Review of Turfgrass Diseases: Golf Course Disease Updates by University Professors

As a student in the Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program at The Pennsylvania State University, I am particularly interested in the area of turfgrass pathology. I discovered the Turfgrass Diseases website, located at www.turfdiseases.blogspot.com, last semester while searching for additional reference material to support a turfgrass pathology course that we were taking at that time. The blog focuses on providing up-to-date information on turfgrass diseases that are affecting different areas of the country as well as a wonderful photo gallery that includes an array of turfgrass diseases.

The blog is supported by five individuals who are all specialists in turfgrass and plant pathology. They include: Dr. John Kaminski, Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Science at The Pennsylvania State University; Dr. Megan Kennelly, Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University; Dr. Jim Kerns, Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Pathology at the University of Wisconsin; Dr. Lane Tredway, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University; and Dr. Frank Wong, Associate Specialist in Coop Extension and Associate Plant Pathologist at the University of California, Riverside.
Once you enter the blog, one can choose the area of the country that pertains to your situation. They have separated the country into five sections: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, West, and South Central. Each of the experts reports current and relative information for their area of the country. For example, Dr. Kaminski writes on diseases relative to the northeastern United States.

The layout of the blog is attractive, well laid out, and surprisingly casual in feel. I say this because there are interesting caricatures of three of the experts on the homepage. In addition, the authors mix business with more familiar issues such as recent travels to the GIS Show in San Diego. A search engine is provided to easily find specific information on many diseases that have been written about in prior stories. As I said before, there is a wonderful photo gallery on the blog with amazing photos of many diseases. I hope that they continue adding to this section over time as it is a great current resource for managers of fine turf.

I would recommend this blog to anyone who is interested in turfgrass pathology as a means to network with university and industry experts as well as utilize the resources that they are providing. This is up-to-date, current information that could help the turfgrass manager on a daily basis in the pursuit of better managing their disease related issues.

Plant Growth Regulators: A Management Tool for Poa annua Putting Greens

Managing Poa annua var. annua (Poa annua) on putting greens has been an increasing challenge for golf course superintendents. As the golfer has continued to demand higher quality and faster greens, managing this species has become part science and part art form. Of all the management issues superintendents face with Poa annua putting greens, one of the most important in my mind has to be the control of annual seedheads. As Poa annua comes out of winter dormancy, the plant goes through the natural process of going to seed. Since annual bluegrass is an annual plant, it naturally makes new seeds in order to promote new off-spring. These seedheads cause the putting green surface to become bumpy and irregular. As a result, golfers complain to course employees about the conditions of the putting surfaces.

As part of an overall management strategy, plant growth regulators (PGR’s) have become an important tool in the management of Poa annua putting greens. Simply defined, PGR’s are chemical substances that control various growth and development processes within plants (Huang, 2007). PGR’s can be divided into two different broad categories: compounds that promote growth and stress tolerances, also known as biostimulants, and those that suppress growth. Our focus will be on PGR’s that suppress the growth and development of plants, in particular Class A, C, and E regulators.

Class A compounds suppress growth by inhibiting gibberellin biosynthesis. Trinexapac-ethyl (Primo) is our best example of this class of PGR. Research has shown that in addition to reducing plant top growth, trinexapac-ethyl improves overall turfgrass quality, canopy density, and stress tolerances (Huang, 2007). Ervin and Zhang (2007) found that frequent applications of trinexapac-ethyl had similar results as applications of seaweed extracts in combination with humic acids in that higher levels of naturally occurring plant cytokinins were found in plant leaf tissues. They theorize that by maintaining healthy plants that show delayed leaf senescence, these plants will remain more efficient at photosynthesis resulting in more production of carbohydrates for use by the plant (Ervin and Zhang, 2007). However, Primo alone has never been found to control annual seedhead production of Poa annua. The use of multiple applications of Primo in combination with ethephon (Proxy) (a Class E regulator that works by releasing ethylene after being absorbed by the plant) has, however, proven to be a fairly successful method of reducing seedheads on Poa annua putting greens with few phytotoxic effects. Application of this combination can cause stem elongation which in turn could result in scalping related injuries (Kaminski, 2009, Penn State University Lecture). Timing of the first application is still critical followed by a second application two to six weeks after the initial application.

Class C compounds are those that suppress cell division within a plant including mefluidide (Embark). Embark has been the standard chemical for controlling seedhead production of annual bluegrass on putting greens for many years. Able to achieve seedhead control of nearly 100%, Embark has proven itself effective. In order for the product to be most effective, the optimum timing of the spray must occur just before the seedhead emerges from the plant. This product does come with several potential side effects. I have observed that spraying this product too early in the season could result in the yellowing or browning of the turfgrass if the spray is followed by extremely cold weather or frost. Also, spraying too late in the season could result in poor suppression of seedheads.

Superintendents must determine which product or combination of products best fits into their maintenance plan for their course. They must monitor the weather and the many microclimates on the golf course in order to develop a comprehensive management plan that includes both chemical and cultural practices for the control of annual bluegrass seedheads as well as the overall plant health of the Poa annua putting greens on their course.

It is worth noting that no matter which product or combination of products is used to control this annual problem, label rates should always be used. Increasing or decreasing label rates could have adverse effects on the quality of the putting greens. A successful seedhead management program begins with knowing the products on the market and how they work, knowing the amount of annual bluegrass species you have on your golf course, and understanding your clientele and their expectations.

Networking Opportunities: They Are All Around Us

Last year I decided that it was time for a change in my life. I have been involved in the golf industry from 1983 to 1995, then again from 2003 to 2006, and finally in the landscaping industry since 1996 when I opened my own business. For the past couple of years, I gave much thought to re-entering the golf industry. This time, however, I did not want to end up working at just any ordinary course. I wanted to take it to the next level, but how to get there became the question to answer. My search began after doing some research about the turfgrass program at Penn State. Last March after meeting with Dr. John Kaminski at his office on the Penn State main campus, I decided that this might be an excellent way to re-enter the golf course profession. We discussed course work and the internship as well as his plan to achieve my ultimate goal of being a superintendent at a championship golf course. Penn State’s Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program is known around the world as being a leader in educating the best and brightest turfgrass managers. Having the largest turfgrass science alumni base in the world provides a wonderful support system as well as networking opportunities that no other school can match. Making the decision to return to school and enter the Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program at Penn State soon became a much easier decision after hearing all the attributes of the Penn State Program.

Part of the plan that we developed included volunteering at several major tournament events in order to begin building my network of influential individuals within the turfgrass industry. We decided on two major events last year: the 2009 U.S. Women’s Open held at Saucon Valley Country Club and the 2009 Walker Cup held at Merion Golf Club. Through these opportunities, I met many assistants, superintendents, industry representatives, and USGA officials who were all very eager to offer advice to help me navigate my way through these early years of my professional career.

Building an influential network is a process that takes an entire career. In addition to picking the right turf school and volunteering at major events, successful networking can be achieved in many other ways including:

• Start with your friends. Use them to add to your group by having them introduce you to others.
• Go to where industry leaders might be such as trade shows, conferences, and university turf field days. Meet as many individuals as you can. Hand out business cards and collect them. Ask questions by participating in conference classes. Introduce yourself to as many industry leaders as possible.
• Start a Blog. Follow a Blog. Be an active participant so that people take notice.
• Write an article in an industry journal or magazine.
• Join professional organizations such as the GCSAA as well as state and local industry groups.
• Talk to university faculty and fellow alumni.
  

While attending conferences or volunteering at tournaments, remember that you are always being watched by someone who could be your future employer. Maintain a professional demeanor at all times. Remember that you only have one chance to make a first impression.

• Dress appropriately for the event and always make sure that you are well groomed.
• Be positive. People do not like to be around negative individuals.
• Be friendly, polite, and attentive to those around you.
• Know how to start and end a conversation.
• Have a good handshake.
• Practice techniques to remember names.
• Show enthusiasm and be helpful.
  
  Remember that trust developed between individuals within a network is not something that is automatically given; it is something that must be earned over time through hard work, determination, and a mutual respect for the other individuals in the network.
  
  Networking opportunities are all around us. Keep your eyes and ears open as you never know who might be there. Use every means available to make contacts including conferences, trade shows, volunteering, professional organizations, the internet, trade journals, university faculty, fellow alumni, and most importantly your friends. Networking is a two way street. It is not just about meeting new people who can potentially help your career in the future, but also about how you can help others achieve their personal and professional goals.

A Look Inside the Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council

The Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council (PTC) plays a vital role in the turfgrass industry in Pennsylvania. The primary mission of the PTC is to raise money to support turfgrass science research efforts in Pennsylvania. In addition, the PTC operates as the state-wide advocate for the turfgrass industry.

Founded in 1955 by a small group of individuals, the original intent of the organization was to promote research in the turfgrass industry. Over time, however, the mission of the organization has evolved to include the funding of educational programs through scholarships to those undergraduate and graduate students pursuing an education in turfgrass science, the promotion of the entire turfgrass industry within the state, as well as the sponsorship of various educational and trade show conferences within Pennsylvania.

Income is derived from membership dues, charitable donations, various golf outings and trade shows. In addition to the financial benefits, these events can be an excellent opportunity to network, obtain continuing education credits, and get the most up-to-date information on all areas of turfgrass research.

The organization is governed by a board of directors that includes golf course superintendents, sports turf managers, faculty members from The Pennsylvania State University, and representatives from the turfgrass industry. The board is supported by faculty members from Penn State that represent the various disciplines of the industry including soils, weed science, entomology, turfgrass management, and plant pathology.

Funding education and research is a most vital component of building a strong turfgrass industry. Since 1974, the PTC has provided over $2 million of research grants to Penn State. These monies allow Penn State researchers to stay on the forefront of research that affect golf course professionals, sports turf manager, and landscape professionals. It is critical that we continue to fund projects and be forward thinking in order to continue providing important funding to the turfgrass professionals in Pennsylvania.

As a member of the turfgrass industry in Pennsylvania, we should all try our best to support this fine organization. We should continue to improve our membership roles beyond the roughly eleven hundred individuals, corporations, and golf clubs that currently support the PTC. Take some time and visit the PTC website at www.paturf.org and consider joining today.

A Look Inside the Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program at The Pennsylvania State University

Whistling Straits

Pennsylvania State University student Josh Haugh was recently interviewed regarding the Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program. Josh came to the two year certificate program after graduating with a degree in biology then working on several local golf courses. His plan was first to attend graduate school for plant pathology, however, when funding was not available he contemplated attending the Turfgrass Management Program at Penn State in hopes of combining his love of biology and the outdoors with his passion for the game of golf. As Josh gets closer to his graduation from the program, he sat down with me to reflect on some of the memorable moments he experienced both here on campus and at Whistling Straits where he did his internship. Josh came to Penn State simply because it offers the best turfgrass science education in the country. Penn State’s Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program is known around the world as being a leader in educating the best and brightest turfgrass managers. Having the largest turfgrass science alumni base in the world provides a wonderful support system as well as networking opportunities that no other school can match. Classes are taught by world class teachers and researchers, many of whom have practical golf course experiences, in areas that include: turfgrass pathology, soils, botany, weed and insect management as well as business, communication, accounting, and human resource management. The program also requires each student to spend six months doing an internship where they receive real world experience. Combining the knowledge from the classroom with the practical day-to-day responsibilities and challenges encountered on the golf course is the perfect turfgrass science education. Brimming with confidence, Josh only sees good things in his future and the future of the turfgrass industry. He will never forget that it all started at Penn State University.

Effective Communication is Essential for the Turfgrass Manager

2009 U.S. Women's Open - Saucon Valley Country Club

As with most relationships, both personal and professional, good communication between individuals is the key to a successful relationship and quite possibly a successful career. Working at a private golf club is no different; there are many important relationships for the golf course superintendent to maintain. They might include a relationship with all the following individuals: employees, greens committee, membership, colleagues, and industry representatives. As both an employer and an employee, it is your responsibility to develop and foster a good working relationship with many different groups of people. Let's focus for now on the club members and the green committee members at your private club. The green committee is the group of individuals that is your link between you and the membership. They are your advocates among the membership. Often the leadership at a private club changes from year to year. Just as you become comfortable working with one group of individuals, their term on the green committee is ending and another group is coming on board. If you are lucky, your committee chairman will serve multiple years of service which will hopefully enable the club to experience some sense of uniformity and consistency in the leadership structure. Your relationship with your green committee and the membership needs to be built on trust and a sense of a common goal. As the superintendent of an important asset, you need to make sure that the membership understands the scope of your position including the agronomic programs on the golf course, landscape management of all clubhouse grounds, irrigation management, renovation and special projects, as well as human resource issues and employee training programs. Superintendents today need to be both an agronomist and a business manager if they want to be successful. The trust factor is not something that is automatically given; it is something that must be earned. As an employee, it is your responsibility to spend the time to nurture this relationship. You should be willing to spend time with your committee and membership; discuss your needs but also listen to the concerns of the group. Be organized, punctual, and professional at all times. Make sure to follow through on all promises and do not over commit yourself. It is better to do fewer things great than to promise the world and fall short on everything. Since your membership is not familiar with the green industry, communicate in a language that will be easy to understand. In particular, the green committee will most likely be the first to have to field concerns and questions from the majority of the membership. The better they understand an issue, the better it will be explained to the general membership making your job so much easier.
Make sure that you provide accurate information in a timely manner and in language that the average individual will understand. Educate the membership by providing current reading material on relevant turf research, pesticides, drainage, agronomics, water management, bunker care, equipment maintenance and a whole host of other issues. Sharing that common goal of providing the membership with the best possible playing conditions can be accomplished through a newsletter, internet blog, monthly green committee meetings, general membership meetings, as well as one-on-one conversations with staff and individual members. As the property manager, the superintendent must effectively communicate all matters, both positive and negative, to the membership. Spend time touring the golf course and maintenance facilities as often as time will allow. Keep an open door policy for the green chairman as well as the membership. Be understanding, friendly, and make certain that you are always thought to be an approachable individual. The individual with a positive, open relationship who communicates effectively and efficiently with the green chair and membership should have a successful career as a golf course superintendent.

The Merion Golf Club Experience

Merion Golf Club Clubhouse

As part of the Golf Course Turfgrass Management Program we are required to spend six months interning at a club between the 2nd and 3rd term. During my first meeting with Dr. Kaminski about one year ago, we sat down and discussed his "5 year plan" to achieving a superintendent's position. We also discussed goals and objectives that I wanted to attain. Since my goal was to ultimately be a superintendent hosting a major United States championship, our plan was for me to become associated with a championship golf club, a top superintendent, and the United States Golf Association. The decision came easy. I focused my sights on working for Matt Shaffer at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. Merion Golf Club has hosted more national championships than any other club including most recently the 2009 Walker Cup. The 2013 United States Open will be the 19th USGA Championship marking 12 consecutive decades that Merion Golf Club has hosted a USGA Championship event.
Opened in 1912, Merion (East Course) was designed by Hugh Wilson, an amateur/sportsman architect of the day and a member of Merion Cricket Club (MCC). Wilson was a member of an elite group of amateur/sportsman architects of the day that included C.B. Macdonald (National Golf Links of American); Herbert Leeds (Myopia Hunt Club); H.C. and W.C. Fownes (Oakmont Golf Club); and George A. Crump (Pine Valley Golf Club). These men devoted many years and in some cases decades to developing their respective golf courses. They were each members of their club and were not paid to oversee construction of their project. It is difficult to imagine anyone today being as dedicated as they were to the construction of a new golf course. The results are some of the most classic golf courses in the United States which have all stood the test of time.
Before construction of the East Course began, Wilson travelled to England and Scotland for seven months studying some of the great courses in the Old Country. Merion also enlisted the advice of Charles Blair Macdonald who met with Wilson, William Flynn (the first greenkeeper of the East Course) and the Merion committee to discuss his concepts of classic golf course architecture.
Wilson and Flynn would spend the next thirteen years perfecting the course until Wilson's death in 1925. Flynn worked to continuously improve the East Course until 1934.
Interning at Merion Golf Club will certainly prove to be full of great experiences. I look forward to being part of all the great golf traditions that are truly Merion. Working under the direction of Mr. Shaffer will increase my knowledge and understanding of turfgrass management at a championship golf course and provide me with a solid foundation to grow and develop in the turfgrass industry.
With all the changes including the new maintenance facilities and the upcoming renovations to prepare for the 2013 United States Open Championship, it should be a very busy summer.

Merion Golf Club East Course #18