15(5) - July 20, 2010

2010 Ontario Agricultural College graduation award winners pose with Dean Rob Gordon.

Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management Graduation

Twenty-seven members of the 2010 class of the Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management received their diplomas at convocation this past June. A number of graduation awards were handed out at a luncheon preceding the convocation ceremony. Michael Newton received the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leadership Award. Stephen Hicks received both the Western Ontario Golf Superintendents Association Prize and the Student Federation of the Ontario Agricultural College Gold Medal. Dean's Honour List recipients were Josh Dunville, April Grabell, Eric Gratopp, Stephen Hicks, Michael Newton, Stephen Van Bakel and Bradley Young. At last report all graduates had found employment at locations across Canada as well as in the U.S.A., England and Scotland.

ADTM award recipients (L-R) Stephen Hicks, Josh Dunville, Dean Rob Gordon, April Grabell.

Guelph Grads Part of Open Championship Grounds Crew

Two graduates of the Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management program Mark Kolentis (10A) and Cam Kusiek (09A) were part of the grounds crew helping prepare St. Andrews Old Course for the 150th Open Championship. The Head Greenskeeper on the Old Course is Gordon McKie who visted Guelph as Greenkeeper in Residence in 2008.

Mark reported that they were working shifts from 4-8:30 am and 6:30 pm until dark during the championship. Greens were cut at 4 mm each morning and night and were stimping at 10.5. Extreme weather conditions during the championship created challenges for both players and grounds staff. The course challenged all of the professionals with the exception of South African Louis Oosthuizen who turned in a masterful performance playing his way seven strokes clear of the field to capture the claret jug.

Champion Golfer of the Year Louis Oostheizen is joined by Old Course international staff including ADTM

grads Mark Kolentsis and Cam Kusiek (second and third to the champion's left).

Giant Hogweed Watch

Although it has been around for many years, media and public interest in this particularly nasty weed has increased significantly this summer possibly since weather conditions have been ideal for its growth and spread. Hogweed can choke out native vegetation and susceptible individuals can develop severe and painful skin rashes if they come in contact with the plant. One of the key identifying characteristics is the thick stem covered in purple blotches and thick hairs. The leaves are large and very deeply toothed. If left unchecked, the plant can grow to an eventual hieght of almost 5 m (15 ft.). As a grounds manager, you should be aware of what the plant looks like, where it may appear and how to eradicate it in order to protect your members, clients and customers.

For more details on giant hogweed identification and control, check out the OMAFRA Giant Hogweed factsheet.

Summer Research Field Day

Registration now for the GTI Summer Research Field Day to be held on Thursday, August 19th. Please follow this link for more information and registration details. The day will feature the official opening of the new GTI Turfgrass Display Garden, research plot tours, a delicious barbecue lunch and the option of participating in one of two afternoon workshops - one covering IPM practices for the golf maintenance professionals and the other alternative management techniques for lawn care operators and sports field managers. Both workshops will include a hands-on outdoor component. The plot tours and IPM Workshop will be eligible for IPM CEC credit.

Interested suppliers are invited to participate as well. Limited equipment and product demonstration and display space will be available. There are also sponsorship opportunities for lunch and refreshments. If you are interested, please contact Rob Witherspoon by phone 519-824-4120 ext. 56886 or by email.

Turf Club Golf Tournament

Mark your calendars now for the annual Turf Club Golf Tournament to be held on Friday, September 24th at the Wildwinds Golf Club in Fergus, ON. The tournament is organized by the student run Turf Club and all students, alumni and friends of the University of Guelph turfgrass program are invited to attend. If you are interested in participating and/or being a sponsor of the event, please contact either Matt Eastman or Mika Pehkohnen for more details.

Upcoming Industry Events

July 22
4th Annual OGSA Seniors Golf Tournament
Mono Hills Golf Club
For more information 1-705-252-3932

Western Ontario Golf Superintendents Association
July Meeting
Glendale Golf & Country Club

August 9
Western Ontario Golf Superintendents Association
August Meeting
Blue Springs Golf Club

August 18
Georgian Bay Golf Superintendents Association
August Meeting
Batteaux Creek Golf Club

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