Out of Play, Out of Mind - Where is my golf ball?

It is estimated that approximately 2.5 Million golf balls are lost per day in the US alone, requiring for over one billion to be manufactured each and every year. Totally crazy! One of my favorite factoids found on the net was that a single palm tree from the Olympic Club in San Francisco in 1999 had over 200 golf balls lodged within it! Ha!

If our sport is going to make a unified commitment to the environment we must consider and support various "green" efforts throughout the industry, and golf ball use is an easy place for all of us to start. So...what are the options and are they truly "green"?


There are a few manufacturers creating some interesting products. Dixon makes a golf ball that is 100% recyclable, the only one on the market! They will also give you a collection box where customers can return their old balls for a discount on Dixons products. Wilson's Eco-Core product uses recycled tire rubber within the core, but I can't find much more info on them. I'm waiting for a reply from Wilson.

Meanwhile, there are a few that aim to mean well, but fail at being truly "green". My least favorite option is the biodegradable eco-golf balls . These are made from Corn grown in the US, shipped to China for processing/manufacturing and then shipped all the way back here to be shot in to a pond? I fail to see whats"eco" about that. Another common "green-washing" trend amongst ball manufacturers (and most competitive consumer product markets) is the use of recycled cardboard within their packaging. Don't get me wrong I like the use of recycled cardboard but even Mc Donalds is doing that! Look at Nike's "Karma" product for example. You'd think with a name like "Karma" the product would consider it's environmental impact, before and after it's boxed life. Nope.

Of course re-used balls have been popular for years. There are numerous websites where you can purchase previously loved golf balls.

I'm a fan of this guy. Besides whats better than 12 cent golf balls? Check out his site/store here.



Golfers can do their part from the beginning and use products to help track and find golf balls with ease. Some high tech options include the Ballfinder Scout, Radar Golf and the numerous types of Glasses.

There are a number of great articles out there that discuss golf ball loss, here's a few:
BizNet - Where have all the Golf Balls gone? A Billion a year find all sorts of resting places.
Associated Content - Top Three Eco Friendly Golf Balls

Top 5 iPhone Applications for Superintendents

For an updated list please see HERE.

Now besides playing golf, or pretending to drink a pint of beer, iPhones (and other smart phones) have the potential to change the way we manage turf and our time.
Sometimes I'm reluctant to post an article like this because things move so fast. But with that said, here are the top five iPhone applications applicable for Turf Superintendents right now.

Starting with # 5...

#5 - Chirp
Yes, an index of birds complete with photos, sounds and info about each species. Looks very basic, but how many times have you wondered what a specific bird was? I did find a number of news stories about future iPhone applications which plan on using recognition software for everything from wildlife, to trees. This technology will surely change iPhone app's of the future.


#4 - ConvertBot
Basic Application, but for those of us who do not have space left in our heads for conversion rates, this app will do it for you, remember it and so on.


#3 - PureSense will surely be #1 soon, but most Supers do not have the infrastructure capable of supporting the functions of this app. Checking your soil moisture levels and having control of your irrigation system while your on the other side of the planet is possible today with the combination of the PureSense app, a remote soil moisture system like the UgMo and having online access to your irrigation system (or someone at the turf office with a phone). Sounds technical, and it is. In fact I can't find any turfgrass managers/supers using it quite yet. However according to PureSense it is possible.
Right now you can receive "reports and charts summarize soil moisture, climate and irrigation system information to help guide grower decisions and provide a record over multiple seasons. A wide variety of simplified reports and charts can be viewed online, or received via email or on a cell phone."


#2 - Weather Bug
There are two version of this application, Free and the Elite which is not so free.

The free version comes with everything you would expect a weather app to come with plus zoomable temperature contour and satellite infrared maps!

The Elite version is pretty cool, comes with all of the Free stuff plus:

• Full radar animation
• Six additional map layers: infrared satellite, humidity, air pressure, wind speed, next day high and next day low
• 100% ad-free
• Live, local weather conditions and forecasts
• 7-day and hourly forecasts
• National Weather Service (NWS) alerts
• Daily national weather outlook video
• Radar maps with zoom feature
• View live weather cameras (up to 5)
• Time-lapse weather camera animation
• Fast access to unlimited saved locations
• Cached weather data for offline viewing
• Map auto-center function (US only)
• Temperature contour and satellite infrared maps
• Enhanced current conditions with 12 distinct observations
• Touch anywhere map technology allows user to "drop a pin" and view current weather conditions for that location
• Free access to updates and enhancements

#1 - Turfgrass Management is an application (iPhone, iTouch, and Blackberry) that provides pictures, information, and recommendations for grass species, lawn diseases, weeds, and insects. With plans to expand the app functions to provide pesticide labels and provide larger, regional and up to date databases this application should be on all superintendents phones.



Here are a few that didn't make the cut: MSDS App, Clear Standards (Carbon footprint gps app), Tree ID (helps ID trees), and MyBudge (a Budget tracking software).

What Is A Weed?

What is a weed?

“A plants whose virtues have not yet been discovered”

- Poet Ralph Waldo Emerson -

I'm sure Emerson would agree dandelions and clover in the center of a green could reduce accurate ball roll, therefore have no purpose and compromise the playability function of the turfgrass. However, weed control on a golf course is not restricted to turf playing surfaces (yet! Although I believe the Pesticide Ban in Ontario deals with "Playing Surfaces") much of the weed control on golf courses can take place in non-play turf zones, mostly due to aesthetics and a misconception of what is and what is not a weed.

Weeds are commonly defined as plants that grow in areas that we don’t want them to. In the past that would mean any plant other than an annual in a garden or a variety of turf grass would be eliminated. That’s fine if golf courses were excluded from the surrounding eco-system, but they’re not. The large monoculture of limited variety turf grasses makes golf courses vulnerable to insect and disease infestations because of the lack of biodiversity that would normally control un-natural numbers. Because of this susceptibility to pests it’s in a golf courses best interest to have a diverse landscape and preserve the natural flora which is suited to keep natural pest numbers down.

Many of the native plants that are commonly referred to as weeds are perfectly suited to attract Beneficial Predatory Insects (BPI’s) that prey upon common turf pests. This characteristic of native flora is being employed by some of golf’s finest designers. In 1999 Jack Nicklaus and Jerome Osentowski had incorporated a new idea of Integrated Pest Management, “bio-islands”, into the design at the 18 hole signature Roaring Fork Club located just outside of Aspen Colorado. The bio-island concept capitalizes on native pollinators and BPI’s by attracting and supporting local populations in the interest of offsetting the monoculture effect discussed in the previous paragraph. The plants chosen were a mixture of native wildflowers and shrubs planted in immense gardens located within the golf course infrastructure. More info on this project go here.

Side note: I spoke with Jerome Osentowski about the success of bio-islands, we discussed the various strategies and success stories of bio-islands at a number of west coast properties. However this year's insect inventories are extremely low due to the epidemic of Colony Collapse Disorder. CCD has virtually wiped out the pollinators in many Western U.S. states, primarily the Native and European bees. This is an extremely serious environmental and economic issue as the potential side effects are catastrophic to the ecosystem and food crops. For more information on CCD go to http://maarec.cas.psu.edu/ , or check out Mike Vogt's post about it here, or if you are interested in Jerome’s work go to www.crmpi.com.

To better clarify the definition of a weed we must take into consideration the bioregional origin of the plant. A native plant is one that historically occurs within the boundaries of a given area and is compatible with plants that coexist within the same habitat. An exotic is a species that has been introduced into a range that it had not naturally migrated too. They may be introduced as a horticultural or agricultural specimen, or could be brought in accidentally. An exotic that can successfully reproduce and persist in the wild is considered a naturalized specie; Queen Anne’s Lace is a great example. An invasive plant is one that is difficult to control and can overbear natural plant communities.

Some natives can be considered invasive under special circumstances, such as Staghorn Sumac or various Poplar species that can overpower disturbed urban areas. Likewise some natives can be considered harmful to golfers and employees as they pose irritations such as allergy related threats - Rag Weed contributes to hay fever (NOT GOLDEN ROD!), and some species pose threats of skin irritation like Poison Ivy.

Evolutionary ecologists believe that plants develop these characteristics in order to prevent further disturbances to the soil or the environment. For example Thistles tend to grow in compacted soils and these plants have developed spiky armor in order to make it uncomfortable for future compactors, such as livestock or heavy mowers. Similarly it’s important to acknowledge that these plants pop up when the appropriate conditions exist for their populations to occur. For example many of our “weeds” can be used as indicator species, meaning that they tell us that the soil is deprived of certain nutrients or higher in others. For example Mullen tends to grow in soils that are fairly depleted of N, P, and K, usually the result of direct solar radiation exposure. Take a look at areas around your golf course/property that contain Mullen, have they been disturbed in the past five years?

For more information about native plants and potential weed species check out the following web sources:

North American Native Plant Society
Centre for Land and Water Stewardship
Conservation Ontario
Ducks Unlimited Ontario
Forest Gene Conservation Association
Agricultural weed index

A Quick Conversation with Doug Carrick

Here in Ontario, much like the rest of the world, water availability and water quality are big concerns for environmentalists, environmentalists like Doug Carrick.

Although Carrick’s design and renovation portfolio largely consists of projects North of the American border, he is well known through the golf industry for his environmental considerations.

So… in what has developed in to my turfhugger tag line, I decided to learn more!

Turfhugger.com – What techniques or design considerations do you employ to help a golf course use resources conservatively during regular operation.

Doug Carrick – Some of the techniques we use to conserve resources include creating large water storage reservoirs to reduce the requirements for drawing water from aquifers and or streams for irrigation purposes. The reservoirs are designed to collect as much surface water from runoff as possible. Examples include Copper Creek (which is collected entirely from surface runoff and the high flows in the Humber River) Cobble Beach, Eagles Nest and Ballantrae are other good examples of collection of surface runoff into large storage reservoirs. Other techniques include establishment of unmaintained non-play naturalized areas to reduce maintenance requirements and inputs.

Turfhugger.com – I’ve seen a number of new projects where the holding capacity of a large reservoir truly reduced the amount required from aquifers, rivers, lakes or alternative sources. What are some of your designs that employ this technique?

Doug Carrick - Examples include Copper Creek, Osprey Valley, Cobble Beach, Muskoka Bay, Eagles Nest. On renovation projects water storage reservoirs have been implemented at Weston Golf & CC, Islington Golf Club and Sunningdale Golf & CC to conserve water.

Native buffer-zone materials were planted along the banks of Weston's pond on number 4.

Water was drawn down to accommodate aquatic plantings.

Turfhugger.com – What about alternative water sources?

Doug Carrick - Alternative sources of irrigation water include storm-water runoff and effluent water. Ballantrae uses a combination of both. Eagles Nest, Copper Creek, Cobble Beach use storm water runoff to varying degrees.

Turfhugger.com – Is it necessary to keep a pond in play?

Doug Carrick – Ponds do not necessarily have to be in play. Sometimes if a pond is used primarily for storage of irrigation water and has a large fluctuation in the water levels, it is best to try to screen them from view.

Turfhugger.com - Can we still have ponds without buffers?

Doug Carrick – Where ponds are adjacent to play areas on the golf course ie. beside fairways or greens it is preferable to have the pond banks maintained for playability and aesthetic reasons. It is not necessary to always have a buffer adjacent to ponds.

Turfhugger.com – Do you try to incorporate filtration features like buffers?

Doug Carrick – Buffer-zone plantings along water courses is a fairly standard requirements on golf courses today to ensure the protection of water quality and habitat areas adjacent to stream and lakes.

Turfhugger.com – Do you consider runoff from clubhouses or parking lots?

Doug Carrick – When it is possible to direct water from the clubhouse area and parking area into a reservoir we will try to do that. This can be achieved either above ground in swales or underground through pipes. Sometimes it is beneficial to direct runoff water from parking areas etc. through naturalized swales to help filter some of the contaminants out of the water.

Turfhugger.com – On the issue of aquifers, is there an opportunity for golf courses to help regenerate groundwater?

Doug Carrick – Groundwater recharge occurs on every golf course to a certain degree through the infiltration of irrigation water and rainwater back into the ground. The turfgrass is one of the best filters for removing contaminants from the water. Some of the golf courses we have designed show ground water quality on the golf course is much improved from previous agricultural uses or when compared to adjacent agricultural land or other land uses. Osprey Valley, Eagles Nest, Ballantrae, Cobble Beach all have a number of ground water recharge areas within the golf course.

Want to learn more about Doug Carrick?
Doug Carrick Q & A on the Walking Golfer
Doug Carrick - ASGCA

Environmental Frontiers On the Blogosphere

"Environmental Frontiers On the Blogosphere" is my working title for the environmental solutions I find on other turf/golf related websites. I'll refine the title and focus as time goes on, but I wanted to start now as we've got a great example of what a golf course is doing to reduce stress to turf.

At the Hasentree Golf Club in Wake Forest NC, Turf Superintendent Craig De Jong has been writing "The Hasentree Club Department of Agronomy" blog since July of 2008. Craig covers everything from course news to personal views. Recently, Craig covered his solution to what I imagine is a more common problem than most would first think. See the post after the jump.


"Since we began to spray hawk the greens at Hasentree, we have had only one problem. The problem being, wherever the sprayer is parked near a green to spray, a basketball shaped burn mark left behind on the turf. We finally figured out what it was, and where it was coming from, the exhaust pipe.

Since the sprayer sits at each green for 10-15 min, the exhaust pipe blows hot air onto the turf causing it to burn out. I have heard about this problem with similar sprayers and various golf courses. Our Equipment Manager, Jim Swartzel, took charge and retrofitted an extension onto the the exhaust pipe making it point up in stead of out. Problem solved."


Interested in more?
Check out Craigs blog here or some of his recent posts listed below:

• Fungus Among Us
• FIRE ANT WARRNING!!
• Eliminating a Problem
• New Seeding Areas
• Beetle Invasion
• Fall Aerification
• Fire Ants
• Mowing the Jungle
• Greens Aerification Next Week
• Tree Work
• A New Application Method
• This summer has been quite mild compared to histor...
• Screening the Cart Storage Area
• Burn Spots on the Fairways?
• A Shock Treatment
• Fairway Aerification Finally Completed
• The Best Staff
• Mushrooms in the Fairways

Thank you Craig De Jong for allowing us to refer to your blogs material, and keep it up!

Anti-Golf Hits Venice Film Fest

I receive emails and phone calls daily about every possible issue related to golf and the environment. Recently a few friends brought to my attention a little film called Repo Chick. The film, a spin-off from an earlier success titled Repo Man, was written and directed by Alex Cox.

The story of Repo Chick, according to Variety, consists of “The terrorists' ultimate demands are for the President of the United States to close all golf courses (providing the opportunity for a ranting message against the wastefulness of golf), ban the sport entirely and also make the entire government go vegan”. So naturally, I tracked down this Alex Cox character to find out what his beef with golf is.

Repo Chick - Trailer
Tags: Repo Chick - Trailer

Turfhugger.com - Could you let us in on some of the claims/opinions on the sport of golf from your film?


Alex Cox - Not without spoiling the intricate and thrilling plot of the film, which so far has only played in Venice!

Turfhugger.com – Do these claims reflect your personal views, or simply the views of the character?


Alex Cox – Now this is a good and perceptive question. Every interview I gave after the premiere involved journalists who imagined that the terrorists' agenda in the picture must be my agenda, too. But why would this be? The terrorists in FLIGHT 93 (the film) desire to destroy the White House with an aircraft filled with innocent people. But no journalists asked Paul Greengrass why he supported jihad against America. Why is REPO CHICK being treated differently? I don't know the answer to this, unless the journalists themselves have an anti-golf agenda and are hoping I will voice it for them.

Turfhugger.com – The media have an anti-golf agenda? I don’t believe it. Ha!
Could the actions of your characters ever become reality, could/should golf be banned?


Alex Cox – I've read recently that President Hugo Chavez plans to ban golf in Venezuela (go here for details). But delving more deeply into the story it appears he has nationalized to private courses in order to turn them into public parks. Nevertheless this does suggest that the banning of golf, in certain circumstances, may occur.

Turfhugger.com – Do you, or have you ever played golf?


Alex Cox – When I was a little kid there was a golf course behind our house - for the employees of Lever Brothers, in Port Sunlight, on the Wirral. I don't think I ever played golf, though I did wield the odd croquet mallet.

Turfhugger.com – What would convince you to try the game?


Alex Cox – A thick brown envelope, full of cash.

Lot's happening as always!

WATER
Lets Start With The BIZZARE! I think this article must be a joke, people don't actually think like this do they?
From the article:
"...a plan to address the course’s longstanding drainage problem by building a storm water pond by hole eight has some council members and citizens saying the city is constructing an eyesore and a health hazard that won’t really solve the problem."
“Now we’re going to have to worry about larvae, and the juvenile state of mosquitoes,” Glickert said. “I think there’s a health concern.” "He also said the water might bring in geese, an added nuisance for golfers and something parks maintenance personnel would have to deal with. And, he said, “when the water subsides and goes down in the pond, we’re going to get an odor that is rather offensive, and that’s an area where the golfers are walking.”


The Half Moon Bay Golf Course in San Mateo County brings in Recycled Water
From the article:
"A pilot program to bring recycled water to a Half Moon Bay golf course may launch a broader effort that could one day sustain farms on the coast. Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside will treat purified waste water with a portable system that will then be trucked to the Half Moon Bay Golf Links by the Ritz Carlton. The golf course uses about 30 million gallons of drinking water a year and also draws upon well water to keep the grass green, said the golf course’s operator Bruce Russell. “Not only do we have an economic interest but there are secondary benefits to the environment as well,” Russell said. “Water resources are like gold. Water is the lifeblood of golf courses.” The sewer authority is waiting for state Department of Health approval and hopes to start the program next week, said Jack Foley, the authority’s manager. The portable water truck will supply about 2,000 gallons at a time to a segment of the golf course to see how effective and safe the water will be. The sewer authority is renting the truck for a couple of months before the rainy season hits, Foley said. Construction of a $30 million recycled water plant is planned for the coast and the sewer authority is seeking federal stimulus money to help pay for it."
Go to this link for a map of the property.


Go here for a story about the West Basins plan for recycled water for a number of industries.


Near Guelph Ontario, the GRCA has begun to cut water use due to lower than average rainfall. From the article:
"The lack of rain has prompted the Grand River Conservation Authority to ask water users in the Eramosa River watershed near Guelph to take 10 per cent less water from the river. Flows on the river have dropped to about half of what they’d normally be."


"Ground Zero For Groundwater" - From the article:
"A worrying “cone of depression” sits under the vineyards and golf courses along Highway 46 East, where groundwater levels have fallen as much as 70 feet. City-dwellers who sprinkle their yards too often are hit with a $100 fine, as Paso Robles has been forced to close down some of its wells because of declining production and poor water quality."


TOURNAMENTS

A few efforts to green the tourney. From the article:
"Sandridge Golf Club in Vero Beach is the latest club to join the effort to help save the environment. Beginning Oct. 1, the club no longer will provide Styrofoam cups for players and other visitors. The club is urging players to carry a cup with a diameter of 2 inches or less in their golf bags. Cups that size will fit into the golf car cup holders. Water and ice still will be available on the courses. Also, the first 1,000 Sandridge I.D. holders who renew their 2009/10 cards beginning Oct. 1, will receive a free 16-oz. Sandridge insulated cup."


Solar Powered Tounranment? From the article:
"Evergreen Solar, a manufacturer of STRING RIBBON™ solar power products with its proprietary, low-cost silicon wafer manufacturing technology, today announced that a solar power system using Evergreen Solar panels has been installed on the grounds of the TPC Boston in Norton for the 2009 Deutsche Bank Championship, a PGA TOUR Playoff event. "

Rivianna Golf Resort hosts Green Tourney From the Article:
"The Rivanna Resort & Golf Club will incorporate the most ecologically advanced features into its design, construction and operation, including materials election and life cycle assessment of full environmental footprint of all components. Advanced energy and resource conservation systems will be employed, which both reduce consumption and operating costs. Unique sponsorship opportunities for the event include planting a native tree on site at the resort with a small plaque indicating the planting date and name of your company. A few golf hole sponsorships are also still available. The cost for a 4-some is $200 and includes golf, cart, range balls, catered lunch and a sustainable goody bag."

Also, under WILDLIFE

Deer are being culled in Mississippi.

That's about it

Get On The Green Contest - Compost

Compost, AKA "Black Gold", has become somewhat of a lost art in the golf industry. What use to be the basis of a golf courses nutrition program is now enjoying a "Renaissance" due to fuel prices, environmental concerns and the bottom line.

Throughout the months of September and October we are inviting submissions to learn how your golf course has embraced the use of compost and/or started your own composting program. We want in on your dirty secrets!



The submission deadline is October 31st 2009, so hurry up and pass it on to your friends.

Here’s what we need to know from you

Name of Golf Course:

Location:

Your Name and Position:

Contact Information:

How much compost do you generate annually:

Explain what goes in to the compost (i.e. leaves, clippings, kitchen waste, cardboard, algae):

How many years have you been doing this?:

Where do you use the compost?:

How do you apply it?:

What is the process you use to create a your compost? (how many times do you turn it? what does your compost facility look like?):

Do you have any numbers of Approx. Fertilizer or topsoil/compost budget you've saved?:

What do the staff, golfers and/or management think:

Do you have photos of before and after, please attach them along with the above required information in an email to info@turfhugger.com


Submissions will be reviewed by Turfhugger.com and Dixon Golf. The monthly winner will receive a Voucher for One Dozen Dixon Earth Golf Balls. All submissions will be posted in the monthly contest re-cap so that we can all learn from your efforts.

Thanks for being a Turfhugger and be sure to visit www.turfhugger and www.dixongolf.com often.