor. The Worm was chilling out at her resort, killing time until his tee time with none other than... Michael Jordan.

Toro acquires Graden greens rollers

2011-12-09T12:26:00.001-05:00

The Toro Company today announced it has acquired the Graden greens roller product line, which includes the GSR 1200 greens roller. The acquisition provides entry into a new product category and broadens Toro’s offering to golf customers worldwide. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“This acquisition fills an important product gap in our core golf business and helps further strengthen our offering in the greens care category,” said Darren Redetzke, vice president of Toro’s Commercial Business. “Rolling greens has become an important agronomic practice for golf courses that improves the health and playability of the greens. By leveraging our brand strength and extensive global distribution, we are well positioned for growth in this new segment.”

Graden’s other turf maintenance product lines, which include zero-turn mowers, verticutters and sand injectors, were not associated with this acquisition.

Do you blog?

2011-12-08T13:27:00.001-05:00

The question was raised at the Syngenta Business Institute -- do you keep a maintenance blog? Several hands went up -- almost a third of the room said they did. A discussion followed about why maintenance blogs are useful.

Bill Davidson, CGCS, told the room that his blog on the maintenance at the Country Club of Naples had developed a cult following among members. His blog can be found here.

The best line was from Jim Alwine, superintendent at Stockton (Calif.) Golf and Country Club. When asked if many people read his maintenance blog, he smiled and said, "My Mom loves it."

2011 Sygenta Business Institute class

2011-12-06T15:11:00.001-05:00

Check it out... see who you know!

Stand in your corner

2011-12-06T13:34:00.000-05:00

The room splits into different generations at the Syngenta Business Institute... Notice almost evryone in this group is a Gen X, very few baby boomers...

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

Live from the OTF

2011-12-06T12:55:00.000-05:00

We're checking out a few new products at this year's show and are about to hear about new heat-tolerant bluegrasses. We'll see what they say.

Syngenta Business Institute week

2011-12-05T23:42:00.001-05:00

Hello to all of you out there in the Golfdom...

I'm in Winston-Salem this week, attending the third annual Syngenta Business Institute. We're at the Graylyn Conference Center -- the second largest house in the great state of North Carolina (second to the largest house in all of America, the Biltmore). Tomorrow morning the classes begin. We've been told to be ready, so all of the superintendents -- approximately 30 -- listened, and called it an early night. Class starts tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m. The first class is "Financial Management."

I'll have lots more this week from the SBI. Stay tuned!

The weather outside isn't frightful

2011-12-02T16:51:00.001-05:00

Just chatted with a GM/superintendent in Pennsylvania... they're enjoying better weather here in early December. In fact, he told me they had as many rounds of golf today as they had in the entire MONTH of December 2010.

"But nothing can make up for what we had in April and September," he said.

Here in Lawrence, Kan., yesterday it was nice to see my friend Bill Irving's course, Lawrence CC, on the front page of the paper. The story was about how nice and mild the weather has been lately.

Meanwhile, I just got off the phone with Clark Throssell... he's experiencing better weather in Billings, Mont. right now -- to the tune of 30 degrees!

From the Turf M.D.: Frost delays

2011-11-30T12:59:00.001-05:00

We never know what will get a reaction and what won't. Karl and I were chatting about this just the other day.

For example, frost. I'm pretty sure the dinosaurs had to wait to tee it up on frosty mornings. Nothing new here. And yet, we've gotten a lot of positive feedback to the below "Puttin' Down Roots" email newsletter that went out earlier this week, about frost.

If you didn't see this hit your email inbox, you can always subscribe here. Karl Danneberger, Ph.D., and Clark Throssell, Ph.D., send out good info twice a month in their respective email newsletters, "Puttin' Down Roots" for Karl and "On the Green" for Clark.

Here is this month's Roots:

Frost is a common reason for morning tee time delay. The reason for the delays is the damage that can occur from foot or equipment traffic to the turf when frost is present. Generally speaking, nice fall golfing days and frost go hand-in-hand. With more frost days expected, this is a good time to look at the conditions favorable for frost.

Frost occurs on clear cold nights when turfgrass plants re-radiate heat (exothermic reaction). As the plant loses heat to the atmosphere the plant leaf cools. If the plant temperature is cooler than the air temperature then moisture from the atmosphere will condense on the leaf. If the leaf temperature drops below freezing then the water freezes and frost forms. This will occur even if the air temperatures are slightly above freezing. At this time of the year it is not uncommon to have frost form even if the air temperature is in the mid to high 30s.

Frost itself does not cause damage, but injury does occur with traffic on frosted areas. Turf damage is generally superficial. This is not to say that traffic should be allowed on frosted turf. If traffic occurs, whether it is foot or mechanical, damage caused by crushing the leaf blade will occur. Initially the symptoms will appear purplish to black in color (almost like an excessive Iron application). The damaged turf will then progress to a straw color. If no damage occurs to the crown, recovery will occur from the generation of new leaves.

-- Karl Danneberger, Ph.D.

Hendren's Hyperbole! Episode 44 -- Maintenance blogs

2011-11-30T11:13:00.001-05:00

This past week, over the Thanksgiving holiday, I was just wasting some time surfing the internet -- you know, checking out the Golfdom Daily as I am sure you do quite often -- and I started thinking about the pros and cons of maintenance departments keeping a maintenance blog to help keep members and the public aware of what is happening on the course.

I’ll just start off by saying personally I think the pros by far outweigh the cons. It makes sense to me that by keeping an updated blog about what is happening from a maintenance perspective members and especially greens committees would be less likely to constantly hound you about what is going on and what projects are in the works. Another positive aspect is that superintendents from other courses in your community could check out your blog and possibly use the information you are posting as inspiration for projects at their course. To build on that idea, if a super is having problems convincing the powers that be about a certain project your success story posted on your blog might just be enough to tip the scale in their favor.

As far as cons go I think the biggest issue would be time. Keeping up a blog doesn’t have to take a lot of time but it does take time nonetheless and as a fellow super I know how valuable time is. Even though you have complete control over what is posted on the blog I could see how posting projects and information about your club for the world to view might also be considered negative by some.

Overall, I think the positives by far outweigh the negative regarding a maintenance blog. Shoot me a quick comment and let me know what you think and let me know if you currently have a maintenance blog or are planning on starting one.

-- Matt Hendren

Twin Gifts for Michigan State University’s Turfgrass Information Center

2011-11-29T15:30:00.001-05:00

Good news from our friends at Michigan State --

The Turfgrass Information Center, a unit of the Michigan State University Libraries, has received two generous donations to support digitization work.

The first gift was a challenge grant from the O.J. Noer Research Foundation, promising to match gifts before December 31, 2011, up to a total of $5000. And, when the matching gift was announced to supporters, the Wisconsin Golf Course Superintendents Association immediately pledged $5000 to meet the challenge.

“Both organizations have our sincere thanks,” said Pete Cookingham, head of the Turfgrass Information Center. “We’re also grateful to other supporters who are still responding. We now hope to exceed the original challenge by several thousand dollars!”

Funds from the challenge and the matching gift will be used to continue digitization of the Noer/Milorganite Division MMSD Image Collection – 14,000 35mm color slides illustrating the settings, techniques, and results of turf management efforts throughout North America between 1924 and 1980. Digitizing the majority of the slide portion of the collection is estimated at approximately $80,000.

The Turfgrass Information Center is the world's most comprehensive publicly-available collection of turfgrass research and educational materials. The TIC is an irreplaceable resource for students, researchers, and professionals around the world who are responsible for maintaining golf courses, athletic fields, and managed landscapes of every kind.

PCNB press release

2011-11-28T10:57:00.001-05:00

This press release came out last Wednesday, just as I was escaping the office for my Thanksgiving holiday...

American Vanguard Corporation today announced that the United States Environmental Protection Agency has approved certain registrations for the company’s pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) product line for all major commercial uses. As a result, with today’s action the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Amvac Chemical Corporation is once again permitted to sell PCNB into the golf course turf, potato, cotton, ornamental bulb and cole crop markets domestically. Amvac continues to work with the EPA on labeling for other uses.

PCNB, a fungicide manufactured, marketed and sold by Amvac, was the subject of a Stop Sale, Use or Removal Order issued by USEPA in August 2010. On August 17, 2011, the Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court granted the company’s motion for summary judgment and vacated the SSURO. Since the court’s order was issued, the company has worked with the agency to amend product registrations to ensure they continue to meet EPA requirements.

Eric Wintemute, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company commented: “Our technical, legal and customer service teams have worked tirelessly for over a year to ensure our PCNB product line meets EPA’s standards to re-enter the market. We are pleased by today’s actions as it restores this highly effective product to a marketplace that truly values its importance.”

Mr. Wintemute concluded, “American Vanguard always has and always will place great importance on assuring product safety, quality manufacturing and responsible application stewardship for all the offerings in its portfolio. Once again, we thank our customers for their support and patience throughout this process and now are happy to announce that we are ready, willing and able to meet the needs of PCNB customers.”

Hendren's Hyperbole! Episode 43 -- My Summit experience

2011-11-22T17:35:00.001-05:00

Every now and then you get the opportunity to be a part of something great whether it is by design or it just so happens you are just in the right place at the right time. This past week I had one of those opportunities present itself. Last week I had the pleasure to be a part of the first ever Golfdom Summit.

I realize that to some of you it may sound like I am blowing up the skirt of Golfdom, and to some extent I am, but for those of you who know me, know that any form of praise from me has to be deserved and the Golfdom Summit was one of the highest marks of my golf course maintenance career.

The first ever Golfdom Summit was held at Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, N.C., and featured a unique educational experience that combined boardroom/case studies with one-on-one meetings. There were also plenty of networking opportunities including playing historic Pinehurst No.2. Pinehurst No. 2 is one of many courses on my bucket list so I was able to kill two birds with one stone. (Next on my list, Whistling Straits!)

Featured this year as keynote speakers were Rees Jones, Goldfom’s own research editor Clark Throssell, Ph.D., Anthony Williams, CGCS, CGM, Bob Farren, CGCS, Ken Mangum, CGCS and Seth Jones, editor-in-chief of Golfdom magazine. All of the speakers were great but getting to meet and listen to Rees Jones was the highlight of my trip. Rees gave a presentation on the evolution of championship golf that included before and after construction photos of the top echelon courses in the U.S. For a golf junkie like me and probably most of you it just doesn’t get any better than playing No. 2 in the morning and listening to Rees Jones in the evening!

I also had the pleasure of meeting some great superintendents from around the country. One of the best benefits of the Summit over a traditional trade show is having the opportunity to be in small groups throughout the duration of the event.

For those of you that are interested in the 2012 Golfdom Summit, more information is coming soon. Pat Roberts, publisher of Golfdom assured me the 2012 Summit would be happening!

The December issue of Golfdom will have a feature article on the first Golfdom Summit so I don’t want to give away all the goodies now. Just make sure to check out Decembers issue!

-- Matt Hendren

Golfdom Summit photo parade part two

2011-11-21T16:54:00.001-05:00

Clark Throssell, Ph.D., gives a presentation

A one-on-one meeting in action with Redexim

Having a bad round? Not when you see this on the ground.

Payne Stewart statue outside Pinehurst clubhouse

Summit supers and sponsors applaud Clark's talk

Kevin Stoltman (VP, Questex Media), Rees Jones, Ken Mangum, CGCS (Atlanta Athletic Club) and Chris Vernon (Jacobsen) prepare for golf

Blasting out of a bunker

The greens were fierce!

Golfdom Summit photo parade part one

2011-11-17T12:10:00.001-05:00

Warming up for Pinehurst No. 2

Bob Farren, CGCS, greets Ken Mangum, CGCS

Handshakes all around after an amazing round on No. 2

Rees Jones delivers his keynote at the Golfdom Summit

Boardroom meeting with eager listeners

Golfdom EIC Seth Jones at the podium

Matt Hendren and Bill Irving at the evening reception

Tyler Otero, Brian Nettz and Steve Sarro at the evening reception

Emil Miller discusses the features on a Smithco sprayer to a superintendent

A room full of superintendents listens as Rees Jones makes his keynote address at the Golfdom Summit

Clark talking turf at the Golfdom Summit

2011-11-16T08:41:00.000-05:00

Hopefully the photo shows up this time!

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

Pat Roberts and Hendren

2011-11-15T17:47:00.001-05:00

Last interview of the day...

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

Day two of Goldom Summit winding down

2011-11-15T17:38:00.000-05:00

Meetings, meetings, meetings... interviews, interviews, interviews... it's almost time to kick back, turn on the Jayhawks game, and celebrate an awesome start.

Pictured here, Tyler Otero of Trump National GC, Colts Neck, does a Golfdom TV interview.

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

We are getting a ton of positive feedback

2011-11-15T15:35:00.000-05:00

On the first ever Golfdom Summit...

"I don't need to see a pile of equipment sitting in the middle of a room, I can see it online. I like this better because you can actually sit down with everyone one-on-one. You know what I wish? I wish there were more vendors here to meet with."

-- Walter Pritchett, Hurstbourne Country Club, Louisville, Ky.

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

Intelligent Use of Water Awards

2011-11-15T15:00:00.001-05:00

Sitting less than a mile from one of the Great Lakes (Erie) it's sometimes hard to remember there are places in the world — places in this country — where water is much more scarce. There's no question our industry plays a huge role in the protecting this most precious resource.

The folks at Rain Bird understand that, too. That's why Golfdom and our sister publication Landscape Management supported Rain Bird's Intelligent Use of Water film competition earlier this year, and we plan to do the same with a new program, the Intelligent Use of Water Awards.

Rain Bird will award a total of more than $50,000 to projects that "use water efficiently, promote green spaces and are examples of sustainability." Individual projects can earn $1,500, $5,000 or $10,000. Simply put the contest is open to "anyone with a water conservation project in need of funding."

Entrants submit their projects to the contest website where the public votes on the projects it thinks are most important. As of this writing their are only six projects available to vote on, but since the contest just started, we don't think there will be so few projects to consider in the near future. You can vote on projects or submit your own here. Voting ends March 15, 2012.

According to the contest website: "Once a project is submitted it is made available for public voting, meaning anyone can anonymously cast their vote for their favorite project. All projects can be anonymously voted on by visitors (one vote a day per project, per individual user), and the projects with the most votes in each funding category will be awarded a combined $51,000 in grants to be used towards the completion of their winning project. Winners will be announced on World Water Day – March 22, 2011."

We'll do our best to check in on the contest during the next several months. So check back here periodically for updates. Let us know if you've entered the competition. We'd love to hear about the water project you think is worthy of some prize money.

Getting some serious business done

2011-11-15T14:11:00.000-05:00

One of our sponsors just told me this is the best golf event he'd ever done... I said, "great, I need that comment on video!" And he smiled and said, "no way, I want this to be a secret!

I think the secret is about to get out!

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

Rees Jones speaking at Golfdom Summit

2011-11-14T18:49:00.001-05:00

Look for details in next month's issue of Golfdom!

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

# 16

2011-11-14T14:51:00.000-05:00

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

2011-11-14T14:22:00.000-05:00

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

Yep, this place is awesome

2011-11-14T13:08:00.001-05:00

Having a blast, my caddie is awesome!

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

At Pineurst # 2

2011-11-14T12:22:00.000-05:00

Putting shame in the game... with my game.

Awesome course, crazy tough!

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

Time is running out!

2011-11-11T15:55:00.001-05:00

To nominate someone for the Herb Graffis Business Person of the Year award!

Get your last-minute submissions in here.

Hendren's Hyperbole! Episode 42 -- Buried, literally, in a bunker

2011-11-11T14:00:00.001-05:00

I don’t know about you but for me golf is a sacred time reserved for me, my buddies and occasionally my dad when he can fit me in. It is a four to five hour vacation from normal life. No honey-do lists, no diapers to change, just a time to recharge my batteries. Golf is a time to hang out with good friends, enjoy a few cocktails and swear like a sailor.

At least that is what I thought until I discovered Sunset Hills Memorial Golf Park in Bellevue, Wash. Sunset Hills Memorial Golf Park is a cemetery that features a complete golf hole which allows committed fans of the game to be buried or placed in a permanent golf setting, the nation’s first golf-themed memorial park.

The Sunset Hills Memorial Golf Park can accommodate more than 1,200 golf enthusiasts, between full-casket plots and cremation placements. The golf memorial also features an ossuary located under the green, accessible through the actual golf hole. The golf park was designed by a professional golf course designer; the park includes a tee-box, 820 square-foot green, fairway and sand trap. The green features a custom-made bronze cup, which will be used as a passageway to the ossuary.

WHAT? Now I have to be buried beside my wife for eternity… on a golf course? No thank you! I will just stick to the normal boring cemetery and leave the golf course experience as my safe haven reserved for me and my buddies.

I’m not saying it is a horrible idea but it’s not great. I’m fairly sure even if I loved the idea my wife is not going to go for it! I’m actually not even going to mention this to her for fear of her finding some spa memorial and her wanting us to rest forever under a sauna somewhere!

What do you think?

Make sure to check back early next week for several posts from Pinehurst where I will be at the first ever Golfdom Summit!

-- Matt Hendren

If you've been pondering nominationg someone for the Graffis award...

2011-11-09T12:43:00.001-05:00

NOW IS THE TIME!!!

Only two days left to get your nominations in!

If you know someone who has been creative, insightful, daring, bold or just downright brilliant when it comes to getting the most out of the golf course, nominate them for the Graffis Business Person of the Year award! It's a short form to fill out. We're only accepting nominations until this Friday. Winner gets an all-expenses paid trip to the Golf Industry Show in Las Vegas as well as a feature story about them in an upcoming issue of GOLFDOM.

Nominate your candidate here: http://www.golfdom.com/awards/business-award

The benefits of turfgrass video

2011-11-08T11:35:00.000-05:00

Great video from the folks at BASF about the benefits of turfgrass. Cool graphics, too!

Rocking the Irrigation Association show

2011-11-07T15:50:00.001-05:00

Well, I'm not sure that I'm rocking the show, exactly, but I am here in San Diego checking out my first IA show. So far, so good.

If you're here and you want to talk golf with me, shoot me a note and we'll meet up! Text me at 785.550.2560 or direct message me (@golfdom) on Twitter. No kidnappers, please.

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

See you at the Irrigation Show!

2011-11-04T17:10:00.004-04:00

Golfdom will be on the ground in San Diego next week reporting from the Irrigation Show. Stop by and see us, we'll be at booth 1355 with our sister publication, Landscape Management.

Deadlines and Nitrozymes

2011-11-03T17:16:00.000-04:00

Wow, I'm glad that's over. We just finished up a big Golfdom deadline. You guys are going to love our new issue, it's got a good variety. Very different than last month, when the whole issue stuck to one theme (Turf on Trial). This month, we're all over the place with Golfdom goodness.

I just got off the phone with Dick Duggan, superintendent at The Meadow at Peabody in Peabody, Mass. We were talking turf products. Dick likes using Turf Vigor from Lebanon Turf. And if you say it in Dick's Boston accent, you say it, "Turf Vig-ahhh."

He also dropped a new one on me: Nitrozyme from Growth Technology. "It's a good product, check it out," he told me. "If you don't try new things, how will you know?"

Well said, Dick, well said.

Hendren's Hyperbole! Episode 41 -- I'm on Golfdom TV!

2011-11-01T16:34:00.002-04:00

Hey everybody, here's the video I did while in Orlando checking out the RG3 Robotic Greens mower. I'm pretty pumped with the way it turned out! Seth tells me this video will be sent out in next week's Golfdom Insider, but he was cool with me posting it here first.

And no, that's not an illusion... my shirt always does that cool 3-D wavy effect, like you're stuck in the Matrix, when you look directly at me. That's just how I roll! (Seth has asked me to stick to the solid-colored shirts in the future. Jerk.)

Golfdom contributing editor Matt Hendren, a superintendent with the city of Kansas City, Kan., flew to Orlando to take a look at an autonomous robotic greensmower and to talk with Sean O'Brien, the superintendent utilizing them on his greens.

2011-10-29T01:05:00.000-04:00

Our cab got sideswiped in Louisville, yet neither of the drivers seemed even remotely upset. Impressive!

Sent from my iPhone

GIE Day 2

2011-10-28T15:46:00.001-04:00

It's been non-stop here today. Saw Toro's newest Z Master Commercial 2000 Series today, as well as Bobcat's new compact excavator. The day's winding down!

Sent from my iPhone

Notes from the GIE and EXPO

2011-10-27T17:00:00.001-04:00

Lots of action today at the GIE! Mowers and aerators galore!

Sent from my iPhone

Hendren's Hyperbole! Episode 40 -- My degree in RG3

2011-10-27T12:26:00.000-04:00


Sean O'Brien, director of grounds, Hawk's Landing.

Last week I had the opportunity to take a trip to Orlando to Hawk’s Landing Golf Club as the guest of Precise Path Robotics to check out the RG3 robotic greens mower. The RG3 is the industry’s only autonomous, robotic greens mower and features the industry's best warranty on any greens mower. Look for more information in the November issue of Golfdom!

Going to check out the RG3 was my first of hopefully many assignments for Golfdom. It was a great trip and if you followed some of my posts form Orlando you already know Precise Path rolled out the red carpet. I had my own town car awaiting to take me to and from the airport! I realize I may be showing my cards here a little bit but I thought that was AWESOME! One of my favorite movies is "Made" featuring Vince Vaughn and it took everything in me not to rip off a scene from the movie and make sure to let all the ladies know, "I’m a tall drink of water and I need to stretch my *&#@ out!" as I climbed into my “limo.”

While in Orlando I got to go to dinner with the gentlemen from Precise Path and also had the privilege of attending a media session where I learned everything I could ever possibly want to know about Precise Path and the RG3. I also got to golf with the gents from Precise Path -- I was surprised that Golfdom was the only industry mag to take Precise Path up on their offer for golf! Let me tell those other mags, you guys missed a nice golf course, Hawk's Landing was sweet (although the weather was blustery that day) and you also missed my EAGLE!

At the end of the trip I received a diploma for completing RG3 University. I’m pretty sure the RG3 diploma is on the same level as an honorary degree from Harvard or Princeton so I am now being sought out by several Fortune 500 companies!

All joking aside, the trip was awesome and the RG3 is a great product and a glimpse into the future of golf course maintenance. Make sure to check out November’s issue for all the details, as well as next week's Golfdom Insider e-newsletter for a Golfdom TV interview I did with Sean O'Brien, director of golf at Hawk's Landing.

-- Matt Hendren

We're here in Louisville for the GIE and EXPO!

2011-10-26T10:39:00.001-04:00

We're here and getting ready for the big show! Be sure and stop by our booth (# 3018) and say hello. Maybe you'll even see these two jokers -- Pat Roberts and Marty Whitford!

Kershasky joins Reinders Inc.

2011-10-25T09:30:00.000-04:00

Reinders Inc. announced recently that Jerry Kershasky has joined the company to help serve the Chicago market. He will be a Territory Manager in the Soft Goods Business Group responsible for sales and product support.

For the past 37 years, Jerry has been the superintendent at Westmoor Country Club, a Championship 18 hole course in Brookfield, Wis. As superintendent he coordinated the effort in gaining membership approval and then supervising a major course renovation in 2008 that included an XGD drainage install and the fumigation and regrassing of greens. He worked closely with Lohmann Golf Designs of Marengo, Ill. to establish a sustainable course design. This renovation project was instrumental in lowering the annual golf course operational budget.

Over the years, he has worked closely with USGA agronomists including Bob Vavrek, Stan Zontek, Jim Moore and Bud White on agronomic problem solving and turfgrass best management practices. He is a past director of the Wisconsin Turfgrass Association where he directed the efforts of the Turf Diagnostics Lab and raised funds for research.

Throughout his career he has spoken at numerous industry conferences, most recently this past January at the Great Lakes Trade Expo/Michigan Turfgrass Conference. His presentation, “Hot Gas & Regrass” focused on fumigating greens and reseeding them.

Jerry looks forward to working with golf courses in the Chicago area and can be reached at 630-244-6477.

Turk's Irrigation Tips

2011-10-24T17:12:00.000-04:00

If you get Golfdom's e-newsletters, then you already received today's "Inside Irrigation" email. But if you didn't, below is what you missed!

You can subscribe to Golfdom's e-newsletters by clicking here.

Turk's Tips

An irrigation professional of 25 years shares his most valuable tips for maintaining problem-free irrigation systems.

By Seth Jones

Joe Turk owns and operates Turf Assist, which services golf course irrigation systems in San Diego, Palm Springs, Riverside and the Orange County area of California. He first started working on irrigation systems when he was only 17, and now, 25 years later, he finds himself busier than ever trouble-shooting systems on golf courses.

"I don't like making people feel bad when they mess up their systems," Turk says. "So I try to tell them, 'Hey, instead of doing this, next time, do this.'"

Turk says that the customers who do the below tips regularly are some of his worst customers, because he never has to visit their courses.

"The guys who do this, they have it going on," Turk says. "I never hear from them. That's fine with me, I'm impressed."

Back up your irrigation database

When was the last time you backed up your database? Stop reading and do it right now, you might thank me later. Guys get busy and they think their computers will take care of them. Then, the computer crashes and guess what -- the last backup was six months ago. The computer can't help you unless you back up often.

Just like Santa, make a list and check it twice

Perform an entire irrigation system check at a minimum of once a year, but preferably twice a year. Make a to-do list as you go. Observe sprinkler heads for problems -- are there any heads broken, or not turning, or tilted? Keep a list that notes areas that have reoccurring problems.

Keep timers clean and pest-free

Go through your timers at least once a year, and use canned air or a soft brush to get out the spider webs and bugs. I'm not a chemical guy, so I won't recommend any, but you should have something in place to keep rodents and insects out of there.

When manually watering, use the actual functions of the timers -- not the manual switches

Some guys might not know how to use the timers, so they'll use the manual switches. So they'll open up the box and turn on the irrigation and walk away. But if they aren't aware of where the head right behind them is pointing? It soaks the open box. That's an expensive repair right there.

Not too many, but not too few

Some superintendents don't trust the crew with the operation of the irrigation controls. Fine. But someone else on the property -- even if it's someone up in the pro shop -- needs to know how to operate the system in case the superintendent can't get to the course that day.

Likewise, if a superintendent is too trusting, and lets everyone operate the irrigation control box, that can be a problem. Like the saying goes, you don't want too many cooks in the kitchen.

If you have any questions for Turk, he can be reached at Joe@turfassist.com or via his website at www.turfassist.com.

Check out this interview with your pal Seth!

2011-10-21T10:26:00.000-04:00

I had a feeling it was going to be a good week for Golfdom, and this just caps it off!

Scott Morrison from TurfHugger.com contacted me for an interview on the Herb Graffis Business Person of the Year Award. You can read that interview right here:

http://turfhugger.blogspot.com/2011/10/herb-graffis-business-person-of-year.html

Thanks, Scott, for your interest in the award. Now, everyone, think of a worthy nominee, and go here to nominate them!

http://www.golfdom.com/awards/business-award

Borman to accept Carolinas DSA

2011-10-20T12:24:00.000-04:00

It was just announced that Chuck Borman will accept the Distinguished Service Award at next month's Carolinas GCSA conference and show. It's a great gesture by the Carolinas to one of the great personalities in our industry.

I worked at GCSAA during Chuck's brief stint as the association's COO. You could always hear Chuck coming from about a mile away because he has this loud, booming voice, and he simply must greet every person he sees. "Hi Judy, how's it going? Dave, what's happening? Ed, how's the family?" And you'd hear this while he was on the other end of the wing!

My first impression of Chuck was, "Who is this loud guy we hired?" But then I quickly learned that the man can motivate people and get them working toward a common goal. The Carolinas very obviously benefited from these qualities.

Another thing about Chuck: great taste in cars. He's a Chevy muscle car fan, which I can appreciate.

Here's the press release, below. Congrats, Chuck, from all your friends at Golfdom!

Long-time golf industry administrator, Charles M. “Chuck” Borman, CAE will receive the Distinguished Service Award from the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association next month. Borman led the association as executive director for a decade over two stints beginning in the late '90s. Under his leadership the association experienced significant growth in membership, services and revenues. The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor the 1,800-member association bestows.

Borman will be honored at a special presentation during the association's annual conference and trade show in Myrtle Beach, S.C. that runs Nov. 14-16. The conference and show itself tripled in size during Borman's administration, today providing more than 100 hours of formal education and occupying some 100,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space.

The Carolinas GCSA recruited Borman from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America where he had served in various roles including that of membership services manager. His first day of work for the Carolinas GCSA was April 1, 1998. It may have been April Fool's Day but the association never looked back. At least not until several years later when Borman returned to GCSAA as chief operating officer, but then only briefly. About a year later he returned to the Carolinas GCSA where he served until he retired in 2009. Even today he works as a part-time consultant for the association.

“Chuck Borman's impact on the golf course superintendent profession in the Carolinas cannot be overstated,” says Carolinas GCSA president, John Davis, of Secession Golf Club. “He took this association from a very solid base to being a force in golf in our region and a champion of the interests of every single one of our members. Superintendents for many years to come will benefit from his legacy.”

During Borman's time the Carolinas GCSA:
-- Grew membership from 1,200 to 1,800
-- Grew the annual operating budget from $400,000 to $1.1-million
-- Grew Conference and Show gross revenues from $230,000 to around $600,000
-- Became the first regional superintendents association in the country to own its own headquarters
-- Employed its first professional government relations expert
-- Became an integral part of South Carolina Golf Week celebrations and promotion
-- Led the campaign to have North Carolina Golf Day proclaimed by the governor, twice
-- Steered the first North Carolina Golf Economic Impact Study

Wisconsin assistant wins Toro greensmower

2011-10-19T17:48:00.000-04:00

A lot of assistant superintendents in the news lately, eh?

Here's a press release from Toro about an assistant superintendent winning a Toro Greensmaster TriFlex Hybrid riding greensmower.

Two thoughts before I turn you loose on the release:

1. "Petrifying Springs Golf Course" is a great name for a golf course.

2. The other day I entered a drawing for a giant flat-screen TV at my local Dairy Queen. The very next day, DQ called me. "Mr. Jones, this is Amanda from Dairy Queen, I have good news," she said. I took a breath. "Yes?" "You entered our drawing... and you won a Dairy Queen hat! We'll re-enter your name in the drawing for the TV..."

Here's the release about Lori Stanek, who did way better than a Dairy Queen hat:

The crew at Petrifying Springs, including Lori Stanek, assistant superintendent, on the mower, and David Hassel, supervisor of golf conditions, to her left.

Toro would like to congratulate Lori Stanek, assistant golf course superintendent at Petrifying Springs Golf Course in Kenosha, Wis., on winning a new Toro Greensmaster TriFlex Hybrid riding greensmower. The giveaway was part of Toro’s “Master the Greens U.S. Tour” equipment demonstration series hosted at golf courses across the country this summer.

“I attended the Master of the Greens tour because they were previewing the new TriFlex mowers from Toro. When I found out I won the mower I was in total disbelief,” recounted Lori Stanek. “This is a great opportunity for Kenosha County to have a quality mower.”

“The TriFlex is a superior machine,” continued Stanek. “The mowing units actually hug the greens, giving us a superior quality of cut. It will have a big impact for the golfers because the ball will travel straight and true, every time.”

Dave Hassel, Kenosha County’s supervisor of golf conditions, added, “This really is a state-of-the-art mower that Toro has introduced. Kenosha County has always had a great relationship with The Toro Company, and we are just so pleased to have the opportunity to receive this mower. The machine will be a tremendous asset for us in the future.”

Petrifying Springs, considered the flagship of the Kenosha County Parks system, features an 18-hole layout complete with an abundance of trees and a beautiful, rolling landscape. Designed in 1936, the course has received several awards and recognized as the “#1 Sporty Course in Wisconsin” by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

Higgins to Harrell's

2011-10-19T17:13:00.002-04:00

News from Harrell's today, regarding Jeff Higgins, Ph.D., joining the company as VP of business development.

I saw Dr. Higgins do a presentation years ago when he was with Pursell Technologies. His demonstration was energetic as well as entertaining... the guy has a gift for speaking.

Here's the press release:

Harrell’s, manufacturer and supplier of performance-based turf and ornamental products is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Jeff Higgins to the Executive Team as Vice President of Business Development. He will lead Harrell’s efforts in customer education and manage national accounts for golf, turf and landscape markets. Higgins will report to Harrell’s President Dave Schermerhorn. He is joining Harrell’s from ValleyCrest Golf Course Maintenance where he served as the Director of Agronomy and was responsible for agronomics and maintenance of over 70 golf courses throughout the United States as well as all vendor relationships.

“ I have worked with Jeff over the years and am delighted to welcome him to Harrell’s,” said Schermerhorn. “This is an exciting time at Harrell’s as we develop innovative ways to better serve our customers. Jeff’s unique and extensive background, coupled with his deep understanding and knowledge of the turfgrass industry, will be an invaluable asset in our long-term efforts."

Dr. Higgins has over 25 years experience in the turfgrass and pesticide industry and has held positions as Executive Director of Business Development for Pursell Technologies Inc., Extension Turfgrass Specialist at Auburn University, Director of Agronomic Golf Services for Southern Turf Nurseries, Director of Specialty Products for Pennington Seed, Inc., and Worldwide Technical Product Manager for Dimension Turf Herbicide for Monsanto. He is also an Adjunct Turfgrass Professor at Kansas State University, a Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg), and a Certified Professional Weed Scientist (CPWS).

Higgins has previously worked in the fertilizer business where he served as the Executive Director of Marketing for Agrium Advanced Technologies, who acquired Pursell Technologies, Inc. Dr. Higgins had spent 9 years with Pursell Technologies before the Agrium acquisition in various management positions and was instrumental in the founding and implementation of the PTI Tour, which is now recognized as The Experience at FarmLinks. While at Pursell Technologies, Dr. Higgins developed and commercialized Precise and developed an innovative turfgrass grow-in program utilizing Polyon fertilizer technologies. Dr. Higgins is recognized as one of the nation’s leading authorities on fertilizer technologies.

Dr. Higgins earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Agronomy, with a major emphasis in Turfgrass Management / Physiology and Weed Science from Clemson University and earned an M.S. in Agronomy and Soils and a B.S. in Plant Protection and Pest Management from Auburn University.

Hendo in Orlando....Take Three!

2011-10-19T13:19:00.001-04:00

Getting ready to tee off at Hawk's Landing in Orlando. It is a beautiful course with some pretty sweet Bermuda greens that were mowed by a robot this morning!

My only complaint is the wind is blowing like I'm back in Kansas! Oh well, here goes nothing!

-- Matt Hendren

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

Hendo In Orlando Take Two!

2011-10-18T23:30:00.000-04:00

Matt Hendren here again live from Orlando!

Just finished having dinner with Jason Zielke, President and COO of Precise Path Robotics.

Precise Path is the inovator of the RG3 robitic greens mower. The RG3 is the industry's only autonomous robotic greens mower.

Tomorrow I will get a full demonstration of the RG3 in action along with the privlege of playing Hawk's Landing Golf Club, who has been using the RG3 for the past nine months.

Stay tuned for additional post about the RG3 and Hawk's Landing Golf Club!

--Matt Hendren
Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

Hendo in Orlando!

2011-10-18T16:17:00.001-04:00

Greetings Hyperbole fans! It is me, Matt Hendren of Hendren's Hyperbole coming to you live from Orlando! I am here covering a story for Seth since he just added baby number two to the Jones family.

So far everything is going great. I got to make a new friend on the flight. I met Doug the salesman. So I got that going for me anyways. I also got to big time it when I got to Orlando, just like Vince Vaughn did in MADE! The picture is of my driver Steve! How do you like me now?

Stay tuned all week for updates from Orlando.

Sent from my Samsung Epic™ 4G

Get ready for a big week!

2011-10-17T16:40:00.000-04:00

This is the calm before the storm...

This week Golfdom will be bringing you tons of great content. We'll have contributing editors on the ground at both the C-5 turf science meetings in San Antonio as well as at a robotic greensmower demo in Orlando... we've got two e-newsletters ready to go out... and we've got the new issue right here for your reading pleasure!

Check out that cover and try to tell me that's not the best cover in the industry this month, maybe even THIS YEAR!

Hendren's Hyperbole! Episode 39 -- A little help in the office

2011-10-14T06:05:00.000-04:00

What if I told you I had a way to reduce the amount of time you have to spend in your office completing the dreaded -- I mean, required -- paperwork that comes with managing a top notch golf course? Would you be interested? I think I have found a tool that might just do that! It’s called a secretary!

All joking aside, there is a software program called ManagerPlus that can limit the amount of time spent in the office and make managing your maintenance division a breeze. ManagerPlus claims to "…effortlessly and rapidly handle an unlimited number of preventive maintenance schedules for all of your grounds management activities.”

ManagerPlus can track the following aspects of any golf course maintenance facility; scheduling, fuel/oil, work orders, sub assets, depreciation, purchase orders, repair histories, tools, tires, parts inventory, warranty tracking and fuel tracking.

What really caught my eye about this program is the Chemical Applications Manager. It allows you to fill out required chemical tracking reports electronically! Required chemical application information can be complied by chemical or area within application dates. You will have to agree this tool would be a great asset to any chemical application program. Wouldn’t it be great to have chemical application history at your fingertips?

Check out the program at www.managerplus.com.

Shoot me a comment and let me know if you use ManagerPlus or a similar program. Does the use of the program really save you time?

-- Matt Hendren

BackedByBayer.com re-launches

2011-10-13T10:01:00.003-04:00

Bayer announced the re-launch of its professional products website, BackedByBayer.com. The newly designed site, which focuses on pest management, turf and ornamental, golf course and vector control professional products, will incorporate new user-friendly features.

Highlighted features include an interactive Resource Library of video and audio from industry professionals and customers. The library will also include downloadable resources such as product guides, labels, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and white papers. Webinars from the Bayer Beyond the Basics series will also be added to the website as an ongoing resource for golf course superintendents.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve the user experience for Bayer customers,” said Camille Gipson, Marketing Communications Manager for Bayer. “Exciting new features and enhanced tools make BackedByBayer.com not only an exceptional resource for information but one that is easy to use. We have made improvements such as mobile optimization and sortable search results to make sure our site is accessible and relevant.”

Golf Digest's shout-out to supers

2011-10-11T23:10:00.001-04:00

Nice bit in the new issue (Nov. 2011, Bubba Watson on the cover) of Golf Digest.

In the Editor's Letter, Golf Digest Editor-in-Chief Jerry Tarde gave his 'birdie of the month' to superintendents. He wrote:

"As natural disasters ravaged the country this summer -- from Hurricane Irene and flooding in the East to fires in Texas and extreme heat all over -- maintenance crews labored countless hours to get our courses back to playable. And most (superintendents) have done it with the tighter budgets brought on by a slumping economy. They deserve patience, time and our appreciation."

Hear, hear, Jerry!

Some pics from Green Start Academy

2011-10-10T16:15:00.004-04:00

The grounds of Bayer Environmental Sciences Research Center in Clayton, N.C.

Assistant superintendents get ready to tour Bayer's research center grounds, comprising 281 acres.

GCSAA's Greg Lyman speaks about sustainability.

We're baa-aaaaack!

2011-10-10T11:48:00.000-04:00

Hello loyal Golfdom readers. Sorry for the unannounced silence last week.

We have a good excuse, though.

Senior editor Beth Geraci was out in the field covering the GreenStart Academy, hosted by John Deere and Bayer, in North Carolina. The event hosts assistant superintendents from around the country for three days of education, networking and brain storming. Speakers included such industry figures as Bob Farren, CGCS, Henry DeLozier, Greg Lyman, Stan Zontek and Lane Tredway. Beth has a notebook full of stories from the event, and we'll be sharing them soon.

Where was I? I was firmly planted at Lawrence (Kan.) Memorial Hospital awaiting the arrival of my second child. I'm happy and proud to report that my son, Boyd Atticus Jones, arrived Wednesday at 6:24 p.m. He weighed 8 pounds 4 ounces and was 20.5 inches long.

I meant to get back to work on Friday, but we were so busy checking out of the hospital, getting the car loaded, getting mom her first decent meal in three days... and overall just remembering what it's like to have a newborn... that I let that idea sail.

But I'm back in the office now!

American Vanguard talks PCNB

2011-10-03T16:46:00.000-04:00

Last week I left off with a short story on PCNB and what the lifting of the stop-sale meant for the industry.

This week I caught up with Bill Kuser, director of investor relations for American Vanguard Corp., manufacturer of PCNB. Here's what insight he gave me on where PCNB is currently:

"The court ruled that the stop-sale order by the EPA against that product was inappropriate, it was basically overturned, legally.

That being said, the roughly 12 or 13 months PCNB was off-line, it was due for re-registration and relabeling. The EPA put that on hold while the product was on hold. It has now been necessary, even though we have a legal right to market PCNB, the reality is we have to have these registrations and the proper labels on the containers before that can go out (with the product). We've been working with the EPA diligently to make up for lost time with regard to amending and reissuing the new labels, so the product can go out into the field.

Bottom line: the stop-sale has been legally overturned, we are simply now waiting for the EPA to issue our new amended labels. That process is virtually complete, we're just waiting for them to finalize it. PCNB will be back in the marketplace very shortly for all its major applications. It's a safe and effective product -- always has been -- and it is unfortunate that it wasn't available to users over the last 12 or 13 months."

PCNB's Return

2011-09-30T13:46:00.001-04:00

Last month American Vanguard Corp. announced that the stop-sale placed on PCNB fungicide had been lifted by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. But superintendents already were forced to work without the product last winter, and availibility of the product this year is unclear.

“This has been a long and trying process which appears to be coming to a conclusion. We are now focused on working with the U.S. EPA to get our amended end-use labels for PCNB products issued as quickly as possible, so that we can return to the market,” Eric Wintemute, chairman and CEO of American Vanguard, said in a statement released by the company. “We are also grateful to our customers for their continued support and patience throughout this ordeal and hope to be in a position to meet their needs in the very near future.”

Rob Golembiewski, Oregon State University turfgrass specialist, said he was at an assistant superintendent’s workshop recently, and news of the lifting of the PCNB stop-sale had not spread yet.

“I think (PCNB) is pretty darn popular. I think there are a lot of good products to control pink and gray snow mold, but for the cost – and in this economy – it’s one of the most effective,” Golembiewski said. “Last year when we lost PCNB, a lot of superintendents had to look for alternatives, and they also had to worry about balancing their budgets. Is it the only product? No. But I guarantee people will integrate it right back into their programs once it becomes available.”

Bruce Cline, superintendent at Gladstone (Mich.) Golf Club said he did pretty well for himself last year without the use of PCNB, and will probably continue the same program this year.

“I imagine people will go back to it once it’s available because it’s cheap and it’s effective,” he said. “I don’t know if it’ll be available to me this season.”

Jesse Goodling, superintendent over the two 18-hole courses at Heron Lakes Golf Course in Portland, Ore., says the lifting of the stop-sale didn’t matter much to him, as he hasn’t used the product in 15 years.

“It was good as a preventative, not very good as a control,” Goodling said. “It used to be the old standby… but it had a bad odor, which made everyone paranoid. Plus, if you used it too much, it stunted Poa.”

Golembiewski said that, depending on the combination, PCNB could be as much as 50 percent cheaper than some of the popular alternatives, making it an easy choice for superintendents at lower-budget courses.

He also said that once the company is able to get the product out again to superintendents, it should be here to stay.

“My understanding is there was a minor contaminant in the product itself. From talking with the manufacturer, that has been removed,” he said. “I think it should be around for a long, long time.”

Dow AgroSciences announce new personnel

2011-09-29T20:58:00.000-04:00

Dow AgroSciences recently named Andy Kaler to the position of product manager for the U.S. Turf & Ornamental (T&O) business division.

In his new role, Kaler will execute the portfolio marketing strategy and implement product launches, marketing research and communication plans. In 2008, Kaler was hired as a T&O sales representative covering Ohio, Michigan and western Pennsylvania.

He is replacing Patrick Bell, who was recently named product manager for the U.S. Fungicides and Specialty Crop herbicides business. Bell has been with Dow AgroSciences since 2005.

Brett Garrard, product manager for chlorpyrifos insecticides, has accepted the position of T&O sales representative in the eastern district, replacing Kaler. Garrard began his career in 2005 as a sales representative in the T&O business, covering New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. He also has served as communications manager for the Coastal Crops business and U.S. Launch Specialist for rice, tree nut and vine herbicides.

Gil del Rosario has been named T&O sales representative for southern California. Previously, del Rosario served as a sales representative covering central Kansas and northern Illinois with experience in the corn, soybean, alfalfa and Range & Pasture markets. He also served as a market developer in Central Illinois and a sales specialist in the western district.

In the Northwest, Greg Webster has been named sales representative serving the T&O market in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Webster replaces Bill Miller, who is retiring after 43 years with Dow AgroSciences.

Hendren's Hyperbole! Episode 38 -- the future of weed control?

2011-09-28T10:54:00.000-04:00

Check this out! The WeedSeeker Sprayer manufactured by Rittenhouse. The WeedSeeker uses optics to sense if a weed is present and only sprays the weed! No more driving all over the course hunting down those pesky broadleaf weeds. That is some crazy stuff! The Weedseeker will detect weeds over gravel, grass, pavement, and cart paths.

I am sure you are asking yourself “Yeah right, how does it work.” Here is the skinny, when a weed enters the WeedSeeker’s sensor field of view and detects a different color pattern it signals a spray nozzle to deliver a precise amount of herbicide to the weed.

That is awesome! Where was this futuristic, Sci-Fi beast back in the day when I was working my way up the ladder as a spray jockey?

The only negative aspect I can see is the cost. The 80-inch model runs $9,900 and the 120-inch model costs $13,755. Don’t worry; I'm sure the cost will come down in the future just like flat screen televisions did.

Check it out for yourself…http://www.rittenhouse.ca/asp/Product.asp?PG=9001187

What do you think of this idea?

-- Matt Hendren

New logo for National Alliance for Accessible Golf

2011-09-26T14:44:00.000-04:00

The National Alliance for Accessible Golf (Alliance) today introduced the next generation of its branding with the unveiling of a new logo. The new logo more accurately reflects the current focus of the Alliance, specifically on education, training and funding to benefit the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the game of golf.

The origins of the Alliance itself dates back to the early 1990s and emerged from a series of six annual meetings, the Forums on Accessible Golf. Officially formed in the summer of 2001, the Alliance is represented by major golf organizations in the United States, organizations that provide services for people with disabilities and others who advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities into society. The mission of the Alliance is to increase participation of people with disabilities in the game of golf. Individuals with disabilities will enhance their quality of life as they become actively engaged in the social fabric of their community through participation in the game of golf.

Now, more than 10 years old, the Alliance undertook the rebranding of their image with the assistance of Adrenalin, a leader in sports-specific branding based in Denver.

President Betsy Clark shares, “The Alliance has evolved since its inception and our new logo reflects our commitment to educating the golf, therapeutic recreation and rehabilitation industries; training individuals within those industries to better assist persons with disabilities through inclusion; and providing meaningful opportunities within local communities through funding.”

For more information on the National Alliance for Accessible Golf and its programs, please visit www.accessgolf.org.

2011 Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition in photos

2011-09-23T14:02:00.000-04:00

The 2011 Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition is over, and everything I've heard about the event was that it was a wild success. Looking at these photos, I'd have to agree! Looks like a blast. I'm putting this event on my calendar for next year in Sharpie marker. (The only reason I didn't go this year is because we're expecting the arrival of our second child any day now!)

Thanks to everyone who voted in the Green Industry Award competition... the film "Water Ways" took the gold and the $6,000 prize in that category. Great film, it was well deserving of the honor. Below that's a photo of (left to right) Dave Johnson, Rain Bird's director of corporation marketing, "Water Ways" creator Jall Cowasji, Kevin Stoltman, vice president, Questex Media (AKA my boss) and Jack Hanna, renown environmentalist and animal expert.

Click after the jump to see the complete release and a BUNCH of photos (thank you Dan Jacobs) from the evening as well as the full rundown of who won what.

Rain Bird's fourth 2011 Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition honored three short films as the winners of the competition at a screening event on September 20. Held at the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, California, the event was presented by Rain Bird and event partners The Chronicles Group, Film L.A., Denver Botanic Gardens, Southern Nevada Water Authority and Questex Media Group.

Jack Hanna, renowned environmental documentary filmmaker and animal expert, presented the six finalists’ films to a live audience and a panel of judges from the film, water, green and irrigation industries. After a brief deliberation, the judges chose the Jury Award Winner, and the audience voted for the Audience Choice Award Winner:

2011 Jury Award Winner
"Fun and Games" by Ben Mills, Basingstoke, Hants, U.K.

2011 Audience Award Winner
"Just Don’t Flush It" by Brian McAndrew, North Bend, Oregon, United States

Rain Bird presented Jury-Award-winning filmmaker Ben Mills with a check for $6,000 in recognition of his efforts, while Audience-Choice-Award-winning filmmaker Brian McAndrew received a check for $3,000.

The evening also included the presentation of the annual Green Industry Award to the film receiving the most votes from green industry professionals – landscape architects, landscape contractors, irrigators, golf course superintendentsand grounds maintenance professionals. Rain Bird and Questex Media Group, publishers of landscape and building publications including Athletic Turf, Golfdom and Landscape Management, presented this award and a $6,000 check to Jall Cowasji for his film "Water Ways."

“The high level of ingenuity and creativity we found in this year’s film competition truly demonstrates the importance of water conservation,” said Rain Bird’s Director of Corporation Marketing, Dave Johnson. “Rain Bird’s Intelligent Use of Water platform is designed to provide filmmakers like these with a voice that can inspire others to take personal action."

Chris Erickson talks Kansas State turf school

2011-09-22T11:24:00.001-04:00

Here's a new Golfdom TV video that went out with yesterday's Golfdom Insider e-newsletter. It's me and Chris Erickson, superintendent at the Crosby at Rancho Santa Fe, talking about turf school (in this case, Kansas State). This month's Golfdom has a turf school theme, so we were playing off that theme.

This video might not solve all your turf problems, but it's a good chance to catch up with Chris and see what's going on out in San Diego! And the course sure is gorgeous.

Breaking news: Withers named president of Jacobsen, Wilkinson to retire

2011-09-21T12:09:00.000-04:00

David Withers has been promoted to the position of presidentof Jacobsen, effective October 1, 2011. Withers has been serving as managingdirector of the Ransomes division of Jacobsen, located in the United Kingdom,since January 2005, overseeing international operations for all Jacobsen brandsas well as the E-Z-GO brand in Europe.

“I’m very excited about this opportunity. Having worked in the golf and turfmaintenance industry for over 25 years, 19 of those with the Jacobsen team,this appointment is what I have always aspired to do. I look forward to workingwith the team to grow our market share around the world and continuing toestablish Jacobsen as a leader in turf maintenance products,” Withers says.

Withers joined Textron in 1992 as a regional sales manager for Jacobsen in theUK. In 1996, he was promoted to the position of national accounts manager,where he focused on developing business with key customers across Europe. In2002, he was promoted to the position of sales and marketing director beforehis appointment in 2005 as managing director of Ransomes Jacobsen.

Scott Donnelly, Textron CEO, says Withers is a proven leader in the golfindustry. “With his broad international experience — which spans over 45countries — and his strong track record in business development and operationalexcellence, I am confident that he is the right person to maximize the growthopportunities that lie ahead for Jacobsen,” Donnelly says.

Withers will succeed Dan Wilkinson, who is retiring from the company after 14years of service to Textron. Under Wilkinson’s leadership, Jacobsen made greatstrides in improving its operating efficiency and reinvigorating its productoffering, including the introduction of the Eclipse 322 — the world's firsthybrid riding greens mower.

Wilkinson was named president of Jacobsen on Sept. 29, 2005. He joined thecompany in 1997 as director of national sales accounts at Greenlee, Textron'sprofessional tools business. Prior to working for Textron, Wilkinson worked atGeneral Electric for 17 years in positions such as distribution planning andmarketing and sales.

Look for an interview with Withers soon in an upcoming issue of Golfdom. 

Deere to sell Honda lawn mowers, blowers

2011-09-20T17:03:00.001-04:00

Deere & Company announced today a new sales and marketing agreement with Honda Power Equipment to sell Honda premium power products at participating John Deere dealerships in the United States. Shipments of Honda inventory to John Deere dealerships will be phased in, beginning in 2012.

Under the terms of the agreement, participating John Deere dealers will offer Honda’s walk-behind lawn mowers, generators, tillers, water pumps and snow blowers. In addition, Deere said, it will no longer market John Deere-branded walk-behind mowers or walk-behind snow blowers in the U.S., in any sales channel, after 2012.

“Honda power equipment has earned a strong reputation for durability, quality and reliability – all which are important attributes to John Deere customers,” said David Everitt, president of the Worldwide Agricultural and Turf Division at Deere. “For homeowners, our premium John Deere lawn tractors will continue to lead the way at our dealerships but will be complemented with the strong line of Honda power equipment products.”

John Deere dealerships are independently owned and the company said all active dealers will be offered the opportunity to sell the Honda product line during a sign-up period beginning in late 2011. Deere said it may also consider the agreement for Canadian dealers in the future.

According to Scott Conner, vice president, Honda Power Equipment, “This new alliance with John Deere allows Honda Power Equipment to expand its reach by providing products that meet the high quality and reliability standards that John Deere customers have come to expect.”

Customers who want to purchase a new Honda power product, or service an existing product, at a John Deere dealership will be able to do so at participating Deere dealers after the dealer is added to the Honda sales network. Deere said the program could take through 2013 to be completely phased in.

Hendren's Hyperbole! Episode 37 -- Free Walker Cup preview

2011-09-20T10:18:00.000-04:00

Hendren here with some exciting news! I have some free stuff for the taking!

Well, technically it’s not my stuff and I’m not the one giving it away but it is FREE! As usual I’m a day late and a dollar short but this offer still stands because I just checked to make sure.

Golfweek published a series of free digital editions covering the Walker Cup. The free digital editions include:

• Thursday Preview – A complete overview of the players, the atmosphere and how the teams stack up
• Friday Preview – An inside look at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, the backdrop for this year’s tournament
• Gameday Editions (Saturday and Sunday) – A full rundown of the day’s matches, including exclusive commentary, striking photos and Golfweek’s popular Forecaddie section

I wish I would have got this info out a little earlier but it is still a sweet offer and definitely worth checking out. Go to http://golfweek.magcloud.com/ to check out your FREE Golfweek.

Check back here weekly for Hendren’s Hyperbole posts, I don’t want you to miss a sweet story I am going to bring you from Orlando in mid-October. I don’t want to ruin the surprise so I will just tease you by letting you know the topic of the story is probably one of the coolest technological advances in golf course maintenance I have ever seen.

-- Matt Hendren

Syngenta obtains Econem in Pasteuria Bioscience agreement

2011-09-19T13:44:00.001-04:00

Syngenta Lawn & Garden announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Pasteuria Bioscience Inc., a U.S.-based biotechnology company. Under the terms of the agreement, Syngenta’s Turf & Landscape division will have exclusive licensing and distribution rights in global turf markets to Pasteuria Biosciences existing and future nematicide product lines based on the naturally occurring biological agent Pasteuria.

As a result of the agreement, Syngenta will obtain Econem for the Lawn & Garden Turf portfolio, Pasteuria Bioscience’s first commercialized product containing Pasteuria microbes. Launched in 2010, Econem has been proven to control sting nematodes, one of the most widespread and destructive types. A liquid version has recently gained EPA registration, and a combination offer, to control in addition lance nematodes, is in late stage development. Sting and lance nematodes are two examples of prevalent nematode pests in the U.S. market affecting golf courses and sports fields.

“Our customers have told us that they are extremely interested in how these new and environmentally favorable options can be effectively used to control pests,” says Mike Parkin, global head, Turf & Landscape, Lawn & Garden.

"This agreement further strengthens our relationship with Syngenta and serves as further validation of the technology," said David Duncan, Ph.D., chief executive officer for Pasteuria Bioscience. "We are very excited about Syngenta’s plan to resource and fully realize the potential of these Pasteuria-based products in the golf course and other turf grass markets.”

In June 2011, Syngenta entered into an exclusive global technology agreement with Pasteuria Bioscience with the aim of developing innovative bio-nematicides to control nematodes across a broad variety of crops.

Financial details have not been disclosed.

Mayweather vs. Ortiz (My Frustrating Sports Weekend)

2011-09-19T10:51:00.000-04:00

Talk about a rough sports weekend... my Jayhawks got routed by Georgia Tech, the Chiefs were thumped by the Lions (and it sounds like there's another season-ending injury on the team) and my fantasy football team was destroyed by Golfdom publisher Pat Roberts.

And the cherry on top? The lame Floyd Mayweather/Victor Ortiz fight.

I spent $70 on the pay-per-view to see Ortiz not protect himself and take two shots to the face that floored him in the fourth round. Match over.

I was rooting for Ortiz, as was most of the free world. Ortiz is a Kansas guy, so I have to support my fellow Jayhawk. But right now I am more mad at Ortiz than Mayweather.

What the heck was up with that head-butt? And why did Ortiz then go so crazy trying to apologize?

The worst offense was not putting up his gloves after the break. And the second worst offense was his "aw, shucks," attitude after the fight. No anger, just a smile. "It is what it is," Ortiz said. He kept smiling and laughing about the whole thing. Maybe he was still loopy from the combination. But why was I more mad, sitting on my couch in Kansas, than Ortiz was after taking two "cheap shots" to the face?

Maybe because I had just wasted $70 on the fight, while Ortiz just banked $2.5 million. That'd probably make me smile, too.

But I have to brag: it wasn't ALL bad sports for me this weekend. My 4-year-old daughter netted her first goal at her soccer game on Saturday! That had me smiling most of the rest of the day, even through the Jayhawks game. Nice goal, Evey!

Did you watch the fight on Saturday night? What did you think? Do you blame Mayweather for throwing those punches, or Ortiz for not having the brains to be ready to defend himself?

New employee at Ohio State University Golf Club

2011-09-16T10:09:00.001-04:00

These photos just hit my inbox this morning.Brutus Buckeye is the newest proud employee out at the Ohio State University Golf Club in Columbus. Word around the maintenance shop is that Brutus is a hard worker and carries his weight... the only complaints so far is that he is always unavailable to work on game days, and also, they won't let him operate a string-trimmer because they can't find protective eyewear to fit his giant mascot head...

The timing of these photos really made me laugh, because this month's issue of Golfdom has a "turf school" theme. Had I got them two weeks ago, I would have probably tried to publish them! Heck, Brutus could have been my cover model! (OK, probably not... don't want to make it seem like we have an allegiance to one turf school!)

Anyway, look for more from Golfdom soon about your favorite turf school, as well as the obstacles those schools are having to overcome with tighter state budgets... in this month's issue!

Hendren's Hyperbole! Episode 36 -- Losing Products You Depend On

2011-09-15T16:35:00.000-04:00

Welcome back to Hendren’s Hyperbole! I had an opportunity this week to have dinner, drinks and watch some Monday Night Football with Golfdom Editor-in-Chief Seth Jones and Golfdom's Southern Sales Manager Jason DeSarle. It is great to have the opportunity to meet some of the people behind-the-scenes that make Golfdom the great magazine it is and I look forward to meeting the entire team at the Golfdom Summit in November.

I was looking for something to write about this week when I stopped by the new-and-improved www.turfgrassdiseases.org to see what was happening in the world of turf diseases. That's when I saw this piece from Dr. Lane Tredway about the announcement the Gowan Company made this week that they are going to stop selling Rubigan on December 31st, 2012. The decision to remove Rubigan from the market is basically because there are cheaper alternatives for spring dead spot and sulfonylurea herbicides have made Rubigan obsolete for pre-emergence control of Poa annua on warm-season grasses.

Personally I have never worked on a course with bermudagrass greens and have only worked on a few courses that had warm season fairways or tees, so my experience with Rubigan from a professional standpoint is virtually nonexistent.

That being said, I can understand how losing a product you depend on and have absolute faith in could be a big blow to a yearly maintenance plan. Hopefully, with the introduction of products like Torque and Headway for the control of spring dead spot in fairways, tees, roughs the transition will be a smooth one.

According to Tredway, the control of spring dead spot on bermudagrass greens is a different story. Products like Headway and Torque have not shown to consistently control SDS on bermudagrass greens. Pathologists are continuing to experiment to find alternatives for Rubigan and the control of SDS on bermudagrass greens.

I would love to hear from some superintendents who depend on Rubigan for control of SDS on bermudagrass greens and how The Gowan Company’s decision to discontinue the fungicide will impact you in 2012 and beyond.

-- Matt Hendren

En-Joi underwater

2011-09-15T12:08:00.001-04:00

From Syracuse.com:

Course superintendent Rocco Greco said about 30 percent of the course remained under up to 5 feet of water Wednesday. That is down from peak flood conditions, when all but the ninth and 18th greens, practice green and elevated tee boxes were under water.

Click here for the full story and an aerial photo of the course.

Five feet of water? Yikes.

Who you calling "pesticide-covered?"

2011-09-14T15:00:00.002-04:00

The magazine Fast Company has done a story on golf courses and how they're trying to "clean up their act."

It's probably a bad sign when the descriptions "water-sucking" and "pesticide-covered" are both used in a headline, isn't it?

Well, they tried to do a story that was positive. And three of their sources -- Audubon International, the GCSAA and the Golf Environmental Organization -- did a fine job of representing the industry. It's the in-between that hurts.

Why compare a golf course's water use with the water use of a family of four? Wouldn't it be more accurate to compare a business versus a business? Maybe even use a business like golf that depends on water?

The Andersons expand in Canada

2011-09-13T13:39:00.004-04:00

The Turf & Specialty Group at The Andersons, Inc. has reached an agreement with Sylvite Turf General Partnership Inc. to expand distribution in the Eastern Canadian provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes.

Sylvite Turf General Partnership Inc. is a partnership forged between Sylvite Agri-Services and Turf Care Products Canada. The newly formed company supplies fertilizer and plant protection products to the golf, lawn care and sport turf industries throughout Eastern Canada. Sylvite Turf operates out of Turf Care’s offices in Newmarket, Ontario.

“We are pleased with the addition of Sylvite Turf to our distribution network. With multiple locations, Sylvite Turf will create better access to The Andersons products for customers in Eastern Canada,” says Rich Christ, International Sales Manager.

GolfdomTV -- A chat with Turfco

2011-09-09T13:56:00.003-04:00

While I was in Blaine, Minn., hanging with the Turfco guys, I shot a quick video. And I do mean quick... the camera battery was about to go out, so I kept it short and sweet so we wouldn't get cut-off mid-sentence.

Here's the video. Check the August issue of Golfdom for a full feature on the company, who celebrate the 50th anniversary of the unveiling of the first mechanical topdresser this month.

Hendren's Hyperbole! Episode 35 -- Tiger wants some Frys with that

2011-09-08T11:29:00.001-04:00

Welcome back to Hendren’s Hyperbole! I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend. The Hendren household had a great extended weekend but the cherry on top was the weather breaking. I love a cool morning in the 50s and a high of 75.

In case you haven’t heard, Tiger is playing in the Frys.com Open in San Martin, Calif., Oct. 6-9. Oh how the mighty fall. I can’t believe Tiger is playing again this year in a tournament that isn’t a charity event.

What is going to happen if he misses the cut at the Frys.com Open or finishes in a tie for 25th place? I can’t imagine that will be very good for his brand. Maybe Tiger has given up on building his brand, at least until he can make a cut.

If I were Tiger I would just concentrate on golf right now. I would play in every tournament I could and leave my pride at home. I would respect him more if he just sucked it up and got his stuff together on the course. If he wants to catch Jack he better hurry up because he is not getting any younger.

What do you think about Tiger playing in the Frys.com Open? Does anyone even care at this point?

-- Matt Hendren