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4 SPOTLIGHT: BOB BITTNER RECEIVES PRESIDENT’S AWARDEducation and charity fundraisers marked the fall chapter activities, highlighted
by the presentation of the FGCSA Presidents Award for Lifetime Service to BobBittner, CGCS, superintendent of the Club at Pelican Bay in Naples.
14 COVER STORY: 44 YEARS AND 3 SUPERINTENDENTS LATEROverlooking Payne’s Prairie, the Gainesville G&CC clubhouse is a portal for
wildlife to meander into the woodsy southwest suburbs of this Florida collegetown. Located west of I-75 and just off Williston Rd, this certified Audubon
Cooperative Sanctuary’s wildlife inventory runs from A to Z.
34 HANDS ON: SHADE: TURFGRASS ENEMY NO. 1A superintendent can mow, feed, water, aerify, spray, spike, topdress, install fans
and subsurface blowers, but without sufficient light, it is an exercise in futility.
42 RESEARCH: LIGHT INTENSITY AND ULTRADWARFSA UF study indicates that TifEagle and Champion bermudagrasses are capable of
sustaining quality better than other dwarf bermudagrass cultivars when grownunder reduced-light conditions but none of the tested grasses performed well
under dense shade or long periods of shade.
48 STEWARDSHIP: ROSEMARY - ENDEMIC NATIVEThe discovery of an extraordinary population of Florida rosemary, an endemic,native plant, at Frenchman’s Reserve led to a scientific study conservation and
member-education programs that formed part of the course’s application processto become a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
54 AFTERWORDS THE ORIGIN OF GREENMark Jarrell brings back some spectacular photographic evidence of a September
trip to Ireland, where golf course maintenance is sensible, living is not cheap,drivers have to be the best in the world and the people are as friendly as their
reputation.
Aerification Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Almar Turf Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Broyhill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Classic Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36Coastal Equipment Systems, Inc. . . . . . . . . . .3Country Club Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55Disbrow Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Emerald Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24ER Jahna Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Golf Agronomics Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27Green Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Green-Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Hackmeadow Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43Harrell’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1Howard Fertilizer & Chemical Co. . . . . . . .47Kubota Tractor Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Lake City CC Alumni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Laserturf Leveling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Lesco, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Magic Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49North Georgia Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36Nu-Gro Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53Nucrane Machinery . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover
Parkway Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35Pike Creek Turf Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Ragan Technical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Sanford Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Seaisle One . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19South Florida GCSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11South Florida Grassing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41Spread-Rite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Syngenta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51Tampa Bay Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39Tee-to-Green Turf Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22The Haverland Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23TifSport Growers Association . . . . . . . . . . . .45Tifton Physical Lab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26Tifton Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32TMI Turf Merchants . . . . .Inside Back CoverTom Burrows Turfgrass Service . . . . . . . . . .16Toro Dealers of Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Turf Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Turfline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33United Horticultural Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . .38Upstart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38West Coast GCSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
ADVERTISER INDEX
President Greg PhenegerJohns Island Club115 Silver Moss Dr.Vero Beach, FL 32963(772) 231-1700
Vice President Joe PantaleoIndian Creek C.C.52 Indian Creek DriveIndian Creek, FL 33154(305) 866-7224
Secretary/Treasurer Craig WeyandtThe Moorings Club100 Harbour DriveVero Beach, FL 33433(561) 231-4996
Past President David Court, CGCSBoca Lago Country Club8665 Juego WayBoca Raton, FL 33433(561) 482-5017
DirectorsCalusa Ken Shakeshaft
Six Lakes CC(239) 995-0595
Central Florida Chris CartinDeltona Hills CC(386) 789-3911
Coastal Plains Jeff HeggenHilaman Park GC(850) 891-3936
Everglades Matt TaylorRoyal Poinciana Club(239) 261-4987
North Florida Clayton Estes, CGCSSan Jose CC(904) 733-3464
Palm Beach Steve BernardAdios GC(954) 421-6207
Ridge Jeff BrownLake Region Y&CC (863) 324-4578
Seven Rivers Buddy KeeneGainesville G&CC(352) 376-8174
South Florida Jim Goins, CGCSHollybrook G&TC(954) 433-1725
Sun Coast Michael McCullochJacaranda West CC(941) 497-1534
Treasure Coast Ralph DainSailfish Point GC(772) 225-1200
West Coast Chris AnsleyHeritage Isles(813) 469-9932
StaffAssociationManager Marie Roberts
1760 NW Pine Lake Dr.Stuart, FL 34994Phone: Days (772) 692-9349(800) 732-6053 (Florida WATS)(772) 692-9654 (Fax)[email protected] (E-mail)
About the use of trade names: The use of trade names in this magazine is solely for the purpose ofproviding specific information and does not imply endorsement of the products named nordiscrimination against similar unnamed products. It is the responsibility of the user to determinethat product use is consistent with the directions on the label.
Published four times a year:On the 25th of January, April, July and October
Editor Joel Jackson, CGCSFGCSA Director of CommunicationsAddress Florida Green business to:6780 Tamarind CircleOrlando, FL 32819(407) 248-1971 Florida Green voice/faxE-mail address: [email protected]
Assistant Editor Scott BellRed Stick GCP.O. Box 700107Wabasso, FL 32970(772) 564-7206 (561) 564-7207 Fax
PublicationsChairman Joe PantaleoIndian Creek C.C.52 Indian Creek DriveIndian Creek, FL 33154(305) 866-7224
Business Manager Michael Perham, CGCSJonathan’s Landing16823 Captain Kirle DriveJupiter, FL 33477(561) 748-9799
Editor Emeritus Dan Jones, CGCSOviedo
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Copyright 2004, Florida Golf CourseSuperintendents Association. All rights reserved. May not be repro-duced in whole or in part without written permission of theFGCSA. EXCEPTION: Official publications of all golf coursesuperintendent associations affiliated with the Golf CourseSuperintendents Association of America are welcome to use anymaterial contained herein provided they give credit and copyrightnotice.SUBSCRIPTIONS: $20 for four issues. Contact the FGCSA office.ADVERTISING: For rates and information, contact the FGCSAoffice at 800-732-6053EDITORIAL: All inquiries should be directed to the editor, JoelJackson, CGCS. Unsolicited manuscripts and photographscannot be returned.
CALL FOR ARTICLES
Hands on Topics: Share your best practices and tips for these upcomingtopics. Photographs or slides are encouraged. Digital images that are 5inches wide at 300 dpi or greater accepted..
Spring 2004 - Trends in Rough Mowing and Maintenance
Summer 2004 - Aquatic Management: From Vegetation to WaterQuality
Fall 2004 - Traffic Control Programs and Strategies
Please submit articles via email if possible.Attached articles should besaved in Microsoft Word or, if you use another word processor save it asa Text file before attaching or you may just copy and paste it into theemail text box. Try to limit articles to 1500 words or less. The FloridaGreen pays $100 per page and $50 for 1-3 pictures.
Digital photos must be a minimum of 5 inches wide at 300 dpi for pub-lication-quality reproduction.Do not write on the back of prints. Attach a Post-it note with ID infor-mation. All slides and photographs should include identification of per-sons in the picture and the name of the photographer.
Contact Joel D. Jackson, editor for more information. Mail: 6780Tamarind Circle, Orlando, FL 32819. Phone or fax: 407-248-1971. E-mail: [email protected].
WINTER 2004
CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE:
46 34
10
Baird. James H Baird, Ph.D. is agronomist, USGA Green Section, NortheastRegion; 610-515-1660; fax 610-515-1663; [email protected]
Black. Mark Black, CGCS is superintendent, Quail West G&CC; 941-597-8484;fax 941-597-9422
Edenfield. Jeffry Edenfield is a graduate research assistant, UF/IFAS; 352-392-3827; [email protected]
Foy. Shelly Foy is ACSP coordinator, Florida Region, USGA Green Section; 561-546-2620; fax 561-546-4653; [email protected]
Gilmour. Elizabeth Gilmour is landscape superintendent, Frenchman’s Reserve;561-776-4635; fax 561-776-4849; [email protected]
Hartwiger. Chris Hartwiger is agronomist, Southeast Region, USGA GreenSection; 205-444-5079; fax 205-444-9561; [email protected]
Jackson. Joel Jackson, CGCS is director of communications, Florida Golf CourseSuperintendents Association; 407-248-1971; fax 407-248-1971; [email protected]
Jarrell. Mark Jarrell, CGCS is superintendent, Palm Beach National GC; 561-965-0046; fax 561-967-0459; [email protected]
Keene. Buddy Keene is superintendent, Gainesville G&CC; 352-376-8174; fax352-376-3371; [email protected]
Miller. Grady Miller, Ph.D. is associate professor of turfgrass science, UF/IFASDept. of Environmental Horticulture; 352-392-1831 x375; fax 352-392-3870;[email protected]
O’Brien. Pat O’Brien is director, Southeast Region, USGA Green Section; 770-229-8125; fax 770-229-5974 ; [email protected]
Pheneger. Greg Pheneger is golf course manager, Johns Island Club; 772-231-1700; fax 772-231-8600; [email protected]
Pilo. Mike Pilo is superintendent, Charlotte Country Club; 704-536-5277; fax704-5365287; [email protected]
Sweet. Kyle Sweet is superintendent, The Sanctuary Golf Club; 239-472-8612; fax239-472-1488; [email protected]
Trenholm. Laurie Trenholm, Ph.D. is assistant professor, urban turfgrass spe-cialiast, UF/IFAS Dept. of Environmental Horticulture; 352-392-1831 x 374; fax352-392-3870; ltrenholm@[email protected]
Walker. Jim Walker is superintendent, Greynolds Park Golf Course; 305-945-3425; fax 305-945-3428
Weyandt. Craig Weyandt is superintendent, The Moorings Club; 561-231-4996;[email protected]
4 SPOTLIGHT: BOB BITTNER RECEIVES PRESIDENT’S AWARDEducation and charity fundraisers marked the fall chapter activities, highlighted
by the presentation of the FGCSA Presidents Award for Lifetime Service to BobBittner, CGCS, superintendent of the Club at Pelican Bay in Naples.
14 COVER STORY: 44 YEARS AND 3 SUPERINTENDENTS LATEROverlooking Payne’s Prairie, the Gainesville G&CC clubhouse is a portal for
wildlife to meander into the woodsy southwest suburbs of this Florida collegetown. Located west of I-75 and just off Williston Rd, this certified Audubon
Cooperative Sanctuary’s wildlife inventory runs from A to Z.
34 HANDS ON: SHADE: TURFGRASS ENEMY NO. 1A superintendent can mow, feed, water, aerify, spray, spike, topdress, install fans
and subsurface blowers, but without sufficient light, it is an exercise in futility.
42 RESEARCH: LIGHT INTENSITY AND ULTRADWARFSA UF study indicates that TifEagle and Champion bermudagrasses are capable of
sustaining quality better than other dwarf bermudagrass cultivars when grownunder reduced-light conditions but none of the tested grasses performed well
under dense shade or long periods of shade.
48 STEWARDSHIP: ROSEMARY - ENDEMIC NATIVEThe discovery of an extraordinary population of Florida rosemary, an endemic,native plant, at Frenchman’s Reserve led to a scientific study conservation and
member-education programs that formed part of the course’s application processto become a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
54 AFTERWORDS THE ORIGIN OF GREENMark Jarrell brings back some spectacular photographic evidence of a September
trip to Ireland, where golf course maintenance is sensible, living is not cheap,drivers have to be the best in the world and the people are as friendly as their
reputation.
Aerification Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Almar Turf Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Broyhill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Classic Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36Coastal Equipment Systems, Inc. . . . . . . . . . .3Country Club Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55Disbrow Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Emerald Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24ER Jahna Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Golf Agronomics Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27Green Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Green-Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Hackmeadow Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43Harrell’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1Howard Fertilizer & Chemical Co. . . . . . . .47Kubota Tractor Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Lake City CC Alumni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Laserturf Leveling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Lesco, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Magic Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49North Georgia Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36Nu-Gro Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53Nucrane Machinery . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover
Parkway Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35Pike Creek Turf Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Ragan Technical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Sanford Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Seaisle One . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19South Florida GCSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11South Florida Grassing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41Spread-Rite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Syngenta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51Tampa Bay Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39Tee-to-Green Turf Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22The Haverland Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23TifSport Growers Association . . . . . . . . . . . .45Tifton Physical Lab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26Tifton Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32TMI Turf Merchants . . . . .Inside Back CoverTom Burrows Turfgrass Service . . . . . . . . . .16Toro Dealers of Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Turf Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Turfline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33United Horticultural Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . .38Upstart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38West Coast GCSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
ADVERTISER INDEX
President Greg PhenegerJohns Island Club115 Silver Moss Dr.Vero Beach, FL 32963(772) 231-1700
Vice President Joe PantaleoIndian Creek C.C.52 Indian Creek DriveIndian Creek, FL 33154(305) 866-7224
Secretary/Treasurer Craig WeyandtThe Moorings Club100 Harbour DriveVero Beach, FL 33433(561) 231-4996
Past President David Court, CGCSBoca Lago Country Club8665 Juego WayBoca Raton, FL 33433(561) 482-5017
DirectorsCalusa Ken Shakeshaft
Six Lakes CC(239) 995-0595
Central Florida Chris CartinDeltona Hills CC(386) 789-3911
Coastal Plains Jeff HeggenHilaman Park GC(850) 891-3936
Everglades Matt TaylorRoyal Poinciana Club(239) 261-4987
North Florida Clayton Estes, CGCSSan Jose CC(904) 733-3464
Palm Beach Steve BernardAdios GC(954) 421-6207
Ridge Jeff BrownLake Region Y&CC (863) 324-4578
Seven Rivers Buddy KeeneGainesville G&CC(352) 376-8174
South Florida Jim Goins, CGCSHollybrook G&TC(954) 433-1725
Sun Coast Michael McCullochJacaranda West CC(941) 497-1534
Treasure Coast Ralph DainSailfish Point GC(772) 225-1200
West Coast Chris AnsleyHeritage Isles(813) 469-9932
StaffAssociationManager Marie Roberts
1760 NW Pine Lake Dr.Stuart, FL 34994Phone: Days (772) 692-9349(800) 732-6053 (Florida WATS)(772) 692-9654 (Fax)[email protected] (E-mail)
About the use of trade names: The use of trade names in this magazine is solely for the purpose ofproviding specific information and does not imply endorsement of the products named nordiscrimination against similar unnamed products. It is the responsibility of the user to determinethat product use is consistent with the directions on the label.
Published four times a year:On the 25th of January, April, July and October
Editor Joel Jackson, CGCSFGCSA Director of CommunicationsAddress Florida Green business to:6780 Tamarind CircleOrlando, FL 32819(407) 248-1971 Florida Green voice/faxE-mail address: [email protected]
Assistant Editor Scott BellRed Stick GCP.O. Box 700107Wabasso, FL 32970(772) 564-7206 (561) 564-7207 Fax
PublicationsChairman Joe PantaleoIndian Creek C.C.52 Indian Creek DriveIndian Creek, FL 33154(305) 866-7224
Business Manager Michael Perham, CGCSJonathan’s Landing16823 Captain Kirle DriveJupiter, FL 33477(561) 748-9799
Editor Emeritus Dan Jones, CGCSOviedo
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Copyright 2004, Florida Golf CourseSuperintendents Association. All rights reserved. May not be repro-duced in whole or in part without written permission of theFGCSA. EXCEPTION: Official publications of all golf coursesuperintendent associations affiliated with the Golf CourseSuperintendents Association of America are welcome to use anymaterial contained herein provided they give credit and copyrightnotice.SUBSCRIPTIONS: $20 for four issues. Contact the FGCSA office.ADVERTISING: For rates and information, contact the FGCSAoffice at 800-732-6053EDITORIAL: All inquiries should be directed to the editor, JoelJackson, CGCS. Unsolicited manuscripts and photographscannot be returned.
CALL FOR ARTICLES
Hands on Topics: Share your best practices and tips for these upcomingtopics. Photographs or slides are encouraged. Digital images that are 5inches wide at 300 dpi or greater accepted..
Spring 2004 - Trends in Rough Mowing and Maintenance
Summer 2004 - Aquatic Management: From Vegetation to WaterQuality
Fall 2004 - Traffic Control Programs and Strategies
Please submit articles via email if possible.Attached articles should besaved in Microsoft Word or, if you use another word processor save it asa Text file before attaching or you may just copy and paste it into theemail text box. Try to limit articles to 1500 words or less. The FloridaGreen pays $100 per page and $50 for 1-3 pictures.
Digital photos must be a minimum of 5 inches wide at 300 dpi for pub-lication-quality reproduction.Do not write on the back of prints. Attach a Post-it note with ID infor-mation. All slides and photographs should include identification of per-sons in the picture and the name of the photographer.
Contact Joel D. Jackson, editor for more information. Mail: 6780Tamarind Circle, Orlando, FL 32819. Phone or fax: 407-248-1971. E-mail: [email protected].
WINTER 2004
CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE:
46 34
10
Baird. James H Baird, Ph.D. is agronomist, USGA Green Section, NortheastRegion; 610-515-1660; fax 610-515-1663; [email protected]
Black. Mark Black, CGCS is superintendent, Quail West G&CC; 941-597-8484;fax 941-597-9422
Edenfield. Jeffry Edenfield is a graduate research assistant, UF/IFAS; 352-392-3827; [email protected]
Foy. Shelly Foy is ACSP coordinator, Florida Region, USGA Green Section; 561-546-2620; fax 561-546-4653; [email protected]
Gilmour. Elizabeth Gilmour is landscape superintendent, Frenchman’s Reserve;561-776-4635; fax 561-776-4849; [email protected]
Hartwiger. Chris Hartwiger is agronomist, Southeast Region, USGA GreenSection; 205-444-5079; fax 205-444-9561; [email protected]
Jackson. Joel Jackson, CGCS is director of communications, Florida Golf CourseSuperintendents Association; 407-248-1971; fax 407-248-1971; [email protected]
Jarrell. Mark Jarrell, CGCS is superintendent, Palm Beach National GC; 561-965-0046; fax 561-967-0459; [email protected]
Keene. Buddy Keene is superintendent, Gainesville G&CC; 352-376-8174; fax352-376-3371; [email protected]
Miller. Grady Miller, Ph.D. is associate professor of turfgrass science, UF/IFASDept. of Environmental Horticulture; 352-392-1831 x375; fax 352-392-3870;[email protected]
O’Brien. Pat O’Brien is director, Southeast Region, USGA Green Section; 770-229-8125; fax 770-229-5974 ; [email protected]
Pheneger. Greg Pheneger is golf course manager, Johns Island Club; 772-231-1700; fax 772-231-8600; [email protected]
Pilo. Mike Pilo is superintendent, Charlotte Country Club; 704-536-5277; fax704-5365287; [email protected]
Sweet. Kyle Sweet is superintendent, The Sanctuary Golf Club; 239-472-8612; fax239-472-1488; [email protected]
Trenholm. Laurie Trenholm, Ph.D. is assistant professor, urban turfgrass spe-cialiast, UF/IFAS Dept. of Environmental Horticulture; 352-392-1831 x 374; fax352-392-3870; ltrenholm@[email protected]
Walker. Jim Walker is superintendent, Greynolds Park Golf Course; 305-945-3425; fax 305-945-3428
Weyandt. Craig Weyandt is superintendent, The Moorings Club; 561-231-4996;[email protected]
W I N T E R 2 0 0 4 1
2 T H E F L O R I D A G R E E N
By Greg Pheneger
Golf course superintendents from around the worldwill soon be descending upon San Diego in early February. In myprevious classes, I sat next to superintendents from all over theglobe and have learned to respect just how good I have it onlytraveling a few hours to get to the conference site. Sure, I’ll whineabout the flight to San Diego just like I will complain about thedrive to Orlando next year.
The last time theshow was in Orlando, I met asuperintendent from Australia.He didn’t complain once abouthis plane ride from half aworld away; he just kept goingon and on about the experienceand enormous size and atten-dance of the show.
I go to the conven-tion for the convention itself, not because it is held in a particularcity. I can’t tell you anything about the tourist sights of Atlantaafter last year’s visit. The hotel resembled any other hotel. Theseminars and trade show, reconnecting old friends and meetingnew ones take up most of my day.The education is the reason toplan the trip, so don’t let thevenue detour your focus. I hopeto see all of you in San Diego atthe FGCSA Reception Feb. 12 inthe Wyndham Hotel at EmeraldPlaza.
Locally,seven FloridaTurfgrass AssociationRegional TurfConferences arebeing held at variouslocations around thestate. The topics willinclude herbicideupdates, adjuvant andtank mixing, ground-water, and pesti-cides... and more. Allof these are veryimportant topics andthe cost is minimal.With all the opportu-nities availablearound the state,make an attempt toattend one of the con-ferences, and if youcan’t make it, send
someone else who needs to be inthe know.
I recently took theCore Turf and Ornamental examand the instructor briefly dis-cussed the new pesticide licenserequirements coming up in 2005. (Yes, I did not have enoughcredits). Yes, I know that 2005 is still a year away; however, ifyour license requires renewing in January 2005, you must meetthese new requirements. So, plan ahead and research the exactrequirements at www.safepesticideuse.com and you will not haveto spend all day taking the test. (By the way, I did pass the exam).
I have written about the arsenic issue in previous arti-
cles and the need to be prepared for inquiries from media repre-sentatives. Please stay on top of this issue to make certain that thegolf industry does not get painted as the bad guy. Remember, weare using a legal chemical and we are applying the product in alegal manner at labeled rates.
The arsenic issue will be with us for awhile. I realizeeveryone has a very busy schedule this time of year and it isunderstandable to think that, if it has not affected you yet, it willnever impact you. However, all of us are only a phone call awayfrom your local media outlet. So be prepared and discuss theissues at your next board and chapter meetings. Don’t assume thateveryone already is aware of the issues and ramifications ofarsenic. A close friend in the industry always reminds me what“assume” stands for.
My sincere condolences to Terri Bundschu, whose hus-band Paul passed away recently. Paul owned Harvest Publishing,which has been the publisher of the Florida Turf Digest for manyyears. Paul not only was a contractor providing publishing servic-es for the FTGA, but he volunteered his time and efforts to theturf industry. Another friend of our turfgrass industry has passed.Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bundschu family.
I apologize for not having the opportunity as to visitmany chapters around the state this year. Like most of you, I’ve
had a very busy schedule and also had back surgery recently,which has prevented me from traveling pre and post surgery. Ihave plans to visit as many of the chapters as possible during thefirst few months of the New Year to meet with as many of you aspossible.
Take care and I hope all of you had a safe and wonder-ful holiday season.
F O R E W O R D S
Greg Pheneger
PRESIDENT’SMESSAGE
Don’t TakeEducation andIssuesForGranted
The arsenic issue will be with us forawhile. I realize everyone has a verybusy schedule this time of year andit is understandable to think that, ifit has not affected you yet, it willnever impact you. However, all of usare only a phone call away fromyour local media outlet. So beprepared and discuss the issues atyour next board and chaptermeetings. Don't assume thateveryone already is aware of theissues and ramifications of arsenic.
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By Mark Black, CGCS
Some time ago I was askedto write a short bio for Robert R. (Bob)Bittner, superintendent at The ClubPelican Bay here in Naples and recentFGCSA President’s Award winner forthe Everglades Chapter. I was asked todo this since Bob and I both hit townabout the same time way back around1980. At the time we were both straightout of college, both assistants, bothgreen and both in our first positions ofsupervisory responsibility. Bob workedfor Roger Whitford at The Club PelicanBay. I worked for Dan Hall at ImperialGolf Club. At the time, Roger and Danwere “seasoned” veterans in the turf-grass industry. As I write this, I realizeBob and I are now the “seasoned” vet-erans. Ouch! We are now referred to as“The Sod Fathers!” Ouch again!
Bob was born in Elyria,Ohio. He moved to Ft. Myers Beach in1970 where he played football and fin-ished up his last years of high school atCypress Lakes. For those of you thatdon’t know Bob, I can tell you he’s apretty big boy. If he weren’t, we wouldstill be stuck on that sand bar down inthe 10,000 Islands. From high school,Bob went to McNeese State Universityin Lake Charles, La. where he receivedhis bachelor of science degree in horti-culture. While there, he met his futurewife MaryJo Foreman. Following col-lege Bob returned to Florida, marriedMaryJo and began his family of threechildren. They have two daughtersAshley 18, Lauren 17, and a son,Pierce, who is 10.
Bob began his professionalcareer at The Club Pelican Bay inAugust of 1979. Pelican Bay was a
new Westinghouse Communitiesdevelopment project in Naples. TheClub was designed by Arthur Hills.There was no doubt Pelican Bay set anew standard of excellence for golfmaintenance in this area. In 1985,Roger decided to move on, and Bobwas appointed the golf course super-intendent.
Bob relocated his office to PelicansNest in Bonita Springs, where he stayedand grew in 27 holes designed by TomFazio. During this time he also designedand oversaw the construction of numer-ous maintenance facilities, set up shopand hired all required staff. To say hewas busy was an understatement.Obviously, Bob has also been associat-ed with two of the most famous golfcourse architects of our time, numeroushigh end golf courses and the demandsof producing quality golf conditions ona regular basis.
In 1991, Pelican Bay waspurchased by the members and Bobwas asked to remain as the director ofgolf course operations. As we all knowin this business, the period of transitionfrom developer ownership to memberownership can, at best, be tricky andoften dangerous for our occupation.That was almost 13 years ago and Bobis still there. Not only that, he is work-ing with the same golf professional,John Carroll, who has been there fromthe beginning as well. I would have tosay they have had as fine a superintend-ent/golf professional relationship asthere is in the industry, which is veryadmirable.
Over the years, Bob hasbeen involved professionally within hisoccupation. This includes being aGCSAA Member and certified golfcourse superintendent since 1992; amember of the Florida Golf CourseSuperintendents Association and theEverglades Chapter of the FGCSA as aboard member (1986-87),secretary/treasurer (1987-88) and vicepresident (1988-89). He servd on theFTGA Special Events Committee 1995-98 and 2002 to present. He is also
In 1988, Bob was promot-ed to Westinghouse director of golfcourse operations for SouthwestFlorida. During this time he managedThe Club while simultaneously grow-ing in numerous courses throughout thearea, including Pelican Nest Golf Club,Gateway Golf Club, Bay Colony andPelican Marsh. While in this position,
S P O T L I G H T
Bob Bittner, CGCS -A Man of Many Talents
Bob Bittner with his 2003 Presidents Award for Lifetime Service.
Richard Bittner, my father, wasvery detail oriented and demandingperson. He was a perfectionist.
Robert Ternes, my grandfather -A hard-working farmer who taught
me and my brother the meaning ofa hard day’s work.
Roger Whitford, CGCS - The manwho taught me how to grow turf-grass and how to maintain an
upscale golf course.
Ross Obley - Former president ofWestinghouse Communities Inc. Hedemanded The Club Pelican Bay bethe best and gave us the support and
resources to do the job.
Dr. Max Brown and WayneWiemkin - Both spent many hourshelping to determine The Club’s soiland fertility requirements.
Bob’s Mentors
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involved with the CoastalConservation Association - NaplesChapter board of directors 1996 topresent, and he was namedOutstanding Volunteer for 2001 and2003. He is also a U.S. Coast Guardlicensed boat captain.
Bob Bittner has a lotgoing on. He is busy in his occupationand his family responsibilities. On apersonal note I will tell you BobBittner is many things. He is a profes-sional and a credit to our occupation.He is honest and trustworthy. He is
kindhearted and supportive. He is aknowledgeable golf course superin-tendent and respected as such. He isusually one of the first people I callon when I have a turf problem that hasme stumped. He has never turned hisback on me. I can count on him. Ihonestly don’t know what better friendor support system I could have in thisindustry and I know I speak for manywhen I say this.
Congratulations Bob, youdeserve to be recognized by yourfriends and peers with this award.
superintendent. The chapter hosted aone-day GCSAA Seminar on waterquality assessment and managementfacilitated by Dr. Ronnie Duncan andMike Huck at the Naples Beach &Golf Club. Sixty attendees, superin-tendents and vendors, were presentfrom throughout Central and SouthFlorida. Education on water quality,water treatment options, cultural prac-tices, and correctly reading water-sam-ple information were presented. It wasthe first of many GCSAA seminarsthat the EGCSA hopes to hold in theNaples area.
We had great turnouts for
our Pro-Superintendent tournament(90) at Palmira GC in Naples, and ourfirst-ever meeting at the NaplesNational Golf Club. The Children’sHome Society will be the recipient of$4,000 raised at our December golfouting at the LaPlaya GC. OdellSpainhour won the raffle grand prizeof a classic 1969 Cadillac convertible.(See sidebar elsewhere in Spotlight)
North FloridaWe had one of our best
meetings ever this November with apresentation by Dr. Michael Healy anda panel discussion with Greg Tharp,Fred Klauk, Daron Murrell and RonHill entitled “Ultradwarfs vs. Tifdwarf:Has the jury reached a verdict?” Thegoal was to discuss common denomi-nators and differences in managingboth grass types. We will finish outthe year with a December golf tourna-ment at the San Jose CC and are look-ing forward to kicking off the NewYear with an FTGA Regional Seminarin January for our chapter educationsession.
Paul Hamrick, a longtimemember of the NFGCSA was honoredfor his military service during the
Chapter Round Up
Fall Focus:Education,CharitiesCalusa
Our November meetingwas rained out, but we bounced backwith our first annual ChristmasCharity Tournament at the KellyGreens G&CC Proceeds from theevent went to the Lee County AbuseCounseling Center. We instituted atraveling trophy for the event and CliffAnderson was the first winner.
We also got together inDecember for a Christmas Cruise onthe Caloosahatchee River. TheHeron’s Glen team of Jerry Belyea,Charlie Betters and Brian Lee wonour 2003 Superintendent-Professional-Supplier event at Heritage Palms G.C.
Central FloridaCongratulations to the
team of Joey Brownsberger, ChrisCartin, Jimmy Lawrence, Joe Ondoand Robert Parmar for winning theFGCSA Championship Team Trophyat Southern Dunes GC. The chapterhosted a GCSAA Regional Seminaron employee safety, the secondregional we hosted this year.
Chapter members put ontheir long johns and jackets to helpNBC Sports televise the PGAFather/Son Challenge by acting as TVspotters and scorers at the chilly butperfect Champions Gate resort. Thechapter will be holding its annualFTGA Research Fundraiser at theInterlachen CC in January.
EvergladesCongratulations to Rudy
Geiger, Hole-in-the Wall GC, forbecoming a certified golf course
S P O T L I G H T
NBC’s Scoring Line Producer TammyProctor poses with members of theCentral Florida GCSA at the PGAFather/Son Challenge.
At the FGCSA Fall Board Meeting, theEverglades GCSA answered the call forturf research donations when MattTaylor, left, presented a check for $5,000to FGCSA President Greg Pheneger
Wayne Ragsdale - Wadsworth GolfConstruction, taught me more aboutgolf construction then I needed toknow.
Mark Black and Bob Shevlin -fellow rookie assistant superintend-ents and later superintendents. Wegrew up together. (Thanks Bob!)
Accomplishments and Goals:• Managing several golf courses
simultaneously for WestinghouseCommunities, Inc.
• Hosting PGA Tour golf events. Bob hosted three concurrent tele-vised Senior PGA Etna Challenge Tournaments from 1988 to 1990.
• “My present goal is to keep a good job until I choose to retire.”
Greatest Satisfactions in thisBusiness• Knowing we are providing a
superbly maintained golf course each and every day.
• Those rare “special” days when the golf course is absolutely per-fect.
• Seeing ex-employees who have become outstanding individuals in the turfgrass industry and still being friends with most of them.
Greatest ChallengesWorking with such a
diverse maintenance team and try-ing to get employees to take pridein their work. Trying to get golfersto understand how much influencethe weather has on the ability tomanage fine turfgrass.
Work PhilosophyWork hard and be effi-
cient each day but, don’t take workhome with you.
Bob’s Mentors, cont’d
AdviceBe patient: Try to learn
from everyone you work with.Everyone has something positiveabout them.
Most Memorable Moments• During the first year of the Aetna
Challenge, Brian Henning of the Senior Tour asked me about employees in Naples. He knew Naples was high end but he asked, “How much do you pay your employees? Your cup cutter is wearing a Rolex watch, a Polo shirt and expensive boots.” He did not know that fellow superin-tendents were helping out during the event.
• Many years ago I got a call one evening regarding an irrigation break on the course. It was dark and Roger and I went out to investigate. We found the leak and while I was closing the isola-tion valves I forgot one thing... toput the truck in park. Luckily thedoors were left open and I was able to hop in before it got too far away.
• At Christmas each year Santa and his two elves (I’ll give you one guess as to Santa is) visit themaintenance complex and pass out gifts and encourage a good time. It’s a fun time for us all.
Hobbies and Interest:Fishing boating, rod
building, fly tying, cooking, golf,pro football and spending as muchtime in the keys as possible. (I willtell you that Bob has more fishingtackle than Bass Pro Shops!)
Community InvolvementCoaches Optimist SoccerCoastal Conservation, Naples Chapter
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Korean War on the recent 50thanniversary of the end of that conflict.
Our annual ChristmasTournament took place at the San JoseCC. This year the money raised wasdonated to an educational trust fundfor the son of Scott Strickland, SanJose’s chemical technician who wastragically killed in an auto accident.This tournament will now be an annu-al fundraiser for a charity of choice bythe club that hosts the tournament.
Palm BeachSteve Bernard won the
individual title at the FGCSA GolfChampionship and earned a berthon the Florida team competing inthe GCSAA golf championship inSan Diego next February. TheUSGA Green Section RegionalSeminar at Palm Beach Gardenswas a success with more than 150in attendance. We had a great timewatching the Miami Dolphinsdefeat the Washington Redskins onour 15th Annual Dolphins Gametrip. Next we will be anticipatingour Christmas golf outing at JupiterDunes to check out Travis Lincoln’snew paspalum greens.
RidgeThe chapter put away the
golf clubs for a couple of meetings,but the education was great as wetoured the E.R. Jahna sand mine inNovember, and enjoyed a cateredlunch from Sonny’s Bar-B-Q. InDecember we toured the Harrell’sFertilizer plant in Lakeland and haddinner at the Red Barn, and we willhave a Christmas Party at theBartow Municipal G.C. In January,Jeff Brown will host the annualMember/Vendor golf outing at hisLake Region Yacht & Golf Club.The annual Ridge Invitational to beheld on Monday, March 1, 2004 atthe Grasslands C.C. will berenamed the Jack Harrell, Sr.Memorial Ridge Invitational.
Seven RiversSoil analysis, equipment
leasing and Todd Lowe’s USGAFlorida Green Section update werethe topics of our fall chapter meet-ings. We have donated funds to helpsponsor two FTGA RegionalSeminars in January, and our boardis discussing several new researchprojects that we might help to fundusing reserves in our EnvirotronResearch account. Planning hasalready begun on the 2004Envirotron Classic to be held in
April at World Woods.
South FloridaThe South Florida
Chapter held its annual fundraiser forthe Florida chapter of the Missing &Exploited Children’s Foundation at the
Colony West CC. As emcee BobKlitz, CGCS presented NancyMcBride, Director of the FloridaChapter, with a check for $18,000 thisyear, he pledged the event has set agoal of $20,000 next year for the 20thanniversary of the fundraiser.McBride thanked the audience fortheir donations over the years that arenearing the $250,000 mark.
In January, the CrandonPark GC will host the annual BringYour Pro Day meeting and golf outing.There will be a panel discussion on pro-superintendent relations. Mark your cal-endars now - SFGCSA/IFAS TurfExpo, March 18, 2004 at the Ft.Lauderdale Research & EducationCenter.
SuncoastChapter co-founder and
long time chapter newsletter editor,Jim Svabek, was presented with theFGCSA President’s Award forLifetime service upon his recentretirement from the Bradenton CC.Retirement doesn’t mean a rockingchair: Jim is now giving BobGwodz a hand over at Sara Bay. Youcan’t just quit cold turkey whenyou’ve been doing this job as longas he has.
The chapter did not havea meeting in October due to thedemands of overseeding, but inNovember, Dr. Lee Berndt ofEdison Community College came
a new venue this year at Tampa PalmsGC, raising about $9,000 for turfresearch and scholarships. Some of theproceeds will also go to local charities.
Frank Hardy of FloridaPotting Soils presented a program at ourNovember meeting at BloomingdaleGC on topdressing mixes and theimportance of particle size in maintain-ing good greens percolation. We willhold our Vendor Appreciation Day andCook Out in December with an equip-ment demonstration at the University ofSouth Florida baseball fields.
Florida GCSAControversy over reports
of total arsenic levels found in somewater and soil samples on golf cours-es sparked four or five newspaperarticles and one TV report in south-east and southwest Florida. TheFGCSA has been working with stateagencies and other stakeholders toscientifically identify the sources ofthe arsenic to determine if there areany links to normal, legal turf main-tenance practices.
The FGCSA ExecutiveCouncil and Government RelationsCommittee are working with our lob-byist Mike Goldie to set up meetingswith Florida legislators during com-mittee work days in Tallahassee.Topics to be discussed: water issues,pesticide use and regulations, urbangreen space, economic impact, andresearch funding in the budget.
The FGCSA Reception atthe GCSAA Conference and Showwill be on Thursday, Feb. 12 at theWyndham Hotel at Emerald Plaza.
up to give a talk on Paspalum grow-in and management. In January, thechapter will celebrate its annualVendor Appreciation Day with anequipment exposition, golf outingand barbeque. There will be nomeeting in February either due to
many members attending theGCSAA Conference and Show inSan Diego.
Treasure CoastCongratulations to Bob
Markut, PGA GC, on attaining hiscertified golf course superintendentclassification. Our 2004 Blue Pearltournament which supports environ-mental projects at schools and in thecommunity raised $20,000 this year.The event was highlighted by anappearance by Greg Norman who hadsome very nice things to say about theGCSAA and superintendents in gen-eral and the work that we do. We real-ly appreciated him taking time out ofhis busy schedule to spend some timewith us and for the use of the MedalistClub for our event.
Our board has approved amotion to make all superintendentsresponsible for maintaining a legalUSGA handicap. We will have a six-month grace period and then all mem-bers will be required to show proof ofa valid handicap to play with strokesin chapter events.
Our annual ChristmasParty and a joint meeting and golfouting with the Palm Beach GCSA atthe Jupiter Island Club will wrap up2003 for us.
West CoastWe had another successful
Bud Quandt Tournament in October at
S P O T L I G H TS P O T L I G H T
Nancy McBride (center) holds a check for $18,000 from the South FloridaGCSA for the Florida Chapter of the National Foundation for Missing andExploited Children.
Florida Green Editor Joel Jacksonpresented Coastal Plains GCSAExternal Vice President Jeff Heggenwith a framed copy of the cover of theWinter 2003 issue at the Fall BoardMeeting in Orlando.
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By moving the LCCCEndowment Tournament fromJanuary to November two years ago,the committee avoided the frost delaysthat plagued the event several years ina row. In fact it was a downright warmNovember day at the Raptor Bay Golf
Course for this year’s event. With hostSuperintendent Jason Brod and hisstaff grooming the golf course to per-fection and General Manager EdWeber taking care of the hospitality, itwas a great day of golf and network-ing for everyone. Next year the eventwill move to Marco Island to show-case WCI’s new Hammock Bay Golf& Country Club. In fact, WCI courseshave played host to most of the tour-
Thanks to the hard work of the volun-teers, the generosity of the sponsorsand participation of the players thistournament has donated more than$110,000 including this year’s event.
Even if your golf gamelets you down on tournament day, theprize-packed raffle offers plenty of
incentive to show up and buy tickets.Highlighted by resort weekend stays atsuch places as The Broadmoor inColorado, The Greenbrier in WestVirginia and the Sheraton atFisherman’s Wharf in San Franciscothere were numerous Florida resortsdonating weekends from AmeliaIsland to Marco Island and points inbetween. The total raffle package wasvalued at more than $16,000.
Raptor Bay’s GeneralManager Ed Weber andSuperintendent Jason Brod teamed upto provide superb hospitality and fan-tastic playing conditions to help makethe tournament a smashing success.
naments over the 12-year history ofthe fundraiser.
This event, originated bythe LCCC Alumni Association isdesigned to provide supplementalfunding for the Lake City CommunityCollege Golf Operations program tooffset budget cuts made by the state.
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S P O T L I G H TS P O T L I G H T
The hard-working 2004 LCCC Committee: (from left) Ed Weber, Scott Hamm, Jason Brod, Roy Bates, Glen Zakany, JohnPeirsol, David Fry, John Johnson,Odell Spainhour, Jim Lones and Mike Smith. Photo by Joel Jackson.
Tom Caliguire and Jim Glasecaptured top Low Gross honors.Photo by Joel Jackson.
Jay Smith and Mike “The Hammer”Hamilton won the Low Net division.Photo by Joel Jackson.
Accommodations for the event were provided by Hyatt Regency Hotel seen hereoverlooking Raptor Bay’s 6th hole. Photo by Joel Jackson.
Raptor Bay GCHosts LCCCAlumni Event
